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Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
The Library of Congress
http://www.archive.org/details/commemorativebio03chic
COMMEMORATIVE
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
OF
HARTFORD COUNTY,
CONNECTICUT,
CONTAINING
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE
CITIZENS, AND OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES.
ILLUSTRATED.
CHICAGO:
J. H. BEERS & CO.
190L
tA^'-'
^^n-^^c^ c^3—^ s^^'t^::^^
P^'Pil^F'J^CK;.
THE importance of placing in book form bio^^raphical history of representative citi-
zens— both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations — is ad-
mitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has been a grow-
ing interest in this commendable means of perpetuating biography and family genealogy.
That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs
no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the history of
any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citi-
zens. This medium, then, serves more than a single purpose; while it perpetuates biogra-
phy and family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no
other way.
In presenting the Commemorative Biogk.-^phic.^l Record to its patrons, the pub-
lishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enter-
prise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them to surmou'^'
many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of this ch
In nearly every instance the material composing the sketches was gathered from
mediately interested, and then submitted in type-written form for correction an'
The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the
the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as -
contribution to the historical literature of the State of Connecticut.
THE P
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
IXON, HON. TAAIES. LL.
D. (deceased). Among the
able and cultured people who
made their liome in Hartford,
and have gone to tiieir reward
after giving society a notably
refined and intellectual tone,
none took higher rank than
did the late United States
Senator, James Dixon, and his gifted wife.
James Dixon was born Aug. 5, 1814, in Enfield,
Conn., the youngest son of Hon. William Dixon, a
native of Killingly, Conn., who for many years was a
prominent and influential citizen of the town. A
lawyer by profession, he engaged in practice from
1807 to 1825, and attained high rank in his calling.
He was a delegate to the convention which formed
the State Constitution, held at Hartford in 1818,
Gov. Oliver Wolcott presiding. [See "Hollister's
History of Connecticut."] In 1831 the town of En-
field was made a probate district, and Ephraim P.
PrudeP'T became the first probate judge, serving one
}tdr, and being followed by ^^'illiam Dixon, who
served three years. Mr. Dixon also served his town
in the General Assembly. He died in 1835, his
wife, formerly Miss Mary Reynolds Field, passing
away in 1840. She was descended from Henry
^Vhitfield, of Guilford, Matthew Allyn, and the Rev-
olutionary Capt. Newberry.
James Di.xon, of whom we more particularly
write, was graduated from Williams College in 1834.
He was class laureate ; member of the Kappa Alpha
Society : president of the Adelphic Union ; president
of the Philotecnian, 1833, delivered the master's
oration in 1837, and was honorary mem'ber of the
Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity. In 1862 the degree of
LL. D. was conferred on him by Trinity College.
After leaving college he commenced the study of
law in his father's ofifice, afterward visiting Europe,
where, at Paris, he was presented to Louis Philippe,
King of France, i\Ir. Dixon being at that time aide
to the governor of Connecticut. He was admitted to
the bar, and removing to Hartford entered upon the
practice of his profession in partnership with Judge
Ellsworth, at once g'iving promise of eminence at the
bar. About this time he became interested in pol-
itics and the anti-slavery cause, and his attention was
somewhat diverted from -the legal profession.
In 1837, when only twenty-three years of age,
Mr. Dixon was elected from his native town as a
member of the State Legislature, at the time being
the youngest representative, and was chosen Speaker
of that body, in which he also served in 1838, 1844,
and 1854. About this time he declined the nomina-
tion for governor of Connecticut, though strongly
urged to accept it. In 1845 1^^ ^^"^s elected on the
Whig ticket to the United States Congress, being
also the youngest member in that body, and served
from Dec. i, of that year, until ^larch 3, 1849. In
1854 he was a candidate for nomination as United
States senator, but L. F. S. Foster, of Norwich
(who afterwards became his sincere friend), was
elected. Two years later he was again a candidate,
and was elected by a large majority; when he took
his seat he was the youngest member of the Senate,
and he served therein until 1869. In 1869 he was
appointed by President Johnson minister to Russia,
and his acceptance was greatly desired by the Rus-
sian legation at Washington, but he declined the
office. He was an intimate friend of Abraham Lin-
coln, who frequently sent for him for conference,
and has even been known to telegraph for him to
come to Washington after an adjournment of Con-
gress. "Sir. Dixon was also intimate with Charles
Sumner, \\'illiam Pitt Fessenden, Horace Greeley
and Gen. Grant, who were frequently at his home.
An advocate for the cause of liberty, he was a warm
friend of the soldiers in the Civil war, and his house
was frequently visited by officers of the army and
navy, while his wife was untiring in her kindly min-
istrations to the wounded in the hospitals. After the
war Senator Dixon was opposed to the confiscation
of propert}- in the South, being more desirous to see
the restoration of the Union. He advocated "State
rights" and was in favor of Free Trade. Upon the
expiration of his term in the United States Senate
he retired into private life, though strongly urged by
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his colleagues in the Senate to accept the position oi
minister to Austria.
Mr. Dixon's health was uniformly good until
some time in February, 1873, when he contracted a
chill which terminated in a sudden affection of the
heart, whicli caused his death March 27, 1873. He
was a man of high culture, a graceful writer and
able debater, and his fame as an erudite and ac-
complished scholar, a ripe lawyer, and close stu-
dent of political economy, was not confined to his
immediate surroundii.gs, but extended through-
out the entire State, and even far beyond its limits.
In his death the people of Connecticut reasonably
felt that they had lost not alone a much needed ad-
viser in State affairs, but also a citizen who, long
and often trusted with public interests, was ever
true to his best belief and convictions. He was
possessed of a fine and sensitive temperament, and
his head and face made one of the finest studies
ever seen in the Senate chamber of the United States.
In his youth a writer ot much merit, his articles
were published in the "New England llagazine,"
the "Southern Literary Messenger," and other
journals, while in the files of the Hartford Courant
may be found some of his best writings. Socially
he was affiliated with the F. & A. M.
Hon. James Dixon was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Lord Cogswell, a descendant in the seventh
generation from John Cogswell, who was born in
1592, in Westbury Leigh, Wiltshire, England, and
came to America in 1635, settling at Ipswich, ]\Ia?s.,
where he received a large grant of land. The line
of Mrs. Dixon's descent was through William, Capt.
Jonathan (who held a commission from the King),
Jonathan (2), Dr. Nathaniel, and Rev. Dr. Jona-
than Cogswell. The last named was born Sept. 3,
1782, in Rowley, Mass., a son of Dr. Nathaniel
Cogswell, a man of superior education and acquire-
ments, a member of the Committee of Safety, and
a model of the most remarkable integrity, and of the
purest character. The son. Dr. Jonathan Cogswell,
was admitted to Harvard College in 1803, and v/as
graduated in 1806, among the first scholars of his
class. Subsequently he attended Andover Theo-
logical Seminary for one year, being associated with
the first class that graduated from that institution,
in 1810. In October of that year he was ordained
to the Gospel ministry, and installed pastor of the
Congregational Church in Saco, Maine, and there
he labored some eighteen years with great fidelity
and marked success (giving largely of his private
fortune to the work), resigning in October, 1828.
After resting for a year he was in 1829 installed pas-
tor over the church in New Britain Parish, Berlin,
Conn., where he remained until he was called, in
1834, to the chair of Ecclesiastical History in the
Theological Institute of Connecticut, at East Wind-
sor Hiil, where his fine old Colonial house may yet
be seen. On May 13, 1834, he was inaugurated
professor of church history in that institution. In
1836 he received the degree of S. T. D. from the
University of New York. Prof. Cogswell contin-
ued to fill the chair of Sacred Histor}- in the Theo-
logical Institute for ten years, resigning in 1844 —
having been appointed executor of his brother's
estate, which required his presence in or near New
York — and retiring to the city of New Brunswick,
N. J., where he resided until his death, which oc- .
curred Aug. i, 1864, when he was aged about
eighty-two years. He was a man of great physical
strength, strikingly handsome, being over six feet
tall and enjoying good health to the last.
Rev. Dr. Cogswell was twice married, in 181 1
to Elizabetli Abbot, daughter of Joel and Lydia
(Cummings) Abbot, and sister of Commodore Joel
Abbot, of the United States navy. She was a lady
of high culture, and of most gracious hospital-
ity. She died April 30, 1837. Rev. Dr. Cogswell
afterward married Jane Eudora Kirkpatrick, daugh-
ter of Hon. Andrew Kirkpatrick, chief justice of
New Jersey. She passed away in 1864.
To Senator and Elizabeth L. (Cogswell) Dixon
were born two sons and two daughters. The eld-
est son served in the Civil war on the staff of Gen.
Wright, later, in the cavalry, as aide to Gen. Han-
cock. The mother of this family was a lady of
large fortune, rare attainments, and great personal
attractions. It is said that Hon. Richard Spofford
once remarked: "Mrs. Dixon was the most accom-
plished lady I have ever seen in Washington." Oth-
ers have spoken of her as "beautiful and amiable."
Donald G. Mitchell dedicated to her his "Reveries
of a Bachelor." She was a personal friend of Mrs.
Lincoln, who sent for her after the assassination
of the President, and Airs. Dixon went and remained
through the night with her. 2\Irs. Dixon died June
16, 1871, at the age of forty-nine years, deeply be-
lo-s'ed and regretted by all who knew her and ad-
mired her for her many A-irtues.
JAAIES BOLTER, the late venerable president
of the Hartford National Bank, rounded out nearly
fifty years of continuous service with that institu-
tion, twenty-five of which were passed as its execu-
tive officer, and he was one of the city's esteemed
and respected citizens.
Mr. Bolter was born June 27, 1815, in North-
ampton, Alass., a son of William and Nancy (Pom-
eroy) Bolter, natives, the former of Boston (to
which city his father had come from the County of
Norfolk, England, and there died), and the latter of
Northampton, Alass., a daughter of William Pom-
eroy, a manufacturer of cloth, ^^'illiam Bolter was
by trade both a saddler and harness maker and a
carriage maker, but followed the latter as an occu-
pation through life. He located in Northampton,
where in the days of the old militia he was an en-
sign of a company, his commission, which his son
held among family treasures, being signed by John
Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. Mr. Bolter died in Northampton,
in 1841, at the age of seventy-six years, and his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-wiic Nancy passed away in 1848, at the age of six-
ty-eight years. Of their four children, all now
ciead, James was the youngest.
On his maternal side Mr. llolter descended from
.an especially distinguished ancestry. His great-
grandfather, Lieut. Daniel Pomeroy, and the latter's
brother, Gen. Seth Pomeroy, were patriots and ren-
dered valuable service in the early days of the Col-
■ony in "times that tried men's souls," both serving
from Northampton in the French and Indian war,
and both participating in the battle of Lake Georo-e
in 1755, where Lieut. Daniel Pomeroy was killed.
■Seth Pomeroy was also at the siege of Louisburg,
and the battle of Bunker Hill, and was made a
brigadier-general June 22, 1775. Air. Bolter had
in his possession copies of letters written in July,
1755! ^y Col. Pomeroy, during the French and In-
dian war, to the widow of Daniel Pomeroy, in one
■of which he tells her of the killing of her husband.
He had also a letter wriiten by his grandmother to
■Col. Pomeroy during the war of the Revolution.
These letters are believed to be among the oldest
letters connected with those early wars. They were
Teproduced in the Springfield Republican in 1875.
■One of these letters sets forth that 156 men were
Ikilled at the battle of Lake George. Mr. Bolter
Iiad also among his family heirlooms a most quaint
deed bearing the date 1713. Col. Seth Pomeroy
■was the grandson of Eltweed Pomeroy (3), who
•\vas one of the most prominent men in the early his-
tory of Northampton, where he located in 1665.
Three brothers, Eltweed (2), Caleb, and Joshua,
■settled in 1636 in Windsor, coming from Devon-
shire, England ; two located in Northampton, and
■from the three descended those of the name in the
■town. They were the sons of Eltweed Pome-
roy (i), who was descended from a long line
'Of English ancestry dating back in unbroken succes-
sion to the time of William the Conqueror. Elt-
liveed Pomeroy (2) came to this country about
1630, settling first in Dorchester, Mass., then re-
inoved with Mr. Warham's company to Windsor,
'Conn., where Eltweed (3) was born in 1638.
James Bolter, the subject of this sketch, passed
his boyhood and early manhood in Northampton
and there received scholastic training in the public
and private schools. In early manhood he passed
two years at St. Louis, AIo., and with that excep-
tion since leaving his native town his long and bus'v
life was passed in Hartford. Coming here in 1832
he entered the employ of C. H. Northam as a clerk
in a grocery, and continued there four years. Then
when about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age
he went to St. Louis and remained about a year,
"but, being unsuccessful, he returned practically pen-
niless to Hartford. There he became a partner of
Ellery Hills in the wholesale grocerj- business, a
■partnership which continued four years, the btisi-
Tiess being carried on under the firm name of Hills
■& Bolter. In 1843 ^^''^ Bolter became associated in
the wholesale grocerv business with his fornier em-
ployer, C. H. Northam, under the firm style of C.
H. Northam & Co., with which he continued until
i860; on Jan. 14, of that year, Mr. Bolter was made
cashier of the Hartford Bank, later re-organized as
a national bank with a capital of one million, two
hundred thousand dollars. He sustained such re-
lations with the bank until he succeeded the late
Henry A. I'erkins as its president, July 6, 1874.
The Hartford National Bank, the oldest in the
city, in 1892 celebrated its one hundredth anniver-
sary. Its founders were men of exceptional ability
and force, which has made the bank a distinctively
important factor to the substantial and financial de-
velopment of the town. It was the first to begin the
practice of fire and marine insurance long before the
first local company was chartered. L'nder its wings
was gathered the early experience destined, in time,
to make Hartford pre-eminent for skill and success
in underwriting. Such a galaxy of distinguished
men has rarely, if ever, been excelled in a hundred
years of any bank's history. The names of John
Caldwell, Nathaniel Terry, Joseph Trumbull, Da-
vid F. Robinson, Henry A. Perkins and James Bolt-
er, would adorn the annals of any community. Tlie
bank has had only seven presidents in one hundred
and eight years. It was the fifth bank established
in the United States. Mr. Bolter's connection with
the bank began June jo, 1852, at which tinie he was
elected to its board of directors. At his death he
was the oldest man in point of service connected
with the Hartford Bank, or any other bank in the
city, and he was also among the oldest of Hart-
ford's residents. He served on the staff of Gov.
Joseph Trumbull. In his religious faith he was an
Episcopalian, and was one of the trustees of dona-
tions and' bequests in the Episcopal Church of the
State.
One of the first steps taken by I\Ir. Bolter on his
elevation to the presidency of the bank was to mod-
ernize the building, which was made in every way a
most substantial and comfortable banking house,
worthy of its grand history. During the present ex-
ecutive officers' administration of its affairs, the his-
torv of the Hartford National Bank has been one of
almost phenomenal prosperity, giving it rank among
foremost of the banking institutions of the city and
.State. Mr. Bolter was held in great esteem by fel-
low bankers, and, as stated above, by Hartford peo-
ple. He had a remarkable insight into the real con-
dition of borrowers that has caused his advice to be
widely sought by buyers of paper. He gave timely
aid, judiciously rendered to many struggling under
the burdens of life, met the duties of citizenship
fearlessly to protect public interests ; on occasions
showed courage in the rebuke of wrong. He was
a man of vivacity, one of cheerfulness, and, pos-
sessing as he did a wealth of anecdote, was welcome
everywhere. He abounded in repartee, and was the
maker of many happy and pointed hits that had al-
most as wide a currency as the bills of the bank.
In his political affiliations Mr. Bolter was a Demo-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
crat, though not active in that party's affairs. With
the exception of service as councilman and alderman
we believe he never held public office. He was a di-
rector for years in various corporations, among
them the National Fire Insurance Co., the Dime
Savings ISank, the Hartford County Mutual Fire In-
surance Co., and the P. & F. Corbin Co. of New
Britain. He was a member of the Hartford Club,
of the Colonial Club, of a driving club called, "The
Zodiac," and of the Church Club of the State. In
early manhood he affiliated with St. John's Lodo'e,
F. & A. M., of Hartford.
On Feb. ii, 1846, Mr. Bolter was married to
Mary, born July 7, 1820, daughter of Roswell and
Sally Johnson (Stone) Bartholomew, he being one
of the prominent citizens of Hartford, and was of
the seventh generation from William llartholomew,
of Ipswich, jNIass.. who came from England in
1634, the line of descent being through William ( 2 )
William (3), Andrew, Andrew (2), Andrew (3).
To Mr. and Mrs. Bolter were born children :
(i) James, born in 1847, married, in 1881, Ellen
A. Brown. They had a daughter, jNIary E., who
married Dr. John B. Griggs, of Farmington, Conn ,
and to them was born a son, Jolm Bolter (iri^gs.
(2) Alice E., born 1851. (3) Clara M., born in
1854, married, in 1875, John W. Gray, who died in
1892. Their children are, Robert, Mary, and Clara.
Mrs. Bolter died in July, 1898, aged sevent\--eight
years.
In June, 1900. 'Sir. Bolter went to Bridgeport to
attend a diocesan convention, and walked more than
usual, becoming very tired, yet hurried home and at-
tended a reception in the evening. From this time
his strength began to fail, but through all the
month of July he continued to go to the bank and
attend to his regular duties. On Aug. i he went
to the summer home of his daughter, Mrs. Grav,
at Weekapaug, R. I., where he remained about
three weeks, but, gradually growing weaker, he was
brought back to his Hartford home, in a special car,
Aug. 20, and on the 6th of Septenrber, following, the
end came.
GEN. \MLLTAM BUEL FRANKLIN, ex-
major-general of United States volunteers, and ex-
president of the board of managers of the National
Home for disabled volunteer soldiers, as well as
vice-president of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspec-
tion & Insurance Co., was born in York, Penn.,
Feb. 27, 1823, a son of Walter S. and Sarah ( Buel)
Franklin.
Walter S. Franklin, who was clerk of the
United States House of Representatives at the time
of his death, in 1838, was a son of Thomas Franklin,
of Philadelphia, who was commissarv of prisoners
during the war of the Revolution, and who married
^lary Rhoads. daughter of Samuel Rhodes, a mem-
ber from Pennsylvania of the First Continental
Congress, altliough the family came from Flushing.
L. I. Mrs. "Walter S. Franklin was a daughter of
Dr. William Buel, of Litchfield, Conn., and a de-
scendant of Peter Buel, of Windsor.
^Villiam B. Franklin in June, 1839, secured an
appointment as cadet in the United States Military
Academy at West Point, N. Y., passed through the
curriculum, and was brcvetted second lieutenant
of topographical engineers in July, 1843. The fol-
lowing two years he passed in the service on the
western lakes and the Rocky Alountains, and after
the third year, passed in the topographical office at
\\'ashington, D. C, he was appointed second lieu-
tenant, Sept. I, 1846. His first actual experience as.
a soldier was had in the Mexican war, and for gal-
lant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Buena
\'ista he was promoted to first lieutenant Feb. 23,
1847. From July, 1848. to January, 1851, he was
assistant professor of natural and experimental phi-
losophy at the ^lilitary Academy at West Point,
and the following two years he was on active duty
along the Atlantic, building light-houses on the New
Hampshire and Maine coasts. He was commissioned
first lieutenant of topographical engineers March
3, 1853, and until 1857 was on duty in connec-
tion with lighthouse and custom-house engineering.
In ^larch, 1857, l^*^ was ajjpointed secretary of the
lighthouse board ; in (October of the same year he
was commissioned captain of topographical en-
gineers: in November, 1859, was appointed superin-
tendent of the Capitol and Post Office buildings ;.
and in March, 1861, was appointed supervising
architect of the Treasury Department at Washing-
ton, D. C.
In the terrible conflict between the North and
South Gen. [""ranklin gained undying fame for him-
self. Commissioned colonel of the 12th United
States Infantry May 14, 1861, he was elevated three
days later to the rank of brigadier-general. United
States volunteers. In the Manassas campaign, and
at the battle of Bull Run, he was in command of a
brigade, and until March, 1862, he was in com-
mand of divisions about the defense of the Capitol.
He also took an honorable part in the Virginia
peninsular campaign, and on June 30. 1862, was
brevetted brigadier-general of the United States
army "for gallant and meritorious conduct" in the
battle before Richmond, \'a., and was appointed
major-general of volunteers on July 4, 1862.
In the JMaryland campaign the General was in
command of the 6th Army Corps, and in the liat-
tle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862, commanded
the left wing of tne Arm>- of the Potomac, carrying
Crampton's Gap by assault, and gaining a signal
victory. He commanded the 6th Corps in the battle
of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. While on sick leave
of absence in the summer of 1864 Gen. Franklin
was sent for by Gen. Grant to come to his headquar-
ters in front of Petersburg. After spending some
days with Gen. Grant, he started to return to his
family, then in Portland, Maine. The train on which
he started from Baltimore was captured by ]\Iajor
Harry Gilmore's party a short distance from Balti-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
more. Some one informed Major Gilmore that Gen.
Franklin was on the train, and he was at once taken
prisoner and started South by the way of Towson
and Green Spring Valley in Baltimore county.
During the night he succeeded in making his es-
cape, and he wandered for forty-eight hours with-
out food, not daring to approach any habitation.
At last, almost exhausted, he came to a house and
asked for food. It proved to be the home of a Union
sympathizer named Bitzer, who received, fed and
concealed the General for a time. Word was sent
to Baltimore, and a large force of infantry was
sent to give him safe conduct to that city.
Gen. Franklin commanded the left wing of the
Army of the Potomac Dec. 13, 1862, when the army
was ' so disastrously defeated at Fredericksburg.
■Of that defeat, and the responsibility therefor un-
justlv laid on Gen. Franklin, we can best speak by
quoting from a paper recently published by Col.
Jacob L. Greene, himself a veteran of the Civil
war, and an honored resident of Hartford. This
paper, with a map specially drawn for the purpose,
on which the movements of the troops are traced,
was first presented to the Monday Evening Club,
and has since been given to the public — a valuable
contribution to history and a complete vindication
•of Gen. Franklin by one competent to undertake
such a task and carry it to completion. In opening
Gol. Greene says :
On the 13th day of December, 1862, the Army of the Poto-
mac, under the command of Major-Gen. Ambrose E. Burn-
side, fought the battle of Fredericksburar, and met defeat
with the loss of over 12,000 men. Four months later the
Congressional Committee on the conduct of the war uttered
its opinion to the world that Major-Gen. William Buel
Franklin was responsible for the loss of that battle in coi-
sequence of his disobedience to the orders of Gen. Burnside.
Probably no finding ever announced by that remarkable
body ever occasioned more surprise; and none was ever
more promptly and completely controverted; but it dark-
ened the soul and marred the career of the man it falsely
and infamously accused. The slow pen of history has
cleared up and will ever more surely clear his pure fame,
-and his name will stand secure among the posterities. But
for us, whose lives have happily touched his through the
long years since those eventful days, and to whom his rare
intelligence, his dauntless heart and perfect truth and lov-
alty are as familiar as the constant stars, it is but a due trib-
ute from our friendship and our faith in a manhood that we
have never seen fail in any test, to read again the story of
that disastrous day, note his part and bearing therein, and
the cause and the manner of that cruel and wanton injustice;
to learn how it came to be that the true patriot, the trained
soldier, devoted to his profession, proud to bear its high ob-
ligations and jealous of its honor, who won distinction on
every field of action, whose wide knowledge, great skill,
clear, sound judgment, and transparent sincerity made him
the constant and trusted counsellor of every superior and
the reliable lieutenant of every commander, who shared the
brunt at Bull Run, who fought the rear-guard battles from
the Chickahominy to the James, and held the pass of White
Oak Swamp against half Lee's army on the critical day of
Glendale, who won at Crampton's Gap " the completest vic-
tory gained up to that time by any part of the Army of the
Potomac " — to learn how it came to be that this man was
accused of that to which his every quality and act gave the
absolute lie.
Continuing Col. Greene describes the battle
and actions of the various generals, Burnside's in-
explicable conduct, etc., the continued confidence
between Gens. Burnside and Franklin for several
weeks after the battle, Burnside's resignation and
the relieving of Gen. Franklin from command, and
the hearing by the Congressional Committee, and
closes as follows :
When the committee visited Fredericksburg and P'rank-
lin was summoned before it, he asked Burnside if he had
given or would give them a copy of the order under which
he acted on the i;Jth, considering that all such orders should
come from the commander issuing them. General Burnside
assured him that he had already furnished the committee
with a copy of it, and General Franklin gave his testimony
throughout upon the faith of that word and upon the sup-
position that in considering his action the committee had
before them and in their minds the order which governed
him. But in this he was betrayed. Gen. Burnside never
gave them the order or any inkling of it. They never heard
of it until months afterward, and too late to prevent the
utterance of their damnatory judgment of the man whose
great opportunity and great purpose greatly planned that
order wholly destroyed.
Four main points stand out distinct and clear: The
only proper battlefield at Fredericksburg was the ground on
which Franklin and Jackson confronted each other; the-
force at Franklin's disposal ought to have been used to
adequate and decisive results; his own apprehension of
both these facts was perfect, and his accordant scheme of
operation was proportioned to both the opportunity anil the
resistance; at no point of time or of action was it Gen.
Franklin's fault that, despite his urgent entreaty, his force
was not allowed to essay its proper task on that day.
In June, 1863, Gen. Franklin was ordered to the
Department of the Gulf, and served in Texas and
Louisiana until April, 1864, when he succumbed to
a wound received at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads
(where two horses were shot under him), and was
given his first leave of absence, until November of
the same year. From December, 1864. to November,
1865, Gen, Franklin was president of the board for
retiring disabled officers at Washington, D. C, and
in March, 1865, he received additional honor, being
brevetted major-general of the United States army.
He resigned his commission and retired to private
life in November, 1865. In the various trying posi-
tions in which Gen. Franklin was placed, he al-
ways acquitted himself with honor, and his military
record is one of which he has just cause to be
proud.
Selecting Hartford as his future place of resi-
dence, the General came to this cit)' in 1865. In
November of that year he was chosen vice-presi-
dent and general manager of the Colt's Patent Fire
Arms Co.. and retained that position until April,
1888. In 1868 he was elected president of the board
of visitors of the United States Military Academy
at West Point; was selected as the most suitable
person to act as president of the commission for the
erection of the new Connecticut State House in
1872-73; was consulting engineer from 1873 to
1877, and superintendent of construction from 1877
to March, 1880. The magnificent Capitol is now the
pride of all the citizens of the State, and it is a re-
markable fact that the cost of erection was kept
within the appropriations made by the Legislature.
In all the details of construction Gen. Franklin's
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
controlling hand could be felt, and his vigilance
was never relaxed.
For fifteen years, from 1872 to 1887, Gen. Frank-
lin was a member of the board of water comihis-
sioners of Hartford, and here his experience as an
engineer was useful on numerous occasions : and at
the Centennial Exhibition he was chairman of the
committee of judges on Engineering and Archi-
tecture.
Jn 1872 the National Independent Democratic
Conventions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania tele-
graphed (len. Franklin, asking if he would accept
the nomination for President of the United States,
to run against Horace Greeley. The General de-
clined, stating as his reason that to defeat Greeley
the party must stand as a unit, and concentrate its
power, in 1876 he was chosen one of the Presiden-
tial electors on the Democratic ticket, and took part
in the convention which nominated Samuel J. Til-
den. From 1877 to 1879 he was adjut.ant-general
of the State of Connecticut, and from July, 1880,
to 1900, was president of the board of manager.?
of the National Flome for disabled soldiers.
Additional honors awaited him. In June, 1888,
he was appointed commissioner-gener.il for the
United States at the International Exposition at
Paris, France, and in October of the following
year he received the appointment of grand officer
of the French Legion of Honor, a high compliment,
and the only one of the kind to be paid an Ameri-
can. His miniature and insignia of the Legion of
Honor have been accepted to appear on the "Cnllom
Alemorial" now being erected at \\'est Point Acad-
emy. A member of the New York Commandery
of the Legion of Honor, the General was for several
years its commander. He is a member of the Cin-
cinnati ; Sons of the American Revolution ; Sons of
Colonial Wars ; R. O. Tyler Post, No. 50, Grand
Army of the Republic ; and of the Army and Navv
Club. He still retains his hold on the business world,
and is vice-president of the Hartford Steam Boiler
Inspection & Insurance Co. ; a director of the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Co..of the National
Fire Insurance Co.. of Hartford, of Colt's Fire
Arms Co., and of the Panama Railroad Co., New
York.
That Gen. Franklin attained high rank as an en-
gineer is evidenced by his various deserved promo-
tions. No man could have risen to the rank of
major-general in the Civil war unless he was a born
leader of men, and unless he had rare capacity for
handling large bodies of troops. Returning to pri-
vate life, unless he had executive abilitv of the
highest order, combined with a superabundance of
practical common sense, no man could be the con-
trolling spirit of an immense corporation for over
twenty years. Unless he was popular in the truest
and best sense of the word, no man could have
filled the honorable positions which have been
awarded to Gen. Franklin without any seeking on
his pari.
Gen. Franklin was married, July 7, 1852, to
Anna L. Clarke, daughter of Matthew St. Clair
and Hannah B. Clarke, of \\'ashington, D. C. Mrs.
Franklin died July 17, 1900, at the age of seventv-
six years, at the home in Hartford, after an illness
of about one )'ear. They had no children.
JOSEPH HARRINGTON KING, the efficient
and popular cashier of the American National Bank
of Hartford, is one of the well and favorably known
bankers of New England.
'My. King was born July 28, 1855. in East Hart-
ford, Conn., son of George Walter and Julia (Burn-
ham) King, and grandson of Walter King, who
was born Sept. 11, 1780, in Glasgow, Scotland,
and died in 1863 in New York Cit)'. In early man-
hood he entered the British army, serving as aide.
under Sir John Moore. After leaving the army he
went to Lancasliire, England, and from there came,,
in 1818, to the United Statts. In 1807 he married
(,nrstj Mrs. Ann (Hesketh) :\IcCandish, a young-
widow with one son, whom he legally adopted, giv-
ing him his own name, John McCandish King. To
the union came children as follows : James, born Jan.
7, 1808; Isabella. July 3, 1810; Alarv Ann, Aug.
29, 1812; Sarah, Uct. 3, 1S14; George W., Feb.
16, 1817 ; and Jane, .Aug. 23, 1819. The mother died
soon after the birth of the youngest child. Air.
King, after having been in this country for a time,
returned to England, and in 1822 again came to the
United States. His second wife, a daughter of Rev.
Mr. Robinson, died within a year of marriage. .Af-
ter living in .New York City a short time Mr. King
removed to Paterson, N. J., where at the home of a
friend, .Alexander .Allan, he met Aliss Elizabeth
Morse, whom he married (third) Jan. 25, 1825,
and who bore him the following children: iVlary J.,
born Nov. 11, 1825; Elizabeth W., Sept. 2, 1827;
Julia S., Oct. 16, 1829: .Anne, Dec. 23, 1831 ; Anna
Allan, Sept. 2, 1833: Alenzier ^Morse, Oct. 6, 1836;
and ]\Ienzier Anna Morse, Jan. 9, 1840. The mother
made her residence with her daughters in New York
City, and later in Brookl^-n, where she died in 1884,
at the age of eig'hty-nine.
George \\'. King, the father of our subject, was
born Feb. 16, 1817, in Lancashire, England, and
was brought to this country by his father, who for a
time lived at Paterson, X..].. then in New York Citv.
George A\'. learned the jeweler's trade with the fiirnt
of Wilmot, Moifit & Curtis, manufacturing jewelers
on John street. New York City, and during a period
of business depression visited Paterson, N. J., made
a trip into Mrginia, and later came to East Hartford,
Conn., where he worked with the firm of Messrs.
W. & O. Pitkin, silversmiths. He finally established'
himself in business upon State street, in Hartford.'
continuing his residence in East Hartford, where he
had already married. In 1859 he purchased a resi-
dence on (iovernor street, where he died in i88i, at
the age of sixty-four, and where his wife passed
away in 1893, at the age of seventy-three. Their
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children were : Mary Jane, born July 4. 1843 • James
Walter, March 21, 1845: Alice'c' Burnham, Nov.
22,1847; Emma Louisa, Jan. 17. 1850; George Burn-
ham, Jan. 9, 1853; Joseph Harring-ton (the subject
of this sketch ), July 28, 1855 ; Annie Kate. March 3,
1858: and Edward Everett, Sept. 5, 1862.
Joseph H. King passed hi., early school davs in
East Hartford, and later attended the public schools
of Hartford, graduating from the Hartford Public
High School in 1873. He entered the American
National Bank as clerk, and by his steady devotion
to the business he had chosen for his life work, his
ready grasp of ideas, and quick mastery of the in-
tricate details of banking, was rapidly promoted
through the various grades to the general book-
keeper's desk, from wliich, in 1883. upon the resig-
nation cf John G. Root as cashier, he was chosen to
that office — the then youngest officer of any bank
in the city. Genial in manner, careful and conserva-
tive in his dealings with all, he has, during his twen-
ty-eight years" banking experience, witnessed the
growth of the American National Bank from a com-
paratively small institution to that of one of the
.largest banks in the Capitol City. He is a most com-
petent officer, and an obliging gentleman.
On Oct. 8, 1878. 'Sir. King was married to ^lary
E., daughter of Walter A. Loomis. of East Hartford,
and to them have been born three children : Edwin
Loomis, now with the Travelers Insurance Co. of
Hartford, born Aug. 18, 1880; (leorge Walter, born
Feb. 8, 1886; and Lester Hazen, born March 11,
1887. After his marriage [Nlr. King resided in Hart-
ford until, in 1895. '""^ built a handsome Colonial
residence upon Arnoldak Road, just south of \'an-
derbilt Hill, one of the most attractive and sightly
places in that most delightful suburb of Hartford.
GEORGE W. FO^^'LER (deceased) was for
so many years actively identified with public affairs
in both the city and town of Hartford, that his name
has become well-nigh a household word in the homes
of those citizens who recall his public spirit, his
fidelity to public trusts, and his whole-souled gener-
osity as a man. He was born in Westfield, ^lass..
Oct. 15, 1844, son of Lyman Fowler, and grandson
of Roland' Fowler. His mother's maiden name was
Louisa \ adikin, and his paternal grandmother was
a ]\Iiss Taylor. His great-grandfather. Deacon Fowl-
er, married Elizabeth Thayer, daughter of a cler-
gyman. Lyman Fowler was a blacksmith by trade,
and a man of powerful ph\-sique. as well as of strong
mental power, and it seems not improbable that at
least a portion of the physical and intellectual
strength which George \\'. Fowler exhibited
throughout life came to him by natural inheritance.
George W. Fowler was one of the younger of a
family of nine children, and the exigencies of his sit-
uation in boyhood forced him early to shift in life
for himself. He attended the public schools, and
learned the trade of a printer. Even as a youth he
manifested quick intelligence, a retentive memory,
and a capacity for high development. The West-
field XciK's Letter and the Springfield Republican
were tiie first papers on which he was employed as
compositor; and for eight years, beginning in 1864,
he worked at the case in the composing room of the
Hartford Times. His nature, however, was not one
that readily yielded to circumspection, and in 1873
he organized the firm of Smith, Fowler & Miller.
Subsequently the concern was incorporated under
the name of The Fowler & Miller Co., Mr. Fowler
becoming its president and retaining that office for
many years. Through his exceptionally keen busi-
ness sense and his rare executive ability the busi-
ness of the concern grew apace, until it developed
into one of the leading printing houses of that sec-
tion of the State.
It is, however, through his public, rather than
his business, career, that Mr. Fowler was best
known in Hartford ; and it is for his acumen, hard
work and unswerving loyalty to public duty that he
is best remembered. He began his public life as a
councilman from the Sixth ward, whicli bailiwick
he represented in the aldermanic councils for nine
years. His record there — as also thereafter — was
one of which his family may well feel proud. In
general information he surpassed most of his col-
leagues, and his broad comprehension, no less than
his unassailable integrity, resulted in the commit-
ment to his hands of important trusts. Among
these may be mentioned the delicate and difficult
task of the revision of the municipal ordinances,
in the performance of which he was associated witli
John H. Brocklesby and Henry E. Taintor. In
1894 he was elected tax collector of his town : in
1895 io'' t'lc '^'ty and town; and in 1897 re-elected
by an overwhelming majority.
Besides being thus prominently identified with
the city government. >Ir. Fowler was one of the
chief officials of the town. From 1883 to 1895 he
was a member of the board of selectmen, being re-
peatedly made the head of that important body.
With such ability, industry and integrity did he
perform the duties of this high office that, during
the last three years of his service, he was the nominee
of both political parties. It was during the term of
his service as selectman that many of the most im-
portant reforms in town administration were con-
ceived and carried out. A new almshouse was
built, and the old site was converted into one of the
most attractive sections of the city, the transforma-
tion resulting in the increase of the "grand list" for
purposes of taxation by $200,000. Air. Fowler was
also chairman of the Free Bridge Commission. Al-
though a life-long Democrat, and one of his party's
local leaders. 'Sir. Fowler enjoyed the confidence a'ld
respect of his political opponents. In private life
he was always noted for his acute discernment.
ready grasp of problems, fidelity to friends, and
liberal, though unostentatious, charity. His mind
was naturally analytical, and he possessed the rare
power of making his knowledge clear to others.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
One of his most pronounced characteristics was his
detestation of falsehood, and, above all, of hypocrisy.
Sincere himself, he could not brook insincerity in
others, and his own love of truth made him intol-
erant of liars. He was a man of social instinct
and genial temperament, and well loved by his
friends ; a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 4,
F. & A. M., of Hartford; the B. P. O. E. ; Wau-
gunk Tribe, I. O. R. AI. ; and the National Provi-
dent Union. He also belonged to the Gentlemen's
Driving Club.
On March 29, 1883, Air. Fowler married AI.
Loiuise Rowles, whose father. Judge Rowles, was
a man of high repute in Tennessee. Air. Fowler
died July 24, 1897, leaving a wife and daughter.
NELSON HOLLISTER, who died on Alarch 2,
1897, was for a long period one of Hartford's prom-
inent business men and substantial citizens. He was
a picturesque figure on the streets where his flowing
pure white hair and beard, clear complexion, and
kindly smile attracted general attention.
Born Feb. 12, 1810, in Andover, Conn., son of
Gideon and Mary (Olmstead) Hollister, our sub-
ject was a descendant of one of the historic fam-
ilies of the Colonial period of New England and
Connecticut, and a family of prominence, too, in
the history of the State.
(I) John Hollister, the ancestor of the Ameri-
can Holhsters, is believed to have been born in Eng-
land in 1612, and to have emigrated to America
about 1642, sailing from Bristol, England. His
name is of record in Wethersfield, Conn., as early
as 1642. He became one of the most prominent
men of that town and the Connecticut Colony, and
represented the town many times in the Legislature.
He married Joanna, daughter of Hon. William
Treat, Sr. John Hollister died in 1665.
From this emigrant ancestor the late Nelson
Hollister was a descendant in the seventh genera-
tion, his line being through John (2), Thomas,
Gideon, Nathaniel and Gideon (2).
(II) John Hollister (2), son of John the emi-
grant, born about 1644 in Wethersfield, married in
1667 Sarah, daughter of William Goodrich. Mr.
Hollister was one of the leading men of Glastonbury,
where he died in 171 1.
(III) Thomas Hollister, son of John (2), born
in 1672 in Wethersfield, married Dorothy, daughter
of Joseph Hills, of Glastonbury, and lived and died
in that town, passing away in 1741.
( I\') Gideon Hollister. • son of Thomas, born
in 1699 in Glastonbury, married in 1723 Rachel,
daughter of Sergt. Nathaniel Talcott, and settled
in the East Parish of Glastonbury. Air. Hollister
was a lieutenant in the militia, and a deacon in the
church in Glastonbury. He died in 1785.
(V) Nathaniel Hollister, son of Gideon, born in
1731 in Glastonbury, married in 1754 Alabel Alat-
son. He died in 1810.
(\'I) Gideon Hollister (2), son of Nathaniel,
and the father of Nelson Hollister, born in 1776, in
Glastonbury, married Alary Olmstead, of East Hart-
ford, and settled in Andover, Conn., where he was
a manufacturer of paper, and a valued and respected
member of society. He died in 1864.
Nelson Hollister, the subject proper of this
sketch, in youth became engaged, with his father
and brothers, in the manufacture of paper. Sub-
sequently he removed to Hartford, and in about
1840 engaged in business on Front street, as a
dealer in paper stock and rags, where he laid the
foundation of a large fortune. Late in the 'sixties
he disposed of his business and retired. -Vlr. Hol-
lister was identified with a number of banks and
corporations, among them the old Charter Oak Life
Insurance Co., the ^tna Fire Insurance Co., the
Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance
Co., and the State Bank, in all of which he was a
director. He superintended the erection of the large
granite building on the corner of Alain and Athe-
neum streets, now the property of the ^tna Life
Insurance Co. He was the first treasurer of the
Hartford & Connecticut \'alley Railroad Co. Fle
was president of the Cedar Hill Cemetery Associa-
tion, and took an active interest in the cemetery's
development. He was an original member and a
deacon of the Pearl Street Congregational Church,
organized in 1852. Air. Hollister was also a mem-
ber of the \'eteran Corps of the Governor's Foot
Guard, in which he ever took an active interest. In
1894 he v.-as admitted as a member of the Connecti-
cut Historical Society. Cp to two years before his
death, in spite of his years. Air. Hollister was one of
the most active men of Hartford. He was poss-
essed of a vigorous constitution and good health,
was a great lover of outdoor life and sports, and
enjoved seeing pla\'ed the National game of base-
ball.
On Alay 12, 1834, Air. Hollister was married to
Edith Sawyer, born Nov. 21, 1815, daughter of Eli-
jah R. and Fanny (Spencer) Sawyer, of Windham,
Conn. Thev had four children, as follows : ( i ) Ar-
thur N. Hollister, born Dec. 28. 1835, died Jan. 18,
1897. (2) Erskin B. Hollister, born Alay 4, 1842,
died Nov. 21, 1859. ( 3 ) Edith Sawyer Floll'ister, born
Alay 15, 1S45, ^'-'as married Alay 13, 1867, to Charles
Augustus Robinson. (4) Lucy Sawyer Hollister,
born Aug. 3. 1848. married June 14, 1870, Albert
H. Olmsted.
CHARLES H. LA^^'RENCE, secretary of the
Phoenix Alutual Life Insurance Co., Hartford, was
born Aug. 23. 1845, in New York City, son of
John and Sarah (Aloore) Lawrence. He attended
the public schools and the Free Academy of his
native city, now the College of the City of New
York, and then began a business career as a clerk
in the New York branch store of Smith & Bourn,
of Hartford, Conn. He, changed to the Hartford
house in 1866, and remained W'ith Smith & Bourn
lurtil Jan. i, 1871, when he entered into an arrange-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nient with the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co.,
with which company he has since remained unin-
terruptedly. Beginning as clerk, he wa.s advanced
through succeeding grades, and in 1889 was chosen
to the secretaryship of the compan)', his present
position.
In his political views JNIr. Lawrence is a stanch
Republican, and as such has served several suc-
cessive terms in the common council, and for a
number of years represented the Second ward in
the board of aldermen, of which he was president.
JNI.r. Lawrence has figured quite actively and prom-
inenth' in local politics, and has been a member
of the Republican State Central Committee. He
is a conscientious worker, and has done nuich to
elevate the standard of local political influence in
all branches of the public service. He is a di-
rector in the State Bank, and sustains similar rela-
tions with other Hartford corporations.
On Nov. 26, 1872, Mr. Lawrence was married
to Miss Juliette H., daughter of the late Thomas
T. Fisher, of Hartford, a successful merchant and
stock broker, and a prominent citizen of his day.
Two children, a son and a daughter, have blessed
tliis union.
WILLIAM DENISON MORGAN, cashier of
the -Etna National Bank, of Hartford, has already
made unusual progress along the highway to suc-
cess in the business world. He was born Dec. 19,
1873, in Brooklyn, N. Y., son of William Gardner
JMorgan, and is of the ninth generation in descent
from James Morgan.
(I) James Morgan was born in 1607 in Wales,
likely in Llandaiif, Glamorganshire, but later lived
in Bristol, England, coming from the latter place
to Boston in 1636; to Ro.xbury before 1640; to New
London, Conn., in 1650; and to Groton in 1657,
dying at the place last named in 1685. He married
in 1040 Margery Hill, of Roxbury. From this an-
cestor William Gardner Morgan is descended
through Capt. John, William, William {2), William
Avery, Col. Avery and Nathan Denison Morgan.
(II) Capt. John Morgan, son of James the emi-
grant, born in 1645, married (second) Widow Eliza-
beth Williams, daughter of Lieut. -Gov. William
Jones, of New Haven, and granddaughter of Gov.
Theophilus Eaton. Capt. ?iIorgan moved to Preston,
Conn., about 1692, and died in 1712.
(III) William Morgan, son of Capt. John, born
in 1693, married in 1716 Mary, daughter of Capt.
James Avery. William Morgan died in 1729, and
his wife Mary passed away in 1780.
( IV) William IMorgan (2). son of William,
born in 1723, married in 1744 Temperance, daugh-
ter of .Christopher Avery, of Groton. They resided
in Groton, where Mr. ]\lorgan died in 1777, and his
widow died in i8or.
(\") William Avery Morgan, son of William
(2), born in 1754, married (fiVst) Lydia, daughter
of Nathan Smith, of Groton. Thev settled in
(iroton, and in 1796 removed to Colchester. Mrs.
Morgan died in 1804, and in 1814 Mr. Morgan
moved to New London, where lie died in 1842.
(\I) Col. Avery Morgan, son of William
Avery, born in 1781, married in 1802 Jerusha,
daughter of Jonathan Gardner, and settled in
Bozrah. thence about 1807 removing to Colchester,
and later to Hartford, where he died in i860, and
his widow in 1861. Col. Morgan was a carpenter,
merchant and farmer ; was an officer in the militia ;
and served in the State Legislature.
(\TI) Nathan Denison Morgan, son of Col.
Avery, born Oct. 22, 1818, married (first) Mary B.
Churchill, born in Portland, Conn., daughter of
Capt. Henr}' Churchill, of Portland, and they had
seven children, four of wliom are still living: Col.
Henry C, of Colchester, a retired United States
army officer, now Commissary-General of Connecti-
cut; Matilda, Mrs. Julian W. Merrill, of Bronx-
ville, N. Y. ; William Gardner, father of our sub-
ject; and James H., who lives in Brooklyn, and is
engaged in the insurance business in New York
City. ;Mrs. Mary B. Morgan died in 1854, at the
age of thirty-two years. Her parents were members
of the Episcopal Church at Portland. In 1860 Mr.
Morgan married (second) Helen M., daughter of
Gen. James Watson Webb, former editor of the
Nciv York Courier and Engineer, and United States
minister to Brazil. They had two children, one
living, Robert Webb Morgan, who is a resident of
Bronxville, N. Y., and is engaged in business in
New York City. Nathan D. ^lorgan was for some
time president of the ^^lanhattan Life Insurance
Co., of New York, and after leaving that company
organized the North American Insurance Co., of
which he was president from 1872 to 1894, when he
retired from business. He was also a director of
the Farragut Fire Insurance Co., of New York.
He passed away in 1897, at the age of seventy-
nine years. Mr. Morgan was reputed to have been
one of the most accomplished insurance officers in
the countr}-. He was a director of the Eye & Ear
Infirmarv in Brooklyn. In religious connection he
was identified with the Episcopal Church in Brook-
l_\'n, being warden of St. Paul's.
(Vni) William Gardner Morgan, son of
Nathan D., born Dec. 23. 1846, was married in
1868 to Elizabeth C. Hall, of Portland. Conn.,
daughter of Joel Hall, president of the Shaler & Hall
Quarry Co., and the only survivor of his family
of four children. To Mr. and Mrs. ?\Iorgan have
been born three children : Elizabeth Hall, \Mlliam
Denison, and Samuel St. John, the latter now at-
tending Trinity College. William G. ^lorgan
spent his early years in Brooklyn. New York and
Hartford, and was in the United States Naval
Academy at Newport and Annapolis for a time, but
in 1S67 he was injured and obliged to resign. He
then entered the life insurance business, as a clerk
in the North America Life Insurance Co. In 1870
he became its actuary, continuing in that position
10
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
until 1874, when he left the company and engaged
in manufacturing gas burning goods, and small ar-
ticles in New York, until 1879. He then came to
Hartford and formed a connection with the /Etna
Life Insurance Co., being now editor of the "^tna,"
and its advertising manager. He also edits the
"^■Etna Life Xews, ' entirely for agents, which has
a circulation of 3,500 ; and the accident edition of
the ■■-Ltna," devoted to accident business, which
has a circulation of 35,000. The regular ".■Etna"
lias a circulation of 275,000. Mr. Morgan is a Re-
publican in politics. Religiously he is a member
of Trinity Episcopal Church, to wliich his family
also belong.
\\'i!liam D. 3.Iorgan received his education in
Connecticut, attending the common schools and
Public High School in Hartford. Li September,
1890, he entered the .Etna National Bank as clerk,
and worked himself up to the position of discount
clerk. In 1899 he was made cashier, being the
youngest cashier of a National bank, with one ex-
ception, in the United States. Theirs is the finest
banking office in the State, and the bank, which
was organized in 1857, is the second largest. In
1900 Mr. Morgan married Lucile S. Couch, of
Providence, R. I., daughter of Albert and Jennie
S. Couch, the former a native of Danielson, Conn.;
he was in the real-estate business in Providence for
many years. ]^Irs. ^Morgan is an only child. Our
subject is secretary to the board of directors of
the bank. Socially he holds membership in the
Bachelors Club: the Hartford Canoe Club; the
Farmington Canoe Club ; the Hartford Scientific
Society : and the Church Club. He is a member
of Trinity Episcopal Church, and is a Republican
in politics. •
HOADLY. The family bearing this name
in Hartford, of which Charles Jeremy Hoadly, LL.
D., State Librarian, was an honored member, is one
of the prominent families of the city whose line in
New England extends back over a period of over
two hundred and thirty years.
William Hoadly, the settler, ancestor of by far
the greater part of those who Dear the name in this
country, was born in about the year 1630 in Eng-
land. His name first appears in Saybrook, Conn., in
1663. In 1666 he bought the home lot of Rev.
Abraham Pierson, of Branford, Conn., when the
latter moved to New Jersey. He there conducted
his business as a merchant, his shop being next to
his dwelling-house. He was a deputy from Bran-
ford to the General Court at nine sessions between
1678 and 1685, was one of the patentees of the town,
Feb. 16, 1685-86. and was one of the selectmen sev-
eral years between 1673 and 1690. He died in No-
vember or December, 1709, in Branford. He was
thrice married, but of his first wife nothing is known.
His second wife, whom he wedded about 1686, was
Mrs. INIary (BuHard) Farrington (widow of John
Farrington, of Dedham, Mass., and daughter of
William Bullard, of Charlestown, Mass.), who died
Mav 12, 1703, in Branford. About 1704 he married
(third) in Branford ^Nlrs. Ruth (Bowers) Frisbie,
widow of John Frisbie, and daughter of Rev. John
and Bridget (Thompson) Bowers, baptized Dec.
20, 1657, in New Haven, died April 26, 1736, in
Branford. His children by his first marriage were :
William, Samuel, John, ^Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah
and Abraham.
Charles Jeremy Hoadly, LL. D., of Hartford,
was in the seventh generation from William Hoadly
(written by him Hodle), the settler at Saybrook and
Branford, the line of his descent being through
Samuel, Sanuiel (2), James, Hon. Jeremy, and \\'ill-
iam Henry.
(II) Samuel Hoadley, son of William, died in
1714, in Branford, Conn. He wa't killed under a
haymow. He married, Alarch 6, 1689, in Branford,
Abigail P^arrington, born April 30, 1668, in Ded-
ham, Mass., daughter of John and Mary (Bullard)
Farrington, died Feb. 26, 1745, in Branford. He
became one of the first settlers of Branford, having
been granted a parcel of land in 1687, and lived in
Hopyard Plain. His children, born in Branford,
Conn., were : Abigail, William, Hannah, Samuel,
Gideon, Lydia, Benjamin, Daniel and Timothy.
(III) Samuel Hoadley (2), son of Samuel, born
Feb. 20, 1696, in Branford, Conn., married in 1720,
in Branford, Lydia Frisbie. daughter of Caleb and
Hannah Frisbie, born June i, 1698, in Branford.
died there Feb. 6, 1759. Samuel Hoadley lived on
his farm. He was very corpulent. His children,
born in Branford, were : Abigail, Gideon, Samuel.
Ebenezer, Jacob, Lydia, Jerusha and James.
(I\') James Hoadley. son of Samuel (2), born
Feb. 25, 1738, in Branford, died there Feb. 18, 1815.
He married, March 3. 1768. in Branford, ]Mrs. Lydia
(Buell) Hoadley, widow of Benjamin Hoadley, and
daughter of Capt. Samuel and Lydia, (Wilcox)
Buell, born in 1740. in Killingworth, Conn., died
April 17, 1820. in Hartford, Conn. James Hoadley
was a farmer. His children, born in Branford,
were : James, Ambrose, Lydia, Jeremy and Reuel.
(V) Hon. Jeremy Hoadley, son of James, born
July 28, 1776, in Branford, died Dec. i, 1847, in
Hartford. On July 7, 1798. he married m Guilford,
Conn., Harriott Fairchild, daughter of Capt. Asher
and Thankful (Hubbard) Fairchild, born July 5.
1770, in Guilford, died Sept. 22, 1849, i" Hartford.
Jeremy Hoadley lived in Guilford the first three
years after his marriage, and moved to Hartford in
1806. He was a selectman of the town for over
twentv years, was an alderman of the city, and on
the death of Mayor Griswold became acting mayor
of Hartford from Nov. 2;^. 1835, to April 13, 1836.
He was one of the representatives for Hartford in
the General Assembly at the sessions of 1822^ 1823,
1826, and 1828, and was sheriff of Hartford county
from 1828 to 1834, declining re-election. He was
chairman of the Whig State Central Committee in
the Presidential campaigns of 1826 and 1840. His
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
11
children were : William H., Frederick H., Harriet
S., iNIaria ]., Delia A., and Caroline M., all now de-
ceased.
(VI) William Henry Hoadley, father of Charles
J. Hoadly, LL. D., was born July 30, 1800, in Guil-
ford, Conn'., and died Aug. 8, 1849, i''^ Hartford.
On Dec. 7, 1824, at Simsbury, Conn., he was married
to Harriet Louisa Hillyer who was born July 23,
1803, in East Granby, Conn., a daughter of Col. An-
drew and Lucy (Tudor) Hillyer, and granddaugh-
ter of James and Mary (Humphrey) Hillyer. Col.
Andre\\'' Hillyer was in the French and Indian war,
and served under Lord Amherst in the expedition
against Canada. He was with Lord Albemarle
imder Putnam, at the taking of Havana, and of
fourteen who went from Simsbury only he and
one other returned alive. Later he was in the Revo-
lutionary war, serving part of each year. He raised
a company in Granby, and was present at the "Lex-
ington .-vlarm." This Colonel Hillyer was a
graduate of Yale College, class of 1770, an Episco-
palian in religion, and a Whig in politics. His
original intention was to become a missionary. He
died at East Granby in 1828. He married Lucy
Tudor, a daughter of Elihu Tudor, who was a grad-
uate of Yale College, class of 1750, and was a son
of Rev. Samuel Tudor. Elihu Tudor was one of the
staff of Gen. Wolfe at the storming of the heights
of 'Abraham, Quebec, 1759. Later he was with
Lord Albemarle, in 1762, at the' taking of Havana.
As Col. Andrew Hillyer was with him on these oc-
casions it is doubtless true that during these times
the acquaintance between them was formed which
later resulted in Col. Hillyer marrying the daughter
of his old army friend. Gen. Charles Tudor Hill-
yer, brother of Mrs. William Hoadley, died in
Hartford when over ninety years of age.
William H. Hoadley resided in Hartford all his
life; his wife died Feb. 15, 1895, in the old home at
No. 78 Ann street, where she had lived since 1833.
Their children were: (i) Mary Robbins Hoadley,
born Dec. 22, 1825, died April 29, 1896.
(2) Charles Jeremy Hg.vdly, born Aug. i,
182S, was graduated from Trinitv College in 1851,
at the head of his class. He was given the degree
of iNI. A., in 1854, received the same degree from
Yale College in 1879, and the degree of LL. D. from
Trinitv i'n 1889. He read law in Hartford in the
office of Henry K. W. Welch, and was admitted to
the Bar in 1855, from which time he had charge of
the State Library, which, through efficiency, dili-
gence and ability in his service of nearly fifty years,
was made one of the best collections of Law Reports
and Statute Law in the land. He edited the New
Haven Colonial Records, 1638-65, two volumes, also
Connecticut Colonial Records, 1689-1776, twelve vol-
umes ; Connecticut State Records, 1776-1780, two
volumes, and was engaged on the third volume when
his sight failed. He was one of the commissioners
who prepared Vols. V and VI of the Special Laws
of Connecticut. He published several short his-
torical articles, among which were a "Sketch of
the Life of Silas Deane," in the Penn Mag. of
History, 1877; "Annals of Christ Church, Hart-
ford," 1879; "Holidays in Connecticut,'" 1888; the
"Public Seal of Connecticut," 1889 ; "Town Repre-
sentation in the Lieneral Assembly," 1892 (the last
three in the Connecticut Register for those }-earsJ ;
"Some Early Post Alortem Examinations in New
England," read before* the State Medical Societv,
1892.
Dr. Hoadly was a member of the American
Antiquarian Society, an honorary or corresponding
member of a dozen or more historical societies, and
president of the Connecticut Historical Society, a
position he held for five or six years. Some time
ago, on account of his failing eyesight, he declined
re-election, but the society would not accept his re-
fusal, and he retained the position until his death.
While an under-graduate of Trinity College he
received the President's prize for Latin prose (the
first one offered), kept up his Latin, and could to-
day, were he living, write a petition in Latin. In the
fall of 1899 Dr. Hoadly met with a painful acci-
dent, by falling down stairs in his home, which,
while not breaking bones, partly incapacitated him
for work. He died Oct. 19, 1900.
(3) Frederick William Hoadley was born Dec.
2, 1 83 1. Soon after the death of his father he went
to Columbia, S. C, where he read law and was ad-
mitted to the Bar. Before the breaking out of the
Civil war he removed to Little Rock, Ark., and
prior to the -passage of the secession ordinance held
a staff' appointment in the militia (judge advocate,
with rank of captain). ■ He entered the Confeder-
ate service, leaving the State as Captain of an ar-
tillery company; was at Memphis (Tenn.), Colum-
bus (Ky.), Fort Pillow and Island No. 10 (Tenn.),
where most of his company were captured, he nar-
rowly escaping. .After this a new artillery regi-
ment was formed, called the First Tennessee Heavy
Artillery, C. S. A., and he' was made its major. At
A^icksburg, Miss., he had command of the \\'ater
battery, a big gun called "^^l^istling Dick." and
there met his death, in June, 1863, a few days be-
fore the place was surrendered. The A'icksburg
Dailv Citizen, noticing his death, said: "}^Iajor
Hoadley was a man of fine intelligence, untiring in-
dustry and zeal in the cause, kind to the men under
him and a gentleman in every sense." Gen. Grant,
writing to his brother, said : "The Alajor was a great '
favorite of the citizens of A'icksburg."
(4) James Flenry Hoadley. born Dec. 6. 1833.
entered the L'nited States navy in 1859 as captain's
clerk, on the "]\Iohawk." and was cruising after
slavers on the north of Cuba. He resigned in 1862
to take charge of the United States sanitary com-
mission in the Department of the South, in which he
continued until after the close of the war. He was
sent North, and took charge, as superintendent, of
a hospital in New York City, called Lincoln Home,
a home for crippled soldiers. Since then, until a
12
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
few \eai-s ago, his life has been passed in Broad
and \\'all street, New York.
( 5 ) George Edward Hoadle_\-, Ijorn June 28,
1837, resides in Hartford.
" (6) Francis Andrew Hoadley, born Oct. 12,
1842, is teller of the Hartford Trust Co.
( 7 1 Harriet Louise Hoadley, born May 22. 1846,
Avas married June 17, 1874, tp Dr. William A. Cor-
win. of the United States navy, and has two daugh-
ters. He died off Panama, of yellow fever, in
jMarch, 1886. She resides in Hartford.
CHAPMAN. The Chapman family of Hart-
ford, of which the late Hon. Charles Richard Chap-
man was a worthy descendant, and whose children
are among the leading citizens of the city, is one
of the olctest and most prominent families of Con-
necticut.
Hon. Charles Richard Chapman was in the
seventh generation from the American ancestor of
the famih, Robert Chapman, the line of his descent
Tjeing through Deacon Nathaniel. Deacon Caleb,
Phineas, Judge Asa, and Hon. Charles.
(I) Robert Chapman, one of the first settlers
of Sa}-brook, Conn., in 1635-36, or in the succeeding
spring, according to family tradition was born in
1616, and came from Hull, England, to Boston in
1635. He was for many years commissioner for
Savbrook, Conn., and was elected as their deputy
to the General Court forty-three times, and assist-
ant nin.e times. He settled on a tract of land some
two miles west of Savbrook. He was a man of
exemplary piety. His parents were Puritans. He
married, in 1642, Ann Bliss. He died in 1687. and
his wife in 1685. Their children were: John, Rob-
ert. Hannah, Nathaniel, Mary and Sarah.
(H) Deacon Nathaniel Chapman, son of Robert
Chapman, born in 1652. married (first) in 1681
Mar}' Collins, by whom he had four children, and
(second) in 1698 Hannah Bates, by whom he had
five children. Deacon Nathaniel Chapman died in
1726. His widow, Hannah, died in 1750. He was
many vears deacon of the church in Saybrook, and
manv times represented the town in the General
Court (twenty-four sessions). He was a large land
owner. His children by the first wife were: Na-
thaniel, Nathaniel (2), Daniel, and John. Those
Tdv the second wife were: Mary, Hannah, Phineas,
.Caleb and Anne.
( HI ) Deacon Caleb Chapman, son of Deacon
Nathaniel Chapman, born in 1706, married (first)
in 1729 Thankful Lord, (second) in 1749 Abigail
Lee, and (third) Widow Hannah Platts. Mr;
Chapman served many years as a deacon of the
church of Savbrook, and died universally lamented.
His children were : Thankful, Phineas, Hannah,
Lucretia, Caleb, Elisha, James and Hezekiah.
(IV) Phineas Chapman, son of Deacon Chap-
man, born in 1732, married in 1763 Mary Hillier,
l)y whom he had five children : James, John, Asa,
Xathaniel and Marv.
(\') Judge Asa Chapman, son of Phineas Chap-
man, born Sept. 2, 1770, was graduated from Yale
College in the class of 1792, sharing the highest
honors of his class \yhile in college with Hon. Roger
J\L Sherman. After graduation he taught for a
time in the academy at North Salem, and also at
Norwalk. He studied law at Litchfield, Conn., with
Hon. Tapping Reeve, was admitted to the Bar in
1795, and settled in the practice of law at Newtown,
Conn. He was repeatedly elected a representative
of that town to the General Assembly, and in 181 7
was elected a member of the Governor's Council,
comprising at that time twelve members. In 1818
he was elected judge of the superior court and court
of errors, which office he held until his death, in
New Haven, Sept. 25, 1825. He married, at New-
town, Conn., Sept. 2, 1798, Miss Mary Perry,
daughter of Bennet Perry, M. D., and by her had
four children. In 1824 he removed from Newtown
to New Haven. His widow died in Brooklyn, L.
I., on March 21, 1850. Their children were:
Charles, Charlotte, William P., and Henry P.
(\T) Hon. Charles Chapman, son of Judge Asa
Chapman, born at Newtown, Conn., July 21, 1799,
studied law with Judge Williams, of Hartford, and
subsequently with Judges Reeve and Gould, of
Litchfield, and was admitted to the Bar in 1820. On
Jan. 3, 182 1, he married Sarah Tomlinson, of New-
town, by whom he had three children. Some three
years after his marriage he moved to New Haven,
where he remained about five years, and thence to
Hartford. He enjoyed a very extensive practice,
being one of the leading lawyers of Connecticut,
and was honored by his fellow citizens with many
offices of responsibility and trust. He represented
Hartford many times in the State Legislature, and
represented his district in the XXIId Congress of
the L^nited States. As a story-teller he was unsur-
passed. His children were : Frances A., Charlotte
and Charles Richard. He died in 1870.
( A'll ) Charles Richard Chapman, whose
death occurred at his home on Laurel street, Hart-
ford, Jan. 25, 1897, was the son of Hon. Charles and
Sarah (Tomlinson) Chapman.
He was born Nov. 23, 1827, in New Haven, and
the family moved to Hartford when he was an in-
fant. He was graduated from Trinity Cpllege in
1847, and belonged to the I. K. A. Society. Hav-
ing studied law at Northampton, Mass., and in New
York in the office of John Van Buren, son of ex-
President Van Buren, he was admitted to the Bar
in Hartford in 1850, and practiced law there until
1885, when he became postmaster. He was mayor
of Hartford for three terms, from 1866 to 1872.
In 1857 he represented the city in the State Senate ;
represented the city in the House in 1856 and 1872 ;
served as city attorney in 1874, 75, 76, and was held
in high esteem by all who knew him on account of
the uprightness of his character, the geniality of his
nature and the faithfulness of his friendships. Many
times nominated for office and many times elected,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
la
he went through every campaign with clean hands
and untarnished reputation. He was as fair and
just to his opponents as he was faithful to his party
and his friends. He was always courteous in his
manner and considerate in his speech, and he proved
worthy of every trust reposed in him. In poHtics he
was a Democrat.
jNIr. Chapman married, May i, 1855, Mrs. Har-
riet (Putnam) Thomas, daughter of Rt. Rev.
Thomas Brownell, Episcopal bishop of Connecticut.
;Mrs. Chapman and four children — Airs. Charles
Holland, of Eastbourne, England ; Thomas Brownell
Chapman, of Hartford, Conn. ; JNIrs. Howard Dudley
Bean, of Xew York City, and Robert Holland Chap-
man, of Torrington, Conn., — survive him. Thomas
Brownell Chapman married Helen Louise, daugh-
ter, of William H. Post, and they have one daughter,
Priscilla Alden. I\Ir. Chapman is Xew England
agent for Holmes, Booth & Hydens, of ^^'aterbury,
Conn. Robert H. married Renova M. Walbridge,
of Pittsburg, Kansas, aiid they reside in Torrington,
Connecticut.
HOOKER. The name of Hooker was brought
into prominent notice in ecclesiastical circles in
England by two men who were born in the six-
teenth century. Richard Hooker was born in Exeter
in 1554. He became a scholar of Corpus Christi Col-
lege in 1573; Master of Arts in 1577; Deputy Pro-
fessor of Hebrew in 1579; received holy orders in
1 581. In the religious discussions of his dav he held
to Arminian views, maintaining also the Anglican
form of church government. He is chiefly dis-
tinguished for his great work on "Ecclesiastical
Polity."
Thomas Hooker, the founder of the Connecti-
cut Colony, was born in Marfield, Leicestershire,
Tilton parish, in 1586. The American Cvclopedia
says that he is supposed to have been a cousin
of Richard Hooker. After being graduated at Em-
manuel College, Cambridge, he took orders, preached
some time in London, and was chosen lecturer at
Clemsford in 1626, at St. Mary's Church. He con-
tintied there about four years, his preaching draw-
ing great crowds, and there was a wide and pro-
found impression made by his discourses. People
flocked to his ministrations from great distances,
some of great quality among them, one of whom
v.^as the Earl of Warwick, who afterward sheltered
and befriended j\Ir. Hooker's family, when he was
forced to flee the country.
Hooker's labors resulted not only in the visible
reformation of morals in Chelmsford, but in stimu-
lating to similar endeavors many other ministers
of the surrounding region. But he was not long-
to remain there, as his preaching was too evan-
gelical to please those in authority, and he was si-
lenced by Archbishop Laud, and for about two years
taught school in Little Baddow. In 1630 he left
England for Holland, as he had been cited to ap-
pear before the High Commission Court. '\lr.
Hooker's Chelmsford friends paid the penal sum
into the Court. It was we.l he fled, as persecution
began to be severe. He remained in Holland until
1633, preaching in Amsterdam, Delft and Rotter-
dam. That year he came to America, and with hint
came his assistant, Rev. Samuel Stone. Some of
his friends in England, from the towns of Chelms-
ford, Braintree and Colchester, had preceded him.
They settled at first at Mt. Wollaston, near Boston,
and were known as "Mr. Hooker's Company.''
After the coming of their pastor they removed by
order of the court to Newtown, here remaining until
1636, when a large portion of them emigrated with
their leaders, Hooker and Stone, to the banks of
the Connecticut river, and founded the town of
Hartford. Hooker was not only a powerful
preacher and a religious guide, but is now regarded
as the father of the Connecticut Constitution, and
consequently of that of the United States. An old
sermon of his which has been found within a few
years says: "The choice of public magistrates be-
longs unto the people by God's own allowance. The
foundation of authority is laid in the free consent
of the people." John Fiske says of the Connecti-
cut Constitution : "It was the first written Consti-
tution known to historv that created a government,
and it marked the beginning" of American democ-
racv, of which Thomas Hooker deserves more than
any other man to be called the father. The Govern-
ment of the United States is to-day in lineal de-
scent more nearly related to that of Connecticut than
to any other of the thirteen colonies." There were
more than twenty-five books written by !Mr. Hooker
published in London ; the most important one for
the New England churche." was called "A Survey of
the Sum of Chtirch Discipline.''
Thomas Hooker and his wife Susan had five
children, two sons and three daughters. He died
in 1647, aged sixty-one years. His eldest son, John,
returned to England, and remained there. His
daughter Johanna married Rev. Thomas Shepherd.
His son Samuel, who was born in 1633, was grad-
uated from Harvard College in 1653, and ordained
a minister in' 1657 in Farmington, Conn. He mar-
ried in 1658, in New York, Mary ^^'illet. who
was born in '1637, daughter of Thomas \\'illet. the
first mayor of New York Cit}-. Rev. Samuel Hooker
died in 1697. His widow married Rev. Thomas
Buckingham. A monument has been erected to her
by the Hooker Association, in Norwalk, Conn., also
one to Rev. Samuel Hooker, in the old burying-
ground in Farmington. He had a large family,
nine sons and three daughters.
John Hooker, son of Rev. Samuel, was born in
Farmington in 1664. and spent his life in that town,
dying in 1746. ''Fie was five years Speaker of
the Lower House, nine years a member of the
Upper House, and nine years a judge of the su-
perior court." He married Abigail Stanley, of
Farmington. daughter of Capt. John Stanley, who
was a member of the Lower House and of the Gen-
14
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eral Court for at least twenty-five years. They had
a large family of children. Hezekiah, the eldest
son, was born in 1688, left Farmington when a young
man, and went to the new town of Woodbury, where
he died. He married Abigail Curtis, and they were
the parents of ten children. Asahel, who was born
in Woodbury in 1736, removed to Bristol, where
he bought land and became a successful farmer.
He married Sarah Parmalee. Of their six children,
Asahel studied divinity and became a minister,
and was settled in Norwich, Conn. He was the
father of Rev. Edward W. Hooker, D. D., who was
professor in the Theological Seminary at East
Windsor Hill, and afterward pastor for some time
in Newburyport, Mass. Another son of Asahel, of
W'oodbury and afterward of Bristol, was Bryan,
Avho was born in Woodbury in 1764, and died in
Bristol in 1826. He was one of the first woolen
manufacturers in Connecticut, and was very suc-
cessful in producing fine and serviceable cloth for
men's wear. He btiilt a fine house for that time in
Bristol on a hill side, with the land sloping down
to the bank of the little Pequabuck river, where, not
many years before, when the stream was larger,
the Tunxis Indians had fished and paddled their
light canoes. In 1804 Bryan Hooker married Mrs.
Nancy (Lee) Fuller, a daughter of William Lee,
of Bristol, and widow of ]Mr. Fuller, who was a
teacher in Hartford. She had two children : Rhoda
Fuller, who married S. Augustus JMitchell, of Phil-
adelphia, the author of manj' school books; and
Franklin Fuller, who lived and died in Bristol. To
her marriage with Bryan Hooker three children
Avere born: Lydia, born in 1805, married Hon.
Cvrus P. Smith, mayor of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Nancy,
born in 1809, married William Hill, of Troy, N.
Y., and she is now (1900) living in the Hooker home-
stead at Bristol, at the advanced age of ninety-one
years, supposed to be the oldest living descendant
of Thomas Hooker; Bryan Edward is mentioned
"below.
An interesting account of the celebration of Mrs.
Nancy (Hooker) Hill's birthday appeared in the
Bristol and Hartford papers July 24, 1899 :
An event of unusual interest occurred in Bristol on
Monday, luly 24. It was the ninetieth anniversary of Mrs.
Nancy (Hooker) Hill's birthday, and was celebrated in a
■wholly informal manner, but very expressive of the high
regard in which Mrs. Hill is held by a host of relatives and
family friends far and near, and by her own townspeople.
No invitations were sent out, but all who remembered
the day were glad to testify of their affection and esteem.
The celebration began on Saturday, with the arrival of
letters of congratulation and gifts from distant relatives;
■on Sunday nearer relatives and friends came in person, with
gifts and words of good cheer and gratitude. Monday
witnessed the arrival of flowers and bonbons and books,
and the coming of many friends in town, a veritable recep-
tion day, which closed with messages of congratulation by
telephone from certain New England towns.
Mrs. Hill was at her best, and looked younger by twenty
years than her age, as she responded most graciously to the
greetings and attentions of those who called to see her. She
was dressed in a soft gray cloth princess gown, decorated
with white lace, the gift of her granddaughter, in which,
with a white shawl thrown over her shoulders, she received
her callers, and looked the ideal picture of a lady who had
lived a peaceful and beautiful life of nine decades.
Born in 18U9, in the same year with Gladstone, Bismarck
and Pope Leo XIH, she has outlived all but the last, and
nearly every one of her own generation in her native town.
Yet, m spite of delicate health and slightly impaired senses,
she has been a most interested spectator of the changes which
have come to her town and country, and to the world at
large.
Of the many evidences of affection and regard which
came to Mrs. Hill on her birthday, one was especially rare
as a mark of homage, it was a box of American Beauty
roses which came from Philadelphia by special messenger,
who left Philadelphia at midnight Sunday, and arrived at
Mrs. Hill's door on Monday morning at lO o'clock, deliver-
ing his message with the directness and dispatch of the
man who carried the letter to Garcia.
These birthday gifts and attentions to Mrs. Hill are the
mere symbols of a constant devotion, called forth by the
rare qualities of mind and heart of the recipient, who for
nearly a century has preserved the ideals of her youth, and
has been an inspiration and a joy to all who have come
under her influence. Hence it is only a devotion richly
deserved, and bestowed in full and overflowing measure.
Mrs. Nancy Plooker Hill had one daughter,
Adeline Frances, who married George Ripley Bow-
man, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a native of Braintree,
Mass. Mr. Bowman died in Brooklyn in 1863.
He left one child, Clara Lee Bowman, who since
her father's death has lived with her mother in the
Hooker homestead, with her grandmother.
Bryan Edward Hooker, the youngest child and
only son of Bryan Hooker, was born in Bristol Jan.
I, 1813. When a lad of twelve years he was sent to
the fine school for boys in Farmmgton, and boarded
in the family of Rev. Dr. Porter, the minister of the
old town, and father of President Porter, of Yale
College. For a year after leaving school he was
employed in a store, but early went into the manu-
facturing business, as his father had done before
him. He won the respect of all in the community
by his faithfulness, dignity of manner, kindness and
mature judgment. He was active in both town
and church matters, and people learned to depend
upon him as a wise counselor and friend. In 1840
he was sent to the State Legislature by the town
of Bristol, and was the youngest member of that
body. Mr. Hooker removed in 1844 to Hartford,
and engaged in business with Lawson C. Ives, the
firm being Ives, Hooker & Co., wool merchants.
In business matters Mr. Hooker was well known
for his exactness, punctuality and honesty. He
connected himself with the First Congregational
Church, and was as faithful in church matters as he
was in business. Rev. Dr. Hawes, well known in
New England as a leading minister, was pastor of
the church at that time. He soon found that the
young man from Bristol was one on whom he could
depend, and in a few years he was chosen a deacon
in the church, that office then being expected to
continue through life. Among those at that time
deacons in the church were men much older than
Mr. Hooker, men, indeed, old enough to have been
his father, among them Judge Thomas S. Williams
and Gov. Ellsworth. Mr. Hooker remained in office
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
15
twenty-two years, when he resigned on account of
partial deafness. He was the tirst to propose that
the office of deacon should be temporary, and not
for life, and that system was soon established in the
church. Mr. Hooker was interested in the Sunday-
school", and his classes of young men knew they
had a friend whose example, as well as teaching,
it was safe to follow. The Sunday-school was then
held at nine o'clock a. m., and for man)' years, when
well and in town, Mr. Hooker never tailed to be
promptly with his class.
In 1862 Mr. Hooker retired from the firm, with
which he had been connected eighteen years, to de-
vote himself to the management of the ]3road Brook
Woolen jManufacttiring Co., of which he became
secretary and treasurer. When he entered upon
this undertaking the sittiation was most discourag-
ing, the company being heavily in debt, and the
stockholders despondent. His ability as a man
of business is indicated by the success of the com-
pany for more than a quarter of a century under his
management. A sturd}- inflexible integrity was the
distinctive quality in ^Ir. Hooker, best known to
the people of Hartford, and his name frequently
fell from the lips of men as a synonym for abso-
lute honest}'. All shams and deceit were abhorrent
to him. To do his duty was the supreme law of his
life. His friends knew him as one who was un-
obtrusively thoughtful for the happiness of others,
liberal and magnanimous. A difficulty in hearing,
which came upon him some years prior to his death,
led him to resign from variotis boards of direction,
for he believed that directors should direct. Though
during the latter part of his life he was unable
to hear a sentence in church, he was always in his
place at public worship. Politically he was a stanch
Republican, and the last time he left his home was to
cast his vote for President Harrison. He died Dec.
9, 1888, after five weeks' illness of pneumonia.
'Mr. Hooker was twice married, first to Maria
Robbins Williams, of Rocky Hill, a descendant of the
Robbing and Wolcott families, and also of Thomas
Welles, governor of Connecticut in 1655 and 1658.
She died in i860, leaving two daughters : Ellen
Frances, who died in 1897; and Mary Williams,
who married Joseph G. ^^'oodward in 1879, and
died in 1882, leaving one child, Joseph Hooker
Woodward, born Alarch 7, 1882. " In 1862 j\Ir.
Hooker married Martha Huntington Williams, of
Manchester, who was born in East Hartford, daugh-
ter of Solomon and :\Iartha ( Bakerj ^\'illiams, for-
merly of Lebanon, Connecticut.
Mrs. Hooker's parents were both descended from
the early settlers of Massachusetts and Connecti-
cut. Her father, Solomon ^^'illiams, was born in
1783, in Lebanon, Conn., and early entered Yale
College, but remained not quite two years, being
unable to continue on account of severe illness. A
weakness of the e3-es and a cough remained with
him throughout life, and as he was obliged to lead
an outdoor life he for some vears had the care of
the farm that had belonged to his grandfather, the
old minister of that historic town. Eor a few years
he was in business with David L. Dodge, afterward
of New York, who was engaged in manufacturing
in Bozrah, near Lebanon. Later Mr. Williams was
in mercantile business, and removed to East Hart-
ford, but the last years of his life were spent in
Manchester, where (notwithstanding the feeble
health which was his lot during most of his life) he
lived to the great age of ninety-two years, dying in
1875. Solomon \\ illiams was a sun of Thomas
Williams, M. D. (a graduate of Yalej, and a grand-
son of Rev. Solomon Williams, D. D. (a graduate
of Hartford), for fifty years pastor of the church in
Lebanon. Gen. William ^\■illiams, one of the
Signers of the Declaration of Independence, was
also a son of Rev. Solomon Williams, who de-
rived his Christian name from his maternal grand^
father. Rev. Solomon Stoddard, D. D., of Xorth-
ampton, Mass., a clergyman of great prominence
in his day, and grandfather also of the famous di-
vine, Jonathan Edwards. Mr. Stoddard's mother
was a daughter of Emanuel Downing, who was
associated with Gov. Winthrop in the foundation
of the Massachusetts Colony. Mr. Stoddard's wife
\yas a daughter of the Rev. John ^^'arham, who
came from Exeter, England, to Dorchester, Mass.,
with his church, and removed to Windsor, Conn.,
in 1636. Rev. Solomon \\'illiams' father. Rev.
William Williams (a graduate of Harvard), was
pastor at Hatfield, ]\Iass., for fifty-six years, and
! he was a grandson of Robert ^^'illiams, who came
to Roxbury, Mass., from Norwich, England, in
1638. The wife of Rev. Solomon Williams was
j\Iary Porter, a daughter of Judge Samuel Porter,
of Hadley, Mass. Rebecca Wells, the wife of Dr.
Thomas Williams, was a descendant of Thomas
Welles, governor of Connecticut, and through the
Ellsworths, her mother's family, she was descended
from Elder John White and Elder ^^'illiam Good-
win, who came with Rev. Thomas Hooker to Hart-
ford in 1636.
Martha Baker, wife of Solomon ^Mlliams, of
Lebanon, was the daughter of Dr. Joseph Baker,
who served in the war of the Revolution as a
surgeon, and was at the battle of Fort Griswold.
His wife, Lucy Devotion, was of French descent.
Dr. Balver was descended from Rev. John Rob-
inson, of Leyden, and his wife belonged to a Hu-
guenot family, her father. Rev. Ebenezer Devotion,
of Scotland Parish, Windham, being a great-grand-
son of Edward Devotion, who was born at Rochelle,
France, in 1621, and came to Boston in 1645, to
escape religious persecution, settling in Brookline,
jMass. He left a large portion of his propertv to
establish free schools. Rev. E. Devotion married
Martha Lathrop, a daughter of Col. Simon Lathrop,
who commanded one of the Connecticut regiments
at the taking of Louisbourg in 1745, and rendered
distinguished service both in the field and in council.
He was a great-grandson of Rev. John Lathrop,
16
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a clergyman who left the Established Church,
preached for one year in London, was imprisoned,
and after his release came to Boston. He was an
independent thinker, and not agreeing with the
Boston ministers went to Barnstable, iViass., and
gathered a congregation. No one who united with
his church was obliged to sign any creed. He simply
professed his faith in God^ and promised that it
should be his constant endeavor to obey his com-
mandments, to live a pure life, and to walk in love
with his brethren. The wife of Gov. Samuel Hunt-
ington, one of the Signers of the Declaration of
Independence, and governor of Connecticut from
1786 to 1796, was a daughter of Rev. E. Devotion,
and an aunt of Mrs. Hooker's mother.
Bryan E. and Martha Hooker had three sons :
Edward Williams Hooker, born Oct. 19, 1865 ; Rob-
ert Huntington Hooker, April 21, 1867 (died May
21, 1874) ; and Thomas Williams Hooker, May 10,
1 87 1. Edward Williams Hooker married Nov. 12,
1889, JNIary JNlather Turner, daughter of Dr. Charles
P. Turner, of Philadelphia, and grandchild of Major
Roland JMather. of Hartford. Their children are
Rosalie, born Sept. 26, 1892; and Roland Mather,
born Sept. 10, 1900.
BOARDMAN. The name has been one of
prominence in New England from the earliest Co-
lonial times, and especially has it been historic in
Connecticut. It is the purpose here to treat only
of the line of ancestry and descendants of the late
William Boardman, for many years a prominent
citizen of Wethersfield and Hartford, in wdiich latter
city still reside some of his children and grand-
children, among them William Francis Joseph and
Thomas Jefferson Boardman, long identified with
the father in the wholesale tea, cofifee and spice
house of William Boardman & Sons.
The name is uniformly spelt Boreman in the
Colonial Records of Connecticut, and Boreman or
Borman in the early records of Wethersfield. The
change from Boreman, or Borman, first appears
among the family records in that of Lieut. Richard
Bordman, of Newington, in 1707, nearly seventy
years after the first appearance of Samuel (i)
Boreman in New England, by the addition of the
letter "d."' The new form was adopted by most of
the name in Wethersfield until 1780, in which year
the "a" is first added in the record of Elijah Board-
man, son of Israel, of Newington, since which
time the name has been spelt as above, Boardman.
Instances are found where the same person might
have his name spelt in all three ways in succession,
as in the case of Lieut. Richard, of Newington,
above mentioned, whose birth was recorded as a
Borman, liis marriage as a Bordman, and his death
on his gravestone as that of Boardman.
(I) Samuel Boreman, the emigrant ancestor
of this branch of the Boardman family, was a son
of Christopher and Julian (Carter) Boreman, and
was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, and
baptized there August 20, 161 5. About 1619 he
removed with his parents to Claydon, a village near
Banbury, where he spent his early life. From indi-
cations contained 'in the Journal of John Josselyn,
Genl., Mr. Boreman, accompanied by his "servant"
(and perhaps by his wife), sailed in the ship "New
Supply" from Gravesend, England, for New Eng-
land, "April 26, 1638, which anchored in the Bay of
Mass., before Boston, July 3d, of the same year."'
He first appears as a New England settler in Ips-
wich, Mass., where, in a list of inhabitants without
date, he is called a cooper, and has land recorded
to him Aug. 22, 1639. ^^^ stay in Ipswich was not
a long one, yet during this period he owned three
dilTerent homesteads. The first of these, which was
granted to him b" the town, was situated at the west
end of High street.
In 1641, or during the previous year, he dis-
posed of all his property in Ipswich and removed
to Wethersfield, Conn. About this time he mar-
ried ^lary, daughter of John and Mary Betts, who
were living in Claydon in 1627. She afterwards
emigrated to New England with the mother, then
the "widdoe" Mary Betts, who appears in Hartford
soon after the settlement of the town, and received
a portion of the first grants of land, being one in
the list who had "lotts at the Courtesie of the Town."
Pier house lot in 1639-40 was situated at the foot
of the present Trumbull street on the East side.
She was a school teacher and called "Goody Betts,
the school dame." She died before July 19, 1647. ^
The earliest record of Samuel Boreman in Weth-
ersfield appears in Vol. I, Town Votes, Page 4, viz. :
"The eare marke of Sam: Boreman of Wethers-
ffielde is the near eare under half-penyed, the off
eare whole." This ear mark was used by his de-
scendants in Wethersfield as late as 1846. Judge
Adams, the Wethersfield historian, considers
this entry to have been made in 1640. His
first purchase of land^ in Wethersfield, so far as
known, was a homestead of three acres, with a
barn and cellar, which was recorded April 9, 1645.
It was on the east side of Broad street, a little north
of Plain Lane and near the great elm now stand-
ing there, and is thus entered on the record of the
town : "One piece whereon a cellar and a barn
standeth, containing three acres more or less. The
ends abut against the Broad St. north-west, and the
plain south-east, the sides against the house-lot of
Mr. Chester north-east and Richard Parke south-
west." This lot he sold to John Lattimer before
June 22, 1646.
On November 3, 1659, ^e purchased of i\Ir.
Nathaniel Dickinson a homestead which was sit-
uated on the southwest corner of Broad street, ex-
tending westward along Fletcher Lane (Garden
street) to Belle Lane (South Main street) and is
described as "one house lot with house thereon
Con : 2 acres and a half more or less, -the end abut-
ting on Broad Street East, and the long street West,
and on the highway North, and the lands of John
c-C^c^^i^ ty^y fi~Ziyr~~c^^^^^^i^i^c^Jt^
/
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
17
Kiiborn South." Here he resided the last four-
teen years of his life; the house, at times repaired
and enlarged, was the home of five generations of
the famil}'. The buildings were subsequently used
as a tavern, and destroyed by fire March 17, 1827.
Samuel Boreman was an extensive land holder,
having purchased no less than fifty-five pieces of
land, aggregating 755 acres. This was exclusive
of one-eighth part in lands of Robert Rose, who had
312 acres in one tract on the East side of the river,
and other lands on both sides. Samuel Boreman
was, granted, by the town, Jan. 2, 1649-50, thirty
acres of upland in Stepney (Rocky Hill) bounded
East on the river, North on what was later re-
served for a ship yard. South by a stream known
as Fog Brook, extending westerly up the hill which
slopes from the river. This was the first grant of
land by the town in that section of Wethersfield.
In after years this tract became of great commercial
importance. It has often been occupied by stores and
warehouses, and at the present time tlie Railroad
Station, the Foundry and several ancient residences
are located on this site.
The Indian Chief Turramuggas ( Son of Sachem
Sowheag) gave to Mr. Samuel Boreman and Thom-
as Edwards jointly, Jan. 26, 1673, out of "respect
for them" a tract of land containing 400 acres at
Assawasick, in what is now East Glastonbury. This
is the earliest deed, next after one grant of land at
Beckley quarter, made by the Indians to private in-
dividuals in the township.
Samuel Boreman's name is often found in the
records of Wethersfield. He was chosen townsman
(Selectman) in 1656-57-58-60-61-62-65-66-69-72
and 1673, assessor for two years, rate maker, sur-
veyor of highways and constable. He was often
appointed to lay out highways, town bounds and in-
dividual grants of lands. In church affairs as well,
he took a prominent part, serving on committees
to "procure a minister," "seat the meeting house,"
erect a parsonage, to settle differences, etc. He last
appears in the Wethersfield Town Records, March
26, 1673, where he is the first named of five towns-
men to procure a house for the use of the Rev. Mr.
Bulkley. His inventory was taken May 2, 1673.
We learn from the Records of the Particular Court
or Court of Magistrates that Mr. Boreman was a
Juror as early as 1646 and filled that office for fif-
teen years, in 1660 and 1662 being one of the Grand
Jury.
In the Colonial Records, we find that Samuel
Boreman first represented the town of Wethersfield
as Deputy to the General Court Oct. i, 1657, that
he was elected in all eighteen terms and reported
present at thirt3--four sessions. On Oct. 9, 1662,
when Connecticut's famous charter, procured in Eng-
land from Charles II by Governor Winthrop, was
"first publiquely read in audience of ye Freeman and
declaired to belong to them and their successors,'
"^Ir. Samuel Boreman was present as one of the Dep-
uties and he and Sergt. Nott were appointed to notify
2
those in Wethersfield indebted to the country in be-
half of Mr. Cullick to provide and prepare payment
to enable the country to discharge such sums as
should be charged by Governor Winthrop for pro-
curing the Charter for the Colony." He was apix)int-
ed by the General Court in 1649 Town Sealer of
weights and measures, and in 1659 Customs Master
of Wethersfield, being the first to hold that office,
was selected by the General Court to serve on com-
mittees to settle church dift'erences, to lay out the
new town of Haddam, including its purchase from
the Indians, to lay out the bounds of }iIiddletown
and settle its differences with the Indians, to settle
estates and to lay out the bounds of the proprietors
at Naubuck. "^ir." Samuel Boreman's last appear-
ance as Deputy from Wethersfield on record was
Oct. 12, 1671, the beginning of a term of the court
which expired in April, 1672. He died in April;
1673. His widow Alary died in August, 1684,
aged about sixty-one years. Children : Isaac, JNIary,
Samuel, Joseph, John, Sarah, Daniel, Jonathan,
Nathaniel and Martha. Joseph, born March 12,
1650, and John, born June 12, 1653, died in 1676, un-
married ; their inventories were both taken Feb. 2j,
1676-7. In the list of accounts due to John appears
"£i2-6s-9d, due from the country,'' which, with the
manuscript of Hon. David Sherman Boardman that
they "died unmarried in the Army," lead to the belief
that they perished in the King Philip war — proba-
bly in the Swamp fight, Dec. 19, 1676. The other
children lived to marry.
"Few of the first settlers of Connecticut came
here with a better reputation or sustained it more
uniformly through life than Mr. Boreman'' [Hin-
man page 263] "Samuel Boreman was a leading
man in the Colony for nearly thirtv vears" [Hol-
lister Vol. I, P. 464].
(II) Samuel Boreman, son of Samuel and Mary
(Betts) Boreman, was born in Wethersfield, Oct.
28, 1648. He married Feb. 8, 1682-3, Sarah Steele,
baptized at Faj;mington, Dec. 29, 1656, daughter of
Lieut. Samuel and Mary (Boosey) Steele of Weth-
ersfield and earlier of Farmington. Air. Boreman
was by occupation a cooper and farmer, and one of
the principal land owners of the town, having add-
ed largely to the share which he received from his
father's estate by the purchase of other tracts of land
in the South Field, the Great Plain, the West Field
and elsewhere.
In 1677, Samuel Boreman, with three others, re-
ceived from the town a grant of land in "Piper Stave
Swamp in the present town of Newington with
sufficient Pondings and 20 acres of land to each of
them forever, for the purpose of erecting a saw-
mill, allwise provided the said party, make no sale
of bord or timber to any other town, without the
consent of ^^'ethersfield townsmen, and to sell bords
at home, at five shillings per hundred and at the mill
at four shillings per hundred. The mill is to be up
and fit for work at or before the last of Septem-
ber next ensuing the date hereof [Wethersfiekl
IS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Town A'otes]. This was the first sawmill built in
W'ethersfield. "Clark Samuel Boreman" had a
share in the second division of land on the West
side of the river, a 52-acre lot in Newington, and
lands elsewhere.
Although not a prominent office holder we find
that Mr. Boreman was chosen surveyor of high-
ways in 1679. "Sergt. Samuel Boreman" was one
of the town collectors for 1683, constable in 1682,
one of the Committee to lay out a highway to Fear-
ful Swamp in 1687, Lister in 1693 and 1702, and
Surveyor in 1694. He occupied his father's home-
stead, corner of Broad Street and Fletcher Lane.
He died Dec. 23, 1720, "aged 72 y. 2 mo., wanting
two days," and his widow, Sarah, died Jan. 23,
1732-3. Their children were Mary, Sarah, Hannah,
David, Joseph and Josiah. Sarah, Hannah and
Josiah died young. Sarah (Steele) Boreman was
a descendant of the third generation from John
Steele, one of the original proprietors of Hartford,
who was born in Essex County, England, and mar-
ried at Fairstead, near Braintree, in the above coun-
ty, Rachel, sister of John Talcott of Hartford. He
emigrated to New England about 1632, and set-
tled in Newtown (Cambridge), where he was made
a freeman in 1634. He was chosen Deputy to the
General Court of Massachusetts in March, 1634,
and 2\Iay and September, 1635, and was appointed
by that body ]\Iarch 3, 1635-6 one of the Commis-
sioners "to govern the people of Connecticut for
the space of one year coming." He removed to
Hartford in 1635-6, and his homestead was on the
east side of ]\Iain Street, a little north of the site
now occupied by the Atheneum. Mr. Steele was
actively interested in the affairs of his town and
colony. He was Secretary of the Colony from
1636 to 1639, was often chosen Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court between 1637 and 1657, and held the
office of Town Clerk of Hartford until his removal
to Farmington about 1645, where his wife Rachel
died in 1653. He died in Farmington, November
25, 1665. Sarah Steele's line of descent was Lieut.
Samuel (H). John (I).
(HI) Joseph Bordman, son of Samuel and Sarah
(Steele) Boreman. was born in Wethersfield April
6, 1695, married Feb. 17, 1726, Mary, daughter of
Joseph Belden, born April 23, 1704, and Hved at the
extreme south end of Broad Street, on the west side,
in the house erected by his father Samuel (H),
and given him by the latter's will in 1720. He was
a farmer bv occupation, and in local matters a man
of substance and prominent in the affairs of Weth-
ersfield. He was commissioned Quarter-master of
Captain Josiah Griswold's Troop of Horse, in the
Sixth Regiment, May 11, 1749, and Cornet in the
same regiment in October, 1751, by the General
Court. He was one of the selectmen of the town
in 1755, who had charge of the French prisoners
quartered there at that time. "It is probable that he
did his share of duty in the French campaign dur-
insT his term of military service."
Joseph Bordman was chosen Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court from Wethersfield, October, 1754, Jan-
uary, 1755, March, 1755, October, 1759, and May
1760. He was one of the largest contributors to the
fund raised for building the present Congregational
church in Wethersfield in 1761. (Corner Stone.)
His wife Mary died April 30, 1769. He died
Jan. 19, 1 771. Their children were Mary, Sarah,
Eunice, Hannah, Levi, Rhoda, Samuel and Abi-
gail. All lived to marry. Mary (Belden) Bord-
man was descended in the fourth generation from
Richard Belden, an early settler of Wethersfield.
The records concerning him are few. He owned
April 7, 1641, eight pieces of land including a
homestead situated on the east side of Broad street,
on the north corner of Plain Lane. He was chosen
town herder IMarch 16, 1646. It was his duty to keep
watch over the herd and give immediate warning to
the inhabitants of wolves or other dangers threat-
ening the stock, his compensation being in "four
equal payments." "On fourth in wheat, on fourth
in pease, on fourth in barle}', on fourth in Lidian,
sound, dry and well drest." That this was not an
easy task we may readily infer from tlie fact that,
the year following, four herders were elected. He
died in 1655, the mventory of his estate was taken
Aug. 22d of the same year. Mary (Belden) Bord-
man's line of descent is through Joseph (HI), John
(H), Richard (I).
(IV) Levi Bordman, son of Joseph and Mary
(Belden) Bordman, was born in Wethersfield, May
6, 1739. He married April 23, 1761, Esther Bord-
man, born Dec. 22, 1743, daughter of Gamaliel and.
Sarah (Sherman) Bordman, of Newington, and
great-great-granddaughter of Samuel Boreman, the
settler. He died March 22, 1782. Esther, his wid-
ow, married (second) Nov. 11, 1784, William War-
ner, and died Sept. i, 1797. The children of Levi
and Esther were Joseph, Levi, Sarah, Sarah, Simeon
and Joseph Simeon — Levi and Joseph Simeon, only,
living to maturity.
Levi Bordman was a prominent man of his day
in Wethersfield. He was chosen one of the se-
lectmen of Wethersfield in December, 1773, 1774,
and 1775, and in this official capacity he certified to
the muster roll of Capt. John Chester's Company
of one lumdred and fifteen men, at the starting of
that body for the relief of Boston, in the Lexing-
ton Alarm in April, 1775. In this company were
Samuel, Elijah, Return and Samuel Bordman (2d).
In 1774 he was one of the contributors to a fund
" to relieve and encourage the inhabitants of Boston
under their imparaklled suffering in the General
Cause of American Liberty." In the year follow-
ing he assisted his brother Samuel in erecting a
saltpetre manufactory, near the foot of Broad
street, in W'ethersfield, and furnished material nec-
essary in the manufacture of this article, large quan-
tities of which were made for use in the Revolution-
ary war. Levi and Samuel Bordman also built and
owned the sloop "Ann" (Lemuel Deming, mas-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
19
ter), which was used to convey a company of sev-
enty-two soldiers, under the command of Capt. John
Hanmer, from Wethersfield to New York, at the
time of the Long Island invasion Aug. 23, 1776.
It is a family tradition that Levi Bordman served in
the war of the Revolution. The fact that he pos-
sessed a full military equipment, including a breast
plate marked "L. Bordman," adds not a little to the
truth of this tradition.
During a portion of his life, at least, Levi Bord-
man was a school master, and sometimes received
pupils at his home for instruction. It is known that
he taught the South School in Wethersfield in 1771,
and the Broad Street School in 1778. His library
included books in the Greek and Latin languages,
indicating that he was a man of liberal education.
Mr. Bordman is said to have lived some years
after his marriage in the house of his ancestor, Sam-
uel Boreman (I), corner of Broad street and Fletch-
er Lane. Included in the inventory of his property
was an "old tavern sign," which leads to the conjec-
ture that he kept a public house there, for it is known
that the building was used for that purpose. It is
.believed that Isir. Bordman was keeping this tavern
when on September 19, 1765, Stamp-Master Jared
Ingersoll, of New Haven, on his way to Hartford,
was forced by the "Sons of Liberty," who had gath-
ered under the great Elm tree in front of Col. John
Chester's house, next adjoining, to enter this tavern,
and there sign a written resignation of his office.
Esther Bordman was helpful to the soldiers dur-
ing the War of the Revolution in assisting them to
join their regiments, in boarding, washing and
mending their clothes, &c. Her line of descent is
through Gamaliel (IV), Richard (III), Daniel (II),
Samuel (I).
(V) Joseph Simeon Boardman, son of Levi and
Esther (Bordman) Boardman, was born in Wethers-
iield, Conn., May 3, 1780. He married July 31,
1803, Lucinda, daughter of Joseph and Hannah
(Harrison) Canfield, of Salisbury, Conn., born 1786.
He was a cordwainer by trade. Early in 1804 he re-
moved to Lenox, Mass., where he successfully en-
gaged in the business of tanning leather. Late in the
following year he retiu-ned to his native town, and
for some years lived on the west side of the high-
■\vay leading from Broad street to South Lane, next
north of the Appleton Robbins place. In 1816 he
purchased his father's old homestead on Broad
■street, where he resided until his death.
After his return from Lenox he devoted his at-
tention somewhat to the shipping business, then of
considerable local importance. An examination of
liis account books and diaries show him to have
laeen very careful and accurate in his business habits.
From them, it is learned that he spent a portion of
his time at his trade, and that he was also engaged
in shipping large quantities of onions, then the staple
crop of Wethersfield, to New York, and there selling
them on commission. It was while acting as super-
cargo on board the sloop "Eliza" (David Moul-
throp, captain), on her passage to New York, that he
lost his life by shipwreck on Long Island Sound on
the night of November 13, 1827, all on board being
lost. His body was recovered at Huntington, L.
I., and buried in Wethersfield. His widow married
Sept. 19, 1832, Ezra L'Hommedieu, of Chester,
where she died March 6, 1850, and was buried in
Wethersfield.
Mr. Boardman was a gentleman of strong re-
ligious convictions. He and his wife became mem-
bers of the Congregational Church in 18 16, and
throughout their lives were zealous workers in the
cause of religion. Mr. Boardman's private diary,
from which extracts of considerable length are
given in the Boardman Genealogy, is a witness to
the earnestness and sincerity of his Christian life.
Their children were William, Hannah, Joseph, Jo-
seph Canfield and Maria Lucinda.
Lucinda (Canfield) Boardman was of the sixth
generation from Sergt. Thomas Canfield, who was
born in England and settled in Milford, Conn., in or
before 1646, and was granted a house lot and two
acres of land by the town, December 31, 1646. He
also received from the town four acres of land for
supporting a gate at New Field. He became a mem-
ber of the church in Milford, ]\Iarch i, 1656, and
was appointed by the General Court May 13, 1669,
sergeant of the train band of ^.lilford. He was
elected Deputy to the General Court from ]Milford
in 1673, 1674 and 1676. He died in 1689. His wife,
Phebe Crane, whom he married probably before
1650, was perhaps the sister of Benjamin Crane, of
Wethersfield. Her will was made July 29, 1690.
Lucinda Canfield's line of descent is Joseph (\'),
Joel (IV), Thomas (III), Thomas (II), Thom-
as (I).
(VI) William Boardman, son of Joseph Sim-
eon and Lucinda (Canfield) Boardman, was born
Feb. 25, 1805, in Lenox, Mass., where his father was
then for a short time residing. Young Boardman re-
ceived his education in the best schools of ^^'eth-
ersfield. At the age of sixteen he began learning the
printer's trade in the office of the Hartford Tunes,
then owned and published by Samuel Bowles and
John Francis. In the summer of 1824, when ^Ir.
Bowles started the Springfield Republican, ]\Ir.
Boardman went with him to Spring-field, the removal
being accomplished by placing the press, with all ar-
ticles necessary for use in the business, and the
household furniture on a flatboat, in which they were
poled up the Connecticut river. He boarded in
the family of his -employer, and se. up and printed
a part of the first issue of the Springfield Republi-
can, which has since become one of the leading news-
papers of New England. In 1828, in company with
William Faulkner, of Norwich, under the firm name
of Boardman & Faulkner, he began the publication
of the Norwich Republican, of which he was also
the editor. This was the second paper in Connecti-
cut to support the election of Andrew Jackson for
the Presidencv. Ill health obliged Mr. Boardman
20
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to retire from his position after the tirst year. In
1830 he published the Tolland Advocate for an asso-
ciation of gentlemen in' folland, Conn. In 1832,
in company with Alfred Francis, he published the
life, writings and opinions of Thomas Jeliferson,
written for them by E. L. Rayner, the printing,
binding, etc., being all done in Wethersfield. In
1834, iVir. Boardman was employed by John Rus-
sell, then editor^ and publisher of tlie Hartford
Times, as foreman of the establisnment.
In 1841, in company with John Fox, Mr. Board-
man started in Wethersfield, in connection with a
successful grocery business, the first manufactory wi
New England, outside of Boston, for the roasting,
grinding, and packing of coffee and spices for the
wholesale trade. This partnership was dissolved
in October, 1844, and January I, 1845, Air. Board-
man undertook the same business on his own ac-
count, which he removed in 1850 to Hartford, lo-
cating at No. 12 Central Row, where he associated
with himself his son, W . F. J. Boardman, under
the firm name of ^^^m. Boardman & Son. Steam
power and modern machinery were introduced, and
the firm did a large business in several States of
the Union, and especially in New York City, where
a considerable amount of the goods manufactured
were sold. The coffee used at the opening of the
Crystal Palace in New York, July 14, 1853, was
furnished by them. Probably the first invoice of
ground and prepared coft'ee sent to California was
from this firm. Still larger accommodations being
needed, the store and manufactory were removed,
ii-i 1853, from Central Row to what is now No.
241 State street. The building was bought and
fitted up with a twenty-five horse power engine, and
with all the new and improved machinery for the
successful carrying on of the business. At this
time Mr. Boardman's second son, Thomas J., was ad-
mitted to the firm, and its name was changed to W'm.
Boardman & Sons. The building, occupied, consist-
ed of four stories, with a store-house of two stories
in the rear. In 1858, two stories in an adjoining
building were leased, and teas were added to the
stock in trade. Travelling salesmen were employed,
and a large business was done throughout New
York, New Hampshire, A'ermont, Massachusetts and
Connecticut, thousands of chests being sold yearly.
In 1867 the business was removed from No. 241
to No. 205 State street, corner of Front, the old
store being retained for the manufacturing and stor-
age of goods. This added four stories, 30x80 feet,
to the space formerly occupied. In 1871, the brown
stone building, Nos. 298-306 Asylum street, was
erected for the business; it measured 52x100 feet,
and was five stories high besides a basement, with
the manufactory in the rear of three stories, 30x40
feet. The cost was over $100,000, and it was the
finest, private building then in the city. The firm
removed to it April i, 1872, new machinery being
added, making it the most complete manufactorv of
its kind in New England. Here they continued to
do a large and successful business as wholesale
dealers and importers of teas, coffees and spices, and
as dealers in cigars, tobacco and grocers' sundries.
On July 9, 1888, after the death of the senior part-
ner, William F. J. Boardman retired from the firm
— the business then for a time being carried on by
the younger of his two sons, Thomas J., and his son,
Howard F., under the old firm name out of respect
for its founders. On Jan. i, 1897, the business
was incorporated under the name of The Wm.
Boardman & Sons Co., of which Thomas J. Board-
man is President ; A. H. Brcnson, Secretary, and
H. F. Boardman, Treasurer.
William Boardman was interested in many en-
terprises aside from his regular business. He, with
the firm, was the builder of several of the finest pri-
vate structures in Hartford. He also, in company
with others, constructed several vessels of large
size, one of which was named the "William Board-
man." He was one of the originators of and sub-
scribers to The Merrick Thread Co., of Holyoke,
Mass., and one of its directors ; also of the Hart-
ford and New York Steamboat Co., the Comstock &
Ferre Seed Co., Bank of Hartford County (Amer-
ican National), Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
(First National), Orient Fire Insurance Co., Me-
chanics Bank & Building Association, and Hudson
River W^ater Power & Paper Co. He was an orig-
inal subscriber to the stock of the City Fire Insur-
ance Co., Merchants Fire Insurance Co., Phoenix
Fire Insurance Co., and Hartford Engineering Co.
In 1836, and for several years after, he was secre-
tary and director of the Wethersfield Mutual Fire
Insurance Co. He also assisted in the formation of
many industries, both of a private and public char-
acter, and did much to advance the interests of his
adopted city. He settled many estates, was a direc-
tor in insurance companies, manufacturing cor-'
porations, and banks. He was largely interested in
proving the feasibility and cheapness of peat as
fuel. He was associated with Henry Martin in
manufacturing the first power machines for making-
brick in this country ; was general agent and mana-
ger of the Holbrook School Apparatus Company for
the manufacture of instruments showing the revolu-
tions of the solar system, and of other instruments
connected with the education of children. He was
president of the Hartford Associated Coal Company,
a company which was formed just after the Civil
War, to enable consumers to receive their coal at
the cost of mining, etc., which, owing to the general
collapse in mercantile values, did not prove a suc-
cess. Mr. Boardman filled all these places of trust
with honor and fidelity. His advice was often
sought in business and other matters, and cheerfully
and honestly given. He held other ofifices in earlier
life, such as State prison director in 1834, town
constable and collector in 1835-36-37, representative
in the Legislature from Wethersfield in 1852, where
he was on several important committees, and was
again appointed State prison director, and also com-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21
missioner for Hartford county, by Gov. Thomas
H. Seymour. After his removal to Hartford, in
1858, he invariably refused public office. He was
a life-long Democrat, a firm L'nion man, and a sub-
scriber to The Hartford Times from 1820 to 1889.
In 1858 he assisted J. AI. Schofield in establishing
a Democratic journal, the Hartford Morning Post,
now the Hartford Evening Post, Republican in its
politics. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity
and of the Odd Fellows, and in the latter organiza-
tion held the office of Noble Grand.
"Religiously, Mr. Boardman was a true child
of his Puritan ancestry." "To strict integrity, a
careful frugality, a true orthodoxy, he joined a
clear religious experience.". Both he and his wife
were brought' up in the Congregational Church,
but in early life became deeply interested in the
^lethodist Episcopal Church, then in its infancy in
Wethersfield, where it was at first strongly opposed
by many of the townspeople, who adhered to the
Congregational denomination. At one time when
they were refused the use of the town hall for relig-
ious services, Mr. Boardman with others forced the
doors in order to hold the meeting. The excite-
ment at that time was so great that the "riot" act
'^vas read to the assembled crowd by Samuel Galpjn,
Esq., of Wethersfield. Mr. Boardman and his wife
imited with the M. E. Church in 1838, and remained
through life its firm supporters. He helped to re-
"build its church edifice, and gave so liberally to the
imdertaking that, in gratitude to him, it was named,
at its re-dedication, Boardman Chapel. On re-
moving to Hartford in 1858, their membership was
transferred to the First ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church
there, of which Mr. Boardman was elected one of the
trustees, and when its new church edifice was erected
on Asylum street, he was one of the building com-
niittee, giving a large sum for the purpose. When
the South Park ]\I. E. Church was organized in
1869, in the south part of the city, Mr. and Mrs.
Boardman joined the new movement, and wene
among the foremost in the enterprise, he being ap-
pointed one of the trustees and a member of the
building committee. One of the acts of his later li'e
was the payment of the niortgage then on the church,
thus relieving it of debt, and this on the condition
that there should never be another mortgage. He
was elected the first Sunday-school superintendent,
continuing in that capacity until infirmity and ad-
vancing age compelled his resignation. In 1885,
after the death of his wife, he built the Boardman
^vlemorial Chapel, adjoining the church, in remem-
brance of her. It was dedicated Feb. 23, 1886.
The liberality of iMr. Boardman was great, and
the calls on his charity were many, and freely re-
sponded to. By his will he made bequests to the
Old People's Home, , The Hartford Hospital. The
Larabee Fund, The Charitable Society of Hartford.
The Fund for Superannuated Preachers, the Board
of Church Extension of the M. E. Church, and to
the Grant Memorial University of Athens, Ten-
nessee.
On Jan. 3, 1828, ^Ir. Boardman was married to
Mary Francis, who was born in Wethersfield, Xov.
6, 1803, daughter of Capt. Daniel and Mehitabel
(Goodrich) Francis, and granddaughter of Capt.
John P"rancis and Capt. Elizur Goodrich, both sol-
diers of the Revolution. ^Nlr. Boardman's married
life was a long and happy one, extending through
more than fifty-six years. His wife was a woman
remarkable for her kindness of heart and her whole-
souled liberality. She was never happier than when
doing something for the help and comfort of others,
and her husband took care that she should never
lack the means for her benefactions. She was in-
terested in all good works, both public and private,
and the extent to which she aided them will never
be known, for she was unassuming in all her boun-
ties. During the Civil war, she took great interest in
the condition of the soldiers, and was one of the man-
agers of the Soldiers' Aid Association. But it was
as the kind and tender wife and mother that -she
found her chief happiness, and the best monument
and witness to her excellence has been the rever-
ent and unforgetting aft'ection of her husband and
children. She died Dec. 14, 1884, at the age of
eightv-one. Fler line of ancestrv was Daniel (V)
John' (IV), John (III), John fll), Robert (I).
Mr. Boardman survived his wife for nearly three
}-ears, and died November 3, 1887, in his eighty-
third year. Their children, all of whom were born
in Wethersfield, were : AMlIiam Francis Joseph and
Thomas Jefiferson, both mentioned later : Arethusa
]\Iaria and Alpheus Francis, both deceased in early
childhood; Mary Lucinda, born in 1841, married,
in 1870, George W. Atwood; and Emma Jennette,
born in 1846, died in i860.
(VII) William F. J. Boardmax, of Hartford,
Conn., son of William and IMary ( Francis ) Board-
man, was born in Wethersfield, Dec. 12, 1828. He
was married Jan. 7, 1852, by the Rev. Horace Bush-
nell, D. D., in the North Congregational Church in
.. Hartford, to Jane Maria Greenleaf , born in Hartford
Aug. 9, 1835, youngest daughter of Dr. Charles and
Electa (Toocker) Greenleaf. ^Irs. Boardman died
Aug. 20, 1899, aged 64 years. "The world was
better for her having lived."
Mr. Boardman received his education in the pub-
lic schools of his native town, graduating from the
Wethersfield Academy in the Spring of 1846. On
leaving school he entered the Coltee and Spice Man-
ufactory of his father, in Wethersfield, to learn the
business in detail. Four years later, upon the re-
moval of the business to Hartford, he was admitted
into partnership with his father, under the firm
name of William Boardman & Son. In 1853, his
brother Thomas J. was admitted a member and the
corporate name changed to ^^'illiam Boardman &
Sons. This business connection continued with
uninterrupted success for thirty-eight years. After
22
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
many years of close application to business, Mr.
Boarclman's health became seriously impaired and
he found it necessary to take a rest from its cares,
at one time going abroad to seek the benefit of travel
and change. The result was not entirely success-
ful, and, as a matter of physical necessity, he con-
cluded, after his return, to abandon all business act-
ivity, which he did by selling to his brother his en-
tire interest in the old firm, July 9, 1888, after an
experience of forty-two years. Mr. Boardman has
never sought political office or favor. In 1861 he
was chosen a director of the State Bank of Hart-
ford, serving in that capacity during the war of the
Rebellion, giving to the institution the same con-
scientious attention that he did to his own business.
In 1863, he was elected a member of the Hartford
Common Council from the old Third ward, in which
he was a member of the highways committee and
chairman of the committee on the horse railroad,
then being constructed, also serving on other com-
mittees.
During his business life, Mr. Boardman has been
actively engaged in promoting and establishing many
business eterprises, among which are the Hartford
and New York Steamboat Company, The Merrick
Thread Company of Holyoke, Mass., The Hudson
River Water Power and Paper Co. of Mechanics-
ville, N. Y., as well as many other undertakings in
which he shared an equal interest in common with
the other members of his firm. He has helped young
men to establish themselves in business and assist-
ed others in these affairs. He has served on com-
missions, settled estates, operated in real estate con-
siderably, attended to the construction of some of
the best buildings of his adopted city, and has gen-
erally led an active life.
Mr. Boardman was one of the original members
of the Putnam Phalanx at its organization in 1859,
and still retains his connection with this well known
Military Battalion. He-is a life member of the Con-
necticut Historical Society, a life member of the
Wethersfield Society Library, a member of the Tops-
field Historical Society of Massachusetts, the society
of the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the
Connecticut Society of the Order of the Founders
and Patriots of America, through both lines of his
ancestry. He was admitted a member at its organ-
ization May 9, 1896, and chosen one of its coun-
cillors, and later elected Genealogist of the Order.
Mr. Boardman has devoted much time and money
in collecting and preserving records relating to the
Boardman Family, including originals relating to
each of his New England ancestors. In 1895 he
published "The Boardman Genealogy 1525-1895," a,
work of nearly 800 pages. He has also published
"The Francis-Goodrich-I3oardman" Genealogy in his
line of ancestry. "A memorial to the Memorv of
William Boardman and Mary Francis" and a "Com-
plete Record of the Wethersfield Inscriptions in the
Five Burial Places in that Ancient Town." He has
nearly ready for publication, "The Record of the
Ancestry of William Boardman and Mary Francis,
showing their allied lines of descent through forty
families who settled in New England prior to 1650,
with short biographical sketches of each ancestor."
Jane Maria (Greenleaf) Boardman was a de-
scendant in the' ninth getieration from Capt. Ed-
mund Greenleaf, who was born in England, and emi-
grated to New England with his family in 1635, and
settled in Newbury, Mass. He was one of the first
settlers or founders of Newbury, and was granted
122 acres in the first division of land there in
1635. From all that can be gathered, it is believed
that his ancestors were Huguenots. On the parish
records of St. Mary's la Tour in Ipswich, County of
SufTolk, England, is recorded "Edmund Greenleaf,
son of John and Margaret, was baptized January
2, 1574." Edmund Greenleaf married Sarah Dole,
and by her had nine children whose names appear on
the record of St. Mary's la Tour above mentioned,
all born in England. Mr. Greenleaf lived near the
old town bridge in Newbury, where for some years
he kept a tavern. He was admitted a freeman March
13, 1639, and on May 22, of the same year, he was
"permitted to keep a house of entertainment." He
was by trade a silk dyer. About 1650, he moved
to Boston where his wife Sarah died January 18,
1663. He died there March 24, 1671, aged about
ninetv-seven years. In 1637, Capt. Greenleaf com-
manded a company which marched against the
Indians. On Nov. 5, 1639, he was made ensign
of the company at Newbury, and in 1642 lieutenant
of Massachusetts Provincial Forces. In 1644 he
was an "Ancient and experienced Lieut, under Capt.
William Gerrish," was captain in 1644, and head of
the Militia under Gerrish, and November 11, 1647,
at his own request, was discharged from military
service being in the seventy-fourth year of his age.
Jane M. (Greenleaf) Boardman's line of descent is
Dr. Charles (VIII), Dr. David (VII), David (VI).
Dr. Daniel (V), Rev. Daniel (IV), Capt. Stephen
(HI), Capt. Stephen (II), Capt. Edmund (I).
(VII) Thomas Jefferson Boardman, son of
William and Mary (Francis) Boardman, was born in
Wethersfield, Conn., May 27, 1832, and received his
education in the district school and academy of the
town, and at the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham,
Mass. Having finished his education, he returned
to Wethersfield, preferring a business to a pro-
fessional life. He began as clerk in a country store
in New Britain, remaining till the failure of the con-
cern in 1850. He then accepted a position with his
father and brother in Hartford, and later, in 1853,
he was admitted to the firm. In this he remained
a partner till after the death of his father, and the
retirement of his brother July g, 1888, when he,
with his son, Howard F.. continued the business
under the old firm name until Jan. i, 1897. It was
then incorporated as The Wm. Boardman & Sons
Company, of which he became, and is still Presi-
dent, his son, Howard F., being Treasurer, and Ar-
thur H. Bronson, Secretary. He is also President of
fe<J^&?^^%)
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
23
The \Miolesale Grocers Association of Southern
New England.
]\Ir. Boardman has often been urged to accept
pubhc office, but has always declined, preferring to
give his entire time and energy to his business. He
was brought up a Methodist, but in early life became
a convert to the Universalist faith, uniting with that
church in 1863. He was long connected with the
Sunday-school, as teacher, assistant superintendent,
and president of the Teachers' Association, and was
for .many years a worker in the church, as a member
of its board of trustees and one of its chief support-
ers. He was also for many years on the State Mis-
sionary Board of the Universalist Church, and
trustee for the State of Connecticut in the Univer-
salist Publishing House in Boston. He has had an
equal interest with his father and brother in the busi-
ness ertterprises in which they were concerned.
Thomas J. Boardman married October 14, 1858,
Julia Amanda Ellis, of Hartford, who was born Jan-
uary 29, 1838, and died November 24, 1858. He
married (second) October 24, 1861, Mary Charlina
Ellis, sister of his first wife, born September 11,
1843. She died Jan. 16, 1890. He married (third)
April 29, 1893, Mary Adah Simpson, daughter of
Frederick H. Simpson, of Staten Island, New YorK.
Mr. Boardman's children were Howard F., Emma
Julia, Minnie Gertrude, William Ellis, Thomas
Bradford (born March 9, 1895) and George Fran-
cis (born May 31, 1896). He is a member of the
Connecticut Historical Society, of the Society of the
Sons of the American Revolution, the Connecticut
Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots
of America through both lines of his ancestry, and
historian of tne last named Society.
(VHI) William Greenleaf Boardman, only
child of William F. J. and Jane Maria (Greenleaf)
Boardman, was born in Hartford, Conn., June 29,
1853. He married Oct. 29, 1874, Eliza Fowler Root,
born May 11, 1853, the daughter of Horatio and Abi-
gail Whittier (Hussey) Root, of Hartford, the latter
a cousin of the poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Mr.
Boardman was educated at Mr. Hart's preparatory
school in Farmington, Mr. Hall's Classical Scliool
in Ellington, and the Hartford high school. He is
a life member of the Connecticut Historical So-
ciet)-, a member of the Sons of the American Revo-
lution, and a member of The Connecticut Society of
the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America.
He was formerly connected with the firm of Wm.
Boardman & Sons Co., but has been obliged to give
up business on account of trouble with his eyes.
The children born to William G. Boardman and his
wife are : Francis Whittier, born April 6, 1876,
died April 5, 1885 : Cedric Root, born Jan. 23, 1886,
and Dorothy Root, born April 26, 1889. They reside
in Hartford.
(Vni) Howard Francis Boardman, son of
Thomas J. and Mary C. (Ellis) Boardman, was born
in Hartford, Conn., Sept. 22, 1862, married Jan. 12,
1886, to Catherine Augusta Belcher, born June 16,
1866, in New York City, daughter of Charles and
Katherine (.Slater) Belcher. Howard I", was grad-
uated from the Hartford high school in 1880. He
is secretary of The Wni. Boardman & Sons Co., and
socially a member of the Connecticut Society of the
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America.
Mr. and Mrs. I'oardman have had two children :
Harold Ellis, born Nov. 16, 1890, died the same
day; and Mariel Wildes, born iNiay 31, 1893.
JAMES GOODWIN BATTERSON, ^l. A.
Rugged and stable as the granites which first gav-e
him fame, finished and polished as tJie marbles
which added lustre to strength, complex and diverse
as the industries which he promoted — James Good-
win Batterson stands sans (<arcil \v. the great number
of his personal and business qualities, negative to
each other, yet conspicuous in variety and mag-
nitude.
Born in Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), Conn.,
near Hartford, Feb. 23, 1823, his early lx)yhood was
spent at New Preston, among the Litchfield Hills,
whither his parents removed when he was an infant.
In the pure bracing air of the country, an active
outdoor life laid the foundations in youth of a
strong, vigorous constitution which sixty years of
strenuous business exertions have failed to shake.
Here he received a common-school education, fol-
lowed by a course in the Western Academy, where
he was prepared for college.
Finding it impossible, however, through lack of
means, to carry out this cherished ambition, he re-
solved to become self-supporting, and journeyed
to Ithaca, N. Y. (a good share of the way on foot),
where he signed for a three-years apprenticeship in
the printing house of INIack, Andrus & Woodrutif.
The idea of a college course still remained, however,
and his nights were spent in reading and study, so
that he returned at the age of nineteen to Litchfield,
where the family then resided, much broadened and
strengthened in mind.
Fortune cast his lot, for a time at least, as a
stone-cutter in his father's marble yards. But the
active mind of the youth still clamored for knowl-
edge, and Judge Origen S. Seymour, a friend of
the elder Batterson, becoming interested, took the
boy into his law office. A happy year passed, and
then the family circumstances demanded that the
son again take up the mallet and chisel.
Thwarted in his ambitions for a professional
career, the plucky lad threw all his energies into
the stone trade, determined to achieve more than a
moderate success. And in this his plans did not
miscarry, for five years saw the business so increased
that removal to the larger field at Hartford was
effected. The line of work also broadened, and to
monuments and substructures were added all kinds
of cemetery work, tombs, sarcophagi, etc., and the
construction of the completed building. Among the
earlier work in Hartford may be mentioned the
brownstone building of the State Savings Bank
on Pearl street, and the marble front home of the
24
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Phcenix National Bank, on Main street. In 1857
Mr. Batterson was awarded the contract for the
Worth monument, in' New York, which stands at
the junction of Fifth avenue and Broadway. From
this time on the business grew rapidly until 1875,
when it was thought Ijest to organize it into a stock
compau}-.
Accordingly, under a special charter from the
Legislature, The New England Granite Works was
formed with a capital of $250,000. Quarries were
procured under purchase or lease at Canaan, Conn.,
\\'esterly, R. I., and Concord, N. H., and the work
continued to be prosecuLed with great vigor. New
and modern apparatus was introduced, which the
inventive genius of the man devised and improved
until his equipments were far in advance of any
other. He perfected a turning lathe for cutting
and polishing stone columns, a process previously
done b}- hand with clumsy and inaccurate results.
In this field he had much to do besides his own work,
and personally wrought and polished the granite
columns in 'the Capitol at Albany.
As a contractor and buildei in granite, Mr. Bat-
terson established a name second to none in the
country. Covering over half a century since the
business was first established, there is scarcely a
cemetery of repute in the United States that has not
its monuments, or a city of size that has not Bat-
terson granite in some of its buildings. Represen-
tative among the public monuments and statues
are the National Soldiers' Monument at •Gettysburg,
the portrait statue of Alexander Hamilton in Cen-
tral Park, New York, the monument to Brevet
Brig.-Gen. Thayer, founder of the West Point Mil-
itary Academy, at West Point, the monument at
Antietam surmounted by a colossal granite statue of
a soldier twenty-one feet in height, the great
monument at Galveston, Texas, dedicated to the
soldiers who fell in the Texas revolution, the monu-
ment in Golden Gate Park. San Francisco, to
JNIajor-Gen. Henry W. Halleck, General-in-chief
of all the armies of the United States 1863-64, and
the Gen. Wool monument at Troy, N. Y., whose
sixt3^-foot shaft is in one piece weighing nearly
one hundred tons.
Among the more notable buildings which Mr.
Batterson and his company have erected or fur-
nished the granite used, are the Connecticut Mutual
Life Insurance Co.'s building. Plartford, the Equit-
able building (home of the Equitable Life Assur-
ance Society), New York, the Masonic Temple,
New York, the Mutual Life Insurance Co.'s build-
ing, Philadelphia, the City Hall, Providence, and
the thirt}--story Park Row building. New York.
But the Congressional Library Building in
^^"ashington, that massive pile of pure gray Concord
granite perfectly matched and grained, the finest
granite building in the world, will ever attest to
I\Ir. Batterson's pre-eminence as the Man of
Granites. Perhaps not less marvelous than the quar-
rying of this immense quantity of stone of such even
grain and coloring, was the mechanical accuracy
with which the cutting and fitting was done before
leaving the shops at Concord, so that not a shilling-
was charged in Washington for refitting at the site.
Another building of more than National repute
is the Connecticut State Capitol at Hartford, for
which Mr. Batterson personally was the contractor.
Prominently set upon a hill in the midst of Bush-
nell Park, with its 500 trees of 150 distinct varie-
ties and its rich and rare shrubbery, this handsome
building stands forth, its native white marble walls
supporting from the center a perfectly proportioned
golden dome, bearing aloft 250 feet from the ground
a heroic bronze figure of the genius of Connecticut.
With this rich setting, and great architectural beau-
ty, it has been pronounced by competent critics as
"unique among structures of this kind in America."
And it has yet another claim to distinction in that
it is the first building of the kind to be erected in
the L^nited States within the appropriation, for so
thoroughly did contractor and commissioners work
to their limit that $13,000 of the $2,000,000 appro-
priated was returned unexpended. Mr. Batterson's
contract covered the entire construction, even to the
smallest details.
Fifteen years of dealing with the harder exterior
stones served to show the demand for the more
ornamental and decorative marbles, and in i860
Mr. Batterson established his steam marble works
in New York City. Here in this new field he
achieved immediate and increasing success, until
to-day these works, under the name of Batterson
& Eisele, are without question the largest and best-
equipped in the country, furnishing employment
for from 500 to 600 men. As examples of this
firm's work may be mentioned among pub-
lic buildings the marble interiors of the Equita-
ble building, the Manhattan Bank building and
the Mutual Life building in New York, the
City Hall in Providence, R. I., and the Congres-
sional Library Building in Washington, D. C.
Among the many hotels, noted for their magnificent
marble and ornamental stone interiors, which Mr.
Batterson and his company have furnished, are the
"Waldorf-Astoria" and the "Imperial," New York
City, while representative among the private dwell-
ings of the "mansion" type are the Cornelius Van-
derbilt residence. Fifth avenue. New York, "The
JNIarble House" built for W. K. Vanderbilt, at New-
port, R. I., and "Biltmore," at Asheville, N. C, for
Geoi-ge Vanderbilt.
But as though laurel-crowned efforts in two
great lines of industry were not enough, it remained
for Mr. Batterson to originate and organize a new
kind of business, in which he has achieved even
greater success than in the other two ; for here he
blazed a path where none had gone before, and set
a pace which tired and made early rivals drop out of
the race, and gave later competitors a hopeless task
to overcome his lead. While traveling through Eng-
land in 1863 Mr. Batterson's attention was attracted
to the system of insurance by tickets against acci-
dents occurring on railroads, then just coming into
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
25
"vogue there. Soon after his return he succeeded in
persuading a few Hartford gentlemen of means to
combine with him in the formation of an accident
insurance company. A charter was secured from
the Legislature, which was amended in 1864 to in-
■clude all kinds of accident insurance, and the new
company was launched on an unknown sea, with
no compass to steer by, but with brains and energy
at the helm. Two years saw the business increase,
and in 1866 a further grant was secured, permitting
the transaction of a general life insurance business.
The early years were beset with the fiercest
kind of competition, accident companies springing
up like mirshrooms in the night, and in many cases
having about the length of life of these fungi. Rail-
roads ejected The Travelers to make wav for their
own companies, and then retired these in turn when
they had met with sufficient reverses. Seventy ac-
cident companies were born within two years, none
of which now survive. Finally, from this chaotic
condition of things, was evolved The Railwav Pas-
sengers Assurance Co., being a consolidation of the
ticket interests of all the larger accident companies
then existing. After a few years of successful
struggle this was re-insured by The Travelers as
sole legatee, and is now represented in its Ticket
Department.
The first premium received by The Travelers
was two cents, representing the charge for insur-
ing a Hartford banker on his journey home from
the Post Office. A recent premium in the Life De-
partment exceeded $50,000, and a still further ex-
ample of the growth during these thirty-eight years
is in the receipt of applications for $300,000 on a
single life, where originally but $10,000 would be
considered. But the career of The Travelers In-
surance Co. is current history, well known, and
needs no exploiting. Lender Mr. Batterson's guid-
ance it has grown from nothing to a company with
over $30,000,000 assets, and a surplus securit)' to
policy holders of $4,500,000. The capital stock has
teen increased from $250,000 to $1,000,000, and
during these years over $42,000,000 has been re-
turned to policy holders, doing an inestimable
amount of good. The same energetic but conser-
vative man is at the head now as in the beginning,
and, besides making it the largest accident insur-
ance company in the world, he has brought it to a
■high rank with the leaders in the life field. Justly
termed the "Father of Accident Insurance in Amer-
ica." Mr. Batterson may also rightly claim the title
of "Father of all Accident Insurance," for the Eng-
lish idea was merely the suggestion which started
him thinking, but the product of that thought in
no way resembles the cause. For Yankee inge-
nuity and persistence devised, enlarged and con-
structed until Old England was forced to come to
New England to learn about accident insurance.
Having organized and developed three great
companies, of each of which he has been president
since the bes'inning, and whose careers have been
prosecuted side by side, simultaneously by this mas-
ter mind until each has achieved an extraordinary
degree of success, it would seem that this man of
granites, of marbles, and of insurances were solely
a man of business. Jiut lo ! we have also a man of
science, of art, of literature, and of public works,
for the many other sides are all fully developed in
proportion. A student from boyhood, he has be-
come a scholar among men, but is alwa\-s the stud-
ent, by which one recognizes the scholar.
One year's study of law furnished the foundation
on which he has builded all these years by reading
and experience, until to-day he possesses a judicial
mind of rare balance, and, although never admitted
to practice at the bar, he knows the law thoroughly,
and his opinion on all practical questions carries
great weight. In no sense pugnacious, Mr. Batterson
has the accurate and just powers of discrimination
which enable him to fully determine the right or
wrong of an issue at the start, and once convinced
he has a tenacity of purpose, backed by the strength
of unfaltering convictions, which often carry him
to the Court of Last Resort before he obtains final
justification or technical defeat.
Another of his early studies which has been of
great service is that of geology, which he took up
when a mere lad at the instigation of Prof. J. G.
Percival, the poet-geologist of Connecticut, for
whom he acted as guide during a part of the first
geological survey of the State. This subject, to-
gether with mineralogy and engineering, as applied
to his own industries, has commanded a large share
of his attention. On the knowledge gained thereby
depends to a certain degree his success as a builder,
for he knows not only how best to get the material
into place, but also all the qualities and characteris-
tics of the material itself, giving him an immense ad-
vantage over the man bred as a builder solely from
the mechanical standpoint. The winter of 1858-59
Mr. Batterson spent in Egypt with. Brunei, the well-
known engineer. The geological study of the Xile
A'^alley, with particular attention to the unsolved
problems in engineering for which Egypt is noted,
became ver)' interesting in such compam'. In turn
the pyramids, the great ruins at Thebes, Karnak and
elsewhere, the tombs, catacombs, obelisks, etc., w^re
all studied with profitable results. Aside from the
impetus given the engineering instincts under such
unusual conditions, Egypt herself became a sub-
iect of engrossing interest to Mr. Batterson, which
has increased as the years of study have deepened
his knowledge, until to-day he stands among the
foremost authorities on Egyptology, and is an Hon-
orary Secretary of the Egypt Exoloration Fund.
Returning to the south of Europ;, a geolog-
ical study of the Mediterranean basin added much
practical information in this line of research, and
subsequent study and investigation on his many
travels at home and abroad have given him a thor-
ough general and technical knowledge of the sub-
ject that has been an undoubted factor in his success.
At his home in Hartford is a collection of choice
minerals, geological specimens and curios, gath-
26
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ered in his peregrinations from Norway to the Nile,
carefully classified and arranged, to each of which
is attached a concise and interesting story of its
discovery and locus. The whole has a high value
apart from its absorbing interest. From geology
to astronomy is a natural step, and he has delved
deep into the hidden mysteries of the latter and its
kindred sciences.
Art is another subject which has always appealed
greatly to ]\Ir. Batterson's natural tastes, and has
been fostered both by his interest as a student and
as a patron. His first trip abroad was as the repre-
sentative of certain philanthropically inclined men,
for whom he gathered and brought home the works
in various stages of completion of his promising
young friend Bartholomew, the sculptor, who died
at Rome. Having erected a monument over the
grave of the deceased, near the historic tomb of \'ir-
gil, Mr. Batterson delayed his return several
months that he might study the paintings, sculp-
tures and language of Italy. As the direct result
of this trip the masterpieces of Bartholomew (who
in sculpture, with the late Frederic Church in
painting, placed Hartford's name to the fore as a
progenitor of art) are now among the treasured
possessions of the Museum at Philadelphia, and the
Wadsworth Atheneum at Hartford. But a result
no less far-reaching in its influence was the foster-
ing and training of the artistic temperament, in its
early impressionable stage, of the agent who exe-
cuted this commission, and the few bits in oil picked
up on that occasion formed the nucleus of a collec-
tion of rare paintings which now has a National
reputation. In a large gallery connected with his
residence, constructed from original design, with
special attention to light and wall-surface, hang a
valuable collection of canvases covering a remark-
able range of subjects and schools — including the
Italian, Dutch, Flemish, Dusseldorf, French, English
and Belgian. The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hart-
ford has quite a number of paintings from iMr. Bat-
terson's collection. Travel and study have added
to his reputation as a connoisseur the discrimina-
tion and artistic taste of the critic, and the value
of his opinion on a canvas is unquestioned.
But vet another accomplishment of this many-
sided man is his marked ability as a linguist. Here
we have two almost incompatible qualities, for we
find, in the natural mathematician who laid the foun-
dations and shaped the career of a great insurance
company, a rare knowledge and command not only
of his own language, but of the ancient classics and
modern foreign tongues as well. This is a remark-
able characteristic, for Greek verbs have not as a
rule a fondness for the values of x and v in the same
brain. A life-study of Greek and Latin has made
him one of the devoted scholars of the day in these
classics, and for twenty years a member of the
Greek Club of New York. A natural philolo.eist,
his love for the comparative has developed in Mr.
Batterson miore than a superficial knowledge of the
modern languages of Europe.
Sociology and economics have also received a
great deal of attention, particularly the relations of
capital and labor. Many trips abroad and much
travel at home have stimulated the study of general
history, both in its local colorings and in relative
effects. Modern English, French and American
literature have been read and studied, and Mr. Bat-
terson's library (one of the finest in the State) is
especially rich in works of this class, as well as in
the heavier tomes of te.xt and reference. The whole
atmosphere of library and den breathes the scholar
and student of unusual range of thought. Nor have
contemporaneous writings been neglected, so that
he is fully informed on the issues of the day, and is
in touch with its most advanced thought.
With his brain a vast storehouse of knowledge,
and an intellect flexible and adaptable, but with great
powers of concentration and expression, it is little
wonder that Air. Batterson has earned fame as a
writer, which would overshadow all his other
achievements were he to devote himself to it. A
lifetime of reading and study has prepared him to
write exhaustively upon almost any subject. In
style strong and vigorous, every sentence concise
and carrying some new thought, expression direct
and with but little of the qualifying, the tracings
from this pen have an individual flavor character-
istic of the man which greatlv enhances their in-
trinsic value. His many short contributions on the
subject of capital and labor have always commanded
attention, and the masterv in handling this complex
question has won the respect of both sides by its
fairness. Several brochures on taxation have served
to set lawmakers to thinking, and in some cases
have had a direct effect in the results. His transla-
tions from the Iliad have special value in smoothness
and beauty of expression, while maintaining the
heroic meter and literal meaning of the original.
Monetary questions have been discussed from time
to time, and in 1896 Mr. Batterson wrote his book
on ''Gold and Silver," which was at once recognized
by leading authorities as the best concise treatment
of the subject ever written. The demand was im-
mediate, and called for the printing of large edi-
tions, which were used extensively in the sound
monev campaign of that election. The majority of
Mr. Batterson's writings have appeared in his com-
pany paper, The Travelers Record, whose files are
rich in contributions on questions of the dav and in-
surance economics. A number of poems attest to
his versatility as a writer, ranging from the deep-
est scientific subjects, treated in heavv technical
prose, to the light airy verse, evenly balanced and
musical. Among the latter mav be mentioned "The
Death of the Bison," "The Trysting Place," and
"Lauda Sion," translated from the Mediaeval Latin
of St. Thomas Aquinas.
But a work (now in press) which will live long
to redound to the fame of its author is a poem in
blank verse on the "Creation." Besides a remark-
able display of knowledge in geology, astronomv,
evolution, dynamics and the associated sciences, it
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
27
contains germs of thought far in advance of the age.
Expressed now with superlative force and viriHty,
and again in the soft accents of simple description,
the coloring" of each passage varies that it mav har-
monize with its text. But the rhythmic swing of
the verse is never lost to sight, and the whole is
rounded and finished with a smoothness and polish
that makes it of the highest order of literary merit.
Add to this his masterly treatment of the subject
and the poem will not only attract the litterateur,
but the student in science and philosophy. Both
Yale and Williams have recognized Mr. Batterson's
pre-eminence as a man of letters and conferred upon
him the honorary degree of M. A.
In personal appearance Mr. Batterson is a man
of large frame, strong, robust, naturally dignified
and of commanding presence. With a wonderful
constitution, a lifetime of unceasing labor, during
which he has accomplished more than three average
men, has left him at the age of seventy-eight scill
strong and active. Every week-day finds him be-
fore his desk at The Travelers, directing the afifairs
of this immense corporation, and often entering
into the minutest details. In character honest and
just to the last degree, he asks nothing which is not
rightfullv his, and takes no advantage over the
weaker because of his superior strength. It has
been said that "the busiest man has the most leis-
ure," and this is true of Mr. Batterson, for in spite
of his great and varied interests he is one of the
most accessible of men, always finding time to listen
to anyone whose business in any way warrants it.
Possessing a strong personal magnetism and a gra-
cious manner, he puts his interviewer completely at
ease, seeming to know how to meet on equal foot-
ing men of every station.
One great factor in his success has been the abil-
itv to wholly concentrate his mind on the matter in
hand, disposing of it quickly without loss of time
in reviewing details already covered. This is only
made possible bjr his remarkable memory, and ability
to grasp whole ideas at once. But more than all
else is his power to find recreation in reading and
study, and after a particularly hard and trying day
at the office he may be found in his den, "resting"
until the small hours of the morning, with a volume
of Homer or Horace, of Spenser or Haeckel, before
him. With his omnivorous intellect and great as-
similative qualities, sixtv years of such evenings
have given him his wonderful store of knowledge,
always available on almost every subject. He is
the true type of the self-made man who has taken
pride and pains in that making.
In religion Mr. Batterson is a Baptist, and his
always been a regular attendant and active sup-
porter of his church. The Bible has been a study
of great interest to him, and his philological ten-
dencies have been of very material aid in following
the hieher criticisms.
Politicallv Mr. Batterson is a Republican, having
assisted in founding this great party. When the
Civil war broke cut he withstood the temptation to
take the field with the ]:)roniise of rapid promotion
held out to him, deciding to do his duty where
it seemed to lie, in the direction of affairs at home.
As a result to-day he wears no Grand Array button,
bears not the title of colonel or general, but no man
in battle ever did more for his country than this
plain citizen of Connecticut. All through the war,
as chairman of the State Central Committee of his
party and chairman of the War Committee, he was
indefatigable in his endeavors to further the public
interests, managing events with a judgment and
tact that dispelled jealousies and promoted har-
mony. Although Connecticut sent nearly 55,000
troops to war, or over 6,000 more than her quota,
no less an authority than A]5pleton ( '66) say's polit-
ically she was regarded all through that crucial time
in our history as a doubtful State. Those were
days when Mr. Batterson was here, there, and every-
where, organizing and directing, consulting" with
his leaders in the various districts, exhorting, en-
couraging", and now and then answering calls to
Washington for consultation with National heads,
his advice being sought even by President Lincoln
regarding matters connected with the administra-
tion.
By sheer hard work and personal influence, felt
to the corners of the State. Mr. Batterson managed
to poll 2.405 majoritv for Lincoln in 1864 out of a
total vote exceeding 87,000, one of the largest ever
cast in its history. In 1866. when the differences
between President Johnson and Congress over the
reconstruction of the South became the election
issues with the two parties in Connecticut, and the
eyes of the Nation were turned toward that little
State, General Hawley. the Federal candidate, was
elected governor by only 541 majority. Although
Buckingham was re-elected governor each year dur-'
ing the war, it was only with small majorities, and
Republican Congressmen were returned by margins
of a few hundred only. The moral effect of the elec-
tion of an anti-administration government by loyal
old Connecticut, one of the thirteen original States,
can scarcely be imagined. A home of rebellion
against the National Constitution, and of advocacy
of State Rights in the very heart of the solid North,
would have struck terror and discouragement into
the sorely tried hearts at Washington, and given a
new impetus to the efforts of the South. State
sovereignty was the issue of the South : State
Rights of the Democratic party of Connecticut.
"j\Ir. Batterson undoubtedly saved the State elec-
tions through this trying time, for a man less strong
than he in" control of the Republican party would
have ensured Democratic success. This mighty
service was duly recognized abroad by the great Na-
tional leaders. In many other ways he rendered un-
told service from 1861 to 1865, assisting greatly in
the enlistment, organization and mobilization of
troops. In relief work, too, he devoted much time
and money.
Ever since its formation ^Ir. Batterson has been
verv active in working for the interests of his party.
28
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W'lXh a powerful voice, ready wit, and strong argu-
mentative ability, he has exerted great power as a
political speaker and debater. But with all his serv-
ice he will accept no reward or political preferment,
and the man who might have attained to the highest
State and National honors is a simple citizen of his
.native city, viewing politics as a civic duty only.
This fact has carried unusual influence with his
party leaders.
In the old town meetings of Hartford, now done
away with, Mr. Batterson was a man of unusual
influence, and the rooms used to be crowded when
it was known that his views on a subject would
probably call for a debate. With his splendid pres-
ence, quick wit, at times keenly sarcastic, great argu-
mentative powers, and the attribute of never recog-
nizing defeat, he was more than a match for a score
of worthy opponents, and the finest displays of for-
ensic ability ever seen in the State took place when
some of those long standing contentions were wres-
tled with in the open arena of the old town meet-
ing. As a lecturer, also, and presiding officer, Air.
Batterson has an enviable reputation, and has been
in great demand.
A long life with its varied interests has given
him a wide and extensive acquaintance with men in
public life, and has enabled him to know intimately
and number among his friends those in its highest
walks for more than half a century. From humble
circumstances he has risen to be a man of large
affairs and comfortable estate.
Although in no sense a club man, the following ■
are a few of his business and societ}- connections :
President and director of The Travelers Insurance
Co., The New England Granite Works, Batterson
& Eisele, New York, director Hartford National
' Bank. Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co., vice-presi-
dent ^^'adsworth Atheneum, trustee Brown Univer-
sity, member Colonial Club, Connecticut Society
Sons of the American Revolution, American Statis-
tical Association, Society of Biblical Literature &
Exegesis. Hartford Scientific Society, Connecticut
Horticultural Society, New England Society of
Kew York, American Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science, Yale Alumni Association,
Hartford Board of Trade, for thirty years Fello\v
American Society Civil Engineers, etc.
In 1 85 1 Mr. Batterson married Eunice E. Good-
win, and for forty-six years lived in the enjoyment
of domestic happiness that comes to but few people.
In 1897 ]\Irs. Batterson died, leaving, besides her
husband, two children surviving — Maiy E., wife of
Charles Coifing Beach, M. D., of Hartford; and
James G., Jr., who resides in New York, as manager
of the business of The Travelers Insurance Co.,
in that city. — E. D. C, 1901.
FRANCIS AI. BUNCE, Rear Admiral U. S.
Navy : a native of Hartford, Conn. ; was born
Dec. 25, 1836; is a son of James M. and Frantres
A. ( Brace) Bunce. Appointed Acting Midship-
iiiaii. May 28, 1852 ; graduated Naval Academy and
warranted Midshipman, June 10, 1857; "German-
tov.m," East India Squadron, 1857-60. Passed Mid-
shipman, June 25, i860; "Brooklyn," Gulf Squad-
ron, engaged in Chriqui Survey. Master, Oct. 24,
i860; '"Macedonian," Gulf Squadron, Jan. 7, 1862.
Commissioned Lieutenant from April 11, 1861 ; Ex-
ecutive-Officer of "Penobscot," 1862; in that vessel
took part in engagement with Rebel batteries at
Yorktown, Va. ; was assigned to temporary duty
with the army, and had charge of the disembarka-
tion of the heavy artillery and mortars for use in
the batteries at the investment of that place by Gen-
eral McClellan, April, 1862; rejoined "Penobscot,"
blockading oft' Wilmington, N. C, and took part in
several skirmishes with Fort Fisher and batteries
about Fort Caswell ; commanded a successful boat
expedition up Little river, between North and South
Carolina, destroying- several schooners and large
quantities of cotton, turpentine and resin, together
with extensive salt works ; on capture of "Robert
Bruce" by "Penobscot," was placed in charge of
her as Prize-Master, andbrought her to New York,
Nov. I, 1862; detached from "Penobscot" and or-
dered as Executive of "Pawnee," refitting at Phil-
adelphia ; served in her in South Atlantic Blockad-
ing Squadron Station, Stono River, S. C. Commis-
sioned Lieutenant Commander, Jan. 16, 1863; dur-
ing winter of 1863 sounded out and buoyed and re-
moved obstructions from interior channels from
Stono River, S. C, to Morris Island ; acting as aid
to General Gilmore, had charge of the embarka-
tion and transportation of Gen. George C. Strong's
brigade, five regiments, through these channels to
Morris Island, and commanded the naval part of
this attack, July 10, 1863, resulting in the capture
of Morris Island to Fort Wagner : conduct in this
afl^air honorably mentioned, report of Commander
G. B. Balch and letter of Admiral Dahlgren, to
Navy Department ; detached from "Pawnee" and or-
dered to monitor "Patapsco;" took part in that
monitor in all the actions in which she was engaged
during siege of Charleston ; also in night boat at-
tack on Fort Sumter, Commander T. H. Stevens;
received honorable mention for conduct in that of-
ficer's report of same ; wounded by premature ex-
plosion of a cartridge, in action, November, 1863 ;
detached from "Patapsco" and ordered to "Wabash"
for recovery; ordered to monitor "Kaatskill," tem-
porary duty, Dec. 8, 1863; returned to "Wabash,"
Jan. 7, 1864; same month ordered to temporary
command of "Weehawken ;'* detached and returned
to "Wabash," and ordered on staft' of Admiral Dahl-
gren, was given charge of the scouting and picket
boats of the squadron before Charleston, until or-
dered to command monitor "Lehigh," April 6, 1864;
May 14, 1864, detached from South Atlantic Block-
ading Sciuadron, and ordered North ; monitor "Dic-
tator," Commodore John Rodgers, Sept. 26, 1864;
commanded monitor "Monadnock," Sept. 5, 1865 ;
took this vessel from Philadelphia to San Fran-
cisco, Cal., the first extended sea voyage ever made
by a monitor ; received for this service the thanks
v^ /6/^^^^^^^^^^
u-t^l^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
29
of the Xavy Department, upon recommendation of
Commodore John Rodgers, and was recommended
for reward to the President by the Secretary of the
Navy; Boston Navy Yard, 1866-9; monitor "Dic-
tator," April, 1869; detached Oct. 4, i86y, havnig
fitted her for sea service; commanded "Nantasket,"
Nov. 12, 1869, stationed at St. Domingo; .detached
Jtily 20, 1S70; special ordnance duty, at Pittsburg,
Penn., 1871. Commissioned Commander, from Nov.
7, 1871 ; commanded "Ashuelot," Asiatic Station,
1873 ; on duty. Navy Yard, Washington, June, 1875 '>
detached, on Light-House duty, July to October,
1875; returned to duty, Navy Yard, Washington;
during 1877 attended torpedo instruction at New-
port, R. I.; Jan. 7, 1879, to July 29, 1881, com-
manded "Alarion," Home and South Atlantic Squad-
ron ; commanded receiving-ship "Wabash," Navy
Yard, Boston, 1882-5. Commissioned Captain, Jan.
II, 1883 ; Senior Member of Board on Timber Pres-
ervation for Naval Purposes ; commanded "Atlanta,"
June I, 1886, to Dec. i, 1889; command of Naval
Station, New London, Feb. 12, 1890. Appointed
by the President as president of a commission to
select a suitable site for a dry dock on the shores
o^' the Gulf of Mexico, or waters connected there-
with, Nov. 22, 1890 ; commission reported and dis-
solved, March 9, 1891 ; Senior Member of Board
for Examination of Master Mechanics, Foremen,
etc., of Navy Yards, April 17, 1891 ; this board
later ordered to report on Navy Yard organization,
the employment of labor, etc., dissolved Feb. 4, 1892 ;
June 30, 1 89 1, ordered to command Naval Train-
ing Station, and ship "Richniond," Newport,
Rhode Island.
On Aug. 20, 1894, he was relieved from the
command of that station and the "Richmond," and
ordered to the Navv Department at Washington as
a member of the Board of Inspection and Survey.
March i, 1895, commissioned Commodore; March
23, 1895, assigned to duty as president of the Naval
Examining and Retiring Boards at the Navv De-
partment, Washington. June 19, 1895, Commodore
Bunce was assigned to the command of the Naval
force on the North Atlantic Station, and ordered,
June 27, to hoist the flag of Rear Admiral, and to
affix that title to his official signature. The U. S.
ship "New York" was designated as his flag-ship.
He received, March 5, 1897, a letter from Secretary
of the Navv. Herbert, on his retirement from of-
fice, expressina" his official and personal satisfac-
tion with the discharge of the duties assigned to the
Admiral during his term of office. Mav I, 1897,
he was relieved from the command of the North
Atlantic Station and ordered to command the New
York Navy Yard and Station. Aug. 17, 1897, or-
dered senior member of a Board to report on the
requirements of the country as to dry docks, and.
on Feb. 19, 1898, was commissioned Rear Admiral.
T)tc. 2^, 1808, Admiral Bunce was transferred to
the retired list of officers of the U. S. Navy in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1444, Re-
vised Statute, he then being sixty-two years of age
and the senior officer on the active list of the of-
ficers of the Navy. He continued on duty at the
New York Navy Yard until relieved Jan. 14, 1899,
when he received from the Secretary of the Navy
the following letter :
Navy Departme.nt, January 12, Ihtiy.
My Dear Sir:
As the time approaches for your retirement, I cannot
let the occasion p:iss without expressing my appreciation,
not only of the long, distinguished and useful service which
you have rendered as an otficer of the United States Navy,
but also of the efficient manner in which you have dis-
charged the duties of the very responsible post you have
held as commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard durinif the
e.xisting demands of the recent war. I wish to say this .or
the Department and personally for myself, and, also, to wish
you many happy years to come, feeling sure that if the call
of your government .should come at any time, your ripe
experience would be at its service.
\'ery truly yours.
John D. Long,
Secretaiy.
On June 20, 1899, the senate and house of rep-
resentatives, Connecticut, passed the following reso-
lution, of which an engrossed copy was sent to the
Admiral :
"The country has been deeply indebted to Ad-
miral Bunce for his long and successful service in
the Navy during the late Civil war. He had as-
tonished and delighted, not only the Naval author-
ities of the world, but the world of science itself,
by his courage and skill in successfully navigating
the iron-clad monitor 'Monadnock' around Cape
tlorn.
"At the outbreak of the recent hostilities with
Spain he was placed in charge of the principal coast
defenses of the country and of its largest maritime
interest at its metropolis port. That duty he ful-
filled with the wisdom and energy which have char-
acterized all his previous history."
On May 28, 1864, when a Lieutenant com-
mander. Rear Admiral Bunce married Mary Eliza
Bull, eldest daughter of John W. Bull,.of Hartford,
Connecticut.
CHARLES H. BOLLES. The Bolles familv.
which is one of the oldest in the United States,
originated in England, and was identified from an-
cient times with Bolles Hall, Lincolnshire.
Sir John Bolles and his son Sir Charles, of
Bolles Hall, lived and died in London, England,
and Joseph Bolles, a son of the latter, was born in
1608, and came to America at an early date, set-
tling before 1640 in Maine. John Bolles, the great-
great-grandfather of the well-known resident of
Hartford whose name heads this sketch, was born
in August, 1677. He established Baptist Churches
in IMassachusetts and Connecticut, and carried on an
earnest struggle of twenty years with the Connecti-
cut General Assemblv to obtain a charter for the
church in that State. He endured great persecu-
tion, but his heroic eflforts resulted in much good.
Our subject has a book written by him in 1754,
which shows his ■>'•—'- and sets forth his arguments
30
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
against his opponents in a most able and scholarly-
style. It was addressed to the elders and members
of the church in Connecticut, and to the General
Court of that Colony, and was also presented to
the General Court at Boston, May 29, 1754.
Enoch Bolles, our subject's great-grandfather,
died Dec. 3, 1800.
Deacon John Bolles, the next in the line of de-
scent, was born an New London, Conn., Feb. 3,
1752, and lived in Hartford, in a house located where
the Phelps building now stands. For many years
he was successfully engaged in mercantile business
in Hartford, and he was one of the founders of the
First Baptist Church, in which he held the office of
deacon. He died March 19, 1830, in Hartford.
His first wife, Lydia Tabor, who died June' 19,
1816, was the mother of nine children, of whom our
subject's father was the youngest. The second wife
was Lydia A. Francis, a native of Newington, Conn.
[See Dr. Trumbull's memoirs of the First Baptist
Church of Hartford.]
Edw.\rd Bolles, our subject's father, was born
in Hartford in 1797, on North Main street, and
became the leading wholesale dry-goods merchant
of that city. At the time of his retirement, in 1867,
he had been in business over fifty years, with Dea-
con Albert Day as his partner. He was noted for
his sound judgment, being one of the best buyers
in New England, and by his sterling qualities of
character and quiet, unassuming manners he won
a host of friends. He contributed liberally to the
support of the Baptist .Church of Hartford, in which
he also served for years as clerk, leader of the
choir, and player on the bass violin. He died in
June, 1882. Li i8ig he was married, at Hartford,
to Abigail Rand, who died aged sixty-two years.
She was born in South Deerfield, Mass., daughter
of Aaron Rand, a farmer in the latter locality, who
spent his last years in Hartford, engaged in the
bakery business. Our subject was the youngest of
nine children, all of whom lived to maturity : Ed-
ward John, Eliza Jane, Abigail M., Caroline L.,
George W., Lucius S., Lydia Ann, William C. (who
makes his home in Hartford) and Charles H., all
deceased except the two youngest.
Charles H. Bolles was born Oct. 8, 1836, on
Village street, Hartford, and now resides at No.
471 Farmington avenue, Hartford. After receiv-
ing a common-school education he learned the
jeweler's trade, which he followed in Virginia pre-
vious to the Civil war. He was regarded as an
expert in his line, and continued in active business
until his retirement, in 1882. In politics he is a
Republican, and he belongs to the Baptist Church,
for which his ancestors made so many sacrifices.
In 1873 Mr. Bolles married Miss Harriet Knox,
who was born in Farmington, Conn., daughter of
Walter Knox, and granddaughter of Walter Knox,
a native of Hawick, Roxburg-hshire, southern Scot-
land, and ,-; prominent citizen and Vv'ealthy land
owner of that section, some of his estate having bee
a gra .: from the King. He p?|s?€d his life in Scot-
land, dying at the age of sixty years. Walter
Kno.x, Mrs. Bolles' father, came to this country in
1S44, and is now living in the West, at the age of
eighty-seven. He married Elizabeth Smith, a native
of his own birthplace, who died aged sixty-one
years. Mrs. Bolles' parents united with the Pres-
byterian Church many years ago, and their children
were brought up in that faith. They had nine chil-
dren, of whom five are living: Jessie, Mrs. Mc-
Clintock, of New Britain; Walter; Mrs. Bolles;
Anna, wife of Dr. Stark, of Dakota; and Louise,
j\lrs. Hammersmith, of Milwaukee.
Mr. and Mrs. Bolles have had four children, one
of whom died in infancy; Harry, a graduate of
Williston Seminary, is now employed in Boston;
Charles, who attended Lehigh University, is now
connected with the Chandler Co., of Ayer, Mass. ;
and Elsie is a student in the Hartford Public High
School.
t
THOMAS OSTROM ENDERS. In the busi-
ness circles of Hartford no man stood higher than
the late Thomas Ostrom Enders.
Mr. Enders was born Sept. 21, 1832, in Glen,
N. Y., a son of Jacob John and Relief C Ostrom)
Enders, natives of New York State. His father
was a prominent man, a merchant and farmer.
Thomas O. was educated in Glen, and began work
on the fann at an early age, continuing until sev-
enteen, when he came to Connecticut and secured
employment in a factory at Meriden. He also
worked for a time as a dry-goods clerk in New
Haven, and, being a man of naturally good business
ability, he met with considerable success. He be-
came interested in the insurance business through
Curtis L. North, of Meriden, Conn., the first agent
of the ^tna Life, who employed him as a solicitor.
Three vears later he removed to New York and en-
tered the employ of the Avery Sewing Machine
Co. While there he attracted the favorable atten-
tion of the secretary of the ^tna Life, and on in-
vitation he came to Hartford at the age of twenty-
two, and accepted a clerkship in that office. Four
years later (1858) he was elected secretary of the
company, and served as such until 1872, when he
became president. His industry, fidelity to duty,
and remarkable aptitude for the insurance busi-
ness, contributed largely toward bringing about the
great success of tlie company. In building up its
interests he sacrificed his health, and in 1879 he re-
signed his position of president and rested for two
years, although he continued as a director of the
company. He took the presidency of the United
States Bank of Hartford (then called the United
States Trust Co.) lin 1881, at which time it was
sufi^ering from old losses, and the stock was quoted
at eightv. He remained president until June 16,
1891, when he declined re-election. Under the pres-
idency of Mr. Enders the bank advanced rapidly,
and at the time of his resignation was in per-
centage of surplus, value of shares, and ratio of
deposits to capital, far in advance of the other banks
COMMEMORATIVE BIOCRAPHICAL RECORD.
31
of the city. Mr. Enders made his home in West
Hartford, and as a Republican represented that
town in the General Assembly during the sessions of
1S89 and 1891, and served on the committees on
Appropriations and Banks, respectively. Without
the aid of influence or wealth he rose to a leading
Ix)sition among the most prominent business men of
the countv. In addition to his connection with the
-■Etna Life and the United States Bank he was a
director in the .Etna Fire, Hartford Steam Boiler
Inspection & Insurance Co., Society for Savings,
Dime Savings Bank, Charter Oak Bank, and various
other financial institutions. He died June 21, 1894,
honored and respected by all who knew him. He
v;as a member of a lodge of the Masonic Fraternity,
at Hartford. Mr. Enders was a man of wonderful
business knowledge and a courteous gentleman, a
representative financier.
Mr. Enders was married Dec. 29, 1858, to Miss
Harriet Adelaide Burnham, who was born March
12, 1835, and is still living, and who is a lineal
descendant of Thomas Burnham. To Mr. and Mrs.
Enders were born four children, of whom Harry
and Harriet Burnham are deceased. The others
are :
(i) Thomas B. Enders, M. D., born May 14,
1865, in Hartford, was graduated from the Hart-
ford Public High School, and from Yale in the
class of '88. He studied medicine in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, from
which institution he was graduated in 1891. Fol-
lowing this event he spent two years in the Surgical
Division of Bellevue Hospital. He then was en-
gaged for one year in private practice in New York,
after which (in 1894) he returned to Hartford. Dr.
Enders is a member of the Society of the Alumni
of Bellevue, and a fellow of the isTew York State
Society; also a memlber of the Hartford City and
Countv Medical Societies. Dr. Enders married
Elizabeth T. Daly, of New York City.
(2) John Ostrom Enders. born Dec. 3, 1869.
in Hartford, was educated in the West Hartford
schools and Phillips Exeter Academy. He has been
connected with the United States Bank at Hartford
since 1888, of which he is now one of the directors.
He is also a director of the ^tna Life Insurance
Co. In 1899 Mr. Enders served as a representative
from West Hartford in the General Assembly. In
1895 he married Harriet Whitmore, and thev have
two children, John Franklin and Harriet Burnham.
LEONARD DANIELS, who was a prominent
figure in the citv of Hartford for nearlv seventv
years, was born March t, 1803, in Medway, Mass.,
and died in Hartford Jan. 18, 1892. In build he
was short, strong and solid, and he descended from
old American stock that originated in England. No
incidents marked his boyhood save those of his
school days, the raising of crops every summer on
his father's farm, and for a few seasons the sale
of produce in the winter time in Boston, during
all of which time he learned what the gframmar
schools had to teach him, became a strong, vigorous
young man, and gained some acc|uaintance with the
principles of mercantile pursuits. At the age of
twenty-three he removed to Hartford, Conn., arriv-
ing Nov. 16, 1826, and there found employment
for a time in the sawmill of Ward & Bartholomew,
on Sheldon street. When a little later he entered
the service of Humphrey & Nichols, in their grist-
mill on the north side of Little river, on Wells
street, he found the calling whicli pleased him, and
thereafter he devoted his life to it.
About 1830 Mr. Daniels bought a small flour-
mill, formerly owned by Burt & Stanley. Mr.
Stanley having given 'his property to the South
Church, Mr. Daniels brought a la-\vsuit to compel
the trustees to sell the property,. and, winning the
case, bought the mill, and went into business on
his own account. This was the only lawsuit in
which he was ever engaged. In 1853 he built a
new mill on the south side of Little river, just
above the stone bridge, and began business there in
1855. One secret of his great success was his
promptitude in all business transactions. Another
was his clear and sound mind, careful reflection,
and close and careful personal attention to every
detail. As years rolled on, a growing business com-
pelled him repeatedly to enlarge the brick building,
known as Daniels' Mill, and the surplus means
which its operation brought him gradually grew into
a large fortune. After his death the business was
left to his nephew, Leonard C. Daniels, and grand-
son, Leonard D. Fisk.
Mr. Daniels was a man of very strong individu-
ahty. His face expressetl energv and determina-
tion. The vigorous health which originated in a
wholesome boyhood never left him, and was pre-
served not only by active labor in his business, but
by pedestrianism, of which he was fond. He had
never been ill except when attacked with measles,
at the age of thirty-seven, and, like most men so
favored, abhorred the notion of taking medicine.
His eyesight became impaired, however, in his later
years, and he was blind for tlie last eight years
of his life. Three operations were performed, but
they did not restore his sight. A remarkable trait
was his conciseness of speech. He was not a
misanthrope, and certainly not an ignorant man,
nor was he averse to pleasant conversation with
intimate friends, but he had the reticence char-
acteristic of Gen. Grant, and, with the energy and
a little of the impatience of a born business man,
loved to dispose of an argument, a proposition or a
question, in a terse expression, limited sometimes
to two or three words. His honesty was proverbial.
Even during the period when Connecticut was over-
whelmingly Republican, Air. Daniels adhered in-
flexibly to his own principles, and was known as
an uncompromising Democrat of the old JefFersonian
stamp, and not by any means a passive upholder
of his party either, because he voted at every election.
jNIr. Daniels was thrice married, and one daugh-
ter, the wife of Augustus L. Ellis, survived him.
I
1
^.
^r^-tJi-f
^,^ ^ /^^^
yy^^^-^/^^r^^
<GxryiM^ ^^=^^^^£^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
83
manner, while tlie spirit of speculation was rife
among managements which knew comparatively
nothing of the practical value of risks. His ideas
were so far in advance of his time that, while some
pitied what they termed his "folly," others doubted
whether his mental balance was in correct equipoise.
Yet what were then called his "fanciful" and "ab-
surd" theories are to-day recognized (with neces-
sary modifications) as among the underlying prin-
ciples of every sound and well managed company.
The great work of the Doctor's life was the or-
ganizing, establishing and ntu^turing of the Connec-
ticut Alutual Life Insurance Co., and it was he who
conceived the plan under which me great success
of this company was achieved. In 1846 the com-
pany was organized, the Doctor becoming the first
secretary, and while that great corporation was
struggling in the swaddling bands of infancy he
even swept out his own office to save expense. He
had carefully studied the matter in all its phases,
and not long afterward made a special trip to
Europe to investigate the workings of the Old
World companies, on his return to America incor-
porating with his own plans all the features of
value he had found. He wrote the charter of the
company, which was adopted practically word for
word as composed by him, and fought for two
sessions in the Legislature to have it granted. As
the company was a "mutual" one it was necessary
to obtain a guaranty fund of $50,000 — to guarantee
the payment <5f policies during the infancy of the
company — a task of far greater magnitude, but at
length ten of his friends in Hartford, Simsbury
and New York came to his relief by signing notes
aggregating that amount, Thomas K. Brace, three
of Dr. Phelps' brothers, two of his cousins and an
uncle being of the number. Dr. Phelps was ever a
tireless worker for the success of the concern, and
the "Insurance Monitor" of September, 1868, said :
"It i's not too much to say, for it is a well-known
and conceded fact that the Connecticut Mutual
owes its eminent success and prosperity, in a very
large measure, to the skill and labor of Dr. Phelps,
its principal manager from its organization to the
present time." He regulated and managed its af-
fairs in a most able manner, serving as secretary
for a time, and later, for a number of year's, as
president. Though not the originator of the "mu-
tual" system used in insurance he did more than
any other man to "elucidate and popularize" it. Just
before his death he told his daughter that the com-
pany was on such stable footing that without any
management it would continue to run for twenty-
five years. After his demise the Life Underwriters
of Hartford passed resolutions of sympathy and re-
gret, etc., and among other things said: "In the
death of Dr. Guy R. Phelps the Life LTnderwriters
of the United States 'have met with an irreparable
loss." The "Insurance Times" of March, 1869,
said of him : "A great and good rjian has left us
forever. A practical, laborious and eminent philan-
3
thropist, who not only loved his fellow men, but
spent the energies of liis life, the gifts of his intel-
lect and the goodness of his heart in their behalf,
is gone to his haven of eternal peace and reward.
His comfort giving and abundant works remain,
and the spirit with which he espoused and promoted
a sacred cause, and built up a great benevolent in-
stitution, having in'spired many others with its
kindling sympathy, will be perpetuated and multi-
ply on the earth for ages to come."
On April 17, 1833, at Simsbury, Dr. Phelps was
married to Miss Hannah Latimer, who was born in
that town June 23, 1801, daughter of Waite and
Hannah (Pettibone) Latimer. Their marriage was
blessed with four children : Antoinette Randolph,
Maria Augusta, Guy Carelton and Guyana Row-
land, the tirst named being the only one that at-
tained maturity. Miss Antoinette R. Phelps is a
resident of Hartford, her home being at No. 72
Washington street, in that city. She enjoys the dual
distinction of being a member of two of the most
honored orders in America, the Daughters of the
American Revolution and the Colonial Dames.
Dr. Phelps was both a Freemason and an Odd
Fellow, and was held in high regard by all who
knew him, receiving the highest esteem from those
who knew him best. As a physician he was care-
ful, reflective and conscientious, as a citizen pa-
triotic, as a husband and father gentle, loving and
true, as a man honest and fearless. He died March
18, 1869, after a short attack of typhoid pnetimonia.
Until within a few days of his passing away his
activity was unimpaired, but a cold contracted
through sitting near an open window at a directors'
meeting proved the indirect cause of his demise.
His wife survived until May 28, 1873, when she,
too, fell asleep. Both rest in the cemetery at Sims-
bury, where also sleep five generations of both
families.
The Doctor was a reflective reader and a pro-
found student, particularly fond of the study of
history and the languages, in both of which he
was proficient. He was a man fully abreast of the
times, thoroughly posted on the current events of
the day, and well informed on general subjects.
LTntil 1856 he was a Democrat, but after that date
voted with the Republican party, though it was his
wont to say that he had "never left his party, its
name simply changed." His fellow citizens showed
their appreciation of his worth by early choosing
him a member of the city council, and later elect-
ing him an alderman, as well as by sending him to
represent them in the Legislature. For years he
attended Dr. Horace Bushnell's Church, and was a
liberal contributor to its support and to the prosecu-
tion of its work; he became a member during his
later years. Dr. Phelps was too old to enlist for
service in the Rebellion, but was much interested
in the cause of liberty, and he volunteered to double
the pay of a man who would go to the front as he
had no son to send. His grandfather served in
34
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Revolution, his father in the war of 1812, and
he desired to have representation ; accordingly he
sent Charles Tennant, who soon became second
lieutenant, was wounded at Antietam, recovered,
was promoted to captain, and was afterward
killed. Dr. Phelps ever after took a deep interest
in his family.
MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH ROSWELL
HAWLEY, LL. D., lawyer, editor, citizen-soldier
and statesman, of Hartford, belongs to that galaxy
of great men of New England, the mere mention
of whose names has thrilled the country.
Senator Hawley, though a native of the South,
born Oct. 31, 1826, at Stewartsville, N. C, is a
product of New England, and in paternal lines is
from early Connecticut ancestry. He is of Englis'h-
Scotch lineage, and on his father's side is a de-
scendant in the eighth generation from Joseph Haw-
ley, who came from Parwick, Derbyshire, England,
landing near Boston, Mass., in 1629, and became
a planter or settler at Stratford, Conn., in about
1640. From this Stratford settler Senator Haw-
ley's line is through Samuel, Capt. Joseph, Eben-
ezer, Ebenezer (2), Asa and Rev. Francis. The
last named, the Senator's father, was a native of
Farmington, Conn., where his ancestor, Capt. Jo-
seph Hawley, had settled about 1700, and early in
life went South and engaged in business, but after-
ward entered the ministry of the Baptist Church.
He married Mary McLeod, a native of North Caro-
lina, of Scotch parentage, and the family, in 1837,
removed to Connecticut, where the father was an
anti-slavery man.
Joseph R. Hawles' prepared for college at the
Hartford Grammar School and the seminary at
Cazenovia, N. Y., whither the family removed
about 1842. He was graduated at Hamilton Col-
lege in 1847, with a high reputation as a speaker
and debater. He taught school in the winters,
studied law at Cazenovia and Hartford, and be-
gan practice in 1850. He immediately became
chairman of the Free-Soil State Committee, wrote
for the Free-Soil press, and spoke in every can-
vass. He stoutly opposed the Know-Nothings,
and devoted his energies to the union of all op-
ponents of 'slavery. The first meeting for the or-
ganization of the Republican party in Connecticut
was held in his office, at his call, Feb. 4, 1856.
Among those present were the late Hon. Gideon
Welles and Hon. John M. Niles. Mr. Hawley gave
three months to speaking in the Fremont canvass,
in 1856. In February, 1857, he abandoned law
practice, and became editor of the Hartford Even-
ing Press, the new distinctively Republican paper.
His partner was William Faxon, afterward assist-
ant secretary of the United States Navy.
On the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Hawley
responded to the first call for troops in 1861 by
drawing up a form of enlistment, and, assisted by
Albert W. Drake, afterward colonel of the loth
Conn. Vol. Inf., raising rifle Company A, ist Conn.
Vol. Inf., which was organized and accepted in
twenty-four hours, Mr. Hawley having personally
engaged rifles at Sharp's factory. He was mus-
tered in April 22, as captain, and is said to have
been the first volunteer in the State. Capt. Hawley
received special praise for goOid conduct at the bat-
tle of Bull Run, from Gen. Erastus D. Keyes,
brigade commander. Upon his muster out of the
three-months' service, Capt. Hawley directly united
with Col. Alfred H. Terry in raising the 7th Conn.
Vol. Inf., a three-years' regiment, of which he waS
mustered in as lieulenant-colonel Sept. 17, 1861.
The regiment went South in the Port Royal expe-
dition, and on Hie capture of the forts was the
first sent ashore as a garrison. The Seventh was
engaged for four montlis in the siege of Fort Pu-
laski, and upon the surrender was selected as the
garrison. On Jan. 20, 1862, Lieut. -Col. Hawley
succeeded Col. Terry, and commandtd the regi-
ment in the battles of James Island and Pocotaligo,
also in Brannan's expedition to Florida. He went
with his regiment to Florida, in January, 1863, and
commanded the post of Fernandina, whence in
April he undertook an unsuccessful expedition
against Charleston. Col. Hawley also commanded a
brigade on Morris's Island in the siege of Charleston
and the capture of Fort Wagner. In February, 1864,
he had a brigade under Gen. Tiuman Seymour in
the battle of Olustee, Fla., where the whole national
force lost 38 per cent. His regiment was one of the
few that was armed with the Spencer breech-load-
ing rifle. This weapon, which he procured in the
autumn of 1863, proved very effective in the hands
of his men. He went to Virginia in April, 1864,
having a brigade in Terry's Division, loth Corps,
Army of the James, and was in the battles of Dru-
ry's Bluft", Deep Run and Derbytown Road, and
in various afifairs near Bermuda Hundred- and Deep
Bottom. Col. Hawley commanded a division in
the fight on New Market Road, and engaged in the
siege of Petersburg. In September, 1864, Col.
Hawley was made a brigadier-general United
States Volunteers, having been repeatedly recom-
mended by his immediate superiors. In Novem-
ber, 1864, Gen. Hawley commanded a picked bri-
gade sent to New York City to keep the peace dur-
ing the week of the Presidential election. He suc-
ceeded to Gen. Terry's division when Terry was
sent to Fort Fisher in January, 1865, afterward
■rejoining him as chief of staft', loth Corps, and,
on the capture of Wilmington, was detached by
Gen. Schofield to establish a base of supplies there
for Sherman's army, and command southeastern
North Carolina. In June, he rejoined Gen. Terry
as chief of stafif for the department of Virginia,
In October, he went home, was breveted major-
general Sept. 28, 1865, and was mustered out of
the service Jan. 15, 1866.
The following 'April (1866), Gen. Hawley was
elected governor of Connecticut, but he was de-
feated in 1867, and then, having united the Press
and the Courant, he resumed editorial life, and
JOSEPH R. HAWLET
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
35.
more vigorously than ever entered the pohtical
contests following the war. Gen. Hawley was al-
wa}s in demand as a speaker throughout the coun-
try. He was president of the National Republi-
can Convention in 1868, secretary of the committee
on Resolutions in 1872, and chairman of that com-
mittee in 1876. He earnestly opposed paper money
theories. In November, 1872, he was elected to
Jill a vacancy in Congress caused by the death of
Julius L. Strong-. Gen. Hawley was re-elected to
the XLnid Congress, defeated for the XLIVth and
XL\"th, and re-elected to the XLVlth (1879-81).
He was elected United States Senator in January,
1881, by the unanimous vote of his party, and re-
elected in like manner in January, 1887, for the term
ending March 4, 1893. -He was re-elected in Jan-
uary, 1893, ^"cl again in January, 1899.
In the House, Gen. Hawley served on the com-
mittees on Claims, Banking and Currency, J\Iilitary
Affairs and Appropriations ; and in the Senate on the
committees on Coast Defenses, Railroads, Printing,
and Military Affairs. He was also chairman of a
select committee on Warships, and submitted a long
and valuable report, the result of careful investiga-
tion into steel production and heavy gunmaking in
England and the United States. He was chair-
man of the committee on Civil Service, and vigor-
ously promoted the enactment of civil service reform
legislation.
In the National Republican Convention of 1884
the Connecticut delegation unanimously voted for
Senator Hawley for President in every ballot.
Senator Hawley was president of the United
States Centennial Commission from its organiza-
tion in 1872 until the close of its labors in 1877,
gave two years exclusively to the work, was ex-
officio member of its committees, and appointed all
save the executive.
Senator Hawley received, in 1875, the degree
of LL. D. from Hamilton, and from Yale in 1886.
Of the former institution he is a trustee. Religious-
ly he is a Congregationalist. Gen. Hawley is an
ardent Republican, one of the most acceptable ex-
temporaneous orators in the Republic, a believer
in universal suffrage, the American people and the
■"American way," would adjust the tariff' so as to
benefit native industries, urges the reconstruction
of our naval and coast defenses, demands a free
ballot and a fair count everywhere, . opposes the
tendency to federal centralization, and is a strict
constructionist of the constitution in favor of the
rights and dignity of the individual States. Sen-
ator Hawley is known the country over as a type
of the highest, noblest class of American states-
men.
On December 25, 1855, Gen. Hawley was mar-
ried to Harriet Ward Foote, of Guilford, who died
March 3, 1886. Mrs. Hawley's services at the
front during the Civil war in alleviating the dis-
tresses of the war have made her name sacred to
thousands of soldiers. [Compiled in part from Ap-
pleton's "Encyclopsedia of American Biography. J
GEORGE S. HULL, M. D., of Uristol, was
born in iiurlington, Hartford Co., Conn., March
31, 1847, a"'! is a son of Sylvanus and Florilla
(Clark) Hull, parents of three children: Dr. George
S. ; Burton C, born Feb. 22, 1854; and Rowland T.,
born in May, 1863.
Sylvanus Hull, the father of the Doctor, was
born in North Haven in June, 1820, was of English
descent, and a farmer by vocation ; he first married
Evaline Pond, by whom he became the father of
a daughter Evaline, who married Isaac B. Hart-
well, and had four children, Samuel, Susan, Everett
and Grace. The father of Sylvanus, Elisaph Hull,
was born in North Haven in 1783. was also a farmer,
died in 1873, ^'^d ^'s remains lie interred in Burling-
ton. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was
Wooster Clark, who was born in Burlington, Junc-
26, 1797, married Maria Sparks, and died Aug. 21,
1884, the father of the following named children,
Neanvin, Florilla, Jane and Sybil.
George S. Hull's early education was secured
in the common schools of his native town, and this
was supplemented by a two-years' course in the
State Normal at New Britain, and by a preparatory
course of study at the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute at Suffiel'd; he next entered Yale Medical
School, where he passed one year, and then attended
one course of lectures at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, at New York, after which he entered
the Homeopathic Medical College of the same city,
from which he was graduated in the spring of 1872,
and immediately afterward (in Alarch) located in
Bristol, where he has built up a good practice.
On the creation of the office of medical examiner
for Bristol, Dr. Hull was appointed to that posi-
tion, and still retains it. In 1887 he was elected
surgeon of the First Regiment, Connecticut Uni-
form Rank, Knights of Pythias, and held the office
until 1890, when he was appointed to the same po-
sition in the Second Regiment, and a few weeks
later received the appointment of assistant surgeon-
general on Brig.-Gen. E. F. Durand's staff. Dr.
Hull is a membe'r of the Alumni Medical Association
of the New York Homeopathic ^Medical College, and
of the Connecticut Homeopathic ^ledical Society.
He is an enthusiastic believer in the principles ot
fraternal organizations. In the spring of 1872 he
was made a member of Franklin Lodge, F. & A. .M.,
at Bristol and early the next vear became a member
of the Pequabuck Chapter, No. 32, R. A jM. He
then joined, in order, the Doric Councd of New Brit-
ain the Washington Commandery of the Knights
Templar of Hartford, the Pyramid Temple ot the
Mvstic Shrine, of Bridgeport, is a charter member
of 'the Mvstic Shrine, Sphinx Temple, of Hartford,
and in 1889 became a thirty-second degree Scottish
Rite Mason of the Sovereign Consistory of Nor-
wich Dr. Hull is likewise a member ot the KmRhts
of Pvthias. He was a charter member and the first
past chancellor of Ethan Lodge, No 9. ^- «* ^- "^
Bristol, and was the organizer of Hull Company,
36
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
No. 5, of the uniform rank of the same city, which
was so named in his honor. In 1888 he was ap-
pointed grand master at arms at the grand lodge ses-
sion held at Derby (or Ansonia) ; m 1889 he was
elected grand prelate ; in 1890, grand vice-chancel-
lor at the session held at I'orrington ; and in 1891,
grand chancellor at 'the session held at Wallingford.
In 1895 he was sent as supreme representative to
the supreme lodge session held at Cleveland, and
was also representative at the supreme lodge session
held at Indianapolis in 1897, and at both places was
appointed a member of the Rathbone monumental
fund committee, organized for the purpose of erect-
ing a monument at Utica, N. Y., and is still a mem-
ber. The Doctor is likewise an Odd Fellow in
good standing, being a member of Stephen Terry
Lodge, No. 59, of Bristol, and a charter member
of E. L. Dunbar Encampment, at Bristol.
Dr. Hull has been a devout member of the Bap-
tist Church for thirty years, and for the past ten
3'ears has been one of the trustees. In politics he
is a Republican, for a number of years has held the
office of manager of the town deposit fund, and
for eight years has been a member of the school
committee from District No. 3. He is extensively
interested in several of the industrial pursuits of
Bristol, being president of the Codling Manufactur-
ing Co., which was incorporated in 1893 ; also presi-
dent of the Turner Heating Co., manufacturers of
hot air heaters and stoves, and incorporated in 1890,
with a capital stock of $50,000, and he is a direc-
tor in the Bristol Water Co., having held that office
since its organization. Besides the above he is a
director of the Dowd Printing Co., of Winsted,
Connecticut.
The first marriage of Dr. Hull took place April
2, 1867, when Aliss Sarah Alice Curtiss became his
wife. She was born in October, 1846, and died in
October, 1884; his second marriage, which occurred
June 3, 1886, was to Miss Hattie Antoinette Fenn,
who was born Sept. 22, 1857, in Plymouth, a daugh-
ter of Lucius A. Fenn, and to this union has been
born one son, George W. Hull.
COL. HENRY KENNEDY (deceased) was
one of Hartford's best known business men, and in
his life and character he well represented the sturdy
pioneer stock from which he came. He was born at
Burnside, East TIartford, April 5, 1819. He was
the son of Samuel Kennedy, and grandson of John
Kennedy. Samuel Kennedy was nine years of age
when his father settled in Burnside, and lived to the
advanced age of eight3'-two years, and became one
of the wealthy land owners of East Hartford and a
prominent citizen. In every generation the familv
have been noted for the possession of sterling qual-
ities of character.
Col. Kennedy's education was begun in the
schools of East Hartford, and among his school-
mates was the late Gov. R. D. Hubbard. Col. Ken-
nedy left home, at the age of fourteen, and much
against the wish of his father, as the Colonel ex-
pressed it in later years, he carried but a dollar in
his pocket and his father's disapproval. He went
to Hartford and apprenticed himself to Smith &'
Bourn, at such meager wages that he could not
properly clothe himself, and in order 10 avoid the
jeering of the boys of his acquaintance he would
wait until they had returned to their work, and then
run as fast as he could to the shop. Such experi-
ences early taught him the worth of money, and he
became a shrewd and careful financier, as was evi-
denced in later years by his successful investment of
moneys, both as related to his personal interests and
those of others. To illustrate his integrity, when
a very young man the late Gov. Hubbard urged upon
him the loan of a thousand dollars with which to
start in business, the Colonel having no security to^
offer. He served as a supernumerary on the police
force, and about i860 was appointed jailer under
Sheriff Russell, at the old jail at the junction of Pearl
and Jewell streets, where the Y. M. C. A. building
now stands. In 1865 he was appointed steward of the
American Asylum, which position he held for six-
teen years, filling it with marked ability. While at
the American Asylum he was appointed conservator
of the late Leonard Church. After the death of iVIr.
Church he was appointed administrator of his estate^
much to the satisfaction of Mrs. Church, and at her
death he benefitted largely from her estate, reward-
ing his eft'orts in the handling of the Church proper-
ties, which were largely increased under his manage-
ment. Through the eft'orts of Col. Kennedy, Mrs.
Church was induced to ' present the organ to the
First Church of Christ in Hartford, which remains a
memorial to herself and her husband. His early
experiences at Smith & Bourn's brought him in con-
tact with horsemen and their interests, and having
an inborn liking for horseflesh he early became
identified with trotting interests, which was con-
tinued through his life, and vv'as himself an owner of
good horse flesh. He was prominently identified with
Charter Oak Park and its trotting interests, and a
familiar figure at its race meetings lor many years.
At the time of the sale of Charter Oak Park it was.
purchased by the Colonel, and some time later passed
into the hands of prominent turfmen, thus securing
its continuance as a race course. When the Gentle-
men's Driving Club was formed in 1888 Col. Ken-
nedy was elected the first president of the organi-
zation. In politics Col. Kennedy was a stanch Re-
publican. He united with the Putnam Phalanx in
1859. In 1869 he was chosen major, and served as
I such until 1873. He was again elected major in
1874, holding the position until 1876. Under h'vi
command the Phalanx made a trip to Montreal,
Canada, in September, 1871. While in that citv he-
was presented with a very fine sword by his Pha-
lanx friends, as a token of the esteem in which he
was held. This sword was always highly cherished
by him, and is now in the possession of Mrs. Pitkin.
Although the Colonel disliked notoriety and
lived a quiet life, he was a man who loved his
friends and made them know it. He was interested;
Mi^^&i
nj^mMmk ^
^
:^
"p-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37
in religious work, having been one of the organizers
of the old Fourth Church, to which he gave liberally.
For some years previous to his death he and his
family attended Christ Church. After leaving the
American Asylum he lived for a time on Winthrop
street, later removing to the Leonard Church home-
stead, corner of Asylum avenue and Garden street,
which came into his possession after the death of
Mrs. Church, and where he died March 15, 1899.
On Feb. 21, 1844, Col. Kennedy married Sarah
Jane White, who died Feb. 10, 1875, and on Dec.
3,1887, he married Rebecca A. Cady, who died Dec.
1, 1898. Col. Kennedy is survived by a brother
John Kennedy; and a sister, Mrs. Esther Abbev,
and an adopted daughter, Airs. Nellie W. Pitkin,
wife of William T. Pitkin, of Hartford, Connecticut.
SAMUEL M. BRONSON, director and general
manager of the National Machine Co., Nos. iii-
133 Sheldon street, Hartford, was born April i,
1832, in Waterbury, Conn., where his family has
long been prominent. His great-grandfather lo-
cated there in pioneer times, and became the owner
of a large tract of land.
Amasa Bronson, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Waterbury in 1778, and died in 1880, at.
the age of one hundred and two years, never hav-
ing had a week's sickness. At the time of his death
he was the oldest man in the State. He was a farmer,
and owned considerable real estate in Waterbury,
comprising a part of the business portion of the
town, and a part of what is now the "Green." Dur-
ing the Revolutionary war he enlisted in the army,
but peace was declared before he had an oppor-
tunity for active service. He and his wife, Sarah,
who lived to the age of ninety-four, were members
of the Episcopal Church, and very regular attend-
ants. They had a large family of children, all now
deceased.
Julius G. Bronson, our subject's father, was
born and reared in Waterbury, and engaged in
butchering and farming upon a part of the old
homestead. In public affairs he was prominent,
holding various offices. His death occurred at the
age of fifty-seven. He married Julia Newton, who
was born in Waterbury, and died in 1843, aged
thirty-three years. She was one of five children of
James Newton, who died at the age of forty-three,
and his wife, who died aged ninety-two years. Our
subject was one of a family of four children, of
whom only two are living. His younger brother,
Charles H., has always resided in Waterbury, and
is now assistant superintendent of the Waterbury
Flospital.
Samuel 'SI. Bronson spent much of his early life
in Waterbury, receiving a common-school educa-
tion, and at thirteen entered a store as clerk. Soon
afterward he went to Waterville to learn the cut-
ler's trade, and for four years was engaged in the
manufacture of shears and pocket knives. He then
went to Hotchkissville, having a contract in the
manufacture of shears, and later he becam.e super-
intendent of the plant, remaining in all lour years.
One year he spent in Waterbury, practically out of
business on account of poor health, and he then
took charge of a mill at Oakville, where he also
served as postmaster three years. On resigning
he entered the employ of the Adams E.\press Co.,
making his headquarters in Waterbury, but act-
ing as their traveling representative, and taking
the place of different agents. Later he removed to
New York, and for some time had the express run
from New York to Boston, afterward acting in this
capacity upon different routes, and finally removed
his headquarters to Hartford, from which point
he took charge of the inward freight and money
department. In 1869 he entered the retail market
and grocer}' business, and three years later began
the wholesale trade on State street, which he con-
tinued up to 1894, being at that time among the
oldest and best known wholesale merchants in the
city. In 1 89 1 he was one of the organizers of the
National Machine Co., together with Charles E.
Billings, Silas Chapman, and others. He was elect-
ed treasurer in 1893, and secretary in 1894, and
held both offices until 1897, when he resigned as
secretary, and was made treasurer and general man-
ager, which position he still holds. This concern
started with only six workmen, and has increased to
sixty. They are the sole manufacturers of a special
machine or printing press for printing in colors,
which is used by the best-known periodicals, such as
the "Youth's Companion," "Harper's \\'eekly," and
others of this character. They also ship these ma-
chines to the most remote parts of the world, not
only throughout Continental Europe, but to Aus-
tralia, Cuba and even southern Africa. They
made a large exhibit at the World's Fair in Paris
in 1900, and received the grand prize, notice of
which read as follows :
The National MacMne Co., Hartford, Conn , U. S. A.
The official Journal of Ihe Republic of France an-
nounces that you have been awarded a Grand Prix in the
United States Department of Liberal Arts and Chemical
Industries.
A. S. Capf.hart,
Director.
Participant in INIodern Commercial Composing Room,
Exhibitors of the Gaily Universal Presses.
In the Columbian Exposition, in 189^. they oc-
cupied a large space, and took all the medals award-
ed to machines of this character for superiority of
work. In their own plant they use all labor-saving
machinery from the latest inventors.
Mr. Bronson was one of the organizers of the
Hartford Merchants Exchange, with which he was
connected until he left the wholesale business, serv-
ing five years as president. He is a director in the
State Savings Bank and was for some time a di-
rector in the Fowler & Miller Co., while he has
also dealt extensively in real estate for many years.
He was one of the charter members of the Hart-
38
COMMEMORATH'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ford Board of Trade, in which he was a director for
many years.
ivlr. Bronson is a Democrat in politics, and
served as a member of the common council in
j874-'75, alderman in 1892-93, and commissioner
of fisheries in Connecticut for three years. The
following shows his activity in Masonic life : He
was raised in Federal Lodge, No. 17, Watertown,
Conn., February, 1857; affiliated with Pacific Lodge,
No. 233, New Vork, 1861 ; affiliated with St. John's
Lodge, Hartford, 1866; received chapter degrees
in Fythagoras Chapter, Hartford, 1808; received
Cryptic degrees in Wolcott Council, No. i, Hart-
ford, 1868; knighted in Washington Commandery,
No. I, Hartford, April 13, 1869, and elected com-
mander in 1880; elected grand commander of Con-
necticut in :March, 1897 ; is Past T. P. G. AL, Charter
Oak Lodge of Perfection: Past J\L E. S., Prince
G. M, Hartford Council, Princes of Jerusalem;
Past i\L \'V. and P. M. of Cyrus Goodale Chapter,
Rose Croix ; member of the Connecticut Sovereign
Consistory; member of the Royal Order of Scot-
land ; crowned an honorary member Supreme Coun-
cil, in 1884; member of the \'eteran Association
of Connecticut. He has held various offices in the
diflferent bodies of the York Rite, and is grand
chancellor in the council of Deliberation, A. & A.
S. Rite, of Connecticut. During his Masonic career,
while in the Council, Cryptic Masonry, he was treas-
urer for a number of years, and also treasurer of
P}-thagoras Chapter, and held the offices in both
these bodies. He was one of the organizers of all
Scottish Rite Bodies in Hartford, and has held
nearly all the offices in these, and in a number of
instances served several terms. For eight years
past he has been president of the Masonic Mutual
jBenefit Association of Connecticut. He was one
of the first in organization of the Alasonic Hall
Association in 1872, and was secretary and treas-
urer of this body until 1897. Of the four Masons
in this city to receive the 33d degree he was second,
having it conferred upon him in 1884; the remain-
ing three are Charles E. Billings, Silas Chapman
and John G. Root, of this county, sketches of whom
appear elsewhere.
In 1853 Mr. Bronson married Miss Harriet A.
Burnham, a native of South Windsor, and daughter
of Lucius A. Burnham, a farmer, who became one
of the pioneers of Wisconsin, going there at a time
when he had to make the journey with horses. For
*eventy-four miles west of Chicago toward his
destination there was not a single house, and he was
offered land within the limits of the present business
portion of Chicago for $6 per acre. He followed
farming successfully in Wisconsin for twenty-
three years, but later returned to Hartford, where
he died aged seventy-four years. His wife, Pamelia
(Goodrich), who died aged sixtj^-nine. was a native
of Waterbury, Vt., and thev had five children, three
of whom are living: John W., of Portland, Oregon;
Edward L., of East Hartford ; and Julia A., Mrs.
Bacon, who resides in Wisconsin. Mrs. Bronson
died June 15, 1893, aged sixty-two years. Sev-
eral years ago Mr. and Mrs. Bronson became inter-
ested' in two little girls. Flora E. and Ada E. Burt,
sisters, whom they took into their home and edu-
cated. Flora graduated from Madame Draper's
famous French Seminary in Hartford, and later
married Thomas R. Morrow, a native of Hart-
ford, but now one of the leading lawyers of Kan-
sas City ; he has recently gained a celebrated case
in the United States Sunreme Court, at Washing-
ton, D. C. Ada graduated from the Hartford Pub-
lic High School, and taught in Hartford for seven
years, but since the death of Mrs. Bronson has had
charge of the Bronson home.
PERKINS. The Perkins family of Hartford,
of which the eminent lawyers, Enoch Perkins and
his son, the late Thomas Clap Perkins, were honored
and distinguished members, and of which the lat-
ter's son and grandson, Charles E. and Arthur, re-
spectively, are prominent in the profession, is one of
the oldest families in New England. Charles E.
Perkins is in the seventh generation from John
Perkins, Sr., the American ancestor, the line of his
descent being through Sergt. Jacob, Joseph,
Mathew, Enoch and Thomas Clap.
(I) John Perkins, Sr., as he is called in the
records, the immigrant ancestor of many of the
family in this country, according to family tradi-
tion was born in Newent, Gloucestershire, England,
in 1590. He was among the earliest emigrants
from the mother country, sailing from Bristol, Eng-
land, Dec. I, 1630, in the ship "Lyon," bound for
Boston' in America, taking with him his wife and
five children. The ship anchored before Boston
Feb. 6, 1631. The children of John Perkins and
wife Judith were : John, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary,
Jacob and Lydia. He resided in Boston two years,
and became one of the leading men of Ipswich,
Mass. ; was several times deputy to the General
Court, and held other offices of trust. He died in
1654, aged sixtv-four years.
(II) Sergt. Jacob Perkins, son of John, Sr., was
born in England in 1624. He was first married about
1647, his wife's name being Elizabeth. She died
in 1665, and later he married Widow Damaris Rob-
inson, of Boston. He died in 1699-1700, and his
widow in 1716. Like the sreneral farmer he lived
a quiet, imeventful life. His children by Elizabeth
were: Elizabeth, John, Judith, Mary, Jacob, Math-
ew, Hannah, Joseph and Jabez.
(III) Joseph Perkins, son of Sergt. Jacob, born
June 21, 1664, in Ipswich, Mass., removed in earlv
life to Norwich, Conn., and married there, in 1700,
Martha, daughter of Joseph and Dorothy Morgan.
She was of Preston, Conn., born in 1680, and died
in 1754. He died in 1726. In connection with his
brother Jabez he purchased a large tract of land —
800 or 1,200 acres — in that part of the town of Nor-
wich afterward the town of Lisbon, and it was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39
known as "Perkins' Crotch." Joseph Perkins was
an influential man in both town and church. His
children were : EHzabeth, Mary, Joseph, Martha,
John, Jerusha, ^lathew, Deborah and Ann.
(IV) jMathew Perkins, son of Joseph, was born
Aug. 31, 1713, in Norwich, Conn., and died in
1773. In 1739 he married Hannah, daughter of
Samuel and Sarah (Fobes) Bishop. She was
born in 1724, and died at Lisbon, Conn., in
1809. He owned a farm of 1,000 acres in Hanover
Societ)', north part of Lisbon. His children were :
Joshua, Hannah, Mathew, Ephraim, Jerusha, Na-
than, Susanna, Sarah, Mathew (2), Enoch, Fred-
erick and Samuel.
(V) Enoch Perkins, son of Mathew, was born
Aug. 16, 1760, and in 1787 was married to Anna
Pitkin, born in 1764, daughter of Timothy and Tem-
perance (Clap) Pitkin, of Farmington, Conn.
Enoch Perkins was graduated from Yale College in
1 781, and studied law with William Channing, of
Newport, R. I. He was a tutor in Yak College for
two and one-half years, after which, in 1786, he
established himself in his profession at Hartford,
where he remained in the active discharge of his
duties to the end of his life. As a lawyer he was
distinguished for a thorough acquaintance with the
duties of his profession, and he was, to no common
degree, skilled in the forms of legal process, and his
services were often called into requisition ; his
clients are said never to have suffered by his negli-
gence. As a member of the civic society he was
ev€r ready to bear his part of public business ; and
when appointed to civic offices he executed the duties
thereof promptly and efficiently, and his services
met with the approbation of the wise and good. In
1809 he was appointed attorney for the State of Con-
necticut in the county of Hartford, in which office
he discharged the duties of public prosecutor with
a characteristic regard for moral principle. He
was chosen a member of the board of trustees of
the Alissionary Society of Connecticut in 1808, and
was also trustee of the Hartford grammar school.
Mr. Perkins was much esteemed and resorted to as
an adviser in cases of difficulty, and for this office
he was well qualified. He looked coolly into the
intricacies of a subject, and it was rarely that he
did not penetrate it to the bottom ; his unbending
integrity and honesty of purpose gave to his advice
its peculiar value. His life was one of uncommon
evenness.
While a tutor in Yale College Mr. Perkins made
a public profession of religion, and through his
whole life he was thoroughly and sincerely a Chris-
tian ; his religious feeling sprang from clear views
of truth. He observed the Sabbath with great
strictness, for he loved its holy hours and sacred
duties. He died Aug. 28, 1828. His children were
Anna, Charlotte. Henrietta, Emilia, Thomas Clap,
Henry A. and George W.
(\T) Thomas Clap Perkins, son of Enoch, and
the father of Charles E. Perkins, of Hartford, was
born July 30, 1798, in iiartfurd, Cunn. ( Jn .\u\-.
7, 1827, he married Mary Foot Beecher, daughter of
Rev. Lyinan lieecher. D. D. Thomas C. Perkins
was graduated from Yale in 1818, taking the salu-
tatory, an<l studied law with Hon. Seth P. Staples,
of New Haven. He was admitted to the Hartford
liar, and soon rose to an influential position among
associates whose ability and success rendered it no
easy matter for a new and young lawyer to achieve
distinction. For a time he was secretary of the
Protection Fire Insurance Co. He filled several
town offices, and was a number of times a member
of the State Senate and House. Elected later in
life to the Bench of the Supreme Court, he declined
that honor, preferring the business of his profes-
sion. He was very learned in the law, had an in-
tellect of great exactness and clearness, a sound and
instructed judgment and wonderful tenacity of
purpose. He excelled both in the preparation of a
case and in its conduct, convincing court and jury
not so much by eloquence of words as by perspicuity
of statement and entire candor of manner. "Thor-
oughly learned in the law, he was untiring in his
work. Gifted with an extraordinarily retentive
memory, and an equally surprising quickness of
perception, he made the most of his facts and au-
thorities ; and could improvise his points, as trial
progressed, without previous knowledge or prep-
aration of the case. He had not the winning and
persuasive way with a jury that marked Mr. Chap-
man, who was frequently associated with him ; he
was better before the Court than before the jury.
He digested everything he read, and his application
of a rule was remarkable. He used his precedents
and authorities in such a way as to make them
'tell' on the case without lumbering or overloading
it. In a consultation his judgment was as valuable
as that of the ablest of his associates. As a lawyer,
in the stricter sense of the word, he was one of the
best of the Hartford Bar. During the latter half
of his professional career his practice was very large
and lucrative."
In his private life Islv. Perkins was accustomed
to lay aside his severe habits of business, and give
himself to the genial pleasure of social intercourse.
He was a man "of much wit and humor, and greatly
engaged them in others, drawing always for the
enter'tainment of his friends uoon a large store
of anecdotes and a wide range of reading. He was
a man who concealed his charities and avoided a
display of sympathy, but a tale of distress never
failed to move him, and he eave liberally where his
gifts were known only to himself and the receivers.
He looked habitually on the brisrht side of life, and
never liked to talk of that which was unpleasant
or disagreeable. No man was truer or deeper in
his attachments, though he sought society in a
limited circle of friends. He was a Christian gen-
tleman, of the old school of courtesv and kindness.
He died, after a short and painful sickness, Oct.
11; 1870.
40
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"The death of j\lr. Perkins deprived the Hart-
ford Bar of one of the last of the old fraternity of
distinguished lawyers whose names, during the
thirty or forty years prior to his death, had given it
honorable distinction. Within eighteen months
from that time the deaths of Toucey, Chapman
and Perkins had occurred. Plungerford and Waldo
alone remained of the older members, and the latter
practiced chiefly at the Bar of another county. Ells-
worth, Parsons and other distinguished lights of
the Hartford Bar had died during the few preceding
years. Hungerford, at that time the oldest sur-
viving associate of the old members of the Hart-
ford Bar, and in some respects the most remarkable
lawyer whom Connecticut or New England has
ever produced, survived our subject at eighty or
upwards, and had then of late years entirely with-
drawn from active practice. One, who would have
won a deservedly wide fame at the i3ar, died in his
fresh prime: and the Bar of Hartford county, as
well as the community, lost a valuable member in
the death of the late Lucius F. Robinson. Air.
Perkins' death, like the loss of Mr. Chapman, was
particularly felt."
The quotations preceding are from the Hart-
ford press at the time of the death of Mr. Perkins,
and those following are from the resolutions of
speakers at the Plartford Bar meeting held at that
time :
"As a genial lawyer, conducting causes from
their earliest consultation, through their prepara-
tions in his office and conflicts at the Bar, to the final
engrossment after the last decree of the last tribunal,
he was systematic, patient, vigorous and powerful.
He was an associate most valuable, an antagonist
most powerful.
"His well-disciplined intellect, his retentive mem-
ory, his unequalled self control, and his many years
of industrious application to all branches of profes-
sional practice, rendered him a bright ornament to
that Bar which not even the offered highest judi-
ciary honors of our Commonwealth could induce
him to forsake, and in whose advance he died, with
courage unabated and pulse unwearied."
"The death of Mr. Perkins was not merely the
loss of a great lawyer and of a Christian gentleman,
but it would be peculiarly felt by the Hartford
County Bar. For the last few years be had been
regarcled as the leader of this Bar. Taking a prom-
inent part in almost all the important trials, he was
always cautious, always honorable, always fair.
The influence of his example had had much to do
in giving to our Bar its enviable reputation of being
■one of the most honorable and courteous in New
England. The younger members, with his daily
example before them, were led to know that trick-
ery, dishonesty and sharp practice have no place
in the qualifications of a great and successful
lawyer. Air. Hyde felt sure he expressed the feel-
ings of the younger brethren present when he de-
clared that to the Hartford County Bar his loss was
irreparable."
Mr. Perkins' children were: (i) Frederick B.
Perkins, born Sept. 27, 1828, in Hartford, Conn.,
married May 21, 1857, Mary Westcott, of Provi-
dence, R. I., and a daughter of Henry and Clarissa
(Perkins) Westcott. Their children were: Thomas
IT. (deceased), Thomas A., Charlotte A., and Julia
De W. (deceased).
(2) Emily B. Perkins, born Nov. 23, 1829, in
Hartford, Conn., married Oct. 13, 1852, Rev. Ed-
ward Everett Hale, D. D., of Boston, Mass., son
of Hon. Nathan Hale. Their children were : Al-
exander (deceased) ; Ellen D., born Feb. 11, 1855;
Arthur, born Aug. 12, 1859; Charles A. (deceased) ;
Edward Fl, born Feb. 18, 1863 ; Philip, born May
21, 1865; Herbert, born July 22, 1866; Henry K.,
born June 6, 1868 (deceased) ; and Robert, born
Sept. 5, 1870 (deceased).
(3) Charles E. Perkins, born March 23, 1832,
in Hartford, married, Aug. 29, 1855, Lucy M.
Adams, of Boston. He graduated from Williams
College, Alassachusetts, in 1853, then studied law
with his father in Hartford, and was admitted to the
Bar in 1855. Fie has resided in Hartford ever since
as a partner with his father while he lived, and after
his death alone until 1892, when his son Arthur was
admitted to a partnership. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins
have had children as follows : Mary R., born July 22,
1857, married in 1887 Rev. Sidney D. Hooker, of
Dillon, Mont. : Emily H., born Jan. 23, 1861, married
in 1888 Howard H. Knapp, of Bridgeport; Arthur,
born May 16, 1864, graduated at Yale College in
1887, was admitted to the Bar in 1889, and since
1892 has practiced law with his father under the
firm name of Perkins & Perkins (he married Miss
Amy Dennison, of Philadelphia, and has one daugh-
ter, Helen Perkins) ; Lucy A. was born Oct. 23,
1865 ; and Thomas C. was born May 16, 1873.
(4) Catherine B. Perkins, born May 3, 1836,
married in 1859 William C. Oilman, of New York.
She died Nov. 15, 1879. Their children were:
Theodora (deceased) ; ]3essie (deceased) ; Hough-
ton, born Aug. 8, 1867; and Francis, born Dec. 15,
1870.
ALBERT P. PITKIN (deceased), for many
3'ears a leading business man of Hartford, was a rep-
resentative of one of the oldest families, tracing his
descent from William Pitkin, a pioneer of East
Hartford.
The name has long been identified with a high
order of citizenship, and among other members of
the family who have attained distinction are Will-
iam and Ozias Pitkin, sons of the pioneer, who
were among the most noted lawyers and politicians
of their time : William Pitkin, governor of the colony
from 1766 to 1769; Col. John Pitkin, brother of the
governor, who was lieutenant-colonel in 1755 and
colonel in 1756, and led his command against Crown
Point in 1755 in the expedition under Gen. Lyman;
and Col. William Pitkin, son of the governor, who
was in 1758 appointed major of the Connecticut
forces raised for the expedition against Canada,
^^^^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
41
served through the campaign, under Gen. Aber-
crombie, and acquired the reputation of a faithful
and gallant officer ; during the greater part of the
Revolutionary war he was a member of the Council
of Siafety.
William Pitkin, the pioneer, was born in 1633, at
Mar^'lebone, near London, England, and came to
Hartford in 1659. A year later he began teaching
school, being thereto encotiraged by votes and grants
of money by the town. He was appointed attorney
for the colony in 1664. He bought land on the east
side of the river, and was one of the most prominent
planters. He bequeathed in his will nearly 800
acres of land, after having given his two older sons
a portion of it. William Pitkin fillled many public
■offices with ability, and was conspicuous and influ-
ential in the affairs of the colony. He annually
represented Hartford in the Colonial Assembly for
a period of fifteen years, from 1675 to 1690. His
sister Martha married Simon Wolcott, and was an-
cestress of five governors. He married Hannah
Goodwin, only daughter of Hon. Ozias and Alary
(Woodward) Goodwin, the progenitors of the
Goodwin family in Connecticut. Mr. Goodwin was
born in England in 1596,- and came to America
with Rev. Thomas Hooker.
Roger Pitkin, the next in the line of descent,
married Hannah Stanley. Jonathan Pitkin married
Rebecca Smith. Jonathan Pitkin (2) married Lucy
Steele. Ezekiel Pitkin married Euphemia Chap-
man. Dennison Pitkin, our subject's father, mar-
ried Phoebe Dunham Turner.
Albert P. Pitkin was born Feb. 27, 1829, at
East Hartford, on the original homestead purchased
from the Indians in 1684 by William Pitkin, the
pioneer. When a young man he went to Hartford
and entered the employ of Gilbert & Cowles, tin-
ners and furnace makers, of whom he learned his
trade. He was afterward employed by the Culvers
of New York, the leading furnace manufacturers
of the country at - that time. Returning to Hart-
ford in 1849, he went into partnership with D. L.
Bidwell, under the firm name of Bidwell, Pitkin &
Co. In 1858 he formed another co-partnership, with
his brother Norman T., for the manufacture of
steam goods, etc. At this date the heating of build-
ings by steam was but little known. This was the
only concern of the kind, of any considerable note,
between Boston and New York, and Mr. Pitkin was
one of the leading steam engineers in New England.
Not long afterward the firm of Pitkin Brothers &
Co. was formed, consisting of A. P. Pitkin (senior
member), N. T. Pitkin and Charles A. Pitkin, and
George C. Root. Mr. Root shortly afterward with-
drew from the firm and removed to Detroit, where
he died ; C. A. Pitkin also severed his connection
with the firm, because of failing health, and is now
in Arroyo Grande, Cal. A. P. Pitkin was the di-
recting spirit in this firm, whose work stands as
high as any of its kind throughout the country.
He was for more than forty years a director of the
Earmers & Mechanics Bank, having been first ap-
pointed to the position by the Stale, k'rom 1866 to
1871 he was a member of the board of water com-
missioners, and was instrumental in securing the es-
tablishment of the present system of water supply.
He was also instrumental in founding the Hartford
Light & Power Co., of which he was a director at
the time of his death, and he also took an active
interest in the Hartford Board of Trade. He was
one of the original members of the Putnam Phal-
anx, and was a Freemason of long standing, having
taken the thirty-second degree in that fraternity.
Mr. Pitkin was a member of the Connecticut His-
torical Society, and the author of the Pitkin Geneal-
ogy, which was published in 1887, and for which
membership in the Harleian Society of Dlackhcath,
Kent, England, was conferred upon him. This
work, which stands high among the genealogical
literature of the day, was a lifelong labor of love
with its author, and is an enduring monument to
his energy and devotion, especially as it was com-
piled in the midst of a life of unusual business ac-
tivity. Mr. Pitkin was a liberal supporter of the
churches of the town, and had been a regular attend-
ant at the First Church for many years. He was a
kind, genial, generous man, devotedly attached to
his family, and beloved and respected by all who
knew him. He was a man of sterling business quali-
ties, scrupulously upright, and always careful for
the welfare of everyone in his employ. He believed
in the right of every man to his freedom in the
broadest application of the term, and was a stanch
supporter of the Republican party from the time
of its formation. His death, which occurred Feb.
21, 1892, caused sincere mourning among a wide
circle of acquaintances in Hartford and elsewhere,
and called forth many tokens of respect and affec-
tion. The funeral, which was held at his residence,
was largely attended.
On Nov. 4, 185 1, Mr. Pitkin married Miss Jane
Ann Hastings, who was born Dec. 8, 1828, daugh-
ter of Capt. Henry and Sarah Ann (Dewey) Hast-
ings. Capt. Henry Hastings was a leading citizen
ofHartford for many years, and he and his father,
Benjamin Hastings, were elected collectors of the
taxes of the town and city of Hartford, Conn., for
thirty consecutive years. Mrs. Pitkin died Feb. i,
1876', leaving three sons: Albert H., of Hartford:
Floward S.,"of East Hartford: and William T., of
Hartford, all yet living. In 1S89 Mr. Pitkin married
Aliss Julia Louise Goodwin, daughter of Horace
Ely Goodwin, of Hartford, and she survives him.
EDWARD H. SMILEY, A. M., for a decade
past connected with the Hartford Public High
School, and its efficient principal since 1895, is well
and favorably known to the educators of New Eng-
land, among whom he has taken high rank.
Born Aug. 17, 1852, in Winslow. Maine, Mr.
Smiley is a son of Reuel and Laura (Webber) Smi-
lev. who were natives of Sydney and \'assalboro,
Maine, respectively, and were farming people of
the vicinity of Va'ssalboro, where the former died
42
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at the age of fifty-nine years. The mother sur-
vived hmi many years, attaining the advanced age of
eighty-three: Both were identified with the Con-
gregational Church of their community, and were
most estimable people, and held in higii regard by
their acquaintances and friends.
The boyhood of our subject was passed on the
farm, at work, and in attendance at the common
school of the neighborhood. At the early age of
sixteen he began teaching a district school, and
continued so occupied more or less for several
years before completing his scholastic education.
He furthered his studies in the Coburn Classical
Institute, at Waterville, Maine, then entered Colby
University, from which he was graduated in 1875,
after this event returning to Waterville, Alaine,
where a high school had just been opened ; he be-
came its first principal, a position he he".d for eight
years. Following this, for six years, he was first
classical teacher in the Springfield (JMass.) High
School. From Springfield he came to Hartford,
and in September, 1890, began his relations with
the Hartford Public High School as vice-princi-
pal, continuing in such position until May, 1895,
when he was made principal, since which time he has
proven himself the right man in the right place.
He is a man of liberal education, thorough, pos-
sesses the requisite tact for management and disci-
pline, and the ability necessary to the successful
teacher and principal that he is, as is evidenced in
his work of a decade with the one institution.
The schools of Hartford from almost the very
dawn of its settlement have been of a high order —
in keeping with the superior intelligence and high
character of the city's founders. The Colonial
records of Connecticut show that a Classical School
was in existence in Hartford as early as the year
1638, and before 1662 ten graduates of Harvard
College, from Hartford, had received their prep-
aration for college in this school. During that
period two sons of Gov. John Winthrop were in
Hartford as pupils. Another historic name, that
of Gov. Edward Hopkins, is associated with the
early schools of Hartford. The high school of the
city was established in 1847, under the energetic
and untiring efforts of such men as James M. Bunce,
Amos M. Collins, D. F. Robinson, Rev. Dr. Bur-
gess, Dr. Henry Barnard, and Rev. Dr. Bushnell.
The first high school building, a plain three-story
brick, was erected in 1847; another was built, in a
dift'erent locality, in 1869, and enlarged in 1877.
This building was destroyed by fire in 1882, and
in May of the same year the first stone of the foun-
dation of the present fire-proof structure, built in
the secular Gothic style, was erected ; to it in 1896
an extension was made, and it stands to-day the
largest and best equipped high school building in
New England. Among the principals of the school
have been Joshua D. Giddings, Thomas K. Beecher,
McLauren'F. Cook, Cephas A. Leach, T. W. T.
Curtis, Samuel M. Capron, Hiram A. Pratt, Joseph
Hall, Charles H. Douglas and Edward H. Smilev.
In the report of the board of school visitors of
the town of Hartford, 1899, it is set forth that: "Our
High School, from the standpoint of equipment,
teaching, force and far-reaching potentiality, stands
to-day, as in the past, amongst the foremost high
schools of the country. The Board, the citizens of
Hartford, and the thousands of chddren who will
enjoy the educational advantages of this school,
owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the build-
ing committee, and especially to Mr. Charles E.
Thompson, the chairman, and Mr. Edward H.
Smiley, tne principal of the school, for their intel-
ligent and self-sacrificing eft'orts in planning and
supervising the erection of this building." In the
school there are in attendance some nine hundred
pupils, and forty teachers are employed.
EVERETT JAMES' McKNIGHT, M. D.,
Harlford, is one of the leading physicians and sur-
geons in the county. A native of Connecticut, he
was born June 12, 1855, in Ellington, Tolland coun-
ts', and traces his ancestry to John McKnight, the
emigrant, through James Dixon, Horace and
John (2).
( I ) John McKnight ( i ) was born about the
year 1712, in Scotland, whence when nineteen years
of age he came to this country, first locating in New
Haven, Conn., where he became a merchant, later
moving to Hartford, and finally to Ellington, and
here he resided on a farm in the northwest part of
the town until his death, in 1785. While on a trip
to England for a cargo of goods, he married Je-
rusha Crane, an Englishwoman, and by her had six
children, as follows: Thomas. (II) John, Mary, Je-
■rusha, Esther and Sarah. The father of these died
JMarch 16, 1785, the mother in September, 1783.
(II) John McKnight, born June 18, 1739, mar-
ried (first) Nov. 20, 1762, Charity Abbe, who died
in 1798; he married (second) May 27, 1799, Jerusha
Kent, born May 25, 1772, died Aug. 11, 1842. He
passed away Nov. 12, 1837, the father of thirteen
children, as follows: Roxia, born Sept. 8, 1788,
married Parley Chapman ; Timothy (twin of Roxia)
died Oct. 30, 1788; Horace was born Oct. 23, 1790;
Harvey (twin of Horace) died March 10, 1806;
Polly, born May 23, 1792, married Flavel Whiton,
died June 30, i860; (3hauncey was born Jan. 21,
1796; Betsey was born Sept. 12, 1798. Children by
second marriage: Charity, born April 15, 1800, mar-
ried Jabez Chapman; Jerusha, born June 24, 1802,
married Deacon Simon Chapman, and died in Wis-
consin Aug. II, 1842; Miranda, born Oct. i, 1804,
married Harvey White, and died in Vermont Feb.
24, 1843; John, born March 2, 1807, married Sarah
M. Abbe ; Sarah, born Jan. 14, 1810, married Helms
Terry; and Gilbert, born Nov. 16, 1812, married
Roxianna Abbe, and died in Worcester, Massa-
chusetts.
(HI) Horace McKnight was married Nov. 26,
1817, to Asenath Kimball, who was born Sept. 27,
1795, daughter of Daniel and Miriam (Allworth)
Kimball ; he died Dec. 27, 1856, she on Jan. 17,
^ X^^i-tr^^'f^^^;^ ^/^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
43
1857, the parents of seven children, as follows:
Horace Kimball, born Oct. 20, 1818, died June i,
1828; Alanson Abbe, a farmer, born March 25,
1821, died Oct. 28, 1822; Henry, born Oct. 20, 1823,
married Levia P. Chapman, and died Dec. 5, 189O,
in Springfield, Mass. (he was a farmer) ; James
Dixcn was born Aug. 9, 1826 ; Louisa Asenath, born
Jan. 30, 1829, died iVlarch 10, 1832; Frances Ro-
selle, born Ma.v 14, 1832, married Joseph Woods, a
banker, and died July 17, 1865, in New Haven,
Conn. ; and Adrian Kimball, born Nov. 29, 1836,
died Oct. i, 1841. The father of this family
was a tavern-keeper at Enfield, also a farmer, and a
well-known teacher in Hartford county ; he was a
.Whig, and a representative in the State Legislature
from Ellington, Conn., one term, also serving as
selectman, justice of the peace, and school visitor,
for many years. He was a member of the Eccle-
siastical Society of the Congregational Church.
(IV) James Dixon McKnight, born Aug. 9,
1826, in Enfield, married Oct. 10, 1850, Mary Fi-
delia Thompson, who was born May 22, 1827, in
East Windsor, daughter of John and Ann (Ells-
worth) Thompson, and granddaughter of Ben-
jamin Ellsworth, a Revolutionary soldier, who was
present at the execution of Major Andre. John
Thompson, born in 1798, died in 1874; his wife,
born in 1800, died in 1833. Their children were :
Sabra Ann, born in 1824, who married Fitch
Stoughton, of Vernon ; Mary Fidelia, Mrs. Mc-
Knight; Julia Salina, born in 1829, who married
Newton Booth, of East Windsor ; Edwin Franklin,
born in 1831, who married a Miss Morrell ; Martha
Aurelia, born in 1833, who married Allen Pascoe,
of East Windsor; Sophronia, born in 1835; Emily
Eleanor, born in 1838, who married James B. Stiles,
of East Windsor; John, born in 1840; and Elizabeth
Mabel, born in 1842, who married a Mr. Newell.
Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKnight as
follows: Mary Louisa, born Aug. 31, 1852, married
George Booth, a farmer of Enfield (no children) ;
Everett James, our subject, sketch of whom follows ;
John Thompson, born May 29, i860, married Julia
Kimball, and has three children (he is city engineer
of Rockville) ; Nellie Elizabeth, born Sept. 29, 1863,
died Aug. 20, 1890, unmarried ; and Howard Horace,
born Aug. 13, 1865, is married and has four chil-
dren (he manages his father's farm). All the fam-
ily unite with the Congregational Church.
Dr. E. J. McKnight received his earlier educa-
tion at Hall's family school in his native town, El-
lington, Conn., and his preparation for college was
made at the Hopkins Grammar School, in New
Haven. From there he went to Yale, entering the
class of 1876, in which among others were Arthur
Twining Hadley, now president of Yale, William
Waldo Hyde and others. While in Yale Dr. Mc-
Knight took great interest in athletics, and during
his course had much to do with developing interest
in football, being one of its early advocates. He
was connected with the club in an official capacity
during almost his entire course, being: treasurer of
the organization in his sophomore \'ear, secretary in
his junior year, and president in his senior year,
personally making most of the arrangements for the
first game between Yale and Harvard. After his
graduation from the regular course at Yale our
subject took one year at Yale Medical School, and
then at once proceeded to New York in order to
further prepare himself for the medical profession.
After three years of hard painstaking study at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons he received his
degree of M. D., in 1879. At once locating at East
Hartford, he for fourteen and one-half years prac-
ticed his profession with much acceptance to the
people : indeed, it has been truthfully said of him that
his success was that of a painstaking physician, who
drew to himself the patronage of the very best fam-
ilies as well as that of the great masses of the com-
munity. His practice having increased so largely
in East Hartford, Dr. McKnight opened an office
in the Batterson building, on Asylum street, at the
corner of High street, Hartford. For several years
he remained in that location, and in July, 1897, he
came to his present quarters. No. no High street,
where he has a very convenient office.
On Feb. 8, 1881, Dr. JMcKnight was united in
marriage with Miss Aletha T. Lindsley, of New
Haven, Conn. They have one daughter, Rachel,
born Aug. 9, 1889. The Doctor has filled and is
now filling a large number of respons'ble profes-
sional positions in the societies and with railroads
and life insurance companies. He is a member of
the City, County and State Medical Societies. In
1898, by virtue of his long service as railroad sur-
geon for the New England Railroad Co.. he 'was
chosen a vice-president of the International Asso-
ciation of Railroad Surgeons. In 1899 he became
attached to the Hartford Hospital in the very re-
sponsible position of orthopedic surgeon, and was
later first assistant surgeon in that institution, of
which, on the death of Dr. M. Storres. June Q.
1900, he was appointed visiting surgeon. He is
also consulting surgeon to the Hartford Orphan
Asvlum. In November, 1899, our subject became
medical director of the Hartford Life Insurance
Co., under its new management, a position which
he fills with the utmost satisfaction to the company
and its policv holders.
Dr. McKnight represented the town of East
Hartford in the General Assembly during the ses-
sion of 1893, and was House chairman of the com-
mittee on Fisheries and of the committee on Public
Health. His professional cares of necessity restrict
him from actively participating in affairs of a po-
litical character, but he nevertheless has the welfare
of the city in mind. He is a man of social leanings,
but has been too busy to connect himself with any
secret organizations.
Dr. McKnight is a member of the Yale Akriini
Association of the city of Hartford, of the well-
known Colonial Club, and of the Twentieth Century
Club. He is a great admirer of the ceramic art,
and has one of the finest collections in the citv.
u
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL- RECORD.
HON. ALFRED EDMUND BURR, the
founder of The Hartford Daily Times, and for
sixty years its editor and publislier, and in whose
death, on Jan. 8, 1900, Hartford lost one of its
foremost citizens, and the State and Nation one of
the forceful and most iniluential molders of public
oi)inion through the Press, had the distinction of
being the oldest editor in New England, if not in
the United States.
Born iMarch .27, 1815, in Hartford, son of
James and Lucretia (Olcott) Burr, the veteran edi-
tor was in the fullest sense a Hartford and Con-
necticut man, for three of his ancestors were orig-
inal proprietors of the town of Hartford some 200
and more years ago, and here have lived through
all of that period the direct line of his Burr ances-
tors. On his paternal side, Benjamin Burr, the
founder of the hlartford branch of the family, was
one of the founders of the city in 1635, and one of
the original proprietors in 1639, and from him
Editor Burr was a descendant in the fifth genera-
tion, his Kne being through Thomas, Thomas (2),
and James Burr. On his mother's side he was a
descendant in the seventh generation from Thomas
Olcott, one of the original proprietors of Hartford
in 1639, who was a merchant, and one of the found-
ers of the trade and commerce of the Colony of
Connecticut: for generations his descendants were
prominent and influential in Hartford. Editor
Burr's line from Thomas Olcott is through Samuel,
Thomas (2), Joseph, Joseph (2), and Lucretia
(Olcott) Burr.
James Burr, the father of Editor Burr, was
engaged in the East India trade near the close of
the eighteenth century, when two of his brigs were
captured by French privateers, and still another
was lost in a gale off the Barbadoes, and to meet
his obligations he sold a large and valuable tract
of land, upon which the central portion of the city
of Cleveland is now situated. This loss rendered
him financially unable to support his large family in
the manner he desired.
At the age 'of thirteen Alfred E. Burr entered
the employ of George Goodwin & Sons, then the
publishers of The Connecticut Cottrant. Young
Burr's capability was quickly recognized by the
Goodwins, and before he was twenty-one years of
age he filled the responsible position of foreman
in the office. In 1836 the proprietors of the Cour-
ant, who had become much attached to him, and
fully appreciated his ability and integrity, proposed
to sell him the paper on very unusual and favora-
ble terms, an offer that few young men without
means would have had the moral courage to decline.
The offer was coupled, however, with the condi-
tions that he should attend a certain denominational
church, and adopt the political faith upheld by the
paper. Both of the stipulations were distasteful
to Mr. Burr, and he was obliged to reject what
was intended as the kindliest of proposals.
The Hartford Times was then published as a
weekly and semi-weekh^ paper. Early in the year
1838 Jones & Watts, the publishers, failed in busi-
ness and suddenly left the city. Soon afterward
John M. Niles, Gideon Welles, and one or two
others, came into possession of the Times establish-
ment. They induced Henry A. Mitchell, then State's
attorney for Hartford county, to resign his office
and take charge of the Times. He became sole
proprietor in May of that year. In November,
1S38, Mr. Burr called at the Times office, and in-
quired of Mr. Mitchell if he would dispose of a
half-interest in the paper. He suggested to the
proprietor that the paper cculd be greatly im-
proved, mechanically at least, and reiferred to sev-
eral existing features in its publication which might
be advantageously changed. Gideon Welles was_
present on that occasion, and it was then that he
and Mr. Burr formed an acquaintance which rip-
er.ed into a lifelong personal friendship. Mr. Welles
subsequently admitted to Mr. Burr that he had
urged Mr. Mitchell to sell him the half-interest.
During a later interview with Mr. Mitchell an agree-
ment was entered into, to take effect Jan. i, 1839,
at which time Mr. Burr took charge, osiensibly, of
the mechanical department of the Times, although,
during the following two years, he did considera-
ble editorial work, particularly in connection with
the news service. Near the close of the year 1840,
JNIr. Burr purchased the other half-interest of Mr.
JMitchell, and took full possession of the establish-
ment on Jan. i, 1841. On March 2, of that year,
he began the publication of the Daily Times, as a
morning paper. No prospectus ha.d been circulated,
but after a brief canvass three hundred subscribers
were obtained, and the new daily was issued. But
there was a demand for an evening paper, espe-
cially from the working men, and about two weeks
later Mr. Burr changed the morning to an evening
journal. In the course of a year the daily circula-
tion reached a thousand copies, and in two years
about two thousand.
Mr. Burr had no working capital at that time,
and no one to "back" him. He had given six per
cent, notes on purchasing the small plant, which
had grown steadily under his management, and it
required hard work and the strictest economy to
meet the current expenses and pay interest as it
became due. But his industry and indomitable will
prevailed, and he succeeded in making improve-
ments in the paper, and reducing his indebtedness
each year until he was clear of debt. His ambi-
tion was to make the Times the foremost paper in
the State. He spared neither labor nor expense in
pushing the paper ahead, often refusing nomina-
tions for the highest offices within the gift of the
people of the State, preferring to make his paper
successful rather than to accept political honors.
In lateir years his past labors upon the Times were
justly rewarded. The following is extracted from
the issue of the Times on the morning of Mr.
Burr's death:
His relations were close with the Democratic leaders of
Connecticut during the early years of the daily issue of this
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
45
paper. His duties brought him in close association with
John M. Niles, Gideon Welles, Loren T. Pease, and Thomas
H. Seymour. The value of the daily presence of such men
at the Tunes office was very great to the young editor, wlio
was quietly developing mto a persuasive and influential
writer, while maintainmg his close relations with them.
These men there discussed the leading questions of the day,
and other questions of a world-wide interest. Young Burr
had the benefit of almost daily discussions of political ques-
tions by those men of strong intellects and firm convictions.
It was a rare and peculiar school, and, in the language of
Mr. Burr, himself, we "doubt whether any other young man of
that day, beginning a career of journalism, had the benefit
of a school at all approaching its wide scope of knowledge
and clear-headtd grasp of the bread principles of Democ-
racy, and the distinction in the intricate political machinery
of tlie State and Federal Governments upon which our
republic was founded."
It was under such inspiration as this that Mr. Burr's
style as a political writer was formed, and for more than
forty-five years nearly everything relating to politics. Na-
tional and State, that appeared in the Times came from his
hand. He believed the best way to inculcate ideas and
principles was for men to meet each other. Hence he was
not a polemical writer, and he never issued his editorial
projectiles over the heads of those whom he addressed. He
neither assumed a lofty intellectual superiority to the men
who bought his newspaper from day to day. nor did he make
the error of assuming that their stock of ideas was greater
than it really was. He wrote and spoke as a plain American
man and addressing plain American men, and he early
acquired the habit of lucid and terse statement which made
the happiest impressions upon the minds of his daily read-
ers. In the sharp political controversies which rose prior to
and during the Civil war much incisive, biting give-and-take
was inevitable, yet bitter antagonisms, even with political
opponents, were never to his liking, and he rarely indulged
in those acrid personalities which made the columns of the
political newspapers in New York such reservoirs of Billings-
gate, when Webb, Greeley, Raymond, the elder Bennett,
Hugh Hastings, and others of their day, set the pace
in the political journalism of the metropolis. Mr. Burr
made the Times a Democratic newspaper of the most stead-
fast and rock-bound quality, and, standing on that ground, he
adhered firmly to his principles when the organization was
threatened with disruption by unwise leadership. With all
his might he opposed the movement to repeal the Missouri
Compromise, and when that unfortunate act led on to the
fatal schism of 1860 he stood with the supporters of Breck-
enridge and the South, against Stephen A. Douglas and the
doctrines of squatter soverei. nty, and was most influential
in the large vote Connecticut cast for Breckenridge, as com-
pared with other New England States. He believed that
the war which broke out in 1861 had been needlessly forced
upon the country, and that it might have been averted by a
wise spirit of conservatism and adherence to Democratic
principles, and so did not swerve from his consistent course,
and when another four years rolled around nearly 49 per
cent, of the total vote of Connecticut supported the policy
advocated by the Times. He stood in the storms of those
days like adamant for what he believed to be sound and
conservative principles in government, and there is proba-
bly no man to-day who will dare to say that his motives at
that time were not as pure and as patriotic as when, over
thirty years afterward, in the campaign of 1896, the Time.^,
with his entire acquiescence, repudiated the heresies which
Populists, disguised as Democrats, had thrust into the party
platform, and aided with all its influence in defeating the
candidate for the Presidency, whose election would have
aimed a death-blow at the public credit.
From the time when Mr. Burr first made the Times'"
influence felt as a political newspaper in Connecticut his
relation to the organization of the party became an intimate
one, and his activity in party work during political cam-
paigns was second to that of no other man in the Demo-
cratic ranks. For many years no Democratic platform was
adopted in Connecticut which was not wholly or in part
prepared by him. In campaign after campaign he raised
all money that was obtained for party work, never failing
himself to be a large contributor.
Air. IJurr was repeatedly a delegate to Xatioiial
Democratic conventions, and on those occasions his
influence was not small. In the campaign of 1876
he came into intimate relations with Hon. Samuel
J. Tilden, and in the election that followed the
State of Connecticut was carried for that gentle-
man by a plurality of 2,900 over Hayes, and a ma-
jority of 1,712 over all. He was a delegate to the
convention held at Cincinnati, in 1880, and eight
years later was a member of the committee on
Resolutions at the Democratic National convention
which met at St. Louis and renominated Grover
Cleveland, and it was under Mr. Burr"s leadership
that the platform reported to the committee de-
clared for a "fair and careful revision of our tax
laws, with due allowance for the better wages of
American and foreign labor." Throughout his
whole career Mr. Burr neglected no opportunity
to maintain the need of guarding the interests of
the laboring man in the framing of tariff laws, and
it was his care for the wage earner's interest which
contributed in no small degree to the maintenance
of the numerical strength in Connecticut. He was
never at any time a seeker for political office. Na-
tional, State or local, yet he served with great fidel-
ity two terms in the Connecticut Legislature, being
appointed chairman of the committee on Education,
by a Republican speaker.
Mr. Burr early saw the importance of new
manufacturing enterprises to the growth of Hart-
ford and the Times, and no man was more active
than he in seeking to enlarge the opportunities for
highly paid labor in Hartford. He took an active
part in aiding Col. Colt in establishing his great
plant. He was a member and chairman of the com-
missions in 1873 which built the State Capitol, and
the enormous work was carried on without exceed-
ing the appropriation, and to the accomplishment
of this end much wa3 due to his good management
and unflinching firmness and vigilance. Again, he
was useful to tlie public service as chairman of the
committee to sell Hartford's old town farm prop-
erty in such a manner as to yield a handsome sum
to the city. He was ever a friend and influential
supporter' of the Hartford Public High School,
and did much to help it when there was great op-
position to its plans. He was largely instrumental
m carrying through the scheme for Bushnell Park,
which was also bitterly opposed. He saw the pos-
sibilities of that waste spot and backed the project.
He was an original member of the street board of
Hartford, appointed in 1872, and served thereon
until 1876. To him also is due a large share of
the credit for the establishment of the \\'est Hart-
ford reservoir svstem. He saw more clearly than
others at that time the need of a supply superior
to that of the Connecticut river, which even then
was contaminated. He was a member of the State
board of health from 1877 to 1893, and its presi-
dent from 1885. He was a member of the board
of pardons from 1883 to 1897.
As appropriate at this place is given the reso-
40
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lution adopted at a meeting of the Hartford Busi-
ness Men's Association at the time of Mr. Burr's
death :
He was recognized for more than half a century as an
active promoter, by pen and word, of every enterprise for
the welfare and advancement of his native city. He gave
his valuable aid in making Hartford the important business
center that it is to-day, and he was always toremost by his
personal labor and example in forwarding the growth of the
city as a municipality and the benefits as individuals. His
active participation in many large enterprises, and his con-
nection with some of the city's greatest banking, insurance
and manufacturing corporations, gave him a close insight
into the business life and needs of Hartford, and, knowing
them, he was earnest in his labors for the advancement of the
people, alike by aid from his private means and the pub-
licity and encouragement given in the columns of the news-
paper he controlled.
i\Ir. Burr was active from the outset in the
Good Will Club, an organization of boys for their
■advancement and own good, and was instrumental
in securing for them the building they occupy, and
he was president of the club from its organization,
in i8S8, until his death. Air. Burr was always
ready to assist any public enterprise that promised
well for the people, either by co-operation or money.
For a long term of years he was trustee of Unity
Church, rie was president of and director in a
number of business corporations, among them the
Dime Savings Bank, the charter for which he was
active in securing in 1870 (he became its first and
only presiaent up to the time of his death) ; Spring
Grove Cemetery Association ; and the ConnectictU
Fire Insurance Co., in which he was a director for
nearly thirty years. Mr. Burr was the oldest pol-
icy holder in the Connecticut ^Mutual Life Insur-
ance Co., his policy being one of the first issued
when the company began business, in 1846.
Through all the long years of Mr. Bttrr's busi-
ness career his only business partner in the Times
was his brother Franklin L. Burr.
Some years ago Alfred E. Burr purchased the
interest of his brother, who came into the business
in 1854, and at the time of the former's withdrawal
from the management of the Times he made a
deed of the entire establishment to his son, W. O.
Burr, who has since been the responsible and actual
director of the affairs of the paper.
A lovelier, kinder, more unselfish and nobler
nature has seldom been developed on earth than
that of the late Alfred Edmund Burr. Those
who knew him best have felt most keenly his loss.
At the time of his death all of the corporations
with which he was connected and many other or-
ganizations in Hartford passed the most praise-
worthy resolutions, and in the leading papers of the
country appeared editorials setting forth his re-
markable personality, high character, influence, and
the power he exerted during his long, busy and
useful life.
On April 18, 1841, Mr. Burr was married to
Sarah A., daughter of Abner Booth, of Meriden,
Conn., and of their three children Edmund L. died
■when three years of age; William Olcott Burr is
a resident of Hartford, and referred to above ; and
Sarah E. is the wife of Dr. James McManus, of
Hartford. The mother still survives.
It is appropriate in this article to refer to Frank-
lin L. Burr, who for so many years was associated
with his brother in the conduct of the Times, who
in his unselfish nature and great good heart never
failed to accord due praise for his invaluable ser-
vices in the editorial department, and to claim
that much of the success of the Times was due to
his vigorous and facile pen. The younger brother,
Franklin L. Burr, was born Dec. 9, 1827, in Hart-
ford, and learned the printer's trade in the Times
office, in 1853 he took a position in the office of
the solicitor ot the Treasury in Washington, D. C,
but after a period returned to Hartford to assist
in the editorial department of the Times. He be-
came a partner in the business, as referred to in the
foregoing. He was enthusiastic in the pursuit of
his profession, and his articles along the lines of
natural science and astronomy and geology at-
tracted much attention, and his reviews of books
were long a feature of the paper. The poet Ten-
nyson on one occasion wrote him a special letter of
thanks for one of his reviews of the poet's works,
and complimented him by saying it stood among
the best that had been written, on either side of
the Atlantic.
In 1853 Franklin L. liurr was married to Liz-
zie Merrow, of Manchester, Conn., and to the union
came children as follows : Mary, Frederick W.
and Emily, the latter dying when twenty-three,
and Frederick when twenty-one.
Mr. Burr passed away Feb. 5, 1901. One sis-
er, Frances E. Burr, who all through life made her
home with Alfred E., is now the only survivor of
fourteen children — seven boys and seven girls.
FREDERICK E. BISSELL. The Bissell home-
stead in the town of East Windsor has been held in
the family name from an early day, having been
built just prior to the Revolutionary war, and three
generations of the family were born in the same
room. Our subject's grandfather was born on the
farm, but in another house, and he built the one that
is still standing. Four generations have thus been
born on the farm.
Capt. Hezekiah Bissell, the grandfather of our
subject, was born and reared on the old farm, and
the residence built by him was regarded as a fine
building in its day. He was a man of ability aftd in-
fluence, and during the Revolutionary war he served
as captain of a company which he had assisted in
raising. He died at the homestead in 1828, in his
ninety-fifth year.
Hezekiah Bissell (2), our subject's father, was
born in the house mentioned above, and resided
there throughout his life. He died July 5, 1872, in
his eightieth year, and his wife, who&e maiden name
was Elizabeth Ellsworth, died Dec. 30, 1871, at the
same age. They had six children : Elizabeth E.,
deceased; Cornelia M., now the wife of Capt
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47
Charles Talcott, of Glastonbury; Hezekiah F., de-
ceased ; Mary, who ilied in inlancy ; Frederick E.,
our subject; and Carlos F., deceased.
Frederick E. Bissell was bom Oct. 15, 1833, in
the house built by his grandfather, and grew to
manhood at the homestead, becoming familiar with
all the details of agricultural work. In 1865 he
built a new house, also making other improvements
upon the farm, and he now has about fifty acres
under cultivation. As a general farmer he is suc-
cessful, .and for some years he has been engaged
also in tobacco growing and in the dairy business.
As a good citizen he takes an active interest in local
affairs being one of the leading advisers in the Re-
publican organization. Since 1890 he has served as
justice of the peace, with credit to himself and sat-
isfaction to his fellow citizens. He is a prominent
worker in the local Grange, in which he has been
gatekeeper, and is now steward, and he and his esti-
mable wife are leading members of the Congrega-
tional Church at East Windsor.
On Nov. 17, 1857, Mr. Bissell married Miss
Charlotte De.xter, daughter of Edward Dexter, a
highly esteemed resident of Broad Brook, and two
children have blessed the union: (i) Willie F., a
progressive and enterprising agriculturist, resides
at the homestead, and relieves his father of the act-
ive management and oversight of the farm. (2)
Ellen E. married Frank Winn, of Rocky Hill, this
count}'.
CHARLES S. STERN, A. B., M. D., a success-
ful physician and surgeon of Hartford, was born
July 25, 1868, in Springfield, Mass., of German
ancestry.
The Doctor's great-grandfather, Solomon Stern,
born in 1764, settled in Hartford about 1840, with
his son Moses, and died there in i860, at the age
of ninety-six. Although a weaver by trade, he did
not engage in active business after his arrival, as
he was already well advanced in years. By his
first wife, Julia, he had the following children :
Ascher, Aaron, Moses, Myer (a merchant of Hart-
ford, and a member of the common council of the
city in 1864) and Brina. By his second wife,
Yetta, he had Levi, a jeweler and merchant;
a daughter, Bienschen ; and Abraham, a prominent
merchant of Hartford, who died in 1885.
Moses Stern was born April 16, 1810, in Hesse,
Germany, and died Feb. 7, 1886. By occupation
he was a weaver, and he also carried on a small
farm. He married Taubschen Bloch, and had nine
children : Jacob is mentioned Iselow : Threasa mar-
ried Bernard Goodkind ; Julia married Abram
Strasburger ; Hannah married Solomon Lorsch ;
Jennie married Abram Danzig ; Bertha died aged
seventeen or eighteen ; Daniel M. is a wholesale
liquor dealer in New York City ; Max D. was a
successful business man of New York, and died
July 3, 1898: and Ella married Abram Adler, of
Rochester, New York.
Jacob Stern, our suljject's father, was Ijorn in
1838, in Hanover, Germany, and came to this coun-
try in childhood. When a young man he engaged
in the dry-goods business in Springfield, and about
1880 he became a traveling salesman for his brothers
in New York City, then enjoying a large and pros-
perous business. His route covered many sections
of New England, and he also had a large trade
in New York City and its adjacent towns. During
his long connection with the firm, lasting until his
death, on F"eb. 9, 1897, his fidelity and integrity
were of the highest standard. In politics he was a
Democrat, and he took an active interest in military
affairs as a member of the first company. Gov-
ernor's Foot Guard, being a veteran member at
the time of his death. He married Miss Rosa
Mayer, who was born in Landau, Bavaria, Ger-
many, daughter of Isaac iMayer, and granddaugh-
ter of Mayer Halevy. The family was from the
province of Alsace-Lorraine, and before coming to
the United States Isaac Mayer was a wealthy and
prominent banker in that section ; but the revolu-
tion in Germany, in 1848, caused him to emigrate
to this country. Isaac Mayer married Bella ]\Iass,
from Frankfort-on-the-i\Iain, a member of one of
the aristocratic or noble families of that section,
and the great banker, Chevalier Adolph Bingen,
who was knighted by the King of Italy, was her
nephew. After coming to this country Isaac ilayer,
who was very learned, and a scholar of excep-
tionally brilliant attainments in philosophy and the
Hebrew law, became a rabbi. He first had a con-
gregation in Cincinnati, Ohio, and while there, with
the assistance of Dr. Wise, inaugurated the modern
reform in the Jewish worship. Later he officiated
as rabbi in Rochester, N. Y., and Hartford, Conn.,
where he was much sought for by scholars of all
religions, who appreciated his deep and accurate
knowledge of matters which could not be found in
books. His later years were spent in New York,
where he died Dec. 31, 1897, at the age of eighty-
nine years.
Jacob Stern and his wife had six children :
Clotilda married Julius Lewy, of New York ; Mon-
roe died aged fourteen years ; Charles Seymour
is mentioned below ; Ethel B. married Arnold Le
Witter, of New York; Nathan M. is in business
in New York City, and Winfred ^l. is a stu-
dent.
Dr. Charles S. Stern attended the public schools
of Hartford in boyhood, graduating from the West
jMiddle School in 1881. at the age of twelve years
and nine months. In 1883, at the end of his second
year in the high school, he went to New York
with his parents. The following year he entered
the College of the City of New York, where the
degree of A. B. was conferred upon him in 1888.
In this course he had given special attention to
studies which would assist him in his chosen pro-
fession, and in the fall of 1888 he entered Bellevue
Hospital ^Medical College, of New York City. As
48
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
an under-graduate he did much practical work in
the Charity' Hospital and Ait. Sinai Hospital, and
after graduation was connected with the stall of
the Gouverneur Hospital and the German Hos-
pital of New York City. In 1893 he engaged in
general practice in the city, where for some time
he was an inspector in the health department, hav-
ing passed the civil service examination. Early in
1894 he opened an office in Hartford, where he
has built up an extensive practice, his specialty be-
ing genito-urinary diseases ; he has charge of the
genito-urinary department at the Hartford Dis-
pensary. From 1896 to 1898 he was city physi-
cian under appointment of the commissioners of
charity ; he is one of the police surgeons of the city,
is medical inspector for the Board of Health, and
he is an active member of the City, County and
State Medical Societies. During the war with
Spain he was an officer in the Medical Depart-
ment, United States Army, and was ordered to
Chickamauga Park with the 1st Corps, where he
did duty as executive officer of the 1st Division
Hospital, and later as acting assistant quarter-
master of the 3d Division Hospital. From there he
was ordered to Porto Rico, but an illness — typhoid
fever, contracted at Chickamauga — of two months
prevented him from going until December. He
spent four months as post surgeon at San German,
Porto Rico, and after a six-months stay on the
island left the service, July 10, 1899, resuming his
practice in Hartford in September of that year.
The Doctor is fond of athletics and music, and is
prominent socially as a member of the Hartford
Philharmonic Orchestra; of St. John's Lodge, No.
4, F. & A. M. ; Hartford Lodge, No. 88, L O. O.
F. ; and Midian Encampment, No. 7. In politics
he is an independent. He is an active member of
the First Company, Governor's Foot Guard, and a
member of the Veteran Association of Company
K, 1st Conn. V. L, of the Spanish-American
war.
GEORGE LEWIS CHASE, of Hartford, who
for a third of a century has been the executive head
of the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., one of the
leading insurance companies not only of the United
States, 'but of the world, and who since boyhood — •
for fifty and more years, with the exception of a
short interval — has been identified with underwrit-
ing, is known throughout the insurance world as an
authority in all matters pertaining to the busi-
ness.
Mr. Chase was born Jan. 13, 1828, in the town of
Millbury, Worcester Co., Mass., son of Paul Gush-
ing and Sarah (Pierce) Chase, and is descended
from Aquila Chase, who was also the emigrant an-
cestor of the late Hon. Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio,
chief justice of the United States. Aquila Chase,
born in 1618, was in the fourth generation from
Thomas Chase, of Hundrich, Parish of Chesham,
England, through Richard and Aquila Chase, Sr.
Coffin's history of Newbury refers to Aquila (2)
as of Cornwall, while George B. Chase, the com-
piler of a small work on the Chase genealogy, clearly
to himself locates him in Chesham. But in either
case he was one of the first settlers and grantees of
Hampden, Mass., in 1639 or 1640, and later, in 1646,
a settler at Newbury. He married Ann, daughter
of John Wheeler of Salisbury, England. Aquila
Chase died in 1670. From this first American an-
cestor President Chase, of Hartford, is a descendant,
in the eighth generation, his line being through
Moses, Daniel, jJaniel {2) Paul, Joshua and Paul
Gushing.
Paul Gushing Chase, son of Joshua, was born
March 6, 1790, married Dec. 19, 1819, Sarah Pierce,
daugher ot Aaron and Hannah Pierce.
George L. Chase, the subject proper of this re-
view, attended the old Millbury Academy, receiv-
ing a good English education, and when nineteen
began his business career as the agent of the Farm-
ers Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of Georgetovvn,,
Mass., of which he was subsequently elected a mem-
ber of the board of directors. Young Chase had
shown himself of good material, a man of quality,
effort and energy, and speedily became an efficient
canvasser, operating at first through southern Mass-
achusetts and eastern Connecticut, and within a
short time his agency included four companies trans-
acting business on the mutual plan, one of which,
the Holyoke Mutual of Salem, is still engaged in
successful operations. In 1848 Mr. Chase was ap-
pointed traveling agent for the People's Insurance
Co., of Worcester, and retained the position until
1852, giving great satisfaction. From 1852 until
1856 his attention was given to the business of rail-
roading. Having in the former year been appointed
assistant superintendent of the Central Ohio Rail-
way Co., he removed to Ohio, caught hold of the
snap, hurry and push there, -exhibited by the then
considered Westerners, soon got into the current,
and became at home among them. The same c|uali-
ties that he had exhibited in his insurance experience
brought him deserved recognition and reward in
his new field of operations, and he was advanced to
the office of general superintendent of the road.
He was one of the first representatives who organ-
ized the first association of railroad superintendents
in the United States, the meeting for the purpose
being held at Columbus, Ohio, in 1853. In i860 Mr.
Chase resumed the fire insurance business, accept-
ing the Western general agency of the New England
Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford, a position he held
until 1863, in which period he did much effective
work in the. line of supervision that brought in-
creased business to the company. In 1863 he ac-
cepted the appointment of assistant Western gen-
eral agent of the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., and
here, as in all previous positions he had occupied,
Mr. Chase displayed ability of the highest order,
attracting from the outset the attention and ap-
proval of the board of directors. In 1867 the presi-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
49
dency of the company was placed at his acceptance,
the duties and responsibihties of which hj assumed
in June of that year, succeeding in that high office
Timothy C. Allyn. And from that time on, through
all of the intervening' period of thirty-four years,
his management of the company's business and in-
terests has been matchless in character, placing him
in the foremost rank of fire insurance representa-
tives.
It is not within the province of this article to
go into and follow the history of the Hartford Fire,
one of the oldest and most successful insurance in-
stitutions in the United State ; suffice it to say that it
has now a capital of one and one-quarter millions, and
in addition to this great sum it has total assets of ii,-
180,000, a mighty reserve against which to draw if
ever the occasion arises. Ihe net surplus is over
$4,458,000, all of which makes the company one of
the strongest in the world. The Hartford began
its career in the field of underwriting in 1810, a
career that has been one unbroken success from that
day to this, its charter then authorizing a capital of
$150,000. In its business life of ninety years the
company has had only five presidents, including the
present incumbent, who has exceeded all of them
in his length of service, and in this long official
period of thirty-four years he has administered the
affairs of his office with peculiar acceptance to the
directors, the stockholders, and those who have been
fortunate enough to hold policies in this great cor-
poration. The company has always been in the
hands of men who stood high in the confidence of
the community. There is hardly a name in the long
list of directors which is not known to every one
familiar with the business life of Hartford, and the
company's prosperity has rested and now rests on
the character of its managers.
When Mr. Chase came to the presidency of the
Hartford, the office of the Company was on Main
street, and was in very limited quarters. At Mr.
Chase's suggestion, the Board of Directors decided
to build an office of their own, and purchased a lot
on the corner of Trumbull and Pearl streets, on
which, under Mr. Chase's supervision, was erected
a very handsome, granite building. The new office
was finished and occupied by the Company in 1870.
Its appointments were up to the times, and every ar-
rangement , was made for conducting their large
business in an economical and systematic manner.
This gave the Hartford the most commodious quar-
ters of any insurance company in the city at that
time.
In 1897 the Companv's business had outgrown its
accommodations, and the directors decided to enlarge
the office building which was done bv the erection
of an addition, which gave the Company more than
double the room they had before. The business, in
the mean time, however, had increased more than
fivefold. Their new office is of the most approved
type with all the modern improvements for the trans-
action of business.
President Chase was the first to suggest the use
of the telephone for comnumication between the
Hartford, .Etna and Phcenix offices, and, in coiniec-
tion with Presidents Hendee and Kellogg, communi-
cation was arranged between these tiiree offices
by means of telephone wires, and, although the serv-
ice was of necessity somewhat imperfect, yet it was
found to be a great advantage in comnuniicating
between these three offices. Mr. Chase now has in
his office the first instrument of this kind, which is
a very crude affair. This was the introduction of
telephone service in the City of Hartford. Air.
Chase was also the first to employ stenographic and
typewriter service in the Inisiness. The Hartford
have always availed themselves of the best facil-
ities that could be secured for the transactimi of
their large business.
The standing of President Chase as an insurance
manager was recognized from the very outset by
his associates and competitors in the business. In
1876 he was elected president of the National
Board of Fire Underwriters, and has since served
the board as chairman of the committee on Legis-
lation and Taxation, in all respects the most import-
ant committeeship in the organization. His connec-
tion with the national board has been one of com-
manding influence and leadership. He is a member
of the board of trustees, and one of the vice-pres-
idents, of the Society for Savings in Hartford,
which is the largest savings bank in the State, and
is also a trustee of the Connecticut Trust & Safe
Deposit Co., and a director in the American National
Bank. Mr. Chase is a leading member of the Hart-
ford Board of Trade, and is thoroughly interested
in the industrial development and prosperity of the
city of which he is so prominent and influential a
citizen.
President Chase has been several times the recip-
ient at the hands of his co-workers and friends of
handsome gifts. In 1892, on the twenty-fifth anni-
versary of his presidency of the Hartford Fire In-
surance Co., he was given a silver loving-cup bv his
local co-workers, as a testimonial of their admiration
and love for him. And again, in June, 1898, the
general and special agents of the company, located
in various cities throughout the United States, pre-
sented him with a $1,000 Jurgensen watch, which
is one of the handsomest timepieces that has been
manufactured, striking the hours, halves and
quarters.
President Chase's religious connections are with
the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hart-
ford, and he has five times been chosen president of
the Connecticut Congregational Club, the most im-
portant organization connected with the Congre-
gational Churches in the State, and wielding the
most extended influence.
On Jan. 8, 1851, Mr. Chase was married to
Aliss Calista M. Taft, daughter of Judson Taft. and
the union was blessed with three children— one son
and two daughters. The former, Charles E. Chase.
is the efficient assistant secretary of the company of
which his father is president. Fie married Miss
50
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Helen S. Bourse, and they have one daughter. Pres-
ident Chase's younger daughter died in 1866. The
elder was married, in 1874, to Charles H. Longly,
and died in 1893.
ROSWELL J. CLAPP, successor to Clapp &
Son, the well-kuown iron* and steel merchants of
Hartford, was born in Hartford June 10, 1871.
He comes of a long line of ancestry, and in his
office, handsomely framed, is a genealogical chart
of the family, giving all the facts connected with
them, from the first settler, Rodger, down to 1873.
It is a complete and authentic record of the family,
and one of which any man might be justly, proud.
This chart was prepared by a member of the Clapp
family, being done with a steel pen, and is a mar-
velous piece of penmanship.
Rodger Clapp, the pioneer, was born in Devon-
shire, England, in 1609, son of Richard Clapp,
and came to Dorchester, Mass. Preserved Clapp,
son of Rodger, was born in Dorchester in 1643.
Thomas Clapp, the next in the line of descent, set-
tled in Hartford at an early date. Elijah Clapp,
son of Thomas, was born in Hartford. Norman
Clapp, of Hartford, was our subject's great-great-
grandfather : his great - grandfather was John
Clapp, and his grandfather Daniel Clapp.
Gen. John B. Clapp, our subject's father, was
born July 4, 1842, in the town of Wethersfield, and
received a common-school and academic educa-
tion. He enlisted in the i6th Conn. V. I. July 21,
.1862, entering the company of Capt. Henry L.
Pasco, of that command. Capt. William H. Lock-
wood, of Hartford, was the first lieutenant, and
Charles A. Tennant, who was fatally wounded on
the Nansemond Alay 3, 1863, was the second lieu-
tenant of the company. Gen. Clapp was with the
regiment at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862, and displayed
marked gallantry on the field. He was at once
advanced to the first lieutenancy of Company D,
his commission dating from the day of the battle.
He received the appointment of adjutant Jan. 9,
1863, and at the siege of Plymouth, April 20, 1864,
received the brevet rank of captain for gallant and
meritorious conduct. The capture of the i6th
Regiment at Plymouth resulted in his being im-
prisoned by the Rebels for nearly one year, the
time being spent at Macon, Savannah, Charleston
and Columbia. In March, 1865, he was released
on parole at Wilmington, N. C, and he soon after-
ward became post adjutant und'er Gen. F. D. Sew-
all, at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md. The war
record of Gen. Clapp was an honorable one in all
respects. His courage in the field was unques-
tioned, and actuated by patriotic impulses he gave
himself entirely to the cause which he had espoused.
After returning from the war the General was
appointed to the captaincy of Company F, of Weth-
ersfield, 1st .Regiment, and held the position until
he was appointed assistant adjutant-general on the
staff of Gen. C. H. Prentice, of the ist Brigade.
Subsequently he resumed the command of Com-
pany F. In 1873 he was promoted to lieutenant-
colonel of the regiment, and in 1874 became colo-
nel, which latter position he retained until 1876.
He was appointed brigade inspector in 1878, on
the staff of Gen. Stephen R.* Smith. Gen. Charles
P. Graham, who succeeded Gen. Smith, renewed
the appointment, which was retained by Gen. Clapp
until his promotion to the staff of Gov. P. C. Louns-
bury as commissary-general. Gen. Clapp was a
member of the Veteran City Guard of Hartford,
and had been the commandant of the organization.
At the time of his death he was a member of the
1st Company, Governor's Horse Guard, Hartford,
holding the position of adjutant.
Gen. Clapp served three years in the court of
common council in- Hartford, representing the old
Second ward. He was a member of the board of
fire commissioners nine years, and a member of
the commission under the direction of which the
Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park was erected. He
was also a member of the Camp Field Monument
Association, representing, with Col. Frank W.
Cheney, the i6th Connecticut in that body. He
belonged to the Army and Navy Club of Connecti-
cut, to the Society of the Army of the Potomac,
and was also a member of Robert O. Tyler Post,
G. A. R. Gen. Clapp was the life secretary of the
1 6th Regiment Association. In January, 1899, he
was elected secretary of the Connecticut Secre-
tai-ies' Association, succeeding Judge E. E. Mar-
vin, clerk of the United States Court. Gen. Clapp
was identified with the Union Prisoners Associa-
tion in the State, and was one of the most popular
veterans of the Civil war in this section of Con-
necticut. He was commandant and foremost in
the organization of the Buck Engineer Corps, dur-
ing the two campaigns which resulted in the elec-
tion of the Hon. John R. Buck to Congress from
this district.
The Masonic career of Gen. Clapp was one of
singular interest. He was a member of St. John's
Lodge, and received the degree of Knighthood in
Washington Commandery, Knights Templar, Nov.
10, 1868, being knighted by Gov. Thomas H. Sey-
mour; ex-Mayor John G. Root was generalissimo
of the commandery at that time. He first became
captain-general of the commandery in 1878, and
held this position under different eminent com-
manders, including two terms under Watson H.
Bliss, until 1893, when he started on an unbroken
period of service in the office, holdine it up to the
hour of his death. He was the recipient of a
Knight Templar sword from the commandery in
November, 1897, the event being one of excep-
tional interest in the order in the city. He was a
brilliant officer in the commandery, and won the
admiration of his associates, wherever the organi-
zation appeared in a public capacity.
From 1868 Gen. Clapp was engaged in the iron
ti-ade, from 1868 until 1880 as a member of the
firm of Blodgett & Clapp. In 1880 the Blodgett
& Clapp corporation was organized, the partnership
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
51
being dissolved, and he became secretary and man-
ager. In recent years he carried on business un-
der the firm name of John ii. Clapp & Son, his
only son, Roswell J. Clapp, being identified with
iiini.
Gen. Clapp was married Sept. 17, 1867, to Miss
Leila F. Blodgett, of Hartford, daughter ot Kos-
well Blodgett, and the wedding took place on the
anniversary of the battle of Antietam. The ser-
vices were conducted by Rev. William S. Colton,
23astor of the Congregational Church in Washing-
ton, but the General s pastor in the Wethersfield
Church. Mrs. Clapp died at Madison in May,
1893.
Gen. Clapp became a member of the Wethers-
field Congregational Church in 1865, after his re-
turn from the war. This action was taken with
Robert Hale Kellogg, now president of the i6th
Regiment, and the General's lifelong friend and
associate. The late Judge Elisha Carpenter, of the
Supreme Court in this State, joined the church in
the same period. As soldier and Knight Templar
Gen. Clapp possessed traits of character that greatly
endeared him to men. He was held in the sin-
cerest regard and friendship in the i6th Connecti-
cut, having been on the executive committee of
the regimental association from the first, and for
3'ears its secretary. He succeeded Major B. F.
Blakeslee in the secretaryship, and made the posi-
tion one of importance to the veterans of that com-
mand. In Washington Commandery he was held
in equal admiration and esteem. For years he had
been identified with the highest interests of the
commandery, serving as captain-general under such
members of the order as Past Eminent Command-
ers Watson H. Bliss, Stephen Ball, H. LeRoy
Woodward, of Springfield, Gen. James H. Jarman,
Edward Mahl, A. D. Newton. In 1894 he was at
Pittsburg with the commandery, attending the tri-
ennial conclave of the order, whose interests were
of the highest importance in his life.
Gen. Clapp was a man of genial impulses, and
companionable in all the surroundings and circum-
stances of life. His loss will be lelt as a lasting
one in all circles, where men met and exchanged
courtesies with him. The following is a tribute
by a comrade: John B. Clapp was one of those
fine Connecticut country boys whose soldierly quali-
ties were brought to appreciation and development
iDy the Civil war. He had the faculty to organize
and lead. Hardly half a year from a country store,
be brought the records and accounts of a hastily
gotten together regiment, which was precipitated
into battle when just armed and not at all instruct-
ed, and was almost decimated at the first charge,
into order and official semblance, and ably sec-
onded Cols. Frank Beach and John H. Burnham
in reforming this half demoralized mass into a fine
body, whose moral and soldierlv standing became
the best. He was an ofircer of dashing appear-
ance, full of life and energy, prompt in his de-
cisions, and skillful in carrying them out, for he
carried by winning the co-operation of the men. He
was very sympallietic, and the entire regiment
heartily loved and trusted him. On several occa-
sions m battle he showed marked bravery, and at
Plymouth he displayed exceptional heroism. The
long captivity in Southern prisons he bore, with
the rest of his comrades, courageously and man-
fully; and, when the fragments of the regiment
were released, he helped form it again into a good
military body.
As adjutant of the 16th Connecticut John B.
Clapp's service was eminently brilliant, and of ad-
vantage to his cause and country ; and the men of
the i6th will always affectionately associate him
with the evolution and the war record of their
regiment. The memory of his dashing figure and
fine mount, and his clear ringing voice, will carry
them back to the days of the struggle that made
truer and stronger men of all, and gave something
to their life that endured beyond it. With his
more acute military quality there was true kind-
liness, warm sympathy and great justness of ap-
preciation. He knew each man of his regiment
personally, and knew him all around, so as to ap-
preciate him at his best. And thus he proved a
leader whose leadership did not expire with his
commission, but endured through three decades of
civil life. He passed away July 14, 1899, at the
home of his son, in Hartford.
Roswell J. Clapp was married in 1894 to Miss
Mabel R. Lawrence, of Worcester, and they have
one son, Lawrence John, born in 1896.
ARTHUR S. CLAPP, advertising agent for
Parsons" Theater, Hartford, was born in Hartford
March 25, 1858, a son of Caleb Clapp, born in North
Hampton, Mass., whose father was born in North
Hampton, May 3, 1787, and died Feb. 22, 1843. He
was a lifelong farmer of prominence in North
Hampton. His wife, Maria J. (Hooker), was born
in Milford, Conn., Nov. 20, 1793, and they reared
fifteen children, only one of whom, Harriet, is now
living, a resident of Chicago. Roger Clapp, the first
settler of the Clapp family in America, came to
Xantasket in September, 1630.
Caleb Clapp, father of Arthur S.. was reared in
North Hampton, where he learned the tailor's trade.
Then coming to Hartford he became proprietor of
the "City Hotel," which he conducted for a number
of vears, or up to the time of his death. He was a
well-known man, took a prominent par': in the affairs
of the city, was a Republican in politics, and served
as a member of the city council. Socially he was
affiliated with the I. O. O. F., but was in no sense
of the word a "lodge man," preferring the quietude
of his own home. For many years he was interested
with Mr. Sharp in the livery business, and was also
interested in the Shelby Iron Alines, in Alabama.
He married Sarah M. Sexton, born in North Hamp-
ton, Mass., Jan. 27, 1822, a daughter of Phineas
Sexton, born in September, 1771, who was a man
of prominence, a shoemaker by trade, and spent
52
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his life in Nortli Hampton. He married Phoebe
Thompson, born Dec. 30, 1770. Mrs. Ciapp had a
brother in the Mexican war. Ten children, all
sons, were born to Caleb Clapp and his wife,
Arthur S. being the youngest, and three are yet
living: Allen C, with E. C. Kibbe, wholesale gro-
cers; Henry P., in San Francisco; and Arthur S.
The mother died at the age of seventy-seven, on
Oct. 18, 1899. The parents were members of the
Pearl Street Congregational L hurch, in which the
father took an active interest. At the time of his
death he was among the oldest busuiess men of Hart-
ford, having come here in 1854.
Arthur S. Clapp spent his early years at home,
was educated in the common schools, and then
learned the drug trade. In 1886 he went to Colorado,
remained a year, and returned East. For a time he
was employed by Charles F. Adams, and in 1896 he
accepted a position with Parsons" i heater as adver-
tising agent, in which incumbency he has since con-
tinued. He is a member of the Industrial League
of the Fourth Church,and in politics is a Republican.
On Sept. 27, 1900, Mr. Clapp married Nettie Studa-
baker, of Lucerne, Mo., born in 1863 in Adams
county, Indiana.
Howard S. Clapp, brother of Arthur S., was
born in Middletown, Conn., Oct. 21, 1848, attended
the common and higli schools, and later graduated,
when only eighteen j'ears of age, from Yale Col-
lege. He then entered the Berkeley Divinity School,
after graduating from which he was called to the
pastorate of Trinity Church at Wethersfield, being
their first pastor. Later he went to Philadelphia,
then to St. Paul, Minn., and for a number of years
supplied various churches. He died in Hartford,
Oct. 16, 1898. Another brother, William, was a
druggist in Hartford, having learned the business
with Talcott Brothers, and later for a number of
years conducted the City Hotel Drug Store; he
died Sept. 21, 1884.
DAVID CLARK, of Hartford, was the son of
Amasa and Eleanor (Fuller) Clark, of Hampton,
Conn., and was born in that town Oct. 12, 1806.
He was of full Revolutionary descent.
Mr. Clark married ' Miss Julia M. Ross, of
Chaplin, Conn., Oct. 12, 1827. He came to Hart-
ford in April, 1832, and died Oct. 8, 1889. His
wife died June 7, 1892. We cannot do better for
this sketch than to give the following tribute to
Mr. Clark by his long-time friend, Judge D. W.
Pardee :
"By the death of Mr. David Clark a remarka-
ble man has been taken from the visible life of
Hartford. Physically he was a fine specimen of
the men whose youth is passed upon the hill-coun-
try farm, and who therefore are so strong that
they came to fourscore years. His stalwart frame,
supporting a sound head, made him a noticeable
figure in any company. He changed early from
the farm to the counting-house. As a merchant he
was of untiring industry. If at any time losses
came upon him, he still held his courage ; and his
determination to succeed made him victor at last.
And his is the rare honor due to one who pays
debts collectible no otherwise than in the court of
conscience.
"He closed his business as a merchant in mid-
dle manhood, although in health and in success.
From time to time he secured to himself and to
his family the pleasure and culture to be gained
from wide travel at home and abroad. Meantime,
his fortune increased. But he was watchful, per-
sistent and untiring in giving of the increase, in
sums large and small, in manifold ways and in
numberless instances. Not only this, but he gave
of his time, his strength, his knowledge; gave will-
ingly of himself — charity in the highest form.
By the law of his being he was hospitable. Few
home doors in this city opened so easily, so widely,
or so frequently as did his. There was the ever
ready place at his board for friend or stranger.
"Having released himself from the cares o£
active business, he resumed as a diversion the oc-
cupation of his early life. He improved a farm.
Many will remember that in person he brought o£
its products to their doors as gifts; and all will
remember that at last, in loving memory of a son,
he gave the farm to the uses of the sick and home-
less. The faculties of his mind were with him in
strength to the last, even his exceptionally reten-
tive memory, which enabled him to marshal in their
order many even of the minor events in his life
and assign to each its appropriate day, and month,
and year. So of his body: he ever had that great
possession, abounding health. Passing fourscore,
yet the rising sun would sometimes find him by
the stream with rod and fly ; and sometimes on
the frosted hillside waiting for the cry of the hound.
"In his business, in his recreation, in his home,
and among men, he put much into his life, and
drew much out of it — drew not only for himself,
but for others as well. Many have lost a friend,
indeed."
FRANCIS HENRY RICHARDS, mechan-
ician, engineer and inventor of Hartford and New
York City, with residence in the former city, is a
native of the town of New Hartford, Litchfield coun-
ty. Conn., a county from which have gone out into
the world many men who have achieved distinction
and fame.
Born Oct. 20, 1850, Mr. Richards is the son of
Henry and Maria (Whiting) Richards, and is of
noble lineage. On his father's side he is a descend-
ant in the ninth generation from (I) Thomas Rich-
ards, who was at Hartford in about 1637, and whose
name is given in the Memorial History of Hartford
County, edited by the late Dr. Trumbull, as one
of the original proprietors of Hartford in 1639.
Our subject's line of descent from this first Ameri-
can ancestor is through John, Thomas (2), Tliomas
(3), Dr. Samuel, Capt. Aaron, Marquis and Henry
Richards.
^^^'^ ^^--^^f^yi
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53
(II) John Richards, son of Thomas the emigrant,
born in 163 1, married Lydia Stocking, and settled
on tlie homestead in Hartford.
(III) Tliomas Richards, son of John, born in
1666, married, in 1691, Mary, daugliter of Deacon
Benjamin Parsons, of Springtield, Mass., and suc-
ceeded his father on the homestead. He was deacon
of the First Cliurch for forty-three years, and was
very well known in Hartford and vicinity.
(IV) Thomas Richards, son of Thomas (above),
born 1694, married, in 1717, Abigail Turner, of
Hartford, and resided in Southington.
(V) Dr. Samuel Richards, son of Thomas
(above), born in 1726, in Hartford, married Lydia
Buck. When he was one year old his parents moved
to Southington. Samuel Richards rose to honorable
■distinction in the profession, practicing in Newing-
ton, Canaan, and New Hartford, dying in Plainville
in 1793. He served in the Continental army.
(VI) Capt. Aaron Richards, son of Dr. Samuel,
born in 1749 in Newington, married (first), in
1778, Dorcas Adams. He purchased land in New
Hartford, first in 1776, settled and passed his days
in the town, dying in 1831.
(VII) Marquis Richards, son of Capt. Aaron,
born in 1793, married, in 1822, Polly Carpenter, and
they resided on the old homestead in New Hartford.
(VIII) Henry Richards, son of Marquis, and
the father of Francis Henry Richards, of Hartford,
was born Sept. 13, 1824, in New Hartford. He
■was married in October, 1847, to Maria S. Whiting,
daughter of Dr. John Whiting, and to the union
-were born Francis H., Oct. 20, 1850; Hubert P.,
Sept. 2, 1852; and Rosa M., Aug. 2, 1854, who died
in New Britain in 1872, when in her eighteenth
year.
On his mother's side Francis H. Richards, our
subject, is a direct descendant from Jilaj. Wm. Whit-
ing, who came to New England not more than a dec-
ade after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, his
name being identified as early as 1632-33 with Lords
Say and Brooke in the purchase of Piscataqua, and
lie retained his interest in that enterprise through life.
Tilaj. Whiting was also engaged in a patent for lands
at Swampscott with Say and Brooke. He was one
of the committee who for the first time sat with the
court of magistrates in 1637. Maj. Wliiting was one
of the original proprietors of Hartford in 1639, and
was one of the most efficient promoters of trade and
commerce of the town. A merchant of wealth and
a man of education, he had dealings with the people
of A'irginia and Piscataqua, and had a trading post
at the Delaware river and at Westfield. He was
■treasurer of Connecticut from 1641 until his death
in 1647, and was a justice of the peace from 1642
-until his death. Joseph Whiting, a son of the Major,
■settled in Westfield, but returned to Hartford about
1675, and was treasurer of Connecticut for thirty-
nine years, from 1678 to 1717, when he was suc-
ceeded to the office by his son Col. John Whiting,
who held it for thirtv-two years. As mieht be ex-
pected, the families into which these early Whitings
married were of the first of New England. Joseph
Whiting's first wife, Mary, was a daughter rf John
I'ynchon, and granddaughter of William Pynchon,
one of the founders of Springfield, Alass., whose
wife, Ann, was a daughter of Hon. George
Wyllys ; and his second wife, Anna, a daughter of
Col. John Allyn. Col. John Whiting married Jeru-
sha, daughter of Richard, and granddaughter of
Thomas Lord, one of the first settlers of Hartford.
F"rancis Henry Richards, the subject proper of
this review, passed a part of his time during his
early youth on the old homestead founded by his
great-grandfather, Capt. Aaron Richards, in New
Hartford during the period of the Revolution, and
which in large part continues to be held by the fam-
ily. Our subject's early training in the English
branches and letters was held in the neighborhood
district school, and at a private school in New Hart-
ford. Descended from a race of farmer-mechanics,
he exemplified in a marked degree that self-reliant
spirit of the early pioneers, who never hesitated to
attempt what needed to be done. What better
training-school ever existed than the old-time New
England homestead, with its ample fields and build-
ings, and the shop where the husbandman and his
boys worked the farm together in the summer, and
in the winter carried on the manufacture of all that
the farm and home required ?
Inheriting inventive genius from his ancestors,
who taught and practiced the theory that a mechanic
should always be able to make his own tools, young
Richards, at the age of fifteen, began inventing and
building machinery, and from that time to" the pres-
ent he has been actively engaged in the development
of mechanical industries. In 1865 his father and
family removed to New Britain, where its head was
in charge of the Machinery department of the Stan-
ley Rule & Level Works, an establishment with
which he still retains his connection. In these fac-
tories the son began his career under the tutorship
of his father, who himselfwas an ingenious mechanic
and inventor. Already the son had shown great
adaptability for new ideas in mechanics, and it was
but a short time after he went to work in
the plant named when he was found ex-
perimenting with the construction of machin-
erv of his own devising. By systematic study
and application extending over a period of eight
years, he acquired a practical and theoretical knowl-
edge of the machine-building trades, including wood-
working, forging, and the allied branches. He came
to Hartford in 1882, and until 1886 he was connected
with the great manufacturing concern of Pratt &
Whitney. Bv this time his frequent tours for the
observation of machinery and manufactures, and his
knowledge of mechanics and experience as an inven-
tor, together with a thorough study of patent law.
well fitted him for its practice as well as made him
an expert engineer : and from that time to this he has
given much of his time in these lines, having an
54
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
office first in Hartford, then in both Hartford and
New York.
Mr. Richards has brought out numerous inven-
tions of labor-saving machines, the most of which
are now in successful operation. In 1873 he invented
and patented the fundamental features of the air-
cushion door-spring that have since come into such
general use. He has taken out in all upward of six
hundred patents on various inventions. Outside of
these he has invented many valuable machines and
devices for which he never applied for patents.
Among liis patented articles may be mentioned the
Richards Envelope machine, which prints, folds,
gums, counts and bands automatically 8.000 letter
envelopes per day, a new automatic weighing ma-
chine, manufactured by the Pratt & Whitney Com-*
pany, which machine by reason of its marked superi-
ority promises speedily to come into general use
for a wide range of purposes.
During the long experience of Mr. Richards in
manufacturing lines in which he has worked in
every capacity from apprentice to supervising en-
gitieer and proprietor, he has become a most skilled
and reliable mechanical engineer, and is so generally
recognized. In his business affairs he has been re-
markably successful, and achieved that reward and
prominence his efforts and ability and genius have
merited. He is mainly engaged in the development
and patenting of mechanical improvements and in-
ventions. He is the consulting engineer and advi-
ser for several of the most proriiinent manufacturers
of the United States. He is also an expert patent
solicitor.
On Oct. 15, 1887, Mr. Richards was married to
Mrs. Clara V. Dole {nee Blasdale), of Springfield,
Mass., a lady of English birth, daughter of Samuel
Blasdale, a prominent expert and designer who came
to the United States in 1854. Mrs. Richards is said
to be a descendant of Thomas Parr, who lived to
the great age of 152 years, and whose memorial in-
scription is on a slab in the floor of Westminster
Abbey, London.
Mr. Richards is a member of the American So-
ciety of Mechanical Engineers, of the Civil Engi-
neers Club, Cleveland, Ohio, of the Engineers Club
of New York City, and of the American Association
of Inventors and Manufacturers, having been pres-
ident of the latter since January, 1897, when he suc-
ceeded Dr. Richard J. Catling, the inventor of the
Catling gun. Mr. Richards is in fellowship with
the local Masonic and Odd Fellows organizations,
and has held office in the Putnam Phalanx. In the
Masonic order he is identified with Washington
Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar: also with
Scottish Rite bodies up to the 32nd degree. In pol-,
itics he is a Republican. His religious affiliations
and those of his wife are with the Church of the
Redeemer (Universalist) of Hartford.
Of late years Mr. Richards, at the request of
some members of the press, has written editorials
on topics with which his great familiarity has ren-
dered his opinions a most valuable guide to public
opinion. One of these editorials upon silver ap-
peared in the fall of 1897, and attracted wide atten-
tion and favorable comment though its writer was
not then known.
COLLINS. The Collins family of Hartford^
who are the descendants of Hon. Amos Morris Col-
lins and his children, is one of the Colonial fam-
ilies of New England, a number of whose descend-
ants have been among the leading and influential cit-
izens and business men of Hartford.
Hon. Amos Morris Collins was in the seventli
generation from John Collins (2), the American an-
cestor, the line of his descent being through John
(3), Jdlm (4), Daniel, William and William (2).
John Collins, the first of the family of whom
there is any known record, lived in London, and ia
Brampton, County of Suffolk, England, where he
died and was buried. His wife was Abigail, daugh-
ter of Thomas Rose, of Exmouth, Devonshire, Eng-
land. She was buried at Braintree, County of Essex.
Their children were : Edward, John, Daniel, Samuel
and Abigail.
(I) John Collins (2), son of John Collins, came
to New England prior to 1640, living in Boston
and Braintree, Mass., prior to that date. He was
born in England about 1616. He married in Eng-
land, prior to 1640, Susannah ■. He was admit-
ted to the Church in Boston in 1640, and that year
was made a "freeman." He was an active and prom-
inent business man in the Massachusetts Colony. He
was a member of the Honourable Artillery Company
of Boston. His children were : John, Susannah,
Thomas and Elizabeth.
(II) John Collins (3), son of John Collins (2),
was born about 1640 in Boston. He married (first),
in 1662, Mary Trowbridge, who died in 1667, and he
married (second), in 1669, Widow Kingsworth, or
sister of Henry Kingsworth. John died at Guilford.
Conn., in 1704. He was one of the patentees of
the town of Guilford, and "townsman" and school
teacher as late as 1702. He taught a grammar
school there in 1682. His children, all by Mary
Trowbridge, were : Mary, John and Robert.
(HI) John Collins (4), son of John Collins (3),.
born in 1665 in Saybrook, Conn., died in 1751. He
married, in 1691, Ann Leete, a granddaughter of
Governor William Leete. She died in 1724. Their
children were: Ann, Mary, John, Timothy, Timo-
thy (2), Daniel, Susannah, Samuel, Mercy, Oliver,
Avis and Eunice.
(IV) Daniel Collins, son of John Collins (4).
born in 1701 at Guilford, Conn., married in 1725
Lois Cornwall, of Long Island, a daughter of Will-
iam Cornwall, of Hartford and Middletown. She
was born at Middletown in 1702. Their children
were: Anne, William, Lorrain, Freelove, Avis, Dan-
iel, Zeriah, Demetrius, Augustus and Ruth.
(V) William Collins, son of Daniel Collins, born
in 1728, died in 1775. He married, in 1758, Ruth
Cook, daughter of Aaron Cook, of Wallingford^
„y/^/m:,,C^^^€X^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
55
Conn. She was born in 1738, and died in 1790.
Their children were: Lorrain, WilHam, Aaron C,
Daniel, Samuel, Ruth and Lucy.
(VT) William Collins (2), son of William Col-
lins, born in 1760, died in 1849. He married, in
1783, Esther jMorris, at JMorris Point, near New
Haven, Conn., where she was born in 1763. In 1783
they located in Litchfield, Conn., and in 1822 moved
to Illinois. She died at Collinsville, 111., in 1834.
Their children were : Eliza, William M., Amos Mor-
ris, Alraira, Augustus, Anson, Michael, Maria, Will-
iam and Frederick, ^\'hen a lad of seventeen
William Collins enlisted for service in the war of
the Revolution. He was a private in a company
commanded by Capt. Humphrey, the regiment being
under the command of Col. Jonathan Meigs. Later,
in 1779, he served with his uncle, Augustus Collins,
Vv-ho was a major, serving as brigade major under
Brig.-Gen. Ward. William was a deacon in the
Church at Litchfield, Conn., while Lyman Beecher
was pastor.
(MI) Amos :\Iorris Collins, third child of Will-
iam Collins (2) and Esther Morris, was born March
30, 1788, in Litchfield, Conn. His father, a deacon
in Dr. L3-man Beecher's Church, was a man of rec-
ognized Puritan stamp. His mother was a descend-
ant in a direct line from Thomas Morris, of the
County of Essex, England. The Morris families of
Connecticut and Massachusetts are without doubt
descended from the Morris family of Roydon Parish,
County of Essex, England. C3n April 30, 181 1,
Mr. Collins was married to ]SIary Lyman, only
daughter of Col. Moses Lyman, of Goshen, Conn.
Their children were: William L., Morris, Erastus,
Charles, Edward, Maria E., Henry and Mary F. In
1810 Mr. Collins established himself in mercantile
business in Blandford, Mass. In a few years he
had turned into new channels the industry of that
and large portions of the surrounding towns. The
impulse which he eave was felt long after his death.
In 1819 Mr. Collins removed with his family to
Hartford, Conn. He and his wife united at once,
by letter, with the First Church of Hartford, then
under the pastorate of Rey. Dr. Hawes. Of the
historic North Church Mr. Collins was one of the
founders. He was chosen one of the deacons at the
time of its organization in 1824, and retained the
office until his death.
In 1827 Mr. Collins erected the building which
at the time of his death was occupied by Collins
Brothers & Company, in Asylum street. It is a
scarcely credible fact that the idea of going so far
out of the way was generally considered ridiculous,
and sagacious men who survived Mr. Collins ac-
knowledge that thev thought he had surely made a
very great mistake. He retired from the mercantile
business in 1842, leaving it in charge of his sons.
Mr. Collins' benevolence was systematic, as well
as bountiful. For about twenty years before his
death he had taken the resolve not to lay up prop-
erty. '"All the great societies of Christian benefi-
cence were aided by his bounty. In this manner he
took the rewards of his beneficence into his own life,
and grew by the Christly measures of his charities."
He had always been to a marked degree actively in-
terested in the general welfare of Hartford, and
vigorously aided plans for its improvement and
prosperity. At the time of the proposed extension
into the Farmington valley of the Hartford & Prov-
idence railroad he was chairman of the committee on
subscriptions. He himself became as large a stock-
holder as his means would permit, and personally
superintended many of the labors incidental to the
extension of the road. 'Sir. Collins was a member of
the common council for several years ; was elected
mayor in 1843, re-elected in '1845, and declined a
third term which was pressed upon him. At the
proposed erection of the Hartford High school he
was appointed chairman of the building committee,
and with a few others contributed liberally. .-\t its
formation he became in great measure personallv re-
sponsible for its success. Mr. Collins was a zealous
and working friend of the temperance cause, known
as such from 1826. In its behalf he made excellent
speeches in very nearly every neighborhood in a
large circuit around Hartford. He was early an
anti-sla\'^ry man, the unpopularity of a good cause
seeming to him a very good reason for helping it.
The Free-Soilers once or twice ran him for Con-
gress. In religious matters Mr. Collins had decided
views, and he could clearly and strongly express
them. He was firm, enthusiastic, and also well bal-
anced and just. After his death, which occurred
Nov. 10, 1858, his pastor Rev. Dr. Bushnell. said
of him: "Deacon A. M. Collins was one of the few
men or Christians who require to be noted as spec-
ialties. He was among the land-mark characters
of our city, and a man so positive in every sphere of
action or counsel that the voidwhich is made by his
death will be deeply felt, and for a long time to come.
■'There is almost nothing here that has not some-
how felt his power, nothing good which has not
somehow profited by his beneficence. Banks, saving
institutions, railroads, the singular anomaly of a
large wholesale dry-goods trade which distinguishes
Hartford as an inland city, the city councils and im-
provements, the city Missions and Sunday-schools,
the Asylum for the Dumb, the Retreat for the In-
sane, the High School, the Almshouse, three at least
of the churches, almost evernhing public, in fact,
has his counsel, impulse, character, beneficence, and
what is more, if possible, his real work, incorporated
in it. Whole sections of the city are changed by him.
"But the Church was dearest to him of all * '■' *
There was never a better man to support and steady
a Christian pastor * * * I loved him as a friend, as
what brother did not? I took him for my best coun-
sel, I leaned upon him as a prop. Who can estimate
the value of such a man ?"
In the troubles that later befell the Church, aris-
ing from the charges of heresy concerning. its pas-
tor, ;Mr. Collins with two others of its members were
among the first to foresee the course to be pursued.
In a paper addressed by him to the Hartford Cen-
56
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tral Association, Mr. Collins said : "We think it
necessarj' * * * to take the position of an independent
Church * * * and have therefore withdrawn from
our connection with the Consociation with which we
united in our infancy."
The following extract is from the tribute paid
to -\lr. Collins by Hon. Joseph R. Hawley in the
Hartford Evening Press, of which he was editor at
that time: "Positively, it is precisely true, and no
unmeaning eulogy, if we say that the symmetry and
strength of his physical man harmonized with his
tine proportions as a Christian merchant, citizen,
friend and neighbor. He was such an outgrowth of
New England hills, schools and churches as we can
point to with pride."
(_ I ) William Lyman Collins, eldest son of Amos
Morris Collins, was born at Blandford, Mass., Feb.
10, 1812. For about thirty-five years he was con-
nected with the mercantile interests of Hartford,
first with the firm his father founded as A. JM. Col-
lins & Sons, and later as Collins Brothers & Com-
pany. This firm was among the most prudent and
reliable in New England, and so much confidence
was reposed in it that, after the Civil war broke
out, when banks and bankers were looked upon
with suspicion, the house of Collins Brothers &
Company was oft'ered large sums of money, with-
out security, by its correspondents. Mr. Collins
was for many years a director in the City Gas
Light Company, also in the Merchants Lisurance
Company, a member of the managing board of the
Retreat, and was for a long time connected with
the Society of Savings. The Park was one of his
favorite projects, to which, as chairman of the
Park Commissioners for a number of years, he
gave his watchful attention, and Hartford is large-
ly indebted to his refined tastes and persevering,
industry for the plans and laying out of this orna-
ment to the city. He was one of the first pro-
jectors of the Hartford & Wethersfield Horse rail-
road. The Cedar Hill cemetery was another
enterprise in which he felt deep interest, and
the West End improvements were more due
to him than to any other citizen. He was
one of the foremost in establishing the Asy-
lum Hill Congregational Church. In Mr. Col-
lins" death, which occurred in Chicago, Nov. 15,
1865, the city lost one of its most enterprising and
public-spirited citizens. Mr. Collins was unosten-
tatious, and the public at large could not know
him as he was known and respected by business
men who were constantlv brought in contact with
him. He was modest in all things, and purely un-
selfish in all. His opinions were decided and sel-
dom at fault. He delighted in liberal works, in
encouraging all deserving charities, and no indi-
vidual case which called for assistance, and was
known to be worthy, was ever turned off unre-
lieved.
On Nov. 14, 1835, Mr. Collins married Harriet
Pierson, daughter of Dr. Aaron Pierson, of
Orange, N. J. She died Jan. 15, 1871. To this
union were born children as follows : Edward Pier-
son, deceased; Mary Lyman, deceased; Ellen;
Frances, widow of Dr. William H. Palmer, of
Cleveland, Ohio, who died June 19, 1871 ; Will-
iam Pierson, deceased; and Alice, who on April
28, 1 88 1, married Samuel Gurley Dunham, son of
Austin Dunham. Their children: Ethel Collins,
Alice Elizabeth, Sarah Root, Frances Collins,
x'Vustin and Beatrice Lyman.
(2) Morris Collins was born Oct. 18, 1813, and
died March 19, 1873. On Nov. 4, 1852, he mar-
ried Martha Wickes Blatchford, daughter of Rev.
John Blatchford, of Quincy, 111., and their chil-
dren were : John Blatchford ; Frances Wickes,
Amos Morris, Martha Blatchford, Alice Blatchford,
and Richard Ely,. For his second wife Morris Col-
lins wedded Hannah Adams, and they had one child,
Henry Adams, born Feb. 6, 1866, who died Aug. 19,
1867.
(3) Erastus Collins, son of Amos Morris Col-
lins, and father of Atwood Collins, was born
Feb. 10, 181 5. in Blandford, Mass. He came
to Hartford with his father's family in 1819,
and for years was associated with his father
in the business described above. He was a prom-
inent and trusted man in Hartford interests. He
was a director of the ^Etna Insurance Company,
and as chairman of its building committee he su-
perintended the construction of the present fine
brown-stone structure of that company on Main
street, north of the yEtna Life building. He was
also director and vice-president of the Hartford
Hospital ; a director of the American School at
Hartford for the Deaf ; an active and valuable
i school visitor; one of the projectors of the Hart-
ford & Wethersfield Horse Railway Company; a
projector of the noble Cedar Hill cemetery, and
a leader in the Young Men's Institute (now the
Hartford Library). For two winters before his
death he was especially active in philanthropic
work. Mr. Collins was a true Christian; in his
own unostentatious waj' he lived the life he pro-
fessed. His religious profession, made in his early
youth, was in the old North Congregational
Church (now, in another locality, the Park
Church), in 1830 — about the time Dr. Spring was
succeeded by Dr. Bushnell, we think, and having
united with that Church he remained in it until the
organization, in 1852, of the Pearl Street Church.
He became interested therein, and was one of the
founders. • He became, when the As3'lum Hill
Church was founded, not merely a member, but
one of its leading supporters, contributing at one
time largely toward the extinguishment of the
debt. It is to such men as he, and Roland Mather,
that the Church has been indebted for much of
its prosperity. Mr. Collins built up an admirable
character in Hartford. It was a life work, but it
is one which wins appreciation, when fellow citizens
can view such a character through a long perspec-
tive of philanthropic enterprises and abounding
good deeds.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
57
Mr. Collins was first a clerk, and later asso-
ciated with his father in the business of the great
house which afterward became his own. That
house took, among other accounts, that of the well-
known Sprague prints. Later, on the failure of
the A. & W. Sprague Mfg. Co., Collins & Fenn,
by a special arrangement, took all the product of
the Sprague mills. This ai'rangement proved a
safe and profitable one for the Hartford house,
and, giving as it did the entire Sprague account to
the Hartford house of Collins & Fenn, largely in-
creased the business of the commission house.
j\lr. Collins was a cautious man, in business as in
everything else. He went into no business trans-
action without fully considering it from all points
of view. He owned real-estate in Hartford, on the
south side of Asylum street, between Main and
Trumbull, and land on Asylum avenue, Atwood
and Collins streets. He was also a large owner
of gas stock and horse-railway shares, and other
local securities. Toward the close of 1876 Mr.
Collins retired from the active business of the
house, with which he was so long connected, and
afterward devoted his time largel)^ to philanthropic
enterprises.
On Jan. 26, 1848, Mr. Collins was married to
jNIary Atwood, daughter of the late John M. At-
wood, of Philadelphia. She died March 31, 1874,
he on April 8, 1880. Their children were: (i)
Henrietta A. was married Feb. 17, 1876, to Daniel
Robinson Howe, and their children are Edmund
D., Henrietta C, and Marjorie F. (2) Atwood,
married on June 9, 1880, Mary B. Brace. Their
children are Gertrude, Frederick S., Elinor B.,
j\Iarion A. and Emily B. (3) Caroline Lyman,
married, on March 9, 1886, Dr. Charles Whitney
Page, superintendent of Middletown Hospital, and
their children are Atwood C, Charles W., Jr., and
Ruth Whitney. (4) William Erastus is referred
to below.
(4) Charles Collins, born April 2, 1817, was
married Sept. i, 1840, to INIary Hall Terry, daugh-
ter of Eliphalet Terry, of Hartford ; she died in
1900; their children are: Lydia Coit married Will-
iam Piatt Ketcham. Charles Terry married Mary
Abby W^ood; children, Charles, Clarence Lyman,
Mary Terry and Arthur Morris. Clarence Lyman
married Mary Louise Clark ; have one daughter,
Edith. Arthur Morris died Jan. 3, 1861. Louise
Terry married William Allen Butler, Jr.
(5) Edward Collins, born Nov. 15, 1820, passed
away Aug. 4, 1822. (6) Maria Elizabeth Collins was
married May 13, 1846, to Rev. Caleb Strong, who
died Jan. 3, 1847. (7) Henry Collins, born Jan. 7,
1827, died Aug. 22, 1828. (8) Mary Frances Col-
lins.
^^^illiam Erastus Collins, son of Erastus Collins,
was born Oct. 10, 1859. In 1880 he graduated from
the Hartford Public High School, and in 1884 from
A\'illiams College, after which he became connected
with the editorial staff of the Hartford Courant. He
was an ambitious and brilliant journalist, and his
colleagues upon the newspaper state that '"he pos-
sessed industry, zeal, a real love of work, clever wit
and an individual style, with a high ideal of journal-
istic work, and was living up to it. He had read
freel)-, traveled widely, and his range of information
was large and his culture genuine. He had a home-
loving nature, deeply devoted to his family, and the
evident happiness of his domestic life was proverbial
among his friends." He was an active member of
the Congregational Church. His active, noble, manly
and unselfish life was suddenly finished May 20,
1893. On May 5, 1886, Mr. Collins married, at In-
dianapolis, Eva Lee Steele, and they had one daugh-
ter, Ruth Lee.
HON. EDWARD WILLIAMS TWICHELL
was born in the town of Southington Nov. 5, 1839,
and is a descendant of Joseph Twichell, the com-
mon ancestor of all who bear the name in this coun-
try.
Joseph Twichell came from England about 1630,
and located in Dorchester, Mass., where he was ad-
mitted as a freeman May 14, 1634. He probably
died there. His son Benjamin removed from Dor-
chester to Bogiston about 1663, and purchased 100
acres of land in what is now Sherborn, Mass. Soon
after this he moved to Lancaster, same State, where
he is supposed to have died, or was killed by the In-
dians. His son, Abiele Twichell, was born in No-
vember, 1663, and was the father of Benoni Twich-
ell, who was born about 1684, and was one of the
thirty original grantees of Oxford, Mass. In 1722
and 1723 he was styled an inn-holder on the Oxford
records, and between 1720 and 1740 was largely
engaged in the transfer of real estate in Oxford and
vicinitv. In. 1727 he purchased 100 acres of land in
Woodstock, Conn., with a mansion in Oxford which
he had previously owned, and in 1740 became pro-
prietor of lands in Poquiog (now Athol), Mass.
He is supposed to have died in Killingly (now
Thompson), Conn. On April 18, 1705, he married
Hannah Allen. Their son, Joseph Twichell, mar-
ried Elizabeth Thompson. Among their children
was Isaac Twichell, who was born in Oxford, Alass.,
and about 1767 located in Southington, Conn., where
he died Feb. 10, 1776. Isaac Twichell married De-
borah Alcox, and they were the parents of Joseph
Twichell, grandfather of our subject, who was born
in Wolcott, Hartford county, July 15, 1769, and died
March 14, 1824. He first married Electa, daughter
of Simeon Hopkins, of Wolcott, and for his second
wife he married Phebe, daughter of Joseph and
Phebe (Hall) Atkins. The latter was the grand-
mother of our subject. She died Dec. 5, 1823.
Our subject's father, Edward Twichell, was born
in Wolcott Sept. 5, 1810, and was there reared and
educated. In early manhood he located in Plants-
ville, where he learned the tanner's and currier's
trade with Timothy Higgins ; later, in partnership
with his preceptor, he engaged in that business,
and, branching out, also engaged in the manufacture
58
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of leather belting. Retiring from that business in
1850, Mr. Twichell embarked in the manufacture of
carriage hardware with Henry D. Smith, under the
firm name of H. D. Smith & Co., and was interested
in that business up to the time of his death, in the
spring of 1861. He married Selina D. Carter, a
daughter of Reuben Carter, of Wolcott, and to them
were born three children who reached years of ma-
turity: Joseph Hopkins, a Congregational minister,
who has been pastor of the Asylum Hill Congrega-
tional Church of Hartford since its organization, in
1865; Edward W., our subject; and Sarah J., wife
of Edmund A. Ware.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed in Plantsville, and after attending the public
schools for some time he was a student at Lewis
Academy. From the age of seventeen to twenty
years, after completing his education, he engaged in
mercantile business in Laporte, Ind., but since 1861
he has been connected with H. D. Smith & Co., of
Southington, first as shipping clerk, then as book-
keeper, and, since 1865, as treasurer of the com-
pany. He is also a stockholder in and vice-president
of the Southington Bank, and has been actively
identified with the business life of the town.
On Oct. 18, 1866, Mr. Twichell was united in
marriage with Mrs. Sarah Louise Harrison, a
daughter of Martin and Sally (Moore) Frisbie, of
Southington. They have one son, Reuben Carter,
who was born Nov. 25, 1877, and graduated from
Yale, a member of the class of 1900.
In his political views Mr. Twichell is a Repub-
lican, and he has served as assessor of his town for
two years, and represented it in the State Legislature
during the session of 1880. Fraternally he belongs
to Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., of South-
ington, of which his grandfather was also a member.
He is an active and prominent member of the Plants-
ville Congregational Church, of which he has been
clerk since its organization in i866. He is a man
of excellent business and executive ability, is public-
spirited and enterprising", and is quite popular in
both business and social circles.
GEN. LUCIUS A. BARBOUR, of Hartford,
president of the Willimantic Linen Co., and one of
the prominent men of Connecticut, is a descendant
on both sides from families who have been conspic-
uous in the history of New England for over two
and a half centuries.
Gen. Bai-bour on his paternal side is in the eighth
generation from Thomas Barber, the emigrant an-
cestor, the line of his descent being through Lieut.
Thomas, Samuel, John, John (2), John (3), and
Lucius Barbour ; and on his maternal side he is in
the ninth generation from Robert Day, one of the
original proprietors of Hartford, the line of his
descent being through Thomas, Samuel, Josiah,
Gideon, Ambrose, Albert and Harriet Louise Day.
(I) Thomas Barber (spelled Barber, Barbor,
Barbar, and Barbour, as variouslv written through
the probate records ; the spelling Barbour was
adopted by Henry, of this branch of the family),
the iirst of the name in New England, came to
Windsor, Conn., in 1635, at the age of twenty-one,,
with the Saltonstall party, under Francis Stiles.
He was a soldier from Windsor in the Pequot fight,.
and is mentioned in Adason's narrative. He married
Oct. 7, 1640, and died Sept. 11, 1662. His wife,
Jane, died Sept. 10, 1662.
(II) Lieut. Thomas Barber, son of Thomas,
born July 14, 1644, married Dec. 13, 1660, Mary
Phelps, born March 2, 1644, daughter of William
Phelps, the emigrant, of Windsor, and his second
wife, Mary (Dover). He removed to Simsbury,
where he built the first meeting-house. He died
May ID, 1713. She died in 1687.
(III) Samuel Barber, son of Lieut. Thomas,
born May 17, 1673, married Dec. 17, 1712, Sarah,
Holcomb, born in 1691, daughter of Nathaniel Hol-
comb and Mary (Bliss). He died Dec. 18, 1725,
and she died in 1787, at the age of ninety-six. She
removed from the old parish to West Simsbury in
1738 with her four sons, Samuel, Thomas, Jona-
than and John, and her daughters, Mercy and Sarah,
the sons settling on the best lands in the Center
School District. This family were among the ear-
liest and most conspicuous settlers of West Sims-
bury.
(IV) John Barber, son of Samuel, born Dec.
4, 1719, married Jan. 22, 1746-47, Lydia Reed,
born Nov. 18, 1726, daughter of Jacob Reed and
Mary (Hill). He died in 1799, and his widow-
died in 1806.
(V) John Barber (2), son of John, born Nov.
29, 1749, married in 1773 Elizabeth Case, born
April 20, 1752, daughter of Capt. Josiah Case and
Esther (Higley). He died Nov. 3, 1825. She
died May 26, 181 7.
(VI) John Barbour (3), son of John, born
Feb. 18, 1782, married (first) Oct. 13, 1803, De-
light Griswold Case, born Oct. 15, 1783, daughter
of Elisha Case and Delight (Griswold). She died
April 13, 181 1, and he married (second) June 15,
1812, Fanny Hunt, born Aug. 30, 1792, daughter
of George Hunt and Jemima (HolHster). He died
Nov. 24, 1865, Mrs. Barbour on Nov. 6, 1858.
(VII) Lucius Barbour, son of John (3), born
July 26, 1805, in Canton, Conn., married April 23,
1840, Harriet Louise Day, born Feb. 2, 1821, daugh-
ter of Deacon Albert Day and Harriet (Chapin).
He died Feb. 10, 1873, she on Sept. 26, 1886. When
about twelve or fourteen years of age he accom-
panied his parents to Western New York, on their
removal to that State. For a number of years suc-
ceeding his majority he was traveling in the South
and West, where he was engaged in business and
investing in Western land, particularly in the State
of Indiana. He finally located in Madison, Ind.,
of our city, and a man so positive in every sphere of
and engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business.
Subsequently he became interested in similar busi-
ness at Cincinnati, Ohio. Along in the middle
'forties he removed to Hartford, Conn., and ever
J/Uhn^.o Jf^ 'yuaiJTM^'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
59
afterward made that city his home, vet as a silent
partner retained his interests in the business houses
at Madison and Cincinnati. He possessed excellent
business habits and abilit}-. and in his undertakings
prospered greatly. He was an upright man and a
Christian gentleman, and was greatly esteemed and
respecttd by the community in which lie lived.
He was a deacon in the Second Congregational
Church of Hartford from 1858 to 1865, and in the
First Church of the same denomination and city
from 1869 until his death. He was a trustee of
the Congregational Seminary ; and a director of the
American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and of
the Charter Oak Bank.
Lucius A. Barbour, son of Lucius Barbour, and
the subject proper of this sketch, was born Jan. 26,
1846, at Madison, Ind., and in infancy was brought
to Hartford, Conn., by his parents, on their return
to that city. Here his youth was passed in attend-
ance in the public schools of the cit}', he being grad-
uated from the high school in 1864. Later he
became teller in the Charter Oak Bank, holding
the position until 1870, when he resigned for the
purpose of a contemplated two years' tour of travel
in Europe. From boyhood young Barbour evinced
a taste for military affairs, and it is perhaps in this
line that he has been the most widely known
throughout the State and New England. However,
his business career has been equally brilliant. He
•enlisted Sept. 9, 1865, becoming a private in the
Hartford City Guard, then aJttached to the First
Regiment as Battery D. His military advancements
were rapid, and received wide notice in the State,
and he proved himself worthy of the promotions,
his instincts and tastes entitling him to military
leadership from the outset. He resigned from the
•Guard in 1871, but returned some years later, when,
in February, 1875, he was chosen major of the
First Regiment. He was elected lieutenant-colonel
Dec. 29, 1876, and on June 26, 1878, was advanced
to the command of the regiment. Col. Barbour
was in command of the First at the Yorktown
Centennial in 1881, and won a national reputation
b)f the splendid efficiency and discipline which his
organization displayed. Li connection with the
Yorktown Centennial the command visited Charles-
ton, S. C, and gained the highest military praise.
Archibald Forbes, the celebrated London war cor-
respondent, paid a high tribute to Col. Barbour's
command. The Colonel was one of the most pop-
ular officers connected with the National Guard,
and his selection later as adutant-general of the
State met with universal satisfaction throughout
Connecticut. He resigned the colonelcy of the First
Nov. 12, 1884. His political affiliations have been
with the Republican party. He was a member of
the House of Representatives in 1879, serving as
the colleague of the late Hon. Henry C. Robinson,
and his legislative career was in keeping with the
course which he had followed in other callings of
life, and added to his reputation and popularity.
Gen. Barbour was prominently identified with
Battle I'lag Day, being a member of the legislative
committee which had the arrangements in charge.
As a distinguished representative of the National
Guard the General is honored throughout Con-
necticut. Since 1884 he has been treasurer and
president of the Willimantic Linen Co. of the city
whose name it bears. He has the reputation of be-
ing one of the ablest business managers in the
Capitol City. His religious connections are with
the First Congregational Church of Hartford.
On Feb. 8, 1877, at Brooklyn, N. Y., Gen. Bar-
bour was married to Miss Harriet E., born Dec. 2,
1849, daughter of Alfred Smith Barnes and Har-
riet Elizabeth (Burr), Mr. Barnes being of the
well-known publishing house of A. S. Barnes &
Co., of New York City. Mrs. Barbour died at
Hartford, Conn., Nov. 8, 1899, universally beloved
and lamented. Her children are : Lucius Barnes,
of Yale College, class of 1900; and Harriet Burr.
The genealogy of the Day family in Gen. Bar-
bour's line is as follows :
(I) Robert Day came to Boston from Ipswich,
County of Suffolk, England, in the "Elizabeth,"
in 1634, and became one of the original proprietors
of Hartford, Conn. He married Editha Stebbins.
(H) Thomas Da^-, son of Robert, the immigrant,
married Oct. 27, 1659, Sarah Cooper, daughter of
Lieut. Thomas Cooper, who was killed by the In-
dians at the burning of Springfield, Mass. He
removed to Springfield, Mass., in 1658, and was the
ancestor of the Day family in that State.
(III) Samuel Day, son of .Thomas, born in
1671, married in 1697 Mary (Marah) Dumbleton,
daughter of John Dumbleton and Lydia (Leonard).
(IV) Josiah Day, son of Samuel, born in 1701,
married in 1731 Elizabeth Bliss, daughter of Pele-
tiah Bliss and Elizabeth (Hitchcock), and resided
in West Springtield, Massachusetts.
(V) Gideon Day, son of Josiah, born in 1733,
married in 1762 Elizabeth Duncan, daughter of
Samuel Duncan and Sarah (Ingram). They re-
sided in West Springfield, and later removed to
Westfield, Massachusetts.
(VI) Ambrose Day, son of Gideon, born in
1767, married in 1791 Mary Ely, daughter of Na-
than Elv and Silence (^Morgan).
(Vli) Albert Day, son of Ambrose, born in
1797, married in 1819 Harriet Chapin, daughter of
Frederick Chapin and Roxalany (Lamb), of Chico-
pee. Mr. Day was a prominent business man of
Hartford, of "the firm of A. & C. Day, and Day,
Griswold & Co. He was a brother of the late Cal-
vin Dav. He was lieutenant-governor of Connec-
ticut, 1856-57. His children, besides Mrs. Lucius
Barbour, were: Albert F. and Charles G.
ROGER SA:\IUEL NEWELL. This well-
known attorney of Bristol, now serving as Judge
of Probate and Judge of the Town Court, is a
member of one of the pioneer families of Connecti-
cut, being a descendant of Thomas Newell, a na-
tive of Herefordshire, England, who came to Con-
€0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
necticut about 1640, locating at Farmington, and
of Elder William Brewster, who came in the "May-
flower."' Thomas Newell married Rebecca Olm-
stead, and among their children was a son Samuel.
Samuel Newell, the next in the line of descent,
was an ensign in the militia. He married Mary
Hart, and had one son Samuel, born in 1686.
Samuel Newell married Sarah Norton, and had
a son Isaac, born in 171 1.
Isaac Newell married Rachel Pomeroy, and had
a son Simeon, born in 1748.
Simeon Newell was a captain in the Revolu-
tionary army, and a member of the Society of the
Cincinnati, his original certificate being now in the
possession of our subject. He married Mercy
Hooker, and had a son Roger S. Newell, of Farm-
ington, Connecticut.
Roger S. Newell, our subject's grandfather,
married Naomi Hawley, and had the following
children: Samuel P., the father of our subject;
Ceorge, deceased; Henry, deceased, formerly a
judge of the supreine court of California; Edward
E., a resident of Bristol, Conn. ; and Cornelia H.,
wife of Charles H. Chapin, of Springfield, Mass.,
lately deceased.
Samuel P. Newell was born Nov. 16, 1823, in
Farmington, Conn., where he acquired his elemen-
tary education. Later he took a course in Yale
CTniversity, and read law in the office of John
Hooker, Esq., of Hartford, Conn. He was ad-
mitted to the Bar in 1848, and shortly afterward
removed to Bristol, where he practiced his pro-
fession during the remainder of his life. He served
as judge of probate. United States revenue col-
lector for the district, and held other important
public offices, and was also a director of the Na-
tional Bank, the Savings Bank, and the Bristol
Water Co. Politically he affiliated with the Re-
publican party. He died Jan. 2, 1888, widely hon-
ored for his useful and well-spent life. On Oct.
10, 1854, he married Miss Martha Judd Brewster,
■of Bristol, Conn., who survives him and still re-
.sides in Bristol. Five children were born to them,
•of whom our subject was the youngest, (i) Eliza-
■beth N. married John J. Jennings, and died Oct.
17, 1888, leaving two sons, Newell and John J., Jr.,
-vvho reside in Bristol. (2) Cordelia N., widow of
Harry W. Barnes, resides in Bristol. (3) Anita
died in childhood. (4) Mary B. married Frederick
B. Scudder, of New York City.
Roger Samuel Newell was bron in Bristol, Oct.
18, 1867, and received his academic education in
the public schools of that town and of Hartford.
He graduated from the Hartford Public High
School in 1886, from Yale University in 1889, and
from Yale Law School in 1891. He then read law
in the office of John J. Jennings, Esq., of Bristol,
and in 1891 was admitted to the Bar, after which
lie continuously practiced his chosen profession as
a partner with his preceptor until the latter's death,
April I, 1900. He was the first clerk of the bor-
ough of Bristol, in 1895 was elected judge of the
town court, and in 1896 was elected judge of pro-
bate, to succeed Elbert E. Thorpe, on the latter's
decease. Socially he and his family are prominent,
and he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F.
& A. M., and Pequabuck Chapter, R. A. M. In pol-
itics he is a Republican, and in religious bfelief a
Congregationalist.
Mr. Newell was married in Bristol, Sept. 25,
1895, to Miss Adaline Birge, daughter of Senator
John and Mary A. (Root) Birge.
GEN. JAMES T. PRATT (deceased. Long
prominent in the business life of Hartford and in the
public affairs of the State, Gen. Pratt was one of
the best-known men in Connecticut politics.
A son of Capt. John Pratt, of Middletown, he
was born in 1802, in that part of the town from
which Cromwell has since been formed. As a boy
he came to Hartford, and served as a clerk first in
the dry-goods store of J. B. Hosmer, and later in
that of Robert Watkinson. About 1824 young Pratt
started in the jobbing and commission business, the
pioneer of this branch of the dry-goods business,
which has since grown to such proportions. He was
associated with E. G. Howe and Rowland Mather,
the firm name for a time being Pratt, Howe &
Mather, and afterward becoming Howe, Mather &
Co. Young Pratt was full of life, and a natural
leader. In a private letter he wrote two years be-
fore his death, regretting his inability to attend the
Foot Guard reception to the governor, he thus ex-
pressed himself: "I joined the Horse Guard about
1820, and attended the 'Election Ball' of that year;
danced with Miss Boardman, of New Milford, a
a sister of the late Hon. William W. Boardman, of
New Haven, a ladv of rare accomplishments. At that
time Daniel Buck commanded the Horse, and Richard
Goodwin the Foot. I was chosen commander of the
Horse on the 4th of Jul}, 1826, the fiftieth anniver-
sar}^ of American Independence. The late Maj. James
Goodwin (father of the Rev. Fi'ancis Goodwin)
succeeded me in command of the company. His
brother, Jonathan Goodwin, commanded the Foot
at the same time. There is not a man living who
was a member of the Horse when I enlisted or when
I was elected Major. The world moves." Young
Pratt served as major of the Horse Guard from
1826 to 1829; in 1834 he was elected major of the
First Regiment of Cavalry; in 1836 he was colonel
of the regiment ; from 1837 to 1839 he was brig-
adier-general commanding the first brigade ; from
1839 to 1846 he was major-general commanding the
first division; and in 1846-47 quartermaster-gen-
eral. His service with the State troops in various
positions covered a period of more than a quarter of
a century, and, largely owing to his efforts, the mil-
itary force of the State was greatly increased in
efficiency. There was no other man living at the
time of Gen. Pratt's death who had given as much
unselfish labor to this important part of the State's
service.
a^t^yt^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
61
Before finishing his niihtary service Gen. Pratt
had acquired a fortune sufficient for his wants, and
about this time he retired from business and pur-
chased a farm in Rocky Hill, known as the John
William place. Always a Democrat of the old-
fashioned Jacksonian type, he was sure, with his
temperament, to take an active interest in politics.
He represented Rocky Hill in the Legislature in
1847, 1848 and 1850,- and again in 1857 and 1862.
In 1852 he served in the Senate, representing the
old First District. He was a very frequent dele-
gate to Democratic State Conventions, and with his
white overcoat and his impetuous manner, both of
which he retained as long as he lived, became a con-
spicuous and influential figure. He was a represen-
tative from his district in the XXXHId Congress
(1853-55), andi in 1858 and 1859 was the Demo-
cratic candidate for governoi, being defeated by
Gov. Buckingham. He confidently expected to be
nominated in i860, but in the meantime his old-time
friend and companion, Thomas H. Seymour, for
whom he had done very many acts of kindness and
friendship, returned from the Russian mission, and
was at once suggested as the man to be nominated
in the emergency. Gen. Pratt at once wrote him,
offering to withdraw in his favor from a canvass in
the convention. Col. Seymour politely and pos-
itively declined to accept the sacrifice (says Dr.
Rufus W. Griswold in his "History of Rocky Hill"),
and wrote Gen. Pratt that he would not be a candi-
date under any circumstances. Nevertheless Sey-
mour was nominated and accepted. This put an end
for years at least, to an old friendship, for the Gen-
eral was as strong in his prejudices as in his friend-
ships. The same convention which nominated Sey-
mour elected Pratt a delegate to the National Con-
vention of Charleston. This was at the time when
the secession conspiracy was just beginning to lift
its head. Gen. Pratt represented the old-type Dem-
ocrat, who looked upon the Free-Soilers as imprac-
ticable cranks, and upon the Abolitionists as sons
of Belial. He regarded slavery as a human patri-
archal institution, which had always existed, and he
regarded those at the North who were making a
crusade against it as disturbers of the peace. But
he was a Union man to the core, and, when he found
the Charleston convention dividing upon lines look-
ing toward disunion, he did not hesitate a moment,
but planted himself fair and square on the Union
side. When it came to the question of breaking with
the Southern wing — or rather head — of the party,
or of lending countenance to the infamous work
of the conspirators. Gen. Pratt's views were not un-
certain. He voted for Douglas, and when threat-
ened treason became a reality in the secession move-
ment he became one of the foremost leaders of the
war Democrats of the State. Rufus W. Griswold, a
long-time friend and neighbor of Gen. Pratt, writes
especially of this period of his life : "I was much
with Gen. Pratt at this time, and more fully in his
confidence than any other person. I recall manv
long talks with him between the adjournment of
the convention at Charleston and its meeting again
at Baltimore, and especially just before the re-as-
sembling, when it was concluded that, as lovers of
the common weal rather than as partisans, the patri-
otic Democrat had gone as far in support of the de-
mands of the South as could be rationally expected,
and that when more was demanded it could not be
granted. Thereafter there was no more earnest
supporter of the Union cause than this old Jack-
sonian Democrat." Elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in 1862, he no longer recorded himself
a Democrat but a "Union" man, and for ten years
he acted more with the Republicans than with the
Democrats. Afterward, when in 1870 and 1871 he
represented Wethersfield in the Legislature, he
styled himself in politics an "Old-school Democrat."
Recognizing his fidelity to the "Union," as well as
his standing as a Democrat, Gov. Buckingham ap-
pointed him a delegate to the Peace Convention
which was held at Baltimore, with the vain hope
of preventing actual conflict.
Some twenty years before his death Gen. Pratt
removed from Rocky Hill to Wethersfield, where
he afterward enjoyed a serene old age, taking an
active interest in public affairs until near the end of
life. Personally he was a firm friend, and a stanch
but always open enemj'. Pie was positive and opin-
ionated, somewhat emphatic in expressing his views,
especially if opposed or contradicted. But he was
thoroughly honest, earnestly patriotic, straight-
forward in all his courses, generous to the poor, lib-
eral and public-spirited. He was probably the most
prolific letter-writer in the State, corresponding with
almost every one of any prominence in either party.
And he was nearly as forcible in his manner of ex-
pressing himself on paper as in the convention or
legislative hall. Fraternally he was a member of
the F. & A. M., St. John's Lodge, No. 4, Plartford.
He died April 11, 1887, and was buried at Indian
Hill, JMiddletown.
On Nov. 29, 1840, Gen. Pratt was married to
Lutitia Juliette Hollister, of South Glastonbury,
Conn., and children as follows were born to this
union: James Elijah, deceased in infancy; Laura
Louise, also deceased; James Timothy, sketch of
whom follows ; Elizabeth C, widow of Ernest Dem-
ing, late of Middletown ; Ellen W^oodward, living
in Hartford ; Fanny AVendell, deceased ; and John,
connected with the Neiv York Herald^ with resi-
dence in New York City.
James T. Pratt was born in Rocky Hill, Conn.,
in 1 85 1, and there passed the earlier years of his life,
his education being received mainly at St. Paul's
school, Brookfield. For five years thereafter he
clerked for Wetherby, Kncus & Pelton, dry-goods
merchants, Hartford, passing the subsequent five
years in the railway mail service. Returning to
Hartford, twenty-one years ago, Mr. Pratt engaged
in the undertaking business with W. R. Morgan,
the firm being Morgan & Pratt, and upon the retire-
ment of Mr. ^Morgan from the business Mr. Pratt
conducted the concern alone for some eighteen
62
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
montlis, since when the style of the firm has been
Pratt i& Johnson.
In 1894, in Wethersfield, Conn., j\lr. Pratt was
married to Miss Mary L., daughter of Dr. Abner
S. Warner, of that town, and they have two chil-
dren: James T., Jr.; and Lucia Elizabeth. In his
fraternal associations Mr. Pratt is a Thirty-second
degree Mason, and a member of the Shrine; is
also affiliated with the I. O. O. F., Connecticut
Lodge, No. 93 ; and with the K. of P., Washington
Lodge, No. 15.
CONE FAMILY of Hartford. This family is
an old and prominent one in Connecticut, and sev-
eral members thereof, closely related to the late
William R., Sylvanus F., and Deacon Joseph E.
Cone, of Hartford, have figured in the professional
and mercantile history of that city through two-
thirds of a century.
The American ancestor of this branch of the
family was Daniel Cone, who, with three of his
sons — Daniel, Jared and Stephen — came in 165 1 to
this country from Edinburgh, Scotland, the voyage
being made in the ship '"John and Sarah." ihey
located first in Massachusetts (where was born another
son, Caleb), thence in 1657 removing to Haddam,
Conn. From there they came in 1685 to East Had-
dam, which locality became the permanent home
of many of their descendants. Daniel Cone, Sr.,
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died in Had-
dam, Conn., Oct. 24, 1706. He was one of the
original twenty-eight who for twenty-eight red
coats bought from the Indians what is now the
county of Middlesex. His second wife was the
widow of Richard Walkley, of Haddam.
Slyvanus Franklin Cone, father of the late Jo-
seph Henry Cone and Col. William E. Cone, who
for many years as partners carried on successfully
a first-class hardware business on Asylum street,
Hartford, where it has since been continued under
the old firm name by Col. Cone, was born Aug.
24, 1813, in East Haddam, Conn., a son of Joseph
W. and Mehitabel S. (Swan) Cone, who died March
4, 1848, aged seventy-three, and Sept. 11, 1849,
aged seventy-one, respectively, both being buried in
the cemetery at West Hartford Center. Sylvanus
F. Cone came to Hartford in 1835, and passed the
rest of his lifetime in that city, where he was a
useful, honored and respected citizen. He always
took a warm interest in pviblic affairs, rarely if
ever failing to exercise his rights as a citizen. For
many years he was a member of the board of
selectmen of the town, also served as assessor, and
filled other offices of trust, always performing his
duties wdth scrupulous fidelity. He was possessed
of a most genial and kindly disposition, retaining
"his youthful feelings and appearance to a wonder-
ful degree to the very last. He died on June 30,
1879, esteemed and Ijeloved by a large circle of
friends and acquaintances. His first wife, formerly
Miss Sarah A. Miller, to whom he was married
in April, 1835, passed away Aug. 28, 1849. Their
children were as follows : Joseph H. (a sketch of
whom follows), Sarah A., and Augusta M., all
three deceased ; Augustus F., a resident of Toledo,
Ohio; William E., in Hartford; and Helen M.,
deceased. For his second wife Slyvanus F. Cone
married Dec. 11, 1850, Delia M. Barnard, of Hart-
ford, and two children graced their union: Ella
Barnard, wife of Charles W. Pratt, a sketch of
whom follows : and John Barnard.
Joseph Henry Cone, who died at his home in
Hartford July 7, 1892, was born in 1836, in the
old Cone homestead on Farmington avenue, Hart-
ford, and was a lifelong resident of that city. He
was educated at the public schools, and at West
Hartford Academy, a famous school half a century
ago. Early in life he entered the hardware store
of George M. Way & Co., there learning the busi-
ness. In 1861 he entered into partnership with the
late Roderick Terry, the firm name being Terry &
Cone. When Mr. Terry retired the firm became J.
H. & W. E. Cone by the admission of Mr. Cone's
brother. Col. William E. Cone. In 1872 they pur-
chased and remodeled the building at Nos. 87-89
Asylum street, which the firm occupied, and where
they afterward remained.
Joseph FI. Cone never held public office, al-
thougU he was always prominent in business life.
He was a man of rather retiring disposition, much
attached to his family, by whom he was regarded
as an affectionate husband and kind, indulgent
■parent. Nearly two years prior to his death he re-
tired from the active business of the firm of which
he was a member, although still retaining his in-
terest in the same. He married Martha I. Mix,
daughter of the late John G. and Clarissa (Isham)
Mix, of Hartford, and she and her son, Henry F.,
and two daughters, Clara M. and Lillian C, sur-
vive.
Charles W. Pratt, of Hartford, is a direct de-
scendant in the eighth generation from Lieut. Will-
iam Pratt, who, with Rev. Thomas Hooker, was one
of the first settlers of Hartford, tracing his line of
ancestry through Charles A., William A., Deacon
Timothy, Timothy, Isaac, and John to Lieut. Will-
iam, the first settler.
(I) Lieut. William Pratt came to Newtown,
Mass., in 1633, thence moving to Hartford, Conn.
In June, 1636, he married Miss Elizabeth Clark,
daughter of John Clark, of Saybrook, Conn. He
was deputy at the General Court for twenty-three
sessions. He died in 1678.
(II) Ensign John Pratt, eldest son of the above,
was born Feb. 20, 1644. He married June 8,
1668, Sarah Jones, daughter of Thomas Jones, of
Guilford, Conn. He was a large land owner in
Saybrook, and also in Hebron, Conn. He was a
blacksmith by trade, and a man of prominence, and
for several terms was the representative of his town
in the Legislature. He died in 1726.
(III) Isaac Pratt, son of John, was born June
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
68
16, 1677, and died in 1733. He married Mary
Taylor.
(1\') Timothy Pratt, son of Isaac, was born
Jan. 20, 1713. He married Sarah Parl<er.
(V) Deacon Timoth)' Pratt, son of Timothy,
was born Oct. 17, 1748. In 1775 he married Sarah
Shipman. For many years lie was a deacon of the
Congregational Church at Saybrook, and he was
an exemplary Christian, tic died Sept. 12, 1823;
^Irs. Pratt died Jan. 2, 1817.
(VT) William Augi.stus Pratt, son of Deacon
Timothy', was born Oct. 9, 1791, and was a car-
penter and builder at Saybrook. On Dec. 2, 1817,
ne married Sarah Lynde. He died i\Iarch 3, 1850,
she on Feb. 13, 1840. Issue; Elizabeth, Sarah,
William, Lynde, Charles Augustus, and John Heber.
(VII) Charles Augustus Pratt, son of William
Augustus, was born Alarch 21, 1826, and has all
his life been a carpenter and builder in Saybrook,
Conn. On April i, 1849, h^ married Mary E.
Randall and children as follows have come to
them: Sarah Elizabeth, born Jan. 6, 1850, married
to John Rankin, of Saybrook ; Charles William,
born Dec. 8, 1851 ; Isabella, May 29, 1853; George
Augustus, Oct. 3, 1855 (resides in Hartford) ; Mary
Amelia, Jan. 6, 1859, married to K. N. Bill; Ed-
ward Burt, May 4, 1861 ; and Frank Sterling, Oct.
3, 1867.
(VIII) Charles W. Pratt spent his early school
days in Saybrook, and at the early age of ten
years became the mail carrier for that village, which
position he filled four years. When fifteen he began
•clerking for Augustus Bushnell, at Westbrook,
Conn., remaining with him some three years; at
the age of eighteen he came to Hartford to fill the
position of clerk in the old "Bee Hive" store. In
1887 he engaged in the ladies' dress and cloak busi-
ness in partnership with a Mr. Sage, under the
firm name of Pratt & Sage, which continued a
couple of years, and since 1889 the firm name has
"been C. W. Pratt.
On Sept. 10, 1879, J^^r. Pratt was married to
Ella Barnard Cone, daughter of Slyvester F.
Cone, as above, and children as follows have graced
their union: Charles Franklin, born Sept. 10, 1880;
and Warren Cone, born Jan. 31, 1888.
JAMES CHURCH PRATT, a well-known
resident of West Hartford, whoste home is at No.
700 Farmington avenue, was born in Hartford
INIarch 17, 1838, and traces his ancestry back to
John and Elizabeth Pratt, the progenitors of the
family in America. (II) John Pratt, their son,
married Hepsibah Wyatt, a daughtier of John Wy-
att, and died in 1687. (Ill) John Pratt, the third
of that name, was born May 17, 1661, and married
Hannah Sanford. (IV) William Pratt, born in
1691, married Amy Pinney, and died Jan. 16, 1753.
fV) Joseph Pratt, born in 1742, was married in
1767 to Susannah Caldwell, and died Oct. 14,
1814.
(\'I) Josleph Pratt, born in Hartford June 6,
1779, was the grandfather of our subject. He was
a Democrat in politics, and served as postmaster
of Hartford at one time. He died in Opelousas,
La., iMarch 6, 1852. On Dec. 10, 1802, he was mar-
ried to Fanny Wadsworth, and after her death he
married Charlotte Wadsworth, Dec. 6, 1839. He had
thirteen children: Susan Ann, born Oct. 19, 1803,
married Timothy Allyn, and diedin 1888; Algernon
Sidne}-, born May 30, 1805, died Feb. 28, 1809;
Esther, born May 13, 1807, died March 4, 1809;
Mary, born 1808, died in 1809; Edward, born Jan.
18, 1810, died Oct. 31, 1810; Joseph, the father of
our subject, was next in the family; Harriet, born
Nov. 16, 1814, married Moses Cook, and died in
1862; John G., born March 31, 1817, married (first)
Adella B. King, and ( second) Mary Ann Hall, and
died in 1866; Mary Esther, born Se'pt. 6, 1819, died
in 1887; Frances, born Sept. 3, 1821, died in March,
1826; Edward, born Aug. 15, 1824, died Aug. 24,
1850; Ellen Frances, born Feb. 15, 1826, died Feb.
4, 1848; and Jeremiah, born in 1828, died the same
year.
(VII) Joseph Pratt, father of our subject, was
born in Hartford, Nov. 8, 181 1, and was educated
in the schools of that city. On attaining man's
estate he engaged in farming in the town of Hart-
ford, until forty years of age, when he became in-
terested in the lumber' business for one year. He
took cjuite a prominent and influential part in public
affairs; was a member of the city council, street
superintendent for a year, and also chief of the
fire department. After the Civil war he affiliated
with the Republican party. He married Abigail
Prior Church, who was born Oct. 12, 1812, a
daughter of James Church. Only one child was
born of this union, James Church Pratt.
(A^III) James C. Pratt spent his early boyhood
at the farm on Windsor avenue, until eight years
of age, when he accompanied his parents on their
removal to Hartford, and there attended public
school until sixteen years of age, when, his health
failing, he went to Louisiana to visit his grand-
mother and an uncle, who lived there, in the hope
of regaining his strength. He made his home there
until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he entered
the Confederate service, and for a time served as
captain of a compan}' in a Louisiana regiment. He
was taken prisoner in the fall of 1863, and in March,
1864, returned to the home of his childhood at
Hartford, a paroled prisoner of war. After the
close of the war he remained at home with his par-
ents, and later engaged in mercantile business, con-
tinuing the same for about ten years, when he re-
tired. He became a member of the Governor's
Foot Guards in 1867, and has retained his member-
ship, being now with one exception the oldest in
active service. He was promoted from private
through all the grades to captain, and now. at the
age of sixtv-two. is carrying a musket. He has been
a" resident' of West Hartford for the past twelve
64
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, and is numbered among its best and most
highly respected citizens.
In Norwich, Conn., ]Mr. Pratt was united in
marriage with ]\Iiss Jennie A. Peck, and to them
were born five children : {i) Joseph died at the age
of twenty-one months. (2) Carrie S. is the wife of
George ri. Barton, who is engaged in the insurance
business in Hartford, representing the National Fire
Insurance Co., and they have three children, Beat-
rice, Agnes, and Russell. (3) Joseph Hyde married
j\Iiss j\Iary Dicus Bayley ; he is now engaged as
government surveyor in the geological survey of
North Carolina. (4) Esther is the wife of Rev. J.
Howard Gaylord. (5) Anna Louise is still at home.
CHARLES FREDERICK SCHUMACHER,
one of the enterprising and successful business men
of Hartford, was born Feb. 11, 1857, in \Vaterbury,
Conn., son of John N. and Catherine (jNIartzel)
Schumacher, both natives of Germany.
The family originated in the province of Meck-
lenburg, Germany, and our subject's grandfather,
John S. Schumacher, was born there. John N.
Schumacher, father of our subject, was born in
Mecklenburg Dec. 29, 1830, and learned the black-
smith's trade in his youth, but later became a pat-
tern-maker. In 185 1 he came to the United States,
and after spending six months in New York City
located at Waterbury, remaining until 1861. He
then spent about six months in Europe, and on his
return settled in Torrington, Conn., entering the
employ of the Turner, Seymour & Judd Manu-
facturing Co., with whom he learned the pattern-
maker's trade. In this line of work he became an
expert, and, as one of the most valued workmen
in the establishment, he had charge of the pattern
department for many years. After twent3'-four
years', residence at Torrington he removed to Bris-
tol, retiring from active business. Politically he
has always affiliated with the Republican party, and
he 'is a member of the German Lutheran Church,
and of the Knights of Pythias. His estimable wife,
Catherine Martzel, a native of Alsace-Lorraine,
Germany, died Jan. 12, 1899, leaving one son,Charles
Frederick.
Charles Frederick Schumacher's education was
begun in a district school near his early home, and
later he attended Torrington Academy. When four-
teen years old he found employment in a needle
shop, and during the following year he began learn-
ing the pattern-maker's trade with his father, serv-
ing the usual apprenticeship of three years. After
working tvv'o years in the Malleable Iron Works, at
Union City, he bought a portable steam sawmill
which he operated for three years, and for a year
and a half he was employed as a pattern-maker in
the Sessions Foundry, at Bristol. Removing to
Bridgeport, later, he worked as pattern-maker for
Eaton, Cole & Burnham, for a time, and then he
went to Waterbury to take charge of the pattern de-
partment of the AVaterbury Malleable Iron Co., re-
maining two years, when the firm was dissolved.
In 1889 he located in Plartford, entering the employ
of the Pratt & Cady Co., and in about six months
was made foreman of their works. He continued
with this company two years, and has since been
engaged in the real-estate business, having pur-
chased 400 feet of land on Putnam street, Hartford,,
where he built nine brick houses, including three
tenement houses. The venture has proved success-
ful, and after selling four of the houses he still
retains five, which he rents. Mr. Schumacher is
independent in politics, and socially is connected
with the Knights of Pythias, having united with the
lodge at Waterbury. Few men have made their
way to success through greater discouragements
than he, and in his prosperity he believes in enjoy-
ing the good things of life, having made a trip to
Germany in 1896.
Mr. Schumacher married Miss Josephine Ober-
hauser, daughter of Jacques Oberhauser, of Muntz-
thal, Germany, and they have one child, Dora.
SAMUEL S. CHAMBERLIN, senior partner
in the firm of Chamberlin & Shaughnessy, of Hart-
ford, was born in that city Dec. 10, 1868, and is now
one of the substantial business men of the place.
Mr. Chamberlin was educated in the public
schools of Hartford. He first worked for Greeley,
in the clothing business, and then entered t.ie em-
ploy of Horsfall & Rothschild, with whom he re-
mained aboult twelve years. In May, 1897, he
formed a partnership with D. J. Shaugfhnessy, and
purchased the business of E. J. Smith, dealer in
gents' furnishing goods. In this venture they
have met with marked success, the business being
now the largest in that line in the city, and the
energy and sound business judgment displayed
promise well for the future. Politically our subject
has always been a Republican, and his popularity is
shown b)' the fact that when a candidate for council-
man in the First ward he came within thirty-five
votes of overcoming the normal Democratic majoi'-
ity of 700. He is a member of Hartford Lodge,
No. 19, B. P. O. E., and takes an active interest
in the work of the societ}^ being now Esteemed
Leading Knight.
On Oct. 26, 1897, Mr. Chamberlin marr'ied Mrs.
Louise Fox, nee Thomas, daughter of J. B. Thomas,
a well-known resident of Hartford. They have
one son, Albert S., born July 15, 1899, and Mr.
Chamberlin has also adopted Harold Fox, a son of
his wife by her first marriage.
GEN. GRIFFIN ALEXANDER STEDMAN,
that gallant and distinguished citizen, soldier and
noble man, of whom Hartford is so justly proud and
not less the nation, and whose conspicuous services
during the years of the Civil war are perpetuated in
an imposing statue in the capital city, descended
from patriotic New England stock of English origin,
whose ancestors came early to the New World.
Gen. Stedman was born Jan. 6, 1838, in Hart-
ford, Conn., son of Griffin A. and Mary ApOwen
G-RIFFIH A. STEDHAH
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
65
(Shields) Steclman, he a native of Hartfonl, and
jhe of Philadelphia, descending from old substan-
tial families there, one of which, on her mother's
side, was the Jackson family. The paternal grand-
father of Gen. Stedman, who also bore the name of
Griffin, was a native of Hampton, Conn., and was
there engaged, and afterward in Hartford, in the
lumber business, the old famih^ homestead in Hart-
ford being located on Morgan street. He was one
of the prominent men of Hartford of his dav ; was
very active in religious work, identified with Christ
Episcopal Church, and assisted in building the pres-
ent church ediiice that stands on thi corner of
Main and Church streets. He died at the age of
seventy years. Gen. Stedman's father ^vas also
active and prominent in the councils of Christ Kpis-
copal Church. He was major in the old Governor's
Foot Guard, a military organization of historic
origin and of considerable local note, and also had
a brother, Edmund Stedman, who served in that
organization in the same rank. This Edmund Sted-
man was the father of the New i^ork gentleman of
the same name known widely as a poet and critic.
From the inscriptions on the tombstones marking
the graves of the parents of Gen. Stedman it is
learned that his father was born in 1810 and died
in 1883, and that his mother was born in 1815 and
died in 1877. The children born to this couple
were Marv Ada. now Mrs. Charles W. Johnson, of
Hartford; Griffin Alexander, our subject; Eliza-
beth Shields ; Robert Shields, now a practicing phy-
sician in New York ; Ernest Gordon, now a lawyer
of New York ; and Edmund ApOwen.
Gen. Griffin A. Stedman, the subject proper of
this sketch, passed his youth and early manhood lin
his native city. His education was received in
the schools of which Hartford is so justly proud,
he graduating from Trinitv College June, 1859. He
began reading law in Philadelphia, entering the
office of S. H. Perkins, a leading lawyer of that
city. When the attack on Sumter was made he at
once joined the Washington Greys of that city, but
on learning that Col. Colt, of Hartford, was rais-
ing a regiment for the Fourteenth U. S. Infantry,
he exchanged to that command in May, 1861, jtist
as it was taking up its quarters on the very grounds
which are now marked by this 3'oung hero's statue.
Realizing amid all the excitement and enthusi-
asm -of the time how poorly we were prepared for
the struggle, that war was a science, that numbers
and bravery could not win battles unless directed by
intelligence and skill, young Stedman devoted him-
self with untiring energy to acquire a knowledge of
his new calling. He early showed such aptitude
and ability as to attract the attention of Alajor
Baker of the regular army, in charge of the instruc-
tion of the battalion, who recommended him for a
commission.
The enterprise of Col. Colt was not successful,
the battalion was disbanded and the Fifth regiment
of Connecticut ^^olunteers was called for by the
governor, who in recognition of Stedman's qualifi-
5
cations commissioned him as captain of Company
I. He left Hartford July 2y, 1861, with tlie regi-
ment which was assigned to duty under Gen. Banks
in the department of the Shenandoah. Tlie regi-
ment was at once called upon to make a series of
long and rapid marches up and down the Potomac
to cover threatened points, earning for itself the
designation of "foot cavalry," and becoming thor-
oughly acquainted with guard and out-post duty in
face of the enemy; Stedman availed himself with
alacrity of these opportunities for improvement,
and so impressed Col. Ferry with his ability that he
was selected to command a detachment sent across
the Potomac to cover the retreat of our forces after
the disaster at Ball's Bluff. He received great
credit for the effective manner in which lie per-
formed this ssrvice. It is a difficult and delicate
mission, and seldom accomplished without sacrific-
ing a portion of the picket line on withdrawal.
Stedman withdrew the picket line himself, and
brought back every man.
In November, 1861, Capt. Stedman was pro-
moted to be major of the Eleventh, and served with
the regiment under Burnside in the expedition to
North Carolina, taking part in the capture of New
Haven and the different affairs of the campaign.
On June 11, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant-
colonel, and returned with the regiment to the
Army of the Potomac, in time for the Antietam cam-
paign. The regiment formed the advance guard in
entering Frederick City, and was engaged at South
^Nloturtain. In the battle of Antietam Stedman had
command of the right wing of the regiment in the
attack on the Stone Bridge, and, after the death of
the gallant Kingsburj', led in the charge by which
it was captured. Here he was severely wounded,
but refused to leave the field until the regiment
was relieved.
On Sept. 25, of that year, Stedman was made
colonel, and was in command at the battle of Fred-
ericksburg. Shortly afterward he was ordered to
Newport News, then in March. 1863, to Suffolk,
where he took an active part in the defense dur-
ing its investment by Longstreet. In June he par-
ticipated in the demonstration on Richmond, and
during the rest of the summer and fall was in gar-
rison at Gloucester Point and Yorktown. In Jan-
uary, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted, and on its re-
turn to the front was assigned to the Eighteenth
corps ; was engaged in the aft'air at Swift's Creek,
May 9, and in the battle of Drury's Bluff', on the
i6th, where he lost nearly two hundred men. In ■
the latter part of May, Stedman succeeded to the
command of the brigade, and went with Gen. Smith's
corps to the Army of the Potomac in time to join
in the bloody assault upon the enemy's line at Cold
Harbor. On June 15 he was present at the cap-
ture of a portion of the defenses of Petersburg, and
subsequently was engaged in the investment of that
place. On August 5. just at the end of the at-
tack which had been repulsed, and while talking with
Gen. Ames he received his death wound. Repeat-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ediy recommended for promotion by his division
and corps commanders for personal gallantry and
effective service while leading his brigade, his com-
mission as general reached him as his life was ebb-
ing away.
Such in brief outline was the career of one of
Connecticut's best and bravest sons. His country
called, he gave her all he had, his life. The details
that would round out the study of his service are
woven in the records of the Fifth and Eleventh
Connecticut regiments, and of his later commands.
These records tell of many a well-fought field, of
patient endurance, of weary march, of defeat and
victory, and all illumined with the spirit of pa-
triotic devotion and self-sacrifice.
Gen. Stedman was possessed in a high degree
of the qualities which mark the successful com-
mander. Cool and collected he was always master
of himself and of the situation, and inspired a con-
fidence in those under him that was unbounded.
Ever ready for any service, never complaining, al-
ways setting an example of cheerful obedience to
orders, and always exacting strict compliance with
his own without in any degree being a martinet.
By force of his personality he exerted an influence
that was irresistible. He governed not so much bv
fear of punishment as by creating an ideal of duty
which made every man feel the honor of the regi-
ment was in his keeping, and that failure on his part
would bring discredit on the command. Those
who knew Stedman best loved him best. There was
an indescribable something in his bearing and man-
jier by which you realized that you had met a man.
He was strong of heart and true of purpose, and
withal tender as a woman, self-reliant, but always
considerate of others. "Whom the Gods love die
young." Lives are not like leaseholds measured by
a term of years, achievement laughs to scorn
the reaper death. If Stedman's years were few
the}^ sufficed to bring him honor and renown.. He
left a memory without a stain. He died for others.
[The foregoing personal sketch of Gen. Stedman
is in main taken from the oration of Col. W. S.
Cogswell, delivered at the unveiling of the Sted-
man monument at Hartford Oct. 4, 1900.]
The shot that gave Gen. Stedman his mortal
wound passed through his stomach. He lived until
the following morning, dying Aug. 6, 1864. Gen.
Ames, in announcing to Gen. Ord the fact of the
receiving of the mortal wound, stated that he had
lost one of the finest soldiers in the anny. Gen.
Stedman's remains were sent under escort to New
London, Conn., the summer home of the famih^,
and Aug. 13, 1864, his body was temporarily in-
terred, with military honors, lin Cedar Grove ceme-
tery in that city. On Aug. 20, 1875, his remains
were removed from New London to Hartford, and
reburied in the family lot in Cedar Hill cemetery,
where they now repose, a handsome and elaborately
carved sarcophagus of military desiarn marking his
L'ist resting place. On the base of the tomb appears
the highly appropriate inscription: "Brave, just,
generous and pure, without fear and without re-
proach."
On what is known as Campfield, in the southern
part of the city of Hartford, there has just been
erected by the Campfield Monument Association
what is designated as The Campfield Monument.
Campfield was made historic during the Civil war
by its being the camping place and mustering-in
point of many Connecticut regiments. To mark this
field and commemorate the memories that cluster
about it this monument was erected by the associa-
tion, who likewise determined upon having it sur-
mounted bv a portrait statue of some typical Con-
necticut volunteer, one whose military history was
linked with the field, and it was unanimously decided
upon that of Gen. Griffin A. Stedman. "The Com-
mittee in charge has crowned the pedestal on which
are inscribed the names of the regiments that were
here mustered into service with a statue in bronze
of one who was, in fullest measure, a typ; of the
citizen soldier of the Republic. Of one who rep-
resented in marked degree the patriotism, courage,
determination, intelKgence, and self-sacrifice that
animated the great army by which the nation was
preserved." The monument was unveiled Oct.
4, 1900.
JOHNSON. The Johnson family of Hartford,
of which the late Gen. Nathan Johnson and descend-
ants, among whom is Charles W. Johnson, yet a res-
ident of the cit}^ and family, and who in turn with
his father has been identified with the legal profes-
sion and courts of the county and State throughout
the last century, is one among the oldest of New
England families, and also one of prominence.
William Johnson, the emigrant ancestor, sup-
posed to have come from Heonehill, a parish near
Canterbury, County of Essex, England, left Lon-
don, England, in 1634, at the age of thirty-two, for
America and settled in Charlestown, Mass., where
he had three and one-half acres of land laid out to
him in that same year, 1634. He and his wife
Elizabeth were admitted to the church in Charles-
town in 1635, and in March of that same year he
was made a freeman. His death occurred between
1677 and 1678, when he was seventy-six years of
age.
From this emigrant ancestor Charles W. John-
son, of Hartford, is a descendant in the seventh
generation, his line being through Jonathan, Will-
iam (2), Isaac, Elisha and Gen. Nathan Johnson.
(II) Jonathan Johnscn, son of William, the em-
igrant, born in 1641, settled in Marlboro, Mass.,
in 1662, where he had some thirty acres of land as-
signed to him. He married Oct. 14, 1663. Mary,
born in 1644, daughter of Richard and Ann Newton,
of Marlboro (the first marriage recorded in the
town). Jonathan was for several years the school-
master, and was the first master in the first school-
house erected in the town, in 1700. Lie served as
selectman, and died in 1712 ;, his widow JMary passed
away in 1728. The handwriting of Jonathan John-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(57
son, samples of which exist in deeds and other doc-
uments, indicates a man of education, marked indi-
viduaht}- and force of character. He wrote his
will but a few days before his death at the age of
seventy-one, yet the bold, clear-cut letters would do
credit to a professional penman.
(III) \V'illiam Johnson (2), son of Jonathan,
born Dec. 15, 1665, married (first), about 1688,
Plannah Larkin, who died in 1696, and (second)
about 1699 wedded Hannah Rider. Mr. Johnson
was chosen moderator of the first business town
meeting-,, and took a prominent part in town afifairs
for many years, representing the town in General
Court, was constable and frequently served on im-
portant committees, and from 1706-08, held the office
of highway surveyor for Marlborough. He had a
sawmill and gristmill in 1733. His death occurred
in Southborough in 1754, when aged eighty-eight
years. His widow died in 1757, when aged sev-
enty-nine 3-ears.
(IV) Isaac Johnson, son of William (2), boin
in 1713, married, in 1733 or '35, Rachel Thomas,
•daughter of Joseph Thomas (son of Rowland
Thomas, of Springfield, and Sarah, daughter of
Deacon Samuel Chapin) and Mary, first wife (?),
or Elizabeth, second wife (?). Isaac was select-
man in Southborough in 1761 and 1771. After
having lived together as man and wife for sixty
years, Mrs. Johnson died in 1794, aged eighty-four
years, and Mr. Johnson in 1801, aged eighty-eight
3'ears.
(V) Elisha Johnson, sen of Isaac, born July i,
1753, married (first), in 1774, Abigail Newton, who
died in 1776, and (second) he wedded, in 1778,
Sarah Perry, daughter of Nathan (Josiah, John (2),
John) and Hannah Fiske (Thomas, William, John,
Nathaniel, the progenitor). Mrs. Sarah (Perry)
Johnson died in 1847, and Elisha Johnson passed
away in 1832, aged seventy-nine years. Under the
lieading of "Southboro in the Revolution" in a pam-
phlet from edition of Historical Sketches of that
town by Deacon Peter Fav, it is stated that "South-
boro evinced a noble patriotism in the Revolutionary
war, sending a large number of minute-men to the
opening conflict," and in the company of Capt. Jo-
siah Fay, which on Nov. 8, 1774, was ordered "to
appear in the Common training field bv the Meet-
ing House in said Southboro with their fire arms
complete on the Ninth Day of this Instant Novem-
ber att eight of the Clock in the fournoon of Said
Day then and thair Remain and Obay further or-
ders," Elisha Johnson's name appears as a member
of this company.
(VI) Gen. Nathan Johnson, son of Elisha, and
the father of Charles W, Johnson, of Flartford, was
born Aug. 24, 1779, and was married in August,
1818, to Sarah Butler Merrill, born Feb. i, 1796,
died Dec. 3, 1888, in Hartford, a daughter of Heze-
Iciah and Catherine (Collier) Merrill, of Hartford,
and to the union were born children as follows :
Elizabeth Sadler, born in i8ig, married Rev. Will-
lam E. Dixon, and died in 1861 ; Sarah Butler, born
in 1821; Harriet N., born in 1822; Emily .Merrill,
born Nov. 26, 1824, married James H. Holcombe,
of Hartford; Nathan I'erry, born in 1827, died in
1858; Laura, born in 1829; Charles \V., born in
1831; and Catherine, born in 1834, died in 1835.
(Hezekiah Merrill, in the foregoing, was the son
of Capt. Hezekiah, who was in the fourth genera-
tion from Nathaniel, the firjt settler, through John
and Deacon Daniel Merrill ; and Catherine Collier
was the daughter of Capt. Hezekiah Collier (2),
who was in the fourth generation from Joseph Col-
lier, the settler, through Joseph (2) and Capt. Heze-
kiah ( I ) , and she was also the great-granddaughter
of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, of Charter Oak fame.
Hezekiah Merrill (2) was appointed cashier of the
old Hartford Bank, the first bank of the place, at
its organization June 16, 1792, and served as such
ofiicer until 1799 when he declined re-appointment.
At an early period he had been an apothecary and
bookseller at the sign of the "Unicorn and Mortar,"
a few rods south of the Court House, and subse-
quently a merchant. He served as city treasurer
from the time Hartford was incorporated as a city
in 1784, until his death July 18, 1801. Mr. ^klerril'l
was the brother-in-law of Maj. Joseph Caldwell, the
first president of the old Hartford Bank).
Gen. Nathan Johnson received a liberal educa-
tion, graduating at Yale College in the class of 1802,
and on the death of his father, by a bequest, fell
into possession of an equal share of the latter's
library. He was prepared for the legal profession
in the office of Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth, in
whose family he lived for some years, and from
1808 to 1852 practiced law in Hartford, Conn. He
was prominent in militarjr affairs, served as a lieu-
tenant in the war of 1812, and from 1816 to 1820
we find him serving as colonel of the 2nd Regiment
of Light Artillery, and from 1820 to 1828 as brig-
adier-general of the artillery of the State. He also
served as quartermaster general of the State. In
those early days some notable general trainings of
•;he First JBrigade took place in Hartford, Wethers-
field, Windsor and East Hartford, and there were
also military displays on special occasions. In 1817
three artillery companies under the command of
Gen. Johnson, along with other companies of the
militia, were received in Flartford by President
James Monroe. In 1824, on the occasion of Gen.
La Favette's visit to Hartford, some 1,200 sol-
diers, artillery, cavalry and infantry, under the com-
mand of Gen. Johnson escorted him with credit to
the city. The visit of La Fayette was a long-re-
membered holiday in Hartford, on which day nearly
one hundred soldiers and officers of the Revolution
were present and greeted the distinguished French-
man with emotion, one of the features of the day
being the parade under Gen. Johnson. Again in
1833 President Jackson and Vice-President A'an
Buren were similarly escorted by the militia.
General Johnson was also prominent in his pro-
fession and in civic public aft'airs For sixteen vears
he was town treasurer. Fie was clerk of the House
68
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Representatives of Connecticut in 1820, 1821
and 1822. In 1823 he was a member of the House,
and from 1825 to 1829, inclusive, of the Senate.
At about this time he was Fellow of Yale College,
the corporation of Yale then consisting of the Gov-
ernor of Connecticut, the Lieutenant-Governor and
six senior Senators, besides the minister. At one
time when his (the Democratic) party was in
power, the General was offered the position and
hig'h honor of United States Senator, but with his
large family- and the salary- of the position being-
only $3,500 per year he felt he could not give up
the law practice, and so declined that great honor.
In 1827 Harvard conferred upon him the honorary
degree of M. A. Gen. Johnson died at Hartford
Oct. 12, 1852, aged seventy-two years.
(VH) Charles William Johnson, yet of Hart-
ford, son of Gen. Nathan Johnson, was born Oct.
7, 1831, in Hartford, where his life has been passed
as an esteemed and respected citizen. He was here
educated and prepared for the legal profession and
was engaged in active practice of the law until the
latter part of the 'sixties, or early "seventies, when
he for a time became assistant clerk and soon after-
ward clerk of the Supreme and Superior Courts
at Hartford, and most intelligently and efficiently
thereafter until 1897 performed the duties of such
office. In his earlier years and prime, Mr. John-
son was possessed of a brilliant mind and attracted
to him socially the lights of the Hartford Bar, the
most prominent of whom were his admirers and
warm personal friends. His wit and sayings went
the "rounds" and were not a little the subject of
most favorable comment.
In 1870 jNIr. Johnson was married to ^Nlary A.
Stedman, daughter of the late Griffin A. and Mary
Ap Owen (Shields) Stedman, of Hartford, and
sister of the late Gen. Griffin A. Stedman, who fell
at Petersburg, \a., during the Civil war, and a
statue of whom now adorns the Capital city. >To
this marriage were born two daughters, jNIabel and
Eleanor.
BULKELEY. Hon. Alorgan Gardner and Hon.
William Henry Bulkeley, ex-governor and ex-lieu-
tenant-governor, respectively, of Connecticut, and
Mrs. Leverett Brainard, of Hartford, children of
the late Hon. Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley, are de-
scendants of an old and honorable family of New
England, being in the eighth generation from Rev.
Peter Bulkeley. through Rev. Gershom, Rev. John,
Hon. John, Eliphalet, John C. and Hon. Eliphalet
Adams.
(I) Rev. Peter Bulkeley, B. D., one of the origi-
nators and first pastor of the church of Concord,
Mass., and identified with tlie town in all its inter-
ests, was of the ninth generation from Robert Bulk-
eley, Esq., one of the English barons who in the
reign of King John was lord of the manor of Bulk-
eley, in the County Palatine of Chester. Peter re-
ceived a learned and religious education, suited to
his distinguished rank, under the direction of his
lather. Rev. Edward Bulkeley, D. D. He arrived
in Cambridge, Mass., 1634 or 1635. After a
laborious and useful life at Concord he died March
7, 1659, in his seventy-seventh year. He was twice
married, having by his second wife, Grace Chit-
wood, four children, one of whom, Gershom, was
the next in the line we are tracing.
(II) Rev. Gershom Bulkeley, son of Rev. Peter
Bulkeley, the Puritan settler of Concord, Mass.,
born in 1636, was graduated from Harvard College
in 1655. In 1659 he married Sarah Chauncey,
daughter of President Chauncey, of Harvard, the
emigrant ancestor of the name. She died in 1669.
In 1661 Mr. Bulkeley located at New London, Conn.,
as the second minister of the church in that place.
He was installed pastor of the church in Wethers-
field, in 1667, and continued pastor there ten years.
He then devoted himself to the practice of medicine
and surgery. He was appointed by the General
Court in 1675, surgeon to the army that had been
raised against the Indians. While in this service
he was attacked by the Indians, and received a se-
vere wound in the thigh. As a clergyman he stood
at the head of the profession, and he ranked among
the first in medical science. Soon after devoting
himself to the practice of medicine he located on the
east side of the river, in what is now Glastonbury,
and became quite a landowner. He died at Wethers-
field in 1713. His children were Catherine, Doro-
thy, Charles, Peter, Edward and John.
(III) Rev. John Bulkeley, son of Rev. Gershom
and Sarah (Chauncey) Bulkeley, married Patience
Prentice, daughter of John and Sarah Prentice, in
1701, and was the father of twelve children. He
was graduated from Harvard College in 1699,
studied divinity, was ordained as pastor of the
church in Colchester, Conn., in 1703, and took a
high rank among the clergymen of his time. His
children were : Sarah, one who died unmarried,
John, Dorothy, Gershom, Charles, Peter, Patience,
Oliver, Lucy, Irene and Joseph.
(IV) Hon. John Bulkeley, son of Rev. John and
Patience (Prentice) Bulkeley, born April 19, 1705,
was graduated from Yale College in 1725, studied
law, and became pminent in his profession. In 1753
he was elected an assistant, and onward for a period
of ten years he was judge of probate, and held many
important offices of trust. He was twice married,
first, in 1738, to Mary Gardner, who died in 1750,
and second, in 1751, to Abigail Hastings. He was
colonel of militia. He died in 1753. His children
by his first marriage were : Lydia, Mary, John, Mary
(2), Eliphalet, Lucy and (Tharles.
(V) Eliphalet Bulkeley, son of Hon. John and
Mary (Gardner) Bulkeley, born Aug. 8, 1746, mar-
ried Anna Bulkeley, of New London, in 1767. Their
children were: Lydia A., Mary A., John C, Pa-
tience, Jonathan, 'Pettis, Eliphalet, Sarah, Fanny,
Orlando and Julia.
(VI) John Charles Bulkeley, son of Eliphalet
and Anna Bulkeley, born Aug. 8, 1772, married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G9
Sally Taintor in 1798, and to the marriage were born
children as follows : Charles E., John T., and Eli-
jjhalet Adams.
(VII) Hon. Eliphalet Adams Bulkelcy, son of
John Charles and Sally (Taintor) lUilkeley, born
Jan. 20, 1803, in Colchester, Conn., married Lydia
S. Morgan, of Colchester, March 31, 1830, and died
Feb. 13, 1872, in Hartford. Judge Bulkeley was
graduated from Yale College in the class of 1824,
and after his graduation studied law in the office of
William I'. Williams,, in Lebanon, Conn. In about
1830 he removed to East Haddam, Conn. He prac-
ticed law in that place, and was a'so president of the
East Haddam Bank. He represented the town in
the General Assembly, and was twice a member of
the Senate from the Nineteenth district. In 1847
lie removed to Hartford, and filled the office of school
fund comissioner. For several years he held offi-
cial positions, and besides was a leading stockholder
in verv many profitable business enterprises, out of
■which he accumulated a handsome fortune.
Judge Bulkeley's habits of life were very regu-
lar. He was especially prompt in all his engage-
ments, making it a duty to be present at meetings
■where his presence was expected. It is said of him
that for eighteen years he had never failed, until
during his last sickness, to attend and preside over
the meetings of the Pearl Street Ecclesiastical So-
ciety, to which he belonged. When he lived in
Church street his regularitv of attendance at school
meetings in the First district was a matter of remark,
and afterward he was equally punctual at all meet-
ings of the South district, at all gatherings, whether
religious, political or otherwise, in which he took
an interest. He was a leading man in politics. In
1857 he was elected with Nathaniel Shipman to the
Legislature from Hartford, and was chosen Speaker
of the House of Representatives by the LTnion Re-
publicans. He was originally a Whig, and joined
the Republican party at its formation. In the practice
of law in Hartford he formed a partnership with
Judge Henry Perkins, the firm being Bulkeley &
Perkins. His later years were devoted to the busi-
ness of life insurance. He was the first president
of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co.,
which he assisted in organizing, and subsequently,
in 1850, he organized the ^Etna Life Co., taking its
presidency at the start and holding it to the time
of his death. He was largelv interested in all the
^^tna moneyed corporations, banking and insurance
(fire and Ifle). and was also a director in the Will-
imantic Linen Co. and other concerns. His regular-
ity and promptness were not exceeded by any other
citizen, probably, and he was especially faithful in
all his political obligations. It was not enough that
he should vote on election day, but he urged others
to do so. He never neglected his duty as a citizen.
One marked characteristic of the man was h's
■\vonderfullv retentive memory as to individuals
and dates. His knowledge in this respect enabled
liini to give with surprising accuracy many genea-
logical facts relating to families whose own mem-
bers were in ignorance. Few men have lived in the
State who have possessed such general information
with regard to individual associations. In other re-
spects his knowled.gc was quite extensive, accurate
and valuable. Judge Bulkeley was survived by his
wife and three children. Mrs. Bulkeley died Aug.
9, 1895. Their children were: (i) Mary Morgan
Bulkeley, born Oct. 21, 1831, died June 20, 1835.
(2) Charles Edwin Bulkeley, lx)rn Dec. 16, 1835,
was graduated from Yale College in 1856, studied
law, and practiced at Hartford. He served as a cap-
tain of artillery in the Union army in the Civil war,
dying in the service in December, 1864, while in
command of Battery Gareschc, near Washington,
D. C.
(3) Hon. Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, ex-gov-
ernor, and president of the ,^tna Life Insnrancc
Co., of Hartford, was born Dec. 26, 1837, in East
Haddam, Conn. He became a resident of Hart-
ford in 1846, and received his education in its
public schools. In 1851 he began his business ca-
reer with the ,^tna Co., sweeping out the office
for $1 a week. Later that year he became a bundle-
boy in a mercantile house in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Through his own efi"orts he became successively
salesman, confidential clerk and finally partner, with-
in seven years, in the dry-goods firm of H. P. Mor-
gan & Co. At the beginning of the Civil war he be-
came a private soldier in the 13th N. Y. \'. I., and
served in the Army of the Potomac under Gen.
Mansfield, at Suffolk, Va., during McClellan's Pen-
insular Campaign. Since kis father's death, in 1872,
he has made his home in Hartford, in which city
he has been most active and useful as a business man
and citizen. He was the principal factor in organiz-
ing the United States Bank, of which he was made
the first pres'dent, and which now. after a long and
successful career, is among the largest and most
substantial banks in Hartford. He succeeded
Thomas O. Enders to the presidency of the ALnvd.
Life Insurance Co., and to him credit is due for the
great success that has come to that institution,
in this connection it is interesting to note that dur-
ing the company's existence a Bulkeley has always
been president with the exception of JNIr. Enders'
seven-year term, and it has always been under the
direction of members of the Bulkeley family.
Mr. Bulkeley having a love for politics, his
abilities were early recognized by his fellow citizens,
whom he served as councilman, alderman, and, for
eight consecutive years, as mayor of Hartford.
He displayed rare executive ability in managing
the affairs' of the city, and the fact that he had
made municipal problems a study doubtless ac-
counts for the satisfaction his services in these vari-
ous incumbencies gave. He exercised watchful
care over income and expenditure, and advocated
onlv such measures as would advance the interests
of the municipality, irrespective of partisan con-
siderations. He did much during his incumbency
70
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the mayor's office for the ameHoration of the
distressed, and the comfort and pleasure of the
working classes, by organizing free excursions on
the river and to the sea, his salary as mayor being
more than disbursed in this way every year. His
availability for higher honors was soon observed by
his friends, and his candidacy for the gubernatorial
office was urged, which resulted in his name being
presented before the Republican State Convention
in the fall of 1886, but it was finally withdrawn
by his advice in favor of Mr. Lounsbury. At the
State Convention of his party in August, 1888,
Morgan G. Bulkeley was nominated for governor
by acclamation, the choice was approved at the
polls, and in the following January he was inaug;-
urated, and took his seat in the gubernatorial chair.
The vigorous administration which followed was
characteristic of the man, and will be remembered
as among the most notable in the history of the
Commonwealth. At the State election in Novem-
ber, 1890, a peculiar situation of affairs occurred,
and amid the trying scenes Gov. Bulkeley won
fresh honors for himself. It was the first State
election under the new ballot law, and results were
declared by town officers which were not accepted
as conclusive by the Senate, to whom the election
statistics were returnable under questions of guber-
natorial succession. Under the constitution it be-
came Gov. Bulkeley's duty to continue to exercise
the functions of his office for two additional years,
The circumstances attending his second term as the
official head of the State were delicate and some-
times vexing in the e.xtreme. That he bore every
test most creditably is the highest praise that could
be awarded. When the General Assembly failed
to pass the usual and necessary appropriation bills,
he, as president of the ^tna Co., advanced the
hundreds of thousands of dollars necessary to con-
tinue the atfairs of the State until provision was
made, and his condiict in this and numerous other
trying situations won the hearty approval of all.
In 1896, at the convention in St. Louis which
nominated McKinley for President, Mr. Bulkeley
received the largest vote ever given to a Connecti-
cut man for a National office. It goes without
saying that he is one of the most prominent figures
in the State, and he is especially devoted to the wel-
fare and interests of Hartford. Socially he is con-
nected with various societies, and is president of
the Connecticut Society of Sons of the Revolution,
Connecticut Society of Foreign Wars, and Con-
necticut Society of the War of 1812; he is also a
member of the Mayflower Society, the Society of
Colonial Wars, the Grand Army of the Republic, and
the Mass. Commandery of the Loyal Legion. Gov.
Bulkeley enjoys wide reputation in the life and ac-
cident insurance world as a man combining, in rare
degree, progressiveness and conservatism. The
success which has followed his management of the
JEtna's affairs demonstrates his keen perception
and skill. He is also connected with a number
of corporations and financial institutions in Hart-
ford, among them the ^tna National and United
States Banks, in each of which he is a director.
Mr. Bulkeley married Miss Fannie Houghton,
(4) Hon. William Henry Bulkeley, a
capitalist, ex-lieutenant-governor and merchant,
Hartford, was born March 2, 1840, in East Had-
dam, Conn., and came to Hartford six or seven
years later with' his father, who then established his
home in the city. The boy received his education
in the public schools of Hartford, in which he made
an admirable record for scholarship. His business
career was begun with the company with which he
has so long been connected, for he succeeded his
brother, JN'lorgan G., in the humble capacity, and
at the same salary, above referred to. When six-
teen years of age he commenced mercantile life with
an old dry-goods firm of Hartford, becoming a
clerk. In the spring of 1857 he became engaged
in the dry-goods business in Brooklyn, N. Y., with
H. P. Alorgan & Co. Later he began the dry-goods
business in that city for himself, continuing it suc-
cessfully on Fulton street for some six years. On
the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion young
Bulkeley was one of the first to respond to his
country's call. At the time Fort Sumter was fired
upon he was a member of Company G, 13th Regi-
ment, N. Y. N. G., the Brooklyn City Guard, and
advanced to the front April 19, 1861, the organiza-
tion being in the service for four months. In 1862
Mr. Bulkeley organized Company G, 56th Regi-
ment, N. Y. N. G., and was made its captain. He
was with his command through the Pennsylvania
Crisis of 1863, being in Gen. "Baldy" Smith's divis-
ion. During the New York draft riots the regi-
ment was ordered home, after which it was dis-
banded, its time of service having expired.
Capt. Bulkeley returned to Hartford, and en-
gaged in the lithographing business, organizing the
Kellogg & Bulkeley Co., lithographers, of Hartford,
of which for many years he has been president.
Immediately on his return to Hartford he was
elected a director of the ^Etna Life Insurance Co.,
was also vice-president of the same in 1877-79, ^''^^
is at present auditor, which office he has held many-
years. He has had more to do with the success of
the company than any other man who has not held
an executive office. Gen. Bulkeley has borne a very
close relation to the company in an advisory ca-
pacity for the past quarter of a century, and his
business judgment has proved invaluable in the
direction of its policy. He has been and still is
prominently connected with a number of the bank-
ing, insurance and other corporations of Hartford,
among which are the United States Bank, of which
he is vice-president and a director, the American
National Bank, of which he is a director, and the
Kellogg & Bulkeley Co. In 1878 he purchased the
"Bee Hive," a famous dry-goods establishment,
which he managed for years with great success.
He has been honored with official position, and has
ri^/L^yLAyf ^ ^.^A^tA^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
71
had large experience in city and State politics.
He served his fellow citizens for five years in the
common council of Hartford, acting a portion of
the time as vice-president and president of the
board. He also served as one of the street com-
missioners of the city for some seven or eight years,
in which he proved a very efficient member. ' Air.
Bulkeley was commissary-general of the State,
commissioner of Connecticut to the Yorktown Cen-
tennial Celebration, and was elected to the office of
lieutenant-governor of Connecticut on the ticket with
Gov. Bigelow, serving with credit through 1881 and
1882. He made a good presiding officer of the Sen-
ate. In 1882 he was a Republican candidate for gov-
ernor, and in the exciting time which followed the
election conducted himself in a manner which elic-
ited favorable comment in the press all over the
country. He is an active member of Robert O.
Tyler Post, G. A. R., of Hartford, and of the Army
and Xavy Club of Connecticut. In religious con-
nection he is a member of the Pearl Street Congre-
gational Church, and contributes generously to the
charities of Hartford.
On Sept. 18, 1863, Mr. Bulkeley married Emma
Gurney, daughter of Melvin and Letitia Gurney,
and they have had six children : ( i ) Mary Morgan,
-wife of E. S. Van Zile, the author; (2) William
Eliphalet Adams, cashier of the .^tna Life Insurance
Co; (3) Grace Chetwood, wife of David A'an-
Shaack; (4) John Charles, of Hartford; (5) Sally
Taintor, wife of Richard McCauley, of Detroit,
Mich.; and (6) Richard Beaumarais, of Hartford.
(5) Mary Jerusha Morgan, born Sept. 27, 1843,
married Hon. Leverett Brainard, president of the
Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co., of Hartford, and
ex-mayor of the city.
(6) Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley, born July 11,
1S47, died Dec. 17, 1848.
' HON. CHARLES HULL CLARK, of the firm
of Clark Bros. & Co., manufacturers of bolts and
hardware specialties, Milldale, has become an im-
portant factor in the business circles of Southington,
and by the exercise of his ability has not only ad-
vanced his individual prosperity, but has materially
contributed to the welfare of his native town.
Mr. Clark was born in Southington, Oct. 23, 1832,
a son of Theodosius and Chloe (Clark) Clark. On
the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to James
Clark, originally of England, who located in New
Haven, in 1638, and was one of the company con-
sisting of Gov. Eaton and others who met in a Mr.
Newman's barn June 4, 1639, to form a civil com-
pact. In 1669 he removed to Stratford, Conn. His
son, Ebenezer Clark, the first of the family to locate
in Wallingford, was born Nov. 29, 1651, and was
married i\Iay 6, 1678, to Sarah, daughter of James
Peck. Their son, Stephen Clark, was born Dec.
7, 1696, married Lydia (or Ruth) Hotchkiss, and
died Nov. i, 1770. He was the father of Aniasa
Clark, who was born Nov. 25, 1753, and was mar-
ried Dec. 28, 1785, to Lydia Hull, daughter of
Deacon Zephaniah Hull, of Cheshire. He engaged
in farming in Cheshire, and died Dec. 30, 1833.
Theociosius Clark, the father of our subject, was
born in Cheshire Oct. 22, 1788, and spent his early
life on a farm. At the age of eighteen years he
commenced teaching in a district school in his native
town, and in 1810 he came to Southington to teach
in the Plantsville District. In 181 1 and 1812 he
taught at what is now Plainville, and in Farmington
in 1813 and 1814, while for several years following
he taught in the districts in the southern part of
Southington. In 1824 he was a techer in the South
End District. This was the first year that grammar
was taught in the town, the school commissioners
requiring it. Mr. Clark was entirely ignorant of
grammar, but he took the study in hand, and with
much labor was enabled to carry his class through
the book. In connection with teaching he also fol-
lowed farming. During the seasons of 1826 and
1827 he was commissary at Suffieid, while the canal
was being constructed around Enfield Falls. In 1819
he united with the First Congregational Church of
Southington, in 1834 was elected deacon, which office
he held until 1865, and was also superintendent o£
the Sabbath-school for some years. He died July
2j, 1865, honored and respected by all who knew
him. On Oct. 26, 1816, he married Chloe Clark,
who passed away April 5, 1848. Their children were
Harriet,, wife of Hezekiah C. Cummings ; Francis
J. ; William J. ; Henry H. ; and Charles H.
Seth Clark, our subject's maternal grandfather,
was born in Middletown, Conn., July 11, 1768. and
was married Nov. 16, 1789, to Chloe Bailey, who
was born in Haddam, Conn., Feb. 19, 1771, a daugh-
ter o"f Benjamin Bailey, of that place. Soon after
their marriage Seth Clark and wife removed to
Southington, where she died July 17, 1834, and he
passed away Jan. 27, 1851. His father, Joseph
Clark, was l>orn Sept. 15, 1720, and died in Middle-
town Aug. 22, 1778. On June 2, 1752, he married
Joanna Fairchild, who was born Sept. 21, 1727, and
"died Nov. 26, 1793.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth in his
native town, and was educated in the common
schols and Lewis Academy. In 1852 he began his
business career as a mechanic in the nut and bolt
shop of his brother, at ten cents per hour, and was
thus employed until he attained his majority, when
he was admitted into the firm as a partner. _ In
1854, with his two elder brothers, under the hrni
name of W. J. Clark & Co., he embarked in the
manufacture of bolts and carriage hardware, and
was superintendent of the plant until 1862, when he
laid aside all personal interests to enter the service
of his country during her hour of peril. On Aug. 5,
1862, he enlisted in Company E,20th Conn. V. I., and
was made quartermaster sergeant of the regiment.
He remained in active service until 1864, and dur-
ing the last years was on the stafi" of Col. James
Wood, who commanded the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Divi-
72
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sion, 20th Army Corps, in front of Atlanta. During
this period he foraged over the territory in Tennes-
see where his father had peddled clocks and notions
forty years before. On his return home he resumed
active work in the factory of W. J. Clark & Co. In
1871, on the retirement of the senior member
of the firm, the name was changed to Clark Bros. &
Co., and as such business has since been successfully
carried on. C)ur subject continued to superintend
the work until 1882, and is still a member of the
company. He is also a director in both the South-
ington National Bank and the Savings Bank, also
in the Southington Cutlery Co.
On August 21, 1862, Mr. Clark was united in
marriage with ]\Iiss Mary E. Dickerman, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Rebecca (Gale) Dickerman, of
Guilford, Conn. Religiously he is a member of
the Plantsville Congregational Church, and socially
is connected with Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R.,
anil the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is
a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its
principles, and has frequently been called upon to
serve as a member of the board of assessors and
board of relief in his town. He was also elected
to the State Legislature in 1895, and re-elected to
the same office in 1899. As a citizen, soldier and
business man, he stands high in the public esteem,
and his life of usefulness has given to the younger
men of the town an example well worthy of emula-
tion. His genial manner has made him many
friends, and wherever known he is held in high
regard.
CHARLES HOPKINS CLARK was born in
Hartford, April i, 1848, son of Ezra (Jr.) and ^lary
(Hopkins) Clark. He was educated in the Hart-
ford public schools, except between i860 and 1865,
when he was living in New York, and attended the
grammar schools of that city and whnt was then
the Free Academv. Returning to Flartford in 1865,
he entered the Hartford Public High School, and,
graduating from there in 1867, entered Yale, where
he was graduated in 1871. A few weeks later he
went to work upon the Hartford Co 11 rant, at fiirst
imder temporary engagement, and he has been con-
nected with that journal ever since. In 1887 he was
admitted to the nrm_ of Hawlev, Goodrich & Co.,
then publishing the Conrant. and later, when a cor-
poration was formed, he was chosen vice-president
of the Hartford Courant Co. He has been in
editorial charge of the Conrant since the death of
Stephen A. Hubbard, in 1890. Mr. Clark is a
director in the Connecticut j\lutual Life Insiu-ance
Co., and the Collins Co.. and is connected with
various philanthropic institutions of Hartford, be-
ing treasurer of the Wadsworth Atheneum, the
Hartord Public Library, and the Trustees of the
Good Will Club, and a trustee of the Watkinson
Library of Reference. He is a member of the Cen-
turv and the U^niversitv Clubs of New York, and
of the Colonial Club of Hartford.
In 1873 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Ellen
Root, daughter of the late E. K. Root, who was at
his death president of the Colt's Patent Fire Arms
Co. She died in February, 1895, leaving two chil-
dren, Horace B. Clark (Yale 98) and Mary Hop-
kins Clark. In November, 1899, Mr. Clark mar-
ried Miss Matilda C. Root, sister of his first wife.
HON. EZRA CLARK, a familiar figure for
many years on the streets and in the civic life of
Hartford, died in that city Sept. 26, 1896. He
was born in Brattle^boro, Vt., Sept. 12, 1813, but
became a resident of Hartford when six years of
age. His father, Ezra Clark, was a partner of the
iron and steel firm of David Watkinson & Co., and
the son, who for many years was Ezra Clark, Jr.,
was taken into the partnership when twenty-one
years of age. The firm was, in succession, David
Watkinson & Co., Clark, Gill & Co., Ezra Clark
& Co., and Clark & Co., and is now L. L. Ens-
worth & Son.
Mr. Clark's business record included member-
ship in the board of directors of the Exchange Bank
and the presidencv of the National Screw Co., of
Hartford, which under his management became a
great success, and was subsequently sold out to the
American Screw Co., of Providence. In 1857, by
reason of endorsing the business paper of friends,
he failed financiallv, but he recovered from this,
and returning to Hartford paid his creditors one
hundred cents on the dollar, with interest. Mr.
Clark held many public offices, having been, at one
time or another, councilman, alderman, judge of
the city court, chairman of the North District
school committee, citv and town auditor, president
of the Young Men's Institute, president of the
Spring Grove Cemeterv Association, and president
of the Board of Water Commissioners. He rep-
resented the Hartford Disti'ict in the XXXIA^th and
XXXVth Congresses. His most important work
in Hartford was in connection with the Water
Board, of which he was for many years a member.
Under his presidency a great share of the work
of building the reservoirs and equipping the city
with mains was accomplished. He also laid out
the Reservoir Park, connecting the various ponds
bv a driveway through the woods ; and the large
Tumbledown Brook Reservoir was planned and
built by him.
In October, 1841, Mr. Clark was marrie:! to
Mary Hopkins, daughter of Daniel P. Flopkins and
JMarv Whiting, both of Hartford. She dieri in
1866, leaving three children: Frances, now Mrs.
Albert L. Butler ; Charles Hopkins Clark, editor of
the Conrant. and Howard M. Clark, who was cash-
ier of the LTnited States Bank, and died in 1894.
CAPT. TIMOTHY BOARDMAN ROBIN-
SON is one of the sturdy strong settlers of New
England whose ancestors for several generations
were born and reared in the State of Connecticut.
He was born at a time that made it necessarv to risk
his life' for our country at that happy, promising age
^-LiA^^THq^CccU /%WO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when he had begun to reahze the full measure of
liappiness which was revealed in the earlj- years of
manhood. Fortune, however, favored him to a very
full extent in his service in the war, and, while he
was taken a prisoner several times, he returned to
his home and friends withottt having been woimded
or overcome by serious illness. If heredity may be
credited with the transmission of virtuous traits from
one generation to another, Capt. Timothy B. Robin-
son is indebted to his ancestors on both sides for a
tendency toward those sterling C|ualities which,
when developed, are bound to succeed in the face
of the most trying obstacles.
Capt. David Robinson, his great-grandfather,
was born in Glastonbury, Conn., in 174 J. He was
married twice, his first wife, jNIary, d}'ing Dec. 25,
1801 ; his second wife, Marion, died June 20, 1856.
Capt. Robinson served in the Revolutionary war,
where he probably received his title. He was the
father of seven children, as follows : Mary Anni,
born Feb. 5, 1770; Lieodiah, Aug. 25, 1772; James,
May 28, 1774; David, Jr., Nov., 1778; Shadrach,
July 15, 1781 ; Timothy, Feb. 6, 1784; William,
June 24, 1788.
Shadrach Robinson was born in Glastonbury
Conn. He was a sea-faring man. On June 13, 1802,
he married Eunice Tennant, who was born Oct. 17,
1 78 1, and their marriage was blessed with four chil-
dren : Leverett, born April 8, T803 (died April 21,
1835); Azel T., March 31, 1807 (died Sept. 26,
j880).; Loretta, Feb. 26, 1809; and Lester, Dec.
•9, 1810.
Azel Tennant Robinson, our subject's father, v. as
also born in Glastonbury, Conn., on the date pre-
viously named, and died in Bristol Sept. 26, 1886.
He was a woodworker b}- trade, working on clock
cases and small furniture, v.^as a very industrious
man, and his efforts were rewarded by the success
in life which earnest application and intelligent pur-
suit merit. He came to B."i"^tol and worked in the
clock factories, having been connected with the
Jerome Clock Co., the Union Clock Co. (in which he
was a stockholder), and tne George A Jones Clock
Co., respectively. During the latter part of his life
he was engaged for a number of vears in making
door screens: Azel T. Robinson was a strong Spir-
ittialist. He was a member of Franklin Lodge,
Xo. 56, F". & A. M., and served as treasurer of same
for over twenty-five years. In politics he originally
A\-as a Whig, and later became a Democrat. On
JMay 3, 1832, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss
Harriet Stratton, who was born in Glastonbury
-March i, 1808, and their marriage was blessed with
the following children: Charles Azel, born June 7,
1833, died Aug. 20, 1833; Timothv Boardman is
our subject: Eunice Tennant, born Jttne 22, 1836,
■died ]\Iay 19, 1876, unmarried; Harriet, born Aug.
26, 1839, is married and lives in California : Lev-
erett, born Jan. 20, 1843, died. Jan. i, i860: Henry
Azel, born Jan. 2, 1845, tl>ed Aug. 21, 1864 (he was
3. brave lad, and his life was sacrificed for his coun-
try in the war of the Rebellion, as he was captured
and starved to death in Anderson ville prison) ;
Mary, born Dec. 19, 1846, is married, and resides in
lirooklyn, N. Y. ; Alice Kate, born Sept. 13, 1849,
is the wife of H. B. Cook, the shoe man of llristol ;
Frederick Arthur, ])()ni Dec. 20, 1852, died .\Iav 19,
1880.
Capt. Timothy Boardman Robinson, our subject,
was born in Cromwell, Conn., July 18, 1834. He
attended the schools of his native town until he was
eight years of age, when his parents removed to
Bristol, where he continued his education until his
sixteenth year, and then attended the Berlin Acad-
emy for one term. With this common-sense, prac-
tical foundation of learning he began the struggle
for life, entering the employ of his father, who was
a member of the firm of Case & Robinson, then en-
gaged in manufacturing cofifee-mill boxes. At this
occupation he remained for about two years, and then
worked in the spring factory of Edward L. Dunbar
for two or three years. Subsequently, in company
with two others, under the firm name of Herring &
Co., he engaged in the manufacture of sash and dials.
This business relation lasted for about three years,
and was succeeded by the Bristol Hardware Co.,
who purchased- tne aforesaid plant and retained our
subject in their employ under contract for two years.
At the expiration of this time the business was
again sold out, to the E. N. Welch ]\Ianufacturing
Co., by whom our subject was again retained under
contract for about three years, when he enlisted in
the war. After the war he engaged with H. Hark-
ness in the manufacture of ice scrapers, continuing
this business for about six months, when it was sold
out to Landers, Frary & Clark, of Xew Britain.
After this Mr. Robinson acted as foreman in the
shear factory of the Inventors Manufacturing Co.,
S. Valentine, manager, where he remained for about
three years. He then resigned in order to accept
the position of foreman in the clock factory of
George Jones, which business relation continued for
twenty years without interruption. Following this
he entered the employ of Plumb & Allen, of Terr)--
ville, who had purchased the Jones factory, acting
for the firm as foreman in the Jones shop in Bris-
tol, making mechanical toys of all kinds. Our sub-
ject then went to work for the Horton iManufactur-
ing Co. for about six months, and subsequently en-
gaged with the New Departure Bell Co., with which
firm he remained until 1898. In that year he re-
signed to accept the position of general superin-
tendent of the Liberty Bell Co., which position he
now holds.
On Aug. 24, 1862, Capt. Robinson enlisted in
Company K, i6th Conn. \'. I., and came out a cap-
tain. He was a prisoner in Macon, Ga., Charleston
and Columbia, S. C, escaping from the latter. He
was never woimded. He was in the battle of An-
tietam, and was mustered out Aug. 25, 1865. In
politics our subject is a stanch Republican, though
he has never sought office. Socially he is a member
74
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. jNI. ; of the
Royal Arcanum, of which he is vice-regent ; and of
George W. Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., of
which he is past commander.
On Oct. 31, 1855, Capt. Robinson was united in
marriage with Sophia Wells Waters, who was
born ]\Iarch 20, 1836, a daughter of Lora and Laura
(Churchill) Waters, of Bristol. Five children
have blessed their union, as follows, (i) Lora Azel,
born Aug. 3, 1856, died Sept. 18, 1856. (2) Lora
Waters,' born Oct. 2, 1857, was married March 11,
1885, to Annie Shepard, of Bristol, and they have
had children — Pauline, born Dec. 26, 1885 ; Archer
Waters, born Aug. 12, .1887 (died Aug. 15, 1887) ;
Lyle Wells, born Alay i, 1889; Kendall, born in 1894
(died in 1895) ; and Wells Hall, born Sept. 15,
1895. Lora Waters Robinson is a graduate of the
Philadelphia Dental College, and is now practicing
dentistry in Buffalo, N. Y. (3) Archer Waters
was born Oct. 12, 1859, and died Sept. 8, i860. (4)
Belle Waters, born June 12, 1861, married Edward
B. Gaylord, of Winsted, June 12, 1884. (5) Grace
Waters, born Sept. 14, 1871, died May 29, 1872.
Capt. and Mrs. Robinson attend the Congregational
Church, of which Mrs. Robinson is. an active and
devout member. The life of Capt. Robinson has
been one of continued activity. Through all the
fluctuations and vicissitudes following the war he
has maintained not only an unruffled disposition,
but he has acquired broader views of all matters
pertaining to the welfare of his country and of
humanity.
CHARLES LEM LINCOLN, a manufacturer
and prominent business man and citizen of Hart-
ford, where for fifty years and more he has been
engaged in the manufacturing of castings and ma-
chinery, and closely identified with the growth of
the city, is a representative of a sturdy New Eng-
land family of the Colonial period.
Mr. Lincoln was born March 12, 1825, in Dor-
chester, jNIass., son of Levi and Malinda (JN'Iiles)
Lincoln, and is a descendant in the eighth genera-
tion from Thomas Lincoln, who was born in Eng-
land _about 1603, came to New England in 1635,
and located in Hingham, on Massachusetts Bay,
but removed to Taunton prior to 1650, and estab-
lished a gristmill on Mill river. He brought with
him from England two or three children. He lived
to be eighty or upward years of age.
From this first American ancestor our subject's
hne of descent is through Thomas (2), Thomas
(3), Nathaniel, Nathaniel (2), Stephen and Levi
Lincoln.
(U) Thomas Lincoln (2), son of Thomas the
emigrant, likely born in England, baptized in 1637-
38, married Mary, daughter of Jonah Austin, who
was a husbandman and died about 1694. He early
in life became a resident of Taunton, Massachu-
setts.
(HI) Thomas Lincoln (3), son of Thomas (2),
born in 1656, in Taunton, married Mary, daughter
of Richard Stacy. He took part in the Indian
troubles in the time of King Philip's war.
(IV) Nathaniel Lincoln, son of Thomas (3),
born about 1684, married Alice, daughter of Capt.
John Andrews. He was a sergeant in the militia,
and was engaged in milling with his father-in-law,
at a point three miles west of Taunton.
(V) Nathaniel Lincoln (2), son of Nathaniel,
born in 1725, in Taunton, married in 1743. Eliza-
beth, daughter of Increase Robinson, Jr. Prior to
1750 he removed to Rehoboth, Mass., and to Brain-
tree, in the same State about 1759, dying in Attle-
boro.
(VI) Stephen Lincoln, son of Nathaniel (2),
born in 175 1, 'in Rehoboth, Mass., married in Oak-
ham, Mass., in 1779, Lydia, daug'hter of Lieut. Eben-
ezer Foster. He removed from Rehoboth to Brain-
tree and later located in Oakham. He was a soldier
of the Revolution, serving in the Rhode Island cam-
paign. He was occupied in farming, and in con-
nection with his farming operations also carried
on a tannery. He held several public offices ; he
died in 1840.
Levi Lincoln, son of Stephen, and the father of
the subject of this sketch, was born in 1790, in
Oakham, Mass., and was married in Rutland, ^lass.,
July 9, 1816, to Malinda Miles, daughter of Bar-
zilla and Sarah (Reed) J\Iiles, of Rutland. She
was born July 7, 1795, and died in Hartford, Conn.,
April 12, 1883. Mr. Lincoln died in Hartford
Jan. 31, 1868. Their children were: George S.,
Sarah K., Charles L., Mary E. and Theodore AI.
Charles Levi Lincoln married in Hartford, Conn.,
Aug. 31, 1847, Olivia M. Brewster, born July 21,
1826, in Coventry, Conn., daughter of Silas and
Wealth}' (Richardson) Brewster, and their children
were: (i) Carrie Augusta, born Aug. 15, 1854,
was married in Hartford to Edwin P. Taylor, born
in that city Aug. 20, 1840, son of Edwin and Nancy
Jane (Kinney) Taylor, and they had five children,
four of whom are living : Charles Lincoln, born
Sept. 10, 1875, is in the employ of the Lincoln Com-
pany ; Edwin P. and Caroline B. and Morgan Wells ;
Rowland K. is deceased. (2) Charles Payson, borii
May 21, 1851, was married in Southbridge, Mass.,
Nov. 20, 1878, to Margaret Sanders, born in Cromp-
ton, R. I., Feb. 24, 1854, daughter of James and
Margaret (Henrjr) Sanders; he is secretary of The
Lincoln Co., and is one of the trustees of the Pratt
Street Savings Bank. (3) Frank Howard, born
March 4, 1855, died in Hartford, Dec. 16, i860.
(4) Theodore M., born April- 4, 1858, is treasurer of
the Lincoln Co., a director of the Hartford City
Bank, and has served as member of the city council ;
he was married in Pawtucket, R. I.,\May 11, 1881,
to Alice M. Horton, of that city, bom Sept. 16,
i860, and they have Lad three children: Alice H.,
Theodore B. (deceased), and Minerva B. (5)
Fannie Maria, born Nov. 11, 1861, was m::rried
in Hartford to Dr. Robert Hamill, born in Oak Hall,
^H
r*" ^1
^^^^^HBb
'^^1
^^H"'^
^^^I^^^^H
■
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Peon., j\Iay 24, 1855, son of Robert and Margaret
E. (Lyon) Hainill. of Philadelphia, and tliey have
two children : Robert L. and Francis L. ; the Doctor
studied for the medical profession at Lafayette
College, graduated from the Pennsylvania Univers-
ity of Medicine, and is now practicing medicine in
Summit, N. J. (6) Elizabeth Brewster, born May
8, 1868, resides in Hartford.
Charles L. Lincoln, our subject, was admitted to
the firm of George S. Lincoln & Co., in 1846, and
through all of the intervening jears between that
period and this, he has been continuously engaged
in the manufacture of castings and machinery. His
brother George, the senior member of the firni;
retired from the business in 1885, since which time
Charles L. Lincoln has continued the business with
his sons Charles P. and Theodore AL, under the
name of The Lincoln Company.
Mr. Lincoln is a good business man, possessed of
sound judgment, and is a good manager, which
qualities, together with integrity and fair dealing,
liave brought him success. He is a substantial citi-
zen of Hartford, and has carried through his long
business career with this people their esteem and
respect. He is a director of the PlartforJ Street
Railway Co., an incorporator and trustee of the
]\Iechanics Savings Bank, and a member of the
Connecticut Historical Society.
The firm of George S. Lincoln & Co., which
as now incorporated The Lincoln Companj', proprie-
tors of the Phcenix Iron Works, was established in
1834 by the late Levi Lincoln, and has thus been
in existence about two-thirds of a century, during
■which period the business has grown from com-
parative insignificance to one of the largest, as it is
the oldest, of its class in the State. On the death
of Levi Lincoln the business was so arranged that
his sons George S. and Charles L. (who h^d been
associated with their father some fifteen years) suc-
ceeded, and the firm of George S. Lincoln & Co. has
since been one of the best known in New England.
They make a specialty of the latest designs of archi-
tectural iron work, consisting in part of building
fronts, columns, lintels, girders, vaults, etc., besides
large quantities of machinists' tools and other arti-
cles, employment being given to an average of nearly
160 hands. George S. Lincoln, who died April 2,
1894, was well-known throughout the New Eng-
land States, and ranked among the ablest business
men of the day, while in Hartford, the city of his
adoption, at the same time holding place among the
leading citizens, representative manufacturers and
promoters of its best interests. The same remarks
are in every sense applicable to Charles L. Lincoln.
EBENEZER ROBERTS, whose death oc-
curred ^March 7, 1896, w^as one of the best-known
business men in Hartford, where his career was a
most honorable one.
Born Oct. 28, 1819, in Westfield, Conn., ]\Ir.
Roberts was a son of Enoch Cornwall Roberts, and
a grandson of Ebenezer Roberts, who was an officer
in the war of the Revolution, was with Washing-
ton at New York, in the battle of Trenton, and also
at Yorktown. The lineage is traced to Samuel
Roberts, who appeared in ^Nliddletown, Conn., dur-
ing the seventeenth century, and died there in 1739.
In 1 69 1 he married ^lercy Blake. Ebenezer Rob-
erts' great-great-grandmother, Sarah Bulkeley, was
a daughter of Edward Bulkeley, one of the found-
ers of the Society of the Cincinnati, and through
her he is a descendant of Rev. Gershom and Rev.
Peter Bulkeley. Rev. Gershom Bulkeley graduated
from Harvard College in 1665, was minister at
New London in 1661, and at Wethersfield in 1666.
Mr. Roberts was also a descendant of Charles
Chauncey, the second president of Harvard College.
At the age of fifteen years our subject entered the
employ of the well-known firm of H. & \\'. Keney,
and the same qualities that maintained his success
later began to show themselves there, securing for
him prompt recognition as a yoimg man of promise
and rapid advancement. In 1855 he was taken into
partnership, and, though .the old name of H. & W.
Keney remained over the door, the firm was changed
to Keneys, Roberts & J. N. Goodwin, and later, at
Mr. Goodwin's death, to Keneys & Roberts, contin-
uing thus until the death of Walter Keney. After
that it was Keney, Roberts & Co., and after the
death of Henry Keney it became Roberts, Tucker &
Goodwin. This is the oldest of the wholesale gro-
cery houses in the State, and has been one of the
most successful business concerns in Connecticut.
The Keneys and Air. Roberts each accumulated a
large fortune ; and at the same time the house
established a name for integrity, sc^uare dealing
and public spirit that made people regard it as one
of Hartford's especial business honors.
J\Ir. Roberts was well known to the citizens of
Hartford for his kindly manner and sterling busi-
ness qualities, and his ever ready hand to assist in
worthy objects for the public good. He was a di-
rector pf the Hartford National Bank, the Travel-
ers Insurance Co., the National Fire Insurance Co.^
the Collins Co., the Smythe Manufacturing Co.,
and the Anchor JMills Paper Co., of Windsor
Locks, and a trustee of the will of the late Henry
Keney. He neither sought nor held office. As a
member of the Park Congregational Church, he
was a constant attendant at its services, having been
a member of that society when it was known as the
North Congregational Church.
On Jan'. 18, 1843, Air. Roberts was married to
Clarissa, daughter of Bela and Clarissa Root Ban-
croft, of Granville, Alass. She died Jan. 12, 1883,
One daughter, Florence Clarissa, wife of Col. Will-
iam C. Skinner, of Flartford (a sketch of whom
follows ) , survived the father.
WiLLi.\M Converse Skinner was born Jan.
26, 1855, in Alalone, N. Y., a son of Calvin and
John Porter (Blodgett) Skinner, and comes of good
old English stock. In descent he is of the eighth
generation from John Alden, and is in direct line
76
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from Calvin Skinner, of Woodstock, Conn., who
served honorably in the war for independence.
The early education of J\Ir. Skinner was re-
-ceived in the common and high schools of his native
town ; then, in 1872, he entered Trinity College,
Hartford, and was graduated from that institution
in the class of '76. Having first decided on the
profession of law for his life work, he attended a
law school in Albany, N. Y., for one year. Con-
cluding, however, to take up commercial business
instead, he, in 1882, became a member of the firm
of Dwight, Skinner & Co., wool merchants, and so
■continued until May, 1899.
]\Ir. Skinner was a colonel on Gov. Morgan G.
Bulkeley's staff, serving as such during the entire
four years of that Governor's administration. So-
cially he is a member of the Hartford Club, of the
Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial
Wars, and of the Mayflower Society. In politics
lie has always been a Republican, ever taking an
active interest in the welfare of his party, but so far
Jias studiously declined office. He is a director of
the Connecticut iMutual Life Insurance Co., of the
Hartford Fire Insurance Co., the Phcenix National
Bank, the Fidelity Co.,, the Society for Savings,
the Smythe Manufacturing Co., and president of
the Anchor Mills Paper Co.
On Oct. 20, 1880, Mr. Skinner married Flor-
■ence Clarissa, daughter of the late Ebenezer Rob-
€rts, of Hartford, and three children grace this
union: Marjorie Roberts, born Aug. 6, 1881 ; Rob-
erts Keney, born Oct. i, 1886; and William Con-
verse, Jr., born Dec. 2^, 1889. Mrs. Skinner is a
member of the Colonial Dames, and correspond-
ing secretary of the D. A. R.
EDGAR CHAPIN LIXX, president of the
Connecticut Building and Loan Association, Hart-
ford, is a native of the Western Reserve, or "New
Connecticut," Ohio, born in Richmond May 29,
1861.
ISir. Linn is descended from some of the older
families that removed to the Western Reserve in an
•early day from Connecticut, A'ermont and New Jer-
-sey, his parents being Dr. and Mrs. Ezra (Buell)
Linn. His great-great-grandfather, Joseph Linn,
.served as adjutant in the Second Regiment of Mil-
itia of Sussex coimty, N. J., during the war for
independence. On his father's side Mr. Linn is
descended from William Buell, who was one of
the company that came to New England in 1630
with Rev. John Warham, and first settled at Dor-
chester, Mass. Subsequently he removed to Wind-
sor, Conn. This William Buell is said to have been
the common ancestor to all of the American Buells.
Flis name is on the first distribution of lands in
Windsor, Conn., in 1639. He died in 1681. His
two sons were Samuel and Peter. Samuel married
Deborah Griswold, and settled in the town of Kil-
lingworth. Conn. Peter married Martha Coggens.
[A resume of the Buell family is given farther on
m this sketch.]
Edgar C. Linn attended the common schools
in Richmond until his fourteenth year, and in the
meantime, with his parents' permission, he under-
took to earn, and succeeded in earning, sufficient
money to carry him through a two-)'ears' course
at the academy in Austinburg, Ohio. He then en-
tered a general store at Conneaut, Ohio, as clerk,
at $100 per annum, and remained there five years,
becoming head clerk of the establishment. Here
he earned the money to pay for his expenses for
two years in Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn.
After leaving college he returned to his former
position in the general store at Conneaut, where
he remained another year, and then, in 1884, em-
barked in the retail shoe business for himself.
In 1887 Mr. Linn retired from the shoe busi-
ness and became identified with that of the Build-
ing and Loan Association in the same town, con-
tinuing therein until 1895, during which period
by careful study he became thoroughly versed in
its workings. In 1895 he came to Connecticut,
associated himself with the directorate of the Con-
necticut Building and Loan Association, and aided
in its organization. Mr. Linn became the associa-
tion's first secretary, a position he filled with great
efficiency and very acceptably until his election to
the presidency, in February, 1901. In connection
with the secretaryship Mr. Linn served as treasurer
of the association, having been appointed in 1896
acting treasurer, and shortly thereafter was regu-
larly elected.
in June, 1884, Mr. Linn was married to Miss
Harriet Hawley, daughter of Gideon Hawley, of
Conneaut, Ohio, and to them were born five chil-
dren, three of whom are still living: Robert H.,
Elizabeth H. and Chapin C. The family residence,
a commodious and sightly one, is located on Farm-
ington avenue, West Hartford.
Buell Family. First generation. William
Buell, or Bewelle, or Beville, was born at Ches-
terton, in Huntingdonshire, England, about 1610,
came to Arnerica about 1630, settled at Dorchester,
Mass., and about 1635 removed to Windsor, Conn.,
where he died Nov. 23, 1681. "William Buell and
wife, in 1650, were indicted in Plymouth Colony
as Baptists." [Bayliss 11. 211.] Married at Wind-
sor, Conn., Nov. 18, 1640, to Mary [name
not known], who- died Sept. 2, 1684. Eight chil-
dren.
Second generation. Samuel Buell, first child
of William Buell, born at Windsoi", Conn., Sept.
2, 1641, removed to Killingworth, Conn., 1664,
where he died July 11, 1720. Married at Wind-
sor, Conn., Nov. 13 or 18, 1662, to Deborah Gris-
v\'old, daughter of Edward Griswold, who came
from England in 1639, and settled at Windsor.
Twelve children.
Third generation. Deacon John Buell, of Kil-
%
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lingworth, Conn., fifth child of Samuel Buell, born
Feb. 17, 1671, removed to Lebanon, Conn., 1695,
and in 1721 was pioneer to Litchfield, Conn., where
he died April 9, 1746. Married at Windsor, Conn.,
Nov. 20, 1695, to Mary Loomis. Thirteen chil-
dren. In the West Burying Ground, at Litch-
field, Conn., this inscription appears on an old
gravestone : "Here lies the body of Mrs. Mary,
wife of Deacon John Buell. She died Nove. 4,
1768, aged 90, having had 13 children; 101 grand-
children ; 274 great-grandchddren ; and 22 great-
great-gr'andchiklren. 336 survived her."
Fourth generation. John Buell, of Lebanon,
Conn., second child of John Buell, of Killingworth,
born Feb. i, 1699, died at Lebanon [no date]
JMarried at Lebanon May 19, 1726, to Freedom
Strong. Nine children.
Fifth generation. Abraham Buell, fourth child
of John Buell, born at Lebanon, Feb. 19, 1734; re-
moved to Litchfield, Conn., thence to Groton, Conn.
(N. H. ?), 1773, where he died about 1815. Mar-
ried in Litchfield, Conn., to Sarah Stone, May 20,
1759. Nine children.
Sixth generation. Ezra Buell, fifth child of
Abraham Buell, born at Litchfield, Sept. 18, 1769,
went with his father to Groton, N. H., in 1773.
Resided in Hanover, N. H., 1790 to 1800; removed
to Kinsman, Ohio, 1810; afterwa.rd removed to
Hartstown, Penn., where he died Nov. 16, 1865.
He was a teacher most of the time for sixty years,
teaching the first school where Dartmouth Col-
lege now stands ; voted at every Presidential elec-
tion from Washington's second term to Lincoln's
second term. He was married at Deerfield, N. H.,
1794, to Dorothy Sanborn, of Deerfield. Four
children.
Seventh generation. Theodate Buell, born at
Groton, N. H., May 29, 1801. She removed to
North Shenango, Penn., and then married Andrew
Linn, Feb. 5, 1818.
EightJi generation. Dr. Ezra Buell Linn, third
child of Theodate Buell-Linn, born Nov. 6, 1822,
at Espyville, Pennsylvania.
Ninth generation. E. C. Linn, third child of
Dr. E. B. Linn, born May 29, 1861.
GEN. JAMES H. J ARM AN, special agent for
the Connecticut Mutual Insurance Co., of Hartford,
is a native of Connecticut, born June 18, 1849, '"
New Haven, and is descended from stalwart New
England ancestry.
William S. Jarman, grandfather of our sub-
ject, married JNIiss Eliza Elford, of London, Eng-
land. He was a prominent citizen of New Haven,
Conn., a deacon in the North Congxegational
Church, and a school teacher by profession, liv-
ing to the advanced age of eighty-four years.
William S. Jarman, father of the General, was
born in New Haven, Conn., received his educa-
tion, in New Haven, and commenced mercantile
business as a clerk, in course ©f time establish-
ing the "Bee Hive" Drv Goods Store in New Haven,
Cunn., which he conducted with success for many
years, dying at the age of seventy. He married -
(for his second wife) Emma M. Morrell, and by
her had six children, only two of whom are now
living; William S. (in Burnside, Conn.) and James
H. riie mother was called from earth in 1852,
when our subject was a small boy. The latter
received a liberal education at the public and private
schools of his native State, and was prepared for
college, intending to enter Yale, but circumstances
prevented and he entered a fire-insurance office in
New Haven. In 1870 he commenced a clerkship
in the office of the Connecticut Mutual Life In-
surance Co. in Hartford, where he has since re-
mained, for years having had charge of the "New
Business" department. In 1885 he was appointed
special agent, and has written up an excellent line
of business. He is a director of the International
Power X'ehicle Co., of New York.
Our subject is a Republican in politics, and
has served in various offices of trust, such as coun-
cilman (1895) from the old Second ward; on the
school board two terms of three years each, and
president of same three years. Fie is a member of
the South Congregational Church, and was presi-
dent (1898-99) of the Y'oung People's Association
of that society. He is on the board of managers
of the Y. J\I. C. A., and member of the State com-
mittee of same. He is also on the board of man-
agers of the Hartford Free Dispensary. While in
New Haven he joined the militia, serving in the
New Haven Gra}s, but on account of removal was
discharged. In 1879, after coming to Hartford, he
assisted Col. Charles E. Thompson in the formation
of Company K, ist Regiment, Conn. N. G., of
which company he was made sergeant, declining a
lieutenancy; his military record since then is as
follows: Second Lieutenant, Feb. 19, 1883; First
Lieutenant April 29, 1886; IMajor and Brigade I.
R. P., Conn. N. G., July 3, 1888; resigned, :May
12, 1890 ; Paymaster-General for State of Connecti-
cut, Jan. 9, 1895, on the staft of Gov. Cofiin.
In fraternal affiliations Gen. Jarman is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. I\I., St. John's Lodge, No. 4,
and was secretary of Washington Lodge, Windsor,
two years ; is a member of Wolcott Council, No.
I, R. & S. j\l.; Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17, R.
A. ;M. ; Washington Commandery No. i, K. T.
(being now past commander) ; Sphinx Temple, A.
A. O. N., ^lystic Shrine, of whicn he was one of
the organizers, and is second officer; is also T. P.
Grand Master of Charter Oak Lodge of Perfection,
Scottish Rite; an officer of Hartford Council,
Princes of Jerusalem ; and is a thirt}--second degree
Freemason. The General is an honorary member
of the Hartford City Guard ; charter member of the
Republican Club of Hartford; charter member of
the Twentieth Century Club; member of the Hart-
ford Masonic Club; charter member of the Hart-
ford Golf Club : and member of the executive com-
mittee of the Woodmont Golf Club.
78
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1871 Gen. Jarman was married to Harriet
C. Cliipman, of New Haven, daugliter of William
Chipman, a contractor and builder of that city,
and they have had four children, one of whom,
Francis Townsend Jarman, died in infancy, and
three are living as follows : Florence Eleanor ; Edith
Hedges, wife of Clarence Ward Hatch, secretary
of the International Power Vehicle Co., of New
York; and Frederick Townsend, who was educated
at public and high school, of which latter he is a
graduate, and is now attending Yale College, class
of 1902, being in the Sheffield Scientific Depart-
ment. Mrs. Jarman is a descendant of Capt. Na-
thaniel Turner, of the New Haven Colony, who
was one of the twelve "chosen for foundation work
of the church" in 1639, and "Captaine" in 1640.
Gen. Jarman is a grand-nephew of Thomas Jar-
man, "author of the celebrated law work entitled
"Jarman on Wills," which holds an honored place
in law libraries.
PETER DONAHUE, who died at his home in
Hartford, March i, 1900, was born in County An-
trim, Ireland, June 22, 1842. For more than forty
years he was engaged in the grocery business in
Hartford, where he was much esteemed for his ster-
ling qualities of mind and heart. He first estab-
lished a store at No. 232 Front street, and in 1893
removed to No. 307 Park street, the business being
conducted there until his death. Mr. Donahue was
active politically in Hartford, representing the old
Sixth ward as councilman for two terms. He was a
man of large charit}', and many a poor family will
miss him. Fle belonged to several fraternal organ-
izations, including the Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians ; Charter Oak Council, Knights of Columbus ;
and the Emerald Society, and he was a devout and
consistent member of the Church of the Immaculate
Conception. He had five sisters living in this coun-
try: Mrs. Bernard McCaffrey and Mrs. John Gib-
bins, of Hartford; Mrs. Mary Atchison, of South
Dakota; Mrs. John Trainor, of Moodus; and Mrs.
James Carr, of Naugatuck.
In October, 1878, Mr. Donahue was married
in Hartford to Miss Nora O'Neil, who survives
him. They had three children: John, aged twenty
years, who succeeded his father in business ; Mar-
garet, aged eighteen; and Stephen, aged sixteen.
HERBERT CALVIN PARSONS, proprietor
■of "Parsons Theater," Hartford, is a native of Con-
necticut, born Nov. 4, 1854, in East Windsor, a son
of Calvin G. and Elizabeth (Chapman) Parsons.
Calvin G. Parsons was born in East Windsor,
Conn., in 1825, and died in 1891, at the age of
sixt}--six years. In politics he was a Republican,
and for many years was first selectman in Windsor ;
during the war of the Rebellion he was an enroll-
ing officer, having the enlisting of men for the Union
army, and altogether was a prominent man, taking
■an active part in all the affairs of his day and time.
He married Elizabeth Chapman, born in Ellington,
Conn., a daughter of Jabez Chapman, also of El-
lington nativity, where he passed his entire life, a
long one, in agricultural pursuits. To Calvin G.
and Elizabeth Parsons were born four children,
three of whom are yet living : Hattie, wife of Henry
Tschummie, residing in Broadbrook, Hartford
county; Carrie, wife of George Crane, superintend-
ent of a mill in Glastonbury; and Herbert C, our
subject. The parents were members of the Con-
gregational Church.
Herbert C. Parsons received his education at
the common schools of East Windsor, and passed
his early manhood in farming in that town where
for five years he was collector of taxes. He has had
an extensive and varied experience. In 1872 he
started from Jacksonville, Fla., as an assistant to
George H. Decostio ; next accepted a position as ad-
vance agent for Dan Rice's "Paris Pavilion" Circus,
which he filled with flattering success. Some two
years later he purchased the "Broad Brook Hotel,"
and in 1893 we find him in Bridgeport, a partner to
C. L. Davis, in the Alvin Joslyn show, which he
later disposed of to become part owner of the Park
City Theater, in that city, and in 1896 he built and
opened his theater in Hartford. It is beautifully
decorated and elegantly furnished, and is through-
out a thoroughly modern playhouse, the equal of
those in the larger cities, and the public has showa
its appreciation by a very liberal patronage.
Not only is Mr. Parsons a thorough business
man, but he is possessed of fine social qualities, and
is a member of a number of fraternal organizations,
having passed through the various degrees of Ma-
sonry. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No.
Ill, Adoniram Chapter, Rockville Council, Wash-
ington Commandery, and Pyramid Temple of the
Mystic Shrine ; of the Hartford lodge of Elks ; and
of Elm Court, Foresters, of Broad Brook. In poli-
tics he has always been a Republican. Mr. Par-
sons married Carrie G. Simpson, daughter of
Harvey and Mirah Simpson, of Portland, Conn. ;
they have one daughter, Maud M., born .in 1880.
HENRY C. JUDD, senior member of H. C.
Judd & Root, wool merchants, Hartford, was born
of good old English stock, April 12, 1827, in North-
ampton, Mass., but has resided the greater part of
his life in Hartford, Connecticut.
Thomas Judd, the first ancestor of the family
in America, came from England in 1633 or 1634,
and settled in Cambridge, Mass., later, in 1636, be-
coming one of the original settlers of Hartford, lo-
cating next to the Wyllys lot, which was dis-
tinguished bv the fact that upon it once stood the
celebrated Charter Oak. He was one of the first
settlers of Farmington, where be removed in 1644;
he was a member of the General Court, this body
then being known as the House of Deputies, and
served from 1648 at dift'erent times up to 1679 —
seventeen terms in all. He was a member of
commLu.orative biographical record.
79
Tlimas Hooker's church, one of its seven pillars
at its organization, and was a deacon of this church.
He was one of the original proprietors of the town
of Farmington, which included some five or six
towns, thence removed to Northampton, Mass.,
where he was a selectman and held other offices of
trust. He died Nov. 12, 1688, at the age of about
eighty years.
Jonathan Judd, great-grandfather of Henry C,
was born in the town of Middletown, Conn., a son
of Benjamin J. Judd, who was the fourth son of
Deacon Thomas Judd, who lived at Lexington.
Jonathan Judd had his home for a time in Glaston-
bury, whence he removed, in 17 16, to Middletown,
and there died Aug. 28, 1725, at the early age of
thirty-seven years.
Solomon Judd, son of Jonathan, and the grand-
father of Henry C, was born in Coventry, Conn.,
Sept. 21, 1758, and was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war, and died in South Coventry, April
21, 1 85 1, aged ninety-two years. By his wife Anna
(, Carpenter), who died Jan. 29, 1847, he had six
children.
John F. Judd, son of Solomon and Anna Judd,
and the father of our subject, was born Sept. 6,
1798, in South Coventry, Conn., and for some years
made his home in Northampton, Mass., removing
tinally to Hartford, where he spent the rest of his
life, dying at the age of eighty-five years. In 1850
he embarked in the wool business, and followed
same successfully imtil his death. He was an in-
fiuential member of the iM. E. Church, and one of its
trustees ; was a director of several public institu-
tions, and altogether was a very prominent man.
i\Ir. Judd married Olive Fuller, who was born in
A\"indham, Conn., and six children came to their
union, two of whom are yet living: Henry C. ; and
Edwin D., a retired army officer residing in Hart-
ford. The mother of these passed away in 1851, at
the age of forty-eight years.
Henry C. Judd, whose name introduces this
sketch, received his education in part at the com-
mon and high schools, in part at a private school,
and at the age of twenty-one began business with
his father, becoming a partner in the concern, and
he is now the oldest wool merchant in Hartford.
At different times he has had five partners, and the
present house of H. C. Judd & Root is not only
one of the oldest in the United States, but one of
the largest in the wool trade. The firm buys wool
all over the United States, importing largely from
foreign countries, and as Mr. Judd has traveled ex-
*tensively in the interests of the business, he is known
by every large owner of sheep throughout the Union.
The present firm consists of Henry C. Judd, Judson
H. Root, Edwin D. Judd. James H. Bidwell and
Edwin Y. Judd. In 1883 "they built the Judd &
Root block, corner of High and Allyn streets. 'in
Hartford, one of the finest in the city, it being
140x100 feet, six stories high.
On Sept. 6, 1853, Henry C. Judd was united in
marriage with Mary P. Young, a native of Jewett
City, Conn., and six children have graced their
union, four of whom are now living: (i) Edwin
Y., a member of the firm; (2) Emma, wife of Will-
iam H. Deming, of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Co.; (3) Jennie B., wife of Leonard D.
Fisk, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere ; (4)
Fred E., who married a Miss Roberts, of Hart-
ford, and is now living in Pendleton, Oregon. The
family attend the services of the Park Congrega-
tional Church ; in politics Mr. Judd is a Republican.
Fie is a director in the Hartford National Bank,
the National Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford, the
..-Etna Nut Co., of Southington, Conn., and Landers,
Frary & Clark, of New Britain, Conn, while for
some years he has been chairman of the ^^'est Hart-
ford School Board.
The home of' the family is one of the very finest
and most luxurious in the city of Hartford, fur-
nished as it is in the most elegant manner, wherein
comfort, refinement and artistic taste are the ne plus
ultra. In the music room stands a fine pipe organ,
run by a water motor, and here the eldest son, who
is an organist of no mean merit, finds solace and
recreation of the most soul-inspiring kind. Around
the walls of this room are numerous electric lights,
that produce variegated hues, at the the will of the
performer at the organ, without leaving the key-
board, presenting in its entirety the suggestion of
oriental inspiration. The furniture of some of the
rooms is hand-carved, and of rare design, dating
back to the sixteenth century. Throughout the en-
tire residence there are evidences of the refined
taste of the owner, and the handiwork of master
artists. Both Mr. and Mrs. Judd are most genial,
hospitable people, ever ready to welcome their
friends.
JOHN F. WHAPLES, of the firm of J. F.
Whaples & Son, contractors and builders, No. 2
Olmsted street. East Hartford, Hartford county,
Connecticut.
JOFIN C. WEBSTER, who for nearly forty
years has been most widely and favorably known
in insurance circles, twenty years of which period
he served as vice-president of the ^tna Life In-
surance Co., of Hartford, and who at this writing
is the company's general agent in New York City,
was born JNIay 24, 1839, at Kingfield, INIaine.
Mr. Webster received a thorough English edu-
cation, completing the course at the Concord (N.
H.) high school. He learned the printer's trade at
Concord, and before he was twenty-one was at the
head of one of the largest newspaper offices in that
citv. In the spring of 1864 he became identified
with the business of life insurance, becoming the
general agent of the .-lltna Life for the States of
New Hampshire and A'ermont. In that position
from the very start he showed marked adantation
for the business, and advanced rapidly. He re-
80
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceived the appointment, in 1873, of superintendeui
of agencies tor the ^tna, and removed to Hart-
ford, Conn. In July, 1879, he was elected vice-
president, a position he occupied in the most effi-
cient and able manner. For fifteen years Mr.
Webster edited "The yEtna," a journal devoted ex-
clusively to the interests of the ^tna Life, pub-
lished quarterly. His writings have commanded
wide attention in insurance cnxles, giving the pa-
per and company a standing that could have been
attained in no other way. Mr. Webster organized
the accident department of the ^tna Life, and
continued in charge of it until his retirement from
the vice-presidency, in 1899. He also organized
the y-Etna Indemnity Co., and was its first president.
He served seventeen years as trustee of the Hart-
ford Trust Co.
Mr. Webster was one of the founders of the
Hartford County Horticultural Society, and was its
first president. This society was subsequently in-
corporated by the Legislature as the Connecticut
Horticultural Society. Mr. Webster, in his political
views, is a Republican. While he has steadily de-
clined public office and position, he regards public
aiTairs with great interest, and is one of the most
patriotic and public-spirited of citizens. He has
done a great deal toward the development and pros-
perity of that section of the town of West Hart-
ford where he resides.
Mr. Webster has been twice married. His first
wife, who was Miss Sarah B. Norton, of Kingfield,
Maine, died in 1868; by this marriage he had one
child, a son, who died in infancy. His second
wife, who was Mrs. Mary E. L. Abbott, of Con-
cord, N. H., is still living.
HON. GEORGE PAYNE McLEAN, for
years a member of the law firm of Sperry & ]\Ic-
Lean, of Hartford, and now Governor of Con-
necticut, comes of Puritan stock.
Born Oct. 7, 1857, in the town of Simsbury,
son of Dudley Bestor and iNIary (Payne) McLean,
the Governor on his mother's side is descended
from Gov. Bradford, who came to New England
in the "Mayflower," and on his father's side from
the ancient and illustrious Loomis family, who for
generations lived in what is now Tolland county,
which section was for years the home of the earlier
McLeans, and in whose history a number figured
prominently. From the McLeans, of that part of
the old town of Boston more recently Vernon,
Gov. McLean is in the fifth generation from Allen
McLean, who, in 1744, married Mary Loomis, the
line of his descent being through Capt. Alexander,
Rev. Allen and Dudley Bestor McLean.
(II) Capt. Alexander McLean, son of Allen,
born 1747, married, in 1768, Joanna Smith, and
died in 1806..
(III) Rev. Allen McLean, born June 20, 1781,
in what is now the town of Vernon, Conn., mar-
ried (first), Tune 21, 1810, Sarah Pratt, who died
in 1831, and (second), in 1833, wedded Nancy Mor-
Rev. McLean, according-
gan, who died in i860,
to h'is own statement, was reared by good Christian
parents, rigid in morals and discipline. He was
graduated from Yale College in 1805, and after one
year passed in divinity study in New Haven he
furthered his studies in that line in the familv of
Rev. Hooker, in Goshen. He was ordained and set-
tled as pastor over the Congregational Church in
Simsbury, and remained in such relations over fifty
years, during the last eleven of which he was totally
blind, but ever resigned and cheerful. In is the-
ology he was in harmony with Dwight and Edwards
and the Holy Scriptures, always honest and straight-
forward in his religious opinions. He was a strong-
advocate of temperance. He died in 1861, greatly
beloved by the people he had served so long.
Dudley B. McLean, son of Rev. Allen, and the
father of Gov. McLean, b.orn Fe'b. 12, 1821, mar-
ried Sept. 16, 1846, Mary Payne. Mr. McLean
was a man of intelligence and worth in Simsbury,
where he was by occitpation a farmer.
George Payne McLean, the subject proper of this
sketch, was reared on a farm, worked in the farming-
season, and attended the district school in the
winters. At the age of fifteen he entered the Hart-
ford Public Hig'h School, iin his Junior year was
chosen editor of the school paper, and, in his Senior
year, as class orator. He was graduated in 1877,
and then began the work of life as a reporter on
The Hartford Post. In 1879 he left journalism and
entered as a student the law office of the late Hon.
Henry C. Robinson, of Hartford, and while studying-
law continued to support himself by keeping books
for Trinity College. He was admitted to the Bar
in 1882, and commenced practice in Hartford, where
he has since continued. In one sense he has re-
tained his identity with Simsbury, and represented
that town in the General Assemloly of Connecticut
in the sessions of 18S3 and 1884, and was State
senator from his district in 1886. As a legislator
his fidelity and ability made him prominent and in-
fluential. He was especially active in his advocacy
of the bill creating the Board of Pardons, and of
what was known as the "Short Haul bill." Mr.
Robinson, in whose office Mr. McLean had remained
as a practitioner after his admission to the Bar,
was the chief attorney for the railroad corporations
in the sharp contest which they made against the
passage of that bill ; but Mr. McLean believed the
bill to be right and for the welfare of the people,
and so he favored it. The Speaker of the House
of Representatives in the session of 1884 was that
able and high-minded citizen of New Haven, Hon.
Henry B. Harrison, who, when he became governor
in 1887, remembered so well the fine quality of Mr.
IvIcLean's legislative work that he appointed_ him,
although then only twenty-nine years old, a member
C'f the'Commission to perform the delicate and im-
portant duty of revising the Statutes of the State,
his associates on the Commission being Judges James
A. Hovey, Augustus H. Fenn, and R. Jay_ Walsh.
He was nominated for Secretary of State in 1890,
^
t€
/^C^^^t^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
81
ihe election for State officers that year resulting in
what is known as the "dead-lock." In i8y2 upon rec-
ommendation of the entire Connecticut Congress-
sional delegation, President Harrison appointed him
United States Attorney for the District of Connecti-
cut. He filled that ofhce four years, and filled it so
well that he won for the government every criminal
case that was tried, and every civil case for the State
Comptroller four years, and for the State Treas-
urer two. years.
At the State Republican Convention held at
New Haven on Sept. 6, 1900, IN'lr. ^IcLean was
made the nominee of that party for Governor of
Connecticut, by being placed in nomination by the
distinguished lawyer and orator, Hon. Joseph L.
Barbour, of Hartford. In the election which fol-
lowed in November, Mr. ]\lcLean was elected by
something like 11,000 majority, and was inaugur-
ated Governor of Connecticut Jan. 9, 1901.
"To jNIr. McLean for his tact, forbearance, court-
esy and gentlemanlv bearing all through the un-
comfortable days of a trying campaign much credit
is due. His course under the fire directed upon
him commanded respect, and made for him friends.
His administration will be brilliant and a credit to
the State as well as to himself."
Gov. McLean's first message is considered as al-
together out of the ordinary — a brilliant State paper,
one in which there is not a dull or superfluous word,
while it is full of ideas. In it he has said what he
thinks, and has dodged nothing. The sources of its
real strength are courage, wisdom and foresight.
It is a paper that will mark, not to say make, an
epoch in Connecticut history. Gov. McLean's ver-
satility of gifts as an orator has often been illus-
trated before critical audiences, and on more than
one occasion he has received distinguished compli-
ments from eminent sources, of which he would be
justified in feeling proud.
LIEUT.-GOA'. GEORGE GRISWOLD SILL,
well and favorably known, not only throughout the
length and breadth of Hartford county, but largely
throughout the State of Connecticut and adjoining
States, comes of an honored and honorable New
England family, of English descent. He is a de-
scendant in the seventh generation from John Sill,
his line beng through Capt. Joseph, Joseph, John
(2), John (2,). and Henry
(I) John Sill about the year 1637 emigrated
from Lyme, England, to Cambridge, JNIass. (II)
Capt. Joseph, of Lyme, after 1675. (Ill) Joseph
(2). (IV) John (2). (V) John (3), son of. John
(2), born at Silltown (Lyme), Conn., in 1744,
married (first) Alary Anderson, of Windsor: mar-
ried (second) in 1785 Elizabeth, daughter of George
Griswold, of Lyme. John Sill (3) settled in Wind-
sor about 1775. and died there in 1827.
(AT) Henry Sill (father of our subject), son
of John (3), born Aug. 2^. 1786, in Windsor,
married in Alay, 1809, Almeda Alarshall, of Wind-
6
sor, and their children were: (i) Henry G., born
in 1810, died in 1835; (2) Eliza A., born in 1814,
died in 1859; (3) John M., born in 1816, died in
1834: (4j Julia, born in 1819, married Samuel
Mather, and died in 1885; (5) William R., born in
1822, married JNIary G. Edgar, and is a prominent
man at LaCrosse, Wis., a civil engineer of note; [G)
Emily, born in 1824, married E. S. Alford, of
Windsor, and died in 1865; (7) Alar)- A.,
born in 1827, married O. R. Holcomb, of
\\'indsor; (8) George Griswold, our subject, was
born Oct. 26, 1829; and (9) Jane H., born in 1833,
died in 1859. Ihe father of this family was a life-
long farmer, also followed surveying; he was a lay
judge of the probate court, a man of prominence
in Windsor, and held all the offices of the town ; set-
tled a large number of estates, and transacted a
great deal of legal business. He died July 21, 1870,
at the age of eighty-four years, highly respected and
greatly esteemed by all. His wife was a lineal de-
scendant of Capt. Samuel Alarshall, who was killed
in a fight with the Narragansett Indians in 1675.
She was called from earth in October, 1858, at the
age of seventy-two, a member of the Episcopal
Church.
George G. Sill, of whom we write, was educat-
ed at Ellington Academy, and prepared for college
by private tuition ; graduated in 1852 from Yale
College with the degree of A. B. ; attended lectures
for a year in Yale Law School, and afterward be-
came a student in the law office of the late Gov.
Richard D. Hubbard, at Hartford. In 1854 he was
admitted to the Bar, and has since continued in the
active practice of his profession. For over forty
years he has been a prominent member of the Bench
and Bar, and for more than half a century has taken
an active part in the court, social and political affairs
of the county. For forty odd years he has beert
a justice of the peace, for many years a prosecuting
grand juror, and a side judge of the Hartford City
Court, while from 1871 to 1873 he was recorder, or
judge, of the same court. Among the many cases
that have been tried by him none, perhaps, is of
more general interest than the celebrated '"Fox
will"' case.
During the Civil war Air. Sill was especially-
active in the L'nion cause, and it was in his office
that the first company of Connecticut volunteers was
formed. Until 1872 he had been an active and
prominent Republican, but in that year, under the
leadership of Horace Greeley, he became a liberal
Republican, believing that a more conciliatory policv
should be pursued toward the Southern States. In
1872 he voted for Greeley. He has been a delegate
to a number of county conventions, and has de-
livered many platform addresses, being noted for
his success as a public speaker.
In 1873 Air. Sill was nominated for lieutenant-
governor on the ticket headed by Charles R. Inger-
soll. of New Haven, and was elected by a hand-
some majority; in 1874-75-76 he was re-elected to
82
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the same office. In 1882 he was elected to the Gen-
eral Assembly as representative from Hartford, and
was the Democratic nominee for Speaker of the
House. In March, 1888, he was nominated, by
President Cleveland, as United States district attor-
ney for the District of Connecticut, and his appoint-
ment was conlirmed by the Senate. In 1859 he was
a member of the Fremont Club ; in 1S60 was a mem-
ber of the Lincoln Club, and upon the occasion
of Lincoln's visit to Hartford he introduced him
to the people of the city. In municipal affairs he
served three years in the Hartford common council,
part of the time as alderman. In commercial and
financial circles he has always been prominent, and
is identified with some of the most important finan-
cial and commercial concerns of Hartford and
vicinity.
On Dec. 18, 1861, our subject married, at Rock-
ville, Conn., Mrs. JNIary J. ( Preston j Peek, a native
of New York, -widow of De Witt C. Peek, of that
cit)', and daughter of Esek J. Preston, a flour and
coal merchant in Hartford, and at one time connected
with William H. Imlay. Children as follows were
born to this union: (i) George Eliot, born in 1862,
and who died in 1896, was a prominent lawyer in
Hartford. (2) Grace P., born in 1865, died April
14, 1893. (3) Ellen B., born in 1866, married Hubert
Kip Wood, of Cleveland, Ohio, an inventor, and
now superintendent of a factory "at Windsor for
making shells for the government. (4) William
Raymond, born in 1869, was a prominent editor and
newspaper man "out west," and is now on the staff
of the Nezij York Evening World ; he recently re-
ported for that paper the celebrated "Molineux"
trial, which lasted some ten weeks ; he married Cora
Ankins. The mother of this family died April
13, 1894, at the age of sixty-nine years. The fam-
ily attend the services of Trinity Episcopal Church,
Hartford.
Although having now reached the allotted age
of man, our subject is still actively engaged in the
arduous pursuits of his profession, and of the men,
wdio, by personal eft'ort and application, have done
much to make the city of Hartford what it is to-
day, none are more deserving of the highest encom-
iums of praise than Lieut. -Gov. Sill.
NATHAN LOOMIS BIRGE, deceased. For
more than 250 years the Birge family has re-
sided in Hartford county, and during these two and
one-half centuries its members have been promi-
nent as farmers, manufacturers and business men,
as well as in public life and in the church.
The earliest member to settle within the present
county limits was Richard Birge, one of Windsor's
pioneers, who came from Dorchester, Mass., with
Rev. John Warham, of whose church he was a
member. The early records — in which the family
name is variously spelt Burge, Birdge, Birydge and
Birge — show him to have been an extensive land
owner as early as 1640. In addition to a home
lot in the settlement of Windsor, he had. acquired
title to sixteen acres "beyond the second pine plane,"
on the west side of the mill brook, besides eight
acres south of the mill brook, eight and one-fourth
acres on the side of "Pine Hill," and many other
parcels of land, on both sides of the river, the deeds
antedating 1646. Most of this was afterward
owned by his son Daniel. Among his grantors
were Nathan Gillett (in 1644) and James Eno (in
1647). Richard, Sr., was Richard, Jr., in 1649.
He was a large farmer, but of his personal traits
of character very little can be told. That he was
a God-fearing man, and a devout Puritan, is shown
by his connection with Rev. Mr. Warham ; and that
he was prudent, careful and successful is evidenced
by his continued acquisition of wealth.
On Oct. 5, 1641, Richard Birge married Eliza-
beth, a daughter of Hon. William Gaylord, and
their children were: John, born in 1642, died in
1643; Daniel, born Nov. 24, 1644; Elizabeth, born
July 28, 1646, died in infancy; Jeremiah, boi'n May
6, 1648; John (2), born Jan. 14, 1649; ^^d Joseph,
born Nov. 2, 1651, died in July, 1705. Richard
Birge died in 165 1, and his widow became the wife
of Thomas Haskins, of Windsor. Jeremiah, the
third son of Richard, entered into an agreement
with his step-father to the effect that he would
serve him faithfully and well until he reached the
age of twenty-one, the consideration to be the con-
veyance to him by Haskins of a stipulated piece of
land ; it being also provided that, in the event of
the death of Jeremiah before attaining his majority,
his brother John should serve the unexpired term.
The elder brother died at the age of twenty years
and six months, and the younger son, on completing
the contract, received the reward agreed upon.
The death of Jeremiah left two sons of Rich-
ard Birge yet living : Daniel and John. Daniel,
who was propounded for a freeman in May, 1670,
married, Nov. 5, 1668, Deborah Holcomb, by whom
he was the father of three sons and six daughters :
Elizabeth, born April 25, 1670 (died in infancy) ;
Deborah, Nov. 26, 1671 ; ElizalDeth (2), Feb. 3,
1674; Mary, Dec. 25, 1677 (married before her
father's death); Daniel, Sept. 6, 1680; Abigail,
1684; John, 1690; Cornelius, July 30, 1694 (died in
1697) ; and Esther, 1697. Daniel Birge died Jan.
26, 1697-98, his wife surviving Him.
It is, however, with the younger branch of the
family, that of which John Birge, son of Richard,
was the founder, that this biography is more par-
ticularly concerned, since it is to this that the late
Nathan L. Birge belonged. John Birge, who, as
has been said, was born Jan. 14, 1649, married
Hannah Watson (or Wratson) March 28, 1678, and
died Dec. 2, 1697, Four children were born to
them: John, Jr., Feb. 4, 1679; Hannah, June 17,
1682; Jeremiah, Sept. 22, 1686; and Marv, Sept.
9, 1688.
Jeremiah Birge, the second son and third child
of John Birge, Sr., married Mary Griswold, of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
83
Windsor, in i/iS, and was the fatlier of children
as follows: Jeremiah, born Dec. 23, 1719; Mary,
Aug. 23, 1721 ; John, April 25, 1723 ; Ann, Oct. 28,.
172b; Teletiah, Sept. 8, 1728; Hannah, March 18,
1730; Mindwell, March 24, 1732; and Lucia, Sept.
23, 1736. Jeremiah, Sr., the father, died in 1775.
John Birge, known as Capt. Birge, because of
his military rank, married Mary Kellogg, who bore
liim six children: Mary, Oct. 31, 1752; John, March
15. i753o Simeon, Dec. 26, 1756; Isaac; Roswell';
Anna.
John Birge, the second child, was the grand-
father of Nathan L. Birge. The place of his birth
cannot be, fixed with absolute certainty, but is be-
lieved to have been Torrington. On March 23,
1779, he married Lydia Hopkins, of Canaan, and
to this union six children were born : Polly, Feb.
22, 1781 ; Aranda, Sept. 17, 1782; John, May 4,
17S5 ; Chester, July 23, 17S8 ; Hopkins ; and Marella,
Dec. 27, 1797. After the death of his first wife
he married, on Feb. 5, 1824, Lucy, the third of a
family of twelve children born to Ebenezer Good-
win, of New Hartford. She died in February, 1858,
without issue.
John Birge, second son of John, above, and the
father of Nathan Loomis, was born at Torrington.
After leaving school he learned the trade of a
carpenter and builder, and assisted in the erection
of Harwinton church. About 1800 he removed to
Bristol, where he settled on a farm near the old
North burying-ground, and adjoining the "Gad
Lewis" farm, and at the same time began business
as a manufacturer. His first venture in that line
was in the building of wagons, in which he was
very successful. He had a natural fondness and
aptitude for agricultural pursuits, taking a deep
interest therein until the time of his death. He
was a man of sound, practical sense, which he
brought to bear upon the affairs of everyday life,
and of excellent judgment, and to these two Cjualities
his success in life may be largely attributed.
After conducting the business of wagon making
for several years, Mr. Birge purchased a patent
covering the right to manufacture rolling-pinion
eight-day clocks. He was already the owner of
a building in which to install a plant, having pre-
viously bought the old woolen-mill, in the eastern
part of the town, upon a portion of the site of
■which stand the works of the present Codling
Manufacturing Co. Here, in connection with a
partner, he began the manufacture of clocks, the
firm being Birge & Mallory. Their goods met with
a ready and large sale from the very inception of
the enterprise, and gained for Mr. Birge a reputa-
tion throughout the United States and in Europe.
Peddlers were sent through the South and West ;
the domestic demand steadily increased, while the
export trade assumed very considerable propor-
tions : and even to this day not a few of his clocks
may be found in Bristol homes, ticking away the
hours with the regularity and accuracy of more
modern and more costly timepieces. Some of these
clocks have been running over sixty-five \ears in
the South and West. Mr. Birge continued in this
line of biusiness until within a few years of his
demise, when he retired, having accumulated a
moderate fortune. At one time he owned and ran
for a number of years the stage route between
Bristol and Piartford. Pte was a man of prominence
in the community; a public-spirited citizen, always
ready to contribute money or time toward the ad-
vancement of the general welfare. He served as
a soldier during the war of 1812, carrying a cap-
tain's commission, and adding luster to the family
name. He took a deep and active interest in po-
litical affairs, and was prominent in the councils
of the "Old-line" Whig party. His fellow towns-
men, appreciating his capability, integrity and fear-
lessness, honored him by electing him to several
offices of responsibility and trust.
From early life Mr. Birge was an earnest worker
for the advancement of religion, freely contribut-
ing of his wealth, and unselfishly devoting his best
personal eff'orts to the cause of his Master. And
in this connection it may be added, that this spirit
of generosity toward the church, and this readiness
to aid in the dissemination of Gospel truth, yet
remain characteristics of his descendants. He en-
tered into rest June 6, 1862, at tlie age of seventy-
seven, full of years and of good works, trusted and
honored by all who knew him, and most of all by
those who knew him best. Li 1810 he was married
to Miss Betsey Loomis, who was born at Torring-
ford in 1786, a daughter of Brigadier Loomis.
Nathan Loomis Birge, son of John, was born
on his father's farm in Bristol Aug. 7, 1823. After
graduating from the high school of his native town,
at the age of sixteen, he prepared for Yale Col-
lege at the Berlin Academy and at Deacon Hart's
school, Farmington, and then matriculated at Yale
College ; but after passing through the Sophomore
year he found himself compelled to abandon his
studies on account of impaired eyesight. He was,
nevertheless, able to accept a position as teacher
in the old Pearl Street Academy, in Albany, N.
Y., which he filled with marked ability for two
years, having as man}' as ninety bo}"s, whom he
instructed in the higher ^Mathematics, and in the
Languages. Some of those who were under his
pedagogic care at this period afterward attained
National, if not world-wide, celebrity, among them
being a son of William H. Seward, Gen. IMassey,
and Rev. Morgan L. Dix, of New York. After
severing his connection with the Academy ^Ir.
Birge entered the office of Stevens & Cagger, at
Albany, where for a time he read law. The legal
profession, however, did not commend itself to his
favor, and going to New York he became a part-
ner in a wholesale dry-goods house. The firm
was shortly after dissolved, owing to the death
of one of the partners, and he began to think of
engaging in business as a manufacturer. At this
84
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
juncture his father, whose trade with Great Britain
and the continent of Europe had grown to such
dimensions as to require the presence of a repre-
sentative abroad, offered him the position of Lon-
don agent, which he accepted. His management
of the business entrusted to his charge was em-
inently successful, and in 1848 he returned.
At that period of his life Mr. Birge was im-
bued with a young man's fondness for change of
scene, and the predilection for adventure which
often accompanies a daring, courageous spirit, as
one of its attributes. He joined a party of traders,
bound for what was then the "Far West." Sep-
arating himself at once from the comforts and the
restramts of civilization, he followed the course of
the Arkansas river, buying sk-ins and furs from the
aboriginal sons of the forest in exchange for mer-
chandise of a miscellaneous sort. He had a regular
trading store, and always got along very well with
the Indians. The life was hard, yet it possessed the
charm of novelty, and the venture proved a finan-
cial success. The following year occurred the epi-
demic of the California gold fever, and ]\Ir. Birge
proved an easy victim. His journey to the gold
fields (actual and prospective) occupied seven
months, and was attended by a constant recur-
rence of privations and sufferings, which might
well have caused a weaker or less resolute man to
drop by the way. There were no bridges across
any of the rivers, and he and his party were com-
pelled to swim every river they same to ; ten times
they swam the Colorado river, ferrying their per-
sonal possessions across on lightly constructed rafts.
During the entire trip they were more or less among
hostile Indians, and parties in front of jNIr. Birge's
train were cut off", as well as those following, while
other parties were completely annihilated. Only
one man attached to his train was lost, although
they had almost daily skirmishes with the hostile
Indians, who would attack them at every oppor-
tunity.
On reaching San Francisco, well-nigh destitute
of ready money, Mr. Birge found even the most
ordinary necessaries of life commanding prices too
exorbitant for him to pay. Under these circum-
stances, he accepted the invitation of a friend to
pass the coming winter in Hawaii. Early in the
succeeding spring he returned to California, and
after one summer spent in the mining camps he
resolutely set his face toward Bristol. After his
return he made the home of his childhood the home
of middle life and old age, identifying himself
with all its public interests, and always keenlv syva-
pathetic with every project which tended for its
real betterment.
Soon after his return, in 1850, Mr. Birge found-
ed the Bristol Knitting Mill, locating his plant in
the northern part of the town, in a large factory
building which had been erected by Benjamin Ray,
in 1845. Several changes in the personnel of the
firm occurred during the succeeding years, Mr.
Birge finally becoming sole owner, and managing
the Dusmess alone uncJ 1882, on beb. 10 cf which
year the mill was destroyed by fire. A new and
more complete one was immediately erected, and in
operation before the fall of the same year, the main
buildmg alone being 165x35 feet, and four stories
high. About this time he admitted his son John into
partnership. In 1893 a younger son, George, was
:aken into the firm, and after that time the business
was ccaiducted uiider the firm name of N. L. Birge
& Sons, untd the death of Mr. Birge, Oct. 29, 1899,
when it was changed to the N. L,. Birge & Sons
Co. The enterprise prospered from the beginning,
and has proved very profitable. The firm's new
mill is one of the best ec^uipped, best constructed
and best managed in New England, and gives em-
ployment to more than one hundred hands. All
descriptions of knit underwear are manufactured
here, and the superior quality and fine finish of the
output creates for it a steady demand throughout
the country, the tr.ide universally considering the
firm's goods as among the best on the market. The
New York office and salesroom of the house is
at 346 Broadway. The policy of the firm toward
its 'employes has been a liberal one, and the wages
paid have always been equal to the highest, and
sometimes in excess of those paid by other concerns
in the same line.
For many years Mr. Birge was prominently iden-
tified with the public affairs of Bristol. In 1888
he was chosen a member of the school board, and
filled that position at the time of his death. It was
during these eleven years (1890-91) that the hand-
some, new, high school building was erected. He
was one of the incorporators of the Bristol Na-
tional Bank, and was for many years its vice-presi-
dent, having declined its presidency, which was
offered him after the death of John H. Sessions.
He was also a director of the Bristol Savings Bank,
and vice-president of the Bristol Water Co. A
member of the Congregational Church, he was a
remarkably regular attendant upon its services,
rarely missing a Sunday during a period of forty-
one years, and he contributed freely toward its sup-
port and the advancement of its work. In fact,
he regarded his wealth as a trust to be administered
for the benefit of religion and humanity. His purse
strings were never drawn against a call for a worthy
charity, public or private, while the amount of his
personal benefactions to the needy, unostentatiously
bestowed, is known only to Him who said, "let not
your left hand know what your right hand doeth."
He was universally beloved and his kind smile and
cheer}' word seemed to spread light and comfort as
he went about his daily vocations. His home was an
ideal one, in every sense. His residence was, prob-
ably, the most costly in Bristol, having involved an
outlay of $50,000, and standing in the midst of
extensive grounds, the beautiful arrangement and
adornment of which told of the wealth and artistic
tastes.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
85
¥ov several years before his death, Air. Liirge's
health was not good, yet he fought against illness
with the same courage and grit which had sustained
him during his seven months of hardship while
crossing the mountains and plains of the "Far
\\'est.'' A serious disorder of the heart manifested
itself, however, in October, 1899, and on the twen-
ty-ninth of that month he passed away, aged sev-
enty-six years. He was a very bright, able man,
and coukl speak French and Spanish fluently, as
well as the Cherokee Indian language.
JMr. Birge was married, Alay 19, 1852, to Ade-
line, a daughter of Samuel B. Smith, of Bristol,
who survived him. He was the father of three sons
and one daughter : John, the eldest, was born Aug.
-5- 1853- Ellen Smith, now the widow of Charles
W'ightman, was born Aug. 12, 1855; George
Wallace, on June 8, 1870; and Frederick Morton,
on Dec. 2, i860. The last named died in 1862.
Hon. Johx Birge, the eldest son of Nathan
Loomis Birge, was educated in the Bristol com-
mon schools, and at the academy at Lake Forest,
111. His preference was for a business life, he hav-
ing inherited his father's love of an active life, as
well as his capacity for affairs. On leaving Lake
Forest he returned home, and after receiving a
thorough commercial training in his father's mill,
and under his affectionate, careful guidance, he
was admitted into partnership in 1882, as has al-
ready been told. When his father died he was
elected to fill the vacancy on the board of directors
of the First National Bank. He takes a lively and
active interest in local. State and National politics,
and is a firm believer in the necessitjr of maintain-
ing a high standard of purity in the conduct of
political affairs. He has represented the Fourth
district upon the Republican State Central Com-
mittee, a post for which his keen judgment of men,
and his readiness in devising and adapting measures
for the securing of a given end eminently qualify
him. He has also been chairman of the town com-
mittee for several terms. Mr. Birge believes in
the "young men's movement," and was several years
chairman of the Young Men's Republican Club,
which is affiliated with the State League. In 1894
he was elected to the State Senate from the Fourth
Senatorial district, sitting in that body during the
session of 1895-96.
Senator Birge comes of old Puritan stock, trac-
ing his ancestrv back to families which came from
England either on the "Alayflower" or on vessels
arriving at about the same time. His line of descent
from Richard Birge, a pioneer settler of Windsor,
has been already given. He also traces his lineage
back on his maternal side, through nine generations,
to Rev. Thomas Hooker, the originator of the Xew
England system of town and municipal government,
and the first settler and minister at Hartford, in
1636; is also a descendant, in the eighth genera-
tion, of William Smith, an early settler of Hunt-
ington, L. I. : and, in the ninth generation, of
George Smith, a member of the New Haven Colony
of 1638, as well as of Theophilus Smith, a captain
in the war of the Revolution. Another ancestor,
Samuel Terry, made and put in place the great
wooden clock in the steeple of the Congregational
church of Bristol.
On June 22, 1874, Hon. John Birge married
Miss M. Antoinette Root, a daughter of Samuel E.
Root, of Bristol. She died April 25, 1891, leav-
ing four children : Adeline, the eldest, born Aug.
16, 1875, is the wife of Judge Roger S. Newell,
of Bristol. Nathan Root, the second child and first
son, born June 16, 1877, enlisted in the First Con-
necticut Light Artillery, Battery A, known as the
"Yale Battery," for two years, and served through-
out the Spanish war, after the close of which he
was mustered out, in September, 1898; he belongs
to the class of 1900, Worcester Polytechnic Insti-
tute. The two younger children, Alarguerite. born
April 22, 1886, and John Kingsley, born Alarch 4,
1888, are at home. On Feb. i, 1893, Senator Birge
married Matilda Louise, a daughter of John Sayles
Smith, of Windham. Of this marriage there has
been no issue.
George Wallace Birge, the second and youngest
living son of Nathan L. Birge, born June 8, 1870,
graduated from the Bristol high school in 1888, and
two years later from Huntsinger's Business College,
at Hartford. He finally became a partner with his
father and brother John. On Oct. 19, 1898, he
married Aliss Eva M. Thorpe, a daughter of W.
W. Thorpe, of Bristol. They have one child,
Rachel, born Sept. 8, 1899.
HENRY C. DANIELS, better known as "Dan-
iels the Printer," the third oldest disciple of Guten-
berg now living in the city of Hartford, and probab-
ly one of the best known citizens in the State, is a
native of same, born Oct. 11, 1851, in the town of
Manchester.
Darius Daniels, his grandfather, was a promi-
nent farmer in his daj-, for manv years a resident
of Andover, Conn., whence he came to Hartford
county, for some time making his home with his
son Charles, in East Hartford, and thence remov-
ing to Plainville, Conn., where he passed the rest
of his days at the home of a daughter, dying in
1870, at the age of eighty-one years. Bv his wife.
Mary (Rathbun), he had seven children, five of
whom are yet living : Charles S., in \\'ethersfield ;
Aaron AI., sketch of whom follows: Harriet (Mrs.
Kennedy), living in Burnside, Hartford county;
Joseph R., also in Burnside; and Elizabeth (Mrs.
William Spencer), a resident of Plainville. Conn.
The mother of this family died in Plainville in
1880, at the age of ninety-two years.
Aaron M. Daniels, father of Henrv C, was born
March 7, 1819, in Springfield, Alass., coming in
boyhood to Hartford, where his life has been main-
ly passed. For some time he was in the patenting
business, and issued a number of valuable patents;
86
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
also- engaged in insurance writing, in both of which
lines he made a success. In 1843 he married Maria
G. Ensworth, born in Andover, Conn., daughter of
Jeremiah Ensworth, of the same nativit}-, and Sophia
(Kennedy), a native of Burnside, Conn., who had
a family of five children, all now deceased ; the
mother passed away at the age of seventy-five years.
To Aaron M. and i\Iaria G. Daniels were born three
children, two of whom are yet living: Sarah J. and
Henry C. (our subject). Sarah J. has been twice
married, first time to Alfred D. Hart, who died in
1869, at the age of thirty, and by whom he had one
son, Alfred D., who married Carrie E. Sperry, and
by her had five children, Iver S., Ethel R., Jennie,
Eva B., and Alfred. Mrs. Hart subsequently wedded
Dwight North, late of Hartford, to whom she bore
two sons, Dwight and Horace. Mr. North passed
away in 1S90. Mrs. Aaron M. Daniels died in
1896, at the age of seventy-five years, a member
of the JNI. E. Church, as is also her husband.
Henry C. Daniels, the subject proper of these
lines, received a liberal education at the common
schools of Hartford, and at the age of thirteen years
commenced learning the trade of printer in the office
of William C. Hutchings, of Hartford, following
same as a journeyman for some time, including
three years in New Haven. Removing thence to
Worcester, he there carried on a printing busi-
ness two years, after which he returned to Hart-
ford, and in that city has since continued to make
his home. About fourteen years ago Mr. Daniels
established his present business, at No. 284 Asylum
street, and by close attention to his work, fair deal-
ing, and courteous treatment of his patrons, has
met with well-merited success.
On Oct. 14, 1874, Mr. Daniels was married to
Mary E. Kempton, who was born in New Haven,
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Kempton,
an old family of that locality, and two children,
Henry Christie and George, both now , deceased,
were born of this union. In politics Mr. Daniels is
a Democrat. SociaUy he is a rnjember of Summit
Lodge, I. O. O. F. ;'of Jewell Council, No. 8, Jr.
O. U. A. M. ; of Charter Oak Commandery, No. 26,
O. U. A. M.; Charter Oak Council, No. 3, O. U.
A. M. ; the Royal Society of Good Fellows ; and of
Hubbard Escort, and in'allof these he has taken
an active interest, his words of council having much
weight in their councils.
As an attest to Mr. Daniels' wide popularity,
perhaps nothing more fitting could be cited than the
signal victory he achieved in the Washington Trip
Contest of the Hartford Post, in January, 1900.
We quote from the Post : 'Tn that competition the
candidate receiving the largest vote was given a
week's trip to Washington at the expense of the
paper, dating from Alarch 4th, the anniversary of
McKinley's inauguration, until the nth inst. This
trip also included the successful candidate's wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniels won the contest, they having
a grand total vote in the preliminary and final com-
petition of 32,250. The total vote throughout the
State was 134,898. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels went to
Washington, saw all the sights, and shook hands
with the President."
FREDERICK HENRY WILLIAMS, M. D.,
a leading physician of Bristol, has met with remarka-
ble success in the treatment of disease, and his
practice extends all through western Connecticut
and the Connecticut Valley. He was born in 1846^
in Pleasant Valley, Barkhamsted, Conn., of good
Colonial ancestry, two of his great-grandfathers
having fought in the Revolutionary army. An.
abstract from his genealogical record is as follows :
Paternal side. — (I) Capt. George Barbour,
born 161 5, and who settled in Dedham, Mass., about
1635, was a paternal ancestor eight removes. A
female descendant, in the fourth generation, mar-
ried a Havens; her daughter (V) Mehitable Ha-
vens married Hezekiah Whitney ; his daughter
(VI) Juliette Whitney married Jesse Williams;.
(VII) Orville Williams married Minerva Gillett.
Williaiiis — (I) Jesse Williams married Lois Col-
lins at Rocky Hill, Conn. Jesse (2) married Ju-
liette Whitney. (Ill) Orville married Minerva
Gillette.
Maternal side. — (I) Rene Cosset, born in
Paris, France, 1-690, married in 1716, in New Ha-
ven, Conn., Ruth Porter, daughter of Dr. John
Porter. (II) Rene, born 1722, married Phoebe
Hilyer, of Granby. (HI) Rosene Cosset, born
1759, married Abel Adams, a Revolutionary sol-
dier. (IV) Lurana Adams married Almon Gil-
let. (V) Minerva Gillett married Dr. Orville
Williams. (VI) Frederick H. Williams. Adams.
— (I) Lieut. George Adams early in 1600 married,
in London, England, a dau<?hter of Conrad Street-
holt. (II) George Adams was in Watertown,
Alass., in 1645. (Ill) Daniel, born 1659, married
Mary Phelps in Simsbury. (IV) Joseph, born
1685, married Mary Case. (V) Matthew, born
1724, married Susanah Eno. (VI) Abel, born
1756, married Rosene Cosset (above). Gillett. —
(I) Joseph Gillett married Elizabeth Hayes, Sims-
bury, 1740. (II) Benoni Gillett, born 1762, mar-
ried Penelope Hubbard; he was a Revolutionary
soldier. (Ill) Almon married Lurana Adams.
Dr. Williams' parents died before he reached
the age of ten years, and since that time he has
made his own way -n the world. His early life
was mainly spent in Granby, Conn., and he after-
ward went' to Hartford to pursue his studies. When
nearly ready to enter a medical college in 1869
he suddenly lost his hearing. This was a severe
blow to the young man, but he persevered in his
efforts to obtain an education, supporting himself
in the meantime by working in printing offices
and drug stores until 1874, when he was examined
and given a diploma by the Censors of the Connecti-
cut Botanico MedicafSociety, and in 1880 received
another from the Connecticut Eclectic Association.
^ ^' Jruic^-t^v^ A0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
87
He is a member of tlie National Eclectic Associa-
tion, and has always had a large practice, especially
in obscure and chronic cases. Dr. Williams mar-
ried, in 1885, Janetta E. Hart, of Pleasant Valley,
Conn., and has one daughter, Frances Hart, born
in 1886.
The Doctor has not devoted himself exclusively
to the study of medicine, but is an ardent student
of scientific subjects of all kinds, especially surface
geology, .anthropology and archaeology. He has
one of the finest pre-historic archaeological col-
lections in the State, if not in New England. He
has published "Prehistoric Remains of the Farm-
ington Valley." He takes a deep interest in all
things pertaining to the welfare of Bristol, and was
the first to propose the formation of the Bristol
Historical Societ}-. In politics he is a stanch Gold
Democrat, and at all times he has been a firm be-
liever in human liberty, being strongly opposed to
all forms of oppression, either personal or muni-
cipal.
In literary matters Dr. Williams has always
taken a deep interest, and he is himself a writer of
both power and ability. During the long course
of years since he was deprived of his hearing he
has been an cmniverous reader, besides taking up
the study of various languages. Bishop Berkeley
once said of President Johnson, of Kings College
(now Columbia), that he could write in Latin,
think in Hebrew and speak in Greek. This same
statement would almost be true in the case of Dr.
Williams ; for, besides having an intimate knowledge
of Latin, he can read French, German, Spanish
and Swedish. Much of his reading of foreign au-
thors is done in the language in which they wrote.
As a writer he has contributed occasionally to medi-
cal magazines and newspapers in the form of essays
on scientific and other subjects, which have attracted
considerable attention. He is a keen student of
men and affairs, and his knowledge of political
parties, their candidates, principles and motives,
is not surpassed in this locality. He wields a
scathing pen in questions where he considers that
ignorance is triumphing over the fundamental
principles of religious or political thought. As a
historical student Dr. Williams has few peers
among the laity, for in the course of his reading he
has paid special attention to the history of this and
other nations. There are few phases of American
or European history with which he is not familiar.
His historical sketches are chiefl}' of a local nature
and uncollected : but they show uncommon power
of discernment in analyzing chronological data, and
preparing it for popular reading. As a poet Dr.
W'illiams has much talent, although he has pub-
lished very little. His style is spirited, flowing
and graceful ; his versification almost always very
smooth and harmonious. In spicv pungency of
satire and a certain elegance and grace of manner
without an approach to stiffness or formality, he
has few rivals among amateur verse makers. His
poetical productions are the delight of his friends,
as they would be to the reading public, if his mod-
esty permitted their publication. — [Frederick Cal-
vin Norton.]
HON. ROBERT ANSEL POTTER, a promi-
nent resident and real-estate dealer of Bristol, was
born in Thomaston, Conn., Jan. 29, 1840, son of
Tertius D. and Esther B. (Frisbie) Potter.
Our subject's father, Tertius Daniel Potter, born
Sept. 25, 1793, also in Thomaston, was a very thrifty
farmer, and owner of one of the largest farms in
his part of the State. Fie was the Whig repre-
sentative in the State Legislature from Thomas-
ton in 1837 and 1838. He was one of the deacons
of the Congregational Church in Plymouth, Conn.,
near Thomaston, and was one of the original pro-
moters of the church at the latter place, becoming
a deacon when it was there established, and so
continued until seventy-five years old, when he
resigned. Pie died Jan. 10, 1891, in Thomaston.
Mr. Potter married Miss Esther Barnes Frisbie,
who was born in Bristol in 1S05.
Hon. Robert Ansel Potter was born and reared
on a farra, and received his earlv education in the
Thomaston common schools, which he attended un-
til sixteen years old, later attending Williston .Sem-
inary, Easthampton, Mass., until nineteen, at which
age he graduated. For one term he taught school
at Terryville. Fie then went to New Haven, and
for a year and a half kept books for David W.
Buckingham, a grocer. Mr. Potter then started
for the West, with the expectation of locating
there, but in the meanwhile the Civil war broke
forth, and he returned to his native town.
In June, 1862, Mr. Potter enlisted, at Thomas-
ton, in Company D, 19th Conn. V. L, which, after
being mutsered in, was changed to the 2d Conn.
H. A. Mr. Potter took part in the battle of Cold
Harbor, and then in all the engagements around
Petersburg-, Va., was with Gen. Phil Sheridan all
through the Shenandoah Valley campaign, and later
with the Army of the Potomac, and finally was
present at the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
His only casualty was a slight wound sustained
at Cold Harbor, but a more serious afHiction was an
attack of chills and fever, the effects of which clung
to him long after the war had ceased. When he
first started out he was commissioned second lieu-
tenant, and he was mustered out in September, 1865,
with the rank of captain.
After returning from the war, Capt. Potter went
to St. Louis, Mo., where he and his brother, Luther
H. Potter, embarked in the commission business
for two years. They then sold out, as the sickness
engendered in the army compelled the Captain to
return to the East. For two years he was employed
as bookkeeper at New Haven, Conn., by Cornelius
Pierpont, treasurer of the Street Railway Com-
pany and also a grocer. In 1S69 he came to Bristol,
and for about two years was superintendent of Joel
H. Root's factory, for making brass hinges for
88
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cabinets, boxes, etc., then becoming secretary of
the Bristol Saw Co. for six _vears, when the company
sold out. For about three years thereafter Mr.
Potter was engaged in the real-estate business, dur-
ing which time he laid out several streets and built
many houses ; he also traveled a year for the Alden
Emery Co., of Boston, as salesman. In 1883 he
bought a farm at Plainville, and for seven years
gave most of his attention to raising fine stock,
in 1890 settling in Bristol, where he has ever since
been doing a leading real-estate business.
In politics Mr. Potter is a thorough Republican,
and has long held the confidence of his party. While
in Plainville he was first selectman of the town two
years, justice of the peace several years, and chair-
man of the school board a number of terms. In
1889 he represented that town in the State Legis-
lature. In 1 89 1 he was elected chairman of the
Republican town committee of Bristol. In 1892
and 1893 he was tax collector for the town of Bris-
tol, and in 1895 was elected by the Legislature as
commissioner for four years. In 1894 he was elect-
ed a member of the Republican State Central Com-
mittee, serving until 1898, and again elected in 1900,
being now a member.
On May 18, 1869, was celebrated the marriage
of Capt. Robert A. Potter with jNIiss Lucy Man-
ville, of Great Barrington, Mass., who was born
Sept. II, 1844, and is a daughter of Linus and
Diantha (Sage) Manville. On Oct. 16, 1873, this
marriage was crowned by the birth of a daughter,
Louise Manville Potter, who is a graduate of the
Plainville high school, and still has her home under
the parental roof. The family attend the Congre-
gational Church, of which Mr. Potter was a deacon
during his residence in PlainVille, and a deacon in
Bristol, also, as well as treasurer of the Bristol
Congregational Society.
2\Ir. Potter has always felt a deep interest in
agriculture, and especially in dairying. For two
years — 1893 and 1894 — ^lie was president of the
Connecticut Dairymen's Association, and at the
World's Fair in Chicago had charge of Connecti-
cut's dairy exhibits. Capt Potter is a riiember of
Newton F. Manross Post, No. 54, G. A. R., of
Forestville, of which he is post commander ;
is also a member of the Hartford Club : and Frank-
lin Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., of Bristol.
SAMUEL NELSON KELLOGG. The Kel-
logg family is of old Colonial stock, and the sub-
ject of this sketch, a well-known resident of Hart-
ford, is in the seventh generation in descent from
Lieut. Joseph Kellogg, an officer in King Philip's
war.
(I) The name of Lieut. Joseph Kellogg appears
in the records of Farmington for 1651. In 1659
he removed to Boston, purchasing a home on Rox-
bury road, now Washington street, and later he
settled in Hadley, Mass., where he died about 1707;
his homestead there is in a good state of preserva-
tion. He was prominent in public affairs, serving
many terms as selectman of Hadley, and in 1676,
during King Philip's war, he was in command as
lieutenant at the "Falls fight," South Hadley Falls,
Mass. His first wife, Joanna, died Sept. 14, 1666,
and on May 9, 1667, he married Miss Abigail Terry,
daughter of Stephen Terry, of Windsor, Con-
necticut.
(II) Deacon Samuel Kellogg was born in Had-
ley, Mass., Sept. 28, 1662, and died in Hartford
in 1717. In the records of one of the Hartford
churches, for March 17, 1695, he is named as dea-
con, and in 1713 he was among the twenty-nine
members of the Second Church who founded a
church in the west division of Hartford. On Sept.
22, 1687, he married Sarah Merrill, daughter of
Deacon John Merrill, and granddaughter of Na-
thaniel Merrill. Her mother, Sarah Watson, was a
daughter of John Watson, of Hartford.
(III) Capt. Isaac Kellogg was born in Hart-
ford in 1696, and died in New Hartford July 3,
1787. In 1742 he removed to New Hartford, and
was regarded as one of the founders of the town,
being a deacon in the church and a leader in public
afl'airs. As a magistrate he showed much ability,
and in 1795 he served as justice of the peace, being
the first justice of the town (he held this office in
both Hartford and Litchfield counties, serving in all
twenty-eight terms), which he represented as dep-
uty for twenty-five terms. In 1744 he was chosen
captain of the ist Company of Militia at New
Hartford. On Dec. 26, 1717, he married Mary
Webster, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Judd)
Webster, granddaughter of Lieut. Robert and Su-
sanna (Treat) Webster, and great-granddaughter
of Gov. John Webster. Susanna Treat was a sis-
ter of Gov. Robert Treat, and daughter of Hon.
Richard Treat, patentee of the Connecticut Char-
ter, 1662.
(IV) Samuel Kellogg, born in Hartford Nov.
15, 1 718, died in Poultney, Vt., about 1770. In
1742 he made his home in Enfield, where he en-
gaged in manufacturing. Four of his sons — Eben-
ezer, Leverett, Helmont and Samuel — served in the
Revolutionary army, and one of them, Leverett,
was captured at Fort Ticonderoga in 1776, at the
age of twenty-three years, and while a prisoner
was starved to death. On July 8, 1741, Samuel
Kellogg married Mary Steele, daughter of Eben-
ezer and Melatiah (Bradford) Steele, and of the
fourth generation in descent from Gov. William
Bradford, who came to America in the "May-
flower" in 1620; she was of the third generation
from William Bradford, Jr., deputy-governor of the
Plymouth Colony.
(V) Ebenezer Kellogg, born in Enfield, Conn.,
Sept. 6, 1751, died in New Hartford July 17, 1843.
He served in the Revolutionary war, and for many
years engaged in manufacturing. On Dec. 9,
1779, he married Molly Bissell, daughter of Joel
and Mercy (Bishop) Bissell, granddaughter of
Lieut. Isaac Bissell, of Litchfield, Conn., and a de-
SAMUEL H. KELLOGG
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
scendant of Capt. John Bissell, of Windsor, an
officer in King Philip's war.
(\"I) George Comfort Kellogg, born in New
Hartford March 17, 1788, died in New Hartford
April 19, 1847. He was president of the New
Hartford Manufacturing Co., and an inventor of
machinery some of which came into practical and
profitable use. He was also active in local politics,
and served in the Legislature. On Dec. 3, 1818,
he married Clarissa Brown, daughter of Sanford
and Hannah (Parsons) Brown, granddaughter of
Daniel Brown, Jr., and great-granddaughter of
Daniel Brown, of Sandisfield, jNIass. Sanford
Brown served in the war of 1812, and was badly
wounded.
(Yll) Samuel Nelson Kellogg was' born in
New Hartford, Conn., Nov. 21, 1820, and was edu-
cated in the common and high schools. He re-
moved to Hartford in 1837, and entered the em-
ploy of A. M. Collins & Sons, wholesale dry-goods
dealers, remaining three years. In 1841 he went to
St. Louis, where he was a partner in the wholesale
dry-goods house of Collins & Kellogg until the
beginning of the Civil war. From 1864 to 1870
he was a member of the firm of J. V. Farwell &
Co., Chicago, but since the great fire of 1871 he
has lived retired, first in New Haven, Conn., in
1876 returning to Hartford.
On Sept. 5, 1850, 'Sir. Kellogg, married Helen,
daughter of Noah and Sophronia (Parsons)
Cooiey, and they have two children, Charles C.
and Helen Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Kellogg is
a Republican, and he and his family attend the
Center Church.
EVELYN L. THORP, blacksmith, Milldale,
town of Southington, Hartford County, Connecticut.
WILLIAM BRO S^^IITH, counsel for the Trav-
elers Insurance Co., Hartford, with the legal busi-
ness of which he has been connected since January,
1895, has been identified with a number of large
corporations and insurance companies in that ca-
pacity during his successful professional career of
a quarter of a century.
Mr. Bro Smith was born Nov. 8, 1854, in New
York City, where his early life was passed. His
preparatory education was gained in the public
schools and the schools of the Christian Brothers,
in that city, and he studied law with Beach & Be-
man and J- S. L. Cummins, being admitted to the
New York Bar in February, 1876, since when he
has been engaged in active practice. For the first
four years he devoted himself to general law work,
but his energies have for the most part been di-
rected to insurance and corporation law. as counsel
for a number of corporations and insurance organi-
zations. In Januarv, 1895, he came to Hartford, to
assume a connection with the law department of the
Travelers Insurance Co., which he has ever since
maintained, and in igoo was made counsel — his
present incumbency. He is now a member of the
Hartford County Bar. Mr. Bro Smith has been
director in various corporations in New York and
New Jersey. His political affiliations are with the
Democratic partv. in the work of which he took an
active interest while in New York City.
RICHARD J. GOODMAN, a member of the
legal profession in Hartford, comes of a family
which has long been one of the most respected in
New England, and his father was for a number of
years a prominent business man of Hartford.
Richard Goodman, the first of the 'family of
which we have record, came from England with the
Plymouth Bay Colony, located first in Cambridge,
and came to Hartford with P.ev. Mr. Hooker, be-
ing one of the first settlers. Later he removed to
Hadley, Mass., where he was killed by the Indians
April I, 1676.
The next in line of descent, also named Richard,
was born ]\Iarch 23, 1663, in Hadley, Mass., and
came to Hartford, where he died Alay 14, 1730.
Timothy Goodman, son of Richard (2), was born
Sept. 22, 1706, in West Hartford, and died March
12, 1786. He married Johanna Wadsworth,
granddaughter of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, of
Charter Oak fame.
Richard Goodman, son of Timothy, was born
April 10, 1748, in W2st Hartford, and died in
May, 1834. He served in the Revolution, being a
member of Capt. Seymour's Company.
Aaron Goodman, son of Richard, was born in
\A'est Hartford, July 20, 1773, and died Alarch 28,
1832, in Hartford. He married Alma Cossitt, who
lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
They had a large family, all now deceased, of whom
are mentioned : Edward, who was a practicing law-
ver 'in Hartford for many years ; Julia ; Almira ;
and Aaron Cossitt, father of our subject.
Aaron Cossitt Goodman was born April 23. 1822,
in West Hartford, and there passed his early life,
acquiring his education in the public schools. He
commenced active life at the early age of thirteen
years, in 1835 becoming a clerk in Sumner's book
store. Hartford. In 1841 he went to Philadelphia,
to take a position in the house opened there by A. S.
Barnes & Co., btit returned to Hartford the year fol-
lowing and went into partnership with his former
employer, under the firm name of Sumner & Good-
man. Buying his partner out in 1848. he contin-
ued the business alone vmtil 1852, when he em-
barked in the paper business in New York City.
Mr. Goodman was one of the original stockholders
and directors of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance
Co.. of Hartford, and became president thereof in
1875, having- returned to that city in 1873 and se-
cured the controlling interest in its stock. He con-
tinued in that position until 1889, in which year the
company was reorganized and he sold out, dissolv-
ing his connection with the concern. From that
time until his death Mr. Goodman lived quietly,
interesting himself in various public and private
90
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
charities. He was a member of Trinity Church.
Fraternally he affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the
F. & A. M., in the latter connection holding member-
ship in St. John's Lodge. During his earlier man-
hood he belonged to the fire department, serving in
the old Sack and Bucket Company; and was cap-
tain of the Hartford Light Guard, formerly the
Buckingham Rifles, and served on the staff of Gen.
Frank Bacon. Mr. Goodman died July 29, 1899.
Aaron C. Goodman married Miss Annie M,
Johnston, a native of New York City, daughter of
Robert R. and jNIary Sears (Hatch) Johnston. Mr.
Johnston died at the age of seventy-four, in West-
field, N. J. The Johnstons are thought to be de-
scended from Dr. John Johnston, who came to this
country from Scotland in 1685, and settled at Perth
Amboy, N. J. Mrs. Mary S. Johnston was also
descended from an old family, one of her ancestors
being John Alden, of the "Mayflower." Of the chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Aaron C. Goodman four
are living: Annie G., who married Rev. John F.
Plumb, of St. John's Church, New Milford ; Emilie,
who married Rev. Richard Wright, of Windsor
Locks ; Mary A. ; and Richard J. Edward died in
1872. in Brooklyn, New York.
Richard J. Goodman was born March 23, 1875,
in Hartford. After attending the common schools
and the Hartford Public High School he entered
the Academic Department of Yale University, from
which he graduated in 1896, and in 1899 graduated
from the Yale Law School, being admitted to prac-
tice in January of that year.
THOMAS F. KANE, A. B., M. D., one of
Hartford's able and successful physicians, was born
in that city Feb. 23, 1863, and his large practice has
been gained among those who have known him from
childhood.
Like many of our most enterprising citizens he
is of Irish descent, the family having originated in
County Clare, Ireland. His grand'father, Daniel
Kane, was a tenant farmer in County Clare, till-
ing a larger estate than the average, 'and wielded
a decided influence in local affairs. Of his children
only one son, Patrick, lived to adult age.
Patrick Kane, our subject's father" was born
in County Clare, received a good education for his
time in the National schools of his native place, and
became a farmer. In 1846 he crossed the Atlan-
tic, landing at St. John, N. B. In 1847 he located
at Hartford, where his remaining years were spent
as a laborer, his death occurring in 1867. He was
a man of good natural abilities, and his honest, up-
right character won him the respect of all who knew
him. In religious faith he was a Catholic, and
after his removal to Hartford he became a member
of St. Peter's Church, with which his family is still
identified. He married Bridget Spellacy, who is
now living in Hartford, at the age of seventy-three,
and they had four children: Mary, who has been
a teacher in the South school of Hartford for twen-
ty-two years ; Margaret Matilda, a teacher in Brown
school district for eighteen years; Thomas F., our
subject; and Miss Nellie, who is at home. Mrs.
Kane is a woman of strong character, and when left
a widow with four children to support she bravely
met the task, giving them all excellent educational
advantages. She was born in County Clare, Ire-
land, and was the first of her family to come to
America. As time passed she sent for others, and
finally, in 1846, her father, James Spellacy, sailed
from Limerick to complete the family circle here.
By occupation James Spellacy was a farmer, and
after coming to America located on a farm.
Thomas F. Kane first attended the South school
in Hartford, and after a few years' study in the high
school went to Worcester, Mass., in 1880, to enter
the College of the Holy Cross. He completed the
classical course in 1884, receiving the degree of
A. B., and in the fall of the same year entered the
Medical Department of Harvard College, where
he remained two years. The last year of his course
was spent in Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
New York City, and on graduating, in 1887, he
established himself in general practice at Hartford.
He has never had a partner, and his success has
been gained solely on his own merits, as shown in
the effective treatment of disease. He is a member
of the City, County, and State Medical Societies, and
is a memlDer of the executive committee of the city
organization. Sociall)' the Doctor is connected
with the Knights of Columbus, and he is prominent
in municipal affairs, although not especially inter-
ested in the political questions of the day. In
1891 and 1897 he was elected a member of the board
of school visitors, for terms of three years, and in
1893 he was appointed a health commissioner by
Mayor Hayden, in this work proving so invalua-
ble that he has since served continuously, having
been re-appointed in 1896 and 1899. In the spring
of 1900 he was elected president of the board of
health.
FREDERICK R. LOYDON, Connecticut State
Agent for the Travelers Insurance Co., Hartford,
has, in his connection with various leading com-
panies, become well and favorably known in in-
surance circles in that city. He is of good American
stock, being descended on the maternal side from
the Backus family, one of the oldest in Connecti-
cut, and his father served honorably in both the
Mexican and Civil wars, being in the army at the
time of his death.
Mr. Loydon was born Aug. 6, 1861, in Cuba,
Alleganv Co., N. Y., son of Marshall Marvin and
Mary Melinda (Backus) Loydon. Marshall ]\L
Loydon was born Sept. 29, 1820, in Boston, Mass.,
where he spent his early I'ife, and learned the tailor's
trade.
On Sept. 21, 1840, he enlisted, at Utica, N. Y.,
in the United States service, and remained in the
army five years, being discharged Sept. 21, 1845,
at the expiration of his term of service, at Fort
Marion, Fla., as a private of Company E, 8th
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
91
United States Infantry. He saw service in the
Indian and Mexican wars under Gen. Noble. Mr.
Loydon resided in various places, in Canada, Chi-
cago, 111., Hartford, Conn., and finally removed to
New York State, settling in the western part. On
]\Iay I, 1861, he enlisted from Cuba for service in
the Civil war, raising one of the first companies
in western New York State, at the first call for
troops. At the time he held the rank of second
lieutenant in the 64th Regiment, 30th Brigade, 8th
Division, New York State Militia, his commission
being dated Aug. 6, 1858. On his enlistment he was
made captain in the 23d N. Y. V. I., with which
he served six months, when he resigned. Re-enlist-
ing, he was on Aug. 27, 1862, appointed first lieu-
tenant in the 136th N. Y. V. I., having raised an-
other company, with which he served in all its
skirmishes and engagements until his resignation,
when he returned to Cuba. N. Y. Removins;- to
Mayville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., he there raised an-
other company at the close of 1863, entering the
service with same Jan. 6, 1864, on which date he
was made captain of Company L, 15th N. Y. V.
C. He was in the battle of Newmarket, and shortly
afterward came home on sick leave, and he died
within two weeks, of typhoid fever, Oct. 5, 1864.
His letters, explaining all his movements, are still
in the possession of his son, our subject. Mr.
Loydon was actively engaged in many battles and
actions of various degrees of importance, and won
an enviable record for bravery and honor. He was
a great reader, and a man of intelligence, and was
universally respected.
On Nov. 5, 1857, Mr. Loydon married Mary
-\Ielinda Backus, and five children blessed their
union, all of whom survive : Charles N. ; Josephine
Clark, I\Irs. J. George Young, of Hartford ; Mar-
shall M., of New York; Frederick R., whose name
introduces this sketch ; and Albert H., who is with
the Daniels W\\\ Co., Hartford. After the death of
her husband Mrs. -Loydon removed to Albion, N.
Y.. residing there until 1874, since when she has
made her home in Hartford. She is a member of
the South Congregational Church.
The Backus F.vmily, to which !\Irs. 3.[arv Isl.
Loydon belongs, was founded in America by William
BackuSj^of Saybrook, Conn., 1638, he being the com-
raCTTancestors of the Norwich and Windham county
famihes. In iSfeo he removed to Norwich as one of
the original proprietors of the place ; was made
a freeman in 1663, and died in 1664.
(II) William Backus (2), son of William of
Saybrook, was also an original proprietor of Nor-
wich, Conn., and one of its most enterprising set-
tlers. He became one of the original proprietors of
AA'indham : was one of the sixteen Norwich lega-
tees of Joshua L^ncas, from which estate he re-
ceived three shares of 1,000 acres eacli. He mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of \A'illiam Pratt, of Say-
brook. She died in 1730, and Mr. Backus about
1720.
(III) Samuel Backus, son of William (2),
born in 1693, married in 1 719 .Sarah Gard, and lived
in Windham.
(IV) Nathaniel Backus, of Windham, son of
Samuel, born in 1728, married in 1753 Elizabeth,
daughter of Robert Hebard. She died in 1813,
aged eighty-three years.
(V) Luther Backup, son of Nathaniel, born
about 1772, was married three times, and was the
father of twenty-one children, the largest family, it
is believed, ever raised in Windham. His third wife
was Melinda Lyman. Mr. Backus died in 1855.
fVI) Henry Backus, son of Luther, married in ij^
1819 Susanna D. Sawyer, daughter of Daniel and
Susanna (Dennison) Sawyer. Mr. Backus died in
1841. Nine children were born to this marriage:
Julia A., Albert H., Christopher A., Huldah M.,
Eliza E., Luther F., Mary M., Chester H., and
George A. Four still survive: Eliza E.. Mrs.
George Severance, of Hudson, Iowa ; Chester H. ;
George A. ; and Mary M.. Mrs. Loydon, who was
born Dec. 3, 1830, in Windham, Connecticut.
Frederick R. Loydon received his education
at Albion, N. Y.. and Hartford, attending school
up to the age of fourteen, when he became a cash
boy in the drv-goods store of Hichborn & Foster, re-
maining with them one year. For the next six
months he was a telegraph, messenger boy, and then
became cashier in Capt. Sluyter's coffee-house in
Market street, holding that position one year, after
which he accepted similar employment in Fred
Kingsley's market, on Asylum street, where he also
discharged the duties of bookkeeper. Here he re-
mained six years, at the end of which time he en-
tered the actuary's department of the Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Co., serving there six years,
and subsequently four years in the bond and mort-
gage department, resigning in July, 1892, when he
became State agent of the United States JMutual
Accident Association of New York. On Jan. 12,
1895, Mr. Loydon engaged with the Travelers as
District Agent, continuing thus until i\Iarch. 1807,
when he was appointed to the position he still holds,
that of State Agent. ]\Ir. Lovdon has attained the
thirty-second degree in the IMasonic fraternity, be-
ing a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. & A.
M. ; Wolcott Council. R. & S. M. ; Pythagoras
Chapter, R. A. M. : Washington Commandery, K.
T. ; Scottish Rite Masons : and a charter member of
Sphinx Temple, Mvstic Shrine.
On Sept. 16. 1886, IMr. Loydon married Miss
Marv L. Reillv, a native of Hartford, and thev have
had three children : Marv Elizabeth and Frederick
R.. Jr., survive; Urania Josephine, the second, died
when eleven days old. Mrs. Loydon is one of the
ten children born to Christopher and Elizabeth
rWeldon) Reillv. five of whom are still living:
Elizabeth, J\Irs. AA''arren S. Tavlor; Annie J.: Chris-
topher J., who is in the Klondike: John F., an
electrician at the Connecticut State Prison : and
Mary L., Mrs. Loydon, who is the youngest. The
92
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father, who was a contractor and builder for many
years, died at the age of sixty-five. Xhe mother is
still living.
HEXRY STANWOOD ATWOOD is one of
the progressive citizens of Hartford, a man of
wealth, and one whose success in life is the result
of his own assiduous efforts, guided by native
shrewdness and sound judgment.
The family to which our subject belongs traces
its descent to Dr. Thomas Atwood, who was one
of Cromwell's captains of horse during what is com-
monh' spoken of by English historians as the First
Civil war, taking part in the four great battles of
that struggle, including the fierce engagement at
Marston Moor, July 2, 1644. The old soldier set-
tled at Plymouth in 1647, and died at Wethersfield,
Conn., in 1682. At the age of fifty-nine he married
a lady whom he had seen as a babe in the cradle, at
the first homestead at which he had stopped after
landing in the New World. He was the father of
four children, of whom the youngest, Josiah, was the
great-great-grandfather of Henry S. Atwood. Jo-
siah Atwood was born Oct. 4, 1673, and died Jan.
I/' 1753- He was the first of the family to settle
in the Connecticut Colony. He was engaged in the
West India trade, and the loss of a vessel with its
cargo so affected his fortune that he was obliged to
surrender to his creditors the manor house which
he had inherited from his father. His son, Ashur,
was born Dec. 27, 1729, and died April 21, 1808.
Ezekiel Atwood, son of Ashur, and grandfather of
Henry S., was born Aug. 19, 1764, and married Han-
nah Francis, bom March 22, 1770. They were the
parents of three children: Josiah, born April 26,
1794; Sarah, March 11, 1798 (married Rev.
Henrv Stanwood, of Ivalamazoo, Mich.) ; and
Francis, Aug. 27, 1803.
Francis Atwood, father of Henry S., married
Eunice E. White, Jan. 14, 1840. Her father, Sam-
xiel White, served his country as a soldier in two
wars, at the age of fifteen ^^ears enlisting in the Rev-
olutionary army ; he was then so short that he
stod on tiptoe in order to comply with the military
requirements as to height. Returning home, he
married, at Granby, and later fought in the war of
1812. His second marriage was to a Miss East-
man (daughter of Squire Eastman), who was the
grandmother of Henry S. Francis Atwood was
the father of three sons : Herman W., Oliver E.,
and Henry Stanwood. Herman W., born Nov.
22, 1840, was a prominent druggist in New York
City, his store being located at No. 846 Broadway ;
"he died Oct. 22, 1897. Oliver E. was born Sept.
14, 1843, and died Feb. 11, 1888, at Chicago, Illi-
nois.
Henry S. Atwood was born June i, 1847. He
was educated in the public schools, and at the
Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, in Hart-
iord. When eighteen years old he went to New
York, to begin a mercantile career, but within a
year his father's failing health necessitated his re-
turn home, and in 1866 he took charge of the
farm, which embraced 150 acres. On attaining his
majority he bought the property, assuming an in-
debtedness of $21,000. For so young a man, with-
out financial resources, such a burden would appear
to be stupendous. But he had inherited from his
Revolutionary grandsire a courage and hardihood
equal to the task. He was young, strong, both
physically and mentally, of resolute will and earnest
perseverance; why should he hesitate? The result
more than justified his confidence in himself.
Within a few years his debt had become merely a
memory, and his pluck and industry, joined to sa-
gacity, had placed him on the high road to success.
For some five years he was engaged in the whole-
sale milk business, his annual sales aggregating
$5,000. Dealing in cattle formed one of his chief
interests for fifteen years, his purchases being made
chiefly in New York and Connecticut, and not in-
frequently amounting to eighty head in a day. He
has also been interested in buying and selling fine
horses, and, to a limited extent, in breeding the
same, sometimes selling a team for as much as
$2,000.
Mr. Atwood has from time to time disposed of
portions of his original farm, yet his present hold-
ings amount to seventy-five acres of valuable land.
The story of such lives as his are full of interest,
and to young men such narratives convey at once
a lesson and an encouragement. Self-made in the
best sense of that term, which is too often employed
to explain or apologize for a life of selfishness and
greed, - he has built his fortune, stone by stone,
through industrjr and integrity, and in the construc-
tion of the edifice has never lost sight of his duties
to his fellows. He has not yet passed middle life,
and Hartford may hope for much from the public
spirit and philanthrophy of such men as he. A
Republican in politics, Mr. Atwood has never cared
to take a prominent part in political affairs, al-
though in 1899 he consented to represent the Eighth
ward in the city council. An evidence of the es-
teem in which he is held by his neighbors and fel-
low citizens is afforded by the fact that he was
elected by a majority of 553, polling a larger vote
than had been cast for an aldermanic candidate in
many j^ears. He has always cherished a deep inter-
est in popular education, and is treasurer of the
Southwestern school district. He is a member of
Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. M., of West Hart-
ford, and attends the services of the South Congre-
gational Church.
Mr. Atwood married Hattie M. Brewer, who
was born in Unionville, Conn., a daughter of
Joshua B. Brewer. They have had three children:
Louise E., born Julv 27, 1887 : Florence, born
Nov. 25, 1892, who died March 19, 1895; and Shir-
ley, born March .31, 1896.
HON. JOHN W. THAYER (deceased), son
of Caleb and Patience (Phillips) Thayer, and father
of George B. Thayer, of Hartford, was born at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sterling-, Conn., Dec. 5, 1819. His ancestral line
is traced through Caleb, Reuben, Joseph, Ephraim
and Shadrach to Thomas Thayer, a native of
Thornbury, England, who came to America in 1630,
settling on a large farm in Braintree, Massachusetts.
After receiving a common- school education John
W. Thayer began the trade of wool sorter, and,
after working at one or two other places, finally took
a contract at Waterford, Mass. Here he was mar-
ried, April 2, 1843 (which event will be fully spoken
of farther 'on), and the next day he and his bride
started overland for Rockville, Conn., where he had
entered into a business arrangement with the New
England Co., one of the woolen manufacturing con-
cerns of that place. The journey occupied two days,
undertaken in a sleigh, but ending on wheels. From
the position of wool sorter Mr. Thayer soon rose
to be superintendent of the New England Co., filling
that position successfully several years. In i860
he bought the Ellington Mills, situated on the Hock-
anum river, about two miles west of Rockville, to-
gether with the tenements connected with the mill,
and about fifty acres of land. He soon built a num-
ber of cottages for his employes, beautified the vil-
lage in many ways, and named it "Windermere,"
from Lake \Vindermere, in the lake regions of Eng-
land.
In July, 1861, while the mill was running day
and night, making army blankets, the two upper
stories of the five were destroyed by fire, involving
a heavy loss upon the company, and a few years
later the picker house was destroyed by fire ; yet,
notwithstanding these and other reverses, his man-
agement of the concern was so successful that his
stock in the \\'indermere ^\'oolen Co. was at one
time worth $100,000.
Col. Thayer early took an interest in military
affairs. In 1856 he was appointed adjutant of the
Fifth Regiment, State Militia. In 1857 he was
chosen major, in 1858 lieutenant-colonel, and in
i860 was elected colonel of the same regiment, the
last two commissions being signed by William A.
Buckingham, afterward the "War Governor" of
Connecticut.
In politics Col. Thayer was a Republican from
the first. In 1855 he was elected to the House of
Representatives from Rockville as a Know-Noth-
ing. In 1865 he was again elected to the House,
this time from the town of Ellington, a Democratic
stronghold. In 1871 he was nominated for the
Senate from the Twentieth district, heretofore a
Democratic one, and, after a lively contest, was
elected by a majority of forty. He also held many
minor town offices.
Our subject was a great lover of music, studying
it thoroughly. He taught singing in his native
town, in Waterford and in Rockville, and led the
choir of the Second Congregational Church of the
latter place for seventeen consecutive years. He
was also captain of Talcott's Fifth Regiment Band
for many years.
In 1872, after several years of struggle against
certain adverse circumstances connected with the
Windermere Woolen Mills, Col. Thayer sold out his
interest in the same to a Boston commission house,
and in the following spring returned to Rockville.
The long continued mental strain, however, resulted
in nervous prostration, and treatment in the Con-
necticut Hospital for the Insane at Middletown was
thought advisable. In a few months he had re-
covered completely, and was appointed supervisor
of the institution.' In a short time he was niadc
clerk, a position requiring the financial oversight
of a community of 1,500 people, and involving the
outlay of $1,000 per day, and this position he re-
tained until his death. The hold which he gained
upon the aft'ections of the physicians and attendants
of the institution was shown by their setting apart
a day, after his death, for planting trees about the
beautiful grounds in memory of him. The land-
scape garclening around the institution was the re-
sult of his fine taste and oversight. He also in-
stituted a system of outdoor exercise for the pa-
tients, which resulted in much good to them, and
caused the board of trustees officially to commend
it in their reports. Col. Thayer died March 19,
1889, and lies buried in Grove Hill cemetery, at
Rockville.
Col. Thayer, in his business relations, was the
soul of honor, and in public affairs a leading "spirit
in the community. In his acquaintances he conde-
scended to men of lov; degree, and in the bonds of
friendship drew others to him with lifelong attach-
ments. He hated hypocrisy in every form, and
strove to be esteemed himself only for what he was.
Pope was his favorite author. He early accepted
the conclusions arrived at in Darwin's "Origin of
Species." In his home he was kind and affectionate,
though of a highly sensitive temperament, indul-
gent, and ever planning to make that home a happy
one.
On April 2, 1843, in the Freewill Baptist Church,
Waterford, Mass., Col. John W. Thayer was mar-
ried to Adaline Burton, daughter of Raymond and
Deborah (Sayles) Burton. Rev. M. Burlingame
performing the ceremony. Three children were born
of this union, as follows: (i) Adelbert P.. born
Aug. 5, 1846, is associated with the Tiiiics-Rcpub-
lican in :Marshalltown, Iowa. On June 9, 1870, he
married Annie J. \Miiton, born Feb. 4, 1849, at
Charleston, Mass., and six children were born to
them, their names and dates of birth being: John
W., March 26, 1871 ; George F., Oct. 23. 1872:
Minnie R., April 17, 1874; Nelhe G., Nov. 14. 1876:
Lillian E., March 7, 1879 (died Oct. 7, 1879) : and
Kent, June 2, 1881 (died Oct. 29, 188 1). (2) Flo-
rine, born Feb. 14, 1851, married Col. McCray, a
sketch of whom appears farther on. (3) George
Burton, born May 13, 1853, sketch of whom imme-
diately follows.
George Burton Tii.wer, son of the late Col.
Thayer, received a liberal education at the public
94
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
schools of Rockville and Ellington, Conn., after
which for several years he had charge of the com-
pany grocery store at Windermere, and purchased
another at Vernon Depot. In 1886 he came to Hart-
ford to accept a position as reporter on the Evening
Post, and later on the Hartford Courant, which po-
sitions he filled until 1894. At the age of forty-
three years he commenced the study of law at Yale
Law School, graduating in the class of '97, and
then took a post-graduate course in the same
institution.
In May, 1898, Mr. Thayer left with Company K,
First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and was mus-
tered out six months later, at the close of the Span-
ish-American war. Being a direct descendant of
Col. John Sayles and Capt. Jeremiah Irons, who
served in the Revolutionary war, he is a member of
the Sons of the American Revolution, which so-
ciety presented him with a gold medal in recogni-
tion of his patriotic services during the war with
Spain ; he is also a member of the Connecticut His-
torical Society. Mr. Thayer is the author of several
works, including "Pedal and Path," "Thayer and
Burton Ancestry," and a "History of Company K,
First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, during the
Spanish-American War."
On Feb. 28, 1881, George B. Thayer was mar-
ried, at Danielsville, Conn., to ]\Iiss Kate W. Til-
linghast, and one child, Charles Tillinghast, born
May 14, 1882, has come to this union.
COL. WILLIAM B. McCRAY, whose death
occurred in Hartford on Jan. 22, 1899, had been
for years a prominent insurance man in Hartford,
and had also been prominently connected with the
National Guard. In his business, social and mili-
tary associations he was exceedingly well liked by
his associates.
Col. McCray was born in Ellington, Conn., Dec.
16, 1852, a son of Henry and Roxanna (Kimball)
AlcCray, who were born at Ellington. Col. McCray
spent most of his life in business in Hartford, where
he made a reputation for high character and hon-
esty. He was a member of the insurance firm of
Kimball. & McCray, formerly C. C. Kimball & Co.
His connection with the National Guard began Feb.
I, 1872, when he was appointed commissary-ser-
geant on the non-commissioned staff of the First
Regiment. On March 27, same year, he was ap-
pointed, by Col. Hamilton, adjutant of the regiment,
with the rank of first lieutenant, which position he
resigned Feb. 17, 1874. On Aug. 23, 1878, he was
appointed, by Col. Barbour, paymaster of the regi-
ment, with the rank of first lieutenant, in which
position he remained until 1884, when he resigned.
Upon his own application he was placed on the re-
tired list of the Connecticut National Guard, Oct.
29, 1895. On Dec. 8, 1897, he was made colonel
and aide-de-camp on the staii" of Gov. Cooke. Col.
McCray had a happy and genial temperament, was
fond of the society of his friends, and attracted
them to him in large numbers. His death was sin-
cerely regretted by all who knew him.
"After days and nights of weary, patient wait-
ing, without murmur or complaint, conscious that
the summons to depart could not long be delayed,
the soul of William B. McCray has taken its flight.
Just before the church bells began ringing on a
beautiful Sunday morning, when the noisy wheels of
industry were still, and the hustling, busy world v/as
resting" — could there be a more fitting time to die?
Those who were acquainted with Col. McCray will
miss his genial companionship and rare humor. It
is not our purpose to attempt to eulogize him. To
those who knew him it would be unnecessary. To
all, it may be said, he made the rough places in life
easier to travel over for those who had the good for-
tune to be in his companionship. He was a bene-
factor of humanity, in that he carried sunshine with
him and dispelled shadow by his genial disposition.
Many a social gathering, especially among his mili-
tary friends, has enjoyed his witty sayings and quick
repartee. He was a host as an entertainer, and had
the rare ability of being able to laugh heartily him-
self. He enjoyed the society of his friends, but
nothing was so dear to him as his life companion
and his home. He was a devoted husband, and his
bereaved widow will have the heartfelt sympathy
of a very large circle of friends. — A. L. G." He
left considerable estate, among his bequests being
one to the Hartford Hospital, for the benefit of
friendless women.
On March 3, 1874, at Rockville, Conn., Col.
McCray was married to Miss Florine Thayer, daugh-
ter of the late Col. John W. Thayer, and she sur-
vived him but seven weeks. There are no children.
Mrs. McCrav was author of "The Life- Work of the
Author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,'" "Wheels and
Whims," and "Environment."
JOHN E. HIGGINS (deceased), for many
years the capable and popular city and town clerk,
also registrar of vital statistics, Hartford, was a
native of Connecticut, born June 19, 1844, in New
London, where he received a substantial public-
school education.
Edward Higgins, his father, born in Ireland,
was a quarryman by occupation, and came to Port-
land, Conn., where he worked for several years in
the quarry there, and passed the rest of his days,
dying at the age of seventy-one years. He mar-
ried 'Mary McDoland, also a native of Ireland, and
by her had six children, three of whom are living:
Elizabeth, widow of Patrick Lawler, of Middle-
town; Mary, widow of James Murphy, of Middle-
town ; and Margaret. The mother was called from
earth at the age of sixty-six, and her parents both
died at advanced years, the father at the age of
seventy-nine, the mother when seventy-three.
John E. Higgins was a small boy when the
family moved from New London to Portland,
Conn., and he there received his education at the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
95
public schools, the present State Secretary Clark
being his teacher. At the outbreak of the Civil
war iMr. Higgins was a teacher in the Portland
public schools, having received his appointment
through jNir. Clark, but this position he resigned
to enlist, in 1862, as musician, in the 3rd United
States Artillery, serving under Maj.-Gen. John A.
Dicks and Gen. Burbank. At the expiration of
three years, in August, 1865, he received an hon-
orable discharge and returned to Portland. In
the following month he came to Hartford, and en-
tered Colt's Armory as an employe, remaining un-
til 1874, in which year he was elected to the office
of city clerk and registrar of vital statistics for
Hartford, which incumbency he filled continuously
(with exception of the year 1880) until 1895,
when a severe attack of rheumatism* compelled
him to confine himself to his room, which he never
after left, for the thre'e years preceding his death
being a helpless invalid, unable to take a single
step; although a terrible sufferer, he retained
his sunny disposition to the end, which came Dec.
10, 1900. His career as city and town clerk and
registrar was one of marked succfess, giving emi-
nent satisfaction to all concerned. In fact, while
a pronounced Democrat, his career as a public offi-
cial was so characterized by devotion to the inter-
ests of the community at large, without regard to
party lines, that he received the enthusiastic sup-
port of all, without rlegard to politics.
Socially Mr. Higgins was a prominent member
of Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R., and took an
active part in the noted veteran assemblages and
demonstrations that have taken placle in Hartford
since the war of the Rebellion. He was also a
member of Green Cross Council, Knights of Co-
lumbus, and of the Hartford Lodge of Elks. For
s'everal years he was affiliated with the Sons of St.
Patrick. As a musician he was a member of Colt's
Band, in which he played the euphonium and slide
trombone ; was president of the band several years,
and at thie'time of his death was the oldest living
member, having joined in 1868 and played until
1890. During this time, among the scores of pa-
rades in which this band took part, that of the
National Convention of Hand Engine Companies,
held in Philadelphia, was the larglest. Colt's Band
in this parade waited for seven hours in their place
before they had an opportunity to fall in line, al-
lowing 210 bands to pass. Of the members of the
baud present on that occasion, only two are now
living. For twenty-five years Mr. Higgins was a
member and attendant of St. Peter's Catholic
Church, at the time of his decease being connected
with the Cathedral Parish.
On Aug. 16, 1873, Mr. Higgins was married
to Adella E. Collins, of Springfield, daughter of
James D. and Julia Collins, the former of whom
was employed during the Civil war as a barrel
rifl'er, having had a contract with the Sharp's Gun
Co., at Hartford, later w^ith the Colt Co. He af-
terward went to England, and after eighteen months
employment there with the firm of F. Firth & Sons
returned to Hartford ; h'e is now a resident of
Springfield, Mass. j\lrs. Higgins, who is his only
child, is an excellent musician, and a fine performer
on the pianoforte.
JOHN FAIRMAN (deceased) was for more
than a half century a prominent and influential busi-
ness man of Hartford. He belonged to that old
school of merchants wdiich was grounded in the
principles of rectitude, fair dealing and intimate re-
lationship with local public, political and social af-
fairs. He was most highly esteemed, and died at a
ripe age, leaving as a heritage an unblemished repu-
tation, and the imperishable impress of a strong and
well-beloved character.
Mr. Fairman was of the sixth generation of an
early New England family, founded in 1674 by
John Fairman, son of Ebenezer Fairman, who mi-
grated from Birmingham, England, and settled in
Killingly, Conn. John Fairman (I) had one son,
John Fairman (II), wdio, in 171 5, married Hannah
Spalding. Jonathan Fairman (III), son of John
and Hannah (Spalding) Fairman, was born March
13, 1721, and married Nov. 5, 1743, Mary Nancy
Ware. Jonathan Fairman (IV), son of Jonathan
and Mary Nancy (Ware) Fairman, was born July
10, 1744. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jona-
than Cady, and became a resident of Stafford
Springs, Conn. Fle had three sons, Jonathan C,
Chester and Simon. Jonathan C. Fairman (V),
son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Cady) Fairman,
was born in 1783, and died in 1816. He married
Elizabeth Turner, and to them were born five chil-
dren, Joseph, Eliza, jNIary, Clarissa, and John (our
subject).
John Fairman, our subject, was born Aug. 10,
1814, in Hartford, Conn. Orphaned by the death of
his father two years later, he was placed in care of
an uncle at Haverhill, N. H., with whom he remained
during his early boyhood. He then went to Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and learned the shoemaker's trade with
his brother Joseph. At the age of twenty-one he re-
turned to Hartford, and there began a career w-hich
was terminated only bv his recent death. He began
as a clerk for Isaac Hill, and was later a salesman
for C. S. Ensign. In partnership with George Hol-
brook he purchased the Ensign store, and established
the boot and shoe house of Fairman & Holbrook,
which later became Fairman & Miller. It was
located on the site of the present Sage-Allen build-
ing. Thence the business was removed to the block
north of the First Baptist church. Fairman &
IMiller w-ere succeeded bv Fairman & Henry, and
after the retirement of jNIr. Henry Mr. Fairman
assumed entire control, continuing uninterruptedly
until his retirement from business in 1893, at the
age of nearly eighty years. He died April 19, 1899.
Mr. Fairman was a director of the Dime Sav-
ings Bank, and for manv vears was a trustee of the
98
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
First Methodist Church. He was an old member
of the First Company, Governor's Foot Guards,
serving under Major John C. Parsons. He was a
Repubhcan in politics, and about 1883 represented
the old Seventh ward in the council board. As a
business man and neighbor he was one of the most
honorable and kindly of men, living an upright
Christian life. He married for his first wife Char-
lotte Parsons, daughter of Chester and Phebe Par-
sons. She died April 22, 1882. For his second wife
he married, Oct. 7, 1885, Emma Fuller Bissell.
Henry M. Fairman, son of John and Charlotte
(Parsons) Fairman, was married June 16, 1869, to
Charlotte Woodward.
EBEN H. STOCKER, secretary of the Billings
& Spencer Co., Hartford, and well known among
the business men of that city, was born April 23,
1846, in Hartland, Vt., where the family was prom-
inent, his father and grandfather having been among
the most useful residents of that town in their day.
The first of the family to come to America was
a non-conformist clergyman of Scotland, who lo-
cated originally in Massachusetts, his descendants
removing thence to Vermont. Eben Stocker, grand-
father of our subject, was born in Hopkinton, Mass.,
where he passed his early life, and was a farmer
by occupation. Removing from his native place
to Hartland, Windsor Co., Vt., he there passed the
remainder of his days, attaining the advanced age
of eighty-five years. He took a prominent part
in the public affairs of his adopted town, was a
stanch Democrat in political opinion, and was a
deacon in the Congregational Church. By his
first wife, Abagail Kimball, like himself a native of
Hopkinton, Eben Stocker had nine children, all now
deceased. She died at the age of forty years.
Eben M. Stocker, son of Eben andAbagail (Kim-
ball) Stocker, was born in Windsor, Vt., and was
a child when the family removed to Hartland, where
he was reared. His education was acquired in the
common schools. He engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, conducting the largest store in the town,
and also took a prominent part in public affairs,
serving thirty years as town clerk, and representing
his town in the State Legislature for several terms.
His long-continued service is sufficient evidence of
his efficiency and trustworthiness, and he was re-
spected by those who knew him in every relation
of life. Mr. Stocker spent four years in California.
He married Lucia D. Lull, wlio was born in Hart-
land, daughter of Timothy and Susanna (Delano)
Lull, and three children were born to them, of whom
our subject is now the only survivor. Mr. Stocker
died at the age of sevent3'-eight, Mrs. Stocker at
the age of sixty. She was a member of the Uni-
versalist Church. Her father, Timothy Lull, was
the first settler in Hartland, going up the river
from Charlestown in a canoe. His family consisted
of six children, only one of whom is now living.
Almond, a resident of California.
Eben H. Stacker spent his early years in Hart-
land and Windsor, and received his education in
the public schools. He has been a resident of Hart-
ford since 1872, when he came to take the position
of bookkeeper with the concern with which he has
ever since been connected. In 1876 he was made
secretary, in which incumbency he is still retained,
and he is also a director in that larg^ concern. Mr.
Stocker is also connected with the C. Billings j\lfg.
Co., of which he is secretary and a director. Though
a public-spirited citizen, business absorbs too much
of his time to allow him to interest himself as act-
ively in politics as his immediate ancestors have
done. He is independent in sentiment.
In 1870 Mr. Stocker married Miss Jennie Hey-
wood, who was born in ^Vindsor, Vt., daughter
of \\'illard and Emily Heywood, who had a family
of nine children, five now living-; Mrs. A. G.
Couch, of Amherst, Mass. ; Mrs. Lucia Spauiding,
of Lancaster, Mass.; Eleazer, who. is in the West;
Mrs. Eda Jones ; and Henry, of Windsor, Vt. Mr.
Heywood, who was a well and favorably known
man in his town, died at the age of eighty-two, his
wife at the age of sixty-eight. i\Irs. Jennie Stocker
died in 1881, at the early age of twenty-eight, leav-
ing one son, Frank H., who is now engaged in the
practice of medicine. He received his preparatory
education in the public schools, his professional
training in the New York Homeopathic Medical
College, New York Citv, from which he graduated,
the youngest in the class, taking the second three-
years prize. For his second wife our subject mar-
ried Lucy M. Birge, a native of East Hartford,
daughter of Edward and Esther Birge, farming
people ; her father is deceased.
GEORGE ROBERTS (deceased). In the
death of this gentleman, on March 25, 1878, at his
residence in Lafayette street, Hartford, there de-
parted from life a prominent business man, trusted
and honored by the community with which he had so
long been identified.
William Roberts, son of Catherine Leete and
a J\Ir. "Robards," came to East Hartford from
Middletown, Conn., lived near the foot of Smith's
Lane, on the Meadow Hill, south of the present
"Bridge Road" — the main street at that time fol-
lowing- this "Meadow Bank." He marfied Dorothy
Forbes, who was a daughter of Capt. James Forbes,
the progenitor of the Forbes family in East Hart-
ford, and from him she received six acres of land
on which William Roberts built his dwelling. The
children born to William and Dorothy were: Dor-
othv was baptized in the South Church at Hart-
ford, in 1687; Deborah was baptized in the First
Church in April, 1690 ;\Mlliam, baptized in the same
church in 1695, married Deborah Spencei-, and died
in 1726, leaving a son, ^A'illiam ; Benjamin, baptized
Alarch 8, 1698, died Feb. 14, 1774; Joseph, baptized
Aug. II, 1700; Mary, baptized JNIay 31, 1702: and
Samuel, baptized Dec. 24,1704, married Sarah Hills,
o
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
07
ilauglitcr oi EljL'iiczcr Hills, Sr. William Roberts,
the father, died probably in 1735.
Benjamin Roberts, of the seeond generation in
East Hartford, married Sept. 26, 1730, Doroth}- Pit-
kin, who was born in 1705, a daughter of Natlianiel
and Hester (HosmcrJ Ritkin. Nathaniel was a son
of William Ritkin, the founder of the family in East
Hartford. Mrs. Dorothy (I'itkin) Roberts died
Oct. 5, 1737, and July 13, 1739, J\Ir. Roberts mar-
ried Jerusha Rratt, who was a descendant of John
Pratt, who came to Hartford with the tlooker part)'
in 1C35. The children of the first marriage were:
Dorothy, who was born Jan. 23, 1734, was married
to Lemuel Kingsbury, of Andover ; Susannah, born
in 1736, died in 1804, unmarried. To the second
marriage, with Jerusha Pratt, were born : Jerusha
and Catherine (twinsj, April 24, 1740, the former of
whom was married to Jonathan Stanley (who was
for eighteen years town clerk and town treasurer),
the latter to Jonathan Hubbard, ancestor of Gov.
Hubbard; Benjamin, born Nov. 15, 1741, was a
farmer in the south part of East Hartford, and
married ]3orothy Goodwin ; Sarah, born April 13,
1743, was married to Joseph Hurlburt; ]\Iary, born
Jan. 18, 1745, married Timothy Eorbes; William,
born Jan. 19, 1746, married Abigail Stanley; Na-
thaniel, born Dec. 24, 1750, married Annie New-
comb ; George was born Nov. 22, 1752 ; Abigail, born
in 1756, was married to John Norton, and died Nov.
12, 1775; and Lemuel, born in 1760, died in 1775.
Benjamin Roberts was a merchant trader, and
the owner of several vessels, among them the "Sam-
uel," the "Martha" and the "Porrige," which traded
M'ith the West Indies and at New London, bring-
ing home cargoes of merchandise, which were stored
in his house and cellar, strongly built for the pur-
pose. Pie was a large land owner.
George Roberts, of the third generation, was
born Nov. 22, 1752, at East Hartford, and was a
successful farmer and business man. He served in
Capt. Jonathan ^^■ells' company. Col. Erastus Wol-
cott's regiment, during the Revolutionary war, and
was at Boston from December, 1775, until February,
1776. He also served in several town offices, was
elected selectman in 1820 and served two years. He
married Jerusha ^Villiams, who was born May 20,
1757, a tlaughter of Timothy and Ruth (Pitkin)
W^ilHams, the latter being a daugliter of Ozias,
who was a son of the first William Pitkin, the
founder of the family. The children born to
George and Jerusha Roberts were: Jerusha, who
was born in 1782, died July 7, 1798; Clarissa, born
I\Iay 4, 1783, married Dr. Edward Pitkin, and
died Jan. 28, 1864; Ozias was born Aug. 10, 1785;
George, born May 28, 1789, died in Hartford, Nov.
10, 1808; Alven, born Aug. 16, 1791, died aged
twenty-seven on April 9, 1818; Esther, born
July 4, 1793, married James Bidwell, and died in
Manchester, Jan. 9, 1822; Lucretia, born Nov. 10,
I795- was married to Dr. W. Coolev, and died in
East Hartford IMarch 31, 1821 ; and Martin, born
Oct. 14, 1799, a well-known and promising yoimg
7
man, died April 17, 1821, in New York City, whither
he had gone to purchase goods for the purpose of
starting in business at Hartford. Mrs. Jerusha
(Williams) Roberts died Nov. 22, 18 17. George
Roberts married, for his second wife, Airs. Lucretia
( Meaumont) Abbc)-, widow of Jeduthan Abbey, but
to this seeond marriage no children were born. Mr.
Roberts died Oct. 4, 1824.
Hon. Capt Ozias Roberts, of the fourth genera-
tion, and the only son of George and Jerusha Rob-
erts to reach full manhood, was born Aug. 10,
1785, in the house wdiere he died. Pic received the
usual education furnished by the schools of that
time and was endowed with a naturally strong intel-
lect. He was possessed of a daring spirit, and was
fond of adventtire, and when a young man went to
sea, trade being then carried on between the West
Indies and Hartford direct. During the war of
1812 he shipped with Capt. Josiah Griswold, of
Wethersfield, on board the privateer "Blockade."
The vessel was fitted out on the Connecticut river,
was owned by Thomas Belden and others, and car-
ried six guns. After cruising for some time with
but little success the "Blockade" was captured by a
British brig-of-war, was run into the Bermudas,
and the crew confined on a prison-ship. Ozias
Roberts, however, and Dr. William Coole\-, of Man-
chester (surgeon of the "Blockade"), managed to
escape to the shore, and were secreted by a negro
until they could find an opportunity to return in
safety to their respective homes. For some time
thereafter Oz'ias continued to follow the sea, event-
ually became the captain of a vessel piving in the
West Indies trade, but at the death of his father re-
turned to Connecticut and managed the estate until
his death, Feb. 8, 1868, his remains being interred
in the Center cemetery.
Ozias Roberts was three times married. Plis
first wife, jNIartha Treat (daughter of Joseph Treat,
of East Hartford, and Martha Adams, of \\'ethers-
field), died Jan. 3, 1809, at the age of twenty-one
years, the mother of two children : JNIary Ann.' who
was married to Deacon Horace Williams Alarch 10,
1831, and died April 3, 1848, at the age of forty-
one 3'ears ; and Martha, who was born Dec. 23. 1808,
in East Hartford. The second wife of Ozias Rob-
erts was Harriet Treat, a sister of jNIartha Treat,
his first wife. jNIrs. Plarriet (Treat) Roberts died
July 19, 1822, aged thirty-two years, the mother of
the following children : George is our subject : Jane
Treat, born Dec. 10, 181 1, married Edward Good-
win, and was the mother of J. O. Goodwin, of East
Hartford; Harriet, born Oct. 11, 1814, married
Aaron Olmstead in 1835, at East fiartford, and died
Nov. 19, 1875, leaving the following named chil-
dren— Horace B., Arthur G., A. Fred, and Charles
H. ; Ira T. Avas born Feb. 10, 1817; and Jerusha,
born March 15, 1819, was married to Alfred Kil-
bourne.
The third wife of Ozias Roberts was Nancy
Comstock. whom he married March 26, 1823.
Nancy (Comstock) Roberts was born July 4, 1802,
98
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in East Hartford, and was a daughter of Perez and
Abigail (Raymond) Conistock, of the Comstock and
Raymond famiHes of Montville, Conn. The chil-
dren of this marriage were : Esther Bidwell, born
May 25, 1824, married Albert Comstock Raymond,
a native of Montville, Conn., who built the Raymond
Library at East Hartford, in which town she died
in September, 1883 ; Luther Martin, born Nov. 18,
1826, was by nature a seaman, died March 21, 1847,
on board a ship of which he was second mate, and
was buried in Vera Cruz, Mexico ; Juliette, born July
23, 1829, was married to John B. Smith, of East
Hartford, now of Berlin, Conn., and died Oct. i,
1857, in East Hartford; Arthur, born Jan. 14, 1831,
died Jan. 23, 1833; Emma and Ellen, born Oct. 15,
1835, died respectively April 2, 1856, and April 26,
i860, unmarried; Elizabeth Bradford, born March
21, 1838, is now Mrs. Henry A. Street, of New
Haven ; Arthur Ozias, born Feb. 22, 1840, was a
master's mate during the Civil war (he is unmar-
ried) ; Frances L., born Aug. 23, 1846, takes great
interest in genealogy, and to her the publishers of
this work are indebted for many facts relating to
the Roberts family ; she is the present registrar of
Martha Pitkin Wolcott Chapter, D. A. R., at East
Hartford. Nancy Comstock Roberts died Jan.
17, 1859.
Ozias Roberts, the father of these families of
children, left to them a name honored for integrity
and uprightness in business affairs. In politics he
was a Democrat previous to the formation of the
Republican party, and long before the formation of
the Republican party was an uncompromising Abo-
litionist, and employed runaway slave labor. He
served as State senator, and, for four terms after
1828, as a member of the House of Representatives.
In 1838 he was elected town treasurer, and served
two terms, and was for many years custodian of
school funds. His rare good judgment was highly
prized by his neighbors, who frequently consulted
him on business matters, and he settled many es-
tates, to the great saving of money to those most
interested. Although not a church member, he real-
ized the value of churches, and liberally aided in
their support, was a member of the Ecclesiastical
Society and often one of the committee, and reared
his children to respect the Sabbath rigidly. Fra-
ternally he was a Royal Arch Mason.
It was not until he had quit the sea that Mr.
Roberts gave his attention to agriculture, in which
he met with a decided success. At one time he
owned and conducted the ferry at East Hartford.
Two years prior to his death he had a fall, in his
dooryard, from the efifects of which he never fully
recovered, being thereafter confined to his room,
Init he managed his affairs until the end. He was a
man of strong convictions, and for forty years was
a leader among men in East Hartford. He was a
strict disciplinarian, and although his children were
numerous he reared them to positions of usefulness,
and it may be added that Hon. Richard D. Hub-
bard, ex-governor of Connecticut, and one of her
brightest legal lights, was a ward and cousin of
l\Ir. Roberts, and passed his youthful days on the
latter's farm.
Ozias Roberts never lost the charm that made
his home the abode of enjoyment and true hospi-
tality, and his dwelling in East Hartford, in his
day, was the scene of more gatherings than any
other in the town. Thanksgiving Day and Elec-
tion Day were always observed with bountiful
cheer, and the members of the family were invaria-
bly present on these occasions, beside innumerable
friends and visitors, and the home, indeed, was one
of the most popular known in its day ; all who ever
visited it fully enjoyed themselves, and came away
widi undisguised admiration and praise of its unre-
served hospitality.
George Roberts, the subject proper of these
lines, was born in 1810 in East Hartford, and lived
with his father upon a farm until seventeen years
of age, when he went to Hartford and entered the
grocery store of Thomas K. Brace as clerk, serving
in that capacity until the age of twent}'-one. He
then went to New York, and entered the large dry-
goods house of Fitch, Goodwin & Co., continuing
with that firm for two years, and remaining on duty
through the great cholera epidemic of that time,
when but few had the courage to stay in the city. In
1833 he returned to Hartford, and was soon there-
after chosen State director in the Phoenix Bank.
He also entered into business with Charles H.
Northam, carrying on a wholesale grocery businsss
under the firm name of Northam & Roberts. In
1836 he entered into co-partnership with Philip G.
Ripley and Edwin G. Ripley, under the firm name
of Ripley, Roberts & Co., and conducted an exten-
sive iron business some three or four years.
About 1840 Mr. Roberts again went to New
York, forming a partnership with G. Spencer (James
i\L Bunce, of Hartford, being a special partner in the
firm), and was for several years in successful busi-
ness in that city. He was one of the business men
\vho organized the JXIetropolitan Bank of New York.
In 1853 he retired to a farm in South Windsor.
In 1854 he was chosen treasurer of the Hartford
Carpet Co., which owned extensive mills at Thomp-
sonville and Tariffville ; in 1856, on the retirement
of Hon. T. -M. Allyn, he was elected president and
treasurer of the company, and continued to fill these
important positions for twenty-two years, or until
his death. One of the prominent officials of the
company, with whom he was most closely associ-
ated, said that in all that time there was never an
luipleasant word from Mr. Roberts, who was al-
ways even-tempered, genial and kind. He was care-
ful and sagacious, and managed the financial affairs
of the great corporation with much jirudence and
skill. He was also president of the Woven Wire
Mattress Co., a director in the Phoeni.K National
Bank, the ^Stna Fire Insurance Co., the Connecti-
cut Trust and Safe Deposit Co., and (for twenty
years) the Hartford Gas Co. His judgment was
excellent, and his incessant fidelitv and devotion re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S9
markable, in fact, in all the relations of life he was
iin excellent and highl_\- esteemed man. He was
possessed of unusual executive ability, which, with
the strict integrity which had always characteri/.L-.
Jiis business lite, made him an exceedingly valuable
man in the many business corporations with which
he was connectetl. Naturally modest and retiring,
he was vet social, withal, and possessed of a vein of
quiet humor that made him an exceedingly agreea-
ble companion. He was a close observer of na-
tional atfairs, was sound and well-grounded on all
important questions of political economy, was an
earnest Republican, and a stanch supporter of the
Union cause during the war of the Rebellion. He
was a member of Center Churcii, and a man
-whose religious convictions pervaded his whole so-
cial and business life. He was a manly type of the
upright Christian gentlemen, who, in business, poli-
tics, religious and social life, have shaped the char-'^
-acter of Xew Englantl institutions and communities
•during the present century.
i\lr. Roberts was twice married, on Oct. 19, 1836,
to Louisa Stewart, daughter of Capt. Allen Stewart.
To this iniion came one daughter, Louisa Stewart,
who died at the age of about eleven 3'ears. For his
second wife JNIr. Roberts wedded Elvira Evans, who
was born Julv 12, 1812, and they had children as
follows : Martha married Edward C. Ritchie, of
i'lrooklyn ; j\Iary married George C. Perkins, of
Hartford, son of Henry A. and Sarah Perkins ;
<;eorge married Ida Hamilton, of Hartford (he suc-
ceeded his father as president of the Hartford Car-
pet Co.) ; Jane L. married George D. Holton, of
Chicago, 111.; Sarah died when three years of age
Henry married Carrie E. Smith, daughter of Isaac
AX'. Smith, of Bridgeport, Conn, (he is president of
the Woven Wire jNIattress Co., of Hartford).
We give a brief record of Mrs. Roberts' ances-
try: In the year 1639 two brothers by the name of
Taylor came to this country from England. One of
them soon after took ship to return : the vessel was
never heard of after leaving Xew York. John Tay-
lor, the other brother, settled at Windsor, Conn.
He married a widow, and a son, John, was born of
this marriage in 1641. Te married Thankful Wood-
ward Dec. 18, 1662. He was killed by tli,e Indians
:at New Haven, JMay 13, 1704. Thomas, his son,
was born Nov. 4, 1680, and married Thankful
Hawkes Aug. 31, 1715. He was active in the French
and Indian wars, was wounded at Deerfield, and
was drowned in the Connecticut river Aug. 31, 171 7-
His son Thomas was born in 1717, and married
Sarah Merriman. There is no record of her death,
Init record of his marrying Sarah Stebbins, in 1755.
She died Sept. 11, 1809. While on a march from
Xorthtield to Fort Dunimer, July 14, 1748, in com-
mand of seventeen men. Sergt. Thomas Taylor was
attacked by one hundred French aivl Indians, taken
lirisoner, carried to Canada, and afterward ex-
changed, and leturned home Sept. 17, of the same
year. The government of the Province voted him
1^0 for his bravery in action. The record says he
lost a I'rench gun worth £18, and a jjair of leather
breeches worth iio. Sergt. Taylor was acquainted
with the Indians who were with the French when
he was taken captive. Two of them, one on either
side, seated Sergt. Taylor on a log, and one of the
Indians said, "Thomas, me kill you." The Sergeant
said, "Why kill me?" The Indian said, "You kill
my brother." The Sergeant said, "But he shot at
me first." The Indian dropped his head a moment,
then said, "Yes, Thomas, that's so. ^le no kill you."
He died March 24, 1778. His son, Hollis Taylor,
was born in 1758. Thankful Taylor, daughter of
Hollis Taylor, was born April 20, 1791, and on May
20, 1810, married Jason Evans, who was born April
19, 1786, and died Oct. 29, 1823.
HERBERT H. WHITE, secretary and director
of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., Hart-
ford, has been connected with various lines of enter-
prise which have helped to make that city famous.
and as a representative successful business man is
■entitled to honorable mention in this volume.
Mr. White was born July 3, 1858, in Hartford,
son of Francis A. and Cornelia (Humphrey) White,
who had a family of eight children, four now liv-
ing, nan'ely : Herbert H. ; Harry W. ; Howard C,
of California; and Clara, of Hartford. The fa-
ther passed away May 28, 1884, the mother Aug.
30, 1898. He was a native of Massachusetts, but
spent the greater part of his life in Hartford, where
he was engaged as a contractor and builder. Her-
bert H. White grew to manhood in his native city,
and in February, 1874, entered the employ of the
Hartford Trust Co., with whom he remained sev-
eral years. In April, 1878, he entered the Phoenix
Bank, with which he was connected over twenty
years, winning promotion by his own efforts until
he attained the responsible position of assistant
cashier of that institution. For four years he was
one of the auditors of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Co., and in January, 1899, the directors
of the compan\- were unanimous in electing him
a director, in the place made vacant by the death
of E. M. Biuice. He was also unanimously elected
secretary, as Mr. Bunce's successor, and has since
filled that position with characteristic ability. Being
thoroughly familiar with the internal affairs of the
company. Mr. White's fitness for his important office
was quickly recognized by all who knew him and his
election was looked upon as an evidence of the con-
servative policy of that great concern. The insured
must depend much upon the officers of the company
in which they insure, and the choice of Mr. White
carries into a younger generation the assurance
that the Connecticut ^lutual will continue to be
managed by men who have a full sense of the moral
responsibilities of their trust, and the Inisiness
ability and personal integrity to conduct its aft"airs.
However, it is not alone in business circles tjiat
Mr. White is regarded as one of the most success-
ful and promising men of his age in the city. He
C.
100
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
served efficiently as a member of the city council
for six 3'ears, beginning with 1893, was president
of the councd in 1896, and alderman trom the
Tenth ward 1897-1899, during which period he
acted as chairman of the Ordinance committee. In
February, 1900, he was elected president of the
Colonial Club of Hartford.
On Oct. 20, 1886, Mr. White married Miss Ella
F. Kinne, of Richfield Springs, N. Y., and they
have had one child, J\iarian H., now (1900} eleven
years of age.
CASE. The family of this name, from which
descended the late Hon. Jairus Case, M. D., of
Granby, whose surviving son is Hon. William Cul-
len Case, of the law firm of Case, Bryant & Case, of
Hartford, is one of the old and prominent families
of Windsor and Simsbury, William C. Case being
in the seventh generation from John Case, the
American ancestor. His line of descent is through
John (2j, John (3), Capt. John, Levi and Dr.
Jairus.
(I) John Case married (first) about 1657 Sarah,
daughter of William Spencer, of Hartford, Conn.
He resided in Windsor, Conn., until the .spring of
1669, when he removed to Massacoe (now Sims-
bury), Conn., and settled in Weatogue. His wife
died Nov. 3, 1691, aged fifty-five, and he married
(second) Elizabeth, widow of Nathaniel Loomis, of
Windsor. Mr. Case was appointed constable for
Massacoe, by the General Court, Oct. 14, 1669, be-
ing the first person that ever held office at that place.
He represented his town at the General Court in;
1670, and several times afterward. He died at
Simsbury Feb. 21, 1703-04. His widow, Elizabeth
Case, died at Windsor July 23, 1728, aged ninety.
His children by Sarah were : Elizabeth, Mary, John,
William Samuel, Richard, Bartholomew, Joseph,
Sarah and Abigail.
(II) John Case (2), eldest son of John, born
Nov. 5, 1662, settled in Simsbury. , He married
(first") in 1684 Marv, daughter of Thomas Olcott,
Jr., of Hartford, Conn. She died in 1685, and he
married (second) in 1693 Sarah, daughter of Joshua
Holcomb, of Simsbury. John Case died in 1733.
One child, John, born to the first marriage, tiled m
infancy. The children born to the second marriage
•were : John, Daniel, JNIary, Jonathan, Sarah and
Hannah.
(HI) John Case (3), son of John (2), born
Aug. 22, 1694, married in 1716-17 Abigail, daughter
of Lieut. Samuel Humphrey. He settled in Sims-
bury, and died in 1752. His children were: John,
Norah, Charles, Abigail, Mary, Lucy, Martha, Job
and Lydia.
(IV) Capt. John Case, son of John (3), born
Feb. 19, 1 71 8- 1 9, married in 1745 Sarah, daughter
of Samuel Barber. She was born April i, 1722.
They resided in Simsbury. Capt. Case died in 1776,
and his widow died in 1805. Their children were:
John, Giles, Seth, Sarah, Asa, Mary, Giles, George,
Levi, Judah and Abigail.
(\') Levi Case, son of Capt. John, born Dec. 14,
1760, married Polly, daughter of Hon. Daniel Hum-
phrey, of Simsbury, who was in the fifth generation
trom Michael Humphrey, the American ancestor of
the family, Windsor, Conn., 1643, in line tlirougli
Sergt. John, Deacon John and Deacon Michael.
Polly (Humphreyj Case was born March 18, 1764,
and died Jan. 19, 1849, ""^ Hartland, Conn. Levi
Case died in Simsbury April 23, 1802. After his
death, by her exertions, the widow reared and edu-
cated her children to positions of influence and use-
fulness. 1 heir children were : Poll)' married Elizur
Benjamin, of Plartland ; x\gnes married Dr. Josiali
W. Case, of Canton; Persis married Hiram Sanford,.
of Barkhamsted; Levi P. married Harriet Jones, of
Barkhamsted ; and Jairus, M. D.
(\'I) Hon. Jairus Case, ]\I. D., son of Levi, and
the father of Hon. AMlliam Cullen Case, was born
March 20, 1802, at Simsbury, Conn. He attended
the public schools at Hartland, to which point the
family removed in his boyhood, and subsequently
was graduated from the medical department of Yale
College, and located in the practice of his profes-
sion at Granby, where he continued to live through-
out life. He built up a large practice, was success-
ful in his profession, and accumulated considerable
property. Politically he was a Democrat, and as
such represented his district in the State Senate one
term, elected in 1868. He was identified with the
Congregational Church at Granb}', and held the es-
teem and confidence of the community. He was a
man of good judgment, practical, and ranked high
in the profession. He died at Granby, Conn., Dec.
■30, 1874.
On Oct. 5, 1830, Dr. Case was married to Miss
Mary T., daughter of Hon. Silas Higley, of Gran-
by, Conn., and the union was blessed with two chil-
dren: John, born April 15, 1832, became a lawyer,
and died March i, 1890; William Cullen is referred
to farther on. The mother of these children
born Feb. 22, 1808, and died Feb. 6, 1887.
Hon. Silas Higley, the father of Mrs. Mary T.
Case, descended from one of the early and promi-
nent families of Windsor (Conn.) and Simsbury,
his line of descent being from Capt. John Higley,
through Brewster, Joseph and Ozias.
Capt. John Higley, the American ancestor, was
born in 1649, at Frimle}', Surrey, England, and
emigrated to America in 1666, locating at Windsor,
Conn., where, in 1671, he married Hannah Drake.
Brewster Higley, son of Capt. John, born in
1680, in Windsor, Conn., married in 1709 Esther
Holcombe, of Simsbury.
Joseph Higley, son of Brewster, born in 1715,
in Simsbury, married (second) about 1740 Sarali
Case.
Ozias Higley, born in 1748, in Simsbury, married
]\Iartha Gillette in 1772.
Hon. Silas Higley, son of Ozias, was born in
1780, in Granby, and was married to Melissa Hayes,"
he died June 21, 1853. His wife Melissa died ^lay
16, 1856, aged seventy-four. His children were:
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
101
^lary T. (Airs. Dr. Case), Juhu Jay, \\'illiam \\'.
and Julia Al. Silas Higlcy was a lawyer by pro-
fession, for upwards of forty years practiced in
Jlartford county, and for many years was on the
bench. "He was honoraljly identified with the
ijTowth, organization and management of the lead-
ing interests of the town." The public records show
that few citizens were more prominent. Socially
and intellectually, bv ISench and IJar, and from a
legal standpoint, he was acknowledged everywhere
as one of the foremost antl distinguished men of
Hartford county.
!\ II) Hon. \\'illiam Cullen Case, son of Hon.
Jairus Case, AI. D., was born Feb. 17, 1836, at
(_iranl)y. Conn. He was prepared for college at the
Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and was
grailuated from Yale College in 1857. He took a
law course in Yale, and furthered his studies under
the direction of Rockwell & Colt, at Pittsfield,
Alass. He was admitted to the Bar in New Haven
in 1S60, and has since been engaged in active prac-
tice. He has maintained an oftice in New Haven
since 1874, but since 1889 he has been more thor-
oughly identified with Hartford. He is the senior
member of the firm of Case, liryant & Case. Mr.
Case has b\' no means confined himself to criminal
practice, yet that branch of his business has been
extensive and singularly successful. "It is probable
that no other lawyer now at the Connecticut Bar
lias engaged in the defens; of so many capital cases ;
and these include the defense of Allen for the kill-
ing of'Shipman at the State's prison, of the jNIalleys
in the so-called "Jennie Cramer' case, of Conant for
the shooting of AlcClellan, and many others almost
as prominent in the criminal annals of the State for
the past twenty-five years. I'.ut although he has
achieved much distinction for his masterlv handling
■of tile class of cases to which these belong, by far
tlie greater part of his practice has been in the civil
Ijranches of his profession, and here his successful
qualities as a lawyer are no less marked. Perhaps
310 case ever tried in Connecticut has aroused more
.general interest or called for greater legal ability in
its management than the recent contest over the
4;'overnorsliip and other State offices. This contro-
A-ersy, which began in the Legislature in 1891, and
reached the courts under the popular name of the
'Quo Warranto Cases,' was, owing to its political
character, one of peculiar bitterness, and involved
soliie of the most important questions that have yet
lieen the subject of litigation in Connecticut. Mr.
Case's ability and his wonderfully exhaustive study
of the case largely contributed to the final success
of the Republican party, which he represented, to-
gether with Mr. Henrv C. Robinson and Mr. Charles
J. Cole."
Mr. Case is a powerful and effective speaker,
■with a habit of expression original and striking, and
in his writings he is master of a terse and vigorous
■style. He is possessed of fine literary tastes and
instincts, and is a man of wide reading. He has
great capacity for hard work, and is always busy.
He is a painstaking lawyer in the preparation of fiis
cases, and his conduct of a case in court is marked
by a skill that shows singular power of concentra-
tion and a shrewd forecasting of the possibilities.
He is able in his treatment of witnesses, strong in
the presentation of testimony, and he has the rare
gift of orderly and concise arrangement in argu-
ment. In his political views Mr. Case is a Repub-
lican, and from 1869 to 1884 he was many times a
member of the House of Representatives, and was
Speaker of that body in 1881.
In 1862 Mr. Case was married to Miss Margaret
Turnbull, of Tariffville, Conn., and the union was
blessed with two chiklren : William S., born June
27, 1864, who is mentioned elsewhere; and Iheo-
dore G., now a student in Trinitv College.
HON. CHAUNCEY E\'ELYN ENO, one of
Simsbur}-'s most respected retired agriculturists, is
a native of Hartford county, born in Simsbury Dec.
27, 181 5, and descends from one of the first settlers
in the State.
James Eno, the progenitor of the Connecticut
famil}-, came from England, and located in Windsor,
Harttord count}', in 1648. There he married, for
his first wife, Hannah Bidwell, a daughter of Rich-
ard Bidwell, born Oct. 22, 1634, died Oct. 7, 1657.
For his second wife he married, in August, 1658,
Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Holcomb, of Wind-
sor; she died Oct. 7, 1679. To the first marriage
were born three children: Sarah, born in June, 1649,
was (first) married April 11, 1667, to Benajah
Holcomb, son of Thomas Holcomb, bom June 23,
1644, and for her second husband married Samuel
Phelps; her death took place in April, 1732. James
(2) was born Oct. 30, 1651. John, born Dec. 2,
1654, married the widow of James Eggleston.
James Eno (2) served in the war against the
Indian King Philip. He married, Dec. 26, 1678,
Abigail, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Hol-
comb) Bissell, who was born July 6, 1661, and died
April 19, 1728, the mother of nine children: James
was born Sept. 23, 1679; Ann, born April 10, 1682,
died June 10, 1760, was married April 6, 1699, to
Joseph, son of John and Sarah (Spencer) Case, of
Hartford (Joseph and Ann Case settled in Sims-
bury, and she. became the mother of Rev. Benajah
Case, who graduated from Yale in 1732) ; \\'illiam
was born Jan. 15, 1684; Abigail, born Alarch i,
1687, was married to Samuel Phelps in 1707; Mary,
born AIa\- 5, 1691, died Sept. 15, 1697; John was
born Jan. 5, 1693: Samuel, July 7, 1696; Susannah,
May 16, 1699; and David, Aug. 12, 1702.
David Eno, son of James (2), was born in
Simsbury, and on j\larch 20, 1723, married ^Mary
Gillett, who was born Feb. 29, 1702. and died Nov.
2T), 1760; she was a daughter of Nathaniel (3) in
-descent from Nathaniel Gillett, -who came from Eng-
land in 1634. David Eno died in the Cape Breton
campaign, in June, 1745. and his remains were in-
terred at Simsbury. To David and Alary (Gillett)
102
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Eno, were born six children : David, born Aug. 14,
1727, who became a lieutenant in the Colonial
troops; Mary B. ; Roger (Gen.), born in 1729, who
died Oct. 6, 1808; ]\iercy, born in 1734, who died
March 3, 1806 (she was married in 1754 to John,
son of John and Sarah (Lee) Langdon) ; Ann, born
Sept. 14, 1735; and Jonathan (Capt.), born in De-
cember, 1739, who died Dec. 5, 1813.
Capt. Jonathan Eno, a native of Simsbury, was
a farmer. He served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war. He married Mary Goodrich Hart,
daughter of Elijah and Abigail (Goodrich) Hart,
natives of Xew Britain, and a descendant of Stephen
Hart, of Cambridge, Mass. Mrs. Eno was born
Dec. 28, 1744, and died Oct. 8, 1834, the mother
of nine children: Mary, born Dec. 21, 1764, was
married to Elijah Tuller, of Simsbury, April 30,
1782; Rhoda, born Aug. 12, 1766, married Daniel
Phelps: Jonathan was born ]\larch 15, 1769; Lu-
cretia, born Feb. 13, 1771, was married to Granville
G. Humphrey: Elizabeth, born Aug. 9, 1773, -was
married Dec. 12, 1793, to Alexander Phelps, and
died in 1868, aged ninety-five years and eight
weeks; Cynthia, born May 28, 1778, was married
to Hezekiah Case; Salmon was born Dec. 13, 1779;
Chauncey was born Dec. 19, 1782; and Abigail,
born Feb. 28, 1785, was married Oct. 2, 1805, to
John \'iets, son of Dr. Alexander \'iets, the latter
a son of a German physician who came from New
York to Simsbury in 1730, and was ancestor of the
Eight Rev. Alexander \'iets. Bishop of Massa-
chusetts.
Chauncey Eno, father of our subject, was born
Dec. 19, 1782, and was all his life a farmer in
Simsbury. He was a Deacon of the church, and
quite a prominent citizen. On Nov. 4, 1807, he
married Amarilla, daughter of Fithen and Amarilla
( Humphrey ) Case, and she bore him the following-
named children: Elizur Hart, born Nov. 7, 1809,
married May 24, 1848, Sarah Elizabeth Tuller, and
died Jan. 16, 1883. Cordelia, born June 3, 1812,
was married Dec. 3, 1839, to Watson Wilcox, who
died Feb. 15, 1879, leaving her with two children —
Addie, born Jan. 9, 1841 : and Lewis W., born July
15, 1842, who died Oct. 15, 1853. Chauncey Evelyn,
the third child, born Dec. 27, 1815, is the subject
of this sketch. The fourth child, Jennette Amarilla,
bom ^lay 8, 1818, was married April 15, 1839, to
Rufus Tuller, and died Feb. 13, 1889, the mother
of three children — Nellie \^, born July 26, 1840,
and married Dec. 25, 1866, to Joseph A. Beecher;
Fanny A., born Jan. 21, 1844, who died May 10,
1871 ; and Chauncey Evelyn, born Jan. 20, 1846,
married to Jennie Curtiss. The fifth child of Chaun-
cey Eno, Josiah William, born Feb. 23, 1820, mar-
ried Louisa Glassell, of A'irginia, and died in Plym-
outh, Penn., in 1895, the father of two children —
William Glassell and Jennette, the latter the wife
of Palmer Campbell, of Hoboken, N. J. Chauncey
Eno, the father of the above family, was a repre-
sentative in the General Assembly in 1828, and a
justice of the peace in Simsbury in 1834. He was.
noted for his upright character and temperate hab-
its, was a true Christian, a good husband and kind
father, a bright example to his fellow men, and was
blessed with the love of all. His death took place
Jan. 13, 1845.
Chauncey Evelyn Eno was educated primarily
in a district school, and later became a student at
Amherst (Mass.) College. He was reared to farm-
ing, and followed that vocation in Simsbury until
1878, when he removed to Weatogue and settled
on the farm of his father-in-law, Richard Bacon,,
where he continued his calling until within the past
few years, when he retired to pass the remainder
of his years in peace and C|uiet.
Mr. Eno has been twice married, his first wife
having been Harriet Goodwin, who was born Feb.
19, 1821, and whom he married Sept. 30, 1840. She
wa a daughter of James (ioodwin, a native of
Bloomfield, and she died Oct. 2y, 1856, the mother-
of two children: Harriet A., born March 6, 1846,
was married to Rufus F. Bond ; and Lewis Good-
win, born March 23, 185 1, married Annie Bradley.
The second marriage of i\'Ir. Eno took place Oct.
27, 1858. to Miss Maria Bacon, a native of Sims-
bury. and a daughter of Richard Bacon, and to
this union have also been born two children : Rich-
ard Bacon, April 4, i860, and Mar)- C, Nov. 13,
1864. The latter, unmarried, is a lady of refine-
ment, well-read, and a fine conversationalist : she
is a n-iember of Abigail Phelps Chapter, Daughters
of the Revolution, at Simsbury. Mrs. Eno is a lady
of marked intelligence and sweet disposition, and
though for the past thirteen years afiflicted with
blindness bears her deprivation of sight with Chris-
tian patience and commendable fortitude.
RrcH.\RD Bacon Eno, son of the subject of this
sketch, received a sound district-school education,
and is engaged in farming, stock raising and dairy-
ing on the farm at Weatogue. Fie is one of the
most enterprising and progressive young agricult-
urists of the town of Simsbury, besides being the
operator of the Mount Philip Farm, having the
largest dairy in the town : he is a director in the
Connecticut Dairymen's Association. He is one of
the most popular men in Simsljurx', and commands
the respect of all who know him, as he is industrious,
temperate, afifable in demeanor, and naturally a gen-
tleman. He is a member of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution, uniting with the chapter at Hart-
ford. Mr. Eno was superintendent of the Con-
gregational Sunday-school for eight years.
Richard Bacon, father of Mrs. Eno, was a de-
scendant of Connecticut ancestry. He was born in
Wethersfield Oct. 11, 1785, a son of Richard Bacon,,
and a brother of George Bacon, who became very
prominent in the city of New York, as Richard
was at Hartford, where he was first engaged in the
West India trade, and later, with his brother
George and others, in the copper mines at Copper
Hill, town of East Granbv, Hartford county, which
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
103
business took him to Europe — principally to Swan-
sea, England. While in that country, in 1845, 'i'^
interested several capitalists in the manufacture
of safet}--fuses for blasting rock. A factory was
first established for this purpose at Weatogue, and
conducted under the firm name of JJacon, Bickford
& Co., being the first concern of the kind in Amer-
ica. iVIr. Bacon also owned a large farm, where
he passed his declining years.
Mr. Bacon married, Jan. 12, 1813, Laura Gris-
wold Humphrey, who was born Sept. 18, 1787, and
died Nov. 18, 1859. To this union came seven chil-
dren: Richard, born March 20, 1814, died unmar-
ried Dec. 30, 1837; Harriet Humphrey, born Sept.
18, 1815, also died unmarried; Laura Elizabeth,
born Oct. i, 1819, died in 1869; JMoses Tryon, born
Jan. 2"/, 1822, died unmarried Aug. 17, 1843;
Charles, born Feb. 14, 1824, married Anna Putnam,
great-granddaughter of Gen. Israel Putnam ; Maria,
born Dec. 14, 1825, became the wife of Chaunce_\-
E. Eno, our subject ; and Philip was born April S,
1827.
Hon. Chauncev E. Eno was first a Whig, and
became a Republican on the disintegration of the
old party. He has represented his district in the
General Assembly one term, although he did not
seek the office, and he has always done good and
active work for his party. He is a man of the
strictest honor, and a devout member of the Con-
gregational Church, and no man in Simsbury town
is more highly esteemed.
ARCHIBALD ASHLEY WELCH, actuary of
the Phoenix Life Insurance Co., Hartford, comes of
a famil}- which has long been prominently identified
with the leading residents of Mansfield, Tolland
Co., Conn., especially in professional circles. Rev.
Daniel Welch (a graduate of Yale) and Rev. Moses
Cook Welch, the latter a native of IMansfield,
great-great-grandfather and great-grandfather, re-
spectively, of our subject, were both ministers of
the Gospel, located at Mansfield.
Dr. Archibald Welch, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Mansfield, but moved to Wethers-
field, Hartford county. He completed his educa-
tion at Yale, receiving his degree from that Univer-
sity, and was a well-known physician and prominent
resident of Wethersfield. He was one of those killed
on the train — bearing manv of the prominent phy-
sicians of this section — which went through the
draw at Norwalk in 1853. Dr. Welch married Miss
Cynthia Hyde, of Tolland county, and they had five
children, one of whom, ]\Ioses, graduated at Yale,
and took his grandfather's pulpit at Mansfield for a
time, later removing to Plartford.
Henry K. W. Welch, father of our subject, was
born in Mansfield, moved to W^ethersfield, and, like
his ancestors, was liberally educated, graduating
from Yale and later studving law. Later he was a
partner of Judge Nathaniel Shipman, now of the
United States court, and he attained high standing
and honor in his profession. Actively interesed in
the public aflfairs of his day, and especially in local
progress, he was chosen to various positions of
trust, represented his town in the State Legislature,
and was member and chairman of the high schtjol
committee of the town. He was a director in the old
Continental Insurance Co. Mr. Welch married Su-
san L. Goodwin, who was born in Hartford, where
the "Allyn House" now stands, daughter of Edward
and Eliza (Sheldon) Goodwin, who had three chil-
dren. She belongs to a well-known family of the
city, her father having been one of the early proprie-
tors of the Hartford Coiirant. Five children were
born to this union : Archibald A., whose name intro-
duces this sketch ; Edward G., who died in 1894. in
Chicago; Frances G., widow of Bernard T. Will-
iams; Henry K. W., secretary of the J. B. Williams
Co., of Glastonbury; and Lewis S., of New Haven,
who is a graduate of Yale, and editor of the "Yale
Alumni Weekly." The father of this family died at
the age of fifty. The mother survives, making her
home in Hartford. She is a member of the Con-
gregational Church, to which her husband also be-
longed.
Archibald A. Welch was born Oct. 6, 1859, in
Hartford, where he has always had his home. Dur-
ing his boyhood he attended the North school, and
later the Hartford Public High School, from which
he was graduated in 1878. Matriculating at Yale,
he continued his studies in that institution to the end
of the Junior year, leaving to enter the service of
the Travelers Insurance Co., in the actuary's office.
He remained with that concern until 1890. when he
took the position of actuary with the Phoeni.x ^lutual
Life Insurance Co., with which he has since con-
tinued. In 1891 he completed his college course,
receiving the degree of A. B. from Yale. He is a
member of the Actuarial Society of America ; chair-
man of the high school committee ; secretary of the
American School for the Deaf, Hartford ; and a
member of the Farmington Avenue Congregational
Church.
In 1884 Mr. Welch married ^liss Ellen Bunce,
who was born in Hartford, daughter of James M.
and Elizabeth (Chester) Bunce, the latter a native
of Wethersfield. Mr. Bunce was a wholesale .grocer
of Hartford, vice-president of the Hartford, Provi-
dence & Fishkill railroad, and a prominent resident
of Hartford.
JA:MES H. OSBORNE, ^L D. (deceased),
was not only prominent as the acknowledged lead-
ing medical practitioner of Southington, but dur-
ing his long residence in the town identified himself
with every interest for local improvement and
benefit.
The Doctor was born in Bridgeport. Conn.,
July 12, 1845, received his early f'ducation at Fair-
field (N. Y.) Academy, and his medical training
at the New York Homeopathic Medical College,
graduating from the latter as valedictorian of the
104
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
class of 1867. During his long and varied expe-
rience as an active practitioner he built up an en-
viable practice, uid gained a high standing as a
profound thinker and man of broad intelligence,
which he used for the general good. His profession
naturally absorbed the greater part of his attention,
but he was deepl}' interested in scientific questions of
every nature, as well as current events, and his
opinions always commanded ixspect. He was well
known in his neighborhood as an interesting and
enthusiastic speaker on any sulaject which he cham-
pioned, and was popular among his fellow citizens
of all classes. Local public affairs always had their
share of his attention, especially those pertaining to
the mental and physical well-being of his towns-
people, and the cause of education and improvements
of the town schools always received his hearty sup-
port. The Doctor was secretary of the board of
school visitors for twenty-one years, for thirteen
years chief of the fire department, and for twenty-
four years health officer. He was a director in the
South ington Savings Bank.
Fraternally Dr. Osborne was well known, affil-
iating with Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M.,
of which he was past master ; Triune Chapter, R. A.
M., of which he was past high priest; and Temple
Council, Xo. 32, of which he was T. I. M. His
death, on Jan. 7, 1901, was the result of an apoplec-
tic shock occurring three days before. He left a
wife, Annie (Finch) Osborne.
CHARLES H. NORTHAM, a member of the
well-known firm of Smith, Northam & Co., grain
dealers at Nos. 127-129 State street, Hartford, was
born ^larch 9, 1842, in Washington. R. L, son of
Hanford IMcKee Northam. The family is of En-
glish origin, and its members have been noted for
the qualities which go to the making of good citi-
zenship, and have usually been active workers in
the Congregational Church.
Jonathan Northam (our subject's great-grand-
father), born Aug. 29, 1725, married Anna Mack
Williams in April, 1754, and resided in Colchester,
Conn., until 1796, being one of the pioneers of the
place, and a leading member of the Congregational
Church. Charles Northam (the grandfather of our
subject) was born July 18, 1768, and followed agri-
culture in Westchester, Conn., for many years in
connection with manufacturing. He died there in
March, 1852. His wife, Sally Harvey, who was
born at East Haddam, Conn., July 27, 1771, died
jNIarch 7, i860, at the Westchester homestead.
Thev were married Nov. 18, 1795, and had five
children: Charles H., born Dec. 21, 1797, died Nov.
12, 1881 ; Hanford McKee, our subject's father, is
mentioned below; Sally M., born July 17, 1804,
married George T. Loomis, a leading farmer of
Bolton, Conn., and died Oct. 28, 1879; Robert C,
born June 9, 1807, married Nancy Emmons, and
died Dec. 27, 1885 (he was a prominent agricultur-
ist of Westchester, owning one of the largest farms
in the locality, and was much esteemed in the com-
munity) ; Emeline Eliza, born April 15, 1813, died
May 5, 1886, was married (first) March 27, 1865,
to Daniel Whiteman, and (second) Feb. 10, 1881,
wedded Enos Nickerson, of Rhode Island, both now
deceased.
Hanford JNIcKee Northam (our subject's father)
was born Aug. 18, 1800, near Colchester, Conn., and
after completing a common-school course became a
teacher. He located first in Norwich, and then in
Suffield, where he conducted a farm. In 1868 he
removed to East Hartford, where he died Nov. i,
i88t), at the age of eighty-six years. He became
one of the successful farmers of East Hartford, and
for some time made a specialty of raising tobacco.
His judgment was sound, and, as his education and
progressive spirit made him a power in the locality,
he was prominent in politics as a Republican, and
in religious work as a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. On June 2, 1841, Mr. Northam mar-
ried, in Coventry, R. I., Marcy Howland Chaoe, by
whom he had two children, Charles H. and Miss
Helen R., the latter a highly educated lady, resid-
ing on the old homestead in East Hartford; she is
a leader in church and social affairs in that locality.
Our subject's mother, who was a woman of quiet
disposition and a noble character, was born in Rhode
Island March i, 1813, and died Feb. 6, 1894. Her
father, Russell W. Chace, who lived to the age of
eighty years, was a wealthy cotton manufacturer of
^^'ashington, R. I., employing a large number of
workmen. Fler mother, Phda Green, was born
iNIarch 17, 1778, daughter of Gideon Green, of Co-
ventry, R. I., who was of the same stock as Gen.
Nathaniel Green, of Revolutionary fame (born July
27, 1742), Gideon Green married Marcy Howland,
daughter of Daniel Howland, of Rhode Island.
Russell W. and Phila Green Chace were at one time
Presbyterians, but in later life the}^ united with the
Congregational Church. They had three children :
Daniel, William and Marcy Howland. Daniel was
in business with his father, and took charge of the
estate at the latter's death. William went to Cali-
fornia in 1849, and remained in the gold fields ten
years, making a success of his venture. Later he
engaged in business with his brother, continuing
until his retirement from active cares.
Our subject was educated in the common schools
of his native place and in the Connecticut Literary-
Institute at Suffield, Conn. When seventeen he left
home to make his own way in the world, and in 1859
he settled in Hartford, where he was first employed
by his uncle, C. H. Northam, in the cotton and wool
business. After six months he became a clerk for
Jerome & Redfield, wholesale grocers, vyith whom
"he spent three years. In 1864 he went into business
for himself, as a member of the firm of Bradfoni
Northam & Co., wholesale flour, grain and feed
dealers, and in 1866 the name was changed to Smith,
Northam & Robinson. In 1882 Mr. Robinson with-
drew, the others continuing as Smith, Northam &
m^
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r
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p ^
^~ ^m'0^
f
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TMil
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/(^ '^^ ,yiy\y\^^Oy^^^^^^\^^\^\^
6.
C/.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
105
Co. until the death of ]Mr. Smith, in January, 1897.
The business was then reorganized under the same
uame, and at present our subject's partner is Eniclyn
\'. ]\[itchelL The business is the oldest and best
known in the State, and has been most successful.
The firm has built four large warehouses and two
elevators, and the largest grain mill in New Eng-
land. They occupy over two acres of ground, and
the capacity of the mill is 6,000 bushels of corn
<lailv; the, four warehouses will hold 200 carloads
of tlour and feed, and the two elevators 200,000
bushels of bulk grain. Their trade, w'hich is larger
than any other house outside of Boston and New
York, extends all over New England, and they con-
stantly keep grain of all kinds in transit, in addition
to the stock kept on hand at the mill and warehouses.
;Mr. Northam is also connected with other corporate
interests where his ability and shrewd insight are
valued, being a director in the American National
Bank, the Phoenix Eire Insurance Co., the Broad
Brook Co., the New Haven Steamboat Co., the Loan
& Guarantee Co., and the Society for Savings. He
is a Republican in politics, and has served in the
common council two terms. In 1890 he declined
election as alderman, but was appointed street com-
missioner, and by reappointments served ten years,
being president of the board for eight years. He is
not a member of any secret society, finding his
greatest pleasure in spending his evenings in the
home circle, but he and his family are popular so-
cially, and all are active members of the South Con-
gTcgational Church.
In 1876 Jklr. Northam built his present beautiful
residence at No. 12 Charter Oak I'lace, one of the
finest homes in the city. On Sept. 22, 1870, he was
married to Miss Hattie L. Tii¥any, who was born in
Hartford, near her present home. They have had
five children : Arline, Edwin Tiffany, Russell Chace,
Katherine Tift'any, and Carl Harvey. ' All were edu-
cated in the South school and the Hartford Public
High School. Miss Arline is a graduate of La Salle
Seminary, Auburndale, Mass. Edwin T. and Rus-
sell C. graduated from the Peekskill Military Acad-
ciuy, at Peekskill, N. Y. Carl Harvey belongs to
the class of 1904, ^^'esleyan L'niversity, Middle-
town, Conn. Russell C. Northam is in business
with his father. He was married Dec. 14, 1899, to
]\Iiss Jane E. Hyde, daughter of Salisbury and
Elizabeth Hyde, of Hartford.
HON. EDWIN D. TIFFANY (deceased),
one of the founders and for many years a member
of what subsequentlv became the business house of
the Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co., Hartford, and
widely known as one of the city's substantial men
and prominent citizens, was up to the time of his
death, April 12, 1890, when lie was aged eighty
years, a connecting link in the city's history be-
tween 1830 and 1890.
^Ir. Tift'any was born Dec. 5. 1810, in the town
of Sturbridge, \\'orcestcr Co., ]\Iass., son of Jona-
than and Experience (Chamberlain) Tift'any, the
father born July 20, 1782, in Attleboro, Mass.; the
mother on June 18, 1789, in Pomfret, Conn. They
were married Dec. 20, 1807, in Woodstock, Conn.,
lived for a period in Sturbridge, and later located
in Hartford, Conn., where they were esteemed and
respected citizens. Mr. Tiffany died Dec. 12, 1865,
his wife on July 31, 1861. Of their other six chil-
dren three only are living: Palmer C, one of the
successful men that went to California in 1849, is
now a retired business man of ]Mt. Pleasant, Iowa;
Lucian is a retired merchant living in Hartford;
Susan E. is the widow of John R. Youngs, late of
Hartford.
Edwin D. Tift'any began learning the printer'.?
trade in his native town in 1827. and in 1S30 located
in Hartford, where his long, honorable, useful and
successful life was passed. In the January number
of the "Connecticut Quarterly," 1896, there ap-
peared an article, under the head of "A Typographi-'
cal Galaxy," in which such men as Philemon Can-
field, John Russell, William Boardman. James
Lockwood, Corydon A. Alford, Alfred E. Burr,
Elihu Geer, John W. Stedman, Edwin D. Tift'any,
William Faxon and Charles Tuller were referred
to, and from it we take the following concerning
the life of our subject:
' The publication of the Neio Englund Weel-ly lieneic was
begun at Hartford in 1828 by Hanmer & Phelps. George D.
Prentice was its first editor. In 18;:i0 Edwin D. Tiffany, a
young man of twenty, from Sturbridge, Mass., obtained
employment in the composing-room. He began work as
a " half journeyman," in the printer's parlance of the time.
In the same year iVIr. Prentice left the Mevieir, going to Ken-
tucky to write the life of Henry Clay, and, subsequently,
became editor of the LuiiisfH/f JouriKtl, which supported
Clay for the Presidency. Mr. Prentice had been among thq
first to recognize the ability of John G. Whittier {then about
twenty-three), and to prophesy his renown. It was through
Prentice's influence that his successor on the i?«c;V(P was none
other than the young Quaker piet, Whittier — who, while in
Hartford, was extremely homesick — was of a retiring disposi-
tion, and spent nearly all his evenings in the " sanctum." He
frequently invited young Tiffany to come in and chat with
him, and the poet-editor and printer became warm friends.
In after years those conversations in Whittier's sanctum
were often referred toby Mr. Tiffany as among the happiest
mcidents of his life.
An experience of two years in the office of one of the
most popular newspapers in New England naturally stimu-
lated a taste for journalism, and in 1832 Mr. Tiffany re-
turned to Massachusetts and conducted a weekly paper
in Southbridge for twelve months, a period quite long enough
to satisfy him that the field was an unsuitable one for his
more matured ideas and growing ambition. Returning to
Hartford, he worked for a time as journeyman on the Anti
Masonic Intell/f/eiice, and later for Philem.m Canfield.
A few years before his death Mr. Tiffany, in a private
conversation, told some of his experiences as a pressman,
and gave the history of his first business venture in Hartford.
Any reader who knew him intimately can imagine with
what dry drollery and quaint humor he related the story.
" J. Hubbard Wells was a Hartford printer. His father,
John I. Wells, the Quaker, was the inventor of the Wells
press. When the father died, Hubbard continued the busi-
ness, and added book printing to it by desire of many local
book publishers.
" Speaking of presses — the first I worked on was a
Ramage, the kind Ben Franklin used to struggle with. I
had some experience with a Wells press next in the office
106
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where I began my trade. Philemon Canfield used the
Brattleboro' presses; they made more noise than forty
steamboats.
" David F. Robinson, the father of the Hon. Henry C.
Robinson, was a pubh'sher who gave Hubbard Wells a great
deal of work. P". J. Huntington was another good customer.
I was a pressman at the Wells establishment. Every inch
of room in the building was utilized. Some of the presses
were close up under the roof. It was so hot there in sum-
mer that the rollers melted. That was where I worked at
first. Afterward Mr. Wells took a room down by the bridge
and I worked there. Then the whole establishment was
brought together in Catlin's building on the corner of
Main and Asylum streets. It was there that I was made
foreman of the pressroom. Very soon that office became
too small, and we moved into the Mitchell building, where
the Cmirnnt building now stands.
"Not long alterward Mr. Wells had an opportunity to
purchase a large printing establishment in Cincinnati, and
he urged me to go in with somebody and buy him out. Well,
to make a long story short, Newton Case and I went into
partnership — that was in 183fi— the firm name being Case,
Tiffany & Co., and bought the Wells establishment, paying
all the cash we could raise, Mr. Wells trusting us lor the
'balance of tht amount due. Alanson D. Waters was soon
taken into the firm, retiring two years later, when Leander
C. Burnham was admitted and his name tacked on after
Tiffany's. Burnham died in 1848, when the original firm
name was resumed. In 18o9 we were able to purchase the
largest establishment in the State, Philemon Canfield's.
We consolidated the two establishments in the old jail build-
ing on the corner of Pearl and Trumbull streets, and thus,
without knowing it, founded the prest-nt Case, Lockwood &
Brainard Co. I expect there will always be a printing office
on that corner."
The first Hartford Directory (183o) was printed by Case,
Tiffany & Co., for Melzar Gardner. Curiously enough Mr.
Tiffany's name only appears in the imprint upon the title-
page. Mr. Tiffany retired from the firm in 1857. Afterward
he was for three years president of the Merchants and
Manufacturers Bank of Hartford. Upon the organization of
the First National Bank, in 1864, he was made its president,
and continued to fill that office until 1876. From that date
Mr. Tiffany was occupied wholly with private business mat-
ters until his death. He died suddenly April 12, 1890, aged
eighty years. Throughout his fourscore years of life Edwin
D. Tiffany was an industrious worker, unostentatious in his
ways, possessed of a rare fund of humor, and a true New
Englander.
Ill 1877 ilr. Tiffany began the business of sell-
ing farm mortgages, and later, with Charles H.
Smith, formed the firm of C. H. Smith & Co., and
in their offices, in the ^Etna building, Mr. Tiffany
was seen every day up to the time of his death. He
was at different times connected with other corpora-
tions, including that of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Co., in which he was a director. He ac-
quired a handsome property. Mr. Tiffany was
twice a representative in the General Assembly of
the State from Haitford, in 1855 and 1859. His
religious connections were with the South Congre-
gational Church at Hartford, with which he united
in 1838, and of which he remained an honored mem-
ber for fifty-two years. In former years he filled
positions of trust and responsibility in the church,
and ever contributed to the peace and welfare of
both it and society. He was a member of the Con-
necticut Historical Society from its organization.
On Sept. 19, 1838, Mr. Tiffany was married to
Julia A. Camp, born Feb. 28, 1809, daughter of
Capt. Samuel and Tabitha (Seymour) Camp, and
one of a large family of children, all of whom arc
now deceased. Capt. Samuel Camp was born i:^
1770, and died Dec. 3, 1833, and Tabitha, his wife
was born May i, 1780, and died Nov. 2, 1871, at th|
advanced age of ninety-one years.
To jNIr. and Mrs. Ed^win D. Tiffany were born'
six children, only two of whom survive : George
Morton, of St. Louis; and liattie L., now the wife
of Charles H. Northani, a prominent business man
of Hartford. The mother passed away March 9,
1886, and, as stated above, the father on April 12,
1 890. The deceased children were : Julia Esther,
wlio died Aug. 5, 1845 • Edwin Palmer, who died
Dec. 21, 1891 ; Robert Franklin, w'ho died Aug. 3,
1849; and Emma Francis, who was the wife of
Charles Stanton Gillette, who succeeded Mr. Tiffan)^
as president of the First National Bank, and held
the position until his death, Jan. 10, 1887, he and his
wife dying within three days of each other (they
left five children : Hattie ; Charles Howard, who
married Marion, daughter of Col. George Pope;
Norman ; Henry Camp ; and Emma Tiffany Gil-
lette).
EDWIN TAYLOR, a venerable and highly re-
spected citizen of Hartford, passed away at his
home in that city May 11, 1888, in his eighty-first
year.
3ilr. Taylor was born Oct. 6, 1807, in Glaston-
bury, Conn., and was of a well-known family. His
father, Samuel Taylor, was born in England in 1777,
and came to America in early manhood with his
brother Joseph to meet his uncle Benjamin, who was
a merchant in New York. Samuel Taylor landed
at Portland, Conn., where he followed the tailor's
trade for a time, but in 1800 he settled in South
Glastonbury and engaged in business as a contract-
ing sail-maker, vessel building being then carried
on extensively along the Connecticut river. He took
an active interest in church matters, and "read
service" for many years in the Episcopal Church in
South Glastonbury, where a memorial portrait of
him is now on the walls. He married Sarah Pem-
berton, of Portland, and they had children as fol-
lows: (i) Benjamin is mentioned more fully below.
(2) Sophia, born March 7, 1801, died unmarried.
(3) George, born April 26, 1803, married Eunice
Harris. He was a sailor, and lived and died in
South Glastonbury. (4) Eliza was born Aug. 6,
1805. (5) Edwin, our subject's father, is men-
tioned more fully farther on. (6) Hannah, born
Feb. 17, 1810, married Edwin Miller, a farmer in
Glastonbury. (7) Sallie Ann, born May 15, 1812,
married Gideon Kinne, a mason and farmer in Glas-
tonbury. (8) Francis, born Nov. 2, 1814, married
Lucretia Miner, of Quiambog, Stonington, Conn.
He was a cooper by trade, but is now engaged in
farming in South Glastonbury. (9) Joseph, borji
Jan. II, 1818, married (first) a Miss Dashiell and
(second) Mary Metz. He is an Episcopal clergy-
man, living in South Plainfield, N. J. ( 10) Mary,
born Aug. 20, 1820, died unmarried. (11) Martha,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
107
born July ii, 1823, married Henry S. Parsdns, of
New Haven, who now resides in Xorthamplon,
jNlass. She is deceased.
Edwin Taylor spent his early years in Glaston-
hury, and in about 1830 went to Hartford to en-
gage in mercantile business with his brother, Ben-
jamin Taylor, who was living in Glastonbury at
the time of Edwin Taylor's death, at the advanced
age of eighty-nine years. They opened a store at
the foot of State street, in a building erected by
Edwin Taylor in 1833, which has been used of
late years as a railroad station by the \'alley Railroad
Co. At that time there was no railroad, and mer-
chandise was brought to Hartford by water, the
steamljoats stopping at the foot of State street.
In 1835 Edwin Taylor went into the lumber and
planing business, succeeding Bristol & Wheaton,
at Dutch Point ; not long afterward the firm became
Preston & Ta}dor, the members being Esek J. and
Zephaniah Preston and Edwin Taylor. At a later
period the connection was dissolved, and Mr. Tay-
lor, with his brother Benjamin, under the firm
name of 1!. & E. Taylor, kept that well-known
yard and mill until April 16, 1849, when fire de-
stroyed the mill and part of the stock on hand.
In the same spring the new mill was built, and Ed-
win Tavlor started again with Edwin Spencer, then
cashier of the Connecticut River Bank. The business
prospered, but Mr. Spencer died in the fall of that
year, and James Bartholomew bought his interest,
and continued for five years, the firm name being
E. Taylor & Co. In 1854 Samuel Taylor bought the
Bartholomew interest, and the firm name became
E. Taylor & Son, as it has since remained, although
Edwin P. Taylor succeeded to his father's interest
in Alay, 1888. In i86j they moved to the jDresent
site. Edwin Taylor was in business for fifty-eight
years, and for fifty-two years of that long period he
was in the lumber trade.
In 1832 Mr. Taylor married ]\Iiss Nancy J.
Kinne, of Glastonbury, a daughter of Aaron and
Amelia (Hale) Kinne, and sister of Gideon and
Aaron Kinne. Her father was a graduate of Yale
College, and a teacher by occupation. She died
in October, 1887, after fifty-five years of married
life. Nine children were born to them, three of
■whom survived the father: Samuel, born x\pril 26,
1833 : Edwin P., born Avig. 20, 1849 • ^""^l Julia, wife
of Dr. Roland G. Curtin, of Philadelphia. Edwin
Taylor was a Republican in politics, and earlier a
^^'hig. He took no active part in public affairs, al-
though he was a member of the council for one
term. He was a man of medium stature and mild,
con.servative temperament, and was highly esteemed
and respected bv all who knew him. At one time
he was a member of Christ Church, Hartford, and
helped to found St. John's Church, of which he was
warden for many years.
S.\MUEL T.WLQR was educated in the Hopkins
gr; ';Ool of Hartford, and entered upon
bu! ,s a clerk for Watkinson & Bartholo-
mew. Later he held a similar position with Col-
lins Bros., wholesale dry-goods merchants, and in.
1854 he was admitted to partnership with his fa-
ther. Eor the last quarter of a century he has been
the executive head of the firm, and their continued
prosperity shows his ability and enterprise. He is
regarded as one of the most careful and pains-
taking financiers in Hartford, is president of
the State Savings I'-ank, and since 1875 has
been one of the directors of the American
National Bank of that city. He has always
been a Republican, and in 1855 was a member of
the council. He is an active worker in the Church
of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), and is serving
as trustee of the following: The Church Scholar-
ship Society, Eisher Memorial Eund, and the Church
Club. Sociallv he holds membership with the Hart-
ford Club, Hartford Republican Club, Hartford His-
torical Society, and the Hartford Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution. He married (first) Miss Laura
Louise Lester, daughter of Chauncy Lester, and
the\- had one daughter, Ada Louise Taylor. This
wife died in June," 1870, and Mr. Taylor later mar-
ried Mary Amelia Curtin, of Bellefonte, Penn., who
died Oct. 11, 1887, leaving one daughter, Mary
Curtin Taylor.
Bexj.v'min T.vvlor, brother 'of Edwin Taylor,
mentioned above, was born in Portland, Conn., Jan,
18, 1799, and removed with his parents to South.
Glastonbury during boyhood. He received a good
education for that da\-, and when a young man
went to Hartford and engaged in mercantile pur-
suits on State street, near the river. In 1830 he sold
out on account of failing health, and removed to
North Glastonbury, where he maintained a general
store and conducted the post office for over thirty
vears. He erected the building now occupied by his
step-grandson, George E. Corbitt, and for a time h's
sons "assisted him there. He' then rented the store
to Edwin H. Andrews, who was there a short time,
but Mr. Taylor afterward took charge, and with his
sons managed the business until his death. He
died April 29, 1890, at the age of ninety-one years,,
and was buried in South Glastonbury. He was mar-
ried (first), Nov. 3. 1824. to Mary Ann Hale, and
(second) on Nov. 25, 1862, to Mary Tinker Clark,
His eight children were all b_\- the first marriage, as
follows: (I) Charles, born Sept. 11, 1825, is men-
tioned below. (2) Marv Ann, born Nov. 9, 1827,
died Alay 10, 1828. ( 3 )' Mary Jane, born April 14.
1829, married EHas W. Hale, now of Towanda,
Penn. (4) John Hale, born Sept. 19, 1831. died
Aug. 30, 1858. married Maria Tuttle, of New Haven,
and had two children, John H., his son, being one of
the firm of Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor, of New
Haven. (5) Alfred, born April 14, 1835, died April
9, 1856. (6) Benjamin, born April 6, 1838, and
died Jan. 24. 1873, served in the Cnited States army
during the Civil war : he married Emma Chamber-
lain, of Hartford. (7) \\'iniam, born April 4, 1841.
died March 2^, 1871. He married Kate Davies, and
108
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
settled in Glastonbun-. He was educated for the
Universalist ministn-, but never officiated. (8)
James Francis, born Dec. 4, 1846, died Oct. 12, 1869,
married Ada Gilljert, and lived in Glastonbury until
his death.
Benjamin Taylor was a strong Democrat, as
were his children. He held nearly all the local of-
fices, and served the town in the Legislature in
1868 or '69. He never bought a vote in his life, and
was known as a very honest, upright man in all his
dealings. He was of medium stature, and of a very
pleasant disposition. He v/as a very conscientious
man, and the latter years of his life he spent in read-
ing the Bible and writing on the subjects therein.
He retained every faculty until his death, was well
posted on nearly all important topics, being a great
reader; was also a fine penman, and when over
eig^hty years old wrote as well as any young- man.
Gharles Taylor, son of Benjamin Taylor, was
born in Hartford, and removed to Glastonbury
with the family in 1830. He attended the district
schools of the town, and after leaving school clerked
in his father's store for a time. He then went to
St. Cloud, Minn., with his brother John, and started
a store, but later he engaged in the lumber business.
In 1 87 1 he returned to Glastonbury, and after the
death of his brother, William, he took charge of the
store, and continued in business until his death,
which occurred Dec. 15, 1895. He was first married
to Jane Talcott, by whom he had no children, and
later to Mrs. Harriet Corbitt (nee Lee), widow of
George Corbitt, who was wounded at Antietam and
died in 1862, two months after the battle. Mrs.
Taylor had one son bv her first marriage, George
Frederick Corbitt, born July 4. i860, and now man-
aging the store. He married Rebecca Kieth, and has
one son, Charles L. Corbitt, born Feb. 8, 1885, who
is a talented musician, and is now attending Hunt-
singer's Business College.
Politically Charl.^s Taylor was a Democrat, but
never held office, preferring to spend the moments
free from business in his home. "The family attends
the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Taylor is
a member.
HIRAM BISSELL. a leading contractor and
builder of Hartford, with office at No. 83 Wads-
worth street, was born Aug. 12, i8ig, in Glaston-
burv, Hartford county, where the family is well
known.
Chester Bissell, his father, was a native of East
W^indsor, this county, but spent his life chiefly jn
Glastonbury, dying there at the age of sixty-five
years. For many years he followed farming in con-
nection with boating and shad fishing on the" Connec-
ticut river. He married Prudence Trvon, a native of
Glastonbury, and a daughter of William Tryon,
-who engaged for many years in the manufacture of
shingles by hand, and attained a good old age, our
subject remembering him well. The mother, who
died aged ninety-three years, was one of a family
of six children, and the same number brightened
her own home.
Fliram Bissell, who is now tlie only survivor
of the family, removed to Hartford in 1836, and
learned the trade of mason with Eldridge Andrews,
a prominent builder of that time. Lie worked foiiT
years to learn the trade, receiving- $25, $30, $35 and
$40 per year, respectively, and then began con-
tracting in a small way, being in partnership with
H. R. Tryon for a short time. He continued alone
for a number of years, and then his brother Sylves- Mj
ter joined him, but for some years past he has been ^
alone. He is the oldest contractor in the city, wliich
he has seen grow from a city of 7,000, including
West Hartford, to its present population of over
80,000. He has built hundreds of dwellings, and
a large number of the prominent business blocks
and churches in the city, whole or in part. Among
these we may mention the south part of the Times
building, the Putnam, Charter Oak, Connecticut Mu-
tual, post office. State capitol, the Marble block, the
Methodist church, the Memorial Arch, and many
other structures. In 1899 he built the Universalist
Church building on Main street, a four-story build-
ing with a church in the rear and offices on the '
other floors, and in i860 built the church in the rear
of that. His reputation as an expert workman also
extends beyond local limitations. At one time Mr.
Bissell was interested in the real estate business,
and put up numerous buildings for sale, and for
many years be was a director in the Merchants and
the Kational Fire Insurance Cos., and in the State
Savings Bank, Cedar Hill cemetery, and a life di-
rector of the Hartford Hospital. He was elected
water commissioner in 1854, re-elected in 1855, and
during his second term was made president, in
w'hich capacity he continued for seventeen years,
retiring in 1873. He saw the entire system of wa-
ter works put in, being the projector of the gravita-
tion method.
In 1844 Mr. Bissell married JNIiss Nancy Shel-
don, a native of Hartford, and a daughter of Sam-
uel Sheldon, a well-known farmer of that locality.
Of their four children two are living: (i) Belle
married J. G. Lane, of Hartford, and has two
daughters, Emma and Bertha. (2) Ella married
F. S. Carev, of the Hartford Courant, and has two
children, Hiram Bissell and Harold D. Mrs. Bissell
died in 1863, and on Sept. 14, 1865, Mr. Bissell mar-
ried Mrs. Elizabeth Barnard, widow of Dorus C.
Barnard, by whom she had three children, one of
whom is living, Dorus Clark Barnard, of Hartford.
Mr. Bissell is a Democrat, but in local elections
votes for the best man. He has been nominated
to office, but has refused to accept. He and his
family are prominent socially, and he has been a
member of the F. & A. M. for many years, and was
formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. He and his
wife are both members of the Universalist society,
and for many years he has served on the society
committee.
. ^^^^>l^<:K^y-zyAM^<:^<^^'^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
109
MORRIS. The family of this name, of which
the late Jonathan Flynt iMorris, of Hartford, was
an honored nicniber, and of which his nephew, Jolm
Emery IMorris, secretary of the Travelers Insurance
Co., of Hartford, is also a member, is one of the old
and prominent Colonial families of New England.
Jonathan Elynt Morris was in the seventh genera-
tion from Edward Morris, of Waltham, Holy Cross
Abbey, County of Essex, England, who first settled
in this country at Roxbury, Alass., the line of his
descent being through Deacon Edward, Lieut. Ed-
ward, Isaac, Edward and Edward.
(I) Lieut. Edward Morris, the American ances-
tor, was a son of Thomas and Grissie (Hewsone)
Morris, of Waltham, Holy Cross Abbey, County of
Essex, England, and was born in August, 1630.
The earliest record of him in America is at Rox-
bury, Mass., in 1652. He married Grace Bett, Nov.
20, 1655. He was a man of prominence and influ-
ence, and served in many public capacities, among
them as constable, selectman, and lor nine years,
from 1678 to 1686, as deputy to the General Court.
He became in 1686 a settler of Woodstock, then in
Massachusetts, but now in Connecticut, and died
Sept. 14, 1690. His wife died June 6, 1705, at Rox-
bury. Their children, all born in Roxbury, were :
Isaac, Edward, Grace, Ebenezer, Elizabeth, Mar-
garet, Samuel and Martha.
(II) Deacon Edward Morris, son of Lieut. Ed-
ward, born in March, 1658-59, married INIa}'' 24,
1683, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
(Johnson) Bowen, of Roxbury. He moved to
\Voodstock after his father's death, and seems to
have taken his place in public affairs ; he was select-
man the greater part of the time from 1691 to 1722,
was assessor, town auditor, surveyor, etc. He
was a deacon in the church for many years. He
died Aug. 29, 1727, and his wife died Nov. 20,
1743. Their children were : Elizabeth, Elizabeth (2),
Edward, Grace, Abigail, Susanna and Prudence.
(III) Lieut. Edward Morris, son of Deacon Ed-
ward, born Nov. 9, 1688, in Roxbury, married Jan.
12, 1715, Bithia'h Peake, daughter of Jonathan (Jr.)
and Hannah (Leavens) Peake, of Roxbury. He
served as surveyor, constable and selectman of
Woodstock for years. He died Aug. 12, 1769. His
children were : Elizabeth, Hannah, Edward, Grace,
Bithia, Isaac, Asa, Eunice, J\Iartha, Mary, Jona-
than, Priscilla, Dorothy and Hannah.
(IV) Isaac Morris, son of Lieut. Edward, born
March 26, 1725, on Woodstock Llill, married (pub-
lished) Oct. 18, 1748, Sarah Chafifee, of Woodstock
daughter of Joseph and Hannah (May) Chafifee,
formerly of Ijarrington, Mass. Isaac Morris was
a farmer. In 1761 he moved to Springfield, Mass.,
and settled in that part of the town then known as
Wales, later the South Parish of Wilbraham, and
now the town of Hampden. He died Jan. 10, 1778,
and his widow afterward married Hon. John Bliss,
whom she survived, and died April 27, 1818, aged
eight3--nine years. Their children were: Plannah,
Darius, Jsaac, Josepli, Edward, Elizabeth, Sarah,
Eunice, Chester, Ebenezer, Elizabeth (2j, and
I'Iphraim.
(\'j lulward Morris, son of Isaac, born Dec. 12,
i75(), in Woodstock, married March 28, 1782, Lucy,
daughter of Hon. John Bliss, of Wilbraham, a de-
scendant of Thomas Bliss, of Hartford, Conn., 1639.
Edward Morris served in the war of the Revolution,
principally in the army of Canada, and with him his
brother Joseph, who lost his life in the war. Ed-
ward was a farmer. He died April 29, 1801, his
wife on April 15, 1836. Their children were: Oli-
ver B., Edward, Isaac, John 11. , Lucy, Abby, Thirza,
Richard D., L)dia, and Edward A.
(VI) Edward Morris, son of Edward, born July
21, 1784, at the Bliss-AIorris homestead in Suutli
Wilbraham, Mass., married (first) May 15, 1S06,
Sally, daughter of Jonathan and Mercy (Leonard)
Flynt, of Wilbraham. She was born in Greenwich,
Mass., Sept. 10, 1784, and died in South Wilbraham
June 24, 1807. Edward }\Iorris married (second)
June 27, 1808, Mercy Elynt (sister of Sally 1. She
was born Aug. i, 1788, in ;\Ionson, Mass., and died
there Aug. 17, 1831. Mr. Morris was a merchant
in South Wilbraham, and later in Belchertown. He
afterward retired to a farm known as "the Kent-
field place," and still later removed to another farm
near Belchertown, and on Aug. 16, 1824, while bath-
ing in Swift river, was seized with cramps and
drowned. During the war of 1812 he was a quar-
termaster in the 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Massa-
chusetts Militia. Plimself and wife were members
of the Congregational Church. In politics ]\Ir. IMor-
ris was a Federalist. He was a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity. While residing in Wilbraham he
served as constable, surveyor, collector, etc.
His children, all by i\Iercy except the first
named, were : Edward Flynt, born March 24,
1807, died Feb. 14, 1S30; Sally Flynt, born June
19, 1810, married Daniel D. Chaffee; Charles was
born June 6, 1812; George Flynt, IMay 6, 1814;
Maria Melissa, Nov. 2, 1816; Henry, Feb. 25, 1S19;
and Jonathan Flynt, March 20, 1822.
Jonathan Flynt, the father of the wives of Edward
IMorris, was born Nov. 13, 1747, in Windham, Conn.,
and died in Monson, IMass., Nov. 6, 1814. He was
a descendant of Thomas Flynt, of Salem, IMass.,
1640. On June 18, 1782, he married Mercy, daugh-
ter of Ensign Ezra Leonard, of Hardwick, IMass., a
descendant of Solomon Leonard, of Duxbury, IMass.,
1637. Jonathan Flynt was a clothier, and had mills
in Flardwick, Greenwich, ^lonson and ^^'ilbraham,
His wife was born in Flardwick Sept. 18, 1751, and
died in Monson, Jan. 4, 1823.
.(VII) Jonathan Flynt IMorris, whose death oc-
curred at his residence on Farmington avenue,
Hartford, Jan. 30, 1899, was the former president of
the Charter Oak National Bank, and for many
years a prominent citizen of Hartford. IMr. IMorris
was born at "the Kentfield Place" in Belchertown.
I\Iass., March 20, 1822, and was the fifth son of
110
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Edward Morris. His father died when he was two
years old, and he Hved with his maternal uncle,
i^ufus Flynt, of Monson, Mass., until 1836. He
then went to New York City, where he attended
school and filled various clerkships until 1843, when
he went to sea as supercargo of a vessel in the
Haytian trade, and for the four succeeding years
was connected with commercial establishments at
Port de Paix and Gonaives, in the Island of Hayti.
In the autumn of 1847 he was much reduced in
health by an attack of yellow fever, which was fol-
lowed by relapse, and being obliged to seek a change
of climate returned to New England. After recov-
ering his health he entered the employ of the West-
ern railroad, now the Boston & Albany, at Spring-
field, in the cashier's office, where he remained until
1850, when he was offered and accepted the position
of teller in the Tolland County Bank, of Tolland,
Conn. On Sept. 13, 1853, Mr. Morris was chosen
cashier of the Charter Oak Bank, of Hartford, and
in 1879 he was chosen president of the bank, which
had become the Charter Oak National Bank. He
remained president until 1893, when he retired from
that office, having been officially connected with the
bank exactly forty years, but retained a position on
the board of directors. Mr. Morris was a trustee
■of the Society for Savings, director in the National
Fire Insurance Co., treasurer of the Hartford The-
ological Seminary, and of the Connecticut Histor-
ical Society. He was also trustee for many import-
ant and large estates, which demanded much of his
time. In business Mr. Morris was regarded as a
man of the highest integrity and honor, conservative
.and well-grounded in his business beliefs and
habits.
]\Ir. ]\Iorris was an ardent Republican, and was
one of nine men who met in Hartford Feb. 4, 1856,
to take steps toward the formation of the Republi-
■can party in Connecticut. Only two of those pres-
ent survive him. Senator Joseph R. Hawley and
Judge Nathaniel Shipman. He was a close student
of historical matters, and took a lively interest in
the establishment of "Flag Day" as a legal holiday,
and gathered a large amount of facts about the stars
and stripes, which he embodied in a pamphlet. He
was intensely interested in genealogy, carried on
much original research, and was regarded as an
authority on the histor}' and genealogy of Connecti-
cut families. He was one of the originators of
the Connecticut Society, . Sons of the American
Revolution, and a member of the Order of Founders
and Patriots, and took the liveliest interest in all
patriotic organizations. Mr. ]\Iorris was one of
the most genial men, overflowing with a fund of
information which could be relied upon, and he
counted his friends and acquaintances by hundreds,
although he was of a retiring, quiet nature. He
was a member of the Asylum Hill Congregational
Church.
On May 8, 1855, I\Ir. Morris was married to
Harriet, youngest daughter of Samuel and Alpha
(Gillett) Hills, of Springfield, Mass. She died
March 3, 1879, leaving two daughters: Anna, born
Jan. 24, 1856, wife of Prof. Alfred Tyler Perry
(former professor and librarian of the Hartford
Theological Seminary, now (1900) president of
Mariette (Ohio) College), to whom she was mar-
ried April 13, 1887; and Alice, born Nov. 18, 1858,
wife of Rev. Dr. Charles Smith Mills, of Cleveland,
Ohio, to whom she was married June 17, 1885.
(VTI) Capt. Henry Morris, fourth son of Ed^
ward, and the father of John Emery Morris, sec4
retary of the Travelers Insurance Co. of HartfordJ
was born Feb. 25, 1819, in Belchertown, Mass|
On the death of the father, when Henry was five
years of age, 'he went with his mother, and younger^
brother to live with his maternal uncle, Rufus Flynt,
in Monson, and afterward with his grandmother
in Wilbraham. At the age of ten years he went
to live with his uncle Richard Morris, in Spring-1
field, Mass., and later for a time he was in the bookl
store of G. & C. Merriam, the well-known pub-l
lishers of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. In|
183s he shipped as a cabin boy on the ship "Vesper,"'
Capt. Hunt, bound for Belfast, Ireland. Later b
made voyages to the Gulf of Mexico, Europe, Soutj
America, and the West Indies, during which 1:
passed through every grade of seamanship, until;
at the age of twenty years, he became a shipmaster,
He was a thorough seaman, and fond of his pro-
fession. He made navigation his study from the
day he first went to sea. Capt. Hunt said that
"Henry Morris knew more about navigation at six-
teen than half the mates that ever sailed." He was
a seaman for several voyages on the barque "Isaac
Ellis," Capt. John H. Spring. His last voyage on
the "Isaac Ellis" was from New York to the Med-
iterranean sea and to Monte Video, South America,
and back to New York. Capt. Morris was a skill-
ful navigator, and had the full confidence of his
employers. He was a gentleman in his ways and
manners, uniformly kind and courteous, and was
liked and beloved by all who knew him. He had
established a high character, and was indeed a
model man. Had he lived, and continued in his
profession, he would have reached a high position
and obtained a wide fame, but he was cut off from
life just at the age of twenty-five. His first com-
mand was the schooner "Julia Ann," in the New
York and Haytian trade, making voyages to Port
au Prince. He was part owner of the "Julia Ann,"
but left it in July, 1843, to engage in trade for
himself. He chartered and made four voyages as
supercargo with the schooner "Mary Bright," Capt.
Bright, commanding, on the last of which, in March,
1844, the vessel was lost with all on board. Capt.
Morris was in the "William Neilson," at Port au
Prince, at the time of the great earthquake in Hayti,
May 7, 1842, in which so many towns were ruined
and so many lives were lost, and was the first to
bring the news to the United States.
On Aug. 23, 1842, Capt. Morris was married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
IIL
to Harriet, daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Bliss)
Bontccou, of S])ring-field, Mass. She was born Oet.
■9, 1818, at Spring-field, ?\lass., and was a descentlant
of Pierre lionteeou, a Huguenot refugee from
France to New York in 1684. After the death of
her husband Mrs. Morris remained a widow until
Dec. I, 1859. when she married Charles Morris, a
brother of Capt. Henry Morris. She died at Keese-
ville, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1872, and was buried there.
Capt. Morris' only child is John Emery iMorris.
(Vni) 'JoH.x E.MiCKV Morris, secretary of the
Travelers Insurance Co., Hartford, son of Capt.
Henry Morris, and nephew of the late Jonathan
Flynt Morris, of Hartford, was born Nov. 30.
1843, at Springfield, Mass., and in the spring of
i860 settled in Hartford, where he was employed
in the Charter Dak Bank, of which his uncle was
then cashier. He enlisted Sept. 20, 1862, and served
as corporal in Company B, 22d Conn. \'. L, until
discharged, July 7, 1863. He entered the service
of the Travelers Insurance Co. July 6, 1864, was
elected assistant secretary in May, 1874, and secre-
tary July 5, 1898. He is also a member of the
board of directors, and is his uncle's successor in
the directory of the Charter Oak National Bank.
Air. Alorris has devoted much of his leisure time
to genealogical investigations, and has compiled and
published a number of books and pamphlets on that
subject. He is a member of the Connecticut His-
torical Societv, succeeding his tuicle, Jonathan Flynt
IMorris, as its treasurer : a member of the Connecti-
cut Society, the Sons of the American Revolution ;
a charter member of the Order of Foimders and
I'atriots of America : and a member of the Hugue-
not Society of America.
SIt. Morris married, ]\Iay 15, 1867, Mary P.,
tlaughter of Festus C. and Sarah King (Lincoln),
I'elt, of New York, a descendant of George Felt,
of Charlestown, Mass., 1633. She was born in
New York City Jan. i, 1848, and is a granddaugh-
ter of the late Levi Lincoln, of Hartford, a descend-
ant of Thomas Lincoln, the miller, of Taunton,
Alass., 1650. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Morris
are: (i) Henry Lincoln, born Feb. 6, 1868, was
married in Stockbridge, Mass., Oct. 6, 1891, to
Lucy Hurlbut Karrick, and they have one child,
Edward Karrick JNIorris, born in New York City
Jan. 25, 1897. Mr. ]\Iorris is historian of the Em-
pire State Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and an incorporator and founder of
the Order of Founders and Patriots of America.
He is engaged in business in New York City, and
resides in Flushing, L. I. (2) Edward Bontecou,
born Aug. 16, 1875, a graduate of the Sheffield
Scientific School, of Yale LTniversity, is emploved in
the Actuarial Department of the Travelers Insur-
ance Co. (3) John Felt, born Oct. 29, 1S77, is con-
nected with the Hartford Trust Company.
CHARLES G. STONE, Home Office Agent
of the Travelers Insurance Co. of Hartford, and in
other connections a prominent resident of that city,
M:
1860, in
is a native of Connecticut, b
Xaugatuck,
.Mban M. Stone, grandfather of our sul)ject.
was a descendant of Hugh Stone, who emigrated to
this country from England in alaout 1655, and set-
tled in Warwick, R. 1. Mr. Stone's grandfather,
Jol) Mattison, was a Revolutionary soldier, and
his widow received a ])ension for his services. Mr.
Stone was a prominent man in Hartford county in
his day, for many \-ears holding the position of
agent for the North Manchester Mills. Later he
removed to Providence, R. I., where he engaged
in the wholesale paper trade, building up a large
business. Fie married Mary Adams Morse, daugh-
ter of Charles Morse, of Coventry, R. 1,, whose
ancestor, William Morse, emigrated to this coun-
try in 1635, and settled in Newbury, Mass. Mary
Adams Stone was a descendant of Henry Adams,
who emigrated to New England in 1634, and set-
tled in liraintree, Mass. Henry Adams was the fa-
ther of Lieut. Henry Adams, of the Ancient and
Honorable Artillery of Boston, who was killed liy
the Indians at the burning of Medfield in 1676.
Other descendants from Henry Adams were John
Adams and John Ouincy Adams, Presidents of the
L'nited States ; Samuel Adams, the patriot signer of
the Declaration of Independence ; Charles Francis
Adams ; and many other men of note. Mr. and INIrs.
Stone had a large family, of whom but two survive :
James B., the father of our subject: and Sarah A.,
Airs. Disbrow, of Providence, R. I. Mr. Stone
passed away at the age of seventy-nine, his wife
at the age of seventy-six. They were identified
with the Congregational Church.
James B. Stone was reared in North Alanches-
ter, but his active life was passed in Hartford,
where he became a well-known business man, en-
gaging in the wholesale and retail paper trade up to
1892; at the time of his retirement he was the old-
est paper merchant in the city. He is a Republican
in politics, and prominent in social life, having affil-
iated with the Alasons for many years ; he is a vet-
eran of the City Guard, of which he was long an act-
ive member. Mr. Stone is equally well known in
musical circles, having played tlie organ many
years in the Asylum Hill Congregational Church,
and later in the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church.
He and his wife attend the Congregational Church.
James B. Stone married Miss Julia A. Greene,
and two children were born to them : Cliarles G.
and Lillian A. The daughter married Dr. H. E.
Rice, of Springfield, Mass., a prominent physician
and surgeon of that city. Airs. Stone is a native
of Warwick, R. I., and one of the eight children
of Christopher Greene, a prominent citizen of ^\'ar-
wick. Airs. Julia A. (Greene) Stone is a descen<l-
ant of John Greene, surgeon, who came from Wilt-
shire, England, and settled in about 1636 in War-
wick, R. I., where he died in 1658. Other descend-
ants from John Green are Gen. Nathaniel Green, the
celebrated Revolutionary general : John Green, dep-
uty governor of Rhode Island, who died in 1708;
112
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
William Green, governor of Rhode Island, who
died in 1758; ^^'illiam Green {2) governor of
Rhode Island, wlio died in 1809; Hon. Ray Green,
member United States Senate 1794 to 1797; Will-
iam Green, lientenant-governor of Rhode Island in
1871 ; Brig.-Gen. George Sears Green, who attained
great prominence dnring the Civil war, and his
son, Gen. Francis Vinton Green, celebrated for the
services rendered his country during the late Span-
ish war, and for his prominence in the Republican
party in New York.
Charles G. Stone spent his early years in Hart-
ford, attending the district schools and the Hart-
ford Public High School, from which latter he was
graduated at the age of seventeen years. Until twen-
ty years old he was employed in a wholesale harness
house, and then entered the employ of the Travelers
Insurance Co., as mail clerk. iTom this humble
position he worked his way upward until, in 1885,
he was sent to St. Paul, Minn., to learn the agency
work, remaining there one year. Soon after his
return he was appointed Home Office Agent at
Hartford, which position he has ever since retained.
j\lr. Stone is prominent in the social and public in-
terests of Hartford, having been elected to the
common council board from the Fourth ward for
three years — 1898 to 1901 — being now first coun-
cilman; from 1897 he has served efficiently as chair-
man of the Northwest school district. His political
support is given to the Republican party. He is
State secretary of the Connecticut Society, Sons of
the American Revolution ; member of the Connecti-
cut Historical Society ; the Connecticut Horticult-
ural Society ; the Hartford Yacht Club ; the Weeka-
paugh Golf Club; and, in religious connection, of
the Asylum Hill Congregational Church, being also
a teacher in the Sunday-school and a member of
the Teachers Club.
In 1 893 Mr. Stone married Miss Bessie C. Rath-
bun, and they have had one child, Kathleen. Mrs.
Stone's father, Julius G. Rathbun, is agent of the
National Life Insurance Co., of Vermont, a well
known and prominent citizen of Hartford. His
family consisted of four children, three of whom
are living: Helen, Fred D., and Bessie C. (Mrs.
Stone).
HORACE MANN ANDREWS, senior member
of the mercantile and manufacturing firm of An-
drews & Peck, and for many years prominently
connected with the city government of Hartford,
was born in Essex, Mass., Jan. 10, 1849. His
grandfather married Martha Lufkin, of Essex.
Joseph Andrews, father of our subject, was
born in Essex, in 1804, in that part of the town
wdiich was once a part of old Chebacco. The
only educational advantages open to him were a
few months each year in district schools, and very
meager home training. His learning from books
was chiefly self-acquired ; yet such was his inborn
love of study, that even under these discouraging
conditions he became an excellent mathematician
and a man of broad general knowledge. When a
},-oung man he worked as a surveyor, in which pur-
suit he was successful because of his thorough fa-
miliarity with his task, and his rigid integrity,
which latter trait, indeed, was one of Mr. Andrews'
most pronounced characteristics through life. He
was thoroughly intolerant of anything that was un-
just or mean. In later years he became a farmer
and shipbuilder. His farm was situated on But-
ler's Pomt, in the town of Essex, and he was super-
intendent in several of the ship}'ards, was regarded
as ail expert "liner," and supervised the modeling
and construction of some of the largest craft floated,
from the yards of Essex, always an important cen-
ter for this industry. The outbreak of the Rebel-
lion stirred his patriotic pulse to the depths. He
tendered his services to the government in the ca-
pacity in which he felt he could be most useful, and
was assigned to duty in the navy yard at Charles-
town, where he was placed in charge of a large
force of men. Here his technical skill, no less than
his natural executive ability, trained by previous
experience, insured success, and won for him the
genuine, profound respect of the officers who were
his superiors. It is difficult to speak too highly of
the character of Joseph Andrews, whose keen intel- wL
lect and rugged honestjr stamped him as a true son '
of New England. His perceptions were quick and
clear, his memory strong and retentive ; his charity
quiet, )'-et all embracing; his resolution firm. And
to these traits he joined an originality and individ-
uality of character with a high moral purpose which
commanded and enforced respect. He passed from
earth in 1888, his wife three years before. Her
maiden name was Hannah Knowlton, and she was
the daughter of Moses Knowlton, who married Ab-
igad Pulcifer, of West Gloucester, Mass. Mr.
Knowlton's uncle, Gen. Knowlton, was a gallant
officer in the Colonial army in 1776, and served
with distinction at Bunker Hill. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were eight in number:
Joseph W., Francis Marion, Susan Eliza, Horatio ^
Nelson, Maryline, Elias Calvin, Hannah Maria,j
and Horace Mann.
Horace M. Andrews obtained his early educa-j
tion chiefly in the district schools of Essex, although
his training was rounded out by one year in a com-
mercial school at Boston. His scholastic trainings
fairly good for the times, he has since improved by
well-directed reading. During the early years of
his life, while not in school, he was enabled to
gather some knowledge of business, working in the
principal store of his native town, it being his chief
desire to make himself useful even at gratuitous
service, rather than pass his time in idleness. Though
by no means averse to boyish sports, many of the
half-holidays of Wednesdays and Saturdays found
him assisting in the ship yards of his native town,
familiarizing himself with the tools, which a few
years later he became adept in handling. The first
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
113
mechanical training which he received was as a shoe-
maker. He was partially initiated into the mys-
teries of the trade in his native tow'n. although in a
rather irregular sort of a way. Before he was
seventeen years old, however, he left home to serve
a regular apprenticeship in the building business
with Bennett Grifhn, of Gloucester, Alass. After
serving his apprenticeship, and during dull seasons
in the building business, he would engage in cler-
ical work, whenever an opening presented itself,
always looking for a step in advance and self-im-
provement. Ofttimes, while engaged at his trade
during the day, his services were sought by various
merchants to help out during the evenings of the
busy season, which experiences were helps in fit-
ting him for the busv life to which he has attained.
The mathematical and mechanical bent of his
father had doubtless descended to him through her-
edity, and in 1870 he came to Hartford and began
work as a stair builder. A natural aptitude soon
led to proficiency. Two years later he went to
Haverhill, Mass., where he engaged in that line of
business on his own account, and for eleven months
succeeded well. In 1873, the commercial panic
having caused great depression in business, he re-
ceived and accepted an offer to return to Hartford
where he passed the next two years working at his
trade. In 1875 he began manufacturing in a
small way at Plainville, Conn., having a Mr. Crane
as partner. The firm of Crane & Andrews, sash,
door and blind makers, continued in existence for
five years. At the end of that period, with the
strong competition and resulting low prices, the
firm was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. An-
drews had inherited pluck and resolution from his
father, and he at once opened a small shop in
Hartford employing only one workman. He was
endowed, however, with business capability of a
high order, which onlv awaited opportunity for its
development and demonstration. In 1880, Mr. Peck
of Waterburv (now his associate in business) solic-
ited his services as a traveling salesman, and for
four years he followed this vocation with marked
success. In 1884 was formed the firm of Andrews &
Peck, w^hose sash, door and blind factory in Hartford,
employing fiftv hands, with office and store Nos.
88 to 94 Market street, is one of her recognized and
growing industrial enterprises. In addition to man-
aging successfully a large business at home, Mr.
Andrews was one of the promoters and organizers
of the Big Rapids Door & Blind Mfg. Co.. whose
plant was located at Big- Rapids, Mich. He is a
member of the board of directors, and his partner,
Mr. Peck, is treasurer of the companv. This com-
pany employed nearlv one hundred men with a large
daily output of sash, doors, blinds and window
frames, chiefly for Eastern trade. In June. 1900,
their works were entirely destro}'ed by fire, entail-
ing a heavy loss, but, nothing daunted, steps were
at once taken to rebuild. Such success as that which
has attended Mr. Andrews, who has wrested com-
8
petence from poverty and actual triumph from seem-
ing defeat, is remarkable, yet the fundamental
causes are not far to seek. To tireless industry he
has joined scrupulous integrity, and in the manage-
ment of his affairs he has shown sagacity and
judgment.
Mr. Andrews' political affiliations have always
been with the Republican party, yet partisan alle-
giance has never interfered with that broad intel-
ligent public spirit which he has always manifested.
He is a member of the Republican Town Commit-
tee, and, by virtue of that membership, chairman of
the Fourth ward, in which he resides. For two
years he represented the old First ward in the city
council, and after the re-districting of Hartford
by Legislative enactment sat for four years in the
Board of Aldermen as the representative of the
Fourth ward. For two vears he was president of
the Board, and therefore acting mayor during that
period. On leaving the city's legislative board in
1898, he was tendered a position on the Board of
Street Commissioners. This post for reasons of
a personal and business nature he was loath to ac-
cept, yet he finally sank selfishness in the considera-
tion of public duty. To the intelligent adminis-
tration of the municipal government he has devoted
much careful thought. He was a very active mem-
ber of a committe to devise and create a Board of
Public Works for Hartford, and while the scheme
failed of adoption in its entirety, its salient features
have been engrafted upon the municipal code. His
fellow citizens hold him in deservedly hig'n esteem,
a fact which is attested to by the numerous calls
on him for public service.
Mr. Andrews is a member of Frederick Lodge,
No. 14, F. & A. M. and is ardently devoted to the
interests of the fraternity. In religious faith he is
an Adventist, a member of the Advent Christian
Church, chairman of the Society's Committee and
Board of Trustees,' and for ten years w-as superin-
tendent of its Sunday-school. He is also a director
in the Spring Grove Cemetery Association and a
member of its executive committee.
Mr. Andrews has been twice married. On De-
cember 21, 1871, he married Alice I. Scoville, a
native of Bakersville, Litchfield Co., Conn., and a
daughter of William W. and Frances (Harris) Sco-
ville. She bore him a daughter, Frances, now the
\vife of William M. Kinsman, of Hartford. Mrs.
Andrews died Jan. 7, 1894, and on April 20, 1897,
he married Eva R. Woodward, daughter of Will-
iam and Abigail (Smith) Woodward. She was
for twenty-two years a successful teacher in the
public schools of Hartford.
EDGAR F. BURNHAM. The Burnham fam-
ily, of wdiom this gentleman is a worthy representa-
tive, originated in England, and the ancestors of
the American branch came to this country in Co-
lonial times. Our subject traces his line of descent
as follow's :
114
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(I) Deacon John Burnham, Sr., of Chebacco
(Ipswich), Alass., born in England in 1618, died
IS'ov. 5, 1694. He came to Chebacco in 1635 ; joined
the Pequot expedition in 1637, and in 1639 was
granted land for his services as a soldier. He was
a deacon in the church, and owner of a large tract
of land. B}' his wife, Mary, he had four children :
John, Josiah, Anna and Elizabeth.
(H) Josiah Burnham, born May 9, 1662, died
Oct. 25, 1692; married July 12, 1687, Abigail Var-
ney, and had issue : Josiah, Jacob and Ebenezer.
(HI) Ebenezer Burnham, born Dec. 23, 1691,
moved to Hampton, Windham Co., Conn., and died
March 10, 1746. By his wife, Dorothy, he had
issue: Joshua, Ebenezer, Joseph, Andrew, Isaac and
Dorothy.
(I\') Isaac Burnham, born in 1730, died Oct.
14, 1807; married Alarch 22, 1747, Eunice Elolt,
who was born in 1732, a daughter of Zebediah
Holt, and died Feb. 16, 1776. Issue : Jacob, Sarah,
Joseph, Eunice, Clarissa, Roswell, Isaac and Try-
phena.
(V) Roswell Burnham, born Nov. 15, 1761,
died March 29. 1S30; married (first) Oct. 23, 1783,
Esther Child, (second) Betsy Babcock, and (third)
Sarah Preston. Issue by first marriage: Lucy,
Jotham, Chester ; issue by second marriage : Stephen
and Esther.
(\'l) Chester Burnham, born in 1790, in Ash-
ford, Conn., was a large farmer in the town of
Willington, Tolland Co., Conn., and died in Ash-
ford at the age of seventy years. He married Mary
Holt, who was born in the town of Willington,
daughter of Elijah Holt, and nine children were
born to them, three of whom are yet living: Esther,
widow of Harvey Merrick, late of Willington (she
now makes her home in Bristol, Conn.) ; Jane,
widow of Dr. Otis, late of Ellenville, N. Y., where
she now lives ; and Chester D. The father died in
i860, the mother in 1854; both were members of the
Congregational Church at Willington.
(VH) Chester Dwight Burnham, son of Chester,
and father of Edgar F., was born Nov. 13, 1819,
in the town of Willington, Tolland Co., Conn., and
is a prominent dealer in granite and marble in Hart-
ford. He received his education in part at the
schools of the neighborhood of his place of birth,
and then entered the stove and tinware business.
In this he continued some six years, after which he
was engaged in different lines up to 1865, in which
year he came to Hartford and opened out his pres-
ent business, which, as will be seen, he has now car-
ried on about thirty-six years, over thirty at his
present location. He has an extensive plant, and
turns out a vast amount of work, including all kinds
of monuments, many of the very finest to be found
in the cemeteries round about having come from his
establishment.
On May 27, 1844, Chester Dwight Burnham
was married to Jane E. Burnham, of Hampton,
Conn., daughter of Adonijah and Abigail (Fuller)
Burnham, and also a descendant of (I) Deacon
John Burnham through Josiah, Ebenezer, and An-
drew. Adonijah Burnham, who was a lifelong
farmer, and connected with one of the leading fam-
ilies of the county, died at the age of iifty-six;
his wife, who was born at Hampton, and was also
allied to a prominent family, passed away at the
age of eighty-four years. They were members of
the Congregational Church, i'our children were
born to this honored couple, as follows : Chester D.,
born Sept. i, 1845, who died in infancy; Herbert
D., Oct. 27, 1846; Edgar F., sketch of whom fol-
lows-j-and Ida J., Dec. 15, 1855. The mother died
in 1891, at the age of seventy-two years. The chil-
dren were all educated in Willimantic, and gradu-
ated from the high school there. Ida J., who is still
at home, graduated in music under an able teacher,
and has successfully taught the "divine art" for the
past twenty years. Both sons are prominent in the
affairs of the city, have served in the council, and
are memibers of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F.
The father is a Republican in politics, and served
as assessor of Willimantic two years. He is a
director of the Spring Grove cemetery. The family
are all members of the Fourth Congregational
Church, and the daughter has for a long time been
actively connected with the Sunday-school.
(VIII) Edgar F. Burnham was born Aug. 27,
1849, i" Willimantic, whence he came to Hartford
in February, 1865. Here for two and one-half years
he clerked for James Gemmill, in the clothing busi-
ness, and the firm of Gemmill, Clark & Co. was
then formed. This arrangement coiitinued until
April I, 1 87 1, at which time John Gemmill and
Mr. Burnham formed a partnership, under the firm
name of Gemmill, Burnham & Co., and carried on
business at the stand now occupied by Wooley's
hardware store, until 1882, in that year erecting
their present commodious emporium.
In 1879 Edgar F. Burnham was married in Hart-
ford to Alice B. Foster, daughter of Ralph Foster.
They have no children. Mr. Burnham is a Republi-
can, in politics, and has served as councilman from
the old Seventh ward one year, and been alderman
four years. Socially he is a member of the F. &
A. M., St. John's Lodge, No. 4: Pythagoras Chap-
ter, No. 4; Wolcott Council, No. i; Washington
Commandery No. i ; and belongs to the Scottish
Rite and Thirty-second degree : is also affiliated
with Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, and with other
orders.
JOHN G. PARSONS, who died March i, 1890,
at his home in Hartford, was one of the leading
residents of that city, and he and his estimable
wife became associated, helpfullv many years ago
with various philanthropic and reform movements
which have tended to promote the welfare of the
community.
Mr. Parsons was born June 2, 1821, in Wind-
sor, Conn., of good New England stock, and his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
116
life was spent entirelx- in this section. His father,
Erastus Parsons, was horn in the same town June
.30, 1782, and was married in 1808, to Clarissa
Jjronson, who was born Sept. 14, 1785, and died
Feb. 20, 1835. They had seven children, none of
whom are now living. The father died Aug. 6,
1827. For many years he and his wife were identi-
fied with the Congregational Church of Windsor.
John G. Parsons was but a child when his fa-
ther died, antl when fifteen years old he left Wind-
sor to learn the book-binder's trade in Hartfoixl
with Brown & Drake, a leading firm on Main street.
After becoming proficient in the art he was ad-
mitted to partnership, the firm being known later
as Drake & Parsons. They carried on a general
book-binding business, and the firm was also con-
nected with the publishing house of Bliss & Co.
for about thirty years, becoming one of the most
.successful business enterprises of the city. Mr.
Parsons was interested in political questions and
in the purity of the ballot, but refused to take office
when urged to do so by his co-workers in the Re-
jpublican party. At the time of his death he had
been connected for fifty years with the volunteer
fire department, where he was extremely popular,
and rose through the various ranks to be assistant
engineer, and later chief engineer of the depart-
ment. In August, 1849, while serving as assistant
engineer, he was presented with a silver speaking
trumpet, a beautiful token of respect. For several
years he was chairman of the school board, and his
time and means were freely given to the further re-
ligious work. He was a stanch advocate of tem-
perance principles. For many years he was an
active member of the Order of Rechabites.
On May 5, 1844, Mr. Parsons married Miss
Betsey M. Knox, who survives him, and resides in
her pleasant home at Xo. 146 Windsor avenue,
Hartford. They had two children : Alice, who died
Aug. 25, 1849, aged four years; and John Knox,
who died April 4, 1892, aged thirty years. The
son was educated in the Hartford schools, and on
leaving high school he learned the gold beater's
trade of James H. Ashmead & Son. After about
five years in that business he entered the hardware
business, but sold out a few years afterward on ac-
count of ill health. He finally became interested in
the hotel business, and after engaging in that busi-
ness three years at Lake Dunmore, Vt., commenced
the erection of a large hotel, with six cottages there,
costing $100,000, and accommodating 300 guests; it
was completed by his mother after his early death,
which cut short a most promising career, as he had
gained a high reputation. For some years before
his death he spent his winters in San Antonio. He
married Miss Nellie Frisbee, and had one child,
Bessie, but both wife and child are dead.
]\Irs. Parsons is a descendant of an old Colonial
family, and her paternal great-grandfather, Archi-
Imld Knox, was born in Scotland in 1713, and died
in Ashford, Conn., in 1762. His son, Samuel Knox,
had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy,
the others being: Joel, Phebe, Samuel, David,
Elisha, Elijah, Amariah and Susannah. Samuel
Knox, Jr., father of I\lrs. Parsons, was born Aug.
10, 1780, and was a prominent agriculturist of Man-
chester, whither he came when a young man, and
learned his trade. He died Oct. 13, 1836. In 1800
he married Lydia Benton, born June 17, 1780, a re-
markablv gifted woman, who attained the ad-
vanced age of ninety-one years, dying March 12,
1 87 1. She was a granddaughter of John Benton,
of East Hartford. The Benton family is well known
in Manchester, and Joseph Benton, Mrs. Parson's
maternal grandfather, was a man of marked char-
acter and ability, and wielded much influence in his
community. He married ( first j Anna Symonds,
and they had five children : Joseph, who married
Jerusha Loomis, and had five children; Anna, who
died aged sixteen years; Mary, who married Xoah
Keeney, of- Manchester, and had three children,
Horace, Betsey, and Mary (Mrs. Keeney, who is
the only one of the family now living, is eighty-
five years old, and has a liome with her daughter
in Boston); Lydia, Mrs. Knox; and Persis, who
died aged twenty-three years. Joseph Benton's
second wife was Elizabeth Bryant. Samuel and
Lydia Knox had ten children, of whom Mrs. Par-
sons is the only survivor, five of the children dying
when voung, and five living to mature age. Maria
died March 5, 1831. David P. died March 8, 1861.
Mary, wife of John Fuller, died March 4, 1870.
Chester J. died June 21, 1877. Chauncey B. died
March 3, 1887. Mrs. Parsons' three brothers were
prominent residents of Manchester, Chester being
an agriculturist and fur dealer. Chauncey Knox was
a liveryman and hotelkeeper, and was deputy sherift'
for many years; he was an earnest worker in the
temperance cause. David P. Knox was a member
of the Hartford Union Mining & Trading Co., and
went out on the "Henry Lee" in 1849 to seek gold
in the California fields, sailing around Cape Horn.
There he broke down in health and returned to
Hartford. After a short time he went to South
Carolina, and there engaged in business, which he
later had to abandon on account of ill health, and
returning to Hartford he died at the home of his
sister, Mrs. Parsons, jNIarch 8, 1861.
Mrs. Parsons traveled extensively with her son.
She was reared among the best surroundings, be-
came interested in religious work at an early age,
and since her removal to Hartford has been a mem-
ber of the Fourth Congregational Church, in which
her husband was a leading worker. For many years
she has been assistant superintendent in the Sun-
day-school. Her sympathetic aid has also been given
to the temperance cause, in which she has done
much active work, having been president of the local
W. C. T. U. for eight years. She has for many
years entertained in her hospitable home various
temperance speakers: it has been a home for John
B. Gough, Miss Frances Willard, Col. Bain, of Ken-
116
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tucky, and many others. Since her husband's death
Mrs. Parsons has been a director in the American
Pubhshing House, Hartford. She is also a mem-
ber of the Board of Temple Trustees, Chicago.
FREDERICK P. ^lAHL, late a prominent busi-
ness man of Hartford, whose death occurred June
23, 1897, when he was accidentally drowned in the
Connecticut river, was one of the city's extensive
builders and operators in real estate.
Mr. Mahl was born May 5, 1846, in Germany,
son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Mahl, who came to
America when Frederick was six years of age, the
family stopping first for a time in New York.
From the metropolis the parents removed to Nor-
wich, Conn., where most of their children were
born and educated, and where the father died in
i860. I'he mother still survives, at the advanced
age of eighty-seven years.
Frederick P. jNIahl received his schooling m
the Broadway public school at Norwich. The fa-
ther dying when Frederick was but fourteen years
of age, the son was earl\- thrown upon his own re-
sources. He learned the plumber's trade, and in
1869 came to Hartford and engaged in the plumb-
ing business with his brother, ex-Alderman George
Mahl, under the firm name of Mahl Brothers. The
business was conducted bj- the two brothers until
1874, when George Mahl bought his brother's inter-
est, and has since had the control and management
of the business. Soon after disposing of his in-
terest in the concern Frederick P. Mahl engaged
in building and real-estate enterprises, and from
that time on throughout life conducted large inter-
ests in that line. He was one of the most exten-
sive builders of Hartford, and erected over two
hundred and fifty houses in the city, building large-
ly in the western portions. Some two years beto.'e
his death he opened iMahl avenue, and was intend-
ing to complete the operations on that thorough-
fare in the fall following his death. He erected
more than thirty houses ou the avenue, and had a
half dozen or more in mind for the autumn, which
would have completed the work originally laid
out.
Mr. Mahl was a man of clear business percep-
tions, and was a shrewd manager of property inter-
ests. He possessed marked ability, and his judg-
ment of men and affairs was invariably sound and
decisive. He was a broad-minded and large-
hearted man, enterprising and public-spirited. And
he was, too, a self-made man, self-reliant and self-
dependent, his achievements in life being due entire-
ly to his own efforts. He was fond of reading,
read much, and became self-discipnned. A Repub-
lican in political sentiment, he had no political aspi-
rations. He was not personally associated with
political activity in Hartford, having devoted all
his time to business, in which he was remarkably
successful. But Mr. Mahl was interested in pub-
lic affairs, and felt deeply concerned in local gov-
ernment, kept abreast of public progress, and was
found invariably on the side of municipal and
school district nnprovement. He was one of the
large property holders present some weeks before
his death, at the meeting of the Arsenal school dis-
trict, and expressed his approval of the project
looking toward the rebuilding of the school edifice.
He wanted to &ee the district in possession o£
the best educational apparatus and facilities.
The loss of Mr. JNIahl will long be felt in Hart-
ford, owing to his enterprise and public spirit, and
his prominence in real-estate operations. The ave-
nue which he built up, and which was named in
his honor, will permanently identify his name with.
Hartford. Socially J\lr. Mahl was a member of
St. John's Lodge,' F. & A. J\I., at Hartford. He-
was a great lover of horses, and held membership
in the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Hartford. He
was also very fond of the water, and in season took
frequent sails in his yacht, the "Marion." He was
en route homeward from a trip by water to New
London, and was getting into a small boat which .
was being towed behind the yacht, when he was
accidentally drowned.
Mr. Mahl was twice married, first to Miss ^lary
Hamilton, of Hartford, and to them were born
children as follows: Marion, Benjamin, Stephen J.,
Edward M., Olive K. and Robert E. The mother
of these children died in 1885, and in July, 1S95,
INIr. Mahl was married to Mrs. Arabelle L. Hall,,
daughter of the late Capt. William Bates, of New
Haven, Conn. By her first marriage Mrs. Mahl
had two daughters, Annie and Bessie. They live
unostentatiously on the avenue which will ever be
commemorative of Mr. Mahl, and one could not
fail to be impressed with the refinement and happi-
ness, and feel the restfulness, of that quiet home.
HOLCOMBE. The family of this name is one
of the oldest and most distinguished in southern
New England, including as it does such eminent
men as Amasa Holcombe, the scientist ; Chester
Holcombe, the diplomatist ; Rev. Frederick Hol-
combe, the celebrated divine, and one of the found-
ers of Trinity College, Hartford ; and a number of
others who have achieved distinction in professional,
militarjr and civil life.
That branch of the family which it is the pur-
poe of this article to especially treat of, in the per-
sons of the families of the late James Huggins
Holcombe, and his son, John Marshall Holcombe,.
now president of the Fidelity Co., of Hartford, and
vice-president of the Phcenix Mutual Life Insurance
Co., of the same city, is descended from Thomas
Holcombe, who was ear^r at Dorchester, Mass., and
was there made a freeman in 1635. In 1638 he re-
moved to Windsor, Conn. He was one of the rep-
resentatives from Windsor and Hartford in the
body of men that framed the Constitution of the
Colonv of Connecticut.
John Marshall Holcombe, of Hartford, is a de-
cJ^^.'P^aJ/
lit,
Co
■ I'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
117
scendant in the nintli generation from this Thomas
Holcombe, his hne being through Lieut. Nathaniel,
Sergt. Nathaniel, Lieut. David, Reuben, Phineas,
Phineas {2), and James Huggins Holcombe.
Among the men of prominence who have been allied
with the Holcombe family, and were the ancestors
of John M. Holcombe, were : John \\'ebster, gov-
ernor of Connecticut ; Deacon Samuel Chapin, one
of the founders of Springtield, Mass. ; Hon. Will-
iam Phelps, one of the commissioners appointed by
the [Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1636 to govern the
people of Connecticut, governor's assistant, member
of the Council of the Pequot war, 1637, and mem-
ber of the council which framed the Constitution,
1639; Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, who concealed the
Charter of Connecticut in the famous "Charter
Oak;" and Gen. Nathan Johnson, an officer in the
war of 1812, wdio was one of the most prominent
lawyers in the State, was quartermaster-general,
and for manjf years State senator, and was univer-
sally respected and beloved. Three of Mr. Hoi-
combe's ancestors served in the war of the Revolu-
tion, while others appear in history as prominent
and influential factors of their time.
1 H ) Lieut, Nathaniel Holcombe, son of Thomas,
of \\'indsor, born in 1648, married in 1670 Mary
Bliss, daughter of Thomas, one of the original pro-
prietors of Plartford. His widow and family later
settled in Springfield. Lieut. Nathaniel Holcombe
■was representative from Simsbury to the General
Court in 1703 and several successive years.
( HI) Sergt. Nathaniel Holcombe, son of Na-
thaniel, born in 1673, married Nov. i, 1695, Mar-
tha, daughter of Peter and Martha (Coggans)
Buel. He was representative from Simsbury to the
General Court.
( IV) Lieut. David Holcombe, son of Sergt.
Xathaniel, born in 1696, married ^larch i, 1722,
?ilabel, daughter of David Buttolph, of Simsbury.
(\") Reuben Holcombe, son of Lieut. David,
born in 1725, married Susanna, daughter of Sam-
uel and Elizabeth (Wilcoxon) Hayes, of Granby,
Connecticut.
(\T) Phineas Holcombe, son of Reuben, bcrn
in 1759, died in 1833. He married April 26, 1781,
Elizabeth, daughter of Jonah and Mary (Rideout)
]\Ioore. He served in the Revolutionary war.
(ATI) Phineas Holcombe (2), son of Phineas,
liorn Julv 5, 1783, married Oct. 21, 1805. Nancy
Smith Huggins, daughter of James and Nancy
( Smith) Huggins. Phineas Holcombe died Oct. 30,
1814.
( \TII) James Huggins Holcombe, son of
Phineas (2), and the father of John M. Holcombe,
■was born Aug. 31, 1806. in New Hartford, Conn.
He was prepared for the law, began practice in
Hartford in 1833, and there remained engaged in
liis professional duties until his removal in after
years to Italy, where for many years he made his
iiome. He died Nov. 18, 1889, in Positano, Italy.
He was married April 23, 1844, to Emily Merrill
Johnson, daughter of Gen. Nathan and Sarah
(^lerrillj Johnson, of Hartford, Conn., and to the
union were born five children, two of whom sur-
vive : James Winthrop, a resident of Italy (Europe) ;
and John Marshall, referred to below.
JoH.v M.\R.sii.\Li, HoLCO.MUE, SOU of Jamcs H.,
was born in Hartford June 8, 184S, in the house
which he now occupies. After preparing for col-
lege in the Hartford Public High School, he en-
tered Yale, from which he was graduated in the
class of '69, with the degree of A. B., and three
years later he received the degree of A. M. In
1871 he becanie actuary of the Insurance Depart-
ment of the State of Connecticut. In 1874 he was
made assistant secretary of the Phoenix Mutual Life
Insurance Co., ■was promoted to the secretaryship
in 1875, and retained that position* until elected to
the vice-presidency of the company, in 1889, which
relation he has since sustained. 'Sir. Holcombe's
political affiliations are with the Republican party,
in which he is active and influential. In. 1883 he
was a member of the common council, and in 1885
a member of the board of aldermen, elected from
the Second ward, serving as president in both
branches. He has served as commissioner on the
board of health of Hartford, of which board he
was the originator. Mr. Holcombe has business
connections with a number of corporations in Hart-
ford, among them being the Phoenix Mutual Life
Insurance Co., of which he has been vice-president
since 1889, and the Fidelity Co., of which he has
been president since 1897, as a director in the Amer-
ican National Bank, the Mechanics Savings Bank,
and the Connecticut Fire Insurance Co. His re-
ligious connections are with the First Church of
Christ (Center Congregational Church) of Hart-
ford, the oldest church organization in Connecticut.
J\Ir. Holcombe has been secretary, vice-president and
president of the Yale Alumni Association of Hart-
ford ; is a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, Society of
Colonial CJovernors and War of 1812; of the Co-
lonial Club of Hartford, the L^niversity Club of
New York, and the Actuarial Society of America.
He is also a director in the Retreat for the Insane
at Hartford. I\Ir. Holcombe has contributed articles
on life insurance and financial subjects to the "North
American Review" and other publications.
On Jan. 29, 1873, Mr. Holcombe was married
to Miss Emily Seymour Goodwin, of Brooklyn, N.
Y., who is prominent in Hartford social life, and
whose fine work in various lines has given her
prominence throughout New England. To this
union have come children as follows : Harold Good-
win, Emily ^^larguerite, and John ^larshall. Jr.
Mrs. Holcombe, too, is a descendant of one of
the earliest and most prominent families of New
England. She is in the eighth generation from
Ozias Goodwin, one of the first settlers of Hart-
ford, Conn., her line being through Nathaniel,
Deacon John, Deacon John (2), Joseph, Hezekiah
118
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Edwin Olmstead Godwin. Of these, Nathaniel
Goodwin married (first) Sarah Cowles and (sec-
ond) EHzabeth Pratt. Deacon John Goodwin's
first wife was Sarali, his second being Mary Hosmer
Olmstead, daughter of Stephen Hosmer. Deacon
John Goodwin {2) married Dorothy Pitkin, daugh-
ter of Caleb and Dorothy (Hill) Pitkin. Joseph
Goodwin married Hannah Olmstead, daughter of
Jonathan and Hannah Meakin Olmstead. Hezekiah
Goodwin married Emily, daughter of Deacon Eliab
and Dorcas (\Villiamsj Pratt.
Edwin Olmstead Goodwin, father of Mrs. Emily
S. Holcombe, was born Nov. 23, 1819, in East
Hartford, and on Sept. 13, 1848, was married to
Harriet Brown Pomeroy. He studied law, and
was admitted to the Bar in Hartford. The science
of life insurance early attracted his earnest atten-
tion, and aroused his enthusiasm in this field of
labor. He was one of the incorporators of the
Connecticut IMutual Life Insurance Co. in 1846,
and gave the name to that renowned corporation.
He resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1857 until his
death, which occurred Nov. 25, 1882.
Mrs. Holcombe organized Ruth Wyllys Chap-
ter, Daughters of the American Revolution, , of
Hartford, in 1892, and was its first regent, which
office she still occupies. The chapter, by unanimous
vote, removed the term limit from this office as
long as jMrs. Holcombe would remain. In the
chapter's patriotic movement to save the ancient
and historic burying-ground of Hartford Mrs. Hol-
combe has accomplished a great public improve-
ment : she it was who conceived a plan for the widen-
ing of Gold street — to remove the row of disrepu-
table tenement houses would not only convert a
dirty and disgraceful alley into a fine street, but
would secure to the historic cemetery cleanliness,
light and a conspicuous position in the center of
the city. A similar work, though much less ex-
tensive, had been previously attempted, resulting,
however, in complete failure. Mrs. Holcombe re-
ceived the cordial support of the chapter, official
boards, and the public, and contributions were gen-
erously made. However, delays occurred, and ap-
peals from propert}' assessments were made to the
courts. At this period of discouragement Mrs. Hol-
combe alone seemed imbued with the spirit of
hope, and her faith never faltered. Many people
felt it to be but the optimistic dream of an en-
thusiastic leader, but Mrs. Holcombe has overcome
all obstacles, and carried through this formidable
undertaking with a sagacity, diplomacy and bril-
liancy of execution which have won her the thanks
of the citizens of Hartford and a position of promi-
nence in the State. She was the central figure at the
celebration of the event at the grounds, on June
17, 1899, on which occasion she — as regent of Ruth
Wyllys Chapter and the originator of the plan by
which the object was accomplished — delivered an
eloquent address in presenting to the mayor of the
city the deeds of certain parcels of land. She was
presented with a loving cup by Mrs. William H,
Palmer, vice-regent, in behalf of the members of
Ruth W_\dlys Chapter. At a banquet given on the
evening- of that day, by the historic Putnam Phalanx,
one of the speakers said: "If there is a society in
Connecticut that deserves to be honored the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution is that society, and
if there is a woman who should feel happy to-night
?ilrs. John M. Holcombe is that woman." Gen.
Hawley suggested a toast to JNlrs. Holcombe, and
all present rose.
From a speech delivered by Thomas Weaver,
of Plartford, in February, 1900, at Willimantic,
before the members of Anne Wood Elderkin Chap-
ter, of the Daughters of the American Revolution,
referring to the work of the Ruth Wyllys Chapter,
of Hartford, is extracted the following:
"You are aware of the main fact that Rutli
Wyllys Chapter has succeeded in making the way
clear, clean and wholesome, and opening to the
light of publicity the ancient burning-ground at
Hartford, where lie the bodies of Thomas Hooker
and his band of sturdy supporters, who fixed upon
the Nation the idea that government of the people
shall be by the consent of the people ; but few of
you can know the largeness of that undertaking,
the difficulties that were overcome at every for-
ward step, and the untiring energy of the regent
of that chapter, Mrs. John M. Holcombe, relent-
lessly pursuing the object she had in view. If any
man of my knowledge in Hartford had undertaken
the task, there would have been nothing left of
him but the foot-prints of those who had stepped
upon him. This daughter of the American Revolu-
tion had the dynamic force of good patriotic ances-
tors in her veins, and official boards and public men
and court committees and obdurate property owners
all bowed to the persuasiveness of Mrs. Holcombe — •
one of the greatest improvements that Hartford has
known for years was accomplished."
Mrs. Holcombe is one of the charter members
of the Society of Colonial Dames, and at this time
is historian of the society ; was elected a member of
the first board of managers, and re-elected as soon as
eligible after expiration of the first term, consecutive
terms being prohibited l:)y the rules of the societ} .
From a long list of Colonial ancestors Mrs. Hol-
combe entered the society on ten named, among them
being John Webster, governor of Connecticut ;
Roger Conant, first governor of Massachusetts ;
Attorney-General William Pitkin ; Hon. Capt. Caleb
Stanley ; Capt. William Ely.
HON. GEORGE AIERRIMAN, retired drug-
gist of Bristol, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war,
is native here, and was born June 3, 1844.
The Merriman family is one of the oldest and
best known in Bristol. The first of the family in
this country was Capt. Nathaniel Merriman, one
of the founders, of Wallingford, Conn. The first
in Bristol, Dr. Titus Merriman, was born in Wall-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
119
ingford Aug. 27, 176S, ami came here about 1792.
He was one of the first members of the Hartford
County ]\Iedical Society. Tlie first deed of land
recorded to him was in 1794. Soon afterward he
built the house now owned and occupied by his
grandson, Titus E. JNIerriman. His first wife, the
mother of all his children, was Polly, daughter of
Isaiah Thompson. Three of his sons arrived at
the age of maturity : Henry E., George and Eli
Todd', the latter choosing the medical profession,
which he followed until his death; he moved to
Texas in 1848.
George ]\Ierriman, son of Dr. Titus, inherited
a large portion of his father's estate. He married
Ann Peck. He was the founder of the drug busi-
ness in Bristol, opening his store on the North side
in 1825, and according to the custom of the times
it was a general store, including dry goods, gro-
ceries and drugs, the latter part of the business hav-
ing been continued by the family from that time.
Here for years was the post office. Later the gen-
eral store was given up, and the drug store opened
at the stand where it was so long and successfully
conducted by the sons, George and Theodore, under
the name of ^Merriman Brothers. Titus E. Merri-
man, eldest son of George, Sr., was born in Bristol,
Sept. 19, 1833; George, the second son, is the sub-
ject proper of this sketch ; Theodore D., the young-
est son, will be mentioned more fully below.
Titus E. Alerriman was educated principally in
the district school in Bristol, and later attended
Bristol Academy, taught by Prof. Barnes, after
which he attended Prof. Baker's Academy, at Col-
linsville, whence he was graduated in 1852, at the
age of nineteen. He entered his father's drug store
on the North side. Bristol, and a year later went to
California, where he had. several claims, and ex-
perienced many ups and downs until his return to
Bristol in 1866. He fully intended to return to the
West, but. with the exception of a flying visit
thither, he has remained in Bristol ever since. On
returning from California, in 1866, Mr. Merriman
opened a grocery store on the North side, and later
removed to the Seymour block, where now stand
the abutments of the New York, New Haven
and Hartford railroad trestle over Main street.-
Here he was burned out during the 'seventies. He
next opened a grocery in the Gridley block on
North Main street, and sold this out to W. H. Scott
& Co., of Terryville, who have since closed it. J\Jr.
}ilerriman then retired for about two years, and
in the spring of 1894 embarked in the harness and
saddlery trade at No. 21, North !Main street, carry-
ing besides a full line of trunks, valises, traveling
bags, etc. In 1869 he was married to Miss Amer
S. Nettleton, who died the same year, without issue.
On Oct. 4, 1871, Mr. Merriman married Miss Alar-
garet A. Upson, daughter of Israel Upson, of
Waterbury. No children have been born of this
union. ]\Ir. and Mrs. ^Merriman are members of the
Congregational Church, in the ladies' societies of
which Mrs. Merriman takes an active part. In pol-
itics Mr. Merriman takes but little mterest, but
has affiliated with the Republican party since its
foundation, and while in California he voted for
John C. Fremont, that party's first candidate for the
i'residency.
Hon. George ^^lerriman, the subject proper of
these lines, was educated in the common schools
of Bristol, and at the Pavilion school in Hartford.
At the age of seventeen years he left school, and
at eighteen, July 2t,, 1862, he enlisted in Company
K, i6th Conn. \'. I., and was at the battle of An-
tietam ; later, when the "k'ighting Sixteenth'" was
attached to the Department of North Carolina, the
larger part of the regiment was captured, but Mr.
Merriman luckily escaped. He was put on a de-
tachment to guard Rebel prisoners near Sandusky,
Ohio, and was finally discharged at Cincinnati, Aug.
29, 1865. On returning from the army Mr. Merri-
man began his business life in the drug store of
his father, and after the death of the latter retained
an interest in the establishment, under the firm name
of Merriman Brothers, until 1889. when he re-
tired.
J\lr. ]\Ierriman married Oct. 2, 1S67, Miss Mary
J. Barnes, who was born May 2, 1844, and is a
daughter of Lucas and Clarinda (Tousey) Barnes,
of Bristol ; no children have blessed this union.
Mr. Merriman is a stanch Republican, but has never
sought an office, although he has been elected to
several town offices, for which he refused to qualify ;
however, he consented to represent Bristol in the
General Assembly in 1888 and 1889, and was a mem-
ber of the Railroad committee, one of the most im-
portant in the House. Fraternallv he is a member of
Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. :M.. of Bristol;
of G. W. Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., of
which he is past post commander ( Mrs. Merriman
is past president of the W. R. C. of the same name,
and past department president of Connecticut) ;
and of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, K. of P., of which
he is past chancellor commander ; he was the first
captain of Hull Division, Uniformed Rank, No. 5,
K. of P., but resigned when he visited Montana,
where he has extensive silver and copper interests.
]\Ir. and Mrs. Merriman are devout members of
the Congregational Church, and are active in all
work that tends to promote the moral welfare of the
communit}'.
Theodore D. Alerriman. youngest son of George
Alerriman, Sr., was born in Bristol Nov. 14, 1845,
and was educated in a private school taught by
Rev. Air. Tufts, at Alonson. Alass., after quitting
which he entered his father's drug store, where
with the exception, of an extended trip through
California with his sons, in 1894, he continued to
hold the business — having bought out his brother
George in 1887 — until January i, 1897, when he re-
tired. His death took place the third day of Alarch
following. Theodore D. Alerriman was married
Oct. 15, 1879, to Airs. Julia (Alacy) Gaul, daughter
120
COMMEMORATIVE^ BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Hiram and Ann (Hall) ]\Iacy, and widow of
William D. Gaul, of Hudson, N. Y. To this union
were born two children : George j\lacy, Nov. 20,
1880, and • Theodore Hall, April 16, 1882, both
graduates of Bristol High School, and now students
at Yak-. iNIr. Merriman was a member of the F.
& A. y.i. lodge of Bristol, also of the Royal Ar-
canum. He was a stanch Republican, but took no
active part in party matters, as he was of a modest,
unassuming disposition, and better satisfied with the
society of his many personal friends in sociel in-
tercourse, rather than the excitement of the "mad-
ding crowd."
FREEMAN SEYMOUR (deceased). The
Sevmour family of Hartford county, with its allied
connections, has been one of prominence in the city
of Hartford, county, dud Stale from early times.
To its early history reference is made elsewhere.
Our subject, late of Hartford, where he had been
prominent as a citizen and business man, .engaged
extensively in farming, was burn Oct. 28, 1820, in
the house on Fairfield avenue now occupied by
his widow, and which was built by his father, who
also bore the name ol Freeman. The latter was also
a man of prominence, and an extensiv:; farmer,
taking an active interest in all the affairs of the day,
and his opinions and judgment were sought and
respected. He married Margaret Clark, whose
father, too, was an extensive farmer and man of
prominence, and lived on the corner of Webster
and \\'ashington streets. Freeman Seymour, the
elder, died at the age of eighty-three, and his wife
lived to the age of over eighty years. Both were
members of the South Congregational Church of
Hartford. Their four children are all now de-
ceased, Freeman being the last to die.
Freeman Seymour, our subject, was reared on
the homestead, and received a good common-
school education. He passed his life largely occu-
pied in rural pursuits, engaging in tobacco grow-
ing and dairying, and was a man of intelligence
and influence in the communit}-. His political af-
filiations in his earlier life were with the Whig
party, and in after years with the Republican
party. He was a member of the Harrison Vet-
eran's. Throughout his life he took an active in-
terest in public questions and in measures calcu-
lated to advance the interests of his native city.
Mr. Seymour was married three times, his third
wife, to whom he was married in 1880, being for-
merlv Alary O. Smith. To the second marriage
was born one son. Freeman P., who is now a resi-
dent of Hartford, and in the employ of the Pope
Bicycle Works. Mr. Se}-mour died in 1897, aged
seventy-seven years.
JMrs. Mary O. (Smith) Seymour, the widow
of our subject, was born in Enfield, Conn., daugh-
ter of Hon. John M. Smith, and granddaughter of
Thomas Smith, both natives of Scotland and men
of liberal education. Thomas Smith was a weaver
by occupation, and on coming to America located
in Enfield, Conn., where he was occupied in the
business of carpet-weaving. Later he went- to
\'ermont, but alter a time returned to Enfield,
and there died when fifty years of age. He had
married Margaret Woodrow, who was born in
Kilmarnock, Scotland, and they had four children.
The mother died at the age of seventy-six. The
family in their religious belief were Presbyterians.
John M. Smith passed his later life in Vermont.
Politically he was a Republican, and rose to con-
siderable prominence in public affairs, serving
two vears as a member of the General Assembly
of \'ermont. He married Jane Boyd, who was a
native of the same place as himself, and to them
were born three children: Jeanette; Mary O. ; and
Robert, who is station agent at Greensboro, Vt.
Mrs. Seymour's mother died when about thirty-
two years of age, and her father lived to be sev-
enty.
Airs. Seymour was reared and educated in Ver-
niont. She began teaching in the district schools
when cjuite young-, continued this vocation for a
number of years, finally coming to Hartford, and
here taught in the grammar grades of the South
school until her marriage. Since Mr. Seymour's
death the widow and son have lived in the home-
stead, and have begun the work of developing the
farm into a residence section of the city. She is a
member of the Congregational Church, the same
church her husband attended from his. youth.
FRED R. BILL. Associated in business with
his brother, Dwight H. Bill, the subject of this
sketch, is senior member of the firm of Bill Bros.,
car men of No. 46 Ann street, Flartford, a firm
which has existed for many years, and is known
extensively throughout New England. It is per-
haps the oldest and best equipped in the New Eng-
land States, and possesses most excellent facilities
for moving furniture, machinery, hoisting safes, and
performing similar service. The firm keeps about
forty-five horses, and employs regularly from fifty
to sixty men.
The business was started a generation ago by
Francis P. Bill, the father of our subject, with whom
at various times were associated each of his five
brothers, and the firm thus won its way to recog-
nition through undergoing frequent changes of per-
sonnel. Francis P. Bill, the father, was born in
Chaplin, Conn., in 1823, son of Roswell and Olive
(Ross) Bill. Roswell Bill was a school teacher.
He had a large family, of whom three survive : Ed-
win S., of Hartford; Alvin H., of Hartford; and
Caroline, widow of Martin S. Preston, of WJH-
imantic, Conn. Francis Bill spent his boyhood in
Chaplin, where he received a good common-school
education, and where for a time he taught school.
He, however, possessed an active temperament, and,
coming to Hartford, entered the trucking business
at the bottom of the ladder, driving for Smith &
Blodgett for $1 per day He then engaged for a
time in railroad work, but soon returned to truck-
c^^ ^^^
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
121
ing, and with his brother founded the firm of Bill
Bros., now the oldest in the city. Later he went
West, and for nine years engaged extensively in
farming in Illinois. Returning to Hartford, he re-
entered the trucking business with his brothers,
continuing it. up to 1872. He then removed to En-
field, but nine years later, in 1881, the firm of Bill
Bros, again included him as an. active member, a
business relationship which continued until the
death of Mr. Bill, in 1894, at the age of seventy-one
3'ears. He was at one time one of the oldest and
best known business men of the city. In politics
he was a Republican. He married Sarah A. North,
a native of Berlin, daughter of John and Harriet
(Cheney) North, representatives of two of the
oldest and best known families of Connecticut.
John North was a farmer and blacksmith of Berlin.
Of the children of Francis P. and Sarah A. Bill two
survive, Fred R. and Dwight H.
Fred R. Bill was born in Amboy, 111., Sept. 15,
1863. When two years old he was brought to Hart-
ford, Conn., by his parents, and at eight removed
with them to Enfield, attending the schools until
he was sixteen years old, when, with his parents,
he again became a resident of Hartford. He at-
tended the high school at Hartford, and began his
life work in the office of Bill Bros., when his fa-
ther again purchased an interest in the business.
Under the present management the business has
been greatly extended. To it Mr. Bill has added
a six-story storage warehouse, and has also had
constructed a number of massive furniture vans,
and otherwise increased the facilities of the firm
for the prompt and safe removal of goods. A fea-
ture to which prominence has lately been given
is the packing of household goods, shipment to any
point in the New England States, and subsequent
unpacking, the firm assuming entire charge from
point of shipment to destination.
In 1890 Mr. Bill married Miss Minnie Warner,
who was born in Manchester, daughter of A. W.
and Jane (Witherill) Warner. Her father is a
machinist and expert tool maker of Manchester.
To Fred R. and Minnie Bill have been born three
children, Francis Putnam, Ruth and Dorothy.
Mr. Bill is an officer of the Governor's Foot Guard,
having enlisted in 1884, and was promoted suc-
cessively to sergeant, lieutenant and captain, now
serving his second year with the latter rank. He
is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and w-as one
of the organizers of the Gentlemen's Driving Club.
In politics Mr. Bill is a Republican. The family
is widely known in social circles, and its dis-
tinguished family affiliations make it typically rep-
resentative of the past as well as the present in the
social life of Hartford.
Dwight H. Bill, the business partner and
brother of Fred R., possesses the same aptitude for
work and successful achievement. He has been
a resident of Hartford for many -vears, and is wide-
Iv known in business and social circles. He is a
member of Hartford Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M.,
of Hartford; Lodge No. ly. B. P. O. E. ; and an
ex-member of the Hartford City Guard.
FRANK SMITH J]ROWX (deceased) was
one of the founders of Brown, Thomson & Co., a
well-known business firm of Hartford, and for many
years was a leading resident of tliat city.
]\Ir. Brown was born Nov. 2, 1832, in West
Boylston, Mass., and was educated there and at the
academy in Shelburne Falls, -Mass. Before
he was of age he made a trip to Cali-
fornia, and while there he became interested in vari-
ous mining and general business enterprises. On
his return to the East he spent several years as an
office clerk for Hogg, Brown & Taylor, of Boston,
his brother being a member of the firm. During the
Civil war he enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment,
and on being mustered out he returned to Boston.
In 1865 he located in Hartford and organized the
firm of Brown, Thomson & Co. For a time they
occupied the southern part of the present Boston
Branch Store, No. 260 Main street, but the busi-
ness soon became too large for the place, and the
entire building was taken, the firm buying out C.
H. Smith's business. At that time the name was
changed to Brown, Thomson & JNIcWhirter, but
since Mr. McWhirter's retirement in 1878 the origi-
nal name has been used. In 1877 the business again
became cramped for room, and was removed to the
present store, in the Cheney building. J\Ir. Brown
was interested in different business ventures at times
his influence and advice being factors in their success
and he was a director of the Phcenix National Bank.
About 1890 he and James Thomson built the '"Lin-
den," in Main street, Hartford, but failing health
compelled Mr. Brown to relinquish business cares,
which he did Jan. i, 1891, and he went to California,
where he died Oct. i, 1893. Finding the climate
beneficial, he decided to make his home at Pasadena,
where he built a beautiful residence, but he never
occupied it, his death having occurred about the time
the furniture was to have been sent from his pleas-
ant home in Wethersfield, Conn. Islv. Brown was a
Republican in politics, and before purchasing his
home in W^ethersfield was active in municipal affairs
in Hartford, representing the Third ward in the
board of aldermen, in 1878 and 1879. He was a
leading worker in the Baptist Church, and the first
president of the Hartford Y. AI. C. A. His wife,
formerly Miss Anna McDuft'ee, of Rochester, N.
H., is now a resident of Pasadena, Cal. They had
three children : George McDuft'ee, who is mentioned
more fully below ; Emma Hanson, a native of Hart-
ford, who married John G. Lyman, of New York
City; and Annie Adams, who was born in Hartford,
and now resides in Pasadena.
George M. Brown was born Nov. 9, 1864, in
Boston, Mass., and his early education was obtained
in Hartford. In 1884 he 'went into the store, but
he retired in 1893 to look after his extensive prop-
122
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
erty interests in Hartford. He has also been en-
gaged in installing electrical and mechanical plants,
including some of the largest in this section, and is
regarded as an expert on all electrical matters. Mr.
Brown was married in Hartford to jNliss Delorius
Chamberlain, daughter of Gen. Samuel E. Chamber-
lain, of Barre, Mass., who served in the Mexican
Avar, and in the Civil war as colonel in the ist Mas-
sachusetts Cavalry. Two children have blessed this
union : Chamberlain Brown and Lyman.
AUSTIN L. PECK, of the lumber company
bearing his name, and of the firm of Andrews &
Peck, of Hartford, and a veteran of the Civil war,
is one of the substantial men of the Capital City,
and a descendant of one of the old and prominent
families of New England.
The Connecticut Pecks are descendants of
Joseph Peck, of Milford, Deacon William Peck
and Henrv Peck, of New Haven, and Deacon
Paul Peck, of Hartford, each of whom became
the progenitor of a numerous race. CJf these, Jo-
seph Peck, who was the ancestor of the Newtown
branch of the family, the one to which the subject
of this sketch belongs, resided first at New Haven,
Conn. His name does not appear on the records
until about 1643, although he is generally sup-
posed' to have resided there earlier, and to 'have
been the brother of Henry, who settled there in
1638, with whom he seems to have resided or been
associated, and with whom he probably came over
to this country. He left New Haven in or about
1649, and settled in IMilford, Conn., where he be-
came a member of the church in 1652. He mar-
(first) i\Irs. Alice Burwell, and (second) Miss
Marie Richards. He died in 1700-01.
Fom this Joseph Peck, of Milford, Austin L.
Peck, our subject, is a descendant in the eighth
generation, his line of descent being through Jo-
seph (2), Ephraim. Henry, Capt. Zalmon.Ezekiel
and Zalmon S. Peck.
(H) Joseph Peck (2), son of Joseph, of Mil-
ford, baptized in 1653, niarried in 1678-79 Marj'
Camp. He settled in Milford, and there died.
(HI) Ephraim Peck, son of Joseph (2), bap-
tized in 1692, married in 1716 Sarah Ford, of Mil-
ford. He removed from Milford to Newtown,
Conn., where he died in 1760.
(IV) Henry Peck, son of Ephraim, born in
1719. mairried (first) in 1755 Ann Smith, and
(second) in 1765 wedded Hannah Leavenworth.
He resided in Newtown.
(\) Capt. Zalmon Peck, son of Henry, born
in 1758, married (first) Zilpha Hard and (second)
Mrs. Sarah Booth. He resided in Newtown,
where he died in 1812. He was a soldier in the
Revolution.
(VI) Ezekiel Peck, son of Capt. Zalmon, born
in 1786, married (first) Sarah A. Johnson, and
(second) in 1818 wedded Mis. Betsey Briscoe.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812. The tomb-
stones of the four generations of Zalmon S. Peck
(still living) are all in perfect condition in the
family burial lot in the cemeterjr at Newtown,
Connecticut.
(\TI) Zalmon S. Peck, son of Ezekiel, and
father of Austin L. Peck, of Hartfoid, was born
May 22, 1812, in Newtown, Conn. During the
Civil war he served as the enrolling and drafting
officer of the town. He was made postmaster
of the town under President Lincoln's first term,
and held the position for twenty-six years, being-
out for two years (from 1867 to 1869) under the
Johnson administration. During his active years
Mr. Peck v/as one of the prominent public men of
the town. Time seems to have dealt kindly with
him, as he is still quite active and remarkably
well preserved. He is an interesting conversa-
tionalist. In 1833 he was married to Polly J. Lum,
and they had children as follows : Sarah A., born
in 1834, is deceased; Henry S., bom Sept. i,
1838, is secretary and treasurer of the Brass City
Lumber Co., Waterburv, Conn., of. which city he
is a prominent business man and citizen; Austin
L., born June 3, 1844, is referred to in the follow-
ing: and Mary F. was born June 10, 1854.
(VIII) Austin L. Peck, the subject proper of
this sketch, is a native of Newtown, Conn., where
he passed his boyhood attending the public schools
of the town and the Newtown Academy. During
the Civil war, Aug. 25, 1862, he enlisted as a
private soldier in Company C, 23d Conn. V. I.
The 23d Regiment was recruited in Fairfield and
New Haven counties during August and Septem-
ber, 1862, and it was musteied into the United
States service at Camp Terry, New Haven, Conn.,
Nov. 14, 1862, with C. E. L. Holmes, colonel ;
Charles W. Worden, lieutenant-colonel; David H.
[Miller, major; and Julius Sanford, captain of our
subject's company. The regiment left the State
Nov. 17, and joined Gen. Banks at Camp Buck-
ingham, L. I., and it served in the independent
command of Gen. Franz Sigel. It was sent to the
defenses of New Orleans, Department of the
Gulf. From December, 1862, it was a part of the
2d Brigade, 2d Division, 19th Army Corps; and
from June, 1863, it was stationed at Post of Bra-
sheai". District of La Fourche, 19th Army Corps and
Defenses of New Orleans, and Department of the
Gulf from May, 1863. Young Peck shared the
experiences of the command, and returned with
an honorable army record. He was mustered in
as corporal Nov. 14, 1862, and was taken prisoner
at Bayou Boueff, La., June 23, 1863 ; was paroled
July 3, of that year, and was mustered out Aug,
31, 1863. After his discharge from the service
he began an active business career, which he has
continued from that time to this, and his efforts
and undertakings have been crowned with the suc-
cess they have merited.
In January, 1864, Mr. Peck moved to Water-
bury, and became a clerk in the general merchan-
dising store of Benedict, Merriman & Co. Later,,
in 1865, he entered the employ of the Hartford,.
\
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
123
Providence & Fishkill railroad, as freight clerk
at Hartford, and was soon promoted to agent of
this company in charge of their Waterbury sta-
tion. Early in i86g he entered into the lumber
business with Chester Curtiss, and in 1870 dis-
solved that partnership, immediately entering the
same business alone on Meadow street, that city.
In 1887 he removed to Plartford, and has since
resided there. He retained his business in Water-
bury until 1898, when he organized the Brass City
Lumber Co., retaining a large interest, and be-
coming its president. In 1883 he organized the
Big Rapids Door & Blind Mfg. Co., of Water-
bury, Conn., and located the mill plant at Big
Rapids, Mich. : was its largest stockholder and
treasurer of the company, which was in active
operation up to June 14, 1900, at which date the
plant was totally destroyed by fire. He organized
the Capital City Lumber Co. of Hartford in 1895,
becoming its first president, but later sold his in-
terest therein ; is at present an active partner in the
firm of Andrews & Peck, .of Hartford, and is a
man of means and prominence, not only in Hart-
ford, but throughout the State. While in New-
town our subject attended the Presbyterian Church.
On Feb. 20, 1867, Mr. Peck was married to
Susan AL, daughter of Horatio Root, of Hartford,
and the union has been blessed with children as
follows : ( I ) Edward A. Peck, born in Waterbury
in June. 1868, is a resident of Saybrook, Conn.
He married Cora Hall, and their children are Helen
Josephene, born in Holyoke, Mass., March 20, 1890;
Frederick Hall, born in Hartford jN'Iay 13, 1894;
Susan Elizabeth, born in Hartford Sept. 20, 1896;
and Wallace Horatio, born in Hartford Feb. 2,
1900. (2) Harry H. Peck was born Feb. 7, 1870,
in Waterbury, Conn. He attended the Waterbury
High School, Phillip's Classical School, and in
1886 was graduated from the Cheshire Academy.
After returning from school he was bookkeeper
for the firm of Andrews & Peck for two years.
In the fall of 1888 he traveled through the 'West
in the interests of the Big Rapids Door & Blind
^Manufactory, visiting Denver, Chicago and Big
Rapids, Mich. In the spring of 1889 he again
went West, remaining in Denver some eight
months, and that fall he went to Chicago, remain-
ing there until Jan. 6-, 1890, at which time he was
married to Miss Alice W. Grow, daughter of Caro-
line Grow, of that city. From January, 1890, to
the fall of that year, Mr. Peck located at Win-
ooski, Vt.. and following this he returned to Hart-
ford, where he was made manager of the Hartford
Sash, Door & Blind Co., with headquarters at No.
554 Main street. This company was sold on Feb.
I, 1894, to Andrews & Peck. After this sale he
became treasurer of the Capital City Lumber Co.,
remaining as such from 1894 to Sept. 14, 1895.
At the latter date he started in business for himself
at No. 32 Church street. Mr. Peck is treasurer of
the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Hartford, a po-
sition he has held since Feb. 5, 1900. He is a mem-
ber of B. H. Webb Council, No. 702, Royal Ar-
canum. Mrs. Peck died May 7, 1897, and left
children as follows: H. Windsor, born Nov. 21,
1890; Everett Laurence, born Oct. 21, 1892;
and Alice W., born .\pril 20, 1897. (3) Theo-
dore Peck was born March 15, 1875, in Wa-
terbury, and was educated at the Hartford Public
High School. He was in the employ of his father
until 1896, when he went to Africa in the employ
of the Royal Gold Alining Co. Leaving there he
returned to Hartford, and is at present residing
there. He is unmarried.
FRANK W. HA\'ENS, agency supervisor for
the Hartford Life Insurance Co., Hartford, was
born in Wethersfield, Conn.. Dec. 2, 1845, a son of
Hiram and Mary Welles Havens.
Hiram Plavens was a manufacturer during the
first half of the century, and was engaged in ship-
building at Wethersfield, Conn., when that industry
was a prominent feature of that place. His wife
was a daughter of William and Mary (Welles)
Adams, of Wethersfield, the latter being a daughter
of Elijah Welles, an honorable and honored soldier
of the Revolution, who served in Capt. Hezekiah
Welles' company in Boston, January, 1776, and aft-
erward at the battles on Long Island under Wash-
ington. Through this line our subject traces his
ancestry direct to Gov. Thomas Welles, one of the
first governors of the Connecticut Colony. Mrs.
Alary W. Havens died in November, 1876, aged
sixtv-four. Hiram Havens died ten years later, in
November, 1886, aged eighty-three.
Frank W. Ha\^ens was two \-ears old when his
parents moved to Hartford, and here, with the
exception of some seven years spent in Manchester,
Conn., he has since resided. He was educated at
the schools of the city, and by private tuition, then
read law in the office of Johnson & AlcAIanus, but
owing to ill health did not apply for admission to
the Bar. Afterward he engaged in manufacturing,
later conducting an insurance agency under the
firm name of Nevers & Havens, representing some
of the largest companies in the country. In 1887
he became connected with the Hartford Life In-
surance Co., as editor and manager of the literary
department, but since 1898 he has held the position
of agency supervisor, an incumbency he fills with
characteristic fidelity and abilit}'.
Mr. Havens is prominent in the Alasonic frater-
nity of the State, having been a member thereof
since 1881, in which year he joined Alanchester
Lodge, No. 73. He is a 32d degree Alason, a mem-
ber of' Norwich Consistory; has passed the several
chairs of the Grand Lodge; in January, 1898, was
elected Grand JNIaster of Alasons in "Connecticut ;
and has been president of the Hartford Alasonic
Club since its formation. In church relationship
Mr. Havens is a Congregationalist ; in politics he is
a stanch Republican.
On May 18, 1870, Air. Havens married Eliza
124
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Brainerd, daughter of Martin B. Brainerd, of Had-
dam, this State, and they have two children : Frank
S. Havens, Ph. D., Yale, '96, now secretary and gen-
eral manager of the New York Silk Conditioning
Works, New York City ; and JNIary C. C. Havens.
INlrs. Havens' father, Martin B. Brainerd, was born
in Haddam, and died in 1899, aged eighty-nine.
His wife, Mary (Baldwin) Brainerd, born in Mans-
field, this State, is still living, now (1901J aged
eighty-seven.
EMERY DOWNING, deceased. For almost
a half century prior to his death, in 1893, the sub-
ject of this sketch was one of the most prominent
truckmen of Hartford. He was a man of excel-
lent judgment, and possessed a rare degree of en-
ergy. Succeeding to a large business, he conduct-
ed it most successfully, and his interest is still re-
tained by his widow.
Mr. Downing was born in Hampton, Conn.,
May 21, 1828, son of Emery and Lora (Parish)
Downing, both also born in Hampto.i. The father
Avas reared on the ancestral farm, and became a
farmer and butcher, spending most of his life in
the village of Scotland, where he died at the age
of seventy-seven, his widow surviving to the age
of seventy-eight. To them were born Diantha;
Emery -wwl Emily (twins) ; Serena; Eliza; Henry;
Lydia, who married Edwin S. Bill, of Hartford ;
and INIarv, who married George W. Bill, also of
Hartford. The parents were members of the Uni-
versalist Church.
Emery Downing, our subject, received a good
education, and was reared on a farm until twenty-
one vears of age, when he came to Hartford, and
beg'an work for Mason Smith, one of the early
truckmen of Hartford, who later became his fa-
ther-in-law. Mr. Downing was admitted to a part-
nership, and later purchased the business, which
he followed up to his death, Jan. 26, 1893, having-
been at that time forty-five years in active busi-
ness, the oldest in the city and among its best-
known citizens. He managed a very large trade,
which he had built up in a most successful man-
ner, doing the work for many of the large con-
cerns of Hartford, and was a man highly respected
and esteemed by all who knew him. A few years
previous to his death he admitted into partnership
D. C. Perkins, who had been his bookkeeper for
several vears, and who now carries on the busi-
ness under the old firm name of Downing & Per-
kins. In politics Mr. Downing was a Democrat.
He filled various local offices, and served for sev-
eral vears on the board of common council. He
was a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 4, A. F. &
A. JNI., for many years, of the Governor's Foot
Guard for a number of years, and later of the
A'eteran Corps. He was also a member of the
Governor's Horse Guard, and in social circles held
a wide and influential acquaintanceship.
In 1852 Mr. Downing married Henrietta
Smith, a native of Hartford. Her father, Mason
Smith, was born in Marshfield, Vt., and her grand-
father, Joshua Smith, in Woodstock, Vt., whence
he removed to INIarshfield when a child, and there
spent his life, dying at the age of eighty. He was
an extensive farmer. His wife, KeLura, was born
in Glastonbur}-, and lived to a good old age. Joshua
and Ivetura Smith were members of the Presby-
terian Church. They had a family of six chil-
dren, all of whom are now dead. Mason Smith
was a farmer up to the age of twenty-one, and was
educated in Vermont. He married Lydia Moore,
a native of A'ermont, and came to Hartford with
a horse and sleigh, starting as a pioneer in the
trucking business about 1830. This he continued
successfulh', in later years selling out to Mr.
Downing and retiring to a farm at Blue Hills,
near Flartford, where he died at the age of sev-
enty-seven years. His wife died at the age of
fifty-six. At the time of his retirement Mason
Smith was the oldest truckman in the city, and
had an extensive acquaintance with Hartford
business men. To Mason and Lydia (Moore)
Smith were born seven children, three of whom
are now living: Henrietta (Mrs. Downing) is the
eldest ; Julietta married Jerome Walker, of Water-
bury, Conn. ; and Ellen L., who married John S.
Stannard, of Hartford. Mason Smith and his wife
were members of the Universalist Church.
To Emery and Henrietta Downing was born
one daughter, Jennie, v/ho married George A.
Evans, formerly with the Adams Express Co., but
now manager of the various electric express lines
in and about Hartford, having charge of the ex-
press cars which run over the tracks of the street
railway company. Mrs. Evans has two daughters,
Annie and Henrietta J. Annie married Dr. Rich-
ard P. Lyman, a veterinary surgeon of note in
Hartford, who was educated at Amherst, at the
Agricultural College, and in the veterinary depart-
ment of Harvard. He is a member of the Veter-
inary Association of Connecticut, of which he is
secretary. Mrs. Lyman has one child, Bertha
Downing. These four generations, Mrs. Down-
ing, her daughter, granddaughter and great-grand-
daughter, all reside in Flartford.
JAMES W.' ELDRIDGE, a large real-estate
dealer and owner, also engaged in the insurance busi-
ness in Hartford, office No. 868 Main street, was
born in Mount Carmel, 111., July 4, 1841, and is a
lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, who
came to the country in the "Mayflower." Charles
W. Eldridge, father of James W., was born in New
London, Conn. ; William, the grandfather, also in
New London; Charles (2), the great grandfather,
in Groton, Nov. 14, 1720; Daniel, the great-great-
grandfather, in England. The last named was
among the early settlers at Groton. He was one
of three brothers who came to this country, one of
whom married a daughter of Pocahontas.
Charles Eldridge (2), the great-grandfather, was
EMERY DOWHIHG
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
125
severel)' wounded at Fort Griswold, battle of Grotoii
Heights. There is a monument in the burj-ing-
ground at the head of Mystic river, from which
the following inscription is taken : "This monument,
sacred to the memory of the late Charles Eldridge,
Esq. He was an Ensign in the Revolution, and
was wounded in the knee. While lying on the
field was attacked by two British soldiers and run
through with a bayonet, and, although left for dead,
crawled to cover; later bribing a British soldier by
giving him his gold watch to obtain him nourishment
and take him to a place of safety." He had formerly
kept a store in Groton, but that was burned by the
British. He died Nov. 20, 1798. A full account of
his war record is found in the work "Battle of Gro-
ton Heights," published in 1882 by Jabez Allen.
Grandfather William Eldridge was born Dec. 14,
1769. He was a merchant in Groton and New
London, where he continued in business for many
years, shipping goods to the West Indies. Later he
spent some years in Tolland county, where he was a
town official, extensive land owner and prominent
man. He was also what was known as one of the
"fire commissioners," appointed by the United States
government, to apportion lands set apart in north-
ern Ohio, called "The Fire Lands," which were given
to reimburse those who had suffered by the burning
of New London by the British, under the auspices
of the traitor Arnold, and assisted in laying out the
same. James W. Eldridge has his diary, showing
where he with two others started from New London
with a chaise and saddle horse, and went first to New
York, then to Pennsylvania, then to northern Ohio,
back to Albany, and then to Hartford. He later
went to JNIount Carmel, 111., and was the owner of
some 12,000 acres of land, the greater part of which
was in northern Ohio, and he gave the village (now
the city) of Cleveland, Ohio, twenty village lots, to
be used as aburying-ground,m.ost of which has since
been "appropriated" — the beautiful Euclid avenue
being one of the streets laid out through this gift
land. Mr. Eldridge first married Elizabeth Avery,
who was born Sept. 14, 1794. She had two chil-
dren, Francis A. and Charles W., and died Dec. 12,
1816. The second wife, Pauline (Lee), born Jul>
^S; 1787, had three children, Richard H., Gloriana
H. and Ellen P., all now deceased. She died Oct.
II, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge were formerly
members of the Congregational Church, but later at-
tended the Presbyterian Church.
Charles W^ Eldridge, father of our subject, was
born in New London, Conn., Nov. 9, 181 1, passed his
earlier years in Tolland county, and was educated
in the select schools. He began work as a clerk in
Hartford, in a dry-goods store, and, later, learned
the painting of miniatures on ivory, chiefly portraits
of the celebrated men and women of that day. This
he began in 1828 and traveled through the various
cities, such as New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
Chicago, Nashville, Cleveland and New Orleans,
spending several weeks in each. Our subject has
a diary, kept by his father at that time, which shows
the number and names of the persons whose minia-
tures he painted, in each of these cities. In New
York Cit)-, on his first visit, he painted fifty-six; in
Springfield, Alass., nearly one hundred; in Balti-
more, in 1834, he painted ninety-eight. In Decem-
ber of the same year, he located in New York, where
he remained until October, 1836, during which time
he painted miniatures of 250 people. He also vis-
ited Louisville, Ky., in fact all the great cities of
the United States. He had as a partner James
Parker, the firm being known as Parker & Eldridge.
They were celebrated throughout all the States of
the Union, and were artists of high degree. Our
subject has portraits painted in those early days by
his father, which are to-day as perfect as when com-
pleted. Scores of letters still remain to show the
satisfaction which they gave their patrons, and of the
great superiority of their work.
The father returned to Hartford in 1865, where
he went into the shoe business for the benefit of his
son, and was a resident of that city until his death,
which occurred Jan. 10, 1883. Charles Eldridge's
second wife, Hannah (Mitchell), born Dec. 18, 1813,
is still living in Hartford, with faculties remark-
ably preserved. Frances E. (Parker), mother of
James Eldridge, was born in Sag Harbor, Long
Island, N. Y., May 5, 1819, a daughter of Capt.
William Parker, a sea captain of that town, who
spent his life largely on the water, making his home
in Sag Harbor, where he died. Our subject's mother
had ten children, he being the only one living. She
died Feb. 13, 1847. The parents of our subject were
members of the Congregational Church.
James Eldridge spent his earl)- years in Illinois,
until the age of twelve, and was up to that time edu-
cated in the common schools. He then came East to
Ellington, Conn., to attend the famous select school
of Edwin Hall, 1852-1855, after which he made his
home with his father, on Long Island, N. Y., until
enlistment in 1862, as a private in Company A, 127th
N. Y. V. I., of which he was soon made a corporal,
and then promoted to sergeant. He served two years
in this regiment, and in 1864 was discharged to ac-
cept promotion as second lieutenant in the 23d
United States Colored Troops, commanding his com-
pany. He was further promoted to regimental
quarter-master; first lieutenant in April, 1865; re-
ceived a furlough on account of physical disability,
and went north for treatment, and while undergoing
same the war ended, he receiving his honorable dis-
charge "on account of close of the war." ^Ir.
Eldridge served nearly three years, and was under
fire three hundred days, being attached to various
army corps, including the 4th, 7th, 9th loth, nth
and 25th, commanded by Gens. Keyes, Banks, Gil-
more, Weitzel, and others. His regiments partici-
pated in many battles and skirmishes, including the
siege of Suffolk, \^a., siege of Charleston, S. C, bat-
tles about Richmond, Petersburg, and others. He
is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
126
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Loyal Legion, Army and Navy Club of Connecticut,
Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution and
other patriotic societies.
Alter leaving the service Air. Eldridge came to
Hartford, and entered the employ of F. A. Brown,
in what was known as the "Chartex- Oak Coal Co.,"
which continued for a short time. Mr. Eldridge's
father having bought out the "Boston Shoe Store,"
our subject left the coal business and joined him,
conducting the business successfullv some fifteen
years. 1 hen, on account of failing health, he sold
out his interest in 1880, and later entered the real-
estate business, which he has since continued, being
now one of the largest dealers in the city. The fine
residence in which jMr. Eldridge lives, on Wethers-
fiekl avenue, opposite ^Mrs. Colt's residence, "Arms-
mere,'- was purchased by him and remodeled, and is
one of the finest homes on the avenue.
James W. Eldridge has been four times married,
(first) Oct. 29, 1867, to Ellen A. St. John, born in
Woodbury, N. J., who died Feb. 26, 1872. For his
second wife he married Ada E. Hight, born in New-
port, Maine, by whom he has one child, Annie F.,
living at home (she is an artist of rare taste, but was
compelled to give up her studies on account of
weak eyesight) ; her mother died Feb. 5, 1879. For
his third wife Mr. Eldridge married Emma Ells-
worth, a great-granddaug'hter of Chief Justice Ol-
iver Ellsworth. She was born in Connecticut, and
died March 24, 1880, and for his fourth wife, he
wedded Lillie L. Hamilton, born in Sacramento,
Cal., a daughter of Lorenzo Hamilton, a resident of
Hartford, where he was a prominent man for many
years, and was a charter member of the Young-
Men's Listitute or Atheneum. Afterward he went to
Sacramento, Cal., where he died. The family at-
tend the Center Congregational Church, and in pol-
itics Mr. Eldridge is a Republican.
Mr. Eldridge has been for many years celebrated
as a collector of original war relics and curios. In
his beautiful home he has two rooms 30 feet long
by 20 feet wide, which are especially adapted to his
jDurpose, and which have been fitted up at great ex-
pense. Here, tastefully arranged, are thousands of
valuable war relics, each of which has a history, and
collected at an expense of thousands of dollars, from
all parts of the country. Pages would be inade-
quate to describe them. Here are to be seen the first
flag carried by the first regiment to take part in any
battle in defense of the Union ; the first Confederate
"Stars and Bars" flag to cross the Potomac river
which was made in Washington, D. C, by Confed-
erate voung ladies, and was taken across Long
Bridge the morning that A-^irginia seceded ; the
first solid shot fired in the war of the Rebellion ; and
a part of the first shell that exploded in Fort Sum-
ter : a right hand gauntlet glove of T. J. (Stonewall)
Jackson, the famous Confederate general ; a chair
from the home of Jefferson Davis, and saddle used
by him ; the famous sword of John Brown ; a wreath
made from the hair of forty generals who took part
in the war of the Rebellion, including that of Gen.
Grant ; revolver carried by Gen. Grant throughout
the war; uniforms, sabres, drums, canteens, haver-
sacks, knapsacks, bugles, pistols, guns carried by
different officers and men, each telling its own story^
the authenticity of each article being guaranteed by
sworn affidavits from persons of character and relia-
bility. I'he collection is undoubtedly the largest in
the United States. In addition to this Mr. Eldridge
has a collection of autographs, numbering into the
thousands. He also has the finest historical collec-
tion of Confederate money in the world, including
all issues of every denomination, and a majority of
the serial numbers, issued by the so-called Confed-
erate States ; a war library given up to literature,
of the war of the Rebellion, of over five thousand
volumes ; and manuscript official letter books and
files, pertaining to the Rebellion, covering over a
thousand pages of matter, all of which he is pleased
to exhibit to those who are interested and apprecia-
tive, and especially to classes of school children, who
often visit his rooms — his object being lessons in
patriotism for the young.
EDWARD EVERETT HURLBURT, of Hart-
ford, Conn., is of the eighth generation in descent
from Thomas Hurlbut, his pioneer ancestor in the
New World, tracing his line of descent through
Joseph O., Luman, Joseph, John, Thomas, and Ste-
phen to Thomas Hurlbut. As will be seen, the
name was originally Hurlbut, and our subject's fa-
ther was the first to write it Hurlburt, which spell-
ing has since been adopted by all the family.
(I) Thomas Hurlbut, a blacksmith by trade,
came to America in 1635, settling first at Saybrook,
and after the Pequot war (in which he was a soldier
under Lion Gardiner) locating at Wethersfield,
Conn. He was a prominent man, both politically
and socially, in that town. His wife's name was
Sarah.
(II) Stephen Hurlbut, born in Wethersfield,
Conn., about 1649, was by trade a mechanic. His
wife's name was Dorothy.
(HI) Thomas Hurlbut, born in Wethersfield,
Conn., Jan. 23, 1680, a farmer by occupation, mar-
ried Jan. II, 1705, Rebecca Meekins. He died April
10, 1761.
(IV) Lieut. John Hurlbut, a farmer, born in
Wethersfield, Conn., Oct. i, 1710, settled in Hart-
ford, Conn., on the east side of the river. He mar-
ried (first) Feb. 2, 1738, Mary Ann Cowles, who
died Aug. 31, 1739. He married (second) Oct. i,
1741, Mabel Loomis. He died April 21, 1778.
(V) Joseph Hurlbut, born in Hartford, in May,
1744, married Sarah Roberts, and died Sept. 21,
1796.
(VI) Luman Hurlbut, born Oct. 14, 1788, mar-
ried Mary Olmstead, and died May 20, 1865.
(VII) Joseph Olmsted Hurlburt, born July 31,
1822, married Oct. 30, 1844, Amelia Almira, daugh-
ter of Horace and Almira Hills, of East Hartford,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
127
Conn. Issue: (i) Ellen Amelia, 'born Sept. 13,
1846, married George W. Roberts and had four
children — (a) Helen M., born July 31, i86g; (b)
George H., born March 25, 1874, who died Feb. 10,
1877; (c) Alfred E., born March 5, 1878; and
(d) George W., born Oct. 9, 1886. (2) Henry Win-
throp, born Feb. 13, 1851, died June 7, 1884. His
children — (a) Anna Louise, born Aug. 21, 1874;
(b) Mabel, born in 1875, who died same year; (c)
Nellie JMary, born Nov. 2, 1877, who was married
April 25, 1900, to Clarence Edgar Whitney; and
(d) Florence, born in 1881, who died in 1884. (3)
Mary Louise was born March 28, 1857. (4) Kath-
arine Maria was born Feib. 5, 1861. (5) Edward
Everett, a sketch of whom follows. Joseph O.
Hurlburt, the father of this family, received his
education in East Hartford, and for several years
taught in the old North school, Hartford. During
the last twenty years of his life he was principal of
the Wethersfield high school, and he died March
18, 1899. He was a member of the County and
State Teachers Association.
Edward Everett Hurlburt, whose name opens
this sketch, was born July 31, 1863, in Hartford,
where lie obtained his education. At the age of six-
teen years he entered the employ of Botsford & Li-
graham, beef and provision merchants, Hartford,
and with them remained five years, or until he was
twenty-one years old, at which time he commenced
business on his own account on Spruce street, Hart-
ford. In 1899 he removed to Hoadlev Place, and
in 1900 incorporated the business as "The Connec-
ticut Beef Co.," which enjoys a wide and increasing
trade.
In 1884 Edward E. Hurlburt was united in mar-
riage with Miss Susan Elizabeth Stone, of Hartford,
daughter of Charles Stone, of Ashland, 111., and
three children have been born to them : Ruth Ame-
lia. Jan. 22, 1886; Marjorie Stone, Mav 31, 1887;
and Harry Olmstead, Sept. 25, 1889. Mr. and Mrs.
Hurlburt are members of the Episcopal Church ;
socially he is affiliated with the F. & A. M. and
Royal Arcanum; in politics he is a Republican.
JAAIES MONROE GRANT, retired, one of the
prominent well-to-do citizens of Hartford, was born
at Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., Mav 27, 1820, and
comes of patriotic Revolutionary stock.
Hamilton Grant, his father, was born in Pomfret,
Conn., a son of John Grant, who was killed in the
\\'yoming massacre. Hamilton in early manhood
was a school teacher, later in life following agricul-
tural pursuits. During the Revolutionary war he
enlisted in the patriot army, and fought in the bat-
tle of Bunker Hill tmder Capt. Knowlton, at the con-
clusion of the war returning to the paths of peace,
and during the rest of his davs making his home in
Ashford, Conn. He tliere married Lucy Williams,
of Groton, Conn., and bv her had nine children, two
of whom are yet living: Minerva (Mrs. Snow), liv-
in Willimantic, Conn ; and James Monroe, our
subject. The father died in 1823, the mother in
1865.
James M. Grant, whose name opens this sketch,
received his education ii: the schools of Ashford,
Mansfield and Willington, all in Connecticut, and
worked on farms till he was eighteen years of age,
when he engaged in the silk business in Willington,
remaining there four years ; then was overseer for
Storr's Silk Mill, in Gurleyville, Tolland county,
two years ; after which he was with Cheney Bros.,
in Manchester for several years, and then was em-
plo}'ed as overseer of silk mills in Manchester and
Hartford. For over forty-two years he operated a
silk mill in company with Mr. Sourby in Northamp-
ton, Mass., also one in Bridgeport with Williams &
Johnson, but for about the past sixteen years he has
lived retired, having secured a competency from his
patents on reeling silk and on an equalizer as well
as on other devices pertaining to that trade.
Mr. Grant has been twice married, first time, in
1850, in Manchester, Conn., to Julia Inglesby, by
whom he had no children. For his second wife he
wedded, in 1872, in Sprmg-field, Ahce Wheeler, by
whom he has two children : ( i) James ^I., Jr., who
married Jane Eliza Grant, and has two children,
Tbelma A-^iola and Flamilton ]\Ionroe; and (2) Alice
\'iola, who wedded Frank E. Ray, and has one
child, Doris Grant.
In religious faith the family are identified with
the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Grant is a
Republican, and, socially, is a member of the Sons
of the American Revolution and of the Governor's
Foot Guard. For a man of his years he is remark-
ablv well preserved, enjoying good health, with
faculties unimpaired, and of late years he has de-
voted his time to the improvement of his real-estate
holdings. Mr. Grant has a wide circle of friends
and acquaintances, whose esteem and respect he
justiv merits.
WILLIAM COTTER (deceased) was one of the
well-known business men of Hartford, Avhere he con-
ducted a successful livery business for more than a
quarter of a century. His stables, known as the
Buckingham stables, are still among the largest in
the city, and the business is carried on by his sons,
Daniel and Thomas, with every prospect of contin-
ued prosperity.
Mr. Cotter was born Sept. 22. 1852, in Portland,
Conn., and was one of a family of nine children, of
whom only one is now living. His father, Thomas
Cotter, a farmer bv occupation, became blind as a re-
sult of overwork, and now makes his home with his
daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Shay, of East Haddani.
Our subject's educational advantages were such as
fell to the lot of the poor farmer bov, and he left
home and school at an early age. With the well-
known Frederick Russell, one of the largest invest-
ors in the Portland Brown Stone Co., our subject
remained in the capacity of coachman for nearly
ten vears. At the age of twenty-four years he re-
128
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
moved to Hartford, and engaged in the livery busi-
ness on frinity street, opposite the Capitol, continu-
ing about fifteen years. In June, 1889, he located at
Ko. 19, Buckingham street, remodeling the barn
there. Mr. Cotter was a intense lover of good
horses, and one of the best judges of good horse-
flesh in the city. For sixteen years he drove L\Tnan
B. Jewell, of the Jewell Belting Co., keeping the
horses at his stables, and driving them whenever
Mr. Jewell needed him. He had taken Mr. Jewell
through every section of the county, while out on
hunting trips, and possessed the fullest confidence
and appreciation of that gentleman, who, in speak-
ing of him, said Mr. Cotter was one of the truest and
most upright men whom he had ever known. Mr.
Cotter's death occurred Aug. 24, 1899, and his re-
mains were interred in Blue Hills cemetery, Hart-
ford. The latter months of his illness he was con-
fined to the house, although he directed his business
almost to the last. He was a quiet man, and at-
tended strictly to 'his business, belonging to no socie-
ties. He was of a sociable disposition, however, and
made many friends, not a few of whom dropped in
upon him in his last illness to brighten his hours of
confinement. He never discussed politics, and was
not an ofiice seeker ; he with his family was long
identified with St. Peter's Catholic Church at
Hartford.
On Nov. 14, 1875, J^J^i"- Cotter was married to
Miss Mary FitzGibbons, who was born in Ireland,
daughter of Daniel and Johanna (Crowley) Fitz-
Gibbons. Her father died in Ireland when she was
quite young, and she came to America at an early
age, locating in jMassachusetts. Four children were
born to this union : Daniel F., Thomas "W., Mazie
and Josephine, all at home.
WALTER COLLYER FAXON, assistant
secretary of the ^tna Life Insurance Co., was
born in Hartford July 18, i8.s6, son of Hiram and
Margaret Maria (Collyer) Faxon. His ancestry-
is traced -back to the "Mayflower" Pilgrims, he
being a lineal descendant of Gov. William Brad-
ford, through the Adams, Collins, Terry and Ol-
cott families, and from Richard W^arren, through
the Church and Olcott families. Other names of
noted "persons to be found anions' his ancestry are
those of Francis Elliott, John Whitman, Edmund
Hobart, Rev. Solomon Stoddard, Rev. John Ware-
ham, John Pantry, John Norton, John Stanley,
George Stocking, William Sprague. Anthony
Eams, Thomas Bunce and Thomas Wells.
After being graduated at the Hartford Public
High School, in April, 1874, Mr. Faxon entered the
emplojr of the Travelers Insurance Co., where dur-
ing a period of nearly seventeen years he received
the training and insight into the accident business
which has contributed so materially toward fitting
him for the position he now occupies. When the
accident department of the .^tna Life Insurance
Co. was decided upon, i\Ir. Faxon was selected as
the man especially qualified to assist in its organi-
zation, and he entered the employ of that company
Jan. I, 1891, on which date the first accident policy
was issued to the president of the company, ex-
Gov. Morgan G. Bulkeley. Policy number one is
still in force. In the first year ihe gross premium
receipts of the company in its accident department
were less than $40,000. In its tenth "year, just
closed, they exceed $1,100,000, a most remarkable
growth for the first ten years of a business of that
nature. During the first years of his connection
with the ^tna Life Mr. Faxon held a clerical po-
sition; in 1895 the office of assistant secretary in
the accident department was created, and he was
appointed to it. How successfully he has filled
the position is demonstrated by the rapid growth
of the business, in which his energies and ambi-
tions are all concentrated.
Mr. Faxon is a member of the Order of Found-
ers and Patriots of America, and is a councillor
general of the General Court of the order, having
been elected to that office Nov. 23, 1900.
On May 23, 1877, Walter C. Faxon was mar-
ried to Nellie A. White, born in Somers, Conn.,
June 25, 1857, a daughter of Josiah and Hannah
(Pease) White. She is a lineal descendant of
Elder John White, and among her early ancestry
are to be found the names of Robert Dunbar,
John Gardner, Edmund Hobart, Edward Wilder,
Samuel Tower, Rev. Thomas Wally, George Rus-
sell, Matthew Gushing, Thomas Thaxter, Aaron
Cook, Rev. Ephraim Hewitt, Gov. John Webster,
John Marsh, John Ells, Robert Pease and John
Emery. Among those of Mrs. Faxon's ancestors
who served in the Revolutionary war may be men-
tioned the following: Stephen Pease, Justin Ash-
ley, Corp. Abel Gushing, Joseph Ashley, Thomas
Wilder, Col. David Gushing, Josiah Pierce, Eben-
ezer White, Robert Garnett and Samuel Church,
the honored names appearing in eight different an-
cestral lines. Mrs. Faxon has made extensive re-
searches in genealogy, holds a life membership in
the Sons of the American Revolution, and is also
an active member of the Daughters of the Ameri-
can Revolution.
(I) Thomas Faxon, the first ancestor of Wal-
ter C. Faxon in America, was born in England
about 1601, and came to America before 1647. first
locating at Dedham, Mass., later settling in Brain-
tree, where he died Nov. 23, 1680. A very promi-
nent man in his day, he transacted a large amount
of public business. His wife, Joane, died some
time between 1663 and 1670.
(II) Richard Faxon, son of Thomas, the emi-
grant, born in England in 1630, died Dec. 20,
1674. He married Elizabeth (Hubbard (?), born
m 1633, who died Aug. 9, 1704, at the age of sev-
enty-one.
(III) Thomas Faxon, son of Richard, was born
in Braintree, Mass., Aug. 2, 1662, and was a pros-
perous farmer. He died in 1690, his remains be-
ing interred in Weymouth, Mass. He married
Mary Blanchard, born Dec. i, 1662.
ac,
son
in 11
fielt;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
129
\y\) Richard Faxon, son of Thomas, was
born in Braintree, ]\iass., Sept. 4, 1686, and died
JNIay 5, 1768. On Dec. 29, 1709, he married Ann
Erackett, born July 18, 1687, who died Oct. 16,
1769.
^\ ) Thomas Faxon, son of Richard, was born
in iSramtree, l\iass., Oct. 29, 1710, and died in
1801. He married (first) Sept. 22, 1746, Eliza-
beth Hobart, who died April 5, 1752.
(\T) Ebenezer Faxon, son of Thomas, and
great-grandfather of Walter C, was born in
Braintree, JNlass., Dec. 12, 1749, and Jan. 6, 1772,
came to West Hartford, where he carried on the
manufactm"e of eartlienware, and died Jan. 11,
181 1. On Feb. 8, 1776, he married Eleanor \\'hit-
man, born in 1755, died Nov. 30, 1827.
(Vn) Elihu Faxon, son of Ebenezer, and
grandfather of Walter C, was born in West Hart-
ford Nov. 6, 1779, and died June 30, 1847. On
July 8, 1807, he married Elizabeth Olcott, born
April 22, 1784, a daughter of James and Lucy
(Terry) Olcott. She died Dec. 21, 1854.
(Vni) Hiram Faxon, son of Elihu, and father
of Walter C, was born Aug. 11, 1817, in Nassau,
N. Y., whence he removed to Buffalo, afterward
to Brooklyn, N. Y., and then to Hartford, Conn.,
where he died Oct. 30, 1883. On March 31, 1842,
he married Margaret jNIaria Collyer, born Oct. 2,
1822, who died Jan. 12, i860. She was a daugh-
ter of William and Margaret (Power) Collyer, of
Marblehead, JNIass., and granddaughter of Isaac
and Sarah (Courtis) Collyer, of Marblehead, the
former of whom was a lieutenant in the Revolu-
tionary army.
FRANCIS HENRY SPENCER, member of the
widely-known firm of George F. Spencer & Co.,
carmen, Hartford, of which he is also manager,
is a native of Connecticut, born Sept. i, 1870, in Suf-
field. He is a member of one of the oldest and most
highly honored families of New England, being a
lineal descendant of
(I) Thomas Spencer, who with his wife came
to Hartford in the company of Thomas Hooker. He
was representative to the General Court, and had a
grant of land given him for his services.
(II) Samuel Spencer, son of the above, moved
to Windham (now Scotland), Connecticut.
(HI) John Spencer, son of Samuel, born in
Windham, died a violent death during the raising of
a church, and is buried in Scotland. He had five
sons in the Revolutionary war.
(IV) Jonathan Spencer, son of John, born in
^Vindham, was one of those who "turned out" at
the "Lexington Alarm." He married a Miss
Brown, of Brooklyn, Connecticut.
(V) Ichabod Spencer, son of the above, born in
Scotland, Conn., in July, 1781, passed the greater
part of his life there in agricultural pursuits, dving
in May, 1853. He was twice married, first to Hen-
rietta Babcock, by whom he had children as fol-
lows: Lucius, deceased; George D., a sketch of
9
whom follows; Mary E., wife of Zadock Babcock,
of South Windham; and Joseph B., of Windham.
To the second marriage came the following : Charles
E., of Lebanon, Conn. ; and Frederick, deceased.
(\T) George D. Spencer, grandfather of I'ran-
cis H., was born January 26, 1813, in Lisbon (now
Sprague), Conn., and was there reared and edu-
cated. For several years he clerked in stores in
Lebanon, Norwich and Hartford, after which he
went into the grocery business on his own account
at Hampton, and later, from 1847 0 1864, in Leb-
anon. He spent the latter years of his life at the
home of his son George F., in Deep River, dying in
1885,. at the age of seventy-two years. Politically
he was first a Whig, afterward a Republican, and
in 1854 he represented Lebanon in the Legislature;
was also town clerk and judge of probate for many
years, being altogether a very prominent man. He
was a member of the Baptist Church, in which he
served as trustee and treasurer. In Hampton,
Conn., in June, 1839, George D. Spencer married
Martha Maria Spalding, of that place, born in De-
cember, 1815, who died in May, 1883, a daughter of
Francis and Martha (Hilbrook) Spalding, of Can-
terbur}". Conn. Children as follows were born to
this union: George F. (sketch of whom follows)
and Dwight S. The latter born in 1851, died
March 9, 1883 ; at the time of his decease he was a
member of the firm of Spencer Bros., of Deep River.
A short time after his decease the father also died,
and three days later the mother, too, was called
from earth.
(VH) George F. Spencer, father of Francis
H., was born Jan. 18, 1842, in Hampton, Conn., was
reared in Lebanon, and there attended the common
schools and Lebanon Academy. For four }ears he
was steward and collector of the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, at Suffield, Conn. At the age of
twenty-three he embarked in a general merchandise
business in South Windham, then, after a couple of
years, in December, 1875, moved to Deep River,
where he bought out the store of Griswold & Smith,
and carried same on in company with his brother
Dwight until the latter's death. Since then he has
been alone in the business, which is widely known.
He is also engaged in the coal business. In April,
1896, along with his son Francis H., he commenced
the trucking business in Hartford, which \vill be
mentioned more fully farther on.
George F. Spencer has been twice married, first
time in 1868, to jNlartha Champlin, born in Lebanon,
a daughter of Robert Champlin, a shipbuilder there,
who married Lucretia Bailey and had two children :
;Martha (]Mrs. G. F. Spencer) and Henry (in Chi-
cago). The father died at the age of seventy-four,
the mother when eighty-four. Two children were
born to George F. and Martha Spencer; Francis H.,
our subject; and Arthur C, a lawyer in Portland,
Oregon, born Oct. 17, 1872. The mother died in
Suffield, Conn., in 1872, at the age of thirty-two
years, a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
130
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On Jan. i, 1875, for his second wife, George F.
Spencer wedded Esther Linsley, daughter of John
S. Linsley, of Northford, Conn., and children as
follows came to this union : Martha L., born Oct.
28, 1875; George D., Aug. 22, 1878; Benjamin H.,
JSFov. -9, 1885; Charles S., Oct. 26, 1887; and Es-
ther, Nov. 28, 1889.
In his political preferences George F. Spencer
is a Republican, and for sixteen years — from 1880
to 1896 — was chairman of the Republican town
committee. In 1884 he was a representative of his
town in the Legislature, and served on the Buck-
ingham Statue (special) committee; in 1893 he
again represented the town, and was on the com-
mittees on Humane Institutions, Judicial Nomina-
tions, and Health. For over fifteen }-ears he was a
member of the school board, ser\-ing much of the
time as chairman; since 1893 has been a member
of the State Board of Charters; and is a director
of the Deep River National Bank, and the W'illiman-
tic Savings Bank. An influential member of the
Baptist Church, he is a deacon in same, and, taken
all in all, he is one of the most prominent men in
Middlesex county.
Francis H. Spencer, the subject proper of these
line, passed the earlier years of his life in Lebanon
.and Deep River, from the high school of which lat-
ter place he graduated, subsequently attending Ver-
mont Academy, at Saxtons River, Yt., from which
institution he was graduated in 1890. Subsequent
to this he took a special course at Colgate Univer-
sity, Hamilton, N. Y., and then for a time took up
'his residence in Deep River. In 1896 he came to
Hartford and joined his father in the trucking busi-
ness, buying out Webb & Shield, the firm being now
known as George F. Spencer & Co., Francis H.
beine- manager. The concern is one of the best
known and largest in that line in the countr}', and
enjovs a wide patronage.
In 1894, at Brattleboro, Vt., Francis H. Spencer
was married to Abbie Fuller, born in Brattleboro,
daughter of George W. Fuller, and niece of the late
Gov. L. K. Fuller, of A^ermont. Her father was
superintendent of the Estey Organ Co., and is still
living in A'ermont. He married Zylphy Phippen, a
■native of Cambridgeport, Vt., and three children
were born to them: Walter G., who is in Brattle-
boro, Vt. ; Albert M., in JSIinneapolis, ]\Iinn, ; and
Abbie E. (Mrs. Spencer). To our subject and
his wife has been born one son, Walter F. In pol-
'itics Mr. Spencer is a Republican; in 1889 was
elected member of the common council ; in 1890 was
re-elected, and same year was made president
thereof. Sociallv he is affiliated with the F. & A.
M., and the Royal Arcanum. In religious faith he
and his wife are members of the First Baptist
Church. As a citizen he is wide-awake and pro-
gressive, and the circle of his friends is limited only
by the circle of his acquaintances, which is very
large, while his name is synonymous with honora-
ble dealing.
ELISHAMA BRANDEGKE, M. D. On
Feb. 17, 1884, there passed away, at his home in
Berlin, a well-beloved phvsician, whose many years
of faithful toil in his profession had made his name
a household word in that community. Nor had
his influence and his efforts been confined to pro-
fessional lines onlv, for in all the varied activities
of our common life he had taken a helpful part as
a loyal citizen, devoting his abilities to the cause of
progress. Dr. Brandegee was a man whose death
brought a loss to all classes, and the following brief
account of one so esteemed will be read with un-
usual interest.
The Doctor was born in the old Brandegee
homestead on Berlin street Jan. 14, 1814, and be-
longed to an old Connecticut family of English
origin. His great-grandfather, Jacob Brandegee,
was born at Nine Partners in 1729; his mother bore
the maiden name of Brock. He was engaged in
the West India trade, running vessels from Rocky
Hill, Conn., and died at sea March 25, 1765. On
Oct. II, 1752, he married Abigail Dunham, of
Hartford, who was born in 1737, and died in 1825.
Capt. Elishama Brandegee, the Doctor's grand-
father, was born in Christian Lane, Berlin, April
17, 1754, and was a sea captain, also engaged in
the West India trade and in merchandising in Ber-
hn, where, he died Feb. 26, 1832. During the Rev-
o'utionary war. May 5, 1775, he enlisted in the 2d
Company, 2d Connecticut Regiment, under Capt.
Wyllys. He was recruited in Middlesex county,
and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, after
which he was detached and joined Capt. Hanchett's
company, Sept. i, 1775. He took part in the assault
on Quebec Dec. 31, 1775, and was with Gens.
Arnold and ^lontgomery at Montreal. After the
assault on Quebec he was taken prisoner. The
2d regiment was organized under Col. Wyllys as a
Continental regiment. Capt. Brandegee was mar-
ried, March 10, 1778, to Mrs. Lucy (Plumb) Wes-
ton, of -Middletown, who died Feb. i, 1827, and the
remains of both were interred in the South bury-
ing-grcund, Berlin.
Elishama Brandegee, father of our -subject, was
born in Berlin Nov, 5, 1784. He conducted a store
on Berlin street, near where Brandegee Hall now
stands, and also engaged in the manufacture of
thread. He was a man of excellent ability, and was
quite prominent in business affairs. He married
Emily Stocking, who was born in Cromwell, Conn.,
Nov. 29, 1793. The Stocking family was founded
in ^Massachusetts in 1633, and three years later one
of its representatives, Geoi'ge Stocking, came to
Hartford with Rev, Thomas Hooker. In 1650 they
were among the first settlers of Middletown, Conn,,
and Samuel Stocking was the first deacon of the
first church at that place.
The primary education of Dr. Brandegee was
obtained in the Cheshire Academy, and later he was
a student in the Simeon Hart Academy, of Farm-
inoton. He attended Yale College, from which he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
131
was graduated in 1833 ; was graduated from the
.Medical Department of that institution, and subsc-
<iueiitly attended lectures at a medical school in
'Castleton, \'t., from which he was also graduated.
For two or three years he was engaged in practice
in St. Louis, J\Io., but at the end of that time re-
turned home on account of his father's ill health,
and from 1841 up to within eight weeks of his death
he was actively engaged in practice in Berlin. He
was one of the ablest representatives of the medical
fraternity in that locality, and enjoyed a large and
lucrative practice, which extended throughout Ber-
lin, East Berlin, Westfield, Newington, Rocky Hill,
JSfew Britain, Becklev and Kensington.
On April 2S, 1841, Dr. Brandegee was united
in marriage with Miss Florence Stith, of Peters-
.burg, Va.,, who was born in Florence, Italy, Nov.
■8, 1822, a daughter of Maj. Townshend and Cath-
erine (Potter) Stith. Her father was a soldier of
the Mexican war, and was minister to Tunis under
President Monroe. To the Doctor and his wife
were born the following children: Townshend
Stith, who was a member of the ist Conn. V. I.
■during the Civil war, married Katharine Layne,
.and is now living in San Diego, Cal. ; he is a civil
engineer by profession, but is devoting his time to
Ijotany. Charles, a member of the 5th New York
-Zouaves during the Civil war, married .Mabel Dag-
gett, and formerly lived in the West, but now
makes his home in Farmington, Conn., where he is
.serving as town clerk ; he has one child, Hilda.
Florence Stith resides with her mother in Berlin.
Robert Boiling married Susan Lord, and has one
-child, Robert Lord ; he is an artist, having studied
in Paris, and now has a studio in Farmington.
Fmily Stocking and Katharine live at home with
their mother. Henry Melville died in Helena,
jMont., at the age of thirty-seven vears, and his re-
mains were interred in the South burying-grcund,
Berlin. Edith A'ictorina died at the age of six
years. Horace Stocking died at the age of four
and a half years. Arthur Latimer is a florist oi
J3erHn. Edward Newton is in the real-estate busi-
.ness in Helena, IMontana.
In 1850 Dr. Brandegee took up his residence in
the house where his death occurred. This place
was built by his father for the teachers of the
Worthington Academy, which at that time was
-quite a flourishing educational institution ; later the
hiouse was sold, and the Doctor purchased it from
Joseph Booth. He remodeled the same, and it is
to-day one of the most pleasant homes on Berlin
.■street. He always took an active interest in edu-
cational matters, was a friend to the public schools,
and was very instrumental in establishing the Ber-
lin Library. He was a great student, and devoted
■considerable time to the study of nature, making
a specialty of botany and the analvzation of trees,
flowers, etc. Politically he was a stanch Repub-
lican, and filled the offices of assessor and treas-
iirer of the schools of Berlin. Althousrh of a modest
and retiring disposition, he made many warm
friends, and was highly respected by all who knew
him. He was a consistent and faithful member of
the Congregational Church of Berlin, of which his
estimable wife is also a member.
GEORGE TERWILLIGER FINCH, M. D.,
is one of the leading physicians and prominent resi-
dents of Thompsonville. He has much natural abil-
ity, but is withal a close student, and believes thor-
oughly in the maxim "there is no excellence with-
out labor." His devotion to the duties of his pro-
fession, therefore, combined with a comprehensive
understanding of the principles of the . science of
medicine, has made him a most successful and able
practitioner, one whose prominence is well de-
served.
Dr. Finch was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., June
28, 1854, a son of Martin J. and Alary E. (Craven 1
Finch, who were natives of Ohio and New York.
respectively, and of English ancestry. The paternal
grandfather, Martin Finch, was a pioneer farmer
of Muskingum county, Ohio, and the maternal
grandfather, James Craven, was an early settler of
Yates county, N. Y. The father, Martin J. Finch.
was a resident of Elmira, N. Y., from 1858. For
twenty-eight years he was a traveling salesman
for the Downer Oil Company of New York City,
and was engaged in the oil business on his own
account in Elmira for several years. He died in
August, 1899, at the age of eighty-two.
Dr. Finch accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to Elmira, and in the public schools of that
city he began his education. Subsec|uently he at-
tended the Elmira Free Academy and Hobart Col-
lege, Geneva, N. Y., graduating from the latter in
1875. The same year he commenced the study of
medicine in the office of Dr. J. K. Stanchfield, of
Elmira, and was graduated from Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, New York City, in 1878. Im-
mediately afterward he was appointed house sur-
geon of Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Conn., and
later house physician, remaining there until June.
1879, when he located in Thompsonville. He has
since been in the active and successful practice of
his profession at that place.
Dr. Finch has been twice married, his first wife
having been Fannie R. Allen, a daughter of Horace
B. and Mary A. (Bancroft) Allen, of Enfiekl.
Hartford county. Two sons were born of that
union: JMartin A. and George C. The Doctor's
present wife was, in her maidenhood. Aliss Ida M.
Young, a daughter of Winfield E. and Alary
(Welsh) Youns:, of Aliddletown. Conn. Dr. and
Mrs. Finch are members of the Episcopal Church,
and fraternally he belongs to the F. & A. AL, the
Ancient Order of Foresters, the Connecticut State
Medical Society, and the Hartford Aledical Society.
He casts his ballot with the Republican party, an-!
in 1895 he represented the town of Enfield in the
State Legislature. For sixteen years he has been
132
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a member of the Thompsonville district committee,
acting visitor for fifteen years, and is the present
health officer of the town.
ALBERT D. GRISWOLD (deceased) was a
native of the town of Wethersfield, as was his fa-
ther, Capt. Francis, and his grandfather, Caleb.
Francis Griswold, who was a sailor, married Sarah
Pierce Deming, of the same place. He was the
father of ten children, of whom Albert D. was third
in the order of birth, the names of the other nine
being Francis, Sarah, Robert B., Louise C, Teresa
C, Robert P.. Ella, Martha and Florine.
Albert D. Griswold lived in the town of Weth-
ersfield until he attained his majority, when he went
to Ashland, Minn., where he carried on business
as a lumber dealer and proprietor of a sawmill.
Jn 1859, becoming dissatisfied with the business
outlook, he returned to his native place, and ac-
cepted a position as overseer on the farm of the
Robbins Seed Co. In their employ he remained
for two years, then in 1869 went to Rocky Hill,
where he bought a farm, upon which one of his
sons, W. F., now lives, and where he made his home
until his death, in 1889.
C^n April 26, 1856, Mr. Griswold married Miss
Mary A. Wells, of Wethersfield, who bore him nine
children. Some brief mention of this numerous
f amilv cannot fail to be of interest. ( i ) The eldest,
]\Jary E., was educated in the public and high
schools of Hartford, and for twenty-two years has
been a school teacher. During most of this time
she has been -employed in the schools of Hartford
county, and for six years past has taught at Alan-
chester. Her devotion to her profession has led
her to keep full}- abreast with every onward and
upward movement inaugurated by the leading ed-
ucators of the country, and she has attained an en-
viable reputation in the profession which she has
chosen for her life work. ( 2 ) W. F. Griswold,
whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere, was
the second child and eldest son. (3) Emma L. is
deceased. (4) Florine is the wife of Henry L.
A'ibberts, of Manchester. ( 5 ) Hattie is now the
wife of James W. Williams, ticket agent for the
New York, New Haven- & Hartford R. R. at New
Britain ; they are the parents of three children,
James G., Harold A. and Horace. (6) Sarah L.
married George W. Best, of Wethersfield, a night
watchman in the State penitentiarv at that place :
they have one child, Donald D. (7) Albert A.
died in 1876, and (8) Jesse D. is a teacher in the
public schools of Hartford, having graduated from
the State Normal institution at New Britain, (g)
Everett C. is an insurance man, and makes his home
with his mother at Rockv Hill.
]\Ir. Griswold, while never seeking office, was
the recipient of man}- proffered honors from his
fellow townsmen in the way of election to posi-
tions of responsibility and trust. Besides having
been selectman of Rocky Hill, he represented his
town in the Legislature during the session of 1883.
For twenty-two years he served as school visitor,,
and for many terms filled the oflice of justice of the
peace, in which position his unswervmg integrity
and keen common sense rendered him particula.rljr
acceptable to honest litigants and a terror to evil-
doers. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his.
general convictions liberal and broad-minded. He
was public-spirited, and always ready to aid in the
promotion of any enterprise looking toward the
benefit of the town of his residence. It was from,
an impulse of this sort that he became one of the
founders of the Rocky Hill Library Association.
LESTER GOODENOUGH (deceased), wha
for over sixty years was an honored resident of
Bristol, was well known and highly esteemed, not
only as a successful business man, but as a good,
useful, loyal citizen.
Levi Goodenough, his grandfather, was born
in Maiden, Mass., Jan. 30, 1772, and died Jan. 31,
1858, in Peacham, Vt. He was thrice married,
first time, April 2, 1793, to Betsey Walker, who
was born April 16, 1776, and died April 30, 1816,
the mother of children as follows : ( i ) Ephraim
was the father of our subject. (2) Ashbel, born
Jan. II, 1795, died Dec. 3, 1874; he married Nancy
Carter. (3) Levi, Jr., born March 31, 1798, died.
Nov. 3, 1878. (4) Betsey, born Feb. 3, 1800, died
Aug. 29, 1844. (5) Phebe was born April 23,
1802. (6) Sally, born July 22, 1804, died May 30,
1870; she married John Harvey, of Barnet, Vt.
(7) Hiram, born July 8, 1807, died Jan. 15, 1811.
(8) Almira, born March 29, 1809, married a Mr.
Maine, of Ohio. (9) Walker, born Feb. 15, 1812,
died Jan. 15, 1814. (10) Warner W., born Nov..
12, 1814, married Sarah J. Davis, of 'Plainfield,
Yt. For his second wife Levi Goodenough mar-
ried, Dec. 19, 1816, Clarissa Way, who was born
Nov. 25, 1783, and died Sept. 23, 1830, leaving
three children: Harriet, born March 28, 1818;
Daniel, Nov. 11, 1820; and Alma, Oct. 6, 1822.
For his third wife Levi Goodenough wedded, Jan.
29, 1835, Ruth Walker, who died March 8, 1844,
without issue.
Ephraim Goodenough, son of the above, and fa-
ther of the late Lester Goodenough, was born Nov.
19' 1793- in Peacham, Vt., and died April 6, 1873,
in Bristol, Conn. In early life he was a carpenter,
and also followed the trade of wheelwright. He
was a consistent meinber of the M. E. Church,
and in politics was a Republican. On Dec. 17,
18 18, Ephraim Goodenough married Martha E.
Ladd, who was born Sept. 13, 1794, in Peacham,
Vt.. a daughter of Thing and EHzabeth (Jimson)
Ladd. She died Jan. 26, 1838, at Burling^ton,
Conn., the mother of children as follows: (i)
Lester, the subject proper of this sketch. (2)
A'iola Eliza, born Dec. 19, 182 1. married Ranslaer
Raynesford. of Alford, Mass., and died June 22,
1876, at West Hartford, Conn. (3) Orlando,.
o
^-ir-i'i
r/^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
133
born Feb. 17, 1824, died in Burlington. Dec. 4,
1844, unmarried. (4) Rodney, born jNIay 13,
1827, died Jan. 2/, 1880, in Dallas, Oregon : he
was a sea captain, and went to California in 1849.
(5) Waldo, born Feb. 28, 1832, in Bristol, is a
printer in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Lester Goodenough, whose name opens this
memoir, was born Sept. 18, 1820, in Burlington,
Conn., and died Dec. 26, 1898. in Bristol. He re-
ceived, his education in the common schools of Bur-
lington and the Bristol Academy. J\lr. Good-
enough served an apprenticeship of three years,
in \\ higville, with E. K. Jones at wood clock-
turning, and in 1837, at the age of seventeen years,
he came to Bristol, where he was employed for six
vears by Chauncey Boardman in finishing clocks,
and then went into business for himself, making
clock trimmings. In this he continued some three
or four years, at the end of which time he formed
a partnership with Asahel Hooker, in the brass
foundry business, the co-partnership existing" until
JSlr. Flooker's death, in 1865. Mr. Goodenough
continued the business alone until 1897, in which
3-ear he took his son Charles R. into partnership,
under the firm name of Lester Goodenough &
Son, which so continued until the death of the
senior partner, since which time Charles R. has
conducted the business alone.
Mr. Goodenough was elected president of the
Coddling jMfg. Co. when it was reorganized in 1895,
and was holdingthat position at the time of hisdeath ;
and was one of the original incorporators of the Bris-
tol Savings Bank, being a director and one of the
loaning committee. In politics he was a lifelong Re-
publican, and for twenty-five years his name was
on the town ticket of his party for one or more
offices. He served as assessor and manager of the
town deposit fund, was also auditor of the town,
and for twenty-five years was treasurer of the Sec-
ond school district of Bristol. While not a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, he was a mem-
"ber of the Ecclesiastical Society until the church
became incorporated, and he always regularly at-
tended the Church services. Socially Mr. Good-
enough was a Freemason of many years' standing,
liaving united with Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. &
A. M., Oct. 23, 1854. He served the lodge faith-
fully in various capacities, including that of grand
master, and was also past high priest of Pequa-
buck Chapter, No. 32, R. A. M. In all the rela-
tions of life no one in Bristol enjoyed a larger
measure of confidence and respect than did Lester
Goodenough.
Mr. Goodenough was twice married, (first)
June 7, 1848, to Harriet jNIaria Champion, who
was born Feb. 18, 1820, in Winsted, Conn., a
daughter of Nathan and Mercy (Bevin) Cham-
pion. She died in Bristol Sept. 21, 1870, the mother
■of five children: (i) Henry Bird, born Aug. 14,
1851, in Bristol, Conn., is in the insurance busi-
ness in New Britain. He married Nov. 16, 1881,
Mattie (Cowles) Pratt, daughter of Loren and
Martha (Smith) Cowles, of Hartford; no issue.
(2) Ellen Hooker, born Aug. 7, 1853, died Oct. 5,
1855. (3) Sarah Champion was born .March 21,
1857. (4) Charles Rodnev Goodenough, born
Jan. 4, i860, was educated in the common schools
of Bristol and in New Britain Seminary. When
twenty years of age he entered his father's shop
and learned the trade, later becoming a partner,
and since his father's death he has conducted the
business under the same name, although he is sole
proprietor. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, and in politics is a Republican. He was
married July 26, 1896, to Hattie B. Shubert, who
was born Sept. 9, 1873, a daughter of Theodore
and Mary Shubert, of Bristol. They have one
child, Olive Pearl, born July 24, 1897. (5) Har-
riet Maria, born June 19, 1862, was married June
25, 1891, to Charles W. Edgerton, traveling sales-
man for the Penfield Saw \\ orks, of Bristol ; they
have one child, Lester Goodenough, born April
17, 1899. For his second wife our subject wedded,
on June 26, 1872, Lucinda Norton Champion (cis-
ter to his first wife), who was born ^Nlarch 23,
1822, and died March 31, 1894.
CADWELL. The Cadwells were of Scotch
descent. Thev were manufacturers in the north
of Scotland. Thomas Cadwell came to this coun-
try previous to 1630, and was first heard of at Dor-
chester, Mass. In 1652 he lived on the corner of
Front and Grove streets, Hartford. He was a
respectable farmer and constable of the town. !Mar-
ried, 1658, Widow Elizabeth, daughter of Deacon
Edwj.rd Stebbins. He came to Hartford with Rev.
Thomas Hooker. His name among others is seen
upon the shaft in the old Center Church burying-
ground erected to commemorate the first male mem-
bers of Hooker's first church, established in
Hartford, Conn., year 1635. The children were
ten in number: Edward, Thomas, Samuel, Eliza-
beth, Mary, IMatthew (born Oct. 5, i668j, Hannah,
Abigal, Mehitable, William. His will, probated
in Hartford Feb. 4, 1694. found in \'ol. IX, Probate
Records.
Matthew Cadwell married Abigal Beckly. daugh-
ter of John Beckly, New Haven, Conn., 1695. He
was buried in the Center burying-ground, and the
following- is upon his stone: "Here lieth ye body
of Mr. Matthew Cadwell, Sen. who died April ye
22, 1719 in ye 51 year of his age." The children
were: Matthew (born 1696), John, Abel, Daniel
and Abigal.
Matthew (II) married Esther Burnham, 1720.
The children were : Amelia, born 17 — . and Matthew,
born 1724. He moved to ^^'est Hartford, and is
buried there. In Hinman's "Early Puritans, Conn.
Settlers," in speaking of the Cadwells. it says:
"They were good men and prominent in church
and town and men of means."
Matthew (III) married Elizabeth Hubbard,
1747. The children were: Matthew, born 1748;
134
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Elizabeth, born 1750; Anna, born 1752; Pelatiah,
born 1754; Huldah, born 1756; Theodore, born Dec.
24, 1759; and John, born 1760. He moved to
Bloomtield, and with his wife is buried in the old
Center burying-ground.
Theodore Cadwell was in the army of the Revo-
lution, enlisted at Simsbur)- in Capt. Prior's com-
pany, Erastus W'olcott's regiment. He married
Huldah Case, and removed to Johnstown, N. Y.
The children were: Theodore (born in 1782),
Allyn and Orin.
Theodore Cadwell, Jr., married Roxy Parsons
Oct. 25, 1804. He resided in Bloomfield and was
a prominent business man, and one of the largest
builders and contractors in those days, building the
First Congregational church in Manchester, the
Congregational church in North Preston, and the
First Congregational church that was built in Can-
ada ; also public buildings in Hartford, and most of
the best houses in the tovi'n of Bloomfield, and was
still a young man when called away from this earth.
Children of Theodore (H): Roxy, born 1805;
Lavina, born 1808; Huldah, born 1810; Esther,
born 1812; Theodore Case, born Dec. 2, 1813;
Mary, born 1815; Jeanette, born 1824; and Ed-
ward, born 1825.
Theodore C. Cadwell was born in the town of
Bloomfield Dec. 2, 1813. Was reared a farmer,
and on Sept. 2, 1835, was united in marriage with
Miss Julia A. Cornish, who was a daughter of
Harry Cornish, and was born May 18, 1813. Theo-
dore C. passed the major part of his life on a farm,
was an active and progressive man, held a commis-
sion as first lieutenant in the Horse Guards, and
in politics was first a Whig and later a Republican,
holding many of the ofiices in the gift of the town.
He passed away, a highly respected citizen and a
member of the Congregational Church, May 28,
i860, having lost his wife Sept. 29, 1851. To this
marriage were born : Henry C. and George. The
latter was born Jan. 7, 1840, and Oct. 24, i860, mar-
ried Miss Maria Hubbard, who bore him two chil-
dren, viz. : George T., born Jan. 17, 1862, now a
resident of Hartford ; and Elith M., now the wife
of a Mr. Goddard.' George Cadwell passed away
July 6, 1878.
Henry Cornish Cadwell, a most highly re-
spected farmer of Bloomfield, was born on his pres-
ent homestead June 29, 1836, was educated in the
Bloomfield schools and in the Williston Seminary,
at East Hampton, Mass., and was engaged with his
father in farming until the latter's death.
Henry C. Cadwell married in East Granby,
Conn.. June 22, 1857, jN'Iiss Harriet L. Pinney,
daughter of Luther Pinney, and to this marriage
have been born three children,viz. :Julia Emma, born
March 28, 1858, is married to Wilbur H. Gaines,
and is the mother of four children, born as follows — •
LeRoy Cadwell, Aug. 17, 1880; Lena May, June
26, 1882; Harrv W., Aug. 25, 1884; and Charles
W'., Dec. 28, 1888. The second child of Henry
C. and Harriet L. Cadwell is Hattie Cornish, borra
Dec. 6, 1862, and now resides in Hartford, Conn>
The third is Katherine Henri, of Bloomfield, born,
June 24, 1 87 1.
In their religious faith the Cadwell family are
Congregationalists. They enjoy to the full the
esteem of their neighbors, wherever located. Henry
C. Cadwell is a member of and a deacon in the
Congregational Church, a Republican in politics,,,
has served as town assessor, member of the Board
of Relief, member of the School Board, and the
superintendent of the schools, and is classed among-
the most skillful and progressive agriculturists of
the town of Bloomfield.
FRANICLIN HOLDEN MAYBERRY, M. D.,
of Burnside, is ranked among the most successful
medical practitioners in the State, especially in the
treatment of typhoid fever, in which, it is probable,
he is excelled by few in New England. He was-
born in the town of Casco, Cumberland Co., Maine,
April 8, 1862, a son of Edward and Clara (Hol-
den) Mayberry,' and descends from good old Co-
lonial stock, both paternally and maternally, the
Holden family being of Massachusetts nativity, and
his grandfather, Edward Holden, married a Miss
Bolton, of the same State.
Capt. Richard Mayberry, great-grandfather of
the Doctor, was a first lieutenant in Capt. Samuel
Kniglit's company during the Revolutionary war,
and later was captain of the Fifth Company,
Eleventh Regiment, Massachusetts troops, and par-
ticipated in the battles of Fort Ticonderoga, Hub-
bardtown, Stillwater and Saratoga ; was present
at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, shared in the
hardships of the inclement winter at Valley Forge,,
and also took part in the battle of Monmouth, June
28, 1778, the last battle of note at the North dur-
ing the Revolution. William Mayberry, father of
Capt. Richard, was a pioneer of Maine, and one
of the sixty Colonists to whom grants of land were
made Jan. 17, 1735, at W'indham, being one of the
first to settle in the State.
Edward Mayberry, the Doctor's grandfather,
was the first of the family to locate at Casco, where
he became prominent as a lumberman. Our sub-
ject's parents passed all their days in the village,,,
and were classed among its most substantial citi-
zens. Edward Mayberry, his father, was a cousin
of M. E. Ingalls, the well-known president of the
"Big Four" railroad system, and of the Norfolk &:
Western Railroad 'Co.. two Holden sisters being'
their mothers. Of the three children born to Ed-
ward and Clara Mayberry, Franklin H. is the only-
son ; his elder sister, Harriet, is now the wife of
George W. Mills, of Weeping Water, Cass Co.,.
Neb., and his younger sister, Abby. is the widow
of Franklin Edwards, and a resident of the same
village.
Dr. F. H. Mayberry received his elementary-
education in the public schools cf b's native tcvn.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
135
next attended the Bridgton Academy, in tlie same
county, four years, and then entered Bowdoin Col-
lege in the class of 1880. He then entered upon
the study of medicine under Dr. Cobb, of Casco,
and later under Prof. Tinkham, of Burlington,
\'t. : then entered the University of Vermont, from
the IMedical Department of which he graduated in
1885, and at once located in Hartford, Conn., where,
for three years, he served as second assistant physi-
cian at, the Retreat, and for the three years follow-
ing was assistant superintendent of the same in-
stitution.
In 1891 Dr. Mayberry settled in Burnside. where
his success has been so flattering and so lucrative
that he has become a "fixture." His village, as
well as his country practice, is constantly on the
increase, and this phenomenal success is due en-
tirely to his professional skill and merits, as he
located here unheralded, and his extraordinary man-
agement of cases of typhoid fe^•er, one of the most
virulent disorders that "flesh is heir to," as well
as one of the most difficult to control, and one of
the most prevalent, has made his name famous in
much more than a local sense.
In politics the Doctor is a sound Republican,
and as an evidence of his popularity and value as
a citizen, as measured by the residents of the town
of East Hartford, it may be mentioned that he was
elected, the first year of his residence here, a mem-
ber of the school board, of which office he is still
a valuable and active incumbent; in 1895 he was
elected to the State Legislature, after the shortest
residence in the district of any of his predecessors,
and his voice is still potent in the councils of his
party. Fraternally he is a member of Orient Lodge,
No. 62, F. & A. M., of Hartford : of Lafayene
Council, O. V-. A. M., of East Hartford: of the
Foresters, of the same town : was a charter mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, also at East
Hartford, and is still an active member of the
latter.
The Doctor was most happily married. ^.lav 19,
1890, to Miss Elizabeth Alaher, daughter cf Alex-
ander Maher, of Hartford, and this union has
been crowned by the birth of one child, Dorothy
H. The Doctor and wife are socially among the
most respected residents of the town, and their
financial standing is all that could be desired.
JARED FREDERICK BRAINARD (de-
ceased), for man}- years a prominent farmer of
Enfield, was born in that town Alarch 9. 181 8. a
son of Jared and Mary (Pierce) Brainard, and a
lineal descendant in the seventh generation from
Daniel Brainard, a native of England, who at the
age of eight years was broiight to Hartford. Conn.,
where he was reared to manhood, and who about
1662 settled in Haddam, Conn. The paternal grand-
parents of our subject were Frederick and Anna
(Brainard) Brainard: Frederick was a son of Ezra
and Jerusha (Snow) Bi'ainard : Ezra, a son of
Josiah and Hannah (Spencer) Brainard; Josiah,
a son of \\'illiam and Sarah (Bidwell) Brainard;
and William, a son of Daniel and Hannah (Spen-
cer) Brainard, the founders of the family in Amer-
ica. Hannah, the wife of Daniel I^rainard, was a
daughter of Gen. Spencer, of Lynn, I^Iassachusetts.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
John and Lucy (Snow) Pierce; John was a son of
Ebenezer and ]\Iary (Stowe) Pierce; Ebenezer. a
son of Ebenezer and INIary Pierce ; and Ebenezer, a
son of John and Deborah (Converse) Pierce, of
Woburn, Massachusetts.
Jared Frederick Brainard, our subject, was
reared to manhood on the old homestead at Brain-
ardsville, where he spent his entire life. He re-
ceived a common-school and an acailemical educa-
tion, and was a successful farmer. He took an
active part in clnnxh aft'airs, being a member of
the First Congregational Church of Enfield, and a
life member of the Home Missionary Society of that
town. For many years he taught the Young .Men's
Bible Class in the Sabbath-school. He was mar-
ried. Sept. 14, i8j12, to Jane R. Baird, daughter
of Thomas and Sarah (Eddy) Baird, of Auburn,.
Mass., who bore him six children: Sarah J. (Mrs.
Henry H. Chilson), Frederick, Ogden T., Laura
M. ('Mrs. Frank G. Burt), Nellie A. (now Mrs.
Fred A. Belden) and Howard N. 'Sir. Brainard
died April 19, 1892, and his wife on Aug. 14, 1S86.
HON. DAMS EMERY LANE, D. D. S., one
of the oldest, most experienced and popular dentists
of Hartford, whose skill has placed him at the head
of his profession is a native of Wayne, Kennebec
Co., IMaine, born Nov. 25, 1842, a son of Davis
A'errel and Nancy (Bodge) Lane, natives of the
same State.
Peter Lane, father of Davis Aerrel Lane, and
grandfather of the Doctor, was a farmer, and lived
in Leeds, Androscoggin county. He was twice mar-
ried, and to his first union the father of the Doctor
was born. Peter Lane passed his entire life at Leeds,
and there his mortal remains were interred.
Davis A'. Lane, the father of the Doctor, was
born in Leeds in 1800, and after a due attendance
at school entered a woolen-mill, and became very
skillful as a manufacture of woolen goods. Later
he engaged in farming in Wayne, Kennebec county,
and still later removed from ilaine to Long Island,
N. Y., where he passed the remainder of his life
in Huntington, dying in 1887. To his marriage,
with Nancy Bodge, were born three children : Al-
mira, who was married to Dr. F. \A'. Burgess, of
Huntington, L. I.; Davis E., the subject of this
sketch ; and Olive, wife of Jonas A'elsor, also of
Huntington. Nancy (Bodge) Lan ; was born in
Fayette. Kennebec Co., Maine, and was one of the
thirteen children born to John Bodge, a potter.
Davis Emery Lane was educated primarily in-
the district schools, and finished his literary course
in the A^'ayne high school. In September, 1862, he
136
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fourth Maine Vol-
unteers, under Capt. E. Lewis Sturtivant and Col.
George M. Atwooci, went from Maine to New
Orleans, La., and wis in service on the Mississippi
river at Port Hudson, where he remained until the
surrender. The term of his enlistment having ex-
pired, he, with the regiment, then returned to his
native State. For two years he lived in Portland,
Maine, where he was engaged in mercantile trade.
In 1868 he took up the study of dentistry, and, after
the completion of its course, practiced for a while
at Huntington, L. L, N. Y. In 1872 he came to
Hartford, Conn., and located on Pratt street, where
he has been actively engaged since, and has built
up a very extensive practice.
In 1873 -Dr- Lane married Miss Adrienne E.
Howard, a native of Huntington, L. I., and daugh-
ter of Farnum L. and Emeline Howard. Seven
children have been born to this marriage, of whom
five are no wliving; Harrold died in infancy, and
Davis E., Jr., died in 1888. Those living are: Emily
M. ; Farnum Howard, an organist of abil■it)^ and
teacher of music ; Homer Bodge : Jessie A. ; and
Robert Irving — all living with their parents.
In 1882 Dr. Lane removed his family to East
Hartford, but retained his business office in the cit\-.
Being a stanch Republican, he took great interest in
local party affairs, became very popular, and in
1888 was elected to represent his district in the
State Legislature, in which he served greatly to
his honor and credit. He has also been a member
of the school committee for several years, and quite
prominent in the aft'airs of the village generally.
The Doctor is a member of Orient Lodge, No.
67, F. & A. AL, and of D. C. Rodman Post, No.
65, G. A. R. In religion he and his family are
Lnitarians, and regularly attend the house of wor-
ship of the Lhiitarian Society, to the support of
which they freely contribute financially. Besides
his professional eminence the Doctor holds a high
position in the social circles of both Hartford and
East Hartford, and with his amiable wife and chil-
dren enjoys the esteem of his neighbors to a very
marked degree. Since 1888 he has been a member
of the board of trustees of the Raymond Library,
East Hartford, was several years vice-president, and
in May, 1899, on the death of H. R. Hayden, he was
elected president of the board.
HON. LEWIS SPERRY, of the law firm of
Sperry & McLean, Hartford, and former member
of Congress from the First Connecticut District,
has taken high rank in the legal profession of the
State.
Mr. .Sperry was born Jan. 23, 1848, on East
Windsor Hill, in the town of South Windsor, the
sixth child and second son of Daniel Gilbert and
Harriet Frances (Pelton) Sperry, the father, a
farmer, born at Sperrys Farms, Woodbridge, Conn.,
a descendant in the sixth generation from Richard
Sperry. Richard Sperry was of the Colony of
New Haven as early as 1643, coming as agent for
the Earl of Warwick, and was granted a tract of
land, in what is now the town of Woodbridge,
Conn., which is still known as Sperrys Farms.
Other paternal ancestors of our subject in the New
Haven Colonv were Jilatthew Gilbert Todd, Cooper
Heaton (or Eaton), Wilmot and Carrington.
Harriet Frances Pelton, our subject's mother,
was a daughter of James and Sophia (Gaylord) Pel-
ton, and a descendant of Deacon William Gaylord,
!\Iatthew Grant, Daniel Clark, Humphrey Prior,
John Drake, Benedictus Alvord, Thomas Moore,
and John Osborn, of Windsor; was also descended
from ihc Edwards family of Hartford, the Lathrops
of Norwich, and the Peases of Enfield, Conn.
James Pelton was descended from John Pelton of
Boston, 1634, and from Margaret Thompson, a
Scotch widow with nine children, who sailed from
Ireland in 1718, in the fleet of five ships commanded
by Capt. Temple, bound for Boston. Nine of Lewis
Sperry 's ancestors arrived in New England later
than 1730, all became at once land owners in the
various towns which they chose for their homes,
and all were farmers, whatever other occupation
they may have joined with their agricultural pur-
suits. In every war, from the Pequot to the Civil,
some ancestor or near relative fought on the win-
ning side.
Lawyer Sperry's boyhood was passed on the
farm in the Connecticut Valley, where beauty of
scene and fertility of soil frees the farmer from
many of the hardships and privations which per-
tain to that occupation in more remote or barren
regions. He attended both public and private
schools in the neighborhood. At the age of thir-
teen he was sent to New Haven, and was a member
of the family and school of the well-known teacher,
Sidney A. Thomas. Later he entered Monsou
(Alass.) Academy, graduating in 1869, and spent
the succeeding four years in Amherst. He was
popular in college, was editor of the "Amherst
Student," and an active member of the debating
societies, but never at that time or since has he
joined any secret society. He perhaps gave more
time to the study and practice of debate and oratory
than to the reg'ular studies of the college course,
and won several prizes as a speaker and debater,
and the first '"Hardy prize" at his graduation, in
1873. After this event he immediately entered the
law office of Waldo, Hubbard & Hyde, in Hartford,
Connecticut.
Daily intercourse with such men as Judge Loren
P. Waldo, Gov. Richard D. Hubbard, and Alvan P.
Hyde, could but give noble ideas of life to any
youth coming under their influence, and here young
Sperry could see exemplified each day the highest
requirements in the study of law, and its most hon-
orable application when practiced as a profession.
Admitted to the Hartford County Bar in 1875,
Mr. Sperry the following year joined with ex-
Lieut. -Gov. George G. Sill in renting the chambers
at No. 345 Main street, and between Mr. Sill and
Mr. Sperry began a friendship which time has only
I
^^^E'
"^^"Wm ^^1
^^^H^
""^M ^^1
1
m
y ■
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
137
deepened. Here might be noted a strong trait in
the character of Lewis Sperry : In his liome, among
his pla_vmates in the district school, at college, and
with those whom he oftenest meets in the practice
of his profession, he has formed deep and abiding
friendships, which evince no variableness or shadow
of turning. Since his entrance into public life Mr.
Sperry, so far from forgetting his earlier friends,
ajDpears to feel for them a tender regard, as for
those who did not come with political popularity
and will not depart with it. In 1876 he represented
his native town in the Legislature, and was a mem-
ber of the committee on Education. When the
new coroner law went into elifect, in 1883, he was
appointed coroner for Hartford county, and had
the cHfficult task of applying a law without prece-
dents to guide him. The most notable case \xhich
came under his care while holding this office, was
the explosion of the boilers in the "Park Central
Hotel." The coroner's finding, and his courage and
good judgment in holding the responsible parties
guilty in this accident, were noted by the New York
and Boston papers, and editorial comment termed
his a "model report." The capacity he showed for
the administration of public affairs led to his selec-
tion as a candidate for Congress, and after his nom-
ination, in 1890, his career can be culled from the
public prints. After the election the "Amherst
.Student" took pride in saying: "Hon. Lewis Sperry
{'72i) will represent the First Connecticut District
in the Llld Congress, having defeated Simonds,
(Rep.) by 708. Mr. Sperry's popularity is shown
from the fact that two 3-ears ago Simonds carried
the district by 813, making a gam for Mr. Sperry
of 1.521. Hartford Citv, where Mr. Sperry prac-
tices law, was carried by him by 1,112, being the
largest majority ever given a Congressional candi-
date. Amherst's new Congressman, while in Am-
lierst captured many prizes, including the first
^Hardy.' "
The Sl'riiigficld Republican of Nov. 9, 1890.
remarked : "It is seldom that a candidate of either
party has been complimented so highly by the votes
of his political opponents in the profession as has
Lewis Sperry. He will not be so showy a man as
Mr. Simonds, but he will be a hard worker, which
is his natural habit."
For a Congressman spending his first winter at
the National Capital JMr. Sperry had his full share
of official social life. His renomination was a
foregone conclusion, and the Democratic Congres-
sional Convention simply carried out the wishes of
his constituents, in making him a candidate for a
second term. His speech in accepting the nomina-
tion showed a thoughtful consideration for the in-
terests of the district. No Democrat has ever been
elected in this district in a Presidential year, and no
Congressman ever succeeded himself. With the
chances apparently against him, and the district
almost a tie between Mr. Harrison and Mr. Cleve-
land, Mr. Sperry won by the handsome majority
■of 340. Party lines were closely drawn in the rest
of the district, but his personal following in Hart-
ford carried the day. -Mr. Sperry was a member
of the committee on Banking and Currency, charged
with the investigation of the question of increasing
the National Bank Association, and on Aug. 2,
1893, made one of the best speeches for the repeal
of the Sherman Act which had been heard in the
House since it met in extraordinary session. He
was looked upon as the leader of the party in oppo-
sition to the Wilson Bill. This position he main-
tained, and was one of the seventeen Democrats who
voted against the Bill. A storm of censure raged
throughout the newspapers, and he was vehemently
called upon to resign. His course was approved
by the Republican papers, and the Xczi' York Sun,
and he was editorially defended l3\' the veteran leader
of the Democratic party in Connecticut, the Hart-
ford Times. Mr. Sperry had the brain and nerve
to see his way clear, and to stand firmly by his own
convictions. Such a man in either party in Con-
gress wins respect. Declining a renomination, Mr.
Sperry returned to the practice of law in Hartford,
forming in October, 1895, the law rtrm of Sperry
& McLean, of which he has since been senior part-
ner. In religious sympathies Mr. Sperry is a Con-
gregationalist.
On Nov. 7, 1878, Mr. Sperry was married to
Miss Elizabeth Ellsworth Wood, daughter of the
late Dr. William Wood, the naturalist, of East
Windsor Hill, Conn. Two children were born to
them : Ellsworth and Mary E. From an obituary
notice published in one of the Hartford papers at
the time of Mrs. Sperry's death, is extracted the
following :
"By the death, Friday night, of Mrs. Elizabeth
Ellsworth Sperry, at East ^\'indsor Hill, the com-
munity loses a woman of rare qualities, of estima-
ble character, and one who was highly esteemed
in the circles in which she moved. J\Irs. Sperry
suffered a surgical operation about six months ago.
Since then she has failed steadily, and for three
months past has been confined to her apartment.
"Mrs. Sperry was a native of East Windsor Hill,
born in 1849, ^"d daughter of Dr. William Wood,
the noted ornithologist. She attended the Green-
wood Academy, at Brattleboro. A't., and in 1878
was united to Mr. Sperry by Rev. j\Ir. Bowman,
now of East Hartford. She was a valued member
of the Congregational Church of South Windsor.
Mrs. Sperry took an active interest in the aff'airs
of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as
her ancestry included such distinguished men as
Chief Justice Ellsworth and Oliver Wolcott. Mrs.
Sperry was a memljer of ^lartha Pitkin Chapter, D.
A. R.; of East Hartford."
ROBERT CASE (deceased) was for many
years a leading agriculturist of North Canton, and
while his life was free from all competition for
worldly honors he won and retained the respect of
all who knew him.
Mr. Case was born in North Canton in 1805, and
138
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came of a well-known family. Sergt. Richard Case
came to this section at an early day with his wife,
Mercy Holcomb, and settled in West Simsbury,
upon a farm. Simeon Case, son of John, and the
grandfather of onr subject, was born in West Sims-
burv in 173Q, and in 1759 located in what is now
West Granby, where he owned a large tract of land,
and was engaged for many years in general farming,
stock raising and grain growing. He died there in
1823. He married Mary Case,who was born in 1739,
daughter of Amos Case, and died in 1826. They
had eleven children, as follows: Simeon (1756-
1819) married Phcebe Burr; Ashbel (1762-1816)
married Polly Frazier ; Titus (1764-1816) married
Amy Reed; Obed (1765-1849) married Rachel Em-
mons; Eliphalet ( 1770-1847) married Rachel Case,
who died in 1813: Mary (1771-1821); Alexander
(1774-1824) married !Mindwell Case, who died in
1830; Francis ( 1777- 1845) married Jemima Case;
Robert is mentioned more fully below ; Peter ; and
Elizabeth married Reuben Russell.
Robert Case, Sr., our subject's father, was born
in 1780, in what is now West Granby, and followed
farming throughout liis life. He was an excellent
citizen, was active in local politics in connection with
the Whig party, and in religious work as a member
of the Episcopal Church. He married (first)
Clarissa Case, who was born in 1784, daughter of
Darius and Mary (Giddings) Case, and grand-
daughter of Xoah Case. She died in 1827, and he
subsequently married Mrs. Martha (Cooley) Reed,
a widow. By the first marriage there were ten
children: Robert, our subject; Ambrose; Jared ;
Walter ; Ruth : Savilla ; Louise ; Clarissa ; Pluma
and Temperance. The only child of the second
marriage, Sidney P., is now a farmer in North
Canton.
Our subject received a common-school educa-
tion, and when a young man engaged in farming on
a tract of land now owned by his sons Ansel and
Warren. He made many improvements upon the
place, and was a successful farmer, his attention
having been given to stock raising, dairying and
tobacco growing with good results. He was a man
of temperate habits, industrious and thrifty, and
for manv years was a prominent member of the
Methodist Church at Washington Hill. In politics
he 'was a Republican, but he did not seek official
honors. He died in 1852, his remains being in-
terred in the North Canton cemetery. His wife,
Catherine Case, was born in the town of Canton,
a daughter of Alexander and Mindwell (Case)
Case, and a granddaughter of Simeon Case, our
subject's grandfather. She died in 1878, leaving
the memory of a worthy life as wife and mother.
Of their seven children, (i) Ansel is engaged in
tobacco growing at the homestead, and is one of the
successful farmers of the locality; (2) Trumbull
died in 1852; (3) }iliss Julia A. is at home; (4)
Warren is in partnership with Ansel on the home-
stead, and is an enterprising and industrious farm-
er, and a highly esteemed citizen; (5) Louisa (de-
ceased ) married Sherman Messenger, of Canton :
(6) John W. is mentioned more fully below; (7)
Martha is the second wife of Sherman Messenger.
John W. Case was born Jan. 23, 1842, and
after receiving a district-school education engaged
in farming at the homestead. In 1871 he bought
his present farm of 140 acres in North Canton,
which he has improved extensively. He is a gen-
eral farmer, but has been successful in tobacco
growing, dairying and the raising of stock. His
industry, honesty and frugality are family char-
acteristics, and he is regarded as one of the sub-
stantial citizens of his town. Politically he is a
Republican, and in religion he holds liberal views.
Mr. Case married Miss Alice Barber, a native of
New* Hartford, and a daughter of Noak Barber.
Thev have three children: Albert W., Rachel C.
and Alice E.
JOSEPH LANGDON, for more than fifty
vears a drv-goods merchant of Hartford, was de-
scended from an excellent Connecticut family, whose
first settlement in America appears to have been
made in Wethersfield about 1640.
Reuben Langdon, his father, was born in 1777
in Farmington, married in 1803 Patience, daughter
of Hon. Sylvester Gilbert, of Hebron, and was for
some years engaged in business in New London,
but removed to Hartford about 181 7. There he
established the dry-goods business, which tmder
various managers has continued and increased to
this da\', and is now known by the firm name of C.
S. Hills & Co. Later he became treasurer of the
Society for Savings, popularlv known as the Pratt
Street Bank, and was finallv succeeded in his store
by the subject of this sketch. His death occurred
in Hartford in 1849.
Joseph Langdon was born in New London,
Conn., July 20, 181 1, removed with his parents to
Hartford when a child, was educated in the public
schools of that city, and on Jan. i, 1835, married
JMary Ann, daughter of Thomas Mather, of West-
field, Mass. After her death he married, June 5,
1874, Mrs. Nancy Sheldon, daughter of Capt.
Gideon Hubbard, of the coasting service. Mrs.
Langdon, who is still a resident of Hartford, had
by her first marriage one son, Charles R. Sheldon,
who was for several years bookkeeper for Mr. Lang-
don, and died at the age of forty. Mr. Langdon
also had one son by his first marriage, Edward
Mather, who died at the age of twelve years. His
own death occurred June 3, 1895, as the result of a
trolley car accident. Mr. Langdon was a merchant
of the old school, conservative in his methods, un-
swervingly honest and upright in every transaction,
and successful in acquiring a competency for the
quiet years of his later life. For many years he
was Vice-President of the Society for Savings.
During the long period of his career he watched,
ivith affectionate regard, the growth and improve-
^xs\4\\S\
N
*^^F
aIkmJ^A ^t
■f^^O^olm^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
139-
nicnt of the city -where he hved, enjoying" the pleas-
ure of seeing its population and importance increase
more than sevenfold. He was a Republican as to
his political views, and, though not strongly parti-
san, took none the less an earnest interest in the con-
duct of the affairs of the State and Nation. He had
no desire for, and never sought, public official posi-
tions. He was a member of the Park Congrega-
tional Church and a regular attendant upon its serv-
ices. In early life he was an officer of the First
Company, Governor's Foot Guards, .retaining his
membership in the Veteran Corps and his enthu-
siasm for the company to the end of his life. Mr.
Langdon was a good man, quietly benevolent toward
the needy, a generous supporter of ever^r good cause,
and a citizen who enjoyed the respect and high es-
teem of his fellow men.
THOMAS SMITH O'CONNELL, M. D. As
the years glide away new men constantly appear
upon the scene of human activities in every branch
of professional and business life, and by the innate
forces of superior worth and ability win speedy
renown and recognition. Dr. Thomas S. O'Connell
is a comparatively young man, yet his career in the
few brief vears of his practice in East Hartford
has been brilliantly successful. He has an almost
unbroken record of complete success in his profes-
sion, winning for him one of the largest practices
in the East Side towns, while his unfailing courtesy,
his quiet good fellowship, and his liberality of
mind and opinion, combine to make him one of the
most popular young men of East Hartford.
The Doctor was born at Colchester, Conn., Dec.
15, 1866. the fifth child and second son of Michael
and Annie (Smith) O'Connell, the former a native
of County Kerry, and the latter of County Cork,
Ireland. The father migrated to America as a poor
and friendless lad in 1848. He found employment
and for a time worked at Colchester, then m 1854
went to Montreal. Canada, where he met and mar-
ried Annie Smith. He supported his family by his
labor, and in many respects is a remarkable man.
With scant educational opportunities in his youth,
his mental activities awakened later in life, and by
reading and original thought he has given evi-
dence of much more than ordinarv ability. Fie has
been a man of the best habits, strictly temperate,
one to whom the vices of intoxicating drink and
tobacco in all its forms were wholly unknown.
Though not exempt from the provocations of anger,
he never used profanity ; none of his sons ever
heard an oath fall from his lips. About 1865
^Michael O'Connell returned with his family to
Colchestei', Conn., where he was employed in the
Colchester Rubber Works. Both he and his wife
are living, at the ages of seventy and sixty-five
years respectively.
Dr. O'Connell obtained his earlv education in
the public schools of his native tov.-n. He then be-
came a student in Bacon Academv, one of the finest
high schools in Connecticut, on graduating from
which, in 1885, he taught school in Colchester,
and for four years he was employed as a teacher
in the public schools of his native town. He has
always been interested in the common schools, and
has practical knowledge of their virtues and their
faults. For some years he was chairman of the
committee for one of the district schools in Col-
chester. Early in his school days he developed an
inclination for the profession of medicine, and later,
in 1889, he passed his examinations for admission;
to the Baltimore College of Physicians and Sur-
geons. Among his studies he took particular in-
terest in anatomy, physiology and chemistry, and
in his junior year he obtained the position of as-
sistant demonstrator of chemistry. In April, 1892,
he graduated, among the first ten in a class of 143.
Dr. O'Connell possesses a talent for music, and
his ability as a violinist w-as a source of revenue.
Fie gave lessons on the violin, and the money
thus earned assisted materially in defraying the
expenses of his education, which was paid for
wholly from his own savings.
In August, 1892, Dr. O'Connell located at East
Hartford. He was a complete stranger, but his
progress in his profession was rapid from the start.
At first he relieved Dr. ^IcKnight of the care of
distant patients, and won almost immediately favor-
able notice. In 1893 he joined the State and County
Medical Societies, and in January. 1894. he be-
came an associate member of the City Society. His
medical library is an exceptionally fine one. For
some years he has been making a specialty of ob-
stetrics, and he has a constantly mcreasing practice,
one which is built up solely on his merits as a
physician.
' Among the fraternities the Doctor is a member
and examining physician of Xutmeg Lodge, A. O.
U. W. ; surgeon and examining physician for the
First Division, Ancient Order of Hibernians: ex-
amining physician for Semaphore Lodge, Xo. 551,
of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen : and ex-
amining physician for the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Firemen. Fie is a regular attendant at St.
Mary's Church.
In politics the Doctor is attached to straight
Jeffersonian principles. In 1893 he was chosen, on
the Democratic town ticket, a member of the board
of school visitors, a position which he has held ever
since. For a number of years he has been a mem-
ber of the High School committee of East Hart-
ford.
In October, 1896, the Doctor was married, at
East Flartford. to Miss Xellie M. Flynn, a native
of East Hartford, and a daugnter of Dominick
Flynn, which union has been blesjed with two chil-
dren : Thomas \^'ard, born May 5, 1898; and ^Nlary
Elizabeth, born Alarch 14. 1900.
As a citizen Dr. O'Connell stands among the
foremost in the community, his deep and abiding in-
terest in all worthy public causes making l..m one
140
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of those natural leaders to which the community in
which he lives turns almost instinctively for counsel
and advice. He is popular among all classes of men,
and his few years of active life have in them much
l^romise for the future.
JOSEPH EDWARD ROOT, B. S., M. D., of
Hartford, where his standing in the profession and
in citizenship is high, has descended in several
lines from not only some of the earliest families to
come to New England, but some of the most con-
spicuous in its history — from families that have
given to this section men eminent and illustrious.
Dr. Root was born !March 4, 1854, in Green-
wich, j\Iass., a son of Hon. Thomas Pitkin and
Seraph ]\'Iarsh (Haynes) Root, and is a lineal de-
-scendant on his mother's side from John Hayaes,
a man of education and letters from Hertfordshire,
England, who came to New England with Rev.
Thomas Hooker and company in the ship "Griffin"
in 1633, and in 1637 settled in Hartford, of which
he was one of the original proprietors, and was
chosen the first Governor of Connecticut in 1639.
Also in that line Dr. Root, through his grandmo-
ther, Betsey (Marsh) Haynes, wife of Reuben
(she being- a daughter of Lucy (Putnam) and Ty-
ler Marsh ) , is a lineal descendant of John Marsh,
an English emigrant who settled at Salem, Mass.,
as early as 1637, and of John Putnam, who was
the ancestor of Gen. Israel Putnam, of Revolu-
tionar}' fame, John, the emigrant, coming from
Aston Abbotts, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1634,
settling" in Salem. From these two ancestors Dr.
Root's line is, respectively, through Zachariah,
Ebenezer, Ebenezer (2), Lieut. Caleb (a patriot of
the Revolution), Tyler and Betsey Marsh; and
through John (2), Eleazer, Jeptha, Fuller and Lucy
Putnam.
On his father's side Dr. Root is descended from
John Root, the son of John of Badby, Nottingham-
shire, England, where the son was born in 1608.
He came early to New England, and was one of
the first settlers of Fannington in 1640, which
point was settled by persons mainly from Boston,
Newtown and Roxbury. Soon after his location
John Root married Mary, daughter of Thomas aiid
Frances Kilbourne ; she was born in 1619 at Wood
Ditton, England, and came to New England in the
ship 'Tncrease" in 1635.
From this emigrant ancestor Dr. Root is a de-
scendant in the eighth generation, his line being
through Thomas, Timothy, Timothy (2), Joseph,
Capt. John and Thomas Pitkin Root.
(H) Thomas Root, son of John the emigrant,
born about 1648, in Farmington, married (second)
in 1675 Mary Spencer, and moved to Westfield,
Mass. He died in 1709.
(HL) Timothy Root, son of Thomas, born in
1685, married, in 1710, Sarah Pease, daughter of
John, of Enfield, Conn., and went from Westfield
to Enfield, and thence, in about 1713, to Somers,
•Conn., as one of the first settlers of the town.
(IV) Timothy Root (2), son of Timothy,
born in 1719, in Somers, married Jemima, daugh-
ter of Josiah Wood, of Somers, and they were
most excellent citizens and Christian people of that
community.
(V) Joseph Root, son of Timothy (2), born in
1753, in Somers, married Elizabeth, daughter of
Deacon Joshua Pomeroy. Mr. Root served for a
period of four years in the war of the Revolution,
was at the battle of Bunker Hill, at the siege of
Charlestown, and at the scene of Gen. Burgoyne's
surrender.
(VT) Capt. John Root, son of Joseph, born in
1789, in Somers, Conn., married, in 1816, Lucy,
daughter of Deacon Samuel Reynolds, of Somers,
Conn., and settled in Greenwich, Mass. He died
in 1855.
Hon. Thomas Pitkin Root, son of Capt. John,
and the father of Dr. Root, of Hartford, was born
July 8, 1824, in Greenwich, Mass. He was mar-
ried, in 1851, to Seraph (Marsh) Haynes, daugh-
ter of Reuben and Betsey (Marsh) Haynes, of
Greenwich, Mass., and to the union were born
children as follows : Francis Pitkin Root, born
Feb. 13, 1852; Joseph Edward Root, born March
4, 1854; William, who died when young; and
Charles Samuel Root, born March 18, i860.
Thomas Pitkin Root has been for many years a
prominent citizen of Barre, Mass. He has served
two terms in each branch of the Massachusetts
Legislature — the House of Representatives and the
Senate ; for many years he has been a deacon in
the Congregational Church.
Dr. Root, of Hartford, is descended from Rev.
Dr. Peter Reynolds and Rev. Dr. Stephen Will-
iams, through his grandmother, Lucy (Reynolds)
Root, born 1789, daughter of Deacon Samuel and
Marv (Pitkin) Reynolds, and the granddaughter
of Samuel Reynolds, M. D., and Martha (Will-
iams) Reynolds, the latter couple being a son and
daughter, respectively, of Rev. Dr. Peter Rey-
nolds and Rev. Dr. Stephen Williams, who were
contemporaries in the ministry. Rev. Dr. Peter
Reynolds was the second minister in Enfield,
Conn., and a descendant from Capt. Nathaniel,
who came from England in about 1644; while
Rev. Dr. Stephen A¥illiams, born in 1693, was a
son of Rev. John Williams, of Deerfield, a de-
scendant in the third generation from Robert, of
Roxbury, who came probably from Norwich,
England, about 1638. This Williams family was
one of historic note in New England annals. Rev.
John and family were of the number taken pris-
oner in February, 1704, at Deerfield, Mass., dur-
ing the French and Indian war, several of the chil-
dren being killed and the father and son taken to
Canada and kept captives— the father until 1706,
and the son until 1705. Rev. Dr. Stephen Will-
iams at the time of his captivity was but a lad.
After his release he was a graduate from Harvard,
and served in several campaigns as chaplain in the
army ; was at the capture of Louisburg, and was
"I I
I
I
d
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
141
^vith Col. Ephraini ^^'illiams at the battle of Lake
George in September, 1755, when Col. Williams
was killed. 1 he I'itkins, too, of this line of Dr.
Root's ancestors, were a historic and illustrious
family. Mary Pitkin, above, descended from Hon.
William Pitkin, the progenitor of the American
family, who came from England in 1659, and from
1675 to 1690 was a member of the Colonial As-
sembly from Hartford, and who, earlier, was
prosecutor for the Colony, attorney general and
treasurer successively. Marj^ Pitkin's line was
through ^^'illiam (2) (who for twenty-six years
was in the General Assembly, and also chief jus-
tice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut), Col.
Thomas and Thomas Pitkin.
Dr. Joseph Edward Root, the subject proper
of this sketch, received his primary and early
school training in the public schools of Barre,
Mass., attending from i860 to 1868 District School
No. 8, and the four succeeding years the Barre
High School. In 1876 he received the degree of
B. S. from the ^lassachusetts College at Amherst,
and in the same year a like degree from Boston
University. He studied medicine at the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, grad-
uating therefrom in 1883. While at Amherst he
was one of the Farnsworth Prize speakers in his
Freshman and Sophomore years, and a commence-
ment speaker at graduation. His boyhood was
passed on the Hillside farm at Barre, Mass. Dur-
ing his college course he taught school for two
winters at Barre Plains, and after his graduation
he entered Dr. Brown's Institute at Barre, remain-
ing until the spring of 1879, when he was engaged
at the Walnut Hill Asyium in Hartford, Conn.
On receiving his medical diploma from the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, in
1883, he was made assistant physician at the Re-
treat for the Insane in Hartford, and there re-
mained until Aug. 20, 1884, at which time he be-
gan the general practice of medicine in that city,
which has continued to the present with deserved
success. During these years Dr. Root has been a
very busy man, and figured conspicuously in many
societies and organizations pertaining to his field
of labor. In 1884 he assisted in reorganizing the
Hartford Dispensary, of which since its reorgani-
zation he has been secretary and treasurer ; has
also been chief of the department of general medi-
cine and nervous diseases at the dispensary. He
was appointed on many commissions of import-
ance by Govs. Harrison and jMorris during their
administrations. From 1889 to 1894 he was a
delegate for the Connecticut Medical Society to
the meetings of the American Medical Associa-
tion, and as such attended the meetings held re-
spectively at Newport, R. I., Washington, D. C,
Milwaukee. Wis., and San Francisco, Cal. In
April, 1891, he was elected secretary of the Hart-
ford County Medical Association, which office he
held until April, 1894. During his term of office
much of the responsibility pertaining to the Cen-
tennial Celebration of the Association devolvctl
upon him, and he also delivered the historical ad-
chess. In 1896 he was appointed surgeon on .Maj.
Warren's statf of the First Company, Governor's
Horse Guard, and now holds that rank. In 1895
he was elected a member of the board of physi-
cians and surgeons to the ^^lasonic Home at \Val-
lingford. Conn. ; in 1896 was made its president,
which office he has since held, and in 1897 was
chosen chairman of the Building committee tor the
new Masonic Hospital. Dr. Root was appointed
medical examiner for the Alutual Reserve Life In-
surance Co., of New York, in 1890; of the 2^Iassa-
chusetts Alutual Life, in 1894; of the "Home Cir-
cle," in 1895; and of the Fidelity Insurance Co. in
1898, and still retains these relations. Dr. Root
is a member of the Hartford (.City) County and
State Medical Societies, and of the American Med-
ical Association. He was chosen secretar\- of the
Hartford (City) Medical Society in January. 1900,
and is still serving in that position. Dr. Root was
chosen, in 1900, a delegate from the Connecticut
^Medical Society to the thirteenth International Med-
ical Congress held in Paris, France, which he at-
tended, as also to the sixty-eighth Annual meeting of
the British Medical Association at Ipswich, England.
In 1898 he was elected surgeon to the Putnam Pha-
lanx of Hartford. Dr. Root is one of the surgical
staff of St. Francis Hospital as Orthopedic Sur-
geon, and Orthopedic Surgeon to the Home for In-
curables at Newington, Conn. ; He is also on the ad-
visory board of the Connecticut Institute for the
Blind. He is a member of the Hartford Scien-
tific Society. In April, 1900, under ^layor Har-
bison's administration, he was made one of the
health commissioners of Hartford.
Socially Dr. Root is prominent in various clubs
and organizations. He is a member of the Sons
of the American Revolution, and of the Masonic
Club. He is both a York and Scottish Rite Alason,
and is a member of the following bodies : St. John's
Lodge, No. 4, Washington Commahdery No. i,
Charter Oak Lodge of Perfection, Princes of Jeru-
salem, Rose Croix, and Connecticut Consistory,
Thirty-second Degree, and of Sphinx Temple of
the Mystic Shrine. His religious connections are
\yith the Farmington Avenue Congregational
Church.
Dr. Root has found time, outside of his extended
professional duties and busy life, to devote his at-
tention to literature, and his works have given him a
wide and well-deserved prominence. Among his
works are : "Early Discover}- of America by the
Norseman," "Hunting Trips in the Rocky ^foun-
tains" [lecture], and the following treatises: "Epil-
epsy," "Essay on Electricitv in Nervous Diseases,"
"Arteritis of the Brain," "Hygiene of School Life,"
"Electricity in Diseases of \\'omen," "Hip Joint
Disease," and "Centennial History of the Hartford
County Medical Association."
Dr. Root's political affiliations are with the Re-
publican party, and though greatly interested in
142
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
public questions and the success of his part}- he -:as
-declined to be a candidate for any political office.
On March 4, 1885, Dr. Root was married to
Ella Goodman Moseley, of Hartford. Their daugh-
ter, Seraph Dorothy Rowell Root, was born J\'0v.
JO, 1897.
A. W. HOWARD, 'M. D., a prominent and suc-
.cessful physician and surgeon of VVethersfield, was
born in Providence, R. I., Nov. 25, 1867, and is a
.son of Amasa and Annie (Simmons) Howard, the
former a native of Woodstock, Conn., the latter of
Worcester, Massachusetts.
The paternal grandfather of our subject also
.bore the name of Amasa Howard. The father was
an ordained minister of the Baptist Church, and at
■dili'erent times was pastor of churches in Worces-
ter (Mass.), Providence (R. I.), and Hartford
(Conn.). He was also chaplain of the State prison
.at Wethersfield for ten years, and at that place he
■died in 1887, his remains being' interred in Cedar
Hill cemetery. His wife, a lady of culture and re-
finement, is still living-, and continues to make her
home in Wethersfield. To them were born four
-children : John C, now a resident of Omaha, Neb. ;
■\Iary, at home with her mother; A. W., our subject;
.and Fanny, at home.
Dr. Howard was educated at the South school
of Hartford and at the Hartford Public High
School, graduating from the latter in 1887. He then
entered the Medical University of New York, where
he pursued a three-years' course, and was graduated
in 1890. He then spent some time in the Chambers
Street Hospital, New York City, where be gained
•a good practical knowledge of the profession which
Jie had chosen as a life work, and in the fall of
1890 opened an office in Wethersfield. His skill
and ability soon won recognition, and he has suc-
ceeded in building up an excellent practice in Weth-
ersfield, Newington and Rocky Hill. In connection
with his private practice he also acts as examiner
for the Hartford Life, the Phcenix, Mutual, Metro-
politan and Waterbur}' industrial Insurance Com-
panies. He is a progressive physician, and an hon-
ored member of the Hartford County Medical So-
ciety, and the Connecticut State Medical Society;
also belongs to Hartford Lodge, F. & A. M., and to
the Wethersfield Grange. Although not a member
■of any religious denomination he attends the Bap-
tist Church ; politically he affiliates with the Republi-
•can party. The Doctor not only stands high in pro-
fessional circles, but is also quite popular socially.
In 1894 Dr. Howard was united in marriage with
Miss Hannah Standish, a daughter of James
Standish. and to them has been born one child,
Mildred Standish.
HON. RANDOLPH W. COWLES (deceased)
■^vas a well-known contractor and builder of South-
ington, of whose skill many notable examples are to
lie seen in that section of the county. Thoroughly
reliable in all things, the quality of his work was a
convincing test of his own personal worth, and the
same admirable trait was shown in his conscientious
discharge of the duties of dift'erent positions of
trust and responsibility to which he was chosen.
Mr. Cowles was born in Southington JNIarch i,
1838, a son of Henr)- and Lydia (Thorp) Cowles.
His maternal grandfather was Elisha Thorp. The
father was born in Southington Jan. i, 1805, and was
married Aug. 29, 1827. He made his home in the
southwest part of the town, and there his death oc-
curred. His children were : George ; William ;
Laura A. ; Lucretia, wife of Lewis L. Avery ; Emma
A., wife of George F. Lewis; Randolph W. ; Vic-
toria C. ; Emily L. ; Elinora ; and Charlotte, wife
of Squire Robinson.
Ihe paternal grandparents of our subject were
George Washington and Amy (Adkins) Cowles.
The former, born in Southington in December, 1775,
became a resident of the JMarion District of that
town, where he died May 6, 1828. His father, Jo-
siah Cowles, was born in Farmington Nov. 20, 1716,
and was married Nov. 11, 1739, to Jemima Dickin-
son. Soon afterward he located in what is now
Southington. His first wife died Oct. 19, 174 — ,
and Nov. 22, 1748, he wedded Mary Scott, daughter
of Samuel and Mary (Pynchon) Scott, of Southing-
ton, and the great-grandmother of our subject.
Josiah Cowles was the father of eighteen children.
He was a leading man in church and society, held
several important town offices, and the military rank
of captain. He died June 6, 1793. His father,
Thomas Cowles, was born in Farmington Feb. 4,
1685, and was married Jan. 6, 1714, to Martha,
eldest daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Greeman)
Judd, of Farmington. He resided in Farmington,
on the place given him by his father, later known
as the Dr. Carrington place, and there he died March
II, 1756. He was a son of Samuel and Rachel
(Porter) Cowles, and a grandson of Samuel and
Abigail (Stanley) Cowles. The father of Samuel
Cowles, Sr., was John Cole (or Cowles), one of
the first settlers of Hartford, who about 1640 re-
moved to Farmington, where he engaged in farm-
ing; he served as deputy from Farmington to the
General Court in 1653 and 1654. In 1662 he re-
moved to Hadley, Mass., where he died in Septem-
ber, 1675.
Randolph W. Cowles, subject of this review, was
reared in Southington, and in early manhood learned
the carpenter's trade, but prior to the Civil war
worked as a pattern-maker in the old Plant shop
at Plantsville. On Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted, be-
coming a private in Company E, 20th Conn. V. I.,
participated in all of the engagements of his regi-
ment, was with Sherman on his celebrated march
to the sea, and was honorably discharged from the
service June 13, 1865. On his return home he em-
barked in business for himself as a contractor and
builder, which vocation he continued to successfully
follow until his death, March 28, 1899.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
143
On Feb. i, 1870, i\Ir. Cowles was united in
marriage with Miss Elvira Wlieeler, daugliter of
Obadiah and Lucy Ann (Guernsey) Wheeler, of
IMiddlebury, Conn., and by that union five children
were born, all of whom are still living: Edith, wife
of Merton Holcomb ; Eleanor ; Irving W. ; Annie
E. ; and Harriet L. Mr. Cowles was an active and
prominent member ol the Second Baptist Church
of Plantsville, of which he was a deacon for many
years, and fraternally was a member of Friendship
Lodge, 'No. 33, F. & A. M., of Southington; and
Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R. His polftical
support was always given to the men and measures
of the Republican party, and he most acceptably
served as burgess several terms, as assessor sixteen
years, and represented Southington in the Legisla-
ture two terms.
ELI WELLS STODDARD (deceased) was a
highly esteemed citizen of Wethersfield, and a
worthy representative of one of its honored pio-
neer families.
John Stoddard, the progenitor of the family in
America, was one of the first settlers of Wethers-
field, where he owned and operated a tract of land,
and served as sergeant in a military company. He
died in Westfield, in December, 1664. In 1642
he wedded Mary Foote, who was born in England
in 1623, a daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth
(Deming) Foote. After his death the widow mar-
ried John Goodrich, of Wethersfield, who died in
1680, and for her third husband she married Lieut.
Thomas Tracey, of Norwich, Conn., who died Nov.
7, 1685. By the first marriage there were six chil-
dren: Mary, born Alarch 12, 1643, was married,
Dec. 10, 1663, to Joseph Wright, son of Thomas
Wright, of Wethersfield; John, born April 12, 1646,
was married May 26, 1674, to Elizabeth Curtis,
daughter of Thomas Curtis : Caleb and Joshua
(twins) were born Sept. 12, 1648, and the former died
when a young man, while the latter was married,
Aug. 15, 1680, to Bethia Smith, daughter of Rich-
ard Smith ; Mercy, born in November, 1652, was
married March 10, 1685, to Joseph Wright, whose
first wife was her sister ; and Nathaniel, the young-
est of the family, is mentioned below.
(II) Nathaniel Stoddard, born in March, 1660,
was twice married, and by his first wife had one
son, Nathaniel, born Jan. 17, 1692, who was mar-
ried, Sept. 26, 1728, to Sarah Buck, born March 25,
1701, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Butler)
Buck. They lived in Newington, Hartford county,
where he died Aug. 15, 1756, his wife Nov. 4, 1757.
For his second wife, Nathaniel Stoddard, Sr., mar-
ried Eunice Standish, daughter. of Thomas Standish.
He died Feb. 9, 1714, and she departed this life Aug.
5. 1716. They had three children: Abigail, born
Nov. II, 1697, was married, Feb. 12, 1719, to John
Francis, who was born in Wethersfield. Oct. 12,
1684, a son of John and ]\Iercy Francis; Thomas is
mentioned below; and Joshua, born March 4, 1703,
was married, March
to Martha Deming,
and died in Wethersfield, AIa\- 7, 1770.
( iii) riionias Stoddard, born Juiy 29, 1699, was
united in marriage, Dec. 18, 1735, with Mary Camp,
who was born Oct. 25, 1713, and died Aug. 26,
1775 ; he passed away Aug. 26, 1772. In their fam-
ily were eight children: (i) Elislia, born Aug. 20,
^7i^> was married June 6, 1776, to Dorothy Will-
ard, who was born Sept. 2j, 1741, a daughter of
Daniel \\'illard. Fie died July 2, 1790, and she
on April 11, 1826. He was a deacon of the church.
(2) Eli, born Feb. 24, 1739, was a soldier of the
Revolutionary war. On Feb. 8, 1770, he married
Abigail At wood, who was born Aug. 28, 1747, a
daughter of Oliver and Dorothy (Curtis) Atwood.
(3) Rebecca, born Sept. 8, 1740, was married, Nov.
25, 1762, to William Wells, Jr., and lived in New-
ington. (4) Benjamin, born Feb. 2, 1743, died May
18, 1808. (5) Eunice, born Aug. 22, 1745, was mar-
ried, Dec. 2, 1764, to Abel Andrus, a Revolutionary
soldier, who was born ]\lay 6, 1735, and she died
Jan. 23, 1785. (6) Epaphras, the next in order of
birth, is mentioned below. ( 7 ) Lydia, born Aug. 8,
1750, was married Nov. 14, 1771, to Aaron Deming.
(8) Rhoda, born Oct. 30, 1754, was married, Jan.
4, lyyc), to Levi Curtis, and lived in Lenox, ilassa-
chusetts.
(I\') Epaphras Stoddard, born Jan. 22, 1748,
spent his life as a farmer in Wethersfield, where he
died May 18, 1792, his remains being interred there.
On Nov. 25, 1773, he was united in marriage with
]Mary Wells, a daughter of Ichabod and Abigail
(Bigelow) Wells. She was born iNIarch 24, 1753,
and died Sept. 10, 1825. By this union the follow-
ing children were born: ^Mary, born March i, 1776,
died Sept. 26, 1776; Mary, born Nov. 11, 1778, was
married, Dec. 9, 1803. to \Wlliam Goodrich, of
\\''ethersfield, who died July 14, 1830, while she died
Aug. 16, 1858; Eli, the father of our subject, is
mentioned below; ]\Iella, born June 15, 1783, died
April 29, 1787; Huldah, born Z\Iay 26, 1785, was
married, Jan. 22, 1809, to Sylvester Butler; Mella,
born Aug. i, 1787, died unmarried, I\Iay 6, i858,
and Harriet, born Oct. i, 1790, died unmarried, Oct.
25, 1863.
(\ ) Eli Stoddard, born Aug. 11, 1781, spent
his entire life on the old homestead in Wethersfield,
where he died Sept. i, 1822. On Nov. 13, 1820, he
wedded Mary Ferre, of Agawam, ]Mass., who was
born in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 30, 1787, a daughter
of IMoses and Jerusha (Easton) Ferre. Slie was
again married, JMay 3, 1835, her second husband be-
ing George Francis, who was born Sept. 14, 1775,
and died Nov. 21, 1858. She died Feb. 4, 1866.
Our subject was the only child by the first marriage.
(VI) Eli Wells Stoddard was born in ^^'ethers-
fiekl, Jan. 2, 1822. Throughout his active business
life he followed the occupation of farming, and in
I his labors met with well-merited success. On March
I 15. 1843. fie was united in marriage with Miss
' ^lartha Francis, who was born June 18, 1S19, a
144
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter of George and Sally (Butler) Francis,
and to them was born, Oct. 25, 1845, one daughter,
Mary Francis. The mother and daughter still live
on the old homestead in Wethersfield. Mr. Stod-
dard died in 1884, and was laid to rest in Wethers-
field cemetery. In religious views he was liberal,
and in political sentiment he was a Democrat. He
was temperate in his habits, always lived up to the
golden rule, and merited and received the confidence
and respect of all who knew him.
WILLARD IRA ALLING possesses a well-
rounded character which has enabled him to fill
with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the
community in which he lives any position to which
he has been appointed or elected. He has demon-
strated a high degree of business ability, and pos-
sesses that industry and integrity which command
universal respect and insure success.
Mr. Ailing is a direct descendant from Roger
Allen (Ailing), his emigrant ancestor, who came
from the County of Bedford, England, and finally
settled in New Haven, in 1639. His ancestors (tra-
dition says) were the Athelings (contracted Ailing
and Allen), who located in the north of England
about the sixth century. Roger Allen (Ailing)
was one of the original settlers and earl}' land hold-
ers in the Colony of New Haven. He was given
a desirable and eligible location in the original lay-
out in 1 64 1, his residence being at the present corner
of Church and George streets. He was received
into the First or Centre Church in 1641. Gov.
Theophilus Eaton took the oath of allegiance and
fidelity, and then administered it to many more, and
among them was Roger Allen (Ailing). He was
an active business man, and held many offices of
trust ; was a custom house officer ; a sergeant in the
first military company ; and the first and only elected
treasurer of the Colony of New Haven until he be-
came ineligible, bv being chosen a deacon in the
First or Centre Church, in 1669, which office he
held until his death, on Sept. 27, 1674. In 1654,
when Rev. John Davenport proposed to apply to
Gov. Hopkins and the General Court for the estab-
lishment of the first grammar and college school in
the Colony of New Haven, Roger Allen was the
first to respond and say he would send his son
there. Several donations were soon after received,
and in 1659 the General Court instituted the first
grammar school in the Colony, at Saybrook, after-
ward, in 1701, organized as Yale College.
John Allen (Ailing), son of Roger, was treas-
urer of Yale College from 1702 tmtil his death, in
1 71 7. In 1683 he was secretary to the General
Court of Connecticut, with Robert Treat, gover-
nor, and Samuel Bishop, deputy governor. -He was
elected to the Assembly or General Coitrt for twen-
ty years, and his name appears as Allen until 1701,.
when it is written Ailing, although his name ap-
pears as Ailing at an earlier date. At the election
of May 12, 1709, when Gurdon Saltonstall was re-
elected governor, and Nathan Gould deputy gover-
nor, he was elected one of the magistrates or "Gov-
ernor's Council," to which office he was re-elected
for several years, and from 1704 to 1714 he was
judge of county courts, and held other offices of
trust. His descendants were of a type New Eng-
land is proud to claim as peculiarly its own — men
who make the most of their surroundings, who join
honesty to thrift, who love liberality as they scorn
extravagance, and they have contributed their share
toward gaining those priceless treasures, freedom
and independence, several of the descendants having
served all through the Revolutionar}' war and the
war of 1812 in civil and military capacity.
Sergt. Samuel Allen (Ailing), son of John, born
Sept. 7, 1645, married, Oct. 24, 1667, Elizabeth
Winston, of the old Cecil (Churchill-Marlborough)
families.
Capt. Caleb Allen (Ailing), son of Samuel, mar-
ried March 19, 1718, Hannah Bishop.
Capt. Charles Ailing, son of Caleb, born in^
1729, married Hannah Dorman Jan. 17, 1753- He
was a man of military attainments, was in the en-
gagement at the invasion of New Haven by the
British, July 5, 1779, and testifies as follows:
I, Charles Ailing, of New Haven, of lawful age, testify,,
and say, tfiat I saw, examined and assisted in burying Capt.
John Gilbert, Asa Todd and Joseph Dorman. That Capt.
John Gilbert was shot through the knee and then appeared
to be killed with a club as his head was very much bruised,
and a Club Bloody lay by him. That no wound appeared
upon Asa Todd, except he was pierced with a Bayonet,
one through the head and twice through the Body. That
Joseph Dorman had his Thigh Broken just above the Knee,,
but it appeared tome, to have been done with a stone, which
lay by him Bloody, and that he was pierced with Bayonets,,
once through the head and once through the Body, but no
other wounds.
Charles Alling,
Sworn to before Samuel Bishop, Jr., Justice of the Peace.
Abraham Alling, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was born May 14, 1754, and married Abi-
gail Dorman about 1778. He was selectman of
his town for many years, and became one of the
best-known. Connecticut Congregational ministers
of a century ago. He was the first pastor of the
Congregational Church at Whitneyville, serving
continuously from 1795 to 1822. He was ordained
Oct. 19, 1797, and was dismissed in 1822, at his
own request ; his register shows that he solemnized
324 marriages. He died July 24, 1836, aged
eighty-two, and with his wife is buried in Hamden
cemetery.
Ezra Alling, son of Abraham, born July 13,
1799, married Eliza Warner May 25, 1820. He
was a well-known agriculturist of Hamden and
North Haven. He and his wife are buried in Ham-
den cemetery.
Charles Noyes Ailing, son of Ezra, was born at
Hamden, Feb. 22, 1822, learned the carriage maker's
trade, and for many years was a successful carriage
maker. About 185 1 he removed to Berlin, where
he owned and operated the largest carriage factory
in the town, and became quite well-to-do. In 1848
he married Delia Angeline Baldwin, her mother
TirJI^J J ML^
■^1'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
145
being Rhoda Welles, of the well-known Welles
famii}- of Wethcrsfield. Both parents of our sub-
ject are buried in West Lane cemetery, Berlin. In
politics Charles N. Ailing was a Republican, lie
served as justice of the peace, was on the board of
relief and grand jury for a number of years, and
filled various other minor offices. He was one of
the founders and an active member of the First
jNlethodist Episcopal Church at Kensington, and
one of the trustees until his c'eath, Oct. 8, 1887, at
the age 'of sixty-five years.
Willard ira Ailing, our subject, was born at
Berlin, near his present residence in Kensington,
March 27, 1855. His early education was re-
ceived in the schools of Berlin, and supplemented
by a course in the schools of New Britain. Re-
turning to Berlin, he remained with his father two
j'icars, then took a special course at the carriage
maker's trade with the well-known carriage builders
of Plainville, remaining there about two years.
Mr. Ailing soon after took charge of his father's
shops, and on his own account engaged in the man-
ufacture of carriages, which he continued for about
twenty years, becoming c^uite well-to-do, and re-
tiring in 1893. Since that time he has been engaged
in the real-estate business and in the management
of his several properties in Berlin, Kensington and
New Britain.
Mr. Ailing married, Dec. 5, 1877, Harriet Eliza-
beth Upson, who was born Nov. 6, 1857, daughter
of Isaac and Elizabeth Drusilla (Allyn) Upson,
both of whom are now deceased, and are buried in
West Lane cemetery, Berlin. To our subject have
come the following children: Benjamin Willard,
born Nov. 7, 1879, now a student at Dartmouth
College; George Baldwin, born Aug. 23, 1882, a
student in the New Britain high school ; Marshall
Louis, born Aug. 6, 1884, a student at the New
Britain high school ; one son that died at the age of
seven months ;I>ulah Elizabeth, born Nov. 9, 1890,
a pupil of the New Britain schools ; Lauretta Delia,
born Jan. 25, 1894, attending the Berlin schools;
and Esther, born Sept. i, 1896. In politics Mr.
Ailing is a Republican. He has represented his
town at various Congressional, County and Pro-
bate conventions, and has held various other town
offices ; at present he is one of the members of the
Republican executive committee, and one of the
auditors of the town accounts, and president of the
West Lane Cemetery Association. He is a member
of the local Grange, and served as secretary of the
organization for two years. He is an attendant of
the Congregational Church at Kensington, of which
Mrs. Ailing is a member. Mr. Ailing is recognized
as one of the influential residents of Berlin, and is
one of its most active and progressive citizens.
HENRY HAYDEN OSBORNE (deceased), in
his day a well-knowi:uand highly esteemed farmer
of Haydens Station, ?Mwn of Windsor, was truly
a remarkable man.
hen nearing his eightieth
birthday he was as»active as one thirty years
10 . ,( •
younger, though he was dependent upon his own re-
sources for a livelihood since a child of three years,
and had worked hard in all kinds of weather and
under very tlifficult circumstances, being knocked
around from place to place, where he worked at
various occupations, but princijjally farming.
Mr. Osborne was born in the town of Windsor,
Aug. 21, 1819, a son of Harry and Keziah (Hayden)
Osborne. 1 he father was a native of East Windsor
and as a young man came to Windsor, where he
married, his wife being a representative of the old
Hayden family of that town. She died when our
subject was but four years old, and the father, who
was employed throughout life as a farm hand in
Windsor, passed away when less than fifty years of
age. Of their four children, Julia married and spent
her last years in Hartford, where her death occur-
red; and two daughters died in infancy.
H. H. Osborne, the only survivor of this fam-
ily, was "put out" with a farmer at the age of three
years, and had to make his own way in the world,
working a:t first as chore boy for his board and
clothes. His educational privileges were limited to
a short attendance at the schools in the vicinity of
Haydens Station. At the age of eleven years he
went to Suffield, and later worked at various places
for dift"erent men. On Oct. 2, 1865, he married
]Miss Jane E. Hatheway, of Suffield, a daughter of
Lucius and ]\Iaria (Stanley) Hatheway. She was
born Feb. 11, 1831. In 1866 Mr. Osborne returned
to \Vindsor, and worked on the farm of Ephrann
A. Judson, at Haydens Station, who at his death
gave to our subject the place for taking care of him.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Os-
borne, nameh" Louise H., an estimable young lady
who resides at home ; and Francis H., an employe of
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad-
Co., who is also living at home. The latter married
Nettie L. Ashwell, and has two children : Frank H.
and Harry Frederick.
In the course of his life ]\Ir. Osborne met with
many serious accidents, including broken ribs and
arms, an injured leg and other painful injuries^ but
notwithstanding these he, in his old age, was still
well preserved and very active and energetic. Po-
litically he was a Democrat, but took little interest
in politics, seldom voting except at Presidential
elections. Mr. Osborne died July 31, 1899, within
three weeks of his eightieth birthday, and after an
illness of only three days.
JOHN E. IMARTIN, A. B., M. D., has brought
thorough preparation to the practice of medichie.
He combines with his professional knowledge of the
healing art a remarkable devotion to his chosen
profession which has made him eminently successful
in practice and one of the recognized leaders of the
medical fraternity in New Britain.
The Doctor's father, jMichael Martin, was born
in County Kerry, Ireland, son of a farmer and
cattleman. When twelve years of age he emigrated
146
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to America and settled at New York, after some time
moving to Connecticut, and afterwards to Massa-
chusetts. Sometime during the 'fifties he returned to
Connecticut and etabHshed himself at Uncasville,
where for many years he was engaged in a manu-
facturing industr)-. In 1867 he moved to California,
and for two years engaged in mining. On his re-
turn East he located at Montville, thence removing
to Bristol, where he has since lived. Michael Martin
is a self-made man, possessed of good native ability,
and has prospered well in life. In his political
opinion he is a Democrat, but not active in party af-
fairs, and he is a member of the Catholic Church.
He married Ellen Gartland, of County Monaghan,
Ireland, and of their four children Margaret is dead ;
James owns and manages a hotel at Niles, Cal. ;
Mary married Michael Connors, and resides at
Bristol, Conn. The mother died in 1886. Michael
Martin had one brother, Thomas Martin, a wealthy
and successful ranchman of Niles, Alameda Co.,
Cal., now deceased.
John E. Martin, whose name introduces this
sketch, and the youngest child of his parents, was
born Dec. 11, 1866, at Uncasville, New London
Co., Conn. He received a good academic education
in the high schools of Bristol and Hartford, and
upon the completion of his studies there entered St.
Laurent College, a branch of Notre Dame, located
five miles from Montreal, Canada, and remained a
student for several years. He then attended St.
Joseph College, at Bardstown, Ky., completing the
collegiate course and receiving the degree of A. B.
in 1889. At the college he was regarded as a
thorough student, and was remarkable for his elo-
cutionary powers. He next entered the office of
Dr. Horton at Bristol, Conn., and a year later ma-
triculated at the University of New York, whence he
was graduated in April, 1892. He began his pro-
fessional career at Winsted, Conn., in April, 1892.
In Februarjf, 1893, he removed to New Britain, in
which city he has since practiced continuously. He
has a numerous clientele, drawn from a radius of
ten miles around, and has built up one of the best
practices in the city. He is visiting physician and
surgeon for the New Britain General Hospital; is
a member of the City Medical Society, belongs to the
Allopathic school of medicine, and devotes a consid-
erable share of his time to surger}', in which branch
he has been very successful. In politics the Doctor
is a Democrat, but he is not strongly partisan, though
his elocutionary gifts fit him eminently for a public
speaker. He is a member of the Knights of Colum-
bus, the Foresters of America and the K. O. T. M.,
and has taken an active interest in fraternal work.
He is a man of broad culture, has traveled exten-
sively, is a thorough business man, and a successful
practitioner.
Dr. Martin married, on Juy 17, 1894, Margaret
J. Wheeler, daughter of Simon Wheeler, a native
of King's County, Ireland, and one of the oldest and
most respected residents of West Winsted, Conn.
She is a graduate of the West Winsted High
School, also of the New Britain Normal School, and
in the \Vinsted schools was regarded as a most bril-
liant pupil. She was a teacher in the public schools
of her native town prior to her marriage, takmg
high rank in her profession. To Dr. and Mrs.
Martin have been born four children, Eleanor, Ra-
mona, Edward, and Margaret.
PHILIP NORTON. The family of the late
Philip Norton of Kensington is descended from
Le Sieur de Norville, who came from Normandy to
England in September, 1066. Through seven gen-
erations the patronymic continued in its French
form, although in time Sieur became the plain Eng-
lish Sir. A son of the first English progenitor mar-
ried into the family of Barr, and one of liis sons into
that of Dalba Monte. Other matrimonial connec-
tions in the direct line of descent were with the fam-
ilies of NeWitt of Ruby, Dampre Count, Sir John
Headoroke and a Basingbroke. It was at this period
that the family name was changed to Norton, the
first of the de Norvilles to take tne Saxon form be-
ing Sir John Norton, who married Anne, a daugh-
ter of Lord De Grey, of Ruthm. His son and
grandson both bore the Christian name of John, and
both were residents of Sharpenhow, Bedfordshire,
England. John (2) was twice married, his second
wite (from whom the Connecticut Nortons are de-
scended) having been Jane, a daughter of John
Cooper. She bore her husband three sons and one
daughter. One of the sons, Richard Norton, be-
came the husband of Margery Wingar, also of
Sharpenhow. Their son, William, was also twice
married, his first wife being Margaret, a daughter
of William Flarris, and his second Dennis Chitsmley.
The first of the family to emigrate from England
to America were the two brothers, Thomas and
Francis, sons of William. Of these the first named
was the great-great-great-grandfather of Philip
Norton. He landed at Boston and removed to Guil-
ford, Conn., June i, 1639, he and his wife, Grace,
being among the first settlers of that town. He died
there in 1648.
Thomas Norton had a son named Thomas, a
resident of Saybrook, who was the great-great-
grandfather of Philip. Next in the line of descent
is Thomas (3), who also lived in Saybrook, where
he reared a large family. His son jedediah Nor-
ton, the grandfather of Philip, came from Sa)'brook
to Wallingford (now Meriden). In time he became
a large owner of realty, making his home in Berlin
on a large tract of land which he purchased, situated
on the main road between Hartford and New Haven,
some two miles south of what is now Worthington
village, and about a mile north of the boundary line
between Berlin and Meriden, which also separates
the counties of Hartford and New Haven. He was
twice married. His first wife was Eunice Cowles,
of Meriden, by whom he had two children. In 1746,
after her death, he was united with Achsah, a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
147
dnugfliter of Isaac Norton, who was a son of Thomas
^'urton (3J, mentioned above.
Isaac Aorton, the maternal great-grandfather
of Philip Norton, was born in Farmington in 1680,
and died in 1763. He was the husband of Eliza-
Leth Galpin, of Stafford, whom he married in 1707.
He was known as Ensign and Lieutenant Norton,
was a merchant of \\'orthington (_now Berlin), and
one of the wealthiest citizens of the town. He was
famed for his piet}', and was held in high esteem.
Achsah was born June 10, 1721, and died Aug. 8,
1805. halving borne her husband eight children. He
and his family were among the first members of the
Congregational Cliurch, and he was the donor of
the first organ which the society ever owned, and
one of the first two imported into America, and
which was destroyed by fire in the burning of the
church building. Jedediah's son Samuel, the fa-
ther of the late Philip Norton, was born Sept. 30,
1759, in that part of Farmington which is now Ber-
lin, the place of his birth being the present home-
stead, still owned and occupied by decendants of
the Norton name. In November, 1775, when a
mere boy of sixteen years, he enlisted in the Con-
tinental army, re-enlisting in ]\Iay and July, 1777,
and again in July, 1779. He was present at the
siege of Boston, and took part in the battle of
Bunker Hill. He also served with the New Haven
coast guard, aided in repelling the British invasion
of that town, and passed through the war without
a wound. He was also a delegate from Berlin to the
Constitutional Convention in 1818. On Jan. 22,
1789, he married Phoebe Edwards, who was born
Feb. 19, 1770, in JMeriden, wdiich w'as then a part of
\\'allingford. Ten children were born to them,
none of whom are living. Samuel Norton was an
exceedingly prosperous farmer, also a sagacious in-
vestor in stocks and other securities, and was con-
sidered, in his day, a very wealthy man. He died
Oct. 27, 1832. His wife survived him for many
years, and both now rest in the South burying-
groimd at Berlin.
Philip Norton was born iXIarch 2, 1801, in
Berlin. His school days ended, he followed a cus-
tom then ver}' common among }'oung men in that
section of the State, and started on a trip through
the South, peddling tinware made in his native town.
On his return home he settled down to the life of a
farmer. He was a public-spirited citizen, and al-
ways aided anv enterprise likely to benefit the town.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious affili-
ations a Universalist, although the Society of that
creed in Berlin was dissolved before his death.
Mr. Norton was married, ]\.Iarch 28, 1835, to
Elizabeth Newberry, who was born May 31, 181 o,
in Wethersfield, the daughter of Benjamin and
2\Iartha (Dickinson) Newberry. The Newberry
• family was one of the most prominent Colonial
families of Windsor. The children of this mar-
riage were three sons and four daughters : Samuel,
ihe eldest, lives in San Francisco : John married
Ann Jeanie P'ortl, of Picrlin, wliere he resides and
is prominent in town affairs; Henrietta is the wife
of i<. A. Moore, postmaster of Kensington ; George
Benjamin is connected with the wholesale paper
warehouse of C. B. Hewitt & Bros., of New York;
The remaining children live together in the family
homestead, one of the most picturesque places in the
town. Mr. Norton passed away in 1880, at his res-
idence in Berlin, and was laid to rest in Berlin cem-
etery.
HENRY MARTYN ROB BINS (deceased)
was for many years one of the honored and esteemed
citizens of Newington, a man whose well-spent and
charitable lite commanded the respect of all with
whom he was brought in contact.
A native of Connecticut, Mr. Robbins was born
Aug. 10, 1839, on the old homestead, at Newing-
ton, Hartford county, in the house where his widow
now makes her home. E'nni Robbins, his father,
was born on the adjoining farm (the one on which
Mrs. F. J. Warner now lives), married Sarah Dun-
ham, and died when about seventy years of age.
He was a son of Unni, who was a son of Unni,
whose father was the first of the family in the United
States, coming from England and settling in New-
ington. The ancestors were all farmers by occupa-
tion, honorable and industrious men, and good citi-
zens.
Our subject received a liberal education, in part
at the Newington public schools, and in part at
Newington Academy, subsequently continuing his
studies at Cheshire and Harlem, and in the meantime
gaining considerable experience in agriculture on
the home farm. At about the age of eighteen years
he went to New York Cit}', where he clerked for a
time, and later took up his residence in Hartford,
in that city carrying on a furniture business in part-
nership with Mr. Robbins and Mr. ^^'inship, under
the firm name of Robbins & \Mnship. At the end
of about four years Mr. Robbins, on account of the
death of his father, withdrew from the concern, re-
turned home and assumed exclusive control of the
farm, and passed the remauider of his life there,
dying Dec. 27, 1898. His home was built by Tim-
othy Stanley, and bought by his father, Unni Rob-
bins. Besides engaging in general farming, our
subject dealt largely in tobacco, growing consider-
able quantities each year. He was thoroughly
public-spirited, widely known and generally re-
spected, perhaps more so than any other man in
2\ ewington and vicinity, and was prominent and gen-
erous in all public affairs. He was mainly instru-
mental in getting the electric street-car line estab-
lished between Newington and New Britain, giving
right of way through some two miles of land, be-
sides giving financial aid and lending his influence
in securing money donations for the same purpose.
He also gave to the town a lot on Main street,
whereon to build a library, if the town should so
wish. At his death he left five thousand dollars
148
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the Ecclesiastical Society (Congregational
Church), and one thousand dollars to the Children's
Home.
On May 19, 1875, Mr. Robbins was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Frances Kellogg, who
was born Oct. 4, 1851, in North Carolina, one of the
family of five chndren of Martin and Patience
(Gordon) Kellogg, both now deceased, the father
being buried in iNewington, the mother in North
Carohna. Mr. Kellogg was born in the town of
Newington, Hartford county, where he received his
earlier education, subsequently taking a course at
Yale College, where he was graduated, and soon
-afterward going to North Carolina, where he estab-
lished a scnool tor boys. He married and continued
to reside there, but died in Hartford, where he had
come for treatment during his last illness.
Mr. Robbins, as is also his widow, was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, toward which he
was very liberal ot his means, and he was also con-
nected with the Grange. A stanch Democrat, he
Avas firm in his political creed, but never obtrusive
or radical; in 1876-77 (one term) he served in the
Legislature with credit and ability, and for some
fourteen or fifteen )'ears he was a selectman of the
town. During the war of the Rebellion he sent a
substitute, and in many other ways proved his loyalty
to the cause of the Union. His public and private
life were alike above reproach, and his widow, a
most estimable lady, fully shares in the high regard
accorded her husband.
PIERRE DESNOYERS PELTIER, M, D., of
Hartford, founder of the Farmington \ alley San-
atoriurti, at Collinsville, and a physician of distinc-
tion in the profession, has descended from an his-
toric ancestry.
Dr. Peltier was born Nov. 15, 1835, in Fort Gra-
tiot, Mich., son of Charles and Emily (Parmely)
Peltier, and a lineal descendant of Michael Pelletier,
Sieur de la Prade, Seigneur de Gentilly ; and of
Francois Pelletier, who was one of the founders of
Detroit. Charles Peltier, the grandfather of our
subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving
as an adjutant:, he was later post trader at Fort
Wayne, Ind., and was killed by the Indians.
Charles Peltier (2), our subject's father, was
an historic character in the early history of Micni-
gan. He was post trader at Fort Gratiot, and af-
terward for a number of years comptroller and jus-
tice of the peace in Detroit. Mrs. Emily (Parmely)
Peltier, the mother of our subject, after the death
of her husband was again married, to Simri Col-
lins, and under the name of Emily Parmely Collins
is widely known as a woman suffragist and writer
on economics. Her father, James Parmely, was a
patriot of the Revolution.
Our subject's education was received at Mace-
don (N. Y.) Academy and in the University of
Michigan. He was graduated from the Medical
Department of Buffalo University in i860, which
conferred upon him the degree of M. D., then for a
period was engaged in hospital practice, developing
a taste and aptitude for surgery. On Aug. 11, 1862,
he was commissioned assistant surgeon ot the 126th
N. Y. \'. I., and during the summer of 1864 served
as post surgeon at Martinsburg, W. \'a. While at
this point it was within the province of Surgeon
Peltier to render to his country most valuable aid,
which was greatly appreciated by the commanding-
general through a letter of acknowledgment. This
service was in the line of imparting information, to
Gen. Averill, of a proposed Rebel raid which en-
dangered his command of capture. In a history of
the regiment of which Dr. Peltier was surgeon it
is stated that: "Surgeon Peltier had the full confi-
dence of the officers and men under his charge, as
well as of his medical associates, by his skill and
success as a physician and surgeon, and endeared
himself to all by his uniform kindness, his genial
and social qualities as a gentleman, and by his un-
failing fund of wit and humor, that never required
a victim." At the close of the war Dr. Peltier
located at Clifton Springs, N. Y., and later at
Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, practicing there until
1871, when he located in Hartford, Conn.; he has,
by his ability, energy, obliging disposition and en-
gaging manners, built up a large, lucrative prac-
tice, and attained high rank in the profession.
Dr. Peltier, from close observation and study
through years of experience and contact with the
world, became impressed with the desire of estab-
lishing a retreat for persons suffering with nervous
and chronic diseases, believing that in so doing he
would accomplish what in time would be greatly
appreciated by the thousands of men and women
throughout the country so afflicted, and that such
an institution would redound to his honor. In this
age of hurry and bustle the average business man
is so interested in the success of his enterprise that
the strain, with little or no relaxation, sooner or
later breaks him down, and he finds himself a ner-
vous wreck. Such diseases require expert treat-
ment, and in a place of Ciuiet, where the patient can
have an entire change of scenery, with inviting,
cheering and restful surroundings. Carrying out
his ideas in the line indicated, Dr. Peltier has estab-
lished the Farmington A'alley Sanatorium at an ideal
country seat, Collinsville, near Hartford, and beau-
tifully located on the Farmington river, where the
surroundings are just such as are desired. The re-
treat or home itself is handsome and cheerful, it
being newly furnished throughout ; spacious veran-
das are on the first and second stories, and the home
pleasant in general. Beautiful drives are on all
sides through the grounds, which are well studded
with trees and shrubbery. A bountiful supply of
pure spring water is at hand, while the air of the
New England climate is invigorating. Here also.-
Dr. Peltier has gathered about him a staff' of compe-
tent physicians and surgeons who have acquired a
reputation for themselves, and the Sanatorium is
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
149
rapidly coming into notice, and has a promising
future.
Dr. Peltier has been medical director of the Na-
tional Life Association of Hartford, and for a
dozen or more years has been president of the Board
of L'nited States Pension Examiners for Hartford.
He is now and has been smce its organization a
member of Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R., at
Hartford. At the reunion of the 126th N. Y. V.
1., at Gett}-sburg, Penn., he delivered the address
commemorative of the occasion. The Doctor is a
member of the Army of the Potomac, the Army
and Navy Club, a thu-ty-seccnd degree JMason, and
a member of other fraternal organizations. He is
also a member of the American Association of Or-
ificial Surgery, of the American Institute of Home-
opathy, and was also president of the State Homeo-
pathic Association of Connecticut.
On Aug. 16, 1859, ^^- Reltier was married to
ilaria Reed, who is a great-granddaughter of
George Reed, a soldier of the Revolution, and is a
descendant of Joseph Mygatt, one of the first settlers
(and one of the founders of the Center Congrega-
tional Church) of Hartford. The three children
born to this union are Florence Perry, P'rank Hast-
ings Hamilton Peltier, Al. D., and Frederick Des-
noyers Peltier, of New York City.
HOX. DAXIEL EDWARD BRADLEY.
Prominent among the energetic, enterprising and
successful business men of Berlin, Hartford county,
is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.
He possesses tmtiring energy, is quick of perception,
forms his plans readily, and is determined in their
execution ; and his close application to business and
his excellent management have brought to him the
prosperity which is to-day his.
Mr. Bradley was born in East Jaffrey, N. H.,
]\Iay 16, i86i, a son of Dr. Oscar Holmes Bradley,
who was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1826, and has
been engaged in the practice of medicine for many
years. The mother of our subject, who bore the
maiden name of Julia Ann Spaulding, was born in
1 83 1, a daughter of Daniel and Lucmda (Perkins)
Spaulding, natives of Fitzwilliam, N. H. The
paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Bradley, married
^Margaret Holmes, of Londonderry, N. H., and
they died and were buried at South Royalston,
^Massachusetts.
Daniel E. Bradley, subject of this sketch, spent
his boyhood and youth at home, and was graduated
from the public schools of Jaffrey, N. H. At the
age of eighteen years he entered Darmouth College,
where he pursued both a scientific and civil engi-
neering course. After his graduation he had charge
of the Hoosac ttmnel and Wilmington railroad .as
chief engineer, with headquarters at Readsboro, Vt.,
having become connected with that road during va-
cations, and with this company he remained until
October. 1883. The following two years he was as-
sistant engineer for the Boston Bridge Works, and
for the same length of time had charge of the draft-
ing department lor the Berlin Iron Bridge Co., at
East Berlin, Conn. On resigning that position he
went to St. Albans, \'t., where he served as mana-
ger and treasurer for the X'crmont Construction Co.
tor two \'ears, and was then elected vice-president,
which office he held for the same length of time.
That firm did general contracting and bridge work.
When he resigned that position he returned to East
Berlin, -Conn., and was manager of the high>vay
bridge department of the BerUn Iron Bridge Co.
until 1898, when he was made manager of the con-
tracting department, and now has full charge of
making all contracts, etc. Mr. Bradley has proved
a most efficient man for the place, and under his
able management the business of the company has
steadily increased.
On Dec. 31, 1883, Mr. Bradley married Miss
Anna Samson, who was born in Roxbury, \"t.. May
3, 1862, a daughter of Charles and Margaret Sam-
son. Her father died a number of years ago. Mr.
and Mrs. Bradley have become the parents of four
children: Lucile Katherine, born May 27, 1887, is
now attending the Worthington private school in
Berlin; Marguerite Julia, born April 16, 1889, is a
pupil in the same private school ; Ruth, born June 7,
1891, died Oct. 13, 1893; and Edith Narcissa, born
Sept. II, 1893, is attending Miss Roys' private
school in Berlin.
In 1894 Mr. Bradley erected, on Worthington
avenue, Berlin, a very beautiful residence with all
modern improvements. At this hospitable home the
many friends of the family delight to congregate.
Politically Mr. Bradley is a stanch Democrat, and
on the party ticket was elected to the State Legis-
lature in 1897. Although Berlin township gave
President McKinley a majority of 251 votes, Mr.
Bradlev defeated the Republican candidate, M. E.
Jacobs, by 68 votes, a fact which plainly indicates
his personal popularity, and the confidence and trust
reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He is a prom-
inent member of the New Britain Club, of New
Britain, ConiT. ; the Engineers Club, of New York;
the Country Club, of Farmington, Conn. ; the Ameri-
can Society of Civil Engineers ; and is a member of
the executive committee of the Connecticut Civil
Engineers Association. He is prominent in both
business and social circles, and is one of the best-
known men of his community.
ALLEN A. ROBBINS (deceased'). The Rob-
bins family for four generations has been promi-
nently identified with the history and development
of Rocky Hill. In all this time there has never been
one of this historic name who has failed to take an
active part in the official administration of public
aft'airs in this locality. The earliest member of the
familv of whom any record has been preserved was
one John Robbins, who built the red brick home-
stead which is still standing upon the Robbins farm.
He was the great-grandfather of Allen .A... and the
1£0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grandfather of Allen (ij, who was the son of Jacob,
great-great-grandson of the original John Robbins,
gentleman.
Jacob Robbins, grandfather of our subject, was
first married to Chloe Williams, who bore him three
children : Elias, Silas, and Allen ( who is referred
to below). The mother of these children died, and
he then married Eunice Webster, by whom he be-
came the father of five children : Austin, Moses,
Chloe, Silas and Eunice.
Allen Robbins, father of our subject, was born
about the year 1779, on the old homestead, and was
an eminently successful farmer. He married
Amelia Bulkley, and to their union came the fol-
lowing children: Thomas, born October, 1806, died
at Rocky Hill in 1894; Chloe W., born Jan. 9, 1808,
married Frederick Marsh, and died in June, 1898;
Mary A., born in July, 1810, died in May, 1890;
Allen A., our subject, born in 1816, died Oct. 7,
1900 : Abigail W., born in 1819, married Rev. Joshua
Maynard, and died in May, 1847; Emily W., born
Jan. 9, 1822, became the wife of Robert Sugden, of
Rocky Hill. The father died at his home ni 1852,
the mother on Oct. 4, 1847.
Allen A. Robbins received his early training
upon his father's farm, and it did not greatlj- vary
from that obtained by most farmers' lads in the
early days of Connecticut history. He remained on
this farm until after his marriage, in 1840, to Abby
Ann Goodrich. In the same year he went with his
wife to live upon the farm of her grandfather, and
there remained some six years, or until the death of
his wife, which occurred Aug. 4, 1846. Shortly
afterward he returned to his father's home, where
he remained until November, 1898, when he made
his home with his daughter. To Mr. and Mrs.
Robbins were born two children: (i) Thomas H.,
born in November, 1841, is a graduate of Yale
University, having received his degree in 1868. He
served in the war of the Rebellion in Company H,
25th Conn. V. L, and distinguished himself re-
peatedly by acts of personal bravery. . He is a civil
engineer by profession, and a resident of Oklahoma
Territory. (2jAnnie A., born July 15, 1845, is the
wife of William G. Robbins, a farmer and also the
town clerk of Rocky Hill, and they have had six
children.
Allen A. Robbins spent the greater part of his
life upon the farm, and his career may be said to
have been devoid of any events of striking interest ;
yet his unassailable integrity, his unvarying fidelity
to truth, and his genial, kindly disposition, endeared
him to all with whom he came in contact. For many
years he was chosen bv his townspeople as selectman,
the duties of which office he discharged with the same
fidelity with which he entered upon every task that
fell across his wa_\'. When a youth of twenty years
he became a member of the State militia, and rose
to the rank of captain of his company. He was a
devout and consistent member of the Congregational
Church, and a liberal contributor to its support and
work. It is of such men as Mr. Robbins, quiet, un-
assuming and trustworthy, that New England may
well be proud.
HON. WILLIS HENRY UPSON, treasurer
and secretary of the Berlin Savings Bank, and who
for years has been successfully engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits at Kensington (Berlin), has descended
from one of the early substantial families of New
England.
Mr. LIpson was born March 29, 1858, in Berlin,
son of William and Mary (Hart) Upson, and grand-
son of Thomas Upson, whose ancestors were from
Massachusetts. Thomas L^pson was a thrifty
farmer in the town of ^^'olcott, and owned consid-
erable land. He married Jerusha Upson. William
Upson, our subject's father, was born July 2, 1825,
in Wolcott, Conn., in which town he was partially
reared and schooled, the family moving when Will-
iam was thirteen to Kensington. On reaching man-
hood he was married to Mary, daughter of Samuel
and Lucy (Dickinson) Hart, of Berlin, both of
whom are now deceased, and their remains rest in
the Kensington cemetery. Mr. Upson has con-
tinued to reside in Kensington, and covering the long-
period of sixty and more years he has been a useful
man in the community and a good citizen. He was
a Whig in the days of that party, and on its disso-
lution allied himself with the Republican party,
and has since strongly advocated its principles. He
has ever taken a deep interest in matters pertaining
to the good of the community, and the best interests
of the town. He has not aspired to office, yet has
held several, among them that of selectman and a
member of the board of relief. He was one of the
charter members of the Grange, and active in its
interests during the existence of the local organi-
zation. Since 1870 he has been a deacon in the
Congregational Church. His first wife died June
30, 1871, and Feb. 23, 1874, he married (second)
Aurelia, daughter of Isaac Hough, a tanner of
Wolcott. She died Aug. 18, 1898, since which
period the husband has made his home with his
son Arthur, in Kensington. The children born -to
the first marriage of William Upson are as fol-
lows: (i) Willis H., our subject, is mentioned at
length farther on. (2) Lucy J., born JMarch 26,
i860, married Jan. 4, 1887, Charles \\"oodward
Gary, a merchant of ]\Iontevallo, Ala. (3) Arthur
W., born June 25, 1863, married Oct. 3, 1889,
Miss Alice E. Peck, who was born Jan. 8, 1865,
daughter of Langdon J. and Hannah (Kenney)
Peck, of Kensington. Arthur L'pson is now practic-
ing law with F. L. Flungerford, of New Britain.
His children are Claire P., born Feb. 6, 1891 ;
Everett L., born June 19, 1892; and Stewart Ar-
thur, bom May 10, 1894. (4) Alice C, born June
9,, 1868, married Sept. 17, 1890, Sidney M. Cowles,
who is in the retail meat business in Kensington ;
his children are: Helen M. born July 13, 1891 ;
and Edward U., born Nov. 11, 1892. (5) Mary
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
155
represents per annum four times the original
output.
During his ten years' residence in Portland,
from 1878 to 1888, Mr. Hall was prominent in the
interests of the town. He was elected president of
the Shaler & Hall Quarry Co. in 1884, and refused
nominations to both branches of the State Legis-
lature, tendered him by the dominant party. In
1888 his business, which had been carried on under
a partnership, was organized as a corporation, Mr.
Hall retaining his proprietary interest, and holding
the position of treasurer. About this time the con-
tinuous ill health of R. W. H. Jarvis, president of
the Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co.,
and his consequent retirement from active manage-
ment in the concern, together with the general de-
pression of its business, and the resignation of Gen.
William B. Franklin, determined its board of di-
rectors to offer to Mr. Hall the position of gen-
eral manager of the corporation. An arrange-
ment was made satisfactor}' to both parties, and
Mr. Hall entered upon the duties of his office with
the business acumen and untiring zeal and energy
" so characteristic of him. Although Mr. Jarvis re-
tained the presidency, it was understood, owing to
his condition of health, that he was to be relieved
of all the responsibility and care attaching to the
office. Caldwell H. Colt, the vice-president, was
absent from Hartford the greater portion of the
time, so that almost from the beginning of hi?
connection with the corporation the entire direc-
tion of afifairs, both within the manutactory and
in its relations with the business world at large,
devolved upon Mr. Hall. The directors, soon as-
sured of his ample capability and worth', support-
ed him loyally in the changes he advocatecl, and
under his vigorous direction the company has been
strengthened at home and abroad. In 1890 he wa.s
elected vice-president and treasurer.
During his residence of twelve years in Hart-
ford, Mr. Hall's geniality and business ability have
received a flattering recognition on the part of its
citizens. He has declined nomination to munici-
pal office, but from 1890 to 1896 served on the city
board of water commissioners. He was State sen-
ator from the First District of Hartford in 1895-
96. His political affiliations are with the Demo-
cratic party, and in 1896 and 1900 he supported
the gold wing of that party. He is a director in
several of Hartford's corporations, namely: The
Phoenix Fire Insurance Co., the Phoenix Mutual
Life Insurance Co., the Hartford National Bank,
and the Dime Savings Bank, and was one of the
organizers of the Board of Trade, and a member
of its first board of directors. He is also a direc-
tor in the Neptune Meter Co. of New York. He
enjoys membership in the Hartford Club, the ^lan-
hattan Club, the Engineers' Club and the New
York Yacht. Club, of New York City, and the
JNIetropoIitan Club of Washington ; is a member
of the Sons of the American Revolution, also of
the '"^Mayflower" Society, and is a ^lason of the
thirty-second degree.
On Feb. 9, 1870, Mr. Hall was married to Miss
Sarah G. Loomis, of New York, who is descended
on her father's side from Quaker stock, and from
the Hopkinses of Rhode Island. Her ancestor,
Stephen Hopkins, was a very prominent citizen of
that honored Commonwealth during the Revolu-
tionary period. He was chief justice of both the
court of common pleas and the superior court,
governor of Rhode Island, and Speaker of the
House of Representatives. He was twice elected
to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and
was one of the Signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence. Their union has been blessed with the
birth of four children, two of whom survive : Clar-
ence Loines and Miss Grace Loines.
Mr. Hall has always been a member of the
Episcopal Church, and is now senior warden of
the parish of the Good Shepherd in the city of his
residence. He is loyally faithful to the interests
he represents, whether of a public or private char-
acter, and has steadfastly declined calls to a wider
field for the display of his energies with promise
of a more lucrative employment.
ALVA WEST SPAULDING. The Spaulding
family is of Puritan stock, and the subject of this
biography, a well-known resident of Hartford, is of
the eighth generation of the family in this country,
tracing his descent from Edward Spaulding, an
early settler in Braintree, ^Massachusetts.
the name was formerly spelled Spalden or Sparl-
den, but after passing through the mutations to
which so manv family names are subject it has been
spelled Spaulding almost entirely from the first
record we have of it in America. The Spaulding
genealogy has this to say of the family : "As a race
they are possessed of great physical vigor, and for
most part are tillers of tlie soil. There are, however,
many successful and wealthv men of business among
them. About fifty have graduated at dift'erent col-
leges, and about forty have graduated from different
schools of law, medicine, science and theology. The
piactice of medicine has been the leading preference,
next to this the ministry, and then the law." The
family has also taken an active part in the civic and
military history of the country. Edward Spauld-
ing, mentioned above, came to Massachusetts among
the first colonists, probably between 1630 and 1633,
his name appearing first in the records of Braintree.
He and his wife, Z^Iargaret, had three children : John,
Edward and Grace.
John Spaulding, born in 1633, died in 1721. He
was a tiller of the soil, and a soldier under Capt.
Manning in King Philip's war. On ]\Iay 18, 1658,
he married Hannah Hale, and they had the following
children: John, Eunice, Edward, Haimah. Samuel,
Deborah, Toseph and Timothy.
lohn Spaulding (2), born Feb. 15, 1659, was
married first to Ann Ballord, of Anaover, Mass.,
156
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sept. 21, 1681. Late in life he removed to Plain-
field, Conn., with his children, who were named as
follows: Anna, Samuel, Jonathan, Deborah and
Eleazer (twins). Dinah and William.
Eleazer Spaulding, born Aug. 13, 1690, married
Abigail Kingsbury, daughter of James Kingsbury,
Xov. 17, 1712. He resided in Plainfield, Conn., and
their eight children were born there : Dorcas, Eunice,
Anna, Hezekiah, Fennel. Eleazer, Timothy and
David.
David Spaulding, of Plainfield. Conn. [see Plain-
field Records], was bom Dec. 25, 1731, and died
Aug. 23, 1803. He married Elizabeth Barrett, who
was born Oct. 28. 1736, daughter of Joseph and
Lydia Barrett. Their children were Barzilla, Milli-
cent, Abigail, Eunice, Phineas, Simon, Alva and
Elisha.
Barzilla Spaulding, our subject's grandfather,
was born April 11, 1757, and resided many years
in Plainfield, N. H. He was a private and drummer
boy in the Connecticut militia in the Revolutionary
war, and drew a pension. He married Elizabeth
Spaulding, a daughter of John Spaulding, and a
descendant of Edward, the line beinp- traced through
John, Ephraim, Edward, Benjamin and Edward.
They had ten children : Jared, Annah, Elizabeth,
Levi, Ozias, Alvah, John, Lucinda, Annah (who
married a Mr. Sinclair and moved West), and Eli-
zabeth (who married Joseph Coll, and also moved
^^■est).
Alvah Spaulding, our subject's father, was born
in A'ermont, in 1794. He died July 29, 1837, aged
forty-three, and liis wife, Emma Cooke, died Jan.
9, 1837, aged forty-one. They had a large family
of children, as follows : Emma, who died July 28,
1843, aged twenty-five: Fannv B., who married
Horace Darling, of Morristown. \'t. : Mary, who
died Dec. 2, 1841, aged nineteen : Alva W. ; Harriet,
born July 25, 183 1, who married Stephen R. Law-
rence, of New Britain, Conn. : Dudley, who died
!May 8, 1831, aged four years ; Betsey, who died Jan.
12. 1S50, aged sixteen; Celinda, who died in girl-
hood ; and William Azro, who resided in New Brit-
am, Conn., and had three children.
Alva West Spaulding was born ]\Iarch i, 1825,
in Morristown, Lamoille Co., Vt., and was educated
in the common schools of that State, attending until
he reached the age of eighteen. Having lost his par-
ents during his boyhood, he was early thrown upon
his own resources, and about 1847 he located in New
Britain, having gone there to take a span of horses
for Charles M. Lewis. On his arrival he had but
twenty-five cents in his pocket, but soon found em-
ployment with George Hart, father of William Hart,
and for a number of years worked for him in differ-
ent capacities, eventually taking entire charge of
the livery business. At first his wages were $14 per
month, but they were gradually increased to $35.
With the aid of Mr. Hart he bought a livery busi-
ness of Mr. Woodworth, made needed changes for
an enlarged trade, and the venture proved entirely
successful. He continued in the livery business
until early in the 'eighties, a period of over thirty
years, and had as partners Horace Bailey, Fred Sey-
mcur, son of Deacon Orson S. Seymour, and later
Merrill Roberts. Politically he was first a Whig,
but became a Republican on the organization of
that party, and his fellow citizens have frequently
called him into official life. For some years he was
constable in New Britain, and for ten years he served
as deputy sheriff under Sherifi^ Westell Russell. In
1870 he represented New Britain in the Legisla-
ture, his colleague being Timothy W. Stanley, and
did efficient work, especially on committees. He
also held oflSce as chief of police for ten years, pre-
ceding Washington L. Morgan, and in 1881 the
RepulDlican nomination for sheriflr' was forced upon
him by his friends, resulting in his election by a
handsome majority. He served two terms of three
years and one term of four years, retiring in 1891.
In the meantime he removed to Hartford, and had
charge of the Hartford county jail, and about 1889
he became interested in the firm of C. C. Fuller &
Co., furniture dealers, of which he is still a member.
In religious faith he is a Congregationalist, having
first united with the Center Church at New Britain,
and since his removal to Hartford he attends the
Windsor Avenue Church. At one time he belonged
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but is not
now affiliated.
On Sept. 4, 1854, Mr. Spaulding was married
to Miss Josephine A. Beckley, of Berlin, who was
born Oct. 26, 1838, daughter of Horace Beckley.
They have had no children, but have adopted a son,
Clinton Edgar, a child of Mrs. Spaulding's brother,
Edgar Beckley.
DART FAMILY. The name is variously
spelled Dart, Darte and Dort, but the first form is
the generally accepted one, the second appearing
only in old English records, and the third being
the Dutch or German form.
The earliest mention we find of the name in
New England records is at New London, whence
members of the family seem to have gone to Bol-
ton, Middletown, Chatham, Hebron, Windham •
and Stratford, Conn., and to Gilsum and Surry,
New Flampshire.
(I) Richard Dart, of New London, married in
1664, his wife's name being Bethia. He died Sept.
24, 1724, aged eighty-nine years. Children: (i)
Dinah, born Jan. 13, 1665; (2) Daniel, May 3,
1666; (3) Richard, May 7, 1667; (4) Roger, Nov.
22, 1670; (s) Ebenezer, Feb. 18, 1673; (6) Ann,
Feb. 14, 1675; (7) Bethia, July 30, 1677; (8j
Elizabeth, Dec. 15, 1679; (9) Sarah, lune 10,
1681 : and (10) Mary, 1685.
(II) Daniel Dart, of New London, born May
3, 1666, married Aug. 4, 1686, Elizabeth, eldest
daup-hter of William Douglas, and removed to
Bolton about 1716. Children: (i) Thomas, born
July 8, 1687; (2) Elizabeth, Oct. 14. 1689; (3)
(^^^<^-^i2y^-^ ^a^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
151
Hart, born April 15, 1871, married in October,
1895, Howard J. Pratt, of Hartford, who is con-
nected with the Sage & Allen store of that city.
Our subject's boyhood was mainly passed in the
towns of Berlin and New Britain : he attended the
common schools of the former, and the Camp school
in New Britain. After his school davs were over
he began his business career as a clerk in the
shipping-room of the gas-fitting department of the
Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co., of Meri-
den. Conn. After some four years" service with this
company he became assistant paymaster at the Ken-
sington branch of the Peck, Stow & W'ilcox Co.,
and served as such for two years. Following this
he engaged in the mercantile business, and was
appointed postmaster at Kensington in 1888, re-
taining this position eight years. He is now lo-
cated in the new building, having erected near
the station a large three-story block in which he
established his present mercantile business. Since
1888 Mr. Upson has been treasurer and secretary
of the Berlin Savings Bank, an institution that was
incorporated in 1873, and of which William Bulke-
ley is now the president. Mr. Upson is also a di-
rector of the institution. Our subject is one of the
substantial citizens and successful business men
of Berlin. His public spirit and enterprise are evi-
denced in his elegant business block, referred to in
the foregoing. In his political views he is a Re-
publican, and as such has been active and influential ;
he is a member of the board of relief in Berlin ;
in 1895 he was a representative from his town in
the State Legislature. Fraternally he is a member
of the Royal Arcanum Lodge, Xo. 1105, New
Britain.
On May 23, 1883, at Wolcott, Conn., Air. Upson
was married to Miss Clara Eliza ^Varner, who was
born Dec. 24, 1859, daughter of Erastus and Eliza
J. Warner, of Wolcott, the latter of whom died in
Kensington, in 1899, and is buried in Plymouth,
Conn. The children born to our subject and his
wife are as follows : Harold Warner, born March
19, 1886; Warren William, Nov. 22, 1887; and
Lura Hart, July 16, 1891. The parents are mem-
bers of the Kensington Congregational Church, and
the father has for years been treasurer and clerk
of the Ecclesiastical Society. Both take an active
part in church work, and are among its liberal
supporters.
EDWIN BISHOP HIBBARD, who passed
away March 17, 1877, is well remembered by the
older and many of the younger residents of Man-
chester, Hartford county, as a citizen who always
had the interests of his community at heart, and as
a man of high moral character and recognized worth.
He was the pioneer merchant in the town, and. rising
by his own etTorts to a place among the substantial
busines' men of this section, ranked among its self-
made men, and was honored and esteemed wherever
known.
Islw Hibbard was born in jNIarch, 1819, in the
town of Hebron, Tolland Co., Conn., son of Walter
and Lucinda (Jones) Hibbard. Walter Hibbard '
was a drum major in the war of 1812; by trade he
was a stone mason. When our subject was a boy
the family removed to New York Slate, and, return-
ing to Connecticut after a few years" residence there,
settled in ^Marlboro, Tolland county. Edwin B.
Hibbard received his education in the common
schools, and began work at the tinner"s trade, which
he followed until he reached his majority, after
which, for about a year, he sold silverware thronglr
the country, hoping to benefit his health, which was
very poor. In about 1841 he started a tin shop at
Marlboro, remaining there until 1847, i" which year
he came to Alanchester to do some work on the fac-
tory of the old Union Manufacturing Co., roofing,
etc. When the job was completed, and having de-
cided to settle here, he opened a shop in the vicinity '
of the mill, in time adding hardware, stoves, etc.,
and in 1848 erecting a small store where his son is '
now engaged in business. The place was enlarged
from time to time as the increasing trade required,
and for a number of years he sold hardware, stoves,
etc., there, subsequently renting the store to Alex-
ander ilitchell and still later to William McCormick
and to L. S. Emmons ; it is now ocupied by Hibbard
& Stannard. Early in the "fifties he also built a store
in South [Manchester, which he conducted a few
years and then sold out. After renting his hardware
store ]\Ir. Hibbard handled sewing machines and
musical instruments, pianos, organs, etc., until his
death, and he was also engaged 'in the same line in
Providence, R. I., as a member of the firm of Hib-
bard & Hawkins, which later became Hawkins Bros.
He was always successful in his enterprises, giving
them the careful attention which is necessary in any
line, and exercising sound judgment in all his trans-
actions.
Though never a politician or office seeker, Mr.
Hibbard was nevertheless a most active citizen. All
matters pertaining to his town received his careful
attention, and, if deserving, his strongest influence,
for he cculd always be depended upon to give his
support to any undertaking which he thought would
benefit the community. He was identified with the
improvement and growth of Manchester from its
earliest days, for he came to the town when it could
boast of but one store, that of the Union Manufac-
turing Co. When the New York & New Haven
railroad was built through Manchester Mr. Hibbard,
Loren Carpenter and William Jones purchased the
land in I\Ianchester on which the depot stands, and
presented it to the company, thereby securing to the
people of the town a depot site centrally located and
convenient. Mr. Hibbard was also for many years
identified with religious interests in the town, being
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which he united when sixteen years of age,_ and
he served efficiently as- steward and trustee of the
Snript-i- at V ra.i,-l-.^'ct^r "HIc ^r,\■,^■,.-.\ .-„o^,-l- .vac
152
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
g-iven to the Republican part_v. He was universally
respected by his fellow men as a deservedly success-
ful self-made man, and his death was sincerely
mourned throughout this section. His remains rest
in the Buckland cemetery.
j\lr. Hibbard was married, Dec. 31, 1848, to ^Nliss
Elizabeth E. Emmons, who was born Nov. 29, 1829,
in Haddam, Conn., daughter of AVilliam and Han-
nah (Ely) Emmons, and granddaughter of Daniel
Emmons, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard became the parents of
.Join- children: Albert, Josephine, Philena and Will-
iam, c,^ whom William is now the only survivor.
He is enga7pd in the hardware business in company
with Mr. Stannard at his father's old store. In
1839 Mr. Hibbard erected the house in which his
wioow and son now live.
REV. MICHAEL E. RODDAX. From a
worldly point of view "the secret of success is con-
centration." The highest ideals are attained only
after years of patient toil always tending toward
the same focus. But who can measure the success
of a life devoted, from childhood, to the one all ab-
sorbing purpose of the uplifting of mankind?
Michael B. Roddan v;as born Dec. 15, 1833,
in Boston, Mass., and at the early age of fourteen
entered Le Petit Seminaire, at Quebec, to enter
upon his studies for the priesthood. Later he at-
tended Holy Cross College, at Worcester, and then
completed his course at Le Grande Seminaire, Mont-
real. LTpon the completion of his studies in that in-
stitution, he was ordained for the Hartford diocese
by Mgr. Cique.
St. Patrick's Church, Hartford, was the first
scene of the vcung priest's labors, and he served
under the wise guidance of Rev. James Hughes,
priest in charge. From there he went to Water-
'ijury, to the Church of the Immaculate Conception,
as assistant to the Rev. Thomas Hendricken, after-
ward bishop of Providence. In 1863 Bristol be-
came a parish, and Bishop McFarland appointed
Father Roddan to care for it. So earnestly did he
devote himself to the task of building up the new
Ijarish, that at the end of three years his health had
failed and he was obliged to seek a change of cli-
mate. For four years he remained in Greenville,
R. T., and was then recalled to Bristol, where he has
since continued his work without interruption.
For more than thirt\' years his flock has known
him and, knowing him well, has given him the
warm affection his fostering care has engendered,
and the community outside the Roman Catholic
Church respect him for his high character and
fine attainments.
HON. WILLIAM li. COWLES is a prominent
representative of the business interests of Plants-
ville, where he carries on operations as a liveryman,
merchant and dealer in coal. He is a man of keen
perception, of great sagacity, and unbounded en-
1850.
terprise, and to these characteristics may be attrib-
uted his success.
Mr. Cowles was born in Southington March 19,
His father, Charles Augustus Cowles, was
born Jan. 1, 1808, and was married Sept. 24, 1839,
tr. ]\Irs. Delia \'. (Stedman) Bradley, widow of
Charles Bradley. The children born to them were
Charles B. : Frederick A. ; Jane L., wife of Royal C.
Mix; Walter A. ; William H. ; Julia A., wife of Al-
fred X. Parmalee; and Fanny M. The father ac-
quired a competence in trade in the South, became a
large land owner in the vicinity of Plantsville, Conn.,
ancl wa-s- -extensively engaged in farming. He died
in Plantsville, June 6, 1873.
Addison Cowles, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Southington, Feb. 17, 1770, and
was married, Feb. 24, 1800, to Phebe, daughter of
Dr. Jesse Cole. He lived in Plantsville Center,
where his wife died March 13, 1824, aged forty-six
years, and his death occurred Feb. 23, 1828. His
father, Ashbel Cowles, was born in Southington
Sept. 29, 1740, and was married April 29, 1769, to
Rhoda Lee. daughter of Jared and Rhoda (Judd)
Lee. He lived west of Plantsville cemetery. He
was an extensive reader, possessed a very retentive
memory, and was well versed in historical facts and
dates. He held several offices, serving as constable
for years, first selectman in 1792, and also held the
military rank of captain. He died Sept. 19, 1815.
He was a son of Josiah Cowles, who was born in
Farmington Xov. 20, 1716, and was married X'ov.
II' 1739. to Jemima Dickinson. Soon afterward he
located in what is now the town of Southington,
where he bought land extensively. His wife died
Oct. 19, 1746, and he was again married, X^ov. 22,
1748, his second union being- with Mary, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Mary (Pynchon) Scott, of
Southington. He was a man of great en-
ergy of character, took a leading part in church and
societ}^ matters, held several important town offices,
and held the military rank of captain. He was the
father of eighteen children, and his descendants are
numerous and scattered. Josiah Cowles died June 6,
1793. His father. Thomas Cowles, was iDorn in
Farmington Feb. 4, 1686, and was mairied Jan. 6,
1 7 14. to Martha Judd, eldest daughter of Thomas
and Sarah (Freeman) Judd, of Waterbury. He
resided in Farmington, where he died March 11,
1751. His father, Samuel Cowles, was born in
I'arniington ^larch 17, 1661, and was married May
12. 16S5, to Rachel Porter. He lived in Farming-
ton until about 1716, when he removed to Kensing-
ton, v,here he died Oct. 14, 1748. He was a son of
Samuel Cowles, who was born in 1639, and was mar-
ried Feb. 14, 1660, to Abigail, daughter of Timothy
Stanley, of Hartford. They made their home in
Parmington, and he was one of the eighty-four pro-
prietors of that town in 1672. He died April 17,
1691. His father, John Cole, was one of the first
settlers of Hartford, but soon after 1640 he located
in Farmington, and while residing there was induced
-'NW
k
mt
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
153
to change his name to Cowles, in order to avoid the
inconvenience of being taken at times for another
John Cole, living in the same place. From that time
the descendants of his eldest son, Samuel, have
spelled the name Cowles. John Cole was a farmer,
and a deputy to the General Court in 1653 and 1654.
In 1662 he removed to Hadlev. Mass., where he died
in September. 1675. He married Hannah ,
"who died in Hartford, March 6, 1683, aged seventy
years.
The 'subject of this sketcli passed his boyhood
in Plantsville, where he attended the common schools,
and later he was a student in the Amenia (N. Y.)
Academy. Since 1876 he has been engaged in the
coal, livery and truck business in Plantsville, and
now enjoys an excellent trade. His political sup-
port is always given to the men and measures of the
Democratic party, and he has been called upon to
serve as a member of the board of selectmen of
Southington, and also represented the town in the
State Legislature. -Fraternally he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias. On Sept. 21, 1881, Mr.
Cowles was united in marriage with Miss Mary K.
jMessenger, a daughter of John and Mary (Schupp)
^lessenger, of New York, and to them have been
Iiorn two children, Clarence A. and Harold L.
STEPHEN F. CHURCHILL (deceased) was
born Sept. 10, 185 1, in the town of Wethersfield,
Hartforcl county, son of Justus and Abigail ( Harris )
Churchill, and was reared upon his father's farm,
V here he remained until he attained the age of
twenty-one.
l)n Jan. i^, 1873, JMr. Churchill was united in
marriage to Miss Ella F. Williams, and to their
union were born two children : Frank W., and Mabel,
both of whom are at present living at home with
their mother. Our subject was noted for his untir-
ing industry, and it was commonly said that he for
many years performed more work than any other
man in the town of Rocky Hill. In addition to his
general farm work he was extensively engaged in
the making and sale of dairy products, besides being
one of the few successful tobacco growers in the
town. Each year he cultivated from five to seven
acres of this crop.
F'olitically JMr. Churchill was a Republican, but
never an office-seeker. In religious connection he
was a devout Congregationalist. He died Nov. 5,
1892. leaving a large estate, and was most deeply
mourned by those who knew him best. Since his
demise his widow has continued to live upon the
farm, where she was born and married, and where
she has spent the greater part of a life full of ac-
tivity and usefulness.
^Irs. Churchill is a descendant of one of the old
families of the county, who have for three genera-
tions occupied the old homestead farm where she
now resides. Her grandfather, Washington W^ill-
iams. was a native of Rocky Hill, as was also her
father, Moses Williams, who was born Dec. 13, 1819,
and was a man held in high esteem by his neighbors
and friends. In Octoljer, 1841, he married Abigail
Smith, a native of Rocky Hill, and their union was
blessed with the following children : Henry C, who
resides in New Britain : Catharine, who died at the
age of five years: Ella F., the wife of our subject;
and Margaret, who died in 1870. Closes Williams
ahva}-s lived on the old homestead, with the excep-
tion of one year when he made his home in Middle^
town. Conn. In politics he was a stanch Republi-
can, and was held in high regard by the people
among whom he lived and by those who knew him
Ijest. For twenty _\-ears he served ^s first selectman
of Rocky Hill, being frequently re-elected without
any political opposition. He was a faithful member
of the Congregational Church for sixty years, and
an exceedingly liberal contributor toward its main-
tenance and work.
In 1891 Mrs. Churchill's parents celebrated their
golden wedding, and si.x years later, on Dec. 26,
1897, her mother entered into rest, her father fol-
lowing her (who had been his helpmate and the
partner of his jovs and griefs for more than half a
century), Jan. 8, 1898, a little more than a year
later.
HON. VIRGIL EATON METS. a farmer of
East Granby, is of the sixth generation in de-
scent from Dr. John Viets. He is the owner of the
homestead of his great-great-grandfather, Capt.
John A'iets, which farm property is situated in East
Granby, opposite the Old Newgate Prison.
HON, THO?\IAS KIJNIBERLY BRACE (de-
ceased), who through a long lifetime was one of the
conspicuous characters in the business life of the
city of Hartford, was descended from an early and
prominent Connecticut family.
Stephen Brace, the emigrant ancestor of the
familv, came from London, England, and settled
in Hartford, Conn. From this ancestor our sub-
ject was in the fifth generation. Lieut. Jonathan
Brace, the grandfather of Thomas K., settled in
Harwinton, Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1733, where
his son, Jonathan Brace, the father of Thomas K.,
was born Nov. 12, 1754. The latter was graduated
from Yale College in 1779, studied law, and ac-
quired a large practice in central \'ermont, but re-
turned to Connecticut, and after residing for a time
in Glastonbury took up his abode in Hartford, in
1794. He was in public life forty-two years, less
from choice than from the solicitation of his fellow
citizens.
Thomas K. Brace, our subject proper, was born
Oct. 16, 1779, and was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in 1801. He located in Hartford, where he
built up the wholesale grocery house of T. K. Brace
& Co. He was mayor of the city from 1840 to
1843, and in the latter year consented to run for
Congress on the Whig ticket, but was beaten by
Col. Thomas H. Sevmour. IMr. Brace was nomi-
154
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nated for a subsequent term, but declined in favor
of James Dixon, who was elected. Mr. Brace, who
was the real father of the enterprise, was chosen
the first president of the yEtna Fire Insurance Co.
of Hartford on its organization, in 1819, but owing
to pecuniary embarrassment resigned in the fall
of the same year. In March, 1S21, he was again
chosen president, and sustained such relations to
the company until in 1857, when, warned by the>
infirmities of age, he resigned. "Mr. Brace be-
longed to the safe and trusty order of men to whom
others instinctively turn for guidance." He died
June 14, i860, when in the eighty-first year of
his age.
On Aug. 25, 1807, Thomas K. Brace married
Lucy Mather, and they had a large family, of whom
Thomas K., Jr., was born Oct. 14, 1825, in Hart-
ford. On Jan. 18, 1S53, he married Mary Jane
Buel, daughter of Samuel and Minerva (Wad-
hams) Buel ; the Buels were early settlers of Litch-
field county. To this union were born four daugh-
ters: Mary Buel, wife of Atwood Collins; Emily
Maria, residing in Hartford ; Julia Wadhams ; and
Lucy Mather, widow of Joshua Wilson Allen, re-
siding in Hartford. ^Mrs. Allen has three children,
two sons and one daughter. Thomas K. Brace,
Jr., was identified with the ^tna Co., and was
secretary when he resigned because of ill health.
He died' in !March, 1890, his wife, March 21, 1884.
HON. JOHN HENRY HALL, of Hartford,
vice-president and treasurer of Colt's Patent Fire
Arms Manufacturing- Co., was born in Portland,
Conn., March 24. 1849.
Mr. Hall is a descendant in the ninth genera-
tion of John Hall, born in the County of Kent, Eng-
land, in 1584, who came to this country and settled
in Roxbury, Mass., in 1633. In September of the
same year he, with John Oldham and two others,
explored the region bordering the Connecticut river,
and their report, dated Jan. 20, 1634, led to mi-
grations from Dorchester to Wethersfield, and from
Cambridge to Hartford. ' In the year 1635, it is
recorded, he was made "freeman" in Boston. In
1636 he joined the Hooker and Stone colony, and
went to Hartford, removing his familv thither in
1639. He owned and occupied as his place of res-
idence a tract of six acres west of the New York,
New Haven & Hartford railroad, and now known
as the Sigourney (or Catlin) Place. In 1650 he
moved to Middletown (then called Mettabesick),
being one of the original purchasers of land from
the Indians. Samuef Hall, of the third generation
i^ this country, in 1719 moved to East M^iddletown
(afterward known as Chatham, and now as Port-
land), and down to the present generation the fam-
ily nas continued to reside there.
Alfred Hall, of the eighth generation, father
of the subject of this sketch, entered Washington
(now Trinity) College the first day the bell rang
for prayers, and his eldest son, Samuel, was the first
son of a graduate to enter the same college. After
his graduation Alfred Hall selected the law as his
profession, and completed the course of study at
the Harvard Law School. At the request of his
father, however, he then returned to Portland, and
engaged with him in the direction of the affairs of
the brown-stone quarry, known as the Shaler &
Hall Quarry Co., organized during the Revolu-
tionary war by Nathaniel Shaler and Samuel Hall,,
the latter being the father of Alfred, and grandfather
of John H. Hall. The following advertisement,,
taken from the Middlctozvn Gazette or Federal Ad-
I'crtiscr, published in Middletown, Oct. 13, 1781,
save in its quaint spelling, would satisfy to-day in
its energetic promise :
The Free Stone Quarry at Chatham (known by the name
of Johnson's Quarry), is now worked under the direction of
Shaler and Hall, who will supply the stone at the Shortest
Notice, and at the lowest prices either in the Rough or fin-
ished, and in such Dimensions as may be required. They
will contract to furnish any quantity, for public or private
Buildings, Flags, Grave Stones or Monuments, and deliver
them at any Port in North America, (.jrders directed 1 post-
paid) to Shaler and Hall at the Quarry, Chatham, will have
due attention.
October 13th, 1781.
Alfred Hall succeeded his father in the pres-
idency of the Quarry Co., and for many years took
an active interest in its affairs. The position is and
has been for some time past held by John H. Hall,,
who by his energy and progressive management has
revolutionized its working, introducing machinery
up-to-date, keeping it abreast with the times, and
causing it to enter uoon a new era of prosperity. In
1896 he formed a new company, called the Brain-
erd, Shaler & Hall Quarry Co., which bought the
Shaler & Hall Quarry Co. and the Brainerd Quarry
Compan)r.
John H. Hall attended the public school in Port-
land, went thence to Chase's school, in Middletown,.
and completed his course of study at the Episcopal
Academy of Connecticut, at Cheshire. He pre-
ferred business to a professional career, and entered
into the einploy of Sturgis, Bennet & Co., Nos. 125
and 127 Front street, New York, at the time the
largest importers of tea and coft'ee in the United
States, where he remained five years, enjoying rapid
promotion, attaining at the age of nineteen to the
charge of foreign and insurance departments. In
December, 1877, he returned to Portland with his
family, having purchased a large interest in the
Pickering Governor — at that time in a very de-
pressed condition — under the firm name of T. R.
Pickering & Co. Owing to his tireless energy and
wise business management the enterprise became a
rapid success. In five. years from the time of his
association with the firm, the manufacture and sale
increased from lessjhan five hundred a year to five
thousand. Successful in his competition on this
side of the water, he engaged in competition with
English manufacturers, and the sale of the Pickerr
ing Governor to Great Britain and her colonies now
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
157
Daniel, Aug. 31, 1691 ; (4) John, Dec. 2, 1693;
(,5j .Maria, I\ov. 13, 1695; (0_) iibenezer, Alay
10, 1698; {J) Abiah, Dec. 2, 1701 ; (8) Lidia,
Nov. 4, 1703; (9) Samuel, Dec. 12, 1705; (loj
Jabez, .March 12, 1708; and (11} Ruth, Aug. 26,
1711.
(lllj Daniel Dart, born Aug. 31, 1691, mar-
ried April 13, 1719, Jemima, uaughter of Abel
Shayler. [For brief record of the Shayler family
see farther on.] Daniel Dart died Feb. 19, 1791,
at Boltop.
(1\') Jonathan Dart, born Jan. 10, 1733, mar-
ried June 16, 1755, Lucy Whitney, of Canaan.
He was admitted to Bolton Church May 28, 1758.
Children: (ij Timothy, born Nov. 15, 1756; (2)
Jonathan, Oct. 8, 1758; (3) Lucy, Oct. 27, 1760;
U) Asahel, Sept. 30, 17(32; (5; Levi, July 25,
1764; (6j Abiel, April 7, 1766; (7) Aaron, Jan.
12, 1768; (8j Daniel, baptized Dec. 30, 1769; (9)
Amos, baptized Sept. i, 1771, died March 19, 1778;
(10) Mabel, baptized Dec. 19, 1773; and (11)
Joshua, baptized Aug. 10, 1777.
(V) Aaron Dart, born Jan. 12, 1768, in Bol-
ton, Conn., resided in what is now the town of
West Hartford, where he was an extensive farmer.
He married Sarah Shayler, and had a large family,
of whom are named: (i) Chester, born March 5,
1790; (2) Avis, born June 10, 1792; (3) Phoebe;
(4) Sarah; (5) Edmund, born March 10, 1797;
(6) Harriet; (7) Philinda; (8) Hiram.
(_\T) Edmund Dart, father of Joseph Dart,
the subject proper of this sketch, was born March
10, 1797, in Tolland, Conn., where he passed his
early school days. In Hartford he married Mary
Ann Bartram Withenbury, a native of Hartforcl,
Ixirn of English descent, and a daughter of Benja-
min W'ithenbury. The children born to this union
were as follows: (ij Benjamin lives in East Hart-
ford; (2) Marie (deceased) married E. R. Hall,
of Chicopee, Mass.; (3) Caroline married Leon-
ard Buckland ; (4) Edmund lives in Hartford ;
(5) William and (6) James are both deceased;
(7) Mary J. is a resident of Hartford; (8) Joseph
is the subject proper of this sketch; (9) Freder-
ick is deceased ; ( 10) Franklin is an inmate of the
Soldiers" Home at Xoroton, Conn. ; ( 1 1 ) Robert lives
in Newington, Conn.; and (12) Lillian married N.
L. Hope, of Hartford, and they have one child,
Bessie, married to F. W. Wakefield, of Meriden,
Conn. The father of this family, who was a life-
long farmer of Hartford and West Hartford, died
March 8, 1861.
Shayler Family. (I) Thomas Shayler in
1673 married Alice, widow of Thomas Brooks,
and daughter of Gerard Spencer, of Haddam.
He died at sea in 1692, while on a voyage to the
West Indies. (II) 2\bel Shayler, son of Thomas,
was born in Haddam, Conn., and became an early
settler of Bolton; was admitted to Church in 1725.
(Ill) Jemima Shayler, daughter of Abel, married
Daniel Dart April 13, 1719, as above recorded.
(VII) Joseph Dart, son of Edmund and Mary
A. B. (Wiilicnbury) Dart, and the subject proper
of this biography, was born Aug. 5, 1839, in W est
Harttord, near the old Wadsworth Tavern. His
education was received partly at the schools of
West J^artford, and partly at those of Hartford.
After la\ing aside his books he took up the steam-
boat business, in both the South and West, and
sailed up the Mississippi on the last trip before
the blockade of the river about the connnencement
of the war of the Rebellion. During that struggle
he was in the picture-frame business in liartford,
after which we find him for several years, or until
1874, associated with his father-in-law in the man-
ufacture of cotton tv/ines in South Woodstock,
Conn., and Oxford, Mass. On giving up this in-
dustry Mr. Dart removed to New York and em-
barked in the cotton-goods commission business,
engaging in same for some nineteen years, part of
the time selling goods "on the road." In the
spring of 1893 he returned to Hartford, where he
has since been engaged in stock farming and im-
proving his real estate, in connection with which
latter it may be mentioned that he opened man\-
streets on his own propert}-.
On Sept. 18, 1862, iMr. Dart married Adelaide
A. Warner, of South Woodstock, Windham Co.,
Conn., and three children have been born to them :
(i) Alice Louise, born Oct. 21, 1864, is the wife
of Charles J. Goft", designer for the Butterick Pat-
tern Co., of Brooklyn, N, Y.; they have one child,
Edith. (2) P^red W., born Sept. '2, 1872, married
Claribel Ashton, and they have one son, Harold
Ashton. Fred W. was for a few years in the em-
ploy of C. P. Rogers, manufacturers of iron bed-
steads. New York City, and later was associated
in business with his father; he is now a member of
the West End Land Co., of Hartford. (3) Willie
J. died in infancy. The parents of this family are
members of the Baptist Church. In politics Air.
Dart is a Republican; socially he is a Freemason,
and was identified with lodges in Oxford, jMass..
and New York City. He is looked upon as one of
the substantial business men of the county, and is
extremely popular.
DR. CHARLES SWEET. The Sweet famil>-
is one of the oldest in New England, and the sul:>-
ject of this memoir, for many years a prominent sur-
geon of Hartford and Lebanon, traced his descent
through five generations to James Sweet, son of
Isaac and Mary Sweet, of Wales.
James Sweet came to America in 1630, and set-
tled in Salem, Mass., at what is now known as
Sweet's Cove, and afterward removed to North
Kingston, R. I., where members of the family were
living in 1882. As far back as their history can
be obtained, and tradition leading us still farther,
we find that they have always been accredited with
a capacity or an ability in an eminent degree for
bone-setting, though uneducated in any department
of surgery, and as we follow along down the gene-
158
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
alogical line we find members of the family that have
become especiall}' eminent in the practice of this art.
Dr. John Sweet, grandfather of Dr. Charles
Sweet, gained a wide-spread reputation during the
Revolution by his successful practice among the
officers and men of both the French and American
armies, though not himself in the government serv-
ice. His son Benoni, father of Charles Sweet, had
for a few vears followed in the footsteps of his fa-
ther, but removing to Lebanon, Conn., in 1793,
he determined not to practice bone-setting more,
'but to give his whole attention to farming. This
resolution, however, he was unable to carry out,
for a dislocated shoulder in his own neighborhood
■which baffled the surgeons forced him again into
the practice of this, his legitimate and natural call-
ing, which he never afterward abandoned during
active life. He died Aug. 26, 1840, at the age of
eighty years, after an honored and useful life.
Before leaving Kingston he married Sarah Champ-
iin, and had one child. The rest of the family were
born in Lebanon : Susannah, Thomas, Benoni,
'Stephen, Sally, Mary, Lydia, Hannah, Lucy and
Charles, all now deceased. Thomas died at the age
of nineteen : Benoni, Jr., practiced bone-setting at
Guilford ; Stephen at Franklin ; Sally for a time
at Willimantic ; and Charles for many years at the
old homestead and later at Lebanon Centre.
Dr. Charles Sweet was born Dec. 20, 181 1, and
•died at Lebanon Dec. 22, 1896. The history of
New London county, published in 1882, from which
we have obtained the facts given above, says of
him : "He commenced the practice of bone-setting
as young as sixteen years of age, and for nearlv
forty years he maintained offices in Hartford and
New London, Conn., and at Springfield, Mass.,
each of which he visited one day each month,
successfully treating all kinds of bone dislocations,
fractures and diseases. The greater part of his
time was devoted to this calling, in which he mani-
fested an intuitive perception truly surprising. In
the intervals he carried on farming to some extent
more for a pasttime than for pecuniary profit. xAt
an early age he married Eliza W. Throop, of his
native town. Of their children : Sophia, born
March 18, 1835, died March 29, 1898; Sarah E.,
born April 7, 1837, died March, 1886; Maria F.,
born Nov. 28, 1838; Marietta, born Oct. 24, 1840,
■died Sept. 9, 1873; Charles J., born Jan. i, 1845,
died Oct. 18, 1893; J. Henry T., born Nov. 4,
1848. Their mother died Feb. 14, i860, at the early
age of forty- four years." Charles, Jr., was located
near the old home, and practiced with his father.
J. Henry T. is in practice in Hartford, where he
has gained an enviable reputation. Dr. Sweet mar-
ried, for his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth Williams,
of Alystic, Conn. By this marriage he had three
children: Bessie, born Nov. 28, 1869; F. Benoni,
M. D., born Oct. 7, 1870, graduated at Yale Medi-
cal School in the class of 1893, and is now practic-
ing in Springfield, Mass.; and George H., born
June 3, 1875, died June 25, 1894. Bessie died Jan-
uan- ID, 1870, and their mother departed this life
after having been married about nineteen years.
His third wife was Laura A. Anderson, of Clinton,
Conn., whose years ran parallel with his own. The
Doctor was always of the strictest temperate habits,
and his life the life of a Christian both by pro •
fession and practice, in which he ever had the
fullest co-operation of his three respective wives.
Dr. J. Henry T. Sweet, son of Dr. Charles,
was born and reared in Lebanon, and was given a
good English education in the common schools of
that locality and in the Bowles school in Ellington,
which he attended for about three years. He
studied anatomy under Prof. Hinkley, while a boy
riding with his father, and as a young man he
ran his father's institution for remedial purposes
in their line of treatment. This institution had an
average of from eighteen to thirty patients month-
ly during the three years the Doctor was in charge.
His certificate to practice "surgery and medicine
connected therewith" was granted by the State
medieval board in New Haven, Dr. Lindsley being
the president of the board. On Nov. 4, 1874, the
Doctor opened rn office in Hartford and removed
the institution there, the latter being continued by
him three years. He also maintained a treatment
room in Hartford, locating first on Main street,
near the South Green, for three years, and after
six years on Trumbull street he went to North
Main street, near Trumbull ; in April, 1887, he re-
moved to Blue Flills avenue. From the beginning
he has had a most successful practice, and it has
grown continuously, extending at present through
New London, Windham, Litchfield and Hartford
counties, and up and down the river more or less.
The Doctor has been a Republican all his life, and
has taken an active part in school matters. He
was formerly a member of the F. & A. M. in
Columbia, but the lodge having gone out of ex-
istence he is not now affiliated. He is fond of
reading, but is a thinker as well, and in practice
original in his methods, his individuality being per-
haps one of the main factors in his success. He
takes ideas from every source, and has the power
of elucidation to an unusual degree, while his me-
chanical tact is unusual.
Dr. Sweet married Miss Sally J. Boyd, of North
Garden, Va., and has four children: Jennie E.,
born March 31, 1876, who married Karl Bishop,
and has one son, Richard Sweet Bishop, born April
27, 1898; Nellie P., born March 22, 1878; Lucy,
born March 27, 1880; and John Henry T., Jr., Nov.
27, 1884.
WILLL\M WOLCOTT ROBERTS, deceased.
The subject of this memoir, for many years a prom-
inent citizen of Hartford, was born Nov. 6, 1813,
at Newington, the son of Abner and Sally (Wol-
cott) Roberts.
Abner Roberts died in 1814, leaving several chil-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
<lren. Our subject's mother died in 1821, when he
was but seven }ears old, and he was bound out to
?ilar:in Kellogg, of Xewington, Conn., with whom
he remained about six years. He then went to
Hartford, where he found employment in a gro-
cery and liquor store on the corner of Main and
Pratt streets ; but as the liquor business was dis-
tasteful he soon left the place, and learned the car-
penter's trade. In a few years he built up a good
business for himself as a cabinet maker, and later
added a furniture and undertaking branch, his shop
then beilig located on Pratt street, opposite the
Bank of the Society for Savings. He conceived
a number of successful inventions, and was the
pioneer undertaker to manufacture coffins, and keep
them in stock for immediate delivery, the custom
having been to make them to order after death.
His tasty hearse, drawn by a fine four-in-hand team,
attracted much attention ; it was the first in Hart-
ford to have glass sides, and brought him busi-
ness from the best class of people ; during the war
he buried many of the generals and other prominent
soldiers from this section. He frequently was
called away from this vicinity to officiate at State
funerals. His skill as a cabinetmaker won him a
high reputation; he made many fine cases of rose-
wood for Col. Samuel Colt, to contain revolvers
which were presented to the crowned heads of
Europe.
In 1866, Mr. Roberts built the Roberts Block,
on Main street, tne ground, 65x110 feet, having
been purchased for $54,000, then considered an
enormous price. He planned and directed the
building. In 1869 he drew the plans for and erected
the Hartford Opera House, at that time the finest
theatre in New England, outside of Boston. Hav-
ing seen so much of the dark side of life, inci-
dent to his undertaking business, he said that he
"was going to try to amuse the people," and for
many years under his management it was a most
popular play house, and even now on an average
about ten thousand people enter through its portals
each week of the theatrical season. After twenty
years management he turned the theater over to a
lessee, but his business affairs were transacted by
himself alone until his death. He died at the age
of eighty-four, on May 23, 1898.
While eminently successful in business, he held
progressive views of life and kept well abreast of
the times, reading the best literature and taking-
deep interest in politics as a member of the Repub-
lican party. He was particularly fond of good
horses, and until reaching the advanced age of
seventy-five was an ardent sportsman. By nature
he was retiring, and, his friendship was prized by
his associates. Earh^ in life he was identified with
the Fourth Congregational Church of Hartford,
and although he ceased to attend church in later
years he maintained the strictest rules of Sabbath
observance, his teams never being taken out on that
dav.
Mr. Roberts' first wife, Sarah Ann Chapman,
was a daughter of Orrin Chapman, of Glaston-
bury, and a descendant of Robert Chapman, the
settler, who came to Saybrook in pioneer times and
whose descendants lined the banks of the Con-
necticut river. By this marriage he had one daugh-
ter, Sarah Augusta, who was born Jan. 8, 1834, on
A'illage street, in Hartford, and died May 15, 1883.
She married James A. Williams, and had five chil-
dren, of whom only one is now living, Harry Rob-
erts \Villiams. By his second marriage, to Jane
Abby, of Enfield, Mr. Roberts had two children :
\\'illiam H. Roberts, now living in Hartford, and
Carrie (now deceased), who was the wife of S.
X. Ryder, of Plainville, Connecticut.
James A. Williams, born in Rocky Hill, on June
9, 1833, has been successfully engaged in the dry-
goods business since early manhood, having started
in Hartford with a brother. Later he went to New
York, but returned to Hartford, and he is now lo-
cated on Asylum street. For some time previous
to beginning business for himself he was associated
with BoUes & Sexton, Weatherby Knouse & Pelton,
and then with William X. Pelton & Co., being now
alone.
Harry R. \\'illlvms, one of Hartford's suc-
cuessful professional men, was born in that city
Oct. 18, 1861, and received his education in its
public schools. During his Junior year in the high
school he gave up his books for a time to take a posi-
tion with the Travelers Insurance Co. In 1883 he
began the study of patent law with Simonds &
Burdett. In 1887 he engaged in practice for him-
self, and his speedy success furnishes a convincing
evidence of his ability and skill. From the Rob-
erts line of ancestry he inherited marked aptitude in
scientific and mechanical matters, which lead him
to take natural interest in patents for inventions, in
matters pertaining to which he is considered an e.K-
pert. In connection with this work he has traveled
all over this country; has crossed the Atlantic six
times ; and has made various trips to our neighbor-
ing islands. He and his family are well known so-
cially ; he is a member of the Asylum Avenue Bap-
tist Church ; St. John's Lodge, Xo. 4. F. & A. 'Si. ;
the Knickerbocker Athletic Club, of Xew York ; the
]\Iegantic Fish and Game Club of ^Maine, with
headquarters in Boston ; and at one time was a mem-
ber of Company K, 1st Regiment, C. X'. G. In
1888, he married jNIiss Allie Barnum Stone, daugh-
ter of Rev. George iM. Stone, of the Asylum Avenue
Baptist Church. She died Feb. 12, 1889, leaving
one son, Harold, who died in August, 1889. Mr.
\Villiams afterward married ]^Iiss Harriet Beard
Holley, daughter of Samuel C. HoUey, of Danbury,
and they have three daughters, Beatrice, Lois and
Elizabeth.
JA?\IES S. TRYOX (deceased) was by birth
and training eminently fitted for the prominent and
useful position which through life he held in the
160
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business and financial world. As banker he was
for many years intimately acquainted with the
growth and iDrosperity of Hartford county, and
in fostering and developing its best institutions he
was a power for good in the influential community
in which he lived.
2\Ir. Tryon was born in Fayetteville, N. C, Nov.
7, 1820, son of Thomas and Emily (Root) Tryon,
and grandson of Moses Tyron, a prominent and
\vell-known naval officer, commander of the flag-
ship "Hartford." Thomas Tryon, father of our
subject, was a native of VVethersfield, Conn., and
became a West Indian merchant. He met an un-
timely death from yellow fever while at sea, about
1833. His wife, Emily (Root), of Hartford, was a
descendant of Judge Jesse Root.
James Seymour Tryon, our subject, spent his
boyhood days at Brookhn, N. Y., and there at-
tended school. At the age of fourteen he com-
menced his business career as a clerk in the bank
of James Seymour, of Auburn,' N. Y. A few years
later he began the study of law at Rochester, N. Y.,
and in due time W'as admitted to the Bar. For a
time he practiced at Rochester, but his tastes were
for business rather than a professional career, and
in 1848 he returned to Auburn, N. Y., to become
cashier in the bank above mentioned. From 1850
until 1857 he was connected with a bank in Roches-
ter, N. Y., and in 1857 he came to Hartford as cash-
ier of the Merchants & Manufacturers Bank, which
later, through his efforts, was re-organized as the
First National Bank of Hartford. Mr. Tryon re-
mained officially connected with the First National
Bank for sixteen years. In 1873 he went to New
York, and there entering the banking business con-
tinued for several years, maintaining his residence
in Hartford, at No. 991 Asylum street, from 1861
till his death. ]\Ir. Tryon was for many years in-
terested in the manufacture of book-stitching ma-
chines, as secretary and treasurer of the Smythe
^Manufacturing Co. He was deeply interested in
church work, and was instrumental in the organi-
zation of the Asylum Hill Congregational Church,
of Asylum avenue.
Mr. Tryon was married, in Moscow, N. Y., in
1848, to i\Iiss Eliza Horsford, daughter of Hon.
Jedediah Horsford, of Moscow, who had come to
western New York many years before, as a mis-
sionary to the Indians. He served several terms as
Lnited States Senator. To our subject and wife
were born three children : ( i ) James Seymour, who
married ]\Iiss jNIary Vincent Harrington, of New
Bedford, JNIass., resides at Providence, R. I., and has
two children. Dorothy and Henry; (2) Mary mar-
ried George F. Stone, an instructor in the American
School for the Deaf at Hartford, and has three
children, Janet, Rachel and Mary; (3) Thomas is
an architect of New York. Mr. Tryon died Jan.
6, 1895, completing his allotted three score years
and ten, and presenting in his earnest and successful
career a type of the best American manhood.
IR\TNG DE LOSS BLANCHARD, M. D.,
city physician of Hartford, was born Jan. 30, 1874,
at Foster, R. I., son of Rev. Albert D. Blanchard,
and grandson of William Penn Blanchard, of
Rhode Island. Rev. Albert D. Blanchard, an hon-
ored clergyman of the Baptist Church, was born
in Rhode island, and his wife, Mary C. Burroughs,
was a native of Newport, same State.
Dr. Irving D. Blanchard began his education
in the schools of Foster, R. I., and graduated from
the high school, and the Presbyterian Academy at
Salida, Colo. In August, 1894, he returned East
to enter the Medical Department of Yale Univer-
sity, and in 1897 the degree of M. D. was conferred
upon him by that institution. In the fall of the
same year he entered the New York Hospatal,
corner of F"ifteenth street and Fifth avenue, re-
maining there a short time, and after some expe-
rience in the Bridgeport Flospital he went to the
Hartford Hospital, Jan. i, 1898, as assistant phy-
sician, assistant surgeon, house surgeon, and house
physician. On Jan. i, 1900, he engaged in active
practice at No. 241 Main street, Hartford, and the
appointment to his present post as city physician
was made on the 15th of that month. Politically
the Doctor is a Republican. He is a member of
the Hartford County Medical Society, and of the
Hartford City Medical Society.
HON JAMES RISING (deceased). The fer-
tile lands of this region have made our rural com-
munities the home of a superior class of agricultur-
ists, progressive, enterprising and thrifty, of which
the subject of this sketch, a well-known resident of
West Suffield, was an excellent example.
For several generations the Rising family have
been prominent in that locality, the first of the name
to settle there being James Rising, who was born
in England about 161 7, and came to America in
1635. This worthy pioneer resided in Massachu-
setts for some years, being a student in Harvard
College in 1646, but after his marriage, in 1657,
to his first wife, Elizabeth Hinsdale, he spent a short
time in the Bermuda Islands. On his return he
made his home in Salem, Mass., in 1668 he came to
Windsor, Conn., and in 1679 he settled in Suffield,
where he died about nine years later. During thefirst
year of his stay in Windsor his first wife died, and
in 1673 he married Martha Bartlett, a widow, who
died in 1674. By occupation he was a farmer, and
his descendants ha\^e largely followed the same pur-
suit. Of his two sons, John and James, the younger,
died unmarried, so that the present representatives
of the family in this county are all descendants of
John.
John Rising was a farmer in Suffield, his home-
stead being located on High street, and for many
years he was a leading citizen of the town, his. death
occurring in 1720. He was twice married, and
had eighteen children.
James Rising, our subject's grandfather, was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
161
born in West Suffield, at what is now known as
Rising's Corners, and his life was spent there. He
owned a large amount of land, and was extensively
engaged in farming and stock raising", while as a
citizen he was held in high respect. He and his
wife, Asenath King, died at the homestead many
years ago, and their remains were interred in the
cemetery adjoining the Baptist Church at Zion's
Hill. They had five children: Isaac; Alfred; Ase-
nath, who married Milton Cornish; Julius, who
died in West Suffield ; and Emaline, wife of Rowland
Phelps.
Alfred Rising, our subject's father, was born
and reared on the old homestead. For some years
in early manhood he operated a farm of 125 acres
in Southwick, Hampden Co., Mass., lying near the
line of Suffield and belonging to the family estate.
He became one of the pioneer tobacco growers of
that neighborhood, and after his return to West
Suffield he continued that line of business in con-
nection with stock raising and general farming.
He was a man of high character, being especially
noted for his strictly temperate habits, and while
he was very liberal in his religious views he fol-
lowed the golden rule in his daily life. In his
early veai-s he was a Democrat, but the issues which
culminated in the Rebellion led him into the Re-
publican party, his vote being cast for Abraham
Lincoln for President. He died at his farm in
West Suffield, July 4, 1879, and was buried at Zion
Hill beside his wife, Marcia King, who passed away
in August, 1862. She was a daughter of Ashel
King, of West Suffield, and was a devout and con-
sistent member of the Baptist Church. This worthy
couple had three children, our subject being the
youngest, (i) Lovatus, a resident of Southwick,
Mass., married Phoebe Lewis, of Suffield, and their
only son, Lewis A., of Southwick, who died jNIarch
28, 1900, married Abbie Leonard, and had three
children — Abbot L., Jame A. and William. (2)
Amoret, widow of Henry C. Phelon, resides in West
Suffield.
Hon. James Rising was born July 28, 1827, at
Suffield, and his early education was limited to the
district schools of that town. He always resided at
the homestead, and after the death of his parents
took sole charge of the farm, making a specialty of
stock raising, dairying and the growing of tobacco,
while he also dealt in the latter commodity to some
extent. He passed away at his home Sept. 24, 1899.
Politically he was a Republican, but of liberal ten-
dencies, having supported Greeley in 1872. For
five years he was assessor in West Suffield and
served in other local offices, including those of grand
juror and member of the board of relief. In 1882
he was elected to the Legislature, and during his
term of service he devoted to his duties the industry
and sound judgment which brought him success in
private business. In 1858 he married Miss Har-
riet M. Davis, a daughter of Ambrose and Cynthia
(Pomeroy) Davis, well-known residents of West
11
Suffield. The home was one in which culture and
refinement were apparent, both Mr. and Mrs. Rising
being fond of the best in art and literature, giving
their influence freely to the promotion of various
movements for the general weltare, and Mrs. Rising
was prominent in religious work as a member of
the Ijaptist Church. She passed away Aug. 8,
1900, at her home. While our subject was noted for
his honesty and uprightness, and saw the good in
the underlying principles of all religious faith, he
was not connected with any Church. Of the two
children who blessed his marriage, (1) James A.
died at the age of eighteen years, in 1878. (2)
Frank W. is a graduate of the Connecticut Literary
Institute, at Suffield, and has already made a fine
reputation as a business man, being a packer and
dealer in tobacco, and a successful grower of peaches
and small fruits, to which a portion of the home-
stead is devoted. He was elected to represent his
town in the Legislature of 1901. On Oct. 19, 1887,
he married j\Iiss Minnie A. Kno-x, of West Sufifield,
and has two childdren, Grace E. and Hawley Knox.
The Knox family is of Scottish descent, the line
being tr,aced back to Malcolm I, of Scotland, and
John Knox, the great reformer, was of the same
stock. The coat of arms bears the motto: Moveo
ct Propitior. William Knox, the first of the fam-
ily to come to this country, was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, and on his arrival in America located first
in Hardwick, Mass., and later in Blandford, that
State, being one of the earliest settlers there. He
cleared a farm in the wilderness, building a log
cabin, and as time passed he built a fine dwelling-
house, which is still standing. In religious faith
he was a Presbyterian, and throughout his life he
held strictly to the doctrines and practices of that
Church. He died at Blandford, where his remains
now rest. His wife was a Miss Ferguson, and
they had ten children, their six sons being farmers
by occupation: William and Samuel, who were. both
captains in the Revolutionary army ; John, men-
tioned more fully below; Nathaniel, who was a
teamster in the Revolutionary forces ; David ; James ;
Molly, who married William Stuart ; Elizabeth, who
married a Mr. Fleming; Eleanor, who married a
Air. Crook; and Eunice, who married a Mr. Thrall.
John Knox, great-grandfather of J\Irs. Frank
Rising, was born Jan. 13, 1759, and served in the
Revolutionary army as ensign. When a young man
he removed to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and
settled at Russell, where he was engaged in farming
during the remainder of his life. He was a Feder-
alist in his political views, and a devout member of
the Presbyterian Church. He was married in
Blandford to Miss Anna Gunn, a native of Pittsfield,
Mass., and a descendant of an old Welsh family.
She was also a Presbyterian, and died in Russell,
leaving the memory of a useful Christian life. To
this union nine children were born : Henry ; Gerry ;
John ; Russell ; Chester ; Harvey ; Clarissa, who
married Moses Bradley; Harriet, who married Cal-
162
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vin Hill ; and Philomela, who married a JNIr.
Clark.
Henry Knox, grandfather of Mrs. Frank Rising,
was born in 1786, in Blandford, Mass., and re-
moved to New York State with his parents while
still in his 'teens. When a young man he returned
to Blandford, where he bought 190 acres of land,
on which he made valuable improvements. He fol-
lowed farming there until his death, which occurred
in July, 1853, ^""i was much esteemed as a citizen,
being a leading member of the Episcopal Church.
He married Miss Charlotte Blair, a native of Bland-
ford, of Scottish descent, who died in 1846. Her
father, Adam Blair, served as a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary army under Capt. Ferguson. Two chil-
dren were born of this union : ]\Iary Ann (deceased) ,
formerly the wife of Thomas Herrick; and Hiram
Henr}-, father of Mrs. Frank W. Rising.,
Hiram Henry Knox was born in Blandford Jan.
27, 1825, and received a limited education in the
district schools, which he attended during the winter
months. As he was a keen observer and a constant
reader, he became a well-informed man, being es-
pecial}" interested in ancient and modern history.
In earlv manhood he engaged in farming at Bland-
ford on a tract of 230 acres, where he made substan-
tial improvements and remained until 1865. He
then sold out and bought the place known as the
Charles M. Owen farm, a tract of seventy-five acres,
on which he has built barns and tobacco sheds, and
where for the past thirty-five years he has been
engaged in tobacco growing, stock raising and gen-
eral farming. He is an excellent citizen, and com-
mands the respect of the communit}'. On April 27,
1847, he was married in Blandford to Miss Ophelia
Black, a native of Becket, JNIass., and a daughter of
Curtis and Lucina (Herrick) Black. Her grand-
father, George Black, was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war. Of the two children born to this union,
Curtis died in infancy. Minnie A., wife of Frank
W. Rising, was educated in the public schools, and
graduated from the Connecticut Literary Institute,
and was teacher of drawing and painting at Mc-
Lean's Seminary, Simsbury, for two years previous
to her marriage. She is a lady of fine mental gifts
and culture, and has shown decided talent in both
painting and music.
ISAAC De FORREST BLINN, proprietor of
the "JMaple Crest" poultry yard, at East Hartford,
and member of the firm of I. N. Blinn & Son, wood
and lumber dealers, as well as extensive property
owners, of the same town, was born in Vernon,
Tolland Co., Conn., Oct. 25, 1866, and is a son of
Isaac N. and Jane (Fish) Blinn.
Isaac N. Blinn was born in Newington, Hartford
county. May 23, 1837, and is a son of James and
Annie ( Butler) Blinn, the former of Newington and
the latter of Wethersfield. James Blinn was a life-
long farmer, and was a son of Elisha Blinn, who
was killed by being thrown from a cart, the team
of oxen running away. He left his son, James^ a
handsome farm. To James and Annie Blinn were
born eight children: James B., a molder, who died
in Bridgeport, Conn. ; Adelia, widow of Frederick
Little, of Somers; Edward, of \'ernon; Chauncey,
of Rocky Hill ; Isaac N. ; Fanny, of Vernon; Agnes
and Charles H., also of Vernon. James Blinn was
a large man, weighed 230 pounds, and had always
lived in Newington until his removal to Vernon,
where his sad and tragic death took place when he
was eighty-five years of age, his wife dying at the
age of eighty-seven. He had been a Democrat in
politics up to the outbreak of the Civil war, when
his faith in that party was shattered, and he became
a stanch Republican.
Isaac N. Blinn attended the Newington Acad-
emy until seventeen years of age, and then entered
the South school in Hartford, where he finished
his education. Notwithstanding the fact that he
was born without a left hand, he could, when a boy,
milk cows, pitch hay, cradle and mow, and his ability
to do other kinds of work equally well was indeed
remarkable, if not almost incredible. Mr. Blinn
was reared as a farmer, as may well be inferred from
the foregoing remarks, and moved from Newing-
ton to Vernon with his parents, with whom he re-
mained until twenty years old. He then, with his
brother Chauncey, built a sawmill and gristmill on
his father's farm, known as the "King Farm" and
on a brook having the Indian name Tangirousin.
This brook runs into the Hockanum. For three
years the two brothers ran the mill together. Then
Isaac N. continued the business alone.
In 1865 Mr. Blinn went to Parkville to run a
blacksmith and wagon shop. Some time later he
took a position in the sash and blind factory^ of
Richard Joslyn, in South Manchester. In 1879 Tie
built a sawmill on the Hackmatack road, south of
that village. Two years later this was burned down,
and in 1882 he built on its site an iron foundry,
which he operated for three years, having among
his work nearly all of the casting for the Cheney
Bros. In 1885 Mr. Blinn located in North Man-
chester, resuming the sawmill business tuider the
firm name of I. N. Blinn & Son, which he has since
followed. They bought the Stone property, ad-
joining the Childs elevator, in 1888. In 189 1 they
removed to Burnside, buying twenty-eight acres
of woodland of Charles R. Forbes, in the tract north
of the Woodland mill, and clearing this purchase
and several acres adjoining. On this land they
built a house, now owned by L. R. Clark.
It was in 1891 that Mr. Blinn built a sawmill
on the site of his present mill. This was burned
in May, 1893. The fire which consumed it was
the first one occurring after the formation of the
Center Hose Company, No. i, and is accordingly
memorable among the volunteer firemen of the town.
Immediately after the fire Mr. Blinn built his present
mill. This structure is of brick in the portions ad-
joining the boilers and engines, and in the remaining
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lea
portion of wood. It houses two boilers, one of 35
and the second of 70 horse-power, and one portable
engine, running the sawmill and the planing mill
which adjoins the sawmill, and is a two-story build-
ing of wood containing appliances for turning out
all kinds of planing. For hauling logs to the mill
Mr. Blinn keeps nine horses and two three-horse
stretchers.
Isaac N. Blinn and his son laid out Blinn street in
East Hartford, and erected all the houses thereon.
Indeed, wherever they have lived they have built
dwellings and mills, and their sound judgment has
been proven by the fact that they have always
realized a profit in disposing of their improved
property. In East Hartford the firm of I. N. Blinn
& Son has transformed a veritable swamp into beau-
tiful yards, surrounding pleasant homes, showing
what push and enterprise can do.
On Nov. I, 1864, Isaac N. Blinn married Aliss
Jane Fish, who was born in Manchester Aug. 7,
1841, and is a daughter of Henry M. and Samantha
(Keeney) Fish, who were the parents of tVi^o chil-
dren: Jane, Mrs. Blinn; and Alfonso H., a joiner.
The ancestors of Mrs. Blinn were old-time residents
of Manchester, and Keeney street, of that town,
was named in honor of the maternal side of her
family. Mrs. Blinn was primarily educated in the
Manchester district school, was later graduated from
the high school at Meriden, and is a lady of rare ac-
complishments, well-fitted to be the mate of her
enterprising husband, whom she has materially aided
in his remarkable business career through her sage
advice. Her father was called from earth at the
age of seventy-four years, and her mother at sev-
enty-six. Three children crowned the union of
Isaac N. Blinn and wife: Isaac DeForrest, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; Leroy, who was born in 1867,
and died in 1868 ; and Henry Dayton, who was
born in 1870, and died in 1885.
Mr. Blinn is a member of Lodge No. 2, Knis^hts
of the Maccabees, of Manchester, and for three
years he was the lodge's chaplain. ,He is also a
member of the East Hartford Grange, and he be-
longs to the Center Congregational Church, of which
his wife is also a member. In politics he is a Re-
publican, though prior to the war he was Democra-
tic. He has attended various conventions as a del-
egate, and in temperance work he is actively inter-
eF ed, being a strictly temperate man and one who
has never used tobacco. He is still very active and
in^'iTsfious, and with the little assistance he re-
ceived at the start of his business life as a part
P'-oprietor of a mill run by waterpower, he has made
himself one of the largest holders of improved real
estate in the county.
Isaac DpForrest Blinn, in his childhood days, at-
tended th" schools of the district in which his par-
ents at d'fferent times resided, and at the age of
sixteen v^ars finished his education at the Cheney
graded school, in South Manchester. He was early
(.^„:.,^,- f, ^ oractical knowledge of business by his
father, who taught him, also, to remain at home,
which he did, and eventually became his father's
partner in business, as is indicated in the foregoing
paragraphs. But from early childhood he was an
ardent poultry fancier, and often expressed a desire
to enter into poultry raising. This desire was not
favorably regarded by his father, but later on, in
1S81, he started the business on a small scale, and his
management of and success in this indvistry has
been so phenomenal that a somewhat lengthy ac-
count of it is here permissible, if not necessary. He
started in the business in a small way nineteen years
ago, on a village lot in South Manchester, with the
White and Barred Plymouth Rocks, Silver Wyan-
dottes and White Leghorns. In one season he
cleared $50 on twelve hens. He then bought one
and one-quarter acres of land on Hackmatack street,
in South Manchester, and put up a poultry house
135 feet long, with enclosed yards, keeping 200
fowls. He sold out at a good price, and in 1889
moved to North Manchester, later to Woodand.
Here he purchased twenty-two acres of forest land,
which he cleared, and put up a poultry house 150
feet long, with a brooder house 40 feet long, pipe
system and hot water. Here he kept 250 fowls.
In the spring of 1891 Mr. Blinn moved to his
present location, the "Maple Crest" poultry farm on
Pitkin street. East Hartford, and last spring bought
an additional ten acres of meadow. The poultry-
house is 275 feet long. As we enter the door we
pass through the cooking and feed room, where are
root and vegetable cutters, a bonemill, and an Em-
pire State cooker. The feed bin overhead holds
2,500 pounds of grain, and is divided into com-
partments for the various kinds. An alley-way
three feet wide extends the length of the building,
opening into the pens, which are 12x9 feet. There
is an unique device for feeding soft food, the drink-
ing fountains supply two pens at a time and the eggs
are gathered from the alley without entering the
pens. Over the cooking room is the salesroom,
where breeding birds are kept in separate compart-
ments. In the basement are kept the roots and
vegetables, and there is a winter scratching room for
each pen. In this building are 700 fowls.
Another 100 feet will be built on, thus enabling
Mr. Blinn to realize his ambition in having room for
1,000 fowls. Long sloping yards extend from each
pen to the meadow. Here are portable houses 5x7
feet, on sleds, which are moved to fresh ground often
to accommodate the growing chicks. One thousand
five hundred have been raised this season. The in-
cubator house, one story and basement, contains six
Cyohers hatchers, 360-egg capacity each. Here are
kept the eggs gathered each day, each egg being
neatly stam"ped\vith the day of delivery. All the
eggs are disposed of to private customers in Hart-
ford, a cart being run to that citv once a week.
Chicks are hatched out ten months of the year to sup-
ply the demand for broilers. There are several
out-door brooders of Mr. Blinn's own manufacture.
16 i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and more are being built. ^lanj^ hundreds of
feet of wire fencing are used to fence in the
many yards.
liggs for hatching- are sold and shipped to cus-
tomers m all the States and distant points in Canada.
Mr. Blinn showed two white Plymouth Rock cock-
erels at the great Madison Scjuare Garden exhibition
last winter, one "Snowfiake, " taking second prize,
and the other taking fifth, in a class of twenty birds.
He has recently retused an offer of $50 for "'Snow-
flake.' He has also exhibited his strains all over
New England, and has invariably carried off a
prize.
1. DeForrest Blinn was joined in matrimony June
22, 1892, with Aliss Ella L. Forbes, a native of
Hockanum, and daughter of Stephen Forbes, de-
ceased, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere.
To this felicitous union have been born two chil-
dren, of whom the first-born, Clarence D. F., died
when eighteen months old; and Harold Newton,
the survivor, is a bright and intelligent child, who
gives promise, if spared, of becoming a credit to any
community m which his future lot may be cast.
AMLFRED HOPKINS NETTLETON, inven-
tor, promoter and retired manufacturer of Bristol,
was born in Waterbury, Conn., June 2, 1825. At an
early age he removed with his parents, Garry and
Mary I\ettleton, to Bristol. Upon finishing his edii-
cation, in the schools of his adopted town, he entered
the employ of Brewster & Ingraham, clock manu-
facturers, for one year. Soon afterward, at about
the age of twenty, taking a contract and employing
a number of men.
\'ery ambitious to be himself a manufacturer,
Mr. Nettletou began the making of certain parts
of clocks, such as those regulating the striking,
called "Lockwork," also arbors, pinion wires, and
other smaller clock devices. For these purposes he
perfected automatic machines, for which he secured
patents in this country, but unfortunately not in
Europe, and, as evidence of the value of these in-
ventions, they have been copied, and precisely the
same machinery is being used at present by Euro-
pean clockmakers. These inventions were greatly
labor-saving, and gave the product great perfection
over the old methods, and by them Mr. Nettleton
for years supplied nearly all the large clockmakers
of this country with special parts, in the manufac-
ture of which about one thousand pounds of spe-
cial wire were used per day, equipping some five
thousand clocks. He continued actively in this busi-
ness for some twenty-five years, employing at times
from thirty to fifty workmen. He also manufac-
tured, during this time, ladies' fans, sewing ma-
chines, hemmers and binders, toys, and other small
wares. He also engaged in the manufacture of the
famous "Ten Dollar Sewing Machine," at Brat-
tleboro, Vt., in company with Charles Raymond,
the inventor of this, the first practical and best
cheap sewing machine made in this country. After
a few years, and with this business well established
and successful, he sold his interests to his partner,
Mr. Raymond.
By reason of failing health, Mr. Nettleton was
obliged to give up his important business in Bris-
tol, selling out to George A. Jones in 1871. Since
that time he has occupied himself in looking after
his business interests in general, and in frequent
travels over the country, and especially to the South,
seeking renewed health. During all his active busi-
ness life, though a very busy man under the ex-
actions of his own special lines of business, he was
sought as a promoter and leader in other business
enterprises. He was president for twelve years of
the Bristol Saw Co., a director of the National
Water Wheel Co., and president of the American
Coal Barge Co. of New Haven, owning the most
rapid coal filling and emptying process ever in-
vented. He is aiso one of tue two surviving original
directors of the Bristol National Bank.
The quality and scope of Mr. Nettleton's busi-
ness abilities and successes can have no better sum-
ming up than to say that, beginning as a poor boy
and day laborer, he never had a penny of financial
assistance, except as a young man, a hundred dol-
lars from a kindly aunt. And further, to mention
the way in which he met and passed, successfully,
a most critical epoch in his business career. This
was about 1855-1857, a period of hard times and
panic, in which clock manufacturers were severely
stricken, and many failed. With large sums due
him, and his own obligations to meet, he weathered
the storm by what was hardly less than a stroke
of genius. Foreseeing the darkening clouds, he
burned to make contracts with jewelers, paper
makers, and other manufacturers of salable wares,
to take his orders upon the clockmakers, he in re-
turn taking miscellaneous goods, and changing the
same into cash wherever he could find a market.
The crisis called for foresight, skill and high cour-
age, and these master equalities were rewarded,
bringing him safely through what seemed certain
bankruptcy.
Mr. Nettleton has ever been interested and active
in spheres other than the merely business and
financial. Politically he has ever been an ardent
Republican, and for several years was a member of
the Republican League of New Haven, and a nom-
inee of his party in 1866 for the Legislature, as
town representative. During the Civil war he gave
evidence of earnest loyalty; though unable to bear
arms himself on account of ill health, he pledged
a hundred dollars to each of his employes who
might choose to enlist, and several did so, receiving
this bounty. And while not a participant himself
in the great struggle, he mourns the death of his
only brother, George E., a soldier of the i6th
Connecticut Regiment, who died as a result of the
hardships he suffered at Andersonville. After the
terrible day at Antietam Mr. Nettleton hurried to
the battlefield, passing through most eventful ex-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1G5
periences in his endeavors to aid the suffering
soldiers from his town and State.
Mr. Nettleton became a member of the First
Congregational Church of Bristol in 1871, ever
interested in its welfare, and at times serving it in
an official position. He is a member of Franklin
Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. JM., of Bristol, having a
longer membership in it than any one living, and in
its earlier existence serving it as treasurer. He has
always had an alert interest and progressive spirit
in community and social life. This is interestingly
illustrated in the notable Bristol Brass Band, the
first of its kind in the town. When a young man of
nineteen he, with S. B. Jerome and the hearty co-
operation of a choice body of young men, organized
the band and orchestra that attained cpiite a celeb-
rity under the instruction of Signor Salvator Rosa,
of New York.
Personally, jNlr. Nettleton is easilv one of ''Na-
ture's gentlemen." A man of gentle dignity, un-
assuming, affable, and naturally kind and generous,
as fortune came to him, manv have been the institu-
tions and persons that have found in him a thought-
ful and generous benefactor. His relations with the
many employes of his active business life were ever
friendly and cordial, many remaining with him for
years.
On June 9, 1847, Mr. Nettleton married Miss
Harriet Newell Tuttle, of Bristol, his strong
helper, his devoted wife, and a lady of exceptional
intelligence and refinement. Mrs. Nettleton died
May 4, 1896, and had she survived another year they
would have celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of
their most happy union.
By a long and honorable business career, by
his thoughtful interest in other persons and things,
and by his genial social qualities, Mr. Nettleton has
well earned the confidence and high esteem of his
fellow townsmen and all who know him.
JOHN B. LEWIS, M. D., medical director and
adjuster of the Travelers Insurance Co., Hartford,
himself a patriot and soldier of distinction in the
Civil war, has descended from a family of patriots
and soldiers.
Eleazer Lewis, his great-grandfather, was a sol-
dier of the war of the Revolution, Benjamin Lewis,
his grandfather, a soldier of the war of 1812, and
John Lewis, his father, a teacher at West Point.
Our subject was born March 10, 1832, in Suffolk
count}^ N. Y., and received his education in Powell-
ton Seminary, at Newburgh, N. Y. He was gradu-
ated March 10, 1853, on his twenty-first birthday,
from the University Medical College of New York
City. Shortly threafter he located in the practice in
Vernon, Conn., having formed a business partner-
ship with Dr. Alden Skinner, and here for several
years he had a full share of that laborious practice
of medicine and surgery which falls to the lot of an
energetic countrv doctor.
Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war
Dr. Lewis, July 3, 1861, was conmiissioned surgeon
of the 5th Conn. V. I. In the spring of 1862 he was
commissioned brigade surgeon, United States Vol-
unteers, by the President, and ordered to report
to Maj.-Gcn. Banks, Department of the Shenandoah,
and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, Shield's Di-
vision. Soon afterward he was made medical di-
rector of the division, and remained in service in that
capacity up to the time when the division was in-
corporated with Gen. McClellan's Army, at Harri-
son's Landing, when he was assigned to temporary
duty. The invasion of Maryland by Gen. Lee oc-
curred soon afterward, and Sept. 15, 1862, while in
charge of a field hospital, he received orders to pro-
ceed without delay to the headquarters of Gen Mc-
Clellan and report to Surgeon Letterman, where,
during Sept. 17 and 18, he was on duty at the battle
of Antietam. Some days later he was assigned sur-
geon in charge of the United States General Hos-
pital, No. 6, at Frederick, Md., and was in charge of
this hospital until its discontinuance, in February
following. By command of Maj.-Gen. Schenck,
Middle Department, Feb. 18, 1863, Dr. Lewis was
assigned surgeon in charge of the United States
General Hospital at Cumberland, Md., upon which
duty he remained until after the close of the war.
While in charge of the hospital he also served for a
time as medical director of the Department of West
Virginia, and in such official position, in company
with Maj.-Gen. Crook, commanding, visited and in-
spected the military posts and hospitals within the
department. In his field service Dr. Lewis was pres-
ent in thirteen battles and skirmishes, and during
the same period was many times in charge of field
hospitals. In 1865 he was commissioned, by the
President, brevet lieutenant-colonel, L^nited States
Volunteers. He was retained in the service after
the close of the war in order that he might have
charge of the sale of the large property belonging to
the government which had been used for hospital
purposes at Cumberland, and when he had com-
pleted these duties he forwarded a written request
to be mustered out "at the earliest date consistent
with the interests of the service." By special orders
from the W'ar Department, Oct. 7, 1865, he was
"honorablv discharged out of the service of the
L^nited States."
After his discharge from the service Dr. Lewis
resumed the practice of medicine, residing for some
three years at Rockville, and then removed to Hart-
ford. After a few months spent in Europe he en-
tered, in 1869, the service of the Travelers Insurance
Co., of Hartford, as medical director for that com-
pany and in charge of its claim department. He has
since devoted his time and talents to the medical
department of the Travelers, writing meanwhile nu-
merous papers on historical, medical and medico-
legal subjects.
On June 13, 1855, Dr. Lewis married ]\Iiss Mary
K., daughter of Hon. J. N. E. Mann, of Dedham,
Mass., and to this union three children were born.
166
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
one son and two daughters; Dr. William J. Lewis,
the son, was for years consulting surgeon for the
Travelers Co., and is now in practice in New York
City.
TAI.COTT. The family Talcott was originally
of Warwickshire, England. The Arms — Ar. on a
pale Sa. three roses of the field. Crest — a demi-
griffin, erased. Ar. gorged with a collar Sa.,
charged with three roses of the first. Motto —
VIRTUS SOLA NOBILITAS.
(I) John^ Talcott, a descendant from the War-
wickshire family, was living in Colchester, County
Essex, previous to 1558. He married (first)
Wells, who died, her husband and three children sur-
viving. John Talcott died in Colchester about i
Nov., 1606, survived by his wife and her six chil-
dren. His will, dated 24 Sept., 1606, was admitted
to probate 12 Nov., 1606. His bequests indicate a
large estate — "to his grandchild John Talcoat, the
son of my son John Talcoat, late of Brantree, the
sum of £40 good and lawful money to be paid unto
himself by myn executors at the age of 20 years if
he lyve so long."
John Taylcoat.
(H) John- Talcott, son of John' and Wells,
was born (probablv) in Colchester, previous to
1558. Married Anne, daughter of William Skinner.
He died early in 1604, and before the decease of his
father, John\ his wife, one son and five daughters
surviving. His will, 1604, Anne, his wife, being
sole executrix and residuary legatee: "I John Tail-
coat of Braintree in the countie Essex, England,
gives his homestead to his wife Anne, during her
life, and after her decease to his son John Tailcoat.
He gives to dau. Rachel Tailcoat, John Taylcot, my
Sonne, and to Anne Tailcot, Marie Tailcot. Grace
Tailcot and Sara Tailcot my daughters, fortie
poundes apeece of lawful money of England."
John Tailcot.
Witness: Marke ]\Iott,
Erasmus Sparhawke,
James Sparhawke.
(HI) John= Talcott, son of John= and Anne Skin-
ner, his wife, was born in Braintree, County Essex,
England. He married Dorothy, daughter (probably)
of Mark Mott, Esq., and Frances Gutter, his wife,
of Braintree. Issue : Mary and John, born in Eng-
land ; and Samuel, born in New England. John
Talcott was an only son, and was left a minor by
the death of his father in 1604. No other family
of this name ever emigrated to this country. He
came, with others of Rev. Thomas Hooker's com-
pany, to Boston, in the ship "Lion," Capt. Mason,
which sailed from England 22 Time, i63'2, and ar-
rived there 16 Sept., 1632. This company first
settled in Newtown (now Cambridge), near Boston.
John Talcott was admitted a freeman by the General
Court at Boston, 6 Nov., 1632; was a representa-
tive in the General Court 14 May, 1634; was chosen
one of the selectmen of Newtown 4 Feb., 1634. He
was the fifth greatest proprietor of houses and lands
out of eighty townsmen, 1634. When the party of
Mr. Hooker decided to come to Hartford, John
Talcott sold all his possessions i May, 1636, to
Nicholas Dan forth. The year before be sent Nich-
olas Clark, the carpenter, to build him a house, which
stood where North church now stands, better known
as Dr. Bushnells church. He became one of the
distinguished "Founders of Hartford," in the Col-
ony of Connecticut ; one of the chief magistrates ; a
member of the General Court for many years ; and
was styled the worshipful Mr. John Talcott. His
will, dated 3 March, 1659-60, proven 3 March, 1660-
61, inventoried £1708-04-04: "I give and doe give
and bequefe unto my sonne ;Samevvellall my housing
and house lotts lying in Wethersfield ; both of medow
swamp ; land upland with all my rights thereunto
belonging now in the ockupation of John Belden, or
Enoch Buck, or any other, both on the east, and
west side of the river forever to injov himselve, and
Ayers. provided that he marry, and leave no issue
of his body lawfully begoten when he depart this
life that then his wife shall only posese it during her
naterall livfe and then the land and housing to re-
turne to the eldest sonne then living of my sonn
John to injoy after my sonn John his death." Mrs.
Dorothy (Mott) Talcott died February, 1669-70.
( IV ) Capt. Samuel Talcott, the second son of the
worshipful Mr. John Talcott' and Dorothy, his wife,
was Ixjrn probablv in Newtown (now Cambridge),
Mass., about 1634 or 1635. He married Hannah,
daughter of Hon. Elizur Holyoke and Mary Pyn-
chon, his wife, 7 Nov., 1661. She died in Wethers-
field 7 Feb., 1677-78, leaving a family of eight chil-
dren— six sons and two daughters. He was the
scholar of the family, a graduate of Harvard Col-
lege, 1658; a freeman, 1662; 1669 to 1684 commis-
sioner from Wethersfield : from 1670 to 1684 deputy
to the General Court ; secretary October session,
1684. On 16 May, 1676, he was appointed one of
a standing committee to order such measures and
dispose of such affairs as shall be necessary to attend
to in the intervals of the General Court. 12 May,
1677, he was lieutenant in the Wethersfield train
band; 14 Oct., 1679, lieutenant of troop; 16 Oct.,
1681, captain of troop of Hartford county. From
1683, except during the Andross administration, he
was an Assistant till his death, 11 Nov., 1691. His.
will was dated 22 April, 1691 ; inventoried £2181-
01-06; taken 21 Dec, 1691. His will was presented
in court 23 Jan., 1661-62, having no witness, "and
his hand being so well known he having wright it
all with his own hand the court accepted of it to-
gether with the inventorv."
(A-^) Cornet Samuel Talcott, son of Capt. Sam-
uel Talcott and Hannah Holyoke, his wife, was born
in Wethersfield in 1662, and married Mary, daugh-
ter of William and Mary Ellery. He died in Weth-
ersfield 28 Aoril, 1698. His estate was inventoried
at £774-02. Children : Samuel, age two years ; Anne,
lieJ
r^/^^'^'^'^CW^^^^^'^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
167
seven years ; and Mary, eight months. Adnis. to
Mary, the reUct and widow.
(\'I) Ensign Samuel Talcott. son of Cornet
Samuel Talcott, born in 1696, married 5 Dec, 1723,
Thankful! Belding. He died 6 ^lay, 1739. Estate
inventoried at £39 12- 18-01, taken 3 July, 1739.
Adms. to Thankful! Talcott, widow.
(VII) Ebenezer Talcott, son of Samuel Talcott
and Thankfull Belding, born 1731, died 25 Aug.,
1795, aged sixty-four years. Sarah, daughter of
John Talcott, his wife, died 13 April, 1801, aged
sixty-eight. Children : Samuel died young, un-
married. Ebenezer, a sailor, was lost at sea. Sam-
uel, born 6 Feb., 1758, married Mary (Molly) Hurl-
but 25 Dec, 1788; he died 23 Dec, 1794, M. thirty-
six years. Josiah, a sailor, was drowned in the
Connecticut river. John, a sailor, was lost at sea
near Saybrook, coming from the West Indies. Sarah
married Capt. James Treat, of Wethersfield. Will-
iam, born 7 Nov., 1771, married Amelia Hanmer,
31 July, 1800; he died 28 June, 1813, aged forty-
tv/o years. Mary died unmarried. Joseph married
Anna Boardman in 1803; he died 17 June, 1832.
(VIII) Deacon William Talcott, son of Eben-
ezer Talcott and Sarah, daughter of John Talcott,
born 7 Nov., 1771, married 31 July, 1800, and died
28 June, 1813, aged forty-two years. His wife,
Amelia, daughter of Frt^ncis Hanmer, of \\'ethers-
field, born 18 Dec, 1775, died 4 Sept., 1837, aged
sixty-two years. Children : Amelia, born 6 July,
1801, married David Hills, of East Hartford; she
died 3 April, 1847, aged forty-six years. Celia, born
I Feb., 1804, married Henry Robbins, of Wethers-
field, and died in 1886, aged eighty-two years.
William, born 22 Sept., 1806, married Eliza H. Har-
ris 12 May, 1830, and died 14 March, 1886, aged
eighty years. Sarah Treat, born 21 July, 1809, mar-
ried John Loveland, and died 3 Dec, 1873, aged
sixty-fcur years. Francis H., born 19 April, 1812,
died 2 Dec, 1854, at Brattleboro, \'t., aged forty-
two years. William Talcott was deacon of the First
Congregational Church in \\'ethersfield. A drug-
gist by occupation.
(IX) William Talcott, son of Deacon William
Talcott and Amelia Hanmer, his wife, born 22 Sept.,
1806, married 12 May, 1830, Eliza H., daughter of
Thomas Harris, of Wethersfield, born 10 April,
1806, died 31 March, 1883, aged seventy-seven
years. He died 14 March, 1886, aged eightv years.
Children: William Hanmer, born 17 Feb., 1831,
married Charlotte F., daughter of Charles Church,
of Hartford. Francis Hanmer, born 3 March,
1833, married Ellen Sophia, daughter of Nathaniel
Prudden, of Hartford, 16 June. 1856. No issue.
He died 30 Oct., 1893, aged sixty years. Thomas
Harris, born 23 May, 1835, is a resident of New
York City. Elizabeth Amelia, born 3 Feb.. 1838,
was married 23 Nov., 1864, to James T. Smith, born
4 May, 1833. Marshall Decatur, born 3 Oct., 1840,
married Alice Benedict, of Marshall, Mich. Dewitt
Clinton, born 3 June, 1842, died 25 Aug., 1886, with-
out issue, aged forty-four years. Cecelia Augusta,
born 8 Nov., 1845, married George Smith, of W'eth-
ersfield. Harriet Ella was lx)rn 3 Alarch, 1849.
William Talcott, father of this family, was born antl
reared in Wethersfield. By occupation he was a
builder of houses. He and his wife celebrated their
golden weding May 12, 1880, all their children sur-
viving. He was a representative to the State Legis-
lature in 1847, and was Colonel of the ist Regiment,
National Guard.
(X) Major Willi.vm Haxmer Talcott,
born in Wethersfield 17 Feb., 1831, married
5 Nov., 1861, Charlote F., daughter of Charles
Church, of Hartford, born 31 Jan., 1836. Issue:
Charles Church, born 15 Aug., 1862, died 28 June,
1866, aged four years. William Church Talcott,
the second son of ]\Iajor William H. Talcott, was
born 21 Feb., 1872. IMajor William Hanmer Tal-
cott, son of Col. William Talcott, of Wethersfield,
was educated in the town schools of Wethersfield,
leaving there in 1848. He served an apprenticeship
of four years with Allen S. Stillman, to learn the
trade of book-binding in Hartford. After this
service he was employed at wages by Edmund Hunt,
or others, until i860, when he bought the bindery
of Horace E. Goodwin, and began business for him-
self. Ten years later he bought the bindery of
his former master, Capt. Allen S. Stillman, which
was established in 1798, it being the oldest in the
State. His brother Francis was in partnershij) from
1870 until his death, in 1893. This successful busi-
ness of forty years has resulted in a wide and favor-
able acquaintance. With his active business life
he has found time for other service : Two years ;n the
city council, three terms on the board of aldermen
(never missed a meeting and but once its opening).
The Major is a Democrat in politics ; an active mem-
ber of the Methodist Church : a trustee of the Y. M.
C. A. ; a member of the executive committee of the
Connecticut Bible Society ; a menber of Trumbull
Council, National Provident Union ; a councillor in
the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America ;
major commanding in 1S78-79 the Fiist Company,
Governor's Foot Guards, chartered 10 Oct. 1771 ;
and a member of the Connecticut Historical So-
ciety.
The Major has some interesting family papers
in his possession, among them being a Colonial writ
that has been passed down in the family for over
130 years, coming to cur subject with the papers
of his father, who in turn received it from his fa-
ther. It was issued 19 Nov., 1769, in favor of Jo-
seph Talcott, who was treasurer of the Colony of
Connecticut from 1756 to 1769, and was a son of
Gov. Joseph Talcott, who was :-t the head of the
Colonial government for seventeen years from 1725.
Joseph Talcott had received judgment against Sil-
vanus Phelps, of Hebron, for £8-10-05. not includ-
ing the costs of the court, amounting to 8s.. 6d.. the
judgfment being obtained before John Ledyard. of
Hartford. The constable who served the writ was
168
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Samuel Gilbert, Jr., of Hebron, then a part of Hart-
ford county, and the document bears his signature.
In want of mone}-, goods or chattels, satisfying the
judgment, the sheriff of the town was commanded
to take the body of the said Silvanus and him com-
mit unto the keeper of the gaol in Hartford, in the
county aforesaid, within the said prison, who is like-
wise hereby commanded to receive the said Silvanus,
and him safely to keep until he pay unto the said
Joseph the full sums above mentioned. The Major
also has the commission of Ensign Samuel Talcott
to command the trained band, dated Hartford lo
May, 1735, and signed Joseph Talcott, Gov. of Con-
necticut Colony, by his Honour's Command, Geo.
Wyllys, Sec.
John Talcott and his son-in-law, William Wads-
worth, seized the Charter of Connecticut given by
Charles II, and secreted it in the oak tree in Hart-
ford afterward known as the Charter Oak.
Golden Wedding — Fiftieth anniversary of
the marriage of Col. William Talcott and wife. —
1830-1880. There was an exceedinglv pleasant gath-
ering at the residence . of Col. and Mrs. William
Talcott, of Wethersfield, on Wednesday evening, it
being the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.
Their eight children were all present with
their families, viz. : IMajor William H. Talcott and
wife and son ; Francis H. Talcott, wife and daugh-
ter, of Hartford; Thomas H. Talcott (unmarried),
of New York; Mrs. James T. Smith, husband and
children, of Wethersfield ; Marshall D. Talcott, wife
and daugliter, of Chicago; Dewitt C. Talcott and
wife, of New York; and Misses Cecelia A. and
Harriet E. Talcott, of Wethersfield. There were
also present a sister of the Colonel, Mrs. Henry
Robbins, and Miss Jane Harris, sister of Mrs. Tal-
cott, both of Wethersfield, besides a large number
of relatives. The only regret of Col. Talcott and
family was that their residence was not sufficientlv
large so that they could have invited every relative
and friend of the family to join with them on this
festal occasion. The reception room was prettily
trimmed with flowers and running vines. Between
the two windows was the monogram "T-H" on a
golden shield, made of flowers, and on the curtains
of the two windows were 1830-1880, also made of
flowers. William Talcott and Miss Eliza Harris
were married by Rev. Dr. Tennev, then pastor of the
Congregational Church of Wethersfield, 12 May,
1830. There are several notable things of interest
connected with this occasion. The contracting
parties were born in the same year ( 1806). No mem-
ber of the family has been removed by death. Mr.
and Mrs. Talcott have lived in the same house
nearly fifty years, a house erected on ground that
has always been held by the Talcott family ; and this
anniversary not only comes on the same day of the
month of their marriage, but the same day of the
week. A written invitation to the wedding was ex-
hibited Wednesda}' evening, which reads as
follows ;
Wethersfield, May 10, 1830.
William Talcott's compliments to Mr. John Loveland,
requesting the favor of his company at Mr. Thomas Harris's
on Wednesday evening, at 7 o'clock.
Yours, etc.,
William Talcott.
After some time had been passed in social inter-
course, the assembly was called to order by Major
William H. Talcott, the children standing near the
parents in a group, when Major Talcott addressed
his father and mother in well fitting words, thank-
ing them for their kindness to their children through
these years, and expressing the love and regard
which they have for them, and in closing presented a
purse of gold to the parents. Col. Talcott, although
taken entirely by surprise, said that he had no word.^
at command which could express his feelings. It
was more to him to meet with his dear eight chil-
dren upon that occasion, and to feel that they had
never brought a stain upon the family, than gold.
Major Talcott then called upon his pastor. Rev. C.
C. Lasby, of the North Methodist Church, Hart-
ford, who read a specially appropriate poem.
The reading of the poem was followed by ex-
ceedingly appropriate remarks by Rev. W. W. An-
drews, of Wethersfield, Rev. Howard S. Clapp, pas-
tor of the Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, and Rev.
Amasa Howard, of the Baptist Church, in which
the kindest sentiments were expressed. Congratu-
latory letters v/ere received from several friends from
abroad, expressing regret at not being able to be
present, as follows: From Gen. James T. Pratt, of
Wethersfield, who was detained by sickness ; 'Mrs.
J. W. Brockway, of Elmira, N. Y. ; Capt. Ed. W.
Kirk Talcott, of Morgan Park, 111. ; Rev. A. C.
Washburn, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; L. A. Talcott, of
Chicago, 111. ; and Samuel Broadbent, of Philadel-
phia. On the invitations to this anniversary it was
written "no presents," notwithstanding which there
were many valuable presents given, and the elegant
collation served by Habenstein was beyond criti-
cism, consisting of chicken and lobster salads, fric-
assee and escalloped oysters, creams and ices in
fancy forms, jellies, charlotte de russe, loaf cake,
angel cake, fancy ornamented cake, mottos, confec-
tionery, fruits, cofTee, lemonade, etc. The tables
looked elegantly trimmed with flowers and orna-
mented with a new set of china of rich design, which
was used upon this occasion for the first time. The
refreshments were served in a large tent in the yard,
which' was a novelty and was much enjoyed.
Through the courtesy of President Goodrich, of the
Wethersfield horse railroad, two special cars were
furnished to convey the Hartford guests home,
where they arrived at i a. m.
William Church Talcott, the second son of Major
William H.. Talcott, born 21 Feb., 1872, entered at
an early age the city Arsenal school, from which, at
the age of fifteen years, he entered the Hartford
Public High School, his object and purpose being
to acquire a business education. He gave one
year's time and study at that school, at the age of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1G9
sixteen }-ears enteruig Wilbraha:n Academy, Wil-
braham, Mass., from which institution he graihiated
after one year, receiving his dij^lonia. He then, in
the pursuit of his original plan, engaged with his
father and uncle (firm of William H. Talcott &
Bro.) to learn the business of book-binding. His
untimely death occurred 19, Dec, 1892. He was a
member of the North Methodist Church and Sun-
day-school : was librarian for a number of years ;
an usher in the church ; and a member of the
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor,
having held the office of secretary and treasurer.
He was a member of the Y. M. C. A., and of the
Y'oung Men's Athletic Association. The funeral of
Willie C. Talcott, the only son of Major William H.
Talcott and Mrs. Talcott, took place 23 Dec, 1892.
Prayers were said at the house, after which services
were held at the church at 2 :30 p. m. The pastor,
Rev. H. O. Judd, officiated, assisted by Rev. J. E.
Holmes, of Seymour, Rev. David C. Dov/ney, of
Stamford (former pastor of this church), Rev. A.
H. Meade, of Meriden, and Rev. John Cromlish.
During the services the flag a^ the Arsenal school
Avas at half-mast out of respect to his memory. Ex-
tended obituary notices appeared in all the Hartford
daily papers, Courant, Times, Evening Post, Tele-
gram, and Globe (weekly). The large attendance
of friends from far and near, with beautiful floral
•ofiferings, gave evidence of the sympathy and respect
toward the bereaved parents, and love for the young-
man whose short earthly life now ended had been
so full in noble aspirations and generous activities.
JOHN A. CRILLY, adjuster for the Hartford
Street Railway Co., former county commissioner,
alderman, present member of the common council,
and a politician of local note and influence, is one
of the well and favorably known men and charac-
ters of the Capital City, in which he has figured
■conspicuously for more than a third of a century.
Mr. Criliy was born April 22, 1847, in Pike
River, Canada, son of William and Martha (Mc-
Cormick) Criliy, natives of Ireland, the father born
Jan. 18, 1805, and the mother March 8, 1807.
They were married in Ireland, and in 1836 came to
Canada, locating in Pike River, where he was occu-
. pied through life as a wheelwright. Both were
members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Criliy died Jan.
9, 1887, and she on July 17, 1886. Their children
were as follows: Thomas, born May 8, 1836; Mary,
born July 29, 1838, who married Allen Hageboom,
of Canada; William, born July 18, 1840; Sarah J.,
iDorn Aug. 12, 1842, who married Henry Spears, of
Pike River; James, born Oct. 3, 1844; John A. and
Martha, twins, born April 22, 1847 ; and Robert,
born June 6, 1849, who died Dec. 10, 1852.
John A. Criliy passed his boyhood in the place
of his birth, remaining at home until about fifteen
years of age, and attending the common schools of
the place. After this for a time he was employed
at farm work, and when fourteen years of age, in
1861, he came to Hartford, in which city he in 1865
became employed in the blacksmith shop of the
Hartford Street Railway Co. At that time horses
only were used as motive power. Shortly after en-
tering the services of this company Mr. Criliy be-
came foreman of the stables, and had charge of the
outgoing and incoming teams, and also the care of
the yard. Later, his ability in various lines was rec-
ognized, and he became acting superintendent, and
materially aided President Goodrich in much of the
company's general business. He had the employing
and discharging of men, and matters pertaining to
their affairs. At the time of the change from
horse-power to electricity, Mr. Criliy was entrusted
with the sale of the horses. He continued in the
position of acting superintendent until 1895, by
which time the road had so enlarged that the office
of adjuster was created, and from our subject's ac-
quaintance and thorough knowledge of the business
affairs of the company he was made that officer. He
has the adjusting of all claims for damages against
the company, a position requiring a peculiar fitness,
which Mr. Criliy seems to possess, as he has suc-
ceeded admirably in all matters of the kind which
have come to issue since the creation of the office.
With but few exceptions he has settled all claims
made, and in each of these exceptions a verdict has
been obtained for the company;, in this he has no
doubt saved the company mucla money, and his ad-
judication of these claims have always been most
satisfactory to all parties concerned.
Mr. Criliy 's political affiliations have been with
the Republican party, and in its councils he has
figured not a little. Genial, social, and possessed
of tact, he is popular, and a good mixer of men — a
make-up of the kind that makes a good political
leader. He has long been before the public, his fel-
low citizens of Hartford having frequently elected
him to offices of trust, honor and responsibility, and
as often has he discharged the duties of the same in
a manner most satisfactory to them and to his own
credit. He has served six years continuously in
the common council of Flartford, to which he was
re-elected in 1900, and eight years as a member of
the board of aldermen, and at this time is the oldest
member in point of service. \\'ith one exception
Mr. Criliy has served longer in that body or as
alderman than any other man now living in the
city, serving under Mayors Joseph Sprague, (Gov.)
Bulkelev, (Gen.) Dwight, John G. Root and Alex-
ander Harbison. He was three years a selectman,
a position he resigned to take that of county com-
missioner, which office he held for tv.-o years. For
twenty years Mr. Criliy has been chairman of the
Fourtli 'Ward Republican Committee, and he has
also served occasionally on the ward and town
committees.
Socially, too, Mr. Criliy is prominent and in-
fluential, being a member of St. John's Lodge, F &
^ M.: Pythagoras Chapter; Wolcott Council;
Washington Commandery, No. i. K. T. : Sphmx
Temple, Mvstic Shrine; Hartford Lodge, No. 82,
I. O. O. F.', in which he has passed all the chairs
170
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and is past noble grand; Midian Encampment, in
which he has held a number of official positions;
the Knights of Pythias ; the B. P. O. E. ; the An-
cient Order of United Workmen ; and B. H. Webb
Council, No. 702, Royal Arcanum. He is also a
member of Putnam Phalanx. Mr. Crilly was one
of three who took medals for twenty-five years of
continuous service in the Odd Fellows fraternity.
On May 22, 1879, Mr. Crilly was married to
Louisa A., daughter of Capt. John and Antoinette
(Goodrich) Smith, and the union has been blessed
with children as follows : John A., Jr., born June
13, 1885 ; Martha A., who died when ten months
old ; and Mabel Smith, who died when eight months
old.
Capt. John Smith was a farmer and river man.
He had a family of three children : William E. ;
Louisa A. ; and Isabella, who married Capt. San-
ford A. Griswold, of Hartford. The father and
mother are now both deceased, she living to be
sixty-nine years old. William Smith, the grand-
father of Mrs. Crilly, was a native of Wethers-
field, Conn., born March 17, 1782, son of James
and Sarah (Hanmer) Smith. His father was one
of the early settlers of Wethersfield, and planted
(or set out) the twig from which has grown the
giant elm tree on Broad street, Wethersfield.
William Smith married Hukla W^oodhouse, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Abigail Woodhouse, the former
a Revolutionary soldier ; his widow drew a pension.
GEORGE ^L AVAY. There are few of the
older generation of Hartford's residents who do
not remembr George Al. Way, and many are in-
debted to his cool head, sagacious judgment and
far-seeing business foresight for advice, freely and
cheerfully rendered, which has redounded to their
pecuniary profit. His career, viewed from a busi-
ness standpoint, was eminently successful, inas-
much as he began life penniless, and died owning
a large fortune.
Mr. Way came to Hartford in 1831, a young
man of twenty-three years, having been born in
Colchester, Xew London county, Nov. 12, 1808,
son of William and Demice (Packwood) Way.
His father was a farmer, and by trade a plane
maker, and the young man was "trained in both
pursuits. His educational advantages were good
for the period, his attendance at the district schools
bemg supplemented by a course at Bacon Acade-
my, then a famous school, where he was a class-
mate of many men who afterward became eminent,
among them the late Lyman Trumbull, erstwhile
senator from Illinois. These opportunities were
not thrown away upon a youth of his talent and
aptitude. The habits of study and observation
formed in boyhood remamed with him through life,
and until he passed into the unseen world he never
failed to note and weigh current events. His first
employment in Hartford was as clerk for Leonard
Kennedy (afterward his father-in-law), whose store
stood upon the site where he himself afterward
carried on business for many years, and which is
now occupied by his sons. Even then lie dispb.y^d
that tenacity of purpose and power of self-control
which, in his after life, was so conspicuous. He
received from Mr. Kenned}^ for his first year's
work $600. By dint of rigid economy he was able
to carry this sum home intact, and offer it to his
motheir. Finding that it was not needed in the do-
mestic econoni)', he brought it back with him to
Hartford ; and this small amount, deposited in the
Phoeni.x Bank, constituted the financial nucleus of
his fortune. The word financial is used advisedly,
since he owned a more productive capital, in the
form of hard sense, quick perception and tireless
energy. In 1840 he acquired an interest in the
business, which after a few years passed wholly
under his control. In commercial life he seemed
incapable of fatigue. Always the first at the store
in the morning, he was the last to leave at night,
devoting his evenings to the inspection of his books
of account, a task which not infrequently extended
far into the night. How the business developed,
under his watchful, judicious supervision, consti-
tutes a part of Hartford's commercial history. No
detail was too trivial to fix his notice ; and it is said
of his memory that he was able to tell — among
nearly 3,000 accounts — on which side the balance
stood on each account and to fix that balance to a
nicety. The extent of his business necessitated carry-
ing a large stock, filling not only his store on Mam
street, but also the rear buildings and additional
warerooms on Kinsley street. In addition to the capi-
tal invested in his business he had large and valuable
holdings in real estate, besides being a stockholder
in various solid, dividend-paying corporations.
He owned farms in Bloomfield, on Talcott Moun-
tain, in Windsor, and in other localities, having
probably over 700 acres of valuable land in Hart-
ford county alone. Although unassuming, and
modest in dress, demeanor and mode of life, he
was a man of powerful personality, rarely failing
to exert an influence over those with whom he
came in contact. His mental grasp was broad and
firm, and capable of comprehending and fathoming
schemes of vast magnitude. Among Jiis warmest
personal friends were E. M. Reed, superintendent
of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad,
who was wont to consult him on matters of grave
import ; and the prominent merchants, Henry Keney,
Charles Brainard (president of the State Bank),
James Goodwin, and Robert Buell, the latter a
merchant tailor, and later an extensive stock bro-
ker. These gentlemen frequently gathered in each
other's offices, remaining often late into the night.
Mr. Way died at his home on Windsor avenue Oct.
5, 1882, some two years after the death of his wife.
May 21, 1880, leaving an estate valued at over half
a million dollars. In his early life he was a Whig,
and in later years a Republican, although never
taking an active part in politics. In religious faith
he was a Congregationalist, being an attendant at
the Central Church, of which Rev. Dr. Hawes was
£x,n0e /m.O^,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
171
pastor. He was a lover of fine horses and Alder-
ney cows, of which he owned a large number. His
wife, Miriam F. (Kennedy), was born March i8,
1804. She bore her husband three sons : Samuel
L., born July 13, 1833; George L., May 21, 1835;
and William K., May 19, 1837. The youngest died
Jan. 18, 1887.
George L. Way was educated in the district and
high schools of Hartford, having among his precep-
tors Rev. Thomas K. Beecher. After graduation he
entered the store of his father, whose wish was
that he should become a merchant. In September,
1862, he enlisted in Company I, 22d Conn. V. I.,
serving about ten months. On his return home
he became associated with his father, in the capa-
city of confidential manager, which relation sub-
sisted until the demise of the latter. Since that
event he has devoted his time to the management
of his own extensive business interests.
On June 15, 1876, Mr. Way married Miss Sarah
Jane Smith, a daughter of James Smith, of Hart-
ford. Five children have been born to them : A.
Sidney, Henry P., Leonard D., Howard D., and
Helen C. Mr. Way attends the Universalist
Chiirch.
DANIEL ANSON MARKHAM, who has been
engaged in the successful practice of law in Hart-
ford for the past sixteen years, and has also become
well known in the city in other connections, was born
Dec. 29, 1854, in Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn.,
and comes of a family long established in this State.
His great-grandfather, John Markham, was ,?. sol-
dier in the Revolution. Hiram Markham, son of
John, had a son Daniel Niles, who married Mary
Skinner, and resides in Chatham. They were the
parents of our subject.
Daniel A. Markham prepared for college under
private tutors, was graduated from Wesleyan Uni-
versity, I-'iddletown, Conn., with the class of 1897,
and subsequently studied law in Middletown with
Arthur B. Calef and D. W. Northrop. In 1882 he
was admitted to the Bar in Middlesex county, but
since 1884 he has followed his profession in Hart-
ford, where he has won high rank among the mem-
bers of his profession and as a citizen. The resi-
dents of his adopted city gave substantial evidence
of their appreciation of his worth and confidence in
his ability by electing Mr. Markham, a few years
after his settlement in Hartford, to the position of
recorder in the city court, in which he served from
1891 to 1893. His able discharge of all the duties
connected with that incumbency elicited the ap-
proval of all concerned. Mr. Markham's reputation
as a legal adviser is of the highest.
In 1889 Mr. Markham married Miss Grace
Goodrich, daughter of Samuel G. and Annie ( But-
ler) Goodrich, and three children have been born
to them, as follows: Daniel Goodrich,- Dec. 12, 1890;
Margaret, Jan. 21, 1893 (died Dec. 9, 1895) ; and
John Anson, Nov. 15, 1894.
ROGER WELLES was born at Newington
March 7, 1829, the sixth child and second son of
Roger and Electa (Stanley] Welles. Mr. Welles
attended the district school and the academy in
Newington, also the academies at Madison, Conn.,
and East Hartford, and later Williston Seminary, at
East Hampton, Mass., where he fitted for college. He
taught a district school in the Belden district in West
Hartford during the winter of 1846-47, and "board-
ed round." In 1847 he entered Yale College, and
graduated in the class of 185 1, after which he en-
tered his name as a student in the law office of his
uncle. Judge Martin Welles, in Hartford, some part
of (the time being occupied in teaching in Madison
and his native town. He was admitted to the Bar
in October, 1854, and had a desk in the law office
of Judge Francis Parsons. He was appointed en-
grossing clerk of the Legislature at its May session,
185s, and acted as reporter for the Hartford
Courant of the doings of the House of Representa-
tives during that session, Thomas M. Day, Esq.,
being the editor of the Courant at that time. In Sep-
^tember of that year he went to St. Paul, Minn., anf[
entered into a law partnership with William P.
Murray, Esq., of that ciity. In the fall of 1856 he
was taken sick with remittent fever, and, being ad-
vised to have a change of climate as the best medi-
cine, he returned home for the winter of 1856-57.
In the spring of 1857 he went back to Minnesota
with restored health, locating at Henderson, Sibley
county, where the United States Land Office had
just been established, and entered into partnership
with Martin J. Severance, Esq., practicing law
mostly before the land office. On June 16, 1858,
he married, at Prairie du Chien, \Vis., Mercy D.
Aiken, daughter of Lemuel S. and Sarah (Coffin)
Aiken, of Fairhaven, Mass. They have seven chil-
dren, as follows: (i) Martin, born April 15, 1859,
graduated at Yale in 1882, and is now doing busi-
ness in New York City; on June 12, 1888, he mar-
ried Mary Amelia Patton, and they have three chil-
dren. (2) Mary Crowell, born Nov. i, i860, grad-
uated at Smith College, Northampton, ^Nlass., in
1883, and is now an instructor there. (3) Roger,,
born Dec. 7, 1862, graduated at the Annapolis Naval
Academy in 1886, and is now a lieutenant in the
Navy. (4) Sarah Aiken, born Dec. 2, 1864, died
Nov. 3, 1870. (5) Edwin Stanley, born Sept. 5,
1866, graduated at the Berkeley Divinity School, at
Middletown, in 1892. (6) Lemuel Aiken, born
Nov. 18, 1870, graduated at Yale in 1893, and is
now a lawyer in New York City. (7) Grace
Mather, born May 12, 1874, graduated at Miss
Burnham's School, Northampton, Mass., in 1893, and
on Sept. 3, 1895. married H. Leonard Beadle: they
have one son.
In the spring of i860 j\Ir. Welles returned to
Connecticut and entered into partnership with Judge
Martin Welles, who died Jan. 18, i863._ He was
chosen a representative from the town of \\"ethers-
field in 1864 and 1871, and during the session of the
172
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
legislature in the latter year secured the passage of
an Act incorporating Newington, which had before
been a parish in the town of Wethersfield, as a
new town. On June i, 1874, he entered into part-
nership with Hon. William W. Eaton and his son,
in law practice, continuing thus for several years.
On iMay i, 1889, he was appointed financial clerk
of the United States Patent Office at Washington,
D. C, where he continued until Sepit. i, 1891, when
he was transferred at his own request to the office
of the Assistant Attorney-General in the Interior
Department, remaining till* he resigned, July i,
1893. He has since practiced his profession in Hart-
ford.
Mr. Welles became a member of the Congrega-
tional Church in Newington May 3, 1868, and was
clerk of the Ecclesiastical Society from Nov. 5.
1867, to Oct. 24, 1887 : superintendent of the Sun-
day-school from Dec. 31, 1868, to Jan. 4, 1873. He
published the Church and Society Records in the
"Annals of Newington," in 1874. Various town
offices, as those of selectman, assessor, justice of the
peace and grand juror, have been held by him.
For several years he was chairman of the committee
of the Hartford County Bar,, for the examination
of candidates for admission to the Bar, until he
resigned, in 1889.
WILLIAM A. CROSBY was born in East
Glastonbury, May 20, 1846, and was educated in
the common schools and \\'ilbraham (Alass.)
Academy, finishing a't the age of eighteen.
The name Crosby means "town of the Cross."
The termination "by" in English towns is a Danish
form of burgh, bury br borough. The towns so
called are found in great numbers where the Danes
formed their settlements, principallv along the sea
coasts of northern England. Undoubtedly the
first of the Crosl^y family to com© to America was
Snnon, who, when twenty-six. years of age came
to_ this country in the "Susan and Ellyn," with his
wife Ann, aged twenty-five years, and their voung
son Thomas. He became a freeman in Cambridge',
Mass.. in 1636, later was one of the selectmen,'
and died in 1639. He was a wealthy man, and
undoubtedly brought 'considerable money with him
to America. He left three children. His widow
afterward married Rev. William Thompson, of
Braintree.
Edwin Crosby, the father of our subject, was
born in Ellington, Conn., in 1816, and was left
an orphan at the tender age of two and one-half
years. Being deprived of his parents at such an
early age, much of the family history has been
lost. He made his home with an uncle upon a
farm in Ellington until fourteen years of age, dur-
ing which time he attended school only a few'short
months in the winter, but he was a very studious
"boy, ^ and much of his education ' was obtained by
reading in the evenings after his day's work was
•done. At the age of fourteen he left the home of
his uncle to make his own way in the world, and
went to Rockville, where he was employed in the
dye department of the woolen mills for some time.
He then came to East Glastonbury to accept the
position of superintendent in the mills owned by
Sereno Hubbard, and in that capacity was connected
with the mills until the death of Mr. Hubbard,
when he purchased an interest in the business and
became a silent partner. Subsequently the firm
bought the Eagle Mills, in Eagleville (now Addi-
son), Conn., and for two years they conducted
both, the finishing of the product of the old mill
being done in Eagleville. The mills at East Glas-
tonbury were then known as the Roaring Brook
Mills. Financial reverses overtook the company,
and the mills in Eagleville were sold. They began
anew in East Glastonbury, but it required some
months before matters were properly adjusted.
Later Mr. Crosby assumed full control of the mills,
which he ran with profit, and continued in active
business until 1884, when he was succeeded by his
sons, Alembert O. and Lincoln E., but poor health
obliged the latter to retire from business shortly
afterward. The father died April 12, 1888, after
a gradual decline of about ten years, and was
buried in East Glastonbury cemetery. He was a
man of medium height and weight. A faithful
member of the East Glastonbury Methodist Episco-
pal Church, he was very active in all its afifairs, and
was a large contributor to same. He served as
class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday-
school for a number of years, and whether the
weather was good or bad he was always in his pew
on the Sabbath-day. He was very domestic in his
habits, and was a lover of home and family. As a
business man he was very thoroug'h in his under-
takings, was frank and open, and kind to his em-
ployes, many of whom had been in his employ for
several vears, and made a great effort to please
him. He was a man of strict integrity, was a con-
stant reader, and broad-minded and liberal in his
views. If he had had better educational advant-
ages in youth he would undoubtedly have become
a very prominent man. He was a stanch supporter
first of the Whig and later of the Republican
party, and represented Glastonbury in the State
Legis'ature.
For his' first wife Edwin Crosbv married Al-
truda Andrews, a native of Glastonbury, and a
daughter of David and Honorra ( Sparks ) Andrews.
She died Dec. 5. 1843, leaving two children: (i)
Lincoln E., born April 10, 1840, died Aug. 25, 1890
(he married Sarah E. Strong, and they had four
children, Edwin Hugh, who married Ethel L. Clark,
and is engaged in the newspaper business in Glas-
tonbury; Grace A.; Eva A.; and Florence V.);
(2) Adario, born July 4, 1843, died Feb. 22, 1894
(he wedded Mary Cory, and they had one daugh-
ter, Cora, now the wife of a Mr. Webb, of Holyoke,
Mass.). For his second wife Mr. Crosby married
a sister of his first, Harriet Andrews, who was born
^t
^^^
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
173
Oct. 7, 1826, and died Jan. 5, 1899. Slie was a
good Christian motlier, and a kind and loving neigh-
bor. By the second union there were tliree children :
William A. ; Alenibert O., a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere ; and Ada, now Mrs. David Gordon, of
Hazardville, Conn., who cared for her mother in her
declining years.
William A. Crosby commenced work with T.
Steele & Co., of Hartford, and learned the jeweler's
trade, remaining about eight years in all. In 1868-
6c) he was in the jewelrj^ business in Chicago, work-
ing for A. H. Miller & Co. In 1869, after return-
iiip- from Chicago, he was employed in the. office of
E. Crosbv & Sons as bookkeeper in their Hartford
olifice, whicli position he filled some five years. After
withdrawing from that position he went into the
jewelry business in Holyoke, 2\Iass., and there was
associated with him his brother Adario, doing busi-
ness under the firm name of William A. Crosby &
Co. Two years later W. A. Crosby sold his interest
in the business to his brother Adario, who afterward
carried on the business alone. In 1881 W. A. Crosby
entered the insurance business in the city of Hart-
ford, continuing same some nine years, and in 1890
he came to East Glastonbury and entered the Crosby
Manufacturing Co., in which he is a stockholder.
He acts as inspector and shipping clerk. Mr. Crosby
is a Republican, but he has no taste for political
life. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order,
holding membership in Lafayette Lodge, Hartford.
On Sept. 2, 1869, ]Mr. Crosby married Miss
Alice I. Rodda, who was born April 25, 1850, daugh-
ter of James and Harriet (Thomas) Rodda, and
they have had one son, Albert W., born Nov. 13,
1870, who was educated in the Hartford Public
High School and the Xew York Dental College,
receiving the degree of D. D. S. from the latter.
He is now practicing his profession in New London,
Conn. He married ]\Iiss Isabel Seldon Darrow, of
New London.
WILLIAil :M. HUDSON. M. D. The Hudson
family has been prominently identified with Hart-
ford for several generations, and Barzillai Hudson,
the great-grandfather of the well-known physician
whose name opens this sketch, was at one time ed-
itor of the Hartford Courant. Barzillai Hudson
came from Bridgewater, Mass, and married for his
second wife Hannah Watson, the owner of the
Courant. By his first wife. ]\Iargaret Seymour,
daughter of Gov. Zebuloii Seymour, he had one son,
William. She was buried in Hartford cemetery.
William Hudson, our subject's grandfather, died
at the age of thirty-nine years. He married Mary
Skinner, and had two sons: Barzillai; and William,
our subject's father. Barzillai Hudson was born in
Hartford Feb. 28, 1794, and died March 28, 1871,
in his seventy-eighth year. He spent his boyhood
days in Hartford, and engaeed in the furniture and
auctioneer business with his brother on Main street,
opposite Pratt, under the firm name of B. & W.
Hudson. He was the first president of the Phoenix
Life Insurance Co., and was active in public life,
being director of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at
the time of his death,, and for many years served
as alderman. Pie was a member of the Center
Church. He was married in Hartford to Eliza
\\ oodbridge, daughter of Ward Woodbridge, of
Hartford, and they made their home in a pleasant
residence on Pratt street. They had ten children,
eight of whom reached maturity : \\'ard Wood-
bridge, who died in 1864; -Mary Woodbridge and
Alfred, both deceased; Charles, who died in 1897;
Eliza, widow of Mr. Pirie, of -Milwaukee ; Frank, de-
ceased ; Julia E., a resident of Hartford; and Gren-
ville j\i., who lias been connected with the Phceni.x;
Life Insurance Co. for thirty years.
William Hudson (2j, our subject's father, was
born in 1803, and died in 1879. For some time he
was engaged in the printing business as a meniuer
of the firm of Hudson & Skinner, his office being
opposite Center Church, and later he and his brother
formed the partnership mentioned above. Fie was
a member of the Governor's Foot Guard at one time,
and as a citizen was highly esteemed. Fie married
Anna Miller, a native of Bloomfield, daughter of
Rev. William Fow.ler Milter, of that town, and they
had the following children : \Villiam Miller, our
subject; Anna Jane, who married F. W. Russell,
of Hartford, and died in 1895 ; and Regina ]Miller,
who married Leverett B. Englesby.
William M. Hudson spent his early years in
Hartford, and was one of the first students to com-
plete a course in the Public Fligh School of that city,
where he graduated in 1849. The same year he en-
tered Yale College, taking the academic course, and
graduating in 1853, and in 1855 he was graduated
from Jefferson ]\Iedical College, Philadelphia. He
then studied for two years in Paris, and in 1857
began practice in New York City. For some time
he was connected with the Northern Dispensary.
In 1862 he was appointed, by Surgeon-General
Hammond, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. A. ^^'hile
he was in the service his family removed to Hart-
ford, and after his return from the army he prac-
ticed there until 1869, when he was appointed fish
commissioner. This office he held for twenty-five
years, and from 1881 to 1891 he was a member of
the shell-fish commission. He is a stockholder in
the New Y'ork, New Haven & Hartford railroad,
and has been for twenty years stockholders' auditor
of same. He was the first treasurer of the Colonial
Club, and is now one of the vice-presidents of the
American School for the Deaf, and vice-president
of the Cercle Francais. For many years his influ-
ence was recognized as a potent factor in municipal
affairs. He is chairman of the executive commit-
tee of the Republican Club, and served two years
in the board of aldermen and five years in the com-
mon council, of which he was president for a time.
He was also a member of the City, County and State
j\Iedical Societies.
Dr. Hudson was married in Philadelphia ^lay
174
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4, 1858, to Miss Ellen Hieskell Bryan, and they have
three children: William M., Jr., resides in New
York City; Frances Bryan .married William M.
Storrs, and resides on Columbia street, Hartford ;
Regina Miller married Frederick P. Holt, of the
Hartford Trust Co., and they have one son, Lucius
Hudson Holt, who is a member of the class of 1902,
Yale University.
JAMES H. BREWSTER, manager at Hartford
of the United States branch of the Scottish Union
and National, and the Lion Fire Insurance Co.,
of London, England, was born in Coventry, Tolland
Co., Conn., Dec. 24, 1845, ^-^d descends from one
of the most ancient of New England families, as will
be seen by the family tree at the close of this article.
James H. Brewster was educated in Coventry
and Hartford, and after leaving school clerked for
two years in Pease & Foster's store, in the latter
cit}^ In 1867 he entered the office of the Connecti-
cut Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford, and manifested
so great an aptness for the business that he was ad-
vanced rapidly, and in 1873 had reached the position
of assistant secretary. On Nov. i, 1880, when the
late Martin Bennett was Appointed to the position
now held by Mr. Brewster as manager of the United
States branch of the Scottish Union and National,
the latter became assistant to the former, and on the
death of Mr. Bennett succeeded, Jan. i, 1900, to the
management, the two gentlemen having been asso-
ciated together in the insurance business for up-
ward of thirty years.
The ten generations of the Brewster family in
America are traced to England as far back as 1560,
and may be given as follows :
(I) Elder William Brewster was born at Scroo-
by, England, about 1560, and the history of his life
in connection with the "Mayflower" and the Ply-
mouth Colony is too well known to need repetition
here.
(II) Jonathan Brewster, also born at Scrooby,
married Lucretia Oldham, resided for a time with
the Pilgrims in Holland, and in 1621 came with his
family in the "Fortune" to Plymouth, Massachu-
setts.
(III) Benjamin Brewster, born in Duxbury,
Mass., in 1633, moved to Pequot (now New Lon-
don), Conn., in 1648, and in February, 1659, mar-
ried Ann Dart. In 1668 he was chosen deputy to
the General Court, in 1673 was appointed lieutenant
in the New London county military forces, and was
later promoted captain. In 1686 he was again ap-
pointed deputy to the General Court.
(IV) William Brewster, born in March, 1669,
in Norwich, Conn., married Jan. 8, 1692, Elizabeth
Reed, who died March 11, 1692; his second wife
was named Patience. About 1701 he removed to
Lebanon, Conn., where he died on his faim Aug.
II, 1728.
(V) Peter Brewster, born in Lebanon Feb. 17,
1706, married Feb. 18, 1730, Mary, daughter of
Stephen and Elizabeth Lee; she was born Dec. 19,
1713, and died Sept. 17, 1784. About 1737 Peter
Brewster removed to Coventry, Conn., having pur-
chased of David Lee, Aug. 27, of the same year, a
farm in the North parish of that town. Peter
Brewster was a hatter by trade, and undoubtedly
also a farmer. On Nov. 30, 1786, when over sev-
enty-nine years of age, he married for his second
wife Miriam Barnard. He died in January, 1802,
and she in 181 8.
(VI) Jacob Brewster, born in Coventry, Conn.,
in 1742, married Delia, daughter of Stephen and De-
liverance (Rust) Taylor. She was born May 23,
1750, and died Oct. 20, 1835. The death of Jacob'
took place March 31, 1823.
(VII) Shubael Brewster, born April 14, 1769,
married April 24, 1704, Asenath, daughter of Noah
and Submit (Cooke) Porter, for his first wife. She
was born July 8, 1766, and died May 21, 1814. For
his second wife Shubael married Cynthia Wing
Kingsbur}', who died March 27, 1856. He died
June 17, 1862.
(A^III) Henry Augustus Brewster, born in Cov-
entry, Conn., July 23, 1817, married Fannie S.
Badger Dec. 10, 1844.
(IX) James H. Brewster, whose name opens
this article, and whose nativity has been mentioned,
married in Brooklyn, N. Y., Mary E. Folts.
(X) James H. Brewster, Jr., born June 7, 1882,
is now ( 1900) a member of the Freshman class in
Yale University, New Haven.
PHILO W. NEWTON has been successfully
engaged in the drug business in Hartford for over
a quarter of a century, and in that and various con-
nections is well known in the city, of which he is a
native, born Dec. 10, 1849. He is a son of Philo
S. Newton, grandson of Daniel Newton, and great-
grandson of Solomon Newton.
Philo S. Newton was born in Shrewsbury, Mass.,
and there engaged in the gunsmith's business until
1840, when he removed to Hartford, Conn., and em-
barked in the same line. Here he passed the re-
mainder of his daj^s. He married a Miss Pelton,
of Wethersfield, Conn., and they had a family of
two children : Anna C, Mrs. Hawley, of Hartford ;
and Philo W., whose name introduces these lines.
Philo W. Newton was reared and educated in the
city of his birth, attending the public schools during
his boyhood, and in 1866 took up the vocation in
which he has since been engaged, being with Wood-
ruff & Curtiss, at the corner of Charter Oak and
Main streets, until 1868. In that year he entered
the employ of E. S. Sykes & Co., the "Allyn House"
drug store, corner of Asylum and Trumbull streets,
with whom in 1872 he entered into partnership, the
firm becoming Sykes & Newton. This partnership
ended in 1885, since when Mr. Newton has con-
ducted the business alone, enjoying a profitable
patronage. He has, by strict attention to the wants
of his customers, courtesy and reliability, gained an
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lib
enviable reputation, and his success has been well
deserved, having been won by hard work and con-
stant devotion to the demands of his business. Mr.
Newton is a member of the City, State and Amer-
ican Pharmaceutical Associations, is a member of
the Hartford Business Men's Asociation, and is
also well known in social organizations, being a
member of Lafayette Lodge, No. loo, A. F. & A.
I\L, of which he is now a past master; of Wash-
ington Commandery, Knights Templar, of which
he is past commander; and of Sphinx Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. For many years he
was a member of the C. N. G., serving for eleven
years as hospital steward of the First Regiment,
and he is a member of the Hartford City Veteran
Guard.
Mr. Newton was married in 1890, in Worcester,
JSIass., to Mrs. Angelia (Holden) Thompson, a na-
tive of Worcester, Massachusetts.
CHARLES EDWARD HUNGERFORD, fore-
man in the case department of the E. Ingraham
Co.'s works in Bristol, is a native of that city, born
Aug. 4, 1845.
The Hungerfords are of English origin, and
trace their ancestry back to Sir Thomas Hun-
gerford, who was in 1377 the first regular Speaker
of the House of Commons. He died in 1398.
James Smithson was a son of Hugh Smithson, the
first Duke of Northumberland, and his mother was
J\larv Hungerford. He never married, and wiKed
all his property to his nephew, Henry Hugerford,
if he had issue, "either legitimate or illegitimate."
Otherwise it was to goto the LTnited States, to found
an institution for the diftusion of knowledge, to be
called the Smithsonian Listitution. Hence the ori-
gin of the famous institution located in Washington,
D. C. The amount given was over $500,000. In
England there are two almshouses, existing at the
present time, which were endowed and founded by
the Hungerfords before 1450.
(I) Thomas Hungerford, the first of the family
in the New World, doubtless came to this country as
a mariner. In 1639 he owned a three-cornered lot
of an acre, with a house thereon, in Hartford, Conn.
In 1 65 1 he moved to Pequot, now New London,
Conn,, and shortly afterward cleared the land where
the fort now stands. He died in 1663, leaving
three children: two by his first wife — Thomas, aged
about fifteen years ; Sarah, nine years ; and Hannah,
born ;\Iay i, 1659.
(II) Thomas Hungerford had children as fol-
lows : Thomas, John, Green, Elizabeth, Susanna,
Sarah and Mary. He died between Jan. 11 and
Feb. 5, 1713-14, aged sixty-five or sixty-six years.
(III) Thomas Hungerford, of Haddam, Conn.,
married Elizabeth Smith, and they had children:
Hannah, Thomas, Benjamin, Elizabeth, John, David
and Samuel.
(IV) Capt. John Hungerford, born March 4,
171 8, was married Dec. 27, 1739, to Deborah Hun-
gerford, daughter of j(jhn Hungerford. She died
before March 6, 1745, as on that date he married
Lucy, his second wife, who died Feb. 10, 1798, aged
seventy-seven years. By the first union there were
two children : Levi and Thomas. To the second
marriage were born: Oliver, Uriah, Amasa, Deb-
orah, John, Lucy, Elizabeth, Huldah and L)-dia.
Capt. liugerford was (juite prominent in military
affairs. In 1751-52 he moved to Farmingtun, and
in May, 1754, was appointed, by the Assembly, en-
sign in the Sixth Company, or "train-band," of that
town. In May, 1757, he was appointed lieutenant of
the "train-band" in the parish of New Cambridge,
now Bristol (formerly in the town of Farmington),
and in May, 1758, the Assembly appointed him cap-
tain of the same. The same month the Assembly
appointed him captain in the army, in the First
Regiment. He died in Southington Dec. 24, 1787,
and his remains lie in the old cemetery at Plain-
ville, Hartford county. The epitaph on his grave-
stone is as follows :
Behold and see as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare lor death and follow me.
{Y) Thomas Hungerford, born July 19, 1742,
died in 1810. Fle served as a captain in the Revo-
lutionary war. On Oct. 29, 1764, he married (first)
Naomy Moody, born in 1746, who died in 1769.
His second wife was Elizabeth ^Mathews, who died
in February, 1819. The children born to the first
marriage were Chloe, Sabra and Zenos. To the sec-
ond union came : Cynthia, one that died in infancy,
Street, Sylvia, Evits, Elavil, Levinah, Alma, Street,
Sheldon and Naomi.
(VI) Evits Hungerford, grandfather of Charles
E., was born in the town of Bristol, Conn., Oct.
29, 1777, and was a lifelong farmer in that locality.
He was also a blacksmith, and worked at the trade
for years. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, in
religious faith a consistent Methodist, and the first
piece of timber taken from his land was used in the
building- of the Methodist church in Bristol. He
was a charter member of Franklin Lodge, F. & A.
M. On Sept. 23, 1810, he married Annah Peck, of
Burlington. Conn., born Sept. 14, 1789, and chil-
dren as follows were born to them : Leander G.
(a sketch of whom follows), \\'illiam Ellis, Rev.
Charles Lyman (he died in 1845, i''' Brookh^n, where
he was a ]\Iethodist preacher), Louisa Amy, and
Caroline Sally. The father of these died Sept. 17,
1867, the mother June 20, 1881.
(VII) Leander Grandison Hungerford, father
of Charles E., was born July 12, 181 1, in the town
of Bristol, Conn., and died there Dec. 2, 1853. He
was a general "trucker," dealt in wood, and also
during a part of his life was engaged in farming,
and became quite well-to-do. He was an Old-line
Whig, and an active member of the ^Methodist
Church. On April 13, 1836, Leander G. Hungerford
176
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was married to Jennett Jones, of Bristol, and they
liad torn- children: (ij Sarah, born Dec. 3, 1837,
married (tirstj Lyman Webster, of Harwinton,
Conn., and (seconaj Wallace Blakeslee, of Bristol,
Conn.; she now lives in Hartford. (2J William
Ellis, born in 1839, died in 1841. (3) Chaides E.
is our subject. (^4) Henry Wells, born May 20,
1847, a sketch ot whom appears elsewhere. The
mother of these died Oct. 7, 1848, and on Feb. 10,
1849, the father married Jennett Andros, who was
born in Farmington, Conn., July 9, 1817, and died
in 1891, the mother of one child, Annah J., born
May 13, 1852, who was married May 13, 1868, and
died April 18, 1884, in ^tlichigan.
Charles E. Hungerford, the subject proper of
these lines, received a common-school education, and
at the age of fifteen commenced working on his
grandfatUer's farm, where he remained until he was
seventeen years of age ; then for ten years found
emplo)'ment on various farms in the neighborhood
of Bristol, after which, in 1872, he entered the em-
ploy of the E. Ingraham Co., for some eighteen
months working in various departments ; was engi-
neer for eleven years, after which he was appointed
to his present position, that of foreman of the block-
ing up or sawing division of the case department
in the works, having under him about twenty-five
hands.
On May 15, 1870, Charles E. Hungerford was
married to Ida Adaliza Stone, born April 14, 1849,
in Bristol, Conn., a daughter of Horace and Eme-
line (Bristol) Stone, and one son, Henry Edward,
was born to them Xov. 3, 1872; he graduated from
the Medical School of Yale University in 1898, and
is now practicing medicine in Waterbury, Conn.
On March 27, 1899, he married Shirley Serviss,
of Grass Lake, ^Michigan.
Mr. and ]Mrs. Charles E. Hungerford are mem-
bers of Prospect ^I. E. Church, and Mrs. Hunger-
ford is identified with the Ladies Aid Society. In
politics Mr. Hungerford is a Republican, and so-
cially is respected and esteemed by all who know
him.
HON. ALE.MBERT O. CROSBY, now chief
manager of the Crosby JNIanufacturing Co., of East
Glastonbury, makers of woolen goods, is one of the
leading citizens and prominent men of Glastonbur}',
and is also well known and influential throughout
the State.
Mr. Crosby is descended on both sides from
among the earlier emigrants to come to New Eng-
land. Simon Crosby, the founder of the Crosbys in
the United States, JDom in 1609, in England, came
to America when twenty-six years of age, in the
"Susan and Ellyn," with his wife, Ann, and their
young son Thomas. Simon became a freeman in
Cambridge, ]\Iass., in 1636. His death occurred in
1639.
From this emigrant ancestor our subject is a de-
scendant in the ninth generation, his line being
through Thomas, Simon (2), Samuel, Increase,
Capt. Benjamin, Benjamin (2) and Edwin Crosby.
Edwin Crosby, the father of our subject, was
born in Ellington, Conn., in 1816, and was left an
orphan at the tender age of two and a half years.
Tie made his home with an uncle upon a farm in
Ellington until fourteen years of age, during which
time he attended school only a few short months
in the winter, but he was a very studious boy, and
much of his education was obtained by reading in
the evenings after his day's work was done. At
the age of fourteen he left the home of his uncle to
make his own way in the world, and went to Rock-
ville, where he was lemployed in the dye department
of the woolen mills there for some time. He then
came to Glastonbury, where he was employed in the
Eagle Mills. Later on, in connection with Sereno
Hubbard, he purchased mill property in East Glas-
tonbur}-, and they were engaged together in the
manufacture of cotton and woolen goods until the
death of Mr. Hubbard. Thereafter, associated with,
his son, Lincoln E. Crosby, Mr. Crosby continued
in active business until 1884, when he was succeeded
bv his sons Alembert O. and Lincoln E. In the
meantime the senior Crosby had come into possession
of the Eagle Mills, and built another. Lincoln E.
Crosby, owing to poor health, was obliged to re-
tire in 1888. The business in 1881 passed into the
hands of a joint-stock company, and has since been
so operated.
Edwin Crosby, after a gradual decline of some
ten years, died April 12, 1888, and was buried in
the East Glastonbury cemetery. He was a man of
medium height and weight ; was a faithful member
of the East Glastonbury Methodist Episcopal
Church, was very active in all its affairs, and was
a large contributor to its support. He served as
class -leader and superintendent of the Sunday-
school for a number of years, and whether the
weather was good or bad he was always in his-
pew on the Sabbath day. He was very domestic
in his habits, and was a lover of home and family.
As a business man he was very thorough in his un-
dertakings, was frank and open, and kind to his
employes, many of whom had been in his employ
for many years, and made a great effort to please
him. He was a man of strict integrity, was a con-
stant reader, and broad-minded and liberal in his
views. He was a stanch supporter first of the Whig"
and later of the Republican party, and represented
Glastonbury in the State Legislature.
Edwin Crosby married (first) Altruda Andrews,
a native of Glastonbury, and a daughter of David
and Honorra (Sparks) Andrews. She died Dec.
5, 1843, leaving two children: (i) Lincoln E.,
born April 10, 1841, died Aug. 25, 1890. He mar-
ried Sarah Strong, and they had lour children — •
Edwin Hugh, who married Ethel Clark, and is en-
gaged in the newspaper business in Glastonbury;
Grace ; Eva A. ; and Florence. (2) Adario E., born
July 4, 1843, died Feb. 22, 1894. He married Mary
Cory, and they had one daughter, Cora, now the-
r*?^^^^^^^^^^|
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
177
wife of Ernest We'bb, of liolyoke, Mass. Edwin
Crosby married (second) Harriet Andrews, a sister
of his first wife. She was born Oct. 7, 1826, and
died Jan. 3, 1899. She was a good Christian mother,
and a kind and loving neighbor. To the second
union were born three children : ( i ) William A.
married Alice I. Rodda, and lives in Glastonbury.
Tliey had one child, Albert W., now a dentist of
Xew London, Conn. (2) Alembert O., our subject,
is next in the order of birth. (3J Ada married, Nov.
14. 1899, 'David Gordon, a prominent manufacturer
of Hazardville, Conn., and is a resident of Hazard-
ville, Conn. She cared for her mother in her de-
clining years.
Alembert O. Crosby, our subject proper, was
born April 24, 1848, and was educated in the dis-
trict scliools of Glaston'bur}' and at Wilbraham
Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., completing the course
there in 1866. As his father had determined his
knowledge of cloth manufacturing should be secured
bv practical experience he went to Windsor, Conn.,
after leaving school, and entered William W. Bil-
lings' factory, where he was employed about three
years. Lat-er he worked in factories at Meriden,
\\'aterbury and Rockville, and then returned to
East Glastonbury, but ill health obliged him to
give up work for a few years. In 1876 he entered
his father's mill, where he was employed as boss
weaver, engineer and machinist until 1880, when he
became superintendent, and held that position until
1888, in addition to being one of the proprietors
from 1881. In 1888 he quit mill \york, and has
since served as head manager of the company. The
Crosby Mills were built in 1840, by the Roaring
Brook Manufacturing- Co., for making cotton and
woolen goods, and William C. Sparks was agent
until its dissolution, in 18^7, when the mill passed
into the hands of Edwin Crosby and Sereno Hub-
bard, and was operated by them during the period
of the Civil war with great profit, having been con-
siderably enlarged. After the death of Mr. Hub-
bard it passed to E. Crosbv & Sons, now the Crosby
^Manufacturing Co. Steam power has been put in,
as well as the latest and best machiner}^, and a very
excellent quality of goods is made. The place has
been greatly improved by the enterprise and putlic
spirit of its proprietors. They employ a large num-
ber of men, and have done much to promote the
prosperity of the village. In addition to his busi-
ness propertv our subject owns a number of dwell-
ing houses in East Glastonbury.
In 1876 Mr. Crosby was united in marriage
with Miss Abbie M. Bunce, a native of South Man-
chester, and a daughter of Charles and Aurelia
( Strickland ) Bunce. Thev had two children :
Azella, who was bom in 1879, and died Dec. 20,
t886; and Lysle, who was born in 1880, and died
Dec. 28, 1886.
As a Republican Mr. Crosby has taken an active
and prominent part in political affairs; in 1891 he
was a representative to the State Legislature, and
served on the Fishery committee; and in 1895 was
12
a member of the Senate, and served on the Military
and Forfeited Rights committees. While he was
serving as Senator the much discussed East Hart-
ford Bridge Bill was passed, and the location of the
bridge was in his district. There was much opposi-
tion to the bill, and as he favored it, and was ap-
pointed one of the commissioners, he made a num-
ber of enemies at that lime, but time proved the
good results of his attitude, and in 1899 he was
chosen bridge commissioner by his town (Glaston-
bury) by a unanimous vote. His advice is often
sought on matters of public inportance, and he takes
an active part in furthering any enterprises for the
good of his town and community. He is a mem-
ber of the East Glastonbury Methodist Episcopal
Church, a leader and large supporter of the same.
He is a good business man, of sound judgment and
strict integrity, is plain and outspoken, and quite
popular in the community where he has so long made
his home.
On his mother's side our subject is a descendant
of John Andrews, one of the earl}- settlers of what
is now Hartford count}'. He and his wife were
born (supposedly) in the County of Essex, Eng-
land. Mr. Andrews was made a freeman in Hart-
ford in 1658; he was one of the eighty-four pro-
prietors of Farmington, Conn., in 1672. He was
a farmer by occupation, and a plain though intel-
ligent gentleman. He and his wife became members
ot the Congregational Church in 1654. He died in
1681, and his widow in 1694. From this emigrant
ancestor our subject's line of descent is through
John, Stephen, Charles, David, David (2) and Har-
riet (Andrews) Crosby.
GEX. ALEXANDER HARBISOX, mayor of
the city of Hartford, stands prominent among the
best known politicians and business men of the State
of Connecticut. He is a native of the North of Ire-
land, born I\Iarch 31, 1842, in County Armagh.
Robert Harbison, father of our subject, also of
County Armagh nativity, was a free land holder,
and followed farming until coming to this country,
together with his wife and seven children, and
settling in Hartford Aug. 26, 1849. Here he died
exactly three years later — Aug. 26, 1852 — at the
age of fifty-four j-ears. He married !Mary Ander-
♦ son, of the same locality he himself came from, and
they had a family of eight children, seven of whom
reached maturity, six yet living : Jane, immarried ;
Hugh, who for many years was secretary and treas-
urer of Colt's Armory, up to 1894, when he re-
signed, and is now living retired ; William, who died
in the South, where he was a physician of prom-
inence, actively engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession for many years; John P., president of the
Hartford Gas Co., with which he has been connected
some forty years, having risen from the office of
clerk ; Alexander ; Lizzie, who married Thomas
Evans, secretary of the Hartford Gas Co. ; and
Robert, an attoi'nej- at law in Boston, and manager
for Massachusetts of the legal business of the Trav-
178
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL 'RECORD.
■elers Insurance Co., of Hartford. The parents of
this family were members of the Presbyterian
Church. I'he mother died in 1885, at the age of
seventy.
Alexander Harbison, ovir subject, came to this
•country when a boy, and has been a resident of Hart-
ford for half a century. He received his education
in the common schools and in the Hartford Public
High School, then took a jjosition with A. L. Sisson,
proprietor of the Union Market, and remained with
him up to 1 861, in that year resigning in order to
■establish the grocery firm of Harbison Brothers, his
brother Hugh becoming his partner. This business
they successfully conducted for twenty years, or
until 1 88 1, when, owing to the serious mjuries our
subject received through a runaway horse, they
sold out the business, at that time the largest in the
citv, giving employment to ten clerks, and tor a num-
ber of years doing a trade of $150,000 per annum.
After recovery from his accident, our subject for
three years engaged extensively in real-estate and
building transactions. In 1886 he took the general
.agency, for the State of Connecticut, of the New
\ ork Life Insurance Co., which he has since con-
ducted, doing a large business, and having a num-
ber of agents in different parts of the State.
Gen. Harbison's political career has been a re-
markable one. For the past thirtj'-five years he
has taken an active part in the National campaigns,
and is thoroughly posted on all the great issues of
the day. In social lines he has met all the Presidents
from Lincoln down to the present time, was a close
friend of Garfield, and well acquainted with the
•others. As regards municipal offices, he was
•elected alderman in 1870, and served until 1874,
-during the last two years being president and acting
mayor. Later he served in the common council
four years, and' for two years was its president;
was ten years on the State central committee ; was
candidate for mayor in 1876, during the celebrated
State contest, in which there were two other candi-
dates— Judge Hammersly and Joseph H. Sprague ;
and in 1896 was again candidate for mayor. In 1878
he was candidate for senator against Charles M.
Pond, and was defeated by but a small majority,
after a contest lasting three days reducing the ma-
jority of Mr. Pond some 1,500 votes. In 1900 he
was nominated for mayor, against Hon. William'
Waldo Hyde, and was elected by a majority of about
3,500. carrying ever}^ ward in the city. His admin-
istration bids fair to be one of the most satisfactory,
to all parties, of any mayor who has been elected to
the office for many years. He gives more time to
the office than did any of his predecessors, and looks
-carefully after the interests of the city. He is ac-
'Cessible at all times, to ever}' one, regardless of
:station, and his frank, courteous and affable manner
makes him a universal favorite.
Gen. Harbison has taken a great interest in Na-
tional Guard matters, having joined the Hartford
Citv Guard in i860, and was an active member up to
1870, since which time he has been a member of the
veteran corps. He was appointed quartermaster-
general of tile State, on the staff of Gov. Bigelow,
and during his acUmnistration in this office purchaseci
the camp ground at Niantic. He also purchased
the first State Armory, having drafted the bill for
both of these appropriations, and was instrumental
in securing its passage through the Legislature.
The General is also a member of the Putnam Pha-
lanx, and has for a number of years been paymaster
on the staff, being now among the oldest members,
in point of service, of that organization.
Our subject has been connected with the turf for
a number of years, being secretary of Charter Oak
Park for five years, and president six years. This
is one of the most celebrated tracks in the New Eng-
land States, if not in the country. From the judge's
stand here for twelve years he started the horses at
the fall meetings, and he has acted as judge and
starter at the different National circuit meetings, also
upon the tracks of the different associations from
Maine to Kentucky, and moreover has started the
major part of all the great races that have been
trotted in the United States for the past twenty
years. He is well known in this capacity, has at-
tended four congresses, and drafted a large portion
of the rules governing the racing track, which rules
are now being used.
Socially Gen. Harbison is a member of St. John's
Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chapter; and Wol-
cott Council; and has been also member for over
twenty years of Connecticut Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; and
of Hartford Lodge of Elks, of which he is past ex-
alted ruler and now district deputy of the State of
Connecticut. He was a charter member of AVan-
gunk Tribe, Order of Red Men, and held all the
offices, including that of sachem of the tribe; and
is a charter member of Cutler Lodge, K. of P.
Highly respected by all in both business and social
affairs. Mayor Llai'bison is a man of whom the
citizens of Hartford may trulj' feel proud.
HON. EDWARD BUTLER DUNBAR, of
Bristol, is a native of that borough, born Nov. i,
1842, and is the head of the extensive factory con-
ducted by Dunbar Brothers. He descends from
one of the oldest Scotch-American families in New
England, a full recountal of whose line of descent
will be made at the close of this biography, in or-
der that the living members of the family may
have precedence, or, at least, the living and those
but recently deceased.
Edward Lucius Dunb.vr, father of Edward
Butler Dunbar, was born April 23, 1815, in Spring-
ville, Penn., of Connecticut parents, and shortly
after birth was brought by them to their native
State, in which he grew to manhood, and May 3,
1840, married J\Iiss Julia Warner, a daughter of
Joel and Lucinda Warner, and a native of Farm-
ington. To this marriage were born six children,
all of whom are still living, viz. : Winthrop W.,
Edward B., William A., Mrs. W. W. Thorpe, Mrs.
L. A. Sanford, and Mrs. George W. Mitchell.
^ x^
OOC-
'cLr/lul (M. MAmJt/I^ ^Zli^^
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
179
Edward L. Dunbar carl\- engaged in the man-
ufacture of clock springs and clock trim-
mings, after settling at Bristol, Conn. He was a
man of strict integrity, as well as of great public
.spirit and enterprise, erected several dwellings, and
while connected with the late Wallace Barnes in
the manufacture of hoop-skirts and crinoline steel,
in 1858, erected the present town hall, which for
many years went under the name of Crinoline Hall.
It was .through his influence that, in 1853, by a
subscription on the part of the business men, a
hand fire-engine was secured, and this was the nu-
cletis of the present efficient fire department. In
politics Mr. Dunbar was a stanch Democrat, rep-
resenting Bristol in the Lower House of the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1862, and died an honored and
respected man, Aug. 7, 1872, his wife surviving
him until May 29, 1886. The six children alluded
to above were born in the following order : Win-
throp Warner, Feb. 25, 1841 ; Edward Butler, the
subject; William Augustus, April 5, 1844; Alice,
March 28, 1847, married to W. W. Thorpe ; Julia,
April 18, 1849, married to Leverett A. Sanford, of
Bristol, July 3, 1878; and Eva, Nov. 4, 1852, mar-
ried to George W. Mitchell, of Bristol.
Edward Butler Dunb.vr, whose name opens
this series of biographies as applied to the Dunbar
family, after passing through the common schools
of Bristol, Conn., took a further course of instruc-
tion in the Williston Seminary, at Easthampton,
Mass., and in the spring of i860, before reaching
the age of eighteen years, left for New York City,
to assist the late William F. Tompkins in the man-
agement of the hoop-skirt factory of Dunbar &
Barnes, who employed from fiftv to seventy-five
hands in that branch of their business. Two ye^s
later, on the retirement of Mr. Tompkins to en-
.gage in other enterprises, young Dunbar was given
entire charge of the vast concern, and conducted
it with admirable discretion for about three years,
when fickle fashion ignored crinoline or hoop-
skirts, and the business was abandoned. After
having thus passed five years in New York, Mr.
Dunbar returned to Bristol, and has here since been
engaged in the manufacture of clock and other
small springs, as a member of the firm of Dunbar
Brothers. The business was originated by the fa-
ther of the present members of the firm, the pro-
cess being primitive, the hands numbering half a
•dozen, and the product being correspondingly lim-
ited. By the introduction of machinery, the firm
later turned out from 5,000 to 8,000 clock Springs
per day ; but still another change took place, as
clock-makers revolutionized their methods of con-
struction, and Dunbar Brothers made a similar
move, and now devote their attention to the pro-
duction of small springs onlv, of which they turn
out millions annually.
Politicalhr Mr. Dunbar is a Democrat, and for
many years has been a very heart}" worker for his
i">arty's interests, and prominent in its councils. He
has always held a supreme interest in public edu-
cation, and from the establishment of the high
school in Bristol has been chairman of its co n-
mittee, and takes great pride in it as the best school
in the State. He has held many other positions
of public trust, and in all cases has executed their
duties scrupulousl}-, and to the ur.disguised satis-
faction of liis fellow citizens. In 1809 and 1881
he represented Bristol in the State Eegislature,
and was elected State senator in 18S5, Irom the
Fourth district, and re-elected in 1887, thus serv-
ing two consecutive terms, or until 1889. Having
been a workingman himself, he still possesses a
warm sympathy for the laboring classes, and while
in the Senate was one of the most earnest advo-
cates of the weekl}- payment law, and of the child
labor law, in favor of both of vvhich he made for-
cible and eloquent speeches. In 1890 he was men-
tioned, and not infrequently, as a most desirable
candidate for Congress, but he most peremptorily
declined to permit his name to be used in that con-
nection. j\lr. Dunbar has been registrar of elec-
tions from the First district for twenty-six years
consecutively. He is president of the board of fire
commissioners of Bristol, and has been for the
past twenty years; when he was chairman the de-
partment had onl}- hand machines, but it now has
two steam engines. In 1891, when the Free Pub-
lic Library was first proposed, Air. Dunbar, with
others, at once took hold of the scheme, to place it
on a firm foundation, and was chosen president of
the organization, which position he still retains.
3ilr. Dunbar has also devoted a share of his
time to financial affairs, having been a director of
the Bristol National Bank since its foundation in
1875, lie ^"fl ^V. H. Nettleton being the only sur-
vivmg members of the original board ; he is like-
wise a vice-president and director in the Bristol
Savings Bank, and has served in these capacities
since 1889. He is president of the Bristol Board
of Trade, through the influence of which several
factories have been located in the borough. Mr.
Dunbar is a member of ihe Congregational Church,
and has served on the Society's committee six
years — four as chairman. For four years, be-
tween 1886 and 1890, he was president of the .Bris-
tol Young ]\Ien's Christian Association, and ear-
nestly worked for the benefit of the organization
in general, and the welfare of the younger mem-
bers especially : he is also a member of Reliance
Council, No. 753, Royal Arcanum.
The marriage of Hon. Edward Butler Dunbar
took place Dec. 23, 1875, to Miss Alice Giddings,
who w-as born July 8, 1854, and is a daughter of
Watson Giddings, the well-known carriage-maker
of Bristol. Of the three children that crowned
this marriage, the eldest, Mamie Eva, born Dec.
17. 1877. flied Jan. 18. 1881 : Alarguerite Louise,
born June 28, 1880, was graduated with honors
from "the Bristol high school in 1898, left Hadem
Hall. V.^indsor, in 1899. and is now attending the
Gardner, a special school for young ladies, in New
York: Edward Giddings, born Alay 20, 1889, is
180
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
attending the Bristol schools for the present. Mr.
Dunbar and his family, it is needless to add, are
among the most honored of the residents of Bris-
tol. They make their home in a dwelling erected
more than half a century ago by Chauncey Jerome,
the famous clockmaker. Nine years since Mr.
Dunbar remodeled this dwelling, added to it every
modern improvement, and converted it into one of
the most imposing and charming mansions in Con-
necticut, as well as one of the most refined and
felicitous of homes.
WiNTHKOP W-\RNER DcNR.VR, the elder bro-
ther of Hon. Edward B. Dunbar, whose biography,
for business reasons, is given the precedence, was
born in Bristol Feb. 25, 1841. Until seventeen
years of age he attended the schools of his bor-
ough, and then entered his father's factory. After
the death of the venerated parent he united with
his brothers, Edward B. and William A., in found-
ing the firm of Dunbar Brothers, mention of which
has already been made in full.
On May 3, 1862, Mr. Dunbar was happily
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Anna Wheeler,
born June 3, 1840, to Oliver Lepenwell and Lydia
Almira (Button) Wheeler, natives of Griswold,
Conn. To this marriage were born : Charles Ed-
ward, of whom an extended sketch will be given
later on; Alice May, born April 13, 1868, who is
married to Carl Virgil Mason, a dealer in real es-
tate ; Beatrice Estelle, born June 22, 1874, died
Aug. 29, of the same year. In politics ^^'inthrop
W. Dunbar is decidedly Democratic in his pro-
clivities, but has always rejected the many oppor-
tunities ■ for holding public office that have been
tendered him. In his fraternal relations he is a
member of Stephen Terry Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O.
F., of Bristol ; a member of E. L. Dunbar Encamp-
ment, No. 32, I. O. O. F. ; also of the Royal Ar-
canum :. and religiouslv he and his wife are devout
members of the Congregational Church.
Carl Virgil Mason was born Nov. 23, 1863, in
Unionville, Conn., a son of Charles L. and Frances
E. (Goodwin) Mason, the former of whom de-
scended from Capt. John Mason, deputy governor
of Connecticut, who, with his men, exterminated
the Pequot Indians near Norwich. Carl V. Mason
was educated in Unionville, and in 1883 came to
Bristol and engaged in the real-estate business,
which he still conducts at No. 5 North Main
sti'eet. His marriage with Alice Ma)' Dunbar took
place May 3. 1888, and to this union have been
born: Florence Frances, Julv 14. i88q, and 'Anna
Dunbar, June 11, 1893. In politics Mr. Mason is
a Republican, and fraternally is a member of Pe-
nuabuck Lodge, No. 48, I. O. O. F. ; E. L. Dunbar
Encampment, No. 32 : Franklin Lodge, No. 56,
F. & A. yi. : Pequabuck Chapter, No. 34, R. A.
M. : Doric Council. No. 24, of New Britain : Ethan
T:odge, No. o, K. of P., of Bristol; and Sphinx
Temole, of Hfirtford.
Charles Edwarj) Dunbar, son of Winthrop
Warner and Sarah Anna (Wheeler) Dunbar, was
born in Bristol Nov. 18, 1865, and was educated
in the common schools there, later attending. Wil-
liston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., and in 1887
he was graduated from Hannum's Business Col-
lege, at Hartford. He was then appointed to his
present position of superintendent.
On July 2, 1889, Charles E. Dunbar married
Miss Elizabeth Bulkley Nott, a native of Bristol,
and a daughter of William and Mary (Smith)
Nott, and on July 26, 1891, there was born to this
marriage Winthrop William Dunbar. Mr. and
Mrs. Dunbar are members of the Congregational
Church, in the faith of which they are rearing
their son. Fraternally Charles E. Dunbar is a
member of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, and of Hull Co.
L^niformed Rank, No. 5, Knights of Pythias, both
of Bristol ; he is also a member of Stephen Terry
Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., of the same borough ;
and of D. O .K. K., Hira Temple, No. 90, of New
Britain. In politics he is a Democrat, but is not
offensively partisan.
Hon. William A. Dunbar, the third child
born to Edward Lucius and Julia (Warner) Dun-
bar, and whose birth took place in Bristol April 5,
1844, received the ordinary common-school edu-
cation, and at sixteen years of age went to Water-
bury, where he served an apprenticeship at the
machinist's trade under Charles W. Johnson. Re-
turning to Bristol, he entered the employ of Dun-
bar & Barnes, with whom he remained until the
dissolution of the firm, in 1864. He then filled a
contract for making valise frames for Albert Ses-
sions, which occupied him about a year and a half,
after which he entered the employ of his father,
with whom he remained until the latter's death, in
1872. He and his brothers, Edward B. and Win-
throp W., then founded the firm, of Dunbar Bro-
thers, and in this firm he held a partnership until
1890, when ill health compelled him to withdraw,
since when he has not been actively engaged in.
any business.
Primarily Mr. Dunbar was in politics a Demo-
crat, and continued thus until 1896, when he cast
his vote with the Republicans, but in the meantime-
had done 3'eoman"s service for the Democracy, be-
ing chairman of the Democratic town committee
from 1876 to 1880; in 1879 he represented the
town of Bristol in the State Legislature for one
year ; has been assessor of the towi;, and a member
and clerk of the board of relief — with the excep-
tion of a few 3'ears — since 1877; from 1884 to 1895
he was deputy registrar of voters under his bro-
ther, Edward B. ; he was a member and chairman'
of the board of school visitors three years, from
1894 to 1896; from 1889 until 1901, except for a
break of two years, was district tax collector for
district No. i ; and has been chairman of the board
of borough assessors for the past two years. JXIr.
Dunbar has also served as chief engineer of the
fire department and as foreman of the Uncas en-
gine companv ; he is an incorporator of the Bris-
tol Savings Bank ; was also an incorporator and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
181
was largely instrumental in promoting the con-
stiuction of the present admirable waterworks
system of the town, superintending the plant until
completed ; he is now a director and vice-president
of the water company ; and is public-spirited in
all things.
William A. Dunbar was united in marriage
<-)ct. 4, 1865, with Miss Josie Hooker Sharpless,
who was born Jan. 9, 1845, a daughter of Stephen
and Huldah Sharpless, of Rochester, N. Y. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar has been blessed
with three children, born in the following order :
Nettie Louise, Aug. 16, 1866; Edward Louie, Nov.
I, 1869; and William Howard, May 23, 1875. Of
these, Nettie Louise was married Aug. 20, 1885,
to Dennis Andrew Upson, of Lmionville, Conn. ;
he is purchasing agent for the L^pson Nut Co., of
Cleveland, Ohio ; to this marriage have been born
two children — Hazel, April 14, 1887, and Doris
Adel, July 13, 1894. Edward Louie married Oct.
21, 1896, Miss Josie Adelaide Case, daughter of
Joel T. Case, of Bristol, and has one son — Joseph
Edward, born April i, 1898. He is mentioned
below. William Howard is a clerk in J. R. Mitch-
ell & Son's store in Bristol, and resides with his
parents. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
William A. Dunbar and wife are members of the
Congregational Church, and live in close accoid-
ance with its tenets and teachings. In 1888 Mr.
Dunbar erected his present fine residence on Main
street, and here he and his family enjoy the genial
society of a large and devoted circle of friends.
Edward Louie Dunbar, son of William A. Dun-
bar, attended the Bristol common schools until
eighteen years of age, after which he took a two-
3'ears commercial course in the Bristol high school.
He then passed a few months in the office of D. B.
Judd & Co., later becoming assistant bookkeeper
in the Bristol National Bank, and in a few years,
in 1888, was promoted to his present position of
bookkeeper. Mr. Dunbar also holds the agency of
four insurance companies, viz. : The Connecticut
Fire Lisurance Co., of Hartford ; the Firemen's
Fund Insurance Co., of San Francisco ; the In-
surance Co. of North America, of Philadelphia ;
and the Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance
Co., of Liverpool, England. He also represents
the ^tna Indemnity Co.. of Hartford. Frater-
nally Edward L. Dunbar is a member of Franklin
Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., of which he was senior
deacon one year. He is also chaplain of the P. ^^'.
L. S. Club, a social organization at Bristol. In
politics he is independent.
The family name of Dunbar, it is claimed, is
derived from that of the ancient Scottish city so
well known to history. In 1630 Robert Dunbar,
the first of the family to appear in America, was
liorn in Scotland, married Rose , and in
1655 settled in Hingham, Mass. It was the gen-
eral opinion that he brought monev enough with
him to begin life in the new country without em-
barrassment, as for vears there were but two men
in the place that paid a higher tax than he. It was
also the current belief that Robert Dunbar was a
descendant of George, Earl Dunbar, in the regu-
lar line. From a history given of one of the par-
ent stock, Dunbar of Grange Hill, it appears that
Ninian Dunbar was born in I575_, and it is proba-
ble, though not certain, that Robert was a son of
Ninian, as it was well known that Ninian, founder
of the Dunbar family of Grange Hill, had a son
whom he named Robert. Where Robert was mar-
ried, or what his wife's surname was, is not known.
He died Oct. 5, 1693, and his wife Nov. 10, 1700,
the parents of eight children, viz. : John, born
Dec. I, 1657; Mary, born Oct. 25, 1660 (married
Isaac Harris) ; Joseph, born March 13, 1662;
James, born June i, 1664 (married Jane Harris) ;
Robert, Jr., born Sept. 6, 1666; Peter, born Nov.
I, 1668; Joshua, born Oct. 6, 1670 (married Han-
nah Hatch Sept. 21, 1699) ; and Hannah — all born
in Hingham, Massachusetts.
John Dunbar, son of Robert, above mentioned,
married Mattithiah Aldridge July 4, 1679. This
lady, his first wife, was a daughter of George and
Catherine Aldridge, of Dorchester, Mass., and
mention is made by the town clerk that John Dun-
bar and family stopped in Hingham, }ilass.. May
16, 1697, whence they removed the same or the
following year to New Haven, Conn. Three chil-
dren were born to John and his first wife, viz. :
Susanna, Lydia and John. The second marriage
of John Dunbar took place July 24. 1700. to Eliza-
beth Beecher, of New Haven, and to this marriage
were born seven children, as follows: Elizabeth,
March 27, 1701, married March 12, 1730, to a Mr.
Schubert, a painter ; James and Joseph, June 28,
1703, both of whom died young; Joseph (2), Oct.
9, 1704; James, April 30, 1708; Lydia, Oct. i,
1714, married to Ebenezer Hull Aug. 31, i743»
and Ebenezer, born Nov. 9. 1718. After the death
of the father of these children his second wife, at
her decease, willed all her property to her own
offspring, and cut off altogether the children of
John Dunbar by his first marriage.
John Dunbar, son of John and Mattithiah Dun-
bar married Elizabeth Fenn June 14. 1716. She
was bom April 29, 1692. and was a daughter of
Edward and JMary (Thorpe) Fenn. who were mar-
ried Nov. 15. 1688. John Dunbar died May 13,
1746, and Airs. Dunbar died in 1751. the parents
of seven children, viz.: Mary, born Sept. 26. 1717;
Sarah, Feb. 7, 1719; Edward. April 9, 1722, mar-
ried Hannah Curtiss April 7. 1743; John, Sept.
28, 1724: Samuel, Dec. 18. 1726; Elizabeth. May
5. 1729; and Hannah, April 20, 1733,
John Dunbar, the son of John and Elizabeth
(Fenn) Dunbar, was born in "Wallingford, Conn.,
and to his marriage with Temperance Hall, who
was born in the same town April 16. 1727, si.xteen
children were brought into the world, of whom
the names of fourteen are still on record, viz, :
IMiles; Moses, who married Phoebe Jerome ^lay
30, I7'")4: Diniah ; Joel: Jolm : Aaron: Joel (2);
182
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lucina, who married Thomas Welcher Painter ;
John (2j ; Charity; Ada, who died April 12, 1812;
Mollie; David and Jonathan, born May 26, 1770,
on which last-named date the mother passed away,
and her remains were interred beside those of her
husband at Plymputh ; he had been one of three
commissaries in Waterburv chosen to furnish sup-
plies to the Continental army.
Miles Dunbar, great-grandfather of Hon. Ed-
ward B. Dunbar, was born probably in Walling-
ford or Plymouth, but removed to Oblong, N. \ .,
prior to 1818, as he is known to have drawn a
pension in that State. He married May i, 1779,
Tryphose Butler, who was born in \\''aAerbu,r)-,
Conn., May 15, 1759, and was a daughter of Isaac
and Rebecca Butler. To Mr. and Mrs. Miles Dun-
bar were born eight children, viz. : Isaiah, Clar-
issa, John, Lucretia, Butler, Jenas, Calvin, and Miles,
Jr. Miles, the father, was a fife-major during the
Revolutionary war, having enlisted March 31,
1777, at \\ aterbury. Conn., and serving until dis-
charged March 30, 1780, in New York. He had
become overtaxed at the battle of Monmouth, and
on his way home was taken sick at Newton, his
expenses being paid by the State, which State, as
has been mentioned, also pensioned him in 1818.
After the war he studied law with Esquire Butler,
his brother-in-law, at Pl}-mouth, and followed that
vocation the remainder of his life. In 1776 he
joined the Congregational Church at Plymouth,
and died in that faith in 18 — .
Butler Dunbar, grandfather of Hon. Edward
Butler Dunbar, was born in Plymouth, Conn., Feb.
I, 1791, and married Miss Lucina Painter, daugh-
ter of Thomas \\'elcher and Lucina (Dunbar)
Painter — the latter a sister of his father, Allies
Dunbar. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. But-
ler Dunbar were Edward Lucius, of whom full
mention has already been made ; William Butler,
born in Bristol, Conn., June 28, 181 1, who marr.ed
Mary Morrill in January, 1836; and Emily, who
was married to Charles Lindley, of Waterbury.
Butler Dvmbar was a musician in the war of
1812 tmder John Buckingham, and later was in
the clock business with Titus Merriam. He was
still quite young', however, when he removed to the
West and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
was an earnest worker in the Congregational
Church in the W'est, and long before his death,
which occurred Oct. 18, 1868, in Monroe town-
ship, Mahaska Co., Iowa, he bore the honorable
title of "Father Dunbar."
CAPT. RICHARD GRIMES. In the early
history of Wethersfield, long prior to the Revolu-
tionary period, and during the war, as well as sub-
sequently, that locality was the scene of maritime
traffic and business. At the shipyard by the cove
(located in what is now the town of Wethersfield)
were built many vessels, and a number were there
manned with guns for privateering during the Revo-
lution, and many too w-ere the able masters and sea-
men who commanded them. Among the vessels-
and commanders of the period were the privateers-
"Revenge" and "Drake;" the sloop "Hero," com-
manded by Justus Riley, Sr., an old West Indian,
trader, as were also his sons, Justin and Roswell;
Ozias Goodwin, of the schooner "Humbird ;" and
Joseph Combs, of the schooner "Experiment"; Capt.
Samuel Stillman, of the brig "Jason," and hi&
brother Capt. AUyn Stillman, who "did a large trans-
portation business for the State, and imported most
of the salt and some of the supplies for the war.
There, too, was Capt. Tryon, afterward an officer
in the Cnited States navy, and Capt. William Gris-
wold, of Rocky Hill, then a part of Wethersfield,
who owned the big "Minerva," built at the place,
and which had the reputation of being the stanch-
est vessel in the Colony, which vessel in 1775 was
chartered, an armament put upon her, and she
served as a vessel of war in State and naval service.
Born a few years later, just following the active
scenes of the Revolution, while yet the deeds of
daring and adventure of these heroes of th; war
were fresh in the minds and the talk of their elders,
and almost in the Rocky Hill shipyard, where no
doubt the prowess and the fashion of the war ships
was the topic of frequent discussion in their bear-
ing, as they played over and through the timbers
framing the later ships, and picked oakum while
thev listened to the "yarns" of the rope-makers in
the rope-walk, or were hiding in the sail loft, it
is not to be wondered at that the Grimes boj^s im-
bibed a taste for the sea, and sought its broad bosom
for occupation and home.
"Capt. Dick," as Richard Grimes, the subject of
this sketch, was familiarly called by all who knew
him on shipboard, was born in 1789 in the then
thriving village of Stepnev, a district or suburb
of Wethersfield, which for some time promised to
be the head of navigation when the large vessels
produced in its shipyard found difficulty in going'
higher up the Connecticut river. Indeed, it has
been said that but for the obstinacy of Capt. Dick's
grandfather, who, owning the major part of the
river front in Stepney, refused to sell the same,
even Hartford might have had a rival in this now
obscure town, set off from A¥ethersfield m 1726
as the parish of Stepnev: in 1826, by legal enact-
ment, it received the less desirable cognomen of
Rocky Hill — a name always a misnomer when
we consider the various villages on the river, whose
rocks made the one stone hill of this town appear
very poor and small, even when its tons of granite
towered in all their pristine but sod-covered gran-
deur ; and since lovers of good roads have bought
and crushed up the major part of this one "right
to the title" the name is more incongruous and
unwelcome than ever. Nevertheless, Rocky Hill
now stands, a peaceful, restful and picturesque
village, on the left bank of the Connecticut river.
But the birthplace of Capt. Dick — the little house
where his nine brothers and sisters and himself
were born^has given way before the march of
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IBiM
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
183
improvement. A railroad covers the ground where
it stood, and made the first attack on the name
"hill," skirting the base some miles, and at the
same time erasing the major part of the old rope-
walk and shipyard, where for many years ships
large and , small were built and subsecjuently
manned and mastered by the citizens of Stepney
and Glastonbury.
Shipbuilding, the fitting and outfitting of the
same, made for these two places lively and work-
a-day times. Business of all kinds flourished be-
cause of the maritime value of men and products.
-Most young men from both places followed the
sea, or wanted to, and their outfits, their ships,
and the cargoes they brought back furnished
raisoii d'etre for the several stores that then clothed
the river bank at Rocky Hill (then Stepney) and
did a brisk business in sail-cloth, paints, oils, sati-
nets, velvets and silks, many, perhaps most, of all
these things, and surely all the two if not the
three last, imported in those days. It is not many
years, when one sits down to think about it, that
American ladies have been able to deck them-
selves in American silks, and in the days of which
we are thinking gentlemen had the monopoly of
fashion plates and imported furbelows. These
were the days when men wore pumps and silver
buckles, if they were plain, every-day nabobs; if
they were grand gentlemen and rich these buckles
must be of gold, and jeweled, and, instead of plain
linen, cambric ruffles hemmed with stitches that
would put to shame the finest machine work, and
pleated with a nicety few "patent pleaters" can
equal, but all done by the fingers of mother, wife,
or sweetheart, that perhaps had also fashioned —
from the flax "raised at home," then spun into
thread and woven into linen, finally bleached on
the home lot. as ever}' previous process had been
done, and the dainty rufiles (these imported) —
the' linen shirt, each stitch taken by hand, that
should grace the satin "wescoat," velvet small-
clothes and swallow-tail blue coat, which, with silk
stockings — black for usual, white for the very fre-
quent balls — must set ofif the figure of every self-
respecting sailor when in port. How well the
writer remembers hearing from an old citizen of
Hartford a description of the garb of the subject
of this sketch, when the narrator, then a boy, and
native of Rocky Hill also, like all the boys far and
near, rushing to greet each incoming ship, would
go to the river to meet the brig "Marshall," Capt.
Dick, commander. Said he, "How mv eyes would
stand out when Capt. Dick appeared in the full
.glory of blue coat and brass buttons, a shirt frill
four inches wide, and full enough to fill in the
entire 'wescut' front. I tell you, the ladies in
those da}s could sew, and Capt. Dick's wife could
pleat ruffles. With black velvet knee breeches,
buckles at the knees, silk stockings to meet 'em
and patent leather pumps, buckles on them, too,
well, I just thought that next to general training-
being captain of a ship was the greatest thing on
earth. Well, that style of dress would do more
for a man than any other that was ever adopted."
.\.nd who that has seen it doesn't agree with this
criticism.^ I'.ut the picture as drawn of Capt. Dick
seems fanciful. Only as a grim old sea-dog did
the writer know him. .\. man of no frills, linen,
cambric or otherwise. Hut this was in the latlcf
years of his life, which were passed in the State
of Texas as a cattle raiser, where, although he did
not personally take any part in the business, until
he had passed the half-century mark, it was said
he would ride horses which younger men hesitated
to mount. His theory was, it would "puzzle a
mustang to pitch harder than a jolly-boat, and
anybody- who had ritlden the last for a lifetime
ought not to give in to the bucking of a pony."
Not so easy to get boat and saddle in to line did it
appear to one of the Captain's Mexican employes ;
crossing one of the treacherous creeks of his adopt-
ed State, a frightened horse necessitated going
up stream a little way, and pointing to a "dug out"
(an apology, for a skifi^, made from a hollow log)
Jesus (pronounced Hasoos) was dispatched to the
work. Willing, but with hesitation, the Mexican
picked up his oar, and under direction undertook
to paddle up stream, but the boat persisted in mak-
ing better headway stern-way, one should say
down stream, as impelled by the tide : having suc-
ceeded with his best effort only in turning round
a couple of times the [Mexican landed a few^ rods
below where he embarked, smilingly remarking,
"Ale no use't ride dis kind boss, me not like him."
And the Captain, as much amused, executed his or-
ders himself.
Used at all times to mixing with all kinds and
conditions of men, the Captain had the happy fac-
ulty of securing the friendly service of his em-
ployes, and rarely was called upon to exercise the
grim quality which his square lower jaw and deep-
set eyes indicated, the quality which all men who are
called upon to govern other men must possess, and
which nowhere is moreJmperative than in the life
of a ship's commander. Capt. Dick was just a
sailor. He claimed for himself nothing more. To
the end of his sea-faring life he was accustomed
to taking "regular watch," indeed to the end of his
life. The dozen or more years spent ashore, when
steam had taken the pleasure and profit out of
sailing craft, he still maintained the old habits ot
the sea as far as circumstances would permit. His
Texas house was on a peninsula, the bay within
ten rods of it on one side, and the Atlantic ocean,
for nearly half a century his "usual place of busi-
ness," within sight on the other side : and almost
any morning at 2 o'clock he could be seen at his
bedroom w-indow, with a spy-glass which had been
his close companion since he was a boy across his
knee or searching the horizon for a possible .sail.
There is no doubt the Captain was heart and soul
a sailor. He loved the sea, and it was said of him
by an East Hartford captain, himself a sailor of
note and a man who had made name and fortune
184
COMMEMOR'ATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at sea, that Capt. Dick was "one of the best cap-
tains who ever crossed the Atlantic, a man respected
by aU who knew him as thorough master of his
business, excelled in seamanship by none ; equalled
b_y few ; and an example to all for faithfulness to
the duty of the hour, and for his morality." Higher
praise could hardly be given, and it is of special
value, coming from a noble man, in the same pro-
fession, who was a lifelong acquaintance and knew
well whereof he spoke. Of special value too be-
cause of the experience which led up to such po-
sition and character. Capt. Dick started in to
make this record when he was ten years of age.
It was by no means to be supposed that he had at
that time any special goal in view beyond gratify-
ing the independence and courage which seem to
have been born in him, and which were evidenced
in all the acts and theories of his life. Deeds came
before plans and theories it would seem through
all his life pattern. It is not to hold this method
up for emulation, any more than one would coun-
sel all boys to run away from home, that these facts
are noted, but to show that given the old-fashioned
New England grit and steady perseverance, a good
life, a strong life, and one worthy of imitation
may grow out of even a bad beginning. A very
bad beginning we should each feel it, to look back
upon it with personal realization of its hardships.
The Captain's own comment upon it, "Whoever
begins life as second officer in the calaboose doesn't
need to inquire about the hardships of life," per-
haps needs interpreting to landsmen, and means
that the boy who fills that post, "cook's mate"
(which is the very lowest place a boy can have on
board a vessel), gets all the hard knocks every
one above him may feel like bestowing and is lia-
ble to get little else, unless he be of such a daring
and determined nature that he can fight his own
battles and command respect even in the hearts of
such as have little deference for anything save
brute force and manifest power. If earth affords
a literal Hell it should be found by a friendless boy
who starts out as a stowaway in an ordinary mer-
chantman of the days when Capt. Dick so tempted
fate. Those were the days of cat-o'-nine-tails and
belaying pins _ as forms of "moral suasion," the
days when even the indentin"ed sailor had no rights
the -officers were bound to respect, and the captain
was an autocrat. The merchant service was re-
cruited from the slums of all nations, and usually
the cook was "less than the least of all of these ;"
himself the butt and plaything of the entire crew,
more than likelv a superstitious savage or a half-
breed cut-throat, his gentle ministrations (?) would
not be likely to be in the nature of a word of en-
couragement for a homesick boy. The Captain
never was reminiscent of those days, and the im-
agination leaves little to be desired of detail. When
asked what started him to sea so early his replv
was, "Reckon I thought there were mouths enough
at home to feed without mine." There were ten
or eleven children. The records, save as births and
deaths are storied in the old burying-ground, are
scattered, and by no means well authenticated.
In the village graveyard the fact is indicated
on the old moss-covered tombstones that the
Grimeses, though now nearly all gone from the
community, for a number of generations dwelt in
the town. Among these inscriptions are Alexander
Grimes, died March 25, 1840, aged ninety-six
years, and Mrs. Mary Grimes, wife of Alexander
Grimes, and daughter of Capt. Richard Dunn, of
Newport, R. I., died Feb. 26, 1823, aged seventy-
five years. This couple were the parents of Capt.
Richard Grimes, their other children (record partly
from tombstones) being Hannah, who married
Harvey Dickinson, and died Sept. i, 1831, aged
sixty-two years (she was born in 1769) ; Polly, who
died' Jan. 3, 1843, aged sixty-six, married Elizur
Dickerson, who was born in 1772, and died May
8, 1848; Nathan died in 1796, at Lana Vaux, aged
twenty-two years ; Samuel died at Point Peter in
1794, aged seventeen years ; Henry died at An-
tigua in 1803, aged nineteen years ; Sophronia died
unmarried Aug. 29, 1861, at the age of eighty-
one (she was born in 1780) ; William, who married
Mary Jagger, was lost at sea in 1819, aged thirty-
seven years ; Roderick, born Oct. 3, 1786, died
Nov. 25, 1861, married Mary Ann Church, who
was born Sept. 21, 1793, and died Feb. 29, 1872.
Roderick was the only one of the sons to remain
to do business in Rocky Hill, where he was a mer-
chant, became the first representative of that town
in 1844, after its separation from the town of
Wethersfield, and died there in 1861, aged sev-
enty-five years. Of the sons, all except the young-
est, Roderick, and the eldest, Alexander, led a
sea-faring life, three dying in the West Indies
from yellow fever, while another, Capt. William
Grimes, lost his life on the sea, no tidings of him
or the vessel on which he sailed ever having been
received. This was one of the brigs "Marshall,"
of which Capt. Richard Grimes lost three. That
is to say, three brigs each bearing the name of
"Marshall" (the name of a favorite nephew, the
eldest son of his brother Roderick) were, by vari-
ous means, lost to Capt. Dick, although in all his
long experience as a navigator he never met with
an}' very serious wreck. Capt. AVilliam's loss, one
of those dreadful mysteries the sea will never
divulge, was doubly pathetic because he took his
brother's place, and doing so lost his life. It may
have been by fire, the ship may have foundered,
or, most harrowing thought of all, but very pos-
sible to the time, it may have fallen into the hands
of pirates. For those were days when more than
the ordinary terrors of the sea menaced the navi-
gator. Capt. William was the favorite brother of
Capt. Dick, and the uncertainty of his fate for
many years darkened the life of this brother in
whose place he died. Capt. Dick had fitted out
his vessel, and exoected to command her himself,
but his brother offered to take his place (some
matter of business making it expedient that Capt.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
185
Dick remainj, and so sailed to his doom. Inas-
Jiiucli as Capt. Dick was the youngest of all those
who followed the sea and had been the means of
■their all adopting that vocation, and in so doing-
all met their death, the fact that he continued to
go to sea himself, and replaced the brig "Mar-
shall" with another of the same name, proves that
he lacked one specific attribute of a sailor, that is,
superstition.
Of the Captain's elder brother Alexander noth-
ing seems to be known at the present time. A
famil}' tradition says "he married one Sarah ,
and lived at home with his parents until his wife
and himself died," whether in young manhood or
later there is no available record. The father, Alex-
ander, was a shoemaker by trade, but is said to have
been not at" all enamored of the calling, and aside
from the care of his hereditary acres (by this time
not numerous) spent most of his time arguing
against Calvinism, and that at a period when not to
believe in infant damnation was proof of innate de-
pravity sufficient to insure the condemnation of
the unbelie\-er. Anyhow, "Daddy Grimes," as he
was called, was nevertheless a close student of the
Bible, and while he differed with the orthodoxy of
his day and was denounced by it, he could make
his arguments felt. Airs. Alexander Grimes, the
Captain's mother, comes down in history as just
a plain farmer's wife, devoted to her family, and it
would seem that her kindly life and gentle influ-
ence were the restraining powers that went out
with her roving son to make of him the honest man
that all men respected. "A self-made man" he
surely was. beginning his career at ten.
Starting for himself in the world at an age
Avhen fortune's curled darlings are being led about
b}' a nursemaid, dressed in kilts, and onlv expected
to keep their kid slippers neat, Capt. Dick set up
"business for himself, minus any slippers at all, his
capital — entire stock in trade — one shirt and a pair
of breeks. The ten-year-old bov without shoes,
hat, coat or even handkerchief began to paddle
his o^vn canoe, and for three years was not heard
from. That he lived, prospered and made good
use of his time is proven in the fact that at twenty-
one he was master and owner of a brig. Eleven
years is a short time to master a business, accumu-
late a capital, and get to the top of one's trade.
E\'en with, capital, influence and regular training
it might be called good business to get from the
■ship's gallev to captain's office at twentv-one. But
to do that without aid from anyone, either of money
•or power, and better still to get there with a char-
acter of solid worth, makes the barefooted renegade
well worthy of consideration. Had he gone out
■strengthened by the safeguards of religious home
influence, had he been old enough to have gained
the solidit}- which a good education gives, or even
bad the trend of the times been then, as now, to-
ward refinement even in a sailor's duty, it would
be more easy to look for good results even in the
life of a barefooted stowawav. Or was there in
the rugged truthfulness of that day a helpful in-
tluence which the superficiality of later conventions
does not reach.' Ihis boy going cut from home
alone, withinit any uf life's "conveniences," thrown
intu the vilest association, with next to no educa-
tion, learns . geography by personal contact, im-
bibes history as a part of his business, acquires a
more than ordinary education in learning his trade,
and fits himself for association with the best class
of peiiple. His daughter has in her possession a
water-color painting ui the Captam, taken at a
dinner in Liverpool in 1818 by John Elihu (?),
while the Captain was not yet thirty. There were
present people of his own and other crafts who
were men of import, among them an artist, and
the picture was painted on a wager regarding the
celerity with which it could be done. But what
brought the runaway into such company ? It is
not the natural end of the truant to turn up master
of his trade ; nor does the lad who runs away from
school and home gain an entree to cultivated cir-
cles merely by crossing a few oceans and twenty
years' service on shipboard. This boy carried al-
ways a tender memory of his mother, and when
he died, at sixty-nine }ears of age, there was along-
side the gold compass some one had given him in
memory of valued service, and a few other treas-
ures, a poor little Didi-bag made of coarse blue
serge; it was the choicest thing there, his mother
made 'it for him while he was yet a young man.
His mother was one of the strong truthful women
so common to her time, self-reliant and independ-
ent. So was the Captain. It mattered little to him
what other possessions a man might have did he
lack manly independence. Always ready to help
the unfortunate, he had no sympathy with the in-
dolence and weakness that asks for unearned
money, and no respect for the man willing to be
supported in idleness.
Capt. Grimes in the prime of life did a large
business in passenger traffic and freight — usually,
but not always commanding his own vessels. At
the time he mastered navigation steam was proba-
bly unthought of. For many years he carried pas-
sengers and merchandise between Xew York and
Liverpool and London, but as master and owner
of his own ships he took his course where profit
and choice called. Three times he circumnavigated
the earth, and affirmed that he entered every port
on the face of the globe a white man had ever vis-
ited, and, he almost believed, some where no ship
but his own had ever ventured. He was years in
the V.'est India trade in the last years of the eight-
eenth and beginning of the nineteenth century.
When he was first attracted to Texas does not ap-
pear, but it is evident he knew the country early,
a number of his land grants having been from the
Spanish government. And in 1837, with his wife
and infant daughter, he removed to the Republic
of Texas. The brig in which he sailed (supposed-
ly the "Driver") was the only vessel of twenty-
seven, leaving Xew York at the same time, that
186
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was ever lieard of again. An unusualh' long and
severe Equinoctial storm kept the Captain on deck
most of the time for seven da3's, and four days
and nights he stood at the helm, never once taking
his hand off it in that time, his only nourishment
alternate coffee and \vhiske\-. To understand the
full measure of the work done one should know the
style of the ungainly steering tackle of those early
days, which would tr_\- the strength of an ordinary
man even in fair weather.
The Captain was of medium height, very strong,
with no superfluous flesh. He cculd be a very
martinet did occasion require. Insubordination
once sent a man flying overboard in mid--\tlantic
ocean by impact with the Captain's fist, and, when
the fellow did not, or could not, swim, over went
the Captain to the rescue, so goes the testimony
of a "hand" who claimed to have been present. Yet
his last dollar could be had by a shipmate in trou-
ble, and it is told of him that during an epidemic
of yellow fever in the Indies he went to the hospital
with his crew and helped nurse every one of them
througlj tl:e disease, losing none. Three times he
went through the scourge himself. Once in the
isolation of his first Texas home cholera found its
way into one family, contracted through some vis-
iting child. It took the three little ones of the
family : the parents were worn out. ever.yone else
fled. The Captain dug the graves and buried the
three httle victims, deaf to threats and entreaties
of such as warned him that he was exposing him-
self and others in so doing, his only reply being,
"I don't deserve to live if I can neglect others in such
strait." In the war of 1812, privateering off the
coast of France, his vessel and effects were taken,
himself and crew landed on a desolate coast with
nothing but the scanty supply of clothing they wore,
and not all together at that. Three years of wan-
dering, hardship and privations followed ere he
could work his way back to home and a new start.
But all these reverses only meant "Begin again."
He was comparatively an old man when convinced
that a new fortune could not be made at sea with-
out help of steam, and feeling himself too old to
learn steam navigation he left the water, and gave
his time to landed interests and stock in the Lone
Star State. He had for a long time, while still in
maritime employ, been interested in the growth
and advantages of Texas, but did not move his
family there until 1837. It is a family tradition
that Capt. Grimes was one of the original three
hundred settlers that received a headright upon the
Stephen F. Austin proposal of grant laid before
the governor in 1821, which, however, was super-
seded by a colonization law by the Republic of
Texas, by the provisions of which each family re-
ceived not less than one labor (about 177 acres)
or more than one sitio (about 4,428 acres') of land,
according as the occupation of the head was faim-
irig or stock raising. Capt. Grimes' name does not
appear on the list of the names of the "old three
hundred." The three hundred families were all or
nearly all in Texas before the close of the summer
of 1824, and while the work of issuing titles was
not entirely completed before 1827 nearly all titles
were issued immediately after Aug. 24, 1824.
From the fact of the non-appearance of Capt.
Grimes' name on the original list it may be that he
came by a headright through some subsequent
grant. At any rate, he was a pioneer of the Lone
Star State, and got his headright fast enough of a
league and labor of land on the Caranchua river,
so called because it watered the home country of
the Indian tribe of that name, familiarly known
as "Crdnks." They were a specially violent and
vicious people in their palmy days.
Capt. Grimes became the owner by purchase
long before this time of thousands of acres of land
in the State, and from 1837 made Texas his home,
though he did not abandon sea-going and his
maritime business until about 1843, 3-t that time
turning his attention entirely to cattle and sheep
raising. In 1848 his only son joined him in the
business, and a few years later, a cyclone having
destroyed the sheep industry entirely and deci-
mated their stock of cattle, they began the shipping
of cattle to New Orleans, while they still continued
to increase their own herds. Later still the busi-
ness was improved by driving cattle to Kansas
and ^Missouri. The Captain was a warm personal
friend and an ardent admirer and supporter of
Gen. Sam Houston. He had no taste for public
life or for politics, though he never shrank from
any obligation that he felt good citizenship in that
line of duty implied, and regularly made his eigh-
ty-mile trip on horseback to and from the county
seat to deposit his vote as a Democrat. His was a
strong, forceful character, and though stern when
occasion demanded sternness, and late in life of a
rough exterior, beneath it was always a warm,
kind and sympathetic heart that prompted many
generous acts and deeds of kindness. The habit
of the new country in which he made his home
was always to "remember the stranger within thy
gates." The Captain had located himself midway
between two post towns, twenty miles from each,
and it was no unusual thing for him to entertain
gratuitously twent3'-five people weekly; indeed, it
was often said no one from the L^nited States or
Europe ever entered eastern Texas without stop-
ping overnight with him. This tallied exactly with
the Captain's pleasure, as he always practiced the
doctrine he preached to his children never to turn
the wayfarer hungr}' from the door. He remem-
bered the days he wandered in France, hungry, a
stranger in a foreign land. The cases were hardly
parallel, only that one is nearly as badly oft' twenty
or forty miles out of reach of a hotel as he would
be without the means to pay his way within one.
The Captain y\'as a kind and indulgent man in
his family, and while not rich at the time of his
death, which occurred in .-Vpril, 1898, at his home
in Tres Palacios, Matagorda Co., Texas — he left
enough property to provide well for his wife and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
187
daughter, and lielped his son qnitc as generously
during their business relations of more than a dec-
ade. Cattle raising in its early stages, though
always a sure and reasonably profitaljle business,
was not especially hicrative until shipping was
added thereto. The younger Grimes, \\ illiam
Bradford, was a man of decided push and energy,
who with youth and ambition to aid him made of
the Grimes combination a valuable business. The
son is still living, but now resides in Kansas ; find-
ing it to his business advantage to do so, he fol-
lowed his cattle to the growing West, removing
his family to Kansas City, where for many years
he was a prominent man in business circles. His
children have nearljf all located in the West, though
born in Texas.
Capt. Grimes married, when about thirty-five,
JMiss Charlotte Bradford, of Rockv Hill, and to
them were born two children, William Bradford and
Frances Charlotte Bradford. The mother of these
was a forceful character, just the kind of woman
for the wife of so daimtless a seaman, whose sit-
uation for so many years left her alone with the
care of the family, being of that sturdv tvpe of
New England womanhood that in times of doubt
and fear and danger was equal to the occasion,
through the strength and fearlessness of her char-
aceter. It might be possible to add to the interest
of these pages by giving incidents in her pioneer
life in Texas, when this gentle woman, accustomed
heretofore only to the quiet pleasures of a lively
township, or the more brilliant attractions of Xew
\ ork and other cities, found herself hobnobbing
with a French family on one side and a plain
American — otherwise squaw, papoose and "big
chief" — on the other, with ahvays the chance of no
neighbors at all within twenty miles or more.
Suffice it to say that from 1837 to 1842 Airs. Grimes
lived in Texas with only her infantile daughter as
permanent family, and a fluctuating neighborhood
never large, and had the courage to return there to
take up her permanent home in 1847, ^t the call of
domestic expediency. Then the Indians were
gone, her children were both with her and well
grown, and the presence of a favorite sister as
stanch as herself made a difference in life on the
frontier. But under the best of circumstances life
in a new country calL for courage and the highest
character. These belonged to Mrs. Grimes in full
measure.
Going back to the village record in the ceme-
tery for further history, we find that William Brad-
ford died Sept. 21, 1824, aged sixty-four, and' that
his wife Elizabeth Sears died Oct. 13, 1828, aged
seventy-one years. These were the parents of Airs.
Charlotte (Bradford) Grimes, their other children
(record from the tombstones) being: Betsey mar-
ried Ralph Bulklev, and died in 1876, in her nine-
tv-fifth year; William married Eliza Price, of New
York, and died in 1865; Nancy married Dr. Syl-
vester Bulkley, and died in 1872, aafed eighty-six
years: George died at Fayetteville, N. C, in 1846,
aged fifty-eight years: Horace married Susan ,
and died at Fayetteville, N. C, in 1824: l-"anny
died in Texas in 1862, aged sixty-nine years; and
Sophia married Charles II. Hill, and died in .\'ew
York in 1841, aged forty years.
William ISrauford, the father of -Mrs. Capt.
Grimes and the children just named, was married
probably in (ilastonbury, as his first child was born
there in 1782, when the father was twenty-two
)ears of age. In about J 783 he came to Kocky
Hill, and Ijuilt the house now occupied l)y Mrs.
Fanny Grimes Camp (his only surviving grand-
daughter), in which house the rest of his chil-
dren were born. It stands high above the Con-
necticut river, overlooking its lovely valley, and
three immense poplar trees, planted in front of it
by Mr. Bradford in the same year, have been these
almost 130 years a landmark ])ointed out to the
travelers by boat up and down the river. The
house has always been in the fannly, and occupied
by some member of it. .Mr. Bradford said when
building it it should ahva\s furnish a refuge for
his daughters, and singularly enough nearly all of
them returned to it as widows and died where they
were liorn. In 1871 Mrs. Cam]) purchased the
place from the aunt then owning it, and gave it to
her mother, who died there in 1887, in the same
room in which she was born ( as was also her
daughter), and in her ninetieth year. Air. Brad-
ford engaged in mercantile Inisiness, and in connec-
tion with his eldest son, whom he established in
business in Xew York City, he was an imuorter
of fine goods, and left what was in those days a
very good property to his daughters ; having es-
tablished his sons in business, he said they could
take care of themselves — results proved him a true
prophet. Mr. Bradford was of Puritan stock, be-
ing a descendant in the seventh generation from the
illustrious ^\"illiam Bradford, who came over from
England in the " Mayflower" in 1620, his grand-
daughter in the ninth generation. Mrs. Camp has
a pair of shears said to have come over with him.
He was governor of the Colony of Plymouth,
Mass., from 1621 to 1657, excepting five years,
v,-hich honor he declined for that period. The gov-
ernor was born about 1589, at Austerfield. Eng-
land, and died in Plymouth, New England, in
1659. His second wife, whom he married in
1623, was Mrs. Alice Southworth, iicc Carpenter.
The line of William Bradford's descent was through
six ^^'illiams, he being the seventh of the name in
direct line.
Ill) V.'illiam Bradford (2). son of Gov. Brad-
ford, born in 1624, married (first) Alice Richards,
of ^^'eymouth. He was a ]:)rominent man in the
Colony', and held several jmblic trusts, among them
that of denutv-governor for eight or ten years.
(HI) William Bradford (3), son of William
(2). bom in \C^S5- uiarried in 1679 Rebecca Bart-
lett.
(I\'l ^^'illianl Bradford 1 4). son of William
(3), married in 1713 Elizabeth Finney.
188
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(V) William Bradford (5), son of William
(4), was bora in the year 172O.
(\'I) William Bradford (6j, son of William
(5j-
(\ II) Of the immediate family of \\ illiam
(7j: Of his brothers and sisters there seems to
be no valid record, the present generation having
only a vague hearsay that relates to one sister
drowned coming from Boston in a small sailing
vessel, and one brothei, a Doctor, driven almost
deranged by the loss of this only sister and never
married. The tragedy seems to have left \Mlliam
Bradford of Rocky Hill almost without interest
in his immediate ancestors, or the family without
any record back of their own time. The substan-
tial old homestead seems capable of fulfilling its
mission as family home for as many generations
as it has already housed. It is now owned and
occupied by Capt. Grimes' daughter. Though born
in New England, she was reared in the South, and
during the Civil war, though then on a visit at the
North, she had still a warm place in her heart for
her friends at the South, and true to her convic-
tions, believing the South to be in the right, and
strongly in sympathy with the cause she had made
her own, gave orders to place in the field in de-
fense of her adopted State "Fanny Grimes' " sub-
stitute. Reared amid scenes of pioneer life in
Texas, and a woman of observation, Mrs. Camp
(she having married in 1876 J. William Camp, of
Bristol, Conn.) is full of reminiscence and incident,
an interesting and pleasant conversationalist. She
has inherited of the characteristics of her parents,
is of a generous nature, and has the reputation of
doing deeds of charity in a c[uiet, modest manner.
She has no children, and is the last representative
of either Grimes or Bradford family left in Rocky
Hill, thcugh, as befoi^e mentioned, William Brad-
ford Grimes is still hving, at Great Bend, Kans.
In 1855 he married ]\Iaria Louise Robbins (the
eldest daughter of Philemon Robbins, of Hartford,
Conn.), who died in 1876, leaving a large family
of children. \\'illiam B. Grimes married for his
second wife iNIrs. Irene Poole, of Texas, who died
in 1895.
After the death of Capt. Grimes, in 1857, his
widow and daughter remained at their Texas
liome until i860, when they. returned to Mrs. Grimes'
earlv home in Connecticut, and being quarantined
\iy the war eventually became possessors of the
same.
FRANK ALEXANDER THOMPSON, who
for nearly a third of a century has been efficiently
and successfully connected with the Phcenix Mu-
tual Life Insurance Co., and for years as the com-
pany's general agent for the State of Connecticut,
is well and favorably known throughout the State,
-and has attained a deserved prominence in insur-
ance circles.
Born Feb. 12, 1848. on Market street, in Hart-
ford, son of Alexander and Amanda (Crane)
Thompson, our subject is a representative of sev-
eral ot the old families of Connecticut, among thehi
the illustrious and historic Wolcott family of
VVmdsor, which gave to the State three governors.
Henry Wolcott, the progenitor of the Windsor
family, came to New England along with Rev.
Warham and company in 1630, and that year was
one of the first freemen of Boston. He removed
to Dorchester m 1635, and later to Windsor, Conn,
in 1637 he was chosen a deputy to the CJeneral
Court of Connecticut, and in 1643 to the House of
-Magistrates (Senate), and continued to be re-
turned to that body the remainder of his life. He
died in 1655. From this ancestor Mr. Thompson,
of this review, through his grandmother, Betsey
(Wolcott) Thompson, is in the ninth generation, his
line being through Simon, Lieut. Henry (whose
brother, Hon. Roger Wolcott, was governor of the
Colony of Connecticut in 1750), Henry (2), Capt.
Simon (who commanded a company in 1776 un-
der Gen. Prescott at the battle of Long Island
under Gen. Washington), Peter (who served in his
father's company), Betsey (Wolcott) Thompson
and Alexander Ihompson.
On his father's side our subject is of Scottish
origin. There is a family tradition that William
and Margaret Thompson, with seven sons and
two daughters, left Scotland for America in 1716,
but for some reason tarried for a year in County
Derry, Ireland, where William, the father, died,
enjoining his. family, in his dying hours, to carry
out their original plan of settling in America. Prob-
ably about 1 71 8 the widow and her children sailed
for New England. Her children were : William,
Mariam, Samuel, James, Robert, Joseph, John,
Hugh and Ruth. The family settled in Windsor,
and the mother died in 1752, aged eighty-six
years, and is buried at Ellington. From this source
came Benoni Thomoson, the grandfather of our
subject. He was born in April, 1789, married
Betsey Wolcott, who was born Sept. 17, 1788.
Benoni died in 1807, and his wife passed away
Aug. 23, 1874,
Alexander Thomoson, the father of our sub-
ject, was born Jan. 31, 1808, in Old Windsor, now
East Windsor, where he passed his early life in
work on the farm, and attending school. Later
he followed school teaching, but he finally removed
to Hartford, where he was engaged in the manu-
facture of brooms, brushes, etc., on Morgan street.
He and his wife were consistent members of the
old First Church, Dr. Bushnell's, and were highly
respected by all who knew them. He was married
in East Windsor May i, 1832, to Miss Amanda
Crane, a daughter of Chauncey Crane. She died
May 12, 1889, and his death occurred Feb. 10,
1854. Nine children were born to them: Dan
Orvilla Thompson, born March 30, 1833, died Sept.
3, 1861 ; Mary Elizabeth (Thompson) Case, born
March 20, 1835 : William Earl Thompson, born
Feb. 27, 1837, is a publisher in Milwaukee, Wis. ;
Julia A. Thompson, born Nov. 17, 1839, died Dec.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
189
15, 1840; Anna Cecilia (Tlionipson) Marsh, born
Dec. 19, 1841; James Alexander Thompson, born
Feb. 10, 1843, died Oct. 14, 1843; Susan Adelaide
( Thompson j ]Marsh, born Oct. 29, 1845; Frank
Alexander Thompson, born Feb. 12, 1848; and
Lizzie Amanda Thompson, born Jan. 12, 1850,
died Feb. 8, 1854. Of these, JNIary Elizabeth mar-
ried Ariel J. Case (Simsbury Case stock), who
went out as a private with the 16th Conn. V. I. in
the Civil war, and returned as a lieutenant. Anna
Cecilia 'is the widow of Capt. Wolcott Pascol
jNIarsh, and resides in Ontario, Cal. ; Capt. Marsh
went out as a private under Capt. (later Gen.)
Haw ley, in the First Conn. Vols., three-months
men, returned, re-enlisted in the 8th Conn. V. I.,
and returned as captain of a company in that regi-
ment. Susan Adelaide is the wife of Edward \V.
JNIarsh, of Hartford.
Frank A. Thompson, our subject, during his
boyhood and youth attended the public schools of
Hartford, and also Bryant & Stratton Business
College. After his graduation he followed book-
keeping for five years, and then accepted a clerk-
ship under the general agent of the Phoenix Mutual
Life Insurance Co. of Hartford. Later he succeeded
to the Connecticut general agency, and has been con-
nected with the Phoenix Co. since 1870, his labors in
their behalf being justly appreciated. On April 23,
1894, he moved to West Hartford, having purchased
the Oilman farm, but in June of that year he bought
the Cone farm from J. D. Browne, and has since re-
sided there. It is a well-improved and valuable farm
of 102 acres, and he has met with excellent success
in its management. Previous to coming to West
Hartford he had lived in Hartford, and from North
2\Iarket street, in the eastern part of the city, he had
moved to Asylum avenue in 1872.
iNIr. Thompson first married }iliss Lydia R.
Warner, a native of Burlington, A't., and a daughter
of Samuel Clark Warner. She died in March,
1886. By that union four children were born, all
of whom died in infancy except Raymond Clark
Thompson, now living, born Feb. 24, 1886. For his
second wife Mr. Thompson married ]\Iiss Anna Imo-
gene Cate, of Bridgeport, Conn., a daughter of Ste-
phen Mead Cate and Annie Rogers Ca'te, the latter
being a daughter of Simeon S. Rogers, one of the
founders of the Meriden Britannia Co. One child
blesses this union: Ruth Crane Thompson, born
Oct. 2, 1891.
^Ir. Thompson has taken quite a leading part
m local political affairs, and represented the old Sec-
ond ward in the city council of Hartford in 1891, 1892
and 1893. He has been secretary of the Connecticut
Life Underwriters Association since Feb. 2, 1892,
and is widely and favorably known. He is a mem-
ber of Custer Council, Xo. 85, and is also a prom-
ment member of the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church,
of which he has been society clerk since 1879.
Mrs. Amanda (Crane)" Thompson, our subject's
mother, was a descendant in the seventh genera-
tion from (I) Benjamin Crane, who was at Wethers
field. Conn., as early as 1655, whither he had likely
come from a parisii in Massachusetts. He had
assigned to him Ijy the town two and one-half acres
of land. He married, in 1655, Mary, daughter of
William and Sarah (Charles) Backus, and carried
on tanning just below the village. From this tirst
American ancestor of the family Mrs. Amanda
(Crane) Thompson's line is chrough Lieut. Jona-
than, John, Hczekiah, David and Chauncey Crane.
(li) Lieut. Jonathan Crane, son of Benjamin the
settler, born in 1658, married, in 1678, Deborah,
daughter of Francis Griswold. Lieut. Crane was
among the early settlers of Windham, Conn., and a
man of prominence. He is referred to as of Wind-
ham, Norwich and Lebanon. It is said that he erected
the first sawmill in the town of Windham, was ap-
pointed a lieutenant in 1703, was a deputy to the
General Court fifteen limes between 1701 and 1722.
He had been one of the petitioners for the formation
of that town, and in 1691 was chosen the first
townsman.
(Ill), John Crane, son of Lieut. Jonathan, born
in 1687, married (first) Sarah Spencer, at Wind-
ham. She died in 1715, and he married (second),
in 1716, Prudence Belding, and lived near Fort Hill.
In 1735 he was called "of Coventry."
(IV) Hezekiah Crane, son of John, born in 1721,
married, in 1746, Rachel Rockwell. He was called
"of Windsor," but purchased land in Bolton in
1750 and moved there about that time. He died in
1805, aged eighty-four years, and she in 1809, aged
eighty-three years.
(V) David Crane, son of Hezekiah. born Oct.
I, 1748, married (first) Theodocia Pitkin, and (sec-
ond) Jan. 7, 1779, Jerusha Smith, of Ellington,
daughter of David, one of the first settlers of East
Windsor. }>Ir. Crane was a carpenter and builder
as well as a farmer. He served in the war of the
Revolution. He lived to be about ninety-two years
old, dying in Scantic Parish in 1841.
(VI) Chauncey Crane, son of David, born in
1783, married Oct. 18, 1809, Phcebe Gustin. She
died Feb. 25, 1849, and he on Jan. 24, 1864.
(VII) Amanda (Crane) Thompson, daughter of
Chauncey, born IMay 20, 18 12.
TAMES NEWBERRY GOODWIN (de-
ceased), for many years a member ot the firm ot
Kenevs. Roberts & Goodwin, wholesale _ grocers,
was of the seventh generation in direct fine from
Ozias and ^larv (Woodward) Goodwin, ot brain-
tree England. 'who in 1639 became residents ot
Hartford. His line of ancestry is traced through
(VI) Jonathan, (V) James, (IV) Jonathan, (HI)
Ozias, (II) Nathaniel to (I) Ozias, the pioneer.
Jonathan Goodwin, father of James N., was born
Dec 23, 1799, at the homestead on the Albany road,
near Hartford. Conn. Hon. James G. Batterson
savs of him: "His education was of the common
schools and the select and private school of_ John J.
White, a teacher of considerable distinction in Hart-
ford during the early years of the present century.
li)0
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In early manhood Mr. Goodwin employed his winters
in teaching, but his principal occupation through
life was that of a farmer. His farm on Albany ave-
nue came to him from his father in 1827.
"When quite young he became interested in mil-
itary affairs, and in May, 1818, enlisted as a private
in the First Company, Governor's Foot Guard. He
was promoted to be captain in 1828, and to major in
1830. He was representative to the Legislature in
1836, assessor in 1838, and from 1846 to 1862; on
the board of Relief, 1840, '43-44-45 ; selectman 1842
to 1852: and member of High school committee in
1849. He was one of the incorporators of the
Hartford Hospital, and director of the Farmers and
Mechanics Bank. In politics he was a \\'hig and
Republican; in religion a Unitarian."
On June 7, 1826, at East Windsor, Conn., Jona-
than Goodwin was married to Clarinda Newberry,
who was born Jan. i, 1800, a daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Ellsworth) Xewberry, and three children
were born to them : Eunice Elizabeth, born April 6,
1827, married James G. Batterson ; James Xewberry,
the subject proper of these lines; and Jonathan (de-
ceased), born March 11, 1840, married j\lary Rip-
lev. The father died Oct. 8, 1877, the mother on
IM'ay 5. 1866.
James N. Goodwin was born at Hartford. Sept.
29, 1833, and died at Newport, R. I., ]\Iarch 30,1867.
He married, Oct. 21, 1857, Fannie Rebecca Batter-
son, daughter of Simeon Seeley and ^Melissa (Rob-
erts) Batterson, the latter of whom is a sister of
Hon. James G. Batterson, of Hartford. Mr. and
;Mrs. Goodwin had one daughter, Lucy Jeannette,
born July 29, 1858, died Dec. 24, 1863. Like
many others of the family, Air. Goodwin was for
several years connected with the First Company
of the Governor's Foot Guard. In politics he was
a Republican.
ROBERT ORRIN CLARK, one of the most
substantial and highly-respected citizens of the town
of Berlin, Hartford county, is a scion of patriotic
stock. ,
Air. Clark's great-grandfathers were soldiers in
the Revolution, serving throughout the war for in-
dependence. His grandfather, Daniel Clark, was a
native of Higganum, Conn., and from that place
removed to Philadelphia, of which city he remained
a resident until his death, which occurred two years
later ; he was buried there. He was a tinner by
trade. During the war of 1812 he was made a
prisoner by a British man-of-war, while aboard a
merchant vessel. The captors made use of the most
brutal measures in their treatment of the prisoners.
Daniel Clark was chained by the leg to another vic-
tim of English cruelty, the irons cutting so deep
into the flesh and muscle that it was found neces-
sary to amputate the left limb directly below the
knee. He married Ruth Strickland, of Glastonbury,
daughter of Asa Simeon Shrickland, who was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. To this union
were born six children, of whom Orrin Cole, bom
Sept. 21, 1823, in the western part of the town of
Meriden, was the father of Robert Orrin.
Orrin C. Clark was but six years old when his
father removed to Philadelphia, and was but eight
when the latter died. The mother died in Berlin,
where she was buried. After the father's death
Mrs. Daniel Clark returned with her children to
Connecticut, making her home at Cromwell. Her
struggles were more than ordinarly severe. Ne-
cessity forced her to bind out her son, Orrin C, but
she soon withdrew him from his employer's charge
because of ill treatment. Being obliged to find other
employment the boy worked for five years as a
farm liand for Burge Marion, of Rocky Hill. On
leaving the farm he went to Berlin, where for
some eighteen months he worked at turning out
German-silver spoons for Col. William Bulkeley, at
the latter's shops. The next five years he passed
upon the farm of Russell Clark, of Berlin, and at
the end of that period found employment in the
screw shop of Crocker & Ives, at Meriden. Within
a little less than a year he returned to Berlin, to
enter the employ of the Roys & Wilcox Co. His
connection with that concern extended over a period
of forty years, during a considerable portion of
which time he was a contractor, his special line of
work being brass-polishing. In 1894, after a life-
time spent in hard, honest work, he retired to enjoy
a well-earned, richly-merited rest. While yet very
}'oung he' severely overtaxed his muscular system
through lifting a sack of corn, the weight of which
was beyond his strength. The result was an affec-
tion of the nervous system from which he never re-
covered. Before the birth of the Republican party
he was a stanch Whig, and later a supporter of
Lincoln.
On Jan. 18, 1849, Mr. Clark was married to
Amelia Belden, of Cromwell. For nearly fifty years
she sustained to nim the relations of a loving, faith-
ful helpmeet. She entered into rest Sept. 15, 1898,
and sleeps in the Wilcox cemetery, in East Berlin.
She was the mother of four children: Helen
Amelia, Georgiana Laura, Robert Orrin and Flor-
ence Alav. The eldest daughter is the widow of
George W. Cook, at one time an employe of the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. Airs. Cook now makes
her home with her father. The second daughter,
Georgiana Laura, is also a widow, and lives at home.
Her husband, Herbert Andrews, was an engineer
for the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. Robert Orrin,
the third child and onl}' son is the subject of the
present memoir. The youngest daughter, Florence
Alay, lives at home. The two elder daughter, fol-
lowing the path trodden by both parents, are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, while the young-
est, following her own earnest convictions, has
united with the Methodist Church. Zaccheus Stowe,
maternal grandfather of A'lrs. Amelia (Belden)
Clark, was a soldier in the Revolution.
Robert Orrin Clark was born in East Berlin
Oct. 29, i860. His school days ended when he
reached the age of sixteen years, when he entered
np.efa^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
191
the shops of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., under
the imniecHate instruction and supervision of his fa-
ther. He remained in connection with that concern
for about ten years, during 'a part of that time
acting as a contractor. Since quitting that firm
he has been engaged in business as a building con-
tractor, in whi:h line of trade his success has been
well-nigh marvelous. He was the pioneer in his
line in that locality, and through hard work, close
attention to business and unswerving integrity he
has not only accumulated a handsome competence,
but has also earned the sincere respect and unques-
tioning- confidence of his fellow citizens. So thor-
oughly is his work done, and so conscientious is he
in the fulfillment of his undertakings, that there
have been less than a half-dozen buildings erected
in East Berlin since he engaged in business of
which he has not made the excavations and laid
the foimdations, liesides setting the fundamental
brick work. He has also been contractor for the
erection and completion of a large number of
private residences, and not a few public buildings.
Among the finest private dwellings which he has
built may be mentioned his own home, A\'hich in
point of perfection of finish and completeness of
modern improvement is unsurpassed b}' any in the
town. He erected the Catholic church, and laid the
foundation for the Episcopal house of worship, and
has put up many buildings in Berlin, Cromwell and
other towns, among them being Mechanics' Hall,
on Berlin street. He is a large propertv owner in
East Berlin, among his holdings being Clark's Hall,
built by himself, and the only public hall in the
town. He emplovs about forty men, and uses about
thirty horses. With the exception of the Iron
Bridge and the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Cos. he is
the largest employer of labor in East Berlin. In
addition to his business as a builder and contractor
he is interested in sundry ventures of comparatively
minor importance. Some eighteen years ago he
opened a livery stable, with but one horse for hire ;
he still conducts the stable, but on a very different
scale, and in connection therewith manages an
agency for several makes of wagons, sleighs, etc.
He also owns and operates a portable stone crusher,
and has for the past five vears sawed aljout i ,000,000
feet of lumber annually in a portable steam saw-
mill, besides shipping- considerable quantities of
■\vhite oak and hickorv to various points in the
State.
In his political sympathies ^Vlr. Clark is an out-
SDoken Republican. He is a member of Pequot
Council, No. 24, of the Senior O. U. A. M., of
Berlin, and a charter member of Mattabessett
Lodge, No. 25, K. P.. of East Berlin. He also
belongs to R. 6. Clark Co. Lodge, of the Uniformed
Rank, K. P., which he was instrumental in organiz-
ing-.
On Oct. 22, t884.. INlr. Clark was married to
Miss Etta Frances Belden. of Rockv Hill. ]\Irs.
Clark was born Aug. t. i860, daughter of Perry
and Maria (Taylor) Belden. One son and one
daughter have been born of tlie u:iion: Harold
Robert, Aug. 31, 188;^, and Ruth, Aug. 14, 1894.
'1 he son is attending school at New Britain. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Chirk are attendants of the Methodist
Church.
The foregoing sketch of the life and business
career of Mr. Clark demonstrates his tireless energj'
and his remarkable business capacity. Starting in
life without the adventitious aid of inherited wealth,
he has climbed the ladder of success round by
rouiul, through his own pertinacity, pluck and
courage. His disposition is genial and generous,
and his friends are many, while his life as a man
and a citizen is beyond reproach.
GEORGE WEXTLLX XECBAUER. an ex-
tensive manufacturer and business man of Bris-
tol, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 17. 1848,
a son of George and Elizaljeth ( Kauft'man) Neu-
bauer.
George Neubauer, who was liorn I'el). 11, 181 1,
was reared a cabinetmaker, and followed his trade
until 1842, when his brother died of cholera, through
which event he fell heir to a large farm, on which
the brother had conducted a thriving tavern. On
taking possession of the estate, he also assumed
charge of the tavern, which he continued to con-
duct with profit. On Feb. 7, 1834, he had married
Miss Elizabeth Kauffman, who was born Feb. 10,
1816. and with her passed a happy married life
until his death, Dec. 30, 1874. She survived until
September, 1892, and the remains of both are now
resting cjuietlv side bv side in their native Bavaria
— a land they had never forsaken.
John Neubauer, father of George, and grand-
father of our subject, carried on a tavern and cul-
tivated this same farm, which for generations had
been in the hands of the family. He married Eliza-
beth Warner, and died in 183 1, at the age of fifty-
six years. His death was due to an accident, he
having fallen from his house steps.
George W. Neubauer at the early age of thir-
teen years sailed from Hamburg for .America, hav-
ing an uncle in New Haven, Conn., with whom
he knew he would find a warm welcome, and being
desirous of testing life on republican soil, .\fter
his arrival here his father was anxious for his re-
turn, but the surroundings at home were not quite
as satisfactory as here, and he decided to remain.
For the first ten months after hi^ arrival here
young Neubauer worked for a John Brooks, ami
then apprenticed himself to wood-carving at a
compensation of $3 per week the first year : $4 for
the second ; $5 for the tliird. and became an expert.
He then followed his trade in New Haven as a
journeyman for about seven years.
In May, 1867. I\Ir. Neubauer came to Bristol
as head wood carver for J. H. Sessions, but three
years later went into the same business on his own
account on Main street. Having secured special
work in clock case carving, he a year later moved
to more commodious quarters and added bureau
192
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
drawer handles to his industry, employing twenty-
seven men. Until 1893, when machinery took the
place of hand work, he did all the clock carving
for the Ingraham Co. and the E. N. Welch j\lann-
facturing Co., and invented several machines him-
self for making handles.
Another enterprise had in the meantime been
undertaken by Mr. Neubauer. In 1887 he added a
leather washer factory to his establishment, in
which he cut up leather costing $100 per day for
over three years, but this branch of his business
he sold to the Searles Manufacturing Co., of New-
ark, N. J. In 1890 Mr. Neubauer became a stock-
holder in, and in 1892 secretary, treasurer and gen-
eral manager of the Turner Heater Co., which
complicated and responsible position he still retains.
The specialty of this company is the manufacture
of fine furnaces of all kinds, in which specialty it
secured the first prize over all competitors at the re-
cent mechanics fair at Boston. The capital stock
of this company is $50,000, and the quality of its
product has never been excelled. Mr. NeUbauer is
also a director in the Bristol Press Co., publishers
of the newsy and very influential journal bearing
that name.
In politics Mr. Neubauer is a stanch Republi-
can, and has served as burgess of Bristol for three
years, has been chairman of the street committee,
and also of the police committee. He is a member
of the Royal Arcanum.
On Dec. 23, 1871, Mr. Neubauer was most
happily joined in marriage with Miss Carrie Emi-
lie Sessions, a daughter of John H. Sessons, of
Bristol, and this union was graced Feb. 5, 1876,
with a son. William Ludwig, who was married
Dec. 8, 1897, to Miss Bessie O. Rouse.
JONAS COOLIDGE HILLS, the subject of
this' sketch, has always resided at Hartford, where
he was born Oct. 18, 1851. His father, Ellei-y Hills,
was a native of that part of East Hartford called
Hillstown, and was a direct descendant from Will-
iam Hills, who was shot by the Narragansett In-
dians, and also from William Hills, who in 1653
was appointed to train the men ''on the east side,"
that fact being the first indication of a permanent
settlement on the east side of the Connecticut river
at Hartford. Other or'iginal proprietors, twelve of
whose names are upon the monument in the old
historic burial ground in this city, are among his
ancestors. Ellery Hills was favorably known for
more than fifty vears among the merchants of his
day, and left a reputation for strict honesty and
integrit}^
From his mother, who was Nancy Coolidge, a
daughter of Jonas Coolidge and Lois (Harris)
Coolidge, of Springfield, Mass., Mr. Hills is also
of Colonial ancestry, claiming descent from AVill-
iam Pynchon, t'he founder of Roxbury and Spring-
field, Mass., Gov. George Wyllys of Connecticut,
and others.
The early education which our subject received
was in the common schools, but being of a feeble
constitution he was tniable to endure the discipline:
and routine of school life, and was placed under
private instructors. Contending" with ill health, he
has never actively engaged in bitsiness, which gave
him abundant leisure for reading, thought and in-
vestigation, keeping pace with t'he advanced de-
velopment of his special studies. His collection of
coins and medals gathered during many years of
research, both in this and in foreign lands, is es-
pecially rich in military and war decorations, and
classed among the finest in this country.
Mr. Hills married in 1896 Miss Elsie M.
Sessions; of Hampden, formerly South Wilbraham,.
Mass., a daughter of Hon. William R. Sessions and
Elsie Walker (Cunningham) Sessions.
Mr
Sessions is a prominent man in that vicinity ; he
enlisted in the Civil war, has served as a memlDer of
the Legislature and Senate, and for twelve years-
was secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of
Agriculture.
In religion ^Mr. Hills is a Congregationalist, in.
politics a Republican. He has attained a high posi-
tion in the Masonic Fraternity, all the degrees, in-
cluding the thirty-second, having been conferred,
upon him. He is also a member of Washington Com-
mandery, No. i, Knights Templar. He was for
a time in the Connecticut National Guard, Com-
pany K, 1st Regiment. He is a member of the
Sons of the American Revolution, of the Connecti-
cut Historical .Society, and of the American Nu-
mismatic and Arch^ological Society of New York.
Both in public and private life he has evinced those
virtues that have earned for him the esteem of the
community in which he dwells.
HON. JOHN GILBERT ROOT, president of
the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank. Hartford,
is of the seventh generation in direct descent from
John Root, the Puritan, through Thomas, En-
sign Joseph, Deacon Joseph, Silas and Col. Silas
Root.
(I) John Root, the Puritan ancestor, emigrated
from Badb}^, Northamptonshire, England, and was-
one of the first settlers of Farmington, Conn., in
1640. He married Mary Kilbourn.
(II) Thomas, son of John, was born in 1648,
in Farmington, Conn., and in 1675 married his sec-
ond wife, Mary Spencer. He removed to AVest-
ficld, Massachusetts.
(HI) Ensign Joseph Root, son of Thomas, born
in 1688, married Sarah . He lived in West-
field, Massachusetts.
(IV) Deacon Joseph Root, son of Ensign Jo-
seph, was born in 1715, at Westfield, and was mar-
ried in 1743 to Ann Bancroft. He made his home
in Westfield, Massachusetts.
(V) Silas Root, son of Deacon Joseph, was born
in 1759, at Westfield, and was married (first) in
1791 to Amelia, daughter of Joseph Root, of
Northampton, Mass. Pie lived in Westfield.
(VI) Col. Silas Root, son of Silas and Amelia
(Root) Root, and the father of Hon. John Gilbert
Root, of Hartford, was born March 28, 1795, in
#-■
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W6
Westfield, Mass., where he made his permanent
home. He was married (first) on Jan. 24, 1822,
to Lucy Fowler, daughter of Justus and Abigail
(Gilbert) Fowler. She was born Jan. 23, 1803, and
died at Westfield March 11, 1853. Col. Root was
married (second) on Jan. 4, 1855, to Mrs. Merilla
B. Chapman. The children born of the first mar-
riage were: Lucy A., who married Patrick H.
Boies, and died in 1858; Lewis F. ; and John G.
Hon. John Gilbert Root was born April 20, 1835,
at Westfield, Mass., and after receiving an academic
education began h's business career in a bank at
Westfield, in 185 1. He went to Hartford, Conn.,
in 1855, to take a position in the Bank of Hartford
County, which later became the American National
Bank, and he remained with the institution until
1883, with the exception of a year and a half when
he was treasurer of the Hartford Trust Company.
He was chosen cashier of the bank in 1871, a posi-
tion he retained until elected president of the Farm-
ers & Mechanics National Bank, Dec. 19, 1883,
which relation he has since sustained.
During the Civil war Mr. Root entered the
United States service as captain of Company B,
22nd Conn. V. L, being mustered into the service
Sept. 20, 1862. His command formed a part of the
Army of the Potomac. He shared the fortunes of
the regiment, and bore an honorable part throughout
the term of his service, being mustered out July
7, 1863. Since his return to civil life Capt. Root
has been one of the leading members of Robert O.
T3'ler Post, G. A. R., of Hartford. For years he
has been one of the trustees of the post fund, and
still serves in that capacity. He also held for years
an honorable place in the Hartford City Guard, and
has been an influential member of the Veteran Asso-
ciation. He is connected with the highest order
of Masonry in the State, having held the position
of grand treasurer of the grand lodge for years.
In the 'eighties it fell to his lot to deliver the oration
in Cedar Hill cemetery, when the handsome monu-
ment in honor of Thomas H. Seymour, the most
chivalric of Knights Templar, was dedicated, and it
is not necessary to say that the address was in keep-
ing with the occasion, and i^eflected permanent credit
on the one who delivered it. In 1888 he was elected
mayor of Hartford, and served the city as an able and
conscientious chief magistrate, his administration
having been one of marked success; the review of
his career as mayor increased the great public re-
spect that had previously been felt for him. Mr.
Root took a very active interest in the ist Company
of the Governor's Foot Guard. He is a member of
the Connecticut river and highway district commis-
sion, a commission of considerable importance,
which has the recommending of a new bridge over
the Connecticut river, and the approaches and high-
ways leading thereto. He has also held a number of
other important positions in connection with the
city, among which may be mentioned his four-years'
service on the committee of the high school, and
13
at present he is vice-president and trustee of the
Mechanics Savings Bank, trustee in the Security
Company of Hartford, and is president, treasurer
and a director of the Spring Grove Cemetery Asso-
ciation. These are but a few of the many important
positions held by Mr. Root, which go to show his
appreciation by the community, and the active inter-
est which he has taken in the affairs of the city.
In all of the positions of civic and military life
Mayor Root has been the ideal representative of
good feeling and manliness. His social qualities
have made him an admirable companion, there being
no more delightful comrade in the great Masonic
Fraternity in Connecticut than he. His upright-
ness of character, genial and wholesome manners,
and frankness of intercourse with men, have at-
tracted hosts of men to his friendship.
GEORGE CYPRIAN JARVIS, M. D., of Hart-
ford. The Jarvis family of England were origin-
ally from Normandy. Their seat in England is at
Bretagne, and the first of the name found was
Jean Gervais, who lived about 1400. Both in this
country and in Europe the name of Jarvis has been
enrolled in almost all the learned professions and
pursuits in life. It has given dignity to the Bench;
it has graced the professions of medicine and sur-
gery ; it has adorned the pulpit and stage ; it has
entwined its garlands of poetry with music and
painting, and it has thundered its deeds of daring
over the ocean wave and among the distant islands
of the sea. Such names as Bishop Jarvis, Rev.
Samuel F. Jarvis, D. D., LL. D., Drs. Charles,
Leonard, George O. and George C. Jarvis, have
graced the ministry and the medical profession.
Dr. George C. Jarvis, subject of this review, is
in the sixth generation from William Jarvis, a
farmer of Huntington, L. I., whose death occurred
about 1740. His wife's name was Esther. From
this William Jarvis our subject's line of descent is
through Capt. Samuel, John, John (2) and Dr.
George O. Jarvis.
(II) Capt. Samuel Jarvis, son of \\ illiam, bom
in 1698, married Naomi Brush, and resided in Nor-
walk. Conn., where he died in 1779.
(III) John Jarvis, son of Capt. Samuel, born in
1725, married, in 1751, Catherine Raymond, and
lived in Norwalk. He passed away in 1778.
(IV) John Jarvis (2), son of John, born in
1753, married (second) in 1779, Elizabeth Boulte.
He lived in Norwalk, and died there in 1824.
(V) Dr. George Oglevie Jarvis, son of John
(2), and the father of our subject, was born July
14, 1795, in New Canaan, Conn. ,He became a
thorough English scholar, and was an educator in
youth and early manhood. He studied medicine
with Dr. T. S. Wetmore, of Winchester, Conn., and
was licensed to practice in 1817, settling first in
Torrington, Conn. After two years' practice there
he removed to Colebrook, remaining until 1840, and
thence to Portland, where he resided and was sue-
196
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
developed the ripe manhood manifested in the life
of William Walker Carter. When nineteen years
old his father gave him his time, and he went to
Hartford and entered the employ of G. W. Bar-
tholomew, at Polkville (now Edgewobd), at cabinet
work when twenty-one. In 1838 he went West,
collecting for William Case, the famous clock manu-
facturer of Canton. The absence of the rapid trans-
portation facilities of the present day called into
requisition the use of a horse to carry the young
collector from place to place, and the healthful exer-
cise of riding horseback did much to strengthen his
physical constitution.
Returning, in 1841, Mr. Carter was married to
Miss Clarissa Barnes, of Southampton, Mass.,
daughter of Amos and Esther Danks Barnes, July
20, of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Carter went
to housekeeping the following year on North Main
street, Bristol. They joined the Methodist Church
soon after the old church was built, where the Ad-
vent church now stands, and when the new church
was built they took a letter and joined the Advent
Church, continuing to worship in the old edifice,
which was bought by Mr. Carter, Lawson Wood-
ing and H. A. Warner, Mr. Carter paying for more
than half of the church, which they opened to the
Advent people. He took an active interest in the
affairs of the church, to which he contributed lib-
erally.
In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Carter's golden wedding
was celebrated at their Sachem's Head cottage, by
their neighbors and friends. Mr. Carter died at
his cottage home Aug. 23, 1893, at the age of sev-
enty-seven years. The remains were brought to
Bristol for interment. His widow is still living
at the home, where she has resided for over fifty
years, and is now in her eighty-seventh year, hav-
ing been born Aug. 18, 1814. l\Irs. Carter is a very
devout member of the Advent Christian Church.
The marriage was without issue.
Mr. Carter engaged in the clock business until
1870. He worked at clock-making for Chauncey
Boardman, the E. Ingraham Co., J. C. Brown, of
Forestville, and Chauncey Jerome, in Ansonia, and
in 1865 was associated with his brother, Luther Car-
ter, making calendar clocks, in the building now used
as a tenement, on the lot at the corner of North
Main and North streets. This enterprise for about
five years was very prosperous, and he acquired a
good property. During the last twenty years of
his life he was not engaged in active business be-
yond caring for his investments. Mr. Carter was
a very thoughtful man in every way. Aside from
his clock business, he found time to attend to many
enterprises for the good of humanity and the pub-
lic weal. He was one of the incorporators of the
Bristol Savings Bank, filled the position of vice-
president, and was also a member of the board of
trustees. His business push and executive ability
were recognized by hfs townsmen in his election
to the office of first selectman for several years, in
which he rendered valuable service in the manage-
ment of public affairs. In politics Mr. Carter was.
a stanch Democrat until after the Civil war, when he
became a liberal thinker. He was a member of the
Odd Fellows. He was broadminded in all matters
pertaining to the welfare of his country and human-
ity, and gave liberally to everything of a deserving
nature.
HON. JAMES NICHOLS, of Hartford, presi-
dent of the National Fire Insurance Co., is of the
eighth generation from Francis Nichols, through
Isaac, Richard, Nathaniel, Theophilus, Capt. James
and Isaac.
(I) Francis Nichols married Anne, daughter of
Barnabas Wines, of Southold, L. I. [Orcott's "His-
tory of Stratford."] He appeared in Stratford,
Conn., in 1639, with four children: Isaac, Caleb,
John, and a daughter.
(II) Isaac Nichols, son of Francis, also became
identified with Stratford. He was several times
deputy to the General Court. His wife's name was
Mary.
(III) Isaac Nichols, son of Isaac, was born in
1654, and died in 1680. The maiden name of his
wife, Margaret, was probably Washburn, as the son
of a Mr. Washburn speaks of her as aunt ; however,
it is possible her sister may have married his fa-
ther.
(IV) Richard Nichols, son of Isaac, born Nov>
26, 1678, in Stratford, married June 3, 1702, Com-
fort Sherman, daughter of Theophilus Sherman, of
Wethersfield.
(V) Nathaniel Nichols, son of Richard, born
April 8, 1707, married Ann Booth, who was born
in 1 710, daughter of Jonathan and Hester (Galpin)
Booth, and died in 1780.
(VI) Theophilus Nichols, son of Nathaniel,
born in 1748, married in 1771 Sarah Meeker, who
was born in 1753, daughter of David and Hannah
(Hill) Meeker, the latter born in 1729. Mr. Nichols
settled in Newtown, Conn. Mrs. Nichols died in
1852.
(VII) Capt. James Nichols, son of Theophilus,
born Sept. 9, 1775, married Lucy Beach, born Feb.
22, 1780, daughter of John Beach (3). Capt. "Jim"
Nichols, as he was familiarly called, was a large
land owner and a good farmer, dealing largely in
cattle. He was one of the most prominent farmers
of his day in Newtown, a man of good judgment,
and served as selectman, though in no sense an
officeseeker. He was a Whig in his political views,
and, religiously, a member of the Episcopal Church.
He is often called on in the settlement of estates.
(VIII) Isaac Nichols, son of Capt. James
Nichols, and the father of President James Nichols,
of Hartford, was born April 19, 1802, in Newtown,
and died there Sept. 7, 1853. He was married
(first) in 1827 to Betsey Piatt, daughter of Moses
and Anna (Judson) Piatt. She was born in 1798,
and died Oct. 6, 1835. He married (second) March
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
197
20, 1838, Louisa Bartlett, daughter of John and
Sarali (Bennett) Bartlett. She was born April 4,
1812, and died Oct. 21, 1894. Mr. Nichols was
reared at the old Nichols homestead which was just
south of the present Beers Sherman place. In his
«arly life for some years he was engaged in busi-
ness at Bridgeport, associated with Gideon Thomp-
son. Along in the latter part of the 'thirties he re-
turned to the homestead, and there farmed the rest
of his life. He was a good substantial farmer and
citizen. He did not care for official position, and
was not active in public affairs. In politics he was
a Whig, and in his religious views an Episcopalian.
His children were Henry, born May 8, 1829; James,
Dec. 25, 1830; William, Feb. 11, 1833; Mary B.,
Oct. 3, 1835; Augusta, Feb. 22, 1839; Sarah, May
29, 1840; Margaret, March 20, 1842; Beach, Feb.
8, 1844; Louisa B., Sept. 7, 1845; William, Aug.
18, 1847; Arthur, April 2, 1849; and Grace Nov.
26, 1851.
James Nichols, son of Isaac, of Newtown, Conn.,
was born December 25, 1830, in Newtown, where
his boyhood was passed on his father's farm in at-
tendance at the district schools, at work on the farm,
and in teaching, until his twenty-first, year. He was
prepared for the Bar under the direction of the late
Amos S. Treat, and was admitted to the Bar in the
spring of 1854, at Danbury, Conn. He commenced
the practice of law at Thompsonville, but removed to
Hartford within a few months, and was appointed
assistant clerk of the Hartford county superior court.
In 1 86 1 he was elected judge of probate in the Hart-
ford district, wihich embraced the towns of Hartford,
Windsor Locks, East Hartford and Glastonbury.
The office was one of great importance, and required
exceptional ability for the discharge of its duties.
Judge Nichols . won the admiration of all parties
on account of the successful way in which the ju-
dicial work of the office was performed. In 1867
lie became the adjuster and special agent of the
Merchants Insurance Co. of Hartford, and was
rapidly promoted by the board of directors. From
the* outset he manifested exceptional adaptability
for the insurance business. At the time of the great
Chicago fire, in 1871, Judge Nichols was secretary
of the Merchants, and a manager of recognized
standing in the insurance community. The Mer-
-chants was not able to recover from the great disas-
ter at Chicago, and surrendered its charter. The
National Fire Insurance Co., which had been incor-
porated in May, 1869, organized in 1871 with the
late Mark Howard as president, and Judge Nichols
as secretary. On the death of President Howard,
in 1887, the Judge succeeded to the presidency, his
standing as a most capable insurance manager en-
titling him to that promotion. Under the able and
judicious management of Judge Nichols the Na-
tional has made great progress, and has the reputa-
tion of being one of the ablest and most carefully
conducted insurance companies in New England.
Under his presidency the assets of the company in-
creased from $1,969,907, Jan. i, 1887, to $4,551."
283,55, J^"- '• 190O1 and its business from 1887 to
1900 from $569,256 to $2,187,750.
Judge Nichols was very prominently brought
before the fire underwriters of this country in con-
nection with the famous Bennett Brothers' case,
in Syracuse, he being chairman of a committee con-
sisting of himself, Richard D. AUiger and Daniel
C. Osman, who had the case in charge. In this case
over $120,000 insurance was involved, twenty-three
companies were interested, and over $350,000 loss
was claimed by the assured. The assured assigned
his property to the creditors, among whom were
sixty-three of the leading mercantile firms of New
York, whose debts were to be collected from the
insurance. These sixty-three creditors assumed an
active part in the prosecution of the claim, using
freely their influence as merchants and insurers to
compel payment, signing individually a memorial to
the companies interested urging the settlement of
the claim independent of the committee, and in many
instances withdrawing their patronage from the
companies interested. The assured also distributed
circulars throughout the country abusing the com-
mittee, and demanding that the policies of the com-
panies contesting the claim be refused by the insur-
ing public. Notwithstanding the great pressure
brought upon the companies to settle the loss not one
company yielded, but all firmly sustained the com-
mittee, aiid, after a long and severely contested
trial of thirty days' actual session in court, the case
was won by the companies, a large amount of money
saved, a villainous fraud exposed, and the perpe-
trators punished.
Judge Nichols is president of the ^lechanics
& traders Fire Insurance Co.. of New Orleans;
vice-president of the Charter Oak National Bank;
a director in the Phoenix Life Insurance Co. ; a
trustee in the Society for Savings; a director in
the iEtna Indemnity Co. : and in the Pratt & Cady
Co. Politically his affiliations have always been
with the Republican party. Ilis religious cornections
are with the Park Congregational Church of Hart-
ford, of which he has been a member for many
years. He has served his ward as a member of the
common council. He is a Mason, identified with St.
John's Lodge, of Hartford. The life of Judge Nich-
ols has been one of great success and honor, and
he is held in the highest esteem in Hartford, of
which he has been a resident since the summer
of 1854.
On July 9, 1861, ^Ir. Nichols was married to
Isabella" M. Starkweather, daughter of Nathan and
Cvnthia (Loomis) Starkweather, of Hartford. She
was born Aug. 5, 1842, and died Oct. 9, 1895. Three
children came to this marriage : James L., born
Feb. 20, 1863, died June 29, 187!. Isabella, born
Oct. 23, 1874, died June 28, 1875. Helen C, born
Dec. 24, 1870, married Dec. 24, 1890, Harry A.
■Smith, of Rochester, N. Y., now of Hartford, as-
sistant secretary of the National Fire Insurance
198
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Co. ; they have one son, James N., born Oct. 2,
1891, and one daughter, Harriet H., born Jan.
6, 1895.
SAMUEL D. CHAMBERLIN. The Cham-
beriin family is one of the oldest in this section, and
traces descent from one of three brothers who came
from England at an earl)' date, landing in Boston.
The first of the name of whom we have definite
record was Jacob Chamberlin, who was born in
Newton, Mass., in 1673, and the subject of this
sketch, a well-known business man of Hartford, is
of the sixth generation from this ancestor.
(H) Jason Chamberlin, son of Jacob, known
as Col. Jason, was born in Newton, Mass., Feb. 26,
1701. He inherited the homestead, and after his
marriage, to Hannah Clark, settled at Holliston,
Mass. About 1770 he removed to Sandisfield,
Berkshire Co., Mass. Being a man of more than
ordinary ability he took a leading part in public
affairs wherever he resided, and he represented
Holliston in the convention that adopted the Federal
Constitution, and was often sent to the General
Court. His interest in the political questions of his
day was keen, and he always acted with the parties
opposed to the Constitution and administration of
John Adams.
(HI) Samuel Chamberlin, son of Col. Jason,
was born at Holliston, Mass., July 18, 1732, and
during the darkest period of the Revolutionary war
he enlisted from the town of Sandisfield in Col.
Ashley's regiment, his muster returns being dated
at Valley Forge, Jan. 25, 1778.
(IV) Samuel Clark Chamberlin was born at
Holliston May 25, 1765, and died Nov. 30, 1835,
in Colebrook, Conn. On Sept. 7, 1796, he married,
for his second wife, Anna Conklin, who was born
Oct. 30, 1772, and died May 2, 1846. By this mar-
riage he had seven children, as follows : Abiram,
born Oct. 2, 1797, died Oct. 14, 1871, in New
Britain; Mary, born Sept. 20, 1799, died Aug. 14,
1861, in Hartford; Elvira, iDorn Sept. 14, 1801,
died July i, 1838, in New Hartford; Rebecca, born
Aug. 28, 1804, died Nov. 17, 1886, in Hartford;
Hiram, born April 2, 1809, died Sept. 2, 1876;
Samuel Strong, born Sept. 25, 181 1, died Jan. 24,
1898, at Hartford; Melvina, born Sept. 5, 1815, died
Aug. 17, 1843, in New Britain.
(V) Samuel S. Chamberlin was born Sept. 25,
181 1, in Colebrook, Conn., and was reared in Berk-
hire county, Mass., receiving a district-school edu-
cation, which he supplemented by reading and ob-
servation. He was an excellent business man,
straightforward and possessing sound judgment,
and with the exception of a few months had no
partners in his .enterprises. As a young man he
was employed by the Messrs. Bartelle, grocers, in
Norfolk, and in 1835 he established a retail gro-
cery and meat business at No. 179 State street,
Hartford, which was afterward developed into the
present wholesale business in provisions, salt fish and
grass seeds. He was the first to make "dried beef,"
and this became a leading feature in his trade. Al-
though he went to Hartford empty-handed he ac-
cumulated a fine etate, and in 1873 he retired, leav-
ing the business to his son, Samuel D. Chamberlin,
who admitted to the firm, in August, 1897, his two
sons, Frank D. and Albert S. In politics he was a
Republican, as are all the members of the family,
and for sixty years he was a faithful reader of the
Coiirant, but he never took an active share in par-
tisan work. He was a member of the South Con-
gregational Church, Hartford. On Oct. 11, 1835,
Mr. Chamberlin married Mary Etta Doolittle, born
June I, 1812, daughter of Ezra Doolittle, Esq., of
Riverton, Conn., and a member of one of the most
prominent families of that place. She died March
16, 1885, and he married (second) Mrs. Harriet
Elizabeth Filley, who survives him. He left four
children, all by the first marriage : Miss Ellen E. ;
Mrs. L. B. Merriam; Samuel D. ; and Laura M.,
wife of Rev. George S. Dodge, of Worcester, Massa-
chusetts.
(VI) Samuel Doolittle Chamberlin was born
Feb. 6, 1843, in Hartford, where he received a
public-school education, and he also attended school
in Ellington for two years. He left school at the
age of seventeen, and in 1861 enlisted at Hartford
in Company A, 1st Conn. V. I., for three months.
At the expiration of this term he re-enlisted, in the
i6th Conn. V. I., was made orderly sergeant, and
later served as second lieutenant of Company G, and
first lieutenant of Company B ; was with the regi-
ment about a year and a half, and then resigned
to enter the quartermaster's department. He was
in the battle of Bull Run and the Virginia campaign,
and took part in the hard fighting at Antietam,
Fredericksburg, and the siege of Suffolk. After
the war he came home and engaged in business with
his father, and since the latter's retirement in 1875
has conducted the store. He has a large trade in
provisions, salt fish and grass seeds, extending
throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode
Island. Mr. Chamberlin has always followed a
conservative course in business, its wisdom being
shown by his success. He is a Republican in poli-
tics, but has not taken an ardent part in public
affairs, and socially he is identified with the B. P.
O. E., and with Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R.
On Aug. 24, 1862, he was married to Sarah E.
Quintard, daughter of Henry Harrison and Clarissa
(Grant) Quintard, the former of South Norwalk,
the latter of Ashford, Conn. Mr. Quintard was iden-
tified with the Jewel Belting Co. all his active life.
Mr. Chamberlin has children as follows : Frank D. ;
Albert S. ; Samuel S., who is in the gents' furnish-
ing business ; George Burton C, who is in the boot
and shoe business ; Mary E. ; and Harry H., who is
employed in the shipping department at Pope's fac-
tory. The last named was in the Spanish war, in
1898, serving with Company K, ist Conn. Vols.
On Dec. 28, 1892, Frank D. married Adelaide White,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
19&
of Hartford, and they have one son, Samuel D., born
Jan. 27 1895. On Oct. 26, 1897, Samuel S. mar-
ried Mrs. Louise (Thomas) Fox, and they have one
son, Albert S., born July 15, 1899. Mary E. mar-
ried Charles E. Hubbard.
THEODORE WIRTH, the efficient and enter-
prising superintendent of the park system of the
city of Hartford, was born Nov. 30, 1863, at Win-
terthur, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, and belongs to
an old and respected family of that Canton. In
fact, genealogically, he can trace his ancestors back
to the year 1446, and he is a descendant of Burgo-
master Hans Wirth, of Stamheim, who, together
with his son, Johannes, a priest of the new Zwingli
Protestant Church, was beheaded by the Catholics in
1523, at Baden, Canton Aargau.
Conrad Wirth, the grandfather of our subject,
was a life-long resident of the Canton, and by occu-
pation was a veterinary surgeon. Conrad Wirth,
Jr., our subject's father, was born in 1827 in Stam-
heim, same Canton, and on graduating from the
seminary at Kusnacht, at twenty years of age, be-
came a successful teacher, retiring in April, 1898.
During his fifty years of professional work he
taught in three places only, and for thirty-six years
he was connected with the schools of Winterthur, a
place of 20,000 inhabitants. He was married in
Flawyl, Canton St. Gall, to Miss Martha Wiget, a
native of that Canton, and they had four children,
all of whom are living : Elsie resides at Flawyl ;
Theodore, our subject, was second in the order of
birth ; Rudolph, who succeeded his father as a
teacher at Winterthur, married Elsie Merk, and has
one child, Martha; Martha married Godfried
Schmid, chief engineer of the Canton of Zurich, and
resides in Zollikon, near the city of Zurich.
Our subject was educated in the schools of his
native town, which were famous for their excellence,
and he speaks three languages, German, French and
English. In 1878 he was graduated from the high
school, and entered upon an apprenticeship as a gen-
eral gardener at Flawyl in one of the largest horti-
cultural establishments in Switzerland. On com-
pleting his term he spent one winter in an elective
course in engineering, at the Polytechnic school at
Winterthur, and for one year he was engaged in
that line of work in ■ Switzerland. In 1883 he
went to London, England, where he was employed
as a landscape gardener and general decorator, and
in 1885 he went to Paris where he worked for two
years on private estates and in the well-known bot-
anical garden, the Jardin des Plantes. He returned
to Switzerland in 1887, and in the following year
came to America, landing in Nev^r York City. His
ability and skill secured him employment within
three or four weeks as a gardener in Central Park,
where he remained until 1890, and later he re-en-
tered the service of the New York park commis-
sioners and assisted in the construction of Morning-
side Park, imder the direction of general foreman of
construction, James I'rancis Huss, a native of
Switzerland. While there he rose to the position
of assistant foreman, and for some time had charge
of Morningside Park, but was finally discharged,
with hundreds of others, on account of a change of
administration. Mr. Wirth then engaged in work
on his own account, la\ing out private places, con-
tinuing thus from 1892 to 1896, and during that
time he worked chiefly on Long Island and in
other portions of New York State. With Samuel
Parsons, Jr., he did some planting at the State Res-
ervation at Niagara Falls. In 1896 he was ap-
pointed superintendent of parks of the city of Hart-
ford, and under him many improvements have been
made. He executed the plans furnished him by
Olmsted Brothers, landscai>e architects, for Pope,
South and Riverside Parks, and designed and ex-
ecuted the plans for Elizabeth Park. Mr. Wirth
says this profession is his life, and in this devotion
may be seen the secret of his success. He has not
been active in politics, and is now an independent,
although formerly a Democrat. He is a member of
the Royal Arcanum and the I. O. O. F., and of the
Zwingli Protestant Church.
In 1895 JNIr. Wirth married Miss Leonie Alex-
andrine Mense, an American, born of French par-
entage, and they have two sons, Theodore Rudolph
and Conrad Louis.
HON. JOHN W. COOGAN, M. A., attorney
at law, Hartford, was born June 3, 1855, in \\'ind-
sor Locks, Hartford county, a son of James Coogan.
who was born in Ireland. Flis grandfather, Daniel
Coogan, also born in Ireland, came to America, and
followed his trade of paper-maker in this country.
He died in Windsor Locks at the age of ninety-six
years.
James Coogan, father of John ^^'., was one of
a number of children, Julia, who married [Matthew
Lester, of Windsor, being the only one now living.
James Coogan was a paper-maker by trade, and
became superintendent of a paper-mill in Windsor
Locks. He afterward started a store which he car-
ried on for many vears, until he retired, and he died
at the age of seventy years. He was a man of
prominence in his town, holding all the town offices
which he would accept, and in iS(>5 was sent to the
Legislature, being the first Catholic to fill this posi-
tion in the State of Connecticut : was on the board
of selectmen at Windsor Locks for many years, and
took an active part in the political affairs of his town
all his life. He married Eliza (Byrne), who was
born in Ireland, and eight children were born to
them, seven of whom are living: Edward D., in
Windsor Locks; James T., in Windsor Locks;
Timothy C, a resident of San Francisco,
Cal. ; Joseph A., also in Windsor Locks;
Elizabeth, who married James B. Benson, of Wind-
sor Locks ; John W. ; and Mary J., a Sister of
Mercy, known in the order as Sister M. Laurentia.
The mother of these died at the age of forty-nine.
200
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. and Mrs. Coogan were members of the Catho-
lic Church, in which they took an active part and in-
terest. Of the above mentioned, Timotliy C. is an
attorney at law, now in San Francisco, Cal. He
held various town offices at Windsor Locks during
his early professional life, and has served three
terms in the Connecticut State Senate, being the
first Catholic to hold that office in Connecticut. Of
the other brothers all but Joseph A. have been mem-
bers of the State Legislature : all have been promi-
nently connected with town offices. Joseph A. has
been a practicing physician for a number of years,
in Hartford and in his native town of Windsor
Locks.
John W. Coogan passed his early years in Wind-
sor Locks, and was educated in the public schools
and St. John's College, at Fordham, N. Y., where
he graduated in 1876, with the degree of A. B. ;
in 1878 he received the degree of M. A. He then
took up the study of law with his brother, Timothy
C, later entered Yale Law School, where he gradu-
ated in 1879, and immediately began the practice in
Hartford which he has since continued, for twenty-
one years. He is one of the oldest lawyers in
practice in the city, and has tried a large number
of celebrated cases, in which he has been very suc-
cessful. Like his brothers, he has been active along
political lines. He was prosecuting attorney for
the city for two years; grand juror for a number of
3'ears, in which office he is still serving; has also
been a delegate to a large number of State and
cotmty conventions, and served in the Legislature in
1882. At the present time he is a member of the
board of street commissioners, having been ap-
pointed in 1900 to serve three years. In the fall of
1900 he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket
for Presidential elector from the State of Connecti-
cut.
Mr. Coogan was married, in 1898, to Susan O.
Nolan, who was born in Albany, a daughter of
Murtha Nolan, of that city. To this union has
been born one child, John Nolan Coogan. Mr.
Coogan made his home in Windsor Locks up to
1883, when he came to Hartford to live. He has
one of the largest law libraries in the State. So-
cially he is a member of the Knights of Columbus,
having been grand knight of Charter Oak Council,
No. 19; and is also a member of the B. P. O. E.,
in which he held the position of exalted ruler, and
has been one of the grand trustees of the order : he is
affiliated with several other organizations. While
in the legislature he was a member of the commit-
tee on Cities and Boroughs. The family attend the
Catholic church, in which all have taken an active
part. Mr. Coogan is a man of most courteous man-
ner, and has hosts of friends in Hartford.
BENJAMIN BLISS (deceased). The founders
of the Bliss family were among the early settlers of
Connecticut and Massachusetts colonies, and the
subject of this memoir, for many years a leading
business man of Hartford, Conn., traced his descent
from Thomas Bliss, Belstone parish, Devonshire,
England, of whom little is known outside the facts
that he was "a wealthy landowner, and that he be-
longed to the class who were stigmatized as Puri-
tans." He was born between 1550-60, it is pre-
sumed. His death probably occurred about the time
of his sons' emigration to America — 1635-40.
A son of this Thomas Bliss, of Belstone, also
named Thomas, was born somewhere between 1580
and 1585. He was married in England, about 1612-
15, to Margaret Lawrence. They had ten children:
Ann, Mary, Thomas, Nathaniel, Lawrence, and
Samuel, who were born in England; and Sarah,
Elizabeth, Hannah, and John, who were born prob-
ably in America. Owing to religious persecution
Thomas Bliss left for America in the autumn of
1635, and soon after his arrival at Boston he lo-
cated temporarily in Braintree, Mass., eventually
settling in Hartford, Conn., being one of the origi-
nal land proprietors there. He was either with
Thomas Hooker on his arrival in Hartford, or
reached there shortly afterward, undoubtedly at-
tracted to the same place because of similar views
and interests. Trinity street in that city is one
of its original streets, and it was known as Bliss
street until 1855. It was probably named after
Thomas Bliss or his immediate descendants. Thomas
Bliss died in 1640.
Lawrence Bliss, of Springfield, Mass. (son of
Thomas Bliss and Margaret Lawrence, of Hartford,
Conn.), came to America with his father in 1635.
On Oct. 25, 1654, he was married in Springfield,
Mass., to Lydia, daughter of Deacon Samuel and
Margaret Wright. He died in 1676. His children
were Lydia, Sarah, Samuel, Sarah (2), Samuel (2),
Hannah, Sarah (3), William, and Pelatiah.
Pelatiah Bliss, of Springfield, Mass. (son of
Lawrence Bliss and Lydia Wright) , was born Aug.
19, 1674, and died in 1747. His home was on the
present site of the Chicopee Bank. On April 21,
1698, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Luke and
Sarah Hitchcock, who was born in 1679, and died
March 28, 1756. Their children were Jonathan,
Pelatiah, Elizabeth, Thankful, William, Luke,
Sarah, Caleb and Moses.
Deacon Caleb Bliss, of West Springfield, Mass.
(son of Pelatiah Bliss and Elizabeth Hitchcock, of
Springfield, Mass.), was born Feb. 16, 1717, and
was married in 1740, to Editha, daughter of Ebenezer
and Mercy Day, of West Springfield. She was born
Aug. 20, 171 5. Deacon Bliss died May 22, 1758,
and on Dec. 20, 1759, his widow became the second
wife of Deacon Jonathan White, of West Spring-
field, Mass., and of Middletown, Conn., She died
Feb. 4, 1797- The children by the first marriage
were Editha, Editha(2), Elizabeth, Abel, William,
Pelatiah, Caleb, William (2), and Editha (3).
Caleb Bliss, of West Springfield, Mass. (son of
Deacon Caleb Bliss and Editha Day, of Spring-field),
was born Aug. 12, 1750, and died Dec. 15, 1825.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
201
He was married Oct. 31, 1776, to Ilannali Van-
Horn. She was born Aug. 19, 1750, and died April
J5, 1831. Tlieir cliildren were Anne, Genubatli,
Elijali, Elijah (2), and Caleb.
Elijah Bliss (son of Caleb Bliss and Hannah
Van Horn), was born at West Springfield, Mass.,
Feb. 19, 1783, and died there April 15, 1854. By
occupation he was a shoemaker, and he also carried
on farming in a small way. On Oct. 31, 1804, he
married Lucy Van Horn, who was born May 30,
1785, the daughter of Derrick and Rachel Van-
Horn of West Springfield. She died March 19,
1863. They had the following children : Edward,
Lucy, iMarietta, Nancy, Elijah, Benjamin, and
Catherine.
Benjamin Bliss was born Sept. 21, 1820, in West
Springfield, Mass., and died Oct. 3, 1896, in Hart-
ford, Conn. He received a common-school edu-
cation, which was supplemented in later years by
reading and by extensive travel both in this coun-
try and in Europe. Having his own way to make
in the world, he left home at the age of eighteen, and
went to Hartford, arriving there Sept. 21, 1838, the
anniversai-y of his birth. He first entered the em-
ploy of H. L. Miller, and afterward that of C. F.
Collins, both dry-goods merchants. While with Mr.
Collins young Bliss conceived the idea of putting
in a show-case in which to place on sale knives,
razors, and similar goods. He obtained his em-
ployer's consent to carry out this scheme, and he
made in this way the money that gave him his start
in life. Subsequently he began business with Jo-
seph Delliber, the firm-name being Delliber & Bliss.
The store of the firm was where the Hartford
Opera House now stands. At the end of three years
Mr. Delliber's interest was purchased by Mr. Bliss,
and in 1855 he also purchased the property at the
■corner of Main and Pratt streets, and established
at this point one of the largest stores, in its day,
in the city. He remained there until Feb. i, 1882,
when his health became so impaired that it pre-
vented his longer continuance in business. Prior
to this time the late Hudson Andrews, of Hartford,
and H. H. Woodhouse, now of New York City, were
identified with him in managing the operations of
the house. He was succeeded, however, by his son,
the late Edward L. Bliss. The business passed
into the hands of Cook & Hills several years ago,
and it is now controlled by C. S. Hills & Co. The
corner block belongs to the estate left by Mr. Bliss,
"but the transactions of the house have not been iden-
tified in any way with the Bliss family for years.
Mr. Benjamin Bliss was one of the directors of
the National Fire Insurance Company, under Pres-
ident Mark Howard, and retained the position so
long as the condition of his health permitted. He
was more or less interested in many of the insurance
companies and other financial institutions of the
■city, and for a time was director in the Merchants
Insurance Company. He was a capable and clear-
headed business man, and built up a large and pros-
perous trade, and for years after the Civil war the
out-of-town business of the house probably exceed-
ed that of any other of the dry-goods concerns in
the city.
Mr. Bliss was the soul of integrity, and his deal-
ings were universally recognized as upright and
honorable. He was reared a Congregationalist,
but became a member of the South Baptist Church,
holding the position of chairman of the church
society for nine years. He was the dispenser of
many personal charities that were known only to
himself and the recipients of his benefactions. At
one time he was a member of the Governor's Foot
Guard in Hartford, and held an honorable discharge
from that service. In politics he was first a Whig,
later a Republican, and during the Civil war his
loyal support was given the government.
His home life was most enjoyable to a man of
his domestic and sociable nature. On April 2,
1846, he married Miss Abbie Goodrich Woodhouse,
of Wethersfield, Conn., who was born Oct. 10,
1823. She survives him with three of their five chil-
dren: Miss Alice Goodrich, Frederick Spencer, and
Miss Grace Edith. The elder son, Edward Lang-
don, was born Feb. 24, 1852, and died April 30,
1895. Lizzie Cordis, who was born Sept. 11, 1856,
died Jan. 4, i860.
Edward L. Bliss was educated at the Hartford
High School, and at the Cheshire Military Acad-
emy, which was then conducted by the Rev. Dr.
Horton. He began business with his father soon
after completing his studies. Subsequently he was
admitted to partnership, and the business was con-
ducted, for a number of years, under the firm-name
of Benjamin Bliss & Company. The son assumed
the entire charge of the business after the retirement
of the founder, and, after managing it successfully
for about nine years, he sold it, Jan. i, 1891, to
Messrs. Cook & Hills. The deceased was an able
business man, careful and conservative, and under-
stood perfectly the administration of property inter-
ests. He traveled extensively in Europe and
througout this country, and he was thoroughly in-
formed concerning public interests ; but he was of a
retiring disposition, not seeking in any way identi-
fication with military and fraternal orders. He was
an attendant at the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church,
and in his business career he was a member of the
Hartford Board of Trade.
Elijah Bliss, brother of the late Benjamin Bliss,
and the last of the seven children of the family of
Elijah Bliss and Lucy \'an Horn, of Wesv Spring-
field, Mass., died at' the home of his son, Frank
Edward Bliss, No. 21, Holland Park, West Lon-
don, England, Sept. 11, 1899, in his eighty-third
year. He will be remembered by the older residents
of Hartford, where he was engaged in the retail
dry-goods business on jMain street in the early
'forties. He married Mary Beebe Case, of Flart-
ford, a granddaughter of the late Manna Case.
Thev were members of the First Baptist Church,
202
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Hartford, for a time, and afterward they removed
to Brooklyn, N. Y., where Mr. Bhss was deacon of
the Pierrepont Street Baptist Church for many
years. He was engaged in active business in New
York City until his declining health caused him to
retire from business ; and he made his home with
his son, his only surviving child, who is manager of
the Anglo-American Oil Company in London, Eng-
land.
Mr. Elijah Bliss's wife and four younger chil-
dren died several years ago in Brooklyn. Besides
his son he left four young grandsons. The inter-
ment was at the cemetery at Mortlake, England.
Abbie Goodrich Woodhouse, wife of Benjamin
Bliss, is a descendant of Joseph Woodhouse, of
Hertfordshire, England. He came to America, with
his two sisters, in 1710, and settled in Wethersfield,
Conn., where he married Dorothy Buck. Their
children were William, Anne, Hannah, John, Sarah,
Samuel, Phebe, Daniel, and Elizabeth. The mother
of these children died Oct. 18, 1771, the father on
Aug. I, 1774. Their son Samuel, born Oct. i, 1728,
married Thankful Blinn, and their children were
Samuel, Sarah, William, Prudence, Patience, Eliza-
beth, Humphrey, and Solomon.
SamuelWoodhouse (son of Samuel Woodhouse
and Thankful Blinn), was born Dec. 23, 1756. He
married Abigail Goodrich, born 1759. Their chil-
dren were Samuel, George, Sylvester, Henry, Solo-
mon, Huldah, Nancy, Mary and Abigail. He
served in the war of the Revolution, as a private,
for the period of fifteen months. He first entered
the service in Wethersfield, Conn., in January, 1776,
and was discharged finally in the year 1780. The
following are mentioned as officers under whom he
rendered service; Capt. Chester Wells, Col. Sears,
Col. John Chester, Col. Thomas Belden. Capt.
Charles Churchill, Capt. Benoni Smith, Col. John
Belden, and Capt. John Welles. He died Sept. 6,
1834, and his wife "died Oct. 27, 1851.
Solomon Woodhouse (son of Samuel Wood-
house and Abigail Goodrich) was born in Weth-
ersfield, Conn., on Aug. 30, 1798, and died there
May 19, 1853. He married Lura Adams, of Weth-
ersfield (daughter of Joseph Adams and Mary
Hatch Dix), January 30, 1821. She was born Aug.
ID, 1800, and died Feb. 25, 1888. Their children
were Mary Hatch, Abbie Goodrich, Lura Ann,
George B. — who left home in November, 1847, for
California, at the time of the "gold fever," and
probably died there ; but two letters were received
from him after his arrival in California — William
Henry, Elizabeth Butler, Elvira Maria, Henry W.,
Edward Gardner and Herbert Hayden.
HON. LINUS B. PLIMPTON, president of
the Plimpton Manufacturing Co., State senator, and
former police commissioner, Hartford, has de-
scended from ancestry conspicuous in the history of
Massachusetts.
Capt. John Plimpton, the first of the family in
this country of whom a record is found, was at
Dedham, Mass., in 1642, later removed to Medfield,
and still later to Deerfield, where he was chief of
military affairs in King Philip's war. During that
war he was captured by the Indians and killed, one
version of his death being that he was burned at
the stake. He enlisted in the Ancient and Honor-
able Artillery Company of Massachusetts, in 1644.
Oliver Plimpton was a native and resident of
Southbridge, Mass., and in that town became a man
of considerable prominence. For many years he
served as a justice of the peace, and was collector of
the town. He served as quartermaster of a regi-
ment in 1787. Several of liis old warrants, bearing
the signatures of different governors, are still in
the possession of the family, his grandson, Linus B.
Plimpton, having one, which is signed by John Han-
cock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.,
He married Lydia Fisk, a native of Southbridge,
who lived to be ninety years of age. He died aged
seventy-four years. They reared eight children,,
of whom Chauncy Plimpton, father of Linus B.,
was a native of Southbridge, Mass. He died at the
age of forty. He married Celesta Bacon, a native
of Charlton, Mass., a daughter of Daniel Bacon, a
farmer and schoolmaster, and a man prominent in
church affairs, for years leading the choir of hia
own church.
Linus B. Plimpton was born June 28, 1830, in
the town of Southbridge, Mass., and there attended
the common schools of his neighborhood. Later
he received a thorough mercantile training, partly
in his native town, at Springfield, Mass., and at
Rockville, Conn. In 1865 he came to Hartford^
formed a partnership, and established the business-
of manufacturing envelopes, this firm, L. B. Plimp-
ton & Co., however, lasting but a short time. In
1873 the Plimpton Manufacturing Co. was organ-
ized with L. B. Plimpton as president and general
manager. The following year the new company
entered the lists as bidders for making stamped
envelopes for the government, and were successful
in securing the prize. Many obstacles were thrown
in their way by parties long interested in the suc-
cessive quadrennial contracts, but all were over-
come, and improvements so numerous and radical
have since been made, in appliances for doing the
work, that inventions protected by patents have
since enabled the company to underbid all competi-
tors. The Morgan Envelope Co., of Springfield,,
Mass., joined the Plimpton Co., in the first contract
with the government, and the association has con-
tinued till the present time. This branch of the
work has always been conducted in a separate build-
ing, and, so far as accounts and details are con-
cerned, kept entirely by itself.
In 1886, to meet the growing demands of the
general trade, the company built on Pearl street,
a factory for their own exclusive use. It is con-
structed of brick, with stone trimming, and has
four floors above the basement, each containing
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
203
17,000 square , feet. It is lighted by electricity,
furnished with automatic fire extinguishers, and
thoroughly provided with modern appliances for the
convenient and economical dispatch of business. The
first floor above the street is used for offices, for
the jobbing trade, and for the storage of stock; the
second contains a complete equipment for job print-
ing on a large scale; the third and fourth are prin ■
cipally devoted to the manufacture of envelopes,
the annual product ranging above 550,000,000, and
in part to the manufacture of envelope machinery,
all that used by the firm being produced on the
premises. On the upper floor also are made paper
boxes in great quantities. The basement is largely
given up to the storage of stock. A statement of
naked facts can convey no adequate conception of the
perfection of the labor-saving contrivances in use, or
of the ingenuity and toil expended in their evolu-
tion from the crude germs of thirty-four years ago.
The blanks placed in bulk upon the table of the
machine are picked up one by one by fingers that
never tire, gummed, folded, impressed with the
printed request to return to the writer (and at the
government works with postage stamp also) counted
in packages of twenty-five each, and delivered at
the outlet ready for boxing. With intelligence
seemingly human, and with more than human exact-
ness and endurance, the marvelous combinations of
■wood and iron fulfill their daily round, never mak-
ing a miscount, and rarely, even for an instant,
failing to turn out perfect work. Most of the im-
provements, which render the present machine so
precise and effective, have been wrought out under
the suggestions and directions of the officers of the
company, and are protected by patents. It has
been the constant aim to do nothing by hand that
could be done equally well or better by machinery,
and to tolerate no imperfection of method remedi-
able by inventive skill.
When designed, in 1886, the factory on Pearl
street, it was supposed by the managers, would furn-
ish ample accommodations for the general trade for
a long time to come, but so rapidly did the business
extend that in several years every floor was crowded
and the margin for elbow room became uncomfort-
ably narrow. The cost of plain paper stock an-
nually consumed in both departments exceeds half
a million of dollars. At the New York office of
the company. No. 312 Broadway, may be found a
complete exhibit of all lines of goods produced by
them. Either there or by correspondence with the
main office at Hartford the public can obtain infor-
mation with regard to prices and specialties. Since
the transfer of the manufacture of United States
stamped envelopes to Hartford, in 1874, the annual
product has risen from 150,000,000 to 650,000,000.
The work, under the immediate supervision of
Maro S. Chapman, is carried on in a building by it-
self, entirely separate from the rest of the business,
while the Post Office Department has an agent of
its own under the same roof to look after its inter-
ests, and to superintend ihe siiipment of the goods
to postoffices throughout the country on orders from
Washington.
Owing to the invaluable inventions made and
patented by the former contractors, though the pro-
duction, meantime, of the best grade of letter size
envelopes has nearly trebled, the price, exclusive of
the value of the postage, fell from $3.20 per thousand
in 1874, to $1.20 in lyoo. The dift'crence of ?2 per
thousand on the then selling price, saved by the
ingenuity of Hartford brains and the efficiency of
Hartford management, inures wholly to the benefit
of the American people. The officers of the com-
pany are L. B. Plimpton, president ; M. S. Chapman,
vice-president; Frederick Plimpton, treasurer; and
James M. Plimpton, secretary.
Our subject has affiliated with the Republican
party, and in the public affairs of the city and county
has been quite active and influential. He served
one term in the common council, and during the
administration of Mayor Bulkeley was appointed
police commissioner, filling such office with ability
and dignity for six years. In 1896 he was elected to
the State Senate, and two years later was re-elected
to that body, and his services have been valuable
alike to 'the District and the State. He served as
chairman of the committee on Insurance lx)th terms.
In the spring of 1900 Senator Plimpton was chosen
a delegate at large, to represent Hartford and Tol-
land counties in the National Republican Convention
held in Philadelphia in June of that year, and was
chosen by the Connecticut delegation as their chair-
man. His nominations as senator and delegate
were unanimous. He has served in the past as an
alternate delegate with Gov. Bulkeley to two dift'er-
ent conventions.
In May, 1861, Senator Plimpton was married
to Clara Hubbard, a native of Coventry, and a
daughter of Selah H. Hubbard, a farmer of that
town, who lived to the advanced age of eighty-five
years. To this marriage were born: Julia, who mar-
ried Arthur H. Bradley, now of the Phcenix Fire
Insurance Co. of Hartford; Mary L. ; and Grace
L. The mother of these children died in 1885, at
the age of fifty years.
JOSEPH PARSONS TUTTLE, member of the
widely known law firm in Hartford of Bill &
Tuttle, is a native of Connecticut, born June_i2,
1865, in Unionville, town of Farmington, Hartford
county, and is a son of Nelson J. and Antoinette
Clara (Parsons) Tuttle.
The Tuttle family, of which our subject is a
member, is one of the oldest in New England, the
line of his descent being through. Nelson. Joseph,
Joseph, Joseph, Noah, Joseph and Joseph, to Will-
iam the emigrant.
(I) William Tuttle, with his wife Elizabeth and
familv, came to the New \\'orId from England in
the sliip •' Planter," in 1635, settling in New Haven,
Conn. At the time of sailing he gave his age as
204
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
twenty-six. He was a man of courage, enterprise,
intelligence, probity and piety, and the equal, social-
ly, of any of the colonists. The names of his chil-
dren are as follows : John, Hannah, Thomas, Jona-
than, David, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Simon, Ben-
jamin, Mercy and Nathaniel.
(H) Joseph Tuttle, baptized in New Haven,
1640, married in 1667 Hannah, daughter of Capt.
Thomas Munson. He died in 1690, and his widow
married Nathan Bradley. Joseph Tuttle's children
were : Joseph, Samuel, Stephen, Joanna, Timothy,
Susanna, Elizabeth, Hannah (i) and Hannah (2).
(HI) Joseph Tuttle, born in 1668, married in
Milford, Conn., in 1691, Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Sanford. Mr. Tuttle was prominent and
active in local affairs. His children were : Jo-
seph, Noah, Catherine, Elizabeth and Thankful.
(IV) Noah Tuttle, born Oct. 12, 1694, married
Dec. I, 1720, Rachel Hoadley, who died April 7,
1749. His children were: Lydia, Timothy, Desire,
Elizabeth, Desire (2), Joseph, Rachel and Abigail.
(V) Joseph Tuttle, born July 18, 1734, married,
in 1761, Mary, daughter of Daniel and Abi-
gail (Denison) Granger, of Suffield, Conn. He lived
on that part of the paternal estate now known as
the Townsend farm, and his house and barn were
burned by the British during the Revolution. After
the war he built a large double house, commanding
a beautiful view of the city, harbor and Sound.
In 1799 he removed to Durham, Conn. His chil-
dren were : Josiah, i\Iary, Daniel, Joseph, Asahel,
John and Timothy.
(VI) Joseph Tuttle, grandfather of our sub-
ject, born July 4, 1769, bought his father's place in
East Haven. In the war of 1812 he enlisted in the
Sixth Company, Connecticut State Troops, under
Capt. John Butler. He died in Durham, Conn.,
Jan. 16, 1857. On Dec. 25, 1820, he married Mar-
garet Coe, and after her death wedded Phebe
Smith. Children by first wife: Elijah C, Eliza M.,
and Margaret ; children by second wife : Daniel,
Timothy and Joseph Nelson, better known as Nel-
son J., as he writes his name.
(VII) Nelson J. Tuttle, father of our subject,
■born Aug. 5, 1836, married Antoinette Clara Par-
.sons, of Unionville, Conn., and a brief record of
their children is as follows : Joseph Parsons was
born June 12, 1865. George Martin, born June 3,
1867, died Jan. 21, 1869. Antoinette Frances, was
born Oct. i, 1883. Mr. Tuttle has been a life-long
Democrat, and was prominent in political and town
affairs for many years, serving as judge of pro-
bate for six years. In 1886 he removed to Hartford,
where he was engaged in the carriage business for
several years, until 1898, when he retired from ac-
tive life.
Joseph P. Tuttle, the subject proper of this re-
view, received his education at the common and
high schools of his native town, after which he en-
tered Yale College, graduating from that institution
in 1889. While in college he studied law, and
upon his graduation, in 1889, passed the examination
for the Senior class of the Yale Law School, re-
mained there a short time, and then entered the law
office of Judge William F. Henney, at Hartford.
On Jan. 6, 1891, he was admitted to the Bar at Hart-
ford ; was a member of the city council from April,
1891, to April, 1894, being president of the lower
board from 1893 to 1894; for two years, from 1893,
he was clerk of the city police court at Hartford and
Dec. I, 1893, the present firm of Bill & Tuttle
was formed.
On March 21, 1894, Mr. Tuttle was united in
marriage with Edith A., daughter of Walter S. and
Adelaide (Phelps) Mather, and two children have
graced this tmion : Reubena and Marion. Mr. and
Mrs. Tuttle in religious faith are members of the
Congregational Church; in politics he is a Demo-
crat ; and socially he is affiliated with the following
societies : Hartford Lodge, No. 88, A. F. & A. M. ;
Washington Commandery, Knights Templar ; Con-
necticut Consistory, 32d degree; and the Knights
of Pythias.
HARVY GODARD, who was born in Granby,
Hartford Co., Conn., March 15, 1823, was the
eldest son of Oren and Minerva (Holcomb) God-
ard. In company with his brothers and sisters he
attended the district school located over a mile from
the Godard homestead. Here he received what
book-learning it was his lot to receive, and then en-
tered the employ of "Miles & Oren Godard" — his
grandfather and father — in the lumber business and
upon the farm.
Although his father was a tanner and shoemaker
by trade, and devoted most of his time to the same,
he was also a large land owner, and in company with
his father — Uncle Miles — carried on what at that
time was an extensive lumber business. It was from
the Godard sawmill that shingles were supplied for
miles around. It is said that at one time every
building in the village of Tariffville was shingled
with shingles sawed at this mill, and that Windsor
was also well supplied.
While the sawmill formed the principal business,
the gristmill and cider-mill were by no means idle.
Beng a "custom mill," the farmers came from miles
around, bringing their grain to be ground, and
their opinions to be strengthened or abandoned, for
here was the scene of many warm debates. Until
recent years the "Craig mills" were the center of
great activity.
Mr. Godard, as a son and grandson, inherited
large tracts of land and added others until he be-
came, probably, the largest holder of farms and
woodland in his section. He not only raised the
tisual crops of that locality, but occupying the home-
stead he continued to run the sawmill, gristmill and
cider-mill. He was widely known as a distiller of
pure cider brandy, which he manufactured by the
same process and in the same place as his fathers
before him. His ciixle of friends and acquaintances
^^^/^iiA^t^t^ji^fC^s-A^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
205
was further enlarged in 1875, when at the organi-
zation of the State Grange in Danbury that year he
was elected the first master of that body, which office
he held until 1879, when he declined re-election.
As master of the Connecticut State Grange Mr.
and Mrs. Godard represented Connecticut in the
National Grange, wliich convened at Louisville, Ky.,
in 1875 (at which time she was elected Worthy
Pomona of that body), at Chicago in 1876, Cin-
cinnati in 1877, Richmond in 1S78, and Boston in
1879. Having also been elected the first master of
Granby Grange, No. 5, he was continuously re-
elected until January, 1893, when he felt he must
positively decline to serve longer in that capacity.
He remained, however, an ardent believer in and
supporter of the principles and meetings of the
Grange, from its introduction into Connecticut until
his death twenty-one years later.
Mr. Godard was a man of sterling integrity,
holding the principle that a man's, word should be
as good as his bond. Although a member of no
church, he was liberal in his views and saw good in
all. He was a man extremely temperate in his
habits, never using tobacco in any form, and con-
fining his drink to cold water.
Being a man of generous and social nature, his
large farmhouse became headquarters for his nu-
merous friends and acquaintances, who came to hunt
and fish upon the large tracts of land which he
owned. While always a busy man, he was never
too busy to welcome an acquaintance in health, to
visit him in time of sickness, or to assist in laying
him to rest. He was a Royal Arch Mason, and a
strong believer in the principles of the fraternity.
In politics he was a lifelong Democrat of the Jeil'er-
sonian order, and for forty years or more was a
familiar figure in the political conventions of his
party. In 1873 he represented his tovin in the Gen-
eral Assembly.
Mr. Godard was a man of strong physique and
great activity, never knowing what it was to be
sick until attacked by La Grippe in December, 1895,
which resulted three weeks later in his sudden death,
on Jan. 8, 1896. Surrounded by his family, he ex-
pired in the room in whch he was born seventy-
three years before. His first sickness was his last.
On J\lay 2, 1858, Mr. Godard married Miss
Sabra Lavinia Beach, also of Granby, daughter of
Oliver and Lavinia Mercy (Case) Beach, and a di-
rect descendant of John Case, of Windsor and
Simsbury, and William Spencer, of Hartford. Five
sons, Oren Harvy, Porter Beach, George Seymour,
Fred Munyon and Oliver Clifton, surviving him ;
his only daughter, Grace IMinerva, having died in
1878, in the fourth year of her age. Porter, who
graduated from Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, in
1884, Yale University, 18S9, and Yale Law School,
1 89 1, is an attorney in Kansas City, Mo., where he is
secretary of the Kansas City Bar Association.
George, who also graduated at ^^'ilbraham, 1S86,
graduated from Wesleyan University in 1892, re-
ceiving the degree of A. B., and from Yale Divinity
School in 1895, receiving the degree of B. D., is
State Librarian at the Cai)itol, Hartford. Fred,
who also attended school at Wilbraham, graduated
from Yale Business College, New Haven, and is now
in the United States Internal Keveinie service.
Oren, who graduated at the Laslman Business Col-
lege, I'oughkeopsie, X. V., and Oliver, who attend-
ed McLean Seminary, Simsljury, Dean Academy,
Franklin, Mass., and graduated from Yale Business
College, New Haven, remain in Granby, engaged
in the lumber business and farming.
The following genealogical notes were compiled
from records in the possession of the family. (I)
The earliest Godard, Gozard, Gosard, Goddard, Goz-
zard or Gossard mentioned in the records of
ancient Windsor, which formerly included the sec-
tion now known as Granby, was Daniel Gozzard,
who is mentioned as being in Hartford in 1646. i—
(II) On Aug. 23, 1693, the estate of Nicholas
Gozard, of Windsor and Simsbury, is inventoried at
£206. The widow, Elizabeth, was appointed ad-
ministratrix. She and her three children — Nathan-
iel, aged sixteen, Elizabeth, aged twenty-one, and
John, aged eleven years — were the heirs.
(Ill) John Gosard, son of Nicholas and Eliza-
beth Gozard, was born in 1682. By his will, made
June 23, 1755, and proven June 30, 1760 (before
John Owen, justice of peace, at Simsbury and now
on file at Hartford probate office), his property w'as
left to "my beloved wife" and his eleven children,
viz.: Aaron, b. May 16, 1708, d. Dec, 1776; John,
b. 1710, d. Sept. I, 1805; Abel; Ezra; Elizabeth;
Sarah, b. 1716 ( ?) ; Abigail, b. Oct. 22, 1717 (?) ;
Israel, b. Jan. 4, 1719 ( ?) ; Margaret, b. May 25,
1724 ( ?) ; and Ebenezer and Thankful, b. Aug. 13,
1726 (?).
(IV) Aaron Gozard, son of John Gosard, of
Simsbur)^, b. May 16, 1708, m. Mary Huxley in
Simsbury July 20, 1737. A son Moses was b. May
26, 1746.
(V) Moses Godard, b. Alay 26, 1746, in Granby,
son of Aaron and Mary (Huxley) Gozard, d. April
II, 1832, in Granby. In December, 1768 ( ?), he ni.
Keziah Hayes, b. in 1748, daughter of Daniel Hayes,
Granby. Children: Keziah, b. !March 11, 1770, d.
April 27, 1796, in Granby; Moses, Jr., b. Feb. 21,
1772, d. March 27, 1813 (on May 28, 1799, he m.
Aphia Gossard (?)) ; Zedediah, b. Aug. 2, 1774., d.
Aug. 6, 1774, in Granby; Submit, b. Dec. 19, 1775,
d. Oct. 30, 1835 (on Nov. 11, 1802, she m. Alexander
Cossitt) ; Miles is mentioned below; Orrin, b. Dec.
22, 1780, d. ]\Iarch 7, 1798, in Granby; Ruddy, b.
April 17, 1783, d. March 7, 181 1 (married) ; Elias,
b. June 23, 1785, d. June 27, 1785, in Granby; Ich-
abod, b. Feb. 6, 1790, d. Feb. 10, 1790, in Granby;
James, b. Dec. 6, 1792, d. April 11, 1815; Mercy, b.
Aug. 4, 1795, d. Alarch 7, 1818 (she m. John or
Joseph Fox). All were born in Granby.
(VI) Miles Godard, b. June 2, 1778, in Granby,
son of Moses and Keziah (Hayes) Godard, d.
206
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
March 23, 1856, in Granby. On May 28, 1799, he m.
Cleopatria Dibble, b. in 1782, d. April 6, 1847. Chil-
dren, all born in Granby : Oren is mentioned below ;
Nancy, b. April 5, 1803, d. Aug. 19, 1882 (on March
20, 1828, she m. Solomon Gaines) ; Flora, b. Nov.
12, 1806, d. March 24, 1878, in Granby (on Nov.
4, 1830, she m. Forest Reed, son of Abner Reed and
Mary Spring) ; Cleo. d. Jan. 24, 1840, in Granville,
Mass. (in February, 1828, she m. Rowland Barlow,
son of Edmund Barlow and Tabitha Banci-oft) ; Mi-
randa m. Moses Watrous, of Greene, Broome Co.,
New York.
(VII) Oren Godard, b. Oct. 18, 1800, in Granby,
son of Miles and "Cleo" (Dibble) Godard, d. at
Granby May 15, 1857. On Dec. 3, 1821, he m. Min-
erva Holcomb, b. May 11, 1803, daughter of Amasa
Holcomb, d. Dec. 23, 1881. Children,- all born in
Granby ; Harvy is mentioned below ; Nelson, b.
Jan. 19, 1825, d. Sept. 20, 1888, at Granville, Mass.
(on May 2, 1858, he m. Jarusia De Etta Clark,
daughter of Simon Clark and Hanna Remington) ;
Amelia, b. June 9, 1827, d. Aug. 14, 1848, in Camp-
bellsville, Ky., unmarried; Almira, b. Oct. 7, 1829,
d. April 8, 1852, in Granby (in February, 1846, she
m. Abner Lord Otis) ; Jane, b. March 17, 1832, m.
Aug. 17, 1851, Joel Leroy Root, son of James Root
and Sally Webster ; Anson, b. Aug. 29, 1836, d. Jan.
19, 1879, in Granby, unmarried; Miles, b. March
23, 1845, d. Jan. 26, 1887, in Granby (on Oct. 22,
1867, he m. Clara Rosetta Thompson, daughter of
Joseph Thompson and Sara Celesta Shepard) ; Oren,
Jr., b. Aug. 29, 1848, d. Nov. 2, 1852, in Granby.
(VIIIj Harvy Godard, b. March 15, 1823, in
Granby, son of Oren and Minerva (Holcomb)
Godard, d. Jan. 8, 1896, in Granby. On May 2,
1858, he m. Sabra Lavinia Beach, b. May 17, 1838,
daughter of Oliver and Lavinia Mercy (Case)
Beach. Children, all born in Granby : Oren Harvy is
mentioned below; Porter Beach, b. June 6, 1861, m.
June 30, 1897, Eleanor May Howd, b. Jan. 12, 1865,
daughter of Charles Edmund and Elvira Maria
(Parker) Howd, of New Haven; George Seymour
is mentioned below; Fred Munyon, b. Sept. 11, 1868,
m. June 15, 1898, Jean Templeton Steele, b. Dee.
18, 1876, daughter of Robert and Mary (Dunn)
Steele, of Warehouse Point, Conn. ; Oliver Clifton,
b. Sept. 17, 1871, m. March 28, 1894, Stella Hep-
sibah Jewett, b. Jan. 28, 1872, daughter of Frederick
Janor and Mary Elizabeth (Cooley) Jewett, of
Granby, Conn. ; Grace Minerva, b. Sept. 29, 1874, d.
July 2, 1878, in Granby.
(IX) Oren Harvy Godard, b. July 12, 1859, in
Granby, son of Harvy and Sabra L. (Beach)
Godard, was m. Oct. 20, 1887, to Lena Belle White,
of Canton, Conn., b. June 11, 1865, daughter of Ed-
win Norton and Ann Lucelia (Case) White. Chil-
dren, all born in Granby: Harvy Edwin, b. Sept. i,
1888; Grace Minerva, b. Oct. 7, 1890; Ensworth
Merrill, b. Sept. 10, 1892; Jewell White, b. Nov. 20,
1893 : ]\Iiles Fred, b. April 30, 1895 ; Oren Beach, b.
Jan. 18, 1897.
(IX) George Seymour Godard, b. June 17, 1865,
in Granby, son of Fiarvy and Sabra Lavinia (Beach)
Godard, was m. June 23, 1897, to Kate Estelle
Dewey, b. May 21, 1863, daughter of Watson and
Ellen Jane (Beebe) Dewey. They have one child:
George Dewey, b. Aug. 8, 1899, in Hartford.
WILLIAM BRADDOCK CLARK, president of
the ^tna Insurance Co., Hartford, is a descendant
in the seventh generation from John Clark, of Farm-
ington. Conn., the line of his descent being through
Matthew, John (2), Abel, John (3), and Abel N.
(I) John Clark settled in Farmington, Conn.,
prior to 1657, and was made a freeman in May,
1664. He held various public offices.
(II) Matthew Clark, son of John, of Farming-
ton, was born prior to 1674, and was married
about 1704 to Ruth, daughter of John and Mary
(Hawkins) Judd.
(III) John (^ark (2), son of Matthew, born in
1712, was married in 1742 to Elizabeth, daughter of
Capt. John and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Newell. They
lived in New Britain.
(IV) Abel Clark, son of John (2), was born in
1750, and was married in 1774 to Abigail, daughter
of James and Hannah (Andrews) Judd. He was
one of the seventy signers of an agreement made
Sept. 3, 1774, "to be in readiness and duly equipped
with arms and ammunition to proceed to Boston for
the relief of our distressed and besieged brethren
there." He died in 1824, and the remains of him-
self and wife rest at New Britain, where they had
made their home.
(V) John Clark (3), son of Abel, was born in
1787, and died in 1835. In 1812 he married Pru-
dence, daughter of Joshua and Prudence (Curtiss)
Woodruff. He resided in the old house of his
father and grandfather, in the Stanley Quarter, New
Britain. IJuring the war of 1812 he served as
corporal of Capt. Dean Deming's Company, in Col.
Brainard's Regiment.
(VI) Abel N. Clark, son of John (3), and the
father of William B. Clark, of Hartford, was born
June 12, 1819, in New Britain, Conn., and at an
early age came to Hartford, where for some years
he was engaged in mercantile business. He then
entered the office of the Courant, which at the time
was under the control of John L. Bos well, as book-
keeper and general business manager, and for some
twenty years, up to the time of his death, he was
closely identified with the interests of the office.
His industry was one of the prominent traits in
his character, and his fidelity to every trust and every
duty was another. He was a great worker in his
party in a quiet and unobtrusive way. He was one
of the most respected citizens of Hartford, and one
of the most generally known newspaper men in the
country. On April 27, 1840, he married Emily I.
Braddock, born Dec. 7, 1821, daughter of John and
Emily (Wells) Braddock, and to them were born
children as follows : William B., June 29, 1841 ;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
207
r
Charles Le Roy, Feb. ii, 1843; Clara E., May 27,
1847 (died in 1848), and George N., Nov. 12, 1851.
(\'II) President William B. Clark, son of the
late Abel N. Clark, was born June 2y, 1841, in
Hartford. He first attended the North school, and
then the New Bristol High School, and returning
to Hartford completed his studies at the N. L. Gal-
lup College Green School. After this he passed a
year in the office of the Hartford Courant, and in
1857 he became a member of the clerical corps of
the Phoenix Fire Insurance Co. On Aug. 27,
1863, he was elected secretary, and he remained
with the company until Dec. i, 1867, when he was
elected assistant secretary of the ^tna Insurance
Co. The latter position he retained under Presi-
dent Hendee through a period of nearly twent)--
one years, and under his guidance young Clark be-
came familiar with the vast detail connected with
the /Etna's business, and was regarded by his chief
with the utmost trust and confidence. The demise
of President Hendee, Sept. 4, 1888, necessitated a
number of changes in the administration of the
company, and ]\Ir. Clark was advanced to the vice-
presidency Sept. 26, 1888, receiving the unanimous
vote of the board of directors for the position. As
vice-president of the compan}' his course was char-
acterized by ability and judgment of the highest
order, entitling him to a foremost place among in-
surance managers in New England. After the
death of President Goodnow, Nov. 19, 1892, Mr.
Clark succeeded to the presidency of the company,
and on his election the Hartford Courant said :
"The election of president of the ^tna Fire In-
surance is an event not only of interest but of im-
portance to Hartford. The standing of all our
fire companies is admirable, and they rank among
the first in the country. And the ^tna is the larg-
est, not only of these, but of all in the United States.
It stands there with its more than ten millions of
assets and its record of $70,000,000 already paid out
for losses, as the great fire company of America.
It is, therefore, of large importance to know who
will manage it in the future, and there will be uni-
veral satisfaction that the directors have chosen
William B. Clark as president and executive head
of this great concern. Mr. Clark is a native of
Hartford, and has been just a quarter of a century
with the jEtna. He knows it and he knows its
business. A man of character, decision, experience
and judgment, he is especially qualified for the re-
sponsible duties that fall to him, and the Courant
congratulates both the old company and the new
president." President Clark, though in the prime
of life, in term of service is the oldest insurance
official in Hartford, and even from early manhood
has been recognized through the countrv as one of
the most competent men in the profession.
Mr. Clark was chosen a director of the City
Bank Jan. 14, 1879; ^ director in the Travelers In-
surance Co., July 6, 1875; trustee in the Mechanics
Saving Bank, July 18, 1883; and a director of the
Retreat for the .Insane, April 10, 1890; .^tna In-
denmity Co., elected April 12, 1897; vice-president
Republican Club, elected March 2, 1897; director
Cedar Hill cemetery, elected Dec. 3, 1891 ; trustee
Society for Savings, elected Jan. 0, 1891 ; the F"i-
delity Co., elected Feb. 9, 1898; First National
Bank, elected Jan. 9, 1900; president National Board
of Fire Underwriters, 1896-97; and a member of
the corporation of the Hartford Hospital. On April
5, 1880, he was elected a member of the board of
aldermen from the Third ward, and served two years
in that position. He was the aldermanic chairman
of the Ordinance committee, the mayor holding the
chairmanship ex-ofHcio. At the conclusion of his
term of alderman he was appointed a member of the
board of water commissioners, and held the office a
decade or more, being regarded as one of the ablest
members of that commission. His political affilia-
tions have always been with the Republican party,
and on JNIarch 2, 1897, he was chosen vice-president
of the local Republican Club He takes some pride
in the fact that he was one of the original "Wide-
Awakes," becoming an active participant in that
noted organization before he had reached his ma-
jority. His religious connections are with the First
Baptist Church of Hartford, and for thirty years
or more he has been clerk of the society and so-
ciety's committee. He is also a member of the
Connecticut Historical Society, and since Oct. 3,
1899, has been president of the \^eteran Foot Guard
Corps.
On ?*Iay 13, 1863, Mr. Clark was married to
Caroline H. Robbins, born March 22, 1844, daughter
of Philemon F. and Emily Strickland Robbins.
Five children have been born to them, as follows :
(i) William R., born July 10, 1865, died April 3,
1879; (2) Charlotte B., Wn Jan. 10, 1868; (3)
Alice Robbins, born Jan. 21, 1870; (4) Frederick
W., born Dec. 5, 1873, died Aug. 8, 1875; (5) Caro-
line Emily, born Dec. 18, 1883.
HON. JOHN B. WTNDSOR, late a well-known
manufacturer and business man of Hartford, was
born in Wolverhampton, England, ]March 5, 1827,
was educated at Eton public schools, and at the
age of twenty-one years came to the United States.
Here he entered upon the vocation of teaching as
a temporary means of earning his expenses, and
in his profession made his mark, in both Pennsyl-
vania and Kentucky.
In i860 ^Ir. Windsor came to Connecticut and
located at Windsor Locks, where he became treas-
urer of the Farist & Windsor Steel Co., president
of the Windsor Locks Savings Bank, and senior
warden and treasurer of St. Paul's Church, from its
organization until his removal to Hartford, in 1877;
he also held the office of treasurer of the Farist Steel
Co. after its removal to Bridgeport. As a Repub-
lican, Mr. W^indsor was elected to the State As-
sembly in 1876, and was the first representative of
his party to be sent from Windsor Locks. Notwith-
208
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
standing the fact that Mr. Windsor had large cares
of his own he was frequently called upon to care
for and manage estates under wills and through
other sources, so reliant were the people upon his
sound judgment and unswerving integrity, and in
the fulhllment of these duties he disappointed no
one. He was a director in the United States Bank,
was president of the Hartford Steam Co. at the
time of his death, and a vestryman of St. John's
Church at Hartford, in which city he resided sev-
enteen years, having purchased a dwelling at No.
72 Main street. At this home his lamented death
took place April 10, 1887, when he was aged sixty
years. He left to mourn his departiu-e his widow,
now a resident of Bridgeport, Conn., who before
marriage was Miss Harriet Farist, a sister of Joel
Farist, of Bridgeport, and two children : Grace W.,
widow of T. B. Persee ; and George, secretary and
treasurer of the Farist Steel Co., of Bridgeport.
Mr. Windsor was very fond of books, and
spent a small fortune in their purchase. He was re-
fined and intelligent, was a pious and useful citi-
zen, a devoted husband, domestic in habits and tastes,
and was a kind and indulgent father. His decease
will long be mourned by his neighbors and business
acquaintances, who held him in their highest re-
gard, and in unfeigned esteem and respect.
Theophilus B. Persee, Jr., deceased husband
of Grace (Windsor) Persee (daughter of the late
Hon. John B. Windsor), and ex-alderman of the
Third ward of Hartford, was born in Johnstown,
N. Y., Dec. 4, 1844, and was of Irish descent, com-
ing from one of the best families in the western
part of the Emerald Isle. His grandfather was a
man of original and profound thought, had great
confidence in a constitutional form of government,
and had considerable correspondence with Gen.
Washington on this topic, and these letters from
Washington are still in the Persee family in Ire-
land.
T. B. Persee, Sr., the father of Alderman Per-
see, was engaged in the paper business in Windsor
Locks for a number of years, as a member of the
firm of Persee & Brooks. Subsequently he gave up
the manufacturing of paper and engaged in the
grocery business in that town. The son succeeded
to the trade, and conducted it personally until his
removal to Hartford. In 1874 Mr. Persee was a
member of the General Assembly, representing the
-town of Windsor Locks in the House, and was iden-
tified with the legislation of the session in a most
creditable manner.
Theophilus B. Persee, Jr., was elected a member
of the board of aldermen from the Third ward in
1894, being the colleague of ex-Alderman Patrick
McGovern. He was chairman of the committee on
Water Works, and also of the Claims committee.
In the Court of Common Council he was watchful
concerning public expenditures, and attended with
marked fidelity to the duties devolving upon him.
Mr. Persee was deeply interested in public ques-
tions. He was in favor of the city owning the gas.
plant, and advanced the idea with intelligence and
persistency. He was also greatly interested in prob-
lems pertaining to the revaluation of taxable prop-
erty in the city. During the past two years he de-
voted much time to the preparation of a work con-
cerning the life and works of Thomas Paine. It
is now in the hands of a New York publisher. He-
made an exhaustive study of Thomas Paine, and the
result of his inquiries will placd the noted thinker
of a century ago in better light with the reading:
and thinking public. Ex-Alderman Theophilus B.
Persee died at his home. No. 41 Capitol avenue, at
2 o'clock on the morning of Jan. 4, 1900, after a.
week's confinement to the house. His health had
been impaired for three years, and he had consulted.
Dr. M. M. Johnson, who diagnosed his trouble as
chronic, caused by obstruction of the gall duct.
At Mr. Persee's request Dr. Johnson accompanied
him to New York, where two specialists were con-
sulted, and pronounced the diagnosis of the Hart-
ford surgeon as correct. Ten days afterward an
operation was performed, from which the patient
rallied. Heart failure developed a day or two later,,
however, and the patient rapidly sunk until his
death.
Mr. Persee was a communicant of St. John's-
Church, and one of its vestrymen. He was mar-
ried June 24, 1876, in Windsor Locks, to Miss
Grace Windsor, daughter of the late Hon. John B>
Windsor. She survives him with two children,
John Windsor Persee, who is engaged in business
in Bridgeport ; and Miss Mary Marguerita Persee,
who graduated from the Hartford Public High
School, class of 1899, classical course. One brother
and two sisters also survive the deceased. They are
Henry S. Persee, of Denver, Col. ; Mrs. Anna Car-
michael, of Johnstown, N. Y. ; and Mrs.Mattie Van
Vlett, of Chicago. Mr. Persee was a man of high
personal instinct and uprightness of character. He
was a friend of good government, and his citizenship
was deserving of emulation. He was a man of wide
intelligence and reading, was a student of history,
and kept abreast with public interests and progress.
MR. AND MRS. ERASTUS H. CROSBY. The
late Erastus Hubbard Crosby, who was for many
years a leading citizen of Hartford, was born May
3, 1809, at Montpelier, Vt., of good New England
ancestry. Among his forefathers were many men
of high standing, Rev. Thomas Hooker, the first to
preach a sermon in Connecticut being among them.
When our subject was three years old his father,
William Crosby, removed from Montpelier to West
Flartford, locating at Crosby's Corners, where his
death occurred in 183 1. Erastus H. Crosby was,
therefore, reared in this section, receiving a common-
school education, and for some time he taught
school in West Hartford, Bloomfield and Wethers-
field. Later he clerked in a wholesale grocery
house in Boston, and then went to Savannah, Ga., to-
-^;^^/^ ^^^<^rz^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
209
engage in mercantile business. For sonic time he was
in business witli a brotlier and brother-in-law in Al-
abama. In 1849 he went to De Soto Parish, La., to
engage in the business of cotton and corn growing
on an extensive scale, in 1867 returning to Hart-
ford to spend his remaining years. For some time
he was president of the Hartford Life & Annuity
Co., now the Hartford Life Insurance Co., and while
filling that position was made president of the First
National Bank. This position he held nine years,
and his resignation marked the close of his active
business career, his death occurring in West Hart-
ford Dec. 3, 1885. He was greatly attached to Hart-
ford, and was a stockholder in ditferent corporations
in the city, including the Phoenix Fire Insurance
Co., in which he was a director. He was a man of
'wonderful powers of perception as a financier, and
did a great deal of advising, his counsel being
sought by people of the highest standing in the
business world. He was of a generous and benev-
olent disposition, honored by all who knew him,
and, socially, he and his wife were much esteemed.
On March 14, 1867, Mr. Crosby married Miss
Isabella V. McCormack, who was born in New
York City, on Crosby street, and is now living at
her pleasant home. No. 785 Asylum avenue, Hart-
ford, made sacred by the memories of their long
married life. She is a member of the Asylum Hill
Congregational Church, to which Mr. Crosby also
belonged, and to which he gave liberally, and for
years her active aid has been given to the work of
the Ladies Society, the Children's Aid Society, and
other philanthropic organizations.
JOSEPH AUSTIN KILBOURN, M. D., a
leading medical practitioners of Hartford, is a
native of Connecticut, born Nov. i, i860, in Glas-
tonbury, Hartford county, and is a member of an
honored old New England family.
(I) Thomas Kilbourn, the common ancestor of
all the Kilbourns in this country, was born in 1578
at Wood Ditton, Cambridgeshire, England. His
wife's name was Frances. On April 15, 1635, with
a portion of his family, he set sail on the ship "In-
crease" for America, settling in Wethersfield, Conn.,
where he died in 1639. He was a member of the
Church of England.
(II) John Kilbourn (son of the above), bap-
tized at Wood Ditton, England, Sept. 29, 1624, was
ten years old when he came with his parents to
Wethersfield. In 1650 he married Naomi, who died
Oct. I, 1659, the mother of three children : John,
Thomas and Naomi. For his second wife he mar-
ried Sarah Bronson. He died April 9, 1703, and in
his death Wethersfield lost a man very prominent
in the military and political affairs of the locality
in the far-away beginning of American civilization.
(III) John Kilbourn (son of the above), born
Feb. 15, 1651, in Wethersfield, Conn., died Nov. 25,
171 1. He married March 4, 1673, Susannah, daugh-
ter of William Hills. He settled in Glastonbury,
14
Conn,.; was salesman 1C93-1708; constable, 1696-
1705; and grand juror, 1695, 1700 and 1703. His
first wife died in October, 1701, and for his second
wife he wedded. May 12, 1702, Elizabeth, daughter
of John IMitchell, of Hartford.
(IV) Abraham Kilbourn (son of the above, and
the great-great-grandfather of Dr. Joseph A. Kil-
bourn) was born Aug. 25, 1691, in Glastonbury,
Conn., and died in 1770. He was constable of that
town some seven years ; lister, seven years ; town
treasurer, three years ; selectman, eighteen years ;
representative, 1721, 1730 and 1756. He was thrice
married, first time June 5, 1712, to Sarah, daugh-
ter of John Mitchell, of Hartford. She died Oct.
3, 1719, the mother of children as follows: Mitchell,
Abraham, and Elizabeth. For his second wife he
wedded Mary, daughter i f Samuel Tudor, of Wind-
sor, Conn. She died Aug. 5, 1751, and for his third
wife he married Abigail House.
(V) Joseph Kilbourn (son of the above, and the
great-grandfather of Dr. Kilbourn j was born Jan.
14, 1723, in Glastonbury, Conn., and died June 11,
1790. He was a lister, 1748-1759; surveyor, 1752,
1762 and 1770. On March i, 1744, he married
Mary, daughter of Joseph HoUister, and children as
follows were born to them : Mary, Ann, Abigail,
Nancy, Mabel, Abraham and Joseph.
(VI) Joseph Kilbourn (son of the above, and
the grandfather of Dr. Kilbourn) was bom April
I, 1765, in Glastonbury, Conn., and died May 14,
1851. He was twice married, first time April 4,
1793) to Hannah, daughter of Philip Sellew. She
died Jan. 23, 1826, and he married (second) May
22, 1832, Onnor House. Children born to Joseph
Kilbourn: Austin, Sophia, Ogden, Eliza and
Horace.
(VII) Horace Kilbourn (son of the above, and
the father of Dr. Kilbourn) was born Nov. 11,
1809, in Glastonbury, Conn., and died in 1868. He
was a farmer by occupation. In 1858 he married
Mary Young, and by her had children as follows :
Joseph A., John and Rosella.
(VIII) Joseph A. Kilbourn (son of the above),
the subject proper of this sketch, passed his earlier
school days in California, and at the age of fifteen
years entered St. John's College, Fordliam, N. Y.
For some time afterward he was in business in Hart-
ford, Conn., as general agent for the Alanhattan
Life Insurance Co. In 1894 he commenced the
study of medicine at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., graduating therefrom in
April, 1897, after which he attended lectures at
Sloane Maternity Hospital, New York. In 1897
he commenced the practice of medicine in Hartford,
and has met with well-merited success. He is a
member of the State, County and City Medical So-
cieties, and is affiliated with the A. O. U. W., the
Degree of Honor, and the Maccabees.
In Hartford, Jan. 6, 1884, Dr. Kilbourn was
united in marriage with Sarah A. Dooley, daugh-
ter of Timothy Dooley, of that city, and six chil-
210
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren have been born to them, their names and dates
of birth being as foUows : Horace Ogden, June 17,
1885; Joseph, Oct. 8, 1887; Austin, April 5, 1889;
Jonathan, Jan. 2, 1891 ; Orrin Paul, Sept. 3, 1893 ;
and Constance Mary, Nov. 29, 1895.
REV. JOHN TAYLOR HUNTINGTON,
rector of St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church,
Hartford, is a native of Connecticut, born Jan. 30,
1830, at New Milford, of old English ancestry, who
in early times settled in Norwich, Conn., and the
first of whom in this country was one of the sign-
ers of thfe Declaration of Independence.
Our subject's paternal great-great-grandfather,
great-grandfather, grandfather and father were
all named Enoch. The great-grandfather was pas-
tor of a church in Middletown, Conn., for fifty vears,
being one of the oldest in the State. The grand-
father was a criminal lawyer of note in Middletown.
The father was born at Middletown, received his
education there and at Yale College, and subse-
quently became rector of the Episcopal Church in
New Milford, remaining in that incumbency twenty-
two years. He died at the advanced age of sev-
enty-five, leaving the record of a hard-working,
faithful laborer in the JNIaster's vineyard. He mar-
ried a Miss Taylor, niece of Nathaniel Taylor, of
Yale College, and seven children were born to them,
five of whom are yet living: John T., our subject;
Samuel G. ; Sophia, wife of Theodore D. Beardsley,
of Bridgeport ; Mary G., wife of Rev. James E.
Cooley; and Sarah, living with our subject. The
mother died in 1895, at the age of eighty-eight
3^ears.
The subject proper of this sketch received a
liberal education, in part at the common and high
schools of New Milford, in part at Trinity College,
Hartford, from which latter institution he gradu-
ated in 1850, taking the Valedictory. In 1853 he
graduated from the General Theological Seminary,
New York. His first labor in the church was as
assistant minister of St. James' Episcopal Church,
Philadelphia, where he served three years in that
capacity; from 1856 to 1862 he was first rector of
St. John's, New Haven, Conn; from 1863 to 1864
was rector of the Episcopal Church at Great Bar-
rington. Mr. Huntington then, in 1864, accepted
the professorship of Greek in Trinity College, Hart-
ford, and in the following year organized a Sun-
day-school which developed into the Church of the
Incarnation, but retired from that incumbency in
1870. Eight years later, in February, 1878, he was
recalled to the rectorship, and about the same time
resigned the chair of Greek in Trinity College, in
order that he might the better be enabled to devote
his entire time to church work, though no salary is
attached to the function. Mr. Huntington is the
third rector, and is justly proud of the church which
is the outgrowth of the Sunday-school organized in
1866, by himself (when he was professor in the
college), assisted by a band of students as teachers.
Its original name "Church of the Icarnation," was
changed in 1878 for convenience sake to "St. James'
Church," a new parish having been organized. The
congregation, which is numerous, embracing as it
does some 300 families, is composed largely of peo-
ple living in the tenement houses. Mr. Huntington
is the second oldest pastor in the city, and the only
one to organize his own church. In addition to his
regular clerical duties, he enjoys missionary work;
has always preached on Sunda)'s ; was in charge of
Christ Church, Hartford, three years ; and had
charge of Christ Church West Hartford, three years ;
and has a thriving Sunday-chool, of which he is su-
perintendent, with some twenty assistants, his daugh-
ter Charlotte being among the number. In addi-
tion to all this he is president of the Children's Aid
Society of the State of Connecticut.
In 1856, at Norwich, Rev. John T. Huntington
was united in marriage with Elizabeth T. Williams,
of Norwich, Conn., daughter of Erastus and Eliza-
beth (Tracy) Williams, the former of whom, a
woolen manufacturer, died at the age of seventy-six
years ; the latter, who was a daughter of Col. Elisha
Tracy, passed away when fifty-six years old. They
had two children, both now deceased. To Rev.
and Mrs. Huntington were born four children, two
of whom are yet living : ( i ) Harwood, a graduate
of Trinity College, Hartford, now a lawyer in New
York; and (2) Charlotte E., living at home. The
mother of these was called from earth in 1887, at
the age of fifty-four years. Mr. Huntington is a
member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Faith-
ful to that duty which lies nearest, his exhortations
to right living are more efifective than any mere
glittering eloquence could be, the quiet but powerful
force of example adding weight to precept.
MAJOR EDWARD V. PRESTON, Superin-
tendent of Agencies of the Travelers Insurance Co.,
of Hartford, is a member of one of the oldest fam-
ilies of New England. The name v/as made con-
spicuous for patriotism during the Revolution,
twenty-five of its representatives having served in
the army, as shown on the list of Revolutionary
soldiers published by Connecticut.
The immediate ancestors of our subject were
eaily settlers in Tolland county, Conn., and his
great-grandfather, grandfather and father were
residents of the town of Willington, Tolland Co.,
Conn., all successively residing in the old Preston
homestead, where our subject was born, he being
of the fourth generation there. The first of the
name in this coimtry, Roger Preston, was born in
1614, and in 1635 his name is recorded as a resident
in Ipswich, Mass., but in 1659 or 1660 he removed
to Salem, Mass. He died Jan. 20, 1666, and his
widow, Martha, was married, May 21, ]666, to
Nicholas Holt. Soon after her second marriage she
and her husband removed to Andover, Mass., taking
two of her sons, Samuel and Jacob Preston, and
leaving another, Thomas Preston, in Salem.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
211
(IIj Samuel Preston, born in Ipswich about
1 65 1, was about fifteen years old at the time of the
removal to Andover. On May 27, 1671, he mar-
ried Susannah Gutterson, who died Dec. 29, 1710.
(III) Jacob Preston, with two brothers, John
and Benjamin, was in Windham, Conn., in 1723-
24, and united with the church of Canada Parisli,
Windham village, about that time. He was mar-
ried, on June 2, 1702, in Andover, to Sarah Wil-
son, and had a son, Benjamin.
(IV) Benjamin Preston, the ancestor of the
Willington Prestons, was born on the 20th of April
or May, 1705, and was married. May 5, 1727, to
Deborah Holt, of Canada Parish, Windham Co.,
Conn. He and his wife died the same hour, Nov.
26, 1784, and were buried in the same grave, at
Willington, Connecticut.
(V) Darius Preston was born at Willington
Hollow in 1731, and died there May 30, 1821, aged
ninety years. On Nov. 15, 1759, he married Han-
nah Fisk, who died Jan. 12, 1813, aged seventy-two.
They had eleven children, as follows: (i) Han-
nah was born Aug. 23, 1760. (2) A son, unnamed,
died twenty-four hours after birth. (3) Sarah was
born March 3, 1764. (4) Timothy Nye died in
Trov, N. Y. ; he had five children, who died in
Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. (5) Darius,. Jr., was
born Dec. 18, 1766, married Naomi Hibbard, and
died April i, 1845, aged seventy-eight, in Hanover,
Luzerne Co., Penn. (6) Joshua was born Sept.
25, 1768, and died Nov. i, 181 1 ; he married Sarah
Plolt Hampton, and had two children, Florenda and
Austin. (7) Jerusha was born June 18, 1770, died
July 13, 1792. (8) Chloe was born Feb. 11, 1772,
married Luke Fenton, and died at Corinth, N. Y.,
June 9, 1841, leaving three children, Weltha, Luke
and Orrin. (9) Eunice was born July 16, 1778,
married Elijah Nye, and died Oct. 17, 1807, leaving
four children, Polly, Jerusha, Crocker and Phebe.
(10) Deborah married Abel Johnson, and died Oct.
14, 1857. (11) Amos is next in the line of de-
scent.
(VI) Amos Preston was born Feb. 8, 1782, and
died Oct. 6, 1864. On Sept. 4, 1804, he married
Martha ("Patty") Taylor, who was born Feb. 8,
1782, and died Dec. 7, i860. Her father, Thomas
Taylor, died April 5, 181 5, aged si.xty-three years.
Amos and Martha Preston had the following chil-
dren: (i) Almira was born Aug. 6, 1805. (2)
Salina was born Dec. 22, 1806, at Richfield, N. Y.,
was married. March 23, 1829, to Origen Hall, and
had one daughter, Justina. (3) Sylvester T. was
born Aug. 5, 1808, was married, Sept. 16, 1833, to
Fear Glazier, and had four children, Charles T.,
Helen M., Herbert G. and Francis Wayland. (4)
Florenda was born Feb. 19, 1810. (5) Olivia was
born Oct. 5, 181 1. (6) Joshua was born July 15,
1813.
(VII) Joshua Preston, born July 15, 1813, in
Willington Hollow, died March 18, 1900, at his
home in the Goodwin building, Haynes street, Hart-
ford. As a boy he learned tlie tanner's trade, his
father and other members of the family being inter-
ested in that business, and in 1S57 he went to Hart-
ford, where he held for the next ten years a re-
sponsible ]xjsition with P. Jewell & Sons, the pred-
ecessors of the Jewell Belting Co. In 1879 he re-
moved to Chicago to take a similar position with
his son, the late Capt. E. B. Preston, but he re-
turned to Hartford in 1895 to live with his daugh-
ter, Mrs. W. Chapin Hunt, with whom he had
made his home. Mr. Preston had been in feeble
health, and was somewhat afi^ected by the death,
the previous week, of his son-in-law, Capt. W.
Chapin Hunt. Joshua Preston passed the greater
part of his life in the vicinity of Willington. He
built and occupied the house at the "Hollow" now
owned by G. W. Ide, and was for many years fore-
man at the tannery there, owned and carried on by
his eldest brother, the late Hon. S. T. Preston.
For a time he lived in Westford, being the pro-
prietor of the hotel in the village, and also of Lin-
coln tannery. He was for many years a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church in Willington, and was
a decided Democrat in his political views. His
strong temperance principles, which were early es-
poused, and his independent way of thought and
action, as well as his indift'erence to office holding,
prevented his receiving any particular honors from
his party, then often in power in the town. He
was fond of music, and was a rival of the late
Hon. L. P. Waldo, in Tolland, in the way of play-
ing on the double-bass viol in the church of which
he was a member.
On March 3, 1835, Joshua Preston was mar-
ried, by Rev. Horace A. Wilcox, to Caroline El-
dredge, daughter of Ariel and Betsey (Dimock)
Eldredge. She was born Feb. 6, 1816, in Willing-
ton, and died April 27, 1882, in Chicago, III, her
remains being taken to Hartford and interred in
Cedar Hill cemetery. They had seven children, four
of whom are living: (i) Burtren D. Preston, born
in Willington Hollow Jan. 28, 1836, died Nov. 13,
1898, and was buried at Colchester, Conn. He was
married, Jan. 7, 1863, at Colchester, Conn., to E.
Elizabeth Latham, who was born in Lebanon, Conn.,
April 3, 1834, daughter of Deacon Amos S. Latham,
of Colchester. One son, Bertie, was born to them
July 2, 1868, in Colchester, and died there July 27,,
1868. (2) Major Edward V. Preston is mentioned
more fully below. (3) Albert B. Preston, born
Feb. 10, 1842, in Westford, Conn., was married, at
Meriden, Conn., IMay 10, 1871, by Rev. O. T. Walk-
er, to Martha B. Lewis, who was born in Hartford
March 27, 1840, the daughter of Walter Lewis. (4)
Capt. Everett B. Preston, born in Willington Hol-
low Sept. 12, 1843, died in Chicago, 111., April 27.
1895. He was married, at Hartford, Dec. 6, 1865,
by R. Turnbull, D. D., to Ellen H. Allen, who was
born in Hartford March 20, 1843. daughter ■ of
William G. Allen. They had two children— Ellen
Allen, born Sept. 5, 1870, at Chicago, III, died
212
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
July 6, 1871, and was buried in Hartford; Alar-
guerite was born June 17, 1874, in Chicago. (5)
Estelle R. Preston, born at Willington Hollow Dec.
29, 1847, was married, in the First Baptist church
of 'Hartford, Oct. 7, i86q, by Dr. N. J. Burton, to
Capt. William Chapin Hunt, a son of William Clark
Hunt, of Coventry, Conn. Capt. Hunt was born in
Coventry, Conn., April 22, 1839, and died March
15, 1900. (6) Justina H. Preston, born in Willing-
ton Hollow Sept. 12, 1849, died in Hartford April
30, 1881. She was married, in Hartford, Oct. 6,
1870, by R. Turnbull, D. D., to Gen. Wallace T.
Fenn, who was born in New Haven Dec. 30, 1848,
son of Apollos Fenn, of Hartford. They had two
children, of whom Charles Wallace Fenn, born Dec.
18, 1871, in Hartford, was married, Oct. 23, 1895,
in Wethersfield, Conn., to Carolyn E. Dix; Fred-
erick P. Fenn, born July 3, 1876, in Hartford, was
married, Sept. 27, 1899, at Wethersfield, Conn., to
Charlotte May Daniels, of Hartford, born Dec. 13,
1877- (7) George E. Preston, born in Willington
FTollow Dec. 12, 185 1, was married, in Ann Arbor,
Mich., Oct. II, 1877, by Rev. George Duffield, to
Minnie E. Parish, who' was born at Manitowoc,
Wis., June 23, 1856, daughter of Isaac H. Parish,
of Grand Rapids, Mich. They had three children,
all born in Chicago, Ih. : Bessie E., Jan. 13, 1879;
Howard Eldredge, Dec. 24, 1883; and Robert
Duane, Aug. 13, 1886.
(Vni) Major Edward V. Preston was born
June I, 1837, in Willington Hollow, and removed to
Flartford in 1850, to engage in mercantile pursuits.
At the outbreak of the Civil war he was a member
of the firm of Griswold, Griffin & Co., but on April
22, 1861, he volunteered temporary assistance as a
clerk in the adjutant-general's office under Gen. J.
D. Williams. In July Col. Orris S. Ferry of the 5th
Connecticut, who was the organizer, requested the
appointment of Mr. Preston as quartermaster of
the command. On July 17 he received the appoint-
ment, being given the rank of first lieutenant
and regimental quartermaster, and he was mus-
tered into the United States Volunteer serv-
ice July 23. In September, 1861, he was de-
tailed by Col. Dudley Donnelly, and afterward by
Gens. G. H. Gordon and A. S. Williams, to be
acting assistant quartermaster of the ist Brigg.de,
Gen. Bank's division, and retained the position until
Jan. I, 1862, when he returned to his old place in
the 5th Connecticut. In March, 1862, Lieut. Pres-
ton was detailed as an aide-de-camp on the staff of
Gen. Ferry, who had received a brigadier's commis-
sion. During a part of the time until Feb. 19, 1863,
he was acting assistant quartermaster of the division.
On that date he was commissioned by Pre?sident Lin-
coln as "additional pavmaster. United States Vol-
unteers, with the rank of major," and this position
he held until July 31, 1865, when he was honorably
discharged by the Secretary of War. Millions of
dollars passed through Major Preston's hands dur-
ing the war, and his account squared to a cent in
the final settlement with the Government. After
the close of the war Major Preston at once entered
the service of the Travelers Insurance Co., of Hart-
ford, and after working two years as special agent
was appointed superintendent of agencies, a position
which he has since held continuously. The duties
of this office require executive ability of a high-
order, and in discharging them he has visited every
section of the United States, Canada and Mexico..
His career from the outset has been one of honor
and integrity, and he is regarded throughout the
country with the utmost esteem and respect.
Major Preston is a member of the Veteran As-
sociation of the 5th Connecticut, and of Robert O.
Tyler Post, G. A. R. He is one of the trustees
of the $10,000 fund owned by the, post. He is a
member and president of the board of trustees of
the Connecticut Literary Institution, at Suffield, and
has been a member of the board of the Baptist
State Convention, and secretary, treasurer and presi-
dent of the Baptist Social Union of the State. He
has been treasurer for twenty-nine years of the
Asylum Avenue Baptist Society in Hartford. In
1898 he was elected president of the Connecticut
branch of the American Forestry Association. He
is a strong Republican in politics, and has served
in the common council and as alderman from the
Second (how Tenth) ward.
On Sept. 9, 1863, Major Preston was married to
Clara M., daughter of the late John G. Litchfield,
of Hartford, and to them have been born two chil-
dren: Harry Edward, born Sept. 27, 1864, at Hart-
ford, died April 7, 1893, at San Antonio, Texas;
he was for a few years an emplove of the Travelers
Co. Evelyn Wallace was born April 9, 1867.
Among" Major Pi^eston's most cherished posses-
sions are the original conveyance of the old home-
stead and tannery at the Hollow from Lemuel Ol-
cott to Darius Preston, consideration £75, dated
Jan. 2, 1771, "the eleventh year of the reign of
George HI," and acknowledged before Abner Par-
ker, justice of peace, Hartford, and the original
subscription-Mst for a town library in Willington,
dated Feb. 6, 1800, both turned over to him by his
cousin, Charles T. Preston, Esq., of Willington.
Rev. Hubbell Loomis, father of Prof. Loomis, of
Yale College, is among the signers. Another price-
less relic is the powder-horn that once belonged tO'
Darius Preston, bearing the date 1771.
Major Preston is descended in the maternal line
from the Eldredge and Hinckley families, long
prominent in New England. Ariel Eldredge, his
grandfather, was born April 28, 1791, and died
Sept. 15, 1849 (according to a letter of Henry El-
dredge, of New York, dated April 20, 1894) ; his
wife, Betsey Dimock, was born Jan. 29, 1795, and
died in March, 1873- Her father, Shubael Dimock,
was born Oct. 4, 1757, married Jan. 23, 1789, died
March 8, 1828; her mother, Elizabeth Wright, born
July 31, 1769, died Aug. 10, 1837. From Mrs.
Jeremiah Haley, of Hartford, the following account
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
213
of the children of Ariel Eldredge and wife was
obtained: (i) Caroline, born Feb. 6, 1816, married
Joshua Preston. (2) Ira Dimock, born March 19,
1818, died Oct. 17, 1841 (copied from gravestone).
(3) Wealthy Jane, born June 4, 1820, married John
Henry Holmes in October, 1841, and died in April,
185 1. They had two children — Julia Isadore, born
in February, 1845, married a J\Ir. Dilworth ; and a
.son, unnamed, died in childhood. (4) Elizabeth,
born April 3, 1822, died April 21, 1851. On Sept.
•25> 1839, she married Lucius Fisk, who was born
in 1813, and died April i, 1874. They had five chil-
dren— Theodore D., born Sept. 29, 1840; Jane Eliz-
abeth, Oct. 30, 1841 ; Eugene D., Jan. 14, 1844;
Emily Ann, Aug. 21, 1849 '< ^i^d Ella Lavonne, April
7, 1852 (died Aug. 14, 1864). (5) Sophronia, born
April 8, 1826, died Oct. 15, 1859, in London, On-
tario. On April 28, 185 1, she married Norman
Holt, son of Gen. Origen Holt, member of Congress,
of Willington. (6) Phebe R., born Jan. 13, 1829,
died March 4, 1865, at Willimantic. (7) William W.,
■born Jan. 14, 1832, died July 12, 1854, aged twenty-
two. (8) Henry, born June 16, 1835, is still living.
The following was supplied by Judge Leonard
Morse, items taken from a book belonging to
Thomas S. Weaver, of Hartford, compiled by his
father :
"Elder Thomas Dimmock was of Dorchester,
1635; selectman that year; freeman. May 25, 1636.
Hingham, 1638; Scituate, 1639. Removed to Barn-
stable May, 1639 ; one of the grantees. Ordaining
elder of Mr. Lathrop's church Aug. 7, 1659. His
wife was Ann (Hammond?), who was living in
1683. Children: (I) Timothy. (H) Mehitable
married Richard Child. (HI) Shubael married
Joanna Borsley, daughter of John Borsley, of Barn-
stable. Shubael died in Mansfield, Conn., Oct. 29,
1732, aged eighty-eight years. He resided in the
fortification house built by his father, which stood
near the present house of jNIr. Isaac Davis, in Barn-
stable. It was a two-story building about twenty
feet square, the lower story of stone, and the upper
of wood. This house was taken down about 1800.
The children of Deacon Shubael Dimock (or Dim-
mock) and his wife, Joanna Borsley, were: (i)
Capt. Thomas, born in Barnstable April, 1664, was
captain of a company of soldiers, and was killed
Sept. 9, 1697, in an engagement with Eastern In-
dians and French; his wife, Desire, survived him
with five children; she afterward married John
Thacher, Jr., of Yarmouth. (2) John, born 1666,
married Elizabeth Lumbard, and had nine children.
(3) Timothy was born March, 1668. (4) Shubael
was born February, 1673, married Tabitha Lathrop,
and had five children. (5) Joseph, born September,
1675, was married to Lydia, daughter of Deacon
John Fuller, and had eight children, born in Barn-
stable. (6) Mehitable, of whom no record is given.
(7) Benjamin was born March, 1680, removed
to INIansfield with his father. (8) Joanna was born
March, 1682, and removed to Mansfield. (9)
Thankful was born November, 1684, and removed
to iMansfield." The name Dimock is variously
spelled in this country, but Dimock is the most
modern. It originates from Dymoke, in England.
"The History of the Ancient and Noble Family of
JNIarmion (or Dymoke) ; their singular office of
King's Champion, etc.," by Sir T. C. Banks, was
published in 1817, is very rare, and contains the
full pedigree of the Dymoke family. See Scott's
"]Marmion" also.
The Hinckley-Eldredge descent is given as fol-
lows : "HINCKLEY appears to be an ancient name
in England. There is a town called Hinckley in
the County of Leicester, about one hundred miles
northeast from London. Jolm dc Hinkele was high-
sheriff of Staflordshirc in the first, second, third
and fourth years of the reign of Edward III (1327-
1330) [Shaw's Staft'ordshire, page 35]. John
Hinckley, esquire, is mentioned in the will of Hugh,
earl of Stafford, in 1385. Arms in Burke's "General
Armory:" "Per pale indented, argent and gules.
Crest: On a ducal coronet, or, a star of twelve
points, proper." It is not known whether the fam-
ily here is entitled to those arms or not.
Samuel Hinckley, of Tenterden,,Kent, England,
came to. New England with his wife Sarah and four
children in the ship "Hercules," of Sandwich,
which sailed about March, 1634. He first set-
tled in Scituate, and by the early records it
appears that his wife joined the church there
Aug. 16, 1635. He removed with his fam-
ily to Barnstable in 1639 [From "History of
the Hinckley Family," pamphlet, in Connecticut His-
torical Society]. According to another account he
was one of those who accompanied JSIr. Lothrop
to Boston in the "Griffin," arriving Sept. 18, 1634.
Some of the first settlers of Scituate and Barn-
stable were men of education and easy fortune,
who had left homes altogether enviable, save in the
single circumstance of the abridgement of their re-
ligious liberty. The "men of Kent" are duly cele-
brated in English history as men of gallantry, loyal-
ty and courtly manners. A'asall, Hatherly, Cud worth,
Tilden, Hinckley, and others, had been accustomed
to the elegancies of life in England. They were
men eminently qualified for transacting not only the
municipal concerns of the settf^ients. but for taking
an active and prominent part in the government of
the colony. [Moore's "Governors of New Plymouth
and Massachusetts Bay," published 1848.]
From Josiah Hinckley; Wollaston, :Mass., the
following has been obtained : "He was quite prom-
inent in" the affairs of the town, and was a large
land-holder. His wife, Sarah, whom he married in
England, died in Barnstable Aug:. 18, 1656. He
married a second wife, Bridget Bodfish, of Sand-
wich, widow of Robert Bodfish. He died in Barn-
stable Oct. 31, 1662, age not known, his widow
surviving. His will was dated Oct. 8, 1662. Of
his children, the four first named were born in Eng-
land, the three following in Scituate, the others in
214
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Barnstable: (i) (Gov.) Thomas married (first)
Mary Richards, and (second) Mar}' (Smith)
Glover. (2) Susanna married Rev. John Smith.
(3) Sarah married Elder Henry Cobb. (4) Mary
married James Haughton. (5) Elizabeth, baptized
Sept. 6, 1635, married Elisha Parker, who settled
in New Jersey, and was an ancestor of the late
Hon. Joel Parker, of that State, a governor and
United States Senator, and of Courtlandt Parker,
the eminent lawyer. (6) Samuel was buried March
22, 1645, at Barnstable, aged three years. (7) A
daughter, unnamed, was buried July 8, 1640, at
Barnstable. (8) and (9) Twins, unnamed, were
buried Feb. 6, 1640, and March 19, 1640, at Barn-
stable, respectively. (10) Samuel (2) was born
July 24, 1642, and married (first) Mary Goodspeed,
daughter of Roger Goodspeed, and (second) Mary
Fitz-Randolph. (11) John, born May 24, 1644,
is mentioned more fully below.
"Gov. Thomas Hinckley was born in 1621, and
came to New England soon after his father and
mother had made a settlement at Barnstable. The
mere recital of the various public duties he was
called upon to perform, some of which were the
most arduous and responsible, as well as the high-
est in the government, is sufficient to show that he
was a man of more than ordinary ability and in-
fluence. In 1645 he was elected a deputy from
Barnstable, and he was again elected in 1648, and
at several subsequent periods. In 1658, when Mr.
Cudworth and Mr. Hatherly, two of the most ex-
cellent men in the Colony, were proscribed and
driven from office, on account of their opposition
to the rash measures against the Quakers, Mr.
Hinckley, falling into the popular current, was
chosen one of the assistants, and continued in that
office by successive re-elections until the year 1681.
At the election of 1680 Mr. Hinckley was especially
designated as deputy governor in consequence of
the ill health of Gov. Winslow, and the extreme age
of Mr. Alden, who, as first assistant, would have
succeeded to the chair when vacant. In June, 1681,
following the death of Josiah Winslow, Mr. Hinck-
ley was chosen governor, in which office (except for
the short period of the rule of Andros, when he
was a counsellor) he was continued until the sep-
arate existence of the Colony of New Haven was
teraiinated by its incorporation with Massachusetts,
imder the charter of 1692. Upon that event he was
named one of the counsellors of the province of
Massachusetts, under the new charter." [Moore's
"Governors of New Plymouth," etc.]
(II) John Hinckley, son of Samuel and Sarah
Hinckley, was born in Barnstable May 24, 1644,
was baptized May 26, same year, by Rev. John
Lothrop, and died in Barnstable Dec. 7, 1709, aged
sixty-five years, six months and thirteen days. "En-
sign" John was married (first), in Barnstable, in
July, 1668, to Bethiah Lothrop, daughter of Thomas
Lothrop, of Barnstable, and granddaughter of Rev.
John Lothrop. She was born in Barnstable July
23, 1649, baptized July 23, 1649, by her grandfather.
Rev. John, and died in Barnstable July 10, 1697,
aged forty-eight years. "Thomas Lothrop was born
in England, probably at Egerton, Kent, about 1621.
At about the age of thirteen he came with his fa-
ther. Rev. John, to Scituate, Mass., and removed to
Barnstable, Mass., about 1639. He married Sarah,
daughter of William Learned, and widow of Thomas
Ewer. His fifth child, Bethiah, born July 23, 1649,
was married to John Hinckley, a son of Samuel."
["The Lothrop Family."]
Rev. Mr. Lothrop was educated at Oxford, as
appears from Wood's Athenae Oxoniensis. Four
sons came with him from England : Thomas, who
settled at Eastham, where his son Thomas was born
in 1640; Samuel, at Norwich or New London,
Conn.; Joseph, at Barnstable; and Benjamin, at
Charlestown, Mass. Barnabas and John were boin
in this country, and settled at Barnstable. Rev.
Mr. Lothrop died in Barnstable Nov. 8, 1653. His.
descendants are numerous.
John Hinckley married (second), in Barnstable,
Nov. 24, 1697, Mary Goodspeed, widow of Benja-
min Goodspeed, of Barnstable, and daughter of John
and Hannah (Linnell) Davis, of Barnstable. She
was born in Barnstable Jan. 3, 1653. His children
were all b}' his first wife, and all born in Barn-
stable: (i) Sarah was born in 1669; (2) Samuel,
born Feb. 2, 1670, married Mary Lothrop; (3)
Bethia, born March, 1673, died unmarried ; (4)
Hannah, born May 15, 1675, married Benjamin
Lewis; (5) Jonathan, born Feb. 15, 1677, married
Elizabeth Edwards, in Hartford; (6) Ichabod, born
Aug. 28, 1680, is mentioned below; (7) Gershom,
born April 2, 1682, married Mary Buel in Lebanon,
Conn, (ancestor of N. G. Hinckley, of Hartford) ;
(8) Mercy died unmarried; (9) Mary married
John Crocker; (10) Abigail was living in 1718
(further record of her uncertain) ; (11) Job mar-
ried Hannah Lombard. "Ensign" John was one of
the substantial citizens of Barnstable, a large land-
holder ; four of his five sons settled in Connecticut —
Samuel in Stonington, Jonathan in Hartford, Icha-
bod in Tolland, and Gershom in Lebanon.
(Ill) Ichabod Hinckley was born in Barnstable
Aug. 28, 1680, and died in Tolland, Conn., May
10, 1768, aged nearly eighty-eight years. He was
married (first), in Barnstable, Jan. 5, 1702, to Mary
Goodspeed, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
(Davis) Goodspeed, of Barnstable. She was. born
in Barnstable Jan. 10, 1677-78, and died in Barn-
stable Oct. I, 1 719, aged thirty-two. On Aug. 3,
1 72 1, in Sandwich, Mass., Ichabod Hinckle}' mar-
ried, for his second wife, Mary Bassett. B}' the
first marriage he had eight children : ( i ) Mary,
born May 27, 1704, died March 2, 1718:. (2) Ben-
jamin, born June 19, 1707, is mentioned below;
(3) David, born March i, 1709, died in Tolland
in 1796, unmarried; (4) John, born Jan. 4, 1710-11,
died probably in infancy; (5) John, born March
7, 1712, married Susannah Harris; (6) Ebenezer,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
215
born July 7, 1714, d'ied young, and is mentioned
in his father's will; (7) Thankful, born Aug. i,
1716, died young; (8) Mary, born Sept. 26, 1718,
married Dr. Sanuiel Cobb, of Tolland. The chil-
dren by the second marriage were: (9) Thankful,
born Dec. 2, 1723, married (first) Jonathan Hatch,
and (second) George Nye; and (10) Mercy, born
Nov. 22, 1726, probably died young, as she is not
mentioned in her father's will.
On Dec. 3. 1730, Ichabod Hinckley, being then
a resident of Barnstable, bought 390 acres of land
of Josiah Goodrich, the land being partly in Tolland
and partly in Willington, Conn., an adjoining town.
In 1732 he removed from Barnstable to Tolland,
with all his family. He was selectman of Tolland
for several years. His will is dated Nov. 18, 1757.
and probated Feb. i, 1774.
(IV) Benjamin Hinckley, born in Barnstable
June 19, 1707, died in Willington, Conn., Oct. 11,
1749, aged forty-two years. He was married, in
Tolland, Nov. 6, 1733, to Deborah Palmer, of Wind-
ham, Conn. Mr. Hinckley was admitted a towns-
man in Willington Dec. 17, 1735, and by occupa-
tion was a farmer. He and liis wife had children
as follows: (i) (Capt.) Ichabod, mentioned more
fully farther on; (2) Betty, born Jan. 24, 1737;
(3) Mary, born Dec. 11, 1738; (4) Anne, born May
14, 1740, died Oct. 9, I249; (S) Deborah, born
Oct. 23, 1743; (6) Benjamin, Jr., born March 18,
1745, died Sept. 19. 1747; and (7) David, born
Oct. 29, 1747, died Dec. 16, 1747.
(V) Capt. Ichabod Hinckley, son of Benjamin
Hinckley, of Willington, Conn., was born in Will-
ington Oct. 13, 173.5, and died Feb. 23, 1807, aged
seventy-one years, four months and ten days, in
Tolland, Conn. In the "Early History of Tolland,"
by Judge Lorin P. Waldo, we find the following:
"He was a captain in the Continental army, and per-
formed several tours of duty, besides being other-
wise very active in the Revolutionary contest. He
was twice a member of the General Assembly, and
fourteen years a selectman. People who remembered
him spoke with admiration of his integrity' and abil-
ity as a selectman, and of the dignity with which
he used to preside in town meetinp's.'' His first
wife, Mary, died in Willington Jan. 8, 1769, aged
thirty-seven years. He was married (second), in
Tolland, Dec. 12, 1769, to Hannah Kingsbury,
daughter of Deacon Nathaniel Kingsbury, of Tol-
land. She was born in Tolland, and died there
INIarch 8, 1823, aged eighty-five years. Capt. Icha-
bod and his second wife are buried in Tolland, and
each have memorial stones. The children by the
first wife were: (i) Hannah, born April 23, 1756,
died Alay 20, 1756; (2) Anna, born May 9, 1758;
(3) Bethia, born Dec. 10, 1759, mentioned below;
(4) Temperance, born Aug. 25, 1762, died Oct.
17, 1762 ; (5) Ichabod, Jr.. born Sept. 19, 1763, mar-
ried Jerusha Thompson; (6) Benjamin, born Dec.
27, 1765, died Aug. i, 1780; (7) Daniel, born
ilarch 17, 1768, died April 22, 1768. By his sec-
ond marriage were four children: (8) Mary, born
Nov. 20, 1770; (9) Hannah, born March 16, 1772;
(10) Sarah, born Nov. 15, 1773, died Dec. 28, 18C0,
unmarried; (11) Deborah, born March 15, 1775-
These children were all born in Tolland except the
first, who was born in Willington.
The following is from the "Roster of Revolu-
tionary Soldiers of Connecticut:"
In the " Lexington Alarm " List, April 19, 1775.
from the town of willington:
Zoeth Eklredge, 10 days service.
David Hinckley, 17 days, etc. (Page 25.)
FROM THE TOWN OF TOLLAND.
Ichabod Hinckley, Adjutant, 8 days in service.
Edward Dimock, 2'i days in service. (Page I'd.)
Continental Regi.ments.
Edward Dimock, in oth Regiment.
David Hinckley, in 2d Regiment, Col. .Spencer's. (Page 48.)
Third Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade, Col. Sage, 1776.
Ichabod Hinckley, 1st Lieut, of 6th Company.
(This battalion was raised June, '76, to reinforce Wash-
ington in New York, served in New York City and on Long
Island, caught in the retreat from the city, and Sept.
15 suffered some loss. Engaged in the Battle of White
Plains, October 28. Time expired December 25, '76.) (Page
398.)
Captain Ichabod Hinckley. Commissioned (Capt.) Jan.
1,1777; also paymaster as below; retired by consolidation
January 1, 1781. In service from '76. (Page 158.)
Second regiment of " Connecticut Line,'' formation of
1777-81. Paymaster Ichabod Hinckley, of Tolland, appointed
June 16, '78; also Regimental Clothier, April 1, "iO. See
" Captains."
(\T) Bethia Hinckley, daughter of Capt. Iclia-
bod Hinckley, of Tolland, was born in Tolland
Dec. 10, 1759, and was married, in Willington,
Conn., Oct. 16, 1779, to Zoeth Eldredge, who is
doubtless the Eldredge mentioned above as being
in the Lexington Alarm. She died June 17, 1850,
at Willington. Their ten children were born in
Tolland, as follows: (i) Ichabod Eldredge, born
June 22, 1780; (2) Zoeth, Jr., April i, 1782: (3)
Elizabeth, Mav 23. 1784 (died Oct. 2, 1802) ; (4)
Polly, June 29', 1786; (5) Persis, Dec. 3, 1788; (6)
Rial' (Ariel), April 28, 1791 (married Betsey Dim-
ock) ; (7) Ahira, Alarch 25, 1794; (8) Olive. Nov.
19, 1796; (9) Sophronia, Dec. 11, 1799; (10) Juli-
anna, May 22, 1802.
Major Preston traces his descent in the Hunt-
ington line as follows: (I) Deacon Joseph Hunt-
ington married Rebecca Adgate. (li) Sarah Hunt-
ington married Ebenezer Wright. (Ill) Eleazer
Wright married Anna Marsh. (IV) Elizabeth
Wright married Capt. Shubael Dimock. (\*) Bet-
sey Dimock married Ariel Eldredge.
" The \\'right descent is as follows: (I) Lieut.
Abel ^^'right. of Springfield, married Martha, daugh-
ter of Samuel Kicherell, of Hartford. (II) Ensign
Abel Wright, of Lebanon, Conn., married Rebecca,
daughter of Samuel Terry, of Springfield. (Ill)
Ebenezer Wright, of Lebanon, Conn., born Feb.
22, 1701, married, in 1728 (as second wife), Sarah
216
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Huntington (above). (IV) Eleazer Wright, of
Mansfield, Conn., born April 12, 1741, married
Anna Marsh, daughter of Joseph Marsh, of Wind-
ham, April 25, 1765. (V) Elizabeth Wright, of
Mansfield, born July 31, 1769, married Capt. Shu-
bael Dimock (third) Jan. 22 or 23, 1789, he born
Oct. 4, 1757. (VI) Betsey Dimock, of Mansfield,
born Jan. 29, 1795, married Ariel Eldredge.
STEPHEN BALL (deceased), who died at his
home in Hartford Feb. 20, 1900, was for many years
prominent in business and social life, and worthily
represented an honored pioneer family. He was
born Oct. 20, 1839, in New Haven, Conn., son of
John Scott Ball, and was of the seventh generation
in direct descent from Allen Ball and his wife
Dorothy.
(II) The line of descent was continued in this
generation through Sergt. John and Sarah (Glover)
Ball.
(III) Ensign John Ball, son of Sergt. John, mar-
ried Mar}' Tuttle.
(IV) Deacon Stephen Ball married Abigail At-
water. He was among the early settlers at New
Haven, and for maity 3'ears was deacon of the Cen-
ter Church. He became the owner of land upon
which the Yale College buildings now stand, and
his homestead occupied the site of the present Art
Building.
(V) Col. Stephen Ball married Nabby Scott,
a daughter of John and Lucretia (Warner) Scott.
He lived in the trying times of the Revolutionary
war, and his grandson, our subject, was fond of re-
lating the manner in which he at one time foiled the
enemy. As deacon of the church he had charge of
the communion service, and when British raiders
were searching the house he had a young daughter
stand on a ledge in the chimney of the fireplace with
the service, which thus escaped observation.
(VI) John Scott Ball, our subject's father, was
a merchant in New Haven. He married Laura
Ann Miller, who is still living at New Haven, at the
advanced age of eighty years.
(VII) Stephen Ball, the subject proper of this
review, was sent when six years old to the Glenden-
ning school at Stamford, a private school of much
importance at that time. After a few years of
study there he returned to New Haven, and gradu-
ated from the Hill House High School. After grad
uating, and when seventeen years of age, he entered
the employ of the Townsend Savings Bank, and was
there until 1861, when, at the age of twenty-two, he
enlisted for the war in Company I, 12th Conn. V. I.
On account of his popularity he was made second
lieutenant, but after serving about a year in the
1 2th he went into the signal corps, and remained
there until mustered out, at the close of the war.
. Just before enlisting Mr. Ball married Ellen Vir-
ginia Bradley, of Southington, who survives him.
After the war Mr. and Mrs. Ball went to New Or-
leans, where he was in the government employ, being
in the quartermaster's department about three years.
At that time Gen. George R. Davis, general manager
of the World's Fair, was in the same service, and
the two became warm friends. While in New Or-
leans Mr. and Mrs. Ball lost an infant son. In 1867
they removed to Hartford, Mr. Ball entering the em-
ploy of the State Savings Bank, but remaining only
a short time. In 1867 he became identified with the
affairs of the Hartford Life & Annuity Co., which
had been chartered the previous year, and was still
in an unsettled condition as to its business plans.
Mr. Ball, although a 3'oung man, instituted several
forms of life insurance which were immediately
adopted, and attracted attention for their stability
and cheapness, combined with a systematic rate of
premiums. He was elected actuary, a position
which he held for two years, until advanced to the
position of assistant secretary. This office he held
for several years, or until 1874, when he was elected
secretary, succeeding James P. Taylor, now presi-
dent of the Charter Oak National Bank, and he con-
tinued in this office until in April, 1897, he resigned
to accept the presidency of the National Life As-
sociation, which he held until the Company closed
its existence, about a year and a half later.
During Mr. Ball's connection with the Hartford
Life & Annuity Co., the concern underwent several
changes of business plans, including the adoption of
the safety fund system of assessment insurance,
which gained unbounded popularity during his
regime. This plan was introduced by Henry P.
Duclos, a well-known insurance man of Burlington,
Vt. The system was brought to the attention of
Mr. Ball, who, after careful investigation, found it
fitted for the needs of the concern, and it was
adopted by the company Jan. 20, 1880. Through the
persevering efforts of Mr. Ball the company ad-
vanced rapidly in the insurance world, and for sev-
eral years held the distinction of being the largest
life assessment company in the country. Mr. Ball's
reputation for honesty, integrity and determination
of purpose, and his advanced ideas of life under-
writing, Yv^ere recognized throughout the country.
The company soon outgrew its quarters in the brown
stone building in the rear of No. 230 Asylum street,
and several additions were erected, hut the business
of the concern so increased ihat the present impos-
ing structure was erected in 1896. After resigning
his position with the company, in April, of the fol-
lowing year, Mr. Ball was unanimously elected pres-
ident of the National Life Association. He found
this concern in a not over prosperous condition, and
worked incessantly to build it up and put it on a
firm basis, but in spite of his efforts the company
was forced to wind up its affairs.
Mr. Ball's interest in military affairs never
waned, and he was one of the committee on the State
monument which was dedicated at Winchester, Va., ■
Oct. 19, 1896. Past Department Commander Will-
iam Berry, of this city, who died here a number of
years ago, was an officer with Mr. Ball, and the com-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
217
pany was under the command of Capt. John W. De-
Porest, the novelist. His associate officers in the
regiment, now Hving-. inchide Gen. L. A. Dickin-
son, of the yEtna Insurance Co. ; Capt. James E.
Smith, of the Hartford Fire; and Ex-Mayor Hen-
tirick, of New Haven. Mr. Ball was a member of
Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R., and belonged to the
Loyal Legion in Boston. He was widely known
throughout the State on account of his iMasonic
associations. He was a member and past master of
Lafayette Lodge, No. loo, A. F. & A. M., and was
one of the past eminent commanders of Washington
Commandery, No. i, Knights Templar; was also
a thirty-second degree Mason, and was identified
with Pyramid Shrine, of Bridgeport, and later with
Sphinx Shrine of this city. His funeral services,
held at St. James' Church, Hartford, were conducted
by eight past commanders of \\'ashington Com-
mandery, No. I, K. T., assisted by the rector, Rev.
J. T. Huntington.
On Oct. 26, 1861, Mr. Ball married Miss Ellen
V. Bradley (daughter of Charles and Delia Stedman
Bradley), of Southington, who, with one son, Fred-
erick W. Ball, born Aug. 26, 1867, at Southington,
survives him. Mrs. Ball is the half-sister of Walter
A. Cowles, who was formerly the assistant secre-
tary of the Hartford Life & Annuity Co., and of
Mrs. Julia A. Parmalee, Mrs. R. Calvin Mix and
Miss Fanny Maud Cowles, of this city. William
H. Cowles and Charles B. Cowles, of Plantsville,
are also half brothers of Mrs. Ball.
Mr. Ball had a summer residence in Plantsville,
and spent some time there each year, on the Cowles
Tiomestead, which he owned and improved at con-
siderable expense. He enjoyed the country thor-
oughly, and was a great admirer of its scenes and in-
terests, being a great lover of nature, and it could be
trulv said of him that he was of that class who find
"tongues in trees, books in the running brooks.
Sermons in stones, and good in everything."
The personal life of Mr. Ball was deserving of
the greatest emulation, as his kindness of heart and
depth of sympathy made him the friend of
thousands.
JOSHUA NEWELL OA^ATT. who is now
practically living a retired life in \Y(tst Hartford,
was for many years prominently identified with the
newspaper interests of this section of the country.
He was born in Washington. Litchfield Co., Conn.,
Oct. 27, 1832, a son of John and Caroline (i\Iason)
Oviatt, lifelong residents of that county, where the
father followed the occupation of farming, and died
at the age of ninety-two years. Our subject's ma-
ternal grandfather, Elisha Mason, of Revolutionary
fame, lived to be one hundred years old. The
Mason family was one of the oldest in Litchfield
county. John Oviatt was instrumental in founding
the town of Morris, and was a deacon in the Con-
gregational Church at that place for many years.
He also represented the town in the State Legis-
lature, and served as selectman with credit to him-
self and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
In politics he was a Whig. He had four children :
Elizabeth, who married R. G. Reynolds, who died in
Boston, Mass. ; J\lrs. Harriet Clark, of Medina,
Ohio; Joshua N., our subject; and Mrs. Fannie
De Wolf, of Marion, Indiana.
Joshua N. Oviatt was reared and educated in
Morris, Conn. His identification with the "art pre-
servative of all the arts" dates back to the time
when, at the age of fifteen years, he entered the
office of the IVaterbury American. Subsequently
he was connected with the Springfield Republican
for nine years, and in 1865 established the Ne^a
Britain Record, at that time the only paper pub-
Ished in New Britain, Conn. He was editor and
proprietor of that journal until 1882, when he sev-
ered his connection with it on account of ill health,
and removed to West Hartford, where he has since
lived retired.
While a resident of Springfield, Mass., Mr.
Oviatt was married, in 1862, to Miss Martha A.
McNary, a daughter of Samuel McXary, of that
city, arid to them were born two children: Annie
McNary, a stenographer in Hartford ; and Edward
Mason.' During the Spanish-American war the
son enlisted in Company K, 1st Conn. V. I.; he is
now in New York engaged in business. At the time
of his enlistment he was employed in the office of
the Hartford Post. Father and son are both mem-
bers of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. :M., and the
former also belongs to Giddings Chapter, R. A. M.,
and to the Grange. He affiliates with_ the Repub-
ilcan party, and is serving as grand juror of the
town at the present time. He has been a deacon
in the Congregational Church for many years, and
in his dailv walk has shown himself to be consistent
with the belief which he professes, being generous
and charitable in answering the appeals of the dis-
tressed.
IRA MILES STANDISH (deceased), who
during life was one of Wethersfield's most re-
spected citizens and prominent agriculturists, was
born on the old Standish homestead in Jordan
Lane, Wethersfield, July 5, 1832, and was a son
of James and Cynthia (Wells) Standish. Ex-
tended mention is made of the family elsewhere,
in connection with the sketch of James Standish.
Our subject received a district-school education,
and grew to manhood on the home farm, where he
spent his entire life engaged in general farming,
dairying and stock raising. After the death of his
father he took charge of the place, upon which he
made many useful and valuable improvements, and
which he 'successfully operated until he. too, was
called to his final rest. He was industrious, pains-
taking and energetic, and generally carried forward
to successful completion whatever he undertook.
In Wethersfield Mr. Standish was united in mar-
riage with Miss Sarah Warner, a native of that
218
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
place, and a daughter of Levi Warner. (A full
sketch of the Warner family may also be found
elsewhere). She was an earnest Christian, a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, a good wife and
loving mother. She died July 6, 1891, her husband
on Dec. 30, 1895, and the remains of both were in-
terred in the Cedar Hill cemetery. He was liberal
in his religious views, and domestic in his tastes.
Politically he always supported the Democratic
party, but he never cared for the honors or emolu-
ments of public office. His well-spent life com-
mended him to the confidence of all with wliom
he came in contact, and gained for him the respect
and good-will of the entire community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Standish were born five chil-
dren : ( I ) Annie Isabelle died when fourteen
years of age. (2) Alice Louise married Stephen
Lockwood, a house carpenter, who died in 1894,
leaving one child, Ethel Rose, a bright girl, who is
now attending the Wethersfield high school. (3)
Mary Seymour was a school teacher prior to her
marriage to Charles A. Parker, a barber of Weth-
ersfield. (4) Bertha May, a lady of refinement and
good business ability, resides on the old homestead.
On Nov. 14, 189Q, she married John F. Mcintosh,
who is engaged on the Hartford Post. She is a
member of the Wethersfield Grange. ( 5 ) Sarah
Rosalia is the wife of Leon C. Leach, of Elling-
ton, Conn., and they have two children : Leon
Standish and Arline Rose,
SPENCER LEE FLOWER. When after years
of long aftd earnest labor in some honorable field of
business a man puts aside all cares to spend his re-
maining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his
former toil, it is certainl)^ a well-deserved reward
of his former industry. .
" How blest is he who crowns in shades like these
• A youth of labor with an age of ease."
wrote the poet, and the world everywhere
recognizes the justice of a season of rest following
an active period of business life. Mr. Flower is
now living retired at his pleasant home on Fern
street, West Hartford, and his history is one that_
shows the accomplishment of well-directed labor.
Our subject was born in West Springfield, Mass.,
Aug. 7, 1 81 5, and comes from a long-lived race,
his grandfather, Timothy Flower, being ninety-two
years of age at the time of his death. Not know-
ing the date of birth of our subject, one would hardly
guess him to be over seventy years of age at the
present time. His parents, Spencer and Rosanna
(Mclntyre) Flower, were lifelong residents of West
Springfield, where the father was engaged in wagon
manufacturing and blacksmithing. In their family
were eight children : Hannah, who died at the age of
ninety years ; Julia, a resident of Iowa ; Nancy, who
died in 1882; Spencer Lee, our subject; Cornelius,
who died in 1888; Homer, deceased; Henry, a resi-
dent of Iowa ; and Lester, deceased.
Our subject accjuired his education in the schools
of West Springfield, Mass., and remained in his
native town until fifteen years of age, when he came
to Hartford and clerked in the general mercantile
store of Nathaniel Eggleston for about ten years.
He then formed a partnership with John G. Litch-
field and engaged in the grocery business on Asylum
street, under the firm name of Litchfield & Flower.
When Mr. Litchfield retired W. P. Williams becaine
junior member of the firm of Flower & Williams,
and he was in turn succeeded by E. H. Hills, the
name being then changed to Flower & Hills. In
1875 ^I''- Flower retired from the business, which
is still conducted under the firm style of Hills & Co.
For thirty-six years Mr. Flower resided on Pleas-
ant street, Hartford, but in 1890 he erected his
present residence on Fern street, West Hartford,
into which he moved in 1891.
For his first wife Mr. Flower married Miss Har-
riet, daughter of Dr. Charles Greenleaf, a former
well-known dentist of Hartford, and to them were
born three children : Charles, who died at the age
of twenty-three years ; Harriet, who died at the
age of twenty-two; and Charles, who died in in-
fancy. In Thompsonville, Conn., he was again mar-
ried, in_ November, 1883, his second union being
with Mrs. Louise (Terry) Price.
Since 1843 ^^- Flower has been an active and
prominent member of the Fourth Church of Hart-
ford, and served as its librarian for eighteen years,
and treasurer for thirteen years. He is a member of
the Governor's Foot Guard Veteran Corps, also a
member of the Harrison Veterans of 1840. His in-
fluence is always found on the side of right, and in
many respects his life is well worthy of emulation.-
In political sentiment he is a Republican.
WILLIAM ROGERS (deceased), in his day
a man of energy and sterling business principles,
widely known throughout this section, especially in
the silver trade, was a native of Connecticut, born
in Hartford, Nov. 15, 1833.
William Rogers, father of our subject, was a
member of the original world-renowned firm of
Rogers Bros., manufacturers of silverware, and the
first in Hartford. Later he removed to Meriden,
whee he conducted business for a time, and then re-
turned to Hartford, residing there up to the time of
his death, Feb. 17, 1873. He was a successful busi-
ness man, and one of the most prominent and best
known in the city. In 1831 he married Nancy Wil-
son, by whom he had a large family, and who died
at the age of seventy years. [Further facts in regard
to William Rogers, Sr., will be found in the sketch
of F. Willson Rogers.]
William Rogers, whose name introduces these
lines, received his education at the common schools
of Hartford, and at the age of sixteen commenced
to learn the trade of silversmith under his father's
direction. He then took a position in the establish-
ment as shipping clerk, aiid continued with his fa-
7
ei-^*^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
219
ther up to the latter's death, when he took eharge of
the business, and conducted same until his decease.
For several years he was also connected with the
firm of Simpson, Hall & Miller, of Meriden, and had
control of the output of the goods in a branch known
as "flat ware." He died June 21, 1897, at the age
of sixt-four years, leaving a widow and one son.
On October 29, 1866, Mr. Rogers married Lucy
J. Ramsey, who was born in Hartford, a daughter of
Jonathan and Lucy M. (Briggs) Ramsey, the for-
mer for many years one of the leading musicians of
that city. One son, Frederick William, was born of
this union. Mrs. Rogers has inherited her father's
musical talent, being an accomplished vocalist, and
has sung in the leading churches of Hartford for
over a quarter of a century, taking the part of first
soprano.
GEORGE H. MITCHELL, late secretary and
treasurer of the E. N. Welch Manufacturing Co.,
at Forestville, with which corporation his active
business career of forty years was passed, was one
of the town's substantial men and infjuential
citizens.
Mr. Mitchell was born Nov. 12, 1835, in the
town of Bristol, descending on both sides from an
historic ancestry. William Mitchell, his great-
grandfather, was a native of Scotland, born in 1748,
and when a young man came to this country, locat-
ing in Bristol. This was prior to the war of the
Revolution. He espoused the cause of the Colonies,
and fought in the Continental army in that historic
struggle. He reared a large family, several of the
sons becoming men of great force of character,
who in turn transmitted their qualities to their
children, some of whom became men of mark, of
State and National reputation. S. Augustus
Mitchell, the geographer, was a son of William
Mitchell, the emigrant ; another son of William,
and the grandfather of our subject, was Hon. George
Mitchell, of Bristol, a man of prominence and in-
fluence in the town, who represented the district in
the State Senate, and was conspicuously identified
with the town's history. This George Mitchell's
son, George H. Mitchell, brings us down to the fa-
ther of the subject of this sketch.
On his mother's side, she being formerly Miss
Lurene, daughter of Hon. Ira Hooker (who served
five terms in the General Assembly of the State),
our subject is a lineal descendant of Rev. Thomas
Hooker, an historic character and divine of the
Colonial period of New England and Connecticut ;
and also from Capt. Thomas Willet, one of the
"Pilgrim Fathers," a magistrate and captain of
militia at Plymouth, a participant in the capture of
New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664, and the
first mayor of New York City under English rule.
George H. Mitchell, our subject proper, was
reared and educated in Bristol, where he attended
the public schools. He was early thrown upon his
own resources, which developed self-reliance and
inspired confidence and ambition. When a young
man, in 1858, he was married to H. Donsilla, (laugh-
ter of the late Hon. Elisha N. Welch, of Bristol,
became at once interested in the E. \. Welch Manu-
facturing Co., at Forestville, and remained through
life an active official of that corporation. He was
long its secretary and treasurer, and on the death
of Mr. Welch, in 1887, became its active manager,
and so remained until his own death, which oc-
curred March 6, 1896. The plant is one of the
leading clock manufacturing concerns in the coun-
try, and for upward of forty years has made clocks
for the home and foreign market. The entire plant
now includes five separate factories, located in
the village of Forestville. The duties of Mr. Mitch-
ell through all of the years of his connection with
it were arduous, but were ever ably, efficiently and
satisfactorily performed.
Mr. Mitchell was a musician of high order,
music being his forte, and as an organist, singer
and leader of a church choir he had few equals, as
the thousands who listened to Mitchell's Quintette
in the Park Church and the Pearl Street Church
of Hartford will remember. Through his own
unremitting efforts and study he was entitled to
great credit for his musical ability. To him music
was truly the art of arts, and in the realm of the
noblest music he had genius. His early taste led
him to the violin and brass instruments, and to
the arrangement and composition of classical band
music. But those who knew him and felt his
musical power will remember him for the remark-
ably spiritual conception which he had of sacred
music. Whether presiding at the organ or lead-
ing his unique and well-known Quintette, he had the
faculty of producing a beautiful combination of
harmony, wherein were blended pathos and supplir
cation, penitence and joy, hope and tears, worship
and praise. In the sphere of church music he \vas
the leading spirit in Hartford for twenty-five years.
He stood alone as master of Quintette music. His
spacious music room at his beautiful home in Forest-
ville was well stored, at the time of his death, with
his choice and unpublished musical compositions,
and they remain as he left them. He shrank from
publication, for to him music was art. If his work
as a musician does not survive on the printed page,
it will survive in the souls of those who drew from
him the inspiration of their musical careers. Dur-
ing the last two years of his life he had charge of a
Quintette in the Bristol Baptist Church, of which he
was a member. In his earlier life he led the music
of the church for a number of years. He was a
man whose soul was responsive to all that was beau-
tiful. While by scrupulous choice he kept the circle
of his intimate friendship limited, he easily won
and held friends. He was generally liked by all
who came in contact with him. though to some he
seemed almost imperious in temperament, but those
nearest him knew how tender his heart really was.
Mr. Mitchell's funeral was largely attended, and
220
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the services were impressive ; included in the music
was a dirge composed by the deceased, and
rendered by J. Willard Parsons, of New Britain.
When, in 1862, tlie news reached Forestville of
the battle of Antietam, and the death of Capt. Man-
ross, the brilliant Yale professor, and favorite of his
native village and town, and that the body would
be brought to Bristol for interment, Mr. Mitchell
in one night composed the dirge which was used
at that time. This dirge was used a number of
times at the funerals of soldiers, but as it -was never
printed it gradually fell into disuse. Mr. Mitchell
left a widow and two children.
GOODWIN BROTHERS are extensive manu-
facturers of pottery ware at Elmwood, Hartford
Co., Connecticut.
Of all trades that of the potter is perhaps the
oldest. Among all people, from the earliest dawn of
time until the present day, vessels have been fash-
ioned from clay and burned in the fire, and are con-
tinually being found in many countries as records
of people long: since forgotten. Without the ar-
ticles fashioned of clay that have been discovered in
ancient lands, and that have been for ages waiting
the historian, all knowledge of many races of men
would have been forever lost. The useful character
of the products has always made the potter's trade
one of the most honorable of callings, while its con-
tributions to the history of past ages have gained it
almost a reverence among scientists. Not only does
the antiquity of pottery command attention, but the
further fact that during all the centuries that have
passed, since the habitation of the globe until within
a few years, the mode of production has been prac-
tically the same. The potters of the days of the
Pharaohs, those earlier, and those of the present
time, have used the same methods, the same imple-
ments, the same tools, and the same power for the
manufacture of their wares, with little or no change
except in form or decoration. In tracing the early
history of the industry in Connecticut, we find that
the enterprise known as Goodwin Brothers Pottery
Co. was instituted as early as 1832 by the late Har-
vey Goodwin, the father of the present ofircers of
the company. From 1832 until 1872 flower pots
were the principal products of the works. At the
latter date, however, Harvey Goodwin's three sons
became identified with the enterprise, and from that
time on it may be said to have taken on its greatest
activity, and developed into the largest and most im-
portant estabhshment of the kind in th- country.
The plant is conveniently situated on the line of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, with
which it is connected by side tracks, and contains an
inexhaustible supply of what is said to be the finest
clay in the country for the class of goods turned
out, and the company furnish employment to sev-
enty-five workmen. The products, which are manu-
factured under most favorable conditions, are the
standard of excellence, and of a particularly high
order of merit, and comprise flower pots of all
kinds, shapes and sizes, handsomely decorated jar-
dinieres, lamps, cuspidors, tUTibrella stands, lawn
vases, hanging baskets, novelties in money banks,
jugs, mantel vases, and a wide range of useful and
ornamental articles in small vases, etc. These goods
are supplied to the trade in all parts of the United
States, a branch office being maintained at No. 55
Park Place, New York, and also one in Chicago.
The officers of the company are H. B. Goodwin,
president; W. E. Goodwin, secretary; and N. E.
Goodwin, treasurer.
The Goodwin Brothers trace their ancestry back
to (I) Ozias Goodwin, who became a resident of
Hartford in 1639, and died before April, 1683. Pie
wedded Mary Woodward, daughter of Robert
Woodward, of Braintree, England. They had three
children : William, born in 1629 ; Nathaniel, born
in 1637; and Hannah, born in 1639.
(II) William Goodwin, the eldest of this fam-
ily, was made a freeman May 21, 1657, was a chim-
ney viewer in 1662, 1665 and 1671, and died Oct.
15, 1689. He had three children: Susannah, Will-
iam and Nathaniel.
(III) Nathaniel Goodwin, son of William, was
a shoemaker, and was deacon of the First Church
in Hartford from March, 1734, to 1847. He mar-
ried Mehitable Porter, who was born Sept. 15, 1673,
a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Stanley) Por-
ter, of Hadley, Mass. She died Feb. 6, 1726, and his
death occurred in November, 1747. Their children
were Mehitable, Hezekiah, Benedicta, Isaac, Abra-
ham, Stephen, Eleazer, Joanna, Ruth, Alice and
Nathaniel.
(IV) Isaac Goodwin, son of Nathaniel, was
baptized Nov. 10, 1695. He resided in West Hart-
ford, and was grand juror in 1741 and selectman in
1742. He married (first) Hannah Morgan, who
was born Nov. 24, 1703, a daughter of Thomas and
Rachel Morgan, and (second) Ruth Gaylord, who
was born Oct. 18, 1704, a daughter of William and
Hope Gaylord, of Hartford. He died Aug. 15,
1766, and his second wife died in May, 1773. The
names and dates of birth of his children, so far as
known, are: Sarah, Jan. 29, 1721 ; Mehitable, March
30, 1723 ; Anna, May 16, 1725 ; Morgan, Feb. 4,
1728; DeHverance; Isaac, April, 1733; Uriah, May
II, 173s; Ebenezer, Oct. 30, 1737; and Ebenezer
(2) May 29, 1743. Only the last named was by
the second marriage.
(A^) Ebenezer Goodwin was born in New Hart-
ford May 29, 1743, and in 1762 he received from his
grandfather, William Gaylord, fifty-seven acres of
land in the town of New Hartford, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., whither he removed, becoming one of its
leading citizens. He was a member of the commit-
tee of inspection in 1775 and 1776; and a member
of the Ecclesiastical Society from 1780 to 1796. He
married Anne Webster, daughter of Isaac Webster,
of West Hartford. He died May 18, 1810, and she
died Jan. 8, 1835. They had twelve children, names
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
221
and dates of birth being as follows : Ruth, June 3,
1764; Ebenezer, June 10, 1766; Lucy, July 18, 1768;
James, Sept. 4, 1770; Seth, Aug. 12, 1772; William,
Jan. 5, 1775; William (2J Oct. 15, 1776; Norman,
Jan. 16, 1778; Pitts, Jan. 28, 1779; Horace, Feb.
12, 1781 ; Polly, Oct. 8, 1782; and Amanda, Oct.
IS, 1783-
(VI) Pitts Goodwin, born Jan. 28, 1779, in
New Hartford, was the grandfather of our sub-
ject. He followed farming in that town during his
active business career, and with two exceptions slept
in the same room every night throughout life, tie
sang in the church choir for over sixty years. In
1801 he married Miriam Gilbert, a daughter of
Joseph Gilbert, of Litchfield. She died Dec. 11,
1821, and on Dec. 25, 1822, he married Jerusha
Fyler, a daughter of Ulysses Fyler, of Torrington,
Conn. He died Aug. 2, 1864, and she departed this
life Aug. 2, 1875. All of his children were by the
first marriage, namely: Harvey, father of our sub-
ject; Nancy, born Nov. 4, 1804; IMiriam W., born
March 5, 1806; Urania, born in 1808; Sherman,
born Feb. 23, 1810; and Joseph, born in 1812.
(VH) Harvey Goodwin was born in New
Hartford Aug. 17, 1802, and in that town was
reared and educated. In 1823 he removed to Tor-
ringford, where he engaged in farming and brick-
making until 1827, when he came to West Hartford,
Flartford county. Here he worked in a brickyard
for a time, and in 1832 erected a pottery in Elmwood
and engaged in the manufacture of glazed earthen-
ware until 1872, when he transferred the business
to his sons. On March 18, 1832, he was tmited in
marriage with Miss Mary Sedgwick, who was born
Jan. 31, 1806, a daughter of Timothy and Lucy
(Braman) Sedgwick, of West Hartford, and died
April 18, 1843. By that union there were two chil-
dren : Ann Amelia, born May 5, 1834, who married
Samuel P. Burnham ; and Lucy Sedgwick, born
Sept. 25, 1836, who died Aug. 5, 1840. Mr. Good-
win was again married, Feb. 2, 1845, his second
imion being with Miss Frances Adelia Elmore, who
was born jMarch 31, 18 14, a daughter of Moses and
Eunice (Burnham) Elmore, of South Windsor,
Conn. To them were born four children : Harvey
Burdett, Nov. 30, 1845; Wilbur Elmore, July 17,
1847; Newell Elton, Aug. 25, 1849; and Clarence
B., Jan. 6, 1853. The father was an earnest member
of the Congregational Church, his second wife of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and they were high-
ly respected and esteemed by all who knew them.
He died June 11, 1895, and she passed away Nov.
8, 1897. Mr. Goodwin was ever a temperate man,
and, although he lived to be past ninety, retained his
faculties to an unusual degree, his eyesight being es-
pecially remarkable. He voted for Jackson for
President.
(VIII) H. BuRDETTE GooDWix, president of the
pottery company, was educated in the schools of
West Hartford and Hartford, and when a small boy
commenced working for his father in the pottery.
He is a member of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F. & A.
M. On June ID, 1885, he married iMiss Annie
Bramley, who was born in Alfreton, Derbyshire,
England, Oct. 4, 1862, a daughter of John B. and
Martha (JepsonJ Bramley, and they have five chil-
dren: Frances Catherine, born June 12, 1886; Wal-
lace Burdette, June 17, 1889; Harvey, Sept. 5, 1890;
Margaret Argyle, Aug. 8, 1894; and Shirley Bram-
ley, Nov. 6, 1899.
(IX) Wilbur E. Goodwin was born in Elm-
wood, has spent his entire life there, and was edu-
cated in the district schools and a business college of
Hartford. After completing his education he
worked for his father until 1872 when the three elder
sons formed the firm of Goodwin Brothers, and
have since been successfully engaged in the pottery
business. They are now at the head of one of the
most important industries of the country, and are
numbered among its most enterprising and progres-
sive business men. Our subject takes quite an active
and prominent part in public affairs, and has been
called upon to serve in many town offices. He was
for several years a selectman ; has been a member
of the school board many years, and postmaster at
Elmwood since 1873. Since attaining his majority
he has been a member of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F.
& A. M., and in social as well as business circles he
is quite popular. ]\Ir. Goodwin was married, in
Hartford, Sept. 24, 1874, to ^Nliss Ella J. Waters, a
daughter of Henry \\'aters, and to them were born
four children, namely: Maud Elmore, Oct. 27,
1875; Herman Wilbur, Oct. 24, 1877 (died March
17, 1878) ; Rov Wilbur, July 5, 1880; and Florence
Ella, April 30', 1886.
CORNELIUS WASHINGTON PECK, an
honored and highly-respected citizen of Kensing-
ton, who is now living retired from active labor,
was born there, on the old homestead in district
No. 2, Feb. 22, 1820. The family residence, built
many years ago, remained standing until 1872, when
it was torn down and replaced by a more modern
structure, into which our subject moved May 20,
of that year. On April i, 1897,- his home was burned
to the ground, and the fire is supposed to have been
of an incendiary nature, as it started Under the
woodshed. Since then he has found a pleasant
home with his daughter, iNIrs. Hutchison.
Mr. Peck is of English descent, and is a de-
scendant of Deacon Paul Peck, who is supposed to
have been born in the County of Essex, England, in
1608, and to have come to this country on the ship
"Defense," in 1635. He remained probably in Bos-
ton, jNIass., or that vicinity until 1636, when he
came to Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker and
his friends. His name is in the list of proprietors
of Hartford in 1639, and from the records of the
town it appears that he became one of the leading
men. His residence is said to have been upon what
is now Washington street, not far from Trinity
College, the site "of which is still called the Peck lot
222
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
b_v the old residents there. He was a deacon in
the' Congregational Church from 1681 until his
death, which occurred Dec. 23, 1695. His will,
which is upon the probate records, was dated June
25, 1695, and proved Jan. 15, 1696. It is quite
lengthy, and is of interest in its details and de-
scription of his property. His inventory amounted
to ^536, 5 shillings.
Samuel Peck, the great-great-grandfather of our
subject, who settled in Middletown (now Berlin),
Hartford county, married, March 6, 1701, Abigail
Collier, daughter -of Joseph Collier. She died Oct.
28, 1742, and he died Dec. 9, 1765. The great-
grandfather was Samuel Peck, a resident of Ber-
lin, where he died Aug. 25, 1784. He was married,
Jan. 10, 1725, to Thankful Winchell, who died Jan.
6, 1762. The grandfather, who also bore the name
of Samuel Peck, made his home in Berlin, where
he died July 18, 1802. He was first married, March
3, 1757, to Ruth Hopkins; his second wife, Sarah,
he married March 31, 1773; and for his third wife
he wedded Abigail Lattimer, Dec. 7, 1775.
Edward Peck, father of our subject, was born
Nov. 21, 1776, and died March 11, 1834. His first
wife, Sarah Langdon, he married March 23, 1802,
and on Aug. 8, 1816, he married Polly Williams,
mother of our subject. Edward Peck was a car-
penter and cabinetmaker by trade, and was quite
extensively engaged in the manufacture of coffins.
He was a very early riser and hard worker. He
was a good-natured man, always jovial and kind-
hearted, but was very strict with his sons. He
attended the Congregational Church very regularly,
but the mother of our subject was a member of the
Baptist Church of New Britain.
Cornelius W. Peck pursued his studies in the
Fourth District school of Kensington, and was
reared to agricultural pursuits upon the home farm,
comprising sixty acres, which was divided between
the four sons on the death of the father, when our
subject, now the only survivor, was fourteen years
of age. His brother Asah.el operated the farm for
one year, and then each took his own share. About
1845 our subject went South, and for four years
traveled through North and South Carolina, selling
dry goods, 'clocks, shoes, tinware, etc. In younger
years he was very strong, and up to the time he'
was seventy years of age he could hold 355 pounds
on his legs while in a sitting position, his feet not
resting on anything, and could jump up and strike
his feet together three times without an effort !
On March 22, 1848, Mr. Peck was united in
marriage with Miss Lucy Ann Hale, of South
Glastonbury, Conn., who though rather delicate was
always a great worker, and. proved to her husband
a faithful helpmeet. She was born Aug. 24, 1827,
a daughter of Josiah and Fannie Maria (Bidwell)
Hale, and died Nov. 16, 1896. To Mr. and Mrs.
Peck were born two children, namely: (i) Ellen
Mary Peck, born Feb. 5, 1849, 'was married, April
7, 1870, to Levi Ward Hutchinson, who at that time
was a joiner and housebuilder of Meriden, but at
present is engaged in farming. He was born in
East Orange, Vt., Aug. 20, 1832, and at one time
was a large land owner in that State. Mis parents,
Jerry and Sallie (Ward) Hutchinson, are both now
deceased, the former dying June 20, 1887, at the
age of eighty-nine years, the latter in January, 1887,
at the age of eighty-four. Their remains were in-
terred in East Orange, Vt. Levi W, and Ellen M.
(Peck) Hutchinson have one son, Walter Frank-
lin, born May 14, 1871. He is a fine workman at the
printer's trade, being a master of the "art pre-
servative of all the arts," but is at present running
a "bicycle rest" in Kensington. On Sept. 20, 1898,
he was married to Miss Lulu Tunnell, who was born
Jan. 30, 1874, in Pulaski, Tenn., a daughter of Mar-
cus and Mary Tunnell. (2) Edward Josiah Peck,
only son of our subject, was born May i, 1851, and
engaged in business as a joiner and carpenter for
several years, but is now employed in the Wilcox
& White organ factory, of Meriden. He married
Ellen Priscilla Stevens, a daughter of Henry Ste-
vens, of Westfield, Mass., and to them have come
two children — Harriet Lucy, who was born Feb. 4,
1882, and died Nov. 10, 1888; and Henry Cornelius,
born May 12, 1890.
Mr. Peck is a consistent Christian gentleman,
is of a pleasant, genial and hospitable nature, always
ready for a joke, and has a host of warm friends
who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. Po-
litically he is an uncompromising Democrat, and
since attaining his majority has supported every
Presidential candidate of his party with the excep-
tion of Horace Greeley. He has served as juryman,
but has never sought or accepted any political posi-
tion, though several have been offered him. He
has always been very exacting in all business mat-
ters, and his integrity is above question.
WILLIAM SCOVILLE CASE, now serving
his fourth year as judge of the Court of Common
Pleas, Hartford county, was born Jime 27, 1863, in
Tariffville, this county, son of William C. Case,
who is mentioned (with a record of the Case family)
more fully elsewhere.
Our subject prepared for college at Hopkins'
Grammar School, New Haven, from which he was
graduated in 1881, and in 1885 he completed a
course at Yale College, which conferred the B. A.
degree on him. While in college he was a member
of the Scroll and Key and the Psi Upsilon Frater-
nity. Immediately after graduation he commenced
the study of law in his father's office, at New Haven,
and in November, 1887, was admitted to the Hart-
ford County Bar. During the legislative sessions
of 1887 and 1889 the Judge held the position of clerk
of bills, and on Oct. 15, 1891, he was appointed, by
Commissioner Simonds, law clerk at the United
States Patent Office, where he remained until April
I, 1893. On July I, 1897, he was appointed by
the General Assembly for a term of four years, and
0 ^^T^^^H
1
nr.
(IaMJUX ^^WZ.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
223
entered upon the duties of his present incumbency,
in discharging- which he has won an enviable stand-
ing in the legal profession of the county. Judge
Case has literary inclinations, and has ])ublislied a
short novel, entitled "Forward House." He also
wrote the history of Granby for J. Hammond Trum-
bull's "INlemorial History of Hartford County."
On April 8, 1891, our subject was married to
Miss Elizabeth Nichols, daughter of Nathan and
Elizabeth^ (Rodmanj Nichols, of Salem, Mass., and
two children have blessed this union : William
Nichols, born Jan. 20, 1892, who died June 28
1892; and Mary, born Jan. 19, 1895.
DANIEL C. GRISWOLD (deceased) was born
in Bristol, Hartford county, although the greater
portion of his useful life of fifty-five years was
passed at Rocky Hill, his parents having removed
to that town when he was a child of twelve years.
He was the eldest of five children of Albro and Flor-
illa (Cook) Griswold, and was born May 31, 1836.
Of this family one daughter is yet living, Catherine,
who married Horace William. Another daughter,
Adeline, became the wife of Noble Lord, of He-
bron, Conn. Albro Griswold, on coming to Rocky
Hill, purchased the farm now occupied by Horace
Williams, where Daniel C. lived until his marriage.
Daniel C. Griswold received his education at the
district schools near his father's home, and at the
public schools of Hartford. He was married Jan.
15, 1862, to Mary Rose Williams, and at once went
with his wife to live on the farm of his father-in-
law, continuing to reside there until his death, Dec.
16, 1891.
At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Griswold's
patriotism was earnest and sincere, and before six-
teen months were over he felt impelled to offer his
services to the cause of his country. Accordingly,
on Aug. 8, 1862, he bade adieu to his bride of seven
months and enlisted in Company C, i6th Conn. V. I.
for a term of three years. He participated in the
siege of Suffolk, ancl in the battles of Fredericks-
burg, Edenton Road, Nansamond, Antietam and
Plymouth, being captured April 20, 1864, in the
engagement at Plymouth, and taken to Anderson-
ville prison, where he remained until Sept. 12 ; he
was then taken to Florence and Charleston, being
confined for nearly ten months. At the close of the
war he returned home, where he passed the remain-
der of his days. He was highly esteemed by his
fellow townsmen, who elected him to serve them as
assessor and selectman. In politics he was a Repub-
lican, and in religious belief a Congregationalist,
having been a devout member of the church of that
faith at Rocky Hill for many years.
Mrs. Daniel C. Griswold was born June 2, 1838,
in the town of Rocky Hill, on the same farm and in
the same house in which she now resides, daughter
of Andrew and Mary Caroline (Hickok) Williams,
the former of whom was a successful farmer and an
extensive land owner. Andrew Williams, son of
William and Sarah Williams, was born in Rocky
Hill, March 30, 1785, one of ten children, spent his
life in Rocky Flill and died Dec. 12, 1839. He
married Mary Caroline Hickok, and two children
were born to them: William Cooley, and Mary
Rose, both living, the son making his home in
Catskill, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Gris-
wold were born two children, of whom Charles C,
the first-born, died in infancy. The younger, Mary
Williams, was married April 6, 1893, to William
M. Ashwell, of West Rocky Flill, who died Sept, i,
1896, leaving one daughter, Josephine Mae, two
years old, and an infant son, Miles. Mrs. Griswold
adopted her cousin, Harriet Frances Hickok, when
she was a mere child of three years. On reaching
womanhood Miss Griswold married, Sept. 5, 1888,
E. Elmer Lord, of Portland, Conn. Mr. and Mrs.
Lord have one child, i\Iary Rose, and the family
make their home with Mrs. Griswold.
OLIVER CURTIS ROSE was, until his de-
cease, on May 30, 1899, a successful farmer and
tobacco grower of West Suffield. He was born
there Nov. 26, 1839, on the farm he owned and
occupied. The family is of English origin, and
entitled to a coat of arms, bearing the motto "Tunc
Cede Malis," of which Mr. Rose, the subject of this
biography, possessed an authentic plate.
Gad Rose, grandfather of Oliver Curtis Rose,
was a lineal descendant of that branch of the Rose
family who early colonized New England, and was
born in Granville, Mass., where he was reared to
manhood. However, he was still a young man
when he came to Suffield, Conn., where he married
Caroline Hale, a member of one of the oldest Suf-
field families. He settled on the -old Hale home-
stead, made many improvements, and here passed
the remainder of his life, engaged in farming, stock
raising and dairying. In politics he was a \\ big,
took an active part in the war of the Revolution,
and died in the faith of the Congregational Church,
honored by all who knew him. The children born
to Gad and Caroline ( Hale ) Rose were ten in
number: Gad, Justus, Barlow, Oliver, Curtis,
Beulah (who was married to Charles Dennison),
Annorah (married to Oliver Phelps), Caroline
(married to Dr. King), Diadema (who died single),
and Dianthe (who married Whaddeus Lyman).
Both parents died on the home, in the same faitli.
and their remains were interred in the West Suf-
field cemetery.
Curtis Rose, father of our subject, was born
on the old Hale farm. He was given the privileges
of the common schools for a short time, and being
very studious became a well-read man through self-
application. At an early age he was apprenticed at
shoemaking to Deacon C. Dennison, with whom he
passed seven years, but after completing his ap-
prenticeship he never worked at the trade. His
tendency being toward "trade," he started out on
the road, peddling Yankee "notions," cigars, etc.,
224
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and, whenever an opportunity offered, bought and
sold produce, and was very successful in this pur-
suit. He finally settled down to farming in West
Suffield, and died on his farm in 1876. He was
temperate in his habits, as well as domestic, upright
in all his dealings, and, although a stanch Repub-
lican, he was never an office seeker. Although he
was quite liberal in his views on religion, he was a
true Christian, and was greatly respected by all
with whom he ever had any acquaintance.
Mr. Rose was married, in West Suffield, to Miss
Julia Warner, daughter of Eli Warner, and this
union was blessed with seven children, viz. : Edwin,
who died young; Jennette, wife of Benjamin Hath-
away, of Stamford, Conn.; Caroline C., who was
married to John P. Ingraham, both now deceased;
Emaline E., wife of George E. Scofield, also of
Stamford; Rosaline, wife of Richard S. Johnson,
both of whom died in Alabama; Oliver Curtis, the
subject of this sketch; and Charles J., an insurance
man of New York City. The mother of this fam-
ily expired in 1894, a truly good Christian lady,
and her mortal remains were interred beside those
of her husband.
Oliver Curtis Rose was educated in the district
schools of his native town, and also at the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, of Suffield. At the age of
nineteen years he commenced teaching, and for six
years followed this profession, afterward engaging
in the cultivation of his natal farm. Here he largely
grew tobacco, and also did some general farming
and dairying. He made improvements on the place
to the extent of $8,000, and in 1890 erected one of
the finest dwellings in West Suffield, fitting it with
modern improvements and conveniences, and ele-
gantly furnishing it, although he retained several
articles of rare old furniture that have been in the
Rose family for generations.
In politics Mr. Rose was a Republican, and
served as selectman of the town. He also filled
the office of assessor, and other minor positions,
although he performed these services as a matter of
duty and not for the sake of emolument. While a
strong advocate of the principles of Republicanism,
his idea was that the party should seek the proper
men to fill the public offices, and that the individ-
ual should not seek the positions for the sake of
reward and prominence. Mr. Rose was himself
unostentatious, but well-read and refined, and pro-
gressive and enterprising in the conduct of his per-
sonal affairs. Fraternally he was a member of the
F. & A. M. lodge at Suffield, and in his religious
views was advanced and liberal.
In 1866 Oliver C. Rose was united in matri-
mony, in Southwick, Mass., with Miss Ellen Emily
Rising, a native of that town, daughter of Alvin
and Emily L. (Sackett) Rising, and this union
was blessed by the birth of one child, Alice Louise,
whose education was acquired in the district schools
of Suffield, at the New Britain high school, and at
Smith College, in Northampton, Mass., of which
latter she is a graduate. She is a young lady of
rare culture and charming disposition, and is the
present assistant librarian at Forbe's Library^
Northampton. Mrs. Rose is likewise refined, cul-
tured and genial in disposition, and enjoys the un-
feigned respect of the entire community of the town,
of Suffield, as did also her husband.
JOSEPH EDWARDS GOODRICH, deceased.
The Goodrich patronymic has been subject to vari-
ous changes and modifications. The genealogist
finds that the name in England was originally God-
ric. The American branch of the family has de-
scended from two brothers, William and John Good-
rich, who were early settlers in Wethersfield, Conn.,,
our subject being of the sixth generation from.
William Goodrich through the following: (I)
William, (II) David, (III) Jeremiah, (IV) Jere-
miah, (V) Joseph, and (VI) J. Edwards, our sub-
ject.
(I) William Goodrich was born at Bury St.
Edmunds, County of Suffolk, England, and came
to America with his brother John. He settled at
Wethersfield, Conn., and became a prominent citi-
zen of that town. In 1648 he married Sarah Marion^
daughter of Matthew Marion, of Hartford, and she
bore him nine children. He died in 1676. His widow
married Capt. William Curtis, of Stratford, Conn.,.
and died in 1702.
(II) Col. David Goodrich, son of William, was.
born in Wethersfield May 4, 1667, and^died June
23, 1755- For his first wife he married Hannah.
Wright, and, for his second, wedded Prudence
Churchill, and by both marriages had seventeen,
children.
(III) Jeremiah Goodrich was born Sept. 9,.
1709, and resided through life at Wethersfield. On
July 6, 1732, he married Ruth, daughter of Thomas
Kimberly, and she bore him four daughters, Ruth.
Prudence, Sarah and Mary, and one son, Jeremiah.
He died March 8, 1792.
(IV) Jeremiah Goodrich was born in 1742.
For his first wife he married Hepzibah Edwards,.
and, for his second, wedded Rebecca Hollister,
daughter of Amos Hollister, of Glastonbury. She
was born in 1757, and died June 12, 1833. The chil-
dren of Jeremiah Goodrich, by both marriages, were
Ruth, Jeremiah, Sarah, Prudence, Elizabeth, Joseph,
David, John, Benjamin and Ralph. He died in
1823.
(V) Joseph Goodrich, the father of our subject,
son of Jeremiah and Hepzibah (Edwards) Good-
rich, was born July 28, 1781, and died Feb. 7, 1852.
He was a farmer by occupation and resided at
Portland, where he was highly esteemed as a citi-
zen and influential in local affairs. He was a prom-
inent member of the Congregational Church. On
Feb. 18, 1805, he married Miss Susan Stevens. His.
children who lived to adult age were as follows:
J. Edwards, our subject; William, who removed to-
Arkansas, where he became prominent, and was
^'^S'"^^'^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
225
for many years government land agent, returning in
later life to Portland, Conn., where he died ; Charles,
who went West in early life, and died, leaving no
children; Dolly, who married Rev. S. G. W. Ran-
kin, the noted Abolitionist ; Hepziljah, who married
Osman Sellew, of the wealthy and extensive mer-
cantile firm of Sellew & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; Re-
becca, widow of William Lowry, a contractor, who.
now lives at Ripley, Ohio; and Sarah A., who mar-
ried Oswin Welles, and died in Glastonbury.
J. Edwards Goodrich, our subject, was born at
Portland, Conn., Nov. 9, 1807. In his youth he
received a good education, attended Colchester
Academy, and taught school for a time. While
teacher in District No. 2, Glastonbury, he met his
future wife, Miss Nancy Welles, whom he married
at Glastonbury May 14, 1834. She was born Sept.
6, 181 1, daughter of Leonard and Sally (Sellew)
Welles. They began housekeeping at Portland,
where he engaged extensively in farming until, in
about 1868, he removed to Glastonbury, and there
lived in the old Welles homestead until his death,
which occurred Oct. 8, 1879. The latter years of his
life were marked by ill health. His wife survived to
her eighty-first year, passing away Dec. 30, 1891.
Perhaps no citizen of his town was more thoroughly
liked or respected than Deacon Goodrich, as he was
familiarly known. He was of genial disposition and
fond of a joke, but preserved his dignity, and was
an earnest worker for the development and progress
of the community in which he lived. In Portland
he was a deacon in the First Congregational Church
and foimder of its Sabbath-school, of which he
was superintendent for twenty-five years. He filled
various local offices, serving as justice of the peace,
tax collector, 'etc. He was a close student of his-
tory, and was well informed upon general and cur-
rent topics. Having prospered in business affairs,
he lived comfortably, and" had a fair competence
for his days.
Mr. Goodrich reared an excellent family : Ed-
ward Everts, the eldest, is a banker at Fairbury,
Neb., and a prominent man of means. P. H., the
second, is mentioned farther on. Sarah died at the
age of eighteen years. Maria died aged twenty-one
years. Alice M. resides at Glastonbury.
JARVIS WARREN CASE, a retired carriage
manufacturer and honored citizen of West Suffield,
is a native of Hartford county, born Sept. 2, 1823,
near New Gate prison, in what was then Granby, but
is now East Granby town. He is a representative
of one of the oldest and most highly respected fam-
ilies of the county, his grandfather being Major
Benjamin Case, who was born in what is now the
town of Bloomfield, Hartford county, became an ex-
tensive land owner, and there spent his entire life.
He died Aug. 22, 1818, and was buried in the
Bloomfield cemetery. He was a member of the
Episcopal Church, a Democrat in politics, and served
as major in the State militia for many years. He
15
married Miss Elizabeth Allyn, who was of English
descent, and at her death her remains were also in-
terred in Bloomfield cemetery. In their family were
six children : Laura ; Warren ; Eunice ; A. Benjamin ;
Eliza, wife of Charles Church, of Hartford ; and
Timothy.
Warren Case, our subject's father, was born on
the home farm in the town of Bloomfield, April 4,
1791. During the war of 1812 he enlisted in Capt.
Isaac Phelp's company, and was in active service
seventy-three days. He was appointed sergeant at
the New Gate prison, in Granby town, and served in
that capacity for ten years. After his marriage he
came to West Suffield and purchased a small farm,
on which he spent the remainder of his life with the
exception of one year when keeper at the prison in
Wethersfield, Conn. He carried the mail between
Hartford and Suffield for over twenty years, was a
stanch Democrat in politics, and was a well-known
and highly respected man. He was a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, took
an active part in church and Sunday-school work,
serving as class-leader for twenty years, and as
teacher in the Sunday-school, and his home was
often used for religious meetings. He was one of
the organizers of the jMethodist Church in West
Suffield. Near Newgate, in the town of East
Granby, he married jNIiss Nancy A. Viets, who was
born July 3, 1801, a daughter of Luke Viets. Our
subject is the eldest of the seven children born to
this worthy couple, the others being as follows :
Henry L., born June 13, 1826, died Feb. 10, 1S97;
Catharine E., born Nov. 4, 1828, married Francis
Lucas, of Hartford, and is yet living; ]\Iary Jane,
born Jan. 27, 1830, married David H. Hubbard, of
New York, and died soon after marriage ; Martha
C, born June 5, 1832, and Caroline L., born May
24, 1834, both died young; and Dewitt Clinton,
born July 22, 1841, married Emma J. Johnson, of
Middletown, by whom he has three children, \\"ar-
ren Lester, Ada Ellen and Vivian Rachel. The
father died April 26, 1872, the mother on April 4,
1884, and both were laid to rest in the West Suffield
cemetery. She, too, was a faithful member of the
Methodist Church.
During his boyhood Jarvis W. Case attended the
district schools near his home, and at the age of
seventeen went to Springfield, Mass., where he spent
four years and a half in learning the wheelwright's
and carriage maker's trades. He then worked for a
short time with William Thompson, in East Granby,
and in 1S46 embarked in business on his own ac-
count in Suffield, where he soon succeeded in build-
ing up an excellent trade. For over half a centur\'
he continued to actively engage in the manufacture
of carriages, wagons, buggies, etc., and generally
had in his employ about fifteen hands. As he pros-
pered in business, he is now enabled to lay aside
active labor and enjoy a well-earned rest. He re-
tired from business in i8q6, on account of ill health.
In Warnertown, SuflSeld, Mr. Case was mar-
226
COMMEMORATIVE, BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried in 1855, to Miss Ellen M. Warner, a native of
that place, and a representative of a prominent pio-
neer family of the town. Her father, Curtis War-
ner, was born on the old homestead in Warnertown,
and, receiving a good education in the district
schools, he successfully engaged in teaching for
several terms. When a young man he also peddled
tinware and Yankee notions in Connecticut, Massa-
chusetts and New York, but after his marriage set-
tled down to farming, buying a tract of 150 acres of
land known as the Trumbull farm, upon which he
spent the remainder of his life, engaged principally
in dairying, stock raising, general farming and to-
bacco growng. He made many improvements upon
his place, and was quite successful in his business
undertakings. In Worthington, Mass., he was
united in marriage with Miss Permelia Cushman,
a native of Southwick, that State, and a daughter
of Silas Cushman. They became the parents of
three children: Charles C, deceased; Francis N., a
resident of West Suffield ; and Ellen M., wife of our
subject. The father died on the home farm in
1856, the mother at the home of Mrs. Case in 1884,
and their remains were interred in West Suffield
cemetery. They were sincere Christians arfd faith-
ful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and in politics Mr. Warner was an Old-line Whig.
Mr. and Mrs. Case have a family of four chil-
dren: Geraldine, wife of James P. Van Gelder, a
cigar manufacturer of West Suffield; Bertha P.,
wife of James C. Terrett, a cigar maker of Suffield ;
L. Mabel, at home ; and Hartley C, who is still in
school. The Democratic party has always found
in Mr. Case a stanch supporter of its principles^ and
for two terms he ably represented Suffield town in
the State Legislature. He has also served as select-
man of the town for four years, and has filled the
office of justice of the peace and other local positions
in a most creditable and acceptable manner. After
a long life of toil, he is calmly resting from his la-
bors, and is spending the evening of his life pleas-
antly at his home in West Suffield, surrounded by
the love, respect and esteem of his family and a
large circle of friends and acquaintances.
HON. JOHN COATS, A.' M., Probate Judge
of New Britain, has held that responsible position
for six years.
Mr. Coats was born May 9, 1842, in North
Stonington, Conn., and in both paternal and ma-
ternal lines is descended from pioneer settlers of
that town. John Coats, his great-grandfather, was
a leading citizen of that locality in his time, and
his old homestead has been held in the family ever
since its allotment from the wild land, passing by
will or inheritance from one generation to another.
John Coats married Anna Gray, daughter of Ed-
ward and Elizabeth (Peabody) Gray, of the same
locality, the old homesteads of the Coats, Gray and
Peabody famihes being ad'jacent properties.
Through Elizabeth Peabody our subject traces his
descent from John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden,
of "Mayflower" fame, upon whose romantic his-
tory Longfellow based his poem, "The Courtship
of Miles Standish." Elizabeth Peabody was a
daughter of William Peabody, Jr., and his wife
Judith, and a granddaughter of William Peabody,
Sr., and his wife Elizabeth Alden, daughter of
John and Priscilla.
David Coats, our subject's grandfather was a
farmer by occupation, and spent -his entire life on
the old Coats homestead. He had six children, as
follows : John C, a farmer, who lived through life
on the old Coats homestead; Ansel, the father of
our subject; David, a merchant of North Stoning-
ton, who died comparatively early in life; Asher,
who died at North Stonington ; Lucy, who mar-
ried a Mr. Wheeler; and Clarissa, who remained
unmarried.
Ansel Coats became in early manhood a mer-
chant at the village of Milltown, in North Stoning-
ton, Conn., and was also engaged in manufacturing
at Great Barrington, Mass., and at Milltown, Conn.
He was a captain of militia, and during the war
of 1812 participated in the defence of Stonington.
He married Eunice Randall, daughter of Col. Will-
iam Randall, who was an officer in the war of 1812,
in command of militia at North Stonington, Conn.
For many years Ansel Coats served as selectman
at North Stonington, and, though a man of few
words and retiring disposition, his good judgment
and ability were generally recognized, and he was
frequently called upon for advice. Among other
services rendered by him was the frec[uent drawing
of wills. He was a regular and consistent member
of the Baptist Church, and at his death, in
the spring of 1861, he was universally mourned.
His children were as follows : Asher, born in
1826, is now a merchant of Binghamton, N. Y. ;
William Randall, born in 1830, served in the
2ist Conn. V. L, during the Civil war, and died
about 1880; Roswell Randall, born in 1834, is now
a merchant and banker at Binghamton, N. Y. ;
George F., born in 1841, is now a farmer and in-
surance man of North Stonington, and was elected
to the Connecticut House of Representatives in
1895 and re-elected in 1897; John, subject of this
sketch, was the youngest member of the family.
It is remarkable that these five brothers were uni-
formly successful, all becoming substantial and
prominent men of their respective towns.
Plon. John Coats received his early education
in the common and private schools of North Ston-
ington, and at the Connecticut Literary Institute,
Suffield, completed a college preparatory course.
He entered Yale College, and was graduated from
that institution A. B. in 1868, receiving his A. M.
in 1871. For a year he taught school at the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, then read law in Hart-
ford and at Columbia College, where he graduated
LL. B. in 1 87 1, and was admitted to the Hartford
Bar the same year. He located the same year at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
227
'Chicago, 111., and was there during the great fire
of that year. He returned to Connecticut in 1872,
to become principal of the high school at Hazanl-
ville, a position which he relinquished within twelve
months to become vice-principal and instructor in
Latin at Suffield. Here he remained until 1877,
when, after a short vacation, he entered upon the
duties of principal of the high school at Windsor
Locks, Conn.; he resigned this position in 1881 to
commence in the same town the practice of law.
Four years later he removed his office from Wind-
sor Locks to New Britain, where he still maintains
a lucrative and successful practice.
Mr. Coats was a member of Company G, 22d
Conn. V. I., and was honorably discharged in June,
1863, after nine months' service. He is now a
jnember of the G. A. R., and of various prominent
fraternal, political and religious organizations. He
was a member of the Windsor Locks school board
for three years, and was representative in the Con-
necticut General Assembly for Windsor Locks in
1884, serving on the Judiciary committee. He has
also served acceptably as a member of the Common
Council of New Britain, and associate judge of the
city court, and since 1895 has been judge of the
probate court, Berlin district. While Judge Coats
is a man- of great force of character, one whose
wide experience and thorough mental equipment
have fitted him for a place of influence and prom-
inence in the community, he is esteemed as well
for his upright bearing and many admirable per-
sonal qualities. He was married, June 2, 1871, to
Josephine L. Walker, daughter of Rev. William C.
Walker, of Hartford, Conn. They have no children.
JAMES HENRY CHARLTON (deceased)
was one of the prominent and highly respected citi-
zens of East Windsor Hill, and as a merchant he
was actively identified with its business interests in
early life.
A native of Hartford county, Mr. Charlton was
born Nov. 22, 1815, in the town of South AVindsor,
in the house where his widow now resides. His
father, Jesse Charlton, was born in Norwich, Conn.,
Jan. 2, 1778, and when a young man came to East
Windsor Hill, where he opened a shop and engaged
in merchant tailoring for many years. Here he also
served as justice of the peace for some years, and
as deputy sheriff. He was a devout Christian, and
an active member of the First Congregational
Church of the town. He died March 11, 1859,
honored and respected by all who knew him. On
Nov. 2, 1809, he married Miss Rebecca M. Thomas,
of Hartford, and to them were born three children :
Elizabeth, who was born April 29, 181 1, and mar-
ried (first) Charles Gleason and (second) Ira
Tracy; Edward S., who was born Jan. 21, 1813;
and James H., our subject. The wife and mother
died Feb. 13, 1829, and the father again married,
March 24, 1830, his second union being with Miss
Harriet Jones.
Reared in East Windsor Hill, James H. Charl-
ton was educated in the common school and academy
of that place. When a young man he went to Hart-
ford, where he clerked in a store for two years and
acquired an excellent knowledge of business meth-
ods, which proved of great benefit to him in lator
years. On his return to his native town he pur-
chased the store of Eli Haskell, in partnership with
his father, and engaged in mercantile business until
1857. From that time on until his death he was not
actively engaged in any l)uincss, but lived retired.
Mr. Charlton was married, April 30, 1845, to
Miss Elvira Moseley Hale, a native of Glastonbury,
Conn., of which town her father, Julius Hale, was
also a native. She was a descendant of the Rev.
Thomas Potwin, the first Congregational minister
of East Windsor, he being her great-grandfather.
She died Nov. 21, 1853, and on May 17, 1855, Mr.
Charlton married her sister, Miss Julia E. Hale,
who is living on the old homestead in East Windsor
Hill. There were no children by either marriage,
but they adopted two : Augustus H. ; and Anna M ,
now the widow of Charles J. Rockwell, by whom she
had three children, Julia C, Frederick K. and Mar-
guerite, all residing with Mrs. Charlton.
The Republican party always found in Mr.
Charlton a stanch supporter of its principles, and
for many years he most ably and acceptably served
as postmaster at East Windsor Hill. He was widely
and favorably known, and his death, which occurred
Aug. 16, 1878, was deeply mourned.
ALBERT JACKSON LESTER, a property
holder of East Hartford Meadow, descends from
ancestry who have for generations been residents of
the town of East Hartford, in the vicinity of Silver
Lane, and was born in East Hartford Meadow,
Sept. 13, 1824, a son of Chauncey and Abigail
(Wood) Lester.
Chauncey Lester was born in 1798, on Silver
street, and was a son of Isaac Lester, who married
Miss Risley. Isaac was a shoemaker, and also car-
ried on farming on Silver street ; his children, seven
in number, were : Harry, Austin, Chauncey,
Isaac, Eliza, Sarah, and Ann. Chauncey learned
the trade of carpenter and builder under Capt.
Crocker, at Hartford, and afterward worked at the
South during the winter seasons, and in the sum-
mers at the North, chiefly in East Hartford, and
was an excellent mechanic. In politics he was a
Democrat, and worked hard for the success of his
party. In religion he was a Baptist, but in his latter
years was not very active in church work : never-
theless he was always pious and upright. He was a
large man, weighed about 275 pounds, and lived
to reach the advanced age of eighty-three years.
His wife, who was born in South Windsor, died at
the age of sixty-seven years, and the remains of
both were interred in the East Hartford cemeten.'.
Their children, seven in number, were: Albert J..
our subject; George F., who went to Sacramento
228
COMMEMOKATTFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county, Cal, in 1852, and still lives there, retired;
Louisa, who was married to Samuel Taylor,and died
in Hartford; Isaac Lee, who was a shoemaker and
died in East Hartford; Julia, who is still single;
Andrew M. ; and Julius M., of East Hartford.
Albert J. Lester attended the district schools,
which were inferior in his early days to those of
the present, and among his earliest teachers were
Dr. Loomis, Mr. Atwood and Miss Wells. Later
he attended a. private school taught by Salmon
Phelps, and so ended his school days. At the age
of sixteen years he began learning the tailor's trade
under Erastus Goodwin, of Hartford, served an
apprenticeship of five years for his board and
clothes, and then worked as a journeyman in Hart-
ford until 1849, when he went to California.
"Around the Horn in '49," a narrative issued in
1898, and written by Rev. L. J. Hall, chaplain of
the Connecticut State Prison, describes the voyage
of the "Henry Lee" from New York to San Fran-
cisco, and this was the voyage made by Mr. Lester.
While in California Mr. Lester was engaged in
mining for some years during the winter months,
but having "taken up" some government land he
passed the summer months in clearing and improv-
ing it. Later he devoted all his attention to gar-
dening, and successfully raised vegetables which
met with a ready sale at a remunerative price; he
also carried on general farming and stock raising.
In 1886 he returned to Connecticut, has since re-
sided in -East Hartford Meadow, and has erected
a number of houses for renting.
In politics Mr. Lester was first a Democrat, but
for reasons sufficient and cogent to himself saw
fit to change his views, and is now a stalwart Re-
publican. He has never been willing to 'fill office,
much less seek it, but always aids his party in se-
curing victory at the polls. He has led a life of
morality and temperance, and has never used to-
bacco in any form. Mr. Lester has never married.
He is emphatically a self-made man from a business
point of view, but notwithstanding his success in
life is devoid of ostentation, and his plain, even-
going walk through life has won for him the de-
served respect of all his fellow townspeople.
P. H. GOODRICH, deceased. In every com-
munity, large or small, there are a few men who
by their force of character are intuitively recognized
as leaders, men who are successful in their business
undertakings, generous and fair in their relations
with others, and who p.;rceive and warmly advo-
cate those measures which insure the public well-
being. In the thriving town of Glastonbury there is
no name better known than that of the deceased
gentleman, whose name appears at the opening of
this sketch, and who was a distinguished repre-
sentative of an honored family. He was intimately
associated with those enterprises through which the
town has attained a higher and broader life. He
aided or led in every good movement for the public
good, and as merchant, manufacturer, tobacco
grower, packer and buyer, etc., as well as popular
and eminent citizen, he was prominent in its ma-
terial growth.
Mr. Goodrich was born in Portland, Conn., May
27, 1840. He attended the district schools, and
during one winter was a student in a private school
conducted in the old church by a Mr. Quimby.
Later he attended Chase's school, at Middletown,.
where he completed his education. In 1858 he went
to Champaign, 111., and purchased a new farm, where
he engaged in stock raising and farming for two-
years. While in Illinois he cast his first vote, for
Abraham Lincoln. Disposing of his farm he re-
turned to Portland, Conn., and in August, 1862,
enlisted in Company D, 20th Conn. V. I., under
Capt. Parker. He saw active service throughout the
remainder of the Civil war, his regiment proceeding:
at once to Capitol Hill, Washington, and thence ta
Arlington, where it was drilled. The winter of
1862-63 was spent in Virginia. Chancellorsville
was the first general engagement where the 20th
Connecticut received its "baptism of fire." Company
D held an exposed position, and three orderlies were
killed while conveying orders to the company to-
fall back. Mr. Goodrich was at Gettysburg, his-
regiment being a part of the 12th Army Corps,
Gen. Slocum reaching the memorable struggle on
the afternoon of the first day. He remained with
the regiment until the spring of 1864, when as an
invalid he was left in a hospital before Atlanta.
In the fall of that year he proceeded with his com-
mand to the sea. On March 19, 1865, he received
a ball through his left foot, and was sent from the
field hospital to the hospital at Newbern, N. C, was-
placed on the transport "Northern Light," and was
off Newbern when Sherman's dispatch boat an-
nounced the surrender of Lee — the grand news
which evoked the intensest enthusiasm among the
crippled men. Proceeding to New York in the
transport our subject was honorably discharged
from the service in June, 1865. He entered the army
as a private, was at once made corporal, and was
subsequently promoted to sergeant and later to or-
derly sergeant.
For a year or two after Mr. Goodrich's return
North his foot was so disabled that he could do
little work. In 1867 he went to Champaign county,
111., where he was in business with his brother. Re-
turning to Connecticut he entered the service of his
uncle, Frederick Welles, of Glastonbury, who was
engaged in the tobacco business, and when the uncle
retired Mr. Goodrich, with Charles F. Tag & Son,
of New York, continued the buying and packing of
tobacco in and around Glastonbury. Later the firm
dissolved, and he conducted the business individual-
ly until 1893, when he leased his tobacco building
and retired.
In 1894 Mr. Goodrich was a prime mover in the
organization of the Riverside Paper Manufacturing
Co., of Glastonbury, of which he is now president
J^^^^-^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
229
and treasurer. He was also one of the organizers
of the Eagle Sterling Co., which later removed else-
where, the Riverside Paper Manufacturing Co. then
■occupying the vacated plant. The product is bind-
ers' board and trunk board. Mr. Goodrich was
vice-president and director of the Goodrich Bros.
Banking Co., of Fairbury, Neb., an institution that
has never lost any money for its eastern investors,
and president of the Glastonbury Steam Boat
Wharf Co.
On Oct. 14, 1869, Mr. Goodrich married Miss
Helen E. Wells, and to this union have been born
eight children, all living: Arthur B., born March
■S. 1873, graduated from Mt. Hermon College in
1894, and was a student at Amherst for one year,
leaving school to take his present position, that of
superintendent of the Riverside Paper Manufactur-
ing Co. ; Leslie W., of Hartford, born April 3, 1874,
completed two years' study in the scientific depart-
ment of Cornell, and took special work in Yale ;
Sarah M. is a graduate of the Glastonbury Acad-
■emy; Joseph E., of Hartford, born April 12, 1879,
is a graduate of Williston Seminary, class of '98;
Ralph S., Bertha H., Henry C. and Ethel J. are at-
tending school.
In politics Mr. Goodrich was a Republican.
When a young man, in Portland, he was elected
justice of the peace. In Glastonbury he was first
selectman for four years, and for the same length
of time was auditor. In 1884 and in 1897 he repre-
sented the town in the Legislature, each term serv-
ing on the Military committee. Himself and wife
were prominent and active members of the Congre-
gational Church, which just prior to his decease he
served as a member of its investment committee.
He was a member of the St. James Cemetery Asso-
ciation, at Glastonbury. Socially he held- active
membership in Tyler Post, No. 50, G. A. R., at Hart-
ford.
Mr. Goodrich as a business man was eminently
successful. He was one of the best-known citizens
of the town, and his opinions were often sought and
given great weight in matters of both personal and
public welfare. Possessing a ripe judgment he was
conservative in his opinions, but his vision was
broad and extended to all sides of .a question in
issue. In manner Mr. Goodrich was approachable
and unostentatious ; his integrity was unquestioned,
and his character was an exemplar of the best type
of American citizenship. His health had been fail-
ing for several months, and he died Sept. 20, 1900,
less than a week after being confined to the house.
JOHN HUMPHREY SESSIONS, in whose
■death at Bristol, Sept. 10, 1899, the community lost
one of its most valued citizens, was a native of
Connecticut, born March 17, 1828, in Burlington,
Hartford county.
The Sessions family, with which our subject
was connected, had its origin in Wantage, Berk-
shire, England, which place was visited in 1889 by
a member of the Connecticut line, who found none
of the family there. However, in the adjoining
county of Gloucester there is a family by the name
of Sessions, which, there is little doubt, came from
the same stock — in fact, it was the only one of the
name to be found in England. The head of this
Gloucestershire family, Hon. J. Sessions, at the age
of eighty years was mayor of the city of Gloucester,
and his three sons were associated with him in a
large manufacturing business in both Gloucester
and Cardiff (Wales), the style of the firm being J.
Sessions & Sons. There is also a daughter who
is actively engaged in benevolent and reformatory
work, while the mother established and built a
"Home for the Fallen," which ^ managed and
cared for by members of the family. They all be-
long to the "Society of Friends," and Frederick
Sessions, although at the head of a large business,
gives his entire time, without salary, to reformatory
work, lecturing and organizing Sunday-schools, and
Temperance and other beneficent societies.
The crest of the English Sessions family is a
griffin's head. This mythological creature was
sacred to the sun, and, according to tradition, kept
guard over hidden treasures. It is emblematical of
watchfulness, courage, perseverance and rapidity
of execution — characteristics of the Sessions family
to the present day.
The first of the family of whom we have record,
in this country, was (I) Alexander Sessions, born
about 1645, and was living in Andover, Alass., in
1669, at the age of twenty-four years, as in a depo-
sition he made dated Jan. 27, 1669, he called him-
self "aged tv/enty-four years." He died in An-
dover, Mass., Feb. 26, 1688-89. He married April
24, 1672, Elizabeth, daughter of John Spofford, of
Rowley, Mass., who after his death, married a Mr.
Low. Alexander Sessions and his wife were mem-
bers of the church in Andover in 16SS and until
their decease. Alexander Sessions was a freeman
of Andover, in 1677; was also one of the proprie-
tors of the to\vn, as appears by a vote, naming the
proprietors, about that time. He died in Andover
Feb. 18, 1688-89. His name was originally spelt
"Alexsander Seshins," or "Sutchins." His will was
admitted to probate March 8, 1696-97. and inven-
toried £119, which was attested by his widow, who
was named as administrator. Their children, living
in 1697, were as follows: (i) Elizabeth, born in
1673, married July 18, 1694, Richard Carrier. (2)
John, born Oct. 4, 1674, was living June 16, 1 705,
as records of Andover show. (3) Alexander, born
Oct. 3, 1676. (4) Timothy, born April 14, 1678,
was living in 1696-97. (5) Samuel, sketch of whom
follows. (6) Nathaniel, born Aug. 8, 1681, married
Hannah . He settled in Pomfret, Conn.,
before October, 1765, where he died in March, 1771,
aged ninety-one 3'ears ; his wife died same year.
(7) Josiah, born May 2, 1684, died Dec. 30, 1724,
in Bradford. He married in September. 1725. .-\nna
, whose mother was Widow Mary Cole.
230
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(8) Joseph, born March 28, 1686, was living in
Pomfret, Conn., in 1713, and alive in 1752. (9)
Abial, born about 1688, married before April, 1752,
Dorman, and living in York count}^ Maine,
(II) Samuel, born March 8, 1680, in Andover,
Mass., on what was known at that time as "Ses-
sion's Hill," was a husbandman, and . accumulated
considerable property which was inherited by his
children. He was drowned at Boxford, Mass.,
Dec. 6, 1750. By his wife Mary (Cox or Cock)
he had children as follows : ( i ) Sarah, born in
1708-09, died Jan. 7, 1709. (2) Samuel, a sketch of
whom follows. (3) Timothy, born probably in 171 1
as he died in November, 1763, aged fifty-two years.
He married in November, 1738, Abigail Black, of
Boxford. (4) One born Aug. 17, 1712,, died in in-
fancy. (5) Mary, born Sept. 7, 1714, died July 19,
1736. (6) David, bom Jan. 25, 1718, died in his
country's service at Crown Point, Dec. 29, 1756. He
married Mary Lancksford, Dec. 29, 1743.
(III) Samuel, born in 1710, died April 24, 1746.
He married Jan. 8, 1739, Hannah Gray, daughter
of Henry Gra}', who came from England, married
Mary Blunt, and died in 1755. Samuel Sessions
was a husbandman, and owned large tracts of land
in Andover, Mass. His children were : ( i ) Sarah,
born in Andover, Nov. 6, 1740, married previous
to July 14, 1760, Michael Gillson, and settled in
Westminster, Vt., before June 24, 1763. She died
Nov. I, 1815. (2) John, a sketch of whom follows.
(IV) John Sessions, born in Boxford, Mass.,
June 9, 1742, died in Westminster, Vt., May i,
1820. He married Nov. 17, 1763, Ann Warstley,
born in 1740 in Dedham, Mass., and died Oct. 12,
1820. He was a farmer, deacon of the church, jus-
tice of the peace, and much respected ; was for two
years a member of the first Continental Congress,
and was first judge of the county court; also mem-
ber of New York Legislature for four years under
the elder Governor Clinton. Children : ( i ) Ann,
born July 20, 1765, married David Foster. (2)
John, sketch of whom follows. (3) Samuel, born
June 25, 1773, married June 17, 1817, Mrs. Gray;
he died of fever Jan. 9, 1826.
(V) John Sessions, born July 30, 1768, in West-
minster, Vt., married Oct. 16, 1793, Lucinda Wash-
burn, born May 14, 1770, and died March 11, 1820.
He was a farmer, and highly respected as a citizen.
He died in Lunenburg, Vt., Jan. 25, 1852, the father
of seven children, as follows : ( i ) John, born Sept.
29, 179s, married Feb. i, 1825, Eliza Winne, born
Jan. 20, 1798. He was a Congregational minister.
(2) Lucinda, born March 23, 1797, married Nov.
29, 1827, Miss Maria Case; she died Dec. 22, 1866.
(3) Calvin, a sketch of whom follows. (4) Joseph
W., born June 30, 1801, married Oct. 17, 1833,
Mary Sewell Dunning, of Brunswick, Maine, daugh-
ter of Samuel Dunning. Joseph W. Sessions was
a Congi-egational minister. (5) Orpha, born Feb.
18, 1803, and died in 1872, married April 25, 1824,
Charles Ames, of Lunenburg, Vt. (6) Samuel,
born March 23, 1805, married Caroline Bird, o£
Buffalo, N. Y. He was a Congregational minister..
(7J Ann Maria, born March 13, 1808, married Oct_
29, 1828, A. G. Red way, of Jefferson county. New
York.
(VI) Calvin Sessions, born in Westminster,,
Vt., Jan. 10, 1799, married Lydia Beckwith, Jan.
I, 1822. She was born Nov. 20, 1796, a daughter
of Abner Beckwith, who was born in Lyme, Conn.,,
in 1771. He died in Burlington, Conn., May 10,
1868. Polly (Flumphrey), his wife, was born in
Burlington, Conn., and died there April 10, 1800.
Calvin Sessions died in Burlington, Conn., Nov.
9, i860; his wife Lydia passed away in Bristol,,
Conn., July 9, 1870.
Calvin Sessions was a clothier by trade, and in
his younger days, in Burlington, operated a factory
of his own. He was captain of the militia company
in Burlington. In religion he was a stanch sup-
porter of the Congregational Church of Burlington.
A brief record of the children born to him and his
wife were as follows: (i) A son, born at Burling-
ton, Conn., Oct. 27, 1822, died in infancy. (2)
Catherine Maria, born in Burlington, Oct. 27, 1823,.
married Nov. 19, 1842, Samuel LeRoy Beldon, of
Burlington. She died Aug. 22, 1893, at Bristol.
(3) Adeline Eliza, born in Burlington, March 27,.
1825, married Nov. 14, 1845, Erastus Stanley Bacon,
who was born April 23, 1820, and died Sept. 20,
1864, while being removed from Andersonville
prison pen to Charleston, S. C. He was a mem-
ber of the 7th Reg. Conn. Vol. She died in May,
1882, at Bristol. (4) Samuel Washburn, born in
Burlington, Oct. 31, 1826, married Jan. 2, 1850,
Nancy Frisbie, of Southington, Conn., who was
born Aug. i, 1824. He is a member of the bolt,
etc., manufacturing firm of Lamson & Sessions,
Cleveland, Ohio. (5) John Humphrey, a. sketch of
whom follows. (6) Albert Gridley, born in Bur-
lington, March 28, 1831, died there June 8, 1832.
(7) Lydia Beckwith, born in Burlington, Conn.,
Aug. II, 1832, married May 6, 1852, Samuel Miller
Lamson, born Jan. i, 1826, in Sheffield, Mass., son
of Isaac and Celina Lamson, of Burlington, Conn.
He is a farmer in Burlington. (8) Albert Joseph-,
born in Burlington, Conn., June 11, 1834, married
Oct. 2, 1853, Ellen Lucinda Castle, born in Union-
ville. Conn., July 14, 1836, a daughter of Joel and
Mary (Fenton) Castle. Joel Castle was born in
Harwinton, Conn., March 10, 1813; Mary Fenton
was bom in Plymouth, Conn., April 9, 18x5, and
died July 11, 1856. Albert Joseph Sessions died
in Cleveland, Ohio, June 25, 1870; his widow now
lives in Bristol, Conn. (9) Fannie Lucinda, born
in Burlington, Conn., April 21, 1836, married May
17, 1856, Isaac Porter Lamson, son of Isaac and
Celina Lamson, and born in Mount Washington,
Mass., Sept. 2, 1832. They live in Cleveland, Ohio,
where he is a manufacturer, the firm name being
The Lamson & Sessions Co. (10) Willard Foster,,
born in Burlington, Conn., July 5, 1838, married
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
281
Feb. 29, 1872, Julia Pettibonc, of Burlington. He
is a farmer in the town of Bristol, near Lewis'
Corners.
(VII) John Humphrey Sessions, born March
17, 1828, in Burlington, Conn., was married April
2J, 1848, to Miss Emily Bunnell, born in Burling-
ton, Jan. 30, 1828, a daughter of Allen and Rhoda
(Atwater) Bunnell, also of Burlington. Allen Bun-
nell was born there Feb. 7, 1802, and died at Bris-
tol; Rhoda (Atwood) Bunnell was born in Bristol,
Conn., Nov. 16, 1800, and died at Bristol. Children
born to John Humphrey and Emily (Bunnell) Ses-
sions were as follows: (i) John Henry, a sketch of
whom appears farther on. (2) Carrie Emily, born
in Bristol, Dec. 15, 1854, married Dec. 24, 1871,
George W. Neubauer, of Bristol. (3) William
Edwin, a sketch of whom appears farther on. The
mother is yet living.
John Humphrey Sessions received a common-
school education such as the district schools afforded
in his boyhood days, and at an early age began
to work in the wood-turning establishment of A.
L. & \V. Winston, Polkville, a suburb of Bristol,
where he learned the trade. In course of time, that
firm having made an assignment to Mr. Sessions,
he in 1858 went into partnership with Henry A.
Warner, under the firm name of Warner & Ses-
sions. The venture proving a success, he in 1869
removed the business to the center of the town.
Soon after locating in Bristol, his brother Albert
J. died and left a trunk-hardware business, which
Mr. Sessions purchased, and at once threw all his
characteristic energy into it. This was about 1870,
and the success of his undertaking was apparent
from the start, for he made money rapidly, ex-
tended the business and soon had it on a footing
where it was considered one of the most prosper-
ous manufacturing establishments in Bristol. Mr.
Sessions's eldest son, J. Henry Sessions, was ad-
mitted to partnership and, later, another son, W.
E. Sessions, the firm being known as J. H. Sessions
& Sons. They make a general line of trunk hard-
ware, which has a well-known reputation. In
1879 J\Ir. Sessions bought the property owned by
the Bristol Foundry Co., on Laurel street, and to-
gether with his son William E. formed the Sessions
Foundry Co. This business, like the others that
Mr. Sessions undertook, was a success from the
first, and in 1895 the firm built a new foundry plant
on Farmington avenue. They moved into it in
1896, and at the celebration in honor of the event,
leading manufacturers from Connecticut and else-
where were present to inspect the plant.
All his life Mr. Sessions was identified with
important concerns of the town. In 1875 he was
one of the founders of the Bristol Xational Bank,
and was elected its first president, a position he
held up to the time of his decease — almost a quarter
of a century. Another of his enterprises was the
Bristol Water Co., of which he was president at
the time of his death ; was one of the organizers
and original stockholders of the Bristol Electric
Light Co., and was president thereof until it merged
into the Bristol and Plainvillc Tramway Co. ; was
a stockholder in the Bristol Press Publishing Co.,
and a director of and stockholder in various other
corporations in Bristol.
"Besides being a most important factor in finan-
cial life of the town, he was no less a potent force
in its moral and religious life ; for he heartily co-
operated in every movement for good. The causes
of education, temperance and religion always found
in him a faithful and sympathetic friend. A large-
hearted, broad-minded, philanthropic citizen, his
benefactions to deserving objects were both princely
and numerous. The story of his conversion is in-
teresting. \\'hile a resident of Polkville, in the
late autumn of 1857, Mr. Sessions was converted
while attending a meeting in the school house of
that district. He was interested in religious mat-
ters henceforth, and led a conscientious Christian
life. On New Year's Day, 1858, a religious meet-
ing was held in the Polkville school house, at which
was present Rev. Air. Simpson, the Methodist pas-
tor in Bristol. The meeting was so interesting that
those present suggested to Air. Simpson that he
return one year from that date and hold another
meeting of a similar character. The next year the
meeting was held, and Mr. Simpson was present.
Then followed a remarkable record. For forty
consecutive years on New Year's Day Rev. Mr.
Simpson, together with Air. Sessions and other
friends and neighbors, was present to hold the meet-
ing. Air. Sessions would charter omnibuses, invite
former pastors to Bristol, and then go to Polkville
to hold the meeting in the little school house.
"Air. Sessions became a member of the Alethod-
ist Church, and to him more than any other man that
society is indebted for the prominent place it occu-
pies among the churches of this Conference. The
old Alethodist church on West street was a frame
structure, and was sold to the Advents in 1879, it
not being large enough to accommodate the con-
gregation. Air. Sessions was instrumental in
securing the present site for the nev\' church on
Sumner street, and it was his energy and money
that went far in building the edifice which was dedi-
cated in 1879. Eleven years later that church be-
came too small and the church was enlarged, and it
was again found that the edifice must be enlarged.
John H. Sessions then came forward, as he had
twice before, procured plans, and erected as a gift
to the society a church constructed of granite and
redstone, one of the finest Alethodist churches in
the State and one of the finest in the Conference.
Air. Sessions's two sons gave the upholstery and
the large pipe organ to the church. The present
church was presented by Air. Sessions to the so-
ciety in 1894, and was dedicated by the venerable
Bishop Foster. Air. Sessions gave largely to de-
serving individuals and organizations, and did a
vast amount of good work in a quiet way, which
232
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was only known by those who were intimately con-
nected with him."
Mr. Sessions was a trustee of Wesleyan Acad-
emy, Wilbraham, Mass., also a trustee of Wesleyan
University, Middletown, Conn., and in May, 1896,
he was chosen a delegate from the New York East
Conference to the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, which met in
Cleveland, Ohio. Taken all in all he was, probably,
the most prominent layman of the Methodist Church
in the State of Connecticut, and was a well-known
figure in the important deliberations of the leaders
of that society.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sessions
lived in Polkville for some time, removing in May,
1869, to Bristol Center, where, on High street, lie
built an elegant and commodious residence, and here
he continued to live up to his decease. On April
28, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. Sessions celebrated the
golden anniversary of their marriage. Mr. Ses-
sions's later illness began in January, 1899, though
for }''ears he had suffered from diabetes. The best
medical treatment served to prolong his life, and on
the 1st of July, that year, he felt well enough to
go to his favorite resort, Edgewood, Alexandria
Bay, among the Thousand Islands, in the St. Law-
rence river, returning to Bristol about a week before
he was called to his_ rest. Rev. C. H. Buck, D. D.,
his pastor, delivered an eloquent and appreciated
tribute to the memory of Mr. Sessions, before a
large audience of representative business men,
manufacturers and professional men, as well as the
regular attendants gathered in Prospect Methodist
Church, Bristol, on the Sunday following the
funeral. We are indebted to a local paper for the
following interesting report of same :
The scripture lessons were chnsen with special refer-
ence to the subject and the second of one verse only was
very apt; it was: "Mark the perfect man and behold the up-
right, for the end of that man is peace." 'The text was tak-
en from Jeremiah, ix: 12, '/Death has come up into our win-
dows, and has entered into our palaces.'' Some of the
thoughts that Dr. Buck gave utterance to were, that from a
true life, one that has lived as God intended it to be lived, an
influence for good went abroad even as the sun's rays go all
over the world. We do not realize all that a man is and
what he has done for us until death removes him. This, said
the speaker, is the experience of the church to-day, in re-
gard to that noble man who was carried to his last resting
place on the hillside, Wednesday of last week.
The speaker told of the sun's rays breaking; through
the clouds to cast one last bright beam over the coffin as it was
being lowered to its final resting place.
He said that the majority, outside the immediate family
circle, knew but little of his real greatness, broadness, gen-
tleness and tenderness. When the ordinary man dies the
world moves on and pays no heed to the fact. It is only
when a truly great man dies that we stop to think of his ex-
cellence and worth.
The man in whose memory this address is made was one
who will be missed more and more in the community. By
his departure a great light is gone from earth to shine in
Heaven. "How is the strong staff broken! It teaches that
death is no respecter of persons, all must die; Sampson,
strong as he was; Solomon, in all his glory; Grant, the great
military genius; Beecher, the great pulpit orator, all had to
pay their debt to nature.'
The speaker referred to the death of a good man as a
great mystery. He said it might be reasonable to expect
that the useless and vicious man should be removed, but
with this man it was "high noon" in his chance to do good
work. The lessons to be drawn from such a man are, first:
that God is absolutely independent of man or men in doing
his work. The work does not cease when a workman is re-
moved. Such events as this have two sides: the earthly, all
dark, and the Heavenly, very bright.
There is no mystery in Heaven why such men as the
deceased are taken away. The great and good die that
others may have a chance to do their work. Moses went up
into the mount to die, and was succeeded by Joshua, the
great military leader of the Jews; David passed away to be
succeeded by Solomon, the wise man.
The good die, but God has others to do their work. The
death of certain men seems to accomplish more than they
could do while living. .Stephen was stoned to death, but out
of that came the great St. Paul. It is seeing the liber-
ator die that often encourages others to be up and doing.
The memory of a life very frequently does more for men
than that life itself, while it is being lived. The life of the
good stimulates faith. Under these circumstances it will
be seen that such a death is not an irreparable loss.
Dr. Buck was pastor of the church in Stamford at the
time that Hon. Oliver Hoyt died. He was superindent of the
Sunday-school, an active worker in the church, and a li'oeral
giver of money to the cause that he loved. It was predicted
that the revenues of the church would fall off. Instead of
that they actually increased, and the work of the church and
Sunday-school went on as before.
The poet speaks truly when he says there is no death,
only a change, and our friend still lives and is looking on at
our work with the same interest that he did when he was
with us. The influence of Mr. Sessions was felt outside Bris- .
tol, as the many letters and telegrams of condolence received
by the family show. His career should stand out before the
young men and boys of the town as a model.
Reference was made to his early struggles to raise him-
self from poverty and to succeed in life. He had rare busi-
ness sagacity. The speaker referred to being stationed in
Bristol thirty-two years ago, and being here at the time when
Mr. Sessions moved his business from Polkville to Bristol.
When he made up his mind to move, it was not altogether
certain that he would come to Bristol. Other places were
considered as well, but greatly to the advantage of Bristol,
his choice finally settled on this place. Deceased loved Bris-
tol and its institutions.
Reference was made to the bank, water works and elec-
tric plant, and what he did to make them all the success-that
that they are. The speaker was riding with Mr. Sessions
one day when they met a man reputed to be rich, and some
remark was made about his wealth. "Yes," said Mr. Sess-
ions,"he is wealthy, but he invests it so that the assessors can-
not find it." He was a man of business integrity, and vs'as
recognized by his business friends as a thoroughly honest
man.
Of his beneficence there was more than the general
public was aware of. At his conversion, in 1857, he became
a changed man, and all his ambitions and efforts were stimu-
lated. He believed that the more he gave the more he
would have. After making one of his princely donations to
church or church work, he once made the remark that he
believed it paid to be liberal, as business had been much bet-
ter than he had any right to expect, after making that last
gift. He was interested in his church life and church work,
but was never critical of others. As a committee to secure
pastors tiis aim was to secure men who would be helpful and
satisfactory to the people, and he was known to pass over the
minister of his choice because he did not think he would
please the people. Dr. Buck said that alter a pastorate ex-
tending over eleven years he could say that Mr. Sessions
never attempted, in any way, to influence a single utterance
of his, and that all the pastors stationed in Bristol for thirty-
five years could say the same thing. While he never attempt-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
233
«d to dictate to a pastor, he did have an opinion of his own,
and that opinion was the same for pastor and people alike.
The pastor said, that in his judgment the Inve of that man's
heart for his church and people, passetl all understanding;
it was with him night and day and was a strong one.
He spoke of his purchase, years ago, of a lot in the cem-
etery, and said he might have raised a costly monument,
but instead, chose to erect the church which will ever
stand as a monument to his generosity. His hearers were
told, by Dr. Buck, to point their children in the future to the
church as his monument.
Reference was made to his- long illness, borne without a
murmur, although all his life he had been an active man.
Until he returned from the Thousand Islands he had hopes
of recovery, but then, apparently, he gave up; but there was
never a murmur.
The address was listened to with the closest attention
by an audience that completely filled the large church.
(VIII) John Henry Sessions, eldest son of
John Humphrey Sessions, was born Feb. 26, 1S49,
in Polkville, a suburb of Bristol, Conn., and received
a liberal education at the schools of the latter place.
In 1873 (as already related) he was admitted
to the firm of J. H. Sessions & Son, trunk-hard-
ware manufacturers, and since his father's death
he has admitted his son, Albert Leslie, the firm
name remaining as of old. He has been a director
of the Bristol Water Co. since its organization,
and at the death of his father was made president
of same, which incumbency he still holds ; is a di-
rector in the re-organized E. N. Welch Mfg. Co.,
of Forestville, Conn. ; was also one of the incor-
porators of the Bristol Press Publishing Co., and
has been vice-president of same since its organiza-
tion. On the death of his father he was elected to
his present position of vice-president of the Bristol
National Bank.
JMr. Sessions, though a stanch Republican, takes
no active part in politics. In 1881 he was appointed
a member of the board of fire commissioners of
Bristol, and in 1883 was elected its secretary, a
position he still most acceptably fills.
On May 19, 1869, John Henry Sessions was
married to Miss Maria Francena Woodford, who
was born Sept. 8, 1848, a daughter of Ephraim
Woodford, of West Avon, Conn., and one son has
been born to them, Albert Leslie, born Jan. 5, 1872,
married Feb. 7, 1894, to Miss Leila Belle Beach,
born July 30, 1872, at Bristol, a daughter of Henry
L. Beach, of Bristol, and the names and dates of
birth of the children born to this union are : Paul
Beach, Nov. 19, 1895; Ruth Juliette, May 14, 1897;
and John Henry, July 12, 1898. Albert L. received
his earlier education in the schools of Bristol, after-
ward attending Wilbraham (Mass.) Academy, and
also the Sheffield Scientific School, from which he
graduated in 1892. As above related he is asso-
ciated with his father in the J. H. Sessions & Son,
trunk-hardware business, of which he is general
manager.
(VIII) William Edwin Sessions, second son
of John Humphre}^ Sessions, was born in Bristol,
Conn., Feb. 18, 1857, was educated in the common
schools of the town, and graduated from Hartford
High School. After his school days he spent a year
or two in the office of J. H. Sessions & Son, as
bookkeeper, and in 1879, being then but twenty-two
years of age, he entered into the management of the
foundry which his father had just bought, and has
been in active charge ever since.
W. E. Sessions gives much attention to the ad-
vancement of Christianity, following closely in the
footsteps of his father. In politics he is a stanch,
loyal Republican, although not active in the affairs
of the party, and he was elected on that ticket to
the first board of burgesses in Bristol (1892).
V/hile strictly attending to business, he has yet
found time, much time, to devote to church matters.
Mount Hope chapel was built through his instru-
mentality, and nearly every Sabbath he is to be
found at his post of duty as superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
On June 12, 1878, William Edwin Sessions
was married to Miss Emily D. Brown, who was
born at Ellington, Conn., April 2, 1857, and two
children have come of their union : Joseph Brown,
born Nov. 11, 1881 ; and William Kenneth, born
Feb. 21, 1886.
As will readily be inferred from what has just
been written, the Sessions families of both America
and England have devoted a great amount of time,
and generously donated a large portion of their
wealth, to the advancement of Christianity, and
the two sons of the late John Humphrey Sessions
are, in this regard, worthy sons of a worthy sire,
not only inheriting but cultivating the noble quali-
ties of the father. When the latter presented the
i church edifice to the Methodist society, the sons
showed their sympathy with his generous benefac-
tion by giving, the one the elegant upholstery and
carpets, the other the inagnificent organ.
The Sessions Foundry Co.'s model and exten-
sive plant in Bristol is a noteworthv addition to the
great manufacturing enterprise of New England.
While the equipinent and magnitude of the works
are iinpressive, it is the energy and actuating spirit
of the owners that appeal most strongly to the pub-
lic. The Sessions Foundry Co. have given substan-
tial evidence that they are in touch and sympathy
with progressive ideas. When erecting their new
works the firm provided in an unusual degree the
best arrangements and appliances, healthful sanitary
conditions, such as good ventilation, ample heating,
abundance of light, pure water, besides many per-
sonal conveniences, while care has been taken that
not a trace of gloominess is to be seen about the
entire plant — in brief, it is without doubt one of
the most complete foundries in the L'nited States,
and steady employment is found all the year round
for several hundred workmen. When John H,
and W. E. Sessions bought the business, the capital
stock was less than $10,000, and only some dozen
or so hands employed on the premises. From this
comparatively small beginning has evolved the
present large business, whose success, it must be
234
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
told, is largely due to the energy, sagaciousness
and competence of the manager, William E. Ses-
sions.
CHARLES ETHAN BILLINGS, president
and general manager of the Billings & Spencer Co.,
Hartford, is regarded as one of the foremost busi-
ness men of the city, and as a pioneer along a new
line of manufacturing development he has won a
high place in the industrial world.
Mr. Billings is the product of a thorough-going
steady New England ancestry, of that sturdy type
so characteristic of the section. Mention of the
family is found in Savage's "Genealogical List of
New England Settlers before 1690;"' Hinman's
"Puritan Settlers of Connecticut;" "History- of
Hadley, Mass.;" "History of Hatfield, Mass.;"
Hampshire County "Gazeteer;" Town Records of
Hadley, Mass. ; Town Records of Hatfield, Mass. ;
the "History of Northfield, Mass. ;" State Papers,
New Hampshire, Vol. XXVI.
(I) Richard Billings, the first of the family of
whom we have any record, was granted six acres of
land in the division of the river in 1640, at Hart-
ford. He signed a contract with Gov. Webster and
others to remove and settle Hadley, Mass., in 1659,
which he perfoi-med, and he died at Hadley Nov.
I3> 1673. [Hinman's "Puritan Settlers of Connecti-
cut."] His wife, Margery, died Dec. 5, 1679, leav-
ing one son, Samuel.
(II) Samuel Billings was in Hadley, or more
especialy in that part thereof which was on the
western side of the Connecticut river,, and which
became Hatfield, living there with his parents. In
1661 he married Sarah, daughter of Richard Fel-
lows. He died in Hadley, Feb. i, 1678.
(III) Samuel Billings, son of Samuel, born in
Hatfield, Mass., Jan. 8, 1665, married (first) Nov.
18, 1686, Hannah Wright, who died Nov. 18, 1687.
In 1691 he married widow Rebecca Miller. He
had children: Samuel, Zecheriah, Benjamin, and
Joseph, all born in Hatfield.
(IV) Joseph Billings, born in Hatfield, Mass.,
Nov. 15, 1700, was reported in the "History of
Northfield, Mass.," as one of a company organized
to fight Indians. He married, Jan. 7, 1726, Eliza-
beth, widow of Joseph Kellogg, lived in Hatfield,
and died about 1783.
(V) Joseph Billings, Jr., was, with his father,
Joseph, and his father's brothers, Benjamin, Zec-
eriah and Samuel, and with his own cousin, Ben-
jamin, Jr., among a company of about seventy men
who, in or about the year 1763, petitioned the gov-
ernor of New Ham.pshire, Benning Wentworth, as
the agent of the King, George III, for a grant of
land. On Aug. 17, 1763, these men vv^ere granted a
royal charter of 23,040 acres of land, or six square
miles, to be divided into seventy equal shares for
the petitioners, located upon the borders of Lake
Champlain, and to be incorporated into a town by
name of Swanton, yielding and paying therefor, for
the space of ten years from Dec. 25, 1763, annually,,
if demanded, the rent of one ear of Indian corn,,
also one shilling to be paid annually forever, by
each proprietor, for every hundred acres he owns,,
settles or possesses. This charter is a remarkably
interesting document, beginning: "George the
Third — By grace of God, of Great Britain, France
' and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.,"
and ending: "By His Excellency's Command, B.
Wentworth, Province of N. H., Aug. 17, 1763."
The names signed to this charter, as grantees, in-
clude those of the four brothers, Joseph, Benjamin,
Zecheriah and Samuel Billings, Joseph Billings, Jr.,
Benjamin Billings, Jr., also Asa, David, Silos and
Samuel Billings. Joseph, Jr., was possibly later of
Windsor, Vt. ; no Billings was ever an original
land holder in Windsor.
(VI) Rufus Billings, of Windsor, Vt., son of
Joseph, Jr., was the grandfather of our subject.
(VII) Ethan F. Billings, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Windsor Jan. 27, 1807, and died
Sept. II, 1848. He was by trade and occupation a
blacksmith, of a very practical turn of mind. He
married Clarissa M. Marsh, a daughter of James
Marsh, of Rockingham, Vermont.
Charles E. Billings was born Dec. 5, 1835, in.
Wethersfield, Vt., and his parents moving to Wind-
sor, same State, when he was small, the son received
an English education in the common schools of the
village. In 1852, when seventeen years of age, he
was apprenticed for three years to the Robbins &
Lawrence Co., machinists and gun-makers at Wind-
sor. By the terms of the indenture the mother agreed
to provide for her son at her own expense board,
lodging, clothing, etc., and the company agreed to-
instruct him in the art and trade of a machinist,
and to pay him for his services fifty, fifty-five and
sixty cents per day for the first, second and third
years, respectively. Along in the middle 'fifties he
came to Hartford, Conn., and in June, 1856, began
employment with the Colt's Arms Co., working as
a die-sinker in the forging department. Here he first
gained an insight into that line of business with
which his future life was to be identified. The drop
hammer then in use was quite complicated, and ex-
pensive to keep in repair, and the young machinist
soon became of the opinion that certain parts of the
work could be accomphshed in an easier way. In
1862 he began employment in the gun factories
of E. Remington & Sons, in Utica, N. Y., where
he formulated his ideas gained from experience and
observation in the Colt's Armory, and built up,
though with doubts of his employers, a plant for
drop forgings which increased the efficiency of labor
forty-fold in the production of various parts of their
pistols. Here he devised a new method of forcing
the metal into the frame, which saved the company
$50,000 on their contracts. Returning to Hart-
ford in 1865, he was for the next three years acting
superintendent of the manufacturing department of
the Weed Sewing Machine Co. Here he introduced.
J >
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
235
drop haniincrs for forging several parts of the ma-
chine, notably the shuttles, which before had been
made in several pieces, brazed together. In 1867
Mr. Billings patented his invention for forging
them from a single piece of bar steel, running four
pairs of dies for the operation. This process re-
duced the cost of shuttles one-half, and has been
universally adopted. His present company has
made upwards of four millions of them. After a
short absence in Amherst, Mass, at the close of his
term with the Weed Co., Mr. Billings, in 1869, set-
tled down permanently and became a fixture at
Hartford, and at this time, associated with C. ]\I.
Spencer, organized the Roper Sporting Arms Co.,
which at the very outset experienced severe re-
verses in the manufacture of the Roper sporting
gun. Mr. Billings then organized the Billings &
Spencer Co., which in 1870 took up drop forgings
as a specialty, and soon advanced to a commanding
position.
Mr. Billings' life work has been in main given
to the development of the business of drop forg-
ings. He early saw the great saving of labor to
be effected, as well as the improvement which could
be made in numerous small parts of machines.
Starting from the crude efforts of several persons
who preceded him in that line, he has brought the
art up to its present high standard. By his methods
bars of iron, steel, bronze or copper can be trans-
formed into pieces of irregular shape and size with
rapidity and precision. The dies are made from
blocks of the best bar steel, and in these are cut the
form of the article to be forged, one-half of the
thickness in the lower and the other half in the
upper die, and both parts are then hardened to the
proper temper. One die is fastened to the base,
and its counterpart to the hammer of the drop.
Where the shape to be produced is unusually com-
plicated, a series of dies is used, and red hot bars
are subjected to the blows of the hammer until
the desired figure is reached. Guided by the up-
rights of powerful frames, hammers weighing from
three hundred to three thousand pounds fall from
one to six feet, and a few rapid blows complete
this part of the process. The forgings are then
passed on to other rooms, to be finished and polished.
At this time the company operate sixty drop ham-
mers.
While passing through the Edison Electric
Works in 1886 Mr. Billings noted the existing
method of making commutator bars. These are
"L"-shaped pieces of copper set at an angle to each
other. Horizontal bars, thin and wedge-like, sep-
arated by some non-conducting substance, are placed
side by side around the shaft of the dynamo and
bound firmly together. Electricity is generated by
the friction of, metallic brushes revolving at high
speed against the edges of the bars. These bars
were then made in two pieces, tmited by pins and
solder, and, as the current was partly broken, the
best results could not be obtained. I\Ir. Billings
here saw an opportunity, and returning home he
cut the dies, and in less tiian three weeks sent to
the Edison Co. an invoice of bars forged in a single
piece from pure copper, and having a homogeneous
molecular structure throughout. The material is
of the greatest possible density. By this invention
of Mr. Billings the cost of bars was greatly dimin-
ished, and their efficiency increased in like degree.
A good proof of their success is tiie fact that they
almost immediately sprang into favor with the elec-
tric companies.
The catalogue of the Billings & Spencer Co.
embraces a large variety of standard articles, made
of sizes to suit the trade, and carried in stock. It
includes screw-plates, dies, reamers, wrenches,
ratchet-drills, lathe-dogs, clamps, lathe tools, com-
bination pliers admitting a wide range of adjust-
ment, vises, surface guages, sewing machine shut-
tles, thumb-screws, pistol frames and barrels,
breech-loading shot-guns, solid eye lx)lts, carbon
tongs, magazine screw-drivers, spinning rings, and
similar articles, many being the invention of Mr.
Billings himself. His adjustable [xjcket wrench, grad-
uated to one-thirty-second of an inch, is specially
suited to the bicycle, and one million have been sold.
Manufacturers of electrical apparatus, sewing ma-
chines, gas fittings, guns, pistols, pumps, and other
standard goods, have many pieces which enter into
their product forged here at the works of the
Billings & Spencer Co. The company has made
frequent enlargements in the endeavor to keep up
with the demand for its goods. In 1889 they built
a new forge room, 40x90 feet, and the next year
continued it to Lawrence street with an "L," 40 feet
square, for a repair shop. At the same time the ca-
pacity of the steam plant was doubled. In the sum-
mer of 1892 they broke ground for a new building,
which extends 228 feet on Lawrence and 170 feet
on Russ street, with a breadth of 40 feet. Two
stories of brick rest on a brown-stone basement. At
the corner, where the offices are located, the struc-
ture rises to three stories, surmounted by a tower.
Everywhere in the new construction careful pro-
vision has been made for the comfort and health
of the occupants ; the forge rooms are very high,
and ventilated under the roof. The offices are high,
spacious, and finished in hard woods. Besides
these, nearlv every season brings less conspicuous
additions. At the close of 1896 the floor space ex-
ceeded 8 1, GOO square feet.
The appliances in use have been so modified
and improved by the patented inventions of Mr.
Billings tliat other concerns, requiring drop ham-
mers as part of their outfit, come hither for their
equipment. The company make and keep on hand
a full line. The rapid growth of electric traction,
and the demand for safe and durable equipment,
led the company to enter this field also, and they
are now furnishing a full line of drop forged ma-
terial. This company is up-to-date in every par-
ticular, and uses the utmost care in every depart-
236
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ment of the great works. Their dies are stored in
fire-proof brick vaults, warmed sufficiently by steam
to prevent rust, and separated by a safe distance
from the other buildings. The manufactured stock
is also stored in another fire-proof vault, similarly
kept dry and warm.
An all-pervasive force in the development of this
great business and enterprise has been the inventive
talent of Mr. Billings. The drop forging business
owes much to his genius and persistency. His suc-
cess as a manager of industries is phenomenal.
He is president of the National Machine Co., of
Hartford ; of the C. E. Billings Manufacturing Co.,
of Rocky Hill, Conn. ; vice-president of the Ameri-
can Specialty Co., of Hartford; trustee of the
Hartford Trust Co. and the State Savings Banks,
and a director of the Hartford Board of Trade.
For a half dozen or more years he has been a
member of the board of fire commissioners, and is
now president of the board. He is not only a man
of much local prominence, but is also well known
throughout the country. On Oct. 2, 1895, he was:
elected president of the American Society of Me-
chanical Engineers, to complete the unexpired term
of E. F. C. Davis, who was accidentally killed. Of
this society Mr. Billings was at the time serving as
senior vice-president. The society now numbers
two thousand members, including many of the best
mechanical engineers in America and Europe. At
one time Mr. Billings was identified with the Na-
tional Guard of Connecticut, being a member of the
1st Regiment. He has served in both branches
of the city government, and while in the council
was chairman of the Ordinance committee. He
was an alderman for four years. Politically he is
a Republican. He is a prominent representative of
the Masonic Fraternity, having received all of the
York and Scottish degrees, and is a Past Grand
Commander, Knights Templar, of Connecticut, his
local membership being with Washington Com-
mandery. His religious connections are with the
Second Congregational Church at Hartford. He
is a member of the Hartford Club, the Home Mar-
ket Club of Boston, and the American Protective
Tariff League, of New York.
Mr. Billings has been twice married. His first
wife was Frances M., daughter of .Willard Hey-
wood, and to their union came two children Fred-
eric C., and Harry E., the latter deceased. Fred-
eric C. is associated with his father in business, as
superintendent of the Billings & Spencer Co. Our
subject was married (second) to Eva C. Holt, by
whom he has had two children, Lucius FI. and
Mary E.
FREDERICK SPENCER BROWN (de-
ceased). Until his death, a few years ago, the sub-
ject of this sketch was for a long term of years one
of Hartford's most representative business men.
His interests were directed mainly to tobacco, but
his nature was broad and public-spirited, and in
various political and social relations he evinced a
deep concern for the public weal and the progress
of society. He was born in East Hartford, Conn,,
Feb. 5, 1822, son of John and Cynthia (Fuller)
Brown. His mother was a native of Deerfield,
Mass. John Brown became a. member of the book
firm of Hammersley & Co., as traveling agent. To
himself and wife were born five children : Louise,
who married Mr. Darrow; Susan, who. married Will-
iam Holt; Cynthia, wife of Mr. Buck; Frederick
Spencer, our subject; and John, all now deceased.
Frederick S. Brown spent his early school days
in Hartford and Boston. When a young man he
went to New Orleans, and there became interested
in the tobacco trade. Returning to Hartford, he
formed a business connection with Daniel Seymour,
wholesale tobacco dealer, and shortly before the
Civil war he opened at Hartford an office for him-
self under the "American Hotel," his store-house
being located on Dutch Point. His business in-
creased rapidl)^, and for many years he was a prom-
inent factor in the trade.
Mr. Brown also became prominent in local and
State politics. For seventeen years be was town
and city collector, and at one time was chairman
of the Democratic State Committee. He served as
chairman of the Park Commissioners, and in that
capacity planted in Bushnell Park acorns from the
"Charter Oak." For several years he was chair-
man of the board of street commissioners. His
tastes were studious, and in many of the natural
sciences he gained wide proficiency. He was es-
pecially •'ond of botany, and had a beautiful col-
lection of pictures of the native trees of Hartford
county. He kept on file many of the leading period-
icals of his day. He was a member of the Hart-
ford Club, and served as its treasurer.
In 1843 J^^r. Brown married Miss Almera O.
Treat, daughter of William and Emily (Brown)
Treat, of East Hartford. Mr. Brown died May
6, 1894. His wife surviving until Aug. 23, 1899.
Their only child Kitty Louise, is the wife of J. H.
Morse, who is a charity commissioner of Hartford
and president of The Morse Society of America.
ADNA HART (deceased), through the long
years of his identification with Hartford county,
enjoyed the highest respect of his fellow citizens by
reason of his strict integrity and sterling worth.
His devotion to the public welfare made him a
valued factor- in public life, and by his death the
community was deprived of one of its best citizens.
Mr. Hart was born in the town of Avon, Hart-
ford county, in 1790, and was a representative of
one of its oldest families, being a descendant of
(i) Stephen Hart, who was born in Braintree, Eng-
land, in 1605, and came to Hartford with the Hooker
colony in 1635. He died in Farmington in 1632.
From him our subject traced his ancestr}' through
(II) Stephen Hart, Jr., who died in Farmington in
1689. (Ill) Thomas Hart, the next in direct de-
y(.t.uc, ij,/3^t^y^^i'''^^^-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
287
scent, was born in 1666, and died in 1727. He
married Elizabeth Judd, a daughter of John and
Mary (Hawkins) Judd. (IV J James Hart, a son
of Thomas, was born in Avon in 1707, and mar-
ried Thankful North, daughter of Thomas and
Hannah (Woodford) North. (V) Elnathan, son
of James, and a resident of Avon, was born in
1735, and died in 1831. He married Ruth Judd,
daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Thompson) Judd.
(VI) Linus O. Hart, son of Elnathan, was the
father of our subject. He spent his entire life in
Avon, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was
born in 1761, and died in 1810. He wedded Miss
]\Iary Ann Wilcox.
(VTI) Adna Hart was reared and educated in
Avon, whence at the age of twenty he removed to
East Farms, in the town of Farmington, where he
passed the rest of his life, dying there in 1871. He,
too, followed the occupation of farming. As a
prominent and influential citizen of his community
he was called upon to serve in many town offices.
Religiously he was a faithful member of the Con-
gregational Church. In Farmington he was mar-
ried, by Rev. Dr. Noah Porter, to Miss Lucy Wood-
ruff, a daughter of Solomon and Chestina (Curtiss)
Woodruff, and to them were born five children :
(i) Dolly (now deceased) married George M.
Hale, of New Haven, and one child, Henrietta H.,
was born to them. She is the wife of George
Morrell, and they have one son, George Hale. (2)
Newton Hart, a bachelor, for many years a well-
known resident of Farmington, now ot West Hart-
ford, was born in the East Farms District of Farm-
ington, Jan II, 1821, and began his education there,
later attending the Farmington Academy, then u.i-
der the direction of John Hooker, and still later the
academj' in Southinglon. He engaged in business
as a tallow chandler with his father until taking up
farming on the old homestead, which he continued
until 1874, living there seventy- four years, and held
many town offices in Farmington. He was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church of that town,
and one of its most highly respected citizens. On
Jan. II, 1901, this hale and hearty gentleman will
be an octogenarian. (3) Clarissa, born May 29,
1825, married D. E. Stoddard, and three children
were born to them — Mary, now Mrs. F. L. Tuttle,
who has four children, Albert, Ed}'the, Clara and
Frank ; Charles, married to F. A. Frost, who has
two children, Claude and Lela; and Nettie, Mrs.
W. L. Nichols. (4) Lucy, born March 28, 1827,
married Blinn Francis, who was born March 10,
1824, and died Nov. 5, 1895, and nine children
were born to them, as follows — (a) Julia married
Henry Butler, of \\^est Hartford, and they have
one son, Joseph Henry, (b) Laura is deceased,
(c) Mary Jane ("Jennie") married Niles C. Beck-
with, and five children were born to them, William
M., Annie, Emily, Edward and Hiram. Of these,
Annie married Frederick Dosh, of Wyoming, Minn.,
and had one son. Earl Francis, now deceased, (d)
Henry, a civil engineer, and superintendent for an
asphalt paving company of Providence, R. I., mar-
ried Emily Pettis, and has two children, Carl and
Paul, (e) John, a resident of Southington, mar-
ried Minnie B. Harris, and had seven children,
Emma, Addie, Willie, Frederick, Harry, Howard
and Charles, (f) George Blinn, engineer in charge
of the construction of the Boston depot, married
Florence Louise Green, and has one child, George
Blinn, Jr. (g) Hattie Lillian, single, is a resident
of West Hartford, (h) Frank is deceased, (i)
Lucy Alberta married Henry D. Atwater, of Plants-
ville, Conn._, and they have four children. Ruby
Louise, Esther Lillian, Florence JMay and Kirtland
Francis. (5) Mary Hart, the youngest child of
our subject, married Xevvton Peck, a farmer of
Farmington, and they have two sons, Edward
(married to Carrie A. Hall) and Albert N. (un-
married).
ANTON BANTLY (deceased), an honest, in-
dustrious and successful farmer and respected citi-
zen of Hockanum during his long residence in
the town of East Hartford, was born in Witten-
berg, Germany, June 13, 1833. His father, John
Bantly, was a farmer, and had a large family, of
whom one daughter, married to John [March, is
living in Hockanum; one son, John, resides in Bos-
ton, Massachusetts.
Anton Bantly received the usual compulsory
German education, left school at the age of four-
teen years, and worked out for about one cent per
day and board. At the age of nineteen he sailed
from Havre for New York, and landed after a
rough voyage, with ninety cents in his pocket. For
a short time he was employed by a farmer on Long
Island, cutting turnip tops, then by some means
reached the Connecticut shore, and on a cold day,
with two companions, started to walk to Hartford,
sleeping in sheds at night, and arriving in the city
on a Sunday morning. Mr. Bantly searched the
town to find a German, to whom he could im-
part the fact that he was hungry, and finally found
a Mr. Miller, near the bridge, who fed him and
his companions and sheltered them over night.
Next m.orning he pointed out the way to Naubuc,
where the boys found work in the polishing depart-
ment of the Curtis factory, but at the end of a
couple of months were defrauded of their wages
by the contractor. Anton Bantly was next em-
ployed in a brickj'ard by a Mr. Wright, who paid
him $80 a year, and presented him with $5 bonus
for faithfulness.
In 1854 Anton Bantly married IMary Smith,
who died Jan. 2, 1863, the mother of four children:
John, born April 8, 1856, married Amelia Ruoff
June 9, 1881, and is now living in South ^lan-
chester; Annie, born Dec. 23, 1857, died Dec. 5,
1865 ; Emma, born Nov. 22, 1859, was married to
Oscar Arnurius Dec. 11, 1879, and is now living
in Windsor; Minnie, born June 30, 1861, was mar-
238
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried to Watson Goslee Nov. 15, 1882, and now re-
sides in South Mancliester.
On Feb. 6, 1864^ Mr. Bantly married Christina
Geiger, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany,
March 5, 1838, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret
(Kittleberger) Geiger,. and this union was blessed
with seven children : Anton, born Oct. 23, 1864,
died Feb. 21, 1887; Lillie, born Feb. 25, 1866, was
married to Frank Swift Nov. 26, 1896, and died
in Hartford Aug. 5, 1899; Francis, born Feb. i,
i86g, married Lizzie Wolfort April 5, 1893, and is
living in Glastonbury ; Jacob, born May 5, 1872,
married Marian Hall Oct. 12, 1898, and is also liv-
ing in Glastonbury ; William, born July 23, 1873,
married Mamie Hodge Oct. 14, 1896, and they are
living on the homestead ; Esther, born J an. 1 1 ,
1880, lives with her mother ; and Annie, born March
25, 1882, died Feb. 5, 1883.
After his first marriage Mr. Bantly lived on the
farm now occupied by Mrs. John March ; it was
on that farm his first wife died, and while still liv-
ing there he married Christina Geiger, who sur-
vives him. When he sold his farm to John March
he purchased the "Talcott Brothers farm," in Man-
chester ; but as he was offered the position of. over-
seer on the "Cheney Brothers farm" he moved
thereto, and there lived about ten years, the pro-
prietors, in the meantime, building a dwelling for
him. On account of failing health he at this time
came to East Hartford and purchased the Winslow
place, consisting of eighty acres, made many im-
provements, and engaged in tobacco growing until
his lamented death, which occurred Aug. 31, 1897.
Politicaly he was a Democrat. He was an excellent
business man, and successful in all his undertak-
ings— thoughtful as well as provident and sa-
gacious.
DAVID NELSON CAMP, M. A., educator,
was born in Durham, Conn., Oct. 3, 1820, son of
Elah and Orit (Lee) Camp. On his father's side
he was a descendant of Nicholas Camp, of Nasing,
Essex county, England, and, on his mother's side,
of Theophilus Eaton, the first governor of the
New Haven Colony.
From 1840 to 1850 Mr. Camp taught in public
schools and academies, and in the latter year was
made professor in the Connecticut State Normal
School. He became associate principal in 1855, and
principal and State Superintendent of Schools in
1857, holding the latter position until 1866, when
he resigned on account of ill health and with the
intention of devoting some time to visiting several
of the principal educational institutions of Europe.
He visited the more important universities, col-
leges and training schools in England, Scotland
and Ireland, and several on the continent. While
in Paris he was appointed professor in St. John's
College, in Maryland. After a year's service in this
position he resigned to engage in work witn Dr.
Henry Barnard in the Bureau of Education at
Washington, and subsequently was engaged in lit-
erary and educational work in Connecticut. Mr.
Camp's work as an educator extends over forty
years, interrupted twice by ill health, and was
finally relinquished on the advice of his physicians.
He is the author of the "American Year Book,"
the "History of New Britain," and several school
text books and maps.
Mr. Camp was chosen alderman of the citv of
New Britain in 1872, serving until 1876, and was
mayor in 1877-1879. He was also a member of the
General Assembly in 1879, in which he served as
chairman of the committee on Education. He was
secretary of the National Teachers' Association in
1864, and was president of the Connecticut State
Teachers' Association several 3'ears ; has been
auditor of the Missionary Society of Connecticut
since 1882, and auditor of the National Council
of Congregational Churches since 1883. He is
president of the Adkins Printing Company, the
Skinner Chuck Company, and vice-president of the
New Britain National Bank. He was president
of the Connecticut State Temperance Union for
ten years, and is a member of the American Board
of Foreign Missions, the American Missionary As-
sociation, American Bible Society, Congregational
Home Missionar}' Society, Connecticut Missionary
Society, Connecticut Humane Society, Connecticut
Bible Society, Connecticut Historical Society, and
Connecticut Congregational Club.
Mr. Camp married, June 25, 1844, Sarah Ada-
line Howd. They had two children : Ellen R. Camp
and Mrs. Emma Camp Rogers.
EDWARD BLAIR WATKINSON (deceased)
was in his day one of the most prominent business
men and successful financiers in the city of Hart-
ford, where he was born, on Prospect street, Feb.
24, 1813, a son of Edward Watkinson. He died in
Hartford March 21, 1884.
Mr. Watkinson passed his school days in Hart-
ford and in Mount Pleasant Classical Institute, at
Amherst, Mass. After leaving school his first ex-
perience was as a clerk in the wholesale house with
his father and uncles. He then went to New York
and engaged ir^ business, remaining only a few years,
however, when he returned to Hartford and entered
the employ of the Collins Co., _ on State street.
About 1844 he became agent and manager for the
Union Manufacturing Col, whose mills were in
Manchester and Marlborough, Conn. In 1871 he
was made chairman of the building committee in
the construction of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Co.'s immense and costly edifice. He
left the Union Manufacturing Co. in the fall of
187 1, and became president of the Connecticut
Trust and Safe Deposit Co., an office he held until
his death, and on the death of Samuel Collins he
became president of the Collins Co., an office he
likewise held at his demise. He was also vice-presi-
dent of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co.,
$dwivf^Kfh¥cMj^^^A^fvO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
239
a director in the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., a
director in the Farmers & Alechanics liank, a trus-
tee of the American School at Hartford for the Deaf,
and a member of the State Historical Society.
At a special meeting of the directors of the
Collins Co., held in Hartford March 22, 1884, the
following memorial was imanimously adopted :
On the morning oF March 21, 1884, Edward B. Watkin-
son died at his residence in Hartford, aged seventy-one
years. For nearly lilty years he had been more or less
identified with this company.
He was 'secretary from April, 1844, to October, 1848. He
became a director in 1865, and has been a member of the
executive committee of the board of directors since 18(57.
He was elected president June 14, 1871, upon the de.ith of
the founder of the company, Mr. Samuel W. Collins, and on
February 10, 1874, upon the decease of Mr. Elisha Colt, the
treasurership was added to his duties. At the time of his
death, unexpected and untimely, he was the representative
and head of this company, and had acceptably filled a large
place in its afiiairs.
His experience as a manufacturer was of utmost value.
His judgment was sound. He was prudent and cautious,
and at the same time progressive. He never feared to take
his full share of responsibility. His relations with the direc-
tors and executive officers of the company have always been
peculiarly pleasant and agreeable. He always carried him-
self with modesty and dignity. No disagreement or jar has
occurred to mar the intercourse of many years. And now
that he has gone, it becomes impressive what the loss is, not
only to this company, but to the community at large, and
this record is entered upon the minutes as a slight recogni-
tion of his devotion to duty and loyalty to trusts, his unsullied
reputation and blameless life.
At a special meeting of the board of trustees
of the Connecticut Trust & Safe Deposit Co., of
Hartford, held March 22, 1884, a similar tribute of
respect was passed unanimousl)', couched in the
following language :
By the death of its president, Edward B.Watkinson,
this company is deprived of one who has been its principal
manager from its incorporation, and whose watchful care of
its industries, and whose strict integrity, and whose k'nd and
quiet ways of dealing with its patrons, have contributed
largely to its success.
As a board of trustees we mourn a companion to whom
we were attached by warm feelings of personal regard, and
for whose clear judgment we hold unqualified respect.
Having thus depicted in a feeble and inadequate
manner the business career of one of the most pro-
gressive and successful of Hartford's native-born
citizens, it becomes necessary to make some allusion
to his domestic affairs. At about the age of twenty-
one years Mr. Watkinson married ^Nliss Jane E.
Abernethy, a daughter of Dr. Andrew Abernethy,
of Harwinton, Conn. She died childless in 1874. The
second marriage of Mr. Watkinson occurred Oct.
18, 1876, to Miss Louise Stone, daughter of Rev.
Collins Stone, of Hartford, and principal of the
American School for the Deaf for many years. To
this happy union were born three children : Helen,
Grace and Mary, the last named of whom died
June 18, 1898. In the death of Mr. Watkinson Hart-
ford lost one of its worthiest citizens, whose place
can never be satisfactorily filled.
HENRY B. HALE, editor of The Weekly Ga-
zette, Fast Hartford, was born in that town .\ov.
18, 1864, a son of Jason F. and Sarah J. Hale.
His mother is also a native of the town, ami his
father was one of the famous Hale family of Glas-
tonbury. Jason F. Hale was for seventeen years
a bookkeeper for the Colt's Patent Firearms Co.,
but when iiigh prices were being jjaid for tobacco
he resigned his jrosition and began cultivating the
weed, which industry he continued until his death,
in 1879.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
common schools of his town, passed through the
Brown school of Hartford, and afterward attended
a private school. Being a young man full of am-
bition and energy, he desired to learn a trade for
the foundation of life, and entered the factory of
the Pratt & Whitney Co., where he stayed his full
time, learning the machinist's trade. On the com-
pletion of his apprenticeship at the factory he was
given a position on one of liartford's leading
dailies, and for a year worked under different de-
partments of the paper, serving in various positions
from reporter to assistant business manager. In
1885 he started The Weekly Gazette, in East Hart-
ford, and published it for five large towns with a
population of over twenty thousand people. He
opened a little office in one corner of a room at
his residence, and a year later moved to quarters in
a small room, 8x15, over a drug store on Main
street, where he remained for another year. From
there he moved to a new building, occupying a
floor in the Garvan block for ten years. From 1898
he has been established in his own building, on
Rector street, in the immediate center of the town,
where he has a finely fitted printerv. His efforts
have been crowned with success from the very
first issue, which shows that constant labor has been
exercised in bringing the paper to the front as
one of the leading country weeklies of his State.
j\lr. Hale is a prominent member of the Con-
necticut Editorial Association, having been its vice-
president, also auditor, and held various positions
as committeeman for the association. In 1892 he
was sent to California by the association, as dele-
gate. In 1897 he was re-appointed delegate, to
Galveston, Texas (from which place he went on to
the City of Mexico), and in 1900 was also chosen
to attend the National Editorial Convention, held
at New Orleans, La. All these he attended. He
was appointed to go to the conventions in Denver,
Colo., and Portland, Ore., but being unable to at-
tend sent his alternates. Mr. Hale belongs to no
secret society. He is a member of the First Con-
gregational Church, and auditor of the Ecclesi-
astical Society. He is a member of the Raymond
Library Association. Fle is auditor of the borough
of Fenwick, a summer resort, where, with his fam-
ily, he occupies his cottage four months in the year.
Mr. Hale is active in all local enterprises. He was
the promoter of the work of getting a water supply
240
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
system in his town, and was foremost in bringing
about the macadamizing of the roads and other im-
provements. When fifteen years of age he entered
on his musical career, and for several years studied
under well-known instructors. At one time he had
one of the leading orchestras, and he also organized
and taught the local band of his town. In politics
he is a Republican, having always voted that ticket.
Our subject married Miss Celia Hayden, eldest
aaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Hayden, her
father being editor of The Weekly Underivriter,
of New York. The wedding was celebrated in
St. John's Church, East Hartford, in September,
1884. To this union have been born five children:
Marjory, Sept. 18, 1892; Warren, March 21, 1894;
Louise, Oct. 13, 1896; Lois, May 28, 1898; and
Gregory, Aug. 17, 1900.
DEACON JARVIS P. HARRINGTON (de-
ceased) was one of the best known citizens of Col-
linsville, where he was in mercantile business for
thirty-three years, and, although living retired at
the time of his death, he took an active interest
in all that concerned the welfare of the town. In-
telligent, practical and cultured, his opinion had
weight among his fellow townsmen, and his in-
fluence was a factor in the success of many pro-
gressive movements in the community.
Mr. Harrington was born April 22, 1833, in
Simsbury, this county, where his family is well
known. Elisha Harrington, his father, was a na-'
tive and lifelong resident of Simsbury, his death
occurring there in 1850. By occupation he was
a carpenter, and as a citizen he was much respected.
He married Miss Caroline Barnes, of New Hart-
ford, daughter of Isaac Barnes, who was for many
years a prominent resident of Litchfield county.
After his death she returned with her children to
the home of her parents, but her last years were
spent in Collinsville. She was a devout member
of the Congregational Church, and was a woman
of superior qualities of mind and heart, her little
family having been reared by her to lives of use-
fulness and honor. Our subject was the eldest of
four children, the others being Henry E., a resident
of Hartford; Cyrus B., who died in the army; and
Hulbert W., a merchant in Collinsville.
Jarvis P. Harrington began his education in the
schools of Simsbury, and after his mother's removal
to New Hartford he attended school there for sev-
eral winters. He assisted his grandfather upon the
farm for several years, and while still in his 'teens
was employed as a clerk by Mr. Curtis, with whom
he remained three years. At the age of twenty
years he went to Mankato, Minn., where he took
up a large tract of government land, and during
his three-years' residence there he took an active
part in the development of the place, giving some
time to practical educational work as a teacher.
On his return to Collinsville he engaged in mer-
cantile business with his brother Henry E. ; later he
was in partnership with Mr. Hart, and then with
Mr. Hotchkiss, under the firm name of J. P. Har-
rington & Co. He built the Harrington block in
Collinsville, a fine structure costing $14,000, and
he had large real-estate interests at Providence, R.
I., but his investments in western lands proved un-
profitable. His home is a beautiful one, the hand-
some residence being on a small farm near the vil-
lage of Collinsville, and he and his wife were lead-
ers in the social life of the community. For more
than forty years Mr. Harrington was identified with
the Congregational Church, and for eight years
served as deacon and clerk. In politics he was a
Republican, although he affiliated with the Demo-
cratic party until 1889, and for some time held the
office of assessor. Pie traveled extensively, and
in 1881 visited Europe, stopping at the principal
points of interest in England, Scotland, Ireland,
France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Turkey,
and Russia, and was one of the few men who have
gone to the top of the crater of Mount Vesuvius.
Mr. Harrington's first wife, Cornelia TuUer^
was a native of West Simsbury, where her brother,.
Oliver C. Tuller, now resides, and was a daughter
of Jeremiah and Luranna (Phelps) Tuller. Her
death occurred in 187Q, and her remains were in-
terred in Simsbury. They had one daughter. Hat-
tie, who died when eight years of age. Deacon
Harrington was married, in 1883, at Port Jervis,.
N. Y., to Miss Emma L. Meade, daughter of Isaac
Meade, a leading citizen of that place. He passed
av^^ay Aug. 6, 1900, and was buried in Simsbury
cemetery.
HIRAM C. THOMPSON, a prominent res-
ident of Bristol, is successfully engaged in the man-
ufacture o'f clock movements, water, gas and elec-
tric meter registers, etc., at No. 22 Federal street.
He resides at No. 26 Elm street.
Mr. Thompson is a member of an old Connect-
icut family, and was born in Bristol, Oct. 25, 1830.
Asa Thompson (i), his grandfather, was a native
of Cheshire, and married Sarah Cook, of the same
town, a daughter of Capt. Ephraim Cook, who won
his title by service in the Revolutionary war. They
were married during that conflict, and at its close
Mr. Thompson went to sea. He died from yellow
fever about 1800, on board a ship at New York.
He and his wife had the following children: (i)
Jairus married Abigail Brooks, of Burlington, and
had three children — Marella, who married Henry
Roberts; Louise, who married Harvey Root; and
Albert, who was accidentally shot at the age of
seventeen years. (2) Silas was married twice, first
to Mary Castle, by whom he had one child, Edwin
C, who married Eliza May, and had two children,
Julia and Agnes, both of whom died unmarried.
By his second wife, Rosanna Royce, he had tliree
children — Edward died unmarried ; Sarah married
Oliver A. Beckwith, and had two children, Oliver
and Corinna ; Charles W. married a lady named
Pliggenbotham, and one son, Charles, survives him.
(3) Lois married Freeman Plumb, of Cheshire,.
1!7Ul'&}y^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
241
Cunn,, and had one daughter, IHora, who married
WilHam Hotchkiss ; they, had one daughter, who
married a j\ir. Tultle. (4j \si\, our suljjeet's fatlier,
is mentioned below. (5) Benoni married Polly
Belden, of Rocky Hill, and had six children —
George married Lucy Miner; Norris married Betsey
F"erdon :, Elizabeth married Edward Ganisby ; Julia
married John Adams; Jane married John Adams,
and had two children ; Albert also married.
The Roberts family have been identified with
Bristol from an early day, and Jabez Roberts or
Robbards, our subject's great-grandfather, was boni
there March 5, 1725, and died Aug. 27, 1780, after
many years of active business life as a tanner and
shoemaker. H-e and his wife Abigail Stone, had
children: Molly, born Oct. 19, 1746; David, born
April 28, 1749; Thankful, born March 28, 1751 ;
Abigail, born Dec. 13, 1753; Jabez, our subject's
grandfather; and Daniel, born June 9, 1763. jabez
Roberts was born Dec. 29, 1759, and died Feb. 20,
1833. He married Charlotte Wood, and had three
children, of whom Emily, our subject's mother, was
the voungest. ( i ) Electa married David Root, and
had two children — (a) Edward married Lydia Yale,
and had two children, Jane and Mary;, (b) Maria
married David Carrington, and had one child,
Sophia, who married Charles Warren, of Farming-
ton. (2) Polly married Abel Root, and had five chil-
dren— (a) Sylvester married Mary Ann Hurlburt;
(b) Emily, Jaorn in 1816, died July 9, 1886, tin-
married; (c) George resides in Indiana; (d) Mary
died young; (e) Robert married a Mrs. Hotchkiss,
and died leaving one son, Howard.
Asa Thompson (2), our subject's father, was
born in Cheshire, April i, 1792, and received a
common-school education only, much of his time
previous to his sixteenth year having been spent in
working among farmers of the neighborhood. Be-
fore he reached his majority he went to Pennsyl-
vania to sell japanned ware, and later he sold clocks
in Maryland and Virginia. Returning to Connecti-
cut, he engaged in the lumber business at Plain-
ville, then called Bristol Basin, but he made his home
in Bristol. In 1836 he sold out to Harmenus M.
Welch, of New Haven, and engaged in the manu-
facture of carriages at Bristol, in company with
others. The firm succumbed to the panic of 1837,
and Mr. Thompson then joined Chauncey Jerome,
William L. Gilbert, James G. Peck, and others, in
the manufacture of thirty-hour brass clocks. About
1840 the business was sold to Mr. Jerome, and the
plant was burned about 1843. Mr. Thompson next
became interested in the manufacture of screws, in
partnership with Noble Jerome, Henry A. Pond and
others, but the business proved unprofitable owing to
the revenue tariff of 1846. From that time Mr.
Thompson lived in retirement, and his death oc-
curred Sept. 15, 1854. He was a member of the
Congregational Church, and an active worker in
the Whig party. He served as selectman for two or
three terms, and was also chosen grand juror at
16
limes. His wife, Emily Roberts, was lx)rn r)ct. 6,
1796, and died Aug. 25, 1881. Of their five chil-
dren, two, Henry Roberts and Jliram C, lived to
maturity, the others dying in infancy. Henry Rob-
erts Thompson, who died in Bristol, Nov. 20, 1868,
was married June 2, 1851, to (ieorgianna E. Will-
iams, daughter of Walter \Villianis, and had one
son, James Henry, who married and settled in Cal-
ifornia.
Hiram C. Thompson was educated in the com-
mon schools and the academy at Bristol, and at the
age of thirteen began to learn the clock maker's
trade. For thirteen years he was employed as fore-
man in his present factory, then owned by Xoah
Pomeroy, and in 1878 he purchased the business.
Politically he is a strong Republican, having been a
member of the first Republican committee of his
town. In religious faith he is a Congregatioualist.
He has been a member of the Y. M. C. A. since
1872, and has been continuously in oflfice in the
local society, and for three or four years he was a
member of the State committee. Mr. Thompsorr
married first Miss Sarah A. Richards, and second
Mrs. Julia B. Gray, daughter of Cyrus and Hannah
Perry, of Bristol, and widow of Ilorace Gray, who
was killed wdiile fighting with Gen. Hawley"s divis-
ion in the assault upon Fort Wagner. Mr. Thomp-
son has two daughters, by his first marriage : ( O
Nellie married James R. Cairns, of Hartford, and had
four children: Harry, Edward T., Bessie and Ada.
(2) Addie married Otto F. Strunz, representative
from Bristol in the State Legislature, by whom she
had one child, Hermina, who died at the age of two
and one-half years.
HENRY E. DIAIOCK stands prominent among
the business men of New Britain, both for the rise
he has made in life by his own unaided efforts,
and for the value of his citizenship to the com-
munity in which he lives. He was born in Chester,
Mass., Oct. 27, 1845, a son of Harvey Dimock,
who was a native of Huntington, Massachusetts.
Harvey Dimock was a son of Thomas Dimock.
In early life he was employed in cotton and woolen
mills, and later, acquiring a farm of one hundred
acres, he led an agricultural life for the remainder
of his days. He was a careful, prudent, thorough-
going man, who had inherited nothing, and owed
only to himself the modest success which he at-
tained. He was not active in politics, but sup-
ported the Whig party and, afterward, the Republi-
can. In religious faith he was a member of the
Congregational Church, and he was a man whose
example it was safe to follow. He lived to the ex-
treme old age of ninety-four years, in this respect
keeping up the reputation of the family for longev-
ity ; his brother Horace lived to the age of eighty-
seven ; his brother Aaron passed his eightieth year ;
his brother Lyman lived to a ripe old age. and his
sister Lucy lived to marry two husbands — Har-
wood and ■Moses Hannom. Harvev Dimock mar-
242
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Caroline Elder, of Chester, Mass., who died Sep-
tember, 1899, at the age of ninety-four years. To this
union were born three children : Augustus, a grain
dealer at East Hampton : Abbie Lucinda, who mar-
ried Charles Upham ; and Henry E., the subject of
this sketch.
Henry E. Diniock attended the schools of Hunt-
ington village, later became a pupil in private
schools, receiving a good academic training, and
did not leave school until he was eighteen years of
age. He was in service for one year during the
Civil war, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company
F, Forty-sixth Mass. A^. I., was at Kensington,
Goldsboro and White Hall, and was mustered out
in August, 1863. He then acquired the trade of
wood-turning, serving an apprenticeship of three
years in Chester, Mass. Not content with the nar-
row .borders of his trade, he branched out in vari-
ous lines of work in wood, and became an expert
in the use of all kinds of wood-working machines.
He was always interested in architectural work,
and even after his marriage he received instruc-
tion in this, his favorite study. He remained a
journeyman in Chester for about ten years, and
followed his trade in Hartford for a similar period,
worked for three years in Bridgeport, and for seven
years in Westfield, Mass. From Hartford Mr.
Dimock came in October, 1882, to New Britain,
where he purchased the New Britain Variety
Works from Charles Woods and converted it into
a regular planing-mill, which he named the New
Britain Planing & Moulding Works. When he
took charge of these works j\Ir. Dimock did all
the work himself, built up his own trade, and so
substantially that he now employs regularly about
ten men in his factory. He is a self-made man,
and the training he has received in his progress
upward has made him a most valuable business
man.
In politics Mr. Dimock is a Republican, deeply
interested in party affairs. He is now alderman in
New Britain from the First ward, and formerly
represented the Fourth ward in the same capacity.
He is chairman of the committee on Streets, one of
the most important committees, and of the com-
mittee on Buildings and Encroachments. Frater-
nally he is one of the most prominent Freemasons
in the city, belonging to Harmony Lodge, No. 20,
Giddings Chapter, No. 25, Washington Command-
ery. No. i, and Sphinx Temple, No. 2. He has
filled all the chairs in the Chapter.
Mr. Dimock married Miss Mary A. Smith, of
Chester, daughter of Enos Smith, and they have
two children: Carrie M., now the wife of E. M.
Ezekiel, of Springfield, Mass., and Fred W., who
is with his father. Mr. Dimock and his family at-
tend the Baptist Church.
HENRY C. RICE, a progressive and enter-
prising agriculturist of Southington, was born in
Cheshire, New Haven Co., this State, June 27, 1835,
a son of Lemuel and Maria (Andrews) Rice. The
paternal grandfather, Amos Rice, was a native of
Vermont, and from that State came to Cheshire,
where his last days were passed. The maternal
grandfather, Abel Andrews, was a farmer and old
resident of Cheshire. He married Roxanna .
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in
his native town, and obtained his education prin-
cipally in its public schools, though he attended the
high school at Mt. Carniel for one term. He began
his business career as a shop hand on government
work, in the shops of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co;,
of Southington, Where he was employed for three
years. The following two years he spent in
Cheshire, but since 1867 he has been a resident of
Southington, working as a blacksmith for the lead-
ing manufacturers of carriage hardware, bolts, etc.,
until 1889, when he retired from that business, and
has since engaged in farming.
On Sept. 30, 1859, Mr. Rice married Miss Caro-
line Royce, a daughter of Lewis and Caroline
(Preston) Royce, of Cheshire, and to them have
been born two children : Carrie M., now the wife
of Dwight H. Bennett ; and George, who married
Lena Miller, of Waterbury. In his political affilia-
tions Mr. Rice is a Republican, and in his religious
views he is a Baptist. He is one of the leading and
popular citizens of his community, and wherever
known is held in high regard.
JUDGE FRANCIS PARSONS, who was born
at Amherst, Mass., Feb. 16, 1795, and died March
9, 1861, at Hartford, was the son of David Par-
sons, a clergyman of Amherst, and his mother was
a sister of Chief Justice Thomas S. Williams.
Judge Parsons was graduated witn honors at Yale
in 1816, studied law with Judge Williams, and was
his partner for several years. He was several times
a member of the Legislature, and was once ap-
pointed Commissioner of the School Fund, but de-
clined the office. For six years he occupied the
Bench as judge of the County Court. His wife,
Clarissa, the daughter of William Brown, a lawyer
of Guilford and Hartford, was born April 6, 1798,
and died March 16, 1866.
"For nearly thirty years I have known Judge
Parsons only as a friend. I knew him ever as an un-
compromisingly honest man. To our shame be it
said that it has been remarked that he was too
honest and uncompromising to be a favorite of
political parties. He never could allow his name
to be used where there was the remotest chance
of any sacrifice of self-respect. He never did a
mean act; being thoroughly honest, he never per-
mitted himself to doubt the honesty of others. I
knew him as a philanthropist — a quiet and unob-
trusive man. Many a sufferino- family has been
relieved by receiving necessaries and delicacies
from him that never knew the donor. I knew him
as an enterprising public-spirited citizen, ready to
aid with his time and money in every good work.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
243
I knew him as a humble Christian man, placino-
Jiis hupe and trust not in his own merits, Ijui in tiie
■Savior of the world as his comfort through life and
in the hour just passed. I desire to bear my testi-
■mony to his many great virtues. We shall remember
him as the noblest work of God, a strictly honest
man." [Remarks of William R. Cone, at meet-
ing of the Bar.]
He sought no display, but pursued tlie even
tenor of his way, a sound lawyer, and a very high-
Jy respected and useful Christian citizen. Among all
his name was the very synonym of integrity. Large
amounts of trust funds passed through his hands,
and he had the confidence of business men in many
important transactions. He was universally con-
sidered an eminently safe adviser, sound lawyer,
and honest man. He was an unostentatious man,
whose virtues were best appreciatea by those who
knew him best.
;\I--\joR John C. P.vrsons. In the death of
]\Iajor Parsons, at Hartford, on March ii, i8y8,
there passed away one of the city's most respected
and useful citizens.
^Nlajor Parsons was born June 3, 1832, in Hart-
ford, of distinguished Connecticut parentage, a son
of Judge Francis Parsons, of the Yale class of 1816,
and his wife, Clarissa (Brown), a daughter of
William Brown, of Yale, 1774. Major Parson's
boyhood was spent in Hartford, and in 1850 he en-
tered Yale, in the class of 1854. Two years later
impaired health demanded a period of rest, which
he took, and then returned to the college in the class
of 1855, with which he was graduated. His family
history, as well as his own inclinations, led him to
the study of law, and after a course at the Harvard
Law School he was admitted to the Bar in January,
1858, and entered the office of his great-uncle, the
distinguished Connecticut chief justice, Thomas S.
Williams. Mr. Parson's tastes seldom led him to
the more forensic branches of legal practice. His
work was largely that of administration and advice ;
though he never shrank from any public presenta-
tion of legal questions to which his duties called him.
i\Iajor Parsons was never ambitious for office,
but he had the respect and confidence of his fellow
citizens always, and many offices of trust were filled
by him! The title by which he was familiarly known
was derived from his service as major of the first
Company of the Governor's Foot Guards, an organ-
ization with which he was associated for many years.
He was long identified with the interests of the
Brown school. He was president of the association
for the care of the ancient graveyard behind the
Center church, belonging to the town, where sleep
so many of those whose names are honored in the
Colonial history of Hartford, and he took an active
interest in the efforts of the Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution to adorn and render it attractive.
For eight years (1872 to 1880) he was president of
the Board of Street Commissoners. At the time of
his decease he was president of the Society for Sav-
ings, an office which he had held since 1894; and he
was a director in the National L.xchange Bank, the
Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co., the Connecti-
cut Fire Insurance Co., and the Security Co., of
which latter organization he was president from
1894 to 1896. He was and had been for many years
a director of the American Asylum for the Deaf
and Dumb, now the American School for the Deaf.
He was a trustee of the Perkins estate, and of that
of the late Lieut. -Gov. Julius Catlin. As one of the
two trustees of the latter property he erected the
building on the corner of Main and Asylum streets
recently occupied by George O. Sawyer. At one
time he was a trustee of the Industrial School for
Girls at Middletown. W'ith the First Church he
was most intimately associated. Brought up in it
under the ministry of Dr. Hawes, he was attached
to it with an affection dating from boyhood, and
which never waned. He was conspicuous in all
the concerns of the First Ecclesiastical Society, and
was long a member of its committee. Few actions
have been taken by that society for more than a
generation past without his active participation or
his counsel. His services and his benefactions to the
interest of the church of his affections were self-
sacrificing and continuous. It was characteristic
of his modest self-distrust, however, that though
always interested in the spiritual welfare of the
church, he did not make a public profession of his
religious faith till 1881, when he and his son united
with its membership on the same day. He felt a
personal sense of pride and possession in its ancient
house of worship, evidenced during the last four
or five years by its adornment with a beautiful
window, representative of the Angel of the Resur-
rection, and commemorative of Major John Cald-
well, whose name he bore. ]\[ore recently he placed
two tablets on its walls, one in memory of Dr.
Hawes, the pastor of his youth, and the other in
honor of Chief Justice \\'illiams.
A paper by Major Parsons, on the "Early Topo-
graphy of Hartford," was read at the celebration of
the 250th anniversary of the founding of the First
Church in 1883. and was printed in the volume re-
counting the commemorative exercises on that oc-
casion. Several years ago he prepared a paper on
the "Duties and Responsibilities of Directors and
Trustees of Financial Institutions," which was iss-
ued in a privately printed edition.
Few men have been more missed from Hartford
than Major Parsons. A lifelong resident, he loved
the citv and was interested in all that made for its
advancement. His kindly nature showed itself not
merely in an abundant hospitalitv to his friends,
but in constant interest in all of his acquaintances
who were in illness or suffering. He was unwearied
in his willingness to sacrifice time in helping those
who were in need, whether they had any claim upon
him or not. Plis repute for high character, intcg-
ritv and absolute honesty of purpose and of act
brought to him much unrequited labor, for he was
244
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
consulted constantly by those in need of business
and legal advice who had no one to whom they could
naturally turn, and such aid as was in his power
was always ungrudgingly given. He was a most
public-spirited citizen. Probably no man in the his-
tory of Hartford was more ready to do his part by
pecuniary contribution or by personal aid in help-
ing on any cause which seemed to him likely to ben-
efit any portion of the community. He could always
be depended upon to carry his portion of the civic
load, however burdensome the task might be. But
to his personal acquaintances his death was much
more than the passing away of a public-spirited
member of the community. It was the loss of a
singularly unselfish and loyal friend and helper, of a
warm-hearted neighbor, of a companion of high pur-
pose and stainless life, of a Christian whose place
must be with the good here or hereafter.
On April 7, 1870, Major Parsons was married
to Mary McClellan, daughter of Dr. Samuel ]\Ic-
Clellan, of Philadephia, and a granddaughter of
Rev. Dr. Ezra Stiles Ely, a noted Presbyterian
clergyman. She died in January, 1871. One son,
Francis Parsons, a lawyer of Hartford, survives.
Francis Parsons, the only son of the late Major
John C. Parsons, of Hartford, was born in that
city Jan. 13, 1871, and there received his elemen-
tary' education. He was graduated from Yale in
1893. During the succeeding two years he was
engaged in newspaper work on the Hartford Cour-
ant. In 1895 he entered Yale Law School, from
which he was graduated two years later, and ad-
mitted to practice at the Connectictft Bar. In De-
cember, 1898, he was appointed assistant cjuarter-
master-general on the stafif of Gov. Lounsbury,
with the rank of colonel. He has succeeded his
father as director and trustee of several financial
and charitable institutions of Hartford.
RICHARD SEYMOUR, a venerable and highly
respected resident of Hartford, was born in that
city July 24, 1823, of an honored pioneer family.
The first of the name to locate in this section
was Richard Seymour, our subject's great-grand-
father, who became one of the early farmers of
Rocky Hill, this county, and also operated a stone
quarry at that point. He lived to a good old age.
Richard Seymour (2), our subject's grandfather,
was born in Hartford, and for many years conducted
the quarry mentioned. His death occurred in mid-
dle age, from the effects of a fall from a rock. In
1784 he married Rachel Lamb, who lived to ad-
vanced age, and they had a family of thirteen chil-
dren, ten of whom grew to maturity. They were
reared in the Congregational faith.
Richard Seymour (3), our subject's father, was
born in Hartford in 1788, and followed the ances-
tral occupations of quarrying and farming, being the
owner of a large tract of land at Rocky Hill. He
died in 1840, aged fifty-two years. His wife,
Amanda Foote, who died in 1820,'' at the age of sev-
enty-four, was born in Canton, Conn., daug'hter of
Abraham Foote, a well-known agriculturist of Can-
ton and Farmington. She was one of a large fam-
ily of children, and was a descendant of Nathaniel
Foote, the pioneer of Wethersfield. Eleven chil-
dren were born to Richard and Amanda Seymour,
nine of whom lived to adult age, and four are still
living: Cynthia married the late William Collins, a
farmer of South Windsor; Eliza married Alden
Giddings, of Romeo, Mich. ; Richard is next in the
order of birth; Delia married (first) Leonard jack-
son, of Cleveland, Ohio, and (second) Henry Gott,
of Spencerport, New York.
Richard Seymour remained at home during his
youth, and attended the grammar school of Hart-
ford. After the death of his father he bought the
farm in partnership with his brother, but later went
West for a year. On his return he engaged in the
market business in Hartford, continuing thus about
twenty years. In 1861 he purchased his present
homestead at No. 31 Park street, and on retiring
from the market, in 1884, he devoted his attention
to agricultural pursuits and the care of his extensive
tract of land. He also owns two houses in Hartford.
Mr. Seymour was married in 1857 to Miss
Lucy Robbins, a native of Wethersfield, and a mem-
ber of one of the oldest families of that town.
Robert Robbins, her great-grandfather, was a pio-
neer farmer there, and her grandfather, Robert
Robbins, and father, Josiah Robbins, were both born
there. Her grandmother, whose maiden name was
Cynthia Wood, was born on Block Island, and lived
to be one hundred years old, while a daughter lived
to the age of one hundred and five. The grand-
mother saw some of the troublous times of the Rev-
olutionary war, and among the interesting stories of
that period which she told in old age was one of an
encounter with some British soldiers whom She
threatened to scald with some hot soap. Josiah
Robbins was a blacksmith by trade, but his later
years were spent in farming at Berlin, his death oc-
curring when he was eighty-two years of age. He
married Harriet Crane, a native of Sandisfield,
Mass., who died the following year, also, aged
eighty-two. Her father, Elijah Crane, Mrs. Sey-
mour's grandfather, was an early settler at Sandis-
field, whence he removed to Wethersfield and then
to Massachusetts, wjiere he died. Josiah and Har-
riet Robbins had five children, two of whom are
living : Lucy and Fanny. Our subject's only daugh-
ter, Hattie, died when twenty-four years of age.
His only son, Edward G., is cashier in a bank at
Germania, Kossuth Co., Iowa, has traveled exten-
sively over the West, including Montana and Wash-
ington, and for some time was among the great
ranchmen in the cattle business. He has also been
in the grain business, and has a farm of 600 acres
in Kossuth county, Iowa. He is esteemed as a pro-
gressive citizen, and has held many offices in his
township.
Mr. Seymour is a Republican in politics, and has.
/[/(^Oi^d. wU.
-e-y^7-«
iyt4/^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
245
been a member of the Congregational Cluireli since
fourteen years of age. He has been a regular at-
tendant of the South Church at Hartford, and his
wife has been a teacher for many years in the infant
department of the Sunday-school. Mrs. Seymour
also taught in the day schools of Wethersficld,
Greenwich and Hartford, having prepared for the
work at the Normal school in New Britain.
CHARLES FREDERIC COFFING (de-
ceased),'a former well-known and highly-esteemed
citizen of West Hartford, was born in Great Bar-
rington, Mass., March ii, 1841, and traced his
ancestry back to Sir Richard Coffin, Knight, who
went from Normandy to England with William the
Conqueror. It was the grandfather of our sub-
ject who added "g" to the family name, making it
Coffing.
The first of the famil)- to come to America was
Tristram Coffin, who was born in England in 1605,
one of the six children of Peter and Joan (Thimber)
Coffin. He died in 1627-28. His grandparents
were Nicholas and Joan Coffin, the former of whom
died in 1613. Tristram Coffin was about fifty-five
years of age when he came to the New World. He
married Dionis Stephens, and died in Nantucket,
R. I. (II) Tristram Coffin, Jr., born in England in
1632, married Judith Greenleaf, daughter of Ed-
mund Greenleaf, and widow of Henry Somerby, and
died in Newbury, Mass., in 1704. (HI) Stephen
Coffin, born in Newbury, Mass., Aug. 18, 1665,
married Sarah Atkinson. (IV) Daniel Coffin, born
in Newbury, September, 1700, married Lj-dia Moul-
ton. (V) Isaac Coffin married Anna Churchill,
of Long Island. (YI) Isaac Coffin, born in
Fishkill, N. Y., was married Feb. 8, 1770, to Sarah
Nichols, who was born Feb. 23, 1751. (A'TI) John
Churchill Coffing, born in Derby, Conn., Oct.
6, 1776. He married (first) Jerusha Fitch, daugh-
ter of Hezekiah and Jerus'ha (Burr) Fitch, and
granddaughter of Gov. Thomas Fitch. By her he
.had
(\TII) Charles Fitch Coffing, born April 5,
181 2. He made his home in Great Barrington,
]\Iass., where for many years he was extensively
engaged in farming. In 1863 he moved to West
Hartford, where he continued to follow farming
imtil his death, in August, 1865. He married
Catherine Eldndge, who died May 9, 1883. Thev
had three children : John, who was killed in the
Civil war ; Charles Frederic ; and Josephine, who
married J. Watson Beach, of Hartford.
(IX) Charles Frederic Coffing, whose name in-
troduces this sketch, was reared and educated in
Great Barrington, Mass., and after attaining man's
estate followed farming on the home place until
1864, when he joined the family in West Hartford.
During his residence here he operated the farm
which his father had purchased, and as an agricult-
urist he met with excellent success, becoming one of
the most prosperous citizens of his community. He
died Jul\- 30, 1887, and was laid to rest in the ceme-
tery at Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Mr. Coffing married, in West Hartford, March
5, 1867, Miss Julia Hall Perkins, a daughter of
Luther liarris and Harriet (Hall) Perkins. Her
father, a native of Hartford, and a graduate of
Trinity College, died when she was only a year old.
He was a civil engineer by profession, and was
a partner of Nicholas Harris in the wholesale gro-
cery business in liartford. To Mr. and Mrs.
Coffing was born one daughter, (X) Catherine
Harriet, who married Oct. 8, 1895. Charles Ed-
ward Beach (son of Charles Mason Beach), by
whom she had two sons, Charles Frederic, boin
Oct. II, 1896, and Thomas Coffing, born Oct. 16,
1899. She died Alarch 2, 1900.
JOHN WARREN DANFORTH (deceased)
who was for over thirty years a well-known whole-
sale grocer on State street, Hartford, was a native
of the State of Yermont, and descended from a
long line of Massachusetts ancestry, the founder
of the American family having been Nicholas Dan-
forth, one of the early settlers of Boston.
John W. Danfortli, our subject, was born in
Wethersfield, Windsor Co., Yt., in 1812, a son of
Joseph and Lydia (Cox) Dan forth, the former of
whom was a farmer. Our subject passed his early
school days in his native town, and assisted in the
cultivation of the home farm until he was twenty-
two years old, after which he spent some time in
Tolland county. Conn., and Buffalo, N. Y. About
1839 or 1840 he came to Hartford and engaged in
the wholesale grocer}' trade, as mentioned above,
in which he met with uninterrupted success tnitil
called away by death, in August, 1875, Hartford
thus losing one of its most useful and substantial
citizens, its board of alderman a wise and able mem-
ber, and the Masonic Fraternit}- a most worthy
brother.
Mr. Danforth was married in Plymouth, Lu-
zerne Co., Penn., Jan. 26, 1847, to ■Mary Gay lord,
daughter of Henderson and Bethia (Nesbitt) Gay-
lord, and a descendant of an old and highly re-
pected Connecticut family, of whom further men-
tion will shortly be made. To this union were
born three children : JNIary is the wife of Charles
A. Pease, a grain and feed merchant on Main
street, Hartford. Ella lives at home. Joseph
\\'arren is a member of the firm of Simpson, Hen-
dee & Co., of New York City, who do a wholesale
grain business; he married Maud (Hough) Wells,
and they have one child, John A\'arren; they reside
in East Orange, New Jersey.
The old Gaylord family, of which ^.Irs. Mary
Danforth is a descendant, is traced back to \\'illiam
Gaylord, who came from England about 1630.
Y'alter, the next head of a family, married Mary,
daughter of Deacon Stebbins, of Hartford, Conn.
Joseph, of the third generation, married Sarah Stan-
lev. John, of the fourth, married Elizabeth Hickox.
246
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Joseph, of the fifth, the great-great-grandfather of
Mrs. Danforth, was born in what was then Farming-
ton, Conn., but Hved the greater part of his life in
WaUingford and Bristol, dying in Bristol. Charles,
of the sixth generation, born in WaUingford, Conn.,
married Hannah Andrus, and died while serving
in the Revolutionary war, July 5, 1777. Of the
seventh generation was Charles Eleazer Gaylord,
M. D., of Wyoming Valley, Penn., a native of
Bristol, Conn. Of the eighth was Henderson Gay-
lord, and of the ninth is Mrs. Mary G. Danforth,
■ widow of the subject of this sketch.
Among the ancestors of Mrs. Danforth may
also be mentioned Thomas Scott, John Stanley,
Edwin Stebbins, the Hickoxes and Riches, all very
prominent people in both Pennsylvania and Con-
necticut. ]\Irs. Danforth still has her home in
Hartford.
JASPER HYDE BOLTON, Jr., retired, with
residence in Hartford, is a native of Connecticut,
born Oct. 13, 1842, in Stafford, Tolland county,
and is of Scottish descent on the paternal side. '
Thomas Bolton, his grandfather, a native of
Scotland, came to Stafford in 1825, and there man-
aged and superintended an ore mill the rest of his
life, dying at the age of seventy years. He mar-
ried Mary Alcott, born in Vermont, near Rutland,
one of a family of three children to reach maturity ;
she died in 1862, at the patriarchal age of ninety
years, a firm adherent of the orthodox faith.
Jasper Hyde Bolton, Sr., father of Jasper, Jr.,
was born in Stafford, Conn., was educated there in
the common schools, and at the age of seventeen
years became a teacher. For a time he worked
on the farm of J. Hyde (the richest man in Con-
necticut, in his day, and a prominent man in Staf-
ford), and this continued until Mr. Bolton was
twenty-five years old, at which time he commenced
working in a machine shop, his duty being the mak-
ing of cylinders for wool-carding machines. Later,
for three years, he manufactured shoes in Stafford,
and then commenced the manufacture of cotton
warps, a business he followed up to 1863. Li that
year he came to Hartford and embarked in the
wholesale liquor business ; but at the end of three
years he abandoned it, and along with our subject
carried on a restaurant business on Asylum street
for four years, in 1880 becoming the proprietor of
the "Park Central Hotel," where the "Hotel Hart-
ford" now stands, being associated in business with
his son, Jasper H., Jr., some six years. He then
retired from active life, passing his remaining days
at the present home of his son, Jasper H., Jr., and
dying there in July, 1896, at the age of seventy-
five years. In politics he was a Whig and Re-
publican, and for eight years was postmaster at
Stafford, town clerk, deputy sheriff, and sheriff for
eight years, also represented his town in both
houses. He was a very prominent and highly re-
spected man, a fine orator, and enjoyed the respect
and esteem of a wide circle of friends. In religiouis-
faith he and his wife were both members of the
Universalist Church. ' In 1841 he married Anna
Maria Smith, who was born in Stafford, a daugh-
ter of Minor Smith, a well-known farmer. To this
union were born four children, our subject being
the eldest and the only one now living.
Jasper H. Bolton, Jr., whose name opens this
sketch, made his home in Stafford until 1862, receiv-
ing his literar}' education at the common schools of
the locality, after which he attended the military
academy at Worcester, Mass., and the Eastman
Business College, at Pougfikeepsie, N. Y. While
at the Military Academy, he was major of the
Highland Cadets. On Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted
in the navy under Farragut, serving first on the
"Connecticut," then on the gunboat "Westfield."
In Januar)', 1863, he was gunner's mate, acting as
gunner, and was serving aboard a vessel that was
blown up, narrowly escaping with his life ; later
was on the "Honduras," then on the man-of-war
"Brooklyn" under Commodore Bell, serving as ship's
yeoman until after the battle of Mobile. While
serving on the "Westfield," he participated in the
battle of Galveston, Texas. After the affair at
Mobile he was discharged as ship's yeoman, and
returned to Stafford ; thence after a few months
went to Jackson, Mich., remaining there four years,,
and then located in Hartford and commenced the
hotel and restaurant business ; later entered the
Post Office Department service, serving three years
on a train, after which he held the position of mail-
ing clerk in the Hartford post office seven years
and two months, resigning at the end of that time.
We next find him in the capacity of the genial and
courteous landlord of the "Park Central Hotel,"
which he conducted until 1887, when he retired.
In his day he has done a great deal of catering —
feeding 10,800 on Battle Flag Day, 8,400 on Buck-
ingham's Day, and 5,200 on Grant's Day.
In November, 1864, Mr. Bolton married Emily
R. Niles, born in Windsor, Conn., a daughter of
Lucas H. and Henrietta W. Niles, who were the
parents of four children, only one of whom is now
living. The mother, who was born in Stafford, and
is now eighty-six years of age, makes her home
with our subject. Mr. Niles, who was a woolen
manufacturer, spent some years in Windsor, later
making his home in Rockville, where he died in
1884. In politics Mr. Bolton is a Republican, but
has never aspired to office. Socially he has been
a member of the Michigan Lodge, No. 50, A. F.
& A. M., of Jackson, Mich., since 1864 ; is affiliated
with the Improved Order of Red Men, No. i, of
Hartford; also with the G. A. R., Robert O. Tyler
Post, No. 50, in which he has held all the offices,
and is a member of the Army and Navy Club.
He has dealt considerably in real estate, and owns
twenty-two acres of highly valuable land, besides
an elegant residence at No. 457 Wethersfield avenue,
Hartford.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L'47
HON. FRANCIS H. PARKER, a prominent
lawyer of Hartford, and eldest son of Ozias H.
and Maria M. (Ayer) Parker, was born in East
Haddam, Conn., Sept. 23, 1850. His father, a
farmer in the town where he now lives, and his
mother were also born in East Haddam. They had
live children, all living: Francis PL; tlenry C. is a
farmer and miller in East Haddam; Thomas Lyon,
a druggist at Deep River, Conn., has served in the
General Assembly, and is now postmaster; Lucy M.
was educated in Wilbraham Academy, Mass., and
for many years has taught in the public schools of
Plartford ; and Sarah L. is living with the fathei ,
the mother having died in 1897, aged sixty-eight
years.
Ozias H. Parker, father of the above named
children, and the youngest son of Elial and Pru-
dence (Avery) Parker, was born in East Haddam,
Nov. 13, 1823, and is still living in the house in
which he was born. He represented his native
town in the General Assembly in the years 1851,
1854, 1857, s^d 1877, and served as selectman for
many years, beginning in 1863. In 1877 he de-
clined an appointment tendered him by Gov. Rich-
ard D. Hubbard, as a member of a commission to
revise the pauper laws of the State. He is at pres-
ent one of the trustees of the town library, and a
director in the local creamery company.
Francis H. Parker graduated at Wesleyan Uni-
versity in the class of '74, and at Yale College, law
department, in the class of '76. In the fall of that
year he began, and has since continued, the prac-
tice of law in Hartford, though continuing to re-
side in East Haddam until 1885, since which time
he has resided in the Capital City. While a resi-
dent of East Haddam, Mr. Parker represented
that town in the General Assembly in the years
1878 and 1880, and was a delegate to several State
conventions. From 1887 to 1891, and from 1894
to 1895, he served as prosecuting attorney for the
city of Hartford, but in 1894 was defeated as can-
didate for the State Senate. In August, 1898, Mr.
Parker was appointed referee in bankruptcy for the
county of Hartford, and held the office until March
31, 1900, when he resigned to accept the office of
United States attorney for the district of Con-
necticut, to which office he was appointed by Presi-
dent McKinley. Mr. Parker has always taken an
active interest in the political party with which he
affiliates, and for four years, from 1896 to 1900,
served as chairman of the Republican town and
city committee.
Early in 1898 Mr. Parker was appointed trustee
of the Connecticut School for Boys at Meriden, and
in 1889 was elected president of the board of trus-
tees, which position he still holds. Mr. Parker
takes a lively interest in historical matters, especially
as related to his own State, and since 1886 has been
a member of the Connecticut Historical Society,
and is chairman of its library committee.
]\Ir. Parker is a descendant in the seventh gen-
eration from \\'illiam Parker, a proprietor of Hart-
ford, and Margery, his wife, who in 1645, iimiie-
diately after the Fenwick session, removed to Say-
brook. His great-grandfatlier, John Parker, born
Feb. 14, 1732, in that part of ancient Saybrook,
now constituting the town of Essex, removed to
East Haddam about 1760, married Sarah I'uller,
the daughter of Capt. Ephraim and Sarah (Beck-
with) Fuller, of that town, and served in the Revo-
lutionary war.
Through his great-grandmother, Sarah (Fuller)
Parker, Mr. Parker is descended from six passengers
in the "Mayflower." In the line of his grandmother,
Prudence (Avery) Parker, he is descended from
Capt. James Avery, Thomas Stanton, Thomas Lord,
Robert Parke, John Elderkin, W'illiam Fowler. Ed-
mund Tapp, Richard Bushnell, John Drake, Thomas
Leflingwell, and other early settlers of the Connecti-
cut and New Haven Colonies. In the line of his
mother, the daughter of Hubert and Susa!ina( Lyon )
Aver, and granddaughter of Josiah Lyon, a solditr
of the Revolution, and Mercy Andrews, his wife,
he is descended from William Lyon, of Kcx-
bury, John Plastings, of Braintree, Richard Humph-
rey, of Cambridge, ^lass., as well as from William
Andrews, John Kirby, \\'illiam Comstock, John
Stebbins, and many other early Connecticut settlers.
Mr. Parker is a member of the college fra-
ternity, Phi Beta Kappa, of the Sons of the Revo-
lution, of the Hartford Public Library Association,
and of the Hartford County Bar Association.
Among the large number of cases in which he has
been engaged, perhaps the one of most public in-
terest was that of Henry L. Goodwin against the
town of East Hartford, in which Mr. Goodwin
sought an injunction to prevent the treasurer of that
town paying an order of $5,000, which had been
illegally drawn, in payment for services in lobby-
ing a ijill through the Legislature imposing upon
the State of Connecticut the expense of maintaining
a free bridge across the Connecticut river, the ex-
pense previously having been borne by a number of
towns. Mr. Parker was retained by Mr. Goodwin,
and was successful in the superior and supreme
courts, but later an attempt was made to procure
the passage of an act through the Legislature au-
thorizing the town of East Hartford to pay the
order, and Mr. Parker appearing before that body,
conducted the case to a successful issue.
Mr. Parker was married, Dec. 9, 1891, to ^Irs.
Adelaide (Leeds) Fowler, of New London; they
have no children.
F. WILLSOX ROGERS, Hartford, State Man-
ager of the Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Com-
panv, of Springfield, Mass., is a native of Connec-
tictit, born Dec. 11, 1851, in the city of Hartford.
William Rogers, his father, was born in Hart-
ford, May 13, 1801, a son of Asa, who was born in
New Salem, Conn., in 1756, and came to Hartford
about 1801, following famiing there. He married
248
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hannah Harris, and had a family of eight children,
all now deceased. William was reared on the home
farm, and when old enough commenced to learn the
trade of a jeweler, afterward carrying on that line
cf business in partnership with Joseph Church, the
firm being organized in 1825, and their store located
on Ferry street, Hartford. At the end of ten years
the copartnership was dissolved, Mr. Rogers remov-
ing to No. 6 State and continuing the business until
1862, in which year he sold out to his son, William
Rogers, Jr.
While in business on State street he experi-
mented in silver plating, and he was the first to put
the process of electroplating into practical and com-
mercial use. Through his individual skill and abil-
ity the art was perfected. In fact, he was the first
to manufacture plated ware in this country, and the
first to apply for a patent on sectional plate. He
carried on the silver-plating industry alone until
1847, ill which year was organized the celebrated
firm of Roger Bros., which still enjoys a world-
wide reputation. In course of time they occupied
the old jail building as a factory, on Pearl street,
later building where now stands the factory of the
Jewel Belting Co. Here they continued up to 1862,
at which time they closed out, and made a contract
with the Meriden Brittania Co., to manufacture
their goods under a royalty, William Rogers filling
the position of superintendent of that department
to his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was
aged seventy-three years. This factory employs a
force of 1,000 men.
In 1828 William Rogers was married to Parthe-
nia Tyler, who died Jan. 3, 1831, without issue. On
Dec. 7, 1831, he was married to Nancy Wilson, who
was born at Golden Bridge, N. Y., a daughter of
Nehemiah Wilson. To this union were born eight
children, seven of whom are living : Ellen F., wife
of John H. Brace, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; Lucy W.,
widow of the late Dennis Sage, of East Milton,
Mass. ; Mary E., wife of James S. Belden, of Hart-
ford, Conn. ; Sarah A., married to Joseph A. Wool-
ley, of Hartford, Conn. ; Georgina C, wife of Isaac
H. Coe, of Hartford; Isabella J., wife of Stephen
Raymond, of Rochester, N. Y. ; and F. Willson,
mentioned below. The mother of these died in
1876, at the age of sixty-five years. The parents
were both members of the M. E. Church, and for
many years the father was superintendent of the
Sunday-school of that denomination in Hartford.
F. Willson Rogers, who is now the only male
representative of the old-time house of Rogers Bros.,
received his education at the common and high
schools of Hartford, after which he served an ap-
prenticeship to the trade of jeweler with Ira H.
Town, at Montpelier, A't., at the end of four years
returnng to Hartford. Here for two and one-half
years he was in the employ of C. H. Case, jeweler,
then embarking in the silverware business, being sec-
retary and director of the William Rogers Manufac-
turing Co. for twelve years. Mr. Rogers then en-
tered the insurance business as solicitor, working
his way up to the position of general manager of
Connecticut, for the Massachusetts Mutual Insur-
an.ce Co., of Springfield, Alass., having charge of all
agents in that State.
On Dec. 31, 1879, F. Willson Rogers was united
in marriage with Lizzie E. Haff, who was born in
New London, Conn., a daughter of the late Joel
Hafif, a well-knov/n hatter of Hartford, where he died
in 1886, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Haff
married Elizabeth Marble, of East Hartford, and
they had two children, Lizzie E. (Mrs. F. W.
Rogers) ; and Joel P., also a resident of Hartford.
The mother died in 1880 at the age of fifty-eight
}^ears. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been born
four children, Erie, Harold, William I., and Grace I.
In politics Mr. Rogers is a Repubhcan; socially
he is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. &
A. M., of Hartford, in which he has held all the
offices, being now past master ; also a member of the
Masonic Club, and is a member of the Royal Ar-
canum, having been secretary of that society some
four and one-half years. At one time he was a di-
rector in the Rogers Manufacturing Co. The fam-
ily attend the services of the Baptist Church. Taken
ail in all, Mr. Rogers is one of the busiest men in
Hartford, and one of the most highly respected cit-
izens of the county, a worthy son of a worthy
father.
HON. ELISHA NILES WELCH, late of For-
estville, in the town of Bristol, in which he passed
sixty years of a most active, useful and successful
business life, was one of the foremost manufactur-
ers in New England.
Mr. Welch was born Feb. 7, 1809, in East Hamp-
ton Society or Parish, of the town of Chatham,
Conn., son of sturdy New England people who
reared a number of children to become useful men
and women, several of the sons becoming eminent
business men, whose careers reflected great credit
to the name they bore. One of these, the late Hon.
Harmanus M. Welch, was one of New Haven's fore-
most citizens and business men, a man of great
force of character, who achieved honor and amassed
over a million dollars.
During our subject's boyhood his father's fam-
ily removed to Bristol, where the father became en-
gaged in the foundry business, and with him young
Elisha worked until reaching his majority. This
happened on a Sabbath, and the following Monday
his career as a business man on his own account
began, as an associate with his father. The output
of the foundry was chiefly clock weights, and not
very extensive either, the business laeing hardly
large enougdi to entitle it to the term. Their facili-
ties were exceedingly limited. The blast for their
cupola was produced b}^ an ordinary blacksmith's
bellows, v/orked by hand, and the cupola itself is
still humorously spoken of by the old residents of
Bristol as a "porridge pot." The weights were sold
£7fa.iif£^ G^a^Z/utms c -
&: . / :'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
249
1o clockmakers, and payment takun in finished
clocks, wliich were disposed of to snch cnstomers
as tlicv coukl find, some of them being; carried to
Philadelphia by the junior member of the firm. ( )ld
iron was not infrequently taken in exchange. Such
was the beginning of the boy, Elislia N. Welch,
seventy years ago. Starting in this humble way, but
imbued with a laudable ambition for a successful
business career, the young man applied himself, and
.as the years came and went the business grew, other
branches being added to it, until he was on the high-
way to success and fame, reaching that goal which
so many strive for but fall short of.
As the years sped on changes came, the father
dropped out and others came in. For many years, as
a partner in the foundry and machine business, our
subject had associated with him the late Harvey
Gray, and as a firm these gentlemen did much work
for the Bristol Copper IVlining Co. ]\Ir. Welch
Avithdrew from the business about 1856, Mr. Gray
•continuing to carry it on until he was burned out,
a year or two later. As a result of the panic of
1857 the clock business of J- C. Brown, at Forest-
ville, came into the hands of ]\Ir. ^^'elch, who had
previously, in 1854, bought the home of Elisha Man-
ross, and earlier than that his factory, also. He now
became a resident of that village, and organized the
E. N. Welch Manufacturing Co., of which he him-
self was made president. Under his leadership the
business was pushed vigorously, and the company
went on, with a constantly increasing volume of
business, without any material changes except in
connection with the firm of Welch, Spring & Co.,
until 1881, when a brick factoty building was erected
on the opposite side of the street from the old
Brown shops, 40x110 feet, and two stories high,
which is known as the brick "movement shop."
It is occupied in the manufacture of the finer grades
of movements which the company produces, both
marine and pendulum. The entire plant of the
company now includes five separate factories, at the
village of Forestville. This company has had a most
successful career, and is to-day one of the largest
clock concerns in the country. Mr. Welch remained
its president until his death.
Mr. Welch also founded, in 1850, the Bristol
Brass & Clock Co., which, too, has been a great
financial success. Of this company he became presi-
dent in 185 1, and so remained until his death. In
1857 the company purchased its silver department,
succeeding the Holmes S: Tuttle Manufacturing-
Co., and in 1868 its lamp department, succeeding
George W. Brown .& Co. The branches of the
company's business are : A rolling-mill for the man-
ufacture of sheet brass, located between Bristol &
Forestville: a lamp burner factory at Forestville;
and a spoon and fork factory at Bristol.
]Mr. -Welch was also the principal stockholder in
the Bristol ^Manufacturing Co., which was one of
■the oldest establishments in Biristol, organized in
1837, for the manufacture of satinet. Later the
company was reorganized, and its attention given
to making knit underwear, in whicli it has ever
since been successfully engaged. Of this concern
Mr. \\'elch was president at the time of iiis death,
and for many years before. Besides being jiresident
and the leading spirit in these three large institu-
tions Mr. Welch was a large stockliokler in manu-
facturing establishments in Waterbury, Xew
Britain, Plainville and other places. He was also
one of the five stockholders of the First National
Bank in Xew Haven, of which his brother, Hon.
FI. M. ^^"elch, was president, each of the five stock-
holders putting in $50,000 at the organization of the
bank. Mr. Welch was also a director in the Bristol
National Bank, and in the Travelers and National
Insurance Cos. of Flartford. He held stock in Mon-
tana mines. His financial success was very great,
his estate at the time of his death being estimated
at three millions of dollars.
Mr. Welch was a man of great industry and
business sagacity. His was a steadfast course. He
chose his life work, and the principles that were
to guide it. then adhered to them with undeviating
tenacity. The same was true of his religious life.
While vet a young man he made up his mind that
he must live in relations of filial oI)edience toward
God, and this was the beginning of his religious
experience. He took his position fairly, openly, and
before men, casting his lot with the people of God,
and never swerved from his position. It was this
fixedness of purpose in a chosen course that as much
as anything contributed to his great success. He
had almost superhuman energy, with which he mas-
tered the vast details of an extensive business, keep-
ing all well in hand, in spite of disease and the in-
firmities of age, up to the very morning of the day
on which he died.
The heights by great men won and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight;
But they while their companions slept
Were toiling upward in the night.
Steadv work has in it an element of self-denial;
that sturdy virtue that puts aside to learn that it may
grasp the greater good; that says No! to the crav-
ings of appetite and the pleadings of ease and in-
dulgence, that it may carry out the higher behests of
the soul.
Mr. Welch reared monuments to his life work
in and about the town of his adoption, raised the
town to a high rank, doubled it in value of its pro-
ductive industries by the impetus given to its half-
score of industries, and made possible the score of
comfortable homes surrounding them. The hand
that so wrought was no feeble hand. During the
sixty years of his active, busy aud useful life in
Bris'toi j\Ir. Welch made his forceful character fe'.t,
and left his impress upon the community.
J\Ir. Welch's religious affiliations were with the
Baptist Church at Biristol, of which church he was
a liberal supporter, aiding greatly in the building of
the new church edifice. Politically he was a Demo-
250
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
crat, and he took an active interest in political and
public affairs. He represented the town in the
Legislature in 1863, and again in 1881, and in 1883
and 1884 was in the Senate from the Fourth Dis-
trict.
In 1829 Mr. Welch was married to Miss Jane
Bulkley, of Bristol. She died in 1873, and he was
later married to Mrs. Sophia F. Knowles, of Canan-
daigua, N. Y. His children were : Mrs. Frederick
Stanley, of New Britain, now deceased ; Drusilla,
who married George H. Mitchell, of Bristol ; Helen
M., who married Andrew F. Atkins, of Bristol ; and
James H. Welch, born in 1840, who succeeded his
father to the presidency of the E. N. Welch Manu-
facturing Co., and has since sustained such rela-
tions to the company, and is also president of the
Bristol Brass & Clock Co. Elisha N. Welch died at
his home in Forestville in August, 1887.
ANDREW FULLER ATKINS, whose death
occurred May 9, 1893, at his Hartford home, was
for many years one of Bristol's foremost citizens and
business men, a man, too, that was beloved by a wide
acquaintance, and whose loss seemed an irreparable
one to the community in which he had been so uni-
versally esteemed and respected.
From the inscriptions on the family monument
in West cemetery, Bristol, it is learned that Rev.
Irenus Atkins was born Nov. 15, 1792, and died
April 19, 1882; and that Eunice Beckwith, his wife,
was born Feb. 20, 1791, and died Feb. 25, 1877.
These were the parents of our subject. While Rev.
Mr. Atkins was a regularly ordained minister, and
served as the regular pastor for a period of the
Baptist Church in Southington, Conn., and preached
more or less through life, he was a business man and
manufacturer of Bristol for many j'ears, a man, too,
of considerable force of character, and a useful citi-
zen, and both he and his wife were hig-hly respected
members of society. The manufacturing company
of which Rev. Mr. Atkins was a member kept a gen-
eral store in Bristol, and he was in charge of it.
Andrew F. Atkins was born Oct. 28, 1828, in
the town of Bristol, where, and at Southington, his
boyhood was passe'd. He attended the common
schools of those towns, and for a period the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, at Suffield. After leav-
ing school he went into the store with his father,
in Bristol, and soon showed a fondness for business
and developed an ability that became more marked
as opportunities enlarged. From the very start,
such was his engaging manner and courtesy, he won
the esteem and friendship of all with whom he had
to deal. In 185 1 Mr. Atkins left the business of
his father to enter upon the duties of secretary and
treasurer of the Bristol Brass & Clock Co., an office
to which he had been chosen Dec. 27, of that year,
and one which he filled with marked ability and
great acceptance tmtil his death — a period of forty
and more years ; on the death of E. N. Welch, in
1887, he succeeded to the presidency, and continued
therein up to the time of his death. Their works-
were, perhaps, the most extensive in this section.
The branches of the business were a rolling mill for
the manufacture of sheet brass, located between
Bristol and Forestville; a lamp burner factory at
Forestville ; and a spoon and fork factory at Bristol.
The management of these three large branches of
business involved no small amount of labor on the
part of Mr. Atkins. The concern prospered under
his administration. Mr. Atkins on the death of E.
N. Welch was trustee of that gentleman's large es-
tate. Mr. Atkins possessed excellent abilitv and
sound judgment, and his foresight and enterprise
were often displayed in his busmess career. Person-
ally he was a genial, whole-souled fellow, a man
whom everybody liked and respected. The poorest
shophand in his employ was certain that he had a
friend in the president of the company, who had the
happy faculty of putting everybody about him and
the works at ease. He was a man, too, of decided
views, yet tolerant and kindly in his judgment of
others. He had no taste for public life, never seeking
office or notoriety, or distinction of any kind. He was
both enterprising and public-spirited, and ever mani-
fested a deep interest in the welfare of Bristol.
"Brightwood," his delightful summer home in Bris-
tol, stands as a monument to liis taste and public
spirit. He also had a residence in Hartford, where
he made his winter home.
Mr. Atkin's religious affiliations were with the
Baptist Church of Bristol, of which he had been
an influential member since 1850. He was a true
man, manly in the whole tone and fibre of his
character, one whose integrity, honesty, charity and
patience were great. He was manly in his bearing,
in his deportment, and in the sentiments which he
cherished. His character and life were such as to
bear the closest inspection.
On May 6, 1849, Mr. Atkins was married to
Helen M. Welch, daughter of the late Hon. Elisha
N. Welch, of Bristol, who, with one daughter, sur-
vives him.
MAJOR WILLIAM J. WOOD (deceased) in
his day was one of the most progressive citizens of
Hartford, of which city he was a resident from
1873 until his death, Oct. 25, 1885. A native of
New Jersey, born March 28, 1836, in Rockaway,
Morris county, he was a son of Freeman and i\Iary
Burwell (Jackson) Wood, the former of whom was
a prominent iron manufacturer of Rockaway.
Mr. Wood received a preparatory education at
Flushing, Long Island, and was graduated from
Princeton College in 1856. He then took up the
study of law, was admitted to the Bar, June 9,
1859, and practiced in New Jersey, until 1862, in
which year he served in the State Legislature. In
1863 Mr. Wood enlisted in the Union army, serving
in various capacities throughout the war, with
marked ability, both on Gen. Gilmore's staff and
as disbursing officer at Hilton Head, South Caro-
AHDREW F. ATKIHS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
251
lina. He was subsequently stationed at Hartford
and Boston for the payment of discharj^cd New
England volunteers. At the close of the struggle,
in 1865, he entered the iron business in Troy,
N. Y., in connection with Corning, Winslow &
Co., and two years later was appointed vice-presi-
dent and manager of the Collins Company at Col-
linsville. Conn. While with the firm in Troy he,
in company with Alexander Hollcy and others, was
instrumental in introducing the Bessenier steel rails
for railro'ad use. In 1884, bn the death of E. B.
Watkinson, Mr. Wood was made president of the
Collins' Company, and continued in that position
until his death. Before closing his business record
it should be mentioned here that at one time he was
cashier of the Iron Bank of Rockaway, N. J., and
in 1859 served as clerk of that town.
In 1873 Mr. Wood moved to Hartford, and
passed the rest of his life there, at his home No.
675 Asylum avenue. He filled many offices of
trust in the city, among them being those of presi-
dent of the Connecticut Trust & Safe Deposit Co. ;
director of the National Exchange Bank; of the
Connecticut Fire Insurance Co. ; of the American
School for the Deaf, and vice- president of the Hart-
ford Library Asociation. In addition to his varied
engagements he yet found time to aid in the re-
ligious and social development of the community,
was a member of Asylum Hill Congregational
Church, and by his kindness of heart, and ofttimes
opportune advice, exerted a great influence over the
young men with whom he came in contact. His
fidelity to all the trusts imposed upon him, together
with hard work and indefatigable zeal in everything
he undertook, no doubt hastened the illness which
cut off in the prime of life a man of sterling prin-
ciple, and highly respected by all. In politics he took
great interest, and was a close frieud of Gen. Haw-
ley. In art, and in the development of the iron
and steel industry, he was deeply interested, and
one of the best metallurgists in this section, often
being quoted as an authority, and was about to
publish a work on the subject at the time of his
death.
In 1866, Mr. Wood married Frances P. Howe,
daughter of Edmund G. Howe, for many years a
prominent resident of Hartford, and at one time
president of the National Exchange Bank. Major
Wood's wife and one daughter survive him.
SYLVESTER WOODHOUSE (deceased),
who during life was one of the best known citizens
of Wethersfield and a prominent business man, was
born on the old Woodhouse homestead in that town,
and baptized in the Congregational Church March
23, 1794. His parents were Samuel and Abigail
(Goodrich) Woodhouse. [Further mention of the
family is given in the sketch of Samuel Woodhouse,
elsewhere.]
In his native town Sylvester Woodhouse grew
to manhood, and in early life aided his father in the
o])cralion of ilie home farm. He was a self-edu-
cated man, one who through his own eft'orts ob-
tained a good practical knowledge of men and
affairs. He became extensively interested in the
produce business, shijjping and carrying produce
to New York and other markets, and in that under-
taking was emincntl)- successful. Endowed by
nature with a sound judgment and an accurate dis-
criminating mind, he feared not that laborious atten-
tion to the details of business so necessary to achieve
success, and .this essential quality was ever guided
by a sense of moral right which would tolerate the
employment only of those means that would bear
the most rigid examination, by a fairness of inten-
tion that neither sought nor required disguise. Jn
daily life and action he was ever genial and affable,
and made many warm friends. Politically he was a
Whig. He died in Wethersfield, Aug. 27, 1838,
and there his remains were interred.
On Jan. 31, 1819. Mr. Woodhouse was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Harris, who was born D(.c.
^Si 1797, and died in Wethersfield in November,
1828. Five children were born of this union: (i)
Charlotte was married, Dec. 24, 1845, to Winthrop
Buck, of Wethersfield, and died Jan. 15, 1896. (2)
Sarah Harris lives on the old homestead in Wethers-
field. (3) Celia M. married (first) a Mr. Watson,
and (second) a Mr. English. (4) Delia resides with
her sister on the old homestead. (5) Jane is the wife
of Z. B. Brockway, of Elmira, New York.
The Harris family was founded in Wethersfield
by Thomas Harris, who, it is believed, sailed from
New London, Conn., with his brother, John, and
landed at Middletown, where they traded their boat
for land in Wethersfield. They located on what is
now known as Harris Hill. Thomas was married
Dec. 28, 1729, to Ann Nott, who was born July 29,
1699, a daughter of John and Patience (Miller)
Nott. Their son, Thomas Harris, was born in
Wethersfield May 7, 1742, and there engaged in
farming throughout his active business life. He
died Dec. 27, 1774, and was buried in Wethersfield
cemetery. On July 26, 1770, he married Abigail
Robbins, who was born April 29, 1749, a daughter
of Joshua and Mary (Welles) Robbins. She was
again married, March 25, 1778, her second husband
being Dr. Josiah Hart, who was graduated from
Yale College in 1762, and was a surgeon in the Rev-
olutionary war. She died Aug. 8, 1796, and the
Doctor afterward removed to Marietta, Ohio, where
he died in August, 1812. Thomas Harris, a son of
Thomas and Abigail (Robbins) Harris, was born
Feb. 8, 1 77 1, and throughout life engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits upon the home farm, where he
died Feb. 2, 1829. He was one of the prominent
citizens of the community in which he lived, and was
highly respected by all who knew him. On Feb.
8, 1797, he was married in Wethersfield to Sarah
Crane, a daughter of Hezekiah and Mary (Dix)
Crane. She was born May 7, 1772, and died Feb. 7,
1829, her remains being interred with her husband's
252
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the old cemetery of Wethersfield. Their daugh-
ter Sarah, born Dec. 25, 1797, was married Jan. 21,
1819, to Sylvester Woodhciise, our subject, as al-
ready related.
RUFUS RISING (deceased) was for many
years a leading agriculturist of West Suffield, Hart-
ford county, and by his high character and upright
life won the lasting esteem of all who knew him.
Mr. Rising was born Sept. 11, 1797, in that lo-
cality, and belonged to one of the honored pioneer
families of the town, being a lineal descendant of
James Rising", a native of London, England, born
about 1617, who came to America at the age of
eighteen, locating in 1635 in Massachusetts. In
1646 this worthy pioneer was enrolled as a student
in Harvard College, and after his marriage, in 1657,
to Elizabeth Hinsdale, of Medfield, Mass., a daughter
of Robert Hinsdale, he made a trip to the Bermuda
Islands. After a brief stay he returned to Massa-
chusetts and settled at Salem, in 1668 coming to
Windsor, this county, and in 1679 making his per-
manent home upon a farm in Suffield, where he died
in 1688. His first wife died in Windsor in 1669,
and in 1673 he married INIartha Bartlett, a widow,
who died in 1674. He had two sons, John and
James, the latter dying unmarried.
John Rising resided upon a farm on High street,
Suffield, was a prominent citizen in his day, and died
Dec. II, 1720. By his two marriages he became the
father of eighteen children, his descendants being
now numerous in Sufiield.
Samuel Rising, the father of our subject, was a
native of West Suiifield, and became a prosperous
farmer there. As a citizen he was highly respected,
and for many years he and his estimable wife, Sarah
King, were active members of the Baptist Church
at Zion's Hill, their remains being now at rest in the
cemetery adjoining that church. They had eight
children: King, Aretus, Rufus, Lester, Henry, Em-
aline (who married David Phelon), Alvin and
David.
Our subject received a district-school education
in his youth, and was reared to farm life, much of
his time in boyhood being spent at the home of
Jonathan Pomeroy, of Suffield. As a 3roung man
he took charge of his father's old homestead, a fine
farm of ninety acres, which he operated until his
death. He was successful in his management, being
industrious and thrifty, and acquired a comfortable
competence. While he at no time sought political
prominence, he took an intelligent interest in the
■questions of the time, first as a Whig and later as a
Republican. In religious belief he was broad-
minded and liberal, and in his daily life he showed
moderation and self-control, being strictly temper-
ate from boyhood. His death occurred April 6,
1876, at the homestead, and was regarded as a loss
throughout the community. He married Miss Se-
lucia Phelon, daughter of Isaac Phelon, and she sur-
vived him but a few years, dying in 1884, both
being buried in West Suffield. Mrs. Rising was a
devout member of the Baptist Church, and the mem-
ory of her useful life and Christian influence will
long be cherished. Their only child. Miss Lucia
Al. Rising, still resides at the homestead, and her
culture and refinement make her a favorite in a
select social circle. Her kindliness of heart is man-
ifested in her wide, though unostentatious, char-
ities, her abundant means enabling her to follow
her generous impulses when a case of need comes
to her notice.
NOAH POMEROY (deceased) was born in
Somers, Conn., Dec. 20, 1819, and died in San
Francisco, Cal., June 9, 1896, but "To live in hearts
we leave behind is not to die," and such a man was
Noah Pomeroy, whose well-spent life and manly
character of themselves erected to his memory a
monument of love perpetual.
Mr. Pomeroy descended from a line of ances-
try equal in every respect to that of any family in
New England, and was of the sixth generation from
Eltweed Pomeroy, who came from England to
America in 1630, under the auspices of Gov. Win-
throp, and landed at Nantucket, Mass., in March,
but soon removed to Dorchester, where he at once
took part in public affairs. On Oct. 22, 1633, when
the town government was established, he was se-
lected chairman of the board. In 1638, with his
family and many others from England, Eltweed
Pomeroy removed to Windsor, Conn., where he
owned two houses — one on the Palisade and one on
the Sandbank road.
Joseph Pomeroy, born 1652, the twelfth child of
Eltweed, and great-great-grandfather of .Noah, our
subject, was one of the eight original owners of
Colchester, Conn., under grant from the Crown.
He was a farmer, contractor and builder, and a
man of affairs generally. He married Hannah
Lyman, daug*hter of Richard Lyman, of Northamp-
ton, Massachusetts.
Noah Pomeroy, great-grandfather of our subject,
was the twelfth child, born to Joseph, had his first
residence in Coventry, Conn., and moved to Somers
in 1752, when he was fifty-two years old. He was
a farmer, and owned much land in the eastern part
of the town, most of which is still in the possession
of the Pomeroy family. He married Elizabeth
Sterling, of Lyme, Conn., and the remains of both
lie interred in the old Center (or North) cemetery
at Somers.
John Pomeroy, grandfather of our subject, was
a farmer in Somers.
Hiram Pomeroy, father of our subject, was also
a farmer of Somers, a distiller, and a manufacturer
of barrels, and did a very large business, as is
shown by his voluminous account books. He owned
the first pleasure carriage in Somers, and was re-
garded as a man of substance and of excellent
judgment, but of few words.
Noah Pomeroy, the subject proper of this
f/X^ /^:><^^^^u?^^^--^>'-z^j
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
258
lueiiioir, was the twelfth in a family of thirteen
chiklren — seven suns and six daughters — Itwelve
of whom reached years of maturity, lie located in
Bristol, Conn., early in the 'forties, and for a while
worked for his brother, Chauncey Pomeroy, in
Forestville, and afterward in different shops in
Bristol. In 1849 he purchased the Chauncey Ives
property, in Bristol, commenced business for him-
self, and conicinued therein until Nov. 20, 1878,
when he sold out to Jri. C. Thompson, and in 1889
disposed • of all his Bristol property to the same
gentleman. He had already purchased a residence
in the city of Hartford, in 1865, and made his home
there that year. In 1844 he married Jane Parker,
who survives him, and they had a happy married
life of fifty-two years.
Levi Parker, Airs. Pomeroy"s father, was a na-
tive of the town of Wolcott, New Haven county,
and spent his entire life in that county and Hartford,
being a merchant by occupation. He died about
1836, at the age of about forty years. jNIr. Parker
married Miss Polly Peck, a native of the town of
Burlington, Plartford county, and she survived him
many years, dying in 1894, at the home of her
daughter, in Hartford, aged ninety years. They
had but two children: Jane (Mrs. Pomeroy), and
George H. The father was a Freemason. George
H. Parker became a manufacturer, and for a few
years was a partner of Noah Pomero}- in the manu-
facture of clocks in Bristol. But after a few years
he retired, and later moved to California, where he
died in 1894, a man of wealth. His death was the
result of an injury.
I\Ir. Pomeroy's home was his refuge and his
haven of rest. He did not care to leave it for
public duties or for the applause of his fellow citi-
zens, but was well infonned on all public affairs,
and performed the duties of citizenship with the
conscientious feeling which pervaded all his actions.
His name was a s}'nonym of honest}-, well known to
all men w-ith whom he had dealings. He regarded
his word as sacred as his bond, and, with the same
exaction that he demanded that which was his, he
freely accorded what belonged to others. His kind-
ness toward his employes was most marked, and the
tributes of those who were associated with him
as fellow laborers and employes through many years
are freely given. He valued his good name and
that of his wife, and, rather to defend this than to
obtain iinancial results from a lawsuit into which he
was cruelly drawn, he conscientiously crossed the
continent to remove the wicked aspersions thrown
against him.
Mr. Pomeroy was a generous giver, which fact
was known only to those who were the recipients
of his many favors, excepting through other sources
than himself. His name never headed subscrip-
tion lists, nor was it quoted among those who were
public givers. In his giving it could be well saia
that "his right hand knew not what his left hand
did."' No impecunious and worthy relative who
needed his aid, or faithful employe, or meriting ser-
vant, or deserving friend, or suffering unfortunate
one, appealed to him in vain, and many were his
benefactions to those of which the world at large
knew not. His domestic life was the highest type
of marital relation. After a half century of assu-
ciatiun with his faithful wife his interest in her
health and happiness was most manfest on every oc-
casion, and the little courtesies of life, so frequently
overlooked in the advanced years of manhood, were
as ever present in him as in the lover. His love
was fully reciprocated by his devoted helpmate,
whose ministrations to his comfort knew no lagging,
and her watchfulness of his health, enfeebled
through many years, ceased only when human hands
could do no more. He bore his ill health uncom-
plainingly, and died as he lived, a quiet and peace-
ful man, and his life drifted out as the candle sinks
dimly and slowly in the socket.
A strange Providence took Mr. Pomeroy far
from home, to die amid strangers, and even amung
them, during his brief sickness, his gentle and un-
complaining ways attracted friends to him. His
remains, borne back across the continent to the hpme
of his boyhood, manhood and old age, were placid
at rest in the beautiful city of the dead at Hartford,
covered with flowers of aff'ection, contributed by
kind friends and neighbors and those who knew
him best, and in a quiet and simple manner, con-
genial to his tastes.
In politics Noah Pomeroy was a strong Repub-
lican, and much interested in the success of his party.
Educational matters absorbed much of his atten-
tion, particularly the educating of the colored people
of the South. He was an unusually thoughtful
man, and, like his father, a "man of excellent judg-
ment and few words." It w-as a favorite saying
with him that one would never be sorry "for what
he had not said," and he measured the full force
and eft'ect of his every utterance. He was a great
lover of books, especially biographical and histor-
ical works, and an admirer of the artistic, which he
was capable of appreciating in all things. Thus
lived and died a devoted husband and exemplarv
citizen, and a man who made the world better for
having lived in it.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Pomeroy has
continued to make her home in Hartford. She is a
woman -remarkabl\- well preserved, both mentally
and physically, and manages all her own business
affairs with a skill and shrewdness not excelled by
a man. She is generous, hospitable and sociable,
and enjoys the highest esteem of her many friends.
HON. LEWIS G. ENO, Representative from
the Simsbury District in the Connecticut General
Assembly of 1899, is a member of one of the most
prominent families of the town, was born March
2T„ 1 85 1, and is a son of Chancey E. and Harriet
254
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Goodwin) Eno, of whom a biography is given else-
where. ]SIatemally he traces his descent direct from
■Ozias Goodwin, one of the first settlers of Hartford,
Conn., the line being as follows :
Ozias Goodwin was born in England in 1596,
and married Mary Woodward. William, son of
Ozias, was also born in England, the date being
1629. Nathaniel, son of William, came to America
with his parents in the ship "Susanna;" he
marred Mehitable Porter Stephen, son of Na-
thaniel, was born in 1701, and married June
27, 1727, Sarah Gillett. Joseph, son of Ste-
phen, was born Dec. 28, 1736, and married Rosanna
Gillett. James, son of Joseph, was born Jan. 25,
1777, and married Candace Bird, who was born in
Simsbury, Conn, June 26, 1783, and was a daugh-
ter of Dr. Jonathan and Amy (Humphrey) Bird,
tlie former of whom was a surgeon in the Revolu-
tionary army ; James Goodwin was a farmer in the
town of Simsbury, and in 1819 served in the State
Legislature; he died Oct. 17, 1828, his widow on
Majr 16, 1864. The children of James and Candace
Goodwin were as follows : Candace Fanny, born
Feb. 22, 1803, died March i, 1804; Fanny Rosanna,
born June 25, 1804, married a Mr. Kingsbury, a
I'resbyterian minister, who was stationed at Dan-
ville, 111., for a number of years ; Edward Bird, born
Oct. 2, 1811, married Flora Case; Helen May, born
July 6, 1815, died unmarried Aug. 13, 1842; Har-
riet, our subject's mother, was born Feb. 19, 1821;
and Sarah C, born Feb. 14, 1824, married Oct. 29,
1845, Salmon Chester Eno.
Lewis G. Eno was educated in the district schools
of his native town and of Winchester, also at Wil-
braham Academy and at the Connecticut Literary
Institute, at Suffield. He was reared to manhood
on his father's farm, attending school in the winter
seasons, and working hard in the summer time.
He has resided in Simsbury all his life. His mar-
riage took place in June, 1879, to Miss Anna Brad-
ley, a daughter of Justin and Caroline (Humphrey)
Bradley, and three children have been born to them,
the eldest of whom, Annette, died when five years
old, and Caroline and Harriet are still under the
parental roof. His wife and daughters are mem-
loers of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Eno be-
longing to the Home and Foreign Missionary So-
cieties.
For a number of years prior to 1898 Mr. Eno
had charge of the estate and country home of the
late millionaire, Amos R. Eno, at Simsbury, and
since that date has been superintendent of the farm-
ing interests attached to the estate of that gentleman,
proving a painstaking and competent steward.
In politics Mr. Eno has ever been a stanch Re-
publican, and he has worked hard for the triumph
of his party at the polls. The esteem in which he
is held was made manifest in the remarkable vote
by which he was elected, without solicitation on his
part, to the State Legislature, in which body he is
a member of the committee on Roads, Rivers and
Bridges. He is unostentatious, but an agreeable
companion, and has hosts of friends all over the
county.
JAMES CORBIN JACKSON, M. D., whose
death ocurred in 1882, had been for many years a
conspicuous character in the profession at Hartford.
He for a longer period, and, perhaps, with greater
zeal, had devoted himself to the renovation of the
State Medical Society than any of his contempora-
ries.
Dr. Jackson was born Aug. 22, 1818, at Cornish,
N. H., son of Elizuer and Lois (Corbin) Jackson.
An acquaintance in "Alen and Events" thus referred
to his life:
"He was a most enjoyable man, always in good
spirits, with an undercurrent of humor, quaintness
and brusqueness of speech which at once attracted
the attention of his listeners. Whoever came in
contact with him was put at ease by his cordial man-
ner and his readiness to engage in conversation upon
any subject, either of special or general interest.
Apparently he was never in a hurry, always ready
to stop on the street to talk with a friend, often at
the expense of punctuality, the risk of a late dinner,
and work to be continued well into the night. Dr.
Jackson came to this city soon after the formation
of our society, and after the fees had been raised
from seventy-five cents to a dollar a visit. This
act, although just on account of the increased ex-
pense of living, was unpopular, and many endeav-
ored to prevent newcomers from joining the soci-
ety and adopting its fees. But he, in accordance
with his usual good sense and judgment, cast his
lot with his fellows, who were endeavoring to ele-
vate the standard of the profession. We always
expected to see him at our society gatherings, and
he often took part in its literary exercises, and was
among the foremost in promoting its social side.
As a speaker, he was deliberate, his methods were
logical, and his conclusions forcible. In him we
had a good representative to the State Society. He
was treasurer from 1863 to 1876, having taken the
position when the accounts were in a most disorderly
state and the publications were of very little value.
The des.rability of the continuance of the society
was by some a question. Dr. Jackson recognized the
condition of affairs, and entered upon the task of
improving this state of things with all tl\e earn-
estness he possessed. He insisted upon the collec-
tion of taxes ; labored to obtain more papers to be
read at the annual meetings ; he inspired new in-
terest among its members, and by his efforts brought
a balance to the treasury, and helped to make the
publications worthy of the society. The most im-
portant paper which he published had for its sub-
ject, 'Logic Applied to Medical Science.' It was
prepared with great care, was full of thought and
suggestions. He urged that the reasoning faculties
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
255
shduld be used in all the departments of medicine,
and that sufficient data sliuuld be obtained before
the drawing of conclusions.
'"Dr. Jackson had a very large practice, and at
-one time did more obstetrical work than any other
physician in the city. It has been said that his
active interest in politics during the war caused dis-
satisfaction among some of his patients, which led
them to leave him. However that may be, he al-
way retained a good practice. Pleasant in his
manner's and intelligent in his work, he received the
patronage of the public which he merited. His
medical associates always found him ready to lend
a hand, and give good advice after a deliberate con-
sideration of the facts. He was one of the early and
earnest workers in the Hartford Hospital. He
was shrewd in detecting those who entered its walls
at public expense without sufficient reason, as many
did after the war for the sake of obtaining a home.
It is related of him that while making the rounds of
the wards one day he found a man who often came
in for the simplest ailment, and would stay as long-
as possible. This time his trouble was a cold in
the head. The Doctor thought he had little reason
for being there, and said to the interne, T would put
an all consummate big blister on his stomach.' Upon
making his visits upon a subsequent day he noticed
the man, and asked him how he was getting along.
'All right,' said the man, 'but this is the first time
that I ever heard of blistering the oelly for a cold
in the head.'
■'Dr. Jackson was a public-spirited man, and
many important trusts were confided to him, in
which he served with fidelity and to the great satis-
faction of all interested. He was not a mere office
holder, but gave his time and best efforts to every
position which he accepted. He was useful all his
life, steadily and constantly occupied, trusted, re-
spected and honored by his fellow citizens."
On Dec. i8, 1878, Dr. Jackson wedded Helen
Lyman, daughter of Sylvester S. and Lucinda (Gay-
lord) Lyman, of Hartford. He died Feb. 7, 1882.
EDWARD O. ELMER, AI. D., a successful
physician of Hartford, was born July 2, 1867, in
West Hartford, and is a member of an old and
■ highly esteemed family of that locality.
Oliver S. Elmer, the grandfather of our subject,
was born in 1800, in West Hartford, and followed
fai"ming for many years, his death occurring there
in 1883. He married Mary Ann Welles, of West
Hartford, Connecticut.
Hiram Welles Elmer, father of our subject, was
torn in West Hartford in 1S35, and after receiving
a common-school education engaged in farming,
which he has continued in connection with other
interests. For twenty-six years he was employed
in the freight department of the New York & New
England railroad ; for five years by the New York,
New Haven & Hartford railroad ; and at present is
•with the Hartford Rubber Works Co. His patriot-
ism was shown by three years of service in the Civil
war, and he is a leading member of Robert O. Tyler
J'ost, i\o. 6, G. A. K., of Flartford. In April,
1858, he was married in West Hartford to Miss
Cynthia Elizabeth Tuttle, daughter of Elam Tuttlc,
and their home is at No. 61 brands avenue, Hart-
ford. They have had ten children : Herbert Tut-
tle, now employed in the New York & New Haven
freight office; George IL, who died at the age of
fourteen years ; Edward Oliver and Ella Mary,
twins, the latter of whom married Charles W. Elli-
son, of Bridgeport, Conn. ; Joseph O., a contractor
with Landers, Frary & Clark, of New Britain; Will-
iam Henry, who died at the age of seven years;
Alfred G., now employed by the Hartford Rubber
Works Co. ; Jennie G., a kindergarten teacher in
Hartford ; Emma B., at present studying music in
New York City ; and Walter F., with the Lion Fire
Insurance Co.
Dr. Edward O. Elmer received a common-school
education in Hartford, and is a graduate of the old
South school. When fifteen years old he was em-
ployed by Mr. Stoughton, a druggist of Parksville.
with whom he remained nine years, and during that
time he began the study of medicine. In 1894 he
was graduated from the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, in Baltimore, Md., and for four months
he was in practice in Bridgeport, with an office on
East Main street, but he now resides in Hartford,
at No. 805 Park street, and has a large general
practice in Parkville and Elmwood. He is a member
of the City, County and State Medical Societies,
and of the American Medical Association, and is
also identified with the N. E. O. P. and the Pilgrim
Fathers. Dr. Elmer was married in Hartford to
Miss Carrie Louise Rowley, daughter of \\'illiam
Rowley, a well-known resident of that city.
JOHN F. DO^^'LING, }>I. D. This well-known
ph}sician and surgeon of Hartford was born July
8, 1857, in Meriden, New Haven Co., Conn., son of
Peter Dowling.
The family is of Irish origin, and Dennis Dow-
ling, our subject's grandfather, was a native of
Maryborough, Queens County, Ireland, but spent
the last twenty }-ears of his life in America. By
occupation he was a farmer, and he passed away
in Aliddletown, Conn., at the advanced age of eighty-
seven years.
Peter Dowling, father of Dr. Dowling, was also
born in Queens County, Ireland, in 1830. He came
to America, in 1847, 3^"^ located at ^leriden, Conn.,
being one of the first Irish residents of that place.
He has been engaged in farming all his life, and
is much respected among the people of the town.
He is one of the oldest members of St. Rose's
Church, at Meriden. He was married, at Walling-
ford. Conn., to j\Iiss Elizabeth Moran, a native of
Westmeath, Ireland, who died March 17, 1886.
Thev had two children : John Francis and Eliza-
beth M.
256
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dr. John F. Dowling spent his early bo)'hood
days on the home farm in iVIeriden, Conn., while
attending the public schools and Meriden Academy.
He learned the silversmith's trade, and was em-
ployed by the Wilcox Silver Plate Co. several years,
but in 1884 went to Chicago, 111., where he studied
Latin and chemistry. In 1886 he went to Hart-
ford and began the study of medicine with Dr.
J. J. Morrissey, at No. 3(33^ Church street, and a
year later he entered the Cniversity of the City of
New York. He graduated from Long Island Col-
lege Hospital on March 13, 1890, and in April,
1890, he began practice in fhompsonville. Conn.,
meeting with success from the start. He was the
first health officer of the town of Enfield, under
the law requiring that such officers be physicians,
and his interest in local progress was shown by serv-
ice as a member of the school board of that town.
On Dec. i, 1895, he sold his practice to Dr. Rear-
don and removed to Hartford, buying the house
of Dr. Morrissey. Dr. Dowling is a member of the
City, County and State Medical Societies, and one
of the staff of St. Francis' Hospital, and fraternally
is connected with the Foresters, Knights of Co-
lumbus, and Ancient Order of Hibernians.
On April 14, 1896, the Doctor was married, at
Hazardville, Conn., to Miss Margaret J. Leary, a
graduate of the Normal School at New Britain, and
formerly principal of the grammar school in Thomp-
sonville. They have one son, Leo Jerome, born
Feb. 18, 1898.
JOHN BERNARD BOUCHER, :M. D., one of
Hartford's successful physicians, was born July 18,
1864, in East Windsor, Conn., son of John M.
Boucher.
The family is of French origin, but John M.
Boucher was born in County Cork, Ireland. He
came to America at the age of eighteen years, and
has since been engaged in farming and tobacco-
growing in East Windsor. In 1857 he was married
in Windsor Locks to Miss Mary Halloran, a native
of County Cork, Ireland, who died in 1889. Of
their eight children, ( i ) Ellen married the late John
Smyth, of Enfield, Conn., and had seven children,
six now living, Thomas, Henry, George, Francis,
Charles, Richard, and Raymond (deceased). (2)
Miss Joanna L. resides in East Windsor. (3)
Thomas Francis, who was formerly employed in the
State Arsenal at Hartford, died in April, 1897. (4)
John Bernard is mentioned more fully below. (5)
Richard P., who graduated from the Baltimore
Medical College in 1896, is now practicing in
Providence, R. I. (6) William Edward received the
degree of D. D. S. from the Baltimore College of
Dental Surgery, and is practicing in Hartford. (7)
James Joseph is studying medicine in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. (8) Fran-
cis is the station agent at Melrose, Connecticut.
John B. Boucher first attended school in East
Windsor, and at the age of fourteen entered the
high school in Enfield, Conn., where he completed
the course under Prof. Cooley. JrLavmg learned te-
legraphy, he took a position as operator and statioix
agent at East Windsor, remaining three years, and
spent the next four years in similar work at l\Iel-
rose. Conn. He then went to Plainville, Conn., and
spent three months as ticket agent and operator,,
and six months as agent, after which he was em-
ployed by the Consolidated railroad, as a clerk in the
freight department of the terminal station in New
York City. His abilities won him speedy promo-
tion, and after seven months he became second
clerk in the office. In September, 1890, he entered,
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Balti-
more, where he completed the full graded course in
April, 1894, in a class of 106, receiving the second,
gold medal for highest standing in medical studies
throughout the four years. During the last year
he was assistant in the City Hospital, and after his
graduation he served three months as resident phy-
sician in the same hospital. On June i, 1894, Dr.
Boucher located in Hartford, where he has built up-
a large general practice, and his work as a surgeon
has won him a high reputation. In the summer of
1899 he visited Europe, and did post-graduate work,
in Berlin, Vienna, and Berne, Switzerland. He is
a surgeon on the staff of St. Francis Hospital,
Hartford, and an active member of the City, County^
and State Medical Societies, and of the American)
Medical Association. In June, 1898, he attended,
the meeting of the latter society in Denver, as a
delegate. Socially he is identified with Nutmeg,
Tent, No. 15, K. O. T. M. Dr. Boucher has re-
cently purchased the residence of ex-Mayor Will-
iam Waldo Hyde, on Charter Oak avenue, Hart-
ford, which he has had remodeled into a beautiful
home. It is adjacent to the Charter Oak Tree
Monument.
On June 20, 1900, the Doctor married Miss Marie
Louise Kennedy, of New Haven, Conn., daughter
of the late John J. Kennedy, ex-president of the-
Branford Lock Works.
WATSON GIDDINGS, the well-known car-
riage manufacturer of Bristol, was born on a farm,
in East Hartland, Hartford cotmty. Conn., April
4, 1830, of remote Scottish ancestry, and of New
England descent since 1635.
The name of Giddings, according to some au-
thors, is derived from Gideon, the Hebrew for
"brave soldier;" from Gideon, also, came Giddy,
Giddies, Gibbon, and Geddes. There are several
places in Scotland named after this family, as, for
instance, Geddeston, Geddes Hill, Geddeswell, etc.
The Geddes family, of Rachan, in Peebleshire, have
possessed their estate for 1,300 years, and the manor
of Geddings, which lies within the two parishes
of Broxbourne and Great Amwell, doubtless de-
rived its name from Edmund Geddings, who in
1334 was granted the right of Free Warren. There
are, in America, but few families of the name that
/^^fe^^
^^t'^C,^^'?^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
257
do not trace their line to tieorge antl Jane Gicklings,
descendants of tlie Scotch family named ahove, ancl
who came to this country in 1635. That (ieorge
Giddings was a man of means and ])osition is evi-
denced by the fact that he brought servants with
him. The record of the family in America will there-
fore run as follows :
(I) George and Jane (Tuttle) Giddings, aged
respectively twenty-five and twenty xears, came
trom England in 1635, and settled in the town of
lyswich, 'about twenty-five miles from Lioston,
Mass., with their three servants. There came with
them a companion, Sir Henry X'ane, the fourth
governor of Massachusetts, who in 1662 suffered
martyrdom for bis zeal in the cause of religion.
George Giddings was born in 1608, and died June
I, 1676, the father of eiglit children: Thomas, born
in 1638, first married Slary Goodhue; his second
wife was named Elizabeth. John, born in 1639, is
mentioned below. James, born in 1641, married
Elizabeth Andrews. Samuel, born in 1645, ^^^^ mar-
ried Hannah Martin ; his second wife was named
EHzabeth. Joseph Collins married Susannah Rindge.
Sarah. Mary married Samuel Pearce. George.
(II) John Giddings, who was born in 1639,
had a commonage granted him in 1667; was a
commoner in 1678; a lieutenant of militia; and
w-as also a deputy to the General Court in 1683,
1684 and 1685. On Feb. 20, 1690, his estate was
inventoried at £269 15s. lod. ; his death took place
^larch 3, 1691, and the estate was partitioned March
29, 1692. After his death his widow, Sarah, mar-
ried Henry Herrick, of Beverly, and she died in
Gloucester. To the marriage of John and Sarah
Giddings were born ten children : George, born in
1664, (first) married Slarv Skamp and (second)
Mrs. Elizabeth Perkins ; Elizabeth was first mar-
ried, Dec. 16, 1685, to Mark Haskell, and later to
John Dennison, of Ipswich ; Jane married Nov.
26, 1691, Joseph Haradine (she had no children) ;
Sarah, born in 1672, married John Haraden, who
died Nov. 11, 1724, the father of several children;
John was born in 1665 ; Job, born in 1677, married
Sarah Andrews, became the father of three chil-
dren, and died Feb. 27. 1708; Solomon, born in
1679, niarried Margery Goodhue; Joshua, born in
1681, married Abigail, was the father of five chil-
dren (three of whom died young), and was prob-
ably lost at sea in 1716; Thomas, born in 1683, mar-
ried Sarah Butler; ]\'Iary, born in 1686, was mar-
ried to Benjamin York.
(HI) Thomas Giddings, born in Ipswich, Mass.,
in 1683, removed to Gloucester in 1710, and pur-
chased of Benjamin Lufkin a house which he sold
jMay 22, 1721. About 1722 he came to Connecticut
and settled in Lyme, near Beaver Brook, New Lon-
don countv, purchased land, and continued so to do
for several years consecutively. In 1708 he mar-
ried Sarah Butler, and to this union were born five
children : Job married Sarah Rathbone ; Joseph,
born in 1714, (first) married Eunice Andrus and
17
(second) Elizabeth ilungcrford; John niarried
Susannah Tozor ; Joshua, born in 1719, niarried Jane ^
Reed; and Thomas, born in 172^ niarried Mary
Coult.
(1\ ) Jo.shua (iiddiiigs was born in 1719 and
died l-'eb. 4, 1807. He removed probaljly from Lyme
to Hartland, Conn., about 1723. The last deed
recorded in Lyme is to Ensign Jas])er. and is dated
'" 1/75- the consideration being £1,500. The fol-
lowing record in Lyme was made June 5. 1746:
"Joshua Giddings" ear mark for all sorts of creatures
is a swallow-tail in the left, or a cross on the right
ear, with a half-penny on each side of the same."
h is said that he went to Hartland when quite a
}ouiig- man. built a log house in the southwestern
part of the town, and for a while slept on a bed of
leaves. The foundation and chimney of tlie cabin
are yet standing, and a large tree grows from the
cellar. The records also show that he held office
year after year, and that he was admitted to the
Congregational Church Feb. 5, 1769. To his mar-
riage with Jane Reed, whose death took place April
II, 1803, when she was aged seventy-nine years,
were born the following children : Elisha married
April 22, 1776, Susannah Perkins, who died I'eb.
7, I777i aged twenty-four years, he dying the same
year at the age of thirty-one; Benjamin, who was
born in 1753, married Affiah Holcomb : John, born
Nov. 9, 1754, married Achsa Palmer; Joshua, torn
in 1756, (first) married Submit Jones and (second)
Elizabeth Pease; Sarah was married Feb. 18, 1784.
to Angus AIcLoud, and had one son, .\ngus. who
married August 31. 1809, Clarissa Beeman. of Hart-
land, and became the father of six children : Deb-
orah was married Oct. 27, 1768, to Jedediah Bush-
nell, of Hartland; Jane died March 11, 1777. at the
age of fifteen years : Niles, born in 1760, married
Naomi Hale; Chloe was married Sept. 26, 1789,
to Moses Brockway, of Hartland ; Ruth was married
Nov. 18, 1770. to Jonathan Couch, of Simsbury,
and in October, 1775. was a widow with three chil-
dren.
( \' ) Benjamin Giddings, who was born at Lyme
in 1753. died in 1830 in Hartland, Conn., whither he
was brought in infancy by his father. He married
Affiah Holcomb, who died in 1830. at the age of
seventy-seven years, and to this union were Irorn
ten children: Almon married Lottie Miller, and
settled in Michigan; Salmon, born March 2. 1782.
married Almira Collins; Zeriuah, born in 1784. was
married Aug. 31, 1807, to Jonathan Tuttle, of Bark-
hamsted. Litchfield Co., Conn, (in 1810 they re-
moved to Ohio and purchased 100 acres of land
in Williamsfield, and there she passed away May 3,
1871. ?\Ir. Tuttle was a justice of the peace twenty-
one years, county commissioner twelve years, and
representative in the Legislature one year, and died
in June. 1864) ; Julia, born in 1791, was niarried to
Ezra Mack ; Lorrain married Desdemona Cowdry ;
Harriet, born in 1795. married ^^'illianl H. Tisdale,
and died Dec. 10. 1831, leaving one son; Benjamin,
258
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Jan. 12, 1801, married Amoret Bushnell ; Affie
was married JNIay 30, 1820, to Dr. Josiah Banning,
and died Sept. 28, 1832, aged thirty-four years
(tlie Doctor afterward married Edith Cowdry, and
died in 1848) ; Lowly was the next child; and Har-
riet, the youngest, married a Mr. Tisdale. Benjamin
Giddings, the father of the above named family, was
always a busy man in the affairs of his town, and
was also a valiant soldier in the war of the Revolu-
tion, suffering extremeb- in the severe winter of
1780-81. In June, 1781, he was appointed a "com-
mittee to hire all the soldiers for the army and bring
on the men that counted for the town of Hartland,
and had not joined."
(VI) Benjamin Giddings was born in Hartland,
Conn., Jan. 12, 1801, was a prominent merchant,
and for many years was postmaster; he was also a
representative in the State Legislature, a selectman,
a justice of the peace, and commissioner of the su-
perior court of Hartford county until age disquali-
fied him. He married Amoret Bushnell, who was
born Feb. 8. 1804, and was a daughter of Rev. Asa
Bushnell, of Hartland. Benjamin Giddings died
Feb. 20, 1874, and his widow passed away Oct.
26, 1881. Their children were nine in number:
Philo B., born Jan. 25, 1823, died in Montrose, Va.,
Dec. 6, 1857: Fidelia H., born May 19, 1824, mar-
ried Henrv J. Gates, of Hartland, in November,
1842; ]\Iilo J., born April 2, 1828, was married July
4, 1849, to Eugenia P. Miller, and resided in Avoca,
Iowa, later going to McPherson, Kans., where he
died in May. 1900; Watson, the next in order of
birth, is the subject of this sketch; Almira, born
Nov. 30, 1 83 1, was married Sept. 27, 1858, to Hoyt
M. Hayes, of Hampsted ; Mary E., born Oct. 5,
1833, was married to Nelson D. Sanford, of Hart-
land, Feb. 8, 1855, and died in New Haven April
10, 1871 ; Eliza A., born April 14, 1836, was married
to Cyrus Cook, of Lexington, Ohio, July 3, i860,
and' died Sept. 8, 1877, in Albion, Iowa; Almena
A'., born April 14, 1838, married Ralph H. Park,
and was accidentally killed Nov. 13, 1891 (she is
mentioned below) ; and Salmon B., born July 14,
1847, married Aurelia M. Emmons.
(VII) Watson Giddings, the subject proper of
this sketch, and the seventh of the American gen-
erations, was born April 4, 1830. He attended the
common schools of East Hartland till seventeen
rears of age, and after relinquishing his studies
worked five years -for his brother-in-law, Henry J.
Gates, in East Hartland, although his own father
was in good circumstances. He then opened a black-
smith shop in Barkhamsted, Conn., which he con-
ducted for ten years, and then sold to Henry Perry,
went to New Hartford, and worked one year for R.
H. Wheeler, later forming a partnership with this
gentleman under the firm style of Wheeler & Gid-
dings. A year subsequently he bought Mr. Wheel-
er's interest, and carried on the business alone about
two years ; he then disposed of the plant to Henry
M. Gates, and bought the Walter Stickney shop.
in Winsted, which he ran about eighteen months
and then sold to the Winsted Carnage Co., with
which he invested all his capital. About six months
later this company failed, financially ruining Mr.
Giddings, who then went to Lewis, Iowa, where
he worked at his trade for T. J. Allen for a year
and a half, at the end of that time returning to Con-
necticut and purchasing William Monk's shop, in
Terrj-ville, which he conducted three years and
then sold to a Mr. Steele. In 1874 Mr. Giddings
located in Bristol, and opened a small shop on the
corner of North Main and Center streets, which he
has since converted into the most commodious and
best equipped carriage factory in the town, and he
employs from five to fifteen men, according to his
volume of business. In June, 1886, he admitted, as
a partner in the concern, his son Frederick Watson,
the firni style being Watson Giddings & Son. They
carry on general blacksmithing and carriage mak-
ing, and are still located on the original corner.
Watson Giddings (first) married, Jan. 6, 1853,
Miss Adeliza Case, who was born Oct. 4, 1833, and
was a daughter of Owen Case, of Barkhamsted.
She died July 21, 1891, the mother of the following
children: Alice Eliza, born July 8, 1854, married
E. B. Dunbar, of Bristol; Mary Addie, born April
6, 1856, was married May 31, 1877, to Samuel D.
Newell, of Bristol, and to this union has been
born four children, of whom only oiie, Alice Mae,
survives. Frederick Watson is mentioned below.
Charles Samuel, born Aug. 4, 1862, died Dec. 19,
1882. Twins died in infancy. The second marriage
of Mr. Giddings took place Sept. 12, 1892, when
Emma S. Loomis, who was born Oct. 4, 1843, a
daughter of Amos Loomis, of Norwich, Conn., be-
came his bride.
In politics Watson Giddings was a Republican
until the formation of the Prohibition party, when
he united therewith, and has ever since been an
active worker in its ranks. In 1861 he was elected
by the Republicans a member of the State Legisla-
ture from Barkhamsted, served one term, and also
served one term on the board of selectmen of the
same town. For one year, shortly after coming to
Bristol, he served on the school committee of Dis-
trict No. I, and in 1896 was elected a member of
the board of burgesses of Bristol, now serving his
second term ; he has also been chairman of the
sewer committee of the town ever since his election
as burgess. He is president of the West Cemetery
Association, is a trustee of the Prospect M. E.
Church, and in 1878 was made a member of Frank-
lin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., of which he has
been treasurer since joining, and he and his wife
are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs.
Emma S. Giddings is likewise a member of Pros-
pect M. E. Church, and a member of the Ladies
Aid Society, of which she has been president.
Frederick Watson Giddings, son and business
partner of Watson Giddings, was born March 28,
i860, attended the common schools of Bristol until
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2o9
sixteen years old, then learned blacksmithing- and
carriage making under his father, and now attends
to the finances of the concern. On June 5, i8yo,
he was united in marriage witli Aliss Cora M. llarl,
who was born Dec. 25, 1869, a daughter of Harvilla
J. Hart, of Bristol, and to this marriage have been
born two children, Watson Hart, June 24, 1893;
and Susie, July 19, 1897. Mr. Giddings is a mem-
ber of Stephen Terry Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F.,
and of the Prospect M. E. Church, and in politics
is a Republican.
j\Irs. Almena A. (Giddings) Park, sister of our
subject, was a writer of some note ; her noni de
plume was "Allie Wellington." Her poems have
been published in book form, under the title of "JMy
Welcome Beyond, and other Poems," and the poem
named, which her brother considers the best of the
■collection, is herewith given :
iMY WELCOME BEYOND.
VV ho will greet me first in Heaven,
When that blissful realm I gain;
When the hands have ceased from toiling,
And the heart has ceased from pain;
When the last farewell is spoken,
Severed the last tender tie.
And I know how sweet, how solemn,
And how blest it is to die?
As my barque glides o'er the waters
Of that cold and silent stream,
I shall see the domes of temples
In the distance brightly gleam;
Temples of that beauteous city
From all blight and sorrow free;
Who adown its golden portal
First will haste to welcome" me?
Ah, whose eyes will watch my coming
From that other, fairer shore?
Whose the voice I first shall listen
That shall teach me heavenly lore?
When my feet shall press the mystic
Borders of that better land,
Whose face greet my wondering vision?
Whose shall clasp the spirit hand?
Who shall greet me first in Heaven?
Oft the earnest thought will rise,
Musing on the unknown glories
Of that home beyond the skies;
Who will be my spirit's mentor?
Will it be some seraph bright?
Or an angel from the countless
Myriads of that home of light?
No, not these — for they have never
Gladdened here my mortal view;
But the dear ones gone before us,
They — the loved, the tried, the true;
They who walked with us life's pathway,
To its joys and griefs were given;
They who loved us best in Earthland,
Be \he first to greet in Heaven I
ARTEMAS ELIJAH HART, secretary and
treasurer of The Society for Savings, Hartford,
is of the ninth generation in descent from
(I) Stephen Hart, who was born about 1605, in
Braintree, County of Essex, England, and came to
]Massachusetts Bay about the year 1632. Deacon
Hart and his first wife were consistent members
of the church in l'"armington. Conn., in 1652. He
had been a deacon of Rev. Thomas Hooker's church
at Cambridge, Mass., and, when his pastor formed
a colony at Hartford, Conn., he became a leading
member of the new comnumity, holding the office
of deacon in the church, and taking an active part
in the progressive movements of his day. In 1672
he was one of the eighty-four proprietors of the
town of Fannington, jn which he was prominent,
both socially and politically. In 1635 he was one
of the original proprietors of Hartford. His liouse
lot was on the west side of what is now Front
street, near where Morgan street crosses it, and
there is a tradition that the town was called from
the ford he discovered and used in crossing the
Connecticut river at low water, and so, from "Hart's
ford," it soon came to be called and written "Hart-
ford." He died in Alarch, 1682.
(II) Thomas Hart, youngest of the children of
Deacon Stephen Hart, was born in 1644. He mar-
ried Ruth, daughter of Anthony Hawkins, of Farm-
ington. She was born Oct. 24, 1649, at Windsor,
Conn. Thomas Hart was a captain in the militia,
1695; deputy to the General Court, 1690 to 1706;
speaker, 1700 to 1706; justice, 1698 to 1706. John
Hooker and he were the two prominent men of the
town.
(HI) Deacon Thomas Hart, second son of
Capt. Thomas Hart, was born in April, 1680, at
Farmington, Conn., and Dec. 17, 1702, married
Mary, daughter of John Thompson, of Farming-
ton. He removed to Kensington, Conn., and be-
came the most prominent man in that society. His
first wife died in October, 1763, and Jan. 11, 1764,
at the age of eighty-four, he married ^Irs. Eliza-
beth Morton, widow of Isaac ^lorton, of Berlin,
Conn. He died Jan. 29, 1773, aged ninety-three
years.
(IV) Deacon Elijah Hart, of New Britain,
Conn., third son of Deacon Thomas Hart, was born
June 18, 171 1, at Kensington, Conn., and became a
lifelong farmer. On Dec. 26, 1734, he married Abi-
gail Goodrich, who was born Dec. 14, 17 14, a
daughter of Allen Goodrich. He located in New
Britain, and he and his wife became constituent
members of the First Church organized there, April
19, 1758. He died Aug. 3, 1772; his widow passed
away in Simsbury, Conn., at the home of her daugli-
ter, Mrs. Eno, Jan. 21, 1809, in her ninety-fifth
year.
(\') Deacon Elijah Hart, son of the above, and
great-great-grandfather of Artemas Elijah Hart,
was born Sept. 26, 1735, in Kensington, Conn.
With his parents he became a constituent member
of the church in New Britain, 1758, and led the
singing therein. He was of strictly Puritanical
habits, a farmer by occupation, and possessor of
considerable property. On May 11, 1757, he mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer Gilbert. He died
Dec. 10, 1800, his wife on Sept. 22, 1809.
260
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL' RECORD.
(VI) Deacon Elijah Hart, son of .the above,
and great-grandfather of Artemas Elijah Hart,
was born ]\lay 7, 1759, at New Britain, Conn. He
was a large farmer, and an extensive manufacturer
of cornmeal for the West Indies trade. On jNIarch
18, 1778, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army
for three years, and was present at the surrender
of Burgoyne. He married Dec. 21, 1780, Anna
Andrews, who was born Sept. 6, 1760, a daughter
of Hezekiah Andrews. Deacon Hart died from the
effect of a bee's sting, Aug. 4, 1827, his widow
passing away Dec. 2, 1835.
(Vil) Jesse Hart, son of the above, and grand-
father of Artemas E. Hart, was born in New Brit-
ain, Conn., April 20, 1789, and became a respected
citizen of that town. For many years he was en-
gaged in business there as a. blacksmith, having
learned the trade under Orrin Lee, in Hartford. On
April 5, 1810, he married Lucina Cowdry, who was
born Sept. 17, 1788, a daughter of Asa Cowdry, of
Hartford, Conn., and they had two children : Arte-
mas Ensign, a sketch of whom follows ; and Lucina,
born Dec. 3, 1821, who married John H. Goodwin,
and died in Paris, France, in the spring of 1885.
Jesse Hart died in New Britain Feb. 21, 1825.
(VIII) Artemas Ensign Hart, father of our
subject, was born Feb. 11, 1812, in New Britain,
Conn., and was reared at the old homestead, which
occupied the site of the present "Hotel Russwin."
He built a home in New Britain, on Washington
street, which was used as the Episcopal parsonage.
He was a man of retiring and unpretentious nature,
and a devout member of the Congregational Church,
his excellent qualities of character making him a
valued citizen. By occupation he was a jeweler,
and after carrying on that trade for some
years at New Britain he removed to Hartford, and
later to West Hartford, where he died in 1884, his
remains being taken to New Britain for interment.
On Aug. 24, 1836, he married Ann Elizabeth Clark,
who was born Dec. 7, 1816, a daughter of Abel and
Catherine (Eckerst) Clark, of Litchfield, Conn.,
well-known residents of that section. Children as
follows were born to Artemas E. and Ann E. Hart :
Virginia Veeder, now. Mrs. Charles J. Smith, of
Hartford; Charles R. (deceased), a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere; Artemas Elijah, our subject;
Lucina, who died in infancy; Ann Elizabeth, who
married (first) Charles Mackin, of New York, and
(second) Alfred Huber, of Paris, France; Henry
L., deceased; and Joseph C, now residing in Lon-
don, England.
Artemas E. Hart, the subject proper of this
biography, was born June 20, 1842, in New Britain,
Conn., and received his education at the high school
in New Britain, and at Edward Hall's boarding
school, in Ellington, Conn. For a time he clerked
in the drug store of W. H. Coggswell, at Rockville,
Conn., who also kept the post office there, our sub-
ject assisting him. In i860 Mr. Hart came to
Hartford, and after clerking for some months in
the dry-goods store of H. E. Mather became clerk
m The Society for Savings, where from step to step
he advanced in the cash department until reachnig
his present responsible position, that of secretary
and treasurer.
On Oct. 12, 1865, Mr. Hart was united in mar-
riage with Katherine A. O. Litclifield, of Hartford,
born Sept. 29, 1845, ^1^"^ four children have been
born to them, their names and dates of birth being
as follows : Elizabeth Katherine, Jan. 19, 1867, is
now the wife of Liarmon S. Graves,, of the firm of
Lester & Graves, attorneys, of New York City;
Alida May, May 9, 1870, died March 8, 1873;
Sarah Litchfield, Feb. 16, 1872, is now the wife of
Ogle Taylor Paine, formerly of Troy, now of New
Rochelle, N. Y. ; and Harold Gross, Nov. 6, 1882,
is a student in Philip's Academy, Andover, Alassa-
chusetts.
Mr. Hart is a member of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution, of the Colonial Club, of Hartford,
and also of the Laurentian Club, of Montreal.
Canada. He is active in both church and- school
work, and for many years was treasurer of Park
Congregational Church; was treasurer of the Sec-
ond North school district, and is now a member of
the West Middle school committee. For fifteen
years he has been director of the State Bank. In
politics he is independent, and he is justly regarded
as a man of integrity, and as a useful citizen, well
worth)' of the esteem in which he is held.
HENRY JACOB ZWEYGARTT (deceased),,
who was for many years a leading tobacco dealer
of Hartford, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,.
Nov. 22, 1831. He was educated in his native land,
having been sent away from home to school at the
age of eight years, and a thorough foundation was-
laid for his success in mercantile life b}" a seven-
years apprenticeship as' a salesman.
In August, 1851, at the age of twenty, Mr.
Zweygartt came to America, and after spending
some time in New York City, Philadelphia, Penn.,
and Meriden, Conn., located in Hartford. In 1856
he had a cigar store on Temple street between
Market and Front streets, and on selling out the
business he started a similar store on Asylum street,
where he employed five or six hands. Previous to
the Civil war Mr. Zweygartt went South for the
benefit of his health, and settled in New Orleans,
but he came North to escape being drafted for the
Confederate army, and again located in Hartford.
In 1864 or 1865 he opened a cigar store in Ely's
block, but he did not long continue in the cigar
trade, giving it up for .the leaf tobacco business,
in which branch of trade he was very successful.
The name of Zweygartt is a household word in the
tobacco trade all over the United States, and dealers
came to like his packing so well that all that was
necessary for them to know was that Mr. Zweygartt
packed the tobacco. His office and warehouse were
at No. 221 State street, and in all he was in the
^j/'
€-^-Z-^ J^ • pj-^^-^ZAi^ >
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
261
leaf tobacco business for about thirty years. He
died Jan. 23, 1897, and among the tributes of re-
spect was the following, passed at a special meeting
of the leaf tobacco trade held in the city of Hart-
ford Jan. 25, 1897, -the resolutions being unani-
mously passed:
"Whereas, Death has again visited our midst
and has taken away our esteemed fellow merchant,
Henry J. Zweygartt,
"Resolved, That the Hartford Leaf Tobacco
Trade has lost one of its most honorable and val-
uable members, and many of us have also lost a per-
sonal friend, one of the kind whom it would do to
anchor by in time of storms, and this sentiment
will be echoed around many a hearthstone where
luxury has not lived, but where the charity of
Henry J. Zweygartt was well known. We deeply
mourn the loss of our fellow merchant. In token
of our appreciation of our merchant's worth and
many sterhng qualities as a merchant, friend and
citizen, and our deep regret at his death, be it
"Resolved, That this trade deeply sympathizes
with his family in this hour of trouble and offers its
sincere condolence.
"Resolved, That we pay sad tribute to his mem-
ory by closing our respective places of business and
attending his funeral, and also that an engrossed
copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family
of our departed friend, and published in our trade
journals and daily papers."
[Signed] George Lee, J. W. Bissell and W. F.
Fuller.
]Mr. Zweygartt was quiet and unassuming in
his manners, but was nevertheless firm in the sup-
port of his convictions, and his judgment was valued
by his fellow townsmen. From Jan. i, 1895, until
June 15, 1896, he served as one of the Republican
selectmen of the town of Hartford, retiring only
a short time before his death, which occurred on
Jan. 23, 1897. He and his family became prominent
in social life, and he was one of the oldest members
of St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., having
joined the Fraternity in 1867.
In 1870 Mr. Zweygartt was married, in Derby.
Conn., to Miss Melissa I. Candee, daughter of
Samuel L. Candee, a well-known manufacturer of
surgical instruments in that town. Five children
have blessed the union: Edna M., deceased ; ]\Iinnie
C, wife of Harry Allen Howland ; Mary E., who
married Edwin H. Heminway ; and Henry J., Jr.,
and Linda I., both residing in Hartford;
ELLEN HAMMOND GLADWIN, M. D.,
who has practiced her profession in the city of
Hartford since 1873, has been deservedly success-
ful in her chosen calling, and is recognized through-
out Hartford county as an able physician and
talented woman.
Dr. Gladwin is of English extraction, and Lieut.
Col. Peter Hammond, her first paternal ancestor
of whom we have anv definite record, was one of
the King's Chancellors in England. Her great-
grandfather, Josiah Hammond, was a native of
Windham, Conn. His son, Asahcl Hammond, was
a farmer in Hampton, Conn., for a number of years,
and spent the later years of his life in Brooklyn,
Conn. He married a Miss l3ctsey Robinson, a de-
scentlant of John Robinson, of Le\dcn, and a
tlaughter of Josluia Robinson, a Revokitionary
soldier. Their son, Justin Hammond, was born in
Hampton, Conn., and received a thorough educa-
tion, graduating from Brown University in the
classical course, and later from Harvard Medical
School. For fifty years he was a prominent and
successful practitioner in Killingly, Conn., having
commenced practice with lii.s father-in-law. Dr.
Fenner Peckham, of East Killingly. He married
Susan Peckham, and three of the children born to
this union took up their father's profession : Henry
L., of Killingly ; .Susan Field, of Boston, and our
subject. Dr. Hammond was active in the public
affairs of his day and place, and represented Kill-
ingly in the State Legislature in 1836 and 1871.
He died in 1873.
Ellen Hammond Gladwin was born in Killingly,
and there received her early education, which was
supplemented with study at the academy of East
Greenwich (R. I.) and Mt. Ho'.yoke Seminary.
Her medical studies were pursued at the Woman's
]Medical College of the New York Infirmary, in
New York City, from which institution she was
graduated with the class of 1872. and she subse-
quently took her father's practice for a year, in
1873 locating in Hartford, where she has since been
located. Dr. Gladwin is a member of the City,
County and State jMedical Societies.
In 1880 our subject was married, in Hartford,
to Sidney M. Gladwin, a native of East Haddam,
Conn., who comes from one of the oldest families
of that locality. Excepting a few years' residence
in New York, during which period he served in the
Civil war, he has been identified with Hartford from
the age of seventeen years, when he came to the city
with Hillyer & Bunce, wool merchants, remain-
ing with that firm and with Dwight, Skinner &
Co., their successors, over twenty-five years. He
is now associated in business with Drayton Hillyer
and William C. Skinner. The Gladwin home is
at No. 705 Asylum avenue, Hartford.
:MIL0 LEON NORTON, journalist and poet,
was born April 23, 1849, •" Bristol, where he still
resides, although his birthplace was a farm outside
the built-up portion of the borough. He is of the
eighth generation in America, and the family can
be traced to England and France by undisputable
documentary evidence, covering a period of over
800 years.
Leonard Andrews Norton, father of Milo L.,
was born Aug. 9, 1813, and died July 16, 1895;
his life career is given in full in the biography of
]\I. H. Norton, on another page. To each of the
262
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
paternal ancestors is given, in order of birth, a
separate paragraph, as follows :
Asahel Hinman Norton was born in 1778, in
what was known as New Cambridge, now Bristol,
Conn., and became a^ stone-cutter. On Oct. 10,
1803, he married Rene Sperry, who was born July
3, 1783. Their children were Asahel Hinman, Jr.,
born Aug. 2, 1804, who married Mary Byington
April 2, 1822; she died March 21, 1861, in Hart-
ford, and he on Sept. 23, 1871. The second child,
Leonard Andrews, was the father of subject. The
third, Salome Gaylord, born Sept. 12, 1818, died
May 19, 1845. Jerry, the fourth, died in infancy.
Asahel H. Norton, the father of this family, was
at first a Congregationalist, but later became a
Baptist. He was injured in a forest fire, was an in-
valid for a number of years, and died Sept. 15,
1836.
Aaron Norton was born in Durham, Conn., in
1749, and died July zy, 1832. He married Rhoda
Hinman, a native of Goshen, Conn., who was born
1745, and died May 10, 1812, the mother of six
children ; Truman, Rhoda, Asahel Hinman, Ches-
ter, Samuel, and Aaron. Aaron owned several
hundred acres of land in Bristol, more, probably,
than any other man of his day.
Isaac Norton, born in Durham in 171 1, died in
January, 1793. He was a farmer, and one of
the first settlers of Bristol, having come here about
1760. He married Mary Rockwell, of Windsor,
who was born Nov. 23, 1719, and died in 1809,
the mother of the following named children : Abi-
gail, Mary, Lydia, Silvanus, Anna, Isaac, Jr.,
Aaron, Joel and Zipporah.
Joseph Norton was born in Saybrook, Conn.,
Nov. 6, 1 68 1, was a farmer, married Deborah
Crittenden, and died in Durham in 1756, the fa-
ther of children as follows, all born in Saybrook :
Deborah, Joseph, Isaac, Joel and Thomas. The
mother died in Durham in 1756.
Thomas Norton, Jr., was born in England in
1626, came to Guilford, Conn., with his father in
1639, removed to Saybrook in 1661, and married
Elizabeth Mason May 8, 1671. She died at Say-
brook Jan. 31, 1699. The children of Thomas
(Jr.) and Elizabeth (Mason) Norton were: Eliz-
alDeth (who died in infancy), Thomas, Elizabeth,
Joseph and Samuel (twins), Abigail and Ebenezer
(twins), and John.
Thomas Norton, Sr., was born in 1582, near
Guildford in Surrey, England, came to Guilford,
Conn., from Ockley, England, in 1639, was the first
town miller, and died in 1648. To his marriage
with Grace Wells, in 1625, were born four chil-
dren : Thomas, Jr., John, Grace and Mary. Of
these, Grace was the first to be married in Guil-
ford Colony, accepting for her husband William
Seward, who had charge of the military forces in
the New Haven Colony.
The father of Thomas Norton, Sr., was Rich-
ard Norton. The family descended from John Nor-
ton, of Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire, England, was-
quite prominent, and was allotted an estate by
King Henry VIII.
The main line of Mr. Norton's family belongs
to the English peerage, his ancestors coming from
Normandy with William the Conciuerer. They are
allied by marriage to the royal family of France,
and to the Saxon kings. The title of the present
member of the peerage is Lord Grantley. The
original French name of the family was Norville,
that being Norman-French for North town, ab-
breviated to Norton.
Milo Leon Norton, the subject proper of this
article, received his preliminary education in the
common schools of Bristol, which he attended until
fourteen years of age ; then attended a higher grade-
class in East Haven one year, and next entered the
Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
from which he graduated in 1867. He then served
an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in New
Britain, worked thereat about three years, and in
1872 became bookkeeeper for A. R. Warner & Co.,
grocers, in 1873 buying out that firm ; he sold out
the following year.
Mr. Norton had always had a taste for literature
and a natural gift for writing — not exactly what
is known as cacoethcs scribendi, but a genuine
talent for descriptive and didactive literary com-
position. He had already been a correspondent for
and contributor to several magazines and news-
papers, and in 1874 fully entered upon the field
of journalism by becoming editor of the Water-
bitry Index, a position he vacated the following
year, and for several months was connected with
the Republican, of Meriden. His connection ex-
tended that year also to the Hartford Post and one
or two other papers. In 1876 Mr. Norton launched
the new A I first-class clipper-built newspaper, the
Bristol Gasette, upon the sea of journalism, and
successfully breasted the storms of adversity and
steered clear of its shoals and shallows for three
years, when he relinquished the helm. Since then
he has continued to pursue his course as contrib-
utor to and correspondent of sundry magazines
and newspapers, principally published in New York,,
Boston, Hartford, New Havei., Waterbury, and
various other parts of New England. He has for
several years been especially identified with the
"Connecticut Magazine," to which he has contrili-
uted a number of poems and prose compositions
far in excess of mediocrity. He still continues his
literary labors, although he had charge of the old
homestead on Fall Mountain from 1881 until 1B97,,
when it was sold, and he built for himself an ele-
gant home at No. 26 Upson avenue, Bristol, where
he now resides.
Milo L. Norton was married, Nov. 24, 1870,
to Emma Lillian Dayton, who was born June 17,
1842, in Buckinghamshire, England, and this mar-
riage has been graced with two children : ( i )
Addie Martha, born June 20, 1872, was married.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
268
May 1, i8y5, to llerbcri J. Atwodd, who is engaged
in the ice business in JJristol ; they have liad two
children, Ralph Herbert, born May 14, 1897, and
Leslie Milo, born Nov. 8, 1900. (2) Dewey Milo,
born April 6, 1874, is now employed at H. J. Mills"
paper-box factory. The family attend the Meth-
odist Church, and in politics Mr. Norton is inde-
pendent, but his proclivities are Democratic. He
has been clerk and treasurer of school district No.
12, and has always taken an active part in educa-
tional a'ffairs. Fraternally Mr. ^.Norton is a mem-
ber of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, K. of P., of Bristol ;
of the Pilgrim Fathers, of whose society he is sec-
retary; and has been a past lecturer and secretary
of the Grange.
It is related of Thomas Norton, of Sharpenhoe,
England, that he was the first man to write a
tragedy in the English language ; that it was en-
titled Gorboduc, the name of a suppositional king,
was written for the Christmas exercises before
Queen Elizabeth in 1561, and that Norton was as-
sisted in its construction by Thomas Sackville,
afterward Lord Buckherst, a fellov.' student at In-
ner Temple, London — Norton writing the first
three acts and Sackville the last two. Thomas
Norton also translated the Psalms into English
metre.
CALEB METCALF HOLBROOK, deceased.
The Holbrook family is one of the oldest in New
England, and in the history of the town of Milford,
Mass., we find the following: "Our Holbrooks
are believed to be descendants of Thomas Holbrook,
through Thomas (2), whose residence was in
Scituate, Weymouth and Braintree, prior to 1653.
When Thomas made his will, July 25, 1695, he
gave his son Peter 'all that estate of lands and
meadows in Mendon' which he purchased of his
brother William. Peter settled in Mendon and was
known as Deacon Peter. He died in 171 2, and
willed his real estate, mostly in what became Bell-
ingham, to his children."
The subject of this memoir, who was numbered
for years among the representative citizens of
Hartford, was of the eighth generation in descent
from Thomas ( i ) , the line being traced as fol-
lows: Thomas (2); Peter; Eliphalet, born Jan.
27, 1695, who married Johanna Rockwood : Eb-
enezer, born June 3, 17 17, who married Keziah
White; Ziba, born Aug. 8, 1752, who married Re-
becca Kimball; and Joel, our subject's father.
Joel Holbrook was born July 11, 1792, and made
his home in Milford, Conn., for some time, en-
gaging in farming and the manufacture of straw
bonnets. Later he removed to Hartford, where he
died in 1871. His wife, Roxanna Howes, died in
1882. They had three children, of whom (i) Caleb
M., our subject, was the eldest. (2) Abigail mar-
ried Gardner P. Barber (of the firm of Hunt, Hol-
brook & Barber), who died in 1879. (3) George
Albert was for manv years a member of the firm of
Clark & Iliilbrouk, shoe manufacturers of Hart-
ford. He ilied in Deceml)er, 1889, leaving two
daughters, Ellen (Goodrich, now Mrs. Dr. Calvin
F. Barber, of Jirouklyn; and May Abbie II.. wIid
married Arthur S. Jiyde.
Caleb iVletealf Holbrook was born Nov. 29,
1822, in Alilford, Mass., and died Jan. 10. 1896,
at Hartford.- He was educated in Shelburne Falls,
Mass., and at the age of twenty-two removed to
Hartford, but later went to Cincinnati, Ohio. The
gold excitement of 1849 '^'"^l 1'''" to the Pacific
slope, the voyage being made by way of Cape
Florn in the ship "Henry Lee," and in passing the
Florn a gale was encountered that lasted thirteen
days, sweeijing the vessel 400 miles from the course.
The trip from New York to San Francisco lasted
207 da\s, and the distance from the Golden (iate
to Sacramento was made in an open boat. Mr.
Holbrook spent fourteen months in the mines, and
was absent three years. He came back with about
$2,500, the nucleus of his future fortune, and in
1852, after forming a partnership with Milo Hunt,
he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes
and in the leather Inisiness. The Urm of Hunt &
Holbrook subsequently became Hunt, Holbrook &
Barber, continuing under that name until the death
of Mr. Barber, in 1879, when a return was made
to the original name. The factory was located on
Union Place, opposite the station, and Mr. Hol-
brook gave personal direction to the business until
his death, the mechanical details being under his
especial charge. He was also a director of the
Travelers Insurance Co. for twenty-five years, and
became one of the best-known lousiness men of the
city. He attended the First Baptist Church, to
which he contributed regularly, and was a public-
spirited man, taking nnich interest in the welfare
of his city. He was quite a traveler, having gone
abroad three times, and his broad information and
high character made his friendship sought by the
best. In politics he was a Republican, and for
three years he served in the common council of
Hartfo'rd.
In January, 1854. ^Ir. Flolbrook married Fanny
Hollister, of Hartford, and liiey had one son. George,
born in December, 1854, who died aged nine
months. The mother died in i8;4. and in 1859
Mr. Holbrook married Elizabeth Crocker Nelson,
by whom he had four children : ( i ) Frank Nel-
son, born Nov. 7, i860, who died May 26. 1874;
(2) Grace Hawes, born Aug. 24, 1863, who mar-
ried Henry C. White, of Hartford, and has two
sons — John Holbrook, born April 10, 1890. and
Nelson Cook, born June 11, 1900; (3) Minnie H.,
born in 1865, who died in infancy; and (4) Annie
Metcalf H.. born Oct. 12, 1868. who died Oct.
13- ^893- '^irs. Elizabeth C. Flolbrook died June
7, 1873, and our subject was married, in January,
1875, to Anna E. Nelson, sister of his second wife.
She survived him, and died April 20. 1898.
The Nelson fanuly is of pioneer stock, the first
264
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the line in this country having been WilHam
Nelson, who was married, in 1640, to Martha Ford.
The Fords came over in the ship "Fortune," and
Martha Ford was born in 1621, the first white
female child born in New England. William Nel-
son, the next in the line of descent, was born in
1645, in Middleboro, Mass., and married Ruth
Foxel, born in 1640. Thomas N. Nelson, son of
William, was married, in 1676, to Hope Higgins.
Lieut. Thomas Nelson, son of Thomas N., mar-
ried Judith Pierce. Thomas Nelson, son of Lieut.
Thomas, Avas a resident of West Middleboro, j\Iass.
Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, son of Thomas, married
Emelia Rivers, and had a son Stephen R. Stephen
R. Nelson married Elizabeth Crocker, and was the
father of the second and third wives of our subject.
JAMES H. NAYLOR, M. D., one. of Hart-
ford's successful physicians, was born Aug. 3, 1869,
at Schuylerville, Saratoga Co., N. Y. He comes
of good New England ancestry, and his father, a
native of Vermont, was for many years a well-
known business man of Schuylerville. The mother,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wood, was born
in AA'arren county. New York.
Dr. Naylor completed a course in the high
school of his native place, and after two years in
the academic department of the University of Ver-
mont entered the Medical Department of that in-
stitution. On graduating, in 1895, he became house
surgeon and physician in the haitford Hospital,
his two years of service giving him invaluable
training, and in 1897 he began general practice in
Hartford. He is a member of the City, County
and State Medical Societies, and socially is prom-
inent as a member of Sphinx Temple, Order of the
Mystic Shrine, and other ]\Iasonic societies ; the
L O. O. F. ; the Knights of Pythias; the Ancient
Order of United Workmen ; and the Phi Chi Fra-
ternitv.
ERASTUS ELY CASE, M. D., a well-known
physician of Flartford for twenty-five years, is a
lineal^ descendant of John Case, the first settler
of Simsbury in this county, and a grandson of
Noah and Olive Case, both of whom were born
and lived throughout their lives in Granby.
Norton Case, the Doctor's father, was born
Dec. 26, 181 5, in Granby, where he spent his boy-
hood, and was a lifelong farmer in Canton and
East Granby. He was honorable in all his deal-
ings, and highly respected. He represented East
Granby in the State Legislature, besides filling at
different times the most responsible offices in Can-
ton and East Granby, a record which in itself speaks
for his trustworthiness and efficiency. Li Canton
he married Miss Eliza Case (born May 21, 1815;
died Sept. 22, 1859), daughter of Anson and Rachel
Case, and they had two children : Anson Miles and
Erastus Ely. The former married Miss Lucia A.
Case, of Canton, by whom he had one son, Winthrop
Tracy, now a civil engineer in the employ of the
city of Boston, and died at the age of forty. Nor-
ton Case died Oct. 6, 1899, at the age of eighty-
three, surviving his first wife over forty years. In
October, i860, he contracted a second marriage,
with Miss Charlotte E. Case, who survives him.
Erastus Ely Case was born May 28, 1847, i"
Canton Centre, where he received his early educa-
tion, later attending Williston Seminary, East-
hampton, Mass., whence he was graduated in 1868.
In 1872 he completed the classical course in Yale
College, and in 1874 he graduated from the New
York Homeopathic Medical College, the following
year commencing practice in Hartford, where he
has ever since been located. Dr. Case has, by his
skill and ability, secured a large and lucrative prac-
tice. He is a member of the Dunham Medical Club,
of Hartford, the Connecticut Homeopathic Medical
Society, of which he was president in 1888-89, the
American Institute of Homeopathy, and the Inter-
national Hahnemannian Association, of which lat-
ter he is now (1900-1901) president. Fraternally
he is a Knight Templar, a member of Washington
Commandery, No. i, of Hartford. Since his first
establishment in Hartford he has been a member
of, and much of the time an office-bearer in, the
Fourth Congregational Church.
On Oct. 14, 1874, the Doctor was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Maria Griswold, born
in East Granb}^ Aug. 29, 1846, daughter of James
M. Griswold, a native of Windsor, and three chil-
dren blessed this union, namelj^: Flerbert Monroe,
born Sept. 28, 1875, graduated from the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, now an
electrical engineer with the General Electric Co.,
Schenectady, N. Y. ; Helen Eliza, born Nov. 15,
1876; and Clarence Norton, born Sept. 29, 1880,
now a student at the Connecticut Agricultural Col-
lege. The mother of these passed away Jan. 15,
1883, and on Feb. 24, 1886, Dr. Case wedded, in
Hartford, Mrs. Emorette Holcomb. They have had
one child, Everett Erastus, born Sept. 9, 1888.
WILLIAM HENRY POST (deceased), mer-
chant and philanthrophist, whose death in 1899 cast
a gloom over the city of Hartford, traced his line
of descent from Stephen Post, an English gentle-
man, who was born in Chelmsford, County of
Essex.
This American progenitor of the family crossed
the ocean, with his wife and four children, in the
ship "Griffin," in September, 1633, landing in Bos-
ton. He was a devout Puritan, and was one of
the devoted flock which Rev. Mr. Hooker led
through the wilderness in June, 1636, to found
the new colony of Connecticut, his name being
inscribed on the monument erected by the citizens
of Hartford in honor of the city's founders in the
ancient burying-ground of Center Church. ]\Ir.
Post, however, did not remain in Hartford, re-
moving to Saybrook, where he built a house at a
^^e-^^lfi_
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
265
place called Oyster River, some two miles from
the fort. There he died Aug. 16, 1659. his wife,
Eleanor, surviving him until Nov. 13, 1670. To
Stephen and Eleanor Post were born three sons
and one daughter: John, 1626; Thomas, 1628;
Abraham, 1629: and Catherine, 1631. All were
born in England.
Abraham Post, the third son, was the great-
great-grcat-grand father of the gentleman whose
life forms the subject of this memoir. He was the
father of ten children, all born in Saybrook:
Stephen (2), Dec. 3, 1664: Ann, ]\Iay 4, 1667;
Abraham (2), June Q, 1669; James, IMarch 14,
1671 ; Esther, Dec. 14, 1672; Daniel. Nov. 28,
1673: Gordon, May 29, 1676: Joseph. Feb. 6, 1678;
Mary. Feb. 21, 1680; and Eleanor Feb. 10. 1682.
Of this large family the eldest. Stephen, was the
next in line of descent toward William H. In
1708 he removed from Saybrook tliat he might se-
cure his share of a tract of land nine miles square
donated by an Indian named Uncas. a ]\Iohegan
sachem, to a partv of whites from Saybrook who
had rescued him from a fort on the Thames river,
in which he was besieged. The portion allotted to
Stephen Post was some 4,000 acres. His name ap-
pears as one of the signers of a petition presented
to the General Assembly in 1707. praxing for the
establishment of a township named Hebron, and he
appears by the early records extant to have been
one of the new town's most respected citizens, noted
for his exact justness and his firm decision of char-
acter. His first home was a log cabin, and stood
on what is known as Post's Hill, now in Columbia
town, but at that time forming a part of Hebron.
On June 14, 1692, he married Hannah Hosmer,
who died in Hebron Jan. 25, 175 1. He followed
her to the grave May 16, 1752. They were the
parents of five sons and five daughters, whose
names and the dates of whose births are as follows :
Hannah. March 29, 1693; Stephen Sept. 8, 1695;
Mary. March 13, 1697; Hester, :\Iay 16, 1699;
Thomas (in later life a deacon), Feb. 10, 1701 ;
Gideon. Feb. 10, 1703; Phineas, Dec. 2, 1704;
Sxbil, Oct. 10, 1706: Dorothy, Jan. 29, 1708; Israel
(who was also made a deacon). May 13. 1709.
The fourth son and seventh child, Phineas, was the
great-grandfather of William H. Post. He married
Anna Post, a distant relative, who bore him four
children: Phineas (2), Jan. 3, 1743; Anna, 1744;
Amy. 1746; and Lucy, 1748.
Phineas Post (2), the next in the descending line,
married Sybil Barber. They were the parents of
eleven children: Elihu, born Aug. 10, 1775;
Phineas (3), Aug. 24, 1777; Bela, Aug. 28, 1779:
Sybil, Feb. 13, 1782; Abner, Nov. i. 1783; Anna,
Sept. 6, 1785; Dudley Barber, Nov. 27, 1788;
Erastus, Aug. 17, 1791 ; Augustus. Julv 26, 1793;
Ralph. Jan. 3, 1795; and Charles, July '2, 1798.
Augustus Post, the ninth child of Phineas (2),
and the father of the late \\'illiam H. Post, was
married to Betsev Gordon Strong. Their children.
all born in Hebron, were seven in number: Sybil
Rebecca, Lydia Elizabeth, Charles Augustus, Mary
Gardner, Amos Strong, William Henry and Mary
Amelia. The eldest daughter, Sybil Rebecca, was
born Aug. 26, 1819, and on Nov. 25, 1843. became
the wife of Gurdon Young Robertson, of Colum-
bia, Conn. Lydia E., born April 15, 182 1, married
Norman Henry Clark, of Columbia, on Dec. 7,
1848. Charles Augustus was born Sept. 21, 1822,
and was united to Lucy Ann Bill, of Columbia,
Oct. 24, 1850. Mary G., born April 25, 1825, died
Sept. 25, 1842. Amos Strong was born Nov. 24,
1827, took up his residence in Hartford, became
a merchant, and was a member of the firm of Tal-
cott & Post at the time of his death. Sept. 24. 1857.
Mary Amelia was born July 8, 1844, nearly two
years after the death of her sister. Marv- Gardner:
on Alav 23. 1866. she married Daniel T. Fuller, and
died Sept. 20, 1888.
William Henry Post, was born April i, 1833.
He attended the common schools until he, reached
the age of sixteen years, when he entered a store in
Hebron as a clerk. He manifested a marked apti-
tude for business, and after a year his brother,
Amos S., then a partner in the drv-goods firm of
Talcott & Post, took him into his establishment at
Hartford, located at the corner of Main and Pratt
streets. He found mercantile life congenial, and
from the day on which he entered his brother's
service until his death he was conspicuously iden-
tified with the city's commercial and financial in-
terests. He succeeded his brother as a member of
the firm on Jan. i. 1858, and so continued until his
dissolution, in 1S81. In the spring of that year he
founded the house of William H. Post & Co., the
junior member of the firm being E. S. Yergason,
who had been associated with him in the old con-
cern. For several years business was conducted
on Main street, but when, a few years ago, the
William H. Post Carpet Co. was organized, new
quarters were found in the Goodwin building, at
the intersection of Asylum and Haynes streets.
The success of the business proved unexpected and
unusual, and an enlargement of the premises oc-
cupied was found necessary. ]\Ir. Post's guiding
hand was ever at the helm ; and to his quick, keen
perception, watchful care and sagacious foresight
the singular success of the enterprise is largely due.
In addition to his mercantile business ^Ir. Post was
prominently identified with various other corporate
financial interests. He was for several years a
director of the Connecticut General Life and the
Phoenix Life Cos., as well as a director in the Hart-
ford National Bank, and one of the auditors of the
Society for Savings.
In private as in business life Mr. Post was
widely known, universally esteemed and unhesi-
tatingly trusted. His circle of acquaintances ex-
tended far beyond the city whose development and
prosperity were so dear to him. He was cultured
in his tastes, and in manners showed the courtesy
266
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which comes only from the true instinct of a gen-
tleman. He was always affable, and equally easy
of approach by the millionaire in broadcloth or the
artisan in overalls or fustian. His domestic life
was ideally happ)', and his home was a social center
of refinement and culture. He was a member of
St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and active in pro-
moting the interests of the Governor's Foot Guards,
being always prominent at the governor's recep-
tions given by that organization. In religious be-
lief he was a Congregationalist. He was long con-
nected with the Park Church, and was for many
years an active member of both church ahd society
committees, as well as always a generous contrib-
utor toward its support and the propagation of its
work.
As a citizen Mr. Post was public-spirited and
liberal, yet perhaps his most salient characteristics
were generosity and charity, in the exercise of
which virtues few, if any, riien in Hartford excelled
him. Few suspected the extent of his private ben-
efactions, and none but himself and his Master
knew the number of pensioners upon his individual
bounty. He was the first to whom the promoters
of any wisely planned, well-directed charitable en-
terprise looked for aid, and few appealed to either
his sympathy or his purse in vain, tlis generosity
did not overlook his old home in Tolland county,
and the handsome font in the Congregational
church at Columbia is his memorial to his parents.
He also contributed most liberally toward the Sun-
day-school library, which was then virtuall_v the
circulating library of the town. To Colt's Band he
was accustomed to donate generously, and in ac-
knowledgment thereof that organization annually
serenaded him at his home on some evening in
June. Children and animals he dearly loved, and
they in turn loved him. Such traits as these show
the tenderness of his heart, his capability for affec-
tion, and his nobility of soul.
Mr. Post's death occurred at his residence, No.
706 Prospect avenue, on Friday, Jan. 13, 1899. ^^
had long been suft'ering from a complication of
disorders, which had so far undermined his health
that when attacked by grippe he failed rapidly,
passing away after a short illness. His demise
was deeply mourned, not only by the many warm
friends whom he had attracted to himself by the
geniality and gentleness of his disposition and his
sincerity of heart, but also by the poor who lost in
him a counselor and benefactor, and by Hartford
citizens at large, who mourned that a man of such
generous public spirit and blameless life had been
taken from their midst.
Mr. Post was married Sept. 7, 1857, to Miss
Helen Maria Denslow, of Hartford, daughter of
William Judd Denslow, a descendant of Nicholas
Denslow, of Windsor. Mrs. Post and their four
children survive him. Their eldest daughter, Helen
Louise, was born April 5, i860, rnd on June 5,
1889, married Thomas Brownell Chapman, of Hart-
ford. Alice Maria, born Dec. 27, 1863, is now Mrs.
Frederick Everest Haight, of Brooklyn, having-
been married Oct. 24, 1888. William Strong, born
Feb. 25, 1868, is now the president of the William
H. Post Co. The youngest daughter. Miss Anne
Wilson Post, was born Nov. 15, 1878, and lives at
home.
MICHAEL C. NEEDHAM, whose death oc-
curred in 1876, in Hartford, was for a period. of
twenty-five years one of the substantial and useful
citizens of that city.
Mr. Needham was born in September, 1832, in
Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland, and there
received his school training. When a young man
he came to the United States, locating at Spring-
field, Mass., where as boss carpenter he was em-
ployed for three years in buiklino- railroad cars.
He came to Hartford in 1851, and at once took
a lively interest in the welfare and growth of the
city, and, possessed of energy and industry, and
being a good financier and manager, soon forged
his way to the front and became one of the enter-
prising and public-spirited business men of that
period. He engaged in work as r. carpenter, and
in 1859 erected a block of buildings on Front street.
He became engaged in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness on that street. In 1867 he purchased what
was known as the Olcott property, on the corner
of Main and North Main streets, and elegantly re-
built the Main street front, comprising about ninety
feet. This property is now known as Needham's
corner. After fitting up this block he engaged in
the tea. business, and also kept a shoe store on the
same street. He continued in active business up
to the time of his death, and attained a prominent
position among the business firms of the city, and
from his strictly upright life and honorable deal-
ings commanded the respect of all classes. ]\Ir.
Needham was fond of good horses, and generally
had the- finest turnouts of that day in Hartford.
He was generous, and gave liberally to every good
work of charity, and did his giving without dis-'
criminating as to religion or creed. He gave $500
to the building of St. Patrick's church, and after
the building was destroyed by fire obtained a sub-
scription of $14,000 for its rebuilding. He gave
liberally toward the building of the cathedral at
Hartford; was always a friend to those in need,
and to the Catholic Church especially he was very
generous. His political affiliations were with the
Democratic party, in whose councils he was prom-
inent, and by whom he was once offered the nom-
ination for mayor, which he declined.
On April 24, 1854, Mr. Needham was married
to Ellen Donavan, of Fethard, County Tipperary,
Ireland, who for twenty-three years after her iius-
band's death carried on the business. She died
July 30, 1899. In 1897 she had erected the finest
monument in St. Patrick's cemetery. Twelve chil-,
dren were born to this couple, three of whom only
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2(57
are now living: (i) William F. is a musician in
Colt's Band, of Hartford. He married Ada
Schmeltz, and they have had children as follows :
William, Nellie, Ada, and George (deceased). (2)
John A. is a resident of Hartford. (3) GiiouGE A.
is also a resident of Hartford, and since the mother's
death has looked after and managed the estate.
He married Kathryn, daughter of Patrick Alurphy,
of Hartford, and one son, George A., Jr., was horn
to them Nov. 24, 1900.
CHARLES H. ROBINS, city auditor of Hart-
ford, had an extended business experience prior to
his first election in 1894 to the important public office
mentioned above. His recognized talents in com-
mercial affairs are supplemented by an engaging
personalitv, which has won for him an unusually
large number of personal friends. His father. was
in his day also a prominent and most highly es-
teemed citizen of Hartford. J\Ir. Robbins is a mem-
ber of one of the old and leading families of Con-
necticut. He is of the eig-hth generation in lineal
descent from Nicholas Robbins, who in 1638 was
a resident of Duxbury, Mass., and died there in
1650. In his will, probated Feb. 9, 1651, are men-
tioned as his children, John, Alary, Hannah and
Rebecca.
(11) John Robbins, son of Nicholas, settled in
Bridgewater, Conn., and there in 1667 was born his
son Jeduthan.
(HI) Jeduthan Robbins, son of John, removed
to Plympton, and there died in 1726. His eight
children were Jeduthan, John, Persis, Hannah,
Elizabeth, Abigail, i\Iehitabel and Lemuel.
(lY) Lemuel Robbins, son of Jeduthan, was
born in 1726. He married Esther Dunham, and for
some time resided at Bridgewater. Later he re-
moved to Sutton, Mass., where his son Ephraim
was born, and afterward to Townsend, now Poult-
ney, Vt., witli his son AVilliam, where he was killed
by the falling of a tree in 1786, aged sixty years.
His children were : ( i ) Lemuel, who married Rachel
Bass, and died in Augusta, N. Y., March 3, 1842;
(2) John, who married Olive Knight; (3) Ephraim,
born IMarch 7, 1752; and (4) William.
(V) Ephraim Robins spelled his name with one
"b." and all his descendants have adopted that or-
thography. He married Abigail Caulkins May 2,
1771, and died in Hartford, Conn., June 30, 1829.
His eleven children were as follows: (i) A daugh-
ter died in infancy; (2) Diantha, born April 22,
1774, died at Hartford Julv 25, 1856; (3) Emelia,
born Feb. 26, 1776, married Rev. S. S. Nelson, and
died at Amherst, INIasl, in 1854; (4) Abigail, born
Aug. 10, 1778, married Rev. William Collier, and
died at Charlestown, Mass., Sept. 19, 1813: (5)
Clarissa, born May 26, 1780, died at Hartford, Conn.,
Mav 18, 1801 ; (6) Sallie, born April 23, 1782, mar-
ried Francis AVilby, of Boston, and died July 21,
1832: (7) Ephraim, Jr., born March 9, 1784, mar-
ried (first) Rebecca S. Burr, of Hartford, (second)
Eliza H. llurnct, of Xew Jersey, and (third) Jane
Hussey, of liallimorc; (8) Gurdon was the grand-
father of our subject; (9) a son died in infancy;
(10) Joseph Skiffc, l)orn Feb. 16, 1791, died at
Hartford March 26, 181 5; (11) John Newton, born
Jan. 6, 1797, married Clarissa Ann Gaw, of Provi-
dence, K. 1.. and died :il Cincinnati, Ohio, I'eb. 9,
1823.
( VI) Gurdon Robins, grandfather of our subject,
was born at Windsor, Conn., Feb. 6, 1786, and was-
married Oct. 7, 1809, to Julia Savage, of Middle-
town, Conn, h'or a number of years he was engaged
in the ministry at Hartford as pastor of the North
Baptist Church. He was also engaged in the book
publishing business, publishing among other works
"Peter Parley's Tales." He also published the
"Christian Secretary," now published at Hartford.
To Gurdon and Julia (Savage) Robins were born
children as follows: (i) Julia Ann, born July 11,
1810, died Feb. 6, 1816; (2) Charles Dodd, born
at Hartford Nov. 21, 181 1, died March 13. 181 5;
(3) Gurdon, Jr., father of our subject, was born
Nov. 7, 1813; (4) Julia Savage, born at Hartford,
Jan. II, 1816, married for her first husband Sept.
15, 1835, Justus R. Fortune, of Connecticut, and for
her second husband, April 28, 1874, Charles J. Mar-
tin, of New York. Gurdon Robins, Sr.,'died at
Hartford Feb. 4, 1864.
(VII) Gurdon Robins, the father of Charles H.,
was for a number of years engaged in the book
publishing business at Hartford. Later he traveled
for several large book publishers of New York, and
when the Civil war opened he went to the front as
quartermaster of the i6th Conn. V. I. He remained
in service until captured at Plymouth, N. C. He
spent nine months in Libby prison and Anderson-
ville, and when exchanged his health was so shat-
tered that his life was despaired of. Returningto
Hartford he became paymaster for the \\'oodruff &
Beach Iron Works, which position he filled for many
vears. Mr. Robins first married Miss Harriet Jer-
usha Williams, of Norwich, Conn., May 16, 1840,
and to them were born two children : George. Savage,
who died in infancy; and Robert Williams, who is
commandant's clerk in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
On April 25, 1849, 'Sir. Robins married Aliss Mary
Jane Redfield, of Essex, Conn, and to them were
born children as follows: Mary M., who married W.
W. Stillman, superintendent of charities; Julia A.,
who married Frank D. Munger, superintendent of
the registry department in the post office ; and
Charles H., our subject.
The father, Gurdon Robins, was elected clerk of
Hartford April i, 1872. He served as town clerk
a number of years and was councilman from the old
Fourth ward. In politics he was a stanch Republi-
can. He was always interested in public affairs, but
was not a politician. He was unusuallv popular
among his fellow citizens, and was continually in
office "until no longer able to execute its duties. He
was prominent in the fraternal orders, a thirty-
268
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
second-degree Mason, and an Odd Fellow. His
death occurred May 23, 1883.
Charles H. Robins, our subject, was born July
9, 1859, at Essex, Conn. He was educated in the
South school of Hartford and in the Public High
School of the city, attending the latter through the
first two years of its course. ]\Ir. Robins then en-
tered the post office at Hartford, where he remained
four years as assistant stamp clerk. Serving a year
as assistant postmaster at Meriden, he returned to
the Hartford post office department, and was for
four years relief clerk. In 1885 Mr. Robins re-
signed that position to become bookkeeper at Port-
land, Conn., in the United States Stamping Works
and with the Portland Stamping Works, acquiring
in time full charge of the office. In 1888 he re-
turned to Hartford to become bookkeeper for the
Dwight State Machine Co. While there he was ap-
pointed record clerk in the Internal Revenue Office
under Collector John I. Hutchinson. He was pro-
moted to deputy collector, and spent four years in
the office, being outside deputy and having charge
of twenty-one towns, including Hartford. In
March, 1894, Mr. Robins resigned his office, and the
following month he was elected city auditor on the
Republican ticket, receiving the largest vote on the
ticket. He was re-elected in 1896, and again in
1898, and in 1900 was placed on both tickets, polling
at each election the largest vote of all the candidates.
These votes were the visible evidences of his wide
popularity. Besides his deep interest in public af-
fairs Air. Robins has been closely identified with the
fraternity life of Hartford. He is a charter member
of Lincoln Lodge, K. of P., and is now past chan-
cellor, also president of the endowment rank of that
order. He has been since 1883 a member of Hart-
ford Lodge, No. 19, B. P. O. E., in 1895 he became
a member of the Putnam Phalanx, and is associated
with the A. O. U. W., the Order of the Maccabees,
and the Hartford Yacht Club.
Mr. Robins married Miss Jennie Williams,
daughter of Henry G. Williams, of Portland, Conn.,
Nov. 5,. 1 890, and to them was born a daughter,
Ethel Williams, on Nov. 3, 1895.
DAVID CRARY, Sr., M. D., for many years a
leader in the medical fraternity of Hartford, was
born April 18, 1806, in Wallingford, Vt., son of Elias
and Elizabeth Crary, well-to-do agriculturists of that
locality. He was the youngest of a family of seven
children, and one of his sisters married Dr. John
Fox, of Wallingford.
After the usual district-school course Dr. Crary
attended the high school in Potsdam, N. Y., and on
graduating began teaching school in Danby, Vt. His
medical studies were begun with his brother-in-law.
Dr. Fox, who was one of the noted physicians of
that section with a large and lucrative practice. In
1834 Dr. Crary graduated from the Medical Col-
lege at Castleton, Vt., and afterward practiced in
Dorset, that State, for about two years. Longing
for a larger field of usefulness he removed to Hart-
ford in 1838, and became associated with Dr. Rem-
ington, who then had a very large practice, particu-
larl)' in the treatment of malignant tumors. His as-
sociate died soon after, and Dr. Crary succeeded
him, acqtiiring in a short time a large practice, in
which he made a specialty of obstetrics. He was in
the active practice of his profession for fifty years,
until his retirement in 1885^ and had assisted at the
birth of over 3,000 children.
In 1861 Dr. Crary returned to Wallingford, Vt.,
where he remained — farming, fishing and hunting—
until 1867, when he returned to Hartford and re-
sumed his profession. He took much interest in
ornithology, and upon his removal to Wallingford
disposed of what was probably the largest private
collection of birds in the State at that time. It in-
cluded several hundred specimens, many rare to this
latitude. At the first administration of nitrous oxide
to a patient in Hartford Dr. Crary assisted Dr. Sam-
uel Beresford and Dr. Horace Welles, the patient
being a woman who had a tumor removed. He is
also credited with the first operation for tracheotomy
in Hartford. Summoned to a child suffocating with
membranous croup he opened the trachea with, a
lancet and held the wound open until assistance ar-
rived, the operation resulting in the child's recovery.
In politics Dr. Crary was a Democrat, and he
took a keen interest in public afl^airs. When he rep-
resented the First ward in the council he was chair-
man of the Fire committee, and he was president of
the board of school visitors for nine years in the
'eighties. For many years he was on the medical
staff of the hospital, when it was located in the
building on the corner of Maple and Retreat avenues,
and he was a member of the Hartford County and
the State Medical Societies. Dr. Crary was sur-
geon for the Hartford Light Guard when it was
commanded by Gov. Seymour. For many years he
was president of the Hartford Fox Club.
On Jan. 14, 1836, Dr. Crary married Susan Har-
ris, of Windham, Vt., who died Nov. 2, 1849. On
March 12, 185 1, he married a second wife, Martha
Tryon, who died Dec. 11, 1893. He died April 16,
1894, and is buried in the old cemetery. By the
first marriage he had six children, three of whom
died in infancy: David Crary, Jr., is mentioned more
fully below; Frank, born Aug. 12, 1845, settled in
Michigan ; and Susan, born Nov. 2, 1849, died in
1868, aged eighteen years. By the second mar-
riage there were two children : Louis, who died in
1890; and Edwin, born July 28, 1854, now a drug-
gist in Hartford.
David Crary, Jr., one of "the leading physicians
of Hartford, was born in that city April 26, 1842.
After receiving a public-school education he clerked
four years in a drug store in Rutland, Vt., and later
he began the study of medicine with his father as
preceptor. In 1869 lie was graduated from the
Medical Department of Yale College, and in the
same year became associated with his father, the
X) Cuy*.^^ oC^ /\£:>
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
269
partiUTsliii) lasting until the latter's retirement in
1885. He lias since practiced alone, and at present
is the phj'sician at the count}' jad. lie is a member
of the American Medical Associatioh ; the Yale
Alumni Association and the Yale Medical Alunuii
Association ; and the State, County and City Medical
Societies. In 1900 the Doctor took a trip to Europe,
visiting the Paris Exposition, Switzerland, Germany,
Holland and England.
HON. 'CHARLES E. MORRIS, a well-known
and popuar citizen of Whigville, Burlington, is
now serving as a member of the State Legislature.
His lite record is well worthy of emulation, and
contains many valuable lessons of incentive, show-
ing the possibilities which are open to young men
who wish to improve every opporttmity for ad-
vancement.
Mr. Alorris was born in Torrington, Conn., Aug.
2, 1848, a son of Emorj' i\Iorris, a native of Con-
necticut, and a grandson of Lanson Morris. The
father received a district-school education, and
throughout life followed the occupaion of a machin-
ist. Politically he was a Republican, and religiously
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He died in Torrington, Conn., and was buried there.
He married Miss Sarah A. J\Iills, by whom he had
three children: Albert A., a resident of Coggon,
Iowa; Charles E., our subject; and Mary A., who
died at the age of nineteen years. For her second
husband the mother married Darius Peck. She,
too, was a faithful member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. She died in Iowa, and her remains
were interred there.
Charles E. Morris received only a district-school
education during his boyhood, and at a very early
age began the battle of life for himself as a farm
hand. When fourteen he commenced working in
Torrington for the Union Hardware Co. for eighteen
dollars per month, remaining there until nineteen
years of age, and then came to Whigville, to the
employ of Mr. Peck, Mr. Jones and Smith Brothers,
as a wood turner for about twenty-five years. He
then turned his attention to farming on the Peck
farm in Whigville — a tract of 114 acres — on which
he has made extensive improvements, including the
erection of a fine barn. Here he is successfully en-
gaged in general farming and dair3'ing, keeping the
best Jersey stock for the latter purpose. In Bur-
lington Mr. Alorris was married, in 1869, to Miss
Anna E. Barker, who was born there, a daughter
of Emory Barker, and is a ladv of talent and char-
acter. To this marriage have been born three chil-
dren : Belle, now the wife of Jay Mills, of Central
City, Iowa; Clifford, who died at the age of six
months ; and Ruth, at home.
Mr. Morris is an enterprising man of progres-
sive ideas, and is honored and respected by all who
know him. He is a prominent representative of the
Republican party and a stanch supporter of its
principles. He has most creditably served as grand
juror, is now a selectman and a member of the
district school committee, and was also elected to the
State Legislature in 1898 by a fair majority, which
speaks well for his popularity and the confidence
reposed in him by his fellow citizens, as the town is
Democratic, lie is a prominent member of the
Whigville (jrangc, and with his family holds mem-
bership in the Congregational Church.
HUNTINGTON. The Hartford familv of this
name, of which the late Hon. Samuel H. Hunting-
ton was the head, and a distinguished son now is
Col. Robert W. Huntington, of the United States
Marine Corps, lately promoted for meritorious serv-
ice in the war with Spain, and whose son, Robert
\V. Huntington, Jr., is secretary and actuary of the
Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., of Hart-
ford, is one of the oldest and most prominent fam-
ilies of Connecticut.
Judge Samuel H. Huntington was in the sev-
enth generation from the American ancestor of the
family, Simon Huntington, the line of his descent
being through Christopher, John, John (2j, John
(3j, and Hon. Hezekiah.
(I) Simon Huntington, the Puritan emigrant,
was born in England, probably, Margaret Baret, of
Norwich, or its vicinity, in England. He died on a
voyage to this country, in 1633. Tradition has
ascribed to him a family consisting of wife, -Mar-
garet, and three sons, Christopher, Simon and Sam-
uel, and has placed his leaving England in 1639 or
1640, and made the landing of his family at Sav-
brook, Connecticut.
(II) Christopher Huntington, son of Simon, the
emigrant, probably accompanied his mother to
Windsor, Conn., where he must have spent his
youth. In 1652 he married there Ruth, daughter
of William Rockwell. He probably moved in 1654
to Saybrook, and in the spring of 1660 he joined
a colony and aided in founding the town of Nor-
wich, Conn., being one of the patentees of the town
in 1685. He died in 1691. His children were:
Christopher, Ruth, Ruth (2), Christopher (2),
Thomas, John, Susannah, Lydia and Ann.
(III) John Huntington, son of Christopher, was
born in 1666, in Norwich, Conn., and died in 1696.
He married in 1686 Abigail, born in 1667. daugh-
ter of Samuel Lathrop, son of Rev. John Lathrop,
the first minister of Scituate, Mass. Their children
were : Abigail, John, John (2), Hannah and Martha.
(IV) John Huntington (2), son of John, was
born in 1691, in Norwich, and died in 1737. He
married in 1723 Thankful Warner, of ^^■indham,
who died in 1739. Early in the settlement of Tol-
land he removed to that town. His children were:
John, Thankful, Samuel, Andrew, Abigail and De-
borah.
(V) John Huntington (3), son of John (2).
born in 1726, in Tolland, was accidentally killed in
1774. He married Mehetabel Steele, born in 1733.
He was a farmer, and lived in Tolland. His chil-
270
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren were : John, Thankful, Mehetabel, Elisha, Will-
iam, Hezekiah, Deborah, Samuel, Abigail, Ruth,
Thankful (2) and Maria.
{VI) Hon. Hezekiah Huntington, son of John
(3), and father of Judge Samuel H. Huntington,
was born Dec. 30, 1759, in Tolland. He studied
law with Gideon Granger, of Suffiekl, and with John
Trumbull, afterward judge of the superior court,
and was admitted to the Bar at Hartford in 1789.
He established himself in tJie practice of law
.at SufHeld in 1790, and soon attained eminence
in his profession. In 1806 he was appointed,
by Jefferson, attorney for Connecticut, and he held
this office until 1829. While residing in Suffield
he represented the town in the General Assembly
of the State in several sessions of the Legislature,
from Alay, 1802, to October, 1805. In 1801 he had
been appointed one of the commissioners under the
bankrupt law of the United States, and held the
office about two years. In 181 3 he removed to Hart-
ford, where he continued to reside until his death,
Avhich occurred in Middletown, Conn., May 27, 1842.
Mr. Huntington was marked for his great ability,
which made him deservedly popular. While in Suf-
field, Oct. 5, 1788, he married Susan Kent, who was
born Sept. 20, 1768. Their children were: Henry
W., Julia A., Horace A., Samuel H., Hezekiah,
Susan L., and Francis J.
(VII) Hon. Samuel Howard Huntington, son
of Hon. Hezekiah, was born Dec. 14, 1793, in Suf-
field, Conn. He was graduated from Yale in 1818,
and after being admitted to the Bar entered upon the
practice of law in the city of Hartford, where his
father was then a successftU lawyer and district at-
torney. He married, Oct. 25, 1825, Catherine H.,
daughter of George Brinley, of Boston. She died
July 21, 1832, at the age of twenty-six years and
five months. For his second wife he married,
October 19, 1835, Sarah Blair, daughter of Rob-
ert Watkinson. He always lived in Hartford,
where from the very start of his business life
he was a successful man and an honored citizen.
In 1829 he was clerk of the State Senate. He was
for many years warden of Trinity Church. He
was judge of the county court, and on the establish-
ment of the court of claims, in Washington, D. C,
he was elected as one worthy the trust to be reposed
in its chief clerk. He died at his residence in Sum-
ner street, Hartford, on Feb. 4, 1880, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-six years. "He had been a man
of remarkably vigorous health through his long life ;
an upright man of good habits and warm hospitality,
a consistent and earnest Episcopalian through life.
At the age of eighty-five he walked erect, and his
.step was lighter than most men of yovmger years.
Several weeks before his death he wrote an article
published in the Times, suggesting that the question
of the Asylum street railway crossing might be
solved by a track on the west of Asylum Hill, near
Woodland street, meeting the roadbed of the Con-
necticut Western road. Though his health and
strength had been failing for a year before his
death the article showed that his mind was still
clear."
The death of Mr. Huntington's second wife oc-
curred April 26, 1876. To this marriage were born
children as follows :
(i) Catherine B. Huntington was born Jan. i,
1837-
(2) Maria C. Huntington was born De.c 27,
1838.
(3) Robert W. Huntington, of the United
States Marine Corps, was born Dec. 3, 1840, in Hart-
ford, Conn. On the breaking out of the Civil war
he was a Freshman in Trinity College, but on the
call of his country he enlisted in Gen. Hawley's
Company, ist Conn. V. I., and served in the army
until September, 1861, when he was appointed a
lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He has been in
the service continuously from that time to the fall
of 1899. On June 21, 1864, he was promoted to
the rank of captain. He was senior Marine Corps
officer -at Samoa, and was on board the "Trenton."
After the destruction of the ships in the hurricane
there of 1887, he was in command of the marine
forces on shore, which forces laid out the encamp-
ment, administered discipline, etc. On Oct. 24, 1889,
Capt. Huntington was promoted to major, and Feb,
2, 1897, he became lieutenant-colonel. During the
late war with Spain Col. Huntington was in charge
of a battalion about 650 strong. They sailed on the
"Panther," and were encamped in Florida for some
time before starting for Cuba. Immediately on
reaching Guantanamo Bay, they were landed on
Friday, June 10, under cover of a warship, and all
day Saturday and until Sunday forenoon the Span-
ish forces on land kept up a bushwhacking fight,
killing four men and wounding several others. En-
trenchments, however, were thrown up, in spite of
the opposition of the enemy, their attack lasting a
week, and being made chiefly at night. The landing
was of great value, and little Camp McCalla, as
it was named, became famous in American history.
The brave effort of the men was one of the heroic
events of the Cuban campaign. One of the results
of the landing was to secure for the blockading
squadron a safe anchoraee and a smoother sheet of
water for coaling. It was an important move, and
was executed with judgment and skill. For merito-
rious service Col. Huntington was recently promoted
to the rank of colonel, the next highest in the marine
corps. He was retired from active service Jan. 10,
1900.
In November, 1865, Col. Huntington was mar-
ried to Jane Lathrop Trumbull, great-granddaugh-
ter of Jonathan Trumbull. She died on March 3,
1868, leaving two sons. In 1879 Col. Huntington
married Elizabeth S. Whipple, daughter of Gen.
Amiel Whipple, who was killed at the battle of An-
tietam. The Colonel's sons are : Robert W. Hunt-
ington, Jr., secretary and actuary of the Connecti-
cut General Life Insurance Co., Hartford ; and Rev.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
271
Daniel Trumbull lluntinylon, now a missionary in
China.
(,4) Samuel Huntington was born Dec. 17, 1842,
and resides at Plainfield, New Jersey.
(5j Henry Huntington was born March 27,
1S44.
(6) Sarah B and {y ) Elizabeth A. Huntington
(now Airs. Charles |. Cole J, were born Nov. 30,
1S47.
EDWARD FENN GAYLORD, the heaviest
land owner in Bristol and Burlington, Conn., own-
ing o\'er Soo acres and residing on a 129-acre tract
on I'eaceable street, Bristol, was born July 31, 1848,
in Syracuse, N. Y. He is a son of William Lewis
and Xancy (Fenn) Gaylord, and a brother of j\Iar-
vin Lewis Gaylord, in whose biographj' may be
found the lineage of the Gaylord family from Eng-
land's tirst pilgrim of the name to the j^resent gen-
eration.
Edward F. Gaylord was eight years of age
when the family removed from New York State
to Kansas, where he was first sent to school ; but
his privileges there were limited, as in 1861 his
widowed mother and her two sons returned to
Connecticut, of which State she was a native, and
settled in Burlington. Here Edward F. found bet-
ter opportunities for securing an education, and
attended school until he was sixteen years old, when
he apprenticed himself for five years at wood-turn-
ing with Lewis M. Jones, of Burlington. At the
conclusion of his term of apprenticeship he went on
the road to handle a patent broiler for a York
(Penn.) firm, and canvassed Ohio, Pennsylvania,
West Virginia and Connecticut one year ; during
the following year he was employed at wood-turn-
ing in the Stanley Rule & Level Works at New
Britain. He then bought the farm of 129 acres
on Peaceable street, Bristol, on which he now makes
his home. He pays but little attention to farming,
devoting his immense estate of over 800 acres to
other purposes. He has a large dairy and whole-
sales his milk to another party ; he also deals in
grain and feed of all kinds, and employs all the
year round, a force of from fifteen to fifty men in
his difl^erent lines of business. He has a contract
for sprinkling the streets of Bristol, and formerly
had a contract for keeping in repair eightv miles
of road in the town. Besides his wood business,
which is a secondary consideration, he owns and
operates a portable sawmill, which he runs the year
round. He also deals in horses, buying and selling.
Mr. Gaylord w^as united in marriage Sept. 15,
1869, with Miss jNIartha Caroline Tuttle. daughter
of Luther L. and Martha (Lowery) Tuttle, of
Bristol, and a very interesting familv of three chil-
dren has been born to them : Luther Lewis, born !
^larch 7, 1873, married Feb. 15, 1899, j\Iiss Edna '
Lewis, of Farmington, and is now living in Hart-
ford, where he is confidential clerk for'the Cape-
well HorSenail Co. ; Charles Edward, born Oct.
31, 1876, who has charge of all his father's machin-
ery, married .Miss May Lydia Stone, of Burling-
ton, Jan. 26, 1899, and has one child, Margerie
Alay; Jennie Martha, born Alarch 9, 1884, is at-
tending the Bristol high school, class of 1901.
Aliliough not strictly a farmer, Edward 1-enn
Gaylord takes a deep interest in agricultural pur-
suits. For two years he was president of the Bris-
tol Agricultural Society; has acted as chief mar-
shal of the Bristol Fair Association, and has had
the management of the horse exhibit at the Fair.
He is a member of Whigville Grange, No. 48, of
Burlington, of which he has served several years as
master; is a member of Pomona Grange, of which
he is the past overseer and present master, and his
wife is also a member of the P. of H. Mr. Gaylord
and his family are devout members of the Prospect
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he has
always been an active Republican.
FRANKLIN BENJAMIN BYINGTON, who
is living in retirement on South street, near the cor-
ner of Main, Bristol, was born in Wolcott, New
Flaven Co., Conn., June 7, 1840, a son of Noah
Heni"}' and Parley (Perkins) Byington.
Noah Byington, grandfather of Franklin B.,
lived in that part of Bristol town now known as
Edgewood, was a surveyor, and owned the property
now known as the Muzzy farm. He was twice mar-
ried, and by his first wife, whose name is not now
known, he had two children, Welles and Charles.
By his second union, with Ruth Manross, of Bristol,
he also had two children, Noah Henry, father of our
subject, and Franklin B., wdio died young. Welles
was a tinner, and had a shop in Bristol for many
years ; he was a deacon in the Congregational
Church. Charles, who was a physician, practiced
first in Bristol, then for a number of 3'ears in New
Haven, where he died at the age of sixty-two.
Noah Henry Byington, born in Bristol in Sep-
tember, 1810, graduated from Yale Medical School,
practiced in ^Volcott sixteen years, and then in
Southington until his death, Dec. 29, 1878. He
died in the faith of the Congregational Church.
He was a thirty-second degree IMason, a member
of Washington Commandery, Hartford. To his
marriage with Miss Parley Perkins, who was born
Oct. 23, 1817, a daughter of Green Perkins, of Wol-
cott, were born two children : Charles Henry, Feb.
12, 1838, a mechanic, who died in Southington Jan.
12, 1865; and Franklin B. The mother died in
New Haven, April 7, 1891. INIr. Byington was a
Democrat, and active in politics, serving a number
of years as first selectman of his town, which he
represented two terms in the State Legislature.
Franklin B. Byington attended school in \\'o\-
cott until eight years old. Li April, 1849. the fam-
ilv removed to Southington, where he finished his
education, graduating from Lewis Academy in
June, 1857. In the following July he entered
Bradlev & Woodruff's drug store, in the same town.
272
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and remained until 1861, when he entered the dis-
pensar}' of the liospital at New Haven, where he
spent the years 1862 and 1863; he then went into
Peck & Smith's general store, as clerk for two
years, and next went to Plainfield, N. J., where he
and a Mr. Lewis formed a partnership in the
dry-goods trade, under the style of Lewis & By-
ington ; two years later Mr. Lewis bought out
Mr. Byington's interest.
Mr. Bymgton now returned to Southington and
started in the coal, wood and lumber trade, in
partnership with Dennis Bristol, under the style
of J. D. Bristol & Co., which was maintained about
four years, when our subject sold his interest to
Air. Bristol. Mr. Byington next accepted a posi-
tion with the ..Etna Nut Co., of Southington, in
which he had charge of the yard and freight for
six years, resigning in 1878, since when he has
lived in retirement. In 1881 he located in New
Haven, where he lived until 1892, when he came
to Bristol and erected his present modern home.
He is a stockholder in the /Etna Nut Co., and the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., both of Southington.
Mr. Bvington is affiliated with Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, F. & A. M., of Bristol, and he and his
wife are members of Dwight Place Congregational
Church at New Haven. In politics he was formerly
a Democrat, but was always in favor of the gold
standard for redemption money.
On May 6, 1868, Mr. Byington was married to
Miss Maria Theresa Thorpe, who was born .Dec.
14, 1841, a daughter of Lauren and Katherine
(Byington) Thorpe, of Southington. They have
had no children.
ADDISON LEWIS CLARK (deceased) was
born at Webster, Mass., Dec. 4, 1832. He came
of stanch Revolutionary stock, his grandfather hav-
ing been Asahel Clark, who served as a patriot
soldier in 1776.
Asahel Clark was born at Woodstock, Conn., and
was one of the gallant devoted band of raw recruits
who marched to the defense of Boston in April,
1775, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill. He
afterward served under Gen. Israel Putnam, suffer-
ed in the camp at Peekskill, N.Y. ; followed McPher-
son into Pennsylvania, took part at Germantown,
and underwent the horrors of the winter at Val-
ley Forge.
• Lathrop Clark, father of our subject, was born at
Woodstock, Conn., Aug. 12, 1787, and died Nov. 16,
1856. On Oct. 22, 1814, he married Lucy Perrin,
who was born April 22, 1796, and they became the
parents of ten children, of whom Addison L. was the
youngest. The others, in order of birth were : War-
ren,born Sept. 9, 1815, died in 1896; Asahel D.,born
July 23,1817, died March 16, 1867; Charles L.,bor:i
Feb. 27, i8i9,died in 1893; Eden P., born May 19,
1821 ; Francis W.,born Feb. 5,1823; Abiah L.,born
May 25, 1824, died June 25, 1879; Lucy A., born
May 25, 1826, died March 4, 1830; Otis, born June
I, 1828, and Lucy A. (2), born July 16, 1830. The
mother of these dying in 1834, Mr. Clark, two years
later, married Miss Sarah Childs, bv which union
there were two children : George M., born March
22, 1837, and John W., born April 25, 1839. Of this
large family of thirteen children only Lucy A. sur-
vives. She is the wife of Lebbeus Bissell, treasurer
of the Savings Bank of Rockville, Connecticut.
C~)ur subject's father was in very moderate cir-
cumstances, and when the boy was but twelve years
old he was glad to go to Woodstock, Conn., his fa-
ther's old home, and secure work with a farmer.
Deacon Lyon, for his board and clothes. Subse-
quently he retiu-ned to Webster (Mass.), and ob-
tained a situation in the Slater Woolen Mills.
From there he drifted to Winsted, Conn., and later
to Rockville, alternating between the three points
without special motive. Finalh' he went ■ to Nor-
wich where his skill and fidelity earned him promo-
tion to the post of superintendent, and it was while
there that he married, for his first wife, Miss Julia
Andrews, b^^ whom he had two children : Addison
L. (deceased), and Josephine (Mrs. Cooper Robe-
son, of Springfield). Leaving Norwich he settled
at Philmont, N. Y., where he began the manufacture
of cashmeres, remaining there s-everal years, when
he went to North Conway, Mass., still carrying oni
the manufacture of woolens. In 1871 he estab-J
lished himself at Manchester, purchasing the oldjj
Keeney Mills at Manchester Green. This prop-
ertv was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Clark erected a
new and greatly improved mill upon the same
site, operated by the Glastonbury Knitting Co.,:
of which concern he -was the president. The cor-
poration owned three plants, the other two being
located 'in .the village of Addison (so named in his
honor), and in the town of Glastonbur}'. Under
the energetic guidance and skillful business man-
agement of Mr. Clark these properties were so
successfully developed that they became the most
valuable mills in Hartford county.
In politics our subject was a Republican. He
was self-made in the best sense of that term; and
self-educated as well, his early scholastic advantages ;
being such as he could obtain at a district school be-
fore reaching the age of twelve years. Later he at-
tended a business college for a time, acquiring al
knowledge of bookkeeping, etc. At his death, Jan. '
20, 1896, he left an estate valued at $200,000, accu-
mulated through his own hard work, sound judg-J
ment and constant probity. After the death of his!
first wife Mr. Clark married, Jan. 5, 1883, Missj
Luella T. Talcott, of East Flartford, Conn. One|
child was born to this marriage but died in infancy.,
Mrs. Clark survives him, and resides in Hartford.]
CALVIN WILLIAM JACQUES, M. D., who
passed away March 21, 1891, at his home in the
town of ]\Ianchester, was engaged in the active prac-
tice of his profession there for almost a half century,
and his memory will long be cherished throughout
I
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
573
tliat section of Hartford county by the many who
learned to love and honor him during his lung and
useful career.
Dr. Jacques was, as his name would suggest, of
r'rench ancestry in the paternal line, his great-grand-
father, who was a native of France, coming to this
country with LaFayette, of whom he was a rela-
tive, and in whose service he was an officer. His
wife was an English lady. Amos Jacques, the
Doctor's grandfather, was born in Newport, R. 1.,
and married Freelove Westcott, an American lady.
Amos Jacques, father of Calvin W., was born in
Sterling, Windham Co., Conn., in the eastern part
of the State, and became a man of means, owning
a large estate at his native place. He moved to a
farm in the vicinity of Rockville, Tolland Co., Conn.
He married Miss Mary Kenyon, of Plainfield, Conn.,
and they became the parents of four children : Cal-
vin William, Adonirum Judson, John J. and Nar-
cissa E. The last-named became the wife of Dr.
Isaac Sperry, and now resides in Waterbury, Con-
necticut.
Calvin W. Jacques was born March 24, 1822, at
Tolland, Conn., and was reared on a farm. He
attended the common schools, also the academies at
Plainfield and Westfield, and when but sixteen years
old commenced teaching, meanwhile continuing his
studies. Beginning preparation for his profession
when quite young, he read first with a doctor of
New Haven, and later in the office of Dr. Johnson,
of Hartford, with whom he practiced for a short
time after graduating. In 1844 he came to the
town of Manchester, locating at Buckland's Cor-
ners, and here continuing in the active duties of his
calling up to the time of his decease, remarking n
his deathbed that he was dying "in the harness."
From the start he met with most encouraging suc-
cess, and during his later years his practice was so
large that he was obliged to devote his entire time
to its demands, relinquishing pleasures and other
activities which he also enjoyed in order to give
proper attention to his numerous patients. His re-
mains were interred in the Buckland cemetery, his
brethren of the Masonic Fraternity taking charge
of the funeral services. Dr. Jacques was not a
member of any church, but attended services, and
contributed generously to church work and religious
enterprises. With an intelligent and progressive
comprehension of the needs of the community, he
was a valuable citizen, and was honored with elec-
tion to the State Legislature, in which he served
ably and faithfully. Since Manchester became a
town only three Democrats have attained that dig-
nity, the other two being Ralph Cheney and Francis
W. Cowles.
At Buckland Dr. Jacques formed the acquain-
tance of Miss Anna Griswold Buckland, whom he
married about a year after settling there, and in
1847 he built the main part of the beautiful residence
now occupied by his widow and in which they made
their permanent home. During their earlier mar-
is
ricd life Dr. and Mrs. Jacques traveled extensively
tliroughout the United States ; but his increasing
practice kept him closely at liome for a number of
years prior to his decease.
Mrs. Anna Griswold (Buckland) Jacques was
born in the town of Manchester, daughter of Tudor
and Annie (Griswold) Buckland, and, as her mother
died a few days after her birth and her father five
months later, she was reared by her maternal grand-
parents, Daniel W. and Esther (Case) Griswold.
She attended the public and private school of her
native place, and Miss Bulkeley's private school on
Temple street, Hartford.
The Griswold family is descended from George
Griswold, called, in his epitaph, Armiger of Kenil-
worth, in Warwickshire, England, and for several
years during the life of his father, Francis Gris-
wold, was described as of Lyme, in Dorsetshire,
where he was married. Of the ancestors of George
Griswold several were members of Parliament, and
one, Philip Griswold, was honorably distinguished
in arms in the reigns of Flenry V and VI.
The sons of George Griswold with a single ex-
ception removed to New England. Edward,
whose name appears to have been changed from
Francis, was one of the first settlers at Windsor in
1633. Matthew Griswold also established himself
originally at the same place. Edward Griswold, the
first settler, was the father of George Griswold.
The latter was the father of Daniel Griswold, who
married Mindwell, daughter of Nathaniel Bissel,
Feb. 3, 1680. Daniel Griswold was the father of
Daniel, Jr., who married Sarah White in 1716.
Daniel Griswold, Jr., was the father of White Gris-
wold, born in Manchester, Oct. 22, 1727, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Cheney. White Griswold was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the following
is a copy of a letter written by him at Fort George,
to a friend. A few words are illegible, owing
to the fading of the ink or to the creases made in
folding the letter, which after much wear in open-
ing and refolding has become almost worn through
in places.
Sir:
Fort Gforge, Aug. 10, ITTt;.
Although at a great distance from you yet I have an op-
portunity which I gladly embrace to lei you know something
of my circumstances since I came from home. But where
and how to begin I am at a loss, for the time is short in which
I have to write, therefore * * * must he short. I have been
into Canada as far as the 3 Rivers, 90 miles above Quebec,
which is 278 from this place, and on the march have under-
went an unknown ordeal, both by fatigue and want of pro-
visions, also by the small pox, so that we have undergone
almost everything but death. Rut thanks be to God I and
my son are in comfortable circumstances at present, for
which I desire I may ever be sensible of God's goodness to
us, and walk answerable to mercies received, for which I
desire your prayers that I may so do and be returned to my
family and friends in due time, with a sense of His goodness
to me; and that I may ever set God as present before my
eyes, that I may not sin against Him. I and Asa [his son]
are both at work at Fort George at the joiner's business, in
which I hope we shall continue, but it is uncertain how it
will be, for we know not but we shall be called from this
274
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
place in a short time, and to what business is uncertain. As
to news, I have not much to write, for we don't know much
about the affairs of the army at Fort George. It is very
sickly and a * * * time. There are some days nearly 20 men
buried, and I believe not a day but sundry men are buried.
To view the hospital and see the dead earned to the grave
(if rightly so considered) is, I believe, the most melancholy
place and time that was ever in America. For this it be-
comes the innhabitants ot the land to humble themselves
before God, who is able to avert the judgment which we feel,
and turn from sin to Him by true and unfeigned repentance
and implore His forgiving love and that he would return in
mercy to us and graut the pardon of alh sin, which is the
cause of all evils which we feel. Our business for some
days past has been making coffins. The dead have been
chiefly buried without till Thursday, the 8th of August, we
made S, Friday 8, and Saturday 8; all but one were used as
soun as they were made, and 1 don't see but it is likely to
continue, as in time past. I counted the graves Saturday
night, the 10th of August, and there were 180 graves, and
sundry have two bodies in them, and 'tis not more than
thirty days since the first was buried there. I can at pres-
ent give no more intelligence, but, as 1 said before, I believe
there is not a more melancholy place in America than this,
if rightly so considered, although death is so frequent 'tis
minded among the greater part of the soldiers no more than
among a herd of cattle, which makes it the more doleful to
behold. I shall conclude with wishing you and all friends
health and peace, both in time and eternity. This from your
' sincere friend and humble servant. White Griswold.
P. S., Sir: I don't * * * by not mentioning in particular
and by name ■ ** son and daughter, but desire you would
give my most kind regards to them, and let them know by
the above lines the situation we are in, for as I told you be-
fore we are well and live well at present. In writing to you
'tis the same as though I wrote to each of them in particular,
so fare ye well.
White Griswold died a British prisoner at Phil-
adelphia. His son, Daniel White Griswold, ma-
ternal grandfather of Mrs. Jacques, was a native
of the town of Manchester, and was an extensive
farmer and landowner near Buckland's Corners, in
that town, where his daughter, Annie, Mrs. Jacques'
mother, was born. On the paternal side, Mrs.
Jacques is a granddaughter of Capt. Peter Buckland.
WILLIAM ALMERON TERRY, retired, with
residence in Bristol, is a native of that town, born
Oct. 14, 1828, and is a descendant of English an-
cestry several generations removed.
Samuel Terry, great-great-great-great-great-
grandfather of our subject, was born in 1633-34 in
or near Barnet, England. He came to America to
serve one William P3'nchon, who got into difficulties
with the authorities in England on account of cer-
tain theological views set forth by him in a pam-
phlet he published, and consequently had to leave
his native land never to return. On Jan. 7, 1654-
55, the town of Springfield granted to Samuel Terry
ten acres of land in "Chickkuppee Plain," on condi-
tion that he remain in the town five years. In 1664
he was granted land at Enfield, Conn. He was by
trade a linen weaver, and was also something of a
fanner. He served as constable, also as surveyor
of highways, and served on the boundary committee.
While discharging his duties on that committee he
had the pleasure of meeting his son, Samuel, who
was a member of th^ same committee from Enfield.
On Jan. 3, 1660-61, he married Ann Lobdell, and
their children, all born in Springfield, Mass., were
as follows : ( i ) Sainuel, sketch of whom follows.
(2) Ephraim, born Aug. 26, 1663, died in Spring-
field, Mass., July 15, 1670, being drowned in the
river. (3) Thomas, born March 6, 1664-65, was
living July 23, 1743; he married (first) in Spring-
field, April 21, 1687, Mary Cooley, born June 29,
1659, died Dec. 16, 1720; he married (second) May
18, 1722, Widow Mary Meacham, of Enfield; he
married (third) March 22, 1735-36, Widow Han-
nah Chapin. By occupation Thomas Terry was a
farmer and weaver ; was a selectinan of the town of
Springfield, and often held minor offices. (4) Mary,
born July, 1667, and died prior to Aug. 10, 1731,
married Nov. 5, 1690, Jeremiah Horton, Jr. ; they
lived in Springfield. (5) Rebecca (i), boni July
25, 1669, died Aug. 18, 1670. (6) A daughter was
bonr'and died Dec. 12, 1670. (7) Ephraim, born
Feb. 3, 1671-72, and died in Lebanon, Conn., Dec.
7, 1760, married July 25, 1695, Hannah Eggleston;
he was a farmer by occupation and was a deacon
of the church at Windsor. (8) Rebecca (2), born
Dec. 5, 1673, and died June 2, 1745, married Sept.
17, 1 69 1, Abel Wright, a large land owner and man
of affairs in Lebanon, Conn. (9) Elizabeth, born
March 25, 1677, died April 2, 1677. (10) Ann
(date of birth unknown) married Jan. 11, 1693,
John Bliss, of Lebanon, Conn. Of these,
Samuel Terry, great-great-great-great-grand-
father of our subject, was born July 18, 1661, in
Enfield, Conn., and died there Jan. 2, 1730-31. He
married (first) May 17, 1682, Hannah Morgan, born
April II, 1656, died Jan. 17, 1696-97; married (sec-
ond) in Wethersfield, Conn., Jan. 4, 1697-98, Mar-
tha, widow of Benjamin Crane, Jr., who was born
about 1666, and died in Enfield May 29, 1743. Sam-
uel Terry settled in Enfield about 1683, and was a
farmer; at times held such local offices as constable
and selectman, and several times served as ensign
in the local militia, in which he becaiue a captain
in 1 716. He was a tnan of exemplary piety, prom-
inent in the church, and is styled "gentleman" in
the public record of his appointment as adminis-
trator to his father's estate. A brief record of his
children, all of whom were born in Enfield, is as
follows. By first marriage: (i) Hannah, born Nov.
18, 1684, married William Bement, March 3, 1706-
7. (2) Samuel, born March 26, 1690. (3) Rebecca,
born Nov. 15, 1692, married John Pasco, Jan. 5,
1712-13. (4-5) Twin sons, born June 6, died' Feb.
13, 1694-5. (6) Ebenezer, born March 31, 1696, died
Aug. 2, 1780, married Mary Helms, who was bor
1702, died April 5, 1764. He was a physician,
man of wealth and prominence and represented th
town of Enfield in the Legislature. Sanuiel Terry'
children by second marriage: (i) Benjamin, born
Oct. 13, 1698, died Feb. 20, 1795, married March
29, 1721, Hannah Pease; he was a blacksmith in
Enfield. (2) Ephraim, sketch of whom follows. ■ (3)
Jacob, born Feb. 20, 1703-04, died April 23, 1779,
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
275
married May 7, 1730, Mary Pease; he was a farmer
of Enfield. (4) Martha, born Feb. 18, 1705-06,
•ched March, 1705-06. (5) Jonathan, born Nov. 17,
1707, died Sept. 15, 1793, niarrietl in 1738 Sarah
I'ease. By trade he was a l)lacksniilh in Enfield;
in tile later years of his life he joined the society
known as Shakers, in Enfield. (6) Isaac, born
April 17, 1713, died Oct. 21, 1782, married in
Springfield, Alass., July 18, 1734, Margaret Down-
ing; he followed shoemaking in Enfield. Of these,
Ephraiim Terry, great-great-great-grandfather
of our subject, was born in Enfield Oct. 24, 1701,
and died there Oct. 14, 1783. He was a tanner in
Enfield, and a major in the militia. He married
Sept. 13, 1722-23, Ann (daughter of Rev. Na-
thaniel and Alice (Adams) Collins), who was
born Dec. 20, 1702, and died Sept. 10, 1778. She
was the great-great-granddaughter of Gov. Will-
iam Bradford, of Plymouth Colony, who came from
England in the "Mayflower." Their children, all
born in Enfield: (i) Mary, born Jan. i, 1723-24,
married Nov. 29, 1739, Ebenezer Pease. (2) Sam-
uel, sketch of whom follows. (3) Ephraim, born
j\lay 3, 1728, died Dec. 20, 1807, married Dec. 30,
1756, Martha Olmstead ; he was a farmer in En-
field. (4) Nathaniel, born June 3, 1730, died Feb.
20, 1792, married Abiah Dwight. He was a cap-
tain in the militia, and on the day following the
news of the battle of Lexington he set out for Bos-
ton with fifty-nine men ; he was afterward pro-
moted to Colonel; his home was in Enfield. (5)
Anne, born Aug. 17, 1732, died in Westfield, Mass.,
Oct. 5, 1764, married in 1750 John Kellogg, and
lived in Westfield. (6) Lucy, born June 22, 1734,
died Dec. 16, 181 1, is said to have married, about
1759. Daniel Dwight, a physician and surgeon. (7)
Elijah, born Aug. 4, 1736, died Nov. 7, 1707, mar-
ried Feb. 19, 1762, Sarah Parsons; they made their
liome in Enfield. (8) Alice, born Aug. 23, 1738, died
Sept. 10, 1743. (9) Sybil, born Aug. 8, 1740, died
June 26, 1775. married Dec. 10, 1761, Nathaniel
Chapin ; they lived in Enfield. ( 10) Eliphalet, born
Dec. 24, 1742, died Nov. 2, 1812, married Dec. 3,
1765, Mary Hall; he was a lawyer in Enfield, a
deacon in the Congregational Church, and held
various town offices. Of these,
Samuel Terry, great-great-grandfather of our
subject, was born Oct. 18, 1725, in Enfield, Conn.,
and died there May 8, 1798. He was an innkeeper
in Enfield. He married in Westfield, Mass., April
21, 1748, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Rachel
(Ashley) Kellogg, who was born Oct. 24, 1730,
and died Feb. 11, 1801. Their children, all born
in Enfield, were as follows: (i) Samuel, sketch of
whom follows. (2) Alice, born June 26, 1752, died
March 22. 1830, was married Dec. 23, 1773. to
Lemuel Kingsbury, of Tolland, Conn. (3) Mary,
born April 7, 1754, died Jan. 4. 1808, married Aug.
15, 1774, David Shaw, of East Windsor, Conn. (4)
Asapli, born Nov. 15, 1756, died May to, 1839, mar-
ried (first) July 21, 1778, Penelope McGregory,
who was born about the year 1758, and died March
30, i8i8. He married (second) March 25, 1822,
Nancy Atwell, of Montville, Conn., born May 22,
1793, died June 8, 1875. Asaph Terry was a farmer
by occupation, a colonel in the militia, and served
in the Revolutionary war. (5j Rhoda Ann, born
May II, 1759, died Dec. 12, 1783, was married May
II, 1778, to Thaddeus Billings, Jr., of Longmeadow,
Mass., where he was a lieutenant in the militia. (0)
Levi, born March 30, 1761, died in New London,
March 27, 1779, was a soldier in the Federal army.
(7) Solomon, born Oct. 31, 1763, died May 25,
1839, married (first) Aug. 31, 1788, Plannah I'ease,
who was born Nov. 29, 1770, and died March 5,
1808; he married (second) Sept. 6, 1810, Margaret
Pease, who was born July 2, 1776, and died Sept.
7, 1851 ; he lived in Enfield. (8) Sybil, born May 23,
1769, died in May, 1844, was married (first) March
23, 1785, to Nathaniel Billings: she later married
Simeon Pease, who was born Feb. 7, 1758. ami died
in 1847; they lived in Enfield. (9) Ezekiel. born
March i, 1775, died in Monson, JNIass., April 7,
1829, married, in 1795, j\Iary Griswold ; he was a
Baptist minister, hymn writer and printer. They
made their home in Monson, Mass. Of these.
Samuel Terry, great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born July 29, 1750, in Enfield, Conn., and
died in South Windsor, Conn., Nov. 11, 1838. He
was a farmer and tanner in East Windsor (now
South Windsor). He married (first) Dec. 16,
1 77 1, Huldah, daughter of Silas and Hannah (Mor-
ton) Burnham, who was born April 30. 1752, and
died May 18, 1809; he married (second) Dorcas
Buckland, who was born in 1759. and died Aug.
4, 1834. A brief record of his children, all born
in South Windsor, is as follows: (i) Eli. born
April 13, 1772, died in Terry ville, Conn., Feb. 24,
1852, married (first) March 12, 1795, Eunice,
daughter of James and Eunice (Dutton) Warner,
of Plymouth^ Conn., born May 31, 1773, died in
Plymouth Dec. 15, 1839. He married (second) in
Oct. 1840, Mrs. Harriet Ann Peck, daughter of
Philip and Anna (Adams) Pond, of Torrington,
Conn., and widow of Ozias Peck, of Plymouth.
She was born May 10, 1804. and died in Torring-
ton Aug. 22, 185 1. Eli was a clockmaker by trade,
and the" first in this country to make clocks in large
quantities. For a time he lived in Plymouth, Conn.,
his later years being passed in the village of Terr\-
ville, which was named after him. (2) Samuel, a
sketch of whom follows. (3) Silas, born Dec. 15.
1775. died Nov. 21, 181 1, married Chloe, daughter
of Oliver and ]\Iary C. (Foster) Grant, born in
Wapping, Conn., May 15, 1786, died in Hartford in
March, 1874: he was a farmer in South Windsor.
(4) Huldah, born in South Windsor ^lay 4. 1778,
died in Enfield, Sept. 11, 1831, married Lemuel
Kingsbury, Jr.; he was a farmer in Enfield. (5)
Lucy, bom Sept. 26, 1780, died in West Hartfnnl
Dec. 6, 1861, married Dyer, son of Joseph. Jr.. and
Sybil (Stoughton) Newberry; he was a farmer in
276
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
South Windsor. (6) Anne, born Feb. 7, 1783, died
Dec. 26, 1784. (7) Naomi, born Sept. 2V, 1787,
died in Hartford, Dec. i, 1869, was married in May,
1813, to William, son of John and Lydia (Sumner)
Strong, born July 24, 1785, died Nov. 10, 1841 ; he
was a leather merchant in Hartford. (8) Horace,
born Nov. 9, 1789, died in Plymouth Aug. i, 1840,
married Sally Ward, born in 1795, died Aug. 4,
1870; he was a clock maker in Plymouth. (9) Clar-
issa, born Oct. 15, 1793, died in Westfield, Mass.,
May 6, 1873, married Oct. 27, 1818, Elisha Galpin,
son of Amzi and Rosetta (Warner) Talmadge,
born in Ptymouth Feb. 16, 1794, died July 28, 1835.
He was a maker of and dealer in saddlery goods
in Westfield. ("lo) Joseph, born in South Windsor,
Oct. 3, 1797, died in Hartford Oct. 25, 1875, mar-
ried in South Windsor Oct. 8, 1821, Mary Mather,
daughter of John Field and Mary (Mather)
lutch ; she was born in South Windsor Sept. 3,
1802. Joseph was formerly in the leather busi-
ness, was quite an architect, but in his later life was
a farmer. He lived in Hartford. Of these,
Samuel Terry, grandfather of our subject, was
born Jan. 24, 1774, in South Windsor, Conn.,
whence he removed to Bristol, and established the
Terry Clock factory, which he conducted for a
great many years, his son Theodore and a Mr. An-
drews, under the firm name of Terry & z'\ndrews,
then taking hold of the business. Samuel Terry
after this change commenced the manufacture of
large tower clocks, one of which is to be seen in the
tower of the Congregational church of Bristol. In
this line of business he continued until his death
May 4, 1853. He was formerly in the clock busi-
ness with his brother Eli, at Terryville, and then
came to Bristol, as above related.
Samuel Terry married Esther Gillett, who was
born Feb. 7, 1775, and died in Bristol. Their chil-
dren, all born in South Windsor, Conn., were as
follows : ( I ) Samuel Steele, sketch of whom fol-
lows. (2) William, born June 13, 1800, died in Dec,
1822, married Dec. 24, 1821, Nancy Harris. (3)
Esther G., born Sept. 19, 1801. (4) Ralph Ensign,
born March 4, 1804, married Oct. 9, 1844, Ruth
Lewis, daughter of William and Julia A. (Bots-
ford) Hubbell, born April 14, 1820, died May 12,
1872; he was a clock maker in Bristol. (5) John
Burnham, born May 7, 1806, died in Brooklyn, N.
Y., March 14, 1870, married (first) June 16, 1828,
Amanda Joanna, daughter of David and Lois (Sut-
liff) Warner, and (second) Mrs. Hannah (Clapp)
Burnham, widow of Leander Burnham ; he was a
dentist in Hartford, Conn., afterward in Brooklyn,
N. Y. (6) Theodore, born Aug. 5, 1808, died in
New Flaven, June 18, 1881, married Juliette, daugh-
ter of Philo and Sarah (or Sally) Pierce. He was
a clockmaker in Bristol and Ansonia, Conn., later
engaging in the oil business in Pennsylvania; for
a time he made his home in Hartford, but his last
days were spent in New Haven. (7) Hannah Mor-
ton, born April 12, 1810, died May 20, 1841, was
married to Samuel B. Smith. (8) Edward, born
March 4, 1812, died Aug. 22, 1866, married March
25, 1833, Anne Lewis. (9) Milo, born March 9,.
1814, married (first) Oct. 22, 1834, Cynthia iSIose-
ly, of Westfield, Mass., and (second) Mrs. Abigail
Murphy, a widow. (10) Franklin Kellogg, born
Nov. 15, 181 5, died Dec. 10, 1855, married Mary
Jane, daughter of Joseph D. Huntmgton, of West-
field, Mass. For a time he was a lawyer in Albany,
N. Y., but finally removed to the West. Of these,
Samuel Steele Terry, father of our subject, was
born May 29, 1798, in South Windsor, Conn., and
died April 10, 1867, in Ansonia. He was a con-
tractor in the wheel and pinion department of the
clock shops of Terry & Andrews, in Bristol, which
concern had been started by Samuel Terry, a
brother of Eli Terry, after whom the village of
Terryville was named. Samuel S. Terry removed
to Ansonia, where the clock shop was also removed
in 1850, and the factory, after one or two changes',
finally merged into what is now known as the
Ansonia Clock Co.
On Nov. 28, 1827, Samuel S. Terry was mar-
ried to Mary S. Stoughton, who was born Oct. 6,
1801, in East Windsor, Conn., a daughter of Shem
Stoughton, and died in Bristol Nov. 15, 1842. He
married (second) May 8, 1844, Mrs. Mary Mer- M
riam, daughter of Amandeus Botsford, and widow ■■
of Anson Merriam. There were no children by this
marriage. Children by first marriage, all born in
Bristol, were as follows: (i) William Almeron,
sketch of whom follows. (2) Charles Bryant, born
Feb. 13, 1830, died in Bristol in Sept. 1849. (3)
Samuel Hart, born June 19, 1834, married Jan. 8,
1858, Elizabeth Amanda Smith, and now hves in
New Haven. (4) Albert Taylor, born Aug. 15,
1836, died in Bristol May 26, 1839. (5) Mary Eliza-
beth, born April 21, 1839. (6) Edgar Stoughton,
born Oct. 24, 1842. The parents of this family
were both members of the Congregational Church,
and in politics the father was first a Whig, later a
Republican. They are buried in Compounce
cemetery.
William A. Terry, the subject proper of these
lines, received an education, in part at the Bristol
common schools, in part at the academy in that
place, leaving school at the age of fifteen. He then
commenced his life work under his father in the
clock shop, and remained there until the latter's
removal to Ansonia along with the shop. Our sub-
ject then went to Atkins & Ives Co., as a clock-
maker, but at the end of a year left there and
commenced work with Terry, Downs & Co. (the
senior member of the firm being his uncle, Ralph
Ensign Terry), and there remained some two years.
His next experience was in the melodeon factory
of Herrald J. Potter, as tuner of the instruments,
in what is now known as the "saw shop," and there
continued a number of years. Becoming interested
in the new collodion process of photograplu', Mr.
Terry hired John Churchill's gallery, and worked
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
277
on anibrotypes and photographs as well as in the
nielodeon factory, for two years or more, after-
ward moving to Sigourney's building, and giving
his whole time to the business. Then, during other
two years, he went to Ansonia throe days each
week, to tune the melodeons made by Page, Pot-
ter & Co., now known as the Sterling Co., piano
makers. In 1872 he erected the gallery and build-
ing on the corner of Laurel and North Main
streets, and soon afterward a greenhouse on West
street, adding the florist's business to that of dealer
in pictures, pianos, organs, and sewing machines.
There he continued in the photographic art until
about fifteen years ago, since when he has not been
actively engaged in any line of business. For sev-
eral years, until the art of photography began to
improve, he had to make his own chemicals and
paraphernalia.
On April 8, 1850, J\Ir. Terry married ^liss Es-
ther Amelia Ball, a daughter of Amzi and Hannah
(Royce) Ball, of Bristol, Conn., and children have
been born to them as follows : A daughter, born in
1851, died same year; a son born in 1852, died same
year : Elizabeth, born July 12, 1853, married Bur-
dette A. Peck, of Bristol, and has three children ;
^^'illiam Bryant, born Jan. 28, 1855, is a florist and
dealer in musical implements, picture frames, etc. ;
Carrie Louise, bornjuly 2, 1856, married James G.
Beckwith, of Bristol, an engineer in the Sessions
foundry, and they have two children ; and Charles,
born Sept. 5, 1867, married Cora Fenn, of Ply-
mouth, Conn., and they live in Plymouth with their
two children. Mr. and Mrs. Terry, the parents of
this family, attend the services of the Congrega-
tional Church, and in politics he has always been
a stanch Republican, though no aspirant for office.
'Sir. Terry, during the time he was in the clock-
making business, was the author of several inven-
tions, and among them may be mentioned a cal-
endar clock, which was manufactured by the An-
sonia Clock Co. It could be set by moving the
hands, while others had to be set by moving one
day at a time. The model of it in the Patent Office,
Washington, D. C, would calculate leap year cor-
rectly for inore than three thousand years, leaving
out leap year at the end of every fourth century.
He also invented several processes in photography ;
moreover, he has spent some time in experimenting,
with no inconsiderable success, in lenses. For the
past fifteen years he has done considerable investi-
gating as a naturalist, and microscopist, making a
special study of ferns, algje, diatoms and desmids,
of which he has a large collection, and has con-
tributed several articles to the various microscop-
ical and scientific journals.
He is well known to scientists of the world as
an expert in collecting, preparing and mounting
diatoms, of which he has a large collection, and also
a discoverer of new and rare species, several of
which have been given his name by leading scien-
tists in honor of his discoverv of them, and manv
others he has liinisulf named, lie published a
scries of articles in the "Am. Mic. Journal" on the
"Diatoms of the Connecticut shore," and he has
discovered and investigated eleven different fossil
deposits of diatoms in Bristol. One of the new
species he discovered in Bristol has never yet been
found anywhere else, and another is found only in
New Britain.
THOAIAS DAVISOX CROTHERS, AI. D.,
president of Walnut Lodge Hospital, Hartford,
former assistant superintendent and physician of
the New York State Inebriate As_\lum, and also
former superintendent of Walnut Hill .Vsylum,
Hartford, has given the greater part of his life
to the study of inebriety, a specialty in which he
has gained distinction throughout both this country
and the Old World.
Dr. Crothers was born Sept. 12, 1842, in West
Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., son of Robert and
Harriet E. (Smith) Crothers. Robert Crothers
was a direct descendant of a noted family of sur-
geons, who have been prominent in Edinburgh,
Scotland, for over a century, as teachers in the
University of that city; while Harriet E. (Smith)
Crothers came from the Holmes family, of Stoning-
ton. Conn., and the Smiths of Westchester, N. Y.,
both of which branches were prominently repre-
sented in the French and Revolutionary wars.
Dr. Crothers, our subject, prepared for college
at Fort Edward (N. Y.) Seminary, and previous to
his entrance taught school in both New York and
New Jersey. In 1865 he was graduated from the
Albany (N. Y.) Medical College, and a year later
entered the Ira Harris (United States J Military
Hospital as a cadet. During the same year he took
a post-graduate course at the Long Island Hospital
and at Bellevue College, and then made his way to
Galway, N. Y., where he began to practice his pro-
fession in 1866. In 1870 he removed to Albany,
N. Y., and from 1873 to 1875 'le \^'^s clinical assist-
ant and lecturer in the Albany (N. Y.) Medical
College, while from 1872 to 1874 he was on the
editorial staff of the "Medical and Surgical Report-
er,"of Philadelphia. In 1875 li^ ^^'^s appointed assist-
ant superintendent and physician of the New York
Inebriate Asylum, Binghamton, N. Y., and in 1878
was made superintendent of the Walnut Hill Asy-
lum, at Hartford, Conn. In 1875 he was elected
secretary of the American Association for the Study
and Cure of Inebriates, which position he holds to
the present time, and the ensuing year he was ap-
pointed editor of the "Journal of Inebriety," a po-
sition he also still continues to fill. On Nov. 21,
1900, Dr. Crothers was elected professor of dis-
eases of the brain and nervous system in the Xeiv
York School of Clinical Medicine.
In 1880 Dr. Crothers organized the Walnut
Lodge Hospital, a private corporation for the medi-
cal treatment of alcohol and opium inebriates, of
which he has since been president. In 1890 he was
278
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
elected secretary of the American Temperance As-
sociation and editor of tlie "Bulletin" published by
this society. Dr. Crothers is identified with many
home and foreign organizations of prominence in
the medical world, being a member of the British
Medical Association ; the French Society for Psy-
chological Research ; the English Psychical Society ;
the Belgium Society of Mental Medicine; and an
honorary member of the Russian Society of Mental
Science; the American Association; and others.
In 1887 Dr. Crothers was one of the American
delegates to the International Congress for the study
of inebriety at London, England. The British
Society tendered him a public dinner on that oc-
casion, and he was honored with many other testi-
monials of respect and appreciation. For many
3'ears the Doctor has been a voluminous writer and
lecturer on different phases of inebriety, and his
views have been the subject of much interest and
controversy. In 1888 and 1889 he delivered a
course of lectures before the students of the Al-
bany (N. Y.) Medical College and the Vermont
Universit)', at Burlington, Vt., and in 1893 he edited
the work on "Diseases of Inebriety," which was
published bv Treat & Co., of New York. Like all
other pioneers Dr. Crothers has a large circle of
ardent admirers among scientific men, as well as
bitter detractors. His conduct of the "Journal of
of Inebriety" has given it a national reputation
among the scientific periodicals of the day, and his
private hospital has attracted wide-spread attention
and patients from all over the county. In 1899
he was made vice-president of the International
Congress, an organization against the abuse of
alcohol, held at Paris in April of that year. On
June 16, 1900, he delivered the historical address
of the medical study of the alcoholic question be-
fore the World's Temperance Congress at London,
England.
In 1875 Dr. Crothers married Mrs. S. B. Ryse-
dorph, of Albany, New York.
EDGAR CLARENCE COWLES, M. D. The
Cowles family is one of the oldest in this country,
and the subject of this biography, a successful
physician at Hartford, is of the seventh generation
of actual residents within our borders. He traces
his descent from John Cowles, an Englishman, who
came to Massachusetts in 1636, and settled in Farm-
ington, this county, in 1640.
(II) Isaac Cowles, son of the pioneer, was born
in 1675, and died in 1756.
(III) James Cowles, born in 1723, died in 1789.
(IV) Jeremiah Cowles was born in 1774- ^-^d
died in 1834. He married Abigail Woodruff.
(V) James Woodruff Cowles was born in Farm-
ington, and always lived in the old homestead. He
died in 1868. In politics he was a Republican, and
at one time served as town constable. He was also
interested in religious work as a member of the
Congregational Church. He married Amelia A.
Hills, daughter of Sylvester Hills, and they had six
children: Edgar Phillip, our subject's father;,
Frances Mary, deceased ; Emily Dickinson, who
married James W. Moore, of Cleveland, Ohio ;
Charlotte A., deceased ; Gustavus ; and Arthur, a
resident of Des Moines, Iowa.
(VI) Edgar Phillip Cowles was born in Farm-
ington July 17, 1840, and died in Hartford June
3, 1891. During the Civil war he rendered valu-
able aid in the mustering office at Hartford under
Gen. Pease, and in the field as a member of Com-
pany B, 22nd Conn. V. I. On June 6, 1866, he be-
came treasurer of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard
Co. At one time he was clerk in the "United States
Hotel." Later he gave much attention to finance;
as a director of the First National Bank of Hart-
ford, and for many years he managed the estate
of Newton Case, of Hartford. He was married in
Farmington, Conn., to Miss Eunice M. Slater,.
daughter of Norris Slater, a well-known citizen,,
and they had two children: Gertrude (who was
born June 26, 1869, and died Sept. 27, 1869) and
Edgar Clarence.
(VII) Dr. Edgar C. Cowles was born in Hart-
ford Sept. I, 1875, and his education was begun in
the local schools. He attended the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Sufiield, for two years, and in
1894 entered the Medical Department of Boston
University. His medical course was continued at
the Cleveland University of Medicme and Surgery^
where he was graduated March 22, 1897 ; at the
New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hos-
pital, where he did special work in operative sur-
gery and gynecology in 1897-98; at the Lying-in-
Hospital ; and the Mothers and Babes Hospital,
New York. From July, 1899, to February, 1900,.
he was in charge of the Hartford Dispensary, and
his success points to a bright professional future.
He is now medical examiner for Hartford Lodge,
New England Order of Protection. The Doctor is
a member of the Dunham Medical Society, the Con-
necticut Homeopathic Medical Society, and the
United Order of the Golden Cross, being medical
examiner for the last named.
SILAS K. MONTGOMERY, postmaster of
Bristol from the spring of 1885 until the spring of
1898, was born in Warren, Knox Co., Maine, Oct.
7, 1845. He attended the common school until
fifteen years of age, then the Warren Academy for
two years, after which he took a course in Bryant
& Stratton's Business College, at Portland, Maine,
frorti which he graduated in 1868. His first busi-
ness engagement was as bookkeeper for Ellsworth
& Bidwell, at Windsor, Conn., with whom he re-
mained for three years ; he next was employed for
five years at Watertown, Conn., by Myron McNiel,
dealer in general merchandise, drugs and medicines.
He then built a drug store for himself, which he
conducted five years, sold out to Edward Ensign, of
Watertown, and came to Bristol in 1881, buj'ing the
C^c/^CXA^ C^Z^OLyU^lAyayC (~i^-C4^AAL,^ /If .J)^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
William Reynolds drug store on North Main street,
in the "Gridley House" block, which he sold a year
and a half later to William C. Hillard.
Mr. 2ilontgomery is a Democrat in politics. He
served on the board of assessors of Bristol for three
years, and at the same time conducted a real-estate
business. At the end of that time he was appointed
(^ during a recess of Congress) postmaster by Presi-
dent Cleveland, for one year, and when Congress
re-convened, in March, iS86, he was appointed for
four years, in 1890 receiving appointment to the
same ofitice by President Harrison for another term
of four years. In 1894, after the re-election of
Grover Cleveland to the Presidency, he was by
him re-appointed for four years, and served until
April I, 1898, since when he has passed consider-
able time in travel.
The fact of Mr. Z\Iontgomery's retaining his
position as postmaster for so many years is highly
creditable in itself, but his management of the post
office is still more so. \\'hen he was first appointed,
the office was of the third class, but by the time of
his retirement he had worked it up to second class,
with three clerks paid by the Government, and a
free delivery. In 1895, the location of the office
w'as changed, and a larger office secured. He
worked persistently to secure free delivery, and
met with his triumph July 16, 1897. It has proven
to be of vast benefit and convenience to the town's
people, who have never ceased to appreciate ]\Ir.
^lontgomery's enterprise and energy.
^Ir. ]\Iontgomery has been very public-spirited;
has built quite a number of houses in the town,
and was influential in causing the streets to be
named and houses numbered. He was a director
in the Turner Heater Co., which was started in
Bristol in 1891, and was its secretary and treasurer
from that date until 1894, when he resigned ; he was
also instrumental in forming the Bristol Press Co.,
publishers of the journal bearing the same name,
and was its secretary and a director for several years,
but withdrew on account of pressure of other busi-
ness.
Although nominally a Democrat, Mr. !Mont-
gomery is liberal in his political views, and not at
all dogmatic or bigoted as to party doctrine or
principle, basing his individual political action more
upon effecting the election of good and competent
»men to public office than to the securing of a party
victory. In 1897 he was elected on the Democratic
ticket, borough assessor, and served one year. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Pequabuck Chapter, No.
32, Royal Arch Masons, of Bristol, and of the Royal
Arcanum, No. 753.
!Mr. ^Montgomery was joined in marriage Jan.
-7> 1875, with Miss Mar}- E. Allyn, daughter of
Charles N. and Hulda (Baldwin) Allyn, of Water-
town, but no children have been born to this union.
He and his wife are members of the Congregational
Church, of wdiich he w-as for a time the treasurer
and collector. Thev now reside in their new home
on High street, to which they removed in 1S98.
Besides this place Mr. Montgomery owns a cot-
tage at Sachem's Head; he passes his winters in
Florida.
Mr. Montgomery traces his lineage direct to
Roger, Count de Montgomerie, of Normandy,
France, prior to the year 900, and of the thirty-
second generation back in the dim vista of the past.
Beginning with our subject (i), an effort will be
made to follow the line in retrogressive order to its
initial number (XXXII).
(II) Philip Montgomery, born June I, 1797, in
Warren, Maine, married Olive Faulkner, who bore
him ten children : Capt. John E. ; William H^; Jabez
K. ; James S. ; Olive Jane ; Eliza Ann ; Nancy M ;
Lewis O. ; Benjamin F. ; and Silas K. (the subject
of this sketch). Philip Montgomerj' was a ship-
builder, following that business from 1825, and
retiring in 1858; he spent the remainder of his
life on his farm. He was a very conscientious Ba])-
tist, in which faith he died in 1890, his wife having
gone before, in 1887.
(III) John ^iontgomery, born in \\"arren,
Maine, Oct. 4, 1763, married in 1796 Julia Ann
Howard, of \\'aldoboro, Maine, and died June 16,
1854, the father of ten children: Philip; Cather-
ine ; Flugh ; Caleb : Abbie ; George ; Lewis ; Eliza-
beth ; Rebecca ; and Percy.
(IV) Robert Montgomery was born in Middle-
boro, Alass., and was baptized July 13, 1738, by
Rev. John ]\Iorehead, of the Scotch Presbyterian
Church of Boston. He was m the service at the
taking of Quebec (Canada), in 1759. He mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Boice and Katherine
(Kellyhoen) Cooper, who was born at Pemaquid,
Lincoln Co., Z^Iaine, Maich 15, 1740, and died at
Warren, Maine, [March 13, 1834. Robert ]\Iont-
gomery died Dec. 26, 1822, To them were also
born ten children : John, Lydia, Mary, Eliza-
beth, AMlliam, Hugh, Margaret, Catherine, Sarah,
and Robert.
(V) John Alontgomery, it is said, was born in
Scotland, and there lived until taken to the North
of Ireland by his parents, at the age of seven years.
\Mien about twelve or fourteen years old he was
brought to America bv William Strobridge, his
guardian. The inscription on John ^lontgomery's
tomb stone shows that he was born in 1708. He
married ^lary Strobridge, daughter of \\"illiam
Strobridge, Jan. 30, 1735, in ]\Iiddleboro, Mass.
John Montgomery was a blacksmith. He was a
strictly upright man, one of the twelve elders of
Rev. John I\Iorehead's Church, which was organ-
ized in 1729, each elder having a special supervision
over a portion of the members, who were scattered
about in various parts of New England. Elder
^vfontgomen' went once a year to Boston, to rep-
resent his own charge or report upon it. His grave-
stone, in Thompson Hill cemetery, at Lakeville,
formerly the \\'est parish of ^[iddleboro, Mass.,
bears the following inscription : '"Elder John ^lont-
280
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gomeiy. Died October 19, 1787, in his eightietli
year." By it is another stone, on whicli is in-
scribed :_ ''Mary Strobridge, wife of Elder John
Montgomery. Died May 16, 1790." The children
born to John and Mary (Strobridge) Montgomery,
twelve in number, were named as follows : Mary,
Robert, Margaret, Isabel, John, Willia, Thomas,
Hugh, Samuel, Hugh, Jean, and Rebecca.
(AT) William Montgomery, son of Hugh of
Brigend, settled in New Jersey in 1701 or 1702.
(VH) Hugh Montgomery, of Brigend, son of
John, died in 1710.
(Vni) John Montgomery, of Brigend, was a
son of William.
(IX) William Montgomery, of Brigend, was a
son of Sir Niel, of Lainshaw, and died in 1652.
(X) Sir Niel Montgomery, of Lainshaw (3),
son of Sir Niel, died prior to 162 1.
(XI) Sir Niel Montgomery, of Lainshaw (2),
married the heiress of Lord Lyle.
(XII) Sir Niel Montgomery, of Lainshaw (i),
son of Hugh, first Earl of Egiinton, was killed at
Irvine in 1547.
(XIII) Hugh Montgomer}', first Earl of Egiin-
tpn, so created by James IV in 1507-08, was a son
of Alexander, second Lord of Montgomerie, and
died in 1545.
(XIVJ Alexander, second Lord of Montgom-
erie, son of Alexander, Master of Montgomerie,
died ante 1434.
(XV) Alexander, Master of Montgomerie, died
before his father, the first Lord of Montgomerie,
in 1452. ■
(XVI) Alexander, first Lord of Montgomerie,
so created by James II in 1448-49, was a son of
Sir John, of Ardrossan, and died between 1461 and
1465.^
(XATI) Sir John, of Ardrossan, Knight, was a
son of Sir John, of Eaglesham, and died ante 1429,
Dominus ejusdem.
(XVIII) Sir John, of Eaglesham and East-
wood (3), Knight, son of Sir Alexander, and
afterward Sir John of Egiinton and Ardrossan, on
his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter and heirfess
of Sir Hugh of Egiinton, died in 1398.
(XIX) Sir Alexander, of Eaglesham, son of
Sir lohn, was Knighted by Robert Bruce, and died
in 1388.
(XX) Sir John, of Eaglesham and Eastwood
(2), Knight, son of Sir John, died in 1316.
(XXI) Sir John, of Eaglesham and Eastwood
(i). Knight, son of Sir Alan, of Eaglesham, died
about 1285.
(XXII) Sir Alan, of Eaglesham, Knight, was
a son of Sir John, of Eaglesham and Thornton,
Knight.
(XXIII) Sir John, of Eaglesham and Thorn-
ton, Knight, was a son of Robert.
(XXIV) Robert, of Eaglesham and Thornton,
called Mac Cymbric, or "Son of the Welshman,"
Philip, died in 1180.
(XXV) Philip, born at Pembroke Castle about
iioi, son of Arnulph, and known as the "Welsh-
man," came from Normandy to Scotland about
1 1 13 with David I, and inherited a fair estate in
Renfrewshire. He married Margaret, daughter of
Cospatrick, second Earl of Dunbar and March.
(XXVI) Arnulph, son of Roger, and Earl of
Pembroke, was attainted and banished from the
Kingdom in 1102. He married Lafracoth, daugh-
ter of the King of Munster, and died in 11 19.
(XXVII) Roger, Count of Montgomerie and
Count of Exmes, son of Hugh, came to England
with William the Conquerer in 1066, and com-
manded the vanguard at the battle of Hastings.
He was created Earl of Shrewsbury, Arundel and
Chichester ; died and was buried at Shrewsbury in
1094. _ ^
(XXVIII) Hugh, Count de Montgomerie, son
of William, married Josephine, daughter of Tou-
rode, Dire de Pont Andemer, by his first wife, Weva,
sister of Gunnor, wife of Richard II, Duke of Nor-
mandy.
(XXIX) William, Count de Montgomerie, was
a son of Roger.
(XXX) Roger, Count de Montgomerie, was
also a son of Roger.
(XXXI) Roger, Count de Montgomerie, was
the son of Roger, the progenitor of the family as
for as can be traced, and
(XXXII) Roger, Count de Montgomerie, held
sway in Normandy prior to 900.
HENRY WARD, who in his lifetime was a
prominent business man of Bristol, was a native of
England, born April 29, 1834, in Cornwall. Thomas
Ward, his father, a carpenter by trade, came to the
LTnited States from Cornwall with his family, and
made his permanent New World home in Bristol,
Conn., where he worked in the copper mines. In
England he married Anna Rodda, by whom he had
five children — three sons and two daughters. The
parents both died in Bristol.
Henry Ward was a young lad when the family
emigrated to America. He received his education
in the common schools of Pennsylvania, where the
family first settled, and thence in early majihood
went to California to "seek his fortune," but owing
to the sickness of his parents he soon returned East,
going to Bristol, whither the family had meantime
returned. Later he again set out for the "New
Eldorado," this time remaining several years, at
the end of which time we once more find him in
Bristol, whither he returned in order to be with his
parents during their declining days. He com-
menced the grocery business in Bristol with Titus
E. Merriman, the style of the firm being Ward &
Merriman, which partnership after some years was
dissolved. Removing to the South Side, Bristol,
Mr. Ward embarked in a similar line of business,
associating with him Thomas Barnes, and so con-
tinued some few years, the copartnership being then
HEHRY WARD
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
281
dissolved. Our subject's next VL-iilurc was in llic
art, piano and organ line, as a member of the lirm
of Pentield & West; but in course of time selling
out to them he again entered the grocery trade, this
time without any partner, his store being on Main
street. In this he continued until his health failed,
and he was obliged to sell out and retire from active
work. This was in 1880, and two years afterward,
on Nov. 16, 1882, he passed from earth.
On Oct. 28, 1869, Henry Ward was united in
marriage with Estelle Wooding, daughter of Alvia
and Sophronia (Gaylord) Wooding, and the chil-
dren of this union are as follows : ( i ) Cherrie A.,
born Dec. 8, 187 1, is cashier in A. J. Muzzy's store
in Bristol. (2) ]\Iabelle I., born April 2, 1876,
was married Aug. 4, 1896, to Richard H. Beamish,
■bookkeeper in the Bristol National Bank, and has
had two children, Priscilla, born March 11, 1897;
and Richard Ward, born April 17, 1899 (died Feb.
20, 1900). (3) Thomas H., born Aug. 13, 1877, is
still at home with his widowed mother.
iMr. Ward in religious faith was a member of
the Congregational Church, as is also his widow.
Socially he was affiliated with Pequabuck Chapter,
R. A. JM., and he and his wife were both members
of the Eastern Star. While in California he was
identified with the I. O. O. F. In politics he was a
stanch Republican, and for some years he served as
sealer of weights and measures. His death was
deeply and sincerely mourned, for all who knew him
'had for him the highest regard. His widow con-
tinues to live in Bristol, where she has numerous
friends, and is highly respected for her many vir-
tues.
Alvia Wooding was born jNIarch 18, 1808, in
Hamden, Conn., son of Javin Wooding, and was
a blacksmith by trade, in later life a farmer. He
died June 16, 1896. In politics he was a Republi-
can. He was a captain in the State militia, and was
always called captain. His religious connection
was with the Congregational Church. Mr. Wood-
ing married Sophronia Gaylord, who was born at
Bristol Aug. 23, 1810, and died Aug. 26, 1874.
Her father, Seth Gaylord, was born July 30, 1785,
at Bristol, and died July 17, 1829; her mother,
Clarissa Truesdell Gaylord, was born in Bristol
Oct. 6, 1787, and died' Aug. 11, 1882.
THE E. INGRAHAM COMPANY. No work
of this character would be complete without at least
an extended allusion to, if not description of, the
time honored establishment conducted by this en-
terprising firm, but the limited scope of this volume
precludes more than a brief history of the industry,
and further on a biographical record of its found-
ers and present proprietors.
The E. Ingraham Company was founded by
Flias Ingraham, who was born in Marlborough,
Conn.. Nov. i, 1805. From 1827 to 1835 he made
clock cases under contract for various parties, and
in the latter year bought a shop with water priv-
ilege, where one of the present factories now stands,
and commenced making cases on his own account.
This he continued alone until 1843. in which year
he formed a partnershij) with Elislia C. Brewster
under the iirm name of Brewster & Ingraham.
This firm was succeeded in 1848 by E. A. Inga-
ham, who continued the business until 1855, in
which vear the ])lant was entirelv distro\ed bv
lire.
Two years later Elias Ingraham rented the
shop now occupied by the Turner Heater Co., and
in 1859 formed a co-partnership with Edward In-
graham, his son, which was continued until 1881.
In that )ear a joint-stock com]jany was formed,
comprising Elias Ingraham, Edward Ingraham,
and the three sons of Edward Ingraham — Walter
A., William S., and Irving E. Since the re-organ-
ization of the concern in 1881, the growth of the
company and its business has been phenomenal.
Practically a new plant, with many times the facil-
ities of the old plant, has been created ; a large brick
factory, 400 feet long and four stories high, has
been erected while a number of subordinate build-
ings still in use have been doubled in capacity.
Elias Ingraham died in August, 1885, and Ed-
ward Ingraham in August, 1892. The officers of
the company and its managers at the present are
Walter A. Ingraham, president; Irving E. Ingra-
ham, vice-president, and W'illiam S. Ingraham, sec-
retary and treasurer. From the beginning, the
product of this company has w'on a distinct rep-
utation which has always been maintained.
The entire plant is equipped with the most
modern improved machinery oljtainable, and the
company is enabled thereby, with the assistance
of a large corps of skilled workmen, to manufacture
goods so economically, that it can and does most
successfully compete with the manufacturers of
the world, and Ingraham clocks are to be found in
every quarter of the globe. It has always been
said that no jobber in clocks, whether an agent of
a particular manufactory, or otherwise, could
aft'ord to be without the E. Ingraham goods. This
reputation has ben secured by careful and exact
workmanship and honorable dealings. It has been
largely possible to maintain this reputation by
reason of the policy adopted from the first by this
company.
The operatives very generally own their ow-n
homes, and are men of substance respected in the
community. Many of them occupy, and have
always occupied, positions of trust and honor in
the church, society and borough. The company
and its members have always been counted on as
in favor of every enterprise for the upbuilding of
the welfare of the town and its people, and the same
disposition seems naturally to emanate to a great
degree from the employes.
Biographically speaking, a succinct account of
the birth and early business career of the founder
of the company under consideration, Elias Ingra-
282
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ham, has been given at the opening of this article,
and of his deceased son, Edward Ingraham, a
former partner, it may suffice to say that he was
born April 30, 1830.
Walter Andrew Ingraham, now president of
this company, and son of Edward (deceased), was
born in Bristol March 23, 1855, and was married
July 24, 1878, to Miss Amelia Fenn, daughter of
Mrs. Ann Fenn, of Plymouth, Conn. To this mar-
riage were born Morton Elias, Feb. 5, 1880; Ches-
ter Euclid, Aug. 27, 1881 ; Irving, Jan. 20, 1888,
and Harold, Nov. 21, 1894.
William Shurtleff Ingraham, the present
secretary and treasurer of the company, was born
April 25, 1857, and on Oct. 11, 1881, married Miss
Grace E. Seymour, daughter of Henry A. Sey-
mour, of Bristol. Three children have been born
to this union: Faith Allen, April 30, 1886; Edward,
Dec. 20, 1888, and Dvidley Seymour, Aug. 13, 1890.
HENRY ERASMUS PATTEN (deceased).
For many years Mr. Patten was one of Hartford's
leading and influential citizens, and one of the
prominent manufacturers and business men of the
county. His death caused a violent shock to the
community, and was deeply mourned. His father
was Noah Patton, and his mother, before marriage,
was Mary A.in Case.
Mr. Patten was born in West Stafford, Conn.,
May 4, 1835, and completed his early education at
the Wilbraham and Westfield Academies. In 1862
he came to Hartford, where he began his commercial
career as a bookkeeper in George Smith's dye works.
In this position he developed such technical skill
and such innate ability for grasping financial prob-
lems that he was soon tendered, and accepted, the
post of manager. In 1873 he found himself in a
position where he could buy the plant, then a rather
small affair, employing only twelve men. To the
management of the business thus inaugurated he
brought native intelligence, hard common sense, and
a limited experience. Under his wise guidance
and fostering care the dye works grew until they
employed forty men, and ranked second among the
New England plants of the same sort. Perhaps
the most substantial evidence of his good business
judgment is to be found in the fact that the concern
has patrons throughout all the eastern States, the
center of the country's textile manufactures, where
value ranks before volume.
Mr. Patten was a man of fine literary taste, and
a voracious, though discriminating, reader. He
was an earnest student of history, yet never bigoted
in his conclusions. Regarding his success it may
be said to have been achieved wholly by himself,
since he came to Hartford empty-handed. But un-
derlying his seeming poverty he possessed resolu-
tion, industry and integrity. His attention to busi-
ness was assiduous until failing health forced him
to spend his winters in the South. Death came to
him suddenly and peacefully. On Aug. 11, 1899,
he was stricken with apoplexy, and for two weeks
steadily sank, being conscious only at intervals.
He passed away on the 29th of that month. It
seemed not inapproprite that a death apparently
so painless should succeed a life so well spent. He
was buried at tilie home of his childhood. West
Stafford, Rev. Magee Pratt officiating, and the pall-
bearers being from the several Masonic bodies with
which Mr. Patten had been associated. While not
a professed member of any church, he attended the
services of the Pearl Street Congregational Church,
and contributed liberally to its support and the ad-
vancement of its work. His charity was broad,
comprehensive and unostentatious ; and his deal-
ing wih his fellow men as well as his daily life were
governed by his unalterable devotion to the prin-
ciples of the Golden Rule.
In politics Mr. Patten was a Republican, and
represented what was originally known as the Third
ward in the lower branch of the city council through
several terms. He was genial and social by both
instinct and habit, easily making friends, and rarely
losing one. His tastes were domestic, however,
and the hours which he was able to redeem from the
exacting cares of a constantly growing business
were mainly spent by his own fireside, surrounded
by the members of his family, whom he lo\-ed so
well.
Mr. Patten attained the thirty-second degree
in Masonry. He was a member of St. John's Loi.lge,
which he joined Sept. 18, 1858; was made a Knight
Templar in Washington Commandery, Feb. 15, 1859 >
and five years later became a member of Charter
Oak Lodge, of Perfection. He was at one time tyler
of the grand lodge. Masons of Connecticut, and
was a charter member of Sphinx Temple, Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. He also belonged to Hartford
Lodge, B. P. O. E.
Mr. Patten was married, June 30, 1892, to !Mrs.
Hannah (Quintard) Crowe. She is a granddaugh-
ter of James Quintard, a soldier in the war for in-
dependence, and a daughter of Henry H. Quintard,
formerly of South Norwalk, but later of Hartford,
who was one of the first members of the Sons of
the Revolution in the last named city. Her mother,
Clarissa Grant, was a daughter of Hamilton Grant,
also a Revolutionary soldier, whose autograph may
be seen in the Anthenseum. Mrs. Patten survives
her husband, as do also his sister, Miss M. Celinda
Patten, of Hartford, and two brothers, Francis and
Calvin, of Stafford.
JAMES LOCKWOOD, whose death occurred
in his home at Hartford on Jan. 16, 1888, filled a
large place in the business life of the city for a
great number of years, and won the warm friendship
and hearty esteem of all of the many who had
business relations with him. His famil)' is of pio-
neer stock, and he was of the seventh generation in
descent from Robert Lockwood, who came from
England about 1630, and settled in Watertown,
«^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGI^APHICAL RECORD.
283
Mass. About 1646 he removed to Fairfield, Conn.,
where he died in 1658.
Ephraim Lockvvood, born Dec. i, 1641, in Water-
town, accompanied his father to Connecticut, and
later made his permanent home in Norwalk. On
June 8, 1665, he married Mercy Sention, and the)'
had ten children, of whom James, known as Lieut.
James, was the seventh.
Lieut. James Lockwood was born April 21,
1683, in, Norwalk, Conn., and became prominent in
public affairs, serving as a representative in the
General Assembly from 1721 to 1751, inclusive.
On Oct. 23, 1707, he married Lydia Smith, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Rachel (Marvin) Smith, of Nor-
walk, and granddaughter of Matthew and Eliza-
beth Marvin, of Hartford. They had seven chil-
dren.
Rev. James Lockwood, the next in the line of
descent, was born at Norwalk Dec. 20, 17 14, and
died at Wethersfield, Conn., July 20, 1772, in the
fifty-eighth year of his age^ and the thirty-fourth
of his ministry. He graduated from Yale College
in T/7,^. and was chosen to a position in the same
institution two years afterward, serving" one year.
He accepted the call to Wethersfield, and was or-
dained minister of the First Church in February,
1739. Later he was offered the presidency of the
College of New Jersey, made vacant by the death of
Jonathan Edwards, but he declined. In 1760 he
was chosen a fellow of Yale College, and remained
such until his death. In 1766 the presidency of Yale
College was offered to him, but he declined this also,
the reason being the strong attachment of the people
of his charge and his unwillingness to separate from
them. On Nov. 4, 1742, he married Mrs. Mary
Dickinson, and they had twelve children, of whom
Moses was fifth.
IMoses Lockwood was born Sept. 26, 1749, at
Wethersfield, Conn., and served in the Revolution-
ary war as sergeant in Col. John Durkee's regi-
ment. On Sept. 9, 1773, he was married to Sarah
Bunce, and they liad three children : Sarah, Sam-
uel and William Bunce.
Capt. Samuel Lockwood, the next in the line
of descent, was born Jan. 31, 1781, in Wethersfield,
Conn. He was a sea captain, and died of yellow
fever in the West Indies. On Sept. 12, 1810, he
married Eunice Crane, daughter of Abraham and
]\Iary Robbins Crane, and they had the following
children: James, born Oct. 25, 1813; Nancv L.,
born March 13, 1815, who married Arnold Bailey;
and Henry L., born June i, 1818, who married Re-
becca E. Griswold.
James Lockwood was born in Wethersfield, and
when only eleven years old demonstrated his busi-
ness capacity by taking charge of the farm there.
He used to knit his own socks. The executive
ability and independent spirit displayed by him in
early life were potent factors in his later success,
making him a natural leader. He was still a mere
boy when he went to Hartford, to learn the printer's
trade in the office of the printing house of J. Hub-
bard Wells, then the leading printer of the State.
Young Lockwood was for some time a carrier for
the "New England Weekly Review," and a copy
of the carrier's address, written by John G. Whit-
tier, and distributed by "James Lockwood, car-
rier," on Jan. i, 1831, was a birthday present to-
Mr. Lockwood from Marcus A. Casey some ten
years before Mr. Lockwood's death. In those days
it was the custom for subscribers to give the car-
rier a present for his faithful service in delivering
the paper every Saturday morning. The "New
England Weekly Review" was started on March
17, 1828, by Lord & Hammer, and was continued
till 1844. George D. Prentice was its first editor,
and John G. Whittier its second, he holding the
position two years. On Dec. 29, 1876, Mr. Whit-
tier wrote the following letter to JNIr. Lockwood :
"Dear Friend : I have received from the Case,.
Lockwood & Brainard Company, per Mr. A. M.
Casey, the beautifully illustrated sketch of that com-
pany's office and binder}-, with a letter referring
to my residence in Hartford, and my own reminis-
cences of the 'Hammer & Phelps' printing office,
and the 'N. E. Review.' I remember writing the
'Address' for thee, and regret that I have not a copy
of it though I have an incomplete file of the Re-
view at Ambury.
"I am very glad to hear of the prosperity of the
'Carrier' and with all good wishes of the season,
I am very truly thy old friend of the 'N. E. Review.' "
Becoming a journeyman Mr. Lockwood worked
at his trade a short time before 1836, when the
firm of Case, Tiffany & Co. was formed, and bought
out J. Hubbard Wells, and he soon had quite a
responsible place with Case, Tift'any & Co. Soon
the firm grew from a book office to a combined
book and job office. At that time J^Ir. Lockwood
was foreman of the press room, gave out the work,
estimated on jobs, and covered the work now separ-
ated and in the hand of half a dozen foremen. In
1853 he became a member of the firm, and upon the
formation of the corporation known as the Case,
Lockwood & Brainard Co., was elected vice-presi-
dent, and held that office till his death. He was a
most indefatigable worker, the executive head of
the plant. All through his long business life he was
at work from seven o'clock in the morning until the
noon hour, and stayed at his office till closing time.
He worked thus up to the Saturday evening before
the Sunday upon which he was afflicted by a para-
lytic stroke that terminated in his death the fol-
lowing W'ednesday. Fie was a man of sterling
integrity and unblemished reputation, and was
strictly temperate in his habits. For a number of
years before his death he had been a member of
the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church, to which he
gave liberally, and at the time of his death he was-
a deacon. In early life he was an Odd Fellow.
Politically he was first a Whig and later a Repub-
lican, and during the war he was a stanch supporter
284
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Government. At one time he served as
alderman from the old Second ward of Hartford.
It was very creditable to Mr. Lockwood that he
raised himself by industry and integrity from the
poition of a carrier bo}' to that of a journeyman
printer, and from that station to a partner of the
firm, with a third interest in one of the best-known
establishments in New England — its capital (in
1888) being $400,000. Mr. Lockwood departed
this life at the age of seventy-four, and he leaves
an unsullied name. His children may well be
gratified in the excellent record he left of an hon-
orable and well-spent life.
On Oct. 25, 1836, Mr. Lockwood married Char-
lotte Hull Chamberlin, who was born March 20,
1818, in Hartford, and died Aug. 15, 1873, a daugh-
ter of Reuben J. and Sally (Fox) Chamberlin.
They had children as follows : William H., born
Oct. 2, 1837; Franklin Samuel, born Oct. 2, 1837,
died Jan. 8, 1842; Henrietta Charlotte, born May
15, 1843, married Charles A. Pitkin; Jennie Alvord,
born April 28, 1858, married Fred C. Rockwell, of
Hartford.
Capt. William H. Lockwood, the eldest son
of James Lockwood, began his career at the case
when seventeen years of age, and afterward was
promoted to the press-room, running Adams book
presses and R. Hoe presses under the eye of his
father, who was then foreman. It was in 1856
that Case, Lockwood & Co. prevaded upon him to
go to New York City to learn the electrotyping
business, which he did. He was located with the
late Mr. Filmer, on Fulton street. New York, re-
maining there until his enlistment in Company A,
i6th Conn. V. I. He returned to Hartford within
three years and bought the electrotyping plant of
Case, Lockwood & Co., which has borne his name
since that time, having been in the same building
for about forty-three years. Webster's dictionary
plates were at that time stereotyped, but later Mr.
Lockwood copper-faced all of them. He is now
ably assisted in carrying on his large business by his
two sons. He was made director in the Case, Lock-
wood & Brainard Co., upon the death of his father,
in 1888, and is a member of the United Typothetje.
Mr. Lockwood spent two years in the army and
was in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg.
He went into the service as first-lieutenant of Com-
pany A, and was promoted on Sept 17, 1862, to
the rank of captain of Company K, i6th Conn. V.
I., because of meritorious service in the field. He
also served some time as a member of the City
Guards. He has a library of about 400 volumes
on the Civil war — probably one of the largest in the
county. Socially he is a member of Wyllis Lodge,
No. 99, F. & A. M.,.of West Hartford, and of
Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R.
On Aug. 24, 1862, Capt. Lockwood married
(first) Miss Augusta Victoria Pascoe, daughter of
Lester Pascoe, and a sister of Major Henry L. Pas-
coe. She died Oct. 23, 1882, and on Feb. 18, 1890,
he married (second) Emma Augusta McClory,
daughter of Henry and Emily Augusta Brainard
McClory, her father being an attorney of Chicago.
He had six children, all born to the first marriage,
viz. : Frank P., who is also associated with his
father in business; Henrietta H., wife of Archie
H. Bronson, quartermaster of the ist Connecticut
Regiment in the Spanish-American war, and now
a member of the firm of William Boardman & Son
Co., of Hartford ; James L., who is associated with
his father in business ; Bertha C, who married
Arthur Towne, now with the Dime Savings Bank
of Hartford; Henry P., born Nov. 27, 1863, who
died March 22, 1865 ; and Jessamine C, born Sept.
9, 1876, who died July 23, 1877.
MARCUS MORTON JOHNSON, B. Ph., M.
D., proprietor of the Woodland Sanatorium at Hart-
ford, is one of the best-known physicians and sur-
geons of Connecticut. He is a native of Malone,
N. Y., born April 21, 1844.
The Doctor's paternal and maternal ancestry are
distinguished for noble qualities of heart and brkin.
In the paternal line he traces his ancestry for five
generations to Sir John Johnson, Sr., a sea captain
■on an English vessel, who later in life settled in
Connecticut. His son, John Johnson, Jr., settled in
Rutland, Vt., where many of his descendants still
reside. He married Mehitable Sperry, who lived
to the great age of 102 years, and perished in a
fire, in 1836. Silas Johnson, son of John Johnston,
Jr., and the grandfather of Dr. Johnson, was a man
of much force of character. He moved from Rut-
land, Vt., to Malone, N. Y., being a pioneer of that
town. Marvin L. Johnson, son of Silas Johnson,
is the Doctor's father. He married Polly Chapman.
Dr. Johnson's maternal ancestral line is traced
through seven generations to a Dean of Canterbury,
England. The Chapmans were early settlers of
Norwich, Conn., where his maternal great-grand-
father, Joshua Chapman, was born in I7S5- I'^
1775, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army in Capt.
Chapin's Company. His son, Joshua Chapman, Jr.,
the maternal grandfather of the Doctor, was an
early settler of Malone, N. Y. The Doctor's ances-
tors are noted for their longevity, the maternal
grandfather having lived to be eighty-two years,
old, and his wife dying at the age of eighty-four.
The Doctor's mother is now ninety years of age, and
is well preserved, both ph)'sically and mentally, at-
tends church on Sunday, and always remembers the
text.
Marcus M. Johnson received his early education,
preparatory to entering college, at Franklin x\cad-
emy, Malone, N. Y., and was graduated from Brown
University in 1870, with the degree of B. Ph. He
then became instructor in Mathematics and the
Sciences in the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf-
field. Conn., for five years, and is officially connected
with that institution now. He received his medical
degree from the University of New York, where
^-^^-^ >r /^^^L.-^— /yy^M'l^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
285
he graduated with honor, receiving the "Valentine
Mott Gokl Medal," the highest award for excellence
in anatomy and dissections. The following year he
was house surgeon in the llartfiird Hospital, lie
then pursued his studies abroad for two years.
Among the eminent surgeons from whom he re-
ceived instructions were Thomas Keith, of Edin-
burgh, whom he assisted in six ovariotomies, Sir
Joseph Lister, of London, and Billroth, of \'ienna.
In Berlin he received especial instructions in gyne-
cology from JNlartin, and in operative surgery under
Von Langenbeck. From 1880 until the present
time he has resided in Hartford, Conn., and prac-
ticed medicine, making advanced surgery the special
line of work with which his name has long been
identified. In the practice of medicine he is fully
abreast of the times, and as a surgeon his name
will never be forgotten. Dr. Johnson had not long
been a resident of Hartford when the city was
visited (1882) by a great epidemic of diphtheria,
200 men, women and children dying during the year.
The Doctor was the first in Hartford to use the
bichloride of mercury treatment in this disease, by
which he attained a degree of success not equalled
by the anti-toxin of to-day. The quickness with
which Dr. Johnson saw the inefficiency of the old
treatment and adopted the new, together with severe
professional opposition, formed an amusing episode
in his professional career.
Dr. Johnson's medical training, at home and
abroad, especially under Sir Joseph Lister, taught
him that the best interest of the patient could not
be subserved by operations from house to house.
He therefore erected, at 122 Woodland street, Hart-
ford, one of the finest sanatoriums of the East, one
of the most complete institutions of the kind it has
been the writer's privilege to visit. Extreme clean-
liness is paramount throughout the building. The
operating room is perfect in every detail, containing
all the necessary appurtenances to aid in making
successful operations. The rays of light cast from
three large windows and a skylight give the opera-
tor a fine opportunity to do his work, ^^'hen ne-
cessity demands an operation at night a cluster of
five strong electric lamps is suspended over the
operating table, which does the same service, while,
by a cord an electric light searcher is himg to be used
when the occasion demands. The institution is
equipped with all the latest devices for the treatment
with massage and electricity, and has a corps of
nurses capable of rendering the best possilile care
to the patients.
No mention of Dr. Johnson's professional career
would be complete without referring to his perfect
mastery of his special line of work, surgery, he hav-
ing opened the abdominal cavity eight hundred
times, with a high percentage of recoveries. As a
surgeon he is cool, painstaking and skillful, with
remarkable success. He is a rapid operator, with
such an acute touch, amounting almost to seeing,
that he strongly favors making the short incision
in many of his abdominal sections, three of which
operations were witnessed by the writer, and. re-
sulted in the complete recovery of the patients. On
July 29, 1899, Dr. Johnson operated on an infant,
nineteen days old, for strangulated inguinal hernia,
at St. Francis Hospital, Hanford, Conn. Ihe stran-
gulation had existed about thirty-five hours. The
mother stated that the child was born prematurely,
and weighed five pounds at its birth. It is prob-
ably the youngest un record on whom this operation
has ever been performed — at least, it comes within
nineteen days of being the youngest. The infant
made an excellent recovery.
Dr. Johnson has contributed and read before
the various medical societies several papers, viz. :
"Diphtheria, Its Flistory, Etiology and Treatment,"
Connecticut State Medical Society, May 20, 1892;
"The Technique of Removing the Appendi.x \ er-
miformis, with a Report of One Hundred Consecu-
tive Cases, with Two Deaths," read in the section
on Surgery and Anatomy at the Forty-seventh An-
nual Meeting of the American Medical Association,
held at Atlanta, Ga., May 5-8, 1896: "Treatment of
f^us Cases in Operating for Appendicitis," Connec-
ticut Medical Society, 1897; "Ventral Hernia After
Appendictomy," presented to the section on Sur-
gery and Anatomy at the Forty-ninth Annual Meet-
ing of the American ^ledical Association, held at
Denver, Colo., June 7-10, 1898; "Flistory of the
First Twenty-three Cases of Gastrostomy, with a
Successful Case by the Writer," Connecticut Medi-
cal Society, May, 1899; "Report on the Progress of
Surgery," Connecticut Medical Society, May, 1899;
"Etiology of Hernia of the Ovary ; with the Relation
of Two Cases," Hartford Aledical Society, June 16,
1899; "Gastrostomy;" "Improved Technique for
Cure of A'entral Hernia," read at the Fifcv-first
Annual fleeting of the American ^ledical Associ-
ation, at Atlantic City, N. J., June 5-8, 1900; "His-
tory and Treatment of a Unique Injury of the Face,"
read before the Connecticut Medical Society, iMay,
1900. Dr. Johnson is a member of the American
]Medical Association, of the City, County and State
Medical Societies, and a surgeon to St. Francis
Hospital. He is a fellow of the New York Academy
of Medicine, a member of the Connecticut Sons of
the American Revolution, and a Knight Templar.
On Feb. 14, 1884, Dr. Johnson was married to
Mrs. Helen Lyman Jackson, a cultured and estim-
able lady. They have two interesting children,
Helen Gaylord, born Feb. 22, 1885; and Ethel
Chapman, born Aug. 23, 1889.
GEORCrE BEACH (deceased). During the
first half of the present century Mr. Beach figured
conspicuously in the business aflfairs of Hartford,
and especially in its financial circles. In his death.
May 3, i860, the community lost one of its valued
citizens and useful men. He descended from an
old and prominent family of Litchfield county.
Mr. Beach was a native of Litchfield. Litchfield
286
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Co., Conn., and was born Nov. 29, 1788. He first
entered business life in the firm of Pierce & Beach,
■who were engaged in the West Indies trade. On
September 3, 1814, he was elected cashier of the
Phoenix Bank, at its organization. He served as
cashier until September 8, 1837, when he was
elected president, and served as such until April 5,
i860, when he resigned owing to infirmities. At
the first organization of the bank the disturbance
of the currency caused by the war with England
led the bank to issue a quantity of bills for frac-
tional parts of a dollar. These bills the vice-pres-
ident of the bank and the directors were authorized
to sign, but with that exception Mr. Beach, either
as cashier or president, signed all that had been
issued by the bank, and its circulation sometimes
rose above a million. Undoubtedlv, at that time,
no man in the vicinity ever signed so many bills.
As a banker Mr. Beach was always the friend
of the young mechanics, tradesmen and merchants
endeavoring to gain a foothold, whose small loans
he was disposed to favor, and the directors often
3'ielded to his urgency in such matters. He was
steadily and systematically benevolent, but was
particularly opposed to signing his name to sub-
scriptions, always preferring to write "cash." He
believed in dispensing his charities while living.
P'rom early life an active Episcopalian, a member
of Christ Church, his religious offerings took that
direction generally, but not exclusively. He gave
the land for St. Paul's Church. The Widow's
Home, which he built and maintained, was a most
sensible charity — a large house sub-divided into
neat tenements, which he let gratuitously to de-
serving widows who had no home, and he was
careful on this point. Mr. Beach was a business
man and a gentleman of the old school. More-
over, he was a most useful citizen and a Christian.
Mr. Beach was three times married. He had
seventeen children, thirteen of whom were sons
(and three of whom survive him), one being J.
Watson, whose sketch appears farther on. Harriet
Bradley, the first wife of George Beach, was born
June 27, 1792, and died July 10, 1826. Maria
Nichols, the second wife, was born May 10, 1799,
and died Nov. 15, 1845. His third wife was the
widow of E. W. Bull.
Henry Bruce Beach, son of George and Har-
riet (Bradley) Beach, was born Nov. 3, 1817. He
spent his early school days in Hartford and Granby,
and at the age of sixteen years went to sea in a
sealing vessel, sailing for two years. He was then
in a country store at Cazenovia, N. Y., for two years.
In 1839 he began keeping books for •Beach & Co.
In 1842 he went into the iron business as agent for
Truman Hanks, his father-in-law. In 1844 he
bought out the interest of Truman Hanks,
and with Samuel Woodruff formed the firm of
"Woodruff & Beach Iron Works." In 1870 this
firm went out of existence. In 1871 the firm of
H. B. Beach & Son was organized. Mr. Beach
was married first to Mary Hanks, daughter of
Truman Hanks. Their only child was Henry
Ledlie, born July 13, 1839. For his second wife
Henry B. Beach married Mrs. Frances A. Tomlin-
son {nee Barnard), and for his third wife George-
anna Smith, granddaughter of Commodore Rodg-
ers, and grandniece of Commodores O. H. and M.
C. Perry.
Henry L. Beach, son of Henry B. and Mary
(Hanks) Beach, attended military academy at West
Haven, Hamden, and Litchfield, Conn., and began
his business career in 1859. In 1862 he enlisted
in Company I, i6th Conn V. I., was commissioned
lieutenant of Company G, in August, 1862, and
was promoted to captain Sept. 17, 1862. He parti-
cipated in the battle of Antietam and in other en-
gagements, and was mustered out in 1864. He is
a member of Robert L. Tyler Post, No. 50, Hart-
ford. He was married at Cincinnati to Miss Mary
Bence Crane, who died in 1891, leaving no children.
J. Watson Beach^ whose death occurred at his
home in Hartford on March 16, 1887, was born
Dec. 28, 1823, ninth child and seventh son of George
Beach. J. Watson Beach was for a long period a
member of the firm of Beach & Co., widely known
as a large importing house, whose colors and dye
stuffs are known to all the manufacturers of New
England. Their daily cable dispatches went to all
countries. Mr. Beach was also president of the
Weed Sewing Machine Co., a former president of
the Mercantile Bank, in which he was a director
at the time of his death, and he was also a director
of the Machine Screw Co., vice-president and di-
rector of the Western Automatic Screw Co., secre-
tary of the Grove Works, and director of the Broad
Brook Manufacturing Co. No better known figure
than that of Mr. Beach, with his tall and manly
form and handsome face, was ever seen on Hart-
ford streets. He had hosts of friends and ac-
quaintances who knew and liked him for his large-
heartedness, and good character and disposition.
His genial nature and general intelligence made
him a favorite everywhere, and not least of all in
Hartford society circles. He was interested in
chemistry, and was a thoroughly well-informed
man on nearly all subjects.
J. W. Beach left a widow, Josephine E. Coffing,
and five children, namely: Mrs. George H. Day,
of Hartford; Dr. Charles C. Beach, of Hartford;
George W., of Beach, Treiber & Co., Boston, Mass. ;
Mrs. P. H. Ingalls, wife of a Hartford physician;
and Richard J., of Boston, Mass.
Dr. Charles C. Beach, son of J. Watson and
Josephine E. (Coffing) Beach, attended boarding
school in Berkshire county, Mass., and the public
schools of Hartford. He graduated from Yale Sci-
entific School in 1877, when he became a member
of the Delta Fraternity. He graduated from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1882, and
was for a time house physician in St. Luke's Hos-
pital, New York City. He then continued his med-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
287
icai studies in Berlin and \^icnna, and in 1885 be-
gan jiractice in Hartford, Conn. Dr. Beach mar-
ried Mary E. Batterson, daughter of Hon. James G.
]!atlerson, of Hartford. The\- liave four children,
namely: Got)dwin Batterson; 'Joseiih Watson;
Charles lirailford; and Elizabeth Cioodwin.
HON. IRA NICHOLS BEVANS, a retired
business man and traveling salesman now residing
in Bristol, was born in Trumbull, Fairfield Co.,
Conn., July 5, 1825, and is a son of Timothy V.
and Samantha (Herd) Bevans.
Timothy \'. Bevans, born in Stratford, Conn.,
was a son of a sea captain with five children, and
was himself a sea captain in early life, but in his
later years became a. farmer in Trumbull and Mon-
roe. Fairfield county. In politics he was first a
Whig, afterward a Republican, and in religion was
an Episcopalian, in which faith he died at the age
of ninety-three years ; his wife died at the age of
sixty-five years. To their marriage were born
nine children : Julia, who was married to Cyrus
Botsford, died in Humphreysville, Conn. ; Russell
R., a hatter, died in Danbury ; Charles, first a shoe-
maker, later a farmer, died in Trumbull ; Lucy Ann,
who was married to Samuel French, also died in
Trumbull ; David, who was a carriagemaker, died in
New Haven; John, a carpenter and joiner, lives in
Bethel, Conn. ; Samantha married Louis French,
who died in Bridgeport, where she still lives; -Ira
X. is the subject of this sketch; Susan N. (now
3ilrs. Knapp), resides in New York City.
Ira Nichols Bevans was educated in Monroe,
Fairfield county, to which town his parents removed
when he was quite young. At the age of fifteen
3"ears he quit school and clerked for eight or ten
months in the grocery store of William Ross, who
failed. Young Bevans then went to Sandy Hook,
where he clerked for W'illiam C. Clark one year,
and then returned to ]Monroe, where for a year he
farmed for James Drew, and the following two
years he passed at home with his father. For a
limited period he superintended the cotton factory
of F. M. Cargill, at Monroe. He then worked as
a shoemaker in Trumbull two or three years for
Sanmel French, his brother-in-law. ]\Ir. Bevans
now married, to which important event further al-
lusion will be made, and removed to Bethel, enter-
ing into partnership with George Cole in the manu-
facture of fine boots for Nathan Seeley, who had
a large store in ^lontgomery, Ala. This partner-
ship was continued for two years, when Mr.
Bevans purchased the business and conducted it on
his sole account two years longer, when he sold out
and went to Waterbur}-. There he worked in a
cotton factory for five years, then took charge of
the company's boarding house, and also superin-
tended a part of the company's mill for another
year. The next enterprise of Mr. Bevans was a
trip to Texas, where he passed four years selling
cotton gins, and also traveled through other "cot-
ton States," and for eight years sold agencies for
\arious gins. In April, 1861, he returned to the
North, and for some time remained in I'lymoulh,
Conn., where his family then resided. For a few
months he and his brother were employed in mak-
ing army accoutrements — knapsacks, haversacks,
etc., at Hartford, and in the spring of 1862, in com-
pany with Eli Terry, bought the clock spring busi-
ness of the Cook Axle Co., of Winsted, and brought
it to Terry ville, but in 1865 he sold his share lu
]\lr. Terry and went to New Orleans, where for
six months he was engaged in selling machinery
of all kinds. On returning to Plymouth, Conn.,
he passed a short time with his family, and then
accepted the foremanship of the tempering depart-
ment of I. Strouse & Co.'s corset factory in New
Flaven, but a year later (1868) went to Thomas-
ton, Conn., and assumed charge of the spring de-
partment of the Seth Thomas Clock Co., and this
position he held for twenty-two years, perfecting
a number of different springs while so employed.
In 1890 Air. Bevans came to Bristol, and as
the E. Ingraham Co. had begun to make their own
springs, he was placed in charge of that depart-
ment, and held charge until 1895, when he was
taken ill and retired, turning over to his son, Walter
E., his position with the Ingraham Company.
Ira N. Bevans was first married to Miss Har-
riet Evaline Wiard. a native of Wolcott, and a
daughter of Solomon Wiard. She died in 1853,
the mother of one child, \\'alter E., who succeed-
ed his father in the Ingraham Companv. Walter
E. has been twice married ; his first wife, Jennie
Humphreyville, was divorced, and he afterward
wedded Mrs. Evaline Scarrett. For his second
wife our subject wedded j\Irs. Louise Rouell
Blakeslee, of Thomaston, to which marriage there
has been no issue. In politics Mr. Bevans is a
Republican, and in 1885 he represented Plymouth
in the State Legislature, having led his party at
the polls by forty-two votes. He was also on the
board of relief and a grand juror. In Terryville
he was likewise on the board of relief. In 1894
he was warden of Bristol, being the second to
fill that ofifice, but illness necessitated his resigna-
tion before the expiration of his term.
Fraternally Mr. Bevans is a member of Union
Lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M., and Granite Chapter,
No. 42, F. & A. M., of Thomaston. He formerlv
was treasurer of Bristol Grange, No. 116. P. of H.,
of which his wife is also a member, and thev are
both members of the Order of the Eastern Star,
of which she was associate matron and secretary
at Thomaston. Mr. and Airs. Bevans are consist-
ent members of the Episcopal Church, of which
he is past vestryman. Altogether he has lived a
most active and useful life, notwithstanding the
fact that he has for some years been an invalid,
and for two vears was confined to his room, but
288
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from this attack he has happily recuperated, and
stands again among his fellow men, honored and
respected.
PHINEAS HENRY INGALLS, A. M., M. D.,
one of the most distinguished ph3'sicians of Hart-
ford, was born April i8, 1856, in the little town of
Gorham, Maine, about ten miles from Portland,
jNJaine. His ancestry is of the old New England stock,
and he is of the seventh generation from Edmund
Ingalls, who came from Lincolnshire, England, in
1629, and settled in Andover, Massachusetts.
The Hartford Post in a recent sketch gives the
following data : "The Doctor's grandfather, Phineas
Ingalls, was born in Massachusetts, but he formed
one of the band which went to Maine soon after the
Revolutionary war, in which he fought, and was one
of the founders of Bridgton, in that State. His
son, the father of the present bearer of the name,
was also Phineas Ingalls, and he became a leading
physician in Gorham and vicinity in 1820." Dr.
Ingalls' mother was a daughter of Samuel Elder, a
prosperous farmer of Gorham, Maine, and on her
side he is a lineal descendant from Josias Cook,
who came over in the "Mayflower."
The early life of Dr. Ingalls was spent in his
native town, and at the public schools of Portland,
Maine. He entered Bowdoin College, graduating
with the degree of A. B. in 1877, and receiving
the degree, of A. M. in 1885. No doubt he inherited
a liking for the medical profession from his father.
At any rate he decided, about this time, to become
a physician, and at once began the study of medi-
cine at Portland, Maine, with Dr. S. H. Tewks-
bury and Dr. Charles W. Bray. He attended, two
courses of lectures at the Maine Medical School,
and took a three-years' course at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He was
graduated there in 1880, and his first practical serv-
ice was entered upon immediately after that at the
Woman's Hospital in New York City, where he
served as house surgeon and gained a wide and
serviceable experience. Here he remained until No-
vember, 1881, when he returned to Portland, Maine,
and engaged in work there until March, 1882, when
he came to Hartford. For three years he was lo-
cated on Elm street, and there he established the nu-
cleus of the large practice which he now enjoys.
At the end of that period he came to No. 112 High
street, where he has since remained. Dr. Ingalls
makes a specialty of diseases peculiar to women, and
his practice is largely in operations and consulta-
tion work in Hartford and adjoining towns. It is
probably the largest gynecological practice enjoyed
by any physician in Connecticut.
In 1891 Dr. Ingalls performed the operation
that, without doubt, did more to make his name
prominent in connection with this branch of surgical
work than any previous or subsequent performance.
At that time he accomplished successfully the very
difficult and dangerous operation known to the
medical world as C^esarean Section. It is rarely
attempted, and is resorted to onl)^ in the most des-
perate cases. A coolness and nerve is required
which few practitioners, especially among the
younger members of the profession, can command.
In this case Dr. Ingalls was entirely successful.
The case attracted a great deal of attention, and
was extensively commented upon in the newspapers.
In 1884 Dr. Ingalls was appointed visiting
gjmecologist at the Hartford Hospital, and entered
with enthusiasm into that branch of the work there.
He began to perform operations in the abdominal
cavity which before that time had been unfortunate
in their results in this city. By careful attention
to technique, and the finer details of the work, he
soon brought that department at the hospital to a
point where its work in this particular line will
compare favorably with that of any hospital in the
country. Most of his work is surgical, and he
performs an average of about two hundred opera-
tions per year. In 1899, after the death of Dr.
Campbell, Dr. Ingalls was appointed medical ex-
aminer of the ^Etna Insurance Company.
Dr. Ingalls has shown much public spirit, and
was appointed by Mayor Erainard to the board of
police commissioners, where he served with faith-
fulness and abilitv. He was chairman of the build-
ing committee which has in charge the erection of
the new police station. It was largely through his
efforts that this building was started, and he takes
a deep personal interest in its construction.
In 1883, after he had been in this city about a year,,
the Doctor joined the First Regiment as assistant
surgeon, and became very much interested in the
welfare of the local militia. In 1885 he was made
adjutant, and in 1890 he was appointed on Gen.
Watson's staff as brigade inspector. During these
years he was enthusiastic in military affairs, enter-
ing into its interests with his characteristic energy,
and rendering valuable service to the State. He
resigned in 1892 only because of the weight of other
duties, especially in connection with his increasing
practice. Dr. Ingalls finds time to respond to the
demands of many phases of social life. He is a
member of the Hartford Club, the Country Club,
the Republican Club, the Hartford Golf Club, the
Colonial Club, the Sons of the American Revolu-
tion, and the Society of Colonial Wars ; also the
Church Club of Connecticut. He is a member
and prominent supporter of Christ Church. Dr.
Ingalls is a member 'of the City, County and State
Medical Societies, but, perhaps, his greatest dis-
tinction in this direction is his membership in the
American Gynecologist Society, an association of
specialists limited to a membership of one hundred.
He was elected to this society in 1890, and is the
only member in this State. He is a member of the
Board of Censors of the Hartford Medical Society,
and of the Alumni Association of the Woman's
Hospital of New York City. Among his more im-
portant medical papers is one on "Non-Surgica!
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
289
Treatment of Anteflexion," puhlished in the "New
^'urk Medical Journal" March 2/, i88C); essay,
"Damages of i'arlurition and Their Repair," pro-
ceedings Conecticut Medical Society, i880; disserta-
tion, "Uterine Cancer," proceedings Conneciicut
Medical Society, i88y; "Sloughing I'^iljroids of the
Uterus," proceedings American Uynecological So-
ciety, 1891 ; "Successful Case of C;esarean Sec-
tion," "American Journal of Oustetrics," August,
189J. Dr. Ingalls takes little recreation, but is
very fond of traveling, and during the month of
August he allows himself full intlulgence in this
pleasure. This, however, is chiefly an economic
measure, adopted in order to better meet the un-
usual requirements and exhausting demands of a
physician's life.
Un May 13, 1S85, Dr. Ingalls was married to
Miss Mary Helen Jieach, daughter of the late J.
Watson Beach, and to their union has been born
one child, who died in infancy.
HON. GEORGE WASHINGTON HODGE,
special agent of the American Real Estate Company
of New York City, former State treasurer, State
senator and representative, and for many years a
manufacturer of Windsor, this county, is one of
the substantial citizens and useful men of Hartford
county.
Mr. Hodge was born in Seymour, Conn., July
5. 1845, son of George L. and Hannah J\I. (Pelton)
Hodge. Rev. \\'illiam Hodge, our subject's grand-
father, a Baptist minister, came to this country in
1823, from Scotland, with his family of eight chil-
dren, and lived in Long Island and Connecticut.
Mr. Hodge's maternal grandparents were settlers
of western Alassachusetts, moving from there to
central New York. They were connected with the
I'eltons of the early settlement of Saybrook and
East Windsor, Connecticut.
George W. Hodge was educated in the public
schools, the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, Conn., and the Eastman Business College, at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After leaving school, at the
age of eighteen, he learned the business of paper-
making in the mills of his father, at Rainbow,
Conn. In August, 1865, he was married to Miss
Jennie A. Clark, of Tivoli, N. Y., and in 1866 be-
came a member of the firm of Hodge, Son & Co.,
thus continuing until 1874, when he retired; in 1876
he purchased a one-third interest with House &
Co., manufacturers of press paper; in 1882 he pur-
chased the interest of one partner and in 1890 of
the other.
Mr. Hodge is known as one of the enterprising,
I'ublic-spirited and progressive men of his town,
and has been prominent in town, county and State
affairs. He is a representative New England gen-
tleman, and is highly esteemed and respected wher-
ever known. He was selectman of the town of
Windsor from 1876 to 1881, a member of the
Connecticut House of Representatives, 1881, 1882:
19
member of the State Senate from the Tiiird Dis-
trict, i88y and 1890; and treasurer of the State of
L'onnecticut, 1895-1896. He has alwa\s been a
Republican. He is a Ereemason, a member of the
Ro\-al Arcanum, and of the Republican Club of
Hartford. When a lad of twelve years lie joined
the Baptist Church, and has been connected with
that body ever since. He was one of the leading
agencies in the organization of the churcli and in
building the house of worship and parsonage, at
Rainbow, hfs place of residence. Since Oct. i,
1897, he has been special agent of the American
Real Estate Company of New York City.
NELSON GERSHOM HINCKLEW One
does not have to carry his investigations far in the
history of the New England States to find that the
Hinckley family has been prominent in its develop-
ment and upbuilding, and a most worthy repre-
sentative of this family is the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Hinckley traces his ancestry back to about
the year 1600, and to the County of Kent, England,
where John Lothrop was pastor of a parish in Eger-
ton. He (John) embraced the faith of the Puritans,
but subsequently adopted the views of Robinson, at
Leyden. In 1623 he renounced his orders in the
Church of England, and removed to London, fol-
lowed by some of his parishioners, among whom
was (I) Samuel Hinckley. In January, 1O24, Mr.
Lothrop became second pastor of the first Congre-
gational church gathered in London on the plan of
Robinson, at Leyden. They held their meetings
privately, in Blackfriars, but in April, 1632. were
discovered by the pursuivant of Archbishop Laud,
were apprehended, and eighteen only escaped. Mr.
Lothrop, with twenty-four others, was imprisoned
two years, some in the "Clink," some in "New
Prison," and some in the "Gate House," when all
but himself were liberated. He petitioned King
Charles I, and was set at liberty in April, 1634, on
condition of departing from the kingdom. Accord-
ingly he in 1634 came to Boston in the ship "Griffin,"
with about thirty of his people, settled in Scituate,
and afterward removed to Barnstable.
Samuel Hinckley was one of those who, in 1635,
in the ship "Hercules," followed Mr. Lothrop to
Boston and Scituate. In 1637 he was admitted a
freeman, and removed to Barnstable in 1639.
IMoore, in his "Lives of the Governors of Plymouth
Colony," says: "Some of the first settlers of Barn-
stable were men of education and easy fortunes,
who had left homes enviable, save in the single
circumstance of the abridgement of religious liberty.
The '^len of Kent' are duly celebrated in English
history as men of gallantry, loyalty and courtlv man-
ners. Vassal, Hatherly, Cudworth, Tilden. Hinck-
ley and others had been accustomed to the elegances
of life in England. They were men eminently quali-
fied not only for transacting municipal concerns,
but for taking an active and leading part in the gov-
ernment of the colonv."
290
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thomas Hinckley, son of Samuel, was the last
governor of Plymouth Colony. He was chosen one
of the assistants in 1658, and continued in office
until 1 681. In that year, following the death of
Josias Winslow, he was chosen governor of New
Plymouth Colony, and continued in that office (ex-
cept during the short period of the rule of Andross,
when he was councillor) by successive re-elections
until the Colony was incorporated with Massachu-
setts under the charter of 1692 — a period of eleven
years.
While governor, Mr. Hinckley made an early
effort, if not the earliest effort made in this coun-
try, to establish and promote a system of free
schools, and when the first school was established by
law in 1672 he was "steward" of the income set
apart for its support, and remained its faithful and
consistent champion. It was said of him that in
his religious views he resembled the rigid Gov.
Prince, rather than the tolerant Winslow. A law
was passed while he was governor, sometimes called
''Hinckley's law," which provided that "if any ne-
glect the worship of God in the place where he lives,
and set up a worship contrary to God and the allow-
ances of this government, to the profanation of
God's holy day, he shall pay ten shillings." Gov.
Plinckley took a deep interest in the propogation of
the Gospel among the Indians, and in securing a
competent support for ministers of religion.
(11) John Hinckley, son of Samuel, born in
Barnstable May 24, 1644, called "Ensign John,"
took an active interest in the government and mili-
tary defense of the Colony. He married Bethia
Lothrop, granddaughter of Rev. John Lothrop, and
died at the age of sixty-five.
(HI) Gershom Hinckley, son of Ensign John,
was born in Barnstable April 2, 1682. In the year
1 712 he removed to Lebanon, Conn., where he had
purchased lands, and became a prosperous farmer.
He married Mary Buel, of Lebanon, and reared a
large family. He died in December, 1774, aged
ninety-two, and she passed away Feb. 23, same year,
aged eighty-five, the mother of fourteen children.
They were reared and educated in that patriotic town
during the stern and stirring times that preceded
the Revolutionary war, and were contemporary with
the famous "Brother Jonathan" Trumbull. It ap-
pears from the "State Records of Revolutionary
Soldiers" that many of his descendants took an ac-
tive part in that great struggle.
(I\^) John Hinckley, son of Gershom, of Leb-
anon, was born Feb. 10, 1729, and finally settled in
East Hampton, Connecticut.
(V) Gershom Hinckley, grandfather of Nelson
G., was born in 1754, and removed to Thetford,
Yt., where he was a prominent man in the town,
and deacon in the First Congregational Church for
twenty-six years, until his death.
(VI) Asahel Hinckley, father of Nelson G., was
born Feb. 11, 1794, in Thetford, Vt., and came to
Hartford in 1810. He was a printer by trade, and
worked in the office of The Hartford Courant at a
period when the "art preservative of all the arts"
was very different from what it now is. He not
only set up the type, but was also accustomed to
"pull" the entire edition of the paper on a hand
press, and ink the form with the old-fashioned
"balls." In 1820 he commenced the dry-goods and
millinery business on Main street, near Church ; his
store for many years was known in Hartford as the
leading one in that line. In 1854 his son Nelson G.
succeeded to the business.
On Sept. 7, 1817, Asahel Hinckley married
Philinda Skinner, of Bolton, Conn., daughter of
Eldad and Maria (Sackett) Skinner. Eldad Skin-,
ner's father, Asahel Skinner, married Sarah Trum-
bull, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Brown)
Trumbull, and sister of Rev. Benjamin Trumbull,
D. D., the famous historian. Benjamin, Sr., father
of Sarah Trumbull, was a son of Benoni Trumbull,
brother of Joseph, who was the father of the famous
"Brother Jonathan" Trumbull. Children were born
to (VI) Asahel and Philinda Hinckley as follows:
Sarah Maria, Oct. 25, 1818, died April 20, 1892
(she married Lorenzo Lane, of Chicopee, Mass.) ;
Nelson G. is mentioned below ; Jane Elizabeth, Oct.
19, 1822, died Jan. i, 1898 (she married Oliver
Woodhouse) ; Arthur Tappan is mentioned below.
Asahel Hinckley died July 23, 1844; Philinda, his
wife, died Aug. 24, 1870.
Capt. Arthur T. Hinckley was born in Flartford
Feb. 9, 1830, and passed his early life in that city.
In 1854 he was appointed (by Col. N. G. Hinckley,
quartermaster-general) armorer at the 'State arsenal,
holding that position until 1862, and in many ways
proving his eminent fitness therefor. In 1861, at the
first call for volunteers in the Civil war, he took en-
listment papers from Adjt.-Gen. Williams, and,
making his headquarters at the armory of the old
Hartford Light Guard, in a few days recruited a frill
company — Company A, ist Regiment Conn. V. I. —
which was accepted at midnight, the adjutant-gen-
eral keeping his office open for that purpose, and
was the first company raised for the war accepted
by the State. Mr. Hinckley was elected lieutenant,
and went into camp at New Haven with the com-
mand, but before muster-in he resigned and returned
to his position at the State arsenal, at the instance
of Quartermaster-General Hatheway and the earnest
personal request of Gov. Buckingham, who re-
marked that "at this critical time he would be of
more service there than at the fi-ont." After re-
maining another year at the arsenal he was, on July
9, 1862, authorized by Adjt.-Gen. Williams to enlist
another company for the Federal service. He opened
an office, and recruited a full company, of which he
was elected captain, and which was mustered in Nov.
II, 1862, as Company B, 25th Conn. V. I., Col. G.
P. Bissell. The regiment saw active service, and
Capt. Hinckley participated in Gen. Banks' expedi-
tion to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Port Hud-
son, he and his company receiving the highest com-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
291
mendation in that campaign. He returned with the
regiment to Hartford, was mustered out and hon-
orably discharged. However, it soon became ap-
parent that the Captain's general health was im-
paired, and a chronic disease developed which
eventually caused his death. As his health required
constant medical aid, he chose to avail himself of
the benefits to be had at the National Soldiers' Home
at Hampton, Va. He died Oct. 30, 1888, and was
laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Hampton.
(\ Hj Nelson Gershom Hinckley, the subject
proper of these lines, was born Aug. 20, 1820, in
Hartford, Conn., and has always resided in that city.
In 1S54, as above stated, he succeeded to his father's
dry-goods and millinery business, and continued
same until 1875, in which year he retired, the es-
tablishment having retained the same name for over
half a century.
On Sept. 19, 1849, Nelson Gershom Hinckley
was married in New Hartford, Conn., to Minerva
Rossiter Hotchkiss, who was born at New Hart-
ford June 3, 1826, and is a direct descendant of
John INIarsh, a first settler of Hartford ; of Gov.
Webster, the fifth governor of the Connecticut Col-
ony ; and of Joseph Wadsworth, of "Charter Oak"
fame. To this union was born, Sept. 28, 1850, one
son, Howard Nelson, who on Nov. 2, 1871, married
Belle Eliza, daughter of Dwight Slate, of Hart-
ford, and five children have been born to them,
their names and dates of birth being as follows :
Harriet Rossiter, May 19, 1874 (she married Nov.
2, 1898, Ferdinand Favor Norris, of Dedham,
]vlass.j ; Clara Belle, Sept. 17, 1879; Robert Horace,
JNIarch 28, 1882; Lena Howard, Dec. 29, 1885; and
Samuel Dwight. May 13, 1888 (died Jan. 23, 1891).
Nelson G. Hinckley has for many years been
prominently identified with military and civic so-
cieties. In 1840 he was a member of the First
Company, of Governor's Foot Guard, in 1845 was
elected captain, and was also captain of the Veteran
Association ; in 1864 was commissioned a lieutenant
in the Putnam Phalanx, under Major Allyn. In
1854 he was appointed, by the General Assembly,
quartermaster-general of the State, on the staff of
Gov. Dutton ; and in 1876 was tendered the office
of division quartermaster, on the staff of Brig.-Gen.
Guyer. He was foreman of one of the old volunteer
fire companies, and a member of the Board of Fire
Department ; in 1880 was elected president of the
Firemen's Benevolent Society, in which incumbency
he remained until 1899. He was elected a member
of the city council for four successive years (1878-
82), and a member of the board of relief of the
town for five years in succession, 1880 to 1884, both
inclusive.
Fraternally J\Ir. Hinckley is one of the prominent
Freemasons in the State, and his connection with the
craft has been distinguished for rare enthusiasm
throughout. The followine is a brief record of his
career in Masonry : Initiated in St. John's Lodge,
No. 4, Jan. 18, i860; worshipful master, 1865;
treasurer of the lodge from 1872 to 1887, when he
was again elected worshipful master ; was exalted to
the degree of Royal Arch Mason, in Pythagoras
Chapter, No. 17, Feb. i, 1862; elected high priest
in 1869; was elected one of the trustees of the
Grand Chapter of Connecticut in 1870, and has held
that office until the present time. In May, 1870, he
was elected one of the trustees of the Grand Lodge
of Connecticut, and has held that position thirty
years (still serving), acting as chairman, having
custody of the funds of -the Grand Lodge of Con-
necticut, and also the funds of the Masonic Charity
Foundation until the incorporation of the Masonic
Flome at Wallingford. He was received and greet-
ed in Wolcott Council, No. i, at Hartford, Nov.
12, 1863, but never served that body in a working
capacity, his interest centering more in the lodge and
chapter.
Mr. Hinckley is a typical representative of the
good old school, and, in his bearing among men,
and his companions and associates, he retains many
of the qualities which distinguished his early an-
cestors as men of gallantry, loyalty and courtesy,
and he holds the respect of those who know hi:n
for his thorough manhood, dignity of character,
honesty of purpose, and gentlemanly bearing. In
his business or Masonic relations he has always been
distinguished for method, persistence, and a uniform
correctness in all things ; while in private life he is
held in high esteem and regard.
HENRY HAAB, chief engineer for the Bristol
Brass & Clock Co., Bristol, is a native of Switzer-
land, born Sept. 18, 1859.
John Haab, father of our subject, was also a na-
tive of Switzerland, where for many years he was
overseer in a silk factory ; he was also at one time
an officer of high rank in the Swiss army. By his
wife Magdalene (Keller) he had two sons: Henry,
our subject; and John, the younger, who died when
quite young. The parents are both deceased, the fa-
ther dying when Henry was a young lad. The
widowed mother came to the United States the
year before her son's emigration, and lived with
relatives in Ansonia, Connecticut.
Our subject received his early education in his
native land. At the age of sixteen years he com-
menced working on a farm, in which line of industry
he continued until coming to America, in 1872.
Sailing from Bremen, Germany, he landed in due
course at New York, whence he at once proceeded
to Ansonia, Conn., and here found employment in
Wallace and Son's factory, in the lamp department.
After one year there he passed the next twelve
months or so in the employ of John Gardner, also
in Ansonia. making clock dials, and then moved to
Bristol, where for some six years he worked for
S. E. Root, manufacturer of clock dials. Our sub-
ject's health becoming now somewhat impaired, he
commenced the study of medicine under the pre-
ceptorship of Dr. Fred H. Williams ; but after three
292
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years he took his present position, that of chief en-
gineer for the Bristol Brass & Clock Co., having
charge of the entire steam plant. Mr. Haab is the
patentee of a number of useful inventions, among
them the Haab rotary engine, which is in successful
operation. He is now completing the jNIechanical
Electrical course with the Technical Correspondence
Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
On July 13, 1884, Henry Haab was married to
Miss Catherine E. Johns, of Terryville, Conn.,
daughter of William Johns. Mr. and Mrs. Haab
have no family. They are members of the Congre-
gational Church, and in politics Mr. Haab is a Re-
publican. Socially he is a Freemason, member of
Pequabuck Chapter, No. 32, R. A. M., the highest
degree obtainable in Bristol. He is regarded as an
industrious, honorable citizen, well worthy of the
high regard in which he is held.
BURTON ARD HART (deceased) was bom
on Chippin Hill, town of Bristol, Conn., April 16,
1836, and was a son of Ard Hart. He was edu-
cated in the common schools of Bristol, which he
attended until about twelve years of age. He then
began work in Noah Pomeroy's clock factory, walk-
ing from and to Chippin Hill morning and night,
and was indeed a lad of great endurance and in-
dustry. Several years later, after quitting Mr.
Pomeroy, he went to Terryville, worked there sev-
eral years, and then worked in New Britain duruig
the period of the Civil war, for Russell & Erwin.
He next worked for the Welch Manufacturing Co.
in Forestville, learned the iron-molding trade and
also brass turning, and went to Waterbury and
worked three years for Benedict & Burnham, clock
manufacturers. He then returned to Bristol and
opened the North Side grocery, on North street,
and this he most successfully conducted until 1893,
when he retired from active business pursuits and
devoted his entire attention to the supervision of
his real-estate interests, until his death Ma)- 31,
1895.
, Mr. Hart married (first) Emily Curtiss, of
Harwinton, Conn., who died two years later, and
for his second wife Mr. Hart married Miss Eliza-
beth Cowles, who was born Jan. 20, 1845, the ac-
complished daughter of Kirtland and Marv (Dem-
ing) Cowles, of Wethersfield, Conn. This felicitous
union was graced with four children: Horace Bur-
ton, born Aug. i, 1869; Alice Cowles, born Aug. 2,
1871 ; Wilbur Stacy, born July 21, 1873; and Oliver
Monroe, born Oct. 7, 1876. These children were all
educated in the Bristol schools, and all are at home
with their mother.
Burton Ard Hart did not belong to any of the
secret orders, as he was perfectly contented with the
companionship of his adored wife and children. He
was of a most lovable disposition and charitable m
the extreme. Kind, modest and unassuming, he
never crossed any one, made many friends and
probably never had an enemy. In politics he was
by conviction a Republican, but as his business and
family affairs absorbed all his attention, and as he
was more interested in their prosperity than in that
of office seekers, he gave party atfairs a wide berth.
He was a member of the Prospect M. E Church,
and lived strictly up to its tenets, and of this church
his widow is also a devout member. He possessed
no evil habits whatever, was totally abstinent as to
the use of spirituous liquor and tobacco, and be-
stowed in charity the sums that many squander in
these so-called luxuries. His death was generally
deplored, but by no one more deeply than by his
estimable wife and children.
JOHN SIMPKINS BUTLER, M. D., whose
death occurred in Plartford, May 21, 1890, was at
that time one of the city's oldest citizens, the oldest
graduate of Yale College in Hartford, and a gentle-
man of wide reputation and prominence, whose
friends were many.
Dr. Butler's ancestors were among the early and
prominent settlers of Hartford. Steven Butler, a
nonconformist English clergyman, was the father of
Richard Butler, whose name appears on the records
of the Puritan Colony of Cambridge, Mass., in
1632. Pie was one of the company who came
through the wilderness in 1636 and formed the set-
tlement in Hartford, and several of the. family were
buried in the Center Church burying-grounds.
Hartford. One hundred and fifty years later, Daniel
Butler, a direct descendant of Richard Butler, and
the father of our subject, removed from Hartford
to Northampton, Mass., and became a merchant
there.
On his maternal side our subject is a great-
great-grandson of John Kneeland, of Boston, sup-
posed to be of Scottish origin, and who was a man
of wealth and mark. Beginning as a stonemason, he
built the old "Hancock -House" and the old South
church, of which society he was one of the original
members. He acquired much real estate. Kneeland
street, Boston, was named in his honor. Samuel
Kneeland, son of John, printed the first Bible in
Boston, in 1749. William, another son of John
Kneeland, was a physician of note, and at one time
president of the Massachusetts State Medical So-
ciety. William Kneeland's daughter, Mehitabel, was
married to Deacon John Simpkins, of old North
Church, Boston, and the grandfather of Dr. John
Simpkins Butler.
Dr. John Simpkins Butler, our subject, was born
Oct. 12, 1803, in Northampton, Mass. He was-
graduated from Yale College in 1825, and immcdi-
atelj^ commenced the study of medicine with a pli>'-
sician in his native place. Pie attended one course
of lectures at the Harvard Medical School, Cam-
bridge, Mass. His second course was taken at Jef-
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 'from which
institution he received his medical degree in 1828,
the father and uncle of Gen. George B. McClellan
being among his professors. In 1829 he opened
BURTOH A. HART
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
293
an office in Wcircestcr, ]\Iass., for the practice of
sjeneral medicine. He remained there ten years,
when, on the opening of the Boston Hos])ital for
the Insane, he was elected its superintendent. After
three years' service in that institution he gave up
liis position on account of political interference, and
resumed the general practice of medicine in the
city of Boston ; and within a feA\- months of this
■change he was elected superintendent of the Con-
necticut Retreat for the Insane, at Hartford, and in
1843 took up his residence in that city. For nearly
thirty vears he was the superintendent of the In-
sane Retreat, managing its affairs with skill, and
watching over its interests with ceaseless vigilance.
Having brought the Retreat to a commanding po-
sition, as respects its surroundings, architectural ap-
pearance and internal arrangements, and its finan-
cial and professional standing, he resigned his office,
Oct. 19, 1872. His biographer says: "For thirty
vears of continuous service he kept the institution
in the front rank of contemporary progress." From
that time on until his death, he continued to reside
in Hartford, leading anything but an idle life. He
had acted as expert and consulting physician in dis-
eases of the brain and nervous system. Fie took an
active interest and a large part in establishing the
Connecticut State Board of Health, which has ren-
dered most efficient public service. For the first
ten vears he was its president. Fie wrote the first
annual address of the board — a valuable paper on
"State Protective Medicine." He also wrote a num-
ber of articles for medical journals, and in 1886
published a small work on "The Curability of In-
sanit}-."" and "The Individualized Treatment of the
InsariC."
Dr. Butler kept up his reading and retained an
active interest in all questions concerning public
welfare, noting with delight ever)' indication of
progress in the treatment of insanity. His special
interest in insanity commenced in 1833, while he
was in Worcester. He became so deeply interested
in a poor crazy Welshman, under treatment at the
Worcester Insane Hospital, that his subsequent pro-
fessional life was comparatively changed by this
circumstance. He was urged to take up the specialty
— insanity — as a life work by the noted Dr. Samuel
Woodward, the superintendent, who discovered in
Dr. Butler those rare qualities of mind and heart
which so eminently fitted him for the peculiar duties
of such a practice. Dr. Butler was fortunate in
having as friends and patrons Dr. Woodward, of
the \\"orcester Hospital, and Dr. Ives, the first su-
perintendent of the Hartford Retreat, two noted
examples of the ideal superintendent ; yet in treating
the patients Dr. Butler's application of principles was
decidedly original. His power sprang from a rare
combination of ]iersonal endowments and qualities.
He was a man of sound judgment, and of tlie broad-
est sympathy. lie had a retentive memory and a fer-
tile imagination, was industrious, persistent, en-
thusiastic, and a shrewd interpreter of human na-
ture. He exhibited unusual tact, and possessed that
fortunate personality called magnetism. In treat-
ing insanity, his chosen field of labor, which he de-
lighted to cultivate, he achieved marked distinction.
He took a high social and professional position in
the community in which he lived. His honors were
not few. He was one of the thirteen who or-
ganized the Association of Medical Superintend-
ents in 18-I4; was eight vears its vice-president, and
president of the Association in tlie years 1870, 187 1
and 1872. He was an honorary member of the
Medico-Psychological Society of Great Britain, and
was connected with many other organizations of
similar nature. He was influential in establishing the
Hospital for the Insane in Middletown. In the early
years of the Hartford Medical Society he frequent-
ly attended its meetings. He was so broad in his
views, so free from prejudice, so considerate of
others, so earnest in his search for truth, that what-
ever he said commanded the utmost attention, and
when the subjects of discussion were in his special
realm his words were received as authority.
On account of his extensive experience Dr. But-
ler was often called in council and as an expert in
court. His fine presence, his knowledge of the sub-
ject, and clear statement in court, commanded the
attention of both judge and jury, and, what was
more to the point, he could match the case in hand
by similar ones, and his own experience was author-
ity for his testimony ; and well it might be, for thou-
sands of cases had been under his care. One writer,
in referring to his connection with the Retreat for
the Insane, said :
"Dr. Butler's large sympathies, insight into hu-
man nature and rare tact with his patients led them
to consider him as their personal friend : he thus
gained their confidence and brought sunshine into
their hearts. His charming personality, courtesy
and enthusiasm for his work so impressed the
friends of his patients that they were anxious to
leave them under his charge. It is stated in our rec-
ords that he was well adapted for his specialty from
his natural powers of kindness, good nature and
self-command; he was so judicious that he could
give a fitting answer to a complaining patient : he
was so considerate that he was anxious to serve
others rather than himself."
Dr. Butler was nearly six feet in height, with
light complexion, pleasant bluish-gray eyes, and a
benevolent face. He possessed native refinement,
winning manners, frankness and a gentlemanly
bearing. He was generally beloved for his many
amiable qualities ; he was fond of society, with a
mind well stored with interesting and instructive
information. One of his pupils said of him: "His
interests were always enthusiasms." He was genial
and courteous, earnest and sincere. He had a pleas-
ant humor, and was always ready with a merry
conceit, a quaint saying, or an apt anecdote. He
was in his happiest mood when surrounded by his
family and his intimate friends, and the last vears
294
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of his life were brightened and cheered bj^ his grand-
children, and his correspondence with those who
were residing for a time in London was most enter-
taining and instructive.
On Oct. 4, 1832, Dr. Butler was married to Miss
Cordelia Williams, daughter of Eliphalet G. Will-
iams, of Boston, Mass., who was cashier of the
City Bank of Boston and was the last selectman of
that city. To Dr. and Mrs. Butler were born five
children: Charles P., who died in 1887, and is sur-
vived by a son, Dr. John S. Butler, of New York
City; Annie W., now Mrs. Samuel G. Goodrich,
of Hartford; Flora, who died in infancy; Major
J. H. Butler, of Hartford ; and Frank W., of Ridge-
field, Connecticut.
Major J. H. Butler, son of Dr. John S. Butler,
was born at Worcester Oct. 15, 1838. His educa-
tion was obtained in Hartford. On May 22, 1861,
he was appointed, in the regular United States army
service, second-lieutenant of the 2d United States
Artillery. He was wounded in the cavalry skirmish
near Culpeper, Va., Nov. 8, 1863, his battery at that
time being with Merritt's Reserve Brigade. In con-
sequence of wounds Major Butler suffered amputa-
tion of the left foot and ankle, and was off duty a
year. He was then placed on mustering and disburs-
ing duty, and was placed on the retired list in Feb-
ruary, 1865. On Jan. 22, 1867, he was appointed
captain of the 42d Infantry, and in May, 1870, re-
tired as captain of Light Artillery. Lie was brevet-
ted captain and major during the war. Returning
to Hartford, he was for ten years connected with
the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill railroad,
subsequently with the New York, New Haven &
Hartford railroad, in the New York City office, for a
year and a half. He was interested in manufactur-
ing pursuits in Hartford for several years. Socially
Major Butler is a member of the Society of the
Army of the Potomac.
On May 30, 1867, the Major was married to
Ida de Mariategue Fatio, daughter of Capt. Louis
Fatio, midshipman in the British navy, subsequently
captain in the United States navy, and later captain
in the revenue service. She died Nov. 30, 1873, and
on Dec. 7, 1898, Major Butler married for his second
wife Miss Mabelle Sturges, of Chicago. His chil-
dren (all born to the first marriage) are: Ida, born
March 18, 1868, of Hartford; John, born Jan. 21,
1870, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Louis F., born July 23,
1871, of Hartford; and Miriam, born Feb. 14. 1873,
wife of Dr. Courtland J. Allen, of Providence,
Rhode Island.
PICKETT. The family of this name, from
which descended Hon. James Andrew Pickett, late
a prominent citizen and manufacturer of New Brit-
ain, was early at Danbury, Conn. From "Orcott's
History of Stratford and Bridgeport" it is learned
that James Pickett, son of John Pickett and Mar-
garet, his wife, was residing in Danburv in 1690,
and from him probably descended those of the
name at that place and New Milford and Sherman,
Conn. John Pickett, referred to, was in Salem,
Mass., in 1648, and in Stratford in 1650. Dr.
Thomas Pickett from Danbury settled in New
Milford, Conn., and married Miss Miriam Mallery
in 1716. He died in 1774, his widow in 1776.
Hon. James Andrew Pickett, of New Britain,
was in the sixth generation from Dr. Thomas
Pickett, the line of his descent being through
Daniel, Daniel (2), Daniel A. and Albert.
(II) Daniel Pickett, son of Dr. Thomas Pick-
ett, born Aug. 23, 1719, married, Sept. 16, 1741,
Margaret Beardsley.
(III) Daniel Pickett (2), son of Daniel Pickett,
born Aug. 27, 1742, married, Nov. 5, 1767, Sarah
Comstock.
(IV) Daniel A. Pickett, son of Daniel Pickett
(2), born Jan. 22, 1769, was twice married, first
to Anna Wanzer. For his second wife he married
Betsey Seelye, of Sherman, Conn. His children
were : Oliver W., Albert and Asa, all by his first
wife.
(V) Albert Pickett, son of Daniel A. and Anna
(Wanzer) Pickett, born April 9, 1801, married,
Jan. 6, 1825, Mary Rebecca Roberts, and their chil-
dren were: James Andrew, who is referred to
farther on; and Jane Anna, born Nov. 17, 1S32,
who married, Nov. 18, 1868, John Noble Tread-
well, and to the union was born one daughter,
Mary Roberts.
James Andrew Pickett, son of Albert Pick-
ett, was born March 9, 1829, in New Milford,
Litchfield Co., Conn., and his education was ob-
tained in the public schools of his native place
and in private schools in Bridgeport, Conn. When
a young man he located, in 185 1, in New Britain,
to fill the position of bookkeeper for the A. North
& Son Saddlery Hardware Manufacturing Co.
Several years later (1855), in company with L.
F. Judd, he purchased a half-interest in the estab-
lishment now known as the North & Judd ]\Ianu-
facturing Co., of which he served as treasurer for
twenty years. From that period Mr. Pickett was
closely and prominently identified with the growth
and development of his adopted city and vicinity,
and was variously connected with the city's largest
and most successful corporations — financial and
otherwise. In 1876 he was elected president of the
Landers, Frary & Clark Manufacturing Co., and
was repeatedly re-elected to the same office until
his resignation, in 1889, and during all that period JL
his wise conduct of the affairs of that large cor- T
poration was most economical, successful and satis-
factory. A man of excellent business ability and
judgment, with that energy and close application
to business that are chai"acteristic of the man, he
made the concerns with which he was identified
move. From 1878 to 1891 Mr. Pickett was presi-
dent of the Union Manufacturing Co., of New
Britain. He was also for many years vice-presi-
dent and a director of the Shelby Iron Works, in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
295
Alabama, and for many years was a director and
vice-president of the New Britain National Bank;
also served as a director of the Mechanics National
Bank, the Russell & Erwin Alanufacturing Co.,
the American Hosiery Co., the Stanley Rule &
Level Co., the Union r^Ianufacturing Co., and the
New Britain Savings Bank. So well and success-
fully did Mr. I'ickett manage his own affairs and
those of the many corporations with which he was
connected that his fellow citizens frequently called
him to fill public positions of trust, honor and re-
sponsibility. For a number of years he was elected
town assessor, and city auditor in 1871 and 1872.
On the adoption of the system of sewerage by the
city he was appointed one of the sewer commis-
sioners, and held the office from 1874 to 1882, in-
clusive. In 1883, 1884 and 1885 he was elected
and served as mayor of New Britain, giving the
city an excellent administration. In 1884 he rep-
resented the town in the General Assembly, and in
that body served as chairman on the part of the
House of Representatives of the committee on In-
surance. In his religious views he was a Congre-
gationalist, identified with the First Church in New
Britain, to which and to its charities he was a
liberal contributor. As has been intimated in the
foregoing, Mr. Pickett was one of the leading busi-
ness men and citizens of New Britain, whose citi-
zens justly appreciated his worth. Through his
knowledge of business, and insight into the needs
of the city and town, he in all the various posi-
tions contributed much to the welfare and nros-
perity of the place. Mr. Pickett passed away Nov.
27, 1900, at his hofiie on Summer street, after an
illness of several weeks, deeply mourned in the
community where he had his home for nearly half
a century.
On Sept. 9, 1857, 'Mr. Pickett was married to
Caroline E. Stanley, of New Britain. She died
at Bermuda April 11, 1877. He married (second)
Nov. 13, 1878, Miss Emma C. Lawrence. The
first union was blessed with one daughter, Anna
M., who married S. Willis Rockwell, of Enfield,
Conn. There were no children bv the second mar-
DEACON ASAHEL BROCKETT, late of
Bristol, was born in Wolcott, Conn., Aug. 8, 1820,
and died in Bristol Sept. 26, 1882. After a suc-
cinct account has been given of the parents of the
subject and their families, attention will be turned
to his genealogy, after which his personal history
will be given in detail.
Ransel Brockett, father of Asahel, was born in
Wolcott, Conn., June 14, 1793. He was reared a
farmer, was very active in the politics of his day,
but more particularly was he active in church cir-
cles, being likewise a deacon. He married, Nov.
25, 1818, Miss Mabel Truesdell, who was born
Jan. 7, 1798, a daughter of Joel and ^lehitabel
(Bradley) Truesdell. She died" March 8, 1844, the
mother of two sons : -Vsahel, the subject of this
sketch; and Calvin, born April 14, 1822. The latter
married Jane Plumb, and died in McHenry, 111.,
Jan. 30, 1848. The son of Calvin, named Calvin
B. Brockett, is now a resident of Bristol, Con-
necticut.
Sir John Brockett, of Brockett Ilall, Hertford-
shire, England, the owner of a large estate and an
adherent of Charles I, was the progenitor of the
Brockett family of New England, and was the
seventh antecedent of the subject.
John Brockett, son of Sir John, was born in
England, in 1609, where he married, where his first
born child was christened, and whence he came soon
afterward to America, where his death took place in
1689. Plis children numbered eight, and were born
in the following order: John, who was christened
in England (as alluded to above) Jan. 21, 1643,
and died in New England in November, 1720. Be
Fruitful and Benjamin, born Feb. 23, 1645; Mary,
Sept. 25, 1646; Silence, Jan. 4, 1648; Abigail, .March
10, 1650; Samuel, Jan. 14, 1651, and Jabez, Oct.
24, 1654.
Samuel Brockett, of the above named chililren,
was married May 23, 1682, to Sarah Bradley, and
their si.x children were as follows: Samuel, born
Feb. 15, 1683; Daniel, born Sept. 30, 1684; John,
born Nov. 8, 1685, married Huldah Ells ilarch 1,
171 1 ; Joseph, born Oct. 8, 1688; Josiah, July 25,
1691 ; Alice, April 23, 1693. The dates of death of
the parents are unknown.
Samuel Brockett, the eldest of the family of chil-
dren mentioned last above was married in 1699,
to Rachel Brown, and became the father of five chil-
dren : Titus, born June 28, 1700, died July 29, 1773 ;
Sarah, born Aug. 26, 1702; Isaac, Sept. 3, 1705;
Rachel, March 22, 1708, and Samuel, born Jure 21,
1714, died Aug. 27, 1796.
Samuel Brockett, the youngest of the above
named family, was born in Wallingford, Conn.,
whence he removed to \\'olcott. He married Ruth
Bradley, who was born in 1718, and who bore him
eight children : Samuel ; Eunice, who was born in
1745, and died Dec. 22, 1820; Zuar ; Zenas, born
July 27,, 1752, and died Oct. 30, 1828; Joel; Rach 1,
born Jan. 23, 1755, died in October, 1776: Amos,
born April 10, 1757, died July 10, 1826; and Benja-
min, born Nov. 22, died in March, 1842. The
mother of this family passed away April 12, 1780,
and the father died in Wolcott Aug. 27, 1796.
Zuar Brockett, son of Samuel, and grandfather
of Asahel Brockett, the subject of this biography,
was born April 4, 1747. He was a farmer, a promi-
nent deacon in the Baptist Church, and came from
Wolcott to Bristol for the reason that there was no
congregation of Baptists in the former place. He
married, Nov. 6, 1744, Miss Abigail Smith, who
was born Oct. 18, 1757, and of this union were
born eight children: Mindwell, born Sept. 5. 1775,
died Sept. 22, 1838: Rachel, born Dec. 21, 1777,
died j\Iay 20, 1844; Titus, born Nov. 25, 1779, mar-
296
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Sarah Peck, and died March 21, 1857; Ziba;
Abigail, born March 3, 1784, married Marcus Mer-
riman, and died Jan. 20, 1839; Asahel, born June
26, 1786, died June 2, 1814; Lucy, born May 27,
1789; Ransel, father of our subject, died Jan. 25,
1S43. Zuar, the father of the family, died Sept. 17,
1834. Of Ransel Brockett, son of Zuar and father
of Asahel, mention is made in full at the opening of
this article.
Asahel Brockett, at the age of ten years, removed
with his parents to Bristol. Here the remainder of
his life was spent, with the exception of two years'
residence in Illinois and one in Newark, N. J.
An attack of chills and fever compelled him to leave
Illinois, but the malarial poison was in his system,
and, combined with typhoid fever, caused his death
Sept. 26, 1882.
On March 24, 1844, Mr. Brockett was married
to Mariett Bradley, who was Dorn in Bristol Nov.
5, 1824, a daughter of Timothy and Hila (Alcott)
Bradley; Mrs. Mariett Brockett survived until Aug.
13, 1897. Of this marriage were born three daugh-
ters : Ellen Frances, Mabel Truesdell and Calista
Vinton; of these, Ellen Frances, born July 17, 1849,
was married Api-il 15, 1873, to Emerson Francis
Judson, by whom she became the mother of three
children: Walter Brockett, born June 17, 1874;
VVilmer Asahel, born Aug. 27, 1876, died March
28, 1880; and Freddie, born Nov. 13, 1878, died
Aug. 16, 1879. Mabel Truesdell, born March i,
1861, resides in Bristol with her younger sister,
Mrs. Holley. Calista A'inton, born July 20, 1865,
was married June 10, 1896, to Julian R. Holley,
secretary and treasurer of the Bristol Brass &
Clock Co., and of whom a full record is given else-
where. Of this marriage two children have been
born : Julian Laurence, Aug. 25, 1898; and Margaret
Storrs, Oct. 31, 1899.
In 1842 Mr. Brockett became a member of the
Baptist Church, and in 1853 was chosen one of its
deacons. He was prominently identified with all
its interests, covering a period of forty years. In
politics he was a Democrat, ■and by his party many
times called to positions of responsibility and trust,
ably serving his town as assessor, road commis-
sioner, first selectman and judge of probate. He
was one of the founders of both the Bristol Savings
Bank and the Bristol National Bank, and a direc-
tor from the organization to the time of his death.
He administered on many estates of deceased per-
sons with comprehensive and just appreciation of
all interests.
His universal courtesy, sound judgment, and
rare executive ability won for him the affection,
esteem and confidence of all with whom he came in
contact. His life and character honor the name he
"bore.
PHILIP JOSEPH DOUGHERTY, a military
veteran, who died at his residence in Hartford
Dec. 29, 1899, was born in that city in August,
1847. His education was completed in the Hartford
Public High School, and on July 29, 1863, he en-
listed in Company K, ist Connecticut Heavy Ar-
tillery, with which he served until mustered out,
Sept. 25, 1865, making a most honorable record.
He was promoted to corporal for gallant service, and
was clerk of Company K.
After the close of the war Mr. Dougherty was
employed for a time as yard master for the Provi-
dence, Hartford & Fishkill railroad, but later he
became associated in the grocery business with his
father, on Spruce street, Hartford, and at the death
of the latter he inherited the bulk of the estate of
half a million. ITe was prominent socially, his
genial nature attracting a host of friends, and was
identified with several organizations, including the
Gentlemen's Driving Club and Robert O. Tyler
Post, G. A. R. In religious faith he was a Catholic,
and he gave liberally to the support of the church
and various philanthropies, the poor obtaining ready
aid from him. Politically he was a Democrat. On
Oct. 24, 1876, Mr. Dougherty married Miss Bridget
Allman, daughter of Timothy c-nd Johannah (Slat-
tery) Allman, of Waterbury, Conn., and a native
of Ireland. She survives him v/ith one daughter,
Miss Nellie C. Dougherty, who was educated in Mt.
St. Joseph's Convent, Hartford, and at Woodside
Seminary, graduating from the latter in 1897, in the
classical course.
Philip Dougherty, father of our subject, was
born in County Donegal, Ireland, and in 1836, at
the age of twenty-eight years, came to Hartford with
his wife. Hartford then had a population of only
7,000 people, and very few workmen had regular
employment, the majority being obliged to pick up
odd jobs where they could. That prospect did not
please Mr. Dougherty, and by his faithfulness in
the discharge of his duties he finally secured a per-
manent place with Humphrey & Seyms, who kept a
grocery in the building just south of the Center
church, and a soap house on the banks of the Park
river. He did not remain with Humphrey & Se3ans
a great while, leaving them to enter R. Nevers &
Co.'s copper-plate establishment, on Main street, and
while there he bought a Western farm, paying for
it by working overtime. He next bought a house
and lot on Imlay street, where he lived until com-
pelled to move on account of the laying out of Bush-
nell Park. He sold his land to the city and bought
a row of cottages on Spruce street, and in 1848 he
started in the grocery business there' for himself.
Three large brick blocks now occupy the site of his
original purchase, his successful management of
these and other ventures winning him a reputation
as one of the shrewdest real-estate buvers in Hart-
ford. He was married in Ireland to Ellen Given,
who died in i86.q. and the had the following
children: John, a builder in Hartford; Philip J.,
our subject; Sarah, a resident of Montreal, Canada;
Robert, a business man in St. Louis, Mo. ; Charles,
of Hartford; and Hugh, who died in California.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
297
i
I
CHARLES EDMUJSfD STEELl-.. A. B.
'J"hous;li Mr. Steele at tlie outset of liis niinistry
was oliligcd to g'ive up a professional life on ac-
count of his health, he has been actively engaged in
religious aiYairs. In a business way he has been
connected with his brothers in market gardening,
fruit farming, and the development of their real
estate. More than to these, his life has been de-
voted to the upbuilding of society, to the cause
of temperance, and to the various associated efforts
for the moral improvement of mankind.
^Ir. Steele was born in New Britain Nov. 29,
1S47. in one of the historic old houses of the town.
His ancestry has been prominent and influential
in the early history of Connecticut. John Steele, the
progenitor of the familv in America, was a native
of the Countv of Essex, England, who came to
New England about 1631-32, and settled in New
Town (now Cambridge), Mass. He was one of
the first pioneers of Connecticut, leading the ad-
vance guard in 1635, the year before Thomas Hook-
er came down. His home was just north of the
Athenreum building in Hartford. John Steele was
one of the leading spirits in the enterprising little
cffilony, and was a man of education as well as
executive ability, was the first secretary of the
Hartford Colony, and served for many years as a
magistrate. In 1654 he was clerk of Farmington
town. His first wife, Rachel, died in 1653, and
for his second he married IMercy, widow of Rich-
ard Seymour. John Steele died in 1665.
(II) Samuel Steele, son of the above, was born
in England in 1626-27, and when a child came to
America with his father's family. He attained
prominence in Colonial affairs, and was deputv
to the General Assembly in 1668, 1669, and from
1672 to 1677 inclusive. In General Court, May 9,
1672, he received a grant for 200 acres of land.
He married Mary, daughter of Hon. James Boosey,
a prominent resident of Wethersfield. Samuel
Steele died Aug. 15, 1685, his wife surviving at
Farmington until 1702.
( ni 1 James Steele, son of Samuel Steele, was
"born Aug. 31, 1644. For many years he was a
mercliant at Wethersfield, and he was the captain
of the train-band at that place. Fle married, July
19, 1687, Anna, daughter of Capt. Samuel Wells.
She was born in 1668, and died in 1739. James
Steele died in 1713.
(I\") Dr. Joseph Steele, son of James Steele,
was born Sept. 27, 1690. He studied medicine,
located south of the Palisade fort at Berlin, in
a portion of Farmington town, and was one of
the most skillful and best-known practitioners in
Hartford county. He was also quite active in
church work. lie married, Feb. 16, 1715, Eliza-
beth, daughter of John HoUister, of Glastonbury,
and died in 1750. leaving five sons and five daugh-
ters.
(A") Ebenezer Steele, son of Dr. Joseph Steele,
•was born May 18, 1727. He married Sarah ^lid-
dlcton, and in larl)- life lived at Wethersfield, later
on Osgood Hill, New liritain, where he died Jan.
21, 1821. He served for a time in the Revolu-
ti(jnary army. Hir widow died March 6, 1823,
seventy-five years after her marriage. During her
lifetime she had 278 descendants, as follows: Thir-
teen children, seventy grandchildren, 171 great-
grandchildren, and twenty-four great-great-grand-
children.
(VI) Ebenezer Steele, Jr., son of Ebenezer
Steele, was the grandfather of our subject. He
was born in New Britain in 1749, was a farmer
by occupation, and lived in the Horse Plain Dis-
trict of New Britain. His first wife was Lucy
Wright, and his second Hannah Brewer, by whom
he had eight children. Of these, Hannah married
Elias Curtis, of Mexico, N. Y. ; Annie married
Judd Eggleston, of Westfield, Mass. ; Eliza, in
1826, married Roswell Hart, and removed to Mich-
igan; Edmund was the father of our subject; and
Amna, who was born in 1808, married Peter Miller,
of Troy, N. Y. Ebenezer Steele, Jr., died in 1812.
(\TI) Edmund Steele was born in the Horse
Plain District, New Britain, Oct. 9, 1804. He be-
gan life for himself as a farm hand, and then
entered the factory of Alvin North, in whose em-
ploy he remained for about twenty years. In 1842
he purchased for $4,500 a farm of about sixty
acres, known as the Seth Lewis farm, formerly
the Capt. Belden farm, and there he engaged with
his son in general farming. On Oct. 10, 1831, he
married Lucy Newell, who was born in Farming-
ton Oct. II, 1810.
The original progenitor of the Newell family
in Connecticut was Thomas Newell, who settled in
liartford soon after the Colony was established,
and later in Farmington. He is said to have mi-
grated from Hertfordshire, England, and his wife's
name was Rebecca Olmstead, Samuel Newell (2),
son of Thomas and Rebecca Newell, was baptized
Dec. 5, 1660, and in 1685 married Mary Hart.
Isaac Newell (3), son of Samuel and Mary Newell,
was born Feb. 10, 1686, and married, Aug. 8,
1710, Sarah Norton, of Farmington, granddaugh-
ter of John Norton, the first settler at Farmington.
Isaac Newell (4), son of Isaac and Sarah Newell,
bom Aug. II, 1711, married Rachel, daughter of
John and Rachel Pomeroy, of Northampton, ]\Iass. ;
she was a woman of remarkable religious character,
joining the Church when very young, and cherish-
ing through life the memory of Jonathan Edwards.
She died Sept. 16, 1776, in the fiftv-fourth year of
her age. For his second wife Isaac Newell mar-
ried Rhoda (Andrews) Warren, who was born
May 6, 1728, daughter of Caleb Andrews, of New-
ington, and was the widow of Elisha Warren.
Isaac Newell lived in the north part of Southing-
ton, in the vicinitv of what is now known as New-
ell's Corners. He held the military rank of lieu-
tenant. He died Jan. 3, 1793, his widow surviv-
ing until Oct. 20, 1823. Isaac P. Newell (5), son
298
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Isaac and Rachel Newell, was born Jan. 21,
1753. He served in the Revolutionary war. He
married Mary Warren, and lived at Newell's Cor-
ners, where he died Dec. 24, 1831, aged seventy-
nine years; his wife died June 4, 1835, aged sev-
enty-five years. Quartus P. Newell (6), son of
Isaac P. and Mary Newell, was born Jan. 2, 1781,
in Southington, and on Feb. 28, 1805, married
Lucy Foote, born Jan. 6, 1783, daughter of Capt.
Robert and Rachel (Lewis) Foote, of Southington.
Quartus P. Newell died May 24, 1873, aged ninety-
two years; his wife passed away March 20, 1853,
aged • seventy years. The children of Quartus P.
and Lucy Newell were as follows : Sophia, born
March 27, 1806, died Oct. 29, 1826; Lydia, born
Feb. 12, 1809; Lucy, mother of our subject, born
Oct. II, 1810; Jeannette, baptized Mav 22, 1814,
died Nov. 14, 1835 ; and Jane, baptized Oct. 6,
1816.
Edmund Steele and wife were charter members
of the South Congregational ChurcU, organized in
1842. He was a constant attendant at church serv-
ices, possessed strong convictions, and was in all
respects a man of character. He was a man of
strict integrity, and he accumulated a competence
which he bequeathed to his children. Though in-
terested in public affairs, he did not actively en-
gage in politics. He died Aug. 15, 1879, his wife
■passing away in February, 1878. To Edmund and
Lucy Steele were born four sons — Dwight Newell,
Frederick Newton, Walter Pomeroy and Charles
Edmund, (i) Dwight Newell Steele, born Aug.
3, 1832, married Sarah Hartson, of Meriden, and
with his brothers Frederick and Walter started the
market gardening industry at New Britain. He
died Aug. 28, 1875, his wife on Oct. 25, 1879.
They had one son, Howard Merritt, born Aug. 24,
1872, who was married, in 1893, to Minnie Rhodes,
and is now engaged in the livery and express busi-
ness. (2) Frederick Newton Steele was born June
7. 1837. and is engaged in the fruit preserving
business ; in 1879 he married Lydia Bowman, of
Manchester, Vt., and they have two children —
Henry Bowman and Herbert. (3) Walter Pom-
eroy Steele was born July 24, 1844, and on Sept.
29, 1876, married Ida Bristol Steele, of Branfoxd,
Conn. ; they have one child, Dwight W., now a
student of the New Britain high school.
Charles Edmund Steele, the subject of this
sketch, received his preparatory education in the
New Britain high school, under the tutelage of
John H. Peck, graduating in 1867 with the honors
of valedictorian. In the autumn of the same year
he entered the Freshman class of Yale College, and
four years later he received his diploma, with the
degree of A. B. In 1872 he entered Andover
Theological Seminary, from which he was grad-
uated in 1875. The subject of his address was
"The Doctrinal Basis of Christian Union." Re-
turning home for a year Rev. Mr. Steele during
that time assisted in a series of great revival serv-
ices in New Britain. He was chairman of the
union committee, and had a year of most profitable
work, after which he went to Vermont, and was
engaged as a supply of the Winooski Congrega-
tional Church, near Burlington. His health fail-
ing, he was obliged with great reluctance to aban-
don this pastoral work, though not intending to
permanently leave the ministerial service. Coming
home, he sought the return of health by becom-
ing a member of the firm of Steele Brothers, and
engaging extensively in market gardening. In ad-
dition Mr. Steele has during the past five or six
years been extensivel}' engaged in the real-estate
business. He has been very active in church and a
temperance work. For many years he has been a
Bible-class teacher, and served on many church
committees, is an active and influential member of
the Y. M. C. A., and has assisted in raising build-
ing funds for the Y. M. C. A., the Salvation Army
and the Swedish Congregational Church. He is
affiliated with the temperance societies, and from
his boyhood days he has been, like his father be-
fore him, an active and courageous advocate of
temperance. In the Prohibition party he cast his
first vote for Clinton B. Fisk, of New York, for
president, in 1888. He has been active in the oarty
councils, in 1896 was its candidate for lieutenant-
governor, and in 1898 and again in 1900 for gov-
ernor.
Mr. Steele was married, Sept. 24, 1885, to
Emma Blue, of Clinton, N. Y., daughter of John
C. Blue, of North Gage, Oneida Co., N. Y. 'The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Steele has been blessed
with one child, Mabel, born Feb. 28, 1891.
LESLIE COLLINS SEYMOUR. Energy
and enterprise, directed by sound judgment, make
a combination which will command success in any
line of efTort, and the career of the subject of this
biography, a prominent resident of Windsor Locks,
would indicate that he possesses these admirable
qualities in full measure. His success reflects the
more credit upon him because of the fact that he
has gained it through his own mentj, having begun
"at the foot of the ladder," and the story of his life
will, for the same reason, afford encouragement to
many an aspiring youth.
Mr. Seymour was born March 13, 1849, • i^^
Southwick, Mass., and is of good New England an-
cestry. William Collins Seymour, his father, was
a native of East Granville, Mass., but removed in
1859 to Suffield, Conn., where he followed farming
for many years, his death occurring April 15, 1880,
at the age of sixty-seven years. He married Miss
Essie Dooley, a native of Ireland, who is still living.
Of their five children, (i) The eldest, Henry W.,
married Miss Lillie La Verge, and died Dec. iQs
1877, leaving one son, Albert Henry, now a resident
of ITartford, Conn.; (2) Leslie C. is mentioned
more fully below; (3) Cordelia M. ; (4) Edward
S., and (5) Mary Emma reside in Suffield.
I
doA^At yS je£
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
299'
Leslie C. Se_\-inour remained under the parental
roof until he reached the age of seventeen, his edu-
cation being obtained in the schools of Southwick
and Suffield. He learned the carpenter's trade
with John C. JNIeade, and for seven years was em-
ployed by him in the towns of Suffield, Windsor and
Hartford. Since that time he has been engaged in
contracting and building, and for the past eighteen
years his s.ummcrs have been spent in overseeing
work on the canal. He has also been extensively
interested in the timber business, and at present he
is successfully engaged in tobacco growing.
]vlr. Seymour was married in Windsor Locks
to JMiss Alice E. JNIoran, daughter of Harrison
and Jane E. Moran, and since June, 1873, ^^ has
made his home in that pleasant village. He and
his estimable wife are much esteemed socially, and
for twenty-eight years he has been an active mem-
ber of Apollo Lodge, No. 55, A. P. & A. AL, of
Suffield. He has always taken a keen interest in
political questions, is a zealous supporter of Dem-
ocratic principles, and is influential in the coimcils
of his party, ^^'hile not an office-seeker he ac-
cepted the nomination, in the fall of 1899, for the
office of first selectman, and was elected with a
handsome majority, running far ahead of his party
ticket. In the fall of 1900 he was re-elected tirst
selectman with a handsome majority.
JOSEPH HALL, late principal emeritus of the
Hartford Public High School, whose death oc-
curred from heart failure on June 10, 1896, was
born at Ashfield, ^lass., in 1828.
■Mr. Hall was descended from old New Eng-
land stock. He was of the eighth generation in
descent from Gov. Thomas Prince and his wife,
Patience Brewster, and of the ninth generation
from Elder William Brewster, of the "Alayflower."
Until he was twenty years old his time was spent
upon his father's farm, and he had an occasional
term in Sanderson Academy. In 1849 -^J-''- Hall
entered Shelburne Falls Academy. He matriculated
at Williams College in the class of 1855, but owing
to ill health he was unable to complete the course.
After leaving Williams he spent three years in the
South. Later he taught a year and a half in the
academv at Shelburne Falls. From there he was
called to the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, where he taught for five years. In i860 he
received the degree of A. M. from Brown Uni-
versity, and in 1873 the same degree from Trinity
College. In 1872 he was appointed State chemist
by Gov. Marshall Jewell, and was re-appointed by
subsequent governors of the Stale. He served ten
years as one of the city commissioners ; three years
on the board of water commissioners ; four years
on the health board ; and in April, 1889, was ap-
pointed for a full term on the oark commission.
Mr. Hall had been identified with the high
school from September, 1863. until his death.
From that time until the death of principal Samuel
M. Capron, Jan. 4, 1874, he was vice-prineipal. Fie
succeeded Mr. Capron as principal, and held the
position until Xov. 8, 1893, and from that time
un until his death he was principal emeritus. Of
the graduates of the school, 1,041 received diplomas
bearing his signature as principal.
Mr. Hall was a member of St. John's Lodge,,
F. & A. M., and he belonged to the Masonic Mu-
tual Relief Association. lie was a member of
Trinity Church. He was an upright and influential
citizen, and left upon the world the impress of his
marked character and personalitv. Mr. Hall mar-
ried Aliss Orvilla Bassett, of Ashfield, Mass., who
survives him.
Dr. Joseph B.\rnard FIall, the only child of
Joseph and Orvilla Hall, was born in Hartford
Sept. 29, 1868. He graduated from the Hartford
Public School with the class of 1887, from Shef-
field Scientific School with the class of 1890, and
from the Medical Department of Yale with the
class of 1892. He is a member of the Theta Delta
Chi I-^aternity, and of St. John's Lodge, I'. & A.
M. Dr. Hall studied two years in the Hartford
Hospital, and for a few months in Johns HopKuis-
Hospital, Baltimore, JNld. Fie was clerk of the ,
board of health and register of vital statistics at
the time of his father's death, and was recently
appointed medical director of the Hartford Life
Insurance Co., leaving that to accept the position o£
assistant medical director of the Connecticut Mu-
tual Life. He is visiting physician of the Old
Peoples Home, and a member of the City, County
and State Medical Societies.
STEPHEN GOODRICH (deceased). The
Goodrich family is of pioneer stock, and the subject
of this memoir, for many years an honored resident
of Hartford, was a representative of the seventh
generation in this country.
(I) The first of the name to come to America
was William Goodrich, an Englishman, who ap-
pears on the records as a deputy from Wethersfield,
May 15, 1662. He was married, in 1648, to Sarah-
Jila'rvin, and had nine children: William, Sarah,
Mary, John, Elizabeth, ^^■illiam, Abigail, Ephraim,
and David.
(llj John Goodrich, born May 20, 1653, died
Sept. 5, 1730. He resided in Wethersfield, and was-
married March 28, 1678, to Rebecca Allen. They
had nine children : Sarah, Rebecca, Mary, Samuel,
Abigail, John, Allyn, Ann and Jacob.
(III) Jacob Goodrich, born Nov. 27, 1694, died-
May II, 1746. He made his home in Wethersfield
and Windsor. On Sept. 12, 1717, he married Bene-
dict Goodwin, and they had seven children, as fol-
lows: Hannah, Rebecca, Elijah, Ruth, Stephen,
Sarah and Jacob.
(IV) Stephen Goodrich, born Jan. 21, 1731, died
Aug. 19, 1758. He was married, Jan. 3, 1754, to-
Rachel Gillett, and made his home in \\"indsor.
He had two sons : Jacob, born Feb. 5, 1755, who died
800
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and
while serving in tlie Revolutionary army
.Stephen.
(V; Stephen Goodrich, born Alarch 29, 1757,
-died Aug. 18, 1825. He served in the Revolutionary
war, and made his home in later life in Simsbury.
On Dec. 25, 1781, he married Lydia Terry, and they
had nine children: Jacob, Lydia, Huldah, Stephen
G., Ghauncey, Wealthy, George, Nathan and Sal-
,mon.
(YI) Nathan Goodrich, father of our subject,
was born Aug. 10, 1801, and became a farmer in
.Simsbury, where he died Sept. 4, 1842. On Jan.
I, 1822, he married Sevilla Bristol, and they had
SIX children: Lucius, born June 21, 1823, married
Martha A. Ensign. He was prominent in public
■affairs, serving as sheriff of Hartford county, pro-
vost marshal of this district during the Civil war;
county commissioner; and member of the State
-central committee. Juliette, born June 10, 1824,
died June 29, 1826. Juliette, born April 9, 1826,
died Jan. 26, 1861. A daughter, born Aug. 19, 1834,
died Aug. 22, 1834. Stephen is mentioned more
fully below. Nathan Harrison, born Feb. 19, 1841,
died Sept. 17, 1842.
(A'Hj Stephen Goodrich was born in Simsbury
April 13, 1836, and died April 2, 1893. He received
a common-school education in his native town, and
for a few terms attended, the Connecticut Literary
Institute, Suffield, and, in 1852, went to Hartford
to prepare for business life, beginning as a clerk in
the same store which he afterward owned and
operated for many years. He became one of the
best-known druggists in the State, and occupied the
highest positions attainable in that vocation, having
been one of the founders of the Connecticut Phar-
maceutical Association, and one of the first presi-
dents of the organization. He was also influential
in the movement resulting in the organization of the
State Board of Pharmacy, and held the place of
commissioner for three years, the appointment be-
ing an executive one. As commissioner his work
was invaluable to the druggists of Connecticut, as
he insisted on a higher standard of examinations,
and was instrumental in elevating the scholarship
and attainments of the profession throughout the
State. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and
he served in both branches of the common council,
and was for eight years a member of the board of
police commissioners. His career as a member of
the city government was one of great credit and suc-
cess, his influence in both boards being recognized
as that of a man of unfaltering personal integrity
and sound judgment. On the police board his work
was equally important and valuable to the city, as
his resolute demands for the best service resulted
in an improvement in the efficiency and morale of
the department. In 18S9 he was appointed bank
commissioner by Gov. Bulkeley, for the term of four
vears, and the appointment was confirmed by the
State with a unanimity that reflected the utmost
credit upon the standing of Mr. Goodrich as a citi-
zen. The office of bank commissioner is one of the
most important in the State, requiring exceptional
adaptation and judgment in the incumbent, and
Mr. Goodrich fully demonstrated his fitness for the
position. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, and be-
longed to St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M. The fam-
ily is identified with Park Church, Hartford, and
holds an enviable social position.
Mr. Goodrich was married Oct. 16, 1862, to
Alice Grey Kellogg, of East Hartford, and they
had one child, Grace, born May 9, 1866, who was
married Oct. 3, 1888, to Capt. William B. Dwight,
and has two children, Dorothy, born July 8, 1896;
and Beatrice, born Sept. 17, 1899. Mrs. Goodrich
is a daughter of William Kellogg, a prominent resi-
dent of East Hartford, who was born at Hebron,
Conn., June 2, 1793, and died Nov. 18, 1861. He
was married Feb. 10, 1820, to Sarah H. Jones, who
was born in East Hartford June 15, 1800, and
died Aug. 20, 1873, and they had thirteen children,
four of whom are now (1900) living: Rodney;
Mrs. E. K. Morgan ; George C, in California ; and
Mrs. Goodrich.
EVERETT THOMAS and FREDERICK
EDWARD STANLEY, prominent and influential
citizens of West Hartford, belong to one of the
oldest and most highly respected New England
families, being able to trace tlieir ancestry back to
John Stanley, a native of England, who embarked
on a vessel bound for New England m_ 1634 or
1635, but died on the passage, leaving three chil-
dren, with an estate of £116. They were John,
who is mentioned below; Ruth, born in 1629, who
married Isaac Moore ; and a child, who was bom
and died in 1634.
(II) John Stanley was born in England in 1624,
and in 1636 came to Hartford, Conn., with his uncle
Thomas Stanley, who was his guardian until he at-
tained his majority. At the age of thirteen he went
on an expedition against the Pequot Indians. On
Dec. 5, 1645, he married Sarah, daughter of Thomas
and Anna Scott, of Hartford, and then located in
Farmington, this county, where he was appointed
by- his townsmen to nearly every office; he was
deputy to the General Court for thirty-seven years ;
lieutenant and captain in King Philip's war; con-
stable in 1654; sergeant in 1669; ensign in 1674.
His first wife died June 6. 1661, and for his second
'wife he married Sarah Stoddard. His death oc-
curred Dec. 19, 1706. By the first union there were
six children: John, born Nov. 4, 1647, is men-
tioned below: Thomas, born Nov. i, 1649, married
Anna Peck; Sarah, born Feb. 18, 1651, married Jo-
seph Gaylord; Timothy, born May 17, 1654, mar-
ried Mary Strong; Elizabeth, born April i, 1657,
died in infancy; Isaac was born Sept. 22, 1660.
There were two children by the second marriage :
Abigail, born July 25, 1669, married John Hooker;
and Elizabeth, born Nov. 28, 1672, married Johii
Wadsworth.
&/c.re<^ ^j^,
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3U1
(III) John Stanley, Iwrn in Hartford Nov.
4, 1647, iiii^Je his home in Farniington for some
years, and about 1678 removed to the new settle-
ment at Waterbury, where he became one of the
foremost citizens. He was the lirst recorder of
the town, being then only one among the early prop-
rietors who was fully qualified for the otifice. He
was sergeant in the Waterbury "train band'' in
April, 1682, and was made lieutenant in October,
1689. He was the second representative in the
Assembl}-. In 1695 he returned to Farniington,
where he was made a deacon of the church, and
afterward served in that capacity. He was also
chosen justice of the peace for Hartford county,
in 1704. Oi;i Nov. 18, 1669, he married Esther,
daughter of Thomas Newell, of Farmington. He
died May 16, 1729, and her death occurred Jan.
29, 1740. They had nine children: Esther, born
Sept. 2, 1672, died April 11, 1676; John, born April
9, 1675, died Aug. 12, 1676; Samuel, born June 7,
1677, is mentioned below; Nathaniel, born Sept. 25,
1679, married Sarah Smith; John, born Feb. 17.
1682, married (first) H. Porter, and (second) Mary
Wright; Thomas was born in February, 1684; Sa-
rah was born July 4, 1686; Timothy, born June 6,
1689, married JMartha Smith ; and Ruth.
(IV) Samuel Stanley, born June 7, 1677, lived
on the old homestead of his father in Waterbury,
the title to the place being still in the latter's name
after his return to Farmington. Samuel Stanley was
a carpenter and millwright, and at different fimes re-
sided in Wallingford, Earmington and Durham. He
was a townsman in 1704 and 1705 ; was a member of
the school committee ; served as collector of taxes ;
and in other local offices. He was married, July
15, 1702, to Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Bron-
son, of Lyme, Conn., and died in 1747. In their
family were eleven children: Samuel, born in- 1703,
the next in direct descent to our subjects; Abraham,
born April 11, 1705, who married Prudence Finney;
John, who married Hannah Ives ; Esther ; Ebenezer
and Anna, twins, born March 5, 1713; Elizabeth,
born March 8, 1714, (who died the same year) ;
Elizabeth (2), born JNIarch 13, 1715; Asa, born in
1717, who died before 1730; Josiah, born Aug. 10,
1717, who married Mary Allies ; and Ruth born lulv
19, 1719.
(V) Samuel Stanley, born in 1703, made his
home in West Hartford, where he died in Septem-
ber, 1769. He was first married, Sept. 20, 1727,
to Anne Brace, who died in March. 1764, and in
1766 he wedded Lois Abernathy of Farmington.
His children were as follows: Anne, born July 6,
1728, married Elias Willard; Samuel, born Jan.' 11,
1730, died in infancy; Samuel, born Jan. 24, 1731,
married Joanna Goodman ; Amaziah, born Feb. 18,
I733> is mentioned below ; Amos, born Aug. 26,
1739, married Zeviah Gray; and Desire, born July
31. 1743. married Thomas Steele.
(VI) Amaziah Stanley, born in West Hartford,
Feb. 18, 1733, died Feb. 8, 1790. On Dec. 16, 1756,
he married Elizabeth W'oodrutT, who died July 8,
1768, leaving one son, Noadiah, who was born June
22, 1760, and married Hannah King. Amaziah
Stanley suljsequenily married Mary Flower, daugh-
ter of Francis Flower. She died Oct. 30, 1822. By
the second union there were six children : Elizabeth,
born June 10, 1770, married Ezekiel Kellogg; .\ma-
ziah, Dorn Aug. 24, 1771, married Hannali Good-
win; Truman, baptized Alarch 29, 1778, was the
grandfather ot our subject; Oliver, born in June,
1781, married (firstj Mary Goodrich, and (secondj
Elvira Chapin ; Abraham, born July 25, 1783, died
in 1789; and Eunice, born in October, 1786, mar-
ried Hezekiah Seldon.
(VTl)- Truman Stanley was born Feb. 7, 1778,
and was baptized in West Hartford March 29, 1778.
He became an extensive land owner in that town,
and in connection with farming worked at the stone
mason's trade. He was a Whig in politics, and a
Congregationalist in religious belief. On Sept. 30,
1S04, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Ann Braman, who died July 26, 1867, and his death
occurred Sept. g, i860. They had six children : Will-
iam, born i\Iarch 11, 1S06, who married Elizabeth
Moore; Eliza, born Nov. 20, 1808; Laura, born in
1812, who died Alarch 8, of that year; Edward, born
June 6, 1814, the fattier of our subject; Henry, born
April 27, 1817, who married Sarah W. Lee; and
Ann, born Jan. 18, 1825, who married George W.
Robbins.
(Vill) Edward Stanley was born in West Hart-
ford June 6, 1814, and was baptized Nov. 15, 1817.
Throughout the greater part of his life he engaged
in farming in ^\est Hartford, and was one of the
most prominent and influential citizens of his com-
munity, serving as the first representative of the
town in the State Legislature ; as selectman for
twenty-five years; and first selectman for fifteen
years. Politically he was a stanch Republican, and
religiously both he and his wife were earnest and
consistent members of the Congregational Church.
He was married June 26, 1840, to Aliss Susan Smith
(Selden), a daughter of John and Hannah (Hurl-
burt) Selden. Fie died April 25, 1S84, and his wife
passed away Alarch 12, 1888. In their family were
five children : William Mortimer, born in March,
1841, died Sept. 28, 1852; Everett Thomas," born
Jan. 17, 1846, is mentioned below; Mary Ida. born
Feb. 6, 1849, died Sept. 12, 1852; Frederick Ed-
ward, born Aug. 31, 1853, is also mentionctl more
fully below; and Helen Annetta, born Aug. 11,
1854, was married Oct. 12, 1882, to John '\l.
Foote, Jr.
(IX) Everett Thomas Stanley spent his boyhood
and youth in West Hartford, and was provided with
good educational advantages, attending first the dis-
trict schools of the town, later the old ^^'est Hart-
ford Academy, Barnhart's private school, at Moores-
town, N. J., and a business college at Hartford.
Throughout his business career he has followed
farming in West Flartford with marked success, and
W2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for fifteen years was also engaged in the milk busi-
ness. He is an ardent supporter of the Republican
jparty and of its principles, and his fellow citizens,
xecognizing his worth and ability, have called upon
him to serve as first selectman for the past fourteen
years. Mr. Stanley was first married, in West Hart-
ford, to Miss Julia Flagg, who died Dec. 2, 1873,
and later he was again married, in Hartford, his
second union being with Miss Fannie Elizabeth
Baker, by whom he has one daughter, Mary Baker.
(IX) Frederick Edward Stanley was born at his
-present residence in West Hartford Aug. 31, 1S53,
-and attended the West District school and the Cen-
ter school of the town. He remained on the old
homestead, and, like his brother, he has met with
excellent success in his farming operations. On
June 4, 1884, in Hartford, he married Miss Rowena
Annetta Clark, a Jaua'hter of Henry Stiles and Lucy
(Fowler) Clark, of South Windsor. The brothers
.are both wide-awake and enterprising business men,
.and are widely and favorably known.
ANER SPERRY, of Hartford. *The subject
.of this sketch was born in the town of Russia,
Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 5, 1812. For a great
many years he was active in business in Hartford
and well known throughout the city and county.
He practically retired years ago, and has since
devoted his attention to the settlement of estates.
His erect form is still a familiar figure on the
streets of Hartford, and although he is nearly
eighty-nine years of age- his step is firm and his
•eye bright. He has personally prepared a sketch
of his life, which is printed verbatim below, and
will be read by his acquaintances with greater
relish than anything the editor could offer" in its
place.
Mr. Sperry writes: "My father and mother
went from New Haven to Russia, N. Y., in the
jear 1800, and settled on a farm in the v/ilderness.
They had one daughter, Laura. They constructed
a log house, in which they lived several years, but
the family increased and a larger house was re-
quired. It was built at the foot of a small hill,
of logs, and in this house I was born. I take great
pleasure in visiting the spot where the old log
house stood, and looking at the little babbling brook
near liy, -where I have taken so much comfort in
wading in the water, building dams, and after
school filling my fish basket with speckled trout, or
picking twelve quarts of blackberries and carrying
them to "the corner' one and a half miles awav.
I could generally get two cents per quart, but if
the market was dull Esq. Frink would take them
.and give me a yard of cotton cloth that was worth
■one York shilling. My mother could always find
use for it, as I had five sisters and two brothers.
The school house was one and a half miles away,
and I did not spend much time there. Father was
•sTaken Irom " The Popular Biographies of Connecticut."
a tailor, and spent most of the winters in 'whipping
the cat,' and that left the chores and wood chopping
for me to do. The old bay mare 'Cub' was a great
help to me in getting up the wood, and she also
took us to mill and to meeting. We had about
three acres of orchard, and I remember the names
of nearly every tree. Father built a frame barn, and
one of our neighbors had a frame house. He died
one da}', and father bought the house for $50, and
the neighbors that had oxen came and moved the
house to our place, and we dug a cellar under it,
and that made us a very good home. It was a
hard struggle for our parents to clear up the land
and raise so large a family. We were all brought
up in the Methodist faith and the fear of hell was
before our eyes, but I 'did not see it.' Our ad-
vantages for knowing what was in the future were
very limited. . The answer to any and all questions
was 'faith.' Our farm was very hilly, and it made
lots of hard work. The soil was good, however.
A brook ran through the south part of it, and a
spring supplied the north part ; we had' a good
sugar bush. Our neighbors were kind and agree-
able. I took lots of comfort in attending singing
school.
"At the age of si.xteen years I left home in the
fall and went to live with John Graves, and did
chores for my board and went to school. Per-
haps some of the sixteen-year-old boys of the pres-
ent day would like to know what chores I had to
do. Well, the first was to get out of bed at four
o'clock A. M., dress and go to the barn and milk
six cows, feed forty cows, two oxen and five horses,
then go to another barn and feed twenty calves and
forty sheep ; then go to a hay stack half a mile
away and feed five colts, shovel away the snow,
and cut a hole in the ice for them to drink ; feed
six hogs — all of which must be done before day-
light. Who can guess how much hay has been
handled? Now breakfast is ready. After eating
in a hurry, the cows are all turned out to water,
and put back if storm}', horses led out to water,
and all of the stables cleaned out; now comes
wood sawing and filling the woodbox in the kitchen ;
and then I am now ready for school. At twelve
I must hurry home and feed all the cattle and get
back to school for the afternoon. As soon as it
is closed I am seen running home to do the chores,
which are not finished until about eight o'clock ;
then when supper is over I am soon between the
sheets. This is repeated every day until spring ar-
rives. I then go to work for $7 per month. This
is followed up for five years. I then arrive at
the age of twenty-one. During niv boyhood, when
at home, my father gave me a small patch of ground
on which I raised watermelons, and sold them at
general trainings, and picked up a little money of
my own. At seventeen I enlisted in the artillery
under David Joy. Dr. Walter Booth commanded
the company afterward, and our general trainings
were held at Herkimer. F. E. Spinner was col-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
303
onel, lie who was afterward United States treas-
urer. On tlie 26th uf July, 1830, I was appointed
corjxiral of the company, and received my warrant
from Col. Spinner on that day. ( )ur uniform was
blue, trimmed with gilt braid, bell crowned ca])s
made of patent leather and brass trimmed, with
tall red feather, sword and belt.
"When 1 reached twenty-one I was sick of
farming, and decided to look for some other busi-
ness. Father said, 'If you will stay here and take
care of me and mother, when we get through you
shall have all that is left.' I thanked him for his
very kind and generous offer, and said to him,
"You have worked all your life so far and got to-
gether a farm of fifty acres, and it is well stocked
and worth about $1,500. No, 1 shall decline the
offer for two reasons : First, I have brothers and
sisters, and would not take it all ; second, I think I
can do better.' I was then twentv-one, and had
thirty dollars in my pocket. I left Russia about
the 4th of April, 1833, for Xew Haven, by stage;
could not get work, and my thirty dollars was re-
duced to one dollar and seventy-five cents. Left
Xew Haven at 8 .\. m., arrived in Hartford at 4
r. M.,, having walked thirty-six miles; applied at
the Retreat for work without success ; went to Mr.
John's house near by, and staid over night; told
him my situation, and he gave me my supper,
lodging and breakfast, and it was valued higher
than any gift that I ever received. Next morn-
ing went over to the Retreat and obtained a situa-
tion ; was employed in the house six months ; then
went outside and drove the team seven and one-
half years. My stay there was very pleasant and
agreeable. I had fifteen dollars per month for two
years, and twenty dollars per month for six years,
and the managers made me a present of fifty dol-
lars when I left. Dr. Todd was superintendent
and Phineas Talcott steward when I went there,
and Dr. Brigham was superintendent and Virgil
Cornish steward when I left. The boys there
wanted to use their money faster than thev earned
it, and I lent them money every month at a large
interest. I saved my mone}' and the big interest
helped me out. I spent but very little. I attended
dancing school two winters. The first thousand
dollars that I earned I put into the grocery trade
with a partner, who managed the business two
years, and then left with all the funds. I left the
Retreat in the spring of 1841, and manufactured
root beer for five months ; cleared
^/D-
Then I
formed a co-partnership with Frederick F. Taylor,
and we bought out Solomon Smith's livery stable,
price $2,500. I had $2,200, and Mr. Taylor had
$300. We were located on Front street. J^Ir.
Sinith still owned the office, which we afterward
bought for S700. Then we bought of Christopher
Colt a barn for $1,200: then Dought of Criftin
Stedman a house on Talcott street for $1,500; then
sold the whole to Daniel Buck for an advance of
$500. We bought of William Kellogg a barn, cor-
ner of Front and Talcott streets, for $4,000, and
on this ground I built my first home, a neat little
house of four rooms. Aug. 18, 1844, I was mar-
ried to Nancy B. Miller, of East Hampton, N. Y.,
who was six years younger than myself. We were
married at the ?iIethodist church. 1 played the
bass viol there for five years. I think Nancy was
the best housekeeper in the wide world. We lived
together thirty-nine years. She died Aug. 31, 1883.
"Mr. Taylor and myself bought, in the spring
of 1847, the old Goodwin livery stable in the rear
of the Exchange Bank, State street, for $13,200.
Mr. Taylor's health failed in 1850, and I bought
him out and paid him $8,000. 1 continued the
business until 1859. i had ten hacks and twenty-
five single teams, and generally kept fifty horses,
and attended to most of the funerals. 1 employed
fifteen men, and had a large run of business ; kept
:uy own books. I\ly hacks cost generally from
$1,200 to $1,500. I had one tnat cost $2,000, and
Mrs. Sigourney had the first ride in it. I lost over
fifty horses, the value of which was at least $10,000.
My barn was burned, and the loss over insurance
was $8,000. I gave George K. Reed $5,000; Airs.
Sharp's family, $2,300; George W. Loveland,
$3,100; Frederick S. Sperry, $300; Philena Fith-
ian, $250; Polla Osborn, $2,500; and many other
smaller gifts;, also S. A. L., $2,200. Lost by en-
dorsements and otherwise over $20,000. The ag-
gregate amount of losses and gifts, $40,000. The
interest added to this amount would at this time
make the whole amount considerably over $100,000.
"I bought ten hacks here, three in New Haven,
thirty-five in Bridgeport. My livery property
would generally inventory about $30,000. When
I commenced the business, our capital being but
$2,500, I was obliged to have some credits, and
Robert- Buell endorsed for me. He was on mv
paper most of the time. I gave him what riding
he wanted, wdiich amounted to about $100 per rear.
I have been interested in the hack business outside
of my own business with James Girin, ]\Ir. Boying-
ton, Mr. Briggs, John White, E. P. Cottrell, James
Tehan, C. B. Boardman, George Goyt. T. A. Cham-
Ijerlin and Merrick P'reeman. I finally wound up
by selling out to Freeman. I took a house of him
on Pleasant street, and lived there one year; then
changed that for a farm on W mdsor avenue. In
the spring of i860 I bought my house on Ann
street. During 1859 and i860 I was out of busi-
ness, and it was the two hardest years" work that
I have ever done. At that time Hewett & Rogers
failed in the livery business, and theirs was the
first estate that I ever settled, but I have followed
the business ever since, and mv list numbers now
175; my fees will amount to about $17,000. \\'hen
I first started out to take care of myself, the main
object was to provide for myself a good home.
I had denied myself many good things in my
youth that would have been ple.sant to enjoy, but
by so doing I have accomplished my object. I
304
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
have got my long desired good home, akhough in
getting it i have passed through many storms ;
but the storms are over and the sun shines bright. '
Mr. Sperry is one of a family of eight — three sons
and five daughters. The daughters are all deceased,
Aurilla, Mrs. Reed, who was the last to pass away,
dying Aug. 2, 1900, at Taunton, Mass., aged ninety-
five years. One of the sons is dead. Major F.
S. Sperry, the youngest of the family, born in
1825, is now living in Syracuse, New York.
Since the above sketch was prepared Mr. Sperry
was married. May 6, 1891, to Mrs. Emily J. House,
of Kartford. He has been an active member of
the Sons of Temperance for many years, and was
one of the promoters and supporters of the temper-
ance paper printed and published by Rev. B. E.
Hale. He spent two years as an active worker in
Hose Company No. 2, and two years with Hose
Company No. 3, on Front street, and when the
old-time firemen organized a Veterans Associa-
tion, about 1890, he was one of the leaders in the
project. The association has since built a fine
building in Hartford. In politics Mr. Sperry is a
Repubican, formerly a Whig, and at one time he
served on a vigilance committee of that party with
Gideon Welles, the well-known statesman.
DANIEL PHILLIPS. Among the representa-
tive men of Hartford county, none, perhaps, is re-
garded with as much respect and veneration as the
gentleman whose name here appears. For sixty
years he has been a resident of the city, with whose
rise and progress his life has been so closely inter-
woven.
Mr. Phillips is of the sixth generation in de-'
scent from (i) Rev. George Phillips, the first min-
ister of Watertown, Mass., who was a native of
England, born in Rainham, County of Norfolk, in
1593; came to America in 1630 along with Gov.
Winthrop and others ; was at Salem, but soon lo-
cated at Watertown, Massachusetts.
(II) Theophilus Phillips, son of George* and
Elizabeth, born in 1636, married (second) Mary
Bennet ; resided in Watertown, Massachusetts.
(III) Joseph Phillips, son of Theophilus, born
in 1702, in Watertown, married (first) Ruth Towne,
and settled at Oxford (now Auburn), Worcester
Co., Mass., there owning several tracts of land, the
old homestead. remaining in the family some ninety
years.
(IV) Lieut. Israel Phillips, son of Joseph and
Ruth, born in August, 1737, in Oxford (now Au-
burn), was a soldier in the French war in 1758;
married Huldah Towne; he died Feb, 28, 1800.
(V) Daniel Phillips, son of Lieut. Israel, born
March i, 177L1, in Auburn, Mass.. was a farmer in
Charlton, Mass., moving there in 1.800; married
(first) in 1798 Hannah Small; married (second) in
1800 Jemima Dennis; married (third) Abigail Dres-
ser, of Charlton, born Aug. 17, 1775, daughter of
Asa and Abigail (Wheelock) Dresser. This wife
died April 7, 1816, and Daniel Phillips married
(fourth) in 1816 Lucy Harwood. Children by first
marriage : Curtis, Clarissa and Austin ; children by
third marriage; Daniel (our subject), Abigail,
Moses D. and Austin T. All the children were born,
in Charlton, Mass. Of the above, Moses D. Phil-
lips went to Boston and engaged in the book-pub-
lishing business with Mr. Sampson, the firm becom-
ing Phillips & Sampson, and together they built up
the largest business of that nature in the New Eng-
land States. The father, who was a farmer in Charl-
ton, died March 27, 1848 ; he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Congregational Church.
Daniel Phillips, whose name appears at the open-
ing of this sketch, was born July 2, 1809, in Charl-
ton, Mass., and remained at home until he was
twenty years of age. Pie then, in 1829, went to
Westboro, and engaged in butchering and in other
lines of business until 1837, when he went to Bos-
ton for one year. Returning to Westboro, he re-
mained there until October, 1841, when he moved
to Hartford, Conn., and has been a resident of that
city ever since. In 1842 he established the ex-
press business in Hartford, commencing as a mes-
senger, carrying packages by hand to the various
residences, then purchasing a wagon, and conduct-
ing the business up to 1854 under the name of Phil-
lips & Co. In that year he united his business with
several other (then existing) companies, under the
name of the Adams Express Co., in which concern
he became a director, and of which he was the agent
in Hartford up to 1870. In addition to all this, our
subject was identified with the manufacture of pig.
iron in Alabama, which has for many years been con-
ducted in the town of Shelby.
A Republican in politics for over a half century,
Mr. Phillips was one of the signers of the first Re-
publican mass meeting held in Connecticut, and
which resulted in the formation of that party in the
State. He was a member of the celebrated Plarri-
son Club. In 1854 he represented Hartford in the
General Assembly, the Assembly then meeting in
New Haven. In 1859 he served the city on the
board of aldermen ; was on the water board for sev-
eral years ; and was one of the building committee
that had charge of the erection of the Charter Oak
Fire Insurance Co.'s handsome building.
Mr. Phillips has been either a director or a trus-
tee of each of the following companies and asso-
ciations : Hartford Savings Bank & Building Asso-
ciation; City Fire Insurance Co.; Charter Oak Life .Jj
Insurance Co. ; Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & f
Insurance Co. ; Orient Fire Insurance Co. ; Ameri-
can National Bank ; Mechanics Savings Bank ; Na-
tional Screw Co. ; Weed Sewing Machine Co, ;
Willimantic Linen Co. ; Theological Institute of Con-
necticut; Hartford Female Seminary; Hartford
Branch of the American Tract Society; and Cedar
Hill Cemetery.
On April 6, 1836, Mr. Phillips married Mary 'M.
Forbush, of Westbofo, Mass., born Feb. 10, 1812,.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
805
and five children were born to them, their names and
dates of birth, etc., being as foUows : Alary Helen,
1838, died in 1843; Daniel Austin, 1840, died in
1861 ; Henry Curtis, 1843, died in 1882 ; Alice Maria,
1848, died in 1865; and Charles Willie, 1852, died
in 1870. The mother of these departed this life
Feb. 29, 1896. For many years she and her hus-
band were members of Dr. iiushneirs (and, later,
Dr. Lamson's) Church (the Center Congregational
Church), ever taking an active part in church mat-
ters. In 1870 Air. Phillips built his present elegant
residence. No. i Farmington avenue, which is one
of the finest homes in that part of the city. He well
remembers Hartford when it included West Hart-
ford, and when the population was only 11,000,
while to-day there are about 80,000 inhabitants.
There is no one now left in the city who was doing
business when Air. Phillips first entered the place,
sixty years ago, and he stands like a stalwart oak
whose neighbors have long since succumbed to the
passing storm. After the death of Airs. Phillips
Rev. Lewis W; Hicks, son of Air. Phillips' only sis-
ter, came from his pastorate in Wellesley, Alass., to
care for his uncle in his declining years. Air. Flicks
is a graduate of Yale College, class of 1870, and of
Hartford Theological Seminary, is one of the editors
of the "Hartford Seminary Record," and also a trus-
tee of the Seminary.
JOSEPH HENRY DESAIARAIS, M. D., of
No. 58 Prospect street, Bristol, was born in Alont-
real, Canada, Nov. 10, 1864. His father, Flenry
Desmarais, also a native of Canada, was born in
1817, son of a Canadian machinist, and was him-
self a machinist. Henry Desmarais married Aliss
Ursule Alace, who bore him three children : Philo-
mene, now married and living in Alontreal ; Peter,
in the drug business in Holyoke, Alass. ; and Dr.
Joseph H., the subject of this sketch. The father
of these children died in 1895, in Canada, and the
mother died in Wagantuck, Conn., Sept. 24, 1900.
Joseph H. Desmarais, now a rapidly rising young
physician, attended the common schools of Alont-
real until fifteen years of age, and then entered
Chambley College, from which he was graduated in
1883. He ne.xt entered upon the study of medicine
in the oflFice of Dr. G. Jannotte, a well-known phy-
sician of Alontreal, studied assiduously until Oc-
tober, 1884, and then entered the University of
Victoria, in the same city, from the Aledical Depart-
ment of which he was graduated in 1888. He then
went to New York Citv, studied one year in Bellevue
Hospital Aledical College, receiving his diploma,
and in 1890 went to West Warren, Alass., where
he practiced a year. He then took a post-graduate
course of one year, and for eighteen months follow-
ing had a very fair practice in Palmer, Alass. He
was recalled to New York as an assistant in Dr.
A. C. Carpenter's Sanitarium for diseases of
women, and held the position until December, 1898, in
the meantime taking several private post-graduate
20
courses in the New York Post Graduate Aledical
School. Thence he came to Bristol, where his
ability and experience have gained him a lucrative
practice that will be likely to hold him here the re-
mainder of his years.
Dr. Desmarais first married Aliss Julia Lillie
Burney, a native of Indian Orchard, Alass., who
bore him one child, Arthur Henry, who still lives
with his father. The Doctor's second marriage took
place Jan. i, 1899, to Aliss Louisa Henrietta Stein,
of Winona, Alinnesota.
Although the Doctor was naturalized in New
York, he has not yet affiliateed with any political
party. His constantly growing practice distracts his
attention from politics, and medicine is the absorb-
ing topic of his thoughts. The Doctor and his wife
stand very high socially. Professionally Dr. Des-
marais has brought himself to the front through
his individual merits and abilities, and has never
depended upon extraneous assistance in making his
progress through the world, and such as he are the
men to be depended on under all circumstances.
AlORGAN. The name of Alorgan has been a
synonvm for confidence in business circles and in
the finances of the world for upward of half a
century, and members of the family, who were
given that confidence and achieved so great a stand-
ing in both this and the Od World, sprang from
New England stock, were born or had their bo>--
hood and early business home in Hartford, the capi-
tal of the Commonwealth, where now repose the dust
of some of them, among them that of Junius Spen-
cer Alorgan, the famous London banker.
In Alarch, 1636, James Alorgan and two younger
brothers, John and Allies, sailed from Bristol, Eng-
land, and arrived in Boston, Alass., in April fol-
lowing. James Alorgan, who was born in Wales
in 1607, first settled in Roxbury, Alass. Flis father,
so savs tradition, was William of Llandaff, Gla-
morganshire, Wales. The family appear to have
removed from Llandafi" to Bristol, England, prob-
ably a few years prior to 1636. John Morgan set-
tled in Virginia, so says tradition, and Allies, born
in 161 5, on his arrival at Boston, or soon after,
joined a part)- of emigrants, mostly from Roxbury,
of whom Col. William Pyncheon was at the head,
and founded the settlement of Springfield, Alassa-
chusetts.
(I) James Alorgan was born in Wales in 1607,
and died in 1685. Fie was distinguished in pub-
lic enterprises, and nine times chosen a member of
the Colonial Assembly. In 1640 he married Alar-
gery Hill, of Roxbury, Alass. His children, all
except the youngest probably born in Roxbury,
were : Hamar, James, John, Joseph, Abraham, and
a daughter that died unnamed.
(II) Capt. John Alorgan, son of James, born in
1645, married (first) in 1665 Rachel Dymond,
daughter of John, and (second) ^^'idow Ehzabeth
Williams, daughter of Lieut. -Gov. William Jones,
306
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of New Haven, and a granddaughter of Theophiltis
Eaton. Capt. John Morgan died in Preston in
1712. He was a prominent pubHc man, was Indian
Commissioner and adviser, deputy to tire General
Court in 1690 from New London, and in 1693-94
from Preston. The children by Rachel were : John,
Samuel, Isaac, Plannah, Mercy, Sarah and James.
The children by Elizabeth were: Elizabeth, Will-
iam, Rachel, Andrew, Margery, Joseph, Theophilus
and Mar)-.
(III) William Morgan, son of Capt. John, born in
1693, married, in 1716, Mary Avery, daughter of
Capt. James Avery, Jr., of Groton ; William died in
1729, and his wife Mary died in 1780. Their chil-
dren were: Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret, William,
Deborah and Prudence.
(IV) Capt. William Morgan, son of William,
born in 1723, married in 1744 Temperance Avery,
daughter of Col. Christopher Avery, and great-
granddaughter of Capt. James Avery (I), of Groton,
.and died there in 1777 ; Temperance, his wife, died in
1801. Their children were: William, Christopher,
Temperance, William Avery, Israel, Mary, Simeon,
Prudence, Rebecca and Jacob.
(V) Capt. William Avery Morgan, son of Capt.
William, and the father of Nathaniel H. Morgan,
was a sergeant in the Colonial army in the war of the
Revolution, and was present at the battle of Bunker
Hill. He was born in 1754, and married (first) in
1776 Lydia Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, of
Groton. She died in 1804, and he married (second)
in 1804 Sarah Harris, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel
Harris, of Colchester. Capt. Morgan settled in
Groton, where eleven of his children were born,
then in 1796 moved to Colchester (now Salem),
and, again, to Lebanon, in 1814, and died there in
1842. Sarah, his widow, a woman of rare mental
endowments, died in Hartford in 1855. There were
born to Capt. Morgan seventeen children — thirteen
to the first and four to the second marriage — all of
whom except two lived to mature age and became
heads of families. The children by Lydia were :
William, Griswold, Avery, Jasper, Lydia, Nathan,
Betsey, Denison, Nancy, Phoebe, Lucy Rebecca and
Charlotte ; those by Sarah were : Nathaniel Harris,
Sarah M., Griswold and Harriet.
From the preceding sketches of a number of the
Hartford and New England Morgans, with the
genealogy of the family, it will be seen that the
Morgans from the very beginning of the settlement
of New England took an active and leading part in
business and public affairs, and from generation to
■generation have maintained those positions.
Nathaniel Harris i\Iorgan was born June 8, 1805,
in Salem, Conn., and at the age of eight years went
with his parents to Lebanon. In later youth he
became a sailor ; was commander of a vessel at
twent)--one, and for some years thereafter was in
the West India trade; later on for some years he
was engaged in merchandising. In 1830 he lo-
cated in Hartford, and for many years was in the
public service of the city, serving in several positions
of trust and honor, among them those of alderman,
city sheriff, judge of city court, first selectman,
school superintendent, city warden, twelve years.
On the organization of the Phcenix Insurance Co.
Mr. iMorgan was chosen the first president. He
served as State commissioner on tax laws and taxa-
tion ; was president of the board of trustees of the
tiartford Home. He was a man of ability, and most
ably and satisfactorily performed the duties of the
numerous positions placed in his keeping. In his
earlier years he contributed largely to the columns
of the "New England Review," when the journal
was edited by George D. Prentice and, later, by the
poet John G. Whittier. Mr. Morgan was possessed
of a philosophical turn of mind, was fluent in con-
versation, well versed in passing events and the lit-
erature of the past. He was the author of the
genealogy of the Morgan family published in 1869,
also of the genealogy of the Harris family, m
1878, besides a history of the town of Lebanon, and
as a citizen he was highly esteemed.- He died July
12, 1881.
On May 4, 1830, Mr. Morgan was married to
Harriet E. Saxton, born Nov. 19, 1807, a daughter
of Nathaniel and Fanny (Chamberlin) Saxton, of
Lebanon, Conn. To this marriage were born chil-
dren as follows : Nathaniel Saxton, referred to far-
ther on ; Harriet E., who died April 28, 1863 ; and
Mary H., who married Dr. S. B. St. John, of Hart-
ford, a sketch of whom follows.
Nathaniel Saxton Morgan, son of Nathaniel
Harris Morgan, was born Feb. 15, 1833, in Hart-
ford, Conn. At the age of sixteen years he began
life as a sailor, and during the Civil war he served
in the United States navy, making an admirable
record. He was Executive officer and, after-
wards. Commander of the U. S. ship "Relief," Ex-
ecutive Officer of the U. S. steamship "Tacony" at
the bombardment and recapture of Plymouth, N.
C, Oct. 31, 1864, and also at the famous bom-
bardment and capture of Fort Fisher, Dec. 24-25,
1864, and Jan. 13-14-15, 1865. Subsequently he was
commander of the U. S. steamship "Ascutney."
He died in April, 1893. On July 25, 1858, he mar-
ried Emma E. Kellogg, daughter of Capt. Will-
iam Kellogg, of East Hartford, Conn., and their
children were as follows : William H., died July
23, 1879; Nathaniel K. ; and Chencey H., died
March 2, 1864.
Samuel Benedict St. JohNj M. D., Hartford,
is a native of Ohio, born July 24, 1845, in Hudson,
Summit county, of historic Revolutionary stock.
His mother's grandfather, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Pearse
Palmer, was one of the "Indians" that held the
famous "Boston tea party," and was a son of Maj.-
Gen. Joseph Palmer. His father's grandfather was
also an officer of the Revolution, and was at one
time imprisoned on the British ships at Brooklyn.
Samuel St. John, father of Samirel B., was prom-
inentlv identified with earlv collegiate education
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
307
in the Western Reserve, where he was a professor,
also in the Cleveland Alcdical College, and in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.
He married Amelia Palmer Cranch Curtis, and had
children as follows : Walter, Eliza. Samuel and
George. The father of these dietl m -187O, the
mother in 1856.
Dr. Samuel Pcnedict St. John received his earlier
education in part at the public schools of Cleveland,
Ohio, an^ New Canaan, Conn. ; then attended Yale
College, where he was graduated in the class of '66,
and after a course at the Columbia College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons, i\ew York, was, in 1870, gradu-
ated with the degree of M. D. He had considerable
experience as an interne in various New York hos-
pitals, and subsequently, from 1872 to 1874, took
a course at each of the following institutions in
Europe : the University of Berlin, the University
■ of \ ienna, and the eye hospitals of Paris and Lon-
don, in order to fit himself thoroughlv for his profes-
sion. The early positions he held, durnig his period
of study, are a fair indication of his ability : He v^^as
house surgeon in the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hos-
pital, New York, in 1869; house surgeon at Bellevtie
-Medical Hospital, in 1870; and assistant demon-
strator of Anatomy and instructor of Chemistry at
■the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York,
in 1871.
Dr. St. John's official positions have been man)- :
From 1883 to 1888 he was secretary of the Connec-
ticut State Medical Society; since 1888 he has been
secretary of the American Ophthalmological So-
ciety ; since 1896 Ophthalmic and Aural surgeon to
the Hartford Hospital ; and since 1897 consulting-
surgeon to St. Francis Hospital.
Dr. St. John is a member of the following : Con-
. necticut State Medical Society, Hartford County
I Medical Society, Hartford Medical Society, New
York Ophthalmological Society, New England
Ophthalmological Society, New York Academy of
Medicine, American Ophthalmological Society,
American Otological Society, and of the Colonial
Club of Hartford, and County Club of Farming-
ton. He is a member of the board of directors of
the Flartford Public Library, also for fifteen years
a director of its predecessor, the Subscription Li-
brary, and was the first president of the present
library.
It will thus be seen that, by the above named
connections with his profession, and with the social
and other life of Hartford and Connecticut, gener-
ally, the Doctor's activity has been, and is, honorable
and highly appreciated.
In 1882 Dr. Samuel B. St. John married Mary
Harris Morgan, as above related. They have two
daughters : Elsa Morgan and Helen Curtis.
EDWARD PRINDLE WOOD^\■ARD, M. D..
one of the oldest and most experienced practicing
physicians of Bristol, was born in Litchfield, Conn.,
Feb. 5, 1837, and comes from a family of medical
professional men. His grandfather, Reuben Sher-
man Woodward, was a ph)sician, and practiced
principally in Watertown, Litchfield county ; he
stood six feet two inches in height, was of a modest,
retiring disposition, a man of sound judgment, and
of great skill in practice. His death took place when
Dr. Edward P. Woodward was nine years old.
Dr. Asa Curtis Woodward, father of Dr. Ed-
ward P. Woodward, was born in Watertown June
20, 1812, and married Miss Amanda Warner, who
was born June 14, 1812, in Plymouth, Conn., daugh-
ter of Eliel Warner, a farmer, and died Dec. 29,
1889. Dr. Asa C. Woodward was an active and
ardent Jefl'ersonian Democrat, but never seemed to
be ambitious for the holding of office, working for
the success of his party for principle's sake only.
He was one of the most successful physicians of his
day, and died, a greatlv respected citizen, j\Iay 30,
1882, his remains now lying at rest in Bethany.
To his marriage with Amanda Warner were born
five children, of whom four are still living, as fol-
lows : George W., a farmer residing on the old
homestead in Bethany, v\'ho married Margaret
Sperry, and has one daughter, Lydia A. ; Dr. Ed-
ward P.; Rosette Amanda, w-ho made it her life
work to care for her mother; and Kate Emeline,
who married Frederick H. Brown, senior partner
of the wholesale and retail firm of Brown & Dur-
ham, of New Haven.
Dr. Edward P. Woodward began his attendance
at school at a very early age, as he was a pupil in
the Litchfield common schools at the time his parents
removed to Bethany, when he was but seven years
of age. After a due preparatory course of study
under that competent and prominent physician, his
own father, he entered the Boston University of
Medicine, and later Yale Medical College, graduat-
ing from the latter in January, i860. For the two
years following he practiced in Cheshire, Conn., and
established an excellent reputation for so young a
practitioner ; but he found that field too limited for
his purpose and removed to Bethany, where his
skill was speedily recognized, and a list of patients
secured that clung to him until April i, 1S68, when
he came to Bristol ; here he now stands as the recog-
nized head of the profession.
Dr. Woodward has been four times married.
His first bride was Dolly Eliza Sperry, of Bethany,
who died July 4, 1864, the mother of two children :
Belle Eliza, who was married to \\'illiam T. San-
ford, of ^^'aterbury, and bore him one child, Grace
Woodward. Sept. 30, 1889; and Hattie Rose, who is
a teacher in the public school of Hartford. The sec-
ond marriage of the Doctor was to ^liss Antoinette
Bassett, wlio died six weeks after the wedding.
The Doctor later married Miss Mary Ann Atwood.
daughter of Burr B. Atwood, of \\'oodbury, and to
this union was born one child, Edna 'Slay, who was
niarried Aug. 15, 1900, to Dr. Benjamin Bissell Rob-
bins, born in Natal. South Africa, Feb. 8. 1870. The
fourth marriage of the Doctor was to Mrs. Henriette
308
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Frances (Clarke) Ellis, widow of William H. Ellis,
of Middlebury, Vermont.
In politics Dr. Woodward is a Democrat, and
on the adoption of the charter of Bristol borough
was elected the first warden, and was re-elected the
following spring, a singular instance of personal
popularity, as he was from the beginning an out-
spoken opponent of the adoption of the charter.
In his fraternal relations the Doctor is a member
of Phoenix Lodge, No. 50, I. O. U. F., of New
Britain; also of Franklin Lodge, No. 56, Knights
Templar, F. & A. M., of Bristol; Blue Lodge; and
Washington Commandery, No. i, of Hartford. Re-
ligiously he is a member of Trinity Episcopal
Church.
Dr. Woodward is a man of strong convictions,
and is outspoken in his opinions, but never engen-
ders bitterness, as he is afiEable and polite, arguing
for the sake of truth only, and not for the sake of
having his own way, let him think himself ever so
near the right, and the world would be much better
off if other disputants would follow his example
in this respect.
ELWOOD S. ELA, founder and publisher of
The Manchester Herald, was born in Decatur, 111.,
July 2, 1859. He is of New England stock, his
father, a native of Maine, having gone to what was
then the far West as a iVIethodist circuit rider.
Soon after our subject's birth his mother died,
and with his father he returned to New England.
He was educated at Wilbraham x\cademy and Wes-
leyan University. Before leaving college he began
newspaper work, and after serving an apprentice-
ship on daily papers for about two years, established
The Manchester Herald in December, 1881. He
has remained at its head continuously until the pres-
ent time. In October, 1893, the paper was made a
semi-weekly.
Mr. Ela was married Dec. 21, 1882, to Jennie
Chapman, daughter of Maro S. Chapman, of Man-
chester. They have two daughters. Mr. Ela has
been a member of the Connecticut Editorial Asso-
ciation from its organization, has served as its presi-
dent, and for several years has been its secretary
and treasurer. He is. a member of the Masons and
Odd Fellows.
JOHN H. CHAMBERLIN. The Chamberlin
family originated in Scotland, but the branch to
which belongs the subject of this sketch, a well-
known business man of Hartford, has been identified
with Connecticut from poineer times. Reuben
Chamberlin, our subject's grandfather, was born in
Woodstock, and it is believed that his father came
from Scotland. By occupation Reuben Chamber-
lin was a cooper, and he lived in a house in an open
lot near the present intersection of Buckingham and
John streets, Hartford.
The late Nelson H. Chamberlin, our subject's
father, was born Aug. 27, 1813, in the house men-
tioned, and at that time there were no streets laid out
in the vicinity. At the age of fifteen he began work-
ing for a Mr. Bliss, who owned a tannery standing
where Elm street now passes through Bushnell
Park. One of the largest elm trees in the park was
formerly in the back yard of the tannery. Being
unusually strong physically the young employe took
an active part in all the work of the place, and al-
though much of his time was spent in driving a team
he also served a regular apprenticeship to the tan-
ner's trade. He frequently drove to Granby with a
four-horse team, and remained for several days,
gathering tan bark from the farmers to bring to the
tannery, and he also drove to New York after loads
of hides. After he closed his engagement with Mr.
Bliss he worked for the firm of Talcott & Skin-
ner, but they failed, leaving him a horse valued at
$80. Mr. Lee, of the firm of Lee & Butler, asked
him what he was going to do with the animal, and
suggested that he might do the teaming for the firm
and such other teaming as he could find. This gave
Mr. Chamberlin an idea, and he began the teaminqj
business on his own account, continuing to do the
work for the firm of which Mr. Lee was the heail
(now T. Sisson & Co.) until his death. Mr. Cham-
berlin also carried on an express business and gen-
eral trucking on the New Haven turnpike, between
Hartford and New Haven, and he is said to have .
brought the first load of lumber that ever came I')
Hartford from New York. He brought the glass
for the house where Mr. Butler lived, opposite the
Linden, and among the amusing stories which he de-
lighted in telling was an account of his tipping over
with a load of axes, weighing about 200 pounds ta
the case, which he had to reload. His business en-
larged as the city grew, keeping six horses busy, and
at the time of his death it was the oldest teaming^
business in the city. While his business ability was
of a high order, Mr. Chamberlin made his success
in life without a shadow of dishonesty, and through-
out the community he was respected and honored
for his sterling qualities of character. Of him it
was said by one who knew him intimajielv many
years : "I would take the word of Nelson H. Cham-
berlin as quickly as I would the word of anv man
in the city of Hartford."
Prior to the Civil war Mr. Chamberlin was a
Democrat, and later affiliated with the Republican
party, but the struggle for official place never tempt-
ed him to leave his business interests. He was a reg-
ular attendant of the South Baptist Church, and was
prominent in musical circles, having played in local
bands for forty years. He was one of the founders-
of the old Plartford Band, under the direction of a
leader named Hamilton, playing the trumpet. He
afterward played in Colt's Band, of which he was
an honorary member at his death. He was a bass
drummer for the Putnam Phalanx when it made its
first parade. Mr. Chamberlin died Oct. 6, iSog, at
the age of eighty-six years.
N. H. Chamberlin married (first) Miss Eliza-
I
Cy^^-^^^An ^ (^z^^.,.ty^-:^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
309
fceth Knox, who died in iS6i, and his second wife
formerly Miss Sarah Terry, survives him. By his
first marriage he had nine children : Charles E. ;
Henry A.; iMary, deceased; Henrietta (Mrs. Sted-
man, of Chicago) ; Ella (Mrs. J. T. King) ; Jose-
phine (Mrs. Donley); Georgiana, widow of Hor-
ace Larkum ; Lilian A. (^Irs. Worthington) ; and
Nellie (^Irs. George Root). By the second mar-
riage there were three children : John ; Lottie, wife of
^^'illiam G. Butler; and Grace, now the wife of
P'rank W. Barnard. Mr. Chamberlin had a number
of grantlchildren. Of his brothers one survives, Al-
vin W. Chamberlin, of Hartford ; and two of the
sisters are still living, Mrs. Sarrdi Clark and Airs.
Harriet Cross. Three sisters have died : Mrs. Lock-
wood, wife of the late James Lockwood, of the Case,
Lockwood, Brainard Co.; Mrs. Puffer; and Mrs.
Elizabeth Tatro.
John H. Chamberlin was born Dec. 24, 1864,
in Hartford, and was educated in the old South
School. When abut sixteen 3-ears old he began to
learn the bookbinder's trade, but as close confinement
disagreed with him his father took him into his busi-
ness. As a business man he has gained an excellent
reputation for ability, and in social life he is de-
servetlly popular. He is a member of Lafayette
Lodge, Xo. 100, A. F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chap-
ter, "Xo. 17, R. A. M. ; Wolcott Council No. i;
Washington Commandery Xo. i, Knights Templar;
and also of Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, and has
taken a keen interest in the work of the order. His
fondness for reading enables him to keep well in-
formed on the topics of the day, and in politics he
approves of the doctrines of the Republican party,
although he votes independently on local issues.
\\"ARREN ROWLEY, one of the oldest and
most highly respected residents of Hartford, and for
the past twelve years or so living retired, is a native
of Xew York State, born Feb. 6, 1818, in Smithville,
Chenango county, and is a descendant of Thomas
Rowley, the original immigrant ancestor.
Job Rowley (2), his father, was born in Bloom-
field. Hartford Co., Conn., in 1787, a son of Job
Rowley ( i ) , aso a native of Bloomfield, a farmer
by occupation, who died in 1821. Job (2) received
his education in Bloomfield, and became a carpen-
ter and joiner by trade, which he made his life work.
Li Enfield, Conn., he married Ruth Hale, then re-
moved to Smithville, N. Y., but on account of ill-
health returned to Bloomfield, and. in 1821 settled
finally in Hartford, where he passed the rest of his
days, dying in 1857; his wife died at the patriarchal
age of ninety-three years. Five children were born
to them : Warren, our subject ; Mary Ann, Chauncey
Hale, and Clarissa, all three deceased : and Mary
Ann. wife of Aaron Parsons, of Plainville, Con-
necticut.
Warren Rowley, whose name introduces these
lines, was a three-year-old Ijov when his parents
took np their residence in Hartford, and there he re-
ceived his education. \Vhen okl enough he com-
menced clerking in the grocery store of J. G. Eggles-
ton, and after seven years was admitted into part-
nership with him, which continued six years, lie
then for seven years engaged in the grocery bu.-^i-
ness, at the corner of Main and Trumbull streets,
at the end of which time he sold out and for a brief
period was retired from business. In 1856 he was
appointed town agent under the Maine law, and
in 1876 he was appointed superintendent of Spring
Grove cemetery, a position he held for some eleven
years. For the past twelve years he has lived a re-
tired life at his home. No. 41 Windsor avenue, which
he had bought in the spring of 1850.
This house is one of the oldest m that part of the
city, and there is an affectionate inscription, written
evidently with a diamond, on a pane of glass that
was in one of the attic windows for more than a
century, showing that the old edifice, in the years
prior to the Revolution, was the scene of more than
one happy memory. This tell-tale inscription was
cut in 1773, and reads as follows: "Anne Bunce.
Since I must go, 'tis my lot. Pray let me not regret.
The pleasures of Hartford I do reluctantly resign,
since 1 must leave my dear Anne behind: 1773."
On another pane of glass, in the same attic, was the
name of "Anne Bunce," cut also with a diamond,
by that lady, in 1792. The old attic windows were
blown in a few years ago by a tornado, breaking
these two precious panes mto fragments, which were
preserved, however, and restored as complete as pos-
sible by Edward \\'. Rowley, son of Warren Rowley.
There is an old legend that Washington once dined
in this house during the Revolutionary war ; also
it is said, that the first carpet used in Hartford was
laid in that house. Jilrs. Lydia Bull, a lineal descend-
ant of Capt. Thomas Bull, who settled in Hartford
in 1736, was married in this house. It was owned at
one time by j\Iajor Alichael Olcott, who was at the
head of the Governor's Foot Guards in 1810, and
who died there Alay 11, 1829. The property de-
cended to his heirs, and (as above narrated), in
1850, to Michael Olcott Barry, of Boston. There
was a time over 100 years ago when the house was
used as a girls' school.
In 1840 Warren Rowley was united in marriage
in Windsor, Conn., with Miss Julia Drake, of that
town, a daughter of David Drake, and one son was
born to this union : Edward W., born June 28, 1845,
who was twice married, (first) to Fanny, daughter
of Samuel Mather, of Windsor, and (second) to
Lillie, daughter of John S. Graham ; he has one
son, \\'arren Drake. Mrs. Julia (Drake) Rowley
died Nov. i, 1891, and her remains were interred
in Spring Grove cemetery. I\Ir. Rowley was made
a ]Mason in St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., of
Hartford, in 1866, and still retains membership in
same ; he has been a member of Pythagoras Chapter,
No. 17, R. A. M., for upwards of twenty years.
In the early part of this sketch we have inci-
dentallv referred to Thomas Rowlev, "the original
810
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
immigrant ancestor" of Mr. Rowley, our subject,
and the latter has in his possession an old relic that
belonged to him, in the shape of a powder-horn
and charger that were brought to this country in
1656, by said Thomas Rowley, who settled in Wind-
sor. On the bottom of the powder-horn are carved
his initials, "T. R."
MILES BARBER PRESTON, ex-mayor of
Hartford, and one of the leading residents of that
city, was born in Simsbury, this county. May 9,
1850, son of Truman W. Preston, of that town.
His mother, whose maiden name was Marj' Etta
Brong, was a native of Addison, N. Y., and died
a few years ago at Culpeper, Va. Truman W.
Preston returned North after the death of his
wife, and died in Hartford April 17, 1896.
Our subject was mainly educated in the public
schools, completing his studies in the private school
of the late Rev. O. S. Taylor, in Simsbury. His
father was, during this period, town clerk of Sims-
bury, this fact in itself opening to him the best
opportunities for obtaining a satisfactory educa-
tion. At an early age Mr. Preston exhibited a
decided taste for ornamental painting, and his busi-
ness career has been shaped in the main by that
fact. His father was the proprietor and mana-
ger of a carriage shop, and the ornamental work
in painting offered special attraction to the son.
He learned the trade, and at the age of nineteen
removed to Hartford, engaging in the railroad
shops of the New York & Hartford road. In 1870
he accepted a position of responsibility in the works
of John Markham, at Pleasant Valley, in Barkham-
sted, being placed in charge of the painting depart-
ment, and remaining there three years. In 1873
he returned to Hartford and entered the employ
of the Highland Line, New York, New Haven
& Hartford road, as an ornamental painter. After
spending five years in the company's shops he de-
cided to engage in business for himself, and in
1878 bought out the place owned by Theodore
Thorpe, Jr., at the corner of Pearl and Trumbull
streets. Benjamin W. Kenyon was admitted to
partnership with him, the firm being Preston &
Kem'on, and they have developed a business of large
proportions. They unquestionably have the largest
amount of sign work of any house in New Eng-
land outside of Boston. The Presidential cam-
paign of 1880 opened an interesting and profitable
field of work, as the new campaign banner became
an indispensable adjunct of the canvass, and Mr.
Preston caught the idea and developed an admirable
specialty in connection with it. In 18S1 house
painting was added to the firm's business, employ-
ing a considerable corps of workmen. The Bon-
ner-Preston Co., which conducts one of the largest
decorative trades in the city, was established Feb.
4, 1889, its place of business being in the Hills
block, opposite Exchange corner. The house car-
ries a large stock of artists' materials, also an ex-
tensive line of photographic supplies, and they de-
vote special attention to wall papers and decora-
tions, and altogether employ a force of fifty hands.
Mr. Preston is an active participant in both of these
firms, being one of the busiest managers in the
city.
Our subject was one of the founders and vice-
president of the Hubbard Escort, the best political
organization in this locality. He has been a mem-
ber of the Putnam Phalanx for twelve years, and
at present occupies the position of quartermaster
on the staff of Major O. H. Blanchard. He is a
member of Amos Beecher Lodge, F. & A. M., of
New Hartford, and belongs to the higher orders
of Masonry in Hartford, being a member of Wol-
cott Council, Pythagoras Chapter, and Washington
Commander}^, K. T. He is past chancellor ofWash-
ington Lodge, K. P., and is a member of Hartford
Lodge, B. P. O. E., and of Trumbull Council Nation-
al Provident Union. His political career has been
as honorable as it has been successful. For a num-
ber of years he was chairman of the Democratic
committee in the First ward of Hartford, and al-
though the precinct is a Republican stronghold it
gave Mr. Preston a majority of forty-one for sher-
iff in November, 1890. He was not a resident of
the ward at the time, and had not been for a con-
siderable period, but the tribute was a recognition
of his manliness and integrity of character, and
was the more gratifying as it was spontaneous and
unsought. Mr. Preston was one ot the East Hart-
ford bridge commissioners at the time it was
transferred to the towns of Hartford, East Hart-
ford, Manchester, Glastonbury and East Windsor.
During the administration of President Cleveland
he held the responsible position of deputy United
States marshal in this State, receiving the appoint-
ment from Marshal N. D. Bates, of Norwich, who
made him chief deputy. It was in this incumbency
that Sheriff Preston's best official work was exe-
cuted. He showed marked ability for his duties, and
performed them with exceptional success. When
he retired from the deputy's office in 1890 it was
with the knowledge that he had won and received
the fullest approval of the public. His nomina-
tion for sheriff added strength to the Democratic
ticket from the outset, and his election was by the
largest majority of any candidate on the general
'ticket. In April, 1896, Mr. Preston was elected
mayor of Hartford, was re-elected in April, 1898,
and was tendered a unanimous nomination in
April, 1900: but the death of his business asso-
ciate, J. D. Bonner, having brought the entire care
of the Bonner-Preston Co. upon him, made it im-
possible for him to accept further public official
position. During his term as mayor the improve-
ments in Flartford were many and noted, as a
largely increased expenditure of monies for im-
proved pavements, police quarters, high schools and
parks was met without increasing the tax rate, by
a thorough and healthy reassessment of property.
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
311
increasing the grand list over ten million dollars.
j\lr. Preston is a member of the First Methodist
Church in this city, and is connected with the
Y. M. C. A.
Mr. Preston's first wife. Miss Plallie II. Sey-
mour, daughter of ex-Sherifif O. D. Seymour, of
Ilartford, died sixteen years ago, and the two chil-
dren of this marriage died in infancy. On Feb.
26, 1890, Mr. Preston married Miss Nellie
F. Dole., of Springfield, Mass., step-daughter of
Francis H. Pichards, of Hartford, the patent ex-
pert and mechanical engineer. The rapid prog-
ress which Sheriff Preston has attained during the
past twelve years, in both business and politics, has
been the result of personal merit. Fie is pro-
foundly interested in the measures and reforms that
have been instituted for the advancement of work-
ing men. and his sympathies and counsel will in-
variably be in favor of improving their condition.
FION. DWIGHT LOOMIS, LL. D., an em-
inent lawyer and judge of Hartford, who for up-
ward of forty years has made his home at Rock-
ville, Tolland Co., Conn., has descended from one
of the old and prominent families of the State.
Joseph Loomis, of Windsor, Conn., born in
England about 1616, came to the New World with
his father, Joseph Loomis, a woolen-draper in
Braintree, County of Essex, England, in 1638. The
father became one of the first settlers of Windsor.
Joseph Loomis, Jr., married (first) in 1646 Sarah
Hill, who died in 1653, and he married (second)
in 1659 Mary Chauncey. He died in 1687. Hon.
Dwight Loomis is a descendant in the seventh gen-
eration from Joseph Loomis (2), the line of his
descent being through Joseph Loomis (3), Joseph
(4), Benoni, Benoni (2), and Capt. Elam Loomis.
(II) Joseph Loomis (3), son of Joseph (2),
born in 1649, married (first) in 1681 Lydia, daugh-
ter of John Drake. She died in 1702, and he mar-
ried (second) in 1702-03 Abigail Birge. He re-
moved to East Windsor in 1700, and died in 1715.
(III) Joseph Loomis (4), son of Joseph (3),
born in 1684, married in 1708 Sarah Bissel, and
lived in Lebanon as late as 1733.
(IV) Benoni Loomis, son of Joseph (4), of
Lebanon, born in 1715. married in 1735 Flannah
Woodward, who died in 1786. He died in 1789.
(V) Benoni Loomis (2), son of Benoni, of
Lebanon, born in 1749, married (first) in 1781
Grace Parsons, who died in 1801, and (second) Es-
ther Crocker, who died in 1817. Fle died in 181 1.
(\T) Capt. Elam Loomis, son of Benoni, of
Lebanon, born Aug. 3, 1783, married Feb. 27, 1812,
Mary Pinneo, a daughter of James Pinneo, of
French ancestry. She was born in Hanover. N.
H., and died April 12. 1866. Capt. Loomis died
Sept. II, 1855. The children of Capt. Elam and
jNIary (Pinneo) Loomis were: Ormend P., born
April 22, 1813, died Oct. 6, 1830 : Mary, born Sept.
19, 1815, died Aug. 21, 1857; Aurelia, born Jan.
19, 1819, died June 13, 1851; Dwight is referred
to farther on; and Emily, born Jan. 22, 1827. died
Dec. 31, 1862.
Hon. Dwight Lfiomis, son of Capt. Elam
Loomis, was born July 27, 1821, in Columbia, Tol-
land Co., Conn. He attended the common schools
of his native village, then a few terms at the Mon-
son and Amherst (Mass.) Academies, the circum-
stances of his father not warranting a college
course. There existed in the youth of young
Loomis a flourishing literary and debating society
in his native town, the advantages of which he
eagerly improved, and in the exercise of which
he frequently exhibited those rare qualities of mind
which afterward made him so eminent and suc-
cessful. After leaving school he taught for a num-
ber of years, meeting with marked success. He
was more than onlinarily endowed with the faculty
of imparting knowledge to others, and inspiring
them with laudable ambition. Having decided upon
the profession of law, young Loomis in the spring
of 1844 began its study, untler the direction of John
H. Brockway, of Ellington, Conn. Later he at-
tended Yale Law School, at New Flaven, from
which he was graduated in 1847, «i''"l '^^"^^ admitted
to the Bar of his native county. In the autumn
of that year he began practice at Rockville, as an
associate of his preceptor, who was then a leading
lawyer and politician of Tolland county. The young
lawyer had been a hard student, loved the law, and
started out admirably well equipped and fitted for
the profession which he in later years so richly
adorned.
Mr. Loomis was the first lawyer to establish
himself at Rockville. His quiet and pacific ways.
coupled with his ability and untiring energy and
industry, soon won the confidence of the people,
and placed him in command of a large practice,
in which he had remarkable success. As the years
passed he grew in popularity, and his fellow citi-
zens elected him to the General Assembly of the
State in 185 1. Here he earned distinction as a
legislator, and as a speaker and parliamentarian.
He was in s\'mpathy with the movement that op-
posed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and
the extension of slavery int6 free territory, and
was sent as a delegate from his State to the Na-
tional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1856,
at which the Republican party was organized. He
was elected to the State Senate from the Twenty-
first District in 1857, and became chairman of the
judiciary committee of the two Houses, a position
of the highest honor and responsibility, reserved
for those only whose legal attainments, efficiency
and personal worth befit them for its arduous du-
ties. Mr. Loomis had taken aii active part in the
State in the Presidential canvass, w-here he won
on the stump new laurels and a more extended
acquaintance, and in 1859 he was elected to the
XXXVIth Congress from the First Congressional
District — a district that was considered bv his
812
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
party a doubtful one. So great wa his popularity
that, notwithstanding this and the fact that a
disappointed aspirant for the nomination took the
field as an independent candidate, Mr. Loomis was
triumphantly elected, and served so efficiently and
faithfully that he was unanimousl}' re-nommated
by his party and returned as representative to the
XXXVIIth Congress, having been re-elected by
an increased majority. His Congressional career
covered a stirring and important epoch in the his-
tory of this county — that of the closing years of
Buchanan's administration and the opening years
of President Lincoln's. - During this period the
labors of the patriots in the National Congress
were heavy with responsibility, and to their credit
it must be said that they were unfluiching in their
devotion to duty, and heroic in their defiance of
treason and rebellion. Mr. Loomis bore his full
share in introducing, advocating and supporting
the patriotic measures rendered necessary by se-
cession and armed rebellion. He was a member
and chairman of the committee on Expenditures in
the Treasury Department, and also a member of
the very important committee on Elections. As
a member his record was faultless. Seldom absent,
very rarely missing a vote, strong in debate, highly
esteemed by his associates, and honored in all his
social relations, the power and beneficence of his
influence were fully felt and recognized.
La the spring oL 1864 the eminent legal attain-
ments and high character of I\L-. Loomis were
honored by his election as a judge of the Superior
Court of Connecticut, for a term of eight years,
and in 1872 he was re-elected to the same high
office, for another term. In the spring of 1875 he
was elected associate justice of the Supreme Court
of the State, and served as such until he reached
the constitutional limit of age ; upon his retirement,
in 1891, he was appointed by the General Assembly
to be State referee. "As a judge he gave the
most unbounded satisfaction. His mental and
temperamental qualities admirably adapted him to
the Bench. With acute perceptive and analvtic
faculties, a good memory, rare powers of discrim-
ination, a full measure of forbearance, patience and
courtesy, with suitable firmness and dignity, and no
pretension or pride of opinion, and withal an hon-
esty and integrity and a conscientious and inflexible
fidelity to the duties of his position, rendered him
a model judge — one of the best upon the Bench,
and one who universally commanded the highest
esteem." Judge Loomis was one of the committee
to whom the Legislature referred the matters in
dispute between the State, Yale University and
the Storr's Agricultural School. It is to his credit
to state that his political and judicial preferment
came to him unsought, and without effort on his
part. His high honors have been reached through
the force of his personal merits. The degree of LL.
D. was conferred upon him bv Yale University
in 1896. Associated with J. Gilbert Calhoun, of
the Hartford Bar, he edited "The Judicial and
Civil History of Connecticut," published in 1895.
On Nov. 26, 1848, Judge Loomis was married
to Mary E., daughter of Josiah Bissell Bill, and
sister of Judge Benezet Hough Bill, of Rockville.
She was born Feb. 14, 1822, in Susquehanna coun-
ty, Penn., and died June i, 1864. Judge Loomis
married for his second wife Jennie E. Kendall, born
July 10, 1841, who died March 6, 1876. His only
child, Jennie Grace Loomis, was born Oct. 21,
1874.
THOMAS H. BISSELL, residing at No. 95
Ann street, Hartford, was born March 23, 1819, in
South Windsor, Conn., where his family has been
continuously represented since 1635.
The originator of the family in America was one
John Bissell, a French Huguenot, who came to this
country from England. Pie was the first man to set-
tle on the east side of the Connecticut river, oppo-
site Windsor, and for many years he and his descend-
ants held the ferry right in the old hand ferry which
bears their name, and which still plies back and forth
between Windsor and East Windsor Hill. The Bis-
sell family has always been highly respected and
somewhat prominent in the State. It boasts of two
governors, one of Connecticut and one of Illinois, a
judge, and other public men.
Jerijah Bissell, our subject's grandfather, was
born in East Windsor, Conn., and was a farmer
there for many years, dying at the age of ninety-five.
His wife, Lydia Bartlett, who lived to the age of
eighty-one, was also born in East Windsor. They
had three sons — Jerijah, Thomas, and Asahel — and
three daughters. The two elder sons served in the
Revolution, the former for three years, the latter
for six months, Thomas serving under three dif-
ferent captains, and being stationed in Rhode Isl-
and and on the Hudson, where he tried to sink the
English fleet with shots from his" musket.
Thomas Bissell, our subject's father, was born
in what is now South Windsor (then East Wind-
sor), and be and his younger brother remained on
the old homestead. The brother removed later to
Amherst, Mass., and Thomas Bissell conducted the
farm alone until his retirement on account of ad-
vanced age. He lived to be ninety-eight years of
age, and to the last was vigorous and well-pre-
served. His life was exceptionally pure, and it is
said that he never made an enemy. His farm of
300 acres was the largest in the town, and he owned
two stores on Morgan street in Hartford. For many
years he was active in local politics, and also in relig-
ious work, being a member of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. Bissell married twice, his second wife being
Eleanor Mills, and two children were born of this
marriage: Eleanor Porter, who became the wife of
Josiah S. Rice, and died leaving no children; and
Thomas H., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Bis-
sel attained the age of eighty years. She was one
of several children of Roswell Mills, a wealthy real-
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
813
•estate owner and prominent citizen in South Wind-
sor (then East Windsor), who served many years
as justice of the peace. He lived to be eighty years
of age.
Tlie Mills family, of which Mrs. Eleanor Bissell
was a member, is of Holland-Dutch origin. The
founder of the family was Peter V'an-de-Molyn,
■who in 1650 came from Amsterdam, Holland, to
New York, and removed to Windsor, Conn. His
father. Sir Peter Van de Molyn, disinherited him.
The name meant "man of the mill," and the de-
scendants assumed the name of Mills. JN'Irs. Bissell
traced her descent through Peter (3), Peter (4),
and Roswell.
Our subject remained at home until he reached
the age of fourteen, when he began his business
career as clerk for a brother-in-law in one of his
father's stores in Plartford. At this time nearly all
the houses in the city were east of Trumbull street,
and there was but one place of amusement. For
the first year he received no wages, but during the
second he received $12 per month and board, and
at sixteen he bought a quarter-interest in the busi-
ness, having been given $1,000 by his father. At
eighteen he became a half-owner in the store, re-
taining his interest until he reached Ijis majority.
Returning to the farm, he conducted it imtil his fa-
ther's death, in 1855, increasing its products more
than three-fold, and greatly improving the property.
In 1855 he began a real-estate business in Hartford,
and after the death of his mother, in i860, he made
his home there. His operations in real estate have
extended to a nimiber of the western and north-
western States, as well as to several towns in the
State of Connecticut, and he has now been forty-
eight years in the real-estate line; he also conducts
a loaning business, and has made many successful
loans for others in the West. He is one of the old-
est business men in the city.
On Oct. 28, 1867, Mr. Bissell married Miss
Josephine Davis, daughter of Rev. Samuel and Mary
(Partridge) Davis, the former a Universalist min-
ister, who preached many years in Pennsylvania,
Ohio, ^Massachusetts and "Vermont, and spent his
last years in Hartford. He was a grandson of
John Davis, who lived in Shirley, Mass. John
Davis was a soldier in the French and Indian wars,
and took part in the expedition to Louisburg. He
also went through the Revolution, being one of
the minute-men. He was ploughing in the field
at Shirley when he heard of the battle of Lexington,
and leaving his oxen and plough in the furrow, like
Israel Putnam, started for Boston. He was at Val-
ley Forge. His brother, Capt. Isaac Davis, of
Acton, Mass., who is mentioned in all histories of
the war, was in command of the company of Amer-
icans who took part in the skirmish at Concord
Bridge preceding the battle of Concord, and was
the first man to fall, thus being one of the earliest
martyrs of the Revolution. Jonas Rice, great-
:grandfather of Mrs. Bissell, was a native of Sud-
bury, and a man of prominence in his time. He was
the first settler of Worcester, Mass., settling there
in 1713, was justice of the court of common pleas
in 1753, and held many other puljlic offices. The
Partridge family was descended from Henry
Adams, who came from England in 1632, as were
also Samuel Adams, John Adams and John Quincy
Adams,
Our subject has two children, Arthur Thomas
and Mary Eleanor, the latter a graduate of the
Hartford Public High School and Smith College.
Mrs. Bissell died in 1897, aged nearly sixty years.
In politics Mr. Bissell is independent, lie took
a prominent part in local afl'airs during his resi-
dence in South Windsor, serving as justice of the
peace and notary public for many years. In 1855
he was in the Legislature, and voted for a Bill to
allow public amusements which had previously been
prohibited by law. His interest in public questions
has led him to be a frequent attendant of caucuses
and conventions. His prompt assistance has always
been given to the various progressive movements
in the community, but he has taken special interest
in giving a helping hand to ambitious young men,
many of whom are now in prosperous circumstances.
Mr. Bissell is an active member of the Sons of the
American Revolution. He attends the Unitarian
Church, but his daughter is a LTniversalist, and
takes an active part in the work of that church.
WALLACE PI. MILLER, the able and enter-
prising editor of the Bristol Press, has had charge
of the paper since December, 1893, and under his
skillful management it has made marked progress.
The Press was founded March 9, 1871, with a
subscription list of about 200, and in less than one
year, through the efficient work of C. H. Riggs,
manager at that time, it was jEound necessary to
remove into larger quarters and greatly increase
its facilities. Through the panic of 1873, when
financial straits led many journalistic ventures to
an untimely end, notwithstanding all the discour-
aging emergencies, the Press climbed steadilv up-
ward. After seventeen years of continuous labor
Editor Riggs retired, and in 1888 Editor C. S.
Haviland, of the Southington Phoenix, and Thomas
H. Duncan purchased the property, Mr. Duncan
becoming editor and manager. This partnership
continued until 1891, at which time the Bristol
Press Publishing Co. was organized and incor-
porated with a capital of $10,000. This corpora-
tion is composed of a number of Bristol's most
prominent business men, its officers being O. F.
Strunz, president and treasurer; J. H. Sessions,
vice-president ; W. H. Miller, secretary, editor and
manager. George A. Beers is connected with the
news editing, Francis Trevelyan Aliller is the liter-
ary editor and book rex'iewer.
Editor W. H. ^filler was born April 3, i860,
iii East Plartford. son of Elijah H. and Janette E.
(Hull) ^liller. His education was acquired in tlie
314
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
public schools of East Hartford, and in the high
schools of Manchester, N. H., and other places.
He learned the printer's trade in the office of the
Register, at Torrington, Conn., and for twenty-
three years has been continuously engaged in news-
paper work, having served on newspaper staffs in
Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., Hartford, New
Haven and New Britain, Conn., before taking his
present position as editor and manager of the Bristol
Press.
Mr. Miller was married in Springfield, Mass.,
Aug. 12, 1877, to Louise W. Thomas, daughter of
George H. and Mary Thomas, of Springfield. So-
cially he and his wife are much esteemed, and he
is an active meniber of E. L. Dunbar Encamp-
ment, No. 32, of Bristol, and the Knights of
Pythias. In politics he is an independent Repub-
lican.
JOHN CLAFLIN BARKER, one of the most
prominent and populuar citizen of Hartford, well
known as a promoter and dealer in real estate, as
well as carrying on farming, is well worthy, by vir-
tue of his practical patriotism in connection with the
Campfield monument, of prominent place within the
pages of this work.
Mr. Barker is a native of Kirkland, Scotland,
born Oct. 24, 1823, a son of Alexander Barker, Jr.,
and a grandson of Alexander Barker, Sr., who was
an active business man in Methel, Scotland, where
Alexander, Jr., was born. The latter was a weaver
by trade, making the fabric called '"duck" from
which the lighter sails for ships are made. In 1835,
he came to America, settling in Vermont, being one
of the earlier pioneers of that part of the State,
where he followed agricultural pursuits the rest
of his days, dying at the age of seventy-five years.
By his wife Grace (Lockard), also a native of the
"Land of Burns," and who died at the age of
sixty-one, he had a family of seven children, all of
whom are now deceased except the subject of this
sketch. The parents were members of the Presby-
terian Church.
John C. Barker was twelve years of age when he
came with the family to this country, and up to
the age of twenty years he worked on a farm in
Vermont, coming then to Hartford. Here he
readily found employment in Col. Ward's lumber
yard and sawmill, remaining there for the long
period of thirty years, during a considerable por-
tion of which time he was foreman of both the
yard and mill. In 1873 he commenced a similar
line of business on his own account, buying and
selling lumber, in connection with which he also
carried on an extensive trade in -produce, buying
in Vermont, New Plampshire and Canada, his of-
fice being on Governor street, Hartford. In 1890,
however, he retired from both these industries, and
has since devoted his time to the real-estate business
as well as farming.
In 1859 ^'-^r- Barker was married- to Jennie
Wallace Hendry, who was born in Ryegate, Vt.,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Lindsay) Hendry,
prominent farmers in that State, and three chil-
dren have been born of this union : ( i ) John Tenny,
a leading dentist of New Haven county, practic-
ing in Wallingford; he married a Miss Hubbard,
and they have one child, Eric. (2) Grace, wife of
Dr. Waite, of Hartford. (3) William Hendry, a
patent expert and patent attorney of Hartford.
Mr. and Mrs. Barker are members of the South
Baptist Church ; in politics he is a Republican. He
owns one of the finest residences in Wethersfield
avenue, where he formerly owned twenty-two acres
of land, which he had divided up into building
lots.
In 1872 Mr. Barker gave to the trustees of the
Campfield Monument Association the lot in Hart-
ford, in the center of which now stands the monu-
ment erected to the memory of Gen Steadman and
the Hartford county soldiers who participated in the
war of the Rebellion, and toward the erection of
which monument Mr. Barker also gave so much
of his influence. The funds for the patriotic work
came in the main from the regiments, and friends
of the members of those regiments, that were en'-
camped on^the grounds (Mr. Barker's farm) on
Campfield avenue during the Civil war days, one
object of the monument being a commemoration
of that fact. The dedication took place Oct. 4,
1900, with a monster parade, stirring addresses be-
ing delivered bv the Governor of the State and
others. It may not be out of place here to mention
that, while Mr. Barker operated a sawmill in his
younger days, he it was who sawed up the historic
"Charter Oak" tree. He is a genial -whole-souled
man, having ever in view the advancement of his
adopted city and county, and the furtherance of all
movements tending toward the happiness and pros-
perity of the people at large.
HON. NOBLE EMERSON PIERCE, who is
associated in the practice of law with Hon. Marcus
H. Holcomb, under the firm name of Holcomb &
Pierce, at No. 213 Main street, Bristol, and in the
Sage-Allen Building, at No. 902 Main street, Hart-
ford, was born in Bristol, July 31, 1S54, and de-
scends from an old Bristol family, whose ancient
homesteadi now occupied by his father, Julius E.
Pierce, is still one of the most noticeable land-
marks of the town. This unique and anticjue build-
ing mav be partially described here, and its history
given before recording the biography proper of the
subject of this sketch.
The building is an oblong structure, two sti-iries
high, is surmounted with three chimrteys, and is-
built in three sections in a straight line, on King-
street. The middle third of the house was built
by Ebenezer Barnes in 1728; later the north third
and the south third were added to provide accom-
modations for a son and daughter, respectively, on
their marriage; the exact date of these additions
^^7n ^ .^ ,^^f^ —
I
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
315
is not known. Amos IJarncs sokl the propcrt)- to
Al:)rahani I'icrcc, of Southbury, Nov. 29, 1797.
Upon !iis death it descended to his son, Noble A.
Pierce, and upon his death it descended to his
children — ^Irs. Jared Goodrich, of Plainville, Mrs.
H. M. Welch, of New Haven (both now deceased),
E. N. Pierce, of Plainville, and Julius E. Pierce —
E. N. Pierce and Airs. Welch having since con-
veyed their share to their brother, Julius E. The
place has therefore been in the Pierce family for
a century, and Mr. Pierce's grand-children are the
fifth generation of the family that have slumbered
beneath its giant rafters.
The original purchase ran about half a mile
east of the homestead, and as far west as the old
Episcopal cemetery, near the school house in district
No. I ; it also included three-fourths of a mill
"seat," the whole of a gristmill, and the tools and
implements thereto belonging, one-half of a saw-
mill and implements, the whole of the south side
of the river, ;hree-fourths of the dam, and pondage
privilege. This dam was located about two rods
westerly of the present stone dam of the Bristol
Brass & Clock Co. The consideration paid for
the whole property was fourteen hundred (1,400)
pounds.
Abraham Pierce was accompanied by his sons,
Calvin, Philo, and Noble. Philo married Sally
Norton, and built the house now owned by James
Kane, standing between the Pierce homestead and
the bank of the river ; he afterward removed to the
Norton homestead, belonging to his wife's family,
which stood very nearly on the same site as the
present residence of Edward Pierce, his grandson,
near Lake Compounce.
From the time of the purchase bv the Pierces
until about 1835 the place was kept as a tavern.
The road from Bristol to Forestville is modern,
but the north and south road that passes directly
in front of the house, a few rods of which are used
by the Bristol and Forestville road, is an old
Queen's highway, and was the great thoroughfare
for the cartage of grain from northern Connecti-
cut and Alassachusetts to New Haven, for ship-
ment by vessel to the West Indies. The Pierce
tavern was about a day's journey from New Haven,
and much patronized by the teamsters, who made
it their last stopping-place for the night before reach-
ing the city, an J the first stopping-place lor the
night on their way home.
Julius Emerson Pierce, father of Senator Noble
E. Pierce, was born in the old Pierce mansion,
in Bristol, Jan. 18, 1825. He was educated in the
common schools of his native town, and after leav-
ing these institutions of learning took charge of his
father's farm, which was very large compared with
the farms of the present day. On j\lay 30, 1849,
he married Miss Huldah Botsford, who was born
Nov. 5, 1822, and is a daughter of Amadeus and
Huldah (Merriam) Botsford. of Kensington,
Berlin town, Hartford Co., Conn. To this mar-
riage have been burn two children: Noble E., the
subject of this sketch, is tiie elder. Annie So-
phronia, born Feb. 6, 1859, was married May 2,
1888, to Frank A. Haviland, of East Boston, Mass.,
born Alarch 10, 1862, a son of John B. Haviland.
Mr. and Mrs. Haviland have had two children,
Julius Edward, born June 15, 1889, who died July
7 1898; and Calvin Pierce, born Oct. 2^, i8t;3.
Mr. Haviland is a member of the Order of the
Sons of \'eterans; of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, Knights
of Pythias ; of the Knights of Khorrasson ; and of
the Royal Arcan^um ; in jxjlitics he is a Republican,
and in religion both he and his wife are Baptists.
Julius E. Pierce and wife are members of the
Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Pierce is a
Democrat, but has always declined accepting ofifice
when proffered.
Noble Abram Pierce, father of Julius E. Pierce,
and son of Abraham Pierce (who died in 1803),
came to Bristol in 1797, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days, d\ing Oct. 29, 1834. It was
Abraham who purchased and brought into the fam-
ily the old mansion on King street, built in 1728.
and described at the opening of this memoir. Al-
though a farmer by vocation Noble A. Pierce also
engaged in making horn cobs and inkstands. In
1809 he married Miss Lvdia Gridley, who was
born in 1783, and died in 1874, at the advanced age
of ninety-one years, and was the mother of four
children. In politics Noble A. Pierce w^as a Demo-
crat when there \vere only eleven Democrats in the
town of Bristol ; in religion he was a Baptist, and
a member of the building committee of his church.
Deacon John Pierce, antecedent of Abraham, set-
tled in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1731, but removed
to Woodbury a few years later.
Hon. Noble E. Pierce, whose birthplace was the
ancient mansion already alluded to, was primarily
educated in the common schools of Bristol and at
the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Sufheld. He
was graduated from the Connecticut State Normal
School in 1873, from the Albany (New York)
Law School in !May, 1876, and was admitted to
the Bar at Albany Alay 18, of the same year. Dur-
ing 1873-74-75 Mr. Pierce taught the low'er ^Middle"
school at Ansonia, and read law with Judge \.
Plunger during the same period. ]Mr. Pierce be-
gan the practice of law at Angelica, N. Y., in 1876,
and remained there until May, 1878, when he came
to Connecticut and was admitted to the Bar at
Hartford. He has been connected with the school
board of Bristol since 1887, and was chairman of
district committee No. i ; was treasurer of Hart-
ford county from 1893 to 1895 ; and was a member
of the Connecticut State Senate from the Fourth
District from 1891 to 1895. This inchnlcd the
memorable dead-lock session of 1891-92. In both
sessions he was the Democratic leader. As justice
of the peace of Hartford county Mr. Pierce ad-
ministered the oath of ofifice to Gov. Morris and
his associates, and during the two years that fol-
316
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lowed he was the recognized mouthpiece of the
Democratic side of the Senate. In the session of
1893 he was chairman of the committee on Cities
and Boroughs, which committee, after six weeks
of pubhc hearings, reported the General Street Rail-
way Law of 1893. Th^ work of sifting the vari-
ous suggestions offered, and the draftmg of the
bill, were left almost entirely to Senator Pierce.
The committee considered one hundred and fifty-
three applications for street railway charters, and
during the session the charter of almost every city
iii the State was either completely revised or ma-
terially amended. As chairman of the committee
Mr. Pierce gave careful attention to each of these
applications, and in many cases rewrote and revised
them.
Senator Pierce is well and favorably known as
a campaign orator. He stumped New York State
in the Tilden campaign against Hayes in 1876,
.and stumped Connecticut in every subsequent Pres-
idential contest, with the exception of the last.
Mr. Pierce is a member of Franklin Lodge, No.
56, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pequabuck Chap-
ter, No. 32, Royal Arch Masons, of Bristol; and
of Clark Commandery, No. 7, Knights Templar,
of Waterbury. He is also a member of Ethan
Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias, of Bristol.
Senator Pierce first married, July 16, 1879, ^'liss
Hattie Ivendall, of Angelica, N. Y., daughter of
Z. A. Kendall. She died Oct. 26, 1895, and Sen-
ator Pierce later married Miss Ettie Merriam, of
Washington, N. C, daughter of Capt. James E.
Merriam. To the first marriage were born : Ger-
trude, Dec. 24, 1883; and Kendall, May 26, 1888.
Mr. Pierce is a director in the Free Public Library
of Bristol ; he was instrumental in organizing the
Bristol Electric Light Co., 1886, and was a director
until it was consolidated with the B. & P. T. Co.,
of which he was first president, and is now vice-
president ; he is also a director in the same com-
pany, and is a director in and treasurer of the
Hartford & Torrington Tramway Co. He was also
instrumental in securing the charter for the bor-
ough of Bristol, and in securing the high school
for the town.
JOEL WILLARD UPSON descended from
one of the old families of New England, and traced
his line of descent from Thomas Upson, of the
fifth generation back, and one of the original pro-
prietors of Farmington, Conn. Thomas Upson
married Elizabeth Fuller in 1646, and died July 19,
1655, the father of the following children : Thomas,
who died in Saybrook, whither he had moved ;
Stephen ; Mary ; Hannah ; and Elizabeth, who died
July 20, 1655.
Stephen Upson, son of the above-named
Thomas, born in 1650, was married Dec. 29, 1682,
to Mary, daughter of John Lee, Sr., of Farming-
ton. Stephen was a surveyoi^. In 1679 he removed
to Waterbury, where he became a school commis-
sioner ; grand juryman ; three times a deputy to
the General Court (in 1710, 1712 and 1729) ; and
a sergeant in 171 5 and 1729, and he had a seat
with the veterans in the new meeting-house. He
lost his wife Feb. 15, 1715-16, and his own death
took place Nov. 5, 1735. Their children were:
Mary, born Nov. 5, 1683, married to Richard
Welton; Stephen, born Sept. 30, 1686; Elizabeth,
born Feb. 14, 1689-90, married Thomas Bronson;
Thomas, born March i, 1692-93; Hannah, born
March 16, 1695, first married Thomas Richards,
and later wedded John Bronson ; Tabitha, born
March 11, 1698, married John Scovill, Jr.; John,
born Dec. 13, 1702; and Thankful, born March 14,
1706-07, married James Blakeslee.
Thomas Upson, son of Stephen, married Rachel,
daughter of Deacon Thomas Judd, of Waterbury.
In 1732-33 he removed to Farmington, afterward
Southington, now southeastern Wolcott, and died
Sept. 29, 1761, the father of the following family:
Thomas, born Dec. 20, 1719; Mary and John
(twins), born Jan. 21, 1721 (Mary married Josiah
Newell, of Southington, and John died in 1741) ;
Josiah, born Jan. 28, 1724-25; Asa, born Nov. 30,
1728; Timothy, born Oct. 8, 1731; Amos, born
March 17, 1734; Samuel, born March 8, 1737; and
Freeman, born July 24, 1739, (died in 1750}.
Timothy Upson, 'son of Thomas, married De-
light Norton March 25, 1755. He was a farmer,
and lived in Southington. He was a member of
the Congregational Church, and was a more than
ordinarily good man. He died Sept. 4, 1799, at
the age of sixty-eight years, while his widow sur-
vived him until Feb. 24, 1828, when she passed
away at the extreme old age of ninety-four. Their
children were: Tryphena, born Sept. i, 1756, was
married to Stephen Carter ; Freelove, born March
22, 1759, maiTied James Smith, of Southington;
Sarah, born June 20, 1761, married Dr. Samuel
Towner, and removed to Vermont ; Ashbel, born
March 19, 1764; Timothy, born Sept. 21, 1766;
Delight, born March 11, 1769, married Moses Todd,
and removed to Vermilion, Ohio ; Seth, born June
21, 1771 ; Martin, born March 29, 1774, died Feb.
7, 1777; Selah, born May 20, 1776; and Freeman,
born June 16, 178 1. ,
Selah Upson, son of Timothy, was married in
October, 1802, to Martha, daughter of David Hitch-
cock, of Southington. At this time he came to Wol-
cott, where he built a house upon a portion of his
father's farm. Here he continued to live until his
death, which occurred June 3, 1854, his wife sur-
viving until Dec. 31, 1863. They were both faith-
ful members of the Congregational Church. Mr.
Upson was a man of few words, but possessed of
strong character and good judgment, and was
much relied upon in church and town affairs. Their
children were: Sabrina, born Aug. 2X, 1804, mar-
ried Chester Thorpe, of Southington, Feb. 9, 1825 ;
Martha, born Aug. 28, 1807, was married to Mark
Tuttle, of Wolcott, April 12, 1827; Henry Doolit-
^'^.
h'9^>ly'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
817
tie, born Oct. 5, 1809, married Polly Tuttle, of
VVolcott; Emily, born June 24, 1814, died June 28,
1815; Emily JNlaria, born April 16, 1817, died Sept.
13, 1865; Miles Sclah, born Dec. 6, 1820, married
Mary Hough ; and Joel Willard.
Joel Willard Upson was born in Wolcott Jan.
10, 1823. He was a farmer by vocation, and also
a dealer in wood and timber. In politics he was a
Republican, but would never consent to accept pub-
lic office.- Always interested in educational affairs,
he occasionally served on the school committee.
He was a member of the Congregational Church
(of which his wife was also a faithful adherent),
and a quiet, unassuming man, universally respected
for his sterling integrity and many excellent per-
sonal merits. Early in life he developed energy
and business ability, as well as caution, and what-
ever he undertook in a business line was carried
through with success. Quick to discern and appre-
ciate superior merits in others, he was seldom
deceived in the character of those with whom he
came in contact, and almost never placed confi-
dence in those unworthy of it. He was a man of
refined taste, and all things of beauty, both in na-
ture and in art, appealed strongly to his sensiliili-
ties. He never belonged to a club or secret order,
and was ever to be found in the midst of the family
circle when the business of the day was ended.
In 1876 he sold his farm in Wolcott, where the
active years of his life had been spent, and moved
to Bristol, remaining there until his death.
Mr. Upson was happily joined in marriage
Oct. 4, 1855, with Miss Eleanor Gaylord, who was
born Jan. 4, 1831, and was a daughter of Jesse
and Lois (Alcott) Gaylord, of Bristol, and a lineal
descendant of Deacon William Gaylord, who came
from Exeter, England, to Dorchester, l\Iass., in the
spring of 1630. Deacon William Gaylord was de-
scended from a family of Huguenots who left Nor-
mandy for Western iingland in 1530-51. Mrs. Up-
son died Sept. 18, 1885, and Mr. Upson followed
her to the grave Aug. 31, 1891. To this couple were
born six children, of whom but two are living,
Lena J. and Ella A. Upson, both residents of Bristol.
JOHN WINSLOW, justice of the peace, assis-
tant prosecuting attorney, and eminent as a lawyer
of Bristol, was born in Dublin, Ireland, Oct. 31,
1844, and is a son of John and Eliza (Devlin)
Winslow, natives of County Tyrone.
John Winslow, the father, was born Sept. 19,
1806, learned the business of carpet cutter and
fitter, and July 31, 1833, married Miss Devlin, who
bore liim ten children, the eldest of whom, Sarah,
was born July 8, 1834; then followed, in order,
Robert. Eliza, William and Thomas (twins that
died in infancy), William Thomas, John (subject),
Olivia, Eliza and Jane — the youngest born Sept.
20, 1852. In June, 1856, the family came to Amer-
ica, landing in New York, went thence to Canada
^^ est, and located in what is now known as Thorold,
Welland county, where the father kept a hotel until
i860, at which time he came with his family to New
Hartford, Litchfield Co., Conn., and went to work
in the Greenwood Co.'s cotton factory. During the
last years of his life he resided first with a daughter
in New Ila\'cn, then with his son John in Bristol,
and died at the home of his youngest daughter in
Middlebury, Feb. 6, 1891, aged eighty-four.
John Winslow, the subject of this sketch, at-
tended the National (or public) schools of his na-
tive city of Dublin until the departure of the family
for America, when he was twelve years of age. At
Thorold his studies were continued until he was
fourteen years old, and he then worked for a year
in a printing office. On the removal of the family
to New Hartford, Conn., our subject worked about
two years in the Greenwood cotton factory with his
father, then went to Tariffville and worked for the
Hartford Carpet Co. until its factory was destroyed
by fire, in June, 1867, and during this interval mas-
tered the machinist's trade. After this confiagra-
tion Mr. Winslow was obliged to seek new quarters,
and went to New Haven, there working as a ma-
chinist until 1874, when he came to Bristol, worked
for S. Emerson Root, at the same trade, for three
years, for Everett Horton four years, and two years
for the Bristol Brass & Clock Co. His first venture
in business on his own account was the opening of
a repair shop on Root's Island, in partnership with
Roswell Attsins, under the firm name of Winslow
& Attsins, and this was continued until 1887, when
Mr. W^inslow sold out.
]Mr. Winslow now began the study of law under
Senator Noble E. Pierce, and in February, 1889,
was admitted to the Bar at Hartford. He at once
formed a partnership with his former preceptor, and
the firm of Pierce & Winslow were very prosperous
until August, 1893, when the partnership was dis-
solved, and ^Ir. Winslow went into business for
himself, in Bristol, wdiere he has since had a phe-
nomenally good practice. In politics Mr. Wins-
low is a stanch Republican. He was elected a
justice of the peace in 1889, and has ever since
filled that office; he was clerk of the borough of
Bristol for two years, and is also a member of the
Republican town committee; on ]\Iarch 21. 1895,
he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney,
by Judge Roger S. Newell, when the office was
created, and retained the position till he had a
stroke of apoplexy, June 24, 1900. Fraternally
Mr. Winslow is a member of Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, F. & A. M., of which he is a past worship-
ful master.
Mr. Winslow has been twice married. On Miy
3, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara
Pomeroy, of New Haven, who was born in 1839,
and died Oct. 24, 1875, 'he mother of two chil-
dren: Emma Eliza, born Feb. i. 1869, now teach-
ing school in Hartford ; and John Pomeroy. born
Oct. 7, 1871, now employed by the Eagle Lock
Co., of Terr\-ville, Litchfield county. The second
318
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
marriage of Mr. Winslow took place April 8, 1877,
when Miss Esther Matthews, of Bristol, a daugh-
ter of David Matthews, and born in 1836, became
his wife. Ihat Mr. Winslow is a gentleman who
through his innate talents has risen unaided to his
present eminent position is too palpable a proposi-
tion to admit of discussion.
SIDNEY ELBRIDGE CLARKE, who has been
identified with the legal profession in Hartford for
nearly twenty years, was born Feb. 16, 1851, in
Peterboro, N. H., son of Eldridge W. and Sarah
P. (Chamberlin) Clarke.
Mr. Clarke received his primary education in
the district schools of Peterboro, later attended the
public schools of Hartford, Conn., and the Hart-
ford Public High School. In 1881 he graduated
from Yale Law School, and the same year was ad-
mitted to the Bar in New Haven county, and he
began practice at Hartford Sept. i, 1881, having
continued there ever since with unvarying success.
Mr. Clarke has been quite prominent in the public
affairs of the city, having served in the Court of
Common Council from the Fifth ward in 1884, as
member of the board of school visitors in West
Hartford for three years, and from 1884 to 1897
as member of that board in Hartford, being sec-
retary of same for three years. His services have
ever been characterized by the highest efficiency
and fidelity to duty.
On May 19, 1893, Mr. Clarke was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Moore Robinson, daughter
of Thomas and Margaret (Moore) Robinson, of
Middletown, Conn., and they have one child, Ar-
thur Robinson, born June 15, 1895. Mr. Clarke
is a member of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. M.,
West Hartford, and has attained the thirty-second
degree in the Fraternity, being also a member of the
Mystic Shrine ; he also united with Crescent Lodge,
Knights of Pythias, and with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is
given to the Democratic party.
LUCIUS H. UTLEY. For over one hundred
years the home at No. 55 Blue Hills avenue, Hart-
ford, has been occupied by the Utley family, and
there the head of the present family, Lucius H.
Utley, was born Sept. 25, 1828, a son of Henry
Utley, who was a;lso born in the same house. The
family are but the third generation from the founder
in this section. Joseph Utley came here 'from
Rhode Island in the early days; he was a minister
and circuit rider, and also founded the Baptist
Church at Albany, N. Y., to which place he rode
for services. All New England knew Elder Utley,
and when he died it was to leave to his family an
imtarnished reputation and the memory of a sainted
life. His wife was Temperance Horton, a native
of Gilead, Conn., who bore him three children, all
long since deceased.
Henry Utley was a tanner, and carried on busi-
ness for many years in a large tannery that stood
on the old homestead. He spent his entire life here,
and died, in 1861, in a house adjoining the present
one, when he was aged sixt3'-six years. In poli-
tics he was a Republican. He married Mary
Baker, a native of Brooklyn, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of Parde Baker, who came from Brooklyn to
Hartford in 1814, and purchased a farm near the
Utley homestead, also engaging as a brick manu-
facturer; he died at the age of eighty years. Mrs.
Mary (Baker) Utley became the mother of seven
children, three of whom are living: Lucy, who
married Anson Mills, of Bloomfield ; Elizabeth, who
married Charles L. Tuttle ; and Lucius H., our sub-
ject. The mother died in 1867, at the age of sixty-
five years. Henry Utley and his family were all
members of the Baptist Church.
Lucius H. Utley passed his early years at home,
and received such preliminary education as the city
schools afforded, later attending an academy at
Biift'alo. On his return from school he assisted his
father in farming until the latter's death, when
our subject bought out the other heirs, and now
owns the entire homestead, consisting of sixty-five
acres. He raises quite a large quantity of tobacco,
and is now running a retail milk route, keeping
thirty-five cows, for the most part Jerseys. For a
number of years he engaged in buying cattle through
the New England States, and has in every way
proven himself a fine business man, meeting with
good success in every line he has undertaken.
In 1854 Mr. Utley was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah J. House, of Hartford, Conn., a daugh-
ter of Truman B. and Sarah (Hubbard) House, the
fonner of whom was a carpenter, and when
Mrs. Utley was a child brought his family from
Glastonbury to Hartford, where he learned his
trade; he then located in Wes-tfield, Mass., later
returning to Hartford. His death occurred in New
Britain in 1875, when he was aged sixty-eight years.
In every respect he was a self-made man, and his
fortune, which at the beginning of his career was
but fifty cents, at its' close was $40,000. Sarah
(Hubbard) House was a native of Glastonbury, a
daughter of Ira and Anna (Stratton) Hubbard, the
former of whom was a son of Jonathan Hubbard,
an early settler of Glastonbury, and was a cabinet
maker by trade. Mrs. Anna (Stratton) Hubbard
was a native of Glastonbury, and became the mother
of six children.
Mr. and Mrs. Utley have become the parents
of four children, as follows : Charles H., a farmer,
married Lilly Blake, and has three children, Maud,
Lucius and Blake ; Martin T. is at home with his
father; Herbert S., at home, has charge of the milk
route ; Mary L. was educated in the Connecticut
schools and in Hatfield Female Seminary, in which
latter institution she remained five years, and is
a highly cultured young lady. In politics Mr. Utley
is an ardent Republican, and takes an active part
in all progressive movements.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
319
CHARLES E. (jILBERT, assistant secretary of
the -Etna Life Insurance Co., of Hartford, is de-
bcended from an old Connecticut family.
(1) Jonathan Gilbert, a remote ancestor, was
a citizen of Hartford in 1645, ^'^d died there in
1682, at the age of sixty-four. He was a leader
on occasions of danger and importance ; was at
various times collector of the customs, marshal of
the colony, representative in the General Court, and
negotiator- with troublesome Indians. His tomb-
stone now stands in the rear of the Center Congre-
gational church in Hartford.
(,H) Samuel Gilbert (i), son of Jonathan, was
one of the proprietors to whom patents were grant-
ed on the organization of the town of Colchester,
about iCkjS, and he passed the rest of his life there,
dying in 1733.
(HI) Samuel Gilbert (2), son of the above,
settled in Gilead, Conn., and was a member of the
Society's commit'tee of that parish at its organiza-
tion, in 1748.
(IV) Samuel Gilbert (3) also lived in Gilead,
Conn. He held a number of military offices,
among others being captain of a company in the
3rd Regiment, raised to go against Crown Point in
1755. He died in 1774, and is said to have left an
estate worth i6,ooo.
(V) Samuel Gilbert (4) was a resident of
Hebron, Conn. He was lieutenaiu in the 12th Con-
necticut Regiment in 1775, was Judge of the court
of common pleas for a period of twenty-one years,
and deputy to the General Assembly during four
sessions of that body.
(VI) Peyton Randolph Gilbert, son of Samuel
(4), resided in Gilead, where he was a farmer by
occupation. He served in the House of Represent-
atives, and in the State Senate.
(VII) Edwin Randolph Gilbert, eldest son of
Peyton R., was born Feb. 10, 1808, in Gilead, town
of Hebron, and attended the public schools of his
native town and the jNIondon (Mass.) Academy.
He was graduated from Yale in 1829, and from
Yale Theological Seminary in 1832, immediately
becoming pastor of the Congregational Church in
the town of \\'allingford. Conn., and retaining that
office forty-one years.
■ (\"III) Charles E. Gilbert, the subject proper
\ of this sketch, was born Nov. 8, 1836, in the town
of ^^'a^ingford, receiving his education in the
schools of that town and at Farmington, Conn. At
an early age he entered the store of Joseph Langdon,
in Hartford, as clerk. Later he removed to the
city of New York, being employed in a wholesale
<lry-goods house. Returning to Connecticut, he
I was in 1864 and 1865 occupied in the office of the
; United States military commandant and chief mus-
I tering officer for Connecticut and Rhode Island. In
1868 he was appointed cashier of the ^Etna Life
Insurance Co. of Hartford; later was made assist-
ant secretary, and has ever since performed the du-
ties of tliat office. His political affiliations are with
the Republican party. He has been a member of the
State militia and of the Governor's Foot Guard,
and has served as adjutant of the latter. He mar-
ried X'irginia E., dauglUer of Aaron G. Crane, a
merchant of New York City. Their children are:
Albert Waldron, an electrician and mechanical en-
gineer, now superintendent of construction in the
employ of the Electric Vehicle Co. of New York ;
Edwin Randolph, general manager of the Chicago
Electric Traction Co. ; and C. Allan, a prominent
illustrator, residing in New York City.
MARCENA HITCHCOCK, who departed this
life Jan. 18, 1900, left behind him a record for use-
fulness and progressiveness second to none in the
county.
Mr. ITitchcock was born June 19, 1832, in Leb-
anon, N. Y., of an old New England family, which
originated with three brothers who came from Eng-
land in early times, settling in Massachusetts.
Joseph Hitchcock, grandfather of our subject, was
born in ^Massachusetts, whence he moved to New
York, becoming one of the early settlers of Leb-
anon, where he followed agricultural pursuits.
Samuel Hitchcock, father of Marcena, was born in
Lebanon, was a carpenter by trade, and died in
Madison, N. Y., at the age of sixty-six years.
By his wife. Prudence (Groves), he had three chil-
dren, only one of whom is now living — Joseph W.,
of Lebanon. The mother of these passed away at
the age of eighty years.
Marcena Hitchcock, the subject proper of this
iTiemoir, passed his earlier years in New York State,
receiving his education at the common schools, and
being a natural-born mechanic, he decided to make
that'trade his life work. Accordingly, at the age
of twenty-one. he went to L'tica, N. Y., and there
worked as a machinist five years ; thence moved; to
Philadelphia, and for a time was employed in the
Sharp & Hankins Armory. In 1S66 he came to
Hartford, and here followed his trade in the Weed
Sewing Machine Works, later, for the long period
of eighteen years, being with the Pope ^lanufac-
turing Co., and ranking among the oldest of the
"contractors" with that firm. He was afterwards
with Henry Billings. In 1883 was organized the
Billings & Hitchcock Knit Goods business, in Hart-
ford, Mr. Billings, however, soon afterward selling
out to i\Ir. Curtiss, the firm name then becoming
the Hitchcock & Curtiss Co., with Mr. Hitchcock
ar president, which position he was holding at the
time of his decease. Death claimed him at tlie
very height of his prosperity, and after he had seen
the industrv grow from its infancy, employing a
couple of girls, to its present magnitude, equipped
with modern machinery, and giving employment
to some sixty hands. The product of the factory,
woolen and stockinet goods, was steadily increased,
mainly by Mr. Hitchcock's capable management,
skill, and perseverance. His widow now holds
stock in the factorv. He was, without exception.
320
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the oldest and most successful machinist in the
city, and his place will be hard to fill. He built the
residence still occupied by ]\'Irs. Hitchcock, also the
factory near by, on Broad street. In politics he was
a Republican, but invariably declined office of any
nature. Socially he was a member of the Knights
of Pythias.
In 1858 Marcena Hitchcock was married to Julia
E. Read, born in New York State, a daughter of
George B. and Mary Jane (West) Read (the for-
mer a native of Jewett City, Conn.), and grand-
daughter of James Read, who was a cotton manu-
facturer at Lebanon, N. Y., there operating a cot-
ton mill for some years. From Lebanon James
Read removed to New Hartford, N. Y., where he
passed the rest of his days, dying in 1866, at the
age of seventy years, a Democrat in politics, and a
member of the F. & A. JM. He married Eunice
Bunce, by whom he had seven children. She died
in 1866, a member of the Universalist Church, while
her husband was a Baptist.
George B. Read, father of Mrs. Hitchcock, in
early life moved from Lebanon to New Hartford,
N. Y., and there attended a private school. By
ttade he was a mechanic, which he followed for a
long time in Utica, N. Y., being an expert in rifling
guns. He died at Jefferson, N. Y., at the age of
stventy-nine years. In 1836 he married Mary Jane
West, who was born in Rome, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1816,
a daughter of Joseph West, a native of Massachu-
setts, but who spent the greater part of his life in
Rome, N. Y., as an agriculturist. He married
Mary Hawley, a native of Vermont, and by her had
six children, three of whom are living: Mary Jane
(Mrs. G. B. Read), Benjamin and Phoebe. The
mother of these died at Black River, N. Y., at the
patriarchal age of ninety-eight years. At one time
there were two representatives of five generations
of this family living. To Mr. and Mrs. George B.
Read were born five children, all yet living, as is
also the mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Marcena Hitchcock became the
parents of two children : ( i ) Lewis D. is in San
Francisco, .Cal., in the employ of a typewriter syn-
dicate; he married M. A. Barr. (2) Ahce W. is the
wife of Harry F. Orcott, a civil engineer, at pres-
ent residing in London, England; they have two
children, Arthur H. and Marcena. Mr. Hitchcock
always attended the Universalist Church, which
his family also attend.
REV. EDWARD PAYSON HAMMOND, M.
A., the evangelist of Hartford, who has preached
to hundreds of thousands of people in this and
foreign lands, and through whose words thousands
have been led to a better life, probably to-day has
no superior in the art of reaching souls and bring-
ing them to Christ.
Born Sept. i, 1831, in Ellington, Tolland Co.,
Conn., son of Elijah and Esther (Griswold) Flam-
mond, the evangelist has descended from a sturdy
New England ancestry of the Puritan type, through,
whose veins coursed some of the best blood that
came to the colonies. Thomas Hammond, the first
American ancestor of the family, came to this coun-
try, locating at Hingham, Mass., in 1635 ; while
George Griswold, from whom the evangelist de-
scended on his mother's side, came from Kenil-
worth, Warwickshire, England, in the early set-
tlement of the Colony of Connecticut, and became
the progenitor of some of the most distinguished
men of New England, among them being Matthew
Griswold, governor of Connecticut from 1784 to
1786; and Roger Griswold, governor of the State
in 181 1, who died in office.
At the age of seven years young Hammond ac-
companied his parents to the town of Vernon, Conn.,
they having removed thither at the time, and there
he made his home until some years ago, when he
settled in Hartford, in which city he and his wife
are now passing the evening of life. Mr. Ham-
mond passed the years of his boyhood and youth
among the hills of Vernon. Fie attended school in
Southington, where he was converted in answer to
the prayers of his God-fearing parents. Later he
completed his academic preparation in Phillip's
Academy, at Andover, Mass. Immediately after his
conversion he began active efforts to win souls for
the Master, holding meetings with other students
in the neighboring villages. In 1854 he entered
Williams College, from which he was graduated in
1858. During his college course, and without
neglecting his studies, he seemed to have but one
end in view, that of saving souls, and bent all the
force of his nature in that direction. Following
his graduation he entered Union Theological Sem-
inary, at New York. In 1859 he went abroad, ex-
pecting to be gone a few months only, but an over-
ruling Providence directed him to the Free Church
College at Edinburgh, Scotland, whither he went
for study. There his desire for spiritual work was
irrepressible, and he was sent by Dr. L. W. Alex-
ander to Musselburgh to labor with that people, ,
the Doctor saying in substance as he went, "if you
can save this church you can succeed anywhere."
He introduced American melodies and inquiry meet-
ings, among both children and adults, as he preached
the uplifted Christ. The blessino-s attending his .
work M'ere marvelous. He was approved and
sought after bv such eminent men as Rev. William
Arnot, D. D., and Rev. IToratius Boner, D. D., the
former saying of him, 'T should fear to offend-
the Lord if I did not acknowledge his servant."
After addressing immense multitudes, conduct-
ing evangelistic work in Scotland, and preaching
through an interpreter in Italy, Mr. Hammond re-
turned, after an absence of two years, to America.
The fame of God's blessings upon his labors in
Scotland preceded him, as he began evangelistic
work in Boston in September, 1861, after which
came invitations from Portland, Maine, and other
New England points. Fie accomplished a great
^^^/^^Vv^Z^-^^-^^z^-^Z^z^g^^^^?^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
321
work in Lewiston, which extended to Bowdoin Col-
lege. In 1862 Mr. Hammond labored with great
results in Canada, addressing audiences of three
thousand in Montreal. He also visited New York
City, speaking in Dr. Hatfield's Church, among the
converts being a sporting man who became a power
in reaching and influencing men of his own class.
In the year 1863 Mr. Hammond was ordained as an
evangelist by the Presbytery of New York, and
with that bod\- he has ever since been connected.
P"rom this time on through the 'sixties he labored
with great earnestness all over this country. At the
invitation of Drs. Theodore Cuyler and Buddington,
of Brooklyn, he conducted meetings in that city for
a period of four weeks, holding three meetings
daily, and with much blessing. As a result of his
meetings in Utica and Rochester, N. Y., six hun-
dred were converted in the former, and a thousand
from the Sabbath-school alone added to the churches
in the latter, Dr. Shaw regarding the work as the
greatest that city had ever enjoyed. Mr. Ham-
mond held meetings in Boston, at Auburn, Law-
rence and Bridgeport, winning many souls in each
place. In Newark, N. J., in 1S64, that city, as the
result of his efforts, w-itnessed its greatest revival,
upward of 1,300 having been added to the churches
from the Sabbath-schools. It was at this time that
the hymn "Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By," which
is descriptive of the scene then witnessed, was
composed by Miss Campbell. This same year his
labors in Buffalo, Chicago and St. Paul were
crowned with conversions, and in Chicago Mr.
Hammond and IMr. !Moody worked together. Again
in 1865 he had much blessing in New Jersey towns.
That same year he was in Detroit and Ann Arbor,
and during a stay of ten weeks in Philadelphia,
where at times the Academy of Music was rented
at an expense of $1/5 per night, several thousand
souls were added to the churches. He also did
good work that year in Binghamton and Elmira,
New York.
Early in 1866 Mr. Hammond conducted meet-
ings at Towanda. Penn., Corning and Hornellsville,
N. Y. At Erie, in that year, many united with
the churches. Peoria, 111., it was estimated, re-
ceived a thousand converts, and Springfield and
vicinity three thousand, as the result of J^Ir. Ham-
mond's efforts. Among these, at Peoria, were
thirty-seven out of sixty-three inmates of the jail.
As a result of his preaching for one week at Girard,
Penn.. tlie membership of the churches w-as doubled.
After his marriage, in ^May, 1866, to Miss Eliza
Overton, of Towanda, Penn., Mr. Hammond went
abroad with his w-ife, visiting, among other places
of interest, Palestine, Egypt, and the scenes of his
earlier triumphs in Scotland, "ilr. Moody, then
paying his first visit to London, stated that' he be-
lieved not less than fifty thousand had been added
to the churches in the United States up to that
time — 1867 — through the instrumcntalitv of ^Ir.
Hammond." In 1868 Gen. Booth ascribed to Air.
21
Hammond the influence by which he was induced
to enter upon his great career, and many ministers
have given him the credit of having led them into
the ministry. Early in 1869 Mr. Hammond re-
turned to America, and for a second time labored
in Rochester, where there were several thousand-
converts. Later he passed four weeks in Indianap-
olis, and six in Cincinnati, the result of his labors
in the latter city and vicinity being estimated at
five thousand converts. Following this, in 1870 and
1871, Evansville, Ind., Milwaukee, Wis., Provi-
dence, R. I., Brooklyn, N. Y., Newark, N. J.. Leav-
enworth, Lawrence, Topeka, Atchison and other
Kansas towns, were the scenes of his labors, and
large additions to the churches followed. After
a great work in 1874 in St. Louis he, with twenty-
one workers, made a trip to Galveston and other
points in Texas and the Indian Territory. He
went a second time to the Pacific coast in 1874-75,
and his labors through California and Washington
Territory were attended with a e'rcat outpouring of
the Holy Spirit. His travels extended into British
Columbia and Alaska. In the great Western cam-
paign of those years from seven thousand to nine
thousand united with the churches.
Returning to the East, Mr. Hammond labored!
with great results in Washington, D. C, in 1875,.
and also at Harrisburg, Penn., and through the-
Cumberland A'alley. The principal scenes of his
labors in 1877 ^nd 1878 were Yonkers and Roches-
ter, N. Y. (third time), Parkersburg. W. Va.,.
iMarietta. Zanesville, Columbus and Delaware. Ohio,,
and Joplin, Mo. In 1879 he visited and did good
work in Allegheny. Edinboro, Cambridge and South
Pittsburg. In 1881 he visited the South, including'
the cities of Nashville and Memphis, Tenn. He
labored in Cambridgeport, Boston, Middleboro and
Newark (third time), in Brooklyn Tabernacle (N.
Y.), and in the Bermuda Islands. In 1883 he passed
much time in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and west-
ern New York.
The foregoing summary of the record of Evan-
gelist Hammond is condensed from "The Reaper
and The Harvest," 550 pages, edited by Rev. P. C.
Hadley. which includes the record from 1862 to
^^77 given by Rev. Dr. Charles L. Thompson, of
New York.
During the winter of 1890-91 Air. Hammond
did evangelistic work in Washington. D. C, and the
previous winter he was in the mining districts of
Colorado — two fields in as strong a contrast as can
well be imagined, but neither without a harvest.
He has been abroad three different times — alto-
gether seven and a half years — and through the in-
fluence of his work in London, in which citv he
passed sixteen weeks in 1867. the "Children's Spe-
cial Service Mission" was inaugurated, which So-
ciety now publishes books and leaflets in fiftv dif-
ferent languages. Fle held meetings in Norwav
and Sweden, and he and Mrs. Hammond were in-
vited by Queen Sophia to her palace.
322
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
From the writings of Dr.
C. E. Babb, one of
the editors of the Herald and Presbyter, is extracted
the following: "While a student at Edinburgh he
Avas invited to hold meetings in a vacant church
six miles distant. Here he labored so earnestly and
wisely that there was a great religious awakening ;
hundreds were converted ; ministers in Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Aberdeen and other cities heard of this
revival ; they recognized in the youthful evangelist
a man called of God to a special work ; they in-
vited him to their pulpits ; thousands and tens of
thousands who never entered the churches were
drawn to these meetings, and many of them be-
came Christians. After laboring thus two years in
Scotland, going only where the ministers and
churches invited him, not setting himself up as
a leader, but yielding to the urgencv of the ablest
and best men of the land, that he should use the
gifts with which God had endowed him, he re-
turned to his native land. He did not announce
himself as an evangelist, or seek conspicuous fields
of labor ; but accepted first the invitations that came
to him to aid ministers in hard and comparatively
obscure localities. God was always with him, as
in Scotland. Wherever he went the people thronged
to hear him, and multitudes were brought to Christ.
After five years of evangelistic labor in New Eng-
land and the far West Mr. Hammond again went
abroad. He spent many months holding meetings
in England, Scotland and Ireland, and on the Con-
tinent. He preached daily for sixteen weeks in
London to large audiences, part of the time in
Spurgeon's tabernacle, which was full night after
night.
"Since Mr. Hammond's return from Europe
the second time, he has held meetings in towns and
cities from Minneapolis, in Minnesota, to Galves-
ton, Texas, and from the shores of Lake Erie to
Denver. He has gone to none of these places with-
out special invitation. Wherever he has been the
various evangelical churches have been drawn to-
gether in brotherly love and cordial co-operation.
In everv place there have been conversions, not only
of the children, but of men and women, not a few
of whom had previously been notoriously wicked.
The converts, with fev/ exceptions, are faithful and
useful members of the churches. One of the most
successful of Mr. Hammond's meetings was that
in St. Louis. The largest halls in the city were
crowded day after day, and one of the pastors has
recentlv stated that over five thousand persons were
added to the churches of St. Louis as the result of
these special services.''
The late Dr. Goodell, in speaking of the work
in St. Louis, said : "Over two hundred union
meetings have been held, those in the morning al-
ways crowded, as well as those in the evening.
From the first the work has continued silent, deep
and powerful, and entirely free from any excess.
The prayer of yesterday is answered to-day. The
doctrines of the cross are uttered, and straight-
way the soul cries out, "What shall I do to be
saved ?'
"A business man is strongly entrenched in world-
liness to-day; tomorrow he says, 'Sir, we would
see Jesus ;' and the next day he has sought his
neighbor. All past enmity is reconciled, and they
are kneeling together at the foot of the cross. How
soon God, by his power, can change the whole
moral aspect of a community, and direct into new
channels the currents of thought and feeling and
activity ! Every Christian here feels that surpris-
ing advance, which must be permanent, has been
made in the spiritual tone of this city. I was pres-
ent at the great Opera House last night, and saw
the four thousand, five hundred people gathered
there listening with rapt and tearful interest, hour
after hour, to the plainest Gospel truths from the
lips of Mr. Hammond, whom God has made a
pillar of light and power in all this work."
Of the first four of his nine weeks in San Fran-
cisco Mr. Crosby, a fellow townsman, thus wrote
to the Rockville (Conn.) Journal: "1 suppose I
shall not exceed the truth in stating that since ar-
riving in San Francisco Mr. Hammond has held
one hundred services, and spoken to fully one hun-
dred thousand people. I am not informed of the
number of conversions, but know they reach into
the thousands, and include among the number Jews,
infidels, heathens, harlots, backshders, business men,
California street brokers, and children in large
numbers, and, judging from the tone of the papers,
some of the reporters must have been somewhat
softened, if not changed. In fact, it has been a
general revival of religion among all classes and
conditions of men. Mr. Hammond has been blessed
abundantly, and he gives the whole glory to Christ ;
this seems to be his prevailing thought, 'Jetus does
it all'"
Rev. I. W. Hathaway, D. D., of New York, a
conservative minister in the Presbyterian Church,
at a meeting in Jersey City, in the Rev. J. L. Scud-
der's church, said that he believed that Mr. Ham-
mond had, during his long career as an evangelist,
been the agent under God of leading more souls to
Christ than any other person now present on the
face of the globe. "I say this," he repeated, "de-
liberately, and, I believe, intelligently, not except-
ing Mr. Moody or any evangelist, and if you will
fall in with his plans, and support him with your
prayers and efforts, you may have a rich blessing
from God here."
From his comfortable home, in the beautiful
city of Hartford, Evangelist Hammond still goes
forth with abiding strength on his soul-saving mis-
sion. He visited Charleston, S. C early in tb.e
year igoo, and from the News and Courier of that
city the following estimate of the elements of his
success are taken :
His place as a preacher. The cross of Christ is most
distinctly outlined in his own mind, and is, therefore, vividly
presented to his hearers. The substance of his sermons is^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
323
Tuin through sin and present full redL-mption throush Christ,
who was " wounded tor our transgn-ssions and bruisi-il tor
our iniquities." Tlie siibstituticm ol Christ in the snincr's
place, the full satisfaction lo Divine justice, the full justifi-
cation of the sinner in God's sight on account of the Savior's
work, and the believer's privilege to live ever in the light of
conscious acceptance with God, are the notes that he is
never weary of ringing in the people's ears. His powers of
illustration are remarkable. He is eminently successful in
picturing before his audience whatever scene he is trying to
impress on their minds. The attention of children, there-
fore, never flags, and his influence over them, through vivid
picturing of the plan of salvation, has been greatly bles.sed
alike to their instruction and salvation. The criticism that
might be founded on his too great urgency in bringing children
to an announcement of a decision for Christ is largely shorn of
its strength by the fact that he is as careful to make them in-
telligent as he is to make them decided. He gives them a
reason for the hope that he would have them entertain, ft
is his custom in separating the young converts from the
audience to have the pastors examine them asto the grounds
of their faith in Christ. Brief as this examination must tie,
he solemnly and distinctly urges that it is to be pointedly
made, and as clearly warns the children against the profes-
sion of a love for Christ for wliich they cannot give some
simple and Scriptural reason. His preaching, then, whether
to children or adults, consists in a clear, well-detined and
well-illustrated statement of the central doctrine of the
cross. His system of truth is cast in Biblical rather than
technical or theological forms. The personality of Jesus;
the Fatherhood of God, calling for confidence and filial love;
the joyfulness of Christ's service, and the certainty of its
re-wards in a real Heaven of endless progress and endless
work — these truths come from his lips with the freshness
and force which only a deep conviction of them can give
His manner of preaching is in harmony with the matter of
it. Buoyant, almost boyish, with a certain physical exuber-
ance, with a fine commingling of joyfulness and seriousness,
he commends his religion as something that will give relish
to this life as well as blessedness to the next. He is no
ascetic, removed from the people and shading their thoughts
with pictures of religious gloom. He brings a dash of Chris-
tian sunlight and a breath of free Christian courage and
hope with every sermon. Add to this his earnestness, which
never weakens; his directness of purpose, which never
swerves, and he is before us as an evangelist a large measure
of whose success is in his loyalty to the truth, his sense of its
power, his wisdom in presenting it, and his e.irnestness in
enforcing it as the very word of God— the diarter of Chris-
tian liberty and the guide to a happy Chiristian life and
work.
Another element of success is in his generalship. He
has singular tact in setting people to work. Many of our
later evangelists are gifted in this direction. Indeed, the
spirit of the time points to this as one of the coming meth-
ods. It was announced by Wesley long ago; "AUatitand
always at it." It was announced by Paul much longer ago
in his appeals to personal devotion. All great evangelists
are enthusiasts. Mr. Hammond owes much to a natural en-
thusiasm of mind. In any calling he would have been ardent,
impulsive, enthusiastic. 'This state of mind, sanctified by
grace, becomes mighty in religion. It discounts or deni-'S dis-
couragements, it transfigures hope, and in its beautiful light
turns it into success. It bridges streams and levels moun-
tains and batters down walls. It enables man to make the
most of himself, the most of his opportunities, the most of
the grace of God. It pictures above the clouds the ideal
result of the battle begun below. * * *
Mr. Hammond has written probably a hundred
books and tracts, among them beintj: The "Con-
version of Children." Jesus the Wax, Sketches of
Palestine, The Better Life and How to Find It,
Roger's Travels, "Stories for Children," "Gems of
Praise," etc.
Tlie following, from Rev. F. B. Mver, pastor
•of Christ Church, London, was published in the
"London Christian." He was the successor of Dr.
Xewman Hall.
When a young clerk in London, in a city counting house,
I was attracted to the service which Rev. E. Payson Ham-
mon<l was holding in the chapel of the venerated BajUist
Noel. I could ])ick out the seat to-day where I sat, and 1
can never forget the effect produced upon me. It was the
first breath of revival spirit which had ever swept across iny
heart, and it strangely touched me. The hymns have lin-
gered in my memory, and the scenes of children gathering
around that noble form are vivid as I write. Since then I
have eagerly read every scrap of news of .Mr. Ham-
mond's work as he lias carried the tidings of the Gosjiel to
the East and to the West, stirring with his words vast multi-
tudes of men. I am increasingly enamored of the work
among children. They have not to unlearn those habits of
doubts and misconception which hinder so many from
accepting the Gospel. It is natural for them to trust One
whom they can't see, to give him their choicest treasures, to
conform themselves to his sweet life. None but those who
have worked among children could creditthe readiness with
which they receive the Gospel. When they have received
it they are frank in confessing, and so are eager to win
others to Him whom they find so dear. There is everything
in our Saviour to charm and attract children, and His dear
Gospel does not present difficulties to their simple faith.
The Lord told us to become as little children that we might
enter His Kingdom. Truly, then, little children themselves
have not far to go; " only a step to Jesus."
With these thoughts in my heart, I was thoroughly
aroused when I saw that Mr. Hammond was again to visit Eng-
land. I had become pastor of a church with two thousand
young people under its care and with splendid school premises,
and I felt that I would spare no effort to induce him to visit
us. I knew how eagerly his services would be caught up,
but I never rested till I got a favorable reply. Even though
I had but a short notice we were able to give him large
audiences of children, in addition to the general services for
adults. Mr. Hammond has a wonderful influence over chil-
dren. I have wondered where the secret lay. His stories
are wonderful, but others could tell them. His hymns are
sweet, but others could sing them. His methods are good,
but others can employ them. And yet, when all this is put
together, a marvelous effect is produced. I think his prin-
cipal power consists in the presentation of the sufferings of
Christ for sinful men, given with d rect dependence on the
Holy Spirit. It is impossible to judge of the effect of an
address during the meeting. Sometimes, when it would
seem as if no special impression had been made, yet seat
after seat is full of children, anxious to know how to give
their hearts to Christ.
One little boy, when bidden to go home by a worker
who thought him too young to understand, burst into tears
and said he was waiting for some one to speak to him about
Jesus Christ. Others who went away under deep conviction,
came again and again, until some evening their faces would
beam with new found joy. And there were many cases in
which they brought their little friends to get the blessing
which they themselves had received. In my young Chris-
tians' class, which was swollen by large accessions of dear
young converts, scores of hands were held up by those who
had the delight of leading their companions to Christ. Tes-
timonials have come in to me from parents and teachers. In
some cases the whole of the class has been brought to Jesus.
There is hardly one in which there are not cases of deep
impression and conversion. The altered lives at home are
sweet testimonies to the genuiness of the work done. I am
more than satisfied with the results. The teachers urge me
to hold an after meeting at the close of the Sunday-school
each Sunday afternoon, that the fire may not die down, and
that the oil may not stay for the want of vessels to store it.
After a week of these blessed services Mr. Hammond
passed on to the other churches, where similar results have
accrued. (Between four and five hundred have given in
their names, professing to be converted.) At the close of
one of the services a teacher was found at the end of a pew
bathed in tears, because she feared that her class of young
§24
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ladies was going away unsaved. Sureiy tears like these are
dear to Him who wept over those whom He would fain
have gathered under the wmgs of His love. Nor were they
without effect, for they awakened a deep concern m her
scholars' hearts, who hnally yielded to the love of Christ.
I know many Cl?iristians whose hearts have been quickened
by work among the children, and who will never cease to
thank God that Mr. Hammond was ever led to visit England.
From what 1 have seen of Mr. Hammond and his work I
almost grudge him to ordinary evangelistic services. He
has great power over a large mixed audience. But this is a
field which is trodden by so many stalwart reapers. I should
like him to go up and down through England and America
gathering large multitudes of children and people for the Sa-
viour. Surely the results of such a campaign could never be
estimated. It's benefits would be found in thousands of homes
and churches for the next generation, and might furnish
hosts of ministers, evangelists and missionaries for the
Church of Christ. It seems to me that no work would bring
wider or quicker returns, for it is possible in the same time
to win about ten children for every individual adult. I
would not write thus if Mr. Hammond were constantly work-
ing on the feelings or upon the fears of the children. The
appeal is made to their love and to their sense of what He
deserves from them, who bore their sins in His body on the
tree.
Mr. Hammond is a gentleman of marked per-
sonality. He has a nervous temperament, with
quick observation, keen perception, and intuitive
judgment. Physically, as well as mentally, he is
alert and active, possesses a thoroughly vigorous
constitution, with pleasing and impressive features.
He is esteemed, at home and abroad, no less for
his high personal traits than for his distinguished
services in the advancement of Christianity through-
out the world.
MRS. ELIZA (OVERTON) HAMMOND, of
Hartford. "In May, 1866, Rev. Edward P. Ham-
mond was married to Miss Eliza Overton, of
Towanda, Penn., who still retains the grace and
personal charm for which her maternal ancestry of
Revolutionary time were famous."
Mrs. Hammond, who is a native of Towanda,
Penn., is the daughter of the late Edward Overton,
one of the foremost lawyers of Pennsylvania, and
of Eliza Clymer, among whose ancestry are some
of the most distinguished names in American his-
tory, including such men as Hon. George Clymer,
Hon. Thomas Willing, Hon. Reese Meredith, and
Hon. Samuel Carpenter.
Edward Overton, the father of our subject, was
■born Dec. 30, 1795, in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Eng-
land. He received a good English and classical
education, and was prepared to commence the study
of law, entering the office of his uncle, Giles Bleas-
dale, a very eminent English lawyer, wdio took a
great interest in the welfare of his nephew. Be-
fore the expiration of the five years for which time
he was articled to his uncle, he came to America,
settling first in Wilkes Barre, Penn. He was there
examined by a committee of the best legal talent
of the district, and, ■'hough not twenty-one years
of age, was admitted to practice at the Court of
Common Pleas of the State, showing at that time
that he was possessed of a natural legal acumen
and a sound knowledge of law. When twenty-
five years of age he began practice. He located ii:i
Towanda, where he resided until his .death. He
was soon admitted to the Supreme Court, and rose
rapidly to a foremast rank as an attorney. He was
actively engaged in the practice of law for more
than fifty years, and at the time of his death was
the oldest member of the local Bar. Probably the
proudest success of his long brilliant career lay in
the fact that his character for honor and honesty
was absolutely above suspicion. In his old age he
was surrounded by all the accessories of culture and
refinement that his earlier education and tastes fitted
him to enjoy. He also understood the "giving
which does not impoverish," and his hand was
ever open to relieve the poor and suffering. Soon
after locating" at Towanda he united with the Pres-
byterian Church of that place, a.nd to the church and
schools was munificent in aid, as well as to any
enterprise that had for its object the elevation of
society. In 1818 Mr. Overton was married to Eliza,
daughter of Henry Clymer, of Philadelphia.
The genealogy of Mrs. Eliza (Overton) Ham-
mond in maternal lines is as follows: She. is a
descendant in the sixth generation from Richard
Clymer, a native of Bristol, and a shipping mer-
chant, who came to this country from England,
the line of her descent being through Christopher,
George, Henry and Eliza Clymer.
(Ill) George Clymer was born June 11, 1739-
One writer has said: "George Clymer was one
of the men who made the success of the Revolu-
tion possible, without the display which made many
men more prominent. From the first shot fired at
Bunker Hill, to the final adoption of the Constitu-
tion, he was indefatigable in his efforts for his
country's good. Unlike many men who gained fame
in these tim^s, Clvmer was a man of wealth, with
a prominent social position, and with nothing to gain
by revolution save the glory of his country's inde-
pendence. He did not urge the war, and earnestly
hoped for a peaceful adjustment of the dift'erence,
but, once commenced, he eagerly sought means of
aiding the struggle to victory, and at one time
pledged his entire fortune to the support of the army,
when the weak-kneed Continental Congress would
have gladly abandoned everything" for an assurance
of personal bodily safety. Clymer was prominent in
the convention called to adopt a constitution, and sat
in the first Congress. He once said his guidin,g
political text was: 'A representative of the people
should think for his constituents, and not with his
constituents.' He was the founder and first presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,
and a director and large investor in the Bank of the
United States." His wife, Elizabeth Meredith, was
the daughter of Reese Meredith, and granddaughter
of Reese Meredith, the latter and his wife, J\[.
Wynne, coming to this country from Wales. Reese
Meredith (2) was born in Leominster, Hereford-
shire, Great Britain, in 1 708. He married Martha
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
825
C. Carpenter, and resided in Pennsylvania from
1729 to 1709. He died Nov. 14, 1778, at Phila-
delphia, in the winter of 1777-7^ he gave £5,000
to feed and clothe the perishing and starving
soldiers at \'alley Forge. He was the first person
to introduce Gen. (then Col.j Washington into
Philadelphia society. [Smith's "Lloyd and Carpen-
ter Lineage," Family AIss.]
Thomas Willing was the son of Charles and
Ann (Shippen) Willing, and grandson of Thomas
and Anne (Harrison) Willing, and was born in
Philadelphia Dec. 19, 1731. Fie married Ann Mc-
Call. Thomas \Villing was to have been one of
the signers of the Declaration of Lidepcndence, and
in the picture of Trumbull he is seen seated by Rob-
ert Morris ; and in the names given his appears.
Anne Willing and her sisters, daughters of Thomas
Willing (2), were the belles of Continental Phila-
delphia. Royalty even bowed before them, for when
Louis Philipne was an exile in this country
he went to Mr. Willing to ask his permis-
sion to address himself to his daughter Abby.
The fatlier rather bluntly assured him that, "if you
are one day restored to your kingdom and your
'crown, you are much too great a match for her;
if you are not, she is much too great a match
for you." Washington was a great admirer of Anne
Willing, and under her guidance made his advent
into Philadelphia society. Stuart's famous paint-
ing of the General was made for her. After 'ner
daughter became Lady Ashburton, she had a posi-
tion in London quite as prominent as she had for-
merly enjoyed in Philadelphia, and the house of
Baring obtained its enormous American following
largely through her influence. Through the Will-
ings our subject is connected with Mrs. John Jacob
Astor, of New York, and through the Willings
and Clymers with the family of the late Thomas
Bayard, former Secretary of State. Suie traces her
ancestry through the Willing family back twenty-
two generations to Robert Bruce, King of Scotland,
and she has papers showing the lineage in detail.
Mrs. Eliza (Overton) Hammond, our subject
proper, was liberally educated. She has passed
nearly five years in Europe, and has stood in the
presence of Royalty. She accompanied Mr. Ham-
mond to Alaska. In "The Reaper and the Harvest,"
a large volume giving an account of Mr. Ham-
mond's work, frequent allusion is made to her
assistance.
CHARLES BOARDMAN SMITH. In a
brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do
him exact justice, not so much, however, from lack
of space or words to set forth the familiar and pass-
ing events of his personal historv, as from the
want of the perfect and rounded conception of his
whole life, which grows, ripens, developing like
fruit, to disclose its true and best flavor only when
ic is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man
so familiarizes us with his many virtues that we
ordinarily overlook them, and commonly underes-
timate their ixjssessor. Nevertheless, while the man
l^asses away his deeds of virtue live on, and will in
due time bear fruit, and do him the justice which
the i>en fails to record.
-Mr. Smith was a native of the city of Hartford,
born July 31. 181 1, a son of Normand and Mary
(Boardman) Smith, who were of English descent.
He received his education at Lenox, Mass., and at
the age of twenty-two went to New Orleans, where
he embarked in business as a member of the firm
of Smith, Hubbard & Co., which was established in
1816, as a branch of the Hartford house, the latter
having been started in 1794 by Normand Smith,
the father of our subject.
From an article published in the Hartford
Coumiit of Dec. 5, 1894, we quote the following:
"In the Connecticut Courant of Aug. 11, 1794, the
following advertisement appeared :
NORMAND SMITH.
Six rods north of the Court House, most respectfully
informs ttie public, and his friends in particular, that he
carries on the saddlery business in all its branches. Also
makes Horseman's caps, Holsters, &c. He would in par-
ticular inform the ladies that he can furnish them Side Sad-
dles, made in the newest fashion calculated both for ease and
beauty.
Those who will please favor him with their custom may
depend on having their work done with neatness, fidelity
and dispatch, and on most reasonable terms by their humble
servant,
Normand Smith.
Hartford, August i), 1794.
"This brings out a striking pecularity of the
house, the fact that over one hundred years of its
existence was spanned by two generations, father
and son. It is doubtful if another such instance
can be chronicled in the country. Since that be-
ginning by Normand Smith the business of the firm
has continued uninterruptedly, and to-day enjoys
the distinction of being the oldest house of its line
in the country, and the oldest house in any line
in the city of Hartford. The style of the firin has
been successively: Normand Smith, 1794; Siuith,
Sheldon & Bigelow, 1818: Smith & Bigelow, 1822;
N. & T. Smith. 1824: N. 6t T. Smith & Co.. 1825;
Smith & Co., 1830: T. Smith & Co., 1835."
Charles B. Smith returned to Hartford from
New Orleans, in 1835, and began a long and suc-
cessful business career in the firm of T. Smith & Co..
which afterward became Smith, Bourn & Co., of
which he was the senior partner. In 1870 he with-
drew from the New Orleans house of Smith &
Brother, as the firm was there called ; but prior to
this he had opened a branch of the Hartford house
in New York under the firm name of T. Smith &
Co., which is now located at No. 40 Warren street,
the firm becoming C. B. Smith & Co., now Smith.
Worthington & Co. Benjamin A. Bourn, of the firm
of Smith, Bourn & Co., died in November. 1897.
and Jan. i, 1900. tlic parttiership existing under that
name was discontinued, Mr. Smith and Olcott B.
S26
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Colton taking the business, and entering into a co-
partnership as successors to Smith, Bourn & Co.,
at the same time retaining the old-time name of
the house. Mr. Smith, who had been in business
continuously for sixty-seven years, maintained
through life an unimpaired credit for himself and
his firm, standing- in honorable repute among the
business houses of the country.
Mr. Smith was twice married, the first time
Nov. 5, 1844, to Miss Frances M. Humphrey,
daughter of Lemuel Humphrey, of Hartford, and
after her decease he wedded, Oct. 3, 1855, Miss
Eliza A. Thayer, daughter of Deacon Lucius F.
.and Lydia (Ellsworth) Thayer, of Westfield, Mass.,
the former of whom died in 1843, at the age
of. forty-six years, and the. latter, a native of East
Windsor, Hartford county, died at the age of
eighty-three years. Of the six children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Thayer, five are yet living, namely :
Mrs. Andrew T. Hale, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; Mrs.
Samuel S. Sprague, of Providence, R. I. ; Mrs.
Chester D. Davison, of Hartford ; Mrs. Charles B.
Smith, of Hartford ; and Lucius F., on the old fam-
ily home in Westfield, Mass. One daughter survives
Mr. Smith, Mrs. Frances Eliza Miller, wife of Ira
Miller, of Westfield, Mass. They have four children
— Charles Boardman, James R., Preston T., and
Susan E. Two sisters and two brothers of Mr.
.Smith also survive him: Mrs. Caroline A. Morris,
of Binghamton, N. Y. ; Miss Mary Ann, of Hart-
ford ; Morris W. anrl J. Trumbull, both of New
York, and all are now well advanced in life. Two
brothers. Deacon Thomas Smith, formerly of Hart-
ford, and Rev. James Allwood Smith, formerly of
Unionville, Conn., died in 1882, while another
brother. Surgeon Andrew Kingsbury Smith, of the
United States army, who was retired with the rank
of Colonel in February, 1890, died in August, 1899.
The family was originally a numerous one, com-
prising as it did fifteen children, Charles B., of
whom we write, being ninth in the order of birth.
Charles B. Smith died Feb. 5, 1900, after a
twelve-days' illness from "la grippe," and his la-
mented death removed a notable figure from the
■city of Hartford, where for man_v- years he was
known as a man of great executive ability, and
where his work was in every way a memorable one.
He was one of the most successful business men in
Hartford, and by his employes, one and all, he was
much beloved and held in great reverence, his fu-
neral being attended by many of them, as well as
ty a large number of mourning friends and rela-
tives. In 1875 he erected the handsome family
residence at No. 66 Forest street, one of the finest
in Hartford.
In church matters Mr. Smith was the oldest
member of any society in Hartford, having been
connected originally with the Pearl Street Congre-
gational Church, and later, from 1866 to the time
of his decease, with the Asylum Hill Congrega-
tional Church. In politics he was an ardent Re-
publican, but at no time an office seeker, declining'
all positions that might call him from the activ-
ities of his chosen field. Years ago, in Hartford,
he was identified with the Governor's Foot Guard,
and for a long time was an honored member of the
Board of Trade. Mr. Smith was buried in Cedar
Hill cemetery, Hartford.
HENRY J. EATON, chief of the fire depart-
ment of Hartford, was born in that city Oct. 10,
1 83 1, of good Colonial stock. His ancestors were
early settlers in Tolland county, Conn., and his
grandfather, Solomon Eaton, a Revolutionary sol-
dier, was a farmer there. This worthy patriot served
three years as a dragoon and two in the infantry,
and notwithstanding the fact that he was shot
through the hips at the battle of Monmouth, he lived
to the advanced age of eighty-six, our subject hav-
ing seen him once, in 1841. He had five sons :
Jasper; Zared, who was a baker in Hartford in
1812 and up to 1853; Ralph; Luther, father of ex-
Senator W. Eaton ; and Alamander.
Alamander Eaton, our subject's father, was born
and reared on the old homestead m Tolland. In
1 816 he went to Hartford, where he was employed
some time by William H. Imlay (a miller, who
ground flour for local customers) and Henry Hud-
son, and later worked on a farm. He died in Hart-
ford aged seventy-three years. By his first marriage
he had three children : Luther, George and Eliza-
beth. His second wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Ann Williams, died in 1880 at the age of
eighty-four. She was a member of Dr. Hawes'
Church, the pastor being one of the well-known
preachers of the locality in his time, and our sub-
ject was christened there in 1836. Mrs. Eaton was
one of the family of nine children of William A.
Williams, who served four years in the Revolu-
tionary warr Mr. and Mrs. Eaton had three chil-
dren : George, deceased ; Mary Ann, widow of
James Sperry ; and Henry J., our subject.
Henr}^ J. Eaton's education was begun in the
public schools of Hartford, but the most valuable
portion is that which has been gained by observa-
tion and private study.' When eleven 3'ears old he
left home, and spent some time in West Hartford,
but on Dec. 3, 1848, he returned to Hartford to take
a position as a gold beater with Ashmead & Hurl-
but. In 1864 the firm dissolved, and he continued
until 1870 with Ashmead, the length of his service
indicating something of his ability and the appre-
ciation of his employers. From April i, 1861, to
October, 1868, Mr. Eaton was sexton of Christ
Church. His connection with the Hartford fire de- J
partment began on Saturday, April 5, 1851, as a ■
fireman with Protection Engine Company, No. i,
and in April, 1853, he enlisted with damper Engine
No. 4. On April i, 1854, he returned to No. i,
being selected assistant foreman. He was elected
foreman in June, 1854, and re-elected in 1855, but
in 1856 he retired "to the ranks," where he served
{^j^^^:2y6^r7^L^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
327
until June 5, 1858, ihc date of his election as fifth
assistant engineer of the Hartford fire department.
At the time there were six hand engines, two hose
companies, independent of engines, one sack and
bucket company, and one hook and ladder company.
Each engine com])any had fortv regulars and ten
voliuiteers ; each hose company ten regulars and
ten volunteers ; anil the hook and ladder and sack
and bucket companies each forty regulars and ten
volunteers. The company drew $210 from the city,
and an appropriation from the common council
gave them $12 per quarter additional, "for refresh-
ments." Mr. Eaton served as fifth assistant until
i860, when he was elected fourth assistant, and
two years later he became second assistant, which
position he held from July i, i8C)2, to June, 1864.
He was then elected first assistant engineer, and
■on Dec. i, 1864, when the department was placed
upon a paid basis, he was elected first assistant
•engineer.
In 1868 Mr. Eaton was elected chief. At that
time they had four steamers, and one hook and
ladder company and two hose companies aside from
those attached to the steamer. On Jan. i, 1872,
■engine Company No. 5 was organized, with a
steamer and hose carriage, and a house built for
them. On April i, 1873. engine company I\'o. 6
was organized, and in 1882 one of the hose compa-
nies was disbanded, the other the same time being
equipped with horses. On Jan. i, 1896, engine
companies X"os. 7 and 8 were put into service, each
■with thirteen men. The hose wagon with horses
•was changed to a chemical engine in November,
1896, its station being at the headquarters on Pearl
■street. It is known as the Halloway chemical No.
9, and has two tanks of fiftv gallons each. On ^larch
I, 1876, a propeller was given to engine company
Ko. 3, with a force of fourteen men instead of
thirteen. In 1879 company No. 4 was given a pro-
peller, and in August, 1889, No. 3 was given charge
of the great engine "Jumbo," a horseless machine
-weighing 17,000 pounds, and carrying 100 gallons
of water and 700 pounds of coal. It can throw
1,200 gallons per minute, being one of the largest
in the countrv, and is capable of going at the rate
of twenty miles an hour under its own steam. In
December. 1899, the working force of No. 3 was
reduced to eight men, all paid. The department has
two truck companies in one house, in December,
1899, organized into paid companies, fifteen men
altogether, under full (jay. The department also
lias two combination hose wagons carrying two
•chemcal tanks of thirty-five gallons capacity each,
and a 1,000 foot hose — No. 10, which is kept at
Bond street, and No. 11, stationed in Parkville ;
they employ four paid men. During the official life
of the chief seven houses have been built, the head-
quarters having been erected in 1870 on the site
of one built in 1837, and used for the sack and
"bucket company. Mr. Eaton has served as chief
longer than any other man in this country, and
has given deep thouglit to the problems connected
vsith the work of fighting the fire fiend. In 1896
he represented the Hartford fire department at the
International Tournament in London, England, and
visited may cities on the continent, studying the
practical workines of various systems. In politics
Mr. Eaton is a Democrat, but votes for the best
men in local elections. Socially he and his family
are much esteemed, and he belongs to St. John's
Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M., and was in 1854 a mem-
ber of Hyperion Lodge, I. O. O. F., which was
disbanded in 1855.
On April 14, 1856, Mr. Eaton married Miss
Lurana Haynes, who died aged forty-eight years,
and in 1884 he formed a second union, with Mrs.
Caroline (Aldridge) Ramsden, a native of Oxford,
England. P.y his first marriage he had thirteen chil-
dren, only one of whom survives, Nellie H., who
married the late Thomas R. Laughton, and has three
children. By the second marriage he has one daugh-
ter, Alice, now attending school in Hartford.
LEMUEL T. FRISBIE, who was for inany
years a prominent business man of Hartford, was
born Feb. 7, 1824, in Pdoomfield, Conn., of an ex-
cellent familv long identified with agricultural pur-
suits. His father, Enoch Frisbie, followed farming
in Bloomfield and Berlin, and later removed to
Springfield, Mass., where he died at th; age of
sixtv-six years. The mother, whose maiden name
was' Eliza Taylor, was born in England. This wor-
thy couple had seven children, of whom two are
living: Thomas; and Sarah, who married Franklin
F. Smith, of West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Lemuel T. Frisbie was reared among the whole-
some influences of farm life, and his education was
obtained chiefly in the common schools of Bloom-
field, and at the Connecticut Literary Institute. Suf-
field. He was engaged in the meat business in
\Mndsor for some time, and in 1865 removed to
Hartford, where he purchased the business of Mr.
Cowles, a dealer in hides and tallow and manu-
facturer of tallow candles. For a number of years
he had a partner, Eber Gridley, but on his death
'Mr. Frisbie continued the business alone. In 1881
his son, Charles G., became a partner, under the
firm name of L. T. Frisbie & Son. The son died
Nov. 21. 1893, and the father passed away Dec. 3.
of that vear, their death being deeply mourned
among a wide circle of acquaintances. At the time
of his death i\lr. Frisbie was among the oldest busi-
ness men in the city, and in the course of his long
career he had become interested in various enter-
prises, notably the P.oard of Trade. He built a
number of houses in Windsor, where he resided for
a time after his marriage, but in 1874 the family re-
moved to Hartford, and his widow now occupies
their pleasant residence at Xo. 800 .Asylum avenue.
Mr. Frisbie was a Republican in politics, and served
at one time on the common council of Hartford.
He was identified with the Y. M. C. A., and with the
S28
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Asylum Hill Church, in which he held various
important offices, including that of chairman of the
society's committee.
On April 6, 1848, Mr. Frisbie married Miss
Caroline E. Gillette, a native of Windsor, and a
descendant of Cornelius Gillette, who came from
England in 1635, and settled in Dorchester, Mass.
Her grandfather, Daniel Gillette, a Revolutionary
soldier, and a deacon in the Congregational Church,
followed farming in Windsor, where he died in 1824.
By his first wife he had four children, and by his
second wife he had three. Oliver S. Gillette, father
of Mrs. Frisbie, was born and reared in Windsor,
and was engaged throughout his active career in
operating a sawmill and gristmill, in conn^-ction
with farming. He died aged forty-five years, in
the midst of a promising career. His first wife,
Eliza Pickett, a native of Suffield, died July 18, 1829,
aged thirty-two years, and of their three daughters
JNIrs. Frisbie is now the only survivor. By his sec-
ond wife, Sarah Belden, he had two chilclren, both
now deceased.
jN'Irs. Frisbie and her family hold an enviable
position in social life, and they have been among
the most active supporters of the Asylum Avenue
Church. She was reared in the Congregational
faith, her parents having been members of the
church, and her sympathy and aid are freely given
to any worthy cause. Of her four children only
one is living, Ella Tajdor, who was married, Oct.
14, 1874, to George H. Woolley, junior member of
the firm of George W." Woolley & Son. the well-
known casket manufacturers of Hartford. Mr.
Woolley was born and reared in that city, and for
some time was connected with the banking inter-
ests there and in the West before engaging in busir
ness with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley reside
with Mrs. Frisbie, and their four children, Arthur
Gillette, G. Clarence, Fred F. and Carolyn M.,
make the old home bright.
Charles G. Frisbie (mentioned above), who died
aged forty years, was a successful business man,
taking the leading part in the work ,of the firm in
later years, and for some vears he was a- member
of the Board of Trade. He married Miss Isabelle
Wells, and thev had three sons, Leonard W.,
Charles and Robert.
SANFORD F. BRONSON. Among the best
known successful business men, connected with in-
surance circles in the New England States, may be
mentioned the subject of this sketch, general agent
in the State of Connecticut for the Hartford Life
Insurance Co., with office in the Home Co.'s build-
ing, corner of Am and As3dum streets, Flartford.
He was born in St. Albans, Vt., Sept. 29, 1839, a
son of William H. Bronson, who was born in
North Hero, Vt., and a grandson of Lyman Bron-
son, a native of Litchfield, Connecticut.
The ancestor of this family was one of three
brothers who came from Scotland to this country,
locating in Connecticut. The great-grandfather of
our subject removed to Vermont, where his son
Lyman (grandfather of Sanford F.) spent his life
in agricultural pursuits, dying at the advanced age of
eighty-six years. He was a man of ability and in-
telligence, and occupied a place of prominence in the
town where he resided, being a justice of the peace,
also holding other offices of- trust, and transacting' ■_
a large amount of business for the people of the *j
town, where he was most highly respected. He
married Jeannette Strong, who was born on North
Island, Vt., and represented an early family of that
State. Seven children were born to this union, all
of whom lived to advanced ages : David, Uriah,
Esther, Carlisle, Polly, Hannah, and William H.,
who is the only survivor. Of this family, two daugh-
ters, Esther and Carlisle, died in the same week,
Esther at the age of ninety-eight, and Carlisle when \
ninety-six. The mother of these died at the age of j
ninety-two. She was a member of the M. E. Church,
as was also her husband. He was a member of
a militia company that fought at the battle of
Plattsburg.
William H. Bronson was reared on the old farm,
and educated in the common schools. Later learn-
ing the trade of tanner and currier, he worked at
same for some years as a journeyman at St. Al-
bans, after which he purchased a farm which he
carried on for a number of years, and where he now
lives retired. He is a man of prominence in the
town, and at one time was a captain in the local
militia. He is a Republican, and, while holding no
office, has always taken an active interest in political
matters, and is a man well informed upon all issues
of the day. Although over ninety years of age he
enjoys good health, and spends his summers with
his son Sanford F., at his beautiful cottage at Nian-
tic, Connecticut.
Throughout the section in which he lives the
name of "Capt." Bronson is a household word,
and he enjoys the highest respect and esteem of the
entire community.
AVilliam H. Bronson married Harriet Smith,
who was born in St. Albans, Vt., a daughter of
Josiah Smith, a farmer, and a model man of that
section, where he was a pioneer and one of the
most successful agriculturists. He died there at
the age of sixty-eight. His wife, Sarah (Whitte-
more), also represented a verv earlv family. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith reared a family of six children, two
of whom, Jackson and Lucius, are still living at
St. Albans, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bronson had
six children, five of whom grew up, and three are
still living: Sanford F. ; Sarah J. (Mrs. Brigham),
who resides near her father ; and Edwin, residing-
with his father on the homestead. George, the eld-
est of the famly, was a magnetic healer, and per-
formed some wonderful cures, among them being
that of a case of paralysis of the arm and hand of
our subject's wife, which he restored to its originaJ
functions. Indeed he was celebrated throughout
^^^^^^^^^^^^PV^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I
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k
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
?i>
all that region on account of his marvelous success.
He tlied at the age of fifty-eight. \\ . Elbert, the
younger brother, who always lived on the farm,
died at the age of twenty-one. The mother passed
away aged seventy-seven ; she was a member of
the AI. E. Church, as is her husband.
Sanford E. Bronson, the subject of this sketch,
spent his early years in A'ermont, was educated in
the common and high schools, entered upon a mer-
cantile career, and later became a salesman upon the
road, for a Boston firm, in 1879 J\Ir. Bronson came
to Hartford, where he took an office in the Hartford
Life Insurance Co.'s building, and for the next
three vears, through energetic work, laid the foun-
dation for his present extensive business. During
this time he averaged $1,000 per day, writing
$1,000,000 worth of business in three years, a record
that has never been reached by any agent, and as a
reward for his success he was made general agent
for the company and given the State of Connecticut
as a field, with full power to employ such agents as
he might see fit, and handle the territory according
to his own ideas. He asked no salary from the
company, having faith in his own ability to the ex-
tent that he believed ne could, upon a reasonable
coinmission, make a success for both himself and the
company. This point he has demonstrated beyond
all cpiestion of doubt, and durino- the twenty years
now closing (1900) he has written, together with
the assistance of an able corps of agents, $20,000,-
000 of business, or an average of $1,000,000 for each
year, and has in force to-day over $14,000,000.
For manv years he did the largest amount of busi-
ness of any general agent connected with this com-
pany. He has under him a force of over fifty men,
manv of whom have been trained by himself per-
sonalh', which is the secret of their success. Of
the officers of this companv he is the oldest, and he
has seen five presidents at the head of that insti-
tution, including the present one.
On Sept. 18, 1864, ]\rr. Bronson married Jane
AMlbur. who was born in Lawrenceville, St. Law-
rence Co.. X. Y., a daughter of Erastus AA'ilbur, a
prominent farmer of that town, who died at the
age of over eight v years. His wife died young,
^Irs. Bronson being left an orphan when two years
old, and she then made her home with T. P. Phelps
up to the time of his death. He owned a farm of
800 acres, near where she was born, and after his
death our subject purchased it, and it is now one
of the finest farms in the State of \'ermont : upon it
are kept some sixty head of cattle and a number
of horses. ]\Irs. Bronson personally superintends
this farm, doing most of the buying and selling, and,
together with her son. giving the general directions
in regard to its cultivation.
To ^Ir. and Mrs. Bronson have been born three
children : ( i ) Hattie A. married Harry A. Thomp-
son, and by him had three children. William E. and
Sanford, now lieing educated in the Cheshire 2^Iili-
tary School, and Sadie. After Mr. Thompson's
death, which occurred in 1889. Mrs. Thompson niar-
rieil I-"rank M. Fuller, who is emijloyed in Mr. 1 Iron-
son's oflice. (2) Sadie died at the age of nineteen.
(3) Henry S., who was educated in the common and
high schools, married Anna l'". Haynes, of Xiantic,
and thev are now witli Mrs. Bronson on the farm.
In politics Mr. Bronson is a Republican. l)ul has
declined all offices. He takes a great interest in the
L'nitarian Church, is one of the trustees of the chiuxh
fund, and was one of the agitators of the movements
which resulted in this society erecting the present
magnificent block on Pratt street, Hartford, known
as the Cnity block. He is a member of the F. &
A. M. An extensive reader, he is thoroughly
I)osted on all the topics of the day ; of affable manner,
and genial nature, he has won for himself a host of
friends : and by close application to business, believ-
ing firmly in the principles of life insurance, he has
succeeded to a degree far in advance of most men.
Beginning as he did at the bottom of the ladder,
his example is indeed one well worthy of emulation.
JAMES F. HOLDEX. the courteous and popu-
lar postmaster at Forestville. Hartford county, is a
native of Connecticut, having been born Feb. 21,
1857, in Terryville, in Litchfield county.
Felix Holden, the father of our subject, was
born in County Cavan. Ireland, August 12. 18,^2. a
son of Owen and Catherine (Riley) Holden, both
also natives of Ireland, the former of whom died
there, the latter coming to .\merica and passing- the
rest of her days in Bristol. Their son Felix, when a
voung man, came to America, settling in Connecti-
cut, and for over fifty years he has been an honored
resident of Bristol. For twenty years he was em-
ployed by the Bristol Brass & Clock Co.. as en-
gineer and watchman, and lie is now engaged in
farming. Mr. Holden married Jane Farley, born
Oct. 12, 1837, daughter of Philip Farley, who emi-
grated to America from Ireland, and spent the rest
of his life in Bristol, Conn., where for many years
he was employed in the copper mines. To Felix and
Jane (Farley) Holden came children as follows:
Catherine }»Iarie. born Julv 21, 1855, is the wife of
P. T. Martin, of Bristol : James Francis is our sub-
ject: Felix Joseph, born Xov. 11, 1859, is a cigar-
maker by trade, and resides at home : Marv Eliza-
beth, born Jan. 30. i86r. was married. Oct. 15,
1885, to Arthur T. Roach, of Bristol, who is em-
ployed by the Bristol Brass & Clock Co. : Jennette
Cecelia, born Dec. 20, 1863. is assistant in the post
office at Forestville : Margaret Teresa, born .\pril
10, 1865, is a saleswoman in Fo.x's store, in Hart-
ford: Annie Emma was born Feb. 28, 1867: John
William, born Aug. 15, 1869. is an ehctroplater
with the E. Tngraham Co. : Benedict Michael was
born Feb. 17, 1872 (he demonstrated his patriot-
ism by his services in the late war with Spain, at
the close of the Spanish war again e'llisted. in
Company G, 27th U. S. \'ols., going to the Philip-
pines; he was promoted to sergeant-major).
S30
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
James F. Holden, the subject proper of this
sketch, received his education in the pubHc schools
of Bristol, whither his parents had removed when he
was but three years of age. After leaving school
he worked in the trimming department of the E.
N. Welch Manufacturing Co., for four and one-
lialf years. He then went to work for the Bristol
Brass & Clock Co., on press work and blanking-out
work, continuing thus for about two years, when
lie was made foreman of the finishing department.
That position he held ten years, having under him
iisuallv about forty hands. In 1885 he resigned and
took the appointment of postmaster at Forestville,
and at the same time embarked in the grocery and
provision business, conducting same until 1889, when
he resigned and sold out his business to Samuel
H. Wink. Returning to his former position of fore-
man of the burner shop of the Bristol Brass &
■Clock Co., he held the same until 1893, when he was
again appointed postmaster, and bought his business
■back. He has since filled that position with his
characteristic ability, care and urbanity. When
first appointed he was the youngest postmaster in
the State. In political faith he is a Democrat, but
lie does not take a very active part in political af-
fairs, and never sought office of any kind. Mr.
Holden is a charter member of Palos Council, No.
35, Knights of Columbus, of Bristol, of which he
lias been trustee since its organization ; and he is a
charter member of Court Forest, No. 40, Foresters
of America, of Bristol, of which he is past chief
ranger, and was financial secretary for four years.
In religious connection he and his wife are members
of St. ]Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, of For-
estville, of which he is sexton.
On May 15, 1883, .Mr. Holden was married, in
Bristol, Conn., to J\Iargaret Gillen, born May 2,
1857, daughter of James and Ann Gillen, and they
liave one son, William Cyril, Dorn Feb. 9, 1884.
HON. WILLIAM HENRY WATROUS. pres-
ident and treasurer of the William Rogers Manu-
facturing Co., of Hartford, and several other con-
cerns, is a native of that city, bom July 18, 1841.
Mr. Watrous is a son of Rufus and Julia A. (Rog-
ers) Watrous, and had almost attained his majority
when he responded to his cotmtry's call and vol-
imteered his services to aid in crushing out .the
Rebellion, but of this episode in his life further
mention will be made later on.
In youth William H. Watrous had but limited
opportunities for an education, but for a short time
lie managed to attend the Arsenal school, then
taught by Mrs. M. M. Perrv, and for one year at-
tended the Hartford Public High School. In 1855,
at the early age of fourteen years, he began learn-
ing electro-plating in the factory of his uncles, Asa
H., Simeon S. and William Rogers ; they were the
originators of this industry in America, and, under
the firm name of Rogers Brothers, in 1846, had
:started in a small way in Hartford, at the foot of
Trumbull street, on the site now occupied by the
Jewell Belting Co. In 1859 he was in the employ
of Rogers, Smith & Co., on Mechanic street, and
while with that firm came the echo of the shot at
Fort Sumter which boomed around the world. On
the call for men by President Lincoln, for the de-
fense of the Union, young Watrous was among the
first to respond among the 3'outh of Hartford, and
April 18, 1861, he enlisted in rifle Company A, then
under the command of the present United States
Senator Joseph R. Hawley, and filled out his term
of enlistment.
On Sept. 2, 1862, Mr. Watrous again entered
the volunteer .service, and was mustered in as .first
sergeant of Company B, 24th Conn. V. I. After
seeing some minor service, the 24th joined Gen.
Banks' expedition, and on April 14, 1863, took part
in the engagement at Irish Bend, La. ; on May 24
the regiment was in advance as skirmishers to the
rear of Port Hudson, drove the enemy from his
rifle-pits, held its position all night within 400
yards of the Rebel earthworks, and lost but one
man killed and three wounded. On May 25 five
companies from the 24tli engaged in skirmishing,
and lost two men. On May 27 the sharpshooters
were called in, and the regiment moved, with its
division, to the support of Gen. Weitzel's storming
column. On May 31 the 24th was detailed to sup-
port batteries on the right. On June i the- 24th
was before Port Hudson, with the reserve of the
right wing, until the morning of the 14th, the day ■
of the second assault, in which the regiment played
a conspicuous part. The duty assigned it was for
the men to sling their rifles, and each man to carry
two thirty-pound gunny-bags of cotton, with which
to fill the ditch, making a bridge for the charging
column to pass over, and to advance with the charge.
The murderous fire from the enemy's works caused
a failure of the part assigned the advance regi-
ments, which had been detailed as sharpshooters and
bearers of hand grenades ; but under a galling
direct and cross fire "the 24th regiment thrust their
cotton bags before them and rushed to the crest
of a little hill within fifty yards of the enemy's
works, piled up their cotton bags, forming a tem-
porary breastwork, and held it ; and of the regi-
ments that advanced across the plateau in the morn-
ing the 24th was the only one able to maintain
its position." The construction of this light breast-
work was the means of saving the lives of many
of the retreating soldiers of the advance regiments,
who found shelter behind its line. Seven men of
the 24th were killed and several wounded. "Under
the cover of darkness an earthwork was thrown up.
So quietly was it done than Gen. Grover thought
the Rebels had erected a new redoubt, and ordered
a battery to shell it out, but fortunately the mis-
take was discovered." This line, which was a val- ■
uable strategic point for further operations, and ™
from which a zig-zag" approach was dug close up
to the enemy's ditch, and a mine forty-two feet
J
»«**>ii^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
331
long tiiiinclecl uiulcr the enemy's works, was held
by the regiment until the surrender, July 8, a period
of twenty-five days. This service was very severe
tipon the men, who lived in burrows and were ex-
posed to the broiling heat of a Louisiana midsum-
jiier sun, and so few in numbers (less than loo men,
on. account of casualties and sickness) that one-half
of the regiment was on duty each twenty-four hours,
and was constantly under fire. "After the sur-
render the 24th was complimented by the 1st Mis-
sissippi Confederate Regiment for its coolness and
perseverance," also by Gen. Banks, who ordered
Port Hudson inscribed upon its colors. The regi-
ment was musteied out Oct. 2, 1863, young Watrous
with the rank of lieutenant.
In 1865, while Lieut. Watrous was in the em-
ploy of William Rogers, at Hartford, that gentle-
man organized the ^Villiam Rogers Manufacturing
Co., at the corner of Front and Grove streets, and
in i868 the Lieutenant was transferred to Water-
bury and placed in charge of Rogers Brothers' plat-
ing department. In 1870 he returned to Hartford,
and, in company with his uncle, Asa H. Rogers,
founded the Rogers Cutlery Co., on Asylum street,
commencing with two employes only. Soon after-
ward Mr. Rogers withdrew, and the business was
removed to the rear of the Fotirth church, on North
street. In 1879 Mr. Watrous purchased one-half
the stock of the ^^'illiam Rogers Manufacturing
Co., and moved the stock of the Rogers Cutlery
Co. into their factory, at the corner of Front and
Grove streets, and Mr. \vatrous became president,
treasurer and general manager of the two com-
panies, which positions he still retains.
In 1887 Mr. \\'atrous purchased the Kohn silk
mill property, on ^larket street, and transferred the
Rogers companies to their present quarters. Thev
now employ 150 hands, and sell goods valued at
over $600,000 per annum. In 1889 Mr. Watrous
made a contract with the proprietors of a factory
in Taunton, Mass., to manufacture hollow-ware,
and now over 100 hands are kept busy making
blanks for the Rogers companies. In 1890 he bought
the Wickersham property, in Ncrwich, Conn., and
began the manufacture of solid steel-handle knives,
carvers, fruit-knives, etc., and in this industry over
100 hands are employed, who turn out 2,000 dozen
of the various articles each week.
In 1896 the Eagle Sterling Co.. of Glastonbury,
Conn., was formed, for the making of pure silver
ware, and Mr. Watrous was made its president.
The same year the Watrous Manufacturing Co., of
Wallingford, was organized, for the making of
nickel-silver spoons and forks, and of this com-
pany jNIr. Watrous is also president. On Nov. iq,
i8q8, the various companies in which Air. Watrous
is interested entered into an agreement with and be-
came part of the International Si'ver Co., which
was incorporated at that time with a capital of
$20,000,000. This company includes sixteen of the
largest silver-plate concerns in the country, and its
output is valued far into the millions. Mr. Watrous
was elected a director of this, and manager of its
Hartford branch.
In the summer of 1899, one of the companies in
which Mr, Watrous was interested having had
some slight difficulty in obtaining the finest class of
casting for its product, he, together with <jther
representative business men of Hartford, including
Mr. Carleton, who was for many years connected
with the Pratt & Whitney Co., founded what is
known as the Carleton Iron Foundry, and erected
a new building for the finest grade of iron casting.
This concern employs about 100 men, and is in a
flourishing condition. He is also interested in the
Des Jardins type justifying machine, and is a di-
rector in the Connecticut River Banking Co.
The various extensive business concerns in
which Mr. Watrous holds so controlling an interest,
as will have readily been seen, employ several hun-
dred hands or assistants, and their sales are in excess
of a million dollars per annum. The secret of the
unvarying success of these vast industries rests in
the strict business integrity of Mr. Watrous, the
unvarying quality of his products, his practical me-
chanical knowledge, his daily personal supervision
of every detail of manufacture, the placing on the
market of a better quality of goods than those of
his competitors for the same money, and the esteem
he has won from his employes through the solicita-
tion he has for their welfare, and who, many of
them, have been constantly in his employ for years.
In politics Hon. William Henry Watrous is a
stanch Republican. In 1894 and 1895 lie <^l'd yeo-
man service as a member of the Hartford board
of aldermen, and in 1895 and 1896 was a repre-
sentative of the city in the General Assembly of the
State, but the great strain imposed upon him by
multifarious business duties precludes his participa-
tion in political affairs as a rule, otherwise he would
be heard from in more advanced ptiblic positions,
as he is extremely popular with his party, as well
as with the public in general. Fraternally Mr.
^^^atrous is a' Mason of high degree under the Scot-
tish Rites, up to and including the thirty-second :
is at present a member of Pyramid Temple, Mystic
Shrine, of Bridgeport; Washington Commandery,
K. T., of Hartford, as well as the blue lodge: and
is likewise a member of Robert O. Tyler Post. G.
A. R.. of Hartford : the Army and Navy Club ; and
the Hartford Yacht Club, of which he was com-
modore in 1895 and 1896.
Of the family relations of Commodore Watrous
it will suffice to say that his mother was a sister
of \\'illiam Rogers, who was born in Hartford, and
had a family of thirteen children. Of these, George,
the eldest, is with Mr. Watrous as foreman of the
repairing department ; Simeon is the foreman of
the Rogers & Hamilton Co., plating department.
Waterburv, Conn.; Edgar R. is with our subject
in the plating department ; an elder brother, Charles,
was also a silver plater, and with the Silver Plate
332
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Cutlery Co., of Derby, Conn. ; one sister, Arabella,
is the widow of William Boardman, and now re-
sides in Hartford. The mother of Mr. Watrous
died at the age of seventy-eight, in 1881 ; his fa-
ther, Rufus Watrous, born in Hartford, was a farm-
er all his life, and was- killed by the cars in 1853,
when fifty-four years of age. Grandfather Watrous
was born in Hartford, where the family were among
the early settlers, and was also a farmer. His wife
was Abigail Cadwell.
Hon. William Henry Watrous married, m i860,
Miss Sarah F. Hurd, of Essex, Conn., who was
called awav in 1891, and in 1893 he took for his
second helpmeet Agnes E. McFadyen, of Hart-
ford. The family attend the M. E. Church, of
which Mr. Watrous is a trustee. To comment on
the phenomenal career of Mr. Watrous would be
the work of supererogation.
BARTHOLOMEW. To mention the family
name Bartholomew in Bristol is to recall in the
minds of its residents one of the oldest and most
substantial families in the history of New England,
a family that traces its ancestry back to_ the begin-
ning of the seventeenth century when, in the year
1634, the three brothers, William, Henry and Rich-
ard Bartholomew, in the company of Rev. John
Lothrop and others, left the mother country for
America, arriving in Boston Sept. 16, 1634. This
family name has been preserved in integrity and up-
rightness, and to-day we find the seventh genera-
tion substantially represented by Harry Shelton
Bartholomew, the subject of this sketch.
That these three brothers, who transplanted the
family from England to America, stood high in the
estimation of the people is evidenced by the fact
that William, at the age of thirty-two or thirty-three
years, in 1635, was appointed to the General Court,
and several times thereafter. While in the General
Court he was associated with Michael Easton, who
was afterward governor of Rhode Island for five
years. Later William Bartholomew served as town
clerk at Ipswich, and was one of the- seven chosen
men of the town. He was also deputy with his
brother, Henrv, of Salem, and in 1651 he was chosen
on a committee. In England he married Ann Lord,
a sister of Robert Lord, and their marriage was
blessed with two sons and one daughter, as fol-
lows: Mary married Major Daiviel Dennison Dec.
24, 16.S2; Joseph, born about 1638, resided in Lon-
don, England, in 1693: William, born in 1640-41,
died in the spring- of 1697, in Branford. Conn.
Mr. and Mrs. William Bartholomew were devout
and active members of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Bartholomew was clerk of the Congregational
Church of Ipswich for over thirty years. It is sup-
posed that William and his brother were disowned
for religious dissension, and came to America to es-
tablish themselves in life and perpetuate the family
name, (i) William died Jan. 18, 16S0, at the age
of seventy-eight years. His wife died Jan. 29,
1682-83.
(II j William Bartholomew, as stated above,
was born in Ipswich in 1640-41, and died in the
spring of 1697, at Branford. On Dec. 17, 1663,
he was married to Mary Johnson, who was born
April 24, 1642, daughter of Capt. Isaac and Eliza-
beth (Porter) Johnson, and was living in Branford
in 1705. William learned the carpenter's trade,
and was engaged very extensively as a carpenter
and millwright. The Old South Mills, in Salem,
were built by him and his uncle Henry. He was
a man brave in times of war, and when, in 1678,
the Hatfield Indian Raid occurred, he acquitted him-
self with such valor that he received his title of
lieutenant. In 1679 he was given twenty acres of
land in Branford, conditioned that he would take
up his residence in that town and build a gristmill.
In 1681 he Was given authority by the town to set
up a sawmill on the great river; later he was ap-
pointed surve3'or of the town. Nine children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. William Bartholomew, as
follows: Isaac, born Nov. i, 1664, died Oct. 25,
1727. William, born Oct. 16, 1666, died in 1697,
without issue. Mary, born Oct. 26, 1668, died before
1697. Andrew, born Dec. 11, 1670, died about
1755. Abigail, born Dec. 8, 1672, died Jan. 15,
1732; she was stolen by the Indians Sept. 19,
1677, and was ransomed May 23, 1678. Elizabeth
was born March 15, 1674. Benjamin, about 1677.
John, about 1679. Joseph, about 1-682.
(Ill) Isaac Bartholomew was born in Roxbury,
Mass., and died in Branford. He was a farmer,
and most highly esteemed by all who knew him.
About 1694 he married Rebecca, daughter of John
Frisbie : she was born Nov. 14, 1679, and died in
May, 1738. Children were born to this marriage
as follows : William, born about 1695, was living
in Litchfield in 1765. Mary, born about 1697, re-
sided in New Haven. Isaac, born Nov. 18, 1699,
died Aug. 25, 1750. Rebecca, born April 18, 1702,
married Daniel Collins, of New Haven, where she
resided. Elizabeth, born April 12, 1704, married
Nathaniel Barnes, of Branford, and resided in Plym-
outh, Conn. Ebenezer, born June 10, 1706,^ died
before 1727. Abraham, born June 28, 1708, died in
Farming-ton, Conn. Josiah, born Jan. 18, 1710,
died Feb. 12, 1777. Abigail married William Rog-
ers, of New Haven, in 1729. Freelove married
Abel Curtis Nov. 14, 1741. Jerusha, born Jan. 13,
1722-23, married Daniel Finch, of New Haven.
(IV) Abraham Bartholomew was born in Bran-
ford, Conn., followed the vocation of his father,
and became a very extensive farmer in Branford,
where he resided until he was forty-six years of
age. In 1754 he took possession of extensive pur-
chases of land with improvements in Farmington,
some of which are now included within the limits
of the town of Burlington, where he resided. Later
he removed to the house since known as "Bartemy
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
Tavern," situated on Peaceable street, near and
south of the line between the present towns of
Bristol and Burlington, lie kept the first tavern and
store in that section. Although about seventy years
of age, he enlisted in the Kevolutionary war, he
and his grandson Abraham joining Sheldon's Dra-
goons, and served two years. On June i8, 1730,
he married Hannah, daughter of Daniel Page; she
died Oct. 25, 1770. Eight children were born to
them, as follows: Hannah, born May 9, 1731, mar-
ried Elihu Smith, of Farmington. Abraham, born
Jan. 2'&, 1732-33, died in 177O. Jacob, born Jan. 9,
1736-37, died Oct. 29, 1805. Lydia, born Feb. 18,
1738-39, married Joseph Hefi'ord, of Farmington.
Wary was born July 19, 1741. John, born April 15,
1744, died in 1776. Thankful, born March 24,
1745, married Elisha Bell, of Southington, who
later resided in Granby, Conn., and in Nicholson,
Penn., respcctivelv. Patience was born May 19,
1748.
(V) Jacob Bartholomew was born in Branford,
Conn., was a tiller of the soil, and in addition con-
ducted other business enterprises successfully, and
served his country well in times of peace and war.
Fie became a tanner by trade, and carried on his
business at the Edward Barnes place, on Peace-
able street. In turn he became proprietor of "Bar-
temy Tavern," with which was connected a store.
At the organization of the town of Bristol, in 1785,
he was elected its first treasurer and surveyor of
highways. He served the town in several other
capacities, and also served in the Revolutionary
war. While nursing his brother John, who, as a
Revolutionary soldier, died on board the Govern-
ment hospital ship in New York harbor^ he con-
tracted a fever which affected his health, and he
died Oct. 29, 1805. He was of good size and form,
and had formerly enjoyed fine health. Jacob Bar-
tholomew married Sarah, daughter of Squire Heze-
kiah and Sarah (Newell) Gridley; she was born
Feb. 21, 1738, and died April 10, 1801. This mar-
riage was blessed with twelve children, as follows :
]\Iercy, born July 28, 1762, died March 24. 1834,
married Ambrose Hart Aug. 2, 1782. Lenma,
born Feb. 27, 1764, died in 1813, unmarried. Sarah,
born Feb. 6, 1766, died Sept. 22, 1846, married
(first) Feb. i, 1782, John Winston, of Bristol, and
(second) Elihu Norton, of Bristol. Jacob, born
Jan. 29, 1768, died Dec. 19, 1843. Rosanna, born
June 2. 1770, married Asahel Cowles ; no issue.
Ama, born March 9, 1772, died in 1822, married
John Beckwith, of Bristol, Conn. Eli, born Jan.
7, 1774, died Sept. 29, 1801, in Norfolk, Va. ; he
was a merchant in Hartford. Asa, born March 25,
1776, died Oct. 31, 1864. Mary, born July i, 1778,
married Luther Tuttle. Gad, iDorn April 10, 1780,
died April 16, 1780. Nancy, born Feb. 2, 1782,
died in Farmington, Ohio, May 16. 1852, married
Dennis Lewis. Gad, born May 7, 1783, died in 185 1,
married Phcebe, daughter of William Stone, of
Harwinton, Conn., on May 23, 1804.
(VI) Asa Bartholomew, son of Jacob, was
born in "Bartemy Tavern." He became a very ener-
getic and succe.ssful business man. In 1805 he re-
moved to Pleasant Valley, N. Y., where he kept
a tavern until September, 1807, when he returned
to Bristol and purchased a farm of 360 acres in
Edgewood, which he conducted with very great
success. On Sept. 10, 1801, he was married to Miss
Charity Shelton, a daughter of Isaac Wells and
Martha .Shelton, the latter of whom was a lineal
descendant of Henry Wakeley, the first lawyer of
record in the Connecticut Colony, and whose grand-
nwther was a granddaughter of Lieut. John Hub-
bell (famed in the early Indian wars) and William
Thompson (of New ITaven) ; and numbered among
her father's grandfathers were Gov. Thomas Welles,
of Connecticut, Hon. Richard Treat, and Francis
Nickols, of Stratford, the latter a brother of the first
governor of New York under the Duke of York.
Mrs. Bartholomew died in Bristol Sept. 15, 1S59,
and J\Ir. Bartholomew also died there. Asa Bar-
tholomew was of an uncommonly independent and
yet approachable nature. He was shrewd and hon-
est. His opinions were original, and franklv ex-
pressed, but they were always founded upon good
common sense, and carried great weight in the
communit}'-. He never favored or cared to hold
office. Possessed of a very genial, social nature,
in his latter years he was most pleasantlv known,
by old and young, as "Uncle Asa Bartholomew."
His marriage was blessed with eight children, as
follows: Emily, born Jan. i, 1804, died 'Slz.y 16,
1877, married Rensselaer L^pson, of Bristol. George
Welles, born June I9,_ 1805, died May 7. 1897. Har-
ry Shelton, born June 3, 1807, died Oct. 7, 1827.
Pablina, born June 18, 1S09, died Feb. 9. 1894,
married Alvin Ferry Alpress. Jennette, born Marcii
31, 181 1, married Eli Titus Merriman, M. D., of
Bristol. Asa, born Feb. i, 1815, died C3ct. 7, 1896.
Nancy Maria, born Dec. 22, 1818, died May 8,
1880, married Alanson Winston. Jane Charity. Ix^rn
Feb. 22, 1821, died Jan. 28, 1888, married Welling-
ton Winston. Of this family, Asa Bartholomew, Jr.,
more than any of the other children, resembled
his father in mental strength and character. He
was educated in the common schools of Bristol
and afterward devoted his time to farming, and
later in life he dealt very extensively in blooded
stock. He was acknowledged to be a very fine judge
of horses, and at one time he was veterinary sur-
geon of the Street Railway Co. of New York
City. For a few years he also carried on the butch-
ering and meat business in Bristol, which to him
was an unprofitable undertaking. Like his ances-
tors he was very prominent in Bristol, alwavs mak-
ing his home here. He never aspired to pul>lic of-
fices, but took a special interest in all matters per-
taining to the improvement of the town. A man
of very decided views, especially in politics, he
never feared to express his opinion, whatever other
people might think. Fle was a good neighbor and
334
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
citizen. On Nov. lo, 1836, he married Mary Lydia
Birge, who was born Feb. 9, 1818, and died April
7, 1888, having been his partner in life for nearly
fifty-two years. Their family consisted of fotir chil-
dren: Harriet A., born Feb. 17, 1839, died Jan. 23,
1893. Nathan L., born Nov. 17, 1841, married Aug.
22, 1892, Airs. Sarah Emily (Reynolds) Newcomb.
John B., born Dec. 11, 1845, married Virginia A.
McElwe Feb. 12, 1880. Mary, born July 16, 1850,
died Dec. 27, 1853. Nathan L. Bartholomew is
cashier of the First National Bank, Albany, Texas.
John B. Bartholomew is a member of the board of
administration of the Southwestern Traffic Asso-
ciation, St. Louis. Asa Bartholomew, Jr., lived to
the age of eighty-one years.
George Welles Bartholomew, father of our sub-
ject, the eldest son of Asa and Charity (Shelton).
Bartholomew, was born June 19, 1805, and died
Ma}- 7, 1897, aged ninet)'-two years. He was mar-
ried in Bristol Jan. 14, 1829, to Miss Angeline
Ives, daughter of Deacon Charles Grandison Ives,
of Bristol. She died March 13, 1861. His second
wife was Mrs. Julia A. (Marvin) Cole, of Tol-
land, Conn., who died May 2, 1896. They resided
in that part of Bristol now called Edgewood, the
site of his father's extensive farm, where his child-
hood was spent. When about eighteen years of age
he engaged in peddling, visiting in that occupation
Alabama and Mississippi. The manufacture of
clocks, in company with his cousin, Eli Barthol-
omew, was begun in 1828. The business was con-
tinued by himself alone until 1840; then it was
superseded by the development of the .table cutlery
business. He made cabinet furniture in company
with his brother-in-law, A. F. Alpress, between
1834 and 1840. In 1836 he obtained a lease of land
about one mile north of his home, and with Harvey
and Erastus Case opened the Bristol copper mine,
liis share of which he sold for a good sum to An-
drew Miller, in about one 3'ear. Becoming interested
in the discover)'- of gold in California in the fall
of 1848, he started for the "New Eldorado" in Feb-
ruary, 1849, in company with a small party of
friends, seven in all, and remained there until
1853, visiting Bristol in 1851.. Soon after his re-
turn to Bristol he formed a partnership with his
elder son for the manufacture of hardware, which
continued under the firm name of G. W. & H. S.
Bartholomew until the destruction of their factory
"by fire, in 1884, when he retired from business.
Mr. Bartholomew was one of the seventy-eight
candidates admitted to the Congregational Church
May 27, 1 82 1, and was a member of the Sunday-
school organized in 1818. He was a Democrat in
politics, and served his town in the offices of judge
of probate, selectman ten years, justice of the peace
forty j'ears, and twice as representative in the State
Legislature, 1836 and 1866. Socially he was a
member of the F. & A. M. and of the I. O. O. F.
Of his eight children four lived to mature years,
Harry Shelton, Jane Estelle, Angeline Ives, and
George Welles, Jr. Mrs. Angeline I. (Barthol-
omew) Marvin died at her home, Columbus, Ohio,
Aug. 28, 1893.
(VII) Harry Shelton Bartholomew, the
eldest son of George Welles and Angeline (Ives)
Bartholomew, was born in Bristol March 14, 1832.
He received his early education in the local schools,
and at the age of fourteen was a student at Deacon
Simeon Hart's school for boys in Farmington.
Doiring the time that his father was in California
he assumed the responsibilities of the family for
thr^ee years, and at the age of twenty he also went
to California, visiting the gold mines nearly two
years. During the following year, December, 1855,
the business enterprise of his life was established
in the formation of the manufacturing company of
G. W. & H. S. Bartholomew, which continued
until 1884, since which time he has had no partner.
Mr. Bartholomew is a very energetic man, and
his great activity and reliability have won for him
the confidence and affection of all acquaintances.
In addition to his business duties he has devoted
much time to educational and philanthropic works ;
also to inventions, in which line his specialty is bit-
braces. He is a natural-born machinist, has taken
out sixteen patents on various inventions of his
own in the bit line, and in the production of bit-
braces is acknowledged to be a competitor of the
longest standing in the country. ■
Mr. Bartholomew has occupied many positions ~
of trust and responsibility. He is at present a
director of the First National Bank of Bristol, in
which capacity he has acted for twenty-three years,
and is president of the Buckeye Portland Cement
Co., Bellefontaine, Ohio, in which company he pur-
chased a half interest in 1891. He has also served on
the school board of his town. Socially he is a
thirty-second degree Freemason, and in politics is
a Republican. On June 20, i860, Mr. Bartholomew
was married, in Burlington, to Miss Sabra A. Peck,
daughter of Capt. Joseph Samuel Peck, son of Seth,
of Joseph, of Ebenezer, of Benjamin, of Henry,
from England, a member of the Davenport com-
pany of colonists in New Haven, Conn., 1638. Capt.
J. S. Peck's mother, Hannah Ailing (or Allen),
was a direct descendant of Roger Ailing, first treas-
urer of the New Haven Colony, until made Deacon
in the First or Center Church, which office he held
until his death, in 1674. He was also collector of
"The College Corne," the tax for the suoport of
Harvard College. Mrs. Sabra A. (Peck) Bartholo-
mew is through her mother, Rosetta (Fenn) Peck,
a descendant of Benjamin Fenn, Rev. Peter Pru-
den (first minister of the Gospel in Milford, Conn.),
Joseph Judson, and Nathan Gold (of Stratford).
(II) Benjamin Peck, son of Henry, married
Mary Sperry, whose father. Richard Sperry, har-
bored the regicides. (Ill) Ebenezer Peck was first
clerk of the first church in Woodbridge. Conn.,
1742. He married Hannah, daughter of Joshua
Hotchkiss, and a descendant of William Tuttle,
OlU'^d^rd^^
'^T^UUl^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
335
carlv of New Haven. (1\') Joseph Peck married
Keziah Lines, a grandilanghter of Ralpli Lines,
who lived near Ricliard Sperry at West Rock, or
"Sperrv's Larnis." {\ ) Seth I'eck was under Capt.
JJenedict Arnold at the engagement of Compo Llill,
when Lien. Tryon was returning from burnmg the
military supplies at Danbury, 1777. He removed
soon afterward from New Haven to Bristol, Conn.,
where are now living some of his posterity.
The children born to JNIr. and jNIrs. IJartholo-
inew are Alice J\L, a graduate of the Alaplewood
Institute, Pittstield, Mass. ; Harry Ives, a graduate
of Yale, 1894; Joseph Peck, a graduate of Worces-
ter Polytechnic Institute, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Bar-
tholomew and family worship in the Congrega-
tional Church, of which Mr. Bartholomew has been
a member since I\Iay 2, 1858. He served nineteen
\ears as superintendent of the Sunday-school, and
lias been seventeen years a deacon, and was largely
instrumental in securing the addition of church par-
lors and Sunday-school rooms during his superin-
tendency. Mr. Bartholomew has a summer home at
Sachem's Head, Guilford, Conn., where he spends
about three months each year with his family.
JACOB KNOUS (deceased) was for over thirty
years a successful merchant of Hartford, where his
death occurred Oct. 22, 1897, after a long illness
from valvular disease of the heart. He was born
Feb. 9, 1835, at Valley Forge, Penn., of Quaker
parentage, and the family, which is of German ori-
gin, has long been identified with that locality.
Jacob Knous, our subject's grandfather, was a
farmer at Valley Forge, his home being near the
Barren Hill church, where LaFayette's army was
([uartered. He married Elizabeth Linnensheet, a
daughter of John Linnensheet. She was of Quaker
ancestry, and was "read out of meeting'' because
she married out of the Society, but she remained a
faithful believer in the Quaker faith, and always
wore the Quaker dress. Samuel Knous, our subject's
lather, was born at the old homestead, and became
an expert inspector of firearms, being appointed to
service under the government at Ilion, N. Y., and
at Springfield, Mass. After many years in Spring-
field he accepted a position in Colt's Armory, at
Hartford, in 1851, which he held until some j'ears
previous to his death, at the age of ninety years. He
married ^liss Ann Bartel, of Roxborough, Penn.,
and they had a family of six children, of whom the
following are living: John, for many years a super-
intendent of Weed's factory, and a prominent citi-
zen of Hartford ; Mrs. Benjamin Hannis, of Spring-
field. Mass. ; Mrs. Ellen A. Barrows, widow of
Edwin G. Barrows, of Hartford : Mrs. John Dit-
mars. of New York; and Frank F.. of New Haven.
Mr. Knous settled in Hartford in 1854, being
then connected with the Bee Hive dry-goods store,
conducted by Starr & Burkett. In 1857 he entered
the employ of C. S. Weatherby, who carried on a
drv-goods store at the corner of ^lain and ^Morgan
streets, and soon after the firm of Williams &
Knous was organized, .Mr. Weatherby going to
New York. The firm was a very successful one,
Mr. Knous l)eing noted for his energy and business
acumen. He was very popular and companionable,
and greatly liked by all who had business tran-
sactions with him, and his trade was large. In
1862 the firm had changed to C. S. Weatherby &
Co., and occupied one of the stores in the Hills block ;
afterward the firm name was Weatherby, Knous
& Pelton. At the opening of the Cheney building
the firm had dissolved, and i\Ir. Knous formed a
partnership with the late John S. .Ives, under the
name of Knous & Ives, and the Bee Hive was re-
juvenated, the southerly corner of the new build-
mg having been erected on the site of the old Bee
Hive. He was engaged in business at that stand
for many years, until he retired, since which time
he had not been much about the city, owing to
physical infirmities.
Mr. Knous was for thirty years a vestryman of
St. John's Episcopal Church, and was active in its
affairs. He was also a member of St. John's Lodge,
No. 4, F. & A. M. His patriotism was shown during
the Civil war in many ways, and he gave generous
assistance in raising troops.
In 1862 Mr. Knous married Miss Caroline B.
Shultas, who survives him, residing at their old
home. No. 633 Prospect avenue. She is a daughter
of the late James B. Shultas, mention of whom is
made below. Three children also survive: (i)
Mrs. William H. Burtenshaw resides in Detroit,
Mich., where her husband is secretary of the Michi-
gan Carbon Works. (2) Mrs. Lewis D. Parker re-
sides in Hartford. Mr. Parker is president of the
Hartford Rubber Works. They have three chil-
dren, JNIargery Sweet, Truman Wooster, and Lewis
Pond. 'Mr. JParker's father, the Rev. Dr. Edwin
Pond Parker, has been for forty years pastor of
the South Congregational Church of Hartford. (31
i\Irs. Beecher M. Crouse has one daughter, Caroline
Shultas. J\Ir. Crouse is a prominent resident of
Utica, N. Y., a member of one of the old fam-
ilies of that section, a director in various banks and
other corporations, and is largely interested in
mining and milling at Victor, Colorado.
James Babcock Shultas was born in Hartford,
Oct. 6, 1805, a son of John Shultas, of Dutch an-
cestry, who came to this country in his youth, and
before removing to Hartford lived in Albany, N.
Y. Early in life James B. Shultas was engaged
in mercantile business on State Street. In 1840, in
connection with ]\Iaj. James Goodwin, he purchased
the "United States Hotel." and at the time of his
death owned a half interest in that property. He
assumed the management of the hotel for a short
period after its purchase, but withdrew from the
enterprise in the end in order to attend to other in-
terests. In 1850 and 1851 he was a member of the
council board from the Fifth ward, and in 1852
was elected a member of the board of aldermen.
8S6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
During these years he took an active part in munic-
ipal politics, and was identified with the progress of
the city. In 1856 he was re-elected to the council
board, and held the position of chairman of the com-
mittee on Highways and Sewers. He also served
as street commissioner, and exercised sole control
in matters relating" to the management of the city
thoroughfares. His administration of the duties
of the office was always wise and judicious, and en-
titled him to the approval of his fellow-citizens.
In i860, during the mayoralty of Henry C. Dem-
ing, Mr. Shultas was a member of the board of po-
lice commissioners. For a number of 3'ears he was
attached to the old volunteer lire department, being
associated with Allyn S. Stillman, Gen. William
Hayden, and others interested in the discipline and
success, the esprit de corps of the' department. At
the time of his death Mr. Shultas was treasurer of
the Firemen's Benevolent Society, having succeed-
ed the late Allyn S. Stillman in that office. He had
also been a member of the Putnam Phalanx, and held
the office of major in that command from 1862 to
1864, succeeding Major Stillman. In 1875 he was
elected president of the Hartford County Mutual
Fire Insurance Co. For half a century Mr. Shultas
was an active and public-spirited citizen. He was
a man of fine personal appearance, and was always
genial and pleasant, enjoying social life, and enter-
ing heartily into all innocent amusements and rec-
reations. At his death, Sept. 13, 1880, he left a
large estate. Mr. Shultas married Mary Ann,
daughter of Truman Sweet, an influential business
man in his da}^ The only surviving child of this
union is Caroline B., widow of Jacob Knous, of
Hartford. A son, Charles Carroll Shultas, died in
New York July 18, 1870; he had prepared for the
legal profession, and was admitted to the Bar at the
same time with the Hon. Henry C. Robinson, Hon.
John R. Buck, and others, but when the Civil war
broke out he left his practice and marched away
as captain of Company H, 22nd Conn. V. I. After
the war he married Isabel, daughter of Charles Fow-
ler, of New York, by whom he had one son, Charles
Fowler Shultas, of New York, who died Dec. 26,
1899.
Truman Sweet, son of Palmer and Lucy (Bid-
well) Sweet, was born at Farmington, Conn., April
19' 1775- In 1806 he began life as a stage driver
between New Haven and Hartford. The mail was
then carried three times a week ; the regular run-
ning time from New York to Boston was four days,
which was considered quick traveling in those days.
In 1810 he purchased the stage route between Suf-
field, Conn., and Wilbraham, Mass., and by so doing
became the first owner of lines of stages running
north from Hartford on both sides of the river.
The steamer "Massachusetts," built by the inventor,
Blanchard, was constructed for Mr. Sweet and Ches-
ter W. Chapin, of Springfield, another old-time
whip. This boat ran between Hartford and Spring-
field. Mr. Sweet continued with boats and stages
until bought off by the railroad company, when he-
retired, and devoted himself to farming, purchas-
ing a fine property on Albany avenue, now included
in the plans for Keney park. Of the strictest integ-
rity, he amassed a considerable property. Mr.
Sweet was a man of singularly regular habits, his
love of order developing itself in a very striking
manner. He never suffered himself to betray anger,,
and probably had not an enemy in the world. He
died peacefully in 1864, at the age of nearly ninety
years, possessing full control of his mental faculties-
to the last hour of his life. In 1809 Mr. Sweet mar-
ried Miss Mary Glover, and they became the par-
ents of two children: Caroline, who married Nor-
man Boardman, of New York ; and Mary Ann, who.
married James B. Shultas, of Hartford.
AMOS L. CARLETON. There are scattered
through New England, and perhaps more plenti-
fully in Connecticut than in sister States, a large
number of prominent manufactories that possess an
individuality as distinct as that of their founders ;
that represent some valuable idea carried into suc-
cessful operation by a master mind ; that stand for
what is foremost and best in American manu-
facture. In Hartford the name of the Carleton
Foundry Co. is typical of the finest grade of cast-
ings, and the company owes its name to a success-
ful business man who has thoroughly mastered his
trade, who has risen to eminence by the exercise
of the native forces within him, and who has assisted,
in founding a manufactory that is one of the rec-
ognized industrial forces of the times.
Amos L. Carleton, treasurer and general man-
ager of the Carleton Foundry Co., of Hartford,
Conn., was born in Derry, N. H., Aug. 13, 1847,
son of Amos M. and Anna E. (Hanson) Carleton,
grandson of David Carleton, a lifelong farmer of
New Hampshire, and great-grandson of David
Carleton. The great-grandfather was born March
4, 1704, and was a farmer by occupation. Fle mar-
ried Flannah Daniels, by whom" he had four chil-
dren, a"nd lived to a good old age. David Carleton,
the grandfather, married Ruth Stevens in 1773, and
six children were born to them. The father lived to
the age of eighty years, the mother surviving to
almost one hundred years of age. Both were mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal CLurch.
Amos M. Carleton, the father of our subject,
was reared on a farm, and remained at home Until
twenty-one years of age. Then for a time he con-
ducted the hotel at Derry, N. H. Selling out, ha
started a general store, carrying a stock of shoes,
groceries, harness, etc., and buying all kinds of
country produce. He conducted this business for
some 3'ears, then sold out and removed to Chicopee
Falls, Mass. He had for some time previous studied
veterinai'y surgery, and had also practiced extensive-
ly, with success. In 1859 he removed to a farm
at Bernardston, Mass., where he spent some years,,
then settled at Winchester, N. H., where he spent
c^^^^^^^^ ^.^ayiAyt^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
387
the rest of his life, dying at the age of seventy-
two years. He achieved distinction in military cir-
cles, having begun as a private in the militia, was
commissioned captain, and later brevetted colonel.
He was familiarly known as "Caut. ' Carleton, and
took a great interest in military matters. He and
his wife attended the Alethodist Episcopal Church.
Anna E. Hanson, the mother of our subject, was
born in New Hampshire. To Amos M. and Anna
E. Carletpn were born seven children, five of whom
are living. The mother died at the age of sixty-
seven years.
Amos L. Carleton, our sul:)jcct, spent the early
years of his life, or until he was eighteen, at home,
and was educated in the common schools and at
Powers Institute, Bernardston, Mass. He learned
his trade, that of iron molder, at Colerain, where
he remained three years, and later followed his trade
at Southington, Conn., then at Worcester, Mass.
Returning to Colerain, he remained there for a
time, then went to Fitchburg, Mass., where he
worked four years. Proceeding to Shelburne Falls,
he there began the foundry business for himself.
Later he sold out to the Millers Falls Co., and
going to Millers Falls took charge of the Millers
Falls Co. foundry, having under him twenty-five
men. Remaining tliree years, he then went to Spring-
field, Mass., where he entered the employ of Wright
& Emmerson, as foreman, for one year. He next took
charge of the foundry department of the \Vasson
Car Co., at Brightwood, near Springfield, one of
the largest manufacturers of passenger and freight
cars in the United States, having under him sev-
enty-five men. After three years' experience there
Mr. Carleton accepted the position of superintend-
ent with the G. F. Warner Alanufacturing Co., New
Haven, Conn., having charge of the entire works,
Ijoth machine shop and foundry, employing 150
men. There he remained three years, at the expira-
tion of which time he came to Hartford, Conn., ac-
cepting a position with the Pratt & Whitney Man-
ufacturing Co., one of the largest concerns in ihe
New England States. He was superintendent of
the foundry department, having entire charge, em-
ploying and discharging all men, and was with this
company for eleven years, resigning to accept a
better position. For the last three "years he has
acted as expert, general superintendent and man-
ager for various companies, going first to the Ben-
jamin Altha & Illingsworth Steel Foundry, which
he assisted in placing on a permanent basis, and
later to Dunkirk, N. Y., where he was with the
Brooks Locomotive \\'orks, getting their foundry
in running order. Returning to New Haven, he as-
sisted G. F. ^\'arner ?ilfg. Co. on a government
contract, then began drawing the plans for the pres-
ent buildings of the Carleton Foundry Co., where
he is now located. The company owns a tract of
seven acres of land.
The Carleton Foundry Co. is an incorporated
stock company. William H. Watrous is the presi-
£2
dent ; Bernard S. Carleton, vice-president and as-
sistant treasurer; our subject, trea.surer and general
manager; and L. Clinton Carleton. secretary. Tiiey
manufacture a line of fine castings, intended for the
best grade of work, employing expert molders for
this purpose, the force numlx;ring about 100 men.
The foundry is located on Faience street, on the
direct line of the New York, New Haven & Hart-
ford railroad. The wide acquaintance and reputa-
tion of Mr. Carleton is a sufficient guarantee of the
success of this enterprise. He has patented a prcj-
cess for melting iron, by the introduction of steam,
converting it into hydrogen and oxygen gas, and is
one of the patentees of the chainless bicycle, which
was purchased by the Pope Manufacturing Co.
Mr. Carleton was married, in 1867, to Gertrude
Maxam, who was born in Westfiekl, Mass., daugli-
ter of Samuel N. and ^largaret (Peck) Maxam.
Samuel Maxam was a foundry owner in Colerain,
where he was in business for some years. He died
at the age of seventy. Of his four children two are
living.
To ]\Ir. and Airs. Carleton were born three chil-
dren, two of whom, L. Clinton and Bernard S.. are
living. L. Clinton is a first-class molder, secretary
of the company, and has general supervision oyer
the mechanical' part of the work ; Bernard S. is
with the /Etna Life Insurance Co., 'being second
in rank in the renewal department.
Amos L. Carleton is a member of Hartford
Lodge, F. & A. M., and was formerly a member of
Hamden Lodge, I. O. O. F. His son Bernard S. is a
member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. ]\I., and L.
Clinton is a member of the order of United American
Mechanics. All are Republicans in politics.
PATRICK H. CONDON, who, ft)r nearly a
third of a century, has been one of the genial whole-
souled citizens of Bristol, as well as one of the
town's substantial business men, now the efficient
first selectman of the town and vice-president of the
Journal Publishing Co., is a native of Ireland,
born :\Iarch 10, 1853, in County Limerick.
Mr. Condon is a son of John and Catherine
(Hogan) Condon, who were born in Ireland, where
the father was a farmer in easy circumstances, and
where his death occurred in about 1872. The
mother, with some of the children, after settling
up the estate, came to America, in 1875, locating
in- I'nionville, Conn., her present place of resi-
dence. Her children were Alary, who became the
wife of Alichael Bridgeman, of Unionville, and died
in 1898 ; John H., who is engaged in the cutlery
business in Unionville : Patrick H..- our subject :
Bridget, the wife of Alichael Hanrahan, of Union-
ville; Richard H., a resident of Farmington, now
a selectman, who was formerly a representative
from the town in the State Legislature : and Mar-
garet, who married Peter Rourke, of Unionville.
Up to the time of coming to America, at the age
of seventeen, our subject attended the schools of his
838
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
locality, and after his arrival cast his lot for a
period at Greenfield, Mass., working for two years
in the cutlery establishment of J. H. Russell &
Co. From Greenfield he came to Unionville, Conn.,
and here learned the trade of an iron molder in the
foundry of Cottrel & Bogart. After two years'
employment with this concern it was moved to
Plainville, and young Condon went thither with it.
After a two-years' stay at Plainville he, came to
Bristol, which place has since been the scene of his
labors and triumphs. On coming to Bristol he be-
gan work with the Sessions Foundry Co., and later
on was made foreman of the establishment. 'This
position he resigned in 1888 to go into business for
himself, starting on a small scale a livery business,
which he still conducts. Through his tact and
good business qualities, together with his industri-
ous habits and excellent management, his business
has developed into one of considerable size and suc-
cess. He also deals extensively in horses, and carries
on a general trucking business, in which he has had
some large contracts outside of Bristol, a notable
one being the distributing of the heavy iron pipe
across the county from Roaring Brook to Shuttle
Meadow reservoir. The political affiliations of
Mr. Condon are with the Democratic party, and
locally he is influential in its councils. Socially in-
clined, and a good mixer of men, he is popular,
and stands high as a citizen. He has served his
fellow townsmen for two terms as burgess of the
town; in 1899 was chosen first selectman, and was
re-elected in 1900 with a majority of 482, running
some 485 votes ahead of his ticket, a substantial
evidence of his popularity ; he is now most satisfac-
torily performing the duties of that office. On the
death of T. H. Keirns he succeeded that gentleman
in the vice-presidency of the Journal Publishing
Co. He is a member of various orders and frater-
nities, among them the T. A. B., which society he
v/as instrumental in founding, and of which he is
now a trustee; the A. O. U. W. lodge at Bristol;
the Knights of Columbus, of which he is a trustee ;
the tribe of the Order of Red Men at Bristol; the
Order of Foresters of America ; the Hibernian So-
.ciety ; and the Heptasophs. He is also a trustee
of the Catholic Benevolent Legion.
On Jan. 31, 1877, our subject was married to
Miss Mary McDonald, of Plainville, daughter of
Peter McDonald, and to this union have come chil-
dren as follows: John E., born in 1878, was grad-
uated from the Bristol high school and from Hunt-
singer's Business College, Hartford; George, born
Jan. 8, 1886, is at home; Agnes died in infancy.
The family a're members of St. Joseph's Roman
Catholic Church of Bristol.
GEORGE OLNEY BROTT, member of the
well-known able firm of Bennett & Brott, attorneys
at law, Hartford, is a native of the State of Miss-
issippi, born March 4, 1867.
George F. Brott, his father, was born in Canas-
tota, N. Y., and received his education there. While
quite 3'oung he showed considerable talent as a me-
chanic, and for many years has given his attention
to inventions and patents, of which he has a lar§e
number; he has also been extensively engaged in
promoting and developing large tracts of real
estate. He now makes his home in Washington,
D. C. He married Lucy E. Olney, daughter of
Jeremiah Olney, who was born Aug. i, 1817, in
Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., a son of Heze-
kiah Olney, one of the early settlers of that
locality, where he followed farming, as well as
being a manufacturer of hats, and also a merchant,
for several years conducting a store.
Jeremiah Olney, our subject's maternal grand-
father, received his education in Thompson, and
for many years, or until 1881, kept a large general
store there. A Republican in politics, he has held
all the town officers, having been town clerk, treas-
urer, selectman, postmaster for several years, as-
sessor, representative in 1852, 1874, 1875, and from
1863 to 1873 collector of internal revenue. In
i88i he was appointed commissioner of the school
fund of the State, a position he held up to 1S94,
and he has since been living retired. For many
years he was a justice of the peace. In addition to
holding the above mentioned offices, he has served
as delegate to a large number of State conventions,
and in 1880 was a delegate to the National con-
vention which nominated Garfield. In 1876 he
was nominated for state treasurer on the Repub-
lican ticket, but, although well supported at the
polls, failed to secure election. He has also been
pi-ominently identified with the business interests of
Thompson, Windham county ; for twenty-six con-
tinuous years was president of the National Bank
there, and is one of its oldest officers. Although
now eighty-three years of age he is still hale and
vigorous, and his opinions regarding questions of
finance or politics are considered of the best. In
1891 he purchased a fine residence at No. 117
Washington street, Hartford, where he resides
from September to June, the summer months being
passed at his old home in Thompson. Mr. Olney
has been twice married, first time to Almira F.
Jacobs, of Thompson, by whom he had children as
follows: John E., in Norfolk, Neb.; Martha E.
(Mrs. Nichols) ; Lucy E., mother of George O.
Brott (she died when he was six months old) ;
Charles E., living retired in Thompson ; and Fran-
cis L. The mother of these died in 1856, and in
1858 Mr. Olney for his second wife wedded Emily
Matthewson, of Pomfret, Conn., who is still living.
Mr. and Mrs. Olney are members of the Congre-
gational Church of Thompson, and when in Hart-
ford they attend the South Church.
George O. Brott, the subject proper of this
sketch, received his earlier education at the public
schools of Thompson, Windham county, subse-
quently preparing himself for college at Dean Acad-
emy, Franklin, Mass.; then entered Yale College,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
yracluating therefrom in 1888, after which he at-
leiuled Ci)himl)ia Law School two years. In May,
1890, he was admitted to the Uar, and at once com-
menced the practice of law in New York City, re-
maining there until 1894, in that year coming to
1 lartford and forming a law partnership with Judge
lulward B. Bennett, a prominent member of the
1 lartford County Bar, which co-partnership has
since continued.
In politics Air. Brott is a Republican, and since
coming to Hartford has been connected with the
Republican committee of the Eighth ward, in which
connection, as chairman, he in 1900 succeeded in
influencing the delegates at the caucus to cast their
^■oles for the nomination of Mayor Harbison, the
votes in that ward deciding the nomination in his
favor. Mr. Brott has served on the board of alder-
men and common council, and in 1898 he ran for
judge of the city court, but failed by three votes to
secure the office; in 1896 he was elected a justice
of the peace, which incumbency he has since held.
Socially Mr. Brott is a member of the F. & A.
M., Lafayette Lodge, No. 100, Hartford, formerly
affiliated with St. Nicholas Lodge, New York, of
which he was secretary ; member of Wolcott Coun-
cil, R. & S. M.; of Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17, R.
A. M., in which he has passed all the chairs ; of the
K. O. T. M.; of Cutler Lodge, No. 5, K. of P.; of
Putnam Phalanx; of the Republican and Masonic
Clubs ; and of the Hartford Base Ball Club, of
which he is vice-president.
On Dec. 23, 1896, George O. Brott was united
in marriage with Carrie M. Mills, who was born
in Thompson, \^'indham Co., Conn., a daughter of
Andrew and Maria (Perry) Mills, the former of
\vhom is a farmer of prominence in that locality,
the latter born in Monson, Mass. To our subject
and wife has been born one child, Jeremiah. Mr.
and Mrs. Brott are members of tne Congregational
Church at Thompson, and attend the South Church
in Hartford. They reside at the home of his grand-
father. No. 117 Washington street, Hartford.
JOEL L. ENGLISH. As secretary of the
-Etna Life Insurance Co., an institution than which
none in the United States is better known, the sub-
ject of this sketch is regarded by the profession in
which his life work has been found as one of its
most acomplished members.
Mr. English was born in Woodstock. AT., Oct.
I, 1843, son of Henrv W. and Eliza A. English,
and grandson of Joel English. The grandfather
was born Dec. 9, 1766, in Andover, Tolland Co.,
Conn., and when about twelve years old, his father
'having died, went to live with Benjamin Burtch,
in A\"oodstock, \'t. As he became older he was set
to 'tending Strong & Burtch's mill, on the North
branch. In early manhood he married Tryphena
Strong, who was born Jan. 12, 1770. in Hartford,
At., daughter of Benjamin Strong. In 1789 ]\Ir.
English bought 100 acres of land on the West
branch. About that time Simon Davis, Jr., set up
a gristmill on land near by, and, in connection witli
Daniel Fuller, a sawmill, also. In 1793 ]\Ir. Eng-
lish bought the sawmill, and two years later Ben-
nett & English bought the gristmill. The mills
were then enlarged and improved, and from tiiis
time the place came to be known as English Mills.
Joel English died Dec. 19, 1852, his wife on Dec.
28, 1846. They had eight children, five son.-; and
three daughters : Benajah ; Richard ; Charles ; Henry
W., the father of our subject ; William S. ; Sarah,
who married Jacob Boyce, of Woodstck, Vt. ; Free-
dom, who married Lysander Raymond ; and Mary,
who married Flosea X'aughan.
Henry W. English, the father of our subject,
was born Jan. 27, 1805. He resided in Woodstock,
Vt., and was an honorable and upright man of ex-
cellent spirit, esteemed by all as a most valuable
citizen. He held important town offices and posi-
tions of trust, and was a justice of the peace for
over forty years. He married Eliza A. Steele, anil
to them were born six children, three of whom are
still living: Charles H., of Woodstock; Joel L., our
subject ; and Chloe T., who married Charles Adains,
of Peacham, Vt. The father died April 2, 1887, aged
eighty-two years, and the mother lived to be se\-
ent3--six. They attended the Christian Church, in
Woodstock, of which Joel English, the grandfather
of our subject, had been a deacon.
Joel L. English was born at Woodstock. Yx.,
Oct. I, 1843, was educated in the schools of Wood-
stock and Randolph, and in 1867 began the work
in which he has had an honorable and distinguishefi
career, entering the service of the .Etna Life In-
surance Co., at Hartford, Conn., as a stenogra-
pher and general clerk to the secretary. This
position he held for five years, and in 1872 was
elected to the position of secretary of the company,
which he has held uninterruptedly ever since. In
the service of this one company he has since devoted
the business energies of his life, in the performance
of a ceaseless round of duties which, while lacking
in dramatic incident, have established for him a
record of high order. The business of the company
has increased very largely in the past thirty years.
now employing in the home office about one hun-
dred clerks, and two assistant secretaries. ]\Ir.
English has been longer in the service of the com-
pany than any who are now employed in the office
with one exception. The company is the largest in
New England, writing the greatest amount of busi-
ness, and one of the oldest and best known in the
United States. It has been doing business for over
fifty years.
In 1878 Mr. English married ]Mabel B. Plimji-
ton, who was born in Hartford, a daughter of A.
S. Plimpton, formerly a prominent hotel-keeper in
this city, who later built the "Plimpton House" at
Watch Hill, and conducted it for a nunilier of sea-
sons, also managing the "Dixon House" at A\'ester-
1\ , R. I., and being well known both in that State
S40
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and in Connecticut. He died at the age of seventy.
Mr. Plimpton married Lucinda F. Bacon, who was
born in Norwich, and is still living, making her
home Vvfith our subject. Mrs. English is an only
child, and to her and Mr. English has been born one
son, Robert B., now in school. In politics Mr. Eng-
lish is a Republican. He attends St. John's Epis-
copal Church.
JOHN W. GRAY (deceased), formerly a lead-
ing business man of Hartford, was born in that
city March 19, 1851, of an old and honored New
England family.
For over 200 years the Gray family has been
identified with this section, and our subject is
of the seventh generation in descent from
Ebenezer Gray, a pioneer of Hartford. Col. Eben-
ezer Gray, his great-grandfather, was an officer
in the Revolutionary war, and a prominent citizen of
Hartford in his time, and Samuel Gray, the grand-
father, was also a resident of the city. John S.
Gray, the father of our subject, was born in Hart-
ford, and engaged in business there as a dealer in
crockery and hardware. He died in June, 1899,
aged eighty-three. His estimable wife, Mary Wat-
kinson, who survives him, was born in Hartford,,
daughter of Robert Watkinson, an Englishman, and
for many years has been a member of Trinity
Church. They had three children, of whom two
are living: Annie, now widow of Rev. Jolin H.
Barbour, D. D., of the Berkeley Divinity School,
in Middletown; and Miss Ellen Watkinson Gray,
who resides with her mother.
The subject of this memoir was reared in Hart-
ford, and, on completing a high-school course, en-
tered Trinity College, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1872. The next year he spent in the hard-
ware - business with Tracy & Tarbox, with whom
his father was associated as silent partner, the busi-
ness- having been long established. In 1874 he
bought out the Goodyear rubber store, and started
a factory, to make goods for mechanical purposes.
There he conceived. the idea of making whole solid
bicycle tires without joints, this giving a trend to
his business career, and after a time began making
pneumatic tires, much against the wishes of his
friends. He made a success of the venture, and
supplied the Pope Mfg. Co. with. tires during his
life, his business growing so rapidly that at the
time of his death he was regarded as one of the
most successful men in the city. Had he lived he
would doubtless have been one of the most noted
business men of the day, as the business founded
by him is now worth millions. He had a large
factory where the Pope Mfg. Co.'s tire department
is now located, and employed a large force of men.
He sold largely to other manufacturing concerns,
also making a lai'ge solid tire which he had put
upon the stages of Philadelphia, becoming the
founder of that industry. Mr. Gray passed away
June I, 1892, aged fortj^-one years, at his home. No.
22 Niles street, Hartford. The plant was sub-
sequently sold by Mrs. Gray to the Pope Mfg. Co.^
and since then it has been part of that great cor-
poration. Mr. Gray was a Republican in politics.
Socially he was a favorite in the best circles, and, as
he was a fine player, his musical gifts were a source
of pleasure at home and elsewhere.
On April 8, 1875, Mr. Gray married Miss Clara
M. Bolter, a native of Hartford, and three chil-
dren were born to them : Robert Watkinson, a grad-
uate of Trinity College; Mary Bartholomew; and
Clara Gray. Mrs. Gray is a descendant of one of
the oldest families in America, on the maternal
side being of the eighth generation from William
Bartholomew of Ipswich, Mass., who came from
England in 1634. On her father's side she traces
descent from two families of special distinction,
each possessing a coat of arms. Her father, the
late James Bolter, was a well-known banker of
Flartford, and her maternal grandfather, Roswell
Bartholomew, was a member of the firm of Ward
& Bartholomew, silversmiths, one of the earliest
manufacturing firms in the city. Mrs. Gray and
her children are highly esteemed in social life, and
attend Trinity Episcopal Church, of which she is
an active member.
CLINTON S. LOVELAND. Generations of
good business qualifications have fitted the subject
of this sketch for eminence in the commercial world.
As manufacturer and as farmer he has led a suc-
cessful and useful life, and his high standing as a
citizen has won him recognition by his fellow citi-
zens. He is now serving as first selectman 01 the
town of Glastonbury.
Mr. Loveland is a representative of an old Con-
necticut family. Elizur Loveland, his great-great-
grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolution, having
fought at the battle of Long Island, and survived
that struggle. Francis Loveland, the great-grand-
father of our subject, was a lifelong farmer of Glas-
tonbury. His son, Joshua Loveland, was a black-
smith, farmer, shoemaker, and general mechanic,
and possessed that genius of invention and enter-
prise which is making New England the workshop
of the world. He remained through life a resident
of East Glastonbury. He married Rachel Hills, a
native of Glastonbury, and to them were born three
children: Chester, father of our subject; Watson,
a farmer of East Glastonbury, who married Laana
Bly, a native of Marlboro; and John, who married
Lucretia Covell, of Glastonbuiy. The last named
enlisted in i860 in the loth Conn. V. I., and was
killed at Proctor's Creek, Va., May 16, 1864. '
Chester Loveland, the father of our subject, was
born Sept. 30, 1820, and died Aug. 29, 1881. Dur- .
ing his earlier years he followed the trade of mason |
and builder, and prospered to a marked degree, but
for the last fifteen years of his life he was engaged [
in the manufacture of paper, in partnership with I
John R. Buck, a Congressman, of Hartford. The I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
341
/aclory, recently destroyed by lire, was located at
I'.ast t'llastonbiirv. He niarrieil Irene R. Loveland,
horn I'^eb. 17, 1823, daughter of Sylvester and Ruth
(Rileyj Loveland, the latter a descendant of an old
and prominent family of Glastonbury and Wethers-
fielil. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812.
To Chester and Irene R. Loveland was born one
child, Clinton S., our subject.
Clinton S. Loveland was born in East Glaston-
bury Noy. 23, 1S47. Receivinj^f a good common-
school education, he completed, in 1870, a course of
study in the academy at Wil'braham, Mass., under
the instruction of Dr. Cook, one of his many class-
mates being- Senator Crosby, of Glastonbury. Re-
turning home, he engaged in farming for ten years,
and then entered his father's paper mill, of which he
liecame superintendent, in which res]3onsiblc position
he continued until 1898. In that year he purchased
what was known as the John Keeney place, and
there erected the handsome and commodious mod-
ern residence v,-hich he now occupies. Besides this
beautiful place, which comprises fourteen acres, he
owns several tine farms in East Glastonbury, con-
taining in all some 200 acres. Mr. Loveland was
married, June 13, 1877, to iliss Hannah Wier, who
was born in Glastonbury, daughter of Henry O. and
Diantha (Goodale) Wier, well-known and highly
esteemed residents of the city. The union of our
subject and wife has been blessed with five chil-
dren: Ella W.. born Sept. 2, 1878, is a graduate
of a Hartford Business College, and is a bookkeeper
in that city: Chester A., born Sept. 19, 1880, is a
student at ?Iuntsinger"s Business College, Hart-
ford ; Alice C). was born ilarch 16, 1883 ;, Henry C,
Oct. 13, 1888; and Ruth, Nov. 15, 1802.
In politics Mr. Loveland is a Republican. In
1895 he was elected to the State Legislature to rep-
resent his town, and in 1898 was chosen first select-
man, to succeed Henry Potter, holding the office
for three years ; he has filled both legislative po-
sitions most acceptably to his constituents. Mr.
Loveland is genial in manner and disposition, and
counts many among his close friends. He possesses
good business qualifications and sound judgment, is
a leader in his town, and ranks high as a citizen.
He is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 61, I.
O. O. F., and of the Putnam Phalanx, a very pop-
ular organization, and his family are members of
the IMethodist Episcopal Church of East Glaston-
bury.
Jx\MES L. DOYLE, proprietor and publisher of
the Nezv Britain Daily Record, was born in Nor-
wich, Conn., June 24, 1855, and was educated in
the public schools of that town. Upon leaving
school he entered the office of the Nonvich Adver-
tiser, where by successive steps he acquired a train-
ing in newspaper work and a knowledge of the print-
ing business. Leaving Norwich, he was with the
Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co., of Hartford, for
twelve years in the office and as their traveling rep-
resentative. For two years he managed a printing
and photo-engraving establishment in Xew York.
In March, 1898, Mr. Doyle, together with .Mr.
Bacon, purchased the Record, which had then been
established forty years as a weekl\- newspaper. The
job plant was purchased at the same time. In 1890
Mr. Doyle became the sole owner, and two years
later established the Daily Record, which has grown
in popularity and influence under his management.
It's success, and that of the job i^rinting business,
can perhaps best be measured by pointing to the fact
that the Record has recently been removed to its
own building, a commodious brick structure,
equipped with new presses and machinery to meet
the increased demands of the business. This build-
ing and plant are accounted among the best adajned
in the State to the newspaper and job printing busi-
ness.
j\lr. Doyle is an excellent business man, care-
ful, shrewd and accurate always, and an able writer,
fully informed on all matters of public concern.
In politics he has always been a Republican, and
the principles of that party are faithfully advo-
cated in the columns of the Record.
LYMAN. The family of the late Christopher
C. Lyman, of Hartford, descended from one of the
early New England emigrants, who became one of
the first settlers of Hartford, Connecticut.
Theodore Lyman, of Hartford, the only sur-
vivor of the children of Christopher C. Lyman, is
of the seventh generation from Richard Lyman,
the American ancestor of the family, the line of his
descent being through Lieut. John, John, Elias,
Elias (2), Gains and Christopher C.
(I) Richard Lyman, from the County of Essex,
England, in August, 163 1, embarked with his wife
and children in the ship "Lion" for New England,
sailing from Bristol. Richard Lyman first became
a settler, in Charlestown, J\Iass. He became a free-
man June II, 1635, and ofi Oct. 15 of the same
year joined the party of persons who proceeded to
settle Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield. Conn
He was one of the fiist settlers of Hartford. He
died in August, 1640. His widow, Sarah, died soon
afterward. His children named in the will were:
Richard, Robert, Sarah, John and Fillis.
(II) Lieut. John Lyman, son of Richard Ly-
man, born in 1623, in the County of Essex, Eng-
land, came to New England with h's father, and
married in 1654, Dorcas, daughter of John Plumb,
of Branford, Conn. He settled in Northampton,
Mass., where he resided until his death, in. i6go.
He was in command of the Northampton soldiers
in the famous Falls fight above Deerfield, May 18,
1676. His children were: Elizabeth, Sarah, John,
Moses, Dorothy, Mary, Experience, Joseph, Ben-
jamin and Caleb.
(III) John Lyman, son of Lieut. John L}-man,
born in 1660, in Northanipton, Mass., married in
1687 ]\Iindwell Pomeroy, born in 1666, daughter o£
312
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mary Woodford Sheldon, of Northampton, and
widow of John Pomeroy. She died in 1735. John
Lyman Hved in the part of town called South Farms,
and kept a public house near Smith's Ferry. He died
in 1740. His ( hildren were : Mindwell, Dorcas,
Hannah, John, Esther, Gideon, Elizabeth, Phineas,
Elias and Gad.
(IV) Elias Lyman, son of John Lyman, born
in 1710, at South Farms, married in 1736 Hannah
Allen, daughter of Deacon Samuel Allen, of North-
ampton. She was born in 1714, and died in 17 — .
]-"lias Lyman was among those who were called out
for the defense of Bennington in the Revolutionary
war. He succeeded his father in his business as a
farmer and keeper of a public house. He died in
1790. His children were : Hannah, Rachel, Elias,
Joel, Elizabeth, Sarah Mindwell and Jonathan.
(V) Elias Lyman (2), son of Elias Lyman, born
in 1740 at South Farms, married in 1764 Hannah
Clapp, daughter of Jonathan Clapp, of Easthampton.
She was born in 1742, and died in 1813. Elias
Lyman built a house about a mile north of his fa-
ther's, not far from Rock Ferry, where all of his
children were born. He was a farmer, and kept a
public house. He died in 181 6. His children
were : Justin, Elias, Gaius, Elizabeth, Hannah,
Asahel, Simeon, Rachel and Job.
(Vi) Gaius Lyman, son of Elias Lyman (2),
born Nov. 24, 1769, married on Jan. 18, 1797, Sub-
mit Field, daughter of Deacon Joseph Field, of
Sunderland, Mass. She was born June 17, 1774,
and died in Hartford April 27, 1846. Gaius Lyman
succeeded his brother Justin in the occupation of
the Rock House for several years. Li 1804 he
moved to Hartford, Conn. He traded in lumber and
West Indies goods. He died in Hartford, Jan. 4,
1845. His children were: Elhanan Winchester,
Christopher C, Orra A., Julia E., Emma S., Jane
R., Hannah S., and Theodore.
(VII) Christopher Columbus Lyman, son of
Gaius, was born Dec. '28, 1800, in Northampton,
Mass., and married on Sept. 6, 1830, at Bennington,
A^t., Cecelia Breakenridge. She died in Hartford,
Conn., Feb. 20, 1870. Their children were : Ce-
cilia, born in 1831, died Aug. i, 1832; Theodore,
born Jan. 4, 1834; Cecelia (2), born Oct. 14, 1837,
died March 24, 1842; and Mary, born Sept. 30,
1842, died April 21, 1844.
The late Christopher C. Lyman, whose death
occurred at his home in Hartford on May 28, 1883,
had been a resident of the city for upward of fifty
3'ears. He was for a period engaged in the lumber
business, but in 1835, on the reorganization of the
Hartford Fire Insurance Co., became assistant sec-
retary thereof, and faithfully performed his duties
as such until 1878 — a period of forty-three years.
He declined all opportunities of promotion and re-
quests to hold a higher position, though he was a
director of the company and the largest individual
stockholder. Mr. Lyman lived in a quiet and unos-
tentatious way, but was of a most charitable nature.
and always gave very liberally to a great many
good objects, and did it, as he did everything else,
in a most quiet way. He was possessed of musical
tastes, and was a man of much musical culture.
He was a thorough student in the culture of
music, and the musical library which he collected
was said to have been the finest, at the time of his
death, in the State. He, himself, composed a number
of hymn tunes, but never any more elaborate work.
He was a Christian gentleman, whom everybody
respected. He left a record of a blameless life, and
a reputation for integrity and uprightness such as
few men acquire.
(VIII) Theodore Lyman, son of Christopher C.
Lyman, has been a real-estate lawj^er in Hartford,
where he was born Jan. 4, 1834, and where his busy
and useful life thus far has been passed. He was
graduated from the Hartford Public High School
m 1 85 1, and from Yale College in 1855. lie studied
law under the direction of Thomas C. and Charles-
E. Perkins, of Hartford, and was admitted to the
Bar in that city June 26, 1859. On Jan. 22, 1886,
Mr. Lyman was married, at Arlington, Mass., to-
Laura M., daughter of George T. Sherman. Their
children are as follows: Helen, born Nov. 8, 1888;
Richard Sherman, born Jan. 29, 1891 ; Bertha, boni
Oct. 22, 1892; Esther, born March 12, 1894.
ALBERT L. POPE. For many years the mak-
ing of Columbia and Hartford bicycles has been
one of Flartford's leading industries, and the great
factories devoted to this purpose comprise the larg-
est cycle-manufacturing plant in the world.
The Pope Manufacturing Co., now known as
the Columbia department of the American Bicycle
Co., was organized in 1877, and from small be-
ginnings its business has grown to vast propor-
tions. Albert L. Pope became manager of this
great industrial establishment in 1899, his advance-
ment to the position affording striking proof of the
fact that men need no longer grow old in order
to qualify for responsible business positions.
Mr. Pope is a son of Col. Albert A. Pope, found-
er of the bic3'Cle industry in America. If his par-
entage afforded him any unusual opportunities for
business success, it may be noted that they were of
a kind which he never could have made the most
of had he not himself possessed exceptional ability.
Albert L. Pope was born in Newton, Mass., in
1872. After being educated at Phillips Academy,
Exeter, N. H., he expressed strong preference for
a business career, and spent a year at the Columbia
factories in Hartford, thoroughly familiarizing him-
self with the details of manufacturing and office
work, and during this period he entered the works
daily at seven in the morning, remaining until si.x
at night. This course of training gave him prac-
tical experience in every department of factory and
office. He afterward traveled in the interest of the
company, and made a thorough study of every
branch of the selling system. In 1894 he was ap-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
343
pointed manager of the Pope Conipan}'s JJoston
branch, controlhng the territor)- inckided in the
States of Maine, Aew Hampshire and eastern Mas-
sachusetts. In this position he was uniformly suc-
cessful, and in 1897 ^^ '^^'^s made secretary of the
Tope Alanufacturing Co., and took up liis perman-
ent residence m the city of Hartford. That he most
ably filled the position as secretary is evidenced by
the fact that he was sifbsequently promoted to his
present position.
Mr. Pope was for nine years prominently con-
nected with militar}- affairs in Massachusetts and
Connecticut. For three years previous to 1896 he
was provost-sergeant on the First Brigade Staff' of
the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and later was
captain on the staff" of Brig.-Gen. Alatthews, com-
manding the First Brigade, ^Massachusetts National
Guard. In 1898, during the Spanish war, JNIr. Pope
was at Alarblehead in camp with the brigade, which
was not, however, called into active service. After
his removal to Hartford J\Ir. Pope, during 1898 and
1899, served as quartermaster of the First Regi-
ment, Connecticut National Guard.
For several years Mr. Pope was a member of the
Algonquin Club of Boston, and also a member of
the Boston Athletic Association, the Massachusetts
Bicycle Club of Boston, the Corinthian Yacht Club
of Alarblehead, and the Hull Yacht Club of Hull,
of which latter organization he was rear commo-
dore. In 1899 he built the stanch steam-yacht "Co-
lumbia," well known among the pleasure craft of
the Connecticut river. Long Island Sound and ad-
joining waters.
SUMNER FAJNIILY. The principal family of
the name of Sumner in Connecticut is traced back
to (I) Roger Sumner, of Bicester, Oxfordshire,
England, who married Nov. 2, 1601, Joane Frank-
lin, and died Dec. 3, 1608. Their only child was
(II) William Sumner, born at Bicester, 1605,
married Oct. 22, 1625, Mary West, came to New
England in 1636, and settled at Dorchester, Mass.
He was selectman for more than twenty years, and
was deputy to the General Court 1658, 1666-70-72-
78-81-83-86. His wife died June 7, 1676, and he
on Dec. 9, 1688. Issue : William, Joane, Rogers,
George, Samuel, and Increase. Of these,
(III) William Sumner, born at Bicester, mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Augustine Clement, of
Dorchester. He was a mariner; moved to Boston
where he died in February, 1675. J^is widow died
before 1687.
(IV) Clement Sumner, the next youngest in a
family of ten children, was born at Boston Sept. 6,
1671 ; married JNIay iS, 1698, Margaret Harris;
lived at Boston.
(V) William Sumner, the eldest of seven chil-
dren, was born ]\Iarch 18, 1699, at Boston ; married
Oct. II, 1 72 1. Hannah, daughter of Thomas Hunt.
of Lebanon. Conn. He was a physician, and lived
at Hebron, Conn. In 1767 he moved to Claremont,
X. II., where he died -March 4, 177^; shj passed
away April 2, 1781.
(VI) Reuben Sumner, the third of nine chil-
dren, born at Ilebron, Conn., May 29, 1727, married
March 6, 1754, Elizabeth Mack, at Hebron, Conn.
He died Aprd 2, 1807, she on July 10, 1805.
{Vll) Rev. Henry Peterson Sumner, a .Metho-
dist preacher, the ninth in a family of eleven chil-
dren, born June 10, 1773, married Oct. 11, 1796,
Jerusha, daughter of Solomon Perrin, of Hebron.
She died Feb. 4, 1798; he married (secondj Sept.
II, 1798, Mary S., daughter of Timothy Goslee, of
Glastonbury, Conn. He died Jan. 18, 1838; his
widow died at Bolton, Conn., July 9, 1875.
(VIII) John Wesley Sumner, eighth in a family
of twelve children, was born at Hebron. Conn.,
Sept. 16, 1812. He resided at Bolton, of which
town he was a representative in 1877-78. On Nov.
23, 1836, he married Mary, daughter of George
Gleason, and a brief record of their children is as
follows: Henry Peterson, born at Hebron, Conn.,
Jan. 21, 1838, died at Bolton, Conn., Aug. 29, 1873.
Alary Elizabeth, JNIay 23, 1840, -May 24, 1840.
George Gleason, a sketch of whom follows. Mary
Ella, born at Canton, Conn., April 24, 1848. mar-
ried Feb. 8, 1871, J. L. \\hite, of Bolton, and died
Oct. 6, 1876. Frank Chester, the youngest, a sketch
of whom follows.
George Gleasox Sumner, born Jan. 14, 1841,
at Bolton, Conn., attended the district schools of the
place until fourteen years of age, and was then sent
to the Bartlett High School at New London. After
studying there a year and a half he became teacher
of the district school in Andover, after which he
went to W"illiston Seminary, there to fit himself for
a college course. Ill health, however, compelled
him to relinquish his plans for securinof a university
education,. and the next four years he spent upon
the farm in Bolton, working in tne summer time
and teaching in winter. During this period he was
town clerk for three years, probate clerk and acting
school visitor.
In 1864 Mr. Sumner began the study of law
with Flon. David S. Calhoun, in Manchester, after-
ward removed to Hartford, and entered the law
office of Waldo & Hyde, and in 1866 he was ad-
mitted to the Bar. In 1867 he was elected a rep-
resentative from the town of Bolton to the General
Assembly. The same year he removed his residence
to Hartford: in 1868 was elected an alderman from
the Fifth ward, and served four years. He was city
' attorney for one term, associate judge of the city
court, police commissioner for three years, and re-
corder of the city court for four years. In 1873-74
he was chairman of the Democratic State Central
Committee. In 1877 he was a candidate for the
State Senate from the First District, and received a
certificate of election, but was compelled to relinquish
the position after a contest. In the year following
he was elected mayor of the city of Hartford. In
1883 he was elected lieutenant-governor of the State.
B44
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1887-88 he served as State senator from the
First District.
In October, 1870, George G. Sumner married
Miss JuHa E., daughter of Hon. David Galhip, of
Plainfield, Conn., and two children came of this
union: William Gallup, born Dec. 5, 1871, died ni
Jan., 1873; and Ella Gallup, born in March, 1875,
died young. The mother of these was called from
earth March 2, 1875.
Frank Chester Sumner, born June 8, 1850,
at Canton, Conn., received his education at the
pubic schools of Bolton, Conn., and the Hartford
High School. At the age of seventeen years he en-
tered the employ of the Hartford Trust Co., as
messenger, and rose by degrees until reaching his
present responsible position, that of secretary-
treasurer. He is a director of the State Prison, of
the Pratt & Whitney Co., and of the Gray Telephone
Pay Station; a trustee of the Mechanics Savings
Bank; and has served as a jury commissioner; also
as a member of the board of health twelve years, up
to 1900.
On June 17, 1896, Frank C. Sumner was united
in marriage with Miss Mary L. Catlin, daughter
of George S. and Adelaide L. (Catlin) Catlin, and
a granddaughter of Hon. George S. Catlin.
HENRY FREDERICK SMITH. Mr. Smith,
who was for nearly thirtv years identified with the
wholesale grocery trade of Hartford, and has been
for thirteen years connected with the municipal gov-
ernment of the city, was born July 12, 1853, in the
city of Weimar, in the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Wei-
mar-Eisenach, Germany.
Robert H Smith, father of our subject, is one
of the most influential German residents of Hart-
ford, no less because of his native intelligence and
superior education than on account of his genial
disposition and his sterling moral worth. As a
young man he learned 'the trade of a file maker in
Germany, where he was born Sept. 10, 1828. While
yet a young man he married Elizabeth Krumpholz,
whose father was a large forge owner, and a man
of some wealth in the Fatherland. Their first child,
Henry F., was born July 12, 1853, and while he
was yet an infant of six weeks the young parents
emigrated to America. In 1854 Robert H. Smith,
with his wife and child, settled in Hartford, where
he formed a partnership with James W. Arthur, to
carry on the business of file makers and general
locksmiths. Early in the 'si.xties he embarked in
business by himself, manufacturing files, and usually
employing from six to eight men in his shop at
No. 129 Front street. He soon acquired a well-
deserved reputation for turning out superior work,
and business was prosperous with him until ill
health compelled his retirement from active pur-
suits in the early 'eighties. He was always a stanch
Republican ; also took an interest in fraternal so-
ciety work. He was a charter member of the Ger-
man Independent Aid Society, and the first chan-
cellor commander of Herman Lodge, No. 16, K.
P., and is an active member of Hartford Lodge, F.
& A. M., and other Masonic bodies. Both he and
his wife were confirmed in the Lutheran Church
in childhood. Mrs. Smith, mother of Henry F.,
died Oct. i, 1886. She bore her husband four chil-
dren, of whom, as has been said, Henry was the
first born. The others in order of birth were Cath-
erine, born Feb. 20, 1855, married George A. Prut-
ting, Jr., and died in Mav, 1889; Rose, born Oct.
29, 1857, is the wife of Dr. Charles W. Brunner, of
BrQoldyn, N. Y. ; Marie, born March 4, 1866, mar-
ried George A. Prutting, after the death of her eld-
est sister, Catherine.
Henry F. Smith received his early education in
the German-English school on Temple street, and at
the old Centre school. His father, however, wished
him to study in the schools of his native land, and
in July, 1865, the boy (then only twelve years old)
was sent to Germany, where he became .an inmate of
the household of an uncle at Weimar. This uncle
was a man of prominence ; a paymaster in the Ducal
army at that time ; and afterward holding the same
post in the Imperial army of Germanv. For three
years young Henry F. was a pupil in the Real ( Pre-
paratory) school, an institution which fitted its stu-
dents for entrance to the universities, but in Jul)',
1868, he returned to the parental roof-tree in Hart-
ford. On Oct. 8 of that year he entered the em-
ploy of Foster & Co., wholesale grocers, and the
story of his connection with that concern affords a
key to the secret of his success in life. He showed
such innate ability, quick perception, ready grasp
of emergencies, industr}^ and fidelity, that he rapidly
rose from the humble rank of office boy to a com-
manding position, after serving as bookkeeper, sales-
man and buyer. For twent3'-seven years and three
months he remained with the firm, resigning Jan.
I, 1896.
It is in his career as a public man, however,
that Mr. Smith has been especiallv conspicuous. In
1886, and again in 1887, the Republicans of the
Fourth ward, elected him to represent them in the
common council board. He served on several im-
portant committees, among them those on Amuse-1
ments and Claims. In 1891 he was the unsuccess-
ful Republican nominee for the office of town clerk,
being defeated by his Democratic ooponent, John E.
Higgins, by 1,388 majority, the total vote f)olled
being 7,702. Two years later he again locked po-
litical horns with the same antagonist, and was
again defeated, although the majority was reduced
to twenty-eight, in a total vote of 5,800. In the
spring of 1894 the same gentlemen were opposing
candidates for the office of city clerk of Hartford,
Mr. Smith being chosen by a majority of 882. In
1895 he was once more a successful candidate, and
in 1896 (the offices of town clerk and city clerk hav-
ing been consolidated) he was elected to the dual
position by a majority of 735, for the period of two
years. So satisfactorily did he fill this position that
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
345
Jic was honored, in i8y8 and icjoo, b}- being made
the nominee of both pohtieal parties, receiving all
but thirty-seven out of a total of 9,487 votes cast,
and twenty-seven out of 10,348 votes, respectively.
-Mr. Smith is actively and prominently identified
with many fraternal, social, athletic and benevolent
organizations. He is a member of Charter Oak
Lodge, No. 2, 1. O. O. F., and Miriam Lodge,
Daughters of Rebekah ; he is a charter member of
Lincoln. Lodge, No. 55, K. 1'., has always stood
high in its councils, having been Master of Finance
from 1894 to 1897, and is now a member of the
board of trustees ; is president of the P}'thian Build-
ing Association. He has attained high rank as a
Mason, being a member of Lafayette Lodge, No.
100, A. F. & A. M.; Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17,
R. A. M. ; Wolcott Council, No. i, Washington
Commandery, No. I, K. T., and Sphinx Temple, A.
A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to Teutonia Lodge,
No. 9, Sons of Herman ; Charter Uak Tent, No. 27,
K. O. T. J\L ; is a social member of the Alodern
A\'oodmen ; the Hartford Saengerbund ; the Hartfonl
Alaennerchor : the Hartford Turnerbund ; the Hart-
ford Rifle Club ; the Republican Club ; and of the
. Board of Trade. He has also taken a deep interest
in the Connecticut National Guard, of which he
has long been a tried member and efficient officer.
He connected himself with that body in 1872, join-
ing Company A, ist Regiment, rose from the ranks
to be first lieutenant, and resigned in 1891. Five
years later he became a member of Putnam Phalanx,
aiid since Feb. 22, 1898, has been adjutant of the
organization, holding rank of captain.
In October, 1876, Mr. Smith was married to
Miss Rose Bihl, of East Hartford. Their only child,
Ernest \N., was born Dec. 9, 1879, and died Oct.
14, 1884.
JOSEPH R. ANDREWS. The Andrews fam-
ily has long been prominent in this section, and the
ancestors of the subject of this sketch, a leading busi-
ness man of New Britain, were early settlers there,
a portion of the city being built upon the old home-
stead.
The first of the family of whom we have record,
John and Mary Andrews, early settled in Hartford
county, probably about 1640, he being one of the
eighty-four proprietors of the ancient town of
Tunxis, named afterward "Farmington." Tunxis
was then as much the name of a tribe of Indians as
it was of the river and land they occupied and
■claimed as proprietors.
Daniel Andrews, third son of John and Marv, the
settlers, was born ]\Iay 27, 1649. He lived in Farm-
ington, Conn., in 1672 was recognized as one of the
eighty-four proprietors, and received a division of
the lands on his £44 taxable estate. He united with
the church at Farmington May 24, 1692. He died
April 13. 1731. in his eighty-second year. His name
occasionally appears on the town records as engaged
in public business; was one of the '•townsmeii"
1696 and later; was often employed in the .settle-
ment of estates, etc. He was a large land-holder, as
appears from the land records at I'arniington.
John Andrews, son of Daniel, of Farmington,
born June 10, 1680, lived in the town of Wethers-
field, Conn., but belonged to Kensington Parish.
He died June 16, 1740, aged sixty years. He wa^,
called Sergt. John.
Moses Andrews, second son of Sergt. John, of
Wethersfield, and great-great-grandfather of our
subject, born May 12, 1722, at Wethersfield, near
the line of Farmington, married Nov. 10, 1748,
Lydia, daughter of Joseph Root. She was a woman
of great Christian meekness and patience. She fit-
ted out for the army of the Revolution six of her
nine sons, by her own industry, spinning the yarn
and then making the garments. She died July 6,
1806, in her eighty-first year. ^Nloses Andrews was
chosen one of the standing committee of the church
of which he and his wife were members. He was a
carpenter by trade, and was greatly respected. Like
his father he had the military title of sergeant.
Joseph Andrews, our subject's great-grandfather,
and son of Sergt. Moses, of New Britain, was born
Dec. 23, 1751, and died Nov. 23, 1831, aged eighty
years. He learned the carpenter's trade from his
father, was also a farmer at the homestead, was a
large land-holder, and built the house recently oc-
cupied by our subject's father, at No. 62 Burritt
street. New Britain, that street being on the bound-
ary line of the farm. He was a thorough farmer
and good mechanic. He married Feb. 6, 1777,
Lydia Judd. He was in the Revolutionary war.
Joseph Andrews, Jr., grandfather of our subject,
and son of Joseph and Lydia Andrews, of New
Britain, was born Jan. 4, 1791. On Jan. 9, 1817,
he married Clarissa, daughter of Deacon John Os-
good, of New Britain, and lived at the old home of
his father, north of West Main street, about one
mile from the village. He died June 19, 1824, aged
thirty-three years. They had two children, John
H. and Clarissa ; Clarissa married Samuel W. Steele,
and died Aug. 13, 1840.
John H. Andrew^s, the father of our subject,
was born Aug. 27. 1819, at the home of his grand-
father, Joseph, and was educated in the schools of
that locality. While a boy he went to ^^"ethersfield
to gain a knowledge of the grocery business with
Samuel J. Andrews. He inherited part of the old
Andrews homestead of his father and grandfather,
about one mile west of the village, and leaving the
grocery business he settled thereon and engaged in
general farming and tobacco culture. He added
largely to the estate, having at one time at least 250
acres, including pasture lands, while in the home-
stead proper he had one hundred acres. The growth
of the city in that direction led to the selling of
many residence lots, but the greater portion of the
land is still retained. He was always regarded as
exceptionally industrious and thrifty, and his judg-
ment was considered excellent in business matters
346
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and in public affairs. At the time the new Baptist
church was built he served as trustee, and his influ-
ence was given to various progressive movements.
He passed away Jan. 30, 1899, aged seventy-nine
years. In early life he was a Democrat, but later
he became an mdependent and then a Republican.
Mr. Andrews married Julia A. Church, a daughter
of James and Hulda (Barnes) Church, of Haddam,
Conn., and the following children were born to them :
Hattie married Anson F. Fowler, of North Guilford,
Conn., and died in December, 1880; Georgianna, is
the widow of Charles M. Church, late of Nev/ Brit-
ain, who died Oct. i, 1900; Jennie died Aug. 14,
1870; James E. is a farmer and market gardener
on Burritt street. New Britain; Joseph R. is our
subject; John G. resides in New Britain; and Annie
married F. H. Johnston, of New Britain.
Joseph R. Andrews was born June 26, 1856, at
New Britain, and in boyhood attended the public
schools of the place, leaving the high school during
the second year of the course. In the summer of
1876 he was employed temporarily in the local post
office, while the regular clerks were taking a va-
cation, and then, after a few months spcat in as-
sisting in the work of the farm, he became associ-
ated in business with his father and brother James,
who were carrying on an extensive trade in dressing
cattle for retail dealers. For four years our sub-
ject had charge of this business. The great packers
of Chicago were then extending their business op-
erations, the first to establish a branch house in New
Britain being Gustavus F. and Edwin C. Swift, and
Mr. Andrews, seeing the inevitable tendency of the
movement, formed a partnership with them in 1881
which has ever since continued successfully, un-
der the firm name of Andrews, Swift & Co. He
has been active in municipal affairs, for four years
has been a member of the board ot police commis-
sioners, being chairman at the present time, and
was instrumental in securing the introduction of
the Gamewell police signal system in 1898. He is
also chairman of the joint board of police and fire
commissioners, for the erection of the new police
and fire building on Commercial street. On Aug.
9, 1890, he enlisted in Company I, ist Regiment
Connecticut National Guard, and at the second meet-
ing thereafter, Aug. 15, 1890, was elected second
lieutenant. On Jan. 25, 1891, he was chosen first-
lieutenant, and Dec. i, 1892, captain of Company E,
serving until March, 1896, when, at his request, he
was placed on the retired list. He and his family are
prominent in the best social circles "of the locality.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and has
been a trustee of the same for a number of years..
He is identified with the New Britain Club; the
New England Order of Protection ; the Royal Ar-
canurn; Centennial Lodge, No. 118, F. & A. M., in
which he is senior warden ; Giddings Chapter, R.
A. M. ; Doric Council, R. & S. M., of New Britain ;
Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. ; and Sphinx
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Hartford.
ALVA E. ABRAMS, M. D., a prominent and-
successful physician of Hartford, where for fifteen,
and more years he has been closely and favorably
identified with the medical profession, is a descend-
ant of New York and Connecticut ancestry.
J. Danforth Abrams, the father of Dr. Abrams,.
and son of Elnathan and Anna (Strong) Abrams,
who were farming people of Duanesburg, N. Y.,
where the former died in 1861, was born in 1836,
at Duanesburg, and was there reared and passed,
the greater part of his life, engaged in agricultural
pursuits. During the Civil war he enlisted and
served in Company I, 137th N. Y. V. I., and lost his-
life, dying in 1865 at Fortress Mcm-oe,,Va. He had ''.
married Miss Susan, daughter of Elijah and Har-
riet (Eentley) Ladd, and a sister of George W.
Ladd, of Bloomfield, Conn., and to the marriage were
born two sons: Alva E., our subject; and Elijah,
D., a farmer and dairyman of the town of West
Flartford.
Alva E. Abrams was born June 28, 1856, at.
Duanesburg", N. Y., and in the schools of that place
received his elementary education. He was pre-
pared for college at Little Falls, N. Y., then pur-
sued the scientific course of study, to the Junior
year, at Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Follow-
ing this he taught school two years in New York
State, and began the study of medicine at Duanes-
burg. He studied at the New York University
Medical College, was graduated from the Albany
(N. Y.) Medical College in 1881, and for a time'
following his graduation was connected professioQ-
ally with St. Peter's Hospital, at Albany, N. Y.
Then for two years he was engaged in practice at
Duanesburg. In 1884 Dr. Abrams came to Hart-
ford, Conn., where he became associated in practice
with Dr. J. A. Stevens, with whom he remained three
years, then removed to Collinsville, Conn., remain-
ing one year. On the death of Dr. Stevens, in 1887,
our subject returned to Hartford and took up that
doctor's practice, and from that time to this he has
been a most busy and active man, not only profes-
sionally but also in all lines of citizenship. Of
studious habits and ambitious to excell. Dr. Abrams
has kept abreast of the times in all Hues that have
tended to the advancement of his profession, and
by his close attention to his professional duties and
good management he has been successful in build-
ing up an extensive practice. He is a member of
the City Medical Society, of the County Medical
Society^ and of the State Society. He is also a
member of the American Medical Association, and'
of the American Laryngological, Rhinological and
Otological Society. In 1897 he was a delegate to
the International Medical Congress which met at
Moscow, Russia. He is a member of the Hartford
Scientific Society, and of the Twentieth Century
Club; is medical examiner for the Royal Arcanum,,
the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Philadel-
phia, and the John Hancock Society of Massachu-
setts. He is identified with the Park Congrega-
^^ £^ C^^-^^TZ
7Z444>S
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
347
tional Cluircli of Ilarlford, in which society lie is a
deacon.
Un July 26, 1S77, Dr. Abranis was married to
Miss Jessie, daughter of Rev. D. Cook and
Enpheniia (Murray) Davis, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and to the union have come children as follows :
]\labcl, Effie and Jessie.
CHARLES KING, for nearl}' sevcntv years a
respected resident of Hartford, where he has lived
retired from active business life for the past eight
or nine years, is a native of Massachusetts, born May
8, 1825, at Chicopee, of stalwart New England
stock.
(I) \\'illiam King, the first of this family
known, lived in Devonshire, England. He had two
sons, James and William, who came to America,
James settling in Ipswich, Mass., William some-
where in the South.
(II) James King, born in England in 1652, came
to this country in 1678, and died in Suffield, Conn.,
in 1717; he married Elizabeth Euller March 23,
1674.
(III) Benjamin King, great-great-grandfather
of our subject, was born Nov. 20, 1683, and died
in 1733, at Stafford, Conn. He was a farmer; his
wife was Remember Elall.
(IV) Benjamin King, son of the above, born
in 1 717, in Enfield, died in 1776; married, in 1741,
Sarah Pease.
(V) Nahum King, son of the above, and the
grandfather of our subject, was born in 1757, and
died in 1812 in Enfield, Conn. By occupation he
was a wagon maker and blacksmith. In 1779, in
Enfield, Conn., he married Sarah Bugbee.
(VI) Seth King, son of the above, and the father
of our subject, was born March 7, 1798, in Enfield,
Conn., and spent his early school days there. On
Feb. 9, 1824, at Hartford, Vt., he married Miss
Marcia Bugbee, daughter of Jonathan Bugbee. For
a year or two Seth King clerked in Chicopee, Mass.,
and then engaged in business at Wentworth, N. H.
In 1832 he moved to Hartford, Conn., and here for
forty years was connected with the ^tna Fire In-
surance Co., from which for ten years he received a
pension. He and his wife both died at Hartford,
he on Jan. 3, 1882, she on Dec. 12, 1862. They were
the parents of children as foIlov»'s : Charles, the sub-
ject proper of this memoir ; Sarah Bugbee, born in
1827, died in 1828 in Wentworth, N. H. ; Henry,
born in 1830, died in i84( ; James, born in 1832,
died in 1872; Edward, born in 1836, residing in
Chica£;"o: William Henry, born in 1840, secretarv of
the ^tna Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford ; and
Seth Bugbee, born in 1842, now a resident of Hart-
ford.
Charles King, whose name introduces these
lines, received his education at the First district
school of Hartford, now known as the Brown
school, and at tne age of fifteen years entered the
employ of Smith, Bourn & Co., merchants and manu-
facturers of Hartford, with whom he remained, in
the capacity of clerk, and, later, as jjartncr, some
thirty years. In 1872 he engaged in the stove busi-
ness in Hartford, in a store located next 10 the
Fourth church, and this he successfully carried on
for twenty years, retiring in 1892 from active busi-
ness, on account of his health.
On June 17, 1850, Charles King was married, in
Windsor, Conn., by Rev. T. E. Leete, to Maria C.
Olmstead, who was born in Enfield, Conn.,' daugh-
ter of Norton and Clarissa Maria (Allen) Ulmstead,
both of Enfield, and granddaughter of George Allen
(VI). To this union children as follows were
born: Emma Alaria, Charles, George Allen (who
died Nov. 17, 1900), Sarah Adelaide (wife of
Isaac Bragaw, of Hartford), and Louis Henry (who
died in 1888, at the age of twenty-one years).
George Allen, son of Closes (\ ). was born Oct.
24, 1770, and died in Enfield Sept. i, 1833. He
married, March i, 1793, Betsey Rich, of Haddam,
Conn., who was born March 6, 1778, and died in En-
field Nov. 6, 1864; her father was a sea captaifi.
To this union were born five children, whose names-
and dates of birth are as follows : George, Dec. 1 1 ,
1795; Betsey, Feb. 16, 1798; Norman, Oct. 18,
1800; Flenry, Jan. 15, 1803; and Clarissa Maria,
Aug. 5, 1812, who became the wife of Norton
Olmstead, father of Airs. King. Norton Olmstead
was a son of Joseph and Dorothy (Terry) Olmstead ;
resided most of his life in Enfield, was engaged in
the hatting business in Windsor, Conn., but died
in Hartford.
On June 17, 1900, Air. and Airs. Charles King
gave a reception at their home on Windsor avenue,
the occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of their
wedding. This interesting event was, in addition to
other ceremonies, fittingly celebrated by the baptism
of their youngest grandchild. Air. and Airs. King
have been connected with the Windsor Avenue Con-
gregational Church since its formation, and he has
served as deacon thereof for the past twenty-six
years. Their numerous friends wish them many
years of health and happiness, and a long continu-
ance of the high regard and esteem in which thcv are
held.
JOSEPFI BUTHS, collector and appraiser of
the State Savings Bank of Hartford, was born June
2, 1858, at Kcenigstein, near Frankfort-on-the-AIain,
Germany.
Air. Buths comes of excellent family, and his
father, Anton Buths, a native of Bibrich on the
Rhine, was a well-known lawyer at Kcenigstein.
He was clerk in the courts for about eighteen vears,
and his long and faithful work on the records re-
ceived high conmtendation. In religious faith he
was a Protestant. He died aged forty-four years,
and his wife, Eva Colloseus, died in 1891. when
fifty-five years of age. She was born at Kcenig-
stein, and was one of the family of eleven children of
Joseph Colloseus, a wealth}- hotel-keeper at Kcenig-
34S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stein, who held the position of postmaster for fifty
years, and also kept about sixty horses for supply-
ing various stage lines. He lived to the ripe old
age of seventy-nine.
Our subject spent his early days in Germany,
and after receiving a grammar and high-school edu-
cation entered the railway mail and telegraph ser-
vice, where be continued ten years. At the age of
twenty-three he came to America, locating in Hart-
ford, where his ability and energy speedily won him
a prominent place in business circles. About 1881
he started in the State Savings Bank, and he now
has charge of all the collecting and appraising, much
of his time being given to collections and appraising
for court purposes ; he is an expert in his line. The
bank does a loaning business of over $2,000,000 on
real estate, and Mr. Buths has dealt in land to
some extent, and has built ten houses for sale or
lease.
In 1883 Mr. Buths married Miss Louise R.
Stamm, who was born in Hartford, one of the four
daughters of John and Rosina Stamm. Her father
was a well-known tailor, having been in business
in Hartford for many 3'ears. Mrs. Buths died in
1893, aged thirty-seven years. Two of her sisters
are living: Emilie, wife of Max H. Peiler, assistant
actuary of the ^tna Life Lisurance Co. of Hart-
ford; and Mrs. William A. Smith, of Brooklyn, N.
Y. Mr. and Mrs. Buths had two children ; Anna
Eva and Louis S., both living at home and attending
the high school.
Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and was
in the common council in 1890-91 ; was alderman in
1892-93 ; was appointed member of the board of
street commissioners in 1893; re-appointed in 1896;
and re-appointed again in 1899, to serve until 1902.
At present he is the second oldest in the board of
commissioners, and its president. He has been ac-
tive in school interests, serving four years on the
■committee of the Washington school district. For
nine years he was a member of the board of direc-
tors of the Hartford Building & Loan Association
previous to his resignation in 1899, ^^d fo'" five years
he has been a member of the board of fire under-
writers. He is treasurer of the Hubbard Escort, a
political association, and has held the same office in
Lafayette Lodge, F. & A. M., for five years. He
is a member of Pythagoras Chapter; of Washing-
ton Commandery, in which he is now guard; and
also belongs to Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, at
Hartford. He is an active member of the First
LTniversalist Church of Hartford, to which his wife
also belonged, and is a member of the church com-
mittee.
ADDISON HARVEY BRAINERD, a prom-
inent farmer of Enfield, was born June i, 1857, on
the Brainerd homestead, where he now resides, a
son of Harvey Pierce and Mary Lavinia (Brain-
erd) Brainerd, and on both paternal and maternal
sides is descended from Daniel Brainerd, who about
1648, at the age of eight years, was brought by the
Wyllys family from England to Hartford, Conn.,
and was there reared to manhood. He spent most
of his life in Haddam, Conn., vifhere he settled about
1662. He married Hannah Spencer, daughter of
Garrard Spencer, of Lynn, Massachusetts.
Our subject's paternal grandparents were Jared
and Mary (Pierce) Brainerd, and he traces his an-
cestrjf back through Frederick and Anna (Brain-
erd) Brainerd ; Ezra and Jerusha (Snow) Brainerd;
Josiah and Hannah (Spencer) Brainerd; William
and Sai"ah (Bidwell) Brainerd; to Daniel Brainerd,
the progenitor of the family in America, who came
to Flartford about 1648.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
Ansel (Jr.) and Olivia (Shaler) Brainerd; and the
line is traced back through Ansel (Sr.) and Han-
nah (Dart) Brainerd; Josiah and Lois (Flurlburt)
Brainerd: Josiah and Hannah (Soencer) Brainerd;
William and Sarah (Bidwell) Brainerd; to Daniel
and Hannah (Spencer) Brainerd, the original an-
cestors in America.
Flarvey P. Brainerd, the father of our subject,
was born and reared on the Brainerd homestead in
Enfield, where he lived almost all his life, a success-
ful farmer. Always fond of his books, it was his
ambition in youth to obtain a college education, and
he prepared himself accordingly, but too close appli-
cation injured his health, and he was obliged to
give up the project. Going South, he remained some
time, teaching school, and regained his health to a
marked degree, though not sufficiently to warrant
him in resuming his studies, so he settled down to
farm life at the old home. Having taken up farm-
ing, he devoted himself to that calling with an en-
ergy and earnestness that was in itself assurance of
success, and his farm became one of the best cul-
tivated and most productive in Enfield. The old
house was replaced by one of modern architecture.
He was a thorough business man, scrupulously hon-
est and careful in all his dealings, and was most
respected where best known. Mr. Brainerd's fam-
ily consisted of five children, but only three grew
to maturitv: Mary O. (Mrs. Edwin D. French),
Addison H. (our subject), and Helen E., the daugh-
ters residing in New York City. Harvey P. Brain-
erd took an active part in church affairs, and was
for many years a deacon in the First Congregational
Church of Enfield, which he joined in 1841. His
strong, clear mind was plainly shown in his thor-
ough knowledge of the Bible, and the great pleas-
ure he took in listening to a deep Scriptural dis-
course. Mr. Brainerd died April 28, 1889, aged
sixty-eight years, his death being brought on by
enlargement of the heart ; he was confined to the
house but a few days. His widow passed away
March 23, 1897, after an illness of several weeks,
and both were sincerely mourned by all their neigh-
bors and friends in the communitv. Mrs. Brainerd
was a native of Haddam, and came to Enfield after
her marriage. She proved a devoted wife and a
\
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VI
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COMMEMORATiyE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
851
-of the bench dcparlniciit of the fouiidr}', having
charge of 120 moulders and as nian_\- hands in other
departments; has also for a number of jears been
paymaster of the entire foundry. In politics he is
a Republican ; in religious faith he attends the ser-
vices of the iJaptist Church, of which his wife is a
member; sociall)' he is alhliated with Stephen Terry
Lodge, No. 5y, i. U. U. i"., in which he has passed
the chairs.
On Dec. 4, 1889, Arthur F. Woodford was mar-
ried to Florence Wood, who was born Oct. 28,
1868, in Winsted, a daughter of Gilbert and Sarah
J. (Reynolds) Wood, of Winsted, Conn., and two
children have been born to them : JMaud, Feb. 3,
1894, and Charlotte, Jur.e 26, 1896, the former of
whom died when three days old.
MRS. CORNELIA (SAVAGE) CHASE was
born in Hartford Dec. 25, 1821, daughter of Jesse
and ^laria (Gridley) Savage. Jesse Savage was
born in Upper Middletown, Conn., April 21, 1790,
and later came to Hartford where he was prominent
in business circles as a wholesale grocer for many
years, and until his retirement. He was con-
temporary with Col. Northam, Solomon Porter, and
the Keeney Bros., merchants of prominence in Hart-
ford. He died at Hartford March 31, 1855, aged
si.xty-five years. He lived in the present home of
Airs. Chase, his daughter, for many years, and was
among the oldest residents of Hartford. He was
one of the first directors of the /Etna Insurance
Co., a very intelligent man, of sound judgment, and
upright and honest to a marked degree. He was
interested in all of the affairs of the city, and as-
sisted liberally with his time and money in every
measure for its advancement. He was a ready
speaker, his voice was very melodious and pleasant
to listen to, and he was considered one of the best
debaters in this part of the country.
Josiah Savage, father of Jesse, and grandfather
of Mrs. Chase, was born in LTpper JNIiddletown, and
with a brother established an extensive business
as dealer in West India goods, in which they were
the pioneers. They ran a line of vessels to the West
Indies, carrying goods from New England which
they exchanged for products there. Josiah Savage
spent his life mainly in Upper Middletown (now
Cromwell), where he was a man of prominence.
In addition to his West India trade, he had a large
.gun factory at Staddle Hill, near Middletown, the
firm, Savage & North, manufacturing guns for the
government under large contracts. After his death
it was carried on by a son, Edward, who is now de-
ceased.
Isaac Gridley, the maternal grandfather of j\Irs.
Chase, was a graduate of Yale College, class of
1773, and was a classmate and roommate of Nathan
Hale, the martyr spy in the Revolutionarv war.
Mr. Gridley settled in what is now the village of
Cromwell, and married Elizabeth Smith, a descend-
ant of Rev. Joseph Smith, the first pastor of the
North Society. He wa? a schoolmaster, business
man, and "Esquire" of the Upper Houses. Maria
Gridley, the mother of Mrs. Chase, was born in Up-
per Aiiddletown, Coim., Oct. 0, 1793. Her only
brother. Dr. Timothy Gridley, was a physician of
prominence in Amherst, Alass., where he spent his
life. He was on the staff of Gov. Andrews. He
married a daughter of Gen. Mattoon, who was as-
sociated with Gen. Washington in the Revolution-
ary war.
To Jesse and Maria (Gridley) Savage were born
three children : Samuel Gridley, who was born Aug.
4, 1817, and died Oct. 27, 1864; Maria L., born
Sept. 24, 1819, who died Oct. 14, 1891 ; and Cor-
nelia, now J\Irs. Chose. The mother died March
19, 1877. Samuel G. Savage, brother of Mrs.
Chase, succeeded his father, and carried on the busi-
ness until he was compelled to give it up on account
of failing health. He was a most exemplary man,
of noble and generous impulses, ever ready to lend a
helping hand to any worthy person. As a business
man he was strictly honest, a thorough judge of
goods, and an expert judge of the value of teas,
and ranked as one of the first merchants of the city.
j\Irs. Chase is a member of the First Baptist
Church of Springfield, Alass. She is highly es-
teemed for her many estimable qualities, and includes
among her personal friends many of the old families
of Hartford, her native city.
JoTHAM Gould Chasl;, deceased husband of
Mrs. Cornelia (Savage) Chase, won notable distinc-
tion as a business man and Christian gentleman
He was born in Anson, Elaine, Alarch 30, 1816,
son of Jotham and Alary (Gould) Chase, and
spent the early years of his life in his native State
At the age of twenty-one he w-ent to Boston, Mass..
where he eng.iged in mercantile business, and also
won recognition as a singer of considerable ability.
He became a member of the Handel and Haydn
Society of Boston, and also sang in the First Bap-
tist Church. Removing to Springfield, Mass., he
there engaged in the dry-goods business with his
cousin, Edwa.rd Wilson, under the firm name oi
Wilson & Chase. After some years this partnership
was dissolved and Mr. Chase engaged in the lumbei
business whicli he followed thirty-seven years. He
built up a large and profitable trade, and established
a branch office and mill for the manufacture of sash,
doors, etc., at Hartford, upon the advice and solici-
tation of Philip Ripley, who was at that time mayor
of the city. After a few years he gave up this to
devote all his time and energies to his business in
Springfield, where he remained until his death, at
the age of sixty-eight vears. He served a term in
the city council of Springfield, and took an active
interests in church aft'airs, holding the office of
deacon of the First Baptist Church of Springfield,
and was also director of the choir for many years
Fie was a singer of marked force and sweetness, and
was deepy interested in the art of music.
On April 29, 1846, at Saco, Maine, Mr. Chase
852
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was married to Miss Sarah C. S. G., daughter of
James and Ehzabeth (Brown) Thornton. To this
, marriage was born, at Springfield, Mass., Feb. 22,
1847, a son, James Brown Thornton Chase. Mrs.
Chase died at Springfield, Mass., March 10, 1847.
On May 28, 1850, at Hartford, Conn., Mr. Chase
married Cornelia,, youngest daughter of Jesse and
Maria (Gridley) Savage, who survives him, and
resides at No. 76 Church street, Hartford, Conn. By
this marriage there were no children, but they
adopted three daughters : Jessie Maria, who was
born Nov. 25, 1859, and died April 29, 1863; Ada
(sister of Jessie M.), born Dec. 14, 1858, now the
wife of Henry T. Hillman, of Holyoke, Mass. ; and
Cora J., born May 22, 1856, who married Bert G.
Thompson, of Willimantic, Conn., and has three
children, Cornelia, Harold and Sarah E.
James Brown Thornton Chase, son of Jotham
G. Chase, by his first marriage, was reared in Spring-
field, Mass., and prepared for college under the
tuition of Rev. S. F Smith, author of "America,"
at Newton Center, Mass. He entered Brown Uni-
versity, but at the outbreak of the Civil war entered
service, in the Union army, as first lieutenant, and
later received promotion to the rank of captain,
when not yet eighteen year.s of age. After the war
he returned to Brown University, and later en-
gaged in the insurance business. He has been
twice married. On May i, 1870, at Providence,
R. I., he wedded Annie E. L. Allyn, by whom he
had two daughters : Sarah, who is the wife of
Charles Lawton, of Newport, R. I., and the mother
of three children; and Jessie, unmarried. His sec-
ond marriage was to Mrs. Eleanor F. Pervear, by
whom he has one son, Jotham, born June 28, 1889,
who is an unexceptionally bright and scholarly
j^outh. Mr. Chase resides in Springfield, Mass.,
and is superintendent of agencies for the Union
Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Portland, Maine. .
MANROSS. The first of the Connecticut fam-
ily of this name was Nehemiah Montrose, who came
from Scotland, his native country, in company with
a gentleman and lady unknown, and settled at Leb-
anon, Conn. He had to flee from that country to
America on account of religious persecution. Ac-
cording to tradition he was of the famous Grahams
of Montrose. The name became changed from
Montrose to Montross,' Monrose, Monross and Man-
ross. The majority of the families have kept the
name Manross over 175 years. The name seems
to belong so distinctly to this family that they have
never heard of one, who knew his antecedents, that
was not related to them. From Lebanon Nehemiah
Manross moved, in 1728, to Bristol (then called New
Cambridge) with five sons^(i) Nehemiah, (2)
Elijah, (3) Ehsha, (4) Samuel and (5) Bishop — •
and two daughters. Nehemiah, the father of these,
was a large land holder. (2) Elijah, his second
son, died in Vermont. .He was twice married, but
the family by the second wife was lost sight of, as
his son by the first wife thought he was dead for
forty years; then he visited him onoe. (3) Elisha,
who was chosen deacon, was twiee, married, Martha,
his first wife, dying in 1789, aged fifty-five. His
second wife was Abigail Chalker. He died in 1810,.
aged eighty-three years. Of his children are men-
tioned Rush (who married Noah Byington May 21,,
1806), Martha, Anna (who married Dana Carring-
ton in September, 181 1), Hannah and Jerusha. (4)
Samuel, of Bristol, the fourth son of Nehemiah,,
had two sons, Samuel and Timothy (Baptismal Reg.
Nov. 12, 1753). Samuel, Sr., started for Farming-
ton Center, and was never again heard from ; he is-
supposed to have been killed bv the Indians. (5)
Bishop, of Southington, the youngest son of Nehe-
miah, died in 1774 at Burlington, Conn. He was
in the French war. He had two sons : John, born
Feb. 20, 1757; Theodore, born Jan. 6, 1760; and a
daughter, Sybil.
Col. Elijah Manross, son of (2) Elijah, by the
first wife, was born in 1761, and died in 1832, his
remains being interred in the Downs cemetery. On
April 22, 1777, he enlisted in Bacon's company, 4th
Regiment "Connecticut Line," under Col. Durkee,
and participated in the battle of Germantown, also-
the defense of Fort Mifflin, wintered at Valley
Forge, encamped at White Plains, was with the
main army on both sides of the Hudson, and served
till the close of the struggle, being then honorably
discharged. His name appears on page 316, "Con-
necticut Regiments," as fife-major under Capt. War-
ren, of Middletown, Col. J. Durkee, ist Reg. Conn.
Line formation, 1781 to 1783, inclusive. On page
635 of same record his name appears as "Col.
Elijah Montrose," on page 666 as "Elijah Monrose,"
while on pages 41 and 184 as "EHjah Munroe." In
the same records are found the names of some twelve
descendants of the family, who served in the Revo-
lutionary war, from 1776 to 1781, inclusive. These
names were more or less changed by carelessness.
Those who served and were known to be brothers
and cousins were spelled Manross, Montrose, Manroe,
Monroe, Manroze, Manrow, Monro, Munro, Mun-
roe,,'Monross, Manros. There is a receipt on record of "
one Ashel Manross, dated Jan. 24, 1734, in favor of
his~ uncle, Elisha Manross, according to his grand-
father Nehemiah Manross' will. Col. Elijah Man-
ross was, in 1775, made drum-major, and he served
seven years, but on the death of his brother Elisha
he came home ; he married Martha, daughter of
Deacon Elisha Manross, Sr. He was a member of
the Congregational Church. Martha died in Decem-
ber, 1854, aged ninety-three.
Theodore Manross, son of Bishop Manross (fifth
son of Nehemiah), was born Jan. 6, 1760, in South-
ington, Conn., and died at Clinton, N. Y., in Au-
gust, 1825. He was a farmer, also learned the car-
penter's trade, and was one of the contractors on
the historical Farmington meeting-house. On April
22, 1777, he enlisted in Mattock's Company. 8th
Regiment, and was discharged Jan. i, 1778. On'
c
yk^,i^(:^^^^^.^c^L^
i2-^^t^t-<^^:^-^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
B53
July I, 1780, he enlisted in the 5th Regiment, Con-
necticut Line, wintered at N'alley Forge, took part
in the engagements at Gerniantown, Monmouth,
Stony Point and "Connecticut X'illagc," and was
discharged Dec. 2, 1780. W hen (juite a young man
he wanted to celebrate the "h'ourth," and as there
was no cannon in liristol he rode to New Haven
and back — a distance of sixty miles — in one night,
returning with a cannon to fire off at daybreak.
Theodore iManross married Martha White, daugh-
ter of Jedediah and Barbara (Wilcox) White, and
a descendant of Elder John White, who came over
in the ship "Lyon," one of the first settlers of Con-
necticut. Children, all born in Clinton, N. Y., of
Theodore and Martha Manross : Daniel, a soldier,
disappeared about the time of the war of 1812;
Sarah, wife of William Lambert; John, a sketch of
whom follows ; Rachel, wife of Charles Foster, of
Stockbridge; and ]\Iary, Eli, and David, who died
unmarried. Mrs. Martha (White) Manross died
in 1847.
John Manross, son of Theodore, was a lawyer
of considerable prominence, having been admitted
to the Bar at Denton, Md. ; he also practiced law
twenty-five years at Hillsdale, Mich. He married
Mary Ellen Wooters, of Hillsboro, Md., born Aug.
17, 1815, and they had three children, two of whom
died in infancy, Gertrude Camelia Altisidora De-
quiones, now Mrs. Eli Manross, being the only
daughter. John Manross, Esq., assisted in putting
down the National Turner insurrection in Virginia.
He was killed in a railroad accident at Stockbridge,
N. Y., Oct. I, 1870. Mary E. (Wooters) [Manross
died at Frederick, Md., June i, 1895.
Capt. Elisha Manross, only son of Col. Elijah
and Alartha Manross, was born May 11, 1792, in
Bristol, Conn., and when he was yet a young man
became the pioneer manufacturer, in America, of
brass clocks, with which industry he was prom-
inently identified, and he made the first jeweled clock
that was manufactured in America. He was a
stanch Whig, though not particularly active in pol-
itics, while in church matters he was deacon in and
an ardent supporter of the Congregational Church.
He was captain of a company in the war of 1812,
and marched with 100 men from Bristol to Fort
Killingly, to perform guard duty, and later was
captain of an artillery company in Bristol.
On Jan. 29, 1821, Capt. Elisha Manross mar-
ried Maria Cowles Norton, who was born Oct. 17,
1799, and died Aug. 16, 1867. They had eight sons
and one daughter, and of the sons three served iti
Connecticut regiments during the war of the Re-
hellion — Capt. Newton S., Sergt. Eli and John- — •
as will be fully mentioned in their respective
sketches. Capt. Elisha Manross died Sept. 27, 1856.
He built a beautiful house on the site of the old
homestead of his father, also a large manufactory
and boarding house. Fie owned extensive lands in
Forestville, and his descendants still hold some of
23
the lands, and houses that he erected. A record of
the nine children is as follows:
(1) Robert Elisha Manross, born Jan. 3, 1822,
married, May 11, 1841, Lucy Cowles Hendrick,
born June 24, 1823, died Sept. 26, 1895, a memljcr
of the Congregational Church; he died Feb. 17,
1853. iliey li^"^! tl'"''^'-' c-hildren: (i) Mary Clem-
entine, born Feb. 21, 1842, married John Bacon
Wood, by whom she had one daughter, Grace Man-
ross Wood; (2) Arthur E. died when about eight-
een months old; and (3) Robert Elisha, born Feb.
17, 1852, is a coal merchant, residing at New Haven.
Fie married Carrie Ives, by whom he had four chil-
dren—Bessie, born March 10, 1880; Kittie, Jan. 16,.
1883; Marion, Sept. 28, 1884; and Newton, Oct.
6, 1887.
(H) Martha Angeline Manross, born July 25,
1S23, was educated at \\'iilliston Seminary, East-
hampton, Alass. She married John Bradley, born
in 1821, who died in 1862, and they had two chil-
dren : ( I ) Warren Ives, born [March 20, 1847, 'l'^'"'
in August, 1868; he was well and favorably known
under the noin de plume of "Glance Gaylord." and
was the author of many good works. He won the
prize of $300 out of seventy competitors, for the
book entitled "Culm Rock." He never married. ( 2 )
Oliver Burritt, born March 13. 1852, died May 28,.
1884, unmarried.
(Ill) Capt. Newton Spalding Manross, son of
El'isha Manross, was born June 20, 1825, in Bristol,
Conn., and was killed Sept. 17, 1862, at the battle
of Antietam, while leading his company into ac-
tion, the country thereby losing a man of learning
and varied accomplishments. In his youth he was
an ingenious mechanic, showed a great aptness for
study, and graduated at Yale College in the class of
'50. In early manhood he went to Europe, at-
tended lectures in Germany, made very rapid prog-
ress, and had the degree of Doctor of Philosoi)hy
conferred on him. On his return to this country he
devoted himself to mineralogy, and published some
able dissertations. He invented a machine for cut-
ting crystals from calc-spar, and, his tastes and
attainments having taken such a scientific direction,
he became connected with a mining company in
New York, who sent him to Central America and
New [Mexico in order to prosecute elaborate ex-
plorations in those countries.
In 1861 Dr. [Manross, his fame as a man of
science having Ijeen established, was appointed to
the position of Professor of Chemistry and Botany
in Amherst College, where he met with abundant
success and became highly popular. Returning to
Bristol during a vacation, he delivered a stirring
patriotic speech to bis fellow citizens, who there-
upon besought him to lead them to the field of
strife that thev might help to preserve the Union.
To this he consented, remarking to his wife, ''You'
can better afford to have a country without a hus-
band than a husband without a countrv." Pre-
854
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ferring service with his own people, he refused the
post of major of a Massachusetts regiiment, and ac-
cepted that of captain of Company K, i6th Conn.
\'. I. He was killed at the battle of Antietam,
while bravely leading on his men to "death or glory,"
being struck in the side by a cannon-ball which
pp.ssed under his arm, so that internal hemorrhage
resulted. A powerful anodyne v/as administered,
and he soon became unconscious, death releasing
hdm just as he murmured the words, "Oh! my poor
wife." His successor in command of the company
said some time afterward to the colonel: "Those
boys care more for Manross' old shoes than for the
best man of the regiment." Prof. James A. Dana
said of him : "His death brings a great loss to the
scientific world," and Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., wrote
of him : "As an explorer Dr. Manross possessed
remarkable qualifications. To a rugged constitu-
tion and great powers of endurance he united
great coolness, a quiet but undaunted demeanor, the
courage of a hero, and unyielding perseverance.
Had he lived — but what need is there of conjecture
now? The world will never know its loss, but his
friends will never forget theirs." The G. A. R.
post of the town was named after him, and his com-
pany erected a monument to his memory.
On Nov. 25, 1857, Capt. N. S. Manross mar-
ried Charlotte Royce, born in Bristol Jan. 3, 1836,
and they had one daughter, Lottie Maria, born Dec.
.27, i860, who married James D. Ivimball, and they
aiow reside at Orange, Mass. She taught five years
in the Sandwich Islands before her marriage. They
have five children: Charlotte Manross, born Jan.
2.0, 1890; James Richard, Oct. 13, 1891 ; Newton
Manross, April 23, 1894; William Lincoln, Feb. 12,
J896; and Parker Barton, April 15, 1897. Mrs.
Charlotte Manross remarried, becoming the wife of
Prof. Ordway, of Massachusetts. She died Dec.
5, 1874.
(IV) Elijah Manross, son of Capt. Elisha and
Maria Cowles Norton Manross, was born June 19,
1827, in Bristol, Conn., at the common schools of
which place he received a liberal education, which
was supplemented by a two-years course of study
at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass. On
leaving school he learned the business of clockmak-
ing under his father, who about that time was mak-
ing a specialty of the manufacture of marine clocks.
After the death of his father, in 1856, he continued
the business until 1867, in which year, owing to
ill health, he was obliged to retire and give himself
over to absolute rest. After careful treatment, in-
.clnding a year and a half passed in the wilds of the
Adirondacks, he regained his strength and health.
For several seasons he was engaged in the wool and
fur business in partnership with Orin Brown, of
Forestville, and during the past few years he has
■employed his time in the factory of his son Fred-
■.erick N., making hair springs.
In politics Elijah Manross is a stanch Repub-
lican, has acted with that party since its formation.
and for three years was a member of the Repub-
lican town committee. Pie has filled several offices
of honor and trust, the gift of the people: In 1880
and 1882 he was elected as representative in the
State Legislature from Bristol; also served as jus-
tice of the peace one term ; and has been constable
continuously since 1882. For the past fifteen years,
in order to have outdoor work, he has been sexton
of the Forestville cemeterv.
On Nov. 2, 1848, Elijah Manross was married
to Ellen Sophronia Woodrufif, who was born Sept.
21, 1828, a daughter of John B. and Mary F.
(Neale) Woodruff, of Southington, Conn., and
tliree children were born to them, as follows : ( i )
Martha Angeline, born Aug. i, 1850, married, Oct.
29, 1869, Albert M. Sigourney, of Bristol, born
Aug. I, 1850. She died Feb. 7, 1898, leaving a
daughter, Belle Manross, Sigourney, who is a fine
violinist, and is in Europe, studying under the mas-
ters, at the present time. (2) Mary Lanette, born
Dec. 27, 1854, married, Feb. 19, 1878, George A.
Burr, born Sept. 15, 1854, and they have one son,
Edward Manross Burr, born at Bristol Dec. 14,
1879. (3) Frederick Newton is fully spoken of
below.
(V) Charles Hayden Manross, born July 30,
1829, was educated at Williston Seminary, East-
hampton, Mass. On Nov. 25, 1851, he married
Charlotte E. Norton, who was born in Southington
May 30, 1 83 1, daughter of Harmon Norton, of
Southington, Conn. He was a clock manufacturer
in the employ of Manross Brothers until his death,
May 3, 1861. His first wife died Nov. 20, 1858, and
he subsequently married Hannah Norton, of Bris-
tol. Two children survived him: (i) Edward A.,
born Nov. 22, 1852, on Nov. 17, 1881, married
Laura M. Pratt, of Waterbury, who was born Dec.
I, 185s, at Mott Haven, N. Y., and they have four
children — Newton Cook, born May 2, 1884, at
Waterbury; Susan Piatt, born May 30, 1886, at
Waterbury ; Lottie May, born Julv 28, 1888, at Bris-
tol; and Martha Dickerman, born Jan. 18, 1891,
at Bristol. (2) Grace E., born Sept. 14, 1855, is
residing in Bristol.
(VI) John Manross died at the age of six
months.
(VII) Eli (Sergt.) Manross, born Aug. 30,
1833, was a clock manufacturer, of the firm of Man-
ross Brothers. He also invented the compass jewel,
competing with foreign manufacturers in altering
and repairing compass jewels from all parts of the
world. On Sept. 9, 1858, he married Gertrude
Camelia Altisidora Dequiones Manross, born July
21, 1834, a daughter of John and Mary Ellen
(Wooters) Manross, of Denton, Md., and they have
had four children : ( i ) Archie Wooters, born July
24, 1859, died May 12, 1863: (2) Adelaide Scott,
born June 23, 1861, died May 19, 1863; (3) Rev.
William Doane is mentioned below: and (4) Maud
Camille, born Aug. 6, 1869, graduated from the
Baltimore high school, and finished her studies at the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S55
Xew England Conservatory of Music. She married,
Sept. 12, 1893, W'illiam North Dunce, superintendent
of the Hartford \\'oven Wire Alattress & Iron lied
Co., born Oct. 31, 1805, a son of Thomas and -Mary
Jjunce, of Berlin, Hartford county, and they had one
son, Graeme Montrose, who died in infaiiey. Mrs.
Manross is a graduate of the Clinton (N. Y.) Col-
legiate Institute, and taught in the public schools
ol-' Utica (N. Y.), New York City, and also in the
Normal schools of that city. She then accepted
a professorship in St. Mary's Hall, New Jersey,
where she taught vocal and instrumental music.
She sang at Trinity Church and Chapel, and was a
member of the JNlendelssohn Union in New York
several years, and was one of the most prominent
alto singers in that city in 1853-54. For several
\'ears she taught vocal music in the West Middle
District school, Hartford, was a member of the
L'eethoven Societ}", and had private classes in various
])arts of Hartford county ; also taught in California,
fourteen years in Baltimore, and seven in Frederick,
]\Id. Mrs. Manross now lives in East Berlin. Rev.
William Doane Manross and Maud C. (Manross)
Bunce are the youngest of their generation, and are
<lescended through intermarriages from Elijah,
Elisha and Theodore Manross, sons of Nehemiah
( I ) . Sergt. Eli Manross was an expert fisher-
man, trout being his specialty. He was the cham-
pion bowler for the States of Connecticut and Mas-
sachusetts in the game of wicket, in the year of
1858.
Sergt. Eli Manross was the first man to enlist
from the town of Bristol (1861), first as a member
of Col. Colt's regiment of selected men (of certain
height, weight, etc.). The Colonel having had some
"difference" with the administration, the regiment
was disbanded, but nearly all the members, includ-
ing Sergt. Manross, re-enlisted, this time in the
5th Conn. V. I. Sergt. Manross was wounded at
Chancellorsville in 1863. He also fell from exhaus-
tion at the battle of Dallas, in 1864. After the Civil
war he purchased the homestead, "Manross Place,"
but failing in health was soon after obliged to sell
out and travel. After spending six months in the
Adirondacks his physician ordered him to Cali-
fornia, where he died Jan. 19, 1872, at San Mateo.
He was buried by proxv at St. Matthew's Episcopal
Church. Six months later the remains were sent
to Forestville (Bristol), to rest beside his family.
Rev. William Doane ]\Ianross, son of Sergt. Eli
]^Ianross, was born Nov. 19, 1865, in Bristol, and
■educated in part at the public schools of Baltimore,
Aid., afterward studying the classics under the pre-
ceptorship of Rev. Dr. Lewis De Lew. He was a
"born soldier; was identified with the Sons of Vet-
erans at Baltimore, Garfield Camp, No. i, for thir-
teen years; served in the 5th Regiment, ^Maryland
State Militia, three years; also in the ist Maryland
six years ; and ranked as sergeant when his regiment
was assisting in suppressing the riots at Frostburg.
He became professor of violin and orchestral music.
also teacher of military tactics, at Manlius, N. Y.,
where he was promoted to a captaincy on the col-
onel's staff. Finally choosing the church for iiis
life work, he was prejiared for ordination bv Rex.
Dr. Babcock, of Alanlms, and graduated from St.
Andrew's Divinity School, Syracuse, N. Y., under
Rev. William Dexter Wilson, D. D. He was or-
dained deacon, then priest, by Bishop Frederic Dan
Huntington, of Central, N. Y., and was given charge
of the Church of the Good Shcnherd, at Onondaga
Castle, N. Y., where he has done noble work among
the Six Nations Indians for the past four years. He
has just been called (Dec. i, 1900) to St. Mary's
Hall, Rosebud Agency, S. Dak., where he will be
superintendent, and his wife will be the matron.
Rev. William Manross will also have to travel ex-
tensively among the Sioux, doing mission work un-
der Bishop Hare. When Mr. Manross was a youth
he traveled considerably on account of his delicate
health, among other places visiting the East Indies
in a merchant vessel, and when near the island of
Java, just at the time of the terrible volcanic erup-
tion there, they found themselves sailing over An-
gler Point with dead human bodies and lava floating
by, and covering the ship's deck. His next voyage
was to Australia, during which a mutiny broke out
among the ship's crew, causing twelve of the sea-
men and one of the mates to be put in irons. The
captain, first mate and one boy ( W . D. jManross )
managed the vessel a whole week, until they suc-
ceeded in getting a fresh crew, when they sailed
for the Philippine Islands. There Mr. Alanross
visited beautiful caves filled with the most wonder-
ful stalactites conceivable, and was kindly treated
by the natives. Rev. Mr. Manross was married,
June 16, 1897, to Martha Elizabeth W'ilson, of Syra-
cuse, N. Y., and they had one son, John Graham,
who died in infancy.
(VIII) John Manross, born April 5, 1837,
was married Nov. 12, i860, to I-ena Gale, who
was born IMay 22, 1839, at Wayne, Maine, and the}-
had one daughter, Juanita, born Jan. 29, 1862, who
died Dec. 9, 1884. John Manross- was a clocks
maker, a famous hunter, and a noted ball player.
He served as a private in Company I, 2d Conn.
Heavy Artillery, during the war of the Rebellion,
and was disabled at Cold Harbor. He died Oct.
24, 1865, from the effects of exposure, which devel-
oped scrofula on the brain. He was a born soldier,
and a remarkably brave man.
(IX) Henry IManross, born i\Iarch 19, 1839,
was a clock maker, and died unmarried Dec. 14,
1862. He was a champion ball player and success-
ful fisherman.
There was also an adopted daughter, Cora
Marguerite Reynolds, born in Farmington, Conn.,
and reared in the Manross family.
Frederick Newton I\I.\nross was born Sept.
28, 1857, in Bristol, Conn., and received a liberal
education at the common schools of the place, la\-
ing aside his books at the age of sixteen years.
356
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
At that time he entered the employ of S. E. Root,
at clockmaking, with whom he remained about
three years, and then for thirteen years was en-
gaged in tile clock factory of the E. N. Welch Man-
ufacturing Co., Forestville, where he had a contract
for some ten years in the timing and adjusting de-
IDartment. Resigning his position here, Mr. Man-
ross commenced the manufacture of hair springs,
in Bristol, in which he has since successfully con-
tinued, having within the past few years built it
up to a thoroughly good paying business, now
giving employment to about ten hands. In 1894
he formed a partnership with Henry W. Porter,
in the manufacture of clock trimmings and special
train work, which concern was in 1899 converted
into a joint-stock company, with Mr. Manross as
secretarj'-treasurer.
Socially Mr. Manross is affiliated with the F.
& A. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 56, of Bristol ; Ste-
phen Terry Lodge, No. 59, L O. C3. F., of Bristol;
Improved Order of Red Men, Compounce Tribe,
No. 15, of Bristol ; and is a member of the Colt Gun
Club, of Hartford, of which he was captain of the
team one year. In politics he is a stanch Republi-
can, and has served on the board of selectmen since
1896. On Nov. 6, 1900, he was elected, on the
Republican ticket. State representative from the
town of Bristol. Together with his family he at-
tends the services of the Congregational Church.
On June 24, 1876, Frederick N. Manross mar-
ried Sylvia Esther Smith, who was born Aug. 17,
1857, a daughter of Andrew and Jerusha (Thomp-
son) Smith, of Bethlehem, Litchfield county, and
they have two children : ( i ) Arthur Newton, born
March 26, 1878, graduated from the Bristol high
school in 1896, and is now an electrician in the
employ of his father. On May 16, 1900, he mar-
ried Delia Tuttle, 'daughter of Eliada S. Tuttle,
of Bristol, and they have one son, Paul Newton,
born Dec. 6, 1900, who is the first ot the seventh
.generation, and is twice descended from Nehemiah
Manross. The line has been unbroken, in regard to
the town of Bristol, not one of the seven genera-
tions in direct line having moved from the town.
(2) Robert Hayden, born Aug. 22, 1885, grad-
uated from the Bristol common schools in 1900,
and is now attending Huntsinger's Business Col-
lege.
GEORGE W. WATROUS, superintendent of
the jobbing department of the William Rogers
Manufacturing Co., Hartford, also secretary of the
company, is a native of the city, born Sept. 23, 1828.
For generations the Watrous family have resided
in Hartford and vicinity, the more remote ancestor
having come from England in the early stages of
the settlement of New England. Jonathan Wat-
rous, our subject's grandfather, and Rufus Watrous,
his father, were both born in and remained residents
of Hartford, and were occupied in agricultural pur-
suits, the father giving a great deal of attention to
the raising of vegetables for the city markets. The
grandfather married Abigail Cadwell. Rufus-
VVatrous married Julia A. Rogers, a daughter of
the late Asa Rogers and his wife Nancy, who reared,
a famil}' of eleven children, all now deceased. Asa
Rogers was the first in this country to engage in the
platmg business (1844), and his name and fame,
along with that of his brothers and sons, in the line
of Sliver plating are known far and wide. Rufus
Watrous lost his life when fifty-four years of age,
by a moving train of cars, having been run over and
killed. 0± the thirteen children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Rufus Watrous the following named are yet
living: George W., William H., Henry, Simeon,,
Edgar, and Arabella, nearly all of whom are identi-
fied with the silver-plating business. The mother
of these children died in 1881, aged seventy-eight
years. She and her husband were members of the
M. E. Church.
George W. Watrous, our subject, attended the
public schools of Hartford, and when his school
days were over he learned the art of making coin
silver, an occupation he was engaged in until 1864..
For the next ten years he was employed in a nut
shop at Unionville, Conn. In 1878 he entered the'
employ of the William Rogers Manufacturing Co.,
of Hartford, as an assistant in the plating depart-
ment, of which he was made foreman three years
later. In 1889 he was made superintendent of the
cutlery works at Norwich, a branch of the Hartford
concern, where he remained until 1896, and then re-
turned to Hartford. During his stay at Norwich
Mr. Watrous had under his care 125 men. He
thoroughly understands all branches of the plating-
business, has good executive ability, and has per-
formed valuable service for his employers for a
long period, being now the oldest man in the service
of the company among upwards of 100 men. Since
1896 he has been superintendent of the jobbing de-
partment, which in 1899 did over $800,000 worth
of business. Mr. Watrous is an obliging and kindly
disposed man, considerate of his men, and popular
among them. For many years he has been the sec-
retary of the Rogers Manufacturing Co. In his po-
litical views he is independent, voting generally for
the man he believes the best for the place, regard-
less of politics.
In 1850 Mr. Watrous was married (first) to
Hannah H. Andrews, of Farmington, Conn., who
died in 1874, and later he married Mary G. Deming,
of Hartford. To the first marriage were born chil-
dren as follows : Ada married Walter Hart, who
is now employed in the cutlery works, at Unionville,
Conn., and they have two children, Mabel and
Walter A., the latter a dentist in that place. Oliver
is practicing dentistry in Middletown.
BENJAMIN MYRICK DESJARDINS, a man
of genius, whose inventions at this time are filling a
large space in scientific journals, and a mechanical
engineer and manufacturer of his own devices, at
^!^«A«***<•/^^/Vt4^<^*'^'v'>^-t-^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
357
llarlfurd, is of l'"rcnch origin in botli paternal
and nialernal lines.
Uorn in Tyre, Mich., Oct. lo, 1858, ]\Ir. Des-
Jiirdins is a son of Gregoir and Alar)- (^Trudeauj
Uesjardins, and grandson of Zacharie Desjardins,
who was a farmer by occupation, at Sainle Therese
de Jilainville, Oucbec. He was prominent among
the early French settlers, statesmanlike and deter-
mined ; he lived during the disturbed period when
many of the Catholics were becoming Protestants,
sympathizing with the latter. Gregoir Desjardins,
having joined the Protestant Church, and being of
a quiet and retiring disposition, left his native home
in Canada and became a pioneer in the yet unde-
veloped country at Tyre, Mich., where the little
farmhouse with its artistic garden and walks
showed many traces of taste and ingenuity. He was
a man of good intelligence, read a great deal, was
a lover of art and of nature, and possessed consid-
erable mechanical ability. He Uved to be seventy
years of age, d_\ing" in 1888. Pie had a remarkable
family, was married three times, and by the third
wife, the mother of our subject, had thirteen chil-
dren, nine of whom are still living. Of the fifty
grandchildren belonging to the family only one
has died of disease, and one was drowned. Of the
children of Gregoir Desjardins, Samuel E. is a
prominent architect at Cincinnati, Ohio, of the firm
of Desjardins & ITayward. Paul is a Methodist
minister at Owosso, Mich. Philomene is the wife
of L. E. Rivard, who until recently has been con-
ducting a French-American newspaper at Spring-
field, IMass. Joseph ]\1. is a farmer of Tyre, Mich.
John Z. is a blacksmith at Tyre. James is an in-
surance agent at Cincinnati, Ohio. Ernest T. H.
is a traveling salesman, residing at Bad Axe, Mich.
Persis (deceased) was the wife of James AI. White.
Mary is the wife of James Shepherd, and is a
resident of Tyre, Mich. Harriet L. married Will-
iam H. Carey, who is engaged in the grain and
coal business at Bad Axe, and near them, with a
granddaughter, Cjuietly away from the confusion of
a large family, the mother, now aged eighty years,
has her home.
Benjamin M. Desjardins remained at home
tmtil seventeen, his earlv instruction being received
partly from his mother and older brothers, and
partly at the Tyre and other public schools, which
at that time were very poor. In 1875 he left home,
going to Kalamazoo to work his way through col-
lege. In that place he formed the acquaintance of
Senator Burrows, in whose family he lived for a
number of years, having the use of his private
library, and here he carried on a series of mechan-
ical studies in addition to his regular college work.
During the years he attended college he was vari-
ously occupied, largely doing newspaper work as a
means of paying his way. It was while connected
with one of the Kalamazoo daily papers that he
became impressed with the tediousness by which
t}-pe was set by hand, as compared with that now
perfected condition of the machinery by means of
which a daily newspaper is pruiluced.
in the early winter of 1882 the thought of
setting type by machmery began to mature. The
idea of a tyi>e-sclting and justifying machine be-
came Mr. Desjardins' dream, he litte knowing that
other inventors had successfully labored for years
to accomplish the same purixjse. From this time
on his life became a struggle, with the one object in
view. His college work was neglected and finally
abandoned, and every eflfort directed toward the ac-
complishment of the one bent of his mind. In his
early struggles he had associated with him for a
period George W. O'Hara, an electrician ; and Her-
bert S. Wilson, a mechanic and draftsman, this trio
forming the first details of construction, young Des-
jardins furnishing the ideas while the others en-
deavored to give them shape. Much of the early
work of our subject and his associates was per-
formed during spare hours and evenings, but finally
all lost their positions through giving too luuch
time to the construction of the machine.
Stopping for a time to work long enough to ac-
cumulate money to maintain him while he worked
at the problem, j\Ir. Desjardins was variously en-
gaged. He purchased a steam laundry at Kalama-
zoo, and in the course of a brief period he had as
many as three dififerent partners. He next compiled
a directory of that city and county (1883), which
included a map and history of the city and adjacent
country, it being one of the most complete works
in that line ever prepared in that part of Michigan.
This he sold to publishers, and with the proceeds
of the sale, together with those from the laundrv
enterprise, he renewed work on his invention. His
capital, however, proved insufficient, and w-as soon
exhausted, and he again took a position on the
Kalamazoo Gazette, ever giving his spare moments
to the construction of the machine. Later, becoming
ambitious to further his education, he again en-
tered college, and for a time pursued his studies,
after which he traveled through Ohio, Indiana
and Kentucky.
In Louisville he succeeded in interesting in
his project Dr. W. L. Breyfogle, former president
of the Monon route; R. W. IMeredith, of the Cour-
ier Journal; and E. A. Maginness, secretary of the
exposition then held there. These parties, becoming
conversant with the extreme difficulties which oth-
er inventors had met in this line, were led to give up
the enterprise, and Air. Desjardins, returning to
Kalamazoo,' again became employed on the Gazette
of that city. Persistent, however, in his effort to
complete and perfect his invention, he went to
Chicago in the fall of 1884 and opened an office
for drafting and designing machinery. Plis ability
as an expert was soon recognized. He became
secretary of the Inventors Association of the State
of Illinois, and was variously occupied and con-
sulted on important mechanical subjects, and wlien,
a few years later, he was sent to Xew York by
858
COMMEMDRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
capitalists to report on a new process and ma-
chinery for producing illustrations, he advised the
company against the new project, foretelling the
success of the half-tone plate, then coming into
iise. With financial assistance from the late Sen-
ator Frank B. Stockbridge he succeeded in con-
structing a fair experimental machine at the Chi-
cago model works, and later with a partner opened
a model shop, but as previously failure to produce
a perfected machine awaited him, and he was forced
to abandon for a time his work in this direction
of his ambition.
Following this experience Mr. Desjardins be-
came employed on the Chicago Inter Ocean, and later
on the Mail, having charge of a section of the ad-
vertising department of the paper. He remained
with the Mail two 3'ears, during which period he de-
voted some time to the furtherance of his invention,
getting out a model of a new and improved machine.
He next traveled for a time for the "Farm, Field and
Fireside" of that city, and in 1887 he began the con-
struction of a machine that would set, justify and
distribute not less than 20,000 ems per hour. By
this time he had succeeded in interesting in his enter-
prise William H. Rand, the founder of Rand, Mc-
Nally & Co., who furnished the capital to build this
machine. On Nov. 30, 1891, our subject met with
another backset, his work and place of operations,
with all the machinery, being destroyed by fire.
The same strange impulse that had driven him on in
the earlier stages of his struggle still buoyed him
up at this critical moment, and although hindered
by fire and adverse financial circumstances, and the
discouragement of friends, who were fearful of his
ever reaching the goal, he stuck persistently to the
pursuit of the object of his Kfe, and after eighteen
years of labor, anxiety and trial he succeeded where
all others failed. He has now the satisfaction of
seeing his efforts crowned with success after a
struggle with adverse circumstances that would
have overwhelmed a less determined nature.
Mr. Rand continued to stand at the back of the
persistent inventor, and in 1892 the latter came to
Hartford, and there he began to found a system for
a stock company, issuing certificates, agreeing to
furnish stock in the company when organized, and
this way raising the first $10,000 used in the busi-
ness. His first machine here was built in 1893-94,
in Manchester. Following this two machines were
constructed at the Dwight Slate Machine Co., of
Hartford, the last one being the original model of
his new type-justifying machine attachment for
type-setting machines, a description of which is
given herewith. Mr. Desjardins has a number of
valuable inventions, and in 1898 he began v/ork on
a type-writer adding machine, an attachment that
can be used upon any ordinary typewriter, and
which by the adjustment of a lever, correctly adds
any invoice or example as it is written on the ma-
chine. In 1899 he began the invention of the Des-
jardins computing scale and cash register combined.
This scale, when properly set, will figure the cost
of any number of pounds or fractions, at any given
price per pound, and will register and display the
exact amount of cash paid for the purchase.
The Desjardins Type Justifier Co., of which
our subject is president, is capitalized at $500,000;
and the Desjardins Computing Register Co., of
which he is vice-president, at $100,000. The fol-
lowing description of the new type-justifying ma-
chine of Mr. Desjardins appeared in a Boston
trade journal of Aug. 15, 1896:
The main feature of the new justifier consists
of a mathematical instrument of an almost unlimited
power. This instrument is made of a very few
pieces. It rests directly upon the assembled line,
and automaticalljr indicates to tl e machine what
sizes and how many spaces to employ. The balance
of the process is simple. The column is published
lengthwise a distance equal to the thickness of one
line at a time, and the end line is separated and trans-
ferred into an easy position for the automatic mech-
anism to get rid of the original spaces and insert the
new ones. In so doing, the lead which was origi-
nally inserted to prevent the loose, uneven ends from
becoming mixed is removed and disposed of. The
original spaces which are inserted between the words
to indicate to the machine where the new ones belong
are properly distributed into rows, ready to be used
again. After the spaces have all been inserted into
their respective places between the words, the line
moves sideways a short distance, and finds itself
transferred into the receiving galley. The great dis-
tinguishing feature of the new machine is the fact
that in one sweep it absolutely eliminates two onmi-
present features of justification. First, it does noth-
ing but absolutely correct work. Second, it does this
work without any expense whatever. The correc-
tions, including the changes and transpositions, are
all made in the galley before the lines are justified.
V\^hen this is done, all the foreman has to do is to
clamp the galley into position, and go about his
other work until the automatic indicator informs him
that the machine has justified its column or that it
requires temporary attention from some other cause.
The justifier deals with three spaces only, and has
apparently very little to do. The enormous capacity
of the measuring device, which instantly determines
one out of five thousand possible requirements, is a
peculiarity of the invention, and does not involve
complication or delicacy of parts. The machine is
compact and easy to manufacture, and will be within
the immediate means of all classes of printing estab-
lishments, small and large. The mechanism is such
that it can be readily understood and cared for by
any printer of ordinary intelligence.
The other departments of printing are looked
upon as fully abreast with the age. The great dailies,
with their large editions are whirled into existence
by the hundreds of thousands of copies, so that with-
in an hour after the great rolls of white paper are
given to the machine the finished publications are
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
§5f)
scattered broadcast over the countr_v. The art of
quick and cheap engraving has l>eeii brought to
such a degree of perfection that intelhgence in tlie
form of pictures — permeates all classes of publica-
tions. While these and hundreds of other improve-
ments were taking place, typesetting machines have
been kept off the market because they have not been
able to justify their lines.
Mr. Desjardins' automatic type-justifier, with
the various changes which he has designed to suit
the various conditions of printing offices, can be
readily adapted for all classes of work. The pres-
ent machine was built to handle newspaper columns
a little over two inches in width. Another machine
will be made adjustable for book lines, varying from
two to five inches in length. The third machine will
be of special design adapted to the present typeset-
ting machines, and so constructed that it will sim-
ply cut the lines and deposit them on the galley, ready
for the corrections and changes. When the time ap-
proaches to close the form, and it is necessary to
rush the matter, instead of putting it through two
machines, by the setting of a lever the lines will pass
through the special justifier, and the spaces inserted
as fast as they are being set. In this way the matter
can be set carefully and transferred directly from the
typesetting machine to the form. These three de-
signs will do away with all of the present difficulties,
and will place the setting of movable type on a par
with the other departments of printing.
The following reference to the improved device
in question of Mr. Desjardins is extracted from
an article which appeared in the Hartford Post of
March lo, 1900:
The machine will space type and justify as rap-
idly as the most exnert operator can manipulate the
keys of a typesetting machine and the w'ork is
smoother and more accurate than can be done by
hand. Mr. Desjardins' invention is the first which
has been produced to justify movable type. Type-
setting machines, of which there are many different
kinds, were all lacking in this very important feature.
The linotype, which casts a line from molten metal,
has a justifying attachment and is in general use in
large newspaper offices. But there has always been
a demand for a machine that would justify movable
type automatically, and after struggling with the
problem for eighteen years Mr. Desjardins has suc-
ceeded in perfecting it to stand the test of usage.
The invention is arranged to be attached to any
typesetting machine and is designed especiallv to be
used in connection with the Thorne type-setter, the
combination being compact and can be operated as
rapidly as an ordinary typewriter. The Desjar-
dins justifier is so constructed that it takes the type
from the Thorne machine as it is formed into lines,
being attached to the frame on the right side. The
work of the justifier begins after the type has left
the channels and has reached a point at the right side
of the key board. Here they are stacked up into
words by the movements of a little star gear, the
words being separated by thin brass spaces which
have been substituted fur the ordinary type metal
slugs. These separators are slightly longer than the
type and are fitted with pronged ends. They serve
only a temporary use and in the course of type
through the machine they give place to the gradu-
ated type metal spaces which perform the final work
of justifying and are very similar in ajjpearance to
ordinary spaces. As the letters are stacked up by
the star until they form nearly a line of type of the
width of the ordinary newspaper column or whatever
width is desired, a bell strikes, announcing that the
line will hold but a few more letters. The operator
completes the word and touches the line lever, which
starts the machine. The line is first lifted into a
second channel, which is swung slightly to one side.
This leaves it under the nieasuriiu'' bar of the com-
puting device. Another part of the computing de-
vice was previously adjusted by the playing of
spaces in the line. This device is now provided
with a distance corresponding to the measured line
and another part is set according to the numlier of
spaces. It now performs the mechanical operation
of dividing the one by the other, the quotient with its
remainder being the combination of spaces needed.
The line of type is next moved over an open space.
where the first word is pushed down into a mova-
ble channel, the brass separator being momentarily
retained in the line of type, which prevents it froni
moving down more than the length of the first word.
The first word then runs backward and a type metal
space of the proper thickness for justifying is
knocked down on top of it and takes the place of tlie
brass separator which in turn dr^^ps out of the ma-
chine into a receptacle at the side, to be used again
when needed. The first word now runs forward
and the second word is pushed down on top of it
and both move backward to receive the second jus-
tifying type metal space and allow the second brass
separator to follow the first into the receptacle and
so on with each word in detail until the line of type
is refitted with a new set of justifying spaces, and
is pushed forward into a receiving galley, where it
will be found that the last line of type is exactly the
same length as the others previously set. The pro-
cess of justifying a line of type is strictly automatic
and occupies onlv about ten seconds and the justifier
may be speeded higher if necessarv. b.ut in ordinarv
work the machine as adjusted will outstrip the
swiftest operator, so that by the time the second
line has been set, the justifier is waiting to receive
it and repeat the process.
On Aug. t, 1889, while residing at Evanston,
111., Air. Desjardins was married to Cora \"iola
Snyder, of that citv who was born in ]\TcHenry. 111.,
daughter of Herman Snyder, a nr.tive of Hudson. N.
Y.. and Harriet J. (Smith) Snyder, a native of Cam-
bridge, Vt. Our subject and his wife reside at West
Hartford on a prominent elevation overlooking the
city of Hartford and the valley of the Connecticut,
and with them Mrs. Snvder makes her home. Thev
860
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are members of the West Hai-tford Baptist Church,
where he is prominentl)' connected witli the manage-
ment, and Mrs. Desjardins, being a fine performer
on tlie piano, lias charge of the music for the ser-
vices, and of the Sabbath-scliool, of whicli Mr. Des-
jardins is superintendent.
GEORGE DENNIS BRISTOL, a resident of
Southington, Hartford county, was born in that
town Feb. 2, 1859, a son of Julius Dennis and Enie-
line (Cook) Bristol, and is the only survivor of the
once large family of Bristols.
Julius D. Bristol was also Ixsrn in Southington,
Feb. 10, 1826, and died Aug. 29, 1884, at Denver,
Colo., his remains being brought East and interred
in the family lot in South End cemetery. In early
life be followed the occupation of farming, but later
engaged in manufacturing, merchandising, contract-
ing and building, was also interested in the coal,
lime, cement, tile and lumber business, and at one
time carried on a bolt shop and a paper mill in South
End, Southington, and later in Southington village.
He was instrumental in the building up of that town,
and he himself erected man}' buildings there. Mr.
Bristol was a man of far more than ordinar\- busi-
ness abilit}', and carried forward to successful com-
pletion whatever he undertook. Enterprising, pro-
gressive and public-spirited, he laid out and im-
proved what is now Eden avenue, Southington,
doing much to beautify it, and also a portion of
Liberty street, fomierly known as Yankee street.
Fie was twice married, his first wife, the mother of
our subject, being a daughter of Robert and Emeline
{ Clark) Cook, of Southington, and a granddaughter
of Martin and Lucinda (Webster) Cook. Martin
Cook was born Aug. 9, 1767, and was a son of Na-
thaniel Cook, who was born Sept. 25, 1735, and was
married March 8, 1754, to Martha Scott, daughter
of Samuel and Mary ( Pynchon) Scott, of Southing-
ton. Nathaniel Cook died Nov. 27, 1822. His
father, Robert Cook, was born in 1703, and was
married Nov. 19, 1729, to Hannah Hunn, a daughter
of Nathaniel and Martha Hunn. He was a son of
Robert Cook, Sr., who is supposed to have been
born in Ireland in 1671, was an early settler of
Southington, and a warm friend of Rev. Jeremiah
Curtiss during the exciting controvers'ies of his
ministry. By his first wife Julius D. Bristol
liad two children who grew to maturity : Seymour
Julius, born Aug. 17, 1850, who died in Boston Dec.
I, 1878; and George Dennis, our subject. For his
second wife he married Martha Amelia Perkins,
who bore him one son, Julius Perkins, deceased.
Julius Bristol (generally known as Capt. Bris-
tol, having been at one time captain of militia in the
town), the paternal grandfather of our subject, was
born in Hamden, Conn., Aug. 11, 1793, and married
Sally, daughter of Allen and Sarah (Webster)
Barnes. She died Nov. 19, 1848, and for his sec-
ond wife he married Mrs. Fanny (Langdon) Hitch-
cock. He lived in South End, where he was en-
gaged in farming and manufacturing, being at one
time president of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.,
fomierly the Peck-Smith Co., and subsequently re-
moved to Southington, where he laid out and im-
proved Bristol street, setting out the trees that now
shade it. He remained there until his death. He
was a prominent Freemason, and a most progres-
sive and highly-respected citizen. His father,
George Augustus Bristol, was born July 27, 1762,
lived in Southington, and was married Feb. 3, 1785,
to Mary De Forest Hawley, of that town. For his
second wife he married Abigail Munson. He died
Aug. 28, 18 1 3.
George D. Bristol, whose name introduces this
sketch, grew to manhood in Southington, and pur-
sued his studies in the public schools and Lewis
Academy. For several years he v/as successfully
engaged in the grocery, fruity news business, etc.,
but is now living at his pleasant home on Bristol
street, engaged in real-estate business, etc., enjo)'-
ing the society of his family and many friends, in
the midst of all the comforts that go to make life
worth the living.
On Nov. 16, 1882, Mr. Bristol was united in
marriage with Miss Amy T. Douglass, a daughter
of Reuben H. and Zeruah (Miles) Douglass, of
Southington, and to them has been born one daugh-
ter, Gladys A. Z. Fraternally Mr. Bristol is an
honored member of the Masonic fraternity, the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, and the Improved Order of Red Men,
and politically he is a Republican.
WILLIS P. CORBIN. Mr. Corbin is a son of
Hezekiah Healey Corbin, a grandson of Philip Cor-
bin, Jr., and a great-grandson of Philip Corbin, who
was, throughout his entire life, a farmer of the
town of Union.
Philip Corbin married a Miss Healey, and from
this union sprang Philip, Jr., who also devoted him-
self to agriculture. Earl}? in life he lived in Willing-
ton and other towns in the State, but his later years
were passed at West Hartford. In his business
he was both thrifty and successful, the two attri-
butes being, perhaps, connected in the relation of
cause and efl:ect. His fellow townsmen regarded
him as one of their "solid" men. He had a natural
bent toward military maneuvers, and on "train-
ing days" always served as captain. On Nov. 29,
1820, he married Lois Chaft'ee, who was born Sept.
24, 1798, and was the daughter of Abner Chaffee
and Judith Walker. They were the parents of
eleven children, named and born as follows : Heze-
kiah, Nov. 29, 1821 ; Waldo, Sept. 26, 1823 ; Philip,
Oct. 26, 1824; Lois, Oct. 5, 1826; Frank, June 26,
1828; Anna J., Jan. 22, 1830; William, Sept. 9,
1831 ; Andrew, June 10, 1833; George S., June 22,
1836; Roby Jeannette, Sept. 5, 1838; and Elbert A.,
Oct. 17, 1843. . .
The following imperfect sketch of the life of
Hezekiah H. Corbin is taken from the columns of
I V
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
361
a local paper: "Hezekiah Healey Corbin was, in
the true sense of the word, one of the pioneers of
New JJritain. Unly a few }ears of his life were
spent at his home in Union, wliere he was born.
With liis father's family he removed to West liarl-
ford, and from there he came to New Britain, in
the early 'forties. It was about this same time that
his brothers, P. and F. Corbin, came to New Brit-
ain and established the industry which has since
grown to be the largest plant of its kind in the city.
For a number of years Hezekiah H. Corbin worked
in his brothers' factory, and later was in the employ
of Landers, Frary & Clark. It was in 1866 that he
entered into partnership with T. W. Loomis, in the
manufacture of paper boxes, the concern occupying
the quarters in the Loomis building now used by
the Independent. After a partnership continuing
for about a year, Air. Corbin started a factory of
his own, associating with himself his son, Frank E.
Corbin. It was in 1872 that the main shop, later
•occupied by the firm of H. H. Corbin & Son, was
erected, and in 1880 large additions were built.
Until 1890, ]Mr. Corbin was in partnership with his
son, Frank E. Corbin, but in that year he bought out
the entire business, and his other son, Willis P. Cor-
bin, succeeded to his brother's interest.
"Mr. Corbin, like all others of his family, was
for from wealthy when he came to this city (New
Britain). But he was not lacking in the enterprise
which has ever characterized the whole famih'. By
steadv application to business, native shrewdness
and fair dealing, he succeeded in building up a good
business, and has made a competency for himself.
"Tklr. Corbin was well known throughout the
State as a leader in the Adventist Church. He and
H. D. Sharp were the principal organizers of the
Advent Church of New Britain, and have been
prominently connected with the society since its
first meeting; and at the time of his death Mr. Cor-
bin was one of the deacons."
The sketch of Hezekiah H. Corbin which has
been above quoted may be supplemented by a brief
summary of other salient events in his life, and a
brief account of his prominent characteristics. He
was educated in the common schools and in the high
school of West Hartford, and from his youth up he
was a voracious reader of the best authors. On
all topics of current interest he kept himself well
informed, and in Biblical lore lie was thoroughly
versed. On Feb. 16, 1844, i" ^^'i^ington, he was
married to Maria B. Ryder, a daughter of Byas and
Abigail (Eldridgej Ryder, and born in Westford
Jan. 9, 1825. Four children were born to them, a
brief record of whom is as follows : The eldest,
Mary Jane, was born at Willington June 13, 1845 ;
she married ^^'ilbur F. Rogers, of Aleriden, of the
firm of C. Rogers & Bros. The second child was
Frank Eugene, who was born at Hartford Dec. 13,
1849. Homer ]Montross was the third, born at
Hamden, Ohio, Aug. 13, 1852, and died Oct. 12,
i^5.v ^^'i^is p. Corbin, whose name appears at
the opening of this memoir, was the youngest child,
and was born at New Britain Feb. 20, 1856.
In tracing back the genealogy of the Corbin
family, it is of interest to note that the earliest
American progenitor in reference to whom any in-
formation is obtainable was Clement Corbin, who
was a resident of Brookline, a suburb of ISoston,
jNIass., in 1637. He is said to have been born in
i6i6, and to have removed to Woodstock, Wynd-
ham Co., Conn., in 1687. It is also reported that
he was the first settler in that section of the State.
He married Dorcas Buckminster, and his son
James, who was one of the early progenitors of the
Corbin famil}-, was born March 31^ 1668. His
son Philip, born Jan. 5, 1708, married Dorothy
Barts on Jan. 13, 1731. Their son Lemuel wis
born Feb. 19, 1739-40, and married Rebecca Davis.
He died May 7, 1825, at Dudley, Massachusetts.
\\'illis P. Corbin was educated in the schools of
New Britain and Meriden, and was also a student
under the personal instruction of Prof. Camp. While
his early education was not of the character given
to pupils at the scientific schools of the present day,
it formed an ample ground work for the training
necessary to a successful business career. On leav-
ing school, he entered the employ of his father, who
as has been already said, was a successful manu-
facturer of paper boxes. At the time that he began
work at the factory the firm name was H. H. Cor-
bin & Son, the partners in the concern being his
father and his brother, Frank E. Corbin. It was
a fundamental principle with his father that none
of his sons should be entrusted with the charge of
even an unimportant part of his business tmtil he had
demonstrated his ability to succeed. Accordingly,
young Willis after beginning work was forced to
perform all sorts of toil until he became tlioroughly
versed in every detail of the business. In Feb-
ruar}', 1890, Frank E. Corbin withdrew from the
firm, and was succeeded by his younger brother,
Willis P. The name of the firm continued as H. H.
Corbin & Son, and gradually the management of
'the business rested more and more upon the shoul-
ders of the younger partner. Since Nov. 5, 1897, he
has had entire control of the plant, in the manage-
ment of which he has alwa3's displayed a rarely
sound business judgment. Since the death of his
father Nov. 6, 1897, he has largely increased the
productive capacity of the factory, and at the pres-
ent time employs about sixty hands. The Corbins
were the pioneers of this line of mechanical in-
dustry in New Britain, and to-day the^' are the
largest manufacturers in this section of the country,
supplying firms at New Britain, Meriden, Bristol,
Southington, and other towns in Connecticut.
Politically Mr. Corbin has always been a Re-
publican, although never an active party worker.
Fie is a member of the American Benefit Societ)-,
of New Britain, and in his religious belief is as
ardent in his support of the Adventist doctrines,
as was also his father. He married ]Miss Alice E. M.
I
S62
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ville, a daughter of James Ville, of New Britain,
whose family is of English descent, and who is a
manufacturer of carriages, his place of business
being on Arch street. Mr. and Mrs. Corbin are the
parents of five children : Fred W., Howard R.,
Harry M., Mildred M., and Gertrude A.
HON. EMERSON ALFORD, who for several
years prior to his decease lived retired in Plain-
ville, was a well-known and highly respected citi-
zen of that town. He was born near Front Royal,
Va., Dec. 28, 1825, but belonged to an old Con-
necticut family, his parents being Daniel M. and
Emira (Mills) Alford, natives of Avon and Can-
ton, Hartford county, respectively. His paternal
grandfather, Samuel Alford, was born in Granby,
this county, but spent most of his life in the town
of Avon, where he followed the occupation of farm-
ing, and where he served as constable for many
years. He had a family of six children: Roxie,
wife of Truman Woodford; Dorinda, wife of James
Blackwell; Lucy, wife of Henry Humphrey; Jane,
wife of Henry Stockbridge ; Daniel M. ; and Samuel.
In early manhood the father of our subject was
a trader in the South, and lived for several years
in Virginia. Returning to Hartford county. Conn.,
he purchased a farm in Avon about 1829, and
made his home there until called from this life, in
August, 1873, at the age of seventy-seven years.
He married Miss Emira Mills, a daughter of Joel
and Anna (Russell) Mills, of Canton, this county,
and to this union the following children were born :
Rollin, who was killed by lightning in Illinois;
Juliette, wife of Andrew Chidsey ; Emerson, our
subject: Ephraim A.; Louisa, Mrs. Albert An-
drews; Lucy A., wife of Asa Hoskins ; Sarah J.,
wife of Anthony J. Mallory; and Franklin M.
Emerson Alford was four years of age when
his parents returned to Connecticut, and he grew
to manhood in Avon, receiving a limited education
in the common schools. He remained on his fa-
ther's farm until eighteen years of age, and then
worked as a farm hand for six months. Subse-
quently he was employed as a peddler for a time,
and at the age of twenty located in Collinsville,
where he worked in an axe factory for ten years,
being inspector in the grinding department the
last five years of that time. In i860 he purchased
a farm in Simsbury which he successfully con-
ducted until 1888, when he retired from active labor
and moved to New Britain. After residing there
for two and a half years he came to Plainville, in
1890, and here made his home until his death. May
ID, 1899.
On April 23, 1851, Mr. Alford was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah M. Pratt, a daughter
of Jeremiah and Celia (Merriman^i Pratt, of Green-
field, Mass., and to them were born five children:
Clara J., Ephraim B. (deceased), Ralph E., Frank
J. and Leon P. Mr. Alford was one of the lead-
ing and influential members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Plainville, and at the time of his-
decease was serving as president of its board of
trustees. He was a stalwart supporter of the Dem-
ocratic party, and represented Simsbury in the
State Legislature in 1886-87. After a useful and
honorable career, he could well afford to lay aside
business cares and live in ease and retirement.
FRANK M. JOHNSON, artistic photographer,.
No. 1039 Main street, Hartford, and a highly es-
teemed citizen, comes of an old and prominent Con-
necticut family of English descent. He is a great-
grandson of Isaac Johnson, who married Audrey
Latham, whose descent was from the Hon. Lewis
Latham (falconer to his Majesty King Charles I),,
born 1555, and died 1655. The Earl of Latham was
a descendant of the same ancestor, as was also Sir
Thomas Latham, whose daughter and heiress mar-
ried Sir John Stanley, from whom are descended the
Stanleys, Earls of Derby. The late Judge Elisha
Johnson, at one time practicing law in Hartford,
was a great-uncle of the subject of this sketch.
Frank M. Johnson is a native of Connecticut,
born Nov. 2, 1872, in New Haven, a son of Correll
W. and Eliza S. (Shepard) Johnson, the former a
native of Winsted, Conn., and the latter a daughter
of Noah Shepard, whose grandfather, John Shepard,
came from England, and was in his day a promi-
nent resident of Portland, Conn., where he died.
To Mr. and Mrs. Correll W. Johnson were born six
children, four of whom are yet living. When
Frank M. was five years old the family removed to
Hartford, and there, with the exception of a short
sojourn near Boston, Mass., he has since made his
home. His education was received at the Hart-
foid public schools, supplemented by a course at
Hannum & Steadman's (now Morse's) Business
College, where he was graduated as a bookkeeper
in i8go. When twelve years old he began work in
the photograph gallery of Hart J. Rodgers, in Hart-
ford, in order to learn the business, and continued
there, in various capacities, some ten years. Hav-
ing- a natural taste for the photographic art, he de-
voted himself earnestly to making himself proficient
in all the details, and soon became master of the
entire business. In 1895 he severed his connection
with Mr. Rodgers, to accept the position of man-
ager of a large art studio at Milford, (a suburb of
Boston), Mass., and there he had entire control for
some six months, at the end of which time, having
received flattering offers from a couple of galleries
in Hartford, he was induced to return to that city.
In 1895 Mr. Johnson formed a partnership with
his old preceptor in the art, Mr. Rodgers, under
the firm name of Rodgers & Johnson, which con-
tinued about eighteen months, when, in the spring of
1898, he bought out his partner's interests, taking-
entire charge of the business. It has since been
known as the F. M. Johnson Studio, and all kinds
of skillful and modern photographic work are done.
Mr. Johnson keeps fully abreast of the times, and iu
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3G3
his show case ma}- always be found specimens of
artistic work excelled by no other gallery in the
city.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the New England
Photographers Association. He is prominently
identitied with the Fourth Congregational Church,
and for the past six years has been a teacher in the
Sunday-school at Warburton Chapel, on Temple
street, while for seven or eight years he has been a
member and active in the Voung Alen's Christian
Association. Being a single man, his home on
Pliny street, which he purchased in March, 1900,
is cared for by his mother.
\\'ILLA]\I PORTER. The Porter, family is
of English origin, and has a coat of arms, which is
thus described: Sable, three church bells, argent;
canton, ermine. INlotto, Vigilantia et Virtus.
The line of descent is traced from William de
la Port, a Roman knight who went to England with
William the Conqueror, and is as follows: (II)
Ralph de la Port. (Ill) Robert de la Port. (IV)
Hugh de la Port married a daughter of William
Russell. (V) John Porter, of Markham, England,
married a daughter if Mr. Gardiner, of Bishops
Norton, Lincolnshire, England. (VI) John Porter.
(VII) Augustine Porter, of Belton. (VIII) John
Porter. (IX) William Porter, of Wryhall. (X)
John Porter, the founder of the family in this coun-
try, was born in 1590, and came to New England
in 1633 with his wife Rose, and about 1635 settled
at Windsor, Conn., becoming one of the founders
of the place. (XI) Samuel Porter, born in Eng-
land in 1626. (XII) Samuel Porter, born in 1660.
(XIII) Eleazer Porter. (XIV) Eleazer Porter, born
in 1728. (XV) William Porter, born in 1763, a
merchant, farmer and physician, died in Hadley,
Mass., about 1848. He married (first) Lois East-
man and (second) Charlotte Williams, and by his
first marriage had two sons, John and William.
(XVI) William Porter was born in Hadley, Mass.,
Nov. 14, 1792, and was graduated from Williams
College in 1813. He became a leading attorney of
Lee, Mass., and was prominent in public life, serv-
ing in both Houses of the State Legislature. He
died in Lee Feb. 11, 1853, and his wife, jMary Ann
Quincy, died Dec. 2, 1835. They had four chil-
dren : William, who has been a professor in Beloit
College, Beloit, Wis., for nearly fifty years ; Sam-
uel Quincy, a resident of Unionville, Conn. ; Char-
lotte, who died aged thirteen years ; and ]\Iary
Weld, widow of Franklin Chamberlain, sketch of
whom follows.
William Porter was born in Lee, Mass., Jan.
10, 1820, and prepared for college in his native
town. In 1839, at the age of nineteen, he graduated
from Williams College, and being in delicate health
was sent on a sailing-vessel to Florida, where he
remained seven years. He studied theology at the
L^nion Theological Seminary, in New York, and in
1854 went West to take the position of professor of
Latin in Beloit College, Beloit, \\"\s., which he has-
since held. On July 13, 1854, he married Ellen
Gertrude, youngest daughter of Laertes Chapin,.
of Hartford, Conn., a sister of President
Aaron L. Chapin, of Beloit College. They have
children as follows : ( i ) William, J r., is mentioned
below. (2) Frank Chamberlin, a professor in Yale
Universit}-, married Delia L)inan, and has two sons,
Lyman and William (Juincy. (3; James died in
infancy. (4) Mary (Jumcy resides in Beloit, Wis-
consin.
WiLLi.vM PoRTEK, Jr., M. D., Spent his early
school days at Beloit, VVis., and for three years was
connected with the paper-mill business at Dalton,
i\lass. On graduating from the Chicago JMedical
College, in 1882, he spent two years m study in
Paris and Vienna. In 1884 he began practice in
Hartford, Conn. He is a member of the State,.
County and City JMedical Societies, and visiting
physician at the Hartford Hospital. Dr. I'orter
married ]Mrs. Fannie Pease Hall, and they have one
daughter, Margaret Chapin Porter.
Chapin. Ellen Gertrude Chapin, wife of \\'ill-
iam Porter, Sr., and mother of Dr. \\'illiam Porter,
Jr., of Hartford, and Prof. Frank C. Porter, of Yale
University, New Haven, was born JNIarch 15, 1831,
in Hartford, Conn., the youngest of ten children.
She was a descendant in the seventh generation of
Deacon Samuel Chapin, who settled at Springfield,
Mass., with his family in 1642, and on Oct. 10,
1652, was appointed one of the magistrates of that
town. He \vas a useful and highly esteemed citi-
zen. Fie died Nov. 11, 1675, ^^d his wife, Cecily^
passed away Feb. 8, 1683.
(II) Jepheth Chapin, born in 1642, was at the
great iight at Turner's Falls I\Iay 18, 1676. On
July 22, 1664, he married Abilenah Cooley, who
died Nov. 17, 1710, and on May 31, 171 1, he wedded
Dorothy Root, of Enfield, Conn. He died Feb. 30,
1712.
(III) Deacon David Chapin was born Nov. 16,
1682, and died July 8, 1772. On Nov. 12, 1705, he
married Sarah Stebbins, daughter of Joseph Steb-
bins. She died Feb. 6, 1726. His second wife,
JMindwell Holton, died Oct. 21, 1758. He was-
first clerk of Chicopee parish, and one of the first
deacons in that parish.
(IV) Deacon Edward Chapin, born Feb. 16,
1724, married July 6, 1752, Eunice, daughter of
William and Mary Colton, of Longmeadow. He
died Jan. 6, 1800.
(V) Aaron Chapin was born April 20, 1753, and
died Dec. 25, 1838. On Sept. 11, 1777, he mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Zebulon King, of East Wind-
sor, Conn., and his death occurred Feb. 21, 1829.
He w^as a deacon of the First Congregational Church
in Hartford, Conn. In early life he followed the
occupation of a cabinet maker, but in later years
was a watch repairer and cleaner.
(VI) Laertes Chapin, father of iNIrs. William
Porter, Sr., was born Aug. 21, 1778. in Hartford,.
SM
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Conn., and died Oct. 30. 1847. On Nov. 12, 1809,
he was married to Susanna Merriclc, daughter of
Gad Merricl-:, of Franklin, N. Y. She died Sept.
g, 1811, and he then married, on , 18 — , Laura
Colton, of Hartford, Conn. She died Sept. 18,
1854. He followed the occupation of cabinet mak-
ing, and resided in Hartford until within two years
of his death, when he removed to East Hartford,
Conn. He was an honest, industrious man, and a
faithful, consistent Christian.
Franklin Chamberlin (deceased) was one of
the most prominent lawyers of Hartford, where he
■died Sept. 10, 1896, at the age of seventy-five years.
He was born April 14, 1821, in Dalton, Berkshire
Co., Mass., son of Joseph and Catherine (Holden)
Chamberlin. In the county of his nativity he had
the advantages of the best schools of that day, and
was ready to encer college as a Sophomore when he
was sixteen 3'ears old, but owing to the moderate
circumstances of his parents he abandoned the hope
of a college course, and was for some years engaged
in business and teaching. His mind and tastes were
strongly inclined to law, and in 1842 he entered
the office of the late William Porter, of Lee, Mass.,
as a student. Li 1S44 li£ was graduated from the
Harvard Law School, was admitted to the Bar in
Massachusetts in 1845, and was at once invited to
.a partnership with Mr. Porter, at Lee. From 1854
to i860 he was in practice at Springfield, Mass.
About i860 he removed to Hartford, where he
soon established himself in practice with Hon. Ezra
Hall, the partnership continuing until the death of
the former partner. In 1874 the firm was enlarged
by the addition of Edward S. White, and later be-
came Chamberlin, White & Mills. Hiram R. Mills
is the successor of the firm. In 1865 Mr. Cham-
berlin was a member of the Connecticut House of
Representatives.
On Sept. 3, 1845, Mr. Chamberlin was married
to Mary Weld Porter, daughter of William and
Mary Ann (Ouincy) Porter.
FREDERICK BULKELEY EDWARDS, a
well-known and popular druggist of Hartford, is
a native of Connecticut, born Oct. 14, 1850, in
Wethersfield, Hartford county.
Abel Edwards, his grandfather, was born in
Middletown, Conn., and became a cooper by trade.
He inherited a large fortune from his father,
Churchill Edwards, who was a resident of Middle-
town, Conn., and whose genealogv appears else-
where. Abel Edwards married Betsey Marsh,
daughter of Capt. John Marsh, of Rocky Hill,
Hartford county.
Walter Edwards, father of Frederick B., was
born in the town of Cromwell, Middlesex Co.,
Conn., whence at the age of fourteen years he
removed to New Britain, and there served an ap-
prenticeship at the joiner's trade. For twelve years
he traveled throughout the Southern States, but the
greater part of his business life was passed in
Hartford. After retiring from a.tive life he spent
the remainder of his days in the town of Wethers-
field, dying there May 30, 1874, and his remains
were interred in Cedar Hill cemetery.
In 1843 Walter Edwards was married, in Weh-
ersfield, to Jane Bulkeley, daughter of Fredei ":
and Nancy (Riley) Bulkeley, the latter of whom
was a daughter of Capt. John Riley, who com-
manded a company during the Revolutionary war.
To this union were born children as follows : Fan-
nie, born in Springfield, Mass., died at the age of
three years; Elizabeth, born in Hartford, married
Edward M. Francis, and had two children, Evert
M. and Bernice; Frederick Bulkeley, our subject,
comes next ; and Frank, a farmer, died in the town
of Cromwell, Middlesex county. The mother of
this family died in Cromwell in 1891.
Frederick B. Edwards, the subject proper of
these lines, received his earlier education at the
schools in Wethersfield, later attending the Hart-
ford Public High School, from which institution
he graduated in 1867. At the age of seventeen
years he began clerking for S. G. Moses & Co.,
later Stephen Goodrich & Co., druggists (1867-71),
and for two years (1872-73) he was with Williams
& House. On Nov. i, 1873, he began business as
druggist on Farmington avenue, Hartford, buying
out the store of Williams & House, and has- since
continued an ever-increasing and prosperous busi-
ness.
Mr. Edwards has been twice married, first time
in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1882, to Nellie L. Dunbar
Granger, a native of Suffield, Conn., who died three
years after marriage. For his second wife he
wedded, in Hartford, Conn., in 1886, Agnes Van
Ness Mandeville, who descended from Holland-
Dutch ancestry, of New Jersey. One child, Fred-
erick B., Jr., was born to this union Sept. 30, 1887.
Mr. Edwards in social relationship is a member
of the Sons of the American Revolution ; of the
F. & A. M., St. John's Lodge (since 1878) : of
the State Pharmaceutical Association and the
American Pharmaceutical Association ; and at one
time he was identified with the old Governor's Foot
Guard. He is popular and well liked, and enjoys
the esteem of a large circle of friends.
ELI GOODRICH (deceased) was a son of
Goushay Goodrich, who was born in Rocky Hill
July 21, 1775, and died Apil 11. 1839. The latter
married Mary Bulkley, who was born Feb. 28,
1777, and died Jan. 23, 1859, and they became the
parents of seven children : Walter B., born May 19,
1802, died Aug. 3, 1869; Olive was born Nov. 4,
1803; George N., born Feb. 2, 1806, died May 16,
1833 ; Martha E., born in October. 1808, died April
30, 185 1 ; Eli was fifth in the family; Jerusha, born
April 21, 1814, died Nov. 3, 1873; and -Solomon,
born June 16, 1818, died Dec. i, 1834.
Eli Goodrich was born upon his father's farm in
Rocky Hill Feb. 2, 1811, and prssed his early boy-
ELI GOODRICH
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
305
hood there. While' yet a mere lad he was appren-
ticed to the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked
for many years. Retnrning tu the farm upon which
he had been born, he began the life of a farmer, at
the same time conducting a shoemaker's shop in
connection therewith, and continued thus until
1873, when he gave up active business and removed
to the home which he occupied at the time of his
death, May 24, 1882, and where his widow still
lives. H,e was a Republican in politics, and in re-
hgious faith a Congregationalist, both himself and
his wife being members of the church of that de-
nomination at Rocky Hill.
Air. Goodrich's success in life may be said to
have been due entirely to his own unaided efforts.
Obliged to work while a mere boy of tender years,
he exhibited a determination, courage and perse-
verance which characterized him through life. He
was self-educated and wholly self-made, yet such
was the force of character which he possessed that
he not onlv surmounted the obstacles in his path,
but gained the heartv respect of his neighbors and
fellow townsmen.
Mr. Goodrich was married Oct. 9, 1839, to
JNIiss Emeline E. Butler, daughter of William Sage
Butler, of Rocky Hill, and to this marriage were
born two children, the elder of whom, Mary B., is
now Mrs. Walter Goodrich, of Philadelphia, and
l:as two children, Clarence and Grace M. Susan is
the widow of Daniel B. Lord, a Congregational min-
ister, of West Hartford, who left five children, May
B., Bertha E., Arthur G., Grace and Ruth \'.
William S. Butler was one of a family of four
children, Horace, Merritt, Anna and William S.
The parents dying when they were quite young,
tiiey were reared by their grandmother Butler.
William S. became a sea-faring man, following that
mode of life for many years, and finally losing his
lite by the sinking of a sailing-vessel, while on his
passage to the West Indies. He married Mary Ed-
wards, a native of Rocky Hill town, who bore her
husband two children, Mrs. Goodrich being the
elder; M'illiam S. died in 1879. Airs. Butler died
April 6; 1893, at the extraordinary age of ninet\--
four years. Mrs. Goodrich herself is an octogena-
rian,, having been born Alarch 14, 1819, in Rockv
Hill. She bears her years, however, liglitly, and
seems to have inherited the longevity which was so
marked in the case of her mother.
GEORGE NE\^ERS, the efficient and popular
clerk of the board of street commissioners of Hart-
ford, was born Jan. 4. 1839, in Buffalo, N. Y.. and
is descended from an excellent family of New Eng-
land stock.
Roderick Nevers, our subject's father, was born
April 30, 1808, in Springfield, Alass., and was
reared at Long Meadow, Mass., at the home of a
farmer named Colton. He became a plate printer
by trade, and when a young man went to Buffalo,
but in 1842 he returned to Springfield, and later
settled in Hartford, this county, engaging in busi-
ness on his own account. He formed a partnership,
the firm being known as Case & .severs, and con-
tinued in business until 1884, first on State street,
then on Central Row, anil afterward in the Case,
Lockwood & Brainard Co. building. As a busi-
ness man and citizen he was highly respected, while
for many years before his death, which occurred
Aug. I J, 1888, he was a member of the Center
Congregational Church. His wife, Melissa Sykes,
who" died Sept. 23, 1897, aged eighty-five years,
was born in Hartford April 7, 1812, daughter of
John and Lovisa Liswell Sykes. They had six
children : Edward ; George ; Anna Melissa, who
married Joel R. Holcomb ; Sarah Jane (deceased),
who married Edgar G. Whittlesey, of Hartford;
Roderick, Jr.; and Ella, who died at the age of
four years.
Our subject was educated in the schools of the
South district of Hartford, and in the high school,
where he attended two years. When nearly fifteen
years old he entered a freight office at New Haven,
as clerk, and a year later he took a similar posi-
tion in the general freight office of the Hartford &
New Haven railroad at Hartford. In 1864 he be-
came a bookkeeper in the office of the Charter Oak
Insurance Co., and in 1868 its secretary, remaining
until 1872, the year after the Chicago fire, the com-
pany being then dissolved. After spending a short
time as clerk in the Atlas Insurance Co.'s office he
was employed as chief clerk in the agency office of
the Scottish Union and Lion Eire Insurance Cos. for
some years, but in 1886 he was elected to his pres-
ent position, as clerk of the board of street com-
missioners, succeeding George Ellis. The duties
of the office have nearly doubled during his term,
requiring much ability in the organization of de-
tails, and he is regarded as a most valuable man for
the place. Politically he is a Democrat, but he
takes no active part in the work of the party. He
attends the Center Congregational Church, and is
a member of various fraternal societies, including
the F. & A. AL, Hartford Lodge, Xo. 88, at Hart-
ford ; Pythagoras Chapter ; Wolcott Council ; ^^"ash-
ington Commandery ; Connecticut Sovereign Con-
sistory, S. P. R. S., 32d degree ; and is a charter
member of the Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. AI. S..
of Hartford. He is also a member of Hartford
Lodge, No. 19, B. P. O. E.
In 1865 Air. Nevers married Aliss Julia S. Hos-
mer, daughter of John B. Hosmer, a well-known
resident of Willimantic. She died April 24. 1897,
leaving two children : Jessie I., who married PIu-
bert D. Tracy, of Hartford, a bookkeeper in the
office of the ^tna Life Insurance Co.'s oiifice : and
Hattie H., wife of Elisha Hart Pember, of the
same city, now employed as a hardware salesman.
JOHN ALLEX', one of the progressive and
public-spirited citizens of Hartford, was born I'eb.
6. 1 83 1, in N^ew York City, son of Joshua and
^66
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Nancy (Knox) Allen. He comes of good Scottish
ancestry, his family having been prominent in the
meighborhood of Londonderry, County Donegal, Ire-
land, for several generations. Robert Allen, our
subject's grandfather, was a leading citizen there,
and carried on farming on an extensive scale, being-
one of the principal landholders of the district.
His wife, Margaret Russell, who lived to the age
of ninety-two years, is said to have been connected
with the family of Lord John Russell.
Joshua Allen, father of our subject, was born
in Ireland in 1787, and, as the eldest son, inherited
the homestead under the law of primogeniture.
-After the death of his first wife, who left no chil-
dren, he disposed of the estate, and in 1825 came
to America, locating first in New York City, where
he married Miss Nancy Knox, a descendant of
John Knox, the reformer. Wishing to resume
farming as an occupation, he came to Hartford in
1832 and rented a large farm on what is now known
as Lord's Hill, and a year or two afterward bought
a large farm in the southern part of the city, west
of Washington street, a large part of which locality
is now covered with residences. Mr. Allen gave
close attention to business, and his mental and
moral qualities commanded the respect of the com-
munity. He held strong views on the subject of
temperance, refusing to keep in his employ any one
who used intoxicating liquors, and politically he
was a stanch Republican. In religious faith he was
a Presbyterian (Covenanter), and for many years
a member of the Center Church of Hartford. He
■died in 1868, aged eighty-one years. His first wife,
Margaret Scott, died a few months after their mar-
riage. His second wife, Nancy Knox, died in
1868. They had five children: Samuel; John;
Robert, who died when seven years of age; Mary,
•wife of John Hunter; and Nancy, who married in
i860 and died in 1895.
The Knox family is from Strabane, County
Tyrone, Ireland, and of excellent stock. Samuel
Knox, father of Mrs. Nancy (Knox) Allen, made
his home with her, and lived to the advanced age
of ninety-six years. He had two brothers who
came to this country early in the century, and one
settled in Tennessee, and it is believed founded
the city of Knoxville. The other was named Will-
iam, and it is probable that he was the Lieut. Will-
iam Knox who is interred in the old cemetery in
the rear of Center church.
During his boyhood our subject attended the
'Common schools of Hartford, and at an early age
he became associated with his father in business.
As the citv developed, and the farm became of
-value for building purposes, he opened up a num-
''ber of streets, and for some time his attention has
been devoted to real estate. He was interested in
liaving Trinity College removed from Bushnell
Park, and gave $5,000 toward the building at the
present location, near his home. His influence is
a helpful factor in many enterprises. He has been
trustee of the Hartford Theological Seminary for
over fifteen years ; was chairman of the executive
committee when the Case Memorial Library was
built; and in 1896 was elected treasurer of the
seminary. Politically he is a Republican, and he
has served several years in the common council,
also as police commissioner and water commis-
sioner, and in other local offices. In religious con-
nection he is a member of Center Church, and has
held office as deacon and member of the society
committee for some years.
In i860 Mr. Allen married Miss Mary Bonner,
daughter of Andrew Bonner, also of Scottish an-
cestry, and they have had four children : Mary
Bonner and Isabella Jane died in infancy. Joshua
Wilson, born in 1864, was a graduate of Yale Col-
lege, class of '88. In 1891 he married Lucy Mather
Brace, daughter of Thomas K. Brace, of Hartford,
and they had three children, Russell, Julia Brace
and Franklin. He was elected trustee of the Hart-
ford Theological Seminary in 1896, and was as-
sistant treasurer of the institution at the time of
his death, in 1897. Alice Margaret was married, in
189s, to I. K. Hamilton, Jr., a graduate of Trinity
College, class of '94, formerly of Chicago, but
now of Marinette, Wisconsin.
J. SCRUGHAM QUIN, familiarly known
among his hosts of friends and acquaintances as
"The Man with a Signature," and as "The Light-
ning Ticket Seller," is one of the best known figures
in Hartford, of which fair city he has been a resi-
dent for upward of a third of a century, intimately
associated with railway travel.
Mr. Ouin is a native of New York City, born
Oct. 24, 1838, a son of Dr. James M. Quin, a dis-
tinguished physician, also of New York nativity,
born in 1806, in a house on the corner of Barclay
and Church streets. He was a student of Colum-
bia College, from which he was graduated with all
the honors, after a contest with some of the most
brilliant minds of the day. He was afterward pro-
fessor of Latin and Greek at the college, and was
pronounced by the late Dr. Anthon as second only
to himself in the knowledge of those languages.
Subsequently he studied mjedicine with Dr. Hosack,
but after practicing Allopathy for several years he
became a convert to the doctrines of Hahnemann.
The desire to thoroughly master the principles of
Plomeopathy led him to the study of German, and
subsequently of the French language, in both of
which he became singularly proficient. His career
was closely associated with the development of one
great science. Homeopathy, and of the kindred arts
of music and painting.
As a physician Dr. Quin had a widespread pop-
ularity, based upon success resulting from profound
knowledge ; his specialties, being those of the throat
and chest, necessarily brought him in contact with
many of the eminent vocal artists of the day, and
as he could discourse fluently, not only in the pre-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
867
viously mentioned languages, but also in Italian and
Spanish, his office, at limes, was a sort of polyglot
institute, of which he was the professor. He was
himself an accomplished musician, and a good
amateur performer on the violin. Mozart's Requiem
was first performed in this country at the old house
in Ilarclay street, and it is generally believed that
the violin quartettes of Haydn, Mozart and
Beethoven were played first in America by himself
and his friends. His library of instrumental classics
comprised nearly all the choice work extant. He
was an acute critic of music and painting, and was
a generous and judicious patron of both. He was
of a quick, genial and liberal nature ; in his pro-
fession rapid, discerning and decided, he rarely
failed of success.
About 1835 Dr. James ]\I. Quin was married to
Sarah Scrugham, who was born in Windsor, Vt.,
of English ancestry, and was the eldest daughter of
William Waburton and Eleanor (Burnett) Scrug-
ham. Her father was born in Dublin, and educated
at Trinity College, that city. He descended from
Bishop William ^^'"aburton, of the Church of Eng-
land. Mrs. Ouin's mother, Eleanor Burnet, was an
Englishwoman, a descendant of Bishop Burnet.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Scrugham
came to America, and after three years of travel
located, in 1812, in New York, where he was for
many years a merchant on Front street. They were
attendants of St. Paul's Church. Of the children
born to Dr. Quin, the gentleman whose name in-
troduces this article was the only one to reach
maturity. Dr. Quin died in 1868, at his country
residence, Morrisania, N. Y., at the age of sixty-
two vears, and his wife passed away Sept. 2, 1888,
aged seventy-seven.
"Bv the death of Dr. Quin science lost a shin-
ing light and art a true, kind and admiring dis-
ciple, while the followers of art lost a friend whose
heart was ever open to sympathy, and whose purse
was never closed in the hour of need. His death
caused unfeigned sorrow among a wide and varied
circle, for few men had so many warm friends."
The funeral services" at St. Stephen's church, in
Xew York, were magnificently performed, and a
vast number of the eminent of all professions as-
sembled to do honor to the occasion. The cere-
monies were under the direction of Max Maretzek
(the Doctor having been the latter's physician and
confidential friend^, and included the services of
all the stars of the Italian opera troupe, who sang
the requiem mass, and Rossini's "Stabat ]\Iater."
The late George W. Morgan, the eminent organist,
played a portion of the service.
J. Scrugham Quin in early life moved from
Xew York to Springfield, ]\Iass', where he received
his education, being a schoolmate of Hon. William
C. Whitney, ex-secretarv of the United States Navy,
and there for upward of fifteen years he made his
home. For a time he was bookkeeper for the
Springfield Arms Co. In 1863 he removed to Wil-
mington, Del., where he secured a clerkship in the
mechanical department of the Philadelphia, Wil-
mington & Baltimore railroad. After a few months
he returned to Springfield, to accept a position in
the revolver department of the American Machine
Works, where he remainetl until the close of the
Civil war, and the completion of the government
contract.
On June 5, 1865, Mr. Quin entered the service
of the "Consolidated" road, then known as the
New liaven, Hartford & Springfield railroad, run-
ning only between those points, his first position
being as timekeeper and rodman at the erection of
the iron bridge over the Connecticut river at Ware-
house Point, under the direction of James Laurie,
C. E., who had constructed the bridge in England,
and shipped it to this country in sections. Upon
the completion of this work, in March, 1866, Mr.
Quin was transferred to the office of the motive
power department, in Hartford, as timekeeper and
accountant. He was subsequently appointed assist-
ant in the ticket office, attending the early morning
trains, and at the same time keeping up his work
in the mechanical department. At this time he was
working eighteen hours a day and enjoying it, and
for several years thereafter his hours were from
7 p. M. to 6:30 A. M. In July, 1882, W. A. Baker
retired from the position of ticket agent, and Mr.
Quin was appointed to succeed him. He is now
the foui-th oldest employed on the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad, has seen its business
increase from four trains a day to over fifty, and
has now three assistants in his office.
From this long railroad service ^Ir. Quin has
an extensive acquaintance with the traveling pub-
lic. In years past he justly achieved fame as the
most rapid ticket seller "east of the Rocky Alount-
ains," and the sobriquet "The Lightning Ticket Sel-
ler" was given to him by "Tom" Reed, on the oc-
casion of one of his (Reed's) visits to Hartford.
The name applied, and has stuck. Air. Quin's
greatest record in the line of rapid ticket selling
was on Labor Day, 1890, when he sold 3,800 tickets
in one hour's time. The bits of pastboard made
a pile eight feet high, and he passed out the tickets
at the rate of over sixty a minute.
Mr. Quin has found time in his busy life to
obtain recreation of the most pleasant kind. He
has always had a fondness for newspaper work,
and for seventeen years was correspondent of the
"New York Dramatic News." For several years
he was the Hartford correspondent of the "Spring-
field Homestead," when that paper was under the
management of the late Edward H. Phelps. Mr.
Phelps and Mr. Quin were lifelong friends, be-
ginning back in the 'sixties, when Mr. Phelps was
an organist in Springfield, and Mr. Quin was a
student on the cornet. In music Mr. Quin has
found great pleasure. He formerly officiated to a
limited" extent as organist in church service. He
has published an original Te Deum, and several
368
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
songs which have met with favor. He is an en-
thusiast in brass band work, being an lionorary
member of Colt's band, and lie enjoys the acquaint-
ance of many of the famous directors and musical
people who have attained success. "The Darling
I have Lost" and "Flossie's Lullaby'' are two of his
songs which have been much complimented.
Mr. Quin has been a member of the F. & A.
M. since 1866, having been initiated in Hartford
Lodge, No. 88, and he is now a thirty-second-
degree Mason ; is affiliated with Wolcott Council,
No. i; with Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17; and with
Washington Commandery, No. i, the oldest com-
mandery in the United States. In nearly all the
Masonic bodies with which he has been connected
he has filled the position of organist. Mr. Quin
is also a member of the I. O. O. F., of the K.
of P., and of the Press Club, of Hartford, of
which he was a charter member and the first treas-
. urer. In politics he is an ardent Republican.
In Springfield, Mass., Oct. 23, 1862, J. Scrug-
ham Quin was united in marriage with Jane Eliz-
abeth Pierce, daughter of Lusha and Hannah
(Sherman) Pierce, of that city, the former of whom
was a steel forger by occupation. Three children
have come to this union : Sadie S. De Witt, C.
P. and Louis C, the two latter being in the service
of the United States Government at Washington,
D. C.
EVERETT HORTON, a v/ell-known manu-
facturer of Bristol, is a native of the town, born
Jan. 14, 1836, of good old New England ancestry.
Samuel Horton, father of our subject, born in
1810, died Jan. 12, 1842, of typhoid fever. He
was a clockmaker, and for several years worked
for Chauncey Jerome, with whom he learned his
trade. He was a stanch Democrat to the last. He
married Patty Gaylord, born Oct. 2, 1805, daugh-
ter of Lot Gaylord, and their children were as fol-
lows: (i) Algernon, born in 1834, died in Feb-
ruary, 1898, in California, whither he had gone
in 1852, and followed mining for a time, later
engaging in the wool and hide business, and still
later becoming a butcher. (2) Everett and (3)
Eveline (twins), born Jan. 14, 1836, are both liv-
ing in Bristol. (4) Harriet, born in 1838, is the
wife of Alonzo Rood, of Bristol. The mother of
this family, now aged ninety-four, makes her home
with our subject.
Everett Horton, whose name opens this sketch,
in his early boyhood attended the West Street dis-
trict school in Bristol, leaving same when ten years
old to enter Edward L. Dunbar's factory, where
he worked till the age of fourteen, during sum-
mers, attending school winters. Fie then for one
season studied at the Winsted (Litchfield county)
high school, and, returning to Bristol, for the next
ten or twelve years was engaged in making clock
trimmings, pendulum balls, etc., in Edward L. Dun-
bar's factory, and when they commenced in the-
crinoline business he built the looms for the factory.
His next position was with Landers, Frary & Clark,,
of New Britain, on machine work for some twelve
months. In the meantime, in 1858, he went by way
of the Isthmus of Panama to California, where:
he had a claim given him by his brother. Return-
ing to Connecticut, he went to work in New Brit-
ain for Landers, Frary & Clark. After this he
was foreman of the machine room for seven years
dn the factory of S. Emerson Root. In 1870 he
built a factory on Oak street, where he made all.
kinds of small machinery, especially clock ma-
chinery, as well as dies, punches, etc., which he
shipped to various parts of the country. In i880'
he sold all his tools and commenced work for the
New Haven Clock Co., New Haven, as foreman of
the machine department, holding that position some
five years, during which he took out as many as
twenty patents for them. Once more taking up his
residence in Bristol, he re-opened his small machine
shop, and has since very successfully conducted
same. In 1887 he invented the famous "Bristol
fishing rod," which he patented in the United
States and Canada, and which he manufactured
for three years, in 1888 selling out to the Horton
Mfg. Co., of Bristol, to-day one of the leading
industries of the town. This rod is made of fine
steel, jointed, and in many sizes.
Mr. Horton was united in marriage with Al-
mira C. Atwater, daughter of George Atwater, of
Bristol. Their children are Frederick and Bertha.
Frederick is employed in the New Departure Bell
Co.'s works in Bristol; he married Anna Cady, of
Brookfield, Mo., and they have one child, Louise.
Bertha married Frank S. Judd, of Bristol; their
children are Flerbert, Frederick and Harold. Mr.
and Mrs. Everett Horton have a comfortable resi-
dence on Oak street, near his factory.
Our subject is a Democrat, but is too busy a
man to take much active interest in politics, yet
he always does his part toward the promotion of
enterprises for the social, educational and moral
welfare of the community.
NORRIS PECK DUNHAM, one of the few oc-
togenarians of Berlin, and an honored and highly-
esteemed citizen of that town, is now retired from
the labors of a long and active life, and is spending
his declining days in the midst of ease and plenty
in the house where he was born June 25, 1819, it
being built by his father the year previous.
Barnabus Dunham, our subject's grandfather,
spent his entire life in Berlin, and died when our
subject was about six years old. The father, Will-
iam Dunham, was also a lifelong resident of Berlin,
born near the Norton homestead, in Kensington.
He was a very hard-working man, and accumulated
considerable property. He died when our subject
was six years of age. He married Miss Nancy-
vAVv-t^^ >'i:^«^'vt^»CL
I
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
869
]'uck. tlaughter of rVnios J'cck, and to Ihciii were
born six children, Xorris 1'. !)cin,i;' llic onl\- one now
living.
Lhn snbjcct was reared on the home farm, and
obtained his education in the common schools of
Berlin and the Berlin Academy. After leaving
school he devoted his time and attention to the work
of the farm, and at the age of sixteen took entire
charge of the place, as his two brothers had gone
South, where they owned and carried on a general
store and plantation. He still owns the old home-
stead, and has aliout 200 acres of land, under a high
state of cultivation, all of which he now rents to
other parties, who operate it. A thorough and sys-
tematic farmer, he met with success in his labors, i
and is to-day one of the most substantial and pros-
perous citizens of his community, as well as one of '.
its most highly respected residents. Like his father,
he has ever been a stanch supporter of the Demo-
cratic party, but has never cared for the honors or
emoluments of public office. The good condition
of the roads of Berlin is due practically to his ener-
gies, and as a public-spirited citizen he gives his
support to every enterprise for the public good. He
attends the Congregational Church, and contributes
to its support. Mr. Dtuiham is unpiarried.
HORATIO C. AND AMERICUS J. CLAY-
TON, constituting the well-known firm of Clayton
Bros., Bristol, are able and successful business men
and have been prominently identified with the hard-
ware trade for many years.
Horatio C. was born Feb. 11, 1851, at Cheap-
side, near Greenfield, Mass., and Americus J. was
born at Conway, Mass., Nov. 3, 1852. They were
sons of the late William Clayton and his wife,
Mary (Turner). William Clayton, who was one
of the leading citizens of Bristol in his day, was
born April 19, 1820, in Sheffield, England, where
in boyhood he learned the details of cutlery manu-
facturing. In 1850 he came to America and settled
in Conway, Mass., engaging in the manufacture of
cutlery with John Russell & Co., with whom he
remained seventeen years. He then removed to
Bristol and established a cutlery factory which did
not prove( successful, but afterward, in company
with his sons W^illiam, Jr., Horatio C, Americus
J. and Francis T. he founded the present hard-
ware manufacturing business on Union Hill undec
the firm name of William Clayton & Sons. Since
the death of Mr. Clayton, in 1883, the business has
been continuel under the name of Clayton Brothers.
William Clayton and his wife had fourteen chil-
dren, five of whom died in infancy — two in Eng-
land and three in America, (i) William died in
1884, leaving a widow and one daughter, Hattie,
wife of John Ryan, of Bristol. (2) Sarah mar-
ried William Reynolds (an apothecary at Forest-
ville), and resides at Bristol; they have one child
living. (3) Henry married Fanny E. Peck, and has
had seven children, one being deceased. (4)
24
Horatio C. married Mrs. Matilda Ibbes, widow of
(ieorge Ibbes, of New Jersey. (5) Americus mar-
ried (first) Amy Holt, who died March 23. 1887,
without issue. By his second wife, Viola M. (Han-
nuni), he had six children, Waller H., Viola L.
and Tuttney A., all three deceased ; Mary Thorpe ;
William H. ; and Ruth O., deceased. (6) Francis
T. married Amelia Reynolds, and has one son,
Frederick; they reside in Bridgeport. (7) Mary
Ann married l-i-ichard L. I'rothero, and died in 1882,
leaving one son, Horatio. (8) Frank married
Clara Turner, and died in 1898. (9) Lillie mar-
ried James McKernan, and has one daughter,
Alice.
Horatio C. and Americus J. Clayton spent their
early lives in Greenfield, where they attended the
public schools, and as boys they became familiar
with the manufacture of hardware in their father's
factory.
CHARLES E. PARKER, of the firm of Kim-
ball & Parker, general and local fire insurance
agents, Hartford, is a native of that citv, born
Feb. 18, 1865.
James E. Parker, father of our subject, died
when the latter was a child. He married ^Irs.
Mary A. Bulkely, a widow, who was born in Glas-
tonbury, Conn., and is now living in Hartford.
By her second husband she had one other child,
Arthur H. Parker, who is in the bicycle business
in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Charles E. Parker received his education in the
South school, in his native city, and the Hartford
Public High School, and on laying aside his books,
at the age of fifteen, entered the employ of C. C.
Kimball & Co., as an office boy, at $100 per annum.
He applied himself diligently to business, striving
to do everything in his power to make himself use-
ful to his employers, was promoted to bookkeeper,
and by diligent effort was in time further promoted
to the position of confidential man of the office.
This latter incumbency he held up to January,
1899, when he was admitted to partnership, the firm
name becoming Kimball & Parker. It was for-
merlv Kimball & McCray, Col. McCray on his
death being succeeded in the partnership by our
subject. j\Ir. Parker has now been twenty years in
the office, probablv has a longer experience in the
insurance line than any other man of his age. and is,
undoulitedly, for so young" a man, one of the most
prominent in the State. The firm of Kimball &
Parker represents a number of the largest com-
panies in the world, among them being the Queen,
the Imperial, the Northern, and many other lead-
ing insurance companies of the country, and they
are the managers of the New England depart-
ment of the Insurance Company of North Amer-
ica. Thev occupy the entire second floor of the
First National Bank building, facing city hall and
post office, and have the finest offices of any private
insurance company in the New England States.
370
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
They employ some 350 agents, and the reports from
all of these come directly to this office ; all policies
are written here, all losses adjusted, and all financial
business transacted. They have undoubted!}' the
largest general 'agency in the New England States.
Since J\Ir. Parker's connection with this concern it
has constantly grown to its present enormous pro-
portions.
On Nov. 27, 1893, Mr. Parker was married to
Miss Ida M. Abbe, a native of Bristol, Conn., and
daughter of L. G. Abbe, of Hartford, and three
children have graced their union : Charles Ernest,
Blanche K. and Grenville M. The family home is
at No. 14 Whitney street. Politically our subject
is a Republican, but he always reserves to himself
the right to vote independently, especially in local
matters. At the executive session of the board of
alderman, held Monday evening, Nov. 27, 1899, a
communication was read from Mayor Preston, nom-
inating Mr. Parker for fire commissioner, to fill out
the term of the late John D. Bonner, to April i,
1900. The nomination was confirmed unanimously.
It came to him entirely unsolicited, as he did not
even know that the mayor had thought of his name
until he received a communication from his honor
asking him if he would accept the position. Mayor
Preston realized the desirability of having the in-
surance interests of the city represented on the
board of fire commissioners, and it was with this
object in view, and knowing the personal fitness of
Mr. Parker for the position, that he desired to
nominate him. Upon the advent into office of
Mayor Harbison, in 1900, Mr. Parker was re-ap-
pointed to this same board for three years, and
of all the appointees of the former mayor he was
the only member of any board to be re-appointed,
thus showing the efficiency with which he had filled
this, his first political position. He is a young:
business man of high character and conspicuous
ability. Socially he is a member of Hartford
Lodg'e. F. & A.M.; of the Colonial Club; and re-
ligiously of the First M. E. Church, of which latter
he is trustee and treasurer.
Mr. Parker's present standing demonstrates
what pluck, perseverance and close application to
business may accomplish. Starting at the bottom
round of the ladder, in competition with other
boys and young men, all of whom were seniors in
the office of the concern of which he is now partner,
he has by merit alone reached the position he so
ablv fills. Truly such an example is well worthy
of emulation. Of an agreeable disposition, frank,
open and straightforward, he has hosts of friends,
and no man of his age is more favorably known than
Charles E. Parker.
EDMUND B. DILLINGHAM. In the busi-
ness and religious circles of Hartford no man is
better known than E. B. Dillingham, the courteous
proprietor of Dillingham's Newspaper Advertis-
ing Agency, located at No. 709 Main street.
Mr. Dillingham was born in West Bridgewater,
Mass., Sept. 30, 1836, but his home during child-
hood and mature years was Fall River, Mass.,
where he received his early education in the com-
mon schools ; later he attended the academy at
Myricksville, Mass. Accepting a position as clerk,
he followed that vocation until 1861, when he be-
came connected with the office of the provost mar-
shal at New Bedford, Mass., of the First Congres-
sional District, as assistant marshal and enrolling
officer, having charge of the enlisting of men for
and from Fall River in the military service, under
the several calls from the President.. From 1861
to 1865 he was United States special agent, assist-
ant provost marshal, with headquarters at Fall
River. Removing to Rockville, Conn., in 1867, he
there accepted the superintendency of the Rose Silk
Co., in which he was a stockholder, retaining the
position until 1868. In 1870 he came to Hartford,
and there became the pioneer of the newspaper
advertising business in Connecticut and the New
England States, adding the real-estate and fire-in-
surance business thereto.
Beginning in a small way, Mr. Dillingham has
by persistent energy and application made this the
largest business of its kind in the New England
States, and has achieved an enviable reputation for
upright business principles, doing business through
his agency with all the leading papers within a
radius of hundreds of miles, including New York,
Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and many other
of the large cities. The name Dillingham is in-
separably connected with, and familiarly known to,
all the great newspapers throughout the New Eng-
land and Middle States. The large life and fire in-
surance companies of Hartford do a large propor-
tion of their advertising through Mr. Dillingham's
agency. Not only has he brought this business to
its present enormous proportions, but he has also
been actively engaged in real estate, buying and
selling for himself and others upon an extensive
scale. He has also given a great deal of time and
energy to religious work, and has acted as temporary
supply for the pulpits of nearly every country
church within twenty miles of Hartford, giving his
services, in all instances, gratuitously. In 1877 he
was elected a member of the State executive com-
mittee of the Y. M. C. A. of Connecticut, and
held that position' for many years, in this capacity
attending every international convention as a dele-
gate from the Y. M. C. A. for over a quarter of
a century, and he is widelv known in that connec-
tion. He was also a member of the board of trus-
tees for the magnificent Y. M. C. A. building which
was erected at the corner of Pearl and Ford streets,
and is one of the finest of its kind in the State,
admired by every one. He had the privilege of
personally soliciting and accepting a check, for $30,-
000, from the late Gen. Charles T. Hillyer, which
was used in purchasing the lot on which the build-
ing now stands.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
371
Mr. Dillingham is a member of the Connecti-
cut Congregational Clul). lie has been chaplain
uf the Hartford county jail for over twenty years,
and was also a member of the city mission board.
In every rpligious movement which has taken place
in the city of Hartford for the past quarter of a
century he has taken a deep personal interest, and
assisted by every means in his power. JJuring D.
L. Moody's evangelistic work in the winters of
1878 and 1879 he acted as chief usher, and per-
sonally Superintended the seating of the vast crowds
who came to hear that noted preacher. He had
general supervision of everything pertaining to tne
success of those meetings.
]\Ir. Dillingham affiliates with the Republican
party, and in the political affairs of the city he
takes a profound interest. In 1887 he was elected
by a large majority councilman from the Seventh
ward in Hartford, and was re-elected in 1888, 1889
and 1890, winning the satisfaction and commenda-
tion of his townspeople in the fulfillment "of his
tluties in this office.
In i860 Mr. Dillingham married Miss Josephine
A. Potter, daughter of the late Henry Potter, of
Fall River, Mass. To Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham
have been born two children, Charles B. and Mabel
B., the former of whom was on the reportorial
staff of the Hartford city dailies, was later chief
editor of a paper in Spokane Falls, Wash., then
private secretary to Hon. Watson C. Squire, United
States Senator, and for the past few years has been
associated in business with Charles B. Frohman,
with whom he is at present traveling in Europe.
The family attend the Farmington Avenue Con-
gregational Church.
Mr. Dillingham is a close student of men and
aft'airs, and has proven a successful business man.
Courteous and polite, he has won a host of friends
throughout Hartford and Hartford county, and can
truly be said to be a representative of its best in-
terests, socially, religiously and commercially.
SAMUEL ANDREWS WELDON, senior
member of the widely and favorably known firm
of S. A. Weldon & Son, dealers in hardware, Bris-
tol, is a native of Connecticut, born March 22,
1 83 1, in New Britain, Hartford county.
Luther Weldon, grandfather of our subject, was
born in 1764 in Wallingford, Conn., and most of
his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He
married Jerusha Hurlburt, who was born I^Iarch
22, 1767, in Wallingford, and by this union there
were seven sons: Oliver, Samuel H., Hart (born
June 7, 181 1, died at Torrington, Conn., Aug. 16,
iSgs). Aaron, two who died in infancy, and Walter.
Samuel Hurlburt Weldon. father of Samuel A.,
was born Feb. 3. 1799, in Argvle, N. Y., and
throughout life followed the trade of wagonmaker,
for several years conducting a wagon shop in New
Britain, and later working for various firms. On
Oct. 15, 1823, he married Sally Bartholomew An-
drews, daughter of Ursula Andrews. Slie died
Sept. 17, 1837, aged thirty-five years, and he then
wedded Sarah M. Keach, of VVethersfield, Conn.,
who passed from earth Aug. 3, 1847. Subsequently,
on Feb. 3, 1848, Mr. Weldon wedded Mrs. Alary
Gridley, widow of Waller Gridlcy, and daughter
of Roswell Hunter; she was born Sept. 3, 1802, at
Ncwington, Conn., and died Feb. 9, 1870. Mr.
Weldon died of apoplexy Feb. 5, 1872, at his resi-
dence by the Black Rock, in Southwest District.
His children were as follows : By first wife — Caro-
hne, born Nov. 26, 1824, married Elias Barnes, of
Bristol, Conn. Eli Everest, born Aug. 8, 1826,
married Mrs. Delia Fuller, a widow. George, born
Aug. 19, 1829, is a house painter in Torrington,
Conn.; he married, Nov. 25, 1869, Juliette Bently,
of Goshen, Conn. Samuel A. is our subject. Sarah
E., born April 2, 1833, married Thomas F. Hart,
of Bristol, after whose decease she wedded Henry
Wright, now also deceased. Alunroe, born Oct.
5, 1834, married Catherine E. Buckley, of West
Hartford. Mary Ann, born June 30, 1836, married
Francis Goodale, and after his decease wedded
Elisha Williams. By second wife — Washington,
born Jan. 31, 1841, died March 7, 1841. Oliver
Hurlburt was born April 18, 1842. Walter Au-
gustus, born June 8, 1844, died Feb. 21, 1853, at
Newbern, N. C, while serving in Companv D, 46th
Conn V. L
Samuel A. Weldon, whose name introduces these
lines, received a liberal common-school education
during the winter seasons, in summer time, till he
Vv'as sixteen years old, working for four years on
the farm of Francis Hart, in New Britain. He
then went to work in his father's shop, making
harness, and so continued until he was eighteen
years of age, at which time he worked for about
one year with Russell & Erwin and Oliver Judd.
At the age of nineteen he commenced to learn the
trades of painting and upholstering with Nathaniel
Dickinson, carriage manufacturer. New Britain, con-
tinuing until 1856; then worked for Horton &
Noble one year, after which he formed a partner-
ship with Franklin Graham, under the firm name
of Graham & Weldon, carriagemakers. This ar-
rangement continued until 1869, when our subject
sold his interest to Air. Graham, who has since con-
tinued the business alone. Mr. Weldon then re-
moved to Bristol, and by way of a change, his health
being not very good, engaged during one summer
in the raising of poultry, after which he commenced
in the carriagemaking business for his own account,
and being a thoroughlv practical mechanic did an
excellenttrade until 1882, when he closed up_ his
shop. His next experience was in the carriage
factor\- of Watson Giddings, and for some five
years was there engaged on his own account in
painting and finishing carriages, at the end of that
time retiring from the business. In 1S78. along
with his son, he bought the Clark Davis hardware
store, located on North Main street, where the Cen-
372
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tral meat market is now located. In 1871 they re-
moved from here to the Gridley block, a new struc-
ture, where the store has since been successfully
conducted, the style of the firm being S. A. Weldon
& Son.
On Dec. 27, 1855, Samuel A. Weldon was united
in marriage with Susan Frances Smith, who was
born in Prospect, Conn., March 26, 1835, a daugh-
ter of Isaac George and Marilla (Hotchkiss) Smith,
of Waterbury, Conn. One son has blessed this union,
Mortimer Emory, born April 17, 1858, in New
Britain, Conn., who was married, Nov. 18, 1885,
to Nellie Baldwin Sweet, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Their
children are Arline Chichester, born Feb. 17, 1887;
and Chichester Percival, born June 21, iSgi.
Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Weldon are members of
the Congregational Chiuxh of Bristol, but were
formerly identified with the Center Church, New
Britain, and Mrs. Weldon is a member of the
Foreign and Home Missionary Societies, and has
always been a member of the Sunday-school, either
as a teacher or pupil ; she is at present a member of
the Bible class. In politics Mr. Weldon is a Re-
publican, but takes no special interest in the affairs
of the partv. He owns a very fine cottage at Madi-
son, Conn., on Long Island Sound, where he and
his wife usually spend their summers. Mr. Wel-
don is always true to the duties of both public and
private life, and is a gentleman of genuine worth.
EDWARD CHANNING ALLEN, the leading
merchant of Hazardville, and one of its" most wide-
awake and progressive citizens, was born in the vil-
lage of Scitico, town of Enfield, Dec. 4, 1853, a son
of George E. and Nancy A. (French) Allen, natives
of Scitico and East Windsor, Conn., respectively.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, George
Allen, was a native of Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn.,
and by occuption was a shoemaker and grocer. His
wife bore the maiden name of Mary Coy. The ma-
ternal grandfather, Daniel French, was a farmer of
East Windsor, Hartford county. George E. Allen,
father of our subject, who was a clergyman of the
Universalist Church, had charge of a congregation
in Poquonock for fourteen years, and also preached
in Somers and other towns in the vicinity. Fie also
bought and sold horses and cattle quite extensively,
and was widel)' and favorably known. He died in
Scitico in 1867, at the age of fortv-two years. Of
his four children, two are still living: Mary Eliza-
beth, wife of Eli G. Stiles, of Melrose, Conn. ; and
Edward C, our subject.
Edward C. Allen was reared in Scitico, and re-
ceived a common-school education. At the age of
sixteen he began his business career as clerk in a tea
store in Springfield, Mass., where he remained over a
year, and then became a dealer in organs and sewing
machines, following that business for several years.
In 1875 he accepted a position rs clerk and book-
keeper in a general store at Hazardville, and served
in that capacity until 1881, when, with A. W. Gowdy,
he embarked in general merchandising, under the
firm name of Allen & Gowdy. This partnership
existed one year, at the end of which time Mr. Allen
purchased Mr. Gowdy's interest. He has since con-
ducted a successful business alone, and now has the
principal store in Hazardville. His patronage comes
from a large territory, and his establishment wou'.d
do credit to a much larger place than Hazardville.
Mr. Allen is methodical and systematic in business,
and the plans which he has pursued commend them-
selves to the judgment and respect of all.
Mr. Allen was married, Sept. 12, 1888, to Miss
Ella C. Pitkin, a daughter of Evelyn and Esther
(Stiles) Pitkin, of South Windsor, and they have
two children : George Edward and Herbert VValden.
Socially Mr. Allen affiliates with the Order of United
American Mechanics, and politically he is identified
with the Republican party. That his fellow citi-
zens place in him the utmost confidence is shown by
the fact that he has been often called upon to settle
estates. He is popular, progressive and enterpris-
ing, and has been elected fire commissioner, mem-
ber of the board of relief, and a member of the
school board.
JEWELL. The Jewell family of Hartford,
whose present representatives are the children and
grandchildren of the late Pliny Jewell, the founder
of the great leather industry which has given the
name and city of Hartford a world-wide reputa-
tion, and one member of which family — the late
Hon. Marshall Jewell — has added fame to the family
and city, is an old New England one, the residence
in America reaching back to 1639, when there lived
in Boston, Mass., one Thomas Jewell, the American
ancestor of the family. He came from England
about the year mentioned. Joseph Jewell, son of
Thomas Jewell, lived at Charlestown, Mass., and
owned the ferrv between that place and Boston.
The family gradually scattered through the New
England States, after the shifting New England
icustom. For generations the ancestors of the Hart-
ford branch of the family lived at Winchester, New
Hampshire.
Pliny Jewell, whose death occurred in his resi-
dence on Washing-ton street, Hartford, Aug. 28,
1869, was through a long period of years identified
with the business of his adopted city. He was born
Sept. 27, 1-797, in Winchester, N. H. His father
and grandfather were tanners, and the son was bred
to that business. He worked in the tannery in the
summer, and attended and taught school in the win-
ter, having had the advantage of study at a country
academy. He remained in Winchester, working" at
his trade, and carrying on the general business of
tanning, until he moved to Hartford, Conn., in 1845.
He continued in the leather business in Hartford,
with little interruption, from 1845 until his retire-
ment from the prosperous firm of P. Jewell & Sons,
three years prior to his death.
Mr. Jewell was a man of great strength of will.
^ ^, ^Z£/^^
-->T-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
878
■force of character and decided convictions. In his
religious opinions, which were always warm and
active, he was a strict Calvinist. His connection in
Hartford was with the South Congregational
Church until not- long before his death, when he
united with the Center Church. He was secretary
and treasurer of the Windsor Theological Seminary,
and was very active in procuring its removal to
Hartford. Mr. Jewell had always been a great reader
of bookie, delighting especially in the study of Eng-
lish and French history and biography. We doubt
if there was any man in New England, not profes-
sionally educated, so thoroughly conversant with
English history as he was, and lie knew American
history, particularly that of politics, fully and ac-
curately. He never forgot what he once read. Nor
was his study confined to history ; it extended to
Old English literature as well, as an example of
which we recall his familiarity with Shakespeare ; he
had studied plays with reference to ascertaining
what characters were historical and what fictitious,
and had written at length concerning them. He
left very voluminous notes upon English history,
and particularly criticisms upon the men and women
who figure most prominently in it. tie had this re-
course, too rare among business men, in his ad-
vanced years, and when he had relinquished the care
of active business in a great part to his sons. He
had a good, strong, analytical mind, and liked to
sift questions of historical evidence, and unravel in-
tricacies of character. He was not a mere reader
of history, but he studied the philosophy of it, the
motives and animus of the characters who figure in
it, and the action and re-action of events upon
actors in the great drama. He talked well on such
subjects, showing always a memory tenacious of
facts and a clear grasp of principles. He had a
fondness for rare books upon the subject in which he
was interested, though he was not a collector. It
thus happened that he had no sense of nothing to
do in life when his active business life was over ; for
he had a world in the past which was always fresh
to him. We mention this trait in his character be-
cause it is uncommon to see a man who was not
liberally educated, and was for a good part of his
life a working man, with a taste for books and his-
torical studies so developed as to be a great pleasure
of his life, always and especially when wealth had
brought the leisure for enjoyment.
IMr. Jewell took an active part in politics in New
Hampshire as a Webster and Clay Whig (to which
party he was faithful until he cast his vote for Fre-
mont in 1856), and he was quite prominent, being
a member of the State Legislature, and active on
committees. Indeed, he was the leading man of the
town, in business, politics, and in all Church matters,
and greatly respected for his probity and sagacity.
On Sept. 19, 1819, Mr. Jewell was married to
Miss Emily Alexander, of \\'inchester. N. H. She
was born JFeb. 12, 1801, and died ^larch 19, 1889.
Of the ten children born to this marriage two died
in infancy; and Arthur died in 1848, aged fourteen
years. The seven children living to mature age
were :
(i) Charlotte A. Jewell, born Sept. 20, 1836,
is still living in Hartford.
(2) Maria Jewell, born Oct. 14, 1821, mar-
ried J. E. Coleman, and died in Paris, France,
on June 26, 1878. She was graduated at Mount
Hol^oke Seminary, and for some years was a
teacher in the Hartford Female Seminary. She was
a prominent worker in the local charities of Hart-
ford, and was at the time of her death president
of the Woman's Home on Church street. For a
long time she was the superintendent of the infant
class in the Sabbath-school at the Asylum Hill Con-
gregational Church. She was an energetic and use-
ful woman, and an amateur artist of marked abilit)'.
Mr. Coleman, her husband, was a native of Ohio,
and came to Hartford some years prior to the Civil
war, becoming associated in business with the
Jewells. In 1870 he went to New York, and there
died on Sept. 2, 1890.
(3) Hon. l\larshall Jewell was born Oct. 20,
1825, in Winchester, X. H. After receiving a com-
mon-school education, at the age of eighteen, he
went into the service of John Cummings & Son,
of Woburn, Mass., tanners, and mastered that trade.
In about 1847 he turned his attention to telegraphy,
working at same, first in Rochester, X. Y., then
at Akron, Ohio, where he had charge of an office.
Later he went South, where he was engaged in con-
structing lines between Louisville and New Orleans.
He had charge of offices in various parts of the
South. In January, 1850, he returned to the leather
business and went into partnership with his father,
as P. Jewell & Son, in the manufacture of leather
belting. By improved processes, and by business
skill and intelligent management, they soon found
themselves in possession of a business of very large
proportions. P. Jewell & Son, which afterward be-
came P. Jewell & Sons, lias for many years been one
of the foremost manufacturing concerns of Hart-
ford or of the State, and its business relations have
spread all over this country and through Europe.
Marshall Jewell spent much of his time between
1852 and 1857 in traveling through the country,
extending the business of the firm and watching its
interests. In 1859 and i860 he was in Europe en-
gaged in extending his business there, which has
since become one of great magnitude abroad as well
as at home. In 1865, '66 and '67 he was in Europe
again, made the Nile journey, and also traveled
through the Holy Land. He attended the Paris
Exposition in 1867. Mr. Jewell remained all his life
an active member of the firm of P. Jewell & Sons,
which included in the late years of Marshall's life
all the surviving Jewell brothers — Pliny, Lyman B.
and Charles A.- — as well as himself. Marshall
Jewell was one of the incorporators of the Phcenix
Fire Insurance Co. of Hartford, and from its be-
ginning was one of the active directors in its notable
374
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
successful career. He was also from its beginning
a director of the Travelers Life Insurance Co., and
|from 1855 until his death he was a director in the
Hartford Bank. He was connected also with a
number of other corporations, some of which were
out of the city. He was part owner of the Hartford
Evening Post, was president of the Jewell Pin Co.,
of Hartford, and president of the United States
Telegraph Association.
Mr. Jewell first took an active part in politics
in 1867, being in that year the Republican candidate
for State senator from the First District, and ran
well ahead of his ticket, although sharing the Re-
publican defeat of that year. The vigor and skill
exhibited by him in this campaign, and as chairman
of the local Republican committee, so favorably im-
pressed the Republicans of Hartford county that
they presented his name to the next State conven-
tion, and in 1868 he was nominated for governor,
but was unsuccessful, Gov. English being re-elected.
The following year (1869) Mr. Jewell was vic-
torious over Mr. English, and also in 1871, these
gentlemen being pitted against each other for four
consecutive years. In 1872 Gov. Jewell was elected
for a third term, carrying the State by twenty-eight
majority over the Hon. Richard D. Hubbard. As
governor of the State Mr. Jewell proved a faithful,
intelligent, and clear-headed executive officer. His
(messages showed that he had carefully studied the
.various interests of the State, and his recommenda-
itions were practical and judicious. He had the sat-
isfaction of seeing a number of valuable recom-
mendations approved by the General Assembly and
the people.
Gov. Jewell retired from the office in May, 1873,
and the following month, much to his own surprise,
was nominated by President Grant as minister to
St. Petersburg, and in July he sailed for Europe
with his family. Mr. Jewell, although entirely new
to diplomatic work, proved a very satisfactory and
useful minister. After one year's residence at the
Court of the Czar Mr. Jewell was invited home
by President Grant to take the position of Post-
master-general, made vacant by the retirement of
Mr. Cresswell. In his management of the post office
department of the nation Mr. Jewell exhibited the
same traits of character which marked his business
career through life, energy, systematic attention
to details, and strict integrity. He did much toward
rooting out the pernicious system of fraudulent
contracts and straw bids, and initiated the fast-mail
service between New York and Chicago. He was
also instrumental in securing a common postal sys-
tem between the United States and Canada. In
Jul}', 1876, Mr. Jewell resigned from the cabinet and
afterward remained in private life, busily engaged
in caring for the many interests with which he was
so actively identified. In 1879 and again in 1881
Mr. Jewell was a candidate for the United States
Senate, and on the former occasion lacked but a
few votes of receiving the Republican nomination.
In 1880 he was chosen chairman of the Republican
National Committee, and worked earnestly in that
campaign. He remained chairman of the committee
until his death. For twenty years Mr. Jewell had
been an earnest worker for Republican success,
and during the four Presidential campaigns pre-
ceding his death went actively into campaign work,
addressing political meetings in diflrerent parts of the
•country. As a public speaker Gov. Jewell was easy
and natural, using chiefly the conversational style.
He probably had never attempted to make a public
speech until after his nomination for governor.
During the campaigns of 1876 and 1880 he ad-
dressed some of the largest meetings held in the
country, in New York, New England, and the West.
Gov. Jewell's personal appearance was striking.
He was a stout man, something below the average
height perhaps, with fine silver-gray hair, a singu-
larly friendly and genial expression, a pleasant
voice, and a thoroughly cordial manner, so easy
withal as to make those whom he met feel at ease
also. He was a member of the Congregational
Church.
In October, 1852, Gov. Jewell was married to
Esther Dickerson, of Newburgh, N. Y., and to the
marriage were born two daughters, the widow of
Arthur M. Dodge, ,of New York, and Mrs. Will-
jam H. Strong, of Detroit. The mother of these
■children, born June 6, 1832, died Feb. 26, 1883.
She was a woman of many social graces and in-
tellectual gifts, was a student and a reader, and a
person of quick and clear perceptions, which gave
her remarkable conversational powers. As the trus-
tee of Gov. Jewell's hospitable home in Hartford
and in Washington, and during his residence abroad,
she entertained very many guests and made many
friends.
(4) Pliny Jewell, president of the Jewell Belt-
ing Co., was born Sept. i, 1823, at Winchester, N.
H. He was reared and trained in the business of
his father, and with him and his brothers shared
in the developing of its interests at Hartford. The
firm, after the father's death, continued under the
old stlye of P. Jewell & Sons until its organization
as a joint-stock company in 1883. There have been
developed from the original industry the Jewell
Belt Hook Co., the Jewell Pad Co., and the Jewell
Pin Co., Pliny Jewell being a stckholder in and
president of all these corporations. He is also a
director of the Hartford National Bank and the
Travelers' Insurance Co., and a trustee in the ITart-
ford Trust Co. His whole active life has been
spent in the leather business, with all the details
of which he is intelligently familiar, and in which
he has been very successful. In politics Mr. Jewell
js a Republican. He was one of the original or-
ganizers of the party in Connecticut, and has since
been prominently identified with it. He is identified
with the Pearl Street Congregational Church ; is a
member of the Hartford Club ; and has served as
vice-president of the Board of Trade.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
875
I
I
On Sept. 5, 1845. Mr. Jewell was married to
Miss Caroline J-iradbury, and to the marriage have
come two children: Edward, born Jan. 26, 1847,
now of Boston, Mass. ; and Emily M., now Airs.
Walter Sanford, of Hartford.
(5) Hon. Harvey Jewell, late of Boston, Mass.,
whose death occurred in December, 1881, was a
leading man in the affairs of iMassachusetts. He
w-as a law partner of ex-Governor Gaston, and was
on the 'Alabama Claims Court in Washington, D.
C. For several successive years he was speaker of
the House of Representatives of Massachusetts.
(6) Lyman B. Jewell, vice-president of the
Jewell Belting Co., was born Aug. 29, 1827, in
\\'inchester, N. H. He there received a common-
school education in the district schools, attending
until fifteen years of age. Some years after attain-
/ing his majority he became engaged in the dry-
goods commission business, which he followed in
New York and Boston from 1856 to 1872. He
moved to Hartford in 1873, and joined his brothers
in the firm of P. Jewell & Sons, which is now the
Jewell Belting Co., of wdiich he is vice-president and
a director, and is also similarly officially connected
with the other three corporations developed from
the Belting Co. Mr. Jewell is treasurer of the De-
troit Leather Co. He is a director in the Phcenix
Insurance Co., the American National Bank, and
the Southern New England Telephone Co., and a
member of the Hartford Club. Politically he is a
Republican, in religion an Episcopalian.
In January, 1856, Mr. Jewell was married to
j\liss Charlotte Williams, of Boston.
(7) Charles A. Jewell w-as born ]\Iarch 29,
1841, in AVinchester, N. H. Coming to Hartford
with the family in 1845, when only four years of
age, he was here educated in the public schools and
high school of the city. He then entered the leather
business of P. Jewell & Sons, first as a clerk and ap-
prentice, and subsequently as a partner. During
the first year of the Civil war he entered the Union
army as adjutant of the Twenty-second Conn. Vol.
Inf., and served until the expiration of his term of
enlistment. Since the organization of the Jewell
Belting Co. as a joint-stock company, in 1883, Mr.
Jewell has been its treasurer. He is also treasurer
of the Jewell Pin Co. ; and is officially connected
with other corporations bearing the Jewell name.
He is a director in the City Bank, has served official-
ly in the Hartford Chemical Co., and is vice-presi-
dent of the Hosmer Hall Choral Union. ]\Ir.
Jewell is active in all religious work, being a mem-
ber of Center Congregational Church, and for years
he was the' superintendent of its Sabbath-school. For
fourteen or more years he has been president of
the Y. M. C. A. of Hartford, also served as vice-/
president, and has long been one of the chief pro-
moters of its religious activities, as well as one of
its most liberal benefactors. The association is
largely indebted to his prudent councils and wise
direction, as well as his personal influence, for its
high standing before the public, and the compara-
tively prosperous condition of its finances. In his
political views he is a ReiJublican. He is a member
of the Loyal Legion.
In 1867 Mr. Jewell was married to Miss Julia
W. Brown, daughter of Roswell Brown, of Hart-
ford.
JUDGE ALBERT CARROLL BILL, Judge
of the Police Court of Hartford, and member of the
firm of Bill & Tuttle, whose elegant offices _ are
located in the First National Bank building, State
street, opposite the post ofiice, was born in Hartford
Sept. 29, 1863. His father, Charles C. Bill, was
born in Chaplin, Windham Co., Conn., July 9, 1829.
His grandfather, Roswell Bill, was also born in
Chaplin, Conn. His great-grandfather, Capt. Ros-
well Bill, served as a captain in the Revolutionary
army. He was born in Groton, and spent his early
life as a farmer in Chaplin, where he died Oct. 30,
1830, aged seventy-seven years. He married Re-
becca Burgess, cousin of Gen. Putnam.
Roswell Bill, grandfather of our subject, was
a school teacher in Chaplin and surrounding towns,
was a man of prominence, holding the office of jus-
tice of the peace, and taught schoo^ for thirty-two
winters in succession. He died in Chaplin Oct. 17,
1S66, at the age of sixty-seven years. He married
Olive Ross, born in 1800, died June 13, 1S70, and
they had seven sons and two daughters, all but
one of whom grew up and came to Hartford, where
jhey became well known and prominent people.
The mother of these was a member of the Congre-
gational Church.
Charles C. Bill, father of Judge Albert C. after
receiving a common-school education, came to Hart-
ford in 1847, a"'J entered the employ of Roswell
Blodgett. At twenty-one years of age he was taken
into partnership, but after a few years he sold out
his interest and, together wdth his two brothers,
Francis P. and Edwin S., formed the present firm
of Bill Brothers, in which he remained until i860,
w-hen he established and conducted an omnibus
route from South Green to the North cemetery.
This he carried on for a few years, until his health
became impaired, wdien he sold out and purchased
a farm at Blue Hills, Hartford, which he con-
ducted four years ; then going to New Britain, re-
mained there' six years, after which he removed to
Enfield, Conn., where he remained until 1881. He
then returned to Hartford, and again took an in-
terest with his brothers in the trucking business,
and here he continued until his death, April 16,
1889. Although taking an active interest in the
affairs of his day, he refused various political offices,
though for a time he served as assessor for the
town of Enfield. He married Julia A. Emerson, born
in Enfield in 1835, a daughter of Simeon Emerson,
who was born in Thompson, Conn., and was a
farmer there, later removing to Enfield, where he
married a daughter of Capt. Burbank. :Mr. Emer-
876
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
son died at the age of seventy-seven, his wife in
i860. Mrs. Bill was one of nine children, four of
whom are yet living : Mrs. David Robinson, of
Windsor (a widow); James H., in Enfield; and
Harriet E., wife of Ethan Sykes. Mr. and Mrs.
Charles C. Bill had two children : Albert C. and Jen-
nie L. The parents were attendants of the Pearl
Street Church.
Judge Albert C. Bill was educated in the En-
field and Hartford high schools, and studied law
at Hartford with Hon. Charles H. Briscoe. He
was admitted to the Bar at Hartford May 21, 1885 ;
was clerk of the Probate Court from 1887 to 1889;
clerk of the City Police Court of Hartford from
1889 to 1893; associate judge of the City Police
Court from April, 1893, to April, 1895, and judge
of the Police Court since April, 1895. From 1890
to 1892 he was councilman from the old Fourth
ward of the same city. [The preceding is taken
from the Civil and Judicial History of Connecti-
cut.] The Judge has been connected with the Po-
lice Court, as judge, associate judge, and clerk,
longer than any of his predecessors, and since he
first came on the Bench the number of cases has
increased over five hundred per year. In the year
1899 he tried two thousand cases. The firm of Bill
& Tuttle was organized in 1893 for the transaction
of general law business. Their ofiice is located in
one of the finest blocks in the city, and they occupy
six rooms.
Judge Bill is a Republican in politics. He was
a member of the Republican town committee in
1892-93, also chairman of the Republican commit-
tee of the old Fourth ward, and for several years
took an active part in politics, but since going on
the Bench, in 1893, he has kept entirely out of poli-
tics. He has received three appointments to the
Bench, and his present term expires in 1901.
On Oct. 29, 1889, Judge Albert C. Bill married
Bessie M. Collins, who was born in. South Windsor,
Conn., a daughter of William A., and Nellie (Phil-
lips) Collins, the former of whom was a farmer
of prominence. They had three children, two of
whom are living: Mrs. Bill and Helena M. To
Judge Bill and his wife have been born four chil-
dren: Charles Carroll, Gladys Collins, Albert Sey-
mour and Julia Emerson. The family attend the
South Congregational Church.
Judge Bill is a member of LaFavette Lodge,
F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chapter, R. A. M. ; Wol-
cott Council, R. & S. M. ; and Washington Com-
mandery, Knights Templar ; also of Charter Oak
Lodge, L O. O. F. (trustee of this lodge at one
time); Hartford Lodge, B. P. O. E. ; Wadsworth
Lodge, A. O. U. W. ; and of the Hartford County
Bar Association. 'The Judge has also a grand mili-
itary record. On Dec. i, 1884, he enlisted in the
1st Company, Governor's Foot Guard, was shortly
afterward appointed corporal, from which he was
appointed fourth sergeant, and then in 1891 elected
to ensign in the company. On July 31, 1891, he
was appointed adjutant upon the staff of Major E.
PL Hyde ; elected from the rank of ensign to that
of third lieutenant of the company, Nov. 27, 1891,
also holding the position of adjutant. On May 18,
1893, he was promoted from third lieutenant to
second lieutenant; on Nov. 23, 1896, he resigned
:this position, and Aug. 13, 1897, he was, by request,
placed upon the retired list, where he still remains
as a retired officer. He was awarded the "Eleven
Year Service Medal," and also the prize drill bar
of this organization. On Oct. 25, 1897, he enlisted
in Company F, ist Regiment, Connecticut National
Guard, known as the "Hartford City Guard," and
on April 16, 1898, he was appointed commissary
sergeant on the non-commissioned staff of Col. Bur-
dette. On May 4, 1898, he was, by his own request,
;transf erred back to the city guard, and on May 15,
1899, was appointed cjuartermaster-sergeant by Col.
Burdette, on the non-commissioned staiif. Here he
femained until June 23, 1899, when he was ap-
pointed paymaster, with the rank of first lieutenant,
on the staii' of Col. Edward Schulze (Col. Burdette
having resigned), commanding 1st Regiment, Con-
necticut National Guard. On July 22, 1899, he
was promoted from paymaster to quartermaster, on
•the staff of Col. Schulze, with the same rank, which
position he still holds.
HON. ELISHA MORTON GRANGER, the
present representative from the town of East Wind-
sor in the State Legislature, is a man whose career
shows unusual ability and sagacity, not only in busi-
ness lines but in public aft'airs, and in addition to
being a successful agriculturist and one of the largest
cattle dealers in the State he is a recognized leader
in the Republican organization in his locality.
Mr. Granger was born April 9, 1856, in the vil-
lage of East Windsor, where his family have been
prominent for many years. Francis H. Granger,
his father, was a native of East Windsor, and made
his home there, his death occurring in 1868. Pie
married Miss Elizabeth E. Morton, and they had
nine children, of whom two died in infancy. Of the
others, Frank E. died in 1874: Elisha M., our sub-
ject, was second in the order of birth; H. D. resides
in East Hartford; George G. died in 1893; William
E. conducts a meat market in Broad Brook ; Mary
E. married Francis Pierce, of South Windsor ; and
Miss Mabel E. resides at Wapping, Connecticut.
As our subject was only twelve years old when
his father died he began to realize the responsibili-
ties of life earlier than most boys. He remained
with his widowed mother at the old Morton home-
stead until he reached the age of twenty-one, when
he went to Junction City, Kans., and engaged in
business as a cattle dealer, making purchases in dif-
ferent parts of Texas, Colorado and Kansas, and
shipping herds to the Eastern markets. After seven
years he returned home, and became interested in
the meat business at Broad Brook in partnership
with his brother, William E., the firm dealing also
^e//r'(^<f^<^
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
377
in cattle to some extent. In 1894 he sold his inter-
est to his brother, and devoted his attention to deal-
ing in horses and cattle, which he still continues. In
i8y6 he bought the Jabez .Mien farm, of 100 acres,
located on Melrose street, two miles north of Broad
llrook; soon afterwartl he added the Lunian Allen
farm, of 160 acres, where he has since resided, and
later the Seth Allen place, containing 125 acres.
These tracts adjoin his homestead, and he now has
one of the largest and most valuable estates in the
town. His farm is the headquarters for his cattle
business, from 150 to 200 head being kept there all
the time, and he is also engaged in general farming
and tobacco growing. As an ardent Republican he
is active in local politics, and in 1892 he was elected
first selectman of East Windsor, his colleagues
being Henry W. Allen and George A. Ellis : he has
since served a second term with Frank Thompson
.and George A. Ellis, and a third term with jNIr.
Ellis and Henry W. Allen. His able services con-
firmed the confidence of his fellow citizens in his
fidelity to the public welfare, and in 1898 he was
chosen to the Legislature.
On Nov. 5, 1890, Mr. Granger married Miss
Susan Vining, daughter of Mortimer J. Vining, a
well-known citizen of East Windsor, and they have
tv.'o children, Dorothy and Elisha M., Jr.
ROSWELL ELODGETT, of Hartford, is de-
scended from (I) Thomas Blodgett, of Cambridge,
England, who came from London in the good ship
"Increase," in 1635, with his wife Susanna, aged
thirty-seven, and their two children : Daniel, aged
four, and Samuel, aged one and one-half years.
Thomas was made a freeman March 3, 1636, in or
near Boston.
(II) Samuel Blodgett was in Woburn in 1664.
(III) Thomas Blodgett, of .W^oburn, was a son
of Samuel.
(IV) Benoni Blodgett, son of Thomas, came to
Windsor from \Voburn. He was born in 1694, and
died Feb. 4, 1773. He married Abigail Booth.
(V) Josiah Blodgett, son of Benoni, was born
■in 1724, and died April 25, 1768. On Jan. 1.5, 1746,
he married Abigail Rood, who was born in 1720,
and died June 16, 1776.
(VI) Roswell Blodgett, son of the above, was
born in Windsor Oct. 8, 1749, and died JN'Iay 28,
1781. He married April 25, 1770, Hainiah Bart-
lett, who was born Xov. 18, 1746, and died Jan. 19,
T813.
(\TI) Joseph B. Blodgett, son of Roswell, was
born in Windsor Dec. 3, 1780, and died Dec. 27,
1827. He married Dec. 31, 1801, Rhoda Loomis,
who was born in ^^'indsor Dec. 16, 1769, and died
Oct. 29, 1844. Joseph B. Blodgett was a farmer
in Tolland county, and also kept a hotel.
(Ill) Roswell Blodgett, subject of this biog-
raphy, son of Joseph B., was born in East Windsor
IMarch 29, 1807, one of a family of six children, all
now deceased. He was reared on a farm in ^^'indsor,
and worked for a time at stone cutting in Bolton,
after which he learned the brick making trade at
Glastonbury. From there, at the age of twcntj'-two
vcars, he removed to Hartford, where he embarked
in the trucking business, for several years, being at
the head of the transportation line between Hartford
and New Haven, the business of which at that time
was all done by teams. In this he continued until his
retirement from active life. He was financially in-
interested in the iron business of Blodgett & Clapp,
besides in other enterprises : was a director of the
.\merican National Hank, of the Charter Oak Life
Insurance Co., and of the Pratt & Whitney Co. In
politics he was a Republican, and he served in
various local offices of honor and trust, such as
assessor of ta.ves, in the common council, on the
central school committee, and as a member of No.
5 Engine Company. In religious faith he was a
Universalist.
On Nov. 26, 183s, Roswell Blodgett married
Frances Church, who was born in Hartford, a
daughter of James Church, a rope maker, who was
a son of Caleli, and a descendant of Richard Church,
one of the first settlers of Hartford ; they were
farmers, owning land in or near the old Pavilion
grounds. Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett had seven chil-
dren, onlv three of whom are living: Airs. Francis;
Jane Frances, wife of Milton Santee, of Los An-
geles, Cal. ; and Roswell F., who is secretary of the
Pratt & Whitney Co. Mrs. Frances (Church)
Blodgett was tenth in the order of birth in a family
of fourteen children, of whom are still livng Abner
(at the home of a daughter) and Mrs. Stillman
Niles, both of Hartford.'
JAMES ULYSSES TAINTOR. formerly sec-
retary of the Orient Insurance Co. of Hartford, is
in the eighth generation from Capt. Charles Taintor,
■the founder of the family in this country, the line
of his descent being through Micael, Micaiell,
Micael, Capt. Charles, Capt. Newhall and Ralph
S. Taintor. The Taintor family is of Welsh origin,
and the Lord family, with which Mr. Taintor is
connected maternally, is of Scottish extraction.
Both families are of Pilgrim, rather than Puritan,
tendencies.
(I) Charles Taintor was in Fairfield, Conn., in
1643; also son Micael, and daughter. His wife's
name is unknown.
(II) Micael Taintor, an early settler of Bran-
ford, Conn., was made a freeman in 1668; he was
a leader in his community, and was frequently
chosen to positions of honor and trust. His wife's
name was Elizabeth, but her family name is un-
known.
fill) Micaiell Taintor, son of Micael, born
in October, 1652, in Branford, married (first) April
3, 1679, Mary, daughter of Thomas and Hannah
Loomis, of Windsor, Conn. On Aug. 26. 1697.
he married (second) Alabel Olmstead. widow of
Daniel Butler. Air. Taintor was a member of the
878
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
General Assembly from Colchester twenty-six ses-
sions, and town clerk from its settlement until his
death, in 1730. He was formerly of Branford, then
of Windsor, and became one of the first settlers of
Colchester.
_ (IV) Micael Taintor, born Sept. 6, 1680, at
Windsor, married in December, 1712, Eunice Foote,
of Wethersfield. He died in 1771.
(V) Capt. Charles Taintor, son of Micael, born
in February, 1722-23, married in August, 1766,
Mary Skinner, daughter of Rev. Thomas Skinner,
of Westchester. He died in 1807 and she in 1822.
He and his son, Capt. Newhall, were strong, in-
fluential and honored citizens in the communities in
which they lived, were leaders in public life, and
frequently chosen to positions of honor, influence
and trust.
(VI) Capt. Newhall Taintor, son of Capt.
Charles, born in July, 1782, at Colchester, Conn.,
married in January, 1809, Ruth Smith, of Middle
Haddam, Conn. She was a descendant of Rev.
Ralph Smith, who in Colonial history is mentioned
as having preached before Gov. Winthrop and Gov.
Bradford on the occasion of an important confer-
ence between notable representatives of the Massa-
chusetts and Plymouth Colonies.
(VII) Ralph Smith Taintor was born Nov. 16,
181 1, in Colchester, Conn. In June, 1834, he was
married to Phcebe Higgins Lord, of Lyme, Conn.,
a descendant of Thomas Lord, who was one of the
original proprietors of Hartford, and from whose
family the section of the city familiarly known as
"Lord's Hill" received its name. To this marriage
were born children as follows: Joseph Lord, born
Sept. 21, 1835, was graduated from Yale in i860; he
married in 1862 Isabella Comstock, of Avon, N.
Y. Ralph Smith, born Sept. 25, 1837, married
Sept. 3, 1862, Isabella Bryan, of Avon. N. Y.
Phoebe Lord, born in June, 1839, married March
5, 1862, Edward L. Gates, of Colchester, Conn.
Charles Newhall, born Nov. 28, 1840, was graduated
from Yale in 1865; he married April 23, 1872,
Georgiana S. Holden, of New York City. James
U. is the subject of this sketch. Edward Michael,
born Aug. 17, 1846, married Aug. 26, 1868, Anna
Belle McKinstry, of New London, Conn. Judah
Lord was born May 30, 1848. Ruth Smith, born
May 8, 1850, married Nov. 16, 1872, E. Wolcott
Welles, of Wethersfield, Conn. Mr. Taintor was
a member of the State Senate in 1S57. He died
Oct. 22, 1892.
James Ulysses Taintor, son of Ralph Smith
Taintor, was born Oct. 23, 1844, in the town of
Pornfret, Conn. In his fourth year his father's
family moved to Colchester, Conn., whfre his boy-
hood was passed. He attended the neighborhood
district school, and later was prepared for college at
Bacon Academy, Colchester. Entering Yale College
in the fall of 1862, he was graduated in the class
of '66. In the summer of 1865, the year prior to
his graduation, he had the unique honor for a school
boy of having been elected and serving as assistant
clerk of the Connecticut House of Representatives.
Young Taintor was clerk of the House the follow-
ing year, and in 1868 he served as clerk of the
Senate. For a period in 1869 he was interested in a.
fire insurance agency in Meriden, Conn., and in
July of the same year he became adjuster of losses
for the Phoenix Insurance Co. of Hartford, con-
.tinuing in that position until the autumn of 1881,
at which time he was called to the home office of
that company, in the service of which he remained,
until June, 1888. At that date he was made sec-
retary of the Orient Insurance Co., and continued
to sustain such relations with the company until
its ownership changed, July i, 1900.
Mr. Taintor is an earnest Republican in his
political affiliations, and at times he has taken an ac-
tive part in the affairs of the party. He was a
member of the City Street Commission from 1888
to 1894.
On Sept. 16, 1868, Mr. Taintor was married to
Catherine A., daughter of Rev. John V. and Au-
gusta M. Ballard, of Colchester, Conn. She di d
Sept. 5, 1875. On Oct. 23, 1878, he married Isa-
belle Spencer, of Hartford, Conn. His two children
are : James Spencer and Nelson Case. Mr. Taintor
has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since
1866. He is also a member of the Sons of Amer-
ican Revolution, and of the Hartford and Republi-
can Clubs. Since 1869 he has resided at Ha;^ford.
HORACE SPENCER (deceased), ^^^s one of
the most respected citizens of West Suifi/feld, and by
his upright, honorable life maintained well the rep-
utation of a family which has long been held in-
high esteem in this section.
Mr. Spencer's ancestors settled in New England
at an early da}^, and Thomas Spencer, cur subject's
grandfather, was a lifelong resident of Haddam,
Conn. Lancen Spencer, our subject's father, was a
native of Haddam, Conn., but came to this country
in early manhood, locating in the town of Suffield,.
near Risings Corners, where he acquired a large
tract of land. By occupation he was a farmer, and.,
he also followed the wheelwright's trade for manv
years. His honestv and good judgment made hini
respected in the community, and he was chosen to
represent his town in the State Legislature. In pol-
itics he was a stanch Democrat. His wife, Cynthia
Rising, was a native of West Suffie.u, and a daughter
of Joel and Ruth Rising, well-known residents of
that locality. Three children brightened his home :
Gelson ; Horace; and Caroline M., who married
Thomas Warner.
Our subject was mainly self-educated, having-
attended district school only in his youth, and his
intelligence was seen in his excellent understanding
of the general current events of the day. He was -
reared to farm work, and after his mother's death
he and his brother Gelson operated the homestead
in partnership for a number of years. Gelson died
HORACE SPEHCER
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
379
unmarried, and our subject continual the manage-
ment of the estate alone, foUowini;- general farming,
and giving especial attention to dairying and tobacco
culture. From time to time he made substantial
improvements, so that it is now a valuable and at-
tractive farm, and at his death in 1898, he left it to
•his sister, Mrs. Warner. In religious views he was
liberal, and his temperate habits and strictly hon-
orable business methods made him a model citizen.
He was married in Southwick, Mass., to Miss Jane
Granger, a native of that town, and a woman of de-
vout Christian faith and life. She died some years
before him, and their remains now rest in a ceme-
tery in West Sufficld.
Ttioji.vs Warner (deceased) was for many
years a leading citizen of Rocky Hill, and the
following brief account of his life and family will be
of general interest. His father, John Warner, was
a prominent agriculturist of the town, and his family
is one of the oldest in that vicinity. Born and reared
on a farm, Thomas Warner devoted his attention
to agricultural work, and his fine farm in Rocky
Hill, near the M'ethersfield line, was kept in an ex-
cellent state of cultivation under his management.
Politically he was a Democrat, but he did not seek
ofifice. His death occurred in 18S0, and his remains
were interred in Rocky Hill cemetery. In 1859 he
married INIiss Caroline M. Spencer, who survives
him, and still resides at the homestead in Rocky
Hill. She is an active member of the JNIethodist
Episcopal Church, and is much esteemed for her
fine mental ability and womanly qualities of char-
acter. Of their five children (i) Charles G., who
operates the Spencer homestead in West Suffield.
married a iliss Harman, of Warnertown, West Suf-
field; (2) John A., a resident of Feeding Hills,
Mass., married a Miss Hedges; (3) Frank C. is a
farmer in Rocky Hill ; (4) William, who conducts
the homestead in Rocky Hill, married Miss Julia
Downs (their children are Albert Francis and
Thomas) ; (5) George L., a resident of Southwick,
Mass., married a ]Miss Dibble, of that town.
CHARLES A. RENNACKER, one of the en-
terprising and successful merchants of Hartford,
though yet a young man has taken high rank in the
clothing and furnishing business of the city. In
six years" time, by new and sound business prin-
ciples, he has built up one of the most prosperous
clothing concerns in the State, and his store, on
the southwest corner of Asylum and Trumbvli
streets, is known as one of strictly honorable and
reliable dealing.
IMr. Rennacker was born in Chicago, 111., in
1864, and at the early age of twelve years was
obliged to commence work, his education being
mainly obtained in the hard school of business ex-
perience. For a time he was an employe of Will-
oughby, Hill & Co., the clothiers in Chicago who
originated the "one-price square dealing" motto, by
wdiich their great business was built up, and here
Mr. Rennacker got an insight into business possi-
bilities that proved an inspiration. Later he be-
came a buyer for the I'utnam clothing house, also
of Chicago, making frequent trips to j5oslon. New
York and other Eastern cities, and making many
acquaintances there. Liking the East, and stop-
ping at Hartford on one of his trips, he became in-
terested in "The Hub Clothing Store," and made an
offer for a part interest, which was accepted. Thi.-^
was the origin of the firm of Rennacker & Co., of
whch Miner, Beal & Co., of Boston, were silent
partners. Six years ago our subject removed from
Chicago to Hartford, and has been a resident of
that tlourishing city ever since. In July, 1899, Mr.
Rennacker purchas'ed the interest of his partners,
becoming sole proprietor, and he has succeeded in
gaining and maintaining the good-will of the gen-
eral public, in fact, he has been remarkably suc-
cessful, and the future doubtless contains much
greater successes for him — as square dealing brings
its own reward.
Mr. Rennacker is a man of genial spirit and
friendly ways, possessed of a generous heart and
kind impulses; his clerks are his friends, and ex-
cursions, holiday and athletic tourneys have been
much encouraged by him. He organized and main-
Itained a base-ball nine, whose games will long_ be
remembered, in which connection it must not be for-
gotten that he was also one of the foremost in advo-
cating the welcome summer half-holidays. In a word,
Mr. Rennacker is ever ready to assist in any enter-
prise that will benefit the people of his adopted city.
The push of the Western business man's methods,
seasoned with the sound conservatism of the East —
Jiogether they form a combination against which no
incorporation, however strong, can hope to win.
On August II, 1887, I^Ir. Rennacker was mar-
ried to Minnie B., daughter of James H. and Fanny
Joslyn, of Kenosha, Wis., and they have three chil-
dren: Mabel J., born July 8, 1888; Clarence A.,
born Jan. 7, 1892; and H. Everett, born July 2,
1897-
Fraternally Mv. Rennacker is a member ot St.
John's Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras
Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. ; ^^'olcott Council, No.
I, R. & S. M. ; Washington Commandery. No.
I, Knights Templar: and Sphinx Temple, A. A.
O N. M. S. ; he is also a charter member of Sum-
mit Lodge, I. O. O. F. : member of B. H. Webb
Council, No. 702, Royal Arcanum; of the Knights
of Pythias, having been a charter member of Cutler
Lodge, K. P. ; of Chicago Council, National Union ;
and of the Hartford Yacht Club.
EDWIN CHARLES BISHOP. That man suc-
ceeds who thoroughly knows his business, believes
in it, and works unceasingly in its extension. Mr.
Bishop is a well-known manufacturer of ladders at
Hartford. From his father he learned all the details
relating to the business, and is enthusiastically de-
voted to it. Since he has assumed full management
880
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the works he is probably the best-known ladder
manufacturer in the United States.
Mr. Bishop was born in Boston, Mass., March
28, i860, son of Carlos E. Bishop, who is a native
of Stanstead, Quebec. Our subject spent his early
years .with his father, residing; in Boston and Provi-
dence, and then coming with his parents to Hart-
ford, where he was educated in the grammar school,
'later entering a business college in Stanstead,
Province of Quebec, where he took a commercial
course. Returning to Hartford he acquired, under
ithe direction of his father, a knowledge of the prac-
itical side of the manufacture of ladders. Then,
;taking a wagon, he acted in the capacity of sales-
man, driving over all the various routes covered by
'the eight wagons of the father, taking the places
of the different men and becoming acquainted with
the many customers throughout the New England
States, and also in the State of New York.. This
commercial work he followed some fifteen years,
visiting during that time nearly every town of any
■importance in these States. In 1888 he purchased
a half interest in the business and became manager,
)m which position, associated with his father, he
continued until 1892, since which time he has con-
ducted the business individually. His trade has in-
creased greatly, and he is now running fifteen
wagons, keeping two additional salesmen, who travel
upon the road and take orders from the wholesale
trade. He has a trade extending all over the United
States, has made a number of mprovements in the
ladders, has taken out several patents, and ranks as
one of the foremost manufacturers of Hartford.
Mr. Bishop married, in 1885, Mary E. Pelton,
a native of Somers, Conn., daughter of Asa Pelton,
a prominent farmer in that locality. In politics Mr.
Bishop is a stanch Republican.
HON. SAMUEL QUINCY PORTER, an hon-
ored and highly esteemed citizen of Unionville, be-
longs to a prominent old English family whose coat
of arms were: Sable, three church bells, argent;
canton, ermines ; motto — Vigilantia et Virtus.
i\Ir. Porter traces his ancestrv back to William
de la Port, also called William de la Grande, a
Roman Knight, who went to England at the time
of the Conquest in the train of William the Con-
queror. From him the line is traced through the
following: (II) Ralph de la Port; (III) Robert de
la Port; (IV) Hugh de la Port, who married a
daughter of William Russell: (V) John Porter, of
Markham, England, who married a daughter of
Gardiner, of Bishop Norton; (VI) John Porter:
(VII) Augustine Porter, of Belton, who mar-
ried a daughter of Smvthe ; (VIII) John
Porter: (IX) William Porter, of Wryhall,
who married Jane Bussey; (X) John Porter,
the founder of the family in the New World, who
was born in 1500, and in 1633, with his wife Rose,
-came to New England, two years later l^ecoming
one of the founders of Windsor, Conn.; (XI) Sam-
uel Porter, born in England in 1626, who married
Hannah, daughter of Thomas Stanley, of Hartford,
and in 1659 removed to Hadley, Mass., where he
died in 1689; (XII) Samuel Porter, born in 1660,
who married Joanna Cooke, of Hadley, Feb. 22,
1683; (XIII) Eleazer Porter, born Feb. 28, 1698,
who married Sarah Pitkin; (XIV) Eleazer Porter,,
born June 27, 1728, who married Susannah, daugh-
ter of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, of Northampton,
Mass.; (XV) William Porter, born Dec. 9, 1763, a
merchant, farmer and physician, who died in old
Hadley, Mass., about 1868. The latter first married
Lois Eastman, by whom he had two children: John
and William (the father of our subject). For his
second wife he married Charlotte Williams.
(XVI) William Porter was born in Hadley,
Mass., Nov. 14, 1792, and was graduated at Will-
iams College in 1813. He became a prominent and
successful attorney of Lee, Mass., and from 1844
until 1852 was district attorney for the four west-
ern counties of that State. He also became an im-
portant factor in public affairs, and was a member of
the Lower Plouse and State Senate of Massachusetts.
In politics he was a Whig. He died in Lee, Feb.
II, 1853, and his wife, Mary Ann Quincy, daughter
of Samuel Quincy,, of Lenox, Mass., died Dec. 2,
1835. They had four children: William, born Jan.
10, 1820, has been a professor in Beloit College,
Beloit, Wis., for the past fifty years; Dr. William
Porter, Jr., of Hartford, Conn., and Prof. Frank C.
Porter, of the Divinity School at New Haven, Conn.,
are his sons. Samuel Quincy, our subject, is next
in the family. Charlotte, born in 1823, died in
183S. Mary Weld, born March 2, 1824, married
Frank Chamberlain.
(XVII) Samuel Q. Porter, orr subject, was born
in Lee, Mass., May 31, 1821, and his early school
days were passed at that place and at old Hadley,
Mass. When a young man he clerked in a grocery
store in Lee, and later engaged in general mercantile
business there for four years. In 1847 hs came to
Linionville, Conn., and later with William Platner
engaged in the manufacture of fine writing paper,
under the firm name of Platner & Porter. In 1853
the style was changed to the Platner & Porter Manu-
facturing Co., and our subject remained a member of
the firm until 1877, when he retired from the busi-
ness. The mill is still operated under the old name,
but by different owners.
Besides the ancestors alreadv mentioned, Mr.
Porter is of the seventh generation in descent from
Thomas Hooker, W^illiam Westwood, Thomas
Stanley, Timothy Stanley and Ozias Goodwin.
On May 31, 1848, Mr. Porter was united in mar-
riage with Miss Maria Plulbert, of Lee, Mass., by
whom he had two children: (i) Mary Weld is now
the wife of William P. Beardsley, of Auburn, N.
Y., and they have two children, Alice Taylor and
Glover. (2) William died in infancy. Mr. Porter
was again married, in Farmington, Conn., in i86r,
his second union being with Miss Frances A. Smith,
i
CCAyiA^^Z^J CTr^U^r-
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
381
and to them were born six children : Samuel Q., Jr.,
a resident of iowa, who is married and has one son,
James .\hvood ; Kale liulbert, wlio died in infancy;
Elizabeth yuinc)- ; lienry ilulbert, a resident of
iSievv York City; b" ranees Aiorgan, who died in in-
fancy ; and Lucy G.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Porter has
taken a very active part in ihe improvement of his
town, and most of the hnc shade trees of the village
were set 'out by him man)- years ago. He has also
been prominently identified with public affairs. In
i860 he was a member of the convention, held at
Chicago, that nominated Lincoln, and he was an in-
fluential member of the State Legislature in 1869,
1870, 1881, 1882 and 1899. He also served as
savings bank commissioner in 1881 and 1882. After
a useful and honorable career he can well aft'ord to
lay aside all business cares and spend his declining
years in ease and retirement.
REV. GEORGE AL\RVIN STONE, D. D.i
pastor of the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church, of
Hartford, has filled the pulpit of that church for
more than twenty-one years, and his strong per-
sonality has deeply impressed itself upon the relig-
ious history of Connecticut. He is a native of Ohio,
born Dec. 10, 1834, at Strongville, in the Western
Reserve, and the grandson of an early emigrant
from \'erniont.
Ebenezer and Anah (Ferry) Stone, the paternal
grandparents of our subject, migrated with their
family from the old farm in Vermont to Ohio in
1823, and became pioneers in the Western Reserve.
The family came originally from Somersetshire,
England, and the progenitor of the family in Ainerica
settled at Cambridge, JNIass., soon after the Pilgrims
came over. Li religious belie*' Ebenezer and Anah
Stone had been members of the Congregational
Church, but after their settlement in Ohio joined
the Episcopal Church. They had a family of four
sons. Both lived to a good old age, Ebenezer to
the age of eighty, and his wife, who was a native
of Connecticut, to the age of seventy-five.
Marvin E. Stone, the father of our subject, was
born at Hinesburg, Vt., and in 1823 migrated with
his parents to Ohio. He married Hannah West,
and to them were born nine children, of whom
George Marvin, our subject, was the eldest. Mr.
Stone followed farming at Strongville, Ohio, up to
the time of his death, which resulted, at the age of
seventy-five years, from an accident caused by a
horse running away.
The early settlers in Ohio v/ere men of integrity
and moral fiber. Thev came very largely from Con-
necticut, and the old familiar names of Hartford
were reproduced' in and about Cleveland, Ohio. Dr.
Stone's earliest recollections are connected with the
felling of great forest trees, and the burning of
great piles of wood to clear the ground for sowing
wheat. Hartford was often mentioned in the fam-
ily, for in that citv dwelt the man who held the mort-
gage on the home farm. This mortgage clouded
iJr. .Stone's early life, and it was a da)- of jubilee
when the last payment was made.
At the age of fifteen. Dr. Stone began life for
himself in the city of Cleveland. Plis first occupa-
tion was that of selling papers, and here it may be
said parenthetically, that Dr. Stone has a soft spot
in his heart for the newsboys. At the Post dinner
in Piartford to these young merchants, he was an
interested spectator, one of the few who could ap-
preciate their feelings. When si-xteen years of age,
Dr. Stone was at work in the office of The True
Democrat, now the Cleveland Leader, and at
eighteen he had become one of its local editors. The
taste for a journalistic career, acquired thus early,
has never deserted the reverend gentleman, and he
has done a great deal of writing for the religious
and secular press since that time.
The True Democrat was intensely anti-slavery
in its political complexion, and the young editor
found himself very much interested in the stirring
political events of that period, being connected with
such men as Joseph Medill and Alfred Cowles. In
the campaign of 1852, he made a number of ad-
dresses for Hale and Julian, the Free-Soil nominees.
While engaged in newspaper life, he joined the Sec-
ond Baptist Church in Cleveland, and soon after de-
cided to devote his life to the ministry. He had no
funds with which to gain the required education,
and decided to engage m school teaching for a time.
Hearing- of an opeiiing in Kentucky, he went there
and applied for the position. This section was in
the slavery district, and the young man soon realized
what a mistake he had made. The school committee,
in examining- him. asked him what his record was,
and when he replied that he came from the North the
information was received in silence and with dark-
ened faces. "How are you on the main issue?" was
the ne.xt question, but the examination luckily went
no further that day. At night in his bed Dr. Stone
began to examine his own record in the light of
the events of that day, and the fact that he had been
prominently identified with an anti-slavery paper,
and made addresses in Ohio for the Free-Soil can-
didates, came to him with all its significance and pos-
sible danger. He decided that the "record" need
never be completed before that examining board of
school committeemen. In the morning he told his
landlady that he would go up to Lexington to attend
to sonie business there, and started at once. He
visited Henry Cla)'s grave, which was then a fresh
one. From Lexington he took the train for Paris,
Ky., arriving there penniless, but determined to
reach the Ohio border as soon as possible. He was
given food and shelter b)- a kind-hearted innkeeper,
who long ago received every penny that was due
her, and Dr. Stone arrived safely on Ohio soil. In
recalling this incident, he says that the fact that he
was once homeless and friendless, without a penny
to purchase the necessities of life, has ever since
given him synipathv for tramps. No one who has
382
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
never experienced this sensation, can fully appre-
ciate what it means.
Dr. Stone soon found an opportunity to enter
Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., and
later entered Madison (now Colgate) University, at
Hamilton, N. Y., where he graduated in 1858, with
the degree of A. B. He studied for the ministry at
the Hamilton Theological Seminary, and was soon
after called to Danbury, Corm., where he preached
as a student. He was ordained there m September,
i860, Dr. Turnbull, of Hartford, preachmg the
sermon. He contmued at Danbury for seven years,
having a most successful pastorate, but ill health
jcompelled him to give it up, and in September,
1867, he removed to Minnesota, becoming pastor of
ihe First Baptist Church of Wmona, where he re-
mained two years and a half.
In 1870 Dr. Stone was called to the Jefferson
.Street Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wis., and in
1872 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from the Chicago University. After a pastorate
in Milwaukee of three years and a half, he returned
to the East, and settled with the Baptist Church . in
Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson, N. Y., in September,
1873. In June, 1879, accepted a call to the Asylum
Avenue Baptist Church in Hartford, where he has
remained ever since, a record which is exceeded by
only one Baptist minister in the State. Since he
came to Hartford, Dr. Stone has been called to three
other churches, once to Norwich, once to Washing-
ton, D. C, and once to Minneapolis, to succeed the
Rev. Dr. H. C. Mabie, now the secretary of the
Baptist Missionary Union. Before deciding
whether to accept or decline this call, Dr. Stone went
to Minneapolis to look over the field. In a sermon
preached there the Doctor referred to his attach-
ment at Hartford, saying that for eleven years he
had served his congregation there, that his dead
were there, and that strong associations tended to
bind him to that locality. He decided later to re-
main at Hartford, to the great satisfaction of his
congregation.
Dr. Stone's long pastorate at Hartford has been
an eminently successful one. That he is highly
esteemed and beloved by his congregation is too
well-known to need mention. Since his pastorate
began, the church has been enlarged to twice its
former size, and is one of the most pleasant in the
city. The present membership is over 250, and
the records of the church show a steadv growth
since Dr. Stone's installation. In term of service he
is third among all the pastors of the city.
It is not alone as a pastor and clergyman that
Dr. Stone is known. His marked literary tastes and
abilities have given him prominence as a writer,
toth in prose and in poetry. He is fond of travel,
and has utilized the results of his observations in
lecttu'es and letters to the Press, which have attracted
wide attention. He has contributed quite frequent-
ly to the Press. Dr. Stone has made a number of
visits to Europe, and has made researches in Egypt
and the Holy Land. In 1866 he went to Alaska,
gathering intormation about that then little known
country, which has proved very valuable. His lec-
tures on Alaska have been repeated thirteen times in
Hartford, Boston and elsewhere.
In 1884 Dr. Stone made a journey tnrough the
Yellowstone National Park, and what he saw there
has been told in an interesting manner in the Hart-
ford Post and in magazines. His letters from
Europe to the Nezv Yoru Examiner, and his "Vaca-
tion four in Alaska," which appeared in the same
paper, attracted much attention. A recent series
of letters in the Examiner, entitled "From Ocean
to Ocean," giving his observations on a tour across
the continent, were also read with interest.
Perhaps Dr. Stone is as well known as an author
in connection with his book "Public Uses of the
Bible" as in any other way. This is a study of
Biblical elocution, and was published as the result
of the writer's experiences and discoveries, after
many years of public reading of the Holy Scriptures.
The book has been very favorably commented on,
by eminent authorities, and is now used as a text-
book in some :nstitutions of learning. Dr. Stone
has delivered many very able sermons. Two of the
most interesting, "Reason for Our Faith" and "The
Historical Facts Expressed in Baptism," have been
cordially received.
Atronomy is one of the sciences in which the
Doctor is deeply interested, and an illustrated maga-
zine article entitled "A Night at the Lick Observa-
tory," has been read by many. "The Legend of
Winona," from his pen, attracted very favorable
mention, and "The White City," reprinted below, is
considered a gem in its way, being perhaps the best
thing written by him.
THE WHITE CITY.
The inland sea was shimmering in the light
Of morn. Soft-veiled and mystically fair,
Lake wand creations to enchanted sight,
Turret and cope seemed hung in air.
The murmur and joy of people came
At noon. Within the palaces they see
Fabric and wheel, and art's wide fame,
The parliament of man made free.
What genii wrought to form this glow
At night ? The constellations of the sky
Have rained their fiery orbs below,
Relighting lamps that shone on high.
Dr. Stone has delivered many lectures and public
addresses. One of the best of these was his Me-
morial Day address before the Grand Army vet-
erans, at the Foot Guard armory, several years ago.
In 1896, when the Cleveland (Ohio) delegation was
entertained at Hartford, Dr. Stone delivered an
address which was particularly pleasing. Dr. Stone
is one of the board of trustees of the Connecticut
Literary Institute, at Suffiedl ; he was president of
the Pastors' Conference of Connecticut for two
years, and is one of tne trustees of the State Con-
vention Board of Missions of the Baptist Church.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
383
Jn 1883 and 1884 he was chaplain of the Connecti-
cut House of Representatives.
Jn 1801 Dr. Stone married Miss -M)!)!!.- 1j. Seeley,
<laiij;liter 01 Deacon Aailian ^eclcy of liie Danljury
Church. She l)clongs to the same family of whicli
President Seeley of Smith College is a member,
ilrs. Stone is one of three children, two of whom
are living. Her brother, E. S. Seeley, is a partner
in the firm of Taylor & Seeley, well-known hat
nianufacturers of xN'evv York. Her parents were
nicnibers of the I baptist Church, in which the fatlier
was a deacon for many years, a very venerable
man, who has always taken a very active part in
church matters. Mrs. Stone's work outside of the
church has been very extensive. She is closely
identified with numerous charitable, benevolent and
missionary enterprises. She has been president of
the I\IcAll mission auxiliary in the city, and was for
eighteen years secretary of the Women's Christian
Association in Hartford, of which she is now vice-
president.
Dr. and j\Irs. Stone have one son, Wilbur M.
Stone, who studied in a private school in Tarrytown,
N. Y. After coming to Hartford he served an ap-
prenticeship in the machine department of tlie Pratt
& Whitney works, and then studied mechanical en-
gineering. He also spent one year at Stevens In-
stitute, Hoboken, N. J. He is now holding a re-
sponsible position with F. H. Richards, of New York,
as a mechanical engineer. He married (firsfl Miss
Carrie Watson, who died shortly after marriage.
For his second wife he wedded Lillian Newton, of
Hartford, by whom he has three children : Malcolm,
Pauline and Kenneth.
Dr. Stone is one of the members of the Board of
Trustees of the New York Ministers' Home, repre-
senting the State of Connecticut on this board. He
has delivered a great number of addresses before dif'
ferent associations upon a large variety of subjects.
For many years he has been closely identified with
Bible reading throughout this State.
That Dr. Stone fills a very large place in the city
is evident. Perhaps no better estimate of his char-
acter and usefulness may be had, than that pub-
lished in the New York Herald some time ago. It
said in part: "His counsel is generally sought in all
local and State moral and educational and religious
work, and he is ever at the front in all movements
for the good of men, holding positions in all the
important State boards of the denomination. In
the pulpit he is a forceful preacher, and his utter-
ances are marked by the sweetness of spirit, the
breadth of view, of one who loves his fellow men."
SILAS CHAPMAN (deceased), who for many
years held a leading place among the merchants of
Hartford, was born in that city June 28, 1815, son
of Silas and Betsey Crosby (Alurphy") Chapman.
During his early life Mr. Chapman made his
home in the family of J. W. Dimock. with whom he
learned the details of tlie merchant tailor's business.
On Jan. i, 1837, he bought a half-interest in Mr.
Dimock's business, but the partnership was dis-
solved in 1843, ''"'1 on Jan. i, 1844, he became as-
sociated with J-".. W. Williams, under the firm name
of Chapman & Williams. They dissolved partner-
ship on Jan. 1, 1848, and at the close of that year
the following paragraph was recorded in Mr. Chap-
man's note book: "The year 1848 was the first year
1 did business alone and under my own manage-
ment, and the profits resulting show pretty conclu-
sively that the ship of co-partnership has been to me
for eleven 3ears past a profitless bark to sail in."
INIr. Chapman's taste and skill in his business ren-
dered his establishment one of the most popular of
its kind in the city among fashionable young men
of that day. In 1854 a pulmonary attack accom-
panied by hemorrhage came near proving fatal, and
compelled him to abandon his business, which was
bought by William H. Kelsey. After his recovery
he became secretary of the board of water commis-
sioners, and proved an active, excellent and useful
officer. His urbanity and cheerfulness made his
company pleasant, while his known integrity gave
him the confidence of all classes of citizens. .\Ir.
Chapman was for nearly forty years a leading
member of the First Baptist Church, and his death,
Nov. 14, 1876, was a great loss to the society.
On Jan. 3, 1838, j\Ir. Chapman married Maria
F., daughter of Edwin and Octavia (Clark) Pitkin.
She was born Dec. 14, 1815, and died July 7, 1893,
leaving one son, Silas Chapman, Jr.
SiL.\s Chap.m.vx, Jr., was born in Hartford Sept.
2, 1845, ^i''d is the third in direct line of descent
to bear the name. He completed a course in the
Hartford High School, and in 1863 began his busi-
ness career as an office boy with the North American
Fire Insurance Co. In 1868 he was appointed local
agent at Hartford for the Firemen's Fund Insurance
Co., of San Francisco, and when the North Ameri-
can was closed out, in 1871, he had a fair agency
business established. It was largely through his
efTorts that so much of the stock of the Firemen's
Fund (some $200,000) was placed in Hartford.
In the fall of 1892 j\lr. Chapman purchased the
agency business of B. R. Allen, which included the
agency of the Hartford and the Royal Insurance
Companies. For many years he occupied offices
in the building on the corner of Asylum and Trum-
bull streets, where the office of the North American
was located, but about thirteen years ago he took
the north basement office in the Hartford Fire In-
surance Co.'s building, and in 1892 he removed to
the south basement, which was formerly occupied
by Mr. Allen. Mr. Chapman is a gentleman of
culture and refined taste, and has traveled exten-
sively in this country and elsewhere. He is promi-
nent in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-
third degree in Scottish Rite Masonry. He is a
member of ^^'ashington Commandery, K. T.. and
master of Hartford Council, Princes of Jerusalem.
He is also active in religious work, has been clerk of
384
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the First Baptist Society in Hartford since 1873,
and was librarian for twenty years in the Sunday-
schooL Being an ardent disciple of old Izaak
Walton, he has been a regular visitor in the Rangley
Lake region for many seasons, and where, with a
company of chosen friends in his favorite pastime,
he is one of the most companionable of men. In
business he is reticent, clear-headed and penetrating
to the last detail, and his selection by President
Chase of the Hartford for the most influential
agency in the company is an expression of confidence
of the highest value. Mr. Chapman is a director in
the Charter Oak National Bank of Hartford; the
Billings & Spencer Co., one of the largest manu-
facturing concerns in Hartford ; the Middlesex
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and several other
manufacturing corporations.
The Pitkin family, which is of Puritan stock,
has been represented in every generation in this
country b}^ able and upright men. In this line
Silas Chapman, Jr., traces his descent as follows :
Edwin Pitkin, his maternal grandfather, was for
nearly forty j^ears superintendent of the harness
and saddlery business of Smith & Bourne, Hartford.
Col. John Pitkin, his great-great-grandfather, led
his command against Crown Point in 1755. He was
an incorporator of the town of East Hartford in
1785, and deacon of the Third Church of Hartford
from 1752 to 1790.
William Pitkin (2) was a member of the coun-
cil of the colony for twenty-six years. He also
served as judge of the county, probate and superior
courts, and in 1713 became chief justice of the su-
preme court.
William Pitkin, the head of the family, was an
Englishman, and came to America with Rev.
Thomas Hooker in 1639. On Oct. 9, 1662, he was
appointed prosecutor for the Connecticut Colony,
and in 1664 he received an appointment from the
King as attorney-general. From 1675 to 1690 he
was a representative in the General Assembly, and
in 1676 he served as treasurer of the colony.
Silas Chapman, Jr., was married Dec. 10, 1868,
to Julia A. Camp, who was born in Windsor, Conn.,
Aug. 13, 1848.
JOHN B. POYER, M. D. The subject of this
sketch has attested the strength of inherited traits.
Descended from men of unusual force of character
and position in the world, circumstances over which
he had no control threw him, while preparing for
his professional life, upon his own resources. Un-
shaken in purpose or determination by the whirling
eddies that crossed his pathway of life, he returned
as soon as the currents could be mastered to his
original plan, completed his education, and has given
to the people of New Britain one of its most success-
ful medical practitioners.
Dr. Foyer's ancestors were millers. Flis great-
grandfather, Joseph Foyer, was a business man of
extensive means in Canada, near the New Hampshire
and Vermont State lines, engaging in mercantile
pursuits, and owning a number of mills. Fie mar-
ried a Miss Gregory. His son, Joseph Foyer, Jr.,.
the grandfather of our subject, was a man of like
character. He was progressive, and possessed the
courage of his convictions, originating many of the
industries and new methods of business which chang-
ing conditions necessitated. Joseph Foyer, Jr., mar-
ried Mary Adams, and they had three children : M
Joseph, a large farmer of Holyoke, Mass.; Matilda; H
and John B., father of Dr. Foyer.
John B. Foyer was born in New Hampshire,
near the Vermont line, in 1806. Like his father and
grandfather he became a miller, and followed the
business for a number of years. He was also en-
gaged in farming in New Hampshire and in Can-
ada, and later in life he removed to West Hartford,
Conn., where he owned a farm of 600 acres, being the
largest land owner in the town. For some time he
was the overseer of Mr. Davenport's farm,, which
he subsequently worked on shares, finally purchasing
the place. He prospered in rich measure until 1873,.
when he lost his large property through his kindness
in assuming large financial liability for others. He
was a self-made man, having by his own efforts ac-
quired the property thus sacrificed by his generos-
ity. In politics he was a Republican, in religious
faith a Catholic. He married a Miss Charbonneau,
of New Hampshire, daughter of Charles Charbon-
neau, a French-Canadian, and to them were born ten
children who grew to adult age, as follows : Saliiia,
wife of Cleophas La Point ; Henry, who is mentioned
below; Arkaugh, who married (first) a Mr. Four-
chette, and later a Mr. Cautermanche ; Rosalie, who
died at the age of twenty-three years ; Philomene,
who married (first) Baptiste Solomon, and later
George Robinson ; William, who was killed at the
battle of the Wilderness ; Vitoline, who died at the
age of eighteen years ; Matilda, wife of Charles
Brennison ; Sophia, who married Cleophas La
Point; and John B., subject of these lines. The fa-
ther died in 1893, the mother in 1888. Henrv
Foyer enlisted in the L^nion army in 1861, becoming
a private in a Connecticut regiment, and served until
Lee's surrender, being with two Connecticut regi-
ments, a New York regiment, and a New Jersey
regiment. Though wounded three times he re-
mained continuously in the service, and rose to the-
rank of major, acting for one j^ear as drilling officer
on Blackwell's Island, New York. His name is on
the monument in Central Park, New Britain.
John B. Foyer was born in West Hartford July
II, 1859. He spent his boyhood at West Hartford
and New Britain, and was a student in the grammar
school at New Britain at the age of fourteen years
when the change came in his father's fortune. For
a. time school books had to be laid aside to make way
for hard work upon the farm for three or four years.
Then, at the age of eighteen, he entered the private
school of Prof. Camp, and spent some time prepar-
atory to entrance examination for Yale College, .
\U^ if^-f^'-^'i^r?^-^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
885
meanwhile reading m'cdicine at the office of Dr.
Cummings. He matriculated at Yale in the fall of
1879, '^"'^ remained two years, when circumstances
again required a suspension in his education.
From the spring of 1881 until iVugust, 1885, he con-
ducted a tea store at New Britain in partnership
with Mr. Stewart, under the name of the Union Tea
Co. In the fall of 1885 Mr. Poyer entered the
Senior class at Dartmouth College, and was grad-
uated with the class of 1886. He subsequently went
to Chicago, remaining for six months in the Cook
County Hospital, after which he spent a year at
Leipsic, Germany, attending lectures and clinics,
and taking a post-graduate course. Dr. Poyer had
thus given himself a splendid and thorough prepara-
tion for the practice which Jie began at New Britain
in 1888. At the expiration of seven years he was
obliged, on account of ill health, to abandon practice
for a time, but he has since resumed the exacting
and conscientious duties of his profession. For
four years he has been city physician, and he has
now a wide and lucrative practice.
In politics Dr. Poyer is independent. Frater-
nally he is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 20,
F. & A. M. He married Mary Drury, daughter of
John Drury, and they have one son, John B., Jr.
GEORGE A. BINGHAM, supervisor of bridges
for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road Co., has an office at Hartford, and takes charge
of the work between Hartford and New Haven,
Saybrook and Hartford, and Waterbury and Middle-
town — 1 50 miles in all.
Mr. Bingham was born July 9, 1840, in Andover,
Conn., where his family has long been well known.
George O. Bingham, Sr., the father of our subject,
was born and reared in Andover, and was engaged
in farming there for many years, dying at the ad-
vanced age of eighty. He and his wife were prom-
inent members of the Baptist Church in Andover.
He married Jerusha C. Capen, a native of Boston,
and one of the large family of Joseph Capen, a
butcher of that city, and his wife Betsey Wadsworth,
who was born in Hartford. Our subject's mother
died when eighty years of age, leaving one child,
George A. Bingham.
Mr. Bingham remained in his native place until
he attained his majority, his time during youth be-
ing spent in farm work and at the carpenter's trade.
In 1863 he located at Hartford and took a position
in Colt's Armory, the Civil war making the demand
upon them great. On April 20, 1870, he entered the
employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad Co., as a carpenter, later became foreman,
and in 1895 was promoted to his present position.
He has now been with the company over thirty years,
a sufficient evidence of his ability and trustworthi-
ness. In all he has 250 bridges to oversee, some of
them 2,000 feet long, and a number of men con-
stantly carrying on this work under his direction.
He builds the car houses, and makes the canopy tops
£5
for bridges. The road is supplied with Banjo
switch signals, which arc made in the shop under
his oversight, and afterward placed on the line by
him.
In 1866 Mr. Bingham married Miss Jennie A.
Loomis, a native of Andover, Conn., by whom he
had one child, Grace J. in 1884 he married, for
his second wife, Louisa M. Sexton. In politics he is
a Republican, but he does not aspire to office, and he
and his wife are prominent members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
STERLING BUNNELL, manufacturer of ex-
tracts, etc., in Bristol, is a native of that town, born
Sept. 12, 1841. [For ancestry, see sketch of Charles
R. Bunnell, elsewhere.]
Allen Bunnell, his father, was born Feb. 7,
1802, in Burlington, Conn., received his education
there, and learned the trade of carriage maker.
When a young man he removed to Bristol, and car-
ried on a carriage shop in Divinity street. Fie died
May 20, 1873, in what is known as Edgewood, Bris-
tol. On Feb. 8, 1826, he married Rhoda Atwater,
who was born Nov. 16, 1800, daughter of Lucius
Atwater, and died July 20, 1879, in Bristol. Their
children: (i) Caroline, born Jan. 13, 1827, married
Franklin Steele, of Bristol, and died Dec. 9, 189S.
(2) Emily, born Jan. 30, 1828, married John H.
Sessions, of Bristol. (3) Charles R., sketch of whom
appears elsewhere. (4) Susannah, born Sept. 16,
1832, married Edward Porter, of Bristol. (5)
Rhoda, born June 23, 1835, died May 3, 1836. (6)
Thomas, sketch of whom appears elsewhere. (7)
Sterling, subject of this sketch. The father of this
family was one of the first Abolitionists, and was
one of the seven men of Bristol who at one time
held the controlling power in the town. He was a
very strong Union man, and equally aggressive on
the temperance subject.
Sterling Bunnell was four years old when his
parents removed to Burlington (Whigville), and
here he received his education. Leaving school at
the age of sixteen, he commenced work in the fac-
tory of Warner & Sessions, wood turners, Polkville
(now Edgewood, Bristol), whence at the end of a
year he went to New Britain and entered the employ
of the Stanley Rule & Level Co., wood turning for
some two years, or until his enlistment, in August,
1861, in Company G, 6th>Conn. V. I., in which he
was sworn in Sept. 3, following. The first engage-
ment of consequence in which he participated was
the capture of Hilton Head or Port Royal, and after
several months skirmishing he was present at the
taking of Pulaski, Ga., April 10, 1862; Pocataligo,
S. C, Oct. 22, 1862; capture of Morris Island; and
the charge on Fort Wagner, May 6, 1864. His
regiment entered Virginia, and was engaged in the
battles of Bermuda Hundred, Chester Station and
Drury Bluffs. On May 20, 1864, while taking part
in the charge on a battery above Bermuda Hundred,
our subject was struck on the head, just above the
§86
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
right temple, by a minie ball, which rendered him
miconscious, and has since affected his nervous sys-
tem. After coming to himself he thought it best
to retreat carefully, or he might be seen and shot
at again, but the Rebels had vacated the position.
From the field hospital he was taken to a larger hos-
pital, in an army ambulance, with two others, each
of whom had lost a leg. The horses were balky, and
the corduroy roads bad, the vehicle was overturned,
and one of the men died. At Hampton Hospital
our subject was kept on low diet, until he felt he
should starve, and succeeded in getting a few meals
that were not intended for him. But he wanted
to come North, and as a boat load went every week
he put on quite a determined air to be allowed to
be put on the list. His father, being anxious to
get him home, went to Hampton, getting there just
in time to come on the same boat with him, and this
■circumstance save his life, which otherwise would
have been sacrificed, for the crowded boat ordinarily
.afforded no comfortable quarters. His father hired
a stateroom, and there he was cared for, and when
the artery uncapped he could be attended to in time ;
again in New York it uncapped, and very much re-
duced his strength. In New Haven gangrene set
in, and ate off the artery, and he made up his mind
it was not much use \.o try to recover. But pure
blood and good care, and a will, carried the day.
However, he is minus quite a large piece of the
bone of his skull, and the wound is never fully
healed before it breaks out, a sore spot in another
place showing a diseased skull. He was under
. treatment at New Haven hospital from June 4 till
Aug. 10, 1864, on which day he was released on a
thirty-days' furlough. On Sept. 3, same year, he
was mustered out of the service at New Haven,
with a pension for his services and wound. He
endured an operation for trepanning, July 3, 1864.
Returning to the paths of peace, Mr. IBunnell in
December, 1864, went to work for Warner & Ses-
sions, in Polkville, and there remained three years,
afterward purchasing and operating a small farm
in Staft'ord district. In April, 1868, getting the
Western fever, he sold his farm, and with his father-
in-law, Mr. Maltby, and his brother-in-law, Mr.
Porter went to Missouri to grow up with the coun-
try, then filling up with Eastern people. They took
up railroad land, built houses, and in June their
families went out to occupy their new homes. It
proved, however, an unsuccessful venture. Fever
and ague were prevalent, and Mr. Bunnell finding
his wound would not stand the heat of the sun,
could not do farm work successfully, so he returned
to Connecticut with his family in September, 1871,
•and again tried shop work, entering the employ of
'G. W. & H. S. Bartholomew, working on bit-stocks.
In the fall of 1874 he went to Forestville, as night-
watchman for the Welch & Spring clock factory.
Resigning in the spring he returned to Polkville.
In the spring of 1876, he made arrangements to op-
■erate a milk route, rented a farm of Asahel Mix, and
was very successful, securing a large route of
good customers. On account of ill health he sold
out after three years to Elbert Manchester, who
still carries on the business. Mr. Bunnell then
moved to town, and was engaged with Dr. Williams
for the winter. In 1880 he went to work at turn-
ing for George Neubauer. In 1884 he took a position
as night watchman at N. L. Birge & Son's knitting-
factory, but not liking this he took his team and
commenced peddling hardware, extracts, etc. After
six months he decided to manufacture his own
goods, studied up the extract business, and pre-
pared a compound, called Extract Composition,
which has become quite popular, and is a necessary
family medicine. He carries on a wholesale and
i-etail trade, with agents working in several towns.
His extracts are acknowledged to be the best on the
market.
On June 28, 1864, while in the hospital at New
Haven, Mr. Bunnell was united in marriage with
Emile Cordelia Maltby, daughter of Ephraim and
Cynthia (Mix) Maltby, of Bristol. She went to
the hospital to care for him, as he needed a constant
attendant, there being danger of the artery uncap-
ping, as it had done twice before he reached New
Haven, and close watching was the only safety.
To the credit of Knight Hospital let it be said he
had most skillful and kind treatment. The children
that have blessed this union are as follows : ( i )
Charles Allen, born June 6, 1865, died Jan. 23,
1867. (2) Ida May, born Jan. 8, 1867, is living at
home. (3) Carrie Edith, born July 16, 1870, mar-
ried Charles Woodward, of East Berlin, and their
children are Edith Rose and Sterling Charles. (4)
Julia Atwater, born Sept. 16, 1876, is teaching
school at Wallingford, Conn. (5) Bessie AUena,
born Aug. 22, 1878, married Charles Hendry, of
Bristol, and their children are Emilie Jean and Al-
lena May. (6) Alice Pearl, born March 10, 1884,
died Aug. 17, 1884.
Mrs. Bunnell is a member of the Advent Chris-
tian Church, and a most estimable lady. Mr. Bun-
nell is a Republican, but takes no special interest in
political matters. Socially he is a Freemason, and
at one time was a member of the G. A. R. post at
Bristol. He is a wide-awake, industrious man, and
deservedly enjoys the esteem and respect of the com-
munity at large.
ALFRED T. RICHARDS. Among those who,
while not to the manor born, have made themselves
an enviable reputation for close application to busi-
ness, coupled with integrity and strict honesty, may
be mentioned the name of Alfred T. Richards, gen-
eral agent for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insur-
ance Co., located at No. 783 Main street, Hartford.
Mr. Richards was born in Pembroke, South
Wales, Aug. 28, 1843, was educated in the counti-y
schools of his native town, and, at an early age, a
strolling gypsy, who had wandered into that section,
predicted that he would "go to America and become
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3S7
weallliy." He received from his parents a careful
religious training, his mother impressing upon his
mind the importance of a strict adherence to the
truth, and living a God-fearing life, which perhaps
laid the corner-stone for his future career. Coming
to America, he, for a time, was a resident of St.
Croix, New Brunswick, where he held the office of
postmaster, and was highly esteemed and respected
by the people of that place. In 1871 he came to
Hartford and engaged in mercantile pursuits, being
business representative of the firm of Keney &
Roberts. With keen foresight he had seen what
he believed would be a future in the insurance busi-
ness, and after some years spent in mercantile life
he took a position as general agent for Connecticut
for the Connecticut J\Iutual Life Insurance Co., with
headquarters at the home office, and for twenty
years has labored most earnestly and successfully
to build up a large and solid business for that com-
pany. His efforts have been amply repaid, and
there is to-day probably no better known man in
insurance circles than Alfred T. Richards; and, it
g-oes without saying, that he is regarded very highly
by the company he represents. He is also con-
nected with the Connecticut Life Underwriters As-
sociation, of which he was the first president.
]\Ir. Richards is a Republican, and, while he
has held no office, has taken a deep interest in politi-
cal matters. In religious faith he is a member of
the Asylum Avenue Congregational Church, in all
the affairs of which he takes a great personal inter-
est, and has assisted very materially, and is now serv-
ing his second term as Deacon.
In 1871 Mr. Richards married Miss Laura R.
Johnson, a lady of rare accomplishments, and a
graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She was born
in Hadley, JMass., a daughter of Stephen Johnson,
a farmer in that town. On her mother's side Mrs.
Richards is a descendant of the Lyman family,
which has been for a number of generations one of
the prominent families of Hadley. The mother
died at the age of sixty years, and the father when
eighty-four. They had five children, four of whom
are living. Mrs. Richards is a member of the Mt.
■ Holyoke Alumnje Association of Hartford. Five
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards,
three of whom are living: Edith K., Alfred Ernest
and Kathryn R. Both daughters are graduates of
the Hartford Public High School and Normal School
at New Britain. Edith taught in the kindergarten
department of the West Middle school for six years.
Kathryn is now engaged as teacher in the kinder-
garten department of the Lakeville (Conn.) school
The son is a Yale man, having graduated in 1898,
and is now professor of history and literature at the
Gilbert Academy, East Winsted, Connecticut.
^Ir. Richards is a member of the Twentieth Cent-
tu-y Club (having entered the first year of its organ-
ization) and of the Hartford Library Association.
He is a man of excellent tastes and a great reader,
being conversant with the writings of the best au-
thors of the day, such as Carlyle, Ruskin, Emerson,
and others, and he has made a number of addresses
upon different subjects, of a most interesting char-
acter. He is a very pleasant and affable gentle-
man, and has hosts of friends in the social, religious
and commercial circles of Hartford.
Mr. Richards has been a great traveler, having
made four trips abroad, one of the most extensive
of which was in 1899, when, accompanied by his
daughter Edith, he visited England, Scotland, and
Wales, and several other foreign countries.
Henry Richards, father of Alfred T., was born
in Wales, where he was a farmer all his life, resid-
ing in the County of Pembroke, and died at the
age of sixty-two. He was a man of sound judg-
ment and sterling principles, and was highly re-
spected. Jane (Stevens) Richards, mother of Al-
fred T., was born in England, and comes of a long
line of ancestry celebrated for their indomitable
pluck and perseverance, and from his mother our
subject inherits these sterling qualities. Mr. and
Mrs. Richards had eleven children, five of whom are
living, Alfred T. being the only one in America,
The mother lived to be over ninety years of age, re-
taining all her faculties up to the time of her death,
P. C. ROYCE may claim to be a thorough
American. Robert Royce, the first of the name in
this country, came from England, in 1631, to Boston.
Mass. In 1634 he was made a freeman of that
Commonwealth. He was included with the number
disarmed in Boston, in 1637, for adherence to the
opinions of the parties of Hutchinson and Wheel-
wright. In 1644 he settled in Stratford, just west
of New Haven, and in 1657 went to New Lon-
don, of which place he was one of the founders.
One of his sons was one of the founders of Norwich.
Later in life, he, with several of his sons, went to
W^allingford.
Our subject's father, ]\Iiles Royce, was born in
Bristol, this county, in 1806. His father died when
he was quite young, and he went, with an older
brother to western New York, then on the frontier
In 1834 he went, by way of the Great Lakes, to
Chicago, then a frontier trading post, located in a
swamp at the mouth of the Chicago river. His
business was that of manufacturing agricultural im-
plements. Desiring to reach high land and timber
he located at Walker's Grove, now Plainfield, forty
miles southwest of Chicago. Miles Royce married
Sarah Goodhue Gilman, who was born in Salem.
Mass., in 1808. Her father moved to ]Mereditli
village, on Lake W'innipiseogee, N. H., where she
grew to womanhood. In 1834 she accompanied an
uncle to the West, going there as a pioneer mission-
ary teacher. Two years later she married Mr.
Royce. In that new country they endured all the
deprivations and hardships incident to the life of
the earh^ pioneers.
Mr. Royce well remembers his first visit to
Chicago — when he was a boy nine years of age—
888
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the looks of the city at that time. There was
not a single paved street in the city. Two streets
had planks laid crosswise to keep loaded teams from
sinking out of sight in the soft mud of what was
practically a swamp. Mr. Royce saw the city grow
to great proportions, and was resident therein when
the great fire of 1871 blotted out the business sec-
tion of the city and a large portion of its residences.
Mr. Royce obtained his education in the village
academy and Knox College, Galesburg, 111., from
which institution he was graduated in the class of
i860, and for some years was engaged in teaching,
having charge of the city schools of Joliet, 111. Be-
coming dissatisfied with the income from the larg-
est and best school in the county, he decided to de-
vote his energies to other pursuits. He entered the
insurance business in Joliet, and for some years
was a local agent in that place, moving in the spring
of .1871 to Chicago, where he was connected with
the Merchants Insurance Co. of Chicago, bank-
rupted in the great fire. In 1872 he entered the em-
ploy of the Hartford Fire Insurance Co. in its west-
ern department, and remained there until 1876,
when he removed to Philadelphia, having accented
the position of secretary of the Girard Fire & Marine
Insurance Co., of that city. In the summer of
1881, having been elected assistant secretary of the
Hartford Fire Insurance Co., he removed to this
city, which has since been his home. In 1886 he
became secretary of the company, which incumbency
he has since filled.
With no taste for political life, Mr. Royce be-
lieves that certain duties are demanded of every cit-
izen. When, therefore, he was asked by his neigh-
bors and friends to represent his ward in the city
council, he consented to serve. For four years he
was a member of the council board, and during the
last year its president. He then served two years
on the board of aldermen. He has also served one
term upon the board of school visitors.
CHRISTOPHER MINER SPENCER, a
manufacturer, inventor and veritable mechanical
genius, of Hartford, 'whose name is connected with
the Spencer firearms, drop forgings, automatic
screw, and turret machines, known the world over,
is a native of Connecticut, where his ancestors have
figured since the dawn of its settlement.
Mr. Spencer was born June 20, 1833, in the
town of Manchester, son of Ogden and Asenath
(Hollister) Spencer, and grandson of Silas Spencer.
The grandfather was occupied in farming in South
Manchester, and lived to a ripe old age.
On his mother's side Mr. Spencer is a descend-
ant in the seventh generation from Lieut. John
Hollister, the first American ancestor of the fainily,
the line of his descent being through John (2),
Thomas, Thomas (2), Josiah and Asenath Hol-
lister.
(I) John Hollister, the emigrant, is said to have
been born in 1612, in England, and to have im-
migrated to America about 1642. He was one o£
the most pronjinent and influential men of Weth-
ersfield. Conn., where he located, his name being;
on record there in 1642, and of the Colony of Con-
necticut. He married Joanna, daughter of Hon.
Richard- Treat.
(II) John Hollister (2), son of Lieut. John, the
emigrant, born about 1644, in Wethersfield, married
in 1667 Sarah Goodrich. He was one of the lead-
ing men in Glastonbury.
(Ill Thomas Hollister, son of John (2), was
born in 1672 in Wethersfield, and married Dorothy,
daughter of Joseph Hills, of Glastonbury, where
Thomas Hollister lived and died.
(IV) Thomas Hollister (2), son of Thomas,
born in 1707 in Glastonbury, married in 1734 Abi-
gail, daughter of Sergt. Nathaniel Talcott, of that
town.
(V) Josiah Hollister, son of Thomas (2), born
in 1756, in Glastonbury, married (second) Asenath,
daughter of Israel Sweetland, of South Manchester,
Conn. Mr. Hollister settled in what is now South
Manchester. He was a patriot of the Revolution,
serving under Gen. Washington, and used to enter-
tain his descendants with stories of his commander,
and especially of Lady Washington, for whom he
once made a wardrobe, which gave her great satis-
faction, but him still more, as he never tired of tell-
ing of it. Mr. Hollister was tall, straight, active,
strong and ambitious. He enjoyed vigorous health
until he was past seventy, and retained a considera-
ble degree of strength and his sight, hearing and
memory until his death, Sept. 8, 1849, when in his
ninety-fourth year.
(VI) Asenath (Hollister) Spencer.
Ogden Spencer, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was born March 16, 1801, in South Manches-
ter, Conn. He became by occupation a woolen man-
ufacturer, and carried on the business extensively.
Later in life he was in business with his son Chris-
topher M., in South Manchester, where they were
engaged in the manufacture of Spencer rifle models.
Ogden Spencer in his political views was a Demo-
crat, and ever manifested a deep interest in public
afl'airs, but though active never aspired to or held
office. He was independent in his views. Both
himself and wife were identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he was a trustee. On
May 7, 1823, he was married to Asenath Hollister,
born June 21, 1801, in South Manchester, daughter
of Josiah and Asenath (Sweetland) Hollister. Mr.
Spencer died in Hartford in 1882, and his wife
passed away in 1883. To them were born children
as follows : Harriet H., born Dec. 8, 1824, died Jan,
28, 1825 ; Harriet A., born July i, 1826, died un-
married March 18, 1844; Aaron O., born Dec. 26,
1828, married Lavantia, daughter of Dr. Perry, of
South Manchester; Celia C, born March 15, 1831,
married Clinton D. Perry; Christopher M. is re-
ferred to farther on ; Wilber F., born April 26, 1835,
married Mary Bennett ; Mary J., born July 18, 1837,,
1 .
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I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
889
•married Judson Strong; and Emma F., born June
20, 1 84 1, married George Herriott. All are now
deceased excepting Christopher M., Celia, Alary J.
iind Emma, who reside in Hartford.
Christopher Miner Spencer, son of the late Og-
jden and Asenath (Hollister) Spencer, and the sub-
ject proper of this sketch, at the age of twelve, in
1845, went to live with his grandfather Hollister,
then ninety years of age, a patriot of the Revolution,
and there the youth first developed a fondness for
mechanical work. The grandfather had on the
place an old foot-Iathc, upon which the boy passed
most of his spare time. From early childhood he
had a passion for firearms, and the first gun he
owned was his grandfather's old musket, a relic
of the Revolution, which the boy improved by saw-
ing off the barrel with an old case knife, converted
into a saw by hacking it on the edge of an axe, lit-
tle dreaming while remodeling the old flint-lock that
this branch of mechanical work was to form so large
a part of his life work. He left his grandfather's
farm in 1847 2"^ went to work in Cheney's silk mill.
South Manchester, and in 1848 entered upon an
eight-months apprenticeship in the machine shop of
Sanuiel Loomis, at Manchester Centre. During the
winter following he went to school, and in the spring
iDCgan another eight-months apprenticeship with Mr.
Loomis, at the end of which time he entered the
employ of Cheney Brothers, as journeyman ma-
chinist, remaining there some three years. During
this period he made a good deal of experimental
machinery under the supervision of Frank Cheney,
whose kindly interest in the young man's mechanical
ingenuity led him into the line of invention. In
1853, desiring to become better acquainted with
the methods of diiTerent shops, he went to Roches-
ter, N. Y., working six months in making machin-
ists' tools, and six months in locomotive repairing.
Returning to Hartford, Conn., he worked one year
in the repair shops of the Colt Fire Arms Co., where
he first conceived the idea of impiovements in re-
peating firearms. Later he became superintendent
of the machine shop of Chenev Brothers, and while
with them obtained his first patent on an automatic
silk-winding machine, which they regarded as a
great achievement, and manufactured a large num-
"ber of them, paying him a royalty. J\Ir. Spencer
exhibited the device to the Willimantic Linen Co.,
and in company with Hezekiah Conant, who was
then in that company's employ, perfected a ma-
chine that was adopted by the company for their
entire system of thread-winding.
For several years previous to that time Mr.
Spencer had been at work during spare hours in the
hne of firearms, and through the means of his fa-
ther he was enabled to perfect a model, and obtained,
in i860, a patent on the "Spencer seven-shooter,''
in return for which the father was given a half-
interest in all profits to be derived from the patent.
Charles Cheney, of Cheney Brothers, became inter-
«sted in the patent, and at the outbreak of the Re-
bellion a company was organized to manufacture
the gun for war purposes. In company with Mr.
Cheney Mr. Spencer went to Washington with a
sample of the gun, which resulted in an order from
the Navy Department for 1,000 guns. The Cheney
Brothers then purchased the patent, paying for it
a sum of money and a royalty on every gun man-
ufactured. This first lot of guns sold to the Gov-
ernment was used in arming some of the Massa-
chusetts,' Connecticut and Michigan volunteers, who
soon had ample occasion to put the new arms to
practical use, the effective result of which is now
a matter of history. In the meantime the Cheney
Brothers, along with some Boston parlies, organized
the Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., and prepared to
manufacture the Spencer rifle at Boston, on a large
scale. The war department soon gave an order for
10,000 of the rifles, and from that time the de-
mand for the new gun v,'as so great that the com-
pany was taxed to its utmost limit, making about
200,000 guns. Mr. Spencer became superintendent
of the Boston company. In August, 1862, he went
to Washington, taking with him a rifle for pres-
entation to President Lincoln, who was greatly in-
terested in it, and gave Mr. Spencer a very cordial
reception. A practical test was made by Mr. Lin-
coln on the grounds below the White House, the
target being a rough board with a black bull's eye
two inches in diameter. Mr. Lincoln fired the gun
ofl:-hand, doing good work, and the target was.
preserved by Mr. Spencer, who afterward sent it
to the Historical Rooms at Springfield, 111., where
it is supposed to be at this time.
Mr. Spencer took several trips in the interest
of the company, visiting the armies in the field,
and instructing the soldiers in the use of the gun.
In 1863 he was at the headquarters of the Army
of the Cumberland, where he met Gen. Rosecrans
and Col. Wilder, of the 17th Ind. \'. I., command-
ing the 1st Brigade ilounted Infantry, which at
the Colonel's request was furnished v/ith the gun.
From Murfreesboro Mr. Spencer went by way of
Louisville and Nashville to Cairo, thence down the
Mississippi to the mouth of the Yazoo, just above
Vicksburg, where our gunboats under the command
of Commodore Foote were co-operating with Gen.
Grant in the siege of Vicksburg. His trip down
the Mississippi was made on a government dispatch
boat, he having been provided with letters from the
Navy Department granting him every facility for
access to the gunboats, which were all provided with
Spencer rifles. He reached \'icksburg four days
before the fleet ran the batteries, remained there
one day, meeting Gen. Grant on board Commodore
Foote's flagship, and gave an exhibition of the
rifle. Returning to Boston, he gave his time to
the further improvement of the gun u.ntil the close
of the war, when the demand for the gun ceased.
From the Boston factory Mr. Spencer went to
Amherst, Mass., where, in company with Henry F.
Hills, of that place, he formed the Roper Repeat-
390
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing Arms Co., and engaged in making the Roper
shotgun, patented by S. H. Roper, of Boston. This
venture was not a success, and in it Mr. Spencer
lost about all the money he had. In 1869, in com-
pany with his father, he purchased the entire plant
and moved the machinery to Hartford, where, with
Charles E. Billings, under the name of the Billings
& Spencer Co., they began the manufacture of drop
forgings, sewing machine shuttles, etc. This com-
pany is still in existence, and is one of the most
successful and flourishing enterprises in Hartford.
Mr. Spencer is a stockholder and director in the
Billings & Spencer Co. at this time.
At the end of the last gun venture Mr. Spencer,
turned his attention to the turret machine and
made it automatic. He was the first to comprehend
clearly the vast savings in machine-part production
which are rendered possible by converting the semi-
automatic turret machine into a full automatic tool,
capable of producing almost any shape of small
metal piece, without human intervention beyond the
placing of a bar of metal within reach of the feed-
ing mechanism of the machine. The practical re-
sult of this invention was to largely reduce the
cost of manufacture, one man being required to
attend to from ten to fifteen machines, instead of
one to each machine, as before. Having obtained
his patent, and severing active connection with the
Billings & Spencer Co., he determined to com-
mence the manufacture of screws automatically as
a new enterprise, and in 1874 set the first ma-
chine at work. New machines were added as fast
as they could be made, but his business increased
faster than his ability to fill orders. George A.
Fairfield, then superintendent of the Weed Sewing
Machine Co., became interested in the new enter-
prise, with others, and in 1876 v/as formed the
Hartford Machine Screw Co., with a capital of
$40,000, of which Mr. Spencer was superintendent.
Three years later the business had so developed as
to result in the formation of one of the largest
business enterprises in the city of Hartford, with
a plant valued at $400,000. The field of this busi-
ness was so large that in 1882 a company was or-
ganized and established at Elyria, Ohio, to operate
the machine in the Western States. Mr. Spencer
was now on the high road to wealth when he was
unlucky enough to conceive the idea of the "trom-
bone" shotgun, the most rapid-fire sporting gun
known. He sold out the Hartford Screw Co., and
in 1882, in connection with his old friend, S. H.
Roper, of Boston, obtained joint patents as a re-
sult of their mutual study and experience on the
Spencer repeating shotgun. Their system was also
adapted to the military rifle, and their model was
subjected to severe practical tests, before a board
appointed by the Secretary of War under an ap-
propriation of Congress for the inspection of re-
peating arms. The result was most satisfactory in
every respect — a complete success for the rifle, a
rapidity of firing being attained cf eighty-six shots
in two minutes, or more than double that of the
old Spencer seven-shooter. In 1883 a company
was formed for their manufacture, of which Mr.
Spencer was treasurer and general manager. It
was known as the Spencer Arms Co., and had a
capital of $400,000, with works located at Wind-
sor, Conn. In 1883 Mr. Spencer, in company with
the president, L. A. Bartlett, and another, visited
Europe, and exhibited the rifle to the military au-
thorities of England, France, Germany, Austria^
Italy and Denmark with uniform success. This
venture, however, failed in the end of success, and
by it Mr. Spencer lost heavily.
This enterprise over with, we again find Mr.-
Spencer turning his attention to the automatic screw
machine. In an article which appeared in the No-
vember, 1899, number of the "Engineering Mag-
azine," prepared by Henry Roland, under the head
of "The Revolution in Machine Shop Practice and
the Development of the Automatic Screw Ma-
chine," Mr. Spencer's identity therewith is treated
fully, and his name coupled with those of Maudslay
and Stone — the former bringing out the slide rest,
which is the foundation of the toolmaker's art, and
which placed the English toolmakers for about half
a century in advance of all others, leading the
world in 1845 ! ^"d the latter being the first to
comprehend the advantages of applying to Mauds-
lay's slide rest a revolving head carrying a number
of metal-working tools, and capable of being either
revolved or locked to the slide at the will of the
operator. Stone thus making the first great step
in advance in machine shop tools after Maudslay's
introduction of the slide rest; he took out patents
on the turret machine in about 1858. "The mag-
nificent economical result of the full automatic tur-
ret machines, now seen busily engaged in the pro-
duction of small machine parts without a single
workman in sight, is due to the work of Maudslay,
supplemented by that of Stone, and placed beyond'
the hindrance of human intervention by Spencer.
From Maudslay to Stone covered a period of nearly
fifty years, and from Stone to the final completion
of Spencer's work, now only put fairly on the mar-
ket, nearly fifty years more were consumed, so that
it may be said, with tolerable accuracy, that a
whole century of observation and effort, on the
part of by far the best and most intelligent me-
chanics ever known in the historv of the human
race, has been consumed in perfecting the slide
rest and utilizing the full scope of its powers."
To show Mr. Spencer's connection with the au-
tomatic turret machine and its use, we quote the
following from the article referred to in the fore-
going : "Mr. Spencer produced a double-turret ma-
chine which can make almost any small machine
part, of generally circular outline, without human
intervention. In the operation of the semi-auto-
matic turret machine the workman has to move
the turret-conveying slide toward and away from
the work-carrying spindle varying distances at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
891
varving rates of travel, and to move the cross slide
ill various directions. The full-automatic machine
must, of course, make approximately the same mo-
tions, and these motions vary in sequence and ex-
tent for every different piece made. These motions
of the machine parts must he given, in the full-
automatic machine, by means of cams placed on a
shaft which makes one revolution during the pro-
duction of each piece of work, and at tirst sight
the fullrautomatic turret machine would seem im-
jwssible because of the vast number and cost of
the different sets of cams required to adapt the ma-
chine to anything like general use. Spencer met
this seemingly insurmountable obstacle by invent-
ing a blank cam cylinder of large diameter, to which
small pieces of plain iron bais of rectangular section
could be screwed in any desired position, so as to
constitute an endless succession of different cams,
suited to produce any required movements of the
turret machine members, at no cost beyond the
small expenditure of time required to 'set up' the
cam strips on the cam cylinder. The importance
of this form of cam was wholly overlooked b}- the
patent attorney who prepared Spencer's application
for patent on the automatic screw machine, and so
was never covered by any claim whatever. The
universal cam was, and is, however, one of the
most important of all the inventions ever made in
metal-cutting machines, and deserves to rank with
?*Iaudslay's slide rest and Stone's adaptation of the
turret to the general requirements of machine part
production. Here then, at last, three-quarters of
a century after Maudslay had shown that a lathe
could hold and guide its own cutting tools bettjr
than anv workman would hold them, Spencer
produced the lathe which could take a bar of
stock and work it up into small machine parts
whoUv without human intervention. Parkhurst, of
Middietown, Conn., had in the Pratt & Whitney
shops applied the hand-operated push collet to
feeding and holding rods in the turret machine.
Spencer took the draw-back collet for the same
purpose, both the draw-back collet and the push col-
let for holding work in rotating tool spindles being
before known as the Parkhurst invention. With
the collet for holding the bar of stock in the live
spindle and the protean cam, the full-automatic
screw machine became a universal tool, of as gen-
eral application to the production of machine parts
as the lathe, planer or drilling machine, and made
more, better and cheaper work than was ever be-
fore possible. This was seemingly the end of the
possibilities of machine production in small work.
"The full-automatic turret machine was not,
however, the limit of the possibilities of the metal-
working lathe when viewed bv a mind as compre-
hensive as Spencer's. His final inventions in turret
machines reached the superlative degree of the
double turret screw machine which has vastly
greater powers than the single turret machine. The
single turret lathe can do everything that the most
skillful turner can do — a piece chucked in the live
spindle and running "in the air,' as the shop ex-
pression has it. A piece of metal so held lias its
sides and outer end fully exposed, and tiiese may
be given any desired shape, without removing the
work from the chuck. Jiut many pieces require
cuts to be made on the third .surface, which is not:
accessible, being inside the chuck of the live
spindle, or otherwise supporting the piece as it is
worked. To meet this case Spencer introduced a sec-
ond chucking spindle, opposed to the live spindle,
and capable of moving toward the live spindle, and
grasping a jjiece of partly completed work while
yet hekl by the live spindle, and, when the work
is released from the live spindle, this second chuck-
carrying spindle is made to move backward away
from the live spindle, carrying the incompleted
piece to a new location, where it can be fully com-
pleted by tools carried in the double turret. Thus
a screw which requires a slotted head may have its
thread, body and head formed while chucked in the
live spindle; its second spindle comes forward and
surrounds and grasps the screw up to the head,
and as soon as the screw is cut off from the bar
held in the live spindle, the second spindle travels
backward and stops in such a position that tools
carried by the second turret can shave and slot
the screw head, or bore a cross-hole through it and
drill and tap the head to form a combined screw
and binding post, for electrical work, for example.
Thus it produces completed on a wholly automatic
machine pieces which could only be made by two,
three and four operations on as many different
machines by the first practice known before Spen-
cer's magnificent inventions, which have great
powers of cost reduction coupled with the surpris-
ing simplicity of construction which is the Hall-
mark of genius." Mr. Spencer is identified with
the Spencer Automatic Screw Co., formed by him
in the early years of his development of the useful
turret machine. He is now perfecting what gives
great promise of being one of the most modern and
complete steam motor carriages in the market.
In June, i860, Mr. Spencer was married to
Theodora Peck, who died without issue Xov. 7,
1881, and he married, July 3, 1883, Georgette Tay-
lor Rogers, of Norwich, Conn., born there Oct. 2,
1859, «^ daughter of George W. and Fanny L. (Tav-
lor) Rogers, who were born in Orleans, Mass. To
the second marriage of Mr. Spencer have come Ves-
ta, born at Windsor, Conn., Aug. 5, 1884; Roger M.,
born Sept. 8, 1886; Luzette T.. born Jan. 31, 1889,
who died Dec. 29, 1894: and Percival H., born
April 30, .1897.
WILLIAM JOSEPH TRACY, one of the beit
known meat dealers in Bristol, was born in that
borough in the homestead on Curtis street, Xov.
16, 1869.
James Tracy, father of \\'illiam J., was born in
392
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
County Westmeath, Ireland, April 12, 1839, and
assisted his father on tlie home farm until he came
to America. On April 8, 1857, he landed in New
York, and thence came direct to Bristol, Conn.,
where he worked in various factories until 1868,
in that year being employed as engineer by N. L.
Birge, with whom he remained for twenty-seven
years or until 1895, when he started a meat and
vegetable stand on Curtis street.
James Tracy first married. May 7, i860, Marga-
ret Burke, who died in July, 1863. Mr. Tracy's
second marriage took place May 5, 1865, to Kath-
erine Baggett, who was born in Limerick, Ireland,
April 7, 1843. The children born to Mr. Tracy by
his first wife were three in number, viz. : Ellen and
Marv (twins), born Jan. 11, 1861, and of these
Ellen died Feb. 22, 1861, and Mary on March 10,
1885; Annie, born May 19, 1863, died Dec. 13,
1863. The second marriage of Mr. Tracy has been
blessed with ten children, viz. : James, born March
21, 1866, is employed in J. H. Sessions & Son's fac-
tory; John, born March 27, 1867, died April 10,
1867; Margaret, born July 18, 1868, is married to
David M. Barry, of Bristol; William Joseph is the
subject; Lucy, 'born Sept. 26, 1871 ; Thomas, born
June 2, 1873, graduated from Yale College with
honors in 1896, and is now in Chicago, 111. ; Cather-
ine, born Jan. 2, 1877, is a teacher in the Chippin
Hill school ; Agnes, born Aug. 19, 1878, was a mem-
ber of St. Joseph's Catholic Church choir, and died
April 13, 1897; Ellen, born April 21, 1880, is still
at home ; and Edward, born March 24, 1883, is em-
ploved by the E. Ingraham Co. James Tracy and his
family are devout members of St. Joseph's Catholic
Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
Michael Tracy, father of James, was born in
County Westmeath, Ireland, and was a farmer. He
married Mary Moore, and had a family of six sons
and one daughter. John Tracy, father of Michael,
was also a "farmer. He married Mary Gannon,
and had a family of five children.
William Joseph Tracy attended the common
schools of Bristol until fifteen years old, then en-
tered the anploy of the E. Ingraham Clock Co., and
learned and worked at gilding for nine years, when
that class of work was discontinued by the company
as no longer in vogue. Mr. Tracy then formed a
partnership with James Hefferman in the meat trade
on Laurel street, under the firm name of Tracy &
Hefferman ; but ten months later the firm dissolved
and Mr. Tracy started alone, in the same line, on
Curtis street, where his father now carries on the
trade, W^illiam J. having relinquished it at the close
of ten months. William J. Tracy next entered the
'employ of H. E. Kilborne & Co. as clerk, and at
the end of two years bought out the firm. He still
conducts the business on North Main street, at the
■old stand, and has the largest, best equipped and
most prosperous shop in the town.
Mr. Tracy was joined in matrimony June 12,
•1895, with Miss Ellen B. Lacey, who was born in
Palmer, Mass., _April 19, 1873, a daughter of John
Lacey, and this marriage has been blessed with
two children: William, born April 17, 1897; and
Francis, born April 2, 1900. The family reside at
No. 282 Summer street, where Mr. Tracy erected
his modern dwelling in 1896.
Mr. and Mrs. Tracy are members of St. Joseph's
Catholic Church, to the support of which they liber-
ally contribute. He is a member of the A. O. U.
W., and of the Y. M. T. A. and B., of which he was
one of the organizers and the first president, hold-
ing the office for three years. At the last conven-
tion of this association, held in 1899, he was elected
county director, but resigned after six months ser-
vice, though he still retains his position as trustee
of the society, an office he has held ever since its
organization. He is likewise a member of the
A. O. H., of Bristol.
Mr. Tracy is a stanch Democrat, and served as
constable from 1893 to 1896; was also a member of
the board of burgesses from May, 1897, to May,
1899, and during that period was a member of the
committees on Sewers and Buildings. He has for
years been a member of the Democratic Town Com-
mittee. In 1899 he served on the grand jury of the
Superior Court of Hartford. He is very popular
as a citizen and party man, and he and his wife
enjoy the respect of all who know them.
SENATOR ELIZUR STILLMAN GOOD-
RICH, president of the Hartford Street Railway
Co., and of the Hartford & New York Transporta-
tion Co., and a director in the City Bank, descends
from one of the oldest of New England families,
which is traced to William Goodrich, who was born
in England, probably in or near Bury St. Ed-
munds, County of Suffolk, was the first of the name
to come to America, and married, in 1648, Sarah,
daughter of Matthew Marvin, of Hartford. He
was admitted as a freeman of the Colony of Con-
necticut in 1656, served as deputy to the General
Court at Hartford from Wethersfield in 1662, and
was also one of the grand jurors. He died in
1676, and through one of his sons — John, William,
Ephraim or David — the subject of this sketch is in
the seventh generation.
From an article on this family prepared by
Hon. Grant Goodrich, of Chicago, 111., it appears
that it had an existence in Great Britain long prior
to the Norman Conquest, as the ruins of Goodrich
Castle, which stands on a commanding eminence
near the southeastern extremity of Herefordshire,
clearly indicated Saxon construction as to its
"keep," the surrounding works being Norman. It
is also shown by Doomsday Book ( 1066) that land-
holders bearing the name of Goodrich were numer-
ous in the county alluded to.
Elizur S. Goodrich, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born in Wethersfield, Conn., Dec. 28,
1834, a son of Elizur and Jerusha (Stillman) Good-
rich, natives of the same town. The parents have
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
jjassed avva\', ami the tombstones that mark their
last resting place show that the father died Feb.
lo, 1854, at the age of fift\-six years, and that
the mother died Jan. 2, 1835, aged thirty-one.
Elizur S. Goodrich received his elementary edu-
cation in the public schools of his native town,
and this was supplemented by further study at
AV'illiston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass. While
yet a boy he entered the office of the chief engineer
of the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill railroad, a
portion of the road being at the time in the course of
construction. He served this company in various
capacities ten or more years, and left it only when
■oftered charge of the Hartford & W'etherstield horse
railway, now the Hartford Street Railway, which
was placed in operation in 1863. In 1864 he was
made president of the company, and through the
"long fight" in which he was the victor he was the
direct manager of the company's affairs. With the
growth of the business of the road the duties of
the president became more arduous, and JNIr. Good-
rich is to-day at the head of a system which is con-
sidered by railroad authorities as possibly the best
in the country, horses having been discarded and
electricity substituted as the motive power in 1894.
At this date the company had two lines only ; it
now covers the principal streets, connects with a
number of the adjoining towns, has about eighty
miles of read, runs from 150 to 200 cars, and em-
ploys about 450 men.
Mr. Goodrich is also at the head of the Hart-
ford & New York Transportation Co., which runs
a line of steamers between the two cities, and carries
all the freight conveyed by water. Of this com-
pany he became president in 1885, when it was
practically bankrupt, and with wonderful foresight
and business tact has placed it on a solid, paying
basis, having discarded the old out-of-date boats
and built others of modern construction, equal if
not superior to any that run on Long Island Sound.
Among the old boats disposed of was the once
favorite "Hartford," wdiich was disposed of to the
Government during an emergency, and replaced
by the modern, unexcelled steamer of the same
name. The probability is that much of Mr. Good-
rich's practical business ability is hereditary, as his
father was a civil engineer, surveyed the roads,
and otherwise assisted in the construction of the
steam railroad lines in the earlv days in Connecti-
ciit. and inculcated habits of methodical thought
into the mind of his only son, the subject of this
sketch.
Hon. Elizur S. Goodrich has affiliated with the
Republican party ever since its formation, and has
exerted much influence in its councils, besides aiding
in its success at the polls. Although he has never
sought a favor from the party, the party has more
than once sought his services. In 1895 he repre-
sented the town of Wethersfield in the General
Assembly, and in that bodv served on the committee
on Incorporations and on the Judiciary committee.
In 1897 he was elected senator from the Second
district, and during that session was chairman of
the committee on Cities and iJorougiis; and so ably
and admirably did he execute the functions of his
high office that he was re-elected to the same body
at the termination of his term, in 1899. Mr.
Goodrich stands very high as a Alason. He was
"made" in St. John's Lodge, but later became a
charter member of Lafayette Lodge, and is also a
member of the chapter and council, and of Wash-
ington Commandery.
On (Jet. 19, 1859, Elizur S. Goodrich was united
in marriage with Miss Mary A. Hanmer, and this
union has been graced with two children, James R.
and Mabel E. James R. is filling the position of
purchasing agent for the street railway company,
and is a gentleman of fine executive abilit}' ; he
married Miss Elizabeth Judd, of Holyoke, Alass.,
and to them have been born two children, James
S. and William J. The daughter, Mabel E., is
married to George H. Gilman, a lawyer of promi-
nence in Hartford.
Senator Goodrich is a true American, of the
self-made type, and is the embodiment of industry,
energy and abilit}', through which alone he has
risen to his present high standing in the business,
political and social world. He has always kept his
home in A\'ethersfield, although for )-ears he has
maintained a residence in Hartford, which he oc-
cupies part of each year, and at either home there
is always extended, during its occupancy, a gener-
ous and refined hospitality to a large circle of warm
and sincere friends of the family.
RUFUS ALBERT SANFORD was born in
Bristol Sept. 9, 1841, son of David A. and Lois
Susannah (Norton) Sanford, mention of wdiom is
made elsewhere.
Our subject was but three years old when taken
by his parents to Wolcott, where he attended school
until seventeen years old. He then commenced
learning the carpenter's trade at Plymouth, with
Oliver Bailey, stayed there six or eight months,
went thence to ]\Ieriden, and within ten months
finished learning under Jones & Hull. In the
spring of 1865 he came to Bristol and worked about
six months for Case and Hall, contractors, when
this firm dissolved, and Mr. Sanford continued
in the employ of Elber Case six months longer.
Mr. Sanford now began doing contract work for
himself, was most successful, erected a large num-
ber of fine dwellings in the borough, and continued
in the business until 1883, but during three years of
this time worked as a journeyman for David ^^^
Hall. In 1883 he went to the Dunbar Brothers, as
their carpenter, and is still in their employ, and
while there has added to his mechanical knowledge,
learning the machinist's trade.
Mr. Sanford is eminent as a !\Iason, having at-
tained the thirty-second degree, and is a member of
Sphinx Temple, ^Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. His
394
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife was a member of one of the auxiliary lodges,
but resigned on account of ill health. Mr. Sanford
is also a member of Pequabuck Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
in which he was formerly treasurer ; is a member of
Ethan Lodge, No. 9, K. of P. ; and was formerly a
member of the American Mechanics and of the Im-
proved Order of Red Men.
Rufus A. Sanford was joined in wedlock June
20, 1866, to Sarah Jane Nettleton, who was born
Oct. 28, 1841, a daughter of Garry and Mary (Bron-
son) Nettleton, of Bristol, and passed away June
23, 1900. Two children came to bless this union,
but 'both were most untimely called away : Fred-
erick George, born July 31, 1867, died Dec. 14, 1880;
and Anar Eliza, born Dec. 17, 1885, died the same
day. Mrs. Sanford was a devout member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, which they attended
regularly a number of years, being most highly es-
teemed by the congregation, as well as by all their
neighbors. Mr. Sanford is a Republican in politics,
but, although very popular, has led too busy a life
to spare any time in intermeddling with party af-
fairs or in office seeking.
CHARLES C. GOODRICH, manager of the
Hartford & New York Transportation Co., Hart-
ford, is an example of a man who early chose some
branch of business, and by sticking to it and ex-
hibiting diligence and ability therein has risen to
prominence and success. For thirty years Mr.
Goodrich has been engaged in marine commerce,
and for twenty years since its organization has
been manager of the above named company, which
under his oversight has developed into an important
and successful industry, transporting passengers
and freight by water between New York and all
points on the Connecticut river intermediate be-
tween New York and Hartford. Mr. Goodrich has
given his whole time, strength and interest to this
business, and the story of his life is the history of
the company he has helped to create.
Mr. Goodrich was born Julv 30, 1845, in Weth-
ersfield. Conn., son of Joshua and Mary A. (Wells)
Goodrich, also natives of Wethersfield. They were
farming people, and lived lives such as to com-
mend them to the community, by whom they were
held in esteem and respect. Mr. Goodrich died
when aged sixt}' years, and Mrs. Goodrich passed
away aged sixty-eight.
Our subject was educated in the South grammar
school, Hartford, and in Williston Academy, East-
hampton, Mass., and began his business career as
a seed grower in Portland, Conn. He next went
to New York, where, associated with his brother,
F. W. Goodrich, for six years, he was engaged in
freighting, and during that period was called upon
to supervise the freighting business of M. R.
Brazos, on Long Island Sound, Mr. Brazos being at
that time one of the prominent vessel owners of the
East. This circumstance finally led to our sub-
ject's going to Hartford, he having during such
connection gone thither, on the death of Mr. Brazos,
to close up some of his business affairs. Later Mr.
Goodrich reorganized the old company with which
Mr. Brazos had been connected with some fifteen
boats, and out of the reorganization finally came,
through the manipulation of our subject, the Hart-
ford & New York Transportation Co., the present
officers of which are : Hon. E. S. Goodrich, presi-
dent ; Charles C. Goodrich, manager ;, and E. B.
Williams, superintendent. The first few years" of
the company's existence were attended with disas-
ter, heav}' losses occurring by the destruction of a
number of boats, but through wise and judicious
management the company was held together and
its business placed on a paying basis. In 1896 the
company added to their fleet the twin-screw steelr
propeller "Hartford," of modern build, and in 1898
another boat, the "Middletown,'' built on the same
principle. One year later, during the Spanish-
American war, the first of these was sold to the
L^nited States Government for a hospital ship ; and
to take the place of it the company built another
boat, a fac-simile of the '"Middletown," both of
which ply regularl)' over the line traveled by the
company. These boats are especially adapted for
navigation in shoal water, and have a light draft.
Their tonnage is about fifteen hundred each, with
stateroom and berth capacity for about four hun-
dred passengers; these quarters are comfortably
fitted up, are kept scrupulously clean and inviting,
and in a thoroughly sanitary condition. This line
of boats is one of the best plying the waters of the
Sound. During the summer months these boats are
crowded to their fullest capacit5^
Our subject has been connected with this com-
pany twenty-six years, and aside from his official
position as general manager he is a director of the
compan)^ ; and of all of its force of officers and em-
ployes he is the oldest in point of service. During
all these years Mr. Goodrich has labored faithfully
and abl};- toward the upbuilding and advancement
of the company's interests, and to his credit it can
be said that his efforts have not been in vain. The
business of the company has constantly grown ; in
1880 it purchased the ship yard and marine rail-
way formerly- belonging to M. Q. Darton, at Dutch
Point, and since then it has built many barges and
tugs, some fifteen in all. The company now has
thirty tugs, barges and steamboats, comprising a
fleet valued at $600,000, and in addition possesses
real estate to the amount of $200,000, which in-
cludes docks, ways, etc., at Hartford, Middletown
and elsewhere. Our subject gives his personal at-
tention to nearly every detail connected with the
business of this large fleet of the couipany, and it is
needless to say that his adaptation to his charge,
together with his long years of service and experi-
ence in this line, make him 'a most valuable ad-
junct to the company in the way of an able and
judicious manager. He has business interests else-
where, among them at Middletown, where his
I
!
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
395
brother I'rederick W., is vice-president of the Mid-
dletown Coal Company, one of the most successful
corporations in its line of business in the State; of
this company our subject is a director and also
manager.
In 1875 Charles C. Goodrich was married to
Beulah, daughter of Calvin i\lurray, a shipbuilder
of Guilford, Conn., in which town the daughter
was born, being one of four children, three of
whom survive. To our subject and his wife has
come one child, Raymond M., who is now engaged
with his father in same line of business.
EUGENE B. WILLIAMS, the efficient super-
intendent of the Hartford & New York Transpor-
tation Co., the main offices of which are at Hart-
ford, and with two exceptions the oldest in point
of time of the compan)''s many employes, his service
covering a period of nearly a quarter of a century,
has descended on both sides from an early New
England ancestry.
Born Jan. 5, 1858, in Haddam, Conn., ]\Ir.
Williams is a son of Capt. Ezra H. Williams, and
grandson of Elijah Williams, who was born in
Colchester, this State, and who by trade and occu-
pation through life was a blacksmith. Elijah
Williams married Mehetabel Dickinson, a native
of Haddam, which place for years has been the
home of the family, the ancestry of which in New
England is traced back to Nathaniel Dickinson, one
of the first settlers of Wethersfield, Conn., in 1637.
To their marriage were born eight children, two
of whom, Capt. W. S. Williams, of Hartford, and
Mrs. Nancy Hayden, of Haddam, survive. Both
grandparents were identified with the M. E. Church ;
he died about 1838, she in 1863.
Capt. Ezra H. Williams was born Nov. 9, 1827,
in Haddam, where he passed his boyhood up to
twelve years of age, receiving the rudiments of an
education in the public schools of the town. At
that early age he started out in life for himself,
as a sailor on a coasting vessel, and by his force of
character and ambition forged his way through the
successive steps to that of master or captain of a
vessel. He was engaged in the coasting trade on
the sound and ocean, sailing sometimes from Hart-
ford as far south as Charleston, S. C, up to
1866. In 1872 a barge line was formed, and of it
Capt. Williams became president, a position he held
until 1877, the line then being merged into the
Hartford Transportation Co. Of this company he
was made president, and held the office from that
time on until his death. Capt. W'illiams was one of
the incorporators of the Dredging Co., and its
president. This company was for many years a
good paying concern. As a seafaring man he stood
high, and was popular in the sound and ocean trade.
He was careful and judicious, a man of honor and
integrity, which, together with his tact and thorough
knowledge of men and the trade, inspired confi-
dence. His long experience and practical knowl-
edge of seafaring life ami business made him a
master of it. lie had loaded and unloaded and
handled all kinds and sizes of water craft, from the
old sailing vessel to the most modern steamship.
At one time he had under his management some
twenty-five vessels, liis acquaintance with sea-
faring men and the business extended from Maine
to Florida, and he enjoyed among them a deserved
popularity. In point of service he was one of the
oldest men engaged in the coast trade, and did much
to originate and develop the line of steamboats of
the Hartford Transportation Co., which has since
been so successfully operated, i'robably no other
one man did more to advance the interest of that
company during the years that he was connected
with it than Capt. Williams. The Captain was a
member of the Masonic fraternity.
On Jan. 16, 1854, Capt. Williams was married
to jNIary Dickinson, born in Haddam, daughter of
Capt. Nehemiah and Julia (Sabinj Dickinson, and
to the marriage were born : Eugene B., Grace E.,
and Julia S., all residing with the mother. Capt.
Dickinson (also a descendant of Nathaniel Dickm-
son, the pioneer), was engaged in the coasting trade,
and was at one time the master of a vessel engaged
in the West India trade. He died in 1841, when
comparatively a young man. Mrs. Julia (Sabinj
Dickinson, who was a native of Colchester, lived to
be eighty-four. Of the nine children born to her-
self and husband only three are now living, Mrs.
Williams being the youngest ; the others are : Julia
(Mrs. Capt. David C. Russell, of Haddam) and
Eveline (Mrs. Austin S. Clark, also of Haddam).
Eight of the nine lived to mature age; two died in
1900, one at the age of eighty-six, and the other at
eighty-five.
Eugene B. Williams, the subject proper of this
sketch, passed his early boyhood in his native town
and attended its schools, completing his education
in the public schools of Hartford, to which city he
was taken at the early age of nine years. At nine-
teen he began a seafaring life under the direction of
his father, with whom he was associated in the
latter's' varied experiences on the river, sound and
ocean, and under his watchful eye was thoroughly
experienced in the service and well-equipped for the
duties which his present position has brought upon
him. He passed through all of the grades from an
ordinary sailor to engineer, and served on botli
sailing and steam boats. He became familiar with
all branches of the coasting business, which is of
great advantage to him in his present position.
Leaving the water in 1887, after a decade of service
with the present company, our subject came ashore,
and was acting superintendent up to 1892, in which
year he was made superintendent of the company,
an office for which he was most admirably quali-
fied, and the duties of which he has most efficiently
and satisfactorily performed. The magnitude of
the company's business may be judged from the
sketches of its manager and president, appearing
396
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
elsewhere. Our subject is an affable, genial fellow,
sociable and popular. He is a member of Charter
Oak Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., at Hartford. His
political affiliations are with the Republican party.
AMOS WHITNEY, president of the Pratt &
Whitney Co., Hartford, is justly ranked as foremost
among- the representative, self-made men of the
community, and the city is greatly indebted to him
for his share in building up in its midst a gigantic
industrial establishment, which has made a name
and reputation for Hartford in nearly every civi-
lized land on the globe, and which is so closely
identified with the material prosperity of the city.
His personality has been a most potent one here for
fifty years — a half century — and his identity through
all these years with this great plant, the welfare of
which in turn has been so materially connected with
that of the community, places him in the front rank
of the city's prominent men.
Mr. Whitney was born Oct. 8, 1832, at Bidde-
ford, Maine, son of Aaron and Rebecca (Perkins)
Whitney, whose ancestors were among the early
and prominent settlers of New England. John
Whitney, the emigrant ancestor of this branch of
the Whitney family, was born in 1589, and resided
from 1619 to January, 1623-24, at Isleworth-on-
the-Thames. His wife, Elinor, with children ac-
companied him to America in 1635. They settled
in Watertown, in the Massachusetts Colony, soon
after their arrival. Mr. Whitney was an important
];-ian in the communit}', and held various public
;ar.ices. He died in 1673. From this emigrant
f^-'icestor Amos Whitney, of the Pratt & Whitney
Qi., Hartford, is a descendant in the eighth gener-
^llon, the line of his descent being through Jona-
than, Jonathan (2), Daniel, Lieut. Levi, Aaron and
Aaron (2).
(H) Jonathan Whitney, son of John, the emi-
..grant, born in England in 1634, married in 1656, in
Watertown, Lydia, daughter of Lewis Jones. He
was admitted as an inhabitant in Sherborn in 1679,
and there died in 1702.
(IH) Jonathan Whitney (2), son of Jonathan,
born in 1658, married Sarah Hapgood. He lived
in Sherborn, Watertown, and Concord, where he
died in 1735. He served in Iving Philip's war.
(IV) 'Daniel Whitney, son of Jonathan (2),
born in 1710, in Sudbury, married in 1739 Thank-
ful, daughter of Elnathan and Mercy (Rice) Allen,
of Sudbury. He resided in Shrewsbury, Massa-
chusetts.
(V) Lieut. Leyi Whitney, son of Daniel, born
in 1739, married (first), in 1764, Rebecca Clark.
During the war of the Revolution Mr. Whitney
was an officer in the commissary department, with
rank of lieutenant. He possesed much mechanical
ingenuity, and was a manufacturer of agricultural
tools. ITe resided in Townsend and Shrewsbury,
-Mass. He died in 1809.
(VI) Aaron Whitney, son of Lieut. Levi, born
in 1772 in Townsend, Mass., married (first) in
1797 Phebe Dunklee, who was born in 1778, and
died in 1800. Mr. Whitney was a blacksmith by
trade, and in 1812 was the postmaster at Amherst,
Mass. His shop was burned in 1815, and in 1819
be removed to Calais, Maine. For some years he
was a prominent citizen of Amherst. He died in
1845-
(VII) Aaron Whitney (2), son of Aaron, and
the father of Amos Whitney, of Hartford, was born
Dec. 15, 1801, in Amherst. He was married at
Biddeford, Maine, to Rebecca Perkins, who was
born in March, 1809, and they resided at Bidde-
for.d, Maine, and other points, and finally at Hart-
ford, Conn. He was a machinist by trade and occu-
pation, and died in January, 1866. His family
consisted of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters.
The rudiments of his education the subject of
this sketch acquired in the vihage schools in Bidde-
ford and Saccarappa, Maine, and Exeter, N. H., his
parents removing when Amos was eight years of
age to Saccarappa, and four years later to Exeter,
where he saw the last of the school room two years
later, at which period the family had taken up a
home at Lawrence, Mass. Here he was apprenticed,
before he was fourteen, to the machinist's trade
with the Essex Machine Co., and thoroughly mas-
tered the trade. The sliop in which he worked was
a very large one for those days, devoted to the mak-
ing of cotton machinery, locomotives and machinists'
tools. His apprenticeship of three years and one
year as a journeyman were served on the latter
work. At the end of the fourth year he followed
his father to Colt's pistol factory at Hartford, Conn.,
where both father and son were working as machin-
ists in September, 1850. It maj' be noted here
that among the Whitneys for generations there had
been many skilled mechanics. Aaron Whitney was
an expert locksmith and machinist, and no doubt
the son, our subject, inherited from him his taste
in a mechanical line and also the father's pro-
nounced skill. Eli Whitne}^ of cotton-gin fame,
as well as of firearms note, was a descendant of the
same remote ancestor as is Amos.
In 1852 Francis A. Pratt, now of the Pratt &
Whitney Co., came to Hartford to take a position
in the pistol factory of Col. Colt, where he was em-
ployed until 1854, when he accepted the position
of superintendent of the Phoenix Iron Works, and
about this time or a little previously young Whit-
ney went to the same works, which were then con-
ducted by Levi Lincoln and his two sons. These
two young machinists — Pratt and Whitney — were
closely associated as superintendent and contractor
at the Phoenix Iron Works, and although remain-
ing with the firm until 1864, in the summer of
i860 rented a room on Potter street, and began
doing some work on their own account in manu-
C-i>'^>^iA^ ' 64/ y-t-tyc^z
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
auT
facturing a little machine called a "spooler," for
the Willimaiitic Linen Co., who owned the device
for winding thread — the Conant patent. This was
the beginning of the great I'ralL & Whitney Co.
of to-day. The following l'"ebruary from their
start these gentlemen were burned out, but a month
later saw them again settled for business in what
was then the Woods building, in the rear of the
Times office, wliere they continued to spread through
one room 'after another till all the available space
was outgrown bv the expansion of the business.
In 1862 Messrs. I'ratt & Whitney took into partner-
ship iMonroe Stannard, of New Britain, each con-
tributing $1,200, and the association has smce re-
mained unbroken. One of the chief products of
the early firm was a milling machine, designed by
Mr. Pratt. Since then there have been nearly 7,000
of these machines made by the company, distributed
to all parts of the world. The design of the ma-
chine is substantially the same to-day as that of
nearly forty years ago. Mr. Stannard, on coming
into the firm, assumed charge of the running of the
shop, but the business so increased that Messrs.
Pratt & Whitney found it necessary to give up their
positions in the Phoenix Iron Works and devote their
whole time to their own business. In 1865 the firm
erected the first building on the present site, which
was readv for occupancy the following JMarch. From
time to time others have been added, till the plant
now occupies about five and one-half acres of floor
room, equipped throughout with the most approved
appliances for protection against fire, for the comfort
of the employes, and for the convenient and eco-
nomical dispatch of work. The property lies on
both sides of the Park river, with the tracks of the
Consolidated and of the New England railway ^j on
the northern border, about one-fourt'.i of a mile
from the passenger station.
Beginning with the manufacture of machine
tools, gun tools, and tools for the makers of sewing
machines, the firm has gradually extended its lines,
till a partial catalogue of its products fills hundreds
of pages. The invention of the typewriter and
the bicycle materially enlarged the demand for tools.
Since the advent of these industries the company
has largely supplied manufacturers throughout the
country with appliances for doing work. Here, in
applied mechanics, the resources of science and art
have been long and conscientiously devoted to the
task of embodying the ideal in the real. In 1866
Roswell F. Blodgett and Seth W. Bishop were ad-
mitted to an equal interest with the other members
in the partnership. Owing to the constant in-
crease in the business it became necessary to organ-
ize a joint-stock company. The net assets of
$3,600, in 1862, had grown during four years to
$75,000, and the next three years they made and
put into the business a clean profit of $100,000. In
July, 1869, the Pratt & Whitney Co. was formed,
with a capital of $350,000. From that day to
this but $150,000 in cash has been put into the
business — the rest of the increase of capital has
been earned. A stock 'dividend was declared a few
jears later, and the capital was increased to $500,-
000 (to $400,000 in 1873 and to $500,000 in 1875J,
where it remained until i8y3, when the company was
reorganized with a ca[)ital of $3,000,000, two-thirds
in preferred stock and one-third in common stock,
figures which were based upon the company's as-
sets and earning power. The company has em-
ployed as many as 1,180 hands, and manufactures
a larger variety of machines than any concern in the
world. When^ the company was reorganized in
1893 the limit of production for a year was $1,118,-
000. With the same business activity now the es-
tablishment could produce in the same period goods
to the value of $2,000,000.
In 1882 what is known as the west building was
erected. In 1887 the company completed, on the
east side of Fowler street, an addition of four stor-
ies, containing 44,000 square feet of floorage. In
1891 they erected, on the south side of the Park
river, a building 295 feet x 45 feet, two stories above
the basement, for the exclusive use of the small
tool department. In 1895 they built a forge shop
165 feet x 50 feet, and lengthened the original shop
about 18 feet, for the enlargement of the offices and
stores above. There are now over 233,000 square
feet of floorage.
Back as far as 1870 Mr. Pratt visited Berlin,
and after an absence of six weeks returned to Hart-
ford with orders from the German Government for
gun machinery to the value of $350,000. Within
the next three years he made three trips to Berlin,
taking orders and delivering to the government
goods worth over one and a quarter million dol-
lars. Since 1888 the company has made over four
hundred Hotchkiss guns, mostly to form the second-
ary batteries of our new war vessels.
Through all these years, and up to the spring of
1898, Mr. Whitney, our subject, was superinten-
dent of the works, and was vice-president after
1893. In March, 1898, he became president. For
over forty years Messrs. Pratt & Whitney, brought
together casually at first, have toiled in harmonious
intimacy to the profit of each other and to the
wider benefit of those who have trusted them — a
rare instance of such business and social relations.
Mr. Whitney has always been an indefatigable
worker, and has probably put in more than ten
hours' work for every day since he was fourteen
years old. From the organization of the firm until
1883 he never had more than one or two days" vaca-
tion in a year. He has ever kept in close touch with
his men, and there is to-day the same bond of s}Tn-
pathy and loyalty between them that existed forty
years ago. Every man in the shop feels this. One
of them remarked :
"Mr. Whitney is a kind-hearted man, of gener-
ous impulses. He is very popular with all of the
men here, and all feel a very strong allegiance to
him. Whatever he promises he will do. He is
398
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
perfectly straight-forward in his dealings with his
men, and there is no need of a contract with him,
if his word has been passed."
Mr. Whitney has given his life to business, has
no tastes or inclinations for public preferinent, i^nd
has declined to participate in political affairs. He is
a stanch Republican, and does his duty as a citi-
zen in this line, always taking a great deal of in-
terest in party questions and matters. He is a
man of decidedly domestic tastes, and enjoys his
beautiful home on the corner of Whitney street
and Farmington avenue. For thirty years past he
has traveled for his company nearly one-third of the
time, and is in very close touch with the hundreds
of customers of the great concern. He is a director
in the Pratt & Cady Co. ; is president of and a di-
rector in the Gray Pay Station Telephone Co. ; also
a director in the Co-operative Savings Bank.
On Sept. 8, 1856, Mr. Whitney was married at
Hartford to Miss Laura Johnson, who was born
Nov. 9, 1837, and the union has been blessed with
children as follows : Nellie H., born in i860, died
in 1865 ; Nettie L. ; and Clarence Edgar. The lat-
ter studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology, later passed through a similar training in
the shop and in the office of the company, and re-
signed in March, 1896, to organize and manage the
Whitney Manufacturing Co., which within a year
was employing over one hundred hands.
CHARLES ROLLIN BUNNELL, proprietor
of a prosperous wood-turning establishment in Bris-
tol, is a native of Connecticut, born in Burlington
Feb. 27, 1829. The name was originally spelled
Bunel, then Bunnel and, later, Bunnell.
Hezekiah Bunnell, great-great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1702 in Cheshire, Conn.,
whence he moved to Burlington, Hartford county.
He married Esther Plumb, and they had seven sons.
Hezekiah took up an extensive tract of land in
Burlington, and when he died. May 25, 1764, he
willed to each of his sons a large farm. The
mother passed from earth Dec. 20, 1768.
Nathaniel Bunnell, great-grandfather of our
subject, was born in 1733, and was frozen to death
Dec. 15, 1759, a severe snowstorm overtaking him
while he was out deer hunting. In 1756 he married
Thankful Spencer, who was born in 1735, and died
Jan. 25, 1817. The}' had three children.
Nathaniel Bunnell, grandfather of our subject,
was born May 20, 1758, and died Aug. 22, 1828.
He was a farmer by occupation, and in connection
was also a basketmaker, which was a profitable in-
dustry in those days. He served in the Revolu-
tionary war. Twice married, his second wife was
Rhoda (Bates), born Oct. 5, 1761, and died July
29, 1852. Their children: (i) Dinah, born Dec.
12, 1795, died April 23, 1875, married Royal
Grover. (2) Laura, born March 24, 1798, died
Aug. 27, 1828. (3) Phileta, born Feb. 10, 1800,
died Nov. 15, 181 5. (4) Allen, born Feb. 7, 1802,
died May 20, 1873. (5) Susannah, born Oct. 27,
1804, died in 1834. (6) Thomas, born Nov. 9,
1806, died Feb. 11, 1895. Of these,
Allen Bunnell, father of our subject, was born
in Burlington, Conn., received his education there
and learned the trade of carriagemaker. When a
young man he removed to Bristol, and carried on a
carriage shop in Divinity street. He died May 20,
1873, in what is known as Edgewood, Bristol. On
Feb. 8, 1826, he married Rhoda Atwater, who was
born Nov. 16, 1800, in Bristol, a daughter of Lucius
Atwater. She died July 20, 1879, in Bristol. Their
children: (i) Caroline, born Jan. 13, 1827, mar-
ried Franklin Steele, of Bristol, and died Dec. 9,
1898. (2) Emily, born Jan. 30, 1828, married
John H. Sessions, of Bristol. (3) Charles R., sub-
ject of this sketch. (4) Susannah, born Sept. 16,
1832, married Edward Porter, of Bristol. (5)
Rhoda, born June 23, 1835, died May 3, 1836. (6)
Thomas, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. (7)
Sterling, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
The father of this family was one of the first
Abolitionists, and was one of the seven men of
Bristol who at one time held the controlling power
in the town. Fie burned a keg of powder all by
himself when his three boys were at the front, cele-
brating the freedom of the slaves. He was a very
strong Union man, and equally aggressive on the
temperance subject.
When Charles R. Bunnell was a child of two
years his parents removed to Bristol, and here he
received his education, leaving the West Street
School at the age of thirteen years: He then went
to Whigville, and learned the trade of wood turner
with Ira T. Neal, who was conducting a wa'gon
and sled factory in that village. After a year
there he returned to Bristol, and for one year
worked for Cummings & Burdick, turning handles ;
thence returned to Whigville, and took a contract
with Thomas and David Lowrey, turning parts for
baby carriages, etc., one year; thence went to
Unionville and worked for Winston & Tolles,
makers of furniture knobs, remaining about one
year. Our subject then once more located at Whig-
ville, and again worked for the Lowreys, about six
months, at the end of which time he returned to
Edgewood (Bristol), and for about two years
worked for A. L. & W. Winston. From Edge-
wood he went to Ansonia, and here worked one
year at his trade, turning clock trimmings for Car-
ter & Williams, who had a contract with the Jerome
Clock Co. About this time Mr. Bunnell took it
into his head to try his fortune in California, but
on reaching the Isthmus of Panama was taken sick
while waiting to get farther. He sojourned there
a few weeks, and then returned to Connecticut, and
once more locating in Edgewood went to work for
the Winstons, remaining one year. From there he
went to E. K. Jones' establishment, in Whig-ville,
continuing about three years. In 1855 he went to
Illinois, and applied himself to farming one sum-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
899
mcr ; then returned and entered the employ of Gen.
John N. Bunnell, at L'nionville, inrning silk spools.
After about a year there he took a contract with
a large furniture factory at L'nionville to do their
turning for about one year; then went to work for
the Stanley Rule & Level Co., of New Britain,
remaining with that firm sonic four years, or until
1862.
In that year, on Aug. 6, he enlisted in Company
F, 14th Conn. \'. L He particijjaled in the bat-
tles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellors-
ville, in which latter engagement he was wounded
in the right hand, necessitating his being confined
for three months in Carver tlospital, in Washing-
ton, D. C. ; on Aug. 17, 1863, he was discharged
•on account of disability. After returning from
the army (which, by the way, he had joined in
order to save his father, aged sixty years, from
going to the front), he again worked for the Stan-
ley Rule & Level Co., in New Britain, as a con-
tiactor, remaining two years at wood turning.
In 1865 our subject and his brother Thomas,
who had just returned from the war, embarked in
the wood-turning business in Whigville, and con-
tinued in partnership one year, at the end of which
t.me Charles bought out his brother's share, car-
ried on the business alone for a few months, and
then took into partnership J. B. Smith, the firm
becoming Bunnell & Smith and so remaining some
fourteen years, our subject then selling out to
Brother Friend Smith, and the business was then
• carried on under the firm name of Smith Bros.
Removing to Bristol, Mr. Bunnell took his son-in-
law, Lester L. Lowrey, into partuership in a wood-
turning business on Park street, but Mr. Lowrey
returned to Burlington after one year, and our
subject has since continued the business alone. It
is now located on Wolcott street, and its specialties
are tool handles and small turning.
On June 3, 1849, Mr. Bunnell was united in
marriage with Annis JNIaria Bowen, who was born
May 21, 1829, in Sheffield, Mass., a daughter of
Chester (a veteran of the war of 1812) and Lucinda
(Ford) Bowen, and granddaughter of Joseph
Bowen, who received a wound at the battle of Bun-
ker Hill, for which he enjoyed a pension. The
•children born to ]\Ir. and ^Irs. Bunnell were as
follows: (i) Emily Jane, born Aug. 21, 1850. was
married May 22, 1884, to Jerome Lewis Gillette, a
photographer of Atlanta, Ga. Their children :
Lillian May, born Sept. 11, 1885; and Clinton
Jerome, born Nov. 23, 1890. (2) Lillian, born
Sept. 9, 1854. was married June 3, 1874, to Lester
Lewis Lowrey, a wood turner of Burlington. Their
•children: Charles Romeo, born Aug. 16, 1S77, died
Feb. 13, 1883; Edwin ^^■aite. born Jan. 14, 18S2;
Annis Bowen and Eniilv Bunnell (twins), born
March 24, 1889 (Emily B. died Aug. 14, 1889');
and Rollin Bunnell, born Dec. 22, 1893. (3) Ida
JMay. born Oct. 18, 1856, died Aug. 16. 1862.
^Ir. and Mrs. Bunnell attend the services of
the Prospect M. E. Church, she being a member
tlicreof; politically he is a Republican, ^\'hile liv-
ing in Whigville his friends in Burlington, un-
solicited by him, ran him for representative, and,
although the town is strongly Democratic, he came
within a few votes of being elected. Socially he
i.s a member of Gilbert W. Thompson Post, No. 13,
G. A. R., at Bristol. Mr. Bunnell has always been
an active man, public spirited and liberal, and ha.'J
been prosperous in business affairs.
A notable and delightful event was the double
wedding anniversary held on June 3, 1899, at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Bunnell, on
Divinity street. It was their own golden wedding
and also the silver wedding of their daughter
(Lillian) and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Lester L.
Lowrey, of Whigville, who were married at her
parents' silver wedding anniversary. During the
afternoon and evening many relatives and friends
called to offer congratulations. Both parties re-
ceived many useful and valuable presents.
HENRY FREDERICK LIART. Mr. Hart is
by birth a native of the Duchy of Oldenburg, hav-
ing first opened his eyes there on Sept. 18, 1845.
George Hart, his father, was born in Bavaria,
but emigrated to this country when young Henry
was but five years old, bringing his family with
h'ni. The elder Flart was by occupation a cutler,
having learned his trade in Germany. He was a
well-educated man and an extensive and observing
traveler; in religious belief he was a Lutheran. On
coming to the United States, in 1850, he located
in New York, in which city he carried on the manu-
facture of cutlery for twenty years, his place of
business being on Duane street. He was a skillful
artisan, and his business prospered, from eight to
ten men being usually in his employ. About 1865
he retired, and a year afterward died. His widow,
Catherine, survived him until 1897, when she. too,
passed away, at Meriden, Conn., having reached
the ripe age of eighty-nine years. Three sons were
liorn to them : Gustavus, who resided in ^^leriden ;
Albert, who lived and died in Hartford, and now
rests in the old cemetery there ; and Henry Fred--
erick.
Henry F. Hart was educated in the public
schools of New York City. He was an apt pupil,
and at the age of fourteen had completed the
curriculum prescribed for graduation, and in 1859
began work in his father's shop. When President
rJncoln. in 1861, issued his first call for volunteers,
the lad had not seen his sixteenth birthday ; yet, his
father's consent having been obtained, he promptly
enlisted for two years in the 25th N. Y. V. I. He
saw some severe fighting, but returned home with-
out a wound. Among the engagements in which
he participated were the hotly contested struggle
at Hanover C. H., Va.. the "seven days' battle"
before Richmond, Antietam and South Mountain.
.■\fter being mustered out. in July, 1863, he en-
•400
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's
trade, and by the time he had attained his ma-
jority he had become a journeyman. He learned
his trade in New York, but in 1867 went from that
city to Meriden, Conn., where he entered the employ
of the Wilcox Silver Plating Co. as a tool maker.
From that establishment he went to the works of the
Charles Parker Co., where he held a similar posi-
tion. With that concern he remained for twelve
years, becoming foreman of the tool-making room,
and in September, 1879, removed to Hartford. For
three or four months he worked in the tool room of
the William Rogers Manufacturing Co., when he
became a stockholder in the Cromwell Plate Co., and
was given charge of the tool room. Perceiving,
within a few months, that the company was on the
verge of failure, he returned to the William Rogers
Co. He was given charge of the machine burnish-
jng department, and has held that position from that
time to the present, discharging the difficult and re-
sponsible duties attaching thereto with an intelli-
gence and fidelity which have at once reflected credit
upon himself and redounded to the advantages of his
employers. At present he has under his personal
control more than thirty employes. Mr. Hart's suc-
cess in business, while not phenomenal, has been pro-
nounced. Beginning life without financial capital
or the aid of influential friends, he has won his way
upward through laudable ambition and the scrupu-
lously faithful performance of every task committed
to his hands. On the educational foundation laid
in the grammar schools of New York he has built pa-
tiently, wisely and well ; yet his capacity for broadly
grasping affairs, his knowledge of men and compre-
hension of the fundamental principles of business
have been gained in the broader school of practical
experience and through actual contact with the
world.
Politically Mr. Hart is a Republican, and from
his early manhood has been an ardent worker for
the party's success, although never blindly and higot-
edly partisan. While living in Meriden he was ap-
pointed deputy registrar of election, and since mak-
ing his home in Hartford he has stood high in Re-
publican councils, being well qualified therefor by
keen insight and executive capability of a high order.
For four years he was a member of the committee
for the Third ward, and for a year served as chair-
man. From 1896 to 1898 he served as councilman,
and in 1899 was elected alderman from the ward,
being now senior alderman and chairman of the
committee on public buildings. He was made a Free
Mason at Meriden, becoming a member of Center
Lodge No. 97, F. & A. M., in 1871, and filling the
office of junior warden when he left that city. He is
also an active and honored member of the G. A. R.,
in whose welfare he has always taken a deep interest.
He is affiliated with Tyler Post, No. 50, of which he
is past commander and is at present senior vice de-
partment commander, Department of Connecticut,
G. A. R.
In 1867 Mr. Hart married Miss Bertha Bold, of'
New York City, whose birthplace was in Germany.
Seven sons have blessed their union : Charles Henry,
Henry L., Otis J., Lewis M., Albert B., William
and Raymond. The eldest two are tool makers ;
Otis J. holds a position in the office of the city col-
lector; Lewis M. is a druggist; Albert B. is a letter
carrier ; and the two younger children are attending
school. The family attend the services of the Wind-
sor Avenue Congregational Church.
SIDNEY ALBERT KENT was descended fronr
the Kents of Northern Connecticut, who from the
days of the earliest settlement of the Connecticut
River Valley were in private and civic life among,
the most substantial and influential citizens. Dur-
ing the French and Indian wars they were found
fighting under Gen. Phineas Lyman, and for over
two hundred years the name appears among the
responsible and trusted officials of the town of Suf-
field.
The history of the family in Suffield begins with
Sergt. Samuel Kent, who left Brookfield in 1675,
Springfield in 1676, and as a permanent settler in
Suffield had accorded to him by the town a house
lot, containing sixty acres, on Feather street, twelve
rods wide, and running back to Muddy brook. In
1681 he was made a freeman. In 1679 he also pro-
cured a grant, for his son Samuel, of forty §.cres, and
in 1682 a house lot on High street, adjoining his own.
Sergt. Kent was chosen a member of the first board
of selectmen, and re-elected in 1683-85-87. He went
from Gloucester to Springfield, where he died Feb.
2, 1691. He made a will giving his estate to his
sons Samuel and John [See Probate Court Records
in Springfield, Book A of Lands] . He had several
children.
Samuel Kent (2), born Oct. 26, 1661, married
on Oct. 22, 1683, Priscilla Hunter, who died March
7, 1694-95. He died May 31, 1740. They had sev-
eral children, of whom,
Samuel Kent (3), born Dec. 6, 1685, died Dec.
24, 1763. He kept the town school for the year
ending March, 1710, his salary being 27 pounds
sterling. In lieu of cash he received sixty acres of
land, thirty-six of which now form the homestead
of Harvey Smith, corner of Sheldon street and
Taintor Hill road. On Dec. 28, 1710, he married
Esther Phihps, and had a large family.
Deacon Amos Kent, son of Samuel (3), was born
Oct. 16, 1713, and died April 28, 1805. He lived
in West Suffield, on the same farm afterward in-
herited by Sidney A. Kent. On Sept. 15, 1743, he
married Sarah Austin, who died Aug. 16, 1804,
aged eighty-nine years. Their children were : Amos,
Benajah, Sarah and Lucina.
Benajah Kent, son of Deacon Amos, was born
July 21, 1746, and died June 15, 1821. He was ■
twice married, first to Elizabeth Brigham, who died
Feb. 17, 1794, the mother of two children. On
Aug. 22, 1799, he married (second) Hannah ,
4
I
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
401
Hanchett, who died April 4, 1813. The names and
dates of birth of their children are: Albert, June
20, 1800 (died March 10, 1853) ; Edwin, Dec. 6,
1801 ; Celia and Sidney (twins), Sept. 24, 1803
(Sidney died July 15, 1827); Sanuiel, Nov. 11,
1805. Of these,
Albert Kent married Sept. 21, 1825, Lucinda
Gillett, of Suffield, who died April 27, 1855; he
died A'larch 10, 1853. Their children: Caroline Lu-
cinda, born May 25, 1827, married Anson Cooley,
of Granby, Conn. ; next a son was born Jan. 14,
1829, who died Feb. 17, 1829; Albert Emmett, born
Sept. I, 1830, married July 28, 1857, Adeline E.
Button; Eliza Ann, born Jan. 25, 1833, married
Oct. 6, 1855, James C. Savage; Sidney Albert was
born July 16, 1834; and Elmore A., born Oct. 21,
1836, married June 30, 1870, Mary A. tlolman.
Sidney A. Kent was born near Suffield, Conn.,
on the West Suffield road, in the same house in
which he died on the morning of April i, 1900.
As above stated, he was a son of Albert and Lu-
cinda (Gillett) Kent. He received his education at
the Connecticut Literary Listitute, completing his
studies there in the early 'fifties. The intense and
successful business career of Mr. Kent began when,
as a boy, he went to Chicago. He took a position as
clerk in a general trading store in 1855. His elder
brother, Albert E., had gone to that city, and after
having been admitted to the Bar gave up the prac-
tice of law for commerce. Both Albert and Sidney
had inherited business instincts, and had learned
much of trading in their home on the Connecticut
river. In 1856 they entered into a general com-
mission business under the firm name of A. E. Kent
& Co., at first dealing chiefly in furs, hides and
grain, and exporting all sorts of Western produce
to New York. Their attention was called to the
profits to be derived from cutting up and packing
the dressed hogs shipped by farmers to Chicago
during the winter. From a small beginning, when
1,000 hogs were bought and turned over to a prac-
tical packer to make the experiment, grew a great
packing business, and the firm fairly took the lead
in developing this industry, meanwhile following
the grain business into its later development on the
Board of Trade. Success came from indefatigable
industry and keenness of vision, joined to absolute
confidence in the grow^th of the Mississippi Valley,
with Chicago as its metropolis. Ill health led to
the retirement of Albert E. Kent, and the business
fell to the sole management of Sidney, who carried
it on to a consolidation known as the Chicago Pack-
ing & Provision Co., in which he long retained a
large interest.
Mr. Kent was one of the organizers of the Corn
Exchange Bank, of which he was vice-president
and president ; he was also director in the Metro-
politan Bank and Northern Trust Bank. Fie was
one of the incorporators of the Union Stock Yards
& Transit Co. of Chicago, as well as a stockholder
and director in many other large enterprises in
Chicago, being always trusted for the wonderful
correctness of his business judgment. He was noted
as a man of the fewest possible words. His im-
pressions were usually correct, and he was prepared
to stand back of them, but he never argued a point
involving his decision, and seemed to have an in-
tuitive knowledge of men and grasp of affairs.
The list of Mr. Kent's public benefactions would
be too long to recount. There was hardly a charity
in Chicago to which he did not subscribe, and no
one can ever know the approximate of what he
modestly gave to relieve private want. Air. Kent
was one of the first contributors to the University
of Chicago. The beautiful and splendidly equipped
Chemical Laboratory bearing his name will stand
as a monument in the city where his busy days were
spent. Latterly spending much time at the old home-
stead in Suffield, he felt that, having taken from
that soil the inheritance that made him successful
in the world, he owed much to the old place, and
built the Kent I\Iemorial Library as a monument to
his parents. It is an interesting fact that the site
is one which was by the town allotted to . Samuel
Kent, an ancestor, by the town of Suffield in 1669.
Together with the building were given 10,000 vol-
umes and an endowment fund of $25,600 for main-
tenance.
On Sept. 28, 1864, Mv. Kent married Aliss Stella
A. Lincoln, of Washington, D. C, daughter of Con-
gressman W. S. Lincoln, of Newark Valley, N. Y.,
and two children were born to them : Helen Lincoln,
Jan. 30, 1867, now the wife of Dr. A. F. Alorris,
of New York ; and Stella Alberta, Oct. 8, 1869, now
the wife of Hugh S. LeGare, of Washington, D. C.
It was as a keen and far-sighted business man
that Mr. Kent was best known to the world. His
gentleness and kindness, the sympathy that he al-
ways had for the unfortunate, are known only to
the circle of his friends, for, with all the force of
his mind and will, there never was a less ostentatious
or more modest personality. Such is a brief sketch
of one of the strong men of our country. No bare
historical outline can present the qualities that en-
deared this rare gentleman to those who knew him
well.
ALFRED C. J. \MLLIA.MS. In the fur trade
of New England there are few if any names bettei
known than that of Williams. For a quarter of a
century it has been a prominent factor in the trade
of Connecticut, and as now represented by the sub-
ject of this sketch maintains past prestige and is
widening the scope of its influence. The particular
trade to which reference is here made was founded
by Alfred Williams, the father of our subject. He
was a skilled furrier and a successful business man.
George FI. Williams, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a lifelong resident of London, England.
He married Ann Cottrel, a native of London, and
to them were born six children, all of whom are
now deceased. The grandfather was a collector for
402
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sir Henry Meux's brewery. Himself and wife were
members of the Episcopal Church, and both lived
,to a good old age.
Alfred Williams, the father of our subject,
spent his early years in London, his native city, and
there learned the furrier's trade. He became an
expert workman, and vvas for many years connected
with the house of G. Smith & Son, one of the most
prominent in the city of London and still engaged
jn business there. In 1857 he migrated to New
York, where he secured a position with John
Ruszits, a prominent furrier of that city. He re-
mained with him until 1859, when he came to Hart-
ford, accepting a position with Strong & Woodruff,
the largest concern in the city. He was foreman of
■their fur department for sixteen years, with the
exception of three years, when he was manager of
the manufacturing department of Kingsbury, Ab-
bott, Gay & Co., of is'ew York. In 1875 he re-
turned to Hartford and began business for himself
at No. 345 Main street, where he established a
manufactory, and for some years did the work of
Elsworth Strong, C. R. Dix, R. G. Watrous, James
Daniels, and Priest & Daniels. This work he con-
tinued for a. number of years, during which time
he laid the foundation for a retail trade, and in
1890 he gave up the wholesale trade, devoting" his
entire attention to the- retail business. In 1880 he
moved to the present location, Nos. 99 to loi Pratt
street, a large three-story building, on the first floor
of which are his large show rooms, where are kept
the finest grades of goods. The storage department
is on the second floor, the manufactory occupying
the upper floor. The thorough manner in which
Alfred Williams learned his trade, and his later
experience with the large concerns, for whom he did
enormous quantities of work, placed him in the first
ranks of the men in his trade, and widened his repu-
tation as an expert in fur trade. Probably no man in
America was a better judge of skins, and of the
proper methods of their treatment to bring them to
the highest state of perfection. His knowledge
in this respect was sought far and wide. His spe-
cialty was in the manufacture of seal-skin garments,
which were unsurpassed in quality. He was recog-
nized among the leading business men of Hartford,
where his active life was mainly spent, and where
he died in 1891, at sixty-two years of age.
At the time of his death Mr. Williams was
warden of Grace Episcopal Church, in Windsor,
of which he had been a member for many years,
during nearly all of which time he had held son--
official position. He was a member of St. John's
Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 4; and of Magnolia Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Brooklyn, N. Y. He was also a mem-
ber of the Governor's Foot Guard for many years,
and in all of these organizations he took an active
interest. He was a Republican in politics, but in-
variably declined office.
Alfred Williams married Martha A. Farley, who
was born in London, the daughter of Joseph Far-
Jey, a steel-plate polisher by trade, who also held
the very responsible position of chief bell ringer of
London, in which capacity he was famous. He
died at the age of sixty years. To Alfred and Mar-
tha A. Williams were born seven children, five of
whom are living: Mrs. George H. Williams, of
Windsor; Alfred C. J., our subject; Emily, who
married Charles A. Gray ; Annie, who married
Frank W. Barber in Windsor; and Frances, who
married Fred B. Bower, of Manchester, N. H. The
mother died in Hartford at the age of thirty-six
years. She was a member of St. Thomas' Episcopal
Church. The father for his second wife married
Emeline A. Tompkins, who was born in Litchfield,
Conn. By this marriage there was one son, Harry
B., who is now engaged in the insurance business
in Hartford. The widow survives and retains an
interest in the business founded by her husband.
Alfred C. J. Williams, our subject, was born
in London, England, Dec. 9, 1855, and when an in-
fant was brought by his parents to America. He
spent his early years with his father, was educated
in the common and grammar schools of New York
and Hartford, learned the furrier's trade under the
direction of his father, and although he had sev-
eral flattering offers from other large houses, he
preferred to remain with his father. In 1889 he
entered the store as salesman, and shortly after was
made a partner, the firm name changing to Alfred
Williams & Son, under which it is still known. This
partnership continued up to the time of the father's
death, since which time our subject has managed
the business alone. Alfred Williams & Son were
the only exclusive furriers in Connecticut until re-
cently. They employ the most competent workmen
in the manufacturing of their goods. They carry a
full line of fur goods, and their trade is not confined
to Hartford, but reaches out to all adjoining cities
and towns, in which they are well and favorably
known. The firm is recognized as one that can be
depended upon, so that any article purchased will be
found as represented. The judgment of Mr. Will-
iams, like that of his father, is the very best, and no
customer regrets following it in the matter of quality
of goods selected. The seal-skin trade established
by Alfred Williams, has been continued by our
subject, and the store is headquarters for that line
of merchandise in all this part of Connecticut. He
has ably sustained the enviable reputation estab-
lished by his father. During the past quarter of a
century they have exhibited their goods at vari-
ous State fairs, and upon each and every occasion
have taken the first prizes or medals offered for the
best quality of goods in their line.
Mr. Williams married, in 1882, Millie K. Bond,
a native of Hartford, the only child of Lafayette
K. Bond, a cabinet maker in Hartford for many
years. To our subject and wife has been born one
son, Raymond S. Mr. Williams is a Republican in
politics, but, like his father, declines all offices. He
is a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
403
lias held all the offices. He is past master, and upon
the expiration of his term of office, in 1889, he re-
ceived a magnificent ])ast master's jewel, as a mark
of the respect and esteem in which he was held
by his fellow officers and nienihers of the lodge,
anil for tlie thoroughly competent manner in which
he had discharged the tluties of the office. He is
also a memlier of Pxthagoras Chapter, and of Wol-
cott Council, No. i, of which he is at present thrice
illustrious master, having filled also a number of
other chairs. He is a member of \\'ashington Com-
mandery, Xo. I, and of the Scottish Kite bodies up
to and including tiie thirty-second degree. He is a
member of Connecticut Lodge, I. O. O. F., and
of the Encampment, in both of which he has taken
an active interest, and held a number of offices. He
is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, the An-
cient Order of United Workmen, and the Order of
Heptasophs. For twenty-four years he was a mem-
ber of the Governor's Foot Guard, and was fourth
sergeant under Maj. Kinney, under whom he ob-
tained his discharge in 1890. After leaving the
Foot Guard he joined the veteran corps, and was
elected captain, serving two years; he was then
elected major, and served four years. During this
time he was instrumental in having the corps adopt
the present uniform, one of the handsomest of any
veteran organization in the State. For six years
he also served as treasurer.
Mr. \\'illiams is a vocalist, and for nearly twenty
years has been connected with the musical interests
of Hartford. For seventeen years of this time he
has sung in the Christ Church choir. He has also
sung in a number of concerts, and has organized
various quartets, which have appeared before the
public on manv occasions. He has also assisted
musically in the various lodges with which he is
connected. He plays a brass instrument in the
Sphinx Temple Band, of which order he is a char-
ter member. He is a member of the board of trus-
tees of Connecticut Lodge, L O. O. F., and is also
a trustee of \\'olcott Council. Himself and wife
are members of Christ Episcopal Church.
THEODORE SHLT.ERT, an ex-soldier of the
Civil war, and a greatlv respected resident of Bris-
tol, was born in Germany Mav 21, 1836, and is now
a trusted employe of the E. Ingraham Clock Com-
pany.
George Leonard Shubert, father of Theodore,
was born Sept. 4, 1803, in Alainbernheim, and was
a public-school teacher or over fiftv years. On
Aug. 21, 1830, he married Magdeline Eigelman, who
was liorn Aug. 18,. 181 1, and died in Germany,
in 1884, the mother of the following named chil-
<lren : Amelia F., born July 31, 1S31. is married to
Andrew Winter, and is livin? in Waterbury, Conn. :
Lizzie, born Jan. 8, 1833, is the wife of' :\[ichael
Alyers, of Wisconsin : .Augusta, born in August,
T834, died in October, 1842: Theodore, our subject,
is next in the order of birth : Carl F. ^^■., born Sept.
19, 1838, was a member of the "fighting" i6th Conn.
\'. 1., and died in the Andersonville prison pen Sept.
29, 1864: Maria 11., born Jan. i. 1840, is the widow
of Michael Kunzenmun, and is a resident of Xcw
^'ork City; Ernestine, Iwrn April 8, 1841. is the
widow of I-'rank I'arhisius, and lives in Winona,
Minn. : Eugenia, born in Octcjber, 1842, is married to
I'rancis Iverber and lives in (iermany; Ernest L.,
born Oct. 31, 1843, married IJabetta Ridder, and
still remains in Germany ; Emma, born in 1848,
also lives in Germany ; Daniel F., born Feb. 28,
1849, flied March 31, 1850; and Rosalie, born April
10, 1852, is li\'ing in Lacrosse, Wis. The f::ther of
this faniilv died May 22, 1869.
Lawrence Shubert, grandfather of Theodore, was
born in 1740, and died in 1817. He was the leader
of an orchastra of twelve or fifteen musicians, taught
music in all its branches, and fre(|uently plaved be-
fore the King and at court balls. He was twice
married, first (o a Miss Tittle; his second wife, who
was our subject's grandmother, died in 1850, at the
age of eighty-three years and eight montlis. Her
children were George Leonard, mentioned a1>ove :
and Amelia, who was born in 181 1, and died in 1889.
Theodore Shubert, our subject, was educated in
Germany, studying the last three \-ears in the Insti-
tute of Technology, from which he graduated at the
age of fourteen years, and then served an apprentice-
ship of three vears with a confectioner. Sailing from
Hamburg on the ship '"Diamond" he landed in Xew
York June 23, 1853, and thence came immediately to
Bristol. For three months he worked on the farm of
Orrin Ives, then returned to Xew York and worked
at his trade until March i, 1854, when he came back
to Bristol and worked in the press room of Xoah
Pomeroy's clock factorv until his enlistment, Aug.
24, 1861. in Company A, 7th Conn. ^'. I., being the
first man to enlist .in that company at Hartford: at
New Haven he was made a corporal. At the battle
of James Island, June 16, 1862, Mr. Shubert lost
his right eye. which was struck liy a fragment of an
exploding shell. He was mustered out in Decem-
l)er, 1862, and Jan. 24, 1864, enlisted as Inigler in
Company A, 1st Connecticut Cavalry. X'ear Eame's
Station, \'a.. July 29, 18^4, a rifle ball passed
through his right foot. Among the battles in which
he took a part were Hilton Head. Fort Pulaski,
James Island, the A\'ilderness, I-'rederickslnirg, Yel-
low Tavern, Petersburg, Cold Harbor and Stony
Creek, but these are not recorded Jiere in chronolog-
ical order. He was mustered out ^iay 27, 1865. at
the general hospital in Xew Haven, where he had
been taken for treatment of the wound in his foot.
After his honorable discharge and muster out
from the service Mr. Shubert returned to Bristol,
Xovember i. 1865. He was employed in tlie press
room of the E. Ingraliam clock factory for a few
months, and tlien took a contract in the same depart-
ment, whicji he still holds, employing seven men.
The marriage of Mr. Shubert to Mary .Ann Xich-
las took place Oct. 30, 1858. She was born in Ger-
404
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
many March 31, 1837, and died in Bristol Feb. 22,
1900, her remains being interred in tlie West ceme-
tery. To their marriage were born nine children in
the following order ; George Leonard, born Aug. 28,
1859, died Dec. 13, 1877. Theodore, Jr., born July
21, 1 86 1, married Ella Cleveland, of Harwinton,
Dec. 25, 1885, and to this union was born one child,
Elsie. Daniel F., born July 8, 1863, was married
in October, 1886, to Emma Pohlman, of Burlington,
who has borne him one daughter, Ethel, born Aug.
I, 1890; Daniel F. is working with his father at the
Ingraham clock factor)-. Amelia F., born Nov. 25,
1867, was married, May 20, 1891, to Peter Reiser, of
New Haven, who is employed by R. J. Duffy, draper
and tailor of Hartford ; no children have been born
to this union. Irving E., born Feb. 10, 1870, is em-
ployed with his father in the Ingraham factory; he
was married Jan. i, 1895, to Lena Snyder, of Ter-
ryville; to this marriage one child, Irving T., was
born Sept. 2, 1896. Edward, born June 22, 1872,
died Jan. 7, 1873. Hattie B., born Sept. 9, 1873,
was married July 25, 1896, to Charles R. Good-
enough, of Bristol, and is the mother of one child,
Olive Pearl, born July 24, 1897. Ernest L., born
Sept. 14, 1875, is bookkeeper for Charles P. Good-
enough. George E., born Feb. 4, 1883, is employed
with his father.
Mr. Shubert is a member of the Prospect ]M. E.
Church, of which his wife was also a faithful, mem-
ber, and in the faith of which she passed away. He
is also a member of the New England Order of Pro-
tection No. 12, of Bristol, and of G. W. Thompson
Post No. 13, G. A. R. In politics hs is a very
earnest Republican but has never sought office, al-
though he is an unusually popular citizen.
logg family has long been proniinent in this State,
and the subject of this biography, a leading phy-
sician of Hartford, is a descendant in the seventh
generation from Lieut. Joseph Kellogg, who served
in King Philip's war, and was in command as
lieutenant at the "Falls Fight," South Hadley Falls,
Mass. His name first appears at Farmington in
1651, and in 1659 he removed to Boston, purchas-
ing a home on Roxbury road, now Washington
street. Later he removed to Hadley, Mass., and
for some time was selectman of that town. He died
about 1707- and his home in Hadley is now in a
good state of preservation. On May 9, 1657, he
married Abigail, daughter of Stephen Terry, of
Windsor, Conn., and by her had twenty children, of
whom Nathaniel was the twelfth.
(II) Nathaniel Kellogg, born Oct. 8, 1669, at
Hadley. Mass., removed to Amherst in 1739. He
died Oct. 30, 1750, -aged eighty-one years. On
June 28, 1692, he married Sarah, daughter of Sam-
uel Boltwood, and thev had nine children, of whom
Ephraim was the eighth.
(III) Ephraim Kellogg, born Aug. 2, 1709, died
March 16, 1777. In 1741 he was married to Dor-
othy, daughter of Samuel Hawley, of Amherst,
and had six children, of whom Martin was the
second.
(IV) Martin Kellogg, born in 1744, died in
1827. He married Hannah, daughter of Zacheus
Crocker, of Shutesbury, Mass., and they had ten
children, of whom Bela was the sixth.
(V) Bela Kellogg, born Aug. 24, 1780, gradu-
ated from Williams College in 1800, and studied
theology with Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, of Frank-
lin. He was ordained at Brookfield, Conn., in 1813,
dismissed in 1817, .and in 1819 became first pastor
of the church at Avon. He was obliged to give
up work on account of ill health, and died April 30,
1831. On June 6, 1805, he married Lydia Candee,
who was born in West Haven Nov. i, 1778, and
died in Avon Dec. 3, 1843.
(A'T) Bela Crocker Kellogg, born at W'est
Haven, Conn., April 27, 181 1, died Sept. 30, 1S92,
at Avon. His early boyhood was spent in Avon,
and he learned the harness trade in Hartford in
company with the late Henry Keney and Charles
B. Smith, all being apprentices of Thomas Smith
& Co. He then engaged in mercantile business at
Avon, and for some years was a leading citizen of
that place, and an active worker in the Congrega-
tional Church. He served twenty-tive years as
postmaster, and was also justice of the peace and
town clerk. In politics he was first a Whig and
later a Republican. On Oct. 15, 1839, he married
Mary, daughter of Rev. John Bartlett, pastor of the
Congreeational Church at Bloomfield, and West
Avon, Conn. She is descended from twelve of the
"Mayflower" Pilgrims, including John and Pris-
cilla Aldeh, Elder William and Mary Brewster,
and John and Elizabeth Howland. Seven children
were born to them : Edward W. : Charles A., a resi-
dent of Carthage,- Mo. ; Wallace B., deceased ;
William H. and Jane B., residents of Hartford:
Marv B., deceased, who married Yung Wing; and
Francis B., M. D.', who resides in Los Angeles,
California.
( VH) Edward Wilberforce Kellogg, M. D., was
born in Avon Nov. 29, 1840, son of Bela C. and
Mary (Bartlett) Kellogg. His education was ob-
tained in the public schools of Philadelphia, and in
the high school at Collinsville, Conn. He studied
medicine for two years with the late Dr. Isaac
G. Porter, of New London, and then took courses
of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College and
at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, re-
ceiving his degree from the latter institution in
1867. He settled in Danbury the year of his gradu-
ation, but removed in the same year to Southington,
where he remained until May, 1871, and has since
been in practice in Hartford. He served for three
years during the Civil war as hospital steward in
the medical department of the regular army, often
performing the duties of assistant surgeon, and his
commission, bearing the signature of Gen. \J. S.
Grant, is a highly valued souvenir of that cxperi-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
405
ence. He has also served respectively as treasurer,
vice-president and president of the Connecticut
Homeopathic JMedical Society, and is now president
of the Alumni Association of the New York Homeo-
pathic Medical College and Hospital. He is a
juember of the society of Sons of the Revolution,
the Army and Navy Club, and the Connecticut His-
torical Society. In politics he is a Republican.
On JMarch 7, 1S07, the Doctor was married to
]\Iiss Hilah A. Dart, of New London, and they have
had three children: Edward Russell Kellogg, M.
D., a physician in Chicago, 111., married Esther,
daughter of Alexander H. Allyn, of Delavan, Wis.,
and granddaughter of the late ex-Mayor Timothy
M. Allyn, of Hartford; they have one daughter,
Ruth Hilah. Arthur Bartlett Kellogg, M. D., a
graduate of the Medical Department of the Univer-
sity of New York, and of the New York Homeo-
pathic Medical College, served two years on the
surgical stafT of Bellevue Hospital, and has been
in practice in Hartford since 1898; he married Cori-
bel, daughter of ex-Lieut. -Gov. William H. Ven-
able, of Georgia. Robert Belden Kellogg, the
youngest son, is a student at the Riverview Military
Academy, Poughkeepsie, New York.
CHARLES H. SMITH, a well-known broker
at No. 49 Pearl street, Hartford, is the youngest of
live sons, and was born Oct. 27, 1828, at East Lyme,
Conn. His parents, Elisha and Mary (Gorton)
Smith, were natives of East Lyme, and were mar-
ried Dec. 26, 1808. The genealogy of this branch
of the Smith family is traced back two hundred and
fifty years on the Western continent, from Boston
and Lancaster, !Mass., and Saybrook, Conn., to
Richard Smith, one of the original proprietors of
Lyme, Conn., and from whom the subject of this
sketch is descended. Facts that have been obtained
by patient research show much to make all bearing
the name feel justly proud of their Colonial an-
cestry.
On the maternal side the record is complete to
the famous Samuel Gorton, who arrived in this
country in 1637. He was one of the "most striking
and picturesque" men that figure in early New
England history. "Frozen out of Boston, banished
from Plymouth, driven by contentions from Prov-
idence and Pawtuxet," he acted an important part
in the history of the Commonwealth of Rhode
Island, and was one of the founders of the town of
Warwick. Some of the family, about 171 7, re-
moved to New London county, Conn., from whom
]\Iary Gorton traced her line of ancestry.
Charles H. Smith attended the district school
of his native town until he was fourteen years old,
at which time he was sent to Westfield, Mass., to be
imder the supervision of his brother, the Rev. Will-
iam Angus Smith, who was twenty years his senior.
Acting upon his brother's advice he entered the
Westfield Academy, where for two years he was a
diligent and successful student. Lack of means
compelling him to abandon his academic instruction,
and to depend upon his own exertions for support,
he at the age of si.xteen came to Hartford, and be-
came errand-boy in the employ of another brother,
John Gorton Smith, and from him received his com-
mercial training. John Gorton Smith commenced
his business life in Hartford in 1838, when nineteen
years old, and many of the well-known dry-goods
merchants of a later date served their clerkship at
the "Long Brick Store" under his tutelage. When
he removed to New York City in 185 1, the errand
boy, who had advanced by steady gradations, was
able to purchase the business, which was located on
Main street, near Pearl street, and at present oc-
cupied by the "Boston Branch Grocery." He re-
tired from the dry-good trade in 1871, Brown,
Thompson & Co. buying his stock of goods. After
a rest of a few years, Mr. Smith engaged in general
brokerage business, handling stocks, bonds and
Western securities. In 1894 he retired from active
business life.
In 1852, Charles H. Smith was united in mar-
riage with Miss Harriet E. Hills, whose father,
Howell R. Hills, was a wholesale dealer in boots
and shoes for many years. ]\Irs. Harriet E. Smith
died in 1855, and in 1861 Mr. Smith wedded Miss
Jane T. Hills, daughter of Ellery Hills, a promi-
nent merchant in Hartford for over fifty years. He
has one grandchild, Robert Kemble Smith, the son
of Charles Howell Smith, who died in 1894, aged
forty-one years. Charles Howell Smith was secre-
tary and treasurer of the Valley railroad, and later
was engaged in the brokerage business with his
father; he married Miss Kate Kemble, of Paw Paw,
Mich., and resided in Hartford.
Mr. Smith is a director in the Connecticut Trust
Co. and the Phoenix Fire Insurance Co., vice-presi-
dent of the Smyth Manufacturing Co., and has been
connected with other enterprises in the past. Since
1844 he has been identified with the business inter-
ests of Hartford, and as one of the oldest citizens
he has watched its growth from 9,000 to 80,000
inhabitants. In politics he is a Republican; in re-
ligion a Congregationalist. His indomitable energy
and perseverance and strict integrity in meeting his
business engagements have won for him the respect
of the business public, and all with whom he is as-
sociated.
LEVIAT S. KNOEK, a prominent, wide-awake
wholesale and retail merchant of Hartford, is a
native of that city, born Aug. 7, 1863, a son of
Joseph L. Knock, who for several years was a well-
known business man in Hartford.
Joseph L. Knock was born in Amsterdam, Hol-
land, a son of a real-estate dealer in that city, who
was a m.an of prominence, well and favorably
known, and who died at the patriarchal age of
ninety-two years. Our subject's grandmother died
when his father was a child. She had six children,
one of whom is yet living in Amsterdam, and one of
406
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
her sons was wealthy, leaving when he died 100,000
guilders to his wife, and, at her death, to an orphan
asylum. Joseph L. learned the trade of tailor, and
so apt was he that when only thirteen years of age
he could make a suit of clothes. In 1850 he came
to America, settling in Hartford, where he fol-
lowed his trade, being employed by Mr. Goodhart,
then doing business in Morgan street. Having
saved his wages, he commenced a new line of busi-
ness, that of peddler, dealing in chinaware and bric-
a-brac chiefly. From the profits of this business he
started a small clothing store, and later established
a loan business, also investing in real estate. Being
a shrewd buyer, his investments proved highly valu-
able, and by dint of tact and perseverance he ac-
cumulated a large property. He was -in business
forty-three years, and at the time of his death was
among the oldest merchants of Hartford. By his
wife, Hanna (Blodes), who was born in Germany,
near Lissa, he had seven children, five of whom
grew to maturity, and four are living, viz. : Hulda
married Mark Sherrick, who is in the fur business
in New York; Celia married H. P. Levy, a jeweler
in Hartford; Leviat S., our subject, comes next;
Adeline being the youngest. The father died May
I, 1893, aged sixty-six years, the mother on March
23, 1895. They were members of the Reformed
Jewish Church. Gilbert D., another son, was for
thirteen years head cashier for A. Hollander, cloth-
ier, Hartford, and later was in business with our
subject. He was a man of prominence, serving in
the city council, and taking an active part in the
affairs of the place. Socially he was a member
of the I. O. O. F., of the L O. B. B., and of the
Hubbard Escort.
Leviat S. Knock, whose name introduces this
sketch, received his education in the common and
high schools, graduating in the class of '82. He
commenced his life work as clerk for his father,
finally becoming manager, and, later, on the death
of his father, succeeding to the business. Li the
meantime, from 1880 to 1883 he represented "on
the road" a New York house, in the fur business,
traveling all over the United States, and visiting
every city from Maine to California. Upon taking
charge of the business of his father as manager,
he introduced into it many new methods, and in
addition to clothing, he added a large stock of dia-
monds, jewelry, hardware, bicycles, bicycle supplies,
and sporting goods, musical instruments, electric
supplies, etc. Upon the death of his mother, he was
appointed administrator of the estate which
amounted to some $60,000. In the spring of 1900
he remodeled the entire store, taking out a partition,
and now has a place of business sixty-seven feet
deep and twenty-two feet wide, stocked with goods,
and where he employs six clerks.
Mr. Knock is a Democrat in politics ; served three
terms on the council, being re-elected twice in suc-
cession. He drafted the present Pawnbroker Laws
for the buying and selling of all kinds of jewelry,
bicycles, junk, iron, and everything of this descrip-
tion, which laws were passed by the Legislature in
1894, and adopted at that time. He is a man of a.
rare degree of intelligence. Socially he is a member
of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M. ; of the B. P. O. E.
and K, of P., and has held a number of offices in
these. At the time of the trip of the B. P. O. E.
lodge to St. Louis, to the National Convention June
17, 1889, he was chairman of the Ways and Means-
committee. During the summer of 1900 he visited
the Paris Exposition, and incidentally the follow-
ing countries : England, Holland, Belgium, Ger-
many, France, Scotland and Ireland.
HENRY CLAY BURGESS, a wholesale and '
retail coal dealer in Hartford, with yards at Tunnel.
No. 15, Albany avenue, was born Oct. 25, 1831, in
Richfield, New York.
Mr. Burgess' ancestors were early settlers at
Plainfield, Conn., and his grandfather, Capt. Nathan
Burgess, who was born in that town, passed his-
active years there, engaged in farming, his death
occurring at the age of forty-six. Henry Burgess,,
our subject's father, was born and reared in Plain-
field, and removed to West Winfield, N. Y., in 1821,,
and to Hartford in January, 1833. He engaged ini
the lumber business there, and followed same over
a quarter of a century, continuing until his death,
in 1859, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a
Whig in politics, and served in the common council.
In religious faith he was a Baptist, and his upright,
character won for him a large circle of friends in;
Hartford and vicinity. He married Nancy Goff^
a native of Rehoboth, Mass., who removed to Plain-
field in her girlhood, later to West Winfield, N. Y.,
and died in Hartford, aged sixty-three. Her uncle,.
Nathan Goff, was a Revolutionary soldier. Mr.
and Mrs. Burgess had five children, three of whom
are living: Cornelia E., Anna M., and Henry Clay..
Our subject was educated in the common schools-
of Hartford, and at an early age began to gain a
practical knowledge of his father's business, to
which he was admitted as a partner and finally suc-
ceeded at his father's death. After carrying it on
alone for some years he took charge of William S.
White's lumber yard, continuing same eighteen
years. He has since been in business for himself,
a period of about twelve years, and under his abld
management his trade has constantly increased,
being now one of the largest in the city. In 1864
he married Julia E. Williams, of Manchester, whose
father. Dr. Williams, was a prominent physician
there for many years. She was one of four chil-
dren, two of whom are still living, A. W. C. Will-
iams, of Hartford, Conn., and Clarence Williams,,
of Cheshire. Mrs. Burgess died in 1889, aged
fifty-three years. She was for many years a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church. Our subject is
a Republican in politics, and a member of Hartford
Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias,
the American Mechanics, and a number of insurance
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
organizations. He has held all the offices in the
K. of P., and is treasurer at the present time. In
religious connection he belongs to the Baptist
Church, and has taken considerable interest in the
church and Sunday-school, holding offices in both.
WILLIAjM henry NOTT, a retired con-
tractor and builder residing in Bristol and an ex-
hero of t}:e Civil war, was born in Rocky Hill,
Conn., Feb. 12, 1844, and is a son of John and
Elizabeth (Blinn) Nott, deceased.
John Nott, a native of Wethersfield, was a son
of William Nott, who commanded the sloop "Guil-
ford" in the Revolutionary war, resided in Wethers-
field, and was the father of three children : John
(a shoemaker by trade, who worked principally in
Rocky Hill and East Berlin), Oliver, and W'illiam
Henry Nott. John, father of our subject, served
in the war of 1812, and died in Rocky Hill about
1857, having lost his wife about the year 1847.
He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in
politics was a Republican, but was never an office-
holder. To his marriage with Elizabeth Blinn, of
Rocky Hill, were born seven children : Julius, born
June II, 1819; Edward, of Bristol; Maria, married
to Gurdon Goodrich, of Rocky Hill, died in Miles
City, Mont. ; jNIarshall, married to Mary Ann Whit-
man, is a farmer living in Griswoldville, Conn. ;
Selah W., who first married Mellie Hayes and later
wedded Mary Hastings, is employed by Pratt &
Whitney (lives at No. 18 Grand street, Plartford) ;
Emeline is married to William Whitman, of West
Hartford; and \Mlliam H. is the subject of this
sketch.
William H. Nott attended the common schools
of Rocky Hill until he was eleven years old, then
went to Wethersfield, lived in the family of Levi
Churchill, had the privilege of attending school in
the winter season until 1857, and then came to
Bristol to learn the carpenter's trade under his
brother Edward, with whom he remained until he
responded to the call to arms in defense of the in-
tegrity of the Union. At Hartford, Aug. 24, 1862,
he was enrolled a member of Company K, Sixteenth
C. V. I., and was immediately sent to the front.
He took part in the actions at Antietam, Fredericks-
burg, Suffolk, Providence Church Road, Edenton
Road, Va., and at Plymouth, N. C, where he was
captured bv the enemy and confined in the loath-
some pen at Anderson ville from April 20, 1864, un-
til September. Thence he was transferred to
Charleston, S. C, with the first squad was placed
in the exposed hospital of that beleaguered city, was
confined one month, and was thence transferred to
Florence, S. C, where he was exchanged Dec. 11,
1S64, and sent to Annapolis, Md. He was there
granted a furlough of thirty days to come home
to vote, and on rejoining his regiment happened
to be on board the gunboat "Massachusetts" when
it collided with and sank the "Black Diamond"
in the Potomac river. At the conclusion of hos-
tilities, the 131 survivors of the "Fighting Six-
teenth" C. \'. 1. were honorably mustered out at
Hartford June 24, 1865, Mr. Nott with the rank
of first sergeant, and was one of the four that was
discharged as a regiment left of his company.
Mr. Nott now resumed work at his trade with
his brother Edward in Bristol, and remained with
him until 1868, when he went to llartford, worked
for West & Lapaugh and for Charles Loomis for
four years; then went to Middletown and did busi-
ness as a contractor and builder two years ; returned
to Bristol and again worked with his brother two
years, and then embarked in contracting and build-
ing on his own account. In this he met with abund-
ant success, filling contracts for the building of the
Baptist church, the Gridley hotel, the elegant dwell-
ing of George W. Mitchell on Bellevue avenue, and
many other fine dwellings. In 1883 he relinquished
building, having secured a contract for the sawing
and planing for the E. Ingraham Co., which he held
until 1887, when he secured a similar contract with
E. N. Welch & Co., which he faithfully carried out
until failing health caused him to withdraw in 1892,
since which date he has not been actively engaged
in any business.
William H. Nott was united in marriage Feb.
14, 1866, with I^Iiss Mary Bulkeley Smith, daugh-
ter of Benjamin Smith, of Rocky Hill. This union
has been blessed with two children : Alary Day,
born Dec. 9, 1866, was married Oct. 20, 1S86, to
Harry C. Wright, of Bristol, who is employed in
the movement department of the K. Ingraham Co.,
and to this union was born Aug. 7, 1887, one child,
Guv JMaynard, now attending public school ; Eliza-
beth Bulkeley Nott, born Aug. 29, 1869 ,in Hart-
ford, was married July 2, 1889, to Charles E. Dun-
bar, whose life record appears elsewhere, and to
them also was born June 26, 1891, one child, Win-
throp William Nott Dunbar.
Air. Nott was formerly a member of G. W.
Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., and was its
junior vice-commander and also its chaplain; he is
a member of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, K. of P., in which
he has passed all the chairs and has filled the office
of past chancellor commander; he was likewise a
member of Hull Battalion, No. 5, Uniform Rank,
K. of P., but resigned on account of ill health. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, but would never
accept a nomination for office. He and family are
faithful members of the Congregational Church :
socially they stand as high and are as well respected
as any in Bristol.
JOSEPH HENRY ^^"ARD, at present in the
real-estate business in Bristol, is a native of that
borough, born there ,Oct. 20, 1849, ^ son of ^^'ill-
iam and Mary W'ard.
William Ward was born in England, was a
miner by vocation, and came to America in August,
1846. He settled in Bristol, and at once engaged
in mining copper near by, the mines at that time
408
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
being very prolific in that metal, but in 1849 went to
California, and he has been employed in many mines
in all parts of the country where mines were to be
developed, and was mining in North Carolina when
the Civil war broke out; but he always recognized
Bristol, Conn., as his home. His vast experience
as a miner usually secured for him dominant posi-
tions, and at one time he was superintendent of the
nickel mines in Torrington, Conn. He was a man
of diligence, and cared much more for his vocation
and travel than he did for society.
Joseph H. Ward, one of the eight children born
to William Ward, received his elementary education
in the common schools of Bristol, and later attended
Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Hartford,
from which he graduated in 1869. Shortly after-
ward he bought the livery establishment of George
C. Gridley, opposite the railroad depot ; twenty-three
years later he sold this stand to S. D. Bull '& Co.,
and it is now conducted by C. S. Barnes & Co. Mr.
Ward next went to Durango, Colo., where he was
appointed general manager for the San Juan Coal
Mining Co., held the position four years, then re-
signed and returned to Bristol, where he is now
engaged in real-estate business and in caring for
extensive interests in various business concerns,
being one of the original stockholders and directors
in the Electric Light Co., and interested in several
other of the larger stock companies of the town.
On June 25, 1877, Mr. Ward married Miss
Clara May Burwell, daughter of John and Clara
Burwell, of New Hartford, and this marriage has
been graced with four children : George Burwell,
now a student of Yale College, class of 1902 (he
was a member of the base-ball team of 1899, and
this year (1900) is a member of the Varsity foot-
ball squad) ; Alice May, attending the Miss Burn-
ham preparatory school in Northampton ; Bertha
S., attending the Bristol schools ; and Flavia Allen.
In politics Mr. Ward is a Democrat, and while in
Colorado he was a Bryan delegate to the State con-
vention. Socially he is a member of the Roj^al
Arcanum. Besides his fine home in Bristol he owns
a cottage at Sachem's Head, where he spends the
summers with his family.
HON. ALMON BLAKE PHELPS, who is now
representing the town of East Granby, in the State
Legislature, is one of the leading and influential cit-
izens of that locality, and a recognized leader in the
ranks of the Republican party there.
Mr. Phelps was born in Sarahsville, Noble Co.,
Ohio, Nov. 26, 1866, but is a representative of one
of the oldest and most honored families of Hartford
county, Conn. His great-grandfather. Job Phelps,
was born April 20, 1750, in the town of Suffield,
this county, and there spent his entire life as a
farmer. He was a land owner and a very highly re-
spected citizen of his community. Li his native
town he was married, July 3, 1777, to Miss Charity
Moore, who was born Aug. 29, 1748, and died Feb.
22, 1827, while his death occurred Oct. 2, 1820, and
the remains of both were interred in Suffield. Their
children were as follows : Job, born Oct. 7, 1779,
was drowned Sept. 15, 1792; Jabez Moore, our sub-
ject's grandfather, was next in order of birth;
Drayton, born Sept. 20, 1784, died May 27, 1854;
Jason, born March 31, 1787, died March 6, 1858;
and Charity, born Jan. 14, 1791, married (first).
Chandler Owen, and (second) Ransom Hayden.
Jabez Moore Phelps, our subject's grandfather,
was born May 20, 1782, and received only a
country-school education. He always made his
home in the town of Suffield, and throughout life
followed the occupation of farming, to which he had
been reared. In his political affiliations he was a
Whig, and in religious connection he was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his
family were also identified. He died May 8, 1848,
honored and respected by all who knew him, and
was buried in the town of Suffield. On Jan. I, 1805,
he married Rebecca Hamilton, who was born in
Tolland, Conn., Dec. 7, 1777, and died April 13,
1858. She, too, was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and was a most estimable lady. In
their family were four children: Almon, born Sept.
19, 1805, died Oct. 15, 1885; Canfield, the father of
our subject, was next in the order of birth; Rebecca,
born July 29, 1814, died unmarried Oct. 23, 1885;
and Drayton, born Aug. 23 1816, was married Oct.
19, 185 1, to Charlotte Dibijle, of Southwick, Mass*"
who is still living (his death occurrred March 30,
1893. By occupation he was a farmer).
Canfield Phelps was born July 7, 181 1, in the
town of Suffield, studied civil engineering and was a
well-educated man. When a young man he traveled
all through the South as a collector for a clock com-
panjr in Connecticut, and later went West, locating
for a time in Sarahsville, Noble Co., Ohio, where he
engaged in the real-estate and stock business, and
also in civil engineering. Subsequently he was in-
terested in the manufacture of lumber in Defiance
county, that State, and was the first man in the
county to erect and own a portable sawmill. For
some time he was extensively engaged in the
lumber business there, and after his removal to Ed-
gerton, Williams Co., Ohio, continued in the same
enterprise. He became one of the foremost citizens
of Edgerton, held the offices of justice of the peace,
tax collector and other local positions, and took a
deep interest in the cause of education, doing much
to advance the interests of the pub'ic schools, and
died at that place, Nov, 5, 1871, being buried in the
cemetery there. He was an upright and honorable
man, very popular in business and social circles, and
was a stanch supporter of the Republican party and
its principles. He married (first) Nancy Gilkinson,
and to them was born one son, Orsen, who died
young. After the death of this wife he wedded
Miss Mary Holley, by whom he had four children,
the oldest of whom died in infancy, the others being:
Almon B., our subject; Drayton, a resident of
c:>^v*^-^ /?, ^f^c^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
409
Williams county, Oliio; and Lucy R., the wife of
iuhvin Store. For her second husband, the motlier
married John Battershell (now deceased), and she is
still living in Williams county, Ohio.
Alnion B. I'helps accompanied his parents on
their removal to Detiance county, Ohio, and later to
Edgerton, where he attended schools. In Williams
county he remained until he was sixteen years of
age, when, he came east to the birthplace of his fa-
ther, and lived wjth his uncle Drayton Phelps, at
Copper Hill, town of East Granby, Hartford Co.,
Conn., for five years. Elaving saved a little money,
he in 1889 purchased a tract of land near the Cop-
per Hill Methodist Episcopal church, known as the
Frederick Stevens farm. This comprises ninety
acres, on which he has since successfully engaged in
general farming, dairying and tobacco growing.
He is a very enterprising, energetic man, noted for
his industry and business like propensities, and is
very popular among his associates and friends.
In 1889, in the town of Granby, Mr. Phelps was
united in marriage with Miss Florence M. Viets,
who was born there Feb. 18, 1868, a daughter of
Julius G. and Mary P. (Gillett) Viets, of Granby,
and a niece of Virgil E. A'iets, of Newgate. To
them were born two children: Nellie and Mary
Viets. The mother, who was a faithful member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in August,
1897, and was laid to rest in the Copper Hill ceme-
tery. She was an affectionate wife and mother,
and her decease was a sad blow to the sorrowing
husband.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Phelps has
taken an active part in political affairs, as a sup-
porter of the Republican party, and has done all in
his power to promote its interests. He has served
as selectman of the town of East Granby, to the en-
tire satisfaction of all concerned, and in the fall of
1898 was elected to the State Legislature. He is
proving a most efficient man for the place, and in
all the relations of life has proved an earnest, hon-
est, upright man, and a citizen of whom anv com-
munity might be justly proud. He has held' nearly
all the local offices in his town, including those of
school director and assessor, and has discharged his
various duties with a promptness and fidelity wor-
thy of all commendation.
^ HENRY FRANKLIN CORNING has become
widely known in business circles as a dealer in all
kinds_ of leather goods, at No. 83 Asylum street,
Hartford. It is true that he became interested in
a business already established, but in controlling and
enlarging such an enterprise many a man ofeven
considerable resolute purpose, courage and industrv
•would have failed; and he has demonstrated the
truth of the saying that success is not the result of
genius, but the outcome of a clear judgment and
experience.
A native of Hartford, Mr. Corning was born
July 28, 1849, and is a son of Henrv Corning, who
was born in Hartford Aug. 12, 1818. The paternal
grandparents of our subject were Henry and JCliza-
beth (KappcUj Corning. The father was reared
and educated in Hartford, and for about fourteen
years after reaching manhood he was engaged in
the dry-goods business in New York City. He is
now living retired, having in February, 1900, with-
drawn from the firm of 11. F. Corning & Co., of
which our subject is senior member. He has been
a lifelong Democrat, and for many years has been
senior warden of St. John's Church and Trinity
Church. As a business man and citizen he has made
an enviable reputation, and is deserving of honor-
able mention in a work of this character. At Christ
Church, Hartford, on Alay 4, 1847, he was married
to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Ralph Goodwin,
and to them were born four children : Henry
Franklin, our subject; Mary Elizabeth Kappelf;
Carrie, who died in Hartford, in 1892; and Jennie,
who died in childhood.
Flenry Franklin Corning was educated at board-
ing schools in Windham and Cheshire, Conn., and on
Feb. 22, 1865, entered the employ of Corning Broth-
ers as clerk, since which time he has been connected
with the business, of which he is now at the head.
This business was established by his grandfather,
Ralph Goodwin, in i8i2, and carried on by him until
1858, when he was succeeded by Henrv Corning
and his brother Franklin, who conducted it under
the firm style of Corning Brothers. In 1874 our
subject was admitted to partnership, and the name
changed to H. F. Corning & Co. At different times
during its existence business has been conducted
on Church street, Kingsley, Central Row, Main
street and Asylum street. They at present occupv
the building at No. 83 Asylum street, and carrv a
complete line of horse goods, trunks, bags, pocket
books and leather findings. By fair and honorable
dealing, and by keeping a first-class stock, they have
built up an excellent trade.
Mr. Corning was married, Nov. 12, 1873, in
Trinity Church, Hartford, to Aliss Z\Iary Ellen
Keney, daughter of Aaron Keney.
ALLEN T. BUNNELL, a well-known farmer
and respected citizen of Bristol, is a native of Ohio,
born Oct. 19, 1836, in Geneva [For ancestral data,
see sketch of Charles R. Bunnell elsewhere]. N'a-
thaniel Bunnell, grandfather of Allen T., was born
May 20. 1758, and died Aug. 22, 1828. He was a
farmer by occupation, also a basket maker. At
the age of twenty years he went to New London,
Conn., enlisted in the Continental armv, and was
present at the burning of the place by Arnold. He
was twice married, and by his second wife, Rhoda
Bates (born Oct. 5, 1761, died July 29, 1852), he
had children as follows : Dinah, Laura, Phileta, Al-
len, Susannah, and Thomas. Of these,
Thomas Butmell, father of Allen T., was born
in Burlington, Conn., Nov. 9, 1806, and died Feb.
11, 1895. In 1827, he came to Terrjn-ille, Conn.,
410
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and for a time taught in the old red school house,
later taking up the business of teaming freight,
the goods consigned to him coming through the old
canal to Plainville, from there being distributed
through the country. His teaming experience dates
from the year 1843, when he drove to Hartford
every other day for freight, on the intervening days
making a trip to Plainville, and this he continued
in until 1855 when the railroad made its appearance
in that region. Mr. Bunnell then commenced
teaming between Terry ville and Thomaston, from
1855 to 1887 carrying loads of merchandise over
the hills of Litchfield county. In addition to the
regular freight business mentioned, he for many
years, in company with his son Allen T., did all the
teaming for the manufacturers of Terryville, in-
cluding the Eagle Lock Co. (for nearly twenty
years), also Andrew Terry & Co.'s foundry (for
several years), whereby, as will readily be seen,
his life became closely interwoven with the busi-
ness history of the community, in which he was
highly esteemed. In 1853 he returned to Geneva,
Ohio, and for seven years followed farming, then
again came to Bristol.
In 1830 Thomas Bunnell married Pamelia Bun-
rell, of Plymouth, Conn., who died in July, 1864,
the mother of children as follows : ( i ) Miss Olive,
a resident of Terryville. (2) Sophronia, wife of
James Andrews, of Terryville ; she died in Bristol.
(3) Allen T., our subject. (4) Angeline, wife of
Amos Jacques, of Geneva; she died in Geneva. (5)
Romanta (not married) died in Terryville. (6)
Albert, who has been twice married, has his home
in Terryville. (7-8) Two children died in infancy.
Allen T. Bunnell, whose name introduces this
sketch, was five years old when his parents re-
moved to Terryville, and here he received his
schooling. At the a^e of fifteen he commenced asT
sisting his father in the trucking business, and so
continued a couple of years or until the family re-
turned to Geneva, Ohio, where for the following
seven years or so he assisted his father on the
farm. Once more locating in Bristol, later remov-
ing to Plainville, he in about a year returned to
Terryville, and commenced the trucking business
in company with his father, remaining so engaged
some eighteen years. At the end of that time, in
1877, he removed to Bristol, making his home on
Wolcott street, and engaging in trucking and farm-
ing. From 1879 to 1895 he did trucking only, in
the latter year retiring altogether from that line,
since when he has been exclusively engaged in
farming. As a truckman he did work for the Ses-
sions Foundry Co. as well as the merchants of i^e
place.
On March 5, 1859, our subject was married to
Miss Sarah Maria Norton, who was born Dec. 24,
1840, a daughter of Porter Norton, of Bristol, and
children as follows have been born to them : ( i )
Jennie Antoinette, born Jan. 18, 1861, is living at
home. (2) Mary Pamelia, born Aug. 6, 1863, mar-
ried March 27, 1885, Charles Hart, of Unionville,.
and they have one child, Howard Allen, born Jan.
6, 1886. (3) Florence Allen, born Jan. 19, 1S66, is-
hving at home. (4) Grace Sarah, born July i, 1868,
died June 20, 1895 ; she married, July i, 1886,-
Henry Fairclough, of Wolcott, Conn. ; their chil-
dren: Ruby May, born Oct. 10, 1888; Pauline Bun-
nell, born Nov. 6, 1890; Florence Grace, born May
9, 1893 ; and Sarah Grace, bom April 26, 1895, died
Aug. II, 1895. (5j Charles Romanta, born July 22,
1872, married Melora Beardsley, of Plainville, Feb.
19, 189s, and is a resident of Forestville, Conn. ;
their children: AUene, born June 9, 1897; and War-
ren Russell,, born July 15, 1899. (6) Alice Gert-
rude, born Sept. 21, 1879, married Nov. 8, 1899,
Flerbert Barnum, who is employed by the New
Departure Bell Co., of Bristol. (7) Bernice Lydia,.
born May 12, 1882.
Mr. Bunnell 'and all his family are members of
the Advent Christian Church, of which he has been,
a trustee since 1890. In politics he is a Republi-
can, but takes no active interest in the affairs of the
party. A man of energy, he believes in making a
success of his life work, and so far has deservedly
prospered in all his undertakings.
NELSON AUGUSTUS MOORE, a well-
known and prominent artist of Kensington, was born
there in 1824, at the old homestead owned by his
grandfather probably 150 years agoj the family res-
idence is still standing, and has recently been re-
modeled.
Mr. Moore is a lineal descendant of Deacon John
Moore, the progenitor of- the family in America,
who came from England in 1630 on the "Mary and
John," the same vessel on which the Edwards family
and the ancestors of Gen. Grant also emigrated to.
the United States. Deacon Moore first landed at
.Dorchester, Mass., and in company with Rev. Mr.
Warham came to Windsor, Conn., in 1635 — the
same year that John Hooker and his company set-
tled in Hartford. The Moores have nearly all been
of a light and florid complexion, and rather tall.
John Moore (2), a son of Deacon Moore, and a
farmer by occupation, was born in Windsor, and
married Hannah Goft'. Their son, John Moore (3),
was born in Windsor, and in 1693 married Abigail
Strong, a representative of one of the largest and
most distinguished families in America. Their
son, John Moore (4), was also born in Windsor,
was a farmer by occupation, and was married Dec.
2, 1724, to Miss Abigail Stoughton. Roswell Moore,
son of this worthy couple, was also a native of Wind-
sor, and at an early day moved to Southington,
Conn., where he followed agricultural pursuits. He
married Desire Dunham, of that place, and their
son, Roswell Moore (2), was born there. He was a
farmer and manufacturer. He married Lovina
Philips, and they had thirteen children. For four-
teen consecutive years he represented Southington
in the State Legislature, and his son-in-law. Gen.
'Vc--'?^ ^ ^/^-t-j^
(
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
411
Graimis, represented the same town for that length
of time.
Koswell •Moore (3), the father of our subject,
was born in Southington June 28, 1793, and was
there married Oct. 14, 1823, to Miss Lucy Allen,
whose father was an expert engraver on gold and
copper, and also a worker in gold. Later Mr.
I^loore, who was a manufacturer, came to lierlin in
order to secure better water power. He held sev-
eral local offices of honor and trust in Berlin, includ-
ing that of justice of the peace, and as a member
of the Connecticut Light Lifantry, in which he held
the offices of captain and adjutant, he took an active
interest in military affairs. He was religiously in-
clined, a consistent member of the Congregational
Church, in which he served as deacon, and a strong
temperance man. He was well liked by every one.
In his family were three children, of whom our sub-
ject is the eldest; Ellen Eliza, born Dec. 30, 1828,
in Kensington, graduated from JNIt. Holyoke Sem-
inary when i\Iary Lj^on, the founder, \was principal,
and died Nov. 14, i860. Roswell Allen, born Sept.
2, 1832, is a manufacturer in Kensington. La early
life he was in business with his father, under the
firm name of R. Moore & Sons, who were the first to
make and succesfullv introduce hydraulic cement
as an article of commerce into the markets of this
country.
As the father was a man of some means he was
anxious that our subject should take a collegiate
course at Yale, but, though the latter received what
was then considered a liberal education, he neg-
lected to avail himself of the higher advantages
oft'ered by his father, which fact he has in later life
often regretted. Between the ages of eighteen and
twenty-five years much of his time wa-} spent in the
mills, and he became able to do almost anything in
the line of mechanical work. The year 1846 he
spent in the railroad service, which was 'hen in its
infancy, holding the position of local agent at the
Berlin station, on the New Haven & Hartford rail-
road, which then had its termini at those two cities.
During all these years Mr. Moore found more
or less time to gratify his taste for drawing and
I'-uinting, and while at the Berlin station he main-
tained a studio in the attic of the little depot, where
he painted a few portraits for his friends, gratui-
tously. Of these it might be said that they liore a
resemblance to their subjects. Although he always
had a love for pictures, his first impulse to paint was
when a portrait painter (the father of the present
State labor commissioner, S. iNI. Hotchkiss) invited
him to assist in painting by candle-light a portrait,
or a studv for one, of a little girl who had met with
a fatal accident. His "assistance" was that of hold-
ing the light, and watching the progress of the study.
This was when he was eighteen years of age. After
that he embraced every opportunity to practice in a
crude way the art of painting. On leaving the serv-
ice of the railroad company he decided to study in
New York, and entered the studio of Thomas S.
Cumniings, now the only survivor of thcjse w!io or-
ganized the National Academy, of which Mr. Cum-
niings was treasurer, and afterward vice-president.
Later Air. Moore entered the studio of U. Hunt-
ington, now and for many years the president of the
Academy. On his return from New York he con-
tinued to practice his art at his home in Kensington,
and soon his love for natural scenery drew- him from
portrait and figure painting to that of landscapes,
to which he has since devoted his attention with
great assiduity. Few artists have spent as nuich
time in out-of-door study, in painstaking fidelity to
nature, as Mr. Moore. His sketches comprise a
great variety of subjects, including all seasons of the
year, and have won favorable mention from those
having a high appreciation of art.
About thirty years ago Mr. Aloore erected his
present residence, near the ancestral mansion above
referred to, and to its natural beauty of situation he
has since with the aid of nature and' art, added such
adornments as to entitle it now to be considered one
of the most picturesque homes in New England.
Many of his summers have been spent at Lake
George, and prior to building his present residence
in Kensington he lived for several years in Hart-
ford, wdiere he has since spent four years, in order
to give his children better educational advantages.
He has also spent much time in New York City,
where at one time he had a studio in the Y. JNL C.
A. building.
On Jan. 25, 1853, Air. Moore was united in mar-
riage with Miss Ann Alaria Pickett, who was born
in Litchfield, Conn., June 3, 1832, a daughter of Hon.
Alanson Jasper and Marietta (Smith) Pickett, the
former a successful manufacturer and merchant of
Litchfield. The children born to our subject and his
wife are as follows : ( i ) Edwin Augustus, born Aug.
24, 1858, is also an artist, and has reached a high
degree of success as a figure and animal painter, to
which department of art his attention has been
chiefly devoted. He makes his home with his fa-
ther. (2) Ellen Maria, bom Dec. 4, 1S61, and also
at home, has made quite a success in miniature
painting on ivory, and in water colors. (3) Ethel-
bert Allen, born Nov. 30, 1864, is superintendent of
the Stanley Works, of New Britain, Conn. He
was married June 18. iSgi, to Martha Elizabeth
Hart, only daughter of William H. Hart, president
of the Stanley Works, and they have two children
— Barbara, born April 13, 1892; and Allen, born
Sept. 23, 1896. (4) A. J. Pickett, born May 3, 1S67,
was married Oct. 14, 1892, to Mrs. Grace Robbins
Stanley, and makes his home in New York.
Air. Aloore's ability as an artist has been justly
appreciated by some of the best art critics in this
country, and the "Connecticut Alagazine"' of Feb-
ruary. 1899, reproduced his painting "The Hang-
ing Hills of Aleriden." The art critic of the De-
troit Free Press truthfully said that his painting of
water was so natural that one could drown in it.
In making a sketch Ire studies carefully every point
412
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the picture, even to the atmospheric effects. His
canvases have been exhibited in the Academy more
or less for the past twenty-five years, and he is a
member of the Art Guild of New York. He has
painted to order for many leading and wealthy men,
and his works are scattered throughout the world,
several being owned by gentlemen in Japan, who are
acknowledged as critics as well as connoisseurs of
art. As a landscape artist he has an enviable repu-
tation, and among his patrons are some of the most
noted picture buyers in the country. When Gen.
Grant made his trip around the world Mr. Moore
had an opportunity to visit Japan, as Yashida Kion-
ara, the Japanese minister to the United States,
wanted him to paint a picture of Fujima, the sacred
mountain of the Japane:se, for the emperor of Japan.
Politically Mr. Moore was first a Whig, and he
is now a stanch Republican. He and his wife hold
membership in the Congregational Church, to which
they contrilDute liberally, and she also belongs to the
Ladies Aid and Missionary Societies. They are
very pleasant, hospitable people, and their friends
are always sure of a hearty welcome at their home.
GEORGE WASHINGTON DARLIN, of East
Hartford, is one of the heaviest tax-payers of that
town, and is, more than any other one man, entitled
to the credit of improving and building up East
Hartford Meadow, where his handsome residence is
located. The town does not furnish any better ex-
ample of a self-made man, or one whose success
is so completely the result of business foresight and
management. He was born in the town of Rupert,
Vt., Feb. 13, 1825, a son of Reuben and Hannah
(Scripture) Darlin.
Reuben Darlin was during his early years a
cooper, but the greater part of his life was passed
in farming. He was twice married, his first wife
heing Hannah Scripture, who bore him all his
children, and died at the age of sixty years. His
life was prolonged to over eighty years, and he died
in Dorset, Vermont.
George W. Darlin was next to the youngest of
seven children born to his parents, and he and his
hrother Josiah were the only two to come to Con-
necticut. George W. is the only survivor of the
family. He was educated, as he tersely expresses
it, "between the plow and harrow," but had district-
school advantages for a limited period, and these
were supplemented by a brief attendance at a dis-
trict school in Southwick, Mass. At a very early
age he began life's battle for himself, and was still
in his middle 'teens when he bought his minority
from his father for $100 — quite a large sum for a
hoy to have saved from his small earnings, by
working around a hotel in Rupert. About 1841
he left Vermont with a drover, to assist in driving
cattle to West Hartford, Conn., and when the drove
reached its destination young Darlin found em-
ployment with such leading farmers as Henry Whit-
ing, Morgan Goodwin and Henry Phelps. He
next secured a position at the Retreat in Hartford,
which was then under the administration of Dr.
Brigham. Here he was employed two terms, and in
1846 came to East Hartford and began business as
a general merchant in what was known as the
"Red Store," for which he paid a rental of $50 per
annum. There he did a very prosperous trade un-
til 1862, when his increased business necesitated
his removal to more commodious quarters, and he
found what he wanted on the opposite side of the
street, where he did an immense trade until his
retirement. May 16, 1891, from mercantile business.
For one year, during his early residence in East
Hartford Meadow, he conducted a hotel, and al-
though he made it profitable and popular, being
naturally of . a pleasant and genial disposition, the
business was not altogether to his taste, and more
important interests demanded all his attention — the
superintendency of his now extensive tenement
property. As a merchant he had been phenomen-
ally successful, and invested his profits in real estate,
which he improved with convenient and substantial
buildings, and he now owns about twenty-five, in-
cluding the two largest business and tenement blocks
in East Hartford Meadow; thus he has been the
chief promoter of the growth and prosperity of the
village. His treatment of his half-hundred tenants
is most humane, and some of these have been his
tenants for more than twenty years. He never
raises their rents, nor resorts to drastic measures
to enforce payment, attends to his property person-
ally, makes collections himself, remedies all defects
of which any complaint may be made, is personally
acquainted with each tenant, and for many has
granted substantial favors; by all he is held in the
highest esteem, and is regarded by many with un-
disguised affection.
Mr. Darlin married Martha Marcy, who was
born in Ashford, Conn., and died July 21, 1888, at
the age of sixty-two years, and her remains were
interred at East Hartford. George E. Darlin, the
only child of George W. and Martha (Marcy) Dar-
lin, was born Oct. 19, 1855, and in 1878 married
Miss Minnie L. Avery, a native of Durham, Conn.,
and a daughter of Ichabod Avery. To this happy
union one child, Mabel, was born May i, 1894.
George E. Darlin is assistant postmaster at East
Hartford Meadow, under his father, who was ap-
pointed postmaster in 1889, and still holds the office.
He is also a valuable assistant to his father in hand-
ling the details of his real-estate and tenement mat-
ters, and is one of the best-known residents of the
town.
In politics George W. Darlin is a Democrat, and
has always been active in aid of his party's success
at the polls and in advancing its principles. While
not an office seeker he has been sought for to fill
office, and has been selected for some very respon-
sible positions. For six or seven years was a mem-
ber of the board of relief; is the present treasurer
of the /Etna Hose Company at East Hartford
^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■418
Meadow ; is treasurer uf the Meadow District
scliool fund ; and is also one of the oldest Masons
belonging to Orient Lodge, No. 62, at East Hart-
ford, liven at his comparatively advanced age,
Mr. Darlin gives his personal attention to all liis
business, including the management of the traffic
of the Hartford Coal Co. at East Hartford Meadow,
assisted only by his son.
As a self-made man, in the business sense of the
term, i\lr. Darlin is unique, and in East Hartford
town is the sole example — having risen from the
poorest of boys to the richest of men, and that, too,
with but very limited education at his start in busi-
ness life. His methods as a business man were
based upon the strictest adherence to honesty,
backed by a liberalitv unusual among mercantile
men. His foresight amounted almost to prescience,
as it was never known to be at fault. He erected
house after house while wiseacres smiled and shook
their heads, and ventured predictions that they
would never be tenanted ; but Mr. Darlin knew bet-
ter, and of mistakes there were none. Unostenta-
tious and unpretentious, he holds the "even tenor
of his way," advancing daily the progress of the
village, respected and honored by all who know him
— and who does not? — and known everywhere as
the "Father of East Hartford ^ileadow."
EDWIX- BILLIXGS SMEAD, who has been
principal of the Watkinson Farm School, Hartford,
ever since its establishment, in 1884, has been no
small factor in the success of that worthy institu-
tion.
Mr. Smead comes of excellent New England
ancestry, being a direct descendant of John Joyce,
who was born in London (England), and died
there about 1736 or 1737. He was high sheriff of
Bridgetown, in the Barbadoes, from which place his
son William migrated with his mother, and settled
in I\Iiddletown. Conn., soon afterward. Our sub-
ject is also a direct descendant of Stephen Bishop,
of Guilford, Conn. ; and of Ebenezer Billings, son
of Rev. Edward Billings, a Congregationalist, the
first settled riiinister at Greenfield, Mass. Widow
Judith Denman married a Smead about 1634, and
was in Dorchester, ^Nlass., in 1636. She was a sister
of Israel Stoughton. Her son William, born in
1635, was made a freeman at Xortliampton in 1660,
and married Elizabeth Lawrence, of Hingham,
Mass., who was killed bv the Indians on a forced
march to Canada, in 1704. He died prior to 1704.
Ebenezer Smead. born in 1675, married Esther Cat-
Hn. Jonathan Smead. born in 1707, of the fourth
generation, married Mehitable Nims. Jonathan
."-^mead, born in 1735. married Rosanna Patterson.
He was a soldier in the French and Indian war,
and exploited considerably at Crown Point, N. Y.
Jonathan Smead, born in 1773, married Lucy Pur-
ple, and was a resident of Greenfield, Mass. Jona-
than Smead, father of our subject, was born April
8, 1812. and on Oct. 25. 1835, niarried Lucy B.
-Vdams, of West Haven, \'t. He passed awav Jan.
21, 1866.
Edwin ]>. Smead was born in Greenfield, -Mass.,
June 19, 1849, ^"^ was reared in his native place,
there receiving his early education. He atleniled
high school, and later the Massachusetts Agricult-
ural College, from which he was graduated in
1871, with the first class. I'or some time follow-
ing he was engaged as a civil engineer in the South,
working also on the State Line & Juniata railroad
(narrow-gauge) of Pcnns\-lvania, and after the
financial panic of 1872 he was engaged in the coal
business with Diggs Bros., and later in the fiour
and grain business with Busley & Co., in Baltimore,
Aid. In 1884, upon the recommendation of his
alma mater, JMr. Smead was made i)rinci])al of the
Watkinson Farm School, of Hartford, and his con-
tinued connection with same through all the suc-
ceeding years speaks highly for the satisfaction his
services have given. '1 he outlining of the ceurse
to be pursued has lieen under his direction, and
he has given that and all other matters which come
under his supervision the most careful attention
and study. Mr. Smead was married Xov. 12, 1874,
in Baltimore, Md., to Aliss .Annie Whitney, of the
island of Bermuda, and after her decease, Jan 25,
1876, he married, on Oct. 30, 1878, her sister, .Miss
Roselvina Whitney.
The Watkinson Farm School was established
in 1884 by the will of the late David Watkinson,
this school and the Reference Library in Hartford
sharing equally his residuary estate. It was char-
tered in Alay, 1862, and the object is the proper
paternal care of boys who from their home sur-
roundings obviously need employment and inspira-
tion to develop citizenship. The new buildings are
on the "Handicroft Farm," at Albany and Bloom-
field avenues. Engaged with Mr. Smead. the prin-
cipal, are Selden W. Hayes, assistant, and a corps
of efficient instructors. The trustees are Daniel R.
Howe, George E. Taintor, Dr. G. P. Davis, Fran-
cis Goodwin , D. H. Wells, F. W. Cheney. X. Ship-
man, A. C. Dunham, Jacob L. Greene. Charles M.
Beach. P. C. Royce. C. H. Clark, L. F. Robinson,
C. B. Brewster, F. Parsons. Henry Barnard, who
died the past year, was also a trustee.
i
HIRAM ROBERTS :\nLLS. The -Mills tam-
ily in Connecticut, of which the subject of' this
sketch is a representative, is of ancient and hon-
orable Dutch origin. Early in the se\-cnteenth cen-
tury knighthoocl was conferred upon Sir Peter
M outers \'an der Meulen. of Amsterdam, in recog-
nition of his distinguished services to the public
in the improvement of the dykes and canals.
(II) Peter Van der Meulen. his eldest son,
born in Flolland in 1622, emigrated to .\merica
from Leyden, where he was studving for the min-
istry in the university of that city. .About 1^)50
he joined the refugees who had come to .America
from England for conscience sake, and he thus
414
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
aroused the displeasure of his father, who disin-
herited him. In Colonial Record, Vol. I, it is stated
that, by his own request, his name was changed to
Peter Mills, Van der Aleulen being in Dutch "the
man of the mills." He married (first) Dorkas
Messenger, of Windsor, who was born Sept. 23,
1650, and died May 18, 1688. For his second
wife he married Jane Warren, of Hartford, Dec.
10, 1691. He died April 17, 1710. He owned a
lot in Haddam, Conn., before Xov. 30, 1669. As
a tailor he is frecjuently mentioned in the manu-
script of Rev. Timothy Edward, of East Windsor.
He settled in Windsor, near the present eastern
part of Bloomfield, east of the residence of Anson
A. Mills, and near the confines of Windsor Plains.
His children were Peter, Return (July 12, 1689),
Dorcas, and Ebenezer (Feb. 8, 1687).'
(HI) Peter Mills married, July 24, 1692, Joanna
Porter, who was bom in Hatfield, Mass., Feb. 7,
1670. He died in 1754. His children were as fol-
lows: Peletiah, born April 27, 1693; Gideon, Feb.
3, 1694; Jedediah, March 23, 1696; Peter, April
12, 1701 ; Ann, 1702; Daniel, May 22, 1706; John,
Feb. 14, 1708; Ebenezer, 1710; and Gideon, Aug.
15. 1715-
(IV) Capt. Peletiah Mills, born April 27, 1693.
married July 5, 1720, Martha Chapman. He was
an attorney. His children were as follows : Martha,
born March 11, 1721 ; Peletiah, Jan. 19, 1723;
Elijah, May 30, 1726;, Samuel, Nov. 21, 1728: Jo-
anna, March 2, 1730; Susannah, March 2, 1733;
and Sarah, June 5, 1737.
(V) Peletiah Mills, born Jan. 19, 1723, mar-
ried March 29, 1743, Hannah Owen, who died Jan.
26, 1806. He died July i, 1786. Their children
were Peletiah; Samuel; Roger, born June 4, 1749;
Martha, July 5, 1752; Eli, Nov. 4, 1753; Frederick,
Feb. 28, 1756; Susannah, Oct. 2, 1757; and Ehhu,
June, 1 761.
(VI) Elihu Mills, born in June, 1761, married
(first) Hetty Allen, who died July 3, 1807. His
second wife, Huldah, died June ' 18, 1808. His
third wife, Miriam, died April 12, 1816. He died
in 1835. His children were Hetty, Elihu (born in
September, 1793), and Ammi.
(A'TI) Elihu Mills was born in Septemlier. 1793,
at Bloomfield. On July 15, 1818, he married Aman-
da Hayden, and their children were Ezra H., born
Jime 15, 1819; Elihu, April 24, 1820; Amanda,
June II, 1822; Elihu, Aug. 18, 1824; and George,
July 31, 1829.
(VIII) George Mills, father of our subject, was
born July 31, 1829, at Bloomfield. On Sept. 8, 1852,
he married (first) Mary J. Roberts, who died Nov.
22, 1855. Their only child, Hiram R., was born
Oct. 28, 1853. For his second wife George Mills
married Sarah Harmon, and to them was born
George Elihu Mills, April 21, 1862, now a ma-
chinist in New York City. George Mills died April
13. 1863.
Hiram Roberts Mills, our suliject, born Oct.
28, 1853, at Bloomfield, attended in his early boy-
hood the schools in Bloomfield, and after the death
of his father, in 1863, he went to Lexington, Mass.,
and lived with his aunt, Mrs. Amanda (Mills)
Prosser. At Lexington, and at the Chauncey Hall
school, Boston, he prepared for Harvard University,
which he entered in 1872, and from which he grad-
uated with the degree of A. B. in 1876. Mr. Mills
began the study of law in the office of Chamberlin,
Hall & White, at Hartford, and was admitted to
practice in 1881. At the death of Mr. Hall, Nov.
3, 1877, o'-ii" subject was invited to enter the firm,
which then became Chamberlin, White & Mills.
Since then both Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. White
have died, and the large and important business of
the firm is conducted individually by our subject.
Mr. Mills is also interested in local business enter-
prises. He was married, Slept. 20, 1882, to Miss
J. Elgitha Wyckofif, daughter of Amos D. Wyckofif,
of New York City. They have one child, Hiram
Wyckofif, born Sept. 29, 1883.
ELIAS BURWELL, the only workman in New
England who understands and conducts the per-
petual calendar movements for clocks, was born in
old Milford, Conn., Oct. 4, 181 1, and is a son of
Elias and Amy (Piatt) Burwell, both also natives
of Milford.
John Burwell, grandfather of our subject, came
from England, was one of the first settlers of Mil-
ford, which was then known as Burwell's farm, and
was very influential in church work.
Elias Burwell, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born Nov. 8, 1785, and was reared a
farmer. He married in 1807, and about four years
later volunteered in the patriot army, and served
through the war of 181 2. He was .not very active
in politics, but was inclined toward Federalism ; he
was, however, very active in the work of the Con-
gregational Church, in which he was a chorister.
He had quite an accurate knowledge of the laws of
those days, and frequently served on the grand jury.
He was very hospitable, and ever ready to entertain
travelers over Sundav, as journeying was prohibited
on that day.
Elias Burwell, father of subject, married Amy
Piatt Feb. 12, 1807. She was born Sept. 29, 1783.
and was a daughter of Isaac Piatt. Seven children
came to them to cheer their way through life,
namely : Laura, who was born Dec. 27, 1808, died
in March, 181 1 ; S'idney Piatt, born March 31, i8io,
is living in New Brunswick, N. J. : Elias is our sub-
ject; Austin S., born Feb. 12, 1814, resides in
Seattle, Wash. : Laura H., born Feb. 28, 1816, died
Feb. 4, i88t ; Isaac P., born Aug. 17, 1818, died
Dec. 21, 1857; and Asahel F., born Aug. 17, 1820,
died Aug. 25, 1820. The father of this family
passed awav Sept. 14, 1820, and the mother on
Nov. 10, 18(15.
Elias Burwell, the subject proper of this biog-
raphy, received his earlier education in Milford until
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
415
lie was ten vcars old, and tiicn wcnl to live with
|i)lin (jillette, at Burlington, Conn., where he re-
mained four years, attending school and doing
chores. After this he lived one year with Carlos
1 lolchkiss, pursuing- his studies in winter school ;
then lived a year with his uncle, Isaac Gillette, in
Burlington, after which, coming to Bristol, he
served an apprenticcshi]3 of two years at wood-
turning with RoUin Atkins, and next worked two
vears for ■George W. Bartholomew, in Edgewood
'(Bristol).
Mr. Eur well now began his career as a clock-
maker, filling situations as follows : With Upson
& JMerriman, a short time only ; with the Seth
Thomas Co., at Thomaston, one year ; with his
brother, Sidney P., who had a contract with the
Atkins Clock Co., at Bristol, for wood-turning, two
years; with Charles Kirk, at Bristol, also at wood-
turning, one year ; with Jerome, on brass clocks, two
years ; with John Terry, one year, when the latter
failed ; with Deacon Elisha Brewster, on clocks,
nine years; again with his brother Sidney P., who
had a contract with Chauncey Boardman on clock
work, three years. Air. Burwell then formed a
partnership with Ralph Terry, and Franklin and
George Downs, under the style of Terry, Downs,
Burwell & Co., and manufactured eight-day and
marine movements for clocks, most of which were
disposed of to Chauncey Jerome, who had removed
to New Haven. Three years later Mr. Burwell
sold to his partners his interest in the factory, which
occupied the site of the present Liberty Bell Co.'s
plant, and went to work for the Atkins Clock Manu-
facturing Co., but three years later this company
failed, and Mr. Burwell was appointed receiver ; he
finished up its business — he having the contract for
making the movements, ran the factory about one
year, and finally adjusted its complications to the
satisfaction of its creditors and all concerned.
Mr. Burwell next purchased Deacon Brewster's
"old red factory" on Race street, and made clock-
alarms for a Lowell (Mass.) concern until 1862,
when Benjamin B. Lewis, of Ohio, came along with
a patent for clock-calendars. Air. Burwell secured
the right to manufacture these at a royalty to be
paid Mr. Lewis, and also secured a contract with
L. F. & W. W. Carter for five years, to supply a
certain number of these calendar clocks annually.
He next made a contract vith the \\ clch and Spring
Co., to W'ork on the Lewis perpetual calendar for
three years, and then for four years — seven in all.
In 1876 Air. Burwell went to work for the E. Ingra-
ham Company, which had purchased the Lewis
patent, and made a contract wath the company afore-
said to furnish the calendar movement, and he still
holds the position, being the only man in the shop
capalile of doing the work, although he is quite
aged.
Mr. Burwell was joined in matrimony Nov. 10,
1834, with Miss Lucinda Upson, who was born
Nov. 10, 181 1, a daughter of John Upson, of Water-
burv, and died Aug. 16, i8yo, the mother of the
following named children : Lucinda A., who was
born Sept. n-j, 1835, died .May 21, 1836: Elias, Jr.,
born April 7, 1837, died Dec. 11, 1838; Maria, burn
July ID, 1838, died Sept. 22, 1864; and Harmanas,
born Jan. 30, 1841, died Feb. 17, 1841. The second
marriage of Mr. Burwell took place Sept. 23, 1891,
It) Julia A. Knowles, a native of Plainville, Conn.,
and a daughter of William Knowles. She died in
Bristol ]"eb. 16, 1899, a member of the Prospect
M. E. Church. Of this church Air. Burwell has
also been a member for sixty-five years, was a class-
leader over forty-two years, and for many years was
a trustee and also superintendent of the Sunday-
school. In politics he is a Republican, has served
as constable, grand juryman and justice of the
peace, and there is no more venerated man in Bristol
then Elias Burwell.
EDWARD ATWATER PORTER, engineer
in J. H. Sessions & Son's trunk hardware factory,
Bristol, is a native of Connecticut, born in Hamden,
New Haven county.
When two and one-half years old our subject
was adopted by Col. Chauncey Porter, who was
quite prominent in military affairs in Farmington
(White Oak District), now Plainville, Conn. The
Colonel married Lucy Frisbie, daughter of 'Squire
Ichabod Frisbie, of Southington, Conn., and our
subject continued to Hve with these good people
until he was twenty-one years of age. He received
his schooling in the White Oak District. Plainville,
which common-school education was supplemented
by a term in Southington Academy. When seven-
teen years of age he left school and commenced
firing on the old New England railroad running be-
tween Hartford and Plainville, before the road was
extended to Bristol. After a few months thus em-
ployed he went to work on Col. Porter's farm, at
which he continued until he was twenty years old,
and then took up his residence in Southington.
Here for about two years he ran a stationary engine
for Henry A. Aliller, manufacturer of clock faces,
at the end of that period returning to Col. Porter's
farm. He then went to work for Allen Bunnell,
who had a contract w^ith Emery Barker, making
small sleds, baby carriages, etc., in this connection
remaining one year. Once more taking up his abode
in Plainville, he purchased a small farm, which he
operated for about two years, in connection with
other miscellaneous work, after wdiich for two and
one-half years he kept the toll-gate at White Oak, on
the Middletow-n and Farmington road. Leaving
this, Mr. Porter went to New Britain and entered
the employ of J. B. Sargent as engineer in his
foundry, an occupation he was well adapted for^and
which he followed in this foundry some six years,
from there removing with Air. Sargent and the
works to New Haven. Here he remained nine
months, and then entered the service of the U. S.
government as engineer on the "Alice E. Preston,"
416
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which was commissioned by the government during
the war of the Rebelhon for the transportation of
troops and provisions between New York and Hart
Island. This vessel was also utilized as the dis-
patch boat to carry the message concerning Lee's
surrender down New York harbor. After some
six moths in this service, Mr. Porter accepted a po-
sition with Warner & Sessions in Polkville, now
known as Edgewood, Conn., but after between two
and three years he removed with his family to
Brookfield, Linn Co., Mo., where he bought a farm.
After a sojourn of no more than eight months in that
Western State, he returned to Connecticut, and
once more went to work in Edgewood for John H.
Sessions, who in the meantime had bought his part-
ner's interest in the business. Mr. Porter at first
worked as carver in the wood-turning establishment,
and when, that same winter, Mr. Sessions moved
his works into Bristol our subject was given the
position of engineer — in fact, he set up the engine
and has been operating it ever since. The firm is
now J. H. Sessions & Son, manufacturers of trunk
hardware.
On April 5, 1852, Mr. Porter was married to
Susannah Bunnell, who was born Sept. 16, 1832, a
daughter of Allen Bunnell, of Burlington, Conn.,
and two children have graced their union: (i)
Rhoda A., born Oct. 9, 1853, married Sept. 20, 1874,
to James E. Hodges, of Plainville, Conn. ; their chil-
dren, Minnie E., Nellie R., Agnes S., Edward J.,
Arthur G., John Franklin, Allen Bunnell, and Walter
Irving. (2) Edward Orrin, born Feb. 27, 1858.
He is in the employ of the E. Ingraham Co. He
married March 16, 1879, Jeannette E. Glover, of
Thomaston, Conn., who died Dec. i, 1899; their
children, May Augusta, Edwin Allen, Leland Mar-
shall, and Bessie M.
In religious faith Mr. Porter t^ttends the serv-
ices of the Advent Christian Church, of which his
wife is a member. In politics he is a Republican,
and in his younger days took an active part in po-
litical affairs. For the past five years he has served
as second engineer of the Bristol Fire Department,
declining the post of first engineer on account of his
age. In 1861 he was a member of the National
Guard in New Britain, serving as corporal for about
three years. He is much respected in the community
in which he lives, and is a good, loyal and useful
citizen.
ELI S. HOUGH, one of the most popular and
influential agriculturists of the town of Windsor,
is a native of Connecticut, born in Chaplin,Windham
county, Aug. 10, 1832. He is a son of Rev. Lent
S. and Hannah (Smith) Hough, both natives of
Wallingford, this State, the former a son of Serajah
Hough, the latter a daughter of Eli Smith.
The Hough family was founded in the United
States in 1640, by two brothers, one of whom lo-
cated in Jamestown, Va., and spelled the name
Huff, while the other took up his residence in Maine,
which then formed a part of Massachusetts, and it
is from the latter branch that our subject is de-
scended. His paternal grandfather was a resident
of Yalesville, Conn., and was a farmer by occupa-
tion, as were all the ancestors of our subject down
to his father, who entered the ministry of the Con-
gregational Church and for forty-seven years was
engaged in preaching the Gospel in Connecticut.
He was educated at Yale Theological Seminary^
was very broad and liberal in his views, and noted
for his generosity, and possessed a keen eye and re-
tentive memory. He stood six feetj one inch, in
his stocking feet. He died at the home of our sub-
ject in Poquonock at the age of seventy-six years,
his wife at the age of seventy-seven, and both were
buried in the Poquonock cemetery. The subject
of this review is the eldest in a family of six chil-
dren. Sarah married Charles H. Galpin, and died
in Plantsville, Conn. Benjamin S. was in the serv-
ice of his country during the Civil war, first as a
member of the 3rd Conn. V. I., and later of the 88th
111. V. I., and at its close returned home, paralyzed
from the hips down; he died unmarried in 1896.
Maria is the wife of Joseph E. Hall, of Colchester,
Conn. Mary is a resident of Norwich, Conn. Mar-
tha, twin sister of Mary, is the wife of Charles T.
Avery, of Coldwater, Kansas.
Eli S. Hough was named for his mother's only
brother, Rev. Eli Smith, a missionary to Syria. He
attended the high school at Bethel, Conn., while
his parents were residing there, and later the Wills-
ton Seminary, at East Hampton, Mass. He learned
rapidly, and intended entering Yale, but failing
health interrupted his studies. He began his busi-
ness career as clerk in the store of George W. Guy,
at Middletown, Conn., and subsequently accept, d
a similar position with H. D. Bassett, at Meriden,
Conn., being connected with mercantile pursuits
for nine years.
In the meantime Mr. Hough was married, Oct.
4, 1854, to Miss Caroline A. Hall, who was born in
Wallingford, Conn., June 18, 1832, a daughter of
Benjamin A. and Esther L. (Lindsley) Hall. He
began farming at Wallingford, later engaged in
the same business at Westfield, and on Aug. 26,
1862, came to Poquonock, where for five years he
was head farmer for different men, having charge
of the farm of Daniel Buck, of Hartford, for two
yeai-s. He then bought the Cyrus Phelps farm,
which he has greatly improved, and has since suc-
cessfully operated. He is interested principally in
raising tobacco and plums, and has one of the finest
plum orchards to be found in the county.
Politically Mr. Hough is one of the most prom-
inent representatives of the Republican party in
his community, and he has been honored with a
number of official positions. He has served as
trial justice in Windsor town for twenty-two years,
notary public twelve years, assessor four years,
selectman three years, and in 1897 was elect-
ed to the State Legislature by the largest ma-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
417
jority ever given any candidate of that parly.
I'or ten years he has been quite prominent in
Grange circles, and he is master of Grange No.
53, at Poquonock, of wliich he was one of the
founders and has always been an active member.
He has been identified with almost every agricult-
ural society in Hartford county : Was secretary of
tJic Windsor .\gricultural Society while it existed;
has been superintendent of the State Agricultural
Society ; 'a member from Hartford county to the
State Board of Agriculture; and chairman of the
commission on diseases of domestic animals. He
is also a member and agent of the Connecticut
Humane Society, and has been one of its most active
workers. He is a member of all of the tobacco
growers associations, and is secretary of the Con-
necticut Tobacco Experiment Co. Socially Mr.
Hough is a charter member of the Senior Order of
United American Mechanics, at Windsor, and re-
ligiously both he and his wife are leading members
of the Congregational Church at Poquonock, in
which he has held various offices. He is a public-
spirited and enterprising citizen, and wherever
known is held in high regard.
CARLOS EDWIN BISHOP, of Hartford, one
of the pioneer ladder manufacturers of the United
States, and probably of the Western continent, was
born March 29, 1836, in Stanstead, Province of
Quebec, Canada.
Hiram Bishop, his father, was born in Lisbon,
N. H., and became a tanner and currier at Stan-
stead, employing a number of men. He died "at
Stanstead, aged seventy-three, a prominent, suc-
cessful business man, of sound judgment, and one of
the most highly respected in the village of Rock
Island, where he resided. He married Eseba Rose,
who was born in Stanstead, Quebec, daughter of
Timothy and Sally (Allbee) Rose, of Rockingham,
N. H. Mr. Rose was a farmer, tanner and currier,
and spent his life in the town of Stanstead, where
he died at a ripe age. Grandmother Sally Allbee,
who was born in Rockingham, N. H., was the
mother of twelve children, and lived to advanced
age. Hiram Bishop and his wife .had a family of
eleven children: Timothy R., who died in infancy;
Sarah, who died in Stanstead ; Hiram R., a resident
of Somerville, Mass., where he died some years ago ;
Charles E., who died in the spring of 1900; Henry
C, also deceased, who was a resident of Stanstead ;
Carlos E., of this memoir; John A., a resident of
Barnston, Quebec; Lewis R., deceased: Eseba C,
deceased ; Albert M., of East Providence, R. I. :
and Lucretia, now Mrs. De Costa, residing in New
York. Both parents were members of the M. E.
Church, in the work of which they were prominent,
and took an active part and interest.
Carlos E. Bishop spent his early years in Stan-
stead, being educated in the common schools, and at
eighteen went to Boston to join his brother Pliram,
Avho had preceded him bv three years, and was
27
engaged in tiie manufacture of ladders in Somer-
ville, Mass. He continued in partnership with him
for some four years, when he sold his interest to
his brother and went to Vermont, taking up the vo-
cation of a farmer from 1861 to 18O5. He then
located in Providence, R. 1., and with his brother
again entered the ladder business, which he con-
tinued until 1872, when he bought out Hiram's
interest, and took into partnership his brother Henry.
Removing to Hartford, they founded the ladder
business there, in 1872 establishing the manufacture
of ladders in Hartford, and continuing business ia
both cities for a few years, when Mr. Bishop sold
his interest in the Providence concern and bought
his brother's interest in the Hartford branch, which
he carried on alone. Thus he continued until 1893,
when his son took charge, and our subject retired.
During the first few years of his business in Hart-
ford, or in the early 'eighties, the interests of the
five brothers were to some extent mutual, their
methods of conducting business being to send
wagons through the country. At one time they had
about thirty-five upon the road, covering all the
New England States, New York, and Pennsylvania.
They were at that time the most extensive manu-
facturers of ladders in the United States. The busi-
ness of the brother in Providence having later been
discontinued, our subject became the only manu-
facturer of ladders outside of Boston in the New
England States, and, the business having constantly
increased, at the time of his retirement it was Mie
largest in the LTnited States. The name of Bishop
is connected almost inseparably with the ladder busi-
ness throughout the Union ; not onlv do they manu-
facture everything in the line of ladders for all
uses, including a large trade in the different fire de-
partments, but they also manufacture step-ladders,
clothes-horses, and an enormous quantity of snow
shovels, and carry in stock all kinds of chairs and
settees, together with a large variety of other kinds
of wooden goods. They send their products to all
parts of the United States, as far \vest as California,
and also to the Cape of Good Hope. Their largest
factory is located at Hartford, but the^^ have parts of
ladders made for them in great quantities in differ-
ent factories throughout New Hampshire and other
parts of the New England States. Their poles were
brought by shipload from Maine.
Mr. Bishop now resides at No. 27 Blue Hills
avenue, Hartford, and is the owner of considerable
real estate in that city, having bought a number of
houses, which he rents. In 1858 he married Coro-
lin V. Hall, who was born in Holland, Vt.. daughter
of Captain Luther D. Hall, a farmer, and was one
of a family of twelve children. ]\Ir. Bishop has
three children: E. C, who has his father's business
[sketch elsewhere] : Karl F., in the employ of the-
Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co. (he married Jennie-
E. .Sweet, and iias one child. Richard S.) : and Miss
Edna L., at home. The children -were all educated
in the common and high schools of the city. Mr.
418
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bishop is a Republican in politics, and a member of
the I. O. O. F. lodge at Stanstead. The family at-
tend the Congregational Church, and are much es-
teemed sociall}'.
WILLIAM EZRA KEEP, widely known as a
successful contractor and builder of Hartford, and
one of the oldest in that line in the city, is a native
of Massachusetts, born Sept. 15, 1844, in the town
of Paxton.
Mr. Keep is of the seventh generation in de-
scent from John Keep, who came from England to
this country in 1660, locating in Long Meadow, then
a part of Springfield, Mass., where 'he became a
very prominent man, holding divers offices of trust
and responsibility. In 1676 he was killed by the
Indians, his wife and an infant son also being slain at
the same time. The great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was born in Monson, j\Iass., Aug. 30, 1745,
and was a lifelong farmer there; he served as a
corporal in the war of the Revolution.
Josiah Keep, grandfather of William Ezra, was
born in Monson Jan. 26, 1778, and died Oct. i,
1851, at the age of seventy-three years. On Oct.
27, iBoi, he married Lucy Tucker, and by her had
eleven children, ten of whom reached maturity, but
all are now deceased.
Josiah Otis Keep, father of William Ezra, was
born in Monson, Mass., April 23, 1812, and was
there reared and educated. A blacksmith by occu-
pation, he followed his trade in West Brookfield,
Warren and Paxton, Mass. He married Eliza Ann
Southworth, who was born Sept. 19, 1813, in Ash-
ford, Conn., a daughter of Ezra Southworth, of that
place, and seven children were born to them, three of
whom died in childhood. The others are : Susan M.,
widow of Edwin A. Giddings, a son of H. A. Gid-
dings ; William Ezra, a sketch of whom follows ;
Josiah, in California, where he has been a professor
in a college some fifteen years ; and Edward Palmer,
of Paxton, Mass. The father died Aug. 2, 1895,
the mother on Aug. 28, 1891 ; both were prominent
members of the Congregational Church in which
he was a deacon for many years ; in politics he was
the first in his town to uphold the Free-soil doc-
trine.
William Ezra Keep received his education in the
public schools of his native place, and worked at
blacksmithing and farming under his father until
he was eighteen years of age. At that time he en-
listed in Company B, 51st Mass. A^. I., and served one
year in the i8th Army Corps. In August, 1864, he re-
enlisted, this time in the ist Battalion, Mass. Heavy
Artillery, in which he served one year, at the end
of that time receiving an honorable discharge. He
then came to Hartford, remaining there during
1865-66, after which we find him in Worcester,
Mass., where he learned his trade, that of a carpen-
ter, and where he remained until August, 1871, the
date of his settling in Hartford. Here he has
.since, with the exception of eighteen months passed
in the West, been engaged at his trade, also in con-
tracting and building, and has met with all desir-
able success. He has erected many buildings,
mainly dwelling-houses,' and he built the larger
part of the village of Elmwood, Hartford county,
including the chapel, school house, factories and
dwellings.
On Oct. 15, 1873, William Ezra Keep was united
in marriage with Adelaide M. Giddings, born in
Hartford, daughter of Horatio A. Giddings, a farm-
er and gardener, who spent the greater part of his
life there, dying in 1888, at the age of seventy-five
years. The family attend the services of the South
Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Keep is a
Republican, is a member of the Republican ward 1
committee, and has represented the Eighth ward in
the common council for two years, 1896-97. Socially
he is affiliated with the G. A. R., R. O. Tyler Post, '
No. 50, Hartford, and with the U. O. A. M., being
a trustee of Custer Council, No. 85. He is an ex-
cellent citizen, genial and affable by nature, and his
name is a household word throughout the county.
GEORGE JOHN SCHUBERT, a native of
Bavaria, Germany, born Oct. 2, 1837, and a resident
of Bristol, Conn., since August, 1853, an ex-soldier
of the Civil war, is at the present time a foreman in
the clock case department of the Ingraham Company.
John Schubert, father of George John, was a
cabinetmaker by trade, and in 1828 married Johanna
Schubert, to which marriage were born two chil-
dren, Lorenz, born in Germany in 1830, and now
living in Forestville, Conn., and George J. The
father died in Bavaria, when the subject of this
sketch was but a small boy, and the mother, in 1876,
made a visit to this country, expecting to make her
home with her sons, but became homesick and soon
returned to Germany, where she died Sept. 2, 1890.
George John Schubert attended school until six-
teen years of age, and was then employed in the city
of Schweinfurt as a clerk in the post office. Just
before attaining the age of seventeen j^ears he en-
tered a cabinetmaker's shop for a short time to get
an insight into clock-case making. He sailed from
Bremen, Germany, July 23, 1853, and arrived in
New York August 7, same year, coming immedi-
ately to Bristol, Conn., and there found a position as
clock case maker with Brewster & Ingraham (now
the E. Ingraham Company). In September, 1862,
he enlisted and he served about a year, but of this
further mention will be made. In 1867 he made
a contract with the Ingraham Company, which lasted
about thirty years. He started with three men in
his employ, and when he relinquished his contract
he had forty-eight. In 1896 he was made foreman
of a part of the clock-case work, and has fifty men
under him.
Mr. Schubert was married Dec. 24, 1858, to
Sophia Wilhelmina Funck, who was born in Han-
over, Germany, Sept. 23, 1839, and in 1848 came to
Bristol, Conn., with her parents. Christian and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
419
I
Anna Johanna (Stamm) Funck. To Air. and Airs.
Schubert no children have been born.
(Jn enhsting in the 25th C. \ . 1. at Bristol,
Mr. Schubert was mustered in as corporal in Com-
pany I, Sept. 6, 18O2, but acted as ortlerly sergeant
])art of his term of service, lie participated in the
cain|)aign in Western Louisiana under Gen. Banks,
was at the siege of Port Hudson, the battle of Irish
Bend, and was also at New Orleans; was at the
second assault on Port Hudson, was in the engage-
ments at Laurel Plill and Donaldsonville, and finally
on .\ugust 14, 1803, returned to Hartford, Conn.,
where the regiment was mustered out Aug. 26,
1S63.
Air. Schubert is a member of G. W. Thompson
Post, No. 13, G. A. R., and has been quartermaster
ever since its organization, with tlie exception of the
years (1890 and 1891) when he was post com-
mander. He was also a charter member of, and was
instrumental in instituting, the Knights of Pythias
lodge at Bristol, is a past commander, master of
work and trustee of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, and is a
member of Hull division, L'niform rank, company
A, second battalion, second regiment, and was Sir
Knight captain five years. He is the present regi-
mental quartermaster of the second regiment, with
rank of captain. Air. Schubert is likewise a mem-
ber of Pequabuck Lodge, No. 48, of Bristol, in which
he has twice passed through the principal chair ; he
and wife are charter members of Rebecca Lodge,
No. 24, ladies' auxiliary of the I. O. O. F., and Airs.
Schubert is a member of the Order of the Eastern
Star. In 1883 Air. Schubert acted as aid-de-camp to
the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the
Re]niblic, and Airs. Schubert is a member of the
("i. \\'. Thompson Relief Corps, G. A. R., of which
she was president in 1889, and was also national
inspector in 1884, and assistant department in-
spector for two years. Air. and Airs. Schubert are
faithful members of Prospect AI. E. Church, in
which she belongs to the Ladies Aid Society. In
politics he is a Republican.
HENRY HUTCHINSON, one of the capable
foremen employed in the case department of the E.
Tngraham Clock Alanufacturing Co., of Bristol, was
born in Coventry, Tolland Co., Conn., Feb. 17, 1843,
and is of remote English descent, his ancestry being
easilv traced to his great-great-grandfather, Eleazer
Hutchinson, who was one of the first settlers in
Coventry, the original family, on coming from Eng-
land, having settled in Lebanon, New London
county, this State.
Lewis Hutchinson, father of Henry, was born
Alarch 16, 1807, and was reared to farming, al-
though when a young man he worked for some time
in a wool-carding factory. He was a modest, unas-
suming gentleman, and always prompt in his at-
tendance at church. In politics he was first a
Whig, but on the decadence of that party, and the
vivification of the Republican, he united with the
latter. In May, 1840, he married Aliss Caroline
Hopkins, who was born in August, 1810, and to this
marriage were born six children : Walter Hopkins,
June 7, 1841 ; Henry, the subject of this sketch;
Orrin, born in 1845, who died in 1848; Alary
Aurelia, born in February, 1848, who died in Decem-
ber, 1876; Orrin (2), born Nov. i, 1850; and Le-
mira, born Nov. 20, 1853, married to Arthur 1'.
Loomis, and now living in Bristol.
Eleazer Hutchinson, grandfather of our subject,
was born in 1780, and died ;\pril 17, 1866, a member
of the Congregational Church. He was a farmer
in Coventry, an active and interested member of the
State militia, and in politics a Whig. He married
Lydia Simons, of Windham, and to this union were
born four children : Lewis, mentioned above ; Alary,
born Sept. 22, 1809; Lemira and Walter, who died in
infancy.
Eleazer Hutchinson, great-grandfather of our
subject, was a drummer in the war of the Revolu-
tion. He married Huldah Jones, of Coventry. The
great-great-grandfather of our subject, also named
Eleazer, married Ruth Long, of Coventry, and
Eleazer, the great-great-great-grandfather, married
Jemima Wright.
Henry Hutchinson, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born on a farm in what was known in
1843 as Coventry, now Andover. He attended the
common schools of Andover up to the age of eight-
een years, and then a select school of the same place
for two terms. For three years he worked at cabi-
net-making'in a toy factory in North Coventry, and
then, in 1869, came to Bristol to enter the case-
making department of the E. Ingraham Clock Alanu-
facturing Co., where he remained about three years.
He next entered into partnership with his brother,
Walter H., in the grocery trade, on the North side,
in which they continued for eight years, and then
closed out. Air. Hutchinson, returning to the case
department of the E. Ingraham Co., worked two
\'ears as a journeyman, and then was made foreman
of the "assembly" of oak, walnut and other natural
solid wood cases, which position he yet retains.
Air. Hutchinson married, June 4, 1872, Aliss
Alary Elizabeth Wooding, who was born Feb. 20.
185 1, a daughter of Lawson Jared and Emeline L.
(Stone) Wooding, and their union has been crowned
with four children, as follows : Carrie Emeline, born
Feb. 22, 1874, was married June 14, 1898. to Rev.
Richard Reed Reynolds, a Alethodist divine of
Woodbury, Conn.; Fred \\'ooding. born Alarch 31.
1877, graduated from the Bristol high school, and in
1899 from the Wesleyan L'niversity, in which he
is now assistant to the professor of Astronomy ;
Raymond Garfield, born Nov. 22, 1881. graduated
from the Bristol high school in 1899, and is now tak-
ing a post-graduate course preparatory to entering
the Wesleyan University: and Bertha Afay. born
Feb. 27, 1885, is now attending the high school of
Bristol.
Air. Hutchinson and family are all members of
420
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Prospect Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
Mr. Hutchinson has been a member of the official
board since 1871, collector of pew rents for the past
twenty years, and on July i, 1898, was elected super-
intendent of the Sunday-school ; his wife is a mem-
ber of the Ladies Aid and Foreign Missions So-
cieties. Both are very ardent in and devoted to their
church work. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson are also
members of Bristol Grange, No. 116, P. of H. In
politics Mr. Hutchinson is a stalwart Republican,
and has served on the Second district school com-
mittee, of which he has been treasurer since 1889.
The family live in West street, in a house built
by the late Elias Ingraham, the former famous clock
manufacturer of Bristol, and enjoy the unfeigned
esteem of an extended circle of the best residents
of Bristol.
JAMES ROBINSON TOPPING, who has his
residence in East Hartford, and his place of busi-
ness at No. 734 Main street, Hartford, is a skilled
pattern and model maker, having served a seven-
years apprenticeship at that vocation in England.
He was born in Boulogne, France, July 30, 1844,
his father, a native-born Englishman, being there
employed at the time as a flax-dresser.
Mr. Topping descends from ancestors who were
soldiers, sailors and mechanics, one of them losing
his life, in the first-named capacity, at Waterloo,
and another, as a sailor, was killed at Trafalgar.
His maternal grandmother, Nancy Hardy, lost two
of her brothers in the expedition of Sir John Frank-
lin, and one in the search for Sir John Franklin and
his ill-fated companions. Mr. Topping's parents
were Thomas and Mary (Robinson) Topping, the
father a native of Lancashire and the mother of
Yorkshire, England, and, as intimated above, the
father was a flax-dresser. He followed this voca-
tion in England and France until the Crimean war
cut off the supply of raw material from Russia, and
cotton was substituted. He then engaged in the
dry-goods trade, which he followed in Hull, Eng-
land, the remainder of his active business life, and
in which city both he and his wife ended their days.
Of their nine children, James R., our subject, was
the eldest son, and of the sons three besides him-
self came to the United States : , Thomas Hardy,
now foreman of the pattern department of the
Electric Co., in Lynn, Mass. ; John R., a pattern-
maker doing business in Boston, Mass., and William
W., a pattern-maker of Hartford.
James R. Topping was but a child when his
parents returned from France to England, the
French Revolution at that time being under full
sway. He was reared in London and Hull, and at
the age of ten years ended his schooling. He had
some experience in his father's vocation, but this
proving to be unprofitable he worked a short time
in a rope walk, at work suited to his years. At the
age of fifteen he apprenticed himself to a millwright,
starting in at seventy-five cents per week, but being
a stout lad his wages were increased to one dollar
per week in a short time, and were added to until
they amounted to $2.50 per week for the last two
years of his apprenticeship. The first five years |
were devoted to the mechanical part of his trade,,
and the last two to pattern-making, and thus he
acquired a full knowledge of the business. At the
Art Institute and General Exhibition, held at Kings-
ton-Upon-Hull, England, in 1870, Mr. Topping
was awarded a prize medal for a model of the screw
steamship "Marsden." He followed his trade in
England until 1879, when, on the 20th day of April,
he found an opportunity of working his passage ta
America on a freight vessel. On arriving in New
York City he found employment in the Delamater
Iron Works for a few months, and then came to
Connecticut and worked for Hiram H. Maxim, the
"gun man." Later he returned to New York, when
Mr. Maxim went to that city. In 1881 Mr. Topping
went to England on business, and on his return,
six months later, again worked for Mr. Maxim, in
Philadelphia, making machines run by gas from oil.
Next he was employed as foreman for the Clemens
Manufacturing Co., of,Ansonia, Conn., and after-
ward was foreman in the pattern department of the
American Ship Building Co., of Philadelphia. He
then made another trip to England, and worked
for Hiram Maxim on his machme gun, then being
built in London. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Topping
came back to America and worked in Hartford,
Conn., a year or two. Again he visited England,
and on returning to the United States brought with
hnn his youngest brother.
On Nov. 23, 1887, Mr. Topping married, in
Hartford, Miss Mary L. Taylor, a native of Buft'alo,
N. Y., and subsequently lived in Hartford until
September, 1893, when he removed to East Hartford
and built an excellent home for himself on Wood-
bridge street. In 1898 he erected another good
house for renting. In politics Mr. Topping is
Democratic in his predilections, but acts upon his
own judgment in voting. Fraternally he is a
member of Concord Lodge, No. 50, F. & A. M.,
of New York; of the Amalgamated Society of
Engineers, which he joined in 1867; and of Nathan
Hale Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Hartford.
Mr. Topping has crossed the Atlantic ocean
seven times, but since his marriage in 1887 has set-
tled down, and in that year he engaged in his
present business, of which he has made a perfect
success, employing several men to assist him. He
has fought his way through the world without pe-
cuniary aid from others, is now independent, and is
respected by everybody for his perseverance, in-
dustry and upright life.
FRANCIS BODWELL CUMMINGS, proprie-
tor of the well-known and popular livery and board-
ing stables, in Hartford, is a native of Vermont,
born March 18, 1834, in Newport, and comes of
stalwrrt New England ancestry.
I
^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
421
Cyrus Cummings, father of Francis B., was
born in Littleton, N. H., a son of Cyrus Cummings,
of the same nativit}-, and a farmer by occupation,
who in later life removed from Littleton to Newport,
Vt., and passed the rest of his days there. Cyrus,
the father of our subject, was a mechanic, a worker
in wood and iron, and followed that business for
several years in Vermont, coming from that State
to Connecticut, and passing the later days of his life
in Hartford, where he died at the age of seventy-
nine. By his wife Ruth A. ( Pratt j he had six
children, two of whom are yet living: Francis B.,
and Chloe (widow of E. L. King), of Lawrence,
jMassachusetts.
Francis B. Cummings received a liberal edu-
cation in part at the schools of his native place,
Newport, Vt., in part at those of Lawrence, Mass.,
to which latter place he moved when twelve years
old, thence coming to Hartford after a residence of
live years. Here at the age of eighteen he com-
menced to learn the trade of machinist, following
same for seven years, at the end of which time, in
1857, he embarked in the livery business on J\lain
street, remaining there some fifteen years, then
coming to his present location, "rear of brown stone
church," Asylum avenue. Mr. Cummings' livery
and boarding stables are the oldest in the city, and
for completeness and general equipment they are
not surpassed in the State, containing as they do
no fewer than forty horses and a full complement
of as fine livery rigs as can be found in any me-
tropolis.
On Oct. I, 1859, Mr. Cummings was married
to Louisa Goodwill, and three children were born to
them, only one of whom is now living, Fanny, who
married George McHenry, of Hartford, and has
two children, Elizabeth and Annie. The mother of
Mrs. McHenry died at the age of forty-five years,
and for his second wife Mr. Cummings wedded
Clara Latham, a native of Halifax, N. S., and they
have one child, Marion Shirley.
In politics Mr. Cummings is a Republican, but
is not bound by any party ties when casting his
ballot, as he invariablv supports the candidate he
considers best adapted for the office. By his own
individual grit, progressiveness and sound judgment
he has met with well-merited prosperity, and is now
the owner of considerable property in Hartford, in-
cluding several dwelling houses. He is, to put in
plain American, a typical hustler, and a thoroughly
representative wide-awake New Englander.
PHILIP P. CARLON, M. D. Few of the
physicians of Hartford are natives of that city, but
the subject of this sketch, one of the most successful
of the fraternity, was born there April 19, 1862.
Hugh Carlon, his father, was born in County
Cavan, Ireland, and from 185 1 resided in Hartford.
He married ^liss Ann Smith, a niece of Rev.
Father Brady, first pastor of St. Patrick's Church,
Hartford, and had six children, of whom three are
living: John is a resident of Hartford; Miss Nellie
is a teacher in St. Joseph's School, in that city ; our
subject being the youngest of the trio.
riie Doctor's education was begun in the paro-
chial schools of Hartford, and later he pursued his
studies in JNIontreal College, and at the College of
the Holy Cross, Worcester, Alass., where he was
graduated in 1882. For three years he studied
theology in Montreal, and his medical studies were
begun in the University of New York, where he re-
ceived the degree of M. D. in 1890. For three
years he was connected with the Flatbush Hospital
and Insane Asylum, and then practiced his profes-
sion in New York City for the same length of time ;
in 1896 he located in Hartford. His first office was
on Main street, and he now has two offices, one at
No. 23J/ Church street, and the other on Park
street. He is one of the staff of St. Francis Hos-
pital, and is an active member of the City, County
and State JNIedical Societies. The duties of his
practice prevent him from giving much atention to
non-professional matters, but he is identified so-
cially with the Knights of Columbus and the Cath-
olic Benevolent Legion.
CONSTANT LOYAL TUTTLE, of the well-
known enterprising firm of Tuttle & Mather, dealers
in carriages and horse goods of all kinds, the em-
porium being at Nos. 291-293 Allyn street, Hartford,
is a native of Connecticut, born Dec. 14, 1850, in
Plvmouth.
' Elizur Tuttle, his father, was also born in Plym-
outh, the date of his birth being Feb. 26, 1806,
and from there he removed to Bristol. By trade
he was a wood-turner, and made bedsteads, chairs,
etc., by hand. In Bristol he farmed as well, and also
at Belleville, Ontario, Canada. In Plymouth he
engaged in the manufacturing of candy boxes, which
he sold in Hartford. In 1865 he removed to Bark-
hamted, Litchfield Co., Conn., and there fanned
until the spring of 1881, in that year taking up his
residence in Hartford, where he passed the rest of
his days dying Jan. 15, 1888. At one time he ped-
dled clocks' in Pennsylvania, New York and Canada.
On Sept. 25, 1835, in Canada, Elizur Tuttle mar-
ried Alary Danford, who was born Alay i, 1816,
in that country, and died in New Britain in 1894.
Eleven children were born to this union, as follows :
(i) Emily, born Nov. 25, 1836, at Stirling, Canada,
married \\'illiam Sweet, of Plymouth, Conn., and
has six children, Alice, Eva, Jennie, Ida, William
and Jesse. (2) Lydia, born at Stirling, Canada,
married E. H. Merrill, of Winsted, Conn., and had
three children, Oliver, Cora and Etta. (3) Sarah
M., born at Penfield, N. Y., married David Buell, of
New Britain, and has one child. Electa. (4) Helen,
born in Bristol, Conn., married Henry Kavill. of
^^^est Haven. Conn., and died in November, 1884.
She had one child, Mary. (5) William H., born
in Plymouth, Conn., married Jane Beany, and has
three' children, Hattie, Bertha and Grace. (6)
422
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Phebe J., born at Plymouth, Conn., married Harvey
Tucker, of Tariffville, and had three children,
Albert, Ira and Mabel. (7) Constant L. is the sub-
ject of these lines. (8) Alpheus A., born at Plym-
outh, is a veterinary surgeon at Attleboro, Mass. ;
he married Belle Patterson, but has no children.
(9) Millard B., born at Plymouth, was drowned
at the age of five years. (10) Gatria E., born at
Plymouth, married Thomas S. Mather, and is now
deceased. They had six children, Alpheus, Samuel,
Lewis, Harry, David and Helen. (11) One child
died in infancy.
Constant L. Tuttle, whose name opens this
sketch, received the greater part of his education at
the schools of his native place, and from 1865 to
1 88 1 he was employed in lumbering and farming
at Barkhamsted, Conn. At the age of twenty-two
years he commenced business for his own account ;
in 1884 he embarked in the trucking business in
Hartford; in 1888 the firm of Tuttle & Mather was
organized ; in April, 1899, they changed the busi-
ness to that of dealers in carriages and horse goods
of all kinds.
In 1881, at Hartford, Conn., Constant L. Tuttle
was married to Miss Jennie E. Horrox, of Barkham-
sted ; there are no children. In politics Mr. Tuttle
is a Republican.
CAPT. IRA BENHAM SMITH, skilled, as a
die-sinker and machinist, located on Main street,
Bristol, and one of the most gallant soldiers that
went to the front during the war of the Rebellion,
was born in Meriden, Conn., Aug. 16, 1840, a son
of Lucius B. Smith, who died in 1893, at the age of
seventy-two years.
Lucius B. Smith was born in New York State,
and lost his parents w'hile still an infant. He was
reared by his maternal tmcle, Erastus Parmelee, a
resident of Meriden, Conn., and learned black-
smithing. Lucius B. Smith went to California in
1849 with the Montague company, formed in
Meriden and vicinity, crossing the plains going,
accumulated considerable wealth by working at his
trade of blacksmith, and returned via the Isthmus.
He was a Republican in politics, but never sought
office, being a modest gentleman, nor was he a mem-
ber of any secret society. In religion he was an
Episcopalian. Lucius B. Smith was twice married,
the first time to Caroline Griswold, of Meriden, and
to this union were born six children, as follows :
Ira B., the subject of this sketch; Frederick L., who
has long been employed in the general offices of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.,
in New Haven, but resides in Meriden ; Willie D ,
living in New Britain, is a toolmaker for the Stanley
Rule & Level Co.; Lucy, twin of Willie D., died
in infancy ; Marshall, also deceased in infancy ; and
Carrie May, married to Charles Morse, of the firm
of Church & Morse, hardware merchants in Meri-
den. The second marriage of Mr. Smith was to
Mrs. Jane Bridgeham, of Madison, Conn., and by
this marriage was born one daughter, Nellie Bas-
sett, who is married to Arthur W. Trueller, in the
meat and produce business at New Britain.
Solomon Smith, father of Lucius B., and grand-
father of the Captain, was a hero of the Revolution-
ary war, and after that glorious struggle had been
brought to a successful conclusion passed the re-
mainder of his life in farming in central New
York.
Capt. Ira B. Smith attended the public schools
of Meriden until he had attained the age of seven-
teen years, when he entered the office of N. C. San-
ford & Co., manufacturers of augers and skates, at
Yalesville, Conn., and of whose works the Captain",!
father was then manager. Ira B. here held his posi-
tion as shipping clerk until i860; then worked for
Wooster & Glover, at Derby, making sewing-ma-
chine needles, until May, 1861, when he gallantly re-
sponded to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 vol-
unteers to assist in quelling the Rebellion. He
served in Company D, 2nd Conn. V. I., under Capt.
Dana Russell, took part in the battle of Bull Run,,
and was mustered out Aug. 21, 1861, his three-
months' term having expired. Immediately after
being mustered out he enlisted in Company C, 7th
Conn. V. I., and with this regiment was the first to
set foot on South Carolina soil, at Hilton Head,
Nov. 4, 1861 ; his was the first regiment to float
its flag in the Palmetto State after the opening of
hostilities. He was at the capture of Fort Pulaski,,
Ga., April lo-ii, 1862; in the attempt to Secession-
ville, S. C, June 10, 1862 ; at the capture of St.
John's Bluff, Fla., Oct. 7, 1862; the battle of Po-
cotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862 ; Bermuda Hundred,
Va., May 12, 1864; assault on Woodbridge's Hill,
Va., May 12, 1864; battle of Drury's Blufif, Va.,
May 16, 1864, and again at Bermuda Hundred,
June 12, 1864. Here he was captured and taken
to Andersonville, Ga., where he was confined pre-
cisely three months. On Sept. 8, 1864, he was in-
carcerated in the Charleston(S. C.) jail, but placed on
the firing line of the Union batteries, the Confeder-
ates hoping that the presence of the boys in blue
in this perilous position would check the bombard-
ment by the Unionists. For a month i\Ir. Smith
was held in this disagreeable predicament, when he
was transferred to Florence, S. C, confined in a
stockade, similar to that at Andersonville, for three
months, and then paroled and sent to Charleston
harbor for transportation home on a furlough of
three months, at the expiration of which time he re-
joined his regiment at Wilminglon, N. C, and served
until mustered out, in July, 1865, at Goldsboro,
North Carolina.
The extraordinary gallantry of our subject was
early recognized, and he was often selected by his su-
periors to jDcrform deeds of daring, but his promo-
tion was late in coming, as far as commission is con-
cerned. For attention to dutv. intelligence, brav-
ery and good behavior while in the ranks, he had
been promoted to first sergeant, but for conspicuous.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
423
I
bravcrv and meritorious conduci before the enemy
on every field he was eommissionetl eaptain in I'elj-
ruary, 1805, a "big juuip" from first sergeant.
At the close of the war Capt. Smith was em-
ployed for a year as machinist at Gallon, Ohio, on
the Atlantic & Great Western. He then returned
to Meriden, Conn., and worked as a machinist in the
Charles I'arker gun shops for a year, when he was
made fo.reman of the press department, with a
force of nearly fifty men under him. In 1873 he re-
signed this position on account of ill health, and in
partnership with his brother-in-law, Lucas A. Dolish,
bought out the grocery of Charles Ives, in Yalesville,
but a year later bought the business of Mr. Dolph,
and conducted the business on his own account four
years. He then went to work for the Oneida Com-
numity in W'allingford, having charge of its spoon
manufactory until 1881, when he went with the
Community to Niagara Falls, N. Y. He was their
superintendent until 1,885, when he resigned and
went to Thorold, Canada, forming the Ontario Silver
Co., for the manufacture of spoons, with a capital
stock of $20,000, which he managed for two years.
He then sold his interest and returned to Walling-
ford, Conn., where for two years he worked on a
contract for making clock-cases for the Judd Manu-
facturing Co. He next made a speculative trip to
California for si.x. months, came to Bristol in Feb-
ruary, 1888, and accepted the superinteiidency of
the German silver spoon department of the Bristol
Brass & Clock Co., having under him a force of 175
hands. In March, 1898, he started his present die-
making and special machinery establishment on
j\lain street.
Capt. Smitii was most happily married, in Febru-
ary, 1864, to j\Iiss Susan I-C. Maynes, daughter of
Alexander G. Maynes, of Meriden, and to them
were born three children : Harmon Frederick, born
Nov. 16, 1867 married Julia Baldwin, of Walling-
ford, who has borne him two children, Ira Baldwin
and Edmund' Herman. Marshall Ira, born in 1873,
is a toolmaker in the Eagle Lock Co.'s factory at
Terry ville ; he is married to Annie Fuiick, daughter
of August Funck, and is the father of one child,
Susan Rachel, born in June, 1896. Robert ^laynes,
born in June, 1881, is now learning die-making.
Capt. Smith is a member of Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, F. & A. M., and has been a Mason thirty-
seven years ; also of Stephen Terry Lodge, No. 59,
I. O. O. F. ; and of Gilbert W. Thompson Com-
mandery ; he and his wife are members of Bristol
Grange, No. 116, and attend the Episcopal Church.
In politics Capt. Smith is an ardent Republican, is
very popular, and although never a seeker after office
was elected burgess the second and third years after
the borough of Bristol was erected.
LE^T BENNETT COCHRAN, M. D., physi-
cian and surgeon of Hartford, was born Dec. 8,
1867, in Durhamville, Oneida Co., New York.
The familv is of Scotch-Irish origin, and his
grandfather, Andrew Cociiran. was a native of Bel-
fast, Ireland. Rev. Andrew Cochran, his fatlier,
was a l'resl)yterian clergyman, and for thirty years
was pastor of the church at Oneida Castle, N. \' .
Just after his death, in 1887, a new churcii was
completed, and named, in his memory, the Cociiran
Alemorial Church. He married Catharine More,
a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and of their
six children three are living, as follows: John M.,
a resident of Oneida, N. Y. ; Levi B. ; and Cather-
ine, teacher of Latin and Greek in the Teachers
College of Columbia University.
Levi B. Cochran attended the public schools of
Oneida, N. Y., and on graduating from the high
school took a position in a drug store in Oneida.
Later he completed the course in the College of
Pharmacy at Philadel])liia. and for a time was em-
ployed in a drug store there. In 1890 he entered
the Medical Department of the L'niversity of Penn-
sylvania, graduating with the class of 1893, and for
seven months he was resident physician of the
Cooper Hospital, at Camden, N. J. The next two
vears he spent as assistant physician at the mines
at Lattimer, Penn., and in 1896 he located at Hart-
ford, Conn., engaging in general practice. He is a
member of the City, County and State Medical So-
cieties, surgeon of the Connecticut Naval Battalion,
and visiting physician of the Hartford Orphan Asy-
jlum. He "was' formerly a member of the Stille
Medical Society of the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1898 the Doctor was married, at Lowvillc.
Lewis Co.. N. Y., to :\Iary Louise, daughter of Dr.
Allies FI. Bronson.
JOHN GE.MM ILLhas from early manhood been
actively identified with the 'business interests of
Hartford, where his father before him made an
honorable name, and he is well and favorably knnwn
in the city in various connections.
Mr. Gemniill is of Scottish lineage, his father,
James Gemmill, having been a native of Kilmarnock,
Scotland, where he was reared and educated, and
learned the tailor's trade. He followed his trade in
his native land until coming to America, in 1S35.
and locating in Hartford, Conn., whence he removed
to Thompsonville and later to Suffield, this county,
at the latter place, where he resided until the spring
of 1861, conducting a store. The remainder of his
life was passed in Hartford, where he located in
business at No. 45 Asylum street, carrying a line of
ready-made clothing and men's furnishing goods,
and also conducting a custom tailoring business.
In 1862 he removed to Foster's present location,
and took his son-in-law, James Clarke, into partner-
ship, the firm being Gemmill & Clarke until 1S66,
when our subject was received into the business,
and it became Gemmill & Son. Two years later
the elder Mr. Gemmill sold his interest to his son,
and w-ith E. F. Burnham and Mr. Clarke continued
the business under the firm name of Gemmill,
424
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Clarke & Co. until 1871, when the partnership was
dissolved, Mr. Clarke retaining the store just men-
tioned, and Gemmill, Burnham & Co. returning to
the old location. No. 45 Asylum street. After
twelve years of successful business there they re-
moved to the new building erected by them in 1882,
and here they have remained to the present day,
enjoying a constantly increasing and profitable
patronage. Mr. Gemmill's reputation as a business
man of honor and the strictest integrit)^ combined
with his pleasing personal characteristics, has gained
him a high place among his associates, whether in the
business world or in private life, and he has proved a
credit to his Scottish ancestry as a sturdy upholder
of the right.
James Gemmill married Miss Maria Clutter-
buck, a native of England, and to their union were
born: Margaret, who died young; Mary, who mar-
ried James Clarke, of Bloomfield, this county; John,
whose name introduces this sketch; James, who
died young; and Robert, of New York City. The
father passed away in Hartford May 3, 1871, at the
age of sixty-five years, the mother surviving until
Nov. 21, 1883, when she passed away at the age
of seventy-one years ; both were laid to rest in the
cemetery at Suffield.
John Gemmill was born Jan. 5, 1840, in Suffield,
■where he grew to manhood, attending the common
schools and the Connecticut Literary Institute. In
i860 he went to New York City, where he was in
the employ of Lord & Taylor until April, 1861,
when he came to Hartford, clerking for his father
until his enlistment, July 15, 1862, in Company
A, 1 6th Conn. V. I. He was promoted to corporal
and sergeant, and served honorably to the close of
the struggle, receiving his discharge June 20, 1865,
at Newbern, N. C. Soon after his return to Hart-
ford he engaged in business with his father, and the
history of his commercial career is the history of
the business, as given above. In 1866 he wedded
Miss Lettie Morris, of Rutland, -Vt., who died in
1893. They had three children : Hattie and Robert,
who died young; and Marguerite Morris, now the
wife of Ralph K. Swett, of Hartford, who travels
for the Pope Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Gemmill has been identified with various
social and religious interests of his city, being a
thirty-second degree Mason (member of Sphinx
Temple, Mystic Shrine), a member of the Army
and Navy Club, and a member of Robert O. Tyler
Post, G. A. R. For one year he was major of the
Hartford Veteran City Guard. In church connec-
tion he is a Baptist, was for twenty-five years united
with the South Church, and has served as deacon
in the South and Washington Avenue Baptist
Churches ; he is now a member and deacon of the
Asylum Avenue Baptist Church, in which he is serv-
ing as chairman of the society committee. He is
also a member of the board of directors of the Y.
M. C. A., discharging all the duties of these trusts
with characteristic faithfulness and a zeal which
could leave no room for doubt as to his genuine in-
terest in the welfare of the organizations concerned.
HON. RICHARD H. CONDON, now first se-
lectman of the town of Farmington, is a true type
of American progress and enterprise. His intellec-
tual energy, prudent business methods and reliable
sagacity have all combined to make him one of the
ablest business men of the community.
Mr. Condon was born in County Limerick, Ire-
land, June 28, i860, son of John Condon, a large
farmer of that county, where he died in 1872. After
settling up the estate the mother came with her six
children to America, and our subject made his home
with his sister, Mrs. Bridgman, in Unionville, Hart-
ford Co., Conn. At the present time he has one
brother, John H. Condon, and two sisters, Mrs.
Rourke and Mrs. Hanrahan, residing at the town
of Farmington.
In the National schools of his native land Mr.
Condon began his education, and after coming to
this country pursued his studies for a time in the
village schools of Unionville. While still in school
he began running errands for George Richards, who
then, as no\y, was engaged in the feed and grain
business in Unionville, and in 1883 he became a
member of the firm, v/hich now carries on business
under the firm name of George Richards & Co.
They own and operate a large gristmill at Union-
ville, and have built up an excellent trade as dealers
in flour, feed and grain.
In Collinsville, Conn., Mr. Condon was united
in marriage with Miss Susan Burnett, a daughter of
George Burnett, and to them has been born one son,
Frank Burnett Condon. Fraternally Mr. Condon is
a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Independ-
ent Order of Foresters, and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. Politically he has been
a stanch Democrat since casting his first vote in
Farmington. The first office to which he was elect-
ed by his townsmen was that of tax collector; in
1889 he represented the town in the State Legisla-
ture, and for the past four years he has been first
selectman. His official duties have always been most
capably and satisfactorily discharged, and he has
become a prominent figure in business, political and
social circles.
EDWARD J. MULCAHY, dealer in clothing,
hats and furnishing goods, at Nos. 33 to 41 Asylum
street, Hartford, is one of the city's successful mer-
chants, and is a native and a continuous resident of
the city.
Mr. Mulcahy has one of the largest stores in
his line in the city. His business house is in a
conspicuous location on one of the leading business
streets in Hartford ; it has a frontage of 50 feet and
a depth of 150 feet, and the interior is well ar-
ranged and business-like. Mr. Mulcahy is one of
the best-known merchants in the city. Through
i
k
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
425
his ability, strict adherence to business principles,
good management, and honorable and fair dealing,
he has been successful. For many years he has been
one of the committee of the Hartford Public High
School, and he is a member of the board of street
commissioners. He is also a member of the Knights
of Columbus, and treasurer of Charter Oak Council.
THOMAS BUNNELL, employed by the New
Departure'Bell Co., Bristol, was born May 27, 1839,
in Bristol, Conn., at No. 160 Divinity street.
Llezekiah Bunnell, great-great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1702, in Cheshire, Conn.,
whence he moved to Burlington, Hartford county.
He married Esther Plumb, and they had seven
sons. Hezekiah took up an extensive tract of land
in Burlington, and when he died. May 25, 1764, he
willed to each of his sons a large farm. The mother
passed from earth Dec. 20, 1768.
Nathaniel Bunnell, great-grandfather of our
subject, was born in 1733, and was frozen to death
December 15, 1759, a severe snowstorm overtaking
him while he was out deer hunting. In 1756 he
married Thankful Spencer, who was born in 173S;
and died Jan. 25, 1817. They had three children.
Nathaniel Bunnell, grandfather of our subject,
was born May 20, 1758, and died Aug. 22, 1828.
He was a farmer by occupation, and in connection
was also a basket maker, which was a profitable in-
dustry in those days. He served as a soldier in
the Revolutionary war. Twice married, his second
wife was Rhoda' (Bates), born Oct. 5, 1761, and
died July 29, 1852. Their children: (i) Dinah,
born Dec. 12, 1795, died April 23, 1875, married
Royal Grover. (2) Laura, born March 24, 1798,
died Aug. 27, 1828. (3)Phileta, born Feb. 10, 1800,
died Nov. 15, 1815. (4) Allen, born Feb. 7, 1802,
died May 20, 1873. (5) Susannah, born Oct. 27,
1804, died in 1834. (6) Thomas, born Nov. 9,
1806, died Feb. 11, 1895. Of these,
Allen Bunnell, father of our subject, was born
in Burlington, Conn., received his education there
in the Center district school, and learned the trade
of carriage maker of a man by the name of Hale :
the factory was a little over a mile north of the
Center. He served seven years at this, beginning at
the age of fourteen years. When a young man he
removed to Bristol, and carried on a carriage shop
in Divinity street. He died May 20, 1873, in what
is known as Edgewood, Bristol. On Feb. 8, 1826,
he married Rhoda Atwater, who was born Nov.
16, 1800, in Bristol, a daughter of Lucius and
Rhoda (Churchill) Atwater, the last named being
a lineal descendant of Gov. William Lyon, of
Colonial days. She died July 20, 1879, in Edge-
wood, Bristol. Their children : ( i ) Caroline, born
Jan. 13, 1827, married Franklin Steele, of Bristol,
and died Dec. 9, 1898. (2) Emily, born Jan. 30,
1828, married John H. Sessions, of Bristol. (3)
Charles R., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
(4) Susannah, born Sept. 16, 1832, married Ed-
ward Porter, of Bristol. (5) Rhoda, born June 23,
1835, died May 3, 1836. (6j Thomas, our sub-
ject. (7) Sterling, a sketch of whom appears else-
where. The father of this family was one of the
first Abolitionists, and was one of the seven men of
Bristol who at one time held the controlling power
in the town. He was a very strong Union man, and
equally aggressive on the temperance subject. He
was converted when about twenty-one years of age,
while attending the services of the Congregational
Church of his town. When he came to consider
the question of Baptism, he asked to be immersed ;
the pastor was loath to administer as requested, so
this cause led him to the Baptist Society in Bristol,
where he joined. There he formed the acquaint-
ance of her who was to be his loved and loving
companion in all his after life. She had become
a member there at the age of eleven years. In
1842 the preaching of William Miller, that the end
of the earth's probation was near at hand, found
a response in them, and they became what is known
as Second Adventists. They were exemplary Chris-
tians at home or wherever they went, both dying
in the triumphs of Christian faith. They were
buried in- West cemetery, Bristol.
Thomas Bunnell, whose name opens this sketch,
was six years old when his parents removed to
Whigville, in Burlington, the school of which place
he attended until he was fifteen years of age. At
that time he removed to Illinois, and along with his
brother Charles R. operated a farm on shares, for
two years. He then came to \\'hig-\-ille, and thence
proceeding to Unionville, worked at wood-turning
for Allen & Bunnell about one and one-half years.
Then returning to Whigville (Burlington), he was
in the employ of E. K. Jones at wood-turning some
twelve months, or until the financial panic of 1857,
which blasted his plans to attend school at \\'ilbra-
ham Academy. We next find him in New Britain,
in the employ of the Stanley Rule & Level Co.,
wood-turning, and here he remained until the break-
ing out of the Civil war.
In the early part of April, 1861, ]\Ir. Bunnell
enlisted in Harris' Light Battery, for three months,
and was quartered at Hartford ; but as notice had
been received that no more three-months men would
be accepted, they were paid ofif and disbanded,
and he then enlisted in Company G, 4th Conn. V.
I., and was mustered in May 22, 1861. His regi-
ment served in the summer and fall of 1861 on the
upper Potomac, guarding wagon trains and doing
provost duty about and in the towns of Hagerstown,
Williamsport, Darnestown, and Harper's Ferry. On
Oct. 9, the regiment marched over Long Bridge to
Arlington Heights, and garrisoned Fort Richard-
son. Later the different companies were stationed
at Forts Scott, Ward, Barnard, Ellsworth, \\ovx\\
and Berry, of the defences of Washington. Tlie
regiment was changed to the ist Conn. Heavy Ar-
tillery Jan. 7, 1862, and the following spring went
with the siege train with ]\IcCle!lan, besieging York-
426
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
town. After that they were engaged in the opera-
tions about Riclimond, and were at the battle of
Hanover Court House, where Mr. Bunnell unaided
captured a captain of the 28th North Carolina regi-
ment ; the captain was well armed, having, besides
his regulation sword and navy revolver in his belt,
a revolver in his pocket. ■ The last Mr. Bunnell has
■in his possession now. Soon after this the seven
days' battle that ended at Malvern Hill took place,
in which Mr. Bunnell took an active part. Later
the regiment was at Harrison's Landing, Va., from
thence returning, in August, 1862, to the defenses
of Washington. In September following Mr. Bun-
nell, with eleven others from the regiment, was de-
tailed on recruiting service, and was thus engaged
in Connecticut until January, when the. party re-
turned to Virginia, he to Company G, at Fort
Barnard. From this time until the spring of 1864
he was in the operations confined to the defences
of Washington, south of the Potomac. On May
II, 1864, the regiment embarked at Alexandria,
Va., and May 13, landed at Bermuda Hundred,
joining Gen. Butler's command. From this on un-
til Lee surrendered Mr. Bunnell was almost con-
stantly engaged in some of the many batteries ly-
ing between the James river on the right and
Petersburg on the left, excepting the time taken
by his going with Gen. Terry to the capture of Fort
Fisher, N. C. The regiment spent about three
months collecting Rebel ordnance in their aban-
doned works on the James, below Richmond, then
returned to Fort Ellsworth, A^a., where they were
mustered out of the LTnited States service, at once
returning to Hartford, were paid and given their
discharge. Mr. Bunnell re-enlisted Dec. 17, 1863,
and was mustered out Sept. 25, 1865, having served
continuously four years, four months and three
days. He was never wounded. From private he
was promoted to corporal, and as such acted as
ordnance sergeant about Petersburg and the James
river, then to sergeant, and later'to regimental color
bearer, bringing the colors home to Connecticut.
Returning to the paths of peace, Mr. Bunnell
and his brother Charles R. formed a partnership
in the wood-turning business in Whigville, in the
factory now occupied by D. E. Mills, but at the
end of a year our subject sold out his interest in
(the concern to his brother ; then for some three
years worked for Warner & Sessions in Edgewood
(Bristol) ; thence went to Quincy, 111., and there,
along with a Mr. Jennings, carried on a commission
stable business for about two years, at the end of
that time selling out and returning to Connecticut.
In Hartford for some eighteen months he followed
his old trade of wood-turning, then worked in same
Jine for J. H. Sessions & Sons, resigning in 1885
to take up a completely new business, that of en-
jlarging pictures, in which line he traveled through-
out the State of Connecticut thirteen years, and
then accepted his present position with the New
Departure Bell Co.
On June 5, 1861, Thomas Bunnell was united in
marriage with Sarah Amelia Blow, who died May
30, 1866, without issue. On July 6, 1867, he mar-
ried (second) Elecia Leonora Maguire, who was
born Jan. 20, 1842, at Enniskillen, Ireland, a daugh-
ter of Hugh and Annie (Gordon) Maguire, who
emigrated with their family to this country in May,
1842. They were active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he was licensed as a
local preacher at the age of sixteen years, and con-
tinued as such through life, being widely known
in the towns surrounding Hartford, where he lived
about thirty years. By trade he was a carpenter.
He died in Hartford in 1880, his wife dying in
1890, in Bristol, at the home of her daughter, with
whom she lived after the death of her husband.
They are buried in Spring Grove cemetery, Flart-
ford. Children as follows have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Bunnell : ( i ) Schuyler Ulysses, born Sept.
14, 1868, in Bristol, Conn , married Cora Whittlesey,
of Bridgeport, Conn. ; he is a photographer, and
lives in Norfolk, Va. (2) Allen Afton, born Feb.
2, 1874, is in the employ of the Liberty Bell Co.,
Bristol. (3) Sarah Elecia, born Sept. 2, 1876,
graduated from Brown University, Providence, R.
I., in the class of 1899, and is now a school teacher
in New Canaan, Connecticut.
In religious faith Mr. Bunnell is a member of
the Advent Christian Church, in which he has served
as a deacon since Nov. 25, 1878. Mrs. Bunnell is a
member of the Prospect M. E. Church, and of the
Ladies Aid and Missionary Societies. In politics
our subject is a stanch Republican. He is an in-
dustrious, energetic man, and is numbered among
the leading citizens of the community in which he
lives.
GEORGE N. THOMPSON, of the town of
Canton, an enterprising and successful busuiess
man of his locality, was born Feb. 17, 1847, "^
West Hartland, this county, and comes of a good
Rhode Island family.
Joseph Thompson, our subject's grandfather,
was born and reared in Rhode Island, and was mar-
ried there. After a time he removed with his
family to Connecticut, and for some years he fol-
lowed the shoemaker's trade at Colebrook, Litch-
field county, in connection with farming, but late in
life he returned to his birthplace to spend his re-
maining days.
Joseph Thompson (2), our subject's father, was
also a native of Rhode Island, but his boyhood was
mainly spent in Tolland and West Hartland, where
he received a district-school education. He was
trained to farm work and chose agriculture as an
occupation, locating first at Hartland, this county,
and later at West Hartland, where he purchased a
farm and made many improvements. He died May 5,.
1872, and was buried in Flartland Hollow cemetery.
LIpright and honest in his dealings, he commanded
the respect of his associates, and was frequently
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
427
chosen to local offices, including that of selectman.
At one time he represented the town of liartland
in the State Legislature. Politically lie was first
■J, Whig and then a Rcpul)lican, and in religious
faith he was a Congregationalist. His first wife,
Sarah A. (A'evvton), was a native of Hartland, and
their marriage occurred there. She died leaving one
son, our suliject, and Mr. Thompson then married
Celestia Shepard, daughter of Deacon Lyman
Shepard, of West Granville, Mass. By this mar-
riage there were fourteen children : Charlotte, who
dieil in childhood ; Sarah, who married Theodore
Haves, of Granby ; Clara, who married iNliles Godard,
of Granby; Mary, wife of Mortimer Vining; Maria,
who never married ; Martha T., who died in in-
fancy; Charles, a resident of Granville Corners;
Joseph, who resides in Suffield ; Flora, who married
George Adams, of Suffield ; Ednuuid, a resident of
Thompsonville ; Jennie, widow of Walter Tanner;
Wilbcrt, a resident of Riverton ; Edna, wife of
Orin -Vuger, of New Haven ; and ^Nliles, who died
in infancy.
The Newton family, from which our subject is
descended in the maternal line, is of pioneer stock,
and his great-grandfather, Abiathier Newton, was
born in Durham, Conn., in early manhood settling
in Hartland, where he owned and cultivated a large
tract of land. He was an excellent business man,
and in addition to general farming he devoted special
attention to the raising of cattle for market. In
politics he was an Old-line Whig, and he took an
active part in religious affairs, having been one
of the first deacons of the church in Hartland.
He and his wife, Anna (Cowels), of East Hartford,
died at their homestead many years ago and their
remains now rest in the cemetery in West Hart-
land. They had eight children : Eunice, who
married Joel Ensign ; Anna, who never married ;
Sally ; Sarah, who remained single ; Isaac ; Johnson ;
Lester; and Mary, who died in childhood.
Lester Newton, our subject's grandfather, was
born in 1796, in Hartland, and died in 1840. He
resided upon the homestead throughout life, assist-
ing his father until the death of the latter, and then
taking charge of the place. He was a prominent
member of the Congregational Church, and politi-
cally was a W'hig. His wife, Sarah Lawton, who
died in 1846, was born in Rhode Island, daughter
of Joseph Lawton, also a native of that State. They
had five chi-ldren : Flavel Cowels, who is still liv-
ing in Hartland; Sarah A., our subject's mother;
Theresa T., who married Samuel Gilman, of Win-
sted. Conn. ; Clarinda Augusta, who married David
T. Bosworth, of Hartland ; and Joseph L., a resi-
dent of South W'indsor.
Our subject was educated in the district schools
of Hartland and the academies at East Hartland,
Conn., and W'est Granville, Mass. On coming of
age he left home to make his own way in life, and
after spending one year in Hartland he engaged in
the meat business in East Granville, JXIass., wheie
he remained one year. He spent one year in
Granville, and one year at Collinsville, locating
afterward in Hartland, and continuing the busi-
ness for some time. He then removed to Iowa and
engaged in the stock business, but in 1897 he re-
turned to this county and settled in Canton, purchas-
ing the William Barber farm. The cultivation of
the farm occupies much of his time, but he is also
interested in butchering and dealing in cattle.
Honest, upright and industrious, he well deserves
his success, and his fellow citizens hold him in high
esteem, as is shown by his election to various offices
of trust. At times he has served as selectman, and
represented Hartland in the State Legislature in
1875, 1886 and again in 1893. In his religious
views he is liberal, and socially is connected witii
Amos Beecher Lodge, No. 121, F. & A. M., New
Hartford, antl the chapter and council at Coliins-
ville.
On June 3, 1868, Mr. Thompson married Celia
L. Roberts, a native of Hartland, wliere iier family
is highly respected. Her father, Eli Roberts, died
July 26, 1865, and her mother, whose maiden name
was Celia Lane, died Jan. 19, 1900. Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson have one daughter, Alma M., who was
educated in the' district and select schools of Hart-
land, the high school at Bristol, and McLean's Sem-
inary, at Simsbury. At the age of seventeen she
began teaching school, and for some time she taught
in Hartland, Windsor and ^^'eatogue, but she is
now the wife of Arthur F. Warner, a well-known
citizen of West Suffield.
FREDERICK A. WEST, who has been promi-
nently identified with the manufacturing interests
of Hartford for a number of years, was born in that
city Sept. 11, 1856, and belongs to an old and hon-
ored pioneer family.
Mr. West's ancestors settled at an early date at
Stafford Springs, Conn., and Alva West, his great-
grandfather, who was born in Staft'ord, Conn., about
1760, served in the Continental army from May 9.
^775' to Dec. 18, of that year, as a member of the
3rd Connecticut or 2nd Continental regiment. On
June 20, 1777, he re-enlisted, in Samuel Webli's
regiment, in which he was made a corporal in July,
1777, and served until discharged, on June 20, 1780.
His death occurred at his home in Staft'ord. when
he was ninety-one years of age.
Horatio West, our subject's grandfather, was
born in Stafford Springs Alarch 4, 1785, and passed
his life there. He owned and operated a large
farm, but personally maintained a life of ease and
even luxury for that day, his fondness for fine
horses having been especially noticeable. His
wealth and leisure were not selfishly used, how-
ever, as he took an active part in town affairs, serv-
ing on the school committee and in other offices.
On Aug. 13, 181 1, he was married bv Rev. Sanniel
Bloss to Miss Phoebe Cushman, and they had a
large family of children, the names and dates of
428
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
birth being as follows: Fidelia, Nov. ii, 1812;
Ninetta, May 17, 1813; Henryetta, March 22, 1815;
Horatio Gates, July 6, 1817; Phcebe, Oct. i, 1818;
Alonzo, Oct. 9, 1820; Philo, Jan. i, 1822; Susan,
July 28, 1825; Mahlon R., Aug. 27, 1826; Gidding
H., Aug. 28, 1829. Mahlon R. was a lawyer in
Stafford and later in Hartford, where he took first
rank in the profession. He served as a representa-
tive in the State Legislature, and on the board of
aldermen in Hartford.
Philo West, the father of our subject, was born
and reared at Stafford Springs, and in 1842, at
the age of nineteen, he went to Hartford to en-
gage in the trucking business. Later he became
a partner in the firm of Main & West, who were for
many years the leading truckmen of the city, keep-
ing about thirty-five teams employed. After the
death of his partner, Elijah J. Main, he continued
ithe business alone until his death, which occurred
Aug. 8, 1861. His influence was recognized in local
affairs as well as in business circles, and pohtically
he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was
a leading member of the First Baptist Church of
Hartford, contributing liberally of his time and
means to its work. His wife, Abbie A. Main, was a
daughter of Bradley Main, of Willington, Conn.,
and later of South Windsor, where he owned a large
farm. Her mother, whose maiden name was Betsey
Talmadge, was a daughter of Joseph Talmadge, a
lieutenant in the Revolutionary army from New
York State. Philo West and his wife had four
children: (i) Addie E. married John D. French,
and died in 1878, leaving two sons, J. Arthur and
Howard W. (2) Estella L. married Benjamin S.
Woodward, president of the Woodward & Rogers
Co., of Hartford. (3) Frederick A. is mentioned
more fully below. (4) Rev. William Ward West,
a minister in charge of a Baptisit Church in Pitts-
burg, Penn., is a graduate of Rochester University,
at Rochester, N. Y., and a bright and able man.
He is president of the Baptist Young Peoples
LTnion, of the State of Pennsylvania.
Our subject's early education was secured in the
second North school and the Brown school of Hart-
ford, and in Hannum's Business College, in the
same city, while his habit of reading has kept him
well abreast of the times. On leaving school, at
.the age of about twenty, he began to learn the ma-
chinist's trade in the National Screw Co.'s factory,
of which his uncle, Elijah S. Pierce, was superin-
tendent and general manager. He remained there
four years, and in 1878 entered the employ of the
Pratt & Whitney Co., in the lathe department of the
machine shop. After four years he took the con-
tract for that department, of which he had charge
until his resignation, about forty-five men being
under his direction. After twenty-two years of
service with the Pratt & Whitney Co., Mr. West re-
signed his position as foreman of the lathe de-
partment, and accepted a position as special agent
of the American Real Estate Co., of New York,
with office in the Sage & Allen building, Hartford.
Mr. West is not only successful in his chosen line
of work, but he takes keen interest in pubHc affairs.
He served two years as councilman from the Fourth
ward, and in 1898 was elected alderman, the honor
being conferred each time by acclamation and with-
out opposition. At present he is chairman of the
joint standing committee on Water Works. He is
a member of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 2, L O. O.
F., in which he is past grand ; and he is past officer
Sn the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and
past regent of the Royal Arcanum. He has also
been interested in mihtary affairs, and has served
as a corporal in the Governor's Foot Guard, and as
lieutenant in the Veteran Corps. Mr. West is act-
ive in religious work as a member of the First Bap-
tist Church, is one of the society's committeemen,
and for twenty-two years has served as librarian.
Mr. West married Nellie M. Roberts, daughter
of Albert W. Roberts, a well-known citizen of Hart-
ford, and four children have brightened their home :
Mabel Roberts, Clarence Burton, Robert Ward, and
Helen Abbie (deceased).
WILLARD S. HENRY has in his successful
career afforded a striking illustration of how life's
battle may be won by pluck, perseverance and prob-
ity. Though born a poor boy, and early obliged to
meet the world's buffetings alone, he has conquered
adversity through the- innate force of an unconquer-
able will and an uncompromising resolve.
Mr. Henry was born at Cohoes, N. Y., Nov.
20, 1853, son of John L. and Rebecca (Fonda)
Henry, who had a family of three sons and nine
daughters. They were in straitened circumstances,
and when Willard was but ten years old his father
enlisted in the 189th N. Y. V. L Then the lad went
to work in the Condy Knitting Mills, Oswego, N.
Y., where he was employed most of the time for
about a year. During the next two years circum-
stances so favored him as to permit him to attend
school, but at the end of that time he went back to
the cotton mill, to begin once more the same old
daily grind.
In 1867 the Condy mill was burned, and the
proprietors rebuilt at Fulton, N. Y., and there Wil-
lard S. Henry faithfully toiled until 1873. In that
year S. H. Condy, son of one of the owners, leased
the Manchester ICnitting Mills for a year, and Mr.
Henry accompanied him from Fulton. At the ex-
piration of Condy's lease the plant passed into the
control of A. L. Clark, with whom our subject be-
gan as a knitter, and worked on in that capacity
until 1881. His skill and experience as a workman,
joined to his industry and faithfulness, then earned
for him promotion to the position of superintendent,
and this position he has ever since filled with
marked ability. From fifty to sixty employes (both
sexes) are under his itamediate control, and the
output — knitted underwear — is of a high grade of
excellence.
1
'oAa ^^ ^ ^^
A^.^L^<JV*^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
429
On July 4, 1876, Mr. Henry was married to
Miss Emma L. Thompson, of Manchester, and of
this union were born four chikh-en : J'llizabelh, Ha-
zel R., George T., and John. The mother died July
20, 1893, and on Oct. 16, 1896, Mr. Henry wedded
Miss Gertrude Taylor. Mr. Henry is a Republi-
can in politics, and socially belongs to Manchester
Lodge, No. 22' l"- ^ ''^- ^i- tl*^ '^ ^ member of no
church.
MANLIUS HINMAN NORTON, superin-
tendent of the H. J. Mills paper-box factory at
Bristol, was born in that city, Aug. 12, 1866, a son
of Leonard Andrew Norton, and a brother of Milo
Leonard Norton, in whose biography elsewhere will
be found the ancestral history of the Norton family
as far back as the time of Henry YHI of England.
The record here will be confined to that of the life
of Leonard A. Norton and that of JSIanlius H., his
son.
Leonard Andrew Norton was born in Bristol
Aug. 9, 1813, and was reared a farmer. He mar-
ried Aug. 22, 1847, Miss Martha Dewey, a native
of New Haven, born May 5, 1823, a daughter of
Christopher Dewey, and a descendant from the
same family from which the naval hero. Admiral
Dewey, descends. She is the mother of two chil-
dren: Milo Leonard, with whom she makes her
home in Bristol, and Manlius H., the subject of this
sketch; one child, Emma Martha, was born April
23, 1853, and died Aug. 5, 1854. Leonard Andrew
Norton, the father, was an early Abolitionist in his
politics, but changed as parties changed, later be-
coming a Republican, and, still later, a Prohibition-
ist. In religion he was first an orthodox Baptist,
but perhaps thirty years prior to his dissolution he
became a Seventh Day Baptist, and passed away in
that faith July 16, 1895.
Manlius Hinman Norton, after attending the
Bristol common schools until fourteen years of age,
worked in the S. Emerson Root brass factory about
three years, and learned electro-plating. He then
studied medicine two years under Dr. H. L Brad-
ley, of New Haven, but relinquished the study and
returned to Bristol to enter the employ of Benajah
Hitchcock, paper-box manufacturer. A year and
a half later H. J. Mills and David Mix purchased
the plant, and with these gentleman !Mr. Norton re-
mained, Mt. Mills eventually purchasing the entire
establishment. In 1887 Mr. Norton was appointed
general superintendent of the factory, which position
he still fills in a most able and satisfactory manner,
having the management of about thirty hands and
manufacturing paper boxes of every variety and for
every conceivable use.
Manlius H. Norton has twice married, first Nov.
24, 1886, to Miss Minnie Idella Dayton, who was
born May 11, 1866, a daughter of \\^'irren Dayton,
of Wallingford. To this union were born two chil-
dren: Howard Manlius, Oct. 16, 1888, and Irving
Dewey, June 26, 1891. ]\Irs. Minnie I. Norton was
called away July 25, 1896, and for his second help-
meet Mr. Norton married June 30, 1897, Miss Nellie
Eva Brightman, who was born Jan. 13, 1875, a
daughter of Edwin R. Brightman, also of Bristol.
In politics, to which indeed he pays but little
attention, i\ir. Norton is of Democratic inclining,
and in 1899 was elected a member of the Borough
Board of Assessors for one year. Eraternally lie
is a member of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, Knights of
Pythias, Bristol, has passed all the chairs, and has
been keeper of the records. In 1890, at the twenty-
second session, in Eebruary, he was admitted a
member of the grand lodge at Torrington, and in
1899 was commissioned deputy grand chancellor of
the grand lodge, htivij.g Bristol, New Britain and
' Plantsville under his charge. In 1891 he joined
Hull Company, No. 5, Uniform rank, K. of P., of
Bristol ; was elected recorder, then appointed regi-
mental sergeant-major of the Second regiment, then
second lieutenant, then first lieutenant, then major
of the Second battalion, and in 1896 was elected
colonel of the Second regiment for four years.
Mr. Norton is also a member of Pequabuck
Lodge, No. 48, I. O. O. F., of which he is past
grand ; also of Ruth Rebekah Lodge, No. 24, ladies
auxiliary of the I. O. O. F., and of this lodge, to
which his wife likewise belongs, he has been drill
master for the past five years. Mr. Norton is also
a member of the Knights of Khorassan, is a member
of the Independent Order of Foresters, in which he
5s a past chief ranger, and was a member of the
Pilgrim Fathers, but has withdrawn. Mr. Norton
was formerly connected with the Methodist Church,
but owing to his Universalist belief he withdrew
and continues in the Universalist faith. ^Irs. Nor-
ton is a member of the Baptist Church.
THOMAS FRANCIS EGAN, one of the best-
known citizens of Southington, who is now serving
as deputy sheriff and court officer of the common
pleas court of Hartford county, was born in that
town Jan. 10, 1854, and is a son of William E. and
Catherine (Gorry) Egan, both natives of King's
County, Ireland.
The father came to America in 1849, and located
in southeastern Southington, where he was at first
employed as a farm hand. The following year his
parents, Thomas F. and Catherine (Larkins) Egan.
also crossed the broad Atlantic and took up their
residence in Southington, Conn., the grandfather
of our subject being engaged in farming in the
southeastern part of the town. His children were
jMichael; Ann, wife of Thomas Mahon ; William
E. ; Thomas ; James ; Patrick ; and John. The ma-
ternal grandparents of our subject were Daniel and
Mary (Kelly) Gorry, of King's County, Ireland.
During the Civil war the father of our subject en-
listed in Company G, 9th Conn. V. I., and was
mustered into the United States service as a private
in October, 1861. He died at New Orleans, La..
in August, 1862, from disease contracted in the
430
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
army. In his family were five children who reached
maturity : Thomas F., Daniel D., Joseph A., James
C, and William E.
The early life of our subject was passed in
Southington, and he received a common-school ed-
uca1;ion. On attaining his majority he began an
apprenticeship to the cutler's trade, serving three
years, and later he worked as a journeyman at that
trade for four years. In 1881 he entered the employ
of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., in the box depart-
ment of their works, and has continued his connec-
tion with them up '.o the present time.
On Feb. 18, 1878, Mr. Egan was united in mar-
riage with Miss Ellen M. White, a daughter of
John and Mary (Fox) White, of Ireland, and of
the children born to them six are now living : Will-
iam E., Catherine E., Anna T., Thomas F., Jr., John
J. and Joseph. Mr. Egan and his family are com-
municants of the Catholic Church, and he is also
a member of the Knights of Columbus and the An-
cient Order of United Workmen. Flis political sup-
port is given to the men and measures of the Re-
publican party. In 1884 he was elected constable of
Southington, which office he held continuously un-
til June, 189s, when he was appointed deputy sheriff,
which position he is now filling in a most creditable
and acceptable manner. Since Jan. i, 1899, he has
also been court officer ,of the common pleas court
at Hartford, and his official duties have always been
most faithfully and conscientiously discharged. He
'is a member of Samuel Woodruff Post, Sons of
Veterans, and of the Southington Fire Department,
Hook & Ladder Company, No. i, of which he was
foreman from 1897 until October, 1899.
ANDREW SAMUEL DICKINSON, the
owner of one of the best-kept farms in the town
of East Windsor, Hartford county, descends from
one of the oldest families in New England, but it
will suffice the purpose of this sketch to state that
his grandfather, John Dickinson, was born, lived and
died in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn. He married
Polly Archer, and to their union were born nine
children : Amos, who was a sailor of Killingworth ;
William, who died at Deep River; Mary, Mrs.
Ventress, who lived in Haddam ; Hettie, Mrs. Will-
jams, whose husband was lost at sea; Eli, who
lived in Chester ; Nancy, who married Aaron Ayers ;
Hannah, who with her husband died at Deep River ;
Sophia, who became Mrs. Asahel Tyler; and Sam-
uel, father of our subject.
Samuel Ditkinson was educated in a public
school, learned the trade of stone-cutting, and in
his later years became a farmer, though he worked
at butchering in the winter season. He married
Miss Elizabeth Burr, who was born in May, 1825,
and of whose family mention will be made farther
on. To this union were born seven children, in the
following order: Lydia, who was first married to
George Burr, and after his decease to Joseph Spen-
■ cer; Andrew S., the subject of this biographical no-
tice; Eleanor, wife of Charles Johnson, of Deep
River ; George, in Haddam ; Mary, married to Mer-
ritt Doan, of East Windsor ; Hattie, wife of Albert
Brainard, of Haddam; and Ellsworth, of the same
town. Samuel Dickinson, the father of this family,
died in Haddam in 1864, from sickness contracted
while serving in the Union army during the Civil
war, and his widow is still a resident of that town.
Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson is a daughter of David
and Polly (Blatchley) Burr, and a granddaughter
of David Burr, the former of whom served in the
war of 1812, under Gen. Brainard, and was at
Saybrook during the burning of the town of Essex
by the British. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Burr
numbered seven, and were born in the following
order : Henry, who died in Haddam ; Lavina, wife
of Darius Skinner ; Stephen, who married Fanny
Lane; Benjamin, in Haddam; Elizabeth, mother of
our subject; Lydia, of North Guilford; and Le-
ander, in Middletown.
Andrew S. Dickinson, the subject of this article,
was born in Haddam Nov. 26, 1848, and was edu-
.cated in a public school. He lived with his par-
ents until fourteen years of age, after which he
worked three years for his uncle, Henry Burr, next
worked a while at Deep River, then went to sea,
and for five years sailed in the Atlantic coast trade,
contributing in the meantime to the support of his
mother, brothers and sisters. On returning home
from his seafaring life, he married, at East Windsor,
Conn., Oct. 9, 1873, Miss Ida Clark, who was born
March 2, 1854, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Snow) Clark, natives of East Windsor. Mrs.
Ehzabeth Clark passed away in April, 1887, and
in June, 1889, Mr. Clark married Libbie Clark. To
Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have been born seven chil-
dren: Edna, born July 22, 1874, now the wife of
Robert Wood, of East Windsor; Anna, born Oct.
30, 1877, now living in Bridgeport; John S., born
Aug. 18, 1879; Mabel, July 2, 1881 ; Andrew C,
Jan. 5, 1887; Harris C, March 20, 1891 ; and Imo-
gene, Aug. 14, 1895 — all five under the parental
roof.
In 1876 Mr. Dickinson purchased his present
farm of fifty-seven acres, known as the Capt. Oli-
ver Clark farm, and on this he has made substantial
improvements. He has the place under a high state
of cultivation, keeps it neat and clean, and it is
recognized as a truly up-to-date homestead. Mr.
Dickinson and his family worship at the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and are regarded as among the
most respected residents of the town. In politics
Mr. Dickinson is a Democrat, and is very popular
with his party, having been elected to the positions
of constable and justice of the peace, but in each
instance declining to serve. In 1872 he became a
member of Central Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., of
Middletown; in 1874 he joined Oriental Lodge, No.
Ill, F. & A. M., of Broad Brook, in which he has
held several prominent positions ; and he is also a
member of the Grange. In the business sense of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
481
the phrase he is emphatically a self-made man,
and well deserves the high esteem in which he is
universally held.
WOODIXG ISROS., AUGUSTINE F. and
RALPH A., manufacturers of saddlery hardware
and iiarness trimmings at Kensini^lon, in the town
of Berlin, arc self-made men, wlio have, through
their own eltorts, force of character, industry and
ability, won their wa\' to distinction and to a
creditable place among New England's many prom-
inent manfacturers.
The Wooding family is of English origin, the
emigrant ancestor coming from England, and set-
tling in the New Haven Colony early in its history.
Andrew Horace Wooding, the father of the Wood-
ing brothers, was a native of the town of Walling-
ford. Conn., and learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed as an occupation in the towns of Wall-
ingford and ^leritlen, working as foreman for con-
tractors. He married Lucy Angeline Warner, who
was born in the town of Aliddlefield, Conn., and
to them were born : Augustine F. and Ralph A.,
whose names introduce this sketch ; and Bertrand,
who died in infancy. The father died when the
children were small, but the mother still survives,
residing in Kensington, where her son Augustine
F. makes his home with her.
Ralph A. Wooding was born Aug. i, 1859, i"
Hamden, Conn., and his father's death, when the
son was only ten years of age, early threw him
upon his own resources. At this time he went to
live with his step-grandfather. Squire Daniel ^ler-
rinian Ives, a man of considerable local prom-
inence at Yalesville, who was a justice of the peace
for years, and postmaster. Young W'ooding had
attended school in ^leriden, and on going to Yales-
ville alternated his time with employment as a chore
boy and going to school through the winter months.
After a stay of a year and a half with his grand-
father he went to Broad Swamp, town of Che-
shire, where for a year he was similarly occupied,
then returned to Yalesville. For several years fol-
lowing he worked for various persons in Meriden,
in the meantime attending school to some extent.
Still later he again lived with Squire Ives, working
on a farm. He was then employed for a time at
Deacon Simpson's, by which time his mother and
brother had gone to Kensington to live, and he
joined them there, entering the employ of Hart,
Bliven & Meade, to learn metal pattern-making:
after he was so engaged for some two and a half
years the firm failed in business. Then, after six
months' work making patterns for the Wilcox-
Treadway Co., of Southington, Mr. Wooding be-
came foreman of the pattern shop of the Peck, Stow
& \\'ilcox Co., successors to Hart, Bliven & Aleade.
In the meantime, however, owing to ill health, he
ceased work for a time, and went with his mother
and family to Bennington, Vt., where they remained
a short time, all returning to Berlin. Our subject
resumed his position as foreman in the pattern shop
of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., which he left
about a year later to enter the employ of Charles
Parker, of Meriden, following his trade as pre-
viously, and assisting in inaugurating the lamp and
chandelier branch of the business. He worked in
the Parker factory several years, and during that
time took out nine patents on lamps and chandeliers,
and at this time he holds eleven patents on his own
inventions. Later he became foreman of the pat-
tern department of the Chapman Manufacturing
Co., and for several years was foreman in the
sleigh-bell department. He then returned to Ken-
sington, and for a time was endeavoring to or-
ganize a company there for the manufacture of
saddlery hardware and sleigh-bells, failing in this
because of the high price of land for shops. He
again worked for the Chapman Co. at Meriden,
resuming his former position as foreman in sleigh-
bell and dog-collar pattern work. Some years later
he went to Kensington, and, associated with his
brother Augustine F.. purchased what was then
known as the Lower shop property, where they es-
tablished works for the manufacture of dog col-
lars, under the firm name of Upson & Wooding,
Mr. Upson having become interested in the enter-
prise. Subsequently the brothers purchased their
partner's interest, and changed the style of the
firm to A. F. & R. A. Woodine. Along in the
'nineties they discontinued the making of dog col-
lars and began the manufacture of saddlery hard-
ware, both plain and fanc\-. under the name of the
Kensington Hardware Co. These gentlemen are
public-spirited and enterprising, and in addition to
their main manufacturing business they operate a
smith shop. In 1896 they built a dam and water
power on a portion of their property, and are now
under a ten-years contract to supply the New York,
New Haven & Hartford railroad at Berlin with
water for their engines.
On June 18, 1895, Ralph A. Wooding was mar-
ried to Miss Angle Estella Ailing, who was born
in June, 1864, a daughter of Charles N. and Delia
A. (Baldwin) Ailing. Mrs. Wooding is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a
most estimable woman. In his political views Mr.
\\'ooding is a stanch Republican, his father before
him having been a Whig and Republican. He is
now serving on the town committee and board of
selectmen. In 1898 his name was considered in
connection with his party's candidates for the State
Legislature.
Augustine Francis Wooding, brother of Ralph
A., was born Sept. 21, 1858, in the town of Berlin,
and received his education in the common schools
of Meriden, Cheshire and Wallingford. where he
passed his boyhood. At the age of si.xteen years
he entered the employ of the Hart, Bliven & ]\[ead-.;
Co., working in the shipping department, and con-
tinuing in their employ until the company's fail-
ure, some years later. He filled a similar position
432
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the old company's successors, the Peck, Sto^v
& Wilcox Co., for three years following the failure.
After this period he was unemployed for a year,
then accepted a position in the shipping and bell
department of the Chapman Co., of Meriden, re-
taming it a year and a half. For the next two
years he was with the Meriden Saddlery & Leather
Co., after which he returned to Berlin and joined
his lirother Ralph A. and R. R. Upson in the enter-
prise mentioned above, and which they have oper-
ated alone since their purchase of Mr. Upson's
interest a year later. These brothers own two very
fine water privileges, only one of which is developed.
A. F. Wooding is a stanch Republican in his po-
litical views. At the present time he is serving,
along with Francis Deming, as auditor of the Berlin
Savings Bank. He is also secretary and treasurer
of the Kensington Library Association. Mr. Wood-
ing has never married.
SOLOMON ERVIN WHITING, a prominent
and enterprising farmer of Southington, was born
in Simsbury, this county, Jan. 29, 1828, and be-
longs to quite a distinguished old family of the
State, his parents being Elijah and Eunice (Buell)
Whiting, natives of West Hartford and Simsbury,
respectively.
Allyn Whiting, the paternal grandfather, was
born June 23, 1740, and died at West Hartford
Feb. 9, 1818. He and his two sons, Allyn and Jo-
seph, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, and
his father. Col. John Whiting, of West Hartford,
commanded a regiment in the French and Indian
war. The last named was also a merchant of Hart-
ford. He married Jerusha Lord, daughter of Rich-
ard Lord, and granddaughter of Thomas Lord, one
of the first settlers of Hartford. Col. Whiting
was born Dec. 15, 1693, and died Feb. 12, 1766.
He was a son of Joseph Whiting, a merchant, first
of Westfield, Mass., and later of Hartford, Conn.,
who was born Oct. 2, 1640, and died Oct. 8, 1717.
He married Anna Allyn, a daughter of Col. John
Allyn, and a granddaughter of Matthew Allyn. His
parents were William arid Susanna Whiting. Will-
iam Whiting was a pioneer of Hartford, one of the
most respected settlers of 1633, a man of wealth
and education, and was styled in the records as
William Whiting, gentleman. In 1647 he bore the
title of major; in 1642 was chosen magistrate; and
in 1641 as treasurer of the Colony, which position
he held until his death. He died in July, 1647.
Elijah Whiting, the father of our subject, was
born June 27, 1769, and was a prominent farmer
of Simsbury, where he died Oct. 3, 1840. He
married (first) Sabra Hart, and (second) Eunice
Buell, a daughter of Solomon Buell, a soldier of
the Revolutionarv war. She died at the home of
our subject in Southington Aug. 11, 1881, at the
advanced age of ninety-one years.
Solomon E. Whiting, whose name introduces
this review, was reared in Simsbury, and was ed-
ucated in the common schools of that town. On
laying aside his text books he began life for him-
self as a farmer and carpenter. In the fall of 1856
he went to Iowa, where he spent two years in work-
ing at his trade, and then proceeded to Colorado,
where he engaged in mining for a time. Return-
ing home in i860, he enlisted, Sept. 23, 1861, in-
Company H, 12th Conn. V. I., with which he served
for two years. After the surrender of Port Hud-
son he was commissioned second lieutenant in the
99th United States Colored Volunteers, later was
promoted to first lieutenant, and. after tendering his
resignation was honorably discharged, Jan. 17,
1866. He was one of 1,000 volunteers called for
by Gen. Banks to storm the works at Port Hud-
son, and was there wounded, June 14, 1863. In
1867 he located in Southington, where, with the
exception of sixteen months, in 1880 and 1881, spent
in Colorado, he has since resided, his time and
attention being devoted to agricultural pursuits.
On Jan. 29, 1861, Mr. Whiting married Miss
Martha J. Barber, a daughter of Alson and Hannah
(Humphrey) Barber, of Canton, this county, and
by this union three children have been born : Carrie
M., who died June 24, 1885 ; Josephine B., who
married Thomas H. W. Williams ; and Lizzie M.,
who married Frederick P. Dunham Nov. 18, 1890,
and died Feb. 28, 1894. Mrs. Whiting's maternal
grandfather, Solomon Humphrey, was a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and her great-grandfather, John
Brown, who was a captain in the same war, died in
the service. Her mother was a first cousin of John
Brown, the great anti-slavery agitator of Harper's
Ferry fame. An uncle of Mrs. Whiting, Heman
Humphrey, was an educator of note, and president
of Amherst College for twenty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Whiting are consistent members
of the First Congregational Church of Southington,
and merit and receive the respect and esteem of all
who know them. Fraternally they hold membership :
in Union Grange, P. of H. ; and he in Trumbull
Post, No. 16, G. A. R. ; politically he is identified
with the Republican party.
JOHN E. MOONEY, an energetic and success-
ful business man of the town of Windsor Locks,
proved himself an able and popular official in the
office of first selectman, his fellow citizens showing
their appreciation of his efficient labors by electing
him for four consecutive years. He has made a sub-
stantial success, having built up a large trade as a
dealer in household furnishings and similar goods,
and he now owns a commodious and well-stocked
establishment in Oak street, carrjnng a complete
line of furniture, stoves, crockery, tinware, etc.
Mr. Mooney was born Jan. 17, 1854, at Suf-
field, and is of good Irish ancestr5r. Timothy
Mooney, his father, was born in 1833 in Kings <
County, Ireland, and came to the United States at t
the age of seventeen years, locating first in the j
town of Sufiield, Hartford Co,, Conn., where he fol-
I
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
488
lowed farming for about three years. He then re-
moved to W nidsor Locks, and is now engaged in
mill work in addition to the management of a small
farm. When nineteen years old he was married in
Suffield to jNIiss Jane North, of County Aleath, Ire-
land, and ten children were born to them, of whom
four are now living: John E., our subject, is the
eldest of the survivors ; James is in the livery busi-
ness in Chicago ; Patrick resides in Windsor Locks ;
and Mary married Daniel O'Connor, of Windsor
Locks.
Our subject's education was obtained mainly in
the public schools of Windsor Locks, and when only
ten years of age he began to work in the stockinet
factory, where he was employed about two years.
He spent the same length of time in the woolen
mills, but finding mill work uncongenial he entered
upon an apprenticeship to the tinsmith's trade with
Mr. Chaffee. After the expiration of his term he
worked ten years as a journeyman, and for eleven
years he was connected with the Seymour paper
mill. In 1887 he resumed his trade, engaging in
business for himself in Windsor Locks, and so well
did he succeed that he has branched out into relative
lines of business, and now carries an extensive
stock. He has recently added the undertaking busi-
ness to his other interests. In 1897 he built his
present building, of which he took possession in
April, 1898, and his growing trade requires nearly
all the space thus gained. On the third floor there
is a large hall, suitable for a club-room, and this is
now occupied by the Second Division of the Ameri-
can Order of Hibernians.
On Sept. 20, 1880, Mr. IMooney was married in
the town of Windsor Locks to Miss Kate M. Ryan,
daughter of John Ryan, a well-known citizen of that
locality. Four children have blessed the union :
Timothy, John C. (deceased), Mary and Kate. Mr.
Mooney and his estimable wife have many friends,
and he is connected with various fraternal organiza-
tions, including the Knights of Columbus and the
Ancient Order of Hibernians. Politically he affili-
ates with the Democratic party, and at times he has
served on the town committee, while his long service
as selectman is sufficient evidence of his standing
and influence.
JOHN H. ELMER, a successful farmer and
tobacco-grower at Burnside, and a native of that
place, descends from one of the oldest of New Eng-
land families, his ancestors having come from Eng-
land in the ship "Lion," which arrived at Boston,
^lass., about the year 1630.
Moses Elmer, grandfather of John H., resided
on Long Hill, in South Windsor (then a part of
East Windsor), and his son, also uMTied Moses,
boin in 18 10, was the father of our subject. The
latter was a school teacher in his younger days,
but was a powerful young man, and it is said he
would chop two cords of wood after school hours,
receiving fifty cents per cord. He married Ru-
£8
hanna Bidwell, daughter of Johnathan and Ruey
(Webster J Bidwell, and to this union were born
seven children: Esther h\, who lived in Burnside,
and died unmarried in 1883; John H., the subject
of this sketch; Elizur B., who for three years was
connected with the Thirteenth Conn. V . 1. as a
teamster, served in Louisiana until the close of the
war, and died in Burnside in 1874; Oliver W., a
farmer, who drove the stage for many years be-
tween Burnside and East Hartford, was married,
and died in 189 1 ; Ellen, who died young; Laura
E., who died in infancy; and ^lary A., who was
married to Edwin F. Stager, and is living in Burn-
side. The father of this family was usually called
"Captain" Elmer, as he had command of a com-
pany of militia, and was always greatly interested
in military affairs.
John H. Elmer was born Julv 10, 1839, '" ^
house still standing, the one in which he now lives,
nearly all the land in the vicinitv being then owned
by the Bidwell family. He first attended the dis-
trict school, and tl en the East Hartford Academy,
under Prof. Joseph O. Hurlburt. On leaving school
he drove stage between Scotland (now Burnside)
and East Hartford, but after the beginning of the
Civil war trade fell off, and the construction of a
railroad through the town destroyed his occupa-
tion. In the meantime he had been operating his
farm, and on his return from a vi;it to some dis-
tant place in 1873 was informed that he had been
elected selectman by the largest majority ever be-
fore accorded a candidate. He served two terms
consecutivel}^ and was afterward elected several
times, between 1876 and 1891. He was one of the
first advocates of macadamized roads, and after
deep study decided to practically test them. In
spite of great opposition, he secured an appropria-
tion of $6,000 to build a plant, in 1887-88, near Tal-
cottville, which was constructed after his own ideas,
matured after inspection of plants erected elsewhere,
and was pronounced to be the finest in the State.
The unthinking ones said, "Elmer has bankrupted
the town," and this cost him his office. He laid the
first part of the road at ^^'illow Brook Hill, and
then another at Hockanum, and they demonstrated
the wisdom of his scheme ; now the town can boast
of seven miles of such roads, and the present gen-
eration can thank John H. Elmer for the fact. It
was on his advice, also, that the first wheel-scraper
in East Hartford was bought.
Mr. Elmer and his brother, Oliver W., were
the first to agfitate the free bridge idea, and in this
the public coincided, the high charges of the East
Hartford Bridge Co. were abolished, and the bridge
made free. In politics Mr. Elmi-r is a Republican,
and cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln.
On Sept. 20, 1873, ^^^- Elmer married ]Miss
Frances Barrows, who was born June 25, 1837. in
St. Louis, ]\Io., whence she removed to Galena,
III. She is a daughter of D. A. and Mary A. (Loom-
is) Burrows, one of the first families of the State.
434
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
She was educated in New Haven, Conn., and in the
West Iier father was engaged in mining, gristmilling
and lumbering, and also had a confectionery.
Mr. Elmer is a member of East Hartford
Grange, No. 37, and has been its overseer ; also of
Crescent Lodge, No. 25, I. O. O. F. ; and of the
O. U. A. M. He has been highway surveyor, as
was his father, and is one of tlie most pleasant as
well as popular men of the town.
GEORGE WHITFIELD BANCROFT. There
is probably no farmer in Hartford county who con-
ducted a more extensive business than that of the
resident of South Windsor whose name here ap-
pears. Mr. Bancroft in his lifetime had the active
management of 400 acres of land under a high
state of cultivation, and in addition carried on an
extensive butcher business, besides dealing exten-
sively in horses and stock.
Mr. Bancroft was born Oct. 15, 1836, on the
farm in the town of South Windsor now occupied
by Dennis Reardon, son of Francis Bancroft, grand-
son of Anson Bancroft, and great-grandson of
Lieut. Samuel Bancroft, who was an officer in the
Revolutionary war.
Francis Bancroft, the father of our subject, was
a wholesale butcher, and kept a general store at
Bancroft Corners, South Windsor. For his first
wife he married Minerva Pritchard, by whom he
had eleven children — six sons and five daughters.
By his second wife, Julia Finney, he had one son,
Henry Wallace, and one daughter. After her death
he married Ann Waite, who died a few weeks after
his death, in the fall of 1872, and soon aftei-ward
Henry Wallace, the only son living at home, also
passed away.
George W. Bancroft in his boyhood attended the
district and select schools of the neighborhood, and
was a student for eleven terms at' the seminary,
the classes of which were taught in the old town
hall of East Hartford. During all that time he
walked to and from the school, a distance of three
miles. He remained with his father until he was
twenty-one years of age, when he sailed for the
Golden Gate on the "Moses Taylor," from New
York, and the steamer "Golden Gate" from the
Isthmus, landing at San Francisco. For a time he
clerked in a hotel at Visalia, for two years con-
ducted a hotel at that place, and then engaged in
ranching. During the years 1861 and 1862 he
herded sheep, but during one night in the latter
year he lost 800 sheep, besides horses and cattle, in
a flood, his financial loss being about $8,000. Mr.
Bancroft then went to Folsom, where he remained
a few months, finally starting by team for the Reese
river, Nevada, where he engaged in mining and
prospecting until 1865. He was called home on ac-
count of the death of his brother David, and left
'San Francisco on the night President Lincoln was
rassassinated.
Mr. Bancroft for two years conducted the
butcher business on his father's place, and in 1867
moved to his late residence, where he afterward
remained. He purchased tracts of land from time
to time, until his possessions aggregated about 400
acres, all of which he superintended. During the
season of 1898 he raised 150 acres of hay, thirty
acres of rye, nineteen acres of tobacco, ten acres
of field corn, four acres of sweet corn, eight acres
of potatoes, two acres of carrots, one and one-half
acres of cabbage, and five acres of turnips. Mr.
Bancroft also carried on a wholesale butcher busi-
ness, and engaged in the buying and selling of
horses and cattle, making quite a specialty of rais-
ing hogs and farm stock generally. He made all
the improvements on his place, erected the dwelling
house, the barns, slaughter-house, etc. An orchard |
of about ten acres is one of the attractions of the
'farm.
Mr. Bancroft was married, in i86g, to Miss
Mary A. Whiton, and to them were born ten chil-
dren: Olin F. (a druggist in New York), Ed-
ward A. (a farmer), Paul C, George F., Mary
W., Burdette W., Nora P., Benjamin L., Minerva
Pritchard and Thomas. In politics our subject was
a Republican. He was a man of positive char-
acter, energetic, keen, and quick to adapt himself
to the shifting conditions of trade. In all his en-
terprises he was eminently successful, and ranked
as one of the most prosperous farmers of Hartford
county. He was a member of the Congregational £
Church, in which faith he entered into rest Aug. 31, "
1900.
JOSEPH ANTON AMSTEAD, a prominent
resident of Windsor Locks, is widely known as a
tobacco grower and dealer, his fine business ability
having enabled him to open up r.n excellent market 1
for the product of his own farm and that of others
in his vicinity. From the planting of the seed to
the turning out of the finished product he is master
of the science of raising and preparing the plant,
and to his enterprise and acumen is due the estab-
lishment of the first sweating room underlaid by
steam pipes.
Mr. Amstead was born Oct. 16, 1850, in Buf- ,
falo, N. Y., son of Joseph Anton Amstead, Sr., a
native of Switzerland, who came to the United
States at the age of thirty years. While in Switzer-
land he had been interested in raising grapes for
wine, and on locating at Buffalo he engaged in busi-
ness as a wine dealer. He was married in Switzer-
land to Miss Catrien Saiddler, a woman of rare
ability and force of character, who became one of
the first professional midwives of Buffalo. Both
died in Buffalo some years ago, and of their large
family of children the following survive: Annie,
wife of John Rohrbacker, of Seattle, Wash. ; Jo-
seph A., our subject ; Conrad, a resident of Chicago ;
and George, who settled in Buffalo.
Our subject attended school in Buffalo during i
boyhood, and later served an apprenticeship to the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
485
cigarmaker's trade. As he desired to see something
of the world he spent twelve years in traveling
about, working at his trade in twenty-five States
during that time. In 18O9 he was in Suffield, Conn.,
and for a time afterward was in St. Louis and other
Southern points. In 187C he returned to Suffield,
and in 1880 he removed to Windsor Locks, where
he manufactured cigars until 1883. In 1884 he
purchased his present farm and began raising to-
bacco, and since 1887 he has been extensively en-
gaged in handling the crops of neighboring growers
as well as his own, being now the leader in that line
of enterprise. As a citizen he is much esteemed,
and socially is identified with the Ancient Order
•of United Workmen. His estimable wife, to whom
he was married in Thompsonville, Conn., was for-
merly JMiss i\Iary Ann Wilson, and her father,
Michael Wilson, was a well-known citizen of Suf-
iield. Three children brighten their home : Henry,
William and Belle.
BENJAMIN KIRKBRIDE, a worthy and hon-
ored citizen of the town of Windsor, was born in
Yorkshire, England, Oct. 23, 1823, the eldest son
in the family of nine children born to Thomas and
Susan (Ratcliflfe) Kirkbride. By occupation the
father was a tallow chandler, and both he and his
■wife spent their entire lives in England.
As his parents were in limited circumstances,
our subject's earlv advantages were very poor. He
was sent, however, to the public schools, but being
anxious to earn money he ran away from school
at the age of eleven years, and obtained work in a
woolen mill. On Alay 11, 1846, Mr. Kirkbride
wedded Miss Mary Ranson, also a native of York-
shire, born jMay 15, 1826, a daughter of William
and Anna (Gill) Ranson, who were also poor in
this world's goods. She was the second youngest
in a family of seven children, and as her father died
■when she was a child of five years her educational
advantages -were limited to the lessons taught at
the Sunday-school. Of the twelve children born
to iMr. and Mrs Kirkbride, six died when young;
Mary H. died at the age of twenty-two years ;
and Charles, an electrician, died of diphtheria in Au-
gust, 1899, aged thirty-seven years. The surviv-
ors are : Ann E., who is now the wife of James
Ciough, of Passaic. N. J., and has six children ;
George, a machinist, of Hartford ; Frederick, a
farmer, who is working the home farm (he is niar-
ried, and has three children, all livincr') ; and Albert,
a buttermaker. of New Haven, Connecticut.
In 1855 Mr. Kirkbride came alone to the New
"World, landing in New York City after a voyage
of twenty-eight days. He first obtained work in
Church's mill, at JN'iiddlefield, j\Tass., and later was
made overseer of a mill at Northampton, iMass.
When that mill failed, in 1857,, he secured the po-
sition of overseer of a woolen mill at Glastonbury,
'Conn., and in i86o came to Windsor, where he was
"employed in the same capacity in a woolen mill for
nine years. Previous to this time he had been joined
by his wife, who sailed from Liverpool in February,
1857, on the "Great Western," being on that vessel
when it collided with the "Saranac," but she finally
landed safely in New York, after being twenty-
eight days upon the water, and joined her husband,
who was then in Northampton, Mass. Early in
the year 1869 he bought his present farm in Wind-
sor town, though he went in debt for the same, and
immediately turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits, but as the business was entirely hew to him
the first few years proved very difficult. However,
he soon became master of the situation, and being
enterprising, energetic and industrious he pros-
pered in his new undertaking. When he located
upon this farm the buildings were in a rather dilap-
idated condition, but he has made many improve-
ments upon the place, and now has one of the most
productive and desirable farms in the locality.
From a poor boy, with a meager education, Mr.
Kirkbride has fought his own way to a comfortable
competence, and has reared a nice family, of which
he may be justly proud. During their fifty-three
years of happv married life his wife has been a
great help to him, and now in their declining
years they merit and receive the respect and esteem
of all who know them. They hold membership in
the Methodist Church, and in politics IMr. Kirk-
bride is a Democrat.
AUSTIN DAVID THOMPSON, blacksmith,
carriage and wagon repairer and liveryman, and
formerly an extensive manufacturer of carriage and
wagon wheels, was born in Barnard, Vt., June 5,
1842.
Nathan Parker Thompson, father of Austin D.,
was born in 1815, and died in July, 1895. He had
been engaged with others in the cotton-mill busi-
ness up to 1850, when he came to Connecticut and
for a year resided at Windsor Locks, where he man-
ufactured thread. In 185 1 he came to Bristol, and
after 1865 was engap'ed in the manufacture of
wagon and carriage wheels.
Mr. Thompson, at Vernon, Conn., in 1837, was
married to Alvira Ellis, and to this marriage were
born children as follows: Maria A., born in 1838,
was married to John Matson. a Tarmer of Fairfield,
Conn., and had three children: George ]\Iathan,
born in 1840, married Elizabeth Chicheeny. and
after her death wedded a Miss Rowe. had born to
him two children, and is now living on the old
Bristol homestead: Austin D., the subject of this
sketch, is next in the order of birth : Gilbert Wash-
ington, born in 1844, enlisted in 1862 in Company
K, Sixteenth C. V., was in the battles of Antieta.ni
and Fredericksburg, taking a severe cold at the
latter place, and was mustered out of the service
as corporal in 1865; he married, in 'S67, Henrietta
. but had no children born to him. He
joined his father and brother Austin D. in the
manufacture of wheels under the firm name of N.
436
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
P. Thompson & Sons, but the cold caught in the
army had developed into consumption, and two
years before his death he was obliged to withdraw
from active work. He was a very handsome man,
greatly respecte^ by every one who knew him, and
his death, in 1869, from the insidious disease which
had attacked him, was universally deplored. The
Gilbert W. Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., was
named in his honor.
Austin D. Thompson was born on his father's
farm at Barnard, Vt., and was quite young when
brought to Vernon, Tolland Co., Conn., where his
father was foreman of the Phenix Cotton Mills,
which are still standing; thence he was taken to
Windsor Locks, where he attended school two years,
when the family came to Bristol. Here he attended
the public schools until seventeen years of age, and
then one term at the Suffield Academy. He first
went to work in the Welch clock factory at Forest-
ville, and held Ms position until he enlisted, Sept.
24, 1862, at Bristol, in Company K, Sixteenth C.
v.; he took part at Antietam, at Fredericksburg,
and at Plymouth, also in many skirmishes, at various
places and times. At Plymouth he was captured,
and was held a prisoner for ten months in Ander-
sonville, Charleston and Florence, being finally ex-
changed and sent home, and was mustered out June
8, 1865.
Mr. Thompson now became a member of the
firm of N. P. Thompson & Sons before alluded to,
and manufactured wagon and carriage wheels at
the site of the present Liberty Bell Company's fac-
tory in Bristol, but were burned out in 1868; they
resumed business at the point where the Clayton
Bros.' factory now stands, and fourteen j'ears later
purchased and removed to the Darrow Manufactur-
ing Company's property on Meadow street, and
continued the business until 1894, when they were
again burned out. The buildings were at once re-
erected, but by this time improved machinery had
so reduced the price of wheels that they abandoned
their manufacture. Austin D., however, still con-
ducts a repair and blacksmith shop at this stand,
and also carries on a livery stable.
Nathan P. Thompson passed away at the ripe
age of eighty years, and his widow now makes her
home with her son, George N., in Bristol. Prior
to the formation of the Free-soil party Mr. Thomp-
son was a Democrat, but being progressive in his
ideas he became a member of the ntw party, which
in the course of time was merged into the Repub-
lican party ; however, he always applied himself
closely to his own public affairs. He was a reliable,
straightforward man, and had hosts of friends.
Austin D. Thompson was married, Sept. 13,
1865, to Miss Electa Maria Churchill, who was
born in 1844, a daughter of John Churchill, of Bris-
tol. She departed this life Jan. 4, 1880, the mother
of two children: Eva Mae, born Sept. 4, 1867,
still living at the parental home; and Austin
Churchill, born Oct. 24, 1872, who graduated from
the Philadelphia Dental College with the class of
'95, and has since been doing a very fine business-
at Torrington. He married Miss Julia Brooker,
of Torrington, only daughter of Major Brooker,
a prominent man of that locality.
Austin D. Thompson is a member of Franklin
Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M.; also of Gilbert W.
Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., of which latter
he is a past commander. He attends the Episcopal
Church, in which his wife, who had a very sweet
voice, was a member of the choir and quite active
in the work of the church. In politics Mr. Thomp-
son is a stanch Republican, but, like his father,,
abstains from taking part in party work, being
satisfied with the general exercise of his franchise.
MORRIS CATLIN- WEBSTER. This distinl
guished citizen of New Britain is a lineal descend-
ant of John Webster, who was governor of Con-
necticut in 1656. Two grandsons of the latter —
Moses and Cyprian — were among the first five set-
tlers of Harwinton, in 1730. Three of our subject's-
ancestors were Revolutionary soldiers, and all left
their impress upon the legislation of the State, of
whose law-making body many of them were distin-
quished and influential members. His father, Addi-
son Webster, married Ann M. Catlin, a member of
the noted Catlin family, to which Connecticut owes
so many capable officials.
Mr. Webster was born at Harwinton, Conn.,
Sept. 28, 1848, on the farm which was first occu-
pied and cultivated by his ancestor, Moses Webster.
His early scholastic education was acquired in the
common schools and at Harwinton Academy, and he.
also took a preparatory course at the Winchester
Institute. His real preparation for active commer-
cial life, however, was obtained primarily in the
employ of Hart, Merriam & Co., of Hartford. He
served in every department connected with the es-
tablishment conducted by that house, acting as sales-
man and accountant, and in every way thoroughly
fitting himself for his successful mercantile life.
In 1881 he accepted a position as traveling salesman
for a wholesale boot and shoe house of Boston, his
route covering the States of Illinois, Iowa and Ne-
braska. His preference, nevertheless, being for the
carpet trade, in which branch of business he had
received his early training, he entered the employ of
Stark Bros., of Milwaukee, but soon left that firm to
enter upon an engagement with W. & J. Sloane, of
New York. In 1874 he returned to Connecticut and
embarked in business for himself, at Terryville.
Four years later he sold out this establishment to
accept his present responsible position, that of secre-
tary and superintendent of the Malleable Iron Works
of New Britain, Mr. Webster is also engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits, carrying on a truck and produce
farm at New Britain, and he has extensive farming
interests in his native town, Harwinton.
Mr. Webster has been repeatedly honored by elec-
tion to office, although the duties of official life have
// ^^-^/
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
487
been forced upon him, rather than sought. For
three years he was a member of the common coun-
cil of the city, and has been four times in succession
elected a member of the school board, in which body
he is now serving his tenth year. In 1896 he was
elected to the Connecticut Legislature by 1,868 ma-
jority— the largest ever received by any candidate
for an office in the city of New Britain. During
his service • in the House he was chairman of the
Committee on Agriculture, which revised, in a sat-
isfactory manner, the agricultural legislation of the
State. In the spring of 1898 i\Ir. Webster was
■elected mayor for a term of two years, which posi-
tion he filled until the spring of 1900, refusing re-
nomination. He is a prominent member of various
societies and fraternal orders, among which may be
mentioned the following: The Royal Arcanum, in
which he is past regent ; tile Order of United Amer-
ican ^lechanics, in which he is past councillor ; the
Improved Order of Heptasophs, in which he is
trustee ; the Mutual Benefit Association ; the A. O.
U. W. ; and the New Britain Club. PoHtically he
is a Republican, adhering to the faith in which he
was reared.
Mr. Webster was married, in 1874, to Ida E.
Barber, of Harwinton, and they have three children.
JOHN GEORGE RUOFF. That sterling char-
acter which is the basis of broad and permanent
success, an honor to its possessor, and the object
of universal esteem and respect, wherever right
thinking and right sentiments prevail, is most fit-
tingly typified by the subject of this sketch. The
Fatherland has contributed to this newer country
an element of solidity, stability and integrity which
is a great reserve power in all national issues, in-
telligent and discriminative, throwing its influence
with unerring instinct and judgment in the di-
rection of clean and good government. The same
element contributes immensely to the material well-
being of the people, teaching by example the
cardinal virtues of thrift and industry. A more
appropriate example of these admirable traits than
Mr. Ruoff it would be difficult to find.
]\Ir. Ruofl:' was born in Metzingen, Wurtembcrg,
Germany, Feb. 16, 1835, son of John and Mary
IMagdalena (Smale) Ruofif. His father, a farmer
by occupation, died Jan. 26, 1835, and his mother
married again. Our subject had only one full
brother, and he died in Germanv. The father left
some propertv, but our subject had not received
bis portion when in 1853, at the age of eighteen
years, he decided to come to America. He had at-
tended the schools of Germany, and had also worked
to some extent at the butcher trade in his native
land. He sailed from Havre in September. T853,
on the sailing vessel "Corinthia" for the United
States. The trip to America was a most memorable
■one. Cholera broke out aboard the vessel after her
departure, and the ranks of the crew were soon
depleted by sickness and death, it became neces-
sary to impress into service the immigrants in order
to properly man the plague-visited ship. Mr. Ruoff,
who chanced to occupy berth No. i, was the first
passenger called to the assistance of the crew. He
served as a sailor during the passage of seventy-
three days to New York, except tlie first two weeks.
It was a rough and stormy passage. On account
of the dread visitation the course of the vessel was
changed to the north, so as to reach colder weather,
and this course protracted the voyage, which was
attended by severe storms. Mr. Ruofl; was at one
time at the pumps during the height of a .gale, and
had only left for a moment when a big sea swept
overboard and drowned his companions whom he
had left there. There were over seventy deaths on
the "Corinthia" during this stormv passage.
Our subject landed in New York, a stranger in
a strange land. Not a word of English could he
speak, but he was industrious and an.xious for
work. He found employment with a butcher in
New Y'ork City, and after remaining with him for
three weeks he came to Glastonbury, Conn. : ar-
rived at Hartford by boat, and thence walked to
Glastonbury. There for a time he worked for his
board with Guy Sampson, a farmer, and then ob-
tained employment at Curtisville, now Naubuc, in
the Curtis factory, where spectacles were manu-
factured. For over five years he remained there,
then went to. Hartford, and for several years was
employed in Colt's factory.
In 1862 Mr. Ruofif enlisted in Company C. 22d
Regiment Conn V. I., and remained in service until
his discharge in July, 1863. Returning to his old
position in Colt's factory, he worked there until
the shop was destroyed by fire. Mr. Ruoff then
went back to Naubuc, and for a time resumed
work in the Curtis factory. But gradually he was
becoming a farmer, and he soon left other employ-
ment to give his entire attention to his farm. In
1861 he had bought from Elisha Smith thirteen
acres of land, where he now lives. By a subsequent
purchase the area has been increased to thirty-four
acres, and the small cottage which stood on the
land for a home has been succeeded by a more
imposing edifice. Mr. Ruoff' has a good farm, and
he knows how to till it; the land is under a high
state of cultivation, and very productive.
In January, 1858, at Hartford, Mr. Ruoff was
married to INIiss Elizabeth Amelia Schercer, who
was born in Schwabach, Bavaria, Dec. 14. 1837,
daughter of John Martin and Dorothy (Millmark)
Schercer. She came to America from Bremen in
1854, on the sailing vessel "Diana," and was forty-
four days in making the ocean nassage. Her fa-
ther was a house carpenter, and both parents died
in Germanv. They were people of high character
and good social standing. She was the onlv mem-
ber of the family who came to America. To Mr.
and Mrs. Ruoff have been born the following chil-
dren : Mary A., now Mrs. John Bantly, of Man-
chester ; George, who died at the age of seventeen
438
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i
years; John, superintendent of the town farm at
East Hartford; Frederick, an industrious young
man, who at the age of twenty-five years was killed,
June 23, 1891, in the factory at Naubuc, by the
bursting of a grindstone; Rosa P. (Mrs. Frank
Hartz), of Burnside; Frank, a machinist, of New
Britain; Charles, of East Hartford; Bertha, who
died at the age of two years; Katie L., who mar-
ried Frederick Brutt, of New Britain; and Edwin
M., a farmer at home.
In politics Mr. Ruoff is a Democrat, but he is
independent in national issues, and voted for Presi-
dent McKinley. While not members of church, he
and tlie family are good Christian people, attend-
ants at both church and Sabbath-school. Socially
Mr. Ruoff is a member of Rodman Post, G. A. R.,
at East Hartford. His family would be a credit
to any parentage, and all his children have been
reared to become honorable and worthy men and
women. Mrs. Ruoff is a most excellent helpmeet,
and to her is due a share of the credit for the prog-
ress in high citizenship and in material prosperity
which the family has attained. The youngest son,
Edwin M., lives at home, and as a steady-going,
intelligent young man is now the mainstay of his
parents, whose health will not oermit that effort
which was once their welcome lot. Not since his
service in the army has the health of Mr. Ruoff been
rugged, and in recent years he has suffered severely
from rheumatism. But he is the same plain, unas-
suming and sturdy farmer, whose name has never
been associated with dishonest or dubious prac-.
tices. His word is as good as his bond, and he is
one of the most highly-respected men in his lo-
calitjr.
In 1878 Mr. Ruoff paid a visit to his native
land, after an absence of twenty-five years. He
remained there three months, and renewed many
former acquaintances.
WILLIAM C. SMITH, a prominent resident of
Glastonbury, is a descendant of one of the old
families of that locality. His grandfather, Jedediah
Smith, who was born Sept. 5, 1764, and died in
April, 1826, was for many years engaged in farm-
ing on the west side of Main street, near our sub-
ject's present home. On May 28. 1788, Jedediah
Smith married Mary , and they had a
large family of children, whose names and dates
of birth are as follows: Jeduthan, July 2, 1789;
Philer, Jan. 20, 1791 ; Hannah, Aug. 24, 1792; Shu-
bael, Aug. 12, 1793; Mary, Dec. 3, 1795; Mary
(2), May 20, 1797; Thomas, Oct. 8, 1799; Sydney,
May 16, 1801; Eliza, Oct. 8, 1804; Juha, Sept.
30, 1806; and Amelia, July 9, 1808.
Shubael Smith, our subject's father, was born
and reared at the old homestead in Glastonbury,
receiving a common-school education. He followed
farming in Glastonbury throughout his life. In 181 5
he married Miss Mary Risley, who was born in
Glastonbury Feb. 19, 1799, and they had eleven
children, of whom our subject was the youngest
(il Mary Ann, born M«rch 22, 1816, married
(first) Dexter Wrisley, and (second) Nathaniel
Kelsey, and died April 24, 1900, at the ■ age of
eighty-four. (2) Matilda, born Aug. 29, 1817, was
married, in November, 1835, to Sylvester Dun-
nells, a carpenter at Glastonbury. (3) Andrew,
born May 25, 1819, married Julia Goodrich in No-
vember, 1842 ; he was engaged in the boating busi-
ness with our subject for many years. (4) Lucy,,
born March 29, 1821, was married, Nov. 30, 1836,
to William Higley, a business man of Hartford.
(5) Jedediah, born June 19, 1823, married Susan
Arnold July i, 1845. (6) Elizur, born April 4,
1825, was the captain of a tow-boat, and lived in
Hartford. He married Cynthia Gaines, and reared
a large family, and three of his sons are now em-
ployed in the offices of the Connecticut Mutual Co.
(7) Julia, born March i, -1828, died young. (8)
Julia (2) was born Oct. 26, 1831. (9) Elizabeth,
born Nov. 14, 1833, married Ransom Wrisley. (lo)'
George N., born March 26, 1838, enlisted in a iVew
York regiment, in Gen. Sickles' Brigade, was
wounded at Fortress Monroe May .S, 1862, and died
in a New York hospital May 13, 1862.
Our subject was born Jan. 25, 1841, and as sl
boy attended a district school in a frame building
which was replaced some years aeo by the brick
school house. On leaving school he was employed
for a time at sreneral work on a boat belonging to
his brother Andrew, and used in carrying stone be-
tween Hartford and other points, on the Connecti-
cut. Later he bought a boat which he ran for more
than ten years, and on selling out he formed a
partnership with his brother Jedediah and opened a
general store in Naubuc, which they conducted twee
years in connection with the post office. Our sub-
ject then sold out and removed to Hartford, en-
gaging in the grocery business on Potter street,
and three j^ears later he built a store on the same
street, nearer the river. He continued there in the
grocery and meat market business for many years,
and also started a store on Pearl street, operating*
both for a year. He then disposed of the first
store, and in 1898 he retired from business alto-
gether. He is living in well-earned ease in his
pleasant home in Glastonbury, erected by himself
in 1893. Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and
while residing in Hartford he was very prominent|
in municipal affairs, holding the offices of council
man and alderman for a period of ten years. Era
ternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Hart
ford, and of Putnam Phalanx, in which he hai
been corporal and is now color guard.
Mr. Smith was married first to Miss Julia Cal-
lender, a native of Hartford, and they had the fol-
lowing children, none of whom are living: George
W., born Aug. 25, 1862 ; William C, Sept. 9, 1863 ;
Ransom, Oct. 30, 1864; Flora, Nov. 10, 1865. The
mother of these children died Dec. 9, 1867, and
our subject, on Jan. 9, 1869, married Miss Eliza
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4«9
Moore. To this last union no children have been
born. Mrs. Smith was born in Ireland, daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Huston) Moore, also na-
tives of that country, and came to America with her
parents in 1850, when six years of age. Her fa-
ther, who was employed in cutlery works for many
years, died in 1888, her mother some twenty years
before. There were seven children in their family:
Jane, WHliam, Mary Ann, Robert, Robert (2),
Eliza (Mrs. Smith), and John.
JAMES LAWRENCE RISING, a leading
horticulturist of West Sufifield, is a man whose
enterprise and ability are worthy of note, and in
his successful career he has shown the progressive
nature which characterizes the best class of Amer-
ican agriculturists.
^Ir. Rising belongs to a well-known family, and
is a direct descendant of James Rising, who was
born in London, England, about 1617, and came
to this country at the age of eighteen, locating in
1635 in Massachusetts. In 1646 he was a student
in Harvard College, and on July 7, 1657, he mar-
ried Elizabeth Hinsdale, daughter of Robert Hins-
dale, of JNIedtield, jNIass. For a short time he re-
sided in the Bermuda Islands, and on returning to
Massachusetts settled in Salem. In 1668 he came
to Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., where his wife
died the following year, and on Aug. 13, 1673, he
married Martha Bartlett, a widow, who died April
20, 1674. In 1679 he removed to Sufifield, where
his death occurred Sept. 11, 1688, his remains be-
ing interred in West Sufifield. By occupation he
was a farmer, and he became the owner of a large
tract of land. He had two sons, John and James,
and the latter died unmarried.
John Rising made his home on High street, in
Suffield, where he followed farming. He died Dec.
II, 1720, and was buried in Suffield. He was twice
married, and had eighteen ch-ldren, whose de-
scendants are now among the best citizens of Suf-
field.
Abel Rising, our subject's great-grandfather,
was a native of Suffield, and resided at Rising's
Corners. He was a deacon in the Congregational
Church at West Suffield.
Justus Rising, the grandfather of our subject,
was born at the Corners, where he spent his entire
life. As a farmer he was very successful, and he
owned a large estate, being one of the substantial
citizens of the locality. He married Mary Wilcox,
who was also much esteemed for her excellent
qualities, and both died in West Suffield, where
their remains were buried. They had five chil-
dren: Ransom, our subject's fatlicr ; Sanford, a
resident of Indiana ; Lafayette ; Silence, who mar-
ried Dr. James L. Hodge ; and Justus, who died
in childhood.
Ransom Rising wr.s born at the old homestead,
and was educated in the local schools and in the
Connecticut Literarv Institute, being among the
first to enter that noted school. When a young man
he settled upon a portion of the old homestead and
engagetl in tobacco growing, dairying and stock'
raising. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a
Republican, but he never sought or held office. His
upright life won him the respect ol all wlio knew
him, and for many years he was a leading member
of the Baptist Church of Zion's Hill. He died
at the homestead in 1892, in his seventy-second year,
and his estimable wife, Jane E. Porter, a native of
Hartford, passed away May 10, 180^. at the same
age. '!.:».,
James L. Rising, who was the only child of this
worthy couple, was born Dec. 19, 1846, and has
always made his home at the old farm, his education
being obtained in the district schools of West Suf-
field. Until his father's death thcv operated the
farm in partnership, our subject assuming the active
management as time passed. He devotes much at-
tention to general farming and stock raising, but has
made a specialty of sfrowing peaches, strawberries
and other fruits, in which he has met with marked
success, his scientific methods producing good re-
sults under all conditions. In religious work he is
prominent as a member of the Baptist Church, and
while he is not an office-seeker he is keenly in-
terested in the political issues of the day. In former
years he was a Republican, but his earnest convic-
tions on the question of tempei^nce reform have
made him a thorough-going Prohibitionist. In
1872 he married ]\Iiss Maria Louis; Hastings, and
four children have blessed the union: Margaret,
wife of Lemuel Griffin, of Granby ; Lawrence, wlu)
was educated at the Connecticut Literary Institute,
and is now at home ; Judson Everett, now a student
in the Institute ; and Silence M.. who is at home.
Mrs. Rising is a representative of one of the
old and highly-respected families of Suffield, and
from an early date the Baptist Church of that sec-
tion has had no more ardent and devout adherents
than those bearing the name of Hastings. Her an-
cestors came from England, originally, and her
great-grandfather, Joseph Hastings, was born at
Hastings' Hill, in the town of Suffield, where he
spent his life, being engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. Politically he was a Whig, and like all of his
family he was active in the support of the Baptist
faith. He died at his homestead, and he and his
wife were buried in the cemeterv at Zion's Hill.
They had a large family of children, of whom the
following lived to adult age: Samuel, Garry,
Homer, Frank, Plarvey, James. Ai.na and Rachel.
James Hastings. Mrs. Rising's grandfather,
was born at the homestead June 2, 1796, and when
a voung man settled upon the Austin farm, in ^^'est
Suffield, where he died in 1S25. at the early age of
twentv-nine. He married Ursula Austin, who was
born at the Austin farm ^March 12, 1796, daughter
of Joseph Austin, a Revolutionarv soldier, and his
wife, Sarah Goodrich, and she sur^'ived him many
vears. her death occurring Feb. i, 1868. Two chil-
440
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren were born of this union: Mj.ria Louisa, who
died in Buffalo, N. Y. ; and James G., Mrs. Rising's
father.
James G. Hastings was born in West Suffield
Dec. i6, 1822, on the farm which he now occupies.
He attended the district schools and the Connecti-
cut Literary Listitute, and has made farming his
occupation throughout life, tobacco being his prin-
cipal crop. He is a Republican in politics, and is
a strong champion of temperance and other re-
forms. For fifty years he has been a member of the
Baptist Church, in which he holds the office of dea-
con, and his long and useful life has won him the
respect of all who know him. In 1850 he married
Miss Mary A. Cartter, sister of Mrs. Buel D.
Hodge, and six children were born to them, viz.:
Maria Louise, wife of our subject; Stephen C. ;
James Eugene; Jessie F., wife of Ralph Granger,
of San Diego, Cal. ; Elbridge G., a cigar manu-
facturer at Suffield ; and Miss Dora, who is at home.
I
JOHN WILLIAM GRAY, who has charge of
the packing department of the Bristol Brass & Clock
Co., in Forestville, is a native of Connecticut, born
Dec. 26, 1840, in New Haven.
Bernard Gray, father of John W., was born in
the Province of Connaught, Ireland, in 1813, and
died Aug. 17, 1845, in New Haven, Conn., where he
was employed in the soft-drink manufactory of
Henry Grunert. Early in 1840, at New Haven, he
married Alice Towner, who was born in 1821 in
County Armagh, Ireland, and died in Forestville,
Conn., in 1893. The children _born to this union
were as follows: John W., bur subject; Annie,
born Dec. 6, 1842, married Charles W. Brown, of
Forestville; and Alice, born in 1844, died when
three years old. The mother of these remarried in
1849, her second husband being Noble Smith, of
Plainville, by whom she had children as follows :
William J., living in Bristol ; and Katie, Helen and
Edward, all three in Forestville.
John W. Gray, the subject proper of these lines,
received his education in the schools of New Haven
up to the age of nine years, at which time his mother
(who in the meantime had married again) removed
to Plainville, and there he finished his schooling.
At the age of sixteen he commenced life work in the
varnishing division, case department of the E. N.
Welch Clock Co., and there remained until his en-
listment July 22, 1862, in Company K, i6th Conn.
V. I. At the battle of Antietam he received a gun-
shot wound in the left hand, which has ever since
been badly crippled. He was sent home on a
furlough, ordered to report at the New Haven hos-
pital, and was mustered out March 4, 1863, on ac-
count of the wound. For the same reason he was
compelled to take up light work, and fonone year was
night watchman for the E. N. Welch Co. He then
found employment in the "burner shop" of the
Bristol Brass & Clock Co. in Forestville, in the press
room, and there remained about eight years, at the
end of which time he entered the foot-press room
as assistant to the superintendent, and at the close
of four years in that incumbency he was given
charge of the packing department, which position
he has since filled with his accustomed ability and
fidelity.
On March 19, 1864, Mr. Gray was married to
Katie Hughes, who was born in Waterbury, Conn.,
daughter of John and Catherine (Slieren) Hughes,
and a brief record of their children is as follows :
( i) George Bernard, born April 5, 1866, is a clerk in
J. S. Deming & Co.'s grocery, Forestville ; he was
married in 1900 to Hellen Bracken, of Norwalk,
Conn. (2) Annie Emma, born Oct. 3, 1870, was
married Dec. 26, 1898, to James P. Bree, of New
Haven, a lawyer and man of prominence in politi-
cal affairs; he was a member of the legislature in
1898, and Senator, 1900 to 1902, from New Haven;
they have one child : John Paul, born Nov. 15, 1899.
Mrs. Bree is a graduate of Bristol High School,
class of "88, and of Mt. St. Joseph's Convent, Hart-
ford, in music ; prior to her marriage she spent
seven years in teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are
members of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church
at Forestville. Politically he is a Democrat; for
five years served as constable, and has been clerk
and treasurer of the Thirteenth school district of
Bristol — clerk from 1875 to 1888, and treasurer and
clerk since the latter year. Socially he is a charter
member of Newton S. Monroe Post, No. 57, of
Forestville, in which 'he has passed all the chairs,
being past commander, and is now serving as quar-
termaster.
ELMER WINFIELD STEARNS, a well-
known and popular citzen of Berlin, who is serving
as assistant to the president of the Berlin Iron
Bridge Co., was born in Manchester, N. H., Dec.
13, i860, and traces his ancestry back to (I) Isaac
Stearns, a native of the parish of Wayland, Suffolk,
England, who came to America in 1630 on the same
ship with Gov. Winthrop and Sir Richard Salton-
stall. He served as selectman of Watertown, Mass.,
for several years. He had married in England, and
his wife came with him to the New World. To
them were born eight children who lived in this
country.
(II) John Stearns, a son of Isaac, was born in
Watertown about 1630, and was one of the first
settlers of Billerica, Mass. About 1653 he married
Sarah Mixer.
(III) Lieut. John Stearns, born in May, 1654,
was married in Billerica to Elizabeth Bigelow, who
was born June 18, 1657.
(IV) John Stearns, born in Billerica Nov. 26,
1686, was married about 1715 to Esther Johnson,
who was born Jan. 16, 1691, and died April 13,
1786. His death occurred Aug. 2, 1776.
(V) Rev. Josiah Stearns, born in Billerica Jan.
20, 1 73 1, graduated from Harvard in 1751, and was
ordained at Epping, N. H., March 8, 1758, serving
I
)yuLa/\^n^i^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
441
as pastor of the Congregational Church at that place
for thirty years. He married Sarah Abbot, who
was born Dec. 4, 1726, and died Nov. 5, 1766. He
died July 25, 17S8.
(VlJ John Stearns, born in Epping, N. H., Jan.
13, 1762, was married in 1783 to Sarah Lane, who
was born May 16, 1759. He enlisted in the Con-
tinental army during the Revolutionary war as a
member of the 4th New Hampshire Regiment, and
was mustered in at Epping. He served as justice
of the peace for many years.
(VH) Josiah Stearns, born in Deerfield, N. H.,
March 10, 1788, was married Aug. 22, 181 1, to Jane
Thompson, also a native of Deerfield. He was an
early settler of Wilmot, N. H., where he became a
prosperous and well-to-do farmer, and was one of
the most prominent men of the community in his
day.
(VHI) William Stearns, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Wilmot, N. H., Jan. 10, 1816, and
was a machinist by trade, being connected with the
cotton mills of JNlanchester, N. H., for some years.
He was also an inventor of considerable note, and
patented several different articles, one of the most
important of his inventions being the shuttle motion
for cotton mills, which he put in use in 1850. In
politics he was a Republican. He was married Oct.
17, 1845, to Elizabeth Cogswell Goodhue, who was
born in Dunbarton, N. H., Sept. 28, 1818, a daugh-
ter of Jacob and Margaret (Wheeler) Goodhue.
(IX) Elmer W. Stearns, whose name introduces
this sketch, was educated in the schools of Manches-
ter, N. H., and was graduated from the high school
of that place in 1877. After leaving school he en-
tered the office of Ellis & Patterson, civil engineers,
engaged in city work, to learn the business, and dur-
ing the two years he remained with them he gained
a fair insight into the business. In 1881 he was
made rodman in the city engineer's office in Man-
chester, and filled that position three or four months.
In 1880 the Berlin Iron Bridge Co. built a bridge
at iManchester, and he became acquainted with their
representative, who offered him a position with the
company. Accordingly, on leaving the employ of
the city engineer of Manchester, N. H., he came to
Berlin, Conn., in April, 1881, and entered the office
of the Berlin Iron Bridge Co., as draftsman in the
drawing room, where he remained ten years. He
then accepted his present responsible position, as
assistant to the president of the company, the du-
ties of which he has most capably and satisfactorily
performed. His energy, perseverance, close appli-
cation to business, and fidelity to every trust reposed
in him have been the secret of his success, and have
won for him the high position which he now fills.
On Oct. ID, 1888, Mr. Stearns married Miss Lu-
ella Woods, who was born July 12, 1865, a daughter
of Solomon Henry and Grace Ann (Bradley)
Woods, of East Berlin. They have one child, Har-
old Goodhue, who was born Oct. 29, 1889, and is
now attending iMiss Roy's private school in Berlin.
Mr. Stearns joined the Masonic Fraternity at the
age of twenty-one years, and is now a Knight Tem-
plar .Mason, a member of Cyrene Connnandery, No.
8, of Middle-town, and of Pyramid Temple, of the
Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport. He has always taken
an active part in lodge work, and is past master of
Washington Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., of Crom-
well, Conn. He is also a prominent member of Mat-
tabessett Lodge, No. 21, K. P., and was keeper of
records and seals for six years. Mr. Stearns at-
tends and supports the Congregational Church of
Berlin, and affiliates with the Republican parly. At
present he is serving as chairman of the Republican
town committee of Berlin, and was a member of the
board of school visitors for five or six years. In
1897 Mr. Stearns went to Europe for his health, and
spent eight weeks very enjoyably in visiting Paris,
Holland, Germany and Belgium, returning home
nuich recuperated.
I^IARCUS LEWIS STODDARD. The sub-
ject of this sketch is one of the prosperous and
progressive young farmers of Newington, and has
followed the' vocation of his forefathers with suc-
cess, winning a standing of high character in the
community in which he lives. He was born in the
old Stoddard ancestral home on Center street, near
Newington Junction, July 22, 1854, the only child of
Alarcus W. and Frances (Wells) Stoddard. His
father was born in March, 181 5, and his mother in
June, 1817. Allen Stoddard, his grandfather, was
born on the same place, and married Mary Wells,
daughter of James and Abigail (Gaylord) Wells,
pioneers of Connecticut. [The old Stoddard house
was moved from its original site on the Knoll to the
southwest of its present situation, to make way for
the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad.]
Our subject received a good common-school edu-
cation in the schools of Newington and in the high
school at New Britain, also taking a course in the
Cheshire school near Plainville. But the farm duties
earlv in life demanded his attention, and Mr. Stod-
dard has been a man rather of action than of books.
He has spent his life on the farm, and has been a
progressive agriculturist, keeping abreast with the
times. For several years he conducted an extensive
milk business in connection with his farm. He is
the owner of ninety-five acres of good productive
land, and the crops he cultivates include hay, grain,
feed and potatoes.
Mr. Stoddard married April 26, 1877, Miss
Caroline Francis, who was born July 25, 1856,
daughter of Joseph J, and Mary Francis. Mr. and
:\Irs'". Stoddard have three children : Gertrude Fran-
ces, born }>Iarch 16, 1880; Ora Bell, born May 20,
1886: and Kent Elston, born Aug. 7, 1893. Mr. and
Alrs.Stoddardareconsistent and conscientious mem-
bers of the Congregational Church. In politics he is a
stanch Republican. He is a charter member of Our
Brothers Council, No. 41, Senior Order of American
iMechanics, at Newington, and has served as treas-
442
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
urer of the lodge. Mr. Stoddard has pnrcha.sed a
beautiful residence site a short distance north of
the old homestead, and is now (1899) erecting a
modern twelve-room residence of the Queen Anne
style of architecture. The home will be equipped
with all modern improvements, and when com-
pleted will be one of the handsomest in the pictur-
esque town of Newington.
EDMUND L. SMITH, president of the South
Wethersfield Stamping & Manufacturing Co., and
also proprietor of the South Wethersfield cider,
grist and saw mill, belongs to that class of men
whom the world terms self-made, for, beginning life
empty-handed, he has conquered the obstacles in the
path to success and is now at the head of a pros-
perous business. By his efforts he has materially
advanced the interests of the community with which
he is associated, and has become a prominent figure
in business circles.
Mr. Smith was born in Rocky Hill, Hartford
county, Feb. 7, 1856, a son of Alfred Smith, who
was a native of New York City, and of German
descent. The latter grew to manhood in New
York, where he learned the trade of a cigar maker,
and in 1849 went to California. After his return
from that State he came to Rocky Hill, where he
engaged in the manufacture of cigars until failing
health caused his retirement. He died at that place,
and was buried in Rocky Hill cemetery. He mar-
ried Miss Laura G. Beaumont, of East Hartford,
who is still living, and makes her home in Rocky
Hill, and to them were born four children : Cath-
arine, wife of R. E. Scranton ; Mabel, wife of Dr.
H. P. Plunket, of Rocky Hill; Alfred, who died
young; and Edmund L., our subject.
Ira Beaumont, our subject's maternal grandfa-
ther, was a native of East Hartford, and a son of
McGinnis Beaumont, who was of French descent,
and was for many years a harness maker and land
owner of East Hartford, where his death occurred.
Ira Beaumont was given a good common-school edu-
cation, and during his youth he learned the trade of
harness making with his father. He also taught
school for a time in Rocky Hill, and later followed
farming in East Hartford, where he owned land.
Politically he was identified with the Democratic
party, and religiously both he and his wife were
consistent members of the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Beaumont, who bore the maiden name of Mar-
tha Bulkley, was a daughter of Hosea Bulkley, and.
a native of Rocky Hill. She died at that place at the
advanced age of ninety-two years, and was laid to
rest in Rocky Flill cemetery, by the side of her hus-
band, who had passed away some years previously.
Their children were Edmund, Ira and Lucius, all of
whom died in Rocky Hill ; Charles ; Laura Goodrich,
the mother of our subject; Emeline, wife of Joseph
McFarland; Thomas; Harriet, wife of John Lock-
wood ; and Oliver, who died in infancy.
Our subject was educated in the district schools
of Rocky Hill, and at night school. He was quite
young when he lost his father, and at the age of
twelve 3'ears he commenced working as a farm hand
for his board and clothes. He attended school when
possible, and at the age of sixteen began learning
the carpenter's and joiner's trade with R. E. Scran-
ton, continuing to work at his trade in Hartford
county, and at Springfield, Mass., for several years,
after which he came to Wethersfield, where he fol-
lowed farming for ten years on the Churchill farm.
At the end of that time he turned his attention to
the manufacture of lumber at South Wethersfield,
and was at first engaged in business with J. E. Far-
mer, but now carries on operations alone. He also
conducts a grist and cider mill — making a specialty
of crude and refined cider, which he ships all over
the country, and deals in evaporated apples and
sweet corn. Mr. Smith is now president of the
South Wethersfield Stamping & Manufacturing Co.,
manufacturers of all kinds of sheet metal stamp-
ings, wire works, bicycle brakes, lacing loops, chain
guards, pedals and filings. They also make a spe-
cialty of all kinds of washers, punch and dies, tools,
and model, experimental and electrical work.
On Nov. II, 1880, in Wethersfield, Mr. Smith
was united in marriage with Miss Alice A. Church-
ill, a native of that place, and a daughter of Stephen
B. Churchill. They have three children : Edmund
L., Stephen Y. and Harold A. Mrs. Smith is a
member of the Congregational Churcli, and our
subject belongs to Summit Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O.
F., and Wethersfield Grange. Politically he is an
ardent Republican, and he is now most acceptably
serving as deputy sheriff of Hartford county. He
filled the office of constable for ten years,, and since
1897 has been one of the selectmen of Wethersfield.
He takes a deep interest in public affairs, and has
been quite actively identified with public life.
CHARLES YAUCH, a substantial farmer of
Hockanum, was born in Germany Aug. 18, 1837,
and is a son of Conrad and Magdaline (Hess)
Yauch, farming people, of whose large family of
children six came to the United States, viz. : Rosa,
who was the first to come to America, and is mar-
ried to William Bihl, of Hockanum; Matthew, of
Glastonbury; Charles, our subject; Mary, who was
married to a Mr. Lander, and died in South Cov-
entry, Conn. ; Catherine, of South Glastonbury,
widow of William Ingler, to whom she was married
in Germany, where he died; and Casper, who was
a baker in Hartford, where he died.
Charles Yauch came to the United States in
1861. He had learned the trade of shoemaking when
sixteen or seventeen years of age, worked in Ger-
many, Switzerland and France, and with his sav-
ings paid his passage from Flavre to New York,
on the "William Tell," and landed safely after a
voyage of thirty-seven days. His sister, Mrs. Bihl,
was then living in Glastonbury, and to join her he
(took boat for Hartford; after much difficulty hi
Q(;^{n/n.^L4^A,n^i^ A), V^^^'-^^^^^^d^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
443
making people understand where lie wished to go
he finally reached the town. He did some cobbling
in Glastonbury, then went to Hartford and worked
in a shoe shop, and after working hours were over
cobbled for persons living near his lodging. He
was very industrious and saving, and never lost an
hour if he could find work to do.
At Hartford, Dec. 26, 1864, Mr. Yauch married
Miss Louisa Handel, a native of Wittenberg, Ger-
many, born May 29, 1845, a daughter of Philip and
Christina (Decker) Handel. She had come to the
United States in 1855, with her mother, a brother
and a sister, and the vessel on which they were pas-
sengers was forty-eight days crossing the ocean,
owing to stormy weather ; during the voyage eighty-
six persons died on board. After marriage Mr.
Yauch continued to reside in Hartford, and was
employed in Colt's fire-arm shops at the time of
their destruction by fire. He then bought out John
Low's shoe shop, on Kingsiey street, but later
moved his shop to Temple street, put in a stock of
ready-made shoes to sell, and also did repairing.
Some time afterward he sold out and went to South
Meriden, bought a place, and continued to work at
his trade there for nine years. He then bought his
present farm on Main street, Hockanum, the only
imi^rovenient thereon being the dwelling ; all the
other improvements have been since added bv him-
self.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Yauch have
been born seven children : Bertha, now Mrs. William
Myers, of Hockanum ; John, of Turner's Falls,
Mass. ; Rosa, wife of George A. Overton, of Chica-
go, 111. ; and Fred, William, Sophia and Ernest, at
home.
In politics Mr. Yauch is inclined toward the
Democratic party, but voted for McKinley at the
last Presidential election. He is not a member of
any religious society, but his children regularly at-
tend the Methodist Church and Sabbath-school. He
is a member of Hancock Lodge, No. 27, I. O. O. F.,
at South Meriden, but, of course, cannot now at-
tend its meetings punctually. He has an excellent
farm, and owns two neat houses in the village, but
has disposed of his property in South Meriden.
Through his thrift and industry he has realized a
competence, and strictly "minds his own business,"
annoying no one, while no better nor kinder neigh-
bor can be found in the town of East Hartford.
]\IAURICE A. ]MORIARTY was born in the
western part of Ireland July 4, 1844. lie was the
second in order of birth in a family of six children,
the others being Eugene, who died in 1881 ; Mary,
now Mrs. John JNIcDonough, of jNIanchester, Conn.;
Catherine, the wife of John Donohue, of the same
place ; Abbie ; and Hugh, a hardware merchant of
South Manchester.
Maurice A. Moriartv remained in Ireland until
he was ten years old, when he and his elder brother,
Eugene, resolved to emigrate to America. They
took passage in a sailing-vessel, and the voyage con-
sumed thirteen weeks. Their mother had pre-
ceded them in 1849, and was then living at South
Manchester, and thither the brothers proceeded di-
rectly after landing. Maurice soon found work in
the Union Mills of North Manchester. After re-
maining there for a few weeks he entered the em-
ployment of Cheney Bros., silk manufacturers, and
in 1858 was made overseer of their spinning depart-
ment, remaining in that position until 18O1, when
he removed to Yonkers, N. Y., where he was em-
ployed in a gun factory. Returning to South Man-
chester at the end of that time, he again entered the
employ of Cheney Bros., taking his former position,
that of overseer, which he has filled with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his employers during
the succeeding thirty-eight years. In length of ser-
vice he is certainly one of the oldest, if not the oldest
employe, in the mills, having been in the firm's
service for more than forty-seven years. During
:\Ir. Moriarty's residence in South Manchester he
has been connected with the Firs. Division, Ancient
Order of Hibernians, for twenty -three years, and
held the presidency of the lodge for fourteen years.
He was also president of the Robert Emmet Branch,
Irish National Land League of America, and is
at present one of the leading members of the O.
Mahony Club of Irish Nationalists. He has been
a lifelong total abstainer, and was president of St.
James Temperance Society for two terms. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat until the nomination of
Grover Cleveland for the Presidency. The free
trade platform promulgated by that party caused him
to dissent from it, and joining the Anti-Cleveland
L'nion of Irish Republicans, he cast his first Re-
publican ballot for James G. Blaine. Since then
he has been an ardent supporter of the Republican
party, has been delegate to Senatorial and Congres-
sional Conventions, and has also held the offices of
assessor and member of the board of relief. Mr.
Moriarty owns property roughly estimated to be
worth $16,000.
;Mr. ]Moriarty was married Dec. 8. i860, to
Miss Margaret Cody, and ten children have been
born to them, four of whom died in infancy. The
six now living are named Catherine, Nellie. Edward,
Jilargaret, Eugene and Mary. It has been the aim
of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Moriarty to give their children the
best educational advantages, whicn the latter have
not failed to improve to the utmost, shedding honor
upon their parents' name. The eldest daughters,
Catherine and Nellie, after passing through the
common schools, attended the State Nomial School
at New Britain, graduating from that institution with
distinction, and both are now teachers in the public
schools of Yonkers. Nellie entered the contest for
a trip to the World's Fair given to the most popular
teacher by the New York Press in 1893. She
proved to he one of the most successful candidates,
and with a free trip received a gold medal. Edward
received his earlv education at the grammar and
444
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
high schools, and at the age of eighteen began the
study of medicine. He matriculated at the Medi-
cal Department of Columbia College, New York,
and after completing a course of four years there
entered the Baltimore Medical College, from which
institution he graduated in 1898, and was at once
appointed an instructor in pathology. Margaret re-
ceived the same course of instruction as her two
elder sisters, and is also a school teacher. The two
younger children, Eugene and Mary, are still living
at home. Mr. Moriarty and his family are of the
Catholic faith, and members of St. James parish.
South Manchester.
WILLIAM W. HANNA, an enterprising and
successful business man of New Britain, has dis-
played unusual sagacity and practical ability in car-
rying on the extensive marble and stone cutting
business founded by his father, and few young men
in this section have achieved so Irigh a standing in
financial circles.
While his ancestry in the paternal line is of Ger-
man stock remotely, the family was identified with
the North of Ireland for several generations. Will-
iam B. Hanna, our subject's grandfather, was born
in 1806 in County Cavan, Ireland, and became what
is known as a "small farmer." Seeing no hope of
bettering his condition, he came to America about
1840, and located in New Haven county. Conn.,
being among the first Irishmen to settle in that local-
ity. He bought a small tract of land, and engaged
in farming with sudh success that he was enabled to
add to the property from time to time until he had
150 acres. In disposition he was quiet and retir-
ing, but he possessed excellent mental abilities, and
as a citizen was much esteemed. Politically he
affiliated with the Republican party, and in religion
he was a Methodist, while the family was identified
with the Episcopal Church. He died- in 1893. Of
bis children, John, our subject's father, is men-
tioned below; William (deceased) was a stone cut-
ter in New Britain; Thomas (deceased) was a
grocer in New Britain, as one of the firm of Hanna
Bros., the store being on the site of the present
opera house ; Robert was one of the firm of Hanna
Bros., and was in business until about 1873 ; Rich-
ard is deceased ; Ellen (living) married (first) Will-
iam White, of Madison, and later wedded Ambrose
Beattv ; Mary married Thomas Fitzgerald, of New
York' City.
John Hanna, our subject's father, was born
March 16, 1830, in County Cavan, Ireland, and
when a boy obtained a limited education in the Na-
tional schools of that locality, but after coming to
this country he continued his studies alone, while
serving an apprenticeship as a stone cutter with J.
G. Batterson, of Hartford. At the end of his five-
years term he entered the employ of the Empire
Stone Co., of New York City, and soon afterward
was made foreman of the works, with more than
100 cutters under his direction. In 1853, at the age
of twenty-three, he removed to New Britain, and
formed a partnership with William Watson in the
monumental and building stone business, under the
firm name of Watson & Hanna, two years later buy-
ing out his partner. At that time the business was
located in the rear of the lot now occupied by the
Baptist church, but after a few years removed to
the site of the present Hanna block, and since 1878
it has been carried on in East Main street. Be-
ginning in a small way, Mr. Hanna built up the busi-
ness until it became one of the largest in the State,
the quarry at Guilford, Conn., being also owned by
him. His field of work extended throughout the
Eastern States, and at its height the business em-
ployed over 100 men. Among the notable struc-
tures built by him were the Tammany monument, at
Gettysburg, Penn., at a cost of $15,000, the contract
being made on open competition ; the Hancock mon-
ument, at the corner of 123d street and Columbus
avenue, in New York City, at a cost of $7,000; the
Elon Booth monument, at Newtown, Conn. (Mr.
Booth was called the "pauper mason") ; the J. P.
Schmenger monument, in Woodlawn cemetery.
New York, costing $2,700; the Isaac C. Lewis
mausoleum, at Meriden^ Conn., costing $15,000;
and the monuments to George M. Landers, B. C.
Porter, C. P. Merwin and W. S. Morgan, all of
New Britain. Shortly after the flood at Johnstown,
Penn., he erected eleven expensive monuments there,
and at times he was interested in the building busi-
ness, having been the builder of the Marble block, at
Nos. 432-440 Main street. New Britain. His ex-
cellent judgment and untiring energy made his ad-
vice and co-operation valued in many enterprises,
and he was the principal stockholder in the New
Britain Opera House, built in 1880; president of the
People's Coal & Wood Co. ; a director in the Don-
nelly Brick Co. ; a silent partner in the firm of Hanna
Bros., mentioned above ; and a leading member of
the company which introduced the Schuyler Electric
Light into New Britain ; while for four years he
owned the Easton Granite Co.'s business on 42d
street. New York. In addition to his other interests
he was a member of and stockholder in the New
Britain Driving Club, and socially was connected
with Harmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M. ; Gid-
dings Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. ; and Putnam Phal-
anx. Throug-hout his life he was singularly free from
illness, but he did not reach the allotted limit of
man's days, his death occurring Dec. 27, 1896. He
married Miss Fannie Wheeler, daughter of William
Wheeler, of County Cavan, Ireland, who came to
this country some years after William B. Hanna, and
settled in New York City. Mrs. Hanna died May
17, 1898, and of their four children three are now
living: Elizabeth J. married John B. Anderson, who
is connected with the Irving Savings Institution, of
New York City; William Wheeler, our subject,
was second in the order of birth ; Fannie married
Herbert Basney, of Hartford ; and Sherwood died
at the age of five years.
J
Cyiy^^z-'i'i^Clyf
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
445
William W. llaiina was born in New Britain
Feb. 17, 1865, and was educated in the public
schools, attending the high school under I'rof. Peck
for more than a jear. He then became interested
in his father's business, and although not a part-
ner he took a responsible part in it, doing the work
of a general superintendent. He made the estimates
for all branches of the work, and for four years
previous to his father's death had almost sole charge.
The settlement of the estate devolved upon him, and
he conducts the business successfully, employing
about forty men during the busy season. For ten
years he was manager of the New Britain Opera
House, and his success in all his enterprises proves
that he is endowed with the foresight and energy
which characterized his father in his best days. He
takes an intelligent interest in all the movements of
the day, and in politics is a stanch Republican. He
is popular socially, and is a prominent member of tue
B. P. O. E. Mr. Hanna is unmarried.
P. R. HAYES was born in Tipperary, Ireland,
March 8, 1843, son of Patrick and Mary (Ryan)
Hayes, who had a family of six sons and eight
daughters, six of whom are yet living. The others
are : Hannah, who lives at Providence, R. I. ; Ellen,
now Mrs. John Gorman, of South Manchester,
Conn. ; Catherine, the wife of Peter Calhoun, of
the same place; John, residing in Australia; Tim-
othy, in South Alanchester, Conn. ; and Thomas,
whose home is in Vermont. Of the children de-
ceased four attained maturity: Mary, Thomas (i),
Bridget and Joseph. The others died in infancy.
The family emigrated from Ireland in 1852,
coming by a sailing-vessel, and after a passage oc-
cupying more than two months reached New York,
where they remained for a year, passing the next
year at New Hartford, Conn., and the two follow-
ing at Avon, Conn. From there the elder Hayes
removed to Chicopee, Mass., and thence to Glaston-
bury, Conn. The next year he returned to Avon,
and two years afterward (i860) took up his resi-
dence at South Manchester, where he remained
until his death, which occurred in 1884, when he
had reached the extraordinary age of ninety years.
His wife had died three years before, at the age
of sixty-six.
P.R.Hayes was a youth of seventeen years when
he first came to South Manchester. He obtained
work in Joseph Parker's cotton mill, and showed
such aptitude, industry and fidelity that he was
soon made overseer of one of the spinning rooms,
remaining in the mill until 1869, when he was
affected by the "gold fever," and went to California,
making the trip by way of the Isthmus. Two
months' work in the mines satisfied him, so turning
his face again toward the East he once more located
at South Manchester, and for a year worked in the
cotton mill of F. D. Dale. His next venture was
the purchase of a gristmill, which he disposed
of after a year, buying a farm in the town of Bol-
ton, Tolland county. Two years later he erected the
'•Three Oaks Store," about a mile from South Man-
chester, which he successfully conducted for seven
years. Tiring of mercantile business, he rented his
store, and returned to California. There he went
to work as superintendent of the leather shop of the
State penitentiary, from which he was afterward
transferred to the jute works, where he superin-
tended the manufacture of gunny-bags, etc. For
four years he was employed in the State prison,
and two more he spent in San Francisco, when
he again returned to South Manchester and resumed
lihe management of his store, in which he has been
engaged ever since. In 1893, he purchased the
"American Hotel," at South J^Ianchester. Four
years later the house burned down, but he at once
rebuilt, and continued to conduct the hotel (at the
same time running his store) until 1898, when he
sold it in order to devote his whole time and energy
to his mercantile business.
On June 7, i865,]SIr. Hayes was married to Miss
Catherine Gorman, who died June 6, 1897. Polit-
ically our subject is a Republican, and in religious
faith a Catholic, attending St. James' Church, in
Manchester. The career of Mr. Hayes attords a
striking illustration of the possibilities which he
before industrv, when directed by intelligence, in-
teo-rity and a" fidelity to principle that has never
wavered. He has educated himself, and has made
his own fortune. That such men should succeed is
not surprising. Success is their birthright.
TH02\I-\S ROPER, of Newington, was born
on Capitol avenue, Hartford, Oct. 21, 1851, and is
of En<^lish descent. The name of Roper was a very
famihar one in England during the early part of
the seventeenth century, and members of the fam-
ilv were quite prominent there. Sir Thomas
Moore's daughter married a Roper, who was one of
the ancestors of our subject. The family have all
been o-reat readers and deep thinkers.
From England the branch of the family to which
our subject belongs went to Ireland on matters per-
taining to the government, and remained in that
countrv. At an earlv day his grandfather, Hugh
Roper,' a farmer by occupation, left Ireland and
came to the New World, locating in Hartford,
where he died when our subject was quite yourig.
One of his sons is now very prominent in the social
circles of Philadelphia, Penn. Thomas Roper, Sr.,
father of our subject, was born in Ireland, and in
early life came with the family to America, taking
up liis residence in Hartford, where he passed away
Mav 19. 1883, at the age of sixtv-nine years, and
his 'remains were interred there. He was a ma-
chinist and a mechanical and stationary engineer
and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church of
Hartford. Fie married Miss Mary Conley, a lady
of Irish extraction.
During his bovhood and youth Thomas Koper.
Jr pursued his 'studies in the public schools of
446
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hartford, and there grew to manhood. On Aug.
19, 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella
Helen Hamersley, a daughter of WiUiam James and
Laura Sophia (Cook) Hamersley, of Hartford.
She also traces her ancestry back to very promi-
nent English families, her father being a descend-
ant of the Earl of Dudley, and her mother's father
a descendant of the Earl of Leicester. Mr. and
Mrs. Roper have one son, Osmer, born on their
present farm in Newington, Nov. 7, 1888. He has
attended the West Middle school of Hartford, and
will eventually enter Trinity College. He is a very
bright, attractive boy, and will probably be edu-
cated for the medical profession.
Mr. Roper and his wife removed to Newington
soon after their marriage, and there he purchased a
fine farm of seventy acres, where they have a pleas-
ant home with most attractive surroundings. They
are prominent members of Grace Episcopal Church
of Newington, and their son is a member of the
Sunday-school. In national affairs, Mr. Roper
always supports the Republican party, but at local
elections votes for the man whom he believes best
qualified to fill the office. Like his ancestors he is
a great reader, not only of standard literature, but
keeps well posted on current events and topics and
issues of the day. He is a quiet, unassuming gen-
tleman, and stands deservedly high in the estimation
of his neighbors and friends.
PHINEAS COE STEVENS, a worthy repre-
sentative of the agricultural interests of East Hart-
land, and one of its honored and highly respected
citizens, was born in Durham, Conn., Dec. 17, 1831.
Our subject is a son of Ruel Stevens, a native
of Rockland, this State, where he was educated in
the common schools, and later followed farming.
Subsequently he Yved in Durham until 1834, when
he removed to Worington, Masj., and from there
went to Montgomery, Mass., where he was similarly
emplo}-ed for one year. Later he engaged in lum-
bering and operating a sawmill, in partnership with
our subject, in Granville, Mass., but spent his last
days in West Haven, New Haven Co., Conn., where
he died in 1882, being laid to rest in East Hart-
land cemetery, Hartland county. He was a very
industrious and enterprising man, well liked by all
who knew him, was a consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Republican in
politics. In Hartland he was married to Miss
Louisa Coe, a native of that place, and a daughter
of Miles Coe, who belonged to an old and highly
respected family of Hartland. Our subject is the
eldest of the seven children born of this union, the
others being Sydney, now a resident of Indian
Orchard, Mass.; Laura, who died young; Fanny,
deceased wife of James Jones ; Susan, wife of Isaac
Wilier; Caroline, wife of George Frost, of New
Haven ; and Helen, wife of Edward Hinkley. The
wife and mother, who was an earnest member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, was killed, in 1855,
by a runaway horse she was driving, and was buried
in East Hartland cemetery. Later the father mar-
ried Jane Case, of West Granby, Hartford county,
who died in 1894, and was buried in West Granby
cemetery.
During his boyhood Phineas C. Stevens attended
the union school in Hartland, the Hartland Acad-
emy, and the high school of Granville, Mass. Thus
he acquired a good education which has been of
much practical benefit to him in later years, and by
subsequent reading and observation has become well
posted on current events and the leading questions
and issues of the day. In early boyhood he became
interested with his father in the lumber business at
Granville, Mass., and for twenty-four years was a
managing partner in the business. In 1855 he locat-
ed in the town of Hartland, Hartford Co., Conn.,
near the Massachusetts line, and has since devoted
his attention to agricultural pursuits with marked
success, being one of the- first tobacco growers in
that section, and still one of a few. He has made
extensive improvements upon his place, includi ig
the erection of a comfortable residence and good
barn, and ranks among the most skillful and thor-
ough farmers of the community.
In October, 1855, in Granville, Mass., Mr. Ste-
vens was united in marriage with Miss Harriett
M. Parsons, a native of West Granville, and a
daughter of Horace and Julia (Meacham) Parsons.
Three children were born of this union: (i)
Edward married Belle Dickinson, and died leaving
one child, Walter. (2) Alice first married Henry
Crocker, of Bangor, Maine, and after his death
wedded James Bean, of Belfast, Maine. She had
two children by the first marriage, Maude S. and
Hattie S. (3) Frederick D., who resides on the
home farm, married Adda Harger, of West Gran-
ville, and has three children, Edward, Blanch and
Rupert.
In addition to his private interests, Mr. Stevens
has given much time to local affairs, and has been
one of the most active workers of the Republican
party in his locality. He has been called upon to
fill a number of important political positions of
honor and trust, the duties of which he has most
capably and satisfactorily performed. In 1879 he
was elected to the State Legislature, and served for
one term ; has been selectman of Hartland eight
years, being first selectman seven years of the time;
has also been assessor, justice of the peace, a mem-
ber of the board of relief, and a member of the
grand jury. He and his family attend the Con-
gregational Church, and are held in high regard
by the entire community in which they live.
LION. P. D. RYAN. Among the well-known
buiness men of Hartford, who have demonstrated
what energy and pluck will accomplish, none are
more worthy of mention than Hon. P. D. Ryan, the
merchant tailor and general clothier at No. 76
Asylum street, Hartford.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
447
Mr. Ryan is a native of Ireland, born March 17,
1S41, and is a son of Daniel and Ann (Ferryman)
l\_\an. the former of wliom was a tailor by trade
in Ireland, where he passed all his days, dying at
the age of seventy years. They had a family of nine
children, five of whom are still living: Mary, in
Hartford; John, in Boston; Mrs. Peter Shaugh-
nessy, in Hartford ; 1'. D., our subject ; and James,
in England. The mother of these died in 1844,
and the father subsequently wedded Margaret Mc-
Andrew, by whom he had six children.
Mr. Ryan, the subject of this sketch, was edu-
cated in the National schools of Ireland, and while
yet a boy he went to England, where he learned the
trade of tailor, which he followed as a journeyman
until coming to America, Sept. 5, 1864. Shortly
after arriving in this country he located in Hart-
ford, and here followed his trade for a while, later
proceeding to New York State, where he remained
for a few years in the capacity of '"cutter." Return-
ing to Hartford in 1S76, he formed a partnership
with Mr. Mulcahy, in the clothing and tailoring
business, in a part of the store now occupied by
Mr. Mulcahy. This partnership was continued for
five years, when it expired by limitation, and was
dissolved. Mr. Ryan then started for himself in
the tailoring business, on Main street, in a building
which stood upon the present site of the Waverly
block. Here he remained until 1883, when he re-
moved to his present location, where he has since
remained. Here upon the first floor, he has his
stock of ready-made clothing, and various grades of
goods for custom work, the upper floor being used
for cutting and making goods to order. His busi-
ness has constantly increased, and he now employs
five clerks and a bookkeeper. With two exceptions,
he is the oldest tailor or clothier in the city, and one
of the best known.
In 1870 Mr. Ryan married Katherine Devery,
who was born in Hartford, and eight children were
born to this union, five of whom are living: Frank,
a cutter, in Boston ; Annie, who married Edward
Ahern, son of the prominent builder in Hartford ;
Mary, bookkeeper for her father; Harry, employed
by his father as a clerk ; and Katherine, at school.
The mother of these died in 1888, at the age of forty
years, and in 1891 Mr. Ryan married Katherine
Scanlon.
In politics Mr. Ryan is a Democrat, and in 1892
he was nominated and elected (unsolicited by him) to
the Legislature, serving to the entire satisfaction of
liis constituents. He has also been delegate to a
large number of State conventions. Perhaps it is
among the various Catholic societies in which Mr.
Ryan is best known, and the offices which he has
held in these arc probably the best indication of the
confidence placed in him by the large number of
members throughout the State. He was a charter
member of the Green Cross Council, Knights of
Columbus, of Hartford, and has been treasurer
He has also been a delegate
to the various State and National conventions, and
was the National treasurer of this organization for
twelve years, being si.x times re-elected. He paid
the first "death benefit" of this order, when it had
but nine hundred members, nearly a quarter of a
century ago, and has seen it grow until to-day its
membership numbers over thirty-five thousand. The
council in the city of Hartford is among the oldest
in the country, being the eleventh council in the
United States. For twenty-five years Air. Ryan
has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibern-
ians, and for twelve years has been the State treas-
urer of this organization, having been six times re-
elected. He has also been a delegate to all of the
National conventions of tliis body for a great many
years. In each of these offices he has handled a
large amount of money ; in the Knights of Col-
umbus, in one year, $275,000 passed through his
hands. He has held office longer than any other
man now living, and with few exceptions is the old-
est living member of either organization. For many
years he was a member of the St. Patrick Society,
in which he took a prominent part, and was treas-
urer and secretary up to the time the order was
dissolved; also a member of the St. John's Society,
and has been secretary of same for twenty-five
years ; is also a member of the Emerald Society — in
fact, he has undoubtedly been more closely identified
with the Catholic societies of this city and State, and
taken a more prominent part in them, than any man
now living. His family all attend the Catholic
Church, and in St. Peter's, of which he is a mem-
ber, he has collected the pew rents for over twenty
years. Mr. Ryan has been engaged in real-estate
transactions to some extent, having built one brick
block and several houses in the city of Hartford.
TtlOAIAS E. LONGLEY, an honored and
highly respected citizen of West Hartford, was born
in Hawley, Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 3, 1848, and
is a representative of one of the early families of
that place.
There his father, Elijah F. Longley, spent his
entire life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
was born May 13, 1810, and died Nov. 23, 1894.
On April 11, 1836, he married Miss Catherine T.
Conelison, who w^as born May 22, 1813, and died
Sept. 21, 1878. In their family \vere ten children:
Rebecca S., born June 23, 1837, died Aug. 15, 1837;
Edmund, born Sept. 19, 1838, died Sept. 7, 1863 ;
Ann Eliza, born Jan. 19, 1841, died Feb. 10, 1841 ;
Chiffenette, born Jan. 16, 1843, died April i, 1843;
Calvin E., born Dec. 23, 1843, died Nov. 23, 1846:
Josephine, born June 10, 1845, is the wife of Homer
F. Damon, of Berlin, Conn.; a son, born Nov. 10,
1847, died the following day ; Thomas E., our sub-
ject, is next in the family; Alary F., born Jan.
II, 1852, is the wife of Frederick Hawks, who lives
at No. 99 New Britain avenue, Hartford ; and
Wealthy E., born Feb. 14, 1856, is the wife of
George Williams, of Holyoke, Massachusetts.
448
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thomas E. Longley is indebted to the pubHc
schools of Hawley, Mass., for his educational priv-
ileges. He remained on the home farm with his
father until 1868, when he went to Charlemont,
Mass., and remained there a year and a half. The
following three years he passed in Greenfield, Mass.,
and in January, 1876, came to Hartford, Conn. For
twenty years he was connected with the Retreat
for the Insane, and for thirteen years of that time
was foreman of the farm, a position which he most
capably and satisfactorily filled. Resigning on ac-
count of ill health, in 1896, he removed to the Fuller
farm, in West Hartford, where he is now practically
living retired.
On Oct. I, 1879, Mr. Longley was united in
marriage with Miss Lizzie A. Tuttle, a daughter
of Alfred and Anna E. (Moore) Tuttle. Her great-
grandfather Moore and his father-in-law, Mrs.
Longley's great-great-grandfather Wells, were
both colonels in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and
Mrs. Longley have three children : Raymond L,
born Oct. 10, 1885; Lottie L., Nov. 24, 1888; and
Leslie Robert, Nov. 2, 1895.
DWIGHT N. HEWES, of Hartford, who is
well known in business circles as secretary of the
Mellen & Hewes Co., and president of the Hart-
ford Business Men's Association, was born Aug.
5, 1854, in Suffield, Conn. He comes of good New
England stock, and his great-grandfather, Nathaniel
Hewes, was born Feb. 24, 1747, in Brookfield, Mass.
He died Dec. 16, 1808, at Lyme, N. H. He mar-
ried Sarah Freeman, who was born Nov. 16, 1749.
at Mansfield, Conn., and died March 26, 1851, at
Lyme, N. H., aged one hundred and one years,
four months, and ten days. They had ten children :
Kezia, born Nov. 9, 177S; Mindell, Jan. 11, 1778;
Theoda, Dec. 5, 1780; Abigail, June 11, 1782; John
Freeman, March 15, 1784; Olive, July 3, 1786; Syl-
vanus, May 8, 1789; Sarah, June 29, 1791 ; Ehza-
beth, Dec. 6, 1793; Moody, May 31, 1795. The
last named, who was the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of Lyme, N. H., and made his
home there. He married Susan Hurlburt.
Nathaniel Hewes, the father of our subject, was
born in Lyme, N. H., in 1823, but removed to Suf-
field, Conn., in early manhood, to engage in farm-
ing. There he married Miss Emeline Gambol,
daughter of Hiram Gambol, a well-known resident
of Suffield. Since her death, in 1888, he has spent
a portion of his time with our subject in Hartford,
and the remainder with his other children. Of
their three children, (i). George M. (deceased)
married Miss Lizzie Gemmill, and had one son,
George M., Jr., now a resident of Enfield, Conn.
(2) Dwight Nathaniel is mentioned more fully
below. (3) Genevia S. married John F. Brockett,
of Suffield, Conn., and has had four children, Daisy,
Nellie, Frank and Fred.
Dwight N. Hewes spent his early years in Suf-
field, where he attended the public schools, and he
began his business career in Thompsonville, Conn.,
as bookkeeper for David Woodruff. Later he went
to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, as clerk in a store, but re-
mained for a short time only, and in 1878 he lo-
cated in Hartford, and engaged with James G.
Welles & Co., No. 2J, Asylum street, as traveUng
salesman. In 1880 he became connected with C.
F. Hurd & Co., on Main street, the firm name being
changed later to Hurd & Mellen, and on March i,
1890, he bought an interest, the firm becoming
known as Hurd, Mellen & Hewes. In 1896 the
firm became the Mellen & Hewes Co., and the pres-
ent officers are M. Mellen, president; D. N. Hewes,
secretary ; and Frank G. Mellen, treasurer. In 1880
and 1896 Mr. Hewes traveled in the interests of the
firm, but his work has been connected mainly with
the local trade. The Mellen & Hewes Co. occupy
a store and basement 280 feet deep, and a store-
house at the corner of Valley and Terry streets, and
their business, which was established about sixty
years ago, is conducted on a large scale in both
wholesale and retail lines.
Mr. Hewes was married, in Hartford, Nov. 14,
1882, to Miss Fannie A. Wilcox, daughter of Capt.
William and Mary Wilcox, of East Hartford, Conn.
They have one daughter, Marion Hewes, aged five
years; Ruth Isabel died Aug. 27, 1885, aged two
years, seven months. Mr. Hewes has been presi-
dent of the Hartford Business Men's Association
for the past two years, and is a director of the
Hartford Board of Trade, and although fond of
domestic recreation he takes an active interest in the
work of the Royal Arcanum, and is also a member
of the Veteran Corps of Company K, Connecticut
National Guard, and of the Hartford Yacht Club,
and Hartford Revolver Club. He attends the Asy-
lum Avenue Baptist Church.
TUTTLE. The Tuttle family, from_ which de-
scended William Frederick and the venerable Sam^
uel I. Tuttle, of the firm of S. Tuttle & Sons
Hartford, is one of the oldest New England fa:
ilies, they being in the seventh generation from^
William Tuttle, the American ancestor. The line
of descent is through Joseph, Joseph (2), Joseph
(3), Samuel and Samuel (2).
(I) William Tuttle, his wife Elizabeth, and fam-
ily sailed in the "Planter" from England in 1635,
locating in New Haven. His age at the time of
sailing was given as twent3'-six. Himself and wife
passed the rest of their lives in that city, she dying
in 1684, aged seventy-six. Mr. Tuttle was the
equal socially of any of the colonists. He was a
man of courage, enterprise, intelligence, probity and
piety. His children were : John, Hannah, Thomas,
Jonathan, David, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Simon,
Benjamin, Mercy and Nathaniel.
(II) Joseph Tuttle, son of William, baptized in
1640, in New Haven, married, in 1667, Hannah,
daughter of Capt. Thomas Munson. He died in
1690, and his widow later married Nathan Brad-
ley. She died Nov. 30, 1695. Joseph Tuttle's chil-
dren were : Joseph, Samuel, Stephen, Joanna,
ie-M
m^H
L-^'t^-^^^^^,.^
(0%jr,A J J27I^-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
449
Timothy, Susanna, Elizabeth, Hannah ami Han-
nah (2).
(Ill) Joseph Tuttle (2), son of Joseph, horn in
if)()8, married, in Milford, Conn., in lOyi, Eliza-
beth Sanford, born in 1671, daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth (Paine) Sanford. Mr. Tuttle was
prominent and active in local atifairs. His chil-
dren were: Joseph, Xoah, Catherine, Elizabeth
and Thankftil.
(1\') Joseph Tuttle (3), son of Joseph (2),
born in 1692, married (first) JNlercy Thompson,
daughter of John (3) and Mercy (Manstield)
Thompson. She died in 1743, and he married
(second) Widow Sarah Washburn. He died Jan.
16. 17O1. He was captain of the train-band in
East Haven, and was quartermaster of troops in
the Second Regiment in 1742. He was several
times elected moderator, and was at various times
school committeeman. His children were: Joel,
Mary, Amy, Mercy, Comfort, Joseph, Samuel, Jo-
seph (2). Amy (2) and Benjamin.
(V) Samuel Tuttle, son of Joseph (3), born in
1741, married, in 1761, Bethia Miles, daughter of
Theophilus Allies. He resided in East Haven, on
land that came to him by will of his father. He
opposed the British raid on New Haven in July,
1779, but seeing the day was lost endeavored to
save some of his goods, which he had loaded on a
cart and was trying to conceal, when he was cap-
tured, taken to New York, and kept a prisoner about
six months, finallv escaping. He died in East Ha-
ven in 1817, his wife in 1802. Their children were:
Amasa, Samuel, Bethia Miles, Samuel Ainmi, Sarah
Miles, Bethia. Samuel, Ammi Miles, Zurviah, Phebe
Anna, Eunicia and Frederick William.
(\T) Samuel Tuttle (2), son of Samuel, born
June 23, 1773. died July 5, 1850. He married
Betsey Hotchkiss, who was born May 2, 1779.
daughter of Isaac and Lydia (Fields) Hotchkiss,
and died Aug. 2, 1831. She was also a descendant
of ^^'illiam Tuttle. Their children were: Esther
Rowe, born Jan. 25, 1801, died July 2, 1873: Miles
-Ammi, born Dec. 21, 1802, died in Paris, France,
Oct. 26, 1858; Samuel Hotchkiss, born March 19,
1805, died Dec. 19, 1806, and is buried in Bloom-
field, Conn.; Sally, born Feb. 13. 1807, died Ma}'
19, 1816; Samuel Hotchkiss (2), born Feb. 19,
1809, died Sept. 15, 1809; Betsey, born June 24.
1810, died Xov. 24, 1810: William Frederick, born
April 8, 1812, is mentioned below; Sarah Elizabeth,
born May 11, 1816. married Dr. Gurdon W. Rus-
sell, of Hartford, and died July 16, 1871 ; Samuel
Isaac, born Dec. 16, 1819, is referred to farther on;
and Rev. Ruel Hotchkiss, born July 16, 1824, mar-
ried, in Boston, Mass., Sarah A. Crompton, and
died" in Windsor Aug. 13, 1887. Of these. Miles
A. was a prominent business man, a director of
the ,E;tna Insurance Co., the Farmers & Mechanics
Bank, and the Hartford Flospital, and a trustee of
the Society for Savings. He was a member of
Cb.rist Church.
29
(\11) WlI.l.lA.M I'UICUERICK TL"ni.E. .son of
Sanuiel (2), was born A])ril 8, 1812, in Hartford.
He attended the Center school and Xathaniel Pat-
ten's Literary School, from which he was graduated
at the age of fifteen years. At the age of twenty-
one he became a member of the firm of S. Tuttle
& Sons, from which he retired in 1858. He was a
director of the /Etna Fire Insurance Co., and of
the F'armers & Mechanics National Bank for thirty-
seven years. He was also director of the Retreat
for the Insane, auditor of accounts for same, and
a director of the Hartford Hospital. A prominent
member of Christ Church, he served as warden and
vestryman for many years. He was a lieutenant
of the I'oot Ciuard, and a member of the N'cteran
.Vssociation. On Nov. I, 1838, Mr. Tuttle mar-
-■ied Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Ramsey, of 1 lart-
ford. Their four children were: Sarah, born Sept.
19, 1841, died Sept. 24, 1841 ; Catherine, born
April 10, 1843, died Sept. 20, 1846; Grace, born
Dec. 16, 1846, died Jan. 31, 1883; Jane, born June
('), 1848, is a member of the Daughters of the Rev-
olution. . The father died I'eb. 22, 1895, the mother
June 9, 1895.
(\TI) S.\MUEL Isaac Tuttle, son of Samuel
(2), born in Hartford Dec. 16. 1819, married,
iVIarch 31, 1842. in Hartford, Louisa Ramsey,
daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Allyn) Ramsey.
She was born Jul\- 14, 1820, and died March 22,
1899. The children born to this marriage were:
Ellen, born Dec. 11, 1843, married, Nov. 2, 1864,
D. Waldo Johnson, of New York, who died June
21, 1900: their only child, Waldo Tuttle Johnson,
married Emma Crozier, of Philadelphia, and they
liaY,e had four children, Roy (who died in infancy),
Ethel (deceased), Arthur C. and Sydney Gilbert.
Louisa, born May 30, 1S48, died Aug. 28, 1851.
Alice Gertrude was born Sept. 3, 1855. Samuel
William was born Oct. 18, 1857, and since 1884
has engaged in the quarry business in Portland,
Conn. : he was married there. May 27, 1897, to Miss
Annie E. Strong, daughter of Ellsworth Strong.
Samuel Isaac Tuttle spent his school days in Hart-
ford. Pie engaged in business with his father and
bi^others Miles A. and William F., under the firm
name of S. Tuttle & Sons, dealing in grindstones,
gypsum, seeds and groceries.
The Ramsey family came from Londonderry,
Ireland, and settled in Londonderry, N. H.. in
1720, the first ancestor in this country being Hugh
Ramsey, who married Mary ]\[oore. Jonatiian
Ramsey, the grandfather of Mrs. William F. and
Mrs. Samuel I. Tuttle, was married, in 1786, to
Mary Chadwick, of Tyringham, Mass., and came
to Hartford same year. He was born Sept. 9, 1757,
and died at Hartford Sept. 12, 1805. being laid
to rest in the old Center Church yard. He was
an early member of Christ Church, He kept a
hotel at the corner of Pearl and IMain streets.
Jonathan Ramsey, father of Mrs. Samuel Isaac
and Mrs. ^\'illiam F. Tuttle. was born in Hartford
450
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May 20, 1787, and died July 23, 1832. He kept
a livery in the city. He married Sarah Allyn,
daughter of Fitz John Allyn, of Windsor, who was
a descendant of Matthew Allyn, one of the founders
of that town, and also of Hartford; he was one of
the custodians of the old charter. The children of
Jonathan and Sarah (Allyn) Ramsey were as fol-
lows: Jonathan, born Dec. 13, 1813, died Feb.
15, 1884. Harriet, born Sept. 19, 1815, died Nov.
25, 1817. Sarah, born Dec. 3, 1817, married Will-
iam F. Tuttle, and died June 9, 1895. Louisa, born
July 14, 1820, married Samuel Isaac Tuttle, and
died ]\Iarch 22, 1899. Mary, born June 29, 1822,
married James M. Loomis, of Hartford. William,
born Oct. 14, 1825, married Eliza Simpson in March,
1855, ^"d died in 1898; he is buried in Thompson-
ville, Conn. Maria, born Sept. 26, 1828, died Oct.
31, 1828.
Jonathan Ramsey (3) married Lucy jNI. Briggs
Jan. 3, 1837. He died Feb. 15, 1884. Children:
Lucy Jane, widow of William Rogers, of Hartford ;
Mary Goodwin, who died young ; Jonathan, Jr. ;
Alice Emma, who died March 15, 1896; James
Crosby ; Anna Cunningham, who died Nov. 2, 1882,
wife of Edward Childs, of Lee, Mass. ; Martha ;
and Rose Ella, wife of Frank Tarbox, of Hartford.
JARED BUTLER STANDISH was born in
Wethersfield, Sept. 4, 1866, a son of James and
Jerusha (Griswold) Standish, well-known citizens
of that place, who are represented elsewhere.
Mr. Standish was educated in the district schools
of the town, later attending a private school taught
by Miss Sarah Woodhouse, and completing his edu-
cation in the Wethersfield Academ}'. At the age of
sixteen he was apprenticed to A. Mngford, of Hart-
ford, to learn the art of wood-engraving and illus-
trating. He has since been in the employ of that
firm as a master workman with the exception of two
years, when he engaged in the stationery-engraving
business on his own account. At the end of that
time he returned to the firm, with whom he is still
connected, as half-tone copper-plate finisher, con-
tinuing his former business for some years.
At Bridgewater, Vt., Mr. Standish was married,
Jan. 30, 1895, to Miss Martha Louise Perkins, a
native of that place, and a daughter of Charles and
Eliza Mary (Densmore) Perkins, who were also
born in Vermont but are now living in Wethers-
field, Conn. By this union one child, Erland Myles,
was born, Oct. 13, 1896. Mrs. Standish and her
husband attend the services of the Congrega-
tional Church, and also belong to Wethersfield
Grange. He is now serving as first lieutenant of
Troop A, Governor's Horse Guards. Politically
he is quite liberal in his views. He is domestic in
his tastes and is very fond of his home and family.
In 1894 Mr. Standish erected a pleasant residence
on Hartfoi'd avenue, Wethersfield, supplied with
modem improvements, and furnished in a tasteful
manner.
HOWARD DAVID GORDON, traveling sales-
man for Gordon Brothers, Hazardville, was born
in Enfield, Hartford county, Sept. 28, 1870, a son
of David and Fidelia M. (Woodworth) Gordon.
David Gordon, his father, is a member of the
firm of Gordon Brothers, and one of the most
prominent business men of Hazardville. He is a
native of Scotland, and when a child of four years,
in 1844, was brought to America by his parents,
William and Jean Gordon. William Gordon was
an industrious and skillful weaver, and for many
years were actively connected with the woolen indus-
tries of Hazardville. David Gordon, in his youth,
accjuired the tinner's trade, and in 1861, as soon
as he had reached his majority, started with two
partners a small tinner's business, which grew into
the present large and prosperous trade of Gordon
Brothers.
Howard D. Gordon, our subject, was reared to
manhood in the village of Hazardville. He was
graduated from the Connecticut Literar)' Institute
in June, 1888, and from Wesleyan Unrversity, at
Middletown, Conn., in 1892. Since that time, with
the exception of two years, when he was salesman
for a Boston importing house, he has been a travel-
ing salesman for Gordon Brothers, of Hazardville.
Mr. Gordon was married, .Oct. 2, 1895, to Hattie
Gertrude Kelsey, of West Roxbury, Mass. Mr.
Gordon and his wife are members of the M. E.
Church of Hazardville. He is a Republican in poli-
tics, and has served one year as a member of the
Enfield school board. He is a member of the Beta
Theta Pi college fraternity.
ANTONIO C. KING, a well-known farmer
and milk dealer of West Hartford, is one of the
self-made men of Hartford count}', his success in
life being due to his own industry, perseverance and
economy, and the exercise of a naturally good judg-
ment, both in regard to agricultural pursuits and
business matters.
Mr. King was born Oct. 2, 1&64, on the Azores
Islands, where his father, Antonio King, has spent
his entire life, and is still engaged in farming there.
Our subject was reared and educated in his native
land, remaining there until fourteen years of age,
when he went to sea, and for three -s-ears was engaged
in the whaling business. On Aug. 7, 1882, he landed
in New Bedford, Mass., and shortly afterward
came to West Hartford, Conn., where he found em-
ployment with M. R. Brazos. He started for Cali-
fornia Feb. 3, 1885, and spent the following two
years in railroading, lumbering and farming on the
Pacific coast. Returning to Connecticut April 9,
1887, he resumed work with Mr. Brazos, in West
Hartford, and on Nov. i, 1888, established a milk
route. In the spring of 1893 he bought the Brazos
farm, and has since successfully operated it on his
own account. He was made a voter in West Hart-
ford in 1888, and has since supported the Republi-
can party.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
451
In Thompsonville, Conn., June 6, 1889, Mr.
King married -Mrs. Kate (.McDonald) O'Toole, and
they liave two children : I'rank C, born May 30,
jS()I ; and Mary C, born April 28, 1894. Mrs.
King first married Charles O'Toole, who died leav-
ing two sons: Philip, born Jan. 13, 1879; ^""^
Charles, born June 25, j88o. In December, 1898,
both enlisted in Company L, 1st United States In-
fantry, for three \ears' service, and at present arc
located at I'inar Del Rio, Cuba.
ALLEN PEASE. Any ambitious youth who
may read this brief history of a successful career
cannot fail to draw from it some helpful sugges-
tion, but chief among them will be the lesson of
wise persistence in a calling, when once chosen. The
subject of our sketch, a leading merchant of Windsor
Locks, represents a fine type of citizenship, his en-
ergv and enterprise -having won him a substantial
:ompetence, while he also takes a progressive stand
in matters of public spirit.
yiv. Pease comes of good Colonial stock ; his
grandfather, Israel Pease, a Revolutionary soldier,
ivas a native of Enfield, this county, and followed
agriculture there. Wells Pease, our subject's fa-
:her, was born in Enfield, and was engaged in farm-
ing there in early manhood, but in 1863 he removed
;o P'otjuonock. As a citizen he was much re-
spected, and throughout his life he was a stanch
idherent of the Democratic party. He was married,
n Enfield, to Miss Betsey Pease, daughter of Isaac
Pease, a well-known citizen, and their last days
ivere spent in Poquonock, both dying in 1873.
Allen Pease was born March 22, 1846, in the
:o\vn of Enfield, and received a practical education
n the public schools of the locality. At the time of
:iie removal of the family to Poquonock he was
ibout eighteen years of age, and in 1865 he began
lis business career as a clerk in a general store, for
;he firm of Hathaway & Mosler. In 1873, having
gained a knowledge of business methods, he located
It ^^'indsor Locks, and engaged in the stove and
inware business with his brother Alvah. occupying
I small room at his present store building, corner
)f Main and Oak streets. In 1878 they purchased
he furniture business of C. W. Watrous, which they
:ontinued in connection with their former enterprise,
md since the death of Alvah Pease, in February,
8S3, Allen Pease has carried on the store alone,
n 1S91 he bought the store building and lot, and
n 1893 built a fifty-food addition in the rear of the
itore. At present he is using three floors, with the
ixccption of the front room on the second floor,
vhich is used by the Wheel Club. Mr. Pease is in-
erested in other business enterprises in his town, in-
luding the electric light company, the water com-
)any. and the bridge company. He has been fre-
[uently chosen for office, having served four years
IS selectman, two years as justice of the peace, and
welve years as a member of the school board.
On May 6, 1874, Mr. Pease was married at Po-
quonock to Miss Catherine Smith, a native of that
village, and they have had five clever sons, who give
promise of rivaling their father in business ability :
Erank A. and Pioward S. are employed in the store ;
Willis L. is connected with the Connecticut Life
Insurance Co., at Hartford ; Nelson G. is a student
in a business college at Hartford ; and Everett Lin-
coln is at home. Socially Mr. Pease and his wife
are popular, and for twenty-seven years he has
been an active member of Washington Lodge, A.
F. & A. M., at Windsor. lie is a leading worker
in the Congregational Church at Windsor Locks,
in which he has served as deacon for five years
and committeeman for twenty years.
PETER RR'AL, a skilled machinist in the em-
ploy of the Colt ^Manufacturing Co., of Hartford,
and also a tobacco grower at Hockanum, Hartford
county, is a native of Rhine Province, Germany,
born June 20, 1853.
Frank Rival, father of Peter, and a native of the
same province, served fifteen years in the German
army, and afterward was collector of customs fur
fifty years, when he was pensioned, and passed the
latter part of his life in retirement. His death took
place in Coblentz in 1898. To his marriage with
Anna Rose were born five children : Matilda, mar-
ried to Matthew Zimmerman, a retired mechanic,
living in New Britain, Conn. ; Mary, married to
John March, and living in Germany; Peter, our
subject; Susannah, wife of Peter Rose, a farmer in
German}^ ; and Angelica, married to Peter \\'euhert,
also in Germany.
Peter Rival received the usual German common-
school education, and learned his trade of machin-
ist at Killian. After serving three vears in the
army, he worked at various places in France, Switz-
erland and Germany, and, being an excellent me-
chanic, received good wages, at the rate wages
were estimated in the old country. In 1881 he
sailed from Hamburg in the '"Weasel," and after a
voyage of fifteen days landed in New York City,
whence he came direct to New Britain, Conn., where
his sister, Mrs. Alatilde Zimmerman, was living.
Here he worked in the Stanley shop for some
months, and later in the Orlando works, until the
latter part of 1882, when he w^as employed at Colt's
factory, in Hartford, and has held his situation there
ever since, his work being in the "assembling" room.
As he is a skilled machinist and good "a-11-round"'
workman, he is frequentlv sent out to repair or set
up work the company has turned out, principally
printing presses, at regulating which he is an adept.
^^'hile a resident of New Britain Mr. Rival mar-
ried, lulv 15, 1S82. Miss Mary Stilz, who was born
in Germany ^lav 8, 1852, and came to the United
States in 1871. The children born to this union are
six in number: ?\Iatthias, born .-Kpril i, 1883, now
working with his father at Colt's factory : Charles,
born Jan. 29, 1884, died March 9, 1885, and is in-
terred at Hartford; John, born Aug. 27, 1886;
452
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Peter, June 3, 1889; Frank, Oct. 31, 1891 ; and
Ann Matilda, March 9, 1894.
Mr. Rival bought his farm of eighteen acres in
Hockanum in October, 1891, and of this place he
sets apart four acres for the raising of tobacco.
In politics he is independent of parties, and votes
for the candidates best suited for the offices to be
filled, as far as his judgment points out. In his
social relations he is a member of Herman Lodge,
I\'o. 16, K. of P., of Hartford, and of the I. O. O. F.,
belonging to New Britain Lodge and Capital City
Encampment, No. 7. The family attend the German
Catholic Church at Hartford, and are highly es-
teemed both within and without the pale of the
church.
WILLIAM SHERMAN WARD, one of the
most progressive citizens of Plantsville, and the
elficient superintendent for the firm of H. D. Smith
& Co., at that place, was born in Fairfield, Conn.,
Jan. 22, 1842, a son of Benjamin W. and Susan
(Blakeman) Ward. The father, a native of eastern
Connecticut, left home in July, 1842, and was last
heard from at Cape Town, South Africa. His
children were George and William S. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was Benjamin Ward, of
eastern Connecticut, and the maternal grandfather
was Edward Blakeman, of Stratfield, Fairfield
Co., Conn., where he followed the trade of black-
smith.
Our subject received a common-school education,
and in 1858 began learning the machinist's trade
in Bridgeport, serving an apprenticeship of three
and one-half years. In April, 1861, he enlisted as
a musician in Company H, ist Conn. V. I., took
part in the battle of Bull Run; and was honorably
discharged in July of the same year. In August,
1862, he re-enlisted at Seymour, Conn., as a mu-
sician in Company H, 20th Conn. V. I., and with
his command participated in the battles of Chancel-
lorsville and GettyslDurg, later joining Gen. Sher-
man's army at Chattanooga, marching with him to
the sea and taking part in all the engagements of
that campaign. Mr. Ward was taken prisoner at
Fayetteville, N. C, March 14, 1865, and sent to
Libby prison, where he remained three weeks. On
being paroled he was sent home, where he arrived
April 15, 1865, but he afterward took part in the
great parade of _the army of the Potomac at Wash-
ington, D. C, and was honorably discharged from
the service in May, 1865. Since the war he has been a
resident of Southington, with the exception of five
years spent in Newark, N. J., with H. M. Strieby,
manufacturer of carriage hardware. He is now a
member of the firm of H. D. Smith & Co., manu-
facturers of carriage hardware at Southington, and
has been superintendent of the factory since 1883.
Being a practical machinist, and having a thorough
understanding of every department of the business,
he has most capably and satisfactorily filled his
present responsible position.
In April, 1866, Mr. Ward was united in mar-
riage with Miss Caroline E. Smith, a daughter of
James H. and Sarah (Munger) Smith, of Litchfield,,
and to them have been born four children : Emma.
S., now the wife of Albert H. Botsford ; William
S. ; and Iva A., living; and Alice F., who died in
1880. Mr. Ward is a member of the Plantsville
Congregational Church, and of F"riendship Lodge,
No. 33, F. & A. M. ; Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A.
M. ; Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R. ; and the
Order of United American Mechanics. The Re-
publican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its
principles, and he is now one of the ex-wardens of
Southington borough. He has also filled the office
of burgess for two years, and is eminently public-
spirited and progressive, as well as a genial, cour-
teous gentleman.
HON. CHARLES ABBOTT THOMPSON,,^
junior member of the well-known firm of J. A. ^
Thompson & Son, of Melrose, is an enterprising
and able business man, and although his residence
is "over the line" in the town of Ellington, Tolland
county, his extensive interests here make him prac-
tically a citizen of Hartford county. The firm, of
which his father was the founder, does a large
and constantly increasing business in the manu-
facture of cider, cider vinegar and apple jelly, the
product being shipped to fill parts of the United
States.
The Thompson family has been identified with
the town of Ellington, Tolland county, from an
early date. Samuel Thompson, our subject's great-
great-grandfather, and a native of that town, mar-
ried Elizabeth McKinney, who died in 1776, in her
ninetieth year; he died in 1782, in his ninety-first
year.
Samuel Thompson (2), the great-grandfather
of our subject, was born in the town of Ellington,
and died in 181 5, in his eighty-seventh year. He
made his home upon the farm now occupied by
our subject, which he inherited from his father,
who bought it. in 1741. He married Eleanor Mc-
Cray, who died in 1850, at the age of ninety-four.
Samuel Thompson (3) was married, in No-
vember, 1809, to Mary Ellsworth, who died in
January, 1868, aged seventy-eight years. He dicil
June 22, 1875, aged ninet)'-three years.
Hon. J. Abbott Thompson, our subject's fa-
ther, and the head of the firm, was born at the old
homestead April 29, 1828, and was educated in the
common schools of the town and at the high school
of Ellington. For some time he was interested in
the manufacture of cider, in partnership with his
father, and in 1863 he established the present plant
at Melrose, beginning on a small scale. He is prom-
inent in public aft'airs, having been elected in 1874,
in 1882, again in 1884 as a representative from the
town of Ellington in the State Legislature. On
Oct. 20, 1863, he married Miss Mabel Clark, a na-
tive of Enfield, daughter of Charles and Dorotliy
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
453
< Kinij) Clark. :\ui\ graiidilauglUer of Cajit. julm
Kinji, of JCntu'Ul, this county. .Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson have three children : Charles Abbott ;
Alice C, wife of Arthur H. Rice, of Pittsfiekl,
Mass., who has one son, William Thompson; and
Fannie Ellsworth.
Charles A. Thompson was born r\lay 8, 1861, at
the old farm in the town of Ellington, and after
completing a course in the local schools attended
Willistoii Academy, at East Hampton, Mass., where
lie graduated in 1881. His energy and sound judg-
ment are recognized factors in the success of the
firm, and he is also president of the Ellington Build-
ing & Loan Association, and treasurer of the local
agricultural society. Politically he is a Republican,
and in the fall of 1896 he was elected to the Legis-
lature from the town of Ellington, being a member
of the house in 1897 and 1899. In November,
3900, he was elected senator from the 24th district
of Connecticut, carrying every town in his district.
For some vears he has been an active worker in the
local Grange, and he and his wife are leading mem-
bers of the Congregational Church of Ellington.
His interest in educational progress led him to
serve for five years on the town school board, and
since 1896 he has been president of the Ellington
Library Association, while in 1897 he was ap-
pointed treasurer of the State Board of Agricult-
ure, on which he is still serving, and is treasurer of
the board.
Dn Dec. 9, 1886, Mr. Thompson married Miss
Uella Snow, of Ellington, daughter of Otis and
Mary (Chapman) Snow, and they have two chil-
dren: Mallei, born Dec. 13, 1895; and Abbott
Uradford, l)orn Jan. I, 1898.
(JLL\' SIMEON OLMSTED, a prominent
farmer of Enfield, was born on the old Olmsted
homestead, where he now resides, Nov. 22, 1857,
and is a son of Obediah and Hannah ( Bartlett)
Olmsted, both natives of Enfield, a grandson of
Simeon and Abigail (Collins) Olmsted, of Enfield,
and a great-grandson of Simeon and Roxalana
(Abbe) C)lmsted, and of Eliphalet and Abigail
(Abbe) Collins, all pioneers of Enfield. To Simeon
and Abigail (Collins) Olmsted, grandparents of our
subject, were born eight children : Mary, Mrs.
Charles Kellogg: Abigail, Mrs. Aaron Wood;
Lathrop; Erastus ; Simeon; Arnold: Miranda,
Mrs. Elam Allen; and Obediah, the youngest, and
the father of our subject.
Obediah Olmsed was born in Enfield July 13,
1S16. He married, Nov. 28, 1839, Hannah, daughter
of Jonathan and Hannah ( King) Bartlett, of Enfield,
a granddaughter of Jonathan and ^largaret (Har-
per) Bartlett, and a great-granddaughter of James
Harper of East Windsor. To Obediah and Han-
nah Olmsted were born three children : Lurana H.,
deceased: Frederick B., deceased: and Olin Simeon.
Frederick 15. married Flora Sheridan, of Thomp-
sonville, daughter of Timothv Sheridan, and had
three children, namely: Elmer S., Mabel and Fred-
erick L.
Olin Simeon Olmsted, our subject, was reared on
the homestead. He received a good common-school
education, and completed his studies by taking the
commercial course at Wilbraham Academy, Wil-
braliam, Mass., graduating in the class of 1878.
Mr. Olmsted has made farming his life vocation,
and he has conducted the old home farm since 1884.
On Oct. 16, of that year, he married Emma, daugh-
ter of Mason W. and Louisa C. (Mead) Sharp, of
Elmira, N. 'N'. To our subject and wife have been
born four children : Ethel Louise, Emma Celia,
Lyman Wesley and Stella Pearl. Mr. and ^Irs.
Olmsted arc members of the M. E. Church. In
politics our subject is a Reijublican, and he has
served two terms as a member of the school board
of Enfield.
CHARLES FREDERICK HUTT, a thrifty and
successful agriculturist, residing at Addison, has
made his way through his own exertions, seconded
by the help of a devoted and industrious wife.
Coming to America early in life, without capital,
they ehdured many hardships before success was
attained, but they can now look with satisfaction
upon the result of their labors.
Mr. Hutt was born July 17, 1832, in Wittenberg,
Germany, a son of Frederick and Barbara (Zeich)
Hutt, both also natives of Wittenberg. They died
there at a good old age, on the farm which had been
cultivated by the father for many years. This worthy
couple had two children : Katherine, who married
John Flad, and now resides near our subject's home
in Addison; and Charles F., our subject.
As a bov Mr. Hutt received a common-school
education in hi$ native town, and when fourteen
years old he began to learn the miller's trade with
C. Frederick Kinkely, of that place, with whom he
remained four years, receiving nothing but his
board and occasional gifts of money from his em-
plover, in recognition of his earnestness and in-
dustry. Later he spent four years working as a
journeyrnan in various places, and in 1853 '^^ came
to America, taking the sailing-vessel "Havre," at
Havre. After a voyage of thirty-seven days he
landed in New York without a dollar, a friend
loaning him the money for his fare to Hartford.
From Hartford he made his way to Glastonbury,
where his sister resided, and soon afterward he se-
cured employment with J. B. Williams, on whose
])remises he assisted in different kinds of work for
about two years, many of the pine trees which
now beautify the place having been set out by him.
For eight years Mr. Hutt was employed by David
Hubbard in his tannery, and after the plant passed
into the possession of the late Isaac Broadhead he
continued there with the latter for some time. On
leaving the tannery he found employment in the
metal department of a factory, at Naubuc. at fifty
cents a day, and during the two years that he spent
454
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in this work he walked a mile and a half, night and
morning, sometimes through snow drifts four feet
high. Pay-days came three months apart, and once
he had to wait six months for his wages, and as
flour was eighteen dollars a barrel in those days
he had to use close economy to get along at all.
In the meantime he had purchased (in April, i860)
a part of an acre of land from Guy Sampson, with
a small one-room shanty upon it. Here he and his
good wife began farming in a small way ; for a num-
ber of years he would return from his day's work in
some factory to toil on until dark on his little
homestead, and rise early to secure a few precious
hours in the morning. He built his present resi-
dence and farm buildings, and enlarged the place by
purchasing other tracts from time to time. Mr.
Hutt's farm is now in an excellent state of cultiva-
tion, and he gives especial attention to raising to-
bacco, potatoes, corn and rye. Politically he is a
stanch Democrat, and with his family attends the
Congregational Church at Glastonburjr, although he
and his wife are both Lutherans, having been con-
firmed in Germany in their youth.
In 1853 Mr. Hutt was married in Glastonbury,
by Rev. Mr. Smith, to Miss Fredericka Welsh, who
was born in Wittenberg, Germany, Sept. 20, 1833.
They were friends in childhood and came to Amer-
ica on the same vessel, and during his days of dis-
couragement and poverty she was a most efficient
helper, working on their little farm whenever she
could spare the time from the care of the house and
children. Of their six children: (i) John G., who
died in 1892, was a trusted and valued employe of
Cheney Bros.' silk mill for twenty years. He mar-
ried Julia Balch, of Manchester, and had three chil-
dren, Herbert S. ; Florence May, who died in 1895 ;
and Julia M., who died in 1894. (2) Charles Fred-
erick, Jr., married Henrietta S. Moser, of Glaston-
bury, where he now resides. They have one son,
Charles F. C. (3) Miss Emelia F., a refined and
cultured lady, is at home. (4) Albert W., a butcher
in Hartford, married Mary Fagan, of that city, and
has four children, Albert, Ernest, Howard and
Grace. (5) Paulena C. married Edmund S. Hor-
ton, of Glastonbury, and resides in Saranac Lake,
N. Y. They have had three children, Milton S.,
who died in 1891 ; Mildred and Edmund. (6)
Bertha R. married Edward H. Gaines, of Glaston-
bury, and resides in Hartford. They have one
son, Milton T.
EARL COOLEY, a leading and representative
farmer of Berlin, who takes a very prominent and
active part in agricultural affairs, was born in Mid-
dletown, this State, Sept. 19, 185 1. He is a de-
scendant of Earl Cooley, who came to America from
Denmark, whither he had gone from England on
account of the persecution that he and others were
compelled to undergo on account of their religious
belief. He held the title of Earl in England, and
upon his arrival in this country was known as such.
The "Blue Book" of England states that the Cooley
family was a very influential and a very wealthy
one.
Earl Cooley, the son of the founder of the fam-
ily in America, was born in Springfield, Mass., and
became a prominent citizen of that place, where he
owned considerable property, including the ground
on which "Cooley's Hotel," the "Massasoit House"
and the Springfield Armory now stand. He served
as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and partici-
pated in the battle of Bunker Hill, while two of his
brothers took part in the battles of Concord and
Lexington, and another was with Arnold and Allen
when Fort Ticonderoga was stormed. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Stebbins, of Westfield, Massachusetts,
Earl Cooley, the son of Earl (2), and the grand-
father of our subject, was born in Springfield,
Mass., in 1784. In early life he engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, later learning the trade of gun-
smith. At the age of twenty years he removed to
Middletown, Conn., where he found employment
in the factory of Capt. Oliver Bidwell, who manu-
factured fire arms for the United States govern-
ment. Later he was employed by the firm of R. &
D. Johnson, who were also government contractors.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served
with the rank of sergeant. In political affairs he
was very prominent, was a member of the State
Legislature from Middletown in 1848, and held
various town offices. His support was always
given to the men and measures of the Democratic
party, and he was a leading and influential member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died about
1871, and was buried in Middletown. He married
Rhoda Graves, of East Haddam, a daughter of Rev.
Benjamin Graves, of that place, and to them were
born nine children, of whom three are still living:
Benjamin Graves, father of our subject; Mrs. Mar-
tha W. Allin, of Middletown; and Mrs. Emma J.
Ives, of Cromwell, Connecticut.
Benjamin Graves Cooley was born in Middle-
town Nov. 9, 1818, and acquired his education in
the common schools and the Middletown Academy.
He began his business career as a clerk, and later
learned the bookbinder's trade with E. Hunt, in
Middletown, who also ran a book and stationery
store. Subsequently he clerked in the dry-goods
store of John Wing, in Hartford, and later was
with T. R. & L. Case, as clerk in their dry-goods
store. He then went to Amherst, Mass., as clerk
for James Morris & Co., and had charge of the dry-
goods department of their store until his return
to Middletown, where he worked on the farm with
his father for about three years. At the end of
that time, about 1848, he entered the dry-goods
store of Norman Smith, as clerk, and at the end
of two years became a member of the firm of Smith
& Cooley, which partnership existed for about six
years. Selling out his interests, Mr. Cooley then
purchased a farm in Westfield, Conn., which he op-
erated for three years, but at the end of that time
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
455
lie rctiinn.Hl to Middlctowii, where lie engaged in
the grocery business for two years, lie was the
original inventor of, and took out the patent for, the
making of rubber belting, but later sold the same to
the Russel }*Ianufacturing Company, of Aliddletown/
Jle then purchased another farm in VVestfield, upon
which he lived five years, but in 1864 he returned to
jMiddletown, and engaged in farming there for a
short time. He next purchased the Risley farm
of 140 acres in Berlin, on the Meriden road, and
has since given his time and attention to tobacco
raising and market gardening, planting two or three
acres of his land in tobacco until 1881, when he
stopped raising it. While a resident of Middle-
town he took an active part in political alifairs, and
was also prominent in military matters, serving for
several years as captain of the 4th Company, 6th
Regiment, Connecticut Infantry. In February,
1850, Air. Cooley married Miss Elizabeth Clark
Rust, of JMiddletown, a daughter of Spencer Rust,
and to them were born two children, of whom our
subject is the elder. Frederick, born Sept. 18,
1853. married Thankful Tryon, of Middletown, and
is engaged in farming m Marlboro. The father
was again married, March 29, 1871, his second
union being with Jane F. Gridley, of Southington,
a daughter of George Gridley. She died May i,
1879, and was buried in Southington.
Reared in Middletown, Earl Cooley acquired his
early education in its common schools, and later
attended the JNIiddletow'n Intitute, which is a pre-
paratory school to the Wesleyan University. After
leaving school he came to Berlin, in April, 1869,
and has since devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits w-ith most gratifying success, outdoor pur-
iiits being more beneficial to his health. He was
one of the originators of the Berlin Board of Trade,
and is at present treasurer of the same.
Mr. Cooley makes his home with his father.
Both were formerly Democrats in political senti-
ment, but in 1896 voted for \\'illiam McKinley, and
now support the Republican party. Our subject
has been a member of the board of relief and regis-
trar of electors, and in 1898 w^as elected grand
juror, which position he is now filling. In 1892 he
was the Democratic candidate for State senator from
the Second Senatorial District, which has always
been strongl\- Republican, and the fact that he ran
far ahead of his ticket, receiving 3,000 votes, while
his opponent, Marcus H. Holcomb, received 3,541,
plainly indicates his popularity throughout the
county and district. In 1895 he w-as elected select-
man on the same ticket, and most creditably filled
that office one year. He has always been very
prominent in all town affairs, and has taken an ac-
tive interest in improvements in Berlin. In early
life Mr. Cooley was an Episcopalian, and was in-
strumental in founding Christ's Church, South
Farm, Middletown, of which he was librarian. Fle
is now an active and prominent member of the
Second Congregational Church of Berlin, and is
ako a member of the Christian Endeavor Society,
of which he was president in 1 895.
Mr. Cooley was chairman of the executive com-
mittee of the Berlin Agricultural Society for nine
consecutive years, from 1S86 to 1895, resigning that
position in the latter year, but in 1889 he was re-
elected. He was also superintendent of the agri-
cultural department of the Connecticut State Fair
and the Grange exhibit for two years. He and his
father were charter members of Berlin Grange, No.
24, of Berlin, and he was also one of the charter
members of the Connecticut Pomological Society.
He was elected first master of the Grange, which
position he held for three years, and also assisted in
organizing the Connecticut State Grange at South
Glastonbury, June 20, 1885, at which time he was
made steward and a member of the executive com-
mittee. Later, in 1886, he was appointed deputy
for Hartford county by the State master, J. H. Hale,
and has ever born an active and influential part in
Grange work throughout the State, [n May, 1900,
Mr. Cooley received the appointment from the
census office as one of the two enumerators of the
twelfth census of the I'nited States for the town
of Berlin, which work he performed with entire
success.
AIRS. LUCY AI.^'AIORTOX, a greatly-re-
spected resident of the town of East Windsor, was
born in Aliddlefield, Aliddlesex Co., Conn.. Aug.
29, 1834, a daughter of Alarvin and Alary (Hayes)
Fuller, and received a sound district-school edu-
cation.
While still a girl Airs. Alorton was taken by her
parents to Xew Jersey, and later to Summit coun-
ty, Ohio, but in a short time she returned to Con-
necticut, and in this -State was married, Dec. 26,
1852, to -Vurelius B. Barber, who was born June
5. 1831, in the hcuse in which Airs. Alorton now
lives, and in which he passed his entire life. He
was a thoroughly practical farmer and a prosperous
one, and enjoyed the respect of the surrounding
community. In politics he was a Whig, and in re-
ligion a Alethodist, in which faith he passed away
Oct. 5, 1866, leaving to mourn him his widow and
two children, to-wit: Ella Lavonne, born Xov. 25,
1855, is married to H. W. Hamilton, of East
^Vindsor, and is the mother of one child, Howard
Leslie. Flerbert Eli, born April i, 1865. is a wheel-
wright by trade; he is unmarried, and, although
he lost his right leg when eighteen years of age
by the accidental discharge of a gun, he is able,
with the aid of an artificial limb, to manage his
mother's farm.
On Xov. 13, 1871, Airs. Barber was united in
marriage with SamueL Alorton, a native of Wind-
sorville, and a farmer, and two children also came
to this union: Lucy Alabel, who was born Xov. i,
1873, and died Alarch 20, 1875; and Rutherford
E., who was born Sept. 20, 1876, and is now at-
tending the Hartford Business College. Afr. Alor-
456
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ton was a Republican in politics, and was a Methbd-
ist in religion. He died April 21, 1891, his re-
mains being interred, as were those of Mr. Barber,
i'n the Windsorville cemetery.
Mrs. Morton, b_v an accident and resultant sick-
ness, has had her hearing considerably impaired.
She is a most pleasant lady, is genial in disposi-
tion, and is beloved by all who know her.
CHELSEA CRANDALL VINTON. If Con-
necticut has fame it is mainly for her industrial
activity and supremacy. Generations ago her sons
turned from agriculture to the making of goods for
her neighbors, and the transition still continues.
In the history of South Windsor, famous now for
her cultivation of tobacco and other plants, an in-
dividual has seized an opportunity and converted
into a modern and thriving business a primitive in-
dustry, around which cluster memories of two cent-
uries, but which enjoyed but indifferent success
until modern energy and methods awoke its dormant
possibilities.
The town mill of South Windsor, tradition says,
was first erected in 1734, as a sawmill, and was
then the first of its kind on the east side of the Con-
/secticut river, between Springfield and Middletown.
For six generations it performed an important func-
tion in the life of this and neighboring commu-
nities, sawing lumber and grinding grain, but in
1868 it was scarcely more than a memory. Oc-
casionally a farmer brought to the mill a load of
corn or rye and himself set the wheel till the creak-'
ing machinery had converted his grain into meal.
The mill had run down and degenerated into an
almost ruinous condition. It was then that Chelsea
C. Vinton, with others, purchased the privilege
and placed modern machinery into it, and converted
ii; into a thing of power and profit.
Mr. A'inton was born in the town of South
Windsor, Hartford county, June 19, 1826, son of
William and Esther ( Crandall ) \"inton. The fam-
ily is of early Colonial history and of Hugu:not
extraction. Religious persecution had driven many
early Protestants from France to England, and
among the Puritans thev found sympathy and aid.
John Vinton was one of the religious refugees who
early in the seventeenth century sought libei'ty of
belief in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. Our
subject is of the seventh generation in descent from
that ancestor, the line consisting of (i) John;
(2) John, of Woburn ; (3) Samuel; {4) David;
(S) Seth; (6) William; and (7) Chelsea C.
Seth \'inton, the grandfather of our subject,
was the father of twelve children. To William and
Esther (Crandall) Vinton, parents of our subject,
were born eight children, as follows: ^Villiam,
who was a farmer of South Windsor, died in 1896;
Seth is mentioned elsewhere ; Chelsea is the third ;
Samuel served gallantly as a soldier in the Civil
war for nearly three years, was twice wounded in
battle, and died in hospital from his injuries; Esther
E. married Horatio Little, of Columbia, Conn. ;
Clarissa became the wife of Levi Wilson, of Mans-
field, and is deceased ; Mary C. married Henry A.
Page, of South Windsor, and is also deceased ; and
John Randolph, who was also a soldier in the Civil
war, was wounded at the battle of James Island,
and died in hospital.
Chelsea C. Vinton was educated in his early
boyhood at the old Seventh District school, trudg-
ing faithfully to its portals, a distance of two miles
from home, through the snows of winter or the
heat of summer. At the early age of eleven years
he started out for himself in the battle of life, hiring
out by the month to work on neighboring farms,
though he remained with his father until nineteen
years of age. At that time the farmers of Hartford
county were employed to a three-fold greater de-
gree than now in the raising of grain. In 1843,, to
the best of Mr. Vinton's recollection, tobacco began
to assume prominence as a paying crop in South
Windsor. In those early years it was often raised
as a second crop, after peas.
When he attained his majority Mr. A^inton en-
tered the mill of the New England Co., at Rock-
ville, to learn the trade of wool sorting. He re-
mained with that company for twelve years, and
was then employed six years continuousl}' at the
Flockanum Mills, except for a six-months interval,
which he spent in the front as a member of the
"Fighting Fourteenth." Mr. Vinton enlisted, in
July, 1862, in Company D, 14th Conn. V. I., and
was commissioned a second lieutenant. The regi-
ment was a part of Gen. E. V. Sumner's Second
Army Corps, later commanded by Gen. Hancock.
Mr. Vinton was with Gen. AlcClellan at the battle
of Antietam, and with Burnside at the fierce en-
gagement at Fredericksburg. He was discharged
for disability in December, 1862.
After leaving the service Mr. A'inton continued
in his employ until 1868, when he came to the
Rockwell mill on Podunk brook, at Pleasant Val-
ley, at once making extensive repairs and operating
the mill. In the spring of 1869 he became a mem-
ber of the firm of Maynard, Gardner & Vinton,
buyers and dealers in wool at Talcottville, which
partnership continued about a year and a half.
During the freshet of the fall of i86g a part of his
mill at Pleasant A'^alley was carried away by the
flood, but was inmiediately rebuilt, and they had
their sawmill in operation in four weeks, from that
time doing an increasing business.
In politics Mr. Vinton is a Republican, and his
interest in the welfare of the party has led him to
give time and influence to its local success. In 1875
he was elected a representative to the State Legis-
lature, and has filled various local offices. For
twenty-one years he has acted as town clerk and
town treasurer, and he has been school committee-
man for District No. 5 and acting school visitor.
Mr. A'inton has also been actively interested in
church work, being a member of the Second Con-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
457
j^regational C'luiri.-li and of the Sccdiul Ecclesiastical
Society. For many years he has been superintend-
ent of the Sunihiy-school oi that church.
.Mr. X'inton was married, in 1850, to Miss I'ideHa
Looniis, dauglitcr of Samuel Loomis, of Coventry,
Tolland Co.,, Conn., and to this union two children
were born: Lillian A., now Mrs. C. M. Benja-
min, of South Windsor ; and H. Wilbur. Mrs.
^"inton died in 1859, and in 1862 he married Miss
Eveline Johnson, of Rockville. The four children
born to this marriage are Mabel, Eva Roselle (now
Mrs. J'redericU H. Avery, of South X\'indsor), Cora
C. and Louis E. In his business affairs Mr. Vin-
ton has been eminently successful, and by his pub-
lic si)irit and the services which he has ever been
readv to generously contribute to the general good
he has impressed his personality deeply upon the
life and progress of the town.
CLARENCE S. FORBES, a respected voung
farmer and tobacco-grower on Brewer street, in
.that part of the town of East Hartford known as
Hockamim, descends from good old Connecticut
families, paternally and maternally.
Anson Forbes, grandfather of our subject, mar-
jied Lucy Porter, and to their union were born
four children: Stephen, father of our subject; El-
lery S., of Willow Brook ; Emerline ; and Esther,
who was married to the late Deacon Franklin
Brewer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
Stephen I'orbes was born May 26, 1833, in the
house now occupied by Ellery S. Forbes, was edu-
cated in the district schools, and later at the East
Hartford Academy, under Prof. J. O. Hurlburt.
After leaving school he was employed bv a Mr.
Goodwin as clerk in a shoe store at Hartford, but
.after a short time quit the store and learned the
boot-making trade in a shop on his father's farm.
At the beginning of the Civil war he was employed
in Colt's Armory at Hartford, but after the de-
struction of that factory by fire he worked at his
trade as a bootmaker until iSCij, then came to
Brewer Street, Hockanum, and began farming.
In 1867 he bought a tract of twenty acres from
■George Walley, which he cultivated until his death,
on May 6. 1880. He had married. May 26, 1858,
Miss Sarah A. W^adsworth, a native of Hockanum,
born April 2, 1836, and a daughter of Solomon
and Sarah (Dow) Wadsworth, and ne.xt to the
youngest of four children, Rufus. Stanle\-, Sarah
A. and Urania. To Stephen and Sarah A. Forbes
•came three children: Clarence S., bom Sept. 4,
i860: Emma U., born Aug. 24, 1862, who was ed-
ucated in Glastonbury Academy, and was married
to Frank HoUister, of East Hartford ; Ella L., born
July 22. 1867, who was educated in the Hartford
Public High School, was married to De Forest
Blinn, and is also living in East Hartford.
Llarence S. Forbes was born in the house in
East Hartford that stood where Mrs. I'ranklin
Brewer now lives, and was eight \ears of age when
brought I'i his ]3resent home, lie attended school
until eighteen years of age, since when he has
lived on his farm, on which were erected his pres-
ent dwelling in 1888 by his father, and substantial
barns and other outbuildings.
Mr. l"orbes is a member of the Congregational
Church, an earnest worker in the society, and also
contributes iiis full share to the church e.xiJenses.
In politics he is a Republican, but has never been
an office seeker, preferring" toclevote his energies
to the cultivation of his farm, which is yielding
him a sure and comfortable income. He is filially
caring for his venerable mother, who is passing her
declining years with him and keeping his house
for him, as he has never married.
EXOCH WATSOX PELTUX, one of the
honored and prosperous old residents of South
Windsor, and the owner of 300 acres of land which
for many years he has successfully tilled, was born
in the town of East Windsor (now South Windsor J,
Feb. 7, 1813, son of James and Sophia ((iavlord)
Pelton.
Air. Pelton 's father, who was also a native of
East Windsor, followed brickmaking and farming
through life. Fie was married three times, first to
Clarissa Watson, by whom he had one daughter,
Clarissa. By his second marriage, to Sophia Gav-
lord, he had five children : Enoch Watson, Harriet
Frances, Henry Thompson, James Bennett, and
Martha Sophia. Flis third marriage, to Elizabeth
Wolcott, daughter of Ephraim Wolcott. of Con-
necticut, was blessed with two children : James Ben-
nett and Charles Nathan.
Enoch W. Pelton remained with his father until
he reached the age of eighteen years, when he be-
gan life for himself. In 1835, at the age of twentv-
two, he left Connecticut for Pennsylvania, and
spent the next four years of his life in that State
with Milford as the initial point of his residence,
reniETining there several months. In Pennsylvania
he followed the business of raising broom corn and
making brooms. From that State he traveled to
Kentucky, where he remained a short time, then
proceeding to Illinois spent the summer traveling
in that State, paying taxes on military land for an
acquaintance. Returning to \\ilkes Barrc, Penn.,
he remained there for a tiiue, came back and soon
went South, again spending two years in Tennes-
see. He also spent two years in Georgia before
returning to Connecticut, where he began raising
broom corn, tobacco and other products. He first
purchased 108 acres of land, and added to this
from time to time until his landed possessions
reached 300 acres. A part of the farm he novv
occupies is known as the old Gov. Wolcott home-
stead, having formerly been owned and occupied
by Gov. Wolcott.
Mr. Pelton was married, in April, 1856, to Miss
Harriet E. King, daughter of Roderick King, and
to our sul^ject and wife have been born four chil-
458
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren: Bayard, born April 15, 1858, who died April
7, 1880; Elizabeth, who for some months was en-
gaged in teaching, but who relinquished tuat pro-
fession on account of her mother's ill health ; Roder-
ick K., who is now at home; and Oliver Newberry,
who has charge of the home farm. The mother,
who was born Aug. 6, 1820, died Oct. 13, 1897.
In politics Mr. Pelton is a Repubhcan. He
now lives, in the afternoon of his life, in his pleas-
ant home, located about seven miles from Hartford,
enjoying the requital of his many years of faithful
and well-directed effort.
FRANCIS TAYLOR, of South Glastonbury,
is one of the oldest and most highly-respected citi-
zens of that locality. Born in the village Nov. 2,
1814, he has passed much of his life there, taking
an interest in business, social, religious and polit-
ical affairs, and his reminiscences of the past are
both instructive and entertaining. He is well pre-
served for one of his age, his memory being re-
markable, while his genial disposition has kept him
young at heart, notwithstanding the lapse of years.
Mr. Taylor is a son of Samuel Taylor, who
was born in England in 1777, and came to America
in early manhood with his brother Joseph and an
uncle Benjamin, their voyage in a sailing vessel
being long and tedious. They landed at New York
in 1794, and he went to East Haddam, Conn., and
learned the sailmaker's trade, later locating in South
Glastonbury, where he passed the rest of his life
with the exception of three years, from 1816 to
18 19, when he resided in Hartford. At that time
many vessels were built in South Glastonbury, and
Mr. Taylor carried on the business of sailmaking
in Hartford for about forty years. Before his re-
moval to Hartford he built the house now occupied
by Miss Mary Dayton, in which our subject was
born, but on his return he purchased the "Gilder
place," where Watson Kinne now resides. He died
in December, 1857, and was buried in South Glas-
tonbury. Mr. Taylor was a most ardent Episco-
palian, and "read service" several times in the
church in South Glastonbury, of which he was
senior warden many years. His portrait now hangs
in the church. He was a very bright man, being
quite successful in business, and would have ac-
cumulated more but for his great generosity. He
never aspired to office, but did a citizen's duty by
casting his vote regularly, first for the Whig and
later for the Republican ticket. Samuel Taylor
married Sarah Pembleton^ a native of Chatham,
Conn., and had eleven children, all of whom lived to
adult age: (i) Benjamin, born Jan. 18, 1799, mar-
ried (first) Mary Ann Hale, who died leaving
seven children, and on Nov. 25, 1862, he married
Mary Tinker Clark, born March 29, 1820. He
was a prominent citizen of Glastonbury, where he
conducted a general store and served many years
as postmaster. (2) Sophia, born March 7, 1801,
died unmarried. (3) George, born April 26, 1803,
married Eunice Harris. He was a sailor from the
age of twelve years, when he started for the West
Indies, and he made many long voyages on the At-
lantic during his life. He spent his later years in
Glastonbury, and died there. (4) EHza, born Aug..
6, 1805, died unmarried. (5) Edwin, born Oct.
6, 1807, married Nancy Kinne, and settled in Hart-
ford, where he engaged in the lumber business, in.
which he was quite successful. Since his death
his sons carry on the business. (6) Hannah, born
Feb. 17, 1810, married Edwin Miller, a tailor and
farmer, who built our subject's present home. (7)
Sallie Ann, born May 15, 1812, married Gideon
Kinne, a farmer in South Glastonbury. (8) Fran-
cis, our subject, is mentioned more fully below.
(9) Joseph P., born Jan. 11, 1818, was twice mar-
ried, his second wife being Mary Alintz. He is-
an Episcopalian clergyman, and now resides in
Plainfield, N. J. (10) Mary, born Aug. 20, 1820,.
died at the age of seventy- four, unmarried. (11)
Martha (deceased) was born July 11, 1823, and
married Henry Parsons, of Hartford. He con-
ducted a book store in Hartford for some time, and
later was in the real estate business in New Haven,
but is now living in Massachusetts.
Our subject was about two years old when his
■parents removed to Hartford, but his education was-
begun in the district schools of South Glastonbury,,
and later he attended the academy there, of which
Elihu Burritt, the "learned blacksmith," was the
head. At seventeen he left school, and he had
learned the sailmaker's trade with his father in
Hartford when he was twenty-one. He then formed
a partnership with his brother Edwin, and opened
a grocery and provision store at the foot of State
street, in Hartford, and after his brother's with-
drawal he continued alone until 1839, when he sold
out to Thomas Reed. During the remaining years
of his active business life he was engaged in the
manufacture of powder kegs fo.- E. I. Dupont &
Co., of Wilmington, Del., his annual product run-
ning as high as 40,000 kegs. In 1842 he removed
to Delaware, to be nearer the firm, but after five
3'ears he returned to Connecticut and settled at
South Glastonbury, where he carried on a factory
in the buildings now occupied by Bidwell Bros.'
soap works. Mr. Taylor retired from business in
1887, and is enjoying his well-earned leisure at his-
home, which he purchased from Joseph Ingraham,.
the father of the noted clockmakers of Bristol.
He is a Republican, of Whig antecedents, but has-
never been an office seeker. In religious faith he
is an Episcopalian, and for over forty years he has-
been senior warden of the church at South Glas-
tonbury. On Feb. 27, 1837, Mr. Taylor married
Miss Lucretia Miner, who was bom in Stonington,.
Conn., Aug. 25, 181 5, daughter of Asa and Han-
nah (Harrington) JNIiuLM-. She died July 4. 1894,
her remains being interred at Glastonbury. ScveiD
children blessed this union : ( i ) Jane, born Dec.
24, 1837, married John H. Stevens, a carpenter in
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
450
South Glastonbun'. (2) Eliza, born Dec. 14, 1839,
married William H. Wood, of Hartford, a traveling
salesman. (3) Henry M., born Aug. 3, 1841, is a
baker in Asheville, N. C. He served in the Civil
war. He married a Miss Tatrovv, and has one
son, Edwin. (4) Eranklin, born June ir, 1844, in
Delaware, married Elora Shipnian, has three chil-
dren, Benjamin, Robert and Ellen, and resides on
a farm in South Glastonbury. He served in the
Civil war three years, and was a letter carrier in
Hartford for many years. (5) Harriet B., born
Jan. 29, 1849, married Kirtland Hollister, a farmer
of Glastonbury, and has two children, Bessie (wife
of Harris Burr, of Hartford) and Alfred. (5)
Alexis I. Dupont, a carriage builder in New Haven,
born Dec. 11, 1853, married Adaie Tatrow, sister
of his brother Henry's wife, and has three children,
Alice, Frederick and Kirtland. Alice married
William Coats, and has two sons, \\'illiam and
Stanley. (7) Ada died in infancy.
DANIEL \\'. GREEN, the well-known con-
tractor and builder, and a highly-respected citii^en
Df East Hartford, is a native of Sumner, Oxford
Co., Maine, and was born July 21, 1857, a son
Df Edwin and Permelia (Kendall) Green.
Nathaniel Green, grandfather of Daniel W^, our
subject, was born in Spencer, \\"orcester Co., Mass.,
ivas a tanner by trade, and for some years was a
Dartner with his brother, Josiah, who was the pio-
leer shoe manufacturer of Spencer. From that
:own Nathaniel went to Norway, Oxford Co.,
Maine, where he passed the remainder of his life,
lo his marriage with Aliss H. Willis were born
four children: Edwin, the father of our subject;
Daniel, who was a farmer at Norway, and was
:hree times married — first to Susan Haskell, next
;o Anna Knightly, and then to a widow, whose
lame is not given ; Charles, also a farmer, who
iiarried Miranda Perkins, and lived and died in
N'orway; and Mary, who was married to Peter N.
Haskell, a mill-owner of Waterford, Maine.
Edwin Green, father of our subject, was born in
Paris, Oxford Co., Maine, in 1817, graduated from
Bowdoin College in 1843, and practiced medicine
;hereafter until his death, which occurred March
[2, 1890, his remains being interred at Otisfield,
Maine, where his widow died jMav 6, 1900. To
lis marriage with Permelia Kendall, who was a
lative of Milan, N. H., children were born as fnl-
ows: Parker C, a mechanical draftsman, pattein-
Tiaker — in fact, an "all-round man" — at Athol,
Mass., who is married to Eliza Willis : Daniel W.,
;he subject of this memoir: Nathaniel W., a farmer
Df Otisfield, who first married Rosie L. Frost, and
ifter her death wedded Florence Abbott ; and Ed-
ivin G., the youngest of the family, who is also a
farmer at Otisfield, and is married to Abbie
Benson.
Daniel W. Green was educated in the common
schools of his native district, also at the South
Paris (Maine) High School, and after leaving
school, at the age of sixteen years, on aeenunt of
weakened eyes brought about by typhoid fever, he
worked in various mills until about 1882, when he
went to Crescent City, Putnam Co., Fla. There^
he learned the carpenter's trade, worked there five
years, and then returned to Connecticut, worked
one year for Cheney Brothers, in ^Manchester, next
moved to East Hartford worked for W. J. Driggs,
contractor and builder, for nine years, and in 1896
began contracting and building en his own account,
in which he has met with success — a success due to
his pains-taking endeavor to please nis patrons.
On Sept. 19. 1883, Mr. Green married Miss
Emma F. Wetherell, a native of South Manchester,
born April 27, 1861, a daughter of William and
Frances Celia (\\'atrous) Wetherell. The father
of Mrs. Green has been dead for some years, but
her mother is still living in South ^lanchester. Mrs.
D. W. Green is of old Colonial and Revolutionary
descent, Jonathan \\'aterhouse (the name has since
been changed to \\'atrous ) having been her great-
grandfather and a patriot of the war for inde-
pendence. Going back to the first appearance of
her family in America, it may be briefly traced up to-
the present time as follows: William Mullens, his
wife, and their daughter Priscilla, and also lohn
Alden, landed on Plymouth Rock Dec. 22, 1620,
coming from England. This John Alden married,
the aforesaid Priscilla IMullens, and their eldest
daughter, Elizabeth, was married to \\'illiam I'ea-
body; the daughter of this couple, !Mercy Peabody,
was married to John Simons ; the daughter of
John and Mercy (Peabody) Simons was chris-
tened JMartha, and was married to Ebenezer De
Land; Thankful De Land, their daughter, w'as mar-
ried to Ebenezer iletcalf, and their daughter, Abia
Metcalf, was married to Elijah Webster; the daugh-
ter of Elijah and Abia Webster was also named
Abia, and was married to Jonathan ^^'atrous, the
Revolutionarv soldier, whose pension papers were
made out in the name of Jonathan \\"aterhouse.
From Jonathan and Abia AN'atrous (or Waterhouse)
descended Rhoda, Polly, Morgan, Dudley Ichabod,.
Brewster, Abia Marian, Jonathan Bissell, Elijah
Abel (grandfather of Mrs. Green), Hubbard and
Hubbard Judson. The names of the parents of
Airs. Green have already been given.
To the marriage of Daniel W. Green and wife
have been born two children : Ernest Carlton, in
Crescent City, Fla., Sept. 8. 1886, and Alarian Lu-
cille, Oct. 28, 1888, in South Alanchester. Mr.
" Green and his family attend the Congregational
Church, of which iMrs. Green has long been a con-
scientious member. In politics Mr. Green is inclined
to Democracy, but does not always cast his vote
for that party; fraternally he is a member of Wads-
worth Council, No. 39, O. U. A. M., of Alanchester.
Through his industry, skill, and industrious
habits, Mr. Green has gained a comfortable home,
which he built in 1891, on a lot purchased from
460
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Watson Roberts. He is a genial, whole-souled gen-
tleman, and he and his wife, with their two bright
children, form a happy family,, greatly respected by
-all who know them.
HENRY LEVERET REMINGTON, carriage
.and wagon-maker, and painter, and for fifty years
.a prominent citizen of Enfield, was born July 22,
1826, a son of Myron and Angeline (Warner)
Remington, both natives of Suflield.
Mr. Remington's paternal grandfather, Stephen
Remington, was for many years a resident of Suf-
iield, where he reared a family of twelve children :
Myron, Almeron and Albert (twins), Stephen,
Thomas, George, Anna (Mrs. Elihu Taylor), Sybil
(Mrs. John Fuller), Amy (Mrs. Norman Hast-
ings), Jane (Mrs. Nathaniel Curtis), Maryette, and
Chloe (Mrs. Norman Adams). Stephen Reming-
■ton was a farmer, and lived and died in Sufifield.
Myron Remington, the father of our subject,
was reared to manhood in Suffield. In early man-
hood he removed to Streetsboro township. Portage
county, Ohio, residing there thirteen years. He
then returned to Suffield, where he remained
through life. Himself and wife are buried in
Hastings Hills cemetery. Myron Remington had
nine children, six of whom grew to maturity :. Henry
L., Lorenzo M., Lamira (Mrs. Francis Crouch),
Arabella (Mrs. David Drake), Miranda (Mrs.
Henry Sheldon), and Alcemony (Mrs, Gottfried
Heydenreich).
Henry L. Remington spent his boyhood and
youth in Portage county, Ohio, and Suffield, Conn.
He received a common-school education, and served
..an apprenticeship of three and one-half years at
the wagon-maker's trade. He has since then
worked as a journeyman for thirty-nine years hi
Enfield, for Potter & Parsons, and has been in busi-
ness for himself since 1888.
Mr. Remington has been twice married. His.
■first wife was Lorinda, daughter of Seth and Nancy
(Cooper) King, of Suffield, and by her he had one
-Son, Frank -Everett. His second wife was Emily
Fowler, of Maine. Mr. Remington is a memlr'er
■ of the Baptist Church of Suffield, and politically lie
is a Democrat.
HON. EDWIN N. WHITE, president of the
Canton Creamery Association, and a leading citi-
.zen of Canton, is a member of an old Colonial fam-
ily. John White, the first of the line to settle in
America, arrived in Boston harbor on the ship
"Lj'on" in 1632, and soon afterward located in
Cambridge, Mass., where he was made a freeman
in 1633. When Rev. Thomas Hooker led his band
of followers into Connecticut and settled at Hart-
ford John White was among- them, and he took a
prominent part in the affairs of the little Colony,
serving as elder in the church. He died at Hart-
ford in 1684. Of his six children, Mary married
Jonathan Gilbert; Nathaniel is mentioned below;
John married Sarah Bruner; Daniel married Sarah
Crow; Sarah became the wife of Stephen Taylor;
Jacob, who was born Oct. 8, 1645, married Eliza-
beth Bruner.
Capt. Nathaniel White was born in England,
and came to America with his parents when a very
small boy. In 1650 he left Hartford and became
one of the founders of the new settlement at Mid-
dletown. Conn., locating at what was then known as
Upper Houses, afterward Upper Middletown. Here
he spent the rest of his life, partly engaged in agri-
culture. Being a public-spirited man, and possess-
ing ample means, he gave one-quarter of his estate
for the support of public schools. He was a -mem-
ber of the General Court in 1659, and from 1661
to 1710, in all fifty times. He was also deputy
and magistrate of Middletown, Haddam and Meri-
den, from 1669 to 1684, having been commissioned
by the General Assembly. He died Aug. 27, 171 1,
at his home, and was buried in Middletown cem-
etery. For his first wife he married Elizabeth
White, and for his second he wedded Mrs. Martha
(Coit) Mould, widow of Hugh Mould, of New
London, Conn., and daughter of John and Mary
(Jones) Coit. He had a large family, as follows:
Nathaniel, born July 7, 1652, married Elizabeth
Savage. Elizabeth, born March 7, 1655, married
Sergt. John Clark, of Middletown, and died Dec.
25, 171 1. John was born April 9, 1657. Mary,
born April 7, 1659, and died Nov. 15, 1732, was
married, on Jan. 16, 1678, to Jacob Cornwall, who
died Aoril 18, 1708, and on April 13, 1710, she
wedded John Bacon, of Middletown, who died Nov.
4, 1732. Daniel is mentioned below. Sarah, born
Jan. 22, 1664, married John Smith, of Haddam,
Conn. Jacob, born May 10, 1665, was married
(first) to Deborah Shepard, and (second) to Re-
becca Ramey. Joseph, born Feb. 20, 1667, married
Mary Mould. |
Ensign Daniel White was born Feb. 23, 1662, "
in Middletown, and spent his whole life there.
He held many public offices, including those of
constable and selectman. He died Dec. 18, 1737,
and was buried in the cemeteiy at Middletown.
In March, 1683, he married Susannah Mould, of
New London county, daughter of Hugh Mould, a
noted shipbuilder, and their children were: Daniel,
born Dec. 8, 1683, married Alice Cook; Nathaniel,
born Sept. 8, 1685, married Mehitable Hurlburt ;
Joseph died Oct. 8, 1687; Joseph, born Oct. 8, 1688,
married Mary Hull: Hugh, born Feb. 15, 1691,
married Mary Stone; John, born Nov. 27, 1692,
married Susannah Ailing: Susannah, born Oct. 16,
1694, married Thomas Johnson, of Middletown;
Isaac is mentioned below; Ruth, born Sept. 28,'
1703, married, on June 10, 1730, Jehiel Stone, of
North Guilford: Rachel, born Feb. 2, 1705, mar-
ried, on April 16, 1729, William Chittenden, of
Guilford.
Deacon Isaac White, the next in the line of
descent, was born Nov. 9, 1696, at Upper Houses,
^cAm^ cyl^^-A^J^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
401
MicUllctown, ami made l)is home in that locaHty.
(Jn Jan. 15, 1749, lie was appointed deacon of hvs
church, and from 174^) to 1749 he was selectman
Dt .Middletown. He died June 26, 17()8, and was
buried in Mitldlelown cemetery. On June 30, 1726,
lie married Sybil LUitler, daughter of Thomas But-
ler, of Hartford count)-. She was born March 6,
1702, and died Nov. 7, 1781. They had the fol-
lowing children: Moses, born Aug. 2, 1727, mar-
ried Huldah Knowlcs: Martha, born Oct. 27, 1728,
Jied April 1, 1813: Sybil, born Aug. 14, 1731, mar-
ried, on April 18, 1753, Francis Whitemore; Elias
ii mentioned below; Aaron died young; Isaac, born
)an. i6, 1 741, died Dec. 8, 1741; and Ruth, born
March 7, 1743, married, on Dec. 26, 1764, Dr. John
Dsbrim, a prominent physician, and a soldier in the
French and Indian war.
Elias \Miite, our subject's great-grandfather,
was born at Upper i^Iiddletown May 5, 1734, and
died there Jan. 27, 1800. On Nov. 13, 1760, he
tiiarried Prudence Savage, of Upper Middletown,
who was born July 13, 1737, daughter of Joseph
and Prudence Savage. She died at Whitestown,
N. Y. By this marriage there were nine children:
Sybil, born Oct. 28, 1761, was married to Leveret
Bishop, a ship carpenter, of Guilford. Mary Sav-
age, born June 8, 1763, was married, on May 16,
1782, to \\'illiam Cheney, of Gaylord, and died
March 15, 1828. Reuben, born March 10, 1765, was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and died in New
York in June, 1783. Edmund, born Oct. 15, 1766,
was taken sick on board a man-of-war, and died
Aug. 24, 1782. Comfort, baptized Nov. 6, 1765,
was a ship carpenter, and died at Demerara, South
America. Joseph married Martha Hasgill. Pru-
dence, born Jan. 31, 1773, married, in 1825, Dea-
con Joseph Blake, of Whitestown, N. Y. Elias is
mentioned below. Isaac, born June 22, 1780, mar-
ried Pricilla Phomb.
Elias White, our subject's grandfather, was born
in Upper Middletown, where he grew to manhood,
and in 1800 he settled in Cornwall, Conn. Fie mar-
ried Cynthia Rogers, daughter of Capt. Edwin
and Hannah (Jackson) Rogers, and they had chil-
dren : Comfort. Edwin. Elias, and Rogers.
Comfort White, the father of our subject, was
born at Cornwall, Conn., Jan. 3, 1802. and after
receiving a good district-school education he be-
gan teaching in New York State. Later, however,
he engaged in farming near Utica, N. Y.. and then
at Sheffield, Mass., finallv locating in Canton, Conn.,
where he bought, in 1859, the Hosford farm, a tract
of 160 acres. For some years he made a specialty
of tobacco culture. He was a man highly respected,
temperate in his habits, liberal in church views, and
in politics a stanch Democrat, although he never
sought Dublic office. On Dec. 3, 1S26, he married
Laura Norton, of Cornwall, daughter of Theodore
and Mary (Gudd) Norton. She died Sept. 13,
1836. and on May 31, 1837. he married Miranda
Rood, of North Canaan, Conn. The children of the
first union were : Mary Eliza, born July 26. 1829,.
married on I'eb. 15, 1853, Walker S. Millard, a
school teacher; Augustus I'redrick, born March 6,
1832, married in Ai)ril, 1858, Harriet Watts, died
in May, 1887; Julia Maria, born Feb. 21, 1834, and
died Dec. 31, 1876, was the wife of Col J. F. U. An-
drews, of Simsbury, Conn. Edmond Rogers, wIkj
died March 3, 1857, and Edwin JSI., the subject of
this sketch, were twins. By the second marriage
there was one child, Augusta Rogers, born Oct. 22,
1847, ^'■"^l married to Dan G. Wilcox, of Avon,.
Connecticut.
Our subject was born in Cornwall, Conn., May
14, 1836, and spent his early life partly in Utica,
N. Y., and partly in Sheffield, Mass., where he at-
tended the district school and the high school ; he
also attended the high school at Winsted. Cduu.
He has since been engaged in agriculture on the
farm at Canton. Since the death of his father Mr.
White has taken sole charge of the homestead, and
has dealt largely in live stock and tobacco, although
he has given his attention mostly to general farm-
ing. Like his father he is liberal in church matters,
and a good Democrat, but unlike him he takes an
active part in public aft'airs. In 1878 he was elected
by a large majority to the State Legislature, where
his broad-mindedness secured him a place on the
committee on Women's Rights. He has also filled
many local offices, serving as selectman for three
terms, and chairman of the board of assesors for
four years.
In i860 Mr. White married Miss Anna L. Case,
a lady of pleasing and refined manners, who was
born in Canton, daughter of Gen. Jarvis and Lucia
(Adams) Case. They have had four children:
Lena Belle, born June 11, 1865, attended the Col-
linsville High School, and was married Oct. 20.
1SS7, to Oren H. Godard, of Granby, son of Harvv
Godard. Fanny Adams, born April 20, 1869, grail-
iiated from McLean Seminary in 1884. George
Francis, born Aug. 31, 1870, attended the Collins-
ville Fligh School, McLean Seminary, and Yale
Business College, New FIa^'en, from which he grad-
uated, and afterward went into the fish business in
New York: he married Isabelle Bartlett, of Terrv's
Plains, Simsbury, Conn., daughter of Sheriff
Joseph L. Bartlett. Hellen Maria, born Jan. 9,
1879, died Oct. 19, 1879. Socially the White fam-
ily is much respected, and our subject is a Master
Mason, uniting with the F. & A. M., \'illage Lodge.
No. 29. Collinsville.
JA:\IES O'CONNOR, a well-known market
gardener and general farmer of Wethersfield, was
born in Barley Will, New Market, County Cork.
Ireland, in October, i860, and is descended from
some of the best fann'lies of that country. Flis
parents, Patrick and Joanna (Eagon) O'Connor,
spent their entire lives in County Cork, as farming
people. Both were devout members of the Cath-
olic Church, and were highly respected by all who-
-462
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■kenw them. Their children were : Timothy, who
■died in Austraha; Hannora, wife of Richard Power,
■of Waterford, Ireland ; James, our subject ; Patrick,
.a resident of Wethersfield, Conn. ; John, a dairy
.farmer of the same place; Mary, wife of Philip
G. Smith ; and Jeremiah, also a resident of Wethers-
field, Connecticut.
The only education which our subject received
was obtained in the National schools of his native
.town. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and
^after his father's death, which occurred when he
was still in his 'teens, he remained with his widowed
mother for some years, working hard upon the
farm. Having saved a little money he decided to
•come to the United States, where he believed that
better opportunities were afforded ambitious young
men. In 1889 he sailed from Queenstown, and on
landing in New York found that he had only an
English sovereign (about five dollars in our money)
with which to begin life in the New World. By
boat he came to Hartford, which trip cost him
.$1.50, so that he only had $3.50 on reaching
Wethersfield, where he found employment with S.
W. Robbins, at fifty cents per clay and board. In
the fall of the seme jear he went to California by
way of the Panama route, and for a time v/orked
-on a ranch in Merced county, after which he spent
four months on a dairy farm near San Francisco.
Not caring for California, he returned to Con-
necticut at the end of that time, and again found
^employment on the dairy farm of Mr. Robbins at
Rocky Hill, for whom he worked six years. With
"the money he had saved from his wages he then
purchased his present farm of twenty-three acres,
known as the Shamrock farm, and upon that place
he has since successfully engaged in market gar-
dening, selling his produce in New Britain and
Hartford.
In 1890, Mr. O'Connor was married in Wethers-
field to Miss Kate Oilman, also a native of County
Cork, Ireland, and a daughter of Cornelius Oilman.
She died in 1898. She was a good wife and mother,
;a faithful member of the Catholic Church, and her
death was deeply mourned. Five children were
born of that union: Maggie and Hannah (twins),
the latter of whom is now deceased ; Patrick ; Cor-
nelius ; and Johanna. , Mr. O'Connor is also a com-
municant of the Catholic Church, and is well-known
and highly respected. He takes no active part in
political affairs, but as an industrious, enterprising
man, he prefers to give his entire time to his busi-
ness interests.
HOADLEY C. BREWER, one of the most re-
spected farmers and tobacco growers of Hockanum,
town of East Hartford, descends from a ver}' old
Connecticut family. Fie was born May 10, 1841,
-and is a son of Reuben, a grandson of Reuben, and
a great-grandson of Daniel Brewer, the last-named
of whom was born and lived all his life in a small
Tiouse, now fallen to decay, that stood in the lane
that leads from High street, at a point north of
the home of the late Selden Brewer, to the Con-
necticut river. During ihe life of Selderi the old
house was kept in repair, but since his death it has
been permitted to become an uninhabited ruin.
Reuben Brewer, a son of Daniel, and grand-
father of Hoadley C, located on a farm on Brewer
street when only one other house, the residence
(now) of Mrs. Cynthia Vibberts, stood on the
street ; she is a daughter of Reuben Brewer, son
of Reuben, and aunt of Hoadley C, and widow
of Andrew Vibberts, and now greatly advanced in
years. On this spot where Mrs. Vibberts lives,
Reuben, the grandfather, was born Feb. 23, 1778,
and his death took place on his new farm, Nov.
8, 1844. He married Eunice Maria Hills, daugh-
ter of James and Mehitable Hills, who was born
Sept. 19, 1778, and died in May, 1853. Their chil-
dren were: Sophia, born May 20, 1798, and died
March i, 1841, was the wife of Ebephus Oaines,
a seaman, who lived on Bigelow Lane, East Hart-
ford; Cynthia, born Aug. 11, 1800, died Feb. 7,
1802; Reuben was the father of our subject; Laura,
born Nov. 5, 1807, was married to Talcott Hills,
a joiner, and lived near Willow Brook; Jane way
and Jane (twins) were born April 24, 1810 (Jane-
way married Sarah Marble and lived in East Hart-
ford Meadow, and Jane was married to Ralph Hills,
a farmer on Brewer street, but both are now ae-
ceased) ; Osman, born April 9, 1814, married Lu-
ana Spencer, was a farmer, and lived on Brewer
street ; Henry Edward, born Dec. 14, 1816, mar-
ried Susan Hills, was a farmer, and lived in Hills-
town; Cynthia, born March 30, 1818, was married
to Andrew Vibberts, and is still living on -Brewer
street; Royal, born Oct. 9, 1820, died March 10,
1822; Royal Hills, born April 13, 1823, married
Esther Forbes, for his first wife, and Mrs. Tal-
cott, nee Orant, for his second and now lives on
Brewer street ; Eunice Maria, the youngest of this
family of thirteen, was born Dec. 11, 1825, was
married to Palmer Sessions, a civil engineer, and
lived and died in New York.
Reuben Brewer, father of Hoadley C, was born
on Brewer street, April 25, 1805, and attended the
old school house that stood on High street, west
of where Deacon Charles Forbes now lives, but
which has since been destroyed Dy fire. It was a
mile away from his home, and many a winter day
did he wade to it through snow up to his hips.
He lived at home until his marriage, Sept. 10, 1834,
to Jane Hills, who was born June 9, 1812, a daugh-
ter of John and Abbey (Brewer") Hills. As a
reward for his faithful services at home Reuben's
father purchased for him the farm now ownetl by
Hoadley C, then known as the "Wells place,"
where his death took place Oct. 30, 1886, his wife
having preceded him to the grave Aug. 21, 1882.
Fie was a man of large stature, but of a very re-
tiring, indeed bashful, disposition, and domestic in
his habits ; he was a vigorous and indefatigable
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
468
workiT. ever iii<liislriuiis, and yet an inveterate
sn'.oker. raising his tobacco himself and making
his cigars. His children, six in number, were:
Lemuel, born Alarch 27, 1837, died June 20, 1846;
Lucv M., born April 26, 1839, is the widow of
Henrv I lurlburt ; lloadlcy C. is the subject of this
sketch : Zojiher L., born Dec. 14. 1845, died Oci.
J, i84'>; Abbott C, born Sept. 15. 1847, married
Anna Best, and died Jan. 18, 1879, in East Hart-
ford, his widow being now a resident of Hartford
City; and Deloss, born March 2, 1852, died July
20, 1852.
Hoadley C. Brewer received a sound common-
school education, and later spent two years in the
East Hartford Academy. At the age of nineteen
years he left school and returned to his father's
farm, now his own, where he remained for a short
time only, and then went to Hartford, where he
was employed in Colt's Armory until it was de-
stroyed by fire in 1863. He then returned home,
and assisted his father until the latter's death. This
farm comprises thirty-two acres, seven of which are
in tobacco, and there is no better-kept farm in the
town.
On March 29, 1876, Mr. Brewer wedded Josie
M. Stanton, born June 23, 1838, a daughter of
Robert W. and Harriet (Ladd) Stanton, and to this
marriage have been born two children : Bessie M.,
Jan. 4, 1877, who died April 15, 1879, and Ada M.,
March 19, 1880, who is still at home. The family
attend the South Congregational Church, and
hberally aid in its support. In politics Mr. Brewer
is a Democrat, but never worries himself about
party affairs more than the trouble of voting. He
belongs to no secret society, but leads a quiet, un-
ostentatious, industrious life, happy in holding the
respect of his fellow men and in the felicity of his
familv circle.
JOHN R. PIKE, a successful agriculturist re-
siding near Pine i\Ieadow, was born in that locality
Nov. 26. 1836, and is a representative of a family
Avhich has long been noted for good citizenship.
His ancestors were early settlers in New England,
and his grandfather Pike was a farmer at New
Marlboro, Massachusetts.
Hiram Pike, our subject's father, was a native
of New Marlboro, born May 25. 1799. removed to
Connecticut, and was married in Canaan to Olive
Rood, who was born there Sept. 25, 1797, daughter
of John Rood. He located in Canton, where he
engaged in farming, and his death occurred Nov.
13, 1838. His wife died July 21, 1887, and the
remains of both now rest in the Pine ^leadow
cemetery. Thev had the following children : Julia
A., wife of William \\'ilco.x: Plcnrietta R., widow
of Warren C. Humphrey : Celestia, who married
AMlliam Wilcox; Olive, wife of Nelson Humphrey;
I\Iark H., who died in 1892; ]\Iarv E., wife of Ed-
ward Chapin; John R., our subject; Aretus, who
died in 1837, and Catherine, wife of William Case.
As a boy our subject attended the local schools,
also assisted in the work of the homestead, and
later he and his brother, Mark H., took charge of
the farm. The place contains 140 acres, including
a tract of woodland, and our subject devotes special
attention to dairying and tobacco growing. In
1856 he built a fine dwelling Louse, and he has
made other substantial improvements from time to
time. P'or the past ten years his health has been
somewhat impaired, but he is still active in the
management of the farm. Socially he and his fam-
ily are much 'esteemed, and they are identified with
the Congregational Church, of which his lamented
wife was a member. In 1881 Mr. Pike married
Miss Ellen Adams, and three children were born
of the union : John E. is attending a business college
in liartford ; Miss Nellie is in school at home ; and
Albert has been adopted by Mrs. Lewis H. Lee, of
Massachusetts.
Mrs. Ellen (Adams) Pike was born Aug. 12,
1851, and died April 21, 1888, her remains being
interred in Pine Grove cemetery. New Hartford.
She was a daughter of Oliver Cromwell Adams,
and granddaughter of Gen. Zera Adams, an officer
in the Revolutionary war. Gen. Zera Adams mar-
ried Abigail Holburt, of ^^'est Hartford, and had
nine children; Ezra, Elmer, Lu:ia, Laura, Mary,
Lorenzo, Henry, Oliver C, and George. Oliver
C. Adams was born in North Canton, and resided
there throughout his life, following farming and
mercantile pursuits. He was a leading Republi-
can, and represented his town in the State Legis-
lature, while he also held various local offices, in-
cluding that of postmaster at North Canton. Pie
was temperate in his habits and domestic in his
tastes, and in every way his life furnished' a worthy
example to the community. He married Susan ^l.
Plumphrey, daughter of Loin and Rhoda (Case)
Humphrey, and had six children : Eugene, who died
in early manhood; Mary, wife of Lewis H. Lee,
of Westfield, Mass. ; Ezra S., a resident of Hart-
ford; Albert, a physician, now deceased; Ellen, wife
of our subject; and Henry, a resident of North
Canton.
CHARLES J. BUNN, a popular liveryman of
Southington, is one of the men who have made
tlieir own way in the world. The spirit of self-
help is the source of all genuine worth in the in-
dividual, and is the means of bringing to man suc-
cess when he has no advantages of wealth or in-
fluence to aid him. It illustrates in no uncertain
manner what it is possble to accomplish when per-
severance and determination form the keynote to
a man's life. Depending upon his own resources,
looking for no outside aitl or support, Mr. Bunn has
become one of the leading business men of the town.
Mr. Bunn was born in New Hartford, Conn..
Jan. 21, 1862, a son of Matthew and Margaret
(Doll) Bunn, both natives of Germany. His ma-
ternal grandfather, Christian Doll, lived in New
464
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I-Iartford. Matthew Bunn, a grinder by trade,
spent some years in Granby and New Hartford
and worked in the cutlery works at CoUinsviUe and
also in Southington. He died in the latter village.
In his family were eight children : Joseph, Carrie,
Christian, William, Maggie, Charles J., Lavina
(wife of Frederick Young), and Laura, wife of
Frank Rhoe.
The first ten years of his life our subject passed
in New Hartford, and then accompanied his par-
ents on their removal to Southington, where he has
since made his home. His educational advantages
were limited to a short attendance at the public
schools, as at the age of ten years he entered the
employ of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., with which
he was connected for five years, and during the
following four years he worked upon a farm. At
the age of eighteen he began work in a livery stable
in Southington, and was manager of the same for
five years. For a time he was also in the employ
of R. A. Neal. In 1887 he embarked in the livery
business for himself, on a small scale, and by in-
dustry and good management has built up an ex-
cellent business and acquired a competence.
On Oct. 6, 1886, Mr. Bunn married Miss Char-
lotte L. Davies, third daughter of Thomas and Ma-
tilda (Fox) Davis, who were married in Safe liar-
bor, Lancaster Co., Penn. The father was born in
Colebrookvale, Monmouthshire, Wales, the mother
in Philadelphia. He was in the employ of the
Union Iron Works, Buffalo, N. Y., at the time of
death, Aug. 26, 1875. His parents were John and
Parnell (Martin) Davies, the former a native of
ilerthyr Tydvill, Wales, the latter of Warwickshire,
England. She was a daughter of Parnell Baird,
whose mother was Elizabeth Parnell. On the ma-
ternal side Mrs. Bunn is a granddaughter of Char-
lotte Bodenbender, who belonged to an old Phila-
delphia family.
Mr. Bunn casts his ballot with the Republican
party, and is a member of the Foresters of America,
the Improved Order of Red Men, the Order of
United American Mechanics, and the Southington
Fire Department (for ten years). He started out
in life for himself at a tender age, with scarcely
any schooling, being practically a self-educated
man, and for the success that he has achieved in
life he deserves great credit.
ARTHUR DE COLLARD, M. D., inventor of
The Medical Physical Culture System, and one of
the most successful practitioners in physical cul-
ture in the United States, is a native of London,
England, and comes of a grand lineage, his mother
being the celebrated African traveler.
Dr. de Collard was educated in France, Ger-
many and England, and is a graduate of the Paris
School of Swordsmanship. His system of medical
treatment is known as the "New School System,"
being one of purely outward application of salves
and ointments, which are made by himself from
roots and herbs, called Kasekraut, and the prepara-
tion of which is a secret of his own discovery. So-
successful has he been in the application of this
treatment that, in the past eighteen 3'ears, of the
25,000 patients who have been treated by him he
has not lost a single one by death. The discovery
of this system was brought about by himself in an
attempt to reduce his own weight, which when he
was twenty-two years of age had reached the enorm-
ous proporitons of 302 pounds. He, however, suc-
ceeded in reducing his weight to 168 pounds, and
with astonishing development of muscle. Besides
his office at No. 926 Main street (Cheney building),
Hartford, he has branches in New York, Philadel-
phia, and Bufl:alo, N. Y., being now located per-
manently in the last named city, at No. 439 Dela-
ware avenue.
In addition to his other accomplishments. Dr.
de Collard is a musical composer of distinction,,
and many of his compositions are well known.
Not only does he compose, but he sings as well,
having^a rich voice of great compass and flexibility.
He is also an accomplished linguist, speaking eight
languages fluently, and singing in each, while in
swordsmanship he is well known to excel. As a
remarkabl}' clever penman he may be said to be
without a peer, and a demonstration of the fact
exists in a piece of work, done in pen and ink b}' his
own hand, hanging in his office. It is a copy of the
"Declaration of Independence," written so that each
sentence or word indicates a nerve of the head.
This work -is -done so finely that it is impossible to
read it without the aid of a powerful magnifying
glass, -and what makes it even more remarkable is
the fact that it was done purely from memory, and
without the aid of any drawing or plan !
HON. HENRY NORRIS GALPIN. The
family of the late Mr. Galpin, whose name and mem-
ory are held in high esteem throughout Berlin,
town, is of English descent.
John Galpin, the ancestor in the eighth genera-
tion preceding Henry N., is the progenitor from
whom this branch of the American Galpins claims
descent. He lived and died in England toward the
close of the sixteenth century, but of his ante-
cedents or collateral connections comparatively little
is known. His son, Philip, emigrated from Bristol,
and took up his home in New Haven. From that
point he removed to Stratford, where, in 1646, he
married Elizabeth Smith, who bore him two chil-
dren. The next in line of descent, Samuel Galpin
(the great-great-great-grandfather of Henry Nor-
ris), was born in 1650. He, too, lived in Stratford,
and about 1679 married Elizabeth Peat, of his na-
tive village, by whom he was the father of two
children. One of these, named Calel), was born in
1691, and died Sept. 16, 1753, in Berlin, whither
he removed from Stratford, and where he owned a
farm. On Feb. 24, ■1708, he married Elizabeth
Baldwin, who was, like himself, a native of Strat-
1
r^
fllB ^,
;^ M^,.
4--l^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
465
ford, born Nov. 5, 1693. They were the parents
of eight children, of whom Amos, the great-grand-
father of the gentleman whose name appears at the
head of this memoir, was born Dec. 2, 1723, and
died Oct. 10, 18 15. He married Anna i'atterson,
v/ho was born in 1724, a daughter of Edward Pat-
terson, and died Jan. 20, 1803. Her brothers Ed-
ward and William are believed to have been the
first manufacturers of tinware in the United States.
Their factory was situated in Berlin, on the thor-
oughfare then known as Lower Lane, now West
street. Amos Galpin was a native of Berlin, a
farmer and large land -owner. He was the father
of three children, one of whom, Thomas, was the
grandfather of Henry N. He was born Feb. 6,
1757, and died Nov. 17, 1802. His birthplace is
supposed to have been Berlin, and he is believed to
have built the present Bosworth homestead. On
April 3, 1783, he married Ruth Goodrich, who was
born in 1761, and survived him until July 24, 1843.
Five children were born to them, one of whom,
Norris, was the father of the late Henry Norris
Galpin. Norris Galpin was bcrn in Berlin March
22, 1794, and was in the employ of the Patterson
Tinware Co. He died in New York. His wife,
Hepzibah Wilcox, was born in 1796, and died in
1853. They were married Aug. 19, 1818, and had
but one child, Henry Norris Galpin.
Our subject was born at the lower end of Ber-
lin street, Berlin, Dec. 22, 1820. He enjoyed the
advantages of attendance at the common schools and
academy of his native place, but, his father dying
while he was quite young, he was obliged to begin
the battle of life at a comparatively early age. His
first inclination was to learn the trade of a harness-
maker, and he actually spent some time in acquir-
ing a knowledge of its principles, but finding it
distasteful he abandoned its pursuit to become a
clerk in the store of Edward Wilcox. He filled this
position — under Edward Wilcox and his successor,
Samuel C. Wilcox — until the early '50s, w'hen,
through hard work, prudence and economy, he
found himself able to purchase the business, which
he carried on during the remainder of his life. He
was also the owner of the land where now stands
the home of j\Ir. W^ilcox, but exchanged this with
the latter, in 1861, for land adjoining his store.
Here he purchased the house which is yet occupied
by his widow. In 1861 his store and stock were
destroyed by fire, but he rebuilt and resumed busi-
ness on the same site, and continued to personally
supervise the establishment until his death, which
occurred Dec. 22, 1892, notwithstanding the fact
that during the latter years of his life his health
was enfeebled through partial paralysis, resulting
from a fall in 1883.
The character of JMr. Galpin was one of those
rare combinations of keen business sagacity with
open-hearted, open-handed generosity which are
seldom found. He was a man universally respected
and beloved for his public spirit, his high moral
30
character, and his sympathetic nature. His ears
and his purse were ever open in response to the
necessities of a friend, and his blameless life at once
challenged and defied criticism. An earnest and
sincere Christian, lie was a prominent and consistent
member of the Congregational Church, of which he
was treasurer at the time of his death, and whose
work he generously aided, both by personal effort
and by liberal donations. He was prominent and
influential in both public and commercial affairs.
Prior to i860 he affiliated with the Democratic party,
but the open advocacy of the doctrines of secession
by a wing of that organization drove him into the
fold of the Republicans, with whom he was ever
afterward identified. For many years he was town
auditor, and in 1863. 1880 and 1882 represented
his town in the Legislature. He w-as school treas-
urer of District No. 5, from 1878 until his decease,
and was also a trustee of the Selden school fund.
He was one of the organizers of the Wilcox Ceme-
tery Association, and its first president, an office
w'hich he held until he himself was called away.
In 1845 he received his first commission as post-
master at Berlin, and held the office almost con-
tinuouslv until his death, it being located in his store.
In commercial enterprises of a semi-public nature
he was equally prominent. At the time of his death
he was a director in the Berlin Iron Bridge Co., as
he had been for several years ; and was also vice-
president of the Berlin Savings Bank, an office
which he had held since the organization of the
bank, in 1873. The death of such a citizen naturally
caused wide-spread sorrow- in the community where
his long and useful life had been spent. Faithful
in every relation of public and private life, he left
to his family a memory which is in itself a precious
heritage.
Mr. Galpin was three times married. His first
wife was Tamson Eliza Dowd, of East Berlin, who
was born in 1823, and to whom he was married
June 2^, 1845. The fruit of the union was one
daughter, who died in infancy. The first Mrs.
Galpin died April 26, 1846, and on April 26, 1864,
he married her sister, Harriet A. Dowd, who was
born in 1832, and died July 3, 1865. She had been
a teacher at Temple Grove Seminary, Saratoga, N.
Y., before marriage. A daughter was born of this
union, also, who lived for a little more than twelve
months. Mr. Galpin's third marriage was solemn-
ized Oct. 2, 1867, when he was united to Mrs.
Eliza (Sanford) Booth, of Seymour, Conn., who
was born Dec. 14, 1838. This marriage was blessed
with three children: Mary, born Julv 24, 1868;
Ruth, Dec. 4, 1870; and Helen, May '23, 1879. The
eldest daughter was married, June 24, 1891, to Ern-
est W. Mildrum, of East Berlin, a contractor for
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. Mr. and :Mrs. Mil-
drum have one daughter. Elizabeth, born May 7,
1894. The second daughter, Ruth, who, as did
both her sisters, graduated from the New Britain
high school, lives at home, with her mother. The
466
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
youngest daughter, Helen, is one of the akimnEe of
Temple Grove Seminary, having graduated from
that institution in 1898. She, too, remains at home.
CHExNEY BROTHERS. The growth and ap-
pearance of the village of South 'Alanchester, cred-
ited with being the model manufacturing point in
New England, are due to the energy of the Cheney
Brothers, manufacturers, whose silk mills are the
nucleus around which have clustered the comfortable
residences for operatives and other employes, as
well as churches, schools and other public buildings.
On the north side of the street, extending east;,
from the center of the town, a hundred years ago
were the farms and residences of the brothers Tim-
othy, Benjamin and Silas Cheney. On the south
side of the same street, and west of the north and
south highway, tracts of land were owned by Rich-
ard Pitkin. Near his residence, a mile east of the
Center, was the chief place of business at the time
of the Revolution. Manufacturing enterprises had
an early beginning but a limited development in
this section as compared with others. Timothy
Cheney (as well as his brother Benjamin) was
notable as one of the first clockmakers of New Eng-
land. In those days the usual timepiece was the
noon-mark on the kitchen floor, and clocks were
rare and costlj'. Those made by Timothy Cheney
and his brother had tall carved cherry-wood cases
and wooden works, some of which, after the lapse
of a century, are still keeping good time. In their
workshop John Fitch, whose invention of the steam-
boat antedates that of Fulton, was an apprentice, and
received his first lesson in mechanics.
The manufacturing enterprise of the town of
Manchester most remarkable for its growth is that
of the Cheney Brothers. Near the close of the
last century Timothy Cheney removed to a farm
about a mile south of his former home at the Center,
and, improving the water power, built a sawmill
and gristmill on the stream, and near it the house
yet known in South Manchester as the Cheney
homestead. When he died, in 1795, his son Tim-
othy returned to the former home at the Center.
While George, another son, occupied the latter
house, and there passed his life, an influential citizen
in his generation, as his father had been before
him. George Cheney was married, Oct. 18, 1798,
to Electa Woodbridge, and their children were :
George Wells, John, Charles, Ralph, Seth Wells,
Ward, Rush, Frank, and Electa (wife of Hon.
Richard Goodman, of Lenox, Mass.). Several of
the sons, after the manner of New England boys,
left home in youth to engage in various pursuits.
John and Seth became artists of rare skill and
genius, and gave their energies chiefly to their pro-
fession, but had part in the business enterprises of
their brothers. Seth W. Cheney died, greatly la-
mented, in 1856, at the age of forty-six. Charles
and Ward were for several years merchants in
Providence, Charles later going to Ohio, where he
bought a farm near Cincinnati. The brothers who
remained at home became afterward interested in
experiments in silk culture. In March, 1836, they
budt a small mill known as the Mount Nebo Siik
Aiill, and began the manufacture of sewing silk —
their first venture as silk manufacturers. On the
rise of the morus viiilticanlis speculation Ward,
Frank, Charles, Ralph and Rush Cheney went with
ardor into the culture of mulberry trees, Charles
Cheney conducting his experiments on his farm in
Ohio. The three others took a farm at Burlington,
N. J., where they had nurseries and cocooneries,
and where they published for a year or two The
Silk Grower and Farmers Manual. In 1841, after
the collapse of the speculation throughout the coun-
tr)', the brothers returned to South Manchester
and re-opened the Mount Nebo mill, making sewing
silk from imported raw silk. From this time dates
the steady development of the silk industry. The
next ten years were years of experiment and study
aided by travel and close observation of what had
been done abroad. Fraternal co-operation, natural
ingenuity, and untiring application were the factors
which produced success. In 1855 they made their
first experiments in the production of spun silk
from pierced cocoons, floss, silk waste, and what-
ever silk cannot be reeled. These hitherto almost
waste materials have by special machinery been
spun into fine yarns and woven into beautiful and
durable fabrics. From a small beginning this new
industry, developed by years of patient and costly
experiment, grew to be the specialty of the business.
The present company was incorporated in 1854,
under the name of Cheney Brothers Silk Manu-
facturing Company, with a capital of one million
dollars. During the same year, the growth of the
business requiring a larger number of hands than
could be obtained at that time except in cities, a mill
was built in Hartford, of which Charles Cheney ;
had special charge until 1868, when he returned to!
South Manchester. The original Mount Nebo millj
was a small building, with machinery driven by]
water power, and gave employment to half a dozen!
hands. In place of this has arisen the group of
buildings known as the Old Mill, comprising the
business and other departments, for weaving, dyeing, j
finishing and preparing goods for shipment. InJ
1 87 1 the New Mill (so called) was erected, con-
sisting of four three-story brick buildings, each 250I
feet long, and connected by a common front. The]
Lower Mill is a third group, comprising a large!
carpenter shop and the building formerly used fori
velvet weaving. Near by are also the gas works,!
fot lighting the mills and the whole village. Cheney's!
Hall is a spacious brick building which serves an]
important purpose as a place of meeting for re-
ligious, literary and social occasions. The public
library and reading room, till recently occupying
the basement, have been removed to a building
specially provided. The number of names on the
Cheney pay-rolls has increased from the original
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
half dozen to over 2,800. The mills arc models
of order and convenience in llieir internal arrange-
ments, while their attractive surroundings mani-
fest the same taste and care that appear alike in the
private grounds and residence of the proprietors,
and in the comely cottages and shaded avenues of
the village.
In 1869 the Cheney Brothers built between
South Manchester and North JNIanchester the branch •
railroad connecting with what is now the New Eng-
land railroad. This line, from the date of its open-
ing as the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill road,
in 1850, to the present time, when eight or more
passenger trains each way daily connect the villages
with Hartford, New York, Providence, and Bos-
ton, has been an important factor in the growth of
the town, to which also the branch road has con-
tributed in no small degree.
PATRICK DEVINE. This gentleman, who
spent his early manhood in active business, and
mainly in agricultural pursuits, is now living re-
tired upon his fine farm in West Suffield. A man
of great energy and more than ordinary business
capacity, his success in life is due to his own well-
directed efforts and sound judgment.
Mr. Devine was born in Mohill parish. County
Leitrim, Ireland, JNIarch 20, 1821, and is a son of
Thomas and Ellen (Flynn) Devine, farming people,
■who spent their entire lives in that parish. In
their family were the following children : Bridget,
who died in her native land; Cornelius, who died
in Hartford county, Conn.; Mary, who married
Bernard Byrne; Thomas, who died in Ireland;
Patrick, our subject; Ellen, wife of Robert \'an-
Houten; and Annie, who died in Ireland. The
family were all devout members of the Catholic
Church.
Patrick Devine was educated in the subscrip-
tion schools of his native land, and began life there
as a farmer, remaining with his parents until 1849,
when he went to Berwickshire, Scotland. Shortly
afterward, however, he moved to Liverpool, Eng-
land, and in 1850 left that port on the sailing-ves-
sel "Anna Tift," which reached the harbor of New
York after a voyage of seven weeks. Proceeding
at once to Suffield, Conn., he found employment
on the farm of Isaac Phelon, with whom he re-
mained for five years. During the following eleven
}'ears he worked on the farm of Sydney Kent, and
from there removed to Windsor Locks, where he
spent five years on the farm of James Coogan. Re-
turning to the town of Suffield, in 1872, he bought
the Norman Clark farm of sixty acres in West
Suffield, on which he has made many useful im-
provements which add greatly to its value and at-
tractive appearance. Here he successfully engaged
in tobacco growing, dairying and general farm-
ing until he laid aside business cares to enjoy a
"well-earned rest.
At ^^'indsor Locks, Conn., Alarch 3, 1862, Mr.
Devine was united in marriage with Miss Mary
U'Farrell, who was born in the same parish as our
subject, and they became the parents of ten chil-
dren, four of whom died in infancy. Of the others,
(i) Hilary is now the wife of Martin J. Furey, a
paper manufacturer, and they have had seven ciiil-
dren: Mary R. and Elizabeth E. (twins) ; John
A., who died young; James; Helen; Marguerite,
and Martha. (2) Thomas F. began his education
in the public schools of Sutifield, was graduated from
the Connecticut Literary Institute in 1887, and has
since taught in the public schools and academv at
Southvvick, I^lass., one year, the Suffield public
school one year, and the Warehouse Point school
two years. h\ 1893 he graduated from Holy Cross
College, \\'orcester, Mass., then attended George-
town College, Washington, D. C, in 1893-94, and
was graduated in 1894 with the degree of A. M.
He has since filled the position of principal of the
Bank street school, Waterbury, New Haven Co.,
Conn. He is a young man of culture and refine-
ment and genial disposition, is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and a member of the Independent Order of
[ Foresters. (3) Ellen :M. is at home. (4) Eliza-
beth F. attended the public schools of Suffield, and
I also the Connecticut Literary Institute, where sh.e
was graduated in 1890, and has since engaged in
I teaching: Two years in the Suffield public schools;
four years in Plainville, Conn. ; one term in Water-
bury, and two and one-half years in Manchester.
(5) Martha R. was also educated in the public
schools of Suffield, and in the Connecticut Literarv
Institute, graduating from the latter in 1893, since
which time she has taught in the public schools of
Berlin, Conn., for five years, and at ^\'indsor Locks
two years. (6) John J. is at home. The family
is very intellectual, and one of social prominence
in the community where they reside. They all
hold membership in the Catholic Church, and po-
litically Mr. Devine is identified with the Democratic
party. He is a well-read man. possessing a good
fund of general information, is upright and hon-
orable in all his dealings, and his integrity is un-
questioned.
John O'Farrell, father of ^Irs. Devine, was born
in County Leitrim, Ireland, and was a son of Pat-
rick O'Farrell, a native of the same county, and a
farmer by occupation. The OT-'arrells were quite
prominent in Ireland during the reign of Charles
I of England, but during the days of Cromwell
they suffered many persecutions, and their lands,
now known as Newtown, and owned by Lord
Forbes, were confiscated by Cromwell and his follow-
ers. John O'Farrell was reared in his native coun-
try, and there followed farming for some time after
reaching manhood. He wedded Margaret Shan-
ley, of the same county, a daughter of John Shan-
ley, and to them were born four children, namely :
Patrick, who died unmarried in ^^'indsor Locks,
Conn.; Mary, wife of our subject: Bridget, wife
of Thomas Hancock, of Windsor Locks; and Mar-
468
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
garet, wife of Patrick McGinney, of the same place.
In 1849 Mr. O'Farrell embarked at Liverpool on
a sailing-vessel, which was wrecked two days later
and had to return to land for repairs. Finally,
however, he reached New York in safety, and came
at once to Suffield, Conn., where he engaged in
farming for some time, but later bought a farm at
Windsor Locks and made that place his home un-
til called from this life, in 1895. He was joined
in his new home by his wife and children, in 1855,
and here the former died in 1886, the remains of
both being interred in the Catholic cemetery at
Windsor Locks. The family were all connected
with the Catholic Church, and Mr. O'Farrell was
a stalwart Democrat in politics.
HON. HENRY TOLLES, a prominent resi-
dent of New Britain, well deserves to be called one
of the pioneers of the lock industry, as his skill
and energy have been the main factors in organiz-
ing and maintaining the work of several factories
now widely known to the trade in that connection.
In taking an active and influential part in the vari-
ous progressive movements of the locality he has
also shown a public spirit which is worthy of emu-
lation, and the story of his life will be read with
especial interest.
Mr. Tolles is a descendant of an old English
family, and his ancestors came to Connecticut at
an early date, his great-grandfather having been a
resident of Woodbridge. Lyman Tolles, his grand-
father, was born in Woodbridge, Conn., and became
a successful farmer, settling at Jr^lymouth, Litch-
field county. As a citizen he was held in high es-
teem, and for many years he was prominent
in St. Peter's Episcopal Church, at Plymouth, in
which his sons were also active members. Orris and
Nathan serving as vestrymen, and Zenas and Ly-
man, Jr., in other official positions. His wife was
Massie Russell. Of their five children, our subject's
father. Orris Tolles, was the eldest. (2) Sally mar-
ried a Mr. Horton, and went to Ohio. (3) Nathan,
born Jan. 23, 1795, resided in Plymouth during the
greater part of his life, but died in Nw Britain.
On Dec. 17, 1823, he married Pattie Jorden, who
was born April 30, 1800, and died in 1866. (4) Ly-
man lived and died in Plymouth. (5) Zenas lived
and died on the homestead, and was one of the prom-
inent men of the town, serving as selectman and a
member of the oldtime militia.
Orris Tolles was born in Plymouth Feb. 22,
1793, and became a clock-maker by occupation, he
and his brother Nathan being employed for many
years by Hoadly & Thomas, and then by Seth
Thomas. He also owned a farm of 100 acres at
Plymouth (now Thomaston), and by his thrifty
management accumulated a fine competence. He
removed to New Britain, and died there Dec. 19,
1863. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. On
Dec. 19, 1815, he married Hannah Jorden, and
they had the following children : Harriet, born
Sept. 24, 1816, married Riley Hine, and died Nov.
12, 1845. George, born Jan. 13, 1819, died in 1896,
at Indianapolis, Ind. ; he married Catherine Wright,
and settled in Indiana, where he was Hving re-
tired at the time of his death. Henry, our subject,
was third in the order of birth. Martha, born
April 4, 1828, died Aug. 27, 1828. John, born
Feb. 7, 1830, was a mechanic in Russell & Erwin's
factory at New Britain, and died May i, 1888. Ho-
bart, born May 4, 1832, died March 8, 1848. Ed-
win, born Nov. 29, 1834, died Jan. 24, 1836. Mary,
born Feb. i, 1837, married Marcellus Clark (now
deceased), and now resides in Plainville, Conn.;
Mr. Clark was at one time a member of the Con-
necticut Legislature, and for twenty years was post-
master at New Britain, being retained through sev-
eral Republican administrations, notwithstanding
his affiliation with the Democrats.
Our subject's mother belonged to a well-known
family of Huntington, Conn. Her father, Elijah
J. Jorden, who was born in 1745, died in March,
1825, and his wife, Hannah Curtis, was born July
12, 1745, and died Aug. 18, 1836, at the advanced
age of ninety-one years. This worthy couple had
a large family of children : Timothy, born Feb. 5,
1766; Sally, April i, 1768; David, July 12, 1770;
EHza, July 12, 1772; Miles, May 19, 1774; Samuel,
July 10, 1776; Polly, Nov. 8, 1778 (died Aug. 13,
1780) ; Isaac, March 10, 1781 (died Sept. 12, 1797) ;
Hannah, June 2, 1783 (died June 16, 1854) ; Ed-
mund, Aug. 8, 1788; Polly, April 13, 1790; Curtis,,
June 29, 1793.
Henry Tolles was born Jan. 2, 1822, at the old
home in Plymouth, and educated mainly in the pub- ;
lie schools of that town, with one term in the acad-
emy. For some years he attended only during the i
winter season, but he managed to secure a good ]
practical education, to which he has added by con- ,
stant reading on current topics, having been a sub-
scriber to the Hartford Times for fifty years. A^
eighteen he left school, and at nineteen he founcB
employment in a wood-turning factory, where he
worked for about six years. The next seven years
he spent in Unionville, town of Farmington, and
in the fall of 1848 he removed to New Britain,
taking a position in the lock department of North
& Stanley, with whom he remained until the firm
was merged into the Russell & Erwin Manufactur-
ing Co. After spending some time as an operator
he became a contractor, in partnership with the
late H. M. Dates, their business employing about
125 men. On leaving this factory Mr. Tolles re-
mained out of business for two or three years, when
he was engaged at a handsome salary by P. & F.
Corbin to start their lock department. After six-
teen years with this firm he went to New Haven, to
organize a similar department for J. B. Sargeant
& Co., remaining about three years, and since 1886
he has been living in retirement in New Britain.
From early manhood he has been interested in poli-
tics, and until 1896 he was a stanch Democrat. In
^€^'
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
469
1861 ho served as a member of the Connecticut
Legislature, being on the committee on New Towns
and I'robate Districts, and at times he has held local
offices, including those of assessor, member of the
board of relief, alderman, and councilman from the
Third ward of New Britain. In 1889 he was street
conimissionef of that town, and for six years past
lie has been park commissioner. He is a leading
member of the Episcopal Church at New Britain,
in which he has served as vestryman and warden,
and for many years he has been active in the work
of the Masonic Fraternity. For six years he was
master of Harmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M.,
and after the organization of Centennial Lodge he
served it six years in the same rank ; he also belongs
I to Giddings Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M. ; Doric
I Council, R. & S. M., in which he was high priest
for six years ; and Washington Commandery, No.
I, K. T., at Hartford.
j On Dec. 15, 1842, Mr. Tolles married Miss
I Fanny Kimberley, who was born Jan. 28, 1824, and
died Alarch 19, 1850. On March 26, 1852, he mar-
ried Miss Ellen Ford, born Jan. 21, 1821, died Feb.
7, 1891. By his first marriage he had three chil-
dren: Ellen, born Feb. 7, 1844, "ow the wife of
Alfred Finch, of New Britain, agent for the charity
organization; Edwin, born Jan. 12, 1846, now in
the wholesale cloth business in Hartford ; and Ade-
laide, born Aug. i, 1848, who married (first) Will-
iam H. Porter, of Bristol, Conn.; and (second)
Edward Alpress, a machinist of New Britain. By
his second marriage JNlr. Tolles had one son, Will-
iam H., born Aug. 19, 1855, who died Sept. 4, of the
same year.
SAjNIUEL AUSTIN GARDNER, of Burnside,
was born in Manchester, Hartford Co., Conn., June
28, 1858, and descends from one of the old Colonial
families of New England. The first of the name
in Connecticut was Stephen Gardner, who was
among the early settlers of New London, and un-
doubtedly came from Rhode Island. He bought a
large tract of land near the "Great Pond" (after-
ward named Gardner's Lake), and married Amy
Sherman, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah
(Money) Sherman, who was born Oct. 25, 1681.
They had twelve children, born in the following
order: Amj', June 13, 1701 ; Lydia, Oct. 10, 1702;
Stephen, Feb. 24, 1704; Benjamin, April 18, 1706;
Peregrine, Jan. 24, 1707; Daniel, Dec. 14, 1709;
>Sarah, Oct. 25, 171 1 ; Hannah, May 2, 1713; Mehit-
,'able, ]May 22, 1715; Abigail, July 9, 1717; David,
June 28, 1720; and Jonadian, April 18, 1724.
I Jonathan Gardner, the youngest of this family,
[first married Mary Haughton, and after her death
! married Abia Fitch, twin daughter of David F.
|and Sarah (Sherwood) Fitch. To the latter mar-
.riage were born four children: Amy, in 1754;
Mary, in 1756; Jonathan, Dec. 2, 1758; and Lucy,
in 1760.
Jonathan Gardner (2), born in 1758, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was at New
York when the British took possession of that city,
but was on detail duty, which prevented his taking
part in combats, yet he was an eyewitness of the
battle at White Plains. He married Jerusha Hyde
Stark, Jan. 22, 1783, three children being born to
tl'.em : jerusha, Nov. 21, 1783 ; Mary, Jan. 10, 1786;
and Roderick, July 20, 1788.
Roderick Gardner was a farmer and an exten-
sive land owner, lived near Gardner's Lake, and
married Amy Miner, a native of Lyme, May 23,
1813. She bore her husband twelve children, as
follows: Dyer Hyde, Feb. 11, 1814; Ulysses S.,
Dec. 16, 1815; Ad'olphus AL, Aug. 10, 1817; An-
drew J., Feb. 20, 1819; Russell S., Dec. 16, 1820;
Lucius L., Aug. 31, 1822; Mary M., Oct. 10, i8-'4;
Austin, July 2, 1826; Anson, May 19, 1829; Al-
bert A., Aug. 20, 1831 ; Emma E., Aug. 24, 1833;
and Elisha M., July 13, 1836. Roderick Gardner,
father of these children, and grandfather of our
subject, was a pensioner of the war of 1812. He
represented his town, Bozrah, in the State Legis-
lature, when it met in Hartford, in 1830. His death
took place Jan. i, 1849, ^""^ that of his widow
March 6, 1866, the remains of both being interred
in New London county.
Austin Gardner, father of our subject, was bom
near Gardner's Lake, and was educated in the local
district school. East Greenwich Academy and Wes-
leyan University. He learned the trade of paint-
ing, and after his father's death he taught school
in the Carolinas, where he met and married Miss
Emily Jane Baker, a native of Benson, \'t., and also
a teacher. Returning to the North he taught in
Manchester Center, near the soldiers' monument,
and afterward went-through a course of theological
instruction in the seminary at East Windsor Hill.
His first charge was at West Granville, Mass. ;
thence he went to Jenksville, Mass., and founded
a church; was next at Canton Center, Conn., four
years ; then three years at West Suffield ; later was
pastor of the Congregational Church at Bucking-
ham for fourteen years ; spent eight years at War-
ren; and is now at Ashford, having thus filled out
forty years in the ministry, in the pulpit each Sun-
day, with but two exceptions. To his marriage
with Miss Baker five children have been born:
Dwight B., a manufacturer in Chicago, 111. ; Gene-
vieve Theresa, at home ; Samuel A., the subject of
this notice ; Harry D. J. ;■ and Frederick R., who
died in childhood. The fourth of this family. Harry
D. J., was a minister of the Gospel, and was about
to go to Natal as a missionary for the American
Board when he was suddenly taken ill, and died
Nov. 27, 1888, almost on the eve of his wedding.
Samuel Austin Gardner was born while his fa-
ther was teaching school in Manchester, and shortly
after his birth his parents removed to East Wind-
sor Hill, where his early boyhood years were passed.
He attended the district schools at West Suffield,
Canton Center and Ludlow Mills, and when fifteen
470
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years of age started in life on his own account.
His first experience was in a store at Suffield, and
he was later engaged in Springfield, Mass., as a
clerk for J. S. Marsh & Son, grocers, for several
3ears ; he next taught school, then came to Burn-
side, and for several years was employed in the store
of H. T. Hart. He was next employed as a
traveling salesman for W. & B. Douglass, pump
manufacturers of Middletown, and while in their
employ traveled throughout the West. In 1891
he entered into the oil business, and remained in
it for about nine years. At one time he was presi-
dent of the Otto Miller Co., of Chicago. Since dis-
posing of his oil business he has busied himself
with looking after and dealing in real estate and
investments.
Mr. Gardner was joined in marriage. May 20,
1880, with Miss Mary E. Fisk, who was born March
2, 1859, a daughter of D. C. and Mary (Clark)
Fisk, of Springfield, Mass., and the marriage has
been graced with three children: Harold Irving,
born Jan. 24, 1882, who is now at Yale University;
Amy Louise, born Oct. 30, 1883, who is a student
at Northfield Seminary ; and Linda Baker, born
Sept. 13, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are mem-
bers of the Burnside Methodist^ Episcopal Church,
of which Mr. Gardner is a trustee. In politics he
is a Republican in National affairs, but in local
issues he is independent, and votes for the can-
didate best suited, in his opinion, to fill the office.
Fraternally he is a member of Crescent Lodge,
No. 25, I. O. O. F., of East Hartford, and of La-
fayette Council, No. 37, O. U. A. M., of East Hart-
ford. As a citizen and business man he is univers-
ally respected, and in social circles he and wife hold
a most enviable station.
HON. L. MULLALEY, Jr. Few men in this
section have shown as marked capacity for business
as has this young and enterprising merchant of
Windsor who has built up the largest, general trade
of that locality. Nor has his financial success been
gained at the expense of other interests, as he has
found time to help forward many important public
movements and has become a recognized power in
local politics. His friends and adherents are to be
found among people of all parties and creeds,
his wide popularity being due to his genuine worth
as a man and citizen rather than to an effort on his
part to be the leader of a -faction. The story of his
life, involving a gradual rise from poverty to afflu-
ence, can not fail to be of interest.
Born in Windsor, Sept. 16, 1861, he is of Irish
ancestry, a fact of which his ready generosity and
warm-hearted sympathy give abundant indications.
His grandfather, John Mullaley, a large cattle dealer
in County Galway, Ireland, married Margaret Houli-
han, and reared a large family of children, none
of whom are now living. One of the sons, John,
died in Wisconsin, in March, 1897. Lawrence Mul-
laley, Sr., our subject's father, was born Dec. 23,
1825, in County Galway, where he grew to manhood
and married Miss Margaret Dooley, a native of the
same county. In 185 1 he came to the United States
in a sailing-vessel, the voyage between Liverpool
and New York requiring many weeks. He had
already gained some knowledge of the tanner's trade
and on his arrival in this country came immediately
to Windsor to take a position in Henry Halsey's
tannery. At that time but few of his nationality
had ever visited this section, and he and his family
were regarded with some curiosity, but his sterling
Cjualities of character soon won the respect of the
citizens. By her careful economy his estimable
wife aided him in his purpose to better his condition
in life, and, as he was industrious, he was able after
a time to buy a comfortable home at Windsor, Conn.,
where his last years were spent in agricultural pur-
suits. While he was not a politician, he affiliated
with the Democratic party, and was always keenly
interested in its success. His wife died April 25,
1898, and he survived her but a few months, dying
Aug. 25 1898, and their remains now rest in the
cemetery at Blue Hills. Of their aight children six
lived to adult age, our subject being third in the
order of birth.
As a boy our subject attended school in Wind-
sor, his studies in the common schools being supple-
mented by a course in the academy. His spare
time was spent in work on the home farm, but as he
had strong inclinations toward mercantile life he at
the age of sixteen secured a position as a clerk in
M. D. Murphy's store at Windsor. Later he was
employed in a similar capacity by D. W. Phelps and
the firm of Clark & Welch, of that town, but on
being offered a position in a railroad office in Omaha,
he resigned, thinking the change would be desirable.
His parents objected to his gomg so far from home,
and in deference to their wishes he gave up his
plan, determining to engage in business on his own
account, and early in the eighties he established his
present general store. He carries on a credit busi-
ness, and at times has lost heavily, but this is to be
attributed to a generous nature rather than to any
lack of sagacity, as it has always been difficult for
him to refuse a favor. He has gained a substantial
competence, and in 1894 he built a fine brick resi-
dence, one of the best in the village. His wife, who
was formerly Miss Maggie C. Kennan, is a daugh-
ter of John Kennan, an esteemed resident of Wind-
sor Locks. Two children brighten their home, \\ ill-
iam and Ritter. Mr. and Mrs. Mullaley are prom-
inent in religious work as members of St. Gabriel'.'?
Catholic Church at Windsor, and this sketch would
not be complete without a further mention of our
subject's influence in political fields. From early
manhood he has been an ardent Democrat, and his
sound advice has been valued in the party councils, j
but he did not consent to enter the arena as a candi- !
date until he was nominated by his party as a rep- I
resentative in the Legislature. The usual vote of
the town gives over one hundred Republican plu- 1
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
471
rality, yet lie was clcftcd by a pluralit)- of sixty-four,
being the first Democrat chosen to that oitice in the
town in more than twelve years. Un Uct. 17, 1900,
he was electetl for senator in the Third district of the
old town of W'intlsor, Connecticut.
JAMES A. GRISWOLD. Inthcruralcommuni-
ties of Connecticut a higii type of citizenship has
always prevailed, and the subject of this sketch, a
leading resident of East Granijy, Hartford county,
is a typical representative of the intelligent, progres-
sive and public-spirited farmer. His home gives
evidence of taste and ju licious use of ample means,
and the "whole-souled" hosintality of Mr. Griswold
and his wife makes it a center for a large circle of
friends, w-hile in local ati'airs he exerts a recognized
influence.
The Ciriswold family has been prominent in
Hartford county from an early date, our subject's
ancestors having been identified with the town of
Windsor previous to its organization. James A.
Griswold is of the fifth generation in direct descent
from Elijah Griswold. Levi Griswold, his son, the
great-grandfather of our subject, resided in Windsor.
Hiram Griswold, our subject's grandfather, was
born and reared in ^\'indsor, and settled upon his
homestead at Poquonock, where lie engagetl in the
blacksmith's trade in connection with the cultivation
of his farm. The place was unimproved, and he
built the farm buildings, as well as the shop in which i
he carried on his trade. He was a resolute, quick-
tempered, outspoken man, but generous" and ready
to forgive, and his friends were numbered b_v the
score. In religious faith he was a Universalist, and
politically Vie hekl firmly to the Democratic party,
often declaring that he would stand by it if no
other adherent could be found in the L^nited States.
Among the offices in which he served was that of
selectman, and for eight years he was constable of
his town, while during his several }'ears as tax col-
lector no one dreamed of requiring a bond, so com-
plete was the confidence of the public in his integ-
rity. Ele died at the advanced age of eighty years,
and his remains now rest in the town of Windsor,
beside those of his second wife. By his first wife,
Esther (Bates), he had one son, James ]Monroe,
our subject's father. His second wife, Hannah
(Stanley), who died at the age of seventy-one years,
was a daughter of Roswell Stanley. They had a
large family of children, of whom the following
lived to adult age : Esther, widow of John A.
I'.rucc, of Bridgeport, Conn.; Hudson N., a farmer
. of Windsor ; Julia, widow of James Yeomans, of
Centerville, S. Dak.; George EL, of Windsor; and
Edgar W., a druggist of Centerville, South Da-
kota.
James Monroe Griswold was born Aug. 11, 1818,
and as he was but six years old when his mother
died, he was taken to the home of his aunt, Lucinda
Bates, with whom he remained, inheriting her farm
of 160 acres. His education was obtained in the
local schools, and from early manhood he was en-
gaged in agricultural [uirsuits, in which he was
very successful. His attention was largely devoted
to stock raising and tobacco growing, and he was
one of the first in his locality to cultivate the latter
crop. The improvements made by him upon the
estate were of a substantial nature, including good
barns, and his enterprise and thrift were shown in
numerous ways. Politically ho was a Democrat ;
his wife was a devout member of the Congrega-
tional Church. His death occurred May 28, 1852,
from brain fever, and his remains rest in East
Granby cemetery. He married Miss Catharine
I'helps, who was born March 7, 1816, in Granby
(now East Granby), the daughter of Gaylord
Phelps, a well-to-do farmer, and they had three
children : ;\Iary, wife of George Whiton, of Haz-
ardville, this county; Sarah (deceased), who mar-
ried Dr. E. E. Case, of Hartford; and James A.,
our subject. The mother married (second) R. M.
Weller, of Hartford, but her last days were spent
at the homestead of our subject, where she died
March 16, 1875.
James A. Griswold was born Feb. 18, 1848, on
the homestead where he now resides, and as he was
but a boy when his father died his mother's gentle
influence was the main factor in his early training.
His course of study in the public schools of the
town was supplemented by an attendance at the
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, and since
leaving school he has devoted his time to the man-
agement of his farm, a fine estate, now comprising
about one hundred acres. He is one of the leading
tobacco growers of the town, and as a general farmer
has met with marked success, being thoroughly prac-
tical and scientific in his methods. In politics he is
a Democrat "dyed in the wool," and while he does
not crave for official honors he has served two terms
as tax collector. For many years he has been active
in the work of the East Granby Grange, in which
he holds the office of chaplain.
In 1875 Mr. Griswold was married, in Suffield,
to Miss Sarah E.Warner, and four clever and attrac-
tive children have blessed the union : Miss Frances C.
and iliss Martha E. Griswold are successful teach-
ers ; and Emily W. and Ethel S. are at home, the
latter being still in school. The family are identi-
fied with the Congregational Church at East Granby,
and with the best social circles of the neighborhood.
Mrs. Griswold, whose refinement and amiability are
reflected in her daughters, is well-educated, and her
mental gifts and strength of character give her
much influence among her associates. She was
born in Suffield, and belongs to an old and respected
family of that town, being one of three children
born to William W. and Emily L. (Phelps ) \\'arner,
natives of Suffield, wdiere both spent their entire
lives. Mrs. Warner died Jan. 19, 1859, and Mr.
Warner passed away Jan. 4, 1873. Further men-
tion is made of the family in the sketch of Isaac
W^ Warner, elsewhere.
472
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
NORRIS BAILEY, a prominent citizen of New
Britain, was the first to establish a regular cloth-
ier's business in that city, and for many years he
has been a leading business man of that locality.
He attributes his success to his close attention to
business and his prudent, conservative management,
and his sound judgment is often called into the ser-
vice of others as administrator and executor in the
settlement of estates.
Mr. Bailey has maintained his health and vigor
beyond the age at which most men retire. He was
born March 8, 1822. He comes of good old Colo-
nial stock, his ancestors having settled in Connecti-
cut at an early day, and his grandfather, Caleb
Bailey, was born in Haddam, Conn., son of Caleb
Bailey (i). In early life he was a farmer. He
was an active, energetic man, prominent in local
affairs, and was a soldier during the Revolution-
ary war, enlisting at the age of sixteen. He was
captured and imprisoned on board the noted "Jer-
sey" prison ship, but near the close of the war he
was stricken with yellow fever and taken on shore,
with two others, to die. Strange to say, he re-
covered, and in his later years he received a pension
from the United States Government in recognition
of his services. He married a Miss Tewell, of
Middletown, and had three children : Horace ; Al-
fred ; and Almira, who married William Bowers.
Horace Bailey, our subject's father, was born
Jan. 20, 1795, in Cromwell, Conn., where he grew
to manhood. As a young man he engaged in busi-
ness as a butcher in Middletown, but his last years
were spent upon a small farm at Berlin. As a
business man he was successful, while his public
spirit made him a valued citizen. In religious
faith he was a Baptist, and politically he affiliated
with the Democratic party, although never espe-
cially active in partisan work. His death occurred
Dec. 24, 1867, when he was aged seventy- two, and
his wife, Mary Bunnell, who was born Oct. 21, 1794,
died July 7, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. She was
a member of an old and well-known family of South-
ington. To Horace and Mary Bailey the following-
children were born: Aurelia A., born Nov. 22,
1815, married Eli B. Kelsey, of East Berlin, Conn.,
and died March 3, 1871 ; Norris, our subject, is
mentioned more fully below ; Horace, twin of our
subject, was born March 8, 1822, and engaged in
business as a butcher and later as a liver)rman in
New Britain, where he died Dec. 19, 1888; Amariah
C, born Oct. 22, 1828, was a farmer in East Ber-
lin, where he died April 4, 1896.
Our subject was born at Middletown, then called
Newfield, and was educated in the district schools
of East Berlin town, Hartford county, his attend-
ance being limited to the winter season as he grew
older. At sixteen he left school altogether, and be-
gan to learn the tailor's trade with Timothy Board-
man, on Berlin street, Berlin, with whom he re-
mained five years as an apprentice. In 1843 he
v>'ent into business in Bristol, continuing about a
year and a half. About 1845 he located in New
Britain and opened a store in partnership with
David Webster, under the firm name of Webster
& Bailey. This was the first clothing store in New
Britain. Later A. P. Collins joined the firm, which
became Webster, Bailey & Co., and on the death
of Mr. Webster it became Bailey & Collins. The
business was first conducted at the site of Mr.
Damon's present store, but the firm bought the block
known as Booth's Corner, which they held for some
time. In 1872 Mr. Bailey sold his interest, and he
has since engaged in no regular business, although
for about five years he was president and treasurer
of the Woven Wire Bed Co., of New Britain. Po-
litically he is a steadfast Republican, but he has not
sought or held office. For forty-five years he has
been a member of the Episcopal Church, and in
former vears he was an active worker in the I. O.
O. F.
On Sept. 26, 1843, Mr. Bailey married Miss
Cornelia L. Parmelee, daughter of Nathaniel Parme-
lee, of East Berlin. She died May 19, 1848, and
none of the children of this union lived to maturity.
On April i, 1849, Mr. Bailey married Roxey D.
Bulkeley, daughter of William Bulkeley, of Berlin.
She died April 16, 1883, leaving no children, and
he was married Sept. 30, 1886, to Miss Ella L. Fow-
ler, daughter of Richard Fowler, of New Haven,
Conn., who was killed in the battle of Fredericks-
burg.
OLIVER CROMWELL TULLER. To the
visitor of Simsbury town who is interested in pic-
turesque beauty, and in the indexes of prosperity,
the broad acres of the successful merchant and farmer
whose name appears above, and his imposing resi-
dence, would doubtless be pointed out. Mr. Tuller
is one of the largest land owners in the town. He
conducted for many years a successful mercantile
business, and is among the foremost of the town in
enterprise and progressive thrift. He was born at
West Simsbury Nov. 26, 1844.
The Tuller family are among the oldest citizens
of Simsbury, and are numbered among its best peo-
ple. Our subject is of the sixth generation from
John Tuller, or Tulloe, who was the first of that
name in Hartford county. The line of descent is
as follows :
(II) Jacob Tuller, son of John Tuller, was born
in Simsbury May 22, 1694. He married, Jan. 27,
1 72 1, Mary Moses, and settled in East Weatogue,
where he engaged in farming. His four children
were: Mary, born Jan. 16, 1723-24; Elisha, born
Feb. 22, 1726; and Sarah and Jacob, twins, born
Aug. 13, 1727.
(III) Elisha Tuller, son of Jacob and Mary
(Moses) Tuller, was through life a farmer of
West Simsbury. He married Sarah Case, daugh-
ter of Jacob Case. He removed in 1768 to Case's
farm, in West Simsbury, where he remained until
his death, Feb. 7, 1814. His wife died Dec. 20,
P
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
473
1798. Their eight children were as follows : Sarah,
born Nov. 24, 1752, married I'hineas Case; Elijah,
born I'Y'b. 20, 1754, died in infancy; Elijah, born
^larch 21, 1757, married I'olly Eno April 30, 1782,
and died Jan. 29, 1819; Joel, born Nov. 15, 1758,
married Dec. 22, 1787, Mary, daughter of Noah
Case, and died Jan. 22, 1826; Rosana, born Jan.
31, 1763, married Daniel Olmstead ; Abigail, born
in 1767, married Thomas Case (3), and died Jan.
zy, 1844; Asaph, grandfather of our subject, was
born in 1774, and died Nov. 5, 1853; Lettice mar-
ried Jerdiah Case.
(iV) Asaph Tuller, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a farmer and stock raiser of Simsbury.
He married Ruth Case, daughter of Bartholomew
Case, and to them were born the following children :
Amelia, who married Thomas \'ining; Electa, who
married David Reed; Serena, who married Dwight
Leonard; Orsmond; Ruth, who married Judson
Wilcox ; Homer, who died unmarried ; Delinda,
who married George Vining; Jeremiah, father of
our subject; Nancy, who married Sylvanus Sex-
ton, and Harriet, who died young. For his second
wife Asaph Tuller married Rhoda Hart.
(\') Jeremiah Tuller, the father of our subject,
was born on a farm in West Simsbury in 1808.
He acquired a good education, and followed farm-
ing all his life in West Simsbury, where he was
a land owner, and was also engaged as a manu-
facturer. He was elected to the State Legislature
at New Haven, and locally he served as selectman
and filled manj' other offices. He was also a colonel
in the State militia. He died on the farm in West
Simsbury in 1872, and was buried in Simsbury.
He was liberal in church views, and attended the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He married, Jan.
25, 1832, Luranna E. Phelps, a native of East
Weatogue, and a representative of one of the oldest
families in the State of Connecticut, being a daugh-
ter of Oliver C. Phelps, and great-granddaughter
of Lieut. David Phelps, of Simsbury. William
Phelps, the first who settled in America, was a na-
tive of Somersetshire, or Dorsetshire, England.
He settled in Windsor. His son Joseph was born
about 1629 in England. He married, Sept. 20,
1660, Hannah, daughter of Roger Newton, and
sister of John Newton. She died in Simsbury
in 1675. The children of Joseph and Hannah
Phelps were Joseph, born Aug. 20, 1667 ; Hannah,
born Feb. 2, 1669, who died young; Timothy,
•born in 1671 ; Sarah, born in 1672, who married
John Hill ; and William, born in 1674, who died
Oct. 8, 1689. Joseph married for his second wife,
Jan. 9, 1676, Mary Salmon, widow of Thomas
Salmon. He was made a freeman in 1664, and died
in 1684 at Simsbury, where he was buried.
Joseph Phelps, his son, born in Simsbury, en-
gaged in farming. He represented the town of
Simsbury in the General Assembly in 1709 and
1727. He married first i\Iary Collier, who died in
1697, and for his second wife Sarah, daughter of
John and Sarah (Spencer) Case, Nov. 9, 1699.
She was born Aug. 14, 1676, and died May 2, 1704.
For his third wife he married Mary Case, daughter
of Richard and Elizabeth Case. He died Jan.
20, 1750. The children of Joseph Phelps by his
first wife were Joseph, born Oct. 9, 1689; Hannah,
born Oct. 25, 1693, who married Samuel Humphrey;
Mary, born Oct. 17, 1696, who died Jan. 9,
1713. Uy his second wife the children of Joseph
Phelps were Sarah, born Aug. 11, 1700, who died
Jan. 14, 1714; and Damaris, born jNIarch 5, 1703,
who married John i\lills. By his third wife his
children were John, born Feb. 14, 1707, who died
Jan. 5, 1713; Amos, born in 1708, who married Sarah
Pettibone; Elizabeth, born April 7, 1709, who mar-
ried July 23, 1725, Daniel Hoskins ; and David, born
in 1710.
David Phelps, born in i/io, in Simsbury, was an
ensign and later a lieutenant in the militia. On
April 25, 1731, he married Abigail Pettibone, who
married for her second husband Deacon David
Strong, of Bolton, Conn. David died April 9,
1760. The children of David and Abigail Phelps
were David, born j\lay 7, 1732, died in July, 1732;
David, born March 26, 1733; Abigail, born Nov. 5,
1735, married Edward Griswold, and for her second
husband Deacon Amasa Case ; Elisha, born
Oct. 17, 1737; Noah, born Jan. 22, 1740; Rachel,
born Dec. 11, 1741, married David Humphrey, of
Simsbury; Ruth, born Sept. 15, 1743, married Jonah
Case; Sarah, born Oct. 15, 1745; Susannah, born
Jan. 4, 1748, married William Nash ; and Lois, born
March 4, 1750, married Samuel Hayden, of Har-
winton, Connecticut.
David Phelps, born ^larch 26, 1733, was a sol-
dier during the Revolution. He died in Simsbury.
He married for his first wife, April 7, 1753, Abigail
Griswold, born at Windsor May 6, 1732, died May
16, 1795. For his second wife he married Harriet,
widow of Sergt. Noah Humphrey. The children
born to David and Abigail Phelps were : Abigail,
born Nov. 16, 1754, married Jared Merrill; Ozias,
born i\Iay I, 1756, married Sally Judson; David,
born Nov. 13, 1759, married Asenath Humphrey;
Elizabeth, twin of David, married Samuel Terey;
Rhoda, born Sept. 22, 1765, married Abel Tilley;
Roswell, born Oct. 31, 1767, married Dorcas Petti-
bone ; Alexander, born Feb. 26, 1769 : Susanna, born
Dec. 27, 1773, married Frederick Phelps; Oliver
Cromwell, born Dec. 22, 1774, married Susan En-
sign, of Simsbury, and they were tlie parents 0/
Mrs. Luranna E. (Phelps) Tuller.
The children born to Jeremiah and Luranna E.
(Phelps) Tuller were as follows: Asaph (de-
ceased) ; Cornelia, who married Jarvis Harrington,
of Collinsville, Conn., and is now deceased; Georgie
(deceased) was the wife of Charles Raymond, of
New York; Phelps (deceased), who married Lizzie
M. Bulkley (deceased'): Oliver C, our subject;
Hattie, who married Joseph Layton, of Providence,
R. L The mother died at the home of our subject.
474
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at the age of eighty-nine years. She was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a devout
Christian, a woman of education, in earlier life a
school teacher, a good mother and wife, and of high
moral character.
Our subject attended the district schools of West
Simsbur)', also the New Britain high school. He
was reared on the home farm in West Simsbury,
and when a young man he embarked in the mercan-
tile business in West Simsbury in partnership with
his brother under the name of Tuller Brothers. The
business was most profitabl}^ conducted until the
death of his brother, after which our subject sold
his interest and has since engaged extensively in
dairy and general farming and tobacco growing.
Mr. Tuller is the owner of 500 acres of land, and is
one of the largest land holders in Simsbury. He is
a stockholder in the Simsbury Creamery. He has
made many improvements on his farm, and has re-
modeled his home, which is one of the finest in West
Simsbury.
Mr. Tuller married, in 1884, at Stamford, Conn.,
Julia Dibble, a native of that city, daughter of Capt.
William Henry Dibble. She was educated in the
district schools and in the high schools of Stam-
ford, the State Normal School at New Britain, and
also the State Normal School at New York City, and
was a successful school teacher, for two years teach-
ing in West Simsbury. Mrs. Tuller is a member
of the Daughters of the American Revolution,
Abigail Phelps Chapter, Simsbury, a lady of refine-
ment and culture, and devoted to her home and
family. She is a consistent member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
Capt. William Henry Dibble, her father, was
born in New York City April 20, 1820, son of David
Dibble, and grandson of John Dibble, who was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and lived in Fair-
field county. Conn. The Dibble family was one of
the oldest in Darien, Fairfield county. John, Dibble
died there in 1646, leaving two sons, Samuel and
Zachariah Dibble. For two and a half centuries the
family has been prominent in the local history of
Darien. David, the father of Capt. Dibble, was
born in Darien, Fairfield Co., Conn., and removed
to New York City, where he was employed on mu-
nicipal work. He died in New York in 1826, and
was buried there. In politics he was a Democrat.
He married Margaret Smoke, who bore him four
children : David ; Mary, who married Joseph Haii-
nabel ; John and Capt. William H.
Capt. Dibble, from early boyhood, was engaged
in coasting in the local trade, and at the age of
twenty-one he was captain oi. a coaster along the
Atlantic. For twelve years he commanded a vessel,
after which he returned to Stamford, Fairfield Co.,
Conn., where he engaged in farming. In June,
1862, he enlisted at Stamford in Company B, 17th
Conn. V. I., under Col. Noble and Capt. Hobbie,
and participated in several engagements. He was
discharged in 1864, and returned home. For the
past thirty years he has been blind, losing his eye-
sight as the effect of injuries sustained during his
army life, and since 1894 he has made his home
at the residence of Oliver C. Tuller, West Sims-
bury. Capt. Dibble married, in New York City,
Harriet N. Lockwood, daughter of Josiah A. Lock-
wood, and to them six children were born, as fol-
lows : Harriet, who married Daniel Hall, of Ver-
mont, and is now deceased; William Henry, of
Stamford; Julia, wife of Oliver C. Tuller, our sub-
ject; Josiah, of Denver, Colo.; Mary, who married
Louis J. Fox and is now deceased ; and Martha, de-
ceased. The wife of Capt. Dibble died in 1895 at
West Simsbury, and was buried in Stamford. In
politics the Captain is a Republican.
To Oliver C. Tuller and wife have been born
five children : Oliver, William, Martiemae, Ray-
inond and David. In politics Mr. Tuller is a Demo-
crat. He is liberal in church views, and is a man of
intelligence, good judgment and success. He is
genial, well known, popular, and in general ability
and public spirit is among the foremost citizens of
Simsbury.
JULIUS WILCOX BURR. While many .peo-
ple are devoting their entire life and energies to
accumulating vast fortunes by selfish and unscrupu-
lous means, there is nothing more worthy of praise
than the quiet and steady pursuit of some- honest
calling, and the determined exercise of the industry,
economy and sagacity which enable a man to acquire
a home and competence. The subject ol this bio-
graphy, now a prosperous citizen of Berlin, is a man
who, through his own well-directed efforts, has
secured a competence without the sacrifice of prin-
ciples.
Mr. Burr was born in Haddam, Conn., June 21,
1822, and is descended from a family of English
origin, one branch of which located in Hartford,
another in Wethersfield, and the third in the west-
ern part of the State. (I) Benjamin Burr (or
Burre, as he spelled the name), the founder of the
Hartford branch, first appeared as one of the orig-
inal settlers of Hartford in 1635. His name, which
appears in the land division of Hartford in 1639
as an original proprietor and settler, is the first evi-
dence we have of his presence in America, but as
we are told that the first settlers of Hartford were
from Watertown, Newtown, and other places near
Boston, it is certain that he was in Massachusetts
some time before his appearance in Hartford, and
he may have been one of the eight hundred who
came to America with Winthrop's fleet, in June,
1630. He seems to have been an active, energetic,
thorough business man, and mingled but little in
public affairs, hence but brief mention is made of
him in the records of the Colony. He was the first
of his name in Connecticut, and was admitted a
freeman in 1658. Flis allotment in the land division
of Hartford in 1639 was six acres, and he also drew
eighteen acres in the land division of East Hart-
tl
iyclda /r,
UAAy
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
475
fi)r(l, in 1666. He died in Hartford March 31,
lOSi, and was buried probably in one of the hillside
cemeteries long since obliterated, in which rests the
dust of many of Hartford's early settlers. He gave
his name to one of Hartford's streets, known as
Burr street, which ran west from Main street, near
the present Asxluni street, if indeed it was not
identical with that thoroughfare.
(II) Samuel Durr, a son of Benjamin, was born
in England, and was made a freeman in Hartford
in May, 1658. He had five children. He died
Sept. 29, 1682, and seems to have been a man of
great energy and business abilit\-, at his death
leaving quite a large estate.
(III) Jonathan Burr, son o'f Samuel, was born
in 1679, and was an early settler of JMiddletown,
Conn. He married Abigail Hubbard, who was born
in 1686, a daughter of Nathaniel Hubbard and
granddaughter of George Hubbard, of Middletown,
and by this union eight children were born. He
died Jan. i, 1735.
(1\') Nathaniel Burr, son of Jonathan, removed
to Haddam, Conn., six miles from his native town
of Middletown, and his house stood on the site of
the present Methodist church, near the residence
of his grandson, Sylvester Burr. He was a man of
athletic frame, and capable of enduring great hard-
ships, and was a farmer by occupation. He died in
Haddam Sept. 12, 1802, aged eighty-six years, and
was laid to rest in the old burying-ground. His
wife, Sarah, died ]\Iay 21, 1799, aged seventy-six
years, and was buried near her husband.
(Y) Capt. Jonathan Burr, son of Nathaniel
Burr, and grandfather of our subject, was a farmer
and prominent man of Haddam, and was captain
of a company of Continental soldiers in the Revolu-
tionary war. He married Lydia Bailey, of Haddam,
and they had eleven children. He died in that town
Feb. 10, 1804, aged forty-eight years, and his re-
mains were interred near those of his father, in
the old burying-ground, in Haddam.
(VI) Daniel Burr, father of our subject, fol-
lowed farming in Haddam throughout life, and was
also engaged in contracting for several years. He
died when our subject was but eleven years old.
He married Betsey Wilcox, of Haddam, and to them
were born eight children : Clarissa, Albert and Bet-
sey H., all deceased: Julius W., our subject; Dio-
date, a resident of Bristol, Conn. ; Daniel A., de-
ceased : Clarinda A. and Theodore J., both resi-
dents of Minnesota.
(VII) Julius ^^^ Burr passed his boyhood on
the home farm in Haddam, and attended the com-
mon schools, and also a select school. As his fa-
ther died when he was quite young, he was early
compelled to start out in life for himself, and at
the age of sixteen, after leaving school, he com-
menced learning the blacksmith's trade with Day-
ton Burr, a distant cousin, who failed after Julius
h.ad been with him a little over a year. He then
went to work for Crandall & Cornwell, of Middle-
town, where he remained about two years, and
after working in Hartfonl for a month or two he
came to Berlin, and entered the employ of Ferdi-
nand Dickenson. Here he did the iron work on
wagons for one year, and was then in partnership
with Mr. Dickenson for about two years. Subse-
quently he was for six or seven yeau in the employ
of J. & E. North. Un the death of Jcdcdiah North
the company was re-organized, and the firm, then
known as Edmund North & Co., was composed of
Edmund North, Levi North, Frederick M. North
and Julius W. Burr, the three last named having
purchased Jeded'.ah North's interest in the business.
Three years later the firm consolidated with the
Roys & Wilcox Co., and subsequently became the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., in which Mr. Burr is
still a stockholder. He was also one of the con-
tractors of that company until the spring of 1898, in
the finishing or shear department; was 'a director
in the Berlin Iron liridge Co., for fifteen years,
until January, 1897; and was also a director of the
Roys & Wilcox Co. He is still a large stockholder
in the Berlin Iron Bridge Co., and the Peck. Stow
& Wilcox Co., but is now practically living retired
from active business on account of ill health. When
the J. O. Smith Co., of Westfield, was in financial
trouble several years ago. he came to its relief with
his capital and excellent business ability, and as
president of the company placed the concern in a
prosperous condition. His son-in-law is now sec-
retary and treasurer of that company.
On Oct. I, 1845, yir. Burr married Miss Julia
Ellen Cornwell, of Middletown, who was born Nov.
21, 1823, a daughter of Joseph and Lucinda
(Miller) Cornwell. To them were born three chil-
dren; (i) Emma Estella, born Oct. 16, 1847, is 'lie
wife of Roderick Loveland, a merchant of Middle-
town, and they now make their home wnth our
subject. (2) Ella Julia, born May 14, 1849. was
the wife of Herbert E. Smith, secretary and treas-
urer of the J. O. Smith Manufacturing Co., of
which our subject has been president. They manu-
facture tin cash-boxes, small hardware, and do a
great deal of wood japanning. She died Jan. 26,
1899- (3) Lucy Etta, born Aug. 23, 1859, is the
wife of Percy F. Hickcock. who is employed as
superintendent of the shipping department of the
Schofield Manufacturing Co. The mother of these,
who was a consistent member of the Congregational
Church of Westfield, died March 30, 1890, and
was laid to rest in the ^^'estfield cemetery.
Mr. Burr is also a faithful member of the Con-
gregational Church, and sociallv is affiliated with
Mattabessett Lodge, No. 25, K. of P., of East Ber-
lin. Politically he was originally a Whig, and is
now a stanch Republican. He has never taken an
active part in political afifairs. aside from voting,
preferring to give his undivideu attention to his
business interest; he was once nominated as repre-
sentative to the State Legislature, but declined the
honor. Energy, industry and perseverance have
476
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been marked characteristics in his business career
and to these may be attributed the secret of his
success. In business affairs he was notably reliable,
and had the entire confidence and respect of his
associates and of all with whom he came in con-
tact.
WILLIAM R. MACK, one of Windsor's best
citizens, has been prominent for many years in busi-
ness circles, and is still extensively engaged in the
manufacture of brick. His family may be said to
have been pioneers in that industry in his locality,
and as large holders of real estate they have also
been identified with the agricultural interests of the
town. Throughout his career Mr. Mack has shown
the thrift, energy and sound judgment which charac-
terized his ancestry as the following record of his
achievements will indicate, and by his judicious use
of his resources he has acquired a comfortable
competence.
The family is numerously represented in this
section, and in other sketches contain interesting ac-
counts of early generations. In the paternal line
our subject is a descendant of Andrew Mack, a
Hessian soldier, who was captured at Fort Ticon-
deroga, and confined in the Old Newgate Prison at
Simsbury. On being released he joined the Colo-
nial army and fought bravely for Independence.
On the maternal side he traces his descent from
Peregrine White, of "Mayflower" fame, and from
the Allen family, to which Ethan Allen belonged.
Our subject was born Dec. 25, 1836, in a house
which stands on Mack street, Windsor, near his
present residence, and is a son of William and Sarah
(Ware) Mack, of whom further mention is made
elsewhere. During boyhood he attended the com-
mon schools of the academy at Windsor, while his
spare moments were usefully employed in farm work
or in helping in his father's brick yard. In the
spring of 1858 he went to Springfield, Illinois,
where he took a position as foreman in a large
brick yard at a handsome salary. There he re-
mained a number of years, and among his recol-
lections of the place are incidents connected with
the life of Abraham Lincoln, who was elected Presi-
dent during that time. Mr. Mack was one of
many who called at Lincoln's residence on the mem-
orable night when the returns from the election
were received, and he distinctly remembers the
tall form of "Old Abe" as he stood on the doorstep
and said "Friends and Fellow-Citizens : I wish that
my house was large enough to hold you all. Come
in, all that can get in." On his return from Illi-
nois Mr. Mack engaged in farming in Windsor,
which he has ever since followed in addition to the
management of his brickyard. In 1871 he built his
substantial brick residence in Mack street, where he
has since resided, and its comforts are a tangible re-
ward of his industry and foresight. In manner he
is unostentatious and his reliable and straightfor-
ward methods of business have brought him the con-
fidence of all who deal with him. Politically
"Russell" Mack, as he is called, is a life-long Re-j
publican, his first Presidential vote having been cast]
for Abraham Lincoln, and but for his refusal to ac-
cept nomination he would doubtless have been the
choice of his party for local office more than once.
He and his family enjoy an excellent social position,
and he is a charter member of tne O. U. A. M. at \
Windsor. His wife is prominently identified with
the Episcopal Church. He was married (first) in
Windsor to Miss Juliette Holt, of Hartford, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Rachel Holt. His second wife
was Mrs. Anna (Clapp) Baldwin, widow of Charles
Baldwin. His third wife was Mrs. Jane (Cobb)
Camp, of Norfolk, Conn., widow of Abel Camp, and
in 1898 he married Mrs. Mary A. (Barnes) Cornell,
widow of George Cornell, of Providence. He has
five children, all by the first marriage : Eva R. (Mrs.
T. H. Whitney), R. W., E. W., and Nellie (Mrs.
Wilbur Reid) reside in Windsor, and Etta is the
wife of Henry Elcock, of Hartford.
HON. NORRIS W. BUNNELL, of BurHng-
ton Centre, is" now living retired in the enjoyment
of a rest which he has truly earned and richly de-
serves, by reason of his industrious efforts in for-
mer years. Accomplishment and progress ever
imply labor, energy and diligence, and it was those
qualities that enabled our subject to rise from the
ranks of the many and stand among the success-
ful few.
Mr. Bunnell was born on a farm near Burling-
ton Centre Nov. 10, 1825, and belongs to one of
the oldest families of that locality. His grand-
father, Lemuel Bunnell, was born in 1767 in Hart-
ford county, and when a young man located in
Burlington. He died there Feb. i, 1809, and his
wife, who bore the maiden name of Marial Ben-
ham, was born in 1772, and died April 7, 1852,
the remains of both being interred in Burlington
cemetery. In their family were five children : Hez-
ekiah, a manufacturer of linseed oil, who died in
Burlington ; Polly, Mrs. Elton ; Theda, Mrs. Smith ;
Joel, the father of our subject; and Sybil, Mrs.
Wheeler.
Capt. Joel Bunnell, our subject's father, was
born Feb. 5, 1793, received a district-school ed-
ucation, and during his youth learned the trades of
tanner, currier and shoemaker. Throughout the
greater part of his life he followed shoemaking,
going from house to house making shoes, then
known as "whipping the cat." He was a man of
good business ability and sound judgment, and
became quite well-to-do, owning over 700 aces of
land in Bulington, where he also engaged in farming
and stock raising. He was a captain in the State
militia, and during the war of 1812 was drafted,
serving for six months at New London, Conn. In
his religious views he was liberal, and in political
sentiment he was first a Democrat, and later a
Republican, but never an office seeker.
a/C
c^-t^t^C^ lA^
/P
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ill
He died in Burlington July 4, 1876, honored
and respected by all who knew him. He married
Miss Fanny Gridley, a daughter of Reuel Gridley,
who was a farmer in Harwuiton, Conn., and there
died. She was born Alarch 13, 1798, and died
April 30, 1887, being laid to rest by the side of
her husband in Burlington Centre cemetery. Their
children were as follows: Warren G., born April
6, 1819, is a resident of Burlington. Lemuel W.,
born June 12, 1823, married Jcnnette E. Clark,
who died Jan. 3, 1847, at the age of twenty-six
years, and he subsequently wedded Serena Aldrich,
who survives him, and by whom he had two daugh-
ters, Fannie, Airs. Jenkins, of Plainville ; and Clara
(deceased), Mrs. Robert Bissell ; Lemuel W. died
in Plainville, Conn., April 23, 1890. Norris W.,
our subject, is next in the family. Shelden L.,
born Jan. 19, 1828, died July 8, 1878, Adaline
A., born June 24, 1832, is a resident of Burlington
Center.
During his boyhood Norris W. Bunnell at-
tended the district schools of Burlington, but the
greater part of his education has been acquired
by reading and observation in later years. He is
especially well posted on the leading events of the
day. Remaining with his father until the latter's
death, he subsequently came into possession of 300
acres of land, on which he made many improve-
ments, and there he successfully engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising until after the death
of his wife, in 1888, when he sold the farm, and
now lives retired with his sister in Burlington Cen-
ter. Upright and honorable in all the relations of
life, he has gained the confidence and respect of
all with whom he has come in contact. Being one
of the prominent men of his town, he was elected
to a number of offices, and most creditably served
as selectman, assessor, tax collector and justice of
the peace, and represented Burlington in the State
Legislature in 1883. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and liberal in religious views.
In Burlington, Oct. 10, 1866, Mr. Bunnell mar-
ried Miss Kavanna Edwards, a daughter of Abel
Edwards, a well-known citizen of Burlington. She
was born in Washington, Conn., in 1842, and died
March 30, 1888, her remains being interred in
Burlington Center cemetery, where the family have
erected a beautiful monument. Mrs. Bunnell was
a lady of culture and refinement, and a good Chris-
tian woman, well liked by all who knew her. Mr.
Bunnell has one son, Otis Gridley, born Dec. 19,
1868. He attended the district schools of Burling-
ton, and later the high school of Bristol, from
which he was graduated in April, 1889, in the fall
of that year entering Yale College. He completed
the scientific course, graduating in 1892, with hon-
ors, and then became a private tutor in the family
of L. L. Lorillard, of New Yorli City. In the
spring of 1893 he went to the Old World, visiting
the principal cities of Europe. Asia and Africa,
where he spent fifteen months. In 1894 he became
an instructor in French, at Yale, where he still re-
mains. He is a young man of far more than
ordinary ability and intellectual attainments, hold-
ing the degrees of I'll. B. and M. S. Mr. Bunnell
also attained high standing in military science, pur-
suing the study during his college course, and stood
fifth in class of nearly 200. He is a Knight Temp-
lar, a member of the Chi Phi Fratermt)-, and of
the Graduates Club, New Haven.
HON. WILLIAM HANMER (deceased) was
at the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 27,
1877, one of the foremost business men of East
Hartford, as a member of the East Hartford Manu-
facturing Company, and was a native of the town.
He was born Aug. 14, 1828, and was a son of Fran-
cis and Julia (Roberts) Hanmer, both descendants
of old and highly respected Colonial families, to
whom frequent allusions are made in various
sketches to be found within the covers of this
work.
Francis Hanmer, father of our subject, was
born Sept. 6, 1801, and died Feb. 6, 1881, his re-
mains being interred at East Hartford. He w-as
twice married, and by his first wife, Julia Roberts,
became the father of three children : Alary, born
April 12, 1827, who died April 18, 1888; William,
the subject of this sketch; and Julia, w-ho was born
Aug. 14, 1830, and died Nov. 22, 1854. Airs. Julia
(Roberts) Hanmer, who was born Alay 12, 1805,
passed away June 5, 1832, and Air. Hanmer next
married Abbie Forbes, who was born Sept. 15, 181 1,
and died Alay 10, 1879, the mother of two children:
Francis, Jr., who was born Oct. 19, 1837, and died
Aug. 31, 1838; and Charles, a resident of East
Hartford. Air. Hanmer was recognized as one of
the most progressive men of East Hartford town,
and in 1859 was its representative in the State Leg-
islature. He was a pioneer in the manufacture of
gunpowder, and for years the firm of Hanmer &
Forbes stood at the head of this industry in the
United States, their factory being located at Scot-
land, now Burnside, Connecticut.
Hon. William Hanmer was reared in East Hart-
ford, and received a sound academic education,
being fitted for college, but he did not, however,
matriculate in any of the higher institutions of learn-
ing. When a young man he w^ent to Alonson,
Alass., and for some time clerked for a mercantile
firm, then returned to East Hartford, and assisted
in his father's office until he became associated with
the East Hartford Alanufacturing Company at
Burnside, where his arduous labors, beyond a doubt,
accelerated his untimely and lamented death, in the
prime and full vigor of manhood. He had, however,
other interests beside those connected with the
company, and holdings which, in conjunction with
his activity in promoting the prosperity of his town,
and his duties as a public officer, were additional
strains on his mentality and nervous system. He
took a keen interest in public affairs, both of the vil-
478
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lage of East Hartford and of Burnside, and being
truly public-spirited was liberal in his donations of
land to the latter village for streets and other pur-
poses, and was ever ready to contribute to any pro-
ject designed to advance the public welfare. In
politics a Republican, he was elected to represent
the East Hartford district in the State Legislature
in 1863, and in 1870 served as town treasurer,
and also served incidentally in several minor offi-
ces, all of which, however, carried with them a
burden of care and responsibility.
Mr. Hanmer was joined in matrimony Sept. 6,
1853, with Miss Caroline E. Forbes, who was born
at Burnside April 17, 1834, a daughter of Charles
and Mary A. (Ward) Forbes, the former of whom
was born Dec. 27, 1805, and the latter May 8, 1807,
and of whom a full biographical sketch is given else-
where. The children born to the marriage of Mr.
Hanmer and his amiable wife were six in number,
and were named, in order of birth, as follows :
Frances, now Mrs. A. W. Eaton, of Pittsfield, Mass. ;
Franklin H., of Burnside; William W., who died
at the age of tweny-eight years ; Harriet, married
tD Mark Robbins, of Lee, Mass. ; John R., of Boston,
Mass. ; and Daisey, wife of Clarence Rodgers, of
Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Caroline E. Hanmer now
makes her home in Hartford, and is a respected and
consistent member of the Park Congregational
Church, the tenets of which she embraced early in
life. She is honored by all who know her, as
many do, for her sunny and amiable disposition has
made her hosts of friends.
LYMAN TREAT, of East Hartford, one of the
earliest of the residents of Connecticut to engage in
the tobacco-growing industry, descends from a very
old and respected Colonial family which had its origin
in England, but of which family, after diligent
search, no absolutely authentic trace has yet been
followed which leads the American family to its
connection with the stock on Albion's Isle.
It is, however, a well-authenticated fact that
Matthias Treat, one of the founders of the family
in America, was born in England, and was married
in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1648, to Mary Smith, a
daughter of Richard Smith, of Wethersfield, and
died July 8, 1682, at his residence on the east side
of Broad street, which had been the old Samuel
Boardman homestead. From the marriage of
Matthias Treat and Mary Smith came the following
named children: Henry, born in 1649, married
Sarah Andrews in 1673, and died in 1681 ; Susanna
was born in 1651, and Richard in 1655; Elizabeth
was born in 1657; Abigail, born in 1659, was mar-
ried to Capt. Stephen Hollister in 1683, and died in
1702 ; and Dorcas, born in 1662, was married, in
1681, to Richard Smith. The records of Wethers-
field show that Mrs. Mary (Smith) Treat gave to
her daughter, Dorcas, Jan. 20, 1681, her ''brown
cow, between six and seven years old."
Henry Treat, son of Matthias and Mary, mar-
~WSiSSX~
ried in 1673, Sarah Andrews, daughter of Edward
Andrews, of Hartford, and died m 1681, at Eas^
Hartford, the father of the children as follows:
Sarah, who was born in 1674, and was married to
David Forbes, of Hartford, and Matthias, bornj
about 1676. The latter married, about 1700, Han-
nah Warren, and died Oct. 26, 1726, the father oil
Matthias, who was born in 1705, married Mrs.1
Dorothy (Buckland) Bidwell about 1750, and died
about 1776; and Flenry, born in 1707, was baptizedl
May 4, of that year, married Abigail Oilman about
1731, and died Oct. 12, 1794. Matthias and Dor-I
othy (Buckland-Bidwell) Treat became the parents!
of the following named children : Matthias, whol
was born in 1750, and baptized Dec. 3, marriedl
Tryphena Risley, Dec. 20, 1778, and died in June,!
1827; Mary, the date of whose birth is not givenl
for lack of record, was married to a Mr. Raymond ;[
Theodore, born Aug. 15, 1754, for his first wifej
married Mary Williams, Dec. 11, 1783, for his sec-T
ond wife wedded Mrs. Zeppora Sholes, March 28,!
1805, and died March 28, 1828; Esther, born inl
August, 1755, was married (first) to a Mr. Bunce,]
and (second) to a Mr. Hinsdale; Russell, born inl
1758, and baptized April 23, married Anna Ensign,]
daughter of Moses Ensign, and died in East Hart-
ford in 1842, his wife following him to the grave|
July 10, 1849.
Of the above named children, Matthias served as
a private in the company of Capt. Jonathan Wellsl
at the outbreak of the Revolution, and at the first'
alarm, in 1775, marched to the defense of Boston,
for which he was allowed six days' compensation.
From Jan. 7, 1778, until March 7, 1778, he was a
private in the company of Capt. Russell Grant, of
Col. Obadiah Johnson's regiment, and he was a lievi-
tenant of a militia company in 1794. Russell Treat
also served in the war of the Revolution. He was a
drummer of great skill, and in December, 1775) S'''"
listed at East Hartford under Capt. Bissell, in Col.
Huntington's regiment, for one year, and was dis-
charged at Peekskill, N. Y., having taken part in
the battle of Long Island, that State, Aug. 27,
1776, as well as in several other engagements. In
1777 for six months he was with Capt. Curtis in Col.
Eno's Connecticut Regiment, and was present at
the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, Oct. 17, of the
same year.
The eight children born to Lieut. JMatthias and
Tryphena Treat were as follows : ( i ) Tryphena,
born April 17, 1780, was married to Major Nche-
miah Abbey, and died April 22, 1859; (^) Eliza-
beth, born Nov. 18, 1781, was married (first)
March 21, 1802, to Timothy Forbes, of Burnside,
Conn., a son of Timothy and Mary (Roberts)
Forbes, and (second) May i, 1822, to John L.
Goodale, of Windsor, Conn., her death taking
place May 17, i860; (3) Clarissa, born Jan. 18,
1784, was married to Harvey Peck, of Rochester,
N. Y. ; (4) Olive, born Jan. 18, 1787, was mar-
ried Nov. 19, 1809, to Timothy Deming; (5) Mat-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
479
tliias (father of our subject), born July 28, 1789,
married (first) Aug. 29, 1813, Lucy Urewer, and
(second) June 17, 1840, wedded Mrs. Sarah (Sey-
mour I Williams, and tlied AJarch 5, 1843; ('j)
Sylvester, born Sept. 8, 1792, married iMay 8, 1824,
Emily Browji, and died in i860; (7) Oliver, born
May 1, 1795, married (first) j\lay 8, i8i6, Dorothy
Porter; (second) Oct. 9, 1834, Statira Adams;
(third) Oct. 11, 1862, Almira i'helps; and (fourth)
in October, 1867, ]\lrs. Mary Orville Bridges (Oli-
ver died Jan. 21, 1875) ; (8) Henry B., born May
8, 1798, died April 5, 1878.
Matthias Treat, father of Lyman Treat, the
subject proper of this sketch, and the dates of
whose birth and death have been mentioned above,
was born on the farm now occupied by Samuel Hills,
was educated in the common schools, and at an early
age was employed in the shipyards on the Connecti-
cut river at seventy-five cents per day. To his
marriage with Lucy Brewer, daugiiter of Daniel and
sister of Samuel, George, Daniel and Reuben
Brewer, were born nine children. Mrs. Lucy
(Brewer) was born May 7, 1793, passed her child-
hood and womanhood near Hazard Forks, and died
or. her husband's homestead on Willow street. East
Hartford, Aug. 2, 1838. Their children were as
follows: Eliza Ann, born Oct. 29, 18 14, died Sept.
29, 1820; Abigail, born Jan. 20," 1816, was married
to Joseph Rist, of East Hartford, Aug. 19, 1841 ;
Lyman, the subject of this biography, was born
Alay 10, 1819, and married Sarah L. Bell, Jan. i,
1843; Eliza Ann, born Dec. 16, 1821, married
Horace B. Sellew, of Glastonbury, May 3, 1842;
Edwin, born Oct. 4, 1823, married Lucinda M. Gush-
man, 2^Iarch 24, 1858; Lucy Ann, born April 13,
1826, was married to Clement Fox, of East Hart-
ford ; Ellery, born April i, 1829, married Eunice
Shijiman, of Glastonbur_\-, June 30, 1864; Fitch,
born Oct. 12, 1831, died in New York j\lay 23,
1881 ; and Owen, born Oct. 2, 1834, married (first)
Lucy A. Bell, Oct. 4, 1858, and (second) wedded
Jan. 18, 1885, Mrs. Eliza (Risley) Anderson, who
was born Dec. 22, 1845, a daughter of Daniel Sey-
mour and Almira (Keeney) Risley.
Lyman Treat, although his opportunities for ac-
quiring an education were limited, became a splen-
did scholar. He was a diligent reader, a good
writer, and stood above all his classmates as a mathe-
matician. In his early manhood he passed much of
his time in hunting game for market in Tolland
count}-, near Andover, and vicinity, and largely as-
sisted in the support of the family. For four months
he served an apprenticeship at bootmaking under
George Cleveland, in James Hill's shop, and after
leaving there started in on his own account, and
buying the stock, made boots at his own home for
Darius Rising, realizing about $2.00 per day. The
breaking out of the Civil war, however, demoralized
the trade in fine shoes in the South, and Mr. Treat
then embarked in the raising of tobacco, being one
of the first to engage in this industry in the section.
Mr. Treat lived on the home farm until Jan.
I, 1843, when he was married to Sarah L. Bell, who
was born Jan. 15, 1823, a daughter of Stephen and
Cera (Slocking J Bell, natives of Glastonbury, lie
then removed to the Morley farm, near Colchester
avenue, Glastonbury, where he resided two years,
and then bought his present farm from Allen
Brewer, his uncle, and here, in 1879, erected his
handsome dwelling. The only child born to Mr. and
Mrs. L)man Treat is Louisa M., who came to bless
their home Feb. 5, 1845, ^'1"^ 'S now the widow of
Addison Pilken, of East Hartford, where j\lrs.
Pitken still resides.
Mr. Treat has long been recognized as one of
the most progressive residents ot East Hartford,
has held several offices, and was instrumental in
having \Villow street graded through in 18O5, do-
nating land for that purpose. He has been fore-
most in many other enterprises designed for the
good of the public. He is a well-preserved gentle-
man, has a most retentive memory, is an entertain-
ing conversationalist, and is moreover generous in
the extreme, no deserving individual ever going
away from his home empty handed. His wife is a
pleasant and refined lady, and of a very kindly dis-
position, and no family in East Hartford enjoys a
higher degree of respect than that of Mr. and Mrs.
L}man Treat.
ITON. A. T. PATTISOX, one of the most pro-
gressive residents of Simsbury, and a leading busi-
ness man of the village, was born Alarch 2O, 1861,
in East Weatogue, town of Simsbury, and is a son of
Joseph and Delilah (Sceery) Pattison.
Joseph Pattison was born in County Antrim,
Ireland, Oct. 16, 1833, a son of Joseph and Mary
(Brown) Pattison. He came to the United States
in the spring of 1855, landing in Xew York after a
voyage of thirty days, and thence came to Simsbury.
There he married, and has had born to him the fol-
lowing named children : A. T., the subject of this
sketch ; Joseph : Xellie, wife of Edward Welch, of
Hartford ; Jennie, wife of William Washburn, of the
same city ; Carrie, now Airs. E. Al. C. Eddy, of Sims-
bury ; George E. ; and Alice \ . Joseph Pattison has
always been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican.
Some years after the arrival of Joseph Pattison in
Connecticut his father, also named Joseph, came to
Simsbury, to which town several of his sons had
]jrcceded him, and here passed the remainder of
his life, a strict churchman and a highly respected
citizen. Among his children were Thomas, of Bris-
tol ; John ; Alexander, who served in the war of the
Rebellion, and died in Andover, Conn.; Hugh, of
Simsbury; Joseph, father of our subject; and Jane,
who died young.
Hon. A. T. Pattison was reared in Simsbury.
He first attended the district schools, then the
Granby Academy, under Prof. Alurphy, and finished
his schooling at Prof. AIcLean's school, in Simsbury,
at the agfe of nineteen. He began his business
480
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
career as clerk in the store which he now manages,
and which was then in charge of Judge A. S. Chap-
man, as administrator of the estate of Judson Wil-
cox, and when Chapman withdrew, Jan. i, 1886, to
assume his position as probate judge, Mr. Pattison
became manager. This business was established by
Mr. Wilcox in 1851.
In November, 1896, A. T. Pattison was elected
a member of the State Legislature. Such measures
of success as he has attained, either as a business
man or as a citizen, has come to him in the town
where he was born and where his life has been spent.
On Oct. 7, 1885, Mr. Pattison married Miss Ella
Ruth Wilcox, who was born in Simsbury Oct. 23,
1862, a daughter of Judson (the founder of the
store) and Nancy S. (Chapman) Wilcox. This
union has been blessed with three children: Lucy
W., born Oct. 14, 1886; Stella C. ; and Julia E.,
born Aug. 26, 1890.
Mrs. Pattison is of the seventh generation of
the Wilcox family in Simsbury, as follows : (I)
William Wilcox, of Stratford, Conn., born in iboi
at St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, came to
this country when thirty-four years old, on the ship
"Planter," having certificate from minister at St.
Albans; freeman of Massachusetts, 1636; moved to
Stratford, 1639; representative at Hartford, 1647;
died in 1652. His children: John, born 1633; Jo-
seph, died Feb. 9, 1703; Samuel, died March- 12,
1713; Obadiah, born 1641, died 1713; Timothy, died
June 13, 1713. Of these,
(H) Samuel (Sergt.) Wilcox first located at
Meadow Plains in 1667, coming from Stratford.
He had three sons, Samuel, William, and Joseph.
(HI) Deacon William (2), son of Samuel, had four
sons, John, Lieut. William (3), Amos, and Azariah.
(IV) Lieut. William (3) was born in 1727, left
Simsbury for Lexington at the breaking out of the
Revolutionary war, and died in 1775. (V) Dan,
son of the Lieutenant, was born March 25, 1772,
and married Esther Merritt, who was born March 8,
1771, and died Nov. 10, i860, at Weatogue. She
was a daughter of James and Hannah (Phelps)
Merritt, the latter a daughter of Thomas and
Margaret (Watson) Phelps, who were born in Au-
gust, 1712, and May, 1714, respectively. Dan Wil-
cox spent the latter part of his life in Weatogue.
He had a large family: Averil, born Jan. 25, 1793,
was a farmer, and died at Simsbury Jan. 23, 1866;
Newton, born Dec. 22, 1794, was a shoemaker, and
died in Simsbury Sept. 25, 1841 ; Aurelia, born
April 22, 1796, died Oct. 11, 1803; Timothy, born
Jan. 19, 1799, died Oct. 13, 1820, in Bangor, Maine,
while studying for the ministry; Harmon, born
Sept. 17, 1800, died Aug. 29, 1867, in Sandusky,
Ohio; Watson, born Aug. 7, 1802, was a wealthy
merchant in Alabama, married Miss Cordelia Eno,
and died in Simsbury Feb. 15, 1879, leaving one
daughter, Adelaide, now residing in Philadelphia;
James, born June 28, 1805, was a farmer in Sims-
bury, and died Oct. 5, 1858; (VI) Judson (father
of Mrs. Pattison) was born at Barkhamsted
March 18, 1808, and died in Simsbury June 6, 1879;
Jury, born Aug. 10, 1809, died in Simsbury June
29, 1881 ; Lucy, born Oct. 23, 181 1, was married to
Decius Lattimer, and died in Simsbury Oct. 25,
1876; and Lucius, born May 27, 1814, was at one
time a merchant in Alabama, and died Aug. 28,
1885, in Canandaigua, N. Y. Of these,
(VI) Judson Wilcox, father of Mrs. Pattison,
came to Simsbury when quite a youth, but he was in
poor health, and his school advantages were some-
what neglected. His parents were not wealthy,
and he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he
worked several years, and erected a number of
houses in Simsbury and Collinsville. He married
in Simsbury, April 20, 1831, Miss Ruth Tuller, and
a few years later removed to Illinois, then to Ohio,
engaging in farming, but chills and fever com-
pelled his return to the East. His wife died in
Simsbury Dec. 19, i860, and Oct. 9, 1861, he mar-
ried Miss Nancy S. Chapman, who was born April
21, 1830, a daughter of Julius and Nancy (Davis)
Chapman. Julius Chapman, in his younger days,
was a blacksmith, and came to Simsbury from
Southampton, Mass., after his marriage, at Avon,
N. Y. To the second marriage of Judson Wilcox
was born one child, (VII) Ella Ruth, now Mrs. A.
T. Pattison.
After his return from the West, Judson Wilcox
engaged in peddling and other work, until he had
realized sufficient capital to start (in 1851) the first
successful mercantile establishment in Simsbury
Center. By close attention to business he prospered,
and when he found success assured he began paying
oiT debts that had accrued against him in years gone
by, and Iquidated them all. He had but a small
room to start with, but from it the largest mercan-
tile concern in the town eventuated. In addi-
tion he was for some years agent for the North-
ampton railway at Simsbury, but this in no way
distracted his attention from his legitimate pursuit.
While in the West Mr. Wilcox became a mem-
ber of the Masonic Fraternity. He was a sincere
Christian, a devout Methodist, and for years was
trustee and steward in his church, besides holding
several minor offices therein. He was a man of
the strictest integrity, as was evidenced by the fact
that, at the age of forty-three years, he had cancelled
all the indebtedness which he had incurred in his
earlier years. He stood high in the esteem of his
fellow citizens. His widow now resides with her
daughter, Mrs. A. T. Pattison.
MERIT NEWELL WOODRUFF. There are
few men in Southing-ton in the last half-century
who have done more for its industrial interests
and its growth and prosperity, than the man whose
name initiates this review. He is one of the lead-
ing and successful business men of the town, and
his upright course in life commands the respect
and commendation of everyone.
^^dc^K '^',r^r2aa^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
481
Mr. Woodruff was born in Candor, Tioga Co.,
N. Y., Feb. 22, 1826, and traces his ancestry bactc
to Matthew Woodruff, who removed from Hart-
ford to Farniington, Conn., in 1640, and was ad-
mitted as a freeman in 1657. He was one of the
eighty-four 'proprietors of the town in 1672, and
died in 1682, at an advanced age. His son, Samuel
Woodruff', was born in Farmington Aug. 26, 1661,
and married Rebecca, daughter of John Clark. In
1698 he removed to the eastern part of the town,
and was the first settler in what is now the town
of Southington. He is said to have been quite
large, to have possessed great physical strength,
was of excellent disposition, and always on friendly
terms with the Indians. He died Jan. 8, 1742. His
son, Samuel Woodruff (2), was born in Farm-
ington Jan. 20, 1686, and was married, July 10,
1718, to Esther, daughter of Sanuiel and Esther
(Woodford) Bird. He died in Southington in
February, 1766. He held the military rank of cap-
tain, and his commission is now in the hands of his
descendants. Samuel Woodruff (3), son of the
Captain, was born Oct. 3, 1734, served as a private
in the war of the Revolution, and died July 7,
1816. He was married, Feb. 2, 1758, to Ruth
Lyman, daughter of Moses and Ruth (Hickox)
Lyman, of Wallingford. Their son, Jason Wood-
ruff', grandfather of our subject, was born Aug.
21, 1758, and was married, !May 10, 1781, to Mary
Newell, daughter of Josiah and Mary (Upson)
Newell. He followed the occupation of farming
throughout life, and died Sept. 14, 1836.
Sheldon Woodruff, father of our subject, was
born in Southington April 15, 1798, and in early
life followed farming for some years, but subse-
quently engaged in mercantile business in New York
City. Later he returned to Southington, Conn.,
where he died in 1884. On May 19, 1818, he mar-
ried Levea Lewis, daughter of Asahel and Lois
(Lee) Lewis, and granddaughter of Nathan and
Mary (Gridley) Lewis. The grandfather was a
son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Black) Lewis. The
father of Samuel, William Lewis, came from Eng-
land in the ship "Lion," landing in Boston Sept.
16, 1632. Four years later he came with a com-
pany to Hartford, but in 1659 h^ returned to Mas-
sachusetts, becoming one of the founders of Had-
ley, which town he represented in the General
Court in 1662. In 1677 he removed to Farming-
ton, Conn., where he died Aug. 2, 1683.
From the age of ten years our subject was
reared in Southington, and his education was ob-
tained in private schools of Peekskill, N. Y., the
public schools of New York City, and Lewis Acad-
emy, Southington. On leaving school, at the age
of eighteen years, he went to New York as assist-
ant in the lumber yard of his uncle, the late Anson
Lewis, and on his return to Southington entered
the employ of Amon Bradley, as clerk. Several
years later he was admitted as a partner in the
business, under the firm name of Amon Bradley
31
& Co., and they did a successful and prosperous
business as general merchants, both laying the foun-
dations of the fortunes which they to-day enjoy.
In 1865 they dissolved pannership, and after a
season of rest Mr. Woodruff, with Norman ^A.
iJarnes as a partner, opened a store and tailoring
establishment, which they conducted for two years.
He then retired, and later accepted a position as
bookkeeper with the late J. B. Savage, with whom
he remained six years. In 1878 he was chosen
president of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., a po-
sition he still fills. When he became connected
with the company it was at a low ebb financially,
but owing to his good judgment and ability it now
stands among the best manufacturing concerns in
the State, and has the reputation of making re-
liable goods in the market of this country.
On Oct. 2, 1856, Mr. Woodruff' was united in
marriage with Miss Mary A. Smith, a daughter of
Willis and Emily (Barnes) Smith, of Southington,
and to them were born two children : Arthur,
deceased ; and Edna L., who is a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution. The wife
and mother died in 1882, and Mr. Woodruff' erected
a handsome fountain which he presented to the
Oak Hill Cemetery Association as a memorial to
his wife and son.
Since attaining his majority ]Mr. W'oodruff' has
been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party,
and has never missed voting at any National, State
or town election, a record seldom equalled. He
has always declined political office, but during the
winter of 1893, while at Hot Springs, he was nom-
inated and elected warden of his borough, much to
his regret, and the following year he declined the
renomination. Since 1871 he has been an active
and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, during which time he has held several
church offices. He is sympathic and generous, ex-
tending a helping hand to the poor and needy, and
is always ready to aid those less fortunate than
himself, but his charities are always performed in
a most unostentatious manner. Lie is pleasant and
genial, and all who know him esteem him highly
for his genuine worth.
CHARLES i\IARCUS BIDWELL. One of
the best features of town and country life, as com-
pared with the more feverish existence in cities, is
the large reserve force that always exists there,
usually in a latent or undeveloped form. There
are individuals, resident in the smaller centers of
population, who possess all the requisites for posi-
tions of great trust and responsibility, but w-ho are
content to live the quieter, more normal life "near to
nature's heart." If this thought were voiced in
East Hartford, the mind of the well-informed resi-
dent would probably turn to the subject of this
sketch, who in his earlier years checked an impulse
to enter the busier scenes of human endeavor be-
cause he felt he was needed at home. In the chosen
482
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sphere of his activities and usefulness Mr. Bidwell
has been prominent in business and agriculture, and
his keen intellect, sage judgment and public enter-
prise have lastingly benefited the community in
which he lives.
It is noteworthy that Mr. Bidwell occupies land
which was first occupied by his ancestors, and
which for seven generations has been uninterrupt-
edly in the possession of his family. The founder
of the family in America was John Bidwell, the
pioneer tanner of the Connecticut Colony. John
Bidwell was one of Rev. Hooker's party who first
settled at Hartford. His original house lot was
located on the east side of Trumbull street, near
Pearl, and was granted him before 1640. He with
Joseph Bull built a sawmill on "Sawmill river"
(now Hockanum river). They were granted 240
acres — in the next commons for timber for their
mill — in 1671. John Bidwell shared with three
others in a tract of 270 acres, in the distribution of
1666. His portion was along what was known as
"Bidwell's Lane"- (now Burnside Avenue), and
portions of this land have been owned by the family
ever since, part of it being now owned and occupied
by our subject. John Bidwell became a freeman in
1669. He married Sarah Wilcox. They were
members of the First Church of Hartford, and when
the Second Church was organized they became
members thereof. He and his sons did the milling
and tanning for the Colony, his old tannery standing
in the north end of what is now Bushnell Park.
This tannery was in the family for many genera-
tions, and various members of the family owned
mills in many portions of the Colony. The town
from time to time voted land from the commons to
"John Bidwell and sons, nearest to their mills as
their needs may require."
We give the direct line of descent from the pro-
genitor of the family in Connecticut to our subject:
(i) John Bidwell. (2) Daniel, his youngest son,
whose wife was Elizabeth. (3) Daniel, their son,
who married Esther Buckland. (4) Daniel, their
son, who married Mary, daughter of Thomas Ells-
worth. (5) Daniel, their son, who married Asenath
Burnham. (6) Daniel, their son, who married Mary
White, and (7) Charles M., their son, subject of
this sketch.
' Daniel Bidwell, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born July 10, 1748. He married Asenath
Burnham, and was a young man when the Revolu-
tionary struggle began. He enlisted as a patriot,
and was in the Long Island campaign. When the
army reached Westchester county, N. Y., he was
taken sick, and was sent home. He died within a
month after his arrival there, leaving a widow and
one child: Mary, born Dec. 18, 1771, married to
John Gains, and raised a large family; Daniel, thi
father of our subject, was a posthumous child.
Daniel Bidwell, the father, was born Feb. 13,
1777, on the home now occupied by our subject, a
short time after the death of his father, the Revolu-
tionary soldier. The school he attended stood near
the present North Division school, but nearer the
street. He was reared as a farmer's boy, and as the
only son of his widowed mother the work on the
farm fell mainly upon his shoulders. He inherited
agriculture as his vocation, and remained through
life on the farm of his birth, where his son, our
subject, now lives. Daniel Bidwell married in
Glastonbury, Mary, daughter of James and Eunice
(Rowley) White, members of an old Connecticut
famil}^ The four children of Daniel and Mary
(White) Bidwell who reached adult life were as
follows : Daniel L. died unmarried, in 1853 ; Miss
Mary W., of Glastonbury; Charles M., our sub-
ject; and Martha B., wife of C. N. Carter, a retired
merchant and inanufacturer of Glastonbury. The
father was a Whig in politics. He was a large and
active man physically, weighing about two hundred
pounds. He was widely and well-known, and was
always devoted to home and family. He died in
1852, aged seventy-five years. His wife, who was
an energetic, active woman, deeply interested in
current events, and in the education of her children,
was a member of the Baptist Church. She sur-
vived her husband several years, dying at the age of
seventy-two. They are buried at East Hartford.
Charles M. Bidwell, our subject, was born Sept.
II, 1829. He attended in his boyhood the school
where his father before him conned his lessons,
and where his children and grandchildren since
have received their early instruction. He also at-
tended East Hartford high school under Salmon
Phelps, and later took a course in the East Hartford
Academy, under Prof. M. L. Rogers. He was a
quick student, and was on the highway to a career of
wider proportions than that bounded by four lines,
but his parents needed his services, and with his at-
tendance at the East Hartford Academy he ended
his school education and assumed the management
of the farm. As a student he was especially apt
in mathematics, and when a young man he received
many tempting offers to go West and fill positions
of responsibility and great promise, but his regard
for the wishes of his parents kept him on the farm.
He took care of the latter and also assisted his
brother who carried on a successful business in
Flartford, and was a pioneer in the construction of
water works, steam-heating and gas plants, having
introduced the first steam heat in the State. After
his death a partnership was entered into by our sub-
ject and A. P. Pitkin, who had also been an assistant
in the business, and the concern was then conducted
for eight or ten years by the firm, under the name of
Bidwell & Pitkin. Mr. Bidwell then sold out his
interest. In recent years he has devoted consider-
able attention to real estate, and now owns several
blocks of very desirable building lots on Burnside
avenue.
Mr. Bidwell has been twice married. Llis first
wife was Miss Emma Brewer, of Hockanum, daugh-
ter of Seidell and Marietta (Galpin) Brewer. His
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
483
second wife was Mrs. Mary (Sumner) Newconib,
widow of J. W. Newcomb. i!y her first marriage
she was the mother of Warren i'utnam Newcomb,
wlio graduated from West I'oint Academy in the
class of '82 as the sixth in his class, and has since
served in various government posts, including the
professorship of modern languages at West i'oint.
Warren Putnam Newcomb is the only living male
descendant of Gen. Joseph Warren. The children
of our subject by his first marriage are as follows:
Adele Emma, at home; Daniel D., a graduate of
Yale LIniversity, and a journalist by profession, who
married Edith Mines, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and has
one child, Pauline ; and Mary A., who married Rev.
Burr M. Weeden, an Episcopal minister, and died
at East Hartford, while on a visit to her parents,
Jcavincr. one child, Agnes Almira.
in I Htics Mr. Bidwell has usualU in the past
affiliateil with the Republican party. He is a mem-
ber of St. John's Episcopal Church at East Hartford,
and has been vestryman and warden of the church.
He is a keen, shrewd business man, of natural in-
tellect, commanding presence, and ranks as one of
the most substantial men of his town. He has a
remarkable memory, is well informed upon the
issues of the day, and has a wide acuaintance
throughout the county.
AUGUSTUS HENRY FUNCK, at the head of
the largest furniture house in Bristol, Conn., was
born July 22, 1836, in Neuhaus, Hanover, Germany,
and is a son of Christian F. and Johanna (Stamm)
Funck, natives, respectively, of Neuhaus and Ham-
burg.
Christian F. Funck, who was born April 9,
1810, was a cabinetmaker by trade. In 1846 he
came to America, and in 1849 he brought his family
to Bristol, Conn., where he had found employment
making cases in the Brewster & Ingraham clock
shop, which position ae held until ready to go into
the furniture and cabinet-making business on his
own account. In 1865 he and his son, Augustus
Henry, entered the furniture and undertaking busi-
ness on tlie Northside, at Doolittle's corner, in 1867
removed to the corner of South Elm and Main
streets, and the next spring moved to the town hall,
conducting the business at that stand until 1889,
when they returned to the property at the corner
of Main and South Elm streets, where they erected
a fine brick building, and where Mr. Funck now re-
sides.
To the marriage of Christian F. I'unck with
Johanna Stamm, about 1830, were born six children :
Dora, born Feb. 3, 1833, is the wife of Conrad
Haupt, of St. Paul, Miim. : William [•'.. Iiorn in
April, 1834, was a joiner bv trade, married Mar-
garet Ratliburn, and died in T\[ankato, Minn., in No-
vember, 1892; Augustus Henry is next in order of
birth : Sophia is the wife of George W. Schubert, of
Bristol ; Charles Christian is living in Norwalk,
Ohio, and has a family; Henry Jacob, born in 1843,
was a member of Company K, i6lh Conn. Vol. Inf.,
and died in Florence prison, in South Carolina, in
February, 1865. Christian F. Funck never jomed a
secret society, and, although for many years a
Democrat, never aspired to public office. lie lost
his wife m June, 1873, and he hiniselt entered into
rest Nov. 14, i888, m the faith of the Protestant
Episcopal Church.
Augustus Henry Funck attended school in his
native town until he came to America in 1849; then
attended the Bristol (Conn.) schools untU about
1851 during the winter months, and worked on
Lockwood I'uttle's fanu, his next work being m
Brewster & Ingraham's movement department for
clocks until 1855. In 1856 he went to St. Paul,
Minn., and worked with a brother at carpentering
until the fall of i860 when he returned to Bristol,
and there worked at the same trade for Edward Hall
until July 22, 1862, when he enlisted in Company
K, i6th C. V. I. His first rigb*- was at Antieianij
where he was wounded in the foot ; he was at the
battles of Fredericksburg, Newport News, and Suf-
folk, went through the Peninsula to Yorktown,
White House, Taylor's Farm, and Portsmouth, Va.,
then at Plymouth, N. C, where he was taken pris-
oner and for five months underwent all the hor-
rors of the prison pen at Andersonville, and for five
months longer at Florence, whence he was ex-
changed, in February, 1865. After being ex-
changed Mr. Funck lay in a convalescent camp for
some time and later was sent to a hospital in Balti-
more, Md., where he was confined with typhoid
fever more than four weeks. He was then granted
a furlough home for thirty days, but before its expi-
ration Gen. Lee surrendered, and Mr. Funck was
honorably discharged at Flartford, and mustered
out June 15, 1865.
On his recuperation, Mr. Funck went into the
furniture business with his father, which has been
alluded to c^uite fully above, and which culminated in
1886 in the commencement of tlie erection of the
mammoth four-story building on Prospect street,
opposite the railroad ilepot, to which they removed in
1890, but still continue to occupy their block at the
corner of Main and South Elm streets, the firm
name standing the same as at the begmning, viz:
C. Funck & Son.
The first marriage of Augustus H. Funck took
place Sept. i, 1865, to Miss Alaria Harcke, who was
born in Neuhaus, Germany, in 1840, and came to
America with her parents about 1865. She died
Dec. 16, 1883, the mother of the following named
children: Henry, wdio died at the age of twelve
years; Augusta, born July 17, 1867, is married to
Frank L. Muzzy, and has one child, Dorothy ;
Sophia, born Nov. 19, 1868, is the wife of Flarry
Landers, of Waterbury, and has one child, Leroy ;
Annie J., born April 3, 1870, married Marshall
Smith, of Terryville, and has two daughters, Rachel
and Ruth M. ; George, born Aug. 29, 1872, married
Nellie Parsons of ^^'aterbury, and has had born to
48 i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him two children, Marie and Frances ; Minnie, born
Oct. 13, 1875, teaches the kindergarten in Bristol;
Emil, born Sept. 12, 1877, married Jessie Hull,
daughter of Dr. George S. Hull, and is now asso-
ciated with his father in business ; and Louis E.,
born March 17, 1881, is also associated with his
father. The second marriage of Mr. Funck was
solemnized Sept. i, 1885, with Mrs. Annie (Siegler)
Fell, of Bristol, and this union has been crowned by
the birth of one child, Harold A., born Aug. 15,
1888, who is attending school. For over thirty
years Mr. Funck has belonged to the Ma'sonic fra-
ternity, and is still a member of Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, F. & A. M., at Bristol, and he and wife
are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. Funck is also afhliated with G. W. Thompson
Post, No. 13, G. A. R., while Mrs. Funck is a mem-
ber of the Woman's Relief Corps attached to that
organization. They are consistent members of the
Episcopal Church, in which for a number of years
he has been a vestryman, treasurer and senior
warden.
LUTHER SELDEN WEBSTER, an honored
and highly-respected citizen of Berlin, was born
in what is known as the Beckley Quarter Sept.
20, 1825, and is a representative of one of the
most influential and prominent families of Hart-
ford county.
Jonathan Webster, his father, was born in New-
ington about 1800, and died about 1885. He al-
ways followed the occupation of farming and be-
came quite well-to-do. Physically he was short
and heavy-set, and in disposition was rather strict,
compelling his children to work hard. His polit-
ical support was, first given to the Whig and later
to the Democratic party, and he took considerable
interest in church work. He was married to Rox-
anna Selden, who was born in East Haddam, a
daughter of Jonathan Selden. Both were laid to
rest in the Beckley Quarter cemetery.
Upon the home farm in the northern part of
Berlin Luther S. Webster grew to manhood, and
pursued his studies in the Beckley Quarter school
under the direction of a Mr. Porter. He received
rather a meager education, as he was compelled
to work on the farm most of the year, and has often
regretted that he did not have better advantages
along that line. He continued to attend school
through the winter months until sixteen years of
age, and then gave his entire time to the work of
the farm.
On Jan. 14, 1857, Mr. Webster married Miss
Susan Pratt Richards, who was born July 9, 1832,
and is still living, but is divorced. Her parents
were Amon and Betsey (Pratt) Richards, who died
and were buried in Beckley. By this union Mr.
Webster had one daughter, Fannie, born Nov. 5,
1861, who was married. May i, 1883, to Simeon
McKay, born March 24, 1855, and now engaged
in farming in Berlin. To them were born six chil-
dren: Luther Webster, born Oct. 7, 1883, is now
in the employ of P. & P. Corbin, New Britain;
Clayton North, born June 2, 1885, died Dec. 22,
1887; Grace Emily, born Nov. 2, 1886, died July
2, 1887; Helen Louise, born July 17, 1888, Alice
Evelyn, born July 11, 1890, and John William,,
born Oct. 16, 1892, are still living. For his sec-
ond wife Mr. Webster married Mrs. Emily
(North) McKay, who was born in 1824, and died
Jan. 9, 1888, her remains being interred in the
South burying-ground, Berlin. Since her death
his daughter and family have made their home
with him.
Mr. Webster remained on the old homestead
until. 1886, when he removed to Berlin street and
purchased the old Deacon North property, where
he has since resided. On questions of National
importance he supports the Democratic party, but
a!: local elections votes for the men whom he be-
lieves best qualified to fill the offices, regardless of
party lines. He has never been prevailed upon to
accept office, although public honors have been of-
fered him at different times. He is a consistent
and faithful member of the Congregational Church,
to which his second wife also belonged, and of
which his daughter is a member. His has been
an honorable and useful life, in which he has won
the confidence and high regard of all with whom
he has come in contact.
JESSE JOHNSON HOADLEY, one of Marl-
boro's highly respected citizens, belongs to a family
that originated in the south of England and is sup-
posed to have derived its name from one of two
parishes in Sussex, East and West Hoadley (now
spelled Hoathly), one in the rape of Lewes and the
other in that of Pevensey.
(I) William Hoadley (or Hoadle, as he spelled
the name), the ancestor of by far the greater part
of those who bear the name in this country, was
born in England about 1630. He first appears in
Saybrook, Conn., in 1663, and in 1666 he bought
the home lot of Rev. Abram Pierson, of Branford,
when the latter removed to New Jersey. This lot
was where the "Totoket House" now stands, and
there he conducted his business as a merchant, his
shop being next to his dwelling-house. He was
pronounced a freeman May 13, 1669; was one of
the representatives or deputies for Branford for
nine sessions between 1678 and 1685 ; was select-
man for several years, and was quite prominently
identified with furthering the interests of the town.
The name and time of death of his first wife are
unknown. He had eight children according to the
list taken Jan. 17, 1676, but the names of only seven
are known, and six survived him. Fie died in No-
vember or December, 1709, aged about seventj^-nine
years. His estate inventoried £1,116. He was mar-
ried a second time, about 1686, to Mrs. Mary
(Rullard) Farrington, widow of John Farrington,
of Dedham, Mass. She died May 12, 1709, and he
^^.^ad^^^nr-^ q/ 0i/at^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
485
later married Mrs. Ruth (Bowers) Frisbie, who
died April 2O, 1736. The cliildren by his first wife
were William, mentioned below ; Samuel, who mar-
ried Abigail Farrington; John, who married Marcy
Crane ; Mary, who married Nathaniel Finch ; Eliza-
beth, who died unmarried; Hannah, who married
Nathaniel Johnson, of Branford; and Abraham, who
jiiarried Elizabeth Maltby.
(II) William Hoadley, son of the founder of
the family in America, ran a sawmill on Stony river,
the permit being granted if he would agree to sell
boards at five shillings and not take more than half
a log to pay for sawing it. He died in Branford,
Conn., in May, 1738. He married (first) Abigail
Frisbie, and they had three children : Mary, born
May 22, 1691, was married Oct. 7, 1713, to Adam
Raynor, of Branford ; Hannah was born April 27,
1693 ; Jemima, born March 24, 1695, married (first)
Joshua Fuller and (second) William Allen. For
his second wife the father married Elizabeth Frost,
by whom he also had three children : Elizabeth,
who married (first) John Kincaid, (second) Joshua
Dudley, and (third) Titus Fairman; William, who
is mentioned below; and Lydia, who married (first)
Alexander Montgomery and (second) John Bray.
(III) William Hoa'dley, the only son of Will-
iam and Elizabeth (Frost) Hoadley, was born Feb.
13, 1707, and was one of the first settlers of Judds
^leadow, now in the town of Naugatuck. He was
of- very dark complexion, which he inherited from
his mother, and was known as "Black Will Hoad-
ley." He conducted a gristmill and sawmill for
many years. His will was dated Aug. 14, 1779.
He married Sarah Frisbie, and they had the follow7
ing children : Sarah married Israel Caulkins ; Eunice
married Josiah Terrell; William married Esther
Porter ; Lemuel married Urania Mallory ; Ebenezer
inarrietl Sarah Lewis ; Ithiel married Sarah Bundy ;
Jude married Naomi Linker; Elizabeth and David
died young; and Elizabeth (2) married Moses
Warner.
(IV) William Hoadley, son of William and
Sarah (Frisbie) Hoadley, was baptized May 4,
1734, and died Dec. 21, 1820. He sold his father's
gristmill and removed to Ohio, but one year's resi-
dence there satisfied him, and he returned to Nau-
gatuck. He married Esther Porter, a very hand-
some woman, who came from a wealthy family,
and was the village belle. They had six children,
namely: Ammi, born June 15, 1762, married Amy
Thompson ; Culpepper, born Sept. 10, 1764, married j
Molly Lewis; Lucina, born , married (first) '
\\'illard Hine, and (second) Samuel Pardee, of
Columbus, Ohio; Esther, born in 1769, was mar-
ried in 1791 to Lyman Tyler, of Prospect, Conn.;
William, born Dec. 28, 1774, married Nancy Hitch-
cock ; and Ithiel was the grandfather of our subject.
(\') Ithiel Hoadley, born in Naugatuck in 1776,
died in Waterbury, Conn., in 1859. About 1800 he
married Olive Caroline Johnson, who died in Water-
bury Feb. 24, 1857, aged seventy-one years. She
was a very beautiful w(jnian, and an accomplished
musician, and sang verses of her own composition.
They located in Waterbury, though it is said their
eldest son was born in Hoadleyville, Plymouth,
Conn. They had four children : William Burton,
born May 25, 1800, married Alvira (Alger) Hunt;
Selden Sylvester, tlie father of our subject, is next
in the order of birth; Harriet, born in 1807, married
Horace Chapman, of East Hampton, Conn. ; and
Lucinda, born about 1811, married Lewis Hodge.
(VI) Selden Sylvester Hoadley was born in
Waterbury, Conn., Jan. 25, 1804, and died in He-
bron Nov. 28, 1883. He worked in the stone quar-
ries of Portland for thirty-five years, and then
moved to "Cotton Hollow", South Glastonbury,
where he conducted a boarding house for seven
years, at the end of that time coming to Marlboro,
and locating on a place near Marlboro pond, where
he remained ten years. Subsequently he lived on
various farms, and spent his last years at the home
of our subject, where both he and his wife died.
She bore the maiden name of L_\dia Chapman, and
was born in 1800 in Salem, Conn., a daughter of
Samuel and Hannah (Miller Chapman, who died in
Ohio. After the death of her father, which oc-
curred when she was young, she returned to this
State, and being obliged to earn her own living,
worked for Hollister & Glazier, in Cotton Hollow,
as one of their first weavers. She died in 1895.
Our subject is fourth in order of birth in a family of
six children', the others being as follows : Mary,
married David Chappel, and lived in South Man-
chester; Olive C, born June 26, 1828, married
George B. Mallory, a machinist, of Bridgport,
Conn.; Selden S., born Dec. 17, 1831, married Ellen
Nichols, of Westerly, R. I. ; Alonzo, born Sept.. 6,
1836, married Julia Coleman, and is employed in a
tannery in Bridgport; and William Woodbridge,
born Dec. 17, 1840, married Nancy M. Smith, and is
a fisherman of Northport, L. 1. Three of the four
sons were soldiers in the Civil war, one being al-
lowed to remain at home to care for the parents.
(VII) Jesse J. Hoadley, whose name introduces
this sketch, was born in Portland, Conn., March 2,
1834, at the time his father was employed in the
quarries at that place. He oljtained only a very
limited education in the district schools of East
Hampton and Glastonbury, and after leaving school,
at the age of fourteen years, he worked as a farm
hand for James M. Dickinson at eight dollars per
month, remaining with him three or four years.
Later he worked for Jesse Dickinson, the father of
his former employer, for about the same length of
time, and subsequently was employed in the saw-
mill of Aaron Phelps until the latter's death, when
he conducted the mill for the estate for some time,
working on a farm through the summer and in the
mill during the winter months.
During the Civil war Mr. Hoadley manifested
his patriotism by enlisting in August, 1863, in Com-
panv K, of the "Fighting Fourteenth" Connecticut
486
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Volunteers, which regiment was so actively en-
gaged that it lost all of its officers with the exception
of the orderly sergeant, and as fast as a man was
promoted he would be killed. Our subject served
under Maj.-Gen. Hancock, Gibbons and Humphries,
and participated in nearly all the engagements in
which the regiment took part, with the exception of
the battle of Gettysburg. On March 25, 1865, he
was wounded at Farmville, Va., near the North
Carolina line, on the Danville & Petersburg railroad,
being shot in the left shoulder and for a time it was
thought that he could not possibly recover. The
surgeons performed a very difficult operation on
him, known in surgery as "resection and exsec-
tion," which consists in cutting off the end of the
bone of the arm where it fits into the socket in the
shoulder. The use of the left arm was almost wholly
destroyed, and the scar of the surgeons' knife is a
ghastly one. Mr. Hoadley remained in the hospital
until August, 1865, when he was discharged from the
service and returned to Marlboro. Near Marlboro
he purchased a farm on Jones street, Hebron, where
he remained nineteen years, and in 1887 removed
to his present location, where he purchased a saw
mill and the property known as the George Foote
place. The mill is one of the old landmarks of the
town. In 1887 Mr. Hoadley erected his present
comfortable residence.
Our subject was married, in 1859, to Miss Susan
A. Coleman, who was born in Marlboro, in 1838,
a daughter of Oliver and Susan (Johnson) Cole-
man, the former a farmer of that town. To our
subject and his wife was born a daughter, Olive,
who married Dan Jones, and died in 1893, leaving
four children : Vera, Amelia, Jessie and Emerald
Dan Jones.
In his political affiliations Mr. Hoadley is a Re-
publican, and in his social relations is a member of
Moiton A. Taintor Post, No. 9, G. A. R., of Col-
chester. He is widely known and highly respected,
and is an excellent conversationalist, capable of
entertaining a listener all day with interesting war
reminiscences.
ALEXANDER PENROSE FORBES GAM-
MACK, M. B., C. M., one of the leading physicians
of Berlin, was born in Kincardineshire, Scotland,
July 6, 1867, and is a son of Rev. James Gam-
mack, M. A., LL. D., the present rector of St. James'
Episcopal Church at West Hartford.
Plis father was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
April 23, 1837, and in early life studied for the
ministry, being ordained at the age of twenty-two
years. He was a clergyman in several parishes in
Scotland before coming to America, in 1889, and
then was rector of Saviour's Church, East Toronto,
Canada, for four years. At the end of that period
he came to Plymouth, Conn., as pastor of St. Peter's
Church, where he remained two years, and since
then has held his present charge — St. James' Church,
at West Hartford. He was married, April 29,
1862, to Miss Jane Ann Wilson, who was also born
in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Dec. 3, 1840, being the
eldest daughter of the Rev. John Wilson, of
Premnay, and to them were born six cluldren ;
Mary Catherine, now the wife of Frederick W.
Winter, a manufacturer's agent, of Utica, N. Y. ;
Alexander P. F., our subject; John Wilson, who
married Mary Adele Coles, of Glen Cove, Long
Island, and is now rector of St. Paul's Church, at
that place; Arthur James, who married Mary
Thompson Bridgman, of Stamford, Conn., and is
rector of Christ's Church, West Haven; George
Wilson, an electrician in the employ of the Pope
Manufacturing Co., of Hartford; and Frederick
Sharp, a chemist for Beach & Co., in Hartford.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Alexander Gam-
mack, was engaged in mercantile business in early
life, and later followed farming. He died in 1857,
at the age of sixty-four years.
Dr. Gammack began his education at an early
age, and after attending the schools of Kincardine-
shire for some time entered the Grammar School in
Aberdeen. He next studied under private tutelage,
and at the age of fifteen entered Kings College,
University of Aberdeen, where he remained two
years. He took up the study of medicine in Mari-
schal College, which he attended for five years, gradu-
ating at the end of that time with high honors, and
receiving the degrees of M. B. and C. M. He
could have completed the course at the age of twenty,
but was held back until he attained his majority.
For a short time he was engaged in practice in
Stokesley, Yorkshire, England, with Dr. William
.Guthrie Forbes, and after the death of his partner
came to this country with his parents, in 1889. He
spent some time in Alanitoba, in charge of an Indian
reserve, having received a government appointment,
and then, on account of ill health, he removed to
Kent county, Ontario, Canada, where he established
an office with Dr. J. C. Bell, and where he remained
about four years. At the end of that time he re-
turned to England, where for two years he was
engaged in practice with Dr. S. F. McLachlan at
Longtown, Cumberland. On again coming to
America he took up his residence in East Berlin,
Conn., Oct. 4, 1895, and here he has already estab-
lished a good practice, which extends throughout
Berlin, Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky
Hill and neighboring towns. He is also medical
examiner for a large number of insurance companies
in his district. The Doctor is the patentee of what
is known as "Killweed," a preparation which suc-
cessfully removes the objectionable and unsightly
weeds from walks, driveways, etc., and has formed
a company for the manufacture of the same. The
sale of this valuable preparation is rapidly increas-
ing, and it is being used with most satsfactory re-
sults.
On August 26, 1S96, Dr. Gammack married Miss
Isabella Catherine Agnes Scott, who was born Aug.
27, 1870, and is a daughter of the late Rev. Robert
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
487
Scott, of New York. They have one child, Jean
Isabel, born Jan. 2, 1898. The Doctor and his wife
arc both members of St. (iabricl's -Church, of East
Berhn. of wliich his brother Artlnir was the first
rector, and under whom the church was built. He
is also a member of the Independent Order of For-
esters, and of several medical societies in Scotland
and England. As a physician and citizen he stands
high in the community where he now makes his
home, and he has made many warm friends during
his residence here.
EDWARD BURDEN (deceased) was long a
well-known resident of Burnside, and was held in
great respect by all who knew him for his many
excellencies and personal merits. He was a native
of the County of Middlesex, England, came of a
well-to-do family, and was born Sept. 17, 1841, a
son of John \V. and Jane (Walton) Burden, the
former of whom died when the subject of this
sketch was but fourteen years of age.
John W. Burden was an undertaker in London,
and at his death was possessed of a comfortable
competence, sufficiently ample for the rearing and
educating of his seven children, three of whom were
boys, namely : John W., collector for the Hind &
Coup Brewing Co., of London ; Edward, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; and Alfred, clerk for a large
tea importing concern, with his residence in a Lon-
don suburb. The four daughters are named Emma
Z., Jane \\'., Eliza and Maria. All are still living
in England, Jane W. being an inmate of Lord Wing-
field's family, in Oxfordshire. The mother was a
remarkably intellectual lady and reared her children
most respectably; she was called from their midst
in 1895.
Edward Burden for some time assisted his father
in the undertaking business prior to the latter's
death, and afterwards was in the employ of the
London & Northwestern Railway Co. On Oct. i,
1867, in Buckinghamshire, he married Miss Sarah
A. Saunders, a native of tlie county, born June 5,
1846, daughter of James and Sarah (Barnes) Saun-
ders, who were the parents of twelve children. Of
these. Airs. Burden was the second born; five beside
herself are in the United States, and six still live in
England.
In June, 1870, j\Ir. Burden, with his wife and in-
fant son, Harold, sailed for the United States in the
sailing-ship "\'ictory," and landed in New York
June 21. Jilr. Burden went thence to Detroit,
IMich., where he lived one year, and then came to
Connecticut, as in the meanwhile his wife's brother
had settled in ths State. For awhile Air. Burden
was employed in Hartford, and then became agent
ar Bolton, Tolland county, for the Hartford, Provi-
dence & Fishkill Railroad Co.. with which he re-
mained seven years, in 1879 coming to Burnside,
where he soon afterward erected the dwelling in
which he resided until his lamented death, Alarch 18,
1892, his remains being interred in East Hartford.
Air. Burden was a man of the strictest integrity,
and was greatly esteemed wherever he lived. His
efforts to kec]) his word were extraordinary, and
his love for his family amounted to adoration. He
lived and died a true Christian, having been a life-
long member of the Episcopal Church ; in politics
he was a Democrat, but cared little for office, and al-
though he served one term as a member of the school
committee, as a matter of pulilic duty, he declined
re-election.
To the marriage of Air. and Airs. Burden were
born four children: (I) Harold, born 111 l-.ngland,
April 3, 1869, died in Detroit, Alich., July 8, 1870,
at the age of fifteen months. (2) Alildred, born
Sept. 21, 1870, was killed at the Main street cross-
ing, East Hartford, by a passing train. Nov. 20.
1891 ; she was twenty-one years old, and her tragic
fate was so great a shock to her father that it was
the primary cause of his djath the following Alarch.
(3) Flarold, of Burnside, was born Sept. 23, 1873,
married Aliss Hattie Louise Bragg, and has one
child, Alildred L. (4) Charles E. died in infancy.
The sad fate of her daughter, and the death of her
husband so soon following, caused Airs. ISurdeii
such poignant grief that she sought surcease in a
visit to England, found in the change of scene tem-
porary relief, and after a few months returned to
Ijurnside, where her landed interests are situated.
Here she owns several tenement houses besides her
own comfortable residence, which was built for her
by her husljand.
Airs. Burden has manifested rare business ability
and great determination, and, although she has ex-
perienced trials almost beyond the comprehension of
the average individual, has maintained her walk
through life most nobly, sustained by her faith in
the teachings of the Episcopal Church, she being a
member of St. John's, at East Hartford, at present :
she was confirmed in England. No lady in Bum-
side has more devoted friends, and no one is pos-
sessed of more amiable and commendable traits of
character, and womanly accomplishments and
virtues.
FRANKLIN BALL, for the past twenty-three
years an employe in the case department of the E.
Ingraham Clock Co., was born in Bristol, Conn.,
June 21, 1835, and is of the seventh generation of
the family in New England, the line being traced
backward as follows :
(I) Franklin, the subject. (II) Charles Ball,
a native of Bristol, born in 1806, lived on Lake
Avenue, had a farm of 120 acres, was also a wood
turner, and for six years was in partnership in this
business with his eldest son, Henry. He never
paid much attention to politics, but was very active
as a member of the Episcopal Church, being one of
the first to join the Bristol congregation. In 1856,
he went to Lodi, 111., engaged in farming for sev-
eral years, then, after the close of the Civil war,
went to San Francisco and engaged in the same pur-
488
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
suit until his death. He married, Nov. 26, 1826,
Miss Isabelle Emiline, born in 1810, a daughter of
Dr. Anson Warner, of Plymouth, Conn., and the
result of this marriage was six children: Henry,
born Dec. 6, 1827, is farming in Russell county,
Kans. ; Hiram, born Nov. 23, 1829, is a mechanic in
Alexandria, Va. ; Mary Ann, born Nov. 23, 1832, is
a widow and resides in San Francisco; Franklin,
the subject of this sketch, comes next; Orrin, born
May 21, 1840, was wounded in the war of the
Rebellion, and died shortly afterward in Illinois;
and Francis, who also served in the war of the Re-
bellion, is a carpenter by trade and lives in Wood-
bur_v, Connecticut.
'(HI) Noah Ball, grandfather of subject. (IV)
Caleb Ball, Jr., born in 1740. (V) Caleb Ball, Sr.,
born in 1697. (VI) John Ball, born in 1649. (VII)
Allen Ball, born in 16 — , was living in New Haven
in 1643.
Franklin Ball was primarily educated in the Bris-
tol common schools and, later, in the Bristol Acad-
emy, which he left at the age of twenty years, in the
meantime having assisted his father on the farm.
He then married and removed to Illinois where he
farmed until i860, at which time he returned to
Bristol and worked one year in the S. E. Root clock
shop, and then in the Irenus Atkins clock shop until
he enlisted Sept. 20, 1861, in Company C, Tenth
C. V. I., and was sworn in as a musician. He was
at the battles of Roanoke Island, Newberne, and
Goldsboro, at the siege of Charlestown (July 28 to
Oct. 25), Drury's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Deep
Bottom, siege of Petersburg (Aug. 28, to Sept. 29),
Hatcher's Run and Appomattox Court House. He
was several times struck by balls, but not seriously
injured, and was mustered out Oct. 7, 1864. On his
return from the war he again entered the employ
of Mr. Atkins as clock case maker, and worked with
him until 1877, when the concern failed ; he then
found employment in the case department of the
E. Ingraham Co., where he has worked during the
past twenty-three 3'ears.
^ Mr. Ball was united in marriage Feb. 5, 1856, to
Miss Laura Aletta Barnum, who was born March
14, 1838, in Bethany, Penn., and is a daughter of
Ansel Hoyt Barnum. The children that have graced
this union were Charles Ansel, born June 5, 1857,
died Sept. 11, 1857; Frank Eugene, born Jan. 24,
1859, was married April 24, 1883, to Miss Rosalie
Pappi, of New York Cit}', and has two children,
Earle Vincent, born May 30, 1884, and Genevieve
Aletta, born Dec. 21, 1888 (the father has for the
last twenty-four years been employed in the rule
department of the Benedict & Burnham Co., at
Waterbury) ; Frances Eugenie, twin of Frank Eu-
gene, died Aug. 11, 1859.
Mr. Ball was formerly a member of the Episcopal
Church, in which he was a vestryman, but he and
wife are now identified with the Prospect M. E.
Church, she being a member of the Ladies' Aid So-
ciety. Mr. Ball is affiliated with the G. W. Thompson
Post, No. 13, G. A. R., of which he is a past com-
mander, and has been chaplain for ten years, and his
wife is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, in
which she has held the offices of junior and senior
vice-president. Mr. Ball has been a delegate to the
National Encampment of the G. A. R., and aid on
Commander-in-chief Weiserts' and Gen. Alger's
staffs ; he has also been installing officer and in-
specting officer of different Posts of the State de-
partment for the past ten years, is at present chief
mustering officer of the department of Connecticut,
G. A. R., chaplain of Post No. 13, chaplain of Bris-
tol Grange No. 116, and vice-president of the loth
C. V. Veteran Association. He is likewise a member
of the Alger Staff Association of the United States,
of which Mrs. Gen. Russell A. Alger is the only
lady honorary member.
In politics Mr. Ball is a Republican. He has
served on the grand jury, but has never sought
office, although he is an extremely popular gentle-
man.
HON. BURWELL CARTER, a prominent
brass founder, and one of the most influential and
public-spirited citizens of Plainville, was born in
Wolcott, New Haven Co., Conn., Nov. 13, 1827,
a son of Reuben and Mary (Bailey) Carter.
His maternal grandparents were Deacon James
and Theda Bailey, of Wolcott, while his paternal
grandparents were Stephen and Triphena (Upson)
Carter, also of Wolcott. Stephen Carter was a
son of Jacob and Mary (Barnes) Carter, the for-
mer of whom was an early settler of Southington,
this county, where he died July 6, 1796. He was
a son of Jacob and Dorcas (Tyler) Carter. Jacob
Carter, Sr., came to this State from Southold, Long
Island, and located in Branford. The father of
our subject was born in Wolcott in 1793, and was
reared upon a farm in that town, where be subse-
quently followed farming up to 1837, when he re-
moved to Plainville, and here worked as a brass
molder until his death, in 1840. In his family were,
eight children, namely : Lucas H. ; Theda, wife of
S. F. Clark; Selina D., wife of Edward Twitchel;
Timothy U. ; James B.; Burwell; and two who
died in infancy.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed in Wolcott and Plainville, and he received
a common-school education. At the age of fifteen
years he commenced work as a helper in the brass
foundry of his brother, L. H. Carter, in Plain-
ville and in Ansonia, and he continued to work in
brass foundries in various towns until he had thor-
oughly mastered the business in ever}' detail. In
1875 he purchased the plant of his brother in Plain-
ville, and has since successfully conducted it, having
built up a most excellent trade.
Mr. Carter has been twice married, his first
wife having been Miss Sarah E. Bird, a daughter
of George and Betsey (Stanley) Bird, of New
Haven, and by that union two children were born:
/>ujxyt^^£i^ (:$k^A^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
489
George S., who married Clara Gilbert; and Sarah
E., wife of Ransom Baker. For his sccc^nd wife
Mr. Carter married J\liss Achsah Talmadge, a
daughter of David and Rebecca (Bailey) Talmadge,
of Torringford, Conn., and by this marriage he also
has two children : Lucas H., who married Emma
Cook ; and Edward T., who married Lizzie Jordan.
Mr. and JMrs. Carter are earnest members of
the Congregational Church, and he belongs lo Fred-
erick Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. AL, of Plainvillc, and
Phoenix Lodge, L O. O. F., of New Britain. In
his political views he is a stanch Republican, and
he is a recognized leader of the party in his com-
munity, having served as chairman of the Plain-
villc Republican committee for many years. He
has also been honored with important official posi-
tions, the duties of which he has most capably and
satisfactorily discharged. He has been a grand
juror several terms; first selectman one year; and
represented Plainville in the State Legislature dur-
ing the sessions of 1874-75, 1897-98 and 1899-
1900.
BOX. JAMES T. COOGAN, manager of the
Anchor Mills Paper Co., Windsor Locks, is a busi-
ness man of rare ability and sagacity, and since he
has taken personal charge of the interests of the
Anchor ^Nlills, in which he is a large stockholder,
the prosperity of the enterprise has greatly ad-
vanced. His sound judgment and energetic com-
pletion of any plan once adopted make his co-opera-
tion valuable in any line of eilfort, and he has fre-
quently been called to serve the community in offi-
cial positions of prominence, including that of rep-
resentative in the General Assembly.
Mr. Coogan comes of a notably able and intelli-
gent family, whose members have achieved distinc-
tion in various lines of effort. James Coogan, his
father, was born May i, 1808, in Dublin, Ireland,
where his youth was spent. He learned the paper-
maker's trade, and on coming to the LTnited States
in 1830 followed same for many years in different
places, being at one time employed in the Anchor
Mills. Having decided to settle permanently in
; Windsor Locks, he engaged in the general mercan-
'tile business. He was a man of fine abilities, and
a character which commanded the respect and ad-
miration of all classes. In religious faith he was
a Catholic, and as one of the first trustees of St.
Mary's Church, at Windsor Locks, he did much to
I'niild up the parish. Politically he was also active,
i;nd at one time served as representative of the
iState Legislature, being the first Catholic ever
pkcted to that body. In 1840 he was married, at
iBrooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Byrne, a native
b_f Dublin, Ireland, who died in 1867, and he sur-
j.'ived her mitil 1879. Of their seven children, the
eldest, Edward D., born April 2, 1841, is a prom-
nent business man of Windsor Locks, and has been
I conspicuous figure there in politics for several
;-ears. He is a leading Democrat, has held all the
local offices, served his town in the State Legisla-
ture, and in 1896 was a tlclcgate to the National
Convention at Chicago that nominated W. J. Bryan
for the Presidency. He is president of the Wind-
sor Locks Water Works, and a stockholder in the
Electric Light Co. (2j James T., our subject, is
mentioned more fully below. (3) Timothy C,
born Oct. 8, 1847, at Windsor Locks, practiced law
in. Thompsonville and Hartford in early manhood
and is now a successful lawyer in San Francisco,
his residence being in Oakland, Cal. He is prom-
inent in political movements. (4) Joseph A., a
prominent physician of Windsor Locks, was born
Sept. 14, 1849, and after receiving a common-school
education there attended Holy Cross College, and
St. John's College, at Fordham, N. Y. In 1873 h^
entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where
he was graduated three years later with honors.
For ten years he practiced in Hartford, securing a
large remunerative patronage, but his health failed
as a consequence of two attacks of pneumonia, and
he was compelled to give up his professional \vork
and seek renewed strength in a trip to Europe, fol-
lowed by a winter at Los Angeles, Cal. He then
spent a year in post-graduate work at Bellevue, un-
der the direction of his friend, the noted Prof. Ed-
v/ard Janeway, and in April, 1888, he located at his
native town, where his skill and ability won ready
recognition. He takes an active interest in public
aft'airs, and during his residence in Hartford he was
a member of the high school committee and of the
board of health ; was also physician and surgeon to
all the Roman Catholic institutions of the city, in-
cluding St. Augustine's College and the Old Peo-
ple's Home of West Hartford. He was also
president of the Order of Knights of St. Patrick,
surgeon of the First Company of Governor's
Horse Guards, and chairman of the Democratic
city and town committees. For two successive
years he was a Fellow of the State Medical So-
ciety, and censor of the County Medical Society;
at present he is health officer t>f the town
of Windsor Locks, and president of the Hartford
County Medical Association. (5) Ann Eliza, eld-
est daughter of James and Elizabeth Coogan, mar-
ried J. B. Benson, of Windsor Locks. (6) John
W. is a successful lawyer in Hartford. (7) Mary,
known as Sister Laurentia, is in a convent in
Bridgeport.
James T. Coogan was born Feb. 14, 1843, at
Lee, Mass., but his boyhood was spent chiefly in
Windsor Locks, where he attended the public
schools for a time. At the age of nine years he
was employed in the stockinet factory, and he after-
ward worked on a farm in Suffield, but later be-
came a clerk in his father's store. In 1867 he and
his brother Edward engaged in general mercantile
business at the present site of the post office, after
three years removing to the corner of Main and
Bridge streets, where they continued until the
brother withdrew from the firm. Our subject re-
490
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mained in charge of the store at Main and Bridge
streets until 1884, when he was appointed post-
master by President Cleveland, and for some years
his attention was devoted to the duties of that po-
sition. In 1890 he became connected with the
Whittlesey Mills, at Windsor Locks, under the firm
name of Coogan & Pusey, and engaged in the manu-
facture of tissue and toilet paper. Soon afterward
a joint-stock company, known as the Anchor Mills
Co., was formed, of which Mr. Coogan became a
member, and until 1895 he was connected with
both enterprises. Since 1897 he has held his pres-
ent position of manager of the Anchor Mills, the
establishment being at present devoted to the manu-
facture of tissue copying papers. He has been in-
terested at times in other corporate enterprises, hav-
ii!g been a director in the Windsor Locks Savings
Bank and the Windsor Locks & Warehouse Point
Bridge Co., but notwithstanding his business cares
he finds time for active work in local affairs. He
has served as selectman, and for many years was
secretary of the local board of education, while in
1880 he represented his town in the State Legisla-
ture, doing especially good work as a member of
the committee on Insurance. Socially he is popular
with all classes.
JOHN GAYLORD STODDARD is a repre-
sentative of one of the oldest Connecticut families,
one which for seven generations has lived within
the confines of Hartford county, and which has
been intimately associated with the life and de-
velopment of this prosperous region. The mental
activity of our subject in his younger days is
evinced by the fact that for eleven years he taught
school in the neighboring towns. Latterly he has
been identified with the material interests of the
county, in an agricultural way.
The ancestor of the Stoddard family in Con-
necticut was John Stoddard. The records of
Wethersfield show that in 1664 several parcels of
land were awarded to him in that locality, in ac-
cordance with the customs of the times. Mr. Stod-
dard seems to have been a settler in that vicinity
some years prior to this award. John Stoddard,
his son, settled on the land where our subject now
lives, having acquired it in the latter part of the
seventeenth century. His son, Jonathan Stod-
dard, the great-great-grandfather of our subject,
was married, in 171 7, to Abigail Wickham. Their
son, Jonathan Stoddard, great-grandfather of John
G. Stoddard, was born in Wethersfield Jan. 18,
1738. He was a soldier in the French and Revo-
lutionary wars, bearing the title of captain, and
would often, when he was old, tell the boys what
Washington said and did in the retreat from Long
Island and at Valley Forge — those "times that tried
men's souls." His son, likewise named Jonathan,
was born July 24, 1772. He was a farmer by oc-
cupation, and became quite prominent in local af-
fairs. Strong in physique and active in manner,
he exerted considerable influence among his fellow
townsmen. He was for some years captain of
militia. He married Candace Peck, who was born
in Bristol, Conn., Jan. 16, 1771, and seven chil-
dren were born to them: Jonattian; Hiram Ed-
wards, father of our subject; Sabra, who first mar-
ried Ira Andrews, and later Jehiel Noble; Nathan
Fenn; Candace, who was twice married, first to
Edward Howard, and later to James E. Loveland,
by whom she had a son, Charles Munn Loveland;
Joseph; and Abigail Honor, who married Justus
Griswold.
Hiram E. Stoddard was born in 1796 in New-
ington, was reared in. that vicinity, and was well
educated for those times, receiving common-school
advantages, by which he successfully mastered the
"three r's," which, in most cases, was the ultima
Thule of his day and generation; in addition he
attended a select school, taught by the wise minister
of the parish. Rev. Joab Brace. Adopting the oc-
cupation of farming, he supplemented it in his
younger years by teaching school for a number of
winters, and later in life he engaged in selling dry-
goods, etc., in the South, as was the custom among
■the more enterprising young men of the county dur-
ing the early years of the present century. He was
remarkably well informed and enterprising. At n
time when Newington was a part of Wethersfield
he was a selectman of the town. In farming he
-prospered to a fair degree. He was a member of
the Congregational Church. Mr. Stoddard mar-
ried Fanny Filley, daughter of Sylvanus Filley, of
East Windsor, now South Windsor, a representa-
tive of one of the old Windsor families. The fam-
ily of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard consisted of
five children: John G., the subject of this sketch;
Heman Francis, who died aged five years;
Mary Jane, who was married, i.Iarch 19, 1857, to
William W. Clark; Hiram Hudson, born in 1837,
who married (first) Martha Ann Goodwin, and
(second) Elma A. Pratt, of Granville, Mass. (he
is now a resident of Kearney, Neb. He en^
hsted in 1861 in the 5th Conn. V. I.; he was
editor for many years of the "Poultry World") ;
and Fanny Eliza, who died when nine years old.
Hiram Edwards Stoddard died Oct. 26, 1883, aged
eighty-seven. He was struck by a train while
crossing the New York, New Flaven & Hartford
railroad with an ox-team, hauHng wood. Flis wife
died April 18, 1877.
John G. Stoddard, whose name introduces these
Imes, was born in Wethersfield (now Newington),
Conn., Sept. 6, 1827. He attended the district
schools, and also the academy which then flourished
in the town. He possessed a retentive memory,
was devoted to history and general reading, and
remained in school, cluring the winter, until he
reached his eighteenth year. When nineteen Mr.
Stoddard began teaching in the neighboring towns,
at West Hartford, Southington and East Hartford,
becoming well-known as one of the efficient in-
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
401
structors of his time, excelling in the educational
requirements of that clay. During the summers,
while tcaciiing school, Mr. Stoddard followed farm-
ing, and he finally adopted this occupation per-
manently in a small way, devoting special atten-
tion to tobacco raising, which he has followed for
1 forty years. Mr. Stoddard has been a careful, con-
servative business man, and has been quite suc-
cessful. In politics he was formerly a \\ hig, and
he has been a Republican since the formation of
that party, active in public affairs. He was elected
selectman of Wethersfield before Xewington was
set off as a separate town, and in i8C8 he was
elected representative. In 1888 he was elected
selectman of Newington, and in 1899 was elected
first selectman, serving one year and declining re-
,election. Mr. Stoddard has always been interested
in the public schools, and a more zealous advocate
:for their efficiency and steady improvement it would
|be difficult to find. For eight or ten years he has
ibeen a school visitor. When a boy he became a
member of the Congregational Church, to which
his wife also belongs.
On Sept. 6, 1854, Mr. Stoddard was married to
Caroline Sarah Rice, of Charlemont, Mass., who
was born Nov. 7, 1825, daughter of Roswell and
Sarah (Hathaway) Rice, the former a descendant
of Capt. Moses Rice, one of the first settlers of
Charlemont ; he was shot by the Indians in his corn-
field. Mrs. Stoddard was but five years of age when
her mother died, leaving five children : Harriet N.,
Harvey D., Carolme S., Charles H. and Hart A.,
the last named now living on the old homestead.
The father subsequently married Amy Avery,
daughter of Jonathan Avery, a Revolutionary
soldier, but to this union no children were born.
Mrs. Stoddard taught eleven terms of school pre-
vious to her marriage; To our subject and wife
have been born four children : ( i ) John Ros-
well, born Aug. 9, 1855, is a machinist by trade, and
i.-^ assistant superintendent for the Russell & Er-
vvin Co., of New Britain. On April 30, 1878, he
married Lila M. Steele, and they have had seven
children — Louise B., born Feb. 20, 1879, now a
teacher in East Hartford ; John Elias, born Dec.
27, 1880, engaged as shipping clerk with the Pope
Manufacturing Co.; Hart A., born Sept. 4, 1883;
Ruth and Ruby, twins, born July 19, 1885, the
latter of whom died when six weeks of age : Ralph
t\., born Dec. 23, 1888: and Lila A., born Dec. 10,
(}''893. (2) Harriet Eliza, born May 17, 1857, is a
■graduate of the Connecticut Normal School. She
lis the widow of John T. Cochrane, and for four-
ijteen years has been in the office of the State board
'ipf education. She has one son, Harry H., now a
student in Trinity College. (3) Hart Avery died
fn infancy. (4) Frederick Hudson, born Aug. 23,
(862, died in January, 1S76.
Mr. and i\Irs. Stoddard have a fine home.
Lvery member of the family has musical talent,
pach playing some instrument well, and Mr. Stod-
dard has acquired quite a reputation for his articles
on poultry, and as a writer of verse. For many years
he was a frequent contributor to the pages of the
"Poultry World," a monthy, formerly jjublished
by H. 11. Stoddard, of Hartford. He gave much
attention to the breeding of fine poultry, and his
strain of Plymouth Rock fowls is known and valued
in every State of the Union. He has always been
noted for his indiistry, and is a self-made man,
having received no aid on the road to prosperity,
but he has been blessed with good health, and has
improved every opportunity in his path, as the rec-
ord of his career shows.
WILLIAM WALTER NORTON (deceased),
during his lifetime one of the prominent and in-
fluential citizens of Kensington, was born in that
village Oct. 5, 1S19. There, too, he died, Sept. 30,
1894, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years, and
there he was buried, in West Lane cemetery.
The district schools of his native town afforded
Mr. Norton his only opportunities for education,
and his deficiencies in this regard constituted a
source of poignant regret to him in later years. He
found life on the paternal farm circumscribed and
prosaic, and while yet a young man went West to
seek his fortune. There he engaged in business and
invested in mining stock, but ultimately gravitated
back to Berlin. Shortly after his return he was
tendered the position of agent for the New York,
New Haven & Hartford Railway and the
Adams Express Companies, which he accepted,
and this position of grave responsibility he filled
for nearly thirty years, discharging the duties at-
taching thereto with that mental acumen and un-
swerving fidelitv which were his salient character-
istics throughout life. The high regard in which
he was held by his fellow citizens was attested by
their repeatedly honoring him with offices of high
honor and grave trust. At various times he was
grand juror, judge of probate, and first selectman,
besides holding various minor offices.
Mr. Norton was twice married. His first wife.
Miss Flarriet E. Brown, to whom he was married on
Jan. 2, 1841, was born Sept. 7, 1821, and died in
June, 1891. In November, 1892, he married Miss
Nellie Emma Lyman Hunt, daughter of Willard
and Augusta Hunt, well-known and respected resi-
dents of Berlin. She was born Nov. 22, 1862, in
Berlin, and died Dec. 15, 1899. She was a mem-
ber of the. Congregational Church of Berlin, where
she lived from childhood until her marriage, and
was an active church worker, beloved and respected
by all.
The late Mr. Norton was of a genial, whole-
souled disposition, always ready to aid his neigh-
bors, and universally popular. His advice was con-
stantly sought, frequently on matters of grave im-
portance, and always freely and cheerfully given.
For many years he was a Republican in politics,
but toward the close of his life affiliated with the
492
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Democratic party. In both politics and public af-
fairs he was always influential, and the grief with
which the community learned the news of his death
was deep, sincere and widespread. He was long
an attendant at the Methodist Church, but in later
years was to be seen among the Congregationalists.
His character was beyond reproach, his mind keen
and active, and his sympathies broad and tender.
The issue of his second marriage was one son,
William Stephen Marcus, born Sept. 19, 1894. The
child is unusually bright, and it was his mother's
hope that he might study the profession of law.
ROBERT CORNWELL DUNHAM, a well-
to-do farmer and influential citizen of Southington,
was born on the farm which he now occupies Oct.
4, 1827, a son of Harvey Dunham, who lived in
Shuttle Meadow. The father was born Feb. 5,
1799, and was married, Oct. 2, 1822, to Miss Julia
A. Cornwell, by whom he had four children, who
reached maturity ; Angeline, wife of Henry K. W.
Dickinson, who has three children, Sidney, Ed-
ward and Charles ; Robert C. ; Truman, now de-
ceased, who is survived by six children, Ela (Mrs.
Albion Dyer), Tryon G. (who has one son, Tryon
Hunt), Mary, Katherine, Bell and Alice; and Sarah
Elizabeth, wife of George Loomis, who has two
children, Carrie and George-. Tlie father died March
23, 1869.
Harvey Dunham, Sr., the grandfather of our
subject, lived east of Shuttle Meadow, where his
son Harvey lived and died. He was married, Feb.
9, 1795, to Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. William
and Catherine (Codner) Tryon, of Middletown.
He died July 15, 1836, and his wife June 23, 1865,
at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His fa-
ther, S3dvanus Dunham, was born in 1742, and
lived on the west side of Shuttle Meadow, where
he died Sept. i, 1818. He married Rebecca Wood-
ruff, daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah (Macon)
Woodruff. Sylvanus Dunham was a son of Gideon
Dunham, of Southington, who was the founder of
the family in this county, and is supposed to have
come from Martha's Vineyard. He died April 27,
1762.
Robert C. Dunham, our subject, has spent his
entire life upon the old homestead, engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits. During his boyhood he became
thoroughly familiar with all the duties which fall
to the lot of the farmer, and acquired his literary
education in the common schools, and at Hopkins
Academy, Hadley, Mass. On March 11, 1851,
he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine M.
Park, born Nov. 2, 1830, a daughter of Chauncey
(born Oct. 16, 1807) and Emeline (Field) (born
Feb. 2, 1808) Park, of West Northfield, Mass.,
and granddaughter of Levi Park, who was born
Dec. 30, 1786. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunham were
born five children : George C. married Charlotte
Davis, of Stoneboro, Penn., and they have had
five children, Bertha E., Edna B., Robert A., Ruth
May, and Charles (deceased). William N. mar- '
ried Mary B. Smith, of New Britain, and they
have three children, Myrtle C, Leroy N. and
Josephine M. Frederick P. married (first) Jennie '
Woodruff, of Southington, who died leaving two i
children, Paul C. and Dana W. ; his second wife, !
Elizabeth Whiting, of Southington, also died leav- I
ing two children, Clarence W. and Jennie M., and t
for his third wife he married Grace Dayton, of
Southington; they have two children, Halstead F.
and Gladys M. Mary J. is the wife of Edwin G.
Lewis, .and has one daughter, Marion. Julia E. \
is the wife of Lewis Shepard. By his ballot Mr.
Dunham supports the men and measures of the :;
Republican party, and he has served one term as i
grand juror.
CASE. The Case family is one of the oldest
in this section, and is connected with many other
prominent pioneer lines, notably the Cornish, Hum-
phrey and Adams families.
John Case, from whom the Cases in Simsbury,
Canton and Barkhamsted trace their descent, is said !
to have come from Gravesend, England, in the ship '
"Dorset," Sept. 3, 1635. He was at Newtown, L.
L, in 1656, and later spent some time at Hartford
and Windsor, but finally located at Weatogue, where .j
the site of his old homestead can still be located, ;'
Phelps' "History of Simsbury" says of him that in \
1669 he was appointed by the General Court con-
stable of Massawe, the first person to be invested
with any office in the town. He was elected repre-
sentative in the May session of the General As- ■
sembly with Joshua Holcomb, they being the first J;
two persons holding that office, and he also served i'
subsequently in the years 1674, 1675 and 1691. In i;
1656 he married Sarah Spencer, of Hartford, 1;
who was born in 1636,. and died in 1691. '
Her father, William Spencer, had his home lot
granted to him in Hartford, the land where the i,
Union depot now stands. He was the founder of '
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and i
was appointed one to revise the laws of the Colony. "
At his death in 1640, he left an estate valued at 291
pounds. John Case died in 1704. His will, made
in 1700, is a lengthy document, filling eight foolscap
pages with fine writing. The inventory appended
to the will shows him possessed of seventeen parcels
of land, a cornmill and sawmill. Some items in the
inventory are a broadcloth coat, table linen and
napkins, blue trucking cloth, sheets, linen sheets,
tow sheets, Bibles and divinity books, a short gun,
a musket, three pounds of powder, eight and one-
half pounds of lead, a rapier, a back sword, a cutlass,
six and a half barrels of cider, two stocks beer, lOo
pounds tobacco, two pairs breeches, two breeches,
bedding, bolsters, pillows, shag rug, green rug, ,
wainscot bedstead, coverlids, twenty-one and a half i
yards linsey woolsey, twenty-six yards tow cloth, j
nine yards linen cloth, twenty-two run of linen 3'am, '
ten and a half run tow yarn, pewter platters, pew-
il
^ (^ eb^u.
(j^-^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
493
Icr flagon, three brass kettles, smoothing irons,
:heese press; inventory of ail the estate 562 pounds,
Mr. Case being a man of wealth for those times. He
had si.K sons and four daughters, and four of his
sons settled near him.
(II) Joseph Case, sixth son of John, born April
6, 1674, married Anna Eno, April 6, 1699. She
died June 10, 1760, aged sixty-one, and he died in
1748, aged seventy-four. He resided at Meadow
I'lain, Simsbury, and served twenty sessions in the
Legislature.
(III) Josiah Case, son of Joseph, born Feb. i,
1716, married Mary Hoskins July 22, 1742, and re-
moved to Cases Farm, Simsbury, where he owned
:ind condueted a sawmill. The date of his death is
not known. His children were Hezekiah, born
Aug. II, 1743, died Dec. 26, 1761 ; Mary, born Sept.
10, 1745, married David Goodhue; Ezra, born Sept.
15, 1747, settled in Barkhamsted ; Andrew, born July
10, 1749, died Aug. 19, 1749; Andrew, born Aug.
15, 1750, settled in Barkhamsted; Josiah, born Feb.
'9. 1753 ; Ozias, born Nov. 2, 1755, settled in Bur-
ington. Conn.; Abel, born Nov. 3, 1758, is men-
:ioned below; Oliver, born June, 1761, settled in
Barkhamsted.
(IV) Abel Case, Sr., born Nov. 3, 1758, died Oct.
30, 1843, aged eighty-five. He married Anna
Fuller, it is supposed a daughter of Ezekiel Tuller,
jf Simsbury. She died Dec. 10, 1844, aged eighty-
ieven. Their children were Abel, Jr., mentioned be-
ow ; Ezekiel ; Gaylord, who married Aurelia Foote ;
Sabrina, who married Samuel Booth, of Avon,
Conn. ; Savilla, wife of Oliver Case, of Barkham-
sted; Betsey, wife of Roswell Nobles, of Sims-
jury; Harriet, wife of Jarvis Bacon, of Simsbury;
A.nna, wife of Arunah Moore, of Bloomfield ; Me-
litable, who never married.
(V) Abel Case, Jr., born in 1786, died March
25, 1861. He settled on the homestead, on land
jiven by his father, and was a shoemaker and
farmer by occupation. He married (first) Sally
Hoskins, daughter of Ashbel and Sarah (Marvin)
Hoskins, and (second) wedded Miriam Squires,
rt'ho was born in 1797, and died in 1865. By the
jirst marriage he had six children: Dwight, who
married Lucy Brockway, of Simsbury; Norton,
bom in August, 1810; Perry; Deluna, unmarried;
Laura; and Melissa, who married a Mr. Ryder. By
■he second marriage there were three children :
Harriet ; Ruth ; and Jane, who married a Mr.
i^oberts.
(VI) Norton Case, son of Abel, Jr., was mar-
cd twice, (first) to Flora Jones, of Simsbury, and
Vsecond) March 25, 1835, to Electa Case, daugh-
jer of Giles Case, of Canton. The children by "the
•irst marriage were: Charles, born in June, 1832,
Went to sea forty years ago, and has not been heard
[rem since. Horace, born in February, 1834, is
pne of the oldest grocers in Hartford ; he married
irst Lucretia Goodrich, and later Sarah Boardman,
)f Hartford, but has no children. The children by
the second marriage of Norton Case were: Flora,
born in 1836, died in 1840; George A., born in
September, 1838, was a soldier in the war of the
Rebellion; Arden G., born Dec. 25, 1844, is men-
tioned below more fully. Norton Case was a farmer
throughout his life. He died in Southington, Conn.,
in December, 1890, aged eighty, and his widow.
Electa, who was born in November, 1810, died in
September, 1893, aged eighty-three.
(VII) Arden G. Case, resident of Weatogue,
owns and occupies, as a homestead, land which
once belonged to John Case, the pioneer, and is a
stone mason by occupation. Politically he is a
stanch Democrat. At one time he had served as
juryman, and for five years he was a corporal in
Company H, ist Regiment, State Militia. In 1869
he married Marion E. Cornish, daughter of Sidney
A. and Emeline (Humphrey) Cornish, of Sims-
bury, and they have had two children : Iloward
James, born June 12, 1870, died March 30, 1872;
Daisy Marion, born Aug. 16, 1871, married, Jan.
10, 1893, Carleton S. Marks, of Simsbury, and their
cliildren are Harold Humphrey Alarks, born ^Vug.
30, 1893, and Eleanor Stanley Marks, born Jan. 29,
1895. JNIrs. Arden G. Case belongs to the Method-
ist Episcopal Church.
Arden G. Case is descended from John, the pio-
neer, through three other lines, tracing to Richard,
John, Jr., and Bartholomew, as indicated below.
(II) Capt. Richard Case, the fourth son of John,
the pioneer, was married Sept. i, 1701, to Amy
Reed, daughter of Dr. Philip Reed, of Concord,
Mass., and settled in Weatogue. He was born
Aug. 27, 1769, and died in 1746. His children were:
Amy, born in 1702, died in- 1703 ; Amy (2), born in
1703, married Jonathan Holcomb, and died after
1740; Richard is mentioned below; Timothy, bom
in 171 1, married Sarah Holcomb, daughter of Na-
thaniel Holcomb; Margaret, born in 1713, married
Jacob Holcomb, and died after 1740; Edward, born
in 1715, died June i, 1746; Lydia, born in 1718,
died after 1740; and Mary, born in 1722, died after
1740.
(HI) Sergt. Richard Case, born in 1710, died
April 12, 1769. He married Mercy Holcomb in 1733,
and in 1737 removed to West Simsbury, where he
was the first settler, and erected the first dwelling-
house. Mercy Holcomb was born in I7i2,and died in
1780. Their children were Richard (3) (1734-1805) ;
Joab (1735-1758); Sylvanus (1737-1817); Simeon
(1739-1822) ; Eli (1741-1804) ; Uriah (1743-1826) ;
Edward (1748-1822) ; Phineas (1750-1798) ; Mercy
(1752-1818); Naoma (^1755-1822); and Timothy
(1759-1850).
(IV) Eli Case married Athildred Curtis, born
in 1745, and died in 1805. They had the follow-
ing children : Athildred. Eli, Jr., Riverius, Zabad,
Giles, Orange, Thede, Calvin, Chastina and Har-
riet.
(V) Giles Case, born in 1776, died in 1851. His
wife, Mary Case, daughter of Silas and Mary
494
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Case) Case, was born June 20, 1781, and died in
May, 1850. Giles Case was a slioemaker by trade.
His children were : Betsey, who died in childhood :
Mary ; Achsah ; Eli ; Betsey, who married Elizur
Mills, of Canton ; Electa, who married Norton Case,
of Simsbury ; Plin}' ; Amos ; and Eveline.
From John, Jr., the line of descent is traced as
follows :
(II) John, Jr., eldest son of John, the pioneer,
was born Nov. 5, 1662, and died in 1733. He mar-
ried (first) Mary Olcott, and (second) barah, daugh-
ter of Joshua Holcomb, in 1693. John, the only
child by the first wife, died in 1685, in infancy. By
the second marriage there were the following chil-
dren: John B., born Aug. 22, 1694, married Abi-
gail Humphrey, and died in 1752; Daniel, born
March 7, 1696, married Penelope Buttolph, and
died in 1733 ; Mary, born about 1698, married Josiah
Alford, and died in 1732 ; Jonathan, born about 1701,
married Mary Beeman; Sarah, born about 1703,
married John Alderman ; Hannah, born about 1709,
married Capt. Noah Humphrey, and died in 1799.
(III) John B. Case was married, in 1716, to
Abigail Humphrey, by whom he had the following
children: John, born in 1718, died in 1776; Noah,
born in 1720, married Miriam Holcomb, and died
in 1797; Capt. Charles, born in 1723, died in 1808;
Abigail, born in 1725, married Jonathan Case, Jr.,
and died in 1779; Mary was born in 1727; Lucy,
born in 1732, married Lieut. William Wilcox, and
died in 1805 ; Martha, born in 1735, married Thomas
Barber; Capt. Job, born in 1737, married Joanna
Wilcox, and died in 1798; Lydia, born in 1741, mar-
ried Jonathan Pinney.
(IV) John Case was -married, in 1745, to Sarah
Barber, who was born in 1722, and died in 1805.
Their children were: John (5), born in 1746, mar-
ried Chloe Owen, and died in 1776; Giles died in
childhood; Seth, born in 1749, married Eunice
Tuller, and died in 1820; Sarah, born in 1751,
married Deacon Elisha Cornish, and died in 1827;
Asa, born in 1753, married Sarah Robe, and died
in 1830; Mary, born in 1755, married Silas, son of
Amos and Mary (Holcomb) Case, and died in 1833;
Giles, born in 1757, married Dorcas Humphrey;
George born in 1759, married Electa Moore; Levi,
born in 1760, married Polly Humphrey (Camp-
bell Case's ancestors), and died in 1802; Judah
(twin of Levi) married Ruth Higley, and died in
1821 ; Abigail, born in 1763, married Asa Hoskins,
of Simsbury, and died in 1844.
(V) Mary Case, who married Silas Case, had
children as follows: Mary, born in 1781, married
Giles, son of Eli Case, and died in 1850; Ira, born
in 1782, married Mary Humphrey, and died in 1848;
Silas, born in 1785, died in 1816; Levi, born in 1787,
married Keturah Bandell, and died in 1865 ; Ruggles_
born in 1789, married Cynthia Case; Jane, born in
1792, married Holcomb Case, and died in 1865;
Lucy, born in 1794, married Everett Case, and died
in 1858 ; Gad, born in 1796, married Tirzah Gibbons ;
Ruth, born in 1799, married Case Braman,, and died
in 1832.
(II) Bartholomew Case, fifth son of John, was
born in October, 1670, and died in 1725. He was
married, in December, 1699, to Mary, daughter of
Lieut. Samuel Humphrey, and they resided on his
paternal homestead. Of their children, Deacon
Thomas, born in 1702, died in 1770; he married Eliz-
abeth Woodford, and settled on the old homestead.
Mary was born in 1704. Elizabeth, born in 1710,
died in 1742. Amos, born in 1712, died in 1798.
Sarah, born in 171 5, married Joseph Highley. Isaac,
born in 1717, married Bathsheba Humphrey, and
died in 1796. Deacon Abraham, born in 1720, mar-
ried Rachel, daughter of Capt. James and Esther
(Fithen) Case, and died in 1800. Abigail was born
in 1821.
(Ill) Amos Casemarried, ini739, Mary Holcomb,
and removed to West Simsbury in 1740. She was
born in 1714, and died in 1802. Their children were :
Mary, Ruth, Huldah, Amos, Jr., Abel, Silas (who
married Mary Case), Lucy, Pliny, Rhoda and Seth.
Mrs. Marion E. Case, wife of Arden G. Case,
traces her descent from several pioneer families of
Simsbury, Windsor and Hartford. She is a daugh-
ter of Sidney A. and Emeline (Humphrey) Cor-
nish, and in this line is descended from James Cor-
nish, an Englishman, who died in Simsbury, Oct.
29, 1698, at an advanced age. It may be mentioned
here that the first records of the Cornish family are
of one William Cornish, of England, to whom Queen
Elizabeth, wife of Henry VII, gave the sum of thir-
teen shillings and four pence for setting the carol on
Christmas Day, 1502. [Agnes Strickland's "Wives
of Kings of England."] James Cornish, the pio-
neer, was a noted school teacher, and his name is
found in the records of various places along the
river. In 1674 his terms were thirty-six pounds a
year in Windsor. In 1676 he gave five shillings
to the poor of Simsbury, after the burning of that
town by the Indians. On Feb. i, 1660, an item was
entered in the town records at Windsor concerning
four pounds, ten shillings, due to him for teaching.
From the records of the Lee family it is learned that
he was married after 1661 to Phcebe Larraboy (or
Larrabee), widow of Greenfield Larraboy (?), of
Saybrook, Conn., and daughter of William Brown,
of the County of Essex, England. She came from
England in 1645, '^"d died in Northampton, Mass.,
Dec. 22, 1664. Her first husband was a Lee, and
she was undoubtedly the second wife of James Cor-
nish. The latter had three children : Gabriel, born,
perhaps, in England; Elizabeth; and James,
(II) Deacon James Cornish, born in 1663, died
in Simsbury, April 2, 1740. In 1698 he exchanged
lands in Windsor with Eleazer Hills, of Simsbury.
On Nov. 10, 1692, he married (first) Elizabeth,
daughter of Timothy Thrall, of Windsor, Conn.
She was born May i, 1667, and died Jan. 25, 1713-14.
He married (second) Hannah, daughter of Andrew
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
495
Hillaicl (now Hillyer), and widow of Thomas Iluni-
phreys, April 15, 1715. She was born Dec. 12, 1681,
and died Dec. 2, 1751. By the first wife he liad six
children : James, born Oct. 30, 1693 : Elizabeth, Sept.
25, 1695 ; Joseph, Oct. 18, 1697 ; I'hebe ; Sarah, April
19. 1709: and Benjamin, March 28, 1710-11. The
children by the second wife were : (Jabricl, born May
25, 1716; Jemima, Nov. 20, 1718; Keziah, Oct. 12,
1721 ; Mdry ; and Jabez, 1726. Deacon James' daug;h-
ter Jemima was the ancestress of Mrs. Lucius G.
Goodrich, Ralph Ensign, Henry Ensign, also Mrs.
Joseph Toy, of Simsbury.
(III) Capt. James Cornish, born Oct. 30, 1693,
died March 22, 1784. He married (first) Amy But-
ler, of Hartford, Dec. 9, 1719. She died Feb. 16,
1763, and on Nov. 24, 1763, he married Mrs. Han-
i!ah Hickox, nee Thrall, who died Aug. 27, 1779.
They lived in Simsbury. His children were : James,
born Oct. 4, 1720; Elisha, June 5, 1722: Amy, Aug.
2, 1724; Daniel, May 21, 1727; Abigail, Sept. 5,
1729; Joel, July 18, 1731; Abigail, i\Iay 5, 1733;
Lucy, June 8, 1735; Violet, April 12, 1737; Rachel,
Sept. 3, 1740.
(IV) Sergt. Elisha Cornish, born June 5, 1722,
died April 2"^, 1794. He was in the Revolutionary
v.-ar, and it is said that he was a noted lawyer of East
Weatogue, a very keen and sagacious man, and very
wealthy. He married (first) Kepsibah, daughter
of Charles Humphrey, Sept. 25, 1740. She was
bom in 1724, and died Feb. 25, 1755. He married
(second) Mary, daughter of Benjamin Dyer, Aug.
31, 1755. She died Oct. 21, 1775, and June 2, 1776,
he married (third) Charity, daughter of John Pet-
tibone, and widow of Sylvanus Humphrey. She
was born June 30, 1744, and died Oct. 5, 1803. The
children of his first wife were: Hepsibah, born Aug.
27, 1741 : Hepsibah, Nov. 4, 1742: James, Dec. 16,
1744; Elizabeth, May 8, 1746; Elisha, Dec. 7, 1748;
Dorcas, Sept. 11, 1750; Charles, Sept. 29, 1752.
r^Iary, born Feb. 17, 1759. was the only_ child by the
second marriage; and Giles, born April 8, 1780, was
the only child by the third.
(V) Capt. James Cornish, born Dec. 16, 1744,
died in Simsbury, July 9, 1813. On Dec. 28, 1766,
he married Ruhama Bidwell, who was born in 1743.
and died March 14, 1814. Her father came from
Windsor, and her mother was one of the noted Fin-
ney family there. The children born of this union
were: Charles, born Oct. 29, 1767; Dorcas; Chloe ;
Larue-Hamah; Eber, born Feb. 16, 1772, and
James, born in 1776.
(VI) Col. James Cornish, born in 1776. died Jan.
30, 1836. He married (first) Cynthia Russell, who
was born Oct. 14, 1778, and died Aug. 5, 1824. Her
father, Sergt. Jesse Russell, served in the Revolu-
tionary war ; her mother was a daughter of Daniel
Cornish, son of Capt. James, mentioned above. Col.
James Cornish married (second), in 1829, I\Irs.
Flizabeth Smith. His home was in Simsbury. His
children were: Grove, born in 1796; Charles, 1799;
Charles Edwin, April 13, 1805 ; James Darwin, May,
1808; and Sidney Aurora, Oct. 6, 1819 (the father
of Mrs. Case).
The HuMPHRKYs trace tiieir descent to the lime
of William the Contiueror, and a valuable genealogy
of the family is to be found in the Simsbury public
library. During the Revolutionary war honorable
mention was gained l)y several of the name, and in
local afi'airs they have always been prominent. Gen.
David Flumphrey, aid-de-camp to Washington
and minister to Portugal (1791). also minister to
Spain, was the first importer of Merino shoe]) from
the latter country to this country. Michael Hum-
phrey, the head of the family in this country, came
from Lyme Regis, England, in the ship "Mary and
John." lie was a merchant trader in Windsor, and
in- 1643, i" connection with John Grifiin, was en-
gaged in the manufacture of pilch and tar at Mas-
saco. He subsequently became a distinguished in-
habitant of Massaco (now Simsbury). He mar-
ried Priscilla Grant, daughter of Matthew Grant, of
Windsor.
(II) Lieut. Samuel Humphrey, born May 15,
1656, a son of Michael, married Alary Mills, born
in 1662. In an expedition sent against the Indians
in Hampshire, Mass., he was appointed lieutenant,
his commission being signed by Gov. SaUonstall.
He had numerous parcels of land granted him by the
town, and held various public offices ; having been
chosen collector in 1685; fence viewer, 1690; select-
man, 1694 ; pound keeper, 1695 ; tavern keeper, 169C ;
and in 1698 he was chosen ensign of the Simsbury
"train band." He served as an officer in the com-
pany ever)' year from that date until 1715. It is on
record that in 1698 the town owed Samuel Hum-
phrey ten pence for a part of sum for the men that
cleared the minister's well. He died in 1736, aged
eighty years, leaving a will dated 1734. Mrs. Mary
Humphrey died in 1730, aged sixty-eight years.
Their children were Mary, wife of Bartholomew
Case ; Elizabeth, wife of John Collier, of Hartford ;
Samuel, Jr., mentioned below; Jonathan, who mas-
ned Mary Ruggles ; Abigail married John Case
(3) ; Hannah: Charles, who married Hepsibah Pet-
tibone, daughter of Samuel Pettibone, Sr. : Xoah,
who married Hannah Case, sister of John, who mar-
lied his sister Abigail.
(III) Ensign Samuel Humphrey was born May
17, 1686, and died Oct. 16, 1759. He was married
fi.rst, Feb. 23, 1709, to Hannah, daughter of Joseph
(2) and Mary (Collier) Phelps. She died in 1710,
at the birth of her son, Samuel (3). For his second
wife he married Mary Tuller, daughter of John
Tuller, and his wife, Elizabeth Case, daughter of
John Case (i). His third wife was Lydia North,
and his fourth Mary Orton. He was the father of
nineteen children. He removed to Goshen, ^vhc^c he
acquired a large amount of land, and his death oc-
curred there. His posterity are very numerous, and
have ever well sustained the reputation of their
\A-orthy progenitor. When he left his old home for
496
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his new one in Goshen a large number of friends and
neighbors accompanied him a distance of some three
miles, and there spent a night of prayer and praise.
In the morning they bid him a kind and tearful fare-
well, never expecting to see him again in this world.
The distance of his new home was only about thirty
miles, now a journey of only about one hour and a
half by steam cars. He received land from his fa-
ther in Simsbury, and some of his older sons stayed
there.
(IV) Lieut. Samuel Humphrey (3), born Oct.
15, 1710, died July 7, 1755. He married Mary Wil-
cox, who died in 1756, aged thirty-seven. In 1742
he removed to West Simsbury, and settled in the
Suffrage District (now Canton Street), becoming
a prosperous farmer. An inventory of his estate
amounted to 291 pounds.
(V) Samuel Humphrey (4), eldest son of Lieut.
Samuel, was born Nov. 17, 1734, and died in 1804.
He was lame, and was called "master Sam," on ac-
count of his profession of school teaching. He also
wrote much. He married Prudence Mills, of Can-
ton, daughter of John and Damris (Phelps) Mills,
and granddaughter of Sarah Case, daughter of John
Case (i). Prudence Mills was born in 1734, and
died in 1805. They had eight children.
(VI) Ichabod Humphrey, third son of Samuel
(4), was born about 1772, and died in 1829. He
married Esther Olmsted, of Bushy Hill, Simsbury,
who died in 1839. She was a daughter of Daniel
and Anna (Cadwell) Olmsted, and a descendant,
through Nicholas, son of James Olmsted, who came
to Hartford, Conn., with the first settlers in 1636,
and afterward settled in the southeast part of Sims-
bury, Bushy Hill. Daniel Olmsted served as cor-
poral in the Revolutionary war, as did also two of his
sons. He died in 1809 or 1812, at the homestead,
leaving the greater portion of his property to his
youngest daughter, Esther, and Ichabod, her hus-
band,, with whom his last days were spent. At Ich-
abod Humphrey's death the estate inventoried $1,-
264.14. He had four children.
(VII) Manna Humphrey, the eldest child of Ich-
abod, was born about 1790, and died May 22, 1855.
He was married April 26, 1825, to Tryphena, daugh-
ter of Ephraim and Keziah (Whedon) Baldwin, for-
merly of North Branford. She came to Simsbury
when she was sixteen years old. Her father,
Ephraim, was in the war of the Revolution, and
witnessed the surrender of Burgoyne. Mrs. Hum-
phrey was a woman of superior education for those
early years, and had a remarkable memory, being
especially familiar with ancient history. She began
at the age of ten years to read the Bible, and had read
it through twenty times, while for many years she
was a devout member of the Congregational Church
'in West Avon. She was born Oct. 30, 1787, and
died at the great age of ninety-four years. The
Baldwins traced their ancestry back to William the
Conqueror and Count Baldwin. [Genealogy of the
Baldwins]. Manna Humphrey served in the war of
1812, being stationed at New London, and his widow
received a pension after his death. He was a farmer
on the paternal homestead, and was noted for his
pleasant jokes and genial disposition. His only son,
Charles RoUin Humphrey, born Jan. 13, 1832, lives
on the old homestead, and also inherits his father's
genial temperament. He married Nancy Ketchen,
but has no children.
(VIII) Emeline, second daughter of Manna
Humphrey, was born Oct. 22, 1829, and died Nov.
17, 1893. On March 11, 1849, she married Sidney
Aurora Cornish, born Oct. 6, 1819, who died June
9, 1885. They had one child, Marion Eleanor, born
Dec. 31, 1849, who married Arden G. Case.
LANGDON J. PECK. The origin and sig-
nification of the surname Peck are matters of con-
jecture, although as to its antiquity there can be no
dispute. At a very early date the family is known
to have had its seat at the ancient town of Belton,
Yorkshire, England, whence branches spread over
Great Britain, and even through the countries of
continental Europe. There are, in the British
Museum, the arms of Peck, impaled with the arms
of many families into which they have married.
There is no motto recorded with the early arms of
the family. This one, "Probitatem quam divitias,"
"probity (or truth and honesty) rather than
riches," has been added.
The Massachusetts Pecks trace their lineage to
a branch which was established at Beccles, County
of Suffolk, England, from whom was descended
Joseph Peck, the first of the name to emigrate from
the Old World to the New. He was of the twenty-
first generation in direct descending line from John
Peck, of Belton. His father was named Robert,
and the parish records show Joseph's baptism to
have occurred on April 30, 1587. He was a Puritan
in faith, and was among those who bade adieu to
home and civilization that they might find in the
wilds of a strange, unsettled country that freedom
of conscience which they esteemed a great boon.
Joseph Peck was one of a company who sailed from
England in 1638, in the ship "Diligent," of Ips-
wich, his brother Robert being pastor of the httle
flock. He brought with him his wife and children
(three sons and a daughter), together with two
men servants and three maids. Soon after his ar-
rival he settled in Hingham, Norfolk Co., Mass.,
whence his numerous descendants have scattered
over the United States, Canada and the British
North-American provinces. He remained at Hing-
ham about seven years, and was one of the town's
foremost and most respected citizens, having been
a representative to the General Court from 1639 to
1642, besides holding numerous other offices, among
them those of selectman, justice of the peace and
assessor. From Hingham he removed to Seekonk,
where he appears to have been equally prominent
in public affairs until incapacitated from participa-
c:^c:>:.^2^ ^, c^^^^>-L^ i^ J^t c^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
497
lion tlicrcin bv old age. He died Dec. 23, 1663, at
the age of seventy-six.
The Connecticut branches of the faniilv are de-
scended from Joseph, of -Milford; from Deacons
AN'illiam and Henry, of New Haven; and from
Deacon Paul Peck, of Hartford, who were among
the earliest settlers in their respective localities.
Langdon Jabez Peck, whose name appears at the
liead of this biographical sketch, traces his ancestry
back to Deacon Paul. The e.xact place and date
of the latter's birth cannot be told with absolute
•certainty, but he is believed to have been born in
the County of Essex, England, in 1608, and to have
come to America in the ship "Defense," in 1635.
For a vear he remained in or near Boston, and in
if 136 accompanied Rev. Thomas Hooker and his
followers to Hartford. As early as 1639 his name
.appears in the town records in a list of proprietors,
and the same records afford abundant evidence that
lie was one of Hartford's leading citizens. His resi-
dence is said to have been on what is now W'ash-
ington street, not far from where the State Capitol
now stands. In fact, among old residents of the
•citv it is not uncommon, even at this day, to hear
this site spoken of as Peck's lot. He was a deacon
in the Congregational Church from 1681 until his
■death, Dec. 23, 1695. His will may yet be read
upon the probate records of the county. It is
voluminous and interesting in its detailed descrip-
tion of his possessions. His estate inventoried at
536 pounds, five shillings.
Deacon Paul Peck's son Samuel, born in 1647,
Avas the next in the line of descent which leads to
Langdon J. Peck. He was a resident of West Hart-
ford, where he died Jan. 10, 1696. He had but one
■son, also named Samuel, who settled in that part
of jNIiddletown now known as Berlin. On March
•6, 1701, he married Abigail, daughter of Joseph
Collier. She died Oct. 28, 1742, and he on Dec.
■9, 1765. Their son Amos was born in Kensington
jNIarch 3, 1715. He married Mary Hart July 26,
1750, and took up his residence in Middletown.
He died April 6, 1802, his wife having preceded
liim to the grave on June 22, 1771. He was the
father of Amos (2), who was born Jan. 25. 1764.
and died March 18. 1826. On Dec. 4, 1781, he
married Anna Scoville. of Saybrook, who died Oct.
25, 1801, and they lived in the part of Berlin called
Kensington. Amos Peck (2) served in the Revolu-
tionary war as a fifer, and was with Washington at
A'allev Forge. He was a "gentlemanly gentle-
man." modest and gentle in manner and spirit, much
esteemed in his communitv, and was quite prom-
inent in the settling up of estates. Norris Peck,
father of Langdon J. Peck, was born Dec. 9, 1795,
in Kensington, in the old homestead where his
son yet resides, the house standing on the road
to ^leriden commonlv known as the Blue Hills.
His wife, Elizabeth Langdon, was born March 19,
1804. and their marriage took place Oct. 6. 1822.
She died April 3, 1900. Mr. Peck was a merchant
by occupation, with headquarters at Cahawba, Ala.,
where for many years he spent much time. He
was an uncompromising Abolitionist in politics.
He died Aug. 8, 1869, and was laid to rest in the
Center cemetery of Kensington. To him and his
wife came nine children, as follows: (i) Eliza-
beth Hibbard, born April 6, 1824, married Henry
E. Russell, of the Russell & Erwin Co., of New
Britain. (2) Amos, born May 2, 1825, was a sea
captain; he died at Santa Barbara, Cal., Feb. 12,
1882, unmarried. (3) Anna Scoville, born March
15, 1827, became the wife of S. C. Wilcox, a prom-
inent citizen of Berlin; she died March 7, 1884.
(4) Langdon Jabez, an account of whose life is
given below, was born Feb. 11, 1829. (5) Ellen
Augusta, born in 1831, married James D. Frary. of
the firm of Landers, Frary & Clark, of New Britain ;
she died Dec. 7, 1899. '(6) ]\Iary Elizabeth, born
in 1833, was married to Dennis C. Wilcox, who
was for many years treasurer of The Meriden
Britannia Co. (7) Alice D. was born in ]\Iarch,
1836, and lives at New Haven. (8) Alatthew, born
in 1839, enlisted in the First Connecticut Cavalry
in the Civil war ; had many thrilling experiences in
service as a detective ; was taken prisoner and con-
fined at Belle Isle for three months : he has for many
years been employed in the United States railway
mail service, and resides in Chicago: he married
Rosa Fagan, of New Britain. Conn. ( 9 I William
Norris, the youngest of the family, who was bom
in 1842, is a sea captain, sailing the Pacific : he is
unmarried.
Langdon J. Peck, as has been said, was liorn
Feb. II, 1829. He attended the district schools of
Kensington until he was fourteen years old. when
he took a course of study at a private academy at
Berlin, conducted bv Rev. Joseph ^^'hitt!esey. At
the completion of his school days he returned to his
father's farm, where he has ever since resided.
Mr. Peck is one of the best-known and most
highly esteemed citizens of the town of Berlin.
Trained to work while a boy, he has lei a life of
activity, industry and usefulness. He has always
been keenlv interested in the public welfare, and his
fellow townsmen have repeatedly evinced their re-
spect for his sound business sense, and their con-
fidence in his probitv, bv electing him to positions
of public responsibility and trust. In politics he is
a stanch and consistent Republican ; in religious
faith hoth himself and wife are active members of
the Congregational Church, and liberal contributors
to its support.
On Dec. 4, 1856, ]\Ir. Peck married Miss Han-
nah Rogers Keeney, a daughter of Sheldon and
Lucv Eiiza (Van Nearing) Keeney. both of whom
are iiow deceased: their remains rest in Collinsville,
Conn.- Before marriage Mrs. Peck was a teacher.
Three children have blessed the union: Robert
Langdon. Giles Keeney and Alice Eliza1-)eth. Rob-
ert Langdon. the eldest, was born April 6. i860,
and educated at Kensington and Suffield. He is
498
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
\,
a mechanical designer, and lives at the Peck home-
stead. In 1886 he was united in marriage with
Harriet Louisa Lines, eldest daughter of Hon. H.
Wales Lines, of Meriden, and three children have
been born to them. Norman Van Nearing, Dec.
24, 1887; Frederick Lines, May 12, 1891 ; and Amy
Langdon, Nov. 18, 1897. Giles Keeney, second
child of Langdon J. Peck, was born June 25, 1862,
and died April 22, 1883. Alice Elizabeth, the third
and youngest, was born Jan. 8, 1865, and on Oct.
3, 1889, was married to Arthur Upson, an attorney
of Beriin. They have three children,, Claire Peck,
born Feb. 6, 1891 ; Everett Langdon, June 19, 1892;
and Stuart Arthur, May 10, 1894.
STANLEY. The Stanleys of New Britain are
the posterity of one of the first settlers of Hartford
and Fai-mington, Conn., a sturdy type of the best
New England settlers, who proved themselves of the
highest type of manhood by their useful lives in the
community in which through long periods they were
entrusted with the highest public trusts. We write
especially of the late Hon. Frederick Trenck Stan-
ley, of New Britain, and his line of ancestors.
" 'Hon. Frederick Trenck Stanley (deceased),
late of New Britain, was in the seventh generation
from John Stanley, the emigrant ancestor, the line
of his descent being through John Stanley (2),
Thomas Stanley, Thomas Stanley (2), Gad Stan-
ley and Gad Stanlev (2).
(I) John Stanley, born in England, embarked
for New England in 1634-35, but died on the pas-
sage, leaving three children.
(H) John Stanley (2), son of John Stanley,
born in 1624 in England, was, after his' father's
death, placed bv the Court at Cambridge in the
care of his uncle,' Thomas Stanley. He removed
with his uncle to Hartford in 1636. In 1645, he
married Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Anna
Scott, of Hartford, and settled in Farmington,
Conn. John Stanley and his wife were received
into the church Jan.'30, 1652-53, and subsequently,
when the families were graded according to dignity,
they ranked fourth in a list of forty families. He
was one of the most distinguished of the Colonists,
being appointed by his townsmen to nearly every
office of trust and" honor. He was deputy to the
General Court almost continually for thirty-seven
years, and held various other public offices.
(III) Thomas Stanley, son of ,John Stanley
(2), born Nov. i, 1649, married in 1690 Anna,
daughter of Rev. Jeremiah and Joanna (Kitchell)
Peck, of Waterburv.
(IV) Thomas Stanley (2), son of Thomas
Stanley, born in 1696, married m 1718 Esther,
daughter "of Samuel Cowles, of Kensington. He
lived in' the "Stanley Quarter," New Britain, and
■ was a man of wealth for the times.
(V) Gad Stanley, son of Thomas Stanley (2),
born in 1735, married in 1767 Mary, daughter of
John Judd. Gad Stanley was a large farmer, and
ultimately became one of the leading men of the-
town. Fie was made captain of the militia, warmly
espoused the cause of the Colonies in their resistance
to the oppression of the mother country, was present
at the battle of Long Island, and was subsequently
made colonel. After the war Col. Stanley served
in nearly every important office in the town. He
was many times sent to the General Court, both,
from Farmington and from New Britain.
(VI) Gad Stanley (2), son of Gad Stanley,
born in 1776, married in 1799 Chloe, daughter of
Ensign Levi Andrews, of Newington and New
Britain, born in 1777. They lived in the northern
part of the "Stanley Quarter." Jrte died in 1820,
on the passage from Martinique, and was buried at
sea. She died in'1851. After his death the farm
was sold, and a fine residence built on Washington
street, in New Britain. Their children were Levi
A., Frederick T., William B., Herbert M., Alfred H.,
Catherine A., and Mary C.
The late' Hon. Frederick Trenck Stanley, long a
prominent, influential and honored citizen of New-
Britain, was born there Aug. 12, 1802, son of Gad
Stanley. Until sixteen years of age he passed his-
boyhood on the farm, assisting his father and at-
tending school. He was a leader of sports among-
his companions, and during the latter years of his-
life was fond of relating some of the exploits of his
boyhood days, with considerable amusement to his
friends as well as to himself. Among other things
he often told of his trips to Hartford on horseback,
to secure the papers for the village, receiving every
week for the trouble of distributing them a copy for
himself, which he read with great interest. When
sixteen years of age he occupied a position as clerk
in a store in New Haven. While here he became a
member of the New Haven Greys, a leading military-
organization. He was a favorite with all with
whom he came in contact, and was liked by both
employers and associates.
In' 1823 Mr. Stanley left New Haven, and for
a period -^vas engaged as a merchant in Fayetteville,
N. G. Returning to New Britain, he was for a
time a clerk in the store of O. R. Burnham, then foi"
one season was clerk on the "Oliver Ellsworth," a
boat running between Hartford and New York.
He developed a quick and active mind, and adapta-
bility for a successful business life. In 1829 Mr-
Stanley formed a partnership with the late Curtis
Whapies, and opened a general store in New Britain.
As time passed he saw the importance of manu-
facturing and the promise it oflrered. and as early
as 1830 associated himself with his brother, Will-
iam B. Stanley, Henry W. Clark and Lora Waters,
and erected a small shop for the manufacture of ma-
chinery. In 1 83 1 Frederick T. Stanley bought out
the business, and changed the product of the shop tO'
wrought-iron door-locks, the first ever manufac-
tured" in this country. The firm first mentioned'
bought and put in operation the first stationary steam
engine used in New Britain. In 1835 Mr. Stanley, his-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
499
brother William B., Emanuel Russell, Smith Alatli-
son and T. and N. Wooilruff bought thirty aeres of
land on the west side of Alain street, and in 1836
built a dam and brick factor}', and went more ex-
tensively into the manufacture of locks. In 1841
Frederick T. Stanley sold out his interest in the busi-
ness, which ultimately came into the hands of the
Russell & Irwin Manufacturing Co., and, after an
absence of two years in Mississippi with his brother,
returned' to New Britain, and began the manufacture
of hinges. They also made door and shutter bolts,
latches and trunk handles. When they began the
manufacture of bolts in 1844 all door bolts were im-
ported. The business increased rapidly, and in 1852
a new company — the Stanley Works — was formed,
of wliich Mr. Stanley was elected president, and as
such remained for more than thirty years, or until
his death.
The enterprise and forethought of Mr. Stanley
displayed in his own business led him to devise plans
for the benefit of his native place. He first called
the attention of the citizens to the necessity of hav-
ing a suitable water supply in 1856, and at once gave
much time to a thorough investigation of the sub-
ject. He inspected the land where "Shuttle
jNleadow" now is, and devised the present plan for
bringing water to the city. The leading men saw
the feasibility of the plan, and Mr. Stanley laid out
the details of the scheme before the taxpayers at
public meetings.
Seeing the advantages to be derived by railroad
communication Mr. Stanley, with others, labored to
get the main line of the Consolidated road to run
through New Britain. On the building of the branch
road to Berlin, the first engine run on this line bore
his name. He was the leading spirit in having the
Providence, Hartford & Fishkill (now the New
England) branch laid and run through New Britain.
Mr. Stanley was intrusted with many public enter-
prises, and it was often the remark that "he had
done more for New Britain than any one here."
During the Civil war, although too far advanced in
years to go to the front, he did much to forward the
^ood work at home. He was always anxious to
have a suitable monument erected in New Britain in
memory of the fallen heroes of the place, and was
willing to give to it as liberally as his means would
allow.
"In business Mr. Stanley was methodical, ener-.
getic and progressive, but never made the acquisi-
tion of property his sole aim. His generous nature
led him to "give liberally, both of time and of means,
for the benefit of others. His public spirit especially
led him to place the welfare of the town and city be-
fore his private interests."
In politics Mr. Stanley was first a Whig, and on
the organization of the Republican party he joined
it. He was a great admirer of Daniel Webster, and
was grieved much that he failed of a nomination
for President at the Baltimore convention. He
v.-as personally acquainted with that statesman, and
a number of limes went to hear iiim speak, notably at
iJunkcr Hill and Uartnunith. In 1834 .Mr. Stanley
was elected a representative to the State Legisla-
ture. He was again solicited for the same honors,
but declined them. He was the first warden of the
borough, in 1850, and in 187 1 was elected the first
mayor of New Britain. Though a Republican his
name appeared at the head of both tickets. 1 ie was
always ready to act for what he believed to be the
public welfare, but never anxious to put himself for-
ward into political prominence. His recollection of
the early history of all the business enterprises of
New Britain was remarkable, and it was a rare pleas-
ure to hear him converse on such subjects. He
could with perfect ease recite the exact dates of
almost any public event of half a century prior to
1870, was an intelligent gentleman, of varied in-
formation, or unflinching integrity, conscientious,
loyal to his country, and unwearied in advancing
the interests of his native town.
During the last j'cars of his life 'Mr. Stanley was
in feeble health. He was' almost totally blind for
seven years before his death, which occurred Aug.
2, 1883. At the time the Hartford Couraut said:
"In the death of Hon. F. T. Stanley, New Britain
loses one of its most pubhc-spirited and best be-
loved citizens, and a man worthy to be called one
of nature's noblemen. He has watched the growth
of his native town with the eye of a lover, and for
fifty years, and until laid aside by ill health from
active work, there has been no important measure
for its welfare which has not been either originated
or warmly aided by him. And he took an equal
interest in the welfare of his State and Nation, be-
ing himself an embodiment of that spirit of loyalty
among the active business men of the North which
was the reserve force in the Union struggle. Pie
has left a blessed memory that will long be cher-
ished." He was the friend and acquaintance of
most of the prominent men of his day, and was al-
ways found among those who extended a welcome
to such men, whenever thev came into the State in a
public capacity.
On July 4, 1838, Mr. Stanley was married to
Melvina, daughter of Samuel C. and Anna (Conk-
lin) Chamberlain, of Sandisfield. JMass. The chil-
dren by this marriage were: Alfred H., born Aug.
2, 1839; Frederick H., born Feb. 9, 1841, died Oct.
10, 1843 ; and William Chamberlain, born April 14,
1843, died July 31, 1844.
GEORGE BISSELL, a greatly-respected retired
resident of East Hartford, was born March 27, 1833,
in the north part of the town of Manchester, near the
South Windsor town line, Hartford county, is a son
of Lewis G. and Parmelia (Beckwith) Bissell. and
is of the eighth generation from John Bissell, who
was born in England in 1592, was one of Connecti-
cut's earliest colonists, and died in Windsor. The
hne of descent is traced through Samuel, who died
\
500
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1688 in Windsor; John, born in 1659, died 1684;
Capt. John, born in 1682, hved in VVindsor and
Bolton, and died in 1771 ; Capt. Ozias, born in Bol-
ton May 13, 1732, died in Vernon March 16, 1828;
Ozias, born in 1779; and Lewis G., born in 1801,
to George, the subject of this sketch. To Lewis
G. and Parmelia Bissell were born four children:
Harriet, born Oct. 27, 1827, died March 23, 1896;
Lewis, born July 6, 1829, died Sept. i, 1900; George,
subject of this sketch ; and Charles Henry, born Aug.
29, 1841.
George Bissell was but six months old when his
parents settled in South Windsor, where he was
reared and educated in the district schools, with
Mary Ann Buckland as his first teacher. He then
attended the Wapping Seminary, where Rev. Col-
lins taught, and at the age of nineteen years went
to work on his father's farm, which was a large one,
and where he had plenty to do. Mr. Bissell early
began for himself by raising tobacco, was indus-
trious and prospered, and later he and his brother
Charles engaged in buying and selling this staple
quite extensively.
On May 21, 1873, Mr. Bissell married, in Ver-
non, Conn., Miss Sarah Loraine Russell, who was
born Aug. 18, 1845, in Vernon, and is a descendant
of the Whitney and Powers families, being a daugh-
ter of George and Nancy Cutler (Powers) Russell,
the former born in Enfield, Mass., Oct. 30, 1817, and
the latter in Boylston, Mass., April 28, 1818. Im-
mediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Russell lo-
cated in Vernon, Conn., where Mr. Russell died
Feb. 25, 1890, after a married life of fifty years,
lacking two weeks ; and Mrs. Russell was called
away May 29, 1896, dying at the home of Mrs.
Bissell, her daughter.
George Russell was a son of Jonathan Russell,
who died in Vernon, Conn., in 1850, at the age of
eighty years. George Russell was a farmer and
fruit grower, and, as a rule, was a successful man.
Although he met with reverses at the age of forty.
he recovered himself, and acquired property of con-
siderable value. He was a man of superior physique,
weighed 180 pounds, and was well-qualified to cope
with the arduous labors of farm life. In politics he
was a Republican, but was never an office seeker.
Although not a member of any church, he was a
sincere follower of the Gospel, and an upright, pure
man, of modest demeanor, and well worthy of the
great respect in which he was held by his fellow
citizens. His wife died in the faith of the Congre-
gational Church, of which she had long been a de-
voted member. The children born to George Rus-
sell and wife were two in number: John Whitney
Russell, of South Hadley Falls, and superintendent
of the wire mill at Holyoke, Mass., and Sarah Lo-
raine (Mrs. Bissell). The great-grandfather of
Mrs. Bissell was Col. John Whitney, a hero of the
Revolutionary war, and a resident of Concord,
Mass., after whom the brother of Mrs. Bissell was
named. Mrs. Bissell is a highly-accomplished lady,
having when young been fitted by private tutors for
entrance to Mount Holyoke Seminary, but faihng
health prevented her attendance at that famous in-
stitution of learning.
Mr. and Mrs. George Bissell went to housekeep-
ing on part of his father's farm, and there lived for
seventeen years, farming, dairying and tobacco rais-
ing. In 1885 he relinquished all traffic in tobacco
and tobacco growing, and devoted his time and at-
tention to his other interests and those of his fa-
ther. In May, 1890, he sold his farm property and
removed to his present elegant home on Burnside
avenue, in East Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Bissell
have a family of four children : Jennie Loraine,.
born July 18, 1875, attended the New Britain Nor-
mal School, was a successful teacher for a few years,,
and was married, Oct. 18, 1899, to Erastus C. Geer,.
son of Elihu Geer; Alice Louise, born Feb. 13, 1880,
is a stenographer ; George Russell, born Dec. 20,
1883, is still at home ; and Florence Louella, born
Oct. 15, 1889, is a bright and promising little girl-
Mrs. Bissell, a very refined lady, and her eldest
daughter, also an accomplished young woman, are
members of the Congregational Church, in the work
of which Mrs. Bissell takes quite a prominent part.
She is president of the Home Missionary Society,
also secretary and treasurer of the Foreign Mission-
ary Society, and is a leader in all the measures of
the congregation for the promotion of its work of
beneficence. In politics Mr. Bissell is a stalwart
Republican, and has voted for every candidate of his
party for the presidency of the United States from
John C. Fremont down to William McKinley.
Mr. Bissell, although nominally retired from
business, has many interests that still claim his at-
tention. He is. the owner of a number of valuable
residence properties in East Hartford that require
his time and care, has other investments that need
looking after, and is also engaged in the manipulat-
ing of loans of his surplus capital, and in these
transactions he is ably assisted bv his accomplished
helpmate. He is still a hale and well-preserved
gentleman, notwithstanding the fact that he has un-
dergone much hard labor. It is neeaiess to add that
socially the Bissell family stand with the ehte.
HENRY CASE, a leading resident of North
•Canton, is a worthy representative of a family which
has furnished many valuable citizens to this Com-
monwealth. He is a descendant of John Case, a
pioneer of Simsbury, through his son Bartholomew,
who married Mary Humphrey, daughter of Ensign
Samuel Humphrey.
Amos Case, son of Bartholomew, was born in
1 712, and died in 1798. In 1740 he removed to
West Simsbury (now Canton), and engaged in
farming at East Hill. He was married, in 1739,
to Mary Holcomb, who was born in 1714, and died
in 1802. They had ten children: Mary (1739-
1834) married Simeon Case, son of Richard Case
(2) ; Ruth (1742-1794) married Richard Case, son
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
501
of Richard (2); Huklah (1744-1774) never mar-
ried; Amos (1746-1798) married Betsey Ward;
Abel (1748-1834) married (first) Hiildah Higby,
and (second) Lucy Perry; Silas (1749-1809) is
mentioned below; Lucy (1752-1837) married
(hrst) Ruggles Humphrey, and (second) Solomon
Bull; Pliney (1754-1/80) married Rhoda JNIerill ;
Rhoda (1757-1786) married Hosea Case; Seth
(1760- 1 776) died in New York, while serving in
the American armv in the Revolutionary war.
Silas Case, son of Amos, was born in 1749, at
East Hill, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. He followed farming in West Simsbury, and
died there in 1809. He married (first) Jane Kelly,
who died in 1777, and later wedded Alary Case,
who was born in 1755, and died in 1833. The only
child of the first marriage, Kelly, born in 1777,
married (first) Roxy Hoskins, and (second) Mabel
Steele. There were nine children by the second
marriage: Polly (1781-1850) married Giles Case;
Ira (1782-1848) married Mary Humphrey, and
(second) Dinah Case; Silas (1785-1816) ; Levi
(1787-1865) married Keturah Bandell ; Ruggles
is mentioned below; Jane (1792-1859) married Hol-
comb Case; Lucy (1794) married Everest Case;
Gad (1796) married Tirzah Gibbons; and Ruth
(1799- 1 832) married Case Braman.
Ruggles Case, father of our subject, was born
in 1789 in Canton, and received a district-school
education. He learned the blacksmith's trade in
Canton Street, and later removed to North Canton,
where he built a shop and followed his trade many
years. He also owned a seventy-acre farm, upon
which he made many improvements. He died in
August, 1 88 1, and was buried in North Canton.
In politics he was a Democrat, and for a long period
lie filled the office of justice of the peace. He was
temperate and domestic in his habits, and, although
liberal in religious views, he attended the Congre-
gational Church and later the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He was married, in Canton, to Cynthia
Case, daughter of Capt. Uriah Case, and they had
the following children : Oliver, deceased ; Clarissa
(deceased), who married Roswald Barnes; Watson, '
deceased ; Lucinda, deceased wife of Watson Case ;
Edmund, a retired resident of North Canton; Cyn-
thia, deceased ; Nelson, who died in childhood ;
Henry, our subject; ]\Iary E., deceased; and Sarah,
widow of Horace C. A'ining.
Our subject's mother, who was born in 1793,
and died in 1874, was a most exemplary woman,
and a regular attendant of the Congregational
Church. She was a descendant of John Case, the
pioneer, her line being traced through Richard, a
son of John. Sergt. Richard Case, son of Richard,
was born in Simsbury in 1710, and came to West
Simsbury in 1737, being one of the first settlers
there. He married Mercy Holcomb, who was born
in 1712, and died in 1780. Their son, Uriah, fa-
ther of Mrs. Cynthia Case, was born in 1743, and
died in 1822. He resided in East Hill, where he fol-
lowed farming all his life. He married (first) Susan
Lawrence, (second) Eunice Dill, and (third) Mrs.
Mary Case, widow of Silas Case. By the first
marriage he had four children : Zilpah, born in
1766, married Isaiah Taylor; Sylvia, born in 1768,
married (first) Amasa I""uller, and (second) David
Sutliff; Uriah, Jr., born in 1771, married Sarah
Noble, who died in 1807; Susannah, born in 1774,
married Jared Mills, Jr., and died in 1808. There
were eleven children by the second marriage : Joab,
born in 1779, married Sarah Case, and died in 1818;
Eunice, born in 17S0, married Roswell Reed; Wat-
son, born in 1781, married Sylvia Case, and died
in 1853; Elizabeth, born in 1783, died in 1S08, un-
married; Holcombj born in 1784, married Jane
Case, and died in 1854; Lorinda, born in 1786, died
in 1808, unmarried ; Clara and Laura, twins, were
born in 1788, of whom the latter died in 1842, and
the former married Charles Humphrey ; Lydia, born
in 1791, died in 1822, unmarried ; Cynthia married
Ruggles Case; and Lucinda, born in 1799, married
Hiram Case.
Our subject was born Sept. 4, 1830, in North
Canton, and after completing a district-school
course attended the high school at Ellington. For
some time he taught school in winter, and assisted
his father on the farm during the summer, and
at the age of twenty-two he began dealing in furs,
a business which he has carried on extensively ever
since, his goods being bought mainly in Canada,
New York and the "Far A\"est." He has had some
manufactured, and has sold extensively in Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut, the various kinds of fur
wraps, robes, etc. He has also for several seasons
bought furs on commission for a New York firm.
Air. Case is also interested in farming, tobacco
growing and stock raising at the old homestead,
where he resides, except during occasional visits
to California and Florida. His habits are irre-
proachable, and his genial disposition has made him
many friends.
Air. Case was married, in 1890, in San Jose,
Santa Clara Co., CaL, to Aliss Regina E. Mecklem,
who was born in Crescent City, Del Norte Co.,
CaL, in 1859, a daughter of John and Jane (Lowry)
Mecklem, pioneer residents of that State. Mr. and
Mrs. Case have one child, Henry Ruggles, born in
North Canton, Nov. 20, 1894. Mr. Case is a De n-
ocrat in politics, and has served as justice of the
peace for the town of Canton. His wife is a mem-
ber of the Alethodist Episcopal Church at North
Canton, of which he is a liberal supporter.
John Alecklem was born in 1818 in Beaver
county, Penn., son of Samuel and Rachel (Mc-
Donald) Alecklem, who came to Pennsylvania from
Delaware. In 1845 'i^ married Jane Lowry, who
was born in 1818 in the North of Ireland, but was
reared in Pennsylvania, her parents, James and
Alary (Henderson) Lowry, natives of County
Down, Ireland, having come to America when she
was quite young, taking up their home in Pitts-
502
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
burgh, where they were early and highly-esteemed
settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Lovvry had twelve children :
Samuel, Thomas, Joseph (an inventor of note),
William, Martin, Ebenezer, John, David (author
and journalist), James (identified with the city
government for many years), Marj', Margaret and
Jane. To Mr. and Mrs. Mecklem were born six
children : Samuel died young ; Rachel died in in-
fancy ; Mary H. died at the age of five j^ears ;
Orlando M. and Mary J. are residents of San Jose,
Cal. ; and Regina E. is the wife of our subject.
JONATHAN M. PECK, a well-known farmer,
horticulturist and florist of Bristol, is a native of
that town, born Nov. i, 1829.
Mr. Peck is a lineal descendant of Paul Peck,
who is supposed to have been born in the County
of Essex, England, in 1608, and to have come to
this country in the ship "Defiance" in 1635. In
Boston, Mass., or in its vicinity, he remained until
1636, and then removed to Hartford, Conn., with
Rev. Thomas Hooker and his friends. His name
appears on the list of proprietors of Hartford in
1639, and from the records of the town it appears
that he became one of its leading men. His resi-
dence is said to have been upon what is now known
as Washington street, not far from Trinity College,
the site of which is still known among the older in-
habitants as the "Peck lot." He was a deacon in
the Congregational Church from 1681 until his
death, Dec. 23, 1695. His will is to be found upon
the Probate Records [B. 5, pp. 217-18-19], dated
June 25, 1695, and proved Jan. 15, 1695-96. It is
quite lengthy, and is of interest in its details and
descriptions of his property, his inventory amount-
^S to £536, ss. He makes bequests to his wife
Martha, sons Paul and Joseph, daughters Martha
Cornwell, Mary Andrew, Sarah Clark and Elizabeth
How, his grandsons Paul and Samuel, and his son-
in-law John Shephard. He also names his grand-
daughter Ruth Beach, and son-in-law Joseph Bou-
ton, to whom Samuel was required to pay legacies.
A brief record of his children is as follows:
(i) Paul, born 1639. (2) Martha, born 1641,
married John Cornwell, of Middletown, and died
March i, 1708-09. (3) Elizabeth, born 1643, mar-
ried a Mr. How, of Wallingford. (4) John, born
Dec. 22, 1645. (5) Samuel, born 1647, died Jan.
10, 1696. (6) Joseph, born Dec. 22, 1650, died
June 26, 1698. (7) Sarah, born in 1653, married
Thomas Clark, of Hartford. (8) Hannah, born in
1656, married John Shephard, of Hartford. (9)
Mary, born 1662, married John Andrew, of Hart-
ford.
The Connecticut Pecks are descendants of Joseph
Peck, of Milford, Deacon William and Henry, of
New Haven, and Deacon Paul, of Hartford. They
were among the early settlers of this country. Each
became the ancestor of a numerous race. Their
descendants are now scattered throughout most of
the States and Territories, mixed in their settle-
ments with each other and with the Massachusetts
Pecks, requiring much labor to separate them. What
relationship exists between these ancestors has never
been ascertained.
The steps of descent from (I) Paul Peck, 1608,
to (VII) Jonathan M. Peck, our subject, are as
follows :
(II) Samuel Peck, Sr., born 1647, resided in
West Hartford, where he died Jan. 10, 1696. He
married Elizabeth , and had one child.
(HI) Samuel Peck, Jr., born 1672, in West
Hartford, settled in Middletown (now Berlin), and
married, March 6, 1701, Abigail Collier, daughter
of Joseph Collier. He died Dec. 9, 1765, his wife
on Oct. 28, 1742. Their children: (i) Samuel,
born Jan. 6, 1702, died Aug. 25, 1784; (2) Moses,
born April, 1703, died Dec. 30, 1759; (3) Isaac,
born Nov. 28, 1706, died Oct. 27, 1748; (4) Abijah,
born Dec. 28, 1709, died March 13, 1797; (5) Zeb-
ulon, born Sept. i, 1712, died Jan. 13, 1795; (6)
Amos, born March 3, 1715, died April 6, 1802; (7)
Abel, born Dec. 28, 1717, died Sept. 19, 1742; (8)
Elisha, born March 11, 1720, died May 29, 1762;
(9) Elijah, born July 23, 1723.
(IV) Zebulon Peck, born Sept. i, 1712, in Mid-
dletown, removed to Bristol in 1743. He married
Mary Edwards, daughter of Josiah Edwards,
of East Hampton, L. I., July 10, 1735. He
died in Bristol Jan. 13, 1795, his wife on May 23,
1790. Their children were as follows: Abigail,
born May 20, 1736, died April 21, 1826; Justus,
born Nov. 14, 1737; Elizabeth, born Sept. 30, 1739,
died Nov. 16, 1741 ; Mary, born Aug. 12, 1741, died
Oct. II, 1785; Zebulon, born April 15, 1743, died
Jan. 23, 1820; Abel, born in 1745, died Jan. 26,
1778, while on his way home from Valley Eorge
during the Revolutionary war; David, born May 13,
1749, died Sept. 30, 1821 ; Lament, born May 8,
1751, died May 5, 1823; Elizabeth, born 1753, died
March 12, 1816; Josiah, born Jan. 19, 1755, died
April 26, 181 1.
(V) Lament Peck, born May 8, 1751, in Earm-
ington (now Bristol), died May 5, 1823. He served
in the Revolutionarv war, and held various town
and church offices. Pie married Rachel Tracy, and
had children as follows: Sally, born Feb. 7, 1784;
Tracy, born April 5, 1785, died Feb. 12, 1862;
Richard, born Dec. 15, 1786; Susannah, born Aug.
31, 1788; one that died in infancy; Epaphroditus,
born Oct. 26, 1791, died Nov. i6, 181 1, in South
Carolina; Nehemiah, born Sept. 26, 1793; Neuman,
born Nov. 25, 1795 ; Rachel, born Dec. 25, 1797; and
James G., born June 24, 1800.
(VI) Richard Peck, born Dec. 15, 1786, son of
(V) Lament Peck, settled in Bristol, and in the
earlier years of his life was a shoemaker and tanner,
his later years being devoted to agricultural pur-
suits. Fie was active in church work as a member
of several committees connected with the Congrega-
tional Church. During the war of 1812 he served
as sergeant, and afterward, for several years, was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
503
captain of an artillery company of the State militia.
In politics he was a Whig and Repuhlican, and,
though no aspirant to political honors, took a deep
interest in the affairs of his party, keeping well
abreast of the times. He served on the board of
assessors, and in various minor offices of the town.
He died Jan. i6, 1872.
On June 28, 1815, Richard Peck married Sophia
Miller, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Miller, of the
Congregational Church, who was the first minister
of any denomination in Burlington, Conn., where
she was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Peck were born
children as follows : ( i ) Elizabeth Gaylord, born
Nov. 14, 1816, died Dec. 8, 1894, unmarried. (2)
Abby Mills, born Dec. 12, 1818, died June 28, 1836.
(3) Sophia M., born March 24, 1821, married, Dec.
20, 1843, Charles Root, of New Haven, who died
in Jamaica; she died in 1872. (4) Richard Lament
(i), born Feb. 19, 1824, died April 13, 1824. (5)
Richard Lament (2), born July 13, 1826, died April
29, 1885 ; he served for nine months in the 25th
Conn. V. L, and had his home in Bristol. (6) Jona-
than M. is the subject proper of these lines.
(Vn) Jonathan M. Peck received a liberal edu-
cation in the common schools of his native town,
afterward attending Williston Seminary in East-
hampton, Mass. Concluding his studies at the age
of eighteen, he then worked for a couple of years
on his father's farm. During the succeeding six
years he was employed in various clock factories
in Bristol ; then removed to Plymouth (now Thomas-
ton), and for eighteen years worked in the move-
ment department of the Seth Thomas clock factory.
Part of this time he had a contract in the movement
department on the calendar clocks (a new feature
in clock works), employing a few men. Returning
to Bristol in 1874, he has since been engaged in
farming, horticulture and floriculture at the old
homestead. No. 400 West street.
On Jan. 11, 1871, Jonathan M. Peck was mar-
ried to Helen Elizabeth Piatt, of Thomaston, born
Sept. 7, 1846, daughter of Benjamin and Agnes
(Wei ton) Piatt. Children as follows have blessed
this union: (i) Mary Chilton, born Nov. 7, 1871,
lives at home. (2) Arthur Benjamin, born May
24, 1877, is stenographer for Gross, Hyde & Ship-
man, lawyers, of Hartford. (3) William Tracy,
born Sept. 30, 1879, is at present studying civil en-
gineering in Cornell L^niversity.
Mr. and Mrs. Peck are members of the Congre-
gational Church at Bristol, of which he has been
collector and treasurer. A Republican in politics,
he has held various offices of trust and responsibil-
ity, such as justice of the peace, assessor and con-
stable; from 1888 to 1B90 he served as assessor of
Bristol. He is vice-president of the ^^^est Cemetery
Association, and has been general superintendent
of the cemetery since 1896. Socially he is a mem-
ber, and has been overseer, master, treasurer, etc.,
of Bristol Grange, No. 116. Mr. and Mrs. Peck
are highly esteemed by all who know them.
GEORGE LEETE. In 1881 an interesting
volume, entitled "The Family of Leete," was pub-
lished in London, for private circulation, and was
generously sent to fifteen puljlic libraries in this
country by Joseph Leete, Esq., of Eversden, South
Norwood Park, S. E. Surrey, England, to which is
indebted most known of the family history anterior
to the emigration of William Leete to this country
in 1639. From it is learned the great antiquity of
the family name : That Gerard Lctie or Letc held
lands in Mordon, Cambridgeshire, in 1209, in the
reign of King John ; that Aiatthew Lety held lands
in 1370; that Bobertusfil Lete was assessed to a
subsidy in 1326-27; that John Leet, grocer of Lon-
don, made a will, proved in 1442 ; that John Lete,
of Cottenham, made a will, proved in 1 523 ; that
Plenry Lette, of Cottenham, husbandman, made a
will, proved in 1527; that Henry Leete, of Comber-
ton, made a will, proved in 1541, etc.
From the same source comes the knowledge
of the Leete coat of arms, for though used by
Governor Leete in this country, as his seal proves,
all knowledge of its use, and even of its existence,
had long been obliterated. It is described as fol-
lows : Argent, on a fesse, gules, between two rolls
of matches, S.able, fixed proper, a martlet, or. Crest :
On a ducal coronet, or, an antique lamp, or, fixed
proper. The origin and signification of the arms
have not been ascertained.
Governor William Leete, the ancestor of the
family in America, was born in Dodington, Hunt-
ingdonshire, England, in 1612 or 1613, and was a
son of John and Anna (Shute) Leete, and grand-
son of Thomas and Maria (Slacer) Leete, of Ock-
ington, Cambridgeshire, England. He was bred to
the law, and served for a considerable time as clerk
in the Bishop's Court at Cambridge, when, observ-
ing the oppressions and cruelties then practiced on
the conscientious and virtuous Puritans, he was led
to examine more thoroughly their doctrine and
practice, and eventually to become a Puritan him-
self and to give up his office. He came to America
in Rev. Mr. Whitfield's company, was one of the
signers of the Plantation Covenant on shipboard,
June I, 1639, and arrived in New Haven about
July 10. When they had agreed upon Guilford as
a place to settle he was one of the six selected to
purchase the land of the native Indians, in trust for
the Plantation until their organization. ]\Ir. Leete
was called upon to fill many public offices. He was
clerk of the Plantation from 1639 to 1642 ; was one
of four to whom was entrusted the whole civil
power of the Plantation, without limitation, until a
church was formed ; June 19. 1643, when the church
was formed, he was selected as one of the seven
pillars "for the foundation work." In 1643 he was
chosen to meet the Court at New Haven, when
the combination of the jurisdiction of the New
Haven Colony was planned and organized, and
Guilford, Milford, Stamford and other Plantations,
hitherto independent Colonies, united in one juris-
504
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
diction with New Haven, establishing a General
Court for the whole jurisdiction, to sit twice a year
at New Haven, and to consist of the governor, dep-
uty governor and all the magistrates within the
jurisdiction, and two deputies for every Planta-
tion.
Mr. Leete was a deputy from Guilford to this
Court till 1650, and from 165 1 to 1658 was the
magistrate of the town. In 1658 he was chosen
deputy governor of the Colony, and continued in
that office until 1661, when he was elected governor,
which office he held until the union with Connecti-
cut, in 1664. After the union he was an assistant
until 1669, when he was elected deputy governor
of the Connecticut Colony, holding this office until
1676, when he was chosen governor, which position
he retained by continuous re-election until his death,
in 1683. Upon being elected governor he removed
to Hartford, and being continued in office he re-
mained there until his death, and is buried there.
His tombstone was discovered about 1830, in the
ancient burial ground in the rear of the First church
■of Hartford, where it had long been hidden by an
accumulation of earth. His descendants have since
■erected a plain granite monument to his memory.
Governor Leete married, about 1638, Anne Payne,
■daughter of Rev. John Payne, of Southoe, Eng-
land. The line of descent from this illustrious
American ancestor to George Leete, our subject, of
the eighth generation, is as follows :
(2) John Leete, son of Governor William and
Anne (Payne) Leete, was born in Guilford, Conn.,
in 1639, and is said to have been the first white
child born in that town. He married, Oct. 4, 1670,
Mary, daughter of William and Joanna ( Sheaf er)
Chittenden, of Guilford; he died Nov. 25, 1692, and
his wife March 9, 1712.
(3) Deacon Pelefiah Leete, son of John and
Mary (Chittenden) Leete, was born in Guilford
March 26, 1681, and July i, 1705, married Abigail,
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Bartlett)
Fowler, of Guilford. Fie soon after removed to
Leete's Island, where he spent the remainder of his
life. He was a large land owner and a successful
farmer. He was a deacon in the Fourth
Church of Guilford, and although chiefly engaged
in private affairs was often elected to represent
the town in the "Genera! Court." He died Oct.
13, 1768, his wife on Oct. 22, 1769.
(4) Deacon Daniel Leete was born on Leete's
Island Oct. 14, 1709, a son of Deacon Peletiah and
Abigail (Fowler) Leete. He married, June 14,
1738, Rhoda, daughter of Caleb and Sarah (Meigs)
Stone, of Guilford. He resided at Leete's Island,
was a deacon in the Fourth Congregational Church
of Guilford, and died Oct. i, 1772. His wife died
Dec. 23, 1769.
(5) Daniel Leete, son of Deacon Daniel and
Rhoda (Stone) Leete, was born April 17, 1742, and
married, Dec. 10, 1766, Charity, daughter of Daniel
and Sarah (Bradley) Norton, of Guilford. They
lived on Leete's Island. He died May 3, 1825, his
wife on Feb. 13, 1824.
(6) Edmund Leete, son of Daniel and Charity
(Norton) Leete, was born May 10, 1775, and mar-
ried, Feb. 26, 1801, Fanny, daughter of John and
Mary (Case) Goldsmith, of Guilford, and resided
at Leete's Island. He died May 28, 1825, his wife
on Dec. 5, 1864.
(7) Henry William Leete, son of Edmund and
Fanny (Gildsmith) Leete, was born Dec. i, 1801,
and in September, 1824, married Nancy A., daugh-
ter of Giles and Amelia (Thomas) Doolittle, of
Wallingford. They resided in Wallingford, where
he died Oct. 10, 1844. He was a shoemaker by
trade. Mr. and Mrs. Leete had a family of seven
children: Sarah (Mrs. John Powers), Henry E.,
George, Elizabeth F. (Mrs. William Smith), Mari-
etta C. (Mrs. A. K. Conklin), Rachel I., and Fanny
A. (Mrs. John Anderson).
(8) George Leete, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Wallingford, Conn., April 6, 1830, a
son of Henry William and Nancy A. (Doolittle)
Leete. He was reared to manhood in his native
town, where he received a limited education. He
began life as a farm hand, but since 1849, 3- period
ct over fifty years, he has been engaged in railroad
work, six months with the New England Railway
Co., and since with the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railway Co. as section foreman, with resi-
dence at Thompsonville. During all the period of
fifty years he has never been compelled to remain
ar home a day on account of sickness. In 1856 he
married Mary Coughlan, of Thompsonville, and
they have six children: Eva A. (Mrs. James
Davidson), GeOrge, Arthur, William, Joseph and
Edward. Mr. Leete is a well-known and respected
citizen of Thompsonville. Politically he is a Dem-
ocrat.
SAMUEL ALLYN MOORE. The names of
the brave men who represented Connecticut on the
field of battle during the "struggle between the
States" are written in the roll of honor of the Na-
tion, and high among them will remain that of the
subject of this sketch, now a prominent resident of
New Britain.
Entering the service at the age of twenty-nine
as a "raw recruit," Mr. Moore rapidly rose through
meritorious conduct to the rank of lieutenant-col-
onel, and as such was in command in nearly every
engagement of his regiment, the 14th Connecticut,
from Gettysburg to the close of the war, while dur-
ing a portion of the time be was in command of
his brigade. Two wounds bore testimony to his
personal bravery, and his regiment, led by him,
held a place in the fighting line in many a hotly-
contested battle, meeting with heavy losses. En-
listing July 16, 1862, as a recruit for the 7th Conn.
V. I., he was appointed to raise a company, after-
ward mustered in as Company F, 14th Conn. V. I.,
of which he was made first lieutenant. On Sept.
/^^^^f^-^-t^t^c^^^^
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
505
17, 1862, he was promoted at Antictam to the rank
of captain, and Sept. 12, 1863, he was coniniissioned
major. On Oct. 3, 1863, he was made lieutenant-
colonel, all his commissions being signed by Gov.
\\'illiam A. Buckingham. With this rank he was
mustered out June 6, 1865. In July, 1864, he had
command of a provisional regiment in Washing-
ton, D. C, when Early made a raid on that city,
and he es.tablished the first infantry picket line from
Fort Stevens to Bladensburg. His service was
largely under Gen. Hancock in the Second Army
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and among the most
important engagements in which he participated
were the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Get-
tysburg, Falling Waters, Auburn, Bristow Station,
Blackburn I'ord, Mine Run, JNIorton's Ford, Wilder-
ness, Laurel Flill, Spottsylvania (where he was
wounded May 12, 1864), Petersburg, Deep Bot-
tom, Ream's Station, Boydton Plank Road, Hatch-
er's Run and Farmville, near High Bridge (where
he was wounded April 6, 1865).
Col. Moore was born Nov. 26, 1832, in the town
of New Hartford, Litchfield Co., Conn., and be-
longs to a well-known family. Abijah Moore, his
grandfather, was a Revolutionary soldier. He was
born in Windsor, Conn., in 1749, moved to South
Windsor, and became a farmer. In 1792 he went to
New Hartford, Litchfield Co., Conn., where he died
April 26, 1826. He married Abigail Drake, and they
had eleven children, all of whom were born in South
Windsor except Nancy: Abigail, June 5, 1773;
Abijah, Jan. 26, 1775; Orrin, Oct. 5, 1777; Sarah,
Feb. 7, 1779; Triphenia, Feb. 13, 1781 ; Almira,
July 30, 1783; Alh'n, Oct. 23, 1787; Lucretia, May
20, 1788; Perriclese or Perry, April 23, 1791 ;
Anna, not known; Nancy, Oct. 4, 1793.
Perriclese (or Perry) Moore, our subject's fa-
ther, was born April 23, 1791, in South Windsor,
and died Feb. 12, 1885, in New Hartford, Conn.
For some years he followed farming in his native
town, but in 1837 he removed to New Britain and
engaged in business as a butcher, being one of the
first in that city, then a small village. He con-
tinued thus until 1861, meeting with good success,
and was regarded as one of the substantial citizens
of the town. For many years he was a member of
the South Congregational Church. He did not take
an active part in local movements of any kind, but
his patriotism was shown by service in the army
during the war of 1812, as a substitute for his
brother Alhm. He married Lovisa Seymour, who
was born May 23, 1794, daughter of Chauncey and
Isabel (Sedgwick) Seymour, of New Hartford, and
died in New Britain April 5, 1872. They had nine
children: Eliza, born July 25, 1816, married
Charles N. Stanley, and died Aug. 22, 1851 ; James
P., born Jan. 24, 1819, married Lucy Eliza Clark;
Fannie L., born March 9, 1821, married Gad Stan-
ley, and died Nov. 28, 1889 : William S., born Nov.
24, 1822, died March 7, 1844; Martha A., born
Oct. 8, 1824, married John S. Baker; Sarah M.,
born Nov. 11, 1826, died Sept. 8, 1847, unmarried;
Henry W., born Feb. 25, 1830, married Alice M.
Baker, and died Oct. 13, 1886; Samuel A. was
eighth in the order of birth ; and ]\lary J., born
Feb. 27, 1835, married Andrew Corbin.
During his boyhood Samuel A. Moore attended
the public schools of New Britain, and spent two
terms at the old academy under the tuition of a
Mr. Roberts, but his schooling ended when he was
about thirteen years old. His keen and observant
mind has gathered much information, however, and
he has read extensively, especially upon history
and similar subjects. On leaving school he be-
came a clerk in a grocery located on the corner of
South Main and Park streets, where John Boyle's
store now stands. He remained three years with
G. & T. Stanley and Stanley & Hall, and then went
to Gloucester, ]\Iass., and engaged in cod-fishing
for a season. For a year he worked in a lock shop
for Squire, Parson & Co., of Branford, Conn., but
having decided to learn the carpenter's trade, he
began an apprenticeship with Bailey & West, of
New Britain. The firm dissolved partnership be-
fore his term was completed, and after working
for a short time for Mr. Bailey he went to Hartford
and finished his apprenticeship with Deacon Erastus
Phelps. In 1853 he began work as a journeyman,
spending three years in Oshkosh, Wis., and ^linne-
apolis and Belle Plaine, Minn. In 1858 he returned
to New Britain and took charge of his father's
business in partnership with his brother Henry,
continuing until his enlistment in the army. After
the war closed he spent some time in the South,
and on his return to New Britain he was engaged
in the manufacture of soda and sarsaparilla for three
years. About this time he became interested in local
improvements, and his executive ability and high
reputation as a manager of large bodies of men
soon brought him into prominence in the develop-
ment of the town. In 1871 he was elected warden
of the borough, and on its incorporation as a city
he may be said to have been the first mayor, as he
held over for a time. For four years, from 1871
to 1874, he was first selectman of the town, and
for two terms, from March i, 1872, to ]March i,
1874, he was street commissioner in New Britain.
He was chief engineer of the city fire department
from 1876 to 1 88 1, when he went to Arizona and
spent a year in mining for the Arion Gold and
Silver Alining Co. After returning to New Britain
from Arizona he was foreman for different con-
tractors for several years, excavating and putting
in foundations for many of the large factories, pub-
lic buildings and private residences. In 1887 he
went to Asbury Park, N. J., to build the first
electric railroad there. For several years he has
been foreman on the public works in New Britain.
He is a member of Stanley Post, No. 11, G. A. R. ;
the Army and Navy Club ; the Society of the Army
of the Potomac; Putnam Phalanx; Harmony
Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M.; Doric Council, No.
506
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
24, R. & S. M.; Giddings Chapter, No. 25, R. A.
M. ; and Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T.,.
of Hartford, Conn., which he joined in 1867; lie is
also an honorary member of the O. U. A. M.
In 1867 Col. Moore married Miss Jennie King
Pember, and they have one daughter, Miss Roberta
E., an accomplished young lady, and a successful
teacher. Mrs. Moore is a member of an old Con-
necticut family, and her father, Elisha Pember, was
a well-known resident of Vernon, Conn. Her
mother, whose maiden name was Persis Strong
King, was a daughter of Lemuel and Jane (Bron-
son) King, of Vernon, Conn. Lemuel King was
born Sept. 20, 1765, in Bolton, Conn., and al-
though but a boy when the Revolutionary war be-
gan became a soldier in a Connecticut regiment
at the age of fifteen, taking part in the battle of
Horse Neck, near Greenwich, Conn., Dec. 10, 1780.
An attack was made upon the post by a Tory party
of light-horse, at which time Corpl. King received
seven sabre wounds and was left for dead on the
field. Dr. Asa Hamilton, of Somers, Conn., was
sent to attend his wounds. For these wounds, which
left him a cripple, he received a pension from the
Federal Government. He died in Vernon, Conn.,
Nov. 17, 1827.
GILES A. SISSON, a retired agriculturist re-
siding at Canton Center, is one of the best-known
citizens of his town, and' for many years has been
a leader in the local Democratic organization.
Mr. Sisson was born in Simsbury Center Nov.
5, 1832, and comes of good pioneer ancestry, the
family having been identified with the towns of Can-
ton and Simsbury from an early date. The Sissons
are of Scottish and French descent, and all bearing
the name in this section are descended from three
brothers who came to America during the Colonial
period, settling in Rhode Island. Nathan Sisson,
our subject's great-grandfather, served in the French
and Indian wars, and in the Revolutionary war.
Nathan Sisson (2), the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary army.
He was born in Vermont, and made his permanent
home in Enfield, this county, where he engaged in
business as a builder and joiner. He was liberal
in religion, and politically was a strong Democrat.
In Vermont he was married to Abigail Biglow, of
Montpelier, Washington county, who died in En-
field, and eleven children were born to them: Har-
riet (who married a Mr. Johnson), Addi Biglow,
Jason, Charles, Lyman, Gardner, Sophia, Sabrina,
Sophrona (who died in childhood), Nathan, and
Elbridge (who was lost at sea).
Addi Biglow Sisson, our subject's father, was
born in 1805 at Wilbraham, Mass., and came to
this county during childhood. He learned the dis-
tiller's trade, and about 1840 settled at Bushy Hill,
in the town of Simsbury, where he carried on gen-
eral farming in connection with distilling. He died
in 1873, and was buried in Bushy Flill cemetery.
He was an active worker in the Demociatic party,
and served in varous offices, including those of
assessor and selectman. Like all of his family,
he was liberal in his religious views, but his esti-
mable wife was a member of the Methodist Church.
He was married, at Somers, Tolland Co., Conn.,
to Hulda Hall, who was born there, a daughter
of Joseph Hall, a well-known citizen of that county.
She died at Bushy Hill about 1888. They had four
children : Horton B., a resident of Bushy Hill ;
Giles A., our subject; Miss Sarah J.; and Hulda
Etta, widow of Rollin Higley.
Our subject was educated in part in the district
school at Bushy Hill, in part in the Connecticut
Literary Institute, at Suffield, and for several win-
ters was engaged in teaching in the Bushy Hill
District and at the East Hill District of Canton.
He remained at home until twenty-two years old,
when he went to Canton to engage in mercantile
business, and a year later he bought his present
farm, known as the Warren C. Humphrey farm,
a tract of eighty acres, to which he has added 120
acres, making a fine estate. He has made all the
improvements on the place, building a fine dwell-
ing house, barns and other structures, and in ad-
dition to general farming he is interested in to-
bacco growing, dairying and the manufacture of
lumber. In 1869 Mr. Sisson was elected selectman
for a term of five years, and in 1896 he was again
elected, and held the office for two years. He has
been a member of the board of relief, justice of the
peace, assessor and member of the school board,
his duties in every office being discharged ably
and faithfully. He is a member of Village Lodge,
No. 29, F. & A. M., of Collinsville, and also be-
longs to the Grange. He is not a member of any
church, but his family attend the Congregational
Church at Canton Center.
On July 3, i855j Mr. Sisson married Miss Caro-
line Higley, daughter of Pomeroy Higley, and four
children have blessed the union : Ella J. married
Edwin Lamphier, of Winsted, Conn. Addie mar-
ried Ralph E. Alford, now of Winsted. Frank died
in childhood. Arthur G. has traveled extensively
in the West, and is now at home, where he is en-
gaged in lumber manufacturing. He is a member
of the Masonic Fraternity. On Jan. 15, 1894, he
married Emma B. Barbour, daughter of Henry M.
Barbour, but she died Aug. 19, 1896.
The Higley family is among the oldest in the
county, and its members have ever been noted for
good citizenship. John Higley, an ancestor of Mrs.
Sisson, was one of the first settlers in Windsor,
and later became one of the pioneers of Simsbury,
locating near Tariffville^, which was then called
Higieytown, in his honor. He was prominent in
public aft'airs, and in 1698 was chosen the first
militia captain, a ,high office in those days. He
also served as justice of the peace and judge of
the county courts, and in 1698 he was a member of
the General Assembly. In 1671 he married Han-
1
^
^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
nah Drake, daughter of John and Hannah (Moore)
Drake, and granddaughter of Deacon John and
Hannah I\'Ioore. They had six children : John,
born in 1673; Jonathan, born in 1675; Hannah,
born in 1677; Rebecca, born in 1679; Biewster, born
in 1681 ; and Hannah, who married Joseph Trum-
bull in 1704, and was the mother of Gov. Jonathan
Trumbull, of Connecticut.
Brewster Higley, born in 1681, in Simsbury,
was a land owner, and followed farming. He was
married, in 1708, to Esther Holcomb, a daughter
of Nathaniel Holcomb. and granddaughter of
Thomas Holcomb, a pioneer settler. Eight children
were born to them: Brewster, 1711 ; Joseph, 1713;
David, 1715; Hannah, 1717 (married to Elijah
Owen) ; Hester, 17 19 (married to Capt. Josiah
Case); John, 1721 ; EHzabeth, 1723 (who married
Rev. Gideon Mills, a minister of West Simsbury) ;
and Naomi, 1725 (married to Solomon Humphrey).
John Higley, born in 1721, resided in West
Simsbury (now Canton), where he engaged in
farming, and he died there in May, 1802. He
married Apphia Humphrey, daughter of Jonathan
Humphrey, and great-granddaughter of Michael
Humphrey, the first of the name in this country.
Their children were John ; Carmi, who married
Hester Case, widow of Thomas Case, and daugh-
ter of Capt. Josiah Case, a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary army, who died in prison in New York,
having been captured by the British ; Obed ; Isaac ;
Eber ; Roger ; and Job.
Obed Higley, grandfather of Mrs. Sisson, was
born in 1757, in what is now Canton, and was
quite a prominent man in his day. He settled on
the farm of Col. Talcott, and became the owner
of a large section of land, upon which he made
many improvements. He was a soldier in the Rev-
olutionary war, and in politics was a Democrat.
He died in 1841, aged eighty-four years, and his
wife, Rebecca (Mills), who was born in 1766,
died in 1827, both being buried in the Canton cem-
etery. They had ten children: Sally, born Sept.
.30, 1788, married Allen Case, and died in 1815;
Thede, born April 19, 1790, married Benjamin
Gofif, and died in 1853 ; Obed, born Jan. 5, 1791,
married Mary Dickinson ; Alson, born Feb. 20, 1793,
married Christian Robbins; Luther, born Nov. 9,
1794, married (first) Electa Woodford, (second)
Flora Bidwell, and (third) Sarah F. Bidwell ; Cor-
rel, born Feb. 12, 1796, married Nancy Phelps;
Fomeroy, born Nov. 10, 1798, was the father of
Mrs. Sisson; Amelia, born Oct. 7, 1801, married
Austin N. Humphrey; Almenia, born April I,
1805, married Leonard S. Sweet; and Emeline, born
Nov. 4, 1808, married (first) Luke Fuller, and
(second) Z. Kempton.
Pomeroy Higley was engaged in farming in
Canton, where he died in 1869. He married Eunice
D. Humphrey, and they had nine children : Pom-
eroy, who married JNIinerva Shepard ; Warren, a
resident of Canton, married to Caroline Miller;
Clarissa, who married (first) John Robertson, and
(second) Isaac Alcott; Eunice (deceased), who
married Sherman Wilcox ; Mary, who died in child-
hood ; Martha, married to Edward Wilcox ; Caro-
line ; 'Howard, who married Maryette Case ; and
Susan, who married Edmund Hough.
ELIJAH CHURCH, who is practically living
a retired life in Berlin, is a native of Connecticut,
born in Barkhamsted, Litchfield county, Feb. 22,
1830, and is of English descent. His grandfather,
Samuel Church, was a resident of Barkhamsted,
whither he removed from Haddam when quite
young, and where he owned and operated over one
hundred acres of land. He died when our subject
was about twenty-four years of age, and was buried
in Canton, where the remains of his wife were also
interred.
Joseph Church, father of our subject, was born
in Barkhamsted in June, 1800, and died there in
August, 1849. He owned a farm, consisting of
one hundred acres of rocky land, but being a hard-
working man he managed to support his faniil}-. In
1820 he married Miss Hannah Baker, who was born
in New Hartford in 1800, and died in 1888, being
laid to rest beside her husband in the Barkhamsted
cemetery. He was quite a politician, a stanch sup-
porter of the Democratic party, and he attended the
Episcopal Church. Of his family of six children,
only our subject and Rollin, a resident of Winsted,
Conn., are now living.
The boyhood of Elijah Church was passed upon
the home farm in Barkhamsted, and his primary
education, acquired in the schools of that town, was
supplemented by a course in the schools of Canton.
After laying aside his text-books he started to
burnish spoons, knives and forks for the firm of
Hall & Elton, in Wallingford, and was one of the
first to learn the burnishing business. After five
or six years spent with that company he went to
Bristol, where he worked for the Hall Spoon Co.
for about tliree years, and then went to New York
City, and there for two years worked for various
concerns in the same line of business. The follow-
ing three years he passed at Albany, N. Y., in the
emplov of the Rathbone-Smith Co., in their "Hol-
low Ware Department," and for a short time he
was in Boston, working along the same line. Com-
ing to Hartford, he was in the employ of William
Rogers & Co. for about three years, and later was
with Smith & Co., in New Haven, for two years.
Subsequently he spent a short time in New York,
and from there went to Elizabethport, N. J., where
he remained six months. While there the Civil war
broke out, and, as the product of the factory was
sold principally in the South, the plant shut down.
I\Ir. Church then turned his attention to tobacco
raising in Canton, Conn., and also dealt in that
commodity until 1880. For the following nine
years he engaged in general farming in Canton,
v.diere he owned 150 acres of land. He also had
508
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at this time quite an estate in Barl<hamsted, owning
two large farms there, and yet another valuable
farm in the county seat of Illinois, situated twenty-
live miles west of Chicago. In 1889 he came to
Kensington, where he purchased the Newton Hart
farm, of fourteen acres, on the Kensington road.
Upon this place he has since made many improve-
ments which add greatly to the value and attractive
appearance of the property, including a large and
commodious residence, adjoining his own home, for
his only child, Ada, who was married, Oct. 27,
1897, to Frederick Billian, who holds a responsible
position in P. & F. Corbin's box department. New
Britain.
On Oct. 24, 1877, Mr. Church was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah A. W. Baker, of Whea-
ton, 111., who was born Feb.- 4, 1841, a daughter of
Prof. Freeborn Garfettson and Louise Baker. In
the summer of 1881 Prof. Baker and wife came
East, thinking to spend their vacation with their
daughter, but he was taken sick and in nine days
died,lTis remains being interred in Bakersville,Conn. ;
the mother now makes her home with her son, Wil-
bur Freeborn Baker, in East Orange, N. J. Prof.
Baker was musical director in Wheaton College,
111., for twenty-three years, teaching both instru-
mental and vocal music. His daughter, Mrs.
Church, is also a talented musician, her specialty
being the piano, and for ten years she taught in-
strumental music in Wheaton College under her
father. She still follows that line of work to some
extent in Berlin.
Mr. Church in his early manhood was identified
with the Democratic party, but is opposed to the
free coinage of silver, for which and other reasons
he left that party and identified himself with Re-
publicans. From 1893 until 189^ he served as jus-
tice of the peace of Berlin in a most acceptable
manner, but has never taken a very prominent part
in political affairs. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist Church of New Britain, and while
residents of Canton they _took a very active and
prominent part in church work. They have a pleas-
ant home in Berlin, where, surrounded by a large
circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them
highly for their sterling worth, they expect to spend
their remaining days in ease and quiet.
JOSEPH L. BARTLETT. No better tribute
perhaps can be paid to American citizenship than to
speak of its intelligence and education, for in a
self-governed society no qualities are more essen-
tial. The subject of this sketch has warmly
espoused the cause of public education, is deeply
interested in the schools, and has especially equipped
his own children with the education that broadens
and uplifts, and many of the latter, imbibing the
principles of their parents, became public teachers.
Mr. Bartlett has been prominent not only in an
educational way. As a public-spirited citizen he is
honored and respected. The possessor of unswerv-
ing principles in matters of conscience, the exem-
plar of industry, integrity and thrift, the recipient
of various public recognitions of his ability and hon-
esty, he has carved his name upon the landmarks of
history in the community in which he lives as one
most worthy of esteem.
The Bartlett family in England descended from
Adam Bartelot, a Norman, who in 1066 accompa-
nied William the Conqueror from France to Eng-
land. The family in America was founded by
Robert Bartlett, who in 1632 voyaged froin Eng-
land to the Massachusetts Colony in the ship
"Lyon," which after a passage of twelve weeks
landed 122 passengers on Sept. 16 of that year at
Boston harbor. Robert Bartlett located at Cam-
bridge, and in 1639 migrated with the Hooker band
to Hartford, Conn. There he was elected the first
selectman of the village, and in the division of
land in that year was granted eight acres, residing
west of the present Lafayette street. He was made
a freeman April 10, 1645. In 1655 he removed
with twenty others to a tract of land in Northamp-
ton, Mass., which they bought from the Indians,
but he owned land at Hartford as late as 1664. He
was first selectman at Northampton. He was
killed by the Indians during King Philip's war,
March 14, 1676. His widow, Anna, died July 3,
1676. Their four children were: Samuel, born
in Cambridge in 1639; Nathaniel, who died unmar-
ried ; Abigail, who married John Stebbins, of North-
ampton, Mass. ; and Deborah, born March 8, 1646.
Samuel Bartlett, son of Robert Bartlett, was
born in Cambridge in 1639, and while an infant re-
mioved with his parents to Hartford, and thence to
Northampton, Mass., where he farmed and oper-
ated a gristmll in the southern part of that city, re-
siding on Bartlett street, more recently named Pleas-
ant street. He was first selectman of Northamp-
ton, and one of its prominent citizens. He died in
17 12, and was buried in Northampton county. In
1672 he married, in Northampton, Mary, daughter
of James Bridgman. She died in 1674, leaving no
children, and for his second wife Samuel Bartlett
married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Baldwin, who
bore him children as follows: Samuel, in 1677;
Sarah, 1679; Mindwell, 1681 ; Joseph, 1683; Eb-
enezer, 1685; Elizabeth, 1687; Preserved, 1689;
William, 1693 ; David, 1695 ; Benjamin, 1696.
Samuel Bartlett, the eldest of these children,
born in 1677, removed in 1723, with his wife Sarah
and family, as an original proprietor of Bolton, Tol-
land Co., Conn. Two years later he and his wife
joined by letter from the Northampton Church the
Baptist Church at Bolton. Samuel died in 1746.
His children were as follows : Samuel, born in
1714; Jonathan, born in 1716; Eleanor, born in
1719, died in 1795 at Bolton; Eunice, born in 1720,
died Feb. 7, 1725 (she was the first white person
buried in the North Bolton cemetery).
Capt. Jonathan Bartlett, born in Northampton
Aug. II, 1716, removed with his parents to Bolton,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
509
and when a young man removed to East Windsor,
Hartford county. He married Jan. 26, 1743, Han-
nah, widow of John Bissell, who had been for some
years liis employer, and who died in 1737. She
was a daughter of Ebenezer and Abigail (Kelsey)
Watson, of East Windsor. Capt. Jonathan Bart-
lett was commissioned ensign of the train band of
East Windsor by the Connecticut Assembly in 1752;
lieutenant of the 6th Company in 1761 ; and subse-
quently captain. He died in 1799, aged eighty-
three years, and was buried at East Windsor. The
four children of Jonathan and Hannah Bartlett were
as follows: Samuel, born Jan. 13, 1744; Hannah,
born. Nov. 8, 1746, married (first) Roswell
Blodgett, and (second) Job Belknap; Eunice, born
I\Iay 18, 1749, married Daniel Chapin; Ann, born
iMarch 10, 1750, married Caleb Booth.
Samuel Bartlett, born Jan. 13, 1744, at East
Windsor, married Ann Crane, of that town, Sept.
14, 1767. He was a farmer, and died at East
Windsor, Nov. 29, 1825, aged eighty-one years. His
wife, born March 12, 1749, died March 17, 1831.
Samuel was quite a mathematician and an inventor,
receiving patents for drain tile and screen for
screening rye. During the Revolution he trans-
ported beef from Boston to the American troops
along the Hudson at Albany, and while so engaged
had his legs broken by a sled loaded with meat. His
children were as follows: Jonathan, born July 25,
1769; Abigail, born June 25, 1772, who married
Joshua Allen, of East Windsor ; Samuel, born Sept.
6, 1779; Anna, who married James Harper, of En-
field, and died in July, 1830; Sarah, who married
Capt. Clark Foster, of Ellington.
Jonathan Bartlett, born July 25, 1769, at East
Windsor, married ^Margaret Harper, of East Wind-
sor. She died Jan. i, 1840. He commanded the
1st Regiment of Connecticut Cavalry (militia), and
held many civil offices in town and county. After
the death of his wife Col. Bartlett removed to
Simsbury, in 1846, with his son Joseph S., where
he died April 2, 1858, and was buried at East Wind-
sor. The children born to Jonathan and Margaret
Bartlett were as follows: JNIargaret (Peggy),
born Nov. 4, 1791, married Thomas Potwine, and
died j\Iarch 2, 1875 ; James Harper, born April 22,
1794, died Nov. 15, 1871 : Jonathan, born May 17,
1796, died March i, 1836; Joseph, born June 14,
1798, died Oct. 8, 1802; Fannie^ born June 23,
1801, died Sept. 30, 1802; Joseph Samuel, born
April 10, 1804, died Feb. 23, 1896; Charles, born
April I, 1808, died Sept. 23, 1891 ; Ralph Edward,
born March 21, 181 1, died Oct. 11, 1837; Elisha,
born Jan. 9, 1816, died Feb. 9, 1816.
Joseph Samuel Bartlett, the father of our sub-
ject, was born April 10, 1804, at East Windsor,
where he attended school and grew to manhood.
Fie was engaged in farming all his life, and re-
moved with his family, in 1846, to Simsbury, where
he spent the balance of his life engaged in farm-
ing. He commanded the 25th Regiment, Connect-
icut Militia, and held many civil offices of import-
ance both at East Windsor and Simsbury. In poli-
tics he was a life-long Democrat. In Simsbury
he bought a tract of 160 acres of land owned by
Judge J. O. Phelps, and there engaged in tobacco
culture and general farming. He was selectman in
East Windsor and in Simsbury, also justice of the
peace at both places, in Simsbury for over 25 years.
On Nov. 13, 1833, he married Emeline Strong, born
at East \^'indsor June 10, 1813, a daughter of Ira
Strong, of East Windsor. The children born to
Joseph Samuel and Emeline Bartlett were as fol-
lows: (i) Joseph Loomis, born March 11, 1835,
is the subject of this sketch. (2) Lucinda Crane,
born April 19, 1837, married Albert Day, of Brook-
lyn, and has three children — Albert Putnam, born
Feb. 2, i860, and married to Helen IMaria Palmer;
Clara Bartlett, born July 24, 1866; and Samuel
Charles, born Sept. 18, 1868, who died JNIarch 31,
1896. (3) Emeline Strong, born June 6, 1843, mar-
ried James H. Sanford, of Simsbury, and to them
were born three children — Jennie Emeline, born
Dec. 17, 1864, died Jan. 10, 1866; Charles Bartlett,
born Sept. 30, 1867 ; and Joseph Harper, born jNIay
I, 1870, died Jan. 29, 1898. Emeline Strong San-
ford died Feb. 2, 1881. The father of our subject
was a member of the Congregational Church. The
mother was a good Christian woman, and a loving
mother and wife. iMr. Bartlett was well known
for his honor and honesty. He was active in poli-
tics, was a stanch supporter of the principles of
Jefl^erson and Jackson, and was faithful in every
relation in life. The mother passed away Oct. 13,
1885, the father surviving until Feb. 23, 1896.
Joseph L. Bartlett, our subject, was born at East
Windsor, March 11, 1835. He was educated in the
district and high schools of Simsbury, also attended
the Connecticut Literary Institute, and Wilbraham
Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass. During his youth
and early manhood he struggled for a livelihood, but
his intellectual equipment fitted him for teaching,
and in that vocation he engaged for several years
during the winter months, both at East Granby
and at Bloomfield, receiving $22 per month and his
board. During the siunmer months he remained at
home until he was about twenty-four years of age.
In 1858 Mr. Bartlett was married to jNIiss Ellen
Maria Weston, daughter of Lorin and Lucy (Case)
Weston, born at Simsbury, Sept. 4, 1837. Her father,
a well-known citizen of Simsbury, was a native of
Bloomfield, in politics was a Whig, and died at
Hartford, July 10, 1857. Her mother was a sister
of Job Case, of Simsbury a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, and a good Christian woman ;
she died in Kansas, Oct. 26, 1870. Prior to her
marriage the wife of our subject had taught school
for three years. She was educated in the district
and high schools of Simsbury, at the Milford high
school, and at ^^'ilbraham Academy, has had the
same high educational and intellectual aims as her
husband,and in the nearly half-century of their mar-
510
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried life has most fittingly presided at his home,
and assisted in winning the battle of life.
They began housekeeping for themselves on the
P. E. Weston farm of fifty-four acres, in Terrys
Plains District, which our subject at the age of
twenty-four years purchased. Since then he has
added eighty-one acres to that nucleus, and now
cultivates a well-improved farm of 135 acres, upon
which he has expended in improvements over $8,000.
He has engaged in dairy and general farming and
ill tobacco growing, having for over twenty years
been an extensive dealer and packer of tobacco,
and also operates a cider mill for the manufacture
of vinegar.
To our subject and wife have been born ten
children: (i) Ellen Marie, born Oct. 30, 1858,
was educated in the district schools, also in the
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, and taught
school for one year; on Sept. 4, 1878, she married
Amos G. Chesebro, of Stonington, Conn. (2)
Joseph L., Jr., born Feb. 8, i860, in his youth was
given an education in the district schools and the
Connecticut Eiterary Institute, at Suffield; on
March 13, 1890, he married Mary J. Crotts, of
Partridge, Kans. ; he is now engaged in the whole-
sale fish business in New York (3) Mary Jane,
born June 13, 1862, received a good education in the
[district schools, also in the Connecticut Literary
Institute, and taught school for four years ; she mar-
ried. May 17, 1883, Samuel Z. Chesebro, of Ston-
ington, Conn. (4) Emeline Strong, born March
II, 1865, attended the public schools of Simsbury,
also the Connecticut Literary Institute, and for
. seven years was engaged in teaching school; she
is now' a trained nurse in Brooklyn. (5) Isabelle,
born Dec. 19, 1866, received a thorough education
in the same institutions attended by her elder sis-
ters, and for five years was an efficient teacher in
the public schools; she was married Feb. 17, 1891,
to George F. White, of Canton, Conn. (6) John,
born Nov. 10, 1868, after leaving the district schools
became a student in the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute; he married, April 6, 1892, Leticia Strong, of
East Hartford, Conn. ; he has embarked in busmess
at Hartford, as proprietor of a fish and meat market.
(7) Harriet Louise, born Jan. 17, 1871, died July i,
1889, when about to graduate from the Connecticut
Literary Institute. (8) Emerson, born March 3,
1873, died in infancy. (9) Francis Ariel, born Jan.
6, 1875, is a graduate of Storr's College, and by pro-
fession is a bookkeeper, being now in New York.
(10) George Weston, born Jan. 27, 1878, was acci-
dentally crushed and killed by a roller, Oct. 31, 1888.
In politics Mr Bartlett is a stanch Democrat, a
strenuous advocate and supporter of the principles
made memorable by the utterances of Jefferson and
Jackson. He has filled the office of selectman of
Simsbury, for six years served as deputy sherifif
under Sheriff Seymour, has been judge of pro-
bate for three terms, and has served his town as
justice of the peace and as school visitor. In relig-
ious views he is liberal and charitable, though un-
flinchingly faithful to principle. His character is
so eminently clear and forceful, his career so guided
by truth and honesty, his intelligence so masterful,
that from all parties and all classes of men he fe--
ceives the highest respect and esteem.
G. A. LOOMIS. The Loomis family, of which
this successful young agriculturist of the town of
Windsor is a worthy representative, has long been
prominent in this section, and the name has be-
come a synonym for industry, thrift and loyal devo-
tion to the best interests of the community. Our
subject is one of the ninth generation in direct de-
scent from (I) Joseph Loomis, an Englishman,
who was born about 1590, and for some years be-
fore coming to America was in business as a
woolen draper in Braintree, County of Essex, Eng-
land. In 1639 he came to Windsor, being among
the first settlers of the town, and his death occurred
there in 1658.
(II) Deacon John Loomis, the fourth child and
second son of Joseph, was born in England, in
1622, and was admitted Oct. 11, 1640, to member-
ship in the church at Windsor, where he made his
permanent home, his death occurring there Sept.
I, 1688. He married Elizabeth Scott, of Hartford,
daughter of Thomas Scott.
(III) Sergeant Daniel Loomis, the next in the
line of descent, was born June 16, 1657, and died
June 25, 1740. He was married (first) to Mary
Ellsworth, daughter of Josiah Ellsworth, and (sec-
ond) to Hannah Drake, a widow.
(IV) Benjamin Loomis, through whom the line
of descent is traced, was born Feb. 7, 1699, and
died Jan. 2, 1763. On Dec. 9, 1725, he married
Joanna Alf ord, and they had the following children :
Joanna, who married Gideon Loomis; Benjamin,
who died in infancy; Tabitha; Benjamin, Jr., who
married (first) Elizabeth Barber, and (second)
Lydia Drake; Rachel; and Serajah.
(V) Serajah Loomis was born Dec. 4, 1740,
and died in 181 1. He married Sibyl (Loomis),
and had sons as follows: Nider, Ira, Asher and
Horace.
(VI) Ira Loomis, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born Feb. 13, 1770, and died Jan. 9,
1842. On March 5, 1798, he married Rosamond
Warner, of Scotland, Conn., who died Sept. 18,
1S49. Jhey had four children : Gurdon, born Feb.
14, 1799, married Miriam Warner; Ira is mentioned
below; Wealthy P., born Jan. 29, 1806, died Aug.
29, 1826; and Ruth R., born April 19, 1815, mar-
ried Noah Griswold, of Bloomfield, Connecticut.
(VII) Ira Loomis, Jr., grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born May 2, 1802. Fie taught school in
early manhood, later becoming a farmer and brick-
maker, his industry and sound business methods
enabling him to acquire a good old age ; he died
in September, 1891, much respected by his fellow
citizens. On Feb. 12, 1834, he married Eliza Shel-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in
don, of Suffield, who survivL'cl him only ton months.
Tlicy had three children: Newton S., a farmer,
who resided in Windsor throughout his life, with
the exception of a few years ni lUoomfield ; Ed-
mund \\'., our subject's father; and Alary A., now
Airs. Ira CJoddard, of Brooklyn, New York.
(N'lllj Edmund W. Loomis, father of our sub-
ject, was born Alay 13, 1837, at our subject's pres-
ent homestead, and was educated in the academies
at Windsor and Suffield. As a boy he became fa-
miliar with the details of farming" and brick-mak-
ing, and for many years he was engaged in the
manufacture of cigars in Suffield and Windsor.
After his marriage he made his home upon a tract of
ten acres of land, which he had purchased ; but as
his father's health declined it was thought best for
him to remove to the homestead, where he resided
from 1872 tmtil his death, the farm being under
his sole charge for seven years. In politics he was
a Republican, but he never sought office, and be-
yond casting his vote regularly was not active in
partisan work. He was of average height and
spare in build. He died in the prime of life, Sept.
23, 1882. On Feb. 18, 1863, he was married, in
Windsor, to Aliss Susan A. Camp, who survives
liim, and of their four children three are still liv-
ing. E. Howard, born March 16, 1864, was drowned
June 23, 1883, having been taken with cramps while
bathing at the mouth of Farmington river. George
Arthur, our subject, was the second in order of
birth. Aliss Susie H., born Feb. 14, 1871, and
Harry S., born Alarch 14, 1876, reside in Windsor.
Airs. Susan Loomis, who still resides at the
homestead, is a devout member of the Methodist
Church at Windsor, and is greatly respected for
her womanly qualities. She was born June i. 1841,
in Windsor village, where she grew to womanhood,
her education being gained in the district and high
schools of that town. Her father, Charles Camp,
was born in Hartford, a son of Steohen Camp and
his wife (a Aliss Webster), and for many rears
followed the blacksmith's trade in Windsor. In
politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, but
did not aspire to office. Physically he was short
and compactly built, but was not as robust as he
seemed, and his death occurred in the thirtv-fifth
year of his age. His wife, Hannah (Loomis), a
daughter of George and Hannah (Wilson) Loomis,
died Dec. 10, 1893, in her eightieth vea'-. Thev
had six children: Delia L., who married Austin
Ranney, and died in Hartford ; C. Henry, a book-
binder, at Hartford ; Susan A., our subject's mother;
George ^^^. who died when nine years old ; James
W., a cigarmaker; and Julia A., wife of Silas Chap-
man. Jr.. of Hartford.
(IX) G. A. Loomis was born Tuly 13, 1867,
near the present homestead, where he has resided
since the age of three and one-half years. For some
time he attended the school in Stony Hill District
of Windsor, his aunt, Aliss Alarv A. Loomis, being
his first teacher, and later he studied under Prof.
W. 1. Twitchel, at \\'indsor Academy. When lie
was about thirteen \ears old his father had a para-
lytic stroke, and as the older son, E. Howard, was
drowned when only nineteen years old. our subject
became the mainstay of the family, while a mere
boy. He met the responsibilities of the situation
with a courageous spirit, and his success in manag-
ing the estate reflects great credit upon him, in-
dicating unusual ability. Tobacco culture is a spe-
cialty with him. His methods are intelligent and
systematic, and, although his manners ar^^ plain and
unassuming, he might well take pride in the high
reputation which he has won among the business
men of Windsor. He has always been a Republican,
but does not crave official honors, and as a good
citizen he is interested in all that pertains to the
welfare of his ♦■own. On Dec. 19, 1894, he married
Aliss Harriet i£. Filley. daughter of William H.
and Julia A. (Buckland) l*"illey, a sketch of whom
is given elsewhere, (jeorge F., the only child of
this union, born July 28, 1898, was a premature
birth, but his life w-as saved by the most careful
and skillful nursing. Airs. Loomis is a native of
Windsor, where her family is well known, and is
noted for her accomplishments and social gifts,
while as a member of the Congregational Church
she is active in religious and philanthropic move-
ments.
JOHN W. CARLETOX, chief engineer of the
fire department of New Britain, has frequently Ijeen
called to positions of responsibility, and in the work
of organizing the fire department of that city lu " i
probably done as much as any other one man. The
fine record of the department in controlling tires
speaks well for the efficiency of its management.
He is also superintendent of the Union Alanufactur-
ing Co., of that city.
The Carleton family is of good old Alassachusetts
stock, and our subject's grandfather. Dean Carleton,
was for many years a prominent resident of Ando-
ver, that State. He married a Aliss Ingalls. and
they had two children: Elizabeth (A'Irs. Birchmore,.
of Boston) : and John D., the father of our sub-
ject.
John D. Carleton was born in Andover, Alass.,
and was educated there, afterward becoming a music
teacher. He followed the profession successfully,,
and for . a time was employed as a clerk in the
"United States Hotel," New York City, but he died
in 1844, in early manhood, before he had fullv man-
ifested his abilities. He married Aliss Hannah
Clement, who survived him many years, her death
occurring Dec. 29. i8q8. in her eighty-third year.
She was a daughter of Benjamin Clement, a well-
known contractor and builder of Andover, Alass.,
and later of Nashua. N. Y.. whose last years were
snent in retirement upon a farm near Greenfield,
Alass. His wife was a Aliss Clement, and they
had the followincf children : Hannah, our subject's^
mother; George C, forn.ierly a carpenter, but now a
512
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farmer at Peterboro; Benjamin C, a carpenter and
contractor ; Moses C, a carpenter, now deceased ;
Andrew Jackson, a successful farmer ; Harriet, wlio
married George Campbell ; Elizabeth, who married
George Whitmore; Catherine, who married Reuben
Lawton, and IMary, who married Bailey Lovejoy.
Our subject was born June 17, 1842, at the old
home in Andover, Mass., where he attended public
and private school during boyhood, receiving a good
practical education. About the age of eighteen he
left school and entered upon an apprenticeship to
the machinist trade at Manchester, N. H. At the
end of his term of three years he became a "journey-
man," being employed at his trade in Boston, Law-
rence, Lowell, Worcester and Hartford, but he fin-
ally, in 1870, located in New Britain, where he en-
tered the employ of the L'nion Alanufacturing Co.,
of which Warren Tuck was then "at the head. His
skill and faithfulness were soon recognized, and he
was promoted to the position of foreman, which he
held for many years, and since 1894 he has been
superintendent, with about 300 men under his direc-
tion in all departments of the factory. His interest
in local aiifairs has been manifested in many ways,
and for four years he served on the board of fire
commissioners, being the first chairman of that body.
He was an active member of the fire department,
and in 1888 was elected to his present post of chief
engineer. Politically he is a Republican, and he
served as councilman from the Second ward of New-
Britain for two years (1880-81), and as alderman in
1882-83. He and his familv are much esteemed
socially, and he belongs to Harmony Lodge, No.
20, F."& A. M., in which he has served as master
several times.
Mr. Carleton married (first) Miss Emma Mor-
ley, of Glastonbury, Conn., by whom he had one son,
John W., Jr., and his present wife was formerly
Miss Julia "Roberts, of New Britain. John W. Carle-
ton, jr., who resides in Plartford, married Miss
Mabel Buffington, and has one daughter, Elizabeth.
HENRY MANFRED DOWD is of the seventh
generation in direct lineal descent from Henry
Dowd, the American progenitor of the family, who
came to this country from England in 1639 as a
member of a colony under the leadership of Rev.
Henrv Whitfield. Whether this Henry Dowd orig-
inallv came from Surrey or Kent is somewhat tmcer-
tain, although it appears probable that his English
home was in Guilford, in the county of Surrey, sev-
enteen miles southwest of London. Mr. \yhitfield
and his followers settled at Guilford, Conn., and
Mr.' Dowd established himself on land lying about
one-quarter mile northeast of what is now the Green.
The site of his dwelling was not far from the house
mow occupied by William Dowd, one of his descend-
ants. The town and parish records contain but
little concerning him. No mention of his wife's
maiden name is found, from which the inference is
drawn that he had been married before leavins; Ena:-
land. It appears, however, that her baptismal name
was Elizabeth, and that he was the father of eight
children. He died in 1668, although the place of his
death and burial is unknown. His widow died in
^713-
Henry Dowd's eldest son, Thomas, the next in
the descending line of primogeniture of tienry JNl.
Dowd, is believed to have been born before his par-
ents left England, as no record of his birth can be
found in Guilford, although, on the other hand, the
records of an early settlement are necessarily imper-
fect. He married Ruth Johnson, probably in 1678
or '79, and both died in 1713. He early removed
to the eastern part of Guilford, locating on the
thoroughfare afterward known as Liberty street.
His first house was probably a log cabin, the under-
pinning of which has been found on a little knoll
directly in the rear and to the north of what is now
known as the Dowd house. He probably vacated
this cabin for a better house, which he built between
the Dowd and the Timothy Dowd houses, directly to
the east of his original site. Not much is known of
his characteristics, but that he was an earnest sup-
porter of the cause of religion in a new and sparsely
settled territory is evidenced by the recorded fact
that his name appears as one of the signers of a
petition addressed to the Guilford Society praying
that East Guilford might be set off as a Society by
itself "for greater convenience in attending public
worship." He and his wife were the parents of five
children. His son Thomas (2), the great-great-
great-grandfather of Henry Manfred, was born in
1684. He lived and died in the old homestead on
Liberty street, passing away in 171 1. He married
Silence Evarts, who bore him three children. Of
these this narrative is more especially interested in
Ebenezer, the great-great-grandfather of the gentle-
man who is its subject. He was born in 1707, and
attained the ripe old age of eighty-two years, dying
in 1789. His wife, Mary Dowd, was twenty years
his junior, having been born in 1727, survived him
until 1807. No stone has been found to designate
his grave, although he was a large land owner and
prominent citizen. His home, too, was on Liberty
street, in that part of Madison known as Hammon-
assett. His real-estate holdings were in the form
of a belt, reaching from a point near the eastern
end of Boston street nearly to the Hammonassett
river. He had but three children, and he wished to
divide his estate between his two sons, Ebenezer and
Timothy. He cared little for the formality of a
"last will and testament," and so one day, accom-
panied by his boys, on horseback, he rode to the
point from which he proposed to commence the di-
vision. He himself drove the stakes which fixed a
north and south line of demarcation. Then, turn-
ing to one, he said, "the land this side is yours,"
and to the other, "on the other side of the line the
property is yours." Such was his utterly anomalous
mode of conveying real propertv bv gift or dona-
tion, yet the brothers never questioned the equity of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
513
the division, and the property thus irregularly ap-
ixjrtioned among grantees without deed, has re-
mained longer in the same family than any other
realty in Madison.
Ebenezer Dowd(2), one of the heirs, was Henry
M. Dowd's great-grandfather. He was born iu
1744, and in -1765 was married to Tamson Wilcox,
who was born in 1747. In the division of the prop-
erty above described Ebenezer's portion included the
homestead in riammonassett, and there he and his
wife reared their family of eight boys, of whoin
Capt. Timothy Field is reported to have said that
"their equal was not be found in Madison." Eben-
ezer Dowd served for many years as an officer in
the army of the Revolution. Exposure while in
military service brought on rheumatism, which inca-
pacitated him for active work for several years be-
fore his demise, in 1805, fifteen years before his
wife. Luther Dowd, his son, and the grandfather
of Henry M., was born in 1771. In 1793 he mar-
ried Mina, daughter of Timothy Field, and sister of
Rev. Dr. David D. Field, of saintly memory. She
was his junior by two years, having been born in
'i773. Her mother was a ^daughter of Deacon
David Dudley, a scion of a noble house. The lat-
ter's wife was the daughter of Mrs. Peter Tall-
man, who traced her maternal line upward through
Mrs. Andrew Merriam, Mrs. Lieut. Gov. Jones, to
Gov. Jones himself. Not long after his marriage
Luther Dowd removed to Saybrook. He succeeded
there so well financially that he returned to his old
home and purchased of his father-in-law the old
Field place, situated in the Wood's school district
of Madison. There he made his home and there he
reared his family of eleven children, all of whom at-
tained j^ears of maturity, married, and had families
of their own. While not yet far past the prime of
life, Luther Dowd was attacked with typhoid fever
which resulted in his death in 1820. His widow
was left with a young family, and the care of the
homestead. She was, however, a woman of sound
sense, excellent judgment and unwavering courage.
Her eldest son, Wyllys Wedworth, the father of
Henry M. Dowd, proved a wise counsellor and trust-
worthy coadjutor.
Wyllys Wedworth Dowd deserves a more ex-
tended mention than it is possible to make of him
in the necessarily restricted limits of the present
memoir. He was born in 1794, and after a well-
spent life of eighty-three years entered into rest in
1877. As a youth he learned the trade of a shoe-
maker, and when he received his allotment of the
paternal acres (which consisted of one-half the
house, with some acres adjoining) he put up a shop
and began work at his chosen calling. In 1819 he
married Rebecca Graves, and a better, truer help-
meet in prosperity and adversity, in sunshine and in
storm, he could not have found. She came of the
"true blue" Puritan stock, one of her ancestors, John
Graves, having removed from Guilford to Hartford
in the earliest davs of that settlement where he was
33
a deacon in the church, and from that day to this
no generation of the family has been without one
or more representatives in the deaconate. Her
mother, Hannah Crane, was a direct lineal descend-
ant from the Lord Chamberlain of James II of
England. In the simple, familiar parlance of the
early days her husband and herself were commonly
called Wyllys and Rcoecca, but they were known
far and wide for those virtues dear to the New Eng-
land heart — temperance, industry, thrift, patience and
piety. Having enjoyed but limited educational ad-
vantages themselves, they were all the more anxious
to promote education among the generations which
should follow them, and as God blessed them with
abundance they were all the more ready to aid the
less fortunate. Such lives as theirs could scarcely fail
to exerta hallowing if not a sanctifyingand vivifying
influence upon the community among which they were
spent. Wyllys Dov/d prospered in business, adding,
in 1832, a tannery to his shoe business, and carrying
on a fairly good trade as a manufacturer of leather,
a large portion of his trade being with the South.
In that year he moved his place of business to the
"cross roads," near the school house, and two years
later erected a commodious dwelling on the land ad-
jacent, and opened a large country store. Well-
constructed farm buildings followed in due course,
and the general outlook grew brighter until the panic
of 1837 settled down upon the cotmtry like a pall.
In vain did Mr. Dowd struggle against the inevita-
ble with all the courage, grit and determination of
generations of hard-headed, hard-fisted Puritan an-
cestors. In vain did he summon to his aid the man-
ual and mental assistance of wife and children.
There could be but one end, and it came all too
soon. After repeated tmsuccessful efforts to retrieve
his shattered fortune, he finally gave up the unequal
contest, and in 1846 accepted the position of post-
master at East Berlin. This office he held until
his death. All through his life he was afflicted
with deafness, an infirmity which always sadly inter-
fered with his business, social and official relations.
Mr. Dowd's home was thoroughly permeated
with those principles and practices of vital religion
which have leavened the entire life of New England.
From the family altar the incense of prayer ascended
daily, and on Sundays the entire family might be
seen at both morning and afternoon services in the
plain country church, while the younger members
received instruction in the Sunday-school during the
intermission at noon. In the conduct of the house-
hold, in the care of her children, and in the example
afiforded by her daily life Mrs. ^^^•llys Dowd was a
woman among ten thousand. Self-sacrifice was
the rule of her life, she being always the first to as-
sume a burden, and the last to lay it down. Fler
energy was indomitable, and her Christian faith
shone brightest when the hour of trial was darkest.
Her duties as a wife and mother were performed
with a fidelity which sprang from tender love, il-
lumined and sanctified bv a deep religious sense.
514
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
To her children the prayers and example of such a
mother are a benediction. She passed to her re-
ward in 1873.
Wyllys VVedworth Dowd and his wife were
blessed with a family of four sons and four daugh-
ters, the sexes alternating in the order of birth. The
first-born, John Luther, was born in 1821, and in
1846 married Mary Coe; ten years after her death,
which occurred in 1856, he took, as a second wife,
Mrs. Henrietta (Houston) Loveland. Tamson
Eliza, the second child and eldest daughter, married,
in 1845, Henry M. Galpin, a sketch of whose life
appears elsewhere; she was born in 1823, and died
ir 1846. Charles Ferdinand, born in 1825, married
Harriet M. North in 1852. Jane Rebecca was born
in 1827, and is now the widow of William L. Heald,
whom she married in 1845 ^nd who died in 1869.
Wyllys Wedworth, Jr., was born in 1829, and twice
married, his first wife, to whom lie was united in
1854, being Augusta A. North; she died in 1866,
and two years afterward he led to the altar Lucy A.
Atkins. Harriet Ann was born in 1831, and died in
1865 ; she was the second wife of Henry M. Galpin,
the husband of her eldest sister, Tamson Eliza.
Henry Manfred, the youngest son and seventh
child, whose name appears in the opening of this
sketch, was born May 17, 1835. Nancy Amelia, the
youngest of the family, was born in 1838; she was
never married.
Henry Manfred Dowd was born in Madison,
and received his early educational training in the
common schools of that town, later graduating from
a private academy and a public school at Berlin.
On leaving school, at the age of eighteen, he became
a clerk for Galen & Dowd, of Saybrook, the junior
member of which firm was a cousin of his father.
After two and a half years spent in this employ
he went to Baltimore, Md. There he took a posi-
tion as teacher in the preparatory department and
general bookkeeper in Newton University. He
filled this responsible post for five years, with that
intelligence and fidelity which he has brought to
bear on all the duties of life. From Baltimore he
went to North Granville, N. Y., where for seven
years he was a partner with his brother, Charles
F. in the North Granville young ladies seminary
Being offered the post of general business manager
of Temple Grove Seminary, at Saratoga, N. Y., he
severed his connection with the Granville Seminary,
and remained at Saratoga for another seven years,
when his father's failing health admonished him of
his duty as a son. Resigning his position, he re-
turned to Berlin, carefully tending and caring for
his father, and assisting him in his duties as post-
master, until he passed away. After his father's
death Mr. Dowd was tendered and accepted the
position of general passenger and freight agent of
the N. Y. & N. H. Railway Co. at East Berlin.
The responsibilities attaching thereto have steadily
increased, the present daily receipts exceeding those
for a month when Mr. Dowd first took charge of
the station. In the conduct of his responsible duties
he is aided by his son, Henry Walter, who has been
his assistant for ten years.
On Aug. 21, 1856, Mr. Dowd married Miss
Susan Amelia Penfield, who v\ras born on the well-
known Penfield place, in East Berlin, Sept. 5, 1835.
Her parents, Titus and Julia (North) Penfield, are
both dead, and /est in the Wilcox cemetery. Her
father cultivated a small farm, and was by trade
a wheelwright At times he worked as a turner of
wagon spokes in the shops, but his specialty was the
construction and sale of spinning wheels. To Henry
M. Dowd and wife have been born two children :
Henry Walter and Julia Eliza; the daughter, born
May 21, 1861, died Jan. 9, 1868, in her seventh
year.
Henry Walter Dowd was born July 6, 1859. He
has been an experienced and successful hotel clerk,
having been connected with summer hostelries at the
Thousand Islands and Long Beach, as well as
with the "Murray Hill" and "Brunswick" hotels.
New York City On June 24, 1895, he married Miss
Jennie Geer, who was born in 1859, daughter of
Henry and Martha (Chambers) Geer of Middle-
town, and to their union has come one son, Jarvis
Geer, born Sept. 25, 1896.
Both H. M. Dowd and his son are Republicans,
but neither is in any sense a politician. The former
united with the Congregational Church at Berlin,
but he and his wife attend the M. E. Church of East
Berlin, of which Mrs. Dowd is a communicant.
JUSTUS WELLES GRISWOLD (deceased)
was a prominent citizen and progressive farmer of
Wethersfield. He was a, great-grandson of Ozias
Griswold, who in turn, was a great-grandson of
Michael, a pioneer settler of Wethersfield in 1645.
The line of descent from Michael to Ozias is fully
traced in the biography of Thomas Newton Gris-
wold, to which the reader is referred.
Justus Griswold, the grandfather of Justus
Welles Griswold, was the fifth child and second son
of Ozias, and passed his life upon his farm in Two
Stone, now Griswoldville, where he died Aug. 15,
1805. He married Prudence Welles, who was born
i 1 the same town Oct. 30, 1766, a daughter of Joshua
and Experience (Dickinson) Welles, and grand-
daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Robbins) Welles.
She bore her husband three children: Justus Gris-
wold, the eldest of the family, and the father of
Justus Welles, was a farmer, as had been his father
and grandfather. He was born, and lived and
died, in Griswoldville, where he was universally
known and honored. He was a Whig until the for-
mation of the Republican party, when he affiliated
with that organization. He married Jeanette Kirk-
ham, who was born at Newington, in which town
they were married, and three children were born to
them, of whom Justus W. was the eldest; Charles
K. married Martha Porter, and resides at Cromwell ;
Jennette C. became Mrs. Simeon Havens. Justus
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
515
Grisvvold for his second wife married Abigail H.
Stoddard, by whom he had two children : Frances,
who died in early youth, unmarried; and Mary,
wife of John Holt.
Justus Welles Griswold was born Aug. 13, 1823.
His educational advantages, such as were afforded
by the schools of Wetherslield, were good for his
day ; but his aspirations were for a more liberal edu-
cation and he prepared for college, but owing to
business losses sustained by his father he relin-
quished his purpose, assumed his father's indebted-
ness, and in time paid it. He was always a reader
and a student, and his mind was stored with a fund
of valuable information on a vast variety of topics.
During his earlier years he was superintendent in
a stockinet factory and in net weaving. He became
a partner in the business, but in later years he began
the life of a farmer upon the old homestead, de-
voting especial attention to seed-growing and
market gardening. There he passed the remainder
of his life, d3'ing in 1898. He was indtistrious and
temperate, a man who strove to the utmost to per-
form his whole duty in every relation of life. He
was a public-spirited citizen, keenly alive to the
issues of the day, and always foremost in every pro-
ject looking to the promotion of the welfare of
Wethersfield and its people. Besides being promi-
nent, he was popular and influential, his genial na-
ture winning many friends, while his counsel was
sought on questions of public importance. He rep-
resented the town in the Legislature, in the year
1877. He was an active member of the Wethers-
field Grange, and took a deep interest in its work
and in all matters that affected its prosperity. In-
deed, with his enthusiastic temperament and untiring-
energy, it was impossible for him to be lukewarm
npon any question in which he was interested. Po-
litically he was a strong Republican, and in religious
faith a Congregationalist, being a member of the
church of that denomination in Wethersfield.
Mr. Griswold was twice married. His first wife
was Louisa, a daughter of Austin Standish,of Rocky
Hill, who traces back through Simeon, Jeremiah,
Jeremiah, Thomas, and Alexander to ]\Iiles Standish
— "The Captain of Plymouth." By her he had five
children, two sons and three daughters : Ida L., the
wife of Robert S. Griswold, of Griswoldville ; Kate
]\I., now Mrs. Henry A. White ; Mary E., who died
when two years of age ; Elmer W., residing in
"Waterbury ; and Clififord S., a graduate of Trinity
College, and now an instructor in the Groton
(Mass.) School for Boys. After the death of his
wife, Mr. Griswold married Ellen E., a daughter
of John Welles, who survives him, and is still living
on the homestead farm. She is descended from
Governor Thomas Welles, and her family is among
the oldest in New England. Her great-great-
grandfather, Joseph, was a son of Joseph Welles
and Hannah Robbins, his wife. He was born at
AVethersfield, Sept. 17, 1720, and after passing his
life in that town, died and was buried there. He
was a farmer by occupation. In March, 1745, he
married Mary Robbins, their union being blest with
eight children, who were born and named as fol-
lows: Joseph, April 14, 1746; Sarah, Sept. 13,
1747; Seth, Aug. 3, 1749; Elijah, Jan. 10, 1751;
Samuel, Dec. 10, 1753; iMary, Feb. 4, 1755; Elisha,
March 2, 1758; and Christopher, Alarch 11, 1760.
The eldest son of Joseph, was the great-grandfather
of Mrs. Griswold. He married Jerusha Hurlburt,
daughter of Thomas Hurlburt and Abigail Belden.
He was one of those determined patriot farmers of
1776 who were content to leave the plow in the
furrow and carry on the shoulder the unaccustomed
weight of a musket, if thereby they might secure the
independence of the country for which they were
ready to offer up their lives. He served gallantly
until, while at New York, ill health compelled him
to return home. The remainder of his life was
spent in Wethersfield. His brother Elijah, a great-
great-uncle of Mrs. Griswold, was also a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and in this connection it is interest-
ing to refer to a letter from the latter to his wife,
written in the third month of the struggle between
the Colonies and the Crown. Through Mrs. Gris-
wold's courtesy, the publishers are able to present a
copy of the epistle. It runs as follows :
New York, Sept. 11, 1776.
My Dear Friend:
I take this opportunity to let you know that I enjoy a
good state of heahh, and have ever since I came from
home.
I received your letters with pleasure, and was very jflad
to learn that you are well. Brother Joseph has been sick,
and has set out for home some days ago. Brothers Salomon
Wolcottand Selh Welles, Elisha Wolcott and Samuel Welles,
have been sick, but have got better.
I have nothing strange to write, only there has been
heavy firing with cannon and bombs for this three days past
which has done but little damage. We expect a battle this
day, and have for some days 1 ast, but God only knows how
soon we shall be called for action. I know that Cod is able
to save all that put their trust in him.
I must conclude by sending my best love to Father,
Mother, Brothers and Sisters and acquamtances. I should
be glad to have a line from you, who am
Your well wisher and lo\ ing husband,
ELIJ.A.H Welles.
Simple in substance and homely in expression
as the foregoing letter from husband to wife may
appear in the light of the civilization (real or false)
of 1900, there can be read between the lines a spirit
of deep faith and lofty consecration. The original
letter is in the possession of Herbert Wells, of ^^'eth-
ersfield, a great-grandson of the writer, and is of
historical value, as it mentions several soldiers
whose names may not appear elsewhere, the muster-
roll of this company, commanded by Capt. Hezekiah
Welles, of Wethersfield, having been lost.
Joseph Welles, the son of Joseph Welles, above,
and the grandfather of Mrs. Griswold, was a land
owner in Wethersfield, where he was born. Follow-
ing the family traditions, he became a farmer. He
died in the verv prime of his manhood, through the
516
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bursting of a blood vessel, in 1837. He was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, and an Old-line
Whig. He married Lucy, a daughter of Samuel
Robbins and Anna Griswold ; their children were
eight in number, all of whom are now deceased ex-
cept Albert S. : Joseph; Lucy (Mrs. Stanley Gris-
wold) ; Mary Ann, who married Joshua Goodrich,
of Wethersfield; Jerusha, the wife of Thomas Gris-
wold; John, the father of Mrs. Justus Welles Gris-
wold ; Samuel ; Albert S., a resident of Granby ; and
Thomas H., for many years a resident of Hartford.
The mother of this family died at Wethersfield,
and rests in her last sleep by her husband's side.
John Welles, Mrs. Griswold's father, was born
in the farmhouse at Welles village in 1813. He
improved his early opportunities to the utmost, and,
despite the drawbacks usually attaching to farmers'
sons in New England in the early years of the cen-
tury, succeeded in laying the solid foundation of a
practical business education. He fitted himself for
college, and was admitted to Yale, but owing to a
failure of his eyesight he relinquished his purpose,
and for several years taught most successfully in the
schools of Milford, Delaware and at Wethersfield.
He finally took up his residence at Wethersfield,
where he became a general farmer, as well as a stock
raiser and seed grower. Toward the close of his
life he gave up active work and devoted the remain-
der of his days to quiet rest in the home life which
he loved so well. He entered into rest March 30,
1899, while at the home of, his daughter, Mrs. H.
A. Yale, of Meriden. In politics he was a Repub-
lican, and he filled for many years the office of
justice of the peace, collector, and acting school
visitor, while for two years he was representative
in the Legislature. For thirty years be was a dea-
con in the Congregational Church, and it is noi
asserting too much to say that he kept his life blame-
less and his soul pure. He married Mary W. Wol-
cott, a young lady of Wethersfield, whose parents
were Elisha Wolcott and Mary Robbins. [For a
detailed history of the Wolcott family, reference is
made to the biographical sketches of Charles and
Robert Robbins Wolcott, which appear elsewhere.]
Seven children were born to them: Mary C, who
married Hiram A. Yale, of Meriden ; Ellen E., the
widow of Justus Welles Griswold ; Elisha Wolcott ;
and J. Leslie, seed growers and stock raisers of
Wethersfield; T. Clayton, a graduate of Yale Uni-
versity and Divinity School, and pastor of a Con-
gregational Church at Taunton, Mass. ; Joseph
Francis, a seed dealer ; and Lucy Frances, who died
in early youth. Mrs. Griswold's mother died at
Wethersfield. She was a woman of kindly impulses
and generous instincts, of devout religious faith and
simple Christian life, sincere in profession and
broadly charitable in practice.
Mrs. Griswold graduated from the Connecticut
State Normal School at New Britain, and for a
number of years taught with marked success, in the
schools of Hartford and Wethersfield.
OLIVER DEAN KENT, a prosperous, success-
ful and enterprising business man of Kensington,
was born on the old homestead there. May 19, 1835,
a son of Ira and Sophia Maria (Dean) Kent, who
died and were buried at Kensington. The father was
born April 3, 1802, in Kensington, one mile below the
place where our subject now lives, known as Blue
Hills. Throughout life he followed the occupation
of a carpenter and farmer. His parents were John
and Abigal (Moore) Kent, and his father was a
shoemaker as well as farmer.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
spent upon the home farm, and he attended the
schools of Kensington and later the high school of
New Britain. He worked at the carpenter's trade
until thirty-four years of age, when he built for
himself a home near his father's farm, which com-
prises about 100 acres in all, and purchased other
land adjoining. After his residence was destroyed
by fire, Nov. 6, 1883, he returned to the old home-
stead, and remained there for thirteen years, when
he sold the place and rebuilt his own home. On thf'
death of his father he purchased the interest of the
other heirs in the farm, but has since disposed of all
his land with the exception of two acres, on which
he has a fine home, large barn and good outbuild-
ings. He has abandoned farming, and now devotes
his attention to handling real estate, though he is
practically living retired, enjoying the fruits of his
former toil. He buys lots and erects thereon res-
idences which he sells, and in this way has done
much toward the upbuilding and advancement of
Berlin, New Britain and Kensington, where he has
built many houses.
On Jan. i, 1868, Mr. Kent was united in mar-
riage with Miss Gunilda Jennie Strong, who was
born in Portland, Conn., Dec. 11, 1842, a daughtei
of Adonijah and Julia (Chapman) Strong. In
early life her father was engaged in the stone-,
quarry business, but after his removal to East Berlin
he purchased a farm and turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits Both he and his wife died
and were buried in East Berlin. Mr. and Mrs.
Kent have two children: Frank Dean,, born Sept.
17, 1873, was educated in the public schools of Ken-
sington and New Britain, and at Mourse's Business
College, Hartford, and is now the senior member
of the firm of Kent Brothers, architects and builders,
of Hartford. Irving Strong, born Aug. 7, 1876,
was educated in the same schools as his brother, and;
is the junior member of the firm of Kent Brothers,^
He was married, Jan. i, 1894, to Miss Alice Pen-j
dleton, of Middlefield, Conn., and they have onej
child, Lillian Louise.
Mr. Kent is a member of the Board of Trade of'
Berlin, and of the Berlin Driving Park Associa-
tion, and at one time belonged to the Grange. He
casts his ballot with the Republican party, but takes
no active part in political affairs, although he served
for one term as constable. His estimable wife is
a member of the New York Home Missionary Soci-
4.
^
Vo
-4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
517
etv ; he attends the Congregational Church rc^w-
larly, and is a liberal contributor to its support. He
is a worthy repescntative of that class ot citizens
who lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives,
and constitute the best portion of a community.
^\'herever known he is lield in high regard, and is
certainly deserving of honorable mention in the his-
tory of his native county.
BEAU^IONT FAMILY. Most intimately as-
sociated with the growth and character of any com-
munity are its business interests. They mold the
life of its people, give direction to their efforts,
crystallize the present and future possibilities of the
locality into concrete form. The leading business
men of a town are its greatest benefactors, silently
controlling the forces that bring progress and pros-
perity, and the measure of the credit that is due
them is not always fully appreciated. To write of
the lives of these leaders in material growth is a
pleasure, for the influence of their careers is ever
helpful and cheering.
In the town of East Hartford the Beaumont
family has been eminently known farther into the
misty past than extends the memory of its oldest in-
habitant. It has been prominent in all worthy enter-
prises and measures. It has given meaning to the
words integrity, loyalty, enterprise. The name Beau-
mont is of French origin, and its founder in America
was ]\Iakens Bemont, a native of France, who when
a )'oung man left his native land to live in Eng-
land, and just as to-day it is common for the emi-
grant from Europe to Anglicize in America his
name, so Makens Beaumont when he became a resi-
dent of England abbreviated his patronymic to Be-
mont, by which for two generations it was known,
the original spelling being revived only by the pres-
ent generation.
Makens Bemont was born in France in 1743.
After a residence in England he came to the United
States, either during or shortly before the Revolu-
tionary war. He was a saddler, and at East Hart-
ford he followed his trade in a building that stood
in the rear of his residence on Burnside avenue,
which is still standing. It was built about the time
of the Revolutionary war. He made saddles for
use in the Revolutionary army, owned extensive
lands along what is now Burnside avenue, East
Hartford, and was one of the substantial men of
his day. He accumulated by thrift and good judg-
ment, and gave many evidences of that rare busi-
ness ability which his posterity amplified. In per-
son he was tall. and spare, and even appeared frail-
looking. It was thought in his younger years that
consumption was his doom, but he lived to the
good old as;e of seventy-seven years. He had a
brother, Elijah Bemont, who settled in Walling-
ford, Conn., where he became the proprietor of a
hotel, and where his descendants still live. The
wife of Makens Bemont was named Parmelia. She
was born in 1752, and died in 1S32. To Alakens
and Parmelia Bemont were born seven children,
as follows : ( i ) Ambrose was an extensive farmer
at East Hartford and later at Suftield; the latter
years of his life were spent at East Hartford. (2)
Levi, a farmer, removed to Ohio, but returned to
Connecticut, where he died. (3) Ira was a school
teacher in his younger years, and one of a well-
established reputation. He worked at his trade of
harnessmaker to some extent, the only child who
engaged in his father's occupation. He married
;\Iabel Bulkeley, of Rocky Hill, a member of a
prominent Connecticut family, and died in East
Hartford. (4) Elmira married Dr. Bemis, and
lived tlirough life in East Hartford. (5) Millie
married a Mr. Holmes, and moved West. (6)
Leonard received a college education. He died in
young manhood, leaving one son, Oliver. (7)
Elijah was the father of Henry G. Beaumont.
Elijah Bemont (as he spelled his name) was
born at the old homestead, on the north side of
East Burnside avenue. East Hartford, July i, 1791.
He attended the neighboring schools, and when
not at his books found an abundance of work to
do. His father did not believe in rearing a boy in
idleness, and on the extensive tract of land owned
by the father there was always employment planned
for the boy. When a young man he served in the
war of 1 81 2 as member of a company of riflemen
from East Hartford. Later in life he was a pen-
sioner for that service. At what was then East
Glastonbury, now Buckingham, Nov. i, 1814,
Elijah Bemont married JNliss Electa White, who
was born May 31, 1794, a daughter of James and
Eunice (Rowley) W'hite.
James White was the descendant of one of the
'■]\Iayflower" forefathers. He was born Oct. 10,
1756, lived at Marlboro, and for a time at Gilead.
He was an extensive farmer, and a prominent citi-
zen in his Ipcality. He also engaged extensively
in fruit raising. His residence and farm were well
known to the stock drovers of that time, who usually
stopped there over night, the stock finding shelter
and pasture on the farm. His wife, Eunice (Row-
ley), was born Aug. 4, 1763. The children of
James and Eunice White were as follows : ( i )
Phila, born Dec. 22, 1786, married Jonah Williams.
(2) Achsah, born July 16, 1788, married, first, a
Mr. Kenyon, and, second, Norman Anderson. (3)
Philenda, born June 15, 1789, died young. (4)
James, born Feb. 26, 1791, was a farmer of Marl-
boro. (5) Eunice, born June 13, 1792, married a
Mr. Barlow. (6) Electa, born Mav 31, 1794, mar-
ried Elijah Bemont. (7) Irene, born Feb. 19, 1796,
married Abner Hale. (8) Mary, born July 31, 1797,
married Daniel Bidwell, and was the mother of
Charles i\I. Bidwell, of East Hartford. (9) Will-
iam, born ]^Iarch 11, 1799, died at W'estboro, Mass.
(10) Israel, born March 27, 1801, died young. (11)
Clarissa was born June 23, 1802. (12) Martha,
born Nov. 17, 1804, married Anson Bailey, and
removed to New Fredonia, N. Y., where she died.
518
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
James White, the father, died in East Glastonbury,
and was buried at Marlboro.
After his marriage Elijah Bemont settled on
Burnside avenue, and soon became a man of large
affairs. Physically he was a large, well-built man,
and his energy and industry were commensurate
with his weight. He was a man of even temper and
very regular habits. He at one time, as was the
custom in his day, furnished liquor to his men, but
in later years he ceased that practice. When start-
ing in business for himself he became somewhat
involved, and it was not until in later years, when
his boys grew up and became his efficient lieu-
tenants, that this indebtedness was wiped out. He
carried on with his boys the business of getting
out ship timber, and the sale of fire wood, at a
time when that was the general fuel. He and his
boys formed a formidable business combination,
and their success was much more than ordinary.
Mr. Bemont at one time spent considerable time
each year at New Bedford, Mass., which was their
market for ship timber, apples, melons, etc., products
they bought and grew, the boys looking after the
business at home. He was a man of the strictest
integrity. In the timber business he supplied cer-
tain ship builders for over forty years.
Elijah Bemont and wife celebrated their golden
wedding with eight children present. They also
celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. He
lived to the age of eighty-six years, and she to
the age of eighty-two. She was a member of the
Congregational Church, and both are buried in East
Hartford. In politics Mr. Bemont was a Whig, and
later a Republican. He was not a politician, pre-
ferring to devote his energies to business, but he
was a stanch supporter of the principles of his party.
He never joined the church, yet he was a firm be-
liever in churches, and repelled any attack that was
made upon them in his presence. Honorable and
upright in acts, he was unassuming in manner. He
was slow to anger and skillful in concealing his
wrath when once aroused. He was a man of few
words, and the greater part of his "talking" was
thinking. He reared an excellent family and left
to them an excellent name, being of that type of
character which men always recall with respect
and esteem. As a business man and as a farmer he
was one of the foremost in Hartford county. He
was one of the pioneer tobacco growers, was al-
ways progressive, and secured the best results.
While not a public man, in the sense of an office
seeker, he was widely known for his business stand-
ing and his sterling character.
The children born to Elijah and Electa Bemont
were as follows: (i) John R., born July ii, 1817,
resides in East Hartford, where for many years he
followed teaming. In 1866 he represented East
Hartford in the State Legislature. ■ (2) William
Dwight, born July 17, 1819, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere. (3) Henry G., born Aug. 26,
1821, a sketch of v/liom follows below. (4) Electa
L., born March 10, 1824, and (5) Jeanette E.,
born Aug. 12, 1826, two highly-respected maiden
ladies, now live in their most comfortable home on
Burnside avenue. East Hartford. As young ladies
they attended the schools of East Hartford, Salmon
Phelps being their teacher. As girls they worked
in the mill at Burnside, and earned money with
which to defray their school expenses. Electa L.
united with the Methodist Church at Burnside when
a girl of sixteen, and Jeanette E. when fourteen
united with the Congregational Church. Both are
yet members. They are among the most highly-
respected ladies of East Hartford, and have al-
ways lived together. (6) Alice, born Jan. 5, 1829,
i;; Mrs. Samuel G. Stone, of Boston, Mass. (7)
David B., born Aug. 20, 1831, died at East Hart-
ford, aged about fifty years. (8) James W., born
Nov. I, 1833, was an importer of teas and spices,
and died at Philadelphia. (9) Mariett O., born
Dec. 29, 1837, died Oct. 11, 1850, of typhoid fever,
contracted while attending school at New Britain.
Henry G. Beaumont, than whom there is no
better known citizen, no more substantial business
man, in East tiartford, is a native of that town.
He was born Aug. 26, 1821, in the home on Burn-
side avenue, where he now resides. His educa-
tion was received in the neighboring schools, and
among his early teachers were Eleazer White and
Salmon Phelps. For one winter he attended the
school taught by Mr. Wells, but at sixteen his school
days were over and the more active work of life
begun. He has always lived at home save the one
winter when he lived with his aunt, Mrs. Dr. Bemis,
and attended school. His educational equipment
was greatly inferior to that with which the young
man of to-day starts out in life, but with his su-
perior individuality he has experienced little, if any,
difficulty in overcoming the difficulties and solving
the problems with which every business career is
invested. He was reared at a time when Connecti-
cut farms produced grain, hay, live stock, etc., and
when farmer boys had work to do. His father was
an excellent manager, so that the Beaumont boys
had few idle days from lack of work. He was
put to work as a "youngster," and his ideas of
iDusiness and farming were practical in the fullest
sense. That was in the pioneer days of the tobacco
business, and the first crop produced by our sub-
ject was held over for six years; then six cents per
pound was realized.
When yet a young man our subject became as-
sociated with his brother William D. in the busi-
ness of getting out lumber and wood. ^Vood for
fuel was extensively handled, and ship timber was
their main product. New Bedford, Mass., was their
market, and eight and ten vessels were required to
transport their product to market. They were ex-
tensive growers of melons, and bought apples for
that market, our subject and his brother, W. D.
Beaumont, attending to the producing part of the
business, and their father marketing the product.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
519
Early in the 'fifties W. D. retired from tlie firm,
and Henry G. and liis fatlier continued the business
during- the latter's active Hfe. Since then our su1j-
ject has continued the business successfully up to
the present time. He has supplied a great deal of
lumber to the Hartford and New York Transporta-
tion Co. During all these years he has transacted
a vast volume of business and handled an immense
amount of lumber, and in connection therewith also
conducted his farm and engaged extensively in to-
bacco raising. He has also owned for a number of
years a large brick yard on Windsor avenue which
he operated for four years, then leased to others.
Mr. Beaumont was married, in 1853, to Miss
Jane Norton, who was born in North Madison,
Conn., in 1S30, a daughter of Ellsworth Norton.
To our subject and wife have been born seven chil-
dren : ( I ) Nellie died at the age of six years. (2)
Minnie graduated from the Hartford High School
in the class of 1876, married Horace B. Williams
Oct. 25, 1876, and died Dec. 21, 1881, leaving two
children — Rena B., born Feb. 11, 1878, a graduate
of the Hartford High School, class of 1895, and
Horace George, born Dec. 14, 1881, a graduate of
the East Hartford High School, class of i8g8. (3)
Gertrude is the wife of William W. Trapp, of Hart-
ford. (4) Clara is at home. (5) Charles, a grad-
uate of the Hartford High School, is now a resi-
dent of Madrid, Neb., and a member of the firm
of Beaumont Bros., bankers and ranchmen, since
1887. (6) Frederick, of Madrid, Neb., is also a
member of the firm of Beaumont Bros., who are
thrifty, pushing business men. (7) ]\laude is at
home.
In politics Henry G. Beaumont is a Republican,
formerly a Whig. He has been a stanch party man
on State and National issues, but in town matters
is independent. He has never had political aspira-
tions, business presenting to him a more congenial
field for his efforts. He is a liberal supporter of
the church, and his wife and daughter are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church. Mr. Beau-
mont is exceptionally well-preserved, though froin
early life he has been an active, hard-working man.
He is unassuming in manner, and a splendid type of
the business man of a half-generation ago, the dupli-
cation of which in more recent times is a matter of
serious doubt. J\Ir. Beaumont is an excellent reins-
man, even with his present years. He has always
been an admirer and an excellent judge of good
horses, and for many years has owned some of the
best roadsters in East Hartford. It has been one
cf his enjoyable diversions from business to take
a spin over the roads behind a favorite team, and
his skill has always proved equal to the complete
management of his flyers. There are few men who
can equal his mastery at the reins. Mr. Beaumont
has amassed a handsome property, and to his sons
in Nebraska has given a good start in business.
Every faculty of his keen intellect retains the
strength and accuracy of former years. He has an
extensive acijuainlanceship, and wherever known he
is highly honored for his eminent ability and
achievements, and a better example of sterling char-
acter and wortii could not be found. His family
has high social rank among the first families of
East Hartford.
HENRY DANIELS, a greatly respected retired
farmer and machinist of East Hartford, was born
Oct. 25, 1829, in the town of Lebanon, New London
county, near the line of the town of Hebron, Tolland
Co., Conn., and is a son of Alfred and Lavinia
(Lewis) Daniels, both natives of Connecticut.
The grandfather, Asa Daniels, was also a native
of Connecticut, lived to be a very old man, and had
a large family whose descendants are scattered
all over the United States. His death was caused
by a cancer. Alfred Daniels (the father of our sub-
ject) was a shoemaker by trade, and his death was
caused by drowning in Long Island Sound, his body
being recovered on Fisher's Island. To his mar-
riage with Lavinia Lewis, who was the eldest of a
family of fourteen children, the following children
were born: Mary A., who first married John Ful-
ler, who was drowned while on a whaling voyage,
and she afterward was married to Capt. Samuel Rose,
also a whaleman, but later a boarding-house keeper
in Hartford, and finally a farmer in Glastonbury,
where his death occurred, his widow now making
her home with a son in Boston ; Ralph, the second
of the five was a sailor, and died in Valparaiso,
Chile, South America, and was there buried : the
third child is Flenry, the subject of this sketch; the
fourth child, Elizabeth ( i j , died in infancy ; and
the fifth, Elizabeth (2), also died young. Mrs. La-
vinia Daniels is also deceased, and her remains lie
interred in Spring Grove cemetery, Hartford.
Henry Daniels was educated to a limited extent
in Hebron, Colchester and New London, in which
towns his father had lived. At the age of fourteen
years he started out to make his living by working
in a machine shop owned by Increase \Mlson, manu-
facturing novelties, at thirty-seven and one-half
cents per day, but his wages were increased as he
became more expert, and he retained his position
about seven years, his last duty there being the feed-
ing of a machine with hot wire, the product being
rivets. He next went to New York, where he be-
gan working at one dollar per day, and received an
increase from time to time as the moiiths rolled on.
While in New York he lost a "chum", with whom
he had worked a long time, and Mr. Daniels brought
the corpse to New London, the home of his friend.
The coffin was made by the men who worked in the
shop, as time was short, being twenty miles up the
North river from New York, and had to be taken
by rail to New York, thence by steamboat to New
London.
Mr. Daniels then returned to New York, worked
there a short time, and next came to JMystic, Conn.,
where he was employed in making cotton-gin ma-
520
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chinery until February, 1853, when, having an attack
ot gold fever, he returned to New York and sailed
thence for the Isthmus of Panama, en route for
California. The railroad had then been built about
half way across the isthmus, and the fare to its ter-
minus was $12.50; the rest of the way to Panama
had to be made on foot, or at a cost of $10, for a
mule ride. Mr. Daniel chose to go afoot, and the
weather, even at that season, being extremely hot,
he waded every brook he came to in order to cool
off. He passed two nights in Panama, and then
took the steamer "Tennessee" for San Francisco,
but in a thick fog the vessel ran ashore, and Mr.
Daniels was landed on the beach several miles from
his destination. From San Francisco he went to
Sacramento, but was dissatisfied with the outlook,
and, being unfamiliar with mining, hired out to a
salmon fisherman at $65 per month and remained
with him until the close of the season. He then
returned to San Francisco, where he met some New
London (Conn.) acquaintances. Thence he went to
Benicia, then the capital, where he was employed
in a machine shop ot the Pacific Mail S. S. Co., for
some time, at $6 per day, and on his return to Con-
necticut, via the Isthmus, he worked for several
months in a machine shop in New London.
In July, 1855, Mr. Daniels came to Hartford, and
worked for a time in Colt's machme shop, and later
was employed making tools and models in Colt's
Armory until 1866, when poor health made it neces-
sary for him to seek out-door employment. He ac-
cordingly purchased a sail boat in New London, and
for sometime employed, himself in sailing and fish-
ing along Long: Island Sound.
He also bought a
farm near the navy yard at New London, farmed in
summer, and worked in Colt's factory at Hartford
in winter, and in the fall of 1869 came to Hartford.
He was employed by the Russian government as in-
spector of all firearms manufactured in Colt's factory
for its use, including Catling guns, and in over-see-
ing the shipments made to New York. In the
spring of 1870 he moved his family to Hartford.
Later he removed to Springfield, Mass., and was in-
spector for tJae Russian government of all arms
manufactured for it at Smith & Wesson's works,
and then went to Bridgeport, where he was inspec-
tor of cartridges made for the same government ;
he next returned to Springfield, where he remained
until, in 1874, he came to East Hartford, and settled
on his present place of nine acres, which he had pur-
chased in 1872, erected a dwelling and tobacco sheds,
rented his lands for two years, and in 1875 began
farming and tobacco growing.
On Jan. 17, 1856, Mr. Daniels married Miss
Caroline A., daughter of Charles and Mary (Lewis)
Saunders, a native of Hebron, Conn., and to this
union have been born four children : ( i ) Isabelle is
the wife of Hiram C. Fox, of East Hartford, and
the mother of one son, Sherman. (2) Newell P., a
printer, first married Mary Wadsworth, by whom he
had one child, his second wife being Jennie Weaver;
his home is also in East Hartford. (3) Charles mar-
ried Miss Edna Brewer, a daughter of Ellery L.
Brewer, whose biography appears elsewhere ; he be-
ing a skillful taxidermist, and owns a fine collection
of specimens. (4) Alice is still living with her
parents.
In politics Mr. Daniels is a Republican, and has
filled the office of selectman. He has never joined
any of the secret societies, but with his wife and
daughter is a constant attendant at the Congrega-
ional Church. He is a very pleasant gentleman,
and is an agreeable conversationalist, has through his
own industry realized a competency, and is now liv-
ing in quiet retirement and in the enjoyment of the
respect of a host of friends.
FRANCIS DEMING, a prominent and suc-
cessful business man of Berlin, was born in the
Beckley Quarter of that town Feb. 4, 1857, and
traces his ancestry back to one of three brothers
who came to the LJnited States at an early day. It
is believed that he is descended from the one who
settled in Wethersfield, Hartford county. All his
ancestors followed the occupation of farming.
Israel Deming, our subject's great-grandfather,
was born in Berlin, and married Hepzibah Web-
ster. Their son, Philip Deming, also a native of
Berlin, was married, June 14, 1817, to Sallie An-
drews. Their son, Levi Deming, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Berlin Sept. i, 18 18, and married
Delia Belden, who was born in Rocky Hill Jan.
27, 1826, a daughter of Leonard Belden. The
parents died in Berlin, and were buried in South
cemetery, the father departing this life Dec. 17, 1877.
In the family were only two children, F'rancis and
Henry, the latter born Oct. 8, 1847. He entered
the Union service during the Civil war, and died
from quick consumption while on his way home,
just before his arrival in New York, the day Presi-
dent Lincoln was assassinated.
Francis Deming was reared on the home farm,
attended the local schools, and later the Connecti-
cut State Normal at New Britain, from which he
graduated in 1878. He taught school in New Hart-
ford one season and in West Cromwell two terms,
after which he turned his attention to farming.
After the death of his father he took charge of the
old homestead, which he still owns and operates.
In 1881 he purchased the grocery and drug store of
Alfred North, but after conducting it for about
eighteen months sold out. In 1890 he was instru-
mental in organizing the Golden Ridge Creamery
Co., of which he has since been secretary, treasurer
and superintendent. W. H. Webster is now presi-
dent of the company, and the directors are W. H.
Webster, Daniel Webster, S. F. Raymond, C. M.
Jarvis, A. E. Norton and Isaac E. Ailing, of Ber-
lin; and Joshua Belden and Newton Osborne, of
Newington. Their plant has a capacity of seventy
thousand pounds of butter a year, and the product,
which is of a superior quality, is sold in Hartford,
COMMEMORATIl^ BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
521
New Britain and Meriden. Mr. Deming is also in-
terested in the Mattabessett Canning Co., which was
organized March 2, 1896, for the purpose of can-
ning squashes, sweet corn and tomatoes, the last
named vegetable being their specialty. They also
deal in corrugated iron, and have a capital stock of
$10,000. Their plant, which has never been taxed
to the utmost capacity, turns out each season from
fifteen thousand to twenty thousand cases of twen-
ty-four cans, tnd they use all the vegetables the
farmers can supply. Business is carried on in the
Beckley Quarter purely in the interest of the farm-
ers, and from seventy to eighty hands are employed
during the busy season. Their product is sold only
to jobbers, and Boston, New York, Springfield and
Hartford are their principal markets. The mem-
bers of the company are Charles M. Jarvis, presi-
dent ; £. I. Clark, vice-president ; Francis Deming,
secretary and treasurer; I. E. Ailing, S. F. Ray-
mond, M. E. Jacobs and F. D. Jones, directors.
On Oct. 5, 1880, Mr. Deming married Miss
■Jennie Bidwell Hill, of Cromwell, who was born
Dec. 5, 1857, a daughter of William S. and Phoebe
(Bidwell) Hill, farming people. Four children
blessed this union : Florence Delia, born Sept. 3,
1881, died May 6, 1882; Lester Francis, born Dec.
I, 1884, and Robert Hubbard, born May 30, 1886,
are attending the New Britain high school ; and
Henry Clarence, born Aug. 12, 1889, is attending the
Berlin district school. The family have a pleasant
and commodious home on Benjamin street, Berlin,
which was erected by our subject in 1892, and
there hospitality reigns supreme.
Politically Mr. Deming has always been identi-
fied with the Republican party, of which his father
was also a supporter. He has filled the offices of
justice of the peace and grand juror, and has been a
member of the' school board several years. He is
a prominent member of the Grange and was elected
master, but refused to c|ualify. He also belongs to
the Royal Arcanum Lodge, No. 738, of New Britain,
and is an active and prominent member of the Con-
gregational Church, in which he has served as clerk
for about thirteen years, and was elected deacon
in January, 1897. He has also been clerk and
treasurer of the Ecclesiastical Society since Feb.
8, 1886. His wife and son, Lester, are also mem-
bers of the same church. The family is one of
prominence in the community where they reside.
Mr. Deming is a man of excellent business and
executive ability, one whose sound judgment, un-
flagging enterprise and capable management have
brought him a well-merited success. In manner he
is pleasant and cordial, which, combined with his
sterling worth, makes him one of the popular citi-
zens of his native county.
ANDREW HAMILTON, Justice of the Peace,
is one of the leading business men of the town of
East Windsor, and in addition to the management
of his valuable farm near Broad Brook he is exten-
sively engaged in the manufacture of printing
stamps and type-writer ribbons, his factory being
located on his homestead. As a citizen lie is held in
high esteem, and his fellow townsmen have kept
him constantly in office from early manhood, he
having served forty years as justice of the peace.
Mr. Hamilton was born Aug. 15, 1824, on the old
Hamilton homestead in the town of Ellington, Tol-
land county, and is of Scottish ancestry in the pa-
ternal line.' About 1650 three brothers of the name
came from Scotland, making the voyage in the
"Mayflower," and it is believed that one of these
was the grandfather of Daniel Hamilton, who set-
tled on the old homestead in Tolland county about
1782.
Benjamin Hamilton, our subject's grandfather,
was born in the town of Eastham, Barnstable Co.,
Mass., on Cape Cod.
Hon. Benjamin Hamilton, our subject's father,
was born in 1794, in the town of Ellington, Tolland
Co., Conn., and died at the present homestead in
East Windsor in 1865, aged seventy-one years. He
resided in East Windsor, and was prcmiinent in pub-
lic affairs, being elected in 1850 as a State senator
from the Second district, and in 1852 as a represen-
tative from East Windsor to the State Legislature.
He first married Cynthia Blodgett, and later wedded
Mrs. Ann Dunham, a sister of his first wife. His
three children, Havilah, Arnold and Andrew, were
all by the first marriage.
When our subject was about eight years old the
family removed across the line from Tolland county
into the town of East Windsor, locating on the farm
now occupied by Edward Shropp, and in 1842 his
father bought the present homestead. As a boy
Mr. Hamilton attended the common and select
schools near his home, and the academy in East
Windsor village, while his work upon the farm
gave him a good practical knowledge of agricultural
methods. He has continued to reside at the home-
stead, with the exception of four years, from 1889
to 1893, when he was employed as general manager
of the plant of the Springfield Button Co., in Spring-
field, Mass. He learned that business in his early
manhood, having in 1849 entered the employ of G.
C. Brown, a manufacturer of pearl buttons. For
two years he was engaged in merchandising in Broad
Brook, which he abandoned in 1852, buying out ^Ir.
Brown's button factory and carrying on the manu-
facture of pearl buttons until 1865. Mr. Hamilton's
farm comprises forty-two acres, and he not only
carries on general farming but has been interested
for manv vears in tobacco culture. About ten years
ago he built his present factory, which has been a
profitable venture under his able management. He
is an ardent Democrat in politics, and besides his
long services as justice of the peace he has served
six years as notary public ; four years as commis-
sioner of the superior court ; two years as a member
of the board of education : four years on the local
board of relief ; and three years as deputy sheriff
522
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
under Simon D. Kendall, of Suftield, while he has
frequently been chosen as grand juror and registrar
of elections. Socially he and his family are promi-
nent, and he is a charter member of Oriental Lodge,
No. Ill, A. F. & A. M., at Broad Brook, in which
he has served as treasurer.
In 1849 Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M.
Dunham, a native of Gilead, Conn., born Oct. 26,
1827, and they have had two children : Andrew R.,
born Aug. 14, 1854, died Aug. 22, 1892; and Jennie
D., deceased in infancy, April 26, 1858. Andrew R.
Hamilton married Miss Eliza H. McCray, and they
had three children : Earl W., Lizzie and Jennie D.,
of whom the last named died in childhood.
ARIEL MITCriELSON (deceased), a native
of the town of Simsbury, was the representative of
an old and distinguished family. Favored by birth
and circumstances, he lived up to the full measure
of his capabilities, and among his business asso-
ciates he was known as a man of strict integrity,
a kind and obliging neighbor, and courteous, ex-
emplary and honorable in all the relations of life.
Mr. Mitchelson was born in what is now the
town of Bloomfield (then Simsbury) April 3, 1816,
a son of Ariel and Elizabeth (Cornish) Mitchel-
son, and a grandson of Eliphalet and Susannah
(Eno) Mitchelson. His great-grandfather, Will-
iam Mitchelson, Jr., came to Hartford from Cam-
bridge, Mass., and was married to Mary Howard
April 26, 1713. The Howard family were wealthy
and extensive realty holders, and from them con-
siderable property was inherited. The family still
own the ancestral acres, the original papers of the
grant of land still held by them, the estate having
descended from son to son through several genera-
tions. William Mitchelson, Jr., is supposed to be
a descendant of Edward Mitchelson, who arrived in
the Colony of Cambridge, Mass., in the year 1636.
His wife, Ruth (Bushell), arrived on the ship
"Abigal" in 1635. Their children were: (i)
Ruth, born Nov. 8, 1638, married John Green Oct.
20, 1656. (2) Thomas was born September, 1639.
(3) Bethia, born Dec. 6, 1642, married Daniel Weld.
(4) Edward, born Nov. 11, 1644, graduated at
Harvard College in 1665, became a physician, and
was lost at sea while on a voyage to England with
Capt. Scarlet, in 1666. (5) Elizabeth, born Aug.
29, 1646, married (first) Theodore Atkinson, Jr.,
and (second) Henry Deering, of Boston. Edward
Mitchelson, the father, in 1639, bought of Major
Simon Willard the estate at the southeast corner
of Dunster and Winthrop streets, where he prob-
ably resided until Oct. 29, 1650, when he bought the
estate of Major Samuel Shepard, on the south side
of Harvard street, extending from Holyoke street
to Bow street, which was thenceforth his dwelling
place. In 1637 he was appointed marshal-general
of the Colony, which office he held through life.
The fees were established by the General Court.
In April, 1668, a stated salary of £50 was fixed.
He died March 7, 1681, aged seventy-seven years,
and was succeeded in office by his son-in-law, John
Green. His wife, Ruth, died June 15, 1664, aged
about fifty-two. He was in full communion with
the church. William Mitchelson, brother of Ed-
ward (i), married Mary Bradshaw April 26, 1654,
and their children were: Mary, born Jan. 15, 1655 ;
Thomas, born Jan. 8, 1657; Alice, born about 1661,
baptized April 3, 1663 (she married John Shears,
of Sudbury, April 9, 1688) ; Ruth, baptized Oct.
4, 1663; and Abigal, baptized March, 1665. Will-
iam, the father, died Dec. 10, 1668.
Eliphalet Mitchelson and Susannah Eno were
married Dec. 28, 1758. Their children were as
follows : ( I ) Susannah married George Cornish,
of Simsbury. (2) Rizpah married Elisha Gris-
wold. (3) Elizabeth married A. V. Griswold, bet-
ter known as Bishop Griswold. His descendants
are very prominent in Rhode Island, and are con-
nected with many prominent families. (4) John
married Abigail Finney. (5) Howard, a graduate
of Yale, was a successful medical practitioner, and
died in Charleston, S. C. He had traveled over
much of the globe, and left much property. (6)
Martin married Cyrina Adams. (7) Ariel was born
Dec. 14, 1774. (8) Eliphalet died young.
Ariel Mitchelson, the father of our subject, was
born Dec. 14, 1774, in what is now the town of
Bloomfield, near Scotland church. He was reared
in that locality, and followed farming through life,
was a large land owner, and one of Bloomfield's
most substantial citizens. He was a man of wide
influence, a recognized leader in all improvements,
and for his day a man of progress and advance-
ment, and greatly interested in church work. He
often served as an arbiter among neighbors, being
selected for that delicate service on account of his
excellent judgment and the utmost confidence of the
entire community in his integrity. His word was
never doubted. In politics he was a Whig, and for
several terms he was elected to the General As-
sembl}'-. He left to his children the task of per-
petuating the high standard of citizenship with
which the Mitchelson name has been so closely
associated and which task it can be truly said was
faithfully and successfully borne. He married Eliz-
abeth Cornish, of Granby, who bore him three chil-
dren: Elizabeth, Ariel and Hugh. Elizabeth
Mitchelson was one of the grandest types of woman-
kind, possessed of a most lovable character, and
was widely known for her good and charitable
deeds. She remained unmarried through life, and
was devotedly attached to charitable and religions
work. For sixty }rears she was the teacher of the
infant class in the Episcopal Church, and among
her pupils were many of the best citizens of to-day,
all of whom revere her memory. She died Nov.
16, 1891. Hugh Mitchelson married Miss Mary
Dwight Morton, a highly esteemed woman of Hat-
field, Mass. He lived in Bloomfield, being one of
its most prominent citizens, and died there, leaving
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
523
no children. He possessed a wonderfully retentive
memory, and a large fund of valuable historical
knowledge. Ariel jNIitchelson, the father, died
Sept. 30, 1852, the mother on Dec. 17, 1846.
Ariel Mitchelson, our subject, in his boyhood
attended the schools of his home district, after
which he became a student at what was known as
Holcomb's high school, in Granby. This education
was supplemented with a course at an academy in
Pouglikcepsie, N. Y. The culture of tobacco in
Hartford county as a possible new industry of im-
portance received earliest recognition from Ariel
Mitchelson, who was the first grower in the town of
Simsbury. From his own success as a producer his
business instincts quickly realized what the magni-
tude of the culture would be in a few years, and
what new business opportunities would thus be
opened at home. He formed business connections
for making the newly arrived trade both prosperous
and enduring, bought heavily of tobacco, and be-
came one of the best known wholesalers in the Con-
necticut valley, following this business for over
forty years ; his cousins and partners, A. L. and C.
L. Holt, of New York, marketed the vast stores of
the plant, which he thus purchased.
While a thorough business man in the fullest
sense of the term, and while pressed for time by his
extensive and exacting interests, Mr. Mitchelson's
public spirit was always evident. It has been
doubted if in his day there was another who had at
heart to the same extent as he the best interests of
his community. No improvement of value or bene-
fit to Tariffville ever came up but that he was either
the prime mover, hearty endorser, or one of the most
liberal contributors, when contributions were nec-
essary. He probably did more for Tarififville than
any other citizen of his time. It was mainly through
his influence and eflrorts that the original Connecti-
cut Western railway reached Tarififville instead of
passing through Farmington, a more direct route.
His wide acquaintance with capitalists, his means
and his influence often placed him in a position
to do more good than others even though their pub-
lic spirit had been as great. He built part of the
town of Tarififville, laid out streets, donated the
land for two school houses and the sites for the
Baptist, Roman Catholic and Trinity Episcopal
churches, and to the latter church also bequeathed
$5,000. He was for many years a director in the
Charter Oak National Bank, of Hartford, of which
institution he was also one of tne organizers, and
his opinion on matters of finance was considered
valuable, as was his judgment on any business
matter. Politically he was originally an Old-line
Whig, later a Republican. Without ambition to
shine politically, he was nevertheless deeply inter-
ested in the success of his party and in the selec-
tion of competent officials. In religious connection
he was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, in
which he was honorary warden at the time of his
death. His marked stability of character endeared
him to the hearts of his friends.
Mr. Mitchelson's home life was ideally liapjjy,
the influence of the home was always pure and in-
spiring, and the social position of the family always
the highest. On June 5, 1848, he was married, at
East Lyme, Conn., to Miss Elizabeth H. Chappel,
a native of that town, who was born Xov. 29, 1824,
daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Loomis) Chappel.
Hannah Loomis was a cousin of Prof. Elias Loomis,
of Yale, and sister of Francis B. Loomis, ex-lieu-
tenant governor of Connecticut, and a descendant
of the old Loomis family that settled in Windsor in
1639, and of whom Joseph Loomis was the progeni-
tor. The family of Daniel and Hannah (Loomis)
Chappel consisted of the following children : Mary,
who married Sydney Staples, and is novv deceased ;
Abbie, who married Samuel Douglass, of Water-
ford, Conn. ; James, who married .\iaria Jennings,
of Easton, Conn. ; Nancy, who married Amasa
Loomis; Elizabeth, who married our subject; and
Miss Fanny, who resides at Tariffville.
The death of Ariel Mitchelson occurred Feb.
8, 1894. His remains were laid away in Scotland
Church cemetery. His estimable widow, now at an
advanced age, is an exceptionally well preserved
lady, in the full possession of her every faculty.
Mrs. Mitchelson, in her younger years, was a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church, and later united with
the Episcopal Church, with which she has ever
since been connected. She still resides in the home
about which cluster the memories of more than half
a century, the happiness of which was broken only
by the loss of her husband. Here she has given her
family that loyal devotion which has contributed to
their success in life.
Children were born to Ariel and Elizabeth
(Chappel) Mitchelson as follows:
(i) Ariel, born Aug. 2, 1850, died at the age of
six years. (2) Elizabeth C, born Feb. 7, 1852, died
at the age of four years.
(3) George, born June 30, 1854, completed a
business course at the Eastman Business College,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and also attended Dr. Sear's
Military School in New Haven, and is now a whole-
sale tobacco dealer in St. Paul, Minn. He married
Mary Dyer, of Hudson, Wis., June 12, 1899.
(4) Joseph C, born May 22, 1856, attended
the Eastman Business College after completing a
course of study at Amherst, Mass., in Dr. Nash's
Institute for Boys, and is now one of the most ex-
tensive leaf tobacco dealers in the West, having
stores in Kansas City and San Francisco. He pos-
sesses the energetic spirit and business tact for which
his father was noted. He married Miss Emma Wil-
son, of Geneseo, 111., daughter of George and Jane
(Prouty) Wilson. Mr. Mitchelson is an extensive
collector of coins, curios and antiques, his collec-
tions along those lines embracing some exceedingly
rare specimens, j^ssembled at no little expense and
524
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trouble. He has one of the most complete collec-
tions of American coins in the United States, con-
sisting of Colonial coins and private issues in gold,
with the regular issues from the first pieces coined
to the present date, as well as a complete collection
of the fractional currency.
(5) Elizabeth, born Nov. 3, 1859, married Will-
lam F. Groton, of Philadelphia, Sept. 12, 1888, and
has three children: Elizabeth Mitchelson, born
Sept. 23, 1889; William Ariel, Jan. 24, 1892; and
Joseph Mitchelson, Aug. 9, 1894. Mrs. Groton grad-
uated from St. Mary's Hall, Burlington, N. J., in
the class of '79.
(6) Charles, born Nov. 19, 1861, died Sept.
25, 1862.
(7) Ariel (2), born March 20, 1864, is one of
the most extensive resident buyers of tobacco in the
Connecticut Valley. Like his brothers he received
abusiness education at the Eastman Business College,
after attending the Hartford Public High School.
He married Miss Mary Violet Ely, of Windsor,
a daughter of Seth and Adelaide (Hurlburt) Ely,
and to them have been born four childrren : Ariel,
who died in infancy; Ariel (2), who died aged
nearly three years; Joseph, born Nov. 13, 1897, and
a daughter, born Sept. 26, 1900. Mr. Mitchelson
has been a member of Putnam Phalanx, Hartford,
since the age of twenty years. He is a stanch Re-
publican, but not a politician, save in taking an in-
terest in his party's success. In religious con-
nection he is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church
at Tariffville.
ALONZO GROVE CASE. A veteran of the
Civil war, wounded in battle, with health shattered
by confinement and privation in Rebel prisons, a
descendant of one of the earliest and best known
families of Connecticut, a successful agriculturist,
the recipient of many public offices or responsi-
bility and trust, a man held in high esteem for his
many admirable traits — the subject of this sketch
rank's among the foremost citizens of the town of
Simsbury.
Mr. Case is a lineal descendant, in the seventh
generation, of John Case, who first settled in Wind-
sor, Conn., and in 1669 sold his house, shop and
lot to Nathaniel Cook, and removed to Simsbury,
settling at Weatogue, where he engaged in farm-
ing and stock raising. He was the first constable
of Simsbury, and represented the town in the Gen-
eral Court. He married Sarah Spencer, daughter
of William Spencer, of Hartford, and to them were
born children as follows: Elizabeth, born in 1658,
married John Tuller; Mary, born June 22, 1660,
married James Hillyer ; John, born Nov. 5, 1662;
William, born June 5, 1665; Samuel, born June i,
1667; Richard, born April 27, 1669; Bartholomew,
born October, 1670; Joseph, born April 6, 1672, mar-
ried Anna Eno, daughter of James Eno, Jr. (he
was the father of Rev. Benajah Case) ; Sarah, born
Aug. 14, 1676, married Joseph Phelps ; Abigail,
born May 14, 1682, married Jonathan Westover.
The mother was born in 1636, and died Nov. 3,
1 69 1. For his second wife John Case married
Elizabeth, daughter of John Moore, of Windsor,
and widow of Nathaniel Loomis, of that town. He
died on his farm Feb. 21, 1703, and was buried
m Simsbury cemetery. His widow survived until
July 23, 1728, dying at the age of ninety years.
John Case, born Nov. 5, 1662, was seven years
old when his father moved from Windsor to Wea-
togue, Simsbury. He was a lifelong farmer in
Simsbury, where he died in 1733, and was buried
in the old cemetery. He was twice married, first
in 1684 to Mary Olcott, daughter of Thomas Ol-
cott, of Hartford. By this marriage he had one
child, John B., who died in infancy in 1685, the wife
dying the same year. For his second wife, John
Case, in 1693, married Sarah Holcomb, daughter
of Joshua Holcomb, and to them were born six
children: John B., born Aug. 22, 1694; Daniel,
born March 7, 1697, married Penelope Buttolph;
Mary, born in 1698, married Jonathan Alfor^^ who
died in 1732; Jonathan, born in 1701, married Mary
Beeman; Sarah, bor« in 1703, married John Alder-
man; Hannah, born in 1709, married Capt. Noah
Humphrey, and died in 1799.
John B. Case, born Aug. 22, 1694, like his fa-
ther and grandfather, engaged in farming in Sims-
bury through life, dying in 1752. In 1716 he mar-
ried Abigail Humphrey, daughter of Samuel Hum-
phrey, and granddaughter of Michael Humphrey, the
first. The nine children of John B. and Abigail Case
were as follows: John, born Feb. 19, 1718, died in
1776; Noah, born Oct. 4, 1720, died in 1797; Capt.
Charles, born Feb. 19, 1723, died in 1808; Abigail,
born Sept. 10, 1725, married Jonathan Case, died in
1779; Mary, born Dec. 29, 1727; Lucy, born Oct.
17, 1732, married Lieut. William Wilcox, died in
1807; Martha, born July 31, 1735, married Thomas
Barber; Capt. Job, born June 3, 1737, married Jo-
anna Wilcox; Lydia, born in 1741, married Jona-
than Pinney.
Capt. Job Case, born in Simsbury June 3, 1737,
was a man of prominence, in both public and church
affairs. He was a farmer through life, and served
as an officer in the Revolutionary war ; was a mem-
ber of the State Legislature, in politics was a Fed-
eralist and later a Whig, and was a member of
the Congregational Church. Widely known and
highly respected, he lived on his farm in Simsbury
until his death in 1798. The ten children of Capt.
Job and Joanna (Wilcox) Case were as follows:
Job, born July 21, 1758; Joanna, Aug. 9, 1760;
Violet, Oct. 19, 1762; Ariel, Jan. 23, 1765; Lucy,
Feb. 14, 1767; Asenath, June 12, 1770; Betsey,
Dec. 23, 1775; Frederick, May 5, 1777; Grove,
June 29, 1779; and Friend, Nov. 10, 1781.
Ariel Case, the grandfather of our subject, was
born Jan. 23, 1765, on a farm in Terry's Plain,
Simsbury, and became an extensive land' owner.
He was engaged largely, in stock raising, and spent
J^^^-nA^ ^^^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
oi'o
his entire life on the farm. He was a member of
the Congregational Church, and in politics was a
Whig. He was a man, who by his force of char-
acter and upright living commanded high respect.
He married (first) Rachel, daughter of Jonathan
Latimer, and of this union came two children :
Rachel Lura, born Dec. 30, 1796, had seven children,
and died Oct. 26, 1870; and Job, the father of our
subject. Ariel Case married (second) Mrs. Celia
Weston, mother of Lorin Weston.
Job Case was born on the home farm in Sims-
bury, July 29, 1805, and died Dec. 17, 1899, at the
ripe old age of ninety-four years. His early edu-
cation was only that afforded by the district schools,
and the practical and valuable mental training of
his subsequent years was gained by his own eft'orts.
He made farming his life vocation. For many
}ear<; he was a successful stock raiser, and he en-
gaged largely in tobacco growing and in dairy and
general farming. He grew and sold the first to-
bacco in the town of Simsbury. Occasionally other
enterprises besides farming received his attention.
He helped to construct several of tlie bridges across
■ Farmington river, and was always known as an
energetic and industrious man. He has always taken
a deep interest in politics, not in the sense of seeking
office, though frequently called to positions of re-
sponsibility and trust, but for the benefit of his
town, State and country, and he almost always had
the honor and privilege of casting the first ballot in
all elections in Simsbury. He cast his first vote
for John O. Adams, the Whig candidate for Presi-
dent, in 1828, and his last Presidential vote for Will-
iam jMcKinley in 1896, always voting the Whig and
Republican tickets, in 1844 he represented the town
of Simsbury in the State Legislature at New Haven,
served on the board of selectman, filled various
local offices, and was captain of cavalry in the State
Militia. He was the oldest male member of the
Congregational Church, and was one of the first
to contribute to the fund to erect the present church
edifice. A man of marked intelligence, temperate
in all his habits, he was highly respected, and though
at his death the oldest male resident of the town
of Simsbury, he possessed all his faculties except
hearing, which was slightly impaired.
On April 17, 1828, Mr. Case married Abigail
G. Phelps, who was born June 16, 1805, daughter
of Oliver C. and Lurannah (Ensign) Phelps. They
had a family of five children: (i) Rachel Lur-
annah, born Jan. 28, 1829, died July 5, 1830. (2)
Ariel Job, born June 2, 1831, enlisted during the
Civil war in Company E, i6th Conn. V. L, and was
xjerpmoted to second lieutenant of Company H, same
rtgiment. He died Sept. 18, 1875. On Aug. 29,
1854, he married Mary E. Thompson, and their chil-
dren were: Lizzie Thompson, born ]May 26, 1855,
died Dec. 14, 1887; Minnie Abigail, born Jan. 6,
1857, died Jan. 16, 1859; Charles Farnham, born
May 22, 1858; Julia Amanda, born April 28, i860;
and Oliver Cromwell, born Sept. 11, 1862. Lizzie
Thompson married Ludlow Osmond Barker, Sept.
23, 1878, and had one child, Ludlow Osmond, born
April 20, 1882. Charles Farnham married Jennie
Estelle Atkins, Oct. i, 1883, and has had three chil-
dren, Ralph A., born Aug. 15, 1886, died Feb. 22,
1899; Marjorie, born June 8, 1888; and Marion
Atkms, born Aug. 11, 1896. Julia Amanda mar-
ried Fred H. Carpenter, Oct. 6, 1886, and has had
one child, Fred Donald, born Dec. 10, 1889. Oliver
Cromwell married Mary Elizabeth Owen March 31,
1886, and they have had six children, Mabel Gove,
born Jan. 20, 1887 (died July 17, 1887) ; Frank
Thompson, Jan. i, 1888; Florence Minnie, June
29, 1889; Charles Ariel, Aug. 5, 1894; Marguerite
Esther, Nov. 25, 1895 ; and Ruth Elizabeth, June 9,
1898. (3) Alonzo Grove is mentioned below. (4)
Oliver Cromwell, born Dec. 22, 1839, enlisted in
Company A, 8th Conn. V. L, and was killed Sept.
17, 1862, at the battle of Antietam. (5) Abbie
Jane, born Aug. 11, 1846, was married Feb. 16, 1870,
to George M. Phelps, who was born ^klarch 22, 1846.
They had one child, Pauline Isabelle, born Nov.
13, 1870, who is a playwright in New York. Mr.
Phelps is a deputy revenue collector of Hartford
county, and a resident of Bloomfield. Mrs. Job
Case died July 13, 1877, aged seventy-two years.
She was a member of the Congregational Church,
a good Christian woman, wife and mother, and
gave to her country, to help preserve the Union,
her three sons, one of whom was sacrificed on the
field of battle.
Alonzo Grove Case, our subject, was born on
the old homestead at Terry's Plains, in the town of
Simsbury, June 7, 1834. His early education was
not neglected, for besides attending the public
schools of Terry's Plains — one of his first teachers
being i\Iiss jNIaUala Terry, who is still living, and
is the oldest woman in Simsbury — he was a student
at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and
Wilbraham (Alass) Academy. He remained at
home with his parents and engaged in farming
until the breaking out of the Civil war, enlisting
in July, 1862, in Company E, Capt. Charles Bab-
cock, i6th Conn. V. L, Col. Frank Beach. He was
mustered in as a private, was promoted to the rank
of first sergeant Aug. 29, 1862, second lieutenant
Jan. 12, 1863, and first lieutenant May 22, 1863. At
the battle of Antieti^iu, Sept. 17, 1862, he was
wounded in the side by a bullet. He participated
in the battle of Fredericksburg, \'a., Dec. 12-14,
1862 ; Edenton Road, April 24, 1863 ; Providence
Church, A'a., May 3, 1863 ; Plymouth, \'a., April
20, 1864. At the latter engagement ho was shot in
the foot and was taken prisoner, being confined in
Andersonville prison, Macon, Ga., until July, 1864;
then at Savannah, in August and September, and
later at Charleston and at Columbia, S. C. He
was paroled Feb. 28, 1865, and discharged May 15,
1865. During his prison life Mr. Case suffered ex-
treme privation. He was reduced to the necessiry
of clothing himself in a suit of clothes made from
526
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
flour sacks, and he wore upon his feet in place of
shoes pieces of cloth taken from an old overcoat.
He lost over forty-five pounds in weight, and suf-
fered greatly from hunger, and in consequence of
the ill treatment he there received he is to-day a
physical wreck, suffering severely during the past
six years from asthma contracted in prison.
After his return from the war Mr. Case resumed
farming, and for the past thirt5'-four years he has
engaged in tobacco growing and dairy and general
farming, also to some extent in stock dealing. He
operates a tract of fifty acres, and gives chief at-
tention to the dairy, keeping good Jersey stock.
Mr. Case was married Oct. 19, 1859, to Julia
Salome Chaffee, of Simsbury, daughter of Alpheus
and Julia (Alderman) Chaff'ee, representatives of
old Connecticut families. Thomas Chaffee, the
founder of the American family, settled in Hing-
ham, Plymouth Co., Mass., in 1637. One of his
descendants, Jonathan Chaffee, was tne grandfather
of Mrs. Case. He was born Feb. 11, 1765, and
married Sally Farnum, who was born Feb. 11, 1771-
Their family of eleven children were as follows :
Joseph, born May 30, 1791 ; Bihings, April 13, 1793 ;
Alpheus, Dec. 31, 1795; Philo, June 4, 1800; Henry
Farnum, June 11, 1802; Truman Bibbins, June 19,
1804 (among whose children was Gen. Adna R.
Chaffee, who commanded a division in the Santiago
(Cuba) campaign of 1898, and is now Ma j .-Gen-
eral commanding forces in China) ; Eunice A., Nov.
6, 1806 (married Daniel Gates) ; Anna Tryphena,
Sept. 22, 1808 (married Hiram King) ; Ellaridge
Garry, March 13, 181 1 ; Catharine T., July 27, 1814;
Sally Maria, June 21, 1816, married Josiah Whiting.
Alpheus Chaffee, the father of Mrs. Case, born
Dec. 31, 1795, married Salome Case, born March
II, 1797. In the fall of 1836 he drove with his
wife by horse and carriage to Bristolville, Trumbull
Co., Ohio, a long and tedious trip which when a
young man he once made afoot. His wife died in
Bristolville, March 11, 1837, leaving no children,
and Mr. Chaffee returned to his native State. He
purchased the farm in Terry's Plains now owned by
our subject, and there he spent the remainder of
his life, devoting his attention to farming. For
his second wife he married Julia Alderman, born
Feb. 21, 1810, daughter of Chester and Dorcas
(Hoskins) Alderman, and granddaughter of John
Hoskins, a Revolutionary soldier. To Alpheus and
Julia Chaffee, were born four children: Julia
Salome, born July i, 1839 (wife of our subject) ;
Alfred, Sept. 12, 1841 ; Alpheus Eugene, June 10,
1843; and Dorcas Irene, Sept. 23, 1845, all except
Mrs. Case now deceased. Alpheus Chaffee died
Aug. 2; 1878, aged eighty-three years, and was
buried at Simsbury. He was liberal in church
views, and was an attendant at the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, where he sang in the choir for
many years. In politics he was a Democrat. He
was a good citizen and a kind husband and father.
His widow died March 10, 1893, aged eighty-three
years, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and a consistent Christian through life.
Mrs. Case cared well for her parents in their old age.
She is a woman of keen intelligence and of re-
fined and genial disposition, is well-informed in
current literature, but is also domestic in taste, be-
ing devoted to her invalid husband and to her
children.
To cur subject and wife have been born nine
children as follows : ( i ) Lillia Irene, born Aug.
10, i860, was educated in the district schools and
at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Sufifield, and
taught school in the Terry's Plains District prior
to her marriage to Benjamin H. Shelby on April
30, 1879. He was born Feb. 8, 1857, and died
May 17, 1 89 1. Their children were, Julia Edith,
born Dec. 4, 1879, who on March 8, 1899, mar-
ried Arthur J. Lowrie, born May 9, 1876; Josie
Irene, Oct. 5, 1881 ; Lillian Estella,, Nov. 3, 1882;
Maud Elizabeth, Nov. 11, 1884; Minnie Ethel,
March 13, 1886; and Alonzo Benjamin, Nov. 16,
1889. (2) Alonzo Chaffee born April i, 1862, died
Aug. I, 1864. (3) Alfred Terry, born Jan. 19,
1866, was married Nov. 25, 1891, to Elnora J. Hun-
ter, who was born Oct. 13, 1871. They lived at
the old home. They have had four children, Ber-
nice Florence, born Sept. 29, 1892; Orene Inez,
May 4, 1895; Alfred Job, April 13, 1898 (died Dec.
14, 1899) ; and Lester Shipley, Aug. 20, 1899 (died
Dec. 12, 1899). (4) Oliver Phelps, born Jan. 6,
1868, was married March 14, 1894, to Hattie
Amanda Simons, who was born Sept. 19, 1872, and
they have had one child. Hazel Marguerite, born
March 26, 1896. They reside at Simsbury. (5)
Charles Pitman, born June 19, 1870, graduated from
the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.
Y. On Feb. 9, 1899, he married Sarah Goodwin
Eno, who was born Jan. 25, 1877, and they have
one child, Charles Pitman, Jr., born Oct. 3, 1899.
(6) Burton Grove, born Aug. 19, 1872, is a car-
penter. On May 24, 1899, he married Bertha Lati-
mer, born Aug. 21, 1876. (7) Julia Abigail, born
Oct. 29, 1874, was educated in the district schools
and McLean's Seminary, and is also a graduate of
Drew's Seminary, Carmel, N. Y. She has been a
teacher for five years. (8) Jennie Isabell, born
June 24, 1876, died Dec. 10, 1876. (9) Ida May,
born Feb. 21, 1880, died Sept. 8, 1880.
Our subject has always been a Republican in
politics. He was elected to represent Simsbury in
the State Legislature in 1867, and served on the com-
mittee to engross bills ; was selectman of Sims-
bury for two years ; tax collector two years ; and
has been a member of the board of relief. Fo~
over thirty years he has been justice of the peac. .
for Simsbury, and in that judicial capacity he has
been eminently fair, a statement which his long
and uninterrupted career as justice sufficiently at-
tests. In 1880 and again in 1890 Mr. Case took
the United States census for the town of Simsbury.
Socially, he is a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
527
34, 1'". & A. AL, and of Joseph R. Toy Post, No.
83, G. A. R., both of Siinsbury. Of the latter or-
ganization he was two years commander, lie is
also a member of the Prisoners of War Association
of Connecticut, and was president of same two
years. Air. Case is a member of the Congregational
Church, and for several years has been deacon. He
is a man of genial disposition, though a constant
sufferer from asthma. He keeps well-posted on all
the leading events of the day, and the intellectual
and social life of his home is further stimulated by
the bright character of his wife. The children
are well-educated, and the daughters are members
of the Daughters of the Revolution. It is a typical
American family in the best phases of life, and the
influences which radiate from its genial fireside are
ennobling and true.
WALTER EDWIN PENFIELD, one of the
most highly-esteemed citizens of East Berlin, is a
grandson of Ansel and Sarah T. (Flagg; Penfield,
of Penfield Hill, in Portland, Conn. Ansel Penfield
was born in 1782, and his wife in 1784. Plis death
occurred Feb. 24, 1809, his widow surviving for
nearly half a century, and dying Jan. 3, 1859.
Titus Penfield, son of Ansel and father of Walter
E., was born in the same locality Sept, 2, 1807. He
was a maker of soinning-wheels, which were then in
constant use, and had a shop in the basement of his
dwelling, where he operated a foot-power lathe.
During the latter years of his life he was a wood-
turner for the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. He was
a man of deep-seated convictions, both political and
religious. He was a prominent and influential
member of the Second Congregatonal Church of
Berlin, although he persistently refused to accept
oftice in the society. He was no "fair weather Chris-
tian," but was always present in his pew, rain or
shine. In questions of public policy his principles
were equally sincere and well defined. In early life
he was a Whig ; his intense hatred of slavery led him
into the camp of the Abolitionists ; he afterward af-
filiated with the Republican party ; and in later life
he was an ardent Prohibitionist. He was the victim
of two severe physical afflictions. In early life he
injured his right arm so that he never after enjoyed
its free and full use, and in addition to this misfor-
tune he was very deaf. It was this latter incapacity
that caused his death, Oct. 6, 1892. While driving
across the tracks of the Middletown branch of the
N. Y. & N. H. railroad at East Berlin, and failing to
hear the approach of an oncoming train, his vehicle
was struck, and he was instantly killed. He was
married, Nov. 24, 1830, to Julia North, of East
Berlin, who was born Alarch 5, 1804, She died
July 7, 1886, and rests with her husband, in Wilcox
cemetery, at East Berlin. She was beloved by all
who knew her.
Titus Penfield and his wife were the parents of
seven children, Walter E. being the youngest. The
others, in order of birth, are mentioned below :
Henry North was born Sept. i, 1832, in East Ber-
lin; graduated from Oberlin (Ohioj College in
1863; married Miss Catherine Beccher, of Ober-
lin, and resides at Springfield, .Mass. He entered in
the 125th O. V. I. during the Civil war, was chosen
first lieutenant and followed Sherman to Atlanta,
where he resigned, Sarah E., born Feb. 10, 1834,
in East Berlin, married Nelson Willard, of Madi-
son, Conn., an employe of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., and died at East Berlin. Susan A., now Mrs.
Plenry M. Dowd, of East Berlin, was born Sept. 5,
1835. Emily M., born Jan. 28, 1838, died Oct. 11,
following. Emma Ann, the wife of Isaac P. Bots-
ford, was born Feb. 23, 1840; her home is in Crom-
well, just across the boundary line between that town
and East Berlin. Charles North was born June 6,
1842; enlisted in Company G, i6th Conn; V. I., was
mortally wounded at Antietam, and died three
months later. He was subsequently interred in the
Wilcox cemetery, at East Berlin.
Walter E. Penfield was born in East Berlin July
18, 1844. His school days ended when he reached
the age of sixteen years, and the battle of life began
for him when he entered the factory of the Roys &
Wilcox Co, There he learned the trade of machin-
ist, under the instruction of Rufus W. Morse, ulti-
mately becoming a contractor in the machinist de-
partment. After thirty years (in 1892 j he left the
firm to enter the service of the Berlin Iron Bridge
Co., as a machinist, and has remained in the latter
company's employ ever since. During the war of
the Rebellion he was a private in Company I, 22nd
Conn. V. I., which regiment was first assigned to
duty around the defenses of Washington, and later
ordered to Suft'olk, Virginia.
Mr. Penfield was married, June i, 1870, to Josie,
a daughter of Jarvis and Susan Weed. JNIrs. Pen-
field was born Alay 2, 1843, ^nd before her marriage
was a resident of Darien, Conn. Both her parents
sleep in the peaceful rural burying-ground in the
town of her birth. Two children have been born of
the marriage : Susie Weed and Walter Grant. The
daughter was born June 13, 1871 ; graduated from
Chase Dowd's seminary, at Saratoga, and is living
at home. Walter Grant Penfield was born Nov.
II, 1872. He was educated at Yale College, but
left that institution shortly before graduation to
accept a position as draftsman in the bridge depart-
ment of the N. Y., N. H, «& H. railway, his head-
quarters being New Haven. This position he filled
with fidelity and ability for nearly two years, when
he resigned to volunteer in the Spanish war, enlist-
ing at New Haven in Battery C, Heavy Artillery.
A week after reaching Niantic he was chosen or-
derly sergeant, and afterward held other posi-
tions as a non-commissioned officer. Two weeks
before receiving his discharge he was com-
missioned second lieutenant. After leaving the
army he returned to his former position with
the railroad company, but not long afterward
Gov. Lounsbury commissioned him captain in the
528
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
State militia, appointing him an aide on the staff
of Gen. Frost. His wish, however, was to re-enter
active service, so on April lo, 1899, he was com-
missioned second lieutenant in the ist U. S. Infantry
about to leave for Cuba, and on April 29, sailed for
that island. He was stationed at Pinar Del Rio, was
detached from his company, and held the office as
disbursing officer for that province until August,
1900, when his regiment was ordered to Manila;
it arrived there Sept. 30, and was ordered at once
to Marinduque Island.
The political affiliations of Walter E. Penfield
are with the Republican party. He has never
sought office, and when, in 1897, he was elected
justice of the peace he declined to serve. He is
an active member of the Methodist Church, as is
also his wife, a liberal contributor to the cause of
religion, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-
school for several years. He is a member of the
G. A. R.
Mr. Penfield's successful career affords an illus-
tration of the truth that much may be accomplished
through energy and integrity. Since reaching the
age of sixteen he has depended upon his own efforts
to accomplish his lawful aims. To-day he enjoys
the genuine respect of the people among whom he
has grown up since boyhood, while his record, as a
man, a citizen, a soldier, a patriot, and a Christian,
is one of which his children may feel justly proud.
STEPHEN LYMAN STRICKLAND comes of
a family of English extraction, having come to
America from Yorkshire. His father, who was
also named Stephen, was born at Glastonbury, and
married Nancy Tryon, by whom he was the fa-
ther of five children, as follows: Stephen Lyman,
George, Jacob, Nancy and Maybell. George Strick-
land was a successful manufacturer of shirts and
collars. Jacob was a resident of New Britain, and
was associated in business with his brother Stephen.
Nancy married Rowland Hale, of Glastonbury.
Maybell became the wife of Ethel North, of New
Britain.
Stephen L. Strickland, born ^ept. 22, 1813, at-
tended the common schools of his native town,
where he also learned the trade of a brickmason.
He removed to New Britain about 1836, and
shortly afterward, Nov. 24, of that year, married
Almira, daughter of Elihu and Elizabeth (Hins-
dale) Burritt, who was born July 27, 1816. She
was a sister of the distinguished astronomer, Elijah
Burritt, mentioned elsewhere, and of Elihu Burritt,
the "Learned Blacksmith."
While yet a young man Stephen L. Strickland
built the old aqueduct which crossed Main street
at the point where that thoroughfare is now inter-
sected by the railroad track, the construction of
which was regarded by the citizens of those days
as a stupendous undertaking. He was also inter-
ested in the Shuttle Meadow water supply. In
1855 or '56 he erected a store adjacent to the "Park
Hotel," where he began mercantile business. His
commercial foresight was almost unerring, and he
soon came to be regarded as one of the foremost
and most enterprising merchants of the city. He
opened many stores, at various points, one being
located as far west as Illinois. He built the first
business block in New Britain, and named it for
himself. When a friend remonstrated with him
against his folly in putting up so pretentious a
structure he replied, "New Britain will grow to it."
For some years he was in partnership with Darius
Miller under the firm name of Strickland & Miller,
in connection with whom he conducted a dry-goods
store in the one-story building south of, the hotel.
Among his other real estate holdings were the old
North Congregational Church, now the site of the
Burritt school, and also owned the corner on which
now stands the Hannah block. On the corner of
Main and East Main streets he erected a building
for his own use, but since his death his heirs have
converted a portion thereof into a hotel. His resi-
dence stood directly opposite the site of the present
"Strickland House." Mr. Strickland's public spirit
was as broad as his business instinct was keen, and
few men of his time did more toward beautifying
and enlarging the city. He was one of the first
wardens of the .borough, and one of the most highly-
esteemed citizens of the town which he helped to
build. Fraternally he was a member of the I. O.
O. F. He died March 24, 1865, when fifty-two
years of age. His marriage was blessed with two
children, Anna Cornwall and Ellen Louise, the lat-
ter of whom died in 1891. The mother passed away
in December, 1898.
ELIJAH HINSDALE BURRITT was born
April 20, 1794, in New Britain, son of Elihu and
Elizabeth (Hinsdale) Burritt, and was the eldest
of their family of ten children, of whom the world
had heard chiefly through the achievements and
philanthrophy of Elihu Burritt (the second young-
est) the linguist, known as the "Learned Black-
smith."
Elijah Hinsdale was an entailed name, handed
down through several generations of his mother's
family in Kensington, and with the name came a
little entailed homestead of eight acres and a cot-
tage, where the Burritts lived during the child-
hood and youth of Elijah. The account of their
extreme poverty is somewhat modified by this fact,
though the father no doubt was obliged to struggle
for the maintenance of such a large family, espe-
cially after his failure in his flour-mill. The mother
was a devout member of the Congregational Church
in the days of Dr. Smally, and it was among her
godly friends in this church that the thought arose
to help Elijah through college, hoping that he
might become a minister. Accordingly he entered
Williams College, supporting himself in great meas-
ure, however, by teaching. It is no insignificant
fact in this part of his career that he was chosen
COMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
529
first principal of Sanderson Academy, Ashfiekl,
Mass., whore he became the teacher of that wonder-
ful woman, Mary Lyon, and lieard her recite the
Latin g-ranimar through in one lesson, she having
committed it to memory in three days. The neces-
sity of self-support put o'H graduation, and we ne.\t
find Mr. Burritt in Georgia, where he taught and
became editor of a political paper in Milledgeville,
then the capital. He was married during his resi-
dence in that State. Coming North for commence-
ment at Williams College, he found Columbia Col-
lege just having its anniversary, went in, passed
examinations, and took his diploma there, then
back to his work in Georgia. Though it was thirty
years before the war it was not too early for sus-
picion and persecution toward any who were
thought to be opposed to slavery. Mr. Uurritt had
married a slaveholder's daughter, and his views on
that subject were altogether too broad for his
Northern friends. Perhaps it was for this reason
that certain pamphlets against slavery were sent
him, which he did not at once destroy, but laugh-
ingly tossed to the top of a bookcase. This in-
cident was noted by his political opponents, who
used them during his absence to stir up suspicion
against him, and finally to work his financial ruin
and his return to the North.
Here in his native home. New Britain, in an
atmosphere of sympathy, he at once set himself to
the finishing of a mathematical work for advanced
scholars called a Logarithmic Arithmetic. He sold
this without much delay for $10,000, with which
sum he was able to purchase the brick building on
North Main street, at its junction with East ]Main,
to which he added the stone part for a school room
and built over it an observatory, purchasing tele-
scope and other apparatus for an academy. Here
he taught for some }ears, receiving boarding pupils
from man_\- towns in New England and some from
the South.' As he taught Astronomy he felt the need
of a text-book which should popularize the science
for the young, and he brought out a book wdiich
was at once received with great favor, and continued
to be taught widely for many years. He called it
"The Geography of the Heavens," though being a
Greek scholar he knew he should be criticised for
the name, but yielded to his publishers' preference.
The "Celestial Atlas," which accompanied it, is used
at the present day, and some of our noted astron-
omers are even now referring to this work as giv-
ing them their first taste for the study. Prof. S.
W. Burnham, formerly of the Lick Observatory,
now a member of the Yerkes Observatory staff, and
the greatest "double star" man, living or dead, who
ever placed his eye to a telescope, found his first
incentive in this work. While walking along_ the
street in New Orleans one day, durino- the "six-
ties, ?ilr. Burnham noticed an auctioneer crying
ofT books, and as Burnham passed this auctioneer
held up a book, saying, "How much am I offered
for Burritt's 'Geography of the Heavens?'"
To which Burnham' replied, "Fiftv cents." "Sold,"
34
said the auctioneer. .Mr. Burnham at once began
to read in this (to himj entirely new line of work,
and as a result he is now the greatest astronomer
in his line.
It was under his brother's teaching that Ehhu
Burritt gained his first inspiration to higher study.
The difference of nineteen years in their ages,
coupled with uncommon intellect and thorough ed-
ucation in the elder brother, easily accounts for the
fact that Elihu always looked up to him as his su-
perior, and referred to the time spent in his broth-
er's academv as a pivotal period, when the thirst
for learning' already awakened in him as a boy in-
creased to the extent of turning his life to its pur-
suit.
Mr. Burritt also published some tables, called
"The Universal Multiplier." Besides being oiie
of the greatest scientists of his dav, he was, in
every wav, a leader among men, of commanding
presence, 'and had he lived to the age of his brother
Elihu the world would have known as much or
more of his name and works. He died in an un-
fortunate expedition to Texas, at the comparatively
early age of forty-six years.
PHILO SL'MNER BREWER, a well-known
farmer of Silver Lane, East Hartford, was born on
his present farm Jan. 27, 1836, and descends froni
a familv that came to America in the "Mayflower."
In fact 'the Brewer family traces their name in Eng-
land back to William the'Conqueror's time, and even
to Normandy, as will l>e seen by a perusal of the
following co'pv of a letter from Rev. Dr. Cobhani
Brewer, "of England, to :Mrs. Emma W. (Brewer)
Bidwell, of Connecticut.
Edwixstoxe Rectory, Newark (England), }
18 March 1886. \
Dear Madam; I have been ill, or I would have
answered your letter before.
In Rymer's "Foedora" (a collection of laws and other
historic documents), the name Brewer occurs over and over
ascain as one of the signatories to grants, etc., by \\ illiam the
Conqueror. Evidently the family was one of the high court
officials under that King. William, Henry and John, are the
most common christian names, and the surname is spelled
sometimes Brewer, and sometimes Bruar, Bruyer, Bruer and
Bruyere. They certainly came over from Normandy with
William, and were people of considerable consequence.
In the reign of Henry X, a John Brewer married the elder
daughter of John Oldcastle, Lord Cobham, whence the name
Cobham Brewer. The Kent estate (Cobham park) would
have come down in this line, but Lord Cobham was executed
as a Wvcliffite, the first of the martyrs, and his estates were
confiscated to the Crown. Of illustrious ancestors, Antony
Brewer, the poet, who wrote the drama of the "Five Senses"
(1620), in which Oliver Cromwell took part, is of historic
notoriety. Cromwell performed Tashus, in which part occur
the lines:
" Roses and bavs pack hence! This crown and robe
My brows and body circles and invests;
How gallantly it fit's mel"
The family in France, called de la Bruyere, is the
same, and the famous Le Clerc de la Bruyere, author (I .lo-
530
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1754), is well known. When I lived in Paris I was always
called Mon. de Uocteur Bruyere.
In any full biographical dictionary will be seen the
name of half a dozen other celebrities' of the same name.
I cannot help you with the settlers in the United States. I
only know that some of the name settled there in the sev-
enteenth century and went over in the " Mayflower."
The chief coats of arms are: The Kent Brewers and
Devonshire Brewers. To the former I belong, and the com-
mon names are William, John and Henry. The most com-
mon names of the Devonshire Brewers are Samuel and
Anthony, but the two have been traced to one root by a
INliss Brewer, of Devon, who wrote me on the subject about
a year ago. In Burke's " General Armory " the Devonshire
arms are " Gu.; two bands waved, the first ar., the second or.
Crest, a mermaid with mirror and comb ppr." The Kent fam-
ily is " Gu., two bends wavy or, a canton vaire. Crest, out of
a mural coronet a hand and arm couped at the elbow, hab-
ited gu., bilette or, holding in the hand ppr., a battle axe
ar.'' This is the crest I use.
Besides these two lines, Burke gives the London and
Somerset Brewer family: " Gu., two bends wavy or; a chief
vaire a mullet for diff. Crest, a syren (charged with a mul-
let for diff.), her human part ppr., her tail scaled or; and
gu., divided by parallel lines, wavy." The Norfolk and
Bemondsey Brewer family, the sanie (without the mullet).
Burke gives another family, without county. "Ar. a lion
ramp, tail, forche^ gu." And under Bruer (another spell-
ing), "Gu., two bars wavy or; Crest, a mermaid, ppr."
The Kent Brewers are the oldest, as the arm is older than ,
the navy, and the arm with the battle-axe is older than the
mermaid.
As I said before, the Kent Brewers came over with Will-
iam the Conqueror, but the Devonshire family was ennobled
in the reign of Elizabeth.
My brother. Dr. William Brewer, has gone into the sub-
ject far more fully, and has traced the tree up to Henry V,
but he died last year. Probably his widow (address George
street, Hanover Square, London) can give you further
information.
I remain, Yours faithfully,
E. CoBHA.M Brewer.
P. S. — My elder brother is the Sherren Brewer (from
Col. Sherren of the Guards, the mother's side); my family
is the Cobham Brewer, from John Oidcastle, Lord Cobham,
the name Brewer-Plantagenet.
Having thus introduced the original Brewer fam-
ily to the reader a recountal of the history of the fam-
ily in America may now be made. The first of the
name in this country is supposed to have come over
in the "Mayflower" (but this is uncertain), and it
is well known that they vi^ere among the early settlers
of Massachusetts, come by what vessel they might.
The first record of any in Connecticut shows that
they settled in Middletown in 1672. The earliest
available record in New England regarding the
family, dated at Roxbury, Mass., shows that Joanna
Brewer, said to have come abottt 1633, died in
168S, the widow of Daniel Brewer, and aged eighty-
seven years. Daniel was one of three original
Brewer brothers who came from England, and was
known first at Roxbury and then at Ipswich, Mass.,
in 1642, and had brotight a family with him when
he came to America. There was also a Thomas
Brewer, presumably a brother of Daniel, and a
Thomas Brewer, son of Thomas, was born abottt
■1658 at Lynn, Mass.,, and settled in Middletown,
Conn., in 1682. From him our subject traces his
ancestry in the following manner :
Thomas Brewer, ancestor of nearly all the Con-
necticut Brewers, was living in Lynn, Mass., in
1672, at the age of fourteen years, and later became
a resident of Glastonbury. He married, July 13,
1682, Sarah (last name unknown), and they had teit
children, born as follows: Mary, July 28, 1684;
Thomas, Feb. 17, 1686-87 (was married May 4,
1710, to Sarah, daughter of Richard Goodale) ;
Hezekiah, Feb. 23, 1690; Sarah, Dec. 9, 1692; Jo-
seph, March 20, 1694-95 (married Dinah Smith May
29, 1727) ; Benjamin, Aug. 13, 1697; Daniel, March
25, 1699 (mentioned below) ; Lydia, July 27, 1701 ;
Aome or Naomi, Sept. 28, 1703; and Alexander,
Oct. 5, 1706 (died in Middletown, in 1750, leaving
a widow, Thankful). The son Joseph administered
his father's estate valued at £109, 8s, 6d.
Daniel Brewer, son of Thomas, was probably a
resident of Middletown, as his will was dated at that
place, Jan. 19, 1749, and the record also says that
he "purchased one acre of land near the plains and
adjoining river at Churchells Landing, now Good-
speeds, Portland, Conn., of Joanna Wilcox, 1727.
and paid £10." He married Eleanor Goodale and
their children were Hezekiah, born Sept. 26, 1725
(who lived in East Haddam in January, 1754) ;
Eleanor, Jan. 2, 1727; Edward, Aug. 24, 1728;
Richard, Feb. 21, 1730; Daniel, May 3, 1731 (men-
tioned below) ; David, Feb. 15, 1736; Seth, May 21,
1738; Remembrance, March 2, 1741 ; and Joanna,
June 29, 1743.
Daniel Brewer (2), son of Daniel, married
(first) Anna Van Sant, and by that union had one
child, Daniel (3), who is mentioned below. On
Jan. 19, 1752, Daniel (2) married Ruth Strickland,
"by whom he had two children : Richard, born in
1753, and William, born in 1756.
Daniel Brewer (3), born May 14, 17SI1 settled
in East Hartford, in the lane that lies between the
home of the late Selden Brewer and the Connecticut
river. He reared a large family as follows : ( i )
Thankful, born Aug. 18, 1773. married Joseph
Smith, and died March 25, 1805. (2) Samtiel,
born Feb. 18, 1776, was one of the wealthiest farm-
ers and most prominent men of East Hartford, and
the brick residence now occupied bv his grandchil-
dren was one of the finest houses of the town at the
time of its erection. He served the town three terms
as selectman from 1819, and four terms as repre-
sentative from 1830. On Oct. 4, 1797. he married
Prudence Damon, who was born May 15, 1778, and
for his second wife he wedded Elizabeth ^^'. Roberts.
He died Mav 8, 1847. (3) Reuben, born Feb. 25,
1778, married Eunice Hills. (4) Anne, born Jan.
21, 1782. married Retiben Smith, of East Hartford.
(5) Abigail, born Mav 10, 1784, married James
Hills, of East Hartford.' (6) Betsey, born Nov. 27,
1786, married Russell Taylor, of Glastonbury. (7)
Allen, born March 23, 1789, married \'elina Bid-
well. (8) Emalia, born Attg. 18, 1791, died Feb. 25,
i7<)8. (9) Lucy, born Feb. 12, 1794. married Mat-
thias Treat of 'East Elartford. (10) Daniel, born
Feb. 22, 1796, married Sarah Viets. (11) Emalia
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5a 1
(2), born April i). ijyS. married Alvin N'ihberts.
(12) George, born Jnly 6, 1800. is mentioned lielow.
George Brewer, father of our subject, was rearetl
on the farm now occupied by the Selden Brewer
heirs. He attended tlie common schools a short
term each winter, and his summer seasons were
devoted to hard, steady labor, on the homestead
until his marriage, Sept. 12, 1820, to Sarah Treat,
who was born Sept. 7, 1794. and who bore her hus-
band four children born as follows : Elisha C., Nov.
5, 1821 ; Omri P., Sept. 4, 1823; Albert F., Sept. 4.
1825; and George C., Sept. 13, 1827. Mrs. Sarah
(Treat) Brewer died Oct. 8, 1828. and Feb. 22.
1829. Air. Brewer for his second wife married Mrs.
Fannie Stevens, widow of Jason Stevens, of Glas-
tonbury, by whom she was the mother of two chil-
dren, Cornelia H. and Abigail S. To this second
marriage were born eight children: Delia, James !•".,
Sarah A., Philo S. (our subject), Eliza A., Jason,
John M., and William H.
Philo S. Brewer's earlier education was received
at the district school. Later he attended the East
Hartford Academy until seventeen years of age,
when he returned to his father's farm and after-
Avards took up the trade of a shoemaker, serving his
apprenticeship tmder George Risley, whose shop
stood on the hill south of James F. Comstock's place.
Soon after J\Ir. Brewer erected a shop upon the
grounds now occupied by his residence, and carried
on fine shoemaking successfully for thirteen years,
or until the Civil war broke out and paralyzed this
industry. He then turned his attention to tobacco-
growing, in 1864 purchasing a portion of the old
homestead. As a thrifty and progressive tobacco-
grower j\Ir. Brewer is among the most successful in
town. He is highly respected as a selfmade man,
and as a man of sterling character, upright and hon-
orable as a citizen ; keen, honest and reliable as a
business man, one whose name among the towns-
people stands without a Ijlemish.
On Sept. 29, 1857, i\Ir. Brewer married Miss
Mary Hurlburt, a native of Glastonbury, and a
daughter of Austin and Ann (Risley) Hurlburt,
which union has been blessed with seven children :
(I) Fannie A., born Sept. 16, 1859, died Sept. 3,
1861. (2) Herbert E., born Aug. 27, 1861, died
June 8, 1862. (3) Kate H., born April 16, 1863.
died Xov. 26, 1863. (4) Minnie A., born April 10,
1865, died Sept. 14, 1865. (These children lie bur-
ied in the Hockanum cemetery.) (5) Everett P.,
born Jan. 18, 1869, is an employe of the firm of
Olds & Whipple, Hartford, Conn. ; he married Grace
G. Burt, of Longmeadow, Alass., and had two chil-
dren, Philip E.. who died Sept. 12. 1899. and Wen-
dall H., born June 25, 1900. now living in Hocka-
num. (6) Ellena H., born Sept. 29, 1874, is living
at home. (7) Leslie L.. born April 21, 1879, "s
studying law at Yale L'niversity ( Xew Haven.
Conn.).
Air. Brewer is a very popular citizen. In politics
he is a Democrat, and has filled several local offices
with credit to iiimself, being now treasurer of the
Cemetery committee. l-"or four or five years lie was
a member of the board of relief, and was elected a
justice of the peace, but declined to serve. He is
a charter member of the East Hartford Grange, lias
served as its treasurer, and has made himself useful
in many other ways. The family attend the South
Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Brewer, her
daughter and sons are members, and to the su])iKjrt
of which Air. Brewer contributes most liberally.
WALTER BREWER DORAIAX. a well-known
blacksmith and farmer of Newington, was bom in
Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., May 25, 1838,
a son of Israel and Esther (Stone) Dorman. natives
of Burlington who are now deceased, their remains
being interred in Farmington. In their family were
five sons : Rodney, Alforcl, Julius, Austin and Wal-
ter B. The father was a trapper, hunter and farmer.
L'ntil seventeen years of age our subject assisted
his father in the operation of the home farm. In
Farmington he learned the blacksmith's trade with
Celar Westcott, who married his sister Katherine,
and remained with him for five years. He then went
to Winsted, Conn., where he worked for a Air. Hall
four or five months, and later was employed at his
trade in Cheshire and Waterbury until June, 1862.
On the 24th of the following August he enlisted in
Company C, i4th Conn. \'. I., but was soon trans-
ferred to Company E, and played B bass or baritone
in the regimental band. From Waterbury he went
to Hartford, and from there started with his reg-
iment to the front Aug. 25. arriving at Antietani
Sept. 17. The 14th Conn, was one of the hardest
fighting regiments in the army, and among the en-
gagements in which he participated were the battles
of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13. 1862: Chancellorsville,
Alav 2-3, 1863: Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863: Wilder-
ness. Alay 5-6, 1864: Spottsylvania, Alay 12, 1864,
and Petersburg, June 17, 1864. They were in
active service until Lee's surrender. April 10, 1855,
and were honorably discharged June 25. 1865.
After the war Air. Dorman worked for his brother-
in-law. Air. ^^'■estcott. for about a year. In 1868 he
built his present shop on Ataple avenue. Xewington.
on the Hartford and Xew Haven turnpike, and there
he has since made his home, owning and operating
thirty-seven acres of land in connection with work
at his trade. For several \ears he devoted consider-
able attention to tobacco culture, but now raises prin-
cipally tomatoes for the cannery, potatoes, corn. etc.
Air. Dorman was married, Oct. 25, 1865. to Aliss
.Abbie Rockwell, who was born Jan. 6, 1834, in an
old house which stood on the site of their present
comfortable home in Xewington. Her parents.
Robert and Harriet (\Miapples) Rockwell, are now
deceased and buried in Xewington. Mr. and Airs.
Dorman have had three children, whose names and
dates of birth are as follows : Robert \\'alter. Xov.
28, 1866; Louis Westcott, April 19. 1868: and Har-
riet Rockwell. Oct. 6, 1869. The daughter became
532
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the wife of Charles L. Luce, of Newingion, and died
Nov. 2, 1895. The wife and mother is a most esti-
mable lady, and a consistent member of the Congre-
gational Church. Socially Mr. Dorman belongs to
Phoenix Lodge, No. 52, L.O. O. F., of New Britain;
and politically is identified with the Democratic
party. He has most creditably and acceptably filled
the offices of constable and collector, for one term
each ; and was a member of the board of relief three
terms, the latter ending in 1899. He is a man of
jndomitable perseverance and energy, a skilled work-
man, and a strong believer in "what is worth doing
at all is worth doing well."
JOHN WESLEY PHELPS, deputy sheriff of
Hartford county, an army officer during the Civil
war, and one of the best-known citizens, farmers
and tobacco growers of the town of Simsbury, is
a native of Connecticut, born April 22, 1836, in
Simsbury Center.
The Phelps family of Simsbury trace their an-
cestry to William Phelps, who was born in 1599,
in Tewkesbury, England, emigrating thence to this
country in 1630, and becoming one of the earliest
colonists of New England. His son, Joseph, born
in England, died in .Simsbury, Conn., in 1684;
Joseph (2) was born Aug. 27, 1667; Lieut. David,
May 7, 1710; Maj.-Gen. Noah, Jan. 22, 1740; Col.
Noah A., M'ay 3, 1762 ; Hector Fayette, July 25,
1797; and John Wesley, April 22, 1836. Of the
alDove :
Joseph Phelps (2) was born in Windsor, and
died in Simsbury, Jan. 20, 1750. He first mar-
ried Mary Collier, of Hartford; his second wife
was Sarah Case, daughter of John and Sarah (Spen-
cer) Case, of Simsbury. She died May 2, 1704,
and he next married Mary Case," daughter of Rich-
ard and Elizabeth (Purchase) Case; this third wife
died Sept. 10, 1757. To the first marriage of Jo-
seph (2) were born three children: Joseph, Oct.
9, 1689, settled at Turkey Hills; Hannah, Oct. 25,
1693, was married to Samuek Humphrey ; Mary,
Oct. 17, 1696, died Jan. 9, 1713. To the second
marriage of Joseph (2) were born: Sarah, Aug.
J I, 1700, died June 14, 1714; and Damaris, March
5, 1703, married John Mills, of Canton. To the
third marriage were born four children : John, Feb.
14, 1707, died Jan. 5, 1713; Elizabeth, April 7, 1700,
married Daniel Hoskins July 23, 1725 ; Lieut. David,
May 7, 1710; and Amos, who married Sarah Petti-
bone.
Lieut. David Phelps, son of Joseph (2), a na-
tive of Simsbury, married April 25, 173 1, Abigail
Pettibone who was born in the same town April
22, 1706-07, and was a daughter of John (Jr.)
and Mary (Bissell) Pettibone. David Phelps was
commissioned lieutenant of militi* in 1756, served
in the French and Indian wars, and died of small
pox Dec. 10, 1760, his remains being buried at
Simsbury. His widow married Deacon David
Strong, of Bolton, and died Oct. 17, 1787, and in
her honor the chapter of the D. A. R. at Simsbury
was named. The children born to Lieut. David
Phelps and his wife were ten in number : David,
born May 7, 1732, died July 19, of the same year;.
David (2), born March 26, 1734, was an ancestor
of the Dodge family of Simsbury ; Abigail, born
Nov. 5, 1735, was married (first) to a Mr. Gris-
wold and (second) to Amasa Case; Elisha, born
Oct. 17, 1737, was a captain in the Revolutionary
war, and died in Albany, N. Y., July 14, 1776;
Maj.-Gen. Noah was born Jan. 22, 1740; Rachel,,
born Dec. 10, 1741, was married to Hon. Daniel
Humphrey, a delegate to the convention that rati-
fied the Federal Constitution; Ruth was born Sept.
15. 1743; Sarah, Oct. 15, 1745; Susannah, Jan. 4,
1748; and Lois, March 27, 1750.
Maj.-Gen. Noah Phelps, great-grandfather of
our subject, married, June 10, 1761, Lydia Griswold,.
of Poquonock, who was born April 25, 1743, and
died Sei^t. 17, 1821, having lost her husband March
4, 1809. The children born to the General and
wife were five in number : Col. Noah Amherst,,
born May 3, 1762; Lydia G., Feb. 25, 1764; Chand-
ley Conway, Oct. 22, 1766; George G., Aug. 18,
1773 (died in Ohio) ; and Elisha, Nov. 16, i779-
The last named was one of the prominent men of
the State, was an attorney, and represented his
district in Congress. He owned the first piano and
the first Brussels carpet in Simsbury. He married,
April 16, 1810, at Middletown, Conn., Lucy Smith,
and had one son who became governor of Missouri
and a member of Congress ; and two daughters,
Lucy J., who was married to Amos R. Eno, whose
biography appears on another page, and Mary A.,
who married John Allen. Gen. Phelps, who was-
born oil the east side of Farmington river, settled
in the village of Simsbury some years after his mar-
riage, and lived on the property now owned by the
Amos Eno heirs. He was identified with several
industries of the town, and was very prominent,
especially in military circles. He was commissioned
a lieutenant in the militia in 1771, captain in 1774,
lieutenant-colonel in 1777, brigadier-general in 1792,
and major-general in 1796, and the documents per-
taining thereto are now in the possession of Dr.
Henry Eno, of Saugatuck, Conn. Gen. Phelps,.
among other daring deeds, passed alone through
the enemy's lines at Ticonderoga, was there shaved,
gathered all the information he desired, and was
being rowed back across the river, en route to his
own corps, when the oarsman suspected him to be
an American, and started to return to the British
lines ; but the General was the stronger man of the
two, and compelled the ferryman to finish the trip.
It was due to the information thus gleaned by
Gen. (then Capt.) Phelps that Ethan Allen planned
his attack on and captured Fort Ticonderoga. the
day following. Gen. Phelps also served twenty-
two years as the second judge of probate in Sims-
bury; as justice of the peace, as well as sheriff', and
as representative in the General Assembly twenty
-^i-;^^a--^^V^^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
533
sessions : and was the owner of considerable prop-
erty.
Col. Xoah Amherst I'helps, grandfather of our
subject, graduated from Yale College in 1783,
studied law, and practiced in Simsbury. He was
a colonel of militia, was active in public affairs, and
frequently, a member of the State Legislature. At
the time of his death, June 19, 1S17, he was post-
master. He was intellectual, kind and generous,
anil a leader among men. On July 31, 1784, he mar-
ried Charlotte Wilcox, who was born April 4, 1766,
and died Dec. 15, 1831, the mother of the following
named children: Charlotte r^Ielissa, born Oct. 11,
17S6, married Frederick Jewett, of Granby, and
died Dec. 2g, 1871. Xoah Amherst, Jr.. born Oct.
16, 178S, married (first) Delia Clark, of Bloam-
field, and (second) Catherine St. John, of New
Haven : he was educated at Yale, studied law and
practiced in Hartford ; was sheriff of the county ;
collector of customs at the port of Middietown ;
and Secretary of State 1842-44: he died in Sims-
bury Aug. 26, 1872. Jeft'ery Orson was born Feb.
1, 1791. Fanny Rosanna. born March 8. 1795,
married Jonathan Pettibone, Jr., and died Aug. 22,
1877, in Willimantic. Conn. Hector F., born July
-5. ^797- is mentioned below. Emma ]Maria. born
Dec. 10, 1799, was married to William Mather. Jr..
and died ]\Iarch 21. 1862. Guy Rowland, born
April I, 1802. became a physician, later manufact-
ured medicines, and was the founder of the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., realizing a large
competence; his death took place March 18, 1869,
in Hartford, his remains being interred in Sims-
bury; his only child is Miss Antoinette Randolph
Phelps, of Hartford. George Dwight Phelps, the
youngest of this family, was born April 6. 1804,
and when, a young man went to New York City,
began business life as a clerk in a drug store at
the corner of Wall and Water streets, later became
proprietor, acquired a large estate through his own
efforts, and died Aug. 31, 1872.
Hector Fayette Phelps, the father of our sub-
ject, w-as born in Simsbury. and was educated there.
He read law with his uncle. Elisha Phelps, was
admitted to the Bar in 1833, and at once began the
practice of his profession in Hartford county. He
resided at Simsbury. and. in addition to his law
practice, farming and tobacco growing received a
share of his attention. He was well known through-
out the county. He held allegiance to the Demo-
cratic party, and was active in politics, many local
offices being from time to time abiv administered
by him. For several years he was justice of the
peace in Simsbury, and was deputy sheriff' for
manv vears. Fraternallv he was a member of St.
•Mark's Lodge. No. 3ri.' F. & A. M. On Jan. i,
1827, Mr. Phelps was married in Wintonbury, now
Bloomfiell, to Roxanna Selina Barnard, a native
of Bloomfield, who was born Jan. 19, 1806, daugh-
ter of James Harvey Barnard. To Hector F. and
Roxanna S. Phelps came the following children :
Emma Maria, born l'"ci). 27, 1S28, is the wife of
Rollin L. Hawley. of Si)ringtield. Mass. Frances
Henrietta, born May 30. 1830, became the wife
of Hoyt Moses, and both died inSimsbury. Mar-
garet Emogene. born June 3. 1832, married Abrani
Moses, of Meriden, and both are now deceased.
Flector I-'ayette. born June 2Ti. 1834. married Oc-
tavia Huwland, of Springfield, Mass., and is now
deceased. John \\ esley, our subject, was born
April 22. 1836. ^lary Paulina, born April 13,
1838, is the wife of Selah A. Hall, of Meriden.
George ]\L, born March 22. 1846, deputy revenue
collector of Bloomfield, married Abbie Case, daugh-
ter of Job Case, of Simsbury. The mother, who
was a faithful member of the .\L E. Church and a
good Christian woman, a devoted wife and mother,
i-lied at her home in Simsljury Nov. 3, 1881. The
father died Feb. 10, 1874.
John Wesley Phelps, our subject, spent his boy-
hood days on his father's farm, attending the dis-
trict schools and also select schools. He was among
the first to enlist from his State when the Civil war
began, enlisting May 7, 1861, at Hartford, in re-
sponse to the call for three-months' men, in Com-
pany H (Capt. James W. Gore), 2d Conn. \'. L
(Col. Alfred H. Terry). He participated in the
battle of Bull Run, July 22, 1861, and was mustered
out at Hartford Aug. 7, following. Returning
home iNIr. Phelps re-enlisted, Nov. 21, 1861, in
Company H (Capt. Joseph R. Toy), 12th Conn.
V. L (Col. Henry C. Deming), being mustered in
as sergeant, and the regiment was sent to Louis-
iana. ^Ir. Phelps participated in the engagements
at Georgia Landing, Oct. 27, 1862; capture of
gunboat "Cotton," Jan. 14, 1863: Pattersonville.
March 27, 1863: Bisland, April 13, 1863; siege of
Port Hudson, Alay 25 to July, 1863. He was dis-
charged Dec. 31, 1863, at Brashear Citv, La., under
Capt. John P. Lowell, and re-enlisted in January,
1864, becoming first sergeant in Company H (Capt.
James E. Smith). 12th Conn. \'. L, under CoL
George N. Lewis. In the ^"irginia campaign of i8f>4
he participated in the battles of Winchester. Sept.
19; Fisher's Hill. Sept. 22; and Cedar Creek. Oct.
19. He was discharged Nov. 28, 1S64. Re-enlist-
ing in Company C, 12th Battalion, under MaJ.
Sydney E. Clark, he was commissioned first lieu-
tenant, and commanded the company stationed in
Mrginia and at Savannah, Ga. He participated in
the grand review at \\'ashington, D. C. and was
mustered out at Hartford Aug. 12, 1865, as first
lieutenant, under Capt. John Mullen.
On his return home Lieut. Phelps at once turned
his attention to farming, settling upon iiis present
farm in the Weatogue District, Simsbury, where
he has ever since been engaged in the raising of
stock, in tobacco growing, and in general farming.
He married, April 18, 1876, Mary E. Buckley, a
native of New Milford. Litchfield county, daughter
of Dennis and Mary ( Lynch ) Buckley. To our sub-
ject and wife two children have been born : Nathanie
584
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Barnard, who was educated in McLean Seminary,
Simsbury, and at Drew Ladies' Seminary, Carmel,
N. Y. ; and JMargaret Stevens, who finished her
education at McLean Seminary and at Mrs. Cady's
School, in New Haven.
Mr. Plielps is in politics a Republican, and is the
only member of his family who has always voted the
ticket of that party. In 1877 he was elected to the
State Legislature, and served as clerk of tne military
committee. He has been selectman for several
terms, has been assessor, has served on the board of
relief, in school work, and in other local official
capacities. In 1881 he was appointed deputy sheriff
by Sheriff Alva W. Spaulding, and served continu-
ously in that position for ten years. In 1895 he
was reappointed by Sheriff Edwin J. Smith, and is
now in his sixth year of service since his reappoint-
ment. He is a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No.
36, F. & A. M., and of Capt. Joseph R. Toy Post,
No. 83, G. A. R., of which he is past commander.
He is generous in spirit, genial and whole-souled
in disposition, and one of the popular citizens of
Hartford comity.
Sx\MUEL FORBES (deceased), in his day a
progressive and successful farmer, passed the lat-
ter years of his life in Silver Lane, town of East
Hartford, where his widow and two sons still re-
side. He was a descendant, in the seventh genera-
tion, from Capt. James Forbes, the founder of the
family in America, who died in the town of East
Hartford Nov. 27, 1692, and of whose progeny a
full record is given elsewhere in the biographical
sketch of Hon. James Stanley Forbes, so that it is
necessary, here only to trace the descent of our sub-
ject from his great-grandfather, Elijah, of the fourth
generation from Capt. Forbes.
Elijah Forbes was born in 1746, married Re-
becca Oilman, was a farmer at Scotland (now
Burnside), and died in 1826, the father of the fol-
lowing named children : Jared, who died in the
West; Joseph, who lived in Burnside (then called
Scotland), later in Middletown, Conn., and in
Pou'ghkeepsie, N. Y., where he died; Elijah, grand-
father of our subject; and Mabel, who was mar-
ried to Samuel Chandler, lived in Manchester,
Conn., some years, and in 1833 migrated to Cleve-
land, Ohio, when it was a mere village (they bought
land which has since become very valuable, and
their descendants are among the most wealthy resi-
dents of that now great city).
Elijah Forbes, of the fifth generation from the
Captain, and grandfather of our subject, was born
and lived all his life on the old farm in Burnside,
on which he built the house now occupied by E.
Hart Forbes. He first married Esther Hills, a na-
tive of Hillstown, who bore him children as follows :
Austin, Horace, Laura, Sydney and Leonard. After
the death of his first wife Elijah Forbes married
Wealthy Bryant, who bore him one child, E. Hart.
Of the children born to the first marriage of Elijah
Forbes, three were married, to-wit : Laura, who be-
came the wife of Era Wright, an upholsterer of
Philadelphia, Penn., ani;! ' had two sons, Era and
Fred; Sydney, the father of our subject, an ac-
count of whom will be given in detail farther on ;
and Leonard, who first married a Miss Hills, after
her death wedded Harriet Ellis, and after the death
of the latter married Fannie Ellis, sister of the sec-
ond wife. E. Hart Forbes, the child born to the
second marriage of Elijah, married Margaret
Brooke, who bore him four children, Harriet, Mary,
Leonard and Frank.
Sydney Forbes, father of Samuel Forbes, and
of the sixth generation from Capt. James Forbes,
was born Dec. 31, 1803, in Scotland (now Burn-
side), in the house which E. Hart Forbes now oc-
cupies. He was educated in the district school, and
lived with his parents until his marriage, when his
father built for him a house on Forbes street, a
short distance east of that in which he was born.
He was a farmer all his life. He lived for several
years in the Forbes street dwelling, but eventually
removed to Spencer Hill, where his death took
place Aug. 28, 1847, '"s remains being interred in
the East Hartford cemetery. He married Lucy
Randall, who was born in Dorchester, Mass., May
18, 1803, and died Jan. 18, 1879, the mother of ten
children: Esther, who was born Nov. i, 1826, was
married to Royal Brewer, and died Sept. 24, 1865 ;
Samuel is the subject of this sketch; Laura, born
Feb. II, 1 83 1, died June 28, 1836; Sanford, born
March 24, 1833, was a farmer but spent part of his
life as master of a vessel on the Connecticut river,
and died unmarried ; Selden, born May 6, 1835, died
unmarried Oct. 3, i860; Eveline, born June 12,
1837, is married to Dan Eddy, and is living in New
Britain ; Ellen, born March 25, 1839, died March
21, 1849; Elizabeth, born Aug. 14, 1841, is the wife
of John E. Wright, of Glastonbury ; Emma, born
July 7, 1843, is the widow of Charles W. Jones,
a farmer of Naubuc, who died Sept. 7, 1898 ; and
Sarah, born April 19, 1846, died Nov. 22, 1847.
Samuel Forbes, our subject, was born Feb. i,
1829, in the Forbes street homestead in Burnside,
alluded to above as having been built for his father
at the time of the latter's marriage. His first
school attendance was in the Burnside district, and
next at the "Alcott" school house, on Spencer Flill,
the place where his father's death occurred. Being
a poor boy, Samuel Forbes immediately after quit-
ting school went to Willow Brook, learned shoe-
making, and after the death of his father removed
with his mother to Brewer street, and engaged in
the business on his own account. After his mar-
riage, in 1855, to Mary A. Abbey, which will be
fully spoken of presently, he removed to Silver
Lane, and purchased from the heirs of Edmund
Abbey (her father) the homestead and a tract of
five acres, which he cultivated, in conjunction with
the manufacturing of boots and shoes, until 1870,
when he aliandoned shoemaking and devoted his
CO.]JMUMOK.lTJril BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
attention exclusively to farming. In 1869 he began
the raising of tobacco, and as his means permitted
added to his farm until .he owned twenty acres,
which were in a state of fine cultivation at the time
of his death, June 28, 1886, his remains being laid
to rest in East Hartford.
The marriage of Samuel Forbes took place at
Hartford' Dec. 5, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Abbey,
who was born July 9, 1832, a daughter of Edmund
and Harriet (Gaines) Alibey. Edmund Abbey was
born in Scotland (now Burnside) Feb. 14, 1795,
was educated in the district school, and when old
enough located in Willow Urook, where he learned
the trade of shoemaking, which he followed some
forty years, making custom shoes. After his mar-
riage he lived for a time in Hartford, then came to
Silver Lane and purchased a farm from John Ris-
ky, which subsequently became the property of his
son-in-law, Samuel Forbes, the subject of this mem-
oir. To the marriage of Edmund Abbey with
Harriet Gaines were born children : Edmund
G., who married Almira Rislev, was employed as a
plater by A. L. Howard, at Hartford, and died in
that city ; Simon B. died in young manhood ; Har-
riet married William T. Hollister, a brickmason
in Glastonbury ; Albert died in infancy ; George died
in Manchester; Mary A. (Mrs. Forbes); Charles
died young; and George, who married Isabella
Thompson, served in tbe First Conn. Volunteer
Heavy Artillery during the war of the Rebellion.
Edmund Abbey, the father of this family, was a
Democrat in politics, and served in the State Legis-
lature in 1850; he was also a grand juror for manv
years, and a member, likewise, of the school com-
mittee. His death took place in 1855, and his re-
mains are buried in East Hartford.
Two children were born to Mr. and Airs. Forbes :
Albert A., Oct. 11, 1857, and William G., Sept. 15,
1859. Albert A. first attended the Willow Brook
school : next the Brown school in Hartford, and then
Hannum's Commercial College, of the same city.
Fie had nearly completed his course at the latter in-
stitution when he met with an accident while out
hunting. By some mishap the entire load of his
shot gun entered his knee, wdiich is at times painful.
He married Ella Florence Harper, a native of Brant-
ford, Canada, and this tmion has been blessed with
a very bright pair of twins, Helen Marion and Flazel
Mae, born April 11, 1896. For many years Albert
A. Forl^es has been a member of the East Hartford
Congregational Church, in which he has also long
been a Sunday-school teacher. William G. Forbes
was educated in the Willow Brook school, and in
Osgood's Commercial College at Hartford. He
married Ida Alay Cady, of Eagleville, but has no
children. He and his brother are Democrats, as was
their father before them.
Samuel Forbes was of short stature, but was a
strong and healthv man, and his death was so'.uewhat
sudden. Although a Democrat in his political pro-
clivities, he never aspired to public office, neither did
he affiliate with any secret society. He was very
industrious, and raised tobacco extensively, and al-
though he began his business life with but limited
capital he left a large estate to his widow and two
sons. Fie was one of the most respected men of
his town, and his course through life reflected credit
upon the ancient family name which he bore. The
sons inherit their sire's industrious habits and recti-
tude, and have ablv managed the farm since his
death, growing about twenty acres of toliacco an-
nually. With their venerated mother, they and tlieir
families enjoy to the full the respect of the entire
Silver Lane communit}-.
BEN-JAAIIN FRAXKLIX TABER JEXXEY
is now approaching his eightieth year, having been
born at Xew Bedford, Mass., Xov. 12, 1821. Yet
his mental and physical powers show but little of the
impairment incident to old age, and while enjoying
the rejMse which his years of arduous usefulness
have so well earned, he is able to look back upon
the past without regret, and forward to the future
without fear. While his years cannot be said to
have been crowded with exciting events, they have
been replete with faithful, well-directed work, which
ennobles the doer more than the patent of a sover-
eign. He comes of a virile stock, being the young-
est of a family of eight children, all of whom at-
tained the age of seventy-five years before entering
into rest, and of which hardy group he is now the
sole survivor.
Mr. Jenney's father, Caleb Jenney, was born on a
farm, learned the trade of a stonemason, and later
became a contactor and builder, which business he
successfully carried on for many years. He died
at the age of ninety. Both he and his wife. Eliza-
beth Taber. were ' of the religious denomination
sometimes called "Friends," and at the age of eleven
years our subject was sent to the Friends' Boarding
School at Providence, R. I. He left that institution
when sixteen years old, and one of the prized mem-
ories of his boyhood's school days is a visit to the
school by President Andrew Jackson. \'ice-President
\'an Bui-en, and suite. After leaving the spot v\diere
he had received his early scholastic training he was
apprenticed by his father to a merchant tailor of
New Bedford, where he learned the trade of a cus-
tom cutter. In 1861 he went from Xew Bedford to
Boston, and six years later to Lowell, .Mass., where
he remained four years, working at his trade in
both cities. His next move was to Taunton. Mass..
where he opened a merchant tailoring establishment
of his own, conducting same successfully for six
years. Believing that he saw- a good opening at
Manchester, Conn., he abandoned the tailoring busi-
ness, and, having disposed of his establishment at
Taunton, engaged in the manufacture of paper
(chiefly of the sort used by the press), at the Con-
necticut town. The venture prospered from tlie
outset, and he continued it until, in 1893. ''-c retired
from active connection with the business.
536
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Jenney has been twice married, Iiis first wife,
to whom he was joined in 1842, having been Caro-
line Brownell, daughter of Hon. Joseph Brown-
ell. Of the four children born to this union only
one survives, Caroline E., the wife of A. Wells Case,
a prominent paper manufacturer of Manchester.
Mr. Jenney 's second marriage, which was solem-
nized Dec. 20, 1882, was to Miss Mary Wells Cone, a
daughter of Hon. Ralph Cone, a brief sketch of
whose ancestry is appended. J\Ir. Jenney and wife
are members of the Center Congregational Church.
Socially he belongs to Manchester Lodge, No. 73,
F. & A. M. Mr. Jenney has always, since taking up
his residence in Manchester, been one of the town's
most esteemed citizens. He was elected a trial justice
in 1876, and served fifteen years, until he reached
the age of seventy, the limit by law.
Ralph Cone, the father of Mrs. Jenney, is a
native of Manchester, and was born Oct. 20,
1818, son of jNlarvin Cone, who was born in the
same town in November, 1792. The latter married
Clarissa Wilson, by whom he had three children :
Henry, who died at the age of twenty-three ; Charles,
who died when eighteen years old ; and Ralph. For
his second wife the father married Abigail W. Hel-
ton, of Ellington, Tolland county. Marvin Cone was
a carriage builder, and about 1812 established a car-
riage and wagon factory at Manchester Green, which
is now conducted by his son Ralph, Mrs. Jenney's
father. The grandfather retained his interest in the
business, which was both extensive and profitable,
imtil three years before his death, in 1871. He was
a Congregationalist in faith, earnest and active in
every Christian work, and was greatly esteemed by
his townsmen, who chose him, in 1844, to represent
them in the Legislature.
Ralph Cone was educated in the common schools,
and early in youth went to work in his father's fac-
tory, where he learned the trades of wood-work-
ing and carriage-painting. At the age of twenty-
one he was admitted into partnership, Daniel Wads-
worth being a member of the firm at about the
same time. In 1898 Mr. Cone purchased Mr. Wads-
worth's interest and has since operated the factory
on his own account.
On May 13, 1844, Ralph Cone married Miss
Esther Wells Woodbridge, one of the twelve chil-
dren of Dudley Woodbridge (his sister was the
mother of the Cheney brothers, of South Manches-
ter). To this union were born two children: Ar-
thur and Mary W. (Mrs. Jenney). Arthur, a farmer,
who lives at the old homestead, married Emily
Jackson, of Boston, and five children were born
to them, Carrie, Marion, Rachel, Helen and Ralph.
Arthur Cone and his sister are both members
of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Jenney being
identified for many years with the music of the
church in the choir, and giving her service as or-
ganist for thirteen years.
Dudley Woodbridge, father of Esther Wells
Woodbridge (Mrs. Cone), kept the public house on
the Green, which was a notable stopping place, being
an important route for the stage line running from
Boston and Providence to New York, as it was in
the direct course from Hartford to Lebanon, the
headquarters of military operations for the State,
the home of Governor Trumbull. Mrs. Betsey
Woodbridge here gave, in her childhood, a glass of
water to Gen. Washington at his request, and re-
ceived his thanks for the favor.
Ralph Cone was elected to the Legislature in
1865, and again in 1866. He cast his first Presiden-
tial vote for William Henry Harrison, and when the
Republican party became the residuary political leg-
atee of the "Old-line Whigs" he cast m his fortunes
with that organization. Since 1832 he has been an
active member of the Congregational Church, both
he and his wife being connected with the First Con-
gregational Church of Mancnester Center.
AUGUSTINE M. LEWIS, proprietor of a
meat market in Plantsville, and a leading repre-
sentative of the business interests of Soutliington,
was born in that town, Feb. 4, 1837,
Mr. Lewis belongs to an old Connecticut family,
which was founded in America by William and
Felix Lewis, who came from England in the ship
"Lion," landing in Boston, Sept. 16, 1632. Will-
iam Lewis was admitted a freeman in the following
November, and joined the Braintree company, which
in August, 1633, removed to Newtown (Cam-
bridge). In 1636 he came with a company to Hart-
ford, and in 1659 became one of the founders of
Hadley, Mass., which town he represented in the
General Court in 1662. He resided in Northamp-
ton in 1664, and prior to November, 1677, removed
to Farmington, Conn., where he died August 2,
1683, leaving one son, William, who was born in
England. In 1644 the latter was a resident of
Farmington and he was the first recorder of the
town after its incorporation in 1645. His first wife
was Mary Hopkins, of Windsor, and his second
was Mary, daughter of the celebrated teacher,
Ezekiel Chewer, of New Haven and Boston. He
died Aug. 18, 1690. Samuel Lewis, a son of Will-
iam and Mary (Hopkins) Lewis, was born Aug.
18, 1648, and died Nov. 28, 1752. He held the mil-
itary rank of sergeant. His son, Nathan Lewis,
was born Jan. 23, 1707, and lived' in the Marion
District of Southington. On July 28, 1730, he
wedded Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary
(FIumphrey)'Gridley. He died Sept. 7, 1799, and
his wife passed away May 20, 1784, aged seventy-
seven years. Their son, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis,
was the great-grandfather of our subject. He was
born in Southington, in December. 1747, and lived
on the mountainside in the eastern part of Wolcott,
after it was set off from Southington. He was
quite prominent in town and church affairs. He
died Feb. 24, 1839, and on his gravestone is in-
scribed "An honest man." On Feb. 15, 1769, he
married Sarah Gridley, who died Aug. 11, 1809,
^jLA.-V-i:^^__^\
COMMUMOR.lTirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
537
aged sixty-fight years, and for his second wife he
married Airs. L_\dia Frisbie. Appleton Lewis, the
grandfather of our subject, was Ijorn Aug. i8,
1774, and hved in Wolcott, where he died July 29,
1820. He was married, Nov. 15, 1797, to Mrs.
Lois Hall, of Waterbury, Conn., who died March
23, 1800, aged eighty-three years. Their children
were Rufus ; Millie A., wife of James Wightman ;
Edward: Alfred; Julina, wife of Truman Daily;
Llo\d ; Dennis; Lois ]\L ; and Jared A. Lloyd
Lewis, the father of our subject, was born in Wol-
cott. Jan. 15, 1810, and was married, March 25,
1832, to Miss Diadamia, daughter of ilartin and
Mary (Munson) Phinney, of i'lainville. The chil-
dren born of this union were Augustine JNL (of
tills review), Alary Jane and Jirlina S.
Our subject passed his boyhood and }-outh in
Southington, and received a good practical educa-
tion in the common schools and the Lewis high
school. Prior to 1869 he was engaged in farming,
and in the fall of that year he opened a market
in Plantsville, which he has since conducted with
marked success, having built up an excellent trade.
In 1861 Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with
JNIiss Harriet Buckingham, daughter of James and
Annie (Smith) Buckingham, of Oxford. Conn.,
and to them were born four children, of whom two
are living: Mortimer i\L. who. is a graduate of
Hahnemann Medical College, New York, and is
now engaged in the practice of his profession; and
Anita. For his second wife our subject married
Miss Ellen Tuttle, a daughter of Samuel Tuttle,
of Cheshire, Conn., where she was born, the de-
scendant of long lines of Puritan ancestry. Mrs.
Lewis was for many years a teacher in Plantsville,
and a member of the school board at Southington
for Plantsville.
i\Ir. Lewis is a prominent member of the Baptist
Church of Plantsville, of which he is now one of
the trustees, and he also belongs to Friendship
Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., Southington. In his
political affiliations he is an ardent Republican, and
he has served as a member of the Southington
school board for twenty-one consecutive years, and
as selectman for fourteen years. He has taken
deep interest in the "good-roads" movement, and
five miles of macadamized road in the town show
the practical result of his efforts, the Clark Farms
being built under his sole direction.
CAPT. DANIEL GOULD FRANCIS, an hon-
ored veteran of the Civil war, who now makes his
home in West Hartford, was for many years one
of the active and progressive business men of Hart-
ford county, as well as one of its most reliable and
highly esteemed citizens, and now in his declining
years he is enjoying a well-earned rest, free from
the cares and responsibilities of business life.
Capt. Francis was born in the town of Benson,
Rutland Co., Vt., March 27, 1835. His father,
Daniel D. Francis, was a native of the same State,
born in the town of Wells, and was educated for the
ministry, being a graduate of Aliddlebury College
and Burlington University. He had cliargc of a Con-
gregational church at Benson, \'t., for years, later
resided some time in North Canaan, Conn., and sub-
sequently made his home on a farm near Palmyra. N.
Y. He engaged in jjreaching at l-'airport and Ro-
chester, N. Y., and was highly respected not only by
his own congregations, but by all who witnessed his
devotion to his noble calling. Returning to Sharon,
Litchtield Co., Conn., he spent a few years, and then
went to Chicago, remaining a few years. Sul)se-
quently he made his home in Hartford, Conn., with
our subject, until the summer of 1872, when he died
at West Lebanon, N. H., whither he had gone for
his health. At Sharon, Litchfield Co., Conn., May
15, 1832, Mr. Francis was married to JMiss Elizabeth
Gould, a native of LitchfieUl county, and a daughter
of Major David Gould, and to them were born three
children: Daniel G., our subject; Amelia E., wife of
Edward Nevers, who is connected with Marshall
Field & Co., of Chicago, 111.: and James Lathrop,
who died in Vicksburg, Miss., from wounds re-
ceived in the Civil war.
In his native town Daniel G. Francis was reared
and educated until nine vears of age. accompanied
the family on their removal to North Canaan. Conn.,
where he attended school, and completed his educa-
tion at a boarding school in Kent. Conn. Later he
clerked for several years in a hardware store at Pal-
myra, N. Y., and was then employed in the pay-
master's department of the New York Central rail-
road at Rochester, N. Y. Subsequently, on account
of ill health, he spent two years in northwestern
Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and on his return
East, in 1855, came to Berlin, Hartford Co.. Conn.,
where with his father, he operated a small .farm for
two years.
In 1858 Capt. Francis accepted a position with
the firm of Talcott & Post, of Hartford, and remain-
ed with them until the outbreak of the Rebellion. He
assisted in raising a company at Hartford, and went
to the front as second lieutenant of Rifle Co. A, ist
Conn. V. I., under command of Gen. Hawley. At the
expiration of his three-months' term of enlistment he
was discharged at New Haven, but later recruited
Company A, of the 7th Conn. \'. I., and was com-
missioned captain of that company. On account of
ill health he was forced to resign at the end of four-
teen months and return home.
Going to Chicago. 111., Capt. Francis became con-
nected with the wholesale house of Cooley. Farwell
& Co., and remained in their employ for several
years. While thus engaged he was married, in
Hartford, Conn., to Miss Lizzie A. Crane, a daugh-
ter of Mrs. O. H. Crane. On his return East he en-
gaged in the insurance business with the Connecticut
General Life Insurance Co., for a while, and then
entered the employ of \\'etherbee, Knous & Pelton,
whose dry-goods store was then in Hill's block,
Hartford. Subsequently he was again with the firm
588
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Talcdtt & Post, for a time, and when Gen. Will-
iam H. Bulkeley purchased the "Bee Hive" store he
went with him. In the spring of 1882 he removed
to West Hartford, where he has since lived retired,
enjoying a well-earned rest. Here his estimable
wife died in 1895. The Captain is a prominent
member of Robert O. Tyler Post, No. 50, G. A. R.,
of Hartford, and is a charter member ot the Grange.
He has been honored with various town offices, in-
cluding those of grand juror and justice of the
peace, and his official duties have always been most
satisfactorily performed. Religiously he is a mem-
ber of the Ecclesiastical Society of the Congrega-
tional Church.
LOREN DWIGHT PENFIELD. The subject
of this sketch, who is now town clerk of New
Britain, has for many years been prominently
identified with the social history of that city. He
has been repeatedly elected to an office which came
to him unsolicited. He is a native of the city, and
his ancestry dates back through many generations
of Connecticut citizens into Colonial history. Two
of his great-grandparents bore arms for the strug-
gling colonies during the Revolution, and our sub-
ject was a veteran during the Civil war.
Mr. Penfield was born at New Britain June
15, 1840, son of Harvey and Lucy E. (Sanford)
Penfield, grandson of Phineas and Ruth Judd
(Hart) Penfield, and great-grandson of Phineas
and Lucy (Osgood) Penfield. The parents of
Phineas Penfield, Sr., were Nathaniel and Lydia
(Barnes) Penfield, and his grandparents were Na-
thaniel Penfield, Sr., and his wife Hannah. Na-
thaniel Penfield, Sr., was a member of the New
Haven Colony, and settled at Wallingford, dying
in January, 1776. Nathaniel Penfield, Jr., was a
farmer, and settled in Aleriden. He married Lydia
Barnes June 9, 1755, and died at Meriden May 18,
1777. His widow, Lydia, married for her second
husband Jeremiah H. Osgood, April 23, 1778; she
died Jan. 31, 181 1, aged seventy-six years.
Phineas Penfield, Sr., the great-grandfather of
our subject, and son of Nathaniel and Lydia
(Barnes) Penfield, was born June 6, 1756. He was
in actual service as a private in the Connecticut
troops during the Revolutionary war for twelve
months and twenty-three days, enlisting at Farm-
ington, Conn., and serving a part of the time under
Capt. Curtis and Col. Enos. He married, April
9, 1778, Lucy Osgood, daughter of Jeremiah H.
and Lucy (Churchill) Osgood, and died March 28,
1834, in Hartford county, aged seventy-seven
years. Nathaniel Penfield, the brother of Phineas,
Sr., and four years 3'ounger, also enlisted at Farm-
ington. Conn., as a private in the Connecticut
troops, and served eighteen months and twelve
days as a private, a part of the time under Captain
Bray and Colonel Butler.
Phineas Penfield, Jr., the grandfather of our
subject, was born Oct. 18, 1785. He married, Nov.
25, 1812, Ruth Judd Hart, who was born May 3,
1793, daughter of Linus Hart, of Farmington, and
who died Dec. 11, 1848, aged fifty-five years.
Phineas Penfield, Jr., was a farmer and cooper by
occupation; he died Aug. 3, 1845, aged sixty years.
Harvey Penfield, father of our subject, and son of
Phineas and Ruth J. (Hart) Penfield, was born
June 7, 181 5. He married, Oct. 21, 1839, Lucy
Ellen Sanford, who is now living at the age of
eighty-two years. She is the daughter of Edmund
and Lydia (Beckley) Sanford, of Wethersfield,
and the granddaughter of John Beckley, Jr. The
roster in the adjutant-general's office, Connecticut
[pp. 25 and 381], shows that John Beckley, Sr.,
was a third lieutenant in Capt. Chester's company,
and marched to the relief of Boston in April, 1775,
after the "Lexington alarm." He was the father
of John Beckley, Jr., and the son of Sergt. Richard
Beckley, who was at the "Lexington alarm." Rich-
ard Beckley came from the New Haven Colony, and
settled at Beckley, Hartford county. He owned
300 acres of land by grant from the Lidians and
consent of the General Assembly. Harvey Pen-
field died April i, 1873, aged fifty-seven years.
Loren Dwight Penfield was educated in the pub-
lic schools, but when a boy of twelve years he bade
good-bye to school books and entered the shop of
the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Co., as an em-
ploye. Here he remained for seven years, and
gradually improved his position. For a time, dur-
ing the illness of his uncle, he was foreman of the
knob room. When a young man of twenty-one
years Mr. Penfield left the service of the above
named company to enter the L^nited States vol-
.unteer army. He enlisted Dec. 11, 1861, for three
years, in. Company A, Thirteenth Connecticut Regi-
ment, which was assigned to the command of Gen.
B. F. Butler and Gen. N. P. Banks. Mr. Penfield
was with Gen. Butler in the capture of New Or-
leans, and with General Banks at the siege of Port
Hudson. He was one of the thousand volunteers
in the "forlorn hope," 250 of the volunteers step-
ping forward from the ranks of the Thirteenth
Connecticut. After the surrender of Port Hud-
son he was detailed, on July 15, 1863, as clerk at
headquarters. Department of the Gulf, corner of
Carondalet and Julia streets. New Orleans. There
he remained until July, 1864, when his regiment
was transferred to the command of Gen. Phil. Sher-
idan, for service in the Shenandoah Valley. He
took part in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's
Hill and Cedar Creek. Through all his engage-
ments Mr. Penfield escaped without injury. He
was mustered out Jan. 5, 1865, and for nearly a
year thereafter was employed as a clerk in the
United States provost-marshal-general's office at
Hartford, Connecticut.
In April, 1866, ]\Ir. Penfield engaged at his
trade of house painting, and contracted for the
painting of some of the finest residences of New
Britain and other cities, employing from ten to
Wif^\^M\U.
i
COMMUMOR.lTJrE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
530
sixteen iiHMi. Ill OctolxT, \^ijT,, lie was elected to
his first term as town clerk, assuming- the duties of
the otlice in January, i8y4. He chd not attend
the caucus which ])laced him in nomination, nor
did he seek the otitice. He was electcil to his sec-
ond term in 1895, and has held the office contin-
uously ever since. In 1894 he was elected clerk
of the probate court for the district of Berlin, and
was re-elected town clerk in 1895, serving from
Jan. I, 1895, to the present time. In politics Mr.
I'enfield is a Republican. On account of his ab-
sence from home in the army he did not vote until
at the second election of President Lincoln. For
many years he has been prominent in the fraternal
afifairs of New Britain, being a member of Har-
mony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M. ; Giddings Chap-
ter, No. 25, R. A. M. ; Doric Council, No. 24, R.
&. S. JNL ; Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. ;
Sphinx I'emple, i\. of AL S., of Oasis of Hart-
ford, Desert of Connecticut ; has taken several de-
grees in the Scottish Rite IMasons, and is a mem-
ber of Norwich Consistory, Thirty-second degree ;
of the Martha Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star,
in which he is a worthy patron ; of Stanley Post,
No. II, G. A. R., in wdiich order he has filled every
chair in the post, being now junior vice-commander
of the department, and was delegate from Con-
necticut to the National convention at Pittsburg
in 1894. J\Ir. Penfield is also a member of the
Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revo-
lution ; the Army and Navy Club ; Trumbull Col-
ony, No. 173, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers:
Washington Camp, No. 9, Patriotic Order Sons of
America ; Winthrop Council, No. 7, Daughters of
Liberty ; New Britain Council, No. 8, Order United
American Mechanics ; Nev^^ Britain Club ; and Put-
nam Phalanx. For six years he was a member of
Company D, First Connecticut National Guard,
and was commissioned second lieutenant by Gov.
Jewell ; was elected first lieutenant, but declined
the commission. He is local treasurer of the Balti-
more Building & Loan Association.
Mr. Penfield was married, June 20, 1866, to
Miss Carrie W. McNary, daughter of William Mc-
Kary. Of their two children, Nellie Ruth, born
Oct. 20, 1867, is now the wife of Warren \\'. jMar-
shall ; Arthur Eugene is deceased. Mr. Penfield
is a member of the First Baptist Church of New
Britain, and for many years was librarian of the
Sunday-school.
WARD HUBBARD GRISWOLD. The family
of Griswold is one of the oldest and most highly
esteemed in Connecticut. There are three branches
in this country — the W'indsor, the Lyme, and the
Wethersfield, descended, respectivel\-, from Edward,
Matthew and Alichael. The residence of the fam-
ily in England was in Kenilworth, A\'arwickshire.
There were three sons in the family, Edward,
Thomas and Matthew. The younger, Matthew,
came to America with Rev. John Warham, landing
in Massachusetts Bay, May 30, 1630, when eighteen
years old. In 1639 Edward came over in a vessel
sent out by William Whiting, and in company with
Rev. Ephraim and others. This ])arty soon moved
to Windsor (that year), and Matthew with them.
He married a daughter of Henry Wolcott, soon
after went to Saybrook to work on the fort, and ac-
quired a tract of land on the opposite side of the
river at Lvme, which has been the home place of
that branch of the family. From Matthew, in the
fifth generation, came Gov. Matthew Griswold, and
his son, Gov. Roger Griswold, of the sixth genera-
tion.
Edward Griswold was born about 1004. was
married before he came to America, and brought
with him his wife, Margaret, and five or six children.
He settled in Windsor, and remained there until
1664, when he moved to that part of Killingworth
now known as Clinton, and gave to the town the
name of his home in England — Killingworth,
a corruption of Kenilworth. Margaret, wife of
Edward, died Aug. 23, 1670 (old style), and her
tombstone is in the yard at Clinton. The next
year he married the widow of James Bemis, of
New London. He died in 1671. The children
of Edward and Margaret Griswold were : Edward,
Francis, George, John, Sarah ( these five being born
in England), Ann, Mary, Deborah, Joseph. Sam-
uel and John, eleven in all.
George Griswold, born about 1633, was a large
land holder in Windsor, living in Poquonock, on tlie
Farmington river. He married Mary, daughtv.T
of Thomas Holcomb, Oct. 3 (presumably), 1655.
He died Sept. 3, 1704. and his widow died April
4, 1708. The children of George and Mary ( Hol-
comb) Griswold were: Daniel, Thomas, Edward,
Mary, George, John, Benjamin, Deborah, Thomas
Moore, Abigail, Samuel, eleven in all.
Daniel Griswold, born in October, 1656. mar-
ried Feb. 3, 1680, Mindwell, daughter of Nathaniel
Bissell. She was born Oct. 3, 1663, and died in
1728. Their children were Daniel and Nathaniel
(twins), Peletiah, Mary, Edward, Deborah and
David, seven in all. Date of the father's death is
not known.
Daniel Griswold, born Feb. 14, 1684 (old style),
married Sept. 16, 1716, Sarah, daughter of Capt.
Daniel White of Bolton. He moved to and was
married in Bolton where his wife died Feb. i,
1738, aged forty-three. His tombstone is in the
Bolton yard. He married a second time, but left
no children by the second wife. Date of his death
is not known. The children of Daniel and Sarah
(White) GrisW'Old were: Sarah, Ann, Bathsheba,
Mindwell, Daniel, Hannah, \\'hite, George. Setli,
an unnamed daughter, and Reuben, eleven in all
^^l^ite Griswold was born Oct. 26, 1727. ano''
married Feb. 14, 1751, Elizabeth Chenev, of MaiT
Chester, sister of Timothy and Silas Cheney. He
moved to Harwinton. In 1775 he joined the Amer-
lean forces for the invasion of Canada; later en-
540
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
listed as a soldier in Capt. Theophilus iXIunson's
Company, of the 8th Conn. Line ; was in the battle
of Germantown, Penn., under Washington, Oct.
4. '^777'' was taken prisoner, and died on boaru
prison ship at Philadelphia, probably that fall, exact
date being uncertain. The children of White and
Elizabeth (Cheney) Griswold were: Sarah, Eliza-
beth, George, Asa, Eunice, Louisa, Thomas White
and Daniel. White Griswold's widow is supposed
to have remained in Harwinton and to have died
there.
Daniel Griswold was born March 26, 1769, and
married Sept. 30, 1792, Esther, daug'hter of Joseph
Case. There were born to this marriage, Edward,
Mary, Nancy, Daniel, Ann, Roderick, Esther and
George Gilbert. Daniel Griswold died in 1833, his
wife Esther on Nov. 9, 1850.
George Gilbert Griswold, son of Daniel and
Esther (^Case) Griswold, was born April 18, 1815,
in jManchester. He married Susan Jane Hubbard,
daughter of David E. Hubbard. They had four
children: Fannie, Ward Hubbard (who is men-
tioned below), Emma and Esther. After the
death of his first wife Mr. Griswold married Mary
Miner Case, a widow, and to this union was born
one child, Gilbert M. Griswold.
Ward Hubbard Griswold was born in Manches-
ter Green, Aug. 4, 1846. He received his early
education at the common schools and the academy
of Manchester, where he accjuired the rudiments
of the sound business training which he found of
such great value m after life. His first business
experience was as a clerk in the- general store of
Basset & Belden, at Chatham, N. Y., where he was
employed for about two years. On Sept. 9, 1864,
he enlisted at Albany, N. Y., in Company G, 91st
N. Y. V. L, which regiment was first stationed at
Baltimore, but was afterward sent to Petersburg,
Va. There it was attached to the Fifth Army
Corps under the immediate command of Gen. Sheri-
dan, and was subsequently present at the surrender
of Lee at Appomattox. On his return from the
war Mr. Griswold took up his residence at Walton,
N. Y., where he rented one hundred acres of land,
and for two years led the life of a farmer. For
the next five years he worked as a stone mason for
his brother-in-law. Tiring of this employment, he
moved to Talcottville, Conn., where for nearly ten
years he was a clerk in the general store of Tal-
cott Bros., thence going to New Britain, where he
opened a grocery store of his own, on South Main
street. After a few years .however, he discontinued
this enterprise to enter the plating department of
the P. & F. Corbin Co., there remaining until the
spring of 1894, in which year he bought a farm
adjoining the Town Hall, on Berlin street, Berlin,
Conn. On this land he erected a modern residence,
and conducts a produce and poultry farm.
At first Mr. Griswold's success appears a cause
for surprise, yet an analysis of the causes which
have led to it readily demonstrates the fallacy of
such a conjecture. Inheriting the vim, the indus-
try, the perseverance, the physical and moral cour-
age of a long line of honored ancestors, he has
shown himself no unworthy scion of a lineage noble
alike in its fidelity and its achievements. He has
hewn out his own way through honest toil, and can )
look upon the years of his life with pardonable
pride. The heritage of such a life is in itself a
legacy to one's children.
On Feb. 16, 1870, Mr. Griswold was married
to Frances Adelia Howland, of Walton, Delav^fare
Co., N. Y., daughter of Elias Butler and Fanny
(Mallory) Howland. By this marriage two of
the oldest families in the country were united, the
ancestors of Frances Howland having come over to
this country in the "Mayflower." To this union
have been born five children : Fannie Hamutal,
Dec. 30, 1871 ; George Gilbert, Jan. 17, 1873;
Emma Jane, April 23, 1874; Laura, June 3, 1877
(died Jan. 15, 1883) ; and Mary Esther, Sept. 23,
1879.
On National and State issues Mr. Griswold s
affiliations are with the Republican party. Fie is
not, however, either an active politician or a violent
partisan, and on local issues he is altogether inde-
pendent. He is a member of Stanley Post, G. A.
R., of New Britain and of Pequot Council, No. 24,
Sr. O. U. A. M., of Berlin.
As an evidence of the patriotism of the Gris-
wold family the State records show a long list of
those who served their country during the Revolu-
tionary war, and in subsequent wars they have re-
sponded in goodly numbers to their country's call.
The family are especially proud of the fact that from
the arrival of the founders of the family to the
present time, their record has been remarkable in
that, so far as known, no member has ever brought
disgrace upon the fair name of the family, and that
in all the elements that go to make upright and
honorable citizens they have, as a family, been pos-
sessed in a remarkable degree.
EDWIN IVES CLARK, a prosperous and rep-
resentative farmer and mechanic of Berlin, is a
native of Hartford county. His ancestors for gen-
erations past have lived and died in Connecticut,
and for a third of a century the fortunate lot of
Mr. Clark has been cast in the countv of his birth.
In early years he gave heed to a desire for travel,
and his life away from his native place practically
ended with the three years' gallant service which
he rendered his country during the period of the
Civil war.
Mr. Clark was born on what was known as
the old Squire place, in Berlin, Nov. 15, 1841, son
of Hiram Clark, and grandson of Linus Clark,
the last named l>orn in 1786, in Kensington. He
was a farmer and miller, working at Moore's Mills,
Kensington, grinding grain and manufacturing
cement. He was a man of unblemished character
and many noble traits. He married Polly Perkins,
COM MEMO RATH 'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
541
and to thcni were born thirteen children, of whom
Linus, Henry, John, Russell, Hiram, Laura, Mary,
Emily and Julia grew to maturity; the others died
young. Linus Clark died JNIay 25, 1832, his wife
surviving until May 3, 1843.
Hiram Clark, the father of our snhject, was
born 'in Kensington Feb. 25, 1814. His educa-
tional advantages were meager, but he improved
them all, and in later life added constantly to his
fund of knowledge bv careful and systematic read-
ing. He acquired a knowledge of the shoemaker's
trade with Mr. Stocking, and later worked for
Samuel Bishop, in a shop which stood on the pres-
ent lot of his son. At the completion of a four-
years apprenticeship Hiram Clark was the posses-
sor of a new suit of clothes and of twenty-five dol-
lars. For several years he worked as a journey-
man shoemaker, and then adopted a mode of mer-
cantile trade, which was not uncommon in those
days, peddling Yankee notions from a wagon
throughout the Southern States for a period of
seven or eight years ; he was very successful in this
business. Mr. Clark then settled down and engaged
in farming. He purchased the Bishop place, and
land adjoining to the extent of about eight acres.
Later he worked for some years in Brandegee's
cotton factory, and then removed to East Berlin,
where he assumed a contract in the shops and also
conducted a boarding-house. In 185 1 he returned
10 the farm, where he spent the remainder of his
years. He was a stanch Republican in politics,
and believed it the duty of American citizenship
to give personal attention to the primaries, a belief
which he conscientiously practiced. La religious
faith he was a member of the Congregational
Church. He married Jeannette Treat, who was born
April 3, 1817, daughter of Abba Treat, of Crom-
well, Conn., a farmer, who began life for himself
as a poor young man and eventually amassed a
large property. To Hiram and Jeannette Clark
were born three children : Hiram, Edwin L and
Nancy Augusta. Hiram was born April 9, 1839,
became a private in Company K, i6th Conn. "\^ L,
was captured at the battle of Plymouth, and died
at Andersonville Aug. 18, 1864. Nancy Au-
gusta was born April 20, 1843, became the wife
of Royal Bentley, a railroad man of Deep River,
and is now deceased. The father died Alarch 18,
1875, the mother surviving until Feb. 21, 1880.
Edwin L Clark attended in his boyhood days
the schools of Berlin and the academy in that
town. Although an apt pupil and an active reader
his mind turned to trade, and when about seven-
teen years of age he began handling various lines
of goods in New York State. He was thus travel-
ing when the first call for 75,000 troops was made
by President Lincoln, and returning to Hartford
he there enlisted, in Company K. Third Conn. \'.
L, for three months. At the expiration of his term
of service he re-enlisted, this time in Company G,
First Heavy Artillery, Connecticut \'olunteers, for
three years, rising to the rank of corporal and
gunner. He jjarticipated in many of the sharp
struggles during the memorable conflict, and was
at jNIalvern Hill, Bull Run, siege of Yorktown,
Golden"s farm, Chickahominy Swamp, Seven (Jaks,
Hanover Courthouse, Harrison Landing and the
seven-days' right under Gen. McClellan during the
Peninsular campaign. He was at Petersburg, and
was with the three batteries at Fredericksburg,
serving under Gens. Burnside, Hooker and Meade.
His term of service ex])ired while the regiment
was in front of Petersburg, in 1864. and he was
honorably discharged.
Returning home, Mr. Clark engaged in farm-
ing for three years. He then embarked in the
grocery business at Hartford, and selling out re-
turned to the farm, where in connection with his
agricultural work he has followed carpentry. He
now owns the old home farm, and has also pur-
chased the Elbert Clark place. Mr. Clark carries
on dairy farming, and keeps from twenty to twen-
ty-five cows, lie has prospered, and the success
he has attained is due to his own efforts. In poli-
tics he has always been a Republican, and in the
local affairs of his party he has taken an active
interest. In the fall of 1893 he was elected to
the board of selectmen, and has since been a mem-
ber of that board continuously; serving during this
time as chairman and for three years as first select-
man. Socially Air. Clark is a member of Merriam
Post, G. A. R., at Meriden, of the American Ale-
chanics, the Order of United Friends, and of the
Grange, of which latter he has been master for
several years. In religious connection he and his
wife belong to the Congregational Church.
Mr. Clark married, in 1866, Miss Annie N.
Deming, who was born June 17, 1843, a daughter
of George and Lura (Derby) Deming, of Elling-
ton, and a granddaughter of Sylvester Deming, of
Wethersfield, both her father and grandfather be-
ing representative farmers and descendants of an
old \'ermont family. She was one of a family of
seven children : Roxcy, Martha, Annie, George,
Charles, Lura and Fannie. To our subject and wife
have been born four children : Lillian A. ; Cora
Augusta, wife of Everett Honiss; George Hiram;
and Arthur Edwin.
WILLIAM WEBSTER STILLMAX. The
subject of this sketch was clerk of the board of
selectmen at Hartford for a period of twenty-five
years, or until 1896, when the office was abolished,
and he accepted the superintendency of the Board
of Charity Commissioners. He is yet a young man,
and to an unusual degree has evinced those sterling
and engaging traits of character, which peculiarly
fit one for public service. He is a son of Allyn S.
Stillman, one of the most prominent citizens of
Plartford a half-century ago, and a descendant in
the sixth generation from George Stillman. of Had-
ley, Mass., who about 1703-04 removed thence to
542
:OMMBMORATIJ'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Wethersfield, Conn., where he remained through
life. The line of descent to our subject was
through (II) Nathaniel Stillman ; (III) Nathaniel
Stillman ; (IV) James Stillman, born Sept. 9, 1770,
removed from Glastonbury to Wethersfield, and
died in September, 1854; (V) Allyn S. Stillman,
father of our subject.
(IV) James Stillman, the grandfather of our
subject, married Elizabeth Webster, who was born
in 1772, and died in 1845. She was of the seventh
generation from John Webster, who was born in
England, and in 1658 became governor of Con-
necticut, serving three years. The line of descent
is through (II) Robert Webster; (III) Jonathan
Webster, deceased in 1694; (IV) Jonathan Web-
ster, born 1682, died 1758; (V) Jonathan Webster,
deceased in 1789; and (VI) John Webster, who
married in 1769.
Allyn S. Stillman was born in Wethersfield,
Conn., April 28, 1800. He received only a com-
mon-school education, and in 1818, at the age of
eighteen years, removed to Hartford where he
learned the bookbinder's trade from Oliver D. Cook,
whose establishment occupied the present site of
Bullerstein's store. Mr. Stillman possessed a char-
acter too strong to continue very long as a work-
man in the employ of others. He soon started in
business for himself,' thus inaugurating a long and
prominent business career. At one time he was
senior member of the firm of Stillman & Parsons.
He was the first photograph album manufacturer
in the United States, and engaged extensively in
the manufacture of blank books, etc., on the site
of Mr. Talcott's present bindery, building up a
reputation for most excellent work. Until Case,
Brainard & Lockwood started in business, he owned
and conducted the principal book bindery in Hart-
ford county, if not in the State. His public career
was fully as honorable and extended as his busi-
ness achievements. For sixteen vears he served
as first selectman of Hartford, and in 1864 he was
elected mayor of the city of Hartford. He was
chief of the fire department for many years, and in
his honor a hose company was named the Stillman
Hose Co. He was also one of the fire commission-
ers, and for twenty years was president of the
Firemen's Benevolent Society. In politics he was
a Whig and a Republican, and as an admirer of
Horace Greeley he in 1872 became a liberal Re-
publican. A man of strong, forceful character,
with keen native ability, he was one of the leading-
men of the city. He served as first major of the
Putnam Phalanx, succeeding Major Goodwin. In
religious affiliations he was an attendant at Christ
Church.
Mr. Stillman was married, Nov. 11, 1833, to
Miss Cecilia Andrus, and to them were born tine
following children : Cecilia, widow of Samuel H.
White; Charles A., of Winchester, Mass.; Alice
Webster; Allyn, of New York City; and William
Webster, our subject. Allyn S. Stillman died Jan
28, 1880, his widow on Feb. 28, 1892.
Willianj Webster Stillman, our subject, was
born in, Hartford Jan. i, 1852. He was educated
in the common schools of the city, attending the
old Center school, and then took a cottrse in the
Osborne private school, and also one at Bryant &
Stratton's Business College, in the Opera House
block, graduating at the age of sixteen years. Mr.
Stillman then began life as correspondent for J. B.
Burr & Co., publishers of "Sunshine and Shadow,"
remaining with them for about two years. He
filled the same position with S. S. Scranton, and
later with the American Publishing Co.
In October, 1871, before he had reached his
twentieth birthday, he was appointed clerk of the
board of selectmen, holding the position contin-
uously under the various selectmen until 1896, when
the Board of Charity Commissioners was created,
becoming operative on June 15, of that year. Mr.
Stillman was at once appointed acting superintend-
ent, continuing in that capacity until appointed
superintendent of the board, in December, 1896. Mr.
Stillman is a Democrat, but is not active in politics.
He is a member of the South Baptist Church.
Among the fraternal organizations he is a member
of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and has been a
member of the Elks. He married Mary McRae
Robins, daughter of Gurdon and Mary Robins, of
Hartford. He is one of the successful younger
men of Hartford.
HON. JOHN F. FITTS, who passed away
July 7, 1899, was a well-known agriculturist of the
town of East Windsor, a veteran of the Civil war,
and as a citizen gave abundant proofs of his public
spirit, having been always ready to assist in the
various progressive movements of his locality.
Mr. Fitts was born in the town of East Windsor,
Oct. 26, 1826, a son of Sylvester and Nancy (Wells)
Fitts. As the mother died when he was a mere
infant, he was adopted by Capt. Daniel French, of
East Windsor, with whom he remained until he
reached the age of sixteen. For three years fol-
lowing he was employed as a farm hand, but as he
desired better educational privileges than had fallen
to his lot he then went to East Flampton, Mass.,
and entered the Williston Seminary, where he con-
tinued his studies for two terms. On his return,
because of poor health, he engaged in teaching,
being employed at East Windsor Hill for two
years, and after that time he engaged in farming.
He located first on a fami just across the road from
the present homestead of the family, to which he
removed in 1870, and in addition to general farm-
ing he was interested in tobacco culture. His
military service lasted from August, 1862, to Au-
gust, 1863, when he was honorably discharged at
Hartford. He enlisted in Company G, 25th Conn.
V. I., for nine months, and during his term of active
COM. M HMO RATI rE BlOCRAI'llICAL RECORD.
543
^(.■r\ico took ]jart in two engageiiKiits at Irish llcnd.
La., and s])cnt seven weeks with the forces Ijcsie.t;-
ina: Port Hudson. Politically he was a Republican
from the organization of the party, and in 1858 and
i8(jo he served as a member of the State Legisla-
ture. His keen interest in educational advance-
ment was shown by thirty years of service on the
local school board, anil he was a prominent worker
in the I'^irst Congregational Church of East \Vind-
sor, in which he held the oflice of deacon for twenty
years, and with which his family are now eon-
nectetl.
In 1870 Mr. Fitts married Airs. Mary L Skiimer,
widow of William W. Skinner, and daughter 01
Nelson S. Osborn, of East Windsor. The follow-
ing children blessed the union : Edward B., a
resident of New Lebanon Center, N. Y. ; Elizabeth
H. ; John N. ; a daughter died in infancy ; and
Charles S.
FRANKLIN GREENE COMSTOCK, one of
the best-known citizens of East Hartford, is the eld-
est son of William G. Comstock, a full biographical
sketch of whom is given elsewdiere. He is also the
oldest representative of his generation, the ninth,
descendetl from the founder of the family in Amer-
ica, William Comstock, who came from England or
Wales, in 1635, the line of descent bemg as follows:
(I) William; (2) John; (3) John (2), born in
1676; (4) John (3) ; (5) Christopher, born in 1720;
(6) Jabez, died March 23, 1812, aged fifty-seven
years; (7) Franklin G., born March 17, 1790, died
in 1S45; (8) William G., born Oct. 11, 1810; and
(9) Franklin G., the subject of this notice.
Franklin G. Comstock was born in Wethersfield,
this county, May 27, 1838, attended the common
schools, and the academy of that town, Cooke Louns-
bury being one of the teachers, and then at East
Hampton, Mass., atended a private school taught
by a Air. Wright, who had formerly been principal
of Williston Seminary. Later he attended D. H.
Chase's preparatory school for boys at Aliddletown,
Conn., and at fourteen years of age entered Wilbra-
ham College, where he studied one year, and then
went to the old Hart school, at Farmington, under
Simeon Hart, one of the foremost instructors of his
day. Young Franklin G. then went to Madison,
Wis., where he received a course of commercial in-
struction and w'as also emjiloved there, for two years
as clerk in a mercantile hou'se. He then accepted a
situation at Providence, R. I., as bookkeeper with
Orra\-, Taft & Co., cotton brokers, remained with
the tirm two vears, and then returned to ^^'ethers-
field.
In 1858 Mr. Comstock came to East Hartford,
W'here his parents had in the meantime made their
home. From that time until 1865 he assisted his
father in operating the home farm, and in the year
last mentioned engaged in the manufacture of solid
silver spoons, at East Flartford, under the firm
name of E. AT. Roberts & Co.: two vears later the
safe of the firm was blown open by burglars and de-
spoiled of a large cjuantity of solid silver stock. The
partnership was then dissolved, and Air. Comstock
ne.xt engaged in the manufacture of agricultural im-
plements, as a mcmloer of the firm of Comstock
Brothers. The father was the patentee of an ex-
cellent seed-sower and cultivator, and to the man-
ufacture of this implement the brothers devoted their
attention. It found a market in every part of the
United States and various other countries, and the
firm of Comstock Brothers became so well known,
through this implement, that mail matter addressed
to the firm, with town and State omitted, invariably
reached its destination. The manufacture of this
extraordinary and ingenious invention was carried
on for many years, but was finally discontinued,
although "parts" are still made for replacing worn
or broken parts to users throughout the civilized
world. For some years afterward Air. Comstock
was engaged in the manufacture of cigar bo.xes,
which he followed until, in January, 1898. he finally
retired from all active business, to rest in peace after
so many years of enterprising, progressive and in-
cessant industry.
Air. Comstock was happily joined in matrimony
Alay 28, 1862, with Aliss Antoinette Deming, a
native of East Hartford, and a daughter of Timothy
and Eliza (Wing) Deming. Air. Deming had
served in the war of i8i2, was a well-known citizen
in his day, was quite a mechanical genius and the
patentee of several useful and ingenious inventions,
and lived to reach the patriarchal age of ninety-four
years. To the felicitous union of Air. and Airs.
Comstock were born three children: Annie T., born
Alay 22, 1863, widow of Alilton Ensign, of Hock-
anum, and mother of two children, Louis AI. and
Ruth, the former of whom lives with Air. Com-
stock; Amy, born Alarch 23, 1866, is now Airs. \\W-
ter Ranney, of East Hartford, and has three chil-
dren, Philip, Nettie and Pauline; and Harry F.,
born Aug. 29, 1876, who is head shipping clerk for
Pratt & Whitnev, of Hartford. The mother of this
family was called away June 12, 1883, a faithful
member of the Congregational Church, and beloved
by all who knew her.
In politics Air. Comstock has always been a
Republican, and has show^n his loyalty to the party
bv voting regularlv, but has never sought office.
Fraternally, he has been a member of Orient Lodge,
No. 62, F. & A. AL, at East Hartford, for thirty-
seven years ; for fifteen years he was a member of
"Putnam Phalanx," of Hartford, from which he
retired with the rank of first lieutenant.
In his earlier manhood Air. Comstock traveled
over the greater part, of the L^nited States, and east
of the Alississippi river has been in every State ex-
cepting one or two in the .South ; at the North, in his
very early days, when traveling for Comstock, Ferre
& Co., of Wethersfield, lie once drove a team to
Alontreal, Canada, and back, taking in all the towns
en route. This experience was of vast benefit to
544
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him in his later business career, as it ampHfied his
knowledge of men and their ways in the various
sections which he had visited, and assisted in
making him one of the best-known men in the State,
and one of the most substantial in Hartford county.
For some years Mr. Comstock has been a grower
of tobacco, and still over-sees a twelve-acre tract
which he owns and which is devoted to this line of
industry. He has recently purchased a valuable
plantation and orange grove in Orlando, Florida,
where he intends to reside hereafter during the win-
ter months. In 1891 he erected an excellent
dwelling on Main street, East Hartford, and this is
his present habitation. Notwithstanding his very
active and arduous business life his health is some-
thing remarkable, as he has never known a sick day,
and has never suflered from any infirmity except a
slight impairment of hearing. Mentally and phys-
ically he is to-day as strongly constituted as most
men of thirty-five years. Unassuming, plain and
approachable, straightforward and honest, he is es-
teemed by the entire community as no other man is,
and his family share with him this high respect.
MARSHALL PARRISH NORTON is the
senior member of the firm of Norton & Pierce,
proprietors of Lake Compounce, one of the most
popular pleasure resorts in Hartford county. This
lake and its surroundings have been in the posses-
sion of the Norton family since 1787.
Mr. Norton is the eldest son of Gad and Mary
A. (Wiard) Norton, and was born m Southing-
ton, June 10, 1842. He passed his boyhood and
youth on the home farm, accjuiring a good prac-
tical education in the common schools and Lewis
Academy, and since attaining his majority has been
identified with the Lake Compounce resort, as its
manager and one of its proprietors. He is an en-
terprising and progressive citizen, and very pop-
ular with the public.
The lineage of the Nortons, compiled in tabular
and chart form, runs back to a remote ancestry in
Russian, Saxon and Norman lines. The Norman
line begins with Rollo, Duke of Normandy, a'bout
the year 900. The first representative of the name
in England was La Seignor de Norville, who came
over from Normandy as sheriff of William the
Conqueror in September, 1066. He married into
the house of Valois, which was afterward for a
long period the royal family of France. The Saxon
pedigree is carried back in direct line to Harderich,
King of the Saxons, B. C. 90, through Lady Maucl
de Grey de Ruthven, who married Sir John de
Norville de Norton (eighth in line from La Seignor
de Norville). Their son, John de Norton, of
Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire, England, established the
line called the "Sharpenhoe Nortons," from whom
the Nortons of New England are descended. That
the family thus early was numerous and influential
is evidenced by the not infrequent application of
the name to English hamlets and towns, as Chipping
Norton, Norton on the Yorkshire border, Norton
Conyers and Kings Norton. Sharpenhoe Bury,
the property of the Nortons for a long period, was
a large estate about thirty miles from London,
with a manor house and "ancient chapelle" in ex-
istence in 1235. The moat surounding the manor
house and grounds remains to this day in perfect
preservation, and the chapel font, restored when
the chapel was demolished in 1775, still stands in
the manor grounds, covered with ivy and filled
with lilies, a memorial of the ancient Saxon times
to which it belonged. There still exists a curious
old deed of 1545, recording the sale of the Rectory
and Church ot Stretley (adjoining Sharpenhoe)
by King Henry VHI to his "trusty and beloved
Subject Thomas Norton of Sharpenhoe," which
deed was "witnessed by Catherine (Parr), Queen
of England and General Regent thereof at West-
minster."
Thomas Norton, son of Thomas, above, was a
dramatic writer, and the author, with Sir Thomas
Lockville, of "Gorboduc," the first English tragedy,
which was also the first successful experiment in
blank verse. He was the author also of important
translations. He married (first) Margaret, only
child and heir of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of
Canterbury, and (second) Alice, daughter of Ed-
ward Cranmer, brother of Thomas. The second
wife was the mother of his five children. He died
in 1584.
In 1686 Thomas Norton established and en-
dowed for all time a free school in Sharpenhoe
for eight poor children and a tutor, and, although
the property was sold out of the family in 1708,
the school is still maintained, by an annual rent
charge provided for by its founder.
John Norton, the founder of the line known
as the "Farmihgton Nortons," was born probably
in London about 1620-24, and in or before 1646
came with his wife, Dorathy, to Branfcrd, Conn.,
and was one of the "first planters" of that place.
Early in 1659 he removed with his family to Farm-
ington. At this time he was buying and selling
land — "seven pieces of land and housing in Hart-
ford upon the River of Connecticut.'" According
to an old deed, "One parcel abuts on the old high-
way leading from the ox-pasture to the mill on
the west side of land appointed for a burying
place," this burying place being the old Center
church burying ground, lately restored, and the
land being in what is now the heart of the city,
near the old State House. John Norton was one
of the eighty-four proprietors of Farmington,
which included at that time Southington, New
Britain, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Avon, Plain-
ville and parts of Wolcott, Harwinton and Bloom-
field. He died Nov. 5, 1709.
John Norton (2), son of John, above, was born
at Branford Oct. 14, 1657, and married Ruth Moore,
daughter of Isaac Moore. He died at Farming-
ton April 25, 1725. His daughters intermarried
/^Iw^^ ^/fci^:?^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
545
with the Newells, of l-'annington, and the Sey-
mour, Catlin, ranlry and Pratt families, of Hart-
ford. He was one of the committej for the division
and distribution of Southington lands in 1722, :.nd
took as a part of his portion the "59th lot in the
3d tier," adjoining Lake Compouncc, which has
remained the property of his descendants through
seven gen,erations. He was a member of the llrook-
lield Garrison in 1675, and a representative in the
General Court of Connecticut in 1680-81-82.
Ebenezer iNorton, son of John (2), was born
at P^armington in 1699, married Sarah Savage, pf
JMiddletown, Julv 7, 1726, a;id had a family of
eight children. He died March 21, 1750, in South-
ington, where he was one of the early settlers.
Ebenezer Norton (2), son of Ebenezer (i),
born in 1746, married Sybil Parrish, of Branford,
in 1773. He died at Southington Oct. 3, 1807.
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He
was a worthy and respected citizen, and influential
in town and church affairs.
Parrish Norton, son of Ebenezer (2), the sev-
enth of a family of eleven children, was born in
1786 in Southington, and married Betsy Rice, of
Cheshire, Oct 10, 181 1. He died Aug. 11, 1838.
Gad Norton, one of the six children of Parrish,
was born at Southington Oct. 24, 1815, anl mar-
ried Mary A., daughter of Solomon and Olive
(Comes) Wiard, of Wolcott, Oct. 23, 1839. He
died May 4, 1898. He was a prominent and in-
fluential man, and was recognized as one of the
valued and useful citizens of his community ; served
as selectman of Southington in 1874 and 1875,
and was a director of the Bristol National Bank
and the Bristol Savings Bank. In May, 1875, the
General Court, at his request, set off to Bristol
so much of the town of Southington as was in-
cluded in his homestead, making the now familiar
jog on the map on the line of division between the
two towns. He inherited from his father the Com-
pounce property, which he developed as a summer
resort in the years previous to 1850. His chil-
dren are Marshall Parrish, whose portrait is here
presented ; Alice J. ; Julius G. ; and Gilbert E., who
inherits the old homestead, and is an energetic and
successful man of affairs.
NORMAN LOOMIS is one of the old and val-
ued citizens of the town of Manchester and the coun-
ty of Hartford, where, throughout his long residence,
he has won an enviable reputation for untiring in-
dustry and unimpeachable integrity. His fellow
townsmen pay him their highest tribute when they
refer to him the intricate questions arising out of the
administration of estates where th; question of heir-
ship is disputed. But on this subject more, anon.
Norman Loomis was born Aug. i, 1821. in the
town of Hebron, Andover Societv, in Tolland coun-
ty. Being the son of Jacob Loomis, a farmer and
much noted man in his day, a descendant of the first
settler of Bolton, our subject's early years were
35
filled with hard work, as were those of most (jf the
men and women who, thrcjugh jjatient toil and un-
flagging energy, have made Connecticut what it is
to-day. Such education as he received early in life
was attained only through great personal effort and
self-sacrifice. The district school was the first nur-
sery of his juvenile mind, and he experienced diffi-
culty in passing through even the limited curriculum
which it afforded. Only for three months of the
year was he given the "golden opportunity," the
term commencing shortly after Thanksgiving, when
farm work was at a stand-still, and ending early in
the spring, when the boys were needed for plowing
and planting. The school-house was two and one-
half miles from the farm, but he manfully trudged
the five miles each day, besides walking some two
miles around the farm to feed the stock. It is from
such men as this that have descended the sons and
daughters of New England who have spread over
a continent, permeating alike its industries, its aspi-
rations and its thoughts. Those were not the days
of well-built school houses, wth high-ceiled, steam-
heated rooms. The seats were of slabs, and an open,
smoky fireplace was the only source of heat. Such
as they were, however, these old-time Yankee school
houses have leavened the civilization of the country.
After acquiring such knowledge as his limited op-
portunities afforded at home, he had recourse, for
his further intellectual advancement, to the high
school at Andover. The tuition at this school was
but two and one-half dollars per quarter, yet young
Loomis was obliged to pay even this small sum by
hauling cordwood, driving three yoke of oxen at
the liberal remuneration of one dollar and fifty
cents per day. This was pre-eminently fatiguing
and unsatisfactory, and during his last term at the
institution he earned his board and tuition by such
work as a stalwart young man might perform, work-
ing early and late.
Thus ]Mr. Loomis continued until he reached
the age of sixteen years, when he began his appren-
ticeship of three years at the trade of a carriage-
maker. During this period he received his board,
with a sliding scale of pecuniary reward : i. e.,
thirty dollars for the first year, thirty-five for the
second, and fortv for the last. The pay, however,
stood in an inverse ratio to his capability. No sooner
had he qualified himself as a journeyman than he
secured a post as foreman in the carriage shop of
Benton J. Kellogg, of North Glastonbury, where he
continued for two years. From Glastonbury he
went to Rocky Hill, where he entered the employ
of the Merriman Carriage Co. For five years he
lived in Berlin, where his industry and intelligence
soon brought him into prominence, both as a me-
chanic and as a citizen. Within a year he was made
constable, deputy sheriff", and, not long afterward,
justice of the peace. It was at about this period of
his life that he began reading law, his preceptor
being Francis Chambers, a personal friend. \\'hile
he never applied for admission to the Bar, he ac-
546
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
quired an intimate acquaintance with the underlying-
principles of the science, which has ever since stood
him in good stead. While living at Berlin he per-
ceived symptoms of failing health, and at once aban-
doned active work to seek occupation in the Far
West. He devoted a year to travel, and his adven-
tures were numerous and exciting. With two
friends whose acquaintance he had made by chance,
he visited a Sioux chieftain on the farther slope of
the "Rockies," and the old Indian warrior presented
Mr. Loomis with a copper bracelet, which is one of
the most highly-prized specimens in his extensive
and unique collection of curios. He was immenselv
impressed by the possibilities of the Northwest, but
his enthusiasm exceeded his experience. He per-
ceived that Minnesota was destined to become one
of the great tvheat-growing, wheat-distributing cen-
ters of the country, and on his return to Berlin he
enlisted the interest of some of his friends in the
formation of a concern to start a flouring-mill at
Wasioja, Dodge Co., Minn. Unfortunately for the
success of the scheme, the spot chosen for the venture
vvas so far out of the way of travel that even all the
machinery for the mill (not to speak of its putative
product) had to be hauled by teams. The project
was abandoned, and in 1857 Mr. Loomis returned to
•Connecticut, taking up his residence at Hartford.
With his expert knowledge of carriage-making, he
'did not find it difficult to secure a remunerative posi-
tion. For four years he was foreman for one of the
leading factories of the State, and in 1861 he en-
tered the emplo_y of the Sharp's Rifle Company,
which held a valuable government contract, remain-
ing with that company until the close of the war.
Then he accepted a position in the car shops of the
New York & New Haven Railway Co., where he re-
mained until 1867. In that year he began to "farm,"
and bought his present holding, which he has
brought to a high state of cultivation^, and on which
he has lived ever since. In addition to his farm he
owns valuable real estate in and around Manchester,
a part of which has been improved by the erection
of factories.
In June, 1861, Mr. Loomis was married to Miss
Rose Bunce, who died Dec. 15, 1891. Their union
was blessed with two children, Charles B. and Nor-
man M. The first named is bookkeeper in the em-
ploy of Walton Grant, of Manchester, and the
j^ounger has completed his second year at Trinity
College.
Since Mr. X^oomis has settled down to the pro-
saic life of a farmer his knowledge of law, joined to
his sterling integrit)', has stood him in good stead.
For eight years he has exercised the functions of a
notary public, and he has been called upon to adju-
dicate disputed questions in, and to settle up, fully
■one hundred estates — a record without parallel
among the laity. In politics he is Republican, and
has twice filled a seat in the Legislature, with credit
to his constituents and honor to himself. In 1859
he represented his native town, and in 1889 the town
of Manchester. At present ( 1900) he is a member
of the board of relief, on which he has served in all
about seven years. He has been a member of the
Masonic Fraternity for many years. While not
nominally afiihated with any church, his life is the
best exposition of his conception of true Christianity;
WARREN WALTER THORPE, of No. 144
Main street, and proprietor of one of the neatest
and most extensive shoe stores in Bristol, was born
in Southington, Conn., Nov. 19, 1839, and is a son
of Lauren and Catherine (Byington) Thorpe, the
former of whom was born Jan. 19, 1805, married
Sept. 21, 1831, and died Jan. 11, 1843; the latter
was born Jan. 24, 1808, and died Jan. 23, 1894.
Asahel Thorpe, grandfather of Warren W.
Thorpe, was a native of England, and a gentleman
of considerable wealth, the Thorpe family being the
original proprietors of Hyde Park in London.
Lauren Thorpe was also born in Southington,
Conn., was a blacksmith and farmer, was the in-
ventor of bolts for carriages, and started the in-
dustry in the factory now being conducted by L.
D. Frost, his son-in-law, at Southington. Mr.
Thorpe was a Whig in politics, and in religion a
Congregationalist, as was likewise his wife. To
Mr. and Mrs. Lauren Thorpe were born six chil-
dren: Judge Elbert E., born Feb. 11, 1833, died
March 9, 1897; Augusta Irene, born April 29, 1834,
was married to Harrison S. Judd, of Bethany, and
died April 30, 1899; Cornelia Marian, born July 22,
1836, married Levi D. Frost, of Southington, who
died Oct. 14, 1900; Emily Alice, born March 27,
1838, died Aug. 30, 1846; Warren W. is the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Maria Theresa, born Dec.
14, 1841, is the wife of Franklin Byington, of
Bristol.
Warren W. Thorpe was born on his father's
farm, and was but three years of age when that
gentleman was called from earth. He was educa-
ted in the common schools of Southington, which
he attended until sixteen years of age, and then
passed two years in the factory of Levi D. Frost.
He then entered the Bloomfield Academy, was
under tuition one year, and then spent a short time
on the home farm, after which he passed two years
in the store of Peck, Stow & Wilcox; he and his
brother, Elbert E., then purchased this store, and
conducted it about two years, selling it to Buritt
& Son.
Mr. Thorpe next came to Bristol, where he en-
tered the employ of Andrew Shepard as clerk.
About three years later Mr. Shepard died, and Mr.
Thorpe conducted the store in the interest of the
Shepard estate for another year, when it was sold to
O. B. Ives, and is now known as the A. J. Muzzy
& Co. store. Mr. Thorpe then clerked in the dry-
goods store of Benedict & Merriman, of Waterbury,
about one year, when he returned to Bristol and
clerked in J. R. Mitchell's general store, remaining
until the fall of 1875, at which time he opened a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
547
shoe store in Eber's block on North Main street.
Here he remained four years, thence removing- to
the okl J. R. Mitchell store, which he occupied un-
til G. W. Mitchell erected his new brick block at
No. 144 Main street, which Mr. Thorpe has since
occupied — doing a most thriving trade.
Warren W. Thorpe was joined in wedlock May
3, 1S65, with Miss Alice Augusta Dunbar, who was
born March 28, 1847, ^ daughter of Edward Lu-
cien and Julia (Warner) Dunbar, of Bristol. This
marriage has been blessed with two c hildren : Eva
May and Helen Dunbar. Eva May was born Nov.
2, 1869, and was married Oct. 19, 1898, to George
Wallace Birge, youngest surviving son of the late
Nathan Loomis Birge ; one child graces this union,
Rachel, born Sept. 8, 1899. Helen Dunbar, born
June 9, 1876, graduated from the Bristol high school
in 1895, and from the New Britain Normal School
in 1898; she taught one year in the Rockwell public
school, of New Britain, and is now teaching in the
kindergarten department of the Federal Hill school.
Warren W. Thorpe is a member of Franklin
Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., and in politics is a Re-
publican. He is a member of the Congregational
Church, of which he was librarian for several years.
The family stand high in social circles, and as a
business man Mr. Thorpe's name is beyond reproach
GUSTAV JULIUS SCHLAAK, a well-to-do
farmer of Berlin, was born in West Preussen, Ger-
many, Nov. 6, 1859. He left his native country in
early life, and coming to the "land of great possibil-
ities" has realized the promises which it has always
held out to the hand of industry, and is now the
owner of a fine farm of loi acres in Blue Hills,
Kensington.
Mr. Schlaak's father, Juhus Johann Schlaak,
never came to America, but spent his entire life in
Germany, as a farmer. There he died in 1878, at
the age of seventy-two years. The wife and mother,
who bore the maiden name of Wilhelmine Kadau,
is still living, at the age of seventy-two, and makes
her home with our subject in Blue Hills, Kensing-
ton. In the family were three sons, all of whom
came to this country. One brother of our subject is
now a laborer of Fair Haven, and the other is a
baker of Milford, Connecticut.
At the age of six years Gustav Schlaak began
his education in a private school in his native land,
and continued his studies for eight years. After
leaving school he learned the tailor's trade, at which
he worked until his emigration to the LTnited States.
He sailed from Bremen, Gennany, JNIarch 22, 1884,
and arrived in New York April 5, 1884. He located
in Meriden, Conn., where he worked for the firm of
Baum & Bernstein, and then opened a tailor shop of
his own which he successfully conducted until com-
ing to Blue Hills, Kensington, in November. 1889.
Here he purchased a home and farm of loi acres,
which is under a high state of cultivation, and which
as a skillful agriculturist he operates with good suc-
cess, raising general produce. He is also interested
in the dairy business, and has a milk route in
Meriden.
Mr. Schlaak married Miss Therese Mayer, who
was born in Wurtembcrg, Germany, March 6, 1863,
but was living in Meriden at the time of her mar-
riage. Four children have been born to them :
Emma Therese, born Sept. 7, 1887, died Dec. 3, 1887,
and was buried in Meriden ; Eda !\Iinnie, born Jan.
25, 1889, and Emma Helen, born Sept. 8, 1890, are
attending the Kensington schools ; and Margarete
Lena, born Aug. 8, 1892, died Aug. 5, 1895, and was
laid to rest in the Kensington burying-ground.
In politics Mr. Schlaak is independent, voting for
the men whom he considers best qualified to fill the
offices. He is a member of a orotective association
of Meriden, and attends the Lutheran Church of that
place, while his wife iiolds membership in the Cath-
olic Church of Meriden.
HON. JAMES HENRY ^NIIXOR (deceased),
during his lifetime a prominent manufacturer of
New Britain, was born in Woodbury, Litchfield
Co., Conn., March 20, 1840, and was a son of FIcnry
Minor, and a grandson of Matthew Minor, both also
natives of Woodbury.
jMatthew IMinor was a lawyer of distinction at
Woodbury, was active in politics and church affairs,
and a man of recognized local influence. He mar-
ried Lorena Bacon, who bore him six children :
Alary, who was married to Dr. Huxley, of Goshen ;
Emily, who became the wife of Enos Benham, of
Woodbury ; Giles, the eldest son ; Samuel, a graduate
of Yale and a lawyer; John B., who was a lumber
and coal merchant; and Henr}-, father of subject.
Henry Minor was a manufacturer of Woodbury
or in Hotchkissville, wielded much influence in Litch-
field county, of which he was elected sheriff on tlu
Republican ticket, and was a member of the Con-
gregational Church. He married Althea Green, of
Woodburv, and to this union were born four chil-
dren: James Henry, the subject of this sketch;
Mary J., married to William C. Buell, of Litchfield ;
Emily Lorena, married to George W. Minor ; and
Juia Bacon, wife of Dr. Frank Esterly, formerly
of Wisconsin. Both parents of this family are now
deceased.
James Henry Alinor, whose name opens this me-
moir, received his early education in an academy
in Woodbury, and also took the course in the high
school of New Britain, under John Warren Tuck.
When about nineteen years of age he finished his
education, then worked for his uncle. John 11.
Minor, in the lumber business at New Britain, a
few months, after which he took a short vacation
home. In 1863 he went to Wisconsin for a year,
returned to New Britain, and in 1864 entered the
shipping department of Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co.,
holding that place a year or so. He then bought
out the paper-box business of Sylvanus Stone, on
Elm street, a rather small concern at that time
548
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
{1868). In 1872 Mr. Minor removed his factory
to its present location, on Arch street, where it has
grown to be one of the industries of the city. For
a few years prior to 1890 he had interested with
him John B. Minor, but to James Henry Minor
is due the credit of making the business what it is,
and lie sliowed himself to be a man of unusual ex-
ecutive ability and business talent.
In politics Mr. Minor was a Republican, and a
very popular member of his party. For many years
he was chairman of the Republican town commit-
tee, and prior to 1861 was a member of the General
Assembl}' from New Britain for two terms. From
a business point of view he was a strictly self-made
man, and earned the high position he held solely
through his personal efforts. He passed away
March 7, 1895.
Hon. James Henry Minor was married, Dec.
II, 1861, to Ann Elizabeth Eddy, a daughter of
Hon. Horace Eddy, who was reared and educated
in New Britain. He learned tlie trade of machinist
of Joseph Shipman, in whose family he lived for
years. Thence he went to Russell & Erwin, with
whom he remained until his death, becoming a
stockholder in the company, and when a joint-stock
company was formed he was made superintendent,
a position he held until March 25, 1887, and was
also a director for many years. Mr. Eddy was a
man of great force of character, and for one term
represented the Republican party in the Legislature
from New Britain. He, was a director in the First
National Bank, in the New Britain Savings Bank,
in the Landers, Frary & Clark, the Union Works,
and in the Gas Co. He was an honorary deacon in
his church, and was foremost in every enterprise
designed for the promotion of the true interests
of New Britain.
Mr. Eddy married Roxy Ann Wright, daugh-
ter of Dan Wright, of New Britain, and had born
to him two children, who have grown to maturitv :
Dan Wright, who was connected with the Russell
& Erwin Co. ; and Ann Elizabeth. The mother
died May 6, 1881.
SAMUEL ASHBEL HART, a representative
agriculturist and influential citizen of Kensington,
was born Jan. 15, 1844, in the house where he still
resides. The family was founded in America by
Stephen Hart, a native of England, who crossed
the Atlantic in 1631, and located in Farmington,
Conn. During the early trouble with the Indians
some of the Tunxis tribe set fire to the nouse in
which the ancestors of our subject lived, and all
were killed with the exception of Capt. John, who
was herding stock at the time and fortunately es-
caped. From him our subject is descended. Capt.
John Hart was born in 1655, and died Nov. il,
1714.
Lieut. Samuel Hart, the great-great-grandfa-
ther of our subject, was born in Berlin, Hartford
county, in January, 1692, fourth son of Capt. John
Hart. He was a lieutenant in the war of King
George II, in 1740, and died in 1751.
Samuel Hart, the great-grandfather, was born
m Berlin in 1738, and died in 1813. He firs't mar-
ried Rebecca, daughter of Charles and Rebecca
(Munson) Norton, and by her had seven children.
By his second wife, Lydia Hinsdale, daughter of
Capt. John and Elizabeth (Cole) Hinsdale, he had
ten children. Among the number were Emma Hart
Willard, who was a great scientist, and in 1819.
founded the Troy Female Seminary (she died in
1870, aged eighty-three years) ; and Almira Hart
Lincoln Phelps, the founder and for many years
the principle of the Baltimore Female Seminary.
The father of these was a very clever and intel-
lectual man.
Hon. Capt. Samuel Hart, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1761, and died in 1835.
He was quite a prominent man in his day, was a
State Senator from the First District, and was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war for a short time.
In 1800 he repaired and enlarged the house in which
our subject now lives, it being probably two hun-
dred years old — one of the oldest in the town of
Berlin. He married Mary Wilcox, who was born
in 1772, and died in 1850, being laid to rest beside
her husband in the South burying-ground of
Kensington.
Samuel Hart, father of our subject, was born
Aug. 9, 1802, and throughout life engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits, owning and operating 200 acres
of land. He vvas one of the most popular and in-
fluential citizens of his community, and about 1837
was elected to the State Legislature. He also
served as justice of the peace, and was a stanch
Democrat in politics. In November, 1825, he mar-
ried Miss Lucy Dickinson, and for over fifty years
they traveled life's journey together. He died
April I, 1876, and she passed away Nov. 4, 1888,
in Kensington, their remains being interred in the
South burying-ground. In their family were the
following children: Willis, born Nov. 6, 1826, died
Oct. 17, 1848; Sherman, born Oct. 2, 1828, en-
listed during the Civil war in the 32d Iowa V. I.,
and died at Island No. 10 in September, 1863;
Lucy, born Dec. 13, 1830, is the widow of Henry
R. Lyman, and now resides in Montevallo, Ala. ;
Mary A., born April 10, 1834, died when a few
days old; iMary Wilcox, born April 30, 1835, was
the first wife of Deacon William Upson, and died
June 30, 1871 ; Anna, born in 1837, died at the age
of twenty years ; Samuel, born in 1840, died when a
few months old; and Samuel A., of this review,
completes the family.
At the ancestral home of the family our subject
grew to manhood. From the age of four to fif-
teen he attended school in district No. 3 for eight
months during the year, and during the summer
season assisted in the work of the farm. For one
term he was a student in Lewis Academy, Southing-
ton, but on account of ill health was obliged to
I
^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
549
leave school and return home. Almost his entire
life has been passed on the old homestead, and in
his farming' operations he has met with most grat-
ifying success, becoming" one of the most sub-
stantial and prosperous citizens of Kensington. In
1866 he went to Alabama, and from there to Iowa,
where he remained about a year, and then returned
home. Again, in 1875, he went to Iowa, where
he remained a year, but since then has lived un-
interruptedly in Hartford county.
On Jan. 19, 1881, Mr. Hart married Miss Anne
Amelia Hough, who was born May 8, 1843, ^
daughter of Isaac and Laura (Johnson) Hough,
of Wolcott, Conn. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hart are
active and prominent members of the Kensington
Congregational Church, in which he was elected
deacon in 1897, and he is also chairman of the
Kensingion Ecclesiastical Society, while his wife
is a member of the Ladies Aid and Missionary So-
cieties. Mrs. Hart belongs to the D. A. R. Fra-
ternally Mr. Hart was a member and treasurer of
Percival Grange, No. 95, of Kensington, for sev-
eral vears, or until the organization dissolved. In
political sentiment he is a Democrat, but at local
elections votes for the men whom he believes best
qualilied to till the offices, regardless of party affil-
iations, and he has never cared for political pre-
ferment. He is a man of more than ordinary in-
telligence, is a great reader, a deep thinker, broad-
minded and liberal in his views, and keeps well
informed on the topice and issues of the day. Be-
ing a man of sound judgment and keen discrimina-
tion, his advice is often sought by his neighbors
and friends, and he is one of the most influential
citizens of his community.
JONATHAN KNOX HALL, a most worthy
citizen and prosperous farmer of Hockanum, Hart-
ford county, was born in that village May 28, 1834,
in the house now occupied by Stanlev Wadsworth,
and is a son of Austin and Betsey (Wells) Hall.
Dr. Timothy Hall, grandfather of our subject,
was a native of Brookline, Mass., early located in
Hockanum, and had a very large practice, and was
quite prominent as a citizen. He was known as a
very skillful army surgeon during the Revolutionary
war. He was twice married, his first wife being
Eunice Hills, who bore him twelve children — three
boys and nine girls, the sons being" Dr. Eli, of
East Hartford ; Luke, a pohceman in New York ;
and Austin, father of our subject. Dr. Timothy
Hall retained his health all his life, and his death,
at the age of eighty-eight years, was caused by an
accident when out driving. He was a charter mem-
ber of Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., East
Hartford.
Austin Hall was born in Hockanum, just across
the street from where Truman Hale now lives, was
educated in the common schools to a limited ex-
tent, and was a farmer from youth until death- To
his marriage with Betsev ^^'ells, a native of East
Hartford, and a daughter of Jonathan Wells, were
born the following named children : Adelaide be-
came the wife of George D. Scott, of New York,
and the mother of one son, George D., of Hartford.
Eunice died in infancy. George A., now of Oregon,
(first j married Catherine Grossman, and (second)
Ellen Hitchcock, and is the father of six children
by his second wife ; he was postmaster at Hockanum
for many years, the post office having been estab-
lished mainly through his instrumentality. Eunice,
the fourth child who lived in East Hartford, died
unmarried. Lucius J., a miller, married Caroline
Clapp, and Hved in Enfield, Ellington, Rocky Hill
and other places ; he was killed by being thrown
from his wagon in Hartford, his horse having been
frightened by a locomotive. Fidelia is the wife of
Abner Dickinson and the mother of nine children ;
she lives in New Britain. Mary, also a resident
of New Britain, married Truman House, and is the
mother of William A. House, a young, enterprising
business man, who is president of the Adkins Print-
ing Co., of New Britain, Conn. Harriet died in
young womanhood. Timothy Eli married Fanny
King, and also lives in New Britain. The tenth
and }^oungest child, J. Knox, is the subject of this
biography.
Austin Hall at one time owned and operated
the gristmill now owned by W. J. Cox. and also had
a cotton mill, which was located on Maple street,
but was later changed to an eyelet-mill, and was
operated as such until the Curtis mill was started
in Naubuc. Mr. Hall died in 1857, but had lost
his wife in 1835, when the subject of this sketch
was about six months old. He served as a lieu-
tenant in the war of 1812. He held the office of
selectman of the town of East Hartford, and also
represented the town in the State Legislature.
J. Knox Hall, after attending the district school
at Hockanum until sufficiently far advanced, en-
tered the East Hartford high school under Prof.
Pearson, and attended two winters. He lived one
winter with his brother Lucius, who was in the
milling" business at Enfield, then returned to the
home farm, where he lived until the death of his
father, after which he lived with his brother George
until his marriage, when he settled on his present
farm, which he had paid for from his own earninp-s.
On Feb. 26, 1859, ^Ir. Hall married ^liss Cath-
erine F. Brewer, daughter of Francis and Theo-
dosia (Grossman) Brewer, and five children were
born to this union : Burdette. who was engaged
in the fish and oyster business in \^irginia, is now
deceased. Carrie L., a very bright and-intelligTiit
young lady, was postmaster at Hockanum for two
years, and is now clerk in the money-order depart-
ment of the post office at Hartford, and a leader in
church work and in the Grange, belonging to Grange
No. 37, of East Hartford ; she has invariably de-
clined accepting office in either organization, al-
though frequently importuned to become an officer
in both : she taught school four years, two in her
550
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
own district (Hockanum), but gave up teaching
on account of ill health ; during her term she was
the moving spirit in getting the first American flag
of the district in the town of East Hartford, which
was ordered for every district in town by law by
the Legislature. Mary is married to Alexander
Pease, of East Hartford. William K. and Edith
are living with their parents.
In politics Mr. Hall was formerh' a Republican,
but is now an earnest Prohibitionist. For many
years he has been a justice of the peace, and is now
serving as such, his fellow citizens having always
had the utmost confidence in his integrity. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 62,
F. & A. M., in which he has filled nearly every
office, having been its worshipful master eight
years; is a member of Pythagoras Chapter, No.
17, Royal Arch Masons; Wolcott Council, No. i,
of Hartford; Washington Commandery, No. i,
Knights Templar, of Hartford, in which he has
held several offices; the O. U. A. M., of Glas-
tonbury; East Hartford Grange, No. 2>7> P-
of H. ; and is also post lieutenant in the Putnam
Phalanx Association, of Hartford, and was a mem-
ber of the staff under Major Alvin Squires. Mr.
Hall is, besides, a member of the Hockanum Con-
gregational Church, and superintendent of the Sun-
day-school. He was one of the first members of
this congregation, and was active in securing the
erection of the church edifice. Mr. Hall is a
courteous gentleman and a credit to his community,
where he is held in the highest regard.
FRANCIS HENRY WHITON, M. D., is a na-
tive of Connecticut, having been born May 16, 1846,
in the town of Mansfield, Tolland county, on a
farm. His inextinguishable fondness for study man-
ifested itself in his early youth, and until he reached
the age of sixteen years he attended the public
schools, supplementing their curriculum by instruc-
tion received from Rev. Herbert Brooks, of Mans-
field. At the age of seventeen he began teaching
school, which vocation proved congenial to his
tastes, and for a time he thought of making it his
life work, but the district schools were only open
during the winter months, consequently he was
without any fixed income. For six years he con-
tinued to teach school with gratification to himself
and satisfactory results to his pupils, yet he saw
that there might be something better before him.
He never let the "golden moments" pass, and spent
his leisure time in the study of languages, par-
ticularly of Latin and French, attaining proficiency
in both.
At the age of twent)' our subject began reading
medicine, Dr. William H. Richardson, of Mans-
field, being his first preceptor ; later he read with
Dr. F. O. Bennett. In 1868 he matriculated at
Harvard University, and . in 1871 at Dartmouth
Medical College, graduating from the last named
institution in 1872. Being desirous of securing
hospital practice, and taking a deep interest in dis-
eases of the nervous system, he secured a post in
the insane hospital at Flushing, L. I. From there
he went to Bellevue Hospital, New York, and sub-
sequently to a hospital in Brooklyn. In 1874 he
commenced practice in Manchester. His ripe train-
ing and rare skill ensured his success from the out-
set, and he has continuously enjoyed a successful
practice there with the exception of brief intervals
devoted to travel in this country and in Europe. He
is a member of the County Medical Society, the
State Medical Society, and the American Medical
Association.
Dr. Whiton was married. May 17, 1876, to Mrs.
Mary L. Buckland, daughter of George N. Loomis,
of Portsmouth, N. H. In private life he is genial,
hospitable and generous ; in public affairs he is
active, sagacious and patriotic. He is a Republican
iiu politics, and represented his town in the Legis-
lature during the years 1894-98.
JOHN W. HOLMES. Among the many his-
tories in this volume none are of more lasting in-
terest than those which tell of steady, persevering
effort in overcoming the limitations of early poverty,
and the following sketch of one of New Britain's
business men is deserving of a prominent place.
Mr. Holmes was born Sept. 28, 1850, in York-
shire, England, where his familv has been well-
known and respected for generations. Michael
Holmes, our subject's grandfather, was a prosperous
farmer in Yorkshire, and by honest, straight-for-
ward methods of business won a reputation which is
a credit to his descendants. He had the following
children : Daniel, Jonathan, Joseph, John, Mary,
Rebecca, Ann and Bessy.
John Holmes, the father of our subject, was
born in 18 10, in Yorkshire, and for some years of
his early manhood was engaged in farming and
butchering at Cullingworth, England ; later he re-
moved to Haworth, England, where he died in
1886. He was a thrifty, industrious man, success-
ful in his undertakings, and although his early ed-
ucation was somewhat limited he possessed un-
usually sound judgment. He belonged to the
Church of England, to which his family has al-
ways adhered. He married Miss Elizabeth Sunder-
land (now also deceased), and they had a large
family of children : ( i ) Mary married Edward
Stansfeld, an extensive farmer in Lancashire, Eng-
land. (2) George was a butcher in Halifax and
Ovenden, England, and was quite successful, be-
ing one of the best judges of cattle that ever went
to a market. He died in February, 1893, aged
fifty-nine years, and our subject, who had gone to
England to place his daughter in college on the
Isle of Jersey, attended his funeral. (3) Michael
came to America when twenty-two years of age,
and became a prosperous butcher at Wapping, near
Manchester, Conn. (4) Ann married William
Hartley, a tinner at Haworth,' England, son of a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
551
well-known citizen of that place. (5) Sarah mar-
ried Samuel Jennings, a farmer at Cullingworth,
who afterward became a well-to-do butcher. (7)
Lydia married James Ackroyd, a tailor, now a suc-
cessful auctioneer. (8) Elizabeth married John
ISarker, a foreman in a wool warehouse, (g) Eliza
married James I'ickard, a tanner and dealer in
hides and skins. (10) Susie (twin of Eliza) mar-
ried George Greatorex, a foreman in one of the large
breweries at Burton-upon-Trent. (11) Nannie mar-
ried Driver Keighley, a carpenter by trade. (12)
John W. is mentioned more fully later on. (13)
Emma married James Green, a farmer and butcher.
( 14) Albert learned the plumber's trade of his
brother-in-law Hartley ; he is now engaged in the
coal business at Haworth. '
The Sunderland family has long been identified
with Eold Farm, Mixiden, Yorkshire, where they
occupied a castle many years. George Sunderland,
the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a
farmer and stockraiser at the old estate, which is
now operated by his son Joseph. George Simder-
land m.Hrried and had five children : Joseph, Mary
S., Elizabeth (our subject's mother), Sarah and
John.
John W. Holmes spent his early life mainly in
Haworth, made famous by the genius of Charlotte
Bronte and her sisters, and his education was be-
gun in a school in Marsh Lane, near his home. As
his help was needed at home he could attend only
two or three days in a week, and when fourteen
years old he left school altogether. He remained
at home until he reached the age of fifteen, when
he was employed in sorting wool, an occupation
which he followed about seven years. In Septem-
ber, 1873, he sailed from Liverpool for the L'nited
States, arriving in New York at 8:30 .-\. M. on the
23d of that month. Two months were spent in
prospecting for a suitable business opening, and
on Nov. II, 1873, he formed a partnership with his
brother Michael in the meat business, their market
being on Main street, New Britain. After a year
and a half he bought his brother's interest and
continued alone for three years, when he was again
joined by his brother, then just returned from Eng-
land. This partnership also lasted a year and a
half, when Michael Holmes removed to James-
town, N. Y., our subject continuing to occupy the
same store for several years. Later he removed
to ]\Ir. Page's store, and about May, 1883, opened
a market in the basement of Henry Gwatkin's
building, corner of Main and West Main streets,
now owned by Holmes and Hoflfmann. About 1887
he purchased the property in partnership with Will-
iam Siering, the Siering-Holmes block being one
of the best buildings in the city. In 1892 he sold
out his retail meat business, and for three years he
gave his attention to the dressing and wholesaling
of sheep, lambs and calves. In 1896 he purchased
an interest with George Dennis in the brickyard of
Dennis & Co., and at present he is extensively en-
gaged in that line of business, iiaving in 1900 pur-
chased his partner's interest. With all his other in-
terests he finds time for some agricultural work,
owning two farms, and his success in all his en-
terprises shows excellent management.
As a business man Mr. Holmes is puljlic-spirited ;
in politics he affiliates with the Republican party,
although not an active worker. For more than
twenty-five years he has been a member of Har-
mony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. ]\L, and he and his
estimable wife are identified with the M. E. Church
of New Britain. He married Miss Mary Earn-
shaw-, daughter of William Earnshaw, of ^'orkshire,
England, the family being neighbors and tenants of
Sir Isaac Olden, M. P. Five children have blessed
the union : ( i ) Miss Eva Bernette is her father's
bookkeeper in all three of his branches of business,
while (2) Francis Henry assists him in his brick
business; (3) John Arthur died at the age of thir-
teen; (4) Cora May and (5) Flossie Dell are at
home.
WILLIAM R. TINKER, M. D., was born Aug-.
8, 1853, at Tolland, Hampden Co., Mass. His fa-
ther, William Tinker, was born in Westfield, that
State, and his mother, Emily C. (Slocum), was of
the same nat.vity.
On the pr.ternal side Dr. Tinker traces his line-
age back through eight generations, to Thomas Tin-
ker, one of the devoted band who disembarked from
the ''Mayflower" on Plymouth Rock, in the cold
mid-winter of 1620. Thomas Tinker died before
the crocuses of spring had pushed their heads
through the snow. His son John was subsequently
made governor of the New London Colony. J\Irs.
W'illiam Tinker, the Doctor's mother, was one of
the old New England family of Slocums. Her
mother, Fidelia (Robinson), was a daughter of
Col. Timothy Robinson, of Revolutionary fame.
William R. TinKer is third in a family of seven
children, one of whom died in infancy. Of the
others. Pearl died at Los Angeles, Cal., in 1888;
Lucia, the widow of Malon Flaley, is at present re-
siding at Plainville, Conn.; Emma is the wife of
Eli D. Warfield, a merchant of Plainville, Conn. ;
Bert S., died at Los Angeles, Cal. ; and Edward
F. is engaged in mining at Dawson City, in the
Northw-est.
^^'hen ^^'illiam R. Tinker was but five years old
his parents removed to Connecticut, bringing him
with them. The family remained at Colebrook
river until he had reached the age of twelve years,
when they returned to Massachusetts, making their
home at Otis, that State. There he attended the
public schools, supplementing the instruction thus
received by subsequent courses at the South Berk-
shire Institute, New Marlboro. Alass., and the
Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. At the age
of twenty he began his professional studies at Otis,
Mass., under the tutelage of Dr. C. B. King, and
after two years spent with him entered the Zkledical
552
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Department of the University of New York, from
which institution he graduated in 1880. After grad-
uation he came to East Hartford, Conn., and be-
gan practice. In October, 1880, he removed to
South Manchester, which town has ever since been
his home, and where he enjoys an extensive and
lucrative practice. He is a member of the Hartford
County Medical Society, also of the Connecticut
State Medical Society, and he is prominent in social
circles, being a member of the Manchester Lodge,
No. 73, F. & A. M., and of King David Lodge, L
O. O. F. In i8q7 he was elected to the Legislature
on the Republican ticket.
On Sept. 10, 1888, Dr. Tinker was married to
Miss Eugenia A. Sault, who has borne him two
children : William R., Jr., born Aug. 26, 1891 ;
and Marion E., born May 9, 1895.
THOMAS E. DAMERY, a successful merchant
of Wethersfield, possesses many of the admirable
characteristics of his Scotch-Irish ancestry, and
his great energy and perseverance have enabled
him to mount from a lowly position to one of af-
fluence.
Mr. Damery was born in Wethersfield May 24,
1858, and is a son of William and Ann (Ford)
Damery, both natives of the North of Ireland, and
descended from sturdy Scotch-Irish stock. The
father was educated in the National schools of his
native land. He came to this country when a young
man, with nothing but a stout heart and willing
hands, to make for himself a home. Locating in
Wethersfield, Hartford Co., Conn., he first engaged
in farm work, and for several years was employed
in the store of S. W. Robbins, as a general hand.
He died Dec. 16, 1869, of pneumonia, in the prime
of life, at the age of thirty-five years, and was laid
to rest in Wethersfield cemetery. He was strictly
temperate in his habits, was domestic in his tastes,
was a good husband and kind father, was honest,
industrous and enterprising, and commanded the re-
spect and confidence of all with whom he came in
contact. Politically he was a supporter of the Re-
publican party, and religiously was a member of
the Congregational Church. Flis death proved a
sad loss to his wife, who is still living, and now
finds a pleasant home with our subject. She is a
member of the Episcopal Church, and a most esti-
mable lady. In their family were five children :
Thomas E., our subject ; Elizabeth M., who married
J. L. Higgins, of Haddam, Conn., and died in 1898;
William H., who died young; S- Jennie, wife of E.
G. Fairfield, of Hartford; and Frederick Louis, a
resident of Boston, Massachusetts.
Thomas E. Damery was quite young at the time
of his father's death, but was reared by a good
Christian mother. He was educated in the district
and his-h schools of Wethersfield, and at the age of
fourteen entered the store of S. W. Robbins, of
Wethersfield, as clerk, remaining there six years.
He next became a clerk in the general store of J.
Amidon & Co., of Wethersfield, and held that po-
sition until 1886, when he purchased an interest in
the business. After the death of Mr. Amidon he
formed a partnership with E. L. Walkley, under
the firm name of Walkley & Damery, and bought
out the company, and on April i, 1900, he bought
out Mr. Walkley, now doing business alone as a
general merchant, druggist and dealer in coal, hav-
ing built up an excellent trade. Mr. Damery gives
his undivided attention to his business interests, is
thoroughly familiar with the trade in every detail,
and has steadily and honorably worked his way up-
ward until he has attained a fair degree of pros-
perity. He is one of the self-made men of the com-
munity, and the success that has come to him is
certainly well deserved. Besides his business prop-
erty he owns a pleasant home on Main street, Weth-
ersfield, where he and his mother now live. He
is broad-minded and liberal in his views, is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party, and, in religious
connection, a member of the Episcopal Church.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON ALCOTT, M.
D., a popular and successful physician of West
Hartford, was born in Oriskany Falls, N. Y., Oct.
20, 1850, and belongs to quite a distinguished
family.
(I) Thomas Alcock, the progenitor of all bear-
ing the Alcott name in this country, came from
England with the Winthrop company in 1630, and
died in Boston, Mass., Sept. 14, 1657. (II) Philip
Alcock, son of Thomas, married Elizabeth Mitchell.
(HI) John Alcock, son of Philip, married Su-
sanna (last name not known), and resided in New
Haven, Conn. (IV) John Alcock, son of John,
married Deborah Blakeslee, and removed to Water-
bury, Conn., in 173 1. (V) Capt. John Alcox, son
of John (2), was born in Waterbury, and married
Mary Chatfield, of Derby, Conn. (VI) John Chat-
field Alcott, the grandfather of our subject, was
married, Oct. 13, 1796, to Anna Bronson, daughter
of Capt. Bronson. One of their sons was Amos
Bronson Alcott, who was born in Wolcott, Conn.,
and was the father of Louisa M. Alcott, the noted
author of "Little Men," "Little Women," etc.
(VII) Junius S. Alcott, the Doctor's father,
was born in Wolcott, Conn., July 6, 1818, and was
engaged in the machinist's business under the firm
name of Couch & Alcott, at Oriskany Falls, N.
Y., where he died April 16, 1852. He married
Miss Nancy J. Pritchard, of Litchfield, Conn., who
was born Feb. 5, 1821, and died Aug. 19, 1880.
They had five children: Lillian May, born May
19, 1845, is now the wife of John H. Perry, of Hart-
ford, Conn. ; Junius Bronson, born Dec. 14, 1846,
was drowned Aug. 19, 1853 ; Jane Ann, born May
31, 1848, is the wife of William Ayer, of Fowler,
Mich.; Ralph W. E., our subject, is next in the
order of birth; and Julia S., born Aug. 16, 1852,
died Sept. 9, 1852.
(VIII) Dr. Alcott was only two years old when
I
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
553
liis father died. Later the mother married James
J\l. Richards, of New Hartford, Conn., where the
family hvcd for a few vcars, and then removed to
Massachusetts. Our subject commenced the study
of medicine under the tutorship of Dr. C. S. Cut-
ler, of Granby, Conn., and later with Dr. H. B.
Steel, of Windsted, Conn., studying in this way for
three years. Subsequently he took a course of
lectures at the L'niversity of Pennsylvania, and in
1881 was graduated from the United States Medical
College, of New York, with the degree of M. D.
He then engaged in practice in Granby and Avon,
Hartford countv, until 1896, in which year he lo-
cated permanently in West Hartford, where he has
already built up a large and lucrative practice. He
is thoroughly versed in his profession, and his
skill and ability are widely recognized.
On July II, 1871, Dr. Alcott married Miss Ida
H. Miller, daughter of Myron and Lura (Gates)
Miller, of Hartland, Hartford county, and to them
were born two children : Herbert Bronson, who
is now engaged in business in Torrington, Conn.;
and Ila Louise. Mrs. Alcott died July i, 1884. The
Doctor was made a Mason in Village Lodge, No.
29, F. & A. M., in CoUinsville, in 1880, and at
present holds membership in Wyllys Lodge, No.
99, F. & A. M., of West Hartford; Pythagoras
Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. ; and Wolcott Council,
No. I, R. & S. M., of Hartford.
GEORGE TRUMAN COOK, one of the rep-
resentative self-made enterprising citizens of Bris-
tol, and widely and favorably known, is a native
of New York State, born Oct. 10, 1840, in West
Camden, Oneida county.
The Cook family, of which our subject is a
worthv member, are descended, it is supposed, from
one of three brothers who came to America from
England in early days, two of them settling in Con-
necticut, the third seeking a New World home in
the Western States. Truman Cook, grandfather of
George T., was a farmer for several years in Terry-
ville, Litchfield Co., Conn., also for a time in West
Camden, N. Y., where in connection he conducted
a rake manufactory, and a lumber business. He
married Abigail Beach, a native of Plymouth, Conn.,
and children as follows were born to them : Arba,
Emily, Mary, Ann, Henry and George. Of these,
Arba Cook, father of subject, was born Feb. 6, 1807,
in Plymouth, Conn., where during his earlier man-
hood he followed the trade of wood turner, and
was employed in various other lines of work. The
]atter days of his life he spent in farming in Terry-
ville. Conn., whither he had removed when his son
George T. was eight years old. On April 8, 1829,
he married Hepziba Case, who was born in South-
ington. Conn., JMarch 27, 1810, and died Sept. 20,
1883, in New Britain. He passed from earth iMarch
17, 1876. A man of retiring disposition, he became
a great reader, and on general topics of the day
was well posted. In religious faith he was a mem-
l)er of the Congregational Church of Terryville,
Litchfield county ; in ])olitics he was originally an
Old-line Whig, later a Republican and Abolitionist.
Three children were born to this honored couple:
(i) A son died in infancy. (2) Nancy Maria mar-
red Francis Hare, of Deerfield, Mass., and now a
widow is making her home with her son Averett
Hare, in Bristol. (3) George Truman is our sub-
ject.
George T. Cook received a liberal education, in
part in the schools of West Camden, N. Y., later
attending the public schools of Terryville, Conn. At
the age of fourteen years, owing to his father's im-
paired health, the lad had to lay aside his bonks and
commence work in order to assist in the support of
the family, his first employment being in the Eagle.
Lock Co.'s shop at Terryville, where he was re-
quired to work eleven hours a day for $10 per month.
This comparatively small sum went toward paying
for a small piece of land and a home, which his
father had purchased and was struggling to re-
lieve from indebtedness. On Aug. 8, 1862, leaving
the employ of the Eagle Lock Co., our subject en-
listed, at Plymouth, Conn., in Company D, 19th
Conn. V. I., serving first as a private, later as a
musician. He participated in the battle of Cold
Harbor, where he was wounded (he still has the
bullet) ; also took part in the campaign in front of
Petersburg, and was mustered out of the service
July 7, 1865, at New Flaven. Conn. Returning to
the paths of peace, he recommenced work in the
Eagle Lock Co.'s shop at Terryville. and there con-
tinued until the death of his father, March 17, 1876,
in that vear removing to Bridsfeport. and accepting
a position with the Bridgeport Lock Co. (which con-
cern had just been started), having charge, as fore-
man, of some fifty hands in the assembling depart-
ment. At the end of two years this factory was
purchased by the Eagle Lock Co., of Terryville, and
the plant removed there, Mr. Cook accompanying
and remaining as foreman of the same dcnartment
another two years. He then removed to New Brit-
ain, where he was employed as foreman for the P.
& F. Corbin Cabinet Lock Co., filling that incum-
bency some four years, at which time he resigned
and removed to Bristol, where he embarked in his
present prosperous bakerv business on Main street.
In 1807. in A\'aterburv. he opened what was known
as "Cook's Branch Baker\'," and for two years
carried on same verv successfullv, at the end of that
time selling out to James Lawton.
J\Ir. Cook has been twice married, first time, in
April, 1866. to Emilv Seymour Beach, of Plymouth,
Conn., who died Feb. 19, 1881, in New Britain,
Conn. He wedded (second), Dec. 14, 1886. Edith
Maria Pease, who was born Jan. 10, 1860, in Enfield,
Conn., daughter of Samuel R. and Lovina (Boy-
ington) Pease. There are no children by either
marriage.
Our subject and his wife are members of the
554
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Prospect M. E. Church at Bristol, Mrs. Cook be-
^ ing identified with the Ladies Aid Society, and Mr.
Cook with the Church Extension committee. So-
cially he is affiliated with Phoenix Lodge, No. 52,
I. O. O. F., of New Britain, has passed the chairs
therein, and he and his wife are members of Ruth
Lodge, No. 24, Ladies Auxiliary to the L O. O.
F., wherein Mrs. Cook has passed the chairs. He
is affiliated with Gilbert W. Thompson Post, No.
13, G. A. R., at Bristol, Mrs. Cook being presi-
dent of Gilbert W. Thompson Relief Corps, No.
4, of Bristol, of which she has served as junior and
senior vice-president. Mr. Cook is also an ad-
vanced member of Nathan Hale Lodge, O. U. A. M.,
at Bristol. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but
takes no active interest in the affairs of the party.
The confidence and trust reposed in both Mr. and
Mrs. Cook has never been misplaced, and to-day
their many friends have for them the highest re-
gard.
GEORGE WASHINGTON LADD, the pres-
ent first selectman of Bloomfield, is a native of
Duanesburg, Schenectady Co., N. Y., born Oct. 18,
1848, and is a son of Elijah and Harriet (Bentley)
Ladd, also natives of Duanesburg, and of English
descent.
Elijah Ladd was a son of Lemuel and Phebe
(Herrick) Ladd, and was reared on his father's
farm. To him and his wife the following named
children were born : Susan, who is now deceased ;
Mary Ann, married to John Slawson, of Duanes-
burg ; Eva, wife of Ashel B. Morey, of the same
town; Harriet, now Mrs. Dewitt Empie, of Scho-
harie, N. Y. ; and George W., whose name opens
this biographical notice. Elijah Ladd and his wife
died some years ago, in their native town.
George W. Ladd, following in the footsteps
of his immediate ancestors, passed his youth and
early manhood on the home farm. At Rensselaer-
ville, N. Y., he married Miss Millie N. Johnson,
daughter of Rev. J. S. Johnson, of the first Baptist
Church at Rensselaerville, and to this union have
been born three children : Raymond L., Fannie M.
and LeRoy A. Of these, Raymond L. married
Miss Nellie Goodwin, of Bloomfield. Fannie M.
is married to George B. Asbwell, of Hartford,
Conn., and to their marriage has been born one
child, Gladys.
In May, 1891, George W. Ladd came to Bloom-
field, locating on West street, and engaged in
dairying, which he still follows. He is very promi-
nent in the management of the afi^airs of the town,
has been a member of the board of selectmen four
years, and. at this writing (1900) is serving his
third year as first selectman ; he is also a member of
the board of education. He was once elected a
justice of the peace, on the Republican ticket, but de-
clining to qualify. He adheres faithfully to that
party. Fraternallv he is a member of Hiram Lodge,
No. 98, F. & A. M., at Bloomfield, and also of the
Grange, of the same town. He and wife are mem--
bers of the Baptist Church, and, socially, enjoy the
respect of the entire community.
WILLIAM E. LATHAM is a son of Amos B.
Latham, and grandson of William Latham, the for-
mer a native of Hebron, and the latter of Groton,
Conn. His grandfather, who was for many years
a farmer in the town of Hebron, married Betsey
Barnes, by whom he was the father of eleven chil-
dren : Isaac, Joel, Joseph, Avery, Darius, William,
Amos B., and four who died in childhood. William
Latham, the elder, died Dec. 31, 1836, and his wife
Feb. 12, 1849.
Amos B. Latham learned the trade of a car-
penter and joiner in his youth, and spent his early
years in Hebron. His natural inclination was
toward mechanical work, and he acquired a thorough
knowledge of cornicemaking through his own ef-
forts, and with very little instruction, following it
successfully for many years. About 1840 or '41
he removed to Marlboro, where he passed the re-
mainder of his life. He was fairly successful in
business, and reared a family which reflected credit
upon himself and the mother to whose tender care
they owed their early training. He was a public-
spirited citizen, always ready to render aid and
support to every movement looking toward the ad-
vantage of the community of which he was a highly-
respected member. He was a man of earnest con-
victions, as appears from the course of his political
affiliations. Prior to 1856 he was a Democrat, but
in that j^ear the agitation of the Free-soil issue
brought him into the Republican party, and he cast
his presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He
continued to act with the Republicans until the re-
nomination of Gen. Grant, in 1872, when he returned
to the fold to which he had originally belonged.
In other words, his adherence to principle, joined
to his native independence, caused principle to ap-
pear to him in a higher, purer light than mere
partisanship.
Mr. Latham's townsmen honored him by elec-
tion to various offices. He was selectman, trial jus-
tice, town treasurer, a representative in the Legis-
lature, judge of probate, and, at the time of his
demise, town clerk. His early education may be
said to have been of a rudimentary character, but
his early disadvantages were, in a large measure,
overcome by a course of well-selected reading dur-
ing later life. ITe was an unusually well informed
man on all general topics, and generally more than
able to hold his own in any discussion upon any
topic with which he was familiar. He was noted for
his activity, energy and probity, and, although not
a professed member of any church, was a regular
attendant upon the services of the Congregational
Church in the place of his residence, and for many
years chairman of the business committee of the
society. He married Caroline M. Loomis, daughter
of Elias Loomis, of Colchester, t^nd granddaughter
^.
^j^tn-
^iZJt-t^^^il^?:^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
555
of Samuel Loomis, who was a soldier during the
war of the Revolution. The family of Loomis is
one of the oldest in Colchester. Mr. Latham died
July 22, 1S93. Children were horn to this mar-
riage as follows : Harriet J., wdio married Stanley
Wadsworth, of Hockanum (East Hartford) ; Bet-
sey M., who has been married three times, her first
husband having been Joseph Alvord, her second
Gamaliel Waldo, and her third William Burland;
William E. ; Joel E., a farmer and blacksmith in
South Dakota ; Amos M., whose home is in Sears-
boro. near Grinnell, Iowa, also a farmer and black-
smith ; and Imogene C, the widow of Hawdey Skin-
ner, of East Hampton, Conn. After the death of
his first wife, wdiich occurred Sept. 17, 1858, Mr.
Latham married Eliza A. JNlcEva, who bore him
two children. The elder of these, Charles A., is
living in Elyria, Ohio, and the younger, Ernest B.,
in the city of New York, where he is engaged in the
business of manufacturing and sellinR: electrical sup-
plies.
William E. Latham received his early educa-
tion in the common schools, supplementing it by a
partial course at the State Normal School at New
Britain. The outbreak of the Civil war interrupted
his course of study, and in August, 1862, he en-
listed in Company C, 20th Conn. V. L He con-
tmued in the service until mustered out, in June,
1865, participating in the battles of Chancellors-
ville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek,
Averysboro' and Bentonville. After receiving his
honorable discharge he returned to New Britain,
and entered the bolt department of the Stanley
^^'orks. He remained with that concern for fifteen
years, although between 1868 and 1880 his work
was done under contract, he employing from five
to twelve men. In the year last named ill health
compelled him to abandon active shop work, and
he retired to private life. He had, however, al-
ways been an active political worker, in the interests
of the Republican party, of which he was a stanch
member. On his withdrawal from the Stanley
Works he was elected tax collector on his party
ticket, and re-elected again and again, holding the
position for nine years, during which he also held
the office of tax collector for the city of New Brit-
ain, which latter he filled altogether eleven yeai'S,
with satisfaction to the tax-payers and with honor
to himself. He has also been registrar of voters
and justice of the peace. In 1892 he embarked in
the real estate and insurance business at New Brit-
ain.
]\Ir. Latham is a prominent and active member
of the G. A. R., having once held the office of
adjutant, and being now (1899) junior vice-com-
mander of Stanley Post, No. 11. He has also been
prominent in the councils of the Order of United
American jMechanics, having held the office of coun-
cillor, and being now a trustee. He belongs to the
South Congregational Church, and is a liberal con-
tributor toward its work.
In 1867 Mr. Latham was married to Nettie B.,
daughter of Henry C. Flagg, of New Britain, and
granddaughter of Abijah Elagg, of the same place.
Mrs. Latham's father was for many years a prom-
inent furniture dealer and undertaker. Their mar-
riage was blessed with one daughter, IHorencc M.,
who resides at home. Mrs. Latham died July 17,
1894.
CHRISTIAN TREPP, of Addison, is one of
the men who have won success in life with no cap-
ital except their native ability and strength of will.
Mr. Trepp is a native of Grobenton, Switzer-
land, and a son of John Martin and Christina
(Bailey) Trepp, lifelong residents of that town.
His father was a farmer and teamster by occupa-
tion, and before the days of railroads in Italy and
Switzerland would haul silks and other merchandise
from place to place, this business sometimes oblig-
ing him to work all night. Our subject was one
of a large family of children, as follows: George,
a farmer in Switzerland; Christian, the second in
order of birth; John ISIartin, a skilled horseman,
who was killed in Switzerland by the kick of a
horse; jMichael, who came to America and located
in Canton, Mont., where he is a successful ranch-
man; David, who died in Canton, Mont.; ]\Iartin,
who located in Canton, IMont., and followed gold
digging and later stock raising, and was drowned
near there, wdiile attempting to ford a swollen
stream on horseback: Christina, who died young;
Susannah, Mrs. Memper, who resides in Switzer-
land ; and Elizabeth, who remained in Switzerland.
Our subject was born Nov. i, 1831, and as a
boy attended the schools near his home, his oppor-
tunities being in sharp contrast with those of Amer-
ican children of to-day. The room w-as small and
the high-backed seat's uncomfortable, while the
methods of teaching were primitive. His first
teacher was less efficient than the average, as, ac-
cording to Mr. Trepp, he was a "bachelor who
sparked at night and slept in school," but his later
instructors were better, and he remembers one in
particular from whom he learned much. He learned
quickly, and on completing his common-school
course' went to Italy to familiarize himself with the
language of that country, eight months sufficing for
this^. He returned home, but soon afterward went
to Koslin, Prussia, to learn the confectioners' trade,
which he followed there for four years, and at
Dresden, Saxony, for about six months. On Oct.
30, 1854, he sailed from Hamburg for New York,
making the voyage in an old-fashioned sailing ves-
sel wdiich occupied seven weeks on the trip, arriving
Dec. 19. The weather was warm and pleasant most
of the way. On his way over he met Edward Paul-
man, who, a quarter of a century later, has become
his neighbor in Addison.
After Mr. Trepp had paid his fare to Hartford
he had but three gold pieces left, and as he was un-
able to find work during the following winter he
556
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
would have fared ill had he not secured credit with
a German, who knew that he could trust one of his
honest face and demeanor, and whom Mr. Trepp
promptly repaid as soon as he could. In the spring
he was employed for two weeks in a bakery, to fill
a vacancy, and then he went to East Glastonbury
to work for Leonard E. Hale, at $io a month, re-
maining one year. The next six months he spent
with Mr. Sellew, on Main street, Glastonbury, at
$14 per month, and for nine years he was employed
on a farm by Sydney Smith, of Glastonbury, his
marriage occurring in the meantime. He then spent
a summer on the river, as a hand on a stone-boat
owned by Elizur Smith, and this experience led to
a fortunate change in his business life. As he was
very economical he had saved a neat httle sum of
money, invested in government bonds, and these he
paid in as his portion in the purchase, with several
others, of a share in a tug boat, the "Col. E. B.
Grubb." This venture proved a profitable one, and
stimulated by his success Mr. Trepp purchased two
stone-boats, one of which was the "George C.
Bloom." He was one of the company who built
the "A. M. Smith," costing $12,00.0, our subject
paying his quarter-interest in cash. When the river
traffic began to decline he moved to his present
farm, purchased in 1869 from a Mr. Barrows, and
he has since followed farming, chiefly raising to-
hacco, in which he has been successful. The tract
then contained eleven acres, but Mr. Trepp has
added more from time to time, and has now about
twenty acres of choice land, in a good state of cul-
tivation, besides considerable meadow and wood-
land. In 1899 he erected a nice modern dwelling
house, which he will enjoy in his declining years,
and the other buildings on the place have been re-
built by him.
On May 19, 1863, Mr. Trepp married Jane Rob-
inson, a native of Ireland, and they have two chil-
dren : George W. and Emma. George W. assists
'in the management of the farm ; he married Miss
Lena Tanner, and has two children, Edna and
Louis. Emma lives at home. In the spring of
1883 Mr. Trepp, with his wife and family, took a
trip through some of the Western States and Terri-
tories, visiting all the principal cities and places of
interest, and finally reaching Montana, where he
visited with his brothers for over a month. His
brothers were engaged in gold digging, which in-
terested the visitors greatly. They found many
things to interest them, but Mr. Trepp prefers the
East for a home. The family is identified with the
Congregational Church, and politically Mr. Trepp is
a stanch Republican, his attachment to the party
being free from any desire for official rewards and
honors.
RICHARD MURRAY, a prominent and es-
teemed citizen of Berlin, was born in County Water-
ford, Ireland, in 1845. His early life was one of
constant devotion to work, and he has made his
life successful through resolute pertinac'ty, fixed
purpose, earnest determination and tireless in-
dustry.
Mr. Murray's parents, Thomas and Ellen
(Flynn) Murray, are now both at rest in St.
Peter's cemetery, at Haverstraw, N. Y. The fa-
ther was a tenant farmer in Ireland, with but a
small holding of sixty or seventy acres, who found
the hardest of hard work scarcely yielded a bare
support for himself and his family. The parents
came to America first, and passage was made to
the children in turn, which fact accounts for the
younger children (Richard and Thomas) coming
later than the others. Richard was but a youth
v/hen he came to America, at which time he was
totally unacquainted with the usages of the country
which was to be his future home. But he had in-
born intelligence and the native courage of his
race, not to mention its innate savoir-faire. He
soon found employment at "edging" on a brick yard
on the Hudson, in the neighborhood of New York
City, in accepting which employment (as the nearest
which presented itself) he unwittingly cast the mold
of his whole future life. For four decades he de-
voted himself to brickmaking. From the insig-
nificant position of a boy, at everyone's beck and
call, he rose to fill the position of superintendent,
and ultimately became a partner in the firm. Within
a few years the firm name of Peck & Murray gave
way to that of Murray & Morrissey, and in 1892
Richard Murray, the erstwhile Celtic emigrant, be-
came through purchase the sole owner of the busi-
ness. He removed the plant to Berlin, Conn.,
where he established the Murray Brick Works,
where an average force of fifty men is employed,
and every detail of the work is under Mr. Murray's
personal supervision.
Our subject's residence is one of the largest
in Berlin, he having purchased the property com-
monly spoken of as the "Norman Porter place,"
formerly owned by a Mr. Porter, a gentleman from
the South, and originally costing $30,000. His
domestic life has been as happy as his business
career has been successful. On Oct. 29, 1865, he
married Miss Ellen Butler, of Haverstraw, N. Y.,
who was born in County Waterford, Ireland,
daughter of Mathew Butler, a farmer, and his wife
Ellen, whose father was also a farmer. Mrs. Murray
died May 16, 1899, after a short illness, and is
buried in the cemetery at New Britain. She was
deeply and sincerely mourned, not only by her
husband, to whom she was in every sense of thg
word a "helpmeet," but by her friends and neigh-
bors as well, for whom she always had a kind
word, and by the many beneficiaries of her unos-
tentatious charity. Mrs. Murray was well educated
in her native county, and for many years acted
as bookkeeper for her husband, who attributes his
success in life largely to her business capacity.
Mr. and Mrs. Murray became the parents of
eight children, a brief mention of whom will be
^
1
>
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
557
found of interest, (i) Alary Ellen, born Sept.
16, 1867, was educated at the schools of Haver-
straw and at St. Peter's Convent, graduating from
tlie latter institution. On Sept. 20, 1887, siie be-
came the wife of WilHam Fisher, who is in Mr.
]\lurray's employ, and three children have been born
to them. (2) Alice Aloysius, born July 23, 1869,
was also educated at the public schools of Haver-
straw and St. Peter's Convent, and subsequently
graduated from the Eastman Business College,
I'ouglikeepsie, N. Y. She married, Oct. 25, 1894,
Edward Roche, of Berlin, and has borne her hus-
band two children. (3) Kathryn Ophelia, born
Sept. 16, 1 87 1, also attended St. Peter's Convent,
and later the Convent of Notre Dame, at Putnam,
Conn. She remains at home, unmarried. (4)
Adelia, bom Nov. 29, 1873, died Feb. 19, 1881.
(5) Josephine JNIercedes was born Dec. 23, 1875.
After leaving St. Peter's Convent she attended the
New Britain high school, and later the State Nor-
mal School, but was obliged to abandon her studies
because of illness. She, too, lives at home. (6)
Thomas Francis, born July 18, 1877, received his
primary education at St. Peter's Convent, and
afterward attended the grammar schools of New
Britain, and the Academy of the Holy Cross, at
Worcester, Mass. He is associated with his fa-
ther as business manager. (7) Adelia Dolores,
born Feb. 20, 1881, lives at home. She passed
through the grammar and high schools of New
Britain, and is at present a teacher in the centre
school of Berlin. (8) Richard Butler, the youngest
of the family, born Aug. 22, 1882, is a student at
Manhattan College, New York. All Mr. Murray's
children have enjoyed excellent educational ad-
vantages. Conscious of his own meager oppor-
tunities, he has been ever ready to make any sac-
rifice for their benefit.
The religious faith of Mr. Murray and his fam-
ily is that of the Catholic Church. His life has been
too full of work and business cares to permit him
to take an active part in politics ; on National and
State issues, however, his sympathies are with the
Democratic party, while in local matters he looks
to men rather than partisanship.
S. P. TURNER. Though eminently success-
ful as a business man, the true measure of this prom-
inent resident of Glastonbury should be taken as a
citizen, and not merely as a merchant. He is
scarcely yet in middle life, yet he has for years been
one of that town's most aggressive and wide-awake
men, active to every public enterprise, a factor in
shaping political affairs, and a citizen whose in-
fluence, while wide, is of that silent character
which impresses the more deeply. He is unosten-
tatious, courteous and accommodating, and is held
in high esteem.
\\'illiam H. Turner, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1764, and as a bright-
eyed bov in Boston attracted the attention of Elizur
Hubbard, a merchant of East Glastonbury, who was
visiting in Boston, and whose liking for the viva-
cious youngster was followed by a ])ro])osition to the
boy's mother to give him a good business education.
She consented, and the Massachusetts buy became
identified with the interests of Glastonbury. He
became a sailor, and married Mercy Wrisley, born
in East Glastonbury in 1771, and to them were born
nine children, of whom the eldest, William H., born
in 1788, was the grandfather of our subject. The
grandfather was a shipbuilder, and master of a
coasting vessel. In 1812 he married Mary Nichol-
son, who died in 1813, leaving one child, who died
in infancy. For his second wife William H. Tur-
ner married Bathsheba Brewster Wrisley, a native
of Marlboro, daughter of Samuel and Mary ( 1 lux-
ford) Wrisley. Samuel Wrisley was a Revolution-
ary soldier, a "conductor of teams" and a captain
in his regiment.
The third child and the second son of William
H. and Bathsheba Turner was Welles Turner, fa-
ther of our subject, born Nov. 13, 1828, on the Tur-
ner homestead on the west side of Main street,
Glastonbury, near station No. 45 of the trolley line.
Welles Turner received a good academic educa-
tion, attending the South Glastonburv Academy un-
der Orange Judd, who gave $50,000 to Wesleyan
University, and also under Henry L. Wells, later a
millionaire of Minneapolis, Alinn. Leaving school,
the father of our subject began his career as a
clerk in the dry-goods store of H. B. Chaffee &
Co., which stood on the ground in Hartford now
occupied by Sage, Allen & Co. E. S. Cleveland,
postmaster at Hartford under Presidents Lincoln
and Johnson, was a fellow clerk in that store. Later
Mr. Turner clerked for two years in the store of
J. Gordon Smith, and then in 1852 moved to South
Glastonbury and opened a general store, which he
conducted for four years. He married, Oct. 2, 1854,
Miss Isabelle P. Benton, born in Glastonburv in
March, 1830, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
(Plumnier) Benton. To them was born one son,
Sturgis P., our subject, Oct. 16, 1856. The wife
and mother died Nov. 8, 1856, and after her death
the bereaved husband gave up his mercantile busi-
ness and retired to the old homestead, where he has
since resided, a highly-esteemed citizen of Glaston-
bury. He is a Democrat in politics, and was the
first registrar of voters at Glastonbury. Fraternally
he is a veteran member of Columbia Lodge. No.
25, F. & A. j\L, of South Glastonbury, which in
1896 celebrated its looth anniversary. He is a well-
preserved man.
Sturgis P. Turner, our subject, was biit a few
weeks old when his mother died. He was reared
from infancy at the home of Dudley Lee and wife,
at Glastonbury, remaining there until twenty-one
years of age. As a boy he worked on the farm and
attended the Third district school of his native
town, his first teacher being Aliss House. He also
attended school to Airs. Cook and Airs. Noyes, and
558
COMMEMOR'ATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
later attended the academj' at Glastonbiir}^, when L.
S. Brown was principal.
In May, 1878, our subject went to New Britain,
and entered the employ of the New Britain Knitting
Co. as general helper. He worked until October of
the same year at $1.25 per day, then returned to
his home in Glastonbury, and the following spring
leased his father's farm. This he managed four
years, and while so engaged, in the fall of 1879, he
married Miss Hattie A. Welles, who was born Sept.
21, 1856, youngest daughter of Frederick and Cath-
erine (Saltonstal) Welles. To our subject and
wife has been born one daughter, Isabella Benton.
The mercantile career of our subject began
March 15, 1883, when he purchased the store of
P. H. Goodrich, at Glastonbury. This he has ever
since conducted most successfully, and has from
time to time added extensively to the stock, intro-
ducing among other lines boots and shoes and drugs.
Mr. Turner is one of the wide-awake and pros-
perous business men of the town. He was one of
the incorporators, and the first president, of the
Eagle Sterling Co., was later treasurer for a time,
and was prominently identified with the company
until February, 1898.
In politics Mr. Turner is a stanch Republican,
and he is one of the most active workers for the
success of that party. It was through his efforts
and those of others that the town, which was for-
merly Democratic, joined the column of Repub-
lican towns. He represented Glastonbury in the
State Legislature in 1884, and again in 1888, and
was one of the youngest men who ever represented
the town. Politically he is one of the leaders in
Glastonbury. He is a prominent member of Das-
com Lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., at Glastonbury.
Mrs. Turner is a member of the Congregational
Church. Their home, erected in 1888, is one of the
finest and most modern in Glastonbury.
JOHN SEWARD WILSON, D. D. S., of Bris-
tol, at the head of his profession, with one of the
best equipped offices in the State, was born in Cov-
entry, Conn., Dec. 4, 1865, and is a son of Jdm
Daniel and Hannah (Dews) Wilson, the former of
whom died in June, 1869; the latter, still living in
Rockville, Conn., is a daughter of Joseph Dews,
who was born in England.
John Daniel Wilson was an accomplished pat-
ternmaker, and there now lie hid in the recesses of
the patent office at Washington, D. C, many speci-
mens .of his taste and ingenuity. His death took
place in Dayton, Ohio, where his daughter, Mary,
also died at the age of three years, her, remains be-
ing interred in Northampton, while those of the fa-
ther were buried in the city where he died. Upon
the death of the father the family returned to Con-
necticut and settled in Rockville, where John
Seward, our subject, received a common-school
education, but during the last three years of his
school attendance was employed, outside his hours
of study, in the law office of Benezet H. Bill. About
188 1 he entered the dental office of Dr. R. W. Rob-
erts, of Rockville, was under instruction for two
years, and then took a year's course at the Boston
Dental College, upon graduating from which he
opened an office for practice, in August, 1884, in
Plainville, he being then not quite twenty years of
age, and met with a siifficiently encouraging patron-
age to detain him there six years. In 1890 the
Doctor came to Bristol, and opened his office in the
Linstead block.
The early loss of his father compelled Dr. Wil-
son to rely upon his own resources and exertions,
but he soon acquired a self-reliance that carried him
over and beyond all obstacles in his way, and placed
him at the head of his profession, acquiring for
him a fine reputation, not only in the town of Bris-
tol, but throughout the western part of the State,
where he has an extended practice. The Doctor
is a member of Reliance Council, No. 753, Royal
Arcanum, of Bristol ; of Ethan Lodge, No. 9,
Knights of Pythias, of the same borough; of Put-
nam Phalanx Society of Hartford; and of the
Heptasophs.
The Doctor was married, May 12, 1887, to Miss
Isabella Styles, daughter of James B. Styles, of
Broad Brook, Hartford county, and to this union
were born: Beledna Styles, Nov. 22, 1888; and
Helen Seward, June 15, 1897. The Doctor and
his family attend the Methodist Church, in which
they own their pew, and to the support of which
they liberally contribute. As to politics the Doctor
is quite indifferent.
WILLIAM THOMAS FOLEY, now warden
of Southington and superintendent of the shipping
department of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., was
born in Cheshire, New Haven Co., Conn., March
28, 1856, and is a son of James and Margaret
(South) Foley, both natives of Ireland, of Scotch-
Irish parentage.
When a boy the father came to America, and lo-
cated in Meriden, Conn., where he grew to man-
hood. From there he went to Cheshire, where he
followed farming, and later removed to Wolcott,
Hartford county. In 1868 he located in Southing-
ton, where he engaged in farming, teaming, etc.,
and where he continued to make his home until his
death, in 1883. He was married in Meriden, and his
children were Margaret A., who married George
Barker, and is now deceased; Henry P., now de-
ceased ; James S. ;, Wilham T. ; Edward R., de-
ceased, who was a minister of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church; Sarah E., wife of B. B. Sanford; John
C. ; and Lillie L., wife of Lionel Crawford.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth in
Cheshire, Wolcott and Southington, and is indebted
to the public schools of those towns for his educa-
tional advantages. He began his business career in
the mechanical department of the Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Manufacturing Co., where he was employed
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559
from 1 8/ I to 1889, and in the latter year entered
the shipping department as clerk, serving in that
capacit}- until 1895, when he was appointed to his
present position. He is one of the most trusted
and faitliful employes of the company, and has
their entire confidence and respect. '
In 1880 Mr. Foley was united in marriage with
Miss Carrie Bertel Avery, a daughter of Lewis and
Lucelia (Cowles) Avery, of Southington, and to
this union have been born two sons : William
Thomas, who died in infancy; and Stanton Avery.
Mr. Foley is a leading and active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Southington^ and
has been one of the trustees of same eight years,
and treasurer of the church six years, holding both
offices at the present time. He was elected first
assistant foreman of the Southington Fire Depart-
ment at its organization, in which capacity he served
seven years, and as foreman of Hose Company No.
I, four years. Mr. Foley served on the board of
assessors one year, was burgess the same length of
time, and in 1899 and 1900 was elected warden.
In political sentiment he is a Republican, and a
strong advocate of temperance, is pre-eminently pub-
lic-spirited and enterprising, and all that pertains to
the public welfare receives his hearty endorsement.
SAMUEL McCRUM is of Irish birth and de-
scent, having been born in County Down, Ireland,
Oct. II, 1854. Both his father, Moses McCrum,
and grandfather, John ]McCrum, were born in the
same county, in the old McCrum homestead, and
both were linen-weavers by trade.
Moses IMcCrum was born in June, 1790, and
died July 24, 1874, at the hale old age of eighty-
four. While quite a young man he engaged in the
coastwise trade, owning and sailing vessels plying
between Ireland and Scotland. In this venture he
was unfortunate, his first vessel being wrecked and
his second burned; and in 1815 he emigrated from
Ireland to America, where he found work at his
trade with a Mr. Baldwin, on the Hudson river, sub-
sequently becoming manager of the establishment.
In 1825 he returned to his native country, where he
passed the remainder of his life as a farmer. He
was three times married, Samuel, the subject of
this biographical sketch, being the tenth child, and
the }oungest by the third wife, who was Jane
Campbell, of Ireland.
As a boy Samuel JNIcCrum attended the National
schools, but found it necessary to assist his father on
the farm. For farm work he developed such apti-
tude that when but sixteen years old (his father then
being eighty years of age) the conduct of the prop-
erty was placed in his charge. For five years he
managed the farm, when he turned it over to the
care of his brother David. Conscious that his own
earlier educational advantages had been somewhat
circumscribed, he next took a nine months' course
of instruction at a school of higher grade, and at
the end of that time resolved to cross the Atlantic
to visit his brothers, W'illiam and George, who
had already emigrated, and were living in East
Berlin. Accordingly he sailed from Liverpool Jan.
14, 1878, and landed in New \'ork Jan. 26. Une
week he remained in the metropolis, and then came
to his brother's home, his purse light — well-nigh
empty — but he himself full of tiie vitality, confidence
and courage incident to youth.
It had not been Mr. McCrum's intention to stay
in the L'nitcd States, yet it was not long before he
formed the resolution to remain in the New World.
Before he could mature his plans, however, he was
prostrated by scarlet fever, which confined him for
nine weeks. Upon his recover)- he went to New
York, where for about sixteen months he was em-
ployed as a shipping clerk by a wholesale hosiery
firm. The work was not wholly to his liking, and
he returned to East Berlin to enter the shears de-
partment of the factory of i'eck. Stow & Wilcox.
For six years he continued in the same line of work,
but the seventh year was prevented from engaging
in active employment by sickness. After regaining
his health he accepted a position with the Berlin
Iron Bridge Co., and for eighteen months remained
there. In 1885 he engaged in business on his own
account, as proprietor of a meat market, but after
nineteen months he abandoned the undertaking.
^Meanwhile, in 1882, he had bought si.x acres of land,
and after quitting the butcher business he devoted
himself, for a year, to its cultivation. The next
three and a half years he spent in the service of the
N^ew York, New Haven & Harttord Railway Co.,
as shipping clerk, and for the two years following
Feb. I, 1891, he was proprietor and manager of the
"Sheffield Dairy," on Lenox avenue, in the city of
New York. This business he disposed of by sale,
and after living a year in Hartford, once more
gravitated back to East Berlin. For a year he de-
voted himself to farm work, and then entered the
employ of the Iron Bridge Co. once more, being as-
signed to the "laying-out" department. After
three years devoted to this kind of work he resigned
his position, once more to engage in business on his
own account. In 1898 he opened a yard for the sale
of coal and wood, adding to this line of trade gen-
eral teaming and the sale of ice. He has been mod-
erately successful, the exigencies of his business
usually demanding the employment of five men.
In 1897 he built for himself a well-planned modern
residence on Main, street, where he and his family
have a pleasant, well-regulated home.
Mr. McCrum was married, Oct. 30, 1889, to
Miss Martha Jane Wilson, of Watertown, Alass.,
who was born May 22, 1863. Her father was John
^^'ilson, and her mother before marriage was Isabel
Haslet. Their union has been blessed with one son
and one daughter. The elder, W'alter Isaac, was born
May 18, 1891, and is attending school: the 3'ounger,
Elsie Wilson, was born May 10, 1896.
Politically Mr. McCrum is a Republican. In re-
ligious belief and church membership he is a
560
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Methodist, his wife being a member of the Congre-
gational Church. He is held in high esteem by his
neighbors and townfolks, among whom he is widely
known. He has accumulated enough to enable him
to live comfortably, yet it is his industry and integ-
rity that have endeared him to his fellow-citizens.
For several years he was a member of the church
committee ; he has also been a member of the school
committee, and was constable for eight years, re-
signing both these latter positions — that of con-
stable in 1891. He is a member of Mattabessett
Lodge, No. 25, K. of P., and of the East Berlin
Literary and Athletic Association.
JOHN J. SEINSOTH, a leading pharmacist
of Hartford, was born in New York City Dec. 18,
1861, but the greater portion of his life has been
spent in this section.
The late L. Seinsoth, our subject's father, was a
native of Baden, Germany, and received his educa-
tion there. Having learned the tailor's trade he
came to America in early manhood, locating in New
York City in 1857. In 1866 he removed to Hart-
ford, where he was employed for many years by
U. H. Brockway, and he died there Dec. 29, 1899,
at the age of seventy years, four months and ten
days. He was a thorough American in spirit, like
most of our German-born citizens, and in 1864 and
1865 served in the 12th New Jersey regiment. He
married Miss M. Brenneissen, of Germany, who
still resides in Hartford, and they had seven chil-
dren, three dying in infancy: George H. died in
1892; John Jacob, our subject; Emily A. married J.
E. Officer, of Wethersfield ;■ and Frank A. is a resi-
dent of Hartford.
During boyhood John J. Seinsoth attended the
schools of Hartford, and on graduating from the
High School, in 1880, began his business career as
a clerk with Caleb Clapp, a druggist. In the fol-
lowing year he entered the employ of Mr. Sawtelle,
with whom he also remained a year, and after a
year and a half in Bristol, Conn., he again clerked
for Mr. Sawtelle for a short time. He then spent
a year and a half in Bridgeport, with L. W. Booth,
eight months in Hartford with Mr. Loeffler, several
years with Mr. Sawtelle, and for five years and a
half was manager of the drug store at the corner of
Park and Main steets, Hartford, for Mr. Sawtelle.
In December, 1891, he opened the drug store at the
corner of Maple avenue and Congress streets, his
thorough knowledge of business' methods enabling
him to make a success of the enterprise. On May
26, 1900, he removed to his present location, Nos,
11-15 Main street, to be better able to take care of
his increasing trade. Mr. Seinsoth is much inter-
ested in ornithology, and has a fine collection of
birds. He is a member of the City and State Phar-
maceutical Associations, and socially is identified
with St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Connecticut
Lodge, No. 94, I. O. O. F. ; Median Encampment,
No. 7 ; Canton Meridien ; the Daughters of Re-
bekah; and was for years a member of the
Society of the Sons of Veterans. He was married
in Hartford to Miss Bertha L. Martin, daughter of
Joseph Martin, a prominent resident of Manchester,
Conn., and they have one child, Gertrude F.
JOHN BEASLY STACY is one of those
fortunate men whose genial disposition attracts
many friends, the sphere of whose personal influence
is not limited to any class or creed, but whose force-
ful and engaging character wins general recognition.
He is a prominent citizen of Simsbury, a success-
ful farmer and tobacco grower, and for eleven years
has been supervisor of the public highways of that
town.
The Stacy family was among the early settlers
of New England. Moses Stacy, the grandfather
of our subject, was born at Sturbridge, Worcester
Co., Mass., April 2, 1770, and there grew to man-
hood on a farm. He removed to- Belchertown,
Hampshire Co., Mass., and there in 1792 married
Zina Bardwell, who was born in Belchertown, Feb.
19' 1773- For several years after his marriage
Moses Stacy engaged in farming at Belchertown.
He then removed to Colebrook, N. H., where he
also farmed. The family of Moses and Zina Stacy
consisted of ten children, namely: Clarissa, born
March 18, 1793, died Aug. 12, 1862; Moses, born
July 7, 1795 ; Horace, born Dec. 27, 1797, died at
Pelham, Mass., July 23, 1864; Zina, born May 31,
1800, died at Colebrook, N. H., July 9, 1852;
Lucius, born Sept. 18, 1802, died at Colebrook,
March 19, 1831 ; Selah, born Nov. 25, 1804, died at
Colebrook March 19, 183 1; Permelia, born Jan.
26, 1807, married Edmund Sykes, of Ludlow, Mass.,
died June 20, 1869; Elah, father of our subject,
born March 2, 1812 ; Martin, born April 9, 1814,
died at Colebrook in 1839. Zina, the wife of Moses
Stacy, died Jan. 12, 1841, and the latter then lived
with his son Elah until his death at Windsor, Conn.,
in 1851.
Elah Stacy was reared to manhood on the home
farm at Colebrook, N. H., and received a good
common-school education. He followed farming as
a life vocation, and in 185 1 removed with his fam-
ily from his native State and county to Windsor,
Conn. Tobacco culture was then rising into im-
portance, and he purchased a tract of eighty-seven
acres (which is now a portion of Keeney Park),
and engaged in tobacco raising and general farm-
ing. In 1869 he sold this property, and purchased
the Case farm of 136 acres at Weatogue, Simsbury,
now owned by Frank P. Dodge, where he re-
mained, an active and successful farmer, stock
raiser and tobacco grower, until his death. Mr.
Stacy was married, in 1830, at Ellington, Tolland
Co., Conn., to Elizabeth Beasly, a native of that
town, and daughter of John Dwight Beasly. They
I'.ad six children: Susan A., wife of John J. Hale,
of Onondaga county, N. Y. ; Florette, who married
E. F. Waterhouse, of Windsor, Conn., and is now
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
561
deceased; Henry, who died April 30, 1859. at Wind-
sor; John B., the subject of this sketch: Emma
¥.; and Willard E., who married JiiHa Starkletter,
and lives at New Haven. The mother died at
Windsor, Conn., in 1859. She was a gooil Chris-
tian woman, a member of the Baptist Church, and
a faithful wife and devoted mother. For his sec-
ond wife Elah Stacy married Sarah P. Jones, of
Hartford, Conn., by whom he had no children.
Elah Stacy was a member of the Baptist Church,
and in politics was a Democrat. He was genial in
disposition, temperate in habits, and noted for his
honesty and upright character. He died March 28,
1883. '
John Beasly Stacy, our subject, was born at
Colebrook, Coos Co., N. H., Aug. 2, 1848, and
was but three years old when he came with his
parents in 185 1 to Windsor, Conn. In that town
he received his education, attending the public
schools and also Windsor Academy, under Prof.
Standish. During his minority he remained with
his parents, assisting in the work of the farm. In
1870 JNIr. Stacy started out for himself in life. At
Wethersfield he foinid employment at brickmaking
for W. S. White, of Hartford, and after a year at
that vocation removed to the Watson Holconib farm
in the Union District, Simsbury, and for six years
successfully managed that property. Deciding to
farm his own property-, iMr. Stacy in 1877 purchased
the twenty-acre farm of Jay Tuller, in Weatogue.
Later he bought the "Alinister Brook farm," of
eighty-one acres, and now operates over one hun-
dred acres of land, on which he has built barns
and tobacco sheds, and made other improvements,
and is now engaged in tobacco culture, dairy and
general farming, and similar industries.
At Hartford, April 20, 1871, Mr. Stacy married
Miss Elizabeth H. Fish, a native of Windsor,
daughter of Samuel A. and Helen M. (Hibbard)
Fish, and granddaughter of Aaron Fish, of Wind-
sor. Helen M. (Hibbard) Fish, the mother of
Mrs. Stacy, was a daughter of Joel Hibbard, who
was born in 1797, and died Dec. 31, 1871, and who
married Elizabeth Cleveland, daughter of Jedediah
Cleveland, of the same family from which ex-Presi-
dent Cleveland descended. The Fish, Hibbard and
Cleveland families have all been prominent in the
history of the eastern part of Connecticut. Mr.
and j\Irs. Stacy have one child, Oliver H., who was
born at Hartford ^larch 3, 1872, and is now a
draftsman in the office of Pratt & Whitney, Hart-
ford. He was educated in the district schools
and at AIcLean Seminary, in earlier life was a
school teacher, and for four terms taught the
schools at Simsbury. He married Hattie Vincent,
who was born in Burke, N. Y., daughter of Zach-
ariah Vincent, and to them has been born one child,
lia Beasly. Oliver H. Stacy is a young man of
artistic temperament, whose talent has found ex-
pression in painting. He also excels in crayon
work, and some specimens of his brush, now in
36
the possession of his father, are highly prized, not
only for their associations but for the evident man-
ifestations of true art. He is admired not only for
his talent but for his uniformly courteous demeanor.
Industrious and painstaking, he is making his way
steadfastly along the pathway which leads to suc-
cess.
John B. Stacy, our subject, is in politics a Dem-
ocrat. In 1883 he was elected selectman of Sims-
bury, and filled that office most satisfactorily. In
1888 he was appointed supervisor of public high-
ways of Simsburw and has ever since filled that
office, most creditably to himself and efficiently to
the general public. Mr. Stacy is a member of St.
Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M., and also o£
Advance Grange, No. 22. Himself and family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His
wife is a lady of refinement and culture, whose
many graces of character have made happy the
home of our subject.
CHARLES HENRY FLAGG, a leading citi-
zen and successful agriculturist of West Hartford,
was born Dec. 11, 1840, m the house where he still
resides, and comes of good old Revolutionary
stock. His great-grandfather, Abijah Flagg. aided
the Colonies in achieving their independence, as a
member of Capt. Hart's company, of Farmington^
Conn., and Col. Wolcott's regiment. He was sta-
tioned at Boston from January until March, I776>-
and was a pensioner in Hartford county from 1832
to 1840. He died at the ripe age of eighty-five
years.
George Flagg, the grandfather of our subject,
was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was born in
the North District of West Hartford, Dec. 9, 1782,
was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and also en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, owning and operat-
ing a large farm. On Nov. 25, 1805, he married
Ruth Elmer, who was born Dec. 30, 1784, and died
May 17, i860. The names and dates of birth of
their children are as follows: Julia, J\Iay 23, 1806;
George, Jr., Sept. ly, 1807: Gurdon, Nov. 14, 1809;
jane, Oct. 5. 1811 : Franklin, Oct. 5, 1813: Jane,
March 14, 1816: Ralph, May 23, 1818: Ralph. Oct.
17, 1821 ; Austin, Nov. 2, 1823; and Averlin, Dec.
15, 1825.
George Flagg, Jr., the father of our subject,
was born in the old North District of ^^'est Hart-
ford Sept. 2j. 1807. and attended school there. After
his marriage he removed to Utica, N. Y., where he
engaged in farming for three years, and then re-
turned to the North District of West Hartford.
Two years later he bought the Solomon Porter
farm, now occupied by our subject, and followed
faming there until his death, April 22, 1863. On
June 7, 1831, he wedded Miss Mary Goodman, whO'
"was born Jan. 6, 1806, and died June 23, 1879. They
had six children: (i) Franklin A., born July 27,.
1832, married Marv Langdon, who died Aug. 20,
1870, and he died Jan. 19, 1865. (2) Mary A.,.
562
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Jan. 15, 1834, was married April 11, 1854, to
Edwin H. Arnold, and died Dec. 27, 1858. She
had three children : Charles E., born April 20, 1855 ;
Mary E., Dec. 11, 1857; ^^d Addie S., Sept. 21,
1858. Mary E. Arnold was married Nov. 8, 1877,
to Charles S. Mills, Jr., and they have one daughter,
Edith A., born Nov. 11, 1878. (3) Elizabeth A.,
born July 22, 1836, now living at No. 118 Trumbull
street, Hartford. (4) Lorenzo G., born May 25,
1838, was married in October, 1864, to Augusta
A. Selden, and died Dec. 2, 1874, leaving four chil-
dren, George E., who was born Aug. 23, 1865, and
,was married in 1891 to Nettie Root (have one child,
Edward Buell, born Jan. 6, 1892) ; Franklin S.,
born Dec. 24, 1868; William L., born July 3, 1871 ;
and Charles E., born Oct. 16, 1873. (5) Charles
H., our subject, is next in order of birth. (6j Julia
A., born Dec. 15, 1844, was married Oct. 12, 1870,
to T. Everett Stanley, and died Dec. 2, 1873.
Reared on the home farm, Charles H. Elagg
was educated in the East District school of West
Hartford, and the old academy at West Hartford
Center. He aided his father in the operation of
the farm until Sept. 20, 1862, when he enlisted for
nine months' service, at Hartford, in Company D,
22nd Conn. V. L, and with his regiment was sent to
the defense of Washington, D. C. He was mus-
tered out at Hartford July 7, 1863, and returned
home. Since then his time and attention have been
devoted iminterruptedly to agricultural pursuits
upon the old homestead, and his well-directed labors
have been crowned with success. In West Hartford
he was married, Oct. 17, 1867, to Miss Caroline W.
Robbins, who was born in Monroeville, Ala., and is
a daughter of George and Ann (Stanley) Robbins,
natives of Rocky Hill and West Hartford, Conn.,
respectively. Fraternally Mr. Elagg is an honored
member of Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R., of Hart-
ford ; politically is a stanch Republican. He most
creditably and acceptably served as assessor of West
Hartforcl from 1877 to 1898, and was chairman of
the board for twelve years.
WILLIAM HILL, agent for the Collins Com-
pany, the well-known manufacturers of Collinsville,
has held that responsible position since 1891, and
enjoys the entire confidence of the firm, having
risen to his present post through various positions
in their business.
Mr. Hill was born April 10, i860, in Brooklyn,
N. Y., son of Charles E. Hill, and grandson of
William Hill, the latter born Feb. 28, 1799, in
Maine, of which State his wife, Elizabeth (Buffum),
was also a native, born about 1804. She died in
1854, but he lived to be over eighty, passing away
May 12, 1881. Their children who grew to maturity
were Charles E.. Ehzabeth A., Mary R., and Edward.
Charles E. Hill was born in 1827 in New Hamp-
shire, moving thence to Maine in early childhood.
He died in 1893, and is buried in Brooklyn, N. Y.
He married Susan T. Wilbur, who was born in
1835, in Rhode Island, and died in 1880, and they
reared the following children : William, George E.,
Herbert W., and Susan F.
William Hill graduated in 1882 from the School
of Mines of Columbia College, taking the degree
of Civil Engineer. At the age of twenty-two years
he located in Collinsville, and took a position in the
steel works of the Collins Company, spending sev-
eral years in practical work there. In 1885 he was
appointed assistant superintendent imder Charles
H. Blair, and held this position until he undertook
his present duties, in 1891. Fie has won many
friends in the community, and he and his wife are
members of the Congregational Church, in which he
is at present serving as a committeeman. His
manner is genial, yet quiet, and without being ag-
gressive he is to be found on the side of progress,
the temperance movement especially enlisting his
sympathy. Politically he is a Republican, and he
has served as a member of the district committee
and of the local school board.
In May, 1887, Mr. Hill was married, in Roches-
ter, N. Y., to Elizabeth M. Blair, formerly of Hart-
ford, a daughter of H. P. Blair, and grandaughter
of Charles Blair, formerly superintendent of the
Collins Company. Three children have blessed
this union: Hellen F. ; Russel B., who died in 1897,
at the age of six years ; and Wilbur P.
WELLMAN BRAINARD WEIR, a well-known
and highly-respected citizen of the town of New-
ington, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., June 14,
1838, and is a representative of one of the old fami-
lies of the place. Gilbert Weir, his grandfather,
was also a native of Glastonbury, and followed
farming pursuits ; he and his wife are buried in
Glastonbury.
Flavel Weir, father of our subject, was born in
Glastonbury, Sept. 21, 1802, and was married in
Newington, Nov. 26, 1834, to Miss Mary Ann
Churchill, who was born on the old Churchill home-
stead in IsTewington, April 26, 1814. He was very
straight, tall and slender, and prematurely gray;
was very strict and stern; and when young was ill
much of the time. He was a thrifty farmer and a
self-made man, one who commanded the respect of
all with whom he came in contact, and those who
knew him best were numbered among his warmest
friends. His word was always considered as good
as his bond, for he was honorable and straightfor-
ward in all things. In political sentiment he was a
Democrat.
In 1849, when our subject was four years old,
the family located on the old Churchill homestead
in Newington, where Gen. Washington had once
eaten supper. There Mr. Weir passed his boy-
hood. At the age of eleven years he commenced
earning his own livelihood, working for Jedidiah
Deming for nine dollars per month and board, and
with that gentleman he remained some thirteen
years, working during the summer and attending
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
503
school through the winter months. During the
Civil war he entered the service of his country,
enlisting at Xewington (then Wethersfield), Aug.
30, 1862, in Company E, 22nd Conn. V. 1., under
command of Col. George S. Burnham. He was
mustered in at Hartford, Sept. 20, 1862, and then
went to New York. From there he proceeded by
boat to Ehzabethport and by train to Washington,
D. C. There he became ill from the effects of a
sunstroke, and was confined to hospital for two
months. He then joined his regiment at Miner's
Hill, near Alexandria, Va., and later was on guard
and picket duty at Suffolk, N. C. Returning to
Yorktown, the regiment went up the York river to
Richmond, and from there returned to Hartford,
Conn., on the expiration of their term of enlistment,
being mustered out July 7, 1863.
The year after his return from the war Mr. Weir
was foreman of a farm at New Haven, and then
again came to Newington, where he has since en-
o^aged in farming and carpentering, being interested
in the latter business with his son. In April, 1893,
he purchased his present farm of nineteen acres
from the Johnson estate, and there he is now suc-
cessfully engaged in raising general farm products.
On Dec. 29, i860, J\Ir. Weir was united in
marriage with Miss Susan Sophia Cady, who was
born in East Hampton, Conn., Feb. 25, 1839, ^
daughter of Zamon and Charlotte Amelia (Bush)
Cady, now deceased. The father was buried in
East Hampton, the mother in Newington. In their
family were three children. To i\Ir. and J\Irs.
Weir have been born four children : Burton Revillo,
born Nov. 3, 1861, died Oct. 23, 1863 ; Lucy Emma,
born Jan. 6, 1867, died Dec. 8, 1881 ; Nellie Vir-
ginia, born Aug. 21, 1868, and George Alanson,
born Dec. 29, 1874, make their home with their par-
ents. Father and son are members of Our Broth-
ers Council, No. 41, Sr. O. U. A. M., of Newington,
and the latter also belongs to the Grange. In early
life Mr. Weir was a Democrat in politics, but for
the past twenty years has been an ardent supporter
of the Republican party. He is a hardworking, in-
dustrious man, well-liked by his neighbors, and has
a host of friends in Newington.
WILLIAM STANLEY BRACE, a represen-
tative farmer and dairyman of West Hartford, was
born on the old Brace homestead in that town June
20, 1869, and is a worthy representative of one of
its most highly respected and honored families.
Mr. Brace's grandfather, Thomas Brace, who
resided in a house just north of West Flartford, was
born Aug. 18, 1797, and died Feb. 18, i88o. He
was a farmer by occupation, and a singing teacher,
and was an active and prominent member of the
Congregational Church. In politics he was a
Republican, and he served as treasurer of the town
of West Hartford. He married Miss Electa A.
Deming, who was born Feb. 14, 1801, and died
Aug. 9, 1872, and they had six children : Helen M.,
born Aug. 8, 1824, is a resident of Placerville, Cal.;
Charlotte S., born Oct. 14, 1827, died Aug. 4,
1869; Thomas D., born Nov. 9, 1830, is a resident
of I'oy Sippi, Wis.; Joseph E., born Oct. 18, 1833,
was the father of our subject; John II., born Feb.
24, 1836, lives in Syracuse, N. Y. ; and Emma A.,
born Sept. 21, 1842, died Nov. 8, 1864.
Joseph Ensign Brace, father of our subject,
spent his entire early life on the old homestead at
West Hartford Center, dying in the house where
he was born. His education was accjuired in the
district schools and the old academy of West Hart-
ford Center, and after attaining man's estate he en-
gaged in farming, which he continued throughout
the remainder of his life. On Oct. 27, 1859, he was
united in marriage with Miss Nettie S. Belden, who
was born Oct. 9, 1S35, and died Oct. 14, 1874.
Their only child was William S., our subject. The
father was again married Oct. 13, 1887, his second
union being with Ella Mulford Conklin, who still
survives him. Politically Mr. Brace was a stanch
Republican, and at one lime was selectman of the
town of West Hartford. Fraternally he was a
member of the Grange, and religiously of the Con-
gregational Church. He died Jan. 8, 1899, of
pneumonia contracted at "The Men's Social," Dec.
26, 1898. His genial disposition, his equable
temper, his sterling integrity, his stalwart frame,
his sunny face, his mild and benignant eye, his
friendly voice, made him the trusted friend and ad-
viser, the brotherly helper, of many who feel his
loss as that of a relative, near and dear. He was
widely known, confidently trusted, and greatly be-
loved. In 1858 he united' with the church, and was
a regular attendant up to the time of his death.
He loved its hours of worship, gave liberally and
constantly to its support, and filled with fidelity
and ability the trusts and duties assigned him. He
was an indefatigable worker, almost mercilessly so,
never sparing himself, and yet he always had leis-
ure, or made it, to say a kindly word and to lend a
helping hand to those in need of counsel and as-
sistance.
During his boyhood and youth, William S.
Brace attended the Center District school, the high
school, and Williston Seminary, at East Hampton.
Mass. Upon the completion of his education he
returned home, and accepted a position with the
United States Express Co. Later he was with the
Adams Express Co. for about five years, but for the
past six years has been successfully engaged in farm-
ing and the milk business, having a milk route in
Hartford. He continued to reside upon the old
homestead until the spring of 1898, when he re-
moved to the next house north, residing there until
the death of his father, when he moved back to the
old homestead. On Nov. 22, 1890, IMr. Brace was
united in marriage with Miss Bertha M. Ward,
and to them have been born two children : Pauline
Boyer, who was born Oct. 6, 1894, and died at the
age of eleven months ; and H. Boyer, born Dec. 18,
564
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1896. Mr. Brace is a prominent member of Wyllys
Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. M., of which he is the pres-
ent master; and has been a member of Summit
Lodge, L O. O. F., of Hartford, since 1898. He
is quite popular socially, and stands high in busi-
ness circles.
EDSON WILCOX BOWERS, whose life story
is one of perseverance, hard work, thrift, energy
and honesty which it would be well for the youth
of the present generation to carefully study and
emulate, was born June 2, 1853, in the town of
Berlin, near the line dividing Berlin from Middle-
town. His father, Harley Newell Bowers, was
born June 9, 1823, in Middletown, near the same
dividing line. He kept a general store, and was
the pioneer merchant of East Berlin. He married
Julia Wilcox.
Edson W. Bowers lost his father by death when
he was but five years old, and at the age of nine
the boy went to work upon the farm of his uncle,
Henry J. Bowers, in Westfield'. He enjoyed some
educational advantages, although they were of a
limited sort, being confined to attendance at the
public school in the Wes '.field District, and at a
private school for one term. When he reached the
age of eighteen he resolved to learn the trade of a
tinner, and for three years served an apprentice-
ship with Henry L. Dickenson, of East Berlin.
After learning his trade he remained with Mr.
Dickenson for fourteen years as a journeyman,
and at the death of that gentleman found that
through his own industry, sobriety and economy
he was able to purchase his employer's store, with
its stock, and shop, with its machinery and tools.
A year later he purchased the Dickenson resi-
dence, which is still his home. From what has
been already said, it may be seen that while yet in
the very prime of life Mr. Bowers has built up,
unaided, a successful business, and has acquired at
least a comfortable competence. Faithful in every
relation of life, he has always been a dutiful son,
and the support of his widowed mother has always
been one of his chief cares. For thirty )'ears he
has worked hard to climb the ladder of success,
,:md he has mounted no round except through pa-
tient performance of the duty nearest at hand.
In January, 1885, Mr. Bowers was married to
Mary Alice, a daughter of William A. Mildrum,
of East Berlin, and one son blessed their union,
Arthur Edson, born in September, 1886. He is
attending school in East Berlin. In politics Mr.
Bowers is a stanch Republican, but his life has
been too much occupied with work and business
tc permit him to take any active part in campaigns
or elections. In religious faith he is a Methodist.
LUCIUS HANCOCK HOLT, the well-known
treasurer of the Billings & Spencer Co., Hartford,
comes of a long and honorable line of sturdy New
England ancestry, being a descendant in the sev-
enth generation from Nicholas Holt, and traces his
descent through Nicholas (2), Abiel, James, Jo-
seph and Alva.
Nicholas Holt, the emigrant ancestor, was born
about 1602, in England, was a passenger in the ship
"James," of London which sailed from the port of
Southampton, England, in April, 1635, and arrived
at Boston in June following. The same year he lo-
cated in Newbury, Mass., of which place he was one
of the first settlers. In 1644 he became one of the
original settlers of Andover, Mass., where he died
in 1665. A few years prior to coming to this
country he had married, in England, his wife's
name being Elizabeth.
(II) Nicholas Holt (2), son of Nicholas, the
emigrant, born in 1647 i^'^ Andover, Mass., married,
in 1679, Mary Russell, daughter of (probably)
Robert Russell. He died in Andover in 171 5.
(III) Abiel Holt, son of Nicholas (2), born in
1698, married (first) Hannah, daughter of William
and Elizabeth (Geary) Abbot, and in 171 8 removed
from Andover to Windham, Conn., where they were
among the early members of the church. He died
in Windham in 1772.
(IV) James Holt, son of Abiel, born in 1746, in
Windham, married (first) in 1769 Esther Orven.
He removed to Ellington, and died in 1818.
(V) Joseph Holt, son of James, was born in
1770 in Willington, and in 1794 married Betsey
Parker, who died in 1814, at the age of thirty-nine-
He died in 1816, at the age of forty-six.
(VI) Alva Holt, son of Joseph, and the father
of Julius H. Holt, of Hartford, was born Aug. 14,
1 80 1, in Willington, and died March 30, 1876.
On Feb. 5, 1823, he married Betsey Kelsey, whO'
was born March 19, 1794, daughter of Levi and
Sally (Fowler) Kelsey, and died June 2, 1869. His
second wife was Jane Newberry. Alva Holt first
engaged in farming in Willington, and later con-
ducting a trucking business at Hartford, where his
death occurred. He was active in the cause of tem-
perance, and frequently lectured on the subject. His
children, all now deceased except Lucius H., were:
Cornelia, born in 1823 ; Louisa, born in 1825 ;,
Lucius Hancock, born in 1827; and William K.,
born in 1837, who married Ann Wolcott.
(VII) Lucius Hancock Holt was born Oct. i,
1827, in Willington, and spent his early life in his
native place and at Hartford. At the early age of
fifteen years he became the main support of the
family, engaging as newsboy until he was eighteen
years old, and subsequently, up to the age of thirty,
working at the jeweler's trade, which he had learned
in Hartford. Having decided to branch out on his
own account, he embarked in the grain business,
which he conducted for the twelve or fifteen years
following, and for a short time he resided in Chi-
cago, where he would in all probability have re-
mained permanentl}' had not the great Chicago fire
changed his plans. For a number of years past he
has been prominently identified with the business
I
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
565
interests of llarifonl as treasurer of the Millings &
Spencer Co. I'raternally he is well known in
Masonic circles, being a member of St. John's
Lodge, F. & A. j\l., of Washington Commandery,
K. T., Hartford, and he has reached the thirty-
second degree.
On Sept. 9, 1849, at New Haven, Conn., Mr.
Holt was married to Miss Sarah Gwinnell, who was
born Jan. 10, 1829. Of the children born to this
imion, Amelia N. died in infancy. Sarah E., born
in 1852, also died in infancy. Evelina C, born May
26, 1855, is the wife of Charles E. Billings, of Hart-
ford. Fred P., born Nov. 8, i860, was married Feb.
18, 1880, to Afiss Regina Miller Hudson, daughter
■of Dr. William M. Hudson, and they have one child,
Lucius Hudson, born Jan. 16, 1881. Fred P. Holt
is custodian of the Safe Deposit Department of the
Hartford Trust Co. The family stands high in the
best circles of Hartford, and Mr. Holt enjoys the
respect and esteem of a wide acquaintanceship.
FREDERIC JONES, who, at the age of
thirty-eight years, is at the head of the Tariffville
Lace Manufacturing Co., which is engaged at Tariff-
ville in the manufacture of the celebrated Notting-
ham curtains, began his career as an office boy in
an English factory, where methods are more con-
servative than here. At nineteen years of age he
was superintendent of the factory. He has thor-
oughly learned the business, and this mastery of
detail has contributed not a little to his success.
Mr. Jones is a native of Nottingham, England,
torn in August, 1861. He received a common-
school education, but no academic or collegiate
course, and at the age of sixteen he entered the em-
ploy of the Frank Wilkinson Co., of Beeston, Notts,
England, as an office boy. He swept out offices,
and did the general utility work of a boy in his po-
sition ; but he took a keen interest in the business,
until at the age of nineteen he was made superin-
tendent of the company's plant at Beeston, where he
had under him 500 hands. The firm was among the
largest in the manufacture of Nottingham lace cur-
tains, and owned plants at Beeston, Chillwell and
Borrowosh, England. In 1891 Mr. Jones came to
the United States and became superintendent of the
firm's plant at Tariffville, remaining in that capacity
until August, 1898, when he became a stockholder.
In February, 1899, the Tariffville Lace Manufac-
turing Co. was incorporated. Mr. Jones was one
of the incorporators, and became its first president
and superintendent, in which capacity he has since
continued ; he is a thoroughly practical man, in both
"business and mechanics. The Tarift'ville Lace
Manufacturing Co. makes the celebrated Nottirg-
ham lace curtains.
In England Air. Jones married Aliss Henrietta
Burrows, of Beeston, England. They are members
of the Episcopal Church. In'politics our subject is
a Republican, and, while no office holder or seeker,
takes an interest in the party's success. He is dis-
tinctively a self-made man, one whose devotion and
application to business have met with the most sig-
nal success.
HARRY E. OLCUTT, an enterprising and
successful young merchant of Glastonbury, was
born in Naubuc July 21, 1869, in the house which
is still occupied by his father. His ancestry is fully
spoken of in the sketch of his brother, Emerson E.
Olcott, elsewhere.
Mr. Olcott attended a district school and Glas-
tonbury Academy, and in 1885 entered the em-
ploy of W. E. Gates, as clerk in a general store, his
duties involving such work as delivering goods,
sweeping out, and cleaning lamps. His wages were
very low, but he remained until fire destroyed the
place, in 1894, when his brother, Emerson E. Ol-
cott, purchased the site and rebuilt the store. Our
subject was engag'ed in the grocery business with
his brother until 1898, when he purchased the lat-
ter's interest, and he is now the sole owner of the
general store which bears his name. In 1887 he
was married to Miss Louise C. Tracy, a native of
Hazardville, Conn., who was born Alarch 9, 1870,
daughter of Henry Trac}^ a tinner and well-known
resident of that town. She died Sept. 30, 1898,
her death being a severe blow to her husband and
family. She was a most excellent wife, and a kind
and loving mother, and her husband's devotion to
her was intense. Six children were born to them :
Edna, March 25, 1888; Alildred, Jan. 21, 1890;
Frank, April 3, 1891; Arthur, Dec. 8, 1892; Ruth,
Oct. 5, 1895; and Louise, Aug. 31, 1898. Socially
Air. Olcott is popular, and his sterling qualities of
character, and his genial and obliging disposition, are
appreciated by his customers as well as others, as his
constantly increasing trade indicates. He is a
member of the O. U. A. Al., of Glastonbury, and
the Society of the Sons of Veterans. In politics he
is a Republican, but he has never sought political
honors.
RARER HALL, of the town of Berlin, was
born in Easingwold, England, Dec. 25, 1868, and is
a son of John Hall, now overseer for Sir George
Wombwell, Bart., of the above manor. There the
father was born in 1834, and there he has made his
home throughout life, though he has visited this
country. At the age of twenty-three years he wed-
ded Alary Ann Raper, who was born in 1837, and
died in 1884. In their familv were seven children.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Walter Hall,
was born in Easingwold, in 1779, and engaged in
farming and stock dealing. By his wife Jane, he
had a familv of six children. He died at the age
of eighty-one years, his wife at the age of seventy-
seven.
The earlv life of our subject was spent upon
a farm, and he attended the public schools of his
native land until fourteen years of age, when he en-
tered the employ of Richard Key as a farm hand.
566
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
receiving seventeen pounds for his two years' work.
The following year he worked on the farm of John
Robb, and was with Hon. George Lassel for the
same length of time. Returning home, he remained
there for about a year, and then served for one year
in the British army. The following year he worked
on the farm of William Jones, and then went to
Thorne, England, where he farmed for John Brad-
ley one year. He was again with William Jones
until June, 1888, when he sailed from Liverpool for
America. On his arrival in New York he came im-
mediately to Newington, Conn., and here was in the
employ of G. D. Mills for about nine months.
Then, in connection with Aaron W. Hall, of Ken-
sington, who had come to this country from Eng-
land a short time previous, he rented the Mills farm,
which they operated for a 3'ear. Our subject then
bought, of Mr. Mills, a milk route in New Britain,
and a year later purchased Charles Chapman's
route, in the same place, devoting' his entire time
to the milk business until April, 1895, when he
moved to Beckley and purchased the original
Webster homestead, of sixty-two acres, which he
placed under a high state of cultivation, and upon
which he engaged in general farming. He also
had a good milk route in New Britain, and kept
thirteen cows for that business. Having sold the
above mentioned farm, he now (1900) works it for
the new owner. He is not afraid of work, and his
success in life is attributable to his industry and
good management, for he has received no aid from
any outside source.
Mr. Hall was married, Sept. 16, 1890, to Miss
Jane Merritt, who was born in Seacroft, England,
and they have become the parents of six children :
Mary Ellen, John Charles, Annie Isabelle, Mary
Alice, Ellen Elizabeth, and one whose name is not
given. All are living with the exception of the-
eldest, who died at the age of six months, and was
buried in Newington. The parents attend the Con-
gregational Church, and are highly respected by all
who know them. Mr. Hall intends takuig out his
naturalization papers before the election of 1900.
He keeps well posted on matters of national import-
ance, and his sympathies are with the Republican
party.
HENRY WELLS ALLEN. It is a well-known
fact that the descendants of our pioneer families
occupy, as a rule, honorable positions in life, and
the subject of this biography, a prominent agricul-
turist of the town of East Windsor, furnishes a
noteworthy instance. In his successful career he
maintains the prestige of a name which has been
associated from an early day with the qualities that
constitute good citizenship. He traces his descent
from Samuel Allen, a native of Braintree, England,
who came to America about 1630, and located in
East Windsor about 1635, being one of the first set-
tlers there.
Joseph Allen, our subject's great-great-grand-
father, resided on the old Allen homestead, now oc-
cupied by Joseph T. Allen.
Samuel Allen was thrice married, and Joshua,
grandfather of our subject, was one of the children
born to the first union, with Elizabeth Wells.
Joshua Allen was born at the old homestead May
18, 1 77 1, and for many years followed farming on
the estate now occupied by Frederick J. Allen, our
subject's brother.
Hon. Henry W. Allen, father of our subject,
was born at the last mentioned farm, where he made
his home throughout life. He was active and in-
fluential in local affairs, serving for several years as
selectman, and in 1850 he was elected to the State
Legislature. He passed away July 22, 1881, at the
age of seventy years. He married Miss Elizabeth
W. Allen, daughter of Elam Allen, and she is still
living at' the advanced age of eighty-two. They
had three children : Marietta Abigail, born May 28,
1837. who died Dec. 6, 1842; Henry W., our sub-
ject; and Frederick J., a farmer at the homestead.
Henry W. Allen was born Oct. 24, 1841, and
was reared to farm work under the able direction of
his father. He attended the common schools of the
town, the high school at Ellington, Conn., the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, this county,
where he remained two years, and the Westfield In-
stitute, at Westfield, Mass., graduating from the
latter school in 1858. On his return home he con-
tinued to assist in the work of the farm until 1865,
when he improved his present property and settled
there, engaging in general farming, dairying and
tobacco culture. His homestead comprises eighty
acres of land, but he owns, altogether, 130 acres
in the town. For many years he has been a leading
worker in the local Republican organization, and in
1 89 1 he was elected second selectman for the term
of one year, with George A. Ellis and E. M.
Granger. In 1895 he was again chosen second se-
lectman, with the same gentlemen as colleagues,
and in 1896 was elected first selectman, with Elisha
G. Morton and George A. Ellis.
On Jan. 26, 1865, Mr. Allen married Miss C3'n-
thia A. Parsons, djaughter of Levi and Cynthia
(Allen) Parsons, well-known citizens of East
Windsor, and four children have brightened their
home: Charles Henry; Herbert P.; Abigail B., wife
of William Lathrop, of East Windsor; and
Marietta.
WILLIAM ROBERT ROSBROOK, of the
firm of Rosbrook & King, leading coal dealers of
East Hartford, is a substantial business man and
respected citizen. He represents one of the old
pioneer families of New York State, his ancestors
having settled near White Hall at an early day. \
His great-grandfather, John Rosbrook, resided there
for a time with his brother Gasham, whose descend-
ants are now numerous in Rhode Island and Con-
necticut.
John Rosbrook, our subject's great-grandfather.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
567
made his permanent home in Norwich, Chenango
Co., N. Y., engaged in agriculture. He married
a Miss Reeves, a daughter of a Presbyterian min-
ister, and had the following children : Harvey was
a farmer in Chenango county, N. Y. ; Philo was a
farmer in the town of Hastings, Oswego Co., N.
Y. ; Alonzo, Waldo and John IMilton settled in
Hastings; and Ezra, our subject's grandfather, was
the youngest of the family.
Ezra Rosbrook was bom in Norwich, N. Y.,
where his boyhood was spent. He followed farm-
ing for a time, and also the trade of carpenter and
joiner, but later became interested in lumbering,
and ran one of the first sawmills in that part of
the State. He theii removed to Onondaga county,
where he operated a sawmill, and for some time
resided in Northampton, Mass., near the French
colony. While there he ran a sawmill and" was
employed in a silk mill, and being a natural machin-
ist he brought many new ideas to bear in the run-
r.ing of the latter. His last years were spent in
^^'isconsin, and he and his wife are buried there.
They had seven children, of whom our subject's
father, Charles A., was the eldest ; Julia Ann mar-
ried Julius Dunham, who died shortly after mar-
riage ; Louise first married a Mr. Prindall, of East
Hampton, Conn., and her second husband was a
fruit grower in California ; Francis, a mechanic in
East Hampton, married a resident of that town;
Emeline married J\Ir. Axdell, a blacksmith at
Portland, Conn. ; Sarah Jane married Mr. Flint, a
farmer and miller in Wisconsin ; John Milton mar-
ried and settled in Hoosick Falls, N. Y., and is now
living in retirement, after spending manv vears as
superintendent of the Walter A. Wood 2^Iachine
Company.
Charles A. Rosbrook, our subject's father, was
born March 9, 1820, in Oneida county, N. Y., but
his boyhood was mainly spent in Cicero, Onondaga
county. At the age of twenty he came to Con-
necticut, and located in East Hampton, where he
was employed for a year and a half. He then re-
turned to Cicero for a period, and later came to
Hartford, where he worked in various machine
shops, including Colt's Armory and the Wood-
worth & Beach machine shop. He was also em-
ployed for a time in Portland, Conn., as engineer
in the quarries, but at present he makes his home
with our subject. On Nov. 21, 1847, he was mar-
ried to Sarah Hodge, who was born Nov. 22, 1826,
in East Glastonbury, and died April 30, 1861. She
was a daughter of Noel Hodge, a farmer in Glaston-
bury, and his wife, Rueba P>rown. Of the children
of this union, Julia, born Dec. 14, 184Q, died Oct.
24. 1854: Helen ^l., born Aug. 18, 1851, died in
childhood: William R. was next in the order of
birth; Sarah F., deceased, was born Feb. 8, 1855,
and married Charles Davis, of Boston, JMass. ; Fre"d,
born Feb. it, i860, married Eva Frask, and re-
sides in East "Hartford, being employed in the \\W\-
iam Rogers plating factory in Hartford.
William R. Rosbrook was born April 2, 1853,
in Portland, Conn., and received only a common-
school education. His last teacher in the ( ilaslon-
bury high school was Mrs. McChesney. He lost
his mother when he was only eight years old,
and as his father was a poor man, he was com-
pelled to make his own way through life from an
early age. He worked on farms in summer, while
attending school in winter, thus paying for his own
education. Later he went to Stafford Springs,
Conn., and began to learn the dyer's trade, but the
acids used affected his health, and he was com-
pelled to give up the work. In 1873 he came to
Hartford, and found work with the Rogers Cutlery
Co., and was with them when the name of the firm
changed to the AMUiani Rogers Manufacturing Co.
He remained with them for twenty years, and al-
though he started at the Ijottom became one of
their most valuable workmen. He resigned his
position in 1899, 'i''"^ formed his present partner-
ship with E. E. King, of East Hartford (a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere), and they have built
up a large and profitable trade.
In 1881 Mr. Rosbrook was married to !Miss
Phebe E. Hall, of North Coventry, Conn., daughter
of Amasa Hall and his wife Eunice Greene, who
is a descendant of Gen. Nathaniel Greene, of Revo-
lutionary fame. The_v have had no children, but
have adopted 'and reared several, being too sym-
pathetic and generous to see a needy child go un-
sheltered.
Politically i\Ir. Rosbrook is a Republican, and
he takes an active interest in local affairs, being
treasurer of the East Hartford fire district. He
attends the Congregational Church, and is chan-
cellor of Elm Lodge, K. P., of East Hartford, and
charter meml>er of same ; senior deacon in Orient
Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., of East Hartford;
charter member of Sonquosaen Tribe, of Red Men,
of Hartford, in which he filled the chair for five
terms : and charter member of a fraternal insurance
society.
JOHN P. KENNEY, an industrious and strictly
upright young farmer of Hockanum, was born in
Norwich, this State, Feb. 3, 1866, and is a son of
Rev. Pardon T. and Lemira A. (Porter) Kenney,
the latter of whom was a member of a most highly-
respected Connecticut family.
Phineas Kenney w-as a native of New Bedford,
]\Iass., was married in that city, and had born to
him three children : Lorenzo ; Elizabeth ; and Par-
don T., the father of John P., whose name opens
this sketch.
Rev. Pardon T. Kenney, a native of New Bed-
ford, ^lass., was born Sept. 5, 1810. He was reared
a tailor, and for a short time was in business for
himself, but his predilections were strongly toward
theology, and he early attended the Wesleyan Acad-
emy, at Wilbraham. Mass. On May n, 1830, he
received an exhorter's license for the Fair Haven
.568
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Circuit. In the fall of 1833 he entered the univer-
-sity at Middletown, and was a classmate of Rev.
Abel Stevens, but asthmatic troubles compelled him
to at once relinquish his studies for the coveted
profession, though he resumed them later in the
year. At the expiration of six months he removed
to Worcester, Mass., and later was stationed at
various places in New England. In 1842 he was
sent On a mission to Key West, and was gone two
jears, returning via New Orleans and the Missis-
•sippi and Ohio rivers, and then overland to the Con-
ference at Providence, R. I. From 1852 until 1855
lie was presiding elder of the Sandwich district,
.and again from 1862 to 1865, and from 1866 until
1869 was presiding elder of the New Lx)ndon dis-
.tiict; he then was placed in a supernumerary re-
lation to the Conference, went to Nebraska City,
Neb., where he established a school; he was there
<!uring the summer, and on his return, in the fall,
while superintending the tearing down of a chimney
.at his wife's old home, was killed by its falling on
him, Nov. 11, 1869; his remains were interred at
Hockanum.
Rev. Pardon T. Kenney was first united in mat-
rimony to Bridget Dennison, a native of Mystic,
Conn., and for his second helpmate Elder Kenney
wedded Lemira A. Porter, a native of Hockanum,
and a daughter of John and ^nna (Hills) Porter,
natives of East Hartford. John Porter was a de-
scendant of John and Rose Porter, who came over
from Wraxhall, Warwickshire, England, in 1638,
-and settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1640. His wife
was a descendant of one of the oldest families of
the town of East Hartford. The children that
"blessed this union were John P., our subject, and
Lemira A., who makes her home with him.
John P. Kenney was six weeks old when his
parents moved to New London, where they lived
nearly twelve months, then removed to Vernon,
and there resided about three years ; the mother
then brought her children to Hockanum, there to
make their home while the Elder was in Nebraska
attending to his select school, and were here but a
few months when the Elder came home, to meet his
tragic fate but a few months later, our subject be-
ing still quite young. The latter was reared under
the fostering care of his mother (a most pious
woman) until her death in March, 1872. He was
then cared for by his aunt, his mother's sister, and
received his preliminary education in the district
school ; he next went to the Glastonbury Academy,
and finished his education under Profs. Brewer and
Bixler. He then assumed charge of his present
farm of fifty acres, which was the homestead of his
grandfather. Here he raises poultry, berries of all
kinds, etc., but no tobacco. In politics he is a Pro-
hibitionist, one of a few in East Hartford. He is
a member of no secret society, but is one of the most
active members of the Hockanum Methodist Epis-
■copal Church, and every act of his life gives evi-
dence of the sincerity of his belief in its discipline.
For so young a man he has held many church offices,
some of them requiring much care and attention,
and, indeed, arduous work, but he cheerfully gives
his time to these duties ; among these offices have
been or are those of superintendent of the Sunday-
school, treasurer, recording steward, president of
the Ep worth League, and (now) secretary of the
Norwich District Epworth League. Quiet, retir-
ing, pious, and very industrious, he has won the
respect of all who have a home in East Hartford.
GEORGE WASHINGTON CODAIR, a well-
known stock raiser and general agriculturist of
Rocky Hill, is an enterprising and successful busi-
ness man, and has won by his sterling qualities of
character the esteem of a large circle of friends.
Mr. Codair was born May 16, 1849, i"^ Vermont,
received a district-school education, and after reach-
ing the age of fourteen attended school only in win-
ter, the remainder of the year being spent in farm
work. In 1874 he came to Connecticut, locating
first at Griswoldville, Wethersfield, where he was
employed by Stephen Morgan for two years at
thirty dollars per month. He then entered the em-
ploy of Comstock & Ferrie as a salesman, and for
seven winters he traveled in their interest through
New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and
the New England States. In the meantime his sum-
mers were devoted to farm work, and in 1880 he
engaged in farming on his own account, renting
a farm from. Charles Dagle, of Rocky Hill. Two
vears later he purchased his present farm of one
hundred acres, where he has since carried on gen-
eral farming, market gardening and stock raising.
He is fond of horses, and is considered a remark-
ably good judge of their characteristics, having
raised several blooded horses which brought him
large prices and have made excellent records. In
politics he is a Republican, but as a man of do-
mestic tastes he has never cared for public life. So-
cially he and his family are much respected, and
they are identified with the Methodist Church at
Rocky Hill. In 1880 Mr. Codair was married to
Miss 'Edith L. Belden, a native of Rocky Hill, and
a daughter of Francis Belden, a leading citizen.
Three children blessed this union; Ernest, who
was accidentallv killed at the age of eleven years;
Gertrude and Alice. Mr. Codair's brother G. A.
is a prominent resident of Canton, this county.
CHARLES A. GILLIN, M. D. To any one
familiar with the personnel of New Britain's med-
ical profession the name of Dr. Gillin will in-
stantly occur. That elusive recognition which
comes to some practitioners and is sought in vain
or with scant success by others has been attained
in generous measure by our subject, who enjoys
one of the widest and most extensive practices in
that portion of Hartford countv in which he has
located, and its magnitude is due solely to himself.
Dr. Gillin was born in Kinston, N. C, June 13.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sG9
1859, son of James Gillin, formerly a prominent
manufacturer of saddlery. His great-grandfather
(iillin, a native of the Highlands of Scotland, em-
igrated to this country prior to the war of 181 2,
and participated in that conflict, but later returned
10 his native hills, and there died. His son, John
< iillin, the Doctor's grandfather, was born in Scot-
hmd, and 'came with his father to America, but
when the latter returned John remained in this
country. He was a soldier in the Civil war, and
<lied from wounds received during his service. His
son James, the father of our subject, was born in
New York City March 27, 1827. He learned the
saddler's business, and went South to take charge
of the Southern iiiterests of the firm of Dibble &
Co., Mr. Dibble remaining in New York City.
The firm acquired quite a property, but when the
fires of secession burst forth in the South, James
Ciillin, who was a strong Union man, was obliged to
t1ec from Kinston, N. C, to the North, escaping
in a sloop, the last to clear for a Northern port
lie fore the breaking out of the war. All the prop-
<M-t\- of James Gillin left in the South was con-
fiscated bv the Confederacy. For a time Mr. Gillin
Avas in business with Mr. Pettelow, of Hartford.
About 1863 he settled at Granby, and there fol-
lowed his trade for years. In his early life his suc-
cess in trade was marked. He married Salona
Suffina Aloody, a descendant of an English fam-
ily, of which the Russells of Springfield and Gil-
bert Russell, the hardware manufacturer of Holyoke,
arc representatives. Mrs. Gillin was also related
to the late Dwight Moody, the evangelist, of North-
field, J\Iass. The only child of James and Salona
Gillin is Charles A., the subject of this sketch.
James Gillin is still a resident of Granby. He is
a prominent A'lason, has been secretary of the lodge
at Granby for many years, and is also a member of
the chapter located there.
Charles A. Gillin was educated in the high school
of Granby. which has turned out manv students
who later became prominent professionally. At the
Granbv high school he prepared to enter Yale Col-
lege. ' In September, 1879, when about twenty
rears of age, he entered the Aledical Department of
the I'niversitv of New York, and was graduated in
^ larch, 1883. While attending lectures he was a
private pupil of Prof. Alfred L. Loomis, of New
York, a specialist in the treatment of heart, lungs
and kidneys. One of his classmates was the son
of Dr. Loomis. After graduation Dr. Gillin en-
tered a competitive examination for a position in
the New Haven General Hospital, in competition
with eight or ten young physicians from Yale and
four from New York. He was the successful ap-
plicant, and he spent the year 1883-84 in the New
Haven Hospital. In J\Iay, 1884, Dr. Gillin opened
an office at Berlin, Conn., and within a few months
he was in command of a substantial practice, which
has grown constantly until it is now one of the
largest in that part of the county. In 1898, at the
request of many friends and acquaintances, he es-
tablished an office at New Britain. His clientele
is drawn from a region many miles in extent, many
of his patients coming from Hartford and Bristol.
Dr. Gillin is a member of the Hartford County
Medical Society and of the State Medical Society.
He is a prominent member of the Masonic Fra-
ternity, and was the first member of Centennial
Lodge, at New Britain, to join from Berlin. He
is also a member of the O. U. A. M. He is a
Republican, but not an active politician.
Dr. Gillin was married to Miss Grace Emma
Atwater, of Berlin, and they have one son, Charles
H., now thirteen years of age.
DWIGHT G. STOUGHTON, a well-known
merchant of Hartford, was born in Vernon, Tolland
Co., Conn., March 4, 1851, and is a representative
of an old Colonial family.
Shem Stoughton, his great-grandfather, was
born at East Windsor, Jan. 15, 1757, and died Feb.
5, 1837. For many years he kept a tavern at Wap-
ping, this county, and during the Revokitionary
war he served in Washington's army. In 1783 he
married Flora Gillette.
Horace Stoughton, our subject's grandfather,
was born June 9, 1784, and died May 27, 1875, in
his ninety-first year. He conducted a country store
in early life, and later engaged in farming at W'ap-
ping, where he was prominent in religious work as
a deacon in the Congregational Church. On Dec.
12, 1815, he married Lavina Kilbourn. who was
Iwrn Feb. 25, 1794, and died Feb. 4, 1875. They
had nine children, as follows : Amanda, born July
4. 1818, was married, Jan. 13, 1841, to J. AI. Tal-
cott, and died July 5, 1869; Alfred, born April 5,
1819, died Nov. 21, 1819: Florace, born March 9.
1820, is yet living; Henrietta, born Sept. 14, 1821.
was married, April 23, 1845, to S. B. Smith (now
deceased), formerly of New Haven, later of Cam-
den, N. J. : George is mentioned below : Esther,
born Jan." 3, 1825, died Nov. 5, 1826; Esther (2),
born April 22, 1826, died Aug. 14, 1840; Samuel
B., born Jan. 23, 1828, was a veteran of the Civil
war, and" died Tune 19. 1892; and Alonzo, born
Nov. 21, 1829, is yet living.
George Stoughton, the father of our subject,
was born at \\'apping April 2, 1823. and died June
28, 1882. After securing a common-school edu-
cation in the town of South Windsor he learned
the wheelwright's trade, which he followed during
the greater portion of his life at ^'■ernon. Tolland
countv. On April 18, 1848, he married Nancv L.
IMcKinnev, of Ellington, Conn., who died April 18,
1865, and on May "17, 1866, he married Elizabeth
Knapp. Bv the 'first marriage there were four
children : Eugene Austin, born May 30, 1849. died
Sept. I, 1887'; Dwight George is mentioned more
fully below: Nellie, born Jan. i, 1854, married ^^■il-
bur'F. Buck-land, of Wapping; James Talcott. born
in November, 1861, died Sept. 3, 1878. By the
570
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
second marriage there was one child, Elizabeth,
who married a Mr. Aspinwall, and resides in Eng-
land.
Our subject was educated in the schools of Ver-
non, and his first employment was in a mill at Tal-
cottville. When sixteen years old he went to Hart-
ford to clerk in Goodwin's drug store, remaining
until he reached his majority, and for a part of a
year he was employed in Hegeman's drug store,
"in New York City. ' Later he spent a year in Wor-
cester, Mass., in the wool business, also a few
months in California, and on his return to Hartford
he clerked for a short time in a drug store on State
street. Desiring to engage in 'business for him-
self, he formed a partnership with W. F. Frazier,
corner of Front and State streets, and two years
later he became the owner of that drug store, and
another in Parkville which was established twenty
years ago.
Mr. Stoughton was first married, in 1876, to
Miss Louise E. Foote, of Lee, Mass., who died in
1889. On April 8, 1891, he married Mary A.
White, daughter of John White, a highly esteemed
citizen of Hartford, and two children have blessed
the union: Dwight Harold, born Oct. 2, 1892,
■and Amanda Louise, born Dec. i, 1897. Mr.
Stoughton was at one time president of the State
Pharmaceutical Association, and be lias taken an
active part in municipal affairs, serving as council-
man from the Eighth ward, and alderman from
the Tenth ward. He is popular socially, is a Scot-
tish Rite Mason, and a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution.
JOSEPH RICHARD FAY, a practical plumber,
metal worker and contractor, who is now success-
fully engaged in business in Southington, was
lx)rn in Chicopee, Mass., Feb. 3, 1851, a son of
William D. and Mary (Kiernan) Fay, both natives
of Ireland, the former born in Westmeath, the latter
in Longford. For many years the father lived in
Chicopee, where he was employed in the cotton
mills, in 1859 removing to Willimantic, Conn., and
in 1863 to Rockville, Avhere his ideath occurred.
Our subject's paternal grandfather was Patrick
Fav, a pensioner of the British army, in which he
served for eighteen years. He came to America
manv vears ago, locating in Quebec, Canada, and
subsequently removed to Thorndike, Mass., where
he died at an advanced age. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Susan Bond, was a native of
Devonshire. England.
Joseph R. Fay completed his literary education
in the high school of Chicopee Falls, JNIass., and on
laying- aside his text-books served a three-vears'
apprenticeship to the plumber's trade with Smith
& White, of Hartford, Conn., after which he worked
as a journeyman in the capital city for fifteen years.
He was then employed on repairs for the Boston &
Albany Railwav Co., for two years, and in October,
1883, came to Southington, where he worked at his
trade for others for five years. In 1888 he em-
barked in business on his own account, and now has
a large and successful business as a contractor in
Southington and surrounding towns.
In February, 1872, Mr. Fay married Miss Isabel,
daughter of Hiram and Almira Tucker, of W^ill-
iamsburg, Mass., and to them have been born six
children : Frank L., Charles H., Annie, Joseph R.,
Jr., Nellie and William B. Mr. Fay is a prom-
inent member of the Connecticut Association of
Master Plumbers, and is a member of the legis-
lative committee; he also belongs to the National
Plumbers Association, and to Court Industry, F.
of A., of Southington. Politically he casts his
ballot with the Democratic party, has served as
grand juror, and in 1898 was elected selectman in
Southington, in which office he is now capably serv-
ing, having been re-elected in 1899.
WILLIAM HOWARD WEBSTER. The
Webster family is one of the most prominent and
influential in Hartford county. For generations
they have cultivated the soil, and through hard work
and tireless energy members thereof have become
among the county's largest land owners, William H.
Webster paying a larger realty tax than any other
resident of Berlin. It is of such men as these —
earnest, industrious, persevering and upright — that
Connecticut may justly be proud.
The first of the name of whom any authentic ac-
count has come down to the present tiiiie was David
Webster, who was born in 1721, and died in 1806,
at the ripe old age of eighty-five. His wife, Zer-
viah, passed away Jan. 17, 1786, aged fifty-seven
years and one month. 1 hey had a son. David, Jr.,
who was a farmer, and settled in the Beckley
Quarter, town of Berlin, before the departure there-
from of the Mattabassett tribe of Indians. His
first wife, Lydia, bore him two children : Mary, born
Feb. 28, 1754, and David, born Feb. 5, 1757. She
died April 13, 1761, and on Oct. 29, following, he
for his second wife wedded Leviah Allis. The issue
of this marriage, with the respective dates of birth
of the children, was as follows: Hepzibah, Nov.
3, 1763 ;'Lydia, Sept. 28, 1765 ; John, April 7, 1768;
and Selah,'Sept. 20, 1770 (died Nov. 13, 1776)- The
town records of the latter half of the last century
show that David Webster, Jr., the great-great-
grandfather of William Howard and his brother
Daniel, began to purchase land in Wethersfield as
early as 1754, and that he subsequently bought in
Newington and Berlin. Most of this property has
descended, through inheritance, to the present gen-
eration. In this connection the following summary
of entries in the Wethersfield town records, show-
ing the source and date of several transfers of par-
cels of real estate to him, are of no small interest.
On April 8, 1754, David, Jr., purchased two and
one-half acres of land, with mansion house and barn
standing thereon, from Mercy and Jemima Lamb,
bound on the east and north by land belonging to
M
mW^
^L^-^-fcJ
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
571
Gamaliel Boardnian, on the west by land of Thomas
Wright, and on the south by the highway. [\'ol. X,
p. 275. J Un July 17, 1756, in coiisKleration of titty
pounds, he acqun-ed, from Sarah Uuardnuui, title to
one acre lying in Newington, bounded on tiie north
and east by land of the grantor, on the west by land
already ow;ied by David Webster, and on the south
by the highway. [Vol. X, p. 384. J (Jn June 28,
1763, Elizur Steele conveyed to him, on payment of
seventeen pounds, two acres out of the hve-acre lot
known as Beckley's farm. This piece was bounded
by land of Lieut. Joseph Beckley, and on July 5,
1763, he bought from the same party another acre
and a half from the same lot. On June 11, 1764,
he paid four pounds for a half-acre abutting on land
belonging to the heirs of William or John AUis, the
first-named of whom was the father of his second
wife. On the same day he purchased from Joseph
Andrews, Jr., and Asenath, his wife, for the sum of
ten pounds, another acre abutting on land of Stephen
Kellogg, bounded on the west by property of
Stephen W'illard, and on the east by the highway.
On November 8, 1764, Samuel Wolcott and his wife
Sarah executed a deed to him, conveying, for ninety
pounds, twenty-five acres in Newington. A little
more than four months later, March 27, 1865, on the
payment of twenty pounds, he secured from Daniel
And'rus, a grismill standing near the house of Ben-
jamin Beckley, and on P"ebruary 17, 1766, he con-
veyed the same property to John Beckley, for the
same consideration. On Nov. 8, 1764, he sold to
Sherman Boardman, for seventy pounds, three and
one-half acres in Newington, with house and barn.
This was followed on Aug. 15, 1767, by a sale to
Fitch Hurlbut, for seventeen pounds, of three-
fourths of an acre abutting on the latter's property
in Newington. On Dec. 28, 1769, he bought from
Daniel Willis three acres of the Woodbridge farm
in Newington, paying therefor the sum of eight
pounds and two shillings. From this necessarily
imperfect synopsis of the entries in the Wethersfield
records it is apparent that David Webster had faith
in the future of the realty in his locality, and that as
a hard-working farmer he bought and sold pieces of
land as favorable opportunity oft'ered and his means
permitted. To the conduct of his business he seems
to have brought the same keen sagacity, clear fore-
sightedness, sound judgment and patient toil which
have characterized the Websters in all generations.
John Webster, the great-grandfather of William
Howard and Daniel, and the son of David (2), was
born in the Beckley Quarter April 7, 1768. He, too,
was a farmer, but a constant and judicious reader,
and a man of scholarly attainments. He married
Eunice Andrews, of New Britain, who died Aug.
12, 1835, at the age of sixty-three. His own death
occurred Feb. 26, 1829. The next in line of descent
was Jonathan, who was born in 1792, in the Beckley
Quarter, and died Sept. 17, 1884, having reached
the extraordinary age of ninety-two years. A
farmer by occupation, he began life with little or
nothing, but died worth $120,000. He married
Roxana Seldon, of East Haddam. After her death,
at the age of lhirt}-two, on May 3, 1826, he married
Esther Dickerson, who died i'eb. x, 1874, after pass-
ing her eighty-fifth birthday.
John Webster (2j, the tather of William H. and
Daniel, was born Dec. 20, 1818, on the ancestral
homestead in the Beckley Quarter. He also was a
tiller of the soil, a successful agriculturist, and a man
held in high repute for his many virtues. He was
endowed with rare native intelligence, and was a
man of strong personality and moral force of char-
acter. His political convictions were strong, al-
though he never took any active part in politics.
Prior to the organization of the Republican party
he was an Old-line Whig, but later was a strong
supporter of the principles of the party of Greeley,
Lincoln and Sumner. He entered into rest in his
eightieth year, closing a well-spent life on Feb. 17,
1897. He exerted a wide influence in the commu-
nity, and a strong influence over those with whom he
came into immediate contact. He was married, in
1843, to Lydia, a daughter of Robert Frances and
his wife, Mary (Tob}'), of Barnstable, Mass. Mrs.
Webster still survives her husband, her home being
on Berlin street. To them were born two sons and
four daughters : Frances Ellen, Anna Seldon, Daniel,
William Howard, Hattie Lina and Minnie. The
eldest daughter, Frances Ellen, was born Oct. 10,
1845, ^'■'d is the wife of Waldo C. Camp, of New
Britain, who is connected with the American Paper
Goods Co., of Kensington. Anna Seldon, born
February 28, 1847, married Willis W. Mildrum, a
manufacturer of jewels for compasses at East Berlin.
Hattie Lina, born Dec. 10, 1S55, is the wife of Em-
erson G. Clark, a teacher in the public schools of
New York City. Minnie, born Nov. 4, 1861, mar-
ried William E. Hansel, a resident of Hartford.
William Howard Webster, the younger of the
two sons born to John Webster, was born at the
paternal homestead in the Beckley Quarter on Nov.
25, 1853. Both he and his brother Daniel enjoved
excellent educational advantages. Both attended
the Berlin common schools and the Monson (Mass.)
Academy, an institution located near Springfield.
William H. graduated from W^illiston Seminary,
East Hampton, ^lass., in 1873, ^""^ subsequently
he conceived an idea of settling in Florida and be-
coming an orange grower, with which end in view
he visited that State and remained there about six
months, during which time he handled more or less
fruit on commission. The general outlook, how-
ever, did not appear satisfactory, and he returned to
Berlin. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors,
he became a farmer, and he would scarcely have
proved his right to the name of Webster had he not
succeeded. In 1885 he founded the Golden Ridge
Creamery Co. The corporation is capitalized at
$7,000, and Mr. Webster has been its president from
its inception. The present annual output of the
factory is about 75,000 pounds, most of which is dis-
572
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
posed of in the neighboring towns. In 1895 Mr.
Webster bought the grocery of A. P. Goodrich, on
Berlin street, but a pressure of other business en-
gagements prevented his devoting sufficient personal
attention to its conduct, and after two years he dis-
posed of it to J. W. Woodruff. His farm is one of
the best stocked, best cultivated, in Hartford county.
In addition to his home place of 125 acres, he owns
325 acres of choice land in the town of Rocky Hill.
On his property in Berlin he has built a large modern
house, which contains all the modern accessories ob-
tainable on a farm.
Mr. Webster is a citizen of influence and promi-
nence, respected alike for his high order of intelli-
gence, his broad public spirit, and his unblemished
Christian character. He is president of the Berlin
Agricultural Society, and of the Driving and Ath-
letic Association. He has also held many town offi-
ces of responsibility, having been selectman, tax
collector (two years), member of the board of relief
(for several years), and district school committee-
man. In politics he is a strong Republican, as was
his father. In religious faith he is a Congrega-
tionalist, having been prominently identified with
the Second Church of that creed in Berlin for many
years, and he has held, simultaneously, the office of
chairman of both church and society committees,
also has been one of the most liberal contributors
to the support of church work and church extension.
Mrs. W^ebster belongs to the same communion.
Mr. Webster was married, Oct. 13, 1880, to Miss
Cornelia Augusta Wells, who was born in Newing-
ton April 5, 1854, her parents being William Wells
and Cornelia Ueming, both of whom rest in the
cemetery in Newington. Mr. and Mrs. Webster
.are the parents of four children : Jonathan Leland,
born April 29, 1882; Merton Wells, March 24,
1884; Arthur Eggleston, March 26, 1886; and
Florence Louise, May 3, 1890. All the children are
g'aining their education, the eldest son being a stu-
dent at Mt. Hermon (Mass.) School; he will prob-
ably adopt the profession of an electrical engineer.
Merton Wells will graduate from the New Berlin
High school in 1902, and after that will matricu-
late at Yale College. Arthur E. is attending the
New Berlin High school, and Florence L. is at-
tending the Berlin public schools.
Daniel Webster, the elder brother of William
H., was born March 20, 1848, on his father's farm.
After leaving Monson Academy, he took a special
course in the Normal School at Oswego, N. Y.,
with a view to qualifying himself for the vocation
■of a teacher, which he then intended to be his life-
work. For ten years he taught school with marked
and gratifying success ; first, for three years, in the
graded school at Neversink, and afterward, for
about the same period, at Mechanicsville and Long
Branch, his latest experience covering two years at
Cromwell, and two terms at East Berlin. He then
returned to the old homestead farm, remaining there
until 1897, when he purchased the property com-
monly known as the Dr. Woodruff homestead, in
Berlin, which he has enlarged, remodeled and greatly
improved. On Oct. 20, 1874, he married Clara
Amelia,~daughter of William M. and Almira (Mil-
drum)- Noble, of Cromwell. She was born March
10, 1851, and has borne her husband six children:
Mary Emma, Helen, Hattie Louise, William John,
Stewart Noble and Gertrude. The eldest daugh-
ter was born June 21, 1879, graduated from the
Berlin high school, and lives at home. Helen died
at the age of two years. Hattie Louise is a high-
school pupil, and the younger children are pursuing^
their studies at the Berlin common schools.
As was his father, and as is his brother, Daniel
W^ebster is a stalwart Republican. He has been
prominently identified with public affairs, and has
led a very active, useful life, having served several
terms as assessor, and as a member of the school
board, and acting school visitor for ten years, and
has been recently elected (1899) superintendent of
schools in Berlin. In 1893 he was a candidate be-
fore the Republican convention for the nomination
for member of the legislature. His elevation to
these positions of responsibility and trust attests
the deservedly high esteem in which he is held by
his fellow citizens, because of his recognized in-
tellectual ability and moral worth. He is one of the
vice-presidents of the Agricultural Society, is a
director in the Golden Ridge Creamery Co., and
president of the National Laundry Co., of New
Britain, which he founded in 1899. Both he and
his wife are active and leading members of the Con-
gregational church, and among the most liberal con-
tributors to its support. He has served on various
important Church committees, and his wife is a
prominent member of the Ladies' Aid and Mission-
ary Societies.
WALTER GWATKIN, a prominent represen-
tative of the business interests of Berlin, is a native
of Hartford county, born in New Britain June 23,
1857. His father, Henry Gwatkin, was born in
London, England, Nov. 15, 1820, and his grand-
father spent his entire life in that country as a
butcher, dying when our subject was quite young.
In his native land the father learned the trade of
brass-molder, and became an expert workman in that
line. In March, 1846, he married Mrs. Mary
(Crockwell) Ring, who was born in London in
1819, and before leaving their native land their
eldest child, Henry Edward, was born in London,
April 23, 1847. (On June 28, 1871, he married
Hattie Ella Payne, of New Britain). In 1848 they
crossed the Atlantic and took up their residence in
Hartford, Conn. ; later three other children were
added to the family, namely :. Lizzie, born in 1849,
married Sherman H. Alger, of Marlboro, Conn.,
who is connected with the New York, New Haven
& Hartford railroad, and they now live in West
Haven. Walter, our subject, is next in the order of
birth. Arthur is a conductor on the electric cars
■
i
^r*5"
\
■A
^
^^^■^J^^^^ji^^^^^^n^^j^j
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Xcw Haven. After taking up his residence in
Kew liritain, the father worked in the brass foundry
of Teck & Walter as foreman for a number of years,
and later held a similar position with J. B. Sergeant.
He then conducted a shop of his own in Hartford
for abotit a year, and subsequently engaged in mer-
chandising in New Britain for about nine years, on
Main and West Main streets. At the end of that
time he came to Berlin and purchased the "Berlin
Hotel," which he conducted for twenty years, sell-
ing out in 1 88 1, when he returned to New Britain.
The hotel has since been owned and carried on by
other parties. Mr. Gwatkin then lived retired
from active business until his death, which occurred
in New Britain, Oct. 14, 1895, his remains being in-
terred at that place. His wife is still living, and
makes her home with her daughter in West Haven.
Walter Gwatkin, whose name introduces this
review, is indebted to the public schools of Berlin
and New Britain for his educational advantages.
After leaving school he commenced work for W.
Hunt & Son, butchers of Berlin, and remained with
them about two years, after which he embarked in
the same line of business on his own account, and
has since successfully conducted a market in Berlin,
receiving a liberal share of the public patronage.
In November, 1889, he purchased a home on Berlin
street from the William H. Steele estate, and has
since improved it until he now has one of the hand-
some homes of the neighborhood.
On Nov. 12, 1879, Mr. Gwatkin was united in
marriage with Miss Jennie Martha Norton, who was
born in Berlin, Dec. 12, 1855, a daughter of Henry
and Mary Angeline (Tuttle) Norton. The father
died in that place Nov. 12, 1885, and was laid to
rest in the Berlin cemetery ; the mother continues
to make her home in that town. Our subject and
his wife have one child, Leland Walter, born Dec.
13, 1882, who is attending the high school of New
Britain.
In politics Mr. Gwatkin is independent, voting
for the man whom he considers best qualified to fill
the office regardless of party affiliations. He is a
member of the Mattabessett Lodge, No. 25, K. P.,
of East Berlin, and is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. As a business man he stands high
in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and in all the
relations of life his course has been such as to com-
mand the confidence and high regard of all with
whom he has come in contact.
\MLLIAM ROBERTS. Success and promi-
nence in life are rarely attained in these modern days
by the possession of a single trait or character. A
variety of admirable and telling qualities are es-
sential. Industry avails little unless results are
produced. It is a characteristic of William Roberts,
than whom there is no better known farmer and
gardener in the Hartford markets, that take him
as you will in this occup?tion he is every ready for
emergencies. He thoroughly knows his business.
He knows how to raise farm products, and is none
the less an expert in the sale of the same. Buyers
enjoy trading with him. Their confidence and es-
teem have never been betrayed.
Air. Roberts is a representative of an old New
England faiuily, sixth in descent from William
Roberts, founder of the family in New England,
the line being as follows: (i) William Roberts,
who married Dorothy Forbes, and died about 1730;
(2) Benjamin, his son (March 8, 1O98— Feb. 14,
1774J, who married (first) Dorothy Pitkin and
(second) Jerusha Pratt; (3) George (Nov. 22,
1752 — Oct. 4, 1824), married Jerusha Williams;
(4) Ozias (Aug. 10, 1785— Feb. 8, 1868) ; (5) Ira
T. (Feb. 10, 1817— Jan. 17, 1897) ; (6) William,
our subject. A fuller ancestral history appears
elsewhere.
William Roberts, son of Ira T. and Charlotte
Corinthia (Cowles) Roberts, was born Dec. 3, 1850,
on the old homestead in the town of East Hartford
where he now lives. In his boyhood he attended
the school in the Silver Lane district, occupying
the present site of the school. It was well attended,
there being at one time eighty pupils in one room.
W. P. Pratt was the first teacher of Air. Roberts,
who remembers with kindness and gratitude the
thoroughness of the schools in the days of his
youth. For two winters he was a pupil at Elm
Hall, East Hartford, walking to and from school,
and later he attended Bryant & Stratton's Business
College in Hartford. The journey to and from
his home he made twice daily afoot. As a farmer
boy he was "put in the harness" young. He was
small of stature and strength, attaining his growth
mainly after reaching his twentieth year. But the
training he received under his father was the foun-
dation of his after character, thoroughly good in
every particular. In 1868, at the age of eighteen
years, he began working for his two brothers,
Charles W. and Martin, and when he arrived at
age he formed a partnership with his brother Frank
in the operation of a part of the farm. They re-
mained partners from 1872 to 1877, when at the
suggestion of his father he formed a farming part-
nership with his brother Martin, the business ar-
rangement continuing until 1886. In that year
our subject began farming as an individual. After
the death of his father, in the distribution of the
estate, the old homestead fell to our subject, and
there he has since resided, conducting a most suc-
cessful agricultural and gardening business.
I\Ir. Roberts married, Dec. 9, 1874, Aliss Emma
J. Burnham, of Orchard street. East Hartford,
who bore him one child, Grace D., now the wife
of Fred Smith, of Silver street. Airs. Roberts died
April 25, 1882, and was buried in East Hartford.
For his second wife Air. Roberts married, Alay 29,
1883, Mrs. Ella Dixon, widow of Richard Dixon,
and daughter of Nathan and Alaria (Edwards)
Dean. By this marriage Air. Roberts has had four
children : Alildred, born June 10, 1891 : Edna D.,
574
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Jan. 21, 1894; Myra, who died Sept. 11, 1898,
aged eighteen months; and Ira W., born Jan. 19,
1900.
In politics Mr. Roberts is a Repubhcan, but he
is no office seeker, and has repeatedly declined
candidacies that were offered him. For over thirty
years he has been engaged in marketing vegetables,
berries and fruits. He has a thorough knowledge
of his business, and his reliability as a truck gar-
dener has won for him an enviable reputation among
that class of farmers in the Hartford market. He
is a good salesman, and his promises are always
fulfilled. He possesses a rugged physical consti-
tution, and braves all kinds of weather, is indus-
trious and energetic, and there is perhaps, in East
Hartford, no better farmer in his line, no harder
worker, none who better understands every detail
of his business. He is probably as well-known as
any gardener supplying the Hartford markets.
His thorough reliability and his great regard for
his word are but characteristics of the name, and
a feature of it that does not suffer at his hands.
He gives great attention to detail, and is very sys-
tematic in his work. Mr. Roberts also gets re-
sults. He has prospered in proportion to his mag-
nificent energy and ability, and ranks high among
the agriculturists of Hartford county.
ANTHONY McGEHAN, a well-to-do farmer
and gardener of Hockanum, is an excellent example
of the self-made man, and well deserves the high
esteem in which he is held by the residents of Silver
Lane and vicinity. Born April i, 1847, '^ London-
derry, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, he is a son of
John and Mary (McLaughlin) McGehan, who were
the parents of eight children. The father, John
McGehan, was a groceryman, and was quite com-
fortable in the possession of all that pertains to
happiness with the middle class of Ireland.
Anthony McGehan attended school in his native
land until sixteen years of age, and after leaving
his studies hired out as a farmer's lad. He saved
his earnings to a great extent, and from these paid
his passage to the United States, arriving here June
10, 1869. He had six sovereigns in his pocket on
his arrival, and these gold pieces he kept an entire
year, and then sent them home. He came over in
the "Iowa," a vessel of the Anchor Line, and on
departing from Londonderry, when some little dis-
tance out, he could see the house in which he was
born — to him a touching and impressive sight. Six-
teen days later he landed at New York, but as he
had been advised by a rich lady with whom he had
lived in Ireland to avoid large cities, he came at
once from New York to East Hartford, and first
found employment with E. C. Brewer, of Silver
Lane. He next worked for Giles Forbes a few
months, and later was employed by George W.
Pratt for eight years, as overseer of his place on
Silver Lane.
In 1874 Mr. McGehan married Miss Rose
Knabbs, who was born in Ireland, coming to the
United States when nineteen years old. The young
couple went to housekeeping on Silver Lane, on
hired premises where they lived seven years, when
Mr. McGehan purchased his present farm from
Elizur Viberts. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. McGehan, eight in number, were as follows :
Mary, John (died in infancy), Jonas, Marcus (a
bookkeeper in Hartford), Willie (died at the age of
thirteen years), Alfred, Elizabeth and Lucy, the
survivors are still under the parental roof, with the
exception of Marcus. The family are members
of the Episcopal Church, of which Mr. McGehan is
a vestryman. In politics he is a stanch Republican,
but when he has exercised his right of franchise his
interest in politics subsides.
Mr. McGehan, by his industry and frugality,
has earned for himself a good home, and has reared
his family in respectability. He has secured for
himself and children a good name, has won the re-
spect of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and has
shown himself to be well worthy of the success he
has met with in the land of his adoption.
JAMES POLK CORNISH. One of the best
and most favorably known residents of Naubuc is
its genial postmaster, the subject of this sketch, a
man whose musical accomplishments, social quali-
ties and good business principles have endeared him
to wide acquaintanceship. He is a representative
of one of the oldest families of New England, trac-
ng his lineage from James Cornish, a native of Mas-
sachusetts, who migrated from that Commonwealth
to the Connecticut Colony in the seventeenth
century.
The family had been residents of Massachusetts
for many years. The records show that Samuel
Cornish was living in Salem in 1637. Richard Cor-
nish died in Boston in 1694. The direct line of de-
scent as far as known is as follows : ( i ) James
Cornish was the first school master of Northampton,
Mass. Later he removed to Westfield, and about
1667 was appointed clerk of the courts in Hamp-
shire county, by Sir Edmund Andros. An item in
an old Massachusetts Gazette says that what is now
Granville, Mass., was sold to James Cornish in 1686,
by Toto, an Indian chief, for a gun and sixteen brass
buttons. He moved to Connecticut, and died in
Simsbury, Oct. 29, 1698. He had married, after
1661, the widow of Greenfield Larraboy, of Say-
brook, Conn. She is supposed to have been his sec-
ond wife, and died Dec. 22, 1664, leaving three chil-
dren, Gabriel, Elizabeth and James (2).
(II) James Cornish, last named, was born in
1663. He settled in Simsbury about 1695, and was
deacon of the church in 1715. For his first wife he
married, Nov. 10, 1692, Elizabeth, daughter of Tim-
othy Thrall, and by his marriage his children were
as follows: James, born Oct. 30, 1693; Elizabeth,
born Sept. 25, 1695; Joseph, born Oct. 18, 1697;
Phebe; Sarah, born April 19, 1709; Benjamin, born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
575
March 28, 17 10. For his second wife Deacon James
Cornish married, April 15, 1715, Hannah, born Dec.
12, 1681, daughter of Rev. Andrew Hillard, and
widow of Tliomas Humphreys. Tlie ciiildren by
this marriage were: Gaijriel, born May 25, 1716;
Jemima, born Nov. 20, 1718; Keziah, born Oct. 12,
1721; JNIaiy; and Jabez, born in 1726. Deacon
James Cornish died April 2, 1740. His second wife,
Hannah, died Dec. 2, 1751.
(HI) Capt. James Cornish, son of Deacon James
Cornish, was born Oct. 30, 1693, and married, Dec.
9, 17 19, for his first wife. Amy Butler, of Hartford,
Conn. To them were born the following children :
James, born Oct. 4, 1720; Elisha, born June 5, 1722;
Amy, born Aug. 2, 1724; Daniel, born May 21, 1727;
Abigail, born Sept. 5, 1729; Joel, born July 18, 1731 ;
Abigail, born May 5, 1733; Lucy, born June 8,
1735 ; Violet, born April 12, 1737 ; Rachel, born Sept.
3. 1740. The wife died Feb. 16, 1763, and for his
second wife Capt. James Cornish married Mrs. Han-
nah Wilcox, nee Thrall, who died Aug. 27, 1779.
Capt. James Cornish died March 22, 1784. He was
a lifelong resident of Simsbury.
(IV) Sergt. Elisha Cornish, born June 5, 1722,
for his first wife married Hepsibah Humphrey,
who was born in 1724, daughter of Charles Hum-
phrey. She bore him seven children : Hepsibah,
born Aug. 27, 1741 ; Hepsibah, born Nov. 4, 1742;
James, born Dec. 16, 1744; Elizabeth, born May 8,
1746: Elisha. born Dec. 7. 1748; Dorcas, born Sept.
II, 1750; Charles, born Sept. 29, 1752. She died
Feb. 25, 1755, and for his second wife Sergt. Elisha
Cornish married, Aug. 31, 1755, Mary, daughter of
Benjamin Dyer. By this union there was one child,
Mary, born Feb. 17, 1759. The mother died Oct.
21, 1775, and for his third wife Elisha Cornish mar-
ried, June 2, 1776, Charity, born June 30, 1744,
daughter of John Pettibone, and widow of Syl-
vanus Humphrey. By this marriage there was one
child, Giles, born April 8, 1780. Elisha Cornish
died April 27, 1794, and his wife on Oct. 5, 1803.
(V) Capt. James Cornish, son of Sergt. Elisha
and Hepsibah Cornish, born Dec. 16, 1744, married,
Dec. 28, 1766, Rhuhama Bidwell, who was born in
1743. They settled in Simsbury, and had six chil-
dren: Charles, born Oct. 29, 1767; Dorcas; Chloe ;
Larue Hama ; Eber, born Feb. 16, 1772: and James,
born in 1776. Capt. James Cornish died July 9,
1813: his wife on March 14, 1814.
(VI) Col. James Cornish, born in 1776, married
Cynthia Russell, born Oct. 14, 1778, daughter of
Sergt. Jesse Russell. She bore him five children:
Grove, born in 1796, ; Charles, born in 1799, ; Charles
Edwin, father of our subject, born April 13, 1805;
James Darwin, born in May, 180S: Sidney Aurora,
born Oct. 6, 1819. The mother died Aug. 5, 1824,
and for his second wife Col. James Cornish married,
in 1829, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. She was a resident
of Simsbury, and died Jan. 30. 1836.
(\TI) Charles E. Cornish, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Simsbury, and was a farmer
through life. He located at Tariffville, later re-
moving to Hartford. He married Mary N. Vining,
a native of Simsbury, and a daughter of Dr. Thomas
X'ining. Three children were l^orn to Charles E.
and Mary N. Cornish : ( i ) Cynthia Jcanette, who
was born June 11, 1834, married (first) Henry L.
Pratt, and for her second husband wedded George
Tolles, of Nashua, N. H., and now lives at Hart-
ford; (i) Charles H., born May 17, 1837, married
(first) Sarah Cook, and for his second wife wedded
Emma H. Risley, of Glastonbury, by whom he had
three children, Charles A., Frank S., and Robert (he
died in 1873) ! ^"d (3) James Polk, our subject.
The father died Feb. 14, 1882, and the mother Alay
II, 1873. They were buried in Glastonbury cem-
etery.
(VIII) James Polk Cornish, cur subject, was
born in Weatogue, Simsbury, Feb. 24, 1847. When
a child he removed with his parents to Tariffville,
and thence at the age of six years to Hartford, where
he received his education. Fle attended the Brown
school in Hartford, and when thirteen years old re-
moved with his parents to the house in Glastonbury
which he now occupies. At fourteen he began a
five-years' service ss clerk for A. E. Bogue, a grocer,
Ambitions to improve his circumstances, he at the
age of nineteen went to Hartford, and was an em-
ploye in Colt's Armorv until it was destroyed by
fire. Returning to Xaubuc, he served a four-years'
apprenticeship at the macliinist's trade, in the shops
of the Ames Alanufacturing Co. For a time he fol-
lowed his trade on the corner of Pearl and Asylum
streets, Hartford, but in 1873, after the death of his
brother Charles H., he returned to Xaubuc and as-
sisted in the management of the home farm. Thus
he continued for nearly seven years, and in 1879 he
purchased the place, which he has ever since oper-
ated. Mr. Cornish has made the application of
electricty to medical purposes a thorough study,
and now conducts a very successful business of that
kind at Hartford. He was appointed postmaster at
Naubuc in 1888, and still holds that important fed-
eral office.
Our subject was married to Miss Harriet ]M.
Goodrich, of Rockv Hill. She possesses more than
ordinary business acumen, is a musician of ability,
and very popular. She is organist of the Connec-
ticut State Grange, and in appreciation of her untir-
ing efl'orts in that position has been made the re-
cipient of a medal. Mr. Cornish is also a musician
of distinguished ability. For ten years he has been
musical director of the Connecticut State Grange.
For twenty-five years he has been the choir leader
in St. James Episcopal Church, of which he is a
member, and for two years was the leading tenor
in the Centre Cliurch, at Hartford. In politics Mr.
Cornish is a Democrat. He has been nominated
for various local offices, his candidacy resulting in
reducing the adverse Republican majority, but not
in overcoming it. He is now serving as school vis-
itor. Our subject is prominent in fraternal work.
576
COMMEMDRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He is a member of Daskam Lodge, No. 86, F. & A.
M. ; of Washington Commandery, Knights Templar;
and of the Consistory, 32d degree ; lie is serving as
past grand of Elm Lodge, L O. O. F., of Glaston-
bury, and is an active and influential member of East
Hartford Lodge, No. 1237, Royal Arcanum. He
possesses a charm of manner which has won him a
wide friendship, and ranks as one of the foremost
citizens of Glastonbury.
HENRY DAVIS TILLOTSON, an energetic
and successful farmer and dairyman of West Hart-
ford, is a native of Hartford county, born in Farm-
ington, Dec. 23, 1850.
John Whitman Tillotson, his fathei, was born in
the same town, about 1824, and was a son of Seth
and Fannie (Whitman) Tillotson, residents of
Farmington, where the grandfather engaged in
teaching school for many years. He also taught
in the academy at West Hartford. Religiously he
was a member of the Congregational Church.
Throughout life the father of our subject fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. He married Miss
Lucy Allen, of Salisbury, Conn., who is still living
and makes her home in Farmington ; he died at the
age of sixty-three years. To them were born eight
children: Henry Davis, our subject ; Albert S., a res-
ident of Hartford ; Ella L., wife of Frederick Hurl-
burt, of Farmington ; Frank E., deceased ; Florence,
a resident of Hartford; Ida, (Mrs. Morway, of
Plainville) ; John M., of Farmington; and Frederick
E., of Hartford.
Henry D. Tillotson received his literary education
in the schools of Farmington, and continued a res-
ident of that town until eighteen years of age, when
he came to West Hartford to work for John M.
Foote, remaining with him for seven years. In 1877
he removed to his present farm, where he is now suc-
cessfully engaged in general farming and dairying,
running a wagon to Hartford in connection with the
latter branch of business. In addition to his wife's
farm, he also owns the old birthplace of Noah Web-
ster. A man of keen perception, of unbounded en-
terprise, his success in life is due entirely to his own
efforts, and he deserves prominent mention among
the leading and representative agriculturists of the
county. Religiously, he is a member of the Congre-
gational Church and Society.
On April 7, 1877, in West Hartford, Mr. Tillot-
son was united in marriage with Miss Mary F. Dun-
ham, a daughter of Elisha Dunham, and to them were
born two sons ; Henry Howard, who is now con-
nected with the Scottish LTnion Insurance Co. of
Hartford ; and Lora L.
CHARLES E. CURTISS is one of Simsbury's
best known citizens, and as a member of Ensign,
Bickford & Co., of that place, he holds a prominent
place in business circles. He was born March 18,
1850, in the Bushy Hill District of Simsbury, son of
Ebenezer G. Curtiss, and grandson of Timothy H.
Curtiss, the latter of whom died March 19, 1864,
aged seventy-six.
Hon. Ebenezer G. Curtiss, father of our subject,
was born Nov. 15, 1822, in the Bushy Hill District
of Simsbury, near the Canton line, but a portion of
his boyhood was spent in Southwick, Mass., where
his parents resided for a time. He engaged in
farming in early manhood, and his later years were
passed in Weatogue, Conn., where he became in-
terested in the cattle business, his stock being pur-
chased in the west and driven to Connecticut. He
was a prominent Democrat of his locality, and at
one time represented Simsbury in the State Legis-
lature, while he was also active in Masonic circles
as a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A.
M., at Simsbury, to which our subject now belongs.
He died Sept. 16, 1890, his remains being interred
in Simsbury. On Oct. 11, 1846, he married Miss
Mary A. Norton, who survives him, and now resides
with our subject. They had three children: George
N., born Aug. 19, 1848, died April 20, 1849; Charles
E. is our subject; and James, born June 23, 1856, is
now a resident of Simsbury.
Mrs. Mary A. (Norton) Curtiss, who still enjoys
excellent health notwithstanding her advanced age,
is much esteemed among the people of Simsbury,
and for many years has been a consistent member
of the Congregational Church. She was born Oct.
29, 1827, in the town of Avon, this county, and is de-
scended in the paternal line from one of the oldest
families of Farmington. Her father, George Nor-
ton, married Elizabeth Frisbie.
As a boy our subject attended first the district
schools of Weatogue, his first teacher being Miss
Ellen Marks. In 1859 his parents removed to the
Meadow Plain District, and among his teachers there
were Lucy Alford, Addie Allen and Minnie Case.
Later he studied for one winter at Guilford Insti-
tute, and after leaving this school spent a year in
farming with his father. In 1867 he began clerk-
ing for Judson Wilcox in a general store at Sims-
bury, and two years later he accepted a position as
traveling salesman for Humason & Beckly, of New
Britain, handling a line of shelf hardware goods.
His territory covered New York State, and after a
time he traveled the same routes for a cigar house in
New York City. In 1872 he went to Oneonta, N.
Y., and engaged in the livery business, and on leav-
ing there he removed to Westfield, Mass., where he
was employed as a bookkeeper and clerk in a gro-
cery house. On Dec. i, 1879, he returned to Sims-
bury, where he has since resided, and for a number
of years he has been connected with the Ensign
Bickford Manufacturing Co. On April 10, 1889,
he moved to his elegant home, which is probably the
best appointed residence in Simsbury. It was
formerly the Averett Wilcox homestead, and is
known as "The Seven Elms," from the seven large
elm trees in front of the house. Mr. Curtiss has
two children; Joseph T., born Dec. 16, 1878; and
Grace G., born Sept. 26, 1883. The son was edu-
/
i
&
^^^Oon-^L^^-a-^Q.^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
577
catod at Dobb's Ferry School and at Anduvcr, Mass.,
and spent a year in Europe. On Dec. ly, 181J9, he
jnarried Abigail G. Eno, daughter of Chauncey H.
Eno, of Simsbury, and they live in Tariffvillc, where
he is engaged in mercantile business. Grace G.
Curtiss was graduated from St. Margaret's School,
Waterbury, class of 1901.
Mr. Curtiss is an enthusiastic horseman, and owns
one of the fine stable of horses of Hartford county,
being an excellent judge of that noble animal. He is
a liberal man, and believes in enjoying life, while
as a citizen he has always been in favor of public im-
provements. I'olitically he is a stanch Democrat,
and "can always be counted upon" to vote the State
and National tickets. In town matters he selects the
best men regardless of politics, and while he has
never shirked duty as a good Democrat, he has de-
clined to be a candidate for office.
JOSEPH TOWERS, who for years has been
a successful manufacturer of brick at New Britain,
is of English descent. He was born Oct. 17, 1861,
in Rockland county, N. Y., son of James Towers,
and grandson of William Towers. The latter, a
native of Derbyshire, England, was by occupation
a silk-weaver, though for many years he followed
market gardening. He married Deborah Heath-
coate, and to the union were born: Sarah, JMaria,
Mary, Thomas, Joseph, William, Mathew and
James, the latter being the father of our subject.
James Towers, was born in 1825, in Stockport,
Cheshire, England, and in his young life there
worked at blacksmithing. In January, 1851, he
with family left England in a sailing-vessel bound
for the United States, whither they arrived after a
voyage of five weeks and two days. Soon after
reaching this country Mr. Towers was for a time
employed by a Mr. Conger, at Grassy Point, Rock-
land Co., N. Y. Following this he became em-
ployed in a muslin print factory, and then for a time
worked at blacksmithing. Being of a mechanical
turn of mind, he next accepted a position as a
machinist at Haverstraw, N. Y., and was thus en-
gaged for a period, also in blacksmithing, after
which he became engineer in a brickyard. Later
he moved to the State of Iowa, where he pur-
chased a farm and followed agricultural pursuits
for six and one-half years, and in about 1881 sold
his property and returned to the East, locating at
New Britain, . Conn. Here he became interested
in the brick plant of Dennis & Co., later purchased
the brickyards now owned by Towers Brothers and
Holmes & Dennis, remaining thus engaged until
about 1 89 1, at which time he sold the brick plant
to his sons. He was a man of good business ability,
industrious, a thorough manager, and met with suc-
cess. He was self-made, rising in the world through
his own efiforts.
On Aug. 13, 1848, James Towers was married
to Hannah Lee, and the union was blessed with
children as follows : ]\Iarv is the wife of Charles
Lawrence ; James is a resident of Springfield, Mass. ;
William ; Elizabeth married Chester M. Buck, of
Iowa; Joseph is our subject; Sarah married Casper
Schweilzer, of New Britain ; and Helena married
Stephen Sautter, of New Britain.
Joseph Towers, the subject proper of these lines,
attended the public schools at Haverstraw, N. Y.,
until twelve years of age, by which time he had a
fair elementary book training. At this age he ac-
companied his parents to Mahaska county, Iowa,
where he assisted in the work of the farm during
their seven or eight years' residence there, mean-
while pursuing his studies at home. On the return
of the family to the East our subject assisted his
father in the operation of the brick plant at New
Britain, referred to in the foregoing, serving for
some three years as engineer, and later as foreman,
In about 1891 he and a brother purchased the
plant, and for three years conducted it as partners,
our subject at the expiration of that period pur-
chasing his brother's interest. In 1896, during his
ownership of the works they were removed to a
different locality, and their manufacturing capacity
greatly increased. Subsequent to this the Towers
Brothers purchased an interest in the business, and
the capacity of the plant was again increased, until
it now gives emplo}ment to some fifty men. Mr.
Towers is an experienced brick manufacturer, thor-
oughly understanding the business in all of its
branches, and, possessing energy and industry, he
has been successful.
In his political views Mr. Towers is a Repub-
lican, though not a party worker for the reward of
office. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, No.
20, A. F. & A. M., and of Washington Command-
ery, No. i, K. T. ; also affiliated with the Order of
Red Men, in which he is especially prominent;
and with Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford. For a
number of years he was secretary of the New
England Brick Exchange Co., which was succeeded
by the New England Brick Co., and of the latter he
is now president.
On March 25, 1891, our subject was married
to Miss Lucy Agnes Rawlings, daughter of Noah
and Agnes Rawlings, of Berlin, formerly of Eng-
land. To this union two sons were born : Raymond
Rawlings, who died at the age of three and one-
fourth years ; and Reginald EHsworth, who is still
at home.
CHARLES L. RUSSELL, Jr., a well-known
citizen of Milldale, was born in Farmington, Hart-
ford county, Aug. 28, 1843, a son of Charles L.
and Marilla (Ford) Russell, the former a native
of Cheshire, Conn., the latter of Vermont. The
paternal grandparents, John and Ruth (Root) Rus-
sell, were natives of Cheshire and Southington,
respectively. The maternal grandfather, Hial Ford,
was born in Vermont, son of Gen. Ford, of Revolu-
tionary fame, but spent much of his life in Thomas-
ton, Conn., where his death occurred. He was
578
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
quite prominent in public affairs. His wife bore
the maiden name of Lucina Preston.
Our subject was reared in Cheshire, pursued
his studies in the common schools of that town and
in the high school of VVaterbury. During the dark
days of the Civil war he entered the service of his
country, enlisting in July, 1862, in Company A,
20th Conn. V. I., and was connected with the quar-
termaster's and commissary departments. At the
end of three years he was honorably discharged
and returned home. He was engaged in farming,
teaming and trucking until 1893, when he removed
to Southington, and has since followed the occu-
pation of a teamster at Milldale.
On Nov. 25, 1874, Mr. Russell married Miss
Ella Hotchkiss, a daughter of Henry and Rosette
(Beecher) Hotchkiss, formerly of Cheshire, and
by this union have been born two children : Edith
R., now the wife of F. M. Ellis ; and Olive F. Re-
ligiously Mr. Russell is a member of the Episcopal
Church ; socially he is affiliated with Doolittle Post,
No. 5, G. A. R., of Cheshire, and politically he is
connected with the Republican party. He is widely
and favorably known, and has a host of warm
friends in the community where he resides.
EDWARD RISLEY, farmer and tobacco
grower, of the town of East Hartford, with his farm
near Willow Brook and his residence in the village
of East Hartford, is a descendant of one of the
oldest and most honored of the families of the
town, being a son of Seth, a grandson of Caleb,
and a great-grandson of John Risley.
John Risley was a farmer all his life, and was
the father of six children, as follows : Ruth, mar-
ried to Ralph Judson ; Lucinda, married to Ashbel
Cowles ; Damos, married to Solomon Treat ; Patty,
who became the wife of Moses Ensign, and the
mother of four children, Charles A., Elizur, Owen
and Jeanette; John, who married Sallie Seymour;
and Caleb, the grandfather of our subject.
Caleb Risley was born on Main street. East
Hartford, was reared a farmer, married Abigail
Hancock, and lived in a house that stands south of
his grandson Edward's present residence. To him
and his wife were born nine children : Caleb ;
Emeline, who became the wife of Solomon Treat
(a son of Solomon Treat), and the mother of five
children, Charlotte, Maria, Delia, Harry and Charles,
lived to be over eightyyears old, and was buried
in Hockanum ; Russell, married to Ruth Warren,
who bore him two children, Nancy and Harry;
Reuben, who died unmarried, as also did Horace ;
Seth; Seth (2), the father of our subject; George,
first married to Sarah Camp, who bore him two
children, Ellen and Jennie (to his second marriage
with Martha Roberts, no children were born) ;
Abbie, the young-est, who was married to Charles
Risley, and had two children, Charles R. and Owen.
Seth Risley, father of our subject, was born in
August, 1816, in Willow Brook, attended the brick
school house near where the present district school
house stands, and then learned the shoemaker's
trade in Hockanum, at which he continued to work
until the Civil war ruined that industrj', when he
turned his attention to farming. He purchased the
land now occupied by Edward, his son, and erected
the dwelling in which the latter now lives. On,
Sept. 25, 1839, Seth Risley married Mary A. War-
ren, a native of Hockanum, born in the house now
occupied by Horace Williams, and a daughter of
Edward and Ruth (Warren) Warren, being the
third of four children — Harry, who was lost at
sea; Edward, who died young; Mary A., mother of
our subject; and Susannah, who died young. To
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Seth Risley came
two children, Emma, who was born June 17, 1842,
and died Dec. 10, 1845, and Edward, the subject
of this sketch, who was born July 3, 1850.
Seth Risley was a man of extraordinary intelli-
gence and of large physique, he was firm in his con-
victions and conclusions, was a keen business man,
and quite enterprising. He was elected selectman
in 1852, and served two years, likewise served as
assessor and a member of the board of relief, and
in 1878 was elected to the State Legislature. He
was called from earth in June, 1887, his wife in
1897 ; the remains of both were interred in Hocka-
num, where their little daughter Emma had been
buried, in the town of East Hartford.
Edward Risley, the subject of this sketch, re-
ceived his early education in the district schools,
and later attended Bryant & Stratton's Business
College, which was the first institution in its line
to be opened in Hartford. For a time he was em-
ployed as a clerk and bookkeeper by J. H. Ranney,
a grocer of No. 5, American Row, Hartford, and
then returned to the farm, which he yet occupies.
On Jan. 12, 1876, he married Miss Hattie E. Hills,
a native of Hockanum, and a daughter of Ashbel
and Cynthia D. (French) Hills, the latter still liv-
ing in Hockanum. Mrs. Risley is an excellent
housewife and a most agreeable lady, and with her
husband attends the services of the South Con-
gregational Church. They have no children.
Mr. Risley is a member of Orient Lodge No.
62, F. & A. M., and of East Hartford Council, No.
1237, Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Demo-
crat, and has served as assessor four years, as
auditor two years, and also as a member of the
board of relief. He is a business man of acknowl-
edged ability, has twelve acres of fine tobacco land,
and a tasty and comfortable home, and with his
wife is held in the highest respect by all his numer-
ous friends and acquaintances, being classed with
the best families of the town.
DARIUS DWIGHT MONROE. For a quar-
ter of a century this gentleman has been promi-
nently identified with the agricultural and business
interests of West Hartford. His thoroughly Amer-
ican spirit and great energy have enabled him to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
579
mount from a lowly position to one of affluence,
and he is now numbered among the prosperous
farmers of his community.
Air. Monroe was born Dec. 4, 1850, in Goshen
(now Chaplin Station), Windham Co., Conn., and
is a son of John jNIonroe, a native of Scotland,
Conn., who now makes his home in West Hartford.
The grandfather, David Monroe, was a resident of
Scotland, Conn., and in early life was a sea captain.
By trade the father of our subject is a tinner, but
he has devoted considerable attention to agricult-
ural pursuits. He married Miss Sarah Jane Rob-
inson, of Goshen, who died in West Hartford and
was buried there. To them were born three chil-
dren, but Dwight and another son died in infancy,
leaving only our subject, the youngest of the
family.
During his boyhood Darius D. Monroe attended
the public schools of his native place until sixteen
years of age, and then learned the stone cutter's
trade at home and in Essex, Conn. At the age
of eighteen he came to Hartford, where he worked
for Burnham Brothers, street sprinklers, for two
seasons, and was then in the employ of William
B. Smith, of that place, until the spring of 1879.
The following five years he spent in Colorado, and
on his return to Hartford was again with William
B. Smith, in the vegetable business, for a year. In
1884 he removed to Sunset farm, in West Hartford,
and for several years gave special attention to the
poultry business. In 1887 he became interested
in the milk business, and has established one of the
finest milk routes in Hartford, in his dairy business
now giving employment to four men. He is also
engaged in general farming, and in his undertakings
is meeting with most gratifying results. Mr. Mon-
roe was a member of the first company of Horse
Guards in Hartford, but has never taken a very
active part in public affairs, preferring to give his
undivided attention to his business interests.
OSWALD J. SIGNOR, an enterprising and
well-to-do farmer of Burnside avenue, was born
May 27, 1852, in South Windsor, near East Hart-
ford, on his father's farm, and is the only child of
Jerome and Elgiva B. Signor, the former of whom
is a prominent farmer and tobacco grower.
Jerome Signor is a descendant of one of the
oldest Dutch families of the State of New York,
Tiis great-great-great-grandfather being the first of
the family to come from Holland to America. He
settled on JNIanhattan Island, and at one time owned
300 acres of land in what is now the city of New
York, on part of which the city hall and the United
States Government post office now stand, but which
property was confiscated by the British authorities
after the surrender of the then embryo city to the
English army. The Signor family possessed re-
markable longevity, the great-grandfather of Jer-
ome attaining the wonderful age of 106 years, and
liis grandfather that of 104 years. Jerome Signor
was the second child of Albert and I-'anny E. Sig-
nor, was born in Eranklin, Delaware Co., N. Y.,
in 1825, and came to South Windsor, Conn., in
1848. Here he found employment with Otis Wood
as wood-chopper, doing the work at forty-two
cents per cord. He here married a widow, Mrs.
Elgiva Burnham, who was born in 1809, bore the
maiden name of Elmer, and by her marriage to
Horace Burnham became the mother of three chil-
dren : Edmund and Elgiva, still living on the
Signor homestead ; and Horace, who is married,
and is living in Albany, Wis. Mrs. Elgiva Signor
passed away Jan. 2, 1893, and at the advanced age
of nearly eighty-three years had not a gra_\' hair
on her head. Mr. Signor is still a well-preserved
man, of large physique, and although he had the
misfortune of falling and breaking his neck a few
years ago most miraculously recovered, the effects
being a rigid condition of the vertebrie and an
inclining of the head forward.
Oswald J. Signor was educated in the district
schools and also at the Suffield Seminary, under
Prof. Spencer, from which latter institution he
graduated with the class of 1870, and then returned
to the old homestead. On June 9, 1875, Mr. Sig-
nor married i\Iiss Rosella Perkins, who was born
Jan. 27, 1852, daughter of George Perkins, a
prominent citizen of Glastonbury, and this mar-
riage has been graced with four children : ( i )
Oswald J., Jr., born June 21, 1876, is still un-
married, and is living on the Signor homestead
(he is industrious and thrifty, very popular,
and very prominent in Lodge circles) ; (2) Edna
E. was born Feb. 2, 1881 ; (,3) Leslie E. was born
Sept. 5, 1884; and (4) Walter was born Dec. 24,
1894. Of these, the two eldest were educated in
Hartford and East Hartford.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Signor pur-
chased his present farm of six and one-half acres,
known as the "Johnson farm," which he has im-
proved with modern and substantial buildings, and
it is now one of the model farms of the town of
East Hartford. On this modest but valuable place
Mr. Signor raises a large and profitable crop of
tobacco and considerable "market truck," besides
handling firewood in no small way. In 1894 Mr.
Signor erected on Burnside avenue his present fine
modern dwelling, which is one of the prettiest in
the neighborhood, and is surrounded by a nicely-
kept lawn, which delights the eye of every passer-
b_y. As a business man ]Mr. Signor is an absolute
"hustler," and in 1897 he and his father shipped
2,700 cases of tobacco, which they packed, and on
which they realized a handsome profit.
In politics ]\Ir. Signor is an active and energetic
Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, having joined the order March
8, 1897, and has since been largely instrumental in
the establishment of Elm Lodge, East Hartford, of
whichlie and his son. Oswald J., are charter mem-
bers, both holding official positions. Mr. Sig^ior
580
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and his son are also members of Sumner Division,
No. I, uniformed rank, Crescent Lodge, No. 7, of
Hartford, and, socially, they mingle in the highest
circles of East Hartford.
ORION BROOKS TREAT is a native of
Glastonbury, Hartford county, born Aug. 5, 1849.
He was of an adventurous disposition in youth, and
the patriotic element in his nature was deeply stirred
at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. At
the age of fifteen (Oct. 16, 1864) he enlisted in
the b. S. navy, for two years' service, and was
sent to a receiving ship. From this he was trans-
ferred to the "Gemsbok," then attached to the
blockading squadron oft' the coast of South Caro-
lina and Georgia. On June 9, 1865, he received
his discharge and returned home.
Mr. Treat had found the life of a sailor pleasant,
and not long afterward he shipped as one of the
crew aboard a coasting vessel, sailing through Long
Island Sound and along adjacent shores. This
vocation he followed for eleven years, when he
determined to take to himself a wife and establish
a home of his own. Accordingly, in the fall of
1878, he abandoned his seafaring career, and com-
ing to Manchester began work in the needle factory
of H. Lydall & Foulds. He remained in that gen-
tleman's employ until 1895, by which time through
industry and economy, he had accumulated sufficient
capital to engage in business for himself. In that
year he erected his present factory, where he makes
knitting needles of the description used in woolen
mills. His plant has a capacity of about 3,000
needles per day, and he employs from eight to
fifteen hands, the number varying according to the
condition of the market and the demand for the
output. Reference has been already made to Mr.
Treat's marriage, which took place July 4, 1878,
when he was united to Miss Margaret E. Paxson.
One child has been born to them, named Mary A.
In politics Mr. Treat is a Republican. He is a
member of Drake Post, No. 4, G. A. R., of Man-
chester.
HON. GEORGE FRANKLIN HUMPHREY,
of Bloomfield, was born in the town of Canton
Center, Hartford county, Dec. 31, 1854, and is a
son of Alfred F. and Lydia A. (Griswold)
Humphrey.
Alfred F. Humphrey was born in New Hartford,
Conn., in 1826, and was a son of the late George
Humphrey, a farmer, also a native of New Hartford,
who married Miss Frances Mills, of Canton Center,
Conn. He resided in Smyrna, N. Y., from 1838
until his death. Alfred F. Humphrey was educated
in New Hartford, Conn., and Smyrna, N. Y. At the
age of twenty-four he returned to Canton Center
from Smyrna, whither he had accompanied his fa-
ther, and married Mrs. Ljrdia A. Mills, widow of
Anson G. Mills, and daughter of Chatmcey G.
Griswold. To this union were born : George F.,
Fred G., William G., and Hattie (Mrs. Lamphier),
all with the exception of George F. being residents
of Canton Center. Mr. Humphrey was very prom-
inent as a citizen, and as a Republican represented
his party in the State Legislature in 1876. He
served as selectman and assessor. Fraternally he
was a member of Village Lodge, No. 29, F. & A.
M., at CoUinsville. Fie died in the faith of the
Congregational Church, in March, 1898.
George F. Humphrey was primarily educated in
the district school of Canton Center, supplemented
by an attendance at the Eastman Business College,
in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He remained under the
parental roof until twenty-five years of age, and in
the spring of 1880 married Miss Ida J. Burr, a
daughter of Ambrose Burr, of Bloomfield. This
happy union has been blessed with two children ;
Alfred A., born March 3, 1881, died Feb. 24, 1896;
and George Harold, born Dec. 21, 1887.
Mr. Humphrey has been very active as a local
politician, has served his fellow townsmen three
terms as selectman, and is still an incumbent of this
office, but he has been honored with a high office,
that of member of the State Legislature, to which
he was elected in the fall of 1896, and in which, as
in all other official positions he has held, his services
have been of the most eft'ective character. Frater-
nally he is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 98, F. &
A. M., and also a member of the Knights of the
Maccabees, as well as of Tunxis Grange, No. 13,
P. of H., of Bloomfield. He is a devout membei"
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his walk
through life has won for him the respect and con-
fidence of all who know him.
SAMUEL G. HANCOCK. No better illustra-
tion of the characteristic energy and enterprise of
the typical foreign-born citizen can be found than
that afforded by the career of this gentleman, now
a well-known general jobber, tinner, plumber and
stove dealer of Southington. Coming to this coun-
try with no capital except his abilities, he has made
his way to success through wisely-directed efforts,
and can look back with satisfaction upon past
struggles.
Mr. Hancock was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire,.
England, Sept. 7, 1850, and is a son of John and
Mary Ann (Grayson) Hancock, who came to Amer-
ica in 1867 on the ship "Boston," and located in
Union City, now a part of Naugatuck, Conn. There
the father followed his trade, that of cutler, until
1871, when he removed to Southington, Conn., and
worked at the same occupation there until 1894.
He then retired on account of old age. He died
Jan. 18, 1899, at the age of eighty-four years. In
his family were four children who reached man-
hood and womanhood : Jane ; Elizabeth, wife of
Harvey Gray ; Samuel G. ; and Emma, wife of
John Fenton.
The first seventeen years of his life our subject
spent in his native land, where he attended the pub-
^,
^
•^ ' {7 (tCho^i^i^^J^ 'jS^i.-Z.^
I
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
581
lie schools for a short tune, but he is practically a
self-educated as well as a self-made man. At the
age of thirteen he began serving an apprenticeship
to the cutler's trade in England, and finished the
same in Southington, Conn., after coming to this
country with his parents, at the age of seventeen
years. He continued to follow that vocation until
1889, wheii he embarked in his present business,
which he has since, with the assistance of his wife,
carried on with good success. In 1878 he was
united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of
William and jNIary Coulson, of the north of Eng-
land.
FREDERICK ELLSWORTEI, one of the re-
spected business men of Hartford, is a descendant of
one of the earliest settlers of this part of Connecticut,
and in his long successful career has maintained the
reputation borne by all members of this family for
honesty, integrity and the many sterling qualities
which stand for good citizenship and progress, and
command respect in any community, large or small.
Mr. Ellsworth's ancestors have all been extensive
farmers and landowners in Hartford county.
Josias Ellsworth, the first of whom we have
record, settled in Windsor in 1646, and his remains
rest in the cemetery in Old Windsor. His son,
Lieut. John, settled on the east side of the river in
what is now East Windsor, being one of its first set-
tlers, and built a house there about 1694-95. He
was killed some time later by a falling tree, in what
is now Ellington, Tolland county. He had two
sons, Capt. John and Daniel. Capt. John Ellsworth
became very prominent in East Windsor. He had
a son Solomon, who was born in East Windsor, and
served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. In
1758 Solomon Ellsworth built a house which is still
(^1900) standing,, and is known as the old Ellsworth
homestead. He also built a gristmill, at what is
called Ketch EIollow, probably about 1800.
Abner Mosley Ellsworth, son of Solomon, and
grandfather of our subject, \yas born on the old
homestead in East Windsor, in 1771. He followed
farming, milling and manufacturing, and died there
in 1853 aged eighty-three years. His son, Abner
Mosley Ellsworth, was born on the old hor.i.estead
in 1804, and was the father of Frederick Ellsworth,
whose name opens this article. He was associated
with his father in business, and about 1826 they con-
verted the old gristmill into a cotton-mill ; in 1836
he built a cotton-mill at Ketch Hollow, with a grist-
mill in the basement, the establishment being known
as the Central Mills, and engaged in the manufacture
of cotton twine, yarns and bagging, conducting the
business until the spring of 1846, when the mills
were destroyed by fire, Mr. Ellsworth losing all his
possessions. This misfortune doubtless contributed
to his early demise, as he passed away, Sept. 24,
1846. ]\Irs. Ellsworth survived her husband twenty
years, dying Sept. 25, 1866. She, too, was a native
of East Windsor, and her maiden name was Lucy
W. Stoughton. Their family consisted of seven
children: Frederick; Samuel 11., wlio died in 1856;
Lucy S., who became the wife of Rev. Samuel B.
Forbes, and died in 1863; Sarah, who died at the
age of four years; Lemuel S., mention of whom is
made elsewhere, a resident of Sinisbury ; John, men-
tioned below; and Hugh, who died in 1872. John
Ellsworth was reared on the old homestead in East
Windsor, and in 1862 enlisted for service in Com-
pany G, 25th Conn. V. I.; after the war he com-
pleted his preparatory education at Williams Col-
lege, and then took up the studv of law, reading with
R. D. Hubbard and W. W. McFarland, of Hart-
ford, Conn. He was admitted to the Bar in 1867,
and in the fall of that year went to California, where
he has ever since remained, taking a prominent part
in public aft'airs from the beginning. He is a well-
known and successful lawyer, and for a number of
years has been judge of the superior court ; his home
is at Alameda.
Frederick Ellsworth was born Jan. 25, 1833,
on the old Ellsworth homestead in East Windsor,
which he and his son now own, a beautiful estate
comprising some 430 acres of the most highly im-
proved land in the town in which it lies. He was
reared and educated in his native place, attending the
common schools and East Windsor Hill Academy,
and in the fall of 1847 ^^'ent to live with John _W.
Stoughton, on a farm in East Windsor, remaining
with him three years. He next lived on the farm of
his uncle, Lemuel Stoughton, for a few years, and in
the spring of 1852 went to Warehouse Point, where
he clerked in the store of Roswell Kingsbury for one
year. Returning to his uncle's, he made his home
with him until 1854, when he went to Wilmington,
N. C, clerked in a store there about a year, and
then returned to Connecticut. In 1856 he again
went South, locating in Central Georgia, where he
remained until the Civil war broke out in 1861. In
j\Iav of that year he left Georgia, and coming North
went to Bloomington, 111., where he remained until
fall ; and then returned to Connecticut. Soon qf .er
his arrival here he bought a farm in Sinisbury, Hart-
ford county, where he resided three years, selling at
the end of that time. While a resident of Sims-
bury he took an active interest in public affairs, and
served on the board of relief. In 1862 he was ap-
pointed provost marshal's chief clerk, of the First
Connecticut District, with headquarters at Hart-
ford. In 1863 he was appointed, by Secretary of
War Stanton, commissioner of the provost depart-
ment of the Fourth District, with headquarters at
Bridgeport, filling that position a few months, when
he returned to his former position in Hartford,
which he filled about two years. In October, 1865,
he again went to Georgia, and carried on a mercan-
tile business there for two years, since when he has
made his home in Hartford. Until 1873 Mr. Ells-
worth was a member of the firm of Xorman Hub-
bard & Co., buyers and packers of tobacco, and for
1 the last quarter of a century he has been engaged in
585
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
handling fertilizers, doing a profitable wholesale
and retail business. He has gained and retained
an enviable standing among the substantial citizens
of Hartford county, and is well and favorably known
both personally and in a business way.
In October, i860, Mr. Ellsworth was married, in
Georgia, to Miss Georgia Phelps, of Forsyth, that
State, and this union was blessed with one child,
Georgia. Mrs. Ellsworth dying in 1866, our sub-
ject, on March 6, 1867, married Miss Ellen Tuller,
of Simsbury, and they have had two children, Fred-
erick H., who is a civil engineer in the employ of the
New York & New Haven road, living at New Haven ;
and Lucy E., bom July i, 1874, who died April 15,
1880. Mr. Ellsworth is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church, and fraternally he is a Free Mason,
belonging to the lodge at Tariffville. His political
support is given to the Republican party. He is a
distant relative of Judge Shepard, of the appellate
court of Chicago, whose grandfather was a brother
of Mr. Ellsworth's grandfather.
MARCUS A. DODGE. Among the agricultur-
ists of West Hartford who have attained success
through their own unaided efforts is the gentleman
whose name introduces this review. He is one
of the most progressive and energetic farmers and
djairymen of his section of the county, and is a
complete master of the calling which he follows.
His sterling integrity and honorable, upright man-
hood, fully entitles him to the position which he
holds in the estimation of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Dodge was born in Chenango county, N.
Y., Nov. 21, 1847, and is a son of William Dodge,
who was conducting a hotel in California at the
time of his death, in 1853. At the age of eight
years our subject left' his birthplace and went to
live with his uncle, Daniel Dodge, remaining with
him until seventeen. He then learned the art of
butter and cheese making, and for fifteen or more
years devoted his time and attention to that occupa-
tion. In 1884 he came to West Hartford, and
managed the Highland Creamery for four years.
The next season he had charge of a creamery in
Pennsylvania, and then, on his return to West Hart-
ford, purchased his present farm, where he has
since carried on dairy farming with most gratifying
results. In Chenango county, N. Y., Mr. Dodge
married Mrs. Ceclia Breed, who had two children
by her former marriage.
WILLIAM DWIGHT BEAUMONT is one of
the few old-time citizens of Burnside avenue, East
Hartford, spared by the remorseless years. Where
now extends a beautiful vista of elegant homes and
well-kept lawns he once saw fields of waving grain.
Here as a boy he helped to cut the rye, and among
the broad acres of his father's farm he planted, cul-
tivated and gathered the crops, which was the task
of the youth of his native place nearly three-fourths
of a century ago. At the age of eighty years our
I
subject is a prosperous farmer and business man,
unusually active for one of his years. Nature fa-
vored him with a robust constitution and a rugged
frame, upon which there are no corroding marks
of early dissipation. Daily toil has been his lot, not
idleness and folly, and the splendid type of his man-
hood is that which has struggled and won in the
fields of sharp prolonged activity. Not till his
eightieth year did he find it necessary to use the
glasses which men of half his age now so frequently
find necessary.
Mr. Beaumont was born in East Hartford, July
17, 1819, son of Elijah and Electa Bemont (as his
father then spelled his name). His ancestral his-
tory appears elsewhere. William D., our subject,
in his boyhood days attended school in the old school
house which stood in East Hartford near Center
cemetery. He imbibed knowledge and learning from
that prince of old educators, Salmon Phelps, like
many of the best citizens of East Hartford of his
and a generation succeeding. This school fully re-
compensed in thorough training what perhaps it
lacked in the finish and variety of modern education.
He also attended a select school, and was a pupil
in Mr. Wells' school at East Hartford. Idle days
to our subject were unknown in his boyhood and
youth. It was in an age before improved machinery
arrived, and toilsome work by hand was the common
lot. His father was engaged in the wood business,
an extensive and important industry before the days
of coal, and when our subject attained manhood he
became associated in business with his father as a
partner. Later his younger brother, Henry G,
y;as received into the partnership. They dealt also
in ship timber, making heavy consignments to New
Bedford, Mass., then the greatest whaling port in
the United States. The growing and sale of melons
was added to this trade, besides other lines of com-
mercial activity. The able assistance of our subject
and his brother extricated their father fiom an in-
debtedness which he had contracted earlier in life.
This business arrangement was conducted until
early in the 'fifties, when our subject withdrew from
the partnership to enter the teaming" business.
Before the era of railroads teaming was an im-
portant branch of transportation. In his former
business with his father and brothers they had al-
ways kept two teams, one of oxen and one of horses.
Our subject had usualy handled the ox-team, and
was quite skillful in that kind of work. Taking up
general teaming and a trucking business, he con-
tinued it successfully for a number of years. The
hauling of powder from the mills at Burnside to
other towns and railroad depots was an important
proof of this transportation. In those days it was
not unusual to haul powder up into New Hamp-
shire, and to Rhinebeck,' N. Y., and elsewhere.
Many loads were hauled to New Haven, and the S
latter haul was often made by our subject at night. *
His days were usually long, and the weather was
no bar to the prosecution of his business. He kept M
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
683
from three to four teams engag:ed in general truck-
ing, and in later years the hauling of coal was an
im]K3rtaiit branch of his work. He retired from
active life years ago, and lias since then enjoyed the
fruits of his busy and successful business career.
He has built an elegant home on Burnside avenue,
where as a young man he was wont to cradle grain,
and here the small activities about his home give that
relief from idleness which to a man of his active
life would ]5rove distasteful.
Mr. lieaumont was married, Aug. 12, 1847, at
Glastonbury, to Miss Julia A. House, who was born
March 17, 1821, daughter of \V'illiam and Julia
(Chapman) House. One child, Fanny, has been
born to this union. She is now Mrs. J. Frank
Cowles, of East Hartford, and is the mother of two
very interesting children, Fthel and Frances J., the
pride and delight of their grandfather.
Mr. Beaumont cast his first vote for William
H. Harrison, and in politics he has since been a
Whig or Republican, though independent in local
elections. Himself and wife are members of the
Congregational Church. Possessinf^ ample means,
and a most comfortable home, he maintains the
simplicity of his earlier years. He is courteous in
bearing, kind and generous of heart, and enjoys a
wide acquaintanceship in Hartford and adjoining
counties. He worthily bears the name which in
achievement has been made illustrious in the history
of his native county and State.
PARDON AUGUSTUS WHITNEY, the well-
known superintendent of the Southington shops of
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., was born in Wood-
stock, Vt. June 10, 1844.
I\Ir. Whitney is a son of Aaron Warren and
Harriet (Leonard) Whitney, the former a native
of Schroon, N. Y., the latter of Woodstock, Vt.
Grandfather Whitney served in the war of 1812.
The father was reared in his birthplace, and in 1883
went to Woodstock, where he learned the machin-
ist's trade, and later worked as a journeyman for a
couple of years. In 1840 he embarked in the manu-
facture of tinner's tools and machines, in which he
continued at that place until 1869, and the following
two years was engaged in the same business in
Smithville, N. J., selling out at the end of that time
to the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. In 1871 he came
to Southington, where for a time he was employed
as inspector by that company, and then for several
years was engaged in the grocery trade. He died
in Southington, May 15, 1877, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Harriet Leonard, daugh-
ter of Capt. James and Mary (Briggs) Leonard, of
Woodstock, Vt., and by this union were born four
children, our subject being the only son to reach
years of maturity. The mother died Jan. 20, 1848,
and for his second wife the father married Lucia
Tucker, of Royalton, A^t., by whom he had one son,
Foster A.
In his native town our subject grew to manhood,
and his early education was obtained in its public
sciiools. Sujjsecjuently he was a student at the
Burnham Business College, Springfield, Mass. He
served a four-years' apprenticeship to the machin-
ist's trade in his father's shop at Woodstock, and
continued in his father's employ until the removal
of the family to Smithville, N. J., when he became ■■*
partner. When they sold the plant, in 1871, he
came to Southington and entered the emjjloy of the
Peck, Stow & \\'ilcox Co., having charge of their
bolt shop for about nine years. In 1879 ^f"". Whit-
ney went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he had charge
of the mechanical department of the Wilcox, Tread-
way Co. for three years, and when it was absorbed
b}^ the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., he continued with
them at that place for another year. Removing to
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, he was engaged in the manu-
facture of racket drills at tliat place for a year and
a half, and then went to Warsaw, N. Y., where he
purchased an interest in the Variety Machine Co.,
and had charge of the mechanical department of
their works for three years. In the fall of 1887 he
returned to Southington, and has since held his
present position with the Peck, Stow & Wilco.x Co.,
being at the head of the mechanical department of
the Southing-ton plant.
During the Civil war ^Ir. Whitney enlisted, in
August, 1862, in Company C, 6th \'t. V. I., and
participated in all the engagements in which the
6th Army Corps took part. With the exception of
a two weeks' furlough he was never off duty a
single day, and was honorably discharged, as ser-
geant, July 31, 1865, after two years and eleven
months of arduous and faithful service.
Mr. \Miitney was married Oct. 2, 1870. to Miss
Julia Douglass, a daughter of Reuben and Catherine
(Thomas) Douglass, of \\ oodstock, \'t. Her fa-
ther was a farmer of that place, and a son of John
Douglass, a native of Scotland, who became a farmer
of Flartland, A't. Her maternal grandparents,
Phineas and Deborah (Thomas) Thomas, were also
agriculturists of Woodstock. The Thomas faniilv
was formerl)- of Old ^iliddleboro, Mass. Mrs.
Whitney's great-grandmother was Deborah How-
land, a descendant of John Howland, who landed
on Plymouth Rock from the "r^Iayflower'' in 1620.
Of the four children born to our subject and his
wife only two survive: Jennie M. and Mary Louise.
Mr. and i\Irs. Whitney are both active and earnest
members of the First Congregational Church of
Southington, of which he is a deacon. Socially he
is a Knight Templar; politically he is a stanch Re-
publican. As a citizen, friend and neighbor he is
true to every duty, and justiv merits the high es-
teem in which he is held.
MANNA ALDERMAN, an honored and repre-
sentative citizen of Burlington, was born there Jan.
12, 1S24, and belongs to one of the oldest and most
highly-respected families of Hartford county.
584
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The ancestors of our subject were from Eng-
land, and were among the first settlers of the New
England States. His grandfather, Eli Alderman,
was the first of the name to locate in the town of
Burlington. Ele was born in Granby, then a part
of the town of Simsbury, Hartford county, and there
grew to manhood, and engaged in farming' for some
years. He married Eunice Laird, and later in life
they removed to Burlington, where he became a
farmer and land owner. Here they spent the re-
mainder of their lives, and their remains were in-
terred in what is known as the Case cemetery.
Their children were Eli, Eunice, John, Esthef,
Truman, Caroline and Chestine (twins), Polly,
Manna and Sally, all now deceased.
Truman Alderman, father of our subject, was
born in Simsburj^, and was twelve years of age
when he came with his parents to Burlington, where
he attended school and later engaged in farming
throughout life, becoming one of the prosperous
and successful citizens of his community. He was
a large land owner, and operated the farm now
owned by our subject. He was noted for his in-
dustry and honesty, and was well known and highly
respected. In politics he was independent, and
in religion was a consistent and faithful member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the
war of 1812 he aided in the defense of the country
as a soldier of the United States army. In the
town of Avon, then Farmington, he married Julia
Hadsell, a native of that place, and to them were
born eleven children : Chestine, deceased wife of
Theodore Levensworth ; Manna ; Eunice ; Orpha,
who died in infancy ; Orpha Eunice, who died
young ; Julia Antoinette, who died unmarried ; Ellen
Jeannette; Rhoda Maria, wife of Ozias Munger;
Truman Andrew, who married Ellen Lewis ; Bei'-
ditt, who married Augusta Lewis ; and Joseph, who
died in infancy. The father died at the age of
fifty-three j^ears, and was buried in the Case ceme-
tery.
The subject of this sketch is indebted to the
public schools of Burlington for his educational
privileges, and early in life he became familiar with
the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist.
After his father's death he took charge of the old
homestead, and has since successfully engaged in
general farming, stock raising, dairying, lumber-
ing, and also in the distilling of cider brandy. An
upright and reliable business man, he has met with
well-deserved success in his undertakings, and is
now quite well-to-do.
At Plainville, Conn., in 1847, '^^^'^ Alderman
married Miss Maria Howe, a native of Farmington,
and a daughter of Ira and Maria Marilla (Atkins)
Howe. The father was a native of Plymouth,
Conn., and a prosperous citizen of Farmington.
Mrs. Alderman's maternal grandfather, David At-
kins, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The
children born to our subject and his wife are as
follows : ( I ) Joseph Chauncey is now a farmer of
Montana. (2) Marilla Beatrice is the wife ofi
Huron Henry, of New Haven, Conn., and they]
have three children, Fred, Myron E. and Beatrice]
May. (3) Truman A., a resident of Ohio, mar-
ried Frances Woodruff, and has two children, Edith |
May and Bernice. (4) Sereno, who is engaged]
in farming near the homestead, married Rosa San- 1
sell. (5) Clarence, a farmer, married Alice Bun-
nell. (6) Elliott, who is engaged in farming on |
the homestead, married Corinna Lagerstrom, and
has three children, Ernest, Arthur and Gladys. (7)
Lena Belle married Philip Hodge, and has four]
children, Martin Ray, Ethel, Clayton and Vera.l
Belle. For over fifty years Mr. and Mrs. Alder- \
man have traveled life's journey together, sharing
its joys and sorrows, and in 1897 they celebrated
their Golden Wedding. They are now well ad-
vanced in years, but are still in the ppssession of all
their faculties, and have reason to feel that their
lives have not been spent in vain. They are widely
known and highly respected, and Mrs. Alderman is
a consistent member of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Alderman is liberal in his religious views, and
independent in politics.
HON. HORACE DAVIS PAYNE, treasurer
and manager of the Central New England Brick Co.,
and a well-known citizen of Kensington, was born in
East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., Aug. 19, 1870,
and is a son of Clarence De Wolf and Laura (Car-
ter) Payne, the latter of whom is still living, and
makes her home with her daughter, in Meriden,
Conn. The father was a native of Sag Harbor,
Long Island, N. Y. At the age of sixteen years he
enlisted in the 13th Conn. Vol. from New London,
Conn., and served through the war of 1861 to 1865,
when he came to East Haddam, where he was
superintendent and manager of the U. S. Broom &
Brush Co., until 1878 when he accepted a position
in Meriden, Conn., as foreman in one of the depart-
ments of the Manning & Bowman Co. He was a
member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at East Haddam,
and many other fraternal organizations. He died
at Meriden, Conn., in July, 1884. In the family of
Clarence De W. and Laura Payne were tliree
children: Clarence De Wolf, born Sept. 9, 1866,
died at the age of ten years ; Winogene Carrie, born
Aug. 29, 1868, is now the wife of Elias T. Sills, who
is in the stationery and novelty business in Meriden ;
and Horace Davis.
Horace D. Payne attended the public schools of
East Haddam until fourteen years of age, and then
accepted a position as clerk in the post office at
that place. At the end of a year he was appointed
assistant postmaster under Sidney B. Warner, dur-
ing President Cleveland's first administration, and
filled that position until May, 1888, when he came '
to Berlin as bookkeeper for the C. P. Merwin Brick
Company, with which he remained until March,
i8q8. At that time he was made treasurer
and manager of the Central New England Brick
^^^-Cy'^,
COMMEMORATIVIE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
585
Co., general office in New Britain, and has held the
position ever since. They do an annual business
of $500,000, handling from fifty million to sixty
million brick per year. Mr. Pa^-ne is a self-made
man in the true sense of that oft misused term, and
has never lost a da}'s pay since he began work,
at the age of fourteen years. By his well-directed
efforts, untiring industry and good management
he has met with success. He is also treasurer and
director in the C. P. Merwin Brick Co., which has
a capital stock of $75,000 and a capacity of fifteen
million common and hollow brick per year.
On Feb. 19, 1895, Mr. Payne married Miss
Maude ^lerwin, who was born Sept. 9, 1874, a
daughter of Homer Smith and Mary (Tuttle) Mer-
win, of Merwin's Point, Conn. Her father was
formerly in the brick business in Berlin. Our sub-
ject and his wife have one daughter, Barbara Mer-
win, born March 15, 1896. JMrs. Payne is a mem-
ber of the Kensington Congregational Church, and
of Emma Hart Willard Chapter, D. A. R., of Ken-
sington.
In his political views Mr. Payne is an ardent
Republican, and he takes a deep and commendable
interest in public affairs. Although still a young
man he has become a leader in political circles, and
m 1898 was elected representative to the State Legis-
lature on the Republican ticket over Louis E. Kilby
b} a majority of 137 — the largest majority given
any candidate for that office in the town of Ber-
lin, running ahead of his ticket thirty-seven votes.
He was drawn into politics by his friends, and not
only received the support of the Republicans, but
also that of his many friends in the Democratic
part}-. He was a member of the school committee
of District No. 2 for two years, and treasurer of the
same for one year, and on June 5, 1899, was elected
a member of the consolidated school committee.
All duties devolving upon him he has discharged
in a most commendable and satisfactory manner,
and he stands deservedly high in business, social
and political circles. Fraternalh', Mr. Payne is
a member of New Britain Council, No. 738, Royal
Arcanum : of Harmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M.,
of New Britain ; and of Pequot Council, No. 24,
O. U. A. M., of Berlin, Connecticut.
CHARLES BELL, an enterprising and thrift}'
agriculturist of the town of Glastonbury, is the
owner of a fine homestead, and has recently com-
pleted one of the most attractive residences in that
locality. His prosperity has been gained through
hard work and good management, and his career
furnishes an excellent example.
^Ir. Bell is of German ancestry, and his father,
John Bell, a native of Baden, served in the German
army when a young man. In 1852 John Bell came
to America with his young bride, Hannah (Frye),
the vo}-age, which lasted forty days, making a
pleasant wedding trip. On arriving in New York
the serious question of gaining a livelihood con-
fronted him, as he had but five dollars in money,
and for some lime he worked at anytlnng he could
find to do. Learning that it was easier to secure
employment in the smaller towns, he came to Hart-
ford, by boat, and on the way chanced to meet a
Mr. Thurston, of Suffield, who was going to Flart-
ford to find help for his farm. A bargain was
quickly made, and the journey from Hartford to
Suffield was made in a dump cart which Air. Thurs-
ton had bought in Hartford. Mr. Bell and his wife
had with them their earthly belongings, the cart
holding them all, and they made their permanent
home at Suffield, managing to buy a small farm at
the Center. Mr. Bell worked some time for Mr.
Thurston at small wages, and for about twenty-five
years was employed as sexton of the Baptist and
Congregational Churches and the local cemetery.
He died in 1889, and his widow still resides in Suf-
field. Our subject is the eldest of a family of six
children, the others being: John F., who died in
early manhood; Lucy, who married John Welles,
of Athol, Mass.; Kate, who married John Merrill,
a farmer in Suffield; Hannah, who married (first)
Martin Stier, and ( second j Clarence Taylor, of
Suffield ; and George, who married Belle Adams,
and settled on a farm in Suffield.
Our subject was born in New York City Feb.
9, 1854, and attended the district schools of Suf-
field and the Connecticut Literary Institute. He as-
sisted in the work of the home farm until his mar-
riage, when he bought a small farm of his brother-
in-law, John Merrill. Two years later, seeing a
better opportunity in Glastonbury, he purchased
fifty acres of his present farm from his sister-in-
law, Mrs. Marie B. Geiger. He has made many
improvements, building barns and sheds, besides his
handsome residence, which was finished in 1898,
and from time to time he has enlarged the estate,
until it now contains sixty-two acres. In politics he
is a Democrat, although in local aft'airs he is liberal,
and for three years he served as selectman. He
belongs to Elm Lodge, No. 53, I. O. O. F., at Glas-
tonbury. For some years he had been a member of
the Baptist Church at Suffield, but at present he and
his family attend the Congregational Church at
Buckingham. Mr. Bell married Miss Mary Annie
Miller, and they have had four children : Clara,
born Dec. 16, 1878, died in 1899; Edwin C, born
Oct. 6, 18S0; Burton J., born May 25, 1882; and
Etta R., born Sept. 12, 1886.
IMrs. Bell, who has been an efficient aid to her
husband, was born March 26, 1859, in Wittenberg,
Germany, daughter of Samuel and Katherine
(Welch) Miller. Her father was a teamster in Ger-
many in early manhood, and as railroads did not
then exist he frequently made long trips into neigh-
boring countries. In 1864 he came to America,
landing at New York June 10, and located in Glas-
tonbury, Conn., where his sister-in-law, Mrs. Fred
Hutt, was living. After working for some time
in the soap factory of J. B. \\'illiams, and the tan-
586
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nery owned by Mr. Broadhead, he bought a farm
near our subject's present home, known as the "Jo-
seph Wickham" farm. He died there April ii,
1881. He was married in Germany in January,
1845, and his wife, who was born Feb. 9, 1823, died
in Glastonbury Feb. 19, 1889. Of their ten chil-
dren, (i) Maria Barbara, born Dec. 17, 1846, mar-
ried the late John Geoger, and resides in Water-
bury, Conn.; (2) John Ludwig, born Sept. 12, 1848,
married Katherine Burk, and settled in Williams-
burg, a farmer and coal dealer ; ( 3 ) Samuel died
in infancy; (4) John George, an engineer, married
Kate Singeley, and resides in Hartford; (5) Sam-
uel (2) died in infancy; (6) Samuel (3) married
Kate Crabbs, and settled in Waterbury (he is an en-
gineer by occupation) ; (7) Mrs. Bell was the next
in order of birth; (8) Elizabeth Katherine and (9)
Rose Margarette (twins) were bom July 24, 1861
(the former married David Fladd, of Glastonbury,
and the latter wedded Gustavus Rymarchzick, a de-
signer, in Boston) ; (10) Fredericka Christina, born
in Glastonbury in 1864, was the only child born in
America ; she married Frederick Schonhaar, of
Glastonbury.
LEROY M. COWLES. Without doubt our
readers, in tracing their ancestral lines to the point
where uncertain tradition brings their researches
to an early and unsatisfactory end, have realized
the value to future generations of this attempt to
preserve in substantial form the information still
obtainable.
The subject of this sketch, a prominent resi-
dent of New Britain, is more fortunate than some
in having a record of his family through nine gen-
erations previous to his own, reaching back to John
Cowles, a native of England, who came to Massa-
chusetts about 1635; removed to Hartford, Conn.,
prior to 1639, and settled in Farmington, Conn.,
in 1640. About 1663 he went to Hadley (now
Hatfield), Mass., where he died in 1675. He is
supposed to be the progenitor of all bearing that
name in America except the descendants, not nu-
merous, of three brothers, Thomas, John and
Henry Cowles, who came from England to James
City county, Va., about 1740. John Cowles was
one of the first settlers of Farmington, Conn. ;
deacon and pillar of the church; member of the
General Court or Legislature of Connecticut ; con-
stable and townsman, all offices of honor in those
days. He was also one of the first settlers of Had-
ley, Mass., and of Hatfield, Mass. His widow,
Hannah, died in Hartford in 1683. They had two
sons, Samuel and John (2), and five daughters,
all of whom married well and have worthy de-
scendants at the present time. John (2) accom-
panied his parents to Massachusetts, and became
the progenitor of the Massachusetts branch of the
family.
(II) Samuel Cowles, the head of the Connecti-
cut branch, was born in 1639, and died in 1691. He
remained in Farmington after the removal of the
rest of the family to Massachusetts.
(III) Timothy Cowles, the next in the line of
descent, was born in 1666, and died in 1736.
(IV) William Cowles, son of Timothy, was born
in 1691, and died in 1771.
(V) William Cowles, son of William (IV),
was born in 1728, and died in 1808.
(VI) John Cowles, our subject's great-great-
grandfather, was born in 1753, and died in 1821.
(VII) Anson Cowles, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1781.
(VIII) Romanta Covifles, our subject's grand-
father, was born in 1808 in East Hartford, and in
early manhood was engaged in farming there in
connection with the mason's trade. In 1840 he
removed to a farm in Glastonbury, but his skill
as a mason brought him a somewhat extensive
business in that line, and at one time he and his
three sons were employed in building the Colt's
Armory in Hartford. For more than sixty years
he read the Hartford Courant, and although he did
not care for office he took much interest in polit-
ical affairs, being a strong Republican. He was
a Congregationalist in religion, and was always
active in the work of the church. His death oc-
curred about 1888, and his wife, Cornelia Hills,
died about 1885. They had the following children:
Morris A. ; Erastus R., who died in November,
1898; Anson D. ; Sarah M., who married Frank
Mansur, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mary C, wife of
Edward B. Hodge ; and Hattie, who died in child-
hood. The Hills family was prominent in East
Hartford, and Hillstown, where our subject's
grandmother was born, was named in their honor.
Cornelia Hills had two brothers (Osman, a resi-
dent of Hillstown, and Edwin) and three sisters
(Mrs. Bidwell, Mrs. Rathburn and Mrs. Spencer).
(IX) Morris Adair Cowles, our subject's fa-
ther, was born in 1831, at Hillstown, where he
remained until the age of eighteen, his education
being obtained in the common schools. By trade
he was a mason, and he had an extensive business
as a contractor. He was of robust physique, and
stood six feet two in his stockings, while mentally
he was no less forceful, his judgment being un-
usually sound and his strong will keeping him
"four square to every wind" that blows. Polit-
ically he was a Republican, and in religious faith
adhered to the Congregational Church, in which he
was reared under his mother's teachings. His
record as a soldier in the Civil war is an honorable
one, as he enlisted in 1861 in a Conn. V. I. regiment,
and was afterward transferred to the Harris Light
Cavalry ; he was mustered out as a sergeant in
1865. From the organization of Stanley Post, G.
A. R., at New Britain, he was an active member,
and as a citizen his public spirit was ever shown in
many ways. He died in November, 1899. Mr.
Cowles married Miss Mary Jane Richmond, by
whom he had three children : Leroy M., our subject;
^'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
587
Jameson B.,born in 1859, now ^ farmer and mechanic
in Southington ; and Bertha I., wife of Bert Loomis,
a farmer of near Wcstficld, Mass. The mother ot
this family was Ijorn in 1836, died in November,
188S. Her parents, Edmond and Lucinda (Bailey)
Richmond, were highly esteemed residents of Glas-
tonbury, where her father was engaged in business
as a blacksmith. The following children were born
to ICdmond and Lucinda Richmond : Edmond, a res-
ident of L-yme, Conn.; Edwin (twin of Edmond),
who died in East Hartford in November, 1898 ; An-
drew, who also died in November, 1898 ; Mary
Jane, our subject's mother; Francis; and Collins, a
veteran of the Civil war, who is in the Soldiers'
Home at Noroton, Connecticut.
(X) Leroy M. Cowles was born in Glastonbury
July 2, 1855, and was educated in the public schools
and the academy of that town, attending summer
and winter until he reached the age of sixteen. His
excellent memory enabled him to secure a thorough
knowledge of the branches taugnt, and since leaving
school he has given much attention to history and
current events. At seventeen he went to Hartford
and learned the trade of mason, working under his
father for Hiram Hills, on the Buckingham build-
ing. He served a three-years' apprenticeship, get-
ting one dollar per da}-, and paying his board, and at
the end of the first year he found himself $40 in
debt, the amount being taken out of his next year's
wages. After learning the trade he followed it as
journeyman in Hartford, and about 1881 he re-
moved to New Britain to take a position as foreman
for Cornelius E Hills. He had charge of the erec-
tion of the electric-light plant and other structures,
including the new depot, following his trade until
the fall of 189.3, and for a short time was with Mr. '
Hills at the "Columbia Hotel." On June i, 1895,
he was appointed by Sheriff Edwin J. Smith, dep-
uty sherifif for Hartford county, for four years, the
duties of the office requiring his attention during
that time ; in June, 1899, he \vs.s re-appointed for
a similar term. For five years he has been a mem-
ber of the police force, and for twelve years has
been a member of the fire department, being at pres-
ent foreman of Engine Company No. 2. As a Re-
publican he has taken an active part in politics, and
at one time he served as constable of the town of
New Britain, while he is now chairman of the
Fourth ward town committee of New Britain.
For eight years he was drum-major of the New
Britain City Band (now the Philharmonic Band),
and socially he and his family are identified with a
refined circle. For fifteen years he has been a mem-
ber of the Order of United American Mechanics,
and he also belongs to the Order of Red Men, the
Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Knights of
Pythias.
On July 4, 1875, ]Mr. Cowles married Miss Ma-
rion Victoria Sears, daughter of He nry Sears and
Nancy Sears, well-known residents of Glastonbury,
where her father was a foreman in a cotton-mill.
The only child of this union, Claude L., was born
in 1876, and died in 1884.
CPIARLES TREAT FORBES, an old-time
and highly respected farmer of Hockanum, is de-
scended from one of the oldest and most honored
families of the State, being a great-grandson of
Capt. Moses Forbes, a hero of the Revolutionary
war, who was the father of five daughters and one
son, the latter born in a house that stood immedi-
ately north of the present home of Charles T.
Forbes, the subject of this sketch. This son, Moses
Forbes, the grandfather of our subject, married
Elizabeth Goodwin, a native of Hartford, and to the
union were born seven children : Hart, born Oct.
21, 1789, married Heppy Hills, and died Oct. 13,
1816 (his son. Hart Hills Forbes, married Julia A.
Wright) ; Horace, born July 19, 1792, married,
and died Aug. 7, 1874; Orrin, father of our sub-
ject, born April 18, 1794, died April 5, 1868;
Elizabeth, born Dec. 11, 1797, was married to John
Nef¥, and died May 3, 1868; Mary was born June
27, 1800; Anna, born Jan. 13, 1803, died Oct. 8,
1808; and Irene, born April 9, 1805, died July 15,
1871.
Orrin Forbes was born in the house now owned
and occupied by his son, Charles T., and attended
school just north of his home. He was reared a
farmer, and Dec. 14, 181 5, he married Ruth Risley,
a native of East Hartford, and daughter of John
Risley. To this marriage was born one child,
Horace, who learned the tiimer's trade in Hartford,
and died Nov. 5, i860, in Northport, Canada. Mrs.
Ruth Forbes was called away Oct. 15, 1819, and
Mr. Forbes for his second wife wedded Miss Mary
Treat, daughter of Salmon Treat, and also a native
of East Hartford. This union was crowned with
seven children : Elizabeth R., born Dec. 17, 1822,
was married Jan. i, 1845, to George R. Curtis, of
the Curtis jNIanufacturing Co., of Naubuc, and died
Oct. 22, 1886; Jane M., born March 24, 1825, died
single, Sept. 9, 1886; ^Marshall Lee, born July 29,
1828, married Susan Hall, in Wallingford, and was
a plater with the Britannia Co., at ]NIeriden ; Edwin
Treat, born May 23, 1830, died in 1836; Julia A.,
born June 24, 1832, is unmarried, and lives with
her youngest brother, Charles T. ; Henry S., born
Aug. 15, 1834, married Henrietta Burnham, of
Berlin, lived in Meriden, and there died March 20,
1894 (his wife passed away Nov. 9, 1886) ; Charles
Treat, our subject, and the youngest of these seven
children, was born Nov. 5, 1836.
Charles Treat Forbes was born on the north-
west corner of High street and Naubuc avenue, in
a house which stood near his present home. He
was educated in the common schools, and assisted
his father on the farm until the latter's death, whicli
occurred April 5, 1868, when he assumed charge of
the place, which comprises fifty acres, and which he
has successfully cultivated ever since, although he
588
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rents out a portion, as he is but in feeble health
and is himself unable to perform manual labor to
any great extent.
On Jan. ii, 1871, Mr. Forbes was married to
Miss Louisa Forbes, daughter of Leonard Forbes,
and to this union was born, Feb. 2, 1873, one child,
Louis Charles, who died on the 19th of September
following; the death of the mother took place
Feb. 27, 1873, and the remains of both are interred
in Hockanum. Mr. Forbes is a quiet, benevolent,
and refined gentleman, who enjoys the esteem of all
his neighbors. He is a deacon in the Congrega-
tional Church, having succeeded the late Franklin
Brewer, and in politics is a Republican.
THEODORE ALEXANDER STANLEY.
The science of agriculture has made great progress
in modern times, revolutionizing methods and in-
creasing vastly the productive power of our lands.
Among the able and talented young men who have
chosen agriculture as a pursuit and made a thorough
study of its possibilities is the subject of this sketch,
a prominent resident of the town of New Britain,
and his fine estate is a model of scientific manage-
ment, his homestead being regarded as one of the
best in Hartford county.
Mr. Stanley is a representative of one of the
oldest and most distinguished families of this
county, and is of the tenth generation in direct de-
scent from John Stanley, an Englishman, who
started for America in 1634, but died while at sea,
leaving an estate in goods and money amounting
to £116. The name of the wife of this ancestor is
not known. They had three children : John ; Ruth,
born in 1629, who married Isaac More ; and an in-
fant, unnamed, who was born and died in 1634.
(H) Captain John Stanley, the next in the line of
descent, was born in England in 1624, and on his
arrival in Massachusetts became a ward of the
Court in Cambridge. He was placed in the care of
an uncle, with whom he doubtless remained until
of age, and in 1636 they came to Hartford. As a
boy of thirteen he joined the next year in the expe-
dition against the Pequot Indians. On Dec. 5,
1645, he married Sarah, daughter of Thomas and
Anna Scott, of Hartford, and later they settled in
Farmington, where they were received into the
church June 30, 1652-53. Subsequently, when the
families were graded according to dignity, they
ranked fourth on the list of forty families, Caot.
Stanley, one of the most distinguished of the Cofo-
nists, being appointed by his townsmen to nearly
every office of trust and honor. He was deputy of the
General Court almost continuously for 37 years,
from 1659 to 1696, this being with few exceptions
the longest term of service known in the annals of
the State. In King Philip's war he was a lieuten-
a»t and captain, from which he derived his title of
Capt. Stanley. Fie was a constable in Farmin:;--
ton in 1654: sergeant in 1669; ensign in 1674; cap-
tain in 1676; received a grant of 120 acres of land
from the General Court in 1674, and another in 1687 ;
was one of the committee on Indian Troubles in
1689; etc. His first wife died on June 6, 1661, and
he was married April 20, 1663, to Sarah Hodder
( Stoddard _), who died May 15, 1713. Capt. Stanley
died Dec. 19, 1706, aged eighty-two years. By
his first marriage he had six children : John, born
Nov. 4, 1647, married Esther Newell ; Thomas is
mentioned below; Sarah, born Feb. 18, 1651-52,
married Joseph Gaylord; Timothy, born May
17, 1654, married Mary Strong; Elizabeth, born
April I, 1657, died in infancy; Isaac was born
Sept. 22, 1660. By his second wife he had two
children : Abigail, born July 25, 1669, married John
Hooker; Elizabeth, born Nov. 28, 1672, married
John Wadsworth.
(III) Thomas Stanley, son of Capt. John, was
born in Farmington, Nov. i, 1649. -H^ was one of
the petitioners of the General Court for liberty to
plat Waterbury, but did not remove thither. On
May I, 1690, he married Anna, the daughter of
Rev. Jeremiah and Joanna (Kitchell) Peck, of
Waterbury, and with his wife was received into the
church at Farmington, April 17, 1692. He died
April 14, 1 71 3, aged sixty-three years, and his wife
passed away May 13, 1718. They had two children :
Thomas, the next in line of descent ; and Anna,
born May 14, 1699, who married Thomas Hart.
(IV) Thomas Stanley was born Oct. 31, 1696,
in Farmington, and made his permanent home in
the Stanley Quarter, New Britain. He was a
wealthy man for his time, and at his death, which
occurred Oct. 13, 1755, he left a large estate. On
Jan. 2, 1718, he married Esther Cowles, daughter
of Samuel Cowles, of Kensington, and she sur-
vived him many years, dying July 22, 1776. They
had the following children : Anna, born Oct. 30,
1718, died Nov. 6, 1732; Thomas, born Nov. 27,
1720; Noah, born Jan. 16, 1724; Ruth, born July
8, 1726, died Aug. 3, 1726; Timothy, born Aug. 13,
1727; Abigail, born March 7, 1730; Job, born Aug.
4, 1732; Gad, born March 21, 1735. Of these eight
children, Timothy was born Aug. 13, 1727, and was
married May 5, 1757, to Lydia, daughter of Capt.
John and Elizabeth (Hawley) Newell, of Farming-
ton. She was noted for her energy and piety, and
lived to the age of eighty-nine years, dying Dec.
17, 1826. Timothy Stanley v^^as a shoemaker by
trade ; his house, which stood opposite the home
of his father in the north part of Stanley street, on
the east side of the road, was subsequently occupied
by his son Oliver. He was elected deacon in 1795,
and in his last years, being somewhat deaf, he al-
ways stood in the pulpit in order to hear the sermon
better. He lived to be nearly ninety years old.
Flis children were Oliver, born July 5, 1758, died
Aug. 3, 1759; Rachel, born March 20, 1761 ; Lydia,
bom April 26, 1763; Abi, born Aug. 9, 1765;
Timothy, born June 29, 1771 ; Oliver, born May i,
1775; Jesse, born Oct. 26, 1779.
(V) Thomas Stanley (2), son of Thomas (IV),
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
589
was born in Farmington Nov. 27, 1720. On May
22, 1740, he married Alary J'"rancis, daughter of
James Francis, who married Sarah Gridley, then a
widow. Uf their six children, Job, burn May I,
1741, died in infancy; Anna, born Aug. 8, 1742,
married Uzeas Grisvvold; Lucy, born July 14, 1744,
married Dan Clark; James, born Feb. 14, 1749,
married J\iary Butler; Lot is mentioned more fully
below; Thomas, born Sept. 27, 1702, married (first j
Anna Ford and (second) JMixanda Nott.
(\'l) Lot Stanley was born j\iarch 3, 1752, and
died March 8, 1807. tie was one of the first in
Connecticut to manufacture fur hats, and for many
years he carried on the business successfully. His
wife, Rhoda Wadsworth, daughter of Timothy and
Mary (Cowlesj Wadsworth, of Farmington, was
born Sept. 22, 1754, and died May 13, 1819. Their
children were: Ira, born Oct. 12, 1773, married Abi
Langdon; Ursula, born Jan. 24, 177O, married John
Judd ; Anion is mentioned below ; Sally, born April
15, 1780, married Samuel Sheldon; Lucy, born July
11, 1782, married William Kelsey; Rhoda, born
July 28, 1783, never married; Lot, born Jan. 3,
1785, died Feb. 8, 1791 ; Almira, born Dec. 3, 1786,
married Ansel Stocking; James, born July i, 1789,
died November, 1789; Polly, born Feb. 13, 1791,
married Ezra Carter; Dolly, born November, 1792,
died June, 1793; Dolly, born Feb. 15, 1794, married
Francis Hart; Lot, born Dec. 6, 1795, never married;
Martha, born Sept. 22, 1797, was killed in a cider-
mill Sept. 8, 1803.
(VH) Amon Stanley, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born March 10, 1778, and died Feb. 2,
1846. On October 10, 1802, he married Abi North,
daughter of Capt. James and Rhoda (Judd) North.
The following children were born to them : Julia,
born Dec. 24, 1803, did not marry; Thomas, born
Sept. 22, 1805, married twice; tienry is mentioned
below; James, born Oct. 22, 1809, died in infancy;
James, born March 31, 1813, married three times;
Augustus, born April 11, 1814, married Alvira A.
Conklin; Timothy Wadsworth, born July 13, 181 — ,
married twice ; Lot, born July 8, 1820, died Nov.
12, 1839; Martha, born Aug. 11, 1822, married Au-
gustus W. North ; Amelia, born Jan. i, 1825, married
Henry Walter; Mary Antoniette, born Sept. 22,
1828, died May 16, 1838. As a young man Amon
Stanlev engaged in the manufacture of fur hats in
partnership with his father, and at the death of the
latter assumed charge of the business. He em-
ployed several hands, and every winter made one or
more journeys to what was then "the West," em-
bracing central and western New York. He was
accustomed to take with him a load of hats which he
would exchange for beaver and other furs that were
then plentiful in all that region. There was also
something of a home market, but as the bodies of
the hats were made of beaver fur, well felted to-
gether, they lasted a lifetime. It needed, therefore,
a large territory to make a sufficient market for the
goods. An old-fashioned felt-crowned hat would
astonish the boys of the present generation. Amon
Stanley bought out his faiher's homestead and farm
from tiie other heirs, and, there being fourteen of
the children, his own portion was so small that it
was nearly the same as bu_\ing a new farm. The
price he paid fur it was high. For one piece of
twelve acres, which he bought from his brother Lot,
he paid twelve hundred dollars. At the present
time it would not bring five hundred. He also car-
ried un the business ol distilling eider-brand)', hav-
ing large orchards uf apples which were worth little
for any other purpose. The business was then per-
fectly respectable. His wife, however, a sister of
the brothers, James Seth, Alvin and Henry North,
had many scruples about 'it being right. At length
she went to her minister, Rev. Newton Skinner,
one of the most godly men of his time, for advice.
"Why, madam," said he, "it is a lawful calling."
He, like many of that day, was also a farmer, and
brought his cider to the distillery to exchange for
brandy, which he furnished to his men in haying
time. But JNIrs. Stanley was not satisfied ; the matter
still agitated her conscience. At length her hus-
band came to the conclusion that she was right, and
sold the distillery, and there was great joy in the
family. But his peace was of short continuance.
He had never allowed any idlers about the place,
selling the liquor only at wholesale to the merchants
in Hartford and New York, while the new-comers
were drinking men, and the distillery became the
resort of all the low characters in the neighborhood.
The conscience of the family was disturbed again,
and they all came to the conclusion to buy back the
property. The owner was willing to sell at an ad-
vance on the price he gave for it, making it a con-
dition, however, that Mr. Stanley would exchange
for it, in part, a valuable piece of woodland, which
was the apple of his eye, as all woodland was to the
farmers of those days. The hard condition was ac-
cepted and the distillery was his own again. The
concern was at once broken up. The great cider-
tubs were sold for water cisterns ; the copper stills
were loaded on ox-carts, and all the cattle and steers
of the farm drew them in triumph to the brass fac-
tory of North & Stanley, in the village. The boys
who were at home assisted in driving the team, and
on reaching the factory waited till the stills were
cut up, preparatory to be cast into sleigh-bells and
other useful articles. It was a triumph of principle
over both education and interest, worthy to be re-
corded on a monument "more lasting than brass."
(VIII) Henry Stanley, our subject's grand-
father, and the third child of Amon Stanley, was born
Sept. 24, 1807, and died May 3, 1884. At an early
age he left the farm to engage in business, and before
he reached his majority he was a partner with Alvin
North in the manufacture of plated goods. After
two years he engaged in business with Seth J.
North and John Stanley, the firm continuing many
years under the names of North, Stanley & Co.,
North, Smith & Stanley, and Henry Stanley & Co. ;
590
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the latter, composed of three brothers, Henry, Au-
gustus and Timothy W., was merged into the Rus-
sell & Erwin Manufacturing Co., in which Henr_v
Stanley was a large stockholder, and served as a
director until his death. He and C. H. Seymour
were the founders of the New Britain Knitting-
Co., of which for four years he was president and
manager. He was one of the chief founders of the
American Hosiery Co., and its president, as he also
was of the Stanley Rule & Level Co., and of the
Stanley Works. After the death of F. T. Stanley,
of the Willimantic Linen Co., he became a leading
stockholder and director, and was also identified with
other manufacturing concerns. His character was
especially distinguished by an unquestioned integ-
rity, and an admirable calmness and poise which en-
abled him to pass through the financial crises of his
long business career without being discouraged by
reverses or unduly elated by success, illustrating in
his life the truth of the old adage, "All things are
possible to him who waits." In manner he was
genial though somewhat reticent, while he had a
marked appreciation for all that was beautiful in
nature and art. An illustration of this may be
seen in the fine mansion erected by him on South
Main street a few years before his death, with the
handsome grounds attached. Of his ample wealth
he gave liberally and judiciously to philanthropic,
educational and religious objects, and he spent
money freely to promote the material interests of
his native town. In centennial year, 1876, he set out
one hundred shade trees in Walnut Hill Park, ex-
tending from West Main along the driveway to
near the summit of the hill. Through his life he
was deeply interested in politics, maintaining ever
the interest and honor of his country as a patriotic
citizen. He united with the church in youth, and
upon the separation of the South Church, in 1842,
was one of the first members.
On June 10, 1829, Mr. Stanley married Miss
Eliza S. North, daughter of Seth J. and Elizabeth
North. After her death he married, on Sept. 5,
1838, Miss Catherine A. Stanley, daughter of Gad
and Chloe Stanley. By his first marriage he had
two sons: Walter Henry, our subject's father;
and Theodore Augustus, born July 22, 1833. The
latter was a soldier in the Civil war, serving as
second lieutenant in Company F, 14th Conn. V. I.
In the absence of his captain he bravely led his com-
pany in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., where
he was mortally wounded. He died Dec. 31, 1862,
at Washington, D. C, and was buried in New
Britain with military honors, Jan. 5, 1863. By the
second marriage there were four children : Mary
Louisa, born May 8, 1840, died Sept. 9, 1840 ; Louisa
Catherine,, born April 7, 1842, died March 26, 1847 ''
Frederick North, born March 17, 1844, married
(first) Mary Welch, (second) Alice Moore, and died
Sept. 28, 1900. Miss Catherine Amelia, born Oct.
10, 1849, resides at the family residence on South
Main street. New Britain. Mrs. Catherine A.
Stanley was during most of her life in delicate
health, but her mental activity, devotion to her
family, and unselfish interest in all who needed her
sympathy and help, more than compensated for her
physical weakness. As a wife and mother, and in
all the relations of life, she possessed the confidence
and love not only of her family, but of many who
enjoying the hospitality of their pleasant home. She
died in November, 1881, aged seventy years. ^
(IX) Walter Henry Stanley, the father of our ^
subject, was born June 25, 1830, and is now a
leading dairy farmer of New Britain, also has large
investments in the manufacturing interests of that
locality. On Sept. 7, 1853, ^^ married Miss Mary a
J. Peck, daughter of Elnathan and Mary (Dewey) fl
Peck. They have had eight childern; William
North, born March 4, 1855, died Feb. 12, 1857;
Albert Walter, born June 21, 1857; Herbert Au-
gustus, born Jan. 21, i860, died Feb. i, 1883 ; Isabel,
born Jan. 19, 1862 ; Theodore Alexander, our sub-
ject; Robert Henry, born May i, 1869; Mortimer
Dewey, born April 2^, 1871, and Walter Peck, born
Jan. 18, 1874.
(X) Theodore A. Stanley was born March 18,
1864, in New Britain, and the first school that he
remembers was a private school conducted by Miss
Mary Porter, in a barn belonging to Charles Lewis.
Later Miss Porter built a small school house on
Pine street, where he attended until prepared to
enter the second class in the Burritt school. He
passed through the upper grades of the grammar
schools, and took the high-school course under Prof.
John H. Peck, graduating in 1883. In the fall of
the same year he entered the Sophomore year of the
Agricultural College at Lansing, Mich., where he
remained three years, graduating in 1886. To the
sound and thorough instruction received in this in-
stitution may be attributed much of his success in the
management of his farm, but he has never ceased to
be an ardent investigator in his line of work, testing
and applying new theories that arise, and adopting
all ideas of value. In the winter of 1893-94 he
spent three months in Madison University, study-
ing dairy bacteriology and hygiene, and the prod-
uct of his admirably conducted dairy finds ready
sale in New Britain. On leaving the Agricultural
College, in 1886, he returned home, and in the fol-
lowing year took charge of 132 acres of the old
Stanley 'farm. This was not in compact form, and
after a time he sold a portion and bought other land
adjoining that retained. His present homestead
comprises 130 acres, and his purchase of the Gustave
Ellis farm and the Daniel Webster property, near
Berlin, brings his real estate holdings to about 500
acres. Sixteeen men are employed by him the year
round, his dairy of 120 cows requiring constant \
attention. He is a member of the State Dairymen's \
Association, and also belongs to the Burritt Grange,
his exhibits and scholarly and thoughtful addresses
at the regular meetings of both societies being heart-
ily appreciated by his fellow workers. Mr. Stanley
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
591
manages to find time for varied interests, and is
fond of photograijhy, in which he became proficient
while in the .Agricultural College.
l'"or some years Mr. Stanley was a member of
Company I, ist Conn. N. G., enlisting at the time of
the reorganization, and serving as lieutenant and
first lieutenant until his resignation, in November,
1894. In politics he has always been a Republican,
and in 1893 and 1894 he served as councilman from
the Second ward of New Britain. From June, 1894,
to June, 1896, he served on the board of assessors,
and in 1898 he was on the board of relief. Socially
he and his family are prominent, and he belongs to
the Royal Arcanum at New Britain.
In 1888 Mr. Stanley married Miss Sadie Mc-
Louth, daughter of Prof. Lewis McLouth, formerly
connected with the Agricultural College of Michi-
gan and the State Normal School at Ypsilanti,
Mich., and now the head of the scientific department
of Brisbane Walker's Cosmopolitan University.
Five children brighten his liome : Lawrence, Theo-
dore, JMarion, Catherine and Alexander.
CFL\RLES SYBASTIEN LILGEY, one of the
most intelligent, thrifty and successful agricultur-
ists of Berlin, was born in Loraine, in Haraucourt
(Meurthe), France, March 13, 1836, a son of Charles
and ]Mary (Caron) Liegey, also natives of that
province, the former born in 181 1 in Buissoncourt,
the latter in 1812 in Haraucourt. Both died in
France. They had a family of eight children, four
sons and four daughters. The father waj a farmer
and wine-maker, in medium circumstances.
Our subject was reared upon a farm, and began
his education in the common schools of his native
land, but later attended a normal school, from
which he graduated in 1856 with the highest honors,
receiving a first degree diploma. Subsequently he
successfully engaged in teaching in the public
schools of France for seventeen years, and then
taught mathematics and history in a private college
for two years. Deciding to try his fortune in the
New World, he sailed from Antwerp Aug. 16,
1874, and landed in New York on Sept. i. He came
direct to New Britain, Conn., and entered the em-
ploy of Landers, Frary & Clark, as polisher, remain-
ing with them for about seventeen years. Resign-
ing his position in 1891, he removed to Berlin, and
purchased from Samuel Talmadge thirty-five acres
of land upon which he has made a number of sub-
stantial improvements, building new barns, out-
buildings, cellars, etc. He has also set out 2,500
fruit trees, and has a fine vinevard coverinsr six acres,
the grapes from which he manufactures into an ex-
cellent quality of wine. He has improved this also,
and has 2,500 seedlings, of different varieties, all
good bearers. In 1898 he made 3,000 gallons of
wine, though part of the vines were young, selling
mostly to private families in the surrounding towns.
Mr. Liegey was married. May 8, 1861, to Aliss
Leonie Gouthierc, who was born in 1839 in Jean-
delaincourt. Before leaving France two children
were born to them : Ciiarles Abel, born Aug. 6,
18O2, died iVug. 28, 189O, in I'Vance ; he was a fine
scholar, graduating in New Britain in 1879. Leon
Francois, born April 10, 1808, in Sivry, Meurthe,
France, wedded Mary Kennedy, of New Britain,
Conn., who was born in February, 1868, in Ireland,
parish of Broad ford. County Clare, and they have
two children — Ellen, born June 21, 1897; and
Martine \ irginia, born Aug. 21, 1898. This son
began his education before leaving France. In
May, 1875, at the age of seven years, he sailed from
Antwerp, and arrived in New York the latter part
of that month. He resumed his studies in New
Britain, Conn., and remained in school until thir-
teen years of age, when he entered the shop with
his father and worked as a polislier until the spring
of 1898. He now has charge of his father's prop-
erty in New Britain, and also looks after his own
real-estate interests. He is a member of Court
Prosperity, Independent Order of Forresters of
America, at New Britain, and he and his wife are
consistent members and liberal su]:)porters of St.
Mary's Catholic Church of that place. In politics
he is independent.
Our subject was naturalized at New Britain, in
1880, but has never become identified with any po-
litical party, endeavoring to vote for the best man,
whether he be a Republican or Democrat. In
France he was a Republican. He has always re-
fused office, preferring to devote his undivided at-
tention to his business interests. He has never had
occasion to regret his emigration to America, for
here he has prospered and has made many friends,
who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. His
vineyard is one of the finest in the State, and he
manufactures a wine of superior quality. He is
a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church of Ken-
sington, and he also belongs to the Pomological
Societv of Connectictit, to Berlin Grange, and to
the Board of Trade of Berlin. His wife has been
an invalid for twenty years.
FREDERICK SPLETTSTOESZER. This
gentleman worthily illustrates the conmionly ac-
cepted view of the character of the enterprising
German citizen, who has come to this country
empty-handed, and through his own well-directed
eftorts has secured a comfortable competence. He
now makes his home in Berlin, Hartford county,
and is successfully engaged in farming.
Our subject was born in Germany March 11,
1 84 1, and is a son of John Splettstoeszer, also a
farmer by occupation, who was born Feb. 3, 1803.
and spent his entire life in that country. The
mother, who bore the maiden name of Louise Sedoe,
was also born in Germany, in 1812, and died there.
Our subject was reared upon his father's farm, and
attended the public schools of his native land until
fourteen years of age. The following year he had
charge of the cows upon his grandmother's place.
592
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and on his return home worked as a teamster for
his father. Later he was employed as a striker in
a brickyard where the bricks were made by hand,
and after remaining there ten years he took charge
of the place and engaged in the manufacture of
brick on his own account for five years.
On July 6, 1884, Mr. Splettstoeszer sailed from
Hamburg for the United States, and arrived in
New York City on the 20th of that month. He
came direct to Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn., and
found employment in the brickyard of M. E. Jacobs,
where he remained for five years. At the end of
that time he purchased the Norris Bailey farm, of
forty-five acres in Berlin, and has since engaged m
agricultural pursuits with good success, raising po-
tatoes, corn, rye, oats, etc.
Mr. Splettstoeszer was married, March 27, 1873,
to Miss Ernestina Hideman, also a native of Ger-
many, and to them were born three children: (i)
Eda Anna, born Jan. 5, 1874, is the wife of Alfred
Turner, an employe in the William L. Davis brick-
yard, of Berlin, and they have one child, Albert
Frederick, born May 3, 1898. (2) Herman Ernest,
born Jan. 17, 1878, and (3) Emma Elizabeth, born
May 3, 1881, have been educated in the schools of
Berlin, and are at home with their parents. The
family attend the Congregational Church, of which
the children are members, and since taking out his
naturalization papers, in 1891, Mr. Splettstoeszer
has affiliated with the Democratic party, though he
finds little time to devote to politics aside from
voting.
REV. CHARLES P. CROFT, now a retired min-
ister of the Congregational Church, is a resident of
Weatogue, Simsbury. Ill health has temporarily, at
least, compelled a cessation of steady pastoral work,
but has not checked the usefulness of a man, whose
forceful utterances, winning ways and kindly sym-
pathy make him friends wherever he is known.
The ancestry of Rev. Mr. Croft is of that sturdy
German stock which more than a century ago, and
in Colonial times, peopled the fertile valleys of
Pennsylvania with a thrifty race. James Croft, the
great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of
the north of Germany, in whom dwelt a spirit of
liberty and achievement. Prior to the Revolution-
ary war he crossed the ocean, and in the struggling
colonies found the proper sphere for the develop-
ment of his manhood. When independence was de-
clared he bore arms for his adopted country. For
three years he was a member of the New York
militia, serving from April 10, 1778, to April 10,
1 78 1, as a corporal, under Capt. Jonathan Hallett
and Col. Philip Cortlandt. When hostilities ceased
he returned to the peaceful industry of farm life.
His son, John Croft, grandfather of our subject,
was a lifelong resident of Putnam Valley, in Put-
nam county, N. Y. He followed farming, and be-
came an extensive land owner, living to a ripe old
age, and passing to his eternal rest amidst the scenes
of his picturesque home among the hills of the Em-
pire State.
There, in Putnam county, was born Matthias
Croft, the father of our subject, in the year 1809.
He adopted the vocation of his father and his grand-
father, and became a prosperous and successful
farmer and merchant of Putnam Valley. In poli-
tics he was a Whig and later a Republican. Ac-
cepting the religious faith of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, he for over fifty years held office in that
church, and was one of the stanchest and most con-
sistent member of the congregation. He married
in Putnam county, Maria Chapman, a native of the
same county, and she bore him seven children:
Mary Jane, widow of Reuben Smith, a carpet mer-
chant of New York City; Harriet, who married
Theodore Travis, of Putnam county; William H.,
a merchant of Peekskill, N. Y. ; Charles P., subject
of this sketch; Hannah, wife of Robert Strong;
Silas C, surveyor of the port of New York; and
trancis D., a carpet merchant of New York City.
The mother died in 1883, in the faith which had been
her consolation through life and the guide of a noble
and consistent endeavor. After the death of his
wife Matthias Croft, in 1884, retired from active
life and spent his declining years at Peekskill, N.
Y., where he died in 1899, at the ripe age of ninety
years.
Rev. Charles P. Croft was born in Putnam Val-
ley, Putnam Co. N. Y. After a course in the pub-
lic schools, he attended the military academy at
Peekskill, N. Y., Charlotteville Seminary, Charlotte-
ville, N. Y., and Wesleyan University, iVIiddletown,
Conn., from which institution he was graduated in
1869; the same year he was called to serve the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Simsbury, Conn.
Here he remained three years. In 1872 he became a
minister of the Congregational Church, and was
ordained at Avon, Conn. He was pastor success-
ively to congregations at Torrington, Watertown
and at Terre Haute, Ind. At the latter charge his
health failed. He resigned the pastorate, and re-
turned in 1884 to Weatogue, Simsbury, where he is
now living a retired life. Frequent calls, however,
are made upon him as a supply, and that work is
making the retirement in which he lives more nom-
inal than real. Rev. Mr. Croft possesses fine liter-
ary taste and ability, and as a pulpit orator he is
eloquent and convincing.
In politics Rev. Mr. Croft is a Republican. He
is a member of the F. & A. M., and his many estima-
ble personal traits have woven the bonds of friend-
ship and good-will among all classes of men. He
married at Simsbury, in 1872, Julia Mather, daugh-
ter of Col. William and Emma (Phelps) Mather,
and granddaughter of Deacon William and Anna
(Lewis) Mather, of Simsbury.
LEVERETT AUSTIN SANFORD, one of
Bristol's most skilled machinists, was born in that
town Oct. 17, 1837, and is a son of David Austin
1
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i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
593
Sanford, a short sketch of wliose life is here intro-
duced to show the family connection.
David A. Sanford was liorn Dec. 5, 1810. a son
of David and E.\])eriencc (McKee) Sanford, was
reared a farmer, and came from his native town of
Plymouth, Conn., to Bristol, when a young man of
twenty years. Here he was employed as an exca-
vating contractor until 1845, when he went to Wol-
cott and purchased a farm, on which he passed the
remainder of his life. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, served on the grand jury in \\ olcott, and also
at different times tilled several town offices. He was
three times marrietl, first to Julia Norton, a daughter
of Mark Norton, of Bristol, and to this union were
born two children: Jerushia, born April, 1834, mar-
ried Andrew Bartrom, of Berlin, and died about
i860; Theron Andrews, born Jan. 23, 1836, .lost
his mother when he was but nnie days old (he is
now a farmer in Wolcott). The second marriage
of Mr. Sanford was to Lois Susannah Norton,
daughter of Aaron Norton, also of Bristol, and to
this union were born three children : Leverett A.,
the subject of this sketch; Rufus Albert, of whom
a full biography is given elsewhere ; and Cora Ann,
born June 2j, 1846, died Feb. 18, 1895, '^l'"^ wife of
George Atkins, of the Bristol ^lanufacturing Co.
The third wife of !Mr. Sanford had no issue. Mr.
Sanford was called away June 21, 1882, dying in
the faith of the Congregational Church.
Leverett Austin Sanford was but eight years of
age when his parents moved from Bristol to Wol-
cott, and in the latter place he attended the common
schools until fourteen years old. He then worked
in the Eagle Lock shop at Terryville for two years ;
the next two years he passed in Bristol, where he
was employed in E. L. Dunbar's spring factory ;
thence he went to Southington, learned the machin-
ist's trade with Peck, Smith & Co., with whom he
remained eight years, and next worked for a year
in Sharp's rifle factory, in Hartford. Returning to
Southington, he again worked for Peck. Smith &
Co. two years, and in 1865 came again to his native
Bristol, and was in the employ of Edward B. Dun-
bar as superintendent and tool-maker until 1888,
when he resigned and started his present machine
and tool-making shop.
Mr. Sanford is a Democrat, but favors the gold
standard ; he is a director in the Bristol Savings
Bank, and in 1888 had charge for a year of the erec-
tion of George W. Mitchell's residence, on Bellevue
street ; in 1873 he built his own fine dwelling at
South and L'nion streets. In religion ]\Ir. Sanford
is a Congregationalist, and his wife is of the same
persuasion.
Leverett A. Sanford first married, Oct. 17,
i860, Mary Emily Atkins, daughter of Levi At-
kins, of \^'olcott, and she bore him one son, Levereti
Arthur, born July 3, 1863. On July 3, 1878, Mr.
Sanford married Miss Julia Lucinda Dunbar, who
was born April 18, 1849, ^ daughter of Edward L.
Dunbar, of Bristol.
36
Leverett Arthur Sanford, son of Leverett Austin
and Mary Emily Sanford, was married April 24,
1884, to rillie Lawson, of Bristol, wlio died Aug.
21), 1887, the mother of two children, Howard b.
and Julia D. On Jan. j^, i88y, Mr. Sanford mar-
ried Miss tjlive b'isli, of Bristol, and to this marriage
have been born four children, Robert, Mildred,
Ruth, and Dorothy. Leverett A. Sanford, Jr., has
been connected with the Dunbar factory for eighteen
years, and now fills his father's place as foreman,
master mechanic and tool-maker.
LEWIS D. DOW'D, one of the most ]jrogressive
and enterprising citizens of the town of Canton,
is a successful agriculturist and dairyman, and for
several years past has i^ecn superintendent of poor
of the town of Canton and the town of Winchester,
Litchfield county. He is widely and favorably
known, and as a self-made man his life has mani-
fested in a marked degree the qualities that com-
mand respect.
Mr. Dowd was born April 14, 1861, in Winsted,
Litchfield county, son of Henry Dowd, and grand-
son of Chester Dowd. Henry Dowd. our subject's
father, was a native of the town of Barkhamsted,
Litchfield county, where he received a district-school
education in bovhood. As a young man he removed
to Winsted, and engaged in business as a dealer
in sewing machines and musical instruments, in-
cluding pianos and organs. This business he con-
tinued for many years, showing marked ability in
its management, and by his honorable dealings won
the confidence of all who knew him. In his re-
ligious views he was liberal, and politically he
affiliated with the Democratic party, although he in-
variablv declined to accept any office, however im-
portant. He died in 1874, his remains being interred
at Winsted. While his genial disposition won
for him manv friends, it was in the home circle that
his admirable qualities of character shone most
brightly. He married Amelia Stevens, a native of
Stafl^ord Springs, Conn., who was a daughter of
John Stevens, of Staflford Springs, and later of
Winsted. She still resides in Winsted, and is a
respected member of the Congregational Church in
that town. Two children were born of this union:
Lewis D., our subject; and Louisa, who married
Amos Conley, of ^\"aterbury. Connecticut.
Lewis D. Dowd attended the \\ insted public
schools, and in consequence of his father's death was
thrown upon hs own resources at the age of thir-
teen years. He was first employed as clerk in the
mercantile firm of L. R. Norton & Co.. of ^^'i^sted,
with whom he spent eight years, and he afterward
accepted a clerkship in the dry-goods store of ex-
Lieut. -Gov. ^^"m. H. Bulkeley, where he remained
three years. He then removed to Chester, ^lass..
and engaged in business for himself, continuing
one year, and in 1883 he removed to Collinsville.
Conn., and became a partner of J. P. Harrington.
the firm being J. P. Harrington & Co. While thus
594
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
engaged he purchased a farm at Cherry Brook, in
the town of Canton, comprising eighty-eight acres,
and known as the Young farm, and to this place he
removed in 1886, after disposing of his interests
ill the firm of J. P. Harrington & Co. For the past
thirteen years he has been largely engaged in farm-
ing, dairying and stock raising, and has substantially
improved the buildings on the place. He is a Re-
publican in politics, and a stanch supporter of his
party, but has never sought political office of any
kind. Fraternally he is a member of Village Lodge,
No. 29, F. & A. M. ; Columbia Chapter, No. 31, R.
A. M. ; also of the Red Men and the Grange. Like
his father he is. liberal in religion, and makes the
Golden Rule the guide of his action, doing unto
others as he would like to be done by.
On June 7, 1882, Mr. Dowd was married in Col-
linsville to Miss Mary E. Parmele, a native of that
town, and a daughter of William H. Parmele. Their
home is brightened by two children, Hattie Wini-
fred and Ralph De Witt.
LUCIUS SELDEN ALLEN, a prominent well-
to-do farmer, tobacco grower and dairyman, En-
field, is a native of Massachusetts, born Aug. 19,
1853, at Chicopee Falls, and is of English descent.
David Allen, his grandfather, born in Enfield,
Sept. 18, 1793, married Miriam Simons. He was
a son of Jonathan Allen, born June 23, 1755, a son
of Ebenezer, born Feb. 10, 1712, a son of John (2),
born in September, 1670, a son of John, born in
1640, killed at the battle of Bloody Brook, Deerfield,
Mass., Sept. 18, 1675. He was a son of Samuel
Allen, a native of England, born in 1588, who came
to America in 1648.
David Allen, father of Lucius S., was born in
Enfield in 1825, and was there reared and educated.
By trade he is a spinner of woolen and other yarn,
for many years working in the woolen mills at
Thompsonville, and now living, retired, with his
son, our subject. Li 1852 he married Nancy Wile,
native of County Kerry, Ireland, and one child only
was born to them, a son, Lucius S.
Lucius S. Allen was reared in Enfield, and re-
ceived his education at the public schools of
Thompsonville until the age of sixteen years, when
he commenced business life as a clerk in a store in
that village, remaining there some twenty years.
He then engaged in his present business, and since
T889 has owned the farm he now cultivates.
On Jan. 5, 1887, Mr. Allen married Mary,
•daughter of Robert and Mary (Schlich) Diedrich,
•of Thompsonville, and three children have graced
this union : Lucius D., Mavilla and Viola R. The
family are members of the Catholic Church, and in
politics Mr. Allen is a Democrat.
ALFRED J. ENSIGN, one of the most ener-
•getic and enterprising young farmers and tobacco
growers of Hockanum, town of East Hartford, is
a descendant of one of the oldest families in the
State of Connecticut, and, indeed, of New England,
and is the youngest son of Elizur R. and Delia
(Brewer) Ensign, of whom a full biographical
record is given in the life sketch of F. Howard
Ensign. He was born Dec. 8, 1869, in the house
which was moved across the road and replaced by
the modern dwelling in which Elizur R. Ensign is
passing the latter years of his long and useful life.
Alfred J. Ensign in his boyhood was much given
to study, and studied intelligently. He first at-
tended the Willow Brook schools, and among his
teachers were Miss Louise Brewer and Edward An-
drews, both popular in their day as instructors of
youth. From the Willow Brook schools he went to
the Hartford Public High School, from which he
graduated in 1888, in a class of eighty-six pupils.
He then passed a year on the home farm, but had a
desire to further improve himself, and for a year at-
tended Moody's select school at Mount Hermon,
Mass., where he finished his education in 1890, re-
turned to his home, and assisted in the cultivation
of the farm.
On Nov. 9, 1892, Mr. Ensign married Miss
Laura W. Pitkin, whose ancestors were so promi-
nent in the early history of Connecticut. Mrs. En-
sign was born Sept. 15, 1870, and is a daughter of
Leonard T. and Delia (Smith) Pitkin, the former of
whom was born July 31, 1826, and the latter on
July 9, 1832. Leonard T. Pitkin was a tinner by
trade, and died in Portsmouth, Va., May 19, 1882;
his wife died in East Hartford May 17, 1887. An-
other child, Mary, was born to these parents June
29, 1867, but died Aug. 3, of the same year. To
Mr. and Mrs. Ensign one child, Evelyn Martha,
was born May 25, 1894.
In politics Mr. Ensign is a Democrat, but has
never been an office-holder. In religion he is a
Congregationalist, united with the Hockanum con-
gregation when eighteen years of age, and of this
church he is now treasurer and collector. His wife
is also a member, and both lead most exemplary
lives. Mr. Ensign is very enterprising, industri-
ous and energetic, being what is usually designated
a "hustler," and his farm and dwellings are models
of neatness and thrift. He and his wife are greatly
respected for their many personal excellencies, and
socially mingle with the best residents of East
Hartford and vicinity.
MARTIN ROBERTS. For many generations
the Roberts family has held high rank in the annals
of Hartford county, exemplifying that type of citi-
zenship which leads in national growth and prog-
ress, energetic, intellectual, guided by high ideals.
It is not an easy task to attain and maintain the ad-
vanced standards thus imposed by the leading spirits
of a community. To the many who are familiar
with the character and attainments of the Roberts
family in past generations, and who are acquainted
with Martin Roberts, the subject of this sketch,
the inference will be unconsciouslv drawn that he
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
595
represents in the present generation tlie same prin-
ciples and the same elevated standard of citizenship
that were lived by his forefathers. The ancestral
history of Mr. Roberts and that of his father, Ira
T, Roberts, appear elsewhere.
Our subject was born near Silver Lane, in the
town of East Hartford, Nov. 3, T847, son of Ira T.
and Charlotte Corinthia (Cowles) Roberts. He is
of the sixth generation from William Roberts, the
founder of the family in America, the line of de-
scent being through (2) Benjamin, son of William
and Dorothy (Forbes) Roberts, born ?ilarch 8,
1698; (3) George, born Nov. 22, 1752; (4) Ozias,
born Aug. 10, 1785; (5) Ira T., born Feb. 10, 1817;
to (6) Martin, our subject.
The latter was reared upon his father's farm
in East Hartford. He attended the district schools
until he was fourteen years of age, his first teachers
being Miss Alary Pratt and J. O. Hurlburt ; Tim-
othy Steel and Dr. Fuller were also among his early
instructors. For these early schools j\Ir. Roberts
has only the kindest remembrances. He was an apt
pupil, excelling especially in mathematics, in which
branch it was seldom that he was not at the head of
his class. He attended the East Hartford school
under Major Camp, and passed examination for ad-
mission to the Hartford high school ; but he did
not attend. The duties of the farm proved the
obstacle to further education in the schools. He
was raised a farmer boy and did not shirk its unin-
viting toil. At seventeen he was competent to take
the scythe and keep in line with old and experienced
hands. The disciplinary training he received from
his father was of great importance to him in after
life. He was encouraged when a young man to
engage in farm work with his brothers, and was
associated with them at different times in carrying
on the farm. He first made a business arrangement
of that character with his brother William.
Throughout the many years of his associated farm-
ing only the most harmonious relationship existed.
In 1882 Mr. Roberts began to operate a farm alone,
and has since then continued most successfully.
He has built his present pleasant home and the
other buildings on the farm. For years he gave
especial attention to market gardening, but in recent
}'ears he has been devoted more largely to tobacco
culture.
Mr. Roberts was married in the autumn of 1868
to Miss Ellen Eurnham, daughter of Julius and
Laura (Hills) Burnham, who bore him four chil-
dren as follow^s: Walter R., at home; Nellie B.,
now the wife of Herbert A. Judson, of Silver Lane,
and the mother of two children, Leon W., and
Ellen R. ; J. Wilbur, who was married Aug. 8, 1900,
to Miss Jennie Alice House, and is living at the old
Robert's homestead; and Laura H., at home. Islrs.
Roberts died Jan. 2, 1882, and was buried at East
Hartford. For his second wife Mr. Roberts mar-
ried ]kliss Hattie Gillespie, who was born in North
Blanford, Mass., and from the age of five and one-
half years was reared in Hartford.
In politics Jilr. Roberts is a Republican in State
and National issues, but in local elections the charac-
ter and ability of the candidate outweigh political
affiliations. He has served as assessor and on the
school committee, besides filling various other local
offices. He is a farmer of unusual intelligence, is
well informed, possessing a good memory, and his
knowledge and ability he applies not only to his own
material affairs but to the best interests of the com-
munity, for he is an eminently public-spirited citi-
zen. In his farm work he is modern and scientific,
and has always been highlj' successful. He possesses
the strictest integrity, is courteous and affable in
manner, and in private life exhibits the same high
and commanding characteristics which, as a busi-
ness man, have made his life a success.
JASON jMONROE TAYLOR, an industrious,
enterprising and energetic farmer of Kensington,
was born Dec. 7, 1859, in the house where he now
lives, a son of George and Harriet JMaria (Hale)
Taylor, of wdiom extended mention is made in the
sketch of Nelson F. Taylor, elsewhere.
The primary education of our subject was ob-
tained in the Kensington schools, and later he was
for two 3'ears a student in the academy at South-
ington. On leaving school, at the age of sixteen
years, he began learning the trade of silver plating
with the ]\Ieriden Silver Plate Co., where he re-
mained three years. He then went to Shelton (now
Derby), Conn., wdiere he w-orked for the Derby
Silver Plate Co. for the same length of time. The
following year he spent on the home farm, and
then, in company with his brother, Horace Lester
Taylor, he went to Petersburg, \'a., going into the
grocery business there ; but not being pleased with
the locality he returned to Berlin a year later,
and has since devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits, successfully operating the old home farm
of 150 acres. He is a thorough and systematic
farmer, and due success has not been denied him.
On Oct. 10, 1883, Mr. Taylor married Miss
Clara Ellsworth Elliott, who was born Dec. 5, i860,
a daughter of Samuel and Louise (Bonney) Elliott.
Her father was a commercial traveler of Rochester,
Mass. Our subject and his w'lit have two children :
Clarence Elliott, born March 6, 1888; and Mildred
Louise, born [March 26, 1892. Both are now attend-
ing the district schools in Kensington. Airs. Taylor
is a consistent member of the Congregational
Church of Kensington, the services of which our
subject also attends, and the children are members of
the Sunday-school. Mr. Taylor usually supports
the men and measures of the Democratic party, but
is not radical in his political views. He is now
serving as registrar of votes, also as member of the
consolidated school board, and has been a member
of the district school committee and constable for
one term. Socially he belongs to Silver City Lodge,
596
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
No. 3, A. O. U. W., of Meriden, and was a member
of Kensington Grange until it disbanded. He is
a pleasant, genial gentleman, well-liked by his
neighbors and all who know him.
HENRY ALVORD GRISWOLD, a retired
farmer in the town of Manchester, was born Feb.
14, 1826, on the place which is stilll his home, and
has lived a life of industry and usefulness, gaining
a prominent place among the substantial citizens of
his community.
Mr. Grisw'old's great-grandfather. White Gris-
wold, was born in Connecticut, and married Eliza-
beth Cheney, a member of an old Connecticut fam-
ily. He entered the American service during the
Revolution, was taken prisoner by the British at Phil-
adelphia, and died in prison. Our subject's grand-
father, Deacon Daniel W. Griswold, was a native
of the town of Manchester, -and was a clockmaker
by trade, carrying on the manufacture of clocks in
Manchester for some years. Later he became a
manufacturer of powder, and he also engaged in
farming to some extent, continuing these vocations
until he retired on account of old age.
Edward Griswold, father of Henry A., was born
at Manchester Center, Jan. 30, 1793, and grew to
manhood in his native place, remaining in the town
of his birth until about the time of his marriage,
when his father gave him the farm in the town of
Manchester, part of which is now owned by his
son Henry A. Here he carried on farming for the
remainder of his days, passing away March 30,
1864. On Oct. 12, 1819, he wedded Miss Laura
Hubbard, of Bolton, who was born Feb. 19, 1799,
daughter of Deacon Nathaniel and Eunice ( Alvord)
Hubbard. Eight children came to this union, of
whom Edward H., born July 15, 1820, died about
1894; Daniel W., born March 30, 1822; Laura,
born March 24, 1824, is the wife of William H.
Jones, of Manchester; Henry A. is the subject
proper of these lines ; Ralph, born July 26, 1829, died
Sept. 9, 1846; Charles, born Oct. 7, 1832, entered the
m.inistry of the Methodist Church, but subsequently
took up the study of medicine, and is now a practic-
ing physician in St. Paul, Minn. ; Charlotte J., born
Jan. 7, 1835, is the widow of John F. Williams;
Mary A., born Nov. 11, 1842, has been principal of
a public school in Davenport, Iowa, for nineteen
years.
Henry A. Griswold commenced study in the
pioneer school which stood about where Main street
crosses the railroad track at Manchester, and which
was equipped after the primitive fashion of those
days, with slab benches for seats and other rude
arrangements. His first teachers were Lenora
Brown and Nathaniel Keeney. Later he attended a
private school taught by William S. Williams, at
Manchester Center, and one taught by Walter
McKee, at Buckland's Corners, receiving in all a
good, practical training. He was inducted into the
mysteries of agriculture on his father's farm, and
was also on the farm of his grandfather part of the
time until he reached the age of seventeen, after
which he was engaged for eight years in the silk
mills of Manchester, which were conducted by Will-
iam H. Jones. On July 3, 1849, he was united m mar-
riage with Miss Eliza Ann, daughter of Deacon
Dan and Phila (Lamphere) Russell, of Ellington,
Conn., and the same year they settled on the place
which has ever since been his home — part of the
old homester.d
Mr. Griswold engaged in general farming and
trucking, by industry and thrifty management gain-
ing a comfortable living from his land, which he
miproved constantly until it became a valuable
property, much of which he has since sold in small
lots for building purposes. He has given strict
attention to the cultivation of his farm, but has also
found time to interest himself in r.ffairs of local pub-
lic importance, and has held various town offices,
gaining the good-will of all by his intelligent and
faithful discharge of the duties connected with his
official positions. For two years he served as
selectman, for several years as a member of the
board of relief, and for three terms as assessor,
proving himself as efficient as he is public-spirited.
His political support has always been given to the
Republican party. Mr. Griswold has been a hard
worker all his life, but like his father he has always
practiced temperance in all things, having never
used intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form;
he is well preserved in spite of his seventy-four
years. He abandoned active work several years
ago, and now lives in peaceful and quiet enjoyment
of the competence which rewarded his years of toil,
honored and esteemed by his neighbors and numer-
our friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Griswold was born one daugh-
ter, Alice E., who is now the wife of Whitmore
Emmons, of Hartford, and they have one daughter,
Katherine Louise Emmons. Mrs. Griswold, the
mother of Mrs. Alice E. Emmons, dying in 1895,
Mr. Griswold, for his second wife, wedded, Sept.
7, 1897, Mrs. Sarah A. Barron, widow of Alfred
Barron, and daughter of Thomas Crossley. Mr.
Griswold is an active member of the Congregational
Church, which he joined in early manhood, and has
been prominent in the work of the second Congre-
gational Church of Manchester, in which he has
served as deacon for eighteen years. His father also
belonged to that denomination. Our subject has a
comfortable, pleasant home, and the large maple
trees which stand in front of his residence were
planted by his own hand.
CHRISTIAN HANDEL, one of the best farm-
ers of Hartford county, one whose farm and build-
ings by their exceedingly well-kept appearance fur-
nish unmistakable evidence of thrift, system and
the best of management, is a German by birth, and
one of the oldest Germans in East Hartford. He
came to the United States with his parents when a
2£^'2/iy^.
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
597
boy, and readily adopted American habits and cus-
toms, while retaining- the many sterling; ciualities of
his native land. His loyalty to this to him new
country was shown by his long and faithful service
as a soldier during the Civil war.
Mr. Handel was born in Wittenberg, Germany,
Jan. 19, 1840, son of Philip A. and Christina (Deck-
er) Handel. The father was born in Wittenberg
ii', 1813, son of Philip Handel, a business man, who
■was proprietor of a hotel, a dealer in horses, and a
man of considerable importance in his locality. The
father of our subject was reared as a farmer boy.
His eldest daughter, Fredericka, first came to Amer-
ica, and the favorable reports of the new land which
she sent home brought her father and our subject,
who sailed in June, 1853, the mother following in
1855. Upon his arrival at New York in 1853,
after a voyage of forty-two days, Philip Handel
found temporary employment, but in January, 1854,
lie came to Glastonbury, Conn., where he worked
for a time in a shoddy factory. In 1856 he located
at Curtisville (now Naubuc), and there worked in
the spoon and spectacle factory for some time. In
1857 he bought from Daniel Winslow the farm at
the corner of Maple and Forbes streets, in East
Hartford. In 1865 he built the house, barn and
other buildings, and there on the farm he remained
until his death. In 1863 he returned to Germany
on a business trip, and was absent ten months.
He died Jan. i, 1880, aged sixty-seven years, and
was buried in Hockanum cemetery. His wife sur-
vived him six months. In politics Philip Handel
was a Democrat. He w-as public-spirited and took
a deep interest in all worthy movements, was an
industrious, hard-working citizen, and at his death
left an honored name and a competence to his
family. His children were as follows : Fredericka
(now Mrs. Fred Wuterich, of Meriden) ; Jacob, a
mechanic, who, while a foreman in the Parker
shop, at Meriden, Conn., was accidentally killed by
a stove falling upon him from a wagon ; Christian,
the subject of this sketch; Paulina (Mrs. Charles
Sorries, of South iNIeriden, Conn.) ; Louise (j\Irs.
Charles Youch. of Hockanum, Conn.) ; Gottleib, a
farmer of East Hartford; Emma (Mrs. Joseph
Hirth, of Hartford); Bertha, of Hartford; and
Katie (Airs. Benjamin Fulton, of Hartford).
As a boy Christian Handel, our subject, fully
knew the meaning of toil. He attended the schools
of his native land, and when he came to America
with his father in 1853, at the age of thirteen years,
he found employment in a New York restaurant.
He accompanied his father to Hartford by boat
and to Glastonbury by stage, and for two years was
employed in a shoddy mill at Eagleville, the first
year at $5 per month and the second year at $8 per
month. He then went to Curtisville, and for over
a year was emploved in the factory there. After
a difference with his "boss" he engaged for a time
in farming, and later w^orked at the trade of bur-
nisher at Xaubuc, Meriden and elsewhere.
In the spring of 1861, at the first call for troops.
Christian Handel enlisted in Company B, ist Regi-
ment Conn. V. 1., for the three-months' service, and
his first engagement was at Bull Run. At the ex-
piration of his service he rc-cnlisted for three years
in Company H, 6th Conn. V. I., becoming sergeant.
Proceeding from Hartford to Washington, the regi-
ment was forwarded to Hilton Head, S. C. Sergt.
Ilandel remained with the regiment until its dis-
charge, participating in its various engagements.
For a time he was detached on special duty in the
provost marshal's department at Hilton Head. He
was discharged in September, 1864.
Returning home, Mr. Handel remained on the
farm for a time with his father. During the win-
ter of 1864-65 he helped to cut the timber to build
the house and barn, which were the first buildings
on the farm that he now occupies. In May, 1865,
he went to jMeriden, and there at No. 297 Main
street, he successfully conducted a hotel business
until 1882. In that year he came to Hockanum,
bought out the heirs of the home farm, and became
a prosperous and successful farmer.
On July 14, 1866, Mr. Handel married Miss
Paulina Wuterich, a native of Wittenberg, Ger-
many, daughter of Frederick Wuterich. coming^ to
the United States when twelve years of age. She
proved a worthy helpmeet of her husband. Her
death occurred on the farm April 20, 1889. To
Mr. and Mrs. Handel were born the following chil-
dren: Edward, of Hockanum: Bertha, at home;
Rosa, a dressmaker of Hartford; Alary: Christian
F. ; Albert, at home; Pauline, a school teacher;
William, an employe in the Hartford Life Insurance
Co. ; and Florence.
In politics Air. Handel has usually voted the
Democratic ticket, biit he is independent, and selects
the best man regardless of politics. In the presi-
dential campaign of 1896 he voted for William AIc-
Kinley. He is a member of Titona Lodge, I. O.
O. F.j at Aleriden. In physique he is a man of im-
posing presence, but notwithstanding his giant frame
he is one of the most genial and companionable men
to be found in East Hartford. He has displayed
marked ability as a farmer. He possesses every
convenience for a well-regulated farm, is progres-
sive in his methods, engages extensively in tobacco
raising and in dairying, and with the aid of his
intelligent and industrious children is bringing
riches from one of the finest tobacco farms in the
Connecticut valley, than which there is none better
kept, none in a higher state of cultivation. Mr.
Handel has won his way from poverty to the en-
viable position which he now occupies, and is a
splendid instance of the self-made man.
GEORGE EARL SAAISON. Alany of the
early New Englanders were sea-faring men. They
were also men of intellectual force and education.
The subject of this sketch, a substantial and influ-
ental farmer of Glastonbury, has an ancestry in
598
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which appeared both the adventurous spirit of the
hardy sailor and. the love of learning' so deeply in-
stilled in the Puritan character.
Zadoc Samson, his grandfather, was a native of
Plymouth, Mass., a son of a wealthy citizen in
whose lineage were many traditions of active and
gallant achievements on sea. Zadoc had a taste for
an education, and entering Dartmouth College in
due time completed the course and graduated. A
brother served in the Revolutionary cause, and was
with Paul Jones in the memorable naval conflict
between the "Bonhomme Richard" and the "Ser-
apis," in the English channel. Prior to the war of
1812 Zadoc Samson entered into a contract to fur-
nish the government with ammunition and other
supplies. The hostilities increased his obligations
so tremenduously that he had to make large prep-
arations at great expense to increase the amount,
and the termination of the war brought him heavy
loss. He then located at Glastonbury, on Main
street, immediately north of the Thaddeus Wells
home, where he practiced his profession, that of
medicine. He became a man of great prominence,
and remained in Glastonbury until his death, in
1830, at the age of sixty-seven. He married Mrs.
Anna Talcott Welles, a native of Glastonbury, and
to them were born five children : Sophia, who mar-
ried Benjamin Moseley, a farmer of Glastonbury;
William, who married Dorothy House, and was a
sea-faring man, occupying for many years the old
homestead at Glastonbury ; Guy, who married Emma
Gaines, and was a farmer of Glastonbury; Martha,
who married Henry Talcott, of Glastonbury; and
Earl, the father of. our subject.
Earl Samson was born in Glastonbury about
1812. He received a good district-school education,
and when a young man went on a merchant ship and
sailed to various parts of the world. He began as
a common sailor, and soon became a skillful mariner,
later in life commanding a number of vessels. Re-
tiring from the water, he purchased the farm in
Glastonbury now occupied by Michael Liebler, and
there spent the remaining years of his life, dying
in 1892. He married Mary Sellew, daughter of
Russell and Polly (Loveland) Sellew, and to them
were born five children: Mary, who married
Charles Bogue, a mechanic, who enlisted in a Kan-
sas regiment during the Civil war, and was killed in
that State, while on a scouting expedition ; George
Earl, our subject; Eugene, who is married and
lives in Jersey City, N. J., a well-known pilot ; Adel-
bert, who married Harriet House, and was a farmer
of Glastonbury until his death, in 1892; and Anna,
who married Howard Ensign, and lives in East
Hartford.
George Earl Samson was born April 24, 1842,
in Curtisville (now Naubuc), Glastonbury, Conn.
His education was received in the district schools,
and when a young man he had a strong inclination
to go to sea, but poor health prevented. For sev-
eral years he worked in a spectacle factory near his
home, then went to New Haven, and for about nine
years was foreman in the factory of J. E. Spencer.
Returning to Glastonbury, he conducted a milk
route for a time, and then engaged in farming, at
the same time dealing in wood. He purchased his
present farm at Addison, cleared it of a considerable
amount of timber, erected all the buildings, and now;
has one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He
very successfully carries on tobacco raising and
dairy farming.
Mr. Samson was married, in 1866, to Miss Katli-
erine Horsley, a native of England, who when a
child came to America. Two children have blessed
this union : Eugene, who married, in October, 1898,
Miss Allena Taylor, a native of South Manchester,
and lives at Addison ; and Katherine, at home. In
politics Mr. Samson is a Democrat, and he has been
elected to many of the local offices of ' responsibility
and trust. Himself and family are members of the
Episcopal Church, in which he has served in a num-
ber of official capacities. He has been a prominent
member of Hillstown Grange, No. 87, of which he
was master for several years, and was made a
member of Dascam Lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M.,
thirty-five years ago. Mr. Samson is a man of pleas-
ant and impressive address, in whom the courtesies
and kindnesses of disposition are predominant; but
though quiet in manner he is firm in principle and
conviction, and his name throughout the community
is held in the highest esteem.
CARL FRANK MELCHERT, a leading florist
of Berlin, comes from the Fatherland, and the
strongest and most creditable characteristics of the
Teutonic race have been marked elements in his
life, and have enabled him to win success in the
face of opposing circumstances. He possesses the
energy and determination which mark the people
of Germany, and by the exercise of his powers he
has steadily progressed, and is now at the head of
a prosperous business.
Mr. Melchert was born in Pomerania, Germany,
April 22, 1852, a son of August and Augusta
(Krenke) Melchert, who spent their entire lives in
Germany. The father was also a florist. Until six-
teen years of age our subject attended school in
his native land, and then spent two years in learn-
ing the florist's trade with a Mr. Gardner. As a
florist he then had charge of a private garden for
a year and a half, and at the end of that time
joined the German army, in which he served for
three years, taking part in the war with France.
He was shot during that conflict, and for nine weeks
was unfit for duty. After leaving the army he went
to Russia, where he was florist in a private family
for three years, and then, rather than join the Rus-
sian army, he returned to Germany.
On May 24, 1878, Mr. Melchert married Miss
Amelia Kudrian, who was born in Pomerania, Ger-
many, May 6, 1851, a daughter of Oliver and Chai'-
lotte (Goi-kow) Kudrian. To them were born the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
following children : Elsbcth Charlotte, born Feb.
12, 1879, died Oct. 25, 1879, and was buried in
Germany; Paul Robert, born Feb. 13, 1881, is a
cadet engineer in the United States Government
service, and is now in the Philippines ; Francisco
Charlotte, born in Stamford, Conn., Dec. 26, 1885,
is at home; Wonder Pauline, born Nov. 25, 1887,
is deceased ; Carl Arthur, born April 9, 1889, is at
home; and Walter Robert, born March i, 1892, died
July IS, 1892.
Mr. Melchert was employed as a private florist
in Germany until April 22, 1881, when he sailed
from Belgium for London, and from there went to
Liverpool, where he took passage on a White Star
liner, arriving in New York on May 13, after a
very rough voyage. He was first employed as a
florist at Jamaica, Long Island, by John Sweink, a
broker of New York, and then came to Stamford,
Conn., where he served in the same capacity with
E. W. Peck for two years, and W. L. Brooks for
three years. Going to Meriden, he was employed
as gardener by Edward Miller for six months, and
at the end of that time embarked in business on
his own account. On Oct. i, 1898, he purchased
A. A. Weldon's place, in the southern part of Ber-
lin, consisting of five acres of ground and green-
houses. He has made many improvements in the
property since taking possession, and now has six
large greenhouses. He raises all kinds of garden
vegetables, besides doing a large wholesale florist
business, selling his flowers in Meriden. Long ex-
perience has made him thoroughly conversant with
the business, and he is meeting with well-deserved
success. He has ever been a hard-working man,
and his prosperity is due entirely to his industry,
enterprise and perseverance. He takes an active
part in agricultural matters.
Politically Mr. Melchert is a stanch Republican.
He attends the First Baptist Church of Meriden, of
which all the family are members, and contributes
his share to the work of the church. He is a mem-
ber of the American Rose Societv ; of Harmonia
Lodge, No. 2, of Meriden ;. and of the Insurance
Society of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
of the same place.
EDW^ARD GRISWOLD was born ]\Iarch 26,
1848, in the town of Manchester, Hartford coun-
ty, son of Daniel Griswold, of whom a more com-
plete sketch is given in the biography of H. A.
Griswold.
Edward Griswold attended the common schools
until he was sixteen years of age, but his broader,
higher, truer education has been acquired through
his contact and conflict with the world. After leav-
ing school, while vet a mere bov, he began life's
struggle as an employe in Keeney & Wood's paper
mill, where he remained for eighteen months. His
next employment was as a driver for Bunce &
Cheney, of South Alanchester, Mr. Griswold con-
tinuing in their serv-ice until 1881, when he de-
termined to make a business venture for himself,
and with that end in view rented the coal yard of
Norman Loomis. To borrow an expression from
the forcible slang of the day, "he is still doing busi-
ness at the old stand.' His initiative trade was a
modest, humble sort, but industry, sagacity and in-
tegrity have steadily enlarged its volume until he
has become an important factor in the coal business
of the locality, both wholesale and retail, his annual
sales summing up fully seven thousand tons.
Air. Griswold is a Republican in politics ; while
not a member of any church, by profession, his
Christian sympathies manifest themselves along lib-
eral lines and broad parallels. His charitv, while
unostentatious, is generous, and his purse-strings
are never tightly drawn against the proper appeal
of any denomination. On May 10, 1874, he was
married to Miss Estella Hosm'er.
ALMERON W. WICKHAM, formerly super-
intendent of the Hartford Manilla Paper Co.'s
Woodland Mills, at Burnside, is a representative
self-made man, efficient and self-reliant, straight-
forward in all his dealings with men, and an ex-
cellent type of the born and bred New Englander,
the Wickham family being one of the oldest in Con-
necticut. Our subject was born May 21, 1862, in
the town of Manchester, Hartford county, son of
William P. and Ann S. (Sanders) Wickham, grand-
son of John and Melinda (Colver) Wickham. and
great-grandson of Hezekiah Wickham. The an-
cestry is more fully spoken of elsewhere.
Almeron W. Wickham was reared at the place
of his birth, receiving his early education in the
district schools of Manchester, where, among others,
he was taught by Miss Cook and George Holland.
He was trained to farm life from earhest bovhood,
and at the age of fifteen went to live with his uncle,
Horace Wickham, in order to secure a more com-
plete education. His ambition for a still better ed-
ucation led him to enter the Hartford Public High
School, where he took a complete course, earning
his tuition by doing odd jobs around the school.
On April I, 1882, he was appointed shipping clerk
at the Woodland Mill, being the first to hold the
position, the duties of which he attended to out of
school hours until his graduation in June, 1882, after
which he gave it his entire time. After a year in
this incumbency he was made time-keeper, being
placed in charge of outside work at the mill, and in
1890 he attained his later responsible position, that
of superintendent. Having been connected with
the mill ever since it was built, and risen to a post
of honor and importance from a comparatively hum-
ble beginning, he was familiar with every branch
and detail of the work in the establishment, and
this thorough preparation for his incumbency, com-
bined with natural ability, made him an invaluable
employe, and won for him an enviable place in the
esteem and confidence of his employers. Moreover,
he gained this high standing by his own eft'orts, and
600
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he commands the respect of all who know him,
whether in business or in private life. In 1897-98
Mr. Wickham was chosen as one of the representa-
tives of his town in the State Legislature, and was
made a member of the committee on Finance, an-
other compliment to his executive ability. As a
citizen he was alwa3's foremost among the public-
spirited and enterprising men of the locality, and
an iniluential worker for the advancement and im-
provement of the town and county, being ever
identified especially with the best interests of East
Hartford, where he was probably better known than
any other man of his age. Fraternally he was
identified with Nutmeg Lodge, A. O. U. W., of
East Hartford, of which he is a charter member, and
had been recorder since its organization ; is a char-
ter member of Lafayette Council, O. U. A. M., at
East Hartford, in which he held various offices ; and
was regent of East Hartford Council, Royal Ar-
canum; and a member of Orient Lodge, F. & A.
M. Politically he is a stanch Republican, in this
respect differing from his ancestors, including his
father, who have been equally ardent supporters of
the men and measures of the Democratic party.
In April, 1885, Mr. Wickham was married to
Miss Margaret McCabe, of Salisbury Mills,
Orange Co., N. Y., a daughter of James McCabe,
and born of Scotch-Irish descent. Two children
have blessed this union : William E. and Martha
Elanor. Mrs. Wickham is a member of the M. E.
Church. Mr. Wickham is now a resident of Ga-
lena, Kansas.
HON. OLIVER THOMPSON (deceased) was
for many years prominent in the town of Avon, and
indeed throughout Hartford county, as a business
man of more than ordinary ability and acumen, a
citizen whose genuine worth was emphasized in all
his acts, and a man whose Christian character could
not fail to win the respect of all who knew him, in
commercial, public or social life. As a model citi-
zen he ranked second to none, and in making a suc-
cess of his own career he never forgot the duty he
owed to his community and his fellow citizens, nor
allowed personal ends to dampen his public spirit
or the loyal interest in the general welfare which
was ever one of his marked characteristics.
Mr. Thompson was born Aug. 5, 1827, in what
is now known as West Avon, and his family is one
of the oldest in this part of Hartford county, his
great-grandfather, Timothy Thompson, having been
one of the first settl-ers of Avon, which was then
included in the towns of Northington and Farm-
ington. Lot Thompson, the grandfather of our
subject, also made his home there, and was one of
the most extensive farmers and landowners of his
day. His son, Thaddeus L. Thompson, father of
Oliver, was born on the farm now owned by Dr.
Hackley, removing thence to the farm now owned by
the family of our subject, which was then known as
the Demming place. Here he passed the remainder
of his busy life, engaging successfully in general
farming, stock raising and dairying, and he held
a high position among the best citizens of Avon,
where he was widely known. He was prominent in
religious work as an active member of the Congre-
gational Church of West Avon, and as the first man
to bring timber for the erection of their house ofj
worship. Politically he was a Whig, but thougtf
an ardent supporter of the principles of his party hel
took no part in its workings beyond casting his
vote, and he never sought political preferment. On
June I, 1812, Mr. Thompson married Miss Betsey
Tillotson, who was a native of Avon (then called
Farmington), and five children blessed their union:
Edmund, born Feb. 20, 1813, who died in Ohio;
Marcus, born July 14, 1815; one that died in in-
fancy, born Oct. 13, 1818; Shubul, born June 12,
1821, who is a deacon in the church; and Oliver,
born Aug. 5, 1827. The mother of these dying
Sept. 3, 1828, Mr. Thompson wedded for his- sec-
ond wife, on Oct. 20, 1829, Miss Mehitabel Sanford,
of Avon, and they had three children : Betsey E.,
born Sept. 15, 1830, who died at the age of sixteen;
Eliza Ann, born June 3, 1833 ; and Almira, born
March 15, 1838. This wife was laid to rest in West
Avon cemetery, where Mr. Thompson is also buried.
He passed away in 1865.
Oliver Thompson attended the district schools
of Avon, and passed his entire life on the farm
where he was born, engaging extensively in agri-
cultural pursuits, though he was also heavily inter-
ested in lumbering. In addition to general crops
he carried on stock raising, dairying and the culture
of tobacco, and he was the largest land owner in
Avon, owning upward of 600 acres, in the manage-
ment of which he displayed rare abilit)'. He de-
voted special attention to the improvement of the
Thompson homestead farm, building a fine dwell-
ing, barns and other outbuildings which added ma-
terially to the beauty and value of the property, in
the appearance of which he took great pride, a fact
which was evident even to the casual observer.
From time to time he purchased large tracts of
timber land, and engaged in the manufacture of lum-
ber, and he was uniformly successful in his business
enterprises, in connection with which he became
widely known throughout this region. He alwa)'s
endeavored to do what he considered the right, and
his business associates learned to respect him to
an unusual degree, both for his honesty of purpose
and strict integrity in all his transactions.
Though so intimately connected with the broader
life of the community Mr. Thompson was a man of
quiet and domestic tastes, temperate in his habits,
and devoted to his home and family, who loved and
honored him for his unselfishness, kind-hearted
generosity and many Christian traits of character.
As a neighbor and friend he wai popular and uni-
versall}^ esteemed, and he exemplified in his unas-
suming but useful life a high standard of citizen-
ship and a regard for the general welfare which are
//^>^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CO I
well worthy of emulation. In 1863 he was honored
by his fellow citizens in Avon with election to the
State Legislature, where he served his term faith-
fully, giving the same thoughtful care to his duties
as a public servant as he devoted to his own in-
terests. Originally a Whig in political predilection,
he became a Republican when the new party was
organized, 'and always supported its principles. For
over forty years Mr. Thompson was a member of
the Congregational Church, taking a prominent part
in its various enterprises, and contributing liberally
of his amole means to all benevolent and charitable
projects, in which he was deep!)' interested. In
short, he was a man who lived a helpful, busv life,
attending carefully to his extensive business affairs,
but with a due regard for the demands made upon
one of his ability and resource by the various in-
terests which occupy the intelligent and progressive
classes of the day, and his death, which occurred
Dec. 3, 1895, was regarded as a public loss through-
out this section.
In June, 1858, Mr. Thompson was married, in
Farmington, to Miss Margaret Colvin, a native of
Avon, who survived him until Oct. 24, 1899, mak-
ing her home on the beautiful property mentioned
above. She was a woman of keen intelligence and
high Christian character, and always shared the
respect accorded her honored husband in Avon town.
Two sons were born to this union, Howard Clark
and Joseph Carpenter, both of whom have received
good educational opportunities, and the moral train-
ing of Christian parents has not been lost on these
two young men, who take their place among the
industrious and useful citizens of their town as
business men and in a social way. The eldest son
attended the schools of the home district and Con-
necticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, and received
his business training under the able direction of his
father. He is the senior partner of the firm of H.
C. & J. C. Thompson, lumber manufacturers and
general farmers of Avon, and gives promise of at-
taining the high standing in commercial circles held
by his worthy father. He married Miss Elizabeth
Chase, of Waltham, Mass., who was born Nov. 6,
1855, and they have two children : Frank Oliver,
born Feb. 14, 1885, and Howard Everett, born
Dec. 19, 1887. Joseph C. Thompson supplemented
his district-school training with study at the Union-
ville Academy, and he, too, obtained his knowledge
of business methods while assisting his father. He
is now occupied in the management of the farm,
where he and his brother are successfully engaged
in the culutre of tobacco, general farming and stock
raising, in addition carrying on one of the largest
dairies in Avon. He is a stanch Republican in
politics.
David Colvin, the grandfather of Airs. Mar-
garet (Colvin) Thompson, was a native of West
Hartford, and passed his life in the countv, dving
in Avon ; he was buried in West Avon. He served
as a soldier in the Revolutionarv war. Politicallv
he was a Democrat, and in religious matters he was
liberal, supporting no particular denomination. His
son Timothy, father of Mrs. T]iom[)Son, was burn
in Avon, and was a lifelong farmer of that town,
where he became prominent in public life as well
as a prosperous agriculturist. He was always a
stanch Democrat, and he served one term as member
of the State Legislature from his district. Tiiuolhy
Colvin married for his first wife Miss Sally Cornell,
a native of New York, by whom he had twelve
children: Joseph, who went to California in an
early day, and later settled in Illinois, being a pio-
neer of Kinderhook, that State, where he died March
20, 1900; Sarah, deceased, who married Samuel
Hart, a stone mason of Farmington, also deceased ;
Mary, wife of Charles Moses, of Avon ; Charles, who
died in Kinderhook, 111.; Margaret, Mrs. Thomp-
son ; Timothy, a resident of Kinderhook, 111. ; Maria
who married Benjamin Hodgkins, of Maine; Hen-
rietta, wife of George Scarritt, of West Hartford;
William, who died in Kinderhook, 111.; Frederick,
of Avon ; Arthur, who was drowned when three
years old; and Alice, wife of Emerson Moses, of
Minnesota. The mother was laid to rest in the
West Avon cemetery, and for his second wife Mr.
Colvin wedded Miss Eliza Latham, of Hartford,
their union being blessed with four children.namely :
Fanny (who is the wife of Edward Judd), Frances,
Arthur and Eugene, all residents of Bristol, Conn.
The Colvin family is highly respected in Hartford
county.
CHARLES HENRY PENDER, an honored
veteran of the Civil war, whose devotion to his
country was tested on many a Southern battlefield,
and an expert machinist in the employ of the H. D.
Smith Co., of Plantsville, Hartford county, was
born in Ansonia, New Haven Co., Conn., Nov. 7,
1839. He is a son of John and Abigail (Gill)
Pender, natives of Manchester, England, who came
to America in 1835, and first located in Bridgeport,
Conn., where the father was employed for a time
as a machinist, shipwright and general mechanic.
Subsequently he removed to Ansonia, and still later
made his home in Mt. Carmel and New Haven,
dying at the latter place in 1862. In his family
were seven children : Thomas, deceased ; Martha,
wife of Edwin D. Beeman ; Charles H. ; Frederick
W. ; Sarah, wife of George F. Marks; Benjamin;
and Thomas J.
Charles H. Pender is indebted to the common
schools of this State for his educational privileges,
and with his father he learned the machinist's trade,
starting out for himself at the age of fifteen years.
In 1862 he came to Southington, where he was em-
ployed by the Peck-Smith Co. until September,
1863, when he entered the service of his country,
enlisting as a private in Company F, 1st Connecti-
cut Cavalry. He participated in all the engage-
ments in which his command took part, and. with
his regiment, was honorably discharged Aug. 2,
602
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1865. With the exception of four years, devoted
to farming, Mr. Pender has worked at his trade
since the war, first in the employ of the Peck, Stow
& Wilcox Co., and since 1884 with the H. D. Smith
Co., at Plantsville. He is a good workman, reliable
and industrious, and has the entire confidence and
respect of his employers.
On Dec. 3, 1866, Mr. Pender married Miss Lucy
Ann Barnes, a daughter of Willard and Ellen (An-
drews) Barnes, of Southington, and thej' have three
children : Willard, a machinist by trade ; Adelaide,
a graduate of the State Normal School at New
Britain, and now editor of the Connecticut School
lournal, at Meriden; and Martha. In politics Mr.
Pender is an ardent Republican, and in social re-
lations is a prominent member of Trumbull Post,
No. 16, G. A. R., of which he was commander in
1899.
DWIGHT BUTLER HILLS, a prominent clock
manufacturer of Plainville, Hartford coimty, was
born in that town Sept. 19, 1846, and is a de-
scendant of William Hills, a native of England,
who settled in Hartford in 1632, and died there in
1683.
Our subject's great-grandparents on the paternal
side were Chauncey and Eleanor (Gillette) Hills,
and the grandparents were Elias and Sally (Cur-
tiss) Hills. His father, George Hills, was born in
Plainville, April 27, 1813, and died June 5, 1885.
He was a wheelwright by trade, and in early life
engaged in the manufacture of wagons, .and later
of clocks and clock parts. He was twice married,
his first wife being Charlotte Eddy, who was born
May 25, 1812, a daughter of William and Mary
(Butler) Eddy, and granddaughter of Charles and
Hannah (Kelsey) Eddy, of New Britain, Conn.
She bore him four children, of whom three grew to
maturity: Adelaide L., wife of Charles Northrup;
Dwight B., our subject; and Christiana, wife of
Charles H. Calor. For his second wife the father
married Caroline, daughter of Harlow Eddy, and
by that union had two children : Freddie, deceased ;
and Nellie, wife of John B. Brown.
Reared in Plainville, Dwight B. Hills obtained
his literary education in its public schools, and in
early life learned the clockmaker's trade with his
father. Subsequently he spent nine years in the
manufacture of clocks at Ansonia, Conn., but with
that exception his entire life has been passed in
Plainville, his time and attention being devoted to
the same line of business. He is energetic and in-
dustrious, and has met with fair success in his life
work. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and
has held various town offices, including those of
selectman and justice of the peace.
On June 21, 1871, Mr. Hills married Miss Helen
E. Gates, a daughter of Robert and Minnie (Hotch-
kiss) Gates, of Derby, Conn. She died Jan. 13,
1898, leaving two daughters, Mabelle and Mar-
guerite.
STANLEY WADSWORTH, a prominent citi-
zen and a farmer and tobacco grower of Hockanum,
town of East Hartford, was born Nov. 20, 1832,
and descends from a very ancient Enghsh family,
members of which settled in Connecticut at its first
colonization.
The name Wadsworth is derived, it is supposed,
from Wood's Court, or court in the woods, the in-
ference being that some ancestor of the present fam-
ily held court in a wood — hence, literally. Woods- j
court; in German, Waldes-hoff ; in Anglo-SaxonJ
Waldes-weorth. The name is quite common in«
England, especially in the Yorkshire district, where,
it now seems probable, the early ancestors of the
American family hailed from. In William Pavers'
"Pedigrees of Yorkshire" the Wadsworths are
traced back four generations, and the search for the
origin of the name and location of individuals of
earlier times is now going on in England. But let
us confine ourselves to the American family.
The ship "Lion" cast anchor in Boston harbor
Sunday evening, Sept. 16, 1632, bringing 123 pas-
sengers, whereof fifty were children, all in good
health, after a voyage of twelve weeks. Of the
passenger list the names of about thirty only have
been preserved, and of these the name of William
Wadsworth, thought to have been born in 1600,
stands at the head, as having a family of four per-
sons. It is believed that he had made the trip pre-
viously, but had come this time to remain. He was
made a freeman Nov. 6, 1632, in Cambridge, and
when the town was organized he was chosen a
member of the first board of selectmen, and held
office in 1634-35. From Cambridge he came to
Hartford as one of Hooker's company, and there
passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1675. He
was among the wealthier and more influential pro-
prietors and settlers of Hartford. To his first mar-
riage were born four children : Sarah, who was
married to John Wilcox ; William, who died in in-
fancy ; Mary, married to Thomas Stoughton ; and
John. By his second wife, Eliza Stone, whom he
married in 1644, were born six children: Eliza-
beth, married to John Terry; Samuel, born in 1646;
Joseph, in 1648; Sarah, in 1649 (married to 'Jona-
than Ashley); Thomas, in 1651; and Rebecca, in
1656. Every American schoolboy has read of the
determined Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, of Charter
Oak fame, alluded to above, and how he preserved
the liberties of Connecticut ; every one knows how,
when Gov. Fletcher attempted to silence the drums
beaten at Capt. Joseph's command, in order that
Fletcher might not read his commission and usurp-
the control of the militia, Wadsworth, with most
determined energy, told him, "If I am interrupted
again, I will make the sun shine through you in a
moment !"
Thomas Wadsworth, mentioned above as having
been born in 165 1, married Elizabeth , in
1677, '^"d there were born to them seven children :
John, who died in infancy; Sarah, born in 1681, who
^U^-c-^^' /J^ X^-^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
003
was married to a Mr. Burr; Elizabeth; Rebecca,
born in 1686, who was married to James Gross,
and died in 1707, without issue; Thomas, born in
1689; Hannah, born in 1690; and WiUiam, born
in 1692, died in 1725.
Thomas Wadsworth, born in 1689, a son of
Thomas, was a farmer of Farminoton, this county,
and died in 1771. He married Miriam Beckley, but
in all probability died without issue. [The Wads-
worth family genealogy, compiled by Horace An-
drew \\'adsworth, of Lawrence, Mass., and from
which this matter is extracted, says : "There has
been some controversy as to whether this man was
not the father of Thomas (third) instead of Thomas
the son of Thomas (being so), in which event all
the descendants of Thomas (fourth) would be of
the Farmington branch. But we are satisfied this
man died without issue." In this case, who was the
father of Thomas (third) following?]
Thomas Wadsworth (third) born in East Hart-
ford in 1716, married Sarah Arnold; she died in
1778, and he in 1783. Their children were nine
in number, born as follows: Thomas, 1739; John,
1742; Samuel, 1746; Josiah, 1748; William, 1753;
Jerusha, 17 — ; Sarah, 1754; Rebecca, 1757; and
Elizabeth, 1761.
Thomas Wadsworth (fourth), a farmer of East
Hartford, was born in 1739, and died in 1810. He
married Thankful Hills, who died in 1816, and their
children, twelve in number, were : George, born in
1762, died in 1806, unmarried; Thomas, born in
1763; David, born in 1767, died in Gainesville, N.
y. ; Timothy, born in 1770; Solomon, born in 1772;
Joel, born in 1774, died single in 182"^; Moses, born
in 1776, died in infancy; Anna, died in infancy;
Anna (2), born in 1780, married to Ashel Porter;
Moses (2), born in 1733; Thankful, married; and
Abbt\v. Thomas, Moses, David and Timothy re-
moved in early life to New Hartford, Oneida Co.,
N. Y., and located on what was afterward called
Wadsworth Hill.
Solomon Wadsworth, of the above family, born
in 1772, married Lucy Kirby, and died in 1853.
Their children were as follows : Allen, born in
1795 ; Rebecca, in 1797 (died unmarried in East
Hartford in 1871) ; Solomon, in 1800; Horace, in
1802; Lucy, in 1805 (was married to Joseph
Arnold); Norman, in 1806; Laura, in 1807; Eme-
line, in 1810 (died an infant); Maria, in 1813;
Mary, in 1819 (married E. Gillett) ; and Daniel, in
1821.
Solomon Wadsworth, born Feb. 13, 1800, on the
farm in East Hartford now occupied by Peter Rival,
followed agriculture all his life, and died at his
birthplace March 28, 1884. To his marriage with
Sarah Dow, a native of Newington, and a daughter
of Solomon and Lucy (Butler) Dow, four children
were born : Rufus, born in July, 1830, married
Adelaide Watross, of Bolton, and is now living in
Manchester; Stanley is the subject of tliis sketch;
Sarah, born April 2, 1836, was married to Stephen
P. Forbes, and is now living with her son, Clar-
ence C, in Hockanum ; and Urania, wife of Martin
Fox, resides in East Hartford.
Stanlev Wadsworth was born Nov. 20, 1832,
as has been mentioned at the beginning of this
article, was reared on the home farm, and received
a sound common-school education in the meanwhile.
In 1 85 1 he rented from Julius Griswold a farm
which he operated two years, and was then ap-
pointed master of the town almshouse, which posi-
tion he filled eight years; in i860 he bought his
present farm from George W. Champlin, known as
the Austin Hall place, on which he raises about
six acres of tobacco, together with miscellaneous
farm productions.
On Jan. 21, 1858, Mr. Wadsworth married Miss
Harriet J. Latham, who was born in Hebron Dec.
6, 1839, a daughter of Amos B. and Caroline M.
(Loomis) Latham, and this marriage has been
blessed with one child, Milton Stanley.
Milton Stanley Wadsworth was born May 14,
1861, received his primary education in the district
school, then attended the academy in Cranbury,
N. J., under Prof. Brown, for one winter, and next
entered the high school at Hartford, where he
finished his studies. On May 21, 1884, 3ilr. Wads-
worth was united in marriage with JNIiss Elsie F.
Ransom, who was born in East Hampton, Conn.,
Oct. 4, i860, a daughter of Merritt and Florinda
(Clark) Ransom, the former a Methodist clergj-man.
This union was blessed with four children: Flor-
ence May, born Oct. 18, 1885 ; Imogene Elsie, July
5, 1888; Gertrude M., Aug. 3, 1891 ; and :\Iilton S.,
Dec. 23, 1893. But it is sad to add that Milton S.
Wadsworth, the father of this interesting young
family, was called from earth Dec. 21, 1893, just
two days before the birth of his youngest child.
The grief of the young widow and that of the elder
children must be left to the imagination of the read-
er. Milton S. Wadsworth was one of the most
amiable as well as one of the most intelligent young
men of the town of East Hartford, and his taking off
in early manhood was mourned by hosts of warm-
hearted and sincere friends. He had been in the
employ of the Corbin Co. at New Britain for thir-
teen years, during five of which he was traveling
salesman, to their profit and great satisfaction, and
at the time of his death he was the trusted manager
of their Philadelphia store ; thus a bright and more
than ordinarily promising business career was un-
timely ended, and an interesting and amiable wife
and young family left in the shadow of the valley of
grief. Stanley Wadsworth and his devoted and
Christian wife have never ceased to mourn their
loss, yet uncomplainingly yield to the inevitable,
having imbibed within their hearts the true spirit
of the teachings of the Congregatonal Church, of
which they are devout members.
Although Mr. Wadsworth began life a com-
paratively poor young man, he has raised himself to
a position of ease and comfort, and ranks with the
604
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
best people of East Hartford, a position he has
gained through his personal merits, regardless of
his long life of pedigree, whose fair escutcheon no
act or word of his has ever tarnished. A Repub-
lican in politics, he has never accepted political of-
fice, but has been willing to serve his church — the
South Congregational — on all occasions. He was
chairman of the society committee before the so-
ciety and church were consolidated ; was elected a
deacon of the church, and faithfully served' several
years, until he felt it necessary to resign. He and
wife are both kind-hearted and charitable, and any
community might be proud to call them its own.
REV. HORACE WINSLOW, A. B., A. M., is
a retired minister of the Congregational Church
and a resident of Weatogue, Hartford county. He
was born at Enfield, Hampshire Co., Mass., May i8,
1814. His life has be€n filled with incident and rich
achievement. For more than half a century he has
been an active worker in the cause of Christianity.
Richly endowed by nature and by an illustrious an-
cestry for the divine calling, prompted by the spirit
within and vielding to its behests without reserva-
tion, he has given to the service an intensity and a
brilliance that has crowned his labor with a golden
measure of success. His work has been truly well
done, and the landmarks of his efforts rise in ma-
jestic proportions and call him blessed.
Mr. Winslow's lineage has the crystal purity
of Pilgrim hope' and aspiration. He is the direct
descendant of Kenelm Winslow, brother of Gov.
Edward Winslow, who came to America in the
"Mayflower," and who was the first governor of the
English colony at Plymouth. Kenelm Winslow was
born at Droitwitch, in Worcestershire, England,
April 29, 1599. He embarked for America on the
ship "Speedwell," which had to put back twice for
repairs, and finally came on the "Mayflower," arriv-
ing in 1629. He settled at Plymouth, Mass., and
in 1641 removed to Marshfield, Plymouth county,
where he owned a large tract of land, then called
Green Harbor. His place was called the "Eden of
the region." The Marshfield homestead was after-
ward owned and occupied by the Hon. Daniel Web-
ster. He received other grants of land and also ac-
quired property by purchase, being one of the twen-
ty-six proprietors and planters of Freetown, Mass.
He died Sept. 13, 1672, at Salem, Mass., while on a
visit. In June, 1634, at Plymouth, Mass., he mar-
ried Eleanor Adams, of that town, who survived
him, and died at Marshfield, Dec. 5, 1681.
Kenelm Winslow (2), his son, was born at
Plymouth, Mass., about 1635, and died at Hartwick,
Worcester Co., Mass., Nov. 11, 171 5. He was a
planter and purchased large tracts of land, both in
Massachusetts and Connecticut, buying a 1,000-acre
tract at Windham, Conn., in 1700. He was styled
"Colonel," according to the town records. He was
twice married. His first wife was Mercy Worden,
who was born about 1641 at Yarmouth, Barnstable
Co., Mass., and died in 1688. He married (second)
Damaris , who lived until 1729, or later.
Capt. Josiah Winslow, son of Kenelm (2), and
Mercy ( 'Worden) Winslow, was born at Marshfield,
Mass., Nov. 7, 1669. He died at Freetown, Mass.,
April 3, 1761. "He established the business of cloth
dressing," and was also proprietor of a forge. He
was constable, surveyor, assessor, selectman, town
treasurer, and a member of the commission to lo-
cate the site and to erect the first meeting-house in
Freetown. In June, 1695, he married Margaret
Tisdale, of Taunton, Bristol Co., Mass., who died
in 1737. Josiah Winslow was first lieutenant and
afterward captain of the Assonet Company of Mi-
litia.
Major Ebenezer Winslow, son of Josiah and
Margaret (Tisdale) Winslow, was born at Freetown
in November, 1705, and died in Berkley, Bristol Co.,
Mass., in 1767. He was major cf the Second Reg-
iment of Bristol county, was town clerk, treasurer,
selectman, and justice of the peace for many years.
He married, July 20, 1732, Esther Atwood, of Digh-
ton, Bristol Co., Mass., who died in 1774.
Capt. John Winslow, son of Ebenezer and Esther
(Atwood) Winslow, was born at Berkley, Mass.,
in 1749. He was a lieutenant and paymaster in a
Massachusetts regiment in 1775 ; was captain of the
Third Continental Artillery in 1777; and regimental
paymaster in 1778, serving in the army through the
entire Revolution. He was an extensive land owner,
and hved in Greenwich (now Enfield), Mass., and
later at Hartwick, Mass., where he died. He mar-
ried, first, Rebecca, daughter of Col. John Hathaway,
of Berkley, Mass., an officer of the Revolution, who
fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. His second
wife was Mary Gibbs, of Greenwich, Hampshire
Co., Mass., who died in 1784.
John Hathaway Winslow, son of John and Re-
becca (Hathaway) Winslow, and grandson of Eben-
ezer 'Winslow, was the father of the Rev. Horace
Winslow. He was born at Greenwich (now En-
field), Hampshire Co., Mass., Nov. 17, 1776; served
in the war of 1812, and in 1816 removed to Pitts-
ford, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he spent the re-
mainder of his life, dying there June i, 1846. He
married, in 1798, Claramond Eddy, of Greenwich,
Mass., who was born in 1779, and died 1799. For
his second wife he wedded, Oct. 30, 1800, Elizabeth
Mills, who was born in Needham, Norfolk Co.,
Mass., June 14, 1771, and died July 17, 1841. The
children born to John Hathaway 'Winslow were as
follows : By his first wife one daughter Claramond,
born 1799, married Hiram Hayes, a contractor and
builder of Perrinton, N. Y. They had several chil-
dren. Mrs. Hayes died in 1892, at the age of
ninety-two years, and seven months. By his second
wife John H. Winslow had eight children — (i)
Lorenzo, born 1801, taught school for some vears,
was afterward engaged in several kinds of business,
and was a man of much versatility. He married,
in 1836, Miss Nancy A. Carver, of Pittsford, N.
I
/^7Y^^ <v .^-^^^^^^^-^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
605
Y., sister of Dr. HartwcU Carver (a projector of a
railroad to the Tacific coast, prior to the Union
Pacific J, and a descendant of the Pilgrim Carver
family. They had no children. He pasesd away
in 1884. (2j Selinda, born 1803, died in infancy.
(3) i'hilander, born 1804, married (first) Nancy
D. Hicks, and (second) Alary Haven. He had four
children by the first wife and three by the second.
He was a merchant. Was for a long time deacon
in the Baptist Church of Marion, N. Y., where he
resided. He died in 1865. (4) Philinda, born
1808, occurs under Mr. Winslow's name. (5) John
Mills, born 181 1, married, 1836, Harriet M. Child,
of Rochester, N. Y., and they had two children.
He was a druggist in Rochester for many years.
Was in the Civil war, serving in Missouri as as-
sistant surgeon on Gen. Fremont's stafif. He died
in 1886. (6) Horace, born 1814, sketch of whom
follows. (7) Charles Elliott, M. D., born 1815,
attended a medical school, and also studied with
Prof. Frank H. Hamilton, who afterward attended
President Garfield. Received his degree but did
not practice as his health failed early, and he died
in 1845, ^t the age of thirty. (8) Joshua Upham,
M. D., born 1818, married Sarah Celestia Sloane,
of Sandusky, Ohio, and they had two children. He
also studied with Prof. Frank H. Hamilton, and
graduated at a medical school. He practiced his
profession for several years and then became a
druggist, continuing in that business until his death,
in 1887.
Rev. Horace Winslow, our subject, was born at
Enfield, Hampshire Co., Mass., May 18, 1814, and
was two years of age when he removed with his
father's family to Pittsford, N. Y. There he at-
tended the public schools, but at the early age of
twelve years he began his own support as a clerk
in a book store at Rochester, N-. Y., receiving for
his salary two dollars per month and board. In
his youth he possessed a strong desire to consecrate
his life to the service of God, and he planned to
secure the necessarj- preparation. He prepared for
college at a high school in Rochester. Partly through
his own efforts, and partly by the help of his brother,
he obtained means to enter and attend Hamilton
College, Clinton, N. Y., from which he subsequently
received the degree of M. A. He then entered the
Theological Seminary at Auburn, and, later, the
Union Theological Seminary, in New York City.
In the spring of 1842 he was ordained by the North
River (N. Y.) Presbytery, and installed pastor of
the Presbyterian Church at New Windsor, Orange
Co., N. Y. In 1843 he became pastor of the Sec-
ond Presbyterian Church at Lansingburg, Rensselaer
Co., N. Y. In 1845 lie was installed pastor of the
Congregational Church at Rockville, Tolland Co.,
Conn., and while there he not only took a deep in-
terest in the church, but also in the town and its
schools. The two parks at Rockville are the product
of his individual labors. \\'ith his own hands he
planted the trees in the park in front of the church
where he labored for seven years. In 1852 he
resigned and accepted a call to the First Congre-
gational Ciiurch at New Britain, Hartford Co.,
Conn., where he labored for six years. During
his pastorate, the church erected the fine building
which it still occupies. In January, 1858, he was
installed pastor ot the Congregational Church at
Great Barringlon, Berkshire Co., iMass., where he
attended to the spiritual wants of his people for
four years, and where was built a nev/ church edifice.
Having been appointed chaplain of the 5th Conn. V.
1., in February, 18O2, he resigned his charge and
joined the army. In consequence of ill healili, and
because he was unable to follow his regiment, he
later in the year resigned as chaplain and returned
home. In 1863 he became pastor of the Congre-
gational Church at Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y.,
where he labored for four years, and on resigning
that charge returned to Connecticut for a few
months, his health much impaired by the climate of
Binghamton. For a time he was' in the service
of the American Alissionary Association, and also
officiated at the First Church (Cong'l.) of Wood-
bury, Litchfield Co., Conn., from which he had re-
ceived a call, but he finally declined it and accepted
one from the Congregational Church of Willimantic,
where he was settled in 1869. While there the
society built a large and beautiful edifice, costing
over $47,000, more than half of which amount was
raised by Mr. Winslow's own individual eflforts.
In 1876, while driving in a severe thunderstorm,
Mr. Winslow was struck by lightning, thrown from
the carriage, and became insensible." After regain-
ing consciousness he remained for a time in a very
critical condition. Flis people kindly gave him a
vacation for six months, after which he resumed
work. Finally, after a service of more than twelve
years at Willimantic, his health being frail, he
resigned his charge and removed to Weatogue,
Simsbury. Through this change his health im-
proved, and he resumed pulpit work, which he has
continued until quite recently. For two vears he
supplied a Providence (R. I.) Church. 'He was
also supply at Litchfield and at the Windsor Avenue
Church of Hartford, and for nine months in his
former church at Great Barrington, Mass. For
about three years he preached in Simsbury. Rev.
Mr. Winslow has devoted over fifty years of his
life as a worker in the vineyard of the Lord.
Through his untiring eflforts many churches have
been erected and dedicated to the service of God.
He has also been an active worker in the cause of
temperance, and his zeal in that great cause is as
earnest to-day as in the past. While minister at
Rockville, Conn., he organized his Cold Water
Army of 300 children, which became quite famous.
His potent influence has been enlisted in education,
and in the elevation of schools. The prosperity of
the community and village improvements have ever
appealed successfully to his interest. He is and
has always been a stanch friend of individual liberty,
606
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and of the elevation of the masses, both morally and
socially. From early manhood he was opposed to
slavery, and at the breaking out of the Civil war
was an ardent defender of the Union. In his politi-
cal views he is a Republican. In the pulpit and upon
the platform Mr. Winslow has always been a logi-
cal and forceful speaker and expounder of the truth.
In address he is eloquent and persuasive, and is
gifted with a wonderful memory.
In 1853 I^sv. Mr. Winslow received the degree
of Master of Arts from his Alma Mater. He is
a life director of the American Tract Society, an hon-
orary member of the American Board of Commis-
sioners for Foreign Missions ; a life member of the
American Bible Society; also a life member of the
following societies : American Missionary Asso-
ciation, American Bethel Society, and American
Seamen's Friend Society, and has been vice-presi-
dent of the American Missionary Association. He
is well known throughout the Eastern States, and
is honored for his telling and indefatigable labor in
all good causes.
Mr. Winslow was married, May 8, 1850, at the
Church of the Puritans, New York City, by the
pastor, the Rev. George B. Cheever, D. D., to Char-
lotte Henrietta Pettibone, daughter of the late Capt.
Jonathan and Mrs. Fanny Rosanna (Phelps) Petti-
bone, of Simsbury, Conn. Mrs. Winslow has for
more than fifty years been a worthy and sustaining
helpmate to her husband, and has always been in-
terested in his work. She is of a kind and lovable
disposition, and her devotion to her husband and
children is unsurpassed. She was born at Weatogue,
Simsbury, and was only three years old when she
attended her first school, was a pupil of various
private schools, and was graduated at the age of
sixteen at Hartford Female Seminary, with first
rank in her class. She also took courses in French,
Music and Art while residing in Hartford, and later
at New York City, being for a time a pupil at the
private school of Madame Okill. About the year
1844, Miss Delia Bacon, of New Haven, sister of
Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., conducted a class of
young ladies in higher branches of study. This
class Miss Pettibone joined, giving special attention
to the Bible, to Shakespeare, and to philosophy, and
the few months spent in New Haven were most
delightful and profitable, as Miss Bacon was a lady
of rare ability and attainments.
The Pettibone family, of which Mrs. Winslow
is an honored representative, is one of the oldest in
New England. It had also fifteen members in the
Revolutionary war. John Pettibone, the founder,
migrated, it is supposed, from Wales, and was pos-
sibl)^ a soldier under Cromwell, the followers of
whom were known as "Round Heads." He was a
freeman in Windsor in 1658. In 1667 he resided
in that part of the Farmington valley which (1670)
became Simsbury. He was a freeman of Sims-
bury in 1669. He married, Feb. 16, 1664, Sarah,
daughter of Begot Eggleston ; she was born March
28, 1643. Their children were as follows : John,
born June 15, 1665, married Mary Bissell, Dec. 18,
1690; Sarah, born Sept. 24, 1667, married (first)
John Mills, ( second j John Humphrey, and died
April 3, 1748, leaving nine children; Stephen, born
Oct. 3, 1669, married Deborah Bissell, of Windsor,
who died in 1739; Samuel, born Sept. 2, 1672, mar-
ried Judith Shepard, of Concord, Mass., and had
five children (he died Feb. 11, 1747) ; Rebecca,
born March 9, 1675, married Thomas Holcomb,
March 6, 1700, had three children and died Oct. 13,
1731 ; Henry, born June 20, 1677, died about 1706,
unmarried; Ann, born March 11, 1679, married John
Holcomb (she was the mother of nine children and
died July 12, 1753) ; Benjamin, born May 28, 1682,
died March 12, 1705, unmarried; Joseph, born
March 11, 1688, married (first) Thanks ,
who died Nov. 2, 1724, and for his second wife
he wedded Hannah Large. He had eight children,
and died Sept. 14, 1762.
Samuel Pettibone, son of John and Sarah (Eg-
gleston) Pettibone, was born in Simsbury, Sept. 2,
1672; was a farmer, and spent his entire life in the
town of Simsbury. He wag a well-known citi-
zen, and one of the foremost men of Simsbury in
his day. He married, Judith Shepard, of Concord,
Mass., and their children were as follows : Samuel,
born in 1700, and died Nov. 26, 1752, married Eliza-
beth Thrall; Hepzibah, died Feb. 25, 1755; Jon-
athan, born in 1709, died Sept. 26, 1776; Isaac,
born June 19, 171 1, died in 1771 ; Abraham, born
Nov. 8, 1713, died July 30, 1725.
Col. Jonathan Pettibone (i), son of Samuel and
Judith (Shepard) Pettibone, was born in the town
of Simsbury in 1709; was well educated, and fol-
lowed farming. He was prominent during .the
opening scenes of the Revolution, and before the
war, was commissioned colonel of the i8th Con-
necticut Regiment of Militia, which was called out
in 1776. He died Sept. 26, 1776, at Rye, N. Y.,
while in the service. A monument was erected to
his memory in Simsbury. Col. Pettibone (i) be-
sides being prominent in military affairs, was justice
of the peace for sixteen years, and represented the
town in the General Assembly for fourteen sessions.
The names of Col. Jonathan Pettibone (i), Col.
Jonathan Pettibone (2) and Capt. Jonathan Petti-
bone (3), as representatives, occur forty times in
the history of the town of Simsbury. Col. Petti-
bone married Martha Humphrey, who bore him
children as follows : Giles, born Dec. 9, 1735, died
March 17, 1810; Ozias, born May 9, 1737, died
Sept. 9, 1812 ; Rosanna, born Aug. 9, 1739, died
Oct. 15, 1813; Jonathan, born Aug. 12, 1741, died
March 20, 1826; Martha, born Dec. 3, 1743, died
March 25, 1749; Annis, born Nov. 17, 1745, died
March 14, 1821 ; Ahijah, born May 25, 1749, died
April 15, 1784. Martha Humphrey Pettibone was a
brave and patriotic woman, judged by the fact that
she gave her husband (then a man sixty-six years
of age), and all of her sons, to the service of their
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
607
I country in the war of the Revolution. Three of the
four sons were officers, as well as their father.
Col. Jonathan I'ettibone (2), son of Col. Jona-
than Pettibone (i), and Martha (Humphrey) i'etti-
j bone, was born Aug. 12. J 741, in Weatogue, Sims-
i bury, where he was educated, and engaged in farni-
I ing. He was a second lieutenant in tlie Revolution-
I ary war under his father, and later was made first
' lieutenant, serving through the Revolution ; after
the war he held the rank of colonel. He died
I !March 20, 1826. He was a man who commanded
I respect, and his name was a household word, for he
[ took a deep interest in education and the town
generally, and held many positions of trust and
responsibility. On Feb. y, i/Oy, he married Han-
nah Owen, born Alay 13, 1749, daughter of John
and Esther (Humphrey) Owen. It has been said
that Mrs. Hannah (Owen) Pettibone managed the
farm sometimes with only a young boy to help her,
while her husband, his father and brothers were
absent at the war. At one time all the able-bodied
men of Simsbury were in the service. The chil-
dren of Jonathan and Hannah (Owen) Pettibone
Avere as follows: Alartha, born May 16, 1770,
married Austin Phelps, and died Dec. 9, 182 1.
Hannah, born Feb. 9, 1773, married Waite Latimer,
and died Nov. i, 1830; Jonathan, born May 31,
1775, died Sept. 19, 1829; Dorinda, born April 5,
1778, died March 15. 1857; Harlow, born April
7, 17S1, married Nancy Lucy Cornish, daughter of
Deacon George Cornish, and died Feb. 27, 1823 ;
Samuel, born Feb. 21, 1784, married Catharine
IMills, born March 27, 1790, daughter of Elder
Jared and Joanna Case (Russell) ]\Iills; Samuel
died Aug. 26, 1820; Hon. John Owen, born Oct.
22, 1787, graduated at Yale in 1805 (being a class-
mate of Rev. Dr. Heman Humphrey, who was
president of Amherst College) ; John Ow"en Petti-
bone was for many years probate judge of Sims-
bury, and served in the State Senate ; he was a large
land owner, and died Aug. 19, 1876;, Virgil, born
April 2, 1790, died Oct. 24, 1864: was probate
judge and held various other offices.
Capt. Jonathan Pettibone ( 3 ) , son of Jonathan
(2) and Hannah (Owen) Pettibone, and the father
of Mrs. ^^'inslow, was born ]\lay 31, 1775. He w"as
a man of education and refinement : was a' general
merchant in Weatogue for many years, and had the
honor of being the first postmaster of what is now
the town of Simsbury. He was noted for his up-
right character and honorable dealings. He was
a captain of militia, in politics a Democrat. He
died Sept. 19, 1829, and was buried in Simsbury.
On May I, 1823, he was married, in Simsbury, by
the Rev. Allen McLean, to Fanny Rosanna Phelps,
born ]\Iarch 8, 1795, in Simsbury, daughter of Col.
Xoah A. Phelps, of Simsbury, and sister of the late
Hon. Noah A. Phelps, Secretarv of the State, and
author of Phelps' "History of Simsbury."
Mrs. Fanny R. (Phelps) Pettibone w^as the
granddaughter of Maj. Gen. Noah Phelps, a dis-
tinguished officer of the Revolutionary war. He
was a captain in the French wars, was made colonel
during the Revolution, and afterward commissioned
brigadier general and then major general. In 1775
a plan was formed to capture Fort Ticonderoga.
Capt. Phelps raised a company of men and bore the
chief expense of fitting it out for service. He then
joined the expedition to Lake Champlain, entered
Ticonderoga as a spy, ascertained the condition of
the stronghold, and, escaping unharmed, by his re
port enabled the Americans to capture that im-
portant fortress with much more cleverness and dis-
patch than otherwise might have been possible.
Mrs. Pettibone was a lady of admirable traits.
Attractive in personal appearance to her latest davs,
she was even more winning in character. While
strong and unyielding in principle, she w'as yet full
of kindness, expressed both in words and deeds —
no appeal from the sick or unfortunate reaching
her in vain, and her cheerfulness and unselfishness
in all matters of everyday life were very prominent,
as also her fortitude and patience in trial. When
young she united with the Simsbury Congrega-
tional Church, and her religious experience was real
and deep. She devoted much time to the reading
of the Bible. Tenderly cared for by her daughter,
with whom she had made her home, she died in
\\'illimantic at the age of eighty-two years — the
last but one of eight sons and daughters — deeply
mourned by all wdio had known her. Born and
married in the old Phelps home in Simsbury. then
occupied by her brother, Hon. Jeflfery O. Phelps,
her funeral services w-ere held there, and her re-
mains then laid in the ancient burying ground
beside those of her husband. Mrs. Pettibone was
a lineal descendant of William Phelps, who came
to this country from England in 1630. Capt.
Jonathan and Fanny R. (Phelps) Pettibone had
but one child, Charlotte Henrietta, the wife of our
subject, Rev. Horace \Mnslow.
A brief record of the eight children born to
Col. Noah A. and Charlotte (\\'ilcox) Phelps is as
follows: (i) Charlotte r\Ielissa, born 1786, died
1871, married Frederick William Jewett, of Granby,
Conn., and had five children, a sketch of one of
whom, Frederick S. Jewett. occurs farther on.
(2) Noah Amherst, Jr., born 1788, died 1872,
married (first) Delia Clark, of Hartford. Conn.,
and (second) Catherine St. John, of New Haven,
Conn., had six children. (3) Jefterv Orson, born
1791, died , married (first) Pollina Barnard, of
Simsbury. Conn., and (second) Harriet Humphrey,
also of Simsbury : he had four children. (4)
Fanny Rosanna, born 1795, died 1877. married
Capt. Jonathan Pettibone, of Simsbury. Conn. ; her
record comes under Rev. Horace \Mnslow"s name.
(5) Hector Fayette, born 1797, died 1874. married
Selina Barnard, of Bloomfield, Conn. : they had
eight children. (6) Emma IMaria. born 1799. died
1862, married Col. ^^'illiam Mather, Jr., of Sims-
bury, Conn.; they had five children. (7) Guy Row-
608
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
land, M. D., born 1802, died 1869, married Hannali
Latimer, of Simsbury, Conn. ; they liad four chil-
dren. (8) George Dwight, born 1804, died 1872,
married (first) Frances Henrietta Randolph, of
New York City, (second) Mary Ayres, also of New
York City, and (third) Harriet Augusta Ayres, of
New Brunswick, N. J. ; he had five children.
Frederick Stiles Jewett, a son of Frederick Will-
iam and Charlotte Melissa (Phelps) Jewett, and a
grandson of Col. Noah A. Phelps, was born at
Simsbury, Conn., Feb. 26, 1819, and lived during
his childhood and much of his youth with Mrs.
Pettibone, who loved him almost as much as an
own son. He spent two years before the mast on a
whaling voyage, in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian
oceans, which experience gave him a real acquaint-
ance with the sea in all its phases, and with ship-
ping and sailors — a knowledge afterward of im-
mense value to him while wmning his way to a
prominent place as a marine painter. He, however,
first turned his attention to literary work, and
showed himself a writer of considerable ability,
both in verse and prose. At one time he was an
editor of the "New England Weekly Review,"
published in Hartford, and afterwards editor, suc-
cessively, of two papers published in the British
West Indies, viz. : The Kingston Despatch, of
Kingston, Jamaica, and the Antigua, Observer, of
St. John, Antigua. After residing for several years
in the West Indies, his health became frail and he
returned to this country, locating at _ Hartford.
While living there he held several offices of the city
government. He also did much of the designing
and laying out of Bushnell Park. He married
(first), in Hartford, Miss Cook, and (second) Aliss
Steele, of Antigua. Mr. Jewett is one of the art-
ists included in "Art and Artists in Connecticut,"
by H. W. French.
To Mr. and Mrs. Winslow have been born three
children: Fanny Henrietta, Lillian and Mary, (i)
Fanny Henrietta was born at Rockville, Conn. She
received a finished education, attending successively
Rose Cottage Seminary, Binghamton, N. Y., the
Hartford Female Seminary, and the Young Ladies
Collegiate Institute, of Waterbury, Conn. In the
special department of music she also became an apt
and proficient student. She is a person of literary
and musical tastes. She married, Oct. 4, 1876,
William Preston Smith, of Woodbury, Litchfield
Co., Conn., who is residing at Weatogue, Simsbury.
He is a man of prominence, served the town of
Woodbury in the Legislature, and has also served
as a member of the State Republican committee.
Mr. Smith is a son of the late Phineas and Cornelia
(Minor) Smith, and a member of an old family
of his native town. Representatives of the Smiths
served in the Revolution, and many have been
leading men in the profession of law. The Hon.
Nathan Smith and the late Hon. Truman Smith,
both of the United States Senate, together with
the Hon. Nathaniel Smith, also United States Sen-
ator, one of the foremost lawyers of his day in
Connecticut, and judge of the Supreme Court for
many years, belonged to this branch of the family.
Mr. Smith is descended, on his mother's side,
from a verj' ancient family. Henry Minor, of Eng-
land, who died in 1359, received the name and a
coat of arms from Kmg Edward III, in recogni-
tion of loyalty in providing a fine escort of a hun-
dred men, his own servants and retainers, for the
safety of the sovereign in passing through Somer-
setshire to the coast cii route for France. The
founder of the family- in America was Thomas, who
was born in 1608, and came to New England in
1630. He was married to Grace, daughter of
Walter Palmer, 1634. He and his wife both died
in the year 1690. Thomas Minor died in Stoning-
ton. Conn. His granddaughter, Grace, daughter of
John Minor, one of the very first settlers of Wood-
bury, was married, in 1688, to Samuel Grant, Jr.,
of Windsor, an ancestor of the late Gen. Ulysses
S. Grant, President of the United States.
Mr. Smith is a grandson of the venerable dea-
con, Matthew JNIinor, who was greatly respected
for his integrity, and of eminent piety, and held the
office of deacon in the First Congregational Church
of Woodbury for forty-two years — the sixth in a
line of seven deacons of the name.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith one child has been born,
Lillian Winslow, who has graduated from McLean
Seminary, Simsbury, and is now a student at
Wellesley College, Massachusetts. For a few years
after his marriage Mr. Smith remained in Wood-
bury, then the family removed to Chicago, 111., and
he was in business in that city until his health be-
came impaired by the climate, when he returned to
the East, and they are now located at Weatogue.
(2) Lillian, second daughter of Rev. and Mrs.
Horace Winslow, was born at New Britain, Conn.,
and was the first child baptized in the new Con-
gregational church of New Britain. She attended
the Natchaug High School, at Willimantic, also the
New Britain Seminary. She possessed an aft"ec-
tionate and lovable nature, and, with other personal
attractions, it is not strange that she gathered
friends from every circle in which she moved. With
fine .sensibilities and a taste for art, her health, how-
ever, never permitted her to develop greatly the
talent which was evidently hers. She united with
the church when young, and was interested in all
its work. Though reserved in speaking of her in-
most feelings, yet her religious experience gave di-
rection and control to her outward life. As long
as she was able to do so, she visited the homes of
the sick and the afflicted. Lillian was married,
May 18, 1887, to Charles James Fox, M. D., a lead-
ing physician, of Willimantic, Conn., who was
surgeon-general on the staiif of Gov. Phineas C.
Lounsbur)', brother of the late governor of Con-
necticut. Dr. Fox is a son of the late Roswell Fox,
M. D., for many years a valued citizen and emi-
nent physician of Wethersfield, Conn. Mrs. Fox
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
609
died Sept. 28, 1888, at Williinantic, and was buried
at Siinsbury.
(3) ]\lary, youngest daughter of Rev. H. Wins-
low, was born in Great Barrington, Berkshire Co.,
Mass., in the house which is now occupied as the
pubhc Hbrary, at Great Barrington, and was the
first child baptized in the new Congregational
church, where her father preached. She was
graduated from the Natchaug (now Willimantic)
High School of Willimantic, Conn., is a young lady
of intellectual tastes, and interested in Sunday
school work. She is a charter member and the
present historian of Abigail Phelps Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution, attended
for four years the congress of the order at Washing-
ton, and was elected delegate to the congress one
year, was for several years historian of Willimantic
Alunuii Association. Miss Winslow is a member
of the Connecticut Forestry Association, in which
she takes great interest, and _ of which, with her
father, she was one of the founders.
An elder sister of Mr. Winslow, Miss Philinda,
resided with him for several years previous to her
death, which occurred in 1893. Mrs. Winslow was
a lady of intelligence, amiable, warm-hearted and
an active and consistent Christian. For more than
fifty years she was a faithful teacher in the Sun-
day-schools with which she was connected, and only
retired from the service when compelled to do so by
the infirmities of age. She was also greatly inter-
ested in Missions.
Rev. Mr. Winslow, our subject, is a member
and was one of the founders of the Connecticut
Forestry Association, which was organized at his
home in Weatogue, Dec. 30, 1895. He is a mem-
ber of Joseph R. Toy Post, No. 83, G. A. R., of
Simsbury, and was its chaplain from its organiza-
tion until 1897, when he was elected commander.
He is also a member of the Society of the Army of
the Potomoc. I\'Ir. Winslow has nosts of friend's of
all shades of political and religious belief, for his
sterling qualities as a man and as an advocate of
the spiritual, mental and material betterment of his
fellowmen are too conspicuous to be unseen.
FREDERICK A. SEYMOUR, of West Hart-
ford, is a veteran of the Civil war, and bears an
honorable record for brave service in the cause of
freedom and union, and in the paths of peace he has
also won an enviable reputation through the sterling
qualities which go to the making of a good citizen.
The greater part of his life has been spent in Hart-
ford county, and has been devoted to agricultural
pursuits.
Mr. Seymour was born March 12, 1819, in the
house built by his great-grandfather, Capt. John
Seymour, in Park avenue, \Ntst Hartford. Fie can
trace his ancestry to Richard Seymour, of Chelms-
ford, County of Essex, England, who was one of the
first settlers of Hartford in 1636, though he did not
come with Rev. 'Mr. Hooker's congregation, made
39
up in England, but soon afterward. In 1639 he was
appointed chimney viewer for Hartford, and he was
also allowed special privileges, such as cutting wood
and keeping cattle on the commons; was chosen
selectman in 1655.
Capt. John Seymour served in the Indian war in
1746 (at which time he was twenty years of age),
in the French and Indian war, and throughout the
Revolution as captain. He married Lydia Wads-,
worth, daughter of Capt. Wadsworth, of Charter
Oak fame, and thirteen children were born to them :
John (i), who was killed on a man-of-war (never
married); James; Alexander, who died at sea;
Rogers ; Asa, who died in Granville, Mass. ; Na-
thaniel, grandfather of our subject; John (2) ; Syl-
via ; Lydia ; Lucy ; Lucretia ; Lucina ; Anna Cynthia.
James married Hannah Collins, of West Hartford,
where he lived and died, leaving one son, Henry,
who married Rebecca Hunt, of Lenox, Mass. ; he
lived in Flartford, where he died.
Nathaniel Seymour was born Aug. 23, 1763,
and resided where our subject now lives, being en-
gaged in the pottery business here. He was a very
public-spirited and enterprising citizen, and served
as first selectman of the town of Hartford for many
years. He was also an officer in a militia company.
He married Sarah Kellogg, who was born Dec. 6,
1 761, and they had five children, whose names and
dates of birth were as follows: Emma, Jan. 18,
1790; Horace, Oct. 21, 1791 ; Edwin, June 23, 1793;
Mason, Dec. 15, 1794; and Nathan, Sept. 18, 1798.
Edwin Seymour, father of our subject, was born
in West Hartford, and was reared and educated
there. He married Miss Fannie Merrill, a daughter
of William Merrill, and to them were born six chil-
dren : Henry Thornton, Frederick A., Helen F.,
Francis L., William S. and Charlotte ]\I., all of
whom lived and died in Ohio with the exception of
our subject. The family removed to that State
about 1853, and there the father departed this life
in 1855 ■ the mother died in 1870, in Indiana.
Frederick A. Seymour attended school in West
Hartford, and made his home with his grandparents
from the age of eleven years until he attained his
majority, when he, too, went to Ohio, locating in
Ravenna, Portage county. There he married Miss
Elvira Curtiss, and to them was born one child,
Nathan W., now a builder of West Hartford, who
married Rachel Fullin, and had two children, but
both died in infancy.
While Mr. Seymour was residing in Ohio the
Civil war broke out, and he enlisted, at Ravenna, in
1861, in Company G, 7th O. V. I., of which he was
immediately made captain. He remained in the
service for three years, during which time he was
promoted to the rank of major, and as such was
mustered out at ^^'ashington, D. C, in June, 1865.
Returning to Ravenna, he continued to reside there
until 1869, engaged in mercantile business, and he
also served as supervisor of his township. In 1869
lie returned to this countv, and has since resided
610
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
on the old homestead in West Hartford. He is a
man of considerable prominence in his community,
and has been honored with several important of-
ficial positions, having served as selectman of West
Hartford three years, deputy sheriff one term, and
a representative to the State Legislature one term.
Socially he is an honored member of the Grand
Army Post in Hartford, and of Wyllys Lodge, No.
99, F. & A. M., of which he is past master; and
while a resident of Ohio he affihated with the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand
Lodge of that order.
HON. JOHN C. E. HUMPHREY. The
Humphrey family is one of the most prominent in
the annals of Simsbury. It is one of the oldest,
and representatives for more than two centuries
have been conspicuous in the growth and advance-
ment of the community. The gentleman whose
name introduces this sketch, one of its living rep-
resentatives, is an enterprising and successful busi-
ness man.
Michael Humphrey was the original settler of
the family in Simsbur3^ The family has an ancient
and honorable history both in England and on the
continent of Europe, and Michael Humphrey was
probably descended from the branch which settled
in southwestern England soon after the Norman
Conquest. It is supposed he was born in Lyme
Regis, Dorsetshire, England, son of Samuel alid
Susannah Humphrey, probably natives of that place.
Michael had a taste for enterprise and trade, and,
the sea affording the best opportunities, with his
brother Samuel he became a merchant and ship-
owner, and before 1643 sailed from England for
America, settling at Windsor, Conn. At Massa-
coe (or Massaco), now Simsbury, he engaged with
John Griffin and John Tinker in the manufacture
of pitch and tar, which was shipped to his brother
Samuel and to Henry Rose, partners in business at
St. Malo, France, the ships returning to America
with goods consigned to Michael Humphrey. The
early records of Hartford county reveal something
of the character and standing of this founder. On
May 21, 1657, Michael Humphrey was admitted a
freeman of Windsor. In 1662 he was still engaged
in trade with his brother Samuel and with Henry
Rose at St. Malo, France. In 1664, as a member
of the Church of England, he, together with James
Eno and others, protested against paying taxes for
the support of the ministry of Windsor. In 1667
he was one of the Windsor dragoons. About 1669
he became one of the original thirteen settlers of
Massacoe, now Simsbury, and one of its most prom-
inent, settling in the East Weatogue District, where
he became a large land owner and extensive farmer.
Corn was his principal crop. He settled on the
farm, a part of which is now known as the Bradley
place, obtaining a grant of land over one mile in
length, reaching to the top of the Mountain. In
both civil and ecclesiastical affairs he was a lead-
ing spirit. On Oct. 14, 1674, he married Priscilla,
daughter of Matthew and Priscilla Grant, and she
bore him children as follows: (i) John, born June
7, 1650, is mentioned below. (2) Mary, born Oct.
24, 1653, married June 16, 1675, John Lewis, of
Windsor. (3) Samuel, born May 15, 1656, mar-
ried Mary Mills, and died June 15, 1736. (4)
Sarah, born March 6, 1659, married June 11, 1680,
Richard Burnham, of South Windsor. (5) Mar-
tha, born Oct. 5, 1663, married John Shipman. (6)
Abigail, born March 23, 1666, married Lieut. Ben-
jamin Graham, of Hartford, and died June 27,
1697. (7) Hannah, born Oct. 21, 1669, became the
second wife of Capt. John Bull, of Hartford.
Michael Humphrey died on his farm in Simsbury
previous to 1696. His father-in-law, Matthew
Grant, was the founder of the Grant family in the
United States, Gen. Grant being one of his descend-
ants. "The town surveyor was another important
office. Matthew Grant, whose name is so conspicu-
ous in the early history of the town (Windsor),
discharged the duties of this office. He was also
the second town clerk, and continued measuring of
land and getting-out of lots to men" for a period of
forty years. He is called by the historian. Stiles,
the "model town clerk," and his ancient manuscript
record of the old Dorchester and Windsor Church is
now among the treasures of the Connecticut His-
torical Society.
(II) John Humphrey, who was born in Windsor
June 7, 1650, removed with his parents to Simsbury,
and there became a lifelong farmer, dying Jan. 14,
1698. "He was a prominent and respected citizen ,
was the owner of considerable land, and 'frequently
engaged in the town's business." He married Han-
nah Griffin, daughter of Sergt. John and Anna
(Bancroft) Griffin, John Griffin being his father's
partner in the manufacture of tar and pitch, and
the family born to them consisted of the following
children: (i) John, born Nov. 18, 1671, is men-
tioned below. (2) Mary, born April 14, 1674,
probably married a Mr. Wadsworth. (3) Thomas,
born Sept. i, 1676, married Hannah Hillyer, and
dJed Oct. 23, 1714. (4) Abigail, born Nov. 8,
1678, married a Mr. Gridley, of Farmington. (5)
Nathaniel, born March 3,1680, married Agnes Spen-
cer, and died in December. 171 1. (6) Samuel, born
1684, married Mary, daughter of James and Abigail
Bissell Eno, and died Sept. 20, 1725. (7) Joseph
married Abigail Griffin. Regarding Sergt. John
Griffin, father-in-law of John Humphrey, we have
the following: "Manahannoose, a Massaco Indian,
'did wittingly kindle a fire' which consumed a large
quantity of tar belonging to Griffm." For this he was
condemned by the court at Hartford, and, to escape
being shipped to Barbadoes or becoming a slave, he
and other Indians, proprietors of Massaco, gave to
Griffin a deed of all lands in Massaco. "In 1663
a grant was made to John Griffin by the General
Court of two hundred acres, for his services in per-
fecting the art of making pitch and tar. This grant,
«
I
I
I
i
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Gil
witli another subsequently made by the town in
1672, of about a mile and a half square, given in
part consideration of his resigning and relinquish-
ing his Indian deeds, to the proprietors of the town,
constituted what was known as Griffin's Lordship."
From Simsbury, with Michael Humphrey, he was a
member of the General Court of Connecticut, Oc-
tober session of 1670, and several times after-
ward.
(III) John Humphrey (2), son of John and
Hannah Humphrey, was born Nov. 18, 1671, and
died Dec. 31, 1732. He was a man of education
and character, like his father followed farming-
through life, and also practiced the profession of
surveying. He was a deacon in the Congregational
Church, served as town clerk, and filled many other
positions of responsibility and trust. He married a
widow, Mrs. Sarah (Pettibone) Mills, daughter of
John Pettibone, and she bore him five children, as
follows: (i) John and (2) Plannah (twins) were
born March 17, 1700-1 [the first three months of
any year were then marked in that way, until the
thange in the calendar in the middle of the eight-
eenth century]. John married Lydia Reed, of
Windsor, and' died Nov. 2, 1760. Hannah married
Deacon Joseph Case, of Simsbury. (3) Benajah,
born Dec. 20, 1701, is mentioned below. (4)
Michael, born Nov. 20, 1703, married Mercy Hum-
phrey, and died in 1778. Mercy Humphrey was a
descendant of Gov. Thomas Dudley, of Massachu-
setts, and of Gov. William Leete, of Connecticut.
(5) Daniel, born in 1707, was educated at Yale
College, and was for fifty years a minister of the
Congregational Church at Derby, Conn. He mar-
ried Sarah Riggs, and died Sept. 2, 1787. His son
David was a colonel in the Revolutionary war, and
a general in the war of 1812; was also aid to Gen.
Putnam and subsequently to Gen. Washington,
served as the latter's private secretary, living with
him at Mt. Vernon, and was afterwards minister
to Spain and Portugal. He wrote several volumes
of history and poetry. John Pettibone, father of
Mrs. John (2) Humphrey, settled first in Windsor,
then at Simsbury. The family has furnished many
men prominent in town affairs, and gave a large
number of officers and men for the Revolutionary
army. John Pettibone's wife, Sarah Eggleston,
was a daughter of Begat Eggleston, a first settler
of Dorchester, Mass., and also of Windsor.
(IV) Benajah Humphrey, born Dec. 20, 1701,
continued the agricultural vocation of his ancestors,
lived a prosperous life in Simsbury, where he passed
away Aug. 4, 1772, and was buried there. His
wife, Thankful Hoskins, perhaps daughter of Rob-
ert Hoskins, bore him nine children: (i) Benajah,
born July 22, 1728, married Caroline Humphrey,
and died Aug. 8, 1761. (2) Elisha, born I\'[ay 30,
1730, died young. (3) Thankful, born Dec. 25,
1 73 1, married Lieut. Timothy Moses, and died in
1790. (4) Elisha, born Nov. 19, 1733, is mentioned
below. (5) Sarah, born ]\Iay 9, 1736, was four
times married, (first) to Lieut. Charles Humphrey,
(second) to Col. Seth Smith, (third; to Elisha Gra-
ham, and (fourth) to Dr. Amasa Case, being the
latter's fifth wife. She died in 1823. (6) Roger,
born May 20, 1738, died unmarried about 1770.
(7) Abraham, born March 27, 1740, died Feb. 3,
1769. (8) Mary, born Jan. 5, 1743, died May 16,
1745- (9) Benoni, born Dec. 27, 1745, married
Lois M. Humphrey, and died Aug. 8, 1795.
(V) Elisha Plumphrey, son of Benajah Hum-
phrey, was born Nov. 19, 1733, and died June 30,
1815. He served in the French and Indian wars
under Gen. Putnam, at Fort Edward. He married
Lydia, daughter of Judge John Humphrey, and
their children were as follows : Elisha, born June
4, 1770, married Sabina Griswold, and moved to
central New York; Abner, born July 14, 1772,
died unmarried in 1816; Dositheus, born April 20,
1775, is mentioned below; Lydia, born Feb. 15,
1778, died unmarried June 26, 1857; Anna, born
May 28, 1780, died unmarried April 10, 1856; Sim-
eon, born Feb. i, 1783, died Nov. 26, 1866. Judge
John Humphrey, father of i\Irs. Elisha Humphrey,
was appointed, by the English Crown, justice of the
peace, and served from 1735 to 1760. Pie was also
town clerk. He was first lieutenant in the Colonial
Militia, and captain of the First Regiment. From
1758 to 1760 he was judge in the common pleas
court of Hartford county. He was a representative
in the General Assembly from 1733 and i860, con-
tinuously except for four years, and died while at-
tending the Legislature at New Haven, being there
■buried, near the grave of John Dixwell, the regicide,
as his sons. Major Elihu and Lieut. Nathaniel,
were then with Gen. Lyman in Canada, serving in
the French and Indian war. Judge Humphrey was
a member of the Congregational Church, and he was
owner of the Humphrey homestead.
Judge John Humphrey's two sons, Lieut. Na-
thaniel and Major Elihu Humphrey, served in both
the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars.
In the former war they were with Gen. Phineas
Lyman in Canada, and took part in the capture of
Montreal. Later they joined the expedition to and
engaged in the capture of Havana, 1762, Elihu
Humphrey being adjutant of Lyman's regiment.
Nathaniel Humphrey was lieutenant of the
first volunteer company raised in Simsbury during
the Revolutionary war. Volunteers from this com-
pany were in the battle of Bunker Hill, and the en-
tire force assisted at the siege of Boston, later going
to New York under Washington, and taking part
in the battles of Long Island and White Plains,
and in the retreat from New York.
Elihu Humphrey raised the second company
which went out from Simsbury immediately after
the battle of Bunker Hill, and he took part in the
siege of Boston. The next year he was made a
major, was wounded and captured in the battle of
Long Island, was confined in a prison in New York
Citv, known as the "Old Sugar House," and was
612
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
there so barbarously treated that he died soon after
his return from Simsbury.
(VI) Dositheus Humphrey, born April 20, 1775,
married Lovisa, daughter of John Gridley Terry,
and died June 7, 1853. Though he made farming
his life work, he had a taste for mathematics and
astronomy, was a practical surveyor, and engaged
to some extent in that occupation. He spent his
entire life on the homestead in East Weatogue,
Simsbury, and there engaged in stock-raising and
general farming. In politics he was a Whig, and
in public affairs active and prominent. He was a
member of the Congregational Church, which his
wife joined after her marriage, she being originally
a member of St. Andrew's, the oldest Episcopal
Church in Hartford county. She was devoted to
her husband and children, and highly esteemed by
all who knew her. To Dositheus and Lovisa
(Terry) Humphrey were born seven children, as
follows : Phoebe, born Nov. 14, 1799, married Calvin
Northrop, and died at Hartford, Feb. 14, 1871 ;
Anson, born Oct. 2, 1802, married Emily Hay den,
of Suffield; Benajah, born Dec. 4, 1805, is mentioned
below; Chloe, born June 11, 1808, died Jan. 16,
1809; Lura, born Nov. 3, 1809, died unmarried May
5, i860; Sarah, born June 24, 1812, married Jo-
siah Hough, of Collinsville, on June 16, 1852, and
died May 6, 1866; and Laura, born March 9, 1816,
died Oct. 26, 1817.
Stephen Terry (from whom Mrs. Dositheus
Humphrey traced her descent) came from England
in 1630, probably in the ship "Mary and John," to
Dorchester, Mass. He removed to Windsor about
1636, and to Hadley, Mass., in 1660; he was a
member of the first body of cavalry in Connecticut.
He was rated in Hadley at £200 — none in the town
rated higher. He was married in Dorchester, and
his wife died in 1647. He was born probably about
1590.
John Terry, born in Windsor, March 6, 1638,
died in 1691. He married, in Hartford, Elizabeth,
daughter of William Wadsworth, born May 17,
1645, died March 12, 171 5. John Terry was a
farmer, was a lieutenant in the militia, and is sup-
posed to have been the first town clerk of Simsbury.
The Wadsworth family was one of the most prom-
inent in the early history of Connecticut. "William
Wadsworth, the younger brother of James, was
born in Long Buckley, County of Northampton;
removed thence to Braintree, County of Essex;
emigrated to New England;" settled in Cambridge.
He came in the ship "Lion" from London, Sept.
16, 1632; freeman in Massachusetts, Nov. 6, 1632;
in June, 1636, removed to Hartford, where he was
an original proprietor; was chosen townsman 1642,
1655, 1661, 1673; constable, 1651 ; list and rate
maker, 1668 ; was deputy to the General Court
nearly every session between October, 1656, and
May, 1675. He died in 1675, his widow in 1682 ;
estate £1,677, 13s, 9d. He was first married in
England. Children by first marriage : ( i ) Sarah
married Sept. 17, 1646, John Wilcox, Jr., of Hart-
ford. (2) William died young. (3) John set-
tled in Farmington. In 1662 he married Sarah,
daughter of Thomas Stanley. He was deputy,
1672-1677; assistant, 1679-1689; one of the stand-
ing counsel during King Philip's war; and died in
1689, leaving seven sons, one of whom, John, was
the father of Rev. Daniel Wadsworth, pastor of the
First Church, Hartford, who married, in 1734,
Abigail, daughter of Gov. Joseph Talcott, and was
the father of Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth. (4) Mary,
born about 1632, married, about 1656, Thomas
Stoughton, of Windsor. On July 2, 1644, in Hart-
ford, William Wadsworth married Elizabeth Stone,
said to have been a sister of Rev. Samuel Stone,
first teacher of the First Church of Hartford, who
was born in Hertford, England, and in whose honor
Hartford was named. Children of William Wads-
worth by second marriage. (5) Elizabeth, born
May 17, 1645, married Nov. 17, 1662, John Terry,
of Simsbury, and died March 12, 1715. (6) Samuel,
baptized Oct. 20, 1646, freeman, 1676, died in 1682,1
leaving an estate of £1,100. (7) Capt. Joseph, bora
about 1647, 'w^s a lieutenant in King Philip's was
and captain in the Hartford train band. He hie
the Connecticut Charter in the Charter Oak, Ocl
31, 1687. (8) Sarah, baptized March 17, 16501
married Jonathan Ashley. (9) Thomas, born abouj
1651, married Elizabetn ; freeman, 1676; die|
Hartford, 1725 ; his father gave him lands east
the Connecticut river, and he settled in East Har|
ford. (10) Rebecca was unmarried in 1682.
(III) John Terry, born in 1684, died May 25
1725. He married Mary Roby, daughter of Andre\
Roby.
(IV) John Terry, born in 171 5, died April 8,
1805. On April 9, 1739, he married Martha Grid-^
ley, of Farmington, who died Aug. 22, 1807.
(V) John Gridley Terry, born Sept. 22, 1749
died in Geddes, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1837. On June 2g
1772, he married Phebe Case, born Oct. 24, 1751^
died Oct. 3, 1824, daughter of Capt. Charles CaseJ
John Gridley Terry removed to Onondaga, N. Y.,|
in 1 801. The Terrys' were communicants of St.!
Andrew's Church, Simsbury, the oldest Anglicanj
Church in the county. Phebe Case's father, Capt.
Charles Case, served in the Revolutionary war asl
captain of a company engaged in the transportation]
of cannon balls from the foundry in Salisbury, Conn.,]
to Boston. He was a son of John and Abigail (Hum-
phrey) Case, Abigail Humphrey being a daughter
of Samuel, and granddaughter of Michael Hum-
phrey ; John Case was a son of John and Sarah
(Holcomb) Case, and grandson of the first John
Case and Sarah Spencer, his wife. Sarah Spencer
was a daughter of William and Agnes Spencer, of
Hartford. William Spencer was at Cambridge,
Mass., in 1631 ; made a freeman, March 4, 1632-3;
deputy for Newtown (old name of Cambridge),
May, 1632, May, 1634, March, 1634-5, March,
1635-6, September, 1636, May, 1637, September,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
C13
1637, March, 1637-8 ; chosen lieutenant for Cam-
bridge in March, 1636-7. He liad various other
evidences of public favor bestowed on him. He
was one of the founders of the Ancient and Honor-
able Artillery Company. The name of "William
Spencer, Gentleman," appears in the petition to the
General Court for the founding of this company.
Removed to Hartford, 1639; deputy, 1639; and
appointed with Wyllys and Webster to revise the
laws of the Colony; townsman, 1640; died 1640;
estate, £291, 12s, 2d. Daughter Sarah, born in
1636, married, about 1657, John Case, and died Nov.
3, 1691. William Spencer's widow, Agnes, mar-
ried about 1645 W'illiam Edwards, and from them
descended Jonathan Edwards and Aaron Burr.
(VI) Lovisa Terry, daughter of John Gridley
Terry, married Dositheus Humphrey.
(VH) Benajah Humphrey, son of Dositheus
Humphrey, and the father of our subject, born
Dec. 4, 1805, was educated in the district schools of
Simsbury. He learned the trade of carpenter and
joiner, and for a number of yearj was repairer for
the Farmington Canal Company, from New Haven
to the Massachusetts State line, building many of
the bridges across the canal. He also engaged in
farming and spent his entire life in Simsbury, where
he lived in the house now occupied by John C.
E. Humphrey. This house was built about 1825,
and is a good example of the so-called Colonial
style of architecture. Benajah Humphrey was
captain in the State militia, and in politics was a
Whig. He married Olive Goodwin (a native of a
part of Simsbury now belonging to Bloomfield),
who was born April 15, 181 1, daughter of Hezekiah
and Hannah Kingsbury Goodwin, and granddaugh-
ter of Joseph Goodwin, who was a lieutenant in tne
Revolutionary army, serving at New York when it
was captured by the British in 1776.
The Goodwin family, of Hartford, Conn., is one
of the oldest in the United States. It has given
many distinguished citizens to the country, among
whom may be mentioned George Goodwin, a pio-
neer editor of the Hartford Courant; Judge Daniel
Goodwin, United States district attorney at Detroit;
Stephen Austin Goodwin, United States district
attorney of Chicago ; James Goodwin, the million-
aire : and James J. Goodwin, formerly the partner
of Pierpont Morgan. The family in America
traces its descent from Ozias Goodwin, who came
to Hartford as early as 1639, from England, prob- I
ably with the Braintree company. It is probable,
though not certain, that he came from England to
Massachusetts, and thence to Connecticut, as did
most of the other settlers of Hartford. His name
is on the Hartford monument to the founders of the
town. The English ancesry is traced directly to
the Goodwins of East Anglia, whose names appear
among the records of Norwich, England, as early
as 1238. Ozias Goodwin was born in 1596, and
married in England, Mary, daughter of Robert
Woodward, of Braintree, County of Essex, and they
had three children : William ; Nathaniel, whose first
wife was Sarah Coles, his second being Elizabeth
Pratt ; and tiannah, who married William i'itkin,
a school teacher of Hartford. Ozias Goodwin re-
mained in Hartford county from the date of his
arrival until his death, in 1683. His brother, Will-
iam Goodwin, was a ruling elder of the Hartford
Lhurch.
William Goodwin, son of Ozias, was born in
England about 1629, and came with his parents to
Hartford. His wife's name was Susanna, and to
them were born children as follows : Susanna mar-
ried John Pratt, Jr. ; William, who was born about
1658, married Elizabeth Shepard ; Nathaniel, who
was deacon in the First Church of Plartford, and
died in November, 1747, married Alehetable Porter,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Stanley) Porter,
of Hadley, Mass, and their children were: (i)
Mehetable married Joseph Goodrich; (2) Pleze-
kiah, baptized March 20, 1692, married Hannah
Pantry, and for his second wife Lydia Barnard ;
(3) Benedicta, baptized Feb. 25, 1694, married
Jacob Goodrich ; Isaac, baptized Nov. 10, 1695, mar-
ried Hannah Morgan, and for his second wife
wedded Ruth Gaylord : .\braham, baptized July 30,
1699, married Mary Bird; Stephen, baptized Aug.
24, 1701, married Sarah Gillett : Eleazer, baptized
Dec. 19, 1703, married Hannah Easton ; Joanna,
baptized Jan. 20, 1706, married Abiel Smith; Ruth,
baptized March 7, 1708, married a Bird or a Stod-
dard; Alice, born May 19, 1710, married a Mr. Cad-
well; Nathaniel was baptized Sept. 24, 1712.
Mehetable Porter, who became the wife of Na-
thaniel Goodwin, was one of the eleven children of
Samuel and Hannah (Stanley) Porter, of Hadley,
Mass. She was born Sept. 15, 1673, and died Feb.
6, 1726. Samuel Porter's parents, John and Rose
Porter, of Windsor, were born in England. Their
daughter Mary married Samuel Grant (eldest son of
j\Iatthew Grant, whose daughter Priscilla mar-
ried JMichael Plumphrey), and from them Gen.
Grant is descended.
Hannah Stanley's father, Thomas Stanley, came
from England, and settled in Lynn, Mass. He was
made freeman IMarch 4, 1635; deputy to General
Court, Sept. 2, 1635; constable, 1636, in which year
he probably removed to Hartford, where he was an
original proprietor, his home lot being next the
present Center Church ; was several times constable ;
removed to Fladley, Alass., 1659, and was buried
there Jan. 31, 1663.
Stephen Goodwin, son of Nathaniel, born in
Hartford in 1701, there engaged in farming. He
married June 27, 1727, Sarah Gillette, daughter of
Joseph Gillette, of Hartford, and prior to February,
173 1, settled on a tract of land in Bloomfield granted
him by his father. To Stephen and Sarah Goodwin
were born five children : Mary, born Oct. 4, 1729,
married Samuel Stone Bu'Ier ; Stephen born Sept.
16, 1734, married Abigail Gillett; Joseph, born Dec.
28, 1736, is mentioned below; Hezekiah, bom Feb.
614
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21, 1740, graduated at Yale College in 1761, and
was a minister of the Congregational Church ;
Samuel, born May 28, 1746, married Rebecca
Loomis.
Joseph Goodwin, son of Stephen Goodwin, be-
came a patriot, and participated in the Revolution-
ary war, commanding a company at New York when
the city was, in 1776, captured by the British. He
was a large land owner in Simsbury. He lived at
the old Goodwin house which is still standing in
Bloomfield. He married Rosanna Gillett, baptized
in Bloomfield, Oct. 18, 1741, daughter of Capt.
Jonathan and Anna (Hubbard) Gillett. Joseph
Goodwin died April 15, 1813, his wife surviving
until April 26, 1830. Their children were as fol-
lows: Olive, born June 22, 1763, married John Ty-
ler; Joseph, born Dec. 19, 1764, married Esther
Roberts; a child born in 1766 died the same year;
Rosanna, born May 2, 1767, died Sept. 5, 1775;
James, born Feb. 15, 1769, died Sept. 13, 1775;
Anna, born Jan. 8, 1771, died Sept. 3, 1775; Heze-
kiah, born Dec. 30, 1772, died Aug. 30, 1775 ; Lucy,
born May 30, 1775, died unmarried Dec. 22, 1846;
James, bom Jan. 25, 1777, married Candace Bird,
daughter of Dr. Jonathan and Amy (Humphrey)
Bird; Hezekiah, born Dec. 12, 1779, is mentioned
below; Rosanna, born Jan. i6, 1781, died unmar-
ried Feb. 29, 1832; Timothy, born April 4, 1783,
married Beulah Ely.
Hezekiah Goodwin was born Dec. 12, 1779, mar-
ried on April 25, 1802, Hannah, daughter of Will-
ard and Hannah (Lawrence) Kingsbury, of
Canaan, Conn., the former of whom was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, and was taken prisoner in
Canada. The children of Hezekiah and Hannah
Goodwin were as follows : Hezekiah Freeman, born
Nov. 20, 1803, married Pamelia Edgerton; Mary
Anna, born July 25, 1805, married David Lemon;
Philo Ashley, born May 8, 1807, married Lavina H.
Harvey, and for his second wife wedded Elizabeth
H. B. Eastland (he was a lawyer, a member of the
Hartford County Bar, and was also a judge at
Quincy, 111.; he died June 12, 1873) ; Lavinia, born
May II, 1809, married Edward Miller, of Avon,
Conn.; Olive, born April' 15, 1811, married Ben-
ajah Humphrey, the father of our subject; Andrew,
born April 11, 1813, married Clarissa Sweetland.
For his second wife Hezekiah Goodwin married,
Aug. 3, 1815, a widow, Mrs. Cadwell, daughter
of Lot and Chloe (Moses) Humphrey. By this
union there were two children : One that died in in-
fancy Sept. 20, 1818; and, a son, Egbert. Heze-
kiah Goodwin was captain in the State Militia. Fie
died Aug. 30, 18 18.
Benajah and Olive Humphrey, the parents of
our subject, had five children, as follows: (f) Al-
fred, born March 20, 1832, married, for his first
wife, Louise Jennette Arthur, and, for his second
wife, wedded Caroline Steele, of New Flartford.
He now resides in Oregon City, Ore. (2) Harriet
Lydia, born Nov. 14, 1833, i.iarried George S.
Evarts, of Hartford, born in Guilford, and died at
Topeka, Kan., Jan. 10, 1883. (3) Eugene C, born
Aug. 7, 1835, married Harriet Eliza Wells, of West
Hartford, born May 5, 1835 ; he is a farmer and
bridge builder, and resides on the Elisha Humphrey
homestead. (4) Helen Maria, born July 12, 1837,
married Reuben Lester Evarts, of Hartford, brother
of George S. Evarts, and died March 23, 1873. (5)
John Calvin Edmund is the subject of this sketch.
Benajah Humphrey, the father, died March 20,
1882, and was buried in Simsbury cemetery. He
was liberal in religious views, public-spirited, and
was deeply attached to his family.
John C. E. Humphrey was born May 7, 1841,
on the farm in East Weatogue District, Simsbury,
which he now owns and occupies. He attended the
district schools of East Weatogue, and completed
his education in the Simsbury^ Academy and in
various select schools. Always an intelligent and
careful reader, Mr. Humphrey has supplemented
the education of his youth in many directions, and is
a man of excellent information. He grew up on
the farm, and when twenty years of age started out
in life for himself, having now been engaged for
many years in farming, and in the provision busi-
ness, in dairying and tobacco growing at present in
partnership with his son Arthur E. He operates
a tract of 150 acres, and in 1895 he and his son pur-
chased the original Humphrey homestead, recently
known as the Bradley place.
Mr. Humphrey was married, June 30, 1861, at
Cheshire, Conn., to Mary Elvira Kimball, a de-
scendant of Richard Kimball, one of the early set-
tlers of Ipswich, Mass., daughter of Luke Kim-
ball, of Stowe, Vt. ; granddaughter of Asa Kim-
ball, a soldier of the war of 1812; and great-
granddaughter of Jedediah Kimball, who was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving under
Gen. Lafayette at Yorktown. Mrs. Humphrey is
a Daughter of the Revolution, one of the board of
managers of the local chapter. • To our subject and
wife have been born four children, as follows: (i)
Alfred Ernest, born Sept. 10, 1862, died in infancy.
(2) Arthur Edmund, born Jan. 28, 1864, was edu-
cated in the public schools and at McLean's Acad-
emy, Simsbury. He is a partner of his father, and
now lives on land which was a part of the home-
stead settled more than 230 years ago by Michael
Flumphrey, the founder of the family in America.
He has built a house where was the former home of
his great-grandfather. Arthur E. Humphrey mar-
ried, Sept. 16, 1891, Nellie Fredie Case, daughter of
Wheeler M. and Annie (Brockett) Case, and to
them have been born three children, John Harold,
July 24, 1892 ; Lawrence Brockett, April 29, 1894
(died Jan. 3, 1896) ; and Kenneth Wheeler, Sept.
17, 1895. In politics Arthur E. Humphrey is a
Republican, and has been elected representative in
the State Legislature of 1900. He ii genial in dis-
position, and popular among his many friends. (3)
John Howard, born Sept. 29, 1867, died June 19,
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G15
1890. He was a young man of great promise, active
ill the churcli, and greatly beloved and lamented by
all who knew him, having been a general favorite.
(4) Maky Helen, born July 18, 1869, attended the
public schools and completed a four-years' course at
JMcLean's Seminary. In 1890 she was graduated from
Mt. Holyoke College, and from the University of
Chicago in 1S98, with the degree of Ph. B., has
taught in the public schools of Simsbury, Bloomfield,
and Islip, N. Y., and in the Normal School at Lex-
ington, Ky. She is a member of the Abigail Phelps
Chapter, D. A. R., of which for four years she was
historian, has always been interested in literary pur-
suits, and has been a member of the Simsbury school
board. She expects to teach history, English and
science at Brownell Hall, Omaha, Neb., beginning
Jan. I, 1901.
In politics j\lr. Humphrey has been a lifelong
Republican. He represented the town of Simsbury
in the State Legislature in 1887, served on the com-
mittee on roads and bridges, and was one of the
sub-committee which reported the bill removing
the toll for the East Hartford bridge. In 1890 he
was elected selectman, was assessor for three years,
served on the board of relief, and W'as elected jus-
tice of the peace, but declined to serve. He has
been a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. &
A. ^L, since 1863, and was chairman of the lodge
centennial celebration in 1896, delivering the oration
on that occasion, and giving the history of the lodge
fully from 1844 to i8g6. From 1866 to 1876, he
was a member of the First Regiment, Connecticut
National Guard, serving successivelv as second lieu-
tenant, first lieutenant, captain of Company H (five
years), and as major of the regiment (three years).
He was an honorary member of the Putnam Pha-
lanx. Himself and family are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and for many years he was a
member of the church choir. Mr. Humphrey is a
representative citizen, excelling in those traits which
contribute most forcefully to the good of society.
As a husband and parent, kind and indulgent, he
has given his children a liberal education ; as a cit-
izen, public spirited, he has had at heart the best in-
terests of the community ; as a man he has won his
own way to a position of prominence and influence.
He is highly respected and esteemed for his many
qualities, and for his friendly and genial disposition.
The L.\WREXCE family, to whom our subject is
related through his maternal grandmother, Hannah
(Kingsbury) Goodwin, is a well-known one in east-
ern Slassachusetts — Amos Lawrence, the philan-
thropist ; his brother. Abbott Lawrence, minister to
England ; Amos A. Lawrence, founder of the Epis-
copal Divinity School at Cambridge ; and his son,
the present bishop of Massachusetts, being all mem-
bers thereof. The Lawrence genealogy traces the
line through seventeen generations to Sir Robert
Lawrence, of Ashton Hall, Lancashire, England,
who was knighted by Richard HI, on the third
crusade, for bravery at the siege of Acre.
John Lawrence, born at Wissct, Suffolk, Eng-
land, baptized Oct. 8, 1609, came to New England
about 1630, and settled at Watertown, Mass., later
(about 1660), at Groton, Mass. About 1635 his fa-
ther, Henry Lawrence, came over and settled in
Charlestown. John was twice selectman of Groton.
His wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 29, 1663. They
had thirteen children. On Nov. 2, 1664, he married
Susanna Batcheldcr, daughter of William Batchel-
der, of Charleston, and by her had two daughters.
He died at Groton July 11, 1667, his widow on Julv
8, 1668.
Enoch Lawrence, born Jan. 5, 1648-9, settled in
Groton. On March 6, 1676-7, he married Mrs.
Ruth (Whitney) Shattuck, widow of John Shat-
tuck, daughter of John and Ruth (Reynolds) Whit-
ney, and granddaughter of John and Elinor Whit-
ney, and of Robert Reynolds. Enoch Lawrence
died at Groton, Mass., Sept. 28, 1744, leaving four
sons.
(III) Daniel Lawrence, son of Enoch, born at
Groton, Mass., March 7, 1681, died about 1778, and
was buried at Canaan, Conn. It is supposed that
he died at the home of his son John, in Norfolk.
Conn., as his son Isaac gave the use of a farm to
this half-brother as compensation for care of their
father. By his first wife, Sarah, Daniel Lawrence
had children, Daniel, Isaac, and several children by
second marriage.
(IV) Capt. Isaac Lawrence was born in Gro-
ton, Mass., Feb. 25, 1704-5. It is supposed that his
parents removed to Plainfield, Conn., when he was a
child, and that he removed to Canaan from there.
"In the spring of 1738, with a team composed of a
yoke of oxen, and a horse, he started with his fani-
ily and goods in a cart for his new home in what
was then called the new and western country."
There were no settlements west of New Hartford,
and he was obliged to cut his way through the
woods, and bridge streams. The distance beyond
New Hartford was about thirty miles, and the jour-
ney occupied nine days. On one of the nights there
was a fall of snow (in May), and in the morning bear
tracks could be seen. His destination in what is
now Canaan. Conn., was reached June 2, 1738.
During his life in Canaan Capt. Lawrence built
three different houses, the last, the old Lawrence
tavern, erected in 1751, still standing, a fine exam-
ple of the substantial building of that day. He was
a tall, erect man, ''of pleasing countenance, sociable,
intelligent, excellent character, and active, correct
business habits. He accumulated a valuable prop-
erty, owned several large farms, and twenty slaves
— a very large number for any one man to own in
New England — to whom he gave freedom before his
death, with the exception of one who was freed by
his heirs. He made provision for the infirm and
needy. He held many town ofiSces, and was repre-
sentative to the General Assembly in 1765. His
extensive business transactions necessarily bringing
him in contact with a large number of persons, his
616
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
excellent reputation and the veneration in which he
was held afford the best evidence we could have
that his general course was honorable, manly and
benevolent. He and his wife were members of the
First Congregational Church organized in Canaan,
later of the Second Church, in North Canaan, and
the frequency with which his name appears in the
business meetings of the Second Church, and in-
formation derived from other sources, affords good
reasons for beheving that he was an exemplarv
Christian." The Captain's first wife was Lydi'a
Hewett, whom he married probably in Plaintield,
and who died Nov. 14, 1767. His second wife, for-
merly Mrs. Amy Whitney, died in 1819. There
were eleven children bv the first marriage, six of
whom died in youth. The youngest was Hannah,
born May 25, 1750, whq married Willard Kings-
bury, and they had six children : Andrew, who was
a physician at Rush, N. Y. ;, Ardon, who settled at
Elmira, N. Y. ; Philo, at Oswego, N. Y. ; Lydia, at
Rush, N. Y. ; John, who married Rebecca Griswold
May 8, 1794, and died Jan. 19, 1841 ; and Hannah,
who married Hezekiah Goodwin, of Bloomfield,
Conn., their daughter Olive Goodwin, becoming the
wife of Benajah Humphrey, of Simsbury. Wil-
lard _ Kingsbury was a soldier in the Revolution,
serving in Capt. John Stevens company, of Col.
Burrall's regiment, 1776. This regiment reinforced
Arnold at Quebec. Two companies were captured
at the battle of the Cedars, forty miles from Mont-
real, and Willard Kingsbury, one of the prisoners
was exchanged August i.
The CuRTiss family, to whom Mrs. J. C. E.
Humphrey is related through her mother, are de-
scended from Peter Curtiss, who settled in West
Simsbury (now Canton) about 1744. He was born
in 1712, and died in 1756. He married a Miss
Parker, from Wallingford, and their children were :
Israel removed to Vermont, and died while serving
as a major in the Revolutionarv war; Eliphalet,
born in 1734, died in 1806; Lucy, born in 1739, died
in 1816, married (first) Col. Amasa Mills (a sol-
dier in the French and Indian war, captain and
major in the Revolutionary war, and afterward
colonel in the militia), and (second) Sylvanus Wil-
cox; Athildred, born in 1745, died in 1805, married
Eli Case; Peter was an officer in the Revolutionary
war, brigade major and major in line after the war,
first keeper of Newgate Prison, and a member of the
Society of the Cincinnati ; Amreth married Bigelow
Lawrence; Gideon, born in 1751, died in 1789, mar-
ried Elizabeth Mills; Prudence married Joshua
Woodruff; Charles; Solomon, born in 1754, died in
1777.
Capt. Eliphalet Curtiss resided on the place left
him by his father. In 1800 he removed to western
New York, where he died iii 1806, his wife, Mar-
garet, dying in 1812, in Canton. She was a
daughter of Benjamin and Mgi-garet (Clapp)
Dyer, the former of whom, born in Boston,
was a schoolmate of Benjamin Franklin. He
removed to Flartford in 173S, and in 1745 set-
tled in Canton. Eliphalet Curtiss was one of the
soldiers who "marched for the relief of Boston in
the Lexington Alarm." He enlisted May 4, 1775,
as sergeant in Capt. Abel Pettibone's company —
the first volunteer company raised in Simsbury — ■
which served at the siege of Boston. The next
year he served at Ticonderoga, was second lieuten-
ant, and was afterward captain in the Eighteenth
Connecticut Militia. His company was called out
in Danbury and New Haven Alarms. He had ten
children, of whom Eliphalet was the eldest.
Eliphalet Curtiss, Jr., born in 1758,, died in
1816. He was a soldier in the Revolution. He
married Mary Wilcox, and later a Mrs. Holcoaib,
and Eunice, born to the first union, married Deacon
Abram Chidsey. Their son, Deacon Anson Chid-
sey, married Mary Goodrich. Their daughter,
Eunice Chidsey, married Luke Kimball. Their daugh-
ter, Mary E. Kimball, married John C. E. Hum-
phrey. "These families that bore the name of Cur-
tiss were among the most prominent in West Sims-
bury, the latter part of the last century." [Brown's
Genealogical History of the Early Settlers of West
Simsbury, now Canton.]
Most of the Kimball family in America are
descended from Richard Kimball, who came from
Rattlesden, near Ipswich, County of Suft'olk, Eng-
land, embarking with his family at Ipswich, April
ID, 1634, in the ship "Elizabeth," William Andrews,
master. On the same ship came Henry Kemball.
who also settled in Watertown, Mass., and who
may have been his brother. The Kimball family
has been settled in the County of Suffolk, England,
for at least four hundred years. The original spell-
ing of the name is probably K)'mbolde. Just pre-
vious to the em.igration to Massachusetts it was
usually spelled Kemball, and in this country was
changed to Kimball. The name was a very common
one in Suffolk, and is frequently found in old
records.
Richard Kimball settled in Watertown, Mass.,
was made a freeman May 6, 1635, and a proprietor
in 1636-37. Soon after this date he was invited to
remove to Ipswich, Mass., where they were in need
of a competent man to act as wheelwright to the new
settlement. The town granted him a house lot, Feb.
23, 1637, also forty acres of land. His first wife
was Ursula, daughter of Henry Scott, of Rattles-
den. On Oct. 23, 1661, he married (second) Mar-
garet Dow, widow of Flenry Dow, of Hampton, N.
H. Richard Kimball died Jvme 22, 1675 (aged
more than eighty years)), his widow on March i,
1676. The inventory of his estate amounted to
^737, 3s, 6d. He had already given to his children
at their marriages. Children: (i) Abigail, born
in Rattlesden, died in Salisbury, Mass., June 17,
1658. She married, in England, John Severans, who
died April 9, 1682, at Salisbury, Mass. Fler young-
est child, Elizabeth, born June 17, 1658, married, in
1686, Samuel Eastman, of Salisbury. Her grand-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
017
daughter, Abigail Eastman, born July lo, 1737,
married Ebenezcr Webster, and was the mother oi
Daniel Webster. (2) Henry Kimball was born in
Rattlcsden, parish register ''12 Aug., 161 5, Henry
Kemball ye sone of Richard and Ursula his wife,
baptized." (3) I^lizabeth was born in Rattlesdcn
in 1621. (4) Richard, born in Rattlesden in 1623,
died May 26, 1676, in Wenham, Mass. (5) Mary,
born in -Rattlcsden, in 1625, married Robert Dutch,
of Gloucester and Ipswich, Mass. (6) Martha, born
in Rattlesden, in 1629, married Joseph, son of
Philip and Martha Fow^ler, who was born in Eng-
land in 1622, and was killed by the Indians May 19,
1676, near Deerfield. (7) John, born in Rattlesden,
England, in 1631, died in Ipswich, May 6, 1698.
He is mentioned below. (8) Thomas, born in 1633,
died ]May 3, 1676. (9) Sarah, born in Watertown,
Mass., 1635, died June 12, 1690. She married,
Nov. 24, 1658, Edward Allen, of Ipswich. (10)
Benjamin, born in Ipswich, in 1637, died June 11,
169s. (11) Caleb, born in Ipswich, in 1639, died in
1682.
(II) John Kimball lived in Ipswich, was a
wheelwright, and an extensive landowner. "He
frequently bought and sold land, and there are a
number of deeds at Salem bearing his name."
About 1655 he married Mary, daughter of Hum-
phrey and Bridget Bradstreet, who came to this
country in the same ship with the Kimballs. She
was born in England in 1633. On March 8, 1673,
he united with the church by taking the covenant.
His personal property at the time of his death
amounted to £131, Qs, iid. His real estate
had all been given away previously. Chil-
dren born in Ipswich: (i) John, born Nov. 8,
1657, died Feb. 24, 1657-8. (2) Mary, born Dec.
10, 1658, married May 17, 1682, Deacon Thomas
Knowlton, of Ipswich. (3) Sarah, born July 29,
1661, married John Potter, of Ipswich, and died in
1724. (4) Hannah died young. (5) Rebecca, born
in Feb., 1663-4; married Jan. 21, 1689, Thomas
Lull. (6) Richard, born Sept. 22, 1665, died May
26, 1716, is mentioned below. (7) Elizabeth was
born Sept. 22, 1665. (8) Abigail, born March 22,
1667, married Oct. 14, 1689, Isaac Esty, of Tops-
field, Mass.; she married (second), April 25, 1718,
William Poole. (9) John, born March 16, 1668,
died May 4, 1761, in Preston, Conn. (10) Benja-
min, born July 22, 1670, died May 28, 1716. (11)
Moses, born in Seotember, 1672, died Jan. 23, 1750.
(12) Aaron, born in January, 1674, died probably
before his father, as he is not mentioned in his will.
(13) Joseph was born Jan. 24, 1675.
(III) Richard Kimball first married Lydia
Wells, of Ipswich, and later wedded Sarah Waite,
who died Feb. 22, 1725. Children: (i) Lydia, born
Oct. 18, 1690, died young. (2) Richard, born Aug.
17, 1691, is mentioned below. (3) Aaron was born
Jan. 10, i6q2. (4) Lydia, born Sept. 14, 1694, mar-
ried, Nov. 19, 1 71 6, Stephen Kinsman. (5) Mary,
born ^Nlay 10, 1699, married May 21, 1729, Aloses
Kimball, her cousin, son of Moses Kimball. (6)
Nathaniel, born May 11, 1700, died in 1786, in Nor-
wich, Conn. (7) Martha, born Feb. i, 1701, married
Feb. 4, 1728, Ldnumd Head.
(IV) Richard Kimball married Feb. 11, 1715-
6, Sarali Burley, born Oct. 6, 1698, daughter of
Andrew and JNIary (Conant) Burley. He was a
carpenter. Removed from Ipswich to Norwich,
Conn., and later to Windham, Conn. Will probated
April 7, 1760. Children: (i) Sarah, was born
in Ipswich, July 27, 1718. (2) Mary, baptized in
Ipswich, Sept. 18, 1720, married Jan. 2, 1748, Sam-
uel Robinson, of W indham, a descendant of Rev.
John Robinson, pastor of the Pilgrims. She died
in Windham, Dec. 15, 1791. (3) Lydia was born
April I, 1723, in Norwich, Conn. (4) Richard
was born May 28, 1725, in Norwich. (5j Andrew,
born Dec. 10, 1727, in Norwich, is mentioned be-
low. (6) Aaron, born Feb. 18, 1729-30, in Nor-
wich, died March 20, 1808, in Grafton, Alass. (7)
Lucie was born April 5, 1733. (8) John was born
Aug. 9, 1735, in Norwich. (9) Hannah was born
April 22, 1738. (10) Pelatiah, born June 5, 1739,
died JMarch i, 1823. (11) Elizabeth, born June 5,
1744, married Joseph Dimock.
(V) Andrew Kimball married, in 1749, Elizabeth
Kimball, daughter of his uncle Nathaniel. They
resided in Windham, Norwich, and Windsor, Conn.
Children: (i) Jedediah, born in Norwich, Dec.
21, 1749, who is mentioned below; (2) Andrew,
born Dec. 14, 1750; (3) Sarah, born March 31,
1753; (4) Daniel, born in Windsor, Conn., April
4> 1755; (5) Luke, born Sept. 7, 1757, in Windsor,
Conn.; (6) Joseph, born in August, 1761 ; and (7)
Benjamin, born in August, 1761. Nathaniel Kim-
ball (father of Elizabeth) married Nov. 3, 1722,
Elizabeth Rindge. He was a carpenter and farmer.
Before 1728 he removed from Ipswich to Norwich,
Conn., where he spent the remainder of his life.
Elizabeth was born there Dec. 19, 1728.
(VI) Jedediah Kimball, born in Norwich, Conn.,
Dec. 21, 1749, died in Stowe, Vt, March 28. 1825.
On July 2, 1775, he married, at Norwich, Eunice
Love, born in 1761, died Aug. 13, 1838. Jedediah
Kimball was a soldier in the Revolution, serving
under LaFayette in the Virginia campaign during
the summer of 1781 and during the siege of York-
town. He belonged to the battalion commanded by
Major John Palsgrave Wyllys, of Hartford, which
battalion led the storming column in a night attack
on Oct. 14, thereby hastening the surrender. Jede-
diah Kimball removed to Stowe, Vt., in 1794, being
one of the first settlers of that town, and has numer-
ous descendants there. Children: (i) Amy, who
died Aug. 20, 1813, married Andrew Luce, of Stowe.
(2) Luke was a sea captain, and died in South
Carolina. (3) Asa, born ]\Iay 5, 1778, is men-
tioned below.. (4) Jedediah, born ]\Iay 18, 17S0,
died Aug. 8, 1806. (5)' Joel, born Oct. 10, 1784,
died Jan. 13, 1848. (6) Reuben, born Feb. 3, 1786,
went West or South. (7) Eunice born Nov. 17,
618
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
17^7, married Orange Luce, of Stowe. (8) Ros-
well, born Jan. i, 1790, went West or South. (9)
Russell, born July 8, 1791, was killed in battle Nov.
II, 1813, in the war of 1812-15. (10) Levi was
born Dec. 21, 1793. (11) Ely was born Dec. 18,
1794. (12) Richard, born July 27, 1796, died Oct.
20, 1804. (13) Susa, born May 22, 1800, died
Oct. 16, 1806.
(VII) Asa Kimball, born in Norwich, Conn.,
died in Stowe, Vt., Dec. 14, r865. He married
(first) Lydia Waters, of Ellington, Conn., and later
wedded Lucy Pember, who was born in Ellington,
Conn., daughter of Samuel and Esther Reed Pem-
ber, of Randolph, Vt. They were among the first
settlers of that town, removing from Ellington.
Asa Kimball was a soldier in the war of 1812, and
was near his brother Bussell when the latter was
killed in battle. Children by first marriage: (i)
Charles Wright was born April 14, 1802. (2)
Achsah, born April 30, 1804, died June 12, 1880.
She married Chester Hovey, of Massawhippi, Can-
ada. (3) Elizabeth, born Feb. 27, 1806, married
Walter Poole, of Webster, N. Y. By second mar-
riage: (4) Elijah Pember, born Jan. 26, 1809,
died Jan: 17, 1880. (5) Luke, born Feb. 27, 181 1,
died June 14, 1893, at Stowe.
(VIII) Luke Kimball, married at Canton, Conn.,
in 1837, Eunice, daughter of Deacon Anson and
Mary (Goodrich) Chidsey, of Avon, Conn. She
died Oct. 27, 1840, and he married (second), at
Suffield, Conn., in 1842, Lucretia Wilson, daughter
of Peter and Anne (Bingham) Wilson, of Stock-
bridge, Vt. She died May 21, 1888. He lived in
Connecticut and Massachusetts, and in 1846 re-
turned to Stowe, during the remainder of his life
living on the farm previously owned by his father.
Children, by first marriage ; ( i ) Achsah, born in
Bristol, Conn., July 22, 1838, married William N.
Beach, of Cheshire, Vt., who died Oct. 28, 1887.
She resides in Pittsfield, Mass., with her daughter,
Mrs. Charles M. Bryant. (2) Mary Elvira, born in
Collinsville, Conn., Nov. 13, 1839, married John C.
E. Humphrey. By second marriage : ( 3 ) Lydia,
born in Chicopee, Mass., in 1842, married George
Simmons, of Stowe, who died Aug. 30, 1879.
(4) Eunice Chidsey, born in Springfield, Mass.,
in 1845, died in Green Bay, Wis., March
II, 1872. On Feb. 19, 1869, she married
Willis Hugh Peterson, of Stowe, Vt. (5) El-
len Augusta, born March 7, 1847, in Stowe, Vt.,
married Aug. 10, 1882, Albert Bruce Goss. She
was educated at the Normal School in Johnson,
Vt., and taught in Iowa for several years. Mr.
Goss is a college graduate, and has been principal
of several high schools in Iowa, superintendent of
schools of Van Buren county, and lately principal
of the school at Fairfield, Iowa. They now reside
in Grinnell, that State. (6) Luke Wilson, born May
10, 1848, in Stowe, Vt, married Feb. 8, 1871, Eli-
zabeth Stone, of New Britain, where he is chief en-
gineer of a large factory. (7) Irene Lucretia, born
Aug. 20, 1849, married William Slingerland, and
lives in Hood River, Oregon. (8) Matthew James,
born July 28, 1852, married Annie Belden. He re-
sided in New Britain and Meriden, Conn., recently
returned to Stowe, and died Sept. 13, 1900.. (9)
Martha Jane, born July 28, 1852, married at Chi-
copee, Mass., Oct. 18, 1881, John Brandt Hunter,
son of David and Emma Hunter,, of Phil-
adelphia. He formerly lived in Meriden, and
now resides in Cincinnati. (10) Charles Peter,
born Sept. 29, 1854, married Julia Luce, of Ver-
mont, and later wedded Lura May, daughter of
Hinckley and Mary Stevens, of East Montpelier,
Vt. They reside in Meriden, Conn. (11) George
Harvey, born April 26, 1857, married Nov. 19, 1885,
Ella C. Freeman, of New Britain, Conn., who died
June 18, 1888. He resides in Meriden.
The Goodrich family trace their descent from
John and William Goodrich, brothers, who came to
this country and settled in Wethersfield, Conn.
John's name first appears in Colonial records (Hart-
ford) in 1643. They were sons of John and Mar-
gerie Goodrich, of Hegesset, near Bury St. Ed-
munds, Suffolk, England. John, Sr., died in 1632.
He was the eldest son and heir of William, who
died in 1632. The wills of W^illiam, of England,
John, Sr., and William (2) (brother of Wilham
and John, and a clergyman of the Church of Eng-
land) are extant. The last named willed property
to sons of his two brothers in America.
William Goodrich, of Wethersfield, married
Oct: 4, 1648, Sarah, daughter of Matthew Marvin,
one of the first settlers of Hartford. He was made
a freeman May 15, 1656; represented Wethersfield
in the General Court in 1662 and 1663 ; was ensign
in the train band. He died in 1676, and his widow
married Capt. William Curtiss, of Stratford, and
died in 1702. ChildrenT~(T')^William, born Aug.
8, 1649, died in infancy. (2) Sarah, born Aug. 8,
1649, married Nov. 20, 1667, John HoUister. (3)
Mary, born Nov. 13, 1651, married in 1667 Joseph
Butler. "(4) John, jjorn May 20, 1653, who mar-
ried Rebecca Allen, is mentioned below. (5) Eliza-
beth, born in 1658, married June 9, 1675, Capt.
Robert Welles, of Stratford ; (6) William, born Feb.
8, 1661, married Grace Riley; (7) Abigail, born
June 5, 1662, married Thomas Fitch; (8) Ephraim,
born June 2, 1663, married Sarah Treat; (9) David,
born May 4, 1667, married Hannah Wright.
(II) John Goodrich resided in Wethersfield,
Conn., and died Sept. 5, 1730. On March 28, 1678,
be married Rebecca Allen, born Feb., 1660, daughter
of Capt. John and Ann Allen, ,of Charlestown,
Mass., the former of whom was the wealthiest man
in Charlestown. Children: (i) Sarah, born April
10, 1679, married Abraham Kilbourn ; (2) Rebecca,
born Nov. 11, 1680, married David Wright; (3)
Mary, born Sept. 4, 1682, married Thomas Curtiss ;
(4) Samuel was born May 24, 1684; (5) Abigail,
born April 27, 1686, married David Curtiss; (6)
John, born June 9, 1688, married Mary. Tillotson ;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
619
I (7) Allyii, born Nov. 13, 1690, ib mentioned below;
(8) Ann was born Sept. i, 1692; and (9) Jacob,
born Nov. 27, 1694, married ]Jenedicta Goodwin.
{Ill) AUyn Goodricb resided in Wethersfield
and Farmington, Conn. On December 29, 1709,
he married Elizabeth, daughter of Col. David and
I Hannah Wright Goodrich. She died Aug. 25,
I 1726, and on Dec. 10, 1729, he married Hannah
Seymour, born ]\!arch 28, 1707, daughter of Sam-
uel and Hannah (North) Seymour. He died April
8, 1764. Seven children were born to the first mar-
riage and two to the second : ( i ) John, born March
26, 1734, married Hannah Dewey. (2) Asahel, born
Sept. 13, 1736, is next in the line of descent.
(IV) Asahel Goodrich resided in Berlin, Conn.
On Jan. i, 1764, he married Abigail Gilbert, who
died IMay 15, 1772, and on Nov. 3, 1775, he mar-
ried Sarah Woodruff. Children : ( i ) Isaac, born
Feb. 2, 1765, is mentioned below. (2) Orrin, born
Nov. 13, 1767, married Rhoda Mather. (3) Sarah,
born May 2, 1777, married Salmon Hart. (4) Abi-
gail, born May 28, 1779, married William Andrews.
(V) Isaac Goodrich married (first) Mary
\\'right, who died March 24, 1793, and he subse-
quently wedded Aug. 29, 1793, Mrs. Electa Lusk,
daughter of Stephen and Mary (Whaples) DeWolf,
and widow of a Mr. Lusk, formerly of New Britain,
Conn. They lived in that part of Berlin which is
now New Britain, and afterward removed to cen-
tral New York. He was a Baptist preacher. He
died April 19, 1847, his widow on Aug. 27, 1858.
Children by first marriage : ( i ) James, born April
20, 1791, died May 10, 1791. (2) Mar^^, born April
12, 1792, died April 27, 1792. By second marriage:
(3) ]\Iary, born Aug. 28, 1795, married May 17,
18 1 7, Deacon Anson Chidsey, son of Deacon Abram
and Eunice (Curtiss) Chidsey, of Avon, Conn.
(4) Laura, born May 18, 1796, married, June 8,
1815, Anson Kellogg. (5) Elizabeth, born Sept.
I, 1798, married a Mr. Dickerman.
Eunice Chidsey, eldest child of Deacon Anson
and Mary (Goodrich) Chidsey, married Lnke Kim-
ball ; their daughter Mary E. married John C. E.
Humphrey. The Chidseys were one of three fam-
ilies which first settled Avon, Conn., and were from
Branford, Connecticut.
Elijah Pember, of Ellington, Conn., married
Hannah (Cross). Their son, Samuel, born in
Ellington Jan. 4, 1750, died in Randolph, Yt., ilarch
14, 1826. In 1777 he married Esther Reed, daugh- ,
ter of Jacob Reed, of Ellington, born June 27, 1758,
died Aug. 10, 1826. Their daughter Lucy, born
in Ellington July 13, 1779, died in Stowe, Yt., in
1854. She married Asa Kimball, of Stowe, and
their son, Luke Kimball, married Eunice Chidsey,
of Avon, Conn. Their daughter, Mary E. Kim-
ball, married John C. E. Humphrey. Samuel Pem-
ber was a corporal in the Second Company, of
Fourth Connecticut Continental Regiment, Col. Hin-
man's regiment. This regiment was raised on the
first call for troops, April-^NIay, 1775, was sent to
Ticonderoga, and later the Second Company served
in the siege of Boston. In 1780 Samuel Pember
removed to Randolph, Vt., and there cleared up a
farm. The last house which he Iniilt, in 1797, is
still owned and occupied by his grandchildren.
Randolph was then the extreme frontier, and Mr.
Pember was accustomed to spend the Sabbath at
the home of Mr. Havens, in Royalton, in order to
attend church. Early on Monday, Oct. 16, 1780,
Royalton was surprised by a band of Indians from
Canada in the employ of the British, and among
those killed was Thomas Pember, brother of Sam-
uel, who was clearing a farm in Randolph, and who
expected to be married in six weeks to a daughter
of Mr. Havens. He was a very fleet runner, and
had often said he would never be taken alive by the
Indians. He was wounded by a spear, and ran a
long distance, but at length fell, being weakened
from loss of blood, and was dispatched by the In-
dians. Samuel Pember was taken to Canada, his
father finally obtaining his release by exchanging
for a British prisoner, and the payment of thirty
dollars in silver.
Mrs. J. C. E. Plumphrey also traces her line
of descent from Michael Humphrey, as follows :
(I) Michael Humphrey married Priscilla Grant.
(II) Samuel Humphrey married Mary Mills. (HI)
Abigail Humphrey married John Case. (IV) Lucy
Case married William Wilcox. (V) Mary Wil-
cox married Eliphalet Curtiss, Jr. (VI) Eunice
Curtiss married Deacon Abram Chidsey. (VII)
Deacon Anson Chidsey married Mary Goodrich.
(A-'III) Eunice Chidsey married Luke Kimball.
(IX) Mary Kimball married John C. E. Humphrey.
CHARLES EDWIN BUNCE is one of the
most prominent and successful farmers of Hartford
county. His family name is indissolubly identified
with the early manufacture of paper in that locality,
his grandfather, father and uncles having all been
engaged in that line of trade.
J\Ir. Bunce's grandfather, Charles Bunce, was
unquestionably the pioneer manufacturer on Hop
brook. The place of his birth cannot be told with
certainty, but its date was July 25, 1770. He was
an extensive landholder. He learnecl the trade of
papermaking by serving an apprenticeship thereto
at New Haven in 1788, going from that place to
Hartford, where he worked for Hudson & Goodwin.
Later he found employment in Butler's mill, and
was for four years superintendent of a plant at
Andover. At the end of that time, having accum-
ulated a little money, he determined to engage in
business for himself. His first manufactory was in
a building which he bought from Elisha Pitkin,
who had intended using it as an oil mill. The
structure was unfinished when Mr. Bunce purchased
it, but he completed it and installed the necessary
machinery. His eldest son, George, was one of his
workmen, and was afterward, on attaining his ma-
jority, admitted into partnership. All his other
620
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sons embarked in the same business, erecting other
mills, and for sixty years the various members of
the family carried on an extensive and lucrative
business.
It goes without saying that Charles Bunce was
one of the county's best-known and most influential
citizens. He died Dec. 15, 1853, at the hale old age
of eighty-three. He was twice married, his first
wife being Sarah Bidwell, who was born April 20,
1771, and died June 10, 1804. The issue of this
marriage consisted of eight children : George, born
Aprilj 1790, married Mary Kennedy;, he had exten-
sive holdings of real estate, at one time owning the
larger portion of the land on which Cheney Bros.'
silk mills now stand. Herman, born Jan. 12, 1792,
died July 8, 1876; he married Phyllis Simon, and
lived in Manchester. Merwin, born Jan. 26, 1794,
died a bachelor Oct. 24, 1853. Sarah, born Jan.
10, 1796, died in December, 1834, the wife of John
McLean, a farmer of Manchester. Harriet, born
Jan. 20, 1798, died Oct. 28, 1847; she married
Champl'in Cadwell. Charles, born Feb. i, 1800,
died Feb. 21, 1874; he married Aurelia Strickland.
Melinda, born Feb. 2, 1802, died Feb. 23, 1885;
she married John Hills, a farmer of Manchester.
Lewis, born May 27, 1804, married Harriet John-
son, and died July 2, 1879.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Bunce mar-
ried Sarah Cadwell, who was born Sept. 2, 1776,
and died Oct. 19, 1856. She also bore eight chil-
dren to her husband : Ann, Walter, Betsey,
Aurelia, Sophia, Clarissa, Ralph and Edwin. A
brief mention of the majority of these will prove of
interest. Ann was born Oct. 3, 1805, and is now
the wife of Daniel Griswold, a Manchester farmer ;
Walter was born Jan. 10, 1807, married Katherine
Kennedy, and died Feb. 7, 1866; Betsey was born
June 23, 1809, and married Jehial Buckland, who
was first a woolen manufacturer and subsequently
a farmer of Manchester (she died Dec. 8, 1854) ;
Aurelia, now Mrs. Samuel T. Avery, of Wapping,
Conn., was born April 11, 1811; Sophia was born
June 8, 1813, and died unmarried Aug. 3, 1879;
Ralph, born May 20, 1818, died at the outset of his
early manhood, Oct. 14, 1836 ; Edwin, the father of
Charles Edwin, was the youngest of the issue of
the second marriage. He was born May 15, 1822,
and died Nov. 24, 1876.
Returning to the topic of the family connection
with the paper manufacturing trade, some addi-
tional historical facts are worth mentioning: Her-
man, Charles, Walter, Lewis and Edwin all em-
barked in this line, Lewis, with his sons Henry C.
and Edgar (Edwin being also a member of the
firm), successfully operating a mill which was
swept away by a flood in 1869. After the death of
his father Edwin and his brother Walter formed
a co-partnership for the conduct of their father's
mill, which association in business continued for
several years. Edwin ultimately secured his
brother's interest, by purchase, and later formed a
partnership with George Cheney. After a few years
the latter firm sold out to Case Brothers.
Edwin Bunce was a native of South Manches-
ter. He received his early education in the com-
mon schools, also at Wilbraham Academy, and at
the end of his school days began his life work in a
paper mill, being thus actively engaged in manu-
facturing until near the end of his life, when he
retired to the farm of his son, Charles Edwin;
here ended his hfe at the comparatively early age
of fifty-four years. In 1843 he was married to
Lucinda, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Strick-
land) Tryon, of East Glastonbury. [A more de-
tailed account of the Sti-ickland family may be
found in the biographical sketch of Nathaniel Strick-
land, elsewhere.] She died Nov. 20, 1891. Her
mother was noted for piety and for strict ob-
servance of the Sabbath. The closing years of her
life were passed at the home of her son-in-law,
where she died.
Charles Edwin Bunce is the younger of two
shildren, the elder, who was born April 23, 1848,
having been a daughter, Alice C. She was married
June 5, 1876, to Ransom Fitzgerald, a wholesale
merchant of Hartford. Our subject was born Aug.
6, 1851, in the house where he now lives. After
passing through the district schools he attended
the high schools of Manchester and Hartford, and
on finishing his studies returned home, where he
has ever since lived, devoting himself to agriculture.
In this pursuit he has greatly prospered, and now
owns one of the largest and best-improved farms
in Hartford county. His temperament is genial,
his disposition kind and gentle, and his manners
those of a refined, courteous gentleman.
On June 8, 1882, Mr. Bunce married Miss Ina
Chaffee, daughter of Peter and Hannah Chaffee, of
East Woodstock. Her father and brothers are
wagonmakers in that town. The issue of the mar-
riage has been eight children: Myrtis, born April
15, 1883, who died July 30, same year; a child, born
April 19, 1884, who died in infancy; Gertrude M.,
born May 29, 1885; Edwin C, born Aug. 15, 1887;
Zella, born Aug. 5, 1889; Rena, born Feb. 5, 1891 ;
Florence, born Sept. 15, 1893; and Louis, born July
19, 1897. Mr. Bunce is a Democrat in politics, and
has held several minor offices.
MICHAEL HENRY DONNELLY (deceased)
was for many years prominently identified with the
industrial and business interests of New Britain
and Berlin. He was of foreign birth, but his duties
of citizenship were performed with a loyalty equal
to that of any native son of America, and he did all
in his power to advance the interests of his adopted
town and county .
Mr. Donnelly was born in County Tyrone, Ire-
land, May 19, 1846, a son of Patrick Donnelly, who
was born in the same place in 1810. The grand-
father, Michael Donnelly, was a native of County
Tyrone, where he spent his entire life as a tenant,
II
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
621
prospered in his undertakings, and became quite
well-to-do. Hq married a i\iiss Woods, and the
children born to them were Patrick, Peter, John,
JMichacl, Daniel, Rosa, Katie, Ellen and Eliza.
i'atrick Donnelly, father of our subject, was one
of the most successful farmers of his community,
and was a man of good business ability. After his
marriage he purchased two good farms adjoining
his father's place, and in his native land continued
to make his home until called from this life, in
February, 1896. He was a quiet, unassuming man,
but made many friends. He married Catherine
Woods, daughter of Patrick Woods (whose family
was in no way related to Mr. Donnelly's maternal an-
cestors), and to this union eight children were born :
Michael, Patrick, Peter, John, Daniel, Elizabeth,
Katie, and Rosanna. After the death of the father
the mother came to the New World to make her
home with our subject, and resided with his widow
in New Britain until her death, May 12, 1900.
In the national schools of Ireland Michael H.
Donnelly acquired his education, pursuing his
studies during the daytime until fourteen years of
age, and then attending night school for three years.
He was naturally a man of ability, and, by devoting
considerable time to reading, he became well in-
formed on topics of general interest and the lead-
ing questions and issues of the day. After leaving
school he remained at home until twenty years of
age, and then, in IMarch, 1866, sailed for America.
When he landed in Boston he had only three dollars
with which to begin life in a strange country. Com-
ing to Hartford, he first worked on a farm for ten
dollars per month, and then served a three-years'
apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade. He fol-
lowed his trade as a journeyman until 1872, when
he opened a shop of his own on Chestnut street.
New Britain, and later bought land and built a shop
in that town. When he embarked in business for
himself his only assistant was a boy, but his trade
steadily increased, and he afterward furnished em-
ployment to five men. He received some large
contracts, furnishing the iron work for the New
York, New Haven & Hartford railway depot at
New Britain, and also for the armory and other
large buildings in that place. In 1889 he sold his
blacksmith business, rented his shop, and embarked
in the manufacture of brick in Berlin. At first he
only worked half a day, but the following winter
his business had so increased that he had to double
the capacity of his plant, while the shed and ma-
chine gangs did a full day's work, turning out from
six and one-half to seven million brick, annually.
The Donnelly Brick Co. was organized, our sub-
ject being president and treasurer, and in the yards
employment was given to forty men. A terra-cotta
plant was also operated by the company for some
time.
On Jan. 19, 1S76, Mr. Donnelly was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Ann Farrell, of Plainville,
who was born June 26, 1858, a daughter of Timothy
Farrell, a well-to-do gardener of that ocality. The
children born to this union were as folows : Paul
Francis, born Nov. 15, 1877, died at the age of
three days; the second child died in infancy; Susan
Agnes, born June 12, i88i, died March 16, 1882;
Katie May, born July 17, 1883, is attending Alt.
St. Joseph Seminary in Hartford; Henry Aljchael,
born Nov. 14, 1886, William Joseph, born June 22,
1888, and John Timothy, born May 5, 1891, are at-
tending the New Britain schools ; Stephen i'atrick,
born Nov. 20, 1894, is in the Kindergarten, and
Irene Margaret, born June 17, 1897, died at the
age of one year.
In November, 1898, Mr. Donnelly was taken
ill with the "grippe," which resulted in an abscess
at the base of the brain. An operation was per-
formed, but too late to be of any benefit. Against
the advice of his physician he continued to attend
to his business until confined to his bed. He died
July 21, 1899, and his remains were interred in
St. Mary's cemetery. New Britain. He was a mem-
ber of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, on South Main
street, and of Putnam Phalanx and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. His political sup-
port was given to the men and measures of the
Democratic party. He was a man of sound judg-
ment and good business and executive ability, pos-
sessed great energy and force of character, and
through his own well-directed efforts achieved a
wonderful success in life. He was one of the prin-
cipal brick manufacturers of Berlin, and the prom-
inent place which he occupied in business circles
was certainly justly merited.
LOWELL H. BREWER, one of the most en-
ergetic, progressive and thrifty tobacco growers of
Hockanum, town of East Hartford, was born Nov.
27, 1847, in the house now occupied by his father.
Deacon Ashbel Brewer.
Ashbel Brewer was born in East Hartford Aug.
4, 18 10, eldest of the eight children born to Allen
and Velina (Bidwell) Brewer, the latter a daughter
of Ashbel Bidwell. Deacon Brewer's father was a
private in a military company which was raised in
1814 to repel a British movement on New London,
and which marched overland to that place. Among
the most highly-prized treasures in the good old
Deacon's house is a cannon ball fired by a British
frigate oft' New London.
Deacon Brewer's boyhood was spent on his fa-
ther's farm, and his early education was obtained
in the old school house, which in the opening years
of the century stood on High street, on the hill
just north of Pewter Pot Brook. Cooper AIcKee,
a famous pedagogue of those days, wielded the
birch. The little temple of learning contained but
one room. Scholars found their seats on settees
which stretched parallel with the walls, the teacher's
desk being in the middle of the room. In winter
a stove stood near the desk, and the faces of the
scholars roasted while their backs froze. Arith-
622
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
metic was not taught in the school, and this branch
Mr. Brewer picl^ed up at a night school.
Mr. Brewer followed farming as his occupa-
tion until. 1849. He grew potatoes, corn and rye,
and raised live stock, native beef being then profit-
able. Tobacco was then little grown. "I doubt if
there, were over fifteen acres of tobacco in the town
in 1849," Deacon Brewer said lately, in speaking
of the weed, "and what there was grown was in
patches of a third or half an acre or so." In the
spring of 1849 he built a grocery at the foot of Ash
street, on land which he leased of Samuel Kellogg.
The following winter he discontinued the grocery
business and resumed farming, and during the last
thirty years he has grown tobacco extensively. His
farm includes nearly 125 acres, and he is one of
the largest owners of land in Hockanum Meadow.
At the age of seventeen years Ashbel Brewer joined
the Congregational Church, and was speedily put
in the choir, in which he remained for nearly fifty
years. Violins, bass viols and flutes gave the in-
strumental music when he entered the choir. Nearly
a generation passed before they gave way to organs.
In cold weather church-goers carried with them
small foot-stoves, on which they "toasted" their
toes comfortably. In 1837 Mr. Brewer was chosen
sexton of the Hockanum cemeteries, and discharged
the duties of that position for twenty-three years.
In 1870 he was chosen deacon of the First Church,
and held that position until 1876, when he became
one of the original members of the Hockanum Con-
gregational Church. For three years he was a dea-
con in this church, and he is now deacon emeritus.
Mr. Brewer was for six years a member of the
Putnam Phalanx. He has been school committee-
man five times. He was town surveyor some years
under the old district system of roadmaking. In
1845 he was tax collector. When Mr. Brewer came
of age it was the law that a citizen, in order to be-
come an elector, should be an owner of land. His
father, to meet this requirement, gave him eight
acres. In politics Mr. Brewer started out as a
Democrat, but since 1856 has been a sohd Repub-
lican. He has voted for five Democratic, one Whig,
and ten Republican candidates for President.
Mr. Brewer was married, in 1833, to Mary
Whaples, of Newington, and this union was blessed
with eight children: Jane E., born May 10, 1835,
was married to Jacob Dix, of Newington, had five
children, and is now deceased ; Joanna, born March
16, 1837, is the widow of Joshua C. Luce, has four
children, and is living in Newington, of which place
her husband was a native; Adelaide L., born July
12, 1839, married Charles W. Roberts, of East
Hartford ; Martha A., born June 27, 1841, was mar-
ried to George Bidwell, of East Hartford, where
she is now living a widow, with two children, How-
ard E. and Mrs. Winne Stoughton; Marietta, born
July 15, 1843, is married to E. W. Griswold, and is
living in California, the mother of one child, Laura
May, born in Virginia City, Nev., July 3, 1879;
Cornelia, born Sept. 4, 1845, was married to Horace
B. Hicks, of Bristol Ferry, R. I., had two children,
Fred and Nellie, and died in 1899 ; Louise H., born
Nov. 27, 1847, married Jacob Dix, and is deceased;
and Lowell H. (twin of Louise H.) is the subject
of this sketch. Mrs. Mary (Whaples) Brewer, the
mother of the above family, passed away in 1858,
and in 1863 Deacon Brewer married Margaret
Barnard, who sru-vived until 1890. The Deacon,
who is of medium stature, has led a long, honorable
and useful life, is still prominent in his church, but
is now confined to his bed in a weakened condition.
Lowell H. Brewer was educated in the brick
school house in Hockanum, and was a pupil under
Henry Fox. At the age of seventeen years, being
the only boy in the family, he withdrew from school,
returned to the home farm and practically began
its management, and, as an example of his industry,
executive ability and his thorough knowledge of
tobacco culture, it is only necessary to cite the fact
that he has improved the quality, increased the
product per acre, and extended the area then under
cultivation from an ordinary farm to one of the
largest as well as one of the finest tobacco planta-
tions in the town of East Hartford, if not in Hart-
ford county. He has the reputation of always net-
ting as good a price as any grower of tobacco in
the neighborhood, and in many intances has re-
ceived a much higher price. He has packed an-
nually about 170 cases of his own product for some
time past, and this year (1900) has forty-six acres of
the staple under cultivation. He is teaching his
sons, by actual experience, the best methods of cul-
ture and curing, and will turn over the business to
them in the near future.
Mr. Brewer was united in marriage, by the Rev.
William Turkington, of the Methodist Church, Jan.
29, 1874, to Miss Charlotte Edna Vibberts, who
was born April 14, 1852, a daughter of Capt.
Charles H. and Jane M. (Babcock) Vibberts, na-
tives of East Hartford and residents of Hockanum,
and of whom more detailed mention will shortly be
made. Mrs. Brewer was educated at the Hockanum
public school, the New Britain High School and
State Normal, and was a successful teacher for a
few years prior to her marriage. To the happy
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have been born
five children : ( i ) Miller V., who was born Dec.
7, 1874, attended the Hartford Public High School,
also Huntsinger's Business College, and is now .as-
sisting on the home farm; (2) Lowell H., born Dec.
4, 1876, passed through the same course of instruc-
tion;, (3) 'Harry F., born Sept. 22, 1879, was edu-
cated in the same manner; (4) Ashbel A., born
Dec. 27, 1882, was educated in the same institution
which his brothers attended, and reached the high-
est record in spelling ever attained in the school
(3,000 words without a miss), which elicited from
the principal a congratulatory letter to the father;
(5) Charles H., born Nov. 5, 1885, is a graduate
of the South school of Hartford, and is now a stu-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fi28
dent at Huntsinger's Business College, Hartford.
Lowell H. Ijrcwcr has led a happy married life,
as well as a successful one from a business stand-
point, lie has rearctl his children "in the way
they should go," and the sons, like himself, have
made a line reputation for their remarkably indus-
trious habits and moral rectitude. No family within
the limits of Hartford county are more highly es-
teemed for their personal merits.
A few words will now be devoted to the ancient
ViBBERTS family, of which Mrs. Lowell H. Brewer
is a descendant.
Capt. Charles H. Vibberts, father of Mrs. Brew-
er, was a grandson of Jesse Vibberts, who was born
Jan. 30, 1759, and became one of the heroes of the
Revolutionary war, and, it is supposed, was one of
Washington's bodyguard, as he left Virginia at
the same time that the commander-in-chief did.
He had a brother, John, from whom he was almost
inseparable. At the conclusion of hostilities Jesse
settled in Hockanum, married, Aug. 7, 1783, Martha
, who was born Aug. 19, 1759, and reared
a large family, to-wit: Jessie, born March 3, 1784;
Clara, Oct. 24, 1785 ; Olive, Oct. 27, 1787; Eliphalet,
Sept. 16, 1789; Patte, Sept. 28, 1791; Phene, Aug.
26, 1793; Stephen, Sept. 20, 1795: Mary, May 5,
1797; Alvin, Jan. 26, 1801. In the old account-
books of the grandfather are found some such en-
tries as these: "Moaed hay for 60c a day; butcher-
ing, 40c a day; helping cut two loads and loading
wood, for 40c; three days at oil mill, at 50c a day."
Grandfather Jesse was of a powerful build, as was
his brother John, and was so very broad that he
was compelled to pass through ordinary doors side-
ways. He followed farming, hewing timber, ship-
building, etc., but in the latter days of his life became
quite blind. He was laid to rest in Buckland cem-
etery in 1 83 1.
Alvin Vibberts, father of Capt. Charles H. Vib-
berts, was born in Hockanum. He was a carpenter
in a rude way, and also worked on farms, and after
marriage he and wife made cigars for the Southern
trade, Mr. Vibberts manufacturing the cases from
butternut wood. In 1820 he was married to Miss
Emily Brewer, who was born in 1799, and to this
union came the following named children : George,
who was born June 2, 1821, married Harriet Dailey,
of Farmington, and afterward wedded Harriet
VVetherell, of Manchester; he lived all his days in
Hockanum, and died in 1879. Capt. Charles H.,
the father of iMrs. L. H. Brewer, was born March
14, 1825. Albert L., born Oct. 15, 1829, first mar-
ried Cornelia Pratt, and later Augusta Smith ; he
is now a successful real estate dealer of New Brit-
ain. The mother of this family died June 9. 1853,
the father in June, 1855, and the remains of both
lie interred in Hockanum.
Capt. Charles H. Vibberts, father of Mrs. Brew-
er, married, April 15, 1849, Jane M. Babcock, who
was born Sept. 30, 1829, and died Aug. 12, 1900;
she was a daughter of Elisha and Charlotte (How-
Ictt) Babcock, natives of Hartford. The three chil-
dren born to this union are as follQws : Charlotte
Edna (Mrs. Brewer) ; Charles Floyd, who was born
Sept. 29, 1857, married Mary Conner, of Windsor,
and is living in Hockanum; Burden Gideon, the
youngest, born Oct. 11, 1866, still makes his home
with his father.
NEWELL ST. JOHN, one of Simsbury's most
progressive citizens, an extensive farmer and to-
bacco grower, was born near Hoskins Station
March 19, 1851, and is a representative of an old
New England family.
Elijah St. John, his grandfather, was a native of
Rhode Island, where he learned the trade of tailor.
He removed to Simsbury, llartford county, and
here for a time he followed his trade, then engaged
in farming; he died Aug. 10, 1836, aged forty-
three years, being killed in a fall from a scaffold
in his barn, and was buried in Simsbury. He mar-
ried, Oct. 26, 1786, Elizabeth Delibah.'and to their
union the following children were born: Elijah,
born Nov. 20, 1787, died in November, 1788;
Elizabeth, born May 15, 1789, married, Aug. 9,
1820, Reuben Miller; Cornwall; Susan; Zopher,
fathe^r of our subject, born Oct. 17, 1799; Hilpah,
who married, Oct. 21, 1828, Hiram K. Steel ; Caro-
line, who married, Nov. 7, 1833, Henry Ely.
Zopher St. John, the father of our subject, was
born on the farm near Hoskins Station, Oct. 17,
1799, was educated in the public schools of Sims-
bury, and at the age of sixteen years started on the
road, peddling Yankee notions, traveling afoot in
the New England States as far east as Cape Cod.
He also engaged in selling clocks. In 1840 he
started in the jewelry business, traveling for a
jewelry firm in Owego, N. Y., and continued in
that business until 1865. He was a successful
salesman, and while he lost at times he preserved
and gadiered about him many comforts in the de-
cline of life. He ended his traveling days in 1865
and for seven years thereafter made farming his
principal occupation, engaging also in tobacco grow-
ing, dairy farming, etc. He was self-educated, a
keen observer, and possessed a very genial dispo-
sition, while in his habits he was temperate. In
his political views he was a Whig, and at the advent
of the Republican party he became a stanch sup-
porter of its principles, though he never sought
political honors or office ; however, he served on the
board of relief one term, and took a deep interest in
education. He and his family were consistent
members of the Congregational Church. Mr. St.
John died on his farm at Hoskins Station Feb. 20,
1872. He married, in Suffiield, Conn., Eunice La-
vina Harmon, who was born in Suffield, Jan. 17,
1809, daughter of Paul and Eunice (Remington)
Harmon, of that town, and died Jan. 5, 1899.
The H.\RMON family is one of the oldest and
most illustrious of New England. It has descended
from three brothers, one of whom, John Harmon,
624
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was born in England in 1611, and came to Boston
about 1636. One brother removed later to Penn-
sylvania, and one to Maine, while John became one
of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass. Ten of
his descendants in the third and fourth generations
were soldiers in the Revolutionary army, among
them being Capt. John Harmon, of the 4th Regi-
ment, Connecticut Line, Gen. Washington's favorite
captain, who received special mention for gallant
conduct in the capture of Boston. The line of de-
scent to the mother of our subject is as follows:
(I) John Harmon, born in England, in 161 1, died
in Springfield, Mass., 1661. (il) iSIathaniel Har-
mon, born in Springfield, Mass., March 13, 1653,
became a noted Indian trader, married Mary Skin-
ner, and died in Suffield May 2, 1712. (HI) Na-
thaniel Harmon, born July 30, 1695, 'died Feb. 10,
1774. (IV) Phineas Harmon, son of Nathaniel
and Sarah (Smith) Harmon, born June 4, 1720,
died in Suffield, May 31, 1802. (V) Paul Harmon,
the grandfather of our subject, bom April 22,
1768, son of Phineas and Dorcas (Hastings) Har-
mon, died Nov. 13, 1852. He married Eunice Rem-
ington. The eleven children of Paul and Eunice
(Remington) Harmon were as follows: Julius,
who died young ; Julia, who died young ; Zenas
(1798- 1 867), who lived at Warren, Vt. ; Julia, ■who
married Frederick Gillett; Phineas (1802- 1833), a
farmer of Suffield; Paul (1804-1883), a carpenter
and farmer of Omaha, Neb. ; one who died in in-
fancy in 1806; Eunice L., mother of our subject;
Martha F. (1810-1877), wife of Thomas Gillett;
Chloe (1812-1837), wife of John Talbott; and
Hannah M. (1814-1840), who married Lucius A.
Cutler.
To Zopher and Eunice L. (Harmon) St. John
were born the following children : Martha L., born
Feb. 16, 1831, died unmarried June 26, 1898; Mary,
born April 30, 1832, is the widow of George W. Har-
mon, and mother of George A. Harmon, of Suffield,
Conn. ; Hilpah, born Aug. 30, 1834, died Feb. 2,
1867, was the wife of Marvin D. Hoskins ; Eunice,
born Dec. 14, 1836, died from the effects of poison,
Jan. 13, 1837; Edward Francis, born May 23, 1839,
is a farmer of Simsbury, Conn. ; Louise, born Feb.
2, 1841, is the widow of Prof. Rufus C. Hitchcock
(she is principal of the high school at New Or-
leans) ; Chloe, born May 22, 1845, is unmarried,
and was a school teacher in the public schools of
Springfield for over thirty years ; Sanford Z., born
May 9, 1849, is a druggist of Pittsfield, Mass.;
Newell, our subject, was born March 19, 1851.
Newell St. John received his education in the
district schools in the Westover Plains District,
also at Simsbury and Tariffville Select. Schools, and
at Suffield, in the Literary Institue, under Prof.
Andrews. Our subject was about of age when his
father died, and he settled down to farming on he
homestead, where for the past twenty-eig-ht years he
has been engaged in tobacco culture, dairying and
general farming and stock raising. He has made
improvements on the farm, which is a tract of fifty-
acres, and there his mother spent her widowhood, '
our subject caring for her in her old age. She at-
tained the ripe old age of ninety years, and her
death closed the life of a good Christian woman
and a devoted wife and mother. Our subject has
been a life-long Republican, and for the past eight
years has been a member of the board of selectmen
of Simsbury. He fills the position of trust and
responsibility with honor to himself and with satis-
faction to the people, is popular and very highly
respected. He has served on the board of relief for
two terms, and also on the school committee, having
always taken a deep interest in the cause of edu-
cation.
In 1874 Mr. St. John was married, in Bloomfield,
Conn., to Addie L. Cushman, born in East Granby,
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Cushman. To :
our subject and wife five children have been born:
Isabelle, who was educated in the district schools,
at McLean Seminary, Simsbury, and at the Normal
School in New Britain, and who has successfully
taught for the past five years; Helen Grace, who
died in 1892, at the age of sixteen; Charles N., at
school; Clarence Wardell; and Lucile. Mr. and
Mrs. St. John are active members of the Congre-
gational Church.
DEACON ALFRED NORTH was of the
eighth generation in the family from John North,
whose name appears in 1640 as one of the original
proprietors and settlers of Farmington, a Colony
which was the first offshoot from the church of
Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford. John North
came to America in the "Susan & Ellen," in 1635,
at the age of twenty years, landing at Boston. His
land in Farmington was entered to him in 1653.
He married Hannah Bird, a daughter of Thomas
Bird, and to them were born nine children. Him-
self and his two sons, John and Samuel, were in-
cluded in the eighty-four original land owners
among whom were divided, in 1676, the unoccupied
lands of Farmington. His house lot of three-fourths
of an acre at the north end of Farmington street
was purchased from John Steel. Himself and wife
were members of the Farmington Church, she join-
ing in 1656. John North died in 1691, aged sev-
enty-six years. The line of descent to our subject
is as follows :
(II) Thomas North, born Jan. 30, 1649, mar-
ried Hannah Newell, who was born in 1656, and to
them were born ten children. He served in the
Indian wars, and for his services received a grant
of land. He settled in the north part of Farming-
ton, now Avon, and died in 1712, his wife surviving
to Nov. 4, 1757, as appears in the Newell genealogy. ],
One of his descendants, through his son Joseph, !l
was Prof. Henry Carrington Bolton, of Trinity Col- I
lege, Hartford.
(III) Thomas North, son of Thomas and Han- 1
nah North, was born in 1673. He married, Dec. ;
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
625
I, 1698, Miss Martha Roys (or Royce), who was
born June i, 1679, a daughter of Isaac and Eliza-
beth (^Lathrop) Roys, of WalUns-ford, Conn., and
on her motlier's side was a great-granddaughter of
Rev. John Lathrop, who came from England to
. Scituate, Mass., in 1634. He settled first in Ken-
! sington, and later lived in the eastern part of Farm-
i ington, now Berlin. He united with the church in
1707, was one of the seven founders of the Con-
gregational Church of Berlin, and was a man of
wealth and influence; he died in 1725. He was
! the father of eight children ; James, his third son,
' was the ancestor of the branch of the North familv
who settled at New Britain.
(IV) Deacon Isaac North, son of Thomas and
Martha North, was born Sept. 27, 1703. He niar-
' ried Mary Woodford, who was born March 2,
1709, and they had eight children. He was the
Srst enrolled member and the first deacon of the
. Second Congregational Church of Berlin. He died
Dec. 20, 1788, his wife surviving until 1798, when
she passed away at the age of ninety-one, and was
buried in Beckley. Isaac North, Sr., lived in a
house situated about one mile north of the village
of Berlin. It is still standing, and is in good con-
dition. Its back door is close upon the street, the
highwa}- having been changed from the front to
the back of the house soon after it was built.
(V) Jedediah North, son of Isaac and Mary
North, and the great-grandfather of our subject,
was born in Berlin Jan. 16, 1734. He married,
Jan. 27, 1757, Miss Sarah Wilcox, daughter of
Daniel Wilcox, of East Berlin, born Dec. 31, 1739.
To them were born eight children. Mrs. North
died Oct. 5, 1775, and Mr. North afterward mar-
ried Abigail Andrews, by whom he had three chil-
dren. He was a man of deep religious faith, and
in his early life exemplified that faith. He died
Dec. 16, 1816, and was buried in Beckley cemetery.
(VI) Simeon North, son of Jedediah and Sarah
North, and the grandfather of our subject, was
born in Berlin July 13, 1765. He married, in
1786, Lucy Savage, who was born in Middletown
May 19, 1766, and died Feb. 24, 181 1, the mother
of eight children. For his second wife Simeon
North married Lydia Huntington, daughter of Rev.
Enoch Huntington, of Middletown. and the only
child of this marriage, the ninth child of her fa-
ther, became the wife of Rev. Dwight M. Seward,
.pastor of the First Congregational Church of New
jBritain from 1836 to 1842. From 181 1 to 1813
Mr. North served as lieutenant-colonel of the 6th
^onn. Regiment. He engaged at Berlin, and later
at Middletown, Conn., in the manufacture of pis-
tols and bayonets. He died Aug. 25, 1852. Dr.
.Simeon North, youngest son of Simeon and Lucv
i(Savage) North, born Sept. 10, 1802, graduated
[from Yale College, and was connected with Hamil-
|ton College, Clinton, N. Y., as tutor and professor
lof ancient languages from 1822 to 1839. and as
jpresident of the college from 1839 to 1857.
I 40
(VH) Reuben North, the father of our subject,
was born in Berlin Doc. 11, 1786. He married,
Jan. 9, 181 1, Lynda Wilcox, of Berlin, who was
born Oct. 31, 1786, daughter of Josiah and Huldah
(Savage) Wilcox, and granddaughter of Daniel
Wilcox, of East Berlin, who died in 1789; the lat-
ter was the owner of a landed estate on the Mat-
tabessett river one mile square, large enough to give
to each of his thirteen children an ample farm.
Mrs. Lynda North died March 17, 1817, leaving
three children, of whom our subject was the eldest.
For his second wife Reuben married, in May, 1817,
Huldah Wilcox, a sister of his first wife, and by
her had five sons. For many vears he continued
the business of his father at Spruce Brook, in Ber-
lin— the manufacture of pistols and bayonets. He
was quiet in manner, but was noted for his strong
temperance views, and was one of the first citi-
zens of Berlin to actively promote the cause of
temperance. He died April 4, 1853. One of his
sons. Dr. Edward North, born in 1820, graduated
from Hamilton College in 1841, was elected to the
chair of ancient languages there in 1843, '^'''d for
over fifty years has filled the position of professor
of the Greek language and literature in that in-
stitution.
(Vni) Alfred North, our subject, was born in
Berlin Oct. 3, 181 1. He obtained his education in
the public schools of his native town, and in the
Berlin Academy, and before entering business life
taught in the public schools in Berlin and in Ohio.
He then entered his father's factory, and was there
employed until after his marriage, May 8, 1834, to
Mary Olive Wilcox, who was born in Berlin Aug.
7, 1812, daughter of Richard and Olive (Porter)
Wilcox, residents of Berlin, who died respectively
Sept. 23, 1839, and May 27, 1827. His health fail-
ing, he left his father's factory, and in 1840 started
a store at Litchfield. He returned to Berlin eight-
een months later, and there began a mercantile
career, which continued until 1886. He was a li-
censed pharmacist. In 1844 he was elected town
clerk at Berlin, and was for over forty years an-
nually re-elected to that position, until he resigned
in 1886 on account of loss of eyesight. Twice he
vvas elected to represent the town of Berlin in the
State Legislature, 1849 f^nd 1855.
One of the public institutions which Deacon Al-
fred North established at Berlin was the Berlin
Savings Bank. As town clerk of Berlin there came
to him one day to be recorded four mortgages held
by outside parties. The thought occurred to him
that a savings bank should be established at Berlin,
and the interest money thus kept at home. Lead-
ing men of the town, whom he consulted, dis-
couraged the enterprise, but he persevered in his
efforts and applied to S. C. Wilcox, then repre-
senting the town in the State Legislature, to secure
a charter. He expressed the belief that he would
live to see the day when the deposits would amount
to $ioo,oop. The bank was incorporated June 19,
/
626
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1873. Deacon North was elected its first presi-
dent, and continued to hold that position until fail-
ing health, in Julv. 1893, compelled him to retire.
He was the first depositor of the bank, opening an
account in the name of a grandson ; when he at-
tended his last meeting with the directors the de-
posits exceeded $200,000.
With the Second Congregational Church Dea-
con North was connected for sixty-five years. This
church was organized in 1775, and at the head of
the members stands the name of Deacon Isaac
North, the great-great-grandfather of our subject.
The latter was received as a member in 1829, at
the age of eighteen years, by Rev. Samuel Good-
rich, and in 1836 he was elected deacon, resigning
that office at the age of seventy. It is related, as
an instance of the prevailing confidence in his good
sense and knowledge of affairs, that when the new
church was to be built at Berlin he was appointed
to prepare a statement of the amount each member
of the congregation ought to give. It was a dif-
ficult task. Yet the sum which he placed after each
name was cheerfully paid, and the church was built.
He also held the offices of clerk and treasurer of
the Wortliington Ecclesiastical Society, as well as
that of school treasurer. For twenty years he
served faithfully as superintendent of the Sunday-
school, and in the church music he took an active
interest. In his boyhood days our subject was
known as a lad of kindly disposition and generous
acts. He thus early won many friends who clung
to him through life. He was general counselor and
referee of the town. Its people came to him in
their perplexities. He was the trusted friend of
the poor, and his liberality was greater than his
means would well allow. He was very fond of
children, and many of the residents of Berlin re-
member him as one of their warmest childhood
friends.
To our subject and wife were born two chil-
dren, Francis Augustus and Catharine Melinda.
The former was born June 4, 1835, and married, at
Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1867, Elizabeth W. Moore-
head, who was born Dec. 16, 1836. When young
Francis assisted in his father's store, he studied
music with Prof. Barnett, of Hartford. Later he
accepted a position with Andre & Co., publishers of
music, at Philadelphia, and eventually became a
member of the firm. Still later he started in busi-
ness for himself, selling out to Ditson & Co., and
he has since engaged in the manufacture of the
"Lester" piano. He has two children — Alfred
Moorehead, born Feb. 20, 1872, and Robert Lorton,
born Nov. 19, 1873, both of whom have been stu-
dents at Princeton College. Catharine M., the
daughter of our subject, was born March i, 1840.
She assisted her father in his affairs during his
declininp- years, since then continuing as agent for
several fire insurance companies which he repre-
sented.
The death of Deacon North, Jan. 14, 1894, was
• mourned by a wide circle of friends in Berlin, where J
for more than half a century he was known as one
of its kindest, truest, most widely beloved citizens.
Death resulted from pneumonia, following an at- ,,
tack of the "grip." For several days prior to his f
death he lay unconscious, and the end came peace-
fully at the dawn of a bright Sunday morning.
The funeral obsequies were held in the Congrega- \
tional Church, and were unusually well attended. '
One beautiful incident in connection with the serv-
ices was the placing of flowers on the casket by
young children of the Sabbath-school. The in- ;
terment was at Berlin, in the South cemetery.
JEFFERSON HOMER GRIFFIN is an enter-
prising and successful agriculturist of West Suf-
field, and is deserving of special mention in this vol-
ume, not only because of his personal worth but as ;
a representative of a well-known family.
Our subject was born June 27, 1848, in what is
now the town of East Granby, on a farm near the
Sufiield line, the old homestead of his parents,
Homer and Susan J. Griffin. Flomer Griffin was ;
born April 21, 1822, a son of Oliver and Achsah i!l
Griffin, the former of whom was a son of Stephen,
whose father was also named Stephen. Homer
married Susan J. Griffin, of Granby, Nov. 16, 1843,
and settled on his uncle's (the Horace Viets) prop-
erty. He died July 14, 1893. He had one sister,
Betsy, born Sept. 27, 1813, who died Sept. 21,
1882; also had a brother, Imri, who died when
about a year old. To Homer and Susan J. Griffin
were born five children: Jefferson Homer, the
subject proper of this sketch; Flora S., born June
28, 1852, married Lewis Spring, April 24, 1872;
Martin W., born March 8, 1854, is a professor in
Portland (Conn.) High School (he married June
30, 1880, Mary Ricliardson) ; Martha, born Nov.
20, 1861, died Dec. 8, 1864; and Burton L., born
June 25, 1866, lives on the old homestead (he mar-
ried, Oct. 20, 1891, Bertha Beman).
Jefferson H. Griffin, our subject, remained at
home until he reached the age of twenty-five, his „
education being obtained in the local schools, and in
1873 settled in West Suffield upon the Horace Viets
property, a tract of seventy-one acres near Copper
Hill. For twent3'-five years he has devoted his
attention to general farming, dairying, stock-rais-
ing and tobacco culture, meeting with good results.
His honesty and good-will have made hiin many
friends, and he and his family are active in religious
work as members of the Methodist Church at Copper
Hill. Politically he is a Democrat, but he has never
sought or held office. On Oct. 29, 1873, he was mar-
ried, in Copper Flill, to Miss Amanda Louise
Spring, of Granby, and six children have blessed ,
the union : Gerie L. ; Bertha M. ; Birney E. ; Clayton
W., who died in childhood ; Mabel C, aiul
Gladys M.
The Spring family is of good Colonial stock.
and John Spring, the first of the name in this conn-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(J-Jl
try, came from the West of England in 17 — , and
located upon a farm at Uxbridge, Alass., wliere his
remaining years were spent.
Ephraiin Spring, son of the pioneer, was born
Jan. y, 1708, and settled in early manhood at Reho-
Iiolh, Mass., where he engaged in farming. He
married JMary Bowen, daughter of Mary Davis,
daughter 6i Jonathan Davis, who once held a com-
mission as a justice of the peace under the Eng-
lish Crown. They had four children : Sarah and
Ephraim, both of whom were burned to death ;
Thomas and Lavina.
Thomas Spring, the next in the line of descent,
was born at Rehoboth, I\Iass., June 3, 1737, and
when a young man removed to this section, locat-
ing upon a farm in the town of Granby, then a part
of the town of Simsbury. On April 30, 1761, he
was married there to Mary Gozzard (now spelled
Goddard), who was born in that locality Oct. i,
1739, daughter of Aaron and JMary (fiuckley)
Gozzard. She died April 6, 1789, he on March 24,
1825, and the remains of both now rest in Granby,
Conn. Of their children, the eldest, Mary, born
Eeb. I, 1762, married Albert Reed, and was the
mother of thirteen children. Ephraim, born Jan.
2, 1764, died in June, 1833. Thomas (jNIrs. Griffin's
grandfather) is mentioned more fully below. Syl-
vester, born June 26, 1767, married Sarah Dibble in
1789. Sarah S., born Dec. 15, 1769, married Elihu
Burr, of Ohio, and died April 4, 1839. A child
born March 21, 1772, died in infancy. Aurelia. born
Sept. 2, 1774, married Nathan Goddard. Cyril born
Sept. II, 1776, married Rosetta Dibble, of Granby.
Samuel, born June 5, 1780, married Cleopatra God-
dard, of Granby.
Thomas Spring, grandfather of Mrs. Griffin,
was born in Granby Oct. 15, 1765, and followed
farming there throughout his life, being the owner
of a fine homestead. Politically he v^'as a Demo-
crat, and as a citizen he was much esteemed. On
July 9, 1795, he married Jerusha Pomeroy. Of
his ten children, Aurora, born May 29, 1796, mar-
ried Josiah Searles Jan. 29, 1818. Thomas, born
May 13, 1798, was crippled for life by a cut from
an axe; he was married Feb. 4, 1824, to Candace
Holcomb, daughter of Ebenezer and Chloe Holcomb.
She was born June 20, 1804, and died June 25,
1869, and his death occurred June 5, 1868. Jerusha,
born ^larch 23, 1800, died young. Jerusha (2),
born March 14, 1801, died Oct. 27, 1844. Maria,
born June 14, 1803, died Jan. 7, 1804. Maria (2),
born Nov. 29, 1804, married Riley Dibble Nov. 26,
1826, and died Aug. 29, 1893. Albert, born Sept.
15, 1S07, died Sept. 13, 1S13. George, father of
Mrs. Griffin, was the eighth in order of birth. Rox-
anna, born Aug. 8, 1812, married ^May 21, 1850,
Seth Gillet, born July 22, 1805, son of Rudolph and
Eunice (Cushman) Gillet. Albert, born June 9,
1816, died Oct. 10, 1850. in California.
George Spring, Mrs. Griffin's father, was born
Feb. 20, 1810, at the old homestead in Granby, and
received a common-school education. He learned
the trade of carpenter and joiner, but after following
it some years successfully engaged in farming on a
tract of one hundred acres in his native town. He
was liberal in his religious views, and in politics he
was a lifelong Democrat. His habits were strictly
temperate, and his excellent qualities of character
won for him the respect of his fellow citizens, who
frequently elected him to local oflke. On Nov. 10,
1835. lie married Mahala Holcomb, who was born
May 22, 181 1, and died .May 3, 1894. His death
occurred June 12, 1883, and the mortal remains
of both are interred in Copper Hill cemetery. They
had a family of six children, of whom (i) Cor-
delia Elmira, born Nov. 17, 1836, is now living in
Southwick, Mass. She married Edward Steer, who
was born May 20, 1820, a son of Abel and Alma
Steer, and died Nov. 17, 1889. {2) Amanda
Louise, born April i, 1841, died Jan. 21, 1844. (3)
Monroe George, born JMay 22, 1845, resides in
Southwick, Mass. He was married Alay 3, 1871,
to Anna Philips, who died in ]\Iay, 1887. (4)
Thomas Madison, born Feb. 20, 1847, died Dec. 21,
1 888. On June 9, 1869, he married Nora Ruick,
who died Aug. 7, 1873, and subsequently, in Nov-
ember, 1874, he wedded Laura Bradt, who passed
away in May, 1886. (5) Lewis Cass, born Jan. 21,
1851, is a farmer in Granby, Conn. On April 24,
1872, he married Flora Susan Griffin, sister of our
subject. (6) Amanda Louise (^Mrs. Griffin) was
born June 5, 1854.
CHARLES R. GRISWOLD, a leading druggist
of Hartford, was born Nov. 5, 1852, in Bloomfield,
Hartford county, of a well-known family mentioned
elsewhere.
Noah Griswold, the father of our subject, was
born in Bloomfield, at the old homestead now occu-
pied by Timothy E. Griswold. Throughout his lite
he was engaged in farming in that town, and at his
death his remains were interred there. In politics he
was first a Whig, then a Republican, and for many
years he was an active member of the Baptist
Church. His wife, Ruth R. Loomis (now deceased ) ,
was a daughter of Ira Loomis, of Windsor, Conn.
Of their four children our subject was the youngest,
(i) Noah Loomis died in 1863, while serving as a
member of the 24th Wis. V. I.: (2) Rhoda A. mar-
ried Wiliam H. Harvey, of Windsor: and (3 ) Frank
W., a resident of Bloomfield, married }iliss Mary
S. Goodrich, of Windsor.
Charles R. Griswold began his education in the
public schools of Bloomfield, later atending the
Bloomfield Academy. In 1869 he went to Hartford
as clerk for S. G. Closes & Co., with whom he re-
mained eleven years, his home being with Mr. Moses
during that time. In 1880 he engaged in business
with F. P. Dickinson, at No. 555 Main street, under
the firm name of F. P. Dickinson & Co., and in 1882
they removed to the present store at No. 11 29 Main,
the firm being reorganized as Dickinson & Gris-
62><
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wold. In 1885 Mr. Griswold purchased his part-
ner's interest, and he has since continued alone,
giving special attention to work as a botanic drug-
gist in addition to the general features of his
business.
In 1880 Mr. Griswold was married in Hartford
to Miss Eva M. Fisher, daughter of Charles F.
Fisher, and four children have blessed the union :
Alice R. ; Harriet Ethel; Robert Noah (i), who
died in infancy; and Robert Noah (2). Mr. Gris-
wold and his family are popular in social life, and
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and B.
H. Webb Council, R. A. For five years he was con-
nected with the Governor's Foot Guard, and his
standing in his calling makes him a valued member
of the State and City Pharmaceutical Associations.
HENRY WEBSTER CHARTER. The suc-
cessful lives of such men as the one whose name
opens this sketch afford the best refutation to the
slanderous statement that "New England offers no
opportunity for poor boys to attain wealth and dis-
stinction." Self-made, and to no inconsiderable de-
gree self-educated, he has climbed the ladder of
success rung by rung, wholly through his own
pluck and pertinacity.
Henry W. Charter is the youngest of the ten
children of Samuel Charter, and was born in the
town of Tolland, Tolland county, July 7, 1837. His
father was drowned when our subject was an in-
fant of a year, and the necessities of the family
obliged him to begin life's battles for himself when
he had scarcely passed his tenth birthday. His
first employment was on a farm, and for his serv-
ices he was boarded and clothed, being "permitted,
however, to attend the district school during the
winter term. After two years so spent he began
working in the woolen mills, but this proved too
laborious for his strength, and within a few months
he again sought work upon a farm. Later he
opened a grocery store at Hartford, which he con-
ducted for a year or more, and at the end of that
time went to live on the farm of his father-in-law,
Dan Warner, where he remained for four years.
He then purchased land in the town of Tolland,
on which he remained only a year. His next pur-
chase was in the town of Vernon, and after twelve
months' residence he disposed of that property and
bought the old "Talcott" farm, on which he lived
for four years. His next (and last) move was to
Manchester. The farm which he bought there
proved a very valuable investment, a considerable
portion of the land having been sold as building
lots.
Mr. Charter was married, Jan. 20, 1858, to Jane
Elizabeth Warner, by whom he has had seven chil-
dren, only four of whom are living: Minnie, the
eldest, married J. J. Strickland, of Manchester.
Addie is the wife of Wilbert S. Lothrop, of Chi-
cago. Henry married Jennie M. Belmer, of Rock-
ville, and resides in Manchester. Rose is the wife
of Louis S. Fitch, and resides in California. Po-
litically Mr. Charter is a Prohibitionist, and in re-
ligious connection he is an active member of the
Second Congregational Church.
This sketch would be incomplete without some
mention of Mrs. Charter, who has proved an in-
valuable helpmeet to her husband, and by her frugal
and industrious habits has done her full share
toward aiding in his success. She was born Jan.
22, 1840, in Ellington, Tolland county, daughter
of Dan and Mary (Chaffee) Warner, both of whom
were natives of Connecticut. The mother died in
Ellington in 1858, the father in 1880. Their chil-
dren were : Lydia, who died in childhood ; George
R., a clergyman, of Hartford ; Jane Elizabeth, Mrs.
Charter ; Lemuel, now a resident of Brooklyn, N.
Y. (he served during the Civil war in the nth
Conn. V. I.) ; Dan, a traveling salesman; and Mary,,
who was drowned when seventeen years old.
FRANK E. CORBIN was born Dec. 13, 1849,
at Hartford, a son of Hezekiah H. Corbin, and a de-
tailed statement of his genealogical line may be
found in the sketch of his brother, Willis P. Corbin,
elsewhere. His early educational advantages were
such as were obtainable at the common schools, also
at the public high school, of which Prof. Peck was
principal, graduating from the latter in the spring
of 1867. While his scholastic training was not lib-
eral, he was thoroughly grounded in those branches
which form the basis of a practical, business training.
On leaving school Mr. Corbin went to work upon
his grandfather's farm, at West Hartford, where he
remained for about eighteen months. Tiring of a
farm life he came to New Britain, and entered his
father's paper box manufactory as a common work-
man. On Jan. i, 1870, he was taken into partner-
ship, the firm name being H. H. Corbin & Son. In
February, 1890, he withdrew from partnershp with
his father, and, in connection with John B. Minor,
formed a corporation known as the Minor & Corbin
Box Co., to carry on the same line of business. A
portion of the plant had originally belonged to James
H. Minor, and its capacity has been more than
doubled since Mr. Corbin gave to the enterprise the
benefit of his business skill and experience. The
output is readily taken by the manufacturers of
New Britain, and the trade of the company is con-
stantly increasing. On Jan. i, 1900, Mr. Corbin
sold out his share in the Minor & Corbin Box Co.
to Mr. Minor (the firm name is still Minor & Cor-
bin), Mr. Corbin retiring on account of poor health.
Mr Corbin's political affiliation has always been
with the Republican party, in the advancement of
whose interests he IVas ever taken a keen interest.
While never seeking office, his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his integrity and capability, have vir-
tually thrust official honor upon him. He has twice
represented the Third ward of New Britain in the
Common Council, in which body he has served as
chairman of the committee on Finance, and he
V
^
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^^^^^^^^^^^fKtmt
"^^^^^1
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it^
^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
629
is a director of tlic Y. i\I. C. A. He is a Thirty-
secoiul-ilogree Mason, and has always been active in
the work of the Masonic Fraternity not only in Hart-
ford county but also in the State at large. He was
master of Centennial Lodge, and is connected with
Gidding Chapter, Doric Council, Washington Com-
niandery, and Sphinx Temple. He is also a member
of the knights of Pythias and of the Royal Arca-
num, as well as of the New England Order of Pro-
tection, the Sons of the Revolution, and the New
Britain Club. He was one of the charter members
of the New England Order of Protection, and is a
past regent of the Royal Arcanum.
In religious faith jMr. Corbin is a Baptist, and
he is chairman of the finance committee of the church
of that denomination in New Britain. On Sept.
18. 1872, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Whiting,
■who was born on Sept. 2, 1850, a daughter of George
N. Whiting, of West Hartford. A brief mention
of the children born to them will be found of interest,
(i) Minnie, born July 20, 1873, graduated from the
Normal School in 1892 ; on Oct. 14, i8g7 she became
the wife of James T. Powell, of New Britain, son
of the late Rev. James Powell; Mr. Powell is now
a salesman for the Stanley Rule & Level Co. (2)
Wilbur R., was born Jan. 17, 1875, graduated in
1896 from Yale College with the degree of Mechan-
ical Engineer, and is now in the employ of the P. &
1'. Corbin Lock Co. On June 13, 1899, he married
Rebekah Howe Morse, daughter of Gardner Morse,
cf New Haven, and July 3, 1900, a son, Gardner
IMorse Corbin, was born to them. (3) Bertha E., born
May ig, i877,completed her education at Rye Sem-
inary, Rye, N. Y. ; she is at present living at home.
(4) George L., born June 28, 1878, graduated in
1897 from the New Britain High School. He went
to Worcester Academy a year, in the following
summer enering the employ of the Corbin Cabinet
Co., and is now a traveling salesman in the South for
that firm. (5) JMary Ann" born Dec. 22, 1879, grad-
uated from the New Britain High School in 1898,
and in 1899 from the Ossining School at Sing Sing,
New York.
FRANKLIN DWIGHT JONES, a leading ag-
riculturist of Berlin, is a native of Hartford county,
born in Avon, Sept. 28, 1830, a son of Benjamin
and LTrsula (Thurston) Jones. The mother died
when our subject was between five and six years of
age, and was buried in Hartford. For his second
wife the father married Philinda C. Loomis, of Glas-
tonbury, who died about sixteen years ago, and was
buried at that place. In early life he worked at
the mason's trade, and later followed farming.' He
died in Glastonbury thirty years ago, at the age of
sixty-eight.
When six years old our subject left home and
spent one summer with his grandmother in Avon.
He then went to Hopkinton, ^lass., where the fol-
lowing four years w&re passed in farm work during
the summer, and in attending school during the win-
ter. He next lived with his father in Springfield for
two years, and then worked on dilterent farms in
Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., until sixteen years of
age. Going to Worcester, Mass., he worked in a wire
mill for one winter, and on his return to Windsor
made a contract with Morgan Straiten to work for
him until attaining his majority, and to receive one
huntlred dollars in money, board, schooling, etc. At
the end of two years, however, his employer changed
his business, and otu" subject received forty dollars
for his labor — the first money he had ever made,
though at that time he was nineteen years of age.
He next worked for Leverett Ellsworth, of Wind-
sor, for seven months, receiving eleven dollars per
month. His aunt gave him a bank book and five
dollars in money, and he put fifty dollars of the last
amount and liis first forty dollars in the bank. To
this he subsequently added until, at the age of twen-
ty-one, he had saved $200. In October, 1852, he
went to Ohio, and lived in the town of Fowler,
Trumbull Co.. but in the following March he re-
turned to Windsor. In December, 1854, he went
with some friends to Iowa, and spent four years
farming in that State and in Missouri. On his re-
turn to Windsor he was employed as brakeman on
freight and passenger trains on the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad for three years, but since
then his time and attention have been devoted to
agricultural pursuits. Fie has made his home in
Berlin since 1867. Mr. Jones is also a director in
the Mattabessett Canning Co., of Berlin.
On Oct. 5, 1852, Mr. Jones married Miss Clar-
issa King, who was born in Windsor, Feb. 16, 1831,
and died March 15, 1885. By this union two chil-
dren were born: (i) Cornelia Elizabeth, born in
Lewis county. Mo., Sept. 24, 1856, married David
Clark Webster, of Newington, Conn., and they now
live in Berlin. They have two children, Ada M.,
born July 30, 1878, is a stenographer for the Amer-
ican Paper Goods Co., of Berlin ; and Edith, born
April 7, 1885, is at home. (2) George Benjamin,
born in Missouri, Feb. 6, 1859, is postmaster and
station agent at Beckley, Hartford county. Hs
married Kate Andrus, and a brief record of their
children is as follows: Mabel, born Alay i, iSSo,
married ^^'illiam J. Seibert, of Beckley, Conn.,
Aug. 20, 1900, and they reside in Beckley.
Franklyn S., born Oct. 17, 1881, is in the
employ of the Adams Express Co. at New
Britain. Benjamin C, born Alay 22, 1883, is em-
ployed in the ofiice of the P. & T. Corbin Co., New
Britain. Flarry H., born Feb. 22, 1884, died Nov.
4, 1898. Arthur L., born Nov. 11, 1886, and William
H., born Aug. 17, 1S89, are both attending school.
For his second wife Mr. Jones married, Dec. 4,
1885, Mrs. Caroline Elizabeth (Porter) Steele, who
was born July 26, 1834, in the house where they now
live, in the Beckley Quarter of Berlin, and is one of
a family of eight children. She was first married,
July 8,'i86i,"to Charles Edward Steele, of West
Hartford, a painter by trade, who was a member of
630
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Company H, 12th Conn. V. L, and was killed in a
battle near Pattersonville, La. By that union there
was one child, Clarence Burt Steele, born Nov. 3,
1862, and died May 9, 1889.
Lotan Porter, Mrs. Jones' father, was born
Nov. 19, 1799, and died in 1858. He was a surveyor
b}^ profession, but for twenty terms he engaged' in
school teaching, and spent his last days in farming.
He always took an active and prominent part in local
politics and public affairs, and served as tax collec-
tor in his town. On Oct. 28, 1822, he married Miss
Clarissa Porter Beckley, who was born Dec. 9, 1799,
in the house where our subject and his wife now live,
it having been built in 1787. Mrs. Jones' paternal
grandfather, Moses Porter, was also a native of
the Beckley Quarter, and died May 28, 1850, at the
age of seventy-three years. He was a very modest
man, of a mild disposition, and was a farmer by
occupation. He married Rhoda Smith, who died in
1848, at the age of seventy-one years. His father,
Aaron Porter, died Nov. 14, 1820, at the advanced
age of ninety-one. He was a deacon in the Congre-
gational Church of Berlin. His wife, Rhoda, died
March 25, 1807, at the age of seventy-three years,
and was buried in Berlin.
During the Civil war Franklin D. Jones enlisted
in the nine-months' service as a member of Company
A, 22nd Conn. V. I., and was mustered in at Wind-
sor, Sept. 2, 1862. With his regiment he was sta-
tioned most of the time on Minor's Hill, and at Ar-
lington Heights, to defend Washington, D. C. He
was a stanch supporter of the Republican party for
many years, but, believing the liquor question the
most important issue before the people, he has voted
with the Prohibition party for the past sixteen
years. He served as grand juror two years,
but has never cared for official honors. At the age
of twenty years he joined the Methodist Church in
Windsor, and is now an active and prominent mem-
ber of the church in Berlin, having served as super-
intendent of the Sunday-school in West Granby and
Berlin for twenty years. His wife holds member-
ship in the Congregational Church, and both merit
and receive the respect and esteem of all who know
them.
CHARLES HAWLEY HODGE, a well-known
resident of Glastonbury, has been identified with
the express business for many j'ears, conducting a
line between Glastonbury and Hartford, and his
promptness, reliability and unfailing courtesy have
won for him a large trade.
The Hodge family is of pioneer stock, four
brothers of the name having come from England
at an earl}^ day to settle in Glastonbury. Of these,
Elizur I~[odge, our subject's great-grandfather, lo-
cated in South Glastonbury, on the farm now owned
by Horace Walker, and spent his remaining years
there. Among his children was a son Elizur.
Elizur Plodge (2), our subject's grandfather,
followed farming at the old homestead through-
out his life. He married, and had thirteen children,
among whom were two sons, Elijah and Elisha
(twins).
Elisha Hodge, father of our subject, owned a
small farm, but as he had a large family he often
worked out by the day to increase his income. He
died Jan. 14, 1865, and his widow, Mrs. Sarah J.
(Blish) Hodge, a native of Buckingham, now re-
sides with our subject. They had the following
children : Timothy married Maria Weir, and set-
tled on a farm in East Glastonbury ; Martha mar-
ried Tyler Hunt, a baker in Rockville; Ellen mar-
ried George Perkins, a carpenter in Wethersfield;
Charles H., our subject, was the fourth in order
of birth ; Isabelle married Arthur Dickinson, an
electrician at Rockville, Conn. ; Emma, who mar-
ried first William Grimes, and later Frank Morton,
died in 1896; Adaline married Perry Church, a car-
penter, in Middletown; and Jennie died in early
womanhood.
Our subject was born Aug. 29, 1851, in East
Glastonbury, had a very limited education, leaving
school at the age of twelve, and after his father's
death was obliged to make his own way and assist
in the support of the family. He worked at odd
jobs, and lived at home for two years, when he
secured work with a Mr. Hunt, of Bolton, with
whom he remained a short time only. He then
came to Glastonbury, and worked seventeen years
for an uncle, Hudson Hollister, and while with
him he was kept busy many times from sunrise un-
til midnight. He would haul stone from East
Glastonbury to Hartford, unload it, and then drive
to the Meadows of Wethersfield and bring a load
of hay home, often taking eighteen hours for the
trip. He remained in the employ of his uncle un-
til 187.8, when he secured work with Case Bros.,
who owned the paper-mill near F. B. Clark's pres-
ent factory. Mr. Hodge drove a team for Case
Bros, for seven years, and in 1886, seeing an open-
ing for a bus line between Glastonbury and Hart-
ford, he bought a pair of horses and a bus that
seated twelve people. This he ran for about six
weeks, and met with such success that he added
one seating twenty-five people, while later he had
three buses and ten horses in use at times. The
completion of the electric line destroyed all passen-
ger traffic, but as he has started an express and
baggage line in connection with the bus line he
continued that as before, making a trip to Hartford
daily. Mr. Hodge is a Democrat in politics, al-
though his father was a Republican. He is a
member of Daskam Lodge, F. & A. M., in which
he has held various offices, and of which at • this
writing he is master, and member of Putnam
Phalanx, of which he is now sergeant. He attends
the Episcopal Church, all of his family being mem-
bers thereof.
On Dec. 17, 1878, Mr. Hodge was married to
Miss Emma Hollister, a native of Binghamton, N.
Y., and they have two children : Lewis and Rcva.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(!31
DWICHT HENRY LEWIS, a prominent
stonemason and representative citizen of South-
I ington, was born in tlie Marion District of that
town June 15, 1843, a son of Luman and Patience
.Maria (Foot) Lewis. The father, who is still liv-
ing, was born March i, 1803, and was married
Nov. 22, 1826, to Miss Patience Maria, daughter
of Robert and Diadamia (Hitchcock) Foot. By
this union were born the following children : Addie
C ; George F. ; Emma J., wife of Bernard Kennedy ;
James L. ; Sarah M., wife of Joseph C. Long; and
i) wight H.
Reuben Lewis, our subject's paternal grand-
father, was born Aug. 16, 1772, and wedded Mary
Hall, daughter of Curtiss and Rachel (Beecher)
Hall, of Wolcott. She died June 19, 1843, aged
sixty-eight years, and his death occurred March
28, 1836. His father, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, was
born in December, 1747, in Southington, and was
married Feb. 15, 1769, to Sarah Gridley, who died
Aug. II, 1809. He lived on the mountain-side in
the eastern part of Wolcott, and was prominent in
town and church afTairs after that town was set off
from Southington. He died Feb. 24, 1839, and on
his gravestone was inscribed "an honest man." He
was a son of Nathan Lewis, who was born Jan. 23,
1707, and was married July 28, 1730, to Mary
Gridley, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Hum-
phrey) Gridley. He made his home in the Marion
District of Southington, where he died Sept. 7,
1799. He was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth
Lewis. Samuel Lewis was born Aug. 18, 1648,
held the military rank of sergeant, and died Nov.
28, 1752. His father, William Lewis, was born in
England, and in 1644 was a resident of Farming-
ton, Hartford Co., Conn., where he served as first
recorder of the town after its incorporation in
1645. He was married first to Mary Hopkins, of
A\"indsor, and second to Ji'Iary Cheever, of New
Haven. His death occurred Aug. 18, 1690. He
was a son of William and Felix Lewis, who came
from England in the ship "Lion," and landed in
Boston in September, 1632. He was admitted a
freeman in November of that year, and joined the
Braintree company, which, in August, 1633, re-
moved to Newtown (Cambridge). In 1836 he
came with a company to Hartford, and in 1659
again moved, becoming one of the founders of
Hadley, Mass., which town he represented in the
General Court in 1662. He resided in Northamp-
ton, Mass., in 1664, and in 1677 removed to Farm-
ington, Hartford Co., Conn., where he died Aug.
2, 1683.
On the old homestead in the Marion District
Dwight H. Lewis passed his early life, and obtained
his_ education in the common schools of that lo-
cality. At the age of fourteen he began an appren-
ticeship to the stonemason's trade under his father,
and finished the same in Waterbury, Conn. Since
then he has followed that vocation, having been a
contractor for several years. On Aug. 28, 1862, he
laid aside all personal interests and entered the
service of his country, as a member of Company
E, 20th Conn. V. L He took part in a number of
important engagements, and after two years ancj
ten months of arduous service was honorably dis-
charged. During the battle of Gettysburg, in July,
1S63, lie was wounded.
Mr. Lewis was married, May 28, 1867, to Miss
Julia Johnson, of Southington, and to them have
been born two children: Sarah M., wife of Al-
bert Rickel : and Ella M., wife of Emil Zickwolf.
Fraternally ^Ir. Lewis is a member of the Masons
Union, and politically he is identified with the Re-
publican part}'.
WILLL^M H. ATKINS, florist at Burnside,
was born in Westfield, Mass., Sept. 8, 1866. and is an
excellent type of citizen. He began business in
Burnside in 1890, with ver\- little capital, but by close
attention to the needs of his patrons and honest
business methods has built up an extensive trade,
which is rapidly increasing.
William H. Atkins, father of our subject, was
born in Westfield, Mass., was a farmer, and passed
his entire life in his native town. He married Miss
Annie Wilson, a native of Roslyn, L. I., N. Y., and a
daughter of John Wilson, a cabinet-maker and fur-
niture ware dealer, and to this marriage came six
children: Margaret, who was born Nov. 30, 1863,
and was married Sept. 20, 1897, to Horace F. Carl-
ton, a civil engineer on the West End street railroad
in Boston, Mass. ; William FL, the subject of this
sketch; David F., born Dec. lO, 1869, who is a
draftsman in Auburn, N. Y, and was married June
27, 1900, to Helen M. Burgess, of that place, and
two sons and one daughter. Otto, Flenry and Sarah,
who died young and were buried at Westfield.
William H. Atkins, whose name stands at the
opening of this article, attended the public schools
of Westfield. and after a three-years' course at the
high school went to the Massachusetts Agricultural
College, from which he graduated in 1886. in a class
of sixteen. He then entered the employ of the
Lovett Nursery Co., at Little Silver, N. J. After ac-
customing himself to nursery work and methods,
he became bookkeeper and cashier. Thence he came
to Hartford and was employed by G. \V. Atwood,
florist, and after two years' experience here he
bought his present place in Burnside, from Henry
Harrison. On the eight acres which comprise
this home he has erected several large and complete
greenhouses. At first he gave his attention to market
gardening, but finding the demand for flowers in-
creasing, he transferred his energies in that direc-
tion, and is now devoting all his time to the produc-
tion of carnations and violets — two specialties with
which he is very successful.
In politics Air. Atkins is liberal in local matters,
but votes with the Democratic party on National
questions. Fie belongs to no secret society, and in
632
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
religious matters lie is a Congregationalist, attending
the Center church at East Hartford. He is very
conscientious and upright in his dealings, and his
success in business is an evidence of the high esteem
in which he is held.
1
ALLYN M. WILSON, a prominent repre-
sentative of the agricultural interests of the town
of Windsor, was born Nov. 21, 1830, at what is
now known as Wilson Station, of which he is the
founder and which was named in his honor.
The Wilson family in America is descended from
Rev. John Wilson, who came from England and
located in Boston. The branch of the family in
Windsor traces its ancestry back to Samuel and
Mary (Griffin) Wilson, who were married May i,
1672. Their son. Deacon John Wilson, was born
May 24, 1686, and was married, June 16, 1709, to
Mary Marshall, who died Aug. 10, 1774, while his
death occurred Feb. 11, 1772. Joel Wilson, the
son of this worthy couple, was born April 17, 1718,
and married Abigail Loomis. Their son, Moses
Wilson, was born in Windsor Sept. 11, 1748. He
was a short, thick-set man, a farmer by occupation,
and resided near the Green, across the river from
Windsor Center. For his first wife he married
Huldah Allyn, who died May 4, 1816, and he later
wedded Wealthy A. Barnes. His death occurred
May 24, 1837. By the first union Henry, the fa-
ther of our subject, was born in 1785. He was
reared as a farmer boy, and received a common-
school education. When a young man he was em-
ployed by Dr. Sill, having charge of that gentle-
man's farm, and while there was married, in 1809,
to Miss Eleanor Loomis. They began housekeep-
ing upon a place belonging to that gentleman, and
in 181 1 located on the farm where the son now
lives, which at that time was also owned by Dr.
Sill. Later the father purchased this property, to
which he added from time to time, as his financial
resources would permit, until he had about 300
acres of land. For some years he and his eldest
son, Henry, engaged in business in partnership as
farmers and brick manufacturers. He was thor-
oughly a self-made man, and deserved great credit
for the success that he achieved in life. He weighed
over 200 pounds, was quite robust, and was always
a hard worker. In politics he was a Democrat, and
took an active interest in the success of his party.
During his later years he suffered from rheuma-
tism, and he died Feb. 17, 1849, at the age of sixty-
four years. His wife departed this life Oct. 13,
1851, at the age of sixty-two. In their family
were three children: (i) Henry, born Feb. 10,
1810, died Nov. 17, 1852. (2) Samuel, 'born in
1827, died April 10, 1828. (3) Allyn M., our
subject, is the youngest.
Allyn M. Wilson began his education in the
First district school, which school in those days was
a test for any teacher's discipline and too great a
test for many of them. Being a jolly boy, he en-
joyed his school days, but did not take as kindly to
his books as he should. Later he was given good
school privileges, and was a student in Windsor
and Wilbraham Academies and a private school at
Ellington. When his school days were over he
commenced working on the home farm, and as he
was only eighteen years of age when his father
died he was early thrown upon his own resources.
Like many of the farmers at that time he also en-
gaged in brickmaking, and in later years was very
extensively engaged in that business, and manu-
factured as many as 4,000,000 brick in one season.
He made most of the brick for the large insurance
buildings in Hartford. During the hard times of
1873 he met with severe losses, and in 1876 retired
from the business. Then for a number of vears he
raised considerable tobacco, but of late years he has
devoted his energies to general farming almost ex-
clusively. His farm comprises one hundred acres,
and the New York, New Haven & Hartford rail-
road passes through the place. In 1870 Mr. Wilson
conceived the idea of having a station put in on
his premises, and canvassed that portion of the town
that would be directly benefited, but found no
supporters willing to aid him financially. Not dis-
couraged, however, he and his two nephews, Sam-
uel H. and Frederick N., with the true Wilson
characteristic "persistency," carried the matter
through by erecting a depot at their own expense,
called Wilson Station ; they also furnished the com-
pany three acres of land for grading purposes,
and in consideration the company agreed to stop
four trains daily on signal. This number has been
increased from time to time until fourteen are now
scheduled to stop. At this time they opened up Wil-
son avenue frrom the main road to the station. Since
then Mr. Wilson has sold off a number of lots at
that place, making of it a pleasant little suburban
village. He is widely and favorably known, and as
a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has done
much to advance the interests of his community
and promote the public welfare. He is an ardent
supporter of the Democratic party, but never a pol-
itician in the sense of office seeking.
On Oct. 14, 1853, Mr. Wilson was united in
marriage with Miss Ellen A. Barber, and four chil-
dren came to this union, namely : ( i ) Wilbur A.,
born June 30, 1855, died May 8, 1858. (2) Arthur
M., born Sept. 15, 1857, was married, Oct. 21, 1884,
to Agnes A. Phelps, and is now vice-president and
treasurer of the E. S. Kibbe Co., wliolesale grocers,
Hartford; he resides at the home of his father. (3)
Harry H., born Dec. 6, 1863, died Oct. 2, 1872.
(4) Leland P., born April 25, 1871, was married,
Oct. I, 1896, to N. Belle Dickson, and is in the
employ of the Connecticut Fire Insurance Co., of
Hartford, living in a house adjoining that of his
parents. The Wilson house, where our subject and
his wife have passed all their married life, has
stood for nearly 150 years, but it has been improved
many times. Mrs. Wilson is a lover of plants, and
^M-
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
033
finds great pleasure in their care. She was the
(laughter of Warren Marsh Barber, a native of
Windsor, who was born Sept. 21, 1800, and married
Sarah Gaylord, who died when Mrs. Wilson, their
only child, was fourteen years of age. ]\lr. iiarber
passed away in 1882.
SAMUEL HASTINGS STEARNS. The
jirogress of a coniniunity depends no less upon the
]iublic spirit of its citizens than upon their character,
and the thriving little city of New Britain is to be
congratulated upon being able to call into its service
a man like our subject, whose sound, conservative
judgment is now devoted to the different problems
conneced with the construction of a sewerage dispo-
sal system there. As chairman of the sewer commis-
sioners he has shown the same energy and ability
which have won him success in business life, and
the interests of the city are enti ely safe in his
hands.
Mr. Stearns was born Dec. 14, 1851, in War-
wick, Mass., and comes of good New England
stock. John Stearns, his father, was born Sept. 25,
1819, and died March 31, 1893; his wife, Mary Car-
oline, born July 12, 1820, died July 19, 1888, and
both dated their ancestors back over two hundred
and sixty years in this country. Of their children,
the eldest, Charles H., born Nov. 4, 1844, died Sept.
6, 1846 ; Mary Salina, born at Winchester, N. H.,
Sept. 27, 1847, died March 25, 1892; Yeaton J.,
born at Winchester, N. H., May 19, 1849, resides in
New Britain, Conn. ; Samuel H. comes next in the
order of birth ; William G., born at Westport, April
19, 1S53, died June 3, 1855 ; George L., born in Brat-
tleboro, \^t., July 26, 1857, is now employed in the
New Britain machine shops ; Hattie Lucretia, born
in Warwick, May 25, 1861, married William V.
Andress, of New Britain, contractor in the Stanley
Rule & Level Co.
Samuel H. Stearns was educated chiefly in the
schools of Warwick, but also attended school in Brat-
tleboro, Vt., for a short time, his parents having re-
sided there for a few years previous to 1857. He
had excellent common-school advantages, attending:
both wmter and summer, and also studied for one
term in the Center school at Warwick, then con-
ducted by a clergyman of the village. On leaving
school, at the age of eighteen, he engaged in farming,
continuing until his removal to New Britain in 1872,
when he became associated with his father in the
Stanley Rule & Level Co., as contractor. After
four years he entered the Union Works at New
Britain, with which he was identified for twelve
years ; he traveled for that company through Alich-
igan, Indiana, and Ohio, being quite successful as a
salesman. On retiring from that line of work he
soon afterward took his present position in the ma-
chine room of the rule shop, where he has been em-
ployed about twelve years. For ten years he has
served as president of the New Britain Savings &
Loan Association, having succeeded the first presi-
dent, John Dyson, while his brother, Yeaton J., is
secretary of the society. l'"or eight years he has
been president of the Sovereign Trading Co., as the
choice of the board of directors, and the institution
has flourished under his able administration, num-
bering at present 200 members. As he is fond of
reading he has kept well posted on the questions of
the day, and for years he has been one of the lead-
ing advisers of the local Republican organization. At
one time he was a member of the Republican town
committee, and his influence in municipal affairs is
shown by his election as a member of the common
council previous to his appointment to his present
duties, at the head of the Sewer commission.
Mr. Stearns married Miss Florence H. Jackson,
a daughter of Galen Jackson, a native of Alassachu-
setts, and two children have blessed this union:
George F., who graduated from the Philadelphia
Dental College J\Iay 4, 1900, and opened an office in
New Britain ; and Eva F., a graduate of New Brit-
ain High School June 19, 1900, now at home. The
family is prominent in social life, and Mr. Stearns
is a member of Flarmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A.
M., in. which he was master for two years.
GEORGE W. BARNES, an honored citizen of
the town of Windsor, and a worthy representative
of its agricultural interests, was born in the house
where he now lives, Feb. i, 1841, a son of William
and Catherine C. (Hillyer) Barnes. Flis grandfa-
ther, Abel Barnes, was a resident of Waterloo, N.
Y., at one time, and was employed in the mills at
that place, but the greater part of his life was de-
voted to farming in Windsor town, where his death
occurred. He married Abigail Heath,, and to
them were born four children, namely: William,
father of our subject ; Joseph B., who was for a
term of 3'ears superintendent of the county building
at Hartford, but is now a resident of Springfield,
Mass.; Harriet, widow of William Allen, of Bloom-
field, Conn. ; and Julia A., who married Oliver \V.
Marshall, and died in Windsor.
William Barnes was born at W^arehouse Point,
East Windsor town, Hartford county, and was
reared in much the usual manner of farmer bovs of
his day, his education being acquired in the common
schools. He was always handy with tools, but never
learned a trade, and remained at home until his mar-
riage. He wedded Miss Catherine C. Hillyer, a na-
tive of Granby, and a daughter of Theodore Hillyer,
who was a farmer, and served as guard for some
years at the old State prison at East Granby. After
his marriage Mr. Barnes resided for a time with his
brother-in-law, John Hillyer. for whom he worked
as a wheelwright, and later followed the same trade
i:; shops at dift'erent places. Early in the 'forties
he embarked in the manufacture of brick, and made
his home longest at the place where our subject now
resides. He was a well-informed man, Init almost
wholly self-educated, and in politics was first a
\Miig and later a Republican. Although an ardent
634
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
advocate of the principles of his party, he declined
all official honors, as his ambitions did not lie along
political lines, but he was well known and highly
respected. Physically he weighed 230 pounds, and
was five feet, ten inches, in height. He died at the
age of fifty-eight, and his wife at the age of seventy-
three, and both were laid to rest in the Poquonock
cemetery. In their family were two children, the
only daughter being Mary E., now the widow of
Eliphalet Ladd, of Poquonock.
George W. Barnes, the only i,on. was four years
old when his parents first located in Poquonock, and
there he began his education, but two years later
they removed to Granby, in the schools of which
place he continued his studies until he was nine,
when they settled on the farm in Windsor town,
where he has since made his home. He attended
Windsor Academy and the high school at Poquo-
nock, and completed his education at Suffield, Conn.
He successfulljr engaged in teaching school, for two
winters in district No. 7, and one winter in district
No. 6, both in Windsor town, and in the former
received only $18 per month and had to board him-
self. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Company
A, 22nd Conn. V. I., and remained in the service
until July 7, 1863, participating in all the engage-
ments in which the regiment took part. At first he
was sergeant of Company A, but later became sec-
ond lieutenant of Company D, the same regi-
ment.
In December, 1863, Mr. Barnes was united in
marriage with Miss Celeste H. Alford,, of Poquo-
nock, daughter of Euclid and Mary E. (Keeney)
Alford, and two, sons have been born of this union :
Fred W., a farmer of Windsor town ; and Arthur
G., an electrician. For a few years after his mar-
riage our subject was engaged in farming in part-
nership with his father, and later was interested in
the patent-right business, selling the Kelley patent
force-pump, with headquarters bt Columbus, Ohio.
Returning to Windsor in 1867, he resumed farming,
but of recent years has lived retired from active
labor, though he still occupies the old homestead,
which is one of the most desirable farms of the lo-
cality.
The Republican party has always found in Mr.
Barnes a stanch supporter of its principles, and from
1872 until 1882 was its only supporter in the 7th
district. He has ever taken quite an active and prom-
inent part in local politics ; has served his fellow
citizens as a member of the Legislature and as select-
man, and has been either registrar or deputy regis-
trar of voters ever since that office was created. He
is general agent for the Hartford County Tobacco
Growers Insurance Co., which insures against dam-
age by hail. He is a man of wide acquaintance, is
one of the best known and most highly respected cit-
izens of his community ; is a charter member of Po-
quonock Grange; and also belongs to Tyler Post,
No. 50, G. A. R., at Hartford.
MAURICE SULLIVAN, a prominent baker
and liveryman of Thompsonville, deserves classi-
fication among those purely self-made men of Hart-
ford county who have distinguished themselves for
their ability to wrest from fate a large measure
of success and an honorable name. He was born
in County Limerick, Ireland, March 17, 1848, a son
of John and Mary (Sullivan) Sullivan, came to
the United States in 1857, and located in Thompson-
ville, Conn., where he grew to manhood and received
a public-school education.
At the age of fourteen Mr. Sullivan entered
the employ of Robert McCrone, as a peddler of
vegetables, remaining with him several years, and
then embarked in business for himself as a dealer
in fish, and later as a dealer in silver and tinware
for seven years. In 1877 he became interested in
the bakery business, in which he has since success-
fully continued, having the only establishment of
the kind in Thompsonville, and for a period of
about fifteen years he has conducted a livery stable.
He is also iclentified with several of the principal
industries of the town, and is accounted one of
the most energetic, enterprising and progressive
business men of the community.
Mr. Sullivan was married, April 26, 1878, to
Miss Mary Jane Clarke, a daughter of Patrick and
Ellen Clarke, of Thompsonville, formerly of New
York. They have six children living : Agnes, Will-
iam, Ellen, Mary, Maurice and John. The family
hold membership in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic
Church, and Mr. Sullivan is also a member of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of
Columbus. Politically he is a Democrat, and he
has served two terms as selectman of Enfield. The
success that he has achieved in life is due entirely
to his own well-directed efforts, and he has accum-
ulated a handsome competence.
GEORGE H. HALE, the well-known horti-
culturist of South Glastonbury, is the owner of
"The Elms," a noted nursery, and was one of the
founders of the famous Hale Georgia Orchard Co.,
the most extensive fruit growers in the world. His
homestead at South Glastonbury has been in the
family for 250 j^ears, his ancestors having been
pioneers in Hartford county, and in his genealogy
many names appear which were honored in their
day and generation.
The Hale family is supposed to have originated
in Wales, and tradition says that the men of the
name have always been noted for their size and
strength. The Hales of Glastonbury are descended
from two brothers, Thomas and Samuel, who came
to Connecticut at an early date. Samuel Hale, our
subject's direct ancestor in the seventh generation,
was at Plartford in 1637, and received "the lot"
for services in the Pequod war. In 1639 l^^ owned
land in Hartford on the east side of the river, but
in 1643 he was a resident of Wethersfield. In 1655
he resided in Norwalk, and although he returned to
I
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
685
W'ethersfield in 1660 he did not sell all his property
in NorwalU before 16(19. While residing in Nor-
walk he represented that town in the General Court
in J65O-57 and i()6o. .\tter his return to Wethers-
r.eld he hired the Gov. Welles estate from the "Over-
seers," which appears to have been on the east side
bf the river, according to testimony in a case for
damage from want of repairs, tried in 1671. It
mav serve to throw light upon the conveniences of
those days to mention that this house had no stairs
leading into the chamber, the second story being
reached by means of a ladder. Samuel Hale died in
1693. His wife's name was Mary, and they had
eight children, as follows : Martha, born 1643 !
Samuel, born 1645; John, born 1647 (married Han-
nah , in 1668, and died July 19, 1709) ;
Mar}-, born 1649; Rebeckah, born 165 1 ; Thomas,
born 1653 (married Naomi Kilborne, and died Dec.
23, 1723) ; Ebenezer, born July 29, 1661 ; and
Dorothy.
Lieut. Samuel Hale, born in 1645, died Nov. 18,
i/ii. He was one of the prominent men of Glas-
tonbury in his day, serving as justice of the peace,
and as deputy to the General Court from 1695 to
1706. In the Colonial Records the following ap-
pears : "This court confirms Sergeant Samuel
Welles Captain of the train band in the town of
Glastonbury, Sergeant Samuel Hale lieutenant and
to be conimissioned accordingly." Lieut. Samuel
Hale was married first in 1679 to Ruth, daughter
of Thomas Edwards. She died Dec. 26, 1682, and
he married Mary, daughter of Capt. Samuel Welles.
His second wife survived him, and died Feb. 18,
:I7I5. By his first marriage he had three children:
Samuel, who never married ; Mary, who married
John Day, of Colchester; and Ruth, born Dec. i,
1681, who married Thomas, son of Eleazer Kim-
berly. By the second marriage there were four
children: Jonathan, born Aug. 21, 1696, was mar-
ried Nov. 28, 1717, to Sarah, daughter of Deacon
Benj. Talcott, and died July 2, 1772; David, born
Jan. 7, 1700, died March 31, 1718; Joseph, born
I July 10, 1702, died Aug. 4, 1702; Benjamin is men-
jtioned below.
I Benjamin Hale, born July 22, 1707, died July
J22, 1784. His wife, Hannah Talcott, was born Oct.
16, 1706, and died Feb. 6, 1796.
Gideon Hale, son of Benjamin, was born Dec.
] 30, 1736, and died Oct. 10, 1812. He married Mary
I White, who was of- the fifth generation in descent
J from Elder John White, of "Mayflower" fame, and
^they had children as follows: (i) Hezekiah mar-
{■ ried Parmelia Coleman, daughter of Dr. Asap and
j Mary (Wright) Coleman. Dr. Coleman served as
j surgeon in the Revolutionary war, first under Col.
i Thomas Beldcn, and later under Col. H. Wood-
bridge. He also served several terms as representa-
tive in the General Assembly. (2) Ebenezer mar-
ried Sarah Cornwall, of Portland. (4) Elias mar-
ried Jane McColland, and located in Towanda,
Penn., where he practiced law. (5) Reuben mar-
ried a Miss Tracy, of Norwich, and settled in To-
wanda, I'enn. (6) Mary married Solomon Cole,
a cabinet maker of (ilastonbury. (7) Amelia mar-
ried Aaron Kinne, a school teacher and a graduate
Gi Yale College. (8) Anna married Samuel Welles,
father of Thaddeus and Gideon Welles. (9) Han-
nah married Samuel Welles. (10) Esther and (11)
Nancy both died unmarried.
Ebenezer Hale was the next in the line of de-
scent, and he and his wife, Sarah Cornwall, daugh-
ter of Nathaniel and Jerusha (I'"oote) Cornwall, of
Portland, had the following children : Louisa mar-
ried a Mr. Coe, of Winsted; Caroline married Asa
Foote, of Saybrook ; Mary Ann married Benjamin
Taylor, postmaster, and a prominent citizen in his
time ; Sarah married Julius Hubbard ; Henry mar-
ried Mary Hollister; Elias married Mrs. Anna Lee
{nee Jackson), and settled in New York: Joseph
married Clarissa Tryon, of South Glastonbury ;
John Augustus is mentioned more fully below ;
Emily and William both died in childhood.
John Augustus Hale, our subject's father, was
born March 21, 1821, on the farm now occupied by
our subject's brother, J. H. Hale. After a district-
school course he attended Norwich Academy, at
Norwich, Vt., and on leaving school he secured a
position as clerk in the Hartford post ofiice, where
he remained some time. He then entered the employ
of the .'Etna Insurance Co., as an adjuster, and later
became general agent, a position which he held at
the time of his death, in 1855. Had he lived he
would doubtless have become immensely wealthy.
He married Henrietta Moseley, a native of Glaston-
bury, and a daughter of George W. and Mary
(Wright) Moseley; she died Dec. 6, 1879. ^onv
children were born to their union : Isabelle C,
Mary M., George H. (our subject), and John
Floward.
George H. Hale was born Oct. 15, 1850, at his
present home, and received only a limited educa-
tion, much of his time in boyhood having been spent
in doing "chores" on the farm. As he was but a
ciiild when his father died, the necessity for earning
a livelihood was among his earliest impressions,
and he and his brother John H. sought many w-ays
by which they might add to the family income. The
old farm offered a field for experiment, and their
present extensive business began with a small straw-
berry bed, which brought them eight or ten dollars.
A hoe, a shovel, and a spade were their only tools,
and a push cart, borrowed from a neighbor and
afterward purchased for a dollar, was the only
means of transportation, their present magnificently
equipped system aflfording a striking contrast, as the
following items will show : Their fruit farm at
South Glastonbury, Conn., contains 200 acres, and
about 36,000 trees; at Seymour, Conn., 100 acres,
and 20,000 trees; at Fort Valley, Ga., 2,i(5o acres,
planted with 335,000 trees, the biggest orchard in
the world. In the Georgia orchard there are 250,-
000 trees in a single block, the view from the central
636
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
packing shed showing the largest collection of peach
trees in the world. A long day's drive is necessary
to cover all the avenues of the orchard, about thirty
miles. A special railroad track runs direct to the
packing house, and special peach express trains
carry the crop to distributing points on limited
schedule. The evaporating house has a capacity
of six hundred bushels of second grade fruit daily,
so that only the best need be sent to market. Two
hundred special refrigerator cars are in service from
orchard to market. One hundred thousand crates
and six hundred thousand baskets were required to
transport the fruit crop of 1898. Upward of a
million "red labels" were required for cars, crates
and baskets, so that customers might be sure that
they were getting Hale's peaches. The labels and
circulars themselves weigh more than two tqns,
and would cover a two-foot path over thirty miles
long if spread out. The operating of the Georgia
orchard for the season of about six weeks requires
a regular expenditure, before the fruit reaches the
consumer, for labor, packages, labels, freights, ice,
etc., of about $2,750 each day. There are two large
packing houses, with capacity of assorting and pack-
ing ten thousand six-basket crates of peaches daily.
A single day's pick is often over one million peaches,
each handled separately three times. Seven hun-
dren people, and one hundred horses and mules,
are kept busy each day in the height of the season
to get fruit into the cars. "Red Label Hotel" lodges
two hundred of the "workmen, and there are twenty
tenement houses in the orchard, with "camping
grounds" for the rest. In 1897, an exceptionally
good year for peaches, the gross receipts from all
the company's interests amounted to $97,000, the
nursery stock selling for about $10,000. Travelers
regard the Georgia orchard as a most interesting
sight, and a writer in "Harper's Bazaar" has said :
"Nowhere else are there such peach orchards, and
when one takes in hand a great ruddy-streaked,
golden peach, wrapped in blushing velvet, tinted
by the sun as lavishly as the West is at fall of day, its
rich flesh dripping with luciousness, with that bitter-
sweet and honey-tart flavor which belongs , to all
the other delicious things of life, as well the imma-
terial as the material, one is tempted, for a moment,
to think that if America has done no more for the
world's pleasure, it would have done enough in this."
The production of such peaches is only accom-
plished by intelligent supervision, thorough culture
at all times, liberal feeding with proper plant food,
annual pruning, and thinning out of surplus fruit
so that the market crop may be perfect in size and
beauty. When fruit is "ripe unto the harvest,"
pickers who are trained to know a matured peach
at sight, under the leadership of a foreman for each
gang of ten, carefully pick the ripe fruit from the
tree, placing it in broad low baskets, with the ticket
number of the picker in each basket. Low-down,
soft-spring wagons, going about all the time, hatil
the fruit quickly to the broad, cool packing house,
and there nimble-fingered, bright-eyed girls assort
the fruit into proper grades and sizes. Several
foremen constantly inspect the grading, and if un-
ripe or bruised fruit is found in any basket the
numbered ticket indicates the picker who is re-
sponsible, and a field foreman gallops away to right
matters. From the broad canvas trays of the
graders skilled packers gently but firmly place the
peaches in the baskets, with perfect fruit from top
to bottom, and every package just as full as it can
be crowded. Six baskets go to the crate, and each
basket is the same all the way through. Each
crate as finished bears the ticket number of the
packer, so that when it reaches the last inspector's
table it is sent back for repacking by the proper
packer if an3'thing is wrong. Finally, after run-
ning the gauntlet of four inspections, it is nailed up
and transferred to a clean refrigator car, often in
less than an hour after the ruddy cheek of the
peach has signalled its ripeness to the picker in the
orchard. No other orchard has any such system,
and thus it is that Hale's Peaches are "Always best
in market."
Our subject owns a one-fourth interest in the
Georgia orchard, but has not taken an active part
in the management since 1896. He is a keen and
far-sighted business man, conservative in his
methods, and as a good citizen he has been active in
local affairs. In politics he is a Republican. He
belongs to Glastonbury Grange, and attends the
Congregational Church, of which his wife is a
member.
On Oct. 29, 1889, Mr. Hale was married to
Miss Emma Shipman, daughter of Charles Ship-
man, a farmer in South Glastonbury, and they have
one child, Marjorie.
HON. CHARLES DEXTER BENT, a well-
known and popular citizen of Enfield, is a native of
Hartford county, born in Thompsonville Dec. 8,
1850, and is a son of Joseph and Fannie (Cutler)
Bent, natives of Neponset, Mass., and Brook! ine,
Vt., respectively. His paternal grandfather was
William Bent, of Neponset, Mass., and his maternal
grandfather was Jonathan Cutler, a farmer of
Brookline, Vt. Joseph Bent, who was a blacksmith
by trade, settled in Thompsonville, Conn., about
1848, and there conducted a blacksmith shop, also
dealing in carriages and wagons, for almost tliirtv-
five years. He died Feb. 24, 1888. His children
were Charles D., Joseph A., and Herbert N. (de-
ceased).
Reared in Enfield, Charles D. Bent was edu-
cated in the public schools of that town and in the
Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, Vt. During his
youth he learned the trades of a wood worker and
carriage painter, which he followed for twenty ) ears,
After the death of- his father he and his brother
carried on the carriage business in Thompsonville
for two years, and then removed to Pittsfield, Mass.,
where, under the firm name of Bent Bros., they
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G37
conducted a carriage shop for a year and a half. As
their plant was destroyed by tire, our subject re-
turned to Thonipsonviile and purchased the hvcry
business of the late B. F. Lord, which he has since
successfully conducted. He has won success by
his well-directed, energetic efforts, an<i the pros-
perity that has come to him is certainly merited.
(jn Oct. 28, 1874, Mr. Bent married Miss
Emilv, daughter of- Samuel D. and Eliza (Clark)
Holconib, oi Enfield. She died Dec. 24, 1876, and
Mr. Bent was again married, Oct. 28, 1893, his
second union being with Miss Annie Harvey, a
daughter of Park^B. and Alathier (Humphrey)
Harvey, of Stafford, Conn. In religious belief our
subject is a Universalist, and in political sentiment
lie is a Republican. For two years he served as a
member of tlie grand jury from Enfield; he was
elected to represent that town in the State Legis-
lature during the session of 189Q-1900, and on
Nov. 6, 1900, was re-elected to the Legislature of
1901. He is held in high regard by all who have
the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his friends
in Hartford county are legion.
EPHRAIiM ROOD, the experienced contractor
and builder of East Hartford, is a native of New
London county, Conn., and was born in Colchester,
Sept. I, 1836, the seventh of the ten children born to
Alfred and Sarah (Sawyer) Rood.
Alfred Rood, the father, was born in Colchester,
Conn., in 1796, was a farmer all his life, and reared
his large family in respectability, ai they all proved
to be good citizens wherever they resided. Mr.
Rood was a very large powerfully built man, and ca-
pable of doing a wonderful amount of work ; he met
his death, by drowning in Newtown's Pond (now
Haywod's Lake), at the age of fifty-two years.
To his marriage, in 1814, with Sarah Sawyer, who
was born in Hadlyme, Conn., in 1797, and was a
daughter of Ephraim Sawyer, children were born
in the following order : Rufus, who first married
Selina Sedgwick and later wedded Amy Tucker,
was the village blacksmith of Windham for fifty
years, and died in 1892 ; Mary was married to Na-
than Cobb, and lived and died in Rockford, 111., John,
a painter by trade, married Susan Rich, of Plainfield,
and died in South Windham ; William, an iron
worker, married Mary Carpenter, of Rhode Island,
and died in Providence, that State, in 1890; Henry,
I a blacksmith, married Abbie Fowler, of Moodus, and
. died in Cobalt, Conn. ; Asa, a sailor, was a natural
V musician, and could play any instrument he ever
;' saw or any tune he ever heard (he died at the age
j of twenty-three years, of consumption contracted by
: being in the water overnight, through the cruelty of
' his captain, off Van Dicman's Lancl, when Sir John
! Franklin was governor of that island) ; Ephraim,
our subject, was next in order of birth ; Alfred, a
I burnisher by trade, married Harriet Taylor, and
lived a long time in South Boston, Mass., but died
in Chelsea, IMass., and is buried in family lot in
Windham; Harrison Tyler, a blacksmith by trade,
married Louisa Simons, served all through the Civil
war in the Twenty-first Conn, V. I., Company D,
aiul died in 1891, at South Windham, Conn.; and
j\iinie Temple, the youngest child, died in New
York at the age of seven years, her remains being
interred in Cypress Hill cemetery, Long Island.
Ephraim Rood, his parents not being wealthy,
attended school only four winters of three months
each, from thirteen to seventeen years of age. He
obtained his education by asking questions of min-
isters and doctors, and by reading street signs and
bill boards as he passed along. He was very studi-
ous and ambitious, was a constant reader and de-
voted to self-culture, and at the age of eighteen
passed an examination and was granted a license
to teach, following the vocation from 1853 until 1872,
a period of nineteen years, in Scotland, Willimantic,
Lebanon, South Windsor, Hartford and East Hart-
ford, East Hartford Meadow, Manchester and Cov-
entry. In East Hartford he taught ten terms in
the brick school house near which Arthur ^loore now
lives ; in jNIanchester he taught the graded school ;
in Hartford was principal of the Northeast district
school, and at Coventry taught the high school near
the Nathan Hale monument.
In 1872 Mr. Rood began his present business
of carpenter, contractor and builder, having begun
learning the trade in New York at the age of six-
teen years, finishing it while a school teacher. He is
naturally a mechanic, contracts for the stone and
brick work for the buildings which he erects, as well
as the carpenter work, and frequently removes build-
ings already constructed, from one spot to another.
In 1857 Mr. Rood married Miss \'era A.
Stearns, of Mansfield, who bore him two children :
Alice, who died at the age of twenty-three, and was
buried at Willimantic; and Alfred, a machinist of
Hartford, is married to Crusia Pebbles, who has
borne him two children, Vera and Alfred. Mrs.
Vera A. Rood died in 1865, and later Mr. Rood
married Miss Louisa L. Roby, daughter of Ebenezer
and Laura M. (Bowker) Roby, and born
in Cambridge, Mass. The parents of this lady
died when she was very young, and she was reared
in the home of Rev. Rufus Smith until her mar-
riage. To this union have been born two children,
Edward Storrs and Annie Louise. The son, Ed-
ward S., who was born Oct. 25, 1867, was a man of
magnificent physique, was a carpenter and sailor,
and died of measles March 16, 1891. The daugh-
ter, Annie Louise, born Nov. 21, 1872, was mar-
ried to Robert C. Lawson, July 22, 1891. Mr.
Lawson is a trusted clerk at Pope's bicycle factory,
is ex-councilman from the Sixth ward, and an ex-
member of the city amusement committee.
Mr. Rood has been identified with the enterprises
of East Hartford for many years, and has always
been a most useful citizen. Liberal in his political
views, he has nevertheless served as town clerk for
six years ; registrar of births, marriages and deaths ;
638
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trial justice for ten years, and grand juror for twen-
ty j'ears. He has also delivered many temperance
lectures throughout New England ; is an orator of
more than ordinary eloquence, and possesses a sur-
prisingly retentive memory, which he can call upon
any moment to furnish him with interesting reminis-
cences and amusing anecdotes. He is not a member
of any secret society, but is an attendant at St. John's
Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Rood has long
been a devout member. He is one of the best-
known residents of the town, and respected most
where best known.
In 1894, when Ned Murphy, the great temper-
ance orator was lecturing in Connecticut on gospel
temperance reform, he fell in with Mr. Rood while
holding a series of forty meetings in Hartford. A
strong friendship sprung up between them, and for
years after, if Murphy came within one hundred
miles of Hartford, .Mr. Rood was there ; and in two
cities where Mr. Murphy was taken suddenly ill
while holding these great meetings Mr. Rood was
telegraphed to come immediately and fill his place
on the platform, which he did, and from these facts
he was called "the Murphy of Connecticut." But
what is strange about this, while Mr. Murphy's ac-
quaintances were numbered by the thousands, among
them being men of great talent and college learning,
instead of calling on some of them, why did he
choose to send for a man whose educational advan-
tages consisted of only forty-six weeks of schooling
in a poor district school in the town of Lebanon, to
pay for which he cared for forty head of cattle and
four horses and chopped the wood for two fires ? Mr.
Rood can tell stories of hardship, abuse, suffering
and neglect that cause people of to-day to shudder,
and wonder why he is alive, a stout, able-bodied man
of nearly seventy years, and weighing 225 pounds !
ELIHU STONE WARNER, an honored vet-
eran of the Civil war, and a leading citizen of Ken-
sington, was born in Sunderland, Bennington Co.,
Vt., May 3, 1835, and is a son of Alpheus and Zil-
phia (Seeley) Warner, the former born in New
Braintree, Mass., Jan. 6, 1807, the latter in Arling-
ton, Bennington Co., Vt., Jan. 22, 181 1. Both died
and were buried in Arlington. By occupation the
father was a stonemason and contractor. The
paternal grandfather, Zenas Warner, was born in
Dover, Vt., in 1779, and died at the age of sixty-
six years. He married Nancy Arnold, and to them
were born three sons, Alpheus, Roswell and Zenas,
and one daugher, Meriba, whose remains were also
interred in Arlington, Vermont.
The early education of our subject was acquired
in the common schools of Sunderland and Arlington,
and later he attended the academy at North Ben-
nington, from which he was graduated when Prof.
Cummings was principal of the institution. He
then accepted a position in the square shop of J.
Essex, at North Bennington, where he learned the
trade, and worked at same until his enlistment in
the Union army during the Civil war. There he
enrolled his name among the boys in blue Aug. 28,
1862, becoming a member of Company C, 14th Vt.
Y. I., which was mustered in at Brattleboro, Vt.,
Oct. 21, and went to Washington, D. C, two days
later. The regiment was first assigned to the 2nd
Brigade, Casey's Division, Reserve Army Corps,
and as a member of the same brigade and division
was transferred to the 22nd Army Corps in Febru-
ary, 1863. They remained in defense of Washing-
ton until June 25, 1863, when they were transferred
to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, ist Army Corps,
Army of the Potomac, with which they were con-
nected until July 18, 1863. They were on duty at
Camp Chase, Arlington Heights, Va., from Oct.
25, to Nov. I, 1862, and then did garrison duty at
Camp Vermont, Va., from Nov. 5 to Nov. 25. The
regiment then moved to Occoquan in line of battle,
covering the movements of the troops to Fredericks-
burg, Nov. 27. They were on duty at Camp Ver-
m.ont and Wolf Run Shoals until Dec. 4, 1862, and
from that time until March 25, 1863, were stationed
at Fairfax Court House. During this time they re-
sisted Gen. Stewart's raid, Dec. 27-29, 1862, and
were on picket duty near the Chantilly battlefield
from that time until Jan. 19, 1863. From March
24 until June 25, 1863, they were at Wolf Run
Shoals, and then marched to Centreville. They
were in the Pennsylvania campaign from June 25
to July 18, moving to Herndon June 26, and to Guil-
ford on the 27th. The same day they crossed the
Potomac, and the Monocacy river June 28, and then
moved by way of Frederick City and Mechanics^
ville to Emmetsburg, Md., June 29 and 30; and
were in the battle of Gettysburg July 2 and 3, taking
part in the engagement when Pickett made his fa^
mous charge. On July 6 they moved to Emmets-
burg, and were in line of battle at Crampton's Gap,
South Mountain, July 8. They moved to Funks-
town on the loth; were in the engagement at
Hagerstown, July 12 and 13 ; then moved to Sharps-
burg July 14 and 15 ; were at Petersville on the i6th ;
at Baltimore, July 18 and 19; New York, July 20;
at New Haven, Conn., July 20 and 21 ; and from
there proceeded to Brattleboro, Vt., where the regi-
inent was mustered out July 30, 1863.
Soon after his return from the war Mr. Warner
removed with his family to Kensington, Conn.,
where he worked at his trade as a square maker
for the Flart Manufacturing Co., and when the firm
changed to Hart, Bliven & Mead he remained as a
contractor in several departments until 1886. The
following year he was with the Russell & Irwin
Manufacturing Co., of New Britain, and next
accepted the position of night watchman with the
C. P. Merwin Brick Co., at Kensington, with
which he remained for seven years. He next worked
for the American Paper Co., having charge of
the joiner's i^oom, where cases were made, and re-
maining there about a year. He then accepted a
position as transfer clerk in the freight office of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
689
Kew York, New Ilavcn & Hartfcird railroad. In
April, 1900, he severed liis connection with this
company, and accepted a situation with the Russell
& Irwin Manufacturing- Co. in New Britain, where
he is now eniploj-ed.
On Sept. y, 1857, Mr. Warner married Miss
Harriet Maria Bowker, who was liorn in Sandgate,
Vt., July 17, 1836, a daughter of William and Har-
riet (Bradley) Bowker, farming people. Her par-
ents were both buried in Sunderland, \'t. To Mr.
and Mrs. Warner were born six children, namely:
Florence Blanche, born in Sunderland, Sept. 28,
1858, died March 16, 1862, and was buried in Ar-
lington, \'t. ; Agnes Jane, born in Sunderland, is
at home ; Hugh Ellsworth, born in Berlin, Conn.,
Feb. 22, 1865, died Sept. 30, 1866; a twin brother
of Hugh lived but three davs ; Maude Edith, born in
Berlin, March 28, 186S, died Oct. 27, 1887; and
Hugh Elmer, born in Berlin, Aug. 15, 1870, died
Aug. II, 1871. \\'ith the exception of the eldest
all were buried in Berlin.
The father of our subject was first a Whig and
later a Republican in politics, and Mr. Warner is
an ardent supporter of the latter party. He has
taken a very active and prominent part in local poli-
tics, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens
with a number of important official positions, the
duties of which he has most faithfully and satisfac-
torily performed. He served as constable for thirty-
one consecutive years, and for the last six years of
that time was also deputy sheriff, his term expiring
in 1895. He represented his town in the State
Legislature in 1883, when there was considerable
agitation over the parallel railroad line with the New
\ork. New Haven & Hartford railroad. He was
first selectman in 1888 and 1889, and had previously
been a member of the board, serving in all for six
}-ears. At present he is filling the position of sec-
ond selectman, and is one of the most influential
and prominent members of the board. Socially he
iiclongs to Stanley Post, No. 24, G. A. R., of New
Britain :, Harmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M. ; Gid-
dings Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M., and Doric Council,
No. 24, R. & S. M., of New Britain ; and is an hon-
orary member of Pequot Council, No. 44, Sr. O.
\J. A. M, of Berlin. Religiously he and his wife
are members of St. James Protestant Episcopal
Church, of Arlington, Vermont.
FIENRY AARON KINNE, a substantial citi-
zen of South Glastonbury, comes of a sturdy New
England ancestry. The emigrant ancestor of the
family was Henry Kinne, of Puritan parentage,
though born in Holland, in about 1624. He was in
Salem, Mass., about 1656. He and his wife Anne
settled in Norwich, Conn., and he died in 1712.
Rev. Aaron Kinne, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was born at Newent, in Norwich (now
Lisbon), Conn., in 1744. He was graduated from
Yale in 1765, and studied theology under Rev. Mr.
Fish, at Stonington. He was ordained over the
South Congregational Church at Groton, Conn., as
successor to Rev. Barber, Oct. 19, 1769. The
massacre of Lcdyard and others of his people at
Fort Griswold, while Rev. Kinne was chaplain
there during the Revolutionary war, where "so
many widows and orphans were made in an hour,"
caused the loss' of so many of his people, and so
diminished his means of support, tliat in 1798 he
was dismissed, his family at that time consisting of
an invalid wife and eleven children, all under seven-
teen years of age. During his pastorate at Groton
he made several missionary journeys into the wilds
of New York State, to minister to the Indians.
After leaving Groton, in 1798, his subsequent life
was filled with wanderings, trials and removals.
In 1800 he resided in Winsted; in 1803 at Egre-
mont, Mass.; and in 1805 he removed to Alford.
He was occasionally employed by the Berkshire
Missionary Society. He died at Tallmadge, Ohio,
at the home of his son-in-law, Dr. Wright, July 9,
1824, aged seventy-nine years. Seven children
survived him. He was a faithful preacher. He
published a work on the "Sonship of Christ ; a dis-
play of Scripture prophesies," 1813; an explana-
tion of the tvpes, prophesies, revelation, etc. [Vol.
VIII, 1814.]'
Aaron Kinne, the grandfather of our subject,
was born in Groton, Conn., and removed in his early
manhood to Glastonbury. For a number of years
he taught school, and was also engaged in the mer-
cantile business in South Glastonbury. He died in
1816. He had married Amelia Hale, and to them
the following children were born : Emma married
(first) David Hale, and (second) Norman Hub-
bard, and lived in North Glastonbury ; Henry moved
to Pennsylvania ; 'Mary Ann married (first) Dr.
Roland Curtin, of Philadelphia, by whom she be-
came the mother of Dr. Roland Curtin, Jr., and
(second) wedded Gen. James Irving, a prominent
citizen of Pennsylvania, and at one time a candi-
date for Governor; Nancy married Edwin Taylor,
who was engaged in the lumber business in Hart-
ford, which IS now carried on by his sons : Gideon,
a mason, living in Glastonbury, married Sallv Tay-
lor; and Aaron is referred to in the following.
Aaron Kinne, the father of our subject, was
born March 10, 1814, in South Glastonbury, Conn.
His education was cuch as the boys, in general, in
those times received, his attendance being confined
entirely to the district schools. He lived at home
for a time, then located at Akron, Ohio, where he re-
mained a brief period, and returning to Glastonbury
there learned the trade of mason under his brother
Gideon. These brothers worked together for many
years, and built many structures in Bristol, New
Britain and other places. Aaron Kinne abandoned
the mason's business in 1868, located on the home
farm and purchased the interests of the other heirs
in the place, added to the tract, and made many im-
provements thereon, leaving, however, the original
house stand. ^Mr. Kinne was, in politics, a Repub-
640
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lican, and took an active interest in town affairs.
He represented the town three times in tlie Legis-
lature, serving in 1855, 1862 and 1882. He also
served on the board of selectmen for two terms,
and held other minor offices. He was one of the
charter members of the Glastonbury Grange, and
its oldest member at the time of his death. He
was a man universally respected, a firm friend, and a
kind and obliging neighbor. He possessed a re-
markable memory, and was a man of ability and
force of character.
Mr. Kinne was married (first) in 1840, to
Martha W. Strickland, born April 7, 1816, a native
of Glastonbury, and a daughter of Lewis and Amy
(Tennant) Strickland. She died June 26, 1876,
and in 1878 he married (second) Mrs. Elizabeth
Boughton, born July 23, 1836, daughter of George
B. and Rovilla (Race) Kinne, and widow of Henry
A. Boughton, who was a farmer of Waterford, N.
Y. She now survives her husband, who died March
8, 1898, and is living on the old homestead in South
Glastonbury. To Aaron and Martha W. (Strick-
land) Kinne were born children as follows : ( i )
Constant C., born March 24, 1841, married Jan. 14,
1869, Mary Williams. He is now a clerk in Meri-
den, in the town clerk's office, where he is well
known and prominent ; he was a soldier of the Civil
war. (2) Lewis S., born Dec. 22, 1845, married
May 24, 1871, Josephine Ransom. He is now liv-
ing in New Britain, occupied as a bookkeeper. (3)
Henry A. is our subject. (4) Watson, born March
24, 1850, married June 27, 1872, Adella Clark. He
is a farmer in South Glastonbury, and has served
his town in the Legislature one term.
Henry A. Kinne, our subject proper, was born
June 29, 1847, in the homestead in South Glaston-
bury now occupied by his stepmother, Mrs. Kinne.
He attended the district school, and the Fort Ed-
ward (N. Y.) Academy, the latter being a large
and well-known institution, then under the prin-
cipalship of Joseph E. King. Completing his school-
ing at the academy when nineteen years of age, he
returned to Glastonbury and assisted his father on
the farm, also teaching in winter for a time at the
Bell school. Later he was for about two years in
the employ of his cousin, James G. Kinne, who
kept a general store at Fort Edward, N. Y., as
clerk, bookkeeper, etc. In 1869 he went to Crom-
well, Conn., and in company with James E. Smith
bought out the general store of Ralph Savage, who
was an uncle of Mr. Kinne. Their business grew,
and not finding their quarters large enough erected
another building, and kept two stores there. Ow-
ing' to failing health Mr. Kinne in 1871 sold to
Mr. Smith, and came to Glastonbury, where he
lived on the home farm until November, 1893, at
which time he purchased his present home, in South
Glastonbury, known as the "Martin Hollister place,"
which comprised only three and one-half acres of
land. Since then Mr. Kinne has made many im-
provements about the place, built his present barns,
and added to the acreage until now he has a farm of
twenty-five acres. He is engaged in general farm-
ing and tobacco growing, and also teaming, keep-
ing about twelve horses the year around. He also
gets out timber, ties, etc., for railroad purposes.
He is one of the town's active and energetic men,
and is prosperous. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican. He has been registrar of voters for the
past four years, and was deputy registrar for twelve
years. He has been a member of Columbia Lodge,
No. 25, F. & A. M., of South Glastonbury, since
Feb. 6, 1871, was junior warden of same in 1874
and 1875, and has been secretary for the past fifteen
3'ears ; has been a member of Putnam Phalanx,
Hartford, for many years past; and is a charter
member of Elm Lodge, I. O. O. F., Glastonbury.
In November, 1880, Mr. Kinne was married to
Artilla Alger, born Oct. 14, 1849, i'^ South Glaston-
bury, daughter of Hudson and Martha (House)
Alger, the former of whom was a farmer in South
Glastonbury. To this marriage have come children
as follows: Martha E., born Jan. 31, 1882; Emma
S., born May 31, 1886; and Aaron W., born June
4, 1888.
WILLIAM DUFFY, the famous blacksmith of
East Hartford Meadow, although in his sixty-first
year, is still hearty and strong, and hence comes his
renown. In his younger days he was an athlete,
and, while small in stature and of slight build, was
wonderfully supple and nimble, able to do an ex-
traordinary amount of work, and execute the rnost
difficult gymnastic feats.
Mr. Duffy was born in Hartford July i, 1840,
on Trumbull street, near "Little River," and is of
Irish-English extraction, his father having been
born in County Westmeath, Ireland, about 1809,
and his mother in Barrowden, England. His par-
ents, John and Mary (Kirby) Duffy, were married
in England, whither the father had gone when
young to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1837
John Duffy came to the United States and located
in Hartford, worked awhile in Columbia, then re-
turned to Hartford, and in 1842 came to East Hart-
ford Meadow and took possession of the blacksmith
shop now operated by our subject, and which pre-
viously had been owned by Henry Wood and opened
two or three days in the week. It has since been in
active operation every day in the year, Sundays
only excepted, and occasions when a death has oc-
curred in the family. In 1854 Mr. Duft'y erected
the dwelling in East Hartford in which he resided
until his removal to Hartford, where his death tookj
place at the age of seventy-two years, from paral-f
ysis of the brain, probably caused from being kicked ]
in the head by a horse some years previously. Hisj
wife had died at the age of fifty-six years, and heri
remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery atl
Hartford. The children born to John and Mary!
(Kirby) Duffy were seven in number, and in order]
of birth were named as follows: Catharine, born J
(::L^^-t>u
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
04 1
ill England, died uniiiarricil at the age of sixty
years in .\'e\v Haven; Thomas, born in Colunibia,
Conn., is a retired dry -goods merchant, and resides
at the corner of \ ernon and Washington streets,
Hartford; William is the snljjeci of this biography;
Mary, born in East Hartford, is the widow of John
Eraney, of New Haven: Jane is married to D. D.
Donovan, an expert machinist of I'rovidence, R. 1. ;
John, a blacksmith, tlied in Hartford ; and Eliza-
beth is the wife of James Lawton, manager of tlic
Elcischnian Veast Co., ni New Haven. The father
' of this family was stoull_\- built, strong and active,
and could shoe as many as twenty-five horses a day.
\ He was a sincere Catholic, and d'ied a member of
St. I'atrick's Church in Hartford; in politics he was
inclined toward Democracy, but voted for the can-
didate he thought to be best suited for the office
} to be filled. He was a self-made man. and lived
I conifortabl)-, being nowise nigganlly, and kept his
I family in excellent style.
William Duffy was but two years of age when
the family settled' in East Hartford ^ieadow, wdiere
he was educated in the district school, in which
he was the champion speller, learned very rapidly
in every department, and captured all the prizes.
At the age of sixteen years he quit school, and
under his father began learning the blacksmith's
trade. The two worked together until i866, when
the mother passed away, and the father, selling
the shop to the son. retired to Hartford, and there
passed the remainder of his life.
In November, i866, William Duffy married
Miss 2\largaret Evers, a native of Ireland, who
came to the United States when young, and lived
with some of the best families in Hartford, such as
those of Dr. Barnard, Dr. Crawfoot and ]\lrs. Pen-
dleton. Mr. Dufty at once began housekeeping on
marrying, in the house in which he still lives, and
which is one of the best in East Hartford [Meadow.
To this marriage were born nine children, in the
following order: J^Iary, still under the parental
roof; John K.. who died at the age of fifteen years,
a promising, athletic lad : William L., a clerk in
Hartford: Jennie, who died in childhood in 1876;
Frances, a teacher in East Hartford : Alice, a sten-
ographer in Hartford : Elorence and Harry, at
home: and Lillian G., who died at the age of five
j'ears. Mrs. Duffy was called away Siept. 15. 1897,
in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which all
the family are devout members. She was a most
estimable ladv. kind and affectionate, and a true
helpmate to her husband. The children are kind
and intelligent, and have been educated in a man-
ner creditable to any family.
Mr. Duffy has been an untiring worker, and has
been successful throughout life. He has met with
some reverses, however, as in 1880 he lost his shop
by fire, with no insurance, and was thus '"out"
$,^,500 in a few hours. But he kept right on, not
losing a day except bv sickness. He is a man of
steady haliits, slrictU- honest in everv transaction,
and enjovs the respect of all who know him. His
" 41
competence is not the result of a life of niggard-
ness or self-de|)rivation, as he has always lived
well, and kept his familv well supplied with all
things needful, with a most liberal hand.
L. S. l'..\l.\i( ).\'S, who is at present engaged in
the plumbing and steam-fitting business in Man-
ciiester, Hartford countv, is one of the oldest resi-
dents of the town, where he has lived since boy-
hood, and he is widely known and highly respected
throughout this vicinitv.
Air. Emmons was born Eeb. 14, 1839, in the
town of Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., son of
William and Hannah (Ely) Emmons, He was
brought up on a farm there, and when sixteen
years of age, having received a practical education
in the common scliools, he came to Manchester
to learn the trade of tinner with his brother-in-law,
E. B. Hibbard. The first year of his apprentice-
shi]) his wages were $35, the second year $40, and
the third §45. He continued working for his
brother-in-law until 1867, after which he carried on
the business on his own account, renting Mr. Hib-
bard's store, until 1890, when he erected the build-
ing in which he is established at present. He is
engaged in plumbing and steam-fitting, enjoying
a wide patronage throughout this part of Hartford
county, and he also carries a fine line of stoves.
Mr, Emmons occupies an enviable position among
the successful business men of Manchester, and
he has a high standing as a citizen, being identified
with the best interests of his adopted town, though
he has never been particularly active in public life.
He has witnessed the growth of the place to its
present proportions from the very beginning, for
when he first came to Alanchester there was but
one store hei'e, that of the Union Manufacturing Co.
On Xov. 25, 1861, Mr, Emmons was married
to Miss Maria P. Wilson, daughter of Willard
Wilson, and two children blessed this union:
Willard, who died Sept. i. 1867, and Grace, who
is living at home. Mr. Emmons is a Republican in
political preference. Fraternally he is a member
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Man-
chester Lodge, Xo. 16.
HEXRY WELLS HUXGERFORD, the act-
ive and wide-awake shipping clerk for the E. Ing-
graliam Co. Clock factory, Bristol, is a native of
that city, born May 20, 1847.
The Hungerfords are of English origin, and
trace their ancestry back to Sir Thomas Hunger-
ford, who was in 1337 the first regular Speaker of
the House of Commons. He died in 1398. James
Smithson was a son of Hugh Smithson, the
first Duke of Xorthumberland, and his mother was
Marv Hungerford. He never married, and willed
all his property to his nephew, Henry Hunger-
ford, if he had issue, "either legitimate or illegiti-
mate." Otherwise it was to go to the L'nited
States, to found an institution for the dift'usion of
knowledge to be called the "Smithsonian Institu-
642
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion." Hence the origin of the famous institution
located in Washington, D. C. The amount given
was over $500,000. In England there are two
almshouses, existing at the present time, which
were endowed and founded lay the Hungerfords
before 1450.
(I) Thomas Hungerford, the first of the family
in the New World, doubtless came to this country
as a mariner. In 1639 he owned a three-cornered
lot of an acre with a house thereon in Hartford,
Conn. In 165 1 he moved to Pequot (now New
London), Conn., and shortly afterward cleared the
land where the fort now stands. He died in 1663,
leaving three children — two by his first wife —
Thomas, aged about fifteen years ; Sarah, nine
years; and Hannah, born May i, 1659.
(II) Thomas Hungerford had children as fol-
lows: Thomas, John, Green, Elizabeth, Susanna,
Sarah and Mary. He died between Jan. 11 and
Feb. 5, 1713-14, aged sixty-five or sixty-six years.
(III) Thomas Hungerford, of Haddam, Conn.,
married Elizabeth Smith, and they had children:
Hannah, Thomas, Benjamin, Elizabeth, John, Da-
vid and Samuel.
(IV) Capt. John Hungerford, born March 4,
1 718, was married Dec. 27, 1739, to Deborah Hun-
gerford, daughter of John Hungerford. She died
before March 6, 1745, as on that date he married
Lucy , who died Feb. 10, 1798, aged sev-
enty-seven 3'ears. By the first union there were
two children, Levi and Thomas. To the second
marriage were born : Oliver, Uriah. Amasa, Deb-
orah, John, Lucy, Elizabeth, Huldah, and Lydia.
Capt. Hungerford was quite prominent in military
affairs. In 1751-52 he moved to Farmington, and
in May, 1754, was appointed, by the Assembl)^
ensign in the Sixth Company, or "train band," of
that town. In May, 1757, he was appointed lieu-
tenant of the "train band" in the parish of New
Cambridge (now Bristol, formerly in the town of
Farmington), and in May, 1758, the Assembly ap-
pointed him captain of the same. The same month
the Assembly appointed him captain in the army,
in the First Regiment. He died at Southington
Dec. 24, 1787, and his remains lie in the old ceme-
tery at Plainville, Hartford county. The epitaph
on his gravestone is as follows :
Behold and see as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
(V) Thomas Hungerford, born July 19, 1742,
died in 1810. He served as captain in the Revolu-
tionary war. On Oct. 29, 1764, he married (first)
Naomy Moody, born in 1746, who died in 1769.
His second wife was Elizabeth Mathews, who died
in February, 1819. The children born to the first
marriage were Chloe, Sabra and Zenas. To the
second union came Cynthia, one that died in in-
fancy, Street, Sylvia, Evits, Elavil, Levinah, Alma,
Street, Sheldon and Naomi.
(VI) Evits Hungerford, grandfather of Henry
W., was born in the town of Bristol, Conn., Oct.
29, 1777, and was a lifelong farmer in that locali-s
ty, also a blacksmith, and worked at his trade
number of years. In politics he was an arden|
Democrat, in religious faith a consistent Methodist|
and the first piece of timber taken from his land
was used in the building of the Methodist church
in Bristol. He was a charter member of Franklin
Lodge, F. & A. M. On Sept. 23, 1810, he married
Annah Peck, of Burlington, Conn., born Sept. 14,
1789, and children as follows were born to them:
Leander G. (a sketch of whom follows), William
Ellis, Rev. Charles Lyman (he died in 1845, ^^
Brooklyn, where he was a Methodist preacher),
Louisa Amy, and Caroline Sally. The father of
these died Sept. 17, 1867, the mother on June 20,
1881.
(MI) Leander Grandison Hungerford, father
of Henry W., was born July 12, 181 1, in the town
of Bristol, Conn., and died there Dec. 2, 1853. He
was a general "trucker," and dealt in wood, also
during a part of his life was engaged in farming,
and became quite well-to-do. He was an Old-Line
Whig, and an active member of the Methodist
Church.
On April 13, 1836, Leander G. Hungerford
was married to Jennett Jones, of Bristol, and they
had four children: (i) Sarah, born Dec. 3, 1837,
married (first) Lyman AVebster, of Harwinton,
Conn., and (second) wedded J. Wallace Blakes-
lee, of Bristol, Conn. : she now lives in Hartford.
(2) AVilliam Ellis, born in 1839, died in 1841.
( 3 ) Charles E., a sketch of whom appears else-
where. (4) Henry Wells is our subject. The
mother of these died Oct. 7, 1848, and Feb. 10.
1849, the father married Jennett Andros, who was
born in Farmington, Conn., July 9, 1817, and died
in 1891, the mother of one child, Annah J., born
May 13, 1852, married Homer Smith May 13,
1868, and died April 18, 1884, in Michigan.
Henry Wells Hungerford, of whom we more
especiallv write, received all his literary education
at the common schools of Bristol, and at the age
of fifteen years commenced working on a farm in
the summer, in the woods in the winter, in the em-
ploy, most of the time, of George Kimberly. When
twenty-one years of age he made a sort of pros-
pecting trip of several months duration through-
out the West as far as Nebraska, but soon re-
turned to Connecticut. Coming to Bristol, he on
April 12, 1869, commenced work for the E. Ingra-
ham Co.'s clock factory as teamster ; then was pro-
moted to his present position, that of shipping
clerk, having full charge of the packing and ship-
ping department of the factory.
On Dec. 24, 1874, Henry W. Hungerford was
married to Minerva S. Soule, born in Freeporf,
Maine, Julv 28, 1845, a daughter of George E. and
Deborah (Dillingham) Soule. She died in Bris-
tol, Conn., Oct. 30, 1899, leaving no issue. Mr.
Hungerford is a member of the Congregational
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
043
Cluircli, and in politics is a stanch Republican.
Honesty and integrity are his main characteris-
tics, and he enjoys the confidence of his employers,
and tile respect and esteem of a wide circle of
■friends and acquaintances.
JAY S. STOXK, ^\. 1)., is one of the most suc-
cessful medical practitioners of New Britain, and
liis professional services span a period of time ex-
ceeded by the residence of only two other physicians
of that city. He descends from one of the oldest
New England families, a family with whose his-
torv are linked names eminent in the intellectual
and religious growth of the mother States, but
his success in life is attributed not wholly to in-
heritance, as he is in the strictest sense of the term
a self-made man. The many struggles of his youth,
to win independently the mental e<|uipment for the
practice of his profession, developed a character
that could not fail in the attainment of distinction
and substantial success.
William Stone, of England, our subject's great-
grandfather, migrated with other early colonists to
the New World, and located at Guilford, Conn.,
becoming the progenitor of the American family
of which our subject is a representative. John
Stone, our subject's grandfather, born in 176=^, was
reared on a farm near Guilford, and adopted agri-
cultural pursuits as his life work. He was a man
of considerable force of character, and was gen-
erallv known as Deacon John Stone, of Aliddle-
bnry. He married Esther Stowe, of Milford. Conn.,
■whose father served his struggling country as a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. John Stone lived
to a good old age, and died about 1840, his life
companion passing awav the same year. Their
eight children all lived to old age. and were as fol-
lows : Mark : Stephen, father of our subject : Har-
vey : Elmira, who married Michael Bowers, of New
Haven : Esther ; Clara, wife of Laban Hine, of
IVIiddlebury : Sarah, who died unmarried: and Sa-
loma, wife of Calvin Camp, of ?i[iddlebury. Esther,
the second daughter, married Bennett Tyler, D. D.,
who was at one time pastor of a small church in
Southbury, but in later life was offered and ac-
cepted the presidency of the Hartford Theological
Society. He was also for a time president of Dart-
mouth College. During the period of active re-
ligious controversy half a century ago Dr. Tyler
^vas widelv known as the opponent of Prof. Taylor,
of "S'ale Theological Seminary.
.Stephen Stone, father of our subject, was a na-
tive of Middlebury, Conn., born in 1787. Being
reared to farm work, he followed fhat vocation
through life, and although farming in his day of-
fered scant opportunities for the accumulation of
Avcalth he was pre-eminently successful, and evinced
the possession of business talents and energies
■which deserved a more promising field. He was
sturdy in character, careful and thrifty, and be-
■came one of the largest tax-pavers in the town.
In politics he was a strong Republican, but to him
public office offered no enticements. He was a busi-
ness man through and through, although interested
ill public affairs, and lending his active inlUience to
various worth v eiiterjirises. in religious faith he was
a Congregationalist, and to church work he was
stanchlv devoted. He lived to the good old age of
ninety-three years, his death occurring in 1880. By
his first wife, Nancy I'ronson, he had five children:
Elery G., deceased ; Harriet N., who married Styles
Munson, of Middlebury ; Serene L., deceased ; Aber-
nathv, of \\'ood'bury, Conn. ; and Amelia, who was
married thrice, to Merritt Baldwin, Robert Lee and
.Sheldon Somers, respectively. The second wife of
Stephen Stone was Maria Mallory, daughter of
'J'homas Mallory, of Middlebury, and by that union
there were three children: Mary M., John \\'. (de-
ceased), and Jay S. (our subject).
Dr. Jay S. Stone was born Aug. 5. 184J, in
Middlebury. Conn., and began his education in the
public schools of that place. Later he attended
\\'oodbury Academy, under the instruction of Prof.
T. M. Thompson, a well-known educator, and in the
fall of 1859 he passed the examination in the
academic department of Yale College, and was ad-
mitted. He did not enter, however, but at once
began the problem of self-support and advance-
ment toward the professional goal. He became a
teacher in the public schools of ^liddlebury. Conn.,
and for a year conducted a privatj sch o' i)i the
town of Huntington, Conn. He then entered the
Normal School at New Britain, graduating in the
summer of 1861. and in the fall of that year he
took charge of the e-raded schools of Plymouth,
v'here he remained in charge two years, meanwhile
engaging in the study of medicine. In the fall of
18(33 lie entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, in New York, from which institution he was
graduated in 1865. It is to the credit of Dr. Stone
that his academic and professional education was
due to his own efforts, as he paid his own way-
through all the schools mentioned. After leaving
the medical college he located, in the spring of 1865,
at New Britain, and here for more than a third of a
century he has been in continuous and successful
practice, the only active physicians of New Britain
who antedate him in professional service in that
city being Drs. Cooley and Cummings. Dr. Stone
is recognized as one of the most eminent medical
men of this section, and he himself attributes his
success to the practice of the Golden Rule, and to
his thorough professional preparation.
During the year 1894 Dr. Stone was a member
of the board of health. He is prominently afliliated
with many fraternal societies, holding menvbership
in Harmony Lodge, No. 8. F. & A. ^[.: Giddings
Chapter. No. 26: Washington Commandery, of
Hartford : and Sphinx Teinple, Shrine, of Hart-
ford : is also a member of New Britain Lodge,
Nathan Hale degree, American Mechanics: of
Phcenix Lodge. T. O. O. F. : Comstock Encamp-
ment: Canton Foresters; the Knights of rvlhias:
the Roval Arcanum : the New England (^rder of
644
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Protection ; the Pilgrim Fathers and the Hepta-
sophs. Dr. Stone has officiated as medical exam-
iner in all of these orders, and professionally he
is connected with the State Medical Society and
with the Hartford Coimty and New Britain
Medical Societies, of wdiich latter he has served as
jjresident.
Dr. Stone was first married to Miss Anna E.
Warner, daughter of William B. Warner, of Plym-
outh, Conn., and by that marriage has two children :
Dr. William Stone, instructor in the Vanderbilt
Clinic in the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
of New York City; and Miss Mabel W., now a
teacher in the Unionville high school. The Doc-
tor's second and present wife is Rebecca C, daugh-
ter of Matthew Davis, formerly of Providence, R.
I., and by this union he has one daugliter, Eliza-
beth H. ■
THOMAS B. HATHEWAY, a well-known ex-
tensive tobacco grower, farmer and coal dealer of
Poquonock, and a selectman in the town of Wind-
sor, was born Oct. 19, 1847, on the farm where he
now resides, a son of George and Alma (Booth)
Hatheway, the former a native of Suffield, Conn.,
the latter of New Bedford, Mass. The paternal
grandfather, Samuel Hatheway, a teacher by pro-
fession, always resided 'in Suffield, and there reared
his family of six children : Amos : Samuel ; George ;
Emily; Eliza: and _ Charlotte, wife of Giles Gris-
wold, all of whom are now deceased.
George Hatheway, who was next to the young-
est in this family, received but a hmited education,
and was thrown upon his own resources at an early
age, but as he was industrious and steady his means
gradually increased, and he became the possessor
of a comfortable competence, which he left to his
children. He came to Windsor when a young man,
and was first employed in the mills in manufactur-
ing cotton batting. He was a self-made man in
the fullest sense of that oft misused term, was a
most excellent citizen, and was respected by all
who knew him. Physically he was thick-set, but
not large. He was a stanch supporter first of the
Whig and later of the Republican party, and took
an active interest in their success, but was never a
politician in the sense of office seeking. Religiously
both he and his wife were devout members of the
Congregational Church. During the later years of
his active business life he engaged in farming in
Windsor town, and died Feb. 27, 1877, on the old
homestead, at the age of seventy-nine years. His
wife, who survived him for a time, passed away in
December, 1888, at the age of eighty-one, and they
now sleep side by side in the Poquonock cemetery.
In their family were the following children : Har-
riet, who first married Horace Bement, and later
Sidney Cowles, a resident of Hartford : Delia, who
is married and resides in Colorado : Svlvia, wife
of William Warner, of Akron, Ohio; Mary, wife
of. William H. Packard, of New Bedford, 'Mass. ;
Emma, wife of Dr. Ensign, of Berlin, Conn. ; Car-
rie, wife of B. E. Smith, of Willimantic, Conn.;
George, who died in Windsor, leaving a wife and
two sons, WilKam and George; Samuel, who died
young; and Thomas B., our subject.
Thomas B. Hatheway obtained the greater part
of his education in the Poquonock district schools,
but attended school for one year in New Bedford,
Mass., after which he clerked in a grocery store
in that city for four years. The following year he
engaged in farming on the old homestead, and then
entered the store of Hatheway & Mosliier, of Po-
quonock, where he clerked for three years. For
fifteen years he was a clerk and bookkeeper in the
factory at Poquonock belonging to the Tunxis
Worsted Co., of Austin Dunham & Sons, and was
also superintendent of the mills for three years.
On leaving their employ he took charge of the old
home farm, which he had controlled since his fa-
ther's death, and while farming was, in a way, a
new business to h'im, he took kindly to it, and has
met with unusual success. In recent years he has
also carried on operations as a coal dealer at Po-
c[uonock, being the first dealer of the kind in that
place, and is also engaged in the trucking business.
He is a successful tobacco grower as well as an
extensive one, and is a pushing, energetic man,
and one of the highly respected citizens of his
town.
Mr. Flatheway has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Adelaide S. Reynolds, of New
Bedford, Mass., who died leaving no children. For
his second wife he married Miss Carrie E. Brown„
also of New Bedford, a daughter of John E. and
Cynthia (Ryder) Brown, and to them have been
born five children: Elsie, Grace, Amy, Marjorie
and Gladys, all at home but Grace, who died in
infancy. In religious faith the parents are both
Congregationalists. Socially Mr. Hatheway is a
member of Washington Lodge, F. & A. M., at
Windsor, and politically he is identified with the
Republican party. In 1891 he was elected select-
man of his town, and has most creditably and ac-
ceptably served in that office continuouslv since.
JEFFERSON RANDOLPH HOLCOMB. The
natural advantages of this section attracted at an
early day a superior class of settlers, thrifty, in-
dustrious, progressive and law-abiding, whose in-
fluence gave permanent direction to the develop-
ment of the locality. Among the worthy pioneers
of Hartford county the Holcomb family hold a
prominent place, and the result of thie labor and
self-denial of those past generations is manifest in
the comfortable homes and fertile, well-arranged
farms which they left to their descendants.
The first of the Holcomb family to come to
America was Thomas Holcomb, who was born in
Wales in 1601, and located in Dorchester, Mass.^
in 1629. In 1634 he was made a freeman, and the
following year he came to Connecticut, locating m
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Gi5
Windsor, Hartford couniy, where he engaged in
farming until called from this life, in 1657. His
first wife, Elizabeth, bore him eight children : Abi-
gail; Joshua; Sarah; Ucnajah; Deborah, who died
young; Nathaniel; Deborali ; and Jonathan. For
his second wile he married Jane Knnis, and both
died in Windsor, where their remains were in-
terred. Joshua Holconib, the eldest son of Thomas,
was born Sept. 22, 1640, and spent his entire life
as a farmer in the town of Windsor. He was mar-
ried, June 4; 1OO3, to Ruth Sherwood, and died in
1O90. His_second child, Joshua Holcomb, Jr., was
born in 1O72, and when a young man removed to
Simsbury, where he followed agricultural pursuits
until life's labors were ended. His son Joshua was
born in Simsbury Sept. 18, 1690, and like his an-
cestors followed farming as a life work. He
wedded I\Iary Griffin, of Simsbury, by whom he had
several children, and he died in Simsbury. One
son, Hezekiah Holcomb, was born Jan. 27, 1726,
and was also a farmer by occupation. He married
Susan Alderman, who died Oct. 7, 18 14, and his
death occurred in July, 1794. He was known as
Capt. Holcomb, and was quite a prominent man in
his community.
The next in direct line .was Hezekiah Holcomb,
the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born
Sept. 2, 1750, in Simsbury (now town of East
Granby), where he spent his entire life. He was
a land owner and successful farmer, devoting his
entire attention to agriculture and stock raising.
He was well known and highly respected, was a
member of the Episcopal Church, and a Democrat
in politics. He was twice married, his first wife
being Chloe Pinney, who was born in 1750 and died
in 1787. They had seven children: Hezekiah,
Thomas, Alexander, Joel, Abram, Bates and Cicero.
The father of this family died in the town of East
Granby, Nov. 8, 1820, and was buried in Scotland
cemetery, Bloomfield town.
Joel Holcomb, grandfather of our subject, was
born on tlie old, homestead in the town of East
Granby, and though a self-educated man he became
quite well informed by extensive reading and obser-
vation, having an excellent knowledge of the
leading events and topics of the day. He was a
farmer and land owner, and very prominent in
public matters, ably representing his district in both
the House and Senate of the Connecticut Legisla-
ture. He also served as county and probate judge
for many years, and was one of the most dis-
tinguished and honored citizens of his community.
He died on the farm known as the Col. Samuel
Clark farm, in the town of East Granby, now
owned and occupied by our subject, and was buried
in Scotland cemetery, town of Bloomfield. He
first married Chloe Case, of Simsbury, who died
in Granby and was also buried in Scotland ceme-
tery. The children born to them were Joel C. ;
Chloe, wife of Virgil Cornish ; Jane, wife of Will-
iam Mather; Sophia, wife of William ^litchell; and
Raynor. His second wife bore tiie maiden name of
ilulda Piielps, and was the widow of Col. Samuel
Clark. There Nvere no children born by this union.
At her death her remains were interred in East
Granby cemetery.
Raynor Holcomb, father of our subject, at-
tended the common schools near his boyliood home,
and also a select school at Red Hook, N. Y. It
was his ambition to become a lawyer, but circum-
slances prevented him from iloing so, and after
completing his education he spent three years as a
contractor, aiding in the construction of the Wind-
sor Locks canal, but made nothing in that under-
taking. He then obtained employment as a travel-
ing salesman, selling clocks through the Southern
States during the eleven years he was engaged
in that business. On his return to Hartford county.
Conn., he located near Granby Station, and turned
his attention to farming. In 1850 he went to Cali-
fornia in search of gold, and after eighteen months
spent upon the Pacific slope, returned home. After
the death of his father he located on the Col. Clark
farm, of 175 acres, where he spent the remainder
of his life, dying there in February, 1891, at the age
of eighty-six years. In East Granby town (then
Granby), he married J^Iiss Betsy Alderman, a native
of that place, and a daughter of Irijah Alderman.
To them were born three children : Chloe E., wife
of B. L. Yale, of Meriden, New Haven Co., Conn. ;
Jefferson R., our subject; and Walter, who died
when a young man. The mother departed this life
in 1861, and both she and her husband were laid
to rest in the Flolcomb burying ground, town of
East Granby. Both were attendants of the Epis-
copal Church, and were held in high regard by all
who knew them. Mr. Holcomb was one of the
most prominent and influential members of the
Democratic party in his community, and by the
popular vote was elected to both the Legislature
and State Senate, in which bodies he became quite
popular and most efficiently represented his district.
He was an industrious and energetic man, noted
for his honesty and uprightness.
Jpfiferson R. Holcomb, subject of this review,
one of the best known citizens of the town of
East Granby. was born there April 12, 1837, and
during his boyhood and youth was a student in the
public schools of that locality and the Suffield In-
stitute, then under the direction of Prof. Wood-
bury. After finishing his education he took up
farming upon the old homestead, where he has
ever since carried on that occupation with marked
success, while making a specialty of tobacco culture
and stock raising. He owns and operates eighty
acres of well-cultivated land, on which he has made
extensive improvements. He was one of the first
to engage in the raising of tobacco in this section,
and what is grown upon his place always com-
mands the highest market price.
Mr. Holcomb married Miss Sophronia Spell-
man, a native of Simsbury, and to them have been
646
COMMEMDRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born four daughters : Elizabeth A., Chloe C, Flor-
ence G., and Virginia. With their parents they
hold membership in the Episcopal Church. Like
his ancestors, Mr. Holcomb is a stanch supporter
of the Democratic party and its principles, and he,
too, has been honored with important official posi-
tions, in 1882 representing the town of East Granby
in the State Legislature. He has filled other public
positions, such as selectman and member of the
school board, and his official duties have always been
most capably and satisfactorily performed.
FRANK L. BURR, M. D., was born at Kill-
ingworth, Middlesex Co., Conn., son of Dr. Harris
R. Burr, a distingusished physician, and a man
prominent in public affairs.
Dr. Harris R. Burr was a native of Haddam.
He began life in humble circumstances, and his
prosperity in after years was the result of his own
unaided efforts, guided by earnest resolution and
unflinching integrity. His early education was re-
ceived in the common schools, supplemented by a
course in Worcester (Mass.) Medical College, from
which institution he graduated in 1849, being also
a member of the Alumni. After leaving college
he took ttp his residence at New Haven, where he
practiced medicine for two years, removing after
that period to Killingworth, where he resided until
his death, which occurred in September, 1861. His
practice was extensive and lucrative, and his moral
worth and genial disposition, no less than his
professional skill, endeared him to his townspeople.
At the time of his demise he was high sheriff of
Middlesex county. He also owned a large farm,
which he conducted with marked success. Politi-
cally he was a Democrat, and was elected by that
party to the Legislature in 1856. He was a devout
and active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and prominent in every good work of that
organization, being trustee of the church and super-
intendent of the Sunday-school at the time of his
death. Dr. Burr married Clarinda Blatchley, by
whom he had six children, as follows : Eugene H.
was for a quarter of a century treasurer of the
Russell Mfg. Co., and is now president of the Col-
umbia Baking Co., of Middletown ; Frank L. is more
fully referred to below; Colin died when he was
but five years old; Mary E. passed away at the
age of seventeen ; Myron C. resides at Middletown,
and is connected with the Grand Union Tea Co.
The mother of this family died in 1876, in her fifty-
seventh year.
Dr. Frank L. Burr, our subject, received his
early education in the public schools, and in 1865
attended Abingdon (111.) College, where he re-
mained for two years. On his return home he
entered the office of Dr. N. D. Hodgkins, of Rocky
Hill, and a year later matriculated at the Phila-
delphia Medical College, graduating from that in-
stitution in 1871, after which he returned to Kill-
ingworth, where he at once entered professional
practice. After six months spent there he removed
to Middletown, and in 1884 to Rocky Hill, where he
has ever since resided.
In October, 1871, Dr. Burr was married to
Miss Josephine A. Clark, and their marriage has
been blessed with six children, the eldest of whom,
Flarris L., is a bookkeeper for the Pope Mfg. Co.,
of Hartford ; Carl E., the second son, has a po-
sition in the office of Gately & Co., New Haven;
Colin C. is a draftsman; Clara J., a stenographer;
and Rollin C, a student in Wesleyan College at
Middletown. The youngest daughter, Hattie E.,
died when but three years of age.
Dr. Burr's professional skill has won for him a
large and profitable practice, while his unquestioned
probity, joined to sound judgment and excellent
common sense, have made him prominent in the
affairs of the communities in which he has lived.
While practicing at Middletown he was for eight
years city physician, and has for three years filled
the post of health officer at Rocky Hill. From 1885
to 1893 he acted as town clerk. In politics he is
affiliated with the Republican party, and in religious
faith is a Congregationalist. For eight years he has
served on the school boai^d, and is at present act-
ing as school visitor.
GARVAN BROTHERS, of Windsor, constitute
a firm which stands second to none in the grocery
trade, and their constantly growing custom among
the best class of people is evidence of their sound
business rhethods. Their success is the more
notable because they succeeded a merchant who had
not made the venture profitable, and at the outset
they met with remonstrances from friends who
feared failure on account of lack of experience and
capital. But enterprise, joined with caution and
good common sense, won the day, each year seeing
a substantial gain, and the future presents a bright
prospect. An unvarying courtesy has been a fac-
tor in gaining a desirable class of patrons, and by
their straightforward and honorable dealings they
have secured a high reputation for reliability which
is, in itself, a reward worthy of notice.
The brothers are descended from good old Irish
stock, and their paternal ancestors were people of
wealth and position, but misfortune befell the
family in later times. Their grandfather, Thomas
Garvan, married Miss Carey, and had six children :
John, who died in Rockville, Conn. ; Lawrence, an
architect, who died in San Francisco ; James, who
died in the same city ; Thomas, who is mentioned
more fully below; Joanna (Mrs. James Murphy),
who died in Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y. ; and Kate
(Mrs. Timothy Norris), who died in Rockville.
The mother of this family died in Ireland, and in
1840 the father came to the United States with all
of his children, his last years being spent at Wind-
sor in the home of his son Thomas. He died at
the advanced age of eighty years, and his remains
now rest in the cemetery at Windsor Locks.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
64T
Thomas Garvan, tlie father of the brothers wliosc
history is outlined in this biograpliy, was born Dec.
17, 1820, in County Tipperary, Irehuid, and as his
I parents were then in comfortable circumstances he
; had unusually good educational advantages. He was
but little over twenty years old when the family
came to the United States, the voyage in a sailing
vessel lasting thirteen weeks. On his arrival he
was obliged to take such employment as he could
find, and for a time he worked in Schenectady, N.
Y., but soon after the opening of the American
Mills at Rockville, Conn., he became watchman
there. Men of his nationality were not numerous
there, and as he was a devout Catholic among
Protestants the differences in their views caused
more or less friction, but the superintendent, W.
A. Lovell, who took a strong liking to Mr. Garvan,
used his influence to make his situation pleasant.
Later Mr. Garvan was employed as a mill watch-
man in Amsterdam, N. Y., and at Windsor, this
county, where he married Miss Margaret Norris
and made a permanent home. He purchased a farm
from Alvan Fenton, and for many years was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, while for some time
his house was a center of home life for his brothers
and sisters, whom he assisted in securing situations
and in other ways. He was a man of fine mental
gifts, and, physically, was well built, his health being
excellent until a few years previous to his death. In
politics he was a strong Republican, but he never
sought or held office. He died Dec. 31, 1896, his
interment being in Blue Hills cemetery. His widow
still resides at the old home which was purchased
from the other heirs by three of the sons, James L.,
John H., and William ; she is much respected for
her excellent qualities, and belongs to an old family
of County Tipperary, Ireland. Her father was
William Norris and her three brothers, Stephen,
William and JNIichael, wdio settled in Windsor pre-
vious to her coming, were among the first Irishmen
to locate there. To Thomas and Margaret Garvan
were born four sons : James L., of the firm of Gar-
van Brothers ; Thomas, a farmer of the town of
Windsor; William, a resident of Cheyenne, Wyom-
ing, where he is manager of a large clothing house,
and enjoys a very responsible position : and John
H., the junior member of the firm. Thomas Gar-
van, the father of this family, was twice married,
first time to a Miss Farrell, of Providence, R. I.,
and by her had three daughters : Mary ( Mrs.
Walter Richardson, of North Grafton, Mass.);
Nora (unmarried), a resident of Windsor; and
Katy (Mrs. Joseph Evans, of Windsor). About
one year after the death of the mother of this
family, the father wedded Miss Margaret Norris,
of Windsor, Conn., as above related.
James L. Garvan, senior member of the firm,
was born at Windsor. Aug. 18. 1859, and after corn-
pleting a common-school course studied for a time
in the academy. From childhood he assisted in the
work of the farm, and at the age of fifteen he be-
came "general utility boy" for David S. Rowland,
a retired business man, his wages being seven dollars
]KT month at the start. For thirteen years he re-
mained with !Mr. Rowland, whose implicit confi-
dence he gained by his fidelity and trustworthi-
ness, and after the latter's death he engaged in
farming, which he followed until 1893. He and
his brother J. H. then bought their present grocery
business from John Gilligan, and since that time he
has given his exclusive attention to its management.
\\ hile he is not a politician, he is a firm supiwrter
of the Republican party, being a regular voter, and
he and his wife are leading members of the Catho-
lic Church in Windsor. Un Del. 26, 1898, he mar-
ried Miss Alame Buttimcr, of Syracuse, N. Y., and
they have one son, Raymond L.
John H. Garvax, who is also a native of Wind-
sor, born Jan. 24, 1865, was educated in the public
schools and the old academy. As a boy he worked
for some time in a screw factory in Hartford, but
he had a strong inclination for commercial pursuits.
and at an early age became a clerk for M. D.
Murphy, of Windsor, with whom he remained three
years. He then entered the employ of John Gilli-
gan, and after seven years as a clerk he and his
brother became the proprietors of the store. In
politics he is a Democrat, and he is active in relig-
ious work as a member of the Catholic Church, in
which he holds office. He married Miss Celia Gil-
ligan, daughter of Patrick Gilligan, of Windsor,
and they have two sons, Edward F. and Arthur L.
HARLAN PAGE PARSONS, a leading citizen
of Enfield, was born in that town Sept. 11, 1841,
son of Jabez and Harriet (Allen) Parsons. His
paternal grandparents, Asahel and Christian
(Terry) Parsons, were both natives of Enfield,
where he engaged in farming. They reared a fam-
ily of four children: Jabez, Aurelia (Mrs. Loren
Buckland), Lucinda (Mrs. Sylvester \'iets). and
Winthrop. Asahel Parsons was a son of Asahel
and Abigail ( Kingsbury j Parsons; grandson of
Christopher and Mary (Pease) Parsons; and great-
grandson of Benjamin Parsons, a descendant of
Benjamin Parsons, who was supposed to be the first
ancestor of the family in America, emigrating from
England.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were
Chester and Polly (Buckland) Allen, the former a
descendant of Samuel Allen, who came from
Braintree, in the county of Essex, England, in 1636.
settling in Meriden, Conn., where he died in 1648.
He was a farmer. The paternal grandmother of
our subject, Christian Terry, was a daughter of
Ebenezer and Sarah (Hurlburt) Terry.
Harlan Page Parsons was reared to manhood
in Enfield, and educated in the public schools. He
began life as a teacher, teaching school in his native
county for several terms, and also worked at the
carpenter's trade, but he has principally followed
farming as an occupation. Mr. Parsons has been
648
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married twice. His first wife, Celia I., daughter of
Stephen and Irene (Munsell) Farnham, of ElHng-
ton, Tolland Co., Conn., bore him two sons : Arthur
C. and Rollin F., the elder a chemist and the
younger still a student. For his second wife Mr.
Parsons married Sarah A., daughter of Daniel H.
and Lucinda (Phelps) Abbe, of Enfield. Mrs.
Parsons died Feb. 25, 1899. Mr. Parsons is a
member and deacon of the First Congregational
Church of Enfield. He is a charter member of
Enfield Grange. In politics he is a supporter of
the Republican party. He is a progressive and suc-
cessful farmer, and is held in high esteem by all
who know him.
NORMAN W. STRICKLAND, a prosperous
agriculturist of Glastonbury town, is noted for his
ability as a manager, and his fine farm of 240 acres
gives evidence of his skill.
Mr. Strickland is a member of a family which
has long been identified with that locality. His
great-grandfather, Myer Strickland, was born prob-
ably in Connecticut, and his grandfather, Elisha
Strickland, followed farming in Glastonbury for
many years ; the latter built the old house nearly
opposite our subject's present residence. In later
years he went to Stafiford, Conn., to reside with his
3'oungest living son, Lysander, and his death oc-
curred there about 1845. Fie married Polly Root,
a native of Marlboro, and they had five children :
(i) Austin married Hester Spencer, and settled on
a farm in Glastonbury; (2) Vinson R., our sub-
ject's father, is mentioned -more fully below; (3)
Lysander, a wheelwright by trade, married Maria
Holmes, and resided in Stafford and Middletown,
but his death occurred in Hartford ; (4) Minerva
married Eli Warner, a farmer of Ellington, and had
a son, Eli, who became a physician in Hartford ;
and (5) Eliza died in childhood. ^Elisha Strick-
land was a Whig in political sentiment. He never
sought office, and was a plain, unassuming man in
every way.
Vinson R. Strickland was born June 16, 1805,
at the old homestead in Glastonbur}^, received a
common-school education, and for many years was
engaged in farming. He was known as "Major"
Strickland, being drum-major in the local militia,
and was remarkabl}^ expert as a drummer on the
snare-drum, a valued accomplishment in those days,
when fife and drum music was mucli used at public
gatherings. So favorably were his talents in this
line regarded that he was frequently called upon to
play in other towns. He died March 15, 1866,
his remains being interred at P>uckingham. In 1830
he married Miss Sarah JM. Skinner, who' was born
May 18, 1813, in Bolton, daughter of Sylvester and
Sallie (Keeney) Skinner. Norman W., our sub-
ject, was the eldest of a family of seven children,
of whom four are living. Gilbert M. married
Sarah Jewett, of Hampton, and died in Glastonbury ;
they had three sons — Charles G. (a farmer) and
Wells A. (who owns a sawmill), both unmarried
and residing with their mother in Glastonbury ; and
Wilfred E. Jewett, deceased. Francis J. died in
Kansas, unmarried. John B. married Susan Hatha-
way, and settled in South Hadlej^, Mass., where he
died ; he left one daughter, Mary. Sarah married
Alex. Ingels, of Middletown, and had two children
— Arthur and Grace. Adella married Ferdinand
Davis, of Hartford, and has one child, Cliffe. Ed-
win V. married Margaret Marting, and resides in
Burnside, Conn. ; they have one son, Harold.
Norman W. Strickland was born Dec. 29, 1832,
on the farm where he now resides. As a boy he
attended the district school, and for two years he
studied at a select school held in the basement of the
Methodist church at East Glastonbury, conducted
by a Mr. Rush and later by a Mr. Nickerson. On
leaving school he began to work out by the month,
for $18, large wages for those times, and later re-
ceived $20 per month. He was employed in Vernon
for a time, and then rented a farm for two years,
and also spent three years at South Windsor as
superintendent of the town farm. He and his wife
then lived with Henry King for a year, and in
1865 removed to their present farm, having pur-
chased a portion of the tract. Mr. Strickland has
made very extensive improvements, his attractive
dwelling having been built in 1896, and he has
added more land from time to time until his farm
is now one of the largest in the section. In politics
he is a Republican, but he has never cared for office,
though often urged to run. Quiet and unassuming
in disposition, he is, nevertheless, highly respected,
and his advice is often sought on business matters.
He has served as administrator of an estate at the
request of the heirs. Mr. Strickland and his family
are members of the Buckingham Congregational
Church, and he has been chairman of the society for
nine years.
On May 18, 1858, Mr. Strickland married Miss
Sarah M. Taft, of New York, who was born there
April 25, 1833, daughter of Fred G. and Eresby
(Driggs) Taft. The only child of this union,
Julia G., born March 28, 1866, attended the com-
mon schools until fourteen years of age, and after-
ward the Glastonbury Academy, from which she
graduated. She married George Kenyon, who was
born in Andover, Conn., but lives in Glastonbury,
where he owns a fine farm and runs a large dair)'.
In politics he is a Democrat. They have one child,
Grace G., born June 16, 1887,
Fred G. Taft, father of Mrs. Strickland, was
born in New York City, son of Joel Taft, a joiner,
who at one time worked on Trinity church. He
learned his father's trade, and engaged in the manu-
facture of sash and blinds. In 1847 he broug'ht
his family to Connecticut, settling in Glastonbury,
where he died in 1863. His political sympathies
were with the Democratic party, and in religion he
was a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Taft was
twice married, his first wife being Eresby Driggs,
Onyi^.^^■€U^-^^
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G49
a native of Brooklyn, X. Y., who died in New York
in May, 1833, lea\ing two children, Harriet -V. and
Sarah M. (Airs. Strickland). By his second mar-
riage, to Caroline Curtis, Air. Taft had seven chil-
dren: Frederick J., Philura E., Caroline A., Joel
C, George W'., Lyman and Henry. Mrs. Strick-
land's maternal grandfather, Elijah Driggs, was a
soldier in the war of 1812, anil received a pension.
He was a shipbuilder by occupation, and was en-
gaged at his trade in the navy yards at New York
Citv when killed at the launching of a ship.
EDWARD FRANCIS ST. JOHN. Among
the leading residents of Floskins Station, in the town
of Simsbury, the genial and accommodating repre-
sentative of the Philadelphia, Reading & New Eng-
land Railway Co. is numbered. For a score of years
he has represented that road near the scenes of his
childhood. He is also a business man and a farmer,
and one of the thriftiest and most substantial men of
the community.
Mr. St. John was born on the old homestead at
Hoskins Station May 23, 1839, son of Zopher and
Eunice (Harmon) St. John. The father was born
Oct. 17, 1799, near Hoskins Station, on a farm
which his father, Elijah St. John, a native of Nor-
walk, Fairfield Co., Conn., purchased and occupied.
Zopher and Eunice St. John were the parents of
nine children, namely : iMartha L. ; Mary, who mar-
ried George W. Harmon ; Hilpah, who married
Marvin D. Hoskins ; Eunice ; Edward F., our sub-
ject; Louise, who married Prof. Rufus C. Hitch-
cock : Chloe ; Sanford Z. ; and Newell.
Our subject attended the home district schools,
and also the select schools of Simsbury and of
Tarilifville. From early boyhood he had charge of
his father's farm, and upon the death of his father,
in 1872, he and his brother Newell partitioned the
home place, Edward F. retaining the homestead and
fifty acres of land. He has ever since been en-
gaged in tobacco culture and in dairying and gen-
eral farming, also dealing in tobacco. Fie has made
extensive improvements on the farm, remodeling
the homestead, and fitting it with modern appli-
ances. On Nov. 19, 1864, in East Granby, he mar-
ried Charlotte E. Cushman, a native of East
Granbv, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Per-
kins) Cushman, and sister of ]\lrs. Newell St. John.
To our subject and wife three children have been
born : Harmon E., Nellie L. and George C. ( i )
Harmon E. was educated in the district schools and
at Simsbury Academy, and is engaged in farming at
home. (2) Nellie L. in her girlhood attended the
district schools, also Simsbury Academy and the
Connecticut Literary Listitute, Sufifield, and taught
school in Simsbury. She married Lucius H. Sey-
mour, a native of East Granby, and a prominent
farmer, son of Chester Seymour and grandson of
Chester Seymour, and brother of Mrs. Toy, of
Simsbury. (3) George C. attended the district
schools, McLean's Seminary at Simsburv, and the
high school of Hartford. lie is now a junior at
Harvard College, Cambridge.
Our subject was tax collector for nine years in
Simsbury. tie represented the town in the State
Legislature in 1883, having been elected on the Re-
publican ticket, and served on the committee on
Canvass of \'otes ; he has been as.sessor, memljcr
of the board of relief, and also a member of the
school board. l'"or the past twenty years he has
been the representative of the Philadelphia, Reading
& New England Railway Co. at Hoskins Station, lie
is a consistent member of the Congregational Church
and is highly respected. Mrs. St. John was edu-
cated in the district schools of East Granby, and
also a select school of Tariff ville, and taught school
in East Granby, Simsbury (two terms) and North
Bloonifield. She is a student of history, and is
especially interested in English literature.
i\IIX. The family of this name is one of the
oldest and most highly respected of Connecticut.
The first of the name to come to this State was
Thomas Mix, who made his home in New Haven
as early as 1643, married Rebecca Turner, and there
died in' 1691.
(II) John Mix, a son of these hardy pioneers,
was born in 1649, and died Jan. 21. 1712. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Heaton, who was Ijorn in 1650, and
died in August, 171 1.
(HI) John Mix, born Aug. 25, 1676, was mar-
ried Nov. 25, 1702, to Sarah Thompson, who was
born Jan. 16, 1671, and died Nov. 21, 171 1. He
was again married Nov. 12, 1712, his second union
being with Mrs. Elizabeth Booth, who died in May,
1716. On Feb. 14, 1717, he married Esther Peck.
(IV) Ebenezer Mix, born in 1715-16, died in
West. Hartford Aug. 4, 1766. He was a large land
owner, and an active member of the Congregational
Church. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Alary
(Sedgwick) Merrill (widow of Caleb Merrill), who
was born in 171 5, and for his second wife he mar-
ried Anna Goodwin, of West Hartford, who was
born in 172s, and died in 1817.
(V) Elisha Mix, one of the Revolutionary
heroes, was born July i, 1761, and died June 12,
1818. He married Anna Webster, who was born
in 1759, and died Jan. 27, 1842. They had thirteen
children, four of whom died in infancy, the others
being: Elisha; Lucy; Polly; Fanny; Samuel;
James, who was born July 10, 1793, and was the
father of Alajor F. W. Alix, of Stamford, Conn.;
Henry, who is mentioned below; Anna; and
Alahala, mother of George T. Goodwin.
(\T) Henry Alix wa^s born March 18, 1795,
and was reared and educated in West Hartford.
There he was married. May 24, 1821, to Miss Ange-
line Beardsley, a daughter of Jeremiah William and
Mary (Pete)' Beardsley, of Stratford, Fairfield Co.,
Conn., and they spent their entire married life in
West Hartford, in the house now occupied by their
daughter, Aliss Frances FL Alix. Mr. Mix was a
650
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
far,mer by occupation, and though for several years
an invahd met with a fair degree of success in his
undertakings. He took an active interest in the
Ecclesiastical Society, though not a member of any
church, and his honorable, upright life gained for
him the confidence and high regard of all with whom
he came in contact. He died Sept. 25, 1866, and
his wife passed away May i, 1872. Of the five
children born to this worthy couple, (i) Frances
H., is the eldest. (2) Catherine Elizabeth is now the
widow of Thomas Sumner, and resides in New
Haven with her stepson, Prof. W. G. Sumner, of
Yale University, New Haven. She has two chil-
dren, Henry M., who married Grace Wheeler; and
Alice, wife of Walter Camp. (3) Harriet married
Richard Graham, who died in Cuba. (4) George
Henry, a resident of Danville, Iowa, married Sabeth
Huntington, and they have eight children. Bell,
Hart Henry, Lee Wallace, Ida B. (wife of Warren
Matthews), Port Lundy (who married Clarabel
Moore), Bert Bradbury, Edward Livingston, and
Ray Webster. (5) Edward Livingston, youngest
son of Henry Mix, became very prominent in church
and public affairs, and at one time faithfully repre-
sented his town in the State Legislature. He mar-
ried Lora Dewey, and died Jan. i, 1892.
GEORGE SIMPSON, Jr., a well-known citi-
zen of Hazardville, was born in the town of Enfield
Oct. 9, 1867, a son of George and Margaret Ham-
ilton Simpson. His paternal grandparents were
John and Jeanette (Stevenson) Simpson, who came
from Kilmarnock, Scotland, to America in 1830,
and settled in Greensboro, Orleans Co., Vt., where
they engaged in farming, and resided through life.
George Simpson, Sr., the father of our subject,
was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Oct. 19,-1826,
and was four years old when brought to America
by his parents. He was reared in Greensboro, Vt.
In 1847 he came to Tompsonville, Hartford Co.,
Conn., and for two years peddled tin for David
Woodruff, and for one year worked ~on a farm. In
1850 he returned to Greensboro, Vt., where he was
occupied in farming and merchandising until 1863,
when he settled in Enfield and engaged in the meat
business at Scitico, which he continued there for
four years. Then removing to Hazardville, he was
engaged in the same business until 1883, when he
retired, although he has since been a dealer in
horses and cattle to some extent.
On May 24, 1858, Mr. Simpson was married to
Margaret, daughter of John and Agnes (Roland)
Hamilton, of Lowell, Mass., and has five children :
John H., Ellsworth L., Ella A. (Mrs. George D.
Howard), George, Jr. (our subject), and William
R. Mr. Simpson and wife are members of the M. E.
Church, and Mr. Simpson is a Republican in politics.
He represented Enfield in the Legislature in 1873.
George Simpson, Jr., our subject, was reared
to manhood in his native town, and was educated
in the public schools and at the Hartford College.
He began his business career as a clerk in a grocery
in Longmeadow, Mass., and has since followed that
vocation, having been in the employ of E. C. Allen,
of Hazardville, since 1887. On Nov. 24, 1897, he
was married to Nellie A., daughter of Lavantine
and Maranda (Spencer) King, of Somers, Conn.
Fraternally he is a member of the O. U. A. M., and
politically affiliates with the Republican party.
WILLIAM HENRY MANSFIELD, a popular
and influential citizen of West Hartford, traces his
ancestry back to (I) Richard Mansfield, a native
of Exeter, England, who emigrated to the New
World and located in Quinnipiac in 1639, and died
Jan. 10, 1655. His wife Gillina died in 1669. They
had two children, the elder of whom, Joseph, is
mentioned more fully below;, Moses, born in Jan-
uary, 1639, was married. May 5, 1664, to Mercy
Glover, and died Oct. 3, 1703. ,
(II) Joseph Mansfield, born in 1636, in England,
died in New Haven, Conn., Nov. 15, 1692. In 1657
he married Mary , and to them were born
ten children, their names and dates of birth being
as follows: Mary, April 6, 1658; Martha, April
18, 1660 (she was married, Dec. 16, 1680, to Rich-
ard Sperry) ; Mercy, July 26, 1662 ; Silence, Oct.
24, 1664; Elizabeth, Sept. 20, 1666; Comfort, Dec.
6, 1668 (she was married, in 1691, to John Ben-
ham) ; John, April 8, 1671 ; Joseph, Dec. 27, 1673
(mentioned below) ; Ebenezer, Feb. 6, 1677 (he
was married, April 20, 1710, to Hannah Bassett,
who died Jan. 22, 1766, while his death occurred
Aug. 3, 1745) ; and Japhet, July 8, 1681 (he was
married, Jan. 16, 1703, to Hannah Bradley, and
died in 1745).
(III) Joseph Mansfield, born Dec, 27, 1673,
married Elizabeth Cooper, and died Oct. 8, 1739.
In his family were ten children : Mary, born in
April, 1701, was married April 25, 1726, to Daniel
Tuttle; Lydia was born Dec. 25, 1702; John, born
Jan. 21, 1704, married Lydia Tuttle, and died in
June, 1751 ; Elizabeth was born Oct. 23, 1706;
Joseph is mentioned below ; Amos (birth not re-
corded) ; Josiah (birth not recorded) died in 1757;
Abigail (birth not recorded) was married, Jan. 20,
1724, to Jacob Turner, and died in September, 1740;
Thomas, born in 1713, was married, in December,
1738, to Hannah Goodyear, and died Nov. 4, 1798;
and Ebenezer died in I745-
(IV) Joseph Mansfield, born Aug. 17, 1708, was
married, Oct. 10, 1732, to Phcebe Bassett, and died
about 1762. They had four children: Daniel, born
Jan. 29, 1733, married (probably) Sarah Cooper;
Titus, born Nov. 5, 1734, married Mabel Todd, and
died about 1808;, Capt. Joseph is mentioned below;
and Phoebe married Leman Potter.
(V) Capt. Joseph Mansfield, iorn April 16,
1737, died at South Farms, town of Litchfield (now
town of Morris), Litchfield Co., Conn., June 6, 1821.
He served in the Revolutionary war with the rank
of captain.' On May 27, 1761, he married Hannah
k ' I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
651
I'linderson, who was born Oct. 21, 1740, ami diud
Aug. 26, 1826. By that union nine children were
born: Charles, born in Hampden, Conn., Dec. 14,
1762, was married, in 1792-93, to AloUy Howard,
and died in Winchester, N. H., Jan. 12, 1830; Elisha
is mentioned below; Joseph, born June 17, 1767,
died Oct. 22, 1837; Sally, born Dec. 27, 1769, died
May 8, 1773; David, born Feb. 11, 1772, married
Louisa Harmon, and died in Westmoreland, N. Y.y
May 5, 1867; \\'illiam Punderson, born Sept. 6,
1774, was married, in 1807, to Sally Mills, daugh-
ter of Bradley and Hannah (St. John) Mills (she
was born in 1790, and died in February, 1842,
while his death occurred in Waterford, N. Y.,
March 16, 1855) ; Joli" Todd, born Dec. 31, 1776,
was married, in 1798, to Dolly Steele, and died
Oct. 25, i860; Sally, born Jime 13, 1779, married
Lewis Spooner, and died in Cohoes, iNJ. Y., May
18, 1857; and Timothy, born May i, 1782, was
married March 11, 1809, to Annie Carter, and died
in Castleton, N. Y., April 2, 1845.
(\''I) Elisha Mansfield, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in New Haven, Conn., Dec. 12,
1764, and died in Canaan, Conn., April 27, 1840.
By occupation he was a farmer. He married Re-
becca Camp, of Litchfield South Farms, who was
born JMarch 24, 1769, daughter of Abel Camp, and
died in Falls Village, town of Canaan, Aug. 22,
185 1. They had six children, one of whom, Elisha
D., was the father of our subject; the others were
Phineas, who died Feb. 27, 1867; William, who
died at Charleston, S. C, June 27, 1826; Rebecca,
wife of LeGrand Leavenworth ; Hannah ; and
Sylvia.
(\'TI) Elisha Dutton Mansfield was born in
Canaan, Conn., Dec. 13, 1806, and throughout life
was variously .employed, being interested in farm-
ing, lumbering, and the coal and milling business
for some time. About 1837 he was superintendent
of the cement quarries at Kingston, N. Y., which
were then owned by the Hon. Plugh White, filling
the position one or two years. In 1845 he formed
a partnership with Samuel C. Scoville, of Salisbury,
and built a blast furnace for the manufacture of pig
iron, near Huntsville, Litchfield Co., Conn., which
they operated two or three years, when the partner-
ship ceased. About 1848 Mr. Mansfield leased the
furnace at East Canaan, Conn., and operated the
same about two years ; was also manager of the
blast furnace at North Adams, JNIass., for one year,
in. 1851-52. On June 25, 1834, Elisha D. Mans-
field married Miss Fanny Alonson, who was born
in Canaan Aug. 5, 1802, daughter of Joshua and
Sarah (Booth) Monson. To this marriage were
born three children, of whom (i) William Henry,
the subject proper of this sketch, is the eldest. (2)
Sarah Booth, born May 15, 1837, married. Oct. 6,
1863, Julius Morgan Page, a farmer, and they ha\e
always resided in the town of Canaan. Mr. Page
was born Aug. 12, 1829. To them were born three
children: Fanny Monson, born Dec. 11, 1S65, and
died July 16, 1890; Mabel Morgan, born Aug. 23,
1869, died April 9, 1898; William Mansfield, born
June 25, 1873, resides with his parents and con-
ducts their farming operations. (3) Peter, born
July 27, 1840, was educated at Goshen Academy.
He followed farming for a time in Virginia, and
was for a time superintendent of the Bostwick Re-
frigerator Co. at Mishawaka, Ind., until ill health
caused his retirement. He is now engaged in farm-
ing with his brother in West Hartford. He was
married, at Canton, Conn., Nov. i, 1870, to Jane
L Page, and they have one daughter, Mary Page,
who was graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in
the class of 1896, was for two years a teacher in
the West Plartford high school, and at this writing
(1900) is a teacher in the American School for the
Deaf, Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Fanny (Monson)
Mansfield died Nov. 17, 1849. Subsequently, Nov.
28, 1850, at Waterbury, Conn., Mr. Mansfield mar-
ried Caroline B. Yale, by whom he had one son,
Hugh White, who was born Sept. 11, 185 1, and was
married, in August, 1880, to Mrs. Jennie Palmer.
He resides in Winsted, Conn. Air. Alansfie'tl died
Alarch 21, 1869, in Huntsville, town of Canaan,
Litchfield Co., Conn., where the last years of his
life were spent, and his remains were interred at
South Canaan.
Joshua Monson was twice married. By his first
wife, Sarah Booth, who died Dec. 14, 1806, he had
the following children : Chester, born June 5,
1793, was married, Aug. 20, 181 7, to Julia M.,
daughter of William and Dorcas Holabird; Fanny
v.as the mother of our subject ; Rebecca married Au-
gustus Swift ; Luther married Caroline Beckley ;
Lavinus married Mary Parrish ; and Eunice be-
came the wife of Seth Stevens. After the death
of the mother of this family Air. Alonson married
Eunice Ailing, by whom he had five children :
Kneeland J., born Dec. i, 1809, was married, Feb.
14, 18-14, to Angeline A. Compton, and died Aug.
10, 1898; Alyron Elias, born Jan. 16, 1812, died
Oct. I, 1835; Henry L. married Harriet Clarlc, and
died April 24, 1856; Sally married John A. Beck-
ley ; and Cornelia married Henry L. Belden. The
father of these, Joshua Alonson, died Aug. 12, 1844.
Daniel Humphrey Page, father of Airs. Peter
Alansfield, was born in Canaan, Conn., June i, 1822,
and died in Canton Aug. 10, 1880. On Oct. 25,
1S46, he married Alary Julia Jaqua, daughter of
Jabez Jaqua. She was born Oct. 31, 1826, and
died in Hartford July 7, 1893. They had six chil-
dren: Jane Irene, born Dec. 2. 1847, is now the
v/ife of Peter Alansfield ; Frank Daniel, born Alarch
2, 1850, was married, in July, 1875, to Lillian Cor-
rell ; Carrie Eliza, born Nov. 10. 1853, was mar-
ried Nov. 3, 1875, to Willis AI. Flagg; Daniel E.,
born Feb. 12, 1859, was married Nov. 3, 18S0, to
Jeannette A. Pinney ; AI. Josephine, born Dec. 18,
1861, died Jan. 16^ 1882; and Sarah Alills. born
April 28. 1864. died Alarch 23. 1867. Airs. Afans-
field's grandfather, Lyman Page, was born Alarch
652
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
25, 1796, and died in Canaan, Dec. 7, 1891. He
was married Jan. 21, 1819, to Mabel Morgan,
daughter of Daniel and Mabel (Bissell) Morgan.
She was born Aug. 28, 1795, and died May 7,
1867. The great-grandfather, William Page, was
born Dec. 14, 1765, and died in 1856. He married
Nancy Bissell, who was born June 11, 1769, daugh-
ter of Benjamin and Mabel Bissell, of Milton,
Conn., and died in 1834.
William H. Mansfield, whose name introduces
this sketch, was born in Canaan June 2, 1835, and
received a good academic education, attending
school in Stockbridge, Mass., and in Norfolk and
Goshen, Conn. He has been a resident of West
Hartford since 1887, and is successfully engaged
in agricultural pursuits. He has always been a
stanch Republican in politics, voting for every Presi-
dential candidate of that party from Fremont to
McKinley. In 1861 he was made mail agent from
Bridgeport to Pittsfield, and from 1868 to 1883 was
station and express agent at Great Barrington, Mass.
Since coming to West Hartford he has been a mem-
ber of the school board, is now selectman, and in
1897 and 1898 represented the town in the State
Legislature, where he served as a member of the
committee on Insurance. His admirable qualities
gained for him many warm friends in the General
Assembly, and wherever known he is held in high
regard. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and for
several years served as treasurer of Monument
Chapter, R. A. M., of Great Barrington. He has
been County Vice-President of the Pomological So-
ciety of Connecticut.
T. S. LOOMIS, first selectman of the town of
Windsor, is one of the best-known citizens of the
locality, and his efficient discharge of duty in official
life has won him the appreciation of the progressive
classes of the community.
Mr. Loomis is a representative of an old and
honored pioneer family, and is of the eighth
generation in direct descent from Joseph Loomis,
an Englishman, who was born about 1590, and be-
came a'woolen draper in Braintree, County of Essex.
He had a family of eight children, five sons and
three daughters : Joseph ; Mrs. Nicholas Olmsted ;
Elizabeth, wife of Josiah Hull ; Deacon John ;
Thomas ; Nathaniel ; Mary ; and Samuel. On April
II, 1638, he sailed from London with his family on
the ship "Susan & Ellen." On July 7, following,
he landed at Boston, and it is supposed that he came
to Windsor as early as the fall of 1639, the town
records showing that he bought land there on Feb.
24, 1640. His wife died Aug. 23, 1652, and his
death occurred Nov. 25, 1658.
(11) Deacon John Loomis, the next in the line of
descent, was born in 1622, and was a lad of sixteen
when the family came to the New World. On
Oct. II, 1640, he was admitted to membership in
Windsor Church, and, although he resided at Farm-
ington from 1652 to 1660, he seems to have spent
the greater portion of nis life in Windsor, where he
was much respected, serving for years as deacon in
the church. He represented the town in the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1666 and 1667, and again from
167s to 1677. On Feb. 3, 1649, he married Eliza-
beth Scott, daughter of Thomas Scott, of Hartford,
and his death occurred in 1688 at Windsor, where
his monument is still to be seen in the cemetery.
(III) Sergt. Daniel Loomis, son of Deacon
'John, was born at Farmington June 16, 1657, and
died June 25, 1740. He married (first) Mary
Ellsworth, daughter of Josiah Ellsworth, and
(second) Hannah Drake, a widow.
(IV) Benjamin Loomis, son of Sergt. Daniel
by his first wife, was born at Windsor, Feb. 7, 1699,
and died Jan. 2, 1763. On Dec. 9, 1725, he married
Joanna Alford.
(V) Sera j ah Loomis, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born Dec. 4, 1740, and died in 181 1.
He married Sybil Loomis, and made his home in
Windsor, where he owned an immense tract of
land, of which our subject's present farm is but a
portion.
(VI) Nider Loomis, the grandfather of our
subject, was born April 9, 1768, and died April i,
1814. His ability as a mathematician made him
famous in his day, and for many years he taught
school successfully. On Dec. 5, 1769, he married
Anna Anderson, who died June 3, 1840. They had
five sons, of whom our subject's father, Spencer
Loomis, was the youngest. Lyman, who died at
the age of seventy-five unmarried, resided with his
brother Spencer for many years. Guy, who died at
Erie, Penn., was a jeweler by occupation. Simeon
died in infancy. Frederick, who followed the
blacksmith's trade at Windsor Center, died some
years ago, leaving no descendants.
(VII) Spencer Loomis was born at our subject's
present homestead Aug. 25, 1806, and was educated
in the common schools of the vicinity, and the
academy at Windsor Center. He inherited a por-
tion of his father's estate, but afterwards bought
out the other heirs, including our subject's farm,
and in addition to the care and cultivation of the
property he was engaged in brickmaking for a num-
ber of years, being at one time foreman of a large
brickyard in Dutchess county, N. Y. Politically
he was first a Whig and then a Republican, and
while he was not a politician in the strict sense of the
term, he was always ardent in the support of his be-
lief. At the time of the agitation of the "Know-Noth-
ing" issue he espoused that doctrine, being one of the
first members of the party in Windsor. He and his
wife were devout Methodists, and for years he was
trustee of the Windsor Church. On April 17, 1833,
he married Miss Emeline Loomis, daughter ofi
George Loomis, of Windsor. She died in 1866,
and he survived her eleven years, dying Feb. 27,
1877; the remains of both now rest in the old ceme-
tery at Windsor.
(VIII) T. S. Loomis was born Jan. 29, 1838,
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
«53
in the house now owned l)y Mrs. Susan A. Loomis.
As a buy he attended school in District \o. 2, of
Windsor, and among his early teachers were JMiss
Curtis, Col. Oliver Holcomb and Col. E. X. I'helps.
After completing the course of study offered there
he inirsucd more advanced studies in the academy
at Windsor Center. On leaving school he engaged
in hrick-making with his father until the latter's
health failed, when he gave \\\> brick-making and
attended to the farm ; during the last years of his
parents he gave them his thoughtful care. The
land is very productive, and in addition to excellent
crops of tobacco. Mr. Loomis raises a large amount
of "garden truck." In 1872 he built a new resi-
dence on a substantial plan, and other improvements
have been made by him from time to time. He is
quiet and modest in disposition, and while he has
never married he is much esteemed socially, having
the gift of making manv friends and few enemies.
As a member of Grace Episcopal Church at Windsor
Center he is active In religious work, and as a loyal
citizen all projects for the promotion of the public
good receive his support. In politics he has been
an adherent of the Republican party since he cast
his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. For ten years
he served as assessor, and in the fall of 1895 he was
chosen to the office of first selectman, which he has
since held continuouslv through re-election, his fel-
low citizens thus indicating, in a most convincing
way, their confidence in his ability and fidelity.
JOEL HILLS BRE\\'ER is an honored and dis-
tinguished member of one of the oldest and most
highly-esteemed families in Hartford county. He
was born on Brewer street, in East Hartford, April
19, 1851, and since early manhood has been one of
the town's influential residents. By occupation he
is a general farmer and tobacco grower, and in lioth
lines of agriculture has been eminently successful.
That his fellow townsmen hold him in high esteem
is evidenced by their electing him to the responsible
office of selectman, an honor rarely conferred where
both acumen and integrity are not recognized as
co-existing.
Mr. Brewer is a son of Henry P. a" 1 Susan
(Hills) Brewer. Both the Brewer and Hills fam-
ilies are among the oldest in East Hartford. On
another page of this volume the Brewer family
genealogv mav be found, given in considerable de-
tail, but a brief resume of the same will prove in-
teresting in this connection. The familv located in
East Hartford during the latter part of the seven-
teenth century, and has given to the town, county
and State some of their best and most distinguished
citizens. Joel H. is in the seventh generation from
Thomas, who was the first of the name, so far as
known, to cross the line froni ATassachusetts to
Connecticut. From Thomas the lines run as fol-
lows: Daniel, born Jilarch 25, iTiog, married Elea-
nor Goodale : Daniel (2), born Afay 31, I7^i, was
twice married, his first wife being .\nna \'ansant.
and his second Ruth Strickland: Daniel (3), born
Ma\- 14, 1751, married Mary Risley, who was born
Jan' 8, 1755; Reuben, of the fifth generation, born
Feb. 25, 1755, married Eunice Hills; and Henry P.,
the father of Joel H., born Dec. 14, 1816, in Hock-
anum.
The boyhiKxl and youth of Henry P. Brewer
were passed on a farm, anil his educational ad-
vantages were of the limited sort enjoyed by farm-
ers' boys in the Xcw England district schools early
in the century. As has already been said, he married
Susan Hills. She was born in Hillstown Jan. 5,
1 81 7, daughter of Joel and Xancy (Couch) Hills.
In her girlhood she was an operative in a cotton
mill. After his marriage Henry P. Brewer moved to
Hockanum, where he lived in a quiet way on a small
farm for several years. Early in 1852 he began
farming on a tract of land now owned and culti-
vated by Joel H. Brewer. There he passed the latter
years of his life, and it was there that he died, in
Xovember, 1858, being buried in the Spencer street
cemetery, in Alanchester. In person he was tall and
spare, and his complexion was dark. He was of
a rugged constitution, and noted for his physical
strength : but in a reaping contest held at Hillstown
he overtaxed his powers, and was seized with an
attack resembling sunstroke, from the effects of
which he never recovered, his health being totally
undermined. He was a man of tireless industry,
a good farmer, and by dint of hard work was be-
ginning to get ahead in the world when overtaken
bv this misfortune. Like many of his neighbors in
those times it was his custom to make cigars for
dealers at his home, after the work of the day was
over. The work was fairly profitable, and he carried
it on extensively, being assisted by his wife. He
bore a high reputation for integrity and energy in
the community in which he lived, and where he was
highlv respected. In politics he was an ardent and
lifelong Democrat. He left a widow and five chil-
dren : Sophia, who liecame Mrs. Charles E. Hurl-
burt, of Hillstown : ?\[ahbn E.. a machinist of Meri-
den; Henrv P., Jr.. who died in Hillstown at the
age of forty-two, leaving one son. Palmer: Joel H.,
the subject of this biographical sketch: and Rose,
now Mrs. Bartlett; of Wapping, Conn. After her
husband's death the sterling qualities of Mrs. Brew-
er's character shone forth. Her children were
voung. and the farm at that time was far from being
a comfortable home. Yet she kept her family to-
gether, and carefullv reared her fatherless children,
displaving self-reliance, energy, and a courage which
attest her extraordinary worth. She is yet living
( 1900), hale and well-preserved, enjoying a serene
old a,ge, honored and loved by her children for whom
she was ever ready to sacrifice herself. She resides
chieflv with her son Joel upon his farm, which was
the theater of so many of her early joys, labors and
sorrows.
Joel II. Brewer received his early education in
654
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Hillstown district schools, his first teacher be-
ing Miss Lucinda Roberts. The necessity resting
upon him to aid his widowed mother compelled him
to quit school at the age of fifteen, yet he cherishes
to this day a warm regard for those schools of forty
A-ears ago, and bears willing testimony to the thor-
oughness of the instruction there imparted. As a
boy he worked upon the farm learning to "bear the
yoke in his youth." When he was sixteen years old
he began to learn the trade of a bootmaker from
Mr. Hurlburt, following that vocation for two years.
That \yas before the gigantic modern factory, with
its nicely-adjusted machiner_v and its thousands of
operatives, had been conceived, and most of the
iDootmaking was done at the workmen's own homes.
On Feb. 14, 1875, at South Manhester, he was
married to Miss Laura Cushman, who was born in
Hillstown April 15, 1851. She was one of three
children born to Sydney A. and Maria (Wallace)
Cushman. Her sister, Mary, died in childhood,
and her brother, Joseph S., is a farmer of Man-
chester.
A genealogical sketch of Mrs. Brewer's family
will be found elsewhere. She traces her descent
from Robert Cushman (who landed at Plymouth
in 1621), through Solomon, the son of Isaac. Solo-
mon Cushman was the father of nine children :
Alameda, born Oct. 7, 1803 ; Isaac, Oct. 7, 1805 ;
Lorinda, March 10. 1808; Gustavus, Aug. 12, 1810
(died in June, 1858) ; Ambros ;, Feb. 18, 1813 (died
in the same month as Gustavus) ; Sabrina, in Sep-
tember, 1815; Monroe, Oct. 18, 1818; Sydney A.
(the father of Mrs. Brewer), March 28, 1822; and
Josiah, Aug. 21, 1826. Solomon Cushman, Mrs.
Tirewer's grandfather, died Jan. 15, 1856, in his
seventy-eighth year. Mrs. Brewer attended the high
school in Hartford two years, and the State Normal
School at New Britain also two j^ears. For four
years she taught school in Manchester, East Hart-
ford and Bolton Center with marked success, her
ripe scholarship and rare administrative capability
insuring success. These cjualitiLS, which were dis-
played so Strikingly before marriage, she has still
more fully developed in married life. She is gentle,
yet energetic, a devoted wife, and sage counsellor.
In philanthropic work and in every rational move-
ment for the elevation of her sex she takes a deep
Interest. She has been secretary and treasurer of the
Hillstown Ladies Aid Society since its organization.
Mr. Brewer is a prominent member of various
fraternal organizations. He belongs to Orient
Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., of East Hartford ; is
a charter member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, Glaston-
lDiu-y ; and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He
is also prominently identified with both the local and
State Granges, in both of which he takes a deep in-
terest, and in whose councils his voice is potent.
Both he and his wife have been active in Hillstown
Grange, No. 87, since the date of its organization,
and he was its first master holding that office three
years. Since then he ha^ been master of Pomona
Grange, a central body in which nineteen local
granges, are represented, and of this body Mrs.
Brewer has been secretary for six years. Their
identification with and prominence in the Order have
given Mr. and Mrs. Brewer an accpiaintance nearly
co-extensive with the limits of the State, and the
very existence of the Hillstown Grange iS due in a
great measure to their patient, unwearied efforts.
One son has come to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer,
Harry Joseph, who was born Feb. 2, 1883, and is a
graduate of Morse's Business College, Hartford,
As has been said, Mr. Brewer owns the farm which
was the homestead, and since the property came into
his hands he has greatly improved it ; in fact, there
is not a building standing on the premises to-day
which he has not erected. He acc|uired title to the
original property by purchase from his co-heirs, and
has added to it from time to time by the accjuisition
of additional acres. His views on farming, as on
■every other subject of current interest, are broad
and progressive, and his place is one of the best im-
proved, best stocked, most thoroughly up-to-date of
all the farms in the broad fertile valley of the Con-
necticut. His success has been well-nigh phenom-
enal, and he can point to it to-day with the proud
thought that it is due to his own untiring efforts,
patient industry, sound sense and unassailable hon-
esty.
In politics Mr. Brewer is a Democrat, although
in no sense a rock-ribbed partisan, having voted for
McKinley in 1896. In addition to the office of se-
lectman he has held that of justice of the peace,
and his standing among the people of East Hartford
is deservedly high. In addition to general farming
and tobacco growing he has embarked in the busi- ,,
ness of selling fertilizers as a manufacturer's agentj
in which line of trade his keen, shrewd business
sense has largely ministered to his success.
HORTON ZEBULON HOSKINS, a 'greatly-
respected farmer and carpenter of Bloomfield, was
born in that town March 17, 1824, and is a son of
Zebulon and Polly (Phelps) Hoskins, who wen
the parents of five children, two of whom now sur^!
vive : Mrs. Amanda Marsh, of New Haven, anc
Horton Z.
Horton Z. Hoskins when an infant but three
months old was bereft of his father, and thus bel
came the peculiar care of a tender mother. He
attended the public schools in Bloomfield until he
had attained the proper age, when he was appren-|
ticed to a Mr. Dudley, at the Center, and thor-|
oughly learned the trade of carpenter and joinerj
which he has followed in conjunction with farmf
ing these many years, making a success of bott
vocations.
Mr. Hoskins was first married to Julia A. Dor-|
man, at Farmington, Conn., and to their uniodj
were born five children : Henry P., ^^'illiam H.,
Ella E., Hattie J. and Katie L. To his second mar-
riage, which also took place in Farmington, the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
055
hridc ill this instance hiMn^;- I'ranccs L. Hart, liavc
been horn two cliildren: hred A. and Robert S.
Mr. Hoskins has never sonf,>'ht ])iibhc office, bc-
ingf content with developin;;- his farm and in ex-
ecuting the nuikifarious details of his trade, but
he has in one instance yielded to a sense of public
duty and acted as town assessor. He has won the
esteem of all who know him, and he and family are
, classed anioui;' the most respected residents of the
town of r>loomfii.'l(l.
HEXRV ED\\"ARD GWATKIX, one of New
\ Britain's business men, was born in England, as
, were also his parents. His father, a brass-founder
, by trade, left his native land shortly after Henry's
birth, with the intention of making a new home
! for his family in America.
I Hcnrv E. Gwatkin was born in London April
i 23, 1847. He was yet very yotmg when he came
' with his mother across the ocean to join the hus-
'■ band and father of the family at Hartford, where
' he had found employment- with a Mr. Whitmore.
i After a year spent at Hartford the family removed
'■ to New r>ritain. where Henry E. Gwatkin attended
the common schools until he reached the age of
sixteen rears. He then entered the employ of
I Churchill, Stanlev & Co., jewelers, with whom he
remained fourteen years. During the next four
years he was unemployed, and at the end of that
"time accepted the position of suoerintendent of the
National Wire Mattress Co., of New Britain. Here
he displaved those sterling nualities of mind and
heart which have proved the foundation of his sr.c-
cess through life. Fidelity to dutv and scrupulous
integrity brought th.cir fitting reward in his reten-
tion by the company in this responsible position
for seventeen vears. Tn 1898 the concern was re-
organized under the name of the National Spring
Bed Co., with a capital stock of Sio.ooo, Afr. Gwat-
kin still retaining the superintendencv. The cor-
poration ('oes a large and remunerative business in
the manufacture of iron beds and springs, employ-
ing on an average twenty-five men. The other of-
ficers of the company are John H. Elinor, presi-
dent, and F. A. Porter, manag,;r.
On Tune 28. 1871. Mr. Gwatkin married ^liss
Hattie Ella Pavnc. who was born in Prospect.
Conn.. ^Fay 17, 1840. daughter of Edward and IMnrv
E. Payne. Her father is dead, and her mother
makes her home with her daughter and son-in-law.
Mr. and ^Frs. Gwatkin. Two daus'hters have blessed
their union, only one of whom is living. The elder,
^[aude ^[av. born Nov. 16. 1873. f^'^fl March 18,
1874. Bessie Louise was born Jan. 16, 1S70. Her
education was obtained at the grammar and high
schools of New Britain, and she was married, Jan.
16. Tqoo, to Fred ^^^ Loomis, of the business firm
of Hjerpe & Loomis. plumbers, of New Britain.
In political faith Mr. Gwatkin is a Democrat,
although not a partv worker. He is a member of
St. Elmo Lodge, No. 21, K. 1'.. and has filled many
of the chairs. He is an amateur naturalist, and al-
though a very busy man has managed to find time to
gather ami classify an extensive and valuable en-
tomological collection, devoting manv of his leisure
hours to the study and jiractical investigation of
this branch of science, in which his attainments are
of a high order. He is a man of g^-nial and gen-
erous disposition, of kindlv and unselfish instincts,
and of ati'able manners, lie attracts friends read-
ily, and retains them through the affection and re-
spect which he in.spircs. Although not a commun-
icant of any Cln-isiian body, both he and his wife
are regular attendants at the Methodist Church, of
which their daughter is a member.
HF.RMAX lURK. a {prosperous and well-known
tobacco grower and cigar manufacturer of the town
of East Hartford, is a native of Prussia, born .Sept.
22. 1848. and is a son of l-'reilerick and Minnie
Birk, the former of whom was by trade a carpenter.
Herman Birk w-as educated in the common
schools of his native land, learned carpentering
from his father, served the allotted term in the
army, and in 1S72 sailed for .\merica. pa\ing his
passage with monev saved from his earnings. He
was eleven days crossing the ocean to New York,
came thence directly to Connecticut, and immediately
found employment in the gas works at Hartford.
He was next employed at chopping wood on the
land which he now owns in the town of East Hart-
ford, and was thus engaged until he married his
employer's daughter, which happy event took jilace
Dec. 30, 1877.'
^Irs. Louisa \\ . B'.rk, tlic lady alluded to above,
was Ixjrn in East Hartford Aug. 2. 1855. and is a
daughter of ^"alentine and Anna M. (Wagner)
Ferner, natives of Germany, but old and respected
residents of East Hartford town. They were mar-
ried in Germany, but soon afterward came to Con-
necticut, and of their six children T^Irs. Birk is
the only survivor. In 1870 Mr. Ferner purchased
the "Fish Pond Farm" from Austin Dunham, of
Hartford, who, with ^Ir. Kellogg and Mr. Ives,
had maintained it as a pleasure resort for several
vears, and had expended considerable monev in im-
proving and ornamenting it, and this is the prop-
erty now owned by ]Mr. Birk. It is handsomely
situated, and contains a fine dwelling, excellent to-
bacco lands, a fruitful orchard and a well-stocked
trout pond ; on this place the father of r^Irs. Birk
passed aw-ay at the age of eightv years, preceded
tc the grave bv the mother, who died when seventv-
two years old. The family is now composed of Mr.
Birk, his wife, and a brother of our subject. Otto
Birk. ]Mr. and IMrs. Birk had two children, both
of whom died in infancy.
'y.lv. Birk has made, many improvements in his
farm buildings, availing himself of his knowledge
of the carpenter's trade, which he had learned in
656
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Germany, and in which he has never lost his skill.
A few years ago he embarked in cigar manufactur-
ing, and has built up a very lucrative trade, his
factory being known as No. 115, District of Con-
necticut.
Mr. and Mrs. Birk are quiet, unjDretentious peo-
ple, and are very industrious, Mrs. Birk being a
valuable helpmeet to her husband. They are both
regular attendants at the Lutheran Church, which
they aid liberally, both in a financial way and other-
wise, and are highly respected by the entire com-
munity. In politics Mr. Birk is a Democrat, but
has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his
attention to his farm and factory, through which he
receives a sure and bounteous reward, than to the
seeking of a doubtful recompense for his time
through the precariousness of politics. Socially he
is a member of the I, O. O. F. and of the Grange.
WILBER PITKIN BUNNELL, M. D., is one
of the younger practicing physicians of New Britain
whose professional career has been marked with
generous success. He is wedded to his profession,
and by a thorough preparation has fitted himself
eminently for its practice, but he is interested also
in the social and public affairs of the city of his
adoption, and his personality has won for him a
wider recognition than his mere professional status,
however eminent that may be.
Dr. Bunnell is a descendant of one of the first
families who settled at Burlington, Conn., coming
originally from Cheshire. His grandfather, Heze-
kiah Bunnell, was a native of Burlington, and a
farmer by occupation, becoming one of the wealthi-
est agriculturists in that region, and he was promi-
nent in the public affairs of the town. Hezekiah
Bunnell married Amanda Shepard, of Burlington,
and they had children : Theade, who married Grove
Judson, and lives at Bristol; Lyman B., who is now
engaged in an extensive law practice at No. 170
Broadway, New York City; Seymour, father of
our subject; i\\, living on the old homestead at
Burlington ; Cherilla, who married a Mr. Turner,
of Waterbury ; Jeanette, deceased : Marcus, deceased ;
and Charles, living at Burlington, on the old home-
stead. Hezekiah Bunnell died in 1880, at the age
of eighty-three, surviving his wife manv vears.
Seymour Bunnell was born at Burlington Sept.
15. 1833. and there passed his boyhood days. At the
age of seventeen years he went to Hartford and en-
tered on an apprenticeship with Woodruff & Beach,
manufacturers of, stationary engines, at the close
of which, before the Civil war, he went South to
set up an engine on a sugar plantation, and the
planter, acquiring a liking for the sturdy young me-
chanic, induced him to remain for a year. Re-
turning to Hartford, Seymour Bunnell, as contract-
or, had a large number of men in his employ in the
Colt's patent fire-arms factory. He was quite suc-
cessful, and continued in that business relationship
until about 1889, since which time he has followed
his trade as tool-maker, being now with the Whit-
ney Co., Llartford. He has been active in Free
Masonry, and is a member of Hartford Lodge,
Chapter and Commandery, being, a past master and
past commander. He is also a member of St. Ber-
nard Lodge, K. P. At one time he was a director
of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. He has
alwa3fs been a Democrat, but has not taken an active
part in politics. Seymour Bunnell married Miss
Arvilla M. Pitkin, daughter of Dennison Palmer and
Phcebe Dunham (Turner) Pitkin, a prosperous
farming family of East Hartford. Her brothers
are engaged at Hartford as extensive manufacturers
of steam boilers, under the firm name of Pitkin
Bros. To Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell came the follow-
ing named children: Frank, born May 29, 1858,
died Nov. 3, 1861 ; Wilber P., subject of this sketch;
Edith L., born Sept. 17, 1864, wife of George Put-
nam, a descendant of Israel Putnam ; and Ernest
Palmer, born Nov. 12, 1867, now a machinist in
Hartford.
Dr. Wilber P. Bunnell was born in Hartford
March 27, i860. He attended the public schools
of that city, and after completing the grammar-
school course was for three years under private
tutors, with a view of preparing for college. In
1880 he entered McGill University, Montreal, where
he remained for two years, receiving the foundation
of his professional education, and in 1883 entered
the University of the Citv of New York, from
which he was graduated March 14, 1884, the medi-
cal course which he completed having reference to
a general practice. In these latter years supple-
mentary medical education and hospital practice
are deemed desirable for the medical college gradu-
ate, and Dr. Bunnell obtained both in New York City.
At the Homeopathic College he studied homeopathic
materia medica and therapeutics, spending much .of
his time in the hospitals. Dr. Bunnell located at
New Britain June 8, 1885, and has since then been
engaged continuously in the practice of medicine,
building up an extensive practice, the result of his
own ability and application. He is a member of
the New Britain Medical Society, of which he is now
serving as vice-president ; of the Hartford County
Medical Society ; and of the State Medical Society. •
He is a member of Centennial Lodge, F. & A. M.,
of the Royal Arcanum and the Loyal Additional
Benefit, being examiner of both organizations ; be-
longs to the Order of Red Men. the Knights of St.
George and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is
medical examiner of the last two named. He has
served as chairman of the city board of health for
one year, and has been town physician eight years.
Dr. Bunnell was formerh- a Democrat in politics,
but is now independent. He is not a politician,
and it is a tribute to his worth and faithfulness
that he has held the office of town physician, U
which is a political appointment, through shifting (I
political administrations. :
On June 12, 1890, Dr. Bunnell wedded Miss
fe?:*^^-
-^.^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
657
Haltic L. Charter, dauglUcr of Gen. William M.
and Charlotte (Sniilh) Charter, the former of whom
was a prominent citizen of Hartford.
I'AUL G. LELn'OLl). Thrift, industry and
sound judi^nient have heen so constantly shown
among the numerous rejiresentatives of the h'ather-
land who have settled in this country that wc nat-
urally look upon these qualities as characteristics of
the race. Aniont;- the individuals in whom they cen-
tainly exist in a marked degree is this well-known
resident of Xew llritain, who holds a responsible
position in a large nianufacturin."- establishment,
and is also influential in municipal affairs, being the
present city auditor.
Mr. Leupold's ancestral home is Lupochow, in
the Province of I'osen, Germany, and his grand-
father, Johan Gottlieb Leupold, was a native of that
place, where he passed his life as a prosperous
blacksmith, owning his own shop and enjoying a
fair custom. In religious faith he was a Lutheran,
and his descendants have also adhered to that church.
He married Anna Justine Schmidt, and had four
sons, Karl, Friedrich, Johann and Ludwig, and one
daughter, Emilie.
Friedrich Leupold, our subject's father, was
born Nov. 26, 1833, at the old home, Lupochow,
and was educated in the public schools of that town.
As a young man he learned the joiner's trade, serv-
ing four years as an apprentice. In 1856 he located
in Berlin, Germany, where he worked until 1865,
when he left for Warsaw, Russia, the next year
returning to Berlin, where he went into business for
himself. He continued successfully until 1881, when
he gave u]) the business and went to Brazil, South
America. The following year he again returned to
Berlin, and in 1883 he came to the Laiitcd States,
locating at once in New Britain, Conn., where he
IS employed as a patternmaker for J. A. Traut, in
the Rule & Level Co., being considered an expert
in that line. On his journeys to the different coun-
tries Mr. Leupold was always accompanied by his
family. As an intelligent citizen he takes keen in-
terest in the questions of the dav, and, while he is
not an aspirant for political honors, he is a strong
Republican. His estimable wife, whose maiden
name was Augusta Diecke, is a native of Torgau,
Province of Saxony, Germany. They had eight
children : Otto, a gilder by trade, but now a suc-
cessful business luan ; Adolph, a contractor and
builder, who has built many important structures, in-
cluding three German churches in New Britain ;
Charles, a carpenter, who was in partnership with
his brother .Adolph, but is now deceased ; Adelheid,
deceased : Paul G., our subject ; Albert, who is in
the employ of the Stanley Rule & Level Co., at New
Britain ; and Emma and Bertha, both deceased.
Paul G. Leupold was born May 5, 1867, in the
city of Berlin, Germany, where he attended the pub-
lic schools until he reached the age of fifteen. There
he laid the foundation for a good practical educa-
42
tion, and bv subsec|uent reading and study lie has
added much to his store of knowledge, having be-
come an excellent bookkeeper, mainly through his
own efforts. He learned the joiner's trade, and
soon after the arrival of the family in New Britain
he was enqiloyed in the joiner's department of the
Stanley Rule & Level Co., where he remained until
1893, but since then he has held a position in the
Minor & Corbin Box Co., having charge of the case
making department. Politically he is a Republican,
and as he is an able and effective speaker he be-
came prominent in the councils of the local or-
ganization at an early age. Jn April. i8y8, he was
elected city auilitor for the term of two years, re-
ceiving the third largest majority, while in 1900,
when he was re-elected for the same position, he
received the highest majority on the ticket.
In 1893 ^Ir. Leupold married Miss Anna
Schlueter, of New Britain, and they have one son,
Henry. Mr. Leupold and his wife are pojiular so-
cially, and he belongs to the New Britain Turner
Society, the sick benefit society Concordia, and
Gersta;cker Lodge, No. 96, I. O. O. F., in all of
which he was prominent for a number of years ; he
also belongs to Comstock Encampment, No. 42, I.
O. O. F. He was president of the Connecticut
State Turnbezirk.
JOHN OSKAR JOHNSON was born in
Sweden Oct. 3, 1852, son of Joseph Johnson and his
wife Catherine, tlis father was born May 18,
1 8 14. and died Dec. 27, 186 1, in the land of his
birth. His occupation was that of a cloth sales-
man, traveling with a horse and wagon from town
to town. His widow, who was born in 1820, still
survives him, making her home with her son John
Oskar, in Kensington. Early in life Mr. Johnson's
father was well-to-do, but before the close of his
davs he saw his accumulations swept away, and died
leaving his family in rather straitened circumstances,
when John O. was but nine years old.
Our subject was the eldest of four children, and
for him the battle of life began earlj'. For two
years he was "hired out" to one Jonas Johanson,
and at the expiration of that time he found em-
ployment with Swening Nagunson, with whom he
remained for seven years. During this period he
was permitted to attend school, and it was thus that
he obtained a well-grounded knowledge of thnse
rudimentary branches which form the foundation of
all education. His next employer was Lorin Dor-
henson, with whom he rcmainecl for about six
months. In 1871, before reaching the age of twenty
years, he formed the determination to woo fortune
in a new clime, toward the settins" sun. In that
year he sailed from Goteborg. landing in New York
on May II, and remained in that city a few days.
He soon found employment as a railroad section
hand, and continued in that line of work for nearly
a year, six weeks on a branch line in Westchester
county, N. Y., three months at Port Jervis, in the
658
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
same State, four months at Lumberville, Delaware
county, and three months for the New York, Os-
wego & Midland Co., at Paris, N. Y. From the
place last named he went to Long Island, where for
about a month he was employed as a farm hand.
Returning to the metropolis, he worked for a time
at any description of labor which presented itself,
and on July 15, 1872, setting his face eastward, he
reached Hartford. Horace Williams, of East Hart-
ford, and Benjamin Hamilton, of West Hartford,
were his first employers, he remaining nine months
with the former and four months with the latter.
Six months he spent in the employ of Lawrence
Flagg, and two or three months with a Mr. Whit-'
ing. The three months following he worked for a
Mr. Crampton, a farmer of Farmington. Return-
ing to East Hartford, he found a situation with the
Olmsteads, and during the five months that he re-
mained with them attended school. His next move
was to Forestville, where for three months he
worked in a clock manufactory. Being offered the
charge of E. M. Welch's farm he accepted the po-
sition, the responsible duties attaching to which he
discharged with fidehty and success for about two
years. By this time he had become tired of a mi-
gratory life, and when he entered the works of the
Bristol Brass & Clock Co., of New Britain, it was
to remain with that concern for fifteen years, four-
teen of which were passed in the lock department.
During all his mutations of employment, how-
ever, Mr. Johnson had never ceased to display, in a
marked degree, those mental and moral qualities
which' have characterized his ancestral race for
centuries. Economy and sobriety, industry and pa-
tience, perseverance and pluck, had transformed the
penniless Swedish immisrrant of 1871 into the land
owner and man of modest fortune. Without ad-
ventitious aid, with no trade, and possessed of only
the ground-work of scholastic training, .he had suc-
ceeded, through the intense force of his own char-
acter, and because of his determination to know no
such word as failure. He had become the owner of
a home in New Britain, and in 1895 he exchanged
this for the Leander Bunce property, a farm of
ninety acres, situated in the "Blue Hills" district
of Kensington. Here he leads the comparatively
quiet, yet congenial, life of a produce and dairy
farmer. His place is known as the "Springdale
Dairy Farm," and besides disposing of the yield of
his cows he handles a considerable quantity of milk
and cream for others, disposing of most of the out-
put at retail in New Britain.
Mr. Johnson was married, April 27, 1876, to
Miss Carohne Christina Gustemson, who, like him-
self, is a native of Sweden, born Sept. 10, 1852.
Their marriage has been blessed with nine children :
Carl Frederick, the eldest, was born Aug. 22, 1877,
is married, and has been in the employ of Th. D.
Stanley, of New Britain. Anna Louisa, born Jan.
22, 1879, died March 26, 1882. Eda, born Nov.
30, 1880, resides at home, as also do the younger
children — Francis Albert, born Sept. 21, 1882; Au-
gust Robert, Sept. 23, 1884; John Edward, Oct.
6, 1886; David Oskar (2), Aug. 4, 1890;, and Anna
Catherina, Jan. 2, 1892. David Oskar (i), born
Feb. 10, 1889, died June 20, same year.
Both Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of
the Salvation Army, he holding the rank of ser-
geant-major. He joined the organization in 1885,
having been previously a member of the Methodist
Church at Plainville. He takes a deep interest in
the cause of religion, and devotes to its advance-
ment the same untiring effort which he has ex-
pended in manual toil. His conversion was the re-
sult of a dream, or vision, in which the rewards and
penalties of the future life were made clear to him.
His children attend the Congregational Church of
Kensington. His political affiliation is with the Pro-
hibition party.
WILLIAM ORR, a leading farmer and dairy-
man of Southington, was born in Crossford, Lanark-
shire, Scotland, Oct. 19, 1856, a son of Adam and
Margaret (Dickson) Orr, who came to America
in 1886, and have since resided in Southington.
Their children are: William, John, Ann, Adam,
George, Minnie and James.
Our subject was reared in his native land, and
acquired his literary education in the public schools
there. In the spring of 1881 he emigrated to the
New World, and took up his residence in Southing-
ton, Conn., where he was employed in the wrench
department of the works of the Peck, Stow & Wil-
cix Co. for three years, since which time he has
engaged in farming and the dairy business, and has
met with most gratifying success. He is a member
of the Patrons of Husbandry in Southington, and is
highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.
On April 24, 1895, Mr. Orr married Miss Julia
Sloper, daughter of David Root and Augusta E.
(Woodruff) Sloper, of Southington, representatives
of old and prominent Connecticut families. The fa-
ther was born in Southington Feb. 12, 1801, and
was twice married, first on Oct. 6, 1831, to Cornelia
Bristol, daughter of George A. Bristol. By that ,
union he had two children, Ambrose and Cornelia.
The mother of these died Feb. 24, 1837, at the age
of twenty-four years, and on Nov. 20, 1842, Mr.
Sloper married Eliza A. Woodruff, daughter of
Daniel S. and Eliza (Bristol) Woodruff', of South-
ington. Three children were born of this marriage :
Mary E. ; Cornelia, wife of Lloyd O. Neal ; and
Julia, wife of our subject. David R. Sloper was a
prominent farmer of East street, and formerly a
manufacturer of cement.
Ambrose Sloper, the paternal grandfather of
Mrs. Orr, was born March 28, 1774, and wedded
Mary, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bristol) Wood- '
ruff. He lived on the homestead now occupied by ■
our subject and his wife, and there died I'^eb. 23, !
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
659
1810. He was a son of Ambrose Slopcr, Sr., who
was born in Branford, Conn., in 1734. and came
to Soiithington with his parents. He marricil Sarah
Root, daugiiter of Stephen and Sarah (Hart) Root,
of Soulhington, antl located on East street, wliere
our subject now resides. He served as captain in
the Revolutionary war, and died April 13, 1822, at
the age of eighty-seven years. Mis father, Robert
Sloper, was a resident of Branford, where he was
married, Jan. 9, 171 7, to Experience Johnson, daugh-
ter of Edward and Esther (\\'headon) Johnson, of
Branford. Later he removed to Southington, where
he died April 5, 1767. He was a son of John Sloper,
of whom but little is known except that he was born
Jan. 13, 1661, and was a son of Richard Sloper.
The latter was bom in November. 1630, and was
married. Oct. 21, 1658, to Mary Slierburne, daugh-
ter of Henry and Rebecca (Gibbons) Sherburne.
He was an early settler of Dover, j\Iass., and re-
moved from there to Portsmouth, N. H., where
he died Oct. 16, 1715, at the age of eighty-six
years.
Mrs. Orr's maternal grandfather, Daniel S.
Woodruff, was born in 1792, and married Eliza,
daughter of George and Abigail Bristol. He lived
on East street, and died July 9, 1844. He was a
son of Urbana Woodruff, who was born in 1766,
and married Silence Sloper, daughter of Capt.
Daniel and Rachel (Langdon) Sloper. He also
lived on East street, where he died Nov. 11, 179S.
His father, Isaac ^^'oodruft', was born in October,
1737, and was married, Feb. 11, 1762, to Mary
Bristol, of Cheshire. He made his liome on East
street, and there died Dec. 13, 1813. E[is father,
Samuel Woodruff, was born in Farmington, Conn.,
Jan. 20, 1686, and was married, July 10, 1718, to
Esther, daughter of Samuel and Esther (Wood-
ford) Bird. He held the military rank of captain,
and died in February, 1766. He was a son of
Samuel Woodruff', Sr., who was born in Farming-
ton Aug. 26, 1661, and was married, in 1685, to
Rebecca Clark, daughter of John Clark. This Sam-
uel Woodruff' was the first settler in what is now
the town of Southington, locating there in 1698,
and there he died Jan. 8, 1742. His father, Mat-
thew Woodruff', removed from Hartford to Farm-
ington about 1640, was admitted a freeman in 1657,
and was one of the eighty-four proprietors of the
town in 1672. He died in 1682, at an advanced age.
Mrs. Orr is a member of Hannah Woodruff' Chap-
ter, No. 36, Daughters of the American Revolution.
W^ILLARD ELISHA HOWE, a well-known
and highly-respected citizen of Glastonbury, is a
great-grandson of Elisha Howe, an early settler in
the town of Glastonbury. Elisha Howe and his
elder brother, John, came from England, and after
a short residence in Framingham, Mass., removed
to Glastonbury, locating near cur subject's pres-
ent home. John Howe was married, in 1755, to
Mary Hoklen, and had two sons, John and Elisha,
who served with the militia during the Revolu-
tionary war. Elisha Howe also took part in the
struggle for independence. He was married about
1750.
Elisha Howe (2), our subject's grandfather,
married Anna Hollister, and had the following chil-
dren : Mary married David Holbrook, and settled
in Ohio ; Ann married James Sawyer, and resided in
Berlin, near Montpelier, Vt. ; Rebecca married Col.
Robert Gates, of Derby, Conn. ; Elisha married
b'annie Arnold, of East Hartford; John became
the father of our subject; Judith married Samuel
French, and settled in Derby, Conn. ; Jemima mar-
ried Deacon Chester Hills, of Glastonbury.
John Howe was born in 1791 in the town of
Glastonbury, where his boyhood id^ys were spent.
He received a common-school education and learned
the cooper's trade, and for some years he farmed
in summer and worked at his trade in winter, in
his later years, however, following farming ex-
clusively. He died in 1867, his remains being buried
in Buckingham. John Howe married Mary Wads-
worth, a native of Hartford, and daughter of James
and Mary Wadsworth, the former a shoemaker. Of
the children born to John and Mary Howe, William
Hanford, who is not married, resides on the home-
stead ; Willard E. is next in the order of birth ;
Eliza Ann, and Mary and Martha (twins) are liv-
ing at the homestead ; and John W., a merchant
in South Glastonbury, married Emma Tryon ; James
and John died young.
Our subject was born Sept. 19, 1824, at his pres-
ent farm, in a house which he replaced in 1854 with
a more modern building. As a bov he attended the
district schools, and also spent one term at ^^'ilbra-
ham Academy, and on leaving school he engaged
with his brother, William H., in the manufacture of
powder kegs, suppyling Hanmer & Forbes, in Scot-
land, now Burnside ; later they made staves for the
Dupont Powder Co., of Delaware. They continued
in that line of business for a number of years, but
for some time before selling their mill, to the East
Hartford \\'ater Co., they operated it as a saw-
mill. Since the sale of the mill our subject has de-
voted his attention to farming, and as a citizen he
ranks among the leaders, his courteous manners
being allied to a sound judgment which wins gen-
eral respect. He is an active worker in the Con-
gregational Church at Buckingham, having served
as clerk for forty years. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and he served as a representative in the Legis-
lature in i860, and has been assessor many times.
He also did eflicient work as a member of a com-
mittee, in company with John A. Hale, Thaddeus
Welles, Andrew T. Hale, Henry Welles and Charles
Hollister, all prominent citizens, to assist Rev. A.
B. Chapin in gathering material for a complete his-
tory of the town for the second century anniver-
sary. The celebration, which fell on May 8, 1853,
660
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
commemorated the bestowal of the first corporate
power on this side of the river two hundred years
betore.
Un Oct. 5, 1853, Mr. Howe was married to
Miss Hannah F. Treat, who was born in Glaston-
bury Jan. IS, 1830, daughter of Jerad and Anne
(Wadsworth) Treat, of Hartford. Three children
blessed the union: Alice May, who died in child-
hood; Miss Edith W., who is at home; and Anna
I., who died in early womanhood.
AARON W. HALL. In the life of this gentle-
man we find an example of a self-made American
citizen, and the exemplification of the progress that
an ambitious foreigner can make in this country of
unbounded opportunities. He came to the United
States practically empty-handed, bL.t is to-day the
owner of a fine farm of 185 acres in Berlm, Hart-
ford county, his success being due to his own per-
severance, industry and energy.
Mr. Hall was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec.
16, 1868, and is a son of George and Hannah (Ken-
dall) Hall, also natives of Yorkshire, the former
born Nov. 20, 1840, the latter on Nov. 5, 1845. They
were married in July, 1866. In Lngland the father
engaged in farming for other people. He came to
America in 1893, sailing from Liverpool, and land-
ing in New York. After spending about nine
months in Bristol, Conn., he came to Kensington,
and he and his wife, together with two of their
sons, Charles and James, reside on the same farm
as our subject. In their family are nine children,
five of whom came to this country. All are pro-
gressive farmers and hard-working men.
On coming to this county, in 1889, Aaron W.
Hall worked on farms in Newington for a time,
and then removed to Kensington. He worked for
George D. Boyer for a year and a half, and was
subsequently with Samuel D. Newell, of Bristol,
for a year. ' Returning to Kensington, he purchased
185 acres of land on the Meriden road to New
Britain, of Mr. Boyer, and upon the place he has
since made many useful and valuable improvements,
including the erection of two houses. He keeps,
a fine grade of stock, and in connection with general
farming is engaged in the dairy business, having
a large milk route in New Britain. He is an enter-
prising, reliable business man, and his success has
been most worthily achieved.
On Nov. 17, 1897, Mr. Hall was united in mar-
riage with Miss Alice Graves Lyman, of Talcott-
ville, Conn., who was born March 11, 1874, a
daughter of Horace S. and Esther M. (Graves)
Lyman, who are still living. Our subject and his
brothers Charles and James took out their naturaliza-
tion papers in Hartford, and are now identified with
the Republican party. The elder Mr. Hall and his
sons Charles and Aaron W. were members of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows in England, and
they expect to renew their membership in this coun-
try. Our subject and wife are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and the remainder of the fam-
ily are inclined to the Methodist belief ; they are held
in high regard by all who knov/. them.
REV. HENRY THOMAS WALSH, pastor of
the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Plainville, is
widely known and respected, not only among mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, but among all denomi-
nations alike.
Father Walsh is a native of Connecticut, bom
June I, 1855, in Ansonia, New Haven county, a
son of Matthew Walsh, who was born in 1820 in
Ireland, coming thence to the United States in 1844,
and settling in Ansonia. For several years he fol-
lowed the business of stone mason, and for thirty
years that of contractor in Ansonia, where he lived
half a century. He was a stanch Democrat, and a
champion supporter of the schools, havmg served
efficiently on the school board. In 1846 he married
Mary McCabe, who was born in 1825, and died in
Ansonia in 1897; he passed away in Ansonia in
1892. They had a family of four children, the sub-
ject of this sketch being second in the order of
birth.
Henry T. Walsh received his earlier education
at the public schools of Ansonia, and in his fifteenth
year entered Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass.,
in order to prepare himself for the priesthood ;
thence, after eighteen months, went to Niagara
University, Suspension Bridge, N. Y., at which insti-
tution he graduated in 1875, in the philosophical
course. He then took a three-years' theological
course in the same university, graduating from same
in 1878, after which he was assigned as assistant
pastor to Rev. Thomas Smith, who had temporary
charge of St. Patrick's Church, at Thompsonville,
Conn. Here Father Walsh remained four months,
and was then transferred to Stamford, Conn., as as-
sistant to Rev. W. H. Rogers (pastor of St. John's
Church there), holding this curacy some six and
one-half years, and in February, 1885, he was as-
signed to the pastorship of the Church of Our Lady
of Mercy at Plainville. The parish at that time
comprised Plainville and Farmington, Fosterville
being, Sept. 20, 1891, transferred from the parish
of Bristol to the jurisdiction of Plainville.
The church at Plainville was erected, in i88r,
on the corner of Broad and Pierce streets, and in
1885 Father Walsh erected the priest's home on the
corner of Broad and Canal streets, while in 1887 he
purchased the Catholic cemetery ground on Farm-
ington avenue. In 1891-92 he erected, at a cost of
$15,000, St. Matthew's church at Forestville, which
district has been added to his parish. Father Walsh
also caused several improvements to be made, such
as the introduction of electric lights, in both the
church and the priest's house in Plainville.
Father Walsh is a Democrat in his political pre-
dilections. He has served on the school board of
Plainville four terms (twelve years), during eleven
c^^mu<i^
COMMh~ '"..lliyt blUGRAFHlLAL KECORD.
(S61
years of which lime he has been active scliool visi-
tor, having practically the management of the
schools. He was one of the original directors of
the Free Pnhlic Library (which was installed in
1896), being the first individual to bring the matter
to the notice of the town, and to advocate the great
g-ood to be derived from such an institution.
F. HOWARD ENSIGX, a well-known and
highly-respeCted citizen of East Hartford, is a na-
tive of the place, born Jan. 3, 1855, and descends
from one of the oldest families in the county. The
family was founded in America by James Ensign,
who died in 1670, and whose progeny is traced to
the seventh generation in the biography of Charles
A. Ensign, to be found elsewhere, F. Howard En-
sign, of the eighth generation, being the subject of
this memoir.
It is claimed, by one biographical authority, that
the family name. Ensign, is of Saxon origin, and
that it first appeared in Childham, near the Cathedral
of Canterbury, England, where there was an Ensign
Manor, the family amis being placed in the Church
of Childham. The validitj' of the name was estab-
lished in 1563 by William Henry, Clarenseaujl, and it
appeared in the Counties of Essex, Norfolk and
Kent : another claim is made that the name was
originally Ensing, and that, for bravery displayed in
battling for his sovereign, Ensing was knighted and
the letters in the name transposed. But the first
statement is undoubtedly correct.
In the will of James Ensign, the first settler of
the name in America, which testament is dated Nov.
23. 1670, appears the following: "i give as a token
of respect to our Honored Governor Winthrope five
pounds ; I give as a token of respect to my dear
pastor, Mr. Whiting, five pounds ; I give towards
the bu.lding of the new meeting house six pounds;
I give to Jiles Aires, to buy him tools when his
time is out, forty shillings." The inventorv of his
estate is dated Dec. 23, 1670. Sarah, the wife of
James Ensign, died in May, 1676, leaving an only
child, David, born in 1645.
David Ensign married Mehitable Gunn, daugh-
ter of Thomas Gunn, of Windsor, but they were
divorced by mutual consent, and the wife was later
married to Isaac Sheldon, a widower, of Windsor.
David Ensign, for his second wife, married Sarah
Wilcox, who died Feb. 3, 1717. He removed to
West Hartford, organized the church there, and died
Dec. 12, 1727. His children were named David,
James and Thomas.
Thomas Ensign married Hannah Shepherd,
daughter of Tohn and Rebecca (Greenhill) Shep-
herd, and among his children was Moses (i), who
was born in South Windsor, and married Love An-
drews in 1 73 1, she being a daughter of Thomas
and Love (Knight) Andrews. Among their chil-
dren were Mitoses (2) and Isaac, the latter of whom
learned blacksmithing and removed to Simsburv,
where his descendants are still living.
Moses Ensign (2), from whom the East Hart-
ford branch of the family descends, was ba])tized
Dec. 24, 1732, and also May 12, 1734, and mar-
ried Anna \\ illiams, daughter of Timothy and Anna
(Andrews) Williams, of Jiast Hartford, and a mem-
ber of the old and respected family that owned the
land on the west side of Main street from the Hock-
anum river south to \Villow 15rook. Their chil-
dren, five in numlier, were: Moses ("?), born Dec.
4, 1759; Anna, baptized Nov. 29, 1761 ; Ruth, Ijap-
tized May 24, 1767; Solomon, bajnized C)ct. 13,
1770; and Edward. Of these children. Solomon
went to Chenango county, N. Y., located in Pitcher,
erected a sawmill, and invented a saw which gave
him a widespread reputation. He became very
prominent and popular, was elected a judge, and
reared a large faniilv.
Moses Ensign (3) married, Feb. 16, 1786, Jean-
ette Forbes, who was born Oct. 11, 1767, and fol-
lowing are the names of their children and dates of
birth and death: David F., Dec. 30. 1786, Feb. 25,
1787; Moses (4), July 20, 1790, Sept. 16, 1790;
Moses (5), Sept. 6, 1791, Dec, 8, 1829; Betsey,
July ID, 1794, F'eb. i, 1837; Anna, Sept. 21, 1796,
Jan. 21, 1845; Harry, Nov. 4, 1798, April 21, 1869;
Ralph, Dec. 21, 1800, Oct. 14, 1879; John, Aug.
15, 1803, Oct. 31, 1803; Jeanette, Nov. 19, 1805,
Nov. 22, 1879; and John (2), Nov. 25, 1807, Dec.
7, 1807. Moses Ensign, the father of this family,
was a blacksmith, had his shop on the bank of Wil-
low brook, near the late residence of J. Fitch Com-
stock, and was a very skillful workman. Here his
wife died June 18, 1813, and nis own death took
place Nov. 30, 182 1.
]\Ioses Ensign (5), the third-born child of
Moses (3), in the familv above enumerated, and
the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a
stonecutter and mason by trade. He was a member
of the local militia, and when commissioned color-
bearer of his company was known as Ensign En-
sign : he rose to the rank of captain, and with his
company went to the defense of New London in
1S12. On May 23, 1820, he married Alartha (fa-
miliarly called "Patty") Risley, who was born
June 4, 1790, a daughter of John and Ruth (.\bbey)
Risley, the former born Feb. 20, 1752, and the latter
horn in 1754. The four children of this union were:
Charles A., who was born Dee. 4, 1821, first mar-
ried Cornelia Stevens and afterward wedded Maria
Smith, and died August 17, 1896; Elizur Rob-
erts, father of our subject, born Feb. 22, 1824; Jean-
ette F., born Feb. 19. 1826, and married to Ira An-
derson; and Owen L., born May 13, 1829. Moses
I'jisign, the father of these children, while engaged
at his trade in Flartford, building a stone vault for
the Connecticut River Banking Co., strained his
back in lifting a heavy stone. .and for some time
was incapacitated for work. About this time he had
purchased a piece of land in W'ethersfield. but neg-
lected to record the deed, of which neglect the sel-
ler took advantage, and sold tlie land to another
662
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
party. Mr. Ensign, receiving an intimation of this
fact, hastened to Wethersfield to have the deed
recorded, running all the way, and forestalled the
second purchaser, thus securing the land, but at a
fearful cost. The exertion, in his weakened con-
dition, caused his death, which occurred Nov. 30,
1829. His widow lived to good old age, and died
June 6, 1864.
Elizur Roberts Ensign, second child of Moses
and Martha (Risley) Ensign, was born in Hock-
anum Feb. 22, 1824 — the ninety-second anniversary
of the birth of George Washington. As he was
quite young when he lost his father, and being one
of the elder of the children, he was early called
upon to aid in the support of the family — a task
he cheerfully undertook when strong enough. In
the meanwhile he received a somewhat limited ed-
ucation at the old Willow Brook school, and on
quitting school worked at various places, at a com-
pensation of $100 per annum and board. In 1841
or 1842 he began learning the bootmaker's trade
under George Risley, worked as an apprentice and
journeyman fifteen years, and in 1857 went to New
Haven to take charge of a department in a boot
and shoe manufactory. In 1862 he returned to his
old home, and, as the Civil war was then at its
height, the States of Virginia, North Carolina and
Kentucky were no longer able to contribute to the
trade their usual quota of tobacco, of which they
had been the chief producers. The boot and shoe
trade with the South also fell off to nothing, and
the fertile and prolific ingenuity of New Englanders
was called into play to furnish new industries. It
occurred to some enterprising farmers in the Con-
necticut valley that tobacco would thrive there as
well as in Kentucky, and the following spring they
prepared their land on the Kentucky plan and met
with success. Prior to this, however, some little
efforts had been made toward tobacco cuhure, but
the methods used were crude and the results unsat-
isfactory, and in the new and systematic process
of cultivating this staple Elizur R. Ensign was a
pioneer. For his first crop, cured in 1863, he re-
ceived _ twenty-eight cents per pound, and for the
following five years he received about fifty cents;
he is now probably one of the best-posted tobacco
men of the North.
In politics Elizur R. Ensign has always been a
stanch Democrat, and a very popular one. He has
filled all the minor town offices, and in 1871 was
elected selectman in East Hartford by a large ma-
jority, in 1872 was re-elected by a larger majority,
and in 1875 was again chosen, and was also elected
school visitor. In the following 3'ear he was elected
to the State Legislature, and in 1881-82-83 served
the town as assessor. In religion he is a Congre-
gationalist, a deacon in the First Church of Hock-
anum, and was chairman of the committee of the
church society for nearly fifteen years. He was
also a member of the old Elm Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
which disbanded in 1862.
On May 24, 1849, Mr. Ensign married Miss
Delia Brewer, who was born Feb. 13, 1830, a daugh-
ter of George and Fannie (Stevens, nee Whaples)
Brewer, and this marriage has been crowned with
three children : Frank Howard, Milton E. and Al-
fred J. Of these, full mention of F. Howard will
be made farther on. Milton E., born July 2, i860,
married, Nov. 16, 1882, Miss Annie Comstock, a
native of East Hartford, who bore him two chil-
dren, Louis, who is living with his maternal grand-
father, Frank Comstock, in East Hartford; and
Ruth, living with her paternal grandfather, E. R.
Ensign, as is her mother, the father, Milton E., hav-
ing died April 13, 1897. Elsewhere will be fourjd
a sketch of Alfred J., the youngest of the three chil-
dren mentioned above. In speaking of the fiftieth
anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. E. R.
Ensign, a local journal had this to say: "Mr. and
Mrs. Elizur R. Ensign, two of the best-known resi-
dents of the south end of East Hartford, celebrated
their Golden Wedding at their home at the corner
of Colt and Main streets. Willow Brook, yesterday
afternoon, from 4 to 8 o'clock, and over one hundred
guests were received. The house was very prettily
trimmed with flowers and evergreens, and the bay
window, where Mr. and Mrs. Ensign received, was
flanked with hone)'suckle and geraniums, against a
solid background of evergreens. Mr. and Mrs. En-
sign were assisted in receiving by their daughters-
in-law, Mrs. Annie T. Ensign and Mrs. Alfred J.
Ensign. Two grandsons, Frank H. Ensign and
Louis M. Ensign, acted as ushers. Refreshments
were served, and Leslie L. Brewer, a nephew, ren-
dered several baritone solos." Elizur R. Ensign
is a fine type of the most progressive and solid to-
bacco growers of the town, and his life furnishes
an object lesson of the success which may be
achieved by many young farm'ers, if they possess
judgment, thrift and industry.
F. Howard Ensign was born in a house that
stood on the site of his father's present dwelling.
His first school attendance was in his native dis-
trict, and later at the Hartford Public High School,
from which he graduated in 1873. He then entered
the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.
Y., where he completed the course Jan. 24, 1874, and
was at once employed as bookkeeper by C. L. Will-
ard, a fertilizer dealer in Hartford, whose place of
business was where 01ds-& Whipple are now lo-
cated. After remaining with Mr. Willard about two
years he, in December, 1875, returned to his home,
and there continued to live until his marriage, on
May I, 1879, to Miss Anna Samson, who was born
Dec. 21, 1856, a daughter of Earl and Mary L;
(Sellew) Samson. The father of this lady was a
native of Glastonbury, was captain of a merchant-
man, made several trips round the world, and on
one occasion was captured by cannibals on the west
coast of Africa, but made his escape ; his partner
was not so fortunate, as he was killed and eaten
by the savages. Capt. Samson lived many years
I
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
608
afterward, and passed peacefully away at his home
in Glastonbury Dec. i, 1892. Mrs. Ensign is a
descendant of John Talcott, the founder of the Tal-
cott family in this country, and is also connected
with the Stilman family, of Wethersfield, who de-
sccndotl from Capt. Nathaniel Stilman, a member of 1
Washington's body-guard. She is related to Ad- 1
niirals Sampson and Dewey.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Ensign,
five in number, are as follows: Frank Howard,
Jr., born Aug. 26, 1881, is a graduate of the Hart-
ford Public High School, class of 1900; Adella
Marion, born Feb. 21, 1SS3, is a pupil in the East
Hartford High School ; Vera Agnes was born Nov.
! 17, 1884; Earl Elizur was born Jan. 19, 1888; and
' Russell Lee, born Aug. 31, 1892, died Nov. 10,
1893.
Mr. Ensign, although a lifelong Democrat, voted
for McKinley for President of the United States.
; He is very popular in his community, has served
' as auditor three years, has been tax collector, is
now chairman of the school board, and has been a
director of the Raymond and East Hartford free
library since its organization. In 1878 he united
with the Hockanum Congregational Church, and is
clerk of the board. He is third sergeant in the Sec-
ond Company, Putnam Phalanx, and is chaplain of
East Hartford Council, No. 1237, Royal Arcanum.
He is a progressive farmer and tobacco grower,
deals in leaf tobacco, and is tobacco inspector, be-
ing thoroughly posted in every detail of the tobacco
trade. His life has been upright and useful, and
he well deserves the high esteem in which he is
universally held.
GEORGE FRANCIS SMITH. Prominent
among the business men of Plantsville is the sub-
ject of this review, president of the H. D. Smith
Co., who for over forty-three years has been closely
identified with the manufacturing interests of the
town. He is a man of soimd judgment, keen per-
ception and unbounded enterprise, and his executive
ability and capable management have brought to the
concern with which he is connected a high degree
of success.
i Mr. Smith was born in New Haven Oct. 24,
1831, but his parents, George A. and Mary A-
j (Slate) Smith, were both natives of Hartford coun-
ty. His paternal grandfather, Asa Smith, a car-
riage blacksmith by trade, was a resident of Wind-
sor, Conn., and a son of Asaph Smith, a farmer of
^ Ashford, this State. The maternal grandfather of
our subject, John Slate, made his home in Man-
chester, Conn., where he conducted a hotel for many
years, and where his death occurred. For many
years our subject's father was engaged in the car-
riage iron business in New Haven, North Haven
and Plymouth, and in 1861 located in Plainville,
where he embarked in the manufacture of fifth
wheels for carriages, and continued that business
up to the time of his death, which occurred Feb. i,
Agnes ;
187S. His wife also died in Plainville, June 24,
1868. Their children were George F. ; Cornelia S.,
wife of O. A. Hitchcock ; Julia, wife of Clarence
Burr; Charlotte A.; Antoinette; Helen; and Ed-
ward.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed in this State, and his literarv education was
completed at Lewis Academy, Southington, from
which he was graduated in 1848. He then entered
a retail dry-goods store in Hartford, where he was
employed for six years, and during the following
six years was connected with a wholesale dry-goods
house in New York City. Returning to Hartford,
he spent three years in the carpet department of a
store of that city, and later was in business for
himself at Ogdensburg, N. Y., for six months.
Since 1857 he has been identified with the H. D.
Smith Co., of Plantsville, as a member of the firm
since i860, and business manager up to 1894. lie
held the ofiice of vice-president from Aug. i, 1894,
to Aug. I, 1899, when he was elected president.
On March i, 1866, Mr. Smith married Miss
Emma H. Bryant, a daughter of Ebenezer and Free-
love Bryant. They have a family of four children:
Emily J. ; George M., wdio was graduated from
Yale in 1889, and married Catherine Ware, daugh-
ter of President Ware, of the Atlantic University ;
and Margaret.
Mr. Smith is an active and influential member
of the Plantsville Congregational Church, of which
he has been a deacon for several years, and has
also served as chairman of the society committee
for twenty years ; he was chairman of the building
committee when the church was built. Fraternally
he is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F.
&- A. M., and politically is a stanch supporter of
the Republican party. He has served as a member
of the board of relief for several vears, and repre-
sented Southington in the State Legislature in 1882.
In all the relations of life he has been found true
to every trust reposed in him, and merits and re-
ceives the respect and esteem of all.
jMATTHEW F. AIcLAUGHLIX, a prosperous
farmer and dairyman of Bloomfield, was born in
that town Feb. 16, 1856, and here he has passed all
his life.
James McLaughlin, father of our subject, w-as a
native of County Westmeath. Ireland, came to the
United States when a young man, settled in Bloom-
field, Conn., and in due course of time married, at
Hartford, iSIiss Elizabeth Foster, who was born in
County Longford, Ireland, and was also young
when she reached America. To this marriage were
born six children : Matthew F., whose name opens
the article; Frank Bernard, of whom mention will
be made farther on ; Mary E., widow of Bartholo-
mew O'Neil, of Hartford ; Sarah, married to Thomas
Joyce, of Bloomfield; Delia, now ^Irs. William
Reynolds, also of Bloomfield; and Nellie, residing
in "the same town. The father of this family passed
664
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his years in Bloomfield, engaged in farming. In
poitics he was a Democrat, and in rehgion was a
devout Cathohc, in which faith he passed away in
1865, at the comparativefy early age of thirty-six
years.
Matthew F. McLaughhn passed his school-boy
days in Bloomfield, and was reared to manhood on
the home farm, where he still hves, and which, until
1885, he operated, in conjunction with his brother,
Frank B., with unvarying success. For the past
thirteen years he has been engaged in dairying in
connection with farming, and has been as equally
successful as he was when in co-partnership with his
brother, who parted with him only for the reason
that he wished to marry and have a home of his own.
In politics Mr. McLaughlin is a Democrat, but
has never sought pubhc office : nevertheless he was,
in spite of himself, elected constable, but, con-
sistently, did not qualify. In religion he is a devout
Catholic.
Frank Bernard McLaughlin, the second
child of James and Elizabeth (Foster) McLaugh-
lin, was born in Bloomfield July 15, 1857. He was
educated in the Old Farm district of his native town,
and was associated with his brother Matthew F.
in the cultivation of the home farm until the spring
of 1885, when he married and settled on his present
place, where he has since been chiefly engaged in
raising tobacco and in dairying. His wife bore the
maiden name of Annie Francis, and she is a daugh-
ter of Patrick Francis, a native of Galway, Ire-
land. The children that have blessed this union,
five in number, were named, in order of birth, Mary
Elizabeth, James Joseph, Francis Edward, Anas-
tasia and Margaret Irene. Of these, Mary, James
and Anastasia died within one week, in April, 1899.
Frank B. McLaughlin has made a success of life,
and has been very popular -with his fellow citizens,
whom he has served as justice of the peace, grand
juror, and member of the school committee. Fra-
ternally he is a Knight of the Maccabees. In re-
ligion he is a true Catholic, and a dutiful member of
the Sacred Fleart Congregation of Bloomfield.
REV. JOHN JOSEPH OUINN, priest in
charge of the parish of St. Patrick's at Collinsville,
is a man whose learning and piety make him - a
power in the community. While he has exceptional
gifts as an orator and spiritual teacher, he is also
an able administrator, as the material prosperity of
the parishes over which he has presided has shown,
and since settling in Collinsville he has built a fine
rectory, established a Young Men's Club, and in-
troduced many improvements of a practical nature.
Father Ouinn was born Oct. 30, 1855, in Hart-
ford, this county, son of the late William and Mar-
garet Quinn, both of whom were devout members
of the Catholic Church. They were natives of
Ireland, whence they came to America early in life,
and the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, was
a respected citizen of Hartford, and an active sup-
porter of the principles of the Democratic party.
One of the sons of this worthy couple is now a
lawyer in Hartford, and a daughter, Sister Rosalie,
is in a convent. Father Ouinn's education was be-
gun in St. Patrick's School, in Hartford, conducted
by the Sisters of Mercy, and later he attended the
school of the Christian Brothers, in Hartford, and
St. John's College at Fordham, N. Y., where he
was graduated in 1876 with the degree of B. A. ;
he remained another year, receiving the M. A. de-
gree. Having a strong desire to devote himself to
the service of God, he entered the Grand Seminary,
at Montreal, Canada, to prepare for the priesthood,
and Dec. 18, 1880, he was ordained by Bishop
Favre, of Montreal. He celebrated his first mass
at Thompsonville, and after three months as assist-
ant priest at Southington, Conn., he was stationed
at Norwich, where he remained two years. The
next three years he spent at Willimantic, Conn., and
in June, 1885, he took charge of the parish of Cov-
entry, a rectory and many other improvements be-
ing among the results of his zealous work. In
April, 1889, he was appointed to his present parish,
and for twelve years his parishioners have found him
a faithful friend and counsellor. He is a man of
broad views, which he can present effectively and
eloquently, his rich voice adding to the pleasure of
his hearers. He has traveled extensively in this
country, and in 1897 he went abroad, visiting points
of interest in England, France, Italy, Switzerland,
Turkey and the Holy Land. His manner is genial,
yet unassuming, the index of a generous nature.
Politically he supports the Democratic party, and he
is a member of the Order of Knights of Columbus,
and chaplain of the Hibernian Society at Collins-
ville.
ERNEST M. EHLERS, the enterprising milk-
man of Burnside, is a shining example of a self-
made young man who has achieved success in life
through his own individual efforts. He was born
in Hundborg, Denmark, April 15, 1871, and is a son
of Carl Ernest Martin and Carren (Hansdatter)
Ehlers, the former of whom was a native of Ger-
many, and moved to Denmark, where he was mana-
ger of a large sheep farm near Hundborg, and was
quite well-to-do.
Mr. Ehlers is one of a family of seven children,
of whom four brothers came to the United States,
our subject and a brother, Hans, two years his
senior, starting from Hamburg in a steamer, July
22, and landing in New York seven days later, Mr. ^
Ehler with $13 in his pocket. Ernest M. Ehlers
came direct to Hartford, where a companion of his
boyhood, Andrew Ferguson, was living, by whom
he was employed for a short time. He was next
employed at the South Manchester reservoir for
some time, at the rate of $50 per year and board, ;
and then went to Worcester, Mass., where ho
worked for a farmer for $1.25 per day and board
for two months, at the end of which time he had
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mo
saved $6i, which proved to be the foiiiulalion of his
future business prosperity. He next came to lUirn-
side. and for some time peddled meat for Erastus
Cowles, a butcher. Later he worked for a while in
llarlford, returned to lUirnside anil was employed
bv Frank Hanmer a few weeks, and then, with
his savings, purchased a milk route from James
Forbes, and in this business he has since continued,
having estalilisbed an immense and lucrative traffic
through hi.^i Strict honesty and cleanliness, and the
purity of his dairy products. He has realized a
comfortable comjietence already, and owns two
houses, which he rents, as he is not a married man.
Air. Ehlers is possessed of an excellent baritone
voice of great compass, and is at present training
it under direction of Prof. Barrington, of Hartford:
he is already sought after as a singer at parties,
cluirch socials and other gatherings at which su-
perior vocalism is desired. He is individually very
popular, and is a welcome guest everywhere, his
rich voice, of which he is no niggard, making him
doubly attractive. In politics Mr. Ehlers is a Repub-
lican, but has never sought office, and in ordinary
business parlance is what is called a ■"hustler."
ADA-M XEUSCHELER, one of the most high-
ly-respected farmers of Glastonbury, exemplifies
those admirable traits of character which rise above
circumstances and win success in the face of ad-
verse conditions. Mr. Xeuscheler came to America
a young Clerman emigrant, friendless and without
adequate means. By the exercise of unHagging in-
dustry, thrift and ripe business judgment he has es-
tablished for himself an excellent agricultural busi-
ness, and won from the community in which he
lives high respect and esteem.
Mr. Xeuscheler was born at Hassloch, W'urtem-
berg, Germany. Feb. 9, 1838, son of Joseph and
Katrina ( Kohn) Xeuscheler. lieing the fourth in
their family of eight children, who were as follows :
Michael, a farmer, who died unmarried in Germany ;
Jacol), a farmer, married and living in Germany :
Joseph, who married Magdalena Redmond, and is
a farmer and shoemaker at Hassloch, Germany ;
Adam, our subject : Ludwig, who lives at Hassloch,
Germany; Fred, who died young; John, who died
young; and Charles, who migrated to the United
States, married a Airs. Pederman, and operated a
hotel at Hoboken. X. J., until his death, Jan. 13,
1899. The father of these children was a farmer
by occupation, and died at Hassloch, Germany, aged
sixty-five years.
Our subject attended school to the age of four-
teen years, and then hired out as a farm hand for
eight dollars per year, his father receiving the wage.
The life of our subject at this stage of his career
was not inviting. He remained engaged in farm
work until he was twenty-one years of age ; then
entering the German army he remained in service
six years. After his discharge he worked for a time
on good wages as driver at a gristmill, and later be
drove carriage two years for a hotel. While thus
engaged, June 3. 1863, he married Katrina Decker,
who was born at Xekartenclingen, VVurtcmberg,
Germany. Xov. 12, 1839. in 1865 Mr. Xeuscheler,
with his wife and infant child Jacob, emigrated to
America via Liverpool. The tri]) across the At-
lantic in a steamer was rough and consumed seven-
teen days. Landing at Xew York May 28, of that
year, our subject proceeded at once to Philadelphia,
where he secured work in a livery stable, and a
little later in a tannery. At Philadelphia he re-
mained three months, and then came to (ilaston-
bury. Conn., secured emplDvment in the tannery of
Isaac Broadhead and David Plubbard, now owned by
Herman Roser. For eighteen years our subject re-
mained a workman in this tannery, and with his
savings he purchased first, from George E. Hale, a
five-acre tract, located just across the road from his
present residence. He and his wife cleared off the
stones, brush and trees, and together they tilled the
Jand, making it the foundation for their present neat
home and well-cultivated farm. Many evenings Mr.
Xeuscheler worked on the little farm until after
nine o'clock, or until darkness stopped liim. To
this first purchase he added other land, until he now
owns thirty acres, ten of which are excellent tobacco
land. His present residence he erected in 1879.
He has made a notable success of his little farm,
due wholly to the untiring efforts of himself and his
wife.
To Air. and Airs. Xeuscheler have been born five
children: Jacob, born April 21, 1864, and married
to Lena Klein, is in the ice business in Xew York
City, and has three children, Lena, born July 15,
1892, Katie, born Alarch 30, 1894, and Lottie, born
Jan. 15. 1897: Fred, born Alarch 22, 1866, married
katrina Stocklum, of Xew Haven, and is a teamster
at Hartford; John, born June 16, 1868, who died
June 26, 1868 : the fourth was an infant who died
unnamed; Paul, born July 6, 1873, married Emma
Broukey, lives at Glastonbury, and has one son,
Leon, born Jan. 8, 1899. In politics our subject is
a Democrat. Himself and family attend the Congre-
gational Church. He is a man of strict integrity,
and his many excellent qualities have won for him
the high regard of all who know him.
JOHX GEISELAIAX, Jr.. a thriving young
tobacco grower of Silver Lane, town of East Hart-
ford, wa"s born June 17, 1867, on the homestead on
High street, Hockanum, and is a son of John and
Agatha (Cameron) Geiselman, whose full biog-
raphy will be found elsewhere.
John Geiselman, Jr., was educated in the public
schools, and his first teacher was Airs. Hawkins.
The school-building was situated a half-mile from
his home, but this was not a very lengthy walk for
a young and health}- lad. He assisted on the home
farm, and worked out for others until twenty-one
vears of age when he married, X^ov. 22, 1888, Aliss
Fannie E. Erving, who was born Alarch 11. 1870,
666
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a daughter of John J. and Sarah A. (Brewer) Erv-
ing, natives of Hockanum. Mr. Erving made his home
with Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman until about a year
ago ; he died Oct. 25, 1899, and was interred by the
side of his wife in Hockanum cemetery. When
first married he lived in an old house through the
roof of which he could see the stars at night, and
many mornings he awakened to find snow on his
bed. But he had inherited the frugal and industri-
ous habits that had characterized his 'father and the
race from which he descended. To Mr. and Mrs.
Geiselman have been born two children : Elsie May,
May 17, 1892, and Sarah Ruth, Dec. 4, 1893. The
family attend the South Congregational Church,
of which Mrs. Geiselman is a member, and to the
support of which Mr. Geiselman is a liberal con-
tributor. In politics he is liberal, in local affairs
voting for the man that he considers the most
capable of filling office.
Mr. Geiselman started out in life a poor young
man, and through his own energy he has secured for,
himself a good farm and comfortable home. In
1894 he purchased from his father-in-law a lot on
which he erected, the same year, his present neat
dwelling, and he now owns sixteen acres of fine
tobacco land, all paid for through his own good
management.
The Erving family, from which Mrs. Geiselman
is descended, came from Salem, Mass., and settled
in Hartford county. Conn., and from West Hartford
her grandfather, who was a bootmaker, came to
East Hartford, bringing with him his son John J.,
who was born in West Hartford July 4, 1832. The
latter was also a bootmaker, and he worked at the
trade until the breaking out of the Civil war, which
event destroyed this industry in East Hartford, and
he then went to Wethersfield, where he was em-
ployed as inspector in the penitentiary shoe factory.
John J. Erving married, in 1857, Miss Sarah
A. Brewer, who was born in Hockanum Dec. 25, ■
1833, and to this union were born three children :
Dora L., born Nov. 4, 1858, was married to Charles
B. Case, and is now living in West Granby ; Rollin
K., born Jan. 29, 1861, first married Jennie Merri-
man, and after her death wedded Clara Tuller, and
is now secretary and treasurer of the Burr Index
Co., of Hartford ; and Fannie E. is the wife of Mr.
Geiselman. The mother of these children passed
away Feb. 22, 1894, and her remains were interred
in Hockanum.
Mr. Geiselman is now classed among the sub-
stantial citizens of the town of East Hartford, and
he and wife enjoy the esteem of the entire com-
munity, Mr. Geiselman's industry and upright life,
and his wife's piety and amiable disposition, hav-
ing made them especial favorites in Willow Brook.
EDWIN FRANKLIN GRISWOLD (de-
ceased) was a prominent and respected citizen of
Wethersfield, born in Griswoldville Sept. 22, 1835.
His father was Stanley Griswold, born June 22,
1804, and his paternal grandparents were Thomas
and Mary (Wolcott) Griswold. A detailed state-
ment of the genealogy of his family may be found in
the memoir of Thomas Newton Griswold, on an-
other page.
Stanley Griswold was a farmer, of progressive
ideas, and broad views; possessed of a keen judg-
ment and sound common sense; aft'able in his man-
ners, yet unassuming, generous and genial. He
made a specialty of stock-raising, but was also suc-
cessful in general farming. He was first a Whig
and later a Republican, but always consistent in his
advocacy of human freedom. His religious belief
was that of a practical, rather than a theological.
Christian. He was a consistent member of the
Congregational Church, and a liberal contributor
to the cause of religion. He married Lucy Welles,
of Wethersfield, the issue of the union being two
sons and two daughters, of whom Edwin Franklin
was the second son in order of birth. The eldest
was Martin, who married Elizabeth Hale, and is
now deceased. Lucy Welles, the eldest daughter
(also deceased), became the wife of Henry Augus-
tus White, of Griswoldville. The youngest, Jenny,
is an invalid. Mrs. Stanley Griswold was a lady of
fervent piety, tempered with a tender charity that
embraced all that was human. She was a devout
Congregationalist, and a sincere Christian.
Edwin F. Griswold was largely self-educated.
His scholastic advantages were of that meager sort
incident to an irregular attendance upon the dis-
trict schools, but through reading, observation and
experience he so developed his native mental powers
that he was justly reckoned one of the best in- (
formed men of his day. His early years were spent
upon his father's farm, but not long after attaining
his majority he bought property of his own, set-
tling upon a farm of 150 acres. Here he spent his
life, engaged in general farming, and at the same
time devoting especial attention to seed-growing and
tobacco culture. While he was a successful man of
business, he was far from neglecting the amenities
and enjoyments of social life. He was fond of
music. He was a member of the Grange, and of the
Govei-nor's Horse Guards, holding the dual posi-
tion of bugler and color bearer. He was popular in
the community among which his long and useful
life was passed, and greatly respected for his
many noble traits of character, among which was a
deep-seated regard for justice and truth. He died
at Wethersfield Jan. 11, 1892. He was united in
marriage to Miss Lucy Chamberlain, who was born
in Iowa, and died in Wethersfield, Oct. 6, 1888.
No children were born to them, and they adopted, as
their son, Wilbur E. Williams, who now bears the
name of Wilfred E. Griswold.
Wilfred E. Griswold was educated at the tlis-
trict schools, the instruction there received being
supplemented by a course at Wilbraham Academy
and at Hannum's Business College, Hartford. He
made his home with his foster father, and at the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G67
lattor's death inherited the home farm of about 135
acres. He, too, is a seed-grower and tobacco raiser,
as well as a general farmer. In addition he is a
large dealer in ice, cutting over two thousand tons
annually, which he sells in Wethersfield and Hart-
ford. He is enterprising and industrious, and in
everv way a most estimable citizens. His life is
exemplary, and he commands respect through his
positive, manjy, Christian character. Both Air. and
Mrs. Griswold are members of the Congregational
Church, and he is secretary of the Sunday-school.
They are also members of the Wethersfield Grange,
in which Mr. Griswold has held several offices, and
is now master. He is a Republican, but not an ac-
tive politician, and has never sought office. His
union with Miss Harriet Shepard, of Wethersfield,
has been blessed with one son, Edwin F., born Nov.
25, 1894.
Mrs. Griswold is a daughter of Frederick W.
Shepard, who was born in Flartford, and was a son
of Hiram L. and Harriet A. (Tuttle) Shepard,
both of whom were natives of Bloomfield. Frederick
W. Shepard received his education in the district
schools and at Power's Institute, Greenfield, Mass.
He was a farmer through life, and followed this
pursuit at various localities in Hartford county, fin-
allv settling at Hartford. There he became a mem-
ber of the Governor's Horse Guards. In that city
he married Almira E. Cook, a daughter of Samuel
Cook, and granddaughter of Aaron Cook. Three
children were born to them: Hiram, who conducts
a milk route at Wethersfield and Hartford ; Harriet,
Mrs. Wilfred E. Griswold ; and Grace, who lives
at home. Mr. Shepard was a Republican, and a
warm friend to popular education. He died at
Hartford, and was buried there. His widow is
yet living, and makes her home at Wethersfield.
Both she and her daughter, Mrs. Griswold, are
ladies of a genial temperament and rare refine-
ment.
MICHAEL LIEBLER. Among the descend-
ants of the German settlers, who, about a half-
century ago came to Hartford county, it would be
difficult to find one who is more typically represen-
tative than the subject of this sketch. The great
majority of these settlers have from the insignifi-
cant belongings they possessed when they arrived
risen to positions of comfort and independence by
the exercise of the sterling qualities of industry,
patience, perseverance and thrift. Mr. Liebler is an
industrious and successful farmer, and the winning
traits he has so admirably exhibited were the foun-
dation stones of his father's success.
Our subject was born in Cromwell, Conn., March
29, 1858, a son of Frank and Margaret (Falmood)
Liebler. The father was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, in 1822. He received a good education in
the public and select schools of his native land, and
in his native town, Markheidinfelt, served in his
youth a three-years' apprenticeship in a gristmill.
receiving for his services during that time thirty
dollars per year and board. He married .Margaret
Falmood, a native of Bavaria, and for eight or nine
years followed his trade of miller in Germany.
Then, about 1850, he migrated with his wife to
America. They left Havre on a sailing-vessel, and
were three months eii route. Mr. Liebler landed
at New York with little money, and first secured
employment in the Livermore flour mills at a small
compensation, remaining there about two years.
He then removed to Cromwell, Conn., where he
purchased a small farm, to which in the succeeding
years he gradually added until he possessed a tract
of 160 acres. Besides farming, he dealt quite
largely in his younger years in wood, shipping white
oak butts to New York, where they were consumed
in the manufacture of baskets.
Mr. Liebler enlisted from Cromwell in 1863, in
Company D, 24th Conn. V. I., Col. Allison, for
three years, and filled the entire term of service.
He was with the command throughout the Louisi-
ana campaign, was at Baton Rouge, and participated
in all the engagements of the regiment. After he
was mustered out he returned to Cromwell and re-
sumed general farming, engaging also in the sale
of milk. Fie prospered in business, and his suc-
cess was due to his own unaided efforts. He died
April 23, 1896, and was buried in Aliddletown,
Conn. His faithful wife died Nov. 21, 1885. To
Frank and Margaret Liebler were born eight chil-
dren : Frank, a molder of Wethersfield, married
Katherine Donnelly, of New Britain, and had five
children, three of whom, Mamie, Michael and Eddie,
survive ; Barbara married Peter Rosner, both now
deceased, and lived at New York and later at Crom-
well (their two surviving children are Frank and
JMamie) ; Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Andrew, all three
died in infancy ; jMichael is the subject of this
sketch ; Margaret married Bartholomew Trant, a
molder of Flartford, and had four children, Kittie,
John, Louis (deceased) and William; and Andrew
(2j, a molder, married Mary Clark, of New
Britain, and has three children, Alarguerite, John
and Andrew.
Michael Liebler, our subject, attended school
until the age of fourteen years, when for three
years he worked on his father's farm. At the age
of seventeen he secured employment at small wages
in the grocery store of Goodrich Bros., at Glaston-
bury. He often worked seventeen hours a day,
but remained continuously with this firm for twelve
years, saving money each year. In 1879 '^^ went
to Champaign, 111., to become foreman on the farm
of E. E. Goodrich, and held that position until the
farm was sold, two years later. Returning to Con-
necticut, Mr. Liebler was for a time employed by
P. FI. Goodrich in the latter's store and tobacco
warehouse, and on his farm. He then operated the
farm of Frederick Wells on shares for a year, and
continued farming at various places until 1897,
when he purchased from the estate of Herbert
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4
Samson a tract of twenty acres, to which he has
since devoted his attention, making notable im-
provements. He also owns a farm of seventeen
acres in Cromwell. Mr. Liebler raises annually
about seventeen acres of tobacco, receiving good
prices for his product. He is regarded as one of
the successful, wide-awake and prominent residents
of Glastonbury.
Mr. Liebler was married, April 12, 1883, to
Miss Mary Ellen Bransfield, who was born Oct. 10,
i860, in Glastonbury, daughter of Patrick and Mary
(Carter) Bransfield. Her father has for the past
forty years been a tanner in the employ of Isaac
Broadhead. Mrs. Liebler died Aug. 4, 1895,. and
was buried in St. Benedict's cemetery, Hartford,
leaving one daughter, Anna May, born June 24,
1884. Mr. Liebler for his second wife married,
Sept. 26, 1900, Miss Mary Frances Burnham, who
was born April 10, 1863, in Mt. Vernon, N. H.,
daughter of William and Mary L. (Gibbons) Burn-
ham, the former of whom was a farmer by occupa-
tion. Our subject and family are members of St.
Mary's Catholic Church of East Hartford. Lr
politics he is a Republican. While interested in
public affairs, he is not an office-seeker, preferring
to devote his energies to his own business. He is
intelligent and enterprising, and one of Glaston-
bury's most honorable citizens.
HON. FRANK LANGDON WILCOX, A. B.
New Engand, in American history, will ever be
known for two most vital contributions to the na-
tion, first, the implantation of civil liberty, as ex-
emplified in the migration and subsequent lives of the
Puritan forefathers, and second, the birth and de-
velopment of American industry, which now prom-
ises to make the nation foremost in the world. Not
by accident nor extraneous circumstances did the
New England States rise to importance in this re-
spect, to lead the nation to its highest material as
well as moral destiny, but b)^ the inherent strength
of character, the fertility of resource, beneficence of
invention and the energy and perseverance which
lay enshrined in the best type of New England man-
hood. Nurtured in the progressive atmosphere of
human liberty, strengthened by the hardships and
privations incident to Colonial life, many of the
early families had the foundation of worthy and
noble struggle and achievement in the mother land
before migration.
The Wilcox family, of East Berlin, has been
most prominently associated and identified with the
history of Connecticut since the days of earliest set-
tlement. At one time in the history of the town of
Berlin, Hartford county, there were twenty-five
voters in the Wilcox family. To-day Frank
Langdon Wilcox, the subject of this sketch, a prom-
inent business man, treasurer of the Berlin Iron
Bridge Co., is the only voter of the name in the
town. His father, Samuel Curtis Wilcox, was one
of the most successful and prominent manufactur-
ers of Connecticut. To him, perhaps, more than
to any other one individual, is due the industria
prommence of Berlin. Our subject is the eightS
in line of descent from John Wilcox, who was borl
in England, and who migrated to Connecticut abou
16 . The "Blue Book" of England states tha
he was a descendant of Capt. John Wilcox, wh|
commanded 1,000 lances at the battle of Hasting|
in 1066, against William the Conqueror.
The line of descent to our subject is as follows!
(2) Israel, son of John Wilcox, was born in Easl
Berlin June 19, 1656. He married Miss Sarf
Savage, of Middletown, Connecticut.
(3) Samuel Wilcox, son of Israel and Sari
Wilcox, was born in East Berlin Sept. 6, 1685. He
married Hannah Sage, of Middletown, Connecticutf
(4) Daniel Wilcox, son of Samuel and Hannah
Wilcox, was born in East Berlin Dec. 3, 171 5. Hi
married Sarah White, of Hartford, the descendanl
of early settlers of Hartford, who came to that setl
tlement with John Hooker. Daniel Wilcox {4)
gave the ground in East Berlin to the town to b|
used as a burying ground, and upon his monumen
the following inscription can still be seen:
I gave this ground, I'm laid here first.
Soon my remains will turn to dust.
My Wife and my p)rugeny around,
Come sleep with me in this cold ground.
(5) Samuel Wilcox, son of Daniel and Sarah
Wilcox, was born in East Berlin Sept. 12, 1753.
He marired Phebie Dowd, who was a descendant
of the David Dudley, Field family.
(6) Benjamin Wilcox, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a son of Samuel and Phebie Wilcox. He
was borii in East Berlin June 27, 1782. He mar-
ried Betty Savage, who was born in East Berlin,
June 25, 1787, and who was a lineal descendant of
Gov. Hubbard, of Connecticut. He was a large
land owner in the town of Berlin.
(7) Samuel Curtis Wilcox, the father of our
subject, was born in East Berlin Dec. 11, 181 1. He
married, July 20, 1836, Miss Eliza Anne Parson,
who was born March 9, 1815, in Durham, Conn.,
and who died Jan. 20, 1845. By this marriage he
had four children, all of whom are now deceased.
He was married, the second time, June 7, 1846, to
Miss Anna Scovill Peck, who was born in Ken-
sington March 15, 1827, daughter of Norris and
Elizabeth (Langdon) Peck, representatives of the
oldest and most influential families in the county.
Norris Peck was born Dec. 9, 1795, and was a
prominent farmer and citizen of Berlin, a descend-
ant of Deacon Paul Peck, who is supposed to have
been born in the County of Essex, England, in 1608,
and to have come to Boston, Mass., in the ship "De-
fense," in 1635, and to have removed to Hartford
the following year with Rev. Thomas Hooker. 1 lis
name is on the list of proprietors of Hartford in
1639. From the records of the town it appears
that he became one of its leading men. His resi-
dence is said to have been upon what is now Wash-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
609
ingloii street, near Trinity Collci^c, the site yet
being remembered by aged inhabitants as the
"Peck" lot. I'aul Peck was deacon of the Congre-
gational Church from 1681 until his decease, Dec.
23, i()y5. His will is upon the probate records,
B. 5, pages 217-18-19, dated June 25, 1695, and
proved Jan. 15, i6e)6. It is a lengthy and interest-
ing document, detailing anil describing his proi)erty,
which inventoried 53O pounds, 5 shillings.
The Langdons, who were the maternal ances-
tors of the mother of our subject, were at one time
large land hoklers in Berlin, having in their posses-
sion a large tract of land, upon which now stand all
the brickyards and the Berlin depot of the New
York, Xew Haven & Plartford railroad. They
were prominent in the Revolutionaiy war.
By his second wife, Anna, Samuel C. Wilcox had
eight children : Samuel Howard, born April 23,
1848, is now n^anager of the New York office of
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.; Clarence Peck, born
March 18, 1S50, dieil young; Annie Peck and Amos
Feck (twins), born Dec. 2, 1853, both died young;
Edward Henry, born Sept. 22, 1856, died Jan. 24,
1865; Frank Langdon, subject of this sketch, born
Jan. 6, 1859; Elizabeth Peck, born March 8, 1861, is
now residing with her brother at the old Wilcox
homestead on picturesque Berlin street ; and \'ictor
Peck, born May 27, 1866, died aged two years. The
mother of our subject died March 7, 1884, aged
fifty-seven years.
The business career of Samuel C. ^^'ilcox is most
interesting. He was reared on his father's farm,
and attended school at Ballston Spa, N. Y., after
which for a few years he taught school in Connecti-
cut. But the bent of his mind was for a business
rather than for a profession, and returning to Berlin
he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Establishing a
general store at Berlin, he traveled South by team,
and established a similar store at Washington, N.
C, conducting these for a great many years. Ex-
pansion of trade in his estimation, gave greatest
promise along manufacturing lines, and he accord-
ingly establislied a tinware manufactory in company
with two others, associated under the firm name of
Carpenter, Lamb & Wilcox. The factory was located
on land now owned by the Wilcox family and rented
to H. F. Damon, the original building erected by
Mr. Wilco.x having since been remodeled for Mr.
Damon. It was the first tinware factory in the
United States, and at the start employed about thirty
men. From the energy and business methods put
into the shop the firm quickly developed a wide and
profitable trade, especially through the Southern
States. All kinds of tinware were manufactured,
• and the business was continued for fifteen years.
In 1845 J^Ir. Wilcox established at East Berlin a
small manufactory for tinmen's tools and machines,
this being the nucleus from which has grown the
widely known Peck, Stow & Wilcox' Co. The
latter was established in 1870, by the consolidation
of eight factories of tinmen's tools, seven in Con-
necticut and one in Cleveland, (Jhio, employing
several thousand hands, with a cajjital stock of
$1,500,000. .\l the consolidation Samuel C. Wilcox
was elected vice-president of the company, a trusted
and important position, which lie held without in-
terruption until his death, in 1886.
Another industry of Berlin which owes its pros-
perity to Mr. Wilco.x is that of The Berlin Iron
Britlge Co. Its predecessor, known as The Cor-
rugated Aletal Co., of Berlin, was in serious finan-
cial trouble, and was threatened with dissolution
when Mr. Wilco.x came to its rescue. Through his
advice, bridge construction was added to the scope
of the plant, and thus in 1871 was born The Berlin
Iron Bridge Co., with Samuel C. Wilco.x as its
president. To the new enterprise he applied his
masterly business abilities, and with a success that
was almost phenomenal. He remained its efficient
and directing e.xecutive until his death. What had
once .been a struggling factory, employing a hand-
ful of men, had been transformed by his magic
brains and force into one of Berlin's and the coun-
try's proudest industries ; one of the largest and
most prospering of its kind in the L'nited States,
employing almost a thousand men, and steadily
growing" in inlluence and trade. To this business he
devoted most of his attention from the inception
of the company, and to his efforts it owes its pros-
perity. It is to-day one of the most prominent
bridge finiis in the world, and has constructed some
of the finest engineering structures in both the old
and new continents. It has just erected, at Berlin,
Germany, a building, the cost of which was $50,000,
and constructed the jMachinery building for the
Paris Exposition of 1900.
Mr. Wilco.x was a stockholder and director of
many enterprises throughout Connecticut. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat. For its substantial growth
and development Berlin owes to none of its hon-
ored citizens more than to this brilliant and far-
seeing manufacturer. Mr. Wilco.x was an accurate
reader of human nature, and this admirable trait he
put into most excellent use in choosing his lieuten-
ants. Kind in disposition, he was at the same time
a man of strong convictions, to which he was ever
true. Plis business foresight was one of his most
valuable qualities, and back of it lay an energy,
which bore his well-laid plans unerringly to rich
success. Throughout his well-rounded and potent
life these salient traits of character were everj'-
where displayed, and his death, on Sept. 21, 1886,
was a severe blow to the entire town.
Frank Langdon \\'ilcox, the subject of this
sketch, was educated with the view of taking up, in
a measure, his father's work, a task which in the
past twenty years he has most creditably performed.
Lentil twelve years of age he attended the Berlin
Academy, then entered St. Paul's School, at Con-
cord, N. H., graduating from its five-years' pre-
paratorj' course in 1876. Then entering Trinity
College, Hartford, he graduated from that insti-
670
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tution of learning in 1880, with the degree of A.
B. Entering the shops of the Peck, Stow & Wil-
cox Co., at Kensington, in the same year, he became
their manager in 1885, continuing in that capacity
until the consolidation of the Kensington factory
with the other factories of the company, four years
later, when the Kensington factory was totally des-
troyed by fire. Our subject then became associated
with The Berlin Iron Bridge Co., as its treasurer,
which responsible position he still holds. He is
also identified with many business interests through-
out Hartford county. He is a director and vice-
president of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. ; a di-
rector of the Phcenix National Bank, of Hartford ;
of the New Britain Mechanics National Bank, of
New Britain; of the Berlin Savings Bank, Berlin;
of the Matabesset Co., of Berlin ; and secretary and
treasurer of the Middletown & Portland Bridge Co.
In politics Mr. Wilcox is a stanch Republican,
and he represented the town in the State Legisla-
ture in 1893, during his term serving as clerk of
the Judiciary committee. He is a member of St.
Elmo Lodge, No. 31, Knights Templar, of Meriden;
of the college fraternity "Delta Psi"; of the En-
gineers Club, of New York; and of several social
clubs. On Jan. 19, 1898, Mr. Wilcox was mar-
ried to Miss Harriet Churchill Webster, who was
born March 27, 1870, in Berlin, daughter of Deacon
Charles and Julia S. (Higgins) Webster. They
have one daughter, Margaret Webster, born Feb.
15, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are both very active
members and liberal supporters of the Congrega-
tional Church of Berlin.
LEON LE CLAIR is a leading blacksmith of
Berlin, whose shop is located on Berlin street, near
the post office, and whose home on Hudson street,
adjoins the shop. A native of Vermont, he was
born in St. Albans Sept. 22, 1845, ^i^d is a son of
Louis and Catherine (St. John) Le Clair. The
father was also born in St. Albans, in 1812, and
when about thirty years of age removed to near
St. John's, Canada, where he purchased sixty acres
of land and successfully engaged in farming, becom-
ing quite well-to-do. He died in 1880, and there
his remains were interred. His wife, who was born
in 1816, died in 1897. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, Louis Le Clair, Sr., was a native of
Quebec, whence he removed to St. Albans, Vt.,
where he also engaged in farming.
Our subject accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to St. John's, Canada, when he was about two
years of age, and there he was reared upon a farm,
while his education was received in the common
schools of the neighborhood. After leaving school,
at the age of sixteen, he went to work on the Hoosac
tunnel, and was thus employed for about three
months. Later he took a contract to chop the wood
from a large tract of land, and, with three men in
his employ, he worked at that occupation for three
months. He then learned the blacksmith's trade
with Peter White, at East Windsor, Conn., and
after five years spent with him, he went to Middle-
town, Conn., where he worked at his trade for the
same length of time. Returning to East Windsor,
he leased the shop which formerly belonged to Mr.
White, his old employer having died in the mean-
time, carried on business there for seven years, and
in April, 1882, came t(j Berlin, purchasing the shop
of Solomon Dunham, on Berlin street, which he has
since so successfully conducted. He is an expert
workman, , is industrious and enterprising, and the
prosperity that has come to him is certainly well
merited. In 1891 he bought the David Robbins
property, on Hudson street, which he has remod-
eled and converted into a very pleasant home.
On June 3, 1873, Mr. Le Clair married Miss
Catherine Flavin, of Middletown, who was born
Aug. 26, 1848, a daughter of William and Delia \
(Keefif) Flavin. The following children weie born !i
of this union: Lucy Malvina, born Aug. 11, 1875,
attended school in Berlin and New Britain, later
graduated from Huntsinger's Business College, of
Hartford, and is now a stenographer for the Berlin .
Iron Bridge Co. ; Agnes, born July 31, 1877, was ed-
ucated in the public schools of Berlin and the high
school of New Britain, and is now at home; Leon
Louis, born April 15, 1879, was graduated from the
New Britain high school and is now employed as
bookkeeper by the Berlin Brick Co. ; Josephine,
born June 26, 1880; Katherine Rose, born Feb. 25,
1882, and Florence May, born Aug. 26, 1884, are all
attending the New Britain High school; and Sid-
ney, born April 7, 1887, and Maude, born Sept. i,
1892, are attending the Berlin schools. The family
are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic Church,
of Kensington, and give liberally toward its sup-
port. Politically Mr. Le Clair is a Republican, but
as local elections usually votes independent of party
lines. 3
I
SALMON CHESTER ENO, one of the oldest
citizens of Simsbury, Hartford county, descends ^
from James Eno, who settled in Windsor in 1646. ,;|
The Eno family is of French origin, and the i
name was variously spelled in England, as Enneu, ,■!
Ennos, and Eno, and was well-known in Colchester, ,
County of Essex. James Eno was a barber by trade,
and became a resident of London. In his day, no
man in London could vote unless he was a member
of the trade guilds, nor could he be elected Alder-
man, Sheriff, or Lord Mayor until he had served an
apprenticeship at a trade, and it was requisite that
the Lord Mayor should be a member of one of the
twelve great Livery Companies. James Eno prob-
ably learned his trade of barber-surgeon in the
Barber-Surgeon Company, of London, of which
Sir Astley Cooper and other eminent surgeons were
apprentices. New England, Maryland and Virginia .
were largely settled by men who had learned trades \
as apprentices to these craft-guilds.
James Eno followed his trade in Windsor. On '
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
071
Aug. 18, 1648, he married Hannah Bidwell, who
was born Oct. 22, 1634, a daughter of Richard Bid-
well. She hore iier husband three ch.ildren : Sarah,
in 1649, who was first married to a Mr. Ilolcomb,
and later to a Mr. Phelps; James, Jr., in 1651 ; and
John, in 1654. Mrs. Hannah Eno died Oct. 7,
1657, and James Eno married, Aug. 5, 1658, Mrs.
Elizabeth Holconibe, widow of Thomas Holcombe ;
she died Oct. 7, 1679. Mr. Eno's third marriage
was with Mrs. Hester (Williams) Eggleston, widow
of James S. Eggleston, of Windsor. It was said
of this lady that she was the first white child born
in Hartford. Her death took place July 10, 1720,
James Eno having died July i, 1682.
In corroboration of the statement that James
Eno followed his business of barber-surgeon in
Windsor there exists, in the Eliphalet Eno family, at
Torrington, a curious barber's basin, once his, such
as were used by the surgeon-barbers of the olden
days, and even now in some parts of Spain and other
Europeans countries. This basin is of coarse delft,
of a greyish-white color ; is thirty-eiglit inches in
circumference outside, and twenty-four inches inside,
and has on one side of its rim a circular indentation,
intended to fit around the neck and under the chin
of the person to be shaved, nearly opposite to which
is a hole or dent in the rim for the thumb ; at the
bottom of this hole is another, through which a
string was passed which then encircled the wrist of
the customer to hold it in place. The inner face of
the bowl is decorated with representations of the
various adjuncts of the trade, such as scissors,
razors, combs, etc., and the date, 1663, done in
blue.
The line of descent from James Eno, the founder,
to the subject of this sketch, is as follows: James
Eno, Jr., born Nov. 2, 1651, married Abigail Bis-
sell Dec. 26, 1678, and died July 16, 1714, the father
of nine children: James, born in 1679; Ann, 1682;
William, 1684; Abigail, 1686; Mary, 1691 ; John,
1693; Samuel, 1696; Susannah, 1699; and David,
1702.
David Eno married Mary Gillet, daughter of
\\ illiam Gillet, and she bore him five children :
David, Jr., born Aug. 14, 1727; ^lary; Gen. Roger,
of Revolutionary fame, born in 1729, who died Oct.
6, 1808; Mercy, born 1734, who died Nov. 6, 1808
(she married John Langton in 1754) ; and Jonathan,
born in 1739, \vho also ser\ed in the Revolution-
ary war.
Jonathan Eno married, Jan. 7, 1765, Mary Hart,
daughter of Capt. Elijah Hart, of New Britain,
and to this union were born nine children : Polly,
born in 1765, was married to Elijah Tuller, and
died in West Simsbury ; Rhoda, born in 1766, was
married to Daniel Phelps; Jonathan, born in 1769,
married Theodosia Case, and died in Bloomfield ;
Lucretia, born in 1771, was married to Granville
Humphrey, of Torrington ; Elizabeth, born in 1773,
married Alexander Phelps; Sinthia, born in 1777,
married Plezekiah Case, of Bloomfield ; Salmon
w-as tiic father of our subject; Chaunccy, born in
1782, married Amarilla Case; and Abigail, born in
1785, was married to John Viels, of Granby. The
father of this family was a farmer in Simsbury, and
a very inlluential man in his community.
Salmon Eno was born Dec. 13, 1779, in Sims-
bury, and was reared a farmer boy, although it had
been the intention of his parents to prepare him
for one of the learned professions, and his education
was received under the tuition of Rev. Samuel
Stebbins. Yet he preferred agriculture as a life
vocation. While still a young man he married
^Nliss Mary Richards, who was born in 1785, a
daughter of Amos Richards, a Revolutionary sol-
dier. The first few years of his married life Mr.
Eno passed in the village of Simsbury, whence he
removed to the farm now occupied by his grandson,
Aaron Eno. His children were: (i) Emeline,
born Dec. 11, 1805, was married May 31, 1832, to
Ozias Bassett, of New Britain, and is still living
at the venerable age of ninety-five years. (2 J
Aaron R., born July 4, 1808, lived on the home
farm until twenty-six vears old, married, Feb. 29,
1832, Ruth Tuller, and died April i, 1835. (3)
Amos R., born Nov. i, 1810, married Lucy Jane
Phelps, daughter of Elisha Phelps; he had a most
remarkable business career, and became the wealthi-
est man that ever lived in Simsbury; he was reared
on the farm, and attended school in his native dis-
trict until si.xteen years of age, when he went to
Hartford, clerked in two different stores, then re-
turned to Simsbury and kept store for some time,
and next went to New York, entering into mer-
cantile trade and amassing a large amount of prop-
erty; he then engaged in the real-estate business,
and at his death, in New York, Feb. 21, 1898, left
an estate valued at twenty-five million dollars ; he
owned a palatial residence in Simsbury, where he
passed his summers, and in this village his remains
were interred. (4) Salmon Chester, whose name
opens this memoir, was next in the order of birth.
(5J Alary, born Aug. 8, i8i6,was married to Milton
Humphrey, and resides in Hartford. (6) Lydia
Jane, the youngest of the family, born June i, 1819,
was first married to Horatio Lewis, of New Britain,
and later to Paris Barber, of Homer, N. Y. Sal-
mon Eno was a man of average size, and was a
thorough and successful farmer. In politics he was
a \Miig, and for one year represented his district
in the Lower House of the General Assembly, be-
ing very prominent in all town affairs, and highly-
respected. He died April 3, 1842, his widow sur-
viving until Sept. 29, 1883.
Salmon Chester Eno was born June 12, 1814,
and was reared on the home farm. He first at-
teiuled the W'estover District school, and later
Elijah Garritt's school, at New Britain, which was a
supplement to the district school, and here his liter-
ary education ended. He has passed all his life in
Simsbury, with the exception of three months that
he spent in New York as a clerk for his brother;
672
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
but he disliked clerking and returned to the more
enticing pursuit of agriculture.
Mr. Eno married, Oct. 29, 1845, ^iss Sarah C.
Goodwin, who was born in Simsbury Feb. 14, 1824,
a daughter of James and Candace (Bird) Good-
win, the latter being a daughter of the well-known
Dr. Bird, of Simsbury. Mr. Eno, on his marriage,
went to housekeeping on the old farm, where he
lived until about 1883, when he built his present
dwelling, which has since been his home. To his
marriage have come the following-named children :
Aaron L., born Sept. 28, 1846, is a prosperous farm-
er of Simsbury, with a family of three children ;
Charles G., born Aug. 6, 1848, is now a business
man in Osborne, Kans..; Sarah C., born Nov. 24,
185 1, is the wife of Charles J. Parker, of New
Britain; and George C, who was born Oct. 15,
1854, is married and resides in Simsbury, and is
the father of three children. Mrs. Eno departed
this life Jan. 21, 1893.
In politics Mr. Eno was at first a Whig, but
upon the disintegration of that party became an
ardent Republican, and a very popular one. Dur-
ing the interval that lapsed between the decadence
of the Whig party and the formation of the power-
ful Republican party, he affiliated with the Know-
Nothing or Native American organization, and in
1848 was elected to the General Assembly. He
served as assessor of his town, as a member of the
board of relief, as constable, and in other offices.
GEORGE F. ANDERSON, a well-known and
enterprising young tobacco grower and farmer of
Silver Lane, town of East Hartford, was born May
24, 1869, and is a son of Capt. Albert H. and Jajie
R. (Doty) Anderson.
George E. Anderson, grandfather of George F.,
lived in the home now occupied by John Foley, in
Silver Lane, and was a prosperous farmer. He
married Pearly Loomis, to which union were born
two children: Edward, who was killed at the age
of ten years by running into a rail fence while
coasting ; and Albert H.
Albert H. Anderson was born Jan. 8, 1844, and
was educated in a common school, after quitting
which he went to work in Colt's factory for Jacobs
& Howe, and next, for a short time, ran a ferry-
boat near by ; later he purchased a sailboat and went
to work for the Hartford Transportation Co., by
which he was employed several j^ears as captain.
He next, in company with Alexander Doty, went to
Philadelphia and purchased the tug-boat "Coulston,"
and for three years ran it in opposition to, or in
competition with, the Hartford Transportation Co.
Their traffic was so remunerative that the Trans-
portation Co. became eager to buy them out, and
finally they sold their mutual interest in the "Coul-
"ston" to that concern. Capt. Anderson had been
running between Hartford and Perth Amboy, N.
J., carrying coal. He later ran the steamer "Granite
State," but this vessel was destroyed by fire. One
fall he made a trip to Jacksonville, Fla., and came
back the following May on the "Admiral Farra-
gut." In 1883 he c[uit the water and settled on the
tarm now occupied by his son George F. In 1879-
80, he had built the house in which John Foley now
resides, and in this he lived until called away, Julv
28, 1886, while still engaged in farming.
Albert H. Anderson married Jane R. Doty, who
was born April 27, 1846, a daughter of Alexander
and Elizabeth Doty, and to this union were born
two children: George F., our subject; and Lillie M.,
July 24, 1873. Mrs. Jane R. Anderson died April
18, 1878, and Mr. Anderson next married, Sept. 24,
1884, Mrs. Charlotte Thayer {nee Whittaker) , who
bore him one child, Elisha C, born July 12, 1885,
and now living with his mother. In politics Albert
H. Anderson was a Democrat, and fraternally was
a member of Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., of
New Hartford. He was a large man, and was
blessed with good health nearly all his life. He was
a close observer of men and men's affairs, was a
great reader, was of firm character but pleasant in
disposition, and was favorabl)^ known everywhere
as "Capt. Anderson."
George F. Anderson was born in Hockanum,
near the site of the present post office, first at-
tended school in the brick school house, later in the
school in Willow Brook, and then in the Brown ,
school on Market street, Hartford, under Prof.
Barrows, from which he graduated in 1884; he then
returned home to assist on the farm. At the deadi
of his father he assumed full charge of the place, »
which then comprised three and one-half acres only, •*
but he has added to it ever since, and this year
(1899) expects to raise ten acres of tobacco. He
has made many substantial improvements on the
farm, building new barns and remodeling the to-
bacco sheds, and keeps the place in most excellent
condition.
On June 18, 1890, Mr. Anderson married Miss
Jeanette Kirbell, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza-
beth (Haussman) Kirbell, natives of East Hart-
ford. Mr. Kirbell (now deceased), was a harness-
maker, and his widow makes her residence in
Silver Lane. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been
blessed with one bright little daughter, born Oct. ;
30, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson attend the Con-
gregational Church, and in politics Mr. Anderson is
a Democrat. Socially he is a member of Elm Lodge,
Knights of Pythias, and of the Royal Arcanum.
East Hartford Council, No. 1237. He is a very
rapid worker, is what is usually denominated a
"hustler," is fully up-to-date in his farming, is ex-
tremely popular, and highly esteemed by the en-
tire community.
ITON. FIEZEKIAH SPENCER SHELDON,
a highh'-cstcemed resident of West Suffield, was ■
born in Suffield June 23, 1820. a son of Julius C, 1,
born in West Suffield, Conn., Dec. 12, 1791 ; son of ;
Martin, born in West Suffield Feb. i, 1762; son of ;
/
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
678
Elijah, born in Nortliaiiipton, Mass., Nov. 2, 1719,
son of Capt. Jonathan, born in Norlliampton May
29, 1689 (dictl in 1769) ; son of Isaac, born about
1629. The last named was one of the pioneers of
Northampton, Mass., where he died July 29, 1708;
he was a resident of Windsor, Conn., from 1640 to
1654. At Hartford, Conn., he married Mary Wood-'
ford.
Capt. Jonathan Sheldon (above) was a captain
in the militia. He was the progenitor of the
"Sheldon street branch" of this family. He had a
brother, Joseph, who settled in Suffield, Conn., in
1699, prior to Capt. Jonathan's coming, in 1723,
but his descendants are not so numerous. He was a
shoemaker and farmer, his home being in Sheldon
street, \\'est Suffield. He married Mary South-
well Dec. 30, 1708, and they had a family of ten
children, of whom Elijah, born Nov. 2, 1719, mar-
ried Sarah King, who was also a resident of Suf-
field, and died there June i, 1785.
Martin Sheldon, born Feb. i, 1762, at West
Suffield, was a man of fine physique, standing six
feet in height. He was married Nov. 15, 1787,
to Abigail Gillette, and after her death he again
married, but all of his children were by his first
wife. He died Sept. 4, 1848. For several years
lie was director of the Connecticut State Prison
("Newgate Prison"), being the financial head of
that institution ; was a representative from Suffield
for seventeen sessions; was a justice of the peace
for years, settled estates, and was frequently con-
sulted on various matters — in fact, he was one of
the leading men in his town. His regular busi-
ness was agriculture, but he merely superintended
the work on the farm. In religious faith he was
a Baptist, prominent in church work, and- gave lib-
erally of his means to the Second Baptist Church
at Suffield. He also contributed liberally to the
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, having a
high estimation of the advantages of a good educa-
tion. His children were : Martin, a resident of
Suffield, died in early manhood, leaving a familv.
Horace was killed in a cider mill when a child.
Julius C, our subject's father, comes next. The
youngest died in infancy.
Julius C. Sheldon was prepared for college bv
Ebenezer Gay, at Suffield, then attended Yale Col-
lege one year; but his eyesight becoming impaired,
and his father requiring some assistance in his ex-
tensive business interests, he returned home. In
course of time he and a cousin, Jacob Sheldon, com-
menced business at Albany, N. Y., but a few vears
later they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Sheldon
moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio. Here he
embarked in mercantile business, built a store room,
and did a large trade in that then new settlement.
This jvas in 1815.
On Sept. 30, 1819, in Suffield, ]\Ir. Sheldon mar-
ried Mindwcll Spencer, who was born April 22,
1797, at Suffield, daughter of Hezekiah and Jerusha
(Nelson) Spencer. He did not then return to Ohio,
43
but went into mercantile business at West Suffield,
where his father was, and for a few years remained
so employed. The senior Mr. Sheldon having been
appointed director of "Newgate Prison," Julius C.
became his private secretary. In 1849 '^^^ removed
to Suffield Center, and died there Dec. 5, 1873 ;
his widow passed away Aug. 23, 1885. They were
both meml)ers of the Baptist Church; in politics he
was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and for
many years he served as justice of the peace. He
was a good all-round business man, was possessed
of literary tastes, and at times devoted his pen to
the writing of poetry.
A brief record of the children born to Julius C.
and M indwell Sheldon is as follows: (i) Heze-
kiah S. is our subject. (2) Martin J., born May
3, 1826, maintains the country home at Suffield,
besides other possessions, and resides in New York.
He married Eliza Jane Waud, now deceased, and
had one daughter, Lolita, who is the wife of J.
Ogden Amiour, a son of P. D. Armour, of Chi-
cago. (3) Abigail, born June 22, 1832, died at
Suffield Feb. 16, i860, unmarried. (4) Henry K.,
born Oct. 10, 1837, was a graduate of Yale Col-
lege, later studied at Albany Law School, and died
at Suffield Jan. 25, 1866, unmarried.
Hezekiah S. Sheldon, the subject proper of this
sketch, attended Sheldon street school, his father
being his first teacher, while Richard Phcl[)s was
one of his earliest instructors. At the age of twelve
years he entered Reuben Granger's private school
at Suffield, and in the fall of 1833 attended the first
term of school held in the Connecticut Literary In-
stitue at Suffield. He is now one of the only two
left in Suffield who attended the Institute that term.
\\'hen seventeen years old he was a teacher in the
Harbor District at Poquonock, Conn., receiving the
munificent sum of $15 per month, and "boarding
around"; in 1838-39 he taught in East Granby, and
he also taught in West Suffield. His life vocation,
however, has been farming, although he has not
always been actively engaged in that pursuit.
In politics Mr. Sheldon is a Republican, formerly
a Whig, his first Presidential vote having been cast
for Henry Clay, and has missed but one Presiden-
tial election since, which was in i860, when he was
absent in Minnesota. He has served his town in
various offices of trust, such as assessor for seven
years, trustee, also justice of the peace, although he
"never tried a case." invariably succeeding in per-
sauding contesting parties to settle their differences
"out of court." He is much averse to litigation, and
has never been either plaintiff or defendant in any
kind of suit, but has served in both United States and
county courts as juror. He represented his town
in the General Assembly in 1858. 1881. 1887, and
1889. Mr. Sheldon is a stockholder in. the First
National Bank at Suffield, and for seven years was
vice-president of same. He has been a contributor
to many newspapers and magazines, and in historical
matters is considered a reliable authority in his town.
674
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
but his eyesight has been faiHng for the past twenty-
five years, and he is unable now to either read or
write, though in all other respects he is compara-
tively well preserved. He is the author of a num-
ber of valuable local histories, the most important
being his "Documentary History of Suffield," which
required a great amount of labor and research. He
also wrote an interesting "History of the Connecticut
Literary Institute," and "The Connecticut River and
Its Islands," besides compiling a genealogy of the
Sheldon family.
On Nov. I, 1843, Mr. Sheldon was married in
Suffield, to Miss Almira C. Rose, a native of that
town, daughter of Barlow and Clarissa (King) Rose.
They commenced housekeeping Jan. i, 1844, in the
house which he had built the previous )fear, in West
Suffield, and where he is yet living. His wife was
called from earth Aug. 30, 1887, and is buried in
West Suffield cemetery. She was a member of the
Congregational Church, and highly respected, as is
also her husband, who is one of the best-known and
most highly-honored men in his part of the State.
DANIEL T. DYER, of the Dyer Farm, in the
town of Canton. On this farm is located the Dyer
Mine, yielding gold, silver, lead and zinc, and is
beautifully situated near "Rattlesnake Mountain,"
while under the able management of our subject it
is kept in a high state of cultivation. The mines
have been operated, and valuable deposits are found
on the estate. Mr. Dyer, the proprietor, is one of
the leading business men of his locality, and the
most extensive distiller of cider brandy in the State,
the product of his plant at the farm being sent to
different parts of the United States.
The Dyer family has been identified with this
section from an early day, and the name has always
been associated with thrift, enterprise and pubHc
spirit. The first ancestor of whom we have record
was Thomas Dyer, who was born about 161 2, at
Shipton Mallet, near Glastonbury, England, and
came to America in early manhood. He settled at
Weymouth Mass., where he died Nov. 5, 1676.
He was there married to Agnes Read, a native of
Rutley, near Glastonbury, England, who died in
Weymouth in 1667. He married (second) Eliza-
beth Frary, a widow, who died at Weymouth in
1678, aged fifty-six years. By his first marriage he
had eight children, as follows : Mary, born July
9, 1641, married Samuel White, and died in Wey-
mouth Oct. 23, 1716; John, born July 20, 1643, died
in Boston June 2, 1696; Thomas, born March 29,
164s, died July 16, 1647; Abigail, born July 9, 1647,
married James Nash, of Weymouth; Sarah, born
March 10, 1649, married John Ruggles, and died
at Roxbury, Mass., Aug. 2, 1687; Thomas (2), born
May 5, 1651, died in 1673; Benjamin and Joseph
(twins) were born Nov. 6, 1653, and the latter died
Oct. 12, 1704.
Benjamin Dyer, born Nov. 6, 1653, at Wey-
mouth, Mass., located in Boston in early life, and
died there in 1718, his remains being interred in a
local cemetery. His wife, Harriet Odlin, daughter
of Elisha Odlin, of Boston, was born in July, 1640.
They had ten children : Harriet, born Sept. 27,
1692 ; Thomas, born Nov. 7, 1693, died Feb. 22,
1722; Abigail, born April 7, 1695; Margaret, born
Nov. 21, 1696, married Jeremiah Hall, and died in
1735 ; John, born Nov. 21, 1696, married Jeremiah
Hall, and died in 1735; John, born Nov. 21, 1698,
died in 1723, unmarried; Benjamin is mentioned
below; Joseph, born Sept. 25, 1702; Mary, born
in 1704, died of smallpox in 1721 ; Elisha, born
March 21, 1707, died at Hartford, April 10, 1739;
and Sarah, born Dec. 13, 1708, married James
Ra3aTier.
Benjamin Dyer (2) was born in Boston March
27, 1700, and learned the trade of tallow chandler.
On Nov. 22, 1825, he was married to Margaret
Clapp, and in 1735 he removed to Hartford, re-
maining about ten years. In 1745 he settled in
West Simsbury (now Canton), purchasing a large
tract of land (over 600 acres) near the Farming-
ton river, known now as the Page place. He died
there in 1775, and is buried in Canton cemetery. He
was a man of culture and refinement, and was a
classmate and roommate of Benjamin tranklin dur-
ing their school days. He had the following chil-
dren: Thomas, born in Boston in 1728, married
Azubah Humphrey, daughter of Samuel Humphrey,
and died in 1803; Mary married Elisha Cornish;
Benjamin F. died in 1746, at an earljr age; Joseph
was a soldier in the French and Indian war, and
diecj in the French war; Margaret, born in 1738,
married Eliphalet Curtis, and died in 1812; John
died in 1793; Sarah married (first) John Hutching-
son and (second) a Mr. Edson; Hannah married
Benjamin Adams ; Benjamin (2), born in 1747, mar-
ried Anna Northway, and died in 1815; and Daniel,
born in 1749, is next in the line of descent.
Daniel Dyer, born in 1749, was well educated,
becoming a civil engineer. He was a lifelong resi-
dent of West Simsbury (now Canton), followed
farming and stock raising, and was highly respected
as a citizen. Fie served in the Revolutionary army.
He died at his farm in 1814, his remains being
buried in the Canton cemeterj'. A great Bible
student, he was so familiar with his Bible that if
any two verses were repeated, with the name of the
book, he could tell the chapter in which they oc-
curred. Mr. Dyer married Sarah Northway, who
was born in 1748, and died in 1819, was a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Ann Northway, and granddaugh-
ter of Mrs. Sarah Woodford, who lived to the
patriarchal age of loi years. Of the seven children
born to Daniel and Sarah Dyer one died in infancy
in 1780; Sarah, born in 1776, married Dr. Enoch
Leavit; Chloe, born in 1778, married Uriah -Hop-
kins, and died at New Hartford in 1863 (she was
buried in Harwinton) ; Candace, born in 1782, mar-
ried Ashbel Moses, and died in 1877 (she was
buried in New York) ; Norman, born in 1786, mar-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
675
rio(l Diantha Roberts, and died in Indiana in 1848;
Zcnas, born in 1788, is mentioned below; Panthie,
born in 1793, died in 1878, and is buried in Hunter,
N. Y. (she married first Theophilus Dyer, and
second Fisk Beach).
Zenas Dyer, our subject's grandfather, was born
on the old homestead in Canton in 1788, and for
many years resided at our subject's present farm.
For twenty-nine and a half years he conducted a
hotel, and he engaged extensively in the business
of distilling cider brandy. Fie was a man of or-
dinary education and intelligence, and served as
captain of the local military company. Fie and his
son Daniel broke the ground for the erection of the
Collins Company's plant at Collinsville. Fie was
an active member of Village Lodge, No. 29, F. &
A. M., at Collinsville, and for a number of years
the meetings were held in his house. On Nov. 27,
181 1, he married Sally Chidsey, who was born
Aug. 4, 1794, daughter of Timothy Chidsey, and
granddaughter of Joseph Chidsey. His death oc-
curred Dec. 10, 1856, at his farm, and he was buried
in the Dyer cemetery ; his wife passed away July 7,
1887. Of their children, (i) Charlotte, born in
Canton, Feb. 20, 1815, died Juy 30, 1S88. She
married first Edmund Bidwell, Sept. 19, 1836, and
second, Dec. 25, 1852, F. J. Garrett. (2) Daniel
is mentioned below. (3) Lucia Ann, born Oct. 5,
1818, was married Sept. 11, 1839, to the late E.
F. Bidwell, and now resides in Collinsville. (4)
Sarah, born Feb. 28, 1823, was married Sept. 4,
1853, to J. F. King, of New Hartford, who died
June 2, 1900. (5) One died in infancy unnamed.
Daniel Dyer, father of our subject, was born at
the present homestead March 8, 1817, and received
a common-school education, and as he was fond of
reading he kept well informed upon the issues of
the day. As a young man he went to St. Louis,
jMo., by team ; in the party were thirty-#wo two-
horse teams, taking thirty-one days to make the
trip, and for two years he was engaged in selling
clocks in the West for Wadsworth & Peck, meeting
with fair success. In boyhood he worked with his
father at the foundation of the Collins Company's
works in Collinsville, and on his return from the
West he settled on the homestead, and conducted
the hotel for several years. He made many im-
provements on the place, which contains 300 acres
of land, and in addition to general farming, stock
raising and dairying he conducted the business of
distilling cider brandy. He was also a contractor
for repairing and building roads, and held for thir-
teen years the contract for keeping the Albany &
Hartford turnpike, from Hartford to New Hart-
ford, in general repair. He was noted for his hon-
esty as well as for his industry and business tact,
and he was much esteemed in the community. Po-
itically he was a Democrat, and in his religious
views he was liberal, although he made the Golden
Rule the guide for his conduct. Mr. Dyer died
May II, 1876, and was buried in the Dyer cemetery.
On May 6, 1852, he was married in Canton to Susan
Lyon, who was born July 10, 1820, in Gustavus,
Ohio, daughter of Aaron Lyon, a native of East
liaddam, Conn., and his wife Harriet (Bidwell),
a native of Canton. Airs. Dyer died Feb. 23, 1892.
She was a lady of refinement, a student at Oberlin
College, and taught in a public school in Ohio pre-
vious to her marriage. She made many friends.
Our subject was born at the homestead June 4,
1853, and being an only child inherited the farm,
lie secured his literary education in the district
schools of Canton, the high school at Collinsville,
Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., and the
Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Since taking possession of the farm he has devoted
special attention to stock raising, dairying and to-
bacco growing, and has made extensive additions
to the distillery and farm, now owning about 500
acres. He is a stockholder in the Canton Creamery
Association, and helped to organize the Cherry Park
Agricultural Association, in which he is a director.
He is liberal in religious belief, and his progressive
ideas, genial disposition and upright, honorable char-
acter have won him high standing as a citizen. He
is a stanch Democrat, and has served as selectman,
road commissioner and school committeeman. Fra-
ternally Mr. Dyer is a thirty-second degree Mason,
belonging to Village Lodge, No. 29, F. & A. M., Col-
linsville; Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T.
(the oldest commandery in the "United States) ; the
Supreme Council; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O.
N. jM. S. He is also a member of the Order of Red
Men; Grange No. 34, Canton; and the State
Grange.
On June 13, 1876, Air. Dyer married Aliss Har-
riet Maria Case, who was born in Canton Jan. 21,
1857, daughter of Franklin Case, and sister of Ben-
jamin F. Case, of Canton. She was educated in
the district schools of Canton and the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Suffield, and her intelligence and
good judgment make her a true helpmeet. She is
a member of the Congregational Church, and takes
an active interest in its work. Nine children have
brightened our subject's home: Susan Lyon, born
Sept. 29, 1878, died Jan. 17, 1889; Sarah, born Sept.
4, 1882, graduated in 1900 from the Collinsville
high school, and is now at Lasell Seminary, Au-
burndale, Alass. ; Daniel T., born April 25, 1885,
died Oct. 2, 1887; Hattie Case, born Sept. 6, 1886,
is now attending the Collinsville high school ; Alary
H., bom Dec. 30, 1890; Josephine, born Feb. 27,
1892; Alargaret, born June 26, 1893; Dora, born
June 6, 1895, died June 6. 1896 ; and Jasper Norman,
born Nov. 6, 1898.
JAMES TANNER was born in Manchester,
England, April 15, 1844, and is of Irish descent and
parentage. After receiving a common-school edu-
cation he attended a commercial college, and at the
age of fifteen was apprenticed to the joiner's trade.
Air. Tanner was married Aug. 24, 1862, at the
676
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
early age of eighteen years and five months, to Miss
Fannie Smith, the daughter of Enghsh parents,
and born in the same city as himself March 6, 1844.
In September of the following year (1863) Mr. and
Mrs. Tanner, with their infant daughter, Elizabeth
Jane, set sail for New York. The voyage was
saddened by the death of their first born, whose
baby form they were compelled to consign to the
waters of the Atlantic. Failing to secure work at
his trade Mr. Tanner found employment in the
Lorillard tobacco manufactory, in Brooklyn, where
he gamed not a little knowledge of the business, so
that it was not long before he became overseer and
inspector in the making-up department of Watson
& Co.'s factory, a position which he secured
through an advertisement in the New York Sun,
and the high testimonial as to character and
ability given him by the Lorillards' supermtendent.
The country was then passing through the ex-
citement of the Civil war, and the government ad-
vertised for men for its civil service at Nashville,
Tenn., which citj^ was then under martial law.
A desire to travel and a love of adventure led Mr.
Tanner, who was still a very young man, to aban-
don his position and respond to the call. He went
to Nashville in a company of seven hundred. There
he found the quantity and quality of the food furn-
ished the employes so small and so poor that he
remained but a short time. Proceeding to Fernan-
dina, Fla., he found practically the same state of
affairs, with the poor quality of water, which was
causing much sickness among both troops and civil-
ians. He returned to Brooklyn, and taking his
wife and child (a son, William) with him, went
back to England, where he obtained employment in
a packing-box factory. While living there two
more children were born to him, James F., and
Elizabeth A. In time Mr. Tanner grew dissatis-
fied with his surroundings, and resolved once more
to seek for better fortune in America. Accordingly,
in 1870, he again crossed the ocean, leaving his
family behind, and landed in New York on May 16.
His brother John was at, that time a member of the
Eighth United States Infantry, stationed in North
Carolina, and his mother and sister were living
in North Manchester, Conn. He determined
upon going to the latter place. There he sought
work in the packing-box department of Cheney
Bros.' mills, and, failing to secure it, entered the
spun silk sizing department. Soon after he re-
ceived the melancholy intelligence of the death of
his son Earnest, who had been born since his leav-
ing England. By 1872 he had saved enough to
enable him to build a home and send for his family
to join him.
Since their final settlement in Manchester Mr.
and Mrs. Tanner have had seven children, making
the issue of their marriage twelve in all. Seven
of these are yet living: William, who resides at
Stonington; James F., a graduate of the Baltimore
Medical College, and a practicing physician of Man-
chester; Elizabeth A., wife of William Gates, of
South Manchester; John C, also a graduate of the
Baltimore University Medical College, and is at
present assistant surgeon at the Soldiers Hospital,
Noroton, Conn. ; Ann J., Mary Edith, and Fannie
Irene are living at home.
For twenty-eight years Mr. Tanner continued
in the employ of Cheney Bros., remaining in the
same department, of which for twenty years he was
overseer. During this long term of faithful service
he suggested and adopted many important improve-
ments in the machinery of which he had supervis-
ion; but in 1898, owing to an accident which in-
duced nervous prostration, he found it necessary to
abandon further application to business. His life
has been a notable illustration of the success which
may be achieved through industry and thrift, when
directed by integrity and sound judgment. . Since
coming to Manchester he has erected six tenement
buildings, three of which (double houses with
modern improvements, located on School street)
he still owns. He also owns a modern brick and
stone apartment house, containing six suites, on
one of Hartford's principal streets. His handsome
competence he has accumulated through his own
unaided efforts.
Until 1884 Mr. Tanner was a Democrat in poli-
tics, but the declaration in favor of free trade made
in the national platform of that party in 1884 caused
him and many other Irish-Americans ot Manchester
to desert their former stand and enroll themselves
under the Republican banner. They connected
themselves with the Irish-American Anti-Cleveland
Union, whose headquarters were in New York. Mr.
Tanner was in constant communication with its
secretary, William J. Gleason, and cast his first Re-
publican ballot for James G. Blaine. Since then he
has been a stanch member of that party, and an
earnest ■viorker for its success. He was elected a
justice of the peace, served as grand juror, and has
been repeatedly chosen a delegate to Senatorial and
Congressional conventions. He has also been an oc-
casional contributor to the Press, and an article from
his pen which appeared in the New York Prcss^
under date of May 6, 1886, attracted much attention,
and won for him some warm congratulation. He has
been secretary of the Emmet Branch of the Irish-
American National League. In religious faith he
is a Catholic, a member of St. James' Church, of
South Manchester.
ORSON FOWLER CURTIS, of New Britain,
is one of the best-known citizens of that place. He
is yet a comparatively young man, but in various
business relations he has attained a prominence
beyond his years. He is a descendant of an old
Colonial family, and has in recent years been closely
allied with the material interests of New Britain as
a contractor of buildings and a dealer in real estate.
Mr. Curtis was born Feb. 4, 1852, in New Brit-
ain, and is a son of Joel and Abigail (Dodge) Cur-
Cl-
r
/^O
ft
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
077
tis. The family is of Scotch-Irish Protestant
origin, and his earhest American ancestors came to
this country about two hundred years ago, setthng
in Massachusetts. The great-grandfather of our
subject, Lemuel Curtis, located at Antrim, N. H.,
and at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war took
up the cause of the struggling Colonists, being one
of the first men to enlist from the village of Antrim.
The history of Antrim, N. H., by W. K. Cochrane
(1880), says of the ancestors of Mr. Curtis: Two
brothers, Lemuel (the great-grandfather of our
subject) and Stephen, sons of Jacob and Mary
(Styles) Curtis, of Amherst, previously of Box-
ford, Alass., came here in 1784, soon after the close
of the Revolutionary war, during the whole of
which they served, and began to clear on Windsor
Mountain, near Antrim North Line. Lemuel mar-
ried JNIary Smith, and had children as follows:
Anna, who married Levi Curtis April i, 1816;
Sarah, who married James \YaIker June £2, 1813,
and lived and died in Windsor; Mary, who married
John A. Lyon, Dec. 30, 1824, and lived a while at
North Branch, after his death removing to Wind-
sor, where she died; Hannah, now (1880) living
alone in Windsor, at an advanced age ; David, who
married Betsey Swett, whose children all died
young ( his second wife was Sally. Swett, and they
now (1880) live in Windsor) ; Lemuel, grandfather
of our subject, married Pamelia Webster Feb. 28,
1822, and lived on the old homestead, where he died.
The children of Lemuel and Pamelia (Webster)
Curtis were as follows: (i) Joel, the father of our
subject; (2) Luther S., who married (first) Sarah
C. Smith, of Hillsboro, and (second) Mrs. Sarah
H. Burnham, of Hillsboro, Nov. 26, 1876 (he has
one daughter, Mary, born May 29, 1856) ; (3) Luke,
who married Lydia E. Drew, went to Kansas, and
died in 1864; (4) Washington, who went to Kansas
in 1856, and died in 1863, in the United States
service; (,5) Nathan, who married Hannah Twiss,
and lives in Stoddard; and (6) Harlan, who died
in Kansas in 1857.
Joel Curtis, the father of our subject, married,
Nov. 28, 1849, Abigail Dodge, who was born in
Hopkinton, N. H., June 25, 1828, and died April
20, 1896. Their family consisted of three children:
Orson F., our subject, born Feb. 4, 1852; George
W., born March 11, i860; Lestor P., born Aug.
22, 1867. Joel Curtis was a veteran of the Civil
war, having served in 1861-63.
Air. Curtis' maternal ancestry has been famous
in history, the line of the Dodge family being traced
back to the year 1450. One of his forefathers
was Richard Dodge, who in 1638 migrated from
England and settled in Salem, ]\Iass. He held vari-
ous public offices in his day, and his descendants
down to the present time have ever been identified
with their country's history. The maternal line
of descent of Mr. Curtis is through Richard, John
(i), John (2), Phineas, Ebenezer, Ephraim, and
Asa Dodge. (I) Richard Dodge came over from
England
and arrived at Salem, Mass., in 1638.
(11) Lieut. John (I) Dodge, his son, was born in
England in 1631, and died in 171 1. (HI) John
Dodge (2), born April 15, 1662, died Jan. 18, 1703-
04, in his forty-second year. He married (first)
Martha Fisk, and (second) Ruth Grover. (IV)
I'hineas Doiige, born in Wciiham, May 23, 1O88,
died at Wenliam July 19, 1759. He married Martha
Edwards. (X) Ebenezer Dodge was born prob-
ably in Wenham, date not known. He married
March 27, 1750-51, Mary Dodge, of Wenham.
(VT) Ephraim Dodge, born July 12, 1772, at New-
buryport, i\lass., married in 1797 Hannah Symonds,
of Topsfield, moved to licnniker, N. H., in Feb-
ruary, 1803, and died June 2, 1862. (VH) Asa
Dodge, born Sept. 28, 1798, married Anna Rice,
and died Sept. 6, 1881. (VHI) Abigail Dodge
married Joel Curtis.
Until he reached his sixteenth year Orson F.
Curtis, our subject, was a school boy, who was ex-
pected to devote his attention chiefly to his books,
and then, when his school days ended, he began life
for himself, securing work on a farm. Soon
after he began an apprenticeship at the carpenter's
trade, and, not content with the superficial knowl-
edge which ends the training of too many tradesmen,
he applied himself to the mastery of the trade, with
a success that his future career has demonstrated
to be most complete. But though pre-eminently
a man of action Mr. Curtis has not neglected the
advantages which come from a close acquaintance
with books and their contents. He has by system-
atic and close reading kept himself informed both
upon current thought and upon occurrences of
general note, and upon those matters which relate
more especially to his own business. He followed
his trade for a number of years in various places,
thus gaining a wide experience, and in 1883 he
launched in business for himself at New Britain.
He gave special attention to contracting, and in a
short time, by the ability he displayed, foimd him-
self in command of a reputation and patronage that
was unexcelled. He has erected not only several
of the best private residences in New Britain, but
has also been entrusted with the construction of
many of the principal public buildings, and is now
acknowledged to be one of
the leading builders of
the city. In recent years he has turned his attention
to real-estate matters on a la:-ge scale, and also to
the renting and sale of improved property.
Mr. Curtis is not a stranger in political circles.
His sympathies have always been with the Repub-
lican party, and his first Presidential vote was cast
in 1876 at Raleigh, N. C, where he was then re-
siding, for Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1896 he was
elected alderman from the Third ward, in the fol-
lowing year he was unanimously re-nominated and
re-elected, and in 1899 was again nominated (by
acclamation) and elected. In 1897 he was made
president pro tcin. of the city council. He was
delegate to the State conventions of 1896 and 1898,
678
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has been member of the RepubHcan town committee,
etc. During his connection with the cit}' govern-
ment Mr. Curtis has been intrumental in securing
several needed pubhc improvements, and in bring-
ing about better management in the transaction of
city business, insisting on having competent men
to handle it. He is associated with various promi-
nent clubs and societies including the I. O. O. F.,
the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of
Red Men, O. U. A. M., etc.
Mr. Curtis was married, March 22, 1876, at
Raleigh, N. C, to Miss Mary Williams, of that
city, and they have had eight children, six sons and
two daughters, of whom two sons are deceased.
Their son Edwin served' in the 1st Connecticut
Regiment in the Spanish- American war, in 1898.
GEORGE FREDERICK CLARK, one of the
representative farmers and stock dealers of North
Granby, is a native of Hartford county, born in
East Hartland, Sept. 23, 1861, and belongs to an
old New England family, which was founded in
this country by seven brothers, who came to our
shores from England in the latter part of the seven-
teenth century and located in Rhode Island. From
there they scattered to different parts of the New
England States.
Comfort Clark, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was born in Stonington, R. I., and when a
young man removed to Otis, Mass., where he en-
gaged in farming throughout the remainder of
his life. He aided the Colonies in their struggle for
independence as a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church,
and was one of the highly-respected citizens of
Otis, where he died and was buried. His children
were Samuel ; Comfort ; Lyman ; Chauncey ; and
Fanny, wife of James Clark. All died in Massa-
chusetts with the exception of Lyman and Chaun-
cey, who died in Connecticut.
Chauncey Clark, our subject's grandfather, was
born in Otis, Mass., in 1805, and was reared and
educated in the common schools of his native town.
When a young man he removed to Granville, Mass.,
where he engaged in farming for some years, but
later spent a short time in New Boston, and in 1843
located at East Hartland, where he followed agri-
cultural pursuits until after the Civil war broke out.
With the blood of Revolutionary heroes flowing in
his veins, he could not remain quietly at home when
the LTnion was in peril, and enlisted, becoming a
private in the Connecticut Heavy Artillery. While
on his way to the front he was drowned while
crossing the Chesapeake Bay, and his body was
never recovered. In politics he was a Jacksonian
Democrat, but was never an office seeker. He was
a strong man, well-built, weighing over 200 pounds,
and was a hard worker. In Massachusetts he was
married to Miss Ruth Ann York, a native of Ston-
ington, R. I., and a daughter of Stephen York,
vi^ho was also a Revolutionary soldier. She was an
earnest member of the Presbyterian Church, and
died in that faith in 1848, being laid to rest in East
Hartland cemetery. In the family were five chil-
dren: (i) William W., father of our subject. (2)
Augustus, born June 13, 1835, is a farmer of West
Granby ; he first married Ellen Messenger, who
died April 18, 1888, leaving one child, Willis, now
deceased, and he later wedded Ella S. Daniels.
(3) Eliza is now the widow of Armenus Messenger,
and a resident of West Granby. (4) Chauncey
died young. (5) Lester S. is a resident of North
Granby.
William W. Clark, our subject's father, was
born in Tolland, Mass., April 10, 1832, and was
ten years old when he came with his parents to
Hartland, Conn., where he attended the district
schools and worked at the carpenter's and joiner's
trade for several years, and also at wagonmaking
for fourteen years in East Hartland. For a time
he was employed in the sawmill of Harvey Godard,
of North Granby, and since then has engaged in
farming in West Granby, where he now resides.
He manifested his patriotism and love of country
by enlisting, in 1862, in Company E, Twenty-fiftn
Conn. V. I., under Capt. Johnson and Col. George
P. Bissell, and with the Army of the Potomac he
participated in several engagements. He contracted
the measles and, later, chills and fever, and was
sent to the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, where
he was confined for six weeks. After thirteen
months and fourteen days spent in the service of
his country he was mustered out, at Hartford, in
1863. He is to-day an honored and highly-re-
spected citizen of his community, and a Democrat
in politics. Mr. Clark was married, in Granby,
in 1856, to Miss Jane Case, a native of that place,
and a daughter of Joseph and Deborah (Messen-
ger) Case. To them were born six children : Jo-
seph, a farmer of Copper Hill, East Granby;
George, our subject ; Anna, also a resident of Cop-
per Hill ; Marie, wife of George Butler, a dentist,
of Simsbury; Lilla, wife of Thomas Burton, of
Bloomfield; and Charles, a resident of Copper
Hill. The wife and mother was called to lier
final rest in 1886, and was buried in Granby.
George F. Clark is indebted to the common
schools of his district for his educational privileges.
At the early age of nine years he started out ta
make his own way in the world, woiking as a
farm hand during the summer at $5 per month,
while during the winter season Le devoted his en-
ergies to educating himself. Lhitil twenty-eight
years of age he continued to work for farmers
in Suffield, East Granby and Granby, and having
saved a little money from his wages he purchased
twenty acres of land, on which he located in t888,
but after operating it for five years he sold the
place and bought his present farm in the town of
Granb}', which comprises ninet}' acres and is known
as the Hayes farm. Here for the past six years
he has successfully engaged in general farming and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
679
dairying, and at tlie same time has done a good
business as a stock raiser and dealer.
On Dec. 2, 1888, Mr. Clark was married, in
tiranby, to Miss Emma A. Dewey, a lady of cul-
ture and refinement, and a daughter of Henry J.
Dewey, superintendent of the Granby Creamery.
They have two children, Ellis F ed>.rick and Laura
Dewey. Mr. and IMrs. Clark are widely and favor-
ably known, and are prominent members of the
Congregatioaial Church of North Granby, where
he is now serving as superintendent of the Sunday-
school and a member of the church committee.
He is an ardent supporter of the Republican partv,
has most efficiently served his fellow citizens as tax
collector, and in 1898 was elected second selectman
of Granby.
JOHN LOOMIS is one of those successful ag-
riculturists who have done much toward upbuild-
ing Hartford county, in connection with her man-
ufactures. He was born in the town of Bolton,
Tolland county, on Christmas Day, 1836.
After the death of his mother, which occurred
when he was but seven years old, he was obliged
to find a home with a farmer, who boarded and
clothed him in consideration of such work about
the farm as his youth permitted him to perform.
His educational opportunities were limited, yet at
the age of eighteen he was able to avail himself of
one term's tuition at the old academy at IMan-
chester Center. At that time this school was lo-
cated in the building now known as the Alasonic
Hall, on the public square. His slender means,
however, did not permit him long to continue his
studies, and he found himself soon compelled to
return to work as 'a. farm laborer.
With the firing of the first Confederate gun in
Charleston Harbor Mr. Loomis" patriotic spirit was
stirred to its inmost depths, and in December, 1861,
he enlisted in the ist Connecticut Light Battery,
being mustered in for three years at JNIeriden
Dec. 2, 1861. For three years he served with
marked gallantry, and on Dec. 2, 1864, he received
an honorable discharge. The following year (1865)
he bought a farm in the Society of Gilead, town
of Hebron, Tolland county, on which he resided
for a year, when he purchased the ^Manchester
farm, on which he vet resides. This place em-
braces no acres of arable land, and is well im-
proved. It is situated on Keeney street, about two
miles from the business center of Manchester.
On Oct. 16, 1865, Mr. Loomis was married to
Miss Kate Keeney, and to their union have been
born nine children, three of whom are deceased —
Minnie L., Burdette F. and Warner 'SI. The
names of those living are: Keenev B., Clara E.,
Elvie M., Arthur E., Maro A. and' Mabel J.
Politically Mr. Loomis is a Republican, but
he has never soup^ht political preferment ; how-
ever, he has held several offices, among them that
of deputy sheriff, under Alvin Spakling, for five
years tlischarging the duties of this position with
credit to himself and satisfaction to the law-abiding
element of the community. He is a member of
Drake Post, No. 4, G. A. R., and in religious con-
nection an earnest and consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, having been one of
the trustees of the local society for several years.
WILLLVM H. MARTIN, proprietor of
"Round Hill Farm," is a successful tobacco grower,
and a breeder of thoroughbred Aiinorcas. single-
comb White Leghorn and barred Plymouth Rock
fowls. He was born in Kidderminster, England,
May 12, 1859, ^ son of William and Harriet E.
(Moore) j\Iartin. His paternal grandfather, Alex-
ander Martin, came to -America in 1848, and lo-
cated in Bedford, Mass., where he started the first
power brussels loom in the United States, for
weaving brussels carpet, and spun and dyed his
own yarns. He was connected in business with
the Sloans, of New York City. He died in May-
nard, INIass., July 12, 1871. On May 16, 1827, Mr.
Martin married Susan Kirby.
The father of our subject was also a weaver
by trade. He came to the United States in 1848,
and finding his father in Astoria, Hell Gate, ,N.
Y., making gun swabs for the United States Navy
on hand looms, he enlisted in the United States
Navy, and served three years on the frigate
"Constitution." For twenty-five years he was
overseer of the carpet department of the Hartford
Company's works, at Thompsonville, and was one
of the most expert weavers of his day. To Will-
iam and Harriet E. Martin were born nine chil-
dren: \Mlliam H. ; Harriet Si. (Mrs. Ixudolph
Timer); Henry K. ; Alexander; Alice (Mrs.
Charles Gliesman) ; Alfred J.; Emily M. (Mrs.
Fred G. Smith) ; Fred M. ; and a son who died in
infancy. The father of these died in Thompson-
ville in 1895, the mother on April 18, 1882, aged
forty-nine years.
William H. Martin came to Thompsonville in
1868, and there he was reared to manhood. He
learned the weaver's trade, and followed that vo-
cation for twenty-three years with the Hartford
Carpet Works Co. at Thompsonville, for twenty-
two years of that period weaving an average of
over fifty yards of brussels carpet per day ; he was
conceded by all to be the fastest power-loom weaver
at that time. In April, 1892, he left the mills and
embarked in his present business at Scitico. ^Ir.
Martin has been twice married. His first wife
was Catherine Savage, of Thompsonville, and, his
second, Alice E., daughter of John and Hannah
(Trevitt) White, of Thompsonville, formerly of
England, her father Iieing one of the first power-
loom brussels carpet men to locate here. He died
at Thompsonville Nov. 2, 1891. One son, W'ilbur
Trevitt, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin March
13, 1900. Mr. Martin is a Republican, and both
he and his wife are members of the SI. E. Church.
680
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Henry K. Martin, second son of William Mar-
tin, is still in the carpet business, and is known
to the trade as one of the most expert loom men
of the day. He worked eighteen years for the
Hartford Carpet Co., and in December, 1895, went
to Springfield, Mass., to start the carpet company
known as the Burtworth Carpet Co. He put the
establishment in operation, and built four Burtworth
looms, known as the Burtworth Double Pile Wilton
looms, the only looms of the kind in the world. He
is now with the same company in Chicopee, Mass.,
where they have sixteen looms under his superin-
tendence.
■ HON. JOHN A. DuBON. More than ordi-
nary interest attaches to the history of this well-
known citizen, whose record as a gallant soldier,
successful business man, and able and public-spirited
legislator commands admiration and esteem. No
one, meeting him to-day, and noting his wide range
of culture and the many evidences of his personal
worth and dignity, would imagine that he began
life without capital or influential friends, not even
having any educational advantages to speak of un-
til he was twenty years old. In such a biography as
this the reader cannot fail to find much to inspire
faith in human possibilities, and to any ambitious
youth it will be a helpful object lesson.
Mr. DuBon was born March 19, 1844, in New
York City, and is of French ancestry in tl:e paternal
line. John DuBon, his grandfather, was born and
reared in France, but made his permanent home in •
German}', where he followed farming, as an occu-
pation. John DuBon (2), his father, was a native
of Heidelberg, Germany, and after acquiring a thor-
ough knowledge of farm work as a lad, he deter-
mined, at the age of fifteen years, to come to the
United States and seek a better opening. For some
3'ears he resided in New York City, but later he set-
tled in Columbia county and finally in Dutchess
county, N. Y. In 1828, while in New York City,
he married Miss Catherine Meyer, a native of Ger-
man)', who was born in 181 1, daughter of John
Meyer, and a member of a wealthy and prominent
family. Eight children were born to this union,
our subject being the second child and the eldest
son. Mrs. DuBon came to America with her
sister when but fifteen years of age; she died in
Steinway, N. Y., July 5, 1899.
As his parents were in limited circumstances,
Mr. DuBon had few opportunities for book learn-
ing, as he not only found plenty to do at home,
but took an active share in bread-winning from an
early age. As a boy he worked in a clock shop in
New York City, and after the removal of the family
to the country districts he was frecjuently employed
by farmers near his home. At times he attended
night school while in the city, and while in the
country his only chance for study was in the garret,
after his long day's work was done, his hours at
his books being determined by the length of the
candle given him. In 1864, at the age of twenty
years, he enlisted, in the 3rd New York Light Ar-
tillery, Army of the Potomac, and at that time he
was hardly competent to write a letter. Fortunately
a friend who enlisted with him was much better
educated, and through his assistance, during the
leisure hours of camp life, Mr. DuBon was enabled
to greatly increase his store of knowledge, his keen
mind seizing readily upon the long craved privileges
of studying under an instructor. He remained in
the service about a year, under Capt. Howe, being
discharged after peace was declared, and on his
return to Dutchess county resumed his work as a
farm hand, continuing for some years. He then
took a position in a gristmill at Pine Plains, N.
Y., but after learning the business thoroughly he
was obliged to give it up on account of ill health.
As his attention had been previously directed to
the large profits of tobacco culture, he had been
reading such works on that subject as he could ob-
tain, and in 1872 he came to this section to gain
practical experience in the employ of John O. Phelps,
a farmer near Poquonock. He speedily acquired
skill, and for some time was employed as overseer
by J. M. Brown and others, becoming known as
an expert. During the summer of 1874, however,
he worked as a general farm hand at different places,
and later he found himself unable to readily secure
a position in his chosen line of work, but in 1878
he engaged in business on his own account at his
present farm, formerly known as the Owen farm,
which he rented for a year. The venture proved
so successful that he purchased the place, going in
debt for practically the entire price. The farm was
in the most unimproved condition, the buildings
being hardly habitable, but Mr.* DuBon was indus-
trious and energetic, and each year saw substantial
improvements made under liis inspiring stimulus
of the hope of having a home of his own. His
present residence is one of the best in the town, and
is equipped with all modern conveniences, while his
other buildings are all models of their kind. He
has also added to the place, and some time ago he
bought another farm in the same locality, which
also shows the effects of his vigorous management.
Mr. DuBon is regarded as an authority on all
matters relating to tobacco growing, and is a mem-
ber of the New England Tobacco Growers Associa-
tion, and a director in the Connecticut Tobacco Ex-
periment Co., of which he has been superintendent
for the past six years. In the spring of 1900 the
State of Connecticut decided to make experiments
in tobacco raising, and a shed, 36x500 feet in di-
mensions, has been erected for growing tobacco
under cover, the attempt being to raise a Sumatra
quality, superior to the grade now raised. The
roof, of gauze or canvas, permits the rain to pass
through, and at the same time affords protection
to the plants. Mr. DuBon has been made super-
intendent of this work. He has been very success-
ful on his own account, and some time ago succeeded
I
h
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
681
in raising six acres which yielded 2,250 pounds per
acre, a good average being 1,700 pounds. iVllhough
small in stature he has unbounded energy, and his
systematic methods make it possible for him to do
an immense amount of work. He finds time for a
heli)l'ul participation in local affairs, having been
a member of the school committee of District No.
y for several years, and he is one of the trusted
advisors of the Republican party in his locality, in
the spring of 1900 being appointed one of the town
committee of five. While he is not eager for official
honors, he has served as assessor and member f
the board of relief, and 1895 he represented his
town in the State Legislature, being a member of
the committee on Agriculture while in the House,
representing Hartford county.,
On Sept. 2, 1869, Mr. DuBon married Miss
Lorinda Decker, daughter of John Decker, a promi-
nent resident of Columbia county, N. Y., and three
children have blessed the union : Austin died in
infancy ; Adelbert and Maud are both at home.
Socially Mr. DuBon and his wife are much re-
spected, and he is identified with Converse Post, No.
67, G. A. R., at Windsor Locks.
GEORGE C. ENO, of Simsbury, comes of one
of the oldest and most respected families of Con-
necticut, and is of the seventh generation in descent
from James Eno, who settled in W^indsor in 1643,
the line being traced through James, Jr., born in
1651; David, 1702; Jonathan, 1738; Salmon, 1779;
and Salmon Chester, our subject's father, who was
born in 1814.
George C. Eno was born in Simsbury, Oct. 15,
1854, and as a boy he had thorough practical in-
struction in farm work. He attended the Hop
Meadow District school, the high school at New
Britain, the Gunnery at Washington, Conn., and
the Hartford Public High School, where he gradu-
ated in 1875. '^'i leaving school he devoted his
attention to farming at the homestead, and after his
marriage remained at the farm for three years, when
he made his home in Simsbury village, on the !Moses
Ensign homestead. At present he is extensively
engaged in general farming and tobacco culture, and
is a licensed dealer in leaf tobacco, while he also
represents some of the best insurance companies in
the country. For fourteen years he was in the
United States railway mail service, between New
Haven and Williamsburg, and Springfield and New
York City, resigning the work for other business.
In 1889 lie negotiated for the right of wav for the
Central New England & ^^'estern railroad between
TariflFville and the Massachusetts State line. Among
the organizations with which he is connected are the
A. O. U. W., at New Haven, and St. ^Mark's Lodge,
No. 36, F. & A. M., at Simsbury.
On Nov. 7, 1878, Mr. Eno married Miss Nellie
S. Goodrich, and they have three daughters: Amy
Bird, born March 31, 1881 ; Alice Goodrich, born
May 29, 1883; and Margret, born March 12, 1890.
Mrs. Eno was born in Simsbury, Jan. 22, 1855, a
daughter of Capt. Lucius Goodwin and Martha
Abigail (Ensign) Goodrich, and received a good
public-school education, graduating from the Hart-
ford Public High School in 1875. She was one of
the organizers of the .Vljigail Phelps Chapter, D.
A. R., at Simsbury, her eligibility to the society be-
ing established tiirough her descent from Stephen
Goodrich ( 1757-1825 j and Allen Whiting. Her
ancestral records reach back, in the paternal line,
to William Goodrich, who came from England at
an earl}' date with his brother John, and located
at Wethersfield, Conn. His name first appears in
the court records of that town in connection with
his marriage, in 1648, to Miss Sarah Alarvin. In
1656 he was made a freeman, or voter, and his
death occurred in 1676.
John Goodrich, son of William, and the next
in the line of descent, was born May 20, 1653, and
died Sept. 5, 1730, at his home in Wethersfield.
He married Rebecca Allen March 28, 1678.
Jacob Goodrich, son of John, was born Nov. 27,
1694, and died May 11, 1746. On Sept. 12, 1717,
he married Benedicta Goodwin, daughter of Na-
thaniel Goodwin, and made his home in Wethers-
field and later in Windsor.
Stephen Goodrich, son of Jacob, was born Jan.
21, 1713, and died Aug. 19, 1758. He married Jan.
3, 1754, Rachel Gillett, and settled in W^indsor.
Stephen Goodrich (2), Mrs. Eno's great-grand-
father, was born at Windsor March 29, 1757, and
died Aug. 18, 1825. In 1771 he settled in the town
of Simsbury, where he was much respected for his
upright character, and for many years he was en-
gaged in farming and carpentering. During the
Revolutionary war he served in the American army.
He married Lydia Terry Dec. 25, 1781.
Nathan Goodrich, grandfather of Mrs. Eno, was
born Aug. 10, i8or, and died Sept. 6, 1842. He
married Sevilla Bristol, and settled upon a farm in
Simsbury. Of his children three lived to maturity :
Lucius G., Mrs. Eno's father; Juliette, who mar-
ried John M. Hathaway, of Suflicld ; and Stephen,
formerly a leading druggist of Hartford, who was
also prominent in the ^lasonic fraternity and in
financial circles, serving at one time as bank com-
missioner.
Capt. Lucius G. Goodrich was born June 22,
1822, and was reared at the old farm in Simsbury.
His education was obtained in the district schools
and in the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, where he spent two winters, and on leaving
school he taught one winter in East Granby. Al-
though only twenty years old when his father died
he assumed the management of the estate, and
throughout his life was interested in agricultural
pursuits, for some years residing upon the Good-
rich homestead at Terry's Plain, and in 1868 re-
moving to the Moses Ensign homestead. He passed
away Aug. 4, 1893. In early years he was idcnti-
ed with the Whig party, and he supported the
682
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Know-Nothing movement, later joining the Re-
publican party. His popularity made him the
strongest candidate that his party could put in the
field, as he had warm friends among the most in-
fluential men in the county and State, and he served
several terms as a member of the Legislature, three
terms as high sheriff, nine years as county com-
missioner (beginning in July, 1883), and was also
deputy sheriif under Waterman, and assessor of
his town. During the Civil war he held the post
of provost marshal, and later was deputy internal
revenue collector for his district. He belonged to
the Masonic Fraternity, and attended the Congre-
gational Church. For a number of years he was
active in the State militia, and on Aug. 28, 1845,
he was appointed adjutant of the 17th Regiment of
Infantry, under Col. Ezekiel Hosford. In any
movement for the public benefit he took a leading
part, and when the Connecticut & Western railroad
was projected he was chosen to represent the in-
terests of the town of Simsbury in that connection.
On Dec. 23, 1847, Capt. Goodi'ich was married
in Simsbury to Miss Martha A. Ensign, who sur-
vives him, and still resides at the homestead. She
was born in Simsbury Feb. i, 1822, a daughter of
Moses and Martha (Whiting) Ensign. Of her five
children, the eldest, Martha S., married Chauncey
Hart Eno, of Simsbury ; Nellie S. is the wife of our
subject; Nathan M. is a business man of Farming-
ton, Minn. ; Charles E. is in New York City ; and
Miss Juliette resides in Simsbury.
H. H. ELLSWORTH. No better illustration
can be found of the possibilities that lie before the
energetic and far-sighted business man than is
given by the career of this well-known citizen of
Windsor. The numerous enterprises with which
he has been associated have proved uniformly profit-
able, his intelligent oversight being a leading factor
in their success, and. at present he is the most ex-
tensive real-estate owner in the town, with other
large holdings elsewhere. His wealth has enabled
him to manifest his public spirit in effective ways,
and in all that pertains to good citizenship his in-
fluence is recognized and valued, all projects for the
advancement of educational or other interests receiv-
ing his ready support.
The Ellsworth family is of English origin, and the
name is found variously written Elswort, Elsworth,
Elesworth, Ellesworth or Aylsworth, and is derived
from a town near Cambridge, England, where they
were the principal family, the river being remark-
able for the quantities of eels caught. The first of
whom we have record is John Ellsworth, who had
three sons : One fled to Holland, and afterward
came to the New World, settling in New York
City in 1664; Arthur settled in North Kingston,
R. I.; Josias (or Josiah) is the ancestor of our sub-
ject, the latter being of the eighth generation in
the line of descent. Josias Ellsworth was born in
1629, came from a town near Cambridge, England,
and was one of the first settlers in Windsor. He
bought property near the present site of the "Oliver
Ellsworth mansion," and afterward lived near the
site of the "old mill" in Windsor. He was made a
freeman May 21, 1657, and juror in 1664. He con-
tributed largely to the Relief Fund for the earlier
settlers, and was prominent in church affairs. This
worthy pioneer was married Nov. 16, 1654, to Eliza-
beth Holcomb, who died Sept. 18, 1712. He died
Aug. 20, 1689, leaving an estate valued at £655.
(II) Lieut. Jonathan Ellsworth, son of the pio-
neer, was born June 28, 1669, and died Sept. 3,
1749, having been thrown from a horse. On Oct.
26, 1693, he married Sarah Grant, who was born
Sept. 19, 1675, daughter of Tahan Grant, and died
Nov. 9, 1755. They had ten children, among
whom was a son Giles.
(III) Giles Ellsworth was born Aug. 6, 1703,
and died March 20, 1765. He was married Feb.
6, 1728, to Hannah Stoughton, daughter of John
and Sarah (Fitch) Stoughton, and her death oc-
curred Dec. 21, 1756. Five children were born to
them, among whom was a son Giles, Jr.
(IV) Giles Ellsworth, Jr., was born Sept. 6,
1732, and died July 29, 1796. His first wife, Keziah
Moore, died June 26, 1762, and his second wife,
Hannah Burr, died March 18, 1777, aged forty-two.
(V) Roger Ellsworth, son of Giles Ellsworth,
Jr., by his first marriage, was born July 28, 1760,
and died May 13, 1801. He married Lucy Hayden.
(VI) Capt. Giles Ellsworth, our subject's grand-
father, was born Feb. 16, 1790, in what is now
East Granby town, and in early manhood, soon
after his marriage, located upon a farm in Windsor.
In the latter part of 1827 he removed to another
farm in the same town, where he died Dec. 5,
1853. He was of ordinary build physically, and as
a business man possessed unusual sagacity. For
many years he carried on farming on an extensive
scale, making a specialty of grain, and also raising
live stock for the market. In that part of the century
and country, tobacco was not raised as much as
now, but he was to some extent a raiser of this
weed. He was prominent in political afi^airs- as
a worker in the Democratic party, and served in
various offices, including those of selectman and
representative in the General Assembly, while his
title of captain was gained as an officer in the
militia. Capt. Ellsworth married Ellen Hayden,
who was born in Windsor Jan. 24, 1790, daughter
of Levi and Margaret (Strong) Flayden, and died
Nov. 16, 1863, her remains being buried beside those
of her husband in the Congregational cemetery in
Windsor. They had ten children, of whom nine
lived to maturity: (i) Giles G., born Feb. 8, 1809,
engaged in business as a nurseryman in St. Charles,
111., where he died Nov. 18, 1854. He was mar-
ried in Illinois to a Mrs. Morgan, of that State,
and left two daughters, one of whom died, leaving
one son ; the other, Clara M. Lord, still survives.
(2) Frances M., born Nov. 4, 181 1, died Sept. 7,
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
083
1849, in Windsor. She married Henry Ilalsey,
and had live cliililren. (3) Margaret S., horn June
20, 1815, (Ued in Windsor July 12. 1854, unmar-
ried. (4) Clarissa A., horn Dec. 16, 1817, inarrieil
Anson G. Bovver, and died July 17, 1849, •" Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. (5) William II., our suhject's fa-
ther, is mentioned helovv. (6) Alhert 11., horn
Juy 14, 1823, died in Fehruary, iByS; he was a
dentist at Green l!ay, Wis. (7) Samuel, born l""eh.
18, 1826, is a. farmer in North Dakota. (8) Anson
H., horn June 3, 1827, is a retired farmer in Ne-
braska : he practiced dentistry for some time, dis-
continuins^- same on account of ill health, and then
studied civil engineering, finally taking up farming.
, (9) Ellen, horn Oct. 26, 1829, marrictl Timothy
S. Phelps of Windsor. (10) Elizabeth L. died in
infancy.
(\'II) William H. Ellsworth, father of our
subject, was born in Windsor, Dec. 19, 1820, and
was reared as a farmer boy, his education being
obtainetl in the local schools. After his marriage
he resided for some time on a farm across the road
from our subject's present homestead, but his last
years were spent at the latter place, his death oc-
curring there in 1875. He was a successful agri-
culturist, and was also extensivelv engaged in the
live stock business. His judgment was unusually
good, and as he was fond of "dickering" he made
many profitable trades in the course of his life.
As a stanch Democrat he took an interest in politics,
and he held various town offices, serving at one time
as selectman. In 1841 Mr. Ellsworth married Miss
Emily M. Miller, daughter of Chauncey ]\Iiller, a
well-known resident of Windsor. She now re-
sides with our subject, and with the exception of
a slight defect in hearing enjoys excellent health.
Of the four children born to \\'illiam H. and Emily
M. Ellsworth two are living: (i) William H.,
born Oct. 18, 1842, was educated in the public
schools and the academy in Windsor, and at Han-
num"s lUisiness College, Hartford. In 1862 he went
to Milwaukee, and after a few years as clerk and
traveling salesman engaged in mercantile business.
At present he is an extensive wholesale dealer in
fur clothing, hats, caps, gloves, and similar goods,
and manufactures fur goods, being a partner in the
well-known Straw, Ellsworth Manufacturing Co. He
married Miss Theresa Matthew, of Milwaukee, and
has two children : William H., Jr., who is in business
witli his father, and Jennie, who married Frederick
Schumacker. (2) H. H., our subject, is mentioned
below. (3) Elizabeth died in \\lndsor at the age
of twenty-three, unmarried. (4) Clara, who never
married, died in Windsor at the age of thirty-four.
(Vni) H. H. Ellsworth was born March 26,
1844, one-fourth of a mile below his present resi-
dence. His education was begun in the Bell school
"at the Green," Cicero Roberts and Spencer Clapp
being among his early teachers. Later he attended
Windsor .Academy and \\'oodford's private school,
while his work on the home farm gave him a practi-
cal knowledge of agricultural methods. His busi-
ness acumen was shown at an early age, and wiien
oidy twenty years old lie engaged in lumbering,
which he has followed with marked success, nis
o])erations being quite extensive. His cut for a
single season in W indsor and adjoining towns iias
amounted to 1,500,000 feet, and at times he dis-
burses $2,000 a miinih in wages, em])loying as many
as eighty men. .Vlthough he has always given the
lumber business his personal attention it has by no
means occupied his time fully, as he has carried n
farming on a large scale, and taken an active part
in various other hues of enter])rises. h'or si.\ vears
he was engaged in the manufacture of brick, and he
helped to organize the Windsor Creamery Co., in
which he is a director and is now president. When
the Windsor Canning Co. was organized as a
stock company he was made president, but he never
had the control of the business. When the com-
pany failed he l^ought the plant in partnership wiih
W. H. Filley, and at once it entered upon an era of
prosperity such as only the most thrifty institutions
enjoy. It began to pay out thousands of dollars
annually to the farmers of Windsor and neighboring
towns, and its product was readily sought. It is
to-day one of the substantial industries 01 the town,
affording employment to many operatives, and a
good market to producers.
For years Mr. Ellsworth has been one of the
leading tobacco growers of New England, and he is
a director in the Connecticut Tobacco E.xperiment
Co., and a member of the executive committee.
His name appears among the incorporators of the
Hartford County Tobacco Growers Insurance Co.,
for protection against hail, and he is still a director
and now president of that company. In all his
enterprises he gives close attention to details, his
thorough knowledge of every line of work and ex-
cellent judgment as to methods enabling him to
secure good results in each one. He does but little
manual labor, preferring to direct the energies of
others, and his rare ability as a manager of large
bodies of workmen has been a leading factor in his
success. He is popular with his employes, and not-
withstanding his wealth and recognized influence he
is as approachable as ever. His integrity is un-
impeachable, and his public spirit has been shown
in many ways, his name being associated with nearly
every progressive movement projected in Windsor.
He is an active worker on the Village Improvement
Committee : chairman of the Committee on Improve-
ment of the Windsor cemetery, and a director in
Moore's Park Association, of which he was presi-
dent for several years. When a location was being
discussed for what was to have been called the
Windsor Driving Park he was made a member of
the committee on securing grounds, and it was at
his suggestion that ihe land now included in Moore'.s
Park was donated bv ( ). B. Moore and the present
name adopted. Later he devoted much time to di-
recting the work of transforming the tract of forest
684
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
into the beautiful park which is now one of the at-
tractions of the locaHty. He belongs to Poquonock
Grange, and was a charter member of Windsor
Grange, No. 3. At present he is chairman of the
First School Society Committee, and chairman of the
First Ecclesiastical Society of the Congregational
Church at Windsor, to which he contributes liber-
ally. While not a _politician, Mr. Ellsworth is an
ardent Democrat, and is regarded as a leader in the
local organization. He never shirks his duty as
a loyal citizen, and has held various offices, serving
eight years as member of the board of selectmen
and four years as first selectman.
On Sept. 16, 1874, Mr. Ellsworth married Miss
Laura L. Fowler, of Windsor, and soon afterward
established his home on a small tract of land owned
by him, which was located directly opposite his pres-
ent residence, one of the finest in Windsor. The lat-
ter was then built, having been constructed of brick
from his own yard, but he did not occupy it until
a few years later. He has four children, of whom
the eldest. Miss Minnie E., is a graduate of the
Young Ladies' Listitute in Windsor, and of the
art department of Wilbraham College, and has
shown more than ordinary skill in her work with
oils and charcoal, and in clay modeling, as well as
in painting on china. She is also an accomplished
musician, and an excellent literary scholar, having
taught in the Windsor graded room for some time.
(2) Miss Ella M. possesses marked talent for music,
and has taken a course in Wilbraham College. (3)
Alice L. is a student in Prospect Hill School, Green-
field, Mass. (4) Philip F. is a student in the
Hartford Public High School.
Mrs. Ellsworth, whose fine mental gifts fit her
for leadership in the best social circles, was born
in Windsor Jan. 3, 1856, daughter of Major-Gen.
Amos Fowler, and is descended from several promi-
nent New England families. She was carefully
educated at the Young Ladies' Seminary in Wind-
sor and at Wilbraham College, and is now active
in religious, philanthropic and patriotic work, being
a member of Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter,
D. A. R., at Windsor, the Ladies' Sewing Society,
and the Congregational Church, with which she
united in girlhood. Her paternal grandfather,
Amos Fowler, was one of Washington's aides at
the battle of Long Island, and her father was an
officer in the State Militia. The latter was born
July 21, 1795, at Lebanon, Conn., where the Fowler
family has been prominent from pioneer times, and
his death occurred in 1874, when he was aged eighty
years. He was twice married, and Mrs. Ellsworth
was the only child of his second wife, Sarah Hay-
den, who died aged seventy-eight. The Hayden
family is of Colonial stock, and in this line Mrs.
Ellsworth is a great-granddaughter of Lieut.
Thomas Hayden, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs.
Sarah (Hayden) Fowler was a daughter of Anson
B. and Laura (Wilson) Hayden, of Windsor, and
received an excellent education, attending school in
Washington, D. C, and afterward traveling ex-
tensively. In her old age she retained her memory
remarkably well, and her reminiscences of early
times made her conversation most interesting and
instructive. Through her thoughtful care many
papers and documents from Revolutionary times
were preserved, and these are now carefully treas-
ured by Mrs. Ellsworth. Among them are the
letters written by Lieut. Thomas Hayden from the
camps of the Continental army, giving a most valu-
able record of his experiences.
HON. CHARLES WALDO ROBERTS, one
of the representative and most prominent citizens of
East Hartford, and a worthy descendant of one of
the old honored families of the town, traces his ge-
nealogy here for six generations back, that is to say
to William Roberts, who was a son of Katherine
Leete and a Mr. "Robards."
William Roberts came to East Hartford from |
Middletown, Conn., and lived near the foot of Smith's \
Lane, on the Meadow Hill, south of the present
Bridge road ; his house was on the first Main street. \<
He married Dorothy Forbes, who was a daughter of
Capt. James Forbes, the progenitor of the Forbes
family in East Hartford, and from him she received
six acres of land on which William Roberts built his
dwelling. In 1703 we find him as committee on min- |
ister's house; in 1709 deeding land and saw mill. In
1729 he deeded all his land to his son Benjamin
Roberts. The children born to William and Doro-
thy Roberts were : Dorothy, who was baptized in the
South church at Hartford in 1687; Deborah, bap-
tized in April, 1690, in the First church of Hart- \
ford ; William, baptized in the same church, July 28,
1695,. who married Deborah Spencer, and died in
1726, or 1727, leaving a son William (his grandfa-
ther was his guardian) ; Benjamin, born March 8, •
1698; Joseph, baptized Aug. 11, 1700, who married
Mabel Keeney; Mary, baptized May 31, 1702; Sam-
uel, baptized Dec. 24, 1704, who married Sarah Hills,
daughter of Ebenezer Hills, Sr. William Roberts,
the father, died in 1734 or 1735.
Benjamin Roberts, of the second generation in
East Hartford, married Sept. 26, 1730, Dorothy Pit-
kin, who was born in 1704, a daughter of Nathaniel,
and Hester (Hosmer) Pitkin. Nathaniel was a son
of William Pitkin, the founder of the family in East
Plartford. Mrs. Dorothy (Pitkin) Roberts died
C>ct. 5, 1737, and on July 13, 1739, Mr. Roberts mar-
ried (second) Jerusha Pratt. The children by the
first marriage were: Dorothy, born Jan. 23, I734'
married Lemuel Kingsbury, of Andover ; Susannah,
born in January, 1736, died Feb. 17, 1804, unmarried.
To his marriage with Jerusha Pratt (a descendant
of John Pratt, who came to Hartford with the,;
Plooker party in 1635), were born: Jerusha and!
Catherine (twins) were born April 24, 1740; Jeru-)'
sha married Jonathan Stanley, town clerk and treas-f
urer for eighteen years; Catherine married Jona-
than Hubbard, and was the ancestor of Gov. Hub-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
685
baril. Ucnjamiii, Jr., born Xov. 15, 1741, was a
farmer in the sonth part of liast 1 larlft)nl, and mar-
ried Dorothy Lioodwin. Sarah, liorn April 13, 1743,
married Joseph Hurlbnrt. Mary, born Jan. 18, 1745,
married Tiniolliy Forbes. WilHam, born Jan. 19,
174O, married iVbigail Stanley. Nathaniel, born Dec.
24, 1750, married Annie Newcomb. Cleorge was born
Nov. 22, 1752. >\bigail, born in 1756, married John
Norton, and died Nov. 20, 1775. Lemuel., born ni
17CK3, died in 1775.
Benjamin Roberts was a man of great energy,
ai:d an enterprising business man. He was a mer-
chant trader, owning at one time three sloops,
■"Martha," "Samuel" and "Porrige," trading with
the West Indies, and at New London. His house,
which was very strongly built and having a good
cellar, must often have been used to store various
commodities. He also dealt largely in lands, and
seems to have been possessed of a good sum of
ready money, for we find him paying good prices
for it many times. In 1731 he deeded, with others,
land for Silver Lane. To his eldest son, Benja-
min, he deeded one hundred acres, also leaving him
land by will. All his sons were well provided
wth land, the "movable estate" being left to his
wife and daughters. We find proof that he took
his share in promoting the public welfare ; among
the things which show this there is the tradition
that he helped set out the fine elms which beautify
the town.
George Roberts, of the third generation, was
born Nov. 22, 1752, at East Hartford, and was a
successful farmer and business man. Though of
quiet disposition he took an interest in public affairs.
He served in Capt. Jonathan Wells' company, Col.
Erastus Wolcott's regiment, during the Revolu-
tionary war, at Boston from December, 1775, until
the spring of 1776. He also served in several town
offices, was elected selectman in 17 — , and served
two years. He married Jerusha Williams, who
was born May 20, 1757, a daughter of Timothy and
Ruth (Pitkin) Williams, the latter a daughter of
Ozias, who was a son of the first William Pitkin,
the founder of the family. The children born to
George and Jerusha Roberts were Jerusha, who
was born in 1781, and died June 7, 1798; Clarissa,
Iborn May 4, 1783, was married to Dr. JEdward Pit-
kin, and died Jan. 28, 1864: Ozias was born Aug.
10, 1785; George died in Hartford at the age of
twenty-one, Nov. 10, 1808; Esther, who was mar-
ried to James Bidwell, died in Manchester, Jan. 9,
1822; Alvin, born Aug. 16, 1791, died April 9,
1819; Lucretia. who married Dr. William Cooley,
died in East liartford March 31, 1821 ; Martin, a
'"well-known and promising young man, died April
1821, in New York City, whither he had gone
purchase goods for the purpose of starting in
jbusiness at Hartford. Mrs. Jerusha (Williams)
: Roberts died Nov. 21, 181 1. George Roberts
^married for his second wife Mrs. Lucretia (Beau-
jmont) Abbey, widow of Jeduthan Abbey, but to
this marriage no children were born. Mr. Roberts
dieil Oct. 4, 1824. All are buried in the family
lot in East Hartford Center cemetery.
Ozias Roberts, of the fourth generation, and the
only son of George and Jerusha Roberts to reach
full manhood, was born Aug. 10, 1785. He re-
ceived the usual education furnished by the schools
of that time, and was possessed of a naturally
strong intellect, and a daring spirit. 1 le was fond
of adventure, and when a young man wxnt to sea,
trade being then carried on between the West Indies
and Hartford direct. During the war of 1812 he
shipped with Capt. Josiah Griswold, of Wethers-
field, on board the privateer "Blockade." The ves-
sel was fitted out on the Connecticut river, was
owned by Thomas Beldon and others, and carried
six guns. He met with many stirring adventures,
and used to tell the story of driving the British
from their vessel with handspikes. After cruising
for some time with but little success the "Blockade"
was captured by a Brtish brig-of-war, was run into
the Bermudas, and the crew confined on a prison-
ship. Ozias Roberts, however, and Dr. \\'illiam
Cooley, of Manchester, (surgeon of the "Block-
ade"), managed to escape to the shore, and were
secreted by a negro until they could find an oppor-
tunity to return in safety to their respective homes.
For some time thereafter Mr. Roberts continued to
follow the sea, and eventually became the captain of
a vessel plying in the West Indies trade, but at the
death of his father returned to Connecticut and
managed the estate until his death, Feb, 8, 1868,
his remains being interred in the Center cemetery.
Ozias Roberts was three times married. His
first wife, j\liss Alartha Treat, daughter of Joseph
Treat, of East Hartford, and Martha Adams, of
Wethersfield, Conn., died Jan. 3, 1809, at the age of
twenty-one years, the mother of tw-o children :
Mary Ann, w-ho was married to Deacon Horace
Williams March 10, 1831, and died April i, 1848,
at the age of forty-one years ; and Martha, who was
born Dec. 23, 1808, in East Hartford. The second
wife of Ozias Roberts was Harriet Treat, a sister of
Martha Treat, his first wife. Mrs. Harriet (Treat)
Roberts died July 19, 1822, aged thirty-two years,
the mother of the following children : George,
born in iSio, will be more fullv spoken of further
on; Jane Treat, born Dec. 10, 181 1, w^as married to
Edward Goodwin, and was the mother of J. O.
Goodwin, of East Hartford; Harriet, born Oct.
II, 1814, was married to Aaron Olmstead in 1835,
at East Hartford, and died Nov. 19, 1875. leaving
the following named children — Horace B., Arthur
G., A. Fred, and Charles H. ; Ira T. was born Feb.
10, 1817; Jerusha, born March 15, 1819, was mar-
ried to Alfred Kilbourne.
George Roberts, eldest child of Ozias and Har-
riet (Treat) Roberts, as mentioned above, became a
merchant and a prominent citizen of Hartford. He
\\"as first in business in New York Citv, then retired
to South ^^^indsor, but again resumed active busi-
.^i-
686
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ness, and became president and treasurer of the
Hartford Carpet Co. He died March 25, 1878, and
his son George was afterward elected president and
treasurer of the Hartford Carpet Co., while his son
Henry is president of the Woven Wire iVIattress
Co., of the same city. George Roberts first married,
Oct. 19, 1836, Louisa Stewart, a daughter of Capt.
Allen Stewart ; he married for his second wife Elvira
Evans, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire.
The third wife of Ozias Roberts was Nancy
Comstock, whom he married March 26, 1823.
Nancy (Comstock) Roberts was born July 4, 1802,
in East Hartford, and was a daughter of Perez and
Abigail (Raymond) Comstock, of the Raymond
and Comstock families of Montville, Conn. This
third marriage was crowned with nine children :
Esther, born May 25, 1824, was married to Albert
Comstock Raymond, who built the Raymond Li-
brary at East Hartford, in which town she died in
September, 1883 ; Luther M., born Nov. 18, 1826,
was by nature a seaman, died March 21, 1847, i^
Vera Cruz, Mexico, and was there buried ; Juliette,
born July 23, 1829, was married to John B. Smith,
of Berlin, Conn., and died Oct. i, 1857, in East
Hartford; Arthur, born Jan. 14, 1831, died Jan.
23, 1833; Emma and Ellen, born Oct. 15, 1835, died
respectively April 2, 1856, and April 26, i860, un-
married; Elizabeth Bradford, born March 21, 1838,
is now Mrs. Henry A. Street, of New Haven;
Arthur Ozias, born Feb. 22, 1840, was a master's
mate during the Civil war (he is unmarried) ;
Frances L., born Aug. 23, 1846, takes great interest
in genealogy, and to her the publishers of this work
are indebted for many facts relating to the Roberts
family (she is the present registrar of Martha Pit-
kin Wolcott Chapter, D. A. R., at East Hartford).
Nancy Comstock Roberts died Jan. 17, 1854.
Ozias Roberts was in politics a Democrat pre-
vious to the formation of the Republican party,
which he joined at its formation. Long before
the formation of the Republican party he was an
uncompromising Abolitionist and employed run-
away slave labor. He served as State senator, and
for four terms after 1828 as a member of the House
of Representatives. Li 1838 he was elected town
treasurer, and served two terms, and was for many
years custodian of school funds. His rare good judg-
ment was highly prized by his neighbors, who fre-
quently consulted him on business matters, and he
settled many estates, to a great saving of money to
those most interested. Although not a church mem-
ber, he realized the value of churches, aided in their
support, and reared his children to respect the
Sabbath rigidly. Fraternally he was a Royal Arch
Mason.
It was not until he had quit the sea that Mr.
Roberts gave his attention to agriculture, in which
he met with a decided success. Physically he was
of medium height, and in early manhood very erect.
At one time he owned and conducted the ferry at
East Hartford. Two years prior to his death he
had a fall, in his door yard, from the effects of which
he never fully recovered, being thereafter confined
to his room, but he managed his affairs until the end.
Ozias Roberts was a man of strong convictions,
and for forty years was a leader among men in
East Hartford. He was a strict disciplinarian, and
although his children were numerous they were well
trained for the duties and responsibilities of life;
it may be added that Hon. Richard D. Hubbard,
ex-governor of Connecticut, and one of her bright-
est legal lights, was a cousin and ward of Mr.
Roberts, and passed his youthful days on the lat-
ter's farm. Ozias Roberts never lost the charm
that made his home the abode of enjoyment and true
hospitality, and his dwelling in East Hartford, in
his day, was the scene of more gatherings than any
other in the town. Thanksgiving Day and Election
Day were always observed with bountiful cheer, and
the members of the family were invariably present
on these occasions, beside innumerable friends and
visitors ; the home, indeed, was one of the most
popular known in its day, and those who visited it
fully enjoyed themselves, and came away with
undisguised admiration and praise of its unre-
served hospitality.
Ira T. Roberts, of the fifth generation of the
original Roberts family of East Hartford, and son
of Ozias and Harriet (Treat) Roberts, was born
in Silver Lane Feb. 10, 1817, and was educated in
the old district school building which then stood
on the site of the present highway. He was reared
on the home farm, and grew up a thin, small-boned
but wiry young man, who never shirked his work.
He lived with his parents until his marriage, April
9, 1839, when he removed to the property on which
he passed the remainder of his life, dying Jan. 17,
1897, after one week's confinement — not from any
acute illness, but simply because he was worn out.
Mr. Roberts was one of the early tobacco pro-
ducers in the vicinity of Silver Lane, and was a keen
business man, who did business on a cash basis
only. In politics he was a Democrat up to the
breaking out of the Rebellion, when he became a
Republican, to which party he adhered until the
day of his death ; at one time he was elected assessor
on this ticket, and filled the office only through a
sense of public duty, as he much preferred devoting
his time to his private affairs. His specialty was
farming, and of this he made a decided success.
On April 9, 1839, Mr. Roberts was married,
by Rev. Dr. Spring, to Miss Charlotte Corinthia
Cowles, who was born Oct. 30, 1817, in East Hart-
ford, and was a daughter of Anson and Anna (Ken-
nedy) Cowles. This lady died June 26, 1895, the
mother of the following- children : Charles W.,
born May 30, 1840; George T., who was born July
31, 1842, and died Dec. 19, 1843 ! Martin, born Nov.
3, 1847, who first married Ellen Burnham, and later
Hattie Gillespie, and is now living in Hockanum;
William, born Dec. 3, 1850; and Frank, born Feb.
12, 1854.
COMI/IEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
687
Although not a church member Ira T. Roberts
was a God-fearing man, and held that salvation was
the reward of an individual's personal deserts. His
wife was of strong religious tendencies, and her in-
fluence for good never met with opposition from her
husband. JNlr. Roberts was decidedly domestic and
social, especially with relatives ; he was well read
on all subjects, did more thinking than talking, but
was fond of argument. His "word was as good as
his bond" at all times, and he was held in the high-
est esteem by all his friends and neighbors. He
was an excellent manager, accumulated a handsome
I property, and at his death disposed of it to his four
sons in so equitable and business-like manner as not
to cause a single word of dispute or contention over
I its distribution. The remains of both parents were
( interred in Center cemetery, East Hartford, and
their memory is most aitectionatel}' cherished by
i their children and other surviving relatives.
Charles W. Roberts, of the sixth generation of
the honored Roberts family of East Hartford, re-
ceived an excellent education in his early days, and
still regards the schools of his youth with fond
affection. While a friend of better schools, leading
to the highest forms of education, and altogether
progressive, he would like to see introduced some
system of study of the old-time economy, believing
that the school room, as well as the home, is a place
where the value of a dollar as well as the value of
time and all things else should be inculcated. One
of his first teachers was Horace Cornwall, of his
home district, and he later walked four miles to
Hartford and four miles back each day, to be in-
structed at the North school of that city. At the
East Hartford Academy he was under such tutors ;
as Potter, Comfort and Rogers. At the age of
eighteen years he returned to the homestead, where !
he and his brothers worked in perfect harmony to-
gether, dividing the results.
In November, 1861, Mr. Roberts was united in
marriage with Aliss Adelaide L. Brewer, who was
born in Hockanum in July, 1839, and was a daugh-
ter of Ashabel Brewer, and immediately after mar-
riage took possession of his present dwelling, which
he had erected in preparation for the event. Here
have been born to them three children : Lena, who
died at the age of twelve years ; Homer C, who mar-
ried Miss Jennie Goodwin, of East Hartford, and is
now employed by the Connecticut Mutual Life In-
surance Co., of Hartford ; and George T., who fell
into a vessel containing boiling water, and was
scalded to death when three years old.
Mr. Roberts at once engaged in market garden-
ing on moving to his own place, and in partnership
with his brothers conducted a retail business on
■•Market street, where the police station now stands,
and where they controlled the trade in home produce.
Along the 'seventies j\Ir. Roberts withdrew from
the cultivation of garden produce and turned his
attention to the cultivation of tobacco, which for
a number of years he raised extensively. He was
very well satislied, when he went into tlie field, to
meet a hand that could do as nnich work as him-
self. In 1871 he began buying and selling tobacco,
and throughout the 'seventies did an excellent trade;
at one time he acted as buyer for several large
houses, but since 1895 has done nothing in the buy-
ing line. Until 1874 Mr. Roberts was a Republican
in politics, was then a Democrat until 1896, and then
returned to the Republican party as a sound-money
man ; however, in town politics he is neutral. He
has filled many positions of honor and trust, his
fellow citizens having implicit confidence in his
integrity and great reliance on his judgment. In
1872 he was elected selectman by the Republicans,
and served until 1878; was town auditor for several
years in the 'eighties; and in 1888 and 1889 was
town treasurer ; then for si-x years he filled the
office of first selectman, succeeding Ashbel Gillman.
He has been prosecuting attorney of East Hartford
since the organization of the town court in 1897,
filling the offices most satisfactorily. Mr. Roberts
also became a member of the board of Hartford
bridge commissioners on the establishment of same,
in 1889 by virtue of his position as first selectman
of the town of East Hartford. In 1893 the State
assumed the management of the bridge, and the
Legislature appointed a commission of three, of
which Mr. Roberts was one. In 1895 the Act was
repealed, and the Legislature appointed a new com-
mission, consisting of eight members, Mr. Roberts
being one of the number ; he still holds the position.
He has also represented his district in the State
Legislature, having been elected as a Democrat in
1882, 1887 and 1895. In the session of 1882 he
was a member of the committee on Agriculture;
in that of 1887 was a member of the committee
on Roads and Bridges; and in that of 1895 was a
member of the committee on Finance, having for
his coadjutor the present Gov. Lounsbury and the
present Lieut.-Gov. Lyman J. Mills. Mr. Roberts
was also a charter member of the East Hartford
Grange, and was a member of the Knights of Honor
when that order had its existence. He is a trustee
of the Co-operative Savings Society of Hartford,
and has always led a progressive, prominent and
useful life.
Mr. Roberts is one of the best-read men in the
county, one whose consideration would at once sug-
gest a college education. He has been a close stu-
dent of science, history and general literature, and
takes great interest especially in scientific studies
that to the common mind would be but dry reading.
He is witty and jolly, and his sense of humor far
exceeds the ordinary. He is progressive, and takes
greater pleasure in looking forward than backward.
His friends and acquaintances are extensive through-
out the county, and he is justly classed with the
representative and advanced citizens of the State of
Connecticut.
688
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HON. D. ELLSWORTH PHELPS, probate
judge for the town of Windsor, is a member of an
honored pioneer family which is now numerously
represented in this section. His ancestors settled
in Windsor previous to the organization of the
town, and their foresight, enterprise and public
spirit did much to establish the free institutions
of which later generations have reaped the benefit,
while the prestige of the name has been well sus-
tained in modern times, our subject's endorsement
of any movement being recognized as a potent in-
fluence in its favor.
The Phelps family in America is descended from
two brothers, William and George, who came from
England in 1630 on the ship "Mary and John," in
company with a yotmger brother, Richard, of whom
all trace was lost after he went to the Barbadoes,
in 1635. Their motive in coming was the desire
for religious liberty, and Rev. Mr. Warham, of
whose church in England William Phelps was an
original member, was the leader of their party.
William Phelps was a native of Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire, England, born about 1599, and
at the time of his emigration had a wife and five
children. He located first in Dorchester, Mass.,
where he took a prominent part in town affairs,
and his first wife died there. In the spring of 1636
he removed to Windsor with his children, and
during his later years he made his home on a
tract of land on the road between that village and
Poquonock, three-quarters of a mile northwest of
Broad street, his death occurring July 14, 1672.
After his removal to Windsor he married Mary
Dover, a native of England, who came over on the
"Mary and John," with Rev. Mr. Warham's little
colony.
(II) Samuel Phelps, the next in the line of
descent to our subject, was born about 1625, and
was the second son and third child of William
Phelps by his first wife. On Nov. 10, 1650, he
was married, in Windsor, to Sarah Griswold, a
native of Kenilworth, England, who came to Amer-
ica in 1639 with her father, Edward Griswold, an
early settler at Poquonock.
(III) William Phelps, son of Samuel, was born
Nov. 3, 1660, and died Nov. 21, 171 1, at his home
in Poquonock. On Jan. 4, 1693, he married Han-
nah Hayden, born Nov. 6, 1668, who survived him,
and \yas married later to a Mr. Smith. Seven
children were born to William and Hannah Phelps,
their names with dates of birth being as follows :
Hannah (Mrs. Harmon). Oct. 13, 1694; Phoebe,
Sept. I, 1696; William, Jan. 13, 1698; Lieut. Daniel,
March 21, 1700; John (Deacon), March 21, 1703;
Elizabeth, July 23, 1706; and Charles, Oct. 13, 1708.
(IV) Lieut. Daniel Phelps was married Nov.
9, 1728, to Mindwell Buckland, by whom he had
the following children: Mindwell, born Sept. 30,
1729, who was married to Isaac Griswold May 19,
1748; Daniel, born April 26, 1730, died Feb. 16,
1804; Sarah, born April 26, 1730; Plannah, born
Feb. 4, 1731 ; Roger, who is mentioned below;
Eunice, born May 27, 1739; Eunice (2), born in
1742, who was married, Jan. 5, 1756, to Bildad
Phelps; and Aaron, who died in 1820, when over
sixty years of age.
(V) Roger Phelps, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born in 1735, and resiaed in Windsor
on the original homestead of William Phelps, the
pioneer, his death occurring there Jan. 27, 181 1.
His wife, Deborah Filley, who was born in 1743,
died at Windsor Aug. 31, 1792. They had four
children: Amelia, born 1772, died in 1801, un-
married ; Olive, who never married, resided with
her brother Roger, at Windsor; Roger, known as
Deacon Roger, is mentioned below ; Deborah mar-
ried Fitz J. Allyn, of Windsor.
(VI) Deacon Roger Phelps, the grandfather of
our subject, was born March 22, 1780, and became
a leading agriculturist of Windsor, his home being
at the old farm on the Poquonock road, where he
died March 28, 1864. On Oct. 31, 1803, he mar-
ried Rhoda Barber, born April 22, 1783, died March
31, 1864, daughter of Jerziah and Loanna Bar-
ber, and they had a large family of children, most
of whom lived to maturity, (i) Cicero, born 1804,
was a farmer, and removed to Milo, Bureau Co.,
111., in his later years. On May 11, 1837, he mar-
ried Betsey Crane, and they had five children, Eliz-
abeth, Cicero, Roger W., Daniel and John. (2)
Daniel B., father of our subject, is mentioned be-
low. (3) Rhoda B., born July 28, 1810, married
John W. Dunlap (deceased), of South Hadley,
Mass., and had one child, Edward. (4) Amelia,
born Feb. 23, 1813, died Nov. 14, 1840, unmarried.
(5) Wilham R., born Sept. 12, 1815, died in 1870
at Peoria, 111., where he was engaged in mercantile
business. In early life he was for some time a
member of the firm of Drake & Phelps, merchants,
at Windsor. He was married (first), in Novem-
ber, 1838, to Miss Susan Remington, of Suffield,
Conn., and (second), in August, 1851, to Mar-
garet Thompson. By his first wife he had one
daughter, Julia E., and by the second he had a
son, William Roger. (6) Catherine, born Sept.
15, 1818, was married. May 4, 1842, to Rev. Austin
Gary (deceased). On May 11, 1852, she married
Rev. Matthew Kingman (deceased), and she now
resides at Amherst, Mass. She has had seven
children, Austin, William, Ellen, Maria and Sarah
(all deceased), and Kate P. and Morris B., living.
(7) Timothy S., born Oct. 30, 1820, is a promi-
nent agriculturist of Windsor town. On Dec. 19,
1843, he married Elizabeth S. Loomis, who diedi
Oct. 30, 1852, leaving three children, Timothy D.J
Anna E. and Albert L., all now deceased. On
May 18, 1859, he married Ellen Ellsworth, bj
whom he had four children, Albert E., Ellen J.j
William R. (deceased), and Catherine M. (8)1
Mary J., born Aug. i, 1823, died May 13, 1851/
unmarried. (9) Janette L., born Nov. 5, 1827,
died June 25, 1830.
l^-
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
689
(\'1I) Daniel B. Phelps, the father of our sub-
ject, was born Dec. 25, 1807, near \\ indsor Cen-
ter, on the original -Phelps homestead, now the
"town farm." He was educated in the local schools,
and for a time was engaged in teaching, but soon
turned his attention to brickniaking as a business.
As he had but limited capital he began in a small
way, but his energy and careful management en-
abled him to secure a good trade. In 1857 he
formed a partnership with three builders, and en-
gaged in the business on a larger scale than had
previously been attempted in the town, the venture
proving successful in every way. He remained at
the head of the firm until 1864, and his ileath oc-
curred in Windsor Nov. 9, of ;;hat year. He was
noted for his enterprise and sound judgment, and
at his death left a handsome estate, including our
subject's present homestead. While he was not a
politician he was always interested in National
questions, being first a W hig and later a stanch
supporter of the Republican party. During the
war he was active in furnishing supplies to the
army, visiting most of the camps near Hartford.
On April 4, 1831, he married 5liss Delia Drake,
who was born Dec. 17, 1809, daughter of Bildad
and Keziah Drake, and a member of one of the
oldest families of Windsor. Our subject's pres-
ent homestead, which was purchased by his fa-
ther previous to this marriage, was formerly known
as the '"Drake homestead," and a building occupied
in 1737 by Phineas Drake, the well-known pioneer,
is still standing. ^Irs. Delia Pheljis died Alay 6,
1846, leaving one child. Delia, who died May 18,
1846. On ^larch 21. 1849, ^^^- Phelps married
Miss Phebe Lyman Ellsworth, and they had seven
children, of whom our subject was the eldest. (2)
Ella J., born July 12, iSso, died Sept. 9, 1852. (3)
Daniel W.. born Feb. 19. 1852, was married, Feb.
28, 1872, to 2klary Jane Loomis. of Windsor, who
died March 11, 1890. Four children were born
to them — Ella L., Dec. 26, 1874; Mary E.. Oct.
6, 1876; Catherine W., Oct. 28, 1878; and Daniel
W., April 30, i88r. Daniel W. Phelps now makes
his home with nis children in Omaha, Neb., where
he is engaged in mercantile business. (4) Charles,
Iwrn Nov. 10, 1853, died Dec. 13, 1854. (5)
Agnes Amalia. born Feb. 20, 1856, married Arthur
M. Wilson, of Windsor, on Oct. 21, 1884. (6)
Walter G.. born Jan. 4. 1858, formerly a civil en-
gineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincey rail-
road, married, Dec. 9, 1885, Grace H. Goodell, of
Hartford, Conn., and died in Hartford Nov. 18,
1887, leaving one son, Dwight G., born June 8,
1887. (7) Theodore L., of Omaha, Neb., is a civil
engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincev
railroad. He was born Feb. 6, i860, and married
Annie E. Mills, of Windsor, Jan. 18, i8g8. Our
subject's mother was born Sept. 20, 1820, in East
Granby, and is still living. Her father, David
Ellsworth, was a prosperous miller and farmer of
that town, and she is of the si.xth sreneration in
44
descent from Josias Ellsworth, the pioneer, anil his
wife, Elizabeth Holcomb, the lino being traced
tlarough Jonathan Ellsworth, who married Sarah
tirant ; David, who married Jemima Leavitt (the
parents of Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth) ; David
(2j, who married Phebe Lyman; and David (3),
Mrs. Phelps' father, who married Alma (jillespie.
(\ 111) Judge Phelps was born Feb. 8, 1849,
at the present homestead, and from the age of
sixteen he has had the management of the farm,
his brothers having turned their attention to other
business. His education was acquired in the pub-
lic schools and at the Windsor Academy. His
farm is managed with admirable system, and he is
prominently identified with various business enter-
prises, having been president of the Windsor
Creamery Co., and of the Hartford County To-
bacco Growers Insurance Co. (against hail). He
has been a stanch believer in the principles of the
Republican party since boyhood, and his fidelity to
the public welfare has made him a popular candi-
date for office. He has served as justice of the
peace and on the school committee and board of
relief, and in 1892 was elected judge of the pro-
bate court of his town, an office which he fills with
dignity and ability. In 1887 he served as a mem-
ber of the General Assembly, and has been elected
to the Assembly of 1901. At present he is also
treasurer of the First School Society of Windsor.
In manner he is unostentatious, making everyone
at ease, and fraternally he is connected with the
Masonic Fraternity as a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 70, at Windsor.
On June 17, 1884, our subject married Miss
Mary L. ]\IcCormick, daughter of James and Jen-
nette (Hale) McCormick, of Windsor, and to them
have come two children: James McC, born Aug.
I, 1885, who died June 30, 1894; and Alma Gilles-
pie, born Sept. 21, 1887. Mrs. Phelps, who is
one of the social leaders of their town, is active in
religious work, and a member of Grace Episcopal
Church.
L.VWRENCE SEYMOUR FORBES. In re-
cent generations many of the descendants of the
early families of Connecticut, who for generations
had successfully tilled the soil, have branched out
in various lines of business, carved out fortunes,
built up great industries, and developed a fine busi-
ness talent which has been latent from lack of op-
portunity. Among that number is Mr. Forbes, the
subject of this sketch, one of the best-known citizens
of East Hartford, president of the East Hartford
Manufacturing Co., and chief owner of its plant at
Burnside.
Mr. Forbes is a representative of one of the
oldest families of the town, being of the seventh
generation in descent from Capt. James Forbes, the
founder of the family in America, who was banished
from Great Britain in 1654. His line of descent is
as follows: (i) Capt. James Forbes, the progeni-
690
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tor, who died Nov. 27, 1692; (2) James Forbes
(May 14, 1677-1752) ; (3) Timothy Forbes (1716,
Oct. II, 1776); (4) Timothy Forbes (June 14,
1743-Sept. 14, 1800) ; (5) Timothy Forbes (July
3> 1773) ; (6) Mahlon Forbes (Oct. 14, i8o3-;\Iay 8,
189 1) ; (7) Lawrence Seymour Forbes, our sub-
ject (born Jan. 28, 1847).
Capt. James Forbes, of Caithness, Scotland, was
a 3-ounger son of Duncan Forbes, first Laird of
Culloden, and provost of Inverness, and brother of
John Forbes, second Laird of Culloden. James
Forbes was captain in the Royal army, and fought
under Montrose. He was captured at the battle
of Philiphaugh, near Selkirk, Scotland, in 1645, and
for a time was imprisoned in the Tower of London,
then banished to America. He reached Connecticut
in 1654, and for many years, until his death, was a
prominent resident of the Colony.
Timothy Forbes, the grandfather of our subject,
married Elizabeth Treat, and lived as a farmer on
the old homestead at Scotland (now Burnside), in
a house, still standing, which was built about 1766,
on land which has now been in the possession of
the family for over two hundred and forty years.
Here, too, was born Mahlon Forbes, the father of
our subject. He attendeed in his boyhood the
schools of Scotland district, and later was a student
in the East Hartford school, taught by Salmon
Phelps. Mahlon Forbes was reared as a farmer
boy, and adopted farming as a vocation. Later
he succeeded to a butcher business which had pre-
viously been conducted by his brother George. In
those early days only home-grown beef was slaugh-
tered, and the butcher bought from surrounding
farmers the cattle which he killed and dressed.
jMahlon Forbes was an excellent judge of live stock,
conducted that business very successfully, and also
continued to carry on farming operations through
life. He married Miss Sarah Lawrence, of Spring-
field, Mass., born May 4, 1807, daughter of Will-
iam Lawrence and his wife, whose maiden name was
jMurphy, and they had children as follows : Mary
E., born Aug. 15, 1830, who is unmarried, residing
on her father's home farm at Burnside ; Annie
Marie, born April 15, 1832, now Mrs. E. R. Fitch,
of Burnside, a resident of the old home farm;
Timothy, born April 10, 1834, died May 12, 1834;
Ellen A., born Oct. 18, 1835, now Mrs. Orrin Con-
verse, of Stafford Springs, Conn. ; John W., born
Feb. 28, 1838, a resident of Burnside ; George H.,
born March 8, 1840, a broker of New York City;
and L. Seymour, born Jan. 28, 1847, subject of this
sketch.
In politics Mahlon Forbes was a Democrat early
in life, but in i860, on the slavery issue, he became
a Republican, being an Abolitionist. He was not a
politician in the modern acceptation of the word,
t)Ut was a leading spirit in the party, and served as
a representative in the State Legislature and as a
member of the board of selectmen with Mr. Stanley,
known as the war selectman. He was a thorough
and efficient official, faithful to every trust. In re-
ligious faith he was a member of the M. E. Church,
and was a verj? prominent and active worker in the
church, a liberal contributor to all worthy religious
causes, and the recipient of many official honors in
church organization. In his home, religious wor-
ship was sacredly observed, and the Sabbath Day
was held in the greatest reverence. Mahlon Forbes
was also a zealous advocate and supporter of the
public schools, recognizing their inestimable value
in molding the character of American citizenship.
His reputation for honesty and integrity was very
high. He lived to a ripe age, dying May 8, 1891,
aged eighty-seven years. His wife died Sept. 15,
1875, arid both are .buried in East Hartford ceme-
tery.
Our subject in his boyhood attended the dis-
trict schools of Scotland, and among his teachers
were Edgar A. Burnham and Miss Martha Bunce.
He also attended a private school at East Hartford,
conducted by Salmon Phelps (to whom his father
had also been a pupil, a circumstance that is all the
more remarkable, when it is remembered that his
father was forty-four 3rears older j, and still later
attended the East Hartford High School; but his
school days ended when he was sixteen years of age.
At seventeen he opened his business career as an er-
rand boy in the First National Bank, at Hartford,
and for seventeen years he was in the employ of
that institution, rising from the position of errand
boy to that of teller. He resigned the latter po-
sition in 1881 to enter business for himself, becoming
treasurer of the East Hartford Manufacturing Co.,
at Burnside, with which he has ever since been con- ■
nected, and of which he is now president and prin-
cipal owner. The company manufactures the finer
grades of writing paper. Mr. Forbes has thor-
oughly mastered the details of every department of
the business, and the prosperous condition of the
company's affairs attests the able management of its
president.
Mr. Forbes married Miss Fannie Hinds Larkuni,
born June 23, 1852, at Bridgeport, daughter of
Charles Cooley and Sarah J. (Childs) Larkuni.
The name Larkum was formerly spelled Larcom
or Larcomb. The family is of Huguenot extraction,
and is descended from Mordecai Larcom, who set-
tled at Ipswich about 1633, and later lived at Bev-
erly, Mass. Charles Cooley Larkum was born at
West Hartford, Conn., June 15, x8i8. He was one
of four children, Horace, George, Charles and Will-
iam, all of whom are now deceased, and only five of
their descendants are now living ; Mrs. Forbes ;
Mrs. Amanda Wheeler, of Hartford, and William
Larkuni, children of George; and Mrs. Maiy A.
Batterson and Mrs. Gertrude Howell, daughters of
Horace. When Charles C. Larkuni was a boy his
father died, and, as was customary in those days, he
was put on a farm to earn his own support. Fie ac-
quired a knowledge of the saddler's trade, and fol-
lowed it successfully in Hartford, whence he re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
691
moved to Bridgeport, and later in 1854 to Hartford.
During- tlie Civil war ho enlisted in Company U,
21st Conn. \'. 1., and served for three }-ears, winning
a promotion to lirst sergeant, lie participated in
seven battles, and was never absent from his com-
pany on account of sickness or wounds. He gave
up his trade a number of years prior to his death,
when it was no longer profitable, and became a
farmer and tobacco grower. Sarah J. Childs, his
■wife, was born in Middle Haddam, Conn., July 14,
1818, a daughter of Buckley and Sally (TracyJ
Childs. Her mother, Sally Tracy, was born in Col-
chester, Conn., and was a representative of an old
Connecticut family, being a daughter of Daniel and
Eunice (Pohamj Tracy. Daniel was a son of
Nehemiah and Susanna (Smith) Tracy; Nehemiah,
son of Winslow and Rachel (Ripley J Tracy; Wins-
low, son of Capt. John and Mary (Winslow) Tracy;
Capt. John, son of Lieut. Thomas and Mary (Ma-
son) Tracy. Lieut. Thomas Tracy, the progenitor
of the family in America, was born in 1610, on the
Tewksbury estates, England. He landed at Salem,
Mass., in April, 1636, and in 1660 removed to Con-
necticut, becoming one of the original proprietors of
Norwich, that State. He was one of the leading
men of Norwich, where he died Nov. 7, 1685. To
Buckley and Sally (Tracy) Childs were born nine
children, seven daughters and two sons, of whom
only one daughter, Martha, now Mrs. Abram Pet-
tibone, of Waukegan, 111., now survives. Charles
Cooley Larkum lived to the age of seventy-eight
years. His wife died at the age of fifty-six, and
both, are buried at East Hartford. In politics Mr.
Larkum was a Democrat early in life, but later he
voted the Republican ticket. He was a member
of Rodman Post, G. A. R., at East Plartford. Mr.
and Mrs. Larkum had three children : Harriet, who
died at the age of four years; George, v^dio died in
childhood ; and Fanny H., the wife of our subject.
To our subject and wife have been born two
children : Jennie L. and Robert S., both at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Forbes are prominent members of
the M. E. Church, liberal contributors, and among
its most active workers. Mrs. Forbes is a member
of its Home and Foreign Missionary Societies,
])resident of the Ladies Society, and assistant li-
brarian of the Sabbath-school, in which Mr. Forbes
is a teacher. The family occupies the elegant Jo-
seph ]\Ierriman home, one of the best in East Hart-
ford, and possessing a most delightful location,
which has been owned by Mr. Forbes since 1881.
Mr. Forbes is a charter member of Lafayette
Council, No. 37, O. U. A. M., at East Hartford, and
also of the Royal Arcanum at East Hartford. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and he represented
East Hartford in the State Legislature at the time
of the celebrated "deadlock." \\'hile not an active
politician, he takes a keen interest in the party suc-
cess. Mr. Forbes is an admirer of good horses, and
a good judge as well. As a business man he has
clean-cut methods, attending closelv to the affairs
of his ofificc, and attaining more than ordinary suc-
cess. He is one of the most prosperous business
men in East Hartford. In manner he is quiet and
unostentatious, a man of few words, but thoroughly
business-like in all his methods. The family has
high social standing, and fitly represents and per-
petuates the prominence and high character which
have been its portion in previous generations.
ISAAC EDWARD ALLING. Among the prom-
inent and substantial farmers of the town of Berlin,
is the subject of this sketch, who, in his earlier life,
for a number of years followed the carriage-making
trade, abandoning it to return to the farm. He is
progressive in his methods, industrious and pros-
perous, and is one of the best-known agriculturists
of the town.
Mr. Ailing is a great-grandson of Rev. Abraham
Ailing, who was born about 1754, and became one
of the best-known Connecticut Congregational min-
isters of a century ago. He was the first pastor of
the Congregational Church at \Miitneyville, serv-
ing continuously from 1795 to 1823. He was or-
dained Oct. 19, 1797, and was dismissed in 1822,
at his own request. He died in 1837, aged eighty-
three years. Ezra Ailing, the grandfather of our
subject, was a well-known agriculturist of Plamdjn
and North Haven, and with his wife was buried in
Hamden cemetery. Charles Noyes Ailing, the fa-
ther of our subject, was born at Hamden Feb. 2,
1S22. He was reared on the farm, but acquired a
knowledge of the carriage maker's trade, and for
many years he was a successful carriage maker.
About 185 1 he removed from Hamden to Kensing-
ton, where he owned and operated a carriage fac-
tory, employing from eight to ten men. In later
life he retired to the farm. He was an indusrious,
hard-working man, and became quite well-to-do.
In 1848 he married Delia Angeline Baldwin, a de-
scendant of the well-known Welles family of Weth- '
ersfield. Both the parents of our subject are buried
in West Lane cemetery, Kensington. In politics
Charles Noyes Ailing was a stanch Republican.
He served as justice of the peace, was on the board
of relief and grand jury for a number of years, and
filled various other minor offices. He was an ac-
tive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
was one of the trustees of the P'irst Methodist
Episcopal Church of Kensington. He died Oct.
8, 1887, aged sixty-five years.
Isaac Edward Ailing, our subject, was born on
the old homestead in Kensington Dec. 4, 1852,
was reared on the farm and received his earlv edu-
cation in the district schools, later attending for
two years the New Britain High School. Mr. Ail-
ing then entered liis father's shop and worked con-
tinuously at carriage making for about ten years.
Purchasing a farm of 130 acres, adjoining the liome
farm, he removed to this property, operating it for
aliout twelve years, when he exchanged it for tlif
Adonijah Strong farm of 117 acres in East Berlin,
692
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and removed to that desirable tract of land, which
he now occupies. Mr. Ailing also owns other land
in Berlin town, and is engaged in general farming.
Mr. Ailing married, Nov. i6, 1881, Miss Jennie
Louise Bradbury, who was born April 14, 1863,
daughter of John and Adeline (Gladding) Brad-
bury, of the town of Berlin. The family of our
subject and wife consists of the following children:
Stella May, born Feb. 6, 1883, a student of the New
Britain high school; Grace Louise, born July 13,
1885, a student of the New Britain grammar school ;
Ruth Inez, born Nov. 29, 1887, a student of the
New Britain grammar school; Edward, born March
II, 1894; and Leon Isaac, born Jan. 7, 1898. Mr.
Ailing in politics is an earnest Republican, but has
never sought office. He attends the Methodist
Episcopal Church of East Berlin, of which his
wife is an active member.
Charles Baldwin Alling, son of Charles
Noyes and Delia Angeline (Baldwin) Alling, was
born Feb. 25, 1850, at Mt. Carmel, in the town of
Hamden. He received his education in the schools
of Berlin and in the high school of New Britain,
then began life in wood-working in his father's
carriage shop. A year later he entered the carriage
works of Benjamin Manville & Co., at New Haven,
remaining about a year. For eighteen years he was
then employed as carriage maker for James Vile &
Sons, in New Britain, after which he was in the
shops of Solomon North, of Plainville, for two years.
He retired from that position to engage in his pres-
ent work with W. R. Adams, at New Britain. Mr.
Ailing owns a farm of forty-one acres in Kensing-
ton, which he does not operate. He attends the
services of the Congregational Church. In politics
he is a Republican; has served as grand juror, was
a juror in the Superior Court in 1G79, and for
years has been justice of the peace in Kensington.
LYMAN ALLYN UPSON. The world re-
spects the man whose success is worthily achieved,
and who, by overcoming the obstacles and diffi-
culties in his path, has reached a nigh position in
the business world. This is a progressive age, and
he who does not advance is soon left far behind.
Mr. Upson, by the improvement of opportunities
with which all are surrounded, has steadily and
honorably advanced, and has attained a fair degree
of prosperity. He is to-day one of the most enter-
prising and prominent business men of Thompson-
ville.
Mr. Upson was born in Westfield, Mass., July
23, 1841, a son of Willis and Harriet (Allyn) Up-
son, the former also a native of Westfield, the lat-
ter of Windsor, Conn. He is of Puritan stock,
and his ancestors on the paternal side came with
Rev. Thomas Hooker's congregation to Hartford
about 1634. His grandfather, Simeon Upson, a
native of Southington, Hartford county, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and after that
struggle removed to Westfield, Mass., where he
engaged in farming" until called from this life, in
1839. Our subject's maternal grandfather. Free-
man Allyn, was a native of Groton, Conn., and a
son of Nathan Allyn, who was also born in Groton,
and during the Revolution served for two years
in the Colonial navy, on the privateer "Marquis de
La Fayette." After the close of the war he went
to the Black River country, in central New York,,
and later to the Western Reserve, Ohio, where he
made his home until his death. He had several
brothers who were also members of the Continental
army: Capt. Timothy Allyn, who was in the serv-
ice-seven years; Capt. Simeon Allyn, who was un-
der the command of Gen. Gallup, and was killed
in the defense of Fort Griswold, near Groton,
Conn. ; and Capt. Robert Allyn. Willis Upson, our
subject's father, was born in 1805, and spent his
entire life in Westfield, Mass., where he carried on
business as a carpenter and bunder. He died in
1890; the mother is still living, at the advanced
age of ninet)'-three years.
Reared in Westfield, Lyman A. Upson was ed-
ucated in the public schools and the Massachusetts
State Normal School at that place, from which lat-
ter he graduated in i860, and after a course pre-
paratory for college, which was interrupted by the
breaking out of the Civil war, he enlisted, June
29, 1861, in the 62d N. Y. V. I., known as the
Anderson Zouaves. He served three years in the
army of the Potomac, participating in the Peninsu-
lar campaign under Gen. McClellan; the siege of
Fredericksburg under Burnside ; Chancellorsville,,
under Hooker ; Gettysburg, under Meade ; and from
the Rapidan to Petersburg under Grant. At the
battle of the Wilderness he was made a non-com-
missioned officer with the rank of corporal, and
when his term of service had expired he was hon-
orably discharged in front of Petersburg, June 29,
1864.
The following August Mr. LTpson came to
Thompsonville, Conn., and entered the office of the
Hartford Carpet Co. as assistant superintendent,
with which corporation he has ever since been con-
nected, having filled the responsible position of
superintendent of the works since 1878. His work
in connection with his duties for the Hartford Car-
pet Co. he considers the most important of his
life. Since his connection with the Hartford Carpet
Co. the works have been increased fourfold ; the
scattered departments assembled for the more
economic manufacturing, and old machinery re-
placed with modern. Mr. Upson is the inventor
of several machines connected with carpet manu-
facturing which have proved very valuable, and
among these may be mentioned the repeating ma-j
chine for repeating pattern cards for the JacquardI
machine, and a lacing machine for lacing the!
same. That he has labored with his heart in his|
work is evident from his continued efforts and thq
success which has steadily attended them, and to hire
may justly be credited, in a great measure, the con^
^::^c<
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
093
liiuied and constantly increasing prosperity of this
concern. In his connection therewitli Mr. L'pson
lias gained a high standing in commercial circles
iis a business man of unquestioned ability, and an
t-arncst worker in his particular line. Mr. Upson
i.-; also president of the Thompsonville Trust Co. ;
president and treasurer of the linheld Electric Light
& Power Co.; secretary and treasurer of the En-
field & Long JMeadow Electric Railway ; a director
t)f the Suftield & Thompsonville Bridge Co. ; and
chairman of the board of sewer commissioners of
Thompsonville. He is a man of broad capabilities,
carrying forward to successful completion what-
ever he undertakes, and is accounted one of the
most progressive, enterprising and relialsle busi-
ness men of the community.
On Oct. 17, 1S71, Mr. Upson was united in
marriage with Miss Emma Douglass, a daughter of
George A. and Caroline (Abbe) Douglass, of Suf-
field. Conn., and of the children born to this union
three are living: Irene B. (now Mrs. James B.
Jordan), Caroline A. and Lillian A. On Sept. 4,
1899, Mr. and j\Irs. Upson were sadly bereaved in
the death of their son and youngest child, Doug-
lass G., while out hunting, tie was climbing over
a fence, when the top rail broke, letting him down
so that his gun was accidentallv discharged, kill-
ing him.
^Ir. Upson is a member of the Ecclesiastical
Committee of the First Presbyterian Church, of
Thompsonville ; is past commanaer of Samuel
Brown Post, No. 56, G. A. R., of the same place ;
and a member of the American Society Mechanical
Engineers ; and the American Societv, Connecticut
Sons of the Revolution. Politically he is a stanch
Republican, and in 1S75 represented Enfield town
in the State Legislature.
GEORGE O. BEACH. Prominent among the
enterprising, energetic and successful business men
of the town of Granby, is the subject of this
review, the well-known president of the Granby
Agricultural Society, and also president of the
Granby Creamery Co. He is to-day one of the
most substantial citizens of the town, and his con-
nection with various business enterprises and indus-
tries has been a decided advantage to the county,
promoting its material welfare in no uncertain
manner.
]\Ir. Beach was born on the old Beach homestead,
in West Granby, Sept. xi, 1844, and is a worthy rep-
resentative of an old and honored New England
family. His paternal grandfather, Oliver Beach,
was a native of New Haven county, Conn., where
lie grew to manhood, receiving only a limited educa-
tion in the district schools. Throughout his life he
followed agricultural pursuits, and when a young
man took up his residence on a farm in Burlington,
Hartford county, InU later removed to a farm of
1 50 acres in West Granby, where he made many im-
provements, and spent the remainder of his life.
Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously he
and his family were adhereiUs of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He first married Clarinda ,
by whom he had si.\ children: Emeline, wife of
James Gillett; Clarissa; Oliver, father of our sub-
ject ; William ; Sydney ; and Maryette. For his sec-
ond wife he wedded Airs. Rosanna Allen, but there
were no children by that union. Both now sleep
in the West Granby cemetcr\-.
Oliver Beach, our subject's father, was born in
Burlington Jan. 12, 1812, and accompanied his par-
ents on their removal to West Granby, where he
grew to manhood, and was educated in the common
schools. Although his educational advantages were
rather limited, he was a close observer and great
reader, and thus became a well-informed man. He
owned and operated a valuable farm of 300 acres,
was also interested in the manufacture of lumber,
conducting a sawmill on his farm, and engaged in
distilling to some extent. He was noted for his
honesty and fair dealings, and had the confidence
and high regard of all with whom he came in con-
tact. As a Jacksonian Democrat he took an active
part in political affairs, and represented the town of
Granby in the State Legislature one term, was se-
lectman one term, and second selectman for many
vears. In religious faith he was a Methodist.
He died upon his farm March 25, 1868, and was
laid to rest in Granby cemetery. On June i, 1837,
in North Canton, Hartford county, Mr. Beach
married j\Iiss Lavinia Mercy Case, who was born
there Feb. 14, 1810, and they became the parents
of three children: Sabra Lavinia, now the widow
of Harvey Godard ; Sophia, wife of Miles J. Rose,
of Granville, Mass. ; and George O., whose name
opens this sketch. The mother is still living and
quite active, although ninety years of age, and now
makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rose,
in Granville, Mass. She is a good Christian woman,
a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Mrs. Lavinia i\I. (Case) Beach is a descendant
of John Case, the pioneer, through his son \\"illiam.
Amasa Case (i), son of James and Esther (Fithen)
Case, grandson of William and Elizabeth (Hol-
comb) Case, and great-grandson of the original
John Case, was born Oct. 18, 1731, in Terry s Plains,
"Simsbury. He spent his entire life on the Case
homestead, where he was engaged in general farm-
ing, and his remains now rest in the cemetery at
Simsbur}-. He was married (first) in 1752, to Miss
Elizabeth Hoskins, who was born in 1732, daugh-
ter of Robert Hoskins. In 1766 he married a
widow, Airs, ^'iets, who died in 1785. His third
wife. Abigail Philips Oris wold, daughter of David
Philips, died Oct. 4, 1794. and he afterward mar-
ried Airs. Charity Cornish, daughter of John Pet-
tibone; after her death, which occurred Oct. 5,
1803, he married a fifth wife. Airs. Sarah Graham, a
daughter of Benajah Humphrey, who had herself
been previously married tlirec times. By the first
694
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
marriage Amasa Case (i) had the following chil-
dren: Amasa (2) ; Aaron, born June 16, 1755, died
March 24, 1811; Elizabeth, born Aug. 15, 1756,
died Dec. 2, 1822; Stephen, born Oct. 6, 1758;
Mary, born Jan. 2, 1760; and Mehitabel, born March
8, 1762. By his second marriage he also had six
children: Apollos, born Aug. i, 1768, married Polly
Frazier, and died June 15, 1827; Ruth, born Sept.
30, 1770; Julius, born Feb. 20, 1773, died May 17,
'^77Z'> Enoch, born May 10, 1774, died July 2J,
1799; Salome, born Dec. i, 1777; and Chloe.
Amasa Case (2) was born Oct. 29, 1753, on the
homestead at Terrys Plains, Simsbury, and died
June 23, 1843. When a young man he removed to
what is now Hoskins Station, in the Westover
Plains District, and engaged in farming, which oc-
cupation he continued throughout his life. For
many years he served as deacon in the church. His
wife, Mercy (Hillyer), was born in 1763, and died
Sept. 3, 1809. They had ten children: Amasa (3),
born Feb. 17, 1780, died June 8, 1851; Philetus is
mentioned below; Stephen born Jan. 17, 1784;
Mercy, born July 13, 1785, married Peter Mason;
Charlotte, born Sept. 28, 1787, married Dr. Timothy
Phelps; Nathaniel married Ann Maria Case;
Saloma married Adolphus Chaffee; Buckland, born
in 1800, married Sally Holcomb, and died May 8,
1845 ; Julius ; and Chauncey.
Philetus Case, father of Mrs. Beach, and grand-
father of our subject, was born Feb. 2, 1782, at
Westover Plains, Simsbury, and died Dec. 20, 1827.
When a 3'Oung man he removed to Canton (now
West Simsbury), where he bought a farm and
spent the rest of his days, engaged in stock raising
and general farming. Politically he was a Demo-
crat, but he never sought office. On Aug. 12, 1804,
he married Lucinda Reed, who was born June 12,
1783, and died Sept. 25, 1862. She was a woman
of marked ability, as was shown by her successful
management of the estate after the death of her
husband, and under her wise and loving care a
large family of children were reared to lives of
usefulness. Of the children, (i) Jarvis Philetus,
born June 9, 1805, was engaged in the clock business.
(2) Sophia Lucinda, born Aug. 29, 1807, was mar-
ried Aug. 18, 1844, to Jephtha Rose, now deceased.
She died June 2, ipoo. (3) Lavinia Mercy is the
mother of our subject. (4) Morgan, born March
17, 1 81 2, was a farmer in Avon, Conn., and died
March 23, 1875, unmarried. (5) Sabra Parmilla,
born June 14, 1814, died Aug. 8, 1824. (6) Sey-
mour Nathaniel, who was a prominent lawyer of
Hartford, was born Oct. 10, 1816, and died Nov.
26, 1872. (7) Luna, born Dec. 10, 1818, was mar-
ried Aug. 18, 1836, to Willis Edgerton, and after
his death she wedded William Beach, of Bristol,
Conn. (8) Lucia, born Sept. 16, 1821, married
Franklin Case. (9) Maria, born Mav 22, 1823,
married Clement Holcomb, of Granville, Massa-
chusetts.
Dui-ing his boyhood and youth George O. Beach
pursued his studies in the public schools of the town
of Granby, and Granby Academy, and on leaving
home at the age of eighteen, went to Hartford,
where he spent two years in reading law in the
office of Seymour N. Case, an uncle. His father's
illness prevented him from completing his prepara-
tion for the legal profession, and, deciding to aban-
don it, he returned home. After his father's death
our subject, then twenty-three years of age, took
charge of the farm with his widowed mother, and in
connection with general farming he became inter-
ested in tobacco culture. In 1882 he was one of the
organizers of the Granby Creamery Co., is one of
its largest stockholders, and since 1883 has served as
its president, to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned. He is a man of excellent business ability,
and much of the success of the enterprise is due to
his able management. He is also interested in
dairying, for that purpose keeping upon his farm
a fine herd of Jersey cows, and has real-estate in-
terests in Iowa, Kansas and other parts of the West.
Mr. Beach generally carries forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. Both he and
his wife are active members of the Granby Agricul-
tural Society, of which he is now president, and he
is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He
has been chairman of the Democratic central com-
mittee, keeps well posted on the political questions
and issues of the day, and as one of the popular and
influential citizens has been honored with election to
a number of official positions, serving as selectman
for a number of terms, assessor, and member of the
board of relief and school board. In 1876 he was
also elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the State
Legislature. He is an active worker in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, of which he has been trustee
for several years, and is always ready to give his
support to any enterprise for the good of his com-
munity. His genial temperament, sound judgment
and well-proved integrity haVe brought him the
esteem and friendship of a host of acquaintances,
far and near.
In West Granby, May 11, 1869, Mr. Beach
wedded Miss Mary J. Ellsworth, a native of Wind-
sor, and to them have been born four children : ( i )
George Ellsworth, born Jan. 12, 1871, is a graduate
of McLean's Seminary, Simsbury, and is now a
cigar manufacturer of Sioux City, Iowa. He was
married Sept. 5, 1894, to Elsie J. Sheldon, who died
Sept. I, 1898. (2) Oliver Jarvis, born Sept. 18,.
1872, is a graduate of Yale Business College, New
Haven, and is also a graduate of Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia, Penn., class of 1900. (3)
Clara M., born Nov. 4, 1875, is a graduate of the
Connecticut Collegiate Literary Institute, Suffiekl,
and is now at home. (4) Bertha S., born May 6,
1S84, is still in school. The family are adherents
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Jehu Phelps Ellsworth, Mrs. Beach's father, was
a native of Lowville, N. Y., and was educated in the
public schools. At an early day he came to Wind-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G95
sor, Hartford Co., Conn., and there and in other sec-
tions of the county engaged in the work of the
ministry as a local preacher of the jMethodist Epis-
copal Church. At the age of fifty-two he removed
to \Mnsted, Litchfield county, where he preached
for two years, and then came to Granby, and here
passed the rehiainder of his life. In politics he was
first a \\ hig, later a Republican. He was well
k'uown ami highly respected, and had many friends
in Hartford county. He was married three times,
his first wife being Ruth Phelps, of Windsor, by
whom he had one child, Eli, now a resident of New
York City. After her death, w-hich occurred in
\\'indsor, he wedded Mary MofTett,and to them were
born two children : Jared Wells, an Episcopal min-
ister of Naugatuck, Conn. ; and jMary Janette, wife
of our subject. The mother of these children also
died in Windsor; and for his third wife Mr. Ells-
worth married Susan \\'akefield, of Colebrook, who
is still living at the age of eighty-nine years.
CHARLES LESTER LUCE. The subject of
this sketch, one of the enterprising and popular
young farmers of Newington, is a native of Hart-
ford county, and a member of one of its old and
well-known families. He is a son of Joshua and
Joannna (Brewer) Luce, a great-grandson of
Joshua Luce, who was born and died in Tolland,
and a grandson of Lester and Sophia (Latimer)
Luce, early settlers of Xewington. Lester Luce, the
grandfather, was born Nov. 2, 1797, in Tolland,
and died April i, 1883. Joshua Luce, the father of
our subject, was born JNIay i, 1826, on the farm on
Church street, Newington, where our subject now
lives. He was a farmer through life, and also an
extensive cattle dealer. To him and his wife were
born three children, besides our subject, as follows:
Mrs. Mary (Luce) Carpenter lives in Plainville,
Conn.; I\Irs. Nellie (Luce) Eddy (a widow) lives
at home in Newington ; Miss Anna B. also resides
in Newington.
Charles Lester Luce was born Jan. 27, 1865, in
the home he now occupies. He attended the public
schools of Newington, and later the New Britain
schools for two years. At the death of his father in
November, 1884. the duties and responsibilities of
the farm fell wholly upon his shoulders. But the
young man proved equal to the occasion, and has
already displayed great ability as a progressive
farmer. The homestead consists of 200 acres, and
our subject has very successfully managed its aiYairs
since the death of his father, raising large crops of
corn, potatoes, etc. He also keeps trom twenty to
thirty cows and sells the milk at retail. The farm,
called Red Rock Farm, is located on Church street,
three miles directly east from New Britain.
Mr. Luce was married, Dec. 29, 1892, to Miss
Harriet Rockwell Dorman, born Oct. 6, 1869, only
daughter of Walter and Abigail (Rockwell) Dor-
man, of Newington. The married life of our sub-
ject was brief, terminated by the sad death of his
estimable young wife, who died Nov. 2, 1895, and
was buried in Newington. Mr. Luce is a member of
Newington Grange, in which he at present holds
the office of assistant steward. He is a member of
the Congregational Church, and chairman of the
Ecclesiastical Society of the church. In politics he
holds to the Republican faith, but in local elections
uses his influence in behalf of the best candidates
for office. He now lives on the home place with his
mother. He is highly esteemed by his neighbors,
and has many friends and few enemies. He enjoys
an excellent standing in the community for his
many sterling qualities.
CHARLES DAVID DOOLITTLE, a leading
and representative citizen of Southington, and a
well-known contractor for the Peck, Stow & Wil-
cox Co., is a native of Hartford county, born in
Earmington Feb. 25, 1837.
^Ir. Doolittle is a son of Sylvanus and Mary Ann
(Dayton) Doolittle, natives of Prospect and Litch-
field. Conn., respectively. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, a sea-faring man, is supposed to have
been born in Prospect, New Haven county. The
maternal grandfather, Zadock Dayton, was born in
Litchfield, where he grew to manhood and married
Amy Gibbs. Later he located in Bristol, this
county, where he engaged in farming until his death.
The father of our subject, a sawmaker by trade,
spent all his life in Connecticut, in the employ of
various firms in his line, and during his later years
was connected with Adkins & Allen, of Bristol, in
which place he died. His children were Rosana
E., wife of Samuel Darby; Charles D. ; Lydia A.,
wife of Isaac Dozicr; Frances, wife of Mortimer
Keeney; and ]^Iary, wife of Henry Alcott.
The first thirteen years of his life Charles D.
Doolittle spent in Bristol, and then went to Wol-
cott, where he worked on a farm for two years.
He was given the advantages of a common-school
education, and in 1852 he began work in a hardware
factory, to which business he devoted four years,
two in New Britain and two in South Meriden. In
1856 he located in Southington and entered the em-
ploy of the Peck-Smith Manufacturing Co., now
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., as a contractor on
hardware specialties for five years, and as a contrac-
tor in the trap department since 1864. His rela-
tions with the company have always been the most
pleasant, and he has their entire confidence and re-
spect.
On Oct. 16, 1856, Mr. Doolittle married Miss
Henrietta Kent, a daughter of John and Sarah
(Hotchkissi Kent, of New Britain, and to them has
been born one daughter, Delia M., who married
Charles S. Pease, and has one child. Hazel.
In July, 1 861, Mr. Doolittle responded to his
country's call for troops to put down the Rebellion,
and enlisted, in Company A, 7th Conn. V. I., with
which he participated in several skirmishes. He
was finally discharged in Port Royal, S. C, in 1862,
696
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
on account of disability. He is now an honored
member of Trumbull Post, No. i6, G. A. R. ; Eureka
Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F. ; Israel Putnam Lodge,
No. 31, A. O. U. W., of New Haven; and the New
England Order of Protection. In his political affili-
ations he is a Republican, and, as ever}' true Ameri-
can citizen should, he takes a deep and commendable
interest in public affairs.
CHARLES H. HAVENS, who died honored
and respected by all, was a well-known engraver,
and an enterprising, progressive and reliable busi-
ness man.
Mr. Havens was born in Boston, Mass., in
May, 1854, but belonged to one of the old and
highl3'-respected families of Wethersfield, Hartford
Co., Conn. The first to locate there was Thomas
Elavens, probably a native of England, who was a
sea captain, and was for many years interested in
the coasting trade. He also made some voyages to
foreign countries during his residence in Wethers-
field, and is supposed to have been lost at sea, as
he was never heard from after starting out on one
of his voyages. He married Elizabeth Robbins,
daughter of Jonathan Robbins, who lived in that
part of Wethersfield now known as Rocky Hill,
where she died and was laid to rest.
Thomas Havens, the only son of Capt. Thomas,
was born in Rocky Hill, and there grew to man-
hood, in early life learning the shipwright's trade
with Benjamin Adams, a builder of small vessels
in Wethersfield. Mr. Havens followed shipbuild-
ing throughout life, and made his home in Weth-
ersfield, where he owned property. There he died
and was buried. He married Miss Lurinda Adams,
daughter of his preceptor, and to them were born
eight children: Sylvester, Urial, Thomas, Will-
iam Adams, Henry, Hiram, Nancy and Sarah.
William Adams Havens, son of Thomas Ela-
vens, and grandfather of our subject, was born in
Wethersfield, and, like his father and brothers, fol-
lowed shipbuilding, becoming a master ship car-
penter and making that business his life work, tie
was a well-known and highhr-respected citizen of
Wethersfield, where his death occurred, and where
his remains were interred. He was a faithful mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, and in politics
was first a Whig, later a Republican. He was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Waterbury,
and to them were born children as follows: Will-
iam W., a resident of Hartford; Simeon, father
of our subject; John, deceased; Irene, wife of
Henry J. Cleveland; Mary; Huldah, wife of Eb-
enezer Wiswall ; Ebenezer G., deceased; Thomas,
a silverplater of Boston, Mass.; and S. M., who
died in Wethersfield.
Simeon Havens was born and reared in Weth-
ersfield, and was there married, in Griswoldville,
to Jeanette C. Griswold, a native of that ]ilace,
and a daughter of Justus and Jeanette (ICirkliam)
Griswold. [A history of the Griswold family is
given 'elsewhere.] After his marriage the father
of our subject removed to Boston, where he spent
the remainder of his life.
In the schools of his native city, Boston, Charles
H. Havens obtained a good practical education,
and there learned the art of engraving, in which
he soon became proficient. He went to New York
for a time, finall}' located in Wethersfield, where
he embarked in business for himself, and in his
venture met with excellent success. Being known
as the first engraver in the county in his line, that
of copybook engraver, he commanded a liberal
share of that particular branch of the^ business.
He did not live long to enjoy his prosperity, how-
ever, as close application to business broke down
his health, which he spent six years trving to re-
gain, he and his wife visiting California with the
hope of benefiting it, but he die.d there in 1893.
His remains were brought back to Wethersfield, and
interred in Cedar Hill cemetery. He was a devoted
husband and father, an upright, honorable citizen,
and a true and loyal friend. He was a man of the
tunes, broad-minded, public-spirited and progress-
ive, and the success that he achieved in life was
due entirely to his own well-directed and energetic
efforts. His duties were always performed with
the greatest care, and his personal honor and in-
tegrity were without blemish. In political senti-
ment he was a Republican.
In 1883, in Wethersfield, Mr. Havens was united
in marriage with Miss Carrie Elizabeth Amidon,
who was born in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
to them was born one daughter, Lillian Amidon.
JOHN AMIDON was iDorn July 13, 1817, in
Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., a son of Johnson
Amidon. The family is of French-Huguenot ex-
traction.
As he had limited educational advantages in his
boyhood, John Amidon obtained in the great school
of experience his education, and he began life a
poor boy, rising through his own efforts to a posi-
tion of wealth and prominence. Like many an-
other successful man, he began life as a peddler.
Later he successfully engaged in the hat business
with a Mr. Leavitt, on Broadway, New York, and
he also carried on the manufacture of parasols and
umbrellas, and was an importer of silks. On ac-
count of ill health, brought on by overwork, he
decided to take up farming, and accordingly pur-
chased a place near Hartford, on which he resided
some seven years. At the end of that period he
opened a business in Wethersfield, engaged as gen-
eral merchant and druggist in the store later oc-
cupied by Walk-ley & Damery up to the time of his
death. He was a straightforward, reliable business
man, and in his undertakings met with well-de-
served success. In disposition modest, unassuming
and retiring, though strong in his convictions, no
man in the community was more highly respected,
and his name became a household word in Weth-
I
-v^^ cS^^l^-^i^^^^
O—i^'Z^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
097
rsfickl. He always kept abreast willi the times,
»as well posted on all leading events, and cast his
lallot witii the Republican parly ; he was no of-
ice seeker. Mr. Aniidon married Xancy Holmes
jouthworth, and to them were born live children:
ohn, who died in infancy ; Charles and Frank, .both
iierchants, members of the firm of J. Amidon &
,0., who are now deceased ; Lizzie, deceased ; and
.'arrie E., widow of Charles H. Havens. Mr.
Vniidon died in i8yi, at the age of seventy-five
ears, his wife in 1892, at the age of sixty-seven,
nd both were laid to rest in Cedar Hill cemetery,
:)f which he was one of the fifty original pur-
hasers. Religiously they were faith fid members
')f the Congregational Church.
1-RAN'ClS X. GOODRICH was born in the
own of East Berlin, Hartford county, March 16,
849. a son of Xorris and Sarah (Culver j Goodrich,
vho had four children : Francis X., Dora, Charles
ind Sarah, the last named of whom is deceased.
The lather was a wagon maker by trade, and set-
led in the town of Rocky Hill in 1845. He died
vhen Francis N. was a lad of eight \ears, and
hereupon the boy went to live with his grandfather,
?amuel Goodrich, remaining there until his mar-
■iage. in 1865, to Miss Caroline Haskell. They
lave had five children, all of whom are living:
A'illiam F., Herbert W ., Marion A., Ezra E. and
Zlarence R.
At the age of twenty-one years, our subject
jegan work at carpentry, which trade he has fol-
owed during the greater portion of his life. In
1887 he took up his residence at his present home,
laving built the house himself. Fie owns a farm of
itty-five acres, which he conducts in connection
with his other vocations. In politics Air. Goodrich
is a Democrat.
TIMOTHY SEDGWICK, i-^rominent among
the representative farmers and leading citizens of
West Hartford stands the subject of this sketch,
who was born in that town July 20, 1833, and be-
longs to a prominent old Xew England family,
which was founded in America by Robert Sedgwick,
who was born in England in 1590 of 1592. From
him our subject traces his ancestry through the
following: (II) William Sedgwick; (III) Samuel
Sedgwick, who was born in 1667, and died in 1735 I
{W ) Jonathan Sedgwick; and (\') ^^"illiam Sedg-
jwick, the great-grandfather of our subject.
(VI) Timothy Sedgwick, the grandfather, was
born July 12, 1766, and died Sept. 30, 1833. He
was married, Oct. 4, 1787, to Lucy Sedgwick,
.Slaughter of Stephen Sedgwick. She w-as born
v^ct. 17, 1771, and died Dec. 16, 1858. Both were
'members of the Society of Friends, and most es-
itimable people. They had ten children, whose
names and dates of birth are as follows : Hannah,
Dec. 6, 1789; Xancy, Feb. 15, 1791 ; Timothy, June
30, 1793; Hiram, Sept. 16, 1795: Pamclia, Feb. 28,
1798; Levi, March 11, 1800; William, July 12, 1803;
Mary, Jan. 31, '1806; Amos, May 6, 1808; and
Lucy Ann, July 23, 1810. Mary wedded Harvey
Goodwin, and died A])ril 18, 1843; and Lucy Ann
died Oct. 23, 1815, at the age of five years.
(\TI) William Sedgwick, father of our sub-
ject, was born in West Hartford, July 12, 1803,
and passed his boyhood on the home farm near
Thompson's Corners, where he spent most of his
life, engaged in farming and blacksmithing. He
was not a Ouaker, like his parents, but became a
member of the Ecclesiastical Society of the Congre-
gational Church. He was one of the most promi-
nent and intluenlial men of his community, was
elected to several town ofifices, and was the only
Democrat who ever represented West Hartford in
the State Legislature. He died March 11, 1864.
On March 20, 1828, he married Misr Louisa Brace,
a daughter of Solomon Brace, and to them w'ere
born three children: Helen Louise, deceased; John
Webster, deceased, who married Annie Wood, and
had two children, Ella (now Airs. M. Lebiun
Cooper) and Clarence (deceased); and Timothy,
our subject. J'ur his second wife the father married
Annie L. Barber, by whom he had one son, William
T., now a professor in the Institute of Technology,
Boston, Massachusetts.
(Mil) Timothy Sedgwick grew to manhood
on the home farm near Thompson's Corners, and
his early education, acquired in the schools of that
neighborhood, was supplemented by a course at
the old academy in West Hartford Center. On
leaving the old homestead, in 1871, he went to Xew
Britain, Conn., where he was in the furniture and
undertaking business for five years, and in 1876
he removed to his present farm, on the mountain
road in ^^■est Hartford. He has been secretary of
the Highland Creamery Co. for twenty-two years,
and in the management of his affairs has displayed
excellent business and executive ability, as well as
sound judgment.
j\Ir. Sedgwick was first married, in Plainville,
Conn., to Miss Alary E. Wentworth, by whom he
had four children : George \\., who was married in
Chicago, 111., and died at the age of forty years ;
Louisa B., deceased wife of E. D. Roberts ; Edward
T., who died in infancy; and Alary Emma, who
married Charles A. Griswold, and has tw'O children,
Ruby Louise Hawthorne and Charles Sedgwick. In
Xew Britain, Conn., our subject was again married,
his second union being with Mary Addie Witherbee.
For many years Air. Sedgwick has belonged to
Wyllys Lodge, Xo. 99, F. & A. M., there being but
one older member in the town, and he is also a
charter member of West Hartford Grange. Re-
ligiously he is a member of the Ecclesiastical So-
cietv and Congregational Church of West Hartford,
and' was a member of the society's committee. Po-
litically he is a Republican, and has taken quite an
active and prominent part in local political aftairs,
has served as selectman and assessor of the town for
698
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fourteen years, and in 1883 he represented West
Hartford in the State Legislature, where he served
as clerk of the committee on Roads and Bridges.
SAMUEL N. WOODHOUSE. The family of
Woodhouse is one of the oldest and most highly-
esteemed in Wethersfield. For generations its mem-
bers have been prominently identified with the
town's history, in various walks of private and pub-
lic life, and the honor of the familv name has never
been sullied.
The first Woodhouse to settle there was Joseph,
who was born in Bristol, England, and emigrated
to America with his sister Dorothy. He passed his
life in his Connecticut home, where he died Aug.
4, 1774, at an advanced age. He married Dorothy
Buck, who preceded him to the grave Oct. 18,
1771. The issue of the union was four sons and
three daughters, whose names i.nd dates of birth
are as follows: William, March 8, 1717; Anne,
Jan. 9, 1719; Hannah, June 5, 1721 ; John, Oct.^
I, 1723; Samuel, Oct. i, 1728; Phoebe, Nov. 20',
1730; and Daniel, Oct. i, 1733. William married
Mary Walker, and John was the husband of Ann
Mott. Daniel died Nov. 7, 1791. Of these seven
children of Joseph Woodhouse, Samuel, the fifth
in order of birth, is in direct line of ascent from
the Samuel N. of to-day. He was a farmer and a
man of substance. Some of his sons played con-
spicuous parts in the struggle of tne Colonies for
independence, and he himself lived to see the glor-
ious triumph of the cause which was dear to his
heart. He lived, died and was buried at Wethers-
field. His demise, which was caused by an in-
flammation of the bowels induced by drinking too
freely of cold water, occurred on Aug. 11, 1800.
His wife was Thankful Blinn, who, like himself,
passed her entire life in her native town. She
was born in Wethersfield Aug. 24, 1729, and was a
daughter of William and Thankful (Nott) Blinn.
Her paternal grandfather was Peter Blinn, the first
of the family to settle in the pleasant Hartford
county town, and her maternal grandparents were
John Nott and Patience Miller, his wife. Her
great-grandfather on the maternal side was John
Nott, a militia sergeant, the first Nott tO' make
his home at Wethersfield. Mrs. Woodhouse died
Oct. 27, 1813, having borne her husband seven
-^-children: Samuel, born Dec. 23, 1756; Sarah, May
26, 1759; William, April 8, 1762; Prudence, June
5, 1764; Elizabeth, April 18, 1768; Humphrey, April
5, I77f ; and Solomon, April 13, 1773.
Samuel Woodhouse, the eldest of this family,
and the great-grandfather of Samuel N. Wood-
house, was a large land owner, a successful farmer,
and one of Wethersfield's wealthy and most re-
spected citizens. He was noted for his upright-
ness, and was much beloved. He died Sept. 6,
1834, in the town where he was born. He was
married, March 14, 1781, at Wethersfield, to Abigail
Goodrich, who was born in Hartford county Sept.
II, 1759, and died Oct. 27, 1851, having attained
the patriarchal age of ninety-two years. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Woodhouse were consistent members of
the Congregational Church. In his political creed
he was a Federalist. Mrs. AVoodhouse's father was
Nathaniel Goodrich, and her mother's maiden name
was Martha Deming. Her paternal grandparents
were Lieut. Joseph and Mehitauel (Goodwin)
Goodrich, and her great-grandparents were Will-
iam Goodrich and his wife, Grace (Riley). Her
maternal grandfather, David Deming, married
Martha Russell ; he was a son of Samuel and Sarah
(Kirby) Deming. The famil)' record shows the
names of Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse's nine chil-
dren, with their respective dates of baptism, to have
been: Huldah, Mary Litta and Nancy, baptized
Aug. 5, 1787; George, March 8, 1789; Samuel,
Nov. 13, 1791 ; Sylvester, March 23, 1794; Abigail,
June 26, 1796; Solomon, Dec. 30, 1798; and Henry,
Jan. 24, 1802.
Samuel Woodhouse, the second son and fifth
child, was the grandfather of the distinguished citi-
zen of Wethersfield whose name appears at the
opening of this biographical sketch. For him the
quiet life of a New England farmer presented few
charms, the tempestuous tossings of the ocean be-
ing more attractive than the green pastures and
nodding cornfields of a Connecticut farm. His
choice was to follow the life of a sailor and visit
foreign lands, and he followed this vocation until,
while commanding a vessel, he was lost at sea,
while still in the prime of life. He was a man of
rugged character, undaunted courage and sterling
virtue. He married Hannah, daughter of Elisha
and Hannah (Sinland) Coleman, of Wethersfield.
She was a devout and exemplary member of the
Congregational Church. Their only child, Samuel,
born Aug. 13, 1815, attended the common schoi.ils.
but was largely self-taught. While a young man
he taught school at Wethersfield, and worked, for
a time, at the printer's trade in New Haven, New
York and Hartford. After marriage he settled
upon the farm of his father-in-law, Capt. James
Blinn, devoting his energies chiefly to tobacco cul-
ture, and being one of the earliest growers of this
plant in the county. He was held in high respect
by his fellow townsmen, who, recognizing his sound
business sense and high moral worth, elected him
selectman for several years, member of the Legis-
lature, and justice of the peace. In religious faith
he was a member of the Congregational Church ;
in politics he was an "Old-line" Whig, and after-
ward one of the original Republicans of Wethers-
field. His wife was Mary A. Blinn, who was a
daughter of Capt. James Blinn, a notable sea cap-
tain of bis day, and was born in Griswoldville.
Mr. Woodhouse married her at that place, and to
their union were born three daughters and one
son : Hannah, who married Capt. Lewis Williams,
of Oakland, Cal. : Harriet M.. wife of Steplien M.
Wells, of the Wells farm ; Catherine S., widow of
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G99
David L. Robbins ; and Samuel N. Mrs. Wood-
louse was a devoted wife and a tender mother, a
.incere Christian, whose Hfe was dominated and
lontrollcd by her religious faith. She rests by
ler husband's side in the old cemetery at \^■ethcrs-
ield.
Samuel X. \\ oodhouse received an excellent ed-
ication in his youth at the district schools and
icademy of his native town, at the Waterbury High
ichool, and at JNIcGill University. While a young
nan he traveled for two years for the seed firm of
ohnson & Robbins, of Wetherstield, his route cov-
•ring all the New England States. Since then he
las been engaged in general and dairy farming,
IS well as in fruit and tobacco culture. His peach
ind apple orchard covers more than ten acres. Sev-
eral years ago he discovered upon his farm a spring
)f unusual purity and abundant volume. With a
,'iew to utilizing its flow, he became one of the
)romoters and organizers of the Griswoldville
vVater Co., which now supplies nearly all the homes
n that village.
Mr. AVoodhouse is a man of rare business sa-
gacity, and endowed with a judgment* which is
rarely at fault. Yet, while keen-sighted, he is
jenerous and whole-souled ; and, although just, he
.:• charitable to the failings of humanity. In his
religious belief he is liberal, and attends the services
Df the Congregational Church. In his daily life
he exemplifies his faith in the binding force of the
■"Golden Rule." He enjoys the confidence and re-
spect of his fellow townsmen, among whom he is
deservedly and universally popular ; and, although
a stanch Republican, he has friends in all parties.
In 1898 he was chosen to represent his district in
the State Legislature, making the race for election
on his party ticket. He is a member of the Weth-
ersfield Grange. In 1877, at Guilford, Conn., he
married Elvira Dudley, a daughter of William Dud-
ley, of that town. Mrs. Woodhouse is a lady of
refinement and education, a devoted mother, fully
mindful of the home duties of a wife and mother,
which she discharges with skill and unselfish devo-
tion. Mr. and ]\Irs. Woodhouse are the parents of
four sons : Samuel Dudley, James Merriman, Will-
iam Dudley and David Robbins. The eldest is a
student at Yale University, while the three younger
bovs are attending the Hartfora Public High
School.
FRANCIS NEWELL SLATER, a respected
farmer and town official of Bloomfield, was born in
Manchester, in Hartford countv, Conn., Feb. 27,
1 1822.
! Amos Slater, grandfather of Francis N., was
long a resident of Sheffield, Mass., married Abilene
Olds, and died at Ballston. N. Y., in 1785. Ira
* Slater, son of Amos and father of Francis N., was
i born in Sheffield, Mass., Sept. 12, 1779. He came
to Hartford county. Conn., when a small boy, was
reared at the home of his uncle John Olds in Man-
chester, and in this town received his education in
the district schnol. hVom early manhood until fifty
years old he followed farming in Manchester, and
then removed to West Hartford, where he followed
the same vocation the remainder of his life; he
married Miss Mary Avery, daughter of Amos
Avery, and the issue of this union was four chil-
dren: Abilene, the wife of Stephen Goodwin; Fre-
derick Sexton, deceased ; Francis Newell, the sub-
ject of this memoir; and Abigail, deceased. In
politics, Ira Slater was first a Whig, and on the dis-
integration of that party and the organization of the
Republican party fell into the ranks of the latter.
He was called from earth in 1854, dying in Hart-
ford; his widow survived until Sept. 21, 1880, when
her death took place in Bloomfield.
Francis Newell Slater, from the age of nine
years until he was fourteen, attended school at
West Hartford, and then began working on a farm
in the neighborhood ; for a while, also, he followed
tliC same class of labor in Newington. He supple-
mented his early education by attendance at the
public school in New Britain, then for four yenrs
worked in a tailor's shop in Manchester, and then
returned to West Hartford. About 1848 Mr.
Slater came to Bloomfield, and has here since passed
his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He mar-
ried, in Bloomfield, Mrs. Marilla (Brown) Thrall,
widow of Oliver Thrall, and they have had one
child, Francis Brown Slater, wdio married Miss
Lilly Waterman ; to this union have been born two
children, Susie May and Harry Nathan.
In politics Francis N. Slater is a stanch Rcpnb-
licon, has served as tax collector, and is now filling
the office of town assessor of Bloomfield. He has
led an industrious life, has prospered, and now
stands among the most respected residents of his
town and county.
i
NATHANIEL TRYON, a substantial agricult-
urist residing in the northeast section of the town
of Glastonbury, is a self-made man, and his history
shows the possession in a marked degree of the
sturdy virtues of independence, industry and thrift.
The Tryon family is descended from William
Tryon who came from Wales at an early day. and
located first at Wethersfield and laterat Glastonbury.
Dr. Joseph Tryon, our subject's great-grandfather,
w-as a well-known physician in his day, and resided
in the eastern part of Glastonbury. He had a large
family of children, among whom was a son. Joseph.
Joseph Tyron, our subject's grandfather, was a
farmer by occupation, and located on "John Tom
Hill," not far from our subject's present residence
He and his wife had the following children: Ephra-
im. Russell, George, Nathaniel, Anna, Mary and
Honor.
Nathaniel Tryon, the father of our subject, w-as
born on "John Tom Hill," and passed his life there
in agricultural pursuits, tie died in 1834, at his
homestead. His wife, Mary (Strickland), was a
700
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
native of Glastonbury. Of their eight children:
(i; Harvey married Mary Dickinson, of Marlboro,
and lived and died in that town; (2) George mar-
ried Mary Gay, and settled on the homestead in
Glastonbury; (3) Eliza married George Rust, of
Hartford, a mason by trade; (4) Honor married
George Rust after the death of her sister Eliza;
(5j Lucinda married Edwin Bunce, of Manchester,
a paper-maker by occupation; (7) our subject was
next in the order of birth; (8) Benjamin married
Maria Gay, and is now a farmer in Bolton.
Our subject was born Feb. 20, 1822, on the old
homestead. He had but limited schooling, as his
parents were poor, and at an early age he began
to support himself. He made his home with his
brother George until he reached the age of twenty-
one years, when he was employed by James Goslee,
of Glastonbury, receiving $110 for the first year,
and $125 for the second. After working for differ-
ent employers in Glastonbury he spent about eight
months in Torrington, and then, having married,
he settled in Glastonbury, renting the farm of Waite
Hale for three years. In 1850 he bought ninety
acres from Orrin Hale, and to this he has added
until he now has 119 acres.
Politically Mr. Tryon is a Democrat, but he
voted for Lincoln. He was on the board of select-
men in 1879-80, and has served as justice of the
peace and grand juror. He and his family attend
the Buckingham Congregational Church. Mr.
Tryon was married (first) in 1849, to Miss Eunice
Wells, a native of East Hampton, who died Dec. 12,
1887, and was buried in South Manchester. He
married (second) Miss Margaret Russell, who was
b)orn Dec. 25, 1863, in County Armagh, Ireland,
and came to America in 1887. They have four chil-
dren : Jane, Cornelia, Nathaniel Russell, Joseph and
Charles Howard.
ELMER ENOS AUSTIN, a successful and
enterprising business man of Berlin, where he is
conducting a first-class meat market and vegeta-
ble business on Hudson street, is one of the useful
members of society — a man whose citizenship is
appreciated.
Mr. Austin was born April 21, 1866, at the
Austin homestead, on the Hartford and New
Haven turnpike, in the town of Berlin, son of
George Caleb and Prudence (Nott) Austin, born
the former June 19, 1824, in Wallingford, Conn.,
and the latter on Oct. 29, 1826, in Berlin. The fa-
ther, leaving his native town when quite young,
lived for a time in Wethersfield, and thence went to
Berlin. By trade and occupation he was a shoe-
maker and farmer.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the
farm, and received only a limited education, prin-
cipally in the old Fifth District school prior to his
fourteenth year, also attending for a time night
school in New Britain. Beginning life for himself
at the early age of fourteen, on rented land, as a
market gardener, he followed the business until ;
nineteen, at which age he went to Florida, where 1
ho passed a year in farming and teaming. Re- \
turning to Connecticut he entered as polisher the
factory of P. & F. Corbin, New Britain. One year \
later he returned to Berlin, where until 1892 he was j
engaged in a general teaming and trucking busi-
ness. In October of that year he engaged
in the retail meat business, which he has \
continued to this time, later adding to it '
a vegetable department. In 1898 he erected on
Hudson street a modern home and place of busi- -
ness, where can be found anything and everything s
in his line, and of the very best quality obtainable. !
He is a live man, enterprising and public-spirited, >
and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community
at large. Politically he is a stanch Republican, his
faher before him being a Whig and Republican.
Our subject was elected a justice of the peace in
1894, and so acceptable were his services that he has
been twice re-elected to that office, and is now serv-
ing a third term. Religiously his own and his wife's
affiliations are with the Congregational Church, in
which botji are active and earnest workers. Mr.
Austin is a member of the church choir, and both
are members of the Christian Endeavor Society.
He is affiliated with Pequot Council, Senior O. U.
A. M., at Berlin, and having passed the chairs is
now a member of the State Council ; is a member of
Mattabessett Lodge, No. 25, K. of P., at East Ber-
hn, and is also a member of the Berlin Grange, of
the Society of Good Templars, and of the Foresters
cf America.
On June i, 1887, Mr. Austin was married to
Miss Nellie Emma Warner, born Sept. 29, 1868, at
Kensington, a daughter of Hon. Andrew J. and
Alice M. (Healy) Warner, of Kensington. Mr.
Warner, whose death occurred Dec. 28, 1887, was
one of the prominent and influential citizens of his
town, having been elected, on the Democratic ticket,
tc many of the town offices, and for five terras rep-
resented the town in the General Assembly. He
was a stanch Democrat. He was one of the ori.g-
inal employees of the Hart, Bllven & Meade Co.,
in whose employ he remained for a period of thirty
years.
To our subject and his wife have come the fol-
lowing children: Andrew Willis, born Aug. i, 1889;
Ruth," born June 15, 1891, died July 7, 1891 ; and
Elmer Raymond, born June 19, i"
HON. CHESTER RANDOLPH WOOD-
FORD, one of Avon's most respected citizens, is
the oldest living representative of an honored pio-
neer family, and was born at his present home-
stead Oct. 26, 1814. He is of the seventh genera-
tion in descent from Thomas Woodford, a native
of England, who came to America at an early date,
locating first at Cambridge, Mass. In 1633 Thomas
Woodford came to Hartford with Rev. Thomas
Hooker's company, and during his residence there
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
701
he took an active part in the affairs of the Colony,
serving as town crier, fence viewer, and in other
offices, lie married iMary Blott ^larch 4, 1O35.
In 1654 he removed to Northampton. A lass., where
he became a proprietor, and liis death occurred
there in 1OO7. lie had three children : llanna,
who was married, in 1659, to Samuel Adams;
Sarah, who was married, in 1664, to Neamiah
Allen; and Joseph.
I Joseph Woodford, the next i;i the line of de-
scent, was born in Hartford, and in 1666 removed
, tc Farniington, where he became an extensive land
■ owner and farmer, lie died there in 1701, and
' was buried in what is now known as "Cider Brook
: cemetery." He married Rebecca Newell, and nine
children were born to them: (i) Mary, who died
in 1723, was married in 1693 to Thomas Uird, of
Farmington ; (2) Rebecca was married in 1696 to
John Porter, son of Daniel C. Porter, j\[. D. ; (3)
Esther, who died in 1742, was married, in 1696,
to Samuel Bird; (4) Sarah married Nathan Bird,
and died in 1750; (5) Hannah was married, in
1699, to Thomas North, of West Avon ; (6) Jo-
seph, born in 1677, is mentioned below; (7) Eliza-
beth, born in 1682, was married, In 1707, to Natnan
Cole, of Newington, Hartford county; (8) Susan
was married, in 1707, to Deacon Anthony Judd ;
(9) Abigail, born in 1685, died in 1736. She was
married, in 17 10, to Caleb Cole, who was a mem-
ber of the Original Church of Kensington, Con-
necticut.
Joseph \\'oodford (2) was born in 1677 in
Farmington, in the Society of Northington, now
Avon, and settled in what is now known as Nod,
where he owned a large tract of land, and was en-
gaged in farming. He died in 1760, and was buried
in Cider Brook cemetery. He was a prominent
member of the church, and one of its organizers.
In 1700 for his first wife he married Lydia Smith,
and his second wife was jNIrs. Sara Garrett, who
died in 1769, at the ripe old age of one hundretl
and one years. He had a large family of children,
the first being (i) an infant who died in 1702;
(2) Lydia, born in 1702, was married, in 1722, to
William Hooker, a graduate of Yale College; (3)
Mary, born in 1704, died in childhood; (4) Jo-
seph, born in 1705, was married, in 1728, to Sarah
North, of Berlin, Conn., who died in 1783. The
children by the s^J^nd wife were as follows: (i)
Elizabeth, born in 1707, was married, in 1727, to
Thomas Case; (2) Mary, born in 1709, was mar-
ried, in 1728, to Deacon Lsaac North; (3) Susanna
was married, in 1741, to John North; (4) Re-
becca, bom in 171 1, died in infancy; (5) Samuel,
born in 1712, died in 1758, married, in 1735, Mary
Thomson; (6) Sarah, born in 1714, married, in
I733- Deacon Josiah Woodruff, of East Farms, and
died in 1790: (7) John, born in 1710. died in 1802,
and his wife, Sarah Phelps, died in 1S09; (8) Will-
iam is mentioned below.
Capt. \\ illiani ^^'oodford, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born in 1722 in Noithinglon So-
ciety, in the town of Farmington, and became a
leading citizen and prominent agriculturist, owning
a large amount of real estate. During the Revolu-
tionary war he was captain of a company. \n
1745 lie married Susanna Garrett, and both were
active members of the Congregational Church for
many years. He died in 1803, and was buried in
the Cider Brook cemetery. Of his twelve chil-
dren, William married, first, Efther .Wilcox, who
died in 1790, in J 791 married Alary North, who
tlied in 1802, and his third wife was Esther .Mar-
shall; Esther was born in 1749; Deacon Elijah,
born in 17JI, was married, in 1774, to Mary Bishop,
and died in 1820; Dudley, born in 1753, is men-
tioned below; Lydia, born in 1759, was married,
in 1776, to Sanuiel Blakesley, of Woodbury; Lucy,
born in 1756, was married, in 1778, to Levi Thom-
son ; Anna, born in I'^'ji, was married, in 1777, to
Aloses Woodruff; Samuel, born in 1760, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary army, and died in
1818 (he was married, in 1783, to Olive Miller) ;
Charlotte, born in 1762, married (first) Oliver
Alarshall, and (second) Solomon Bucll ; Selah, born
in 1764, was married, in 1785, to Sarah Hutchin-
son, and died in 1841 ; Susanna was born in 1765;
Aphia, born in 1767, was married, in 1803, to Pre-
served Alarshall, and died in 1817.
Capt. Dudley ^^'oodford, the grandfather of our
subject, was born on the old homestead in 1753,
and died in 1803. He was a large land owner and
farmer, and spent his entire life on the homestead.
Like his father, he was active during the Revolu-
tion, and was also captain of a company, and as a
citizen he enjoyed the respect of the comnumity.
In 1774 he married Elizabeth Ford, by whom he
had two children: Roxanna, born in 1775, mar-
ried James Hutchinson ; Susanna, born in 1777, mar-
ried a Air. Sturdevant. By his second marriage,
to Candace North, Capt. Woodford had the follow-
ing children: Amasa, born in 1780, married (first)
Almira Beach, (second) Nancy \^'^oodford, and
(third) Fanny Woodford, and died in 1862; Ches-
ter, born in 1782, is luentioned below; Oliver, born
in 1785, married C)rphia Robinson: Seth, liorn in
1787. died in 1808; Elizabeth, born in 1792, mar-
ried Benjamin Bishop; Anna Ford, bom in 1797,
di«d in 1815; Sarah North was married, in 1820,
to Hiram Hart; Nancy, born in 1801, died in 1804.
Chester Woodford, father of our subject, was
born in 1782, and after receiving a district-school
education settled on the old homestead, making
farming his life occupation. He was a prominent
member of the Congregational Church, and a
Democrat in politics. He died at his farm in 1833,
and his renlains were buried in Avon cemetery.
In 181 1 he married Stella Bishop, a lady of re-
fined character, who proved a devoted mother, and
a loving wife. She died in 1887, at the ripe old
age of ninety-seven. They had five children : Seth
Fitch, bom in 1812, died' in 1898: Chester R. is
702
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mentioned below; Samuel, born in 1817, married
Clara Keeney, of West Hartford ; Sarah Ann, born
in 1819, married Lucius S. Bisnop; Stella Eliza,
born in 1824, married Thomas Carr, of New
Haven.
Chester R. Woodford was reared at the home-
stead, and educated in the district and select schools
of the locality. He spent several years traveling
in New York, New Jersey and Maryland, as col-
lector and salesman for a clock company, and in
1838 went to Illinois, where he was engaged in
the clock business and fur trade with his uncle,
Joseph Bishop, now of West Hartford. In 1841
he returned to his native town, where he bought a
hundred-acre tract known as the Webster farm;
here for the past fifty-eight years he has been en-
gaged in the growing of tobacco and dairying. He
v/as the first tobacco grower in the town of Avon,
and dealt extensively in tobacco for a number of
years as a member of the firm of Wheeler & Co.
He is president of the Avon Creamery, was one of
the originators of the enterprise, and is noted for his
progressive ideas.
In 1858 Mr. Woodford was elected to the State
Legislature, and he has also served as justice of
the peace and selectman, tax collector five years,
and assessor for more than twenty years. Although
mainly self-educated he is well-read upon current
topics, and as a business man he is respected for his
honesty and integrity. For sixty-seven years he
has been a member of the Congregational Church,
with which his family has been identified from an
early period. He cast his first vote for Martin Van
Buren, and since the formation of the Republican
party he has been a stanch supporter.
In 1840 Mr. Woodford was married, in Avon,
t'j Harriet Webster, daughter of Ashbel and Esther
(Bissell) Webster, and granddaughter of Ashbel
Webster. She died in 1898, and was buried in
Avon cemetery. Her life was a manifestation of
a beautiful Christian character, and she was a
woman of more than ordinary culture, having been
a teacher previous to her marriage. Of the chil-
dren born to their union, ( i ) Miss Mary Estella
was educated in the district and select schools of
Avon, and taught school for over thirty years in
East AVindsor, Simsbury, West Avon, Southington
and Avon, and in Lewis' Academy. She is a lady
of culture and refinement and genial disposition,
and is now housekeeper for her father. She is a
member of the Congregational Church. (2) Anna
Maria married Dr. A. S. Oberly, of Easton, Penn.,
medical inspector of the United States navy. (3)
Frederick Gustavus, a lawyer, who died in 1880,
married Isabell Bull. (4) Prescott Hamilton, born
in 1851, was married, in 1886, to Laura Seeley,
daughter of Rev. N. J. Seeley, and he now operates
the home farm with his father. (5) Harriet Eliza-
beth, born in 1854, taught school for a time, and
v/as married, in 1874, to Charles McLean, who is
now deceased. (6) Miss Carrie Annette, born in
1857, was educated in the district schools, and in
the Young Ladies Seminary at Bordentown, New
Jersey.
CHARLES W. HOLBROOK, manufacturer
of school apparatus, now residing at Windsor Locks,
is well known all over the United States. He has
improved globes, numeral frames, tellurians and
other mechanisms for demonstrating scientilic facts
to the younger mind, having won heartily the ap-
proval of educators generally, and his latest patent,
for the lunar tellurian, embodies great skill in the
application of scientific principles, being capable of
affording a large variety of illustrations concerning
the phenomena of the heavenly bodies, while it is
at the same time simple, easily handled, accurate
and substantial. The manual which accompanies
the invention gives over fifty propositions for ex-
perimental study, all being expressed in a clear
style, with technical phrases eliminated as far as
possible. Mr. Holbrook gives his personal super-
vision to the making of this instrument, and in fif-
teen years less than one per cent of those sent out
have been returned for any reason.
Mr. Holbrook belongs to a family which has
long been distinguished in educational circles. His
grandfather, Josiah Holbrook, was an associate of
Horace Mann in the organization of the Boston
school system. The genealogical records reach
back to the settlement of Derby, Conn., where the
ancestors of our subject made their homes in the
wilderness, and helped to shape the influences which
have brought about our present development. Jo--
siah Holbrook was born and reared in Derby, and
as a young man established a manual training and
agricultural school in that town ; but realizing the
need of better supplies he removed to Roxbury,
Conn., and engaged in the manufacture of mate-
rials and apparatus for object lessons in schools. He
was an idealist' and enthusiast, and while engaged
in this business attracted the warm approval of
Horace Mann, who was then carrying out his great
v/ork. For some years they worked together,
elaborating schemes for educational advancement
v/hich have already httn of untold benefit to our
people, and have given an impetus to our intellec-
tual life that will not cease with our time. In 1840
Josiah Holbrook removed his business to Cuyahoga
county, Ohio, and later he located in Berea, that
county. He was married at Derby, Conn., to
Miss Lucy Swift, daughter of Parson Swift, and
they had two sons, Alfred and Dwight. In 1843,
on his retirement, the business was transferred to
his sons, Alfred withdrawing a year later in order
to engage in teaching, and for many years he has
resided at Lebanon, Ohio, where he founded a
school of wide reputation.
Dwight Holbrook, our subject's father, contin-
ued his father's business at Berea until 1854, in
which year he removed to Wethersfield, Conn.,
where for four years the goods were manufactured
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
703
h\ contract in the State prison. In 1858 he settled
ac Windsor Locks, where the business has since
been located, and in 1870 he was succeeded by our
subject, his last years being spent in Chicago, 111.,
where his death occurred in 1890. lie was mar-
ried in Berea to Miss Lydia Van Tync, who died in
1S59, and eleven children were born to this union,
of whom five died in infancy ; Helen L. resides in
New Haven, Conn. ; Charles W. is the subject proper
of this sketch ; Zephania Swift is a resident of Cam-
liridge, .\Ia;?s. ; Lucy M. resides in Worcester, Mass. ;
I'red .Mfrcd, of Evanston, 111., is connected with the
school furniture business ; and Lydia Van Tyne re-
sides in Kansas.
After the removal of the business to Windsor
Locks our subject became familiar with the details
hy practical work under his father's direction, and
to his thorough knowledge of conditions and pro-
cesses may be attributed his success, moderate
though it has been.
The family is given to strong convictions and
decided opinions. j\lr. Holbrook has held several
public offices, though never seeking any, being
strongly averse to wdiat are commonly known as
p"Iitical methods.
CHESTER M. HILLS, the leading tinsmith of
East Hartford, and a descendant of one of the old-
est of Connecticut families, mention of whom is
iiiade in A-arious parts of this work, was born on
i Varl street, Hartford, Nov. ly, 1840, and is a son
I't -\shhel and Cynthia (French) Hills.
Ashbel Hills was born in Hockanum, March 10,
1819. learned the trade of brickmason and plasterer
under Col. Thomas Roberts, of Hartford, in which
city Mr. Roberts resided until late in the 'forties,
and then returned to Hockanum and followed his
trade until 1872, when he abandoned it to engage in
tobacco growing. He was a man of small stature,
weighing about 150 pounds, had light hair, and in
general complexion was what is usually denom-
inated "sandy." J\Irs. Cynthia (French) Hills was
liiirn in East Windsor, Feb. 8, 1818, was a dausfhter
ot Daniel and Nancy (Drake) French, farming
peojjle on Town street, and was married to Mr.
Hills Oct. 2, 1839. Six children were born to Dan-
iel and Nancy French : Laura, who married James
Shi]iman : Cynthia, mother of our subject; Nancy,
married to George Allen, a Universalist minister
< f Scitico, Conn.; Daniel, Jr.. who married Martha
I'rench. and lived in Ellington : Elam, who married
Fannie Prior, and is living in Enfield ; and Allen,
who married Cornelia Rockwood, and resides in
Milwaukee, \\'is. Mrs. Nancy French was called
away Jan. 12. 1823; Daniel French died March 6,
1846, and the remains of both were interred in the
Town Street cemetery. East Windsor. The chil-
dren born to Ashbel and Cynthia Hills were three
in number: Chester M., the subject of this sketch;
W illiam P.. of Hockanum ; and Harriet, wife of
Edward S. Risley, of Willow Brook. In politics
.\shbel Hills was first a Whig, later a Republican,
and while a regular voter was never a seeker after
office. He was a very active man, a first-class me-
chanic, and a useful citizen, but gave up his trade
early in the 'seventies for the purpose of growing
toi)acco, which was then a very profitable crop, and
at this he continued until his death, which occurred
i\ug. 4, 1892. His widow still resides on the old
homestead, is yet spry and possessed of an excel-
lent memory, and is greatly respected by her
neighbors.
Chester M. Hills was educated in the district
school of Hockanum, and also attended one ferm
at the East i lartford Academy, which ended his
schooling. In the spring of 1858 he began learning
the tinsmith's trade at Hartford under Col. Thomas
Roberts (the same man who had taught his father
the brickmason's trade), and for the first },-ear re-
ceived $30 ; the second year, $35, and the third year
$40, with board and washing each year. He finished
his apprenticeship at the close of the third, and then
worked as a journeyman in Hartford, Conn., and
Springfield, Mass., until August, 1862, wdien, the
Civil war being under full headway, he enlisted
in Company C, Twenty-fifth Conn. V. I., and served
until April 9, 1863, when he was disabled from a
sprained foot, was confined in the University Hos-
pital at New Orleans, and was never again in
active service; he was discharged with his regi-
ment at Hartford in August, 1863.
After being honorably discharged from the
army, INIr. Hills resumed his trade as soon
as his injury permitted. On July 15, 1869, he mar-
ried, in Gilead, Conn., Miss Josephine M. Hutchin-
son, daughter of John B. and Lauretta (Jewett)
Hutchinson, the former a member of one of the
oldest families of Gilead. Mrs. Hills was educated
at Mount Llolyoke Academy, Mass., and at the age
of sixteen years began teaching school, a vocation
she followed with marked success for several years,
her first year being compensated for at the rate of
one dollar per week and "boarding around." To
the marriage of 'Sir. and Mrs. Hills has been born
one son, John H., who graduated from the Hart-
ford Public tligh School at the age of sixteen
years.
Chester J\I. Hills continued to work as a jour-
neyman at tinsmithing until the spring of 1877,
when he established a shop for himself at East Hart-
• ford i\Ieadow, which he conducted until in Decem-
ber, 1896, when he removed to East Hartford and
opened his present Inisincss place, and also bought
tlie \\'atrous place on ;\Iain street, one of the most
pleasant and best situated homes in the town. As
a rule Mr. Hills has always been a Republican, but
is somewhat indifferent as to politics. Fraternally
he is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M.,
and was a charter member of D. C. Rodman Post,
No. 65. G. A. R., at East Hartford, in which he has
held office from quartermaster sergeant up to com-
mander. !Mr. and Mrs. Hills are members of the
704
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Congregational Church, and Mrs. Hills is one of
the most active members of the W. C. T. U. that
this humane and deserving association has within
its ranks, and is everywhere recognized for her
amiability and honored for her untiring efforts to do
all the good within her power for the welfare of her
fellow-creatures. Mr. Hills is a quiet, unassuming-
gentleman, a reliable business man, of unblemished
integrity, and is held in the highest regard by hosts
of friends throughout his town.
WILLARD SPENCER BARNES, a weh-
kno^^n mason and general jobber of Plantsville, was
born in Cheshire, Conn., Jan. 20, 1855, and is a de-
scendant of one of the oldest and most highly re-
specteld families of Southington.
Luther Barnes, his father, was born in the
Marion District of that town, Sept. 7, 1828, and
v.'as there reared to manhood, learning the mason's
and plasterer's trades, which he followed for many
years. Since 1883 he has been engaged in the con-
crete paving business. During the Civil war he
entered the Union army as a member of Company
A, 20th Conn. V. I., and after two years of faithful
and meritorious service was honorably discharged.
In September, 1849, h'^ married Miss Harriet Neale,
daughter of Leonard Neale, and to them were born
four children who grew to maturity : Mary, wife of
I'aschal White ; Willard S. ; Dwight L. ; and Edwin.
Philo Barnes, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born March 2, 1782, and lived in the
Marion District, Southington. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Amanda Pond, his second
Electa Shepard, who was the grandmother of our
subject. Asa Barnes, father of Philo, was born
Aug. 24, 174S, and was married Oct. 30, 1765, ta
Phebe, daughter of Luther and Eunice (Andrews)
Adkins. He lived in the Marion District, where he
kept a tavern, was very popular in his business, and
was known as Landlord Barnes. The officers of the
French army made his house their headquarters
while encamping for a short time on French Hill,
and in honor of his guests he gave a ball, which at
the time created some excitement. He was a son
of Stephen Barnes, who was born Jan. 2, 1704, and
was married Jan. 25, 1726, to Martha Wheadon, of
Branford. He removed from Branford to Southing-
ton in its early settlement, and located in what is
now the Marion District, where he died March 27,
1777. His wife passed away March 18, 1773. and
was the first one buried in the Plantsville cemeter}'.
His parents, Stephen and Mary Barnes, came from
Long Island to Branford, Connecticut.
Willard S. Barnes, whose name introduces this
sketch, was reared in Cheshire and Southington,
and was provided with a common-school education.
In early life he served a three-years' apprenticeship
to the mason's trade, which he has followed since,
and has also engaged in general jobbing. On Jan.
17, 1881, he married Miss Ida Pratt,, a daughter of
Dwight and Eunice (Moore) Pratt, of Southing-
ton. Politically he is identified with the Republi-
can party, and religiously is an active member of
the First Baptist Church of Plantsville. Upright
and honorable in all his dealings, he has gained the
confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in
contact, in either business or social life.
EDWARD NAPOLEON PIERCE, a repre-
sentative business man and progressive citizen of
Plainville, is a native of Connecticut, born April 16,
1 81 5, in Bristol, of stalwart New England an-
cestry on both paternal and maternal sides.
Abraham Pierce, his grandfather, was born in
1737. ^t Woodbury, Conn., a son of Deacon John
Pierce. Abraham was a farmer, and while a resi-
dent of Bristol operated also a gristmill and sawmill,
the pi^oduct whereof he would cart to New Haven,
whence it was exported. From Woodbury he
moved to Bristol in 1797, and on Nov. 29, of that
year, purchased the homestead, from Amos Barnes,
where the subject of this sketch was born, and which
is still in the possession of the family. The middle
third of this house was built by Ebenezer Barnes in
1728; later the north third and the south third were
added. Upon the death of Abraham Pierce this
property descended to his son Noble A., and upon
his death it descended to his children, Sophronia
(Mrs. Jared Goodrich, of Plainville) ; Mrs. H. M.
Welch (now deceased), late of New Haven; Ed-
ward N. (our subject) ; and Julius E., who now
owns and occupies the north two-thirds, E. N. and
Mrs. Welch having conveyed their share to their
brother Julius E. Mrs. Goodrich is still the owner
of the south third. The place has, therefore, been
in the Pierce family over a century, and Abraham
Pierce's grandchildren are the fourth generation of
the family that have slumbered beneath its giant
rafters. From the time of the purchase by the
Pierces until about 1835 the place was kept as a
tavern, and being situated on the old "Queen's high-
way," about a day's journey from New Haven, was
much patronized by the teamsters who conveyed,
by wagon, grain from northern Connecticut and
Massachusetts to that city for shipment to the West
Indies. Abraham Pierce married Annie Hubbell,
who was born, in 1744, in Southbury, and of their
family of children we have mention of Calvin, Philo
and Noble A., the last-named being the father of
Edward N.
Noble Abraham Pierce was born in 1779, in
South Britain, Conn., and died in 1834, in Bristol.
He was a lifelong farmer, in religious faith a Bap-
tist, a constant attendant at church, and in politics
was a Democrat, a stanch supporter of Andrew
Jackson, he and George Mitchell being the only two
in Bristol to vote that ticket. He married Lydia
Gridley, daughter of Luke Gridley, and a descend-
ant of Thomas Gridley, one of the original settlers
of the town of Farmington, Conn. She was one of
seven children : Alma, Chloe, Rachel, Lvdia,
Susan, Lott and Elisha.
&>(?<
ultkji^
i
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
705
Eilward N. Pierce, llie subject proper of this
memoir, received a liberal education at the Bristol
common schools, later taking a two-years' course
at Bristol Academy. At the age of seventeen years
he went to Boston, and was there engaged selling
"on the road" various novelties for Allonso Barnes;
after a time he visited New York, and then returned
home. When twenty years old he set his face to-
ward the Southern States, and in 1835 was em-
poyed in North Carolina and Virginia, collecting
for a map. , He then drove to Alabama for Hubbell
Pierce, and at JMontgomcry, Ala., engaged in a
wholesale and retail general business. Returning
in 1846 to Connecticut, Rlr. Pierce opened a coal
and lumber business in Plainville, in 1855 taking up
his residence in New Haven and engaging in the
same line there for seven years, at the same time
continuing his Plainville business. In 1S62 he re-
turned to Plainville, and has since here made his
l)ermanent home.
]\lr. Pierce was one of the original stockholders
and incorporators (in 1850) of the Plainville Mfg.
Co., and has been a director in same ever since, as
well as holding the positions of general manager
and secretarjf-treasurer. The firm manufacture
knit underwear, making a specialty of goods in that
line for women and children. He was one of the
incorporators (and the only one now living) of the
Bristol Savings Bank, and has been a director thereof
ever since its organization in 1870; was also one
of the incorporators of the Bristol and Plainville
Tramway Co., of which he has since been a director ;
also one of the original stockholders in, and for
many years a director of, the Bristol JMfg. Co., and
is still a stockholder therein.
Shortly after the war of the Rebellion Mr.
Pierce, in the course of business transactions, be-
came owner of a large plantation at Mt. Meigs,
near Montgomery, Ala., and as a result became
deeply and practically interested in educational work
among the colored people. We say "practically in-
terested," for he was one of the incorporators and
a trustee of the "Colored Institute" at Mt. IMeigs,
the organization of which institution, in 188S, was
due largely to his efforts and those of his family,
all of whom took deep interest in the work ; he has
been president of same since its organization. The
"Colored Institute" educates about 300 pupils an-
nually, most of whom become, themselves, educa-
tors, teaching the common branches in the institute,
and Mr. Pierce is having a dormitory added to the
school, which he expects to have finished by Septem-
ber, 1900. About seventeen miles from ]\Iontgom-
ery is his plantation, comprising some 1,800 acres,
with residence thereon, a remarkably fine property,
in which he takes great pride. He has thirty-three
families (colored) living thereon, and raises chiefly
cotton and corn.
Mr. Pierce is firm in his political convictions, as
an uncompromising Democrat, and though at no
time an office seeker, has served as justice of the
45
peace, assessor, and in various town offices, the only
really political office ever held by him being that of
post master (in 1840) at Pierce Hill, Ala., the post
office being now known as Pierce. Socially he was
in his younger days affiliated with an 1. O. O. F.
lodge ; for many years he has been a consistent mem-
ber of the Congregational Church of Plainville, as
was also his wife and the entire family.
In September, 1837, Mr. Pierce was united in
marriage with Henrietta Lydia Thompson, who was
born in 1815, a daughter of Alonzo and Tryphena
(Rich) Thompson, of Bristol, and a brief record
of their children is as follows: (i) The eldest
died in infancy; (2) Antoinette Cora married Rob-
ert Cleveland Usher, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere. The mother of these died Oct. 8, 1847,
and Oct. 8, 1850, Mr. Pierce married Pamelia Fran-
ces Thompson (sister to his first wife), who was
born in 1830, and died in November, 1895. The
children born to this union were: (l) Frank
Noble died at the age of ten years; (2) Henrietta
Frances in 1885 wedded Edward H. Rogers, of
New Haven, and they have two children, Elizabeth
Townsend Rogers, and Pierce Edward Rogers;
(3) one child died in infancy; (4) Bertha Thomp-
son was married in 1886, at Liverpool, England, to
William Emerson Peck, of New Britain, an exten-
sive exporter, with residence in New York, and they
have one child, Helen Marjorie; (5) Minnie Louise,
(6) Harriet E., and (7) Helen j\Iay are unmarried;
and (8) Edward N., Jr. died at the age of three
weeks. The family have a summer home at Sachem
Head, Mr. Pierce's cottage being one of the first
built there. Pie constructed and opened Pierce
street in Plainville, and has erected a large number
of houses in the village.
Mr. Pierce is quiet and domestic in his
habits, broad and liberal in his business dealings,
and has attained success mainly through his good
judgment and practical common sense. He has at
all times been highly popular with his fellow towns-
men because, in a great measure, of his kindly na-
ture; and, particularly, has he received, during the
half-century he has been connected with the Plain-
ville Manufacturing Co., the cordial esteem and
good-will of its large force of employes. A straight-
forward, honorable man, he has secured the con-
fidence and respect of all who know him, and has
many warm personal friends.
GEORGE EDMUND BIDWELL is one of the
leading farmers and representative citizens of East
Granby, and while not an old resident of that town,
he has during his residence there secured a prom-
inent place among its better class of citizens.
Mr. Bidwcll was born in Canton, Hartford
county, Dec. 21, 1858, a son of Albert F. and Hen-
rietta R. (Pike) Bidwell. The family is one of
the oldest in Hartford county, being founded here
by John Bidwell, the pioneer tanner of the Colony
of Connecticut, who came to this region with the
706
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hooker part}-, and whose tanyard stood on an island
in what is now Bushnell Park, Hartford. His de-
scendants were pioneers of Canton. Our subject's
father was a native of that town, and in its district
schools obtained his education. Later in life he
became one of the thrifty, progressive and success-
ful farmers, as well as one of the highly-respected
citizens. He lost his father when quite young, and
his death occurred in 1874. As a Republican he
took quite an active interest in political affairs, and
he filled the offices of selectman and assessor. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Congregational
Church. His wife, a .native of western Conneci-
cut„ and a daughter of Hiram Pike, is still living,
and continues to reside in Canton. In their family
were five children: Mary, who died at the age of
twenty years ; Hiram P., who was for over fifteen
years superintendent of the Canton Creamery, and
died at that town in 1892; Frederick A., who pur-
chased the interests of the other heirs in the old
homestead in Canton, where he still ■ resides ; George
E., our subject; and Thomas S., a farmer of
Canton.
George E. Bidwell began his education in the
district schools of his native town, and among his
early teachers were Susie Barber and Ellen Adams.
He also attended the Connecticut Literary Listitute,
Suffield, Conn., one year, and subsequeetly took a
course at Hannum's Business College, Hartford.
His father died when he was quite young, and at
the age of fifteen years he commenced earning his
own livelihood as a farm hand. He was an excep-
tionally good workman, and at that age was able
to do a man's full share of labor. He was thus em-
ployed until the first year after his marriage, when
he commenced operating a farm on shares, and in
April, 1883, he came to East Granby, taking up his
residence upon his present farm, which was then
known as the Chauncey E. Viets farm. It com-
prises 147 acres of rich and arable land, and is con-
sidered one of the best farms in the town. The
buildings upon the place are much above the aver-
age, and the residence is supplied with many mod-
ern conveniences. The land is highly productive,
and the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm in-
dicates the careful supervision of a skillful and pro-
gressive farmer and a man of good busiiiess abil-
itv and sound judgment.
On Jan. 5, 1882, Mr. Bidwell married Miss Min-
nie Bristol, who was born in Canton, Sept. 15, 1861,
and is the eldest child of Anson W- and Sarah E.
(Williams) Bristol, honored and highly-esteemed
•citizens of that town. She was educated in the
district and select schools of her locality, prepared
herself for teaching, and successfully taught two
terms, one in the Canton Center primary school and
one in the W'est Hill district. She is an intelligent
ladv, and an excellent wife. Mr. and Mrs. Bidwell
have one child, Jasper W., a promising young man,
who is now attending the Hartford high school.
The Republican party finds in Mr. Bidwell a
stanch supporter of its principles, and he is a rec-
ognized leader and adviser of the party in his sec-
tion of the county. While not a politician, he has
been called upon to serve his fellow citizens in vari-
ous official capacities. In 1895 he was elected to
the State Legislature, and was the first man who
ever represented the town with so short a residence
therein. He has also served as first selectman, and
on the school committee. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., at
Granby, and of East Granby Grange, No. 12. Flis
wife is a member of the Congregational Church.
HENRY ALBERT COLVIN, the well-known
foreman of the Scitico mills of the Hazard Powder
Co., was born in Enfield, Sept. 22, 1857, a son of
William S. and Charlotte (Rose) Colvin, natives of
Houston, England, who came to America in 1846,
and located in Hazardville. There the father was
killed by an explosion in the mills of the Hazard
Powder Co., Sept. 13, 1858.
Our subject was reared in Enfield, educated in
its public schools, and at the age of twelve years
began life as an employe in the packing department
of the mills of the Hazard Powder Co. At the age
of sixteen he was given full charge of that depart-
ment, and in that capacity he served for eight years.
He then went to Warren, Mass., to learn the ma-
chinist's trade, and after serving an apprenticeship
of one year at that place went to New Haven. Re-
turning to Hazardville, he was in the employ of
Gordon Brothers one year, and the following year,
1887, again entered the employ of the Hazard Pow-
der Co., painting kegs four years, and then work-
ing in the glazing department six years. Since
1897 he has held his present responsible position as
foreman of the mills at Scitico, and is one of the
most trusted employes of the companjr.
On Oct. 6, 1881, Mr. Colvin was united in mar-
riage with Miss Grace, daughter of Rev. R. New-
ton and Rhoda (Dickens) Parsons, of Enfield, and
of English origin. By this union four children have
been born: Charles H., Royal R., Gertrude I. and
Rhoda C.
WILLIAM ARTHUR HITCHCOCK, the well-
known and popular secretary of the Upson Nut
Co., of Unionville, is a native of Connecticut, born
July 30, 1859, in Cornwall, Litchfield county.
Reuben Hitchcock, grandfather of William A.,
was born in New Milford, Conn., and when a young
man settled in Cornwall, Conn., where he followed
his trade, that of tailor, and passed the rest of his
days, dying in 1870. He married and had a fam-
ily of eight children.
Elmer Hitchcock, father of William A., was
born in 1826, at Cornwall, Conn., and he also learned
the trade of tailor, which he followed in Cornwall
and Bridgeport, Conn. In 1838 he opened a shop
in tlie first-named place, in i860 moving to Sharon,
Conn., and there continuing in business until 1869,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
707
ill which year he settled in Unionville, where he
followed his trade until 1896, since when he has
lived retired. Ehner Hitchcock married Alary
Gorman, and to them were born children as fol-
lows: William A. ; Nellie II., wife of W'illard Baker,
by whom she has one daughter, Mildred; .Mary A.,
wife of Edgar Dunham, by whom she has one
daughter, Gladys; and Emily G., wife of Clayton
Dunham, brother of Edgar (above), who has one
son. W'illard.
William A. Hitchcock, the suliject of this sketch,
is deserving of more than average credit for the
manner in which he has succeeded in liusiness. He
may be regarded as a representative selfmade man,
having worked his own way tlirough life to his pres-
ent enviable position. His earlier education he ob-
tained at the rural schools, and supplemented same
with a course of study at the L'nionville High
school. When fifteen years old Mr. Hitchcock en-
tered the employ of the Union (now Upson) Nut
Co., at Unionville, as office boy, in which capacity
he remained until promoted to invoice clerk, later
to bookkeeper and traveling salesman. In 1897,
on the death of Mr. Frisbie, he was appointed sec-
retarv of the company, which position he is now
holding.
Mr. Hitchcock has always taken a commenda-
ble interest in public improvements ; was one of
the promoters of the present water supply system
of L'nionville, and is the present treasurer of the
Water Co. For several years he was engaged in
mercantile business in Unionville as a clothier and
carriage dealer, and was also largely interested in
the insurance business. He has, however, disposed
of all these interests, and is giving his undivided
attention to his work in connection with the Upson
Nut Co.
In 1890 Mr. Hitchcock v,-as united in marriage
with Miss Emily J. Boyle, of Gaspe Basin, Quebec,
Canada, a daughter of John and Emily Boyle. She
was educated in Albany, N. Y., also in Pennsyl-
vania, and for several years followed the profession
of teacher in Unionville and in the public schools
of Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock have one
daughter, Ada Taylor, born in 1892. The parents
are members of the Congregational Church, and
in politics he is a Republican, but he has never
aspired to office.
JAMES AND ROBERT BAWN, farmers and
tobacco growers of Suffield, are two highly-re-
spected brothers who were born in the parish of
Dromare, County Down, Ireland, and are now
among the most prosperous as well as popular citi-
zens of the town of Suffield. They are the sons
of Robert and Isabella (jMcCutcheon) Bawn, who
were the parents of five children : Annie, still in
Ireland ; !Mary, the widow of John Carr ; James and
Robert, whose names open this paragraph ; and
Joseph, who died in Suffield, Conn. The mother
of these children died in her native land, where the
father still is engaged in farming. Mrs. Bawn was
highly respected, and died in the faith of the Pres-
byterian Church, of which the father is still a de-
vout member.
James Bawn was born March 9, 1851, was edu-
cated in the national sciiools of Ireland, and at the
age of twenty-seven years decided to come to the
United States. He sailed from Liverpool, Eng-
land, landing in New York, went thence to Pitts-
burg, Penn., where he remained but a short time,
and then came to Suffield, Conn., where he found
employment as a farm laborer with G. H. Fuller at
$14 per month, and continued to work at this class
of labor until 1892, earning a lesson in American
methods of agriculture as each year passed. In
the year last named he and his brother Robert, of
wdiom further mention will be made later on, pur-
chased their present farm of no acres, then known
as the P. R. Allen farm, on which they built the
barns, tobacco sheds, etc., and engaged in their pres-
ent employment. James Bawn is unmarried. He
possesses a happy and genial disposition, and has
made many friends.
Robert Bawn, brother of James, was born June
9, 1856, received a common-school education in the
old country, and left his native land at the age of
twenty-three years. On arriving in Suffield, Conn.,
he found first employment with W^ C. Hastings,
as a farm hand, and continued as such, for him and
others, until 1892, when, having been frugal and
industrious, he was able to join his brother in the
purchase of the farm. In August, 1894, he mar-
ried Miss j\Iary Edger, also a native of County-
Down, Ireland, and a daughter of John Edger, a
highly-respected agriculturist.
The Brothers Bawn are Republicans in politics,
and James is a member of the Loyal Orange Asso-
ciation. They are members of the Congregational
Church, are temperate and hard-working, progres-
sive, honorable, and a credit to the land they
live in.
CHARLES FAYETTE GRISW'OLD. A son
of Tliomas, and a lineal descendant of Micliael Gris-
wold, who was one of the earliest settlers of
Wethersfield, in 1645, his genealogy may be found
elaborated in detail, in the biography of his brother
Thomas Newton, on another page. He was his
father's third son, born at Griswoldville, March
22, 1836, and his experience in early life did not
greatly differ from that of his brothers. A course
in tlie district schools of Wethersfield was followed
by attendance at the East Hampton academy and
at the South School in Hartford. His scholastic
training completed, he remained with his parents
upon the farm, learning to follow and love the life
of an agriculturist, and devoting especial attention
to seed culture. It was the policy of his father to
associate his sons with him in business, and in due
time Charles F. became a member of the firm of
Thomas Griswold & Co. For thirtv vears he re-
708
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tained his partnership, but in 1886 sold his interest,
to devote liimself to farming. He tool-c up his resi-
dence upon the farm on wliicli he now resides, but
which he has since then greatly improved. His
specialties are seed-growing and dairy farming, in
both which lines he has been singularly successful.
For several years he was superintendent and man-
ager of the Spring Brook Creamery, and is still a
stockholder in the concern.
Mr. Griswold is a man of simple tastes and un-
assuming manners. He is a lover of home life,
and his habits are domestic and temperate. His
temperament is genial and his impulses kindly, easily
winning friends, and retaining them by virtue of
the affection and respect which his character in-
spires. He is a devoted and thoroughly consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and active
in all departments of religious work. For several
years he has taught in the Sunday-school, and for
forty years has been its superintendent. He has also
been a member of the church choir. He belongs to
the Wethersfield Grange, as does also his daughter
Bertha. He is a strong supporter of the principles
and measures of the Republican party, but has never
sought official preferment.
On Dec. 30, 1865, he was married to Miss Caro-
line D. Hale, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy
(Church) Hale, of Wethersfield. Four daughters
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Griswold : Bertha
Hale, Edith Gertrude, Caroline Augusta and Miriain
Church. All the Misses Griswold graduated from
the Wethersfield Academy and the Hartford High
school, and the eldest. Miss Bertha Hale, took a
special course of study at Mount Holyoke, Mass.
For many years she has been a teacher in the
South Hartford high school, and all of her younger
sisters — Edith G. and Caroline A. and Miriam C.
— have also had experience as school teachers. Miss
Edith Griswold is at present (1899) employed" as
a stenographer in the Travelers Insurance Office, at
Hartford. Caroline Augusta married George Buck-
ley, of Rocky Hill, and is the mother of one child,
George Grant. Miriam Church Griswold, the
youngest of the four sisters, early gave evideitce of
possessing a voice of rare quality. She received a
course in vocal culture under the tuition of Miss
Bissell, a noted instructor, of New York City. As
a vocal and instrumental musician. Miss Miriam
Griswold has achieved rare proficiency and no little
reputation, and is a soloist at St. Mark's Episcopal
Church, in New York.
The Hale family, of which Mrs. Griswold is a
member, is of English descent, and justly lays claim
to the honor of having been among the earliest
settlers of Connecticut. Her grandfather, Joseph
Hale, removed from Glastonbury to Oswego, N. Y.,
where for several years he was a distinguished
medical practitioner, and a highly respected citizen.
He married Sarah Moseley, who bore him four
children : Joseph, Horatio, James and Christopher.
Joseph Hale, Mrs. Griswold's father, was born at
Oswego, N. Y., but removed to Wethersfield in
early manhood, and there spent the remainder of
his life. He married Lucy, a daughter of Jona-
than Church, of Springfield, by whom he was the
father of seven children. Elizabeth, the first born '
of this union, died single. Lt:cy, the second child,
was twice married, her first husband being Dr. A.
Churchill, and the second Dr. S. Kelley. Mary
Ann became Mrs. James Bradford. Joseph and :
John (twins) are both deceased. Caroline D. mar- \
ried Charles F. Griswold, and Robert Blake mar-
ried and lived in Wethersfield, where he died.
JAMES MADISON DOW. The branch of the
Dow family to which this well-known resident of
Hartford belongs is collaterally related to that of
the late Neal Dow, the eminent temperance agitator
and reformer, although of a different line. Mr.
Dow also follows in the line of temperance, having
never tasted tobacco or one drop of intoxicating
liquor.
Mr. Dow's birthplace was the town of Wash-
ington, Maine, where his father, John K. Dow,
was born in 1795. His grandfather, Peter Dow,
was a native of the same locality, although his home
was in the town of China. Both Peter and John K.
Dow were thrifty farmers, and men of prominence
and influence in the communities in which they re-
sided.
John K. Dow at the age of seventeen was on duty
in the war of 1812, as one of the coast guards. Po-
litically he was a Democrat, and held several offices,
among which was that of school commissioner. In
religious faith he was an earnest and consistent
Baptist. He was a man of keen intelligence and
excellent judgment, to which he joined an integrity
unassailable and incorruptible. It was the custom
of his neighbors to make him their confidant and
counselor, and for many years he was the "guide,
philosopher and friend" of all who were in per-
plexity or trouble. He was twice married, his first
wife being Miss Martha Ames, and his second
Hannah Boyington, the daughter of a farmer, and
the mother of the gentleman who is the subject of
Ihis biographical sketch. To the first marriage were
born four sons and two daughters, all of whom are
deceased : Phineas, George Washington, Thomas,
Maria, Julia Ann, and Waterman (one of the "ar-
gonauts" of '49). The second Mrs. Dow also bore
her husband six children : John W., Ensign D.,
James M., Leander A., Alfred M. and Henrietta.
Henrietta died at the age of two years, and the two
elder sons are also deceased. Alfred M. is be-
lieved to have been murdered by the Indians in
California, although his fate is not certainly known.
Leander's home is in Minneapolis, Minn. John K.
Dow passed away Sept. 3, 1872, having passed more
than his allotted threescore years and ten. Flis wife
had died eighteen years before, on Aug. 7, 1854.
James M. Dow was born Dec. 9, 1834. His
father's farm was situated some three miles from
iJ
lJI^
{^^^'^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
709
tlie village of Washington, and his attendance at
school was necessarily rather desultor}-, although he
became firmly grounded in his knowledge of the
elementary English branches. At the age of
eighteen he left home, going to the city of Rock-
land, Maine, where he duly apprenticed himself to
Jeremiah Swift, to learn the joiner's trade. After
serving a two-years' apprenticeship he worked for
Mr. Swift two years as a journeyman. In April,
1857, he wen.t to Minneapolis, but in July, 1859, re-
turned East, locating at Hartford. Here he was ver-
ily a "stranger in a strange land," yet he possessed
pluck and determination which were not easily
daunted or discouraged. He reached Hartford
on Friday, and on jMonday following he went to
■work in the shops of West & Foley, on High street.
For three years he was one of their most trusted and
valued workmen, and then he undertook, on his own
account, the erection of a hotel on the borders of
Lake Champlain for R. W. Newton ; the responsi-
bility thus incurred was, in some of its aspects, a
grave one, yet he met it with the unflinching deter-
mination and unwavering fidelity which have char-
acterized him through life. His next business ven-
ture was the formation of a partnership with Mr.
Newton, who was himself by trade a mason, the
company being known as Dow & Newton. Both
partners made a trip to Omaha, with a view of meas-
uring the business possibilities and probabilities at
that point, but mutually agreed to return to Hart-
ford. They were associated in business for three
years, when Mr. Dow withdrew, and he has since
had no partner.
Mr. Dow has been eminently successful in busi-
ness, having devoted his energy largely to the buy-
ing of unim.proved real estate, and erecting build-
ings thereon, which he placed upon the market.
He has done much toward the development and
beautifying of the city, and while his motives may
not have been wholly disinterested, Harford owes
him a debt therefor. He has always shown a
generous, wide-awake public spirit, and has time
and again accepted unremunerative offices from a
sense of duty as a citizen. He has always been a
conservative Democrat. From 187s to 1877 he was
annually elected to represent the Seventh ward in
the lower branch of the city council, and for the
next four years was chosen alderman. As a mem-
ber of the municipal legislature he was honest, con-
servative and influential, and was given several im-
portant chairmanships, among them that of the com-
mittee having supervision of the fire department.
He was also placed at the head of the special com-
mittee charged with the onerous task of removing
the old Trinity College building from the present
Capitol grounds ; was a member of the committee
charged with the conversion of the old State House
into the city hall; and in 1893 Mayor Hyde ap-
pointed him deputy inspector of buildings under
John B. Garvie. For a time, Mr. Garvie being in
Europe, he was the executive and responsible head
of this municipal department. In 1897 Mr. Dow
was made inspector by Mayor I'reston, and was
reappointed in 1899. To the discharge of his public
duties he has brought a quickness of perception
based upon practical knowledge, an earnest desire
to serve the people faithfully and well, and an hon-
esty which not even the fetid breath of slander has
successfully impugned. In the administration of
his present office he has introduced various reforms,
looking to both economy and efficiency. Reference
lias been made to his affiliation with the Democratic
party ; it should be mentioned in the same connection
that he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, in
1856, and voted for y\braham Lincoln in i860. Fol-
lowing the faith of his ancestors, he is an attendant
at the Baptist Church. In Masonry he takes a
deep interest, being one of the charter members of
the Masonic Temple Association. He is a past
master of Hartford Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M.;
Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17, R. A. JiL, of which he
has acted as trustee for many years ; a member of
Wolcott Council, No. i, R. & S. AI,; and of Wash-
nigton Commandery, No. i, K. T. He has been
for twenty-seven years a member of the Order of
the Eastern Star, in which he has held all the princi-
pal offices, including that of grand patron of the
Grand Chapter of the State.
, i\Ir. Dow married Miss Mallie E., daughter of
Solomon Benncr of Waldoboro, Maine, and he is the
father of two daughters: Etta M. and Lizzie M.,
both unmarried and living at home. The elder has
been for many years a successful and valued teacher
in the Hartford public schools. The younger is
bookkeeper at the building inspector's office.
EDWIN TRACY CARRIER is a native of
Colchester, New London Co., Conn., born Aug. 11,
1837, the son of a farmer, and he was reared upon
his father's farm. When he was seven years old
the family removed to East Haddam, at which place
Edwin T. passed his early j-outh.
At the age of sixteen Mr. Carrier went to
Middletown, where he found employment in the
manufactory of Hubbard Bros. After two years
thus spent he returned home, and contracted with
his brother-in-law to serve an apprenticeship of
three years to the tinsmith's trade. The compen-
sation agreed upon was $35 for the first year, $45
for the second, and $75 for the third. At the end
of the first year his brother-in-law disposed of the
business to a ^Ir. Boies, who hired young Carrier at
the rate of $60 for the first year and board, $120 for
the second year, and $180 for the third year. He
continued in this employment for three years, when
he removed to North ^lanchester and began work
for E. B. Hibbard, \\'ithin eight months his em-
ployer opened a branch establishment at South Man-
chester, for the convenience of Cheney Bros., who
required a very considerable amount of tinware
and plumbers' work, and Mr. Carrier had given such
satisfaction in his subordinate position that he was
710
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
selected to take charge of the South Manchester
branch of the business. He continued to conduct
Mr. Hibbard's South Manchester store for two
years, and in 1862 began business for himself, in
a very modest way, opening shop in the basement
of the old Cheney store, where he handled stoves
and tinware, although most of his time was devoted
to doing plumber's work and tinning for the Cheney
Bros.' silkmills, and for the papermills of H. E.
Rogers and Bunce & Sons. He was reasonably
successful, yet continued to occupy his original store
in the basement until 1869, when he began business
in the store which he now occupies. His present
building covers a space 86x26 feet in dimentions,
and a part is three stories in height. Here he car-
ries an extensive line of hardware, stoves and
plumbers' materials. In addition to this line of busi-
ness, he purchased (in 1884) the Horace Bidweh
papermills, which he operated for ten years, until
the plant was destroyed by fire.
Mr. Carrier was married, Oct. 20, 1859, to Miss
Sarah Bidwell, of Glastonbury, a daughter of Eras-
tus and Fanny Bidwell. Their union has been
blessed with four children : The eldest, Jennie, is
the wife of William H. McNicoll, of New York.
The second child, George, is deceased. The third,
Frederick, was educated as an electrician, but later
engaged in business with his father, and on July 5,
1895, met with an accident, while riding upon a
bicycle, which resulted in his death. The youngest,
Frances M., lives at home.
South Manchester has few more public-spirited
citizens than Mr. Carrier, and few who have done
more for the upbuilding and improvement of the
town. He has built four large tenement houses
on Wells street, and two on School street. He has
prospered greatly in business, entirely through his
own energy, industry and integrity, and owns a
farm of sixty acres in the town of Bolton, Tolland
county, besides other valuable real and personal
property. He is an earnest member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a trustee
for fifteen years. In politics he is a Republican.
EDSON FRANCIS WOOD, the popular pro-
prietor of the "Edson House," of Plantsville, is a
native of Hartford county, born in Wolcott Nov.
29, 1845, a son of Francis and Phylettia (Nichols)
Wood, natives of Prospect and Wolcott, Conn., re-
spectively. His patei-nal grandfather, Thomas
Wood, was a native of Ireland, and a farmer of
Prospect and Wolcott; he married Celesta Clark.
His maternal grandfather was Erastus Nichols, a
farmer of Wolcott, whose wife was Rachel Pardee.
Francis Wood, the father of our subject, was a
machinist, which trade he followed in Waterbury,
Conn., in early life, and for thirty years prior to his
death was in the employ of Clark Brothers & Co., of
Milldale, and the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of
Plantsville. He died in 1888, at the ripe old age
of seventy-six years. In his family were five chil-
dren who reached years of maturity : Mary J., wife
of Walter S. Atwood; Josephine, wife of Henry
W. Atwood; Edson F. ; Louisa, wife of Reuben C.
Barnes; and George.
Our subject was reared in New Haven county.
Conn., where he received a common-school educa-
tion, and he worked twenty-six years at the ma-
chinist's trade with Clark Brothers & Co., of Mill-
dale, also with the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of
Plantsville, Conn., and Cleveland, Ohio, spending six
years in the latter city. In August, 1889, he embarked
in the hotel business in Plantsville, in which he has
since successfully continued. His hotel has become
a favorite resort with the traveling public, and re-
ceives a liberal patronage.
Mr. Wood has been twice married, his first wife
being Miss Jennie Pierpont, a daughter of Ezra
and Hannia (Skinner) Pierpont, of Waterbury,
Conn., and to them was born one son, Herbert Ed-
son. For his second wife he married Miss Annie
Taylor, daughter of Joseph Taylor, of England, and
to this union one daughter has been born, Ethel E.
Fraternally Mr. Wood affiliates with the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of
Pythias ; politically he is identified with the Re-
publican party.
FRANKLIN ARTHUR NOTT, an efficient
aiid trusted employe of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., of Berlin, was born in the northern part of
that town, Dec. 23, 1856, and is descended from one
of its oldest and most highly-respected families.
Frederick Nott, his father, was born July 17,
1833, in Berlin, near the birthplace of our subject,
and died Oct. 23, 1896, his remains being interred
in the Beckley Quarter. He met with fair success
in his farming labors, and became well-to-do. His
political support was always given to the men and
measures of the Democratic party. In 1855 he mar- '
ried Martha A. Snow, who was born Jan. 3, 1833,
and died March 30, 1885, being laid to rest in the
same cemetery as her husband. Our subject's pater-
nal grandfather, Jonathan Nott, a farmer, married
Prudence Belden, of Rocky Hill. Both are now
deceased, and are buried in the Beckley Quarter.
Upon the home farm Franklin A. Nott grew to
manhood, and acquired his education in the Beck-
ley school. On leaving school, at the age of four-
teen years, he entered the employ of Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Co., and remained with them about seven
years, in the meantime becoming a contractor in the
plyer department. Later he was with the Hart,Bliveu
& Meade Co., of Kensington, for about a year, and
then returned to his old employers, as contractor in
saddlers' punches for a year. At the end of that
time he began learning the machinist's trade, and
served a regular apprenticeship. Subsequently he
was with Eaton, Cole & Burnham, of Bridgeport,
for a short time, and then, on account of failing
health, he returned to the home farm in Berlin,
where he remained almost a year. Mr. Carpenter,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
711
supci'intoiulcnt oi the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.,
tlicii persuaded him to return to their employ for a
month. Though at the time he did not wish to
go, he has since remained with them. At the end
of a year and a half he was made foreman and
superintendent of the motive power of the whole
shop, and is now most capably filling that respon-
sihle position. He gives to the business his undi-
vided attention, and by close application has worked
his way upvvard until he is now one of the most
trusted employes of the company.
Mr. Nott was married, Sept. 20, 1882, to Miss
; Isabel Haddon, who was born in New York City,
Sept. 2, 1855, a daughter of William Absalom and
\ Sophia (Crockett) Haddon. The mother is now
living in P.rooklyn, N. Y., but the father is deceased,
: and is buried in Greenwood cemetery, that city. Our
i subject and his wife have one child, Franklin
! Arthur, who was born Aug. 11, 1887, and is now
' attending the East Berlin schools.
In early life Mr. Nott was a Democrat in poli-
tics, but he has been a supporter of the Republican
party since the second election of President Cleve-
land. He has always been too busy to take a very
active part in political affairs. He is a member of
Washington Lodee, No. 81, F. & A. M., of Crom-
well, and of Giddings Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M.,
of New Britain, and both lie and his wife belong
to the Second Congregational Cliurch of Berlin.
Thev are widely and favorably known, and have
manv friends in the community where they make
their home.
CHARLES W^\TSON \TBERT. Tobacco
growing is the branch of agriculture to which the
subject of this sketch, a well-known farmer of South
Windsor, has for many years devoted his chief
attention. In the pursuit of this special line of
work he has been eminently successful, and bis
long experience has made him an expert and an
authority upon tlie subject. He plants annually
about sixteen acres in tobacco.
Mr. Vibert is a native of the town of wliich he
is now a resident, born Oct. 20, 1851, son of Joseph
W. and Eveline (Clark) Vibert. He was reared on
the farm, and remained with his parents until he at-
tained his majority, receiving a fair common-school
education and acquiring the habits of industrj', per-
severance and thrift which are the mainstay of the
successful American farmer.
In 1876 Mr. Vibert was married to ?*Iiss Mary
E. King, daughter of Henry M. and Frances
(Forbes) King, both members of old Hartford
county families. Mr. and Mrs. ^'il^ert have three
children : Emma, Frances and Eveline. Soon after
his marriage Mr. Vibert settled upon the farm,
which he has since successfully cultivated, and is
regarded by the connnunity in which he lives as a
careful, enterprising and successful farmer. In
politics he is a Republican, and on Oct. i, 1898,
he was elected first selectman of his town upon the
ticket of that jiarty. He is a member of the high
school committee.' Mr. \ibert is a member of
Evergreen Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M.
IVINS DUDLEY NOTT, a well-known citizen
of East Berlin, who is in the emplov of the Peck,
Stow & Wilcox Co., was born on the Nott home-
stead in the town of Berlin, Feb. 23, 1871, and is
descended from one of its oldest and most highly
respected families.
Frederick Nott, his father, was born in the
same town, July 17, 1833, and died Oct. 23, 1896,
his remains being interred in the Beckley Ouarter.
He met with fair success in his labors, and became a
well-to-do farmer. His political support was always
given to the men and measures of the Democratic
party. In 1855 he married Martha A. Snow, who
was'born Jan. 3, 1833, and died March 30, 1885,
being laid to rest in the same cemetery as her hus-
band. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Jonathan
Nott, a farmer, married I'rudence Bclden, of Rocky
Hill. Both are now deceased, and are buried in the
Beckley Ouarter.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth upon
the home farm, and was educated in the Beckley
Quarter schools. After leaving school, at the age
of fifteen years, he worked on the farm until March,
1890, when he went to learn the machinist's trade
with tlie Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., by whom he
is still employed. He continued to reside on the old
homestead until ]\Iay, 1899, -Adieu he removed to
Wilcox avenue, East Berlin, where he now lives.
On Sept. 9, 1890, Mr. Nott was united in mar-
riage with Miss Gertrude i\Iay Crossley, who was
born Nov. 2, 1873, a daughter of John and Alice
(Chapel) Crossley, of Berlin. Her father died
Jan. 3, 1887, and was buried in Hartford, but her
mother is still living, and now makes her home in
New Haven, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Nott have three
children : Ivins Dudley, born April 9, 1892 ; Martha
Alice, July 4, 1895; and Eudora Agnes, July 5.
1899. The eldest is now attending the Berlin
schools.
Mr. Nott usually affiliates with the Republican
party, but at local elections supports the men whom
he believes best qualified to fill the offices, regard-
less of partv ties. He is a prominent member of St.
Elmo Lodge, No. 21, K. P., of New Britain, of
which he is at present chancellor commander. He
had formerly filled the office of vice-chancellor.
He is also a member of the Dramatic Order,
Knights of Khorassan, known as the side rank of
the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to Lexington
Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F., in which he has also
filled office. He attends the Methodist Church, while
his wife holds membership in the Congregational
Church of Danbury.
SAMUEL AUGUSTUS HILLS, a self-made
man in the full sense of the term as applied to men
who raise themselves from poverty to affluence, was
712
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Nov. i, 1837, in the house where Christopher
Hills now lives, in East Hartford, Hartford coun-
ty, a son of Talcott and Laura (Brewer) Hills —
family names frequently to be found within the
covers of this volume. Our subject's grandpar-
ents, Everson Hills, and wife, each lived to attain
the advanced age of ninety-tlu-ee years.
Talcott Hills was born Feb. q, 1803, on South
Main street, in the house now occupied by Mr.
Coleman, and was by trade a carpenter. To his
marriage with Laura Brewer, daughter of Reuben
Brewer, seven children were born : Elizur, who
was a soldier in the Civil war; Lucius, who died
in early manhood ; Owen, also deceased ; Laura,
who died in youth; Samuel A., the subject of this
sketch ; Christopher, who married Miss Harriet
Parsons, and is a resident of Hockanum ; and Ed-
son, who died when a young man. The father
died Feb. 22, 1869, aged sixty-six years.
Samuel A. Hills received but a limited educa-
tion, having been, as he remarks, "too poor to go
to school." At an early age he worked at anything
he could find to do, at which he could make an
honest dollar, and for two years was a hand on an
oyster-boat running between Hartford and Long
Island. 'At the age of sixteen years he began
learning the bootmaker's trade, with his brother
Owen, and of this trade he made a success, as he
continued in it until he was thirty years old, when
he bought a farm on Silver Lane, now owned by
Mrs. Brush. He cultivated this place over three
j'ears, and then, with his savings as a shoemaker
and his profits in farming, purchased from James
Lewis Brush a tract of three and three-fourths
acres of his present farm, which he has increased,
through his untiring industry and frugalit}', to
eighteen and one-half acres, and on this productive
farm, made so by his close attention to its cultiva-
tion, he erected, in 1883, his present handsome
dwelling house.
In 1861 Mr. Hills was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Risley, who was born Nov. 22, 1837,
a daughter of Caleb and Jane (Warren) Risley.
To this marriage there came one child, Cora, born
in 1863, and now the wife of Simon Geiselman, a
prosperous young farmer ; their union has been
graced with one child, Samuel Hills Geiselman.
Politically Mr. Hills was formerly a Democrat,
but of late years has voted with the Republican
party. He has never cared for public office, his
farming interests being more enticing to him than
the meretricious fame or the uncertain emoluments
resulting from official employment, which, at the
best, is only ephemeral with the man who is truly
honest. Fraternally he is a member of the Putnam
Phalanx.
Although Mr. Hills descends from the earliest
colonists of Connecticut, he is not vain as to his
pedigree, but prides himself on being a self-made
native-born American, which title to-day is para-
mount to that claimed- in ancient days by those
who had the right of calling themselves "Roman
citizens." Honest to the core, hard-working and
self-made, as has been stated, he scorns hypocrisy,
adulation and sycophancy, and probably this is the
best of his many other good qualities.
ROSWELL ALCOTT NEAL. From among
the institutions which crown the industries of pro-
gressive communities rise men of commanding in-
fluence, who may be described as the flower of their
times. Possessing to a superlative degree those
qualities which gather force in great movements,
these leaders fitly tj'pify the genius of their times.
From out New Engand have arisen the most famous
manufacturing interests of the country. Large indus-
trial businesses have been created which have be-
come world-wide factors of progress. One of these
has been the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of Southing-
ton, known wherever hardware is sold. In its crea-
tion, and during the crucial and formation stages of
its growth, there stood at its head a man so filled with
energy and determination, so fearless in exectition
and unerring in judgment, so distinctively repre-
entative of the master mind in modern manufacture,
that the destinies of the large interests entrusted
to him were assured. He was an eminent and
typical product of a New England ancestry.
Roswell A. Neal was born in New Hartford,
Conn., in January, 1821, son of Elisha and Naomi
(Frost) Neal. Through both his paternal and
maternal ancestry he desceiided from early Con-
necticut pioneers. He was of the sixth generation
from Edward and Martha (Hart) Neal, early set-
tlers of Westfield, Mass. Edward, their son, set-
tled at Southington, Conn. John Neal, son of Ed-
ward, was the great-grandfather of our subject,
and was born Oct. 28, 1719. John Neal, the grand-
father of our subject, was baptized in Southington
June 16, 1754, married Phcebe Judd, and died Feb.
6, 1831. Elisha Neal, the father of Roswell A.,
was a clock-maker of Southington, possessing in
marked degree the machanical skill which made
famous the products of his shop wherever intro-
duced.
On his mother's side Mr. Neal's American an-
cestry begins with Samuel Frost, from whom he
is of the fifth generation, namely: (I) Samuel
Frost, born in England in 1704, migrated to Amer-
ica, served in the French and Indian wars, married,
March 21, 1733, Naomi, daughter of Edward and
Mary (Thorp) Fenn, of Wallingford. He died
on Wolcott Mountain Nov. 14, 1800. (II) David,
born Sept. 15, 1743, married Nov. 5, 1762, Mary,
daughter of Joseph and Experience Beach, of Wall-
ingford, and lived on Wolcott Mountain. (Ill)
David Frost, born March i, 1767, married Oct. 23,
1791, Mary Ann, daughter of David Hitchcock,
and died March 18, 1850, on Wolcott Mountain.
(IV) Naomi Frost was the mother of our subject.
The educational advantages of Roswell A. Neal
were meager. It was always to him a source of re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
713
gret that his opportunities were so liniitod. But
the schooling- he received was of its kind most thor-
ough, and the practical atTairs of life which were
everywhere insistently present gave direction to
liis growth and development. His first employment
was in his father's clock-making shop, a not un-
common industry in Connecticut at that time, the
products finding a wide market throughout the
United States by means of young and enterprisirg
salesmen, or peddlers, as t'hey were then known.
At nineteen young Neal found employment on a
farm in Bristol, Hartford county, where he remained
two years. Attaining his majority, he launched
out for himself in a clock selling trip to Maine,
met with fair success, and from his savings laid the
foundation of his fortune. He started in business
a little later in partnership with -\I. \V. Atkins, of
Bristol, as manufacturers of steelyards. This part-
nership was dissolved in 1849, i" which year Mr.
Neal removed to Southington, wliich was his liome.
continuously from that time to his death. At
Southington he became connected with a firm which
three }'ears later was formed into the Peck-Smith
J\Ianufacturing Co., and here he found his life
work, devoting to the business the executive and
commercial powers which had been steadily ex-
panding under his previous experience. In 1861
he was elected president of the company, a position
which he held until the company, in 1870, became
absorbed in the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., to which
he was also called as president.
Several competing firms had located at South-
ington and vicinity, and the idea of consolidation
and greater financial and industrial strength took
root and grew. During the period from 1849 to
1870 the capital of the Peck-Smith Manufacturing
Co. had grown from $50,000 to $150,000, and under
the most capable management of Mr. Neal it had
been most prosperous. The dividends were gen-
erous and regular. During one year one hundred
per cent, was paid, another year sixty per cent.,
and for several years twenty-five per cent, was the
regular dividend to the owners. The Peck, Stow
& \\ilcox Co. was incorporated under the laws of
Connecticut in 1870, with a capital stock of $635,000.
This was at various times increased until at the
time of Mr. Neal's retirement from the presidency
in January, 1S87, it had reached $1,500,000. From
1870 to 1884 Mr. Neal continued the active direct-
ing, being the executive head, but during the last
three years of his official connection with the com-
pany his health compelled him to relinquish many
of the more exacting duties. He had given to the
advancement of the compan)^ the same untiring
zeal and industry which had characterized his pre-
vious work. H^e had wide experience and vast
resources of energy and 'determination. Under his
management the business increased rapidly, and by
the division of labor the cost of production was
considerably reduced. After thirty-five years of
active business life he, in 1887, when warned that
his physical powers were failing, tendered his resig-
nation, and lived in retirement until his death,
which occurred Aug. 15, 1891.
Mr. Neal was a splendid type of the New Eng-
land manufacturer, eminently progressive, keeping
apace if not ahead of his competitors. He was
courteous and frank, always did as he promised, and
the trade had confidence in his word. He was full
of hope and encouragement. He was an excellent
judge, both of character and of trade conditions.
He had strong convictions, detested shams and pre-
tenses, won and deserved confidences, and was
courageous enough to voice and act his opposition
to trade methods which he believed unfair and un-
just. He was a strong, close friend, but could be
an unrelenting enemy. Of plain speech, with simple
and unassuming manners, he was easily approached
and unpretentious in every way, being a man of
the people, and in touch and sympathy with his
fellow men. At times stern, his heart would melt
at the bare recital of a story of injustice or suffering.
He was massi\e, without adornment, honest in
heart and soifl. With pluck and perseverance he
overcame all obstacles, never suffering defeat, and
never resting until his aim was accomplished. He
laughed at failure, feared no competition, and had
the confidence of a victor entering the arena to win.
Conscience and courage were his capital. He was
content to be and appear what he was. His memory
was tenacious of facts and details. He spoke with
directness and to the point. He was a stanch friend
of education and of the schools, for a number of
years serving as president of the board of trustees
of the high school at Southington, and his children
were educated in the best schools of the State,
liis mind remained unclouded to the last, and his
death brought to the touTi a feeling of personal
loss.
In religious belief Mr. Neal was a Baptist, de-
nominational but not sectarian. He was a liberal
giver, and charitable in the highest degree. Though
not much of a partisan politician, he usually voted
the Democratic ticket, and four times represented
the town in the State Legislature. He was public-
spirited and identified with many hardware manu-
facturing" companies, having been a number of
years president of the Southington Cutlery Co., the
rUtna Nut Co., the ^tna Matcli Co.. and the South-
ington National I ank, and a director in other banks,
insurance companies and corporations.
Mr. Neal was married, April 14, 1846, to Miss
Eunice, daughter of Lloyd and Charity (Cramp-
ton) Atkins, and she bore him six children: Mary
E. (Mrs. Theodore McKenzie) ; Lloyd O. ; Joseph-
ine N. ; Stephen D. ; Julia T. ; and Fanny.
STEPHEN D. NEAL, the efficient and popu-
lar general manager of tlie /Etna Nut Company, of
Southington, was born Feb. i, 1861, in that town, a
son of Roswell A. and Eunice (Atkins) Neal, a
sketch of whom is given above. Tlie paternal
714
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grandfather, Elisha Neal, married Naomi Frost,
daughter of David and Mary Ann (Hitchcock)
Frost. He lived in Southington and New Hart-
ford, Conn., and in Otsego, N. Y., later in life re-
turning to Southington, where his death occurred.
His father, John Neal, was a son of John Neal, Sr.,
and grandson of Edward Neal, who made his home
in Southington, and there died in 1768. Edward
Neal was a son of Edward Neal, Sr., an early set-
tler of Massachusetts, who married Martha, daugh-
ter of Edmund Hart, and located in VVestfield, Mass.,
where his children were born and where he died.
Lloyd Atkins, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was born Oct. 22, 1780, and was married
Oct. 22, 1823, to Charity Crampton. His father,
Samuel Atkins, was born Jan. 17, 1750, and was
married in 1773 to Eunice, daughter of Rev. John
VVightman. He died in Bristol July 2, 1830. He
was a son of Thomas Atkins, who was born in
VVallingford, Conn., April 22, 1716, and was mar-
ried Feb. 8, 1738, to Mercy, daughter of Eleazer
Aspinwall, of Farmington. In 1733 he located in
Southington, where he died in 1790.' His father,
Benoni Atkins, was born in 1690, and was mar-
ried Aug. 20, 171 5, to Esther Hall, of Wallingford.
He also removed to Southington in 1733, and there
died April 28, 1756. He was a son of Thomas At-
kins, an early settler of Hartford, who located in
'East Hartford in 1682, and died Oct. 23, 1694.
During his boyhood and youth Stephen D. Neal
pursued his studies in the public schools of his na-
tive town, and in the Connecticut Literary Institute,
Suflield, where he was graduated in 1881. For ten
years he was in the employ of the Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Co., of Southington, and for five years was
secretary and purchasing agent for the company, but
since Aug. 4, 1896, he has held his present respon-
sible position, that of general manager for the iEtna
Nut Company, to the entire satisfaction of the firm
and all concerned.
On Jan. 17, 1884, Mr. Neal was united in mar-
riage with A'liss Grace Waud, a daughter of Mar-
maduke and Jennie (Moule) Waud, natives of
New York and England, respectively, and late res-
idents of Boston, Mass. To this union has been
born one son, Roswell A. Religiously Mr. Neal is
a member of the Baptist Church; politically he is a
Republican. He has taken quite an. active and in-
fluential part in public affairs, was v/arden of his
borough two terms, and a member of the board of
burgesses several years. He is quite prominent in
social circles, and is a member of Friendship
Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M.; Triune Chapter, No.
40, R. A. M. ; Wonx Tribe, No. 28, I. O. R. M. ;
the Order of United American Mechanics ; and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
ROGER W. SHERMAN, general truckman
and contractor, Hartford, was born in East Hart-
ford May 18, 1857, son of Mason W. and Susan
(Sessions) Sherman.
The first of the Sherman family of whom there
seems to be any authentic record is PhiHp Sher-
man, who was born in Dedham, England, in 1610,
and came to Portsmouth, R. I., where his son, Peleg
Sherman, was born in 1636. Peleg Sherman had
a son Peleg, Jr., born in 1666 in Portsmouth. From
him descended Caleb Sherman, whose son, David
Sherman, married Abigail Slade. Their son. Mason
Slade Sherman, born in 1783, at Pomfret, Conn.,
was married Feb. 22, 1820, to Evelina Whittemore,
who was born Dec. 29, 1796. They had two chil-
dren. Mason Wales and Mary Wells. Mason Wales
Sherman, father of our subject, was born Jan. 5,
1822, and married March 11, 1849, Susan Sessions,
who was born at Pomfret, Conn., Sept. 10, 1819,
and by whom he had children as follows : Maria,
deceased; Alice; Hattie; and Roger W.
Roger W. Sherman spent his earlier years in
Hartford. He was educated at the common schools,
and as a boy commenced with his father in the
trucking business. He was taken in as a partner, the
firm becoming M. W. Sherman & Son in 1891. In
1889-1891 he was in New York in business for him-
self. Since 1899 he has practically managed the
concern alone, although the firm name remained
unchanged up to April i, 1900, when it became
Roger Sherman. It is the oldest established busi-
ness of its kind in the city, and next to the largest,
giving employment to some sixty horses and thirty
men. Besides the general trucking business Mr.
Sherman does a large amount of contracting, which
alone gives employment to over one hundred men.
In April, 1887, Roger W. Sherman was married
to Minnie Wilton, who was born in Brooklyn, N.
Y., a daughter of William C. Wilton, editor and
publisher of books and pamphlets. One child, Wil-
ton W., has been born to this union.
In politics Mr. Sherman is independent, but in
National issues usually votes the Republican ticket ;
he served in the common council one term, and then
declined further nomination. Socially he is a mem-
ber of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., of the Council
and Chapter, and is identified with the B. P. O. E.
In religious faith the family are identified with the
M. E. Church, the services of which they attend.
EDWARD HAMILTON BROCKETT, a pro-
gressive farmer and tobacco grower of the Meadow
Plain District, town of Simsbury, was born June 9,
1854, in the district in which he still lives, and is
a member of an old-settled family of the town.
George Hamilton Brockett, grandfather of our
subject, was a blacksmith, and followed his trade in
Simsbury and Canton until his death. His wife's mai-
den name was Moses. Their only child, James Evlyn
Brockett, received a good district-school education.
Being quite young when his parents passed away,
he began early to work out as a farm hand, for
Elihu Case, and on reaching his majority bought
the Deacon Amasa Case farm, of about one hun-
dred acres, improved it greatly, and carried on gen-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
715
I eral farming, tobacco growing and the raising df
dairy stock. He married Sarah Cordelia Case,
daughter of Horatio G. Case, of Meadow Plain, and
to this marriage were born five chiklren : Annie,
who was married to Wheeler Case, of West Sims-
Inuv : Charlotte, still single; Nellie, wife of Samuel
D. Alford, of Avon; Edward H., the subject of
I this sketch ; and Belle, who is married to Arthur
I Woodford. Mr. Brockett, the father of this fam-
ily, was first a Whig and then a Republican, and
represented his district in the General Assembly
of Connecticut in 1871 ; he also served as select-
man, and in several other local offices. He was
liberal in his views on religion. Fraternally he was
a charter member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Col-
linsville, and was greatly esteemed by all his fel-
low citizens. His death look place on his farm in
1884, his widow surviving until January, 1898, when
she expired at the age of seventy-eight years. .
Edward H. Brockett was educated in the school
of his district, and at a select school in Granby,
and has always had his home at the old homestead.
Since his father's death he has been engaged in
tobacco growing and general farming, and has made
many improvements on the place. In 1876 Mr.'
Brockett married Miss Caroline Elizabeth Bradley,
who was born in East W'eatogue, and is a daughter
of Justin A. and Caroline (Humphrey) Bradley,
and a granddaughter of Capt. Oliver Bradley. They
have had two children, Mary A. and George B.
]\Iary A., who was educated in the district school,
the Connecticut Literary Institute, and Wilbraham
(Mass.) Academy, is now the wife of Charles
Rowe, an oyster planter of New Haven. George
B. was educated in the district school, the Plain-
viUe high school, Stone's Agricultural College, and
the Hartford Business College.
Airs. Brockett is a descendant, maternally, of
another of the old and respected families of Hart-
ford county, the first of the name to settle here
having been iMichael Humphrey, who married Pris-
cilla Grant. John, his eldest son, married Hannah
Grifiin, and their son, Deacon John Humphrey, who
was born Nov. 18, 1O71, married Sarah Mills,
widow of John Mills, and daughter of John Petti-
bone, and died Dec. 31, 1732. Michael Humphrey,
son of Deacon John, was born in November, 1703,
in Simsbury ; he was a deacon in the church, a
selectman, a justice of the peace, town clerk of
Norfolk, Litchfield county, and representative in
the General Assembly from that town, where he
was engaged in the manufacture of leather. He
married Mercy Humphrey, daughter of Jonathan
and Mercy (Ruggles) Humphrey, and died Oct.
21, 1778. Hon. Daniel Humphrey, son of Michael,
was born April 10, 1730, was a prominent lawyer
in his day, was a delegate to the convention that
ratified the Federal Constitution, was a member of
the General Assembly of Connecticut for several
years, and was also a justice of the peace; he died
Aug. 27, 1813, and his wife, Rachel Phelps, who
was born in Simsbury Dec. 12, 1742, a daughter
of Hon. David and Abigail (Pettibone) Phelps, died
Sept. 23, 1S09. Dudley Humijhrey, son of Hon.
Daniel, was born Aug. 17, 1784, was a school
teacher, surveyor, assessor, justice of the peace,
county commissioner (for four years), member of
the Legislature (several terms), and judge of pro-
bate. He was a farmer at East Weatopue. Fra-
ternally he was a Freemason, lielonging to the
lodge at Simsbury. He married Phebe Case, who
bore him ten children: Flosea, i'hilemon, Jarvis,
Amorctte, Phebe, James, David, Daniel, Caroline
and Aurelia. Caroline, daughter of Judge Dudley
Humphrey, was married to Justin Andrews Brad-
ley, son of Capt. Oliver and Hannah Bradley, and
became the mother of Mrs. Brockett.
Hon. Edward H. Brockett was for years a
member of the board of relief, and in 1S94 was
elected a member of the State Legiskiture, in which
he served on the Insurance committee; at present
he is a riiember of the town school board. He is a
stockholder and director in the Avon Creamery.
In politics Mr. Brockett is a stanch Republican.
He is liberal at heart, yet is public spirited, and aids
in forwarding every measure calculated to advance
the public good, and in consequence enjoys the es-
teem of the entire comnnmity.
TIMOTHY EDMUND GRISWOLD, an old-
time farmer of Bloomfield, was born Nov. 9, 1838,
on his present place, and descends from one of the
oldest of New England's pioneer families. His
genealogy may be traced back to 1607, as follows :
Cicero Griswold, father of our subject, was born
on the same farm, in Bloomfield, July 15, 1807, was
married Nov. 15, 1837, to Sarah E. Goodrich, who
was born IMarch 22, 1813, to which marriage were
born Timothy E. as above, and Sarah E., Dec. 15,
1840. The latter was first married to Charles D.
Brown, afterward to a Mr. Blackwell, and of the
former further mention will be made in full. Mrs.
Sarah E. Griswold passed away Jan. 20, 1891, and
Cicero Griswold, who had lived all his days on the
home farm, died Nov. 27, 1894 He was first a
Whig in politics, then a Republican, and was a
member of the Congregational Society.
Noah Griswold, father of Cicero, and grandfa-
ther of our subject, was born in the town of Wind-
sor, Conn., Sept. 10, 1771, and died Oct. 8. 1849.
He married, Alarch 13, 1794, Rhoda Pinney, who
was born May 11, 1773, and died April 3, 1865.
Their children were eleven in number : Lavinia,
born Dec. 30, 1794, died Sept. 9, 1798; Julia, born
May 29, 1796, died April 25, 1810; Lucinda, born
Feb. 16, 1798, married Hay den G. Peck Dec. 9,
1825, and died Jan. 15, 1867; Lavinia (2), born
Aug. 23, 1800. married Luther Pierce, Oct. 23. 1836,
and died in February, 1887; Rhoda M., born Nov.
9, 1802, married Hiram Thrall, and died March 6,
1872; Aurelia, born Jan. 17, 1805, was married
to Harvey Allen; Pamelia (twin of Aurelia; died
716
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Oct. IS, 1825; Cicero was born July 15, 1807; Julia
C, born Oct. 23, 1810, married Samuel Alford
March 17, 1836, and died Oct. 22, 1895; Noah, Jr.,
born Feb. 28, 1814, died in December, 1894; and
George W., born May 13, 1816, died Oct. 15, 1898.
Noah Griswold, great-grandfather of our subject,
born Sept. 11, 1722, first married Abigail Griswold,
and (second) Mindred Griswold, and became the
father of six children : Elisha, Aurelia, Frederick,
Noah, Toba and Lydia.
Matthew Griswold, great-great-grandfather of
our subject, born Feb. 25, 1686, married Mary
Phelps June 6, 1709, and to this marriage were
born : Mary, Jerusha, Lucy, Matthew, and Noah.
Josiah Griswold, great-great-great-grandfather
of our subject, born March 12, 1647, married Mary
Gaylord, July 14, 1670, and died Nov. 14, 1716, the
father of five children : Mary, Joseph, Francis,
Matthew, and Abigail.
Edward Griswold, the great-great-great-great-
grandfather of our subject, was born in England in
1607, and in 1630 married Margaret , who died
Aug. 23, 1670. Edward Griswold was attorney for a
Mr. St. Nicholas, of Warwickshire, who had a house
built in Windsor, Conn. Mr. Griswold came to
America at the time of the second visit of George
Fenwick, who' came in the interest of the owners
of the Warwick land patent, and he first located in
Windsor, but in 1649 removed to his land grant at
Poquonock, Hartford county, at that time an out-
post settlement. He took an active part in public
affairs, was the deputy from Windsor to the General
Court, and was the principal promoter of the set-
tlement at Hammonasset, organized in 1667 as the
town of Ivenilworth, and now called Clinton. He
was the first deputy from that town, and was piagis-
trate and representative for more than twenty years.
He was particularly active as a member of the Leg-
islature, and in 1678 was a member of the commit-
tee for establishing the Latin school at New Lon-
don. He died at Kenilworth in 1691, the father of
■eleven children, born in the following order : Sarah
1631; George, 1633; Francis, 1635; Lydia, 1637;
Sarah, 1638; Ann, 1642; Mary, 1644; Deborah,
1646; Joseph, 1647; Samuel, 1649; S-^id John, 1652.
Timothy E. Griswold, the subject proper of
this biographical sketch, passed his boyhood days
on the home farm, attended the district school of
his town and the public schools in New Britain.
On April 30, 1862, he married Miss Sarah A. Barn-
ard, daughter of Harrison Barnard, of Bloomfield,
and the three children of this union were as fol-
lows : Edmund T., born Jan. 31, 1864, married
Carrie S. Wells, April 15, 1891 ; Addie E., born
May 10, 1869, died March 4, 1870; and Frederick
C, born Jan. 25, 1871.
In 1868 Mr. Griswold removed to the Sally
Brown estate, which he had bought, and on this
he remained until 1891, when he returned to the
old home; his two sons reside on the Brown farm,
where they passed their boyhood days, and the fam-
ily have resided in the north middle district of
Bloomfield through four generations. Mr. Griswold
is an ardent Republican in politics, and has served
his fellow townsmen as selectman and as a member
of the board of relief. Fraternally he is affiliated
with Hiram Lodge, No. 98, F. & A. M., at Bloom-
field, of which he is a past master, and he is also the
master of Tunxis Grange, P. 'of H. He is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Society of Bloomfield,
and no name in the county is more highly honored
than that of Timothy Edmund Griswold.
CARLTON BURDETTE IVES, proprietor of
a well-equipped meat market at No. 113 Main street,
Bristol, where he also handles game, vegetables,
canned goods, etc., was born in that town, Dec. 31,
1855, and is a son of Enos Byron and Aurelia E.
(Jones) Ives.
Enos B. Ives, father of Carlton B., was born
Oct. 8, 1827, on a farm in Peaceable street, Bristol,
was educated in the district schools and tlie Bristol
Academy, passed through the usual routine of a
fai-mer lad's life, did some little stonemasonry when
still young; for many years was in the butchering
business, and in the latter part of active life worked
at joining and other light labor. In 1897 he retired
and is now making his home with his son, Carl-
ton B.
In politics Enos B. Ives was originally a Know-
Nothing, but on the organization of the Republican
party became a member thereof, and under its
auspices served as a member of the district school
committee two terms. In religion he is a Congre-
gationalist. To the marriage of Enos B. Ives with
Miss Aurelia E. Jones, which took place Nov. 4,
1854, were born four children, in the following
order: Carlton B., the subject of this sketch, of
whom much is to be said after something has been
related concerning his ancestors.
Louis Byron Ives, the second child, was born
Nov. 24, 1858, was a wood turner by trade, but
later was connected with his brother, Carlton B.,
in the meat trade. On Dec. 8, 1887, he married
Miss Mary Lewis, of Waterbury. To this marriage
were born two children: Morton, Jan. 2, 1892,
and Margaret, Feb. 21, 1893. The father, Louis
Byron, was called from earth Dec. 19, 1896, and
his remains were interred in Waterbury, where his
v/idow still resides with her children.
Edward Keys Ives, the third of the four chil-
dren of Enos B. Ives, was born Feb. 12, 1870, and
is a bookkeeper for Taylor & Sons, lumber dealers
of Hartford. He married Gertrude Allpress, of
Bristol, but has no children.
Orrin Francis Ives, the }roungest of Enos B.
Ives' family, was born May 25, 1873; he is a clerk
in Charles Rapelye's drug store at Hartford.
Mrs. Aurelia E. Ives was a daughter of Ed-
ward K. Jones, was born April i, 1833, and died
Nov. 4, 1891, her remains being interred at Bristol.
Gideon Ives, great-great-grandfather of Carlton
L^^^^(^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ri7
P.. Ives, was of English extraction, if not birth, and
with three brothers — Enos, Amos and Reuben —
was among the carhest to locate at Wallingford,
although he and Enos later removed to Bristol. One
of the early cx]K'riences of Gideon was an encounter
with an Indian on Eall jNlountain, in which the
savage was killed. The red man had been track-
ing Mr. Ives and Jesse Gaylord through the forest
all day, while they were out hunting, but before he
could take the scalp of either, himself "bit the dust"
— but it i^ not definitely known which of the white
men did the killing.
Enos Ives, great-grandfather of Carlton B., was
born in Bristol Oct. 25, 1754. He was verj' in-
iluential in town affairs — served in the Revolu-
tionary army, became a constable and justice of the
peace, and was quite active in public matters gen-
erally. In October, 1774, he married Miss Eunice,
daughter of Titus Merriman, of Meriden, Conn.,
and this marriage was blessed with six children,
as follows: Keturah, born Aug. 7, 1778, died Sept.
29, 1840; Eunice, born March i, 1780, died June
12, 1843; Charles Granderson, born Oct. 20, 1781,
died May 6, 1867 ; Sarah, born Sept. 24, 1789, died
April 20, 1835; Enos, Jr., born May 21, 1793, died
Aug. 13, 1866; and Orrin, born Sept. i, 1797, died
March 9, 1867. Enos Ives, the father, passed away
March 9, 1830, his wife on May 16, 1832.
Orrin Ives, grandfather of Carlton B., and
spoken of in the foregoing paragraph, was born on
the Ives homestead on Peaceable street, Bristol,
Conn., and was a lifelong farmer. He married,
Dec. 23, 1824, JNIiss Angeline Peck, a daughter of
Samuel and Hannah Peck, which union resulted in
the birth of two children, the elder of whom was
Enos B., father of Carlton B., and of whom a
brief notice has been given above, and the younger,
Orrin Burdette, was born Aug. 23, 1830. He mar-
ried (first) Gertrude Hawley, and (second) Alice
H. Hawley, and died in South Carolina April 18,
1896, on his way home from Florida, whither he
liad gone for the benefit of his health. In politics
he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and in re-
ligion he was a Congregationalist.
_ Carlton B. Ives, whose name opens this bio-
graphical notice, attended the schools of his native
borough until sixteen years of age, and then served
a two-year term at learning wood turning with H.
A. & A. H. \\'arner. For the next two years he
was in the employ of the Union Hardware Co., at
Torrington, as a wood turner, then for about eight
months worked for Hiram C.Thompson, clock move-
ment manufacturer inBristol. He was next employed
for several months by his uncle, Orrin B. Ives, as a
clerk in a clock, jewelry and crockery store, and
finally engaged in his present line of trade bv en-
tering the meat market of W. E. Strong, at the
same stand still occupied at No. 113 Mani street.
After working for a year for Mr. Strong, the two
formed a partnership and bought out John Elton,
on the North Side, where thev conducted a meat
market for nine months. They then re-sold to
Mr. Elton, and returned to the old stand on Main
street, where for a short time Mr. Ives again worked
for W. E. Strong; M. L. Gaylord and Mr. Ives
then formed a partnership and bought out Mr.
Strong, conducted the business together about three
years, when Mr. Ives bought Mr. Gaylord's inter-
est, and has prosperously carried on the business
alone up to date. Besides this business he is one
of the directors of the Serpentine Paint Comxjany.
Carlton B. Ives and Miss Louise C. Michael
were happily joined in marriage May 26, 1886.
2^Irs. Louise C. Ives was born in New Britain Oct.
21, 1861, a daughter of Christian Michael, and has
borne her husband two children: Harry Lee, July
8, 1888, and Myrtle Aurelia, April 21, 1892. The *
family attend the Baptist Church, and fraternally
Mr. Ives is a member of Pequabuck lodge, I. O. O.
F., and of the E. L. Dunbar encampment ; he is
also a member of the A. O. U. W. In politics Mr.
Ives was a Republican until 1896, when he began
to sympathize with the Free Silver movement ; how-
ever, he gives politics, as a rule, but little attention,
although at present he is treasurer of the town of
Bristol. He is interested in the upbuilding of his
town, and is the owner of considerable property
there. Personally he and his family are very high
in the esteem of the neighbors, and as a business
man his name stands without a stain.
HENRY THOMAS HART, an old resident
and one of the most respected of Burnside, town
of East Hartford, was born in Aledford, Mass.,
Jan. 3, 1828, and is the only son of Thomas Pass-
more Hart by his first marriage.
Thomas Passmore Hart was born in New
Hampshire about i8oi, learned the hatter's trade,
and married Lois AlcClure, who was also born about
1801, and was one of a family of thirteen children.
By this marriage were born two children : iMary
Passmore (who died in infancy) and Henry T.
(subject of this sketch). iNIrs. Lois Hart passed
away Dec. 25, 1831, and Thomas P. afterward mar-
ried Mary Riggs, who was born in 181 1, and died
in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Sept. i, 1846, having borne
Mr. Plart one child, Martha E., who was born in
Oxford, Conn., was married to B. K. Bullock, and
now lives in Provo City, Utah, and is the mother of
thirteen children. Thomas Passmore Hart died
about the year 1836, leaving behind an untarnished
name.
Henry T. Hart was but four years of age when
iiis parents brought him to Connecticut, and in Ox-
ford, Watertown and Seymour he received his pri-
mary education ; as he was only eight years old
when he lost his father, his subsequent opportuni-
ties for attending school were not altogether abun-
dant or profuse, although he did attend three
months in the year after he had been bound out,
to an old farmer who had been a sea-faring man.
With this man young Hart remained five or six
718
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, receiving rather rough treatment, and being
compensated with his board and clothes and the
few months schoohng already mentioned. His
hours of labor were from 5 130 A. m. until 8 130 p. m.
His first summer under this worthy was a memor-
able one. The old fellow used to have his young
apprentice thrash rye on the barn floor, setting a
rapid pace and expecting the little lad to hold it.
Though the apprentice used a boy's flail he naturally
soon tired. At the first signs of letting up the
captain would yell at him as though he was calling
to a lookout in the foretop. This would spur the
youngster for five minutes. As soon as he began
to flag again the old skipper would shy a bundle of
rye at him, knocking him out of the door. It was
amid such Spartan training as this that young Hart
passed his boyhood.
At the early age of sixteen years Mr. Hart be-
gan learning the trade of joiner, receiving $48
per year besides instruction, and he remembers that,
about this time, men would work a whole day for
three pounds of salt pork. His first work was in New
Haven, and some of the earliest was on the old State
House, when the State had two capitals. He re-
calls the advice of a fatherly overseer, who sought
to direct his ambition correctly by saying: "Learn
first to do work well, Henry, and then do it as fast
as you've a mind to;" this has since been a motto
with Mr. Hart. In 1848 he went to Enfield, Conn.,
to build the first Congregational church, and then
he entered the employ of the Hazard Powder Co. as
millwright. He stayed with Col. Hazard until
1856, in which year he came to Burnside to enter
the employ of the Goodwins. About his first work
was on the building of the house of George H.
Goodwin. He also worked in the "Middle" mill,
but this the Goodwins closed in 1857, when Mr.
Hart went to Hartland to work on dairy farm land
which he had just bought. Two years later he sold
out, and went to Buckland to the Goodwin paper
mill, to make repairs and take the position of mill-
wright. He then followed his trade of joiner, and
worked two summers with P. Garvan. Later he
was millwright for Cheney Brothers, with whom he
stayed until 1865. In that year he removed to
Burnside, to take charge of the building of the
lower mill for Hanmer & Forbes. With this firm he
stayed as millwright until 1875, in which year he
opened a genei'al country store, continuing same
until February, 1893. During this time business
increased so as to require the services of five men
instead of two, and three horses instead of one.
His store was burglarized in all eight times, and in
two months, by two other robberies, he lost a gold
watch and $600. President Arthur appointed him
postmaster in 1883, and the duties of this office he
discharged at his store. In 1889 Mr. Hart bought
the Bliss farm, and has since added to it, his landed
property now consisting of thirty-nine acres. In
1891 Mr. Hart opened his commodious coal-yard.
This is supplied by a spur track from Burnside
station, and in it he keeps a stock of the best Le-
high Valley hard coal. His business is constantly
increasing, as he delivers promptly the best coal
at lowest prices.
The marriage of Mr. Hart took place Dec. 2,
1849, to Miss Harriet Emmons, a daughter of
Warren and Harriet (Case) Emmons, highly-re-
spected farming people of Flartland. This lady was
born Aug. 24, 1825, and after a happy married life
of nearly a half-century's duration was called to
the better land Nov. 11, 1895, her remains now rest-
ing in the cemetery at East Hartford. The mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Hart was blessed with four
children: Martha Ella, born Nov. 25, 1852, in En-
field, was married Sept. 25, 1895, to Osborne W.
Moody, a native of New York, and is now living
in Burnside; Orrin H., born Nov. 14, 1854, died
Aug. 3, 1895, and is buried in East Hartford ; Hen-
rietta Passmore, born Oct. 20, 1857, and Eva Har-
riet, born Dec. 23, 1865, are single, and making
their home with their father.
Fraternally Mr. Hart is an Odd Fellow, having
joined the Somerville Lodge when a young man,
and is also a Good Tempar. Politically he was a
Democrat until the close of President Franklin
Pierce's administration, then, in 1857, joined the
Republican party, to which he has steadfastly ad-
hered ever since. Although averse to office hold-
ing he has served several terms as justice of the
peace 'as a matter of public duty, as he felt it to be,
the office, in fact, being thrust upon him; through
similar incentives he served eight years as a member
of the district school committee. Mr. Hart is truly
a self-made man, from a business point of view, and
his long and useful life sets an example well-worthy
the emulation of the rising generation.
EDWARD T. THOMPSON is a leading mer-
chant of Unionville, whose success in life is due to
his own energy and the high ideal which his lofty
and laudable ambition placed before him. Success
in any walk of life is an indication of earnest en-
deavor and persevering effort — characteristics that
he possesses in an eminent degree.
A native of the county, Mr. Thompson was born
in Avon June 11, 1861, and is a son of Anion
Thompson, who was also born there. The grand-
father, Alson Thompson, was at one time one of the
most prosperous farmers of Lovely street, Avon.
He married Miss Sally Hart, of that town, and to
them were born four children : Mary, deceased wife
of a Mr. Peck; Anion; Sarah, deceased wife of
John A. Merriman, of Unionville; and Emeline,
wife of Charles Merriman, of Litchfield, Con-
necticut.
Anion Thompson has spent all his life in his
native town, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
now resides on the old David liawley farm. He
married Jane Woodruff, a daughter of Moses Wood-
ruff, of Avon. She died in 1878. They had five
children : Jennie, deceased ; Emma, wife of Edson
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■19
I.. IVrkins, of Lilclificld ; George, deceased: Ed-
ward T., our sulijcct ; and Lexa. wife of Dr. H. 11.
l-'enn. of Litclificld.
In the puljic schools of Avon Edward T. 'riionip-
Mjii acquired a good practical education. At llie
age of sixteen years he began his business career
as a clerk for C. T. Georgia, in Unionville, and re-
mained with him for four years. During the fol-
lowing four }cars he was similarly employed by
A. S. Hart^ & Co. ; then followed the carpenter's
traile in Litchfield for about a >ear ; and later
clerked in the grocery store of C. S. llunce, on
.X'orth Main street, Hartford, for two years. Sub-
sequently he had charge of the circulation of the
Hartford Telegram for two years, and at the end
of that time came to Unionville, where he was en-
gaged in the grocery and fish business in the Mer-
riman block for five years. For two years he
worked for L. Sauer, in the meat business, and dur-
ing the following three years was in the employ of
M. C. Woodford, whom he succeeded in business
March 28, 1899. He carries a large and well-
selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, notions,
eic, and is building up an excellent trade. At his
]3resent location his father's cousin, Marcus Thomp-
son, was engaged in the general mercantile business
i'i>r over thirty years. Socially Mr. Thompson is
a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. He was married, in Avon, to Miss Nettie
Rc.xroth, of Canton, Conn., and they have two chil-
dren : Lucile and Georq-e Edward.
}
FRANK ROBERTS, a prominent and progres-
,^ive farmer of East Hartford, and a descendant of
"ue of the oldest families in Hartford county, was
li'>rn I-'eb. 12, 1854, on the farm on which William
Roberts now resides, and is a son of Ira and Char-
lotte Corinthia (Cowles) Roberts, whose five chil-
dren w'ere born in the following order : Charles W.,
George (died in infancy), Martin, William, and
Frank (the subject of this sketch).
l-'rank Roberts, after finishing his education in
the public schools, returned to the farm where he
:is born, and a part of which he has ever since dili-
,L,cntly and intelligently cultivated. On Aug. 22,
1876, he married Miss Ida F. TefTt, a native of
Xew Haven, born March 2, 1856, daughter of
Richard and Jennie Warner (Wolcott) Tefft, the
former of whom is now deceased ; the latter makes
her home with Air. and Airs. Roberts. One child,
I'rank T., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts June
22. 1S77. ^""^l still resides under the parental roof.
Mr. Roberts has a fine farm of thirty acres in
Silver Lane, which he devotes chiefly to the culti-
vatirin of tobacco, invariably realizing profitable
crops. In politics he is a Republican, but has never
been an office seeker, although very popular in his
town, as well as elsewhere. He has. however, filled
the office of past regent of East Hartford Council,
No. 1237, Royal Arcanum, and has three times
been luaster of East Hartford Grange. He is a
thorough business man, keen and far-sighted, is
favorably and widely known, and stands very high
in the esteem of his immediate community.
FREDERICK (i. HUMl'llREY, a leading agri-
culturist at Canton Center, is thoroughly progressive
in his methods, and has made a marked success in
dairying and tobacco growing. Of late he has
become interested in horticulture, also, and a fine
peach orchard gives promise of a good reward for
his efforts in this line.
Mr. Humphrey belongs to one of the well-known
families of his locality, and other sketches in this
volume give accounts of his ancestry. His father,
Alfred Franklin Humphrey, was born in New Hart-
ford, (Jet. 8, 1826, a son of George Humphrey, and
a half-brother of Deacon Henry Humphrey, of
Canton Center. On Oct. 12, 1853, Alfred F.
Humphrey was married at Canton Center to Mrs.
Lydia Adams Mills (widow of Anson Garner Mills),
born Nov. 14, 1825, a daughter of Dr. Chauncey G.
Griswold, and four children came of this union :
George F., born Dec. 31, 1854, was married, in
March, 1880, to Ida J. Burr, of Bloomfield ; Fred-
erick G., born Sept. 2, 1856; William G., born May
31, i860; and Hattie L., born Feb. 17, 1864. The
father died March 18, 1898; and the mother is still
living.
Dr. Chauncey G. Griswold, who died in 1864,
was a prominent citizen of Canton, and for many
years was engaged in the manufacture of the well-
known Griswold salve. He was a native of Bloom-
field, and a son of Elijah and Lydia (Adams)
Griswold. For some years of his early manhood
he resided in New York State, but the greater por-
tion of his life was spent in Canton. On Feb.
27, 1817. he married Ruth Mills, who was born Nov.
9, 1792, a daughter of Ephraim and Rosanna ( Foot)
Mills, and a granddaughter of Deacon Joseph
Mills, one of the first settlers at West Simsbury.
They had the following children : Mortimer, born
July 12, 1818, died in infancy: Chauncey Mills,
born Sept. 12, 1819, died June 25,. 1826: Edwin,
born July 3, 1821 : Theodore, born April 23, 1824;
Lydia A., our subject's mother; Augustus Dwight,
born April 3, 1828: Harriet, born Jan. 6, 1831. died
in infancy; Mary Augusta, born May 3, 1832, and
Eliza Hooker, born Aug. 2, 1835.
Our subject received a district-school education,
and also for a time attended the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, at Suftield. He learned the trade
of carpenter and joiner with John E. Wheelock, of
Collinsville, remaining witli him a year and a half,
but after following the trade for some time he de-
cided to devote his attention to farming. For four
vears he rented the Lucia Case farm, and then
bought the E])hraim Mills farm, of one hundred
acres, upon which he has made many improvements.
In addition to the management of his farm he works
occasionally at his trade, building houses and barns
in his localitx-, and he is also connected with the
720
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Canton Center Creamery as a stockholder and di-
rector. As a citizen lie is popular, and he has been
elected to office on the Republican ticket, having
served as assessor and justice of the peace. He and
his famil)r are identified with the Congregational
Church, and socially he belongs to the Knights of
the Maccabees at Collinsville, in which he has been
commander, and to the Grange at Collinsville, in
which he has served two years as master and two
years as overseer.
On March 28, 1878, Mr. Humphrey was mar-
ried to Miss Emma W. Bidwell, daughter of Sher-
man and Betsey (Wilcox) Bidwell, granddaughter
of Sherman Bidwell, and great-granddaughter of
Jasper Bidwell. Thomas Bidwell, Sr., with his
wife, whose name was Ruhamah Pinney, came from
Windsor about the year 1740, and settled in the east
part of New Hartford (now Canton), on the prem-
ises that fell to his son. Deacon Thomas Bidwell,
and later to his grandson, Jasper Bidwell, and said
premises remained in the possession of the Bidwell
family until the year 1886. Of the children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey, (i) Bessie Ruth, born
July 21, 1879, married Lewis Case, and has one
child, Esther; (2) Emma Louise, born April 12,
1881, is at home; (3) Helen G., born June 22, 1884,
is attending the high school at Collinsville; and (4)
Laura B., born Feb. 6, 1886, died Sept. 27, 1886.
DANIEL BROWN GOLDSMITH, the lead-
ing house and sign painter in Bristol, Conn., was
born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., May 17, 1829, and
is a son of Frederick and Ruth (Brown) Gold-
smith, of Connecticut nativity.
Frederick Goldsmith, the father, was a son of
James Goldsmith, who once lived in Terryville,
Conn., the cellar and foundation of his demolished
residence being still visible. James Goldsmith was
the father of four children : John, Frederick, Mar-
tin and Oliver, and with one of these he passed his
declining years in the West. Frederick Goldsmith
was a stonemason and contractor and, in partner-
ship with his brother John,' carried on business in
Waterbury, Conn., where his death took place. To
his marriage with Miss Ruth Brown, daughter of
Reuben Brown, of Waterbury, the following named
family of children was born : Ransom Hobart, who
lived and died in New Haven ; William De Forest,
who died in California; Daniel B., the subject of
this sketch; Franklin E., in the painting business
in New Haven ; Lyman, who died in Taunton,
Mass. ; Eliza, who died in Waterbury, the wife of
Eli Perkins ; Eveline, who died in Waterbury,
the wife of James Adams ; May, who became Mrs.
Bradley, of Wolcott, and died in New Haven hos-
pital ; Hattie Maria, who is married to B. H. Ball,
of West Haven ; Annie, who is the wife of James
Hart, of Waterbury; Ellen, now Mrs. Daniel W.
Morrel, of New Haven; Emily, and two others,
that died in infancy.
Daniel Brown Goldsmith was a mere child when
brought by his parents from Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
to Bridgewater, Litchfield county, Conn., where he
was permitted to attend school in winter, but was
compelled to assist the family by working on a farm
in summer. At the early age of ten years he left
the parental roof and went out into the world to
make a livelihood for himself. As a farmer's boy
he secured position after position, in about the fol-
lowing order : With the Widow Lockwood, in
Bridgewater, two years; with Marcus B. Mallett,
with whom he remained until sixteen years old,
receiving meanwhile some education in the Bridge-
water schools ; with Deacon Timothy Balls, of
Waterbury, for two years; with Deacon Edward
Schofield, one year; he then worked for two years
in the brass wire factory of Samuel Holmes, at
Torrington ; next worked in Holmes' factory in
Waterbury for a short time, after which he worked
a year in a button factory for Sherman Bronson.
After being thus variously employed Mr. Gold-
smith began to learn the painter's trade with Will-
iam H. Mansfield, in Waterbury, with whom he re-
mained about one year, working here and there for
a while, and then for Henry Churchill, at Chicopee,
Mass., for two years ; then for Mason & Stone,
Central Row, Hartford, about two years ; for Bailey
& Blakeslee at Waterbury, about three years ; for
Abel Mason, in New Haven, two years, and for the
following six years carried on business for himself
in the same city, thence removing to Plymouth,
where he conducted business on his own account
for a while. In 1868 he came to Bristol, where
he has since done the leading painting and decorat-
ing work of the borough.
Mr. Goldsmith has twice been married, first, m'
1850, to Ellen M. Chandler, of Granby, Mass., who
died in Bristol in 1883, and her remains were in-
terred in New Haven. She was the mother of three
children: Warren Henry, born April 26, 1853;
Austin Cook, born March 10, 1857, died Sept. 3,
1864; and Olive Cook, born March 31, 1859, died
Aug. 15, 1859. The second marriage of Mr. Gold-
smith took place Nov. 27, 1889, to Miss Jennie A.
Wilson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson,
who still reside in Bristol.
Warren Henry Goldsmith, the eldest child born
to Daniel Brown and Ellen M. (Chandler) Gold-
smith, is a printer by trade, and is at present a
proof-reader on the Boston Globe. He first mar-
ried Miss Dora Palmer, of Collinsville, Conn. ; after
her divorce he wedded Miss Sophia Smith, of
Bridgeport. To this marriage have been born six
children: Arthur Chandler (who died at the age
of three years) ; Lottie, Warren, Frank, Rose and
Everett.
Daniel B. Goldsmith is a member of the Pros-
pect Methodist Episcopal Church of Bristol. In
politics he is a Republican, but has never sought
office. He has been a very hard working man
during his whole life, but is now living in compar-
ative retirement, having acquired a competency.
1
;
J
1
1
tl
^*^*^ (^ --^w^-^^wc
COMMEMQRATJV^E \BJOGRAPMICAL RECORLf.
m
Besides liis own moikrn home, he. owns six others,
all located on Main street Too niucii credit cainn.a
be accorded him as he started in the world penni-
less at the age of ten years.
HAiNNlBAL KEx\T WRIGHT, a prosperous
and respected tobacco grower and general fanner
of Alapleton, town of Suffidd, was bofu at Crooked
Lane, same town, Oct. 25, 1836, and descends from
an old Connecticut family of English extraction.
., John Wright, grandfather of our subject, was
born in llartland, iiarttord couiUy, June 12, 1766,
grew to manhood 'in his. native towuj and in his
earlier adult years followed the sea, sailing between
the ports of the New England coast and Halifax,
Is^ova Scotia, and for several years making his home
in the latter city. Finally he returned to Connecti-
cut and settled on the tract of 150 acres now owned
by Edward Austin, in the town of Suffield, Hart-
ford county, and there passed the remainder of his
life in the successful pursuit of agriculture. He was a
Stanch supporter of the political doctrines of Thomas
Jefferson, but never sought office. He married
Dorothy Sears, who was born March 9, 1765, and
they had a family of thirteen children, two of whom
died in infancy. The names and dates of birtli,.
etc., of the eleven who grew to maturity are as
follows: John, Jan. 27, 1789 (was drowned at sea
in 1815); Harvey, March 23, 1792; Henry,' March
24, 1794; Annie, May 10, 1796 (she married a
Air. Fairfield, of New York State) ; Edward; Oct.
3, 1798 (was a member of the State militia during
the war of 1812) ; Mahala H., May 10, 1803 (she
became the w^ife of Horace Sheldon) ; Warren, Oct.
g, 1805; Cjnthia, Jan. 13, 1808 (died single);
Newell, Feb. 11, 1810; Halsie S., Sept. i, 1812;
Jewett, June 25, 1815. The father of this large
family died INIay 12, 1839, a member of the Baptist
Church, and his remains were interred in the Suf-
field cemetery beside those of his wife.
Hon. Halsie S. Wright, father of Hannibal K.
W^right, was born in the tow., of Suffield, Sept. i,
1812, and obtained a good English education, chictly
through self-instruction. For several years he fol-
lowed the vocation of a school teacher, but finally
Settled on a tract of 120 acres in Sufifield, and was
pne of the first to engage in the cultivation of to-
bacco in the neighborhood. He was also quite suc-
cessful in general farming, and became one of the
well-to-do agriculturists of the town. Fie was
strictly temperate in his habits, and upright in all
his transactions. A Jacksonian Democrat in poli-
tics, he attained a prominent position in his party,
and at one time represented the people of Suffield in
the State Legislature.
Mr. Wright was united in marriage, Dec. 5,
1832, at Suffield, with Miss Amy FI. Kent, who was
born July 21. 1813, a daughter of Comfort Kent,
and to their union were born five children : Nelson
J., who was born July 27, 1834, and died in Suf-
field; Hannibal K., the subject of this sketch; Hal-
'.6
si^.J., bohi( Sdpt. H, 1840, and now a resident of
Kingston, N. M. ; Cynthia Marie, born June 23,
1845, \\dio died in 1800; and Charles II., born in,
1847, 'I'ld now farming in Suffield. lialsie S.
Wright died on his farm Sept. 19, 1869, a member of
the IJaptist CJuirch, and Mrs. Amy H. Wright sur-
vived until June 15, 1880, when she passed away in
the same faith ; her remains were laid to rest beside
those of her husband in the Suffield cemetery.
Scth Kent, grandfather of the late Mrs. Amy
H. Wright, was also a native of Suflield, and a mem-
ber of one of the oldest families of the town. He
was a land owner and farmer, and a citizen of con-
siderable influence, was a representative Democrat in
politics, and a pillar in the Baptist Church. He
married Lucj' Kemington, to which union were born
three sons, Seth, Luther and Comfort, the last
named becoming the father of Mrs. Wright, and the
grandfather of our subject. Comfort Kent was
born on the old Kent homestead, in the town of
Suffield, Conn., near the Massachusetts line, and
there passed his entire life engaged in farming and
stock raising on his tract of 150 acres, and was a citi-
zen of considerable importance. In politics he was
a Democrat. Although very liberal in religious
views, he was a sincere Christian, and a strictly
temperate and moral man. He married Tirzah
Flastings, a native of Hasting's Hill, Conn., and a
daughter of Abijah Hastings, and to this union were
born eight children : Amy H., mother of our sub-
ject; James, deceased; Adeline K., widow of Col.
Simon P. Kendall; Mary A., who was married to
Henry Grosvener, and who, with her husband, is
now deceased; Maria L., married to Sanford Rising;
Charlotte, widow of Horace Halladay ; Ambrose,
who died in infanc_\'; and Luther, now on the old
homestead. The mother of this family passed away
March 24, 1S55, in the faith of the Baptist Church,
and her husband died in the same faith Dec. 2,
1862, honored by all who knew them.
Hannibal Kent Wright, whose name stands at
the opening of this article, was educated in the
public schools of Suffield, in the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, of the same town, and in the Wil-
braham (Mass.) Academy. After finishing his edu-
cation he at once turned his attention to agriculture,
now operating 104 acres in Suffield, Conn., and he
also has landed interests in the town of Agawam,
Hampden Co., ilass. General farming, dairying
and tobacco-growing are the chief objects of his in-
dustry, and he has been very prosperous in all his
undertakings. On Dec. 6, 1859, Mr. Wright mar-
ried, at Hackensack, N. J., Miss Salina Westervelt,
a native of Tea Neck, that State, and a daughter of
Garrett and Harriet Westervelt, of remote Holland
descent. The marriage of Mr. and Airs. Wright
has been blessed with three children : Jewett, a stone
mason of Suffield ; Marie, unmarried and at home ;
and Hattie W., wife of \'an Delinda, of West
Springfield, Mass. In religion Mr. Wright is a
member of the Baptist Church, while Mrs. Wright
722
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
adheres to the Presbyterian faith. In politics Mr.
Wright is a sound Democrat, but has never been
an otfice seel-cer. He is a member of the Grange at
Suffield, takes a decided interest in the prosperity
of his town, and socially, together with his amiable
wife and family, stands very high in the esteem of
his neighbors.
LUCIAN F. NORTH, one of the enterprising
and prosperous farmer citizens of the town of Avon,
is a scion of a family whose members have for sev-
eral generations been identified with the history and
progress of this section, taking a leading part in
public life, and maintaining a high reputation for
integrity and strength of character. They are of
Welsh descent.
Mr. North is a grandson of Joseph North, who
was born in 1783 in what is now the town of Avon,
a son of Deacon Isaiah and Ann North. Here he
, passed his entire life, making his home in Nod,
where for many years he was engaged at the black-
smith's trade, which he learned in his younger days,
his shop being located on the Albany turn-pike, and
he shod the horses that carried the mail and pas-
sengers between Albany, Hartford and Boston. In
1832 he put up a fine stone shop, which is still stand-
ing. In addition to blacksmithing Mr. North car-
ried on agricultural pursuits, owning a farm in the
town, and he was a successful man in a business
way. He commanded the honest respect of all
right-minded men, and was honorable and upright
in all his dealings, earning the good-will of those
with whom he came in contact. His political sup-
port was given to the Democratic party, but he took
no active interest in its workings. Joseph North
married Rebecca Humphrey, who was born in 1783,
daughter of David and Lucy (Marshall) Humphrey,
of Goshen, and granddaughter of Samuel Hum-
phrey, and children as follows were born to their
union : Persey, who married George Phelps ; Eme-
line, wife of George Merrills (he died in Ohio) ;
Edna, wife of Chauncey Ford, residents of Ohio;
Lucy Ann, who married Nelson Ford, and had her
home in Ohio ; Isaiah, who married Harriet Thomp-
on, of Avon; Joseph B., father of our subject; and
two sons who died in infancy May 23, 1821. The
father of these died Oct. 2, 1847, the mother on
April 12, 1864, and they sleep their last sleep in
Avon cemetery. They were worthy Christian peo-
ple, and in religious connection united with the
Congregational Church.
Joseph B. North was born Dec. 31, 1824, on the
old homestead in Avon, and received a practical
education in the district schools of the neighborhood.
He learned the trade of blacksmith with his father,
but he made agriculture the principle business of
his life, and after his father's death he devoted him-
self to the cultivation of the homestead, in addition
to general farming giving considerable attention to
stock raising and dairying. He made numerous
improvements on the place which enhanced both its
appearance and value, and he was a representative
man of his day, taking his place among the intelli-
gent and enterprising citizens of the town. He
served his fellow citizens as register of voters and
in various other local ofilices, and in 1892 he repre-
sented the district in the State Legislature, dis-
playing in every trust a fidelity to duty and execu-
tive ability which satisfied all concerned, and won
him the esteem of his constituents, who were un-
stinted in their praise of his high moral worth. His
honesty and straightforwardness were unquestioned.
Mr. North was married in Avon to Miss Harriet
Gabriel, who was born in 1830, daughter of Phineas
Gabriel, a native of Suffield, Hartford county, who
carried on a mercantile business in Avon. Two
children were born to them, Annie and Lucian F.,
the former of whom became the wife of David Tay-
lor; Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are both deceased. Mrs.
North passed away Sept. 3, 1853, ^t the early a^e
of twenty-three years, and was laid to rest in Avon
cemetery. She was a member of the Congregational
Church, an earnest Christian woman, and her death
was sincerely mourned by all who knew her. Mr.
North survived until Sept. 3, 1896, and he was also
interred in Avon cemetery. He was liberal in re-
ligious matters, and in political faith he was a
stanch Democrat.
Lucian F. North was born March i, 1852, on the
old North homestead at Nod, town of Avon, where
all his life has been passed. During his boyhood he
attended the district schools near his home, com-
pleting his education in the high school of Avon,
and he gained his knowledge of agricultural pur-
suits under his father's tuition, assisting him until
his death, since when he has carried on the place on
his own account. He raises general crops, but he
has devoted special attention to tobacco culture,
dairying and stock farming, and he has made an all-
round success in these lines, proving himself a man
of enterprise and progressive ideas in everything
he has undertaken. His business abilitj^ and energy,
combined with systematic methods and intelligent
management have placed him in the front rank of
modern farmers in the town of Avon, and he has
always maintained the high standard of honesty
characteristic of the family. Popular and respected^
with a pleasant home and comfortable competence,
and hosts of friends which he and his equally hos-
pitable and social wife have gathered round them,
he occupies an enviable place among the best citi-
zen of the community in which he resides as a
worthy representative of one of Llartford county's
oldest families.
Mr. North was married in Avon, in 1883, to Miss
Lillie Esther Stowe, a native of the town, who is
also a member of one of the early settled families
of the county, being the daughter of Charles A.
and Julia A. (Bishop) Stowe. On the paternal
side she is a great-granddaughter of Jerry Stowe,
who served as a soldier in the Revolution, and
granddaughter of Isaac and Mehitabel (Smith)
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
728
Sluwc. Maternally she is a neice of Lucius S. and
Fitch L. Ijisho[), of Avon, grancklaughtcr of Samuol
I'lishoj), and grcat-grancklauglUor of Thomas F.
Bishop, who served during the Revolutionary war.
Mr. and Mrs. North have one child, l^'lorence Stowe,
who is now attending school. Like his father, he
is liberal in his religious views, and politically is a
Democrat, but he takes no interest in i^arty affairs
, be3'ond supporting what he believes to be the right
candidates. • He has tilled the office of school visi-
tor in his town, but he prefers to devote his entire
time to his pri\-ate affairs.
JAMES JONES, a substantial citizen of East
Hartford Meadow, and one who has done much to-
ward the buikling up of that village, was born in
Manchester, England, in 1846. He is a son of
Jeremiah and Mary (Wood) Jones, who were the
parents of three children, two sons and one daugh-
ter, of whom our subject and his brother Joseph
survive.
The Jones family originated in Lancashire, and
was of very ancient and reputable stock, but the
immediate ancestors of Jeremiah, father of our
subject, had long been residents of Alanchester, the
niantifacturing emporium of the cotmty, as Liver-
pool is the commercial capital. Jeremiah Jones in
his yoimger days was a boiler-maker, but later in
life became a coal merchant, carrying on a wholesale
as wellas a retail trade, and was quite a prominent
citizen. He and wife came to the L'nited States in
1871, and located in Hartford, Conn., in which city
both he and his wife passed the remainder of their
days.
James Jones received a limited education in the
common schools of his native city, as he was quite
young when withdrawn from school to aid his fa-
ther in the coal trade, and was but thirteen years of
age when he was apprenticed to Matthew Bailey,
in Manchester, to learn blacksmithing, serving three
years and nine months. After completing his ap-
prenticeship, and while still in his minority, he em-
barked in the coal trade on his own account, and, be-
ing familiar with it, was very successful.
In the month of March, 1871, the family left
Liverpool on board the "City of Washington," and
after a passage of fourteen days of stormy weather
landed at America, and came direct to Hartford
from the port of disembarkation. In Hartford
James Jones found his first employment in a boiler-
shop, and in this city and vicinity he has ever since
been engaged in his trade of blacksmithing in differ-
ent shops, but chiefly in railroad shops, for over sev-
enteen years.
The marriage of Mr. Jones took place Feb. 26,
1865, '" St. John's Church. Dean's Gate. Manches-
ter, England, to Miss Isabella Harrison, a native of
the city, and a daughter of James and Mary (Ford)
Harrison. To this marriage have been born four
children : Martha, born in England, is now Mrs.
David Scofield, of Hartford ; ^lary Alice, also born
in England, is now Mrs. I'hilip K. Jones, and the
mother of three children, I'hilip James, Joseph \V.,
and Flo\d R., of i'ortland. Conn. ; Isabella, likewisea
native of England, is still under the parental roof,
at East Hartford Meadow ; and Elizabeth, born in
the United States, is now ( 1900) a trained nurse in
the Hartford Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are
consistent members of Christ Episcopal Church, at
Hartford, and in politics Mr. Jones has regularly
voted the Republican ticket since he has been en-
tilled to vote, but has never sought an office, prom-
inent as he is. Fraternally he is a member of Orient
Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., of East Hartford.
Since 1872 Mr. Jones has been a resident of
East Hartford Meadow, although his employment
has been in the city of Hartford. He is strictly
temperate in his habits, has never used liquor or
tobacco, and through his exceeding skill as a me-
chanic, and his steady-going habits has acquired
considerable property in East Hartford Meadow,
which he has improved — thus adding to the beauty
and the desirability of the village as a place of resi-
dence— having erected three handsome cottages and
three double houses. He has in his wife a most
valuable helpmate, who deserves much credit in aid-
ing him in his prosperous career; his children are a
credit to their parents, and his daughters would
ornament any society in which their lot might be
cast. Plain-going and unassuming, IMr. Jones still
works steadily at his trade, although in most com-
fortable circumstances and classed with the sub-
stantial and most highly-respected residents of the
town.
JOHN SAL'TTER, one of the energetic and
progressive farmers of Berlin, was born July 1,
1856, on the place where he now resides, a son of
Stephen and Maria (Schnidt) Sautter, natives of
Germany. Both are deceased, and are buried in
Christian Lane cemetery. The father was a farmer
by occupation, and on coming to America took up
his residence in Berlin, Conn. For his second wife
he married Catherine Schnidt.
During his boyhood and youth John Sautter be-
came familiar with every department of farm work,
and acquired his literary education in the schools of
Berlin. On laying aside his text-books he worked
on the home farm for a time, and then entered the
employ of P. & F. Corbin, in the grinding depart-
ment, and later was connected with the finishing
department of their works. He was thus employed
for four or five years during the winter months,
while throughout the summer season he worked on
the farm. Subsequently he was connected with
Landers, Frary & Clark, and the American Hosiery
Co., all of New Britain, until 1882, since which time
he has devoted his entire attention to agricultural
pursuits.' He owns and successfully operates a good
farm of thirty-seven acres in Christian Lane, and
raises all kinds of produce.
Mr. Sautter was married, Oct. 2, 1880, to Miss
724
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ellen Koonz, of Greenfield, Mass., who was born
Aug. 21, 1859. Her parents, Christian and Mary
(Meyer) Koonz, both died and were buried in
Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Sautter have had four
children : Alydia Edith, born Feb. 8, 1886, graduated
June 18, 1900, from the New Britain grammar
school; Clarence Everett, born Jan. 21, 1891, is also
attending school; Arthur Charles, boni Jan. i, 1893,
died Oct. 6, 1898, and was laid to rest in New
Britain cemetery; and Clifford John, born July 7,
1900.
In his political affiliations Mr. Sautter is a stanch
Republican, and he takes a deep and commendable
interest in public affairs, giving his support to every
enterprise which he believes will prove of public
benefit. He attends the Congregatonal Church, and
is a liberal supporter of all church work. His wife
is a member of the Episcopal Church, of Greenfield,
Massachusetts.
PATRICK P. HICKEY, one of the most re-
spected foreign-born residents, of Burnside, is a
son of Michael Hickey, a farmer by occupation,
who was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and at
the age of fifty years came to East Hartford, via
New York, to join his sons, John and Patrick. In
Ireland he married "Margaret McCarty, a native of
County Cork, which marriage was blessed with six
children, born in the following order ; Hannah, still
single, and living with her brother ; Patrick P., our
subject; Peter also unmarried and living in Con-
necticut ; John J., a farmer of East Hartford, whose
biography will be found else\v'here; Michael, de-
ceased ; and Mary, married to James Donovan. The
father died in East Hartford in 1891, at a greatly-
advanced age; and his widow died at an equally
advanced age, in February, 1899, at the home of her
son, the subject of this sketch.
Patrick P. Hickey, whose brains ^and industry
have brought him success in America, was born in
County Waterford, Ireland, Sept. 15, 1855, attended
school until fifteen years old, and then, leaving his
parents behind him, sailed from Oeenstown on the
steamer "Brooklyn," and after a voyage of nine
days landed in the city of New York, where he
found work, in a meat shop conducted by a cousin,
John Hickey, at $3.00 per week and board for one
year. He went thence to Westerly, R. I., and
learned the stonecutter's trade, working for J. G.
Patterson, of Hartford, and followed the trade four-
teen or fifteen years, earning about five dollars per
day. He was advanced to the position of foreman
of stonework on the capitol at Albany, N. Y., and
in 1885 came to his present farm, then a tract of
twenty-four acres, owned by his father. Our sub-
ject made many improvements on the place, erect-
ing tobacco sheds, etc., and where there were three
acres of tobacco then raised there are eighteen
raised now.
On April 16, 1882, Mr. Hickey married Miss
Mary Kate Clinton, a native of Coeymans, Albany
Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Valentine and Brid-
get (Driscoll) Clinton, and nine children have
blessed this union: Alice, born Jan. 24, 1883; Mar-
garet, July 25, 1884; Michael Joseph, Feb. 2, 1886;
John H., July 31, 1888 (deceased) ; Valentine, Aug.
31, 1889; Agnes Mary, Oct. 29, 1891 ; Francis
Patrick, Oct. 18, 1893; Mabel Bridget, April 17,
1896; and Teresa, Jan. 21, 1898.
The Hickey family are all members of St. Mary's
Catholic congregation, to the support of which, and
its Sodalities, Mr. Hickey is a liberal contributor.
In politics he is a Republican, but has never bothered
himself with office-seeking, and his society relations
are with the United Workmen, and St. Mary's Tem-
perance Society. He is a hard-working, intelligent,
up-to-date agriculturist, and invariably secures a
good price for his tobacco output. His young fam-
ily are very bright children, two of them being-
pupils at East Hartford High School. Mr. and Mrs.
Hickey are among the most respected residents of
the town of East Hartford.
OTTO FREDERICK STRUNZ, one of the
most enterprising foreign-born business men it has
ever been the good fortune of Bristol to have within
her limits, was born in Saxony, Germany, Dec.
14, 1850.
William Strunz, father of Otto F., was born in
the city of Crimmitzschau, Saxony, was a cloth
weaver by trade, and married Miss Louisa Diesner,
a native of the same city. To this marriage came
nine children, in the following order; Adolph, born
in 1844, is now a painter and paper hanger in
Broad Brook, Conn. ; Hermina, born in 1846, died
unmarried in 1896, in Cromwell, Conn.; Herman,
born in 1848, died in Broad Brook in 1861 ; Otto
F. is the subject of this biography; Charles F.,
born in 1853, is superintendent of the Glazier Woolen
Mills at Glastonbury ; Frank, born in 1855, is a car-
penter and joiner, and has charge of repairs at
the Broad Brook Woolen Mill ; Albert, born in 1857,
is a bookkeeper in San Francisco, Cal. ; Henry, born
in 1859, is a lawyer in Palatka, Fla. ; and William
Victor, born in 1861, is a professional singer, and
also has his residence in San Francisco. As the par-
ents of this family came to America in 1854, the chil-
dren born prior to that date are natives of Saxony.
William Strunz, on settling in Broad Brook, Conn.,
in 1854, at once secured the position of inspector
of the product of the woolen mills at that town, and
held his place until he retired from active work.
He was a 'Unitarian in religion, a Republican in
politics, and was a Free Mason. He lost his wife
in 1863, and his own death took place in Broad
Brook.
Otto F. Strunz attended the common schools
of Broad Brook until sixteen years of age, when he
was apprenticed to learn the trade of wool dyeing,
remaining three years, and then worked for Ralph
Belknap, at carpenter work. In 1871 he came to
Bristol, and worked for Elbert Case four yeai's at
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
725
joiner work, and then for other builders until 1879,
w lien he purchased the coal business of A. C. Hen-
dee, conducted in the rear of ^Vightman's mill, now
i| known as Eaton's elevator. In 1880 he started the
Bristol bakery, which he succcsstully conducted for
eight years, in connection with the coal and wood
business. On August i, 1889, J\lr. Strunz sold the
bakery to J. W. Lounsburyj and retired from that
line of business with the intention of taking life
a little easier, but was prevailed upon to assume
charge of the plant of the Bristol Electric Light Co.,
which position he held for five years, when he as-
sumed the position of superintendent of the Con-
solidated Electric Light and Plainville & Bristol
Tramway Co. (of which he is a director), the ar-
duous duties of which he discharges to the satis-
faction of all concerned. Feeling the effects of
long-continued, close application to business, and the
numerous responsibilities, he resigned the position
of superintendent, his resignation being reluctantly
accepted by the directors. Mr. Strunz is a director
in the Codling Manufacturing Co., of Bristol ; of the
E. N. Welch Co., at Forestville ; and of the JNIasonic
Building Co.
-\Ir. Strunz married j\Iiss S. Addie Thompson,
daughter of Hiram C. Thompson, and this marriage
was crowned by the birth of one child, Hermina,
who died in infancy. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Strunz attend
the Congregational Church, and are highly respected
within and without its pale. Mrs. Strunz is a
Daughter of the Revolution.
In politics yir. Strunz is thoroughly Republican,
and as such was elected representative from Bristol
in i8y8 and 1900, but it may truthfully be said, the
honor was not at all solicited on his part. He is
president and treasurer of the Bristol Press (In-
dependent), the oldest paper in the town. Frater-
nally he is eminent as a Freemason, and is promi-
nent as a member of Hiram Temple, No. 90, Knights
of Khorassan, of New Britain, and of E. Lodge,
No. 9, Knights of Pythias. JNIr. Strunz owns a cot-
tage at Sachem Head,' and takes his outings at that
beautiful place.
WARREN TAYLOR, the well-known real-
estate operator of South Manchester, comes of gen-
uine Connecticut stock, his grandfather, Junius
Taylor, and his father, Lewis Taylor, having both
been natives of Glastonbury, Hartford county.
Lewis Taylor, who was a farmer, removed from
that town to jNIanchester, and purchased a farm.
He afterward bought property in the village where
he lived until his death, which occurred May 12,
1885, when he had reached his eighty-fourth year.
The farm is now occupied by the widow of his son
Pitkin. He conducted a wholesale and retail meat
buiness, and owned a market in South jNIanchester,
which he opened a few years after coming from
Glastonbury. He married Miss Mcrlona Keeney,
by whom he had eight children, and of this large
famil\- Warren was sixth in order of birth. The
others were : Pitkin ; Jeanette, who married Norman
Keeney; Wells; Adelia, now the widow of Sanford
Keeney, of South i\lanchester ; Albert, a farmer,
and the owner of a meat market in that place ;
Henry; and Charles, also a resident of South Man-
chester. Pitkin, Jeanette, Wells and Henry are all
deceased .
\\ arren Taylor was born in the town of Man-
chester March 12, 1840, was reared on his father's
farm, and educated in the common schools. At
the age of twenty-si.K he bought a farm of his own,
on which he resided until 1888, and during these
years he engaged e-\tensively in dealing in horses,
chietly of the sort used in general work. In 1889
he began operating in real estate. In that year he
bought four acres of ground on Main street, in
South Manchester, and commenced the construc-
tion of dwelling houses, of which he has erected ten,
all being modern and well-built. In 1891 he pur-
chased a tract of forty acres, which he divided into
building lots, some of which he sold, while he put
up houses on others. He has been eminently suc-
cessful, his sound judgment and keen business sense
standing him in good stead.
On yiay 3, 18O6, ^Ir. Taylor married Miss Mary
lialpin, and they have had three children : Blanche,
Howard and Fred. Of these, Blanche is the wife
of George E. Keith, a hardware merchant of South
Manchester; Howard is a machinist, and Fred an
electrician, both in the employ of Cheney Bros. In
politics Mr. Taylor is a Prohibitionist. He belongs
to no church, but is always ready to contribute to
the advancement of every movement tending toward
the uplifting of humanity.
WILLIAM JOHN CORRIGAX. The expres-
sion "the dignity of labor" is exemplified in the life
record of this gentleman, whose success in life may
be attributed to earnest work and good manage-
ment. He is a man of strong force of character,
ptirposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimina-
tion and sound judgment are shown in his capable
management of business affairs. He makes his
home in Kensington, Hartford county, and is suc-
cessfully engaged in farming and dealing in har-
ness, carriages, wagons, agricultural implements,
and all kinds of road-building machinery.
Born in New Britain, Conn., Oct. 10, 1856, Mr.
Corrigan is a son of William John and Anna
(Drew) Corrigan, who were married in Glaston-
bury in 1849. The father was born in Queens
Count%-. Ireland, in 1818, and throughout life fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. A\'hen our sub-
ject was two years old he removed with his family
to Kensington, and purchased a farm of 140 acres
near where our subject now lives. There he died
Dec. 25, 1883, and his wife passed away Dec. 25,
1868, the remains of both being interred in Meriden.
Our suliject is principallv indebted to the schools
of Kensington for his educational privileges, though
he took a course in bookkeeping at the Blue Hills
726
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
school, under the special instruction of Clarence
A. Waldo, a student of the Wesleyan University at
Middletown, Conn. He continued to assist his fa-
ther in the operation of the home farm until he
was married, Nov. 23, 1881, to Miss Jennie Edith
Byrne, of Newington, and then removed to Meri-
den, where he was engaged in the meat business
for two years. Subsequently he was interested in
market gardening at West Hartford for six months,
but after his father's death he returned home, in
the spring of 1884, and operated the farm until
1890, when he purchased the Botsford farm from
Grace Rustemeyer, where he now resides, contain-
ing 140 acres of land and the buildings, and which
he himself cultivates. He also owns another 150-
acre farm, the old homestead. Mr. Corrigan sells
all kinds of farm machinery, being agent for the
Deering Harvester Co. ; the Champion Road Ma-
chine Co., of Kennet Square, Penn. ; the Aultman
Manufacturing Co., of Canton, Ohio; and the Mil-
burn Wagon Co., together with many other wagon
and carriage companies. He is a wide-awake, pro-
gressive business man, and is meeting with excel-
lent success in his undertakings. His office is in
Meriden.
To Mr. and Mrs. Corrigan have come the fol-
lowing children: William Edward, born Aug. 23,
1882, graduated from St. Rosa's parochial school,
Meriden, and is now at home; Catherine Alice,
born Feb; 18, 1884, attended St. Rosa's parochial
school, and in June, 1900, completed the course in
the Pequot Business College, Meriden; Mary An-
nette, born Aug. 29, 1885, is attending St. Rosa's
parochial school; Jane Anna, born July 8, 1888,
died Jan. i, 1893, and was buried in Meriden;
Martha Edna, born Nov. 20, 1890, and Ethel Anna,
born Feb. 19, 1896, complete the family.
Mr. Corrigan and his family hold membership
in St. Rose's Church, of which they are liberal sup-
porters, and he is a member of the board of gov-
ernors of the Meriden Catholic Club. Socially he
affiliates with Silver City Lodge, No. 3, O. U. A.
M., and Alfred Hall Council, No. 1423, R. A.,
■both of Meriden. Politically he is identified with
the Democratic party, but at local elections votes
for the man whom he considers best qualified to
fill the office. He was an efficient "member of the
school_ board for sixteen years, but resigned in May,
1899, in order to give his undivided attention to his
extensive business interests.
WILLIAM T. DUNHAM, a respected and sub-
stantial citizen, tobacco grower and general agri-
culturist of Hockanum, town of East Hartford,
was born Sept. 16, 1821, and is the eldest of the
four children that blessed the marriage of Isaac A.
and Mary (Risley) Dunham.
Isaac A. Dunham was born in 1796, and lived
for some time in Gilead, Conn., later moving to
Gastonbury. He was a valiant soldier in the war
of 1812, and took an active part in the defense of
New London, as well as in several minor battles.
The children born to his marriage with Mary Ris-
ley, a native of Marlboro, Conn., and a daughter
of Samuel Risley, were William T., our subject;
Mary E., who was married to Selden H. Tracy,
a farmer, and lived in Tolland and Glastonbury,
both being now deceased; a daughter whose name
is not on record, but who was married, went to the
Far West, and there died; and Maria S., who. was
married to Selden H. Tracy (the husband of her
deceased sister Mary E.), and is now living in Glas-
tonbury. The father of this family died in January,
1867.
William T. Dunham, the subject of this sketch,
received an ordinary education, and as he grew to
manhood he engaged in farming. With his hard-
earned savings he made a part payment on Chester
McKee's interest in the "McKee Brothers farm,"
Chester McKee being his first wife's uncle, and
four years later he paid with his savings the bal-
ance of this farm debt.
Mr. Dunham married Harriet McKee, a native
of Glastonbury, and a daughter of Eli McKee. She
passed away Aug. 23, 1863, and Mr. Dunham sub-
sequently wedded Eliza McKee, sister of his first
wife, but she survived only until August, 1869.
He then married Eleanor Loveland, who was left an
orphan when an infant. Mrs. Eleanor Dunham
also died, and for his fourth wife Mr. Dunham
wedded Eliza J. Robinson, a native of Ireland, who
died Sept. 24, 1898. Children were born only to the
third union (that to Eleanor Loveland), which was
graced with three, as follows : Charles, born June
15, 1872, died Aug. 25, 1872; William R., born May
7, 1873, in Glastonbury, is now managing the home
farm for his father, and is single; Kate L., born
April 13, 1876, was married Oct. 12, 1898, to
George H. Carrier, a farmer of Glastonbury, and
now living there.
Mr. Dunham has been a lifelong Democrat, and
has been chosen to fill several town offices, but has
always refused to qualify; he has, however, served
on the Democratic town committee. He is entirely
self-made from a business standpoint, was a hard-
worker in his earlier days, and is now enjoying the
fruit of his early industry. He has an .excellent
memory, is a good conversationalist, and had he had
the advantages of any early education, he would cer-
tainly be prominent in a higher walk of life. As
it is, he is one of the most substantial and most
highly-respected men of the town.
FRED M. HILLS, a thrifty and progressive
young farmer of East Hartford, Conn., was born
March 2, 1869, in the second house north of his
present residence, a son of James and Caroline
(Montague) Llills. He is of the seventh genera-
tion desc'ended from William Hills, who emigrated
from England in 1630, and was one of Rev. Thomas
Hooker's party, who came overland from Boston in
1634-35 to settle in 'Hartford. Going back to the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
727
great-graiulfalher of our sul)jcct, llic genealogy
of the family is traced as follows to the the present
time:
Ashel Hills, the great-grandfather, born May 5,
1743, married Alehitabel House, who was born Aug.
0, 1748, and died Jan. 28, 1828; the marriage took
place Oct. 8, 1766, and the issue was fourteen chil-
dren: Sarah, born Jul)- lO, 1767; Ashbel, born Feb.
27, 1769, died Sept. 20, 1818; Isaac, born JNlarch 28,
1771 ; Eunice, born June 18, 1773; Esther, born July
9. 1775. tlied Oct. 28, 1776; Wait, born Sept. 16,
1777; Eunice, born Sept. 22, 1779, died Nov. 24,
1816; James (grandfather of our subject), born
Nov. 16, 1781 ; Dorcas, born July 12, 1784, died
June 14, 1786; Chester, born Nov. 23, 1787, died
April 28, 1794; Dorcas, born Jan. 24, 1790, died Dec.
15, 1790; Betsey, born July 27, 1792; Fanny
(daughter of Isaac Hills), born Dec. 25, 1793, and
Jsaac, born Nov. 2, 1794, died Feb. 18, 1795.
James Hills, whose birth date is given above,
married Nov. 23, 1803, Abigail Brewer, who was
born May 10, 1784, in East Hartford. Tjiey be-
came the parents of the following named children :
Nancy S., born Sept. 4, 1805, died June 6, 1891 ;
Emily, born Jan. 29, 1808, died Aug. 25, 1881 ;
James, born July 11, 1810, died Oct. 9, 1862; Delia,
born May 5, 1813; James (father of our subject),
born July 21, 1815, died Feb. 8, i8y8; Abigail J.,
born Nov. 18, 1817, died Jan. 14, 1873; Lucy A.,
born July 19, 1822, died June 10, 1897; Hester,
born May 16, 1824; and Laura M., born July 19,
1826, died May 10, 1899.
James Hills, father of our subject, was born in
a house that stood on the corner of Forbes street and
Hillstown road, there being at that time (1815) onl_v
two or three families in the neighborhood that did
not bear the name of Hills. For a short time he at-
tended a school house that stood across the brook
from the farm now occupied by George Ruoff, and
then went to Flartford, where he was employed by
a shoe firm for awhile ; on his return to his place of
birth he engaged in farming. Farmers in those
days grew fla.x, raised sheep, etc., but very few acres
were planted in tobacco. In 1834 Mr. Hills removed
to a place near the present home of his son, Fred
M., where he followed farming until his death.
The first marriage of James Hills took place June
10, 1841, to Ftarriet M. Wells, who was born May
31, 1816, in the house south of the one in which the
death of Mr. Hills occurred. To this union one
child, Edward W., was born April 4, 1842. This
son married Lois Locke, a native of Chicago, 111.,
in which city his death took place Dec. 11, 1892.
Mrs. Harriet M. Hills died Aug. 22, 1843, and Air.
Hills, on Dec. 16, 1845, wedded Sarah Barker, a
native of New York .City. By this union there
were four children: G. Wiley, born Dec. 15, 1847,
died April 29, 1899; James Howard, born July 14,
1849, died April i, 1882; Ruez H., born Nov. 14,
1851, who married Fannie Myers, March 12, 1874,
and is now captain of the steamer "Middletown,"
plying between Hartford and New York City; and
Nellie, born Sept. 28, 1854, died Jan. 9, 1879.
Mrs. Sarah (Barker) Hills passed away June
7, i860, and Mr. Hills afterward married, Jan. 1,
1862, Caroline Montague, of Williston, Vt. This
marriage was blessed with three children : Herbert
C, born Oct. 31, 1862, married Nellie Grifnn, and re-
ides in Ilockanum; Mary L., born Dec. 29, i866, is
married to Joseph Neary, and she is living in
Bridgeport ; and Fred M., the youngest, is the sub-
ject of this sketch. Mrs. Caroline (Montague;
Hills was called to rest Dec. 7, 1876, and her mortal
remains lie interred at Ilockanum.
Hon. James Hills was an industrious and enter-
prising farmer, was very prominent in his coni-
nuuiity, and was e.xtremcly popular with the Repub-
lican party, by which he was elected to the State
Legislature in 1864, when that body met at New
Haven. He was noted for kind-heartedness and
his spirit of charity, and as a worker was indefati-
gable. Even in the latter part of his life, while an
intense sufferer from cancer, he never relaxed his
labors, but tenaciously adhered to the full perform-
ance of his duties. He died, as has been mentioned,
I'^cb. 8, 1898, mourned by all who knew him, and
truly honored by a host of unfeigned friends. His
remains were interred in Ilockanum, to rest beside
those of his wives, who had preceded him to the
grave.
Fred ]\I. Hills, whose name stands at the open-
ing of this article, was primarily educated in the
district school under charge of a Mrs. Hawkins; he
next attended the Hartford Public High School, and
later Hanum's Business College. For a short time
after his graduation from the latter he was employed
in Hartford, but as his supervision of affairs at liome
was needed he returned to the farm and assumed
charge. On Nov. 5, 1891, he married Miss Ruby
Hurlburt, a daughter of Henry and Lucy M.
(Brewer) Hurlburt, natives of East Hartford.
Henry Hurlburt was called from earth Dec. 2,
1873, and the Hurlburt farm is now managed by his
widow, who is a sister of Hoadley C. Brewer, a biog-
raphy of whom will be found elsewhere. To Mr.
and ^Nlrs. Hills no children have been bom. Mrs.
Hills is of a cheerful disposition, and willingly aids
her husband in all his undertakings, proving in every
way a valuable helpmate.
In politics Mr. Flills is a Democrat so far as the
affairs of the nation at large are concerned, but
in local matters he is liberal, or independent. He
has never sought public office, being contented with
the rewards resulting from the intelligent manage-
ment of his farm. Fraternally he is a member of
Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M.. and in religion he
is a Congregationalist, and with his wife attends the
South Church, to the support of which he liberally
contributes.
In 1898 Mr. Flills erected his present fine modern
dwelling on Main street, in the construction of
which he personally assisted. When he first as-
&6MMEM0k'ATWB, ''&(MRAPmC^'D vRM'CORni
'sumed the management o^ his farm ''it was slightly
incumbered ;#ith debt, hni his. shrewd- management
.-and. industry soon released it frofn'all obligations,
■and lie is now among 'the solid men of East Hartr
ford. He is strictly temperate and moral in his
-habits, and no residents' of the town are more re-
•spected than Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Hills.
' CALEB BOWERS .BAILEY, a well-known
and highly esteemed citizen 'of East Berliii^'Jwai
born in Cromwell (then Middletown), Middlesex
county, Jan. lO; 1,837-, .and is a descendant of John
Bailey, who was a constable in Hartford in 1656:
His grandfather, Caleb Bailey, was bora in Had-
dam; Comi., in 1 761, arid was considered One of
the best farmers of Middlesex county dn his 'day.-
At the age of fifteen he became a .soldier in tM
Revolutionary war, and was taken ' prisoner by the
British, being confined on the old Jersey prison-ship
for eleven months and fifteen days. ' Returning
home at the close of the war, dressed in a British
uniform, he, unrecognized, was refused admittance
to his father's house. Aftef.i his 'identity became
known, through the intercession of a cousin, he re-
ceived the hearty welcome ■ which -was due him:
He married Elizabeth Tuel, and to them were bOrn
three children. Caleb Bailey died at the age 'of
sixty-seven years, his wife oil July 3, 1859, at the
age of eighty-nine, and both were laid to rest in
Cromwell cemetery.
' Alfred Hale Bailey, the father of our subject,
was boirn in Middletown July, 1807, and later
moved to Cromwell, where; during the remainder
of his life, he operated .a small farm. He died
Aug. 22, i860, after a life full of hardship and
toil. In political i sentiment he was a Whig. ■ In
1827 he married Loretta, the only daughter of
Shadrach and Eunice Robinson, of Cromwell. Mr.
Robinson, who was a sea captain in early life, was
killed in the Mexican war. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey
were born four children: Elizabeth Eunice^ wife
of Justice R. Stevens, of Rocky Hill ; -Lester ,Rob*-
■inson, who married Mary Ej Flagg, of New- Brit^
ain, where be now resides; Caileb B., our 'subject;
and' Loretta Almira, wife of Henry Bulkeley, of
Cromwell, formerly Mrs. L. Southwick.
\ Our subject obtained his education in the public
schools of Cromwell, which he left at the age of
sixteen to enter the employ of Warner & . Noble,
manufacturers' of hammers. The next year he Idft
:their employ to accept a position as clerk in the
ifancy and variety store of ]'. C. Smith, of Middle-
■town, where he remained until 1856. During a
ipart of the hard times of 1857-58 he was employed
at Warner &i Noble's. He spent two years in the
silver plate factory, of Manning & Sons in Crom-
well, and in' tile fall .of ;i86i- entered the Roys &
Wilcox Co.'s factory of East Berlin. For a time
te Iwas " ernployed in ■ the manufact.ure of cavalry
"snaps'," and afterward,, for a, number of years,
Jield a contract in the breast drill department', .'eiii-
"ploying two-'O'r three men; 'A't'. 'the present, ,in; con-
Jnection 'With--RufUS'W'."Morfee,' he is dnnployed' by
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., and has now been
-connected with the 'firm, for almost forty iyears, as
One of its most trusted arid competent employe,s.
Mr. Bailey was married, April 7, 1869, tq Misd
Martha Rhoda Wooster, a daughte^r of Jesse an4
-Rhoda- ( Brockett) ; Wooster, and a -relative of Gem
Wooster, who was killed at -Danbnry in 1777.,' B^y
this, union/two children have beien born : ( i') :Wa1^
ter Wooster, born April, ,6, 1871, in Cromw,ell, is
•now- connected wi.th' Westcott Bros., formerly bpQk^
keeper and clerk' at E. W. Bowers', hardware store.
•He~' married, 'June 1. 21,' 1894, Grace I^.' Jones, of
Elkins, -N- 'H.,-and Jthey have- orie ' cltjld, ; Robert
Walter-,' bort^iSept.'" i\,: 1895. '1(2) : Norris- Caleb,
born Aug^9„' 187,6, who!, was graduated from.Wes-
k-yan: University, ' Middletown, in i'899, -with the
degree of, B. S.. , ,
: Politically Mr. Bailey is an ardent Republican,
but he has never' sohght or desired -office; , He takes
a deep and Commendable interest' -ifi educational afJ
fairs', 'and has been, an efficient iniember of ,tbe: school
board .in botji ! Cromwell and East Berlin. Fra^
ternally' he. is a 'member of ' Washington Lodge;
No. 81,. F; ' &j A. '.M.y'of. Cromwell, and. Giddings
Chapter, iNiO'. 125,, R. A. M., . in, both of which
branches' he has - filled offices^ ; is also ,a : member of
New Britain Council, Noi 8; Stj -;0. ,^. A. M., .of
New Britain, and bothi he and hisi wife belong td
Meriden Chapter, No. .8,) O. ;E. -S., of Meridenj
and to the Baptist Church of .Cromwell. Wher-
ever known they are held in high regard, and
those who know them best are numbered among
their warmest friends.
MILFORD CATLIN THOMPSON, one of the
best known contractors and builders in Bristol,
was born in Windham, Conn., Sept. 6y 1839, and has
been doing business in Bristol since 1888.
Horace Thompson, Jr., father- of Milford Gi
was born in Mansfield, Conn., Match 31, 1812, was
a son of Horace and Sophia (Dunham) Thomp-
son, and was by tra.de a carpenter. Horace Thomp-
son, Sr., also a native of Mansfield, was likewise a
carpenter and contractor, was the father of ten chil-
dren, and died about 1863, at the age of seventy-
six years. Horace, Jr., worked, at his trade in
Andover, Coventry, Mansfield, and Columbia, part
■of the time as , a; .journeyman. In politics he was a
Democrat, and in religion a Baptist,, but as to the
former he cared but little. He first married, in 1837,
Caroline P. Thompson, a native of Willimantic,
and to this marriage came the following children :
Milford C, the subject of these- lines ; iCoUins Vi,
born Aug. 2, 1841, served with the Sixteei^h C. V.
L, in the Civil war, and is now, living in the West;
Rienzi jW., born July 5, 1843, is also a resident of
the West; Alfred C. and Albert C. (twins) were
born Sept. 2, 1844, the former of whom is living in
Glastonbury, the latter in Providence. The mother
J, ^
^^-^,
•COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•729
of tlicsc chiklron died April 9, 1S63, and her re-
mains were inlerrctl in Williniantic. The second
marriage of Horace Thompson, Jr., was with Sarah
Grover, a widow who lives in Wcthersfield with her
son -Myron Thompson, who was born in October,
4876. The father, Horace Thompson, Jr., died
Aug. 19, 1883 (the same day that i'resident Gar-
field expired), and his remains are interred in East
Hartford.
Milford C. Thompson was but a year old when
his parents 'removed from WincUiam to Columbia,
and at the latter place he attended school until seven-
teen years old. iNIeanwhde he had learned the car-
penter's trade, under his father, and after quitting
school went to the Willimantic Linen Co. ; in the
spring commenced work as a carpenter for the same
company, and so continued for three years. After an-
other year at the same work for others, he went to
East Hartford and followed his trade for three
years in the employ of Senator Patrick J. Gavin, a
contractor ; during the following three years he
worked in the car shop of the Hartford, Providence
& Fishkill Railroad Company at Hartford, and built
the first two smoking cars ever seen on its road,
tie next started in the contracting line on his own
account in East Plartford, but in 1875 abandoned
it because of ill health, and opened a grocery store
on Main street. A year later, however, he removed
to Providence, where for two years he conducted
a meat market, and then went to Warehouse Point,
again engaging in contracting. There he built a
tobacco warehouse, 200x30 feet, for William Bar-
ber, built several other large ones in East Hartford,
and also many of the finer residences in the latter
town. In August, 1888, he removed from \\'are-
house Point to Bristol, and here erected seventy-
five dwellings, including those of Dr. Carrington,
]\Ir. Andrews and Mr. Kimberly, and also built the
private sanitarium on Fall IMountain. Besides his
own fine home he owns six houses, which he rents.
In April, 1861, Mr. Thompson enlisted in Com-
l^any B, Fiftli C. V. I., but after having manifested
this patriotic desire to serve his country in its
hour of peril was never mustered into the service,
although he waited in Hartford several months with
the hope that his purpose would be consummated.
Mr. Thompson is a member of Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, F. & A. M., in which he has filled the office
of senior deacon; he is also affiliated with the Im-
proved Order of Red Men, in which he is a past
sachem and is the present prophet of his lodge ; he
and his wife were members of the Order of Good
Templars for over thirty-five years, at the conclu-
sion of which period their lodge sus[)ended. In
politics ^Ir. Thompson is an ardent Democrat, and
at Warehouse Point served as constable three years ;
he also made the race for representative in East
Hartford, a town which usually gives a Republican
majority of seventy-five, but was defeated by only
twelve votes: in 1898 he ran for the same office in
Bristol, which is also a strong Republican town, and
was again defeated by a meager majority — these
facts, alone, siiowing that he is a very popular man
with memljers of both parlies or, rather, with the
public at large.
^[r. Thompson was very happily married Sept.
8, 1861, to Miss Emily Aulctta Jacobs, daughter of
Lucius Brown Jacobs and Caroline \\ alton Jacobsj
of Mansfield. This marriage has been blessed with
five children : Lillian Caroline, who was born OcL
6, iS(j2, and died Aug. 13, 1880; Nettie Isabelle,
born Jan. 16, 1864, is the wife of Thomas 11. Nun-
son, a cigarmaker at Soby's store in Hartford, but
residing in Warehouse Point, and is the mother of
two children, Lillian Isabelle, born Oct. 6, i886i
and Howard Thomas, born Nov. 23, 1889; Minnie
Adella, born Jan. 13, 1868, is the wife of Rev.
Samuel J. Watson of -Mill Bank, S. Dak., and is
the mother of two children, Walter Thompson,
born June 23, 1895, and Ruth Lucia, born March
24, 1897; Ida ]\Iay, born July 2, 1870, is married
to Olin S. Rockwell, a machinist at Warehouse
Point, and is the mother of four children, Maud,
Mildred, Leon and George Washington; Samuel
Tilden, born Jan. 2, 1876, was married in June,
1900, and is a clerk in the post office., Mr. Thomp-
son and family are members of the Prospect Methor
dist Episcopal Church, and at Warehouse Point Mr^
Thompson was a trustee of a church of the same
denomination. In the Prospect Church Mrs.
Thompson is a member of the Ladies Aid Society,
and was formerly a member of the Foreign Mis-
sionary Society.
It ma)' here be mentioned as somewhat unusual,
that Milford C. Thompson's maternal grandfather,
I William Thompson, served in the Revolutionary
i war, was in nine battles, was wounded nine times,
and died at the patriarchal age of loi years, when
our subject was about two years old.
J\lrs. jNlilford C. Thompson's maternal grand-
father, Joseph ^\■alton, was a soldier in the war of
1812.
HENRY BIGELOW GLEASON, a well-known
citizen of Southington, who has for many years
been an honored and trusted employe of the Peck,
Stow & Wilcox Co., is a native of Plartford county,
born in Manchester May 11, 1833.
Our subject's parents, Harvey and Sarah (Col-
burn) Gleason, were natives of East Hartford. The
paternal grandfather, Moses Gleason, who is sup-
posed to have been of Scotch-Irish descent, located
in Windsor in the eighteenth century, and for some
time taught school in East Hartford. He married
a Miss Marsh, and had a family of twelve children:
Stephen, George, Harvey, Chauncey, Hiram, Anson,
Triphena, Hannah (^Irs. Bliss), Alma (wife of
Martin H. Keeney), Polly, Marcia (Mrs. Mead),
and Harvey. The father of our subject, who was a
carpenter and farmer by occupation, spent most of
his life in Manchester, and there died. His chil-
dren were Jane, wife of Jacob Beam ; Charlotte P.,
780
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife of John Spencer ; Alma, wife of John Coughey ;
Hiram; Henry B.; Roy A.; and Julia, wife of Dr.
John M. Clark. The maternal grandparents of our
subject became pioneers of the Western Reserve,
in Ohio.
Henry B. Gleason grew to manhood in Man-
chester, and was provided with a fair common-
school education. In 1853 he located in Southing-
ton and entered the shop of the Peck-Smith Co.,
now the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., where he learned
the machinist's trade, and with the exception of the
three years spent in the army, during the Civil war,
he has been in the employ of that company up to
the present time. In August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company E, 20th Conn. V. I., becoming corporal,
and participated in most of the battles of his regi-
ment, being wounded in the engagement at Chan-
cellorsville. He marched with Sherman as far as
Atlanta, Ga. ; was under Gen. Thomas in the battle
of Nashville, Tenn. ; and was honorably discharged
with his company in June, 1865. He is now an
honored member of Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A.
R., and is a stanch supporter of the Republican
party and its principles.
On Jan. 27, 1859, Mr. Gleason married Miss
Martha A. Lewis, a daughter of Henry and Eliza-
beth (Root) Lewis, of Southington, and to them
have been born three children: Lewis Harvey,
who married Delia V. Morway ; Charles P. ; and
Lizzie C, wife of Ambrose Treganowan.
Mrs. Gleason is descended from -many of the
oldest and most highly respected families of South-
ington. Her father, Henry Lewis, was born Dec.
I, 1806, and was twice married, his first wife being
Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel and Sally (Dun-
ham) Root, his second being Nabby Clarinda,,
daughter of John and Esther (Tinker) Carter. He
died Nov. 29, 1849. His father, Selah Lewis, was
born in Southington Sept. 2, 1764, and was married
Jan. I, 1792, to Mary Carter, daughter of Abel and
Rhoda (Lewis) Carter. He was a merchant and
large landholder, living in the northern part of
Southington, where he died Sept. 12, 1827. His
father, Job Lewis, was born April 20, 1731, and was
married Nov. 13, 1755, to Hannah, daughter of
Rev. Jeremiah and Hannah (Burnham) Curtiss,
of Southington. He was a tanner and shoemaker
by trade, and also lived in the northern part of
Southington, where he died Dec. 5, 1813. He was
a son of Nathan Lewis, who was born Jan. 23,
1707, and was married July 28, 1730, to Mary
Gridley, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Humphrey)
Gridley. His home was in the Marion District of
Southington, and there he died Sept. 7, 1799. He
was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Lewis. Sam-
uel Lewis, who held the military rank of sergeant,
was born Aug. 18, 1648, and died Nov. 28, 1752.
His father, William Lewis, a native of England, was
a resident of Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., in
1644, and was the first recorder of the town after
its incorporation in 1645. He died Aug. 18, 1690.
He was a son of William and Eelix Lewis, who came
from England in the ship "Lion," landing in Bos-
ton Sept. 16, 1632, and the father was admitted as
a freeman in November of that year. He joined
the Braintree company, which in August, 1633, lo-
cated in Newtown (Cambridge) ; came to Hartford
with a company in 1636; and in 1659 became one of
the founders of Hadley, Mass., which town he rep-
resented in the General Court in 1662. He resided
in Northampton, Mass., in 1664, and prior to No-
vember, 1677, removed to Farmington, Conn., where
he died Aug. 2, 1683.
EDMUND DONALD ROBERTS. For the
past thirty-eight years the subject of this sketch
has been prominently identified with the official life
of Hartford. In point of service he is the oldest
sealer of weights and measures in the United States.
Mr. Roberts is of Scottish extraction. His grand-
father, John Roberts, was a native of Scotland, and
came to this country when young, lived in Hartford,
and attained the good old age of eighty-three years,
his wife surviving to the age of seventy-three.
Thomas Roberts, father of our subject, was born
Dec. 22, 1794. He lived for a short time in the
South, but was during the greater part of his life
a resident of Hartford. He was a contractor and
builder, and one of the earliest of that trade in
Hartford. Later he entered the mercantile busi-
ness at No. 28;^ State street, the site of the
Courant building, and conducted his store for
many years, finally disposing of the business to his
youngest son, the subject of this sketch. Thomas
Roberts was a man of commanding presence, six
feet in height. He was prosperous in business
affairs,- and was possessed of unusual intelligence
and learning, having added to the good education
he received in his youth, a vast store of information
through close observation and careful reading.
Somewhat austere in manner, he possessed great
force of character, which impressed itself upon his
associates. He was an early councilman of the
city, his first year in service being in 1831, and he
afterward served in 1857, 1858, and 1863 to 1865.
He was often importuned to accept office. Pos-
sessing an inclination for military affairs, he became
a member of the ist Connecticut Regiment, rising
from the ranks to the colonelcy of the regiment.
He was an officer of the regiment when Gen. La-
Fayette visited Hartford in 1824, and took a prom-
inent part in the reception, and in 183 1 was elected
colonel, serving three years. He was a close friend
of Hon. Isaac W. Stewart, Hon. James Dixon, and
Hon. Isaac Toucey. In religious thoughts he was
broad and liberal, and was a member of the Univers-
alist Church. With four others, in 1843, he held
the office of sealer of weights and measures, and
from him this business was transferred to his son
Edmund D.
For his first wife Thomas Roberts married iMiss
Sophia Speare, by whom he had four children ;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
781
John T., Sophia E., George C, and William Speare.
For ills second wife he married Nancy Goodman,
by whom he had s'even children : Henry A., who
removed to Detroit, ^lich., and there died in 1898;
Charles F., who was killed at the battle of Gettys-
burg, and was bnried at home ; Edmund D., our sub-
ject; and four that died in infancy. The father died
May II, 1875, and the mother July 11, 1881.
Edmund D. Roberts was born in Hartford Feb.
3, 1838, was cthicated in the public schools of that
city, and possessing a taste for business entered a
grocery store' as clerk. Vonr years later he became
a stutlent at the commercial school of Nicholas Har-
ris, where many of the early bookkeepers of Hart-
ford received their business education. He was
also clerk in the postoffice at the conmiencement of
the Civil war, and was there three years. He then
entered the store of his father as bookkeeper, and
* from him learned the details of the office of sealer
! of weights and measures. In 1865 he bought out
; his father's business, and in 1870 removed it to
North Main street, where he remained in business
until 1876. In that year he devoted his entire at-
tention to the office of sealer of weights and meas-
ures, which he has ever since filled with credit to
himself and satisfaction to the city. In 1883 the
office of inspector of milk (of which he was the
; originator) was created ;.nd added to it. Mr. Rob-
' erts has thoroughly organized the office, which is
now one of the best in the country, one well and
widely known for the efficiency of its incumbent.
For five years — 1867 to 1871 — he was a member
of the city council from the old Sixth ward. He
is prominent in the fraternal orders, and has held
: the collectorship in the Royal Arcanum, Knights
of Honor, and National Provident Union.
Mr. Roberts married for his first wife Sarah M.
Daniels. By his second wife, Mary Judd Eddy,
who was an artist and an authoress of ability, he had
: two children : E. Donald is a designer and artist of
distinguished ability, residing at Detroit, Mich.,
whose work has been purchased for the United
States National JMuseum at W'ashington, D. C. ; he
married *\nna M. Duncan, and has two children,
Edmund D. and Helen Louise. Jessie L. married
James H. Hubbard, of Hartford, and has one daugh-
ter, Ruth Mary. By his third wife, Louise B.
Sedgwick, now deceased, Mr. Roberts had no
children.
WILLIAM HILDITCH. Honored and re-
spected by all, there is no man in Thompsonville
who occupies a more enviable position than Mr.
Hilditch in mercantile and financial circles, not
alone on account of the success that he has achieved,
• but also on account of the honorable, straightfor-
ward business policy he has ever followed.
Mr. Ililditch was born in Ballyclare, County
Antrim, Ireland, in February, 1823, a son of Robert
and I\Iary (Plouston) Hilditch, who came to Amer-
ica about 1850, locating in Thompsonville, Conn.,
where they resided until their deaths. The father
was a hosier by trade and operated a hose factory
of his own until 1884, when lie retired from business
on account of an accident, being compelled to use
crutches for ten years. He died in 1894, at the
advanced age of ninety-five years. His children
were William, our subject; Hugh, deceased; Mary
Ann, wife of Isaiah Steele; and Eliza Jane, wife
of Robert Ash.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his
native town, learneil the hosier's trade with his
father, and came to the United States in 1848, first
locating in New York City, where he followed his
trade for a year and a half. In November, 1849,
he came to Thompsonville, and for nine years was
foreman of a hose mill and factory for shirts and
drawers, serving the company in all nineteen years.
In 1867 he embarked in the liquor lousiness, which
he carried on for about nine years in the building
he now occupies, and then became a dealer in cloth-
ing, men's furnishings, boots and shoes, in which
trade he has since successfully continued. He is
also a stockholder in the Enfield Electric Light &
Power Co., and the Thompsonville & Suffield Bridge
Company.
On Sept. 20, 1852, Mr. Hilditch married Miss
Isabella, a daughter of Charles Harrison, of Thomp-
sonville, formerly of Coleraine, Ireland, and to this
union seven children have been born : Robert ;
William ; Jane, wife of Matthew Creelman ; Hugh,
deceased ; Charlie ; Mary ; and David. The family
arc active members of the United Presbyterian
Church, in which Mr. Hilditch has served as treas-
urer for many years. Politically he is a supporter
of the Republican party and its principles. His
aim in life has always been to attain the best, and
his success in the result of honest persistent eft'ort in
the line of honorable and manly dealing. He is
to-day one of the most substantial and wealthy citi-
zens of Thompsonville.
ALBERT TYLER CONE is a skillful and
energetic farmer of West Hartford, where almost
his entire life has been passed.
Mr. Cone was born in that town Sept. 6, 1842,
and is a son of Robert G. H. Cone, a native of
East Haddam, Conn., who was only fourteen years
of age when his father was killed. Being the eldest
son. he became the mainstay of his widowed mother
and the seven younger children, and in early life
he engaged in teaching in the school house on New
Britain avenue, Hartford. At Haddam, Conn., he
was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Tyler,
daughter of David Tyler. For a time he made his
home in East Haddam ; later spent two years in
Hartford, and then bought a farm in \^'est Hart-
ford, where he continued to reside until called from
this life, in April, 1889, at the age of seventy-nine
\ears. He always took great interest in the school
matters of his town, and most creditably filled the
office of selectman of Hartford. In religious faith
732
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was an Episcopalian. His wife is still living, and
now resides in the house at Haddam where she was
born. They were the parents of eight children:
Harriet Isabel, now the widow of Richard Francis,
of Haddam; Robert H., a resident of West Hart-
ford ; Jane Gertrude, widow of Frank Brown, and a
resident of New Haven, Conn. ; Edward P., who was
a member of the 5th Conn. V. I., during the Civil
war, and died from wounds received in battle ; Al-
bert T., our subject; Ellen Agnes and Mary Ida,
both deceased; and Annie Edith, wife of Charles
Stewart, of Haddam.
During his boyhood Albert T. Cone attended the
public schools of West Hartford, and at the age
of sixteen began his business career as clerk in the
clothing store of Beardsley & Church, on Asylum
street, Hartford, where he was employed for about
three years, at the end of that time being obliged
to give up the business on account of ill health.
From 1868 until December, 1897, he negaged in sell-
ing milk, running wagons in Hartford, and at the
same time he followed farming, having resided upon
his present place for the past twenty-two years.
He is a wide-awake and enterprising business man,
of known reliabilit}', and generally carries forward
to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
In West Hartford Mr. Cone was married Jan.
3, 1881, to Miss Sophia Millard, a daughter of John
E. Millard, and to them have been born two children :
Ellen M. and Mabel A. The family are members
of the Baptist Church of West Hartford, and are
widely and favorably known.
MARVIN LEWIS GAYLORD, proprietor of
one of the neatest and most prosperous meat mark-
ets in Bristol, was born in Seneca Falls, N. Y.,
April 27, 1847. ' He is of Pilgrim stock , as
he traces his descent from William Gaylord, a
Huguenot, who was driven from France on ac-
count of his religious views-
(I) William Ga^dord, the founder of this family,
in America was born supposedly in Exeter, Devon-
shire, England, of good family - and good estate.
He came across the water in the spring of 1630, in
company with his brother John, on the good ship
"Mary and John," landing at Nantucket, Mass.,
May 30, and was made a freeman the November
following. He had been chosen a deacon at Ply-
mouth, Devonshire, England, in March, 1630, when
the church was organized under Rev. John Maver-
ick and Rev. John Wareham, who also came over
in the "Mary and John," the entire company set-
tling at Dorchester. Deacon William Gaylord's
land grant was recorded in 1633, and he was the
signer of some of the earliest land grants in Dor-
chester, as he was early elected a selectman, and
was a representative to the General Court in 1635-
36-38, and was, in fact, a representative in the same
dugust body nearly forty sessions, or until 1664,
being more honored in this respect than any of his
fellow townsmen. The name of his wife is not on
record, and it is surmised that she died before his
departure from England, as his children were all
born in that country^ and were' nearly of adult agd
on his arrival in America. These children were
named Elizabeth (who married Richard Birge Oct.
5, 1641), William, Samuel, Walter and John. The
father djed in Windsor, Conn., July 20, 1673; but
whether his brother John, w^io was a resident of
Dorchester in 1632, and was one of the two to meet
the Court of Assistants to settle the system of repg
resentation, died here or returned to England is
unknown.
(II) Walter Gaylord, who was born in Engri
land about 1622, came with his father, William Gay-s
lord, and settled in Windsor, Conn. He first mar^
ried Mary Stebbins, daughter of Deacon Edward
Stebbins, of Hartford, April 22, 1648. She died
June 29, 1657, having borne her husband five chil-
dren: Joseph, May 13, 1649; Mary, March 19, 1651';
Joanna, Feb. 5, 1653 (married John Porter) ; Sam-
uel Benjamin, April 12, 1655; ^-^d Isaac, June 2i{
1657. The second marriage of Walter Gaylord, oii
March 22, 1658, was to Sarah Rockwell, daughter
of William Rockwell, and to this union were born
two children: Eliezer, March 7, 1662; and Sarah,
April 13, 1665 (Mrs. William Phelps).
(HI) Joseph Gaylord, eldest son of Walter^
early settled at Farmington, part of which afterward
became the town of Waterbury, but late in lifej
about 1708, removed to Durham, where his sons;
Joseph and John, had already located, and there
died about 1742. Tohis marriage with Sarah Stanley^
July ,14, 1670, were born the following named
children, the dates of birth of four only being on
record: Sarah, born in 1671, who married Thomas
Judd; Joseph, born April 22, 1673; John, born
Aug. 21, 1677; William, in 1680; Benjamin; Eliza-
beth; Mary; Abigail, who was married to James
Williams ; Joanna, married to Robert Royce ; Ruth,
married to Stephen Hickox.
(IV) Joeph Gaylord, second child of Joseph and
Sarah (Stanley) Gaylord, married Mary Hickox
in 1699, and of the children born to him we have
the following record: Timothy, born Nov. 29, 1706,
married Prudence Roys April 25, 1733; Samuel,
born July 5, 1709, married Thankful Munson Aug..
19, 1729; Edward married Mahilaba Brooks Aug;
16, 1733; Benjamin married Jerusha Friesbie Jan.
18, 1729; Joseph, Jr., married Elizabeth Rich
March 9, 1730. The father died probably about
1742.
(V) John Gaylord, born in Bristol, second son
of Joseph and Mary (Hickox) Gaylord (but not
enumerated above), lived in Waterbury for a time,
but removed to Wallingford, and died about I753*''
In his will, admitted to probate at New Haven in^
January, 1754, he named six sons and five daughtersj'
the estate being valued at over £2,500, in Walling-
ford and Farmington. In the possession of the
present family of Gaylords are deeds from this;
same John (supposed to be to his son Edward).:
11
iyn OA/i^T-'j^ ^
OAAriyi^ ^ l^U/-Ul^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
783
John Gaylord, it is said, was the father of thirteen
children, of whom, however, a record of three
sons only can be made — Edwartl, Aaron and Moses.
Aaron, a lieutenant, born in Bristol in 1745, went to
Wyoming, i'enn., in 1777. lie had married Katii-
erine Cole, who bore him three children, Lemuel,
I'hebe and Lorena, and it is in honor of the mother
of these, for her bravery at the massacre of Wyom-
ing, that the Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion at Bristol have named their chapter the "Kath-
erine Ga^dord."
(Vlj Edward Gaylord was a married man when
lie came to Bristol (then New Cambridge) and
bought lands, the deeds for which are still in the
I possession of the family. His children were Moses,
Aaron, Reuben, Jesse, Edward and David.
(VII) David Gaylord was the first deacon of
the Congregational Church at Bristol, but there is
, no record of his family having lived there. It is
I known that he was the father of three sons, Jo-
' seph, Thomas and Nathan, born in Cheshire, Con-
necticut.
(VIII) Joseph Gaylord, son of David, settled
on a farm in the town of Bristol, married Ruth Mat-
thews in 1750, and had born to him eleven children :
Joseph, born in 1753, who married Susannah Bun-
nel ; William, born Jan. 16, 1755; Chauncey, born
Feb. 14, 1757; Chloe, who married a Mr. Nickols;
Marvin, who married Newell Bostwick; Cyrus,
born Oct. 10, 1763; Leman, Dec. 16, 1765; Ira, Jan.
15, 176S; Phebe, who married Isaac Morris; Lydia;
and ir'hilip, born Aug. 21, 1778.
(IX) Philip Gaylord married Lucinda Johnson
about 1809, and lived with his mother on the home
farm for twenty years afterward, after which he
kept a hotel in Bristol. His children were Maria,
AMlliam Lewis, Marvin, and Susan.
(X) William Lewis Gaylord, son of Philip, was
born in Bristol, and married Nancy Fenn. He was
in the mercantile trade with his brother Marvin,
at Schenectady, N. Y., then was a butcher in Seneca
Falls, same State, next was a hardware merchant
in Lima, N. Y., and thence went to Atchison, Ivans.,
where lie started a nursery, but died not long after-
ward in Buchanan county. Mo., Aug. 15, i860.
The children born to William Lewis and Nancy
(Fenn) Gaylord were five in number: Jenny mar-
ried C. D. Gaylord, the leading resident of Sodus,
N. Y. : Susan ; William is a nurseryman and farmer
of Ellis, Kans. : Marvin Lewis is the subject of
this sketch ; and Edward Fenn is a farmer and wood
dealer in Bristol.
(XI) Marvin Lewis Gaylord, of the eleventh
generation of this family in America, and wdiose
name opens this sketch, was primarily educated in
Lima, N. Y., and in Buchanan county, Mo., whither
the family had moved wdien he was ten years of
age. On the decease of the father, the mother,
Marvin L. and Edward F. returned East from
Buchanan county, Mo., and located at Plymouth,
Conn., where INIarvin later worked for G. W. &
S. II. Barthuliiiiiew, brace manufacturers, of Bris-
tol, until i8()4, when he enlisted, serving until July,
1805. G)ii being mustered out he worked again for
llie Bai-tholemews, for two years, and then went on
the road to sell trees for Elwinger & Berrey. After
a year's experience in this line he for the next four
}ears sold trees on his own account, purchasing
partly from others. In 1882 or 1883 Mr. Gaylord
engaged in the meat trade at Bristol, in partnership
with C. B. Ives, continuing for about tHree years,
when Mr. Ga\lord disposed of his interest therein
and bought out VV. E. Strong, on North street, and
still conducts the same with most satisfactory re-
sults.
The enlistment of .Mr. Gaylord, alluded to above,
took place at Hartford Sept. 16, 1864, i" Company
G, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He was all
through the Petersburg (Va.) campaign, with head-
quarters at Broadway Landing, under Gen. Abbott.
He was mustered out at Fort Darling, Va., in July,
1865, and is now a member of G. W. Thompson
Post, G. A. R., of Bristol. The other fraternal as-
sociations to which Mr. Gaylord belongs are the
A. O. U. W. ; Ethan Lodge, No. y, K. of P., and
Hiram Temple, No. 9, D. O. K. K. In politics Mr.
Gaylord is a Republican, but has never aspired to
office.
The marriage of Mr. Gaylord was solemnized
Nov. 12, 1866, with i\Iiss Alvira E. Jones, a native
of Burlington, Conn., and a daughter of Edward K.
Jones, a wood-turner. Children were born to this
marriage as follows : William Lewis, deceased ;
Lula Corine, a graduate of the Bristol High School ;
Howard Marvin, who graduated from the Bristol
High School, then took a post-graduate course in
the same, next graduated from Colgate College, at
Hamilton, N. Y., in 1898, and is now an employe in
the Revenue Department at Washington, D. C. ;
Rachel Alvira, who is a graduate of the common
schools of Bristol, and is now giving considerable
attention to drawing and music.
Mr. Gaylord attends the Prospect Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which his family are all mem-
bers, Mrs. Gaylord, especially, being very active in
church work.
A. J. KETCHIN. Among the many elements
which enter into the American national character
none is more highly prized than the Scotch. The
qualities of sturdy independence, deep religious
conviction, unimpeachable integrity, fearlessness in
the cause of home, country and right, have combined
to produce one of the highest and best types of
character. All these and more have united to make
the subject of this sketch one of the sterling and
most valuable citizens of Tariffville.
Mr. Ketchin's grandfather was Deacon Andrew
Ketchin, for over fifty years a leading member of
the Baptist Church of Tariffville. Fie w-as a carpet
weaver by trade, and was born at Edinburgh, Scot-
land. Tliere he married Margaret Arthur, a typical
1'
734
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Scotch lassie, and a few years later, in 1821, he
brought his rosy-cheeked helpmeet and comforter
and Jiis bairns to the new country across the sea.
He worked at his trade at several towns in Massa-
chusetts, and finally settled at Tariffville. Deacon
Ketchin was probably as exemplary a Christian
man as could be found in his town. He was thor-
oughly honest, and permeated with the Christian
virtues. He lived to the age of seventy-six years,
his wife to the age of sixty-live, and they were buried
in Tariffville. The family of Deacon and Margaret
Ketchin consisted of John, the father of our sub-
ject; Andrew, of Torrington, formerly a carpet
weaver and also a burnisher ; James, who enlisted
in Company E, i6th Conn. V'. I., was scalped by the
fragment of a shell at Antietam, later taken prisoner
at Plymouth, N. C, and died in Andersonville
prison; and William, who left Tariffville in 1855,
and when last heard from was in Lyon county,
Kansas.
John Ketchin, the father of our subject, was
born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1819, and was two
years old when brought to this country by his par-
ents. He was reared at Tariffville, and at Hartford
acquired the trade of stone-mason with his uncle
Robert and cousin James Arthur, of Hartford. He
followed that trade during active life, and for seven
years resided in Doniphan county, Kans., but later
returned to Connecticut. During the Civil war he
enlisied in Company E, loth Conn. V. I., and served
for eighteen months. Having received a sunstroke,
and also suffered from dumb ague, he was dis-
charged for disability, and has ever since suffered
from the sunstroke. For twelve years he has done
no work at all. During his active life he was known
as a mechanic of more than ordinary skill, and as
a workman his every act was characterized by honest,
fair practice." In politics he is a stanch Republican.
Mr. Ketchin married Miss Margaret Moore, a native
of Paisley, Scotland, and the daughter of a cabinet-
maker. She came to America when a girl. Her
brother, Thomas Moore, died in Springfield, Mass.,
leaving a large property which he had accumulated.
Her sister Jeannette married David Harley, a man
of wealth, and died in Caifornia. The mother of
our subject died in 1864, and was buried at Tariff-
ville. She was a member of the Baptist Church,
and a devout Christian woman. The father is now
a resident of Tariffville. To John and Margaret
(Moore) Ketchin were born the following children:
Elizabeth E., killed in 1859 by an -explosion in a
fuse factory in Simsbury, where she was employed;
Margaret G., now Mrs. Julius Vining, of Simsbury;
A. J., subject of this sketch; Jeanette, Mrs. Wil-
bur Guild, of Parkville, Conn. ; Nancy, Mrs. Rollin
Humphrey, of Simsbury ; Charles, a millwright of
Chico, Butte Co., Cal. ; Robert, a stone-cutter, who
went West ; Lizzie, Mrs. Albert E. Coley, of Water-
bury, Conn. ; and Eliza, who died in infancy.
Our subject was born at Tariffville March 21,
1848, and in his boyhood attended the schools of his
native village, one of his earliest teachers being D.
B. Rice. As a boy our subject was too full of life
to make a good student. In the expressive language
of his father, he needed "looking after." This
meant that he was taken out of school and placed
at teaming. When his father enlisted A. J. went
to work on the farm of Ariel Mitchelson. But mar-
tial music was sweet to the young lad, and he, too,
longed to enlist and help fight the battles of his
country. At fifteen he was a vigorous young fellow,
muscular, and asking odds of no one. He had
enlisted in Company E, 25th Conn. V. I., and for
three months did guard duty, but on account of his
youth the officers declined to muster him in. In
1863 he enlisted as a recruit for the ist Connecticut
Heavy Artillery, and joined the regiment at Arling-
ton Heights. His first engagements were at
Hatchie's Bermuda. He was frequently under fire
in 1864. On Jan. 2, 1865, he left Point of Rocks,
on the James river, for Fortress Monroe, and was
thence transported to Fort Fisher, N! C, returned
to Petersburg Feb. 23, 1865, and participated in the
fierce fighting in that vicinity. At the engagement
at Fort Flaskell, March 25, 1865, Mr. Ketchin was
struck in the face by a ramrod, his chin being-
carried away, and his tongue held only by a shred.
For two weeks he was fed through a tube that
carried the food down his throat below the opening
in his neck. His recover}' was most remarkable.
He received a furlough, at the expiration of which he
returned to the hospital, and was discharged at West
Philadelphia June 23, 1865. Mr. Ketchin was practi-
cally a physical wreck when he left the army. For
several years he was unable to work, and his life was
often dispaired of. But slowly he began to im-
prove, and finally he entered Batterson's marble
shop, in Hartford, and remained at work for two
years under instruction. He took up the marble
cutting work readily, and soon became an expert in
finer class work, following the trade successfully
at Hartford, New Haven, Springfield and elsewhere.
In 1883 he removed to Tariffville on account of his
health, and began business for himself, in which
he has prospered to a notable degree, and is now
senior member of the firm of A. J. Ketchin & Son,
contractors in general stone work. The firm em-
ploys from fifteen to thirty-five men in season, and
operates a quarry near TariftVille.
Mr. Ketchin was married, Oct. 15, 1870, to
Miss Harriet C. Spencer, of Springfield, Mass.,
who was born in Middletown, Conn., Dec. 25, 1846,
daughter of William D. and Sarah J. (Mann)
Spencer. Her father, who was a fine machinist,
died at Middletown, where his widow now resides.
Mrs. Ketchin has two sisters, Helen, now Mrs.
Joseph E. Bacon, of Middletown ; and Mary, Mrs.
Archibald Johnson, of the same city. The family
of our subject and wife consists of the following-
children: (i) William M., born at Springfield
June 3, 1871, married Hattie E. Moore, of Tariff-
ville, and has three children, Ethel M., Pauline S.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lyo
and Elizabeth. (2) Archibald U., born Nov. 6,
; 1874, in llarltord, was perniancnil)- crippled in a
'coasting accident Feb. 9, 1893. He is a bright 1
young man, and, for his experience, a skillful stone- j
cutter, {i) George S., born Sept. 5, 1877, in iiart-
' ford, died in that city April 28, 1882. (4) Frank
' A., born Nov. 16, 1882, in Hartford, died at Tarii'f-
ville Dec. 5, 1886.
In politics Mr. Ketchin is an uncompromising
i Republican in National issues. He is a member
i of Joseph Toy Post, G. A. R., and of St. Mark's
Lodge, No. 30, V. & A. M., at Sinisbury. Himself
and family are prominent members of the Baptist
Church, and in religious life our subject maintains
I the high standard of his devout grandfather. For
'' four years he has been treasurer of the church, and
for ten years was assistant superintendent of the
Sabbath-school. Mrs. Ketchin also has been active
, and foremost in church work. She is a devout
Christian woman, and among other practical elforts
in behalf of the church she has raised over $1,250
for religious purposes.
As a business man Mr. Ketchin is successful,
following those sterling principles of integrity and
industry which lead to prosperity. He has won a
reputation for doing honest work, and his con-
nection with any improvement is evidence of its
tlioroughness and honest character. Mr. Ketchin
has remodeled his residence, and now owns one
of the most attractive homes in the town. He rep-
r^.-ents the highest and best type of American citi-
zenship, and his influence is strongly exerted in the
upbuilding of character and the fostering of worthy
aims.
( MONROE FRANKLIN CUSHMAN belongs
to an old New England family, and the name has
been prominently identified with the history of the
country ever since the arrival of the "Mayflower."
Robert Cushman, the original progenitor of this
branch of the family, was born in England prior to
i6oo. He was a passenger on board the "Speed-
well," bound for New England, but this vessel,
proving leaky and unseaworthy, had to return to
port, while the "Mayflower" continued her voyage.
Early in the next year, however, Robert Cushman
came to Plymouth, bringing with him his son,
Thomas, who was then fourteen years old. Rob-
ert Cushman remained at Plymouth but a few
months, and while there preached the first sermon
ever delivered at that place. He was sent to Eng-
land as an agent for the Plymouth Colony, and died
as he was preparing to return.
Thomas Cushman, who had been left at Plym-
outh, became a ruling elder in the church, and
died in that part of Plymouth which is now a part
of Kingston. He had a number of sons, among
whom was Isaac Cushman, who also had several
sons, one of whom, Nathaniel, moved to Lebanon,
New London Co., Conn. His eldest son, also named
Isaac, settled at StaiTord, Tolland county, and died
in Stafford in 1813, aged seventy-seven years. He
had three sons, the second of whom, whose name was
was Salmon, was in Stafford, Tolland county, Oct.
13, 1778, and was the father uf the gentleman whose
name introduces this article.
Salmon Cushman passed his life in Stafford, as
a farmer. He married Cynthia Church, a native
of Lyme, New London Co., Conn., and to this
worthy couple was born a family of six sons and
three daughters; Isaac, the eldest, died unmarried;
Almeda married Lathrop Cady, and is deceased,
as are also her husband and family; Lorinda be-
came the wife of Anson Spellman, and died in Hart-
ford county, leaving two daughters ; Gustavius was
a farmer in Tolland county, and died in Alanchester
(,he was taken sick there while attending his broth-
er's funeral, and lived but a few days; ; Ambrose was
a farmer of East Hartford, where he died leaving
a family ; Sabrina married Elisha Frink, son of
Rev. Elisha Frink, of Manchester, where her death
occurred ; Monroe F. is next in the order of birth ;
Sidney A., who was a farmer of Manchester, is
deceased; and Josiah, who was a farmer of Stafford,
died in Manchester.
Monroe F. Cushman, the only surviving member
of the above named large family, was born on the
home farm in Staft'ord Oct. 18, i8i8. His educa-
tional advantages were not of the best as he had
to walk three and one-half miles, in the cold of Con-
necticut winters, to attend the district school. He
remained at home with his parents until he reached
the age of thirty years. Then he took charge of
the old homestead and successfully managed it
until 1868, when he bought his present farm in the
town of Manchester, Hartford county, upon which
he makes his home, although still ownmg ninety
acres of land in Stafford.
On June 26, 1847, ^^'^- Cushman married Miss
Adeline Lull, who was born in Tolland county
June 9, 1822, a daughter of Daniel P. and Jocasta
(Church) Lull. The fruit of this marriage was
four children: (i) Emma, born Sept. 14, 1852,
married June 19, 1876, Truman R. Foster, a native
of Berlin, Washington Co., \'t., born Aug. 26, 1847,
a son of Truman C. and Julia (Srong) Foster; Mr.
and Mrs. Foster have three children. Belle, an in-
teresting young lady, who has decided taste for
literature and music ; Truman Cushman ; and Leon
Ransom. (2) Freddy M. was born Jan. 14, 1861,
died eight days later. (3) Everett A., born Feb.
8. 1862, is a paper maker bv trade. (4) Alganon,
born March 14, 1868. died 'Oct. 20. 1889.
The mother of this family passed away Jan. 15,
1898, aged seventy-five years, after a married life
of more than fifty years.
]\Ir. Cushman is a man of medium stature, quiet
and unobtrusive in manner. While he has devoted
his life to farming, he has taken a commendable
interest in the affairs of men and in men of affairs.
! He is a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics, though
' never an aspirant for political honors. \\'hile a
7.39
COMMEMORATdVE, BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
resident of his, native town his , townsmen showed
tlieir appreciation of his worth by electing him to
the ofiices of constable, justice of the peace and
collector, which latter position he filled six j^ears,
In religious thought and belief he has always been
tolerant and liberal, adhering, to, the faith o.f; the
Spiritualists. His long and useful life has been
marked by u;atiring industry and his . transactions
-ivith his fellow men characterized by strict integrity.
l\Ir. Cushman has, attained the ripe pld age of nearly
eighty-two years, and is yet well preserved with un-
impau-ed facu,lties, _ .He is spending the evening of
his life in the enjoymen: of the handome compe-
tence that has come to him as a reward of industry,
honesty and temperance.
JOHN FRANKLIN WADE, general superin-
tendent of the manufacturing department of the
New Departure Bell Co., at Bristol, and one of the
most useful citizens of that place, is a native of
Georgia, born June 29, i860, at Tallokas, Brooks
county.
,, Thomas Wade, grandfather of our subject, was
a cotton planter in Georgia. He married Mary
Morris, and children as follows were born to them :
Thomas, father of John F. ; and Elijah, who was
also a cotton planter in Georgia, owner of 400 acres
tinder cultivation, besides other lands.
- Thomas Wade, father of our subject, was born
in Dooly county, Ga., and died in March, 1869.
He was a planter, and the owner of extensive plan-
tations in the South, having 1,100 acres in Georgia,
and 500 acres in Florida, 300 of which were im-
proved. Illness prevented his taking an active part
in the cause of the South in the Civil war, and at
its close he found himself bereft of personal prop-
erty and his slaves. He was a Democrat in politics,
and served as justice of the peace. Socially he be-
longed to the I. O;. O. F. He married Mary Ann
Oliver, a native of North Carolina, of English de-
scent, and a granddaugnter of James G. Oliver, a
prominent sea-faring man. After the death of her
hrisband, Mrs. Wade lived on the old farm until
her death, in 1896, in Tallokas, where her remains
were laid away besides those of her husband. Their
children were: Frances and Susan Caroline (both
unmarried), still living in Tallokas; Emily Melissa,
who died when young; Thomas G., a farmer in
Okapilco, Ga. ; Macey, wife of Robert B. Martin,
a farmer of Thomas count)', Ga. ; Leonidas, a lawyer
of Jacksonville, Fla., married to Tula Floyd ; Jo-
sephine, wife of Mitchell Hyers, and residing in
Georgia; John F., our subject; Helen M., wife of
John O'Neal, of Pavo, Ga. ; William W., a farmer
of Tallokas, Ga., married to a Miss Croft; Paten
L., also a farmer of Tallokas, married; and Sarah,
who died when aged about eighteen years of age.
John F. Wade received his education in his
native village, but at the age of fourteen years, Jiis
father having lost all his property through the Civil
war, he had to leave school and commence to earn
his own living. However, he made up for the inter-
ruption by studying at night, after his day's work
was done, and being a close observer of men and
tilings he soon became well informed. For two
years he was r superintendent of the help employed
on his uncle Elijah's, farrn.. .He then: removed to
Jacksonville, Fla., and for two ,yea.rs clerked in S.
B. Hubbard & Co.'s hardware store,, after which he
traveled some eight months, in Louisiana and Texas.
Returning to Jacksonville, he clerked there for the
Drew Hardware Co. about two years, and then
found employment with Rockwell ,& Kinney, of that
place, Albert F. Rockwell, being general manager
of the business, remaining until the concern closed
up. In October, 1888,, Mr. Rockwell, the inventor
of the New Departure Bell,. established his business
in Bristol, Conn., and the following spring Mr.
Wade came here, at first filling the position of ship-
ping clerk, and then working at the bench to learn
the business. At the end of about three years he
took a contract in the assembling department, which
he continued for three years, or until 1896, when he
was made general superintendent of the New De-
parture Bell Co., with full charge of the manufactur-
ing, and has since filled the position in a most com-
petent and acceptable manner ; he is now one of the
stockholders of the company.
On Oct. 6, 1886, Mr. Wade was married to
Emma G. Ponder, who was born in Quincy, Fla.,
a daughter of James and May (McGill) Ponder, of
Quincy. Two children have come to this union :
Joha F., born May 10, 1888; and Walter R., born
March 23, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Wade and their
eldest son are members of the Prospect M. E.
Church. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and
in 1899 Was elected a member of the board of bur-
gesses ; at present he is a member of the sewer and
building committee. Socially he is affiliated with
Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., of which for
two years he served as steward. He is also a mem-
ber of the New England Order of Protection. Mr.
Wade is an intelligent and progressive citizen, a lib-
eral-minded, honorable gentleman, and his well-
spent life is worthy of emulation.
JAMES HONISS, one of the mdst highly-
respected citizens of East Berlin, was born in the
County of Kent, England, June 9, 1828, a son of
William and Ann (Flooker) Honiss, also natives of
that country.
The father, who was a farmer by occupation,
was born Jul}' 16, 1792, in Biddenden, and died in
West Rocky Hill, Conn., Sept. 15, 1872; the mother
was born in Biddenden, Sept. 21, 1790, and died
in Berlin, Conn., Aug. 10, 1876. In their family
were seven children: Mary Ann, born Oct. 21,
1817, died in Hartford, Conn., May 6, 1900, and
was the widow of Edwin Tolhurst, a farmer, who
died a few years after the Civil war, of consump-
tion contracted in the service. Hannah, born Dec.
7, 1819, married Major John Rowe, an officer in the
wJojJZ^ flocW^clL VJchAju
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
737
liriiish army, and died in the Tower of London,
where her luisband was stationed at the time. Fran-
ces, born April 19, 1822, married James LJorman,
and lived in Chicago, 111., where she died Sept. lO,
1854. John, born Jan. 8, 1825, married Ma/y
Thayer, of Rocky Hill, Conn., and is now engaged
in the real-estate business in Newark, N. J. James,
our subject, is ne.xt in the order of birlh. W illiam,
born July 22, 1832, married \'ictoria Duilley, antl is
living in Rocky Hill, Hartford county. Robert,
liorn in 1834, died in England at the age of about
I i:;hteen months.
James Honiss was reared on a farm in his native
land, antl attended school in England until eleven
\ oars of age, after which he aided his father in the
larni work. .Vt the age of sixteen he was employed
as a farm hand by John Chittey, in Tunbridge
Wells, England, and then came to America with
his sister Mary Ann and five children. They set
sail from London May 14, 1849, O''' ^'^^ sailing
]iacket "'^largaret Evans," Capt. linker, of Aliddle-
i wn. Conn., and after a long passage of si.x weeks
and three days arrived in New York July 3, 1849.
James found employment on the farm of Elisha
Hubbard, in ]\Iiddletown, Conn., where he remained
four months, and then secured work in the shop of
J. & E. Stevens, at Cromwell, where he was em-
ployed for four and one-half years. The following
\ ear he worked in the shop of William Keighley,
at Aliddle Haddam, and from there came to Rocky
Hill, Hartford county, where he purchased a farm
of forty-five acres from Jason F. Burr, and again
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. After
operating that farm for twenty-one years he pur-
chased the Franklin Roys homestead, of about eight-
een acres, on Berlin street. East Berlin, where he has
since resided.
On March 17, 1859, Air. Honiss married Miss
Rachel Philletta Dudley, who was born in Killing-
worth, Conn., July 25, 1835, a daughter of Julius
and Jerusha (Stevens) Dudley. Her parents are
both dead, and are buried in the Wilcox cemetery.
East Berlin. The children born to our subject
and his wife are as follows: (i) Alida \'irginia,
born in Rocky Hill, Conn., April i, i860, is now the
wife of Charles C. Webster, a machinist employed
in Colt's factory, at Hartford, Conn., and they have
one child, Stewart, born April 14, 1890. {2)
Lillian \'ictoria, born in Rocky Hill, Conn., Sept.
3, 1861, is the wife of Harvey Jay Brown, chief
machinist employed in Enameline works, I'assaic,
N. J., and they have four children : Lovell Jay, born
in Xorwkich, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1887 ; Bessie Alice,
born in F^ast Berlin July 22, 1889; Vera, bom in
East Berlin, Feb. 26, 1892 ; and Gladys, born in
Passaic, N. J., Jan. 19, 1898. A twin of Gladys
died in in fane v. (3) Howard Ogden, born in
Rocky Flill, Feb. 18, 1864, died in Rocky Hill, April
II' '873, and was buried in Wilcox cemetery. East
Berlin. (4) Edward Everett was born in Rocky
Hill, Conn., April 16, 1866. At the age of nineteen
47
he entered Hannum's Business College, Hartford,
Conn., he then became a bookkeeper tor his uncle,
Carroll L. Dudley, who was engaged in the milling
buiness in East Berlin, and remained with him four
years. After that he was employed as clerk for
Wescott Bros., of the same jjlace, for seven years.
On March i, 1900, he bought the grocery business of
ihe late Henry X. Galpin, of r.erlin. Conn., which
he now conducts. He was married April 26, 1894,
to Cora -Vugusta Clark, of Berlin, Conn., and they
have had two children, Lillian Jeanette (who was
born Alay 15, 1896J and Esther Clark (who was
born Jan. 24, 1898, and died July 2, 1898, being
laid to rest in \\'ilco.\ cemetery. East Berlin, Conn.^.
(S) Emma FVanccs, born in Rocky Hill Feb. i,
1 868, is the wife .of George E. Hall, employed as
tlraughtsman for the Eastern Challenge Windmill
Co., Boston, Mass., and they have three children,
r^Iarcy Honiss (born Alarch 17, 1893), Dorothy
Elizabeth (born June 30, 1897), and Edward
James (born Dec. 24, 1898). (6j Lovell James,
born April 13, 1871, was married Aug. 15, 1895,
in Chicago, III., to Florence J. Yates, of Wash-
burn, Wis. At the age of twelve years he entered
the Aliddletown High School, and graduated in 1888;
then entered Wesle^an College, Middletown, Conn.,
and graduated in 1892,. and is now principal of a
school in Dumont, N. J. (7) Hobert Livingstone,
born July 20, 1874, took a business course in Hunt-
singer's Business College, Hartford, Conn., and is
now assisting his father on the farm.
While in Rocky Flill James Honiss, our sub-
ject, took out his naturalization papers, and has
since been a stanch supporter of the Republican
party. He served on the board of relief and grand
jury in that town, but has never been prevailed upon
to accept office since coming to Berlin. Fie is a
prominent and active member of the Methodist
Church of East Berlin, and is at present one of its
trustees and a member of the official board. He
also served as treasurer of the church nine years.
His estimable wife is also a faithful member of the
same church. Although Mr. Honiss is modest and
unassuming, he is none the less hospitable and so-
ciable, and makes many friends.
ED\\'IX SETH TODD, a faithful and trusted
employe of Clark Brothers & Co., manufacturers of
bolts and carriage hardware at Milldale, was born
in Waterbury, Conn.. March 25, 1869.
Air. Todd is a son of William E. and Emeline E.
(Banies) Todd, in whose family were two chil-
dren, the younger being Eva L.. wife of Charles H.
Clark, of Royalton, \'t. The father, who spent his
entire life in Waterbury, was a son of Edwin Todd,
a farmer of that town. The latter's father. Street
Todd, was also a farmer by occupation, and made
his home in Cheshire and Wolcott, Conn. Our sub-
ject's maternal grandparents were Seth and Lucinda
(Pond) Barnes, the former born Xov. 13, 1824,
and died July 20, 1863. while a prisoner of war at
738
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charleston, S. C, from wounds received at Fort
Wagner. His parents were Philo and Electa
(Shepard) Barnes, the former of whom was born
IN'Iarch 2, 1782, and lived in the Marion District of
Southington. He was a son of Asa Barnes, who
was born Aug. 24, 1745, and was married Oct. 30,
1765, to Phoebe Atkins, daughter of Luther Atkins.
Asa Barnes conducted a tavern in the Marion Dis-
trict, was known as Landlord Barnes, and was ver}^
popular in his business relations. His father, Ste-
phen Barnes, was born Jan. 2, 1704, and was mar-
ried, Jan. 5, 1726, to Martha Wheadon, of Bran-
ford. He removed to Southington during its early
settlement, and located in the southwest part of the
town, where he died March 27, 1777. His wife died
March 18, 1773, and was the first one buried in
Plantsville cemetery. Pie was a son of Steplieji and
Mary Barnes, of Branford, Connecticut.
The early life of otir subject was passed in the
town of Waterbury until 187S, in which year he
moved to Southington, and his primary education,
obtained in the public schools, was supplemented
by a course at the Lewis high school, Southington.
In 1888 he embarked in general merchandising at
Marion as a member of the firm of Newell & Todd,
and was engaged in business along that line for
one year. The following year he spent in the Adi-
rondack mountains for his health, and while there en-
gaged in school teaching. Since Oct. i, 1892, he
has been in the employ of Clark Brothers & Co., in
various capacities, and for several years as acting
assistant manager, which responsible position he is
still acceptably filling.
On Oct. 23, 1895, R/[r. Todd was united in mar-
riage with Miss Layette C. Newell, a daughter of
Henry J. and Sophia (Bayrer) Newell, of Marion.
Socially he is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias; polit-
ically he is a stanch Republican. At the age of
fifteen, being a musician of average ability, he be-
came identified with some of the local musical or-
ganizations, and since i8go has been leader of
"Todd's Orchestra." He is widely known and
highly respected, and has many warm friends
throughout the town.
BIRT BEMAN MESSENGER, one of the
most popular and influential citizens of West Gran-
by, where he is now successfully engaged in general
farming and tobacco raising, was born there April
29, 1846, and belongs to one of its old and highly-
respected families.
Amos Messenger, his grandfather, spent his
entire life as an agriculturist in West Granby, and
was a faithful and consistent member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. Seymour Messenger, the
father of our subject, was born in West Granby, in
May, 179'^, and was only three years old when his
father died. Pie was educated in the district schools
and reared in Granby, where he made his home
throughout life. He also engaged in agricultural
pursuits, making a specialty of tobacco culture and
stock raising. Sober, industrious and honorable in
all things, he had the confidence and esteem of all
who knew him. He was liberal in his views on
religious subjects, and with his family attended the
Methodist Episcopal Church ; in politics he was a
Whig until 1856, when he became a stanch supporter
of the Republican party. In 1832 he married Miss
Sally Benian, who was born Nov. 11, 1812, a daugh-
ter of Aaron Beman, who belonged to a well-known
family of Hartford county. Conn. Five children
were born of this union : Armenus S., born May 27,
1833, died June 21, 1887; Rufus L., born Sept. 11,
1835, was killed by a falling tree Jan. 19, 1887 ;
Albert A., born April 26, 1844, died Aug. 13, 1887;
Birt Beman, our subject, is the next in order of
birth; and Betsy Matilda, born March 5, 1852, is
now the wife of George R. Case, of West Granby.
The father died on his farm in West Granby Oct.
21, 1870, and the mother, who was a devout mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, passed away
Jan. 24, 1884, the remains of both being interred in
the West Granby cemetery.
During his boyhood Birt B. Messenger attended
the public schools of Granby, and spent his early
life upon the home farm with his parents. On start-
ing out in life for himself he worked as a farm la-
borer, receiving at first only $18 per month, but $40
during the last few years he was thus employed.
P"or thirteen years he continued to work for others,
during which time he saved a little money, and in
1878 he purchased his present farm, to the cultiva-
tion and improvement of which he has since de-
voted his energies, making a specialty of dairying
and tobacco raising. He is a quiet, unassuming
man, hospitable and generous, a kind neighbor and
a good friend, and he is held in high esteem by all
who know him. On April 3, 1878, in Granby, he
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frazier, a
native of Hartland, and to them have been born three
children : Frederick B., Willani R. and Ruth B.
The parents are both earnest members of the INIeth-
odist Episcopal Church. In his political views Mr.
Messenger is a stanch Republican ; for several years
served as school clerk, and as assessor for five years ;
and in 1898 was chosen by his fellow citizens to
represent Granby in the State Legislature, an office
he is now most creditably and acceptably filling.
The Frazier family, to which Mrs. Messenger
belongs, was founded in America by Thomas
Frazier, who was born near Inverness, Scotland, and
came to this country when a young man. He spent
a number of years in Brooklyn, N. Y., engaged in
the sale of tobacco, and then came to Hartland,
Hartford Co., Conn., where he followed farming
for some time. Later he removed to the farm in the
town of Granby, now known as the Strickland farm, '
on which he spent the remainder of his life. There
he died, and was buried in East Hartland. He was
a member of the Established Church of England.
His only child, Daniel, was born Jan. 22, 1742, in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REt
Brooklyn, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. For
several years he followed a sea-faring life, on board
the ship "\ulture," under Capt. John Gimn, en-
gaged in the West India trade, and later eanie to
Hartland, Conn., with his parents. Here he bc-
lame interested in farming, and finally became the
owner of a fine farm of 150 acres in the town of
( Iranby, on which he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits until called from this life. Oct. 22. 1803, his re-
mains being interred in the East Hartland cemetery.
In politics 'he was a Democrat. He was married,
Dec. 16, 1760, to Abigail Haladay, who was born
Vpril 15, 1743, and died May 9, 1825, also being laid
1l' rest in East Hartland cemetery. Their children
were as follows: Alexander, born Aug. 19, Ty6i,
'lied Alarch 3, 1762; Thomas, born April 2, 1763;
Daniel, born May 19, 1765, died April 22, 1803;
Abigail, born July 23, 1767: Jared, born Sept. 14,
J 769; David, born Jan. 6, 1771 ; Elizabeth, born Jan.
_'(i, 1773; Samuel, the grandfather of Mrs. Messen-
ger; Polly, born June 4, 1781, married Polls Case;
and Ruth, born June 30, 1784, married Richard
.\lcott.
Samuel Frazier, grandfather of Mrs. Messenger,
was born Sept. 27, 1777, in Simsbury (now Gran-
liy) town, and attended scliool at that place. He
n ade farming and house-painting his life work,
was a Democrat in politics, and liberal in his relig-
i.nis views. He died in Granby March 26, 1840,
ai;d was laid to rest in the family Inirying-ground
1:' East Hartland. He was married, in Granby, to
Cxnthia Osborn, a daughter of Abrani Osborn, who
was of Welsh descent. She was born in Granby,
Sept. 3, 1785, and died in 1875, her remains being
interred in East Hartland. She was a good Chris-
tian woman, a member of the Congregational
Church. In her family were ten children: Dayton,
burn in T807, was a lifelong invalid; Daniel was
born in July, 1809; Abram, born July 25, 181 1, died
i:i infancy; Sherman was born Jan. 11, 1813; Ed-
win was born April i, 1815; Alma, born May 23,
tSiS, married Lyman Clark; Stewart was born
March 13, 1821 ; Jaman, born Feb. 13, 1824, is now
li\ing in Ohio; Marvin, born Feb. 27, 1827, is the
father of Mrs. Messenger; and Oren L., was born
Dec. I, 1831.
]\Iarvin Frazier was reared and educated in
• .ranby, and has followed farming throughout life
there and in Hartland. Though he has made sev-
eral trips to northern Ohio, he still makes his home
in the town of Granby, a hale and hearty old man,
who is widely and favorably known throughout the
community in \vhich he has so long lived, in Hills-
dale, N. Y., he was married, Sept. 15, 1852, to Miss
Eunice Clark, a native of Otis, Mass., and, a daugh-
ter of Lyman Clark. To them were born nine chil-
dren: Mary, now the wife of our subject; Ruth,
wife of Joseph Beman ; Samuel, who married Grace
French, and is a jiainter l)y tratle ; Joel, at home, who
married Lillia Messenger, and has two children.
Mabel and Pearl ; Gilbert, who married Jennie
Roberts, and lives 1
and Emmet, all dece;
Granby. The niothei
woman, died in 1890, ;
land. In polities Mr. !■
but he is now a stalwart
tion party and its princip
HOWARD C. GAINL
Hartford, was born in the
1851, and is a son of Albert
Gaines, descendants of the olci.
town and county of Hartford.
Albert Gaines was born in Ease
9, 1819, and at the age of fourteen yea.
apprentice at harnessmaking to Timothy
under whom he served seven years. He thei
at Manchester Green, and entered into busii
his own account ; remained there four years ; ti.
in 1844, came to East Hartford, carried on busi.
a few years and then removed to Hartford, whi
he did business for thirteen years. He finally came
back to East Hartford, which has since been his
home. His marriage took place -May 19, 1842, to
Hester Hills, daughter of James and Abigail
(Brewer) Hills, and to this union have been born
four children: Albert, who died in 1863, at the age
of twenty years; Howard C, the subject of this
sketch; Alice, who is married to Francis E. Clark,
a resident of Grass \'alley, Oregon ; and Gertrude,
the wife of John R. Hanmer, living near Boston,
j\lass. Mr. Gaines is still living, and his wife, a
lady of refined tastes, holds with him a high posi-
tion in the esteem of the community in which they
have so long lived.
Howard C. Gaines first attended the schools
of East Flartford, and had for one of his instructors
Joseph O. Hurlburt. who was a renowned educator
in his time. Later, after his parents removed to
Hartford, he was a pupil at the South school, of
which Chauncey Harris was the principal. At the
age of fifteen years his educational course ended,
and since then he has fought his own way through
life. He was first employed by E. P. Kellogg, a
photographer ; then took a position in a shoe store,
but two years later the firm went out of business ;
and he entered the employ of the City Fire Insurance
Co. The disastrous fire at Chicago in 1871 ruined
this company, and he then took a position with the
Orient Fire Insurance Co., and with it remained
until failing eyesight compelled him to relinqui.-;h
clerical work. His next situation was with George
W. Williams & Co., wholesale druggists, as trav-
eling salesman and collector. He held this situation
eight years, and was then offered a better position
with b. W. Williams & Co., of Glastonbury, and
traveled through Connecticut, Rhode Island and
part of Massachusetts. Later he accepted a situa-
tion with C. L. Jones & Co., of Boston, and was
with that firm eleven vears.
Mr. Gaines first married, May 15, 1877, Miss
MEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
jf Manchester, and a
Harriet ( Williams j
.re born two children :
.nploy of C. S. Hills &
hur H., who is attending
a School. Mrs. Jessie C
. 1 6, 1894, and on June 17,
.ed Miss Mary E. Griswc'd,
jester, and a daughter of Ed-
-iarriet (White) Griswold.
..aines are active members of the
jnal Church; the two sons also
Jhurch, and are prominently con-
iie Christian Endeavor Society,
.id, the oldest son, was married April 4,
Helen J. Williams, "a most estimable young
daughter of Arthur J. Williams, formerly of
Jram, "now of this town." Mr. Gaines lived
/ seventeen days after marriage, having died on
i 2ist from pneumonia, and was buried ihe 241:1.
-. he sad blow came as a shock to the entire com-
munity.
JAMES BAKER WILLIAMS. In studying
the lives and character of prominent and prosperous
men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret
of their success, and the motives that have prompted
their action. Success is a question of genius, as
held by many, but is it not rather a matter of ex-
perience and sound judgment? For when we trace
the career of those who stand highest in public es-
teem we find in nearly every case that they are
those who have risen gradually, fighting their own
way, in the face of all opposition. Self-reliance,
conscientiousness, energy, honesty — these are the
traits of character that insure the highest emolu-
ments and greatest success. To these may we at-
tribute the success that has crowned the efforts of
J. B. Williams, a well-known manufacturer of
Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Mr. Williams was born in Lebanon, New Lon-
don Co., Conn., Feb. 2, 1818, a son of Solomon and
Martha (Baker) Williams. On the paternal side
he traces his ancestry back to Robert Williams, a
native of Norwich, England, who arrived in Rox-
bury, Mass., in 1638, and was made a freeman the
same 3'ear. In England he married Elizabeth
Stalham, who died in 1674, aged eighty years, and
for his second wife he married Martha Story, who
died in 1708, aged ninety-two. He died Sept. i,
1693, aged eighty-six years. By his first marriage
he had three sons : Samuel, born in 1632 ; Isaac,
born in 1638, and Stephen born in 1644.
The eldest inherited the homestead which is still
owned and occupied by his descendants. Thomas
Williams graduated at Oxford, England, in 1673.
Oliver Cromwell (the Protector and Pretender),
according to Rev. M. Russell, LL. D., and other
writers, was a Williams, and assumed the name of
Cromwell, the family signing themselves "Crom-
well, alias Williams," down to the reign of James T.
(II) Isaac Williams, the second son of Robert,
located in Newton, Mass., and was one of the
founders and first deacons of the Congregational
Church in that town. He married, (first) iVIartha
Parke, a daughter of Dr. William Parke, and their
children were Isaac, born in 1661 ; Martha, 1663 ;
William, 1665; John, 1667; Eleazer, 1669; and
Thomas, 1673. For his second wife he married
Judith Cooper, by whom he had three children :
Peter, born in 1680 ; Sarah, 1688 ; and Ephraim, 1691.
(III) Rev. William Williams, the secoird sou
of Deacon Isaac Williams, of Newton, was gradu-
ated at Harvard College in 1683, and in 1685 became
pastor of the Congregational Church in Hatfield..
Mass., where he remained as such for fifty-six
years. In 1686 he married Elizabeth Cotton, by
whom he had three children: Rev. William, of
Weston, born in 1688; Martha, born in 1690; and
Rev. Elisha, born in 1694, who made his home in
Newington, Hartford Co., Conn., for a time, and
later was rector or president of Yale College. In
1699 Rev. Williams married, for his second wifi--.
Christian, daughter of Rev. Solomon Stoddard, of
Northampton, Mass., and to them were born three
children: Solomon, in 1701 ; Israel, in 1709; and
Dorothy, in 1713. The father of this family died
in Hatfield, Mass., in 1741. Rev. Solomon Will-
iams was own cousin to Jonathan Edwards, at one
time president of Princeton College, and a volum-
inous writer.
(IV) Rev. Solomon Williams, D. D., the elder
son by the second union, was pastor of the First
Church in Lebanon, Conn., for fifty-four j^ears. He
was married, in 1723, to Mary, daughter of Judge
Samuel Porter, of Hatfield, Mass., and to them were
born the following children: (i) Solomon, born in
1725, died soon after graduating from Yale College
in 1743. (2) Rev. Eliphalet, D. D., born in 1727,
died in 1803, after having served fifty-six years as
pastor of the church in East Hartford, Conn. His
son Solomon was called to the church of his great-
grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, and was pastor of
the same for over fifty years. (3) Ezekiel — father
of Thomas S., chief justice of Connecticut; Re\'.
Samuel P., of Newburyport, Mass. ; and Major
John, of Wethersfield — was born in 1729, and died
at his home in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1818. (4)
William, born in 1731, was for about forty sessions
a member of the Connecticut Legislature ; town
clerk of Lebanon many years ; and in 1776 a member
of the Continental Congress and Signer of the Dec-
laration of Independence. He married Mary Trum-
bull, daughter of George Jonathan Trumbull, who
was governor of Connecticut during the Revolu-
tion. (5) Mary, born in 1733, married Richard
Salter, of Mansfield, Conn. (6) Thomas, born in
1735, is. mentioned more fully below. (7) Chris-
tain, born in 1738, married John Salter, pf Mans-
field. (8) Eunice, born in 1745, married Rev. Tim-
othy Stone, of Goshen parish, in Lebanon, and died
in Cornwall, Conn., in 1836, aged ninety-one years.
^2,'C^c^L^^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
741
(V) Dr. Thomas U'illiams, the youngest son of
Kcv. Solomon, and a graduate of Yale College and
of the Yale Medical School, was a physician, and
li\cil on his father's homestead, dying there in i8iy.
lie married Rebecca Wells, of Kast Hartford, a
lineal descendant of Thomas \Vells, an early gov-
ernor of Connecticut, and their only children were
Solomon and Mary (twins), born in 1783. The
latter never married, and died at the home of her
lirother in East Hartford, in 1831.
{\'i.) Solomon Williams, the son, was the father
<ii our subject. He died in Manchester, Conn., in
I Sjs, aged ninety-two years. In 1806 he married
-Martha Baker, of Brooklyn, Conn., and to them
were born children as follows : Rebecca Wells,
born in 1807, married Rev. Story Hebbard, and
(lied in Beirut, Syria, in 1840; he was stationed on
the island of Malta, she in the Syrian Mission.
Thomas Scott, born in 1812, was a civil engineer;
in 1846 he married Ellen Goodwin, of East Hart-
ford, and he died in 1875, leaving four children.
Samuel Porter, born in 1814, was a merchant and
banker for many years in Lima, Ind. He married
I tirst) Lydia Hume and (second) her sister, Isa-
bella Hume, who both died before him, and he died
in California, March 31, 1897, leaving four children.
Sarah Trumbull, born in 1816, married Edwin
Robinson, of Brooklyn, Conn., a direct descendant
of John Robinson, of Leyden, and had three chil-
dren; he died Feb. 8, 1881, she on March 12, 1900.
James Baker, our subject, is next in the order of
birth. George Wells, born in 1820, married Martha
Woodbridge, of Manchester, Conn., by whom he
had one son, Charles S., of Hartford. William
Stuart, born in 1822, wedded Mary Edwards Good-
win, of East Hartford, and was for over forty
years associated in business with our subject ; he and
his wife both died recently, leaving four children.
John Albert, born in 1824, was a civil engineer, for
some years employed on the Boston Water Works,
and later in contracting on the railroad from Gal-
veston north to Austin, Texas ; he was married in
Texas to Caroline Sherman, and died in Galveston
of yellow fever, in 1866, leaving one son, Albert
Sidney. Solomon Stoddard, born in 1826 in Leb-
anon, died in Manchester, Conn., in 1847. Martha
Huntington, born in 1828 in East Hartford, was
married in 1862 to Bryan E. Hooker, a lineal de-
scendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker, the first minister
of Hartford; he died in 1888, leaving three children.
Mrs. Hooker is still living.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of
Dr. Joseph Baker, of Brooklyn, Conn., a neighbor
of Gen. Israel Putnam, who, when news came of the
battles of Concord and Lexington, in 1775, at once
raised a regiment of soldiers, Dr. Baker going with
him to Boston, as surgeon of the regiment. Her
mother was a granddaughter of Rev. M. Devotion,
of Suffield, and daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer
Devotion, of Scotland parish. Windham, Conn. Two
of Mrs. Williams' brothers were officers in the
United States army, having enlisted during the war
of 1812. Capt. James Baker continued in the ser-
vice until disabled by illness, while the other. Col.
Rufus L. Baker, remained until about 18O1, when he
resigned rather than obe\- orders from Secretary
of War Jefferson Davis, requiring the sending of
arms and amnuuiition to Southern arsenals and
forts.
(\TI) James B. Williams, our subject, was born
in 1818, at Lebanon, in the house occupied by his
great-grandfather fifty-four years, by his grand-
father eighty-four \-ears, and by his father forty-
six years. He acquired his education in the public
schools of Lebanon, East Hartford and Hartford,
and attended the East Hartford Academy for two
terms. Among his teachers were T. L. Wright and
his assistant, N. W. Spencer, and a Mr. Knox.
In early life he lived for one summer with Mrs.
Benjamin Ulmstead, in East Hartford, where he did
all kinds of work that a boy could do, one of his oc-
cupations being to drive several cows to the pasture.
In the spring of 1832 he left the Stone school on
Dorr (now Market) street, Hartford, and went as
a farm boy to live with Deacon Horace Pitkin, of
Manchester, with whom he spent two summers,
and who taught him how to work and to do it
easily, which knowledge has been of great benefit
to him in later years.
In the spring of 1834 Mr. Williams entered the
employ of F. & H. C. \\'oodbridge, nephews of
Deacon Pitkin, as clerk in their store on Manchester
Green, and retained that position for over four
years, receiving only $25 the first year, and $35 the
second. Feeling the need of a more thorough edu-
cation, he made it a rule, after closing the store at
nine, to study until eleven in the evening, and to rise
at five in the morning and studv until time to open
the store. This practice he followed for many years,
and as one of the partners was an apothecary, hav-
ing a well-stocked departiuent in that line, the young
man soon learned to put up physicians' prescrip-
tions and to compound their preparations, spending
much of his leisure time and evenings in studying
chemistry. The knowledge of that science, thus
obtained, has proven invaluable in his present busi-
ness. In 1838, when F. \\'oodbridge, senior mem-
ber of the firm, moved away, his partner, C. G.
Keeney, offered our subject a half-interest in the
business, and the name was changed to Keeney &
Williams. In 1840 he sold his share in the busi-
ness, with the exception of the drug department,
to the late Christopher A. \\'oodbridge, and then
formed a partnership with his brother, George W.
Williams. In connection with their regular drug
business they commenced manufacturing a variety
of compounds, such as all apothecaries sell, but
few make. \\'hile in Manchester Mr. \\'illiams be-
came convinced that there was a great and increas-
sing demand for a better quality of shaving soap
than could then be had, and he began a series of ex-
periments, hoping to produce it. These were con-
742
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tinued for over two years, small quantities being
made and given to neig'hbors and friends to test.
After finding that the same quality could be pro-
duced every time it was put on the market, with the
name of "Williams' Genuine Yankee Soap." Its
superior quality and peculiar name soon brought it
into notice, and its reputation led many other soap
manufacturers to imitate its form and to use its
trade mark. Imitations were made in New York,
Philadelphia, Rochester, Chicago, and other places,
scores of them, compelling Williams Brothers to
bring suits at law to maintain their trade marks,
yet securing injunctions in every suit they com-
menced. This business was continued in Manches-
ter until 1847, when, having divided the business
with his brother, our subject moved to Glastonbury,
where he had rented from his father-in-law, the late
David Hubbard, a small gristmill, and here he con-
tinued to manufacture shaving soap and a few other
articles. After a year or more another brother,
the late William S. Williams, joined him in busi-
ness, and the name was changed to James B. Will-
iams & Co., remaining such until 1885, when a
joint-stock company was formed under the laws of
the State of Connecticut, known as the J. B. Will-
iams Company. Of this corporation James B.
Williams is president; his son, David W. Williams,
vice-president; his nephew, George G. Williams,
treasurer ; and his son, Samuel H. Williams, chemist.
The gristmill used by Mr. Williams on coming to
Glastonbury, in 1847, afforded less than 2,500
square feet of floor space, while the company now
use about 100,000 square feet, or forty times as
much. They have customers in every city in the
United States and Canada, also in London, England,
and Sydney, Australia, France, Germany, Russia,
and South Africa, and much is sold in the East
Indias, South America and Mexico. In this State
there is probably not a manufacturer whose product
is used by as man}' different persons or has for years
occupied as distinctive a position on account of its
excellence, as Williams' Yankee Shaving Soap. After
almost sixty years of business, although commenc-
ing with borrowed capital, Mr. Williams can say
that no check or note bearing his signature has
ever been dishonored or protested ; every claim has
been paid in full ; no customer has ever been lost
unless going out of business ; and with scarcely an
exception his sales have always been greater each
year than the year previous. He is also president
of the Williams Brothers Manufacturing Co., of
Glastonbury, and of the Vermont Farm Machine
Co., of Bellows Falls, Vermont.
In 1845 Mr. Williams married Miss Jerusha M.
Hubbard, eldest daughter of David Hubbard, of
Glastonbury. She was born there May 5, 1825, and
died Nov. 20, 1866, her remains being interred in
the Glastonbury cemetery. Bv tnis union there
were six children: (i) Mary Ellen is at home with
her father. (.2) David Willard was married, Oct.
23, 1876, to Helen Penfield Rankin, daughter of
Rev. S. G. W. Rankin, and they have five chil-
dren, Helen Louise, born in 1878 ; James Willard,
1885; Mildred, 1887;, Ruth Clarissa, 1890; and Isa-
belle Stoddard, 1894. (3) Martha Baker is at
home. (4) Jessie Elizabeth is the wife of Henry
F. Welch, of Charleston, S. C. (5) James Stod-
dard was married, Aug. 4, 1887, to Katherine Phil-
lips Clarke, daughter of Judge R. L. B. Clarke,
of Washin^on, and they have four children, Kath-
erine Stoddard, born in 1889; Helen Devotion,
1891 ; Percy Huntington, 1894; and Edith Clarke, -^
1896. (6) Samuel Hubbard was married, Jan. !
9, 1889, to Frances Ann Scudder, daughter of Rev.
William Scudder, D. D., a missionary in India,
and they have three children, Carrol Scudder, born
in 1890; Frances Rosseau, 1891 ; and Martha Hunt-
ngton, 1896. Mr. Williams was again . married,
his second union being, in 1869, with Miss Julia
Elizabeth Hubbard, a younger sister of his first
wife, and a daughter of David and Jerusha (HoUis-
ter) Hubbard. For many years the names of Hub- h
bard and HoUister were the most numerous and '
prominent in Glastonbury. The first of the Hub-
iDard family to locate in that town was George,
who settled there when it formed a part of Weth-
ersfield, and from whom many of the name in that
and other towns have descended. Mrs. Williams
was born in Glastonbury May 10, 1839, and by her
marriage to our subject has become the mother of
two children : Anne Shelton, at home ; and Richard
Solomon, who is attending Amherst College.
Mr. Williams is now practically living retired,
though he may be found in his office almost daily,
attending to some business. Flis activity for one of
his age is certainly remarkable, and not one in ten
thousand, at the age of eiohty-two, has his elasticity
of step. His mind is as clear as it was forty years
ago, and his memory is remarkably good. Since
1886 he has been spending his winters in the South,
mostly in Leesburg, Fla. He is a man of regular
habits, takes exercise daily, hoes in the garden, antl
does other light work about his splendid home and
grounds. He has never used tobacco or liquor, and
to these habits may be attributed his excellent
health. When a boy of nine years he signed the
temperance pledge, and has never broken it. He
seldom allows a day to pass but what he attends
to business of some kind in his office, and his advice
is often sought on business matters, his years of
experience making his opinions very valuable.
There is no kinder, or more approachable and un-
assuming man in the town than Mr. Williams.
Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for
Gen. W. H. Harrison in 1840, and his three brothers i
supported the same candidate. Fie remained a Whig
until the organization of the Republican party,
when he joined its ranks, and has since been one
of its stanch supporters. Fie was elected to the
Lower House of the State Legislature in 1863 and j
1864, and during his first term was a member of :
the committee on Education; during the second he
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
743
was a nicnibcr of the committee on Engrossed Bills.
I'rior to liiis he had several times declined to be-
come a candidate for that office, and later refused
a re-nomination. While a resident of Manchester
he served as recorder of voters during the existence
of that office. At the age of eighteen he enlisted
in the East Hartford Artillery Company, which
was coni])osed of very able-ljodied men, trained one
day, and was chosen corporal ; but as his duties as
an apothecary required his daily attention, and
would exeinpt him from military duty, he resigned
his office and connection with the company, giving
his cap, sword and uniform to a substitute.
In 1S38 Air. Williams united with the First Con-
gregational Church in Manchester, and in 184S was
received into the First Church of Christ, in Glas-
tonbury. He was chosen deacon of the latter church
in 1859, and has filled that office continuously since.
He takes a very active and prominent part in church
work, and his place in the congregation would be
hard to fill. Fie is a member of the Connecticut
Historical Society, the Connecticut Congregational
Club, the Harrison Veteran Club, the Good Temp-
lars, and Sons of the American Revolution. Mr.
Williams has the greatest respect possible shown
to him on all occasions, and by every one. He is
a man about whom there cannot be truthfully said
anything but good ; many of his kind and extremely
generous acts have been hidden from the public,
and those that have become known have been told
of by the recipient. No man could hand down to
posterity a cleaner, better record, as a useful man
■whose influence has always been for good.
ELIJAH DANFORTH ABRAAIS is a leading
milk dealer and representative citizen of West Hart-
ford, his home being at Foote"s Corners.
Mr. Abrams was born in Duanesburg, N. Y.,
Oct. 2y, i860, a son of J. Danforth Abrams, also
a native of Duanesburg, where he spent the greater
part of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He was one of the boys in blue whose life was
sacrificed on the altar of his country during the
Civil war, serving as a member of a New York
regiment of infantry, and died at Fortress Monroe,
Va., in 1864. He married Miss Susan Ladd, a sister
of George W. Ladd, of Bloomfield, Conn., and to
them were born two sons : Alva E., now a physi-
cian of Hartford, Conn., with office at No. 78, High
street; and Elijah D., our subject. The paternal
grandparents of our subject were Elnathan and
Anna ( Strong) Abrams, farming people of Duanes-
burg, N. Y., where the former died in 1S61.
Elijah D. Abrams attended the public schools
of his native town, where he obtained a good prac-
tical education. When his school days were over he
clerked for the firm of Cheney & Heulett. builders
of Brooklyn, N. Y., and subsequently worked in
the locomotive works at Schenectady, N. Y., for
three years, after wdiich he engaged in farming in
Duanesburg for the same length of time. In April,
1890, he came to West Hartford, Hartford Co.,
Conn., and located on the J. B. Griswold farm, at
Foote's Corners, where he has since engaged in the
milk business with a fair degree of success, his
patronage being quite extensive. Fraternally he
is a member of the Grange, but has neither time nor
inclination for public affairs. He w'as married in
Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Miss Nettie
B. Conover, and he and liis estimable wife have made
many friends during their residence in this county.
GEORGE EDWARD CHURCHILL, who is
now representing Newington in the State Legisla-
ture, and is one of the most prominent factors in
her agricultural circles, is a man whose worth and
ability have gained him success, honor and public
confidence. He was born Dec. 11, 1858, on the farm
where he now resides, in a house which stood just
in front of his present residence, and he is a rep-
resentative of an old prominent Colonial family.
Three branches of the Churchill family came to
America at an early day: John, of I'lymouth,
Alass. ; Josiah, of Wethersfield, Conn.; and Will. am,
of Manhattan, N. Y. In 1664 Joseph Churchill,
son of Josiah, gave a deed for land sold which is
still in the possession of the family, and the ink is
as black as it was the da}' the document was written.
Our subject traces his ancestry back to his great-
great-grandfather, Capt. Charles Churchill, of Revo-
utionary fame, who was born in 1723. Gen. Wash-
ington and his staflf were quartered in the old
Churchill homestead for some time, and the Gen-
eral's horses were kept in John Rowley's barn, which
was recently destroyed by fire. The ancestors of
our subject furnished shoes and provisions for the
Continental army, and the old tan vats, where the
leather was prepared for the shoes, still stand near
the old homestead, which has now crumbled to the
ground. To this family belonged Silas Churchill,
who in 1805, at Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., de-
livered a masterly sermon, which was heartily en-
dorsed by the Presbyter}-, and they desired the
same to be printed.
The great-grandfather of our subject was Sam-
uel Churchill, and the grandfather was Chislew
Churchill, who was born on the old homestead in
Newington Dec. 7, 1779, and was a shoemaker by
trade. The latter was married, March 31, 1806, to
Miss Cylinda Hurlburt, of Portland, C!onn. Their
son, Samuel Seymour Churchill, father of our sub-
ject, was born on the home farm Feb. 28, 1825, in
the same house where our subject's birth occurred.
He followed the occupation of farming throughout
life, and lived in the old homestead with his son
until his death, .\pril 2, 1900. On Nov. 11, 1846, he
married Miss Louisa Hunt, and to them were born
two children. Henry Dwight Churchill, the elder, was
born May 5, 1849, ''"'i is now engaged in the
bakery business in Cairo, N. Y. The father is a
Democrat in politics, and is honored and respected
by all who know him.
744
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
George E. Churchill, the subject of this review,
spent his boyhood on the farm, attended the public
schools of Newington, and also studied at home.
At one time it was his intention to enter the min-
istry, but later he changed his mind. From 1880 to
1884 he successfully engaged in teaching in the
old "Bell" school, which was burned in 1888. On
abandoning that profession he turned his attention
to agriculture, and has since operated the home
farm with most gratifying results. He has erected
thereon a large eight-room residence, in modern
st3'-le of architecture, and has also built a large barn
and made many other improvements upon the place.
On Aug. 23, 1.888, Mr. Churchill was united in
marriage with Miss Anna Malinda Wickham, who
was born in Manchester, Conn., March 22, 1867, a
daughter of William and Ann S. (Sanders) Wick-
ham, of Hillstown. They now have two children :
Almeron Seymour, who was born July 27, 1889,
and is attending the Newington public schools ; and
Louisa Ann, born Sept. 12, 1898.
In his political views Mr. Churchill is a stanch
Republican. He was an efficient member of the
board of school visitors for six years; has been
registrar of electors for several years, and is now
serving his third year as a member of the board of
relief. At the urgent request of his many friends
he accepted the nomination for representative in
1898, and in November of that year was elected to
the State Legislature, by a majority of sixty-eight,
over Shuball H. Whapples, of Newington Junction,
the largest majority ever given to a Republican in
the history of the town. He has the entire con-
fidence of his constituents, and is now ably and
satisfactorily representing his district. Fraterally
he is a popular member of Our Brothers Council, No.
41, Sr. O. U. A. M., in which he has passed all the
chairs, and both he and his wife belonged to the
Grange until it disbanded. They hold membership
in the Congregational Church, and Mr. Churchill
has been president of the Christian Endeavor So-
ciety.
JAMES CAMPBELL, M. A., M. D. (de-
ceased), was for many years a leading physician
of Hartford, and the following memoir will be of
general interest. He was born in the town of
Manchester, Hartford county, March 14, 1848, son
of James Campbell, who was a native of New
Hampshire, coming from one of the best and oldest
families, which had its rise long ago in the High-
lands of Scotland. They early settled in this coun-
try, and participated in man)' of the early struggles
of the colonists. More than half a century ago the
elder James Campbell left New Hampshire and
came to Connecticut, locating in the town of Man-
chester.
Dr. Campbell entered upon his professional
career at the age of twenty-three, having received
his medical education at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, New York City, and the Medical
Department of the LTniversity of Vermont. He first
located in Minnesota, and later went to Europe to i
spend a year and a half in the hospitals and clinics !
of Berlin, Prague and Vienna. On returning, in
1874, he settled in Hartford, where his ability and
skill won prompt recognition. For nearly fifteen
years he was president of the board of health, and
he also served for some time as a member of the
Hartford Hospital staff. In 1886 he was elected
a professor in the Medical Department of Yale Uni-
versity, and in appreciation of nis work the uni- ;
versify conferred upon him, in 1891, the honorary
degree of M. A. This chair he felt called upon to
resign in the spring of 1899, retiring with the
cordial thanks of the corporation for his long and
excellent service, and with its regret that he could
not remain in a position he had so long adorned.
His resignation, however, was not accepted, and
he was really a member of the Faculty until his
death. j
The Doctor found time in the midst of a large
and growing practice to devote much attention to
the sanitary conditions of his adopted city He be-
came deeply interested in the local boarcl of health
at the time that Dr. Chamberlain had so much to
do with that branch of our government, and main-
tained his close connection with the work. When
the Hartford board was reorganized he became its
president, a place he retained to the time of his
death. The records of the board of health show his
wide and deep acquaintance with everthing that per-
tains to the welfare of the city. The much-praised
intercepting sewer was largely due to his intelligent ,
efforts. He saw, with others, that something must
be done with the little river, and he was equal to
the emergency in suggestion and execution.
Next to his interests in the health affairs of
the city he paid careful attention to the Hartford
Hospital. The Doctor was also a member of the
City, County, State and National Medical So-
cieties, and contributed many valuable papers to
their publications. The interest he took in health
affairs made him a member of the health associa-
tion of the United States and Canada. He was
also a member of the New York Academy of Medi-
cine, and of the Association of Medical Directors
of Life Insurance Companies of the United States
and Canada. He was medical director of the .^tna
Life Insurance Co., a position he held for years,
and for many years was also medical examiner of
same. He had also many financial connections wnth
Hartford institutions.
Dr. Campbell was also a prominent member of
the Hartford Club, having taken a great interest in ;
that organization. He was a thirty-second-degree
Mason, being a member of LaFayette Lodge : also
belonged to Crescent Lodge, Knights of Pythias; 1
to the lodge of Odd Fellows; to the Sons of the ,
American Revolution ; and to the Church Club of ,
the Episcopal diocese. !
The Doctor was a man of generous impulses j
^^^l-t^^c-^i-^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
745
and warm-hoarU'il. In a quiet, unostentatious way
lie (lid a i;Tcat deal of good, one of his acts in this
direction beint;' to assist several young' peojale who
desired to gain an education in acconi]ilisliing their
object, lie atlentled many cases recjuiring his pro-
fessional attendance under peculiarly difficult cir-
cumstances, among poor people, when he knew that
lie would probably never receive any financial re-
turn for his efforts. The knowledge that lie had
saved a life was sufficient reward. In his death,
which occurreil (Jet. 17, i8yy, at his home in Hart-
ford, tlie city lost an able physician and Christian
gentleman, and his family a kind huslKind and
father.
( )n ( )ct. 15, 1S74, I'r. Campbell married Miss
Alary Cornelia, youngest daughter of William C.
Fettihone, a respected merchant uf Hartford, and
a member of the old Simsbury family of Petti-
bones, whose history in Connecticut goes back to
Colonial times. Of the three children born to this
iniion, James Noel H. and Grace are living; one son,
James Malcolm, died in infancy. The Doctor's
love for his family was a notable feature, and one
of the last things that he did before his disease
grew critical was to purchase for its members a
cottage at Fenwick, that they might have a pleas-
ane summer home, though he knew at that time that
he himself could in all probability never live to en-
joy it. They also have a summer home at Xorth-
wood, Xew Ham]5shire.
JOHN GEORGE KEIDAISCH, a successful
agriculturist of the town of Glastonbury, is the
owner of an attractive farm near Addison, and he
and his estimable wife, who has been an efficient
aid to him, may well find satisfaction in the home
which their hard toil and wise management have
gained for them.
Mr. Keidaisch was born March 10, 1831, in
Wittenberg, Germany;^ son of Adam and Rosie
(Autlinger) Keidaisch, both of whom lived and
died at Wittenberg. His father was a farmer and
butcher by occupation. Our subject was the eldest
of three children, and is the only survivor, the
others, Adam and Henry, having died before at-
taining mature age.
As a boy our subject attended school at Witten-
berg, the law compelling children under fourteen
to be sent regularly, but after tliat age he assisted
his father upon the farm. WHien twenty-five years old
he came to America, the voyage in a sailing vessel
from Havre lasting six weeks. He landed in New
York with but five dollars in his pocket, a portion
of that being used to pay his fare on the boat to
Hartford, and before he found work his money
was almost exhausted. While searching for em-
ployment he met a farmer from Glastonbury named
Fred Duster, who owned the farm now occupied
by Henry Potter, and was looking for a farm hand.
Mr. Keidaisch hired out to him for a year at small
wages, and later he worked for Kilbourne Strick-
land at eleven dollars a month, and spent two years
with Selden House at $130 a year. In those days,
if our subject made a trip to Hartford he went on
foot, and in every way his lot was a hard one ; but
his industry and economy enabled him to save
something each year, and in 1864 he invested his
earnings in twenty-four acres of land formerly be-
longing to John Chapman. This he has improved,
the house and barn having been thoroughly re-
modeled, and he has added other land from time to
time until he now owns sixty acres, all in excellent
condition. He is a Democrat in politics, and he
and his family attend the devotional services of the
"German Society" at Glastonbury.
On Oct. II, 1863, Mr. Keidaisch married Miss
Anna Rummell, who was born March 22, 1835, in
Saxe- Weimar, (iermany, daughter of Adam and
Katherina Margaret (Sinn) Rummell. She came
to America when twenty-one years old, and on first
locating in East Glastonbury was employed in a
boarding house where she did the housework and
washing for eight people, sometimes rising at 2
o'clock in the morning to begin her day's toil. For
this she received only two dollars per week, and as
prices were high for dry goods it cost her many
days of hard labor to get a dress. She and her hus-
band began housekeeping on a limited scale, buying
only such things as they could pay cash for, and this
practice has been continued to the present. Their
children have been reared to habits of industry
and thrift, and all were given a practical education
in the schools of Addison. ( 1 ) John born (Jet.
I, 1866, is unmarried and is employed in Hartford.
(2) Elizabeth, born Nov. 14, iS68„ married Thomas
J. Tucker, and died in Addison. They had two
children, Jessie and Lincoln. (3) Annie, born Nov.
3, 1870, married I'aul Kasche, of Hockanum, and
has one son, Walter. (_4) Fred born March 23,
1872, resides in Norwich. (5) Henry, born May 18,
1876, was employed in the Addison ?vlill for a time,
and now operates the home farm.
PETER J. BRADLEY, a prominent and repre-
sentative agriculturist of the town of East Granby,
residing near (jranby Station, was born Dec.i 24.
1857, in the parish of Upper Badoney, County
Tyrone, Ireland, and is a son of Peter and Mary
(McGarrety) Bradley, natives of the same parish,
where they spent their entire lives as well-to-do
farming people. The father died in 1897, the
mother in 1874, and both were buried in Upper
Badoney. They were devout members of the
Catholic Church, and highly respected by all who
knew them. Of the eight children born to them
only three are now living : Bernard, who is still
a resident of Ireland : Margaret, wife of Michael
Rogers, also of that country ; and Peter J., our sub-
! ject.
j During his lioyhood Peter J. Bradley attended
the national schools of his native town, and ob-
tained a good English education. He also studied
746
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Latin, preparatory to entering college, but receiv-
ing an invitation from his maternal uncle, James
McGarrety, now a well-known citizen of Tariffville,
Conn., who was then engaged in farming in the
town of East Granby, to visit him, our subject left
his home and aged parents, in 1873, at the age of
sixteen years, and started for the New World, em-
barking at Londonderry, Ireland, on the steamer
"Australia." After a passage of nine days, he set
foot on the shores of his adopted country. From
New York City, he proceeded at once to the town
of East Granby, Hartford Co., Conn., and being
young, strong and active, he soon found employ-
ment on the Northampton division of the New
York, New Haven & Northampton railroad, with
which he was connected for nearly two years, re-
ceiving $1.75 per day. The following three years
he spent on the farm with his uncle, Mr. McGar-
rety, and he then started out for himself, operating
farms on shares in the town of East Granby for
three years. Managing to save a little money, he
bought his uncle's place of one hundred acres, and
has since devoted his time to general farming and
tobacco raising with good success.
Mr. Bradley is a whole-souled man, and is
highly respected by all classes as an honest, up-
right and industrious man, who has secured for
himself a comfortable home and competence by hard
work and fair dealing. The Republican party finds
in him a stalwart supporter of its principles, and
although well-qualified for the position he has more
than once refused the nomination for representative
in the State Legislature. He is broad-minded and
liberal in his views, _is well-read, and keeps himself
posted on current events and the leading topics of
the day. In religious faith he is a Catholic.
HON. CHAUNCEY HOWARD, late lawyer
and city official of Hartford and State representa-
tive, was born in South Coventry, Tolland Co.,
Conn., April 21, 1812, where the Howard family
had resided for several generations. His grandfa-
ther, Nathan Howard, was a physician of high
standing, and his grandmother was a sister of the
celebrated Nathan Hale ; his father was John How-
ard, M. D., and his mother wasa daughter of Judge
Jeremiah Ripley, also a prominent resident of Tol-
land county. The Howard residence was on South
street, where Hon. Chauncey and his brother, John
Ripley Howard, were born, the latter a man of
remarkable literary ability and strong mental power,
but a great sufferer from acute heart disease, from
which he died many years ago. Besides his cousin.
Miss Ripley, his devoted friend and nurse, the only
surviving near relatives of Chauncey Howard are
her sister, Mrs. Pember, and her brother, Edward
C, formerly a lawyer of high repute in New York
City.
Hon. Chauncey Howard spent his school days
in South Coventry and Plainville, Conn., and later
attended Amherst College, from which he grad-
uated with the class of 1835, the late Nicholas Har-
ris, of Hartford, and Henry Ward Beecher having
graduated therefrom the previous year. Mr. How-
ard then studied law with Charles Chapman, and
in the office of Gov. W. W. Ellsworth, when the
late Senator Dixon was the Governor's law part-
ner. He was admitted to the Hartford County Bar
in 1839, but two years later was appointed clerk of
the Superior Court of Hartford county, and held
the position for twenty-five years, at successive
periods, until he resigned in 1875 and returned to
Coventry. For a time he was editor of the Hart-
ford Coiirant, was a member of the House from
Flartford in 1874, and of the Senate in 1875, from
the old Twenty-first district, and again in 1877 was
member of Assembly from Coventry. In 1879-81
he was State comptroller, and one of his first acts,
on assuming the duties of this office, was the ap-
poiiitment of W. W. Dibble as superintendent of
the Capitol — a position Mr. Dibble held until re-
moved by Nicholas Staub, comptroller, while Luzon
B. Morris was governor.
Hon. Chauncey Howard was of strong physique,
was dignified and reserved, and a courtly gentle-
man of the old school. Although he did not seek
society, he formed many strong friendships with
members of the Bench and Bar, among whom were
the late Gov. Hubbard, Judge D. W. Pardee, W. D.
Shipman and Nathaniel Shipman, Hon. Henry C.
Robinson, Hon. Charles W. Johnson, Senator Eaton,
Senator Hawley, and many other personages of
distinction.
Mr. Howard possessed fine literary tastes, and
delighted in the writings of the. British essayists.
His character, like his tastes, was pure, clear and
beyond reproach. He was conservative in politics,
being first a Whig and then a Republican, and in
religion was a Congregationalist and a member of
the Pearl Street Church from its organization. In
this faith he passed away Aug. 12, 1891, leaving
a void in the official circles of Flartford and the
State that will require many a decade to adequately
fill.
Of the maternal kin of Chauncey Howard, the
Ripley family, to whom allusion has already been
made, it may further be said that the name is one
of the oldest and most respected in Connecticut. -
and among its latest prominent representatives was
Jeremiah, who was a lifelong resident of South
Coventry. His son, Chauncey Ripley, was born and
reared in South Coventry, and was the father of the
present generation bearing the family name. He
was educated at Yale College, and was a school
teacher in early life. He married Lucretia E.
Fitch, of Windham, Conn., but both he and his wife
are now deceased. They were the parents of six
children, who were named, in order of birth, as
follows: Julia L., nowMrs. Pember, of Hartford;
Chauncey B., deceased ; John Floward, who jirac- '
ticed medicine for many years and was a notcil '■
surgeon in New York City, but is now. deceased
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
747
Laura M., a highly respected lady, residing on
Sigoiirney street, Hartford ; Henry Clay, deceased ;
and Edward Clayton, who for twenty-five years
practiced law in New York City, but now makes his
liome with his sister, Aliss Laura M., in Hartford.
J0SL\1I H. SMITH, ex-soldier of the Civil
war, farmer, market-gardner and poultry raiser,
and a greatly-respected citizen of Silver Lane,
Hartford county, was born in the State of Maine,
April 3, 1842,' a son of David \V. antl Emma (_1 lib-
hard) Sniilli, natives of the same State.
Ransford Smith, grandfather of our subject,
was born on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.,
and thence moved to Mercer, Somerset Co., Maine,
where there were born to him eight children : Jane,
who was born Dec. 28, 1807, was married to Luther
Kiggs, and died Oct. 29, 1884; David W., the father
of our subject, of whom further mention will fol-
ilow; Charlotte, born May 6, 1812, who died single
Jan. 13, 1886; Abijah, born Eeb. 17, 1815, died
April 13, 1836; Emily A., born April 9, 1817, died
Sept. 29, 1839; Amos W., born March 9, 1819, who
married Harriet ^Villiamson, and after her decease
wedded Eliza Sawtelle, bv whom he is the father of
two children; Albion Vv'., born March 31, 1821, who
married Ann Page, and is a resident of Mercer,
Maine; Maiy Amanda, born July 25, 1824, who was
married to William Gay, and died May 12, 1874.
David W. Smith was born May 3, 1810, in
Mercer, Alaine. and passed all his life on his farm.
On Jan. 30, 1840, he married Emtna Hibbard, a
daughter of Stephen and Mary (Stevens) Hibbard,
and a native of Norridgewock, Maine, to vifhich
union were born four children: Henry A., who was
born Nov. 22, 1840, married Helena Smith, has two
children, and is now a resident of Mechanic Falls,
Androscoggin Co., Maine; Josiah H. is the subject
of this sketch ; Hattie H., who was born May 22,
1846, is now living, unmarried, in East Hartford,
Conn. ; and Albert D., who was born Aug. 12, 1855,
married Ellen Taylor, is the father of one child,
and resides in Northboro, Mass. David W. Smith,
a highly-esteemed and valued citizen, was called
from earth Julv 24, 1869.
Josiah H. Smith, whose name appears at the
opening of this review, received his early education
in the common and high schools, and remained
under the parental roof until he had nearly reached
liis majority, when, fired with the patriotism that in-
spired the Northern heart at the attempted disrup-
tion of the LTnion, he enlisted Sept. 16, 1862, in
Company K, 24th Maine V. L, in command of Capt.
H. M. Campbell and Col. Atwood, for nine months'
service, and was placed in camp at Au-
gusta, Maine, until Sept. 30, when the reg-
iment was sent to East New York, where
it arrived Oct. i. On Jan. 10, 1863, the regiment
embarked at New York City on the sailing-vessel
"Onward," and after a tempestuous voyage of ten
days' duration, entered one of the mouths of the
Mississippi river ; but in going up the mighty stream
the vessel struck a sand-bar, Jan. 27, and lay
grounded until the next day, when she was hauled
olT by a steam-tug and towed to CarroUton, about
SIX miles above New Orleans. There the regiment
was on picket duty for three weeks, and was then
sent to Bonnet Carre, in St. John the Baptist county.
La., where it remained until May 7; was then em-
barked on the "Morning Light" for a place known
as Doyal's plantation, whence it marched twenty-
two miles to the Amite river, Tangipahoa county,
engaging in many skirmishes on the way. After
twelve days of skirmishing and foraging, the
"boys" W'Cre marched back to Doyal's plantation,
and thence to Tort Hudson, wdiere they took part
in the first battle. May 27, and after more than a
dozen severe skirmishes, lasting until June 14, drove
tlie Confederates toward the town, where there was
constant hard fighting until the Rebels surrendered
their strongly fortified position, July 8. During
his nine months' service ^^Ir. Smith never was off
ciuty a single day, from sickness or any other cause,
and on his return to the North, still enthused with
patriotic ardor, he enlisted at Morristown, N. J.,
i.i Company F, 35th N. J. V. L, was sent to North
Carolina, and there took part in the battle which
resulted in the defeat of the Rebels under Gen. Jo-
seph E. Johnston at Goldsboro, April 15, 1865, the
surrender of arms being made to Gen. William Te-
cumseh Sherman at Raleigh, April 26.
After the close of the war J\Ir. Smith located at
Brook Haven, on Long Island, N. Y., wdience he
rtturned to the old homestead, in Mercer, Maine;
farmed until 1872, when he went to Westboro.
Mass. ; thence in 1877 to Springfield, Vt., where ho
lived until 1881. He next passed a year at Moor-
ton. Del., and in 1882 came to Connecticut and lived
in Suffield until 1888, in which year he purchased,
from Mrs. Thomas Birch, his present farm of ten
acres in Silver Lane, East Hartford,
Mr. Smith was united in marriage, Jan. 19, 1870,
to ]\Iiss Ella ^L Fowler, of Thetford, \"t.. who was
born in Boston, Mass., Dec. 8, 1851, a daughter of
Jesse F. and Hannah (Woodbury) Fowder, and this
union has been blessed with children as follows :
Jesse F., born Nov. 21, 1870, was a student in a the-
ological seminary, and is now a missionar}' in Ran-
goon. Burniah, India (he married, Nov. 8, i(-<)j, Cora
Blanchard) ; Addie G., born April 2, 1872, is the
wife of \\'alter Miner, of Silver Lane; Fred M.,
born Nov. 22, 1874. married Grace Roberts, is a
carpenter by trade, and also resides in Silver Lane;
and Florence Hattie, born June 13, 1882, died Dec.
22, 1883 .
In Politics ^Ir. Smith is a Republican : fraternally
he is a member of D. C. Rodman Post, No. 65. G. A.
R., of East Hartford, of which he is now the com-
mander for the second term. Socially he is greatly
esteemed by the community in which he lives, and
in this esteem his wife and children hold an equal
share.
748
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
SAMUEL KENNEDY HENRY, a farmer and
one of the prominent Scotch-Irish citizens of Hart-
ford county, was born in Coleraine, County Derry,
Ireland, April 15, 1827, a son of William and Mary
Ann ( McDougal) Henry, both also natives of Coun-
ty Derry. William"'Henry was a farmer, and lived
and died in County Derry, Ireland. He was a son
of James and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Henry, natives
of Scotland. Our subject's maternal grandparents,
Cullen and Elizabeth (Taylor) McDougal, were of
Scottish descent.
Our subject was reared in Coujity Derry, was
educated in the common schools, and in his youth
acquired the trade of linen weaver, which he fol-
lowed in County Derry for five years. At the age
of twenty-three years, he came to America, and in
the fall of 1850 located in Enfield, being for a short
time employed in the Carpet Works at Thompson-
ville. He then engaged in farming, which vocation
he has followed up to the present time, in 1857 pur-
chasing the farm which he now occupies.
On April 4, 1854, Mr. Henry married Sarah,
daughter of John and Ann (Campbell) Mc Adams,
of County Armagh, Ireland, and granddaughter of
John and Sarah (Best) McAdams. To our sub-
ject and wife have been born five children : Mary A.
(Mrs. George T. Smith), William K., Margaret
(Mrs. M. Lamphear), Sarah J. (Mrs. Howard
Button), and Samuel J. Mr. Henry and his wife
are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
In politics he is a Republican.
: WILLIAM WRIGHT CHRISTIAN, M. D.,
is a skilled physician and surgeon of Berlin, one
whose knowledge of the science of medicine is
broad and comprehensive, and whose ability in ap-
plying its principles to the needs of suffering hu-
manity has gained him an enviable prestige in pro-
fessional circles.
Dr. Christian was born in Plymouth, N. Y.,
July 27, 1869, a son of Wright and Harriet Emily
(Willcox) Christian. His father was born in New
York City, and during his active years followed
the occupation of farming, from which he retired,
spending the remainder of his life in Hamilton, N.
Y., where he died Oct. 30, 1900, at the age of
sixty years, from the effects of experiences in the
late war. The Doctor's mother was born in Rhode
Island in 1847, a daughter of Edward Tift'any and
Harriet Mahitable (Houghton) Willcox. The Doc-
tor's paternal grandfather, Truman Bishop Chris-
tian, also a native of New York City, was a ma-
chinist by trade, and was superintendent of the
motive power of the New York, Ontario & West
ern railroad, with headquarters at Rome, New York.
The first fifteen years of his life William W.
Christian spent upon his father's farm, attending
the district schools in winter, and assisting in the
farm work in summer. He then entered the high
school at Sherburne, N. Y., where he was a student
for one year, and the following four years attended
Colgate Academy, Hamilton, N. Y., where he was
graduated in 1891. Later he pursued his studies
at Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., for about
one year, and then took up the study of medicine
instead of journalism, which was at first his in-
tention. In the fall of 1892 he matriculated at the
New' York Homeopathic Medical College and
Flower Hospital, where he was graduated with hon-
ors in 1895. He was a close student, and spent
his vacations in work and study in different hos-
pitals, being in the Flower Hospital, New York, a
few months ; and the Chambers Street House of ';
Relief, a branch of the New York Hospital, for
three months, during which Hime he had many
queer experiences in the slums of the city and
with all classes of people. Later he took a regular, :,
course at the Broome Street Lying-in Hospital;, :;
spent one year at Hahnemann Hospital, New York, {
and was Resident Surgeon of Dr. H. I. Ostrom's i
private surgical hospital. No. 127 West Forty-sev-
enth street. New York, for the same .length of 1
time. Thus well equipped for his chosen profes-' \
sion, by study and practical experience, he came to
New Britain, Conn., May 23, 1896, to take charge
of Dr. W. P. Bunnell's practice during that gentle-
man's illness, and was also with Dr. E. L. Styles in
a hospital at that place about two months during I
the summer. In July, 1896, he opened an office of 1
his own in Berlin, and was not long in securing '
the large and lucrative practice which he now en-
joys. After locating here he also attended to Dr.
Styles' practice during the latter's absence from the
city. Dr. Christian is now visiting physician and
surgeon to the New Britain General Hospital of
New Britain.
On Sept. 7, 1898, Dr. Christian was united in
marriage with Miss Cora Belle Beaton, who was
born Nov. 2, 1877, a daughter of Allen J. and Mary
Beaton, the former of whom is president of the
Beaton & Bradley Mnfg. Co., of Southington,
Conn. Mrs. Christian is a graduate of the Lewis
Fligh School, of Southington. Both Dr. and Mrs.
Christian are prominent members of the Berlin Lit-
erary Society, for social and literary development,
and are members of the Congregational Church,
in connection with which Mrs. Christian also be-
longs to the Ladies' Aid Society and the Missionary
Society. The Doctor is a member of New Britain
Council, No. 738, Royal Arcanum ; is identified with
the Public Library Association ; is a member of the
Connecticut State Homeopathic Medical Society ;
Concord Lodge, No. 50, F. & A. M., New York
City; Court Mattabessette, No. 137, Foresters of
America, of Berlin, in which he holds the office
of examining and attending physician ; is also con-
nected with the Berlin Agricultural Society ; is i
member of Berlin Grange, and has successfully filled
the office of lecturer of that institution :, is a mem-
ber of the Village Improvement Society and Board
of Trade, having served as secretary ; and is a mem-
ber of the Berlin Driving and Athletic Association,
uy. ccy. c^iA^^^z^ccSa^^ x^^<^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
740
his horses having taken prizes in this and in the
Agricultural Society. The- Doctor usually acts with
the Republican party, though at local elections he
votes for the men whom he believes best qualified
to fill the offices, regardless of party ties. He is
very popular in both professional and social circles.
CHARLES RANDOLPH FORBES, one of
tile most substantial farmers, as well as one of the
I most highly-respected anil prominent citizens, of
Burnside, lo\Vn of East Hartford, was born on the
old Eorbes homestead Xov. 5, 1859, a son of Charles
R. and I^lizabeth (Hills) Eorbes.
Mr. Forbes is a descendant in tlie eighth genera-
tion of Capt. James and Catherine Forbes, the for-
mer of whom settled in East Hartford town 240
years ago. As the family descent from Capt.
James, from 1654 up to the present time, has been
given in full in the biography of Hon. James Stan-
ley Forbes, elsewhere, it will be necessary here to
niention only the immediate predecessors of our
subject, beginning with his grandfather, Charles
Forbes, of the sixth generation, who was a son of
Timothy and Betsey (Treat) Forbes, and was born
L"tec. 27, 1805. Charles Forbes married, Jan. 20,
1827, JNlary A. ^\'ard, a native of Danbury, Conn.,
born May 8, 1807, and a daughter of Carleton and
Martha Ward. Mr. Forbes had but $10 at the time
of his marriage. He located at Scotland (now
Burnside), and was soon engaged, with Francis
Hannier, in making powder, at what is known as
Woodland, near by. Selling out to the Hazard
Powder Co., he embarked in paper-making, and at
different times was connected with every paper-
mill in Burnside. He sold what is now the Walker
mill to the present owners, after which he operated
both the IMiddle and Lower mills, each producing a
distinctive quality of paper. Although he was
thrown upon his own resources early in life, he
proved to be an excellent business man, and was cut
oft in the midst of his activity, March 16, iS/fi, at
Burnside, his widow surviving until Oct. 3, 1893.
Equipped only with a district-school education, he
overcame all obstacles, became influential as a cit-
izen, prosperous and prominent in his particular
line of business, and left to his family the rich her-
itage of an untarnished name. This family con-
sisted of six children : Harriet Hills, born April 27,
1828, was married Jan. 11, 1854, to Fredu> -Milton
Griswold, and died in Burnside Jan. 16, 1858, leav-
ing one daughter, Florence G., now Mrs. Percy S.
Bryant, of East Hartford. The second child was
Charles R., of whom further mention will be made.
'J'he third child, iNIartha J., was born Feb. 29, 1832,
v.'as married May 20, 1S53, to John Stanley, of New
Britain, and died Feb. 26, 1859, leaving one child,
Charles F., of Lawrence, Kans. Caroline E., the
fourth child, was born April 17, 1834, was married
Sept. 6, i8;3, to William Hanmer, and is now a
widow, residing in Hartford ; she has five children
living, Fanny W., Frank H., Harriet, John and
Mary. The fifth child, Catherine M., born Sept.
10, 1839, was marred Sept. 19, i860, to Samuel L.
Way, resides in Hartford, and has two children liv-
ing, Charles L and Robert F. The sixth child, Annie
M., was born l'"eb. 2, 1851, was married to Edwin
Strong Oct. 29, 1874, lives in Hartford, and has
three children living, Edwin A., Louis P. and Daisy.
Charles R. Forbes, second child of Charles, above
mentioned, and father of Charles R., the subject of
this sketch, was born at Burnside, April 9, 1830;
his wife, Elizabeth (Hills) Forbus, was born March
26, 1832, and is a daughter of James Babcock Hills,
who married Laura W'haples, of Newington ; John
Holmes, maternal grandfather of Laura Whaples,
was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Eliza-
beth (Hills) Forbes was the youngest of three chil-
dren born to her parents, of whom the eldest died in
infancy; and Martha was married to George Carey,
and died in Hartford. Charles R. Forbes, Sr., re-
ceived a practical district school education, and
began business when a young man by working for
his father at the powder-mill near Burnside, and in
teaming and general work for the Hanmer, Forbes
& Page paper-mill in the village. He soon became
a partner with his father, and had an interest with
him in each of the paper-mills in Burnside, which
he retained until within a few years of his death,
when he sold out to Francis Hanmer. Just after
his marriage Mr. Forbes settled on the family home-
stead, which had been his home all his life with the
exception of fourteen years passed on the original
Forbes homestead, which is still in the family, and
has been for nearly two and a half centuries. On
the newer homestead '^Ir. Forbes ended his days
Oct. II, 1889. He had been a far-sighted and suc-
cessful business man, and left behind him not only
a comfortable competence but an honored name.
He was a member of Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. &
A. ;\L, at East Flartford, and his remains were in-
terred with Masonic honors in the East Hartford
cemetery. In politics he was originally a \\'hig,
but in the disintegration of that party and the forma-
tion of the Republican organization he became a
member of the latter, }-et be took no especial inter-
est in party affairs.
Charles R. Forbes, the subject proper of this
sketch, and the only child born to his parents, first
attended school at Burnside, under ^Irs. A\'illiam
Riley, of Waterbury ; for a time Percy S. Bryant
was also one of his teachers; he next attended the
"Arsenal" school at Hartford, then the high school
of the same cit\-, and finally Hannum's Business
College, also of Hartford. He then became asso-
ciated with his father in the management of the
'"Lower" paper-mill at Burnside, and when the fa-
ther disposed of his business interests Mr. Forbes
engaged in his present pursuit of farming — hiring
help, but keeping a close supervision of the work.
On Feb. 3, xS86, Mr. Forbes was united in mar-
riage with Miss Emma Murray, of Burnside. who
was born in Paterson, N. J., Oct. 26, 1857. Her
750
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father, John Murray, was born Feb. 14, 1836, at
Deh Muhr, Scotland, was a paper-maker by trade,
and on coming to America located at Paterson, N.
J. ; he later married Eliza J. Bradley, a native of
that city, and a daughter of William and Jane
(Moody) Bradley. Jane Moody was a native of
Leeds, England, and the Bradley family were in ex-
cellent standing in the old country, the older mem-
bers being employed in the household of King-
George III. Three children crowned the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Forbes, viz. : Fred Randolph, born
May 17, 1888; Charles Douglas, born October 24,
1889; and James Everett, born May 7, 1891.
In politics Mr. Forbes is a Republican, and he
has been a member of the board of rehef for sev-
eral years. Fraternally he was a charter member
of Lafayette Countil, INo. 37, O. U. A. M., of Burn-
side, and is still its treasurer. Mrs. Forbes, mother
of our subject, has been a member of the First
Congregational Church since her eighteenth year,
and has ever been consistent in her observance of
its teachings. Mr. Forbes being an only child, and
his father's business and farming interests having
been quite extensive, he had left to him much to
do after the decease of the father in caring for the
estate and unsettled business matters, beside his
own extensive affairs, but he inherited much of his
father's business sagacity, and has made a tri-
umphant success of all his undertakings. He is a
thoroughly progressive man, wide-awake and up-
to-date, and it is to be hoped that the high standing
of the Forbes name will through his children pass
on to generations yet to come.
GEORGE DENNIS, who is one of the active
and enterprising business men of New Britain,
where he has for years been successfuU engaged in
the manufacture of brick, is well and favorably
known throughout that section of Connecticut.
Mr. Dennis is of English origin, born Sept. 30,
1857, at Haverstraw, N. Y., son of Thomas Dennis,
Sr., a brick manufacturer of that place. Thomas
Dennis was born in England, and at the age of thirty
came to America, locating at Haverstraw, N. Y.
In about 1875 he removed from Haverstraw to New
Britain, Conn., and for the past twenty-five years
has been an extensive brick manufacturer in New-
ington. Conn. His wife was formerly Eliza Wise,
a native of England. Their children are as fol-
lows : William H. and James are residents of New
ington; Sarah Ann is the wife of George Walker,
of New Britain; George, our subject, is referred
to farther on; Thomas is engaged in the manu-
facture of brick in West Hartford ; Annie is the
wife of George Rawlings, of Berlin ; Joseph is now
a resident of West Hartford ; John E. is living in
Newington ; and Elizabeth is the wife of William
King, of West Hartford.
Our subject was educated in the common schools
of his birthplace and those in New Britain, Conn.,
working in his father's brickyard through the sum-
mers, and attending school in the winter season.
Fie was eighteen years of age on the removal oii
the family to Connecticut, and attended a winter |
school two seasons after the removal. Later he en- i
gaged in the brick business on his own account, I
associated with J. W. Holmes, and he has since j
successfully maintained a good trade. His po-l
litical affiliations are with the Republican party ini
National and State issues, though in town affairs ;
he does not draw the line, generally voting for the;
man he judges best fitted for the office, regardless of 1
his politics. ,
On Jan. 22, 1879, Mr. Dennis was married toii
Miss Susannah Bedford, daughter of James Bed-j
ford, both born in England, and to this marriage;
was born, Dec. 23, 1879, a daughter, Lucy Wise,.'
who was educated at the New Britain high school, '
and is still at home. The mother and daughter are
identified with the First Baptist Church of New \
Britain.
HENRY KEENEY, the popular dairyman and
pure milk and cream vender of Bloomfield, was
born in that town Oct. 5, 1856, and is a son of
Ralph Keeney, who was born in Glastonbury, Hart-
ford county, about sixty-five years ago. He was a
son of Shubel Keeney, a former resident of Bloom-
field and a farmer, who married a Miss Keeney, and
they passed away many years ago. Ralph Keeney
has lived the greater part of his life in Bloom-
field, was married in Bloomfield, Hartford county,
to Miss Louise Bramble, a native of Simsbury, and
to their marriage were born six children : Ellen,
deceased ; Henry, whose name opens this paragraph;
Frank, of New Britain ; Willis, of Westfield ; Hattie,
of New Britain; and George, of Bloomfield.
Henry Keeney was educated in the public schools
of Bloomfield, was reared on the home farm, started
farming on his own account at twenty-one, and for
the past twelve years has been successfully en-
gaged in dairying, having lived on his present place
the past seven years. He runs one milk-wagon as
far as Hartford, and his product is there, as well
as in Bloomfield, noted for its purity.
Henry Keeney was joined in matrimony, at
Hartford, with Miss Laura Quick, daughter of
Elbert Floyd Quick, of that city, and to this union
have been born four children : Viola, deceased ;
Edith, born Sept. 13, 1893; Norwood, Nov. 9,
1894; and Helen, June 29, 1896. The parents are
highly esteemed by their neighbors, and their per-
sonal merits constitute the foundation of the high
regard in which they are held.
ARCHIE S. BURNHAM, a prosperous young
farmer of the town of East Hartford, was born on
his father's farm Feb. 3, 1874, and is a son of
Jesse and Roda Jane (Signer) Burnham, the former
of whom is now deceased.
Jesse Burnham, the father, was born May 31,
1820, on the homestead of his parents, Jesse and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
751
\Iabel (Abbey) Biirnham, on Main street, near the
^outh Wiiulsor line, and was the youngest in a
aniily of live ehildren : JNlabel A., born Sept. ii,
8ii; Levi, jnly 6, 1813; JMartin, July 4, 1815;
ohn A., July 29, 1817; and Jesse. The father of
his family met with a sad death by falling into a
lit partially filled with water, the fall so injuring
lim that he was unable to save himself, and thus
net with a jiainful and lingering death. Jesse
Jurnham, the father of our subject, received a sound
omnion-school' education, and was reared to man-
lood on his father's farm. On January i, 1857, he
narried Miss Roda Jane Signer, who was born in
"ranklin, Delaware Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1835, and
vhen a young woman came to Connecticut and made
ler home with her brother, Jerome Signer, in
■iouth Windsor. For some time she was employed
n the Cheney Co.'s silk-mills, in Manchester, and
hen returned to South Windsor, where her mar-
iage took place. To this union there came ten
hildren : Jesse, born Sept. 14, 1857, married Alice
.Volcott, Dec. 24, 1879, and is now living in South
\\'indsor ; Leander, also of South Windsor, was
)orn Oct. 24, 1858, and married ]Mary Bidwell
Vpril II, 1883; Estella, born Aug. 30, i860, was
narried to Frank Farnham, of Ellington, April
16, 1885, and now resides in East Hartford ; Will-
am, born July 16, 1862, married Anna M. House
Vug. 29, 1889; Arthur J., born Nov. 21, 1864, died
if typhoid fever Oct. 29, 1871 ; Alice G., born April
16, 1867, was married to Edwin Northrop, Aug. 22,
1889, and is now living in Quincy, 111. ; Howard
E., born Sept. 4, 1869, died Oct. 4, 1871 ; Edith,
)orn Oct. 3, 1871, died Feb. 4, 1876; Archie S., is
he subject of this notice ; and Ida M., born April
J, 1876, was married to Arthur L. Brewer Aug. 8,
;900, and is now living in Farmington, Connecticut.
The father of this family, after a brief illness,
lied on his homestead Feb. 12, 1876, and Dec. 25,
same year, Mrs. Burnham was wedded to Charles
?. Fairbanks, a native of Middletown, Conn., and a
nason by trade. To this union have been born two
hildren: Clarence E., Oct. 31, 1878; and Florence,
Jet. 5, 1880, the latter now attending the high
ichool at Hartford.
Archie S. Burnham, after passing through the
■ommon-school course, entered Morse's Business
Jollcge at Flartford, from which he graduated in
he spring of 1894, and then returned to the honie-
tead. On Dec. 25, 1895, he married Miss Effie M.
\bbey, a native of East Hartford, born Nov. 16,
877, daughter of George and Isabella (Thomp-
son) Abbey. George Abbey was born in East Hart-
ord, Conn., served with bravery an3 credit in the
■"irst Connecticut Heavy Artillery during the Civil
var, and after receiving an honorable discharge
ettled in Silver Lane, there purchasing the Austin
A'arren farm, where his death took place in 1891,
md where his widow still resides. Their only child
s now ]\Irs. Burnham.
In 1896 Mr. Burnham erected his beautiful
modern dwelling on Silver Lane, where Tie culti-
vates four acres of excellent tobacco land, and lives
in peace and comfort, lie belongs to the East
Hartford Grange, and is one of its most diligent
and earnest members. In politics he is liberal in
his views, and hardly ever takes any interest in
party aflairs. He and wife are attendants of the
Congregational Church, and their social standing
is second to none in the town.
ALBERT EUGENE NORTON, a representa-
tive and prominent farmer of Berlin, was born in the
house where he now resides March 27, 1856. His
father, Henry Norton, was also born there, April
10, 1803, and the grandfather, Samuel Norton, was
born near there, in Berlin, and built the residence.
Our subject's great-grandfather, Jedediah Norton,
was a native of the same town, and the remains of
all his ancestors have been interred in the South
burying-ground, Berlin.
Mr. Norton's father was a prosperous farmer,
owning at one time 300 acres of land in Berlin, and
he was also a man of influence in his connnunity,
being often called upon to settle estates when in
the prime of life. Politically he was an ardent
Democrat, but took little part in political afifairs
aside from voting. He wls a member of the
L'niversalist Church of Berlin, but m later years at-
tended the Congregational Church. ]\Ir. Norton
died Nov. 12, 1885, and was buried in Berlin ceme-
tery. For his first wife he married Adelia Atwood,
and to them were born several children, all of whom
died young except Henry Hector, who is now en-
gaged in the lumber business in Hartford ; and
Adelia M., widow of Ariel Jones, and a resident
of Naugatuck. In 1849 the father married Miss
Mar_y Angelinc Tuttle, of Newfield, ^liddlesex Co.,
Conn., who was born May 3, 1825, and is now living
on the old homestead with our subject. The chil-
dren born of the second union are Mary Angeline,
wife of Andrew Hunt, a real-estate agent of Wor-
cester, Mass. ; Jennie Martha, wife of Walter Gwat-
kin, of Berlin; Albert E., our subject; Ida May,
who died unmarried I-'eb. 8, 1898, and was laid to
rest in the South burying-ground; and Antoinette,
at home.
During his boyhood and youth Albert E. Norton
attended the Berlin schools during the winter months,
while through the summer season he aided in the
work of the home farm. After leaving school, at
the age of eighteen years, he worked for his father
until twenty-two, and then took charge of the farm,
which he has since so successfully operated. He
has 220 acres of land, under a high state of culti-
vation, and in connection with general farming is
also interested in the creamery business, keeping
sixteen cows for that purpose, and selling the cream
to the Golden Ridge Creamery.
Mr. Norton was married Dec. 21, 1881, to
Miss Lizzie Viola Wakelee. of Bridgeport, Conn.,
who was born Aug. 29. 1857, and died Sept. 9,
752
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1899, a daughter of Sidney L. and Maria (Dowd)
Wakelee, of that place, where the father is engaged
in the Hvery business. Five children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Norton : Lester Arthur, born Nov.
12, 1883, is attending the Huntsinger Business Col-
lege, of Hartford; Flora May, born May 15, 1885,
Elsie Alberta, born Jan. 12, 1887, Wescell Albert,
born Aug. i, 1891, aix all attending school in Ber-
lin; and Edna Ray, born March 6, 1896.
Politically Mr. Norton is a Democrat, but is not
strictly partisan, and at local elections votes inde-
pendently. He has been elected to office, but has
refused to qualify, preferring to take no active part
in political affairs. He takes considerable interest,
however, in agricultural matters, and is now a mem-
ber of several of the Agricultural Society commit-
tees of Berlin. He is also a prominent member of
Berlin Grange, No. 24, to which his wife also be-
longs, and she also holds membership in the Episco-
pal Church, while he attends the Congregational
Church. They stand high in the community where
they have so long made their home, and those who
know them best are numbered among their warmest
friends.
EBENEZER B. CRAW, a native of the town of
East Windsor, was born Oct. 8, 1827, and has won
his way through his long and useful life entirely by
his personal exertion and patient toil, backed by a
marked intellectuality and persistency of purpose.
Abial Craw, his father, Dorn March 9, 1801, was
a man of more than ordinary mental receptivity and
retentiveness of memory, and garnered a large store
of knowledge. On Feb. 22, 1820, he married Miss
Rhoda Belknap, who was born in East Windsor,
Oct. 20, 1801, and after marriage set to work to
earn for himself and wife a home. He had learned
farming from his father, and was also a miller, and
lived in East Windsor until the township was di-
vided, when he fotmd himself to be a resident of
South Windsor, and there he died May 26, 1877,
being followed to the grave by his wife Sept. 8,
1879, and both dying in the faith of the Methodist
Church. Their children were nine in number, as
follows : Mary Ann, who was born April 20, 1821,
is now living in Windsorville, and is the wife of
Charles Clark; Edward A., born Jan. 28, 1823,
died in California; Betsey M., born Dec. 26, 1825,
died in infancy; Ebenezer B. is the subject of this
sketch; Betsey M. (2), born Aug. 26, 1829, is mar-
ried to Sheldon Braman ; Samantha, born Oct. 23,
1831, is the wife of Turner Moulton ; Charlotte,
now 'Mrs. Harvey Frost, was born Jan. 28, 1833 ;
George A., born June 30, 1836, died in infancy;
and George F., born Nov. 18, 1841, is a resident of
Oregon.
Ebenezer B. Craw left the home of his parents
at the age of seven years, and for the following
nine years worked for Chauncey Ellsworth and for
various others, attending school in winter, until his
marriage, April 11, 1847, to Miss Harriet C. Simp-
son, daughter of Chester and Hannah (Clough)
Simpson, natives of East Windsor, the marriage \
resulting in the birth of three children : Ella and '
Chester, who both died in infancy ; and Francis
S., who was born July 14, 1849, ^-'''d is now a rail- '
road engineer in Albany, Oregon. j
Mrs. Harriet Craw was called away soon after
the birth of her youngest child, and April 15, 1855, 1
Mr. Craw married Mrs. Harriet Page, daughter
of Julius and Nancy Benton, of North Guilford,
where the wedding took pace. This lady was the
mother of one child by her first marriage, Lucy
(widow of George B. Shepard), who has one daugh- ;
ter, Hattie, born Jan. 21, 1873, married to Marvin ;
W. Hall, and living in Atlanta, Ga. Mrs. Harriet
(Benton-Page) Craw died March 6, 1900. She
was a kind, affable and benevolent looking lady,
greatly respected by a large circle of devoteil
friends.
Mrs. Shepard is a lady of extraordinary abilit}-
as an artist, and is, beside, well cultured in litera-
ture and quite conversant with the current topics
of the day. Her talent for music and painting is
inherent, and rises to the plane of genius, which
same love for the artistic is made manifest even in
her needlework. She is a teacher of the art of
painting in the Herbert Art Company of Hartford,
and numerous specimens of her skill as an artist in
oil are to be found in many of the most refined
homes of the country.
Mr. Craw, although confined to his home by
inflammatory rheumatism, is as serene in temper
and genial in manner as if he had never felt a
pang of pain, and his pleasant little farm of six
acres, which he purchased in 1888, is kept, under his
supervision, in the highest state of cultivation pos-
sible, while the impi-ovements are all of his own
planning. In politics Mr. Craw is a Democrat, but
he is not excessively partisan, and has never been
an office seeker.
JAMES WARD (deceased) was one of the most
influential and best known citizens of Connecticut,
of which State he was a loyal son during his long
and useful life of eighty-seven years.
Mr. Ward was born in Guilford, New Haven
Co., Conn., Feb. 2, 1767, a son of Bilrous AVard,
and a grandson of Andrew Ward. He was intense-
ly public-spirited, always ready to bear more than
his share of public burdens, and was actively identi-
fied vvith many important enterprises for the good
of the community at large, and the relief of suft'er-
ing humanity. At one time he was chief engineer
of the Hartford Fire Department, was a leading
and valued member of the Connecticut Historical
Society, one of the principal officers (trustee) of
the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and a zealous
worker in the establishment of the Retreat for the
Insane, being a director of same, toward the success
of which enterprise he was a liberal contributor.
Fie was a member and past grand master of the
\wdl (B ^cL
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
758
Masonic Fraternity. His views were broad, his
sympathies acute, and his heart warm and gener-
ous. Jn his deportment he was atTable and court-
eous, and in his relations with his fellow men
scrupulously upright. It has been said that if you
saw one side of James Ward you saw the whole
of him. Few men of his day were more highly es-
teemed, and it may be added that none more truly
deserved to be held in respect. During the war
of 1812 he was appointed Commissary-General of
State with title of colonel, and with the exception of
one vear continued to hold the office until his death,
discharging its duties with the same energy, lidclity
and integrity which marked all his dealings, public
and private, throughout his entire life. He was
longer in service than any other officer holding the
same commission. Politically he was a Federalist
and Old-line Whig, later a Republican. He was a
warden of Christ Episcopal Church of Hartford,
during the rcctorate of Philander Chase, later
Bishop of Illinois. He died Oct. 26, 1856, his death
being keenly felt and deeply mourned. The city
fire department, the Alasonic Fraternity, and other
civic bodies and fraternal organizations followed
his remains to their last resting place, and the
universal sentiment was that while a good man had
gone to his reward, the public at large had sustained
a bereavement which it was hard to bear.
yir. Ward married Ruth Butler, a daughter of
Johnathan liutler, of Hartford, and a sister of Fred-
erick Butler; and their marriage was blest with five
children: (i) Roswell Butler, of whose life a some-
what extended account is given in the succeeding
paragraph. (2) James H., mentioned farther on.
(3) Frances Elizabeth married Isaac T. Smyth, of
New York. (4) \\'illiam Andrew married Aliss
Ann Elizabeth Porter, of Hartford, daughter of
Col. Solomon Porter, of that city. (5) Plarriet
JIaria became the wife of Henry Hall, of Port-
land, Connecticut.
Roswell Butler W.\rd was educated in^ the
public schools of Hartford, one of the old "Hartford
Grammar School ;" was then sent to Yale College,
but left after two years and went to the ^vlilitary
Academy at Norwich, Vt., where he was graduated
with honor. For a number of years he was en-
gaged in general mercantile business, his first part-
ner being Daniel P. Hopkins. Later he formed a
partnership with his brother, \\'illiam, the firm
name being R. B. & W. A. Ward. They dealt
wholesale in paints, oils and dyes, their store be-
ing in State street. In 1840 Roswell B. withdrew
to engage in the book business in Hartford, con-
tinuing in this line for a few years only, till about
1848 [the family continued to reside in Hartford
until 1868], when they removed to New London,
Conn., where he died Sept. 8, 1883. He now rests
in the old North cemetery, at Hartford. He was
always keenly interested in military affairs, and was
one of the organizers of the old "Hartford Light
Guard," of which he was made first captain by
official commission from ^\'ashington, D. C. He
48
was also active in church work, and was one of the
vestrymen of St. John's Episcojjal Church, Hart-
ford, from 1840 to 1850. His life was earnest and
all his impulses were noble. He was an upright
citizen and a sincere Christian. He married Cath-
erine Mary Webb, a daughter of Charles L. Webb,
of Litchfield, Conn., and granddaughter of Capt.
Nathaniel Webb, of Windham, Conn., who was an
officer in the army of the Revolution, and fought
at Jiunker Hill. .Mrs. Ward, who was born in
Pomfret, Conn., died at her home in New London,
Sept. 2, 1870, and sleeps by the side of her husband
in Old North cemetery, Plariford. Her religious
faith was the same as his, she being a devout com-
municant in the Episcopal Church. Two children
were born to them : Catharine Webb and .Mary
Clement. The elder daughter, Miss Catherine
Webb Ward, is unmarried, and resides at Wethers-
field. She is endowed with mental powers of a
rare order, which have been cultivated, and she in-
herits her father's kindliness of heart, and her
mother's refinement and amiability. She is a mem-
ber of Ruth Wyllis Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, of Hartford, Conn. Mary
Clement Ward, the younger daughter, married
Ale.xander F. iMaison, a prominent business man of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and a son of Judge Maison;.
is now residing in New York City, New York.
James H. Ward graduated from the Military
School at Norwich, \ t., and afterward received a
cadetship in the United States navy. He first served
on the old "Constitution, "under Commander McDon-
ough, U. S. N., and at his death, June 27, 1861, first
year of the war of the Rebellion, had risen to the
rank of commander U. S. N. Fie fell in action while
bombarding a position of the enemy ofl: Matthias
Point, on the Potomac river, below Washington,-
D. C, at the time being in command of the gun-
boat "Thomas Freeborn." The gunner was shot
down, and Commander \\'ard bravely stepped for-
ward, took his place, and soon received his death
wound, a minie ball striking him in the chest. Flis
remains were wrapped in the flag of the "Freeborn,"
placed in a casket and forwarded to Washington,
D. C, eventually to Hartford, Conn., where, after
imposing funeral ceremonies, they were interred
in the Old North cemetery beside those of his fa-
ther and mother. A short time after Commander
Ward's death his brother, Roswell B., received a
letter from Hon. Gideon \\'ells. Secretary of the
United States Navy, informing him that Com-
mander Ward's name as proposed commodore of the
United States Navy had already been recorded on
the books of the Navy Department, and had he beert
living but a few days after the date of his death he
would have been made known to the world at large-
as "Commodore James H. \\'ard." About the year
1832 Commander \\'ard was married to Miss Sarali
Whittemore, daughter of Samuel ^^'hittemore, of
New York, and they had four sons and one daugh-
ter, none of whom are now living. Mrs. Ward died
some vears since.
754
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The Butler famil_y, from whom Miss Ward and
Mrs. Maison are descended, through their pa-
ternal grandmother, is one of the oldest and most
respected in Connecticut. Its first American pro-
genitor was Richard Butler, who came to Hartiord
• with the Thomas Hooker company and became an
extensive land owner, the present site of Bushnell
Park having been once a part of his holdings, and
where was the home of Johnathan riutler, father of
Mrs. James Ward. His son, Johnathan, the great-
grandfather of Miss Ward, was born at Hartford,
and married Ruth Benton. Their son, Frederick,
was also born at Hartford, and graduated from
Yale College. He was distinguished for his scholar-
ly attainments and literary ability, and achieved a
high reputation as an educator, being for many
years an instructor in the Wethersfield Academy.
He was the author of several works on United
States history, as welhas on other subjects. In Jan-
uary, 1787, he married Miss Polly Belden, whose
father belonged to an old family of Wethersfield,
the members of which have been prominently identi-
fied with the town's history. Mr. and Mrs. Fred-
erick Butler were the parents of eight children :
<(i) Mary Porter, born April 10, 1788, died Nov.
35, 1832; (2) Charlotte, born Feb. 16, 1790; (3)
Frederick Augustus, born July 17, 1792, died Sept.
20, 1815; (4) Roswell, born April 24, 1795; (5)
Abigail Porter, born Feb. 26, 1798, died Feb. 6,
1832; (6) Elizabeth, born Aug. 7, 1802, died March
12, 1835; (7) Julia Ann, born July 30, 1804; and
(8) Thomas, born Aug. 22, 1806. Abigail Porter
Butler, the fifth child, married James Bidwell, of
"Utica, N. Y., by whom she became the mother of
two children, both daughters : ( i ) Esther, who in
lier later years has resided at the home of her grand-
father in Wethersfield, a lady of culture and re-
finement; (2) Abby Butler, who married Charles
F. Cozzens, of Utica, now a prominent bank offi-
cer in New York, and with his family a resident
of Yonkers, N. Y. (Frederick Butler Cozzens, son
of Charles F.- and Abby B. Cozzens, died at the age
of twelve montns).
Thomas Butler, who became an eminent jurist,
received his early education from his father. He
attended lectures at the Medical School of Yale
College, and completed his course in medicine at
Philadelphia. He was a successful practitioner at
Norwalk for eight years, when he determined
to abandon medicine for the law. In 1835 he be-
gan reading in the office of Judge Bissell, and two
years later was admitted to the Bar of Fairfield
county. Conn. His success as a lawyer was im-
mediate and remarkable. His mind was essential-
ly judicial, his perceptions clear and quick, his rea-
soning and analytic powers extraordinary- In 1855
he was elected Judge of the Superior Court, and
in 1861 elevated to the Bench of the Supreme Court
through election by the Legislature, and was ap-
pointed Chief Justice in 1870. He was a Republi-
■can in politics, and prior to his assuming the judicial
«rmine served as a member in both houses of the
Legislature, and represented his district in Con-
gress.
Frederick Butler died at Wethersfield, in No-
vember, 1840, his wife having preceded him to the
grave June 17, 181 1. Both are buried at Wethers- ,
field, in the family lot near the old Congregational I
church ("meeting house," as it was once called),'
built from the proceeds of the sale of, as now would !
be stated, the "Onion Market," which was in for-
mer times a notable and most thriving industry of
Wethersfield, Conn. The church still stands strong ,i
and well preserved and counts two hundred years :
since its first erection.
JUDGE LYMAN S. BURR, of New Britain,!
Judge of the City and Police Court, ranks among;!
the leading public and professional men of that city. ;
He is a native of Litchfield county, Conn., and his
American ancestry dates back through seven gen- ;
erations to Benjamin -Burr, who was the founder ]
of the Hartford branch of the Burr family. j
Benjamin Burr first appears as one of the orig- j
inal settlers of Hartford in 1635. His name is in
the land division of Hartford in 1639 as an orig-
inal proprietor and settler. As the early settlers of
Hartford were collected from Watertown, Newtown
and other places near Boston, it is evident that Ben-
jamin Burr had been a resident of Massachusetts
some time before his appearance at Hartford. It
is not unlikely that he was one of the eight hundred
who came to America with Winthrop's fleet, in
June, 1630. He seems to have been an active, ener-
getic business man, who mingled little in public
affairs, hence brief mention is made of him in the
records of the Colony. He was admitted a free-
man in 1658. His allotment in the Hartford land
division of 1663 was six acres, and in the land
division of East Hartford in 1666 he drew eighteen
acres. His house lot in 1640 was bounded northeast
by Stephen Hart, northwest by John Warner, south-
west by the road to the cow pasture, and southeast
by Samuel Hale's lot. His name is perpetuated in
one of the city streets. He died at Hartford March
31, 1681, and was buried probably in one of the
Hillside cemeteries long since obliterated, in which
rest the ashes of so many of Hartford's early set-
tlers. The first name of his wife was Annie, and
their four children were Samuel, the eldest, who
was born in England ; Thomas, born in Hartford,
Jan. 26, 1645; Mary, born Jan. 15, 1656; and Han-
nah, who married Mr. Hillyer, of Windsor, Con-
necticut.
(II) Samuel Burr, son of Benjamin Burr, was
made a freeman of Hartford in May, 1658. His
children were as follows: Samuel, born in 1663;
John, born in 1670; Mary, born in 1673; Elizabeth,
born in 1675 ; and Jonathan, born in 1679.
(III) John Burr, son of Samuel, settled at Far-
mington, Conn., about 1712. He had a large family
of children, as follows: Ebenezer, born in 1712;
Thankful, born in 1713; Lucy, baptized March 21,
1714; Gideon, born Nov. 16, 1715; Salmon, born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
755
I Sept. 25, 1723; John, born in May. 1726; Stephen;
hoahdiah; Aathaniel; Sarah; tunice; Miriam;
Islary, born June 14, 1729; Kiuh, born Oct. 26,
1732; and Amos, Ixirn June 25, 1734.
(IV) John lUirr, son of John Burr, was born
, at West Hartford in May, 172(5. In Ueccmljer, 1747,
. he marriotl Tabitha Looniis, who was born in 1730.
Their children were John, born in Farniington
' July 19, 1750; Reuben, born Jan. 13, 1752; Tabitha,
j born June 23, 1754; Jehiel, born April 11, 1757;
I Russell, born Oct. 19, 1761 ; Chloe, born Sept. 27,
: 1764. In 1772 John Uurr purchased land east of
; ljurr\-illL-, and for many years the place was known
; as " Burr's Tavern." He died at Torringford,
( Aug. 6, 1788, and his widow survived until Sept.
■ 10, 1828.
(V) ■ Reuben Burr, boni Jan. 13, 1752, set-
lied at Torrington, and married Mehitable Stanley
I at that place on July 2, 1772. She was born in
1748. Iheir children were Reuben, born Aug. 15,
1773; Salmon, born Alay 26, 1775; JMehitable, born
Nov. 27, 1777; Allen, born Feb. 15, 1780; Chloe,
born May 15, 1786; and Sally, born Aug. 4, 1789.
Mehitable, wife of Reuben Burr, died Sept. 29.
1793, and for his second wife he, in 1794, married
Martha Wilson, who was born in 1759. The chil-
dren born to this union were Uriel, May 19, 1795;
Milo, Jan. i, 1797; Fanny, Dec. 4., 1798; Eliza,
Jan. 16, 1801 ; and Harriet, Jan. 13, 1803. Reuben
l^)Urr died Dec. 20, 1827, aged seventy-five years;
his wife, Martha, on March 29, 1835.
(VI) Salmon Burr, son of Reuben and Mehit-
able Burr, settled in Winsted, Conn. He married
Mary Ensign, of South Farms, near Litchfield,
who w?s born Sept. 8, 1776, and died Dec. 29,
1846. Salmon Burr died Dec. 19. 185J, aged sev-
enty-seven years. The children of Salmon and i\Iarv
Burr, with dates of birth, are as follows : Maria,
Feb. 17, 1799; Rufus, Dec. 17, 1800; Samuel, Sept.
22, 1802; Wilson, April 11, 1804; iMary, Jan. 12,
1806; Rhoda, Jan. 11, 1808; Sarah, March 2, 1810;
Willard, Feb. 8, 1812; Huldah, May 21, 1814;
Harmon E., Nov. 13, 1818; Charlotte. Oct. 3. 1820.
Salmon Burr was one of the earlv brickmakers. and
followed that vocation through life. His home was
at Torrington Hill.
(VII) Samuel Burr, son of Salmon and Mary
Burr, settled at Torrington, Conn. For his first
wife he married, on Feb. 22, 183 1, Louisa Flower,
and by her he had two children, Sarah Jane, born
Jan. 6, 1832, who married Andrew E. Hull, of
Burlington, and died Jan. 23, 1862, leaving two
daughters; and Mary E., born Oct. 2, 1839, who
was married April 20, 1861, to Edwin Barber, of
\\'olcottville. Louisa, wife of Samuel Burr, died
July 20, 1847, aged thirty-eight years, and for his
second wife he married Mrs. Rhoda A. Tavlor,
itcc Parmelee, of Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Conn.,
by whom he had one child, Lyman S., the subject
proper of this sketch. Ixirn Aug. 24. 1851. Mrs.
Rhoda A. Burr died Oct. 17, i860, aged forty-
six vears. For his third wife Samuel Burr mar-
ried Mary J. Robertson, of Wolcottville, Conn., \vh.)
survived him. Mr. Burr was a natural mechanic.
In his early years he manufactured the old-fash-
ioned hand rakes at Torrington, and carried tiiem
thence, overland, to Hartford. He was also a
school teacher in early life, teaching in and about
Torringford. His brothers were also school teach-
ers. I'or many years in later life he was an em-
ploye of the Coe Brass Co. He was a man of
strong convictions and keen intelligence, a great
reader, and thoroughly conversant with the polit-
ical issues of his day. Fie was a strong temper-
ance advocate, and tlioroughl_\- upright and honest
in his actions. Though a regular attendant at di-
vine services throughout life he did not become a
member of church until 1S70, two vcars [trior to his
death.
L}man S. Burr owes his success in life to his
own efforts. Struggle and victory sweeten the
after life of any man, and the experience of our
subject has been no exception to the rule. He at-
tended school at Wolcottville, now Torrington, and
at the age of sixteen his opportunity arrived to gain,
at personal discomfort and sacrifice, an education.
in 1869 he left home for Oberlin, Ohio, where an
uncle was preaching at that time. In the fall of the
year he entered the preparatory department of Ob-
erlin College, and except for a lirief interval, when
he attended the funeral of his father, he remained
continuously at the college until 1872. During this
time, to meet his modest expenses, he sawed wood
and did chores for ten cents per hour, and, during
the winter of 1870, he taught one term of district
school. For about a year, from 1872 to 1873, '^^
worked in a factory in Torrington, and then, nt
[he suggestion of Hudson Burr, a cousin and noted
lawyer at Bloomington. 111., he entered tlie Intter's
ofiice as a student. He was admitted to the B;ir
at Ottawa, 111., Sept. 25, 1875, completing in two
years the three-years course prescribed, and pass-
ing a rigid examination. Returning to Connecti-
cut, he entered the office of Mitchell & Hungerford
at Xew Britain, and was with them for about nine
ye^rs, or until 1884, when he opened an office for
himself. E.xcept for a period of nine months, dur-
ing which a partnership existed between him an-l
Fred. B. Mitchell, he has since followed his pro-
fession alone. He has ever been a careful student
of law, and has acquired a successful practice.
Mr. Burr has also been prominent in public life.
In 1883 he was appointed clerk of the Police Court,
and in that capacity served for about nine years.
He then resigned the position upon his appoint-
ment as city attorney by the common council.
A year later, a change in the political administra-
tion, from Republican to Democratic, changed the
personnel of the attorneyship also. Later on. to fill
a vacancy caused by the resignation of Julius H.
Pease, who had been apjiointed postmaster, Mr.
Burr was again appointed city attorney, and in the
spring of 1896 he was honored with election as
first prosecuting attorney under the new city char-
756
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ter of New Britain. He has twice been re-elected
to the same office, which has jurisdiction over
the entire city of New Britain. In the spring of
1899 he was appointed Judge of the City and Po-
lice Court of New Britain, which position he now
holds.
Mr. Burr has always been a stanch Republican
and taken an active part in local political matters.
He was for several years chairman of the Republi-
can town committee. He is a member of Cen-
tennial Lodge, No. 118, F. & A. M.; Giddings
Chapter, No. 25, and Doric Council, No. 24, and
has taken quite an active interest in Masonry.
He was senior deacon of Centennial Lodge for
three years. He is also a member of Phoenix
Lodge, No. 52, and of Comstock Encampment, No.
29, I. O. O. F., and has been through all of the
elective offices of both the lodge and encampment,
having served in the highest office in each. In 1888
he was elected grand patriarch of the State of
Connecticut, I. O. O. F. On Oct. 15, 1889, Mr.
Burr was presented with a jewel by the Grand
Encampment of the State of Connecticut, and in
that year he was elected grand representative of
Connecticut to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the
United States, receiving the same honor again in
1890 and 1891. In the patriarchal branch (the
military branch) he was appointed judge advocate
on Gen. Foster's staff, of New Haven, and held
the position for several years. He is a member of
the K. of P., Royal Arcanum, O. U. A. M., and also
of the Red Men, of which he is past chief. In
August, 1890, Mr. Burr organized and was elected
captain of Company I, ist Regiment, Connecticut
National. Guard, serving in that capacity until
June, 1 89 1, when Gov. Bulkeley, of Connecticut,
appointed him judge advocate of the 1st Regimental
District, a position in which he continued until
1893, when the office was abolished by legislative
enactment. He has also been judge advocate of
the Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, for two years,
retiring from this office in the spring of 1896, until
again apointed to that position, April 4, 1900.
Mr. Burr was married to Miss Isabella V. LOve-
land, daughter of Ezra and Mary A. Loveland, of
Berlin, and they have two children, Harry W. and
Stewart L.
ELI PHELPS. This section attracted at an
early day a superior class of settlers, and their de-
scendants are now among the leading citizens of
Hartford county, the enterprising and progressive
spirit of their pioneer ancestry being combined in
them with the culture and refinement of more"
modern times. From the first settlement in Wind-
sor town the Phelps family has held a prominent
place in its history, its members in every genera-
tion showing unwavering loyalty to the American
ideal, and during- the Revolutionary war no less
than twenty of the name enlisted from that locality.
Eli Phelps, for many years a prosperous agricult-
urist of Windsor, was of the fifth generation in di-
rect descent from Samuel Phelps, son of William,
the head of the family in thiscountry. Samuel Phelps
was born in England, and received a large grant of
land in Windsor from the Crown. Much of this tract
is still in the possession of his descendants, and
a portion of it is now occupied by our subject as
a homestead. This worthy pioneer married Sarah
Griswold, daughter of Edward Griswold, and had
a son, William.
(II) William Phelps, son of Samuel, was born
in 1669, married Hannah Hayden in 1693, and
died Nov. 21, 1711. He had a son (III) William,
born March 13, 1698.
(IV) Eli_ Phelps, son of William (III), was
born Aug. 16, 1746, and made his home on a farm
near Poquonock, being one of the most highly re-
spected residents of "that locality in his time. He
married (first) Ruth Case, who died leaving no
children. His second wife Mariam (Case) Adams,
was the widow of Joseph Adams, by whom she had
three children : Luke, Rosannah and Richard. By
her union with Eli Phelps she had six children:
Ruth, who married (first) Fredus Case, and (sec-
ond) Rev. Phelps Ellsworth: Eli, our subject; Mary
(Mrs. Jonathan Colton) ; Mariam, wife of Elihu
Holcomb ; Mindwell, who married Manly Snow ;
and Miss Sarah, who resides in Poquonock.
(V) Hon. Eli Phelps was born at Poquonock,
Sept, I, 1807, and had only such educational ad-
vantages as the local schools of that day provided.
He was but a young man when his father died, and
as the only son the care of the estate fell to him be-
fore he had a chance to accjuire business experience,
yet he managed affairs with conspicuous ability and
became one of the most successful farmers of the
town, obtaining good results under all circum-
stances. For some years after his marriage he re-
sided at his father's old home, later locating at the
farm now occupied by our subject. While he left a
handsome estate to his children, he was never
grasping or unduly economical, and many worthy
enterprises were helped forward by his liberality.
He was a man of fine physique, six feet tall,
weighing 200 pounds, and his mental ability was
above the average, his reading and observation en-
abling him to gain a wide range of practical knowl-
edge. He took an active interest in religious work,,
serving as treasurer of the Ecclesiastical Society
of his town for a long time, and politically he was
prominent as a member of the local Democratic
organization. At various times he held offices in his
town, and for several years he was a member of
the General Assembly. He died Sept. i, 1879, and
his remains now rest in the cemeterv at Poquonock.
On May 27, 1846, J\lr. Phelps married Miss
Abigail Humphrey, who was born March 7, 1820,
at Norfolk, Conn., daughter of James and Rox-
alana (North) Humphrey. Her family has been
well known in America from an early period, and
an extensive genealogical record has been com-
piled and published. She is still living at the home-
stead, in excellent health, for one of her age, and
£^-^ i^S(X «f//ii»-M SSroM'"
C^' ^cA^
COMMEMORATII'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r57
surrounded by a large circle of friends whom her
intelligence and high character have won her.
William is the eldest of a family of five children ;
James and Emily died in infancy; Miss Maria
resides at the old homestead, and is highly esteemed
in the best social circles, being an active member
of the society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution ; and Charlotte A. is the wife of David
E. Marshall, of ^^'indsor town.
(\'l) William Phelps was born Xov. 23,
1847, and was reared at the homestead, his educa-
tion being obtained in the schools of District Xo.
8, of Windsor town, at the academy in Windsor
village, and the Connecticut Literary Institute, at
Suffield. He has always resided on the old home
farm, which he manages in a thoroughly scientific
manner. While he is an excellent business man
he is of a very quiet disposition, deliberate speech
and lack of ostentation being among his marked
characteristics. His integrity is never questioned,
while he has a high reputation for intellectual
ability, being extremely fond of reading. In early
life he was a Democrat, but of late years he has
been an earnest advocate of the principles of the
Prohibition party. Mr. Phelps married Miss Mari-
ette Dickinson, of Haddam, Conn., who was a
daughter of Nathan and Jemimah (Brainard) Dick-
inson. She died June 23, 1899.
HON HORACE KELSEY FORD, who
passed away Aug. 5, 1899, was a well-known tobacco
grower of Suffield, and president of the Tobacco
Growers Experiment Co., of Windsor, Conn. He
was born in Salisbury, this State, Oct. 10, 1829. of
English descent. Daniel Ford, his grandfather,
was a native of Plymouth, Conn., was a landholder
and a farmer all his life, and to his marriage with
a Miss Gridly were born seven children: \Mllis,
iMelliset, 'Stephen. Daniel, Betsey. Amorett and
Abigail. Both parents of this family died in Ply-
mouth, edvout members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church.
Willis Ford, the father of the subject of this bio-
graphical notice, also a native of Plymouth, Conn..
was born June 16, 1806, learned blacksmithing
when young, and in early manhood removed to
Salisbury, where he followed his trade for some
time, but later became extensively interested in the
iron business, in which he continued until Xovem-
ber, 1841. He then sold out and came to Suffield,
purchased one hundred acres of land, and engaged
in the culture of tobacco and in general farming.
He was one of the earliest tobacco growers of the
neighborhood, built the second tobacco shed in
Suffield, and realized a comfortable fortune. Willis
Ford first married, in Salisbury. Conn., Miss Eliza-
beth Kelsey. a native of the place, and a daughter
of John Kelsey, and to this union were born two
cl'.ildren : Horace Kelsey, our subject, and Mari-
etta. For his second wife Mr. Ford selected ^la-
hala Austin, of Suffield. who bore him one child,
Anna Eliza, now the wife of Lew Tudd, of South
Hadley Falls, Mass. In politics Mr. Ford was a
]\e]3ublican, in religion a Baptist, and died in that
faith in 1889, respected by the entire community.
Horace Kelsey Ford was about twelve years of
age when brought to Suffield by his parents. He
was educated primarily in the district schools, and
later attended the Connecticut Literary Institute.
For nine years he followed school teaching as a
])rofession, passing four years of that period at
\\'indsor Locks. He then joined his father in
farming and tobacco raising, and these industries
occupied his attention ever after. He had two of
the finest tobacco sheds in the town, erected under
his personal supervision and instruction, he being
the oldest and most e.xijerienced grower in the town.
In politics ^Ir. Ford was a Republican, and in
1862 was elected town assessor, an office he capa-
bly filled four years ; for three years he was a mem-
ber of the board of relief; in 1871 was elected a se-
lectman; in 1896 was elected to the State Legisla-
ture ; served on several important committees
while in the House ; and for upwards of twenty
years was a justice of the peace, during which
period not one of his decisions was reversed by
tlie Supreme Court of the State — a fact which
speaks for itself, so far as his acumen and astute-
ness are concerned.
!Mr. Ford was united in marriage, in i860, in
Suffield, with Miss Jane M. Remington, a native
of the town, and a daughter of Thomas Reming-
ton, a prominent citizen. To this marriage ten
children were born : John H., who married Miss
Leila J. Belden, and resides on the home farm ;
Imogene J., wife of William H. \\'ood, of South
HaJ.ey Falls. Mass. ; Eliza K., wife of Evlin T.
Bray, of Springfield, Mass. ; Willis, a farmer, mar-
ried to Emma A. Sikes ; Hattie B., who died at
the age of thirteen years ; Frank, a farmer, who
married Daisy I. Brockett; Charles H.. at home;
Kittie R., who die young, as did Albert R. : and
Edith M.. the youngest, still under the parental
roof. The sons are all Republicans in their politi-
cal views.
Fraternallv, ^Ir. Ford was a member of the F.
& A. M. Lodge, at Suffield. and also of the O. U.
A. M., at the same place. The family belong to the
Baptist Cluirch, and they are greatly respected
throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Ford was a
wide-awake business man. and was one of the or-
ganizers of the Suffield Creamery, in which he was
a stockholder until his decease.
JABEZ PARSOXS DA\TS, Judge of the Town
Court of Enfield, and a prominent citizen of Thomp-
sonville. needs no special introduction to the read-
ers of this volume, but the work would be incom-
plete without the record of his life. Xo man in
the community has been more prominently identi-
fied with its business or political history, or has
taken a more active part in its upbuilding and
progress.
Judge Davis was born in the village of Hazard-
758
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ville, Hartford county, Dec. 19, 1839, a son of
John and Esther (Squier) Davis, The father,
who was a farmer by occupation, was a native of
Bainbridge, N. Y., and a son of John Davis, also
of Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y. In 1838 he
located in Enfield, Conn., having married, abovit
that time. Miss Esther Squier, a daughter of Cal-
vin Squier, formerly of Ashford, Conn,, and a
Revolutionary soldier. He was one of the early
settlers of Enfield, and was buried in the Enfield
Street cemetery.
The first fourteen years of his life Jabez P.
Davis passed in Enfield, and then went to Bain-
bridge, N. Y., where he remained until 1857. ■'■"
that year he located in Sebewaing, Mich., where,
on February 27, 1862, he enlisted in Company E,
7th Mich. V. I., as a private. He participated in
all of the engagements of the Peninsular campaign,
including the siege of Yorktown, the battles of
West Point and Fair Oaks, and the seven-days
fight between Fair Oaks and Harrison's Landing.
On account of physical disability he was honorably
discharged Nov. 22, 1862, and returned to his home
in Michigan, where he engaged in farming and gen-
eral teaming. In the spring of 1863 he was elected
town clerk of Columbia, Mich.,, and was elected to
the same office in Fair Haven, Mich., in 1864, but
in July, of the latter year, he returned to Enfield,
Conn., where he was employed in a japaning shop
for one year. During the following three years he
engaged in the butchering business, and then en-
tered the employ of the Hartford Carpet Co., as
foreman of their yards at Thompsonville. With
the exception of one year, when manager of a farm
in Bristol, Conn., he remained with that firm for
twenty-seven years. At the same time he also gave
some attention to surveying, has practiced veterinary
surgery for about twentj' years, and is quite exten-
sively engaged in stone contracting, having laid the
foundation and built the abutments of the principal
bridges in Enfield and vicinity. As a business man
lie is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and in
his undertakings has met with a fair degree of
success.
In 1867 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Ross Hood, a daughter of David
Hood, one of the first Scotch settlers of Enfield.
Rehgiously our subject is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Enfield, and socially affiliates
with the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of
the Republic. He is the present commander of
Samuel Brown Post, G. A. R., of Thompsonville,
with which he has been connected since 1867. He
has ever taken quite an active and prominent part
in public affairs, serving as selectman of Enfield for
ten years, and chairman of the board for nine years.
He has also been assessor, grand juror, constable,
member of the board of relief, and president of the
Society for the Detection of Thieves and Robbers.
In May, 1897, he was appointed judge of the town
court of Enfield, which position he is still filling
with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction
of the general public. He is absolutely fearless in
the discharge of his duties, and favor cannot tempt
him from .the straight path. Politically he is an
ardent supporter of the Republican party.
LOREN HOWARD PEASE, M. D., deceased.
Hartford county has been the home and scene of
labor of many men who have not only led lives that
should serve as an example to those who come after
them, but have also been of important service to their
town, county and State through various avenues of
usefulness. Among them must be named Dr. Pease,
who was one of the best-known and most prominent
citizens of Enfield.
The Doctor was born in Somers, Tolland Co.,
Conn., July 14, 1835, a son of Robert and x\mersha
(Arnold) Pease, and was a descendant of Robert
and Margaret Pease, who came to America in the
ship "Francis" from the port of Ipswich, England,
in April, 1634, and located in Salem, Mass. The\-
were the progenitors of the family still living at
Salem, and also of the branch at Enfield, Conn.
From them the line is traced through John and Mary
(Goodellj Pease; Robert and Abigail (Randall)
Pease; Robert and Elizabeth (Emery) Pease;
Robert and Flannah (Sexton) Pease; Robert and
Ann (Sexton) Pease, the former a Revolutionary
soldier; and Oliver and Nancy (Cone) Pease; to
Robert Pease, the Doctor's father.
In early life Loren H. Pease, our subject, at-
tended the public schools of his native town, the El-
lington high school, and the Merrimack Normal
School, in New Hampshire, and for several years
afterward he successfully engaged in teaching school
in the New England, Middle and Southern States.
Subsequently he entered Jefferson Medical College.
Philadelphia, Penn., where he was graduated in
1861, and immediately afterward he located at Am-
herst, Mass., where he was actively engaged in the
practice of his profession until 1862, when he came
to Enfield and purchased the business of Dr. Levi
S. Pease. In September of that year, he was ap-
pointed assistant surgeon in the United States army,
and at once entered upon the duties with the loth
Conn. V. I. He continued to hold that position for
more than a year, when he was transferred to th-'
hospital service, and was connected with the same
until the close of the war. On returning to Enfield
he resumed his private practice there, but was soon
forced to abandon it on account of ill health. He
then opened a drug store, which he conducted for
several years, and later embarked in the grocery
business, in which he was successfully engaged for
nianv years. Shortly after the organization of the
Thompsonville Trust Company he became its cash-
ier, and was also a member of its board of directors
In the former capacity he brought success to the
corporation, and when he resigned found an able
substitute. He was also a director of the Suffield
Bridge Company and Water Company, and held
other positions of trust and responsibility. For
several vears he devoted much time to the insurance
COMMBMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
liuO
business, and established mail routes, under govern-
ment supervision. For almost a third of a century
he was ]jroniinentU- identitietl with nearly every new
enterprise which was attempted or established in
Entield, and inaugurated many of them himself. In
all of these concerns he was a powerful and useful
force, and it is not too much to say of him that no
other man in Enfield displayed the amount of
courage and business ability in originating and estab-
lishing new enterprises or industries.
Un July 21, 185CJ, Dr. Pease was united in mar-
riage with JMiss Alarcia AI., daughter of Reuben
Aslihian and Hancy A. (Hall) I'ease, of Scitico,
antl granddaughter of John and Ann (Cummings)
Pease, pioneers of Enfield. Four children were
born of this union, namely: Lorena, deceased wife
of Frederick O. Dutton; Howard A.; Loren H.,
deceased ; and Mabel, wife of Dr. Benjamin H.
Thornton.
In his busy life Dr. Pease often found time to
serve his fellow townsmen in some official capacity
For several years he was first selectman of Enfield,
in which position he displayed remarkable official
diligence and financial ability. He also served as a
member of the General Assembly of the State for
two terms, in 1882 and 1883; was assessor; a mem-
ber of the board of relief; justice of the peace; a
member of the board of school visitors ; and filled
other local offices. It was his chief object to per-
form his duties so that his State, town and towns-
men should receive the greatest possible benefit from
his services, and to discharge them with the utmost
thoroughness and fidelity. Socially he was a char-
ter member of Doric Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M.,
and a member of Samuel Brown Post, G. A. R.,
in which he was serving as surgeon at the time of
his death. Though not a member of any religious
organization he w-as an attendant and supporter
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically
he was a stanch Republican. He passed away Feb.
14. 1897, and his death occasioned the deepest re-
gret throughout the community. He was a man of
the highest respectability, and those who were most
intimately associated with him speak in unquali-
fied terms of his sterling integrity, his honor in
business, and his fidelity to all the duties of public
and private life.
BARNES H. HAMLAND, who departed this
life Feb. 12, 1870, was one of the representa-
tive and progressive citizens of Southington in his
day. Fie was a native of New York, born in ^Eon-
ticello, Sullivan county, in November, 1830, and
was a son of Barnes and Anna (Jones) Haviland.
Mr. Haviland grew to manhood in the town of
his nativity, and at an early age was apprenticed
to the ]irinting business in the office of the JVatch-
vian and Democrat. In IMonticello and New York
City he pursued that business successfully until fail-
ing health compelled him to seek another location,
and about 1855 he came to Southington, where for
a time he was in the employ of the Peck-Smith
Company. He also worked on the Neiv Haven
Falloiliuin, and in the office of a New Britain news-
paper. Un Oct. 30, 18O3, Mr. Haviland estab-
lished the first newspaper in Southington, The
SuHtlii)igton Mirror, which he conducted until June
6, 1865, meeting with most excellent success dur-
ing the period of the Civil war, and his paper proved
of more than ordinary interest on account of the
soldiers' letters which it published, many of which
would hardly have been preserved in any other way.
He suspended the iniblication of his paper in June,,
owing to ill health, but resumed it again un a larger
scale the following Uctober. Later, when his-
health again failed, he disposed of his plant, which
was taken out of the town, and the paper discontin-
ued, lie was public-spirited in an emment degree,
and did much in behalf of the general welfare cf his
community.
Un xMay 13, 1857, Mr. Haviland was united in
man-iage with Miss Betsey A. Sanford, a (.laughter
of A. C. Stanford, of Southington, and to them
came one son, Clinton S.vnford H.wil.xnd, who
was born March 19, 1858, and was educated in
Lewis Academy. He, too, embarked in the print-
ing business at the age of twenty years, and in the
fall of 1878 purchased the Sotithiiigt >n Reporter,
which was established in 1873. Changing the name
to the Southington Phoenix, he continued its pub-
lication until his death, which occurred Nov. 29,
1892. By dint of perseverance, constant application
and untiring effort, he prospered, and gradually en-
larged his business until the Phoeni.r became recog-
nized throughout the State as a leader among the
local newspapers, and the reputation of the job de-
partment was second to none. Mr. Haviland was
a member of the Connecticut Weekly Press Associa-
tion, was one of its early officers, and was one of the
founders of the Southington Board of Trade. As
a business man Mr. Haviland was upright and hon-
orable in all his transactions, and was able, ener-
getic, tireless and enthusiastic in the management
of his affairs. He was beloved and respected by his
employes, many of whom were in his service from
seven to fourteen years. He had great admiration
for the beautiful m art and nature, and his cmef
delight was in his lovely home and its surroundings.
In religious connection a prominent and influential
member of the Baptist Church, he filled offices in
both the church and Sunday-school. Death came
to him when the future seemed most bright and
promising. He had much to live for, and was just
entering into the enjoyment of the fruits of his
earlier years of toil and perseverance. On Nov.
30, 1880, he married Miss Julia Gridley, who died
in 1895.
CHARLES SMITH, whose death on June 13,
1899, is still fresh in the menior\- of his fellow-cit-
izens, was a prosperous tobacco-grower and gen-
eral farmer of the town of Bloomfield. Hartford
county. He was born in County W'estmeath. Ire-
land. Aug. 15, 1834, son of Owen Smith, also a
^
760
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
native of County Westmeath, who was a farmer by
calling. He married Mary Clare, of the same
county, and this union was blessed with three sons
and one daughter, Charles being third in order of
birth. Both parents died in County Westmeath,
devout members of the Catholic Church.
Charles Smith was educated in the parochial
schools of his native county, and was reared to
manhood on his father's farm. At the age of
twenty-three years he sailed for America, was five
weeks and three da3's in crossing the ocean, and on
his arrival in Connecticut first located in West Hart-
ford. He engaged in farming until i860, when he
came to Bloomfield, and was there employed in to-
bacco-growing as a specialty, until his death, doing
some general farming, but more for the purpose of
raising produce for home consumption than for
profit.
In 1862 Mr. Smith was married in Hartford, to
Miss Ann Keenan, a native of Queen's County, Ire-
land, and this union was blessed with six children,
born in the following order: Mary, now deceased;
Lizzie, wife of Henry Scott, of Windsor, Conn.;
Annie ; Charles, of Cushman's Manufacturing Co.,
Hartford, and married to Miss Kinsella ; John ; and
William. Mr. Smith was a faithful Roman Cath-
olic in religion, and a liberal contributor of his
means to the support of his church; he was school
treasurer of the Old Farms District for several
years. He was always temperate, frugal and indus-
trious, and deservedly stood high in the esteem of
his neighbors. He was a stanch supporter of the
Democratic party, and took a keen interest in public
affairs, but he never sought office for himself. His
remains rest in Mount St. Benedict cemetery.
WILLIAM GREENE COMSTOCK (de-
ceased). At his residence, No. 988 Main street,
Friday evening, Aug. 4, 1899, passed away East
Hatrford's best-known citizen, at the age of eighty-
eight years, nine months. His character was sterl-
ing in its purity, his abilities of the highest order,
and his career most happily complete. Spanning
life far beyond the allotted three score years and ten,
the peaceful days of his later life were mellowed
with a flood of happy reminiscences, which had in-
timate relation with the best interests of East Hart-
ford.
WilHam Greene Comstock was born at Comstock
Bridge, on the line of Colchester and Chatham towns.
New London Co., Conn., Oct. 11, 1810, and was a
son of Franklin G. and Tryphena (Tracy) Com-
stock, the latter a daughter of Gamaliel R. Tracy,
a hero of the Revolutionary war, who fought at
Monmouth under Washington. William G. Com-
stock was of the eighth generation descended from
William, who settled in Wethersfield, Conn., in
1641. The Jineal descent of our subject is as fol-
lows:
William Comstock, alluded to in the foregoing
paragraph, came from England or Wales in 1635,
and passed the latter years of his life in New Lon-
don, Conn. ; Jc^n ( i ) was born in England, and
came to America with his father ; John (2) was born
in Connecticut in 1676; John (3), also born in
Connecticut; Christophei', son of John (3), bom in
Hadlyme, Conn., in 1720, married Anna Willey
and died Oct. 30, 1802; Jabez, son of Christopher,
born in Hadlyme in 1755, married Almy Greene,
daughter of James and Lucina (Slocum) Greene,
and died March 23, 1812, his widow surviving until
April 5, 1837, when she passed away in Wethers-
field; Franklin G., son of Jabez, born March 17,
1790, died Aug. 6, 1845 ; and William G., son of
Franklin G., is our subject.
Franklin G. Comstock was possessed of wonder-
ful intellectuality and great literary ability, was the
author of "Comstock's Digest of Probate Laws,"
and was the youngest judge to sit on the Benches
of the Probate and Superior Courts of the State of j|i
Connecticut. i'
William G. Comstock received his primary ed-
ucation in the common schools, then attended the
military school presided over by Capt. Patridge, at
Middletown, and finished his education at the Wil-
braham (Mass.) Academy, of which Wilbur Fiske
was the president. At the age of eighteen years he
began teaching school at East Haddam, at a salary of
ten dollars per month, and taught five terms in all, i
including a school at East Hampton, often having
some of his old schoolmates as pupils. Toward ■
the close he received a salary of eighteen dollars per
month, the highest paid in those days. He taught
the first graded school at Middle Haddam, the
pioneer of the graded schools of the State. In the ;
meantime, about 1820, his parents removed from
Comstock's Bridge to Miller's Hill, East Hampton,
and located on the "Lovell Hall" place. His father
then bought a half-interest in the Nem England
Review, a Hartford weekly newspaper, and young
William G., relinquishing school teaching, came in
1832 to Hartford to engage in journalism under
the auspices of his father. During his manage-
ment The Nezv England Daily Reviezv was pub-
lished, being the first daily paper ever published in
Hartford. The first year he boarded at the "Ex-
change Coffee House," going home occasionally.
The "Exchange," kept by Selah Treat, was the
general stopping place of the stage on the line be- ,.
tween New Haven and Boston, and there i\Ir.
Comstock had for his roommate George Roberts,
later president of the Hartford Carpet Co. In 1833
the parents of Mr. Comstock moved to Hartford,
and lived on the south side of Morgan street, in
the third house east of Market street, until June,
[836, when they removed to Wethersfield, the fa-
ther, Franklin G. Comstock, selling out his inter-
est in the Review to a Whig clique, which of course
converted the paper into a political organ of the
party.
During the early 'thirties the silk-cocoon raising
"craze" broke out in New England, and nearly all
the farmers planted mulberrv trees and started to
raise cocoons as soon as possible. Franklin G.
COMMEMORATII'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7G1
Comstock was very prominent in the movement,
associated with Ciiristo])her Colt, father of the late
Samuel Colt. They established headquarters in a
store building on I'Vant street, and grew, bought
and sold mulberrv trees, raised cocoons, sold the
eggs, and reeled silk, meeting with astonishing suc-
cess. Orders for mulberry trees were frequently re-
ceived accompanied by $i,ooo. Mr. Comstock
came to be regarded as the leading silk culturist in
the State, and for a number of years published the
"Silk Culturist and P'armers' Manual," a monthly
magazine. During the winter of 1837 William
G. Comstock went to Cuba, taking with him a lot
of young mulberry trees. He purchased a plot of
ground at ^latanzas, set out the young trees, and
remained there until spring. During that time he
purchased one lot of trees for $500, which he shipped
home to his father, who disposed of them for $2,500.
The craze died out within a few }-ears, the farmers
generally meeting with little success, and the material
imported from China and Italy being so cheap ; but
Mr. Comstock and his partner made, within a short
time, what was then considered a handsome fortune.
In 183S Franklin G. Comstock bought the farm
that had been worked by James L. Belden, a garden-
seed grower, and formed a partnership with Butler
N. Strong, in this peculiar line of seed-growing,
founding the first farm worthy of the name of a seed
farm in New England. It was in this business that
William G. Comstock manifested his superior abil-
ity as a business man, and developed the advanced
ideas that have ever since dominated the large seed-
growing firms of the United States. He devised
the plan by which the difl:'erent varieties were
shipped in boxes of new design to all parts of the
country — a plan now followed by all gardeners
engaged in this industry. When his father died,
in 1845, W'illiam G. became sole proprietor of the
business, of which he had been practically the head
from the beginning, and he now foresaw that there
was a great future for it. He branched out. He
made trips to the South, visiting Memphis, \''icks-
burg, Natchez, Mobile and New Orleans, and in the
last-named city a dealer in seeds not only took all
his stock on hand, but placed an order for more,
to the amount of $2,500. ISIost of this trip was
made on the ]Mississippi river, aboard the steamer
"Natchez," the cost being about fifteen dollars for a
trip of two weeks' duration. The business was aug-
mented by the purchase of seventy-five acres of land
at Urbana, Ohio, and this branch until this day is
recognized as the seed farm of the West. In 1850
Mr. Comstock formed a stock company, under the
name of Comstock, Ferre & Co., with a capital of
$40,000, taking into the concern Mr. Henry Ferre.
The first year a dividend of six per cent was de-
clared, and afterward a dividend of ten per cent
every six months. He remained at the head of this
company for many years.
On Nov. 12, 1857, ■^■'■''- Comstock came to East
Hartford, bought the Henry Olmstead place, and
there made his home until his death. The dwelling
he first occupied here was destroyed by fire in
March, 1875, but he at once replaced it with an
elegant mansion, the best residence in tlie town.
For a time after settling in East Hartford he was
identified with Comstock, I-"crrc & Co., from which
he gradually withdrew, selling off his stock, but
continuing to do considerable business for the firm,
which is still operated under the original name.
For some years Mr. Comstock lived in retirement,
but held large interests in various investments and
continued to personally direct them until his death.
Mr. Comstock was united in marriage, July 3,
1837, by Rev. M. Roland, in New York City, to
Miss Adeline Strong, a native of East Hampton,
Conn., born April 29, 1812, a daughter of Henry
and Susannah (Cook) Strong. Mrs. Comstock
was called from earth Jan. 3, 1880. Children were
born to this union as follows: Franklin G., May
27, 1838; Jabcz Knight, Feb. 5, 1841 (died in 1855J ;
Mary Emma, Nov. 30, 1842 (died young) ; Amy,
May 22, 1845 'she was married to Henry Hoppin
Knight, of Brooklyn, N. Y., died Feb. 2, 1889, and
was buried in Greenwood cemetery, that city; Will-
iam Greene, Jr., and Frederick (twins), Feb, 13,
1847; Ralph Tracy (deceased in childhood); and
Robbins Tracy, born Oct. 24, 1855 (died unmar-
ried Nov. 16, 1890). The twins alluded to above
now constitute the firm of W. G. & F. Comstock,
real estate men of East Hartford. They completed
Comstock Hall and block in 1899, the most up-to-
date building in that localitv, and are among the
most enterprising and pushing business men of
the town, ^^'illiam G. is still unmarried. Fred-
erick, married, on April 5, 1875, Miss Nellie Will-
iams, of East Hartford, -and is the father of four
sons, Tracv S., Frederick H.. Lewis B. and Don-
ald c. s. ■
William G. Comstock in politics was a ^^'h^g,
and was never anything else as a party man. as
when that party went out of existence he kept aloof
from party alliance. At one convention of ^^'higs,
in Hartford, he met rnd shook hanils with Henry
Clay, and this incident he pleasantly recalled long
afterward. While connected with the Xczc England
Rcvieto he was the first to introduce the name of
William Henry Harrison as a candidate for the
Presidency, to the people of New England, placing
it at the head of his editorial column Jan. 30. 1836,
"subject to the decision of the people."
Mr. Comstock was wont to recall that, a few
vears after the convention at which he met Mr. Clay,
President Andrew Jackson visited Hartford, while
making a tour of New England for purposes known
to himself alone, but not with any political object
in view. 'Sir. Comstock described him as riding
a handsome white horse through Main street, busy
in bowing his acknowledgments to the fluttering
handkerchiefs in the hands of belles and dames
in the windows, and to the huzzahs of the men who
thronged the sidewalks. Following the President
there were several barouches, in which were seated
the principal citizens of Hartford and several mem-
762
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bers of the cabinet, including Martin Van Buren,
Jackson's successor to the Presidency.
Mr. Comstock was one of the most bitter enemies
of the old toll bridge company at East Hartford, and
his advocacy of a free-bridge system was strong,
able and effective. He fought the toll system for
ten or fifteen years, and eventually conquered the
rich old bridge corporation, and succeeded in es-
tablishing free bridges across the Connecticut river ;
the wisdom of his course was shown by the immedi-
ate increase in the population on the east side of
the river. In fact, he always manifested a wonder-
ful capability for business, and certainly had no
equal in the town, even in his advanced years. As
a mechanic he invented an implement which met
with a ready sale all over the globe, and was known
as Comstock's Seed Sower and Cultivator. He was
the largest landholder in East Hartford, where he
erected many buildings. He was ever prompt in
filling his obligations, and expected others to be
so, and was never afraid to say "no" at the proper
time. He and his sons have done more to build
up East Hartford than any other family in the town.
In his advanced age, notwithstanding the paralysis
of his left side, Mr. Comstock kept his books him-
self, drew up all his legal documents, and wrote
with as steady a hand as any man of fifty.
CHARLES KELLEY, M. D., a prominent and
successful physician of Plantsville, was born in
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Nov. ii, 1859, a son of
George W. and Rachel A. (Osborne) Kelley.
The paternal grandfather, William W. Kelley,
was a farmer and basket manufacturer of Dutchess
county, N. Y., while the maternal grandfather,
Isaac Osborne, was a carpenter and builder of New
York City. George W. Kelley was a resident of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and at the time of his death,
which occurred July 28, 1894, was general agent
for H. D. Justi, manufacturer of dental supplies,
of Philadelphia, and was also the. president of the
Trade Dental Association of the United States
and Canada, being one of the best-known men in
his line on this side of the Atlantic.
Our subject was reared in his native town and
in Hyde Park, N. Y., and his literary education was
obtained in the public schools of that State. In
1878, at the afre of nineteen years, he commenced
the study of medicine with his uncle, C. H. Yel-
vington, M. D., of Susquehanna, Penn., and in 1880
entered the Eclectic Medical College of New York
City, from which he was graduated in 1883. In
August of the same year he began practice at
Moore's Mill, N. Y., where he remained until May,
1884, and then came to Plantsville, Conn., where
he has since been actively and successfully engaged
in practice.
On June 13, 1887, Dr. Kelley was united in mar-
riage with Miss Sarah Tornton, a daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Illingworth) Tornton, of Bis-
marck, N. Dak., formerly of England. The Doc-
tor is a member of the Congregational Church, of
Plantsville. Fraternally he is a prominent Mason,,
belonging to Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A.
M.; Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M.; Temple
Council, No. 32, R. & S. M. ; and Harmony Chap-
ter, No. 55, O. E. S. ; and he also holds membership
in Eureka Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F. ; William
Berry Lodge, No. 50, K. P. ; Union Grange, No.
25, P. of H. ; Hira Temple, No. 90, D. O. K. K. ;
Wonx Tribe, No. 28, I. O. R. M. ; Unity Council,
No. II, O. U. A. M. ; Southington Council, No.
1258, R. A.; and Panthorn Tent, No. 32, K. O.
T. M. Politically he is identified with the Repub-
lican party. He stands high in professional cir-
cles, and as a citizen is widely and favorably known.
AMOS RICHARD ENO (deceased) was born
in Simsbury, Hartford county, Nov. i, 1810, and
was the third child and second son of Salmon and
Mary (Richards) Eno. The father, Salmon Eno,
was born Dec.. 13, 1779, and died April 3, 1842;
the mother, Mary (Richards) Eno, was born in
1785, and died Sept. 29, 1883.
Amos R. Eno was a farmer boy on the home ,
place until his sixteenth year, and his schooling was
acquired altogether in his native town. At the age !
mentioned he went to Hartford as a clerk and on 1
his return, with the limited means at his command, j
he opened a store at Hoskins Station, as it is now I
called, at the time when the old New Haven & j
Northampton canal was being constructed. As this
work of construction drew a great many laborers
to the neighborhood, and as his store was beside the
canal, he did a thriving business. But a countrv
store was too narrow in its scope for a man of his
energy and business talents, and he sought the
broader field of New York City, in which to ex-
ercise his abilities, and met with tremendous suc-
cess— realizing over twenty-five million dollars be-
fore retirement.
Had Amos R. Eno, with the great intellect
which his limited schooling left undeveloped, re-
ceived an adequate education at the proper time of
life, he would have become one of the greatest
scholars of his aee, as he became unsurpassed as
a business man. He was a natural student, how-
ever, and a keen observer, and taught himself
through constant reading. Every hour not devoted to
business was passed in study, which afforded him the
greatest pleasure possible. The languages especially
appealed to his taste, French and Italian being his fa-
vorites, the former of which he read with great flu-
ency. Scientific works, also, had a great attraction
for him, and this, added to his close observation of
nature, furnished him with a fund of knowledge
possessed by few — in fact only by noted and learned
men.
Amos R. Eno married Lucy Jane Phelps, of
Simsbury, in which town she was born, a daughter
of Hon. Elisha and Lucy (Smith) Phelps, the for-
mer of whom was born in Simsbury, Nov. 16, 1779,
and the latter in Middletown, Conn. To this
felicitous union were born seven children, in the
-...^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
768
following order: Amos F., of Xcw York; Mary J.
(Mrs. I'inchot), of the same cit\- ; .\nna Maria,
deceased ; Henry Clay, of Saugatuck, Conn. ; An-
toinette (now ^irs. Wood, a widow), of Sinisliury ;
John Chester, of New York; ant! William I'heliJS,
of Saugatuck, Connecticut.
In his latter years Air. Eno gave up his residence
in Xew York and came to live permanently in Sims-
bury, where he had for years maintained a summer
residence. But his business affairs required much
of his time in the great city, and he stopped at the
"Fifth Avenue Hotel," which he had built. Shortly
before his death he establishetl a city home at the
corner of Fifth avenue and Tenth street^ where his
death took place Feb. 21, i8y8, his remains being
brought to Simsburv for interment beside those of
his wife, who died in November, 1883. He was a
member of the Congregational Societv (not of the
church), and freely contributed to the support of
the church.
While }»Ir. Eno had at his command the means
to gratify every whim and to secure every luxury
known, his happiest dream and greatest joy were
found in his hope of returning to Simsbury. His
millions did not change the individual, and he was
always ])roud to shake the hand of his old boyhood
friends, who had been less successful in progress
through life. He was known to everybody in his
town, but nobody could possibly be less pretentious,
and yet dignified, and none commanded greater
respect. His life was marked by acts of kind-
ness and generosity to brothers and other relatives,
near and distant, and his acts of munificence were
innumerable. Not a project was ever broached in
Simsbury for more than forty years that he was not
solicited to aid, and as often as he was solicited he
responded in a most substantial manner. Mr. Eno
was conceded to be the best judge of real estate
values in New Y'ork City, and probably his opinion
was oftener sought on this subject than that of
any other man of his time. That he was far-seeing
in this respect is proven by the fact that every penny
of his vast fortune was earned by himself, the
greater part of it through real estate investments.
From a poor boy he developed himself into one of
the richest men that Connecticut ever produced, and
Simsbury is proud that it was his brithplace. The
foUowingexcerpt, taken from the Hartford Courant's
obituary notice published shortly after the death of
Mr. Eno, throws some additional light upon the
lamented deceased's career in New York, and is
well worth reading:
Amos Richards Eno, the well-known New York million-
aire, who has lived for a large part of his life in Simsbury and
was one of the most prominent residents of that town, died
at his home in Xew York yesterday mornintc after a brief
illness. He was eighty-seven years old. Until four years
ago, when he had an attack of pneumonia, he was remark-
ably strong in mind and body, but since that tmie he has
been in poor health, and his death was due to a general
breaking down and old age. * * *
John Olmstead, of this city, offered to make Mr-. Eno his
partner, but he refused, went to New York, and not long
after took into partnership his cousin, John J. Phelps, a
wholesale dry-goods merchant. The firm was successful,
ami it was there that he laid the foundation of his great for-
tune. The [lurtnersliip finally separated, and Air. Eno
organized the lirm of Eno, .Mahony & Co. He began to
purchase real estate, and his mteresls in that direction be-
came so large that he gave up the dry-goods business entirely.
He was a daring buyer, but it was seldom that he made
a venture which did not have a successful ending. He con-
ceived and i)ut inlooiieration the idea of building the "Fifth
Avenue Hotel," although it was considered at that time
that the site was so far u[j-town as to render it impossible
that a hotel there should pay. When the building was
begun it was generally known as " Eno's folly." The
risk was thought to be a tremendous one, but nevertheless
the building was finally completed and opened as the lead-
ing hotel ol New York. The profits were large, and soon
after Mr. Eno bought the triangular piece of land at the
corner of Broadway and Fifth avenue, at Twenty-third
street, for S2.5,UUU, which is now the annual rental of the
property. For several years he lived in a house at the cor-
ner of f'ifth avenue and Twenty-seventh street, for which
he originally paid HVlh.WO. .A few years ago he sold it to
the Reform Club for S:i27,000. Mr. Eno was the owner of
property m that vicinity, liis fortune in real estate being an
enormous one.
Mr. Eno purchased the old Elisha Phelps property on
Main street, in Simsljury, where he spent his summers when
he was not aliroad. He always interested himself in the
affairs of the town, and was ever ready to give to any
object which he considered worthy. He was a man
of very benevolent nature. He gave to the town a pub-
lic library which, together with all the additions he made
to Its collections, has cost about 685,000. He bought a large
farm and gave it to the town, with the buildings on it, as a
home for the town poor. He gave with great liberality to
the First Congregational Church of Simsbury. He was inter-
ested in the work of Ur. Parkhurst in New Vork, and aided
in its promotion by a generous outlay of funds.
He was a very keen man, of sharp wit, but of a hearty
and cordial bearing, which with a warm heart won for him
a host of friends. As he said of himself, when he was a
young man he was so eager to learn that there was always "an
interrogation point at the end of his nose." There are
many relatives living in Simsbury, the family is of remark-
able longevity — there being still alive his sisters, .Mrs. Eme-
line Bassett, of New Britain, aged ninety-four; .Mrs. Milton
Humpreys, of Farmington, aged eighty-two; and his brother
Salmon C. Eno, who is also very old. The wife of Amos,
Eno, who died about fifteen years ago, was Lucy Jane
Phelps, of Simsbury, the daughter of Elisha Phelps, and
the sister of Gov. Phelps, of Missouri, who served nine
terms in the United States House of Representatives.
EDWARD GAGER FOX, AI. D., was born
at W'ethersfield -A.ug. 8, 1859, a son of the late Dr.
Roswell Fox, who was a practicing physician at
that place for nearly half a century, and held in
high esteem as a physician, a citizen and a man.
The Doctor's great-grandfather. Roswell Fox,
Sr.. was a Revolutionary soldier, and took part in
the battle of Lexington. He was a fanner by oc-
cupation. His son David A. was born in Bozrah,
Conn., and also took up farming, making his home
at Lebanon. He was twice married, his first wife
being Wealthy Saxton, by whom he had three chil-
dren : Roswell ; Eunice, who died in infancy : and
Dr. David A. The last named studied medicine
at the New Y'ork L'niversity, graduating therefrom
in 1849 • lis is now a resident of Clinton. Conn.
David A. Fox had several children by his second
wife, Sarah Waterman, but the only one now liv-
ing is Sarah Maria, widow of H. H. Starkweather,
e.x-member of Congress.
764
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dr. Roswell Fox was born at Lebanon, Conn.,
Nov. 14, 1825, and passed his early years upon a
farm, receiving his first scholastic training at the
district schools, in which so many of New Eng-
land's eminent sons acquired their first impulse
toward a higher, broader culture. At the age of
seventeen he himself became an instructor in those
primitive "seats of learning," and soon afterward
supplemented his early schooling by attendance at
the Bacon Academy, at Colchester, and Wilbraham
(Mass.) Academy. His predilection was for the
study of medicine, and in 1844, he became a stu-
dent in the office of Dr. Elisha Phinney, of Yantic.
The following year he entered Yale College, and
after a year's study at that institution went to
New York, where he matriculated at the Medical
Department of the New York University. Upon
receiving his diploma and degree, in 1847, he went
to Wethersfield, where he resided until his death,
Oct. 25, 1898. He was at once appointed visiting
physician of the State prison at that town, of which
liis father, David A. Fox, was one of the board of
directors. In 1896 he gave up active practice to
pass the remainder of his busy, useful life in well-
earned retirement and rest.
In 1848 Dr. Fox was married to Miss Ann M.
Gager, and they lived to celebrate their golden wed-
ding. Two children were born to them: Edward
G. and Charles J. On May 18, 1887, the latter
married Lillian Winslow, of Simsbury, who died
Sept. 28, 1888. Dr. Roswell Fox was indeed a
self-made man, for when he entered upon the prac-
tice of his chosen profession he had but fifteen dol-
lars, and he gained success by diligent and per-
sistent effort. He was a stanch Democrat, and a
consistent member and liberal supporter of the
Congregational Church. His townsmen attested
their appreciation of his character and capability
"by electing him to various offices, among them be-
ing those of selectman and school visitor. He was
a member of both the State and Countv Medical
Societies, in whose deliberations he was deeply in-
terested, and in whose proceedings he took an active
part. He was for twenty years president of the
Comstock Ferre Seed Company, and belonged to
the old Charter Oak Fellowship Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
the first of that order to be organized in Weth-
•ersfield.
Edward G. Fox enjoyed exceptionally good
educational advantages. He passed through the
•grammar and high schools with credit, and had,
for a time, the benefit of the instruction of a pri-
vate tutor. In 1878 he began the study of medi-
cine in his father's office, and in 1879 entered the
-medical school of New York University. In addi-
tion to the prescribed course of three years at that
institution he took a special course on the heart
and lungs, and graduated in 1883 with high honors.
On leaving college he returned to Wethersfield, and
-entered into a professional partnership with his
father. He is still engaged in active and successful
practice in the town where he was born and reared.
For seven years, 1891-1898, he served as visiting
physician of the State prison, and was re-appointed
July I, 1900; this position was filled some forty
years before by his father. He is a prominent mem-
ber of the Connecticut State and Hartford County
Medical Societies, and of the American Medical As-
sociation, and is a Mason of high degree, being affil-
iated with St. John's Lodge, of Hartford, as well
as Pythagoras Chapter and Washington Com-
mandery. In politics he is a Republican, and in
religiotis faith a Congregationalist.
On Oct. 26, 1892, Dr. Fox was married to Miss
Frances S. Wells, daughter of the late George L.
Wells, of Wethersfield. They have one child,
Kenneth Lewis, born Jan. 30, i?
LYMAN RISLEY, the well-known retired lum-
ber merchant and extensive property holder of East
Hartford Meadow, where he has been a resident for
nearly sixty years, \\»as born in Hockanum, town of
East Hartford, Feb. 5, 1820. Mr. Risley is de-
scended from one of the oldest of New England
families, and is to-day one of the best preserved gen-
tlemen of his years, one so seldom seen after a busy
life that began when he was a boy and closed its
activity only within the past few years.
Benjamin Risley, grandfather of Lyman, was
a carpenter by calling, resided in Glastonbury, and
there died at an advanced age. He had a very
large family, of whom three sons went to the State
of New York, where they passed the remainder of
their lives.
Ashbel Risley, father of Lyman, was born in
Glastonbury, and was also a carpenter. He mar-
ried Lucinda Goodale, who was born at Burnside,
Conn., and also came of a very old and respected
family. Ashbel Risley died at the age of seventy-
four years, and his wife was over ninety-six years
old when she died; the remains of both were in-
terred at Hockanum. Of their children, three only
are now living: Lyman, the subject of this sketch;
Delia, widow of a Mr. Waterman, of Manchester,^
Conn. ; and Robert, who lives in Hockanum. '
Lyman Risley received a meager education in
the district Schools, which did not atford advantages
equal to those of the present day, and being the
eldest son he began working for himself at the
age of ten years, his parents not being over wealthy.
He began by picking up potatoes (after they had
been dug) at one cent per bushel, and some times,
when a "youngster," worked for his simple board.
In March, 1841, Mr. Risley came to East Hart-
ford, where he found work as a farm hand. In
July, 1841, he married Miss Betsey Lewis, of
Heiaron, Conn., and went to housekeeping in Hock-
anum, being at the time twelve dollars in debt.
During the same year he entered the employ of
Marston & Treat, lumber dealers of East Hartford
Meadow, with whom he continued to work for
twenty-five years, later became a partner with Mr.
Marston, finally became sole proprietor and con-
't^n/^O^''^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
765
ducted the business until succeeded by his grand-
cliiklren, Jencks Brothers, the present proprietors —
having been in the kiniber trade more than half a
century. He began with Marston & Treat as a
common laborer during the summer season only,
and chopped wood in the winter at two shillings
per cord : now he is one of the wealthiest men of
East Hartford town, not through any fortuitous
circumstances, but tnrough his own personal en-
i deavor and, the exercise of the sound judgment
with which lie is blessed.
This judgment was exemplified in his fortunate
choice of his wife, who was a most amiable lady,
a valuable helpmate, and a noble, kind-hearted
' mother. To their marriage were born three chil-
' dren : One that died in infancy unnamed ; Caroline
(Mrs. BabcockV of East Hartford ]\Ieadow : and
Erwin Risley, of the same village. Mrs. Risley
passed away in the fall of 1891, when she was over
sieventy years of age, and her remains lie at rest
in Hockanum cemetery. In 1854 ^Ir. Risley built
for himself and family a fine dwellir.g in East Hart-
ford ^leadow, which he occupied until 1875, when
he erected his present handsome residence. Up to
the winter of 1898-99 Mr. Risley l.^d l.ardly ever
suffered a pain from illness or an infirmity of age,
and he still retains each faculty in its full perfec-
tion. Xo harder worker ever existed, and he is
still indefatigable in his attention to his real-estate
interests.
From his youth Mr. Risley has been an admirer
of a good horse, and among others he raised the
stanch roadster "Charles Jefferson," which, at the
age of twenty-five years was probably the speed-
iest road horse in Xew England. Mr. Risley is an
excellent reinsman, notwithstanding his advanced
years, and still holds membership in the Gentle-
men's Driving Club of Hartford. He is also a
stockholder in the East Hartford Driving Club
Company.
'Sir. Risley, it will have been seen, is from a busi-
ness point of view a decidedly selfmade man, and
during his long career his integrity has never been
called in question. He has led a useful life, his en-
terprises resulting in vast benefit to his fellow-
men, and his innumerable benefactions have been
bestowed unostentatiously and with that innate
modesty and unaffectedness that ever mark the
true-born gentleman.
_ LAWREXCE DALY, deceased. The subject
of this sketch was the founder of a prosperous
and successful family in the town of South W^ind-
sor, the members of which since his untimely death,
a quarter of a century ae;. have most admirablv
conducted the farm, his widow displaying business
ability of a high order and carrying on the work
which he began.
Mr. Daly was born in County Cork, Ireland,
in 18.^7, a son of John and Mary ( Dovlon) Daly.
The family came to America about the year 1854,
and settled in the town of East Windsor. Of the
four children, Patrick died Feb. 25, 1862; John D.,
a farmer in East Windsor town, is the only sur-
vivor; William died June 11, i88l ; Lawrence is our
subject.
When Lawrence Daly was fifteen years of age
he began working on the farm by the month for
Samuel Watson, of East Windsor, and other farm-
ers. He then began raising tobacco on shares, for
Airs. Fish, near W'archouse Point, and subsequently
moved to South Windsor, for a year managing the
farm of Dr. Mary Tudor's father. Mr. Daly then
purchased twelve acres of land, which he occupied
until 1869, in that year purchasing and moving to
the farm which he conducted successfully until his
death Xov. 27, 1874. He was a member of the
Catholic Church.
Mr. Daly was married May 16, 1871, to Mrs.
Johanna Bergen, and to iheir union were born two
daughters, Alary and Catherine, both at home, the
latter being the wife of James Francis.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Dalv has super-
intended and carried on the farm, raising from six
to ten acres of tobacco yearly. She is a woman of
unusual ability, one whose methods in industry,
thrift and enterprise arc a model in tobacco grow-
ing. She owns one of the finest tobacco-producing
farms in South \\'indsor, equipped with many
modern improvements, most of which she herself
has maile. Mrs. Daly and her two daughters are
members of St. Alarv's Catholic Church, East Hart-
ford.
Airs. Johanna Daly was born Aug. 25. 1841, in
County Cork, Ireland, of which her "parents, \\'ill-
iam and Bridget (Keefe) Fitzgerald, were also
natives. They were reared and married in the
country of their birth, and became the parents of
nine children, two of whom died in childhood ; James
died unmarried : Alary married A\'illiam Vander-
bilt and died in California, in 1898, leaving five chil-
dren; Johanna (Airs. Daly) is next in the order of
birth ; Julia died unmarried, Xov. 9, 1892 ; Bridget
is the wife of Christopher Francis, of Xew York ;
^^'ilIiam died in Atilwaukee, Wis., in January, 1876;
Alichael is a resident of X'ew York City. Both
parents died in Xew York, the mother in 1858, and
the father in 1875. Johanna Daly was eight years
of age when her parents came with their family to
America, the passage to Xew York lasting six weeks
and three days. Thev landed at Castle Garden,
and she remained in X'ew York City until 1871,
when she removed to South Windsor. On Alay
16, i860, she married Thomas Bergen, a pattern-
maker, of X'ew York, by whom she had one daugh-
ter, Alargaret, born May, 31, i86r, now the wife
of William Hines, a carpenter of East Hartford.
Air. Bergen died in the fall of 1861.
RIAL STRICKLAXD, AI. D. Among those
who devote their time and energies to the practice of
medicine in Enfield, and have gained a leading place
in the ranks of the profession. is D.. Strickland. A na-
tive of Connecticut, he was born in Stafford Springs,
766
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Tolland count3% Jan. 23, 1814, and is- a son of Sam-
iiel and Hannah (Eaton) Strickland. His paternal
great-grandfather came from England at an early
day and was among the first settlers of Stafford
Springs. He was a farmer by occupation, and was
one of the noted wrestlers of his day. His son,
Samuel Strickland, the grandfather of our subject,
was born probably in Stafford. He was a promi-
nent farmer, and served for three years as a soldier
in the Revolutionary war. His wife bore the
maiden name of Esther Brooks. The father of
our subject was an agriculturist, as was also the
maternal grandfather, John Eaton. All made their
homes in Tolland county, this State.
Dr. Strickland was reared on a farm in his na-
tive county, and received a common-school and
academic education. In 1834 he commenced the
study of medicine in Staft'ord and continued his
studies in Boston, Mass. ; Somers, Gonn. ; and Pitts-
field, Mass. Later he entered the Albany Medical
College, where he was graduated in 1839. He first
opened an office in Columbia, Conn., where he re-
mained six months, and in the winter of 1839-40
located at Longmeadow, Mass., engaging in prac-
tice there until the spring of 1859, when he came
to Enfield, Hartford county, Conn., where he has
since been actively engaged in the prosecution of
his chosen profession. His skill and ability are
attested by the liberal patronage he enjoys, and he
ranks as one of the leading physicians of Hartford
county.
For his first wife Dr. Strickland married Miss
Sarah M. Luther, and of the four children born to
them two are still living, namely : Myra E., widow
of Albert F. Allen; and Clara, wife of Charles L.
King. His second wife was Miss Elizabeth Ham-
ilton, a daughter of Dr. Horatio A. and Clarissa
(Peck) Hamilton. She belongs to a family that has
had many able and distinguished representatives in
the medical profession, being a granddaughter of
Dr. Horatio Arnold Hamilton, and a great-grand-
daughter of Dr. Asa Hamilton, a physician and
surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Her maternal
grandfather was Dr. Daniel Peck, a prominent
physician of Stafford, Conn. Her father's brother,
Erasmus E. Hamilton, was a physician, and her
only brother, Horatio Arnold Hamilton, was a physi-
cian of prominence in Perrysburg, Ohio, where her
mother's brother, Erasmus D. Peck, also engaged
in the practice of medicine. The son and grand-
son of Erasmus E. Hamilton are both physicians,
and Harry A. Hamilton, a nephew of Mrs. Strick-
land and a son of Dr. Horatio A. Hamilton, is a
druggist by profession. By his second marriage
our subject has two daughters: Elizabeth H. and
Helen Louise, Mrs. Frank H. Abbe.
The Doctor and his wife are faithful members
of the First Congregational Church of Enfield, and
have the respect and esteem of all who know them.
He affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, the Hart-
ford Medical Society, and the Connecticut State
Medical Society, while politically he is identified
with the Democratic party. In 1854 he was a mem-
ber of the Lower House of the Massachusetts Legis-
lature, and in 1881, 1882 and 1883 represented the
Third Connecticut Senatorial district in the State
Senate. Although eighty-five years of age he has
the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and
interests seems yet in his prime. Nature deals
kindly with the man who abuses not her laws, and
though his professional duties have been arduous
age rests lightly upon him. ,
SETH FITCH WOODFORD, who passed
away May 4, 1898, at his home in the town of Avon,
v/ill long be remembered in this part of the county
as a citizen who held a place second to none in the
esteem of his fellow men, and whose upright life
and high moral character left an impress for good
which it is hoped may never be effaced.
Mr. Woodford was born Oct. 31, 1812, in Nod,
Avon, Conn., and passed his life on the original
homestead of the Woodford family, which has long
been prominent in Hartford county as represent-
ative of the best in her business, civil and social
life. He was a son of Chester Woodford, and a
brother of Chester Randolph Woodford, one of
the oldest and mostly highly-respected citizens of the
town. Our subject received his education in the pub-
lic schools of the neighborhood of his home, and
at the age of seventeen years began his apprentice-
ship to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he
followed for a number of years in his earlier man-
hood. He finally took up contracting and building,
to which line-, and the tobacco business, he gave
the greater part of his active life, and by his ability
as a financier and manager he rose to a position of
recognized standing in the commercial world. His
honor in all his dealings was unquestioned, and,
combined with unusual judgment, energy and pru-
dence in the conduct of his business interests, won
for him the high place which he occupied for years
among his business associates. Though never act-
ive as an office-holder in the public life of the lo-
cality, he exerted a marked influence in the affairs
of his town and county, and was recognized as an
earnest thinker and man of undoubted public spirit,
one who would support any measure for the gen-
eral welfare, and who had the courage of his con-
victions in upholding any cause in which he was
interested. He was a strictly temperate man, and
an ardent worker for the Prohibition cause, being a
member of the State Temperance Association, and
he was always readv to assist in the moral improve-
ment of his community. Liberal in his religious
views, he united with no special denomination, but
he gave generously to religious and charitable en-
terprises, and was beloved by all his neighbors and
friends, for his kind heartedness and benevo-
lence, having a wide circle of friends and ac-
cjuaintances throughout the town. Always will-
ing and anxious to do what he considered right,
and generous in his judgment of others, he
gained a measure of loving respect from his fel-
COMMEMORATH'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
707
low iiKMi in general enjoyed by few, and his death
was wklcly and sincerely mourned by the entire
coninuniity. He was laid to rest in Avon cemetery.
Mr. Woodford was a man of unusual intellifrence,
and kejn himself well informed on current events
and matters of local importance. He was a Demo-
crat in political sentiment, but he took no part in
the affairs of that organization beyond casting his
vote.
On May i8, 1842, ^Ir. Woodford was united
in marriage with ]\liss Harriet Tracy Rockwell,
who was born Sept. 3, 1817, in East Windsor (now
South Windsor), Hartford county, a daughter of
Nathaniel Rockwell, a cigar manufacturer. ]\Irs.
Woodford survives her husband, and though now
in her eighty-third year is active and in full ppsses-
sion of all her faculties, attending to duties about
the house and taking a keen interest in home and
family, to which she has always been devoted. She
is an intelligent, kindly. Christian woman, beloved
in the domestic circle and respected by her neigh-
bors and friends, who are numerous in Avon town.
In religious connection she is a zealous member
of the Congregational Church. Five children were
born to ^Ir. and ]\lrs. Woodford, of wdiom Na-
thaniel died in infancy; Edward C. died young;
Joseph S. and Haley C. are engaged in the milling
business and are the leading business men of Avon ;
Sarah died at the age of seventeen years shortly
after her graduation from Bordentown (N. J.) Col-
lege, a bright girl, whose death was deeply mourned
by her family and friends. The two sons living
were given a good start bv their father and conduct
business in partnership, engaging extensively in
milling, tobacco growing and farming. Joseph S.
has been probate judge of Avon for eleven years, and
he and his brother are prominent among the sub-
stantial and wealthy citizens of the town. Joseph
S. Woodford married j\Iiss Alice Maude North,
of Florida, and they have two children, Raymond
and Edna. Haley C. Woodford married ]\Iiss
Sophia North, of Florida, sister of Alice M. and
Dr. North, of Avon ; tliey have two children, Ches-
ter North and Grace. No familv is more respected
in Avon town than the Woodfords, and they hold
a high position in the social life of the locality.
The Rockwell family, to which Mrs. Woodford
belongs, is one of the oldest in Hartford county,
having been identified with its interests for over
250 years. William Rockwell, the first of the line
in America, was born in Dorchester, England, and
on April 14, 1624, was married in his native country
to Susanna Capen, daughter of Bernard Capen.
They came to the New \\'orld in 1630, locating first
in Dorchester, ^lass., where \\ illiam was one of
twenty-four freemen who took the oath of fidelity on
May 18, 1 63 1. He was a deacon in the church
there, and was one of the jurors in the first man-
slaughter case tried in the Colony. In 1637 he
removed with his family to Windsor, Conn., where
he passed the remainder of his days, dying May
15, 1640. He was also a deacon in the church at
I
Windsor. On May 29, 1645. his widow for her
second husband married Matthew Grant, and she
passed away Nov. 14, 1666. To William and
Susanna Rockwell were born six children : Joan,
April 25, 1625, in Englantl ; Samuel, July 18, 1627,
in England; John, March 28, 1631, in Dorchester,
IMass. ; Ruth, August, 1033, in Dorchester; Joseph,
1635; Sarah, July 21, 1634, in Windsor. Of these,
Joan married Jeffrey Baker. Ruth was married
Oct. 7. i'>52. to Christopher Huntington, removed
to Saybrook and in iT/io to Norwich, where they
were among the earliest settlers. Sarah became
the wife of Walter Gaylor.
Sergt. Samuel Rockwell, son of William, came
to America w'ith his parents and removed w^th the
family from Dorchester, Mass., to Windsor, as
above recorded. He was among the earliest settlers
of East Windsor, where he engaged in farming
until his death, in 171 1. He was admitted to mem-
bership in Windsor Church April 6, 1662. On
April 7, 1660, he married Mary Norton, daughter
of Thomas and Grace ( Wells ) Norton, of Guil-
ford, and we have the following record of their
children: Mary, baptized in January, 1661, was
married Oct. 23, 1683, to Josiah Loomis; Abigail,
baptized Oct. 23, 1664, died May 3, 1665 ; Samuel
was baptized Oct. 19, 1667; Joseph was baptized
May 22, 1670; John was bajitized ;\Iay 31, 1673-74;
Abigail, baptized April 11, 1676, was married Nov.
9, 1704. to John Smith, and died Oct. 12, 1741 ;
Josiah was baptized March 10, 1676.
Joseph Rockwell, son of Samuel, was born in
East Windsor, where he carried on farming all
his life. He married Elizabeth Drake, who was
born Nov. 4, 1675, a daughter of Job and Elizabeth
(.•\lvord) Drake, and they had a family of six,
children, born as follows: Joseph, Nov. 23, 1695;
Elizabeth, Dec. 12, 1698 (died in infancy) ; Ben-
jamin, Oct. 26, 1700; James, June 3, 1704: Job,
April 13, 1709; Elizabeth, July 24, 1713 (married
Jonathan Huntington). The father of this family
passed away June 26, 1733.
James Rockwell, son of Joseph, and great-grand-
father of Mrs. Seth F. Woodford, was born in East
Windsor, and like his father was a lifelong farmer
in that town. On Nov. 7, 1728, he was united in
marriage with Miss Abigail Loomis, daughter of
Eben and Jemima (Whitehead) Loomis, and they
became the parents of eight children : James and
Ebenezer (twins), born Sept. 27, 1729: William,
born Sept. 19, 1731, who was married in 1760 to
Elizabeth Reed; Abigail, born Dec. 19, 1733. who
died in February, 1734; Abigail (2) [date of birth
not given]; Elizabeth, born April 9, 1742; and
Nathaniel and Sybil (twins), born Oct. 14, 1746.
The mother of these died June 22, 1759, the father
on Oct. 15, 1776.
Nathaniel Rockwell followed in the footsteps of
his forefathers, carrying on agricultural pursuits
all his life, and he was a highly-respected, prosper-
ous citizen of East Windsor in his day. He married
Sarah Bullen, daughter of David and Ann Builen,
768
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Enfield, and the names and dates of birth of their
eight children are as follows: Huldah, March 20,
1770; Nathaniel, March 21, 1772; Flora, Sept. 2,
1774 (died Sept. 15, 1776) ; John, March 9, 1777;
Martin, Aug. 16, 1778; Ruth, April 20, 1782;
George, Feb. 28, 1786'; Sophia, June 21, 1789 (died
Jan. 18, 1868, unmarried). Mrs. Rockwell passed
away June 5, 1810, in East Windsor, aged sixty-
eight years, and Mr. Rockwell's death occurred
there Aug. 22, 1822. He was a Democrat in pol-
itics.
Nathaniel Rockwell, father of Mrs. Woodford,
was born March 21, 1772, in East Windsor, where
he grew to manhood, receiving his education in
the public schools of the day. He passed his entire
life in what is now known as South Windsor, and
was one of the respected citizens of his time, win-
ning an enviable reputation as a kind-hearted Chris-
tian man, of upright character and integrity in all
his dealings. Like his forefathers he was a farmer.
By his genial disposition and exemplary life he
made hosts of friends in the community where he
resided, and was widely and favorably known,
though he was not especially active in public af-
fairs, devoting his time principally to his business
affairs. On July i, 1810, he was married to Miss
Sarah Charlton, who was born in 1780, in Nor-
wich, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Williams)
Charlton, and their union was blessed with six
children: Joseph Henr)^, born May i, 1811; Lydia
Huntley, born Oct. 11, 1812, married to Horace
Cornish, and died in Hartford in 1870; Sydney Will-
iam, born June 4, 1814, a physician by profession;
Edward Charlton, baptized June 19, 1816 (Joseph
H., Lydia H. and Sydney W. were all baptized same
day as their brother, Edward C.) ; Harriet Tracy
(Mrs. Woodford), born Sept. 3, 1817; and Ann
Maria, born in 1819, who died when four years
old. Nathaniel Rockwell died May 26, 1847, widely
mourned by his family and friends in South Wind-
sor. He was a Democrat in political sentiment.
His wife died Aug. 25, 1854, and was laid to rest
in South Windsor. She was a woman' of high
Christian character, and beloved by all who knew
her for her many sterling traits.
RUFUS W. GRISWOLD, M. D., of Rocky
Hill, a man of local prominence in the profession,
and a citizen of usefulness in his commtmity, is de-
scended from one of the old and prominent families
of New England.
Born Feb. 20, 1825, in the town of Manchester,
Hartford county. Dr. Griswold is the son of Julius
J. Griswold, and a descendant in the eighth genera-
tion of (I) Edward Griswold, the emigrant ances-
tor of this branch of the Griswold family in Amer-
ica, his line of descent being through George, Dan-
iel, Daniel (2), White and Dr. George.
(I) Edward Griswold, the emigrant, came
from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England, in 1639,
and settled at Windsor, in the colony of Connecticut,
later removing to the part of Killingworth now
called Clinton, Middlesex county. He had married,
in England, his wife's name being Margaret, and
some of their children were born there.
(H) George Griswold, son of Edward, born in
1632, in England, married in Windsor, Conn., Mary,
daughter of Thomas Holcomb.
(lU) Daniel Griswold, son of George, married
Mindwell, daughter of Nathaniel Bissell.
(IV) Daniel Griswold (2), son of Daniel, mar-
ried Sarah White, of Bolton, Connecticut.
(V) White Griswold, son of Daniel, married
Elizabeth Cheney, of Manchester, Conn. He was
a soldier in the Revolution, was taken prisoner at ■
the battle of Germantown, in October, 1777, and died
at Philadelphia, on board a prison ship, the same
fall.
(VI) Dr. George Griswold, son of White, was
born June 19, 1756, in the town of Harwinton, Litch-
field Co., Conn., and married Esther, daughter of
Jennings Johnson, of Southington, Conn. He
studied medicine under the direction of a Dr. Ab-
ernethy, of Litchfield, became a physician of skill
and prominence, and was one of the original mem-
bers of the Connecticut Medical Society. In 1800
he served as a representative in the General Assem-
bly of the State. He died Sept. 8, 1821, in the
sixty-sixth year of his age.
(VII) Julius J. Griswold, son of Dr. George, and
the father of the subject of this sketch, was born
Dec. 19, 1800, in the town of Manchester. When
in middle life he entered the service of the United
States as a private soldier, and was stationed a part
of the time in Arkansas and in Florida, his term of
seven years' service expiring just prior to the Mexi-
can war, He was a man of worth and usefulness,
in both military and civil life, and held the esteem
of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends. Dur-
ing the latter part of his life he was occupied as a
farmer in East Hartford. On June 5, 1822, he mar-
ried Ann Arnold, daughter of Samuel and Ruth
(Kennedy) Arnold, of East Flartford. He died
Jan. 28, 1865. His wife, who was born in 1799,
died five years previously. She was of the seventh
generation from John Arnold, the emigrant ancestor,
who came from England, and in 1640 had a twelve-
acre tract of land south of Little River, in Hartford ;
and in the division of lots on the east side of the
Connecticut river, in 1664, there was set off, to his ■
son, Joseph Arnold, one of the three-mile lots in
that part of East Hartford now the Hockanum Dis-
trict, and running east. The line of Ann (Arnold)
Griswold's descent was through Joseph, John (2),
John (3), Samuel, and Samuel Arnold (2). Of
these, John Arnold (2) married Hannah, daughter
of Rev. John Makin. John Arnold (3} married
Luc)r, daughter of Thomas Wadsworth. Samuel
Arnold married Lucy, daughter of Eliab Pratt.
Samuel Arnold (2) married Ruth Kennedy.
(VIII) Rufus White Griswold, our subject, went
to the southeast district of East Hartford when a
boy, and was educated in the public schools. At
the age of seventeen he began a four-years' appren-
uUiJiA^ ^^^uii^iM^UoHj)^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
769
ticeship to the printer's trailc, in the office of the
Hartford 'J'iiiics. He remained in the office two
years lonjjer, the last year as foreman in the i)rint-
inj,' department. In March, 1848, he enil)arked in
journalism on his own account, startini^' a newspa-
per known as the New England IVccldy Gazette,
having his office in the east wing of the old Univer-
salist church at Hartford. The venture was suc-
cessful so far as the circulation of the i)aper was
concerned, but financially it ilid not prove profitable,
for the reason that his business was conducted almost
wholly on the credit system. In consequence, he
discontinued the publication after two years, and
in April, 1850, went to New York and began the
study of medicine, in the office of a personal friend,
Dr. Roger Griswold Perkins. Later he matricu-
lated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in
that city, where he attended lectures during the
winter terms of 1852-53, 1853-54, receiving tlie tle-
gree of Doctor of Medicine in March of the latter
year. His knowdedge of the printing trade and
new'spaper work stood him in good stead. He was
editor for a time of the New York Empire City,
and also for several months assistant editor of the
Brooklyn Morning Journal. The summer of 1853
he was assistant physician in the Colored Home
Hospital. After graduating lie came to Rocky Hill,
Conn., wdiere he has since remained in continuous
liiactice.
On Dec. 23, 1851, Dr. Griswold married Esther
E. Hammond, of Vernon, Conn. The issue of this
union has been three sons, all of whom are prac-
ticing physicians and graduates of the New York
University Medical College. The eldest, Roger M.,
resides at Providence, R. I. The two vounger are
twins — Edward H., who resides in East Hartford,
and Julius E., who is located at Portland, Conn.
All three sons are active and useful in the profession,
and esteemed in the communities in which they re-
spectively reside.
Dr. Griswold has been prominent in pulilic af-
fairs, and his fellow townsmen have several times
honored him by electing him to public office. He
W'as town clerk of Rocky Hill for four and a half
years, and represented his town in the Legislature,
being a member of the House in 1883, and chairman
of the committee on Contingent Expenses. Among
his professional brethren he enjoys a deservedl}'
high reputation as a well-read and skillful physician.
He has been a member of the Hartford County Med-
ical Society and of the Connecticut State ^ledical
Society since 1854, having twice filled the office of
president in the former. For eleven years he has
been one of the board of managers of the Connecti-
cut Society Sons of the American Revolution ; and
he is a member of the Connecticut Historical Society.
He has contributed largely to ^ledical Journals,
many of his articles appearing in New York, Phila-
delphia, Baltimore and Louisville publications. The
Connecticut Medical Proceedings contain several of
his papers, including an address on the Materia
Medica and Therapeutics of a hundred years ago,
49
given at tlie Centennial celebration of the Connecti-
cut Medical Society at New Haven, in 1892. The
Connecticut Health Board Reports for 1885 and
188G contain papers pre|)ared by the Doctor of some
forty odd pages each, on the history and etiology of
the Ejiidemic of Malarial Diseases at that time pre-
vailing in southwestern New England. These cover
that matter more thoroughly and completely than
anything else ever printed, and in the future will be
of great value to the medical profession. Dr. Henry
R. Stiles, of New York, has now in course of pub-
lication a work in two large volumes on "Ancient
Welhersfield," of wliich Rocky Hill was a part;
and the Rocky Hill jjortion ot that work, taKuig
in what was formerly Stepney parish (now Rocky
Hill), from its first white settler in 1655 down to
about 1875, is from the pen of Dr. Griswold.
JAMES HOMER DARLING, M. D., a promi-
nent homeopathic physician of Thompsonville, has
that love for and devotion to his profession which
has brought him success and won him a place among
the ablest representatives of the medical fraternity
in Hartford county. He. was born in Cambridge,
Lamoille Co., Vt., July 25, 1838, a son of Hayes
Pope and Aphia (Hubbard) Darling, natives of
Pomfret, Vt., and Weare, N. PL, respectively. The
father was a hatter by trade, but in later life en-
gaged in farming in Cambridge, \X., and died in
Johnson, that State, Dec. 22, 1843.
Dr. Darling was reared in his native State, and
received an academic education at Northfield Acad-
emy. In 1856 he began the study of medicine in the
office of his brother, Henry PL Darling, at Charl-
ton, JMass., and in 185S attended lectures at the
\'eriiiont Medical College, Burlington, where he
was graduated in 1859. The same year he began the
practice of his chosen profession at Rindge, N. H.,
remaining there until November, 1862, when he was
appointed assistant surgeon of the 51st Mass. V. L,
b}- Gov. John A. Andrews, and served nine months,
hi December, 1863, he was appointed acting as-
sistant surgeon. United States Navy, and served
two years in the East Gulf Squadron. In Decem-
ber, 1865, he resigned that position and was
honorabh' discharged from the service with the
thanks of the Navy Department. He then located
at Keene, N. H., where he practiced his profession
for ten years, and in 1875 came to Thompsonville,
Conn., where he has since been in active and success-
ful practice.
Dr. Darling has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Caroline ^I. Burnham (daughter
of Rev. A. W. Burnham. D. D.), of Rindge, N. H.,
who died in 1874. Later he married Miss Caro-
line M. ^Vilson, a daughter of Deacon Elliott A. and
Almira (Breed) Wilson, of Sullivan, N. H., and to
this union two children were born, Ethel M., and
Blanche I., the latter now deceased. Religiously
the Doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church ;
socially he is a memljcr of Samuel Brown Post. No.
5^1, (i. A. R., and of the Order of United American
770
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mechanics. His political support is always given
to the Republican party, and for three years he has
been a member of the school board of Thompson-
ville. The position he has won in the medical pro-
fession is accorded him in recognition of his skill
and ability, and the place which he occupies in the
social world is a tribute to that genuine worth and
true nobility of character which are universally
recognized and honored.
HERMANN AUGUST ROSER. Ever since
1659 the paternal ancestors of this prosperous tanner
of Glastonbury have followed the business of tan-
ning, a statement which is suggestive of the ade-
quate reason for his success.
Jacob Henry Roser, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Stuttgart, the capital of Wurtem-
burg, Germany, in 1781. He was a lifelong tanner.
He married Fredericka A^eil, and of their nine
children three learned the tanner's trade. One son,
Rudolph, was for twenty years a missionary doctor
in South Africa.
Jacob Henry Roser, the father of our subject,
was one of the three brothers who became tanners.
He'was born in Stuttgart, July 25, 181 1, received
a good education in the common and select schools,
and learned from his father the tanner's trade, which
he followed through life. He married Paulina Metz-
ger, who was born in Stuttgart, June 3, 1816, and
died May 9, 1865. Of their nine children, the two
eldest were daughters, and both married ministers;
they have several sons who are ministers, and one
son a missionary in German East Africa. Of
the seven sons, the eldest, Henry, is a leather manu-
manufacturer in Stuttgart and Urach, Wurtemberg.
The second, Julius, and the third, Rudolph, carry
on their father's now very much enlarged tanning-
establishment. The fourth son, Theodore, is a
wholesale grocer in Stuttgart. The fifth, Albert, has
a drug store in Backnang, a town in Wurtemberg,
filled with tanneries of all sizes. The sixth, Paul,
carries on a chicory manufactory in Heilbronn, Wur-
temberg, while the seventh is the subject of our
sketch and the youngest of the family.
Hermann August Roser was born in Stuttgart,
Nov. 29, 1859. In his youth he received a very
good education, attending the best schools in Wur-
temberg, and among other studies taking up French
and English. On account of his good education he
passed the necessary examination relieving him from
more than one year's service in the army. Having
learned from his father and brother the trade of
tanner, he in April, 1880, at the expiration of his
j^ear of military service, began work at his trade
with C. Keller, at Winterthur, Switzerland. A year
later he went to Geneva, going from there to Lyons,
France, and thence to Bale, Switzerland. He was
then eniployed for about six months at Mulhouse,
Alsace, whence he returned home, and for a time
worked in the home tannery. Then he went to
Mayence, Frankfort, and down the Rhine, visiting
many tanneries, and finally worked in a large tan-
nery near Bielefeld, Westphalia. From Bielefeld
he went to Muhlheim on the Ruhr, where again he
worked in several tanneries, thence to Liege city,
and then home, deciding to come to America in-
stead of visiting the tanneries of England and Scot-
land, as he had originally intended.
Li company with his cousin, Charles Nanz, Mr.
Roser sailed from Bremen in October, 1884, on the
steamer "Donau," which encountered rough weather
and was thirteen days en route to New York.
After his arrival in the United States Mr. Roser
worked for about two years in various places, in-
cluding New York City, Newark, N. J., Lancaster,
Penn., and Boston, Mass. In March, 1886, he came
to Glastonbury, Conn., and the same year purchased
his present business from Isaac Broadhead, and has
ever since conducted it most successfully, employing
at times as many as ten men. Mr. Roser tans only
hog skins, and makes a very fine quality of leather
for saddles, pocket-books, whip-handles, and all sorts
of leather novelties. The products of his tannery
are sold throughout the United States, are shipped
to Canada, and also at times to European markets.
In the spring of 1888 Mr. Roser visited his old
home in Germany, and on May 5, 1888, he mar-
ried Miss Maria Veil, who was born Jan. 7, 1865,
daughter of John and Emily (Koch) Veil. John
Veil is a tanner at Schorndorf, Wurtemberg, and
since 1689 nearly all of his ancestors have followed
the trade of tanner. To our subject and wife were
born three children: Hans, born May 15, 1889;
Lydia, July 17, 1890; and Martin Luther, Sept. 11,
1893. In politics Mr. Roser is a Republican, a
liberal in local elections, and has never sought office.
He is a member of the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Roser died Nov. 11, 1899, after a long illness,
which she bore most patiently. She possessed very
precious qualities, and was loved and honored by
everybody. On July 28, 1900, Mr. Roser was mar-
ried to Miss Maria Heim, who was born Dec. 29,
1865, at Dundeuheim, Baden. Like his first wife,
she possesses many accomplishments,, and her circle
of friends is increasing with every new acquaintance.
FRANCIS C. ROOT (deceased) was during his
lifetime one of the leading contractors and builders
of West Suffield, where are seen on all sides many
notable examples of his skill and handiwork. He
was an upright, reliable business man, who always
fulfilled his part of every contract, and the liberal
patronage he received attested his ability in his
chosen calling.
Mr. Root was born in West Suffield, May 8,
1842, and was a grandson of Noah Root, a native
of Massachusetts, and a farmer by occupation, who
died in Granville, that State. The father of our
subject, Silas Root, was born in Southwick, and
was only four years old when his father died. In
his native place he was reared, receiving only the
advantages of a common-school education, and when
a young man he removed to Westfield, Mass., where
he learned the tanner's trade. On coming to Suf-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
771
field, Hartford Co., Conn., lie engaged in teaming
and fanning, and also drove a stage and carried the
United States mail from Hartford to Westtield dur-
ing the remainder of his life, his home being in
W est Sutiield. He died in iSOy, and was buried in
the cemetery there. He was a lifelong Democrat,
but never sought office, and was a faithful member
of the Congregational Church, to which his wife
also belonged. In West Suffield he married Rhoda
Pomeroy, and of the iive children born to them
three died in infancy ; Sarah became the wife of
Horace Kent, of Suffield ; and Francis C. is our
subject. The mother also died in West Suffield.
During his boyhood and youth Francis C. Root
attended the public schools of West Suffield. At
the age of sixteen he commenced driving a stage
and carrying the mail for his father between Hart-
ford and \\'estfield. In July, 1863, he enlisted as
regimental clerk in the loth JNIass. V. I., and after
two years with that command joined the 6th Michi-
gan Cavalry, in the same capacity, under Gen. Mer-
ritt. He witnessed the surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen.
Grant, April 9, 1865, and when the war ended went
to Washington, D. C, where he remained in the
employ of the government until October, 1865. Re-
turning to West Suffield, he engaged in the manu-
facture of cigars until 1871, and then having a
good knowledge of the carpenter's trade, he worked
as a journeyman for four years. In 1875 he began
contracting and building in partnership with ]\Ir.
Miskell, but from 1877 he was alone in business,
and in West Suffield town erected over a hundred
tobacco-sheds, tnirty barns, and twenty-five of the
best residences. He bore an enviable reputation
for fair and honorable dealing, and enjoyed the re-
spect and confidence of all with whom he came in
contract, in either business of social life. He built
his ow'ii home in West Suffield, which is a com-
fortable residence supplied with all modern improve-
ments, and there passed away July 9, 1899. His
remains were interred in West Suffield cemetery.
In Springfield, JNIass., j\Iay 23, 1866, Mr. Root
married Miss IMartha Olive Moore, a native of
Chicopee Falls, that State, and a daughter of ]\Iar-
vin and Olive (Austin) jMoore. Her grandfather,
Amasa Austin, was a soldier of the Revolutionary
war. To our subject and wife were born four chil-
dren: (i) Olive Louise is the wife of George A.
Sheldon, of \\'est Suffield, by whom she has one
child, Howard Root. (2) Francis Silas, a talented
young man, was educated in the public schools of
West Suffield, is now working at the carpenter's
trade, and has invented and patented a self-holding
parcel carrier for bicycles. He was married, Feb.
6, 1900, to Miss Grace L. Griswold, of East Granby,
Conn. (3) jMartha May is the wife of George L.
Warner, by whom she has one child. Edwin George.
(4) Grace Florence is the wife of Edwin F. Mann,
of East Granby.
Socially j\Ir. Root was a member of Apollo
Lodge, No. 69, F. & A. M., and politically was an
ardent Democrat. He was a recognized leader of
the party in his community, and had several times
Ijeen its candidate for reiiresentative to tiie State
Legislature, but the township being overwhelm-
ingly Rei)ublican ho was defeated. However, he
filled the office of selectman for four years, was
chairman of the school board of West Suffield for
several years, and served in other local offices with
credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of
the general public.
A.MON LATIMER (deceased), who during his
life was one of Simsbury's representative citizens,
was born at Weatogue, Simsbury, May 21, 1816.
The Latiniers are an old New England family, and
are among its best citizens. Waite Latimer, the
first settler of the name in Simsbury, and the grand-
father of our subject, was a native of Wethersfield,
Conn. He removed to Simsbury before the Revolu-
tion, took an active part in the French and Indian
wars, and was a sergeant in the Revolution. By
occupation he was a farmer and stock raiser. His
four children were Martha, Ariel, David and Waite.
Ariel Latimer, the father of our subject, was a
farmer at Aleadow Plain, where he spent his entire
life. Fie married Laura Phelps, daughter of Hon.
Daniel Phelps, and she bore him children as follows:
Amelia, who died young; Anion, our subject; Jer-
ome, who died at the age of twenty-six years;
Franklin A., wdio died in 1898; Emily, who mar-
ried Oliver Brown, of Waterbury, and later Dicius
Latimer, who made his home in Simsbury;
^lartha, who died unmarried ; and Emaline, who
married John Smith, of New Haven, where he
died of small pox. Both parents died on the farm,
and were buried in Avon cemetery.
The subject of this sketch attended the district
school of IMeadow Plain, and at Southampton, Mass.
He remained on his father's farm until 1846, when
he removed to East Weatogue and bought 160 acres
of land, known as the James Cornish farm, and
where he spent the balance of his life, engaged in
tobacco culture, dairying and general farming. He
was both industrious and generous, made many im-
provements on his property, was a man of noted
honesty and honorable dealings, possessing a high
moral character, in his habits was temperate and
domestic, and lived up to the Golden Rule. He
v.as a kind father, and a loving husband. His
home farm was kept in good order, and his
surroundings bespoke his taste and thrifty habits.
He was genial in disposition, and liberal in re-
in religious views, was well known, well liked and
most highly respected. He was elected selectman
of Simsbur}', but never sought office.
Mr. Latimer married in Simsbury, Dec. 16, 1845,
Lucia Amanda Case, a native of Aleadow^ Plain,
daughter of Horatio Nelson and Amanda Case, and
granddaughter of Horatio G. and Hepsibah (Cor-
nish) Case. Floratio G. Case, the grandfather, was
born Sept. 27, 1777, and died in July, 1853. He w-as
an extensive land owner in Simsbury, and an influ-
ential politician, representing the town in the State
772
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Legislature, and serving in various otlier important
capacities. Horatio G. Case was of the fifth genera-
tion from John Case, tlie founder of this numerous
and prominent Connecticut familv. Horatio was a
son of Jedediah and Mary (Hart) Case. Jedediah,
born March 30, 1733, and a prominent fanner of
Meadow Plain, was a son of Joseph and Hannah
(Humphrey) Case. Joseph Case, born Feb. 2, 1701,
and a Meadow Plain farmer, was a son of Joseph
and Ann (Eno) Case. Joseph Case, St., was born
April 6, 1674, son of John and Sarah (Spencer)
Case. John Case, the founder, migrated from Eng-
land or Wales to Connecticut and settled at Wind-
sor. In 1669 he removed to the town of Simsbury,
at Weatogue, was the first constable of the town,
represented the town in the General Court, and was
a prominent pioneer.
To Amon and Lucia Amanda (Case) Latimer
were born ten children : Laura J., who was a school
teacher, and married Oliver F. Perry, of Collins-
ville ; Juliaette, who married Albert L. Thayer, of
CoUinsville, Conn. ; Seth Amon, who died at the age
of nineteen years; Edwin J., who married Emma
Monks, of CoUinsville ; Lucia Amelia, unmarried ;
Mary, who married Walter Derrin, of Avon ; George
who died young; Nellie Edith, unmarried; Alice,
formerly a school teacher, now the wife of John S.
Parson, of Unionville, Conn. ; and Emma T., wife
of Dr. R. W. E. Alcott, of West Hartford. Our
subject died May 24, 1889, and was buried in Sims-
bury. He was afflicted with heart trouble, a disease
which resulted in his death. Mr. Latimer was a
man of sterling character, devoted to his family,
unselfish in his relations to the community in which
he lived, supporting public measures for the general
good, and by his life exemplifying a high and es-
timable type of American citizenship:
CHARLES WOLCOTT. The family name
of Wolcott ranks among the oldest and most dis-
tinguished in New England. From Colonial days
to the present time this family has furnished to
the Commonwealth, Church and State men re-
nowned for their patriotism, learning, piety and
statesmanship, soldiers who have written the rec-
ord of their achievements across the page of his-
tory in enduring characters, and public servants
eminent alike in State and National aii'airs.
Like a majority of the old families of the States
whose rugged coasts are washed by the waters of
the Atlantic ocean and Long Island sound, the
Wolcotts are of English origin and ancestry. The
first American progenitor was Henry, the second
son of John Wolcott, of Gildon Manor, Somer-
setshire, England. The parish records show him
to have been baptized Dec. 6, 1578. He married
Elizabeth Sanders, and was converted to the re-
ligious tenets of the Puritans through the preach-
ing and instruction of Rev. John Elton, in 1630.
He was animated wth all the zeal and fervor of a
new convert, and deeply sympathized with the
independent, manly spirit which preferred volun-
tary exile to proscription and persecution on ac-
count of religious faith. He joined the War-
ham and Maverick colonv of emigrants in 1630,
and in October of that year landed at Boston, where
he was made a freeman. He first made his home at
Dorchester, Mass., but in 1635 he removed to
Windsor, Conn., being one of the earliest settlers
of that town. That he was held in high esteem
is attested by his election to the Lower House of
the General Assembly, in 1637, while in 1640 his
name headed the lis: of the inhabitants of Wind-
sor. In 1643 he was elected to the Connecticut
House of Magistrates, and discharged the duties
of that difficult and delicate position with such
rare ability and fidelity that he was annually re-
elected thereto during the remainder of his life.
In a word, it may be said of him that he was
Windsor's most distinguished citizen. His long
and useful life closed on July 5, 1655. He was
the father of seven children. The eldest, John,
was born in. 1607, in which year he was baptized in
the Established Church. He lived and died in Eng-
land. Anna, the second child and eldest daughter^
accompanied her parents to America, and Oct. 16,
1646, became the wife of Matthew Griswold, of
Windsor, and later removed to Saybrook, where
she died. Plenry was born Jan. 21, 1610. The
fourth and fifth children were named George and
Christopher. The sixth (and second 'daughter),
Mary, was married Jan. 25, 1646, to Job Drake, of
Windsor Loch, and died in 1689. Simon B., the
youngest of the family, was born in September.
1625.
Henry Wolcott, the second son and third child
of Henry (first), came with his father to America
from England, in which country he was born. He
early united .with the Dorchester Church, and was
made a freeman of Boston in 1634. Two years
later he removed to Windsor, where he became
an importer and merchant, visiting England, on
business, in. 1671. He took a prominent part in
public affairs, and his fellow townsmen showed
their appreciation of his worth by electing him to
various offices of high trust and grave responsi-
bilitv. He was one of the nineteen leading citi-
zens named in the charter of the Connecticut col-
ony. He was chosen a member of the House of
Deputies in 1660, and of the House of Magistrates
in 1666, in both of which deliberative bodies his
distinguished father had held a seat. He himself
continued to sit in the Upper House, through an-
nual re-elections, until his death. He was a mas-
ter of the art of stenographic writing, as then prac-
ticed, and in his system of abbreviation preserved
numerous items of Windsor history, both interest-
ing and valuable. He died July 23, 1680, and was
buried in the town he had helped to build, and to
which his life had been almost a benediction. His
wife was Sarah Newberry, to whom he was mar- 1
ried Nov. 8, 1641, at Windsor. She was a dausli- ,
ter of Thomas Newberry, died July 16, 1684, and 1
sleeps in the same burying-ground with her luis- 1
.-z^^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
778
band. To them were horn ciglit children : Henry,
Jan. 6, 1643; John, Feb. 28, 1644: Samuel, Oct. 8,
1647; Sarah, July 5, 1649, (married Jan. 6, 1674,
to Capt. John Price, of Salem, Mass.) ; Mary, Dec.
6, 1651, (married June 2, 1679, to James Russell,
i of Charleston, dying- in August, 1680) ; Hannah,
March 6, 1653, (died at Charlestown, Mass., Sept.
4, 1683) ; Samuel, April 16, 1656; and Josiah, July
21, 1658.
Josiah Wolcott received a classical education,
but his natural preference was for a commercial
life. He began his business career as a merchant
I at Windsor, later removing to Salem, Mass., where
i his native talent and stern integrity won him uni-
' versal esteem, and where he died, Feb. 9, 1729.
: He was prominently identified with the early set-
, tlemcnt of Thompson, Conn., and may be called
'. one of the original settlers. In 1686 he married
' Penelope Corwin, whose father, Capt. George Cor-
j win, was a resident of Salem, Mass. After her
I demise, he married Mary, a daughter of John
Field, of Boston. She died at Boston, in 1752.
Josiah \\'olcott was the father of eleven children.
Samuel A\'olcott. who was the first of this hon-
ored name to take up his residence in Wethersfiekh
was horn at Windsor, April 16, 1656. He grew
to manhood in his native town, and, following his
father's example, became a storekeeper and gen-
eral trader, carrying on business at both Windsor
and Wethersfield. In this connection it should
be stated that on his coming to Wethersfield he
built on what is now generally described as 'AVol-
cott Hill," where he passed the remainder of his
]ife. He was an extensive land-owner, an intelli-
gent and upright man, an honored citizen, and was
elected a member of the House of Deputies in
1685. He died at Wethersfield, June 14, 1695. On
March 6, 1678, he married Judith Appleton, a
daughter of Samuel Appleton, of Ipswich, Mass.
She survived her husband forty-six years, dying
Feb. 19, 1741. Samuel Wolcott and his wife were
the parents of nine children, whose names, with
the respective dates of their birth, were as given
below: Samuel, April 11, 1679; Gershom, Nov. 14,
1680, died Sept. 28, 1682 : Josiah, Feb. 27, 1682,
died Oct. 23, 1712; Hannah. March 19, 1684, mar-
rieed Rev. William Burnham, of Kensington,
Conn., I\Iay 8. 1704: Sarah, born Aug. 14, ifi86,
became the wife of Robert \\'illis, of Wethersfield.
Dec. 12, 1706: Lucy, Oct. 16, 1688, was married
Feb. I, 1713, to Samuel Robbins, of Wethersfield;
Abigail, Sept. 23, 1690, died Nov. 9. 1714: Eliza-
beth, May 23, 1692, died March ,;, 1765: and Mary.
Mav 14, 1694, married John Stillman, Mav 26,
171'=^.
Samuel ^^'olcott (2). the eldest of the family,
and the son of Samuel ^^'olcott ( i ) , was born at
\\'ethersfield, but while still a youth was sent bv
bis parents to reside with his uncle, Josiah Wol-
cott, of Salem, Mass., under whose care he re-
ceived a thorough business training, and with
■whom he remained until his father's death, when
he returned to Wethersfield. There he engaged
in mercantile business, importing largely, and
amassing what, for his time, was considered a large
fortune. He enjoyed the prominence and intluence
in the community which attaches to large wealth
when fiiund in connection with high mural char-
acter. He built a fine mansion, which is still in
a good state of preservation, and which was fre-
quently used by Washington and other generals
of the Revolution as headquarters ; and it is said
that within its venerable, time-stained walls, more
than one successful campaign was planned. He
died at his home, Sept. 15, 1734, and a handsome
monument marks his resting-place in \\'ethersfield
cemetery. Dec. 27, 1705, he married Abigail, daugh-
ter of Rev. Nathaniel Collins, of Middletown, and
its issue was four sons and two daughters. Mrs.
\\'olcott survived her husband for many years,
passing away Feb. 6, 1758, and now sleeps by his
side. Their children, in the order of their birth,
were: Abigail, born June 3, 1707; Oliver, born
Oct. 2, 1709, died in 1734; Samuel, born April 13,
1713; Mehitabel, born Aug. 12, 1715: Elisha, born
Sept. 26, 1717; and Josiah, born March 27, 1720.
Abigail married Abraham Watershoure, of Say-
lirook. Conn., and Mehitabel became the wife of
Jonathan Russell, of Wethersfield.
Elisha Wolcott, the third son and fifth child
of Samuel Wolcott (2), was bom at \\'ethersfield.
He was a farmer and land owner, a deacon in the
church, and a prominent and respected citizen.
He died in the town of his birth, Oct. 13, 1793,
and was interred in the old family burying-ground
at \\'ethersfield. He married Sarah, a daughter
of Gershom Xott, of that town, who died ^larch
12, 1801, and rests near her husband. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Gershom, born April 11,
1748, married Rhoda Robbins, Oct. 10, 1774: Sa-
rah, born Aug. 7, 1751, became Mrs. Levi Rob-
bins; EKsha (2) was born Oct. 2, 17^5: ^fehitabel,
born June 12, 1759, was married to Frederick Rob-
bins on April 12, 1781 ; and Hannah, born Sept.
22, 1762, died March 13, 1784.
Elisha \\'olcott (2), grandfather of Charles and
Robert Robbins W^olcott, was born in the old family-
homestead, and received such advantages in the
way of a common-school education at \\'ethersfield
then afiforded. At the outbreak of the Revolution
he was in the first flush of his early manhood, and.
like a true patriot, he ofifered his services to the
cause of American independence. He became a
soldier, participated in the conflict at New York,
and showed himself both brave and stronsf. After
serving gallantly for some time. General W'ashing-
ton sent him honie to make hats for the half-rag-
ged volunteers. \\'ith the exception of the months
passed in military duty, he spent his entire life in
Wethersfield, where he was well known and highly
respected for his manv virtues, and where he was
a large land owner. He was a Federalist in poli-
tics, and a sincere and consistent Christian, and an
' active meiiiber of the Congregational Church. He
774
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died Jan. 17, 1827, and rests in the same burying-
ground with his ancestors. On Jan. 19, 1775, he
married Mary, a daughter of Joseph Wells, who
was born in 1756, died at Wethersfield, Oct. 6,
1828, and was buried in the same place of sepul-
ture. She bore her husband seven sons and four
daughters, whose names and dates of birth were as
follows: Samuel, born in 1775, married Hannah
Butler; Horatio Gates, born Feb. i, 1777, died in
childhood; Mary, born in 1779, married Thomas
Griswold, of Wethersfield ; Mehitabel, born in
1782, was twice married, her second husband being
A. Robbins ; Hannah, born April 13, 1785, became
the wife of Deacon William Willard ; Elisha was
born March 28, 1787; Daniel, July 27, 1790; Sarah
Nott, born April 2, 1793, died unmarried ; Chaun-
cey Appleton was born July 12, 1795; Horatio (2),
July 7, 1798: and Franklin, Sept. 12, 1800.
Elisha Wolcott, the third of that name in lineal
descent, and the father of Charles and Robert
Robbins Wolcott, was. like his father and grand-
father, born at the Wolcott homestead, in Wethers-
field. His early training was received in the
schools of the town, but he received a broader ed-
ucation in the active career which he led from his
youth until near the end of his life. He was an ex-
tensive land owner, was the pioneer seed and
onion grower of the district, and also cultivated
teasels. He shipped large quantities of produce to
the markets of New York and the West Indies on
coasting vessels, and always supervised the loading
of his own cargoes, making many trips to New
York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. He was uni-
versally held in high esteem for his tireless energv,
rare business ability and strict integrity. He never
desired, and far less sought, office, but once con-
sented to serve as deputy sheriff, the onerous and
responsible duties of which position he discharged
for several years with the same sound judgment
and unwavering fidelity which he brought to the
conduct of his own affairs. He was temperate in
his habits, and domestic in his tastes. His relig-
ious views were liberal, but in his relations with
his fellow men he never failed to regulate his con-
duct according to the "Golden Rule." In politics
he was a stanch Whig prior to the formation of
the Republican party, and he lived to cast a vote
for Abraham Lincoln, in i860. Although not as-
piring to leadership he was an active worker in the
ranks of his party. He died on his farm March 28,
1862, and was buried in the Wolcott lot at Weth-
ersfield.
On Dec. 24, 181 1, Mr. Wolcott married Mary
Wells Robbins, a daughter of Robert and Mary
(Wells) Robbins, of Wethersfield, where she was
born Dec. 4, 1791, and they became the parents
of ten children: (i) Mary, born in August, 1812,
died in 1867; she married John Wells, who died in
1899. (2) Sarah Nott, born in August, 1814, died
at the age of eightv, unmarried. (3) Elisha Rob-
bins, born in December, 1816, died a bachelor. (4)
Charles was born June 20, 18 19. (5) John was
born Jan. 4, 1822. (6) Elizabeth was born Jan. 12,
1825. (7) Robert R. was born Jan. 4, 1827. (A
sketch of him follows.) (8) Hannah E., born Oct.
10, 1831, died when five years old. Two died in ■;
infancy. Mrs. Mary Wolcott died in 1878, and was |
buried with her husband's family. She was a
devout member of the Congregational Church, ex-
emplifying her faith in her daily life, a faithful
wife, and a fond, self-sacrificing mother. |
Charles Wolcott was born in the Wolcott home- •
stead at Wethersfield. He attended both private 1
and public schools at Wethersfield, and so thor- ■:
oughly improved the advantages which he en-- '
joyed that he himself was qualified to teach (and '
did teach) district schools during the winter
months, while yet a youth, living on the ancestral '■■
farm with his parents and devoting his summers *
to ordinarv agricultural work. Thus his life passed !
until the year of his marriage (1847), when he re- !
moved to the house just south of the old place, |
where he has resided ever since, and on which he i
has made extensive improvements, among them [
being the building of several new, large, well-ar-
ranged barns. In addition to carrying on general •
and dairy farming he is an extensive grower of i
tobacco aF.d seeds, and raises large quantities of I
small fruits. He is energetic and enterprising, and i
fully abreast of the times, although wisely conserv-
ative, neither discarding that which has been ,
proved good merely because it is old, nor condemn-
ing change solely on the score of its novelty. In
politics he is a Republican, in religious belief a
Congregationalist. He is a member of the Weth-
ersfield Grange. Despite his fourscore years he is
erect, hale, and vigorous in both mind and body,
still retaining the personal management of all his
business interests. He is well-read, and keenly
alive to all the vital questions of the day. His
home is one of culture and refinement, and beneath
its hospitable roof is passing his declining years in
company with his wife, honored and beloved by the
community in which he has dwelt for eighty years,
looking back upon the past without shame, and for-
ward to the future without fear.
Mr. Wolcott was married at Wethersfield, in
1847, to Hannah Blinn, daughter of Capt. James
and Hannah (Coleman) Blinn, the former of
whom followed the seas most of his life; he was
a popular and upright citizen. Two children were ■
born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, Harriet Blinn and
Charles F. The daughter was born June 27, 1848,
and received her education at the public schools of
•Wethersfield and the Normal School at New Brit-
ain, graduating from the last named institution,
and afterward teaching school for several years.
In 1876 she married George M. Chittenden, of
Guilford, bv whom she became the mother of two
children: Elizabeth Wolcott, born March 31, 1881,
and Marion Blinn, born Oct. 9, 1888. Charles F.
Wolcott was born March 21, 1858. Earlv attend-
ance upon the district schools was sunnlemcnted
bv a course at Alleghenv College, Meadville, Penn.i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i 10
ami wliile yet a young woman he went \\'est. After
teacliing seliool for a time in Illinois he removed
to Redlands, Cal., where he became an orange
grower. He married Ida Tyson, a school teacher
of Centralia, III., who died Feb. 7, 1894, and they
had one son, Frank Hooton, born April 24, 1883.
Mrs. Hannah (Blinn) W'olcott died in Xovem-
ber, i8')0, and was laid to rest in the family bury-
ing-ground. She was a woman of exemplary
Christian character and many domestic virtues, and
. was beloved by her neighbors aiul all, being al-
I ways ready to aid others as opportunity offered.
I On Oct. 2, 1862, Mr. ^^'olcott married, at Meriden,
I Miss Harriet B. Libby, who was born at W'est-
] brook, i\Iaine, a daughter of Nathan and ilary
(Babb) Liliby. To this marriage came three sons
and two daughters. ( i ) The eldest, Edward
Wilder, was born Oct. 15, 1863, and died Aug. 30,
j 1865. (2) Elisha Robbins was born Feb. 2, 1865, at-
' tendetl the Hartford Public High School and Wil-
braham Academy, and resided on the homestead
farm. I3) Robert Rich, born Feb. 7, 1868, acquired
his preparatory education at Williston Seminary
I and the Russel school, graduated from the Medical
Department of New York University in 1890, and
began the practice of his profession at Boulder,
Colo. He died in 1893, at Phoenix, Arizona. On
July 22, 1892, at New York, he was married to
Miss Lillien de ^^'alltearss. (4) Helen Libby, born
Oct. 17, 1869, graduated from the Hartford Public
High School and from Smith College, Northamp-
ton, Mass., receiving her diploma from the last-
named institution in 1892. She is a teacher in the
Hartford Public High School. (5) Mary Ladovett,
born Sept. 28, 1876, graduated from the Hartford
Public High School, and in 1899 from the Emerson
College of Oratory, at Boston. Both the Misses
A\'olcott are ladies of high culture and refined
tastes, and are popular in society, of which they are
recognized leaders.
The Lii?i!V family, to which the present Mrs.
Wolcott belongs, is one of the oldest, most prom-
inent and most respected in Elaine. It is of Eng-
lish origin, its first member to settle in this country
haying been John Libby. who was born in England
about 1612 and crossed tlie ocean in 1630. He was
a fisherman by occupation, sailing his vessel along
the Maine coast, and was one of the founders of
the town of Scarboro. He became a prominent
citizen, being chosen town constable in 1664, and
one of the four selectmen in 1669. He accumu-
lated what, for his time, was regarded as a compe-
tence, and died at the age of eighty years. He was
twice married, and was the father of twelve chil-
dren: John, born in 1^136; James and Samuel, both
of whom lost tlieir lives in King Philip's war; Jo-
anna, who married Thomas Eickford : Henry,
born in 1647, and in later life the husband of Honor
Humeson : Anthony, born in 1640. and married to
Sarah Drake: Sarah, born in 1653, who became
the wife of Robert Tislev : Rebecca (Mrs. Joshua
Brown) ; Hannah, the wife of Daniel Fogg; David,
born in 1(^157; Matthew, born in 1663, and married
to 1-Ilizabeth iirown; and Daniel, who became the
husband of Mary Ashton.
David Libbv, the tenth child, and a ilirect lineal
ancestor of Mrs. Charles Wolcott, was born at
Scarboro. He was a farmer, and after his mar-
riage lived on what is now known as Libby Hill,
a: Eliot, Maine. He died in 1730. His wife's name
was Eleanor , and to their marriage came
nine children: David, the first-born, married
Esther Hanscom ; Samuel, was the husband of
Mary Sibley; Solomon married Martha Hanscom;
Mary became Mrs. Joseph Small; John, the fifth
child, was born at Portsmouth, in 1697; Elizabeth
was the wife of Edward Cloudman ; Ephraini, born
Feb. 2, 1702, married Mary Ambler; Eleanor, born
Jan. 21, 1705, married Zebulon Hickey: .\bigail,
born Sept, 29, 1707, married Richard Nanson in
1729. _
John Libbv was a farmer. His first wife s
maiden name was Sarah. Libby, and the date of
their marriage was Nov. 14, 1724. He died at his
birthplace, Scarboro, on July i, 1764. He was
twice marrieil, his second wife being Deborah
Dunnivan, of Falmouth. Seven children were
born to him: Elisha, who was born in 1725, mar-
ried Elizabeth Fogg, and after her death, wed-
ded Abigail Meserve; Matthew, born Feb. 25, 1729,
married Sarah Hanscom, and, later, wedded Haji-
nah Hasty; Mark was born June 8, 1731 ; .\llison,
born Sept. 12, 1733. married (first) Sarah Skill-
ings, and (secontl) Mary Sible\- ; Nathaniel, born
Sept. 5. 1735, married ^Iary Meserve; Luke, Iiorn
Aug. 15, 1737, married Dorothy McKerney ; and
John, born Sept. 15, 1744.
Mark Libby was a farmer. He married Lydia
Skillings, who bore him five children. lie died in
1768, and Aug. 9, 1774, his widow married Sam-
uel Sowell. She died Oct. 12, 1812. Mark Libby 's
children were: Dorcas, born Nov. 28, 1755, was
married Nov. it, 1776, to William Jones; Betty,
born in 1758, died in childhood; Lois, born Nov.
15, 1759, died Feb. 15. 1832; John Skillings, born
Nov. 23, 1761 : and Amos, born Dec. i, 1763, the
husband of Sarah Hunnewcll.
John Skillings Libby, like his father, passed his
life upon a farm. On Feb. 15. 1787, he married
Rhoda Cummings, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, by
whom he was the father of ten children. He died
Dec. 8, 1807, and his widow on Aug. 28, 1849. The
children of this union, in the order of their birth,
were: IMark, born Dec. 11, 1787, died Oct. 22. 1807;
Lydia, born Jan. 18, 1789, died Jan. 11, 1834: Eu-
nice, born Dec. 25, 1791, married Edward Skill-
ings Oct. 12, 1812: Eliakim, born Sept. 19, 1793,
died Feb. 15. 1857; Thomas, born Jan. 7. 1795.
lost his life while serving as a soldier in the war of
1812: Nathan was born Jan. 4. 1797: Isaiah, born
Mav 17, 1799, was twice married, first to Almira
Skillings and' afterward to Miriam Butterfield :
William, born in 1803, married Lucy Skillings
June 5, 1828, and died June 6, 1845; Mehitabel,
776
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Dec. 25, 1805, became the wife of Andrew
Taylor; and John SkiUings, born Oct. 15, 1807,
married EHza Berry.
Nathan Libby, the father of Mrs. Charles Wol-
cott, was born, as were many of his immediate
ancestors, at Scarboro, Maine. He learned the
trade of a stone mason in early youth, and at the
age of nineteen years went to Westbrook, where
he obtained a situation as a journeyman. His
native intelligence, however, joined to his skill as
a workman, did not suffer him to long remain in
the position of a mere employe. He soon became
a contractor, which business he followed until with-
in a few years of his death, on Nov. 12, 1855. His
wife, Mary Ledoit (Babb), a daughter of Peter
and Lucy (Bailey) Babb, survived him tmtil _Sept.
8, 1876, when she passed away at Meriden. The
date of their marriage was Oct. 11, 1821, and they
were the parents of twelve children : David Bailey,
the eldest, was born June 11, 1823, and married
Sarah Libby in 1846. Rhoda Ann, born in June,
1825, lost her life through being burned, in May,
1828. Mary Elizabeth, born in April, 1827, died
the following year. Cyrus Edwin, born May 3,
1828, was twice married, first, in 1852, to Ann J.
Cobb, and after her demise to Sarah D. Gaskill.
The fifth child died in infancy, as did also the sixth.
Mary Eliza, born May 3, 1834, on Feb. 9, 1852, be-
came the wife of L A. Redman. Rebecca Jane,
born May i, 1837, was married to Jabez Mariner
Sept. 7, 1856. Harriet Babb (Mrs. Charles Wol-
cott), born Sept. 3, 1839. Aphia Maria, born Sept.
12, 1841, died in September, 1847. Lucy, the
eleventh child, died at the age of six months. Ella
Frances (now Mrs. Charles Lewis, of Meriden),
was born Feb. 20, 1846.
ROBERT ROBBINS WOLCOTT was born
Jan. 4, 1827. He acquired his education at the
public schools and the academy of his native town,
Wethersfield, and at the Hartford Grammar School.
At the age of sixteen his father's failing health ne-
cessitated his taking charge of the farm. During
the winter months he taught school at Enfield,
Berlin, and (for four terms) Wethersfield. Dur-
ing these vears he had charge of his father's busi-
ness affairs, until the latter retired from active
pursuits. In 1848 he bought Judge Walter Mitch-
ell's farm, embracing one hundred acres. This he
greatly improved, erecting one of the finest barns
in the town. He has also added to his holdings,
until at present he owns one of the largest and
best-improved farms in Wethersfield. He has car-
ried on general farming, and has devoted especial
attention to tobacco and seed raising. He has in-
herited his father's energy, sound business .sense
and sterling integrity, and enjoys the esteem of the
community at larg'e, as well as the warm regard of
his wide circle of personal friends.
In 1858, at Hartford, Mr. Wolcott married
Harriet Bliss Lord, a daughter of Horace Lord, of
Springfield, Mass. Their union has been blessed
with two children. The elder, Alice E., was born
March 10, 1859. She was educated in the district
schools and the academy of Wethersfield, later
graduating from the Hartford Public High School.
She is a lady of refined tastes and cultivated mind,
and popular in society, although of domestic tastes.
She was married to Wilbur Squire on July 27,
1881, and is the mother of five children: Robert
Allen, born Jan. 11, 1883; William Lord, Aug. 30,
1884; Wolcott, July 20, 1886; Roger Wolcott, Nov.
16, 1890; and Lucy Butler, Dec. 20, 1895. Mr. and
Mrs. Wolcott's second child, Mary Wells, was
born Oct. 23, i860. She graduated with honor
from the Hartford Public High School, and was
for five years- a teacher in that institution. On
July 6, 1887, she became the wife of Rev. John
Barstow, a Congregational minister of Medford,
and they have had four children, whose names
with the dates of their birth, are Eunice Clark,
Aug. 19, 1888; Robbins Wolcott, Feb. 18, 1890;
Harriet Lord, Nov. 15, 1892; and Alice, Dec. 10,
1897.
Mr. Wolcott is a Republican in politics, but
although one of the most popular men of his town
and county, he has never desired to hold office.
ITe is, however, eminently public-spirited, and in
1868 he accepted a nomination as candidate for the
Legislature on his party's ticket, and was elected.
His fellow townsmen have also attested their ap-
preciation of his worth by making him assessor,
and a member of the board of relief. His energy
and progressive spirit have, as it were, forced him
to take a leading part in all public aft'airs, both
town and county. He has always cherished a deep
interest in the cause of education, and was one of
the chief promoters of the Wethersfield High
School. He reads much, and with a judicious dis-
crimination, the result of which has been the stor-
ing of his mind with a fund of well-assorted, well-
digested information upon a variety of topics in
the fields of political, literary and scientific re-
search. His temperament is genial and his disposi-
tion kindly, while his purse is ever open to the calls
of public and private charity alike. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Wolcott are members of the Congregational
Church and of the Wethersfield Grange.
Mrs. Wolcott graduated from the Hartford
Female Seminary in 1857. While never failing in
her attention to household cares, and devotedly
faithful in the discharge of her duties as a wife and
mother, she still finds leisure for the further culti-
vation of a finely trained, well stored mind, as well
as to keep fully abreast of the current topics of the
day. She is a brilliant conversationalist, and of
easy, graceful manners. The following brief gene-
alogical account of Mrs. Wolcott's family is of in-
terest. The family is one of the oldest in Hart-
ford county, and its members have been alwavs
justly considered as ranking among the county's
best citizens.
The first American ancestor was Thomas
Lord, who took up his residence in Hartford
.<^^
Q.
I
#
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ill
among the earliest settlers. I Fc was an Encjlish
emigrant, and i)oth he and his wife, Dorothy, whom
he had married in England, died in Hartford, the
wife in 1O78, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven
years. All their eight children were born in h-ng-
land, and came with their parents to America.
Their names were Richard, who was born in \(n\ ;i
Tiiomas, born in 1619, settled at Wethersfield ;
Ami, born in 1621, married Thomas Stratton;
William, born in 1623, died at Saybrook, May 17,
1768; John, born in 1625, married a Hartford lady,
on May 15, 1648, and emigrated; Robert, born
in i'')27, became a sea captain; Irene, born in 1629,
married Corporal John Ciilbert, and died Jan. 8,
1691 ; Dorothy, born in 163 1. married John Inger-
ioU in 1651, and died at Xorthampton in January,
1657. Jeremiah Lord, supposed to have been a
grandson of Thomas, was one of the early settlers
of East Windsor, where he spent his life. He was
married to Anna Pease on Nov. 5, 1719. She was
born Oct. 29, 1685. Their son, who was also
named Jeremiah, was born about 1724. He mar-
ried Sarah, a daughter of Israel and Sarah ( Booth)
Pease, who was born at Enfield in 1729, and died
ilarch 5, 1791. Jeremiah Lord (2) died Sept. 4,
1800, at the age of seventy-six. His son, Jere-
miah (3), married Tryphena Pease, whose parents
were Samuel and Jerusha (Chapin) Pease. She
•was born at Enfield Sept. 28, 1758, and became
!Mrs. Lord Eeb. 5, 1777. Her husband died Oct.
14. 1812, in his fifty-eighth year; she passed away
on July 2"/. 1839. Jeremiah Lord (3) and his wife
were the parents of ten children : Jabez, the eldest,
born Nov. 2, 1778, married Lydia Hamilton, who
died July II, 1853; he died Oct. 7, 1829. Sarah,
the second child, was born July 31, 1780, and mar-
ried Elam Griswold. Jeremiah was born Feb. 17,
1782, and Rhoda (Mrs. Isaac Pinney ) on Feb. 19,
1786. Orvin was born May 8, 1788: married Edith
Richardson, F"eb. 16, 1809. and died Xov. i, 1847.
Chester and Lucretia (twins) were born Jan. 23,
1 791 ; Lucretia became the wife of Josiah Ells-
■worth. Horace, the grandfather of Mrs. Robert R.
W'olcott, was born ^larch 23, 1793. Levi, born Jan.
14, 1795, married Sally, daughter of Joseph Lord,
on Jan. 30, 181 7, and died July 21, 1878. Henry
married Ella Griswold.
Horace Lord, who, as has been said, was ^Irs.
W'olcott's grandfather, married Sally lUickland,
■who was born in 1798. The following named chil-
dren were born to them : Horace ( 2 ) , in Novem-
ber, 1815; James Oramel, March 20, 1817; Otis
A., April 13, 1819; and Havilah, March 29, 1821.
The first Mrs. Horace Lord died Aug. 18, 1826,
and he was afterward twice married, dving on Julv
30, 1845.
Horace Lord (2). Mrs. \\'olcott"s father, was
born at East \\"indsor, but while quite a young
man removed to Springfield, Mass., where he
learned the trade of a machinist, and where he also
married, in 1836. Harriet Sexton, a daughter of
Oliver Sexton, of that city. After his marriage he
vent to W'hitneyville, to become superintendent
of the Whitney Works, and in 1850 removed from
there to Hartford, to work in the Colts' Armory,
lie rose to be superintendent of tliat estaljhsliment,
which position he continued to fill until iiis death.
He was a skilled mechanic' and a man of excellent
character and executive ability and his integrity,
tact and impartial sense of justice won for him the
esteem of his employers and employes alike. He
died Feb. 28, 1885, and his widow followed him to
the grave in 1887. Both sleep in Spring Grove
cemelerv. Mr. Lord was a man of recognized cap-
ability and unsulhed character, and honored in the
community where he lived, liis death being
mourned as a public bereavement. He was an earn-
est friend of popular education. He was endowed
with musical taste and was for several years a
choir leader. Politically he was at first a Whig,
and afterward a Republican. Mr, and Mrs. Lord
had two daughters : Flarriet Bliss, born Xov. 26,
1837, now the wife of Robert Robbins Wolcott;
and Alice Sophia, born June 24, 1846, who died
in childhood,
?^L\RY S. TUDOR, M. D., a successful medical
practitioner of the town of South Windsor, has a
maternal ancestry of marked intellectual activity,
as well as a paternal ancestry that runs back into
the earlv Colonial history of the State. She was
born on the farm where she now resides, and which
has been in the Tudor family for seven generations.
Here were born her father, David Tulor; her grand-
father, Oliver Tudor; and her great-grandfather,
Samuel. The farm was first occupied by Owen
Tudor, in the year 165 1. The mother of Dr. Tudor,
Sarah E. (Green), was a daughter of Col. Samuel
Green, whose ancestor established the earliest pub-
lishing house in the Connecticut colony, and for
many years continued to print the State Colonial
documents. He also edited and published the pio-
neer newspaper of the colony, the New London
Gazette, which was conducted by Col. Green and his
son until after 1840.
Her father, David Tudor, was born in 1805, and
spent his entire life upon the farm of his nativity,
reaching a good old age, and dying in 1880; his wife
died Nov. 8, 1881, aged seventy-five years. To
David and Sarah E. Tudor came three children:
Marv Starr, born Sept. 19, 1840; Sarah Elizabeth,
wife of E. Dwight Farnham, of South Windsor;
and Lcuise Green, wife of Dr. Pierre S. Starr, a
well-known physician of Hartford.
Marv S., the subject of this sketch, after study
at private school, attended Miss Draper's Seminary
for young ladies at Hartford, where she graduated.
She has resided on the home farm throughout life,
and from 1880 to 1889 managed its affairs. In that
year she entered the Woman's Medical College of
Penns\lvania, at Philadelphia, and graduated with
the class of '92. She was then for a year resi-
dent physician of the Northwestern Hospital,
Minneapolis, Minn. Returning to the old home-
stead in 1893, Dr. Tudor has since engaged
778
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
actively in the practice of her chosen profession.
Later she attended a course at the Philadelphia
Polyclinic and College for graduates in medicine.
She owns a well-cultivated farm of eighty acres,
which she superintends in connection with her
increasing and successful practice. Dr. Tudor
is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and is
a member of the Hartford County Medical Society,
and the Connecticut State Medical Society. She
is a charter member of the Martha Pitkin Wolcott
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion.
HON. PHILIP JOSEPH MARKLEY, A. M.,
one of the most prominent attorneys and public
men of New Britain, is a son of one of the former
business men of that city who rose to a commanding
position in the commercial world from the status
of an Irish emigrant, having left his native land in
the year of its great famine to better his condition in
America. In this instance it can be said "like father,
like son," for the same determined effort, native
ability and sturdy independence which won splendid
achievements for the father have blessed the ca-
reer of his son.
Thomas Markley was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, in 1820, and about 1848 crossed the ocean
to America, locating at Farmington. Seizing the
first opportunity for employment, he engaged in
general work at Unionville for a family named
Young. But he resolved to be the architect of his
own fortune, and not long after he began his mer-
cantile career as a. member of the meat market
firm of Stanley & Markley, doing a retail business
on Main street, near where his son now has an
office. About 1865, Walter Stanley, senior partner
of the firm, died, and Mr. Markley then formed a
partnership with J. B. Hawkins & Company, that
firm consisting of several brothers named Hawkins.
The new firm carried on the retail trade of meats,
groceries and feed, and was one of the largest con-
cerns of the kind in the city at that time. Several
years later Mr. Markley withdrew. to engage in the
wholesale meat business. He was the pioneer of
a trade which has since grown to be a most im-
portant one, and continued in this business until
1879 or 1880, when Chicago dressed beef came into
the market, and, as at other business centers, made
the local industry no longer profitable. He retired
from business, and died in 1883. Thomas Mark-
ley was a successful merchant. He was well edu-
cated, and was especially proficient in mathematics.
He was held in high esteem throughout New Britain.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith
a Catholic, taking an active interest in church mat-
ters. He married Ann Brady, a native of County
Meath, who was born in 1824, came to America
about 1848, and died in 1885. The children of
Thomas and Ann Markley were as follows: Lizzie,
born Dec. 25, 1853, died in 1885 ; PhiHp J. is the
subject of these lines; William, born Aug. 27, 1857,
was a life and fire insurance agent of New Britain,
and died July 15, 1886; Grace A., born Sept. 8,
1859, is the wife of Dr. M. J. Coholan, of New
Britain.
Philip J. Markley was born Feb. 21, 1855, at
New Britain. His early education was obtained
at the public schools and the high school of his
■native town, and in the fall of 1871 he matriculated
at Holy Cross College, at Worcester, Mass. Taking
a two-years preparatory course, he was graduated
in 1877 with the degree of A. B., receiving the
degree of A. M. in course from, his alma mater~\n
1884. He began the study of law in the office of
Mitchell & Hungerford, in the fall of 1877, and
continued with them until the fall of 1879, when he
entered Columbia Law School, New York City,
spending the school year of 1879-80 at that institu-
tion. Returning to New Britain he again entered
the law office of Alitchell & Hungerford as a student,
continuing there until December, 1880, when he was
admitted to the Bar. He remained with the firm
about six months after admission, when he began
practice by himself. During his entire legal career
Mr. Markley has formed no partnerships. He has
enjoyed a fine practice, having an individual clientele
second to none in the city. Always a Democrat,
he has been elected to offices of trust and responsi-
bility by the people, regardless of his party affilia-
tions. He was a member of the common council
of New Britain in 1883, and of the board of aldermen
in 1884 and 1885 ; was appointed city attorney by
that board for the years 1886 to 1891, again in 1892,
and in 1899 was once more appointed to said office
by a Republican common council of said city. He
was elected by popular vote to a commissionership
on the board of sewer commissioners, of which he
acted as chairman from 1885 to 1890. He has been
elected to the office of town auditor by popular vote
for the years 1885 to 1897, inclusive, and he has
been chairman of the board of education from 1893
to the present time. In 1891 he was New Britain's
representative in -the Legislature. Since 1886 iMr.
Markley has been one of the national officers of the ■
Order of Knights of Columbus, and he has been
attorney for the entire order since that time.
Mr. Markley was married, Sept. 9, 1885, in New
York City, to Williamanna E. Dunne, and they have
three children: Eileen A. C, Beatrice M. and
Rosalie.
HON. CHARLES A. ENSIGN (deceased) was
a descendant of one of the oldest families of East
Hartford, and was born in Willow Brook (or Hock-
anum), Dec. 4, 1821, in a house that stood on the
site of the present residence of Owen Ensign. But
before entering upon an account of the details of
his individual career, let the familv line be traced
from its origin in America up to his birth.
James Ensign, the founder of the familv in this
country, was born in England, died in Connecticut
in 1670, and here also his wife, Sarah, passed away
in 1676. David, their son, was born in 1645, first
married Mehitable Gunn, and afterward wedded
■<,aJ
t
I
1
I
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
779
Sarali Wilcox, and died in 1717. Thomas, son of
David, married Hannah Shc])hc'rd. Moses (1), son
of Thomas, was born in 1732 or 1734, and married
Ann WiUiams. Moses {2) was born Dec. 4, 1759,
and died Nov. 30, 1821 ; he married Jeanette Forbes,
who was born Oct. 11, 1767, and died June 18, 1813.
Moses (3), father of our subject, and of the sixth
generation, was born Sept. 6, 1791, and died Dec.
7, 1829; he married Martha ("Patty") Kisley, who
was born June 4, 1790, and died June 6, 1864.
Charles A. Ensign, son of Mioses (3) and Patty
Ensign, was the eldest of a family of four children —
three sons and one daughter — who became scattered.
As he was but eight years of age when he lost h;s
fatiier, his boyhood days were passed with three
maiden ladies in Hartford, in which city he also
received a limited education. P.ut he was naturally
brigjit and quick to learn, and improved every ad-
vantage offered him in this respect. He early
learned shoemakiiig, and for a while followed the
trade in Willow Brook, and later, in Hartford, for
tioodwin Bros, manufactured boots for two or three
years. He next went to New Haven, and for five
or six years was superintendent of the Rumford
shops : was next employed at Naugatuck as super-
intenilent of the Naugatuck Rubber Works, at
$1,000 per annum — at that time considered to be a
large salary. With this concern he remained about
thirty years, his salary being advanced by degrees
until it reached $5,000 per annum. While a resi-
dent of Naugatuck Mr. Ensign was elected in 1880
to represent his district in the State Legislature, as
a Democrat, and was very prominent in many other
respects.
After leaving Naugatuck Mr. Ensign went to
Boston. Mass., where he was engaged as superin-
tendent of the Converse Rubber W orks, gave the
factory a thorough overhauling, and held the posi-
tion until failing health compelled him, as a mat-
ter of prudence, to resign. Of his career in the rub-
ber business, however, further mention will be made
as described by a trade journal. I'rom Boston Mr.
Ensign returned to Hockanum, the home of his
childhood, expecting to rest and live on the com-
]ietence he had so commendably won ; but in a short
time he was called to New Haven by the Canfield
Rubber Co., with which he remained four years,
when he again returned to Hockanum, and here
ended his noble life Aug. 17, 1896. For some little
time before his death he was bed-ridden, but passed
away painlessly and resignedlv, and in the full pos-
session of his mental faculties.
Mr. Ensign first married, in Novcmlier, 1844,
Miss Cornelia Stevens, who bore him one son,
Charles A. His second marriage took place June 9,
1859, to Miss Maria W. Smith, a native of Hocka-
num, born Feb. 28, 1834. a daup-hter of Simeon and
Laura ( Wadsworth ) Smith, both of old and greatly
respected families of East Hartford, but both of
whom have long been deceased. Mrs. Ensign is
the third in a family of seven children : Anson,
married, is living in Logan, Iowa ; Delia S. was mar-
ried to Leonard T. Pitkin, but with her husband is
now deceased; Maria W. (Mrs. Ensign); Henry
T., who married Josephine Goodwin, is deceased,
and was buried in Hockanum; Charles died single;
l-'rancis, who married Edith .\ntrim, is living in
Hockanum; and Ella is the deceased wife of Will-
iam H. Olmsted, whose biograjjhy appears else-
where.
At the risk of slight repetitions, but eliminating
many facts with which the rea<ler has already been
made acquainted, the following extract from the
"Rubber World" of Oct. 10, 1896, is here intro-
duced as pertinent and com])rehensivc in its bearing
on Mr. Ensign's connection with the india-rubber
shoe trade :
* * * His first venture in business was as a custom
leather boot ami slineiiuiker in Hartford, and he s.ion had
the reputation of makini; the l)esl goods of any one in the
city. His attention bemi; called to rubber-footsvear, he con-
nected himself with the Wales Goodyear Rubber Co., of Nau-
gatuck, Conn., with whom he remained for thirty years. He
resigned his position in I88U, and accepted a position under
a five years' contract with the Boston Kul)ber Shoe Co., his
office being that of general expert. After two years of
arduous work, his health failing, he was forced to resign
this positi<in and take a long rest. He began this vacation
(the first of his life) l>y taking a Raviiiond e.xcursion to Cali-
fornia. Returning much improved in health, he associated
himself with the American Rubber Co., doing expert work,
and a little later with the Candee Rul)ber Co., with whom he
remained three years. Leaving this position he became a
free lance in the rubber trade, and was consulted by promi-
nent shoe factories almost constantly, having been an expert,
not only for the companies named, but for tlie National, the
L. I). Smith and others. Among other things he installed
a rubber varnish plant for a large varnish maker in New
York, and was the means of their building up a fine business
in that line.
About the time that his health failed he bought a fine
place at Hockanum, Conn., and spent much of his time
there as a gentleman. He also designed a sloop yacht,
which he hati built under his own supervision at Bay Ridge,
Long fsland, and spent most of his time for two summers
cruising in waters about New York.
Mr. Ensign, during his long connection with the rubber
footwear business, was the inventor of many machines and
processes that are still in use. The piping machine, which
automatically cuts the toe strips for the shoes in any length
and width, laying them in sheets ready for booking, was
one of his most notable inventions. He also produced a
cording machine for "Arctics," which lays a fine cord on a
strip of piping, folds it over and reels it ready for use.
Further than this, he was the inventor of the "Arctic" and
it was interesting to note that, in appreciation of this, Mr.
T. C. Wales made him a present of ?(i,UOO. * * * During
his long experience in tlie rubber trade he kept careful
records of all matters of importance in the way of com-
pounds, suggestions and possible inventions, and willed the
whole of th|s valuable material to \V. B. Kinsley, the super-
intendent of the .Maiden Last Company, who for years has
been a protege of his.
]\Ianv of Mr. Ensign's patents were yielding him
royalties at the time of his decease, and he was be-
yond doubt the true genius that made rubber foot-
wear the almost faultless article that it is at this day.
'Sir. Ensign was endowed with superior intel-
lectual powers, and was more than ordinarily well-
read. He was generous, kind and affectionate, and
his lamented death was keenly regretted, not only
bv his widow and son, but bv the members of the
different communities in which he had lived. He
780
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was a member of no secret society, and his progress
through life was made through no extraneous aid.
In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, but had
no especial desire for public office.
Mrs. Ensign, a very pleasant and genial lady, is
now living in Hockanum, in the house in which she
was born, but which has been modernized and con-
verted into a beautiful home, suited for the occu-
pancy of one holding the enviable position in societv
which she enjoys.
PROF. DANIEL HOWARD, M. A. The true
educator wields a power second to none, and in the
faithful labor of pirincipal of the public-school sys-
tem of Windsor Locks, of whom we give a brief
biography, the people of that section can see an in-
fluence for good which will extend through all fu-
ture time. Realizing the value of an education as
only those can who have made their own way
through school, Prof. Howard adds an element of
earnestness to his work which is too rarely found,
and every department responds to the subtle inspira-
tion.
Prof. Howard comes of an excellent family.
The founder of the family in New England, Isaac
Howard, came from England to Rhode Island about
1730. He settled in western Rhode Island, where
many of his descendants have resided ever since,
and the Howard family has been prominent in
public affairs, both locally and in the State. Two
of Isaac Howard's sons were in the French and In-
dian war, and one of them was with Wolfe at Que-
"bec. Another son, Daniel, the great-great-grand-
father of our subject, served in the Revolutionary
war, was town clerk of Foster, R. I., for twenty-
flve years, represented his town in the Legislature,
and was for several years judge of the Rhode Island
court of common pleas. His son, Daniel, was town
clerk of Foster twenty-five years, represented his
town for six years in the Legislature, and served
nine years on the bench of the court of common
pleas. His son, Horace, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, married Hannah Randall, also of Foster. He
died in early manhood, but had already become
prominent in educational and public affairs, and, as
a delegate to the constitutional convention took an
active and prominent part in the formation of the
State constitution of 1843. He was a merchant.
Pardon T. Howard, the Professor's father, was
farmerly engaged in agriculture, and was also a
land surveyor at Foster, R. I., but he and his wife,
whose maiden name was Ann L. Stone, now reside
in Providence, Rhode Island.
Our subject was born Dec. 15, 1864, at Foster,
R. I., where his education was begun, and so well
did he improve his opportunities that he was em-
ployed to teach in his home district at the age of
seventeen years. For six years he taught success-
fully there and in neighboring towns, but being by
mo means satisfied with his attainments, he in 1884
iDcgan preparing for college by studying evenings,
and at intervals suspending teaching for a term
to attend a preparatory school. In the spring of
1888 he was elected clerk of his native town for the
term of one year, at the end of which he graduated
from the academy as East Greenwich, R. I., and
entered Brown University, where he completed the
classical course, ranking high in scholarship, win-
ning a membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society,
and graduating in 1893. He has since done post-
graduate work in the same institution, gaining the
degree of M. A. In 1893 he took charge of the high
school at Wallingford, Conn., remaining one year,
and since 1894 he has filled his present position as
principal of the public school at Windsor Locks,
where, with an efficient corps of five assistants, he
has an average of 225 pupils under his care.
In 1887, at Foster, R. I., Prof. Howard married
Miss Sarah W. Randall, an accomplished lady,
whose father, Hon. Job Randall, is a well-known
citizen of Foster. They are popular in social life.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard early in life became active
members of the Christian Church at Foster Center,
R. I., where they still retain their membership,
while taking an active interest in the work of the
Congregational Church at Windsor Locks.
During the struggle for Constitutional Prohibi-
tion in Rhode Island, from 1886 to 1889, Prof. How-
ard was an earnest advocate of the Prohibition cause,
and in 1889 he was the candidate of the Prohibition
party for Secretary of State.
HON. JAMES HENRY ANDREWS, a promi-
nent representative of the agricultural interests of
Farmington, is engaged in farming on the old home-
stead, which has been in the possession of the family
for over two centuries. The first to locate here was
John Andrews, who, in 1672, was one of the eighty-
four proprietors of the town of Farmington. He
was a plain, unassumins: farmer, of good common
sense, and was highly respected in his community.
He united with the Congregational Church of Farm-
ington, May 9, 1658. To him and his wife Mar;
were born nine children : Mary, John, Hannal:
Abraham, Daniel, Joseph, Rachel, Stephen and Beni
jamin.
(II) Benjamin Andrews, the second in direct
descent to our subject, was married May 26, 1682,
to Mary Smith, and on Jan. 3, 1686, they united
with the church. She died in January, 1707, and on
June 14, 1710, he married Miss Dorcas Wetmore,
who died Dec. 4, 1716. For his third wife he mar-
ried Sarah . His children were: Benjamin,
in
i
John, Mary, Stephen, Daniel, Samuel, Johannah
and James.
(HI) James Andrews, born Aug. i, 1700, was
married Dec. 9, 1730, to Elizabeth Gillet, of Suf-
field, Conn., and died July 18, 1761. He had two
children: Elijah, born Dec. 6, 1731 ; and Benja-
min, born June S, 1734.
(IV) Elijah Andrews, a goldsmith, was born
Dec. 6, 1 73 1, and was married Aug. 4, 1761, to
Sarah Thompson, a daughter of Timothy Thomp-
son. She was born in Avon June 14, 1741, and died
^^<f/V7^^^
I
COMMEMORATll 7:' HlUC RAl'llICAL RECORD.
781
Jan. 14, 1814; he died Sept. 28, 1803. In their
family were five children : James, Lucy, Samuel,
Sarah and Beulah.
(\') James Andrews, the grandfather of our
subject, was born Nov. 22, 1762, and followed farm-
ing throughout life, near or on the old homestead
where the family was first founded in l-'armington.
He was one of the Ijrave men who fought so val-
iantly for the independence of the Colonies during
the Revolutionary war. Un March 13, 1791, he
married Eunice Gillette, of Xorthmgton, who was
born Jan. 19, 1768, and died July 12, 1831 ; he died
May 31, 1S45. •'-"o them were born nine children:
Eveline, Fanny, Romeo, Anion, George, L)dia, Eve-
lina, Sally and James L.
(VI J Amon Andrews, the father of our subject,
was born on his father's farm March 18, 1798, and
became a prosperous farmer, owning and operating
some of the land belonging to the founder of the
family in Farmington. He was married May 2,
1827, to Roxana Goodhue, of Avon, who was born
Se])t. 30, 1803, a daughter of David and Abigail
(\Vinchell) Goodhue. She united with the Lon-
gregational Church of Farmington in March, 1829,
and her husband joined the same in June, 1843. -He
died at his home Aug. 22, 1869, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him; she departed this life
in April, 1872. They had six children, of whom
James Henry, our subject, is the eldest; Lydia, born
in 1831, died when only six weeks old; Jane Eliza-
beth was born F"eb. 10, 1833; Caroline Fidelia was
born Oct. 18, 1834; Ellen Sophia, born May 13,
'^^i7, was married Sept. 8, 1862, to George D. Wil-
son ; and Franklin A., born Jan. 5, 1839, was mar-
ried Dec. I, 1862, to Jennie Bulklev.
(VH) James H. Andrews, the subject of this
sketch, was born Nov. 7, 1828, and was educated
in the Waterville District school, Farmington. He
was married Oct. 8, 1861, to 2\Iiss Helen Maria
Bulkley, who was born .Vpril 11, 1839, a daughter of
Charles and Helen (W'oodruiT) Bulkley, of Avon,
Hartford county. Three children were born of this
union: ^^larian Eulkle}-, Sept. 11, 1862; Frederick
Henry, Sept. 4, 1865 ; and George Franklin, Xov. 26,
1867. On Nov. 29, 1S94, Frederick H. married Car-
rie Moore, of Illinois, and they have three children,
George Henry, Raymond Bulkley and Harold
Frederic. Miss Marian B. Andrews completed her
education at the Hartford Public High School, and
for several terms has been teacher in Hartford
county.
Mr. Andrews resides on the old homestead of
his father, and in connection with farming has fol-
lowed mechanical pursuits. He has been engaged
in the manufacture of wagon hubs and spokes in
Avon, and at present is interested in the cider and
vinegar business with his two sons. He takes a deep
and commendable interest in uublic affairs, as everv
true American citizen should, and capably repre-
sented Farmington in the State Legislature in 1859.
As a progressive and public-spirited citizen he gives
his support to every enterprise which he believes will
prove of public benefit. He is a sincere and con-
sistent Christian, and has been an active member of
the I'armington Congregational Church since 1858.
His wife united with the church at East Avon the
same year, and in 1863 transferred her membership
to the I'armington church. Our subject was greatly
interested in the publication of the ".Andrews Me-
morial."
REV. THOMAS H. SHAXLY, for more than
two years parish priest of St. Joseph's Catholic
Church at Poquonock, won, during his residence in
that town, the esteem of all classes of people, ir-
respective of sect or creed. In addition to the duties
of this parish he had charge of the Catholic Mission
at Windsor, St. Gabriel's, and his untiring efforts
for the promotion of the spiritual welfare of the
members of both his little flocks had most grati-
fying results. As an orator Father Shanly pos-
sesses more than ordinary force and eloquence, and
his well stored mind, genial dis]:)osition and fine
executive ability show rare qualifications for his
sacred calling. The following brief history of his
career will be of interest, not only to his present
parishioners, but to future generations of devout
adherents of the faith.
P~ather Shanly was born Dec. 23, i860, at Marys-
ville, Yuba county, California, a son of John and
Elizabeth (Seer_\j Shanly, natives of Ireland.
When our subject was about six years old his par-
ents removed to Waterbury, Comi., where they still
reside, and his education was begun in the public
schools of that village. Later he attended St.
Charles College, at Ellicott City, Md., having made
an early decision to enter the priesthood, and on
leaving that institution he took a course in the
Theological Seminary connected with St. Bona-
ventura's College, at Alleganv. X. Y. In 1866 he
was ordained by the learned Bishop S. \'. Ryan,
of Buffalo, and his first assignment to duty was as
assistant to Father Creden, at Moosup, Conn. Be-
ginning his labors there on Nov. i, 1886, he re-
mained until ]May 12, 1889, when he was appointed
assistant at St. Francis Church, in New Haven,
where he spent nine years. In February, 1S98, he
received an appointment to his late charge, and on
March 2^, 1900, he was appointed to the church
at Westport, which he is now serving.
RE\'. JOSEPH TOY (deceased) was a native
of England, yet a biograjjliical history of Simsbury
would be incomplete without a sketch of his life
work. No man had at heart a closer interest in
the welfare of the town than he, when he was a
resident thereof. He was extremely conscientious,
a grand and noble man ; was successful in business,
and amassed a fortune, but could always find time
to abandon the pursuit of wealth to fill some pulpit
or to address a meeting. His church work was far
more pleasant to him than business, and he left to
his posterity a good name, more valuable by far
than his worldly possessions.
782
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Joseph Toy was born in the town of Camborne,
Cornwall, England, in April, 1808, the youngest of
ten children that blessed the marriage of Robert
and Ann (Hosking) Toy, and was the only member
of the family to come to the United States. He was
quite young when he lost his parents. His oppor-
tunities ■ for attending school were rather limited,
but his intellect was keen, and as he had a great
relish for study the means for gratifying this laud-
able ambition was furnished him by a gentleman who
had taken an interest in him, and who gave him
the free use of his library. Of this privilege he
eagerly availed himself, and was so studious that he
qualified himself for teaching school, a vocation he
followed some years, and was .then ordained as a
local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
being endowed with great oratorical powers; he
preached many months in England.
Mr. Toy was first married to Jane Osier, who was
born in Falmouth, England, Aug. i, 1802, and
was a daughter of Benjamin Osier. To this mar-
riage were born five children, whose names will
be given farther on. While still a young man, Mr.
Toy was employed by Bickford, Smith & Davy, fuse
manufacturers, at Tucking Mill, in Cornwall, who
had a branch in the United States. In 1839 ^^^
Toy brought his wife and three English-born chil-
dren to this country, in order to fill an important
position in the fuse factory at East Weatogue, in
the town of Simsbury, which factory was conducted
by Bacon, Bickford & Co. Fire destroyed this
plant, and the firm, removing to Simsbury, resumed
business under the name of Toy, Bickford & Co.,
Mr. Toy having been admitted into partnership at
East Weatogue, on the withdrawal of Mr, Bacon;
they held to the last-mentioned style until the death
of Mr. Toy, in April, 1887. The children born to
the first marriage of Mr. Toy were named : Mary,
who was born in England, and was married to Rev.
J. W. Dodge, of Newburyport, Mass. ; Joseph, born
in England July 23, 1830, who recruited Company
H, I2th Conn. V. I., mostly in the vicinity of Sims-
bury, was commissioned captain, and died June 21,
1862, at Carrollton, La., his remains being brought
home and interred at Simsbury, where he had been
in business with his father ; Susan, now the wife of
R. H. Ensign, of Simsbury; Anna J., the first of the
children born in the United States, married to L.
S. Ellsworth, of Simsbury; and Julia, the wife of
Rev. C. H. Buck, of the Methodist Church, of Bris-
tol, Conn. Mrs. Jane Toy passed awav July 27, 1848,
a devout Methodist, and' was buried at Simsbury.
Mr. Toy for his second wife married Mrs. Sarah
G. Merritt, whose maiden name was Humphrey,
and who was born Oct. 25, 181 7, and died Sept.
24, 1881, the mother of the following children:
William W., who died when an infant; George B.
D., born March 18, 1852, died March 25, 188 1 ; and
Sarah Jane, the wife of Charles A. Ensign, of Tariff-
ville, whose sketch appears elsewhere. The third
wife of Mr. Toy was Miss Mary Seymour, daugh-
ter of Chester and Sabra (Ensign) Seymour, of
whom more may be found elsewhere, and to this
union one child, Josephine, was born Jan. 19, 1884.
Mrs. Mary Toy is still a resident of Simsbury. She
is a member of Abigail Phelps Chapter, D. A. R.,
and of the Colonial Dames.
In politics Mr. Toy took but little interest until
the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when
his sympathies were strongly with the Republican
party, as he was a bitter foe to slavery, but he was
never active in that party's partisan work, contenting
himself with voting, and working for good men
for ofBce. Although he was never regularly con-
nected with the Conference, he frequently was called
upon to fill vacancies in the Methodist pulpit, was
one of the founders of the church of that denomina-
tion at Simsbury, and was a liberal contributor to-
ward its support and active in its work. He was
a well-preserved gentleman, and up to within a few
years of his death attended to his business aft'airs
personally. Fie delighted in addressing bodies of
young men, and always had attentive listeners, and
he was, all in all, a bright example of the self-made
man, who deserved the admiration and emulation
of his younger companions.
CHESTER SEYMOUR (deceased) was in his
lifetime one of the well-known and highly respected
citizens of Simsbury, where during the earlier por-
tion of his life, before he was stricken by disease
and became an invalid, he carried on an extensive
carriage making business. He was born in Hart-
ford, Dec. 24, 1824, of the best New England an-
cestry, being a direct descendant of one of the first
settlers of the colony, Richard Seymour, to whom
also Origin Seymour, Horatio Seymour, of New
York, and Gov. Thomas H. Seymour, of Connecti-
cut, trace their lineage. His grandfather, Asa Se}'-
mour, married a daughter of William Dennison, of
New London, who traced his ancestry to John
Brewster.
Chester Seymour, the father of our subject, was
a brother of the late Mrs. D. F. Robinson, of Hartf
ford. The mother of our subject was Plorilll
Mather, a lineal descendant of Rev. Richard Matheij
the father of Increase Mather, and the grandfathe
of Rev. Cotton Mather.
Chester Seymour, our subject, was gifted witS
a keen, active mind and unusual energy of char^
acter. He was also generous, tender hearted and
unselfish. He took a deep interest in public affairs,
and was twice elected to the Legislature,in 1858 from
Simsbur)^, and in 1868 from East Granby. From
1850 to i860 he carried on carriage building at
Simsbury, and later removed to a farm in East
Granby, which he had purchased. He married
Miss Sabra Ensign, a native of Simsbury, who was
born Aug. 18, 1826, daughter of Moses and Martha
(Whiting) Ensign, and the children born to this
union were as follows: Frank C, of the Seymour
Manufacturing Co., Chicago; Mary, widow of Jo-
seph Toy, living at Simsbury; Moses, a farmer of
East Granby; William A., of Boston, an employe
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
788
of the railway mail service ; and Lucius H., a farmer
of East Granby.
Our subject died March 4, 1895, after twenty-
two years of ilhicss and physical helplessness. He
had been stricken March 12, 1873, with a severe
attack of cerebro-spinal meningitis, from which he
was a sufferer, in the helpless condition in which
il left him, until death. His widow, an estimable
lady, who yet survives, resides in Simsbury. Mr.
Seymour was well known and a man of much more
than ordinary intellect. At his death he left a name
highly honored and his family is a credit even to
a citizen of his excellent character. . He was fear-
less, open and sincere in word and deed. He hated
with the intensity of his nature all cant and insin-
cerity, and the dreary platitudes of religious com-
monplace. His soul was in perpetual revolt against
much that passes for religion, but for religion it-
self, pure and undefiled, there was a large place
in his mind and heart. He had many friends, and
was a most congenial companion. He was es-
pecially a great friend of little children, who were
attracted to him, and whose innocence of mind and
heart in turn attracted him.
REV. FREDERICK W. HARRIMAN, M. A.
Few citizens of Windsor have worked as assidu-
ously and effectively for the promotion of the best
interests of the community as has the honored rec-
tor of Grace Episcopal Church, whose history is
briefly outlined below. While giving to the work
of his parish zealous attention, which has pro-
duced most gratifying results, he has entered with
hearty sympathy into various movements that aim
at the general welfare of the people, and in more
than one instance his suggestion has sown the seed
and his influence fostered the growth of projects
which cannot fail to be of permanent value.
Mr. Harriman comes of good Colonial stock,
and is a descendant of Jasiel Harriman, a well-
known citizen of Sandwich, N. H., who was born
in 1727, and died in 1802.
James Harriman, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was born in 1769, and died in 1848. He
married Sarah Eaton, and their son. Rev. Jesse
Harriman (1793-1873), was a Methodist minister,
and for many years a member of the Maine Con-
ference. His wife, Sophia (Hilton), was a daugh-
ter of Moral Hilton (1755-1840), of Wiscasset,
Maine, a soldier in the Revolutionary army.
Rev. Frederick Durbin Harriman, the father of
our subject, was born in 1823, and died in 1897.
He was a man of fine mental ability and rare spirit-
uality, and for many years was a prominent clergy-
man in the Episcopal Church. From 185 1 to 1853
he was a rector of the church at Crawfordsville,
Ind., but his later years were spent in Connecticutt as
corresponding secretary of the Societv for the In
crease of the JNIinistry, his headquarters being at
Hartford. As a descendant of a Revolutionary hero
he became identified with the Connecticut Society of
the Sons of the American Revolution, and through-
out his life he gave his influence to the support of all
movements which seemed worthy. He married Miss
Mary Jones liostwick, daughter of the Rev. Will-
iam Warner IJostwick (1797- 1845), an Episcopal
clcrg\nian of western New York and a descendant
of the Ijostwicks of Cheshire, lingland, who settled
in Stratford, Conn., in 1668, the line of descent be-
ing traced through Nathaniel (1699-1756), Arthur
1729-1802), and William (1765-1825). Mr. Bast-
wick married Mary Lewis, daughter of Ozias
Lewis (2), of Litchfield, Conn., a descendant of
George Lewis (or Lewes), one of the first settlers
of Liarnstable, Mass., where he died in 1662-3.
Mrs. liostwick was also a descendant of Theophilus
Eaton, first governor of the New Haven Colony, his
daughter, Hannah, having married William Jones,
the deputy governor, by whom she had a son, Isaac,
the father of Timothy, the father of Isaac, the father
of Mary Jones, who became the wife of Ozias
Lewis (2).
Rev. Frederick William Harriman was born
Nov. 22, 1852, in Crawfordsville, Ind.. during his
father's pastorate there, but has passed nearly all
his life in Connecticut, having been educated in
the Rectory school, Hamden ; the high school, Hart-
ford ; Trinity College, and Berkeley Divinity School.
He taught the classics for one year in the Episco-
pal Academy at Cheshire. On May 31, 1876, he
was ordained deacon in the Protestant Episcopal
Church, by Bishop Williams, and on June 7, 1877,
he was ordained to the priesthood by the same
bishop. For a few months he assisted his father,
who was then corresponding secretarj' of the So-
ciety for the Increase oc the Alinistry. From April
I, 1877, to Feb. I, 1879, ''"2 ^^''^s assistant minister
in St. Andrew's Church, }vleriden ; from Feb. 1, 1879,
to April I, 1880, rector of St. James', A\'instecl;
from April i, 1880, to March i, 1886, rector of
Trinity Church, Portland ; and has been rector of
Grace Church, Windsor, ever since. In addition to
this last rectorship he supervised the missionary
work in two counties, as archdeacon of Hartford,
from April 18, 1893, to Nov. 14, 1896; was secre-
tary and treasurer of the Church Scholarship So-
ciety, from June 13, 1893, to June 12, 1894; was as-
sistant secretary of the Diocese of Connecticut from
June 10, 1890, to June 11, 1895; and has been sec-
retary of the Diocese since the date last mentioned.
Since locating in ^^'indsor he has done much effect-
ive work in the cause of education, having served as
a school visitor from September, 1887, to October,
1888; and again from Oct. 7, 1889, to Oct. 3, 1898,
being chairman of the board for nine years. He
was secretary of the building committee when the
Third district erected the "Roger Ludlow School,"
1893-94, and proposed the name, which was adopted
on its completion. He has been a member of the Pub-
lic Library committee ever since its beginning in
1888, was elected a Junior Fellow of Trinity College
four times, for the years from 1889 to 1901 : and is a
member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the Psi
LTpsilon Fraternity, and the Colt Trust Association.
784
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Harriman takes a deep interest in the history
and welfare of "Ancient Windsor," and in his ad-
dress at the unveihng of a stone to commemorate
the Plymouth party who built the first house in
Windsor in 1633, he proposed the erection of a
substantial buildmg for the Public Library, to be
also a memorial to the settlers and soldiers of the
town.
On Oct. 19, 1882, Mr. Harriman married Cora
Elizabeth, daughter of Charles A. Jarvis, of Port-
land, Connecticut, and granddaughter of Dr. George
O. Jarvis, and of Sylvester Gildersleeve. She is a
descendant of John Jarvis, elder brother of the
second bishop of Connecticut, and, through him, of
William Jarvis, one of the first settlers of Hunting-
ton, Long Island. Through her grandmother, Mrs.
George O. Jarvis, whose maiden name was Phila-
mela Marshall, she traces her descent from Capt.
Samuel Marshall, of vVindsor, who was killed in the
"Swamp Fight," in 1675, during King Philip's war;
while other lines of her ancestry connect her with
early Windsor settlers, including the Grant, Porter
and Gibbs families.
HON. FREDERICK WELLES, for many years
a leading resident of Glastonbury, is a worthy rep-
resentative of a family which has been prominent in
the history of the country from an early day. He
is a direct descendant of Gov. Thomas Welles, who
died in 1660, and is of the fifth generation in descent
from Samuel Welles, a noted man in his day. Gid-
eon Welles, a member of President Lincoln's cabi-
net, was a second cousin of our subject. The family
has been identified with Glastonbury for more than
two hundred years.
Joseph Welles, our subject's grandfather, was
born November 9, 1756, a son of Captain Sam-
uel and Lucy (Kilbourn) Welles. He died
September 7, 1808, leaving a fair competence,
gained by an extensive trade with the West
Indies. ■ His brother Samuel was in partnership
with him in this business, and for many years they
were engaged in sending hay and horses to the
islands, bringing back rum and molasses. Joseph
Welles also conducted the "Welles" hotel at Glas-
tonbury, to meet the demands of the stage travel of
those days. He was an out-spoken man, somewhat
stern in manner, but was much respected in the com-
munity. He married Susannah House, born Oct.
9, 1756, daughter of Benoni and Susannah (Hollis-
ter) House. She survived him and married Gad
Talcott, of Hebron, Conn., where her death oc-
curred April 6, 1826. Joseph and Susannah Welles
had the following children : Susannah, born April
3, 1780; Joseph and Leonard (twins), born April
15, 1781 ; Leonard (2), our subject's father; Joseph,
born March 31, 1784, who settled in Ohio; Lucy,
born Feb. 6, 1786; Clarissa, born March 3, 1787;
and Lucy, born Nov. 21, 1790.
Leonard Welles was born in Glastonbury April
28, 1782, and as his health was poor in early life he
spent much of his time at his father's hotel. He
also taught scliool for a time, but after his marriage
to Miss Sally Sellew, which occurred Oct. 13, 1804,
he engaged in farming. He located at the corner
of Main street and Naubuc avenue, where Miss
Alice Goodrich now resides, and by his industry and
close attention to business made a good income,
though he was never considered a rich man. To
politics he gave but little heed, but he affiliated with
the Whig and Republican parties on national issues.
He lived to the good old age of ninety years, keep-
ing his health and faculties almost to the last, and
when seventy years old he drove a wagon with two
yoke of cattle and a horse for forty days in suc-
cession, between Glastonbury and Hartford, taking
fifty hundred-weight of tobacco and bringing back a
load of lumber. He was fond of his home and
family, and to each of his boys he gave $500 as they
came of age, their remarkable financial success being
a source of great pride to him in later years. In
religious faith he was a Congregationalist, and as a
citizen he was held in high esteem. He died at his
homestead Jan. 19, 1873. His wife, who died Nov.
5, 1859, was born Nov. 15, 1784, daughter of John
and Sally (Smith) Sellew. Her twin sister, Nancy,
married Norman Hubbard, of Glastonbury. Our
subject was the youngest of a family of six chil-
dren, and is now the only surviving member. Of
the others: -(i) Oswin, born Jan. 19, 1809, was a
pioneer tobacco packer of Glastonbur)^^ and the most
successful man of his day in his town. As a young
man he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and en-
gaged in the manufacture of tubs, pails, chairs and,
later, cigar boxes, but seeing the possibilities in the
tobacco business he began dealing in that commodity,
both in leaf and in cigars. A shrewd business man
financially, he was also generous, and his affection
for his family was shown in his treatment of his
brothers, whom he took into partnership, all of them
becoming wealthy men. He was a remarkable man
in many ways, and it was characteristic of him to
never hurry, yet always be on tme. He married
(first) Miss Sarah A. Goodrich, of Portland, Conn.,
(second) Miss Helen Penfield, (third) Miss Kate
Coffin. He died Aug. 9, 1879, in Hartford, where
he had lived some years previous, enjoying the fruits
of a highly successful life. He had seven sons, but
only one, Cassius, lived to maturity ; he died at
thirty-nine years of age. (2) Nancy, born Sept. 6,
181 1, married Joseph Edwards Goodrich, of Port-
land, and died Dec. 20, 1891, in Glastonbury. (3)
John S., born Feb. 13, 1814, was a tanner at East
Haddam, Conn., until 1856, when he removed to
Glastonbury and became associated with his broth-
ers in the tobacco business, accumulating a large
property. He married Maria H. Chapman, of East
Haddam, Conn., and his death occurred Dec. 29,
1888. (4) Leonard T., born Feb. 23, i8i8, died
Sept. II, 1879. He married Lucy Carter. (5)
Henry, born Oct. 24, 1821, died Jan. 17, 1853, in
Glastonbury. He married Delia Bartholomew, of
Wallingfor'd, Connnecticut.
Our subject was born in Glastonbury Feb. 13,
1
«
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r85
1825, and was educated there, attending;' the com-
mon schools until the age of twelve, and a select
school for five years following. He was reared to
work, gaining valuable practical ideas from his fa-
ther, and as a boy he began to |)lan for Ijusiness life,
the success of his brothers in the tobacco business
naturally inclining him to that line of etTort. His
brother Oswin employed him for three years at $1.50
per day, and in 1856 he became a member of the
firm of O. Welles & Co., with which he remained
thirteen years, until in 1869 he engaged in buying
tobacco on his own account. In 1884 he retired, but
he still grows tobacco, partly as a pastime, having
always been interested more or less in that work.
He has had a larger experience with tobacco than
any other man in Glastonbury, and is considered one
of the best judges of the weed in this State. Mr.
Welles" business methods have always been straight-
forward, his word being as good as his bond, and
while he pays every penny of obligation, he expects
the same upright dealing in return. In 1870 he
completed his present home, a comfortable and com-
modious dwelling, which is tastefully and even luxu-
riously furnished, although he and his wife are
averse to display. He is fond of good horses, and
some fine specimens are usually to be found in his
stables. In politics he is a Republican, of Whig
antecedents, and at one time he represented his
town in the State Legislature, but he has preferred
business to public life. When the Grange was or-
ganized in Glastonbury he became a member, and
siiice 1849 he has been identified with the Congrega-
tional Church at Glastonbury, declining, however,
to hold office in the Society.
On Dec. 9, 1846, Mr. Welles was married at
Glastonbury to i\Iiss Catherine Saltonstall Welles,
and they have passed more than fifty years of happy
wedded life, their Golden Wedding having been
suitably observed in 1896. Both are well-preserved
in mind and body, and their geniality has enabled
them to keep in touch with vounger generations to a
marked degree. I\Irs. \\'elles was born in Glaston-
bury May 17, 1826, daughter of Dorrance and Ame-
lia (Goodrich) Welles, attended the schools of the
third district and later a select school in Glaston-
bury and a private school at Portland, Conn., and
for some time taught school at $1.50 per week,
'"boarding 'round'' among the patrons, after the cus-
tom of that day. She united with the Congrega-
tional Church at Glastonbury in 1845, ''"'J '"'''s al-
ways been a sympathetic helpmeet to her husband
in the varied duties of life. Two children have
blessed their union: (i) Sarah A., born Jan. i,
1854, married H. J. Curtis, of Hartford, and has
two children : Alice Louise, who graduated from
the Hartford Public High School, and is now at-
tending Smith College, Xorthampton, Mass. ; and
Mary Bertha, who graduated from the Hartford
Public High School in June, 1899. (2) Harriet A.,
born Sept. 21, 1856, married S. P. Turner, of Glas-
tonbury, and has one child, Isabelle Benton, who is
a graduate of SteeFs Select School, Hartford.
50
Mrs. Welles is a descendant of Gov. Thomas
Welles, the line being traced as follows : Gov.
Thomas Welles (died in 1660) ; Samuel (died in
1675) ; Samuel (1660-1731) ; Thomas (i'j93-1767j ;
Jonathan (1732-1792J : Gurdon (1773-1852J ; Dor-
rance (1799-1887). Dorrance Welles, born May 3,
1799, married Amelia Goodrich, born in 1802, and
they died Dec. 25, 1887, and June 12, 1877, respect-
ively. He was a Republican in political sentiment,
and a great worker for the success of his party, but
he n;ver sought office. In 1844 he joined the Con-
gregational Church, to which his wife also belonged.
They had three children: Catherine S., wife of
Frederick Welles; Mary, who resides with our sub-
ject and wife; and Alsop, born February 4, 1829,
who died March 28, 1892. The last-named mar-
ried Augusta M. Brown, of Essex, by whom he had
no children. After her death, which occurred in
1861, he wedded Cvnthia I'ayne, of Portland, who
died in 1892, and by whom he had two children,
Henry B. and Amy. He was a farmer by occu-
pation.
JUDGE RALPH MORGAN GRANT, who is
one of the prominent young attorneys of South
Windsor, and who, though scarcely past thirty years
of age, has been honored by election to several re-
sponsible judicial and public offices, is a son of
Sheldon J. Grant, whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this volume, and a representative of one of the
oldest families of the State.
Ralph M. tJrant was born ^May 11, 1868, on the
farm of his father in the town of South Windsor,
near Wapping, and received his early education in
District No. 7, completing the course in the high
school at Hartford, from which he was graduated
in 1887. He was president of the debating club of
the school. In 1888 Mr. Grant entered the Fresh-
man class at Wesleyan University, IMiddletown,
Conn., and completed the course of study with the
class of 1892, graduating with A. B. Throughout
his course he maintained a high standing in his
studies, especially in mathematics, history and po-
litical economy, and he was always identified with
college interests, being chosen by his classmates
in his Junior year as one cf the editors of the Olla
Podrida, the annual literary publication of the L'ni-
versity. In his Senior year he was one of the par-
ticipants in a class debate on the free coinage of
silver. His university course completed, ^Ir. Grant
entered the law office of Judge \\'illiam J. -\IcCon-
ville, of Flartford, and read law for two years,
meantime qualifying as a notary public. He was
admitted to the Bar in 1894, and immediately en-
gaged actively in the practice of law. In the fall
of 1898 he opened an office in the Sage Allen build-
ing. No. 902 Main street, Hartford, which he has
since maintained, devoting Monday and Saturday
of each week to his business in South Windsor, his
office then being at East \\'indsor Hill. Our sub-
ject's legal practice has been interrupted partially
by the assumption of judicial duties, to which he
786
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has been called by the franchises of his fellow
townsmen. He was elected in the fall of 1894 judge
of the probate court of the district of East Windsor,
and served two years. About the time of his elec-
tion he removed to East Windsor Hill where he
now resides. In 1895 he was elected town clerk
and town treasurer of South Windsor, and to these
offices he has been continuously re-elected ever since.
Judge Grant was again elected probate judge in the
fall of 1898, and is now filling the duties of that
office. Ever since the fall of 1892 he has served as
justice of the peace.
Judge Grant was married, May i. 1895, to Miss
L. LilHan Shepard, of Melrose Highland, Mass.,
and to them three children have been born, Lloyd
S., Thane C. and Miriam H.' In politics Judge
Grant is a Republican. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, also of the Royal Arcanum, and
in college days was an active member of the D. K.
E. fraternity. Judge Grant is a member of the
Congregational Church, and is superintendent of the
Sabbath school. He is prominent in social, public
and legal circles, and by the earnestness and force
of his character is winning wide recognition
throughout Elartford county.
JOHN MADISON MORSE. The Windsor
Locks Journal, of which the subject of this brief
biography is editor and publisher, has become a
recognized factor in local progress, its advocacy of
beneficial measures winning the approval of the
best classes of people, irrespective of party. The
paper was established April 30, 1S80, by the late
S. T. Addis, who conducted it until a short time
previous to his death, on Feb. 25, 1896. When
failing health compelled him to relinquish it he sold
it to Mr. Morse, the transfer being made Dec.^ 13,
1895, and under its present able management it is
constantly gaining in reputation.
Mr. Morse comes of good New England stock,
and was born Jan. 8, 1866. at Springfield, Mass.
His father, James G. Morse, for many years held
a responsible position in the mechanical department
of the Springfield Republican. During his boyhood
John M. Morse attended school in his native city,
and after the death of his father, in 1876, at Chester,
Mass., where he also assisted his grandfather,
Loring Otis, in farm work. At the age of seven-
teen he went to Thompsonville, Conn., to learn the
printer's trade, in the office of the Thompsonville
Press, and soon after remaining there twelve years
he opened a job printing office at Windsor Locks,
which he conducted successfully for two years be-
fore buying the Journal.
On Dec. 31, 1895, Mr. Morse was married, in
the Congregational church at Enfield, Conn., to
Miss Sara Moody Means, daughter of the late Rev.
George Jarvis Means, of Augusta, Maine. While
Mr. Morse and his accomplished wife are much es-
teemed socially, he is not identified with any fraternal
organizations. They are both members of the Con-
eregational Church of Windsor Locks.
PROF. EDGAR H. PARKMAN, a well known
and popular educator, who is now serving as Princi-
pal of the high school of Enfield, was born in North
Brookfield, Worcester county, Mass., Aug. 28,
1862, and is a son of Charles and Caroline C.
(Shumway) Parkman, also natives of Worcester
county, Mass., and of English and French Hugue-
not descent.
Mr. Parkman's paternal grandfather was Eb-
enezer Parkman, a farmer of North Brookfield,
Mass., and a son of Ebenezer Parkman, whose fa-
ther, Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, was a clergyman
of the Congregational Church and a descendant of ;
the Parkmans, ship owners of Boston, Mass. Francis •
Parkman, the historian, is also a direct descendant
of this family. The maternal grandfather of Mr.
Parkman was Alpheus Shumway, a native of Stur-
bridge, Mass., and a farmer by occupation. His
ancestors, who were French Huguenots, came from i
the Isle of Wight, and settled in the eastern part of !
Massachusetts at an early date. Some of the same '
name were among the first settlers of Sturbridge,
Massachusetts.
Charles Parkman, our subject's father, is a :
farmer, and still a resident of North Brookfield,
Mass., in which town Prof. Parkman was reared,
receiving his early education in the district schools
of his native place. At the aa:e of thirteen he en-
tered the town high school and was graduated in
1879, at the head of his class. He then became a
student in the old academy at Monson, Mass., and
after completing his preparation for college taught
for a few years in the Massachusetts public schools,
after which he took the full classical course in
Amherst College', graduating from the latter insti-
tution in 1889. In the fall of that year he located
in Thompsonville, Conn., having been elected Prin-
cipal of the Enfield Public High School, and so
acceptable and satisfactory have his services proven
that he has been continuously re-elected. He is a
thorough and competent instructor, and has met
with excellent success in his chosen profession.
On Dec. 23, 1890, Prof. Parkman married Miss
Cora M. Fellows, a daughter of Frank and Eliza
(Gilbert) Fellows, of Belchertown, Mass., and to
them have been born three children, namely: Doro-
thy Gilbert, Cora Eleanor and Deane Winthrop.
Mrs. Parkman's mother is a lineal descendant of
both Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gil-
bert, of early Colonial fame. The Professor and
his wife are members of the First Presbyterian
Church of Thompsonville. He is a member of the
Amherst Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the Massa-
chusetts Beta Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta So-
ciety; belongs to Doric Lodge No. 94, F. & A.
M., of Thompsonville, of which he is now worship-
ful master; and is an associate member of Samuel
Brown Post No. 56, G. A. R., of the same place, his
father having served one year in the Civil war as a
member of Company F, 42d Mass. V. I. Pro-
fessionally he is a member of the Western (Mass.)
Plead Masters' Club, and at this writing a member
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
787
' of the e.\ccuti\c conimiiu-c ni ilic t'lmiKx-ticut Clas-
sical and High School Teachers' Association, i'o-
' litically Prof. I'arkmaii is a stanch Republican.
Mrs. I'arknian's father was also a soldier of the
Civil war, servins;' three years in the Signal Corps,
and both of the Professor's great-grandfathers were
among the number of those who so valiantly fought
for the independence of the Colonies during the
Revolution.
LUCIEX B. LOOMIS comes of good old pio-
ne,er stock, being of the eighth generation in descent
from Joseph Loomis, who was born in England in
1590, and came in 1639 to Windsor, where his
death occurred Nov. 25, 1658.
(II) Deacon John Loomis, son of the pioneer,
was born in England in 1622, and accompanied his
father to this country. On Oct. 11, 1640, he was
admitted to \\'indsor Church, in which he became
an active and influential worker.
(ill) Sergt. Daniel Loomis, son of Deacon
John, was born June 16, 1657, and died Jvme 25,
1740. He married (first) JMary Ellsworth, daugh-
ter of Josiah Ellsworth, and (second) wedded Han-
nah Drake, a widow.
(IV) Benjamin Loomis, the next in the line of
descent, was born Feb. 7, 1699, to his father's first
marriage, and died Jan. 2, 1763. Pie married
Joanna Alford, and had six children : Joanna, Ben-
jamin, Tabitha, Benjamin (2), Rachel and Serajah.
(V) Serajah Loomis, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born Dec. 4, 1740, and died in 181 1.
He built a house in Windsor, the timber for which
was cut at New Plartford and rafted down the Farm-
ington river, and it is still standing, well-preserved.
Serajah Loomis married Sybil Loomis, and they
had four sons : Nider, Ira, Asher and Horace.
CVI) Asher Loomis, the grandfather of our
subject, was born April 4, 1772. in the house men-
tioned above, and died in March, 1819. For some
years he was engaged in business in Winsted, Conn.,
as a tanner and shoemaker. On Oct. 5. 1796. he
was married, in Winsted, to Rosinda Cook, a native
of that town, and they had one son, Roman W.,
and five daughters: T^Iinerva (Mrs. Wrisley) ;
Sarah, who married a ^Ir. Smith, of Winsted ; Alma
(deceased), who never married: Nancv (Mrs.
Moses Loomis) : and one who died in childhood.
(VII) Roman W.. Loomis, our subject's father,
was Ixjrn Sept. 2, 1801, in the house built by Sera-
jah Loomis, and was reared in Windsor, his educa-
tion being secured in the local schools. When a
young man he tausht school successfully, and for
a time he was a private tutor in the family of a
Mr. Williams, in A'irginia. History, ancient and
modern, always interested him greatly, and when
the Loomis genealogy was being prepared he sup-
plied much of the data. For years he led the choir
of the Congregational Church at \Vindsor. Politi-
cally he was first a ^^^^ig and tlien a Republican,
but he never sought or held office. \\'hile he was
reared a farmer bov, he learned the shoemaker's
trade in early life, and at times he followed that busi-
ness in W'indsor and elsewhere. After his marriage,
in October, 1834, Mr. Loomis located at the old
homestead with his father, later removing to our
subject's present farm, where he died in 1883. His
wife, whose maiden name was Ann G. Barber, was
born Jan. 12, 1797, a daughter of Gideon Barber.
She died Dec. 16, 1867, and her remains rest beside
those of her husband in the cemetery in W'indsor.
ifOin- subject was the elder of two sons ; the younger,
Arthur II., born July 3, 1842, died June lO, 1852.
(\ III) Lucien B. Loomis was born Dec. 6, 1835,
at the old homestead, and first attended school in the
Stony Hill District of Windsor. Among his early
teachers were Miss-Frances Loomis, Edward Allyn,
and Mr. and Mrs. E. X. Phelps. On completing
an elementary course in the common schools lie was
sent to Windsor Academy, while in the summer
season he assisted his father in farm work and in
shoemaking. Pie remained at home until his mar-
riage, June 2, 1863, when he settled at his present
farm. For twenty-eight years, from 1862 to 1890,
he manufactured brick in addition to following gen-
eral farming. The former industry was a leading
business in Windsor, and at one time, when taking
brick to Hartford, he counted twenty-four yoke of
oxen in one line liauling sled loads of brick to that
city. From boyhood he has been a firm supporter
of the principles of the Republican party. His first
presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, as
he was just one month too young to vote for Fre-
mont.
In 1863 Mr. Loomis married Miss !Maria J.
Woodward, of ]\Iansfield, Tolland Co., Conn., who
died leaving no children. His second wife, whose
maiden name was Abby H. Marc\ , was born March
2, 1843, '^t Ashford, ^^Tndhanl Co.. Conn., and
married (first) C. B. Knox, of South ^lanchester.
Conn., now deceased.
WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE, D. D. S. (de-
ceased), late a prominent dentist of Thompsonville
and Suffield, was born in Louisville, Ky.. in May,
1854, and spent the early part of his life in that
.State. Later, after studying dentistry, he practiced
his profession in New York City for fourteen years.
i and still later he located in Hartford, where he was
connected with a dental association until, in 1889,
he opened an office in Suftield. After locating in Suf-
field he had branch offices in Windsor and Thomp-
sonville, opening an office in the last named village
in 1891, but his increasing business in later years
compelled him to give up the Windsor office and de-
vote his whole time to Thompsonville and Suffield.
He was an artist in his profession, and his genial
' wavs and careful attention to the needs of his pa-
tients gained for him an enviable reputation as a
dentist, and secured for him an extensive practice.
Dr. Lawrence was a member of .\polIo Lodge,
F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter. R. A. ^f. : Ly-
man Council. O. U. A. ^M.. of Sufiield : .\snuntock
Lodge. K. P., of Thompsonville; Putnam Phalanx,
■.788
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•of Hartford ; was also an Odd Fellow, and a member
of the Order of Foresters. He was a member of
the Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias, and was
district deputy grand chancellor of the Eleventh dis-
trict at the time of his death. The interest taken
in Pythianism by Dr. Lawrence was an active one.
To him can be credited the institution of Gideon
Granger Lodge, of Suffield, and the work already
accomplished in forming lodges at Warehouse Point
and Windsor Locks. He was a man of character
lived up to the true principles of brotherly love, and
those who knew him well enjoyed the pleasures of
his company at all times. His genial presence was
felt in the lodge room, where his devotion to the
order he represented was echoed by words of wis-
dom and love for his fellowmen. In his noble heart
he carried the true principles of fraternity ; he prac-
ticed its teachings in his walks in life : and ever by
word and deed made his efforts an example of what
fraternity teaches. To have known Dr. Lawrence
was to like him. As a friend and brother he shone
pre-eminent, and his charities were conducted in
that unostentatious manner that becomes a knight
and a true man. His kmdly ways are sadly missed
in his home and the various organizations in which
lie was interested. He died Jan. 8, i
m.
ALMOND JOEL CUTTING, D. D. S., a prom-
inent and successful dentist of Southington, was
born in Shrewbury, Mass., Sept. 21, 1856, a son
of Joel and Susan (Kennan) Cutting, natives of
Holden, Mass., and of English and Irish descent.
The father, a shoemaker by trade, is now a resident
of Amherst, Mass., and is engaged in his vocation.
During the Civil war he served for two years in
the 32d Mass. V. I.
Dr. Cutting grew to manhood in his native State.
Although possessing an ardent love for books and
education, circumstances prevented him going far-
ther than the public schools, and he worked on a
farm most of the time until eighteen years of age,
when he spent a season in his father's shop, and later
accepted a position as attendant in the State Retreat
for the Insane. During .this period he decided to.
take up his present profession. In 1876 he began
the study of dentistry in Worcester, Mass., and two
years later located at Barre, Mass., where he con-
tinued his studies. In 1884 he was graduated from
the dental department of the University of Mary--
land, standing at the head of his class, and receiv-
ing honorable mention in the final examinations. In
July, of the same year, he located in Southington,
where he has since been in active and successful
practice.
On July 21. 1878, Dr. Cutting was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lizzie J. Ballou, a daughter of
Hiram Ballou, of Pelham, Mass., and of the chil-
dren born to them one is now living, Mabel L. For
his second wife the Doctor married Miss Sarah E.
Bell, daughter of Charles Bell, of Plantsville, Con-
necticut.
Dr. Cuttina: is an active member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and has been superintend-
ent of the Sunday-school since 1885. He is also a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Order of United American Mechanics, and the
Sons of Veterans. He has belonged to the Con-
necticut State Dental Association since 1889, and
in May, 1898, was elected its president. Dr. Cut-
tmg's personal magnetism is felt by all his patients
who trust themselves to his treatment, and he enjoys
^a large and lucrative practice. He has ever been
'niterested and identified with the public affairs of
his town, all of which receive his hearty co-opera-
tion, and politically he is a stanch advocate of Pro-
hibition.
WINTHROP BUCK was one of the oldest
and most respected citizens of Wethersfield, where he
was born on the old Buck homestead Dec. 16, 1816.
His family is not only among the most esteemed,
but also among the oldest and most influential in
Wethersfield, in the records of which town they
enjoy, the distinction of having been among the
early settlers. In fact, the Bucks were among the
early pioneers of Connecticut, and may be ranked
among that advance guard whose members, from
religious conviction and through sturdy manhood,
aided in making New England what it is to-da)' — ■
the mother of colleges and the fountain head of
sturdv and aggressive patriotism.
The first one bearing the family name to settle
in Wethersfield was Emanuel Buck. At that time,
if tradition 'be correct, he was young, strong arid
fearless, and his name appears on the record in
connection with those of Henry and Enoch Buck,
who are supposed to have been his brothers. There
is little question that the family is of English origin.
Emanuel was born in 1623, and settled at Wethers-
field' in 1645. He seems to have been a leading citi-
zen in the young settlement, becoming a landowner,
and being made a freeman and elected constable in
1669. He was one of three men (the other two
being Geors'e Riley and Samuel Boardman, also of
Wethersfield) who were granted the privilege. of
building a sawmill at what was then known as
"Pine Stave Swamp," but is now the site of New-
ington. He was twice married, was the father of
a "large family, and died at Wethersfield an old
man. ■ His first wife was Sarah Demin.sf, and his
second — to whom he was united on April 17, 1658
— was Mary Kirby, who was born in Middletown,
a daughter of John and Elizabeth Kirby, and died
Jan. 12, 1712. The fruit of the first marriage con-
sisted of three children : Ezekiel, born on Jan.
I, 1650; John, born in November, 1652; and Jona-
than, born April 8, 1655. The second wife bore him
seven children: Mary, born Jan. i, 1659; David,
April 13, 1667; Sarah, April i, 1669; Hannah,
April 12, 1671; Elizabeth, Jan. 4, 1676; Thomas.
Tune 10. 1678: and Abigail, Aug. i, 1682. David.
Emanuel Buck's 'eldest son and second child by his
second marriage, was a farmer of Wethersfield, in
which town he was born, and where he died Sept.
Jyp'u.yH^^^ J3i^^-^^
i
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
789
30, 1728 (or 1738). As were his ancestors, so was
lie, a man of (luick intellig;(-Micc, unassuniins man-
ners and unassailable integrity, beloved by his
friends antl honored !)}■ all. Un June 14, 1690, he
married Elizal)eth liubljard, whose father was
Daniel Hubbard, of Guilford. She was born in
1666, and died March 23, 1735. She was the mother
of ten children: Elizabeth, born Feb. 16, 1691 ;
Ann, April 25, 1693; Daniel, Sept. 13, 1695; David,
i March 13, 1698; r^Iary, Sept. 9, 1700; Josiah, Jan.
I 16, 1703: Joseph, April 5, 1705 (died Sept. 14,
I 1717) ; John, July 18, 1707 (died IMarch 9. 1726) ;
i Eunice, Dec. 19, 1710; and Mabel, June 5, 1712.
Josiah Buck, lineal descendant of the first \\'in-
throp, and great-g;rand father of the present gentle-
man of that name, was a farmer, as had been his
ancestors for several generations. He passed his
life at Wethersfield without ostentation, yet with
a native kindliness of heart and deed fostered and
stimulated by Christian faith. He died Feb. 8,
1793. Flis wife, Ann Deming, was born at Weth-
ersfield May 28, 171 1, daughter of Charles and
Ann (\\'ickham) Deming. Charles Deming was
a son of Jonathan and Sarah Deming. and a grand-
son of John Deming, who married Honour Tread.
Mrs. Buck's maternal grandparents were Thomas
and Sarah (Churchill) Wickham. She married
Josiah Buck on May 28, 1731, and died March 9,
1772, having borne her husband seven children:
Ann, born Feb. 26, 1732: Mary, Oct. 31, 1733;
Elizabeth, April 7, 1735; Prudence, Dec. 15, 1737;
Josiah, April 23, 1742 (he died Oct. 16, 1807:
Daniel, June 13, 1744: and Mabel. March 22, 174S
(she married Justus Riley, and died ]\Iay 28, 1843,
at the age of ninety-five years).
Daniel Buck, the sixth of this family, and the
grandfather of Winthrop Buck, was born at the old
A\'ethersfield homestead. He was a farmer and a
fisherman. His holdingfs of lanrl were large, and he
vi'as a slave owner as well. He was a man of in-
fluence, and was one of several in Wethersfield
who responded to the call in 1776, being in the
service for six days. He built two fine houses on
the homestead farm, which are yet in a good state
of preservation, and was very successful in its
management. He died Jan. 6, 1808. On Dec. 3,
1775, at Xew London, he married Sarah Saltonstall,
who was born June 15, 1754, and died Nov. 19,
:828. Her father, Gurdon Saltonstall, was a son
of Gov. Gurdon Saltonstall and his wife, Jerusha
Richards, and a lineal descendant of Sir Richard
Saltonstall, one of the first settlers of Watertown,
INTass. Gurdon Saltonstall married Rebecca Win-
throp. a daughter of John Still and Ann (Dudley)
Winthrop and granddaughter of Hon. ^^'ait Still
and Joseph Dudlev. Daniel Buck and his wife were
the parents of seven children: Ann was born and
died in 1776. Gurdon, the eldest son, was born
Dec. 30, 1777, and on April .-^o, 1805, married Sus-
anna ^Tanwaring, of Xew York; he died Aug. 4,
1832. The second son, Daniel, born Oct. 27, 1779,
was a merchant. He and his brother, Dudlev,
were together in trade at Hartford and also owned
a line of propellers to New York. He died at Po-
quonock Jan. 19, i860. He was twice married,
his first wife being Julia .Mitchell, a daughter of
Hon. Stephen Mix Mitchell, of Wethersfield. The
marriage took place Oct. 14, 1805, and the young
wife died Oct. 7, 1807. Subsequently Mr. Buck
married Elizaljeth, a daughter of Ezekiel Belden.
She was born Jan. 10, 1784, and died March 3,
1S87, aged 103 years. Charles, the third son, was
liorn March 21, 1782. He married Catherine Brad-
ford, of New York, where he lived until his death,
June 5, 1858. The fourth son, Winthrop, was
born Dec. 9, 1784. He was the father of Winthrop
Buck, and a brief account of his life will be given
in a succeeding paragraph. Ann, the second of that
name, was born Oct. 12, 1786, and died Feb. 6,
178S. Dudley, the seventh and youngest child,
was, as has been said, a jjartner of his brother,
Daniel, in the general merchandise business at
Hartford. He was born Jan. 25, 1789. He was
twice married, first on Sept. 25, 1827, to Hetty G.
Hempstead, a daughter of John Hempstead. She
died June 12, 1834, and on Sept. 13, 1837, he was
united to Martha C, a daughter of Nathaniel
Adams. He was the father of Dudley Buck, the
eminent musician and composer, and died Mav 8,
1867.
Winthrop Buck, above named as the father of
our subject, passed his entire life upon the farm,
although, like his father, he also followed the call-
ing of a fisherman. Although he enjoyed the ad-
vantage of attendance upon the district schools he
may be said to have been chiefly self-educated,
having been a judicious reader and close observer.
His home was on the farm where his son, Henry,
now lives, and he was one of the largest owners
of realty in Wethersfield. He was a ^^ big until that
party was merged into the Republican, after which
he was affiliated with the latter. His religious
views were broad, but he was upriglit in his life,
honorable in his dealings, domestic in his tastes
and habits, and deservedly popular and influential
in the community in the midst of which he lived
from his infancy until his death, which occurred
Aug. 19, 1862. He was twice married. Eunice H.
Parsons, of Amherst, Mass., was his fir.st wife,
their marriage being solenmized Jan. 9, 1812. She
died .\\.\g. 4 of the same year, seven months after
becoming a bride, at the early age of twenty-four.
On Dec. 28, 1814, Mr. Buck married Eunice Mose-
ly. who was born Oct. 8, 1793. and passed away
Aug. 24, 1862, five days after her husband. She
was a daug-fiter of Dr. Abner and Eunice (Wells)
Moselv. Her father was a Yale gracUiate. and a
son of Joseph Mosely and his wife Honefnl Rob-
bins. Mrs. lUick's maternal great-srrand father was
William Wells, who married Jerusha Merrick, of
Glastonbury. Eight children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Buck. The eldest, Martha, born Nov. 26,
1815, died .'^ug. 12. 1000, unmarried. She made
her home with her brother, Henry. Notwithstand-
790
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing her advanced age her intellect was clear and
vigorous and she possessed a refinement and culture
which adorned her declining years and made her
doubly beloved. (2) Winthrop, born Dec. 16,
1816, died July 28, 1900, aged eighty-three years
and seven months. (3) Eunice, born Dec. 31,
1819, died March 12, 1897. (4) Maria was born
Jan. 30, 1 82 1, and married Edmund Howe on Feb.
3, 1856. He died at Hartford April 23, 1857, and
she survived him until Dec. 8, 1894. (5) Robert
was born March 8, 1823. He married, on Christ-
mas day, 1857, Lucena M., a daughter of Jonathan
Emerson, of Lebanon, N. H. She died June 7,
1859, and on Aug. 5, i860, he married Helen
Frances Jones, a daughter of Elisha L. Jones, of
St. Albans, Vt. Robert Buck died at Hartford Aug.
16, 1881. (6) Roswell Riley, born Oct. 21, 1826,
married Maria Catherine Barnes, of Buffalo, N.
Y., Nov. 8, 1866, and after marriage removed to
that city, where his wife's father, Dr. Joseph Barnes,
resided. (7) Catherine Mosely was born Feb. i,
1833, ^nd on Nov. 16, 1866, became the wife of
John Buckingham, of Chicago, who died Aug. 21,
1881. (8) Henry, the eighth and youngest of the
children, was born Dec. 6, 1834. He married, Nov.
30, 1875, Theresa, a daughter of George and Har-
riet Whiting (Bradley) Robinson.
Winthrop Buck was educated at the district
schools and academy of Wethersfield and the Hart-
ford public high school Francis Fellows being then
principal of the last named institution. After leav-
ing school he was offered and accepted a position
as teacher at Middletown, but ill health compelled
him to cancel his engagement. He remained upon
his father's farm, with his parents, until he was
twenty-eight years old, when he bought what was
then known as the B. D. Buck farm, opposite the
homestead. On making this purchase he was forced
to go into debt, and some idea of the degree of
prosperity which attended his efforts may be gath-
ered from the fact that he subsequently invested
over $20,000 in real estate. In addition to general
and dairy farming he cultivated tobacco success-
fully, besides dealing largely in fish. He became
one of Wethersfield's most prosperous as well as
most popular citizens, was progressive and public-
spirited,, sagacious and farseeing, intelligent and
well-read, modest and unassuming. He was a hard
worker and always keenly alive to the demands of
business, yet he found time for recreation, for the
cultivation of domestic tastes and for the enter-
tainment of the many friends whom he made
through his genial, kindly disposition and his un-
swerving integrity. He was one of the oldest men
in the town, only one of his old schoolmates, James
Stanley Griswold, yet living. ^
On Dec. 24, 1845, ^^r. Buck married Charlotte
Woodhouse, who was born at Wethersfield Oct.
19, 181Q, a daughter of Sylvester and Sarah (Har-
riss) Woodhouse. [An extended history of the
Woodhouse familv may be found on another page.]
•Mrs. Buck died Jan. 15, 1896. The issue of the
marriage was two sons, (i) Edward Winthrop
was born Feb. 28, 1847, was educated at the Weth-
ersfield common schools and at the high school in
Hartford, and at the age of eighteen entered the
office of the Travelers Insurance Co., of Hartford.
On Sept. 12, 1876, he married Abbie B., daughter of
Reuben and Olive Barber Osborn, and to them have
been born three children : Winthrop, Sept. 2, 1878
(who graduated from Yale in the class of 1900) ;
Edward Osborn, June 25, 1883 ; and Helen Dudley,
July 2, 1888. Mr. Buck is a Republican and a
member of the Congregational Church in Hart-
ford. (2) Louis Dudley, born Aug. 13, 1850, mar-
ried Laura, a daughter of Samuel O. Church, of
Massachusetts, and lived upon the homestead, where
he died March 19, 1887. His widow resides in
Chicago. He was the father of three children,
Charlotte, Mary C. and Louise Dudley.
ROBERT JOHNSTON VANCE is of Scotch
descent, his grandparents having been members of
the little band of sons of "Auld Scotia," who origi-
nated what has now become the flourishing and well-
known carpet industry at Thompsonville. He him-
self is a son of John and Elizabeth (Johnston")
Vance, and was born in the City of New York on
March 15, 1854. His preliminary education was
received at the public schools of that city, and com-
pleted at the high school in New Britain, to which
place he removed while he was yet a small bov. On
leaving school he entered the employ of the Stanley
Rule & Level Com'^any, and later was offered and
accepted the position of paymaster for the New
Britain Knitting Co.
Mr. Vance's natural bent, however, was toward
journalism, and at the early age of twenty-two years
he founded the New Britain Observer. In 1887
this paper was consolidated with the New' Britain
Herald, Mr. Vance assuming editorial control, and
the new publication taking the name of the Nezv
Britain Herald. To his chosen profession he
brought ability of a rare order, and under his able
management the Herald has become a positive
influence, not only in Hartford countv, but also
throughout the entire State. While still retaining
his chair as editor, Mr. Vance, durinsf the years
i888-go, also filled the position of staff correspond-
ent for the New York Sun at Washins:ton. Not-
withstanding the exacting duties of a successful pro-
fessional career, he has found time to travel exten-
sively both in this country and in Europe, and to
discharge with signal ability and fidelity the duties
attaching to various positions of financial trust. He
has been treasurer of the Herald Publishing- Co.,
and held the same office in the New Britain Electric
Light Co., from the date of the organization of that
corporation until it passed under a new executive
control.
In politics, Mr. Vance has always been an ardent
and consistent Democrat. For fifteen vears he was
a member of the State central committee of his
party, and was a delegate to the National conven-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
791
tions of 1888 and 1892, at St. Louis and Chicago,
respectively. He has also been prominent in public
life. From 1878 to 1887 he served as city clerk of
New Britain; in 1886 he was elected a member of
the Connecticut General Assembly; and in 1887-88
represented his district in the Lth United States
Congress. From 1893 to 1895 lie was State Labor
Commissioner, and in 1896 was elected mayor of
New Britain. To every position which he has
filled, in either private or public life, he has brought
the capability resulting from rare talent, joined to
the integrity which proceeds from a higli sense of
honor. He is widely known throughout Connecti-
cut, and, while warmly liked by the people of his
own city, is held in high esteem by public men
throughout the State, without regard to party
affiliation.
Mr. Vance is a member of the Masonic Order
and of the L O. O. F. He was married, Jan. 24,
1890, to Miss Matilda O'Connor, of Alabama, and
three children have been born to this union, Agnes,
Johnston and Robert Cummings.
CHARLES BRADLEY COWLES, who is
actively identified with the business interests of
Southington as agent for the Flartford Life In-
surance Co. in Plantsville, was born in Southington,
Sept. 12, 1840. His father, Charles Augustus
Cowles, was born Jan. i, 1808, and was married
Sept. 24, 1839, to Mrs. Delia Victoria (Stedman)
Bradley, widow of Charles Bradley. The children
born to them were Charles B. ; Frederick A. ; Jane
L., wife of Royal C. Alix ; Walter A. ; William H. ;
Julia A., wife of Alfred N. Parmalee; and Fanny
M. The father acquired a competence in trade
in the South, became a large land owner in the vi-
cinity of Plantsville, Conn., and was extensively
engaged in farming. He died in Plantsville, June
6, 1873.
Addison Cowles, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Southington Feb. 17, 1770,
and was married Feb. 24, 1800, to Phebe, daugh-
ter of Dr. Jesse Cole. He lived in Plantsville
Center, where his wife died March 13, 1824, aged
forty-six years, and his death occurred Feb. 23,
1828. His father, Ashbel Cowles, was born in
Southington, Sept. 29, 1740, and was married April
29, 1769, to Rhoda Lee, daughter of Jared and
Rhoda (Judd) Lee. He lived west of Plantsville
cemetery. He was an extensive reader, possessed a
very retentive memory and was well versed in his-
torical dates. He held several offices, serving as
constable for years, first selectman in 1792, and also
held the military rank of captain. He died Sept.
19, 181 5. He was a son of Josiah Cowles, who
was born in Farmington, Nov.. 20, 1716, and was
married Nov. 11, 1739, to Jemima Dickinson. Soon
after marriage he located in what is now the town
of Southington, where he bought land extensively.
His wife died Oct. 19, 1746, and he was again mar-
ried, Nov. 22, 1748, his second union being with
Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Pynchon)
Scott, of South'.ngton. He was a man of great
energy, took a leading part in church and society
matters, held several important town oftices, and held
the militarv rank of captain. He was the father of
eighteen cliildren, and his descendants arc numer-
ous and scattered. Josiah Cowles died June 6, 1 793.
His father, Thomas Cowles, was born in Farming-
fon, Feb. 4, 1686, and was married Jan. 6, 1714, to
IMa'rtha Judil. eldest daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(Freeman) Judd, of Waterbury. He resided in
Farmington, where he died March 11, 1751. His
father, "Samuel Cowles, was born in l'"armington,
March 17, 1661, and was married, May 12, 1685, to
Rachel Porter. He lived in Farmington until about
1 716, when he removed to Kensington, where he
died Oct. 14, 1748. He was a son of Samuel
Cowles, who was born in 1639, and was married,
Feb. 14, 1660, to Abigail, daughter of Timothy Stan-
ley, of Flartford. They made their home in Farm-
ington, and he was one of the eighty-four proprie-
tors of that town in 1672. He died April 17. 1691.
His father, John Cole, was one of the first settlers of
Hartford, but soon after 1640 he located in Farm-
ington, and while residing there was induced to
change his name to Cowles, in order to avoid the
inconvenience of being taken at times for another
John Cole, living in the same place. From that time
the descendants of his eldest son, Samuel, have
spelled the name Cowles. John Cole was a farmer,
and a deputy to the General Court in 1653 and 1654.
In 1662 he removed to Hadley, Mass., where he died
in September, 1675. Flis wife, Hannah, died in
Hartford, March 6, 1683, aged seventy years.
Charles B. Cowles, whose name begins this arti-
cle, grew to manhood in Plantsville, and was pro-
vided with excellent educational advantages, attend-
ing Prof. Glendenning's Boarding School, Stam-
ford, and Lewis Academv, Southington. At the
breaking out of the Civil war, in 1861, he joined the
boys in blue as color bearer of Company I, 12th
Conn. V. I., for three years' service, and re-enlisted
at New Iberia, La., with his regiment, in 1863. For
two years he was detailed on detached duty, recruit-
ing and taking recruits to the front. After three
vears and eleven months of service, he was honorably
discharged at Hartford. Returning home, he
engaged in merchandisinp- in Plantsville for three
years, then spent several years in farming, and for
the past twenty years has represented the Hartford
Life Insurance Co. He is a wide-awake, enterpris-
ing business man, and has met with well-deserved
success in his undertakings.
On Jan. 15. 1868, Mr. Cowles was united in mar-
riage with Miss Carolina \'. Moss, a daughter of
Aaron and Abigail (Hitchcock) ?^loss, of Milldalc,
and they have three children : Lillian Moss ; Ed-
ward Aaron ; and Emily Moss, who married Nelson
G. Landon, and has one daughter, Lucy Elizabeth.
Mr. Cowles' political support is given to the men
and measures of the Republican party, and he is a
member of Trumbull Post No. 16. G. A. R. ^Irs.
Cowles is a member of the Daughters of the Ameri-
792
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
can Revolution, being eligible to membership in that
order through her great-grandfather, Amasa Hitch-
cock, who was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war.
AUSTIN F. WILLIAMS (deceased) was at
one time a prominent business man of New York
-City, but much of his life was spent in Hartford
county. He was born in East Hartford, Feb. 26,
1805, a son of Ozias and Anna Williams, and his
education was obtained in the schools of that place.
At the age of eighteen years Mr. Williams came
to Farmington, where he clerked in a drug store for
a time, and later engaged in the lumber business,
with an office in Plainville, Conn. Subsequently he
was interested in the wholesale dry-goods business
in New York City, first as a member of the firm of
Williams & Abbey, later Williams & Camp, and
finally Williams, Bruce & Clark. During the Civil
war he was connected with the freedman's bureau,
and later with that deoartment in Washington, D.
C. ' His last years were spent in Farmington, where
he died in 1885, honored and respected by all who
knew him. In all places and under all circumstan-
ces he was loyal to truth, honor and right, justly
valuing his own self-respect as infinite!}' more pref-
erable than wealth, fame and position. In 1828 he
married Miss Jennette Cowles, a daughter of Timo-
thy and Catherine (Deming) Cowles, and' to them
were born four children. One son and one daugh-
ter died in infancy ; Anna M. Treadwell died in
1892, leaving no children; Mrs. Catherine Deming
Vorce is the only survivor. The wife and mother
died in 1871.
Allen Dunning Vorce, son-in-law of our sub-
ject, was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., and is of French
descent, his paternal great-grandfather having been
a native of France. He is now a dealer in antique
porcelains and curios in New York, but throughout
his business career he has been interested in several
different enterprises. By trade he is a jeweler. At
one time he was connected with the Treasury Depart-
ment at Washington, D. C, was in the banking busi-
ness in New York, and later engaged in the picture
business in Hartford, Connecticut.
Mr. and Mrs. Vorce have four children, of
whom ( I ) Amy Clare is the eldest. ( 2 ) Clarence
Browning, a civil engineer of Hartford, married Vir-
ginia Osborn, of New Haven, Conn., and they have
one child, Virginia. (3) Walter Herbert married
Mabel Newell, of Rochester, N. Y., and they have
one child, Catherine Newell ; he is now superintend-
ent of the signal department of the New York
Central railroad from Syracuse to Lewiston, N. Y.
(4) Jennette Cowles completes the family.
GEORGE HENRY GOODWIN (deceased),
late of Burnside, was a worthy representative of the
old and honored family whose name he bore. Fie
was born April 7, 1826, in Burnside, in the house
occupied by the late lamented Henry L. Goodwin,
and was a son of George and Maria (Kingsbury)
Goodwin.
The ancestry of the Goodwin family in America
can be traced to Ozias Goodwin, who arrived at
Boston Harbor, Mass., Scot. 16, 1632, from Eng-
land. The ancestry of Ozias Goodwin in England
has been traced directly to the Goodwins of East
Anglia, whose names appear among the records of
Norwich, England, as early as 1238. Rev. Augus-
tus Jessopp, a distinguished English antiquarian,
says of this Goodwin family: "To the Gothic
theme (guda) belongs the element 'Good,' and the
meaning of the name Goodwin will stand for 'good
friend' or 'God's friend.' They who can boast of
forefathers known a thousand years ago as emphat-
ically the trusty friends on whose words and in
whose fidelity men could rely without misgiving,
or, on the other hand, well-known as men whose
earnestness, reverence and devotion mark them
above others as the friends of the Most High, with
the fear of God and the love of God before their
eyes, need not look for progenitors whom the ca-
price of kings may have selected for titular distinc-
tion, or the fortunes of war may have tossed into
eminence and the sports of battle enriched. They
assuredly have noble blood in their veins."
With Ozias Goodwin and his wife Mary, or
about the same time, there came also to America, in
the ship "Lion," William Goodwin and his wife
Susannah. William Goodwin was a man of means,
but Ozias was less fortunate in worldly possessions,
and he came to Hartford county. Conn., with the
Braintree company, and became the founder of the
Goodwin family of Hartford, which has given to
the United States many distinguished citizens,
among whom were two United States district at-
torneys, Judge Doll Goodwin, of Detroit, and
Stephen Austin Goodwin, of Chicago, the former ap-
pointed to office by President Jackson, the latter by
President Lincoln. James Goodwin, the millionaire,
and James J. Goodwin, formerly a parter of Pier-
pont Morgan, belong to the same family.
George Goodwin, the grandfather of the de-
ceased, was born Jan. 7, 1757, in Hartford, and was
one of the publishers of the Hartford Courant, which
became one of the most famous newspapers of New
England. He was a "brainy" man, of noble bearing
and countenance, and a leading citizen. He mar-
ried Mary Edwards, who was a member of the
Jonathan Edwards family, and was an only daugh-
ter of Richard and Mary (Butler) Edwards, of
Hartford. To George and Mary (Edwards) Good-
win were born twelve children : Elizabeth, Richard
Edward, Oliver, George, Jason (died in infancy),
Jason (2), (who also died young), Charles, Henry,
Jeremiah, Jason ( 3), a daughter (name not known),
and Edward.
George Goodwin, mentioned above as a son of
George, the fourth in the family, was born in Hart-
ford April 23, 1786, graduated from Yale College
in 1806, and was afterward engag'ecl in the grocery
business in Hartford, under the firm name of Hud-
son & Goodwin until 1815, when the partnership was
dissolved and re-formed under the firm style of
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
798
George Goodwin & Son, Mr. Gofxlwin still continu-
ing at tlic head of the firm and at the same time
managing the Couraiit. George tjoodwin some
vears later came to JUtrnside. where he was the pio-
neer paper manufacturer, and whore he passed the
remainder of his life, dying Feb. 8, 1878. His re-
mains were interred in the Old North cemetery at
Hartford.
To George Goodwin and Maria Kingsbury
I were born nine children, namely : ^laria K., wlio
'■■ was married to Henry Pitkin, a son of Cai>
tain John Pitkin, of East Hartford ; Elizabeth,
who died young; Andrew K., who died sin-
gle, after reaching maturity: Elizabeth (2), who
■ also died single ; Ellen, who was married to Thomas
' 'S. Williams, lived in Auburndale, and there died ;
^fary E., who became the wife of William S. Wil-
liams, and died in Glastonlniry ; George H., the sub-
ject of this biography ; Susan Leavitt, who was mar-
ried to Henry L. Goodwin, and died within a year
after she was wedded ; and Harriet Talcott, now
living in Hartford.
George H. Goodwin was educated in the com-
mon schools of Burnside and the East Hartford
Academy, and then assisted in his father's paper-
mill until 1862, during- which period he erected the
dwelling now occupied by his widow. On Aug. 22,
1862, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Con-
necticut Volunteer Infantry. In 1863 he was pro-
moted to first sergeant, and was wounded at Irish
Bend, La., April 14, of the same year. He remained
•with his regiment until it was mustered out, Aug.
26, 1863, and then re-enlisted, was commissioned
first lieutenant, and appointed refimental quarter-
master of the Twenty-ninth Colored Infantry. While
liolding this position he was wounded in the knee-
pan, which wound rendered him permanently lame,
but the pain of which he uncomplainingly bore the
remainder of his life. He was honorably dis-
charged from the service, and was mustered out Oct.
24, 1865. after which he was employed, on his re-
turn to Hartford, by the ^^£tna Life Insurance Co.
until 1872, and then bv the Travelers Insurance Co.
until his death, which occurred, after a short illness
from pneumonia, Dec. 17, 1893.
Mr. Goodwin first married, June 3, 1868, Mary
Merrow Pitkin, who died Aug. 14, i87> without
issue. On Oct. 18, 1876, he married ]\[iss Mary
D. Skinner, daughter of Dwight T. and Sarah ( Sey-
mour) Skinner. This marriage was blessed with
three children: George, born Aug. 25, 1878; Mary
Edwards, born Jan. 24, 1883 ; and William H., born
Dec. 29, 1885.
In politics Mr. Goodwin was a Republican. In
his societv affiliations he was a member of Orient
Lodge No. 62. F. & A. :\I. : D. C. Rodman Post, G.
A. R., of East Hartford: and of the Law & Order
League. He was a deacon in the First Congrega-
tional Church of East Hartford, was one of its most
influential members, and a liberal contributor to its
support.
From the "East Hartford Congregational Church
History" of 1893 the following extract is made:
"Of Deacon Goodwin, whose activity made him
carry his years so lightly, it needs a more eloquent
voice than mine to si)eak. He has wielded for so
long a time such an influence for good, and his true
and u])right life, and earnest, self-sacrificing labors
of love for liis beloved church, none of us can ever
ap[)rcciate. In every department he was ready to
lend a helping hand with untiring devotion, and to
spend his strength for its welfare. His was a na-
ture of rare sturdiness and \-et gentleness ; always
courteous, always devout, and fearless and unflinch-
ing for the right. His counsels will be missed not
less than his activity. It is a cause for thanksgiv-
ing that we have had the privilege of his life among
us for so many years."
ABEL PECKHAM, Jr. (deceased), was born in
Stonington, Xew London Co., Conn., Sept. 12,
1835, and descended from one of the oldest of Xew
England's Colonial families, which, as the name indi-
cates, was of English origin.
Peleg Peckham, grandfather of Abel, our sub-
ject, was a native of Rhode sland, and farmed all his
ufe in Hopkinton, Washington Co., that State. His
son Abel, father of Abel, our subject, was born
July I, 1806, and grew to manhood at Hopkinton,
and early learned the trade of shipwright, at which
he worked at Point Judith. R. I., until he turnea
his attention to farmmg. He married, at Charles-
town, R. I., Feb. 13, 1830, Rebecca Healy, who was
born April 2^, 1809, the result of the union being
two children ; William Franklin, born in Charles-
town, Dec. 15, 1831 ; and Abel, our subject. The
parents had, early in the thirties, come to Connecti-
cut, where the father engaged in farming near
South Stonington until 1840, when he removed his
family to Hampden county, Mass., and purchased
a farm in Blandford, which farm he cultivated until
1849, when he moved to Otis, Berkshire county.
There he remained until 1865, when he returned to
North Blandford, and in 1870 came to Suffield.
Conn., bought a small farm, and here died Aug. 12,
1878. At each of these removes Mr. Peckham sold
one farm and bought another, but was too shrewd
a man to lose money in any of his trades. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat, and in Otis served as town
assessor and selectman. He was a member of tiie
Methodist Episcopal Churcn. was temperate, hard-
working and truthful, and was respected by all who
knew him. His widow, also a consistent Methodist,
died at the home of her son, William ¥.. in Suffield,
Dec. 20, 1890.
Abel Peckham, Jr., the subject of this sketch,
attended the district schools of Blandford and Otis,
and, lieing fond of study, later went to the acade:ny
at \\'ilbraham, Mass. L'pon his return he ac-
cepted positions- as ■ school teacher in the district
schools of Otis Center and West Otis, and this voca-
tion he followed several terms ^ he then served as
school visitor and committee for the e.xamination
of teachers. He engaged in farming at Blandford
h
794
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for seven years, then removed to Florence, Hamp-
shire Co., Mass., and for one year followed merchan-
dising and butchering. In 1873 he came to Suifield,
bought a farm of fifty-six acres from Silas Clark —
the Abijah Remington farm — and engaged in culti-
vating the usual products of the neighborhood. A
few years prior to his death he was attacked with
pneumonia, which degenerated into consumption,
and this ended in his death, May 28, 1878. His
remains were interred in the Suffield cemetery, and
he left relatives and friends who sincerely deplored
his departure from their midst. He was a sincere
and devout member of the Congregational Church,
and died in the conviction of a blessed immortality.
In politics he was a Democrat, but never was an
office seeker.
Mr. Peckham was married, at North Blandford,
Mass., Nov. 12, 1859, to Miss Julia A. Gibbs, born
Aug. 15, 1841, daughter of Bradner S. Gibbs, and a
native of Blandford, and to this union three chil-
dren were born : Edwin L. and William Horace,
born in Otis, Mass.; and Carrie R., in Blandford,
Mass. Edwin L. died in Florence, Mass., at the age
of eleven years. Willi.\m Hor.\ce was educated
in the district school and the Connecticut Literary
Institute, at Suffield, under Prof. Shores, and since
his father's death has farmed the homestead, to
which he has added twenty-three acres through his
skill and industry, and now owns seventy-nine acres.
He has been successful as a tobacco grower, dairy-
man and farmer, has made many improvements on
the old farm, and has made it one of the best of its
size in the county. In politics he is a Democrat,
and a sound one. He is a member of the Congre-
gational Church. The brother, sister and mother
all make their home together on the homestead
farm.
Elijah Gibbs, grandfather of Mrs. Julia A. Peck-
ham, lived and died in Blandford, Mass., a farmer.
To this marriage, with Fanny Morton, were born
ten children: Eli, who settled in Pennsylvania;
Levi and Lucias, of Monterey, Mass. ; Henry, a mer-
chant of the Keystone State; Dwight and Israel,
farmers of Blandford, Mass. ; Bradner S., father of
Mrs. Peckham ; Betsey Ann, who was married to
Curtis Deming, of New Boston, Mass. ; Mrs. Orville
Gibbons ; and Fannie, who was married to Smith
Marcy, and became the mother of Dr. Marcy, of
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Bradner Stuart Gibbs, father of Mrs. Peckham,
passed his life on the homestead, and died Aug. 19,
1888. His widow died Dec. 10, 1890. He was a
Democrat in politics, and a man of established hon-
esty. To his marriage, with Sarah Demming, at
Sandisfield, Mass., were born seven children : John
H. ; Julia Ann, Mrs. Peckham ; Jane ; Emogene, wife
of Charles Loomis, of Leeds, Mass. ; Elijah, of West-
field ; Marietta, wife of Russell Gibbs, of Bland-
ford ; and Albert, who is a farmer in the last-named
town. The Gibbs family were among the first set-
tiers of Blandford, and the first male child born in
Blandford was a member thereof.
LEVI CLINTON VIETS. In time to come
this volume will acquire added value as a repos-
itory of records whose historical significance will
then be fully appreciated, and the efforts made by
this generation to preserve such data as is still ob-
tainable concerning their ancestry will be grate-
fully acknowledged by posterity.
The Viets family, of which this honored citizen
of East Granby is one of the oldest living repre-
sentatives, has already compiled and printed in
pamphlet form an account of earlier generations,
Francis H. Viets, A. B., taking charge of the work,
assisted effectively by our subject. From this in-
teresting compilation we learn that the family is
descended from Dr. John Viets, or Viett, a native
of Germany, and a man of fine ability and unusual
education for that day. He was born probably
about 1665, and it is believed that his marriage
occurred in New York. In 1710 his name appears
on the town records of Simsbury, Hartford county,
as a newly admitted citizen; on Jan. 5, 171 1, he re-
ceived a deed of about twelve acres of land from the
heirs of John Griffin. It appears from these and
other writings that he signed the name Viett (the
various spellings of the name among different
families in Germany affording a wide individual
choice), but after his death his sons signed it
Vietts, which would indicate that it had previously
been pronounced thus, and that the original form
may have been Vietz. The present simple mode
was adopted about 1751, and may now be consid-
ered as fully authorized. Dr. Viets resided on the
west side of the mountain, in Simsbury, in what is
now the Falls school district of East Granby. Here
he cultivated his farm and practiced medicine, but
on account of the condition of the country at that
time, and the poverty naturally attending the new
settlement, he was not as successful as he had an-
ticipated in his profession, and thought of returning
to his native country. In 1713 he mortgaged his
farm for the sum of £10. At this time there was
a linseed-oil mill on the estate, which he probably
erected not long before. In 1723, a short time be-
fore his death, he received a grant of eighty-two
acres of land from the town of Simsbury. Dr.
Viets died of a fever when about fifty-eight years
of age, and three surviving records concur in giv-
ing the date of his death as Nov. 18, 1723. The
name of his wife was Catharine, according to tv/o
surviving records. Of her maiden surname we
have no record, but there is a tradition that it was
Meyers. Her gravestone in Simsbury bears the
following inscription : "Catherine Vets, ye wife
of Dct. John Vets, died March 5, 1734, Je. 68."
The inscription differs in date from the town
record of Simsbury, and the family record kept by
her son, Henry Viets, which states that — Cathar-
ine, wife of Dr. John Viets, had four children in
the following orcler : Catharine married a Mr.
Hoskins, of Windsor; Henry, born 1709, died April
2, 1779; John, born Nov. 3, 1712, married Lois
Phelps, died April 8, 1777; ^"d Mary (or Mercy)
married a Mr. Gough or Goft". At the death of
J^AJ-L /^ ^^u-t2f
I
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
795
their father Henry and John were thrown at an
early age upon their own efforts. By their inchis-
try and abihtv they acquired considerable estate.
(II Henry Viets was for a time employed in
the copper mines in Simsbury, but soon turned his
attention to farming, and became the owner of an
extensive estate in the northern part of Simslniry.
His homestead is now the property and place of
residence of his descendant, James H. \'iets.. Henry
Viets died April 2, 1779. His first wife, Margaret,
died Sept. 28, 1750. He married, for his second
wife, Magaret Austin, of Windsor, who was born
in 1712, and died Oct. 14, 1783. His children by
his first wife were: Henry, born Jan. 24, 1737, died
Feb. 5, 1824; Alargaret, born May 9, 1739, died
Sept. 22, 1782: Luke, born June 17., 1743, died Oct.
21. 1757, accidentally shot at Becket, Mass., while
hunting: David, born Feb. 18, 1745, died Nov. 3,
1815; Jonathan, born Sept. 26, 1750, died Feb. 17,
1837. By his second wife he had one son, James,
born Aug. 28, I7S2, died Dec. 23, 1827.
Capt. John Viets, brother of Henry, was also
for a time employed in the copper mines, and after-
ward became a farmer and an extensive trader.
His estate lay on the western slope of the Green-
stone ^vlountain, and his homestead is now in the
possession of his descendant, Virgil E. Viets.
When, at the breaking out of the Revolution, New-
gate prison was established, John Viets was ap-
pointed keeper. He married, Dec. 12, 1734, Lois
Phelps, daughter of Nathaniel Phelps. She was
born March 10, 1718, and died Nov. 12, 1810, while
his death occurred April 8, 1777. They had ten
children: John, born March 2, 1736, died Sept. 27,
1765, married Elizabeth Phelps; Roger, born
March 9, 1737, A. B. Yale College, 1758, died Aug.
15, 181 1 ; Seth, born May 26, 1740, died 1823, mar-
ried Ruth Smith; Eunice, born Nov. 24, J742,
married Elisha Griswold (her son, Alexander Mets
Griswold, was born in Simsbury, Conn., April 22,
1766, died in Boston, Mass., Feb. 15, 1843 ; bishop of
the Eastern diocese of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the Lnited States, from 181 1 to 1843;
became presiding bishop in 1836. A "Life of Bishop
Griswold"' was written by the Rev. J. S. Stone,
D. D.) ; Lois, born Jan. 29, 1744, married Jona-
than Buttles ; Abner is mentioned below ; Cathar-
ine, born Aug. 7, 1749, died April 14, 1756; Dan
was born July 2, 1751 ; Rosannah, born May 13,
1755, married Eleazer Rice; Luke, born June 6,
1759, died Feb. 25, 1835.
(Ill) Capt. Abner X'iets, our subject's grand-
father, was born in Simsbury Feb. 15, 1747, and
died in Granby, July 27, 1826. His farm, now in
the town of East Granby, is owned by our subject.
His wife, Mary Viets, born June 27, 1751, died
Sept. 4, 1825. Their children were: Abner, born
June 29, 1772, married Sarah , died Nov.
18, 1825: Mary, born May 18, 1774, married Henry
Viets, died April 7, 1805 ; Benoni, born Feb. 13,
1777, married Esther Dewey, died Feb. 11, 1852;
Sanuiel, born Jan. 17, 1779, married Susan Pratt,
died March 6, 1814; Eunice, born Dec. 27, 1780,
married Enoch Kellog, died (date not given) ;
Dan, born Oct. 17, 178^ married Beulah Phelps,
(lied Dec. 20, 1866; Annis, born March 11, 1785,
married a Mr. Rudd ; Levi is mentioned below ;
Elizabeth, born April 30, 1790, married Russell
Loomis; Apollos, born July 25, 1794. died aged
about twenty-one. Capt. Abner \'icts was a suc-
cessful man financially, and in addition to general
farming he was extensively interested in stock rais-
ing. Politically he was a Federalist and was active
in public affairs, serving some time as captain In
the State militia. His mental gifts were superior,
and he became especially well-informed on legal
principles, his skill in unraveling problems of that
nature causing him to be frequently employed as a
lawyer.
'(IV) Levi \'iets, the father of our subject.
was born in Simsbury June 15. 1786. and received
a good common-school education. He was one of
the most successful farmers in East Granby, and
resided throughout his life on the ho:ne farm, with
the exception of five years which he spent with his
uncle Luke. He owned and operated over 300
acres of land, and was one of the pioneer tobacco
raisers in that section. As a citizen he was well-
known in the community and much respected, and
although he never took- an active part in public
matters he was a stanch supporter of the okl_ V> big
party. He was a member of the Episcopal Church,
while his estimable wife was for many years act-
ivelv identified with the North Granby Congrega-
tional Church. He died Dec. 22, 1857, while his
son, Levi C, was in the West, and his remains now
rest in the East Granby cemetery. He married
Sarah Dibble, who was born April 10, 1792, daugh-
ter of Deacon Benjamin Dibble, and died Sept. 15,
1852. Thev had two children: Levi Clinton, our
subject, and Richard Benjamin, who was born
April 23, 1830, and died July 24, 1863, after a long
sickness.
(\') Levi Chnton Viets was born Jan. 17, 1827,
in East Granby (then Granby), and during boy-
hood attended the district schools of the neighbor-
hood, with three terms in select schools in Granby
and four in the Connecticut Literary Institute, in
Suffield. His instruction in the English branches
was thorough and accurate. Profs. Burnett and
Gallop being among the teachers whose assistance
he recalls with most hearty appreciation, and even
in his youth he was considered one of the best
mathematicians in this section. In April. 185 1, at
their father's request, Levi C. and his brother, Rich-
ard B., took charge of his (father's) farm and oper-
ated it for five years. In April, 1856, our subject
went west and traveled much in Iowa, Minnesota
and Nebraska, by steamboat and mail coach. At
Dakota City, Neb., he resided four years and en-
gaged in farming and in the real estate business.
On Dec. 25, i860, he returned to Granby, having
been gone about five years, and found his brother
in such poor health that he went to work with
him on the old farm. For the first twelve years after
his brother's death our subject expended most of
.796
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
\
his earnings in improvements and new buildings
on his farm, but for the last twenty-four years he
has put his money into Stock investments, which
have paid better than the farm, and by judicious in-
vestments and careful management of his inher-
itance he has accumulated a substantial competence,
but he is not now much engaged in farming. Dur-
ing all of his life, besides operating the farm, he
has done considerable business in wood and lum-
ber.
Mr. Viets' library is one of the best in East
Granby, and he is well-informed upon the topics
of the time. His religious views are extremely
broad and liberal, but he attends the Episcopal
Church and contributes to its support. Political
life has no charms for him, and on one occasion,
when elected selectman of East Granbv, he de-
clined to serve. In early life he was a Whig and
later he became a Repujjlican, but the Free-Trade
issue led him into the Democratic party, with
which he has since affiliated. His unassuming
manners and genuine kindliness have made him
many friends, and socially he is connected with the
Grange at East Granby, and with St. Mark's Lodge
No. 91, F. & A. M., of Granby, of which lodge
he was one of the charter members.
HON. ALPHEUS D. CLARK (deceased).
One of the noted regiments of the Army of the Po-
tomac was the 14th Conn. V. L, known as the
"Fighting Fourteenth," and the subject of this
sketch, for many years a well-known resident of
East Glastonbury, was distinguished for his sol-
dierly qualities even in such company. He was one
of the few privates who rose to the rank of captain,
and his promotion was made solely upon merit, after
examination before the United States Military
Board at Washington. Capt. Clark's career as a
business man and public-spirited citizen also shows
his natural ability as a leader, and in 1898-99 he
served as representative from his town in the State
Legislature.
Our subject belonged to an old Connecticut fam-
ily, and his grandfather, Pelatiah Clark, was for
many years engaged in farming in Haddam, Mid-
dlesex county; he spent his last days at Middle-
town, in the home of his son Alfred. Alfred Clark
was born in Haddam, the youngest of a large family
•of children, and received a district school education.
He followed farming as an occupation, with the ex-
ception of two years spent in working in a brass
foundry. His wife, Christina S. Clark, was a
daughter of Ebenezer and Mary Clark, and they had
nine children, as follows : Mary married Levi
Clark ; Alpheus D. is mentioned more fully below ;
Jeannette married Alfred L. Morgan, of Middle-
town; Smith married Loretta Spencer, and settled
. in Durham, Conn., where he was a well-known
farmer and school teacher; John B. married Sa-
mantha Nettleton, and settled on a farm in Dur-
ham ; Emil P. married George W. Tuttle, a me-
chanic of Meriden ; Whitney P. married Mary
Camp, and resides on a farm in Durham; and Ru-
etta and Frances both died in infancy.
Alpheus D. Clark was born in Middletown Feb.
7, 1836, and attended a district school, also a select
school taught by Daniel H. Chase. His parents
died when he was sixteen years old, and he was
obliged to make his owii way in life, his first em-
ployment being as a farm hand. This he followed
for three months, receiving sixteen dollars a monthj
which was considered good wages at that time ; but
he was a good worker and had an excellent knowl-
edge of farming for one of his years. He then
found work in the shops of the Russell Manufacture
ing Co., of Middletown, remaining until winter,
when he taught a district school. For some time
he taught in winters and farmed in summers, and
about i860 he went to work in the Maromas quar-
ries, where he was employed until his enlistment,
from Middletown, in Company B, 14th Conn. V. L,
under Capt. E. W. Gibbons and Col. Dwight Morris.
He entered for three years, and was with the Army
of the Potomac two years, taking part in many fierce
engagements. In 1864 he passed a most creditable
examination before the military board, and was ap-
pointed captain of Company D, 122nd U. S. Colored
Infantry, with which he remained until being mus-
tered out at Corpus Christi, Texas, Jan. 17, 1866.
On returning home Capt. Clark located at East
Glastonbury, engaging in the stone business with
his father-in-law, Mr. Hentze, under the name of
Hentze & Clark. They continued together for
twenty years, and in 1882 our subject also began
the manufacture of paper, under the name of the
Roaring Brook Paper Mfg. Co. In 1895 he re-
tired from business, and spent the remainder of his
days in ease at his attractive farm in Glastonbury.
On March 18, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary
Hentze, a native of Middletown, and they had two
children: (i) Elisha P., who married Isabelle n..
Weir, and resided on the farm with our subject; he
has one child, Chester H. (2) Flora M., wife of
Lewis Krebs,. died April 18, 1899; she left no chil-
dren. The mother of these children died Dec. 29,
1897, and the Captain was again married, this time
on April 24, 1899, to Miss Ellen A. House, of Glas-
tonbury. In politics („apt. Clark was a Republican,
and he served as tax collector, school visitor and
justice of the peace for many years. During his
term in the Legislature he served on the committee
on Judicial Nomination. In early life he was a
member of the Congregational Church, and later he
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he was a prominent worker, as have also been
his family. He was a member of Drake Post No. 4,
G. A. R., of South Manchester, and his United
States commission from Adjt.-Gen. Thomas gave
him the highest rank of any G. A. R. man in the
town. Flis death, on May 9, 1900, was widely and
sincerely mourned.
George S. and Weltha J. (Warner) House, Mrs.
Clark's parents, were natives of East Glastonbury
and Marlboro, respectively. He was a farmer by
VM^^,
SJiicact7. /-■/
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
797
)Ccupation. Their family consisted of four cliil-
iren: Jlerl)ert, of luist ilartford; Ellen A. (Mrs.
"lark): and \\ illnir W . and Lillie, both deceased.
The father passed away in January, 1892, the mother
n June, 1893. Both were members of the Meth-
iilist Episcopal Church.
HOX. SA:ML'EL T. WELDEN, the present
epresentative from the town of Simsbury in the
State Legislature, is a man who may truly be said
.0 be the archit;ect of his own fortune, and in making
iiis way to success has shown rare ability and energy,
beginning his career as a boy in a factory, he has
succeeded in gaining a firm stand in business cir-
cles, and enjins a large trade in builders' hardware,
stoves, agricultural implements and similar com-
modities, and also conducts the most extensive
tjreenhouses in his locality. The following account
uf ills life and character will be read with interest,
and cannot but convey a helpful lesson.
Mr. ^^'elden was born April 5, 1858, in New
York City, son of Samuel W'elden, and in the pater-
nal line he is a descendant of an English family.
Thomas W'elden, his grandfather, a native of Eng-
land, was one of the founders of Stonefield, Canada,
and he and his wife reared a large family of chil-
dren, eight sons and one daughter: John, William,
Richard, Samuel, Reuben, James. Thomas, Freder-
ick and Ann : all married but Frederick, and had
children. Only three of the brothers are now living.
Reuben, James and Frederick, in Canada. They
are engaged in the lumber business, which they
have followed throughout life, staying in the woods
all winter getting out timber, which is sent to Mon-
treal in large rafts in the spring. John, William,
Richard and Samuel left Canada when quite young,
settling in Xew York Cit}-, and all engaged in dock
building, which was quite a business at that time.
William died in Brooklyn, X. Y.. about a year ago.
Of the children of John, Frederick resides in Long
Island City, X. Y. : George is in the West, and
Ellen died in Canada three years ago.
Samuel Welden, our subject's father, was born
in 1S30 in the town of Cheltenham, England, and
in his youth accom]ianied his father to Canada.
\\hen a young man he left home without anv defi-
nite plans, but finallv located in X'^ew York and
served an apprenticeship to the dock builder's trade,
which he followed manv years. He was married
there, on April 10, 1855. to Miss X''ancy ^IcGirr,
and in 1867 he became a naturalized citizen of the
United States. His death occurred Feb. 26. 1872.
after a long illness, and as his savings liad been
exhausted his widow found it a difficult task to care
for their three children and her niece, .\nna McGirr.
daughter of Robert McGirr. Our subject, the
eldest of her children, w-as then fourteen years old,
and was able to render effective aid to his mother,
who decided to remove to Simsburv. where her
sister, Mrs. ATartha McX'ulty. resided, and better
opportunities for emj^loynient could be found. Soon
after her arrival she took a position in a fuse fac-
tory, where our subject was also employed, and
later she Ijecame a nurse in the family of Joseph
Toy. After the death of Mrs. Toy she returned to
the factory, and thus, by her strenuous efforts, her
little family was kept together, and the younger
children educated and trained to useful trades. \\ ill-
iam Reuben, the second son, attended the Hartford
J'ublic High School two years, and served an ajipren-
ticeship of four years as a machinist with I'ratt &
Whitney, of Hartford. He is now an exjjert
machinist, and resides in New York City. George
Frederick, the youngest son, took a course in Mc-
L.ean's Seminary, Simsbury, and after learning the
machinist's trade with I'ralt & Whitney entered the
employ of the Ensign Hick ford Co., of Simsbury.
Mrs. Nancy (McCJirrJ W'elden, of whose cour-
age and ability her sons are justlv proud, was born
in Londonderry, Ireland, and died April 8, 1885.
She passed away without warning, being engaged
at the time in assisting some other ladies in reno-
vating the interior of the Methodist parsonage at
Simsbury. Her constitution was rcmarls-ably strong,
as was shown by her years of hard toil, and in her
stern integrity and sound common sense she gave
evidence of her descent from good Scotch-Irish
ancestry. For many years she was a consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and both by
precept and example she trained her boys to honesty
and uprightness. Her ancestors for several genera-
tions were residents of County Donegal, Ireland,
and her grandfather, John McGirr. died there, leav-
ing a large family. Her grandmother, whose
maiden name was Rebecca Robison, afterward
crossed the Atlantic w-ith a son, Robert, who located
first in Canada and later in Xew York City, where
she died at the age of ninety, her remains being
interred in Greenwood cemetery.
William McGirr, father of Mrs. Xanc\- Welden.
was born about 1800 in County Donegal, and was
married there to X'ancy Nesbit, a native of the same
locality. By occupation he was a weaver, and in
1839 came to the United States for his health, which
was greatly benefited by the change. Having
decided to remain, he sent for his familv, and on
July 4. 1841, they arrived in Xew York City, where
he has been staying with his brother Robert. For
many years he was engaged in biisiness as a stone
mason, and in laving flagging, and his death oc-
curred in New York in April. 1852. He was an
honest, hard-working man, and an excellent citizen,
and he and his estimable wife, who survived him
two vears, were members of the Presbyterian Church
at the corner of Grand and Mercy streets, Xew
York. Of their nine children. Ellen married John
Johnston, and resides in Wisconsin, where they were
pioneers : Rebecca died in New York at the age of
twentv-two vears, unmarried: ^kfartha, widow of
Alexander INfcXulty, resides at .Simsburv. Conn.:
Sarah married Georcre Corran. and died in Wiscon-
sin : Xancv, our subject's mother, was fifth in the
order of birth: Catherine died in Ireland in child-
hood : Robert died in Wisconsin : William, who
798
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
served in the Civil war with the ranlc of orderly ser-
geant, was a contractor for years, and is now a
farmer at Upper Macopin, N. J. ; George, the only
one of the children born in America, served in the
Union army during the Rebellion, and now lives
in the West.
Our subject attended the public schools of New
York City until he was fourteen, but from that time
he was compelled to carry on his studies alone, while
helping to support the family. He is a close, keen
observer, and his reading has given him a wide
range of information, his conversation making a
stranger suppose him to be a college graduate. His
manner in speaking is deliberate and effective, and
had he been prepared for a profession in his youth
he would doubtless have met with marked success.
His unvarying courtesy has been a strong factor in
his advance to his present enviable position in life,
and he has hosts of friends, won by his sterling
qualities of character. After coming to Simsbury
he worked for iifteen years for the firm known as the
Ensign Bickford Co., beginning in a humble capac-
ity, and rising to a position of responsibility. He
then engaged in business on his own account, pur-
chasing his present hardware store and greenhouse
from the estate of C. A. McLean. As both enter-
prises were then carried on in a small way, he de-
voted his attention to building them up, and through
his able management they have developed to an
extent seldom seen in towns of the size of Sims-
hurj. As a florist he has made a decided success
with his house plants and cut flower specialties, his
trade extending over a large territory. Politically
he is a Republican, but for the first few years after
attaining his majority he supported the Prohibi-
tion party. In the fall of 1898 he was elected to
the Legislature, where he served with credit. So-
cially he and his wife are prominent, and they are
identified with Epworth League circles and the work
of the Methodist Church in Simsbury, in which Mr.
Welden is steward and trustee. He is also active
in the Masonic Fraternity, being a member of St.
Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M., at Simsbury,
and the Chapter, R. A. M., at Collinsville. H.'is
wife, formerly Miss Harriet A. Case, is a daughter
of Ralph and Mary Annie Case, and was born at
Livonia, N. Y., where her family is well known.
The only child of this union, Alice M., died in
infancy.
HON. D. W. MACK. It is a noteworthy fact
that the scions of the old pioneer families are taking
the lead in the manifold activities of modern life, the
hardy stock being in no way deteriorated by the
added culture and refinement of later generations.
The subject of this sketch, who is one of the
most prominent citizens of Windsor, can trace his
descent in different lines from several of the oldest
families in America, and by his ability and personal
worth he does credit to his ancestry. Among the
historic personages with whom he can claim blood
relationship are Ethan Allen, the hero of Ticonde-
roga, and Peregrine White, the first white child
born in America, while several of his ancestors i
served as soldiers in the Revolutionary army. In!
the direct paternal line he is descended from Andrew i
Mack, a Hessian soldier, who was captured at Ticon-'
deroga, and imprisoned for a time in the old New-i
gate prison, in this county; when released he joined'
the Continental army and fought gallantly on the
side of freedom imtil the independence of the Colo-
nies was acknowledged. He then settled upon a farm
in the town of Windsor, where he died July 7, 1839,]
aged eig'hty-nine ; his wife, Sally Pease, of Enfield,''
this county, died Jan. 23, 1833, at the age of eighty, j
They had four sons who lived to adult age : WiU-i
iam, our subject's grandfather; Andrew, known asl
Col. Andrew ; James, who served in the war of \
1812, and died while on the way home from New
Orleans ; and Henry, of whom no definite account
has been preserved.
Col. Andrew Mack was born March 9, 1780, at i
the old home in Windsor, and, after receiving a i
somewhat limited education, went to sea, where he i
passed through all grades up to that of master of a
ship. He circumnavigated the globe three times, '
but in 1808 he gave up his sea-faring life, bringing
with him on his last trip a flock of Merino sheep, ■
one of the first brought to this country, from Spain. 1
He .disembarked at New Haven, but took his flock |
to a farm near Cincinnati, where for many years he <
was engaged in sheep breeding. Pie was one of ;
the owners of the first woolen-mill in Ohio, being
associated with William H. Harrison (afterward
President of the United States), Lewis Corneal. '.
Nicholas Longworth and other prominent men of
that day, but through indorsing a note of a New i
Orleans merchant he lost all his means and was •■
obliged to begin life anew. He opened the "Man-
sion House" in Cincinnati, which became a favorite
headquarters for army officers. Gen. Andrew Jack- 1
son being a frequent guest. During the war of
1812 Andrew Mack organized a body known as
"minute men of Cincinnati," which was part of the
First Ohio Regiment of Militia, and of which he
was made colonel. After the close of the war he
served as representative and State senator of >
Ohio, and was also' levee commissioner. After
Jackson's election, in 1828, one of his first,,
thoughts was of what he could do for his friend
Mack. He came to JNIack's hotel in Cincinnati, and
said : "Andrew, would you take an office ? I can
.give you a good one in Michi,gan." Mr. Mack said
"it would be acceptable." "Well," said Old Hick-
ory, "3'ou can be governor of the Territory of Michi-
gan or customs collector of the port of Detroit."
After some consideration the Colonel decided that
both his modegty and means inclined him towards
the collectorship, to which he was appointed, to suc-
ceed Louman Beecher. He held the office ten years,
and as in those days it vielded less than $1,000 per
annum to its incumbent, he decided to supplement
his income, taking charge of the "Mansion House'"
at Detroit, of which he was landlord for three vears.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r'JO
,n 183 1 he, in cc'impany witli ten otliers, all leading
Democrats, organized a company, and on May 5,
1831, they issued the first copy of the Dciiiocralic
I'rcc Press, Detroit. For some years the Gazette
lad been the only Democratic sheet in the Terri-
.ory, but it was burned out in 1830, and the Journal,
ilthough professedly independent, but with Whig
.eaning, had been ]5ouring hot shot into the admin-
istration, so tlic Free Press organized to oifset its
opposition. In 1832 cholera broke out in Detroit,
being brought, by soldiers from the steamer "Jrlenry
Clay," en route to take part in the J!lack Hawk war,
but Col. Alack took in every soldier that applied at
his hotel, althoiigh it cost him the loss of many of
his regular guests. At one time he was mayor of
Detroit, and in 1839 he was elected to the Legisla-
ture of Michigan. He was a man of striking per-
sonality, resembling pictures of, "Red Jacket," the
Indian chief, and was over six feet tall, with broad
shoulders and lirm muscles. He died July 12, 1854,
and of his children only one son survived him,
Charles A. JNIack. He also had an adopted daugh-
ter, Cornelia, who married Jacob Strader, a well-
known and wealthy steamboat owner of Cincinnaa,
Ohio. Charles A. Alack was for many years an offi-
cer in the United States Revenue service, and died
in Detroit in 1864.
William Alack, our subject's grandfather, was
born Alay 31, 1783, in Windsor, and also served in
the war of 1812. By occupation he was a farmer,
his home being in the town of Windsor, where he
died June 15, 18O2, at the as'e of seventy-nine years.
He was a Democrat in politics, and for many years
was an active member of the Congregational Church.
On Alay 22, 1804, he was married to Charlotte Allen,
who was born July 30, 1784, and died iNov. 2, 1857.
and the remains of both now rest in the cemetery at
Windsor. Charlotte Allen was a near relative of
Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. Her father,
George Allen, a highly respected resident of Wind-
sor, died Oct. 16, 1835, aged seventy-nine, and her
mother, Saborah Case, of Simsbury, died April 22,
1840, at seventy-eight years of age. To William
and Charlotte (Allen) Alack came nine children:
Charlotte, born Aug. 3, 1806, married William Per-
kins, and died Alay 23, 1836, in East tlartford;
Elizabeth, born April 8, 1808, died Jan. 18, 1810;
William, our subject's father, is mentioned more
fully below; Andrew, born June 4, 1812, died Jan.
26, 1876, at Chaplin, Conn., where he had followed
farming; George A., born July 23, 1815, married
Eliza Al. Reynolds, Nov. 29, 1837, and died Alay 4,
i8yS, in Windsor; Henr)-, born Alarch i, i8i8, died
in childhood; Ruth, born Alarch 5, 1819, married
Lucius S. Alerritt, of Windsor; Hezekiah, born
April 19, 1821, was a farmer by occupation, and died
in Windsor in 1898; Griswold, born Sept. 21, 1829,
was accidentally killed in Sanilac, Alich., by a fall
from a trestle. (For some years he was employed
in_ the lumber business by Air. Imlay, formerly of
W indsor, with whom he went to Alichigan).
Hon. William Alack, the father of our subject.
was a native of Windsor, born May 14. 1810, and
was educated in the common schools of the town.
When about fourteen years old he secured emplov-
mcnt in a brick yard, where his faithfulness and
steady habits soon won him promotion. Knqwing
that he had to make his own way in the world he
saved his earnings, and at one time he worked six
months at $12.50 ocr month, and only spent two
dollars. As a^young man he engaged in brick-
making on his own account, and at present he is
the oldest manrfacturer in Windsor in that line.
He is also interested in farming, and although he
has been an industrious worker all his life, he is
remarkably well-preserved, each day during the
summer of 189S finding him busy at some task. As
a citizen he is much esteemed, and at times he has
taken an active part in political affairs, although he
often avoided official responsibilities. In his early
years he was a Democrat, having voted for Jackson,
but since the organization of the Republican party
he has been a stanch supporter thereof, baving been
the first representative ever elected on that ticket to
the State Legislature from the town of Windsor.
His able services in that body during the Civil war
established him still more firmly in the confidence
of the people.
At the age of twenty-six Air. Alack married Aliss
Sarah AI. Ware, wlio died June 30, 1890, her re-
mains being interred in Windsor. They had the
following children: William R., brick manufac-
turer and farmer, and a resident of Windsor ; Henry
C, a farmer and brick maker of Windsor ; \\"arren,
wdio died aged nine years ; Sarah AL, who died when
one year old ; Charles N., a member of the New
Haven police force; D. W., our subject; Willard W.,
who died at the age of sixteen, from typhoid fever ;
Sarah AL, now Airs. Elislia Cobb, of \\'indsor; and
Frederick W., who married Aliss \'crnelia Case, of
Bloomfield, and resides in Windsor.
Airs. Sarah Al. (Ware) Alack was a lady of unu-
sual gifts of mind and heart, and was especiall-
noted for her retentive memory, even in old age.
For many years she was identified with the Con-
gregational Church, but later she united with the
Alethodist Church. Her father, Daniel Ware, came
from Alassachusetts, and for some time lived on a
farm in the town of Enfield, but his remains are
buried in Windsor. Her paternal grandfather,
Sergt. Daniel Ware, who served in the Revolution-
ary army as a first sergeant, was also interred at
Windsor. Her mother, Sarah (White), was a
daughter of William White, also a Revolutionarv
soldier, and a direct descendant of Peregrine White.
Airs. Sarah Alack was the youngest in a large fam-
ily of children, as follows : William, a joiner by
trade, who died in Windsor; Alfred, a jeweler, who
died in Windsor Locks ; Amanda, who married
Alonzo Reynolds, and died in Windsor Locks ; Au-
relia, who married John Hillyer, and died in St.
Paul, aged eighty years ; Lucinda, Airs. Henry Hos-
kins. of East Granhy: Emeline (deceased), who
never married; and Sarah, our subject's mother.
800
COMMEMOR'ATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hon. D. W. Mack was born Jan. 6, 1847, and
after a course in the district schools and the acad-
emy at Windsor he attended Bryant & Stratton's
Business College, at Hartford, graduating in 1866.
When not in school he was kept busy at home, either
in farming or at brick making, and as he grew
older he gradually relieved his father of much of
the active work of management. On Nov. 17, 1882,
he was appointed railway postal clerk between Bos-
ton and New York, on the New York, New Haven
& Hartford railroad, and this position he held until
May 23, 1887, when he was removed for political
reasons. His ability was not called in question, as
is proved by the fact that he was afterward recalled
for extra work, and served acceptably as long as
there was need of his help. On leaving the govern-
ment service he became a traveling salesman for the
W. H. Sweeney Manufacturing Co., of New York
City, his route covering New York, Pennsylvania
and the New England States. Later he spent three
years as secretary and treasurer of the Fowler &
Miller Printing Co., of Hartford, but he afterward
returned to the W. H. Sweeney Co., for whom he
has traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky
Mountains, his ability bringing large financial re-
turns. Politically he has always been a Republi-
can, and for fifteen years he was chairman of the
town committee, while at various times he has served
in other offices, including that of representative in
the State Legislature, to which he was elected in
1879. His public spirit has been shown in many
ways, and on the reorganization of the local fire
company he was chosen captain. For about twelve
years he was the leader of the Windsor Cornet Band,
a notably successful organization, and for five years
he was chief trumpeter of Company K, isfConn. N.
G., in which his military ardor made him a valued
member. Socially he and his family are promi-
nent, and he attends the Methodist Church. He be-
longs to the Masonic lodge at Windsor, and for
years was active in the Good Templars' Society, serv-
ing in all the offices. He helped to organize Wind-
sor Grange No. 3, of which he was -secretary for
some time, and his influence is freely given to vari-
ous progressive movements in the community. In
1872 he built a handsome and substantial residence
at the corner of Prospect and Mill streets, Windsor,
and it is there that his genial nature and cultivated ■
taste may be best seen and aporeciated. An interest-
ing collection of curios bears witness to his wide
travels and observing eyes, and the house is adorned
by some fine specimens of his work in taxidermy,
in which he has acquired more than ordinary skill
through his own efforts.
On June 30, 1873, Mr. Mack was married in
Poquonock to Miss Elizabeth P. Rowles, and six
children have blessed the union : Clara L., born
July 28, 1874, died in Windsor, March 2, 1885
Daniel R., born Dec. 30, 1876, died Feb. 5, 1878
Miss Florence E., born May 14, 1879, is at home
Daniel W., born April 30, 1882, died March 25,
1883; Clinton L., born July 9, 1885; and Louis P.,
born Feb. 9, 1889.
Mrs. Mack is a native of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.,
but was educated in Boston, her fine mental abili-
ties fitting her to grace any position in life. For
some years previous to her marriage she taught
school in Hartford and elsewhere, and in rearing her
clever and intelligent family of children her gifts
as a teacher have been of service. She was born
May 19, 1847, daughter of Dr. William Penn
Rowles, and granddaughter of William Rowles and
his wife Elizabeth (Penn), a lineal descendant of
William Penn. The Rowles family is of good
Southern stock, Rowlesburg, W. Va.-, having been
named in their honor, and previous to the Civil war
they were very wealthy. Dr. William P. Rowles
was born at Harper's Ferry in 1792, and died at
Lawrenceburg, Tenn., at the age of fifty years. A
considerable part of his life was spent in study, he
having taken a college course and being admitted
to the Bar in Tennessee, and at one time editing a
paper in Gallatin, Tenn. He served as surgeon dur- l
ing the Mexican war and afterwards wrote a book
on that campaign. His wife, Clarissa (Griswold),
was of the sixth generation in America of that well-
known family, and traced her descent from Edward
Griswold, of Kenilworth, England, through George,
John, Isaac, Isaac, Cyrus, to Isaac, her great-grand-
father; Isaac (2), her grandfather (who married
Christiana Holcomb), and Cyrus, her father (who
married Parmelia Niles). Dr. Rowles and his wife
had five children, two of whom died in childhood, ^
the others being Theodosia, who died at eighteen
years of age; Elizabeth P., now Mrs. Mack; and
Louisa, widow of George W. Fowler, of Hartford.
LINCOLN E. CROSBY (deceased) was all his
life an active citizen of Glastonbury, and in the pur-
suit of his numerous interests became well known
in business, public, social and religious circles, for
his life was not one of limited usefulness.
Mr. Crosby was born April 10, 1840, in Addi-
son, town of Glastonbury, son of Edwin Crosby, who
is fully spoken of elsewhere. His early education,
acquired in the district schools, was supplemented
by two terms of study at Wesleyan Academy, Wil-
braham, Mass., and at this time the energetic ambi- ,•
tion characteristic of all Mr. Crosby's actions had
already begun to display itself, for he earned the
money to pay for his tuition. When sixteen years
of age he entered his father's mill, where he learned
finishing, afterward taking charge of that depart-
ment until his enlistment, July 31, 1862, for service
in the Civil war. He became a private in Company
A, 2ist Conn. V. I., and was soon promoted to cor-
poral. After about one year's service he was dis-
charged on accoimt of disability, his weight having
been reduced to ninety pounds ; he was in action at
the battle of Gettysburg. As soon as able, after his
return from the army, Mr. Crosby became interested
in the mills as a member of the company, of which
^^4M^-~
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
801
he became superintendent and treasurer after his
father's health failed. In this connection he was
active in the business until 1888, when, while on a
Ijusiness tri]3, he had a paralytic stroke, and he never
recovered sufficiently to resume his former duties,
though he still retained his interest in the mills. He
passed away Aug. 25, i8yo, deeply and sincerely
lamented by the many friends he had drawn about
him in the course of his helpful and active career.
On Jan. 4, 1864, Air. Crosby married Miss Sarah
E. Strong, who was born Dec. 11, 1841, in Gilead,
Conn., daughter of Edwin W. and Sarah (Staples)
Strong. Four children blessed this union, born as
follows: Edwin H., Oct. 23, 1871 ; Grace A., Oct.
28, 1875; Eva A., Dec. 7, 1877; and Florence B.,
Jan. 13, 1881. All attended Wesleyan Academy,
Wilbraham, Alass., the two younger daughters grad-
uating, Eva in 1897, and Florence in iSyS. The
son is now in the newspaper business, being editor
of the Glastonburv Bulletin; on Aug. 18, i8i;6, he
married Ethel L. Clark, of Portland, Conn., and they
have had two children, Lincoln Luzerne and Pris-
cilla Alden. Grace A. is at home. Eva A. is teach-
ing. Florence B. took the vocal course at the Acad-
emy, and since April, 1899, has sung in the First
Baptist Church of Hartford.
In political sentiment Mr. Crosby was a Repub-
lican, and though not a politician in any sense was
deeply concerned in the welfare of his town and
county, held various minor offices wth his customary
efficiency, and ably represented his district in the
Legislature (one term, 1880-81). From boyhood he
was united with the ]\L E. Church, in which he was
specially active as a Sunday-school worker, serving
seventeen years as superintendent of, the Sunday-
school. He always gave liberally of his time and
means to the advancement of its uiterests and relig-
ious affairs generallv. Fraternally Mr. Crosby was
a Freemason.
HOX. SILAS W. CLARK (deceased). One of
those grand old men who give stability and worth
to the faliric of society passed away when, on a-
March morning in 1899, the spirit fled from Silas
W. Clark. He had attained the age of eighty-four
years and seven months, and his fatal illness lasted
but two months, prior to which he was one of Suf-
field's most sterling characters. For fifty years he
had lived in the comnumity. successfuUv engaged in
farming, and his name was a household word for
probity and honor.
Mr. Clark was born in Washington, near the
town of Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Julv 22,
1814, a member of one of the oldest families of
New England. Silas Clark, his grandfather, was a
native of Lebanon, Conn., was a landliolder and
farmer, was noted for his industry and integrity,
as well as his public spirit, and passed his entire life
in his native town. Silas Clark, his son, and father
of our subject, was also a native of Lebanon, and
was reared to manhood on his father's farm, in the
meantime learning the shoemaker's trade. He was
51
a well-read young man, kept himself well posted as
to current events, and was, withal, industrious and
frugal in his habits.
W hile still a voung man Silas Clark, the young-
er, inomited his horse, the only piece of property he
could call his own, bade farewell to the parental
roof, and rode to Berkshire county, Mass., where
he settled in Washington. In that town he worked
at his trade until he had saved sufficient from his
earnings to purchase a small farm, which he culti-
vated m the summer, continu'ng at shoemaking in
winter for several years, uiuil he eventually, by
economy and unceasing toil, was able to buy for
himself upward of one thousand acres of land, on
which he engaged quite extensively in breeding
horses, cattle and sheep, for which he found a
ready market in New 'i'ork. Fie waxed wealthy,
and won the respect of all who knew him. He was
moreover a very popular and quite public-si)irited,
and at one time raised a company of militiamen
at Pittsfield, of which he was elected captain, and
which was incorporated into the State's service.
Although he took an active part in local politics as
a Whig, he never sought nor would accept public
office; and while he fully lived up to the Golden
Rule, he was very liberal in his religious views.
Capt. Silas Clark was united in marriage, at
Westfield, Alass., to Aliss Sally King, a native o£
the town, and a member of one of the oldest fam-
ilies of the county. To this marriage were born
five children, in the following order: Henry, who
died in Pittsfield, 2vlass. ; Andrew, who died in
April, 1S99, in Suffield, Conn.; Mary Ann, deceased
wife of Charles Hathaway; Silas VV., the subject
of this article; and Nathan, who died in Suffield,
Conn. The father of this family died on his farm'
in Washington in 1852, he and his wife being
among the most highly respected residents of Berk-
shire county.
Silas W. Clark passed his early davs on his
father's farm, ably assisting in its caVe aiid cultiva-
tion during the summer months. The winter
months he passed at the district school, receiving a
fair education, but he is chiefly self-taught, as'^he
devoted much time to study after quittmg school
fur good. Fie assiduously a'ided his father until he
was twenty-seven years of age, when he was pre-
j sented by the latter with a one-hundred-acre tract
of land, on which he lived eight years, devoting
I his attention to general farming', dairying and.
stockraising. He made extensive improvements on
j his place, but in 1849 disposed of it bv sale and
came to Suffield, Conn., where he purchased an
; eighty-acre tract, known as the Remington place,
near Hastings Flill, on which he resided until 1875,
extensively engaged in the raising of tobacco, for
spme of which he received as high as forty cents
per pound. He made many improvements upon
the place, including a fine dwelling, barns, tobacco
sheds, etc., but sold out at a fair profit and settled
on the place of seventy-five acres which he occupied
at the time of his death, known as the Henry Sikes
802
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm. Here, for twenty-three years, he was en-
gaged in general farming and deahng in hve stock.
In 1843. J^'ir. Clark was united in marriage, at
Washington, Berkshire, Co., Mass., to Miss Louisa
Emaline Thompson, and to the union were born
three children : Evelyn King, wife of Francis E.
Hastings, of Suffield, and the mother of one child,
Grace L. ; Amanda, married to Fred A. King, of
Thompsonville, Conn. ; and Louise A., wife of
Henry B. Russell, a journalist and author.
Rufus Thompson, father of Mrs. Clark, was a
native of Simsbury, Conn., where he passed his boy-
hood days, then went to Columbia, same State,
where he learned house-carpentering, and later set-
tled in Washington, Mass., where he assisted in
building the first church erected in that town, and
also worked on other structures. He eventually
settled down to farming, passing the remainder of
his life in VA^ashington and died greatly respected
by the entire community. Li politics he was a
Whig, and he was a truly Christian gentleman.
Mr. 'Thompson married Miss Affia Miller, a native
of Washington, and a daughter of Isaac and Affia
(Hillyer) Miller, the latter of whom was a daugh-
ter of Capt. James Hillyer, of Revolutionary fame.
To Rufus Thompson and wife were born six chil-
dren, in the following order : Marilla, who died
young; Philo Erastus, also deceased; Amanda,
who was married to Isaac Holmes, of Washington,
and both of whom are now deceased; Horace, who
died in Pittsfield ; Louisa E., wife of Mr. Clark,
our subject, and one child that died in infancy. The
mother of this family died July 9, 1826, a devout
member of the Congregational Church and a truly
good woman, and her remains lie interred at Wash-
ington.
Mrs. Clark died at her home |\/[ay 22, 1900,
after a distressing illness of six rhonths. She was
a lady of refinement, kind and generous, and a sin-
cere Christian. For fifty-six years she led a happy
and contented married life, and faithfully aided her
husband in all his endeavors to advance his for-
tunes.
Mr. Clark died at his home in Suffield, March
5, 1899,, his death resulting from a stomach trou-
ble which had continued for about two months.
His death was a severe shock to a wide circle of
friends and acquaintances. With the aid of his life
partner he made a success in life, backed by good
.sense, strict honesty and a business tact. He was a
genial and hospitable gentleman, and an interesting
conversationalist. As a Republican he took great
interest in local afifairs, served his adopted town
three years as selectman, and in 1882 was elected
to the State Legislature, in which he served a term
with much credit to himself and to the entire satis-
faction to his constituents. He was a stockholder
in the Suflield Water Works, also in the Suifield
Creamery, and was a stockholder and director in
the National Bank of Suffield. He was likewise a
member of the Suffield Congregational Church, in
which he held positions as trustee and member of
the building committee. In all the years of his resi-
dence at Suffield he 'never missed an annual meet-
ing of the Congregational Church except that held
during his fatal illness. He was recognized by the
congregation as one of the most liberal contribu-
tors to its support. As a business m,an his word
was never impugned, and as a citizen he was hon-
ored by all as being truly public-spirited and gen-
erous.
ELISHA ROOT (deceased). Only those lives
are worth}' of record that have been potential factors
in the public progress, in promoting the general wel-
fare or advancing the educational or moral inter-
ests of the community. Mr. Root was "ever faith-
ful to his duties of citizenship, and by the success-
ful conduct of his business interests not only pro-
moted his individual success, but also advanced the
general prosperity.
This in his lifetime well-known and honored
resident of the town of East Granby, was born in
Southwick, Mass., FeD. 11, 1815, and was the son
of Elisha and Ann (Kellogg) Root, farming people
of that section, in whose family were four children:
Anna ; Eliza ; Elisha, who died in infancy ; and Eli-
sha, the subject of this sketch.
On attaining man's estate Mr. Root was mar-
ried, in East Granby, Nov. 18, 1840, to Miss Cyn-
thia S. Alderman, the ceremony being performed
by Rev. Mr. Hemmingway. Mrs. Root was born
April 4, 1819, and was a representative of an old
and prominent New England family, of English ori-
gin. Her grandfather, Epapiphras Alderman, was
born in Simsbury, Hartford Co., Conn., Dec. 14,
1760, and was a son of Daniel Alderman, who was
born in 1738, and died in Hartford July 18, 1790.
At the age of sixteen years the former was drafted
for service in the Revolutionary war^ but the father
found a substitute for his son. He devoted his life
to agricultural pursuits, and became quite an exten-
sive land owner and farmer. His younger years
were passed in Simsbury, but later he made his
home in Granby town, where hi^ death occurred,
his remains being interred in the East Granb)' ceme-
tery. He was an Episcopalian in religious faith,
and late in life became a supporter of the Demo-
cratic party. He married Miss Chloe Hayes, of
Simsbury, who was born March 13, 1762, and they
became the parents of the following children : Chloe,
born May 20, 1782, married Suman Holcomb; Al-
mira, born Jan. 26, 1784, married Ebenezer S. Hol-
comb; Daniel T. was born Dec. 22, 1785; Cornelia,
born Feb. 22, 1788, married Benjamin Holcomb;
Lydia, born April 19, 1790, married Gramson Hol-
comb; Harvey^ Mrs. Root's father, was next in the
order of birth; Sarah, born Aug. 20, 1794, married
a Mr. Fox; Harriet, born Aug. 27, 1796, married
Albert Hedges, of Westfield, Mass. ; Nonnan, born
Sept. 13, 1798, married Hattie Moore, of Chester.
Mass; Eliza, born Sept. 16, 1800, married iSIosely
Noble; Flora, born Dec. i, 1802, married S. R. B.
Lewis, of Westfield, Mass. ; Cynthia, born Nov. i,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
808
1805, iiiarriecl a Mr. Miller; Esther, born March 20,
1808, married a Mr. Hodges, of (Iranville, Mass. ;
and Orpha, born in 1810, married a Mr. Glazier,
and after his death wedded a Mr. Hodges.
Harvey Alderman, Mrs. Root's father, was born
April 22, 1792, in the town of Granhy, received a
common-school education antl lhroui.^hout life fol-
lowed the occupations of farming and stock deal-
ing. In 1827 he removed to East Granb\-, where
he spent the remainder of his days. He took a very
prominent anil influential part in public attairs, and
at one time represented the town of Granby in the
State Legislature, besides holding other local offices
of honor and trust. In politics he was first a Whig,
later a Democrat. He was broad-minded ajid liberal
in his views, and was well known and much re-
spected in the community where he so long made his
home. He was united in marriage with Aiiss Sarah
Holcomb, who was born in I7q6, a daughter of
Asahel Holcomb, Jr., and a granddaughter of Asa-
hel Holcomb, Sr. Eleven children were born of
this union : Mary, who died unmarried ; Martha,
who married Milo M. Owen (both are now de-
ceased) ; Solomon F., deceased; Cynthia S., now
Mrs. Root; Laura, deceased wife of Luke Bush;
Chloe H., widow of Henry Remington ; James Har-
vey, a resident of East Granby; Allan, a farmer of
East Granby ; Esther, who died unmarried ; Brai-
nard L., a resident of West Sufifield ; and Ellen,
widow of Saurine Loomis, of West Suffiekl. Upon
the old home farm in East Granby, the father died
in 1875, at the age of eighty-three years, the mother
in 1888, at the extreme old age of ninety-two, and
both were buried in East Granby.
Mr. Root, our subject, on leaving home, removed
to Westfield, Mass., where he engaged in farming
and butchering for twenty years with marked suc-
cess. He started out in life for himself in limited
circumstances, but by industry, perseverance, good
management, and the able assistance of his estima-
ble wife, he became the possessor of a comfortable
competence. In 1863 he came to the town of East
Granby and purchased the Hillyer farm of seventy-
five acres. Here for eighteen years he successfully
engaged in tobacco raising and general farming, and
by his honorable, upright life gained the confidence
and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He
was a well educated man and quite a reader ; in poli-
tics was a Whig, later a Republican, but cared noth-
ing for the honors or emoluments of public office.
Rather liberal in his religious views, he was yet a
strong advocate of temperance, and did all in his
power to abolish the liquor traffic and destroy the
evils of strong drink, as a faithful member of the
Blue Ribbon organization, he was untiring in his
efforts to promote its interests. He was very do-
mestic in his tastes ; to him there was truly "no
place like home," and he found his greatest enjoy-
ment in the companionship of his wife and chil-
dren. He was one of nature's noblemen, and the
world is certainly better for his having lived. He
passed away July 29, 1881, and was laid to rest in
East tiranby cemetery.
.Mr. and Mrs. Root became the parents of two
children: (i) Mary A., born Oct. 3, 1841, is a
well-educated lady, and possesses considerable artis-
tic taste along various lines; she is now the wife of
LeRoy J. Xorthrup, of Cheshire, Mass., and has
one son. George. ( 2) Charles E., born July 16, 1849,
is also well educated, and now oi)eraies the home
farm, making a specialty of tobacco culture ; he mar-
ried Xellie iaylor, and they have one child, Elisha,
attending school. Mrs. Root was educated in the
public schools of Granby, and also at- Westfield,
i\Iass., and later she successfully engaged in teach-
ing school for five years, in both \\ estfield and
Southwick, Mass. She was a lady of culture and
refinement, beloved and respected by all who had
the pleasure of her acquaintance. During her girl-
hood she united with the Alethodist Episcopal
Church, but in her later years held membershij) m
the Congregational Church of East Granby. For
many }ears she was a teacher in the Sunday-school,
had charge of the Bible class for over half a century,
and was a true and earnest Christian, a faithful
worker in her JMaster's vineyard. She was called
from earth April 9, 1900.
COL. E. N. PHELPS, a gallant ex-soldier of
the Civil war, and at present a noted civil engineer
of \\'indsor, was born Feb. 9, 1826, in the house he
now occupies, and is the _\ouiiger of the two chil-
dren born to Samuel and Emily (Xewberryj Fnelps,
the former of whom was born near the Colonel's
house, on what is known as the "Island," at
Windsor.
Samuel Phelps was born July 25, 1791, and was
a son of George and Anna T. (Fitch) Phelps,
the latter being a daughter of James Fitch, a teacher
and surveyor, and well known as Capt. Fitch. To
George and Anna T. Phelps were born five children :
James L., Walter, Samuel, Rhoda and Theresa.
Samuel, father of the Colonel, was reared on his
father's farm, and was educated mainlv by his grand-
father, who was a graduate of Yale. To his mar-
riage with Aliss Newberry were born two children:
Ellsworth X. died at the age of five years, from
lockjaw, which was caused by a scratch on his ankle
by a pitch-fork while playing in the barn ; the
younger being the subject of this sketch. Samuel
Phelps had been very active in church matters imtil
I'arson Rowland was deposed, when he became less
attentive, but was always a good Christian man.
He was quiet and reticent, was a constant reader of
the Scriptures, was kind, fond of his home, but a
strict disciplinarian, and was an interesting conver-
sationalist. He died May 3, 185 1, his widow on
Dec. 26, 1870.
E. N. Phelps, our subject, was reared on the
home farm, his birthplace, and was educated pri-
marily at the "Stony Hill" school. He later at-
tended academies at Windsor, East Hampton. Wil-
804
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
braham and Ellington, and at the age of nineteen
years taught his first term of school, beginning at
Ellington, receiving a recompense of $i8 per month,
and "boarding around." This vocation he followed
five winters, teaching in his home district, the Bell
district, also at Windsor Locks, and was quite suc-
cessful.
Mr. Phelps married at Windsor, Nov. 25, 1850,
Miss Lucy A. Marshall, a native of the town, born
Nov. 14, 1827, a daughter of Warren and Elizabeth
(Wolcott) Marshall, she being the only survivor of
seven children. Elizabeth Wolcott was a daughter
of Dr. Christopher Wolcott, a renowned practitioner
at Windsor, and a granddaughter of Dr. Alexan-
der Wolcott, who also practiced at Windsor, and
was a very prominent and distinguished man in his
day. Dr. Alexander Wolcott was a son of Gov.
Roger Wolcott, of Connecticut, who was a son of
Simon, son of Henry, one of the first settlers of
W^indsor, and the progenitor of the family in Amer-
ica. Mrs. Lucy A. Phelps was prepared for teach-
ing at Windsor, and for several terms taught in
that town and New Hartford. At marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Phelps located on the farm of the former's
parents, and this has since been their home. To
their union have been born two children : Samuel
E., postmaster at Windsor, married to Adella J. Fil-
ley, who has borne him one child, Adda E. ; and
Annie M., now Mrs. Hugh Harbison, of Hartford,
and the mother of three children, Lucy A., Hugh,
Jr., and Alexander W.
On Aug. 18, 1862, E. N. Phelps enlisted in Com-
pany A, 22nd Conn. V. I. and was at once elected
captain of the company. Between the hours of two
and nine P. M. he recruited 130 men, and was
offered a commission as colonel, but this he declined,
and was then commissioned lieutenant-colonel by
Gov. Buckingham, which commission he accepted.
He was in the Shenandoah Valley when Gen. Sheri-
dan made his famous twenty-mile ride, and was
quite close to him as he passed by. While in the
field Col. Phelps was commissioned, or detailed, to
take the votes of the men of the regiment' for the
Presidential election, then pending, and at the close
of his nine-months' term of service he returned to
Windsor.
Li politics Col. Phelps was first a Whig, later a
Republican, and has held many offices, including
those of selectman, justice of the peace, grand juror,
representative, etc. Li religion he is an Episcopa-
lian, and freely contributes to the maintenance of-
his church. As a surveyor Col. Phelps has been
fift3'-five years in active service, having been pre-
pared for the profession at Easthampton. He was
assistant civil engineer on the Connecticut River
railroad, when first built from Springfield to North-
ampton, and has surveyed all over Hartford county,
establishing some verv important lines that neces-
sitated a search of records as far back as 1700. He
at one time succeeded in putting back into the juris-
diction of Suffield 102 acres that had for 175 years
been in the jurisdiction cf Granby town. This
was a very important proceeding, and added greatly
to his reputation. He has established lines that the
younger school of engineers has pronounced impos-
sible, and he is known by the courts as a man who
can give a most comprehensive description of civil
engineering wherever found. As' a farmer, since
twenty-five years of age Col. Phelps has had much
of his work done by hired help, under his personal
instruction.
Col. Phelps is well preserved for his age, his
form is erect and straight as an arrow, his intellect
as bright as ever it was, and his humor as jovial as
that of a school boy. He is known all over his
town, county and State, and wherever he goes he
is greeted, as a friend, and with the most courteous,
respect.
FRANKLIN WHEELER, A. B., A. M., M. D.
One of the most exacting of all the higher lines of
occupation to which a man may lend his energies
is that of the physician. A most scrupulous prelim-
inary training is demanded and a nicety of judg-
ment little understood by the laity. Then again the
profession brings its devotees into almost constant
association with the sadder side -of life — that of
pain and suffering — so that a mind capable of great
self-control and a heart responsive and sympa-
thetic are essential attributes of him who would
essay the practice of the healing art. Thus when:
professional success is attained in any instance it
may be taken as certain that such measure of suc-
cess has been thoroughly merited. Among the most
successful physicians of Hartford county is Dr.
Wheeler, who has been engaged in practice in and
around Farmington for almost half a century.
A native of this county, the Doctor was born in
the town of Avon, May 16, 1827, and belongs to
one of its oldest and most honored families, his
great-grandfather, Joel Wheeler, having been a
resident of Avon. His grandfather, Amos Wheeler,
was born there, and there made his home through-
out life, engaged in agricultural pursuits, He gave
the land for the Congregational church and cem-
etery in that town. He married Miss Helen Wood-
ruff, and to them were born eight children : Setli ;
Luther ; Emma, wife of Evelin Woodford ; Daniel ;
Nancy, wife of Ellsworth Thompson; Leonard;
Elizabeth, wife of John Kimball; and Amos.
Seth Wheeler, father of our subject, was born
and reared in Avon, and attended school there, but
completed his education at the old academy in-
Farmington. For a short time he was a clock ped-
dler. Li early life he imported mules for the West
India trade, and subsequently he traveled through-
out the South as a salesman for the Wheeler &
Wilson Sewing Machine Company. He was ouite
a prominent and influential man in his community,
and was called upon to serve as judge of probate
in Avon, at which place his death occurred. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Congregational
Church. In Avon he married Miss Harriet Wood-
ford, a native of that town, and they became the 1
parents of two children: Franklin, our subject; and |
r?ir--J.'i*«
HkfRNlr'
fTy-a^u^ yrLc-u^J-^-^i-^-
u
-M/L^^-i^^-^'t^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
805
Helen, who was born in September, 1830, and died
in infancy.
I'Vanklin Wheeler was reared in his native town
and at the age of twelve years became a student at
Dr. Simeon Hart's boarding school in Farming-
ton. In 1843 he entered Yale College, where he
pursued a classic"! course, graduating in 1847, ^"'l
where later he received his A. iM. degree. He then
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in
New York City, from which he was graduated in
1852. For one year thereafter he engaged in prac-
tice in Avon, at the end of that time coming to
Farmington, where he has since made his home
and prosecuted his profession, having built up an
excellent practice. He is probably the oldest phy-
sician in the western part of the county, and is one
of the charter members of both the Hartford
County and Connecticut State ^ledical Societies.
He has been nresident of the Farmington Savings
Bank since 1891, and prior to that time served as
its vice-president. Dr. Wheeler is a fine, well-pre-
served old gentleman, one who commands the re-
spect and esteem of all with whom he comes in con-
tact, and his circle of friends and acquaintances is
extensive. Religiously he is a member of the Ec-
clesiastical Society at Farmington.
Dr. Wheeler married Miss Emily Cowles, a
(laughter of William L. Cowles, and now occupies
the old home built by Jonathan Cowles over one
hundred rears ago. Airs. \Mieeler died Tulv 22,
i88y.
HON. JOHN THOMPSON, a veteran of the
Civil war, is a pronu'nent resident of Tolland
county, but as his farm in the town of Ellington
extends "over the line" into the town of East Wind-
sor he may be claimed as a citizen there. His fam-
ily has been more or less closely identified with East
^^'indso^ from an early period, and, in fact, is well-
known throughout the State, many of its members
having served in public office or been prominent in
other lines.
iMr. Thompson was born Jan. 11, 1840, on his
present homestead, a son of John and Anna E.
(Ellsworth) Thompson, of whom farther mention
is made elsewhere, and is one of a family of nine
children. His brother, E. F. Thompson, is now
a leading agriculturist of the town of East Windsor.
The family is of Scottish origin, and has been iden-
tified with Connecticut for nearly two hundred
years, our subject's ancestors having been among
the early settlers of East Windsor. William and
Margaret Thompson, natives of Scotland, left their
early home in 1716, with their familv of seven chil-
dren, setting out for New England. They first went
to Ireland, however, and while there the father was
taken sick and died. P.efore death he advised his
wife to continue the journey, and in T718 she came
with her familv to this country. Samuel, one of
the sons, was the progenitor of the Thompsons of
East Windsor. His son, James, was the father of
John iMcKnight Thompson, who was the father of
Jnhn, and grandfather of the gentleman whose
name introduces this article.
During his youth our subject attended the com-
mon schools near his home and the high school at
Ellington, and at the age of twenty-one he took
charge of the homestead, where he has continued to
reside. On Aug. 25, 1862, he enlisted in'Company
' F, 25th Conn. V. I., in which he served as first
corporal, and was wounded in his first engage-
ment, the battle of Irish Bend, La., April 14, 1863,
a minie ball passing through his right jaw. From
April until August, 1863, he. was under treatment
in a field hospital, also at the Institute Hospital in
New Orleans, and on Aug. 26, 1863, he received
an honorable discharge at Hartford. (Jn his re-
turn home he resumed the management of the farm,
but as time passed his attention was given to other
interests and the place is now operated by his son.
It is a fine estate of 200 acres, upon which he has
made substantial improvements, keeping fully
abreast of modern agricultural methods. He is
president of the Ellington Creamery, and is con-
nected with other enterprises, being the director of
the Patrons ^Mutual Hre Insurance Co., for Tolland
county. His sound judgment on business matters
is valued by his associates, and of late years his
time has been largely occupied with duties as a pub-
lic official. In 1885' he was elected, on the Repub-
lican ticket, to the State Legislature, and was again
so honored in 1895, while in 1897 he was elected
i county commissioner of Tolland county, in which
office he has served since July i, of that year.
Among other responsible offices which he has held
we mav mention several years of service as select-
man of the town of Ellington; two years as a
member of the State Board of Agriculture: and
two \ears as county auditor, in 1895 and 189O. He
is a leading worker in the Patrons of Husbandry,
j having served two years as master of Ellington
Grange, also first master of East Central Po-
mona Grange for two years from the date of its or-
ganization. Mr. Thompson is a member of the
Congregational Church at Ellington, and unites
with Burpe Post No. 71, G. A. R., at Rockvdle.
On Feb. 10, 1870, our subject married Miss
Amanda J. Bancroft, daughter of Bissell and jo-
anna (Morton) Bancroft, of Warehouse Point, and
four children have blessed the union: (i) Morton
1 E. has charge of the homestead. (2) Lizzie M. mar-
ried B. F. Pinney, of Somers, Conn. (3) Royal W.
is the private secretary of Senator Joseph R. Haw-
ley, of Hartford, Coiin. (4) Emery J. is quarter-
master's clerk on board the United States steamer
"Chester." He was at Porto Rico during the war
with Spain, and is now stationed at Havana.
HON. J. CLEVELAND CAPEN, of Bloom-
field, descends from an ancient New England fam-
ily, of English origin, which settled in America in
1628. In that year Barnard Capen and six sons
came from Dorchester, England, and founded the
806
COMMEMORATIVE . BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
town of Dorchester, Mass., and many of the de-
scendants of these pilgrims are still numerous in
the city of Boston and vicinity.
Josiah Capen, a lineal descendant of Barnard,
and the grandfather of J. Cleveland Capen, was
born in Braintree, Mass., Aug. 8, 1772, came to
Hartford, Conn., and in 1797 married Miss Betsey
Wadsworth, who was born in Hartford, Aug. 3,
1776. They first made their home on Front street,
later removing to what is now known as Windsor
avenue, and still later to Charlestown, Mass. To
their marriage children were born as follows:
Josiah, Jan. 8, 1798; Henry, May 14, 1799; Sally,
Dec. 16, 1800; Joshua, Dec. 8, 1802; Mary, April
12, 1804; Eliza, March 26, 1806 (all born in Hart-
ford) ; Abigail, March 6, 1808, and Samuel T.,
Dec. 13, 1810, (born in Charlestown, Mass.). The
mother of these was a descendant of William Wads-
worth, of Cambridge, Mass., the founder of the
family in New England, who located there in 1632,
and in Hartford, Conn., in 1636. For his second
wife he married Eliza Stone, and it was their third
child, Joseph W., born in 1648, who hid the Charter
in the historic oak. Joseph W. Wadsworth mar-
ried (first) Elizabeth Barnard, and their eldest
child, Joseph W., born in 1682, married Johanna
Hovey. Their eldest child Joseph, born in 1707,
married Elizabeth Cook; and the second of this
union, Joseph W., born in 1738, married Jerusha
Marsh, Betsey, our subject's grandmother, being
one of their children. Joseph W. Wadsworth
served in the Revolutionary war, being a captain
in Washington's Life Guards, so that our subject
is eligible for membership in the Sons of the Revo-
lution.
Josiah Capen, father of J. Cleveland Capen, was
born on Front street, at that time the residence
site of many of Hartford's most prominent citizens.
In 1807 he removed with his father to Charles-
town, Mass., where he secured an education in the
common schools, the family returning later to Hart-
ford, Conn. On June 5, 1820, Josiah Capen and
his brother Henry bought of Aaron Cook about
four and one-half acres of land on the Windsor
road (now Windsor avenue), it being the land that
includes Capen street and the corner of the avenue
mentioned. In 1824 they bought land of Thomas
Marvin; in 1826, of James E. Marsh; in 1827, of
Moses Dickinson; in 1829, of Allyn Goodwin ; in
1831, of William Sheldon and of Nathan N. Loomis ;
in 1834, of John Bowles ; in 1836, of Henry Utley,
and in 1840, of William Hayden. Henry died
March 19, 1840. In 1850 Josiah Capen owned
about one hundred acres on Capen street and vicin-
ity, and opened Capen and Clark streets, and later
Barbour and Martin streets, as he owned land on
both sides, excepting at the north and west ends,
josiah Capen continued in the real-estate business
and in farming at Hartford until 1867, dividing up
his farm and selling it in building lots, and in 1868
he sold his homestead, and removed to Bloomfield ;
he purchased the H. B. Case farm for $26,000, and
died here Aug. 3, 1884. He had lived in the house
he had erected on the Cook property in Hartford
from 1820, and this building stood until 1898, when
it was torn down.
Josiah Capen was united in marriage April 3,
1839, at Hartford, with Miss Jane Spencer, a native
of the city, born Jan. 12, 1818, z daughter of John
and Olive (Rogers) Spencer, and to this marriage
were born three children, John Spencer (who died
in infancy), J. Cleveland and George F.
J. Cleveland Capen was born April 28, 1843, i"
the old Capen residence at the corner of Capen
street and Windsor avenue, Hartford, Conn. He
was educated at the Arsenal school, the public
school on High street, the Hartford high school,
and at Trinity College. For a short time he held
a position in the Pension office, but in 1868 came
to Bloomfield with his father. In 1873 he mar-
ried Miss Alice L. Burr, daughter of Martin Burr,
of Bloomfield, and this union has been blessed with
three children : Lottie M., Robert S. and George C.
J. Cleveland Capen and his brother, George F.,
own and conduct a farm of over two hundred acres
at Bloomfield, all in one body, on which they grow
over 200 tons of hay each season, as well as large
quantities of tobacco, and at different times have
bought tobacco and packed it for market. They
have also dealt largely in live stock, and at one time
were in the sales stable business with E. F. Kenyon,
on Albany avenue, Hartford, in some years selling
as many as 500 horses. From their farm they sup-
plied Portland quarries with horses and oxen, and
in one year they sold about $25,000 worth of oxen.
They have a fine half-mile trotting-track on their
farm, and usually keeo a horse-trainer, as they pos-
sess a stable of fast animals that have won many
hard-contested races on the tracks of Connecticut.
Their herd of cows is also quite extensive.
In politics J. Cleveland Capen is a Democrat, and
is very popular with his party as well as with the
public at large. He has held many town offices,
mciuding those of selectman (many tmies), member
of the board of relief, school visitor, etc. ; from 1876
until 1879 he was a representative in the State Leg-
islature, and in 1893 a candidate for the State Sen-
ate. In his societary relations he has been more than
usually prominent and useful. He has been presi-
dent of the Hartford County Agricultural Society,
and vice-president of the Connecticut State Agri-
cultural Society, also a member of the State Board of
Agriculture, a delegate to the Farmers' National
Congress held at Sedalia, Mo., in 1891, as well as to
the Congress held at Savannah, Ga., in 1893. F°''
many years he has been a director of the Connecti-
cut Stock Breeders Association ; treasurer of the
Connecticut Farmers Union ; director of the New
England Tobacco Growers Association, also a direc-
tor of the Hartford Driving Club, and has filled
many other positions of trust and responsibility.
Hon. George F. Capen was born in Hartford,
Conn., Sept. 30, 1846, was educated in the common
schools of that citv, came t- Bloomfield with his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
807
father in 1868. and lias licen here ever since, con-
nected in business with his brother, J. Cleveland
CapcTi. He has Ijeen ever cha."v of office, but served
as representative in 1884, and was placed on the
Committee on Agriculture by Speaker Simonds, in
this position performing- his duties most admirably.
He is considered to be one of the best judges of live
stock in the State, and has ]M"obabIy bought and sold
more pairs of fine working oxen than any other man
within its limits.
In 1868 .George F. Capen married ]\Iiss Mary J.
Chapin, daughter of Hollis T. and Sarah (Dickin-
son) Chapin, and to this union was born one child,
who died at the age of three and one-half years.
That the two brothers and thei" wives stand at
the head of the social circles of Bloomfield it is
hardly necessary to add, and their prominent posi-
tion as business men sufficiently indicates their en-
terprising spirit and untarnished reputation.
HOX. GEORGE LUKE METS, a prosperous
agriculturist of the town of East Granby, is one oi,
its most highly-respected citizens, the sturdv quali-
ties of his pioneer ancestry being well-exemplified in
his character and career. As a representative in
the State Legislature, and in other positions of public
trust, he has served with faithfulness and efficiency,
while in his successful business career he has won
the confidence of the community by his upright
methods.
As a genealogical review of the Mets family ap-
pears elsewhere, we need onlv indicate here the line
of our subject's descent from Dr. John Viets, a
pioneer settler of Simsbury, through Capt. John
Mets and his wife, Lois Phelps ; Luke A'iets, who
married Keziah Phelps ; Luke \' iets, who married
Abigail Phelps ; and Henry W. Viets, father of our
subject.
Henry \\'. A'iets was born Sept. 2, 1809, at the
old homestead at Copper Hill, Simsbury (now East
Granby), near Newgate. He received a good com-
mon-school education, and in early manhood en-
gaged in farming, but his death, on Aug. 20, 1841,
cut short his useful life at the age of thirty-two, his
remains being interred in East Granby cemetery.
He was an excellent citizen, industrious and thrifty,
and was much esteemed in the community. In
politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, but
his inclination did not point to official life. On Nov.
24. 1831, he married jMiss Lucia L. King, who was
born Alarch 13, 1813, a daughter of Horatio King.
C)f their four children: (i) William Ansel, born
July 29, 1833, is a farmer in East Granby town;
he married Miss Sarah F. Alderman, and has had
three children, Chloe Marietta, born Jan. 21, i860;
Charles Palmer, June 2, 1863 ; and Alice Elizabeth,
June 28, 1874. (2) George L., our subject, is men-
tioned more fullv below. (3) Marietta Louisa,
born Sept. 11, 1837, married George Griswold. (4)
Henrietta Elizabeth, born Sept. 6, 1839, married
George Owen, and died July 10, 1867. The mother,
who is now the wife of James Osborne, resides in
West Suffield, and is held in high esteem by a large
circle of friends, having been for many year.s a de-
voiu and faithful worker in the Metiiodist Church.
Our subject was born Sect. 0, 1835, at the old
farm near Newgate, and was only six years old
when he lost his father's care. The district schools
near his home afforded him his only o]ji)ortunilies
for instruction, and at an early age he was hired out
at small wages to do farm work. He contiiuied his
labors as a farm hand until 1865, when he settled
u]Jon the Uates property, and engaged in business on
his own account, raising general croi)s and giving
especial attention to dairying, tobacco-growing, and
stock raising. Through reading and observation his
naturally keen mind has gained a wide knowledge
of men and affairs. He takes an intelligent interest
in all iHiblic movements, being active in the work of
East Granby Gransre, and in the local Republican
organization, of which he is a leading member. At
times he has served as town assessor and member
of the board of relief, while in 1896 he was elected
to the Legislture, where he did effective work, spe-
cially as a member of the Conuuittee on New Coun-
ties and County Seats.
On April 11, 1865, Mr. Viets was married, in
East Granby, to Miss Virginia G. Bates, who was
born Feb. 8, 1845, ^ daughter of Anson and Louise
(Garnett) Bates, well-known citizens of that local-
ity. Four children have brightened our subject's
home: (i) Ella Louise, born Dec. 28, 1867. died
Sept. 24, 1886. (2) Miss Georgie Bates, born X'ov.
21, 1870, is a graduate of AIcLean Se:uinary, at
Simsbury, and the Normal School at New Britain,
and is now a successful teacher at Montclair, N. J.
(3) Clara Alarietta, born Jan. 7, 1878, and (4) Ber- •
tha ^L, born July 15, 1882, are at home. The family
is identified with the Presljvterian Church, and the
daughters are prominent in social life, their culture
and refinement fitting them for the best circles. On
July 6, 1889, the beloved wife and mother passed
away, and her mortal remains now rest in the East
Granby cemetery.
CAPT. \MLLLVM HENRY HEATH (de-
ceased) was a leading business man of this section,
and his name became well known along the Con-
necticut river in connection with the River Trans-
pwrtation Co., of which he was the head for many
years. While he was remarkably successful from
a material standpoint, his intelligence and public
spirit brought him into active co-operation with
his fellow citizens in various movements of the
day, in which he could always be relied upon to
take an advanced stand, his influence being cast
on the side of progress.
The Captain was born Dec. 16, 1803, at Ware-
house Point, upon a farm, and the greater portion
of his life was spent there. His father, Capt.
Stephen Heath, who gained his title by service in
the State militia, owned a large amount of land in
that locality, and was the founder of the River
Transportation Co., having perceived the advantage
808
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the growing commerce of that day of having a
regular Hne of boats for carrying merchandise up
and down the Connecticut river.
As a boy our subject attended the common
schools of East Windsor, and his education was com-
pleted witli a course in Amherst College. He then
engaged in business with his father, and on the
death of the latter he entered the iirm of Abbe
Woodward & Co., in the Transportation Co., of that
name, and managed the real-estate left by his father.
For some years previous to his death, on Jan. 29,
1889, he lived in retirement at the old homestead.
His interest in local progress was manifested in many
ways, and he was active in religious work as a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, while from the
date of the organization of the Republican party
he gave his support to its doctrines, and in 1863 he
served ably as a representative of the town of
East Windsor in the State Legislature.
On Nov. II, 1824, Capt. Heath married Miss
Elizabeth S. Bartlett, who died in November, 1869,
'and Nov. 8, 1870, he married her sister. Miss Ade-
line Bartlett, who survived him, residing at the
homestead until her death, Feb. 22, 1899. She was
much esteemed in the community for her excellent
qualities of mind and heart, and was a devout mem-
ber of the Congregational Church. Capt. Heath
had eight children, all by the first marriage: Fran-
cis died in July, 1887; Jane E. married Waldo M.
Johnson,of Detroit, Mich. ; Elisha S. resides in Balti-
more, Md. ; Julia T. is the widow of John M. Booth,
of the town of Enfield, Hartford county; Helen
died in infancy ; Helen M. married Franklin Moore,
of Detroit, Mich.; Carrie, widow of Dr. Studley,
of New York, married James Ryan, and resides
at Appleton, Wis. ; and Charles L., a deputy sherifif
of Hartford county, resides at Warehouse Point.
CHARLES R. HART (deceased) was one of
Hartford's most prominent business men, and for
over forty years was identified with extensive mer-
cantile interests. Coming from an old and honored
ancestry, he well maintained the prestige of his
name, and by his upright life won the personal es-
teem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Hart was of the ninth generation of his
family in this country, being a descendant of (i)
Stephen Hart, who was born about 1605, in Brain-
tree, County of Essex, England, and came to Mas-
sachusetts Bay about the year 1632. Deacon Hart
and his first wife were constituent members of the
church in Farmington, Conn., in 1652. He had
been a deacon of Rev. Thomas Hooker's Church at
Cambridge, Mass., and, when his pastor formed a
colony at Hartford, Conn., he became a leading
member of the new community, holding the office
of deacon in the church, and taking an active part
in the progressive movements of his day. In 1672
he was one of the eighty-four proprietors of the
town of Farmington, in which he was prominent
both socially and politically. In 1635 he was one
of the original proprietors of Hartford. His house
lot was on the west side of what is now Front street,
near where Morgan street crosses it, and there is a
tradition that the town was called from the ford he
discovered and used in crossing the Connecticut
river at low water, and so, from "Hart's ford," it
soon came to be called and written "Hartford."
He died in March, 1682.
(II) Thomas Hart, youngest of the children
born to Deacon Stephen Hart, was born in 1643.
He married Ruth, who was born October 24, 1649,
at Windsor, Conn., daughter of Anthony Hawkins,
of Farmington. Thomas Hart was a captain in the
militia, 1695; deputy to the General Court, 1690 to
1706; speaker, 1700 to 1706; justice, 1698 to 1706.
John Hooker and he were the two prominent men
of the town.
(III) Deacon Thomas Hart, second ' son of
Capt. Thomas Hart, was born in April, 1680, at
Farmington, Conn., and Dec. 17, 1702, married
Mary, daughter of John Thompson, of Farmington.
He removed to Kensington, Conn., and became the
most prominent man in that society. His first wife
'died in October, 1763, and Jan. 11, 1764, at the
age of eighty-four, he married Mrs. Elizabeth
Norton, widow of Isaac Norton, of Berlin, Conn.
He died Jan. 29, 1773, aged ninety-three years.
(IV) Deacon Elijah Hart, of New Britain,
Conn., third son of Deacon Thomas Hart, was born
June 18, 171 1, at Kensington, Conn., and became a •■
lifelong farmer. On Dec. 26, 1734, he married jj
Abigail Goodrich, who was born Dec. 14, 1714, a
daughter of Allen Goodrich. He located in New
Britain, and he and his wife became constituent ,
members of the first church organized there, April
19, 1758. He died Aug. 3, 1772; his widow passed
away in Simsbury, Conn., at the home of her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Eno, Jan. 21, 1809, aged ninety-five.
(V) Deacon Elijah Hart, son of the above and
great-great-grandfather of the late Charles R.
Hart, was born bept. 26, 1735, in Kensington, Conn.
With his parents he became a constituent member
of the church in New Britain, 1758, and led the
singing therein. He was of strictly puritanical
ha,bits, a farmer by occupation and possessor of
considerable property. On May 11, 1757, he mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer Gilbert. He died
Dec. 10, 1800, his wife on Sept. 22, 1809.
(VI) Deacon Elijah Hart, son of the above, and
great-grandfather of the late Charles R. Hart,- was
born May 7, 1759, ^^ New Britain, Conn. He was
a large farmer and an extensive manufacturer of
cornmeal for the West Indies trade. On March
18, 1778, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army for
three years, and was present at the surrender of
Burgoyne. On Dec. 21, 1780, he married Anna
Andrews, who was born Sept. 6, 1760, a daughter
of Hezekiah Andrews. Deacon Hart died from
the efl^ects of a bee's sting Aug. 4, 1827, his widow
passing away Dec. 2, 1835.
(VII) Jesse Hart, son of the above and grand- |
father of our subject, was born in New Britain,
Conn., April 20, 1789, and became a respected citi-
zen of that town. For many years he was engaged
a^^^.'^^wA
COMMEMORATll-R BIOGRAFJJICAL RECORD.
809
in business llicre as a blacksmith, having learned
the trade under Orrin Lee in Hartford. On April
5, 1810, he married Lucina Cowdry, who was born
Sept. 17, 1788, a daughter of Asa Cowdry, of Hart-
Jand, Conn., and they had two children: Artemus
Ensign, a sketch of whom follows ; and Lucina,
born Dec. 3, 182 1, who married John H. Good-
win, and died May 16, 1885. Jesse Hart died in
New Britain Feb. 21, 1825, his widow in Paris,
France.
(Vni) Artemus Ensign Hart, father of the
late Charles R. Hart, was born Feb. 11, 1812, in
New Britain, Conn., and was reared at the old home-
stead, which occupied the site of the present Con-
gregational ])arsonage. He built a house in New
Britain on Washington street, which was used as
the Episcopal parsonage. He was a man of re-
tiring and unpretentious nature and a devout mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, his excellent
qualities of character making him a valued citi-
zen. By occupation he was a jeweler, and after
carrying on that trade for some years at Newington
he removed to Hartford and later to West Hart-
ford, where he died in 1884, his remains being
taken to New Britain for interment. On ,A.ug. 24.
1836, he married Ann Elizabeth Clark, who was
torn Dec. 7, 1816, a daughter of Abel and Catherine
(Eckerst) Clark, of Litchfield, Conn., well-known
residents of that section. Children as follows were
born to Artemus E. and Ann E. Hart: Virginia
Veeder, now .\lrs. Charles J. Smith, of Hartford ;
Charles R., subject of this sketch; Artemus Elijah,
a banker of Hartford, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere ; Lucina, who died in infancy ; Ann Eliz-
abeth, who married (first) Charles Macken, of
New York, and (second) Alfred Huber, of Paris;
Henry L., deceased ; and Joseph C, of the Pratt
Street Bank, Hartford.
(IX) Charles R. Hart, the subject proper of
this memoir, was born June 17, 1840, at the old
home in New Britain, and was educated in the
schools of that town. Instead of taking a college
course he chose an active business career, and in
1857 he came to Hartford, where he entered the
store of Joab H. Hubbard as clerk, beginning ov
very small wages. He proved admirably adapted
to the business, being courteous and attentive, and
readily acquiring a knowledge of the minute de-
tails that escape the notice of many. As time passed
he was enabled, through a judicious management of
his resources, to engage in business on his own
account, and so well did he succeed that he ac-
cumulated a substantial fortune. He resided in
Hartford until January 6, 1897, when he removed
to Windsor, having purchased the Hutchison estate
on Windsor Heights, known as "Broadview." The
residence was thoroughly remodeled and fitted with
an conveniences known to city homes, and now,
with its spacious, well-kept grounds, it is one of
the finest and most pleasantly located suburban resi-
dences around Hartford. In private life ^Ir. Hart
was known as a kind and generous man, but he
avoided all publicity in his benefactions. His in-
tegrity was never questioned, and in matters of
opmion he was always ready to concede the rights
of others, never seeking to change anyone's ideas
to correspond with his own. For many years he
was a member of Christ Church, Hartford, to which
he contributed liberally. He died Nov. 22, 1898, at
his home in Windsor, and among the many testi-
monials to his worth which the sad event Ijrought
out we may quote the following from the "Carpet
Review :"
"Charles R. Hart, president of the Charles R.
Hart Co., of Hartford, died at his home in Wind-
sor, of pneumonia, on the 22d ult., after an illness
of about a week's duration. He was born in New
Britain, Conn., in 1840. In 1857 he went to Hart-
ford and found employment in the dry-goods store
of J. H. Hubbard. Subsequently he was employed
by Talcott & Post. From there he went to Sugden
& Co., in the old Catlin block, at the corner of -Main
and Asylum streets. The business relations be-
tween i\Ir. William E. Sugden, the senior member
of the firm, and Mr. Plart, wnich began at that
time, have been continued until now. Mr. Hart
was soon taken into partnership, and the firm con-
tinued under the same name until the admission
into partnership of Lent. B. Merriam, when the
name was changed to Hart, Merriam & Co., !Mr.
Suyden remaining in the firm, but the younger men
taking more direct charge of the active business
work, in 18S8 the firm was changed to Charles
R. Hart & Co., owing to the retirement of Mr.
JNIerriam. The house was incorporated in 1897 as
the C. R. Hart Company, the members of the cor-
poration being W. E. Sugden, Charles R. Hart,
Samuel A. Bacon and Grovenser W. Curtis, Mr.
Hart being macie president ; G. W. Curtis, vice-
president; Mr. Sugden, treasurer; and S. A. Bacon,
secretar)'.-
"The company moved a few weeks ago into its
handsome quarters in the new Sage & Allen build-
ing. Mr. Hart was a thirty-second-degree Mason.
He was active in municipal politics, for a number
of years serving in tne court of conmion council
from the old First ward. In 1884 he was appointed
a member of the board of water commissioners bv
Mayor Morgan G. Bulkeley, and received a re-ap-
pointment three years later from Mayor Bulkeley.
He leaves a widow and one daughter.''
The "Connecticut Courant," Nov. 28, 1898, in
an extended review of Mr. Hart's many noble qual-
ities, said: "Charles R. Hart, head of the Charles
R. Hart Co., and one of Hartford's leading busi-
ness men, died at his home in Windsor last evening
of asthma, from which he had been a sufferer for
years. Mr. Hart was one of the original Wide
Awakes, and was a member of the \'eteran Asso-
ciation of the Hartford City Guard, having served
a term in the active company soon after the Civil
war. He was a thirty-second-degree Mason and a
member of Sphinx Temjjle, A. .\. (J. N. M. S. He
was an earnest Reoublican in politics, and a few-
years ago was an active force in politics. In
the death of Mr. Hart Hartford has suffered a
810
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
severe loss in a philanthropic sense and from a
progressive standpoint. Mr. Hart's personality was
a strong feature. He was a bright, active busi-
ness man, and very genial in his business and per-
sonal relations."
Qn April 4, 1866, Mr. Hart was married, in
Christ Church, Hartford, to Miss Ellen M. Wood-
ruff, and two children blessed the union: (i)
Charles R. died in infancy. (2) Edith W., born
Sept. 21, 1869, was educated at the Hartford Fe-
male Seminary, and married Charles A. Blake, a
well-known business man of Taunton, A'lass., and
a member of one of the best families of that town.
For some time he was engaged in mercantile busi-
ness at Hartford, but at present is at the head of
the Hartford branch of banking house of Lewis A.
May & Co., of New York. He resides with his
wife's mother in Windsor. Mr. and Mrs. Blake
had one son, deceased in infancy.
Mrs. Ellen M. (Woodruff) Hart was born in
Hartford Feb. 9, 1843, a daughter of O. D. Wood-
ruff, a prominent citizen. Her mother, Mary J.
Crosby, was a daughter of William and Rachel
Crosby, of West Hartford, and a sister of Erastus
Crosby, at one time president of the First National
Bank of Hartford. Mrs. Hart was graduated from
the Hartford Female Seminary, on Pratt street,
class of '61, and is cultured and intelligent, her fine
social gifts making her beautiful home, "Broad-
view," the center of a gracious hospitality.
MOSES McKEE (deceased) was for many
yeajs a leading agriculturist of the Farmington
Valley, and his successful life furnishes an example
worthy of emulation, his prosperity having been
gained by useful industry without the sacrifice of
honor and integrity.
Mr. McI^Cee was a representative of the Scotch-
Irish race, which has given so many enterprising and
successful men to America, and was born in County
Antrim, Ireland, the son of William and Esther
(Money) McKee,, both of whom were natives of
Scotland. They were members of the Presbyter-
ian Church, and industrious, upright citizens, the
father being a farmer by ocupation. Of their large
family of children several settled in Canada,, while
John, Joseph and Moses engaged in agriculture
in the Farmington Valley.
Our subject received a limited education in his
native land, and at the age of eighteen came to
America in a sailing vessel, landing in Canada,
where he remained for a short time. On crossing the
line into the United States he spent some time m
New York State, but he was still a young man when
he came to Connecticut and found employment as
a laborer among the farmers of the Farmington
Valley. When he had accumulated enough money
to buy a homestead for himself he settled in that
locality, engaging in general farming, dairying,
stock raising and tobacco growing. After some
years he bought the Gillett farm, a fine estate of
300 acres near Avon, and there he made many im-
provements. He was an active member of the
Congregational Church in Farmington, and by both
example and precept he taught the value of a
temperate life, devoted to duty. In politics he was
a Republican. He died at his farm Dec. 4, 1889,
and his remains were interred in the cemetery at
Farmington.
Mr. McKee's first wife, Eveline (Andrews),
was a native and lifelong resident of Farmington.
For his second wife, he married Sarah Miller, of
Avon, daughter of John Miller, and granddaugh-
ter of Ebenezer Miller. She died in 1897, deeply
mourned by her many friends, whose respect and
esteem had been gained by her Christian character.
Moses and Sarah McKee had four children: (i)
William J., a farmer of Farmington, married Caro-
line Wilson, and has three children, Allen, Will-
iam J. and Albert. (2) Moses, a real estate agent
and broker in New York, married (first) Georgia
Chesebro, of New York, and (second) Marion
Miller ; he has three children, George Chesebro,
Florence and Margurete. (3) Miss Esther M.
was educated in the district schools and in the female
seminary at New Britain, and resides on the home-
stead. (4) Joseph A., a prominent lawyer of Louis-
ville, Ky., was a soldier in the recent war with
Spain.
HON. SYLVESTER DAVID ROCKWELL,
a prominent business man of Warehouse Point, is
deservedly popular among his fellow townsmen,
and has served on the board of selectmen longer
than any other man in East Windsor town, being
first selectman for fifteen years.
Mr. Rockwell comes of good New Eneland
stock, his ancestors having settled in Massachusetts
at an early day. Jabez Rockwell, his grandfather,
was born and reared in Massachusetts, where he
learned the cooper's trade, and on coming to Hart-
ford county. Conn., he located at Warehouse Point.
He was a man of excellent standing in the commun-
ity, and for many years was a leading member of the
Episcopal Church.
Samuel W. Rockwell, our subject's father, was
born in Warehouse Point Jan. 2, 1799, and died in
1857. As he grew to manhood he became an ex-
pert cooper under his father's instruction. His es- .
timable wife, whose maiden name was Harriet
Hitchcock, passed away April 23, 1883. They had
a family of five children : ( i ) Harriet E., born
March 29, 1822, married George Filley, and died
heb. 28, 1850. (2) Samuel A., born April 20,
1824, was a sea-faring man and died at sea m June.
1846. (3) Mary I., born Aug. 7, 1826, married
Christopher B. Pelton, and died April 15, 1872.
(4) John J., born April 17, 1829, is a resident of
Springfield, Mass. (5) S3dvester D., our subject,
is the youngest.
Sylvester D. Rockwell was born Nov. 21. 1833,
in Litchfield county. Conn., but has lived most of
his life in the town of East Windsor. At nine
vears of age he began working for his board and
I
i
t,^
^
g^ Xi'7hxy^u.^-<-£^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
811
clothes, spending three years on a farm in Windsor
and four years in East Windsor. He was then
employed at ten dollars ])er month liy Edmond
Watson, of East Windsor Ihll, with whom he re-
mained six months, and from that time until he
reached the age of twenty-two he was engaged
in raising tobacco by the pound. Going to Wiscon-
sin, he spent six months in that State, and after his
return to Warehouse I'oint he began raising to-
bacco for Buckley P. llarber at three cents per
pound. He continued with Air. iSarber six years,
being superintendent of the farm during tne last
three years, and for two years, was employed by
Col. l'l;elps. By that time he had accumulated
sufficient capital to warrant his venturing into busi-
ness for himself, and he bought sixteen acres of
land in Warehouse Point village, where he has
since been successfullv- engaged in growing tobacco.
In i86y he up.enecl a coal yard, whicU he still con-
ducts, and he is regarded as one of the most suc-
cesf-ful self-made men of his town. For many years
he has lieen an active worker in the local Repub-
lican organization, his aliility and popularity mak-
ing him a leader in tiie party councils. The first
office he ever held was that of grand juror ; for
sixteen years he has served as selectman ; was col-
lector of taxes in 1891 ; and in 1880 and 1896 he was
elected to the State Legislature, his efficient service
in that body reflecting lasting credit upon him.
Mr. Rockwell has always taken an interest in edu-
cational matters, and was for about fifteen years
treasurer of School District No. 5, town of East
A\'indsor. In religious faith he is a Alethodist, and
for thirty-five years he has been a class leader in the
church at Warehouse Point.
On Jan. 9, 1859, Air. Rockwell for his first wife
n'.arried Miss Lydia Hendrick, who died July 17,
18C3, and their only child. Dexter Hendrick, died
in infancv. On Sept. 20, 1865, he married !Miss
Chloe G.' Phillips, who died July 18, 1866. On
March 17, 1868, he was again married, this time to
Miss Flavia Pease, by whom he has had three chi'-
dren : Olin S., born Feb. 24, 1869, is superintendent
of the Chucy Alills at Windsor Locks ; Raymond
S., born Feb. 15, 1877. is a resident of Enfield : and
Alice, born Jan. 18, 1879, is the wife of Ralph M
Weston, of Springfield. Massachusetts.
HOX. ELIHU BURR CASE, of Bloomfield,
was born in Simsbury (now Bloomfield), Hartford
county, in the Duncaster district, Feb. 23, 1830,
and is a son of Elihu Hiram and Nancy (Wood-
ward) Case.
Hezekiah Case, grandfather of Elihu P>. Case,
\\as a native of Simsbury, Conn., and some time
prior to 1799 settled in the eastern part of that town,
which is now known as Bloomfield. He first mar-
ried Miss Cynthia Eno (grandmother of our sub-
ject), and to this union were born two children:
Hezekiah Hart, father of Curtis Hart and William
G. Case, of whom mention will be made farther on,
and Elihu Hiram, father of our subject. By his
second marriage, to Susan Adams, he had two
daughters and one son. Hezekiah Case was a
highly-respected farmer and influential citizen, was
warden of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at North
Bloomfield, in politics was a Democrat, and at one
time served as representative in the State Legisla-
ture from tlie Simsbury district.
Elihu Hiram Case, father of our subject, was
educated in the district school of liloomheld, and
was a farmer from boyhood. He first married Miss
Nane'y Woodward, and their union was blessed with
five children : Hiram Bidwell, deceased : Amelia,
widow of Aldeii Cadwell, of \\'est Hartford ; Delia
(twin of Amelia), deceased; Emeline, who first
married Eli Cheesbro, by wdiom she had two chil-
dren, Alfred C. and Elva, and after l\Ir. Chee.sbro's
death became the wife of Daniel H. Webster, by
whom she also had two children, William and Ida;
and Elihu Burr, the subject of this memoir. ]\lrs.
Nancy Case was called away in 1840, and .\lr. Case
afterward married Emeline Evans ; she bore him
one son, Hezekiah E., who married iMary Pagan,
and has a family of three children, Harry, Louise
and Nellie. Mr. Case was in politics a Democrat.
He died June 23, 1872, a faithful member of St.
Andrew's Episcopal Church, and a highly-respected
citizen.
Hon. Elihu Burr Case was reared in Bloomfield
and was educated in the district school, the Sims-
bury Academy, the Suffield Institute and the El-
lington Institute ; he began his business life as a
teacher in the home school and also taught in West
Hartford and in Canton, Conn, he married, at
Simsbury, Jan. 11, 1857, Aliss Mariette W. \\'ilcox,
daughter of Jeii'rey \V'ilcox, and to this marriage
have been born three children: (i) Miron J., book-
keeper for the Pope Manufacturing Co., at Hartford,
was married to Alartha Johnson, wdio has borne him.
one son and one daughter; (2) Janie L., wife of
George H. Fitch, of Windsor: and (3) Burton O.,
of Cnicago, married to xMiss .\icRo\-. Elihu B.
Case, has for many years been engaged in farming in
Bloomfield, and has been very successful m all his
undertakings. Mrs. Case takes much pleasure in
taxidermic work. In politics Mr. Case is a Demo-
ocrat, has held most of the town offices, and in 1874
was the choice of his party to represent it in the
State Legislature. He has been clerk of St. An-
drew's Episcopal Church for thirty-seven years,
and stands very high in the esteem of his immediate
friends and the public in general.
Hon. Curtis Hart Case, son of Hezekiah Hart
Case, was born in the town of Simsbury (now
Bloomfield) April 7, 1823. The father was born in
the same town Nov. 7, 17QS. was reared a farmer,
and married, Jan. 22, 1822, Rosabella Pinney, who
was born May 4, 1800. To this union were born
four children, in the following order : Curtis H. ;
Elizabeth R., born July 30, 1826, married to F. A.
Latimer Sept. 18, 1850, and now- deceased: Cynthia
Ann, born June 26, 1829, who died Sept. 24, 1834;
and William G., born Aug. 12, 1834, and married,
Jan. 27, 1863, to \'enelia H. Todd. Hezekiah Hart
■812
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Case was in politics a Democrat, held all the minor
town offices, and was in every way a useful citizen.
His wife was called away from him May 15, 1S64,
and he himself passed away May 29, 1876, a con-
sistent member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
Hon. Curtis H. Case passed his early school
days in the Duncaster District of Bloomfield, and
also attended school at Granby and Suffield, Conn.,
and "Westfield, Mass. He was reared to manhood
on his father's farm, and married, June 10, 1851,
Eliza Hoskins, daughter of Noah Hoskins, and
granddaughter of Asa Hoskins. Mr. and Mrs. C.
H. Case have adopted, as their own son, Alfred C,
who married Abigail Hoskins, and has five chil-
dren, Eliza N., Emma J., A. Curtis, Edmund E.
and John Asa. To Elva M., the adopted daughter
of Curtis H. Case, and wife of Everett Kenyon,
were born seven children : Elva Estelle, Mabel A.,
Everett Seth, Lottie, Nettie, Jessie and May. Mr.
and Mrs. Case are members of the Congregational
Church of Bloomfield, and in politics Mr. Case is a
Democrat. As such he has served as selectman
and in the minor town offices, and also one term in
the State Legislature.' His social standing is nec-
essarily high, as he and family are classed among
the oldest and most respected residents of the town.
William G. Case, M. D., the younger brother of
Hon. Curtis H. Case, was educated elementarily in
the Duncaster District of Bloomfield, and early be-
came a school teacher in his native county. In
1861 he entered the medical department at Yale,
and in 1862 entered the hospital at New Haven,
and further pursued his studies under Surgeon
Jewett. He has confined his practice to the vicinity
of his home farm, however, on which he has lived
the greater portion of his life. To his marriage,
at Wallingford, with Miss Venelia H. Todd, have
been born three children : George H. ; Venelia R.,
wife of Frederick W. Mack, and Delia A., who
died at the age of seven months. Mrs. Mack, a
highly accomplished lady, has published a volume
entitled "Grange Poems," which contains forty-five
of her exquisite productions, and which was copy-
righted in 1891 and issued in 1892. The Doctor is
a member of Hiram Lodge No. 98, F. & A. M., at
Bloomfield. He has a large collection of antiques
and historical works, and is considered one of the
best read men of the county.
The Case family is classed among the oldest
settlers of Simsbury, as John Case, the progenitor
of this family, resided there over two centuries
ago, and his remains were interred there in 1633.
GEORGE WATSON HUBBARD (deceased),
late assistant secretary of the ^tna Life Insurance
Company, of Hartford, was for the long period of
twenty-eight years closely and efficiently identified
with the growing business of that corporation.
Born March 24, 1841, in the town of Bloomfield,
Mr. Hubbard was the only son of Joab Hiram and
Fidelia (Cad well) Hubbard, and a descendant of a
sturdy New England family, (i) George Hubbard,
the emigrant ancestor of the Bloomfield branch of ;
the Hubbards, to which our subject belonged, was i
born in 1601, probably in southeastern England. His
name first appears of record in this country in 1639,
in a list of early settlers of Hartford, who came over-
land from the vicinity of Boston during the years
1635 and 1636, and located the towns of Windsor,
Hartford and Wethersfield, Conn., and Springfield,
Mass. George Hubbard married, in 1640, Eliza-
beth Watts. He moved to Mattabessett (afterward
called Middletown) in 1650, and died there in 1684.
From him our subject is a descendant n: the eighth
generation, the line of his descent being through
Samuel, John, John (2), John (3), Joab and Joab
Hiram.
(II) Samuel Hubbard, son of George, the emi-
grant, born in 1648, in Hartford, married, in 1673,
Sarah Kirby. Mr. Hubbard died in Hartford in
1732.
(III) John Hubbard, son of Samuel, born m
1691, in Hartford, married, in 1715, Agnes (Spen-
cer) Humphreys. He settled about 1721 on the
east side of Talcott Riountain, in the town of Sims-
bury, and about 1740 removed to that part of Wind-
sor that afterward became Bloomfield, dying there
in 1775.
(IV) John Hubbard (2), son of John, born in
1721, in Hartford, married Hannah Cadwell, and
lived in what is now Bloomfield ; he died in 1760.
(V) John Hubbard (3), son of John (2), born
in 1748, in Windsor, Conn., married, in 1775, Su-
sannah Wells, and lived in Bloomfield. He was a
men-'ber of the State Legislature in 1810; he died
in 1830.
(VI) Joab Hubbard, son of John (3), born in
1777, married, in 1804, Ruth Brown, who was born
in 1783. They lived and died in Bloomfield. Their
children were: Joab Hiram is mentioui^d below;
Ruth S., born about 1809, died in 1824; Franklin,
born about 1810, was a most highly respected farmer
of Bloomfield, and died in Hartford in 1886; Ann
E., who never married, died in 1900; Langdon re-
moved to Huron Citv, Mich., and died in 1892;
Marilla (i) and Marilla (2) both died young; Wat-
son is a resident of Sandusky, Ohio ; Susan V. and
Jeannette are residents of Hartford.
(VII) Joab Hiram Hubbard, son of Joab, and
the father of our subject, was born about 1806, in
the town of Bloomfield. He married Fidelia Cad-
well, and their only son was George Watson. The
father during the latter years of his life was a dry-
goods merchant in Hartford, and he was an esteemed
and respected citizen of the commvuiity.
George Watson Hubbard, the subject proper of
this sketch, came with his parents on their removal
to Hartford, when he was twelve years of age, and
here completed his education in the public schools
of the city. After his school days were over he
passed a period engaged in mercantile life, and in
1865, at the age of twenty-four, entered the employ
of the ^-Etna Life Insurance Co., in whose service
he spent the rest of his life — a period of over twenty-
1
^/^yO^^--:^^^^^c^ty^
T.HSBere JE Co. Oiica^:} //;.
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
813
■iglit vears — during' wliicli time he i)roved himself
I most capable man in his several departments. For
ionie fifteen years he was chief clerk, and then ad-
.anced to the assistant secretaryship of the com-
lany — a new office created some years prior to Mr.
liiibbard's death, and for which he was particu-
arlv well adapted, owingf to his familiarity with
jvery detail of the large business. The writer of
:he obituary notice of Air. Hubbard states that "he
ivas a man of singularly even temperament, of do-
iiestic tastes, exemplary character and habits, and
an earnest member of Christ Church, of which he
was one of the vestrymen."
Mr. Hubbard was a good financier, possessing
sound business judgment, and by habits of in-
dustry, diligence and careful investment accumu-
lated consiclerable property. He carried a life in-
surance of about $25,000, in the ^■Etna, Equitable
Life Assurance Society of New York, Aitiuial Ben-
efit Life Insurance Co., of Newark, X. ]., and other
companies. In his political views he was a Re-
publican, but he had no taste for public life. For
a number of years prior to his death he had been
treasurer of the Flartford Countv Horticultural So-
ciety. F"or years he has resided on Wethersfield
avenue, but some two years before he died trans-
ferred his home to West Hartford. He was an ex-
cellent citizen.
On Dec. 8, 18S0, Air. Hubbard was married
to Aliss Elizabeth Gay, born Feb. 14, i860, daugh-
ter of Joseph C. and Elizabeth G. ( Wells) Sisson,
and the union was blessed with children as follows :
Helen Alay, born Alay 3, 1882; Elizabeth Fidelia,
born May 24, 1884; and Margarie, born Aug. 26,
1890. The father died Oct. 13, 1893, and the
mother passed away Alarch 28, 1897.
On the day of Air. Flubbard's funeral the offices
of the .-E tna Life Insurance Co. were closed out of
respect to the deceased, and his fellow associates in
business attended the funeral in a body. The
funeral services w'ere held at Air. Hubbard's late
home in West Hartford, Rev. J. P. Faucon, as-
sistant rector of Christ Church, officiating. The
honorary pallbearers were : \\'arden George Ellis,
representing Christ church : Secretary Joel L. Eng-
lish and Cashier Charles F. Gilbert, of the Aetna
Life- Insurance Co.; and Charles T. Wells, "for-
merly of the --E^tna Life Insurance Co., an intimate
personal friend of Air. Hubbard.
AIRS. ELIZABETH GAY SISSOX, of West
Hartford, comes of distinguished ancestry. Her
father, George Wells, was born in Hartford Sept.
18, 1797, and was the second son of Ashbel and
Mary (Hopkins) Wells. His paternal grandfather
was Ashbel Wells, Sr., and his maternal grand-
father was Thomas Hopkins, a prominent sea cap-
tain of his day. All were of English descent.
Ashbel Wells, Jr., was a clerk in the commissary
department of Gen. Washington's armv during the
Revolutionary war, and subsequently was a promi-
nent and extensive West India merchant of Hart-
ford. He died Sept. 4, 1819, at the age of sixty-
one years, and, being verv generally respected, his
death was looked upon as a public calamity in the
community where he had so long been engaged in
business.
George Wells, father of Mrs. Sisson, left his
native city at the age of seventeen years, and went
as far west as Albany, N. Y. He obtained em-
ployment as a shoemaker at Little Falls and L'tica,
N. Y., and finally located in Le Roy, that State,
where he worked at his trade for a year and a half.
By way of the Great Lakes he traveled from Buffalo
to Brownhelm, Ohio, where he arrived June 18,
1818, and there he took up fifty acres of land on the
lake shore, later increasing his property until he
had one hundred acres. He erected thereon a log
house in which he lived for nineteen years, de-
voting a part of his time to farming and the re-
mainder to his trade. In 1837 he sold that place,
with the intention of moving farther west, but finally
purchased a farm of 125 acres in the same locality,
on which he made his home until his death. He
cleared and improved both farms. He was an
earnest and active member of the Congregational
Church, and was an ardent Republican in politics.
On Alarch 22, 1825, George Wells married
Aliss Alaria Butler, of West Hartford, who was
born Feb. 19, 1803, and died June 28, 1866. His
death occurred April 11, 1881. Airs. Wells" father,
Jonathan Butler, was a resident of West Hartford,
where he followed farming throughout life. He
was born Oct. 28, 1769, and died Dec. 3, 1855.
His father, Zaccheus Butler, also a resident of
Hartford, was born in 1743, and died Alarch 21,
1791. Jonathan Butler was married, 'Jan. 25, 1795,
to Aliss Elizabeth Gay, of Sharon, Conn., who was
born Alarch i, 1768, and died F'eb. 19, 1843. f'ley
had six children, the eldest of whom, Epaphrus,
was born Feb. 9, 1796; William Gay, born Sept.
29, 1799, went to Alichigan; Eliza, born Feb. 4,
1801, died Xov. 12, 1879; Maria, the mother of
Mrs. Sisson, was the next in order of birth ; George,
born Oct. 6, 1805, resided in West Hartford; and
Xathan, born Oct. 13, 1807, died Xov. 8, 1878.
To Mr. and Airs. Wells were born seven children :
George Butler, born Feb. 17, 1826; Xathan Porter.
I Aug. 27, 1828; Elizabeth Gay, our subject, Sept.
7, 1831; Charles Hopkins, Oct. 16, 1833; Alary
I Alaria, w-ife of Benjamin F. Nye, July 13, 1835;
Abigail Skinner, deceased wife of F. H. Bacon,
Sept. 13, 1837; and Thomas Gallaudet, Feb. 7, 1847.
The last named was killed in the battle of South
Alountain during the Civil war.
When five years old Airs. Sisson came to \\'est
Hartford to visit her grandparents, an uncle and
an aunt, and she remained with them from that time
until her marriage. She began her education in the
North Division school, and later attended Miss
Cosset's private school, on High street, and a pri-
vate school in East Hartford, receiving a good
training, such as was afforded by the seminaries
and high schools of her day. On Alarch 19, 1S57,
814
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
she was united in marriage with Joseph C. Sisson, a
farmer of West Hartford, who was born in 1831,
and died June 26, 1861. His parents, Daniel Lee
and Elizabeth (Chapman) Sisson, were born, reared
and married in Westerly, R. I., later resided in
Bloomfield, Conn., and in 1827, came to West Hart-
ford, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
The father took an active part in town -affairs,
served as justice of the peace, and was a member
of the Baptist Church. He died in 1842. In his
family were nine children: Eliza Ann (Mrs. Wads-
worth), deceased; Albert Lee, deceased, who was
in the butcher business in Hartford; Minerva (Mrs.
GridleyJ, deceased; Abigail, wife of B. S. Bishop,
of West Hartford; Franklin, also a resident of
West Hartford; lliomas, a druggist, of the firm
of T. Sisson & Co., Hartford; Joseph C, deceased
husband of our subject ; and James Henry and Alice,
who died in childhood.
To Joseph C. and Elizabeth G. (Wells) Sisson
came two children : Anna Elizabeth, who was born
Feb. 4,' 1858, and died Jan. 24, i860; and Elizabeth
Gay, who was born Feb. i, i860, and on Dec. 8,
1880, married George W. Hubbard, whose sketch
appears above. Mr. Hubbard died Oct. 13, 1893,
and Mrs. Flubbard passed away March 28, 1897.
HIRAM W. ADAMS, the well-known live-
stock breeder and dealer of North Bloomfield, was
born in the town of Bloomfield, July 14, 1833, and
descends from one of the very old families of New
England, who trace their Kneage through more
than three hundred years back to England, and that
of this immediate family may be traced in this coun-
try from 1645 down to the present time, as follows :
George Adams, a glover, and his wife, Frances,
came from England in 1645, and settled in Water-
town, Mass., Nov. 4, 1664. He sold his house and
land to John Chenery, and moved to Cambridge
Farms, now Lexington, but was killed by the fall of
a rock at Watertown, Oct. 10, 1696, leaving an
estate valued at £61, 13s., 3d., with his son Daniel
as sole executor. The births of only two of his chil-
dren are on record, although it is certain that he had
six at least: John, born April 6, 1645, died young;
George, born in 1647, married Martha Fiske, -June
10, 1O84; Daniel, born in 1652, settled in Simsbury,
Conn; John, born March 6, 1657, moved to Sims-
bury, where he married Abigail Pinney, Dec. 6,
1677, moved to Enfield in 1697, and then to Col-
chester, where he died Nov. 22, 1732; Samuel set-
tled in Simsbury also, and there married Elizabeth,
daughter of Luke Hill ; Mary was baptized in Wa-
tertown, Nov. 21, 1686.
Daniel Adams, of Windsor, son of George, mar-
ried Mary Pinney, Sept. 20, 1677, settled in Sims-
bury, and became the father of eleven children ;
Daniel, born in 1678, died Jan. 11, 1713; Sarah was
married Feb. 22, 1704, to Thomas Stevens; Samuel,
who married Elizabeth Read July 2, 1713, died in
April, 1772; Joseph, born in 1685, married Mary
Case, April 30, 1719, and died March 26, 174: ;
Thomas, born in 1689, married Martha Buttolph
Dec. 25, 1712, and died Feb. 24, 1784; Benjamin, |
born in 1695, (first) married Rachel Case, March I
25, 1712, and (second) married Louise Griswold,
May 27, 1734, and died Oct. 3, 1770; Thankful, 1
born March 4, 1697, died Feb. 21, 1699; Mercy, 1
born Jan. 16, 1698, was married to Daniel Porter, I
Jan. 27, 1712; Mary, born Jan. 16, 1698, died March I
29, 1700; Ephraim, born May 25, 1701, married |
Ruth Beaman, May 5, 1726; and Thankful married
Robert Westland, May 17, 1721. The father of 1
this family was called from earth Nov. 17, 1713. ,
Joseph Adams, son of Daniel, and mentioned ;
above as having been born in 1685, died March 26, <\
1741. He married, April 30, 1719, Mary Case, ;
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Holcomb) «
Case, of Terry's Plains. She was born Aug. 23,. '
1696, a sister of Rachel Case, wife of Benjamin
Aclams, the brother of Joseph, and died in Septem-
ber, 1784, the mother of two children: Joseph, born
Sept. 16, 1722, died in 1775; Matthew, born Aug.
21, 1724, died March 9, 1764.
Matthew Adams, son of Joseph, married Susan-
nah, daughter of William and Mehitable Eno, to
which union were born four children, viz. : Mat-
thew, April 9, 1746, died Sept. 24, 1776; Susannah,
Oct. 29, 1747, died Aug. 19, 1835; William, Nov.
2, 1752, died Feb. 14, 181 1; and Abel, April 30,
1756, died March 29, 1829.
Capt. William Adams, son of Matthew, married
Rosabella, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth
Loomis, of Simsbury; she died July 2, 1802, the
mother of the following-named children ; William
was born Oct. 14, 1778; Rosabella, born June 4,
1780, married Origen Pinney May 2, 1799, and died
Aug. 25, 1857; Asenath, born Sept. 21, 1783, mar-
ried Joseph Pinney, and died Nov. 21, 1864; Susan-
nah, born May i, 1785, married Henry Case, and
died Aug. 22, 1865; Cyrena, born May 19, 1789,
married Martin Mitchelson, April 25, 1809; and
Savilla, the youngest child, is married to Philetus
Goddard. The father of this family, Capt. William
Adams, died Feb. 14, 181 1..
Abel Adams, brother of Capt. William Adams,
married Rosene Cossett, who was born May 30,
1759, a daughter of Rene and Phebe (Hillyer)
Cossett, and who died Oct. 25, 1827, the mother of
ten children: Betsey, July 17, 1778 — died Jan. 27,
1828; Rosannah, Feb. 2, 1780 — died March 26,
1833; Abel, Jan. 3, 1781— died Oct. 15, 1856; Am-
brose,-Dec. 17, 1783 — died Feb. 19, i860; Homer,
March 29, 1788 — died Sept. 16, 1805; Phebe, Dec.
22, 1789 — died Nov. 16, 1872; Lurana, Oct. 14,
1790 — died Sept. 12, i860; Orphia Cossett, Feb.
17. 1793 — died June 27, 1867; Ruth, March 2\,
1796 — died Nov. 19, 1866; and Virgil, Jan. 25, 1798
— died April 26, 1849. The father of these chil-
dren, Abel Adams, was one of the soldiers sent from
Connecticut after the Lexington massacre, and
joined the army near Boston. He enlisted May
9, 1775, in Capt. Abel Pettibone's company, Second
Connecticut Continentals, under Col. Joseph
COMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
815
Spencer, and served until honorably discharsjed,
Dec. iS, 1775; in 1776 he enlisted in Capt, Ephraini
Adams' company, I'.levcnth Connecticut Militia,
and marched to Westchester; returnintj to his farm
in North Uloomfield, he died there, and there, is a
marble slab to his memory in St. Andrew's cemetery.
William Adams, son of Capt. W lUiam Adams,
was a lifelong resident of Bloomlield, was a farmer,
and for many years kept a tavern. Born in 1778,
he married. May 2, 1798, Miss Electa Roberts,
who died Oct. 15, 1847, t'^^ mother of nine children,
born as follows: William, Oct. 10, 1799; Hiram,
i\lay 22, 1801 ; LJyron. Feb. 23, 1803; Chester, Feb.
23, 1805; Watson, April 23, 1807; Tudor, April
30, 1809; Caroline Electa, Dec. 4, 1812; Edwin
R., April II, 1815; and James, Aug. 26, 1817. The
father of this family died July 24, 1822.
Hiram Adams, son of William and father of
Hiram Watts Adams, passed his boyhood days at
his father's tavern in Simsbury, now in I'loonifield,
and was educated in the South Scotland district
school. He kept store and tollgate at Xorth Bloom-
field several years, and married, June 12, 1823, Miss
Catherine Ailams, daughter of Ambrose Adams, and
granddaughter of Capt. Abel Adams. To this mar-
riage were born seven children : Electa C, widow
of Horton Cornish, of Hartford : Mary, deceased
wife of Linville J. Hall, chaplain in the State prison
at Wethersfield ; Eliza C, widow of Wooster B.
Seymour, of Hartford ; Hiram W. ; Amelia D.,
widow of Henry \V. \\ biting, of New Britain ;
Byron D., deceased ; and Ashbel S., deceased. Mrs.
Adams died in October, 1853, and Mr. Adams mar-
ried, Jan. I, 1S56, Lydia S. Butler. In politics Mr.
Adams was a Democrat. In religion he was first
an Episcopalian, but later united with the Baptist
Church at Tariffville, of which his wife was a mem-
ber, and in this faith he died JNIarch 8, 1866.
Hiram W. Adams passed his school-boy days in
North Scotland school district, Hartford county,
and in Perth Amboy, X. J. At the age of eighteen
years he started peddling through the states of New
York, Ohio and Alichigan, and in 1858, about six
years later, returned to Bloomfield with a drove
of twenty-two horses, and also in the summer of
the same year, drove 3,000 sheep from Ohio. He
next conducted a grocery and also a carriage re-
pository in Hartford for twenty-five years, being
the first to engage in the latter business in that
city, and for twenty-one years there made a con-
tinuous residence, his grocery being at the corner of
Main and Pleasant streets.
In the spring of 1883 ^Ir. Adams returned to
North Bloomfield, and this has since been his per-
manent home. Here he engaged in handling Cana-
dian horses up to 1894, since when he has devoted
his attention to trading in horses from the West,
being now, as he has been in the past, the leader
in this special line of live stock dealing.
Mr. Adams was united in marriage, at East
Granby, Conn., Feb. 16, 1859, '^^■'th Miss Jane F.
Griswold, a daughter of Elihu Griswold, who de-
scended from one of tlie oldest families of New
England, and of which further mention will shortly
be made. To the felicitous union of Mr. and Mrs.
.\dams has come one daughter. Bertha Jane, whose
birth occurred Julv 31, 18O1, and who was mar-
ried, March 27, 1883, to Jeffery O. Phelps, of Hart-
ford. To Mr. and -Mrs. I'helps has been born. .May
25, 1886, one son, Jeffery O.. Jr. Mr. .\dams is
a F'reemason ; he was an alderman in Hartford,
has been a selectman in Bloomfield, and has ever led
an active, a progressive and a useful life, replete
with beneficial results to himself, his family and his
hosts of warm-heartetl and unfeignedlv sincere
friends.
Elihu Gkiswold, father of Mrs. Jane F. .\danis,
and a son of Alexantler and Alice (Bascomj Gris-
wold, was born in East Granby, Dec. 20, 1799, and
there died in July, 1882. He was one of the town's
most prominent and influential citizens, was one of
its progressive farmers, for several terms repre-
sented his district in the State Legislature, as a
Democrat, and also served in all the town offices;
he died a devoted member of the Baptist Church
at East Granby. To his marriage, with Miss Mary
Olmstead, a daughter of Timothy and Rhoda
(Loomis) Olmstead, of his own town, were born
three chddren : Jane Frances (Mrs. .-\dams), June
22, 1834; Mary Alice, who died April 2, 1842, at
the age of si.xteen months; and Timothy' Wolcott,
born JMarch 17, 1843, and also deceased.
A brief summary of the Griswold family antece-
dents may be given as follows : Edward and ^^latthew
Griswold came from Kendworth, Warwickshire,
England, in 1639, in company with the Rev. Huits
party, and settled in Windsor, Conn. Although they
l;ad owned property in Kenilworth. it is not known
that the city was their birthplace, and it is claimed
that they belonged to the ancient family of Solihull
near by, and as such were entitled to the use of the
family coat of arms, but of this there is no positive
proof. However, it is certain that the immigrant
brothers were men of education and property,
and, after their arrival in the Colony, were al-
ways saluted as "]^Ir.," the equivalent of "gentle-
man,'' in contradistinction to yeoman or tradesman.
Both brothers, though young when they arrived,
speedily allied themselves with the highest social
element of Windsor, took positions of commanding
influence and became prominent in local aftairs, be-
ing chosen to fill the offices of governor and lieu-
tenant governor of the State many times. Besides
if it be a principle of heredity that the character-
istics, physical and mental, of a strongly marked
ancestry, are reproduced in the descendants, then
it may be inferred .that the original Griswolds of
New England were high minded, intelligent and
Christian gentlemen, as these characteristics are
fully developed in the present generation.
HON. FREDERICK ALEXANDER KING, a
substantial agriculturist and citizen of South \\'ind-
sor, has descended from one of the old and promi-
816
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nent families of New England, being in the seventh
generation from Capt. John King, of Northampton,
i\iass., the line of his descent being through Thomas,
Thomas (2), Zebulon, Alexander and Benoni Ol-
cott King.
(i) Capt. John King, the emigrant ancestor,
was born in 1629 in Northampton, England. At the
age of sixteen years, in 1645, he came to America,
locating in Northampton, Mass. He married, in
1656, Sarah, daughter of Deacon William Horton,
theirs being the second marriage celebrated in the
town. The town granted him a homestead on King
street. At his suggestion, or in honor of him, it is
thought, the town took its name. He was a tanner
b}^ trade, an estimable member of the Church and
community, often serving as selectman. His wife
died in 1683, and he subsequently married Sarah,
widow of Jacob Mygatt, and daughter of William
Whiting. Capt. King died in 1703, and his second
wife passed away in 1705.
(H) Thomas King, son of Capt. John King,
the emigrant, was born in 1662 ; his third wife died
in 171 1, the year in which he died.
(ni) Thomas King (2), son of Thomas King
[no record given].
(IV) Zebulon King, son of Thomas King (2),
born in 1717, married, in 1743, Keziah Loomis. She
died in 1^82, and he died in 1793. He located in
what is now South Windsor, Connecticut.
(V) Alexander King, son of Zebulon King, born
in 1749, married, in 1781, Abigail Olcott. She died
in 1837, he died in 1831. Alexander King served
as a soldier during the Revolutionary war. In June,
1776, he was commissioned, by Jonathan Trumbull,
ensign of a company raised to join tne Continental
army, and was again commissioned Oct. 16, 1777,
by Gov. Trumbull, as an ensign in the 19th Regi-
ment of Militia.
(VI) Benoni Olcott King, the father of Hon.
Frederick Alexander King, of South Windsor, was
born Aug. 26, 1799. He married Nov. 12, 1827,
Lucina Sadd, born Jan. 3, 1802, daughter of Noah
Sadd. Mr. King was an industrious and prosper-
ous farmer throughout his lifetime, and one of the
substantial men of Hartford county. He was a
representative from his town to the General As-
sembly of the State in 1846 — the first from the
town of South Windsor. He was a practical business
man, possessed of good judgment and held the es-
teem and respect of his fellow townsmen, as did also
his wife,who was a descendant of Thomas Sadd, who
was among the early settlers of East Windsor. Mr.
King died Oct. 15, 1854, and Mrs. King on Oct.
13, 1858. To them were born four children: Mar-
tha C, born in 1831, resides near the old homestead;
Frederick Alexander, born Dec. 4, 1833, is men-
tioned farther on; Celia M., born in 1840, married,
in 1870, Leonidas D. Chandler, a substantial farmer
of South Windsor; and Catharine M., born in
1836, married, in 1870, William H. Cogswell, of
Ellington, Conn., and died in 1875.
(VII) Frederick Alexander King, son of the
late Hon. Benoni Olcott King, was born Dec. 4,
1833, in what is now South Windsor, and was
reared on his father's farm, remaining at home
until his marriage. In boyhood he attended the pub-
lic schools of the town, and also received private
instruction. In 1870 he purchased what was known
as the old Wolcott homestead, to which he removed
after his marriage, and which has since been his
home. This farm now comprises some one hundred
acres, in addition to which he owns several other
tracts, the greater part of the home farm being
bottom land on the Connecticut river, over which the
spring freshets annually leave a rich alluvial de-
posit, greatly enriching it and rendering it self-sup-
porting, and the best meadow or grass land to be
found anywhere in the world. Mr. King is one
of the few farmers of Hartford county who is not
burdened with the great expense of fertilizing, his
land lying in this particular locality being effectually
fertilized by this annual overflow of the river ; and
he is the only farmer who takes entire advantage
of these natural conditions. He owns one of the
best-improved farms in South Windsor, and is en-
gaged in general farming and stock raising. He
also grows some tobacco. As an agriculturist he
ranks with the best of the county, and as a man
and citizen he has the respect and esteem of his
fellow men.
A man of the people, enterprising and public
spirited, one in whom the people of his town have
confidence, and who has successfully managed his
own affairs, Mr. King has many times been called
to positions of public trust and honor, and has as
often discharged their duties with efficiency and
fidelity. Though a Democrat in his political affil-
iations it is a notable fact, and to his credit, that
he has had the support of both parties through his
public service. He was elected town clerk and
treasurer in 1863, and held those positions for a
number of years. He was elected to the office of
probate judge in 1867, and in 1878 was a represent-
ative in the General Assembly. He was chosen
selectman of his town in 1881 and again in 1887,
holding the office in allsome eight years, and then
declining further service. He also for some years
was a member of the high school committee of the
town.
On May 8, 1873, Mr. King was married to Miss
Ellen L. Vibbert, and their home has been blessed
with children as follows : Mabel D., Olcott F., Kath-
erine L. and Mattie E.
HON. MARO SPAULDING CHAPMAN,
manufacturer, of Manchester and Hartford, has long
been one of the promient business men and citizens
of the Capital City and of the State.
A representative of one of Connecticut's early
and prominent families, Mr. Chapman was born
Feb. 13, 1839, in East Haddam, Conn., son of Na-
thaniel and Harriet (Talcott) Chapman, and a de-
scendant in the seventh generation from (I) Rob-
ert Chapman, who was born in England, says tradi-
fe^^€^:6^e
_^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
817
tion, in 1616. He came from Hull, England, to
JJoston in 1635, and on to Saxbrook that same year.
In 1O42 he married Ann Uliss. He died in 1687.
That he was a man of influence in the town of Say-
brook is evident from the fact that for many years
he held the office of town clerk, and clerk of Oyster
River Quarter, and filled many other important sta-
tions. I'or many years he was commissioner of
Saybrook, and was elected as their deputy to the
General Court forty-three times, and assistant nine
times. He was therefore a member of the Legis-
lature of the State at more sessions than any other
man, from the settlement of Saybrook to the present
time. The Colony records also show that each of
his three sons were representatives to the Legisla-
ture: The eldest, twenty-two sessions; the second,
eighteen sessions ; the third, twenty-four sessions.
It appears from the records of Saybrook that Rob-
ert Chapman was a very large land holder in the
towns of Saybrook and East Haddam. He also
owned a large tract in Hebron. He settled him-
self on a tract of land in Oyster River, about two
miles west of Saybrook fort, which has descended
in the line of the youngest son of each family,
never having been bought or sold, and is now oc-
cupied by Robert Chapman, a lineal descendant of
Robert Chapman, the emigrant.
The line of our subject's descent from this
Robert Chapman is through Robert (2J, Robert
(3), Caleb, Caleb (2), and Nathaniel.
ill) Robert Chapman {2), son of Robert, the
emigrant, born in 1646, at Saybrook, married (first)
in 1671 Sarah Griswold. He was long in public
life, having represented the town in the Legislature
eighteen sessions, was commissioner and surveyor
of the town, and otherwise prominent. He was a
large land owner. His death occurred in 171 1.
(HI) Robert Chapman (3J, son of Robert (2),
born in 1675, was one of the first settlers of East
Haddam. His death occurred in 1760. His wife's
name was Alary.
(IV) Caleb Chapman, son of Robert (3), born
in 1704, at East Haddam, married in 173 1 Elizabeth
Church.
(Vj Caleb Chapman (2), son of Caleb, born in
1732, in East Haddam, married (second), in 1775,
Hannah Brown, of Chatham. He died in 1805.
(\T) Xathaniel Chapman, son of Caleb, born in
in 1787, in East Haddam, married (first) Alay 13,
1819, Philoxa Cone, who died Sept. 7, 1823, leaving
no issue. Mr. Chapman later married Harriet Tal-
cott. He was occupied as a tanner and farmer in
East Haddam. His children were : Frederick T.,
born in 1825; JMary P., in 1827: John P., in 1829;
Xathaniel O., in 1833: William PL, in 1835; ]\Iary
S., Feb. 13, 1839; and James B.. in 1840.
Maro S. Chapman, our subject, attended the
public schools of East Haddam and also a private
school there. From the age of eighteen he was a
clerk for three years in a store in Manchester
Green. Hartford county. The stirring scenes of i86i
aroused his patriotism, and, feeling that his coun-
52
' try needed his services, he left the counting room,
aiid on \ov. 20, 1861, enlisted, becoming a ])rivate
in Company C, 12th Conn. \'. L, the "Charter Oak"
regiment, of which Hon. Henry C. Ueming, at that
time mayor of Hartford, became colonel. The
command became a part of Gen. Butler's division.
Young Chapman bore an honorable part in the cam-
paign and varied experiences of his company and
regiment for a year and a half, then returned to
civil life. Since the close (j1 the war ( 1865) he has
been engaged primarily in tiie manufacture of en-
velopes, identified with the PlimiHon Manufacturing
Co., of Hartford, and smce 1874 has been superin-
tendent of the United States Stamped Envelope
Works, of the same city. In order that the reader
may get an idea of the magnitude of this business
under the superintendency of Mr. Chapman we
give an outline of the history of the concern with
which he has been connected.
The Plimpton ]\Ianufacturing Co., which was
the outgrowth of a business started by Linus B.
Plimpton in 1865, was organized in 1873 for the
manufacture of envelopes, paix;r, papeteries and
printing. In 1886 the company built a factory on
Pearl street for their own exclusive use, constructed
of brick, and with four Hours above the basement^
each containing 17,000 square feet. It is lighted
by electricity, furnished with automatic fire ex-
tinguishers, and thoroughly provided with modern
appliances for the economical dispatch of business.
The works have a capacity of three million envel-
opes per day, and besides are fully equipped for
job-printing and book-binding. In 1874 the com-
pany put in a bid for making stamped envelopes for
the government, and obtained the prize. With
them in the contract was joined the Morgan En-
velope Co., of Springfield, Alass., and the associa-
tion was merged in the Hartford Manufacturing
Co., in 1898. At each successive letting, with the
exception of the year 1894 the contract has con-
tinued to fall to these parties as the lowest bidders.
Since the transfer of the manufacture to Plartford
( 1874) the annual output of government stamped
envelopes has risen from one hundred and fifty
million to over six hundred million. From the be-
ginning Mr. Chapman has had immediate super-
vision of the business, which is carried on in a build-
ing by itself, while the Post Office Department has
an agent of its own under the same roof to look
after its interests, and to superintend the shipments
to postoffices throughout the country on order from
W'ashington. The business is now carried on un-
der the name of the Hartford Alanufacturing Co.,
of which 2\Ir. Chapman is general manager and
secretary and treasurer, and he has shown great
executive ability and decision of character in this
work. He is also vice-president of the Plimpton
Manufacturing Co.
Mr. Chapman originated and is president of
the Hartford. Alanchester & Rockville Tramway
Co. With his own resources he built, equipped
and turned over the road to the stockholders in
818
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
complete running- order, and now owns a controlling
■ interest in same. It is regarded by those who are
qualified to express an opinion as being in every
respect a model. During the year 1896, under the
same conditions, he extended the line six miles to
Talcottville, and in 1897 to Rockville, and built a
complete power plant to furnish electricity both
for the system and for lighting the town of Man-
chester. For twelve years, up to. 1897, he was presi-
dent of the Hartford Manilla Co., which had a
flourishing mill at Burnside.
Politically Mr. Chapman is a stanch Republi-
can. For thirty years he has been a member of
the town committee, and for upward of fifteen years
was its chairman. He is an admirable debater, and
a clear and forcible speaker, having the faculty of
presenting his views with great clearness, and in
convincing Style. He has been a number of times
honored by his fellow townsmen with places of
trust and responsibility, represented his town in
the Legislature in 1882, and was senator from the
Second Senatorial District in 1884-85. While a
member of the House he was chairman of the com-
mittee on cities and boroughs, and in the Senate
was chairman of the committee on railroads. At
the Republican State Convention held in New
Haven Sept. 5, 1900, Mr. Chapman was unani-
mously chosen Presidential Elector for the First
Congressional District, comprising the counties of
Hartford and Tolland. For a decade and more
past Mr. Chapman was chairman of the Road and
Bridge Commission of the town of JManchester.
He is a member of the lodges of both the Masonic
Fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows at Manchester, and of Drake Post, G. A. R.,
Manchester, of which he was commander for ten
years.
Mr. Chapman has been twice married. In 1861
he wedded Lucy W. Woodbridge, of Manchester,
who died in 1869, leaving one child, Jennie P., now
the wife of E. S. Ela, editor and publisher of the
Manchester Herald. In 1871 Mr. Chapman mar-
ried Helen C. Robbins, of Manchester, and the union
has been blessed with two children : Helen G. and
Mary O.
HON. ROSWELL H. PHELPS. The Phelps
family has held such a distinguished place in the
history of this section that the following account
of the branch represented by this well-known citi-
zen of East Granby, now serving as Judge of Pro-
bate, will be of more than ordinary interest. He
is of the tenth generation in direct descent from
William Phelps, who was born in 1699, in Tewks-
bury, England, and came to America in 1630 with
two brothers, Richard and George. After a few
years residence in Massachusetts this noted pio-
neer came to Hartford county, settling in Windsor
in 1635, and land owned by him is still in the pos-
session of his descendants in that town.
(II) Joseph Phel.ps, son of William, was born
in England, accompanied his father to America in
childhood, and settled at Simsbury, where his re-
maining years were spent.
(Ili) Joseph Phelps, the next in the line of
descent, was born at Simsbury in 1667.
(IV) Joseph Phelps, who was born at Sims-
bury in 1689, made his home 1710 in what is now
East Granby, and was the progenitor of the branch
of the family now residing in that town, a portion
of the land acquired by him being still in the pos-
session of his descendants.
(V) Joseph Phelps, the next in descent, was
born after his father's removal to East Granby,
in 1716.
(VI_) Joseph Phelps, through whom the line
of descent is continued, was born in East Granby,
in 1742, and died aged twenty-six years.
(VII) Capt. Roswell Phelps, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born in East Granby, in 1764, and
died in 1805. He owned a large tract of real estate
in the' town, and was one of its most prominent
citizens. During the Revolutionary war he served
as a private soldier, and his title was subsequently
earned by service as captain of the Fourth Com-
pany,, i8th Regiment Connecticut Militia, his com-
mission being signed by Gov. Trumbull in October,
1799. Fie married Chloe Holcomb, and had three
children: Roswell Homer, who is mentioned be-
low ; Orson P., from whom many of the name
in this section are descended ; and Chloe, who mar-
ried Seth Thompson.
(VIII) Roswell Homer Phelps, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in 1788 at the old home-
stead in East Granby, and by occupation was an
agriculturist. Throughout his life he was held
in high esteem for his sterling qualities of char-
acter, although his preference for a quiet life kept
him from accepting official honors of any kind.
He was a large man, weighing about 260 pounds,
and his robust constitution carried him to an ad-
vanced age, his death occurring Nov. 19, 1881.
In religious faith he was a Congregationalist, and
politically he affiliated first with the Whig and later
with the Republican party, being a firm supporter
of the Government during the war. In 181 1 he
married Lydia Gay, who was born in 1790, and died
Oct, 27, 1826, her remains being interred in the
old cemetery in East Granby by the side of her
husband. The Gay family is iof pioneer stock,
and her father. Sergeant Richard Gay, was a prom-
inent resident of East Granby. Of the children
of Roswell Homer and Lydia Phelps, only one,
Richard H., lived to adult age.
(IX) Hon. Richard H. Phelps, father of our
subject, was born June 27, 1813, in East Granby,
and after attending the schools of District No. 2,
of that town, he pursued the higher branches in
Rev. Mr. Hemingway's select school, at West Suf-
field. Although reared to farm life he found it
uncongenial and, as a young man, turned his at-
tention to teaching. Later he engaged in the dry-
goods business in Hartford, where for several years
he conducted two stores. He removed in 1847
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
819
'to Windsor, Conn., and in 1863 to Seneca Falls,
X. Y., and four years later he went to Alilford,
Del., where he spent ahout seven years. While
there he was connnissioned as justice of the peace
by Gov. Salisbury, of Delaware, and otficiated with
marked ability in many trials. In 1874 he returned
to East Granby to spend his remaining years, and
his death occurred there Oct. 15, 1885. In poli-
tics he was a stanch Democrat, and at various
; times he held ofhcc, his services as representative
from Windsor and Granby in the State Legisla-
ture demonstrating his powers as a party leader.
In 1S51 he was made county connnissioner, his
commission being signed by Gov. Thomas Seymour,
and he also served as Judge of Probate in Windsor
and as director of the Connecticut State Prison, as
well as in other positions of responsibility. His
able "History of Newgate, of Connecticut"' is the
only authentic history of that old institution ever
published, -and although it passed through several
, editions it is now rare and is eagerly sought for,
as time only increases its value. On Oct. 22, 1840,
Mr. Phelps was married in Windsor to jNIiss JNIind-
well r>. Griswold, a native of that town, born Aug.
26. 1814. She belonged to a well-known family,
and her father, Buckland Griswold, and grand-
father, Abiel Griswold, w^ere each wealthy and
prominent citizens of Windsor in their time. She
died Oct. 8, 1854, and Mr. Phelps afterward mar-
ried Mrs. Julia E. Babcock, wdio was born in Wind-
sor. April 2T,, 1822, a daughter of Lemuel and Nancy
^^'elch, and is now living at the homestead in East
Granby, where she is much respected for her ex-
cellent traits. There were no children by this sec-
ond marriage. Our subject was the eldest in the
family of three children born to Richard H. and
Mindwell B. Phelps. (2) William G., formerly
a successful dentist at Galena, IMd., died in 1888.
He married Edith C. Foulk, who survived him with
two children, both born at ^Milford, Del., Roswell
Foulk, now the only male representative of this
branch of the family bearing the name of Phelps,
a bright, promising young man, a graduate of Am-
herst College, and now in Harvard College, and
Edith M., a student in the ^ledical Department of
Boston L^niversity, who possesses rare mental gifts,
and will doubtless attain success in her chosen pro-
fession. (3) Alline L.,only sister of our subject, mar-
ried the late George HofF, of Philadelphia, and has
two children, both natives of Lincoln, Del., Laura E.,
who possesses intellectual ability and force of char-
acter of an unusual order, is a graduate of the High
and Normal schools at Philadelphia, and licensed
to teach anywhere in that city : and Henry Phelps,
residing with his widowed mother.
Roswell H. Phelps was born at the old home-
stead in East Granby which he still calls his home,
the greater portion of his time being spent there,
as he has never married and set up a separate es-
tablishment. After comnleting a course of study
in the public schools of Windsor he attended Wind-
sor Academv, then conducted bv Prof. Standish.
In early manhood he began teaching, and in 1866,
after several terms of successful work in Connect-
icut and Delaware went to California, and for two
years taught in the vicinity of Sacramento, receiv-
ing one hundred dollars per month. In those days
California had a school system far in advance of
that of any other State in the far West, and the
Judge's high standing in the rigid examinations
retlected great credit upon him. On his return to
the East he was connected for some years with the
Continental Life Insurance Co., with headquarters
in Hartford, and in the meantime he studied short-
hand, becoming so expert as to be employed as a
reporter in the Legislature during two sessions.
Since that time he has had considerable experience
in journalistic work, being associated with the
Hartford Times as a legislative reporter, also with
the Insurance Jonrnal, Hartford; and his abilities
were also appreciated by Mark Twain, who
made him his private secretary during the writing
of the famous book "On The Mississippi Twenty
Years After," traveling up and down the whole
stretch of the ^Mississippi. Having acquired a com-
fortable competence, which he has judiciously in-
vested and increased, the Judge has been able to
secure the advantages of travel and a generous
course of reading, while his native ability and re-
finement- have given him entrance to the best class
of people everywhere. His ancestrv entitles him
to membership in the Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and he takes much interest
in its work. Although no artistic training was
given him in youth, his talent for painting has been
shown in a number of excellent specimens which
have received nnich praise, and doubtless, if he had
devoted his attention to art, he would have made
a name for himself in that line of effort. He is
one of the chief tax-payers in his town, and all his
varied business investments receive his personal at-
tention, occupying quite fully the time left from his
official duties. In 1896 he was chosen to his pres-
ent post of Probate Judge, and so free from all
partisan bias was the movement which resulted in
his election that he may truly be said to have been
the choice of the entire community. His able, faith-
ful and efficient work has fully justified the con-
fidence of the people, which was confirmed by his
almost unanimous re-election to the Probate Judge-
ship in 1898.
HON. LEMUEL STOUGHTON, deceased.
Ninety-one years of life filled with useful effort,
and crowned with the respect and esteem of his fel-
low citizens, w-as the lot of this honored resident
of East Windsor. He was one of the most re-
spected and influential residents of his section of
the State, and his distinguished services in public
life, as well as his personal worth, make the follow-
ing history of general interest, not only to the
readers of the present day. but to future historians
of this section.
Mr. Stoughton came of good pioneer stock, be-
820
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing of the sixth generation in descent from (I)
Thomas Stoughton, a native of England, who came
to America about 1630, and soon afterward lo-
cated in Hartford county, in the old town of
Windsor.
(II) John Stoughton, son of Thomas, was the
first of the family to locate upon the farm occupied
by our subject in East Windsor, which has descended
from father to son now through six generations.
(III) Nathaniel Stoughton, our subject's great-
grandfather, followed agriculture at the homestead
throughout life.
(IV) Lemuel Stoughton, the grandfather of our
subject, was born at the old farm and made his home
there.
(V) John Stoughton, our subject's father, was
born at the homestead Feb. 2, 1772, and died Sept.
19, 1841. Only one of his family now survives,
Hon. John Stoughton, of New Britain, who has at-
tained the age of eighty-six. One daughter, Airs.
Grant, late of South Windsor, died May 24, 1900,
at the age of ninety years.
(VI) Lemuel Stoughton was born March 4,
1808, on the farm where he always made his home,
and was educated in the common schools of the town
and the academy at East Windsor. He remained
under the parental roof until 1841, when he pur-
chased a part of the old homestead and improved
the tract for a permanent home. He owned 120
acres of land and for 3'ears was quite extensively
engaged in tobacco growing, his farm being con-
sidered one of the best in the town. Air. Stoughton
was always interested in politics, first as a Whig and
later as a Republican, having joined the latter party
on its organization, and at one time or other held
nearly every office in the gift of his fellow towns-
men. He served six years as assessor and seven as
selectman, and in 1845-46 was elected a member of
the Legislature, while in 1865 and again in 1866 he
was elected to the State Senate, from the old Sec-
ond district, his able services commanding the ap-
proval of his constituents. He was the Senate chair-
man of the committee on agriculture. Always
deeply interested in the welfare of his town and
State, he gave his support and influence readily to
any movement which promised to benefit his fellow
men. In disposition benevolent and generous, he
was universally beloved, and his advice, especially
in business matters, was frequently sought by the
younger generation, and given with a spirit which
displayed his genuine sympathy and interest. His
death, on April 27, 1899, was widely mourned.
For many years he was a leading member of the
First Congregational Church of East Windsor, and
his family hold an enviable social position.
In 1841 Mr. Stoughton married Miss Hannah
Blodgett, of East Windsor, who died April 27, 1S50,
and of their three children, Lemuel, Hannah and
Oliver, none are now living. On Dec. 4, 185 1, he
married Miss Mary Moody, of Granby, Mass.,
daughter of Thomas Hovey and Hannah Montague
(Ferry) Moody, and by this union there were also
three children : Susan, deceased ; Lemuel, mentioned ,
below ; and Miss Lucy W., who resides at the old I
hoine.
Lemuel Stoughton was born May 12, 1865,
and received his early education in the public schools '
of the home neighborhood, later taking a course '
in the academy at St. Johnsburg, Vt., from which
he was graduated m the class of '83. He has al-
ways followed farming and now has control of the
old homestead, to which he has succeeded. On
March 20, 1894, he married Kate Louise, daughter
of Chauncey B. Ellsworth, whose sketch appears
elsewhere. They have two children, Mary Louise
and Lemuel Ellsworth.
ISAAC BROADHEAD (deceased) was one of
Hartford county's most valued citizens, and through-
out his long and successful business career he gave
his support only to enterprises and interests which
were calculated to promote the general welfare.
While he had but a limited education, according to
present standard, his native abilities enabled him to
make his way to an honorable position in social, po-
litical and commercial life, and with better advan-
tages in youth he might well have attempted any
line of effort with a certainty of success.
Mr. Broadhead was a descendant from an old
English family, the first of the name to settle in
America having Leen Capt. Dan Broadhead, of the
British army, who accompanied the force sent by
King Charles II. in 1664 against the Dutch in New-
York. During the campaign his company was with
Col. Nichols' regiment. After the surrender of the
Colony he settled in Ulster county, N. Y., and on
Sept. 14, 1665, he was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the militia of that county. He died there
in 1667. His wife, Ann Lye, accompanied him to
America, their home having been in Yorkshire, Eng-
land, previously, and their descendants are now
among the best citizens of Ulster county. Daniel
S. Broadhead, our subject's father, was born in
Ulster county, and became a blacksmith by trade.
He married Miss Sarah Wright, a native of Glas-
tonbury, and a member of the familv in whose honor
Wright's Island was named.
Our subject, who was one of a large family of
children, was born m Ulster county July 30, 1815,
and first attended school in his native town. Later
he studied in a select school at Glastonbury, which
occupied the site of the present residence of Arthur
Douglas, and among his teachers there were William
Wright and a Aliss Spring, daughter of Rev. JNIr.
Spring, of East Hartford. On leaving school he
was employed in the tannery owned bv David Hub-
bard, father-in-law of Deacon James B. Williams,
but although he had gained some knowledge of
the business in Ulster county, his wages were very
small. For some time they were paid once a year,
and during the panic of 1837 he was paid in farm
produce. He had learned in Ulster county better
methods of tanning than were known to his new
employer, and after a time the latter took him
k:
'^J^a<r^<^ f/jv^en^c/JijLcPc^
./.HM'mra & Co C/tir
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
821
into partnershii), giving him an opportunity to bring
his knowledge of the business into prohtal)le
use. In 1854 Mr. Uroadhead formed a part-
nership with Edward Hubbard, a nephew of
David Hubbard, and engaged in the manu-
facture of a superior kind of leather for sad-
dles, made of hogskin, and tanned to a light color.
For some time they had a large trade with Cuba,
the payments being made entirely in gold, and after
the outbreak of the Civil war the demand fur their
product was constant, the material being made into
' saddles by Smith & Borne, of Hartford. During
this busy period our subject worked in the tannery as
hard as any of his men, if not harder, and at all
times his characteristic thoroughness in attending
I to the details of the business was a main factor in
the success of the enterjjrise. He was a kind em-
ployer, and some of his men reniaineil with him for
, over twenty years. He continued in the tanning
; business until 18S7, when he retired .to enjoy a well-
I earned rest, and his death occurred May 15, iSyS,
• his remains being interred at Glastonbury.
Mr. Broadhead's business enterprises were varied
in character, and for some years he was a director
in the Goodrich Brothers Banking Company, of
: Fairbury, Neb., and the Red River \'alley Bankine
Company, of Fargo, N. Dak. With P. H. Good-
rich he was mainly instrumental in having the Hart-
ford and Glastonbury electric railway to Glastonbury
built by the railway company in the face of strong-
opposition from many who now realize its conven-
ience. He and Mr. Goodrich drove to East Hart-
ford and rode into Glastonbury on the first car that
came over the line, and he was on the first car that
went into South Glastonbury. Mr. Broadhead was
of a sympathetic nature, as was evidenced by the
many kindnesses shown the motor-men and con-
ductors on the trollev cars that passed his door, and
on cold winter mornings he used to serve them with
hot cofYee and food, being known by them as the
'■good Samaritan." He was very unassuming in
manner, being easily approached by all, and his
genuine kindliness won him the warm regard of all
classes in the community. Among the most es-
teemed friends of his later vears was John ^luir,
one of the leading tanners of Scotland, whom he
met in 1868, while on his w^ay to England to study
methods of coloring. His active work in politics
as a member of the Republican party also brought
him many congenial friendsnips, and for many vears
he was regarded as a leading adviser of the organi-
zation in this section. He held numerous town
offices, and in iSjg represented Glastonburv in the
Legislature, that being the last session held in the
old State house in Hartford. He was one of the
"Harrison \'eterans,"' and in 1840 went to Boston
to help celebrate the victory of Harrison, and he
was also a member of the "Wide Awakes" of Glas-
tonbury when that organization was in existence.
As a boy he united with the Congregational Church
in Ulster county, and in later life he was one of the
chief supporters and deacon of the church in Glas-
tonbury. Mr. Broadhead had a remarkably fine
physique, being more than six feet in height, with
broad shoulders, and his health was excellent, while
his faculties seemed unimpaired by the passing
years. His ability to endure hardship and arduous
work enabled him to push to a successful conclusion
tasks which would have daunted others of less
strength of mind and body, and with his firm will
and keen, shrewd mentalit}' he could not fail to be a
leader in any line of work which he undertook.
Mr. Broadhead was verv domestic in his habits,
his home being the chief center of interest, notwith-
standing his activity in business and public life. On
Jan. 24, 1843, lie married Miss Damaris St. Clair,
daughter of Matthew and Hannah (Green) St.
Clair, highly esteemed residents of Ellington, Conn.
Their only child, Miss Julia Wright Uroadhead, re-
sides with her mother at the home built by our sub-
ject in 1870.
JUDGE EDWARD H. DE^HXG. Honored and
esteemed by all, there is no man in Farmington
wlio occupies a more prominent position in business
anil public affairs than the subject of this sketch,
who is now creditably serving as probate judge of
Farmington and Plainville. As a business man he
has been enterprising, energetic and always abreast
of the times, and has been rewarded by an ample
fortune.
Mr. Deming was born in Northampton, Mass.,
Jtily 14. 1857, but is a representative of an old
and prominent family of this county. Many years
ago his great-grandfather. John Deming. and his
brother, Chauncey, were leading merchants of
Farmington, and were also interested in the West
India trade. The grandfather, Samuel Deming,
made his home in Farmington, his residence stand-
ing next to the town hall, and was a farmer by
occupation. He was a rabid Abolitionist. He mar-
ried ]\Iiss Catharine Lewis, and to them were born
six children : John, Susan, Frederick. Chauncey,
Catharine and Caroline. The family held member-
ship in the Congregational Church.
John Deming, father of or subject, was born,
reared and educated in Farmington, but later made
his home in Northampton, Mass., where he w^as en-
gaged in the manufacture of farming implements.
While there he served as a member of the Massa-
chusetts Legislature, in 1857. The folloying year
he returned to Farmington, where he continued
to manufacture agricultural implements until his
removal to Glen Eyre, Pike county, Penn., in 1869.
He engaged in the manufacture of furniture and
in mercantile business there, and practically owned
the entire town. His last days were spent in Brook-
lyn. N. Y., where he died in 1894, at the age of
sixty-eight years. He married Miss Catherine Mix
\\'illiams, a daughter of Rev. Joshua ^^'illiams, of
Cromwell, Conn., and a granddaughter of 'Squire
John Mix. The latter was an ensign in the 5th
Battalion of \\"adsworth's Brigade, under command
of Col. William Douglas, during the Revolutionary
822
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
war, and was a prominent member of the' Society
of the Cincinnati, serving as secretary of the Con-
necticut branch. He was also quite prominent in
poHtical affairs, and was judge of probate ten years ;
town clerk thirty-two years ; and a member of the
General Assembly twenty-six years. • To John
Deming and wife were born six children : Annie,
a resident of Hoboken, N. J., and wife of T. R.
Ennis ; Samuel Lewis, who died at the age of eight-
een years; Edward Hooker, our subject; Elizabeth,
a resident of Brooklyn ; John Mix, who is in the
creamery busiess in Warwick, N. Y. ; and Harry
Williams, agent for the Liverpool and London
and Globe Insurance Co., in New York City.
Judge Deming was reared in Farmington until
the removal of the family to Glen Eyre, Penn., and
attended Deacon E. L. Hart's private school. At
the age of fourteen he commenced clerking in his
father's store at Glen Eyre, and there acquired a
good practical knowledge of mercantile pursuits.
Returning to Farmington, in 1884, he purchased
the store of Chauncey Rowe, which he conducted
alone until 1892, when F. L. Scott was admitted
to a partnership in the business. Their establish-
ment would do credit to a place much larger than
Farmington, and they enjoy a large and constantly
increasing trade. Judge Deming has been a director
of the Farmington Savings Bank since 1889, and is
now a member of the loaning committee.
At Hawley, Penn., our subject was united in mar-
riage with Miss Belle Plum, a daughter of M.
Plum, of that place, and they have two children :
Edward Hooker, Jr., and May Atkinson. The
Judge is a member of the Country Club, also of the
Society of Sons of the American Revolution. In
his political views he is an ardent Republican, and
by his party he has been honored with several offices,
having served as selectman five years and as first
selectman three years of that time ; chairman of the
school committee ten years'; and judge of probate
two terms. He has discharged his official duties
with a promptness and fidelity worthv of all com-
mendation, and is thoroughly identified in feeling
v/ith the growth aiid prosperity of his town and
county.
HON. ELISHA 'gILLETT MORTON, for-
merly representative in the State Legislature from
the town of East Windsor, is one of the leading
citizens of his locality. For many years he has
been identified with agriculture interests, his large
estate near East Windsor being managed success-
fully on modern scientific principles, and he is also
active and influential in local affairs, having served
in the most important offices in the gift of his fel-
low townsmen.
Mr. Morton comes of good old ^ Connecticut
stock, and his great-grandfather, John Morton, was
a resident of East Windsor. Capt. Elisha'" Morton,
his grandfather, was a native of East Windsor,
and followed farming at the present homestead.
He was prominent in the public affairs of the da}^
and his title was gained by service as an officer in
the State Militia.
Elisha &■ Morton, Sr., the father of our subject,
was born in 1801, in what is now South Windsor,
and died in 1875. Soon after his first marriage
he took charge of the farm, and his life was de-
voted chiefly to itS' management and cultivation,
although his duties as a citizen were always per- '
formed with fidelity. He first married Miss Mabel
Thompson, who died in 1846, and his second union
was with Miss Clarissa A. Tarbox,-vwho passed
away on Thanksgiving Day, 1895.1 yfey the first
union he has seven children : Elizabeth E. became '
the wife of Francis H. Granger; Cornelia is the
wife of Thomas Archer; Elisha G. is our subject;
Thompson died at the age of eight years ; Carlos
died when two and one-half years old; two died
m infancy, James H. when two years and five months
old, and James H. (2) when nine months old.
Elisha G.^'Iorton was born Sept. 19, 1837, at
the old Morton farm, and was educated in the \
common schools of the neighborhood and the high i
school at Windsor Hill. He was reared to farm ;
work, and at the age of twenty-four assumed the ',
management of the homestead, where he has al-
ways resided. Altogether he owns 200 acres of
land, the homestead comprising 120 acres, and in !
additioH to general farming he is extensively en-
gaged in the dairy business, tobacco-growing and
the raising of peaches. He is a member of the
local Grange, and is active in religious work as a
member of the First Congregational Church of
East Windsor, of which he has been treasurer for ,
seven years. He is a trustee of the First Eclesias-
tical Society of East Windsor, a position he has
held since 1880. His sound judgment and well-
proven integrity make him an excellent official,
and among other positions he has served four
terms (of one year each) on the township board
of relief. In 1890 he was chosen second selectman,
vvith S. Terry Wells and George A. Ellis, and in
1896 he was again elected to the board of select-
men, with Mr. Ellis and Henry W. Allen. In 1892
he was elected to the Legislature, on the Repub-
lican ticket, and his able and faithful service fully
justified the confidence of his constituents.
HON. WILLIAM H. THOMPSON, a vener-
able and highly respected citizen of East Windsor,
deserves prominent mention among these mem-
oirs, as the activities of his long life have made
him a recognized factor in many of the progres-
sive movements of his locality.
Mr. Thompson was born Oct. i, 1813, at his
present homestead, and is a member of . a well-
known family of East Windsor, his great-grand-
father, Samuel Thompson, having been a leading-
resident of the town. James Thompson, his grand-
father, was a native of East Windsor, and made his
home upon the farm where William H. was born
and now lives.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
828
Col. William Thompson, the father of our sub-
ject, was burn at the homestead in 1763, and died
there in 1829, at the age of sixty-six )-ears. He
. was a prominent man in his day, and his title of
colonel was gained by service as an officer in the
, cavalry militia. His wife, whose maiden name was
Taniar Holton, lived to the age of eighty-six. Of
their thirteen children, six died in childhood, the
others all living beyond the allotted limit of three-
score years and ten : Elizabeth, who married
•George Beebe, of Feeding Hills, Alass., died at the
age of ninety-one; Alary A. (Mrs. Winthrop
.\llen) died at eighty-five; Henrietta (Mrs. Alfred
Allen) was in her eightieth year at the time of her
xleath; Alargaret J\l. (Mrs. David T. Smith) was
in her eighly-ninth year; Tamar (Mrs. William T.
Morrison) was in her eighty-tirst year; and Sarah
JE. (Mrs. James G. Harper) was over eighty.
Our subject, who was the youngest in the fam-
ily, is now the only survivor. He was reared at
the homestead, his education being obtained in the
common schools of the town and the high school
at Ellington, Conn., and on completing his course
of study he engaged in farming. For some years
lie had charge of the homestead, and at the time of
3iis marriage he purchased the place, engaging ex-
tensively in tobacco culture and also carrying on
general farming. He sold his farm in 1899, and
now lives retired. At various times he has been
■employed in responsible positions under the United
States revenue department. He was assistant as-
sessor of the Warehouse Point distillery for nearly
two years; United States storekeeper of the Gow-
•dy distillery, at Alelrose, three years ; and for three
3'ears held the same position at the Scitico dis-
tillery. Politically he is a Republican, and he has
.served four years as assessor and four as select-
man of the town of East Windsor, while in 1861
^nd 1862 he represented the town in the State
Legislature. For more than fiftv years he, with
liis wife, has been a member of the First Congre-
gational Church at Broad Brook, in which he holds
the office of deacon, and was superintendent of the
Sunday-school over thirty years. He is often
-called the father of that Society, as he has done
more to sustain it than any other member, his
time and means having been freely given to the
<ause.
On Jan. 26, 1836, Mr. Thompson married Aliss
Huldah Chapin. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson had no
issue, but brought up several children of both sexes,
two of whom were virtually adopted. Airs. Thomp-
son died Nov. 20, 1897, in her seventy-ninth year,
after more than sixty-one years of happy wedded
life. She was active in church work, giving liber-
ally of her means, and at her death leaving a gen-
erous legacy for the church at Broad Brook.
HON. MARTIN D'ARSEY, foreman of the
saltpetre refinery of the Hazard Powder Co., at
Hazardville. has for almost half a century been a
faithful and trusted employe of that company, and
is one of the leading and representative citizens of
that place. He was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, Nov. y, 1831, a son of Thomas and Mary
(Dalton) D'Arsey. The father took an active part
in the Irish rebellion of 1848, and was compelled
to flee the country, a reward of $1,500 being olfercd
for his arrest. He located in i\'()rtham])ion, Alass.,
where he engaged in farming until his death, which
occurred in 1852. Our subject followed him to
this country in 1849, ^^'^^ ™ '851 he was joined by
his wife and the remainder of the family. The
children were Martin; James; Mary, wife of Nicho-
las AIcGrath; Bridget, wife of William Fitzgib-
bons ; John; Alichael; and Katherine.
In October, 1852, Martin D'Arsey located in
the village of Hazardville, town of Enfield, Hart-
ford county, and entered the employ of the Hazard
Powder Co., with which he has since been con-
nected. For several years he served as outside fore-
man of the works, and since 1873 has been super-
intendent of the saltpetre refinery, a position he has
filled in a most capable and satisfactory manner.
Mr. D'Arsey was married, May 13, 1854, to
Miss Mary Dunnigan, a daughter of Thomas Duii-
nigan, of County Meath, Ireland, and to them were
born five children who reached years of maturity:
Sarah, wife of D. J. Donahoe, of Aliddletown,
Conn. ; Thomas F. ; Martin L., deceased ; Kather-
ine E., wife of Patrick F. Houlihan; and also
Alary J., who died in infancy. The family are all
communicants of the Catholic Church, of which our
subject has been a trustee the past eighteen years,
and are held in high regard by all who know them.
Politically Air. D'Arsey is an ardent Republican.
He has most creditably filled the offices of constable
and grand juror; represented Enfield town in the
State Le,gislaturc in the session of 1887, and is one
of the Hazardville fire commissioners.
HON. EDWIN FRANKLIN THOAIPSON. a
prosperous agriculturist of the town of East \\'ind-
sor, is a man whose influence is a recognized factor
in the business, political and social movements of
that locality. He is a worthy representative of a
familv which has been prominent in this county
from an early period, and traces his ancestral line
to William and Alargaret Thompson, natives of Scot-
land, from whom the majority of the Thompsons
in Hartford and Tolland counties are descended.
According to family tradition it was about the
year 1716 that \Mlliam and Alargaret Thompson
started from Scotland for America, but for some
cause, now unknown, they stopped in Ireland, where
William died. His last request was that his wife
and familv should come to America, and about 1718
they embarked in a sailing vessel bound for New
England. The voyage was a long one and when the
provisions of the emigrants were exhausted starva-
tion seemed certain. A prayer meeting was hekl on
board and Divine help asked in the emergency. As
the worshipers arose from their knees they realized
that their prayers were heard and answered, for the
824
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bod}' of a dead sheep was seen floating in the water
by the side of the old saihng vessel, and by means
of this the needs of the people were met. The
Thompsons located in Hartford county, in the town
of East Windsor, and some of the land now owned
by John Thompson, a brother of our subject, has
been held in the family name for many years.
John Thompson, our subject's father, was a
well-known agriculturist of the town of Ellington,
Tolland county. He married Miss Anna Ellsworth,
daughter of Benjamin Ellsworth, and they had nine
children, as follows : Sabra, wife of Fitts Stough-
ton, of Rockville, Conn. ; Mary F., wife of James
D. McKnight, of the town of Ellington, Tolland
county ; Julia, deceased wife of G. iV. Booth, of '
East Windsor; Edwin Franklin, our subject; Mar-
tha, who married J. A. Pascoe, and is deceased ;
Sjophronia, deceased ; Emily, wife of James B.
Stiles ; John, a prominent resident of the town of
Ellington; and Elizabeth, who married Samuel
Newell, and is also deceased.
Edwin F. Thompson was born Aug. 8, 183 1, at
the old homestead in Ellington town, Tolland Co.,
now owned by his brother, John, and was educated
in the common and high schools of that town.
He was reared to farm work, and after his marriage
purchased his grandfather's farm in East Windsor,
where he resided seven years, at the end of that
time removing to the farm now occupied by Wilson
Lord. Three years later he settled upon his pres-
ent homestead, a fine farm of 130 acres, located
one mile south of Warehouse Point, on the old road
between Hartford and Springfield- In connection
with general farming he is extensively engaged in
dairying and 'in raising tobacco, devoting from
twelve to twenty acres to the latter crop. All the
improvements on the place have been made by him,
including the building of his substantial residence
and barns, and the homestead is regarded as one of
the best in the town. Politically Mr. Thompson is
a strong Republican, and in 1890 and 1891 he was
elected by his fellow townsmen to the State Legis-
lature, while in 1894, 1895 and 1896 he served as
selectman for the town of East Windsor. He and
his estimable wife are active members of the First
Congregational Church of East Windsor, and the
famil)' is identified with the best social circles of
the neighborhood. On Oct. 7, 1857, Mr. Thomp-
son married Miss Amelia Ruljy Morell, and five
children have brightened their home : Mary E.,
born May i, 1859, is the wife of Harvey O. Fish;
William W., born May 22, 1864, married Florence
E. Wells, of Suffield :' Franklin M., born Feb. 11,
1867, married Susie J. Jenkins, of Ansonia ; John
E., born Aug. 29, 1870, married Nettie T. Bissell,
of East Windsor ; and Anna E., born Jan. 5, 1876,
died April 27, 1882.
Mrs. Amelia R. (Morell) Thompson was born
Aug. 28, 1836, on the old Morell homestead in the
town of East Windsor, and comes of good Colonial
stock. Her paternal grandfather, John Morell, was
a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and her fa-
ther, Major Alvah Morell, served in the war of
1812. John Morell was a native of Lenox, Mass.,
where he made his permanent home, and he and
his wife, Esther (Fowler), had a large family of
children, as follows : George, born in Lenox March
22, 1786; Polly, who checl in 1799; John F., who
died in 1790; Major Alvah, Mrs. Thompson's fa-
ther; Esther, who was born in 1792; Ozea F. and
Horace Francis (twins), born in 1796; Frederick,
born in 1798; and William, born in 1800. Major
Alvah Morell was born Nov. 26, 1790, at Lenox.
Mass., where he grew to manhood. Later he went
to New York and engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness, and about 1830 he came to Hartford count}-
and settled in East Windsor town. On Feb. S,
1832, he married Miss Mary B. Blodgett, daugh-
ter of Roswell and Ruby (Heath) Blodgett, and
granddaughter of Joseph Blodgett, both prominent
residents of East Windsor. Mrs. Thompson was
the eldest of the two children born to this union,
and the other, Joseph B., died Aug. 20, 1889. The
father died July 9-, 1867, and the mother Aug. 18,
1897, at the age of eighty-eight years.
HON. DANIEL WADSWORTH, an honored
resident of Manchester, has been prominent in pub-
lic and commercial circles in the State of Connecti-
cut for over forty years, and throughout his long
and active career has maintained an unblemished
reputation as an upright and public-spirited man,
worthy the confidence and esteem which have been
so freely accorded him.
Mr. Wadsworth is a native of Hartford county,
born July 31, 1821, on a farm in the town of East
Hartford, where his father and grandfather were
also born. His great-grandfather, William Wads-
worth, a native of Hartford, was a large land
owner in the town of East Hartford, owning the
tract which ran from Spencer street back to Man-
chester. Thomas Wadsworth, our subject's grand-
father, and Solomon Wadsworth, his father, were
respected residents of the town in their day. The
last named married Miss Lucy Kilby, and they be-
came the parents of eleven children, namely: Allen.
Rebecca, Solomon, Horace, Maria, Emeline, Mary.
Norman, Laura, Lucy and Daniel, who is now the
only survivor of this large family.
Daniel Wadsworth passed the first sixteen years
of his life in his native town, receiving his early
education in the common schools, and subsequently
attending the academies at East Hartford and Man-
chester, where he was given a good practical train-
ing. He then came to the town of Manchester,
locating at Manchester Green, where he served an
apprenticeship of four years and three months at
the blacksmith's trade with Marvin Cone, under
whom he gained a thorough knowledge of the busi-
ness. Following same for the next few years in
Tolland county, this State, he worked two years at
Rockville and six months at Somers, thence remov-
ing to Vernon Center, where he purchased an inter-
est in a blacksmith shop in company with Charles
^^^P #■ . ^J
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
elU^I
'Ct^f^z^-c^C^
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
825
Lee, with wlioiii he continued for a year and a half.
For tlie next four months he conducted another
shop in the same place, which he had purchased,
and at the end of this time Mr. Cone, the man with
whom Ik- learned iiis trade, matle him an offer and
he returned to his first sho]). In 1855 he became a
])arlner in the business, which had thrown to large
proportions, and included the maiuitacluring of car-
riages, wagons, etc., and this relationship continued
until Mr. Cone's demise, in 1889, when his son,
Ralph Cone, assumed his interest. Mr. Wadsworth
retained his connection with the business until Jan-
uary, 1891), when he sold out his share to his pariner.
]\ali)h Cone, and retired to enjoy the competence
whicii had come to him through the passing years.
As a partner in this large and prosperous concern
Mr. Wadsworth gained a wide acquaintance
throughout the county and iState, and by an un-
broken record of honor in all his transactions, an
integrity unassailal)lc, and an unusual degree of
business abilit\- antl judgment, won a position
among his business associates which it is not always
the lot of even the successful man to attain. His
prosperity was the direct result of hard work and
application to daily duty, together with a faculty for
good management, a combination of valuable quali-
ties which could not fail of recognition and reward.
But it was not alone as a business man that Mr.
Wadsworth displa}-ed his executive ability and other
qualifications of a leader among men. His useful-
ness as a public servant was early recognized by his
fellow citizens in his own town and county, for in
1855 he was elected clerk and treasurer of the town
of Alanchester, which honored him with re-election
every two years without opposition from either
political party for forty-three years, and he resigned
in 1898 on account of poor health, which was also
the cause of his retirement from business cares. He
held these offices forty-three 3-ears and four months,
probably longer than any other incumbent in the
State, a record which needs no comment. On
March 6, 1899, on his retirement from office, the
citizens of [Manchester presented him with a valuable
gold watch and chain, as a token of respect and
kindlv regard. In 1861 Mr. W'adsworth served as
member of the State Legislature from his district,
and in 1872 was the choice of his fellow citizens for
the State Senate, distinguishing himself in his ser-
vice in- both Houses by rare fidelity to the wishes of
his constituency, and a loyal regard for the welfare
of his comnumity. His political support has been
given to the Republican partv in State and National
affairs. In 1849 Mr. Wadsworth received first
commission as justice of the peace, in W'hich office he
was retained continuouslv for forty-five years, being
disqualified onlv bv age, in this as in every other
trust retaining and strengthening the confidence of
his fellow men for faithful discharge of his duties.
Mr. \\'adsworth was married, in 1844, to Miss
Anna J. Dean, by whom he had two daughters :
iMary Lavone, who died in March, 1849, ^"^ Annie
L., who lives at home. Mrs. Wadsworth passed
' awav SejJt. 2. 1849, and on .Xov. 18, 1850, Mr.
I Wadsworth wedded .Miss Hannah !•". Lamb. To
this union also came two children, Adda L., wdio
died in 1879, and Herbert C, who is now in the eni-
plo\- of the Hartford I-"ire Insurance Co. Mr.
Wadsworth is actively identified with the work of
the Congregational Church, of which he has been a
member for forty \ears. l'"raternally he is a i-'ree-
mason, holding membership w itli Manchester Lodge
No. 7i. ['. & A. M.
IIOX. llAl'lKiSo.X WOODFORD, a member
of the well-known firm of H. & E. H. Woodford,
lumber manufacturers of Avon, is a leading citizen
and a worthy representative of one of the honored
pioneer families of that section. The first of the
name to come to America was Thomas Woodford,
from whom our subject is descended through Jo-
seph ( I ), Joseph (2), who married Lydia Smith,
Joseph (3), Isaac, Asaph and Harvey.
Joseph Woodford (3) was born in 1705 in the
town of Farmington, at Xod (now .\von), and died
in 1786. In 17^8 he married Sarah Xorth, of Ber-
lin, CcHin., who died in 1783. Of their children,
Sarah, born in 1731, died in childhood. Joseph,
born in 1732, was a soldier in the Revolution-
ary war, a deacon' in the Church and a captain of
militia. Martha married Thomas .\ndrews in 1752.
Lydia was married in 1753 to Thomas Andrews,
above mentioned. Hannah, born in 1731, was mar-
ried in 1756 to Percy Marshall. Sarah was born
in 1741. Lois was married im 1767 to Samuel
North, son of Deacon Isaac North, of Wethersfield.
Susan, born in 1746, died in childhood. Eunice
was married in 1772 to Seth North, of Kensington.
Isaac Woodford, the next in the line of descent,
was born in 1753 and passed his life in agricultural
pursuits. In 1774 he married Sarah Fuller, who
died in 1822, aged sixty-eight, and in 1829 he mar-
ried a Mrs. Sedgwick. He had the following chil-
dren: Isaac, born in 1774, was married in 1794 to
Statira Coles, of Danbury. Hulda. born in 1777. was
married in 1793 to Nathan Clark. Darius was born
in 1779, Cynthia, in 1781. Asaph, in 1784. Syl-
vester, born in 1787. married Diana Tilbutson. of
Canada. N. Y. Sylvester, Ijorn 1787, married 1812,
Betsy Wheeler. Rimanta, born in 1792, married
Betsy Hart. Terah. born in 1794, was married in
1820 to Minerva Potter. Sarah, born in 1797, was
married in 1813 to Chancy Wheeler. A chilil, born
in 1801, died in infancy.
Asaph Woodford, our subject's grandfather, was
born in Avon, in 1784, and followed farming as
an occupation in connection with lumbering. He
was a successful business man and a highly-es-
teemed citizen, and for manv years was a leading
member of the Congregational Church. In politics
he was a AMiig. He died Feb. ti, 1859, and his
wife, .\lmira (Potter), died March 23. 1857. their
remains being buried at West Avon. They had a
large family of children, as follows : Luther : Ed-
ward : Henry : Julius : Franklin : Harvey ; Ephraim ;
826
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Emaline, who married (first) Frank Deming and
(second) Thomas Porter; Julia, who married a Mr.
Washburn, of Farmington ; Luc)-, who died Feb.
2, 1831, in childhood; and a son who died in in-
fancy.
Harvey Woodford, our subject's father, was
born in 1814, and received a good common-school
education. He taught school several terms, and
later was engaged in general farming and tobacco
growing, stock raising and dairying, owning a tract
of one hundred acres, on which he made many
improvements. He was a successful man, hon-
orable and honored in his methods of business, and
was much respected. Politically he was a Whig
and then a Republican, but did not seek office, and
he was identified with the Congregational Church.
His wife. Alma Chidsey, a most estimable woman,
was born in Avon, a daughter of Jacob and Martha
Chidsey. Five children were born of this union:
Martha (deceased) married Joseph Linden, of Can-
ton; Fidelia married (first) Charles Upson and
(second) Edmund Woodford of Bristol; Harrison,
our subject, was the next in order of birth; Charles
resides in West Haven; and Ernest H. resides on
the homestead, and is a partner in the firm. The
father and mother both died at the homestead, he
in 1888, she in 1890, and were buried in West
Avon.
Our subject was born Jan. 11, 1841, in West
Avon, and received his education in the district
school and the high school at Avon. He remained
with his parents Until the breaking out of the Civil
war, when, on Aug. 11, 1861, he enlisted at Hart-
ford, in Company I, i8th Conn. Y. I., under Col.
Beach and Capt. Drake. He participated in the bat-
tles of Antietam, Suftolk, Fredericksburg and Plym-
outh, and was appointed corporal in April, 1862;
Later he was taken prisoner, and after six months'
confinement in Andersonville prison was sent to
Florence, where his feet were frozen. He was
paroled and sent, to Annapolis, Md., and then to a
hospital in New Haven, and recovered after un-
dergoing untold torture. On his return home he
engaged in farming and tobacco raising on the home-
stead, and in the lumber business with his brother,
his present partner in the planing and saw mills at
Avon. He has built a fine home for himself, and
made other improvements and his farm of 200
acres is in an excellent state of cultivation. Like
all of his family he belongs to the Congregational
Church, and he is also an active member of the G.
A. R. He is a stanch Republican, and has served
as selectman and a member of the Legislature in
1874, and none in the town are more popular than
he, his genial manner and honorable character hav-
ing won him a host of friends.
In 1896 Mr. Woodford was married in Avon
to Miss Minnie Case, a native of the Meadow Plain
District, Simsbury, a daughter of Samuel Case,
and a granddaughter of Horatio G. Case, of
Meadow Plain. She died in 1895, after a fife
marked by earnest Christian faith, and her remains
rest in the cemetery at West Avon. Mr. Wood-
ford married (second) Mrs. Ellen Woodford Allen,
daughter of William Watson Woodford, and widow
of Harvey P. Allen. Our subject has had four chil-
dren, all by the first marriage : William G., foreman
in the planing-mill, married Grace Allen, of Avon;
Harlan W. and Ruth L. are at home; and Mar-
guerite died in childhood.
Mrs. Woodford is also a descendant of Thomas
Woodford, the pioneer, and was born in Avon,
where she received a district and high school educa-
tion. Later she was graduated from the Normal
School at New Britain, and for several years taught
school successfully. She was married (first) to
Harvey P. Allen, who died leaving two children:
Grace W., a graduate of McLean Seminary and a
successful teacher, married William G. Woodford ;
Miss Marion Orelia is at home. Mrs. Woodford
was the only child of William Watson Woodford,
and his wife Julia Ann (Goodrich). Her father,
who was born in 1813, was a well-known agricult- ;
urist of Avon, and was held in high esteem as a p
citizen. Her grandfather, S'elah Woodford, was
born in Avon in 1764, and died in 184 1. He was
married in 1785 to Sarah Hutchinson, and had the
following children: Orris, born in 1788, was mar-
ried in 1810 to Lucy Thompson; Sophia, born in
1790, was married to Amos Phelps; Delinda, born '.
in 1792, was married in 1815 to G. Sperry; Harriet, |
born in 1794, died in 1799; Minerva, bornin 1798,
was married in 1819 to Samuel Bishop.- Evelyn,
born in 1802, was married in 1827 to Emma
Wheeler; Harriet (2), born in 1804, was married
in 1825 to Seth Wheeler.
HON. CHARLES DENNIS BARNES is one
of the most prominent and influential citizens of
Southington, a leader in business and political cir-
cles. Many of the important enterprises and busi-
ness interests of the town bear the impress of his
individuality, and owe not a little of their success
to his ability and capable powers of management.
Mr. Barnes was born in Southington, Jan. 12,
1843, a son of Dennis and Caroline (Sage) Barnes.
The father was also born, reared and educated in
Southington, and was for several years a boat owner,
running a line of boats on the New Haven_ &
Northampton canal. He was born in 1818, and died
in 1844. He was a son of Asa Barnes, Jr;, who
was born July 22, 1771, and married Polly W.
Woodruff. His father, Asa Barnes, Sr., was born
Aug. 24, 1745, and married Oct. 30, 1765. Phebe
Adkins, daughter of Luther Adkins. Asa Barnes,
Sr., lived in the southwestern part of Southington,
where he kept a tavern, was very popular in his
business and was known as Landlord Barnes. The
officers of the French army made his house their ;
headquarters while encamped for a time on French ]
Hill, and he gave a ball in honor of his guests, 1
which at the time created some excitement. His
parents were Stephen and Martha (Wheadon)
Barnes, who moved from Branford, Conn., to South-
D
MJa/i^j'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
827
ington during its early settlement. Here the for-
mer died .March 27, 1777, the latter March 18, 1773,
and she was tlie first person buried in I'lantsville
cemetery. Stephen Barnes was a son of Stephen
and Mary llarnes, who are supposed to have moved
to Dranford from Long Island.
The early life of our subject was passed in Con-
necticut and New York, and after completing his
education at the Aleriden high school, he served an
apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. During the
Civil was he .manifested hrs patriotism by enlisting,
June 22, 1862, becoming a private in Lompany U,
15th Coim. \'. I., and later was promotetl to the
rank of sergeant. He participated in the battles
of Fredericksburg, \'a., and Edenton Road, X. C. ;
] the siege of Suffolk, N. C. ; and the battle of Kings-
' ton, X. C, where he was wotmded and taken pris-
i oner, -May 8, 1865, being sent to Libby prison. A few
I days later he was paroled and honorably discliarged
j from the service at Annapolis, Md., in June, 1865.
' . On his return to Southington Mr. Uarnes re-
' sumed work at his trade, and was thus employed
wntil 1872, when he took charge of the shipping de-
, partment of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Bolt Works,
■ remaining there two years. He then embarked in
the shoe business on his own account, and was suc-
cessfully engaged in that line of trade until 1895.
. In 188 1 he established what is known as the South-
ington Lumber & Feed Co., and was made manager
anu treasurer on its incorporation. In 1889 he was
elected a director and vice-president of the South-
ington National Bank, and in 1890 was elected
president, which office he still holds. He' was also
elected a director and member of the loaning com-
mittee of the Southing-ton Savings Bank, in 1875,
and vice-president of the same in 1898. He is a di-
rector of the Soutnington Cutlery Co., and for a
number of years has been president of the Oak
Hill Cemetery Association.
On Sept. 27, 1865, IMr. Barnes was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah H. Hamlin, daughter of
Amos and Mary ( Bull ) Hamlin, of Southington.
By that union he had one son, Frank H. For his
present wife he married ^Margaret H. Taylor, a
daughter of James Barton and Jane (Harper)
Taylor, of Winchester, \ irginia.
Mr. Barnes' public service covers a period of
nearly thirty years, beginning in 1873, when he
was elected to the board of selectmen and made
a grand juror. From 1874 to 1896 he served con-
tinuously, with the exception of one year, as town
clerk, registrar and treasurer of the school fund,
declining further re-election to those offices. When
the- borough of Southington was formed he was
named as warden upon the only ticket in the field,
an honor which he also declined, but was per-
suaded to become one of the burgesses, and served
for two years as chairman of the comn-iittee on
Sewers, Highways and Streets. As a niember from
Southington on the "dead-lock session" of the
Legislature, in i8qi, he served as clerk of the
committee on Appropriations, and in 1893 was
House ciiairman of the same and a member of the
conmiittee on Banks. In 1898 he was elected to a
third term, and is now House chairman on Appro-
priations. In politics Mr. Barnes has always been
a stanch Republican, and his opinion and advice
are continually sought on questions of importance
to his town and county. He was one of the or-
ganizers of Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R., of
Southington ; was its first commander ; and is also
a member of the Armv and Navy Club of Con-
necticut ; the Merchants Club of Southington ; and
of the First Congregational Church.
SHELDON KINNEY (deceased) was for
many years prominently identified with the agri-
cultural and business interests of the town of
Windsor, and was one of its highly esteemed and
honored citizens. He was born in Winsted, Conn.,
}.Iarch 30, 1817, a son of Sheldon Kinney, Sr., a
native of New Preston, Conn. His grandfather,
Pari Kinney, married a Miss Hine, and his great-
grandfather, who also bore the name of Pari, mar-
ried a ]\Iiss Sheldon. On his mother's side he was
a descendant of the Farrens, who were among the
first settlers of East Haven, Connecticut.
Our subject was one of a family of five chil-
dren who reached adult age, was reared in Win-
sted, and received such an education as the schools
of his time afforded. During his youth he learned
the molder's trade at New Hartford, but the work
being too heavy, he was compelled to give it up.
He was then engaged in the butcher business with
his father for some years, and did much in the way
of cattle buying and droving, it being customary in
those days when buying cattle in New York State
to dri\-e them across the country to their destina-
tion. He also followed merchandising in Winsted
for some time.
In November, 1847, in the town of Windsor,
Mr. Kinney married Miss Eliza A. Phelps, who
was born July 27, 1820, on a farm adjoining the
place where she lately Hved, and died March 10,
1900. She came from one of the oldest and most
highly respected families of the town. She was
also related to many of the most prominent fami-
lies of Hartford county, among which are many
men of note and others who bore an active part in
the Revolutionary war. Her parents were Hiram
and Laura A. (Griswold) Phelps, and she traced
her ancestry back through the following: Tiniothy
and Ruth (Wilson) Phelps; Timothy and Marga-
ret (Gillett) Phelps; Cornelius and Sarah (Mans-
field) Phelps; Lieut. Timothy and Mary (Gris-
wold) Phelps; and William and Man*- (Dover)
Phelps. William Phelps, just mentioned, was the
progenitor of the family in America, and was one
of the first settlers of Windsor. Mrs. Kinney was
the youngest daughter in a family of five children
who reached years of maturity, and was reared on
the farm of her birth. By her marriage to our sub-
ject she became the mother of two children ; Timo-
thy P., of Windsor, commission agent for fertilizers
828
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and farm tools, married to Imogene Loomis, of
that place, and they have one child, Mabel L. ; Ella
M. resides at home, and is a member of the Daugh-
ters of the Revolution.
After his marriage Mr. Kinney continued to
reside in Winsted, where he had always made his
home, and for a number of years was proprietor of
the well-known hostelry, the "Winsted House." In
1863 he removed to Rauibow, Hartford county, and
took up the occupation of farming, but two years
later located on the farm where his widow now re-
sides, living there until 1868, when he reopened
what was formerly known as the "Old Roberts
Tavern," below the village of Windsor, and called
the hotel the "Maple House." Under his able
management it became a most popular stopping
place, but in 1880 he returned to the farm where
Mrs. Kinney is now living, and there passed away
Sept. 5, 1892, being laid to rest in the Windsor
cemetery. He was one of the prominent repre-
sentatives of the Democratic party in his town,
and was always an active worker for its success.
For seven years he was keeper of the town poor,
and though his bid was often higher than others,
he performed his duties in such a highly satisfac-
tory manner that he remained the people's choice.
In that capacity it is doubtful if any other keeper
was ever so favorably known. He was a member
of Poquonock Grange, and was widely known and
highly respected. His estimable wife still survives
him, and is unusually well preserved for one of
her years. The farm on which she resides has
been in the possession of the Phelps family since
the town was organized, and is a part of the mile
square tract of land that was the property of Will-
iam Phelps, the original owner.
EDWARD J. BULKLEY. Mr. Bulkley's fam-
ily is of English descent, tracing its American lin-
eage to Rev. Peter Bulkley, who settled in New
England in 1634 or '35, and from him backward
through ten generations to Robert Bulkley, an Eng-
lish baron who flourished during the reign of King
John, and was Palatine of the County of Chester.
Rev. Peter Bulkley was born Jan. 31, 1583. He
was the son of Rev. Edward Bulkley, D. D., who
took more than a paternal interest in both his in-
tellectual and moral training. Dr. Edward Bulkley
was a man eminent alike for his piety and learning,
and a faithful minister of the Gospel. At the early
age of sixteen young Peter matriculated at St.
John's College, Cambridge, being afterward chosen
Fellow, and through his Fellowship receiving the
degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He succeeded to
his father's pastoral charge in the English town
where he was born. He was a Non-Conformist,
and for twenty years he preached evangelical truth
without objection or interference on the part of
/those in power. His sermons were logical and con-
vincing, his life blameless, and his influence for
good powerful. In time, however, he was officially
silenced because of his non-conformity to the
Established Church. It was this circumstance that
induced his emigration to New England, in whose
forests and on the banks of whose streams many of
his co-religionists had already found the liberty of
conscience denied to them at home. As has been
already said, it was about 1634 or 1635 when he
first arrived at Concord bridge, and, with others,
animated by the same spirit as himself, went out
into the woods to establish the Plantation of Mus-
ketguard, the site of the present town of Concord,
Mass. He was pastor of the little flock that wor-
shipped in that well-nigh trackless forest, and his
unselfish benevolence led him to devote nearly all
his estate to the benefit of his people. He entered into
rest March 9, 1659, after a quarter of a century de-
voted to the cause of religion. [A full history of
his life appears in Rev. F. W. Chapman's history
of the Bulkley family, to which volume the pub-
lishers acknowledge their indebtedness.] He was
twice married. His first wife was Jane, a daughter
of Thomas Allen, of Goldington, whose nephew
was Lord Mayor of London. After her death he
married Grace Chetwood. She survived him, mak-
ing her home at New London, where she died on
April 21, 1669. Thirteen children were born of
the first marriage and four of the second. The
oft'spring of the first Mrs. Peter Bulkley were as
follows: Edward, Mary and Thomas, born in Eng-
land, on June 17, 1614, Aug. 24, 1615, and April
II, 1617, respectively; Nathaniel, born Nov. 2Q,
1618, died at the age of nine years; John, born Feb.
17, 1621 ; Mary (2J, born Nov. i, 1621, died in her
fourth year; George, born May 17, 1623; Daniel,
born Aug. 28, 1625 ; Jabez, born Dec. 20, 1626, died
in infancy; Joseph; William; and Richard. The
issue of Mr. Bulkley's second marriage was : Ger-
sliom, born Dec. 6, 1636; Eliezer, 1638; Dorothy,
Aug. 16, 1640; and Peter, June 12, 1643.
Gershom Bulkley, the eldest son of his father's
second marriage, graduated from Harvard College
in 1655. On Oct. 26, 1659, he married Sarah
Chauncey, daughter of the distinguished president
of his Alma Mater, whose name is indissolubly
linked with the history of the great university. She
was born in Ware, England, June 13, 1631, and
difd on June 9, 1669. He, too, was a minister, and
for several years pastor of the church at Concord,
Mass. In 1661 he resigned his charge at that place
to become the second pastor of the .New London
(Conn.) church. After six years of faithful, self-
denying work among the people of what was then,
comparatively, a new settlement, he accepted a call
from the church at Wethersfield to succeed the
Rev. John Russell. He was installed in that pastor-
ate in 1667, and occupied the pulpit for ten years.
Meanwhile, in 1675, he had commenced the study of
medicine. Through natural aptitude, and by virtue
of hard, conscientious study, he obtained a mastery
of the science as it was comprehended at that time.
In 167s the General Court commissioned him as
an army surgeon, and he entered upon a new ficlil
of duty when he rode, with the Colonial volunteers.
COM MEMO RAT IVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
829
against the Indians. He proved to be a brave and
gallant officer, always ready to bear more than his
own share in any perilous adventure, in 107O,
while accompanying a party in pursuit of the tlee-
ing savages, he was severely wountled in the thigh.
He died at Wethersfield, Dec. 2, 1713, deeply
mourned by the people whose faithful, spiritual
guide and counselor he had been for many years.
He was a man of scholarly attainments and an ac-
complished linguist, beloved by his friends, and re-
spected by all who knew his worth. He was the
father of six children : Catherine, Dorothy, Charles,
Peter, Edward antl John. Catherine was born in
1660, and married Richard Treat, Aug. 20, 1704;
Dorothy was born in 1662, and became the wife of
Thomas Treat on July 6, 1693 ; Charles, born in
1663; Peter, born in 1C64, married Rebecca Talcott;
John was the husband of Patience Prentice.
Edward Bulkley, the fifth child and third son
of Rev. Gershom Eulkley, was born in 1673. tl^
married Dorothy Prcscott, who was a daughter of
Jonathan Prescott, of Concord, ]\Iass. He died at
\\'ethersfield, Aug. 27, 1747. He was the father of
a large family. His eldest son, Charles, was. born
2^Iarch 27, 1703, and married Mary Sage, of Middle-
town. Elizabeth, his first daughter, was born Jan.
24, 1705, and became ^Irs. Joseph Smith. Sarah
(!NIrs. Joseph Stowj was born Feb. 8, 1707. Re-
becca was born I'eb. 22, 1709, and married Thomas
Trent. Peter, born JNIarch 19, 171 1, died in in-
fancy. Peter (2) was born almost exactly twelve
months later, having come into the world JMarch
17, 1712; he married Abigail Curtis. Gershom, the
sixth child, married Thankful Belding; he was
born July 29, 1714. Dorothy, born Sept. 11, 1716,
married Thomas Curtis, of Rocky Hill. The next
child, Jonathan, was born in 1718, and became
the husband of Abigail Williams. Abigail, the
ninth child, came into the world in 1720, and be-
came the wife of John JNIarsh. The tenth and
youngest of the family was Lucy, who was born
in 1725, and married Charles Butler.
Jonathan Bulkley, the fifth son and eighth child
of Edward, the date of whose birth is mentioned
above, married Abigail Williams Nov. 13, 1746.
They were the parents of thirteen children, whose
names, with respective dates of their birth, were
as follows: Eleanor, Nov. 11, 1747; Stephen, Dec.
19, 1749; Edmund, Dec. 7, 1851 ; John, Nov. 3,
1853, died July 11, 1770: Frederick. Aug. 27, 1855,
died Jan. 20, 1777; a son. June 25, 175S, died un-
named ; Jonathan, Islay 10, 1759, married to 'Sla.ry
Edwards June 16, 1787; Lydia, 2\Iay 9, 1761 ; a
stillborn daughter, jNIay 4, 1762: Moses, Feb. 7,
1764; Dorothy, April 8, 1766, died Aug. 18 fol-
lowing; Burrage, Aug. 9, 1767; and Dorothy (2),
June 17, 1770.
Stephen Bulkley, the eldest son of this familv,
and a direct lineal ancestor of Edward J. Bulkley,
was twice married. His first wife was Alartha
Marsh. She died April 20, 1804, and Sent. 16,
1S05, he married Susan Riley. Stephen Bulkley
died in May, 1813. The fruit of his first marriage
was eight children, as follows : Honor, born May
5, 1774, was married to Daniel Edwards, Jr., of
xMiddletown, Nov. 16, 1795; Stephen, born April
18, 177O, died Sept. 29, 1779; Catherine, born (Jet.
^5' i??^' <l'wl U^-'t- u. 1799; Cate, born Sept. 2,
1 780, married Zenas Edwards, Dec. 7, 1800; Stephen
(2), born March 30, 1785; Allen, July 19, 1786;
Frederick, June i, 1792; and a daughter (who died
unnamed j, Dec. 18, 1796. To Stephen Bulkley, Sr.,
and Susan Riley, his second wife, two children
were born; Burrage, Dec. 22, 1805, and Waite, on
March 4, 1807.
P^rederick Bulkley, above named, grandfather of
Edward J. Bulkley, received a common-school ed-
ucation, and later learned the trade of a blacksmith,
at Rocky Hill. From that town he removed to
'Wethersfield, where he built and opened a shop on
Broad street. In addition to his work at his shop
he carried on general farming and stock raising.
He passed his life in Wethersfield, where he died
Sept. 24, 1850. He was a Democrat, although
never seeking office, and a member of the Congre-
gational Church. He was a good citizen ; a modest,
unassuming man, of simple tastes and democratic
habits. In his domestic life he was affectionate and
kind, and in his relations with his fellow men liberal
and upright. He was elected selectman of the
town, and held various other offices of minor im-
portance. On Oct. 6, 1 814, he married Nancy Riley,
who was born at Wethersfield, Julv 16, 1792, and
died there Dec. 24, 1857. Six children were born
of this marriage: ^lartha, Oct. 15, 1815 (died un-
married April I, 1870) ; Julia and Jane (twins),
Jan. 2, 1819 (the former died Feb. 21, 1890, the
latter on j\lay 27, 18S8) ; Nancy R., Dec. 30, 1822
(died Jan. 24, 1888) ; Stephen "(the father of Ed-
ward J. Bulkley), May 6, 1825 ; and Kate E., April
23, 1834. Julia died unmarried, and Jane became
the wife of Walter Edwards. Nancy R. married
Benjamin H. Tower, Jan. 3, 1865: and Kate E. was
united, Nov. 20, 1870, to John Warner, a promi-
nent farmer, and resides on Broad street, Wethers-
field.
Stephen Bulkley, the fifth child and only son,
attended the Wethersfield district schools, but his
broader education was obtained in the school of
experience. Fie was a successful farmer, and one
of the first tobacco growers in Wethersfield. For
several years he was a large bux'er of tobacco for
a New York firm. He was a capable and success-
ful business man, and held in high esteem alike
for his sagacity and integrity. Prior to the out-
break of the Civil war he was a Democrat, but after
that date he affiliated with the Republican party.
In religious faith he was an Episcojjalian. His fel-
low townsmen over and over again testified their
appreciation of his capability and their confidence
in his probity by electing him to positions of honor
and trust. In addition to holding several minor
offices, he served as selectman during the war of the
Rebellion, and was elected to the Legislature in
830
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1883. He was a public-spirited citizen, and always
a stanch supporter of popular education. He died
June 21, 1891. His wife was Prudence, a daugh-
ter of John Warner, of Wethersfield, in which town
she was born, -and where she died, November 29,
1887. The date of their marriage was Jan. 23,
1850, and the issue consisted of nine children:
Fanny R., born Nov. 2, 1850, who married John
Hanmer, Jan. 28, 1874; Alice May, born April 9,
1852; Prudence Warner, born Jan. 24, 1854, for-
merly a school teacher in Wethersfield ; Frederick,
born Feb. 8, 1856, died Feb. 2, i860; Edward J.;
Stephen, born Jan. 4, 1861, now a druggist in Brook-
lyn, N. Y. ; Charles and Chester (twins), born
April 25, 1864 (Charles is a merchant in Wethers-
field, Chester died Oct. 27, 1867) ; and Robert R.,
born Sept. 9, 1866, living at home.
Edward J. Bulkley was born April 23, 1858.*
His early education was acc[uired at the public
schools of Wethersfield, and also at the South
school, in Hartford. He grew up on his father's
farm, and for about a year, while yet a young
man, worked as a clerk in Hartford, and also as
assistant cashier for Brown & Thompson. Return-
iing to Wethersfield he began farming in earnest,
and this has been the occupation of his life. In
addition to general and dairy farming he has de-
voted much attention to tobacco culture, being the
most extensive grower in the town. He has in-
herited his father's sound sense and good judg-
ment, and is to-day one of the foremost and most
successful young business men of Wethersfield.
He is endowed with immense native energy, to
which is joined pertinacity of purpose and high
moral courage. He is popular in the community,
where his ability commands admiration, and his
moral worth insures respect. He is genial and
whole-souled, true to his friends and charitable
toward all. He is treasurer of the school board,
and in 1898 was elected a representative to the Leg-
islature, on the Republican ticket, serving during
his term in the House as member of the committee
on Appropriation, a very important committee. He
is a member of the Wethersfield Grange.
On April 28, 1886, at Wethersfield, Mr. Bulkley
married Miss Jennie Sage, who was born at Middle-
town July 3, 1863, a daughter of Franklin Sage, of
New York. Mrs. Bulkley is a cultured lady, hos-
pitably inclined. To this union one child has been
born, Rachel Eugenie, who is a pupil in the high
school. Mr. and Mrs. Bulkley are communicants of
the Episcopal Church, of which he is junior warden.
JOHN FLAVEL BUCKLAND (deceased) was
for many years a leading citizen of the town of East
Windsor, and his life and character afforded an
example worthy of emulation. Beginning his ca-
reer as a poor boy, he made his own way to finan-
cial success, while at the same time he fulfilled to
the utmost his high ideals of citizenship, lending his
influence to help forward the right solution of the
problems of his day.
Mr. Buckland came of good old Vermont stock,
and his family was identified for many years with
Tunbridge, that State. His father, Ashbell Buck^
land (born Nov. 14, 1771) m.arried Ruth Mosley
(born March 23, 1772), and they had nine chil-
dren as follows: David W. (who died in infancy),
David H., Harriet, Sophronia, Joseph, John F. (our
subject), Asenath, Ruth, and William.
John F. Buckland was born April 12, 1797, in
Tunbridge, Vt., where he remained tmtil twelve
years old. Even at that early age the necessity for
securing his own livelihood was impressed upoii
him, and when a friend who had located in Ware-
house Point, Conn., secured him a position there,
he walked all the way from Tunbridge, carrying
his worldly possessions in a small bundle tied up in
a handkerchief. He was employed in Gen. Jenk's
distillery until 1828, and in the meantime he pur-
chased and improved the farm near Warehouse
Point which is now owned and occupied by his only
child, Mrs. Mary L. Arnold. During the remainder
of his life his attention was devoted largely to to-
bacco culture and general fanning. From time to
time he invested in other real estate, and at his
death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1864, he left a large
estate. Politically he was a Republican, and as a
public-spirited citizen he was keenly interested in
local affairs. Throughout his life he was strictly
temperate, and his deep reverence for religion was
manifested in his daily conduct and conversation.
Every morning and evening prayer was offered in
his home and a chapter read from the Bible, and
for years he was a leading member of the First
Congregational Church at Scantic.
On May 19, 1824, Mr. Buckland married Miss
Lucinda Bancroft, an estimable woman, who was
born in East Windsor, Conn., Jan. 13, 1796, daugh-
of John Bancroft, and granddaughter of Deacon
John Bancroft, who made guns for the Revolution-
ary army. She died Jan. 9, 1871, leaving the mem-
ory of a lovable character and devout Christian
life.
Mrs. Mary L. Arnold, who was born at the
homestead, April 14, 1831, is a lady of unusual abil-
it}^. She is much respected in the community, and is
identified with St. John's Episcopal Church at
Warehouse Point. On Dec. 8, 1867, she married
Joseph Arnold, a native of Haddam, Conn., who
was at one time a merchant in New York City and
later a salesman in the silk department of A. T.
Stewart's store. After his marriage he took charge
of the homestead, where he passed away Sept. 29,
1887. He was active and 'influential in local poli-
tics as a member of the Democratic organization,
served as tax collector in East Windsor town for a
time, and in 1879 was elected to the State Legis-
lature.
HON. ELWIN F. MERRIMAN, present rep-
resentative from Avon to the State Legislature,
is one of the most enterprising citizens of his town,
and has been a leading agriculturist of this part of
COMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
831
Hartford county since his removal here in iS8S. Mr.
Merriman is a native of the town of Litchtield,
Litchfield Co., Conn., born March 17, 1859, a son
of loseph Merriman and a grandson of John A.
Merriman.
Jolin A. Merriman was born in New York State
in 1800, and in an early day removed to Litchtield,
Conn., whre he spent the remainder of his days,
engaged in general farming and raising working
caule. He also did teaming between Litchfield
and Xew Haven. He married a Miss Cable, and they
had fourteen children, four of whom died young,
and the other ten lived without a death among
them for over fifty years: Harlow, the eldest, was
a resident of Falls X'illage, Conn.; Lucy is the
widow of Lewis Perkins, and lives in Litchfield;
Hiram is a resident of Springfield, Alass. ; Julia
(_ deceased) was the wife of Samuel McNeil, of
Danbury ; John lives in Unionville, Conn. ; Robert
made his home in Wisconsin, but died in Lhiion-
ville, while on a visit; Joseph is the father of our
subject; Charles is a resident of Litchfield, where
he has served as first selectman for many years : Sa-
rah is the wife of Julius Treadway; and Louise
married William Ford. The parents of this family
both died in Litchfield county, where they are
buried. Air. ^Merriman was a Democrat in politics.
Joseph .Merriman was born Alay 3, 1834, in the
town of Litchfield, where he received his education
in the district schools. He has been one of the
most active citizens of his town, all of his early
manhood was spent in doing teaming with oxen,
and for many \ears he served acceptably as road
maker and supervisor, while for some years he had .
charge of the town farm, giving general satisfac-
tion in discharging the duties of that incumbency.
At present he is successfully engaged in dairying
and general farming in Litchfield, where he is
highly respected for his substantial worth. He has
been active in the ranks of the Democratic party
as a stanch supporter of the principles of that or-
ganization, but he has never been a politiciaia in the
sense of office-seeker. In Plainville, Conn., he
was married to Miss Catharine Bradley, a native
of that town, daughter of Isaac Bradley, and six
children were born to them : Martha, who is the
wife of Henry Judd, a farmer of ^Middlebur)'; Elwin
F. ; Isaac, a farmer of Litchfield ; Lena, wife of
Jay Gilbert, of Litchfield ; Katie, wife of Birdsey
Atwood, of Thomaston, Conn., and Una, who died
young. j\Ir. and I\Irs. Merriman are earnest mem-
bers of the iMethodist Episcopal Church.
Up to the age of thirteen years Elwin F. Merri-
man lived at home, assisting his parents on the farm,
and attending the district schools nearby. Since that
time he has been practically self-supporting, for
he commenced to work out among other fanners,
at first receiving ten dollars a month for his ser-
vices; but he did not give up the idea of obtaining
a good education, and he continued to go to school
during the winter time as opportunity offered,
studying for a time at Litchfield Academy. He
taught school for si.x terms near his old home, and
was engaged thus in connection with farming up
to the age of twenty-two years, when he came to
Hartford county, locating first in Unionville. For
five years after his removal here he was engaged
in teaming, and he then embarked in the express
business on his own account, running a wagon be-
tween Hartford and Unionville. Meeting with
fair success in this enterprise, he continued thus
for two years, in 1888 removing to West Avon,
where he purchased the William Smith farm, on
which he has ever since resided. He carries on gen-
eral farming, and believes in extensive farming, and
and keeps on his forty-acre farm about thirty head
of stock, peddling the milk in Unionville. Mr. Mer-
riman has prospered to an unusual degree since
his settlement in Avon town, and he fully deserves
all the success which has come to him, for he has
earned the way to his present high position, and
may well be called a self-made man, one to whom
the community can point as an example of industry
and intelligent effort. He has always had the repu-
tation of being a straightforward man in all his deal-
ings, and by his able management of his own af-
fairs and strict integrity has won the confidence of
his fellow citizens in Avon, who have shown their
ap])reciation of his worth in many substantial ways.
Not long after settling here he was elected town
assessor, in which office he served faithfully; was
acting school visitor for three years, and he has
since been called upon to serve as member of the
board of relief and as first selectman of the town.
In 1898 he was chosen to represent his district in
the State Legislature, and he is now serving.
Though he is comparatively a new resident of the
town, Mr. JNIerriman has by his upright life made
a place for himself among its reliable and most
respected citizens, as is evidenced by the many hon-
ors he has received at the hands of his fellow citi-
zens, and he is to be congratulated upon the posi-
tion he has reached while still in his prime. His
political support is given to the Democratic party.
Mr. Merriman was married, in 1880, to Miss
Louise Osborn, daughter of James Osborn, of Litch-
field, and they had one child, Raymond, .who died
at the age of twelve years. Airs. Merriman died
Sep. 4, 1884, and was buried in Unionville; she was
an earnest Christian woman, in religious connection
holding membership with the Episcopal Church.
In 1885 Mr. Merriman was married, in Unionville,
to Miss Alary Porter, daughter of Alajor and Alary
(Thompson) Porter, both of whom died when Airs.
Alerriman was but tv.-o years of age. This union
has also been blessed with two children : Grace
Isabel, born April 17, 1893, now attending school,
and Louis Porter, a sturdy little fellow, born Sept.
16, 1899. Air. and Airs. Alerriman are active mem-
bers of the AI. E. Church, in which he now holds
the office of steward. They are popular among
their neighbors, havng many friends in Avon who
enjoy their plea.^ant society and esteem them for
their crenuine worth.
832
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
. EDWARD ANSON HUBBARD (deceased),
late of Glastonbury, was a descendant in the eighth
generation from i^I) George Hubbard, likely a
native of Essex or Surrey, England, whence he
emigrated to New England in 1633, locating first
at W'atertown, Mass., later in Wethersfield, Conn.,
and still later in Milford, and finally in Guilford,
Conn., removing to this latter point prior to 1650.
He had married Mary, daughter of John and Anne
Bishop. She died at Guilford in 1675 and he passed
away there in 1683. BVom this emigrant George
Hubbard, of Guilford, Edward A. Hubbard's line
of descent is through John, John (2), Ephraim,
Jonathan, David and Norman Hubbard.
{II) John Hubbard,, son of George, of Guil-
ford, born in England about 1630, was brought to
this country in about 1633. He married, about
1648-49, Mary Merriam, formerly of Concord,
Mass. He lived at Hadley, where five of his chil-
dren were born, then at Hatfield, where he died
in J 702.
(IH) John Hubbard (2), son of John, born in
Wethersfield, Conn., in 1655, married, in about
1676, Mary, daughter of Thomas Wright, and later
settled in Glastonbury, where he died in about 1748.
He was a large land owner and a man' of prom-
inence, serving a number of 3'ears in the Legis-
lature.
(TV) Ephraim Hubbard, son of John (2), born
in 1695 in Glastonbury, Conn., married Mary Lord,
who died in 1772. He was a well-to-do farmer,
a deacon in the church, and died in Glastonbury in
1780.
(Y) Jonathan Hubbard, son of Ephraim, born
in /Glastonbury in 1720, married (second) Widow
Sarah (Smith) Forbes. He died in Glastonbury
in 1806, and second wife died there in 1781.
(VI) David Hubbard, son of Jonathan, born
in Glastonbury in 1758, married, in 1783, Jemima
Chamberlain, who died in 1838. David Hubbard
was a deacon in the church. He served in the
militia in the war of the Revolution.
(VH) Norman Hubbard, son of (VI) David
and Jemima Hubbard, was born in 1787 in Glaston-
bury, and died in 1854, a lifelong zealous and lib-
eral supporter of the Conp-regational Church. He
married (first) Nancy Sellow, and to this union
were born five children: (i) Sarah, born in 181 5,
married Martin Keeney ; (2) Sereno, born in 1816,
died in 1864; he married Maria Dodd, of Hartford,
and had two children, Elizabeth and Clarence, of
whom Elizabeth married George Lee and had one
son, Frank; (3) Harriet, born in 1819, married
Norman Spencer, and died in January, 1871, leav-
ing four children, Norman, Sarah, Harriet and
Charles ; (4) Edward A. is the subject of this
sketch; (5) Norman, born in 1825, died unmarried
at the age of twentv years.
(VIII) Edward A. Hubbard, son of (VII)
Norman and Nancy (Sellew) Hubbard, was born
May 3, 1822, in Glastonbury, and received his edu-
cation at the common schools of the district, which
was supplemented with a course of study at the
Westfield (Mass.) Academy. His father being a
tanner, young Edward assisted in the work of m
tannery, remaining under the parental roof until
he became of age. On the death of his father, in
1854, Edward A. formed a partnership with Isaac
Broadnead, a practical tanner, Mr. Hubbard fur-
nishing the capital and acting as business manager
of the concern. They built a new tannery, and in
partnership carried on a successful business up to
the death of Mr. Hubbard, in 1871, at which time
Mr. Broadhead purchased the interest of the de-
ceased and continued the business alone.
On Feb. 8, i860, Edward A. Hubbard was united
in marriage with Miss Charlotte Hunt, who was
born May 21, 1828, at Vernon, Tolland Co., Conn.,
a daughter of Capt. Oliver and Roxanna (Smith)
Hunt. Capt. Hunt was born in Vernon, Conn., a
son of Oliver and Jerusha (Simons) Hunt, highly
respected farming people, who had a family of four
, children: Laura, (Capt.) Oliver, Rebecca and
Mary. To Capt. Oliver and Roxanna Hunt were
born eight children: (i) Fidelia Clark became the
wife of Capt. Bela Abbott ; both are now deceased.
(2) Philinda is the deceased widow of Elijah
Payne. (3) Roxanna, deceased, was the wife of
C. A. Risley. (4) Oliver married (first) Roselle
Chapman, and (second) Harriet Fuller; he is now
living retired at Galesburg, 111. (5) Eliza Ann
is deceased. (6) Caroline Mary married Leander
Smith; both are deceased. (7) Charlotte (Mrs.
E. A. Hubbard) comes next in the order of birth.
(8) Chester Smith, , the youngest, is deceased.
Capt. Oliver Hunt was by occupation a farmer and
tanner; was a captain in the State troops, a Whig
■and Republican in politics and served in the State
Legislature two terms. He was a member of no
church, though a liberal contributor to all denom-
inations.
To Edward A. and Charlotte (Hunt) Hubbard
were born two daughters : ( i ) Charlotte Hunt,
born Dec. 15, i860, was educated at Hartford
(Conn.) Female Seminary and Bordentown, N. J.;
she is now the wife of Lewis W. Ripley, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere. (2) Mary Amelia,
born May 4, 1863, graduated from the Hartford
Public High School ; she was married. May 4, 1886,
to Dr. Gideon C. Segur, of Hartford, Conn., and
has a family of six living children : Raymond Hub-
bard, Charlotte Hubbard, Marjorie Hubbard, Gerald
Hubbard, Malcolm Cundall and Katharine Hunt:
there were two other children, Edward Hubbard
and Donald Cundall, both of whom died in infancy.
Mrs. Hubbard is a lady of culture and refinement,
and after the death of her husband she made her
home for a time in Hartford in order to give her
two daughters the benefit of a good city education,
returning in 1898 to a home in Glastonbury, where
she now resides. Her life has been full of useful-
ness, and in the evening of her days, which she is
enjoying in ease and comfort, she can look, over the
past vears with the consciousness of duties well
performed.
The late Edward A. Hubbard had a wide busi-
tO-t/ct^cnc/ oW ^iC^-t::.i^A:^(Ay<^
COMMEMOR.lTIl-E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
833
ness ac(iiiaintancc in tlie United States and Europe,
his busniess career and his home hfc beinfj ahke
above reproach, and he had the warm rej^ard of
many personal friends, while at the same time he
was ever faitiiful to all trusts, whether of a inthlic
or private nature, reposed in him. He was a stanch
friend of advanced educational methods, a promoter
and supporter of the Cilastonhurv I'ree Academy,
and a liberal contributor to all enterprises intended
, to help the building up of society. A ])rominent
' member of the Congregational Church, he was a
pure-minded Christian, a great student of the IJible
and an earnest worker in the cause of humanity.
A strong Republican in politics, he was nevertheless
no office seeker, though frequentlv urged by hi>
, friends to accept nonunation. His domestic and
social life was full of tenderness and sympathy for
' others, and tilled with unostentatious acts of charity,
I particularly among the poor and needy, deeds that
; were known at the time only to himself and the
I recipients of his bounty. He died universally be-
' loved and respected, and left the heritage of a good
name.
HOX. JA:\IES HATHAWAY VIETS. The
Viets family has held a prominent place in this sec-
tion from pioneer times, and the personal history
of this venerable and highly-esteemed resident of
East Granby, can have no better introduction than
the following brief review of his ancestry. The
thrift, enterprise and public-spirit which have
marked his conduct throughout his long and useful
career are characteristic of the family, and its mem-
bers have made themselves honorable reputations in
various callings, many of the name in Hartford
county being engaged in agricultural pursuits.
The name is probably of German origin, as it
occurs in various forms in different localities in
the "Fatherland," and Dr. John Viets, the progeni-
tor of the family in this section, who settled in
Simsburj' in 1710, spelled the name Viett. After
his death his sons used the spelling Vietts, which
would indicate that the name was pronounced in
that way, and it is surmised that at an earlier period
it may have been written Metz. The preseni spell-
ing was adopted about 1750. Dr. John \'iets is
said to have been well-educated, having prepared
for the medical profession in Germany, but the in-
formation concerning his earlv life is meagre and
is in some instances conflicting. According to the
best authority he was born probably about 1665,
and there is little doubt that on coming to America
he landed in New York, where his marriage may
have occurred. Plis name appears in the records
of Simsbury as early as 1710, when he was admitted
as a citizen, and on January 5, 171 1, he received a
deed for twelve acres of land from the heirs of John
Griffin. This was located on the west side of the
mountain, being now included in the town of East
Granby. For some time he followed farming there
in connection with his medical practice. The early
settlers were too poor and possibly too hardy and
healthy to furnish a good income for a physician,
antl it seems that he thought at one time of return-
ing to his native land. In 1713 he mortgaged his
farm for ten pounds sterling, and as there was
then a lin.seed oil mill on the place it is probable
that he had built it. In 1723 he received a grant of
eighty-two acres of land from the town, and his
death occurred soon afterward (Nov. 18, 1723),
from a fever. Tradition says that his wife's name
was Catharine -Meyers, but on her tombstone in
Simsbury it is given as "Camon \'ets, ye wift; of
Dct. John Vets.' She died on the 5th or 0th day of
March, 1734, at the age of sixty-eight. Of their
four children, Catharine married Mr. Hoskms, of
Windsor; Henry, born 1709, died April 2, 1779;
John, born Nov. 3, 1712, married Lois I'helps, and
died April 8, 1777; and Mary or Mercy married Mr.
Gough or Gotf.
Henry Viets, our subject's great-grandfather,
was but a boy when his father died, and he and his
brother John had to make their own way in life.
For a time he was employed in the copper mines in
Simsbury, but later became a f.irmer in the north-
ern part of the town, where he secured an e.xlensive
estate. He died April 2, 1779. His first wife, Mar-
garet, died Sept. 28, 1750, and his second wife, Mar-
garet Austin, of ^^'indsor, who was born in 1712,.
died October 14, 1783. IJy his first marriage he had
five children: Henry, born Jan. 24, 1737, died Feb.
5, 1824; -Margaret, born May 9, 1739, died Sep. 22,
1782; Luke, born June 17, 1743, died Oct. 21, 1757,
having been accidentally shot at Becket, Mass.,
while hunting; David, born Feb. 18, 1745, died Nov.
3, 181 5 ; Jonathan, born Sept. 26, 1750, died Feb. 17,
1837. Liy his second wife he had one son, James,
born Aug. 28, 1752, died Dec. 23, 1827.
Capt. James \'iets, our subject's grandfather,
was a fanner by occupation, and his improvements
on his old homestead at Copper Hill included a
substantial dwelling-house, built in 1797. He owned
a large tract of land at Colbrook, and for many years
made a specialty of dairying. He was a consistent
member of the Episcopal Church. Politically he
supported the views of Jefferson. As a good citi-
zen he took an active part in public affairs, and
his title was gained by service as an officer in the
State militia. His death occurred December 23,
1827, at the homestead on Copper Hill, and his re-
mains were interred at Turkey Flill cemetery. His
wife Elizabeth ilrown, usually called "Betsey"
among her friends, was born in Nova Scotia and
died Feb. 23, 1837. She was an Episcopalian in re-
ligious faith, and her daily life gave proof of her de-
votion. They had four children, of whom our sub-
ject's father, Festus Viets, was the youngest, (i)
Betsey, born Sept. 6. 1781, married Robert LUurch.
and died Feb. 6, 1871. (2) Horace, born March
27 1783. died Jan. 10, 1870. (3) Achsah, born June
28, 1785, married Oliver Griffin, and died Dec.
17, 1869.
Festus A'iets was born June 12, 1790, at Copper
834
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hill, and was educated in the local schools during
his youth. Like his ancestors he turned his atten-
tion to farming, and he and his brother Horace
owned over four hundred acres of land, i he home-
stead on Copper Hill was much improved under his
management, and his fondness for home life and
care for the comfort of his family were shown in
many ways. While he was a steadfast Democrat in
politics, he never sought or held public office, but his
activity in church work gave him especial promi-
nence among the Methodists of his locality. He
died Sept. 24, 1874, and was buried at Copper Hdl
M. E. cemetery. His wife, Maria Hathaway, was
born in Suffield, June 24, 1802, a daughter of
Ebenezer Hathaway, and died September 27, i860.
Our subject was the eldest in a family of ten chil-
dren : Harriet Maria, born Sept. 3, 1826, married
Henry Griffin; Candace Eliza, born Aug. 2, 1828,
married Linus Hayes ; Philo Horace was born Aug.
12, 1830; Adaline Jael, born Dec. 13, 1832, died
March 23, 1839; Lamira Jane, born Jan. 27, 1835,
married Willis L. Hayes; Daniel Benjamin, born
March 19, 1838, died March 2, 1839; Annis Susan,
born January 28, 1840, died Sept. 26, 1842; Wdliam
Dixon was born May 17, 1842; and Jason Rush-
more was born Jan. 17, 1846.
James H. Viets was born Aug. 21, 1824, and has
always made his home at his present farm, which
was once occupied as a homestead by his great-
grandfather. It contains 150 acres of excellent land,
and he has raised tobacco extensively in connection
with general farming. In 1876 he made extensive
alterations on the old homestead, converting it into
quite a modern residence. Some years ago he re-
tired from active labor, and is spending the after-
noon of life in quiet enjoyment of the fruits of past
toil. His ability and unswerving fidelity to any
trust reposed in him have made him the choice of
his fellow-townsmen for various offices, and he is
regarded as one of the foremost Democrats of the
locality. For three terms he held the office of select-
man, and he has also served as school visitor and
in other minor positions, while in 1862 he was elect-
ed to the State Legislature, where he took a worthy
part in the work of the session, being placed on
several important committees. Like his ancestors,
he has done much to forward the cause of religion,
and for years he has served as trustee, steward or
treasurer of the M. E. Church at Copper Hill.
On Oct. II, 1849, ^i"- Viets married Miss
Marilla Hayes, who was born June 17, 1827, daugh-
ter of Dudley and Naoma (Rose) Hayes. Of the
five children born to this union three are living,
and their education has been the chief care of their
parents. James Duane, born Feb. 20, 1853, is a
produce dealer at Springfield, Mass. ; Ella M., born
Dec. II, 1854, died April 27, 1856; Horace, born
Dec. 22, 1862, is at home; Nora Belle, born June
17, 1865, died unmarried; Samuel D., born Feb.
19, 1868, is a grain merchant at Springfield, Mas-
sachusetts.
PATRICK MOORE (deceased) was for many
years one of the most highly-respected citizens of
Ccllinsville, and an extensive and successful con-
tractor with the Collins Co. at that place. A na-
tive of Ireland, he was born in Ennis, County Clare,
March 14, 1833, and was one of a family of thirteen
children, whose parents, Michael and Mary (Lam-
bert) Moore, were also natives of Ennis, and worthy
members of the Catholic Church.
Our subject received but a limited education in
the schools of his native land, but through his own
eft'orts he became a well informed man. He was
reared on the home farm, and like many of his
fellow countrymen his whole desire was to become
a citizen of this "land of the free and home of the
brave." In 1850, a year or two after the great fam-
ine in Ireland, Mr. Moore took passage on a sailing
vessel and crossed the Atlantic, landing in New
York. He came at once to Collinsville, Conn.,
where he obtained employment with the Collins Co.,
in the axe department, under Peter Myers. Wish-
ing to secure a better position, he left there at the
end of two years and went South, locating in Savan-
nah, Ga., where he became connected with the cot-
ton industry. On his return North he again spent
two years with the Collins Co., and then went to
Douglass, Mass., where he was employed as an
axe polisher for one year. Returning to Collins-
ville, he became a contractor in the knife-handle de-
partment, where he remained until the fall of 1898,
when he retired from active business to spend his
remaining days in ease and retirement. He was
one of the largest contractors with the Collins Co.,
and won the respect and confidence of those who
worked under him as well as of his employers. In
1887 he took up his residence in the town of Bur-
lington, where he purchased a small place, on which
he made many improvements, and there he made his
home until called from this life, Jan. 17, 1899.
He was taken ill with the grippe, which devel-
oped into pneumonia, and from the eft'ects of the lat-
ter disease he died. His remains were interred in the
Catholic cemetery at Collinsville.
Mr. Moore was first married, Aug. 28, 1853, at
New Britain, to Miss Eliza Hannon, also a native of
Ennis, Ireland, who died Aug. 18, 1864, at the
early age of thirty-three years, and was buried in
the same cemetery. The children born of this union
were as follows: Mary Jane, born July 13, 1854,
died Sept. 2, 1855 ; Elizabeth, born Oct. 2-', 1855, is
now the wife of Edward Flanary, of Bridgport;
Thomas, born Nov. 25, '1857, died Nov. 6, 1858;
Mary, born April 25, 18.S9, died Aug. 22, 1800 :
Thomas, born Dec. 21, i860, died Oct. 16, 1861 ;
Mary, born Nov. 21, 1862, died Aug. 28, 1863; and
James and Lucy (twins) were born June 20, 1864
(the former died Sept. 21, 1864, and the latter on
Aug. 17, 1864).
On Oct. 6, 1864, Mr. Moore married Miss El-
len Rocke, who was also born in Ennis, Ireland,
and came to this country in 1857. She is still a resi-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
835
I dent of Burlington, and is a lady of genial dispo-
'sition, who has proved a devoted wife and mother.
Bv his second marriage I\Ir. Moore had seven chil-
dren: James ^lichael, born Sept. 28, 1869, re-
sides at home; I'.ridget Mary, b. Jan. 30, 1871, d.
Aug. 4. 1871 : Patrick, b. Fcli. 21, 1872, d. Oct. 9.
1897: Anthony Joscpli, born April 6, 1875, obtained
his literary (.'(hication in tlic district schools and in
the high school of Collinsville, and at Holy Cross
< College, Worcester, Mass., and prepared himself for
I the medical profession, spent three years at Bellevue
Hosjiital Medical College, New York City, has since
graduated from the Alaryland Medical College, of
iialtimore, in medicine ami is now a practicing physi-
ician; Thomas C, born Dec. 11, 1876, died Uec.
; 1, 1879; Jillen, born Dec. 8, 1878, died March 13,
1880; and Katlierine, born Nov. 23, 1880, is a young-
lady of talent and culture, who graduated from the
Collinsville higli school m i8y8, and has also re-
ceived a good musical education.
^Ir. Moore was independent in politics, casting
his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and his last
one for William Jennings Bryan. He was one of the
best known and most highly esteemed citizens of
Collinsville, and had a host of warm friends through-
out the community. He was a devout member of the
Catholic Church, was noted for his piety, and was
instrumental in organizing the church in Collins-
ville. He gave liberally toward the construction
of the church edifice, and contributed freely of his
means at all times toward advancing the causes of
education and Christianity. His charity was un-
bounded, and the poor and needy always found in
him a friend.
HON. JOHN P. LE^^'IS, a representative and
prominent citizen of Farmington, was born in Win-
sted, Litchfield Co., Conn., Nov. 23, 1836, son of
Joseph Blackleach Lewis, and grandson of Joseph
and Sarah (Blackleach) Lewis. His grandfather
was a Revolutionar}- soldier. For his second wife
Joseph Lewis married Mrs. Hannah Petterson, and
to her first marriage were born five children, who
grew to maturity: Anna, Joseph B., David, Re-
becca and Frederick.
Joseph B. Lewis, father of our subject, was
born in Stratford, Conn., in iNIarch, 1794, and
throughout life followed the carpenter's trade. He
was a well-read man, and in religious faith was a
L'niversalist. In early life he worked in the Whit-
ings Clock Factory, in Winsted, and at that place
he erected a brick house, on North Main street,
but he finally came to Unionville, w-here his death
occurred in 1886. He became quite well-to-do,
owning a farm of 200 acres in the Scotts Swamp
District, and another in the town of Burlington, '
Hartford county. Joseph B. Lewis first married i
Miss Julia Shelton, who was born in 1798, and died !
in \\'insted. Conn., leaving three children : Fred- '
erick. who died in Ohio : Gideon Hall, who died in
^'irginia ; and Juliette, who died in \\"insteG, Conn.
For his second wife he married Miss Cordelia Ann
Cummings, who was born in 1800, and died in
Lnioiiville, in 1878. By that union he had four
children: Julia, deceased; John P., our subject;
Jeanette, who was born in Burlington in 1840, and
is now the widow of T. A. Chidsey, and a resi-
dent of Waterbury, Conn. ; and Emily, deceased,
who was born in Burlington in 1844, and married
Mark Stone, of that place.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed in Burlington and Farmington, where he
attended school, and after bis education was com-
jjleled he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the
home farm until twenty-five years of age. After
marriage he settled on his present farm, where he
carries on general agriculture and lumbering. In
\\ eathersfield, \'t., he was united in marriage with
Miss Frances M. North, and to them were born
four children: (i) Jeanette M., born in 1865, is
now the wife of .:\.rthur T. Brown, of Sag Harbor,
N. v., and thev have three children, Lewis Nathan,
Almira Frances and Lurania. {2) Eleanor M.,
born in 1868, married Walter Woodruff, and lived
for a time in Bristol and later in Waterbury, Conn.
They have one son, James Lewis. (3) George J.,
born in 1871, married Harriet B. Page, and has
one daughter, Ekanor. (4) Edna E., born in 1873,
is the wife of Louis L. Gaylord, of Hartford.
Mr. Lewis has been honored with manv offices
of public trust, acting as selectman, justice of the
peace, and chairman of the board of assessors at
the present time. He was a member of the State
Legislature in 1S76, at which time he served on the
committee for building the new capitol, and in
1895, he again represented Farmington in that body,
being elected on the Democratic ticket. He has
served as appraiser of estates for the probate courts
of Farmington, Bristol and Burlington ; also as
appraiser in foreclosure proceedings for the differ-
ent savings banks in this vicinity ; and was appointed
by the superior court chairman of the commission
to adjust the land damages between the Bristol
Water Co., and parties owning land in Bristol,
Plymouth, etc. He was connected with the Stand-
ard Rule Co., and has been a director in several
corporations in Unionville. Mr. Lewis is a strong
and active Democrat. As a public-spirited citizen
lie gives his support to every measure which he
believes will prove of public benefit.
MOSES WILLIAMS BECKLEY (deceased),
for many years a prominent citizen of Southington,
was born in New Britain, Hartford Co.. Conn., June
8, 1828, and was a son of !Moses W. and Mary \\'.
(Cornwall) Beckley, both also natives of Hart-
ford county, the former born in Rocky Hill, Oct.
7, 1791, the latter in New Britain July 12, 1798.
In 1830 they located in Southington, where the
father purchased a small tract of land on the
Meriden road, and where he kept a harness shop
for many years. He died Sept. 27. 1868. His
836
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children were Sarah, wife of Francis Lewis ; Will-
iam, who married Rebecca Maynard ; Eunice, wife
of John Gridley ; Caroline, wife of Edwin Stan-
nard ; and Moses W.
Our subject was only two years old when
brought by his parents to Southington, and here he
was reared to manhood, obtaining his educa-
tion in the public schools near his boyhood home
and Lewis Academy. At the age of eighteen he
entered the employ of the Peck-Smith Co., and
retained his connection with them and their suc-
cessors in business up to the time of his death.
By patient and faithful devotion to his duties he
worked his way upward until he became secretary,
treasurer and one of the directors of one of the
largest hardware manufacturing companies in the
State, and, in addition to supporting his parents
in their declining years he acquired a property which
to one of his frugal habits, might be considered
a handsome competence. As a business man he
was laborious and careful, and gave close attention
to all the little details of his affairs. While treas-
urer of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., and disburs-
ing from $80,000 to $100,000 per month, his cash
account always balanced correctly. In his moral,
intellectual and social life, he manifested the same
characteristic carefulness. He was never a talker,
but exceedingly well read, and his criticisms on
men and public affairs were always shrewd and
reaching. Mr. Beckley never made a public pro-
fession of religion, yet those who were most famil-
iar with him would be surprised at the freedom
of his incidental remarks upon religious subjects,
and at his general agreement with the commonly
received tenets of the Evangelical faith. Politi-
cally he was identified with the Democratic party,
and socially affiliated with Friendship Lodge, No.
33, F. & A. M., and Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A.
M. He died February 10, 1875, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him.
On June 2, 1865, Mr. Beckley married Miss
Elizabeth Piatt, a daughter of Joseph P. and Het-
tie Ann (Thompson) Piatt, of Southington, and
granddaughter of Gideon and Lydia (Sperry)
Piatt, of Middlebury. By this union four children
were born : Grace E. ; Charles W. ; Alice L., wife of
Paul C. Woodruff; and Bertha T.
DANIEL BLISH, an honored and respected
resident of Marlboro, as well as one of the most
substantial citizens of that place, is a worthy de-
scendant of an old family.
Mr. Blish traces his ancestry back to Abraham
Bhsh, the first of the name in this country, and the
first account we have of him is in Duxbury, Mass.,
where, in November, 1637. he bought of Richard
More a house and tract of land comprising twenty
acres and known as the "Eagle's Nest." He re-
moved to Barnstable, on Cape Cod, soon after the
town, which was a part of the Plymouth Colony,
was laid off, about 1641, becoming one of its first
settlers, and there died Sept. 7, 1683. He resided
ii. the western part of the town known as "Great
Marshes," and the homestead there was owned by
him and his descendants for over 200 years. He
was a man of importance and influence in the town
and held many offices of trust. His descendants are
now scattered throughout the United States, and
the family has been well represented in the wars
of this country, including the Revolution, the French
and Indian war and the war of 1812.
Joseph Blish, of Barnstable, Mass., son of Abra-
ham, married Anne Hull, daughter of Tristram
Hull, who was fined several times for harboring
Quakers who had been driven out of the towns to
starve. Rev. Thomas Hull, father of Tristram
Hull, was one of the early ministers of Barnstable
and was silenced as a preacher because he pro-
tested against the treatment which the Colonists
gave to the Quakers.
Tristram Blish, son of Joseph, came from Barn-
stable to Connecticut in 1725, and was one of the
early settlers of Colchester. He married Anne
Fuller, through whom our subject traces his de-
scent from Edward Fuller, of the "Mayflower" pil-
grims. He is also a lineal descendant of Dr. j\lat-
thew Fuller, who was one of the leading spirits
of his time in Barnstable, and of Rev. John Lath-
rop, the first minister of Barnstable, who is still
honored in the town.
David Blish, grandfather of Daniel Blish, was
probably the first of the name in Marlboro, but the
authenticity of this is not known. He served as
a soldier in the Revolution. He lived on the farm
where Daniel Blish now resides, and which was
originally part of the town of Glastonbury, Marl-
boro having- been formed in 1803 from the towns
of Glastonbury, Colchester and Hebron. He fol-
lowed the primitive methods of farming then in
use, and here he died, his remains being buried in
Marlboro. By his wife, Mary, he had eight chil-
dren, whose names and dates of birth are as fol-
lows: David, Sept. 16, 1753; Zeruiah, June 3, 1758;
Rebecca, May 13, 1760; Thomas, Sept. 13, 1762:
Chauncey, Sept. 21, 1764; Sarah, April 10, 1767;.
Aaron, Oct. 21, 1768; and Roger, May 23, 1770.
Roger Blish, the youngest of the above men-
tioned family, was the father of Daniel Blish. He
was born in the house which stood opposite our
subject's present home, and which was later de-
stroyed by fire. He married Miss Demis Hosford.
a native of Marlboro, and a daughter of Daniel
Hosford, a farmer of that town. He died in De-
cember, 1857, preceded by his wife, who died in
February of the same year. In the family of this
worthy couple were the following children : Har-
riet, born July 7, 1795, died young; Amelia, born
June 14, 1797. married Henry Brainard, a hotel-
keeper of Willimantic, Conn. ; Prudence, born
April 5, 1799, married Howell Root, a farmer, and
lived in Marlboro; Augustus, born Aug. 20, 1801,
married Delight Buell, and followed farming in
Marlboro; Aaron, born Nov. 3, 1803, married
Eunice Clark, of Salem, and followed farming;:
Q5..^-^Ji 'Z^A
I
COMMEMOR.ITII'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
887
Cliaunccy, born Dec. 4, 1807, married Esther Slate,
and lived in Marlboro: Mary, born Sept. 25, 1810,
married Georufe Talcott Lord, a farmer of the same
town; Harriet (2), born Aug-, q, 1812, married
William Carrier, who lived in Marlboro until after
the death of tiis wife, and then nmoved to Xew
York State; Zerniah, born July 17, 1814, married
Isaac Ikiell, and lived in Marlboro; and Daniel, our
subject, completes the family. The father was a
member of the Congregational Church, and was one
of the substantial citizens of the town in his day.
In political sentiment he was a Whig, and he was
quite prominent in jiulMic affairs, serving as member
of the Legislature and in various minor offices.
Daniel Blish w-as born Oct. 28, 1817, on the
farm he now occupies, and during his boyhood re-
ceived a common-school education, among his teach-
ers being Chauncey Root, Buckley Hollister, a Mr.
Jones and David Phelps. His entire life has been
spent on the old homestead with the exception of
eight months he passed in Willimantic, engaged
in teaming between that place and Norwich when
the two towns were comparatively small and before
the railroads were built. At the time he was about
twenty-six years of age. He then returned home,
and as his father was growing old and in poor
health he managed the farm for him. During his
earlier years he also did general teaming. After his
father's death he took complete charge of the place,
and in its operation has met with marked success.
1 he place now comprises some 200 acres.
On Sept. 17, 1856, Mr. Blish was united in
marriage with Miss Fanny Maria Howe, who was
born in Glastonburv July 29, 1827. a daughter of
Elisha and Fanny ( Arnold ) How-e, the father a
native of Glastonbury, the mother of East Hart-
ford. Elisha Howe was a cooper by trade, and
owned and operated a farm. He died in 1859, a
faithful member of the Congregational Church. His
political allegiance was given to the W hig partv.
Of his familv of four children — one son'and three
daughters — Fanny Maria became the wife of our
subject. Eliza T. and Mary .Ann are deceased.
Henry H.. wlio died May 10, 1900, worked at the
cooper's trade during his younger days, but made
farming his life work; he married Sophia Bidwell.
of Manchester.
To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Blish were born four
children: Frank Hosford, born Aug. 9. 1857. mar-
ried Xellie Cunningham, of Halifax. N. S., and lives
in r^Iarlboro. Lizzie Howe died voung. Fannie
.Arnold is at home. Frederick Thomas married
Edna Hollister, of Manchester, and has one child.
Frederick T., born Oct. i, 1898; he is now engaged
in the hardware business in Manchester.
Politically Mr. Blish was originally a Whig and
is now^ a stanch Re]:)ublican. but has been too busily
engaged in agricultural pursuits to CLre for politi-
cal honors, and has had very little to do with politics,
though he has consented to hold a few town offices
and has served in the State Legislature. L'pright
and honorable in au the relations of life, he has
met with well-deserved success in his labors, and
has reared a family who, like their parents, cum-
luand the respect and esteem of all who know them.
Like his forefathers he has been a faithful attendant
of the Congregational Church.
HOX. KYRAX O'XEILL, a highly-esteemed
resident of Broad Brook, is a self-made man whose
industry, thrift and sound judgment do credit to
his race.
Mr. O'Neill was born in April, 1832, in John-
stown, County Kilkenny, Ireland, where his people
have had their home for many years. His parents,
John and Elizabeth (Henderson) O'Neill, had a
family of eight chiklren, six .of whom became resi-
dents' of the United States. John, the eldest, came
to this country in 1848, and died in Rockville,
Conn., in 185 1 ; Kyran and Julia came to America
in 1850. The father died in 1840, and in 1852 the
mother and three of the children — James (a resi-
dent of ^\■indsorville), Martin and .Vndrew (both
now deceased) — came to America, settling in Wind-
sorville. Conn. Mrs. O'Neill died at Broad Brook,
April 25, 1888.
Until he reached the age of eighteen our sub-
ject remained at the old home, but in 1050 he came
to America on a sailing vessel, landing at New
York City after a voyage which would seem long
and tedious in comparison with the speedy trips
now- made in the great ocean liners. For some
time he resided in Rockville, Conn., being employed
in what is now the Florence Woolen Mdls, and in
1S53 he settled at Broad Brook. For four and
one-half years he worked as a spinner in the Broad
Brook mills, and then engaged in the hotel busi-
ness in that village, continuing thus until 1861.
The next five years he was in the hotel business in
Brooklyn, N. Y., and on his return to Broad Brook
resumed that business, which he carried on success-
fully for many years. He also engaged in the to-
bacco industry, both as grower and buyer, and he
has owned and cultivated different farms in his
vicinity. At times he has been interested exten-
sively in real estate, some of his farms having proved
profitable investments when judiciously disposed of,
but at present he is living in retirement. In poli-
tics he is a strong Democrat, and in 1879 he was
elected on that ticket to the State Legislature. In
religious faith he is a Catholic, and he and his fam-
ily are leading members of the church at Broad
Brook.
In 1861 Mr. O'Xeill married Miss Mary Shau-
nessy, who died in May. 1879, and of their five
children none lived to maturity. In January, 1885,
he married Miss ^laggie E. Coleman, and three
children have blessed the union : Julia, William
(deceased) and Maggie.
HOX. JOHX A. REEVE. Burlington Probate
Judge and Town Clerk, was born in X'ew Haven,
Conn.. July 20, 1859.
Mr. Reeve's father, ^^■illiam P. Reeve, was a
838
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
native of Linton, Cambridgeshire, England, where
he received an excellent education, and also learned
the trade of miller. He followed the same in his
native land, and also engaged in bookkeeping there.
He was married there to Jane Frances Bocock, a
native of Upend, Cambridgeshire, and a daughter
of Robert Bocock. She was a member of the
Catholic Church, with which her husband afterward
tmited, though in early life he was connected with
the Church of England. In 1856, with their fam
ily, they came to the United States, and first lo-
cated at Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N. Y., where the
father found employment. From there they re-
moved to New Haven, Conn., where he worked at
his trade in the mills; and he was later engaged in
the milling business in Mid'dletown for six years.
In 1866 he located in New Britain, where he was
also engaged in milling for a short time, and then
returned to New Haven, where he lived for three
years. During the following three and one-half
years he v>'-as engaged in bookkeeping in New Brit-
ain, and in 1873 came to Burlington, where he pur-
chased a tract of twenty-seven acres of land, known
as the Elton farm. Here he engaged in farming
and stock raising" up to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1878. Mr. Reeve was a consistent mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat in poli-
tics, but never an office seeker. The wife and mother
was tenderly cared for b)' our subject until she,
too, was called to her final rest, in 1895. She was
a devout Catholic, and a devoted wife and mother.
The remains of both were interred in the Catholic
cemetery at Collinsville. In their family were six
children : William, a machinist of Hartford, who
died Dec. 23, 1899; Elizabeth, who died in infancy;
Thomas, a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Samuel,
a resident of Burlington, Conn. ; Mary Jane, who
died young; and John A. All were born in Eng-
land with the exception of our subject.
During his boyhood and youth John A. Reeve
was a student in the schools of New Haven and
Middletown, and also attended the high school of
New Britain. He came with his parents to Bur-
lington, and after his father's death took charge
of the home farm, to which he has added until he
now has a valuable and well-improved place of
150 acres. He also has a large tract of timber
land, and is successfully engaged in lumbering, gen-
eral farming, stock raising and dairying. He has
made many improvements which add greatly to the
value and attractive appearance of his place.
In 1894, in the Collinsville Catholic Church, Mr.
Reeve was married by Father Ouinn to Miss Annie
Lovett, a native of Canterbury, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of Leonard Lovett. She is a lady of refinement,
a graduate of Willimantic (Conn.) State Normal
School, and is a consistent member of the Catholic
Church, to which Mr. Reeve also belongs. They
have three children, Arthur John, Henry Francis
and Edward Hermon.
Mr. Reeve is a leader in the ranks of the Demo-
cratic party in his community, and on his party
ticket was elected to the State Legislature in 1887,
which position he filled in a most creditable and
acceptable manner. He was elected clerk of the
town of Burlington in 1882, and in that capacity
has served the people faithfully and well for eight-
een years. He has also been Probate Judge since
1894, and has been tax collector, and a member of
the board of relief. He is a whole-souled, genial
gentleman, popular with all classes, and has proved
a most efficient and trustworthy official.
AMASA LOOMIS (deceased). No better test
of personal merit can be found than that of daily
life, and when years of business dealings have left
a man the full respect of his fellow citizens one
may conclude that he has shown himself worthy
of their approbation. The subject of this sketch,
late a venerable resident of Simsbury, was a man
most esteemed where best known, his firmness in
"holding to the right as he sees it" commanding the
confidence of even opponents.
Mr. Loomis was born June 14, 1821, at Salem,
New London Co., Conn., a descendant of a well-
known pioneer family of Windsor, of whom an
account is given elsewhere. A first cousin. Col.
Francis Loomis, was once lieutenant-governor of
Connecticut, and another cousin, Prof. Eiias Loomis,
is a member of the faculty of Yale College. His
grandfather, John Loomis, married a Miss Harris,
and resided m Windsor.
Guy Loomis, our subject's father, was a well-
to-do farmer of Salem, where he died, Nov. 25,
1857. His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail
Chapman, lived to the advanced age of eighty-
three years, her death occurring in i860. Our
subject was the youngest of a family of six chil-
dren, all now deceased : Abigail married Col.
Frank Jones, and died in Salem; Alfred went to
California in early manhood, but returned to Con-
necticut, 'and lived to old age; Sophia married
Hamilton Chapman, and died in Norwich, Conn.;
Nelson, who died in Philadelphia at the age of
eighty-four, retired from business at thirty-three,
with a large fortune, and for many years was prom-
inent in the Presbyterian Church, and was elder
for thirty years; Elijah, a farmer by occupation,
died in Salem.
Our subject remained at home until he reached
the age of eighteen, his education being obtained
in the district schools near by. He then entered
the employ of his brother Nelson, who was a pub-
lisher and jobber of books, and carried on business
extensively through agents in different parts of the
country, and for several years our subject delivered
and collected for the firm, handling large amounts
of money, and traveling over much of the country.
On Jan. 5, 1845, he was married, in East Lyme,
Conn., to Miss Nancy D. Chappell, who was born
Aug. 17, 1822, daughter of Daniel and Hannah
(Loomis) Chappell, of East Lyme. They located
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
839
in Saleiii. but as Iiis business then called him away
from lionie they ditl not go to housekeci)intj until
ten years after marriage. Later Mr. Loomis gave
up traveling, bought a farm at Salem, and in 1866
he sold out and removed to Tariffville, where he
engaged in the tobacco business, buying extensively,
and also growing the weed. At different times
he was associated with his brother-in-law, Ariel
Mitchelson, but after a time he abandoned the to-
bacco business, simply because conscience would
not permit him to continue in a line of work which
produced such bad effects on the young. For
some years he followed mercantile business, being
one of the best known merchants of Tariffville, but
in about i8y6 he sold out and retired. lie ac-
quired a comfortable competence, his securities be-
ing regarded as "gilt-edged," and owned several
valuable properties in Tariffville. He was one of
the first depositors with the Hartford Trust Co.,
and ever after continued to transact business through
them. In all his dealings he made it a rule to pay
cash, not a penny of indebtedness being held against
him, and his success reflected the more credit upon
him when it is remembered that he started in life
practically without capital. Until recent years he
enjoyed excellent health, and his jovial disposition
not only enabled him to get the best of life as he
went along, but brought pleasure to a wide circle
of friends. Politically he was a Republican for
many years, but became a Prohibitionist from prin-
ciple. Although he neared his eightieth milestone,
passing away Julv 23, 1900, one dollar would cover
the entire liquor bill of his life. He was promi-
nent in religious work as a member of the Con-
gregational Church of Salem, to which his widow
also belongs, and for more than half a century of
happy wedded life they maintained consistent Chris-
tian lives. Of their two children, (i) Ida Salina,
born ]\Iarch 20, 1852, married Samuel Penfield
Bolles, of Hartford, and died July 5, 1878. Her
only child, George L., born June 25, 1878, died
when ten months old. (2) Joel O., born April 24,
1854, is a druggist in Hartford. He married Miss
Nellie R. Coe, of Tariffville, and has three children,
all living, Ida C, now Mrs. Frederick Davis, of
Xew Haven ; Katie : and Nellie M. Ida C. has
two children. Ruth Loomis and Harold Coe, our
subject's great-grandchildren.
HON. AIATTHEW C. WOODFORD. Promi-
nent among the enterprising business men of Union-
ville is the subject of this review, who has for
several years successfully conducted a general store
at that place. The prosperity that has come to
him is certainly well-merited, as in him are em-
braced the characteristics of unbending integrity,
unabated energy and industry that never flags.
He is also public-spirited, and thoroughly interested
in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual
and material welfare of his town and county.
Mr. Woodford is a native of Hartford county,
born in Burlington Aug. 5, 1837, and is a son of
Corydon Woodford, and grandson of John Wood-
ford, both natives of Avon. The latter was fa-
miliarly known as Major Woodford. He married
Belinda Hart, a daughter of Deacon Ard Hart, of
Burlington, and had four children : Corydon, Or-
son, Antoinette and John, all now deceased. The
father, grandfather and great-grandfather of Major
Woodford bore the name of John. Corydon Wood-
ford was reared in West Avon, and there attended
school. He was engaged in farming, and also car-
ried on mercantile pursuits for twenty-live years
in Collinsville and Avon, while he also served as
postmaster at West Avon for fifteen years. Po-
litically he was a stanch Republican, and on his
party ticket was elected selectman and assessor of
his town. Religiously he was a consistent member
of the Congregational Church. He married Miss
Sylvia Woodruff, a daughter of Alanson Wood-
ruff. She died in j88y, and he in 1887, in Union-
ville.
The priinar}' education of our subject, acquired
in the public schools of Collinsville, was supple-
mented by a course in the high school of tiiat place,
and later he graduated from the New Britain Nor-
mal school. At the age of eighteen he commenced
teacliing, and for si.x years he devoted his atten-
tion almost exclusively to that profession, being
principal of the high school at East Hampton. He
also taught in Newington, Burlington and Avon,
Conn. ; since then he has taught twelve or fifteen
terms of winter school.
On June 9, 1861, Mr. \\'oodford purchased a
store in Harwinton, Conn., which he conducted
for five years, and was acting school visitor there,
while he filled the same office in Avon for ten
years. In Harwinton he married Miss Helen M.
Beach, a daughter of Hon. Moses Beach, judge of
probate. In 1866 he returned to Avon, where he
bought a farm and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits for some years, and for twelve years he car-
ried on a store in \\'est Avon. In 1889 he be:ame
connected with the Upson Nut Co., in whose office
he remained for two years, and in 1891 he opened
the general store at Unionville, which he con-
ducted with marked success, having by fair and
honorable dealing built up a good trade, until
March 28, 1899, when he was succeeded by Ed-
ward T. Thompson. Mr. Woodford is receiver for
the Upson & Hart Co., of Unionville. manufactur-
ers of cutlery and hardware. In business circles
he stands high, and is also quite prominent in pub-
lic affairs. He was a member of the State Legis-
lature in 1867; has been selectman for three or
four \-ears since that time ; was town clerk in
1869 and 1870. and judge of probate for ten years.
in all of which positions he served with credit to
himself and to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned. Religiously he is an active member of the
Congregational Church, and treasurer of the So-
cietv.
840
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HENRY SIDNEY PEASE (deceased), who in
his lifetime was a well-known lumber dealer of
Thompsonville, was for a third of a century promi-
nently identified with the business interests of that
place. Energy, close application, perseverance and
good management — these are the elements that en-
tered into his business career and crowned his efforts
with prosperity.
Mr. Pease was born in the town of Enfield,
Nov. 27, 1847, and was of the eighth generation
from Robert and Marie Pease, the progenitors of
the family in Salem, Mass., and Enfield town. Rob-
ert Pease is supposed to have been a son of Robert
and Margaret Pease, of Great Baddow, County of
Essex, England. He sailed from the port of Ips-
wich, England, in the ship "Francis," in April,
1634, and landed at Boston. He located in Salem,
Mass., where he died in 1644. His son, John
Pease, was born in England in 1630, and came with
the family to the New World in 1634. He first
married Mary Goodell, daughter of Robert Goodell,
of Salem, Mass., and for his second wife wedded
Ann Cummings, daughter of Isaac Cummings, of
Topsfield, Mass. He settled as a yeoman in that
part of Salem known as Northfield, and his name
is found frequently in the Essex county and Salem
records as grantee, grantor or witness to deeds,
overseer of mills, constable, etc. About 1682 he
became a resident of the town of Enfield, Hart-
ford Co., Conn., where he died suddenly July 8,
1689. His son. Deacon Isaac Pease, was born in
Salem, July 15, 1672, and was married in 1691 to
Mindwell Osborn. They located in the northeast-
ern part of Enfield town, where he appears to have
been an extensive land holder, and he was also
among the first to hold the office of deacon in the
Congregational Church in the town. He died June
9, 1 73 1. Ezekiel Pease, son of Isaac, was born in
Enfield June 20, 1710, and on reaching man's es-
tate married Harriet, daughter of Henry Chandler,
an early settler of Enfield. By occupation Ezekiel
Pease was a tailor and school teacher, and for fif-
teen years he served as town clerk, being known
by the title of Master Pease or Clerk Pease. He
made his home in the eastern part of Enfield town,
where he died in 1799. His son, Isaac Pease, was
born in that town Jan. 7, 1752, and first married
Submit Spencer, daughter of Hezekiah Spencer, of
Somers. His second wife was Mrs. Rachel
(Brooks) Williams. He located in the eastern
part of Enfield town, at Scitico, and there died in
1820. His son, Isaac Pease, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in Enfield town March 27,
1778, and was a clothier by trade. In early life
he removed to Long Meadow, Mass., but later re-
turned to Enfield, where he departed this life Nov.
I, 1836. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of
Col. Asaph Terry, of Enfield.
Theodore Pease, our subject's father, was born
at East Long Meadow, Mass., Jan. 22, 1815, and
in early manhood went to Somers, but shortly after-
ward came to Enfield, where for many years he was
engaged in the manufacture of tinware, and also
dealt in stoves, sending peddlers out over the county.
Prior to this time he had been interested in the gro-
cery .business, and also in the clothing, boot and
shoe trade, and later gave his attention to the lum-
ber business. He met with a fair degree of suc-
cess in his undertakings, and had the confidence
and respect of his business associates and fellow
citizens. He died in Thompsonville, Jan. 4, 1892.
His first wife, the mother of our subject, was Eva-
line Killam, of Enfield, and after her death he wed-
ded Julia E. Steele.
Henry S. Pease, whose name introduces this
sketch, was the fifth child and second son in the
family of six children born of his father's first
union, and always made his home in the town of
Enfield. He received a good public-school and
academic education, and began his business career
about 1866 as a member of the firm of T. Pease &
Sons, the partnership existing up to the formation
of the T. Pease & Son Company. On the death of
the father, in 1892, the business was divided, but
two years later our subject again embarked in the
lumber trade, which he continued to carry on with
good success.
In 1869 Henry S. Pease was united in marriage
with Miss Carrie S. Van Horn, a daughter of Syl-
vester Van Horn, of Thompsonville. Although
not a member of any religious denomination Mr.
Pease attended the Universalist Church, and gave
to the support of all ; socially he was a Master
Mason, politically a Republican. His life v/as such
as to warrant the trust and confidence of the busi-
ness world, for he ever conducted all transactions
on the strictest principles of honor and integrity.
His devotion to the public good remains unques-
tioned, and arose from a sincere interest in the wel-
fare of his fellow men. He passed from earth
July 12, 1900.
AMON BRADLEY, one of the oldest and most
prominent citizens of Southington, was born in that
town Feb. 20, 181 2, and traces his ancestry back to
Isaac and Elizabeth Bradley, of Branford, Conn.
The name of Isaac Bradley first appears on the
Branford records in 1674, where he is mentioned
as a "sojourner at New Haven," and the town
granted him a house lot of two acres at Canoe
Brook. In 1683 he removed to East Haven, where
he died Jan. 12, 1713, aged sixtv-two years, and
his wife died Jan. 3, 1713, aged fifty-six years.
Samuel Bradley, son of Isaac, was born in 1686,
and was married, Jan. 17, 1715, to Sarah, daugh-
ter of Jacob Robinson, of East Haven.
Daniel Bradley, son of Samuel, and the grand-
father of our stibject, w&s married, Nov. 28, 1751.
to Sarah Judd, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah
(Hollister) Judd, of Glastonbury. She died Nov.
19, 1764, after giving birth to her sixth child, the
father of our subject, by reason of which he was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
841
called Ichaljod. In 1774 these chihlren became
heirs to a Iar.i;-e i)ro])erty from the grandfather,
Benjamin judd. Daniel Uradlev was again married,
Feb. 12, 1767, his second union lieing with Mehit-
abcl Hemingway, of East Haven. He lived in
East Haven until 1779, when he removed to South-
ington, where he subsequently purchased a large
farm, and there made his home until 1798, when
he removed to Litchfield.
Jchabod ]lradle\-, father of our subject, was born
in East Havtn Xov. 10, I7<'>4, and was married.
Nov. 27, 1788. to Miss Abigail Aloore. The founder
of the Moore family in the New World was Deacon
John Moore, who settled in Dorchester, xMass., in
1630, and removed to Windsor, Conn., with tlie
first settlers, about 1635. He frequently served as
juror, and was deputy to the General Court from
Windsor in 1662, 1665, 1667 and 1674. He lived
in that part of Windsor now known as Simsbury,
and died Sept. 18, 1677. His son, John ^loore, was
born in Windsor Dec. 5, 1645, and died there. On
Sept. 21, 1664, he married Hannah Gofi'e, who died
April 4, 1697, and on Dec. 17, 1701, he married
Martha Farnsworth. His son, John Moore, was
born in Windsor June 26. 1665, and married Abi-
gail Strong. Their son, John, the grandfather of
Mrs. Ichabod Bradley, was born March 21, 1694,
and died at Lake George, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1758.
On Dec. 2, 1724, he married Abigail Stoughton. a
daughter of Capt. Thomas and Abigail (Edwards)
Stoughton ; the latter was a sister of Rev. Timothy
Edwards, the father of the celebrated Dr. Jonathan
Edwards. Roswell Aloore. the father of Mrs. Brad-
ley, was born in East Windsor Alav 17, 1728, and
located in that part of Farmington now known as
Southington, June 30, 1775. He married Desire
Dunham, daughter of Gideon Dunham, formerly
of ^Martha's \'ineyard. He died Dec. 13, 1704. In
1779 Ichabod Bradley came with his father to South-
ington, where he successfully engaged in farming
throughout the remainder of his life. He died Oct.
13, 1832, aged sixty-eight years, and his wife April
I. 1832, aged sixty-three. Their children were
Polly, wife of Benjamin Andrews; Wyllys, who
married Fanny Stedman ; Roswell, who married
Julia Newell; W'illiam, who married Sarah Gilbert;
Diadamia. wife of Julius Hart ; Hial, who married
Eliza Gilbert ; Charles, wdio married Delia Sted-
man; and Amon, our subject, who is the only sur-
vivor of the family.
Amon Bradley was reared upon a farm, and re-
ceived a good common-school and academic edu-
cation. He continued to work upon the old home-
stead until his twentieth year, and then engaged
in general merchandising in Southington for about
two years, after which he spent two winters in the
South, traveling as a peddler of drv goods and
"\ ankee notions through \'irginia and North Caro-
lina. In 183s he again embarked in general mer-
chandising, and continued in that business until
1866, for some years having Merritt N. Wood-
ruff as a partner, the firm name being Amon Brad-
ley, & Co. Mr. Bradle}- has represented the yEtna
Fire Insurance Co. in Southington for oyer forty
\ears, and there are few enterprises in the town
that he is not interest. d in, but since his retire-
ment from merchandising, in 1866, he has given
his principal attention to his real estate interests.
He has acquired a handsome property through
economy, thrift and perseverance, and has become
one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of the
community.
On Oct. 9, 1836, Mr. Bradley married Miss
Sylvia Barnes, of Southington, and to them were
born three children ; Franklin B. ; Alice B., de-
ceased wife of Norman A. Barnes: and Emma M..
wife of Edward S. Yeomans. Truman Barnes,
Mrs. Bradlev"s father, was born April 23. 1783.
and was a prominent farmer of Southington. He
was married. Jan. 3, 1805. to Lowly Barrett, a
daughter of William and Ruth (Coggswell) Bar-
rett. His father, Jonathan Barnes, was born Feb.
2, 1731, and was married, Aug. 4, 17^7, to Eliza-
beth ^^'oodrurr, daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah
(Macon) Woodruff, of Southington. Jonathan
Barnes lived on East street for some time, but later
removed to Kensington road. His parents w'ere
Stephen and Martha (Wheadon) Barnes, of Bran-
ford, who at an earlv day removed to Southington,
where he died March 27, 1777, and his vv'ife March
18, 1773, she being the hrst one interred in Plants-
ville cemetery. Stephen Barnes was a son of
Stephen and Alary Barnes, early settlers of Branford,
Conn., formerly of Long Island.
There are few men in Southington that have
clone more for its commercial interests and its
growth and development than Mr. Bradley. When
the Lewis Academy was erected he w-as one of
the building committee, and by h.is zeal and enter-
pri?c he, with others, promoted the ca'/se and se-
cured the charter of the Southington Savings Bank,
of whose first board of directors he was a memlier,
having continued as such to the present time. Po-
litically he has always been a stanch Democrat.
He was postmaster of Southington for twelve years,
and represented the town in the State Legislature
in 1863, 1864 and 1S66. He is the oldest living
Freemason in the place, having joined Friendship
Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., of Southington, about
1850, and he is honored and respected wherever
known.
HON. A:\I0S DOWN BRIDGE, a prominent
and influential citizen of Enfield, and one of the
leading business men of Hazardville, has shown
in his successful career that he has the ability to
plan wisely and execute with energy, a combina-
tion which, when possessed by men in any walk
of life, never fails to effect notable results.
]\Ir. Bridge was born in Milton, County of Kent,
England, Aug. 27, 1838, a son of John and Mary
(Prickett) Bridge, who came to America in 1842
and located in Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn. The
father was employed as a packer at the Hazard
Powder Mills about three years, and for the fol-
lowing four years was engaged in the fish and
8i2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
yeast business in Thompsonville. About 1850 he
erected the store in Hazardville now occupied by
E. C. Allen, and engaged in general merchandising
there until 1870, when he retired from active busi-
ness to enjoy a well-earned rest. He was born
July 3, 1806, and died April 21, 1873, while his
wife was born Sept. 10, 1802, and died Jan. 15,
1871. Of the nine children born to them, seven
reached years of maturity : George ; John W. ;
Ruth, wife of Rev. Henry D. Adams; Amos D. ;
Ephraim ; Ebenezer ; and Stephen.
Our subject was reared in Enfield, and was edu-
cated in the common schools, and the Connecticut
Literary Institute, at Suffield. He began life for
himself as a clerk in a general store, serving in that
capacity four years. He then entered the employ
of the Hazard Powder Co., as office boy, and worked
his way steadily upvvard until he became chief clerk
for that corporation, with which he remained for
eighteen years. In 1875 he embarked in the manu-
facture of keys for the same company, and carried
on that business for ten years. Later he operated
a sawmill, which he still owns, has conducted a
gristmill since 1888, and has been extensively en-
gaged in the lumber business since 1878. He is
a large land holder, owning upwards of 1,200 acres
in Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and
Longmeadow. He has done a large business as a
contractor, erecting numerous dwellings and other
buildings in Hazardville and vicinity; is an ex-
tensive builder of Macadam roads in Connecticut,
Rhode Island and Massachusetts; and built and
owns the Hazardville Water Works. In these vari-
ous enterprises he furnishes employment to 125
men, thus materially promoting the welfare of the
community. He is a surveyor of some note, and
has made special surveys for maps of Hazardville,
the Hazard Powder Works, and the Shaker settle-
ment the most accurate made. He keeps thirty
horses, and does the principal teaming for the
Hazard Powder Co. Mr. Bridge has been re-
markably successful in his undertakings, and in care-
fully studying the plans and methods he has fol-
lowed we see evidence of an ability for manage-
ment and execution seldom equaled. A man of
keen perceptions, of great sagacity, of unbounded
enterprise, his power nevertheless lies to a great
extent in that quality which enables him to suc-
cessfull}' control men and affairs.
On Feb. 24, 1859, ^^i"- Bridge was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of
William and Jean (Bauchop) Gordon, of Enfield,
and to them have been born eight children : H.
Stephen; Allen G. ; Anne (wife of Lincoln H.
Randall), William A., Homer E., Emily G., Mary
L., and Charles A. They also have two adopted
children : William G. Holford and Jean P. Hol-
ford.
Mr. Bridge is an active and prominent member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has
served as trustee and classleader. He affiliates with
the Republican party, and is prominently identi-
fied with public affairs, serving as auditor of ac-
counts in Enfield town for twenty years, assessor
seventeen years, selectman, one year, a member of
the board of relief several terms, a member of the
Enfield school board ten years, and representative
of the Third District in the State Senate during
the session of 1891-92.
HON. EDMUND HALLADAY, a prominent
citizen of Suffield, and one of the best-known busi-
ness men of that place, is a native of the town, born
May 8, 1852, and descends from one of the oldest
and most reputable of its families.
Walter Halladay, the first bearing the family
name to settle in Suffield, came from his birthplace,
near Boston, Mass., in 1673, locating in Springfield,
Mass., of which Suffield was then a part, and there
engaged in farming until his decease. He mar-
ried Catherine Hunter, and to their union were born
five children : Mary, Samuel, Sarah, Ebenezer and
Aaron.
Aaron Halladay, great-grandfather of the sub-
ject of this memoir, was born in Suffield, where he
passed his entire life, engaged in farming. He
married Naomi Smith, who bore him eight children,
in the following order : Moses, Aaron, Nathaniel
(or Nathan), Naomi, Walter, Ruth, Horace Smith
and Persis. Aaron Halladay, the father, was an
extensive land owner and one of Suffield's most
progressive and respected citizens ; he was a good
and pious gentleman, and died in the faith of the
Congregational Church, to which he had been reared
from childhood.
Moses Halladay, eldest son of Aaron, and grand-
father of our subject, was born on his father's farm,
was reared to a knowledge of all the complexities
of agriculture, and was also in his younger days
taught the carpenter's trade. He married Mary
Tobin, a native of Suffield, and by her became the
father of four children : Edmund T., Timothy R.,
James C. and Mary Maria. The last named still
survives, at the age of ninety-four years, and is the
widow of Cornelius Flower, of Feeding Hills,
Hampden Co., Mass. Moses Halladay and his wife
were both called from earth many years ago, and
their remains rest in peace in the cemetery at Suf-
field.
Edmund Tobin Halladav, father of our subject,
was born on the old Halladay homestead in Suffield,
was educated in the public schools, and in his ap-
proach of manhood's years was taught the trade of
wheelwright, which trade he followed with unvary-
ing success for several years. Later he settled
down to the cultivation of tobacco and general
farming, in which he was equally successful, and
with good reason, as he was the owner of one of
the largest farms in the township — in fact, the farm,
which comprised 500 acres, extended into Hampden
county, Mass., to the northward. In politics Ed-
mund T. Halladay was a Whig, and in religion a
^/^j;^'^^:^^;^^^::?^^:^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
843
Baptist, and liis prominence in both Church and
political circles necessarily gave him a pre-eminent
standing with his fellow citizens, but he never
availed himself of his popularity as a means for
seeking public office. The first marriage of Mr.
Halladay was with Caroline Xoble, a native of
Suffiekl, and to this union were born four children :
Horace, who died in 1896; Calvin, of Lima, Ohio,
wlio died May 2, 1900; Albert, a farmer of Suffiekl,
Conn. ; and George K., of Xenia, Ohio. Mrs. Caro-
line Kalladay. died on the home farm, and for his
second wife Mr. Halladay wedded Clarissa Kendall,
also a native of Suffiekl, and a daughter of Simon
and Elizabeth (Kent) Kendall, and this union was
blessed with three children: Caroline Elizabeth, who
died at the age of eighteen years : Clara, who mar-
ried Dr. J. K. IMason, of Suffiekl, and died Feb.
6, 1870, leaving one daughter; and Edmund, w'hose
name appears at the head of this biography. Ed-
mund T. Halladay w^as called aw-ay when the sub-
ject of this sketch was but six months old. Airs.
Clarissa Halladav still survives, being an inmate of
our subject's home. She descends from one of the
very old families of New England, both her
great-grandfather and grandfather on her mother's
side having taken part in the struggle for American
independence ; she is a lady of refinement, as well
as ad\-anccd educational attainments, and before her
marriage was a school teacher. She is truly a de-
vout Christian, and though her husband died five
years after marriage, has reared her children in re-
spectability and eentility.
Edmund Halladay, of whom this sketch treats
principally, was trained from infancy to manhood
under the care of his tender Christian mother. His
primary education, obtained in the district schools,
was supplemented bv an attentlance at the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, of Suffiekl, under Principals
Bond, Shores and Andrews. He finished his edu-
cation at Hillside Academy, under Dr. Fitch, and
after returning liome engaged in the tobacco busi-
ness with Henry P. Kent, for three years. In
1873 '''2 settled down to farming on the old home-
stead, and up to the present time has devoted his
attention to the cultivation of tobacco and to farm-
ing in general, utilizing a tract of ninety acres, on
which he has made extensive and substantial im-
provements, erecting tobacco sheds, barns and other
necessary structures. He is verv prominent, also,
in the leading public affairs of his town, and is a
decidedly public-spirited and progressive citizen.
He is secretary and treasurer of the Electric Light
Co., of Suffiekl, is a stockholder in and director of
the same, and was a promoter of the Suffiekl water
works, in which he is likewise a stockholder.
In politics JNlr. Halladav is a stanch Republi-
can, and under the auspices of his party has filled
many positions of honor and trust. For three years
he served as constable, and for three years as as-
sessor of Suffiekl, and in 18S4 was elected by his
party to the State Legislature, in which august body
he se/ved with marked abilitv on the committee on
Cities and Boroughs. In 1886 he was elected as se-
lectman of Suffiekl, and for ten consecutive years
was re-elected, thus serving eleven years, during
which period he was honored with the position of
chairman of the board. It was during his incum-
bency of this office that the first stone road in the
town was constructed, and altogether there were
completed twentv miles of road of the same material ;
seven iron bridges w'ere also constructed; and
through his influence the schools were greatly in-
creased, apjjropriations for that purpose reaching the
sum of $14,000, the first of which, for $5,200, was
made in 1S86, the year in which Mr. Halladay be-
came a member of the board.
in ib79 the marriage of Mr. Halladay with Miss
Eloise L. 'VVarner, a native of Suftield, and a daugh-
ter of Charles C. Warner, was solemnized, in Suf-
fiekl, and to the union have been born three chil-
dren : Clarissa J., a graduate of the Suffiekl high
school ; and ]\Iarjorie and Helen K., attendants at
the graded school, where they are making rapid
advance in their studies. The family worship at the
Baptist Church, of which they arc all consistent
members, ]\Ir. Flalladay being also a member of
the church committee. In his fraternal society re-
lations Mr. Halladav stands high in the Masonic
Order, being a member of Apollo Lodge No.
59, F. & A. AI. ; Washington Chapter No. 30,
R. A. M.; Suffiekl Council Xo. 23, R. & S. M. ;
\\'ashington Commandery Xo. i, K. T., all of
Suffiekl; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. X. AI.
S., of Hartford; as well as of the O. U. A. M., Lv-
man Council, and Gideon Granger Lodge, K. of P.,
both of Suffield. He is also a member of the State
Board of Agriculture, Hartford, and a director of
the Connecticut Agricultural College and Experi-
ment Station, at Storrs, Conn. He was one of the
organizers of the Suffield Agricultural Society, in
which he is still a director, and in which he takes a
deep and abiding interest, being one of its strongest
supporters. He is also a member of the Tobacco
Growers Association. X'otwithstanding all the
onerous duties pertaining to these multifarious po-
sitions, Mr. Halladay bravely and cheerfully exe-
cutes his full share of them all, never lagging nor
growing tired in their performance, and by such as
he are the w^ealth, progress and stability of the Com-
monwealth made and maintained.
Air. Halladay, as has been already mentioned, de-
scends from the. oldest and most respected families
of Xew England, his ancestors having been among
the gallant patriots of the Revolutionary war, which
gave to the world its only model republic, and he
still retains in his possession the old flint-lock musket
used by his maternal great-grandfather, Capt. Elihu
Kent, in that glorious struggle, and esteems it be-
yond any money value whatever. Simon Kendall,
grandfather of the mother of Edmund Halladay, the
subject of this memoir, was a native of Suffield, was
of English descent, and was a well-to-do farmer and
stock raiser. He married Theoda Bronson, and to
their union were born three chldren: Horace, Ma-
844
■COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hala (who was married to Calvin Spencer) and Si-
mon. The parents were devout members of the
Presbyterian Church, and died in that faith.
Simon Kendall, mentioned above, was born in
Suffield, became a well-educated gentleman, and
passed his early manhood in school teaching. Later
he became the owner of 200 acres of good farming
land, to the cultivation of which he devoted the re-
maining years of his successful life. In politics he
was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type. He was
greatly respected, was honored by his contempora-
ries, and filled many responsible offices, including
that of selectman. He was very domestic in his
habits, was strictly temperate, and was a devout ad-
herent of the Baptist Church. He married Miss
Elizabeth Kent, a native of Suffield, and a daughter
of Capt. Elihu Kent and granddaughter of Col.
Elihu Kent, both of whom were gallant warriors in
the Revolution and took part in the battle of Lex-
ington. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Simon
Kendall eight children v^^ere born : George Fitch,
who died in Richmond, Va. ; Betsey and Rebecca,
twins, of whom the latter died young, and the for-
mer was married to Joseph W. King, now deceased,
and resided near Cincinnati, Ohio ; Simon B., who
died in Suffield, Conn ; Clarissa, mother of our sub-
ject ; Mary, who married John McKibben, of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, deceased in 189.S ; Henry L., who
died in Baltimore, Md. ; and Jane Maria, who died at
the age of ten months. Mrs. Kendall had been a
successful school teacher, and four of her children
were also employed in the same honorable occupa-
tion. Mr. Kendall died in 1856, one of the most
honored of the residents of Suffield, and Mrs. Ken-
dall passed away in i860.
The career of Mr. Halladay has been so pure, so
self-sacrificing, and so devoted to the progress and
improvement of the community in which he has
passed his active life, that complimentary phrases
here would be work of supererogation.
SAMUEL WOLCOTT LADD, deceased. The
career of this well known manufacturer, who was
for many years a leading resident of Springfield,
Mass., furnishes an object lesson in the virtues of
thrift, industry and integrity. Beginning life as a
poor boy, with but a limited education, he steadily
rose from a subordinate place in the Wason Manu-
facturing Co., of Springfield, to that of part owner,
and his sound business judgment and rare execu-
tive ability became recognized factors in the success
of the enterprise.
Mr. Ladd was born April 28, 1817, in the town
of Ellington, Tolland Co., Conn., a son of Jacob
and Rebecca (Charter) Ladd. Although his early
life was spent upon a farm, he found agricultural
work uncongenial, and when a young man he went to
Springfield, Mass., to learn the molder's trade,
which he followed for a number of years in Spring-
field, Windsor Locks and other towns. While in
Windsor Locks he met Miss Lavinia F. Fish, a na-
tive of East Windsor and a daughter of Norman
Fish, a prominent citizen of that locality. In 1847
they were married, and soon afterward Mr. Ladd
took a position as molder with Thomas W. Wason,
a manufacturer of car wheels and railroad castings
in Springfield, and established his home there. His
ability and skill won him rapid promotion and having
from time to time invested considerable money in
the business he became the owner of a large amount
of stock, in 1851 forming a partnership with Mr.
Wason under the name of Wason, Ladd & Co. The
firm continued thus until 1868, when the business
was consolidated with the wood-working depart-
ment which had been conducted by another com-
pany of which Mr. Wason was the head, and incor-
porated as the Wason Manufacturing Co. Mr.
Ladd remained a member of the company, and acted
as general manager of the iron department, con-
tinumg in active business until his death, which
occurred July 19, 1876. A handsome fortune re-
sulted from his efforts. As a good citizen he was in-
terested in all that pertained to the welfare of the
community, and for many years he was a leading
member of Trinity Methodist Church at Springfield.
Socially he and his estimable wife held an enviable
position in Springfield, and he was a member of
Roswell Lee Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of that city.
Of four children born to Mr, and Mrs. Ladd.
the eldest, Emma, died at the age of five years;
Lewis died in infancy; Everett died when eleven
years old ; Lawrence, who is an enterprising and
successful business man, manages the stock formerly
owned by our subject, and now held by himself and
his widowed mother. In November, 1877, JMrs.
Ladd decided to return to her native town, and she
and her son now reside upon the old Fish homestead
where in 1881 they built a beautiful residence,
equipped with all modern conveniences. The barns
and other farm buildings have also been rebuilt,
making the homestead one of the finest in East
\'Vindsor township.
HON. JAMES STANLEY FORBES, repre-
sentative in the Connecticut State Legislature from
the town of East Hartford, and proprietor of the
most extensive dairy in the town, as well as tobacco
and fruit grower, descends from a family that has
for 240 years been prominent in the town's afi'airs,
as it is one of the oldest.
The Forbes family is of Scotch origin, and the
name first appears in the records of Hartford coun-
ty in 1658. James Forbes (supposed to be identical
with Capt. James Forbes), the founder of the fam-
ily in America, came from Scotland in 1654, and in
1660 bought land on the east side of "ye Greatte
river," which yet remains in the family, Hon. James
S. Forbes, the subject of this sketch, owning and
living on a portion of this purchase. Capt. James
Forbes, of Caithness, Scotland, was a younger son
of Duncan Forbes, first Laird of Culloden anJ
provost of Inverness; John, the eldest son of Dun-
€lJ ■
'^
i
COMMEMORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
845
'an, was the scclukI to bear the title. James was a
iaptain in the Royal army uiuler the Alar()uis of
lUontrose, was eaptured in i()45 at the battle of
i?hilipliaiigh, near Selkirk, Scotland, was impris-
oned in the Tower of London until 1654, and was
hat vear banished to America. On June 7, 1658,
le purchased from John Crow twenty acres of lane
lear the mouth of the Hockanum river, but re-
inquished this land Nov. 23, 1(^163, to 'Sir. Crow,
ds lie had purchased, March ii, 16O0, from W'illian:
.\Vestwood, a .tract fifteen and one-half rods wide,
Extending from "ye Greatte river "to ye bounds,"
and three miles long. Tne residence of Capt. James
Forbes was on the Meadow Bank, a short distance
.north of what is now Pitkin street. His daughter,
Dorothy, who was married to William Roberts, re-
ceived six acres of this land from her father, near
the home site, and the cellar portion of her house
fs yet visible, the property being still in the posses-
sion of her descendants. Capt. James Forbes also
bought land in Hartford, in 1661, from William
'Westwood. He died Nov. 27, 1692. By his wife,
Catherine, he had the following named children:
John, who joined the first church in Hartford in
December, 161)5, married Alarv Griffin, and his pos-
terity became sea-faring men, living at ^Vcthersfield
and elsewhere, and finally in New Haven ; David
joined the F'irst Church in March, 1695, married
Sarah Treat, who was born in 1674, and his death
occurred Dec. 16, 1729; Dorothy joined the Second
Church in Hartford Feb. 12, 1698, and was mar-
ried to William Roberts ; Mary joined the First
Church in 1695. and was married to Daniel Gaines;
Sarah was married to Joseph Collier; James, born
May 14, 1677, died in 1752, married (first) Sarah
Williams, daughter of W'illiam and Sarah (Olcott)
Williams, and for his second wife wedded Eliza-
beth (Hills) Buckland. daughter of John Hills and
widow of William Buckland.
The children born to James Forbes (2) and
Sarah (Williams) Forbes were : James Forbes (3),
baptized 171 1, died April 23, 1801, married Ann
Buckland, daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Hills) Buckland: Jonathan, who owned the cov-
enant, married Mehitable Cole, and was a taxpayer
in Waterbury in 1731; Abraham, baptized in I7ii,
married Elizabeth Hills, and died April 23, 1809:
Thomas was still living in 1742; Timothv, born in
1716, is mentioned below; Abigail was still living
in 1742; Sarah was married to Josiah Barber;
Elizabeth married Josfph ^Meacham. The father of
this family built their first house in Scotland (now
called Burnside), the ruins of which are still visible.
Timothy Forbes ( i ) married Susannah Good-
win, who was born in 1714, the ninth child of Dea-
con John Goodwin and his wife ^lary (Olmstead).
They were the parents of several children, of whom
the names of three only can be traced : Timothy
(2) is mentioned below: Elijah, born in 174^, was
a farmer at Scotland (now Burnside, the name
having been clianged in 1865). married Rebecca
<nl:nan. a daughter of Solomon anfl Mary (Forbes)
Gilman, and died in 1826; Elizabeth is the third of
those whose record can be found. The father was
a farmer and resided at Scotland (now Buriisidej,
where his wife died in 1811. He died in 1776.
Timothy F'orbes {2) was born June 14, 1743,
and died Sept. 14, 1800. He married, in 1760, ^lary
Roberts, who was born Jan. 19, 1745, daughter of
Benjamin and Jerusha (I'ratt) Roberts, and died
Sept. 28, 1825. She became the mother of twelve
cliildren: Mary, born March 23, 1767, married
Eli Barber, of Windsor, and died Dec. 24, i8ii;
Susannah, born Oct. 15, 1768, married (first)
Ebenezer Hills, and (second) wedded David Fit-
kin, ana died Jan. 25, 1852 ; Jerusha, born Feb.
21, 1770, died in March of the same year; Jerusha
(2), born March 23, 1771, died May 20, 1793;
Timothy (3), born July 3, 1773, married Eliza,-
beth Treat; George, born Feb. 26, 1775, went to
\'irginia, came north again to New York and there
died, leaving a family; Giles, born March 26, 1777,
was captain of a sea-going craft, and died at sea
in December, 1840; Solomon, born Jan. i, 1779,
married Betsy Flint, and died at Manchester in
1838; Jemima, born Jan. 6, 1781, was married to
Joseph Brewer, a papermaker, and died Aug. 26,
1834, in Cortland, N. Y., where her husband also.
passed away; Abigail, born Dec. 28, 1782, died un-
married in 1800; Sarah, born Jan. 14, 1785, was
married to Giles Church, and died in ^Iichigan ;
and Huldah, born Sept. 25, 1786, died in 1789.
During the Revolutionary war, when the Colonists
borrowed money from the French Government.
Timothy Forbes (2) was connected with the cattle
train tbat conveyed it from the French vessels
(which landed it at Newport) to his house in Scot-
land (new Burnside). The kegs of coin were
rolled into the west door of tlie house still stand-
ing, and were subsequently taken to Philadelphia.
This house was built by Timothy Forbes ( i ) about
1765 and is now occupied by Miss Emma Forbes,
sister of the subject of this sketch;
Timothy Forbes (3), grandfather of Hon. James
S. Forbes, was born July 3, 1773, on tne old home-
stead, and married Betsey (or Elizabeth) Treat,
who was born Nov. 18, 1782, at Hockanum. n
daughter of Matthias and Triphena (Risley) Treat.
Alatthias Treat served in the company commantled
by Capt. Jonathan W^ells during the Revolutionary
war, and marched from Boston to the defense of
Lexington ; later he was a member of the company
commanded by Capt. Roswell Grant, in Col. Oba-
diah Johnson's regiment, which was stationed in
Rhode Island, and in 1794 became a lieutenant in
a Connecticut Militia Company. The children of
Timothy (3) and Betsey (Treat) Forbes were as
follows: Eliza, born July 12, 1802, married Moses
Chandler, a papermaker by trade, and also a mer-
chant at Scotland (now Burnside), where she died
April 3. 1862; Mahlon F.. born Oct. 3. 1S03. mar-
ried Sarah Lawrence, and died May 8, 1891 ; Charles,
born Dec. 27, 1803. married ^larv A. \\'ard, Jan.
20. 1827. and died March 15. 1876: Jerusha. born
Feb. 17. 1807. was married to Howell Hills, a
merchant at Burnside and Hartford, on Jan. i,
846
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1829, and died Feb. 14, 1849; Giles became the
father of our subject; Abigail, born Sept. 15, 181 1,
married Francis Hanmer, a prosperous paper-mill
■proprietor of Burnside, and died May 10, 1880, in
Burnside; Charlotte, born June 30, 1813, was mar-
ried to Henry Hills, a bookbinder, and died in Hart-
ford in December, 1892; Susan, born Feb. 20, 1815,
died July 6, 1883, was the wife of John B. Russell,
who in the later years of his hfe was a broker at
Hartford; Fideha, born March 19, 1817, was the
second wife of Howell Hills, and died June 30,
1884; Sarah, born Dec. i, 1818, was married to
John Gordon Smith, and died in Hartford Sept.
2, 1886; George, born March 20, 1821, married
Elizabeth Easton, and died April 13, 1876 (he was
a farmer at Burnside, and was a bright man in
tellectually, but became a cripple through rheuma-
tism) ; Frances, born Jan. 8, 1824, married Henry
M. King, of South Windsor, ana died Feb. 14,
1864. Timothy Forbes (3), known familiarly as
"Capt. Tim," was well-known throughout Hartford
county, and was a leading man in East Hartford
and vicinity. While not a member of any church
society his team was always at the church door on
the Sabbath day.
Giles Forbes, father of Hon. James S. Forbes,
was born in 1808, and died in 1890. The house in
which his birth took place, and which was erected
about 1765, is still in the family. Here he was
reared to farming. His school days were passed
in the old "Red" school house at Scotland, and al-
though farming was his legitimate occupation
through life he for a number of years was employed
as a teamster for paper-mills at Scotland, hauling
paper stock to and from Hartford. On ]\Iarch 26,
1839, he married Sarah Pitkin Stanley, who was
born Jan. 5, 1816, in East Hartford, a daughter of
James and Temperance (Pitkin) Stanley. After
marriage Giles Forbes erected his dwelling and set-
tled on the farm, on which he continued to reside
until his decease. Temperance Pitkin was a daugh-
ter of Ashbel and Sarah (Forbes) Pitkin, and a
granddaughter of William Pitkin, who was one of
the most prominent statesmen of his day, judge of
the county court many years, and in 1766 was made
governor of Connecticut, which office he was hold-
ing at the time of liis death, in 1769. Numerous
relics of the Governor are still held by the family.
Giles Forbes was a very successful farmer, and
an .enthusiastic sportsman with gun and rod, as the
whole of the Forbes name are. He was of medium
height, and very active up to within a few years of
his death. In politics he was first a Whig, later a
Republican, was a strong anti-slavery man, and al-
though not aggressive as a politician was ever inter-
ested in the success of his party and active in pro-
moting its welfare. He served as assessor for a
number of years. In religion he was a Congrega-
tionalist, and was an officer in the church of that
denomination in East Hartford, of which his wife
was also a member. She died in that faith in 1864,
and her remains were interred in East Hartford
cemeterv, where those of the husband were subse-
quently laid to rest. To the marriage of Giles and' 9
Sarah Pitkin (Stanley) Forbes were born four chil-
dren : Emma S., Felo. 23, 1840 ; Delia A., June 27,
1842; James Stanley (subject), Dec. 29, 1845;
and Julia Frances, Nov. 19, 1847. Of these, (i)
Emma S.. who is still unmarried, resides on the
homestead. She is possessed of a tenacious memory,
takes great interest in collecting genealogical data,
and furnished many of the facts connected with
this sketch. (2) Delia A. married George W.
Rogers, who for eight years was an engineer in
the United States navy, and four years prior to
the Civil war was stationed off the coast of Africa
watching slavers. On the breaking out of the Re-
bellion he was on the blockading squadron off
Charleston. S. C, after which ne was transferred to
the expedition under Farragut, and was at the cap-
ture of New Orleans, La., in April, 1862, also in the
expedition in Mobile Bay. Later he was the South-
ern agent of the Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance
Co., and the first representative of the company in .,
the South. Mrs. Delia A. Rogers died Jan. 15,
1888, in East Hartford, and Mr. Rogers passed
away Dec. 10, 1888, in Charleston, S. C. (4)
Julia Frances always lived on the homestead, and
died unmarried April 14, 1883.
Hon. James Stanley Forbes was born in the
house in which he still lives, in the village of Burn-
side, and first attended school in the old Scotland
district when the school house stood in what would
now be the middle of the street at what is now
Burnside; among his first teachers were his cousin,
Martha Forbes, and Sarah Green, of Wapping.
He next attended for three terms the graded school
at East Hartford, where Mr. Camp was his tutor,
and this ended his schooling. Until twent3'-one
years of age he remained on the home farm, and
then went to Rockford, Floyd Co., Iowa, at that
time a very new section of country, and was there
engaged in farming for three years, selling his land
and returning in 1870 to Connecticut. He took
charge of his father's farm, and at once engaged in
cultivating tobacco, where tobacco had never been
raised before, as his father was opposed to it from
principle. For four years Mr. Forbes devoted his
attention to tobacco growing exclusively, then
added small fruits, and finally dairying, whole- '
saling milk. He has 160 acres of land under his
direction.
James Stanley Forbes was united in marriage.
Jan. I, 1874, in Hillstown district, with Miss Jennie
M. Hills, daughter of Martin O. and Cornelia
(Spencer) Hills, the former of whom was a de-
scendant of Wilham Hills, Sr., who came with the
Rev. Hooker party to Hartford in 1635, and the
latter a descendant of Thomas Spencer, also one
of the first settlers of Hartford. Mrs. Jennie M.
(Hills) Forbes is likewise a descendant of Capt.
James Forbes, the founder of this family in America, >
as Mary Forbes, daughter of David, the second son |
of the Captain, was married to Lieut. Solomon Gil- ',
man, Jr., who served in the Revolutionary war,
and their daughter, Tabitha, was married to Gideon
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
847
iSpencer, Jr., the great-grandfather of Mrs. Jennie
M. (Hills) Forbes. Une son has been born to
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Forbes, Stanley Spencer,
born Alarch 22, 1876, who died AjmiI 14, 1883.
They have two adopted children: Fanny L. M.,
born Feb. 17, 1880, and Francis, born July 15,
1881.
J'\)r over twenty years Hon. J. Stanley I'orbcs
.has been and still is a member of the ^rand jnry;
for several years he has been a member of the board
hi relief, and has also held the office of selectman.
In i8y8 he was elected representative to the State
Legislature from the East Flartford district, and in
this august bodv is chairman of the conmiittee on
Federal Relations. In religious faith ne is a Meth-
odist and for fifteen years has been a trustee of the
M. F. Church at ijurnside, in wnich for thirteen
years he has served as superintendent of the Sab-
bath school. He was a charter member of the East
Hartford Grange, and he and his wife are still mem-
bers of that organization. JNIr. Forbes is also a
member of the O. U. A. M. StalY, Lafayette Coun-
cil, of East Hartford.
ISesides being one of the most extensive as well
as one of the most successful farmers of the town
of East Hartford, ^Ir. Forbes is thorougb.ly pro-
gressive and up-to-date as a citizen. He is very
fond of out-door recreation, and has indulged to a
great extent in hunting, not only of the small game
that Connecticut now affords, but of the larger ani-
mals yet to be found in the Adirondack Mountains,
and he is also an enthusiastic angler. He is a
whole-souled, good-natured man, and none can boast
of a larger circle of warm-hearted friends than he.
while as a useful member of society no one takes
a higher rank. His domestic relations are of the
happiest, and his estimable wife shares with him a
wide-extended popularity.
HON. ROBERT CLEVELAND USHER, one
of the progressive citizens of Plainville, is a native
of Connecticut, born April 19, 1841, in Plymouth,
Litchfield county.
I Dr. Robert Usher, his grandfather, born in New
London, Conn., practiced medicine in Westchester
and vicinity. He was twice wedded, and by his
first wife had five children ; by his second marriage,
to .\nnie Cone, he had eleven children, Josiah C,
father of Robert C, being the youngest. Dr. Robert
Usher was a surgeon in the Revolutionary army,
and his widow received a pension from the govern-
ment. He w'as a son of Hezekiah Usher, a sea cap-
tain, who lived in New London, Connecticut.
Josiah Cleveland Usher, father of Robert C,
• born in August, 1802, in Chatham, Conn., in early
i-'ife operated a tannery in Plymouth, whither he re-
: moved in 1825, but impaired health obliged him to
j abandon that occupation and take up farming, in
which he engaged some forty years. In 1845 he
rerrjoved to Plainville, where he practically passed
the rest of his days, dying, however, at New Brit-
ain, in April, 1893. Originally an Abolitionist, he
afterward became a Republican. In religious faith
he was a member of the Congregational Cliurch,
and he always took much interest ni church work.
Jn September, 1828, Josiah C. Usher married Ruth
Frisbie, daughter of Abel Frisbie, of Bristol, Conn.,
and children as follows were born to them : James,
deceased at the age of seven years ; Ruth Ann, wife
of Francis H. Smith, of New Britain, formerly of
J'lainville, and Robert Cleveland, a sketch of whom
immediately follows.
Robert C. Usher, the subject proper of these
lines, was fcur years old wlien his parents removed
to Plainville, and there at the district schools he re-
ceived his education, at the age of seventeen years
commencing a one-year term at Williston Semi-
nary, Easthampton, Mass. Returning at the end of
that time to Plainville, he spent two years on the
home farm, and then enlisted in the Union army,
an event in his life that will presently be more fully
mentioned. On his return from the front he re-
mained some four more years on the farm with his
father, after which, in December, 1869, he entered
the employ of E. N. Pierce, as clerk in his coal and
lumber yards, continuing in that capacity until 1875,
in which year he became a partner of Mr. Pierce,
under the firm name of E. N. Pierce & Co., said
partnership existing until 1893, when our subject
sold his interest to Air. Pierce. In August, 1891,
Mr. Usher entered the Plainville Manufacturing Co.
as assistant to the secretary and treasurer, and also
acted as general superintendent for a number of
years. He is also a director of that company. He
was one of the incorporators of the Plainville Water
Co., in 1885: was elected treasurer in 1891. which
incumbency he still fills, and is a director of same.
]Mr. L'sher was one of the incorporators of the Free
Public Library at Plainville, and has been presi-
dent of the same since its organization.
Politically Mr. Usher is a stanch Republican, and
has served in various offices of responsibility. In the
temi of 1885 he represented the town of Plainville
in the State Legislature, during which period he was
a member of the committee on finance. From 1869,
the year in which the town w-as formed, to 1893,
when he declined further re-nomination on account
of business pressure, he served as town clerk; for
many years has been assessor of the towui : and for
the past six years has served as school visitor. So-
cially he is affiliated with Newton L. :\Ianross Post,
G. A. R., of Forestville. In church relations he and
his family are Congregationalists ; and he has been
trustee of the church and chairman of the society's
committee several years each.
On June 15, 1870. Robert C. Usher was married
to Antoinette Cora Pierce, daughter of Edward N.
Pierce, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere, and
children as follows were born to them : Jesse Henri-
etta married Dec. 26, 1895, Charles Rockwell Clark.
of Plainville, and they have one son. Pierce Usher
Clark: Maude Pierce is at home; James Edward,
who graduated from the Plainville high school, and
848
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
attended the Philadelphia Textile School one year,
is associated with his father in the Plainville Manu-
facturing Co. ; Frank Pierce, a graduate of the Plain-
ville high school, is also associated with his father in
Plainville Manufacturing Co, ; Robert Cleveland,
Jr., graduated from the Plainville high school, and
IS now attending the University of Maine at Orono,
Maine. Howard Josiah, the youngest son, is at-
tending the New Britain high school.
On Aug. 27, 1862, Mr. Usher enlisted in Com-
pany E, 20th Conn. V. I., as musician ; was soon
afterward made orderly, and about a year after-
ward was promoted to sergeant major. He partici-
pated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettys-
burg, later serving in the West with Hooker, and
with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He
fortunately escaped being wounded. Some three
months before the close of the war he received a
lieutenant's commission from Gov. Buckingham, and
June 27, 1865, he was mustered out of the service.
HON. BENJAMIN F. CASE, manager of the
Canton Creamery Association, and a prominent ag-
riculturist of the town of Canton, is a representative
of one of its most highly respected pioneer families.
The first ancestor of whom we have any definite
record was John Case, who came to this county
at an early date, locating first in VA^indsor and later
in Simsbury, and whose descendants, through his
sons John and William, are now numerous in this
section.
John Case (2) was born in Windsor Nov. 5,
1662, but his youth was spent chiefly in Simsbury.
In early manhood he engaged in farming at Terrys
Plains, where he died May 22, 1733. On bept. 12,
1684, he married Mary Olcott, who was born in
1665, in Hartford, daughter of Thomas Olcott, of
that city. In 1693 he married, for his second wife,
Sarah Holcomb, daughter of Joshua Holcomb, and
granddaughter of Ihomas Holcomb, the pioneer.
The only child of the first marriage, John, born
Aug. 6, 1685, died in infancy. By the second mar-
riage there were six children : John, born Aug. 22,
1694; Daniel, who is mentioned below; Mary, born
1698, who married Josiah Alford, and died about
1732; Jonathan, born April 15, 1701 ; Sarah, born in
1703, who married John Alderman; and Hannah,
born in 1709, who married Capt. Noah Humphrey,
and died Sept. 23, 1799.
Sergt. Daniel Case was born in Simsbury March
7, 1696, and made his home in Terrys Plains, where
he engaged in farming. He was active in local
affairs, and gained his title by service in the State
militia. He died May 28, 1733. On May 7, 1719,
he married Penelope Buttolph, who was born Oct.
I, 1699, and died June 27, 1746. They had six chil-
dren : Daniel, who is mentioned below ; Mindwell,
born Oct. 24, 1721, who married Lieut. David
Adams; Dudley, born Nov. 23, 1723; Lois, born
Sept. 20, 1726, who married Joseph Mills; Zac-
cheus, born in 1728; and Ezekiel, born Sept. 30,
1731-
Daniel Case, son of Sergt. Daniel, was born Jan.
31, 1720, on the Case farm in Terrys Plains, Sims-
bury, where he grew to manhood. In 1746 he re-
moved to West Simsbury with his brothers and sis-
ters, and engaged in farming at what is now Can-
ton Center, where he built the first gristmill. Like
his father, he was a sergeant in the State militia,
and he was highlv esteemed in his community. He
died on his farm May 24, 1801, and is buried in the
Dyer cemetery. , He married Mary Watson, of New
Hartford, who was born in 1724, and died in 1801,
and they had nine children : Daniel, born April 19,
1752, married Elizabeth Humphrey, daughter of
Capt. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (PettiboneJ Hum-
phrey, and died Feb. 28, 1789; Moses, born March
27, 1754, married Eunice Case, and died in 1782;
Mary, born Feb. 25, 1756, married John Garrett,
and died in 1832; Abigail, born Jan. 8, 1758, mar-
ried William Taylor, and died in 1830; Lois, born
Sept. 15, 1760, never married; Keturah, born Dec.
II, 1762, married James Humphrey, son of Deacon
Theophilus and Hepzibah (Cornish) Humphrey,
and died in September, 1824; Penelope, born Dec.
II, 1764, died June 17, 1851, unmarried; Amory
Watson, born Oct. 23, 1767, married Betsey Harves,
and died in 1852 ; and Elam is mentioned below.
Elam Case, the grandfather of our subject, was
born May 10,1772, in Canton Center, where he spent
his entire life, engaged in general farming and stock
raising. He was noted for his industry and good
management, and was temperate in his habits and
honorable in his business dealings. He was mar-
ried,'Nov. 21, 1805, to Phcebe (Case) Andrews, who
was born in Canton July 14, 1776, and died Dec.
14, 1845. She was a daughter of Deacon Hosea and
Mary Case, and widow of Philemon Andrews. Of
their four children: (i) Rodney, born July 26,
1807, married Calista Jay. (2) Randolph, born
Aug. 21, 1809, died April 22, 1859. (3) Franklin
is mentioned below. (4) Melinda, born Oct. 14,
1813, died Dec. 24, 1853; she married Orin F.
Brown, and had one child, Orin, a resident of
Hartford.
Franklin Case, the father of our subject, was
born Jan. 17, 181 1, and died Oct. 22, 1877, his re-
mains being interred at Canton Center. After com-
pleting a district-school course he engaged in farm-
ing on the homestead. He was a man of high
moral character, a member of the Congregational
Church, and was devoted to his family. In politics
he was a Democrat, but he was never an office
seeker. He was married (first) June 3, 1837, to
Ann Edgerton, who died Jan. 9, 1840, and on April
17, 1842, he married Lucia Case, who survives him.
By his first marriage he had one son, Benjamin
Franklin, born in July, 1839, who died in Novem-
ber, same year.
Mrs. Lucia Case was born Sept. 16, 1821, daugh-
ter of Philetus and Lucinda (Reed) Case, well-
known residents of Canton, and her education was
begun in the district schools of that town. She also
attended the high schools in Canton Center and
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
84D
Windsor, and gave especial attention to the study
of I'rench and music. She then taught school for a
while in Simsbury, and her culture and refinement
have found expression in her home life. She is a
woman of good business ability, as is shown by her
management of her brother's estate, of which she
and our subject are executors.
Mrs. Case is a descendant of John Case, the
pioneer, through his son William, who was a brother
of John Case (2), from whom the father of our
subject is descended. Amasa Case (i), son of
James and Esther (Fithcn) Case, grandson of Will-
iam and Elizabeth (Holcomb) Case, and great-
grandson of the original John Case, was born Oct.
18, 1731, in Simsbury, Terrys Plains. He spent his
entire life on the Case homestead, where he was en-
gaged in general farming, and his remains now rest
in the cemetery at Simsbury. He was married first,
in 1752, to Miss Elizabeth Hoskins, who was born
in 1732, daughter of Robert Hoskins. In 176b he
■ ^ married a widow, ^Mrs. \'iets, who died in 1785.
His third wife, Abigail Philips Griswold, daughter
of David Philips, died Oct. 4, 1794, and he after-
ward married -Mrs. Charity Cornish, daughter of
John Pettibone; after her death, which occurred
Oct. 5, 1803, he married a fifth wife, Mrs. Sarah
Graham, a daughter of Benajah Humphrey, who
had herself been previously married three times.
By the first marriage Amasa Case (i) had the fol-
lowing children : Amasa (2 ) : Aaron, born June 16,
• 1755, died ^larch 24, 181 1 ; Elizabeth, born Aug. 15,
■ 1750, died Dec. 2, 1822; Stephen, born Oct. 6, 1758;
Mary, born Jan. 2, 1760; and Mehitabel, born March
8, 1762. By his second marriage he also had six
^i children: Apollos, who was born Aug. i, 1768,
married Polly Frazier, and died June 15, 1827;
Ruth, who was born Sept. 30, 1770 ; Julius, who
was born Feb. 20, 1773, and died May 17, 1773;
Enoch, who was born ^lay 10, 1774, and died July
27> 1799; Salome, who was born Dec. i, 1777; and
. Chloe.
'! Amasa Case (2) was born Oct. 29, 1753, on the
' homestead at Terrys Plains, Simsbury, and died
June 23, 1843. ^^ hen a young man he removed to
what is now Hoskins Station, in the Westover
Plains District, and engaged in farming, which oc-
cupation he continued throughout his life. For
, many years he served as deacon in the church. His
i wife, r^Iercy Hillyer, was born in 1763, and died
Sept. 3, 1809. They had ten children: Amasa (3),
born Feb. 17, 1780, died June 8, 1851 ; Philetus is
mentioned below; Stephen was born Jan. 17, 1784;
Mercy, born July 13, 1785, married Peter Mason;
i Charlotte, born Sept. 28, 1787, married Dr. Timpthv
j Phelps ; Nathaniel married Ann ]\Iaria Case ; Sa-
Lloma married Adolphus Chaitee; Buckland, born in
; 1800, married Sally Holcomb, and died May 8, 1845 •
I Julius ; and Chauncey.
j Philetus Case, the father of Mrs. Franklin Case,
I and grandfather of our subject, was born Feb. 2,
1782. at Westover Plains, Simsbury, and died Dec.
20, 1827. When a young man he removed to Can-
54
ton, now West Simsbury, where he bought a farm
and spent tiie rest of iiis days, engaged in stock
raising and general farming. Politically he was a
Democrat, but he never sought office. On Aug. 12,
1804, he married Lucinda Reed, who was born June
12, 1783, and died Sept. 25, 1862. She was a
woman of marked aliility, as was shown by her suc-
cessful management of the estate after the death
of her husband, and under her wise and loving care
a large family of children were reared to lives of
usefulness. Of the children, (i) Jarvis Philetus,
born June 9, 1805, was engaged in the clock busi-
ness. (2) Sophia Lucinda, born Aug. 29, 1807,
was married Aug. 18, 1844, to Jeptha Rose, now de-
ceased. She died June 2, 1900. {^j Lavinia Mercy,
born Feb. 14, 1810, was married June i, 1837, to
Oliver Beach, now deceased, and now resides at
Granville, Mass. She has three children, George
Oliver, Sabra L. (Mrs. Harvy Godardj and Sophia
(Mrs. JMiles J. Rose). (4) Morgan, born ^larch
17, 1812, was a farmer in Avon, Conn., and died
I\Iarch 23, 1875, unmarried. (5) Sabra Parmilla,
born June 14, 1814, died Aug. 8, 1824. (6) Sey-
mour Nathaniel, who was a prominent lawyer of
Plartford, was born Oct. 10, 1816, and died Nov. 26.
1872. (7) Luna, born Dec. 10, 1818, was married
Aug. 18, 1836, to Willis Edgerton, and after his
death to \^'illiam Beach, of Bristol, Conn. (8; Lu-
cia, born Sept. 16, 1821, was the mother of our sub-
ject. (9) Maria, born May 22, 1823, married Clem-
ent Holcomb, of Granville, ^Massachusetts.
The father and mother of our subject had five
children : (i) Lucia Ann, born April 27, 1843, was
educated in Collinsville high school, and became a
teacher. On May 14, 1862, she married Anson ^L
Case, now deceased, and they had one child, Win-
throp Tracy, born Alarch 2,' 1870, who was edu-
cated in tlie Massachusetts Institute of Technologv,
Boston, and is now connected with the city survey-
or's office, Boston. He married Cynthia Southey in
1899. (2) Flora Abigail, born March 21. 1845,
was educated in district schools. Collinsville high
school and a young ladies' seminary at Hartford,
and taught school at the age of sixteen. On Oct.
24, 1864, she married James O. Rose, of Granville,
Alass., and had one child, Arabella Barlow, born
April 13, 1867, who was educated in the public
schools, a young ladies' seminary at Hartford, and
the Boston Conservatory of Music, and is now a
principal of the Peabody Kindergarten. (3) Ma-
ron, born July 10, 1850^ and educated in the Col-
hnsville high school, is the widow of Mason N.
Case, who died Nov. 12, 1886, and now resides at
Hartford. She has had one child, Almira Wilcox,
bom May 20, 1875, '^vho attended McLean Seminary,
Simsbury, and Smith College. She was married
July 18, 1899, to William R. Lamb, of Philadelphia,
Penn. (4) Harriet Maria, born Jan. 21, 1857, mar-
ried Daniel T. Dyer, of Canton. (5) Benjamin F.,
our subject, was born March 26, 1861.
Our subject attended the district school at Can-
ton, also Granville (Mass.) Academy, in 1876, and
850
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
later Williston Seminary, at Easthampton, Mass.,
where he took the scientific course and graduated
in 1880. He afterward entered the law omce of H.
S. and S. Barber, Hartford, where he spent two
years, but later gave up his studies and returned to
the home farm, where he has since been engaged in
looking after his large estate, his farm alone com-
prising over 200 acres. He, his mother, and Mor-
gan Case were appointed executors of the estate of
his uncle, Seymour N. Case, in which ofiEice he has
served very successfully. Since 1892 he has also
been secretary and treasurer of the Canton Cream-
ery Association. For the year 1892-93 he was
elected to the State Legislature, where he served on
the committee on Agriculture, and from 1890 to
1893 he was selectman of Canton.
In 1888 Mr. Case married Mary A. Higley, of
Canton, who was born Feb. 13, 1865, daughter of
Howard and Mary Etta (Case) Higley. Mr. and
Mrs. Case have two children : Rubenia Case and
Benjamin F. Our subject has one of the finest
houses in Canton. He is progressive, and looked
upon as the foremost man in his district. In poli-
tics he is a Republican, and a stanch supporter of
his part)', while fraternally he is connected with
several orders, being a thirty-second-degree Mason.
The Higley family, from whom Mrs. Case, the
wife of our subject, is descended, is one of the
oldest and best families of Hartford county. How-
ard Higley, her father, was born in Canton in 1837,
son of Pomeroy and Eunice D. (Humphrey) Hig-
ley, and grandson of Obed and Rebecca ( Mills j
Higley. ■ [Further mention is made of the Higley
family elsewhere.] Howard Higley grew up on the
farm and was educated in the district schools, and
later in life was engaged in farming and stock deal-
ing, raising much of the stock upon his farm. He
is now living retired, making his home with his son
Loyal, who carries on the farm. He has always
been a highly respected member of his community,
a man temperate in his habits, and a regular at-
tendant of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a
Democrat, but no office seeker. Mr. Higley mar-
ried in Canton Miss Mary Etta Case, who was born
Feb. 22, 1838, daughter of Marvin and Maria (Wil-
cox) Case, and they had three children: Mary A.,
born Feb. 13, 1865, the wife of our subject; Loyal,
born March 15, 1868, who married Caroline Rox-
roth, daughter of Jacob Roxroth; and Nellie M.,
born in 1 87 1, who married Charles Buckland, and
died in 1895. Mrs. Higley was a good Christian
woman, and an attendant of the Baptist Church ; she
died April 7, 1898.
Marvin Case, the father of Mrs. Higley, and
grandfather of our subject's wife, was born March
3, 1810, and died Sept. 27, 1857. He was a great-
grandson of Noah Case ( i ), grandson of Noah Case
(2), and son of Noah Case (3) by his wife Alice
(Case) Case, who was a daughter of Deacon Rich-
ard and Jemima (Morse) Case, and granddaughter
of Lieut. Richard and Ruth (Case) Case. Marvin
Case was a farmer all his life, and a man well known
in his community. He married Maria Wilcox (born
Oct. 18, 1812, died Sept. 27, 1857), daughter of Col.
William and Ann (Edgerton) Wilcox, and grand-
daughter of Lieut. William and Lucy Wilcox. They
had the following children : Mary Etta, born Feb.
22, 1838, married Lloward Higley, and died April
7, 1898 ; Marshall W., born April 2, 1842, married
Ellen Dudley, and died March 31, 1872; Mason N.,
born July 14, 1846, died Nov. 12, 1886, married Ma-
rion Case, a sister of our subject.
JAMES SHEPARD, of New Britain, is a So-
licitor of Patents and Expert in Patent Causes. He
was born at Southington, Conn., May 16, 1838,
where he resided mainly until 1861. The common
schools and Lewis Academy gave him the begin-
ning of an education, putting him in a way to
learn, and he has been studying and learning al-
most constantly ever since he carried bis books
away from the academy. Quite early in life he
engaged in sundry vocations, but finally settled
down as a toolmaker and machinist until 1866.
Lie has always been fond of travel, and before he
was twenty years of age he had been within the
limits of every town in the State of Connecticut.
On Sept. 25, 1859, he married Celia Adelaide,
daughter of William Gaylord Curtis and his wife,
Lucy (Preston), of Bristol, Conn. Their only child
is Celia Antoinette Shepard, now of New Britain,
Conn. In 1861 he removed to 'Ntw Britain and in
1862 he removed from New Britain to Bristol. He
began the business of a solicitor of patents in 1866.
which occupation he has never changed, excepting
that since 1873 he has frequently testified as an
expert in mechanics before the United States Cir-
cuit Courts in causes based upon Letters Patent. He
has now had a successful experience of over thirty-
four years, one-third of a century, in soliciting
patents, and ranks among the best and most skill-
ful solicitors in the country. He does not know
of any person in New England now engaged in the
patent iDusiness, either as solicitor or expert, who
has been in the business as long as he has. As an
expert in mechanics he has a good reputation, be-
ing widely known among manufacturers and patent
lawyers generally, having testified in hundreds of
causes on a great variety of subjects, and his testi-
mony has been used in various circuits of the United
States Courts in all parts of the country, from Cali-
fornia and Oregon on the west to Pennsylvania
and Maine on the east, and from Wisconsin on the
north to Louisiana on the south.
Although Mr. Shepard first opened his office
in New Britain in 1868, he did not remove from
Bristol to New Britain until 1876. When in Bris-
tol he was one of the leaders of the Republican
party, serving on the town committee and being
its chairman at the time he removed to New Britain.
Bis removal was made the occasion to retire from
active politics, and all such outside matters as would
be liable to interfere with his regular business.
Mr. Shepard believes, however, in taking time
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
851
for recreation and lias never been without a hobby
for divcrtingf his mind from the cares of business
life. With liis family he fretjucnts the fields and
woods "hunting without a gun" and "fishing with-
out a hook," for they are all great admirers of na-
ture with no desire to either kill or catch. He has
long been identified with the Xcw Britain Scientific
Association, and is an occasional writer on scien-
tific subjects, having paid special attention to bot-
any, mineralogy, archaeology and conchology. Val-
uable contributions have been made by him to the
Peabody Museum of Yale College and to the Na-
tional Aluseum of the Smithsonian Institution. He
was one of the first collectors, not connected with
that institution, to present it with specimens of the
^ilicified shells of Tampa Bay, Fla., and some of
the species collected there by ]\Ir. Shepard were
never before known to science. He has received
special acknowledgment, therefor, by having his
name bestowed upon one of the new species dis-
crivered bv him. Among other hobbies he has been
an amateur photographer since 1884, and some
times contributes articles for photographic publica-
tions. He has traveled in Canada, ^lexico, Florida
and other Southern States, and prior to 1891 he h?id
carried his camera over twenty thousand miles.
He is a member of the New Britain Camera Club,
the Connecticut Society of Sons of the American
Revolution, also of the Connecticut Historical So-
cietv, and is well-known as a genealogist and his-
torian.
Mr. Shepard's ancestry goes back to many of
the founders of our New England towns, but be-
fore presenting the same we will give an account
of the name.
SHEPARD.
The frequent puns on our family name remind
us that the word Shepard signifies a man who
tends and guards sheep in a pasture. It is derived
from sceap. sheep, and hyrde or heard, a herd, a
flock, a guardian, and was at length bestowed upon
some person as a surname. According to several
authorities it is classified with trade, occupation,
or professional names, as, for example, the masons,
carpenters, bakers, butchers, cooks, farmers, millers
and coopers. Charles ^^'areing Bardsley in "Our
English Surnames," says. "Are we again on the
bleak hillside? The sheep have given us our Shep-
herds, the rams our Wethersherds," etc. The cita-
tions in connection therewith are "Margaret le
Shepherde in Hundred Rolls, John le Shepherde
writs of parliament and Tosse le Shepherde Hun-
dred Rolls."
In Mark Antony Lower's Dictionarv of Fam-
ily Names is "Shepherd, the occupation, variously
misspelt." with the name Pastor and Le Pastur as
another form of name from the same occupation.
In Barber's "British Family Names" we find "Ship-
pard. Shepard. Shepherd and Shcppard" as from
"Chebbard," a local name in Dorsetshire, and from
"Schappert," a Dutch personal name. In German
mythological names we find "Shippey" for sheep
island, and in Kent, England, we find "Sibberts-
wold," now proniiunced Sheperdswell, said to have
been anciently Swythbrihtesweald, meaning the
wood of Swythbright.
These various derivations and the chances that
the occupation name may have been bestowed upon
different persons in remote localities, makes it high-
ly improbable that the various persons by the name
of Shepard have any common origin.
No extended research has been made bv the
compiler as to the antiquity of the surname ".Shep-
ard," but it does not appear in the "list of names
of Persons in Domesday Book holding lands, and
tenants, and under tenants," as given in Barber's
"British Family Names," nor in his list of Norman
names. Neither have we been able to find the name
"Chebbard" anywhere aside from the single pas-
sage in Barber herein before given. The earliest
mention of the name Shepard thus far found with
the year specifically stated is in "Palgrave's Par-
liamentary Writs," which gives "Richard le Shep-
herd, Manucaptor (bailsman), of Johannes filius
Gwydonis, Knight of the Shore, returned for War-
wick I2'98, and Hugh le Shepherd, Manucaptor of
Rogerus de Barton Burgess, returned for Kings-
ton-upon-Hull, 1305. The ^Margaret le Shepherde
and Josse le Shepherde, before referred to, were
of an early date as their names appear in "Hun-
dred Rolls," a record that was ordered by Edward
I, who reigned from 1272' to 1307.
In the "Gentlemen's Magazine," of 1830, a
writer referring to Bibliotheca Topographica Bri-
tania, Vol. \', No. ^2. says: "The family of Shep-
ard is of considerable antiquity and was originally
at IMendlesham in the County of Suffolk. The
earliest notice of them which I met with there is
an inscription on a loose stone in the vestry, which
serves as a support to the church." He then gives
the inscription in latin, without date, and adds,
"These lines I have seen translated into the fol-
lowing doggerels, viz. :
One mind did both of us direct,
One love united found;
Our hearts to the one God of Love,
Our bodies to the ground.
We both by one and self same name
Of Sheppard Ions were known;
The wife, she was Elizabeth.
The husband, he was John.
We both did thrice three sons produce,
.A.nd daut;hters fair twice two;
God grant that, thus increas'd, our house
May ever do so too.
In the visitations of Shropshire. 1623. v.e find
arms from Harleian records bearing date 1396
for "Shepard," the spelling being identical with that
herein used as the proper spelling. \'ariations in
spelling are numerous, but of no special significance,
and in some English records we find the naiue
abbreviated as "Sheppe." The spelling "Shep-ard"
is phoneticallv correct, contains no superflous let-
ters, and, ha\ing been in use more than five bun-
852
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred years ago. can well be accepted as a correct
form of the name.
The Shepards of America, in so far as they
have descended from emigrant settlers who were
here prior to 1650, are mainly descendants of Ralph
Shepard, of Dedham, who came in the "Abigal,"
1635, was later of Maiden, Mass., and generally
known as of that place; the Rev. Thomas Shepard,
of Cambridge, who came in the "Defence" Oct.
3, 1635, and is recorded at the custom house m
England under the name of "John Shepard," and
Edward Shepard, who was in Cambridge as early
as 1639. There were three other Shepards in New
England about the same time, but we have no knowl-
edge of their posterity. Other Shepard emigrants
who have left descendants were here not long after
1650. The Shepards of Killingly and vicinity in
eastern Connecticut and of East Haven, Conn.,
are the descendants of Ralph of Maiden, and the
Hartford family of Shepards are from Edward
through his only son. Sergeant John.
Edward Shepard. An account of Edward
Shepard and his descendants was published in the
New England Historical and Genealogical Register,
Vol. XXXn, July, 1878, p. 322, in part compiled
by Mr. Shepard, and to which. reference is made for
matter here omitted.
It is supposed that this Edward Shepard came
from England, but no mention has been found of
him previous to his appearance in New England,
nor have we been able to trace any connection be-
tween him and some half-dozen other Shepards
who came to this country about the same time.
Savage says that John Shepard, of Braintree, was
a brother of Edward, and had Samuel, who died
Aug. 29, 1641, and that said John was one of the
thirty-two petitioners desiring to plant at Nara-
gansett. Edward Shepard and John Shepard were
both made freeman at Boston May 10, 1643 [Co-
lonial records. Vol. XI, p. 27], and they may have
been brothers, as Savage says. Since 1878 ex-
haustive researches have been made in England
without getting any new light as to Edward Shep-
ard's English antecedents. A scrap of evidence
has, however, been found by E. N. Shepard in a
manuscript note book of the Rev. Thomas Sheo-
ard, giving the "Relation of Goodman Shepard,"
meaning, it is thought, Edward Shepard. It begins
as follows : "The Lord brought me into a family
where I was led to see what a vile creature I was.
Going to hear Mr. Rogers," etc. In the church at
Dedham, Essex, England, is a mural monument
with the figure of a man preaching and the name
John Rogers, Oct. 18, 1636 [History of Essex, by
a gentleman, 1772], from which we learn that Mr.
Rogers preached at Dedham, a place fifty-nine miles
from London. This is the onlv clue to Edward
Shepard's residence in England. The account of
his conversion savs E. N. Shepard, reads "much
like the modern Prayer meeting confession." The
particular sin which so much troubled him was
Sabbath breaking.
"Edward Shepard bought of James Herringe
one dwelling house, with a garden, abuttelling on
John Betts northeast, Edward Mickerson on the
north, Mr. Andrews west, the highway (now South
street between Holyoke and Dunster) south. More,
a small garden on the other side of the highway,
abutelling on John Thrumbull east and south, on
Mr. Paine's yard west, on the highway north. More
upon the south side of Charles river, a lot of plant-
ing land, five acres more or less, abutelling Boston
field east, John Thrumbull and Mr. Andrew's lands
west and sotith. upon the highway and creek north.
Richard Jackson^
Joseph Isake,
Robert Saunders."
[Cambridge Records, 1639, p. 108.] No date of
the purchase is given, and according to the usual
custom he probably bought this land and resided
at Cambridge sometime before the land was re-
corded, although 1639 is the earliest date that can
be positively stated.
The following is from, the record of "Shepard
and Mitchell's Church," which was made up from
memory by Rev. Mr. Mitchell in 1658, after the
death of Rev. Thomas Shepard :
"Edward Shepard member in f. c. So also was
his wife, A^iolet, deceased. Their children yt were
in minority when He joyned are Abigal, now liv-
ing at Dedham ; Deborah, now also at Dedham, and
Sarah, now dwelling at Braintree. The eldest of
these aged twelve, ye 2d ten, 3d seven years when
their Parents joyned, being all baptized in Eng-
land." It was then necessary to be a member of
the church in order to be made a freeman, and
therefore the date of Edward's admission to the
church may be considered as 1643, on May 10 of
which year he was made a freeman. His daughter,
Sarah, who married Samuel Tomson, died at Brain-
tree, Mass., Jan. 15, 1679, aged ■ fortj^-three, and
would therefore have been seven years of age in
1643, the 3'ear in which we suppose Edward joined
the church.
From the same church record we have "INIary,
now the wife of the aforesaid Edward Shepard,
was dismissed hither from Ch. at Dorchester, and
is in f. c. with us. Her dau., Mary Pond, baptized
at Dorchester, was eleven years old at her mother's
joyning with us."
We have no records of their marriage, but
Violet Sheoard died Jan. 9, 1648-9. The daughter
of Mary Pond married John Blackman, and their
first child was born Aug. 10, i6.c;6. We may there-
fore conclude that Mrs. Mary Pond lived at Cam-
bridge before her marriage with Edward Shepard,
a conclusion the more probable because her first
husband, Robert Pond, died in 1637; that it is also
probable that she brought other children with her
to Cambridge and that Daniel Pond, who married
Abigail Shepard, was her son. Edward Shepard's
name, as also that of his son, John Shepard, appears
in the town and county records in various rela-
tions until 1680-81, when his will was proven Aug.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
853
20, 1680, and John sold the homestead Sept. 18,
1681, to Owen Warland.
That he was a mariner appears from his own
assertion in deeds to Edward Champney, March
19, 1652, and to W. Fessenden, Feb. 18, 1679, and
in his will dated Oct. i, 1674. Also from mention
made in the record of the steward of Ilarv. Coll.,
1654. of two importations of wheat "from aboard
Ed. Shephearde's vessel." Also from a letter from
Thomas .Stanley, of Hartford, to Mr. Albec, of
Boston, showing that Goodman Shepard (that is,
Edward) was engaged in the carrying trade be-
tween Boston and Hartford and probably other
ports in 1652 [Suffolk County Court Records].
We have no means of determining the date of
his death other than the deed to \\'. Fessenden,
1679. and the proving of his will. 1680. The orig-
inal is on file at the Middlesex probate office. East
Cambridge, ^lass.. and the will is also on record
there.
Children of Edward and \^iolet Shepard: (i)
John, born in Eng., 1627. (2) Elizabeth, born in
ilng., 1629, and according to her father's will was
living in 1674 and had children. (3) Abigal, born
in Eng., 1631, m. Daniel, son of Robert and Mary
Pond, of Dedham, or in other v/ords the son of her
stepmother. She died July 5. 1661. (4) Deborah,
born in Eng., 1633. m. Jonathan Fairbanks, Jr.,
son of Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, who came
to Dedham in 1641. (.0 Sarah, born in Eng..
1636. m., April 2". 1656, Samuel, son of Rev. Will-
iam Tomson, Braintree. ^fass. She died Jan. i^,
1679. aged forty-three. There is no record of any
children bv second wife. ]\Iarv Pond.
John, son of Edward. ^Mitchell's church record
contains the following: "John Shepard ("son of Ed-
ward Shepard. before named) and his wife both in
f. c. Their children. Rebecca, John, .Sarah. A'iolet.
all borne and baptized in this church. Elizabeth,
baptized Julv 29, 1660; Edward, baptized Aug. 3,
1662: Samuel Shepard, baptized July 3d, 1664;
Thomas, baptized Xov. 18, '66."
John, made freeman at Cambridge May 22,
1650 [Colonial Records, Vol. XI, p. 228]. We
suppose that he removed to Hartford after the
birth of Thomas, 1666, as this is the last birth
recorded in Cambridge. The first mention of him
in Hartford is found in the records of the "Par-
ticular Court" [Vol. n, p. 48], in the will of
Thomas Greenhill. dated July 16, 1653. in which he
requires his executors "to take a deed of ssle of
land I have lately bought of my Brother John Shep-
ard and Rebecah. his wife." He also mentions
"my sister, Rebecca Shepard, and her children.
John and Rebecca." Again in Conn. Colonial Re-
port. Vol. I, p. 360, we find. "Receaued bv me John
Shepherd of my loving \"nkel Gregory ^^'inte^ton,
Thirty-four pounds wch he receaued of my Bro.
Thomas Greenhill for lands I have sold him. for
wch I made mv \'nkel a letter of Attournev. I say
receaued by me John Shepherd Augst 4, 1654."
Thomas Greenhill was a son of Samuel and
Rebecca Greenhill and sister of John Shepard's
wife, Rebecca. The said Thomas Greenhill died
the same year he made his will, 1653, without pay-
ing in full for the lands tint he had bought of his
sister, Rebecca Shepard. In Private Controverseys,
Vol. n, p. I (Hartford), is a ^power of attorney
from John Shepard of Cambridge, cooper, and
Rebecca Shepard to Jeremiali .\dams( who had mar-
ried the Widow Reljccca (jreenhill, Mrs. Shepard's
mother), to sue Mr. William Goodwin and Edward
Stebbins, of Hartford, executors on the estate of
Thomas Greenhill, deceased, "for debts due upon
account of ye land bought by said Greenhill."
Dated March 25, 165^. The signatures of John and
Rebecca Shepard are witnessed by Edward Shep-
ard and John Blackman.
In the records of the Particular Court, Vol. II,
page 88, "A quarter Courte in Hartford," June 8,
1656, "John Shepard and Rebecca Adams pits..
Contra ^Ir. Will Goodwyn and Edw. Stebbing. de-
fendts., in an action for monys due uppon the sale
of land to the damage of 40 pounds." There was
a letter presented to this court bv "Jer. Addams"
as from John Shepard, of Cambridge, with a marked
passage for the court to read, referring to Mr.
Goodwin, as follows: "I Ret nothing of him but
harsh words not fit to bare as Imprisonment and
Chaines a sore brush but a Cloude without Raine."
Xo record of the court decision is found and the
circumstances of the case are not sufficiently set
forth to enable us to understand the application of
the language quoted. Perhaps these words had
reference to the great religious controversy then
going on, respecting the qualifications for baptism,
church membership, and the rights of the brother-
hood, which arose from a dift'erence between Rev.
Mr. Stone and Mr. Goodwin (who was afterward
the leader of "the \Mthdrawers"). and which so
agitated so many churches that Doctor Mather said
"From the fire of the altar there issued thunder-
ings. and lightnings, and earthquakes through the
colony."
John Shepard's ninth child, Deborah, by her
death record, was born in 1670, and as the birth
of his eighth child. Thomas, in 1666, is the last
one recorded at Cambridge, it is supposed that
Deborah, Abigal and Hannah were born in Hart-
ford, and that the removal fro:n Cambridge to
Hartford was between 1666 and 1670. In the Hart-
ford Town \'otes we find that John Shepard was
voted an inhabitant of the town June 2, 167 1, which
is the first record we find of him as a resident
of Hartford.
Hinman says he w-as "a man of consequence
in the colony." He w^as known as Serjeant John
Shepard. The records of the Particular Court,
X'ov. 23, 1673, is the first instance found where
he is described as Serjeant. He lived on what is
now known as Lafayette street, just south of the
capitol. Two of his sons. John and Thomas ( and
perhaps Samuel) lived on the same street. The
fact that l.e and his four sons were all coopers
854
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
caused the street to be called "Coopers Lane," by
which name it was known until changed to La-
fayette street by vote of the Common Council on
May 24, 1852. '
He was one of the jury of the Particular Court
March 7, 1671-2,. and again March 12 of the same
year. He was the town packer or repacker in 1672-
3-4 and 8 and again in 1679. In 1689 he was
packer and sealer of measures, packer in 1681 and
1682 and sealer of measures in 1706.
In Hartford land records, Distributions, page
577, land is recorded as belonging to nineteen dif-
ferent persons, one of whom was John Shepard.
Thev were probably the heirs of Samuel Green-
hill. The entry has no date, but the next entry
is dated 1681. On page 591, same book, seventeen
acres of land "breth to Wethersfield bounds" are
laid out to John Shepherd Jan. 19, 1683, the first
date given for any of his land in Hartford.
In the records of the Particular Court, Vol.
III. p. 134, Nov. 25, 1673, is the following: "Mr.
Way, plntf.. Contra Sargt. John Shepherd, defnt.,
in an action of the case for making unsizeable Bar-
rels for porck whereby the sayd mr. Way was
much damnified with ye damage to the value of
Twelve pounds. In this action the jury find for the
Defnt."
In 167s [Particular Court Records, Vol. Ill,
p. 148] he sues his wife's stepfather, Jermy Adams,
for trespass in the illegal use of lands belonging
to Samuel Greenhill's estate. The matter was re-
ferred to another court. . In Hartford Town Votes
[printed edition, p. 207 J, Jan. 14, 1683, land which
should have been laid out to Thomas Greenhill
(whose division is equal with Gregory Winterton)
was laid out to John Shephard Senr. By the rec-
ords in "Private Controverseys"' we find that about
1679 he appealed from the decision sustaining the
will of Tifiomas Greenhill, and later presented a
certificate from England, the place of Greenhill's
nativity showing his "non age" and consequent in-
capacity to make a will. The record is long, full
of details and somewhat confusing. In 1679 the
will was disallowed and the executors both being
dead Sergt. John Shepard was appointed admin-
istrator, but the matter was still before the court in
1682 and on March 4, 1696, "Sergt. Shepard with-
draws his appeal."
Rebecca, the first wife of Serjeant John Shep-
ard, died Dec. 22, 1689, aged about fifty-five [Judd
says she died Dec. 26, 1690.] They were married
(probably at Cambridge, Mass.), Oct. i, 1649. He
married (second) Susannah, widow of William
Goodwin, Sen., Hartford, with whom he made a
marriage contract dated Aug. 3, 1691. This Will-
iam Goodwin was son of Ozias, and not the Will-
iam Goodwin referred to in John Shepard's letter
in the court record before mentioned. The widow
Susanna was a sister of Sarah Fruen, who was en-
gaged to Thomas Greenhill at the time of his death.
She died early in 1698, and he married (third)
Sept. 8, 1698, Martha, widow of Arthur Henbury,
of Symsbury and Hartford, who was buried Aug.
I. 1697.
The first probate record in Hartford of any
Shepard estate is in Vol. VI, page 33, when the
will of Susanna Shepard was proven April 13,
1698, having been made the 7th of March previous.
She mentions only her own children and grand-
children. The next Shepard estate recorded is <
found in Vol. VII, page 95, court side, July 7, 1707,
when "John Shepard, of Hartford, Cooper, and
Martha Shepard, of Hartford, Widdow, relict of
Serjt. John Shepard, late of said Hartford (de-
ceased), exhibited in this Court an inventory of the
Estate." He died June 12, 1707. The distribution
of the estate Nov. 28, 1710 [Distribution files],
names Martha Shepard Relict, John Shepard, Sam-
uel Shepard, Thomas Shepard, Elizabeth Goodwin,
Rebechah , Sarah Ston, Deborah White,
Abigal Butler, and Flannah Ensign.
Children of John Shepard and his first wife,
Rebecca Greenhill: (i) Rebecca, born 1650, mar-
ried, 1671, Jonathan Bigelow, of Hartford^ She
died, and he married (second) Mary Olcott, dau.
of , and (third) Mary Benton, dau. of
Andrew Benton. After Bigelow's death his widow
Mary married. May 8, 1712, John Shepard, brother
of Rebecca. (2) John, born Jan. 22, 1653. (3)
Sarah, born March 5, 1656, married Benajah Stone,
of Guilford, Conn., and probably died heirless be-
tween the date of the distribution of her father's
estate, 1710, and the distribution of her brother |
Samuel's estate, Dec. 18, 1753, in which no mention ''
is made of Sarah nor her heirs. (4) Violet, born
, married, Aug. 10, 1678, John Stedman.
She died Aug. 4, 1682. (5) Elizabeth, born 1660.
bapt. July 29, 1660, married, 1680, William, son
of Susannah and William Goodwin, and conse-
quently son of her father's second wife. (6) Ed-
ward, born July 31, 1662, was a cooper, died Sept.
9, 171 1 ; married, April 14, 1687, Abigal, dau. of
John and Elizabeth Savage, she born July 10, 1666.
He resided at Middletown, Conn., and was deputy
to the General Court, 1710-11. He left three sons,
John, Edward and Samuel. The latter was drowned
in the Connecticut river, 1750, and was the richest
Shepard whose estate is on record at Hartford.
His inventory amounted to £12,964, 12s., 6d.
(7) Samuel, born, 1664, bapt. July 3, 1664, was
a cooper. Made his will Feb. i, 1742, at which
time he resided at West Hartford. Will proven
April 2, 1745. He probably never married, as his
brothers and sisters or their heirs were his only
heirs. (8) Thomas, born Nov. 12, 1666, was a
cooper. Made his will Feb. 2, 1742; proven March
6, 1743; married first, Susannah Scott, Sept. 5,
169s; married (second), Oct. 12, 1710, Jane Steb-
bins, dau. of John and Deborah Stebbins, born at
New London, Conn., Sept. 6, 1680, and widow of
John North, of Avon, who died in 1709. The in-
ventorv of Jane Snepard's estate was taken April '
21, 1749. (9) Deborah, born 1670, married, Feb.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
855
4, 1692, Jacob, son of Capt. Xatliaiiiel and Elizabeth
\\'hite, of Middletown, Conn., where she died Feb.
8. 1 72 1, aged fifty-one. He married (second), Dec.
16, 1729, Rebecca Willett, widow of Thomas Ran-
ney, and died Marcli 29, 1738, aged seventy-three.
(10) Abigal. married, Aug. 6, iChji, Thomas, son of
Jonathan Lkitler, of Hartford. Thomas I'utler died
Aug. 23, 1725. (11) Hannah, married, Dec. i,
1692, Thomas Ensign, of Hartford.
Sergt. John Shcpard's daughter Rebecca had
six chiidreiV: son John had seven: daughter Sarah
had none ; daughter Molct had two ; daughter Ehz-
abeth had ten:" son Edward had three: son Samuel
had none : son Thomas had twelve : daughter De-
borah had ten : daughter Abigal had twelve : daugh
ter Hannah had six ; making a total of sixty-eight
grandchildren.
De.\cox Joiix Sheparp, son of Sergt. John, of
Edward, born Jan. 22, 1653. married (first), ^fay
12, 1680, Hannah, daughter of Dea. Paul Peck,
iwrn 1656: married (second). ^lay 18, 1712, !Mary
Bigelow. the third wife and widow of Jonathan
Bigelow. who first married John Shepard's sister,
Rebecca. In Hartford Land Records [Vol. VHI,
|). 387], ^Nlary Shepard, formerly Alary Benton,
daughter of Andrew Benton, of Hartford, quit
claims all right in estate of Andrew Benton to her
brother, Moses Benton. She was born April 14,
1655. Administration of the estate of ]Mary Shep-
ard, widow and relict of Deacon John Shepard,
deceased, was granted unto ]\Ioses Benton, of Hart-
ford, Jan. 3, 1753 [\'ol., X\T, p. 82]. The first
church catalogue says "Widow Alary Shepard died
Dec. 23, 1752, aged ninety and upwards." She
was ninety-six years, seven months and twenty-eight
days old on the said Dec. 23.
John Shepard was a cooper by trade. He was
l^acker and sealer of measures in 1684 and again in
1705. He was one of the jurymen in the County
I 'ourt in March. 1708-9. 1709-10. 1710-11, and in
April, 1715. Grandjuryman in 1709, 1710, 1714
and 1715. In 1710 he was one of the selectmen,
sealer of measures in 1712 and 1713. He and his
first wife, Hannah Peck, joined the first church at
Hartford on May 2, 1686, and in 1712 he was
chosen one of the deacons, whicli office he held until
his death in 1736. His will, uated Aug. i, 1728.
was proven April 6, 1736, and is recorded in Hart-
ford Probate Records [Vol. XII, p. 359 ta 361].
The inventory of his estate is dated April 7, 1736,
and is recorded in \'ol. XII, p. 360. The amount
is £557, OS., 7d.
Children of John and Hannah: ( t) John, born
Xov., 1681, married, Oct. 9. 1707, Abigal. dau. of
Gideon and Sarah Allen. They removed to Alil-
ford, where both were admitted to the church July
8, 171 1. He died about 1719, and she married
(second), Sept. 8, 1723, Daniel Foote, of Strat-
ford and X'ewtown. She died Dec. IQ. 1755, aged
over seventy. (2) Samuel, born Feb. 2, 1684.
(3) Anna, bapt. Jan. 30, 1686-7. (4) Hannah,
born Jan. 29, 1688, married, May 22, 1712, Charles
Buckiand. (5) Joseph, born April 29, i(j«9. mar-
ried, Jan. 19, 171 1, Elizabeth Flowers. Mis wife
was buried March 24, 1750. His will, dated Dec.
17, 1761, was probated April 5, 1762. (6) Re-
becca, born May 20, bapt. May 24, 1696, died young.
(7) Timothv, 'born June 7, 1697, died April 21,
1716. (8) Rebecca, born May 20, 1698, died CJct.
29, 1706.
Samuel Sheiwrd, son of Dea. John, of Sergt.
John, of Edward, born Feb. 2, 1684, died June 5,
1750. He married (first) May 17, 1709, Bethiah,
daughter of John and Meletiah (Bradford) Steele,
a descendant of George Steele from the County of
Essex, England, 1632, granddaughter of Major
\\illiam Bradford and great-granddaughter of
Gov. ^^'illiam Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., who
came over in the "Mavflower' in 1620. She died,
1746, and he married (second) Eunice (daughter
of John Butler), who probably died in West Hart-
ford Oct. 29. 1772. He convcnanted his son, John,
for baptism at the South Church, Hartford. April
30, 1710. but he and his wife, Bethiah, both joined
the first church July 22, 1712, and the rest of his
children were baptized there.
Samuel Shepard and Bethiah, his wife, quit claim
unto Ebenezer Steel "land which sometime did
belong to Air. lames Steel, late of Hartford, de-
ceased, grandfather to the said Ebenezer Steel and
the said Bethiah Shepard" Alarch i, 1716-17
[Hartford Land Records, Vol. Hi, p. 134]- A
like deed is recorded on page 156 from Ebenezer
Steel to Samuel Shepard.
Administration was granted on the estate or
Samuel Shepard. late of Hartford, deceased, July
30, 1750, to John Shepard and James Shepard. The
inventory of the estate was filed Dec. 13, 1750. and
in all amounted to £1,795, 6s., lod. The estate was
distributed to John Shepard, eldest son, a double
share, and a single share each to James. William,
Amos, Stephen, Hannah and Sarah Shepard, chil-
dren of the said deceased. Samuel Shepard. son
of the deceased, was appo-nted guardian to his
minor brothers. William and .\mos.
Children of Samuel and Bethiah: (i) John,
born April 28. 1710, bapt. April 30, same year, mar-
ried Rebecca. Alade will June 7, 1785: probated
June 23. 1789. (2) James, bapt. Alay 2, 1714.
married (first), Xov. 22. 1739, Sarah Hopkins.
She died Tan. T3. 1762. and he married (second),
Feb. 9, 1764, Obedience Trumbull, of Sufficld, who
survived him. Administration of his estate was
granted to his son, Levi Shepard, of Xorthampton,
Alass., Alarch 3. 1791. Oljedience Shepard, of
Flartford, widow, relict of James Shepard. late of
Hartford, deceased, deeds land to her son, Levi, of
Xorthampton, May 10, 1791 [Hartford Land Rec-
ords, Vol. XMIL p. 494]- Her son, James, also
lived at Northampton, but it is not probable that
James, the son of Samuel, ever lived at Xorthampton.
(3) Bethiah, bapt. Oct. 23, 1720, not mentioned in
856
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the distribution of her father's estate. (4) Han-
nah, bapt. Wov. 22, 1724, was not married in 1750,
when her father's estate was distributed, and signs
her maiden name to a deed on March 22, 1750-51.
She married on February 3, 17(33, John Burkett.
(5) Sarah, bapt. Aug. 7, 1726, signs her maiden
name to a deed March 22, 1750-51. (6) Samuel,
bapt. May 26, 1728, married Hannah Bronson. (7)
Stephen, bapt. May 24, 1730, 1-cilled accidentally,
Jan. 26, 1799, aged sixty-nine, at West Hartford,
Conn. ; married Susannah Blanchard Sept. 25, 1748.
He and wife, Susannah, joined the first church in
Hartford Nov. 20, 1748. Gave his residence as
Hartford in a deed dated April 18, 1791. (8) Will-
iam, bapt. Oct. 15, 1732, married, March 28, 1753,
Hannah, dau. of Abel and Abigal (Ensign) Gillette.
She died at .Granby and he at Pauton, Addison
Co., Vt. He and his sons, William and Abel, served
in the Revolutionary war. From Hartford land
records he resided at Windsor in 1756 and at Farm-
ington in 1764, probably in that part of Farming-
ton which is now Bloomfield. Has the birth of
four children recorded at Simsbury, 1768 to 1776.
(9) Amos, bapt. Sept. 17, 1738, married, May 8,
1759, Mehitable Wood. Calls himself "of Farm-
ington."
S-^MUEL Shepard, son of Samuel, of John, of
John, of Edward, bapt. May 26, 1728, died at South-
ington, Conn., Dec. 20, 1793, aged sixty-five; mar-
ried Hannah, daughter of Timothy and Dorcus
(Hopkins) Bronson, of Kensington; she born Oct.
3, 1730, died Jan., 1804. Timothy Bronson was
son of Samuel and Sarah (Gibbs) Bronson and
grandson of Richard Bronson, the emigrant settler
ef Farmington. Samuel and Hannah Shepard
joined the first church at Hartford April 21, 1751.
She is mentioned in her father's will, dated Mav
8, 1788 [Farmington Probate Records], as Hannah
Shepard, the wife of Samuel Shepard. He bought
thirty-seven acres of land in Southington of Eliakim
Peck, east end of land formerly laid out in right of
Daniel Andrews. Feb. 19, 1761, and is described in
the deed as of Hartford [Farmington Land Rec-
ords]. He probably removed to Southington soon
after buying said land, but the first record of him
there is the baptism of his son, Lemuel, in July,
1763. In 1764 he is called on the Hartford Land
Records as of Farmington, and in 1781 as of South-
ington, which was then a part of Farmington. He
and his own son, Samuel, appear in the list of names
in Southington Society, 1786, in which he was
taxed £110, and Samuel, Jr., on £85. Was made
freeman in Southington, 1780. He lived on East
street, nearly opposite where the road turns east
towards Berlin. His will, made Ocl. 11, 1793,
approved Feb. 15, 1794, names his wife, Hannah,
sons Samuel, Isaiah, Nathaniel and Lemuel, and
daughter, Mary, and is recorded in Farmington
Probate Record.
The inventory of his estate was filed with the
will and amounted to £126, and included twenty-
seven acres of land, besides the home lot and house.
The distribution names Samuel.the first son ; Isaiah,
the second son; Nathaniel, the third son; Lemuel,
the fourth son; and Mary, the only daughter.
Children of Samuel and Hannah: (i) Han-
nah, bapt. at Hartford July 21, 1751, died Jan.
19, 1759. (2) Samuel, born at Hartford May 4,
1754, according to the family record, but the first
church catalogue says baptized April 28, 1754,
which may have been recorded as of old style and
if so would be May 9, N. S. He died at South-
ington Feb. 15, 1893. (3) Isaiah, bapt. at Hartford
Dec. 5, 1756. He sold the one acre of land in-
herited from his father, on April 12, 1796, and was
then residing at Berlin, Conn. Was a Revolution-
ary soldier, serving in Col. Gay's Regiment, Capt.
Gad Stanley's Company. He died at Litchfield,
Conn., Jan. 21, 1823, aged sixty-four. Mrs. Lydia,
wife of Isaiah, died April 12, 1818. He left a
widow, Hannah. (4) Hannah again, being sick,
was bapt. at her father's house, Hartford, Feb. 22,
1759, and died the same day. (5) Nathaniel, born
at Hartford Aug. 29, bapt. Aug. 31, 1760, died in
Kensington, Conn., May 4, 1822, married, June 11.
1780, Hannah, born at East Haven, Conn., Sept.
I, 1760, daughter of Jonathan and Jemina (Ab-
bott) Roberts, of East Haven and Southington.
He lived in Southington until late in life, when he
removed to Kensington. His widow died Sept.
12, 1834, aged seventy- four. He was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war in the same company at one
time with his brother, Isaiah, and at another time
with his brother, Samuel, and cousin, Jesse. (6)
Lemuel, bapt. at Southington July, 1763, married,
in 1782, Loraine, daughter of Isaac and Mabel
(Luddington) Mallory, of East Haven, Conn. He
served as private at West Point in the Revolution-
ary war, 1 78 1, in Col. Samuel Canfield's militia
regiment. (7) Mary, bapt. at Southington Sept.
18, 1768, died Feb. 24, 1834. She married Caleb
Ray, who served as gunner during the Revolu-
tionary war in Col. Lamb's artillery, in Capt. Mans-
field's company. Was a pensioner, residing at
Southington, Conn., aged eighty-two, in the census
of 1840.
Samuel Shepard, son of Samuel, of Samuel,
of John, of John, of Edward, born at Hartford May
4, 1754, died at Southington Feb. 15, 1803. He
probably removed from Hartford to Southington
with his father about 1761, freeman in Southineton,
1782," was taxed £85 in 1786. He married (first)
Rhoda Hitchcock, who died Dec. 3, 1785, (sec-
ond), Jan. I, 1787, Thankful, daughter of Joseph
and Thankful (Roberts) Mallory, of East Haven.
Conn., born July 4, 1762. She was first cousin of
his brother Lemuel's wife, Loraine Mallory, and
first cousin of his brother Nathaniel's wife, Han-
nah Roberts, all of East Haven. He lived on East
street, where his father lived before him. He served
as private during the Revolutionary war in Capt.
Asa Bray's company. Col. Eno's regiment. He was
a thin, spare man, sickly all through life, and
Stephen Walkley, Esqr., says that he suffered with
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
857
consumption for tliirty years, which was brought
cm by his exposure during the Revohitionary war.
The inventory of his estate, tiled March 15, 1803,
aniountcil to $403.59. His w-idow, Thankful Shep-
ard, and Barnabus Johnson were administrators on
his estate. She married (second), Jan. 17, 1813,
Clark Royce, born Oct. 4, 1740, son of Nathaniel
and riiebe (ClarK) Rovce, of Wallingford, Conn.
He died Feb. 16, 1826. ' She died March 27, 1832,
aged sixty-nine. Samuel and Thankful were buried
at the South End cemetery in Southington, where
their tombstones still remain.
Children by first wife, Rhoda : (i) An infant.
born , died Nov. 26, 1785. (2) Rhoda,
born , died Dec. 8, 1785. By his second wife,
Thankful: (3) Rhoda, born Sept. 27, 1787, died
at Southington Dec. 30, 1844, married by the Rev.
William Robinson Feb. 12, 1807, at Southington, to
Mark Lane, born at Wolcott, Conn., July 16, 1784,
son of Joel and Elizabeth (Atkins) Lane. (4) So-
])hia. born Jan. 4, 1789, died Jan. 31, 1845, married
Xoaii Gridley, Xov. 30, 1834, he born Aug. 8, 1771,
died Dec. 19' 1838, son of Noah and Sarah (Curtis)
Gridley. His first wife was Susannah Andrus, who
died Jan. 19, 1834, aged sixty-two. (5) Jerusha,
born Sept. 15, 1790, died at Southington June 8,
1S48; married Ebenezer Barnes, son of Ebenezer.
(6) Amos, born May 28, 1793. died March 2,
1849: married, at Meri'den, Conn., by Rev. Erastus
Ivipley, Oct. 4, 1819, Statira Alcott,' born at Wol-
cott ]\Iarch 30, 1800, daughter of Samuel and Lvdia
(^^^^rner) Alcott. (7I Eunice, born Aug. 7, 1796,
died at Southington Feb. 17, 1872; married, by
Rev. William Robinson. Oct. 17, 1816, to Solomon
Stow, born at Rocky Hill. Conn., Sept. 14, 1793.
son of Ebenezer and Ruth CBulkley) Stow, died
at Southington Aug. 31. 1868. (8) Oswell, born
July 27, 1799. died at Canaan. N. Y., Nov. 29, 1840;
married, at Southington, by the Rev. David C.
Ogden. April 20, 1825, to Elizabeth Woodward
Heminway, daughter of Jared. Dorn at Southing-
ton Jan. 23. 1804, died at Canaan, N. Y., Jan. 22,
1847. (9^ Joseph, born , 1801, died Jan.
24, 1803.'
Amos Shep.vrd. son of Samuel, of Samuel, of
Samuel, of John, of John, of Edward, born May
28, 1793. died JNIarch 2. 1849, married at Meriden,
Conn., by Rev. Erastus Ripley. Oct. 4, 1819. Statira
Alcott. born at \\'olcott. Conn.. ]\Iarch 30, 1800,
daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Warner) Alcott.
She died ^lay 15. 1890. When a young man he
worked in a comb shop near where the Meriden
depot now stands, and became acquainted with Miss
Alcott. who was then living in Meriden with an
elder sister at the "Coe place." not far south of the
Parker Clock Co.'s shop. After marriage he re-
moved to Southington, where he resided until his
death. He spent most of his life traveling in the
Southern States, had considerable literary talent, and
many of his poems have been published.
Children of Amos and Statira: (i) Samuel
Royce, of Rochester, N. Y., born in Southington
July 10, 1820, ni., in May, 1845, Lucy, dau. of
Hopkins CartT. (2) Ann Sophia, of Grand Forks,
Dakota, born at Southington, Conn., Nov. 19, 1822,
married, at Southington, Conn., Lucius Edward
Strong (son of Chester and Rachel [Bartlett]
Strong, of Northampton, Mass.), Nov. 25. 184O.
by the Rev. E. C. Jones. Mr. Strong died at Grand
Forks Sept. 30, 1872. (3) Jane Emeline, born
March 6, 1827, died May 21, 1832. (4) Henry,
of Crookston, Minn., born at Southington May 11,
1832. (5) Amos, of Plants ville, Conn., born there
Nov. 2, 1835, m.. Nov. 19. 1864, Harriet Harrison,
born Sept. 19. 1839, daughter of David and Mary
Churchill (Plum) Harrison. (Cj James, of New
Britain, Connecticut.
As showing the New England origin of ^Ir.
Shepard and his wife, some of their ancestors who
were in Connecticut and Massachusetts before 1650
are here given.
On his father's side of other names than Shep-
ard, he descended from Sanniel Greenhill. Dea.
Paul Peck, George Steel, John Hopkins, Dea. John
Bronson, Richard Bronson. John Baysey, John
Bishop. Gov. William Bradford, Thomas Richards
of Dorchester, Giles Giblis, Peter Mallory, Nicholas
Pinion, William Luddington, John ^^'hitehead, Les-
ley Bradfield, John Hunnewell. Capt. Daniel Harris
and Joseph Weld.
On his mother's side he descended from Thomas
Alcott, Thomas Mitchell, James Heaton, Rev. Nicho-
las Street, Samuel Blakesley, John Potter, Moses
A-^entrus, Thomas Chatfield, Samuel Nettleton,
Jabez Harger. George Tomlinson, Stephen Pierson,
John Warner. Thomas Richards of Hartford,
John Andrews. Elder John Strong. Jonathan Gil-
lett, Charles Taintor, Robert Rose. Dr. Daniel
Porter, Thomas Holcombe and Thomas Sherwood.
Mrs. Shepard descended from Richard Curtis,
of Roxbury, John Curtis, of Stratford, \Mlliam
Preston, Thomas Wheeler, Joseph Middlebrook,
Nathaniel Foote, Lieu. -Gov. James Bishop, }tlicah
Tompkins. James Bennet, Robert Seabrook. Rich-
ard Beach. Miles Merwin, ^laj. Gen. Robert Sedg-
wick, Rev. Samuel Stone, John Hopkins, William
Wooding, William Potter, Dea. John Bronson,
William Lewis, Capt. Nathaniel Merriman, Dea.
William Gaylord, Dea. Edward Stebbins. Capt. John
Stanley, Thomais Scott. Samuel Hotchkis. Richard
Sperry, Joseph Merriam, William Mathews. Allen
Breed. Henry Cook. Henry Birdsall, John Hall of
New Haven. John Frost. William Payne. Dea. Paul
Peck. John Baysey, Robert Johnson, John Parmelee.
Edward Granniss. John Wakefield. \M!liam Holt,
William French. Benjamin Wilniot. William Bun-
nel and William Olney.
WHEATON SOLOMON PLUMB, who de-
parted this life Aug. i. 1897, was one of the most
prominent, progressive and successful citizens of
Southington. He enjoyed a well-earned distinc-
858
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion of being what the public calls a "self-made
man," and an analyzation of his character reveals
the fact that enterprise, well-directed effort and
honorable dealing were the essential features in his
prosperity.
Mr. Plumb was born in Wolcott, Conn., Jan.
23, 1829, and on the paternal side traced his an-
cestry back to John and Elizabeth Plumb, of Top-
pesfield. County of Essex, England. The next in
direct descent were Robert and Elizabeth (Purcas)
Plumb, and Robert and Grace (Crackbone) Plumb.
John Plumb, a son of the latter couple, was born
in the County of Essex, England, July 28, 1594,
and in 1634 was seated in Ridgewell Hall. His
name appears on the Colonial records of Wethers-
field, Conn., in 1636, and he was a member of the
General Court in 1637, and filled various other offices.
In 1644 he removed to Branford, Conn., where he
died four years later. Among the children born
to him and his wife Dorothy was Robert Plumb,
who was born in Ridgewell, England, Dec. 30, 161 7,
and came with the family to Weathersfield, Conn.
He was one of the first settlers of Milford, locating
there in 1639, five years before his father left
Weathersfield for Branford. In Milford he wed-
ded Mary Baldwin, and there his death occurred.
Their son, John Plumb, was born Aug. 12, 1646,
and died in March, 1728. He married Elizabeth
Norton, and in their family was Joseph Plumb, of
Milford and Farmington, Conn., who was born in
the former place in 1683, and died May 27, 1742.
His wife was Thankful Gaylord. Their son, Sim-
eon Plumb, born Oct. 10, 1738, wedded Mary At-
kins, and died in 18 13. The next in direct descent
was Solomon Plumb, the grandfather of our sub-
ject. He was born in 1769, and became a farmer of
Wolcott. On Jan. 28, 1790, he married Lucretia
Scarritt. Their son, Willard Plumb, the father of
our subject, was born July 29, 1796, in Wolcott,
where he was reared to manhood and later followed
farming. He was married, Jan. i, 1822, to Polly
Hall, a daughter of Heman and Lydia (Hitch-
cock) Hall, also farming people of Wolcott.
The boyhood and ycuth of our subject were
passed in his native town, and he received a limited
education in its common schools. When quite
young he went to Waterville, where he learned the
machinist's trade with the original knife-makers
of that place, the Waterville Knife Co., and later
learned clockmaking with Seth Thomas, at Thomas-
ton. By this time he was twenty years of age, and
had saved $7,000, but going into the cutlery busi-
ness at Wallingford, with the Co-operative Knife
Co., he lost it all. Nothing daunted, he soon found
employment with a cutlery concern in Meriden,
where he remained five years. During the Civil
war he was employed as a machinist in the Spring-
field Armory, and later in the Meriden Tool Co.'s
shop, where he worked for Mr. Beach, the patentee
of the now famous Beach chuck. When that gen-
tleman sold out to the Morse Twist Drill & Ma-
chine Co., of New Bedford, Mr. Plumb went to
that city and started the business for them. In
April, 1868, he came to Southington, as superintend-
ent of the Southington Cutlery Co.'s knife depart-
ment, remaining with them until the big strike in
1887, when the plant closed down, two years later,
after the company resumed business, he returned
to them, and remained in their employ until 1894.
On Oct. 10, 1853, Mr. Plumb was united in mar-
riage with Miss Maria A. Douglass, a native of
Warren, R. I., and a daughter of Nicholas G. and
Elizabeth (Cowing) Douglass, and oy this union
two children were born : Eva M., wife of Homer
W. Terry; and Willard W.
In religious belief Mr. Plumb inclined toward
the Universalist faith, but was not a member of any
church or secret cociety. His political support was
given to the Republican party, and he held the office
of assessor, and for ten years prior to his death
was also first selectman of his town. He was a
shrewd financier, in public affairs as well as in
personal matters,' and labored untiringly for the
good of his community. He was often called upon
to act as administrator for important estates which
were settled in the probate court, and his fellow
citizens had the utmost confidence in his reliability
and uprightness. Although he met with reverses :
in life, he steadily prospered, and became a stock-
holder in the Southington Cutlery Co., the Atwater
Manufacturing Co., the Blakeslee Forging Co., and
the Southington Water Co., and was also president
of the Southington Savings Bank from 1884 until
his death, and of the Southington Lumber & Feed
Co., from its formation in 1870.
DAVID BRAINARD, one of Enfield's leading
citizens, and a prominent insurance agent, was born
in that town Oct. 31, 1823, and is a worthy repre-
sentative of an honored and distinguished family
of this State.
Mr. Brainard is a descendant in the seventh gen-
eration of Daniel Brainard, a pioneer of Haddam,
Conn., and in each generation in a direct line to our
subject have been representatives in the Connecticut
Legislature. . He traces his ancestry back through
the following to the progenitor of the family in
this State: Jared and Mary (Pierce) Brainard; ■
Frederick and Anna (Brainard) Brainard; Ezra
and Jerusha (Snow) Brainard; Josiah and Hannah
(Spencer) Brainard; William and Sarah (Bidwell)
Brainard ; and Daniel and Hannah ( Spencer) Brai-
nard. Our subject's great-grandfather, Ezra Brai-
nard, died at the advanced age of ninety-three years,
in the house at Haddam Neck, Conn., where he was
born and spent his entire life. As justice of the
peace he was noted for the many marriage ceremo-
nies he performed, and for the fact that he usuall)'
gave the fees taken from the bridegroom to the ;
bride. He was one of the most prominent and in- ,'
fiuential citizens of his community and served |
thirtv-eight terms in the State Legislature. His ,
fl
c^t^^iy^c^i uj^^u^c-t^-i^^<..jec.,<_^?^
p
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
859
son Frederick, the grandfather of our subject, was
born in Haddain, and was the originator of the stone
quarry business of that town.
Jared lirainard, father of David I'.rainard, was
also a native of Haddam, and in 1811 became a
resident of Enfield, Hartford county, where he fol-
lowed farming- until called from this life, at the ripe
age of eighty-four years. He was known as Deacon
Brainard, liaving served many years as deacon in the
Congregational Church and in the Presbyterian
Church of Thonipsonville, with which he united
later. Jared Brainard married Miss Marv I'ierce,
who was a daughter of John and Lucy (Snow)
Pierce, granddaughter of Ebenezer and Alary
(Stowe) Pierce, great-granddaughter of Ebenezer
and Mary Pierce, and great-great-granddaughter of
John and Deborah (Converse) Pierce, of W'oburn,
Mass. The will of John Pierce was dated April 26,
1716. John Pierce, maternal grandfather of our
subject, was for many years a deacon in the Con-
gregational Church at Alillbury, Alass. Of the
children born to Jared and Mary (Pierce) Brainard
four reached years of maturity: Alvira W. (wife of
Jeremiah N. Parsons), Jared F., Harvey P. and David.
David Brainard was reared on the homestead in
Enfield town, and received a good common-school
and academic education. On attaining his majority
he turned his attention to farming and lumbering in
Brainardville, and continued to follow those occu-
pations until 1858. For almost half a century he
resided near the old homestead where his early life
was passed, in 1870 removing to Thonipsonville,
Viiere he still resides. Since 1855 he has done a
general insurance business, and is today the most
popular and successful agent in that line in his
locality.
Mr. Brainard has bsen twice married, his first
wife being Aliss Caroline, daughter of Col. Jabez
and Reljecca (Terry) King, of Enfield, by whom
he had three children, namely : David, Horace K.
and Charles. After her death he married her sis-
ter, Miss Henrietta King.
Politically Mr. Brainard is a stanch Republican,
and he has been honored with a number of official
positions of trust and responsibility. In 1861 he
was a member of the Legislature, and the following
year was appointed United States assessor, in which
capacity he served for nine years. He was assessor
of Enfield town in 1898, and has held that office
longer than any other man ; during the Civil war
was chairman of the town committee of volunteers
to fill the quota for Enfield ; and was chairman of
the committee that built the Enfield high school in
1871, having, practically, the entire charge of the
same. He is an active and prominent member of
the Presbyterian Church, in which he is now serv-
ing as elder, and his public and private life are alike
above reproach. As a citizen he is ever ready to
discharge every duty devolving upon him. and
wherever known is honored for his sterling worth
and exalted character.
HON. JAMES FRANKLIN PRATT is one of
the public-spirited citizens of Southington, to whose
energv and foresight that locality is indebted for
many improvements. While Mr. Pratt, as a pros-
perous business man, has given close attention to his
private afli'airs, he has never forgotten or ignored that
bond of common interest which should unite the
ix'ople of every community, and he has always been
ready to promote progress in every line.
Mr. Pratt was born in Southington, May 14,
1840, a son of David and Maria (Dickernian) Pratt,
in whose family were two children, the younger be-
ing Julia J., wife of John William Gridley. The
father was born Sept. 28, 1814, in Southington,
and was married, Dec. 10, 1838, to Maria, daugh-
ter of Samuel Dickerman, of Hamden, New Haven
Co., Conn. For his second wife he married Frances
Eliza Morton, a native of Hartford county.
Eli Pratt, the paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born Nov. 3, 1781, and was married March
28, 1803, to Abigail Hitchcock, by whom he had nine
children. He was a farmer of Southington, a man
of great piety, and was well thought of in the com-
munity where he dwelt. He was appointed deacon
of the Congregational Church of Southington in
1814, and served in that capacity for over forty
years.
Stephen Pratt, the father of Eli, was born in
Saybrook, Conn., June 30, 1740, and was thrice mar-
ried, his first wife being Phebe Atkins, the second
Hannah Davidson, and" the third Phebe Andrews.
He had nine children. For several years he served
as a soldier in the French and Indian war, before
moving to Southington, where he died in 1823.
Christopher Pratt, the father of Stephen, was
born Nov. 4, 1712, and was married June 14, 1739,
to Sarah Pratt, daughter of Daniel Pratt, They
had seven children. His death occurred in Wal-
lingford.
Ensign \\'illiam Pratt, father of Christopher, was
born about 1674, and was married Oct. 8. 1700, to
Hannah Hough. He lived at Pautapaug, and was
prominent in civil and military affairs.
Joseph Pratt, father of Ensign Pratt, was a large
land holder in the Pautapaug Quarter, and also in the
town of Hebron. He died Aug. 12, 1703. at the age
of fifty-five years.
Lieut. William Pratt, the father of Joseph, was
the progenitor of the family in this countv. He is
supposed to have gone with Rev. Thomas Hooker to
Newtown (now Cambridgel. Alass., in 1633, and
thence to Hartford. Conn. In June, 1636, he mar-
ried Elizabeth Clark, daughter of John Clark, of
Saybrook, and afterward of Milford, and formerly
of Great Alundon, Hertfordshire, England. Lieut.
Pratt attended the General Court as a deputy to the
twentv-third session, which convened in Hartford,
May 9, 1678, and died the same year.
Lieut. Pratt was a son of Rev. William and
Elizabeth Pratt, of Hertfordshire, England, the
formerof whom was baptized at Baldock,in October,
860
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1S(>2, was inducted rector of the parish of Stevenage,
in Hertfordshire, Dec. 6, 1598, and died in 1629,
aged sixty-seven years. Rev. William Pratt was a
son of Andrew Pratt, who was born at Baldock, a
son of Thomas and Joan Pratt, of that place. An-
drew was born in February, 1539, just one hun-
dred years previous to the date when the settlers
of Hartford drew their home lots.
The subject of this sketch was reared in South-
ington and educated in the public schools and Lewis
Academy, graduating from the latter institution in
1857. He began his business career as clerk in the
general store of his uncle, Samuel Pratt, in South-
ington, and occupied that position for nearly two
years. As his health became impaired he went
West, and while there taught school in Minnesota,
and spent some time on a larm in Illinois. Early in
the fall of 1862 he returned home,- and for a time
was with his father on the farm. Later he went
to Meriden, *„onn., and was employed in the in-
spector's department of the Snow Brooks gun shop,
now belonging to the Parker Gun Co. Subsequently
lie was bookkeeper in a grocery store in Meriden, but
in July, 1866, ne returned to Southington,and in com-
pany with his cousin, George A.. Pratt, purchased
the store of his uncle, where he had formerly clerked.
Shortly 'afterward he bought his partner's interest,
and alone, or in partnership with others, conducted
the store for twenty years, or until 1886. When he
opened his store there that part of Southington was
not in a very flourishing condition, and it was largely
through the enterprise and perseverance of Mr. Pratt
that it assumed its present attractive appearance.
Always looking to the better interests of the town,
he was instrumental in having new sidewalks laid.
In 1880 the Village Improvement Society was or-
ganized, and he was made president of the same.
He was also elected president of the Board of Trade
at its inception; was one of the organizers of the
Southington National Bank, of which he is still a di-
rector, and was for several years its vice-president;
was also a director of the Pultz-Walkley Co., paper-
Taag manufacturers, recently absorbed by the Union
Bag & Paper Co., and in 1895 he was appointed su-
perintendent, holding that position until July I,
1899, when he resigned. For some time he was also
a director of and stockholder in the Southington
Cutlery Co., but resigned in 1897. It will thus be
seen that he has been identified with most of the im-
portant business enterprises of the town, and in this
'wa.y has materially advanced its interests.
Mr. Pratt has been twice married, his first wife
being Miss Mary Lee, of Berlin, Conn., a descend-
ant of John Lee, of Farmington, and for his second
wife he married Miss M. Dell Clark, daughter of
Daniel and Mary (Cafferty) Clark, of Union, N. Y.
By the second union there are two children: Julia
Agnes and Annie Lila.
Mr. Pratt is an active and prominent member of
the Congregational Church, of which he has been
treasurer since 1867 and a deacon for many years.
Politically he is an ardent Republican, and represent- '
ed Southmgton in the Legislature in 1883 and 1884.
He is now a member of the board of regents of the
Lewis high school. Fraternally he belongs to
Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., of South-
ington, of which he has been treasurer since
1874; Triune Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M., of South-
ington; and St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., of Me-
riden.
EZRA C. AYER, a leading and prominent ag- ;
riculturist of Farmington, belongs to an old New >
England family which tradition says is of Scottish
origin.
(I) John Ayer, the first to come to America,
crossed the Atlantic, in 1637, on the ship "Mary
Ann," commanded by Capt. Goos, and he was de-
scribed on the shipping list as John Eyre, grocer,
of Norwich. At the time he was forty-five years of
age. He was soon joined by his family of eight ''
children, and after living in Newbury for a time
removed to Haverhill, Mass., March 5, 1645. He i
died there in 1657, aged sixty-five years ; his wife,
Hannah, passed away in 1675. Their children
were ; John, who married Sarah Williams ; Na-
thaniel; Rebecca; Mary; Obediah, who married
Hannah Pike ; Robert, who married Elizabeth Pal-
mer ; Thomas ; Peter, who married Hannah Allen ; \
and Hannah.
(II) Thomas Ayer died at Haverhill, Mass., |
Nov. 9, 1686. He married Elizabeth Hutchins,
and had eight children : John ; Elizabeth ; Mary j
Love, wife of Joseph Kingsbury; Thomas, Samuel;]
and two sons who died in infancv.
(III) John Ayer was born May 14, 1657, and
it is supposed that he came from Stonington to Say-
brook, Conn., where he took up land. He and his
eldest son, John, built a house at Ayer's Point in
1 7 ID, and being a maltster by trade, he erected a malt
house a little south of the present residence of
William Y. Ayer, a cousin of our subject; some of
its foundation still remains. He carried on quite
an extensive business. He is said to have been
a man of medium size, with only one arm, and was
very active and energetic. He died in 1743. His
home was torn down, in 1740, and another erected
on the same site. The present residence standing;
there was built in 1828, by Thomas Youngs Ayer.
In 1684 John Ayer married Hannah Travis, a
daughter of William Travis, of Haverhill, Mass.,
and they had eight children: Hannah, wife of
Sylvanus Harrington; John, who is mentioned be-
low ; Sarah, wife of a Mr. Packer ; David, .who
married Jerusha Williams ; Ruth, who died at the
age of four years; Esther, wife of John Phillips;;
Joshua, who married a Miss Parrish; and Daniel,
who died Sept. 23, 1714.
(IV) John Ayer was born in 1688, and mar-
ried Sarah Colt, of Lyme, Conn., a daughter of
John Colt. He died Feb. 21, i76o, and she passv>l|-
away Dec. 5, same year. In their family were
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
861
ten children, iianidy: Daniel, born July 23, 171^1,
married Esther Chapin ; John, born Nov. I, 1718,
married Abigail Cook; Joseph, born March 23,
1721, married Thankful Drake; Travis, born March
lU, 1723, married Rhuhannah Alatson ; Elisha, born
Sept. 29, 1725, died Dec. 6, 1751 ; Sarah, born Feb.
20, 1728, married Silas Peck; Ziparah, born Sept.
21, 1730, married Richard Sill; .Mary, born Nov.
29, 1732, died July 20, 1730; Elizabeth, born March
25, 1735, married Samuel Rhillips; and Hannah,
born Eeb. 25, ■1740, married Gibbon Jewitt.
{V ) Travis Ayer was the great-grandfather
of our subject. It is said that he attended school
onlv one-half day, but his books and papers indi-
cate fair scholarship. At the age of twenty-two
years he was one of the 516 Connecticut men who
went to Nova Scotia with Sir William PeppercU's
expedition and captured Fort Louisburg from the
French. He was discharged at Boston, and started
for home on foot, but was taken ill with fever on
the way, and could proceed no farther than the
home of Mr. Matson, of Lyme, his future father-
in-law. He was dignified and genteel, and was
deacon of the Church for many years. He built the
house in Saybrook where William Stebbins now re-
sides. Plis will bears date Feb. 23, 1793. In 1748
he married Miss Rhuhannah Matson, of Lyme,
|who died in 1820, aged ninety-two years, and he
departed this life April 7, 1812, at the age of
eightv-nine, the remains of both being interred in
the upper cemetery, Saybrook, Conn. They had
only two children : Rhuhannah, who was born Dec.
8, 1757, and died Oct. 25, 1820; and John, the
grandfather of our subject.
(YI) John Ayer was born Sept. 24, 1763, and
was a man of medium height, rather heavy in
weight, of even temper, keen wit, sound judgment,
and prominent in public affairs. Fie followed farm-
ing, and also engaged in shad fishing, and in 1810
built the house now occupied by Edwin Ayer, at
Ayer's Point. He represented Saybrook in the
State Legislature. On April 5, 1786, he married
Aliss Jemima Youngs, a daughter of Judge Thomas
and Rhoda (Budd) Youngs, of Southhold, L. L
He died May 28, 1840, his wife on Aug. 9, 1843,
and both were laid to rest in the Upper cemetery.
In their family were eight children: Hannah, born
■July 16, 1787, married Ezra L'Homadieu, and
died Dec. 29, 1827: Laura, born Sept. 28, I78(),
married William Willard, and died Aug. 21, 1882;
i William Travis, the next of the family, was the
father of our subject; Thomas Y., born March 25,
1795, married (first) Abby Whittlesey and (sec-
ond) Sarah Covert; John, born Sept. 9, 1797, died
Sept. 29, 1797; Deborah Matson, born Sept. 25,
• 1799, died Aug. 2, 1878 ; iNIary Ann, born July iq,
) 1801, died Dec. 11, 1849; and Amelia, born Aug.
5 9, 1807, married Samuel Griswold, and died May 4,
i 1853-
1 (VII) William Travis Ayer was born Dec. 11,
I 1791. and engaged in farming and fishing through-
out his active business life, following the latter
occupation for forty-two consecutive springs. In
1824 he erected for himself a residence at Say-
brook, where our subject was born. He was a
soldier of the war of 1812^ and was well known
and highly respected. On Dec. 25, 1823, he mar-
ried Miss Louisa Clark, who was born April 2O,
1796, a daughter of Ezra and Elizabeth (Whittle-
sey) Clark, residents of Sa)'bruok. Her father
was born June 0, 1762, and died Jan. 6, 1858, while
her mother was born Sept. 17, 1763, and died March
6, 1842. William T. Ayer died Aug. 28, 1878; and
his wife passed away Dec. 23, 1872. They had
eleven children: Edwin, born Oct. 15, 1824, is
mentioned below ; Maria Louise, born March 18,
1826, is a resident of West Newton, Mass.; Will-
iam Travis, born July 5, 1827, died Aug. iG, 1835;
Ezra Clark, born T'eb. 9, 1829, is also mentioned
below ; Mary Jane, born June 24, 1830, married
John F. Bushnell, and died Sept. 13, 1853; Charles,
born Jan. 8, 1832, died May 7. 1858; Lydia, born
Oct. 18, 1833, married Samuel Ingham, of Say-
brook, Conn.; Amelia Ann, born March 15, 1835,
married (first) Frank Flarvey and (second)
Charles Kelsey ; Isabel, born June 9, 1836, died
Feb. 18, 1854; Andrew, born Nov. 5, 1837, is in
the Soldiers' Home at Hampton Roads ; and Har-
riet A., born April 20, 1841, died June 13, 1862.
Edwin Ayer, a brother of our subject, residing at
Ayer's Point, Saybrook, was married, Oct. 20,
1852, to Abbie ;\liller Youngs, who died Aug. 28,
1882. Her parents were Thomas and Elizabeth
(Aliller) Youngs, and her paternal grandfather
was Capt. Joshua Youngs, a son of Judge Thomas
Youngs, of Southold, L. I. Her maternal grand-
parents were Rev. John and Elizabeth (Gay lord)
IMiller. Her father was born Oct. '25, 1787, and
died Dec. 23, 1865 : her mother was born Feb. 16,
1796, and died April 23, 1855.
(VIII) Ezra Clark Ayer, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, spent his school days in Say-
brook. He learned the mason's trade at Deep
River, Conn., after which he worked as a builder
in Boston, Mass., for some time. In 1861 he came
to Farmington, Hartford county. Conn., where he
remained for about a year, and on Sept. 8, 1862,
he enlisted in Company K, 25th Conn. Y. I., for '
service in the Civil war. At the siege of Port Hud-
son he was so injured as to be quite deaf ever since.
Fie was mustered out Aug. 28, 1863, and returned
to Boston, where he followed the mason's trade
until 1871, during which year he again came to
Farmington, and purchased a farm of the Youngs
heirs. He now owns and operates a valuable tract
of 250 acres of land in Farmington. and also has a
farm in the town of Union, Tolland Co., Connec-
ticut.
^Ir. Ayer first married I\liss IMartha Lydia
Youngs, a daughter of Thomas Youngs, and to
them were born two children : Elizabeth Maria, de-
ceased ; and ^lartha Isabel, who is a teacher in
Unionvillc. For his second wife he married Miss
Eugenia Barnes Crampton, of Farmington, a
daughter of Richard and Sarah (Barnes) Cramp-
ton, a granddaughter of Adna Crampton, and a
862
COMMEMOR'ATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
great-granddaughter of Miles Crampton. By this
union four children were born, namely: Richard
Crampton, who died at the age of three years; and
Robert Ezra, Olive Eugenia and Sarah Crampton,.
all residents of Unionville.
Mr. Ayer has been honored with several local
offices, which he has most creditably filled, having
served as selectman, assessor and justice of the
peace. Socially he belongs to the Grange, Evening
Star Lodge, No. lOi, F. & A. M., and A. E. Burn-
side Post, No. 62, G. A. R., of which he is past
commander. He and his wife hold membership in
the Congregational Church of Unionville, and are
highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
HON. SAMUEL GOULD BRADLEY is one
of the representative citizens and prominent farni-
ers of the town of Burlington. Throughout his
career of continued and far-reaching usefulness his
duties have been performed with the greatest care,
and his business interests have been so managed as
to win the confidence of the public and the pros-
perity which should always attend honorable effort.
Mr. Bradley was born in Burlington, July 18,
1835, and is a son of Selah and Susan (Durand)
Bradley, both natives of New Haven county, Conn.
There the father grew to manhood and learned
the trade of shoemaker, which he later followed in
Bristol when a young man. He next came to Bur-
lington, where he opened a shop and worked at his
trade for ,many years, at the same time owning and
operating a small farm. Later he lived with our
subject, who cared for him in his declining years,
and there he died Nov. 14, 1862. He was liberal in
his religious views, and a Whig in politics, but never
sought or desired political honors. He was an in-
dustrious and honest man, temperate in his habits,
and domestic in his tastes. His wife, who was a
woman of strong- convictions, an earnest Christian
and a good wife and mother, also died at the home
of our subject in Burlington, in 1873, and both were
laid to rest in Burlington Centre cemetery. In their
family were the following children : Maria, born Feb.
19, 181 1, married Jason Boardman, and died in
Rockv Hill, Conn. ; Abigail, born Dec. 24, 1812, died
Jan. 29, 1827; Oliver C, born Feb. 17, 1815, died
July 30, 1821 ; Susanna, born Jan. 20, 1817, died un-
married; Rosana, born Feb. 20, 1821, married Syl-
vester Pond; Betsey, born Jan. 27, 1823, married
Henry Judd, of Northfield ; Orilla, born April 11,
1825, married George Holbrook, of Oxford, and died
June 19, i860; John, born Aug. 21, 1827, died
April 30, 1845; Abigail, born Jan. 16, 1830, mar-
ried (first) Thomas Lampson and (second) Charles
F. Olney, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Oliver C,
born Dec. 9, 1832, died May 19, 1864; Samuel G.,
subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the fam-
ily.
Our subject was reared on his father s farm in
Burlington, and received only a district school educa-
tion. When a young man he worked at the paint-
er's trade for a short time, and then turned his at-
tention to farming upon the place where he still
resides. Here he owns eight5'-fave acres of well-im-
proved and valuable land, and also has a tract of six-
ty-five acres elsewhere in the town. He has erected \
a fine residence, good barns and other outbuildings
upon his place, and, in connection with general
fanning, stock raising and dairying, he is engaged
in the lumber and charcoal business.
On Nov. 8, 1863, Mr. Bradley married Miss
Malissa Belden, a native of New Boston, Mass.,
and a daughter of George and Sophia (Bailey)
Belden. During the Civil war Mr. Bradley offered
his services to the government, enlisting at Hart-
ford Sept. 8, 1862, in Company I, 25th Conn. V. L,
under Col. George P. Bissell and Capt. Hiram
Harkness. Although he enlisted for only riine
months, he was in the service almost a year, being
stationed most of the time at New Orleans as a
nurse in the hospital. He was honorably discharged
at Hartford, in August, 1863. At one time he
served as second lieutenant in the State militia.
Fraternally Mr. Bradley is an honored member
of Burnside Post, No. 62, G. A. R., in which he
has served as adjutant; Village Lodge, No. 29,
F. & A. M., of Collinsville ; and Wigwam Mascopa,
L O. R. M., of Unionville. Politically he is a
stanch Republican, and he has been honored with a
number of important official positions, having filled
the offices of tax collector, assessor and constable;
was elected justice of the peace, but refused to
qualify ; served as town clerk for a number of
years; was probate judge six years; and in 1880 ■.-
represented the town of Burlington in the State v
Legislature, where he served on some important
committees. He has ever proved a most capable
trustworthy and popular official, and his public and
private life are alike above reproach. Mrs. Brad-
ley is a lady of culture and refinement, and they have
a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Bur-
lington.
THOMAS ROACH CASE (deceased). The
farm, with rare exceptions, produces the men who
rise to prominence in professional and business life.
The subject of this sketch was a member of one of
the oldest and best known families of Hartford
county, which furnished many instances of patriotic
devotion to country, and of marked success in va-
rious vocations. Mr. Case was raised on a farm but.
possessing in his youth a taste for mercantile pur-
suits, he became a successful business man, continu- .,
ing until his health gave warning to retire to the ji
less exacting duties of country life. He honored the '■
town of Simsbury, in which he lived for many years, \
with sage advice, and with the endeavor and upright j
life of an earnest soul. He was one of its most prom- I
inent and highly esteemed citizens, and his death |
by accident, in 1884, cast profound gloom through- f
out the community. !
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
868
Mr. Case was born in West Sinisbury, on what
is known as the Case farm, Dec. 28, 1808. The fam-
ily traces its ancestry to John Case, w ho settled in
New England more than two and one-half centur-
ies ago, and a sketch of whom will be found else-
where. William Case, son of John (i), married
Elizabeth Holcomb. Their son James married Eliza-
beth I-"ithen, of Simsbury, and to them five children
were liorn, the second of whom, josiah, was born
April I, 1718, in Simsbury. In 1743 he moved to
what was then known as West SimsJjury, now Can-
ton, w here he engaged in farming on the place known
as Chestnut Hill. He held the commission of captain
of local militia, and was quite active during the
Revolution. He died on his farm in 1789, and was
buried in Canton. He married Hester Higley, born
ill 1 7 19, died in 180S, and their children were as
follows: Lois, born in 1741, died in 1759; James,
born in 1745, died in 1790, married Phebe Tuller,
and for his second wife Lydia Case; Hester, born
in 1747, married (first) Thomas Case, (second) C.
Higley, and (for her third husband) Abraham
Penny; Hannah, born in 1750, died in 1833 (she
married Amos Wilcox) ; Betty, born in 1752, died
in 181 1 (she married Joshua Barber) ; Fithen, born
in 1758, died in 1829. The family were all members
<•{ the Congregational Church.
Fithen Case, born in West Simsbury in 1758, en-
gaged in farming and spent his entire life in West
Simsbury, now known as Chestnut Hill, Canton,
where he was a landowner. He was known as Capt.
Fithen, and participated in the Revolutionary war.
He died in 1829, and was buried in Canton ceme-
tey. He was highlv respected, and was one of Can-
ton's best known citizens. Capt. Case married Am-
arilla Humphrey, of Simsbury, and to this union
the following children were born: Maria, born
in 1 78 1, died in 1856, married Moses Case, who died
in 1850, and who was a son of Lieut. Moses Case;
Fithen, born in 1784, died in 1853, married Statira
Phelps; }ilann-e. born March 23, 1786: .\marilla,
born in 1788, married Chancey Eno, of Simsbury;
Josiah W., born in 1790, died in 1830 — married Ag-
nes Case; Salma, born in 1792, died in 1794; Lavinia
Charity, born in 1794, married Col. Salmon Mer-
rill : Jasper, born in 1796, married Flora Flumphrey :
Melissa, born in 1799, died in 1874 — married Ithnel
Gridley, being his second wife ; Jarvis, known as
Gen. Jarvis, born in 1801, died in 1865 — married
Lucia Adams ; Julia, born in 1805. married Ithnel
Gridley.
Mamre Case, son of Fithen, was the father of
Thomas Roach Case, our subject. He was born
March 23, 1786, on the farm, and grew there to
manhood. \Mncn a young man he peddled clocks
in the South, and one of those ancient timepieces is
still in the possession of the family. After his mar-
riage Mamre Case settled on his wife's farm near
West Simsbury Centre, where he spent the balance
of his life, engaged in farming and stock raising,
owning a large tract of land. He died on his farm
I'eb. 14, 1859, and was buried in Simsbury. He was
a Whig in politics, and held various offices, besides
representing Simsbury in the State Legislature.
He was a member of the Congregational Church,
a good whole-souled man, and was well-liked and
respected. On Nov. 4, 1807, he married, in West
Simsbury, Abi Tuller, who was born in West Sims-
bury, Sept. 10, 1787, daughter of Elisha Tuller, of
West Simsbury. The children born to -Mamre and
-Abi Case were as follows : Thomas R., born Dec.
28, 1808; Mary Abi, born Aug. 26, 1812, who mar-
ried John Stowe; Luke, born Sept. 5 1814; Norris,
born Sept. 23, 1816; Flora, born Jan. 18, 1819,
who married Edwin Goodwin ; Watson E., born
Nov. 24, 1820, who now lives retired in New York
City; Salem, born Nov. 19, 1823; and one who died
in infancy, unnamed. All of these children are now
deceased except Watson. The mother died Feb.
28, 1863, and was buried in Sinisbury. She was a
good Christian woman, well liked and respected.
Thomas R. Case, our subject, was raised on the
farm. He attended the district schools of West
Simsbury ; was also a student at Amherst College,
and when a young man he taught school in Sims-
bury. Possessing mercantile tastes, he started in
the mercantile business at Simsbury, and a few
\ears later removed to Hoskins Station, where he
engaged in mercantile business. Removing to a
larger field at Hartford, he there conducted a suc-
cessful dry-goods business for eight years, on the
site of the Brown Thompson store. Mr. Case then
decided to go West, moved to Indiana, and opened
up at Indianapolis a store business in partnership
with Joseph Sharp, continuing there wuh markeu
success for ten years. On account of ill health he
was obliged to give up his business. Returning to
his native home he settled on the home farm, and
there spent the remaining years of his life, engag-
ing in general farming and stock raising. He died on
his farm Nov. 25, 1884. and his death was un-
timely, though he was well advanced in years. Re-
turning home one evening with his team, the horses,
it is supposed, took fright and ran away, and Mr.
Case was dashed against a tree with fatal results,
for when found he was dead. Owing to his influ-
ence, and to the strong hold he had upon the af-
fections of his friends and neighbors, his death
cast a gloom over the settlement. In politics 'Sir.
Case was a ^^'hig and Republican. For many years
he was a justice of the peace, and he served as post-
master at West Simsbury. He possessed strong po-
litical convictions, but was not an office seeker.
He was a deacon in the Congregational Church.
Domestic in his tastes, he loved his home, and was
a close companion to his wife and children. Tem-
perate in his habits, a man of honor and honesty,
he was popular and highly respected.
^Ir. Case married in Willoughby, Ohio, Sept.
10, 185 1, Cornelia A. Trowbridge, who was born
at Watertown, Jefferson Co., X. Y.. daughter of
Dr. Amasa and Gloria Anna (Billings) Trow-
864
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bridge. Her father was a well known surgeon of
Watertown, N. Y., was surgeon in the war of 1812,
and was professor of surgery in Willoughby Col-
lege, Ohio. Mrs. Case is a sister of Dr. William
R. Trowbridge, the well known surgeon of Water-
town, N. Y. To our subject and wife were born
five children: (i) Josephine Cornelia, born May 9,
1853, married Howell Hough, of Collinsville, and
has one child. Lulu. (2) Thomas Trowbridge, born
March i, 1856, was born at Rock Island, 111., and
educated at the West Simsbury district school, and
now manages the homestead farm. He is a member
of St. Mark's Lodge, Simsbury, F. & A. M. He
has been postmaster of West Simsbury for five
years, and in politics is a Reublican. (3) Frances
Helen, born Feb. 22, 1859, married Howard San-
born of Collinsville, Conn. (4) William Andrew,
born' May 26, 1864, died Oct. 3, 1866. (5) Charles
Mamre, born March 28, 1867, is at home on the
farm. Mrs. Case is a member of an old and hon-
ored family of Watertown, N. Y. She is a lady of
pleasant address, well educated, and a pleasant con-
versationalist, true in sentiment and judgment, and
devotedly attached to her home and friends.
HENRY PECK STRONG was a grandson of
Anthony Strong, who was born in Washington,
Conn., Dec. 9, 1757, and removed to Woodbury
in later life. He was a son of Preserve Strong,
born Sept. 8, 1712, and tracing back the family
genealogy we come to Adino Strong (6), who was
born at Northampton, Mass., Jan. 25, 1676, son of
Thomas Strong, of the same place, born in 1634.
The original progenitor of the family on this side
of the Atlantic was Elder John Strong, who left
England in 1617, and settled at Hingham, Mass.
Anthony Curtis Strong, father of Henry Peck
Strong, was a farmer by occupation. He married
Julia Lambert, April 9, 1820.
Henry Peck Strong was born at Woodbury,
July 22, 1822. His early educational training was
of the meager sort which might be obtained at the
ordinary district schools of the period, yet in spite
of early disadvantages he achieved success through
his own unaided efforts. At the age of eighteen
he bade adieu to school and home alike, and went
forth to battle with the world alone. Fie learned
the trade of a tanner and currier at Woodbury.
Being anxious to rise, he went to Seymour, where
he began business in a small way in partnership
with John Ryder. The opening of the Naugatuck
railway, whose route ran directly through his prop-
erty, ruined his business within a short time. His
next venture was in co-partnership with John Minor,
and for three years the firm bought and sold lum-
ber at Bridgeport. In 1855 Mr. Strong removed
to New Britain, buying out the coal and wood yard
of a Mr. Allen, located on what is now the site of
Landers, Frary & Clark's cutlery works. In this
business he had a partner, William W. Giddings,
the firm name being Giddings & Strong. Later a
corporation was organized under the firm name of
the New Britain Lumber & Coal Co., with Henry
Peck Strong as its president.
In 1888 Mr. Strong was attacked by a severe
illness, from which he never recovered. His in-
domitable energy, however, would not permit him 1
to succumb, until death claimed him, on Jan. 8, '
1897. The success of the enterprise with which
he was identified was due largely to his own per-
sonal efforts, he having ever been the executive head,
and his sound business judgment always being a
ciominant influence in its counsels. His private life
was blameless, and his personal character most
lovable. To young men he was always a sympathetic
friend, and in the cause of Christianity and tem-
perance ever an active worker. On Aug. 3, 1856,
he united with the First Church of Christ in New
Britain, and in 1865 was chosen deacon in place
of Albert Judd, who resigned the office. His dis-
position was quiet and retiring, and for him the
ordinary issues of politics presented no attraction.
Mr. Strong was married, Sept. 8, 1847, to Sarah
A. Bacon, a daughter of David C. Bacon and Sarah
Wheeler, of Woodbury, the former of whom was a
farmer. Mrs. Strong was born Sept. 17, 1825. Mr.
and Mrs. Strong were the parents of two daughters,
the elder of whom, Sarah Martha, was born March '
28, 1850, and died April 22, 1891. The younger
died in infancy.
H. O. ALLEN, M. D., a leading physician of
Broad Brook, has not only achieved an honorable
rank in his chosen profession but, as a citizen, he
is identified prominently with the best interests of
his community.
Dr. Allen was born in Broad Brook, March 22,
1854, a son of Luke D. and Caroline C. (Patchen)
Allen, and a grandson of Luke and Mahitabel
(Dwight) Allen. He is the eldest in a family of
three children, the others being Frederick D., a
merchant of North Adams, Mass. ; and Alice M.,
wife of George Lamb, of East Hartford.
When our subject was about two years old his
parents removed to Melrose, this county, and later
went to Scitico, where the mother died in 1867.
As he was then about thirteen years of age he was
sent to an academy in Shelburne Falls, Mass., ;;
where he remained two years, and afterward he
attended the public schools of Melrose, this county,
for a time. In 1871 he went to Springfield, Mass.,
to take a position as clerk in a drug store, and after
a year resumed his studies, entering the schools of
Wilbraham, Mass., for a two-years' course. In
1873 he began teaching, and for three years he was
successfully engaged in that work in New Jersey,
but as he had decided to enter the medical profes-
sion he then undertook a course of reading with
Dr. S. H. Hunt, of Eatontown, N. J. For three
years he was in the office of this preceptor, and in |,
"the meantime he completed the regular course of |
lectures in the University of New York, graduat- i
ing in 1879. Since that time he has been in active '
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
805
pnu-tice in liroad I'.rook, meeting with success
friini the start, and he is now a valued niemljcr of
I)()th the County Medical Society and the State
Medical Society. As a friend of educational prog-
ress he has served on the town school board for
fifteen years, and his fellow citizens have shown
their confidence in his integrity and ability by elect-
ing him town clerk and town treasurer, he having
held the latter office continuously since 1891. Po-
litically he is a Repulilican, and for years he has
been recognized as one of the chief advisers of the
local organization.
On June 12, 1883, Dr. Allen married Miss E.
Lavinia Polhemus, and both are popular in the best
social circles of their locality. They are members
iii the First Congregational Church of Broad
lirook ; the Doctor is also connected with the
Grange, and with Oriental Lodge, No. iii, F. &
A. ^t., at Uroad JJrook.
HON. ADRIAN MOSES, a prominent citizen
and leatling farmer and lumbemian of Burlington,
is a worthy representative of an old and honored
Connecticut family.
Our subject traces his ancestry back to John
Moses, a shipwright of Plymouth, JNIass., who came
10 New England between 1630 and 1640, and whose
son John was the father of John Moses (3), who
was born Oct. 13, 1G99, and located in Simsbury,
Conn., on his father's farm near Mount Philip. He
married Deborah Thrall. Joshua Moses, son of
John (3), was born Oct. 3, 1689, and died Feb.
<K 1772,- He was married Dec. 12, 1717, to Han-
nah Strickland, who died Jan. 16, 1718-19, leaving
twins only three days old : Hannah, who was mar-
ried Dec. 30. 1747, to Benjamin Mills; and Rachel,
who was married Dec. 23, 1748, to Nathaniel Wil-
cox. Joshua Moses was again married, June 28,
1722, his second union being with J\lary Brooks,
by whom he had three children, Joshua, Othniel and
John. He owned land in New Hartford and also in
Xorfolk, Conn. He died from the effects of cancer
of the mouth. His son Othniel Moses was born
July I. 1730, and was a soldier in Col. Wolcott's
regiment in 1776. He was a member of the Epis-
copal Church. Othniel Moses, Jr., son of Othniel,
was born Feb. 13,, 1755, and died Oct. 8, 1841.
He married Mary Dowd, who died on the same date,
and made his home in Bristol and later in Burling-
ton, Conn. Their children were as follows : Chaun-
cey, the eldest, was born jMay 29, 1783; Joshua was
the grandfather of our subject; Afary, born June
20, 1786, married Chauncey Colton ; Laura, "born
June 2, 1788, married Samuel Payne, and died Jan.
13, 1880; Betsev. born June 20, 1790. married Colton
Kellogg, and lived in Ohio; Sophia, born March
13, 1792, married Isaac Belden, of Burlington,
Conn.; Chloe, born Feb. 17, 1794, married Ambrose
Hart, of Farmington ; Orrin, born ^lay 12, 1796,
died Nov. 10, 1853; Isaac was born Dec. 9, 1797;
and Rhoda, born June 12, 1800, married Ruil Pal-
meter, of Burlington. Joshua Moses, grandfather
of our subject, was born Aug. 20, 1784. and died
Nov. 10, 18O3. He was a landowner and farmer
of Burlington, and was a soldier in the war of 1812
under Capt. Daniel Deniing. On June 27, 181 1,
he married Chloe Beckwith, who died May 8, 1876.
They had two children : Richard, father of our
subject ; and Mary, born March 3, 1824.
Richard Aloses was born in Burlington, July
16, 1812, and attended the district schools of that
town. He was engaged in general farming, stock
raising and dairying on the farm now owned and
occupied by our subject, and there died July 28,
i860, his remains being interred in the Case ceme-
tery, Burlington. Politically he was first a
Whig, later a Democrat. He married Rachel
Norton, of I'.ristol, Conn., a daughter of Joel
Norton, and she survived him ifntil Feb. 15,
1900. Her remains were interred in Minne-
sota, where "she resided with her son Lucius
Moses. Mrs. Moses was a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most esti-
mable lady. Our subject is second in the order of
birth in the family of eight children, the others be-
ing Harriet, deceased wife of Elias Baldwin; Sarah,
who died young; Ellen, deceased wife of Asa Up-
son, of Bristol ; Emerson, a farmer at Lake Crys-
tal, Minn. ; Prof. Bernard, now on the staflf of the
Philippine commission; Richard, a lawyer of Iowa;
and Lucius, a farmer of Lake Crystal, Minnesota.
On the farm where he now resides Adrian Moses
was born March 21, 1838, and he was educated in
the district schools of the neighborhood. He re-
mained on the old homestead until after his mar-
riage, when he removed to the town of Farmington
and there engaged in farming and in the lumber busi-
ness, handling principally railroad ties. After seven
years spent there he returned to Burlington and pur-
cliased the home farm, comprising over two hundred
acres, on which he has since successfully engaged
in general farming, stockraising and dairying. He
also owns and operates a sawmill, and is engaged
in the manufacture of lumber and railroad ties. He
has added to his original possessions until he now
owns over five hundred acres. An upright and re-
liable business man. he has met with well-deserved
success in his undertakings, and stands to-day among
the well-to-do and prosperous citizens of his com-
munity.
In I\Iay, 1863, Mr. Moses married Miss Clar-
inda Beckwith, a native of New Hartford, daugh-
ter of Isaac Beckwith, and to them were born
two children: Henrietta ("Etta") is now the wife
of Edwin Matthews ; and Arthur A., who lives on
the old liomestead, wedded Alary Fallows, of Union-
ville, and has two children, Emerson and Clara
Augusta.
In political sentiment Mr. Moses is a Demo-
crat, and he has taken quite an active and promi-
nent part in public affairs, having most acceptably
served as representative to the State Legislature (iri
8G6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1877), selectman, assessor, school director, and chair-
man of the school board (for many years). He and
his wife are consistent members of the Congrega-
tional Church at Unionville, and both are widely
known and highly respected.
HON. ANDREW GORDON. The career of the
gentleman whose name introduces this review illus-
trates most forcibly the possibilities that are open
to the young man who possesses sterling business
qualifications. It proves that neither wealth nor
social position, nor the assistance of influential
friends at the outset of his career, are necessary to
place him on the road to success. It also proves
that ambition, perseverance, steadfast purpose and
indefatigable industry, combined with sound busi-
ness principles, _ will be rewarded, and that true suc-
cess follows individual effort only.
Mr. Gordon has gained recognition and pres-
tige as one of the influential and representative
business men of Enfield, and is to-day a member
of the firm of Gordon Brothers, manufacturers of
shoddy and wool substitutes at Hazardville. He
was born -in Glasgow, Scotland, Nov. 4, 1843, a
son of William and Jean (Bauchop) Gordon, who in
May, 1844, landed in New York City, and first lo-
cated in Little Falls, N. Y. Later they removed
to Auburn, that State, and in 1847 came to Thomp-
sonville, Hartford Co., Conn. Here the father, who
was a carpet weaver by trade, found employment
with the Thompsonville Carpet Co., and remained
with them until the failure of the corporation in
185 1. The following year he removed to Hazard-
ville and entered the employ of the Enfield Manu-
facturing Co., supporting a family of nine children
on wages of ninety cents per day. During the Civil
war from 1861 until 1865 he resided at Windsor
Locks where he was employed by the Medlicott
Manufacturing Co., but in 1866 he returned to
Hazardville, and has since been engaged with his
sons, Gordon Brothers. He reared a family of nine
children : Elizabeth, wife of Amos D. Bridge ; Mar-
garet, wife of Andrew Holford ; David ; An-
drew ; George B. ; Jeanette, wife of Ephraim
Bridge ; Mary, wife of Samuel M. McAuley ; Peter ;
and David G., a nephew.
Andrew Gordon was brought to the New World
during his infancy, and was reared in the town of
Enfield, Hartford county, his education being ob-
tained in the common schools. During his youth
he learned the cooper's trade, and was for some
time employed by the Hazard Powder Co. Hardly
had the echoes from Fort Sumpter's guns died
away when he offered his services to the govern-
ment to help put down the Rebellion, enlisting in
April, 1861, in the 1st Connecticut Light Battery,
for three months and three weeks, but was never
mustered in. On Sept. 27, 1861. ne entered the
service as a private in Company B, 8th Conn. V.
L, and was wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam,
being shot in the left shoulder. On Dec. 24, 1863,
he re-enlisted for three years or during the war;
was promoted to the rank of corporal March 26,
1864; was again wounded at the battle of Cold
Harbor, June 2, 1864; and was honorably discharged
on surgeon's certificate, May 31, 1865. On his re-
turn home Mr. Gordon served as foreman of the A.
D. Bridge key factory for a time, and later, as a
member of the firm of Gordon Brothers, engaged
in the manufacture of paper sacks and tinware, in
which business they continued until their plant was
destroyed by fire, in 1890. They have since en-
gaged exclusively in then- present busmess, which
they established on a small scale in 1887, and which
they have since successfully conducted, their trade
having gradually increased from the beginning.
Mr. Gordon was married, in May, 1866, to Miss
Miranda Lewis, a daughter of Asa and Louisa
(Lyons) Lewis, of Enfield, and to them have been
born three children : Lewis E., George J. and
Eleanor M. Religiously Mr. Gordon is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally
is affiliated with Doric Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A.
M. ; Washington Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M. ; Wash-
ington Council, Suffield; and Samuel Brown Post,
No. 56, G. A. R., being senior vice-commander of
the Department of Connecticut. He is one of the
prominent and influential members of the Repub-
lican party in his community, and is one of the
present representatives from Enfield town to the
State Legislature.
FREDUS M. CASE, one of the most active,
energetic, and enterprising business men of Rain-
boWj is a descendant of one of the old families of
Hartford county, and one that has been prominently
identified with the interests of Rainbow for a num-
ber of years. His father, Richard D. Case, was
born Oct. 12, 1829, one mile west of Rainbow, in
the town of Windsor, and was a son of Fredus and
Ruth (Phelps) Case.
The grandfather was born in the same town, a
short distance east of the birthplace of his son,
Richard D., and was a son of Benoni Case, who car-
ried on operations as a farmer a short distance west
of Rainbow. He lived to a ripe old age, and at his
death left considerable property. His remains were
interred at Poquonock. His children were as fol-
lows : Benoni, a miller and farmer at Rainbow,
became quite well-to-do; Zophar, a surveyor, also
served as justice of the peace, and tried many cases ;
Zardus at one time owned property in partnership
with his brother Fredus, but died about 1830, when
a young man ; Harlow was a farmer near Rainbow,
and lived to an old age; Fredus was the grandfa-
ther of our subject ; Amy married a Mr. Strick-
land, and died in East Windsor ; Delsina married
Harlow Moore, and died in Rainbow; Chloe mar-
ried Benjamin Flarger, and died in East Granby ;
and Amelia married a Mr. Vealy, and died in Rain-
bow.
Fredus Case was for years a farmer, and also
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
867
conducted a boarding-house at Rainbow and engaged
in teaming, hauling the product of the mills at Rain-
bow, ilanford and Windsor. He was a Demo-
crat in politics, and a very devout member of the
Methodist Church, using his teams on the Sabbath
to haul many people to church. He was well known
for miles around, and was recognized as one of the
best men of the community. He died in 1836, leav-
ing two children : Richard D., father of our subject ;
and .Vdelaide, who died at the age of sixteen years.
His wife, Ruth, who was a daughter of William
Phelps, survived him a few years, and for her sec-
ond Inisband married John P. Ellsworth, by whom
she had one son, Eli, now a jeweler of New York.
The early education of Richard D. Case was ob-
tained in the public schools near his boyhood home,
but after his mother's death he went to live with his
maternal uncle, Eli Phtlps, of Poquonock, with
whom he remained until his marriage, and he at-
tended the schools of Suffield and also Wilbraham
College. On Feb. 3, 1852, he married Miss Almira
J. Moses, a native of Simsbury, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of ^Vbel Closes. From his father's estate he had
inherited a small property at Rainbow, and there
the }'0ung couple began their domestic life, while he
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, being
engaged in farming more or less throughout his en-
tire life. For many years he also hauled goods from
Rainbow and Poquonock mills to Hartford and
Windsor, and returned with merchandise. For
years he was a leading citizen of Rainbow, was
one of the best-known men in the northern part of
the county, and did more for his locality than prob-
ably any other man of his day, as he was liberal,
public-spirited and enterprising. Politically he was
always a stanch Democrat, but in 1896 he supported
McKinley for the Presidency, and he served sev-
eral years as selectman, was justice of the peace
some years, and ably represented his district in the
State Legislature from 1862 until 1868, and again
in 1879 and 1880. At the time of his death he was
senior deacon in the Congregational Church, a
member of the Poquonock Grange, and a thirty-
second-degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge,
F. & A. -\L, at Windsor; Suffield Chapter, R. A. ^L ;
Wolcott Council, of Hartford; and \Vashington
Commandery, K. T., also of Hartford. It
can be said of him that there was prob-
ably no man living in his town whose ac-
tivity was so great or who had been identified with
more enterprises or business undertakings. Pie was
foremost in all things, and many improvements are
due to his influence, support and agitation. He was
instrumental in securing the erection of the iron
bridge at Poquonock, the first bridge in the town,
and was selected by the people to oversee its con-
struction. He was also chairman of the committee
that built the town hall at Poquonock, and was
ever a man ot inestimable value to the commu-
nity.
By his first marriage Mr. Case had the following
children : Adelaide, now the wife of C. M. Mc-
Lean, secretary and treasurer of the American
Mills, at Rockville, Conn.; Fredus M., our subject;
Winfield S., a resident of Rainbow ; George, a resi-
dent uf \\ allingford. Conn.; Henry, who died at
the age of twenty-five years, and James, a resident
of W allingford. The mother of these children died
Sept. 27, i8yo, and the father subsequently married
Airs. C. Elizabeth (Bellj Case, widow of Henry
Case, but she is now also deceased. Mr. Case
passed away Feb. 23, 1899, his death resulting from
a shock of paralysis.
Predus ^\1. Case, whose name introduces this re-
view, was lx)rn in Rainbow, April 25, 1856, and be-
gan his education in the local schools, later at-
tended a select school at Poquonock, the Mt. Pleas-
ant Institute, Amherst, and Comer's Commercial
School, of Boston, where he completed the course
and received a diploma. After his graduation he be-
came bookkeeper for C.N. McLean, Boston, and later
was associated with that gentleman, as commission
men in the wool business. He went to San Antonio,
Texas, and established the pioneer business of that
State in the line of packing and grading wool. On
his return to Connecticut he located in Rainbow,
where he was associated in business with his father
for some time, and in May, 1890, took entire charge
of the teaming business, transporting the products
of the mills at Rainbow to Windsor and Hartford,
and employing from thirty-five to forty horses and
many wagons in the business. He makes a spe-
cialty of heavy hauling, and had the carting and
putting in of the huge dynamos for the Farming-
ton River Power Co., which supplies electric light
for Hartford ; also for the plant at Tarififville, die
water-wheel, etc. The dynamos weigh fifty-five
tons, one piece eighteen tons, and Mr. Case designed
and built the wagon for hauling it. It had what
is called a pushing pole, so that teams may be used
both front and back, to pull and push. Mr. Case
also does a general livery business at Rainbow, has
built all his barns and is engaged in farming upon
sixty acres of land. He has charge of Judge S.
O. Griswold's estate, which he successfully man-
ages. He owns an attractive modern home in Rain-
bow, which was completed in 1898.
For his first wife Mr. Case married Miss Min-
nie D. Smith, of Poquonock, by whom he has one
son, living, Herbert S. G., born April 23, 1882,
now attending Mt. Pleasant school. After her
death he wedded Miss Natalie (Parsons) Merwin,
daughter of Rev. N. T. and Martha (Parsons)
Merwin, of Milford. They are members of the Con-
gregational Church, in which Mr. Case has served
as superintendent of the Sabbath-school for seven
years, and is filling that office now, and takes an
active part in church work. He is one of the most
prominent members of the Democratic party in his
locality, and at the early age of twenty-three years
re]iresented the town of W^indsor in the State Leg-
islature. He h^s also served as selectman for five
868
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
successive years. Fraternally he is a member of
the Masonic Lodge at Windsor and of Poquonock
Grange.
WILLIAM ANDREW SMITH, the well-
known and popular postmaster at Hazardville, is
an important factor in business circles, being the
leading hardware merchant of the village, and as a
public-spirited citizen he is thoroughly interested
in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual
and material welfare of the community.
Mr. Smith was born in Barnesville, New Bruns-
wick, May 4, 1844, a son of Andrew and Mary
(Barnes) Smith, also natives of New Brunswick,
where they continued to make their home until
1850, in which year they became residents of Brim-
field, Mass. There the father engaged in farming
for ten years, and followed the same pursuit in
Wales, Mass., for four years. At the end of that
time he removed to Somers, Conn., where he re-
mained ten years, and then came to Windsor Locks,
Hartford county. Since 1883 he has resided in
Hazardville, and is one of the highly-respected citi-
zens of the place. His children, six in number,
were Jennie, deceased; Carrie, wife of George B.
Gordon; William A.; James H. ; John W.; and
George H.
William A. Smith, our subject, was reared in
New England, and his educational privileges were
such as the common schools of his day afforded.
In 1872 he began his business career as a clerk
for Gordon Brothers, Hazardville, acting in that
capacity until 1886, when he purchased the business
in which he is now engaged. He carries a large and
well-selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware,
and by courteous treatment and fair dealing he has
succeeded in building up an excellent trade.
On May 16, 1888, Mr. Smith married Miss
Jessie M., daughter of Franklin and Ann S. ( Spen-
cer) Smith, of Flazardville, and to their union has
been born one daughter, Marian L., now deceased.
The Republican party always finds in Mr. Smith
a stanch supporter of its principles, and in 1890 he
received the appointment of postmaster at Hazard-
ville, which position he is still filling to the entire
satisfaction of the many patrons of the office. His
public service has been most exemplary, and his
private life has been marked by the utmost fidelity
to duty.
RALPH HART ENSIGN, manager of En-
sign, Bickford & Co., manufacturers of fuses at
Simsbury, is a native of that town, and descends
from two of the oldest families in the county, the
Ensigns and the Whitings, being of the seventh
generation of both, counting from and including;-
the first colonist of each family.
On the paternal side, James Ensign was the
first to come from England, locating in Cambridge,
whence he came to Hartford in 1634, and the heads
of the families for the six generations following
have been David, Thomas, Moses, Isaac, MoseSj
and Ralph Hart, the subject of this sketch.^ The
founder of tlie Whiting family in New England
was William, who was one of the earliest settlers-
of Hartford, and on this, the maternal side of the
house, the heads of the families have consecutively
been Joseph, John, Allen, Elijah, with Martha T.
and our subject following in due course.
The name Ensign is of Saxon origin, as will'
be seen in the biographical notices of the East Hart-
ford branch of the family. It is traced to the En-
sign Manor at Childham, near Canterbury, Eng-
land, and the family arms appeared in Childham
church. The name was known as far back as 1563
in the counties of Essex, Norfolk and Kent, and
was a distinguished cognomen. Jamjes Ensign,
the founder of the American family, came to Hart-
ford with Rev. Thomas Hooker, assisted in organ-
izing the Second Church, and died in November,
1670. His only son, David, was born in 1645, and
first married Mehitable Gunn, daughter of Thomas
Gunn, of Windsor, but they were divorced by mu-
tual consent, and he married Sarah Wilcox, who
died Feb. 3, 1717. David removed to West Hart-
ford, where he organized the Congregational
Church, and died Dec. 12, 1727. His children were
named David, James and Thomas.
Thomas Ensign, youngest son of David, mar-
ried Hannah Shepherd, daughter of John and Re-
becca (Greenhill) Shepherd, and among their chil-
dren was Moses, who was born in South Windsor,
where, in 1731, he married Love Andrews, a
daughter of Thomas and Love (i<night) Andrews,
and among their • children was Isaac, grandfather
of Ralph H. Ensign.
Isaac Ensign was born in West Hartford, where
he was reared to manhood and learned blacksmith-
ing. 'About 1771 he came to Simsbury and opened
a shop near the old cemetery. He became a prom-
inent citizen of the town, and here married Lu-
ranah Pettibone, daughter of Jacob and Jennie
(Cornish) Pettibone, to which union were born
ten children: Isaac, Isaiah, Ariel, Zeba, Zophar,
Bildad, Eri, Moses, Love and Luranah.
Moses Ensign, the eighth son of the foregoing
familv, was born in Simsbury, and engaged in the
manufacture of tinware. He married Martha Tul-
ler Whiting, a native of Hartford, but a resident
of Simsbury, at the time of marriage. She was a
daughter of Elijah Whiting, a farmer, and was
related to some of- the best families in the county,
among whom were the Allyns, the Lords, the Pyn-
chons, and others of equal note. She was a noble
woman, and the character of her children suggests
the influence she exerted over them. These chil-
dren were born in the following order: Isaac W..
who went South when but twenty-three years old,
and is now a successful merchant in Forsyth, Ga.,
and a most prominent citizen ;-Abbie M., widow of
Capt. Lucius Goodrich, of Simsbury, whose Kog-
raphy appears elsewhere ; David M., deceased ; Sa-
bra T., widow of Chester Seymour, and residing'
in Hartford : Nathan R., who passed a large por-
tion of his life in Georgia, was in the Confederate
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
809
service during the war of the RebelUon, and died
ill Simsbury, Conn.; and Ralph 11., the subject of
iliis sketch. In poHtics Aioses Ensign was a Dem-
ocrat, and although not a public man, nor one to
push himself into general notice, was a regular
voter, and took more than an ordinary interest in
his party's success. He was prominent as a mem-
ber of and officer in the Congregational Church,
in the faith of which he died at the age of seventy
vears ; his wife passed away when fiftv-six. He
was the type of citizen that posteritv can feel ])roud
<if, and was sadly missed by the community when
called away.
Ral]jh H. Ensign was born Nov. 3, 1834, in a
house that stood on the site of the "Elm Tree Inn."
He attended the Hop Meadow District school in
early \'outh, and among his teachers were Eliza
Hall, jane Weston and Mrs. Merritt. He later at-
tended the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield,
at a time when it ranked among the foremost of its
kind in the State, and still later attended Wilbra-
ham Academy for a short time. When not at
^chool, he assisted his father in the shop or was
engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-one
\ears he went to Suffield, and was employed for
>onie time by Samuel Austin, an extensive manu-
facturer of cigars, as assistant foreman. For a short
time, also, Mr. Ensign lived in Georgia with his
elder brothers, who were there engaged in busi-
ness, and on his return to Connecticut accepted a
position as clerk; in Tariffville, later engaging in
mercantile business on his own accovuit at the same
]/lace.
In .\ugust, 1863, Mr. Ensign entered the em-
ploy of Toy, Bickford & Co., fuse manufacturers
at Simsburv, became a member of the firm in 1870,
and April i, 1887. when the concern was reorgan-
ized, as Ensign, Bickford & Co., he was made man-
ager. This firm is the oldest in America in its line,
iloes the largest business in the manufacture of
blasting fuses, and owns a branch plant in Brook-
lyn, Alameda County, Cal. Its product is shipped
to all parts of the world, and its headquarters at
Simsburv has been of great value to the town.
Air. Ensign married, July 21, 1863, Aliss Susan
Toy, a native of Cornwall. England, and a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Jane (Osier) Toy, whose biop--
raphy appears elsewhere. She was but a child when
brought to the United States, and was reared in
Simsbury. Of the five children born to this unio.i,
Sarah I. died in infancy; Joseph R. is fully spoken
of in a sketch elsewhere; Susan A. and Juba W'.
reside with their parents in Simsbury ; pud Ed-
ward William died in childhood.
In politics Mr. Ensign is of Democratic pro-
clivities, but he is not strongly partisan. In 1876
he represented his town in the State Legislature.
Eraternallv he is a member of Simsl)ury Lodge,
!■ . & A. i\I. Mrs. Ensign in religion is an ardent
^letbodist. Air. Ensign is known as a careful busi-
ness man, and is a director in the Hartford Na-
tional Bank and several other monetary institu-
tions.
MAR\'IN LEWIS (deceased), who during his
life was one of the most respected citizens of Suf-
field, was born on tlie homestead at Hastings Hill,
in Suffield, December, 1816, and was a son of John
and Hannah (Hastings) Lewis. He was of Eng-
lish descent, his grandfather, John Lewis, who was
a hand-weaver by trade, having been the first of the
family to come from England to the United States
and to make his home at Hastings Hill, where he
passed the remainder of his life in the pursuit of
agriculture.
John Lewis, father of Marvin Lewis, was born
on the Hastings Hill farm, which consisted of sixty
acres, passed his life in farming, and died at the
age of seventy-five years, in the faith of the Bap-
tist Church ; his remains, like those of his father,
were interred in Zion's Hill cemetery. In politics
he was a Democrat, and for several years served
as selectman of the town. To his marriage with
Hannah Hastings, daughter of Abijah Hastings,
were born ten children, two of whom died in in-
fancy ; those who reached maturity were Orvil,
Louisa, Alvin and Marvin, all since deceased; Han-
nah D., who was married to Henry Mather, of
Southwick, Mass. ; Phebc, who married Lovatus
Rising, also of Southwick ; Abijah, now on the home-
stead; and Mary Ann, also tleceased, who married
James Smith, of Rhode Island. The mother of
this family died on the farm and was buried in
Zion's Hill cemetery.
Marvin Lewis remained with his parents until
he was twenty years of age, when he bought a small
tract of land near the homestead (the tract is now
owned by William Lyons), and after a residence
thereon of fifteen years sold out, and bought the
Abijah Remington fann of sixty acres, to which he
added forty acres, made many improvements, and
here died Jan. i, 1886 — one of the most successful
tobacco growers and farmers of Suffield. He was
liberal in his church views, but was a true Christian,
was charitable to all, and was of temperate habits.
In politics he was first a Democrat, and later a
Republican, and was altogether a useful citizen,
respected by all who knew him.
In 1843, ^Ir. Lewis married, in Suffield, Miss
Almira C. Remington, daughter of Abijah Reming-
ton, to which union were born two children. Oilman
M. and Newton R., the former of whom was a grad-
uate of the Connecticut Literary Institute, married
Josephine Wright, of Feeding Hills, and died while
still young, the father of one child, Ada. who mar-
ried George Eastman, of New York City.
Newton R. Lewis for several years was engaged
in the hardware business in Bridgeport, Conn., and
later in the livery business. After the death of his
father he engaged in tobacco growing and fanning
on the homestead. For his first wife he mar-
ried Ada Freeman, only daughter of Eli Freeman, of
West Suffield, and for his second wife he wedded
Grace Holmes, a native of East Bridgewatcr, Mass.,
and a daughter of Ellis W. and Julia J. (Gushing)
870
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Holmes, who now make New Bedford their home.
To Newton R. Lewis and wife have been born two
children, Gwendolyn and John.
Abijah Remington, grandfather of Mrs. Marvin
Lewis, was a native of Suffield, was a captain in
the Revolution, and died at his home — the farm
now owned by Mrs. Lewis. He married Silence
Rising, who bore him nine children : Silence, mar-
ried to John Rice ; Desire, married to James Lewis ;
Abijah, father of Mrs. Marvin Lewis; Lucy, mar-
ried to Thomas Archer; Lydia, married to Will-
iam Hastings, who after her death wedded her
sister, Laura; Julius; Mary, married to Chancey
Sheldon; and Cynthia, who died at the age of
eleven years.
Abijah Remington, father of Mrs. Lewis, in his
young manhood taught school in winter and worked
on his father's farm in summer. He was one of
the first tobacco growers in Suffield, was an ex-
tensive landholder, owning, among other property,
the farm now occupied by William H. Peckham
and that occupied by Mrs. Lewis. He died in
1856, a member of the Baptist Church, and
one of the most respected men of the county,
his remains being interred at Zion's Hill. In poli-
tics he was a Whig. To his marriage with Chloe
Hanchett, were born two children: Horace, who
died in San Jose, Cal. ; and Almira C, now Mrs.
Lewis. Mrs. Chloe Remington lived to the ripe
age of eightj'-seven years, died, a devout Baptist,
at the home of Mrs. Lewis, and was interred in
Zion's Hill cemetery.
Thomas Hanchett, a maternal ancestor of Mrs.
Lewis, was the first of the name to come from
England. He first located in Roxbury, Mass., in
1620, but afterward made several removes, viz.:
In 1649, to Wethersfield, Conn.; in 1651, to New
London; in 1654, to Northampton; in 1679, to
Westfield; and in 1686 came to Suffield. To his
marriage with Deliverance Laughton, were born
four children — John, Thomas, Deliverance and Han-
nah. The eldest of these, John Llanchett, born
Sept. I, 1649, in Wethersfield, married Elizabeth
Pritchett, Sept. 6, 1677. She died Nov. 29, 171 1,
the mother of the following children : Esther, born
Aug. I, 1678; John, Nov. 16, 1679; Samuel, April
7, 1682, died Oct. 14, 1761 ; Bathsheba, May 19,
1683; Mehitable, June 22, 1686; Ebenezer, Jan.
13, 1688; and Hannah, Aug. 10, 1693.
John Hanchett, the second of the above family,
married Lydia Hay ward, Feb. 26, 1707. She was
born in 1683, and died in Decemljer, 1777, the
mother of nine children : Lydia, born in December,
1707 (died in July, 171 1) ; John, Nov. i, 1709
(died in December, 1796) ; Lydia, in 1711 ; Ebenezer,
in 1716; Zacharias, in 1718; Uriah, in May, 1721 ;
Joseph, in August, 1723; Hannah, in November,
1725 (died in May, 1727) ; and Hannah (2) Oct.
,17, 1728. Of this family, John, the second born,
married Mary Sheldon, July i, 1733. She was born'
in 1713, and died Aug. 7, 179S, mother of the fol-
lowing children: Mary B., born May 18, 1734, died
Oct. 20, 1750; John, oorn July 3, 1730, died m March,
1759; Luke, born Feb. 3, 1738; Rachel, born Oct.
31, 1739; Oliver, born Aug. 17, 1741 ; David, born
June 8, 1743 ; Lydia, born March 23, 1745 ; Hannah,
and Mary. The father died Dec. 9, 1796. David
Hanchett, the sixth of the above named children,
and the grandfather of Mrs. Lewis, was a captain
in the Revolutionary war. He married, Oct. 24,
1765, Deborah Sheldon, who was born Dec. 26,
1745, and died in May, 1842, the mother of the
following family: John, born Sept. 10, 1766, died
March 30, 1796; Deborah, born May 17, 1768, died
March 11, 1852; Mary, born March 22, 1770, died
May 24, 1772; David, born May 24, 1772, died
Nov. 24, 1776; Oliver, born July 23, 1774, died
Oct. 7, 1829; Hannah, born Feb. 22, 1777, died
April 5, 1813 ; David, born April 13, 1779, died Feb.
2, 1865; Erastus, born Jan. 31, 1781, died Sept.
16, 1854; Seth, born Aug. 7, 1783, died Sept. 5,
1853; Chloe, born Jan. 10, 1786 (married Abijah
Remington, and became the mother of Mrs. Lewis),
died Oct. 15, 1872; Betsey, born Nov. 17, 1789,
died Sept. 5, 1849; and Phineas, born May 22, 1792,
died March 19, 1865. The father of this family
died in 1822, a devout member of the Baptist
Church.
HON. JAMES BARLOW ROSE, one of West
Suffield's most respected native-]porn citizens and
retired business men, was born April 5, 1816. His
father. Barlow Rose, was a son of Gad Rose, of
whom mention is made in full in the biography of
Oliver C. Rose, given elsewhere.
Bailow Rose, in early manhood, was very suc-
cessful as a peddler of Yankee notions, shoes, cigars,
indigo and other articles, through the States of
Connecticut and New York, later becoming inter-
ested, with his brother Curtis, in conducting a saw-
mill and distillery, and still later settling down to
farming. In his religious views he was very toler-
ant, and in politics he was first a Federalist and then
a Jeffersonian Democrat; he was noted for his
domestic habits and integrity, as well as his genial
disposition. He married Clarissa King, a native
of Suffield, who bore him six children: James
Barlow, the subject of this sketch; Cornelius, who
died young ; Mortimer, who died in infancy ; Morti-
mer (2), who is also deceased; Almira C, deceased
wife of H. S. Sheldon ; and Alexander C, also de-
ceased. The father died on his farm, the mother
at the home of our subject, and the remains of
both were laid to rest, side by side, in the West
Suffield cemetery. The mother was a faithful mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, and both parents
were greatly respected by all who knew them.
James Barlow Rose was educated in the public
schools and at Westfield Academy, and the first
year after leaving school he clerked for his uncle,
Thaddeus Lyman, in West Suffield. He then
started on the road, and for six years peddled Yankee
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S71
notions, whips and lashes, cigars, etc., through his
native State, New Jersey, New York and Penn-
sylvania. He was very successful in his trips, and
when he relinquished peddling was offered a salary
of $i,8oo per aniiuni by his cniiiloycr to remain on
the road, which he declined. In 1S42 he purchased
a two-thirds interest in the mercantile establish-
ment of William Lyman, of West Suffield. He
induced his brother Mortimer to join him, and in
J 845 bought out Air. Lyman entire, he and his
brother coiitinuing for twenty years in dealing in
tobacco, manufacturing cigars, and in growing to-
bacco. In 1865, Mortimer Rose withdrew and en-
gaged in farming, when our subject admitted his
own son, Clifton B., into partnership, the firm name
becoming J. B. Rose & Son. The new firm drove
a thriving trade until 1873, when a conilagation des-
troyed the store and stock, and J. B. Rose saw fit
to reliiKiuish the cares of mercantile life and to set-
tle on a small farm, where he has since devoted his
attention to agriculture, making tobacco growing a
specialty. His career as a merchant was a most
honorable one, his integrity was never called in
question, and in his quieter pursuit of farming he
is equally respected for his honesty and uniformly
upright conduct.
Air. Rose is to-day one of the oldest Democrats
in the town of Suffield. In 1840 he cast his first
Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, the
A\'hig candidate, and adhered to the Whig party
until the formation of the Know-Nothing or Na-
tive American party, which was largely made up
of \Miigs, when he became a Democrat, and has
since used his franchise in favor of the last-named
[Kjlitical organization. He has filled all of the
town offices, including that of selectman, and in
1873 was elected to the State Legislature, dis-
charging the duties of this office so ably that he
was re-elected for a second term. For twenty-
five years he served as justice of the peace, and dur-
ing this long service not one appeal was ever taken
from his decisions. While filling this office he
once arrested and imprisoned a man for commit-
ting some unlawful act in his presence. The
prisoner brought suit for $10,000 damages for ar-
rest without a warrant, and for some time Justice
Rose was under $2,500 bonds to answer, but when
the case was carried before a jury in the Superior
court it w-as decided in his favor, as Mr. Rose proved
that, tinder an old law, a justice of the peace had
the right to make arrest for unlawful acts com-
mitted in his presence — warrant or no warrant.
During the Civil war, when Mr. Rose was a select-
man, a number of citizens were drafted for mili-
tary serjice, Init did not desire to serve, nor had they
the means with which to hire substitutes. It was
suggested by Mr. Rose and other citizens that the
town be taxed to the amount of $300 for each man
so drafted, and that the town issue its bonds or
notes for the payment of the funds so raised, and
a called meeting endorsed this action. Those of
the citizens who were exempt from service op-
posed the issue of the bonds, and sued out an in-
junction to prevent such issue; but Mr. Rose had
the people on his side, and at a second meeting the
selectmen were empowered tu continue the issue
of bonds, this action calling forth a second injunc-
tion. At still another meeting .\lr. Rose was em-
powered to appoint a comnnttee to act, and the
names of the members of this committee were kept
secret, so that a third injunction was avoided, the
action of the opponents of the measure frustrated,
Mr. Rose and his friends were triumphant, and the
town paid for the necessary substitutes. For a
long time, however, the query was current on the
streets, in the schools, at church gatherings, etc.,
and in the newspapers, "Who are the committee?"
Flon. James B. Rose, in 1839, wedded Miss
Mary M. King, a daughter of Ashel King, of Suf-
field, and to this union were born two children :
Clifton Barlow and Rosaline. Chfton Barlow Rose
was educated in the public schools of Suffield, the
Arms Academy, at Shelburne Fails, -Mass.. and
the Connecticut Literary Institute of Suffield, and
then engaged in mercantile business with his fa-
ther until 1873. In 1876 he went to Arizona, where
he spent four years in merchandising on the Apache
Reservation, and four years as sheriff" of Graham
county, having been appointed to that office by
Gen. John C. Fremont, tie also traveled extensively
in California, Texas, Alexico, New Alexico, and
other parts of the continent, and is now a resident
of Suffield, Conn. Fie married Aliss Louise A.
Stevens, a daughter of James Stevens, of South-
wick, Mass., and to this marriage was born one
child, Harold. Airs. Louisa A. Rose died in 1892,
and her remains were laid to rest in Westfield,
Mass. Clifton B. Rose, in both religion and poli-
tics, is quite liberal, and fraternally he is a member
of Arizona Lodge, F. & A. AI. Rosaline Rose died
)oung, and the mother, Airs. Alary AI. (_King)
Rose, was called away Alay 9, 1886. Air. Rose
subsequently married Alatilda L. Graham, who has
also passed away, dying in the faith of the Con-
gregational Church, and her remains are buried at
Suffield.
Air. Rose is a well-read gentleman, has always
taken an active interest in the welfare of his town,
and his public and private life and acts have been
such as to win for him the esteem of the comnnmity
in which he has passed so many years of an active
and public-spirited existence. Since Jan. i, 1852,
some forty-eight and one-half years ago, he has
kept a daily diary, and can tell wdicre lie was every
day during that time, and generally what he was
doing on each day. He is now in his eighty-fifth
year.
ROWLAND BARLOW, deceased. There is.
particular satisfaction in reverting to the life his-
tory of the honored and venerable gentleman whose
name introduces this review, as he bore in his veins
872
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
some of the best blood of our early Colonists and
was a representative of one of the prominent pio-
neer families of Hampden county, Mass. For two
hundred and fifty years the Barlow family has been
identified with New England history, the first to
cross the Atlantic from England being James Bar-
low, who settled in Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn.,
where he made his home throughout the remainder
of his life, dying there in 1689 or 1690. His only
child, James Barlow, Jr., was born in 1688, in Suf-
field, where he engaged in farming throughout
his active business life, and he died there in 1758.
Edmund Barlow, son of James Barlow, Jr.,
and the grandfather of our subject, was born May
18, 1732, in Suffield, whence when a young man he
removed to Granville, Mass., where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits. During the Revolutionary
war he enlisted, Oct. 21, 1776, in the Colonial ser-
vice, and was first lieutenant in Capt. Cooky's com-
pany, under command of Col. John Wosley and
Lieut.-Col. Timothy Robinson. He received an
honorable discharge Nov. 17, 1776. He married
Miss Sybil Root, of Hebron, Conn., who died in
Granville, Mass., in 1818. Their family numbered
nine children: Edmund, born in May, 1763, died
in 1842; Rebecca, born in November, 1764, mar-
ried Ashel King, and died Jan. 10, 1823 ; Chene,
born in March, 1767, died in Granville, in 1777;
Sybil, born in January, 1769, died July 2, 1833;
James, born in July, 1771, died Sept. 20, 1837;
Mary, born in August, 1773, died in 1777; John,
born in 1776, died in 1777; Chene, born June, 1779.
died in 1829; and Lucy, born in February, 1786,
died June 23, 1859.
Edmund Barlow, Jr., the father of our subject,
spent his entire life in Granville, Mass., engaged in
the occupation of farming, and was the owner of
some good property there. He was one of the
distinguished and honored citizens Of his com-
munity, and 3S a Whig took quite an active and
prominent part in local politics. At one time he
represented his district in the State Legislature. He
was married in Granville, in 1786, to Miss Tabitha
Bancroft, a daughter of Samuel Bancroft. She was
born in 1763, and died in 1851, in Granville, while
his death occurred in, 1842, and the remains of
both were interred in Granville cemetery. They
were the parents of eight children, whose names,
with dates of birth and death, are as follows :
Elizabeth, 1787-1869; Heman, 1790-1884; Mary,
1792-1886; Edmund, 1796-1864; Samuel, 1798-
1876; Diana, 1803-1876; Barber, 1805 (went South
at the age of twenty- three, and never returned) ;
and Rowland, a sketch of whom follows :
Rowland Barlow was born Oct. 8, 1807, in
Granville, Mass., where he grew to manhood and
engaged in farming until i860. His education was
acquired in the public schools of his native town.
On leaving there he came to North Granby, Hart-
ford Co., Conn., where he purchased ninety acres
of land, known as the Rowland Hayes farm, on
which he made his home, while engaged in general
farming, until 1892. He then sold the place and
removed to a farm of forty acres in the town of
Granby, where he lived retired until his death, mt
June 5, 1899. ■
In February, 1831, in Granby, Mr. Barlow mar- ;
ried Miss Chleo Godard, who was born in 181 1, a
daughter of Miles Godard, and four children came
of this union: Edmund B., born in October, 1832,
is a resident of Granville, Mass. ; Leland O., born
in 1835, was a soldier in the Civil war, and died in
Andersonville prison in 1864; Mary Jane, born in
1837, died in 1838; and Jane E., born in 1839,
lived . with her father, and tenderly cared for him
in his declining years. The wife and mother died
in Granville, Mass., in January, 1840, and was
buried there. Mr. Barlow was married in July,
1841, to Miss Lavera Kendall, who was born in
181 1, a daughter of Noadiah Kendall. By this mar-
riage there were also four children : Harriet
Emeroy, born in 1842, is now the wife of Milo
Wilcox, of GranDy ; Arabella Susan, born in 1844,
died in 1850; Stella, born in 1848, is the wife of
Frederick Rice, of Granby; and Rolla Hubert, born
in July, 1852, died in 1879. The mother of these
children died in Granville, July 8, 1852, and was
laid to rest there. For his third wife Mr. Barlow
married her sister, Ursula Kendall, and the only
child born to them died in infancy. Mrs. Barlow,
who was a most estimable woman, departed this
life Feb. 19, 1895, and was buried in Granville
cemetery.
Our subject was the oldest living citizen in
Granby, as well as one of its most highly-respected
and honored men. He cast his first vote in 1828,
and was a Whig until the organization of the Re-
publican party, when he joined its ranks and con-
tinued to fight under its banner. He was never an
office seeker, but in 1861 was the choice of the
people of his district for representative in the State
Legislature. He was broad-minded and liberal in
his views, and in all the relations of life was
found true to every trust reposed in him. He was
always upright and honorable in all his dealings
with his fellow men, and was justly deserving of
the high regard in which he was uniformly held.
LION. EDWARD PRICKETT. While "the
race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the
strong," the invariable law of destiny accords to
tireless energy, industry and ability a successful
career. The truth of this assertion is abundantly
verified in the life of Mr. Prickett, the well-known
superintendent of the Hazard Powder Mills, and a
leading citizen of Enfield.
Our subject was born in Faversham, County of
Kent, England, Feb. 21, 1832, a son of William
and Catherine (Wildish) Prickett, who on coining
tc America in 1836 located in Hazardville, Hart-
ford Co., Conn., where the father served as fore-
man of a department of the Hazard Powder Mills
CdC). &
COMMEMOR.mrE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
878
(itntil killed by an explosion there, in 1844. He was
a skilled workman and manufacturer, and his
knowledge and care aided materially in establish-
ing the fame and excellence of Hazard powder. In
his familv were the following children: Ann, wife
of J. Winthrop I'arsons ; Edward ; Thomas ; Eliza,
wife of Willis Simons; Adeline, wife of George
Whiton ; Ashman P. ; and William A.
Edward I'rickett was only four years old when
he crossed the Atlantic with his parents and took
up his residence in Hazardville, where he was
reared and educated in the common schools. He
began his business career as an employe of the
Hazard Powder Co., and in 1854 left the operative
works and entered the office. During his service
of over forty-five years with that company he has
steadily advanced in public favor, and has their
entire confidence and respect. From childhood he
has been around the mills, and as an employe in the
various departments he soon acquired an excellent
knowledge of the business, being educated in the
chemistry of explosives and thoroughly qualified
by training and experience for his present respon-
sible position. He has regularly maintained the, su-
perior quality of Hazard powder, and has firmly
established its reputation.
On Alay 22, 1856, Mr. Prickett was united in
marriage with Aliss Barbara Law, daughter of
James and Jane (Crawford) Law, natives of Scot-
land, and five children have been born of this
union: Georgianna C, wife of M. L. Bailey; Hel-
ena J., wife of W. H. Miner; Clift'ord D., who mar-
ried Edith M. Gordon; Edward L., who married
Hdma T. Dahlgren ; and Efiie JNL The family are
members of the JMethodist Episcopal Church, and
merit and receive the respect and esteem of all
who know them. Politically i\lr. Prickett is iden-
tified with the Republican party, and, as one of the
popular and influential citizens of his community,
he was called upon to represent Enfield in the State
Legislature in 1879.
HON. EDWIN JOHN SHELDON, an enter-
prising young tobacco grower and general farmer
of Sufifield, was born in Florence township, Will
Co., Ill, Oct. 27, i860, but is of Connecticut par-
entage.
William Stevens Sheldon, father of Edwin J.,
was born Jan. 20, 1833, ori the farm now owned
by Deacon Benjamin Sheldon, in the town of Suf-
field. Conn., a biography of whom appears elsewhere.
He was educated in the district schools and the
Connecticut Literary Institute, and remained on the
home place until twenty-two years of age, when he
started for the West, for ten years living in Will
county, 111., where he engaged in stock raising and
grain growing. In 1865 he sold his farm and re-
turned to Connecticut, and settled on the old home-
stead of 160 acres where he was born, and on
which he died Feb. 27, 1894. In politics William
S. Sheldon was a Republican, and was honored by
the people of Florence, 111., with election as school
commissioner and also as road commissioner. For
years he was a deacon in the Congregational Church,
and his conduct throughout life was such as to
command the respect of all who knew him. I'o
his marriage, which took place in Wilmington, W'ill
Co., Ill, Feb. 25, 1858, with ^liss Sarah Jane Rick-
ard, who was born July 11, 1835, a daughter of
Daniel Rickard, of New York State, were born two
children: Edwin J., and Mary E., the wife of Henry
R. liemenway, of Suffield. Mrs. Sarah Jane
Sheldon was called away by death Oct. 11, 1893,
dying in the faith of the Congregational Church.
Edwin J. Sheldon was but four years of age
when brought from his birthplace in the West to
the home of his forefathers in the East, and was
reared here to manhood. He was educated in the
public schools, primarily, then attended the Con-
necticut Literary Institute of Suffield, and in 1882
took a course of instruction in the Eastman Busi-
ness College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. When he
became of age he was admitted to partnership with
his father in the cultivation of tobacco and in gen-
eral farming. After the death of his father, Mr.
Sheldon purchased the homestead, and is now ex-
tensively engaged in the same line of agriculture,
with the additional industry of cattle breeding. The
place has been owned and occupied by Sheldons
ever since 1740, when the country was a wilder-
ness.
In 1886 Mr. Sheldon was united in matrimony
with Mrs. Clara Easton, the widow of Edgar Easton,
and a daughter of Charles Van Gilder, a cigar manu-
facturer of Sufiield, her native town. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and i\Irs. Sheldon were born two chil-
dren: William Harrison, born Aug. i, 18S8, who
died June 18, 1889; and Edwin Raymond, born
Aug. 16, 1891. Death bereft Mr. Sheldon of his
wife Nov. 26, 1893.
In politics Mr. Sheldon is a stalwart Repub-
lican, has served as assessor and justice of the peace
of Suffield, and also as a grand juror. In 1896 he
was elected a member of the State Legislature, in
which he served on the committee on Towns,
Counties and County Scats, with unusual effective-
ness, and to the entire satisfaction of the august
body of which he was a member. In his views of
religion, Mr. Sheldon is liberal and somewhat lati-
tudinarian, but is nevertheless a sincere Christian
and liberal in his contributions to the support of
the various churches of his neighborhood. He be-
lieves in free education, and aids in every movement
to advance and maintain the public scliools. That
he is a favorite with the comunity in which he lives
is very manifest, as he has been chosen, ever since
he reached his majority, to fill some jxjsition of
honor and trust in which he might converse the
interests of his fellow citizens.
S. TERRY WELLS, a successful agriculturist
of East Windsor, is one of the progressive citizens
whose influence is felt in the community as a power
874
COMMEAIDRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
on the side of advancement. As a member of one
of the old famihes of the town he well maintains
the reputation for good citizenship established by
its members in past times.
Mr. Wells is of the sixth generation in descent
from Joshua Wells, Sr., who died in Windsor in
1 72 1, aged seventy-five years. His birth place is
not known, but is supposed to have been in this
country. Joshua Wells, Jr., an early resident of
East Windsor, the line extending through Lamp-
son, the great-grandfather of our subject; Joshua
(3), the grandfather, and Solomon, the father, all
of whom were born in East Windsor, and resided
there throughout their lives. The name was origin-
ally spelled Wills, and has also been spelled Willis.
Solomon Wells, our subject's father, was born
July 28, 1793, and died Jan. 25, 1853. He mar-
ried Miss Dorcas Terry, who was born July 3,
1799, daughter of Christopher Terry, of the town
of Enfield, this county, and she survived him many
years, dying Feb. 15, 1878. This worthy couple
had two children: S. Terry, our subject, and Eliza-
beth, born Jan. 27, 1837, who married Charles H.
Wells, of Suffield.
Our subject was born Feb. 17, 1831, on his pres-
ent farm, where . he has always made his home.
During his youth he attended Scantic Academy,
Wilbraham Seminary, at Wilbraham, Mass., and the
academy at East Hampton, Mass., and on leaving
school he engaged in farming with his father. Since
the death of the latter he has had the sole -manage-
ment of the estate, and in connection with general
farming he is extensively interested in dairying and
tobacco culture. The homestead comprises one
hundred acres of excellent land and he also owns a
fifty-acre tract in the town. His interest in the
welfare of agriculturists generally is shown by his
active work in the local Grange, of which he has
been master for five years, and he is prominent in
the management of the First Congregational Church
at Scantic, having served as clerk and treasurer
for forty years. For forty years he has been a
member of the local school board, and for twenty-
five years of that time he has done effective work
as acting school visitor. He is a stanch Republican,
being one of the valued advisors of the town
organization, and in 1890 was elected first selectman,
serving with Elisha G. Morton and George A.
Ellis.
In 1857 Mr. Wells married Miss Sarah L. Prior,
daughter of Harvey Prior, a well-known resident
of this county, who served many years as deputy
sheriff, and was collector of taxes for twenty-five
years, in the town of East Windsor.
Herbert C. Wells, our subject's only son, was
born Aug. 2, 1867, and now resides at the home-
stead. Fie was educated at the Connecticut Liter-
ary Institute, in Suffield, and has shown decided
talent as a musician and in the art of taxidermy, to
which he devotes much of his leisure time. In
1897 he maj-ried Miss Jane P., daughter of Homer
S. and Adeline (Bartlett) Allyn, of East Windsor,
and two children, Eleanor Adelaide, and Louisa Gris!
wold, have blessed the union.
CHARLES H. GRAFIAM, the present well-
known treasurer of the Upson Nut Co., of Union-
vile, was born in New Britain, Hartford county,
Oct. 15, 1837, and is of Scottish descent, his pater-
nal great-grandfather having been a native of Scot-
land. His grandfather, Curtis Graham, was a resi-
dent, of Norwich, Conn., where he was engaged in !
the saddlery business. He married Paulina Lord,
and they had three children : Gilbert, a resident of
New Britain, Conn. ; Mary, of Indiana ; and Will-
iam Lord, father of our subject. All are now de-
ceased.
William Lord Graham was born, reared and edu-
cated in, Norwich. In early life he followed the
trade of a brass-turner in New Britain, and later en-
gaged in the manufacture of cow bells and hames
for harness, at that place. He died in Burlington,
Conn., in 1869. He married Miss Almira Wilmot,
a daughter of Thomas Wilmot, of Burlington, and ■
to them were born four children : Charles H., our '
subject; Walter A., a superintendent of the Fair
Haven & Westville railroad, and a resident of New
Haven, Conn. ; Mary Jane, wife of Albert J. Brewer,
of Unionville ; and William J., also a resident of
Unionville. For his second wife the father mar-
ried Frances Pettibone, and of the children born to
them one son, Arthur, now a resident of Buriingto.i,
Conn., grew to maturity.
Charles H. Graham passed his boyhood and
youth in New Britain and Burlington, and was edu-
cated in the public schools. At the age of eighteen
years he commenced working for Dwight Langdon,
who founded the Upson Nut Co., in 1854, and under
him he became thoroughly conversant with bolt
manufacturing. The firm was later composed of |
A. S. Upson and George Dunham, who carried on
business for a time under the firm name of Upson
& Dunham, and it was later changed to the Upson
Nut Co., of which A. S. Upson is president ; W. A.
Hitchcock, secretary ; and Charles H. Graham, treas-
urer. Our subject was employed as shipper by Up-
son & Dunham and had a contract for making bolts
with the Upson Nut Co. ; subsequently was super-
intendent of the factory for fifteen years ; and upon
the death of Samuel Frisbie, became treasurer. He
is also secretary of the Union Nut & Bolt Co., of i
New York and Chicago; assistant treasurer of the
Union Rolling Mill Co., of Cleveland, Ohio., vice-
president of the Unionville Water Co.,. and a di-
rector in the Union Water Co., of Unionville. Fle
is a' practical mechanic, thoroughly conversant with
every department of the business. Our subject in-
vented the first automatic lathe for threading bolts,
for which he secured a patent.
At Unionville Mr. Graham married Miss Eme-
line A. Upson, a daughter of Seth and Martha Up-
son, and they have five children : Walter E., a
^^Hi
131
^Hp^^^Jp^
^^H
^^^^^^^R' ^^^^^^^^^(K
L^H
1^1
■
M
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
875
jbookkoopcr, who niarried Clarc.bcl Lusk, and l:a3
'two children, Kenneth and Arline ; Samuel F., as-
sistant superintendent of the I'pson Nut Co.. and
one of the selectman of Farniington ; Henry C, a
resident of Cleveland, Ohio, where he has the posi-
tion of paymaster for the Upson Nut Co. (in Au-
gust, 1899, he married Alice Taylor, of Unionville) ;
and Lila E. and Winifred, both deceased.
Socially Mr. Graham is aftiliated with Kvening;
Star Lodge No. lOi, F. & A. M., and with his wife
is a member of the Congregational Church of Union-
ville. He has served his fellow citizens as justice of
the peace and as a member of the board of relief.
He has always made the most of his opportunities,
and his life 'illustrates what can be accomplished
through industry, perseverance, good management
and a determination to succeed. By his straight-
forward, honorable course, he has also won the
' public confidence and the high regard of his fellow
i citizens.
i
■ JAMES \^'00D. Among the influential mem-
I bers of the farming community of West Suffield,
i and one of its most prosperous citizens, is the gen-
tleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is
entirely a self-made man in the truest sense of tlie
word, having been the only architect of his own
fortunes, and he has raised hnnself from humble cir-
cumstances to a position of affluence, aided only by
his own strong arms, indomitable energy and laud-
able ambition.
2^1r. Wood was born Aug. 7, 1829, on the banks
of the Thames, in the County of Kent, England,
and is a son of Richard and JMarj^ (Knowles)
Wood, who spent their entire lives there. In their
family were six children : John, who died in Bloom-
i field. Conn. ; George, who died in Southwick, ]\Iass. ;
■ Catharine, and Alary, who both died in England;
Richard, who died in Somers, Conn. ; and James,
our subject.
As his parents were poor, Mr. Wood had no
educational advantages, and at the tender age of
eight years began working as a farm laborer, re-
ceiving but small wages even after becoming able
to do a man's work. He was employed in that
capacity until he was nineteen, when he determined
to try his fortune in the New \\'orld, where he be-
lieved that better opportunities were afforded am-
bitious and industrious young men. Bidding good-
bye to their aged parents, he and his brother Rich-
ard went to Liverpool and took passage on the
sailing vessel "Ocean Queen," the brother advanc-
ing the money to pay for the same. After six
weeks spent upon the water, they landed in Boston,
and proceeded at once to Springfield, ]\Iass. The
following day our subject came to Suffield, Conn.,
where he found employment with Col. Simon Ken-
dall, as a farm hand, and during the two years he
remained with that gentleman he worked for eight
dollars per month during the summer season, and
attended school through the winter, doing the chores
for his board. The following two years he spent
with Seth King. Both employers he served faith-
i\i\\\ and well, and they became his lifelong friends
and benefactors. From his wages he saved $4cx>
which he invested in sixteen acres of land, Mr.
King assisting him in paying for the same. After
operating it for six months and cutting most of the
timber from the land, he sold the place for twenty-
five dollars more than he paid for it. His next
purchase consisted of forty acres of land in Aga-
wam, Mass., where he spent one year, and on sell-
ing out returned to Suffield where he bought
twenty acres known as the William Pomeroy farm.
There he made his home for sixteen years, engaged
in general farming, tobacco raising, lumbering,
quarrying stone, and other occupations by which
he could earn an honest dollar. In this way he was
able to save enough to purchase a much larger
farm, and bought his present place of seventy-five
acres, known as the Granger farm, upon which he
has now resided for twenty-eight years. He has
spent $4,000 in improvements upon the place, in-
cluding the erection of tobacco sheds and the put-
ting of a stone basement under his barn.
In Suffield, J\Ir. Wood was married, in 1853, to
Miss Sophia Lester, a daughter of Milton Lester,
and to them were born seven children : Silas L.,
a famier; Luella J., wife of Calvin Feelen, of
Suffield; Martha, Henry and Mary, who all died
young; Arthur H., a farmer; and James E., a resi-
dent of Suffield. The wife and mother, who was
a faithful member of the Baptist Church, died in
18S5, and was laid to rest near the First Baptist
Church at Zion's Hill. Mr. \^'ood was again mar-
ried, in 1895, his second union being with Mrs. Jane
E. (Lemon) Taylor, widow of Edwin Taylor, and
daughter of James Lemon. She was born in
Belchertown, ]Mass. Politically Mr. Wood is identi-
fied with the Republican party, and religiously is a
member of the Baptist Church. In all the relations
of life he has been found true and faithful to every
trust reposed in him, and he has a large circle of
friends and acquaintances who esteem him highly.
NORTON ABBE, an enterprising and promi-
nent farmer of Enfield, was born Nov. 2, 1825, on
the old Abbe homestead in that town, which he
now occupies, a son of Levi and Dorcas (\A'olcott)
Abbe, natives of Enfield and East Windsor, re-
spectively.
Mr. Abbe's paternal grandparents were Daniel
and Salla (Pease) Abbe, the former born Nov. 7,
1750. and his wife on Dec. 2, 1757. Daniel Abbe was
a large landowner, and left each of his surviving
children a competency. They were : Daniel, Jr.,
Timothy, Levi. Sally P. (Mrs. Luther .Allen);
George (i). George(2), Harris, Erastus and
Stoddard. The great-grandfather of our subject
was John Abbe, son of Thomas, the progenitor of
this branch of the Abbe family in this locality, where
he settled about 1725. Thomas was a son of John
876
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Abbe, a native of Maryland, of Huguenot stock, who
was among the pioneers of Wrentham, Massachu-
setts.
Levi Abbe, father of our subject, inherited
the homestead now occupied by our subject. He
was a prominent farmer, and lived and died on the
homestead. His children were Marionette (Mrs.
Seth Phelps), Dorcas (Mrs. Rufus Parsons), Salla
(Mrs. George King), Wolcott, Pease, Mary A.
(Mrs. George Barber), Daniel, Harriet, Gilbert,
Maria (Mrs. Albert Abbe), and Norton, our sub-
ject, now the sole survivor of the family.
Norton Abbe has always resided on the old
homestead, where he was born and reared, and is
a progressive farmer. He married, Nov. 27, 1856,
Eliza Turvey, a native '^f England, daughter of
William and Sarah (Ml. ..ell) Turvey. She bore
him four sons, Edwin W., Albert N., Herbert A.
and Levi P. Mr. and Mrs. Abbe are members of
the First Congregational Church of Enfield. He
is also a member of the church committee, and was
formerly superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN P. JONES, now a prosperous farmer
■of the town of South Windsor, is a representative
of one of the old Hartford county families.. He is
of the fifth generation in descent from Nathaniel
Jones, who about 1714, migrated from the Colony
of Massachusetts and settled upon a farm in Hart-
ford county. Conn., the line being traced as fol-
lows: (2) John; (3) Nathaniel; (4) John P.; and
(5) John P., our subject. Nathaniel Jones, the
grandfather, was a teamster in the Revolutionary
army, he being at that time sixteen years old. He
resided on what is now State street, east of Front
street, Hartford, that thoroughfare not having been
opened through the farm from Front street to the
river until 1801.
John P. Jones, the father of our subject, was
born in Hartford in 1791. Until his death, in 1880,
one of his most pleasant memories was that as a
child of seven years, in 1798, he saw Gen. Wash-
ington at Hartford. He became a soldier in the
war of 1812. He engaged in farming upon the
ancestral home in Hartford for a few years, after
which he engaged in the retail grocery and oyster
Tjusiness, in Hartford, continuing same about tliirty
years. In 1847 he moved to the farm in South
Windsor, six and one-half miles distant from Hart-
ford, and there remained until his death, at the
ripe age of eighty-nine years. He was a man of
prominence, and held various public offices. Mr.
Jones married Lucy E. Pratt, who died in 1878,
aged seventy-seven years. To this union were
"born eight children: Mary, who died in December,
1843; Martha, who resides with our subject; John
P. ; Oliver, a farmer and tobacco grower of South
Windsor; Nathaniel, also a farmer and tobacco
grower of South Windsor; Jane E., living with
our subject; and Lucy and James, deceased.
John P. Jones was born in Hartford May 15,
1832, and was about fifteen years old when he came '
with his fatli^r from Hartford to South Windsor.
He was educated at what was known as the Gen- !
ter school house, which stood on the site of the \
store in Hartford now occupied in part by Fred-
erick Ellsworth. Since coming to South' Windsor,
more than a half century ago, he has ever since
continued to reside there, engaged in general farm-
ing and tobacco growing. '
Mr. Jones has at various times been called upon
to fill public office. He is a Democrat in politics,
and in 1882 was elected on the ticket of that party
to the State Legislature. He was in 1881 elected
selectman of South Windsor; has for three years
filled the office of assessor ; and for two years was
a member of the board of rehef. He is an indus-
trious and successful farmer, held in high esteem
by the community in which he lives.
HON. GEORGE FITCH KENDALL, State
Senator from the Third District of Connecticut, is
descended from several of the oldest and most in-
fluential families of the State, and his high ideal
of citizenship is worthy of his ancestry. As a
business man he has shown enterprise and sound
judgment, but his name will be longest remembered
for his efficient and faithful work in public Hfe.
No movement of any merit is projected in his town
to which his influence is not given,' and as a legis-
lator he has identified himself with the best interests
of the State at large, winning the approbation of the
best, people of the Commonwealth, irrespective of
party.
Mr. Kendall's ancestors in the direct paternal
line settled in Suffield at an early period, soon after
their emigration from England. Joshua Kendall,
our subject's great-grandfather, was born in Suf-
field, and followed farming there throughout his
life. He was an excellent citizen, and for many
years was a leading member of the Presbyterian
Church. His wife's maiden name was Theodosia
Bronson, and they had three children: Horace,
Mahala (who married Calvin Spencer), and Simon.
Simon Kendall, our subject's grandfather, was
born July 29, 1785, and died March 29, 1856. He
was educated in the district and select schools of
Suffield, and in early manhood taught schools for
some time, later engaging in farming and stock
raising, his homestead comprising 200 acres of
land. He took an active part in religious affairs
as a member of the Baptist Church, and was a promi-
nent worker in the local Democratic organization,
serving as selectman. His strict views on temper-
ance were unusual for that day, and he and his
wife, Elizabeth Kent, were both much above the
average in intelligence and culture. Of their eight
children, George Fitch died in Richmond, Va. ;
Betsey (deceased) married Josiah W. King, of
Xenia, Ohio ; Rebecca, twin of Betsey, never mar-
ried ; Simon B. is mentioned more fully below ;
Clarissa married Edmund T. Halladay, now de-
ceased, and is the mother of Hon. Edmund Halla-
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
877
l:lay, of Suffickl ; Mary married John McKibben,
and died in Pennsylvania; Henry L. died in Lialti-
niore, Md. ; and Jane Maria did not live to adnlt age.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Kent) Kendall, our subjeet's
grandmother, was born Sept. 24, 17S4, and died
Feb. 25, i8bo, her remains being interred beside
ithose of her husband in Suffield cemetery. She was
ia daughter of Capt. Eliliu Kent, and a grand-
daughter of Col. Elilui Kent, both of whom fought
in the battle of Lexington, and served with dis-
tinction in other engagements of the Revolutionary
war. Col. Elihu Kent married Sybil Dwight, in
whose honor S\bil Dwight Kent Chapter, of the D.
A. R., at Suffield, is named. Our subject's mother,
whose maiden name was Adaline K. Kent, was
also a mpmber of this well-known family. Her
grandfather, Seth Kent, who married Lucy Rem-
ington, was a wealthy landowner and farmer in
Suffield, and her father, Comfort Kent, was also
a prominent citizen of that town. His wife, Tir-
zah Hastings, was a native of Hasting's Hill, and
a daughter of Abijah tiastings. This worthy
couple had eight children: Amy H. (Mrs. Wright) ;
James, deceased; Adaline K. (Mrs. Kendall);
Mary A. (Mrs. Grosvenor), deceased; Marie L.
(Mrs. Sanford Rising) ; Charlotte (Mrs. Halla-
day) ; Ambrose, deceased; and Luther, who occu-
pied the old Kent homestead. The mother died
March 24, 1855, and the father survived her but
a few years, dying Dec. 2, 1862.
Col. Simon B. Kendall, father of our subject,
was born in June, 1814, on North street, Suffield,
and after completing a common-school course en-
tered the Connecticut Literary Institute, being one
of the first students in that noted school. For about
twenty years he taught successfully, and as an in-
structor and disciplinarian he had no superior in
Suffield in his time. Flaring been reared to far-n
work he followed that occupation to some extent
in later years, but his duties as a teacher and public
official occupied his attention chiefly. For twenty-
one years he served as selectman, seventeen years
in succession, and he represented his town in the
State Legislature several times. From 1856 to
1859 he was sheriff of Hartford county; when
Joseph R. Hawley first appeared as a candidate
for Congress Mr. Kendall was his opponent and, al-
though defeated, had a majority of the votes in
Hawley 's own city of Hartford. He was well-
known throughout the State, his acquaintances in-
cluding the most influential men of every locality,
and often when traveling he would be greeted by
people of whom he knew nothing. So ably did he
meet his duties in all positions that many of his
political opponents were among his warmest ad-
mirers. For a number of years he was active in
military aft'airs, and he held every rank in the 17th
Regiment below that of brigadier-general. Fie was
a prominent member of the Second Baptist Church
of Suffield. and his fine musical gifts were utilized
to good purpose during a long period of service
as chorister. He died April 28, 1883, in his sixty-
ninth year, and his estimable widow, ^Irs. Adaline
K. (Kent) Kendall, is still living in Suffield, in her
eighty-second year. They had two children : Enuna,
now Mrs. Cecil H. Fuller, of Suffield, and George
Fitch.
Our subject was born Sept. 2, 1849, o" Xorth
street, Suffield, in a house opposite the one in which
his father first saw the light. He attended the dis-
trict schools. Miss Ellen Corey being his first
teacher, and among later instructors there was
Judge V. B. Chamberlain, of New Britain, Conn.
He spent two years at Palmer Gallup's private
school in Suffield, and two years in the Connecticut
Literary Institute, and then entered the \Vesleyan
Seminary at Wilbraham, Mass., where he spent
two years. Soon after he began teaching, which
he continued fifteen years in Sulfield. The only in-
terruption was in 1876, when he went to Lima, Ohio,
then a small town, and passed a time in the employ
of King & Day, pork packers at that place, Mr.
King being an uncle. In 1882 he gave up teach-
ing permanently and took a position as bookkeeper
for W. W. Cooper, a merchant of Suffield, with
whose business he has ever since been connected.
He is also secretary and treasurer of the Suffield
Water Co. and secretary and treasurer of the Suffield
Creamery Association. He was an incorporator of
the Suffield and Thompsonville Bridge, and has
been one of the auditors ever since the structure
was built. From early manhood he has taken
a keen interest in political affairs. He first
served two terms as assessor in Suffield, and
since that time has held numerous offices.
He was county auditor for two terms, and
for many years was a member of the school board,
serving as secretary nine years. In 1887 he was
elected to the Legislature, the first biennial session,
and during that term he served on the committee
on General Appropriations. In 1889 he was re-
elected, serving as chairman of the committee on
Roads, Rivers and Bridges. In 1897 and 1899 he
was elected to the State ^senate, and during both
terms he was chairman of the committee on Rail-
roads, being the first one in years to succeed himself
in that position. At present he is also chairman of
the conmiittee on Engrossed Bills and a member of
the committee on Contingent Expenses. On April
18, 1899, Gov. Lounsbury appointed him the Build-
ing and Loan Commissioner of the State, and on
March 7, 1900, Bank Commissioner.
Mr. Kendall has a wide acquaintance among the
prominent men of the day, including all of the Con-
gressmen from Connecticut, and is connected with
various fraternal organizations, his affable and
courteous manners making him many friends. For
years he has been an active worker in Apollo Lodge
Xo. 59, F. & A. M., at Suffield, in which he has
held the office of worshipful master, and he also
belongs to Washington Chapter No. 30, R. A. M.;
Suffield Council, R. & S. ;M. ; ^^'ashington Com-
878
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mandery No. i, K. T. ; Sphinx Temple, Mystic
Shrine; Lyman Council No. 35, O. U. A. M., of
which he is a charter member and a past counsellor ;
Gideon Granger Lodge No. 62, K. of P., at Suffield,
of which he was a charter member and first chan-
cellor commander, and is also a past chancellor. In
1898 he was made a member of the Grand Lodge of
K. of P. at Norwich, Conn. In Washington Chap-
ter No. 30, R. A. M., he has held all the offices up to
that of high priest, to which he was elected, al-
though he never served. Mr. Kendall and his wife
are prominent members of the First Congregational
Church of Suffield, and for vears he has been super-
intendent of the Sabbath-school. Mrs. Kendall is
a member of the D. A. R., her great-grandfather,
Gathelius Cowing, of Scituate, Mass., having re-
sponded to the call of Paul Revere, and served from
1775 to 1781 in the Continental army.
In 1870 Mr. Kendall married Miss Julia Anna
Cowing, a native of Port Jervis, N. Y., and daugh-
ter of Job and Eleanor (Cowles) Cowing, of Suf-
field, of whom further mention is made elsewhere.
The only son of this union, Frank W., died in
infancy.
HON. ALFRED W. CONVERSE. An hon-
orable ambition, sustained by practical ability and
unyielding energy, is a passport to success, and the
records of the distinguished men of today furnish
interesting illustrations of the rule. It is a pleas-
ure to present to our readers such a forceful exam-
ple as is found in the following biography of this
successful business man and gallant soldier.
" Mr. Converse is a leading resident of Windsor
Locks, and belongs to an old Connecticut family,
and is of the ninth generation in descent\from (I)
Edward Converse, born in England in 1590, died in
Woburn, Mass., Aug. 10, 1663; (II) Lieut. James,
born in England 1620, died in Woburn, Mass., May
10, 1715 ; (III) Maj. James, born in Woburn, Mass.,
Nov. 16, 1645, died in Woburn, Mass., July 8, 1706;
(IV) Capt. Josiah, born in Woburn, Mass., Sept.
12, 1684, died in Brookfield, Mass., 1771 ; (V) Lieut.
Josiah, born in Woburn, Mass., March 10,. 1710,
died in Stafford, Conn., Sept. 11, 1775, he being the
pioneer of the family in Connecticut.
(VI) Jesse Converse, son of Josiah, the pio-
neer, was born in Stafford, Sept. i, 1745, and died
there July 8, 1805 ; during the Revolutionary war he
served as a soldier from that town.
(VII) Eli Converse, our subject's grandfather,
was born in Stafford, Sept. 2S, 1770, and died there
Nov. 5, 1853 ; he followed farming there for many
years.
(VIII) I-Iannibal Alden Converse, the father
of our subject, was born April 9, 1807, at the old
home in Stafford, where he grew to manhood. In
1837 he engaged in the iron foundry business in
Stafford, having learned the trade at Worcester,
Mass., and in 1846 he bought a foundry at Windsor
Locks which he also carried on. He sold out his
business in Stafford in 1854, and removed to Wind-
sor Lodes, Conn., where he continued the foundry
business until his death on Feo. 15, 1881. He was a
man of influence, and became a leading member of
the local Republican organization ; while in Staf-
ford he^ served for a time as town clerk, and later
he was a selectman in the town of Windsor Locks.
He was married, at Stafford, Conn., to Miss Julia
A. Ferry, who died in 1890, in Windsor Locks.
They had five children: Mary P., who married C.
H. McMaster (both now deceased) ; Alfred'W., our
subject; Julia E. (deceased), who married Vashni
Warner; Joseph H. (deceased) ; and Clare A., wife
of Dr. S. R. Burnap. Joseph H. was killed at Cold
Harbor June 3, 1864, while serving as inspector-
general on Gen. Martindale's staff, in the i8th Army
Corps, and major of the nth Conn. V. I.. He en-
listed in April, 1861, and went to the front as
orderly sergeant of Company C, 1st Regiment,
three-months men ; soon after his discharge he en-
listed in Company B, nth Regiment, was elected
second lieutenant, and rapidly rose throusfh success-
ive ranks to that of major. His memory is cher-
ished by his old comrades, and G. A. R. Post No.
67, at Windsor Locks, is named in his honor. He
was married, at St. Albans, Vt., to Nellie E. Fuller,
now resident of Hartford, Connecticut.
Alfred W. Converse was born Aug. i, 1835, in
Stafford, and his education was begun there, but
later he attended the academies at Monson and Wil-
braham, Mass. He learned the trade of foundry-
man in all its branches with nis father, but his ca-
reer was interrupted by his enlistment, on Sept. i,
1862, in Company C, 25th Regiment Conn. V. I.,
which was assigned to duty in the 19th Army Corps,
serving in the Department of the Gulf. He was
mustered out in August, 1863, with an honorable
record, having been promoted from private to ser-
geant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant. While
holding the latter rank he had command of the com-
pany after the captain was killed. Upon his return
from the army he became a member of the firm of
H. A. Converse & Co., but for many years prior to
the death of H. A. Converse the firm was A. W.
Converse & Co., the father being the company'. In
1891 our subject sold out to E. Horton & Son, and
for the past twenty-tour years he has been success-
fully engaged in the insurance business. In 1871
the Windsor Locks Savings Bank was organized,
and he served as treasurer of that institution from
that time. As a member of the Legislature from
Windsor Locks from 1896 to 1898 Mr. Converse did
effective service, and he has frequently been called
upon to fill positions of responsibility. He was ap-
pointed postmaster, to fill an unexpired term during
Andrew Johnson's administration, an'd served by
re-appointment tmtil a year after Cleveland's first
election. He was again appointed by President
Harrison, but was out during Cleveland's second
administration, and is now serving under appoint-
ment from President McKinley. For fifteen years
he served as town clerk, registrar and treasurer.
Mr. Converse was married, in Staft'ord, May 18,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
879
1S57, to Miss Julia Orcutt, daugliter of TTarvev Or-
:utt, a \vcll-i<no\vn rcsitleut of tlial town, and the
ollowing' chililren have Ijlessed tiie union : Ida G. ;
\lfred Harvey, deceased; Alfred, who died at the
igc of thirteen years ; and Alyrtle B., who married
■\lfrcd Elson, Jr., of Stafford, Conn., and has had
wo children : Alfred C. (deceased) and Florence
Z. Socially Mr. Converse and his family are highly
;stecmed, and he is connected with J. II. Converse
Post No. 67, G. A. R. ; the Armv and Navy Club of
he State ; the Society of the Army of the i'otomac ;
he 19th Army Corps Association ; the Connecticut
Historical Societv ; the Sons of ihe American Revo-
ution; Euclid Lodge No. 109. A. F. & A. M. ;
\Vashington Chapter No. 30, R. A. M. ; Suffield
Touncil No. 23, R. & S. M., Suffield ; Washington
3omniandery No. i, K. T., Hartford; and Sphinx
Temple, Mystic Shrine.
HON. JOHN D. LUBY, a prominent represent-
itive of the agricultural interests of Burlington, and
)ne of its most progressive and influential citizens,
.vas born in Westchester, N. Y., July 25, 1853.
James Luby, father of our subject, was a native
jf County Tipperary, Ireland, and a son of Michael
Luby, who was born in the same county, followed
;he occupation of farming throughout life, and was
a devout member of the Catholic Church. James
Luby received only a limited education in the schools
Df his native land, and grew to manhood upon a
farm. With the hope of bettering his financial con-
dition in the new world, he bade good-bye to home
and friends in 1831, and came to America on the
sailing-vessel "Essex,"' which was eight weeks in
making the voyage. He landed at New York, and
in that city and at Fort Washington worked at dif-
ferent occupations for twenty-two years, a part of
the time being employed as a stone-mason and
farmer. He next went to Westchester, N. Y., where
he worked in a foundry for three years, and then
came to Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn. There and at
Southington he followed agricultural pursuits for
three years and subsequently was similarly em-
ployed at Otis, Mass. Later he engaged in farm-
ing at Bakersville, New Hartford, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., for four years, and in 1865 took up his resi-
dence in Burlington, purchasing a farm of forty
acres near Burlington Center, where he followed
farming during the remainder of his life, dying there
in 1885. His remains were interred in the Catholic
cemetery at Collinsville. He was a consistent mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, and was a good-hearted,
honest and industrious man. In politics he was a
Republican. In 1836, for his first wife, he wedded
Margaret Reardon, a native of County Cork, Ire-
land, and four children were born to them : Nora,
William, Margaret and Mary. The mother of these
I died at Fort Washington, in 1849, ^id in 1852 Mr.
I Luby married Miss Ann Duggan, a native of Castle-
Uown-Roche, County Cork, Ireland, and a daughter
of Thomas Duggan. She was fourteen weeks in
; crossing the Atlantic, on a sailing-vessel, when she
emigrated to America, landincr at New York. She,
too, was a faithful member of the Catholic Church,
and was a devoted wife and mother. She died in
Burlington in 1884, and was laid to rest in the
Catholic cemetery in Collinsville. Our subject is
the eldest in a family of six children, the others
being: Elizabeth, wife of Edward Iligginson ;
James, a resident of Berlin, Conn.; Katlierine, wife
of William Stretch, of Meriden, Conn ; F,llen, who
died in infancy; and Ellen (2j, who died at the age
of three years.
John D. Luby, subject of this sketch, was edu-
cated in the district schools of Burlington, and as-
sisted his father in the labors of the farm, remaining
inider the parental roof until 1887, when he pur-
chased his present place, known as the I'.cnliam
farm — a tract of 250 acres on which he has since
engaged in general fanning, tobacco raising, dairy-
ing, market gardening and also lumbering, with
marked success, becoming one of the prosperous and
substantial citizens of his community. He married
Miss Julia Deenihan, a native of Hartford, and a
daughter of Richard Deenihan, and to them have
been born four chddren, namely : Ernest, Robert
Emmet, Ann and Bessie. The family hold mem-
bership in the Catholic Church.
Politically Mr. Luby is an ardent supporter of
the Democratic party, and a recognized leader in its
ranks. In 1893 he was elected to the State Legisla-
ture, and filled that office with credit to himself and
to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He
has also served as tax collector, as a member of the
school board, and as constable of Burlington for
twenty years. Fraternally he is a member of the
Grange, and is deeply interested in public aft'airs and
the good of the community where almost his entire
life has been passed. He is genial, courteous, enter-
prising and progressive, possessed of commendable
public spirit and the highest integrity, and reflects
credit on the community which has honored him
with office.
HON. WILLIAM H. WHITEHEAD, form-
erly a representative in the State Legislature from
the town of Simsbury, is one of the most highly
esteemed residents of that locality, and since 1890
has served continuously as first selectman. Nearly
forty consecutive years of service with the Ensign
Bickford Manufacturing Co., for which he is now
the mechanical superintendent, bespeaks unusual
trustworthiness, especially as that firm is the princi-
pal one in its line in the United States, and as well
known as any in the world.
Mr. Whitehead was born Jan. 30, 1837, in Derby,
England, but the greater portion of liis life has
been spent in Simsbury. Samuel Whitehead, his
father, was born and reared in Derby, and made
his home there for some time after his marriage,
to Miss Mary A. Wood, a native of the same place.
By occupation he was a chinaware maker and deco-
rator, and, hoping for better opportunities for gain-
ing a livelihood than his native land afforded, he
880
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to America in the spring of 1837, accompanied
by his wife and infant son, WilHam H. After a
voyage of six weeks in a saihng-vessel the Httle
party landed in New York, in July, 1837, but owing
to the panic of that year the father found it diffi-
cult to secure any employment. His vain search
extended as far as Philadelphia, and on his return
to New York he had about concluded to go back to
England when he met Joseph Eels, then connected
with Bacon, Bickford & Co., of Simsbury, manu-
facturers of blasting fuse. Promptly accepting Mr.
Eels' offer of employment at Simsbury, Mr. White-
head removed to that town, where he resided many
years, remaining in the employ of the same firm
during his active life, and at one time was sent by
them to attend to some work at the old Newgate
Prison, when the prisoners were removed to Weth-
ersfield. His death occurred in 1850 at Simsbury,
where his mortal remains were interred, and his
estimable wife, who died in 1885, now rests beside
him. Early in life they both united with the Meth-
odist Church, and after coming to this country they
continued in active fellowship. They were much
respected for their earnest Christian character, and
both their sons have done credit to their training,
Samuel being also a prominent resident of Simsbury.
As our subject was but six months old when he
came to Simsbury his education was begun in the
district schools of the town. Among his early
teachers were Mary Weston, Ellen Cornish and La-
vinia Goodridge, and when about fourteen years old
he attended for one term a select school in West
Weatogue, conducted by William L. Humison. At
the age of seventeen he began to learn the machin-
ist's trade with Woodruff & Beach, of Hartford,
and on April 4, 1858, he completed an apprentice-
ship of four years. His wages were small, rang-
ing- from $10 to $20 per month, and the first $100
was reserved as a guarantee of good behavior, and
paid to him at the end of his term with six per cent,
interest. He continued with the firm for a time,
but later went to New Haven to work for W. & E.
T. Fitch, and on July i, i860, returned to Simsbury
and entered the employ of Toy, Bickford & Co., as
a machinist. His faithfulness and skill soon made
him invaluable to the firm, and in 1868 he was sent
to Brooklyn, Alameda Co., Cal., to build another
plant for them. On his return he was -appointed
mechanical superintendent, which position he has
ever since held. His work has brought him sub-
stantial returns, enabling him to accumulate a fine
competence, and as a self-made man he may well
take satisfaction in his high standing as a citizen.
Politically he has been a Republican from his first
vote, and his active interest in the party's success,
together with his natural ability for political work,
make him a leader in the local organization. For
one year he served as a member of the town board
of relief, and in 1889 he was elected to the Legisla-
ture, while, as stated above, he has been the first
selectman since 1890. As a member of the Meth-
odist Church of Simsbury he has done much for
the cause of religion, and for nearly thirty years he ;
has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. He
has also served as steward and trustee of the So-
ciety, and for some years past has been treasurer.
Socially he is identified with the Masonic Frater-
nity, being a member of St. Mark's Lodge No. 36,
F. & A. M., at Simsbury.
In 1859 Mr. Whitehead married Miss Anna L.
ICing, of Hartford, who died in Simsbury in 1873.
In 1875 he married Miss Anna L. Hamblin, who was
born July 14, 1842, at Yarmouth, Mass., daughter of
Joshua and Olive (Ryder) Hamblin. She is a lad\-
of unusual intelligence, and taught school for some
time previous to her marriage. Her efficient aid
has been a factor in her husband's success, and she '
is prominent in church worK as a member of the I
Ladies' Missionary Society and assistant superin- { .
tendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Whitehead has '
one son by his first marriage, Joseph R., now in the ■■
employ of the Ensign, Bickford & Co., making ,
three generations of the family who have held po-
sitions with that firm. Joseph R. Whitehead mar-
ried Miss Alice Redeatte, and has three children,
Mary, Hollis and Olive, all at home.
CHARLES F. LEWIS, proprietor of the Wind-
sor Mills, which occupy the oldest mill site in Con-
necticut, was born in Chester, this State, May 23,
1838, a son of Ansel and Deiadamie (Lynde) Lewis,
and is of the eighth generation of hfs family in
America.
George and Sarah (Jenkins) Lewis, the first of
the family in the New World, came from East Green-
wich, county of Kent, England, to Plymouth, Mass..
about 1630, moved to Scituate in 1633, and thence
to Barnstable in 1637. From them our subject
traces his descent through Thomas, of Barnstable ;
Thomas (2),. of Middletown, Conn., 1700; Zebu-
Ion, of East Haddam, Conn ; Nathan, of Haddam,
Conn. ; Francis Robert, of Haddam ; and Ansel, of
Chester. Francis Robert Lewis married Sarah
Pelton, who was one of the longest-lived women
of the State, attaining the age of ninety-eight years.
He was a Revolutionary soldier.
Ansel Lewis was a mechanic, and remarkably
expert. He worked a great deal as a mason, and
as a blacksmith could sharpen his own tools. He
lived to be sixty-five years old, his wife to be eightv-
seven, and of their six children, the eldest, (i) Syl-
via Rosilla, born Aug. 19, 1823, married William
Douglass, and died in 1898 at Colchester, Conn. (2)
Henrietta Minerva, born Oct. 15, 1825, died young.
(3) Harlow C, born Nov. 20, 1826, is a molder by
trade, and resides in Chester, Conn. (4) Sally
Maria, born Sept. 2, 1829, died young. (5) Charles
F. is our subject. (6) Daniel Vv^., born March 29,
1831, was a member of Company G, ist Conn. Heavy
Artillery, during the Civil war, and died at Gaines
Mills, Va., of typhoid fever.
Charles F. Lewis has fought his own fight
through life. He was educated in the district school
at Chester, but never attended in summer after he
t:
J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
881
liad rt-ached liis eleventh year. Later he worked out
for his boaril and clothes, witli tlie i)rivile^e of at-
tending school in winter, in Chester and Deep River,
Middlesex county, and in 1857 canie to Hartford
county, and worked at Plainville in a bit-brace fac-
tory. In 1858 he shipped on a coasting vessel, and
for some time served on boats plying between the
Connecticut river and New York City. Going in
1861 to S]:>ringfield, Mass., he was for one year em-
ployed in the polishing de]jartment of the S])ring-
ficld armory ; for the next two years he held the po-
sition of assistant foreman and inspector. On Sept.
I, 1864, he joined the 30th Company Unattached
Heavy Artillery, Mass. \'ols., which had been raised
in Springfield, and was sent to do garrison duty at
Arlington Heights, \'a., but subsequentlv detailed as
guard at headcjuarters. Although the company had
enlisted for one year it was mustered out June 16,
1865, at Fort C. F. Smith, the war having been
I brought to a close.
; Mr. Lewis was first married June 8, 1863, at
' ^^'est SuiEeJd, Conn., to Miss Chloe Hastings,
daughter of Norman and Amy (Remington) Hast-
ings, of Suffield, the ceremony being performed by
Rev. Asa A. Robinson, of Flastings Hill, Suffield
town, pastor of the Baptist Church there, one of the
earliest diurches of that denomination in the State.
After the war our subject engaged in farming at
Suffield, on shares, for four years, on tlie farm of
' Deacon Ehhu S. Taylor. He then returned to the
armory at Springfield, worked there some time, and
then again came to the E. S. Taylor farm, West
Suffield, where he reconstructed a water-power and
started a sawmill, which he operated until tlie fall
of 1877. In January, 1878, he took charge of the
mill at Windsor, which had been purchased by Lewis
& Hastings (Abijah Hastings, his brother-in-law),
under which style it was conducted until 1881, when
Mr. Hastings retired, and Mr. Lewis having bought
him out has since been alone, though of late years
his son has assisted him materially. The mill is
largely devoted to gristmilling. ]\Ir. Lewis remod-
eled it in 1888, putting in new machinery through-
out, and is about to make further improvements to
keep abreast of the times. He began the business
of sawmilling as a mere novice, but has learned
every detail ot the processes, including mill dress-
ing and sawing, by a careful perusal of books, and
is now doing a first-class merchant-custom milling
business.
In politics ^Ir. Lewis is a Republican, and is
regular in his attendance at the polls, but rejects
all offices. He has been elected constable and jus-
tice of the peace, but in both instances refused to
qualify. Fraternally he is a member of the Blue
Lodge, F. & A. AL, at Windsor, of Tyler I'ost No.
50, G. A. R., of Hartford, and is a charter member
of Council No. 40, O. U. A. M., being the present
Deputy State Councilor of the Order, in which he
is well-known throughout Connecticut. For three
years he was a member of the Society Committee of
the Congregational Church at Windsor, and his wife
56
is a member of the Baptist Church at Suffield. As
a business man Mr. Lewis' name stands without a
blemish, and as a citizen he is very highly esteemed
in both town and country.
Mrs. Chloe Lewis passed away in 1879, leaving
one child, Charles i"., who was born in i86y. On
Nov. 10, 1879, Mr. Lewis married' at Hyde Park,
near lioston. Miss Cora H. Sjjear, Rev. M. P. Al-
derman, an uncle of the bride, ])erforming the cere-
mony. This union has been blessed with one son,
George F., born May 15, 1889. In 1899 •^''■- Lt-'wis
began the erection of a new home, into which he
moved on its completion, in the spring of 1900. It
is one of the handsomest and most convenient resi-
dences in the town.
Bradford L. Spear, father of Mrs. Cora H.
Lewis, was a farmer in West Suffield, where he died
Dec. 13, 1899, at the age of seventy-eight years.
He married Lucina P. Alderman, daughter of Pliny
Alderman, and they reared a family of three chil-
dren: Cora H., Mrs. Lewis; Herbert L., who con-
ducts a milling business in West Suffield in the mill
Mr. Lewis built, having bought same of our subject;
and ^^'illiam A., a farmer in West .Suffield. The
mother, who in March, 1900, attained the age of
seventv-three years, still resides on the farm in
Suffield.
HIRA:\I H. TERRY, a well-known resident o£
Warehouse Point, is a worthy representative of an
old and highly-respected family, and is deserving,
of prominent mention in this volume. His ances--
tors were banished from France at an early day on
account of their adherence to the Protestant faith,
and took refuge in England, where the family re-
sided many years. About 1650 (I) Samuel Terry,
known in the family as "the Immigrant," came to
this country and settled in Springfield, Mass. He
married Ann Lobdell, and had ten children, among
whom was a son Samuel, known as Capt. Samuel.
{II) Capt. Samuel Terry was born in Spring-
field July 18, 1661, and died Jan. 2, 1730. He was
a man of exemplary piety, being active in church
work, and was also prominent in local affairs, serv-
ing as selectman and in other offices, while for a
number of years he was ensign and captain in the
militia. He married Hannah Morgan, of Enfield,
and had six children.
(Ill) Dr. Ebenezer Terry, son of Capt. Terry,
and the next in line of descent, was born in Enfield,
March 31, 1696, and died there Aug. 2, 1780. He
was a man of wealth and prominence, a successful
physician, and at one time practiced at Kingston,
R. I. At one time he represented his town in the
Legislature. His wife, Hilary Helms), who was
born in 1702, died in Enfield April, 5, 1764. Thev
had eleven children : Ebenezer, Dorcas. Johii,
Mary, Selah, ^vlehitable (who died in childhood),
Christopher, Helms, Hiram, Mehitable (2) and
Samuel.
(I\') Ebenezer Terry, our subject's great-great-
grandfather, was born in South Kingston, R. I.,
882
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Oct. 29, 1722, and died on his farm in Enfield, July
15, 1817. He was married first in Enfield, on Sept.
10, 1747, to Elizabeth, daughter of Shubael and Sa-
rah Geer. She died Oct. 20, 1757, and on Jan.
20, 1760, he married Mindwell, daughter of Israel
and Sarah (Booth) Pease. By the two marriages
he had twelve children.
(V) Hiram Terry, son of Ebenezer and his
second wife, was born in Enfield, Dec. 19, 1763,
and died there Feb. 11, 1802. About 1788 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Gibbs, who was born Sept. i, 1755,
and died in Enfield, Feb. 7, 1813. They had four
children : Elizabeth, Abial Hiram, Mehitable and
Ruby.
(VI) Abial Hiram Terry, our subject's grand-
father, was born March 4, 1791, and became a
farmer and general mechanic by occupation. He
married Sabra Holkins, who was born July 30,
1793, and died in 1840, the remains of both being
interred at Enfield. Their children were Hiram A. ;
Elizabeth ; Sarah ; Mary Jane, who died in infancy ;
Abial H. ; and Ouartus Parsons, now living in
Warehouse Point.
(VII) Hiram Abial Terry, our subject's father,
was born March 14, 1813, and died in 1894, in En-
field. He began life as a poor boy and for a num-
ber of 3^ears worked at anything he could get to
do, but in time he became a mechanic of no mean
ability, being especially efficient as a coppersmith
and a repairer of clocks. For ten years he was
a captain on the river, and even while thus en-
gaged he was often called upon to repair copper stills
in distilleries. While his early education was limited,
his mind was naturally bright, and he was much es-
teemed for his good qualities. On April 6, 1841, he
married Miss Ann L. Pease, a native of Enfield, born
Jan. 2, 1817, and three children were born of the
union, our subject being the youngest, (i) Ange-
line P., born Nov. 12, 1843, niarried Robert S.
Pomeroy, then of Suffield, and later of Spring-
field, Mass., who is now deceased. (2) Martha
A., born Oct. 8, 1847, married Luther Terry Knight,
and is at present living in Springfield, Massachu-
setts.
(VIII) Hiram Holkins Terry was born Oct.
17, 1849, ^i^d after a course in the common schools
of Enfield attended the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, at Suffield, under Rev. E. P. Bond. On leav-
ing school he began farming on the old homestead,
a tract of twenty acres at Warehouse Point, ancl
under his able management it brings a satisfactory
return. In addition to farming he follows the
butcher's trade and has a milk route at Enfield.
He is an intelligent man, industrious and thrifty,
and has many friends in the community. In pol-
itics he is a Republican, but is not an aspirant for
public honors, and when offices have been offered
him he has declined; no stronger advocate of tem-
perance can be found in the community. His fam-
ily attend the Methodist and Episcopal Churches,
and is much esteemed in social life.
On Jan. 26, 1875, Mr. Terry married Miss Ellen
F. Parsons, daughter of P. B. and Emily (Allen)
Parsons, both natives of Enfield, and four children
have brightened their home : ( i ) Ellen Louise, born
June 13, 1875, died May 30, 1879. t^) Henry
Hiram, born Dec. 10, 1876, resides at home, and is
one of the most industrious and promising young
men of the locality. (3) Lucy Isabelle, born July
30, 1881, died Oct. 25, 1886. (4) Mervin P., born
Jan. 10, 1885, is at home. In December, 1895, our
subject adopted Arthur Durfee, who was born in
June, 1883.
FREDERICK S. BIDWELL. This Common-
wealth is represented in all parts of the country by
an enterprising class of citizens whose ability and
worth have been universally recognized, but fortu-
nately there is plenty of the old stock left in Hart-
ford county, and the subject of this biography, a
leading merchant of Windsor Locks, furnishes in
his successful career an example of the energy and
foresight which are generally believed to character-
ize the typical native. Mr. Bidwell is of the sixth
generation of his family in this country, and the
name has become associated with the qualities which
constitute good citizenship. The first ancestor, of
whom a definite account has been preserved, was (I)
John Bidwell, who was born in September, 1679.
(II) Roger Bidwell, son of John, was born in
1714, and died Dec. 28, 1782. His wife, Rhoda, a
daughter of Timothy Easton, was born in 1721, and
died Aug. 24, 1782. They had the following chil-
dren: Tryphena, born Nov. 5, 1749, died Sept. 30,
1750; Ashbel ; Adoniram, born August, 1753, died
Feb. 17, 1777; Enodias ; and Darda, born Novem-
ber, 1761, died June, 1782.
(III) Enodias Bidwell, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born in East Hartford in May,
1758, and died in 1818, at the same place. He
served in the Revolutionary army, and for many
years conducted "Cotton's Tavern" at East Hart-
ford. His wife, Lucy Loomis, died in 1827. They
had eight children, all of whom died young except
Martin, as follows : Frederick, born September,
1780; Tryphena, June, 1782; Darda, December,
1783; Tryphe.-a, May, 1785; Martin, 1787; Darda,
July 31, 1789, died April 6, 1825; Lucy, July, 1792,
died aged fifty; Giles, June, 1796.
(IV) Martin Bidwell, the grandfather of our
subject, was born March 5, 1787, in East Hartford,
and died in 1861, in Hebron, Conn. He married
Martha James, and had eight children : Caroline,
James, Samuel, Martha, Delia, Deha (2), Nathan and
Martin. Of these, Caroline married a Mr. Buken ;
Delia wedded a Mr. Aldrich, of Rockville, and Na-
than died in 1894.
(V) Samuel Bidwell, our subject's father, was
born Feb. 27, 1820, in Coventry, Conn., and was
reared upon a farm in that locality, his education
being obtained in the neighboring schools. He
learned the blacksmith's trade at Enfield, Conn., and
has followed that business all his life in the towns
of Hartford, Enfield, and Staft'ord Springs, being
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
883
till a resident of the latter place. He is an excel-
■nt citizen, and an active member of the Aleth-
list Episcopal Church. In 1847 he married Abi-
gail Killam, a native of Enfield, who died at Staf-
brd Springs Sept. 11, 1855, aged thirty-eight years.
|)ur subject was the eldest of four children, the
>thcrs being Henry Martin, a resident of Uellefonie,
'enn. ; Julia Abigail, who married Frank D. Cha-
;iin, and died April 30, i8y4; and ^Vbigail Killam,
Vife of N. T. Sanger.
(VI) Frederick S. Bidwcll was born June 24,
848, at Hartford, Conn., but his early life was
argely spent in Stafford Springs, where he attended
)he public schools. At the age of sixteen he went
b Thompsonvi'llc, Conn., where his uncle, Theodore
'■"ease, was engaged in the lumber business, and for
jleven years he was connected with the firm of
'-'ease & Sons. Mr. Pease then bought out the
umber business of H. C. Douglass & Co., at Wind-
■or Locks, placing it in charge of Mr. Bidwell, who
nirchased the business in 1888, and has since con-
ducted it independently. He has built all the struct-
'ires occupied by the lumber )'ard and store, the lat-
fer having been erected in the fall of 1897 and
opened for business in Januar}', 1898. He handles
ill materials needed by the builder, farmer and
)ainter, his store containing a large general line of
baints, hardware and agricultural implements. As
\ citizen he is public-spirited, taking keen interest in
Ul movements for the benefit of the community, and
It times he has held local ofiices. For four years
le was selectman, and his practical sympathies with
iducational progress is seen in some years of ser-
I'ice on the school board.
Iri 1875 Air. Bidwell married Miss Annie E.
Steele, who died Nov. 13, 1878, leaving one son,
Frederick Steele, now a bookkeeper for his father.
In 1881 Mr. Bidwell foriued a second union, this
time with Miss Adelaide King, daughter of Calvin
0. King, of Enfield, Conn., and they have had si.x
children : Edith Adelaide, Bessie King, Anna
Eloise, Lawrence King, Charles Oscar and Robert
Samuel. The family is prominent socially, and Air.
Bidwell is well known in Alasonic circles as a mem-
ber of Euclid Lodge No. loq, A. F. & A. Al.
CHARLES F. TALLARD, a well-known busi-
ness man of Windsor Locks, has been engaged in
tobacco growing for nearly thirty years, and has for
some time been interested in the lumber business,
his operations in both lines being conducted with
the energ)' and foresight which command success.
Air. Tallard's career has been somewhat event-
ful, not the least interesting part of his life being
his term of service in the Confederate army. He
was born Jan. 28, 1840, in Saxony, Germany, a
son of Christian and Wilhelmina (Hess) Tallard,
I who came to America in 1848 with their family of
. two sons and one daughter. After a tedious voy-
'■age, lasting nine weeks, the little party landed and
[ for some time they made their home in Baltimore,
I Md., the parents later settling on a farm in Penn-
sylvania, and finally locating in Harrisburg, Penn.,
where they both died some years ago.
Before coming to this country Air. Tallard at-
tended the schools of his native place, and soon
after his arrival in Baltimore he was employed
in a cigar factory, becoming familiar with the trade
at an early age. In 1859 '^^ went to Richmond, V'a.,
and in i860 he was married there to Aliss Cather-
ine Gabline. In A2ril, 1861, he enlisted in the ist
Va. V. I., with which he served until Aug. 11,
1862. On returning to Baltimore, Alarch 7, 1863,
he resumed his work, but in July, 1863, he went
to New York City, and a few months later settled
at Windsor Locks. For twenty-four )ears he was
employed at cigar making by Benjamin Wood, of
Suffield, and in 1871 he began raising tobacco on his
own account at Windsor Locks. In 1889 he en-
gaged in the lumber business at Broad Brook, in the
town of East Windsor, and at present his son, How-
ard W., looks after his interests there. Air. Tallard
and his estimable wife have reared a family of si.K
children, as follows: Edwin C. (of Edgerton,
Wis.), William H. (of Aliddletown, Conn. J and
Charles F., Jr. (of Chicago), all of whom are
in some branch of the tobacco business ; Howard
W., who is in the lumber business at Broad Brook;
Henry S., a lumber dealer at Torring-ton, Conn. ;
and Alice, wife of a Mr. Holzapfel, of Windsor
Locks. Air. Tallard has always taken an active in-
terest in all the questions of the day, and in na-
tional issues acts with the Democratic party, while
in local affairs he is independent.
ROSWELL GRANT. In Hartford county
there are many residents whose family history ex-
tends back for six or eight generations to the period
of early settlement. But comparatively few of
these can point to the continuous residence of so
manv generations upon the same ancestral home,
and few indeed now dwell in residences which have
sheltered six generations. The Roswell Grant home-
stead, in the town of South Windsor, is one of the
historical .buildings of Connecticut. The original
dweUing upon this farm, where six generations of
Grants have lived and died, was built in 1697 by
Samuel Grant (2), grandson of Alatthew Grant,
the founder of the family in America, and is still
standing, forming the "L" to the present structure,
the main part of which was erected in 1757, b}'
Ebenezer Grant. During the Revolutionary war
Gen. Prescott and other British officers were im-
prisoned in the house, being guarded by Roswell
Grant, who then occupied the place. It is still in
an excellent state of preservation.
Matthew Grant, the founder of this family in
America, was born in England, and came to the
New World, in 1630, in the ship "Alary and John,"
being one of the original company who settled in
Dorchester, Alass., in that year. In 1635 he came
to Windsor, Conn., his family arriving in .-\pril,
1636, and he became prominent in church aft'airs,
was second town clerk and principal surveyor for
884
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a long term of years, and local interests generally.
From him our subject is descended through Samuel,
Samuel (2), Ebenezer, Roswell and Frederick
William. Samuel Grant ( i ) located in East Wind-
sor in 1637, and built a house in a meadow in the
rear of the site of the old Theological Institute,
on a rise of ground. Owing to the prevalence of high
water in the spring of the year, Samuel Grant (i)
moved up to the present site of the old Grant home-
stead, and his father lived with his son, John, until
his death. Ebenezer Grant was a graduate of Yale.
He was a merchant on Main street, South Windsor,
near the homestead, and was largely interested in
shipbuilding at the mouth of the Scantic, owning
many vessels engaged in the West India trade.
He exported tobacco and horses and imported rum
and molasses. He served with distinction in the
French and Indian wars, and also in the Revolution-
ary war, holding the rank of captain. Roswell
Grant, son of Ebenezer Grant, was a colonel in
the Revolutionary war, and afterward served as a
member of the Legislature; for a long time was a
justice of the peace and was in mercantile business
with his father.
Frederick William Grant, the father of our sub-
ject, was born on the ancestral home in 1799, was a
farmer by occupation, and lived to the age of eighty-
seven years. He was a man of considerable promi-
nence and influence, served as a member of the
State Legislature, was repeatedly elected select-
man of East Windsor, and held other offices. He
was a major in the State Militia, and was generally
known as Major Grant. He married Miss Ann
Ellsworth Stoughton, daughter of John Stoughton,
and to them were born five children, namely: Fred-
erick, who was drowned in the Connecticut river
at the age of thirteen years ; Ann S., who married
Frederick O. Newbury, and died in 1871 ; Roswell,
cur subject, and Elizabeth (twins), the latter dy-
ing in infancy ; and Lucy, who also died in infancy.
Major Grant died Feb. 21, 1886. Mrs. Grant died
May 24, 1900, and was buried on her ninetieth
birthday. She was a beautiful character, beloved
by all who knew her.
Roswell Grant was born on the old homestead,
July 28, 1848. He received his education in the
graded home schools, at Monson, Mass., and at
Delaware Institute, Franklin, N. Y. Soon after
completing his education, and when about twenty-
one years of age, he took charge of the old home-
stead. Mr. Grant now owns about fifty acres of
the old place, and other land, aggregating about
one hundred acres. He carries on general farming,
and gives special attention to tobacco growing.
In politics he is a Republican, but he has avoided
the life of an office holder, and though twice nom-
inated for selectman has on both occasions declined
the honor. He has, however, held the office of as-
sessor of South Windsor, for two terms, was candi-
date for judge of probate, and his interest in edu-
cational matters has induced him to serve for six
years as a member of the school board. Socially
he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and is also
one of the Sons of the Revolution.
Mr. Grant was married, Sept. 29, 1874, to Miss
Annie Elizabeth Mickell, who was born in Hong
Kong, China. Her father, Capt. Thomas Mickell,
was the master of a merchant vessel, and her mother
sometimes accompanied him on his voyages to for-
eign lands. Capt. Mickell commanded the first ship,
the "Emerald," which entered Charleston harbor
after the blockade of that port was raised during
the Civil war. An oil painting of the "Emerald,"
and one of the full-rigged ships of which he was
master in Chinese waters at the time of Mrs.
Grant's birth, are now in her possession. Mrs. 1
Grant passed her girlhood in Cambridge, Mass.,
in the Boston schools received a finished educa-
tion, and is a lady of unusual accomplishments and
refinement. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant have been
born three children : Maude M. ; Frederick Will-
iam, who is employed by the Pope Manufacturing
Co., of Hartford ; and Roger Wolcott, with the Con-
necticut General i^ife Insurance Co. Mr. and Mrs.
Grant and family are members of the First Con-
gregational Church of South Windsor; for about
thirty years our siibject has been clerk of that re- >
ligious society, and for many years was also
treasurer.
DAVID GORDON, an enterprising citizen and
prominent business man of Hazardville, was born
June II, 1840, in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a son
of William and Jean (Bauchop) Gordon, and a
grandson of David and Elizabeth (Tate) Gordon.
The parents of our subject came to America in
the spring of 1844, locating in Paterson, N. J., where
thev remained one year. They then spent two years
in Auburn, N. Y., and in 1847 removed to Thonip-
sonville, town of Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn. In
1852 the family removed to Hazardville.
David Gordon received his education in the
common and night schools. His early advantages
were limited. At the age of seventeen he began
an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade, serving three
years, and then worked one year as journeyman. la
1862 he embarked in the tinner's business at Hazard-
ville, with the late Franklin Smith and John N.
Spencer. A few years later, at the expiration of this
partnership, his brothers were admitted to the firm,
which was styled Gordon Brothers. The business
extended, and peddlers of tinware were sent all over
New England. The brothers gradually drifted into
the paper and paper stock trade, and later dealt
to some extent in woolen waste and woolen rags.
Since 1884 they have been extensively engaged in
the manufacture of shoddy.
On Oct. 8, 1863, Mr. Gordon was married to
Fidelia M., daughter of Arnold and Belinda Wood-
worth, of Suffield, and to their union were born
three children : Sarah B., wife of Rev. Edwin S.
Holloway ; William W., who married Hattie Covell,*
and Howard D., who married Hattie Kelsey. Mrs.
Gordon died Nov. 7, 1898, and on Nov. 14, 1899.
I
<a>2/-2jC^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
885
Mr. Gordon married Ada Belle, daughter of the late
luhvin Crosb)', of East Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Mr. Gordon began life at the bottom of the lad-
der, and by his own exertions has accumulated a
competency. He is an active member, and for
thirtv-eight years has been a trustee and steward, of
the M. E. Church, in which for forty years he has
been leader of the choir. He served on the building
committee that erected the present church edifice in
Hazardville. In 1896 he was sent as a lay delegate
from the New England Southern Conference to
represent it at the General Conference of the AI. E.
, Church, held at Cleveland, Ohio. I'olitically Mr.
Gordon is a Republican.
ALFRED KILBOURXE, deceased. The Kil-
bourne family is one of the oldest in Hartford
.county, and the subject of this memoir, formerly
an honored resident of the town of East Hartford,
was of the ninth generation in descent from Thomas
Kilbourne, a pioneer of Wethersfield, Conn. By
their industry and thrift the members of the family
have maintained the credit of the name, w-hile
their public spirit and patriotism have been shown
in both war and peace.
(I) Thomas Kilbourne, the emigrant, was born
in England in 1578, and in 1635 came to America,
in the ship "Increase," with his wife Frances and
their children, landing on April 15 of that year.
He located at Wethersfield, Conn., where he passed
the remainder of his life.
{II) Sergt. John Kilbourne, youngest child of
Thomas, was baptized in Wood Ditton, England,
Sept. 29, 1624. He became one of the prominent
men of the Connecticut Colonv, and lield manv
public offices, including those of magistrate in the
local courts, member of the Colonial Legislature,
and member of the Colonial Grand Jurv. In 1662
he helped to procure the famous Charter of Con-
necticut. He and his wife, Naomi, to whom he
was married in 1650, had several children, among
whom was a son, Thomas, known as Sergt. Thomas.
(Ill) Sergt. Thomas Kilbourne was born in
Wethersfield in February, 1651. He married Susan-
nah, daughter of William Hills, of Glastonbury.
(I\') Thomas Kilbourne, the next in the line
of descent, was born in Hockanum, Conn. In 1700
he married a daughter of Joseph Hills, of Glas-
tonbury.
(V) Thomas Kilbourne, son of Thomas (IV),
, was born Sept. 8, 1705, at what is now East Hart-
j ford. In Alay, 1728, he married Alary Diggins,
{ daughter of John Diggins, of Aliddletown, Conn.,
i and among their chddren was a son, Thomas.
(\ I) Thomas Kilbourne, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born Aug. 25, 1729. Fle married,
j and had a son, Ashbel.
' (^TI) Ashbel Kilbourne, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in East Hartford in April,
1759' a.nd during the Revolutionarv war served as
a soldier in Col. Webb's regiment. He suffered
much in the cause of his country, being taken pris-
oner by the British troops in December, 1777, and
imprisoned in Philadelphia, from which place he
was transported in a wagon to Hartford, Conn.
.\fter his return home he was obliged to put himself
under the care of Dr. Tudor, of East Windsor, his
feet having been frozen while in prison. Through
neglect he had become crippled for life, and the
"American Archives," published by order of Con-
gress in 1848, thus refers to his case: "Mr. Kil-
bourne was disabled while a prisoner in Philadel-
phia ; his feet being frozen his toes dropped off,
and for want of proper care he was totally disaliled."
Congress granted him a pension and arrearages,
and the General Assembly of Connecticut, in the
May session, 1779, passed the following concerning
him : "Resolved, by this Assembly, that the commit-
tee of pay table, adjust and li<iuidate the accounts
of the memorialist for his sickness, and draw an
order on the Treasurer of the State for such sums
as they shall find due." This worthy patriot mar-
ried a Miss Evans, of East Windsor.
(VIII) Capt. Ashbel Kilbourne, our subject's
father, was born in East Hartford, July 12, 1783,
and became a sea captain by occupation. He lost
his life Feb. 15, 1822, being shijiwrecked oft' the
coast of Bermuda. He married Miss Roxa Gillette,
of East Windsor.
(IX) Alfred Kilbourne was born July 11. 1809,
in what was then East Windsor (now South Wind-
sor), near the site of the birthplace of John Fitch,
famous as the inventor of the first steamboat. His
schooling was like that of the average farmer's
boy of the time, and he lived at home until his
marriage, which occurred in 1838. He then re-
moved to the homestead now occupied by his aged
wife and their daughter, a valuable estate given him
by his stepfather, Roger Burnham. There he en-
gaged in tobacco growing, being one of the pioneers
of that industry in this section, and for many years
also raised seeds for the Enfield Shakers, carrying
on an extensive business with them. In early life
he was a stanch \\'hig, and when the Republican
party was formed he became a steadfast supporter
of its principles. So firm was he in his convic-
tions, that although he was the only one of his
family who was originally inclined to that belief,
his convincing arguments won nearly all of them.
His reputation as a man of sound judgment is
evidenced by a remark made of him by a friend :
"Mr. Kilbourne is always found on the right side
of all political and moral questions." He never
sought office, although he served as justice of peace
in his early life. He was one of the oldest mem-
bers of Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., of East Hart-
ford. For many years he was a devout member of
the Congregational Church of East Hartford, with
which he' united in 1837. and was a large contrib-
utor to its work in which his wife was also actively
interested. In all his business dealings he was very
honorable and upright, while his quiet, unassuming
manner won for him the friendship of the entire
comnumit\-. Throughout his life he held strong
886
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
views on temperance reform, which he sustained by
precept and example. He died Jan. 3, 1894, from
the effects of a paralytic stroke, his advanced age
hastening his death.
Mr. Kilbourne's deepest solicitude centered in
his home and family, his tastes being thoroughly
domestic. On Nov. 29, 1838, he married Miss
Jerusha Williams Roberts, and four children blessed
the union: (i) JNIary married Elijah Ackley, a pros-
perous farmer of East Hartford, and they have
two children — Mrs. L. D. Green, of New York,
and William K. Ackley, now living at home. (2)
Miss Harriet T. resides at the homestead, and cares
for her aged mother with true filial devotion. (3)
Ellen M. married B. P. Bishop, of Norwich, and
has three children, Harriet K., Roberts Huntington
and Marion Lee. (4) Alfred E. resides near the
homestead, and is a prosperous farmer and tobacco
buyer ; he is mentioned elsewhere. Mrs. Jerusha
(Roberts) Kilbourne was born March 18, i8ig,
daughter of the late Hon. Ozias Roberts, of East
Hartford, formerly a State senator. (Extended
genealogical history of the Roberts family majr be
found elsewhere.)
THOMAS SMITH ROURKE, who is now
prominently identified with the business and po-
htical interests of Farmington, was born in Union-
ville, Dec. 26, 1865, the only child of Daniel and
Ellen (Smith) Rourke.
Daniel Rourke, father of our subject, was born,
reared and educated in King's County, Ireland,
where he continued to make his horiie until thirty
years of age. He then crossed the broad Atlantic
on a sailing vessel, which was three weeks in mak-
ing the voyage, and coming to Hartford county.
Conn., found employment with a farmer in Union-
ville, with whom he remained for two years. Sub-
sequently he worked for the family of Rev. James
A. Smith for about thirty years, and since then has
lived retired, enjoying a well-earned rest. He has
been a very active member of the Catholic Church
of Unionville, and is highly respected and esteemed
by all who know him. He married Miss Ellen
Smith, who was born in Ireland, and reai'ed in
Huntington, Mass., and is a daughter of Philip
Smith.
The boyhood and .youth of our subject were
passed in Unionville, and he was given a good high-
school education, whicU has been of great advantage
to him in his business career. For twelve years he
clerked in the store of Tryon & Sanford, general
merchants of Unionville, and for four years was
deputy sheriff of the countv. under Sheriff Preston,
being the youngest man on his staff. In 1892, during
President Cleveland's second administration, he was
appointed postmaster at Unionville, and most ac-
ceptably filled that office for four years. He is
now engaged in the fire insurance, real estate and
auctioneering business at Unionville, is chairman
of the board of directors of the Unionville Fire
District, superintendent of the Unionville Water
Co., and vice-president of the Mutual Plate Glass
& Safe Insurance Co. He is a recognized leader
in the ranks of the local Democracy, and is now
a member of the Democratic town committee. ;
Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, ;
and to Agenda Lodge, K. P.
On June 16, 1897, Mr. Rourke was married, in
Collinsville, Conn., to Miss Lillian V. Kerrin.
REV. MICHAEL ANTHONY SULLIVAN.
Rev. Father Sullivan is one of those earnest, self- ,
sacrificing, energetic clergymen of the Catholic '
Church to whom duty is preferable to ease, and
whose faith is a higher and more controlling ini- '
pulse than riches or fame. Both his parents and i
grandparents were born in Ireland. His grand-
father, Martin Sullivan, a farmer, married Julia
Kirby. His father was also named Martin and hi:
mother Julia. His parents came to this counti',
in 1849, ^^'^'^ h'is father for many years worked as
a farmer, dying in Colchester Aug. i, 1898. The
mother is still living.
Father Sullivan was born in Middlefield, Conn..
Sept. 16, 1859. His education was begun in the
public schools of Durham, and was pursued at i
the Bacon Academy in Colchester, an educational
institute founded in 1801 by Theodore Bacon.
The young man graduated from the academy in
1876, and soon afterward matriculated at St. Bou-
aventure's College at Allegany, N. Y., from which ;
seat of learning he graduated in 1881. Feeling ij
an inclination for the priesthood, he entered St. '
Bonaventure's Seminary as a theological student.
Here he pursued his studies until 1884, when he | ■
was ordained a priest by Bishop Stephen Vincent |
Ryan. His first pastoral charge was the parish of
Windsor Locks, Conn. After remaining there for
two and a half years he was transferred to St.
John's parish. New Haven, where he was assistant
rector for ten years. In 1896 he was given charge
of St. Paul's Church at Kensington, to which is
attached, as a mission station, the Sacred Heart ;
parish of East Berlin. The latter Father Sullivan ;:
has built up, erecting a neat church edifice, which
is already wholly paid for. He is a man thoroughly
respected by all, takes a lively interest in the wel-
fare of his parish, both temporal and spiritual, and
is an earnest worker in the cause of temperance.
He has organized numerous societies in his church,
has established a flourishing branch of the Total ;
Abstinence and Benevolent Brotherhood, with
thirty members in East Berlin, and total abstinence
societies in Kensington.
ELMORE HORTON, M. D., a prominent and
successful physician of Plantsville, was born in
Bristol, this county, July 29, 1832, and is a son of •
Leonard and Nancy (Gaylord) Horton, natives of ;
Bristol and Wolcott, Conn., respectively.
Throughout life the Doctor's father followed j
the wheelwright's trade, and continued to make his
home in Bristol, where he died in 1866. In his t
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family were only two children : Sarah Ann, wife
of Garry Allen; and Elmore. Our subject's pa-
ternal grandfather, Samuel Ilorton, a carpenter and
joiner by trade, lived and died in Woleott. Mis
wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Bradley.
I-Iis father, Elisha Ilorton, was a son of Samuel
Horton, a native of England, who. removed from
Xew Haven to Woleott when the British captured
the former place during the Revolutionary war.
Our subject's maternal grandfather was Lot Gay-
lord, a farmer of Bristol, and a son of Edward
Gaylord. Jesse Gaylord, the father of the latter,
was a son of Edward Gaylord, who came to this
county from Wallingford and was one of the orig-
inal settlers of Bristol.
Dr. Horton spent his boyhood and youth in his
native town, and his early education, acquired in
its common schools, was supplemented by a course
at the Bristol Academy. During the Civil war he
was engaged in mechanical work, and also spent
much time in caring for the sick. In 1871 he began
the study of medicine with Dr. Henry N. Byington,
of Southington ; later attended lectures at the medi-
cal school of Yale College for three years, and
spent part of one year in the Homeopathic Medical
College of New York. In 1875 he received a diploma
from the Eclectic Aledical Society of the State of
Connecticut, and at once opened an office in Plain-
ville, where he remained for six years, in 1881 re-
moving to Plantsville. where he has since been
actively and successfully engaged in the practice
of his chosen profession, having by earnest and
lionest endeavor built up quite a remunerative prac-
tice and gained a first-class reputation as an able
and skillful physician. He is a member of the
Eclectic Medical Society of Connecticut, and in
politics is a Republican.
THEODORE B. ROGERS (deceased) was
born in the town of West Springfield, Alass., Sept.
16. 181 1, his parents being Asa and Lydia (Fuller)
Rogers.
Mr. Rogers" father had but small means, and
Theodore's early educational advantages were lim-
ited to such as were afforded by the primitive dis-
trict schools of that early date. Even as a boy,
however, he manifested a thirst for knowledge, and
so well did he improve his meager advantages, and
so thoroughly did he supplement them by reading
and study at home that he was able to lay a broad,
solid foundation for his remarkable success in after
life. At an early age he fovind himself forced to
face life's stern realities for himself. Going to
Hartford he mastered the wheelwright's trade, and
after serving his time as an apprentice went to
Rocky Hill, where he entered the employ of Xeff
& ^ilerriam, carriage builders. He remained with
that firm for several years, his industry, natural
aptitude, skill and fidelity securing for him the
position of foreman, and later that of manager of
their branch establishment at Wilmington, N. C.
After filling this post for several years with credit
to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his em-
ployers, he returned to Rocky Hill, where he em-
barked in business on his own account. After a
few years so spent he removed to Wethersficld,
where he passed the remainder of his life. He
was a man of rare inventive genius and had at the
same time a thorough knowledge of practical me-
chanics. He brought these powers to practical use
in the invention of the Wethersficld Seed Sower,
a seed-drill at once simple, compact, strong, durable,
portable and thoroughly efficient. He secured a
liatent for this machine and at once entered upon
its manufacture and sale, in which business he was
successful almost from its inception. The career
of such men as he aft'ords at once an example and
an encouragement. Beginning life as a poor boy,
with no influential friends to aid him by ])urse or
voice, he hewed out his own way through pertinac-
ity and pluck, and of him it may be said that he
was one of the truest and noblest types of the
self-made man. He lived to attain the age of
eighty years, dying at his home in \\'ethersfiekl
on Dec. 30, 1891. His intellect was unimpaired
and his physical powers showed little decay, even
at that advanced age. He was buried in Cedar
Hill cemetery. He naturally gravitated from the
Whig to the Republican party, and, although never
desiring office, was a stanch supporter of its po-
litical creed. In his religious belief he was a Con-
gregationalist. He was a fond husband and a
true friend: charitable in his judgment of others,
upright in his dealings, generous in his benefac-
tions, a friend of higher education and an earnest
champion of the cause of temperance.
Mr. Rogers was three times married. His first
wife was ISIartha Warner, who bore him two daugh-
ters, A. Louisa and ^Martha H. The first named
married E. G. Woodhouse, of Wethersficld, and
the younger became the wife of Prof. Henry E.
Sawyer, of Washington, D. C. His second mar-
riage was to ^ilerilDah Ashley, of West Spring-
field, ^lass., by whom he had no issue. His
third wife was Airs. Jerusha (Smith) Good-
rich, a daughter of Levi Smith and widow
of Joseph B. Goodrich, who was a son of
Deacon Joel Goodrich. This marriage was also
without issue. By her first marriage Mrs. Rogers
was the mother of four children : Gertrude A.,
Frederic G.. Edward J., and a child who died in
infancy. None lived to reach mature years. She
is still living at Wethersficld, active and energetic
despite her fourscore years, which rest so lightly
upon her. Her mind is clear and her memory re-
tentive, which characteristics, joined to culture and
native refinement, combine to make her a delight-
ful conversationalist.
The Smith family, of which Mrs. Rogers is a
member, is one of the oldest in that part of U'ethers-
field, now known as Rocky Hill. Ezekiel Smith,
her grandfather, was born there May 18. 1756,
.son of Levi Smith, who died Sept. 15, 1758. leaving
two sons. Ezekiel Smith was a farmer and land
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
owner, and a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
He married Mrs. Ruth Ames, a widow, and was
the father of six children. Levi Smith, the father
of Mrs. Rogers, was also born at Rocky Hill,
where he spent his life. He was a successful
farmer and an earnest member of the Congrega-
tional Church. In politics he was first a Whig and
on the disruption of that party became a Repub-
lican. On May 7, 1806, he married Betsy Gibbs,
who was born in March, 1785, and died Nov. 15,
1865, at the age of eighty years. Like her hus-
band, she was connected with the Congregational
communion. Mr. and Mrs. Levi Smith were the
parents of ten children, whose names, with the
respective dates of their birth and some brief bi-
ographical data, are given below : Emmeline, born
April 7, 1807, married Allen W. Miller. Eliza
Ann, born May 14, 1809, became the wife of A. C.
Arnold. Norman, born Oct. 26, 181 1, married
Lucy Cooley. Henry married Emmeline Goodrich.
Delia was "born Sept. 10, 1816. ' Jerusha (Mrs.
Rogers) was born April 20, 1819. Martha, born
June 22, 1 82 1, married Elisha Gilbert, who died
Jan. 19, 1900, aged eighty-three years. Levi H.,
born June 5, 1824, married Rebecca _Young and
became the father of four children, Mary (Mrs.
Dwight Wells), Harriet (Mrs. Edmund M. Wil-
cox, who is the mother of one child, Dorothy),
William E. (who married Kate Harding) and
Margaret E. (who married C. R. Spencer). Mary
S., born June 24, 1827, married Samuel Dimmock,
of Rocky Hill. John L., born June 23, 1830, mar-
ried Lucinda G. Blinn, who died Feb. 17, 1897.
• GEORGE LYMAN, one of the highly-esteemed
citizens of Marlboro, is an honored veteran of the
Civil war, and is also on the retired list of the New
York police' force. His present life of ease and
quiet is in direct contrast to the exciting and ad-
venturous career that he has passed. Brave and
fearless in disposition, his duties were always dis-
charged in a most commendable and satisfactory
manner both as a soldier and as a policeman.
Mr. Lyman is descended from an old and hon-
ored New England family. His grandfather, Jacob
Lyman, was a survej'or of Bolton, Tolland Co.,
Conn., where he also engaged in farming, and where
his death occurred. He married a Miss Bolles, and
to them were born five children : Johanna, wife of
Joseph Eaton, of Bolton ; Ezra, who married, and
lived in Bolton and later in Saybrook, where he died ;
Mary, who wedded Henry Gallupp, and lived in
Illinois for a time, but is now a resident of Iowa ;
Jacob, father of our subject; and Sophia, who mar-
ried a Mr. Chapman, and lived in Bozrahville.
Jacob Lyman, father of our subject, was born in
Bolton in 1805, and in early life, as a solicitor and
canvasser, he traveled throughout the West. He
also engaged in the lumber business, and followed
farming in Bolton, where he died in December. 1884.
He married Dorcas Chapman, a native of Vernon,
Conn., and to them were born eight children : Al-
mira married John Lord, and lives in Marlboro;
Marietta is the wife of E. M. Burdick, of South
Manchester; William C. married Martha Barrows,
and lives in Willimantic; George, our subject,
is next in the order of birth; Charles married Ame-
lia Campbell, and lives in Washington, D. C, where
he is chief of a government department, and was a
member of the civil service commission and presi-
dent of the board; Benjamin married Nancy A.
Bowers, and lives in Boston; Norman is a paper
manufacturer of Talcottville, Conn. ; and John died
in Holyoke, Mass., at the age of twenty-one years.
Our subject was also born in Bolton, Conn.,
September 13, 1841. He began his education in the
common schools, later attending the Manchester
Academy and the Mt. Carroll (111.) Seminary, grad-
uating from the latter in 1863. He then engaged
in traveling for about six months, selling A. B. Is-
rael's outline maps.
On March 8, 1864, in St. Louis, Mr. Lyman en-
listed in Company L, 12th Missouri Volunteer Cav-
alry, and shortly after his enlistment was made sec-
ond sergeant. The troop had charge of the military
stores in St. Louis in 1864, and then joined Gen.
Hooker's expedition through western Tennessee and
northern Mississippi, en route to re-enforce Gen.
Sherman's army in front of Atlanta. When they
arrived at Holly Springs, Miss., orders were re-
ceived to intercept Gen. Hood, who had evacuated
Atlanta and had made a stand in front of Nashville,
Tenn. In the three-days' battle at the latter place.
Gen. Thomas almost annihilated Hood's army.
While at Holly Springs, during the fall of 1864,
Mr. Lyman was detailed to deliver convalescents
and recruits to various points along the Mississippi
river from Memphis to New Orleans, and joined
his regiment in time to take part in the battle of
Nashville, Dec. 15, 16, 17, where his battalion (the
3rd) was almost destroyed. Later the regiment
went on Gen. Stewart's expedition or raid through
the South, but our subject was not with them, as
he was general ward master of the United States
marine hospital at St. Louis for about six months
at that time. He was wounded three times in about
a quarter of an hour while on a little expedition at
Holly Springs. He was ordered to pick fifteen
men for an advance guard to go to the Tallahassee
river, where trie regiment was repairing a bridge
on the Tallahassee & Memphis railroad, the bridge
being over an important point for the regiment to
cross. This little band suspected that the Con-
federates were in the vicinity, and when they ar-
rived on the spot they found the bridge burned.
On their way back they met an advance gu?.rd of
Col. Chalmer's out-pickets, the time being about
nightfall, and the Rebels, armed with Mississippi
rifles and saber bayonets, surrounded our subject's
little company. The lieutenant who was with them
said, "Boys, it is either fight or Andersonville
prison," and they fought. After firing all their
ammunition they made a charge, fighting hand to
hand. Some escaped, but others were captured or
^J^ ,
---^^t--t t5e--t-^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
889
killed, and our subject received three bayonet
woiuuls, but escaped. After the return of his regi-
ment to St. Louis from Gen. Stewart's expedition
he joined them there. They were remounted, joined
Col. Cowles' Powder river expedition, and made a
circle round the Black Hills against the Aspcrsias,
Sioux, Comanche and .\rapahoe Indians, who were
on the warpath. They had several skirmishes, ac-
companied by a few losses, and dispersed the In-
dians. They returned to Fort Leavenworth, Kan.,
and were mustered out April 9, 1866.
Mr. Lyman came east and secured the position
of buyer for Cone & Smith, wholesale grocery
dealers at No. 118 Greenwich street. New York,
remaining with that firm until its dissolution a
year later. He was then appointed a policeman by
Police Commissioner Alanier in 1868, and served
the city faithfully in that precarious capacity until
the time limit of service — twenty years — was
reached in 1888, when he retired. He was on
' "police detail service" for eighteen years; was ap-
pointed special otticer by a special Act of the Legis-
lature of New York, and served as detective in
the Lincoln National Bank five years, when he felt
his time of service was completed and poor health
forced him to retire. He came to Marlboro, the
home of his wife's parents, and is now enjoying a
well-earned rest in the quiet of the country. While
on duty during the "Orange riot" in New York,
when tbe procession was coming, down Eighth ave-
nue, near the corner of Twenty-third street and
Ford's Opera House, the mob made a charge, and
the Ninth Regiment, which was on duty there, fired
a volley to frighten the crowd. The mob began
firing also, and many who were on housetops took
part in the shooting. Mr. Lyman was shot through
the calf of the leg, the bullet passing clear through
the limb. The shot was evidently fired from a
housetop.
On Sept. 18, 1867, Mr. Lyman married ^liss
Anna ]\Iaria Denslow, who was born in New Hart-
ford, Litchfield Co., Conn., May 25, 1840, a daugh-
ter of Samuel Bailey and Eliza (Phelps) Denslow.
The father was appointed cornet, ist Company,
^j Governor's Horse Guards, Jan. 4, 1835, in the militia
of this State, wnere he gave faithful service until
his death in December, 1844. Tbe motlier subse-
quently married Judson Russell. She died in March,
1883. Our subject and bis wife have had two chil-
dren: (i) Belle \'., born April 18, 1870, became
the wife of Charles Daniel Way, Jr., an extensive
farmer and stock dealer of Gilead, Conn. ; she died
Nov. 10, 1897, leaving one child, Walter D. (2)
Grace D., born April 8, 1875, is the wife of Elton
'W. Buell, a manufacturer of various kinds of
woodenware in Gilead, and they have two children.
Deems H. and Dorothy Isabel'le.
Mr. Lyman is a splendid specimen of manhood,
being six feet in height and weighing over 200
f pounds. He receives a pension from the police fund
1 of New York, and has a prettv home in Marlboro,
■ where he expects to spend the remainder of his
life in ease rnd quiet. He is a member of Phil
Carney Post, No. 8, G. A. R., Dei)artment of New
York, and served on the council of administration.
Politically he is a stanch Republican. In New York
he joined the Church of Strangers, and now attends
the Congregational Church -of Marlboro. He has
made many warm friends during his residence here
and is held in high regard by all who know him.
Capt. Albert J. Russell, brother of Mrs. Ly-
man, entered West I'oint in September, 1872, and
graduated June 14, 1876. He was first .assigned to
the Tenth United States Cavalry, but not long
afterward was transferred to the Seventh Cavalry,
with which he served almost twenty years, being
retired in May, 1896, on account of disability. He
was wounded fighting Indians. The Captain mar-
ried Miss Harrie L. Rumney, who died April 18,
1893, at Fort Riley, Kan., leaving three children:
Albert Judson, Earned Runmey and Josej^h Haw-
ley, who have since made their home with Mr. and
Mrs. Lyman. On April 15, 1900, Capt. Russell
passed away at Sierra Madre, Cal., and his remains
rest in the Government cemetery at Santa Monica,
that State. Mr. Lyman is guardian of the children.
\\'ALTER G. :MURPHY, AI. D., is descended
from a Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather,
John IMurphy, was a pioneer soap manufacturer of
Albany, N. Y. His father, Thomas S. Murphy,
was born in Albany, and was identified with the
bookbinding industry of that city. He married
Elinor Crew, of Albany, and their union was blessed
with five children: Marv S., Thomas S., James
E., Charles S. and Walter G.
Walter G. Murphy was born in Albany, N. Y.,
Nov. 13, 1868. He received his early education in
the schools of that city, and later entered St. Paul's
School at Salem, N. Y., wdiere he prepared for col-
lege. Matriculating at Albany ]\Iedical College, he
was graduated from that institution in 1889. He
entered Hudson River State Hospital, where he
remained six months, and then served eighteen
months as interne at the Albany hospital. In 1891
Dr. IMurphy located in Granby, Conn., and in 1893
he settled in East Hartford. He is a member
of the City, County and State Medical Societies. In
1892 the Doctor was married to i\Iiss Henrietta
Broughton, daughter of A. K. Broughton, of Salem,
Washington Co., N. Y., and they have two chil-
dren, Elinor D. and Frances B.
REV. JESSE E. HEALD. The world appre-
ciates and loves a man of charity and broadened
sympathies, and especially does it hold in kindliest
reverence and esteem the minister whose close
contact with his fellow men is not confined to the
members of his own parish. It is one of the dis-
tinctive traits of Rev. JMr. Heald, rector of Trinity
Church at Tariffville, that he has many friends in
everv religious denomination. No better tribute
than this bare recital can be paid to one of his
cloth and calling. An able minister, he is above
all else in his relations with men kindhearted and
890
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
genial. He is not clothed in chilling dignity, not
wrapped about with any species of exclusiveness.
His services at burials and at weddings are in de-
mand as often from other denominations as from
his own church. He is widely known, and wher-
ever known is blessed.
Mr. Heald's preparation for his calling was
hedged about with trying obstacles. The family
was formerly one of wealth and always one of
influence,' but this branch of it was in reduced cir-
cumstances at the time of the birth of our subject,
whose education was obtained solely by his own
resources. As a lad he worked in a woolen mill,
but his daily companion there was a Greek reader.
Rev. Mr. Heald is of Vermont ancestry, descended
from an old English family. He was born in Mt.
Hollv, Vt., Dec. 26, 1834, a son of Elliott and
Jerusha (Wellman) Heald. The father was born
in Granville, N. Y., in 181 1, the mother in Dorset,
Vt., in 1812. The paternal grandfather of our
subject's paternal grandmother was Capt. John
Averil, an early settler of Westminster, Vermont.
Elliott Heald, the father of our subject, was a
dealer and worker in marble. He was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and an active
religious worker. His brother, John Heald, was a
Methodist minister. Elliott Heald lived for many
years at Amherst, Mass., to which town he re-
moved in 1838, and where he lived to the age of
seventy ; his wife survived him and died in 1889,
aged seventy-seven years. They were buried at
North Amherst, Mass. To Elliott and Jerusha
Heald were born four children : Jesse E., our sub-
ject; Nancy, who died unmarried, aged twenty
years ; Charles, of Amherst, Mass. ; and Anna,
now Mrs. Tracy, of Amherst.
Jesse E. Heald was four years old when his
parents moved to Amherst, Mass., where his early
schooling was received. He attended VVesleyan
Academy, and was graduated in 1853 from Wil-
braham, Mass. Being an earnest, progressive stu-
dent, he worked to secure the means to pay his
tuition and expenses. As noted above, he com-
bined the occupations of a mill worker and a
Greek student, and very successfully. At the age
of eighteen he pursued his studies under the in-
fluences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at
twenty-one was regularly ordained a minister of
that denomination. He held several charges, and
at the age of twenty-five years became a candidate
for orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church.
He became assistant minister at Trinity Church,
Newtown, Conn., and in 1862 came to what is now
Trinity Church, Tariffville. Rev. Heald next be-
came rector of the Episcopal Church at Pine
Meadow, Conn., for three years. He next took
charge of Grace Church at Saybrook, Conn., and
the fine stone church, costing $40,000, was erected
during his pastorate and dedicated free from debt ;
the rectory of that church, an unusually fine struc-
ture, was also built through his efforts. He re-
mained at Saybrook for ten years, and a six-years'
rectorship at Millville, Worcester Co., Mass., fol-l
lowed. In June, 1884, he returned to Tariffville!
where he has since lived continuously, only a por-i
tion of the time, however, as rector of Trinitv
Church.
Rev. Mr. Heald married. May 30, 1855, Miss
Betsy Tilden, who was born at North Coventry
Jan. 4, 1825, daughter of Walter and Rebecca,
(Jones) Tilden. Walter Tilden was an extensive]
Connecticut farmer. Of his eight children threei
are now living: Betsy, the wife of our subject;
Catherine, now Mrs. P. W. Turner, of Turnerville,
Conn. ; and Charles W., a farmer of Mansfield,
Conn. To Rev. and Mrs. Heald were born two
sons, William Elliott and Robert H., both of whonv
are now deceased. William Elliott was born Nov.
12, 1857, at Gales Ferry, Conn., and was a bright
and promising young man when he passed awayi
at Saybrook Aug. 26, 1874. Robert H. was born
April 15, 1862, at Newtown, Conn., and died at
Tariffville July 26, 1864.
As pastor Rev. Mr. Heald has met with remark-
able success. He has frequently been called toj
officiate in ministerial work at various towns about
Tariffville by members not only of the Episcopal
Church but of man}^ other denominations, and has;
been called upon to conduct the funeral services of
Congregational deacons and prominent members of
other churches. He has buried over 200 people in
and about Tariffville, and a very large number else-
where since he began his pastoral work. On his
twenty-first birthday he officiated at his first wed-
ding, and the bridal pairs he has since that occa-
sion made happy are numerous indeed. Rev. and i
Mrs. Heald are most highly respected by all who ,
know them. The influences which have ever radi- i
ated from their home have been uplifting and cheer-
ing, penetrating, like the searching sunshine, many
a neglected nook and corner in human hearts.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" might
be given as one of the life principles of our sub- j
ject, and his ministrations have been those that '
were needed most and have made his name hon-
ored and cherished wherever he is known.
THOMPSON SINCLAIR GRANT. For-
tunate is he who has back of him an ancestry hon-
orable and distinguished, and happy is he if his
Imes of life are cast in harmony therewith. Our
subject is blessed in this respect, for he springs '
from a prominent family, and is to-day one of the
best known and most influential citizens of Hart-
ford county. He is now Comptroller of Connecti- 1
cut, and is a recognized leader in public aft'airs.
Mr. Grant was born in the town of Enfield,
Hartford county, June 21, 1843, ^ son of Harry Al-
len and Laura Ann (Thompson) Grant. His pater-
nal grandfather, Robert Grant, a native of eastern
Scotland and a surgeon by profession, was with
the British navy during the early part of the Revo-
lutionary war, but later he became a naturalized
American citizen and served on Gen. Marion's staff,
«
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
891
as surgeon, until the close of the war. He then
located in South Carolina, where he engaged in
raising rice, and subsequent!)- removed to Glynn
county, Ga., where he owned a large rice planta-
tion, as well as a large cotton plantation on St.
Simons Island, near Brunswick, Ga. He died in
1844.
Harry Allen Grant, our subject's father, was
born on St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast, in
1813, and in 1821 was sent North to be educated.
After graduating from Union College, in 1833, he
stuilied nieilicine in JJaltiniore, ^Id., under Dr.
Geddings, anil in the early '30s practiced in Al-
bany, X. Y., for a period of two years. In 1836 he
went to Europe, where he spent live years studying
in the principal hospitals of the Old World. Re-
turning to the United States in 1841, he opened an
office in Xew York City, and the following year
came to Hartford, Conn., where he engaged in the
active practice of his profession until 1854. -He
then removed to Enfield, where he lived retired un-
til his death, in 1884. During the Civil war he
served on Gov. Buckingham's staff as surgeon-
general of Connecticut, and in 1861 was a member
of the Lower House of the State Legislature. At
the Baltimore Convention, in 1864, when President
Lincoln was nominated for a second term, he was
one of the vice-presidents of that body, and during
President Johnson's administration he was col-
lector of Internal Revenue for the States of Con-
necticut and Rhode Island, with office at Hartford,
filling that position for four years. He was twice
married, his first wife being Louisa, daughter of
I-ynott Bloodgood, of Albany, N. Y., and to them
was born one son, Harry Allen, Jr., a graduate of
Hamilton College and a lawyer by profession, who
died in Tarrytown, N. Y., in August, 1898. The
second wife was Laura Ann, daughter of Orrin
and Love (Lusk) Thompson, of Enfield, Conn.,
and the only child born of this union is Thompson
Sinclair, our subject. Orrin Thompson was the
founder of Thompsonville, this county, and his
sketch will be found elsewhere. He was a son of
Matthew Thompson, who drifted to Hartford
county during the eighteenth century, and was one
of the early settlers of the town of Suffield, and
later of Enfield. He was a man of great force of
character, was an extensive land speculator, and
accumulated a large property. During the Revolu-
tionary war he enlisted in Capt. Walker's company,
at Stratford, Conn., and for three years fought for
the independence of the Colonies. He was born
in I7'i3, and died in Enfield }\Iarch 4. 1828. In
1787 he married Betsv Collins, who was born in
1770, and died j\Iay 19, 1855. She drew a Revo-
lutionary pension under the Pension Act of 1843.
Thompson S. Grant was reared in Enfield, and
was fitted for college in private schools. In 1861
he located in Xew York City, and he was success-
fully engaged in the woolen commission trade there
until 1S72. when he returned to Enfield. He has
since carried on business as a farmer, and from
1874 as a dealer in and packer of seed leaf and
Havana seed tobacco. He occupies the old family
residence erected i)y his grandfather, ( )rrin Thomp-
son, in 1832. Mr. Grant was married, Ocr. 17,
1872, to Miss Alice V. Mintzing, a daughter of
Jacob and Louisa (Thwing) Mintzing, of Charles-
ton, S. C. Two children blessed this union : Harry
Allen, born Jan. 10, 1874, died April 28, 1883; and
Fairfax, born March 23, 1875, died May 13, 1883.
The wife and mother was called to her final rest
Sept. 13, 1894.
]\Ir. Grant is a leading member of the First
Ecclesiastical Congregational Church of Enfield,,
and has served ten years as chairman of the so-
ciety committee. In 1897 and 1898 he was a mem-
ber of the Lower House of the State Legislature,
and in the latter year was elected Comptroller of
Connecticut for a term of two years. His politi-
cal support is always given to the men and meas-
ures of the Republican party. Pie is public-spirited
in an eminent degree, and has always done much in
behalf of the general interests of his community.
Pleasant and genial in manner, he is quite popular,
and is the center of a large circle of friends and
acquaintances who honor and esteem him for his
genuine worth
GEORGE AUSTIX WARREX (deceased)
was a member of one of the earliest settled families
of East Hartford, which beyond all doubt descended
from Richard \\"arren. who came to America in
the historic "Mayflower." They lived in Silver
Lane, so called by the French soldiers who' en-
camped there at the time of the Revolutionary
war and who, it is said, stored their money in one
of the rooms of the Warren house. The first of
the familv of whom there is any authentic ac-
count was William ^^'arren, who married Mary
Andrews, and settled in East Hartford in 1664.
Ashbel \\'arren married Penelope Pratt, whose
mother's name was ]\Iargaret Ely, and to them
were born seven children : Ashbel, William Ely,
Harriet, Sarah, Xathaniel, Frederick and Marararet.
Of these, Ashbel married Abigail Hayes; William
Ely was killed by lightning in 1804, when still a
young man ; Harriet was married to a Mr. Camp ;
Saraii never married : X'athaniel married Sarah
Bidwell : Frederick went south ; Margaret was mar-
ried to James Colvin.
Xathaniel \\'arren, father of George Austin
Warren, was born Aus:. 13, 1797, and on Aug. 24,
1820. married Sarah Bidwell, who was born June
8, 1800. He was a farmer, lived on the spot which
was the late home of our subject, and died May
13, 1877. His widow resided on the old home-
stead until her death, July 13, 1878. They were the
parents of nine children: Harriet F., born Jan.
16, 1821, married Watson Hayes, and lived in South
Windsor; Lucius H., born Alarch 20, 1823, mar-
ried Abbey Miner, and was a resident of Milford
at the time of his death; William Ely, born June
892
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ly, 1825, married Louisa Hills {nee Gillett), widow
of Sherman Hills, and lived in East Hartford;
George Austin is the subject of this sketch; Emily
A., born July 5, 1830, was married to Edward
Miner, and lived in Gilead : Leverett D., born Dec.
12, 1832, married Mary Vvheeler, and lived in
Bridgeport; Alfred Newton, born Aug. 8, 1835,
married Ann Eliza Stovve, and lived m Dunlap,
Iowa; Laura Jane, born April 21, 1838, married
George Hills, and lived in Gdeaa ; and Frederick
R., born Dec. 5, 1840, married Amelia Milton, who
was born Jan. 17, 1844, and lives in Silver Lane.
George Austin Warren was born Oct. 27, 1827,
in a house that stood just west of the one in which
he died. He was educated at the Willow Brook
school, under Horace Cornwall and others, and at
Wells Hall, under Joseph A. Hurlburt. After
leaving school he assisted on the home farm until
his marriage, Nov. 19, 1854, to Miss Almira Risley,
who was born June 9, 1829, a daughter of Harvey
.and Minerva (Loomis) Risley, residents of South
Windsor, then a part of East Windsor. In 1877
Mr. Warren erected his new dwelling, and here
followed general farming and tobacco growing un-
til his death, which occurred Sept. 6, 1898. To
liis marriage with Almira Risley were born the
following six children: Ella M., born March 17,
1856, was married Nov. 19, 1879, to Henry J.
Peavy, who was born Aug. 28, 1856, and is a mer-
chant in Byron, Ga. Mr. and Mrs. Peavy have six
children: Sadie Almira, born Nov. 17, 1880;
Bertha W., Dec. 6, 1882; William A., Jan. 3, 1885
(a twin brother died at birth) ; Nellie M., March
4, 1889 ; Henry W., July 24, 1893 ; and Annie
Rosalind, Aug. 24, 1896. The second child of
Mr. and Mrs. Warren was a daughter, born July
24, 1858, who died in infancy. The third, also
a daughter, born March 14, 1861, likewise died in
infancy. The fourth, Harvey R., was born March
29, 1862, married Harriet B. Lutz, who was born
June ID, 1869, and to this union was born one
child, Eugene, May 25, 1894; Harvey R. is now en-
gaged in the insurance business at Seattle, Wash.
The fifth child, Louis N., born Feb. 16, 1864, first
married, Sept. 13, 1891, Annie M. Miner, who
died Aug. 5, 1892, and Nov. 25, 1897, Louis N.
married Mrs. LilHe May (Edgerly) Oliver; their
children are Ella May and Austin James. Louis
N. Warren is now the manager of the home farm.
The sixth child, Sara A., was born Aug. 20, 1866,
and has her home with her mother.
George Austin Warren was tall of stature and
enjoyed good health nearly all his life. In politics
lie was a Democrat, but never cared for office. He
Avas a member of no secret society, being verv do-
mestic in his habits, was an upright man in all re-
spects and was honored by all who knew him. His
remains were interred in the cemetery at East Hart-
ford, and his death was a sad loss to the whole
community, but he left to his family the heritage
of a spotless name.
Mrs. Almira Warren, a very kind and entertain-
ing lady, still resides in the house erected by her
deceased husband in 1877, greatly respected by all
her neighbors ; as a rule she passes the winters in
Georgia, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Peavy.
ALFRED EVERETT KILBOURNE. The
tobacco interests of the town of South Windsor, ris-
ing to paramount importance as an agricultural re-
source, have brought into prominence several buvers
whose business is not only ^important to the selling
producers, but who require ability of an unusually
high order. From year to year there are the same !
growers of the plant to buy from. They must be
satisfied that they are paid a reasonable price. The
purchasing manufacturers and merchants on the
other hand must be satisfied that their representa-
tives have been skillful buyers. The responsible po-
sition requires a character of high integrity, keen
business sense and judgment of the value of the
crop that is unerring. Among the successful buy-
ers at South Windsor is the subject of this sketch,
whom experience, native talent and sterling honesty
have amply qualified for the work.
Mr. Kilbourne was born in the town of East
Hartford July 19, 1849, a son of Alfred Kilbourne,
a native of South Windsor, who is more fully men-
tioned elsewhere. He received a common-school ed-
ucation, completing a course at Bryant & Stratton's
Business College, Hartford, and remained on the
home farm until his marriage, Oct. 12, 1872, at the
age of twenty-three years, to Miss Eliza S. Hills,
of East Hartford. The young couple began house-
keeping on the farm they now occupy, a part of the
old homestead. Here he made improvements and
for many years continued to cultivate the farm.
In 1886, in addition to the management of the place,
he assumed the local agency for the well-known
firm of Rodgers &: Hubbard, of Middletown, dealers
in fertilizers, and has continued to represent them
ever since. In 1884 Mr. Kilbourne commenced buy-
ing tobacco for L. Osterweis, of New Haven. He
remained with him until 1892, when he accepted
a position with Sutter Bros., of Chicago and Phil-
adelphia, as agent and manager of their large to-
bacco interests at East Hartford. This firm are
perhaps the largest buyers of tobacco in the East,
and in the year 1898 Mr. Kilbourne purchased for
Sutter Bros, about 3,000 cases of tobacco, and in
1899 4,000 cases. He has charge of their two
large warehouses at East Hartford, and during tlie
buying season employs and directs at times about
one hundred men. Mr. Kilbourne's farm is located
about four miles from Hartford and consists of
about sixty acres, under a high state of cultivation.
He raises about nine acres of tobacco each year.
In politics Mr. Kilbourne is a Republican. He
is a charter member -of the Royal Arcanum Lodge
at East Hartford, of which he was one of its or-
ganizers. He is a member of the Congregational
Church and an active religious worker, especially
in Christian Endeavor circles, his interest and en-
listment in that line dating from the Connecticut
^y^-■'la-^y^^^
i
sent;
nectiv
ness I
Jirm Oi
hotel in '*
tlieir abk
ing public
have also u
with marked .
far-sigiited eiit
standing in finan^
eight years of pan
lars passing througU
funds in common, and 11
spective families occupied
perfect harmony. As citizen^
spirited, taking a generous attitude to..
gressive movements, and their geniality ana ^
nature attract the friendship of all who know
them.
Our subject was born Aug. 4, 1S45, in Bland-
ford, Hampden Co., Mass., and comes of good
Colonial stock, his ancestors having located at
I'.landford, Mass., at an early day. Eli Knox, his
grandfather, married a Miss Watson and made his
home in Hampden county, JNIassachusetts.
Samuel Knox, our subject's father, was born in
Xovember, 1816, in Hampden county. ^lass., where
he grew to manhood. After his marriage he re-
sided for a time on a farm at Blandford. but later
he removed to Chester, Mass., and in 1866 he lo-
cated at Suffield and took charge of the stage line
between that village and Windsor Locks. Suffield
was a busy center for the tobacco business in those
days, and the line was well patronized, but as the
old hotel in the village had been abandoned travelers
had great difficulty in securing accommodations.
This fact led to our subject, then a young lad,
suggesting the advisability of furnishing suitable
entertainment, and as Samuel Knox had accumu-
lated a little capital by industry and economy it was
of WUvj..
Anna married is.
at Otis, Mass., agea .
a successful merchant in ..
Leavenworth, Kans., and he 1...
at the age of seventy-three ; Rhoo,
vester Palmer, of Otis, IMass., and die^
seventy-five; Sheldon G., a prominent n..
South Carolina and later in Leavenworth,
died in the latter place at eighty-seven yeai.
age : Artemisia married Abijah B. Knox, and die.
at Westfield, !Mass., at the age of eighty-six years ;
Lorenzo died when nineteen while yet at home ;
and Sophronia married George Adams, of New
Hartford, where she died aged seventy-five years.
As a boy Waldo S. Knox attended the public
schools of the localities in which his parents re-
sided, and for a short time was a student in Wil-
braham College. His excellent business ability be-
came apparent at an early age. and in the fall of
1866, after his father had purchased the stage route
at Suffield, he came alone to take charge of it, the
.iiich he and his
^cther for about nine
,jject finished building a
•evidence, one of the finest in
le expects to pass the afternoon of
- L. He and his wife are prominent in
, and he belongs to Apollo Lodge, ,No.
.A. M., and Gideon Granger Lodge, No.
„ P., at Suffield.
Wallace C. Knox, the junior member of the
firm of Knox Brothers, was born Oct. 7, 1854, at
Blandford, Mass., and attended the common schools
of that town and of Chester, Mass., and at Suffield,
this county. He also studied in the Connecticut
Literary Institute at Suffield and the Eastman
Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and be-
ing more inclined to business life than to books
he immediately after his father's death devoted his
energies to the hotel in partnership with our sub-
ject. In their present business of farming he has
shown capacity for successful management, and has
JV.
ntry
gov-
ied in
From
agh the
1 in 1621,
-ut life, and
.n in 1651, was
1 the north end of
.Sg. He died June
.velles, born in 1686, died
- was appointed ensign of the
. ._x ot Wethersfield in May, 1725, lieu-
111 iViay, 1731, and captain in May, 1735.
(V) Col. Solomon Welles, born Oct. 6, 1721,
died Sept. 18, 1802. He graduated from Yale in
1739, and later was appointed lieutenant-colonel of
the Sixth Battalion of Foot.
(VI) Gen. Roger Welles, born in Wethersfield
Dec. 29, 1753, died May 27, 1795. He graduated
from Yale in 1775, and taught school in Wethers-
field until the Revolutionary war broke out, when
he entered the Colonial service, taking an active
part in the conflict until hostilities ceased. He
was captain of a company of picked men, none
less than six feet tall, and served under Gen. La-
Fayette in the siege of Yorktown. He was present
at the surrender of Cornwallis. After the war he
was married, March 27, 1785, to Jemima Kellogg,
daughter of Capt. Martin and Mary (Boardman)
Kellogg, and located in Newington, where he made
his home until his death. He was commissioned
general in the state militia of Connecticut, and was
a member of the General Assembly at the time of
his death. He was a tall man, six feet, two inches
in his stockings, had light brown hair and blue
eyes, and was of commanding appearance. Dur-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
895
ng the war he was wounded by a bayonet thrust
n the leg Oct. 14, 1781, and in token of his friend-
ship Gen. LaFayctte presented him with a sword.
(\'II) Roger Welles, born Aug. 10, 1790, was
.he younger of two sons, and was left fatherless at
the age of four years. As his brother, IMartin,
iMitered Yale College the whole care of the farm
ilevolved upon him at the age of fourteen years,
and from that time until his mother's death, in
1829, he had charge of the family homestead. He
continued to live in the ancestral home until it was
destroyed by fire in September, 1S55, when he
erected a good brick residence near the Congrega-
tional church in Newington, there spending the re-
mainder of his days, He was married, April 16,
1815, by Rev. Joab Brace, to Miss Electa Stanley,
who was born in July, 1796, and died Oct. 25,
1880. Her father was Timothy Stanley, formerly
of New Britain and later of Marietta, Ohio. Roger
Welles died of typhoid fever Nov. 18, 1859, in
Newington. He was a man of large frame, broad
shoulders and nearly six feet tall and of athletic
physical powers, the result of a good constitution
and a life of temperance .and simple habits spent in
personal toil upon his farm. In his youth he was
somewhat noted as a wrestler and for his feats of
strength and agility. He was a man of practical
mind, sound common sense, excellent judgment,
sterling integrity and Christian uprightness, was
conscientious and true to his convictions. He
carried on a distillery for some years where cider
brandy was manufactured, until the Washingtonian
temperance movement appealed to his conscience,
and he abandoned the business. For about twenty
years he was the trusted treasurer of the Ecclesi-
astical Society in Newington, and as a citizen was
always prompt to help forward any good work by
his encouragement and financial support. In 1844
he was a member of the General Assembly, repre-
senting the town of Wethersfield, which then em-
braced Newington. In his family were the follow-
ing children: (i) Frances Norton, born April
12, 1816, was married, March 17, 1836, to Heze-
kiah Griswold, and died Feb. 25, 1865. (2) Ed-
win, the subject of this sketch, is next in order of
birth. (3) Charlotte Jemima, born Dec. 20, 1820,
was married Dec. 20, 1841, to Baldwin Hart, of
Madison, and died March 31, 1858. (4) Julia,
born March 5, 1823, married, Aug. 23, 1843, Henry
Olmstead, of East Hartford, and removed to Dun-
lap. Iowa, where she died Feb. 2, 1877. (5) Abi-
gail, born Oct. 30, 1825, was married Nov. 25,
1852, to John D. Seymour, of Newington. (6)
Roger, born March 7, 1829, was married at Prairie
dii Chien, Wis., June 16, 1858, to Mercy Delano
Aiken, daughter of Lemuel S. Aiken, of Fairhaven,
Mass. (7) Electa Stanley, born Aug. 15, 1832,
was married April \t,. 1858' to Coleman^E. VVheeler,
and died Jan. 10, 1861.
Edwin Welles, our subject, was born March
29, 1818, in the old homestead in Newington, which
stood on the opposite side of the road from his
present residence. He was provided with a good
common-school and academic education, pursuing
his studies in Newington, Westfiekl, East Hartford
and New Britain. At an early age he entered a
company of horse under Gen. I'ratt, and met fur
a few times with the company for officers' drill,
appearing in the street under Capt. Stephen Mor-
gan, but his military career was suddenly ended
by ill health. His entire life has been passed on
the home farm, and in connection with agricultural
pursuits he was engaged in business as a manu-
facturer for a number of years.
In Newington, Jan. 20, 1853, Mr. Welles was
united in marriage with Miss Lucy Lowry Robbins,
a daughter of Unni and Sarah (Dunham) Robbins,
granddaughter of Gideon Dunham, and a great-
granddaughter of the somewhat famous David
Lowry. Three children were born of this union:
Fanny Augusta is at home ; Mary Robbins is mar-
ried to Elford B. Eddy, of New Britain, and has
three children, Elford Welles, Stanley Robbins and
Margaret Ames; Charles Edwin is now engaged
in the banking and stock exchange business as a
member of the firm of Welles, Herrick & Hicks,
No. 15 Wall street. New York City; he married
j\lar)'_ Ames de Steiguer, of Athens, Ohio, who
died in April, 1893.
Mr. Welles has ever taken an active interest
in political affairs, first as a Whig and later as a
Republican, and has held a number of town offices.
He was also elected by the Legislature a county
commissioner for two successive terms of three
years each, serving from 1861 to 1867, and in i86r
represented Newington in the Stale Legislature.
He and his family are active members of the Con-
gregational Church, and for ten years he served as
clerk of the Ecclesiastical Society. He is also a
member of the Connecticut Society. Sons of the
American Revolution. He commands the respect
and esteem of all who know him on account of his
sterling worth and many excellencies of charaiter.
Mr. Welles is five feet, ten and a half inches h\
height, and of medium build.
WILLIAM SUMNER GOSLEE (deceased).
For many years this upright, conscientious attorney
was a practitioner at Glastonbury. His life was an
example of painstaking and successful professional
effort, for whatever cause he espoused received his
earnest and thorough support. He was renowned
as a lawyer, and practiced among the people whom
he had known from childhood, for he w^as a native
of the town of Glastonbury.
Mr. Goslee was a descendant of an old Connecti-
cut family, which first settled in Buckingham.
James Goslee, the father of our subject, was for
many years a farmer of Buckingham, where both
he and his brother, Thomas, were large land holders.
James Goslee married Polly Sumner, a native of
Hebron, and to them were born five children : Wil-
liam S., our subject: Philura, who married Lafay-
ette Bosworth, of ^'crnon, and now lives at the old
w
89G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
homestead in Buckingham; Jemima, who married
Gilbert Strickland, of Buckingham, where she now
resides; Rhoda, who married E. B. Treat, a pub-
lisher in New York city, and died in May, 1899, her
husband and five children surviving her and living
in New York ; and Timothy, who died young.
William S. Goslee was born Aug. 15, 1832, in
Buckingham. His boyhood days were spent on the
home farm, while he attended the neighboring
schools. Desiring a higher education, he becarne a
student in the excellent academy, then at Bucking-
ham, and later attended Williston Seminary, Wil-
liston, Mass. While a student there, aged nineteen
years, his father died. He returned home and took
charge of the farm for a time, and later pursued his
studies at the New Britain Normal School. Choos-
ing the profession of law as his life vocation, he en-
tered the office of Judge Loren P. Waldo, at Tol-
land, as a student. While reading law he taught
school during the winter in his native district. Upon
his admission to the Bar Mr. Goslee returned to
Glastonbury, and there began a practice which he
continued uninterruptedly until his death. In poli-
tics he was a Whig in early life, and later a Republi-
can. His political convictions were deep, and he
became a leader in the local councils of his party.
He served the town in various public capacities, and
for several years was town clerk. During the pe-
riod the Legislature met at New Haven, in 1870,
he was elected and served as State senator, having
previously served as assistant clerk in the Legisla-
ture, and as representative of his town in that body.
He was a man of superior intelligence, was an om-
niverous reader, and, possessing a retentive memory,
was well informed upon professional and public
matters.
Mr. Goslee was married, Oct. 30, 1861, to Miss
i\Iarv T. Storrs, who was born at Mansfield, Conn:, -
May 30, 1835, daughter of Dan P. and Mary S. (So-
lace) Storrs. To our subject and wife were born
two children, one that died in infancy ; and Henry
Storrs, who was born Sept. 12, 1872, and was edu-
cated in the common and select schools of Glaston-
bury, and at Williston Seminary. By a curious co-
incidence, when his father died he was at the same
school, and at the same age as his father when the
father of the latter died. Henry Storrs graduated
from Williston in June, 1S92. He spent two years
in New York University, and is now practicing law
at Hartford. He was married April 28, 1898, to
Lulu E. Wright, of Glastonbury.
Mr. Goslee, our subject, died at his home in Glas-
tonbury, March 31, 1892, aged fifty-nine years, and
was mourned by a wide circle of friends and ac-
quaintances. He was a prominent member of Das-
kam Lodge, F. & A. M., and filled the chair of
grand master. During the Civil war he was
drafted, but owing to deafness he did not serve;
nevertheless he furnished a substitute. He was a
lifelong member of the Congregational Church, join-
ing the church at Glastonbury at the early age of
thirteen years. His prosperous professional career
was the result of his own individual efforts, and the
self-reliance which he displayed in his earlier years
no doubt enhanced the measure of his success. Mr.
Goslee was a man of recognized literary tastes and
ability, and possessed one of the finest libraries in
Glastonbury. His life principles, exemplified in ;
every act, won for him the entire confidence of his
fellow men. At the time of his death Mr. Goslee
was engaged in the compilation of a local history of
Glastonbur)', but the valuable historical data which
he had collected at the expense of much time and ^
trouble were lost, as the manuscript could not be [
found. Mrs. Goslee, his widow, still resides in the i
old home. She has proven a devoted wife and
mother, and her faithful life has won for her the
kind regard and high esteem of the community in ^
which she lives.
LEAVITT POMEROY BISSELL, though one
oi the younger business men of Suffield, is an in-
fluential factor in the welfare of that town, his
extensive manufacturing enterprises supplying many t
people with emplovment. While the village is !
known as the "haven of beautiful homes," it has
heretofore lacked any adequate means of supplying ;
its laboring elements with profitable and steady '
work, and in investing his capital to meet this need
Mr. Bissell has shown a wise appreciation of the
obligations resting upon wealth. As a manufacturer ':
of cigars and dealer in leaf tobacco he has estab-
lished a high reputation, his product being shipped !
to all parts of the United 'States, and each year i
sees his capital increased by his thrifty manage- '
ment. He sells his goods, keeps his own books, is
his own confidential clerk, and is thoroughly fa-
miliar with the details of his business, yet with all |
his industry and apphcation he is always genial and 1
courteous as a companion, and finds time to lend
effective and generous aid to many worthy public
movements.
Mr. Bissell is of the eighth generation of his
family in America, being a descenuant of (I) John
Bissell, Sr., who was born about 1591 in the County '
of Somerset, England, and came to Plymouth, Mass.,
in 1682. Previous to 1640 he removed to Windsor,
Hartford county, and in 1648 or '49 he was granted !
by the Colony of Connecticut the sole right to run
a ferry across the Connecticut river near Hayden's
Station. This old ferry is still operated, but has
been moved further down the stream.
(H) John Bissell, Jr., son of the pioneer, was ,.,
born in England, and died in this county in 1693.
He inherited the ferry from his father and con-
tinued to operate it throughout life.
(HI) Jeremiah Bissell, the next in line of de-
scent, was born Feb. 22, 1677. He married Mehit-
abel White and had a son, Samuel.
(IV) Samuel Bissell died Sept. 18, 1759. He
was married, Aug. i, 1746, to Mary Kibbe, of En- '
field, this county^ and among their children was a
son, Isaac.
(V) Isaac Bissell, our subject's great-grandfa-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
897
ther, was lx)rn in Windsor Jan. 25, 1749, and died
July _'S, i8-'2. He was the first of the family to locate
in Suffield, and all of the name now residing there
are his descendants. On July 4, 1776, he married
Amelia Leavitt, who was born in 1757, and died
Nov. 15, I Soy. They had the following children:
Amelia; Amelia (second); Isaac; Amelia (third);
Samuel; Sophia; Harvey; George; Asaph L., who
is mentioned below ; Betsey ; Sally ; LiUhera ; and
George (second).
(VI) Dr. Asaph L. Bissell, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in Suffield Jan. i, 1791, be-
came a successful physician and an influential citi-
zen of that docality. His judgment in business
matters was exceptionally good. His death occurred
Aug. 2, 1850. On June 3, 1819, he married Lucy
Norton, daughter of Daniel and Lucy (King) Nor-
ton, and they had eight children : Charles S., our
subject's father; \\'illiani N., born in 1823, died in
1843; Francis L., born in 1825; Mary, who died
in childhood ; Mary A., born Sept. 28, 1828, who
married Horace E. Mather; Emily L., born in 1831,
wiio married N. S. Bouton, of Chicago, III., and
died Sept. 12, 1857; Harvey L., born in 1834; and
Eugene, born Nov. i, 1839.
(\'ll) Charles S. Bissell, father of our subject,
was born April 5, 1821, in Suffield, where he con-
tinued to reside until his death, on Feb. 2, 1887.
At an early age he began to manifest unusual busi-
ness ability, and for many years he was one of the
leading financiers of this section. He seemed to
have an intuitive knowledge as to the worth of an
investment, his opinions carrying much weight with
his associates in Ixisiness, and his ventures proved
uniformly profitable. At one time he was a di-
rector in the old Continental Insurance Co. Po-
litically he was a strong Republican, but he never
sought public honors as a reward for partisan work.
In religious faith he was a Congregationalist, and
liis wealth enabled him to assist in many worthy
movements. He married Miss ^laria E. Pomeroy.
of Suffield, and had two children : Leavitt P., our
subject; and Charles C, a member of the firm of
L. P. Bissell, Bro. & Co., of Sufifield. The mother,
who is still living, is now the wife of Charles G.
Pomeroy, of Suffield. She was born in Suffield,
the daughter of Chauncey and Maria Granger Pom-
eroy, and is a sister of the late A. G. Pomeroy, the
well-known tobacco dealer of Hartford, "formerly
of SufifieM.
(Vni) Leavitt P. Bissell was born April 18,
1865, and was educated in the public schools of Suf-
field and the Connecticut Literary Institute, with
one year of study at Wilbraham Academy. As a
boy he gained many practical business ideas from
observing his father's operations, and at nineteen
he started upon his career by accepting a position
as clerk in the home office of th.; Travelers In-
surance Company at Hartford. His capabilities
brought him one promotion after another until he
was the second in rank in the auditing depart-
ment, and after six years in the office he left it to
57
engage in business on his own account, as a mem-
ber of the firm of \V. B. Drake & Co., cigar man-
ufacturers of Suffield. Mr. Drake's death caused
a change in the firm in February, 1895, our sub-
ject becoming sole proprietor and conducting the
firm under the name of L. P. Bissell with marked
success, the output now averaging over a million
cigars annually. In 1897 Air. Bissell became in-
terested in the leaf tobacco l)usiness as a partner in
the firm of R. F. Brome & Co., soon afterward
buying Mr. Brome's share in this concern. For a
time he conducted both establishments alone, but
in the fall of i8y8 his brother joined him and they
organized the firm of L. P. Bissell, Bro. & Co. He
is also largely interested in growing tobacco, and
was one of the original organizers of The Bissell
Graves Co., of which he is secretary and treasurer.
They own one of the finest tobacco farms in the
Connecticut valley, located about two miles from
Suffield Center, where they grow from seventy-
five to one hundred acres of tobacco annually. Mr.
Bissell's well-proven sagacity has made his co-op-
eration or recognized value in other lines, and he
has been connected with various corporate ventures ;
is a director of the Suffield Water Works Co., and
is a trustee of the Connecticut Literary Institution,
of which he was secretary of the board for several
years.
In 1888 Mr. Bissell married Aliss Mary Weston
Gilbert, daughter of Weston and Mary (Looniis)
Gilbert, of Suffield, and five children have bright-
ened his home, two of whom are living. Arthur G.
and Alary W. Air. Bissell and nis accomplished
wife are prominent in the best social circles, and
he is identified with Torrington Lodge, No. 372,
B. P. O. E. ; Apollo Lodge, No. 59, F. & A. M.,
of Suffield ; Washington Chapter, Xo. 30, R. A.
M. ; Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T., at
Hartford ; Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the }»lystic
Shrine, at Hartford, and Gideon Granger Lodge,
No. 62, K. P., at Suffield, of which he is a charter
member.
ALAION CLARK RUSSELL, senior member
of the firm of A. C. & W. E. Russell, tobacco
growers and general farmers of Suffield, was born
in Russell, JNIass., Aug. 22, 1830, and is a son of
Abel and Emeline (Loomis) Russell, as well as
a brother of E. A. Russell, in whose sketch on an-
other page w-ill be found mention of several interest-
ing facts touching the family history.
Almon C. Russell received a sound common-
school education. He remained in Russell until
1858, when he went to Blandford, Mass., follow-
ing farming there until 1870. Returning to Rus-
sell he farmed there until 1880, when he came to
Suffield and purchased from Charles \\'oodworth
what was known as the Almon Allen place and en-
gaged in stock raising and dairying; now the farm,
which comprises sixty-six acres, is devoted chiefly
to tobacco culture. Mr. Russell was united in mar-
riage, Oct. I, 1854. with Ann Eliza Sperrv, born
^
898
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dec. 4, 1836, who died April 3, 1885, a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Blandford ; her
remains were interred at Suffield. To this mar-
riage were born four children : Willis Edwin, Sarah
Elizabeth, Eveline Sperry and Mary Emily.
(i) WiUis Edwin Russell was born July 6, 1855,
was educated in the district schools of Blandford,
Mass., and the Connecticut Literary Institute, of
Suffield, Conn., and since leaving school has been
associated with his father in farming, being the
junior member of the firm of A. C. & W. E. Rus-
sell. He married, June 22, 1881, at Blandford,
Miss Emma Eugenia Culver, a native of the town,
born Dec. 24, 1856, and a daughter of' Dexter and
Roxanna (Sanderson) Culver. Two children have
blessed this union, Howard Frank, born March 4,
1883, who is now attending the Suffield Institute;
and Grace Eliza, born Jan. 10, 1888. W. E. Rus-
sell is a Republican in politics, but has never sought
office ; in religion he is a Congregationalist, has
been a deacon in the Church for three years, has
served as Sunday school teacher and superintend-
ent, and is a member of the Society committee.
He is a young man of more than ordinary intelli-
gence, and is recognized as one of Suffield's most
.energetic and enterprising young citizens.
(2) Sarah Elizabeth Russell was born March
29, 1857, ^"d died in Blandford, Oct. 19, 1859.
(3) Eveline Sperry Russell was born in IBland-
ford Dec. 2, i860, and was married in Suffield, Jan.
12, 1887, to Emerson Wells Oatley. He was born
Aug. 31, 1856, a son of Emerson and Charlotte
(Herrick) Oatley, and is now living in Springfield,
Mass., where Mr. Oatley is a trucker. One child.
Hazel Belle, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oatley,
April 7, 1890, and died Oct. 4, 1899.
(4) Mary Emily Russell was born in Blandford,
June 6, 1863, and was married Oct. 17, 1883, to
David Lester Brockett, who was born March 13,
1857, and is a son of Frank J. and Maria (Gibbs)
Brockett. To David L. and Mary Emily Brockett
one child, Mabel Eliza, was born March 25, 1890.
The second marriage of Almon Clark Russell,
to Aurelia Loomis, widow of Chester H. Curtis,
took place May 11, 1887. She was born July 7,
1829, in Southampton, Mass., died April 24, 1895,
in Suffield, and was interred in Russell, Mass., be-
side' her husband.
A. C. Russell has long been a Republican in
politics, has done his full duty in behalf of the
party at the polls, but has never sought political
preferment. He is somewhat liberal in his views
on religion, but is a sincere Christian, is very active
in educational matters, and was a member of the
school committee in Blandford. He is recognized
as a gentleman of sound judgment and splendid
business ability, and is classed among Suffield's fore-
most citizens.
No family in Suffield has attained a higher de-
gree of usefulness and self-earned respect than that
of Almon C. Russell, and their long line of an-
•cestry has found in both father and son descendants
well worthy the name, and fully capable of main-
taining the untarnished reputation of their worthy
sires.
The Sperry family, from which Mrs. Ann Eliza
Russell descended is one of old Colonial respecta-
bility.. Elihu Sperry, one of its members, was born
in North Haven, Conn., March 21, 1747, was a
farmer. He removed to Blandford, Mass., in 1783,
and there died, a member of the Congregational i
Church, in which he served as deacon. He had '
married, March 10, 1774, Abigail Barnes, a native \
of Connecticut, and to this union were born, in '
North Flaven, Lola (who died unmarried), Caleb,
Elihu and Beady; in Blandford were born David, >
May 6, 1787, and Abigail, Sept. 6, 1791. A short j
time before his death Deacon Elihu Sperry wrote
upon the blank pages of his Bible as follows:
I, Elihu Sperry, was born in North Haven, in the .State
of Connecticut, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and forty-seven, on the twenty-first day of March.
As near as I recollect I became a member of the Church in (
the place of my nativity, about forty-two years ago, and
removed to this town when f was thirty-six years of age.
Being now in a feeble state of health, and, as 1 apprehend,
near the close of life, f wish to leave the following advice as
a testimony of my desire for the spiritual welfare of my
family, the Church and the world:
1. I advise my wife and children to attend especially
to those things which are spiritual and divine; to maintain a
constant intercourse with God by public and private prayer;
faithfully to observe the ordinances of His House; to regard
with kindness and affection their brethren and sisters in the
Church; and to trust not in their own righteousness but in
the righteousness of Christ.
2. I desire to be thankful to the God of all mercy and
grace for the honor which the Church in this place has con-
ferred upon me in appointing me one of its officers; for the
respect and kindness with which its members have ever
treated me and for the numerous gifts and attentions which
they have bestowed upon me. For all these favors I return
the Church my sincere thanks. My earnest prayer to God
is that its members may walk together in brotherly love,
that they may enjoy the presence of the Savior, that they
may have their graces strengthened and their numbers
increased; that they may abound in every good word and'
work, and that the blessing of the Father, the Son and the
Holy Ghost, may rest upon them.
8. I also return my thanks to all my neighbors for the
many kindnesses which they have shown me. May the
blessing of heaven rest upon them and their families. I
hope they and all the pebple in this place will feel the
importance of a better portion than this world can give.
May pure religion be revived in the midst of them, and may
they be prepared for the coming and kingdom of our blessed
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also wish to express my
ardent desire for the prosperity of religion throughout the
earth and'that the Lord would arise and build up Zion apd
fill the whole earth with his glory. I also wish to express
my firm belief that the doctrines of the Bible which are
generally denominated the doctrines of grace are true and
faithful.
[Signed.] Elihu Sperry.
Blandford, Mass., March 20, 1822.
Caleb Sperry, grandfather of Mrs. Russell, was
born Nov. 11, 1777, was reared a wagonmaker,
and finally became a farmer. He married, Feb.
3, 1807, Hulda Hawkins, a daughter of ■
and Mollie (Henry) Hawkins, and died April 17,
1858, leaving his widow and two sons. Five chil-
dren were born to them : Rachel Mahala, born Aug.
13, 1809, died single May 14, 1848; David Gilbert,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S9&
Iborn July lo, 1813; Joseph Denslow, born Full. 13,
1818, difd March 7, 1822; Mary KHzahiih, born
July 13, j8j4, died single June 26, 1842; and Henry
iBarnes, born Jan. 29, 1829. In December, 1866,
|Mrs. Sperry removed to the home of her son,
IDavid G., in Waynesburg, Tenn., and later to Ben-
ton Center, near Scranton, I'enn., where her death
icurred Jan. 13, 1874, and where she was buried.
David G. Sperry, father of Mrs. Russell, was
born in Blantlford, Mass., and was reared a farmer.
;0n May 19. 1830, he there married Polly I'arks,
a daughter of ivobert and Sarah (Shurtleff j Parks,
-Mrs. Sperry died in Blandford, Sept. 28, 1852, the
mother of si.x children : Ann Eliza, who was mar-
iried to Almon C. Russell; Edwin David, born July
1 15. 1838; Mary Elizabeth, July 11, 1843: Dexter
; Eugene. July 14, 1845: Eveline Maria, Sept. 21,
1 1846: and Emily Josephine, Sept. 21, 1852. After
: the death of his wife David Sperry removed to
I'niontown, Penn., where he kept a hotel for some
years, and then went to Maple Farm, Greensboro,
< Ircene county, in 1865, and to Waynesburg, in
1866. In April, 1867, he moved to Scranton, where
he lived until 1873, when he removed to Benton
Center, and there he remained, engaged in farm-
ing, until 1876, when he made his final home in
Philadelphia ; he died there Sept. 19, of the same
year.
l"or his second wife Air. Sperrv married Cath-
erine Herbert, who was born Dec. 22, 1830, a
(laughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (Vance) Herbert,
of Connellsville, Penn., and to this marriage came
two children : Frank Herbert, born Jan. 26, 1859,
I who died in Scranton, Xov. 10. 187S: and Alice
"Rosella, born April 5, 1S62. The mother of these
died in Philadelphia in 1899.
WILLIAM SIERIXG (deceased) was an ener-
getic and successful business man of Xew Britain,
and part owner of the Siering & Holmes block, the
finest and most substantially constructed business
Iniilding in the city, and one of the l)est in the State.
For some years he was prominently identified with
the liquor interests, and he was active in the promo-
tion of various enterprises in his city, including the
Xew Britain Telephone Co., in which lie was a
stockholder.
Mr. Siering was born Alarch 4, 1851, in Eliza-
beth, XT. J., and was of German ancestry in both
I paternal and maternal lines. George Siering, his
' father, was born in 1823, in Bavaria. Germany,
where he attended school from his seventh to his
f<nirteenth year. According to the custom of liis
ofiuntry, he learned a trade, choosing that of baker,
which he followed for a short time. Pie served hi
the German army during the Revolution of 1848,
and in the fall of 1849 came to America with his
wife, Catherine Host, also a native of Bavaria, born
July 6. 1825. After his arrival he worked at his
trade for a time, and later he removed to New
Britain, where he learned the miller's trade with
the Russell & Erwin Co. This business he followed
until 1857, when he bought a saloon and boarding-
house at the corner of Lafayette and Grove streets,
in the rear of the screw sJiop. In the fall of 1859
be siild out, and for some time was employed in the
U. B. Xorlh foundry. When that establishment
was burned, in 1863, he returned to the Russell &
Erwin Co., with whom he remained until the strike,
ten years later. I'or about three years he was in
the employ of Taylor's Malleable Iron Works, but
in 1870 he went to Meriden, where he worked as a
brass molder for a year, and s])ent the following year
in Xaugatuck, in the same business. He was an
expert molder, and continued his work quite stead-
ily until a few years previous to his death, which oc-
curred in Xovember, 1886. He was a member of the
Lutheran Church, and as an intelligent citizen took
much interest in ]niblic cpiestions. affiliating with tlie
Democratic ]3arty in politics. His estimable wife
survives him with eight chihlren : ( 1 ) Hannah mar-
ried \'alentine Bollever. (2) William is mentioned
more fully below. (3) Katherine married (first)
John Yost, and (second) a Mr. Speigel, of Xew
Haven. (4) George, a barber in Xew Britain, mar-
ried Miss Hashficld, of Meriden. (5) Annie mar-
ried Paul I'lerner, of Xew Haven. (6) Lena married
William Gilbert, of Xew Britain. (7) Louisa mar-
ried Louis Miller. (8) Maggie married Frank Bentz.
Our subject's education was begun in the Burritt
school, Xew Britain, but when he was eight years old
his ]iarents removed to Curtis Hill, and he attended
the schools of the fourth district for some time.
After reaching the age of eleven vears he only at-
tended night school, but through private study he
gained a thorough knowledge of German and Eng-
lish, and became especially well informed upon the
German wars and our own Civil war. As a boy
he was emploved in the A\'heeler factory, in making'
curry-combs, and as core-maker in the Russell &
Erwin shops. For some time he worked for O. B.
X'orth, and when his factory burned he went to the
Malleable Iron Works. His ability secured him
responsible positions, and the first pin machine set
up in the Stanley Works was under his charge for
a time. He spent one year with the Xew Britain
Hosiery Co., a year and a half in the finishing de-
partment of the Russell & Erwin factory, and for
a time was employed bv the Landers, Frary &
Clark Co., and in the turning department of the
Xorth & Judd shops. In 1867 he spent six months
at the barber's trade, and later after a short time
in the L'nion Grocery and Feed Store, he went to
Hartford, where he tended bar for three months.
On his return to X'ew P.ritain he again worked for
the Russell & Erwin Co.. and the Stanley Co.. but
in the fall of 1868 he became interested in the bar-
ber's trade with Christian Hess. In April, 1871, he
started in business for himself in the \'ienna Bakery,
and in 1872, he opened a barber shop under the post
office, where he continued for several years, having
fourteen apprentices during that time. In May. 1881,
he sold out and purchased Harry Watkins" saloon
at Xo. 68 West Main street, and engaged in the
«00
COMMEMORATIFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
liquor business. In April, 1886, he rented a build-
ing on Commercial street, which he purchased two
years later, and in 1889 he bought the Watkins
propert)'. In 1890 he began the erection of the
Siering & Holmes block, in partnership with J. W.
Holmes, completing it in 1893. As a stanch Demo-
crat Mr. Siering took an active interest at times in
political affairs, and in 1872 he served as constable.
For fifteen years he was park commissioner, and
during the building of St. John's Lutheran Church,
of which he was a trustee, he was a leading worker
in the enterprise. He belonged to the New Britain
Rifle Club, being a noted marksman ; was also con-
nected with St. Elmo Lodge, K. of P. ; Gerstaecker
Lodge, I. O. O. F., a German lodge; the Order of
Foresters; the Turnverein, and Concordia Benevo-
lent Society. He believed in enjoying life, having
many friends, and in 1883 went to Europe, intending
to visit Germany and other countries, but after a
trief stay in London and Paris one of the party
died, and he returned home.
In 1888 Mr. Siering married Miss Emma Ko-
iiold, a native of Collinsville, this county. Her
father, Matthew Konold, a highly-respected citizen,
was foreman in the ax factory in that place, for
"forty years, and manufactured hammers for the use
of California gold miners.
ALFRED W. HANMER. Prominent among
the enterprising and progressive business men of
Wethersfield is the subject of this sketch — the
junior member of the firm of Bulkley & Hanmer,
general merchants. In business affairs he is notably
reliable, systematic and methodical, and his sagac-
it}', keen discrimination and sound judgment have
made him an important factor in business circles.
Mr. Hanmer was born in Wethersfield May 13,
1867, and belongs to a family that was early
founded in Massachusetts and other sections of
New England. The first to come to Wethersfield
■was Francis Hanmer, of Boston, where he had
married a Miss King. He became a land owner and
general farmer of Wethersfield, where he spent the
remainder of his life.
His son. Francis Hanmer, Jr., was a lifelong
resident of Wethersfield, and was a farmer by occu-
pation. His remains were interred in Wethersfield.
On May 4, 1730, he married Elizabeth Curtis, and
they had ten children, whose names and dates of
birth were as follows: John, Aug. 2, 173 1 : Eliza-
beth, Aug. 16, 1732 ; Abigail, July 13, 1735 ; Francis,
March 23, 1739; Samuel, April 16, 1741 ; Ann, Aug.
9, 1743; Guy, Nov. 4, 1745; James, Dec. 10, 1747;
Hannah, April 21, 1750; and Martha, Jan. 6. 1753.
Samuel Hanmer, son of Francis, Jr., also made
his home in Wethersfield throughout life, his time
and attention being devoted to general farming-,
and there he died and was buried. IJe married
Sarah Wills, and their children were Sarah, born
April 25, 1769; Abigail, Aug. 15, 1770; Hulda,
July 30, 1773: Samuel, Dec. 3, 1778; Elizabeth,
wife of Joseph Harris, July 13, 1780; Prudence,
Sept. 26, 1782 ; Nancy, wife of Caleb Pond, Feb.
12, 1785 ; and Joseph, Nov. 23, 1787.
Samuel Hanmer, Jr., spent his life in Wethers-
field, and his remains were interred in the old fam-
ily cemetery in that town. He married Lucy Crane,
of Wethersfield, and to them were born nine chil-
dren : Sarah, John, Samuel, Samuel, Lucy A.,
Nancy, Elizabeth, Henry and Charles.
John Hanmer, the eldest son in the above fam-
ily, was the grandfather of our subject. He was
born, reared and educated in Wethersfield, and in
early life assisted in the work of the farm, but later
he engaged in the produce business and the coasting
trade, as captain of a schooner plying between
Wethersfield and New York. Politically he was
first an Old-line Whig and later a Republican, and
he was called upon to fill several local ofiices, be-
ing a man well liked and highly respected in the
community where he resided. He died at the old
home in Wethersfield, where his daughter. Miss
Elizabeth, now resides, and was laid to rest in the
Wethersfield cemetery. He married Hannah
Churchill, a native of the same town, daughter
of Levi Churchill and granddaughter of Jesse
Churchill, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The
children born of this union were Caleb; Elizabeth;
Mary, wife of Elizur Goodrich, president of the
Hartford Street Railway Co. ; Henry C, father of
our subject; Felicia, wife of Dudley AVells; and
John, a resident of Wethersfield.
Henry C. Hanmer was born in Wethersfield
and educated in its district schools. He grew to
manhood in his native town, and became one of its
successful general farmers and tobacco growers.
He died in Wethersfield while still in the prime of
life, and was laid to rest in the cemetery there. He
was a member of the first company of Governor's
Horse Guards, was a Republican in politics and a
consistent member of the Episcopal Church. He
was noted for his upright, honorable dealings, and
was held in high esteem bv all who knew him. He
married Miss Clara E. Way, a native of Gilead,
Conn., and a daughter of John M. Way. She is a
most estimable lady, a faithful Christian and good
mother, and is still living in Wethersfield. The
children of the family were Alfred W., our subject;
Charles, who lives on the home farm; John, who
died in St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 19, 1895 ; Edward;
and William E., of Wethersfield.
Alfred W. Hanmer obtained a good practical
education in the district schools and high school of
Wethersfield, the South school of Hartford, and
Wilbraham Academy. After completing his educa-
tion he worked on the home farm for six years,
and then clerked in a Hartford store for three
years. In 1892 he formed a partnership with
Charles Bulkley tmder the firm name of Bulkley &
Hanmer, and they have since successfully engaged
in business in Wethersfield as general merchants,
druggists and dealers in coal, feed, having built
up an excellent trade bv fair and honorable deal-
ing. Mr. Hanmer is a man of good business abil-
^f^/'Tr. X^.
-T-'-i^'?'-?^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
001
ity, energetic and progressive, and carries forward
to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
The success that he has achieved in hfe is (hie to
his own well-directed efforts, and commands the
respect and confidence of all with whom he comes
in contact. He is a Republican in politics, was
elected first selectman in 1898, and has served as
school treasurer in his town. Fraternally he is a
member of Wethersfield Grange, and religiously
jioth he and his wife hold membership in the Epis-
copal Church. He was married, in 1890, to Aliss
Xellie Talcott, a lady of culture and refinement,
who was born in Hartford, and is a tlaughler of
I'rank Talcqtt. Bv this union two children have
been born : Clara and Francis.
HOLCOMB FAI\nLY. Thomas Holcomb, the
first of the name who settled in New England,
came from England and located in Dorchester,
Mass. In 1634 he was made a freeman. In 1635
he came to Windsor, Comi., and in 1639 removed
to Poquonock, where he engaged in farming. He
<iied in Windsor Sept. 7, 1657. In 1639 he was one
of the representatives of the town of Windsor at the
convention in Hartford called to form a constitu-
tion for the Colony of Connecticut. His widow,
Elizabeth, in 1658, married for her second husband
lames Eno, one of the first settlers of \\'indsor.
The family of Thomas and Elizabeth Holcomb w^as
as follows: Elizabeth AI., born Nov. 16, 1634, mar-
ried Josiah Ellsworth, of Windsor ; Mary M., born
Oct. 3, 1635, married George Griswold ; Abigail,
baptized Jan. 6, 1638, married, June 11, 1658, Sam-
uel Bissell; Joshua was born Sept. 27, 1640: Sarah,
born Aug. 14. 1642, died in 1654: Benajah was born
June 23, 1644; Deborah, born Oct. 15, 1646, died'
in 1649; Nathaniel was born Nov. 4, 1648; Deborah,
born Feb. 15, 1650, married, Nov. 5, 1668, Daniel
Birge, of Windsor: Jonathan, born March 23, 1652,
died Sept. 13, 1656.
Joshua Holcomb, born Sept. 27, 1640, in Wind-
sor, when a young man removed to Simsbur}', where
he settled and engaged in farming, and where he
spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1690.
He represented the town of Simsbury in the Gen-
eral Assembly of Connecticut, and w^as honored and
respected. He married, June 4, 1663, Ruth Sherod,
of Sherwood, and to them nine children were born :
Ruth, May 26, 1664; Thomas. ]\Iarch 30. 1666:
Sarah, June 23, 1668: Elizabeth, April 4, 1670:
Joshua, in 1672: Deborah, Feb. 10, 1675; Mary,
in 1680; Hannah, in 1686; Moses, July 4, 1688
(died in 1700).
Joshua Holcomb, son of Joshua, was born in
Simsbury in 1672, there grew to manhood and there
engaged in farming all his life. He married Mary
Griffin, !\[ay 10, 1721. Their eight children, with
dates of birth, were as follows : Joel, Aug. 18, 1723 :
Joshua, Feb. 2, 1726: Kesiah, April 2, 1728: Jemima
and Zilpah, twins, Aug. 12, 1730: Ahinoam, Feb.
17, 1832-33; Benajah, Sept. 9, 1737: Jesse. Dec. 5.
1739-
Capt. Benajah Holcomb, born Sept. 9, 1737, was
an officer in the Revolutionary war. He lived in
Simsbury, and was engaged in farming all his
life. On ^\ug. 5, 1763, he married Lydia Forwood,
who was born in Simsbury, (Jet. 27, 1746, daughter
of Abel and Hannah (I'helps) Forwood. Her
mother was a daughter of Sergt. Joseph I'helps.
The children born to Capt. Benajah and Lydia Hol-
comb were as follows: Benajah, Aug. 5, 1764;
Elihu, Aug. 20, 1766; and Jemima, Feb. 26, 1777.
lienajali Holcomb, born Aug. 5. I7'')4. when a
young man removed to that part of Simsbury which
now comprises the town of Simsbury, where lie spent
his entire life; he died in Granby, and was buried
there. He married Alary Case, daughter of Martin
Case, of Granby, whose father was a soldier of
the Revolution, and the children born to them were :
Hull ; Philo; Linus, w'ho died in Ohio : Salmon, who
died in Ohio ; Polly ; Samuel and Betsey.
Hull Holcomb, the grandfather of our subject,
Gavette B. Holcomb, was born in Granby, where he
engaged in farming. He married Lucinda Buel,
of Granby, who bore him five children : Polly, who
married Chancey Holcomb; Edmond. father of our
subject ; Nancy, who married Asa Hoskins ; Burt,
who settled in Paris, 111. ; and Laura, who died un-
married.
Edmond Holcomb, the father of our subject, was
born in Simsbury, and was educated in the district
schools of the town. He grew up on a farm, and
when a young man peddled Yankee notions through-
out the States of New York and Massachusetts,
as well as in Connecticut. Later he engaged in
mercantile business in North Adams, Alass., until
1849, when he became an argonaut, voyaging to
California in a sailing vessel around Cape Horn.
After two years of prospecting, with fair success,
he returned to his native home, making the trip by
water, and located in Granby, where he bought a
farm and spent the balance of his life, engaged
principally in general farming. He greatly im-
proved his farm, died there in 1878, and was buried
in Simsbury. Mr. Holcomb married Harriet E.
Gavette, who was born in \\"ashington county, N.
Y., daughter of John and Mary (Heath) Gavette,
and to them were born four children : ( i ) Gavette
B., subject of this sketch: (2) Benajah. who is
now a rancher in ^'alley Centre, San Diego Co.,
Cal., and who at the age of fourteen years enlisted
in Company E, 8th Conn. ^'. I. (he married Nancy
Holcomb) : (3) Joseph W. : and (4) Cornelia, the
eldest of the family, who died at the age of nine-
teen years. The mother of our subject died on
the farm in Granby, and was buried in Simsbury
cemetery. The father married for his second wife
.\ngeline Oatly. of Blandford. Mass.. who bore
him two children : Walter, now on the homestead
in Granby ; and Hattie. wife of Burton Nye. of
Blandford. Mass. The family were members of the
Congregational Church. Edmond Holcomb was a
Democrat throughout life, and filled many town
offices in Granby. including that of selectman. He
902
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was well known and very highly respected, pro-
gressive, enterprising, honest and honorable in all
his dealings, and noted for his frugal habits. Both
his wives were good Christian women, faithfully
devoted to their families.
Gavette Burt Holcomb, subject proper of this
sketch, an extensive tobacco grower and general
farmer of' East Weatogue, Simsbury, was born in
the town of Granby, on what was known as Barn-
door Hill, June lo, 1845. He attended the district
schools of Granby and the high school at Westfield.
While yet a boy at school, and scarcely past his
seventeenth birthday, he enlisted, Aug. 9, 1862,
at Hartford in Company E, i6th Conn. V. I.,
under Col. Beach and Lieut. -Col. Cheney, and Capt.
Babcock. In order to enlist at this age he had first
to obtain his father's consent. The young soldier
saw plenty of active service, and experienced the
excessive horrors of war. He participated in the
battles of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; Fredericks-
burg; Suffolk; Norfolk, Va. ; and Plymouth, N. C,
where he was taken prisoner, April 20, 1864. He
was confined in Andersonville prison, and at Flor-
ence and Charleston, spending eleven months and
six days as a prisoner of war, and was exchanged
March 26, 1865. During his prison life he experi-
enced the keenest suffering, and was but a living
skeleton when released. Rejoining his regiment
in North Carolina, he remained until the close of
the war, and was mustered out June 24, 1865, with
the rank of sergeant.
Returning home, our subject made an effort to
improve his education, attending Wilbraham Acad-
emy, after which he taught school for two terms
in Simsbury. In 1867 he started west and located
at Paris, Edgar Co., 111., where he engaged in
mercantile pursuits for a year, and then went to
the Pacific slope, where he became an employe on
the Union Pacific railroad for more than a year.
Mr. Holcomb then returned to Simsbury and settled
on the old Humphrey farm, East Weatogue, a tract
of 200 acres. He has since been engaged in tobacco
culture and in dairy and general farming, making
extensive improvements to the property.
In December, 1871, Mr. Holcomb married Ellen
Maria Humphrey, daughter of Trumbull and De-
luna (Case) Humphrey. One child has been born
to this union, Grace Elizabeth, who first attended
the district school, and was graduated from Mc-
lean's Seminary at the age of sixteen years. She
also graduated, after one year's study, from the
Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and for the
past two 3^ears has been teaching school at Sims-
bury. She is a member of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, Abigail Phelps Chapter,
Simsbury, and a young lady of character, educa-
tion, culture and refinement, modest and unassum-
ing in manner. She visited the Paris Exposition
in 1900. Mrs. Holcomb, the wife of our subject,
is devoted to her husband and daughter. In her
home may be found the expression of beauty and
taste, artistic embellishment and modern improve-
ments at once revealing the housewife who de-
lights in making home attractive, and whose in-
tellectual perceptions and artistic intuitions are thus
richly employed.
The Humphrey family, of which Mrs. Holcomb
is a representative, is one of the oldest in New
England. Michael Humphrey, the founder, set-
tled first in Massachusetts. Samuel, his son, born
May 15, 1656, in Windsor, removed to Simsburv,
then Massacoe, with his parents, and engaged in
farming at East Weatogue. He owned a large
tract of land, was justice of the peace under the
Crown for several years, and represented the town
in the General Assembly for the years 1702, 171 9,
1722 and 1725. He was commissioned lieutenant
about 1709 or 1710 by Gov. Saltonstall, and filled
many other positions of honor and trust. He was
made justice of the peace of Hartford county by
the General Assembly in 1712, 1714, 1715 and 1716;
was collector in 1687, and also served as fence
viewer. He died in East Weatogue, June 15, 1736,
and was buried in Simsbury. He married Mary
Mills, daughter of Simon and Mary (Buel) Mills.
She was born Dec. 8, 1662, and died in East Wea-
togue April 4, 1730. The children of Samuel and
Mary Humphrey were as follows : ( i ) Mary, born
Nov. 16, 1681, married Rev. Dudley Woodbridge.
Dec. 7, 1699. (2) Elizabeth, born April 22, 1684,
married, July 4, 1705, John Collyer, of Hartford.
(3) Samuel, born May 17, 1686, died Oct. 6, 1759,
married, first, Hannah Phelps, second, Mary Tuller,
third, Lydia North, and for his fourth wife Mary
Orton. He was the father of nineteen children.
(4) Jonathan, born Dec. 2, 1688, died June 4, 1749.
He married Mary Ruggles. (5) Abigail, born
January, 171 6-1 7, married John Case, son of John
and Sarah (Holcomb) Case. (6) Hannah was born
April 6, 1697. (7) Charles, who died May 14,
1774, married Hepzibah Pettibone. (8) Noah,
born in 1707, married Hannah Case.
Charles Humphrey, son of Samuel Humphrey,
was born in East Weatogue, and was also a farmer
and a stock and corn raiser. He married, May 8,
1723, Hepzibah Pettibone, daughter of Samuel S.
Pettibone, and sister of Col. Jonathan Pettibone.
The children born to Charles and Hepzibah Hum-
phrey were: (i) Hepzibah, born Oct. 26, 1724, died
Feb. 25, 1755. She married, Sept. 25, 1740, Sergt.
Elisha Cornish, son of James Cornish. (2) Dorcas,
born Feb. 4, 1727, died June 17, 1805. She mar-
ried, April 14, 1743, Lieut. Dudley, son of David
and Penelope (Buttolph) Case, born Nov. 23, 1723.
(3) Judith, born July 11, 1729, died June 5, 1808.
She married, Aug. 14, 1746, Jeremiah Case, son of
Capt. James and Esther (Fithen) Case, born July
13, 1726. (4) Caroline, born Feb. 25, 1731-32, died
in January, 1771. She married (first) Benajah
Humphrey, and (second) Sylvanus Case, a son of
Richard and Mary (Holcomb) Case. (5) Charles,
born March 6, 1734, died in 1779. He married
Sarah Humphrey. (6) Sylvanus, born Feb. 17,
1735, died June 14, 1776. He married Charity
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
903
Pettiboiic. (7) Marie, born April 11, 1738,
(lied May 12, 1759. She married Lieut. Na-
tiianiel Humplirey. (8) Abraham, Ijorn June 6,
1740, died in 1767. He married Lois Merrill.
(9) Lot, born May 19, 1743, died May 26, 1743.
Sylvanus Humphrey, born I'eb. 17, 1735-36, in
Simsbury, engaged in farming all his life. He
married, Sept. 22, 1763, Charity, born June 30,
1744, died Oct. 5, 1803, daughter of John and
Damaris (Humphrey) Pettibone, of Simsbury. His
widow married Elisha Cornish, and later Amasa
Case. The children born to S}lvanus and Charity
Humi)hrey were as follows : ( i ) Amaryllis, born
June 10, 1764, died May 31, 1845. She married,
Sept. 20, 1780, Capt. Fithen Case, son of Capt.
Josiah and Hester (Higby) Case, of Canton. He
was born in 1758, and died Aug. 25, 1829, in
Canton. (2) Sylvanus, born Dec. 16, 1766, died
Nov. 23, 1845. I""ic married Betsey Humphrey.
(3) Rufus, born Nov. 26, 1770, died March 3,
1844. He married Lucy Case. (4) J\Iaria, born
June 26, 1773, died March 15, 1777.
Rufus Humphrey, son of Sylvanus, was born
in Simsbury, Nov. 26, 1770. He was well educated,
and was quite a prominent citizen. He followed
farming all his life, died on his farm March 3,
1844, and was buried in Simsbury. He married,
June 26, 1790, at Simsbury, Lucy, daughter of En-
sign Moses and Lucy (Wilcox) Case. She was
born Feb. 9, 1772, and died Aug. 17, 1826. The
children of Rufus and Lucy Humphrey were as
follows: (i) Rufus, born Dec. 14, 1794, died Sept.
20,1852. He married Harriet Wilcox. (2) }ilaria,
born April 7, 1797, married, Nov. 5, 1829, Averitt,
son of Daniel and Esther (MerrittJ Wilcox, being
his second wife. (3) Lucy, born Dec. 29, 1801,
died unmarried, while residing with her sister, Mrs.
^\'ilcox. (4) Drayton, born April 13, 1804, died
April 14, i860. He married Rebecca, daughter of
Reuben and Laura Roxana (Case) Wilcox. (5)
Trumbull, born JNIarch 13, 1808, died April 25, 1864.
On March 25, 1833, he married Deluna Case, daugh-
ter of Friend and Sarah (Case) Case, born June
2, 1809, died Nov. 2, 1880. Trumbull Humphrev
was a farmer in East Weatogue all his life. He
occupied a part of the original Humphrey farm in
East Weatogue, and engaged in tobacco growing
and general farming, was well known and highly
respected, honorable in his dealings, and one of
Simsbury's honored citizens. He died on his farm,
and was buried in Simsbury. The children born to
Trumbull and Deluna Humphrey were as follows :
Scott Fiissell, born March 13, 1834, married Julia
Henrietta Leonard, and removed to Kansas ; Eliza-
lieth Maria, born May 10, 1836, died April 4, 1843;
Herbert Case, born Jan. 4, 1844, removed to Seneca,
Nemaha Co., Kans., and died Sept. 19, 1888: Ellen
Maria, born Feb. 14, 1847, is the wife of our sub-
ject ; Charles Rufus, born Aug. 19, 1849, ^^^^ Oct.
16, 1899.
davette B. Holcomb was elected to the State
Legislature in 1878, as the candidate of the Demo-
cratic ])arty, and served on the military committee;
he was again elected in 1888, on the same ticket.
Mr. Holcoml) has filled the office of selectman for
upward of ten years, and is still serving; has been
chairman of the board, and on one occasion was
nominated and elected by both parties. He served
the people faithfully and well. He has acted as
school visitor, and is now a member of the school
board. Socially he is a member of the G. A. R.,
Capt. Joseph R. Toy Post No. 83, and has filled all
the offices of the post excejit chajjlain ; is a charter
member of St. .Mark's Lodge, F. & A. M., Simsbury,
having joined the fraternity at Paris, 111., when he
was twenty-one years old ; and is a member of the
Association of Union Ex-Prisoners of War.
Mr. Holcomb is a director and stockholder of
the Simsbury Creamery Co. He is a progressive
and enterprising citizen, popular and most highly
respected. One of the qualities which has con-
tributed largely to his success has been his un-
flagging industry. Mr. Holcomb has never been
afraid of hard work, nor is he only a man of en-
ergy. He has at heart the well-being of society,
and has always manifested a deep interest in pop-
ular education, and in those things w'hich consti-
tute the higher life of man. if good can come
from evil, it may be that the year of extreme jiriva-
tion which he experienced in Rebel prisons, where
he not only himself endured the keenest anguish,
but saw around him almost daily one comrade
after another succumb to the final wretchedness,
has given him a more serious and more hel])ful
view of life. He has ever done as best he could
that which lav before him, and that he has done
well is the verdict of his fellow men.
WILLIA:\I JONES (deceased) was a re-
spected resident of Hockanum, Hartford county, and
was the eldest son of David and Mabel (Cotton)
Jones, who had a family of eleven children : lioth
parents are now deceased.
David Jones was an only son. Fie was a shoe-
maker in his earlier manhood, but later became a
farmer, and lived and died in Flockanum. Mabel
Cotton, his wife, was a daughter of John Cotton, a
seafaring man, and the eleven children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Jones were as follows : Elizabeth A., who
is married to Watson Pebbles, of Hockanum : Will-
iam, whose name opens this article; Maria, who
married David Smith, father of the present Sheriff
Smith; Sarah, wife of Nelson Taylor; Edwin, who
died in early manhood; Alphonso (i), ^\ho died
young; Albert (i), who died in infancy; Henry,
who is a physician, resides in Mount \^ernon, N.
Y., and is married to Ruth Fleming, of that place ;
Albert (2), married to Flattie Kipp. and lived in
Hartford ; Alphonso (2), who died in boyhood : and
Roxiana, w-ho also died young.
William Jones was born Julv 13, 1821, in the
house standing directly north of that occupied by
Edgar Brewer, in Hockanum. He received but a
limited education, and at an early age left home to
904
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
learn shoemaking. Becoming homesick, however,
he returned, and, learning bricklaying, was em-
ployed at various places in New England, and fol-
lowed the trade nearly all the remainder of his life,
although engaging also in farming.
On Nov. 25, 1846, Mr. Jones married Miss Han-
sey S. Brewer, a native of Hockanum, born March
10, 1822, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Viets)
Brewer. To this happy marriage were born two
children: Edward Milton and George Sumner.
Mr. Jones purchased the farm on which his widow
now lives and built the residence in 1853, and six
acres of the eight which constitute the farm are de-
voted to tobacco growing.
In politics Mr. Jones was a Democrat; in re-
ligion he was an attendant of the Congregational
Church in youth, but later in life joined the Meth-
odist Church, of which he became treasurer, and to
which he contributed very liberally of his means.
He was a man of medium stature, was very intelli-
gent and industrious. He was a kind and affection-
ate husband and father, a true friend, and a devout
Christian, and died in the Methodist faith May i,
1886, sincerely mourned by his bereaved family and
many sorrowing friends.
Edward Milton Jones, the elder son of William
and Hansey S. Jones, was born April 27, 1850, mai"-
ried Sarah E. VVinn, of Carpenters, Tenn., and died
in Memphis Nov. 5, 1888, his remains being brought
home to Hockanum, Conn., to be interred. His
children, three in number, are Mabel, who was born
March 2, 1880, is married to Charles Taylor, and re-
sides in Glastonbury; Annie D., born June 13, 1883,
who also resides in Glastonbury; and Thomas W.,'
born Feb. i, 1885, who lives with his mother in the
same village.
George Sumner Jones, the younger son of Will- '
iam and Hansey S. Jones, was born Jtme 15, 1855,
married Agnes Lusher, who was born in Saxony,
Germany, July 23, 1864, and came to the United
States June 25, 1881. To this marriage have also
been born three children, in the following order:
Arthur Sumner, Dec. 17, 1887; Hansey Christiana,
Nov. 4, 1890; and Paul Anton, July 29, 1892.
With Mrs. Hansey S. Jones, on the home place,
lives her sister, Mrs. Caroline (Brewer) Avery,
who has made her home there for the past seven
years. The deceased husband of this lady, William
Avery, was born in Groton Jan. 7, 1813, was a trav-
eling salesman nearly all his life, was quite promi-
nent in church affairs, and died, an honored citizen,
Dec. 28, 1891. Both Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Avery
are greatly respected in the neighborhood, and live
in peace and comfort in the seclusion of their neat
and comfortable homestead.
HON. ORSON B. MOORE. "Man's sociahty
of nature," writes the philosopher Carlyle, "evinces
itself, in spite of all that can be said, with an
abundance of evidence, by this one fact, were there
no other — the unspeakable delight he takes in bi-
ography." The history of this venerable resident
of Windsor will be of more than usual interest to
our readers, his long and useful career having won
for him a high place in the esteem of the people of
this section. As a useful business man, an able
and faithful legislator, and a progressive, public-
spirited citizen, his life furnishes an instructive ob-
ject lesson.
Mr. Moore belongs to one of the honored pioneer
families of his town, his ancestors having followed
agricultural pursuits there from an early day.
Joseph Moore, his great-grandfather, lived and died
upon a farm in that town. Elisha Moore^ our sub-
ject's grandfather, who served in the commissary
department during the Revolutionary war, was a
prosperous farmer and left a valuable estate to his
sons. He married Hannah Moore, and had a large
family, among whom were four sons : William,
Elisha, Thomas and Orson.
William Moore, the father of our subject, was
born in Windsor in 1780, and after his marriage
settled at the present homestead, where he followed
farming many years, his death occurring in 1862,
when he was aged eighty-two years. He was noted
for his musical gifts, and from early manhood was
an excellent performer upon the violin, his old
violin being now in our subject's possession. As
a citizen he was much respected, but he never
sought prominence in public affairs, although he
was throughout his life a stanch Democrat. His
wife, Lydia Case, was born in 1783 in Bloomfield,
a daughter of Deacon Amasa Case, and died in
1872, within one month of her ninetieth birthday,
her remains being interred in Windsor cemetery.
They had ten children : Esther Jane, who died at
the age of seventv-three, unmarried ; Catherine,
deceased, who married Martin Barber ; Amanda, de-
ceased, who married Harry Halsey; Margaret, who
married James Roberts, and died in California;
Lydia, who married Horace E. Roberts, and died at
Feeding Hills, Mass. ; Julia, who married Ferdinand
Calkins, of New York State, and died in New York
City ; Eliza, who died unmarried ; Harriet, deceased,
who married Henry Holman; Orson B., our sub-
ject; and John, formerly a partner with our sub-
ject in farming and the brickmaking business, who
was a successful business man and a substantial
citizen, greatly esteemed in the community, and he
died at the age of fifty-nine years, unmarried.
Orson B. Moore was born May 11, 1818, at his
present homestead, where he grew to manhood. His
education was begun in the old "Bucktown. school
house," Miss Laura Barber being one of his early
teachers, and later he attended Windsor Academy.
He was trained to habits of industry, and while as-
sisting in the work of the farm was often employed
in hauling brick from that neighborhood to Hart-
ford with ox-teams for different brickmakers. While
yet in his 'teens he was, employed in a grocery on
North Main street owned by Jeremiah Tuller, his
wages being fixed at thirty dollars per year, but
his employer failed at tne end of tne first year and
he received onlv a trunk in addition to his board.
ORSOH B. MOORE
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
905
He afterw^ird worked for a tiiiio in Xew York
State as a farm hand, and in the middle of a cold
winter he walked all the way from Hamilton, N.
Y., to Ciuilford, Conn., to find similar employment.
His feet were badly frozen while on this journey,
and but for the kindness of the people along the
way the results might have been serious. After
an absence of five years he returned home and en-
gaged in brickmaking and farming in partnership
with his brother John, with whom he continued un-
til the death of the latter. The firm was known as
Jiloore Brothers, and enjoyed a high reputation in
business circles, the product of their brickyard
finding ready sale in Hartford, New London and
other markets. They purchased the homestead
from the other heirs, and as time passed bought
other propertv until they became the most exten-
sive real estate owners in the town. On the death
of John Moore his share fell to our subject and the
eldest sister, Jane, who died at the old homestead,
and also left her property to him.
Mr. ]\Ioore is a successful manager, and in his
early days was an energetic worker, but since i8go
his failing e\'esight has compelled him to depend
largely upon the Help of a private secretary in the
transaction of business. With the exception pf this
affliction he has retained unimpaired his vigor of
mind and body, enjoying excellent health for an
octogenarian. His interest in local progress is as
keen as it ever was, and many instances of his gen-
erosity are to be found, notably the gift of seven-
teen acres of land to Moore's Park Driving Asso-
ciation for use as a park. Politically he is a stanch
Democrat, and for many years he has been a leader
in the local organization. In 1866 he served as a
representative in the Legislature, and at times he
has held town offices, including those of constable
and collector.
On Sept. 30, 1S84, JMr. i\Ioore married jMrs.
Margaret J. Archer, widow of Norman C. Archer,
and daughter of Daniel and Mary (Cleland) Alac-
farlane. She was born April 7, 1839, at Newburg,
N. Y., and is a member of a well-known family
of that locality. Mr. Moore and his wife are prom-
inent in social life, and Mrs. Moore is a member of
the Methodist Church at Hartford.
_ LOLIS AUSTIN and MAURICE EVERETT
W'ESTCOTT. Few men are more prominent or
more widely known in the enterprising village of
East Berlin than these gentlemen, who, as general
merchants, have been identified with the business
interests of the place for several years. They rep-
' resent a true type of American progress and enter-
prise, and their indomitable energy, prudent busi-
ness methods and reliable sagacity have all com-
bined to make them two of the ablest business men
J of the county.
I The first of the family to come to Hartford
• county was John \A'estcott, who was of Scottish
! descent. In transferring and remodeline the ceme-
j tery in Hartford, in 1899, ^ tombstone containing
the name of Waistcoat was found, and in all ])roba-
bility it was the name from which Weslcott has
been derived. Edwin Westcott, son of John West-
cott, and grandfather of our subjects, was a trades-
man of Newington, and married Miss Mary S.
Hart. He went to New York State, and was never
afterward heard from.
Selah Westcott, father of our subjects, was born
in Newington Nov. 15, 1823, and was the only child
of Edwin Westcott. After the disappearance of his
father he was bound out to the Robljins family of
Newington, when five years of age, and lived with
them for four years. He then went to Farmington,
where he learned the blacksmith's trade with his
uncle, Chauncey Hart, and later he purchased an
interest in the shop, the firm becoming llart & West-
cott. Subsequently he bouglit the interest of his part-
ner, and for over forty years successfully engaged
in business in a shop at the rear of the .Metliodist
church in Farmington. Besides doing a regular
blacksmithing business he also engaged in the manu-
facture of steel traps, hay-forks, etc. He started
out in life penniless, but being industrious, energetic
and persevering, he met with well-deserved success
in his labors, and at his death left a comfortable
propert}-, consisting mostly of money. He died
Aug. 25, 1894, honored and respected by all who
knew him on account of his upright and honorable
life. On Nov. 17, 1842, he married Miss Catha-
rine Lucy Dorman, of Farmington, who was born
Feb. ID, 1825, a daughter of Israel and Esther
(Stone) Dorman, of Burlington. She died Oct. 30,
1879, ^"d ^^''^s laid to rest in Farmington cemetery,
where her husband's remains were also interred.
He married for his second wife Miss Florence
Reed, of Farmington, who survives him. By the
first union he had a family of four children : Hu-
bert, born Feb. 15, 1844, died in Farmington Nov.
2, 1857; Louis Austin, born June 6, 1847, 's men-
tioned below; Alaurice Everett, born Nov. 8, 185 1,
is mentioned below; and Alice Kate, born Nov. 11,
1858, is the wife of Walter White, superintendent of
the Barber Match Co., of Akron, Ohio, and they
have two children, Ethel and Howard.
Louis A. Westcott was born and reared in Farm-
ington, and after attending the common schools pur-
sued his studies for some time at Deacon Edward L.
Hart's boys' school, in Farmington, from which he
was graduated. He began his business career in the
employ of the Union Trading Co., of New Britain,
where he remained one year, and then served as
bookkeeper for John B. Northrop, a contract painter
of New Britain, for the same length of time. He
next entered James Thomson's general store, as
clerk, and after three years in that employ left New
Britain and went to Hartford, where he was con-
nected with the Citizens Trading Co. for a year.
The following year he worked for Alcott & Healey,
and at the end of that time formed a partnership
with his brother, Maurice E., and opened a gro-
cery store on Park street. Hartford, which they
sold out to Hastings & Hooper in 1875. In De-
906
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cember, 1876, they purchased the general store of
John Clark, in Poquonock, and carried it on until
1886, when they sold to H. L. Metcalf. Removing
to East Berlin in March, 1887, they bought the gen-
eral mercantile store of W. K. Butler, which they
have since conducted with signal success, and now
enjoy a liberal share of the public patronage.
Louis A. Westcott was married Feb. i, 1870, to
Miss Ellen M. Johnson, of Killingworth, Conn.,
who was born March 6, 185 1, a daughter of William
and Ellen Johnson, farming people. To this union
came one child, Bessie Maurice, born Oct. 27, 1871.
She was graduated from the Middletown high
school, and was married March 28, 1899, to Rev.
Henry Medd, a Methodist minister of East Berlin.
Mr. and Mrs. Westcott attend the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of East Berlin, and he affiliates with
the Democratic party. He is a recognized leader in
the ranks of the local organization, and is at present
a member of the Democratic town board of Berlin.
He was selectman from 1890 to 1895, and resigned
in the latter year wnen appointed postmaster at East
Berlin, during President Cleveland's second term,
which position he most creditablv filled for five
and a half years. Fraternally he is a member of
Harmony Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., of New Brit-
ain, and of Mattabessett Lodge No. 25, K. P., of
East Berlin, of which he was master of finance
when the lodge was instituted. He is a pleasant,
genial gentleman, ver)- fond of outdoor sports, and
takes particular delight in horses, dogs, hunting, etc.
Maurice Everett Westcott was also born
in Farmington, and was educated in the dis-
trict schools and Deacon Hart's school for
boys in Farmington. After leaving school he
entered Chauncey Rowe's general store in that
town, as clerk, and held that position for
about two years, after which he engaged in clerking
in the grocery store of James Thomson, at New
Britain, for the same length of time. He was next
with H. J. Hawkins, in the grocery business in New
Britain, until the firm was changed to Alcott & Hea-
ley, and remained with the successors until they
closed out the business in ,1870. He then entered
the employ of D. C. Judd, in the same line, in New
Britain, and was with him until the spring of 1872,
when he formed a partnership with his brother,
Louis A., as previously stated. In 18S5 he was ap-
pointed postmaster of Poquonock, during President
Cleveland's first administration, but the following
year he resigned the office, the brothers having sold
their store at that place. His appointment was one
of the first in Connecticut during that adminis-
tration.
On June 24, 1879, Maurice E. Westcott was
united in marriage with Miss Clara Eveline Clapp,
of North Hampton, Mass., who was born May 31,
1855, a daughter of Merrick and Lucy (Hastings)
Clapp. Our subject attends the Methodist Church,
of which his wife is an earnest member, and he gives
liberally to its support, and is always willing to as-
sist the poor and needy. Li his social relations he
is connected with Wyllis Lodge No. 99, F. & A. M.,
of West Hartford, and Mattabessett Lodge No. 25,
K. P., of East Berlin, in which he has passed all the
chairs, and is at present master of finance. He is a '
well-read man, one who keeps thoroughly informed i
on the questions and issues of the day, and like his !
brother he is unswerving in his allegiance to the
Democratic party and its principles. He always
takes an active interest in political affairs in town,
State and Nation, and during his residence in Po-
quonock served as a member of the school board 1
five years and assessor eight years, while he is now !
a member of the board of relief in Berlin. As a
citizen he ever stands ready to discharge every duty
devolving upon him, and has done much to advance
the interests of his town and county.
ROBERT BRUCE MORRISON (deceased) ;
was one of the honored and highly respected citi-
zens of Thompsonville, and for almost half a cen-
tury was one of the leading merchants of that
place. In his life span of seventy-three years he
accomplished much, and left behind him an hon-
orable record, well worthy of perpetuation.
Mr. Morrison was born in the eastern part of |
Enfield town, Hartford county, Feb. 19, 1817, and
was a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thompson) >
Morrison. His paternal grandfather, John Morri- ;
son, came from Boston to Enfield prior to the 1
Revolutionary war and engaged in farming here un- ;
til his death; his wife was Elizabeth Giffin, n ;
daughter of Simon Giffin, a large land holder of '
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Robert Morrison, our sub-
ject's father, was a lifelong resident of Enfield and
was also a farmer by occupation. ,
Robert B. Morrison, subject of this review, j
devoted his life to the mercantile trade, entering
it as a clerk at the age of fourteen years. In 1840
he embarked in business for himself on Enfield
street with H. S. Belcher, under the firm name
of H. S. Belcher & Co., and six months later re-
moved to Thompsonville, where they continued
business together for thirteen years, or until the
death of Mr. Belcher. Later Mr. Morrison formed
a partnership with James Raynolds, under the firm :
name of Morrison & Raynolds, and when Mr. RayT
nolds retired, in 1873, our subject continued to
conduct the business alone until 1886, when he also
retired, after a successful business career of over
forty-six years. He became connected with the
Thompsonville Trust Co. at its organization, and '
was chosen vice-president, serving in that capacity
until 1880, when he was elected president, which
position he filled until his death.
' Mr. Morrison was twice married, his first wife, ^
whom he wedded Dec. 29, 1842, being Miss Clarissa ;
King, a daughter of Col. Jabez King. To this union
came one son, Robert King, born May 13, 1844,
who is a resident of Nevada. Mrs. Morrison died
June 5, 1844, and Dec. 16, 1847, Mr. Morrison mar- ,
ried Miss Julia M., daughter of Peter and Anna j
(Terry) Raynolds, of Enfield. To them were born l
^vw^^^*^ ^ ^/V^^^-,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
907
leight children : Ella, who became the wife of Will-
iam Campbell, and is now deceased; Charles H..
deceased ; I'rank B., of Thompsonvule ; George W.,
deceased; James R., deceased; Anna E. ; Clara L..
deceased ; and Alary L. Mrs. Morrison's paternal
grandfather was Samuel Raynokls, a resident tit
Enfield, and a son of Rev. Peter Raynokls, a Con-
gregational minister, who was connected with the
church in Enfield for the long period of forty-three
vears.
In religious faith Mr. Morrison was an Episco-
j.alian, and serveu as vestryman of his church. He
held numerous town offices, represented Enfield in
the Legislature several terms, and gave his support
to all worthy enterprises for tiie good of the com-
munity. Politically he was a stanch Democrat. lie
passed away Sept. 28, 1890, after a life of indus-
trv, and rich in those rare possessions which only a
high character can give. In business dealings he
was upright and honorable, and he was faithful to
his church, to his country and to liis friends, and in
his home was an exemplary husband and father.
BENJAMIN SHELDON, deacon of the ^^'est
Suffield Congregational Church and a highly re-
spected citizen of that place, was born Jan. 6, 183 1,
on the farm on which he still resides in West
Suffield, on the line of East Granby, and is a de-
scendant of Capt. Jonathan Sheldon, the founder
of the family in Suffield.
Capt. Jonathan Sheldon, son of Isaac and JNIe-
hetabcl Sheldon, was born at Northampton, Alass.,
May 29, 1687, and married Alary, daughter of Will-
iam Southwell, of Northampton, Dec. 30, 1708.
Eight children were born to them at Northampton.
In 1723-24 he removed to Suffield, Conn., settling
in the west precinct of the town, and there two
children were born to him. The records indicate that
he was prominent in town and society affairs.
He was a large land holder, settling five of his
- ns — Jonathan, Daniel. Phinehas. Elijah and
tiershom — on farms (with each a house and barnj
along the street — of about a mile in length — on
which he lived, and which has ever since been
called "Sheldon" street. A large part of this land
still belongs to his lineal descendants. Capt. Shel-
don died April 10, 1769; Alarv, his wife, born Feb.
25, 1688, died Jan. 11, 1768. This is inscribed
on the tombstone standing at the head of their
graves in the West Suffield cemetery: "Parents,
Grandparents and Great-grandparents of 166."
Phinehas Sheldon, Esq., son of Capt. Jonathan
Sheldon, was born in Northampton, Alass., June
27. 1717, and came to Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn.,
with his father and mother. Deacon Benjamin
Sheldon, the subject of this sketch, is descended
from him through the following named generations
touching whom some interesting remarks will be
made : Phinehas Sheldon was reared to farming. He
first married Deborah Hathaway, June 7, 1743. and
by her became the father of five children : Apphia,
Deborah. Phinehas, Joseph and Benjamin. Mrs.
Deborah Sheldon died Jan. 22, 1753, and Mr. Shel-
don afterward married Mrs. Ruth ( Harmon) Smith,
who bore him nine children : Asaph, Lydia, Ezra,
Anna, Alexander, Increase, David, Beulah and Si-
lence. Phinehas Sheldon passed away Sept. 17,
1807. He served many years as a justice of the
peace, and he was active during the Revolutionary
war as an ardent supjjorter of the Colonial cause,
being a member of a committee of supplies in the
town of Suffield. Of his children, Alexander, the
fifth by the second marriage, graduated from Yale
College and became a doctor by profession. He
married Miriam King, of Suffield. Settling in
Montgomery county, N. Y., he became a leading
politician of that State, representing his district in
the State Legislature, in the Lower House, of which
body he was the speaker for a session, and later
served one term as representative in the lower
branch of the Congress of the United States. His
son. Smith Sheldon, was the founder of the Sheldon
& Co. publishing house in New York City. Alex-
ander Sheldon's daughter, Delia, married Clinton
Jackson, and their son. Rev. Sheldon Jackson, D.
D., became moderator of the Presbyterian General
Assembly of the United States ; he had served
previously as superintendent of Presbyterian mis-
sions in Alaska, where he was also commissioner
of education, appointed by the Government, and
under the auspices of the Government, he carried
out his idea of introducing reindeer into the ter-
ritory.
David Sheldon, the youngest son of Phinehas
by his second marriage, was a prominent farmer
of West Suffield, and resided in the house on his
farm in which he was born, and which is still
standing, now occupied by Edwin J. Sheldon.
David Sheldon married Betsey Hall, and both he
and his wife were endowed with wonderful tenacity
of life, she dying at the age of ninety years, while
he survived until ninety-three years old. Their
son, David Newton Sheldon, became a doctor of
divinity in the Baptist Church, visited Paris, France,
as an exponent of its doctrines, later visited Halifax,
Nova Scotia, on a similar mission, and finallv be-
came president of A\'aterville College, of Maine.
He was also an author of some repute, and his work
on "Sin and Redemption" was very widely read.
Late in life a change came over his religious con-
viction and he became a-L"nitarian. His son, Henry
N. Sheldon, also attained eminence, becoming a
lawyer of note in Boston, Mass.. and later a judge
of the Supreme Court of the State. Rev. Charles
M. Sheldon, of Topeka, Kans.. author of "In His
Steps" and other religious literature, is also a lineal
descendant of Capt. Jonathan Sheldon, of Suffield,
through his son, Asa, who settled in New Alarlboro,
Massachusetts.
Benjamin Sheldon, the youngest son of Phinehas
Sheldon, by his first marriage, was born on the
homestead Jan. 11, 1733, and outlived the struggle
for American indepenclence. in wliich he partici-
pated a short time. In 1806 he built the hoUse in
908
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which our subject now resides, and passed all his
life on this farm, where his death occurred Sept.
23, 1815. On January 8, 1784, he married Eliza-
beth King, and they became the parents of eight
children, whose births and deaths are recorded as
follows: Benjamin, Jan. 20, 1785, July 10, 1789;
Elizabeth, Dec. 28, 1786, Oct. 3, 1838 (she married
Adam Smith) ; Phinehas, Feb. 2, 1789, April 5,
1790; Diantha, Sept. 29, 1791, Oct. 23, 1825 (un-
married) ; Ruby, July 31, 1793, Sept. 13, 1871 (un-
married) ; Deborah, March 16, 1795,, Sep^, 25, 1839
(unmarried) ; Benjamin, Aug. 22, 1797, Oct. 15,
1825; and John Adams, Aug. 4, 1800, June 15,
1867. The mother of this family passed away
March 20, 1825.
John Adams Sheldon, father of our subject,
was born Aug. 4, 1800, on the home farm, and
spent the greater part of his life on the farm now
owned by his son, Deacon Benjamin Sheldon. Later
he moved to the farm now owned by his grandson,
Edwin J. Sheldon, where he ended his clays June
15, 1867. In his early manhood he had been a
Whig in politics, later became a Republican, and
for two years served as selectman of the town of
Suffield. On Dec. 3, 1829, he married Miss Han-
nah Eliza Stevens, a daughter of Deacon Viranus
Stevens, of West Suffield, and this marriage was
blessed with five children: Benjamin, the subject,
of this sketch ; William Stevens, born Jan. 20, 1833 ;
Mary, born Sept. 15, 1835, died March 28, 1837;
Harriet Eliza, born June 26, 1837, died June 5,
1839'; and Edwin, born May 31, 1840, died Nov.
26, 1866. The mother of these children died Oct.
II, 1 87 1, a most devout member of the Congre-
gational Church, and her remains were interred, like
those of the Sheldon family of West Suffield, in
the cemetery at that place.
Deacon Benjamin Sheldon received a very good
English education, begun in the district schools of
AVest Suffield, and finished in the Connecticut Liter-
ary Institute, Suffield, well known as one of the
best educational institutions of the State. For
four seasons after graduation he taught school in
West Granby, Poquonock, and Hartford, teaching in
winters and working the farm summers, as .was the
custom in those days, and achieving a fair reputa-
tion as an instructor. He then went to Madison
county, N. Y., where for two 3'ears he was em-
plo^'ed as a clerk in a mercantile house, thence re-
turning, 1853, to the home farm, and after recuper-
ating his somewhat impaired health he taught school
again two seasons, one each in Suffield and Windsor
Locks. In year 1861 he assumed the care and man-
agement of the old homestead of 125 acres, which
he soon owned by purchase, made some improve-
ments'on the place, and, after reaping a comfort-
able competence through his labors in general farm-
ing— he having since 1871, for conscience sake,
discarded the raising of tobacco — now enjoys in
dignified ease the reward of a well-spent and useful
life.
Deacon Sheldon was united in marriage, in
Suffield, Sept. 3, 1859, with Miss Caroline Mather,
a native of Windsor, and this marriage has been
blessed with four children: (i) Charles Benjamin,
who was born May 23, i860, graduated from the
Connecticut Literary Institute, and in 1882 from the
State Normal School, and now manages the old
home farm; he married, June 20, 1888, Lettie Aus-
tin, daughter of Alfred F. Austin, and has three
children: Alfred- Charles, born April 20, 1893;
Walter Austin, Dec. 18, 1894; and Lawrence
Mather, May 12, 1897. In politics he is a Repub-
lican ; served on the local school board from 1887
until 1893; was elected justice of the peace in 1896;
was re-elected in 1898; and stands high in the es-
teem of the public generally. (2) Harriet Eliza,
who was born Sept. 20, 1861, died July 22, 1889.
(3) Sarah Jane was born Dec. 5, 1863, is now the
wife of Edwin S. Seymour, of Suffield, and is the
mother of five children : Harriet Esther, Carrie
May, Mary Emma, Ruby Sheldon and Frances
Mather. (4) John Adams, who was born May 5,
1867, died Sept. 9, 1889. After nearly thirty happy
years of married life, Mrs. Caroline Sheldon passed
away Feb. 15, 1889, and two children were called
away the same year, a sad affliction, indeed, to the
bereaved husband and father.
In politics Deacon Benjamin Sheldon was first
a Whig, later becoming a Republican, and by the
latter party was nominated as a candidate for the
State Legislature, but, owing to the immaturity at
that time of the later powerful factor in the politics
and government of the nation, he was defeated at
the polls. In 1884 he became a Prohibitionist for
conscience sake, and, though claiming to be inde-
pendent in politics, and belonging to no party, has
for the most part ever since worked in the interests
of this party, by which he was also nominated for the
State Legislature ; however, owing to the same con-
dition of affairs that had existed when he was the
candidate of the Republican party, he again failed
on election day. In 1864 he was selected by the
members of the Congregational Church of West
Suffield as deacon, and since 1866 has been treasurer
of the ecclesiastical society connected with the Con-
gregational Church. He has, in fact, been an ardent
and active church worker all his days, has been
Sunday-school teacher and superintendent, and in
every office he has been called upon to fill has served
faithfully and satisfactorily. The Deacon is well
read in Biblical and modern history. He is of a
kind and genial disposition, and is respected by his
fellow citizens of all classes.
HON. THOMAS DO WD (deceased) was an
honor to his race in his day, was a leader among
men and was frequently intrusted with positions of
trust and responsibilitv by his fellow townsmen,
and when the end of his useful life occurred left
the rich inheritance of an untarnished name to his
surviving family. He was a descendant in the
eighth generation from Henry Dowd, who came
from Guilford, County of Surrey, England, in 1639,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
909
(with a colony under Rev. Henry Whitfield, and set-
tled in Guilford, Connecticut.
lileazer Dowd, father of Thomas, was a son
of CornwcU Dowd, and was born in Middlelown,
Conn., where he learned the trade of blacksniilh-
ing. Later he moved to W'ethersfield, where he fol-
lowed his trade for many years, and afterward to
iSpringlield, Mass., dying there at the home of his
daughter, ilrs. Ellsworth Chapin. Eleazer Dowd
married Laura Cornwell, and their union was
crowned with eight children: Laura, born in 1812,
was first married to Henry Cook, later to Judge
EHsha Sill, and lived in Cuyahoga h'alls, Ohio; E.
'Gaylord, born Aug. 8, 1814, married Olive AL Wells,
and was a carriagemaker in Wethersfield and later
in Hartford, where he died March 28, 1899, the
last of the family; Henry, born in 1816, was a
tinner b\- trade, but later a hotel keeper in Cuya-
' hoga Falls, Ohio, married JNIaria Pease, and died
in Norwich, Conn., in 1877; Thomas, the subject of
this sketch, was born Sept. 3, 1818; jNIartha, born
in 1821, married Oliver Woodworth, who owned
paper mills in \\'aterford, but resided in New Lon-
don, which city was his home ; ]\Iary, born in 1822,
died in 1827; Horace, born in 1825. married La-
vinia White, and, lied in 1S83 in Norwich; and
Mary, born in ^' f, was married to Ellsworth
■ Chapin, of Sprin^tivd, Massachusetts.
Thomas Dowd, the subject proper of this mem-
oir, was born in Middletown, Conn., was educated
in the common schools of that city, and when a young
man came to Hartford, where for a number of years
he was employed as a bookkeeper by Isaac Hills
& Sons, grocers on State street. On quitting this
«mploy he for a short time carried on a grocery
on his own account, and later entered the employ
of Joseph S. Woodruff, who kept a meat market in
the city hall, at the same time managing his farm
in East Hartford.
Thomas Dowd was most happily united in mar-
riage, in 1839, with Miss Nancy Williams, who was
born Oct. 21. 1815, a daughter of Ezra and Nancy
(Hills) Williams. These two families — the ^^'ill-
iams and the Hills — were among the early pioneers
of the town of East Hartford, and the farm on
"which Mr. Dowd lived and died and which is now
occupied by his descendants, was purchased from
the Indians by an early member of the Williams
family. To the union of ]\Ir. and Airs. Dowd came
five cliildren ; .\rthur H., born in 1840, died in
1844; Anna Josephine is now living on the home-
Stead ; Louisa W. is also at home ; T. Winthrop is
unmarried and living in Sullivan county, N. Y. ,
and Clara A. is the wife of Alfred C. Howe, a
native of Shelbourne Falls, who is now managing
the Dowd estate (to this marriage two children
have been born. Louise Nancy, on Nov. 5, 1896, and
Eleanor J. \".. on Nov. 6, iSgq).
Mr. Dowd was a Republican in politics, and
represented his town in the State Legislature in
1861, just at the opening of the war of the Rebel-
lion. He was very patriotic, and although he did
not serve in the war he recruited soldiers, paid
them their bounties and assisted all he could at
home, and was the prime mover in causing the
erection of the soldiers' monument at East Hart-
ford and in collecting the money for that purpose.
During his early manhood he was a member of the
Light Guards under Col. (afterward Gov.) Sey-
mour. Mr. Dowd was elected town treasurer in
1865, and served five terms; served as assessor and
later as tax collector, and was registrar of electors
at the time of his death, a position he had held from
its creation in 1868. He was diligent, faithful and
efficient in every position he held. Fraternally he
was a member of the Odd Fellows, and was captain
of Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, commanding the
first company eight years ; he commanded the
Phalanx on the occasion of the battalion's pilgrim-
age to the Nathan Hale monument, in South Cov-
entry, several years ago. He was on the major's
Stat? for seven years. Mr. Dowd's death took place
Feb. 21, 1888; he had enjoyed good health nearly
all his life. He was followed to the grave by his
widow Dec. 20, 1893, and their remains were in-
terred at East Hartford. Mr. Dowd had an ex-
tensive acquaintance, and was greatly respected for
his many sterling qualities, his family sharing this
honorable position. Mr. Dowd was prominently
identified with the establishment of the Hockanum
Ecclesiastical Society, and did much to contribute
to its well-being.
PHILO ANDREWS. The Andrews family is
of good old Colonial stock, and the subject of this
sketch, a prominent resident of New Britain, is of
the eighth generation in descent from John An-
drews, an early settler at Farmington, or. as the old
records have it, "ffarmingtowne." This worthy
pioneer became one of the eighty-four original pro-
prietors of that town, which was at one time known
as Tunxis. from the tribe of Indians located there.
Flis homestead was situated about two miles north
of the present village, on the east side of the river,
near the canal aqueduct built in 1823. His wife
Mary, and three sons and one daughter, united with
the Congregational Church in Farmington on April
2, 1654, and on Alay 9, 1658, the name of John An-
drews was added to the list of members.
(II) Joseph Andrews, fourth son of the pioneer,
was born at Farmington May 26, 1651. and was
baptized there in April, 1654. About 1677 he mar-
ried, his first wife's name being Rebecca, and their
homestead was located about the center of Newing-
ton, then a part of Wethersfield. His name appears
on the tax-list of Wethersfield in 1693. The first
record found concerning his real estate is of a vote
of the town. March 19. 1^83. or '84. by which he was
given a small piece of land, near his mill, upon
which he built a house and barn. To this property
he seems to have added from time to time, as the
".Andrews Memorial," an interesting history of the
family, states that he became an extensive lancf
holder. At the time of his death, which occurred
i
910
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
April 2y, 1706, he was regarded as one of the repre-
sentative men of the town.
(III) Dr. Joseph Andrews, eldest son of Joseph
(II), was born in 1678, and died Jan. 18, 1756. He
was a successful physician of the parish of New-
ington, Wethersfield, and is mentioned in the public
records of "Dr. Joseph Andrus." He left an estate
valued at ii8o, 9s, 8d, and seems to have been active
in religious work, taking a prominent part in the or-
ganization of the church in his parish. In May,
1715, Joseph Talcott and Aaron Cook were ap-
pointed by the General Court as a committee to fix a
location for the "meeting-house" to be built by the
Society, and they chose a site within thirty rods of
the Doctor's residence. On Nov. 18, 1706, Dr. An-
drews married Sarah Curtis, of Southold, L. I.,
who died May 23, 1760.
(IV) Elijah Andrews, third son of Dr. Joseph,
•was born Feb. 16, 1719, and died of cancer Sept.
3, 1792. On Feb. 21, 1745, he married Phoebe Hurl
hurt, who died Nov. 13, 1772. Traditiorl says that
he resided on Wolcott Hill, north of the present
brick school house.
(V) Elijah Andrews, Jr., third son of Elijah
(IV), was born at Newington Oct. 16, 1752, and
was baptized Oct. 21, of that year. He became a
tanner and shoemaker, learning the business with
Deacon Timothy Stanley, of New Britain, and by
his industry gained a fair competence. His disposi-
tion was kind and his manner courteous, while his
conscientious piety won him the respect of all who
knew him. He died at his home on the Farming-
ton road, near Bass river bridge, on Nov. 24, 1839,
aged eighty-seven years. On March 2, 1775, he
married Rachel Gridley, who was born ^^ov. 10,
1753. daughter of Ebenezer and Azuba (Orvis)
Gridley, of Kensington and Farmington, and died
Oct. 20, 1836, when she was aged eighty-three,
They reared a large family of children, and accord-
ing to the "Andrews Memorial" all "were remark-
ably' fine-looking when grown to maturit}^"
(VI) Ebenezer Andrews, second son of Elijah
and Rachel (Gridley) Andrews, and the grand-
father of our subject, was born Dec. 24, 1778, and
baptized July 7, 1793, by John Smalley, D. D., then
pastor of the Congregational Church of New Brit-
ain. He learned the carpenter's trade with Deacon
John Osgood, of New Britain, and followed it suc-
cessfully for many years. Fie was a man of amiable
disposition, modest and unassuming, and was uni-
versally respected. He served in the militia, hold-
ing rank as an officer, and on Oct. 6, 181 1, he united
with the First Congregational Church at New Brit-
ain. In October, 1800, he married Miss Mary Gris-
wold, who was born in 1783, daughter of Ashbel
and Elizabeth (Woodruff) Griswold, and he re-
sided on the main I'oad between New Britain and
Farmington, at the old Griswold homestead, which
he bought and improved. He died Aug. 5, 1827,
and his widow died Oct. 18, 1858, in Rochester,
New York.
(VII) Philo Andrews, our subject's father, and
the third son of Ebenezer (VI), was born i\Iay 8.
1806, and died Dec. 20, 1831. He married Miss-
Amelia Kelsey, who was born April 20, 1807, daugh- ;
ter of Samuel Kelsey, of Kensington, this count^ .
and for some years after his marriage resided at
the Kelsey homestead. By occupation he was a
shoemaker, his shop being located on the home- ;
stead, and as his means increased he bought a farm. .
north of the Kelsey property. He was a man of 1
iine appearance and much ability, but his death, at
the age of twenty-five, cut short a promising career.
His wife, who died May 7, 1 871, at the age of sixty-
four, was active in religious work as a member of
the Methodist Church at New Britain. They had
two sons, Samuel Kelsey and Philo, our subject.
Samuel Kelsey Andrews, born Sept. 18, 1829, in-
herited with our subject the Kelsey homestead from
his mother, and the growth of the city in that direc-
tion made it very valuable property. Although of
a retiring disposition, he was a respected citizen of
his town, his excellent judgment in business and
other affairs being fully recognized. Politically he
was a Democrat, and while he never sought office,
he served at one time on the local board of relief.
His death occurred Feb. 6, 1872.
(VIII) Philo Andrews, tht subject proper of
this biography, was born May , 18:^1, on Stanley
street, New Britain, and was educated chiefly in
the academy and private schools of that town. His-
mother was a successful teacher, and devoted much
attention to the education of her sons, in whose abili-
ties she took natural and justifiable pride. At the
age of sixteen he went to Hartford to take a position
as clerk in the dry-goods store of Wellis & Kellogg,
with whom he remained until their failure, a year
later. After clerking a short time in another store
in Flartford he found employment in the lock de-
partment of Russell & Erwin's factory at New Brit-
ain, and when Augustus & Gad Stanley established
their rule factory (on the site of P. & F. Corbin's
present shop) he entered their employ. As time
passed he took a contract for the company, in part-
nership with Elford B. Eddy, and after twenty
years in the factory, at the death of his brother, he
retired in 1872 with a fair competence, his property
including a farm adjacent to the city, which is now
being encroached upon by the rapid development of
the place, and has risen greatl)' in value of late
years. In early years Mr. Andrews was a Demo-
crat, but since 1872 he has voted the Republican
ticket at every National election. He has never been
particularly active in politics, but has at times been
requested to take office, but refused. However, he
has been a member of the Sewer committee, and has
served one term as assessor and two years ( 1896-97)
as alderman from the Second ward, acting as a
member of the committee on Streets. For fortv-
seven years he has been a member of Trinity Meth-
odist Episcopal Church at New Britain, in which he
has held various offices, and is now trustee. For
fourteen years he was superintendent of the Sunday-
school.
COM MEMO RATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
yii
On Nov. 8, 1853, Mr. Andrews married Miss
Mary L. JJutlcr, who was born April 21, 1832,
daughter of Martin ijiitlcr, a well-known resident of
West Hartford. Their only daughter, Ella Maria,
born Sept. 23, 1854, married Edward W. i liomp-
son, formerly of IJroadalbin, N. Y., and now a
druggist at New Britain. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
have two sons : Frederick K., born June 8, 1876,
who married I\liss Anna L. Emmons, of New lirit-
tain; and Harold E., born April 1, 1881, now a
student in the high scliool.
AIDSES LUOAilS (deceased), son of Jonathan
and Hannah. (iSarber) Loomis, was born August
! 13. 1805, on the farm now owned and occupied by
his daughter, Mrs. Louisa Hubbard, and always re-
sided there, the present brick residence having been
built by him in 1838. He was a hard worker, having
been trained to habits of industry 'from boyhood,
and he not only carried on farming successfully, bui
, was engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was
I over six feet in height, and well-built, with a large
frame, and even after his retirement from business
at the age of seventy-two, he contmued his accus-
tomed activities to some extent. Honesty and in-
tegrity were leading" traits in his character, and he
was a loyal and patriotic citizen, and a helpful
worker in the Congregational Church at Windsor,
\ -contributing liberally and serving as a member of
the licclesiastical Society. He placed a high esti-
mate on education, and was an earnest advocate
for better schools in his town. In politics he was
first a Whig, later a Republican, but he never sought
office, and beyond voting regularly did not take an
active share in party work. ITe died Oct. 24, 1888,
leaving a good estate, but his descendants can find
in the inheritance of his honored memory a better
source of satisfaction, and though of an humble,
retiring disposition he left a lasting influence for
god behind. Born at an age before modern inven-
tions were thought of, and hardships were the com-
mon lot in life, he was from the beginning a hero,
and as he advanced in years strove to do his part
toward building up a country and the improvement
of his own town that would in after years be a
blessing and happiness to others.
On May 3, 1834, Mr. Loomis married 2^Iiss
Nancy C. Loomis, daughter of Asher Loomis and
Rocinda (Cook), of Windsted. She was a gentle
lovable lady. She died Sept. 23, 1886, and the re-
mains of both repose in the cemetery at Windsor.
They had two children : Jane, born Sept. 24, 1838,
died Oct. 29, 1857; and Louisa (widow of F. B.
Hubbard), born April 27, 1845.
The first ancestor of the late Aloses Loomis,
of whom any record has been preserved, was (I)
Joseph Loonn's, a native of England, who came to
"Windsor in 1668. (H) Deacon John Loomis, the
j next in the line of descent, was born in England,
I in 1622. (HI) Sergt. Daniel Loomis, son of Deacon
' John, was born June 16, 1657. (IV) Isaac Loomis,
I born Aug. 23, 1694, married Hannah Eggleston.
(V) Joseph Loomis, son of Isaac, was born Aug. 29,
1725, and was married Jan. 23, 1752, to Keziah
Loouns, by whom lie had a son Jonatiian.
(VI) Jonathan Loomis was born March 25,
1757, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary
arm)-, in i8oi he married Hannaii Barber, and he
died in 1814, leaving three sons: Moses, the subject
proper of this memoir; Timothy (Nov. 17, 1808-
Juiy 23, 1829); and Jonathan Jr., (Aug. 0, 181 1-
Nov. — , 1874), who was one of the tallest men in
this section in his day. The family was left in some-
what limited circumstances, and the mother spun
and wove in order to keep her children together, her
old spinning-wheel being now a prized relic in the
house of Mrs. Louisa L. Hubbard. Mrs. Jonathan
Loomis was a daughter of -Moses Barber, one of the
leading pioneers of Windsor, in whose house was
held one of the first three schools ever opened in the
town. ITe was a soldier in the French and Indian
war, and his powderhorn, bearing the date of 1758,
is now in Mrs. Hubbard's possession. I^loses Barber
was a direct descendant of Thomas Barber, one of
the first settlers of Windsor, and a volunteer in tlie
early Indian wars under Capt. Mason.
Louisa Loomis, the only surviving child of the
late Moses Loomis, was born in the town of Wind-
sor, Hartford county. After completing the course
of study offered in the Stony Hill school she at-
tended Windsor Academy for a time, and then lived
at home until her marriage to Franklin B. Hubbard,
She and her husband began housekeeping in Bloom-
field, but in 1869 they removed to Hartford, and
after his death she returned to the old Loomis
homestead, where she has since resided. She is
a member of the various auxiliary societies con-
nected with the Congregational Church at Wind-
sor, and is vice-regent of the Abigail Wolcott Ells-
worth branch of the Society of Daughters of the
American Revolution.
Franklin B. Hubbard was born Oct. 31. 1841,
in the town of Bloomfield, this county, son of Trum-
bull and Rhoda (Barber) Hubbard. He was a de-
scendant of George Hubbard, who was born in Eng-
land in 1601, a descendant of the Vikings, and died
March 18, 1684, in Middletown, Conn. His name
first appears as a settler of Hartford in 1639. Fle
married Elizabeth Walls, and they had seven chil-
dren. Dosethius Hubbard, of the fifth generation
in descent from George, was born Nov. 8. 1762,
and died Dec. 24, 1831. He married Tamar Hitch-
cock, daughter of Dr. Hitchcock, of Bloomfield,
and they became the parents of nine children, of
whom Trumbull, born April 7, 1806, died April 3,
1886. On Nov. 23, 1836, he married Rhoda Bar-
ber, who was descended, on her mother's side, from
Sir Francis Drake, and. on her father's side, of
Thomas Barber, one of the first settlers of the town.
F. B. Hubbard was reared a farmer boy, and fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits more or less throughout
his entire life. For a number of years he was also
interested in brick making at Hartford, where he
died Feb. 26, 1887, his remains being interred at
912
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bloomfield. Politically he was a Republican, and
whiie he was never an aspirant for official honors,
he fulfilled every duty of citizenship, winning the
esteem of all classes in the community. His death
cut short a most promising career, which was not the
less useful because of his unassuming disposition.
On March 22, 1865, he married Miss Louisa Loomis,
and three children blessed the union : ( i ) Anna L.
Hubbard, who was educated in the Hartford gram-
mar and high schools, and is an estimable lady ; she
married Btu"ton S. Loomis, of Windsor, and has two
children, Grace H. and Theodore R. (2) Alvin L.
and (3) Rosa A. (twins) were born May 26, 1885,
and are living with their widowed mother.
DEACON JEDEDIAH DEMING died at his
home in Newington June 26, 1899, after a life of
industry, and rich in those rare possessions which
only a high character can give. For manv years
he labored with all the strength of a great nature,
and all the earnestness of a true heart, for the bet-
tering of the world about him, and when he was
called to the rest and reward of the higher world
his best monument was found in the love and re-
spect of the community in which he had lived so
many years.
Mr. Deming was born March 15, 1820, in a
house a little below his last residence, but upon
the same farm. His father. Jedediah Deming, Sr.,
born in 1790, was a farmer by occupation, took an
active part in church work, and supported the Whig
party, but never took much interest in political af-
fairs. He died in 1867. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Mary Lusk, was a daughter of
Maj.-Gen. Lusk. She was born in 1790 and died
in 1827. The Deacon's grandfatner, Elias Dem-
ing. was also born on the old homestead, and was
a direct descendant of John Deming, who came to
this country from England and located in Wethers-
field about 1 716.
Deacon Deming received a liberal education, and
at an early age becaine thoroughly familiar with
every department of farm work. He always re-
mained upon the old homestead, comprising 125
acres of valuable land, and successfully engaged
in agricultural pursuits until fifty years of age,
when he laid aside business cares. In November,
1846, he married Miss Nancy Angeline Whaples,
a lady beloved by all, and noted for her kindness
and benevolence to the poor. She was a member
of, and active worker in, the Newington Congre-
gational Church, where until her death, in 1877, her
sweet voice was prominent in the choir. By that
union there were two children : ( i ) Ellen Amanda,
born in 1852, was married to Frank H. Corbin, and
had three children, of whom Jedediah Deming, born
June 18, 1878, is the only survivor; he is now a
successful farmer upon the Deming homestead,
where he and his mother reside. Walter F., born
July 8, 1880, died in June, 1882. The other child
died in infancy unnamed. (2) Alice Cornelia,
born in 1856, married Daniel J. Clark, pastor of
the Congregational Church of East Haven, and has
one son, Harold Deming, born Oct. 13, 1884. Dea-
con Deming was again married, in 1881, his second
union being with Mrs. Augusta E. Griswold Mor-
ris, of Washington, D. C, widow of John Morris,
a Yale graduate, who took a very active part in po-
litical aflfairs, was executive clerk in the United
States Senate, and editor of a Charleston (S. C.)
newspaper.
Deacon Deming cast his first Presidential vote
for William Henry Harrison and took great interest
in that campaign. He joined the Republican party
on its organization and cast his last ballot for Will-
iam McKinley. In 1855 he was elected to the
State Legislature from Wethersfield, which then
included Newington, and during that term the bill
was passed prohibiting the continuance of the coun-
ty court, for which he worked untiringly. In 1881
he was again elected to that body, and he also served
as selectman in Newington at various times. He
succeeded his father as deacon in the Congregational
Church, and was ever one of its most influential
members. At his funeral Rev. Herbert Macy re-
ferred to the existence of the Newington Congre-
gational chapel as having been doubtful if Deacon
Deming had not risen in his seat, after the needs of
the church in this direction had been presented
from the pulpit, and volunteered his help by nam-
ing his subscription toward the cause, and he urged
others to do the same. He was a very kind-hearted
man, charitable, benevolent, honorable and trust-
worthy, and was looked up to by all.
CHAUNCEY D. HOLCOMB, one of the pro-
gressive and successful farmers of West Simsbury,
was born at Barndoor Hills, Granby, March 11,
1830. The Holcomb family are descendants of one
of the first settlers of Simsbury, and many of its
representatives have held positions of honor and
trust, both in Colonial days and under the present
government. ]\Iany also took an active and import-
ant part in the great struggle for freedom.
Thomas Holcomb, the founder of the family in
America, came from England, it is supposed, on
the ship "Mary and John." He settled in Dorches-
ter, Mass., and in 1634 was there made a freeman.
Thence he removed to the town of Windsor, and
settled at Poquonock, where he engaged in farm-
ing, and where he died Sept. 7, 1657. He repre-
sented Windsor and Hartford at the framing of the
constitution of the Colony of Connecticut in 1639.
He married Elizabeth, who later, in 1658, married
James Eno, becoming his second wife. The chil-
dren born to Thomas and Elizabeth Holcomb were
as follows : Elizabeth, who married in 1654 Josias
Ellsworth, of Windsor ; Mary, who married Oct. 3,
165s, George Griswold, of Windsor; Abigail, bap-
tized Jan. 6, 1638, who married June 11, 1658,
Samuel Bissell, of Windsor; Joshua, baptized Sept.
27, 1640; Sarah, baptized Aug. 4, 1642; Benajah,
born June 23, 1644; Deborah, born Oct. 15, 1646,
who died in 1649; Nathaniel, born Nov. 4, 1648;
^
■r
^
'
■£A
^.Cx/^-O^C^ft/ oclS'^^-^'^ ''^' t-j
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
013
Dcbyrah (2), born l-'t-b. 15, 1650, whn inarriLMl
March 5, 1668, Daniel liirge, of Windsor; Jona-
than, l)orn -March 23, 1O52.
Nathaniel Holconib, son of Thomas, was born
in W iiulsor Nov. 4, 1648. He removed to Massa-
coe, now Simsbury, where he engaged in farming
through life. He represented the town of Sims-
bury in the General Assembly for the years 1703,
1704, 1705, 1706, 1720 and 1722. On Feb. 2/, iC>jo.
he married ^larv Llliss, who was born in Springfield.
.Mass., and their children were: Xathaniel, born
June II, 1673; Mary, born Mav 17, 1O75; Jonathan,
born in 1678; John, born in 1680, married March ly,
1706, Anna, .daughter of John I'athline; Esther,
born in 1682, married Feb. 17, 1708, Brewster Hig-
ley ; Catharine, born in 1689, married Jan. 22, 1707.
Joseph Messenger; Sarah, born in 1691, married
Dec. 17, 1722. Samuel Barbone ; Benjamin, born
Feb. 15, 1697, married Oct. 12, 1727, Hannah Case.
Xathaniel Holcomb, son of Nathaniel, and
grandson of Thomas, was born in the town of Sims-
Iniry, now Granby, where he grew to manhood and
was engaged in farming all his life, and was a large
land owner and a stock and grain grower. He
married Nov. I, 1695, Martha Bucll, of Simsburv,
who bore him children as follows : Nathaniel, born
CJct. 25, 1696, married Oct. 9, 1717, Thankful
Hayes, of Simsbury; Elizabeth, born Alardi 13,
1699-1700, died April 13, 1700; Martha, born March
15, 1701, died Jan. 29, 1725 (she married Feb. 21,
1723, Jonathan Buttolph) ; Jonathan was born Nov.
25, 1702; Elizabeth, born Jan. 14, 1704, married Jo-
-scph Wilco.x Feb. 28. 1725 ; Judah died at the age of
ninety-eight years : David ; ]\lary ; Benjamin ; Sa-
rah ; and Peter was born in 1715. Nathaniel, father
of these children, married for his second wife, Jan.
17, 1723, Sarah Owen, widow of Joseph Owen, of
\Vindsor. He was a deacon of the church, and was
a member of the General Assembly in 1748 and
1749. In business he was successful, and in char-
acter above reproach.
Peter Holcomb, son of Nathaniel, was bom in
1715, in that part of Simsbury which now com-
prises the town of Granby. There he grew to man-
hood, and engaged in farming all his life. He
was a lieutenant in the State militia, and gave sev-
eral sons to the cause of the Revolution ; one son
died in the French and Indian wars. He married
first, Oct. 15, 1740, Margaret Case, widow of Jacob
Holcomb, who died July 27, 1737. The children
born to Peter and ^largaret Holcomb were : ( i )
Martin, born July 27, 1741, married Deiva Spen-
cer. (2) Jacob, born April i, 1743, died in the
French and Indian war. (3) Nodiali, born Sept. 5,
1744, died Feb. 22, 1745. (4) Margaret, born Feb.
18, 1746, married Col. Pettibone, of Norfolk, Conn.
( 5 ) Rushmore, bom Nov. 30, 1747, died young.
(6) Nodiah (2), born Oct. 4, 1749, married Aphia
Butler, of Granby. ^Margaret, first wife of Peter
Holcomb, died C)ct. 14, 1750, and for his second
wife he married, Dec. 10, 1751, Tryphenia Goss,
who Ijore him children as follows: (7) Ashel,
58
born Oct. 15, 1752, married Abigail Hoskins, of
Simsbury; (H) Theodocia, born May 16, 1754, died
Nov. 25', 1775; (9J Keziah, born Nov. 2^, 1755.
married Elijah Spencer, of Suffield ; (10) I'ryphe-
nia, born Dec. 10, 1757, died Nov. 12, 1775; (11)
Peter, born July 24, 1759, married Zillah Hoskins,
of Simsbury; (i2j Ebenezer, born May 14, 1761,
married Chloe Bacon; (13) Cyrus, born Dec. 14,
1762, married Anna Cadey, of Hartland ; (14J Ja-
cob was born Oct. 27, 17O4.; (15) Abel, born Nov.
2, 1706, married Roxey Higly, of Simsbury; (16)
Beulah, born Sept. 8, 1768, died young; (17;
Naomi, born May 12, 1771, married Taylor Higly,
of Simsbury; ( i8j Deborah, born July 15, 1774,
never married, and lived to be over seventy-five.
Jacob Holcomb, son of Peter, was the grand-
father of our subject. He was born Oct. 27, 1764,
and was not yet in his 'teens when the Revolutionary
war began, but he took the part of a soldier in that
great struggle. He located on the homestead at
Barndoor Hills,' now Granby, and there spent his
life, being a land owner, and engaged extensively in
farming. He was active in public matters, and
when the town of Granby was taken from Sims-
bury he was a strong supporter of the change. He
lived to the ripe old age ot ninety-two years, and was
buried in Granby. In politics he was an Old-line
Democrat. Fie married, Feb. 22, 1791, Theodosia
Beacon, born in 1766, who bore him children as fol-
lows: (I) Chester, born Dec. 17. 1791 ; (2) Ora-
tor, born April 25, 1794; (3J Theodosia, born Feb.
5, 1796, married Nelson Reed; (4; Chauncey, born
Aug. 12, 1798; (5j Pliney, born April 15, 1803,
died young. Theodosia, wife of Jacob Holcomb,
died Aug. 6, 1804, and for his second wife he mar-
ried, Jan. 22, 1805, Susan Roe, born in 1775. She
bore him several children. (6) Pliney, born
March 28, 1806; (7) Sylvester, born ^larch 27,
1809; (8) Charles R., born Jan. 6, 1812, died in
1897. Susan, the second wife, died Oct. 17, 1834,
and for his third wife Jacob Holcomb married. Nov.
9, 1836, Hannah Holcomb, widow of his brother
Ashel. Jacob Holcomb died Oct. 15, 1856.
Orator Holcomb, father of our subject, was born
April 25, 1794, on the old homestead in Granby:-
attended the public schools of the district, and as-
sisted in the work of the farm. When a voung man
he, with little help from his parents, bought a farm
near the old homestead, and there spent his life, en-
gaged principally in general farming, dairying and
stock raising.
He lived to the age of eightv-three
years, and died on his farm in 1877. I" politics he
was a Democrat. He was noted for his honestv and
upright character, and was deeply attached to his
home and family. In his religious views he was
liberal, and always lived up to the Golden Rule. He
married, in Granby, Cyrena Reed, who was born in
West Granby, a daughter of David Reed, a well-to-
do farmer of West Granby. To this union nine chil-
dren were born : Covil, deceased : Harriet, who
married James Ebby, of Enfield : Luna, who mar-
ried Horace Griffin ; Munson, now living in Granby;
914
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Osborn, of Aurora, Kane Co., 111. ; Chauncey D., our
subject; Ann, who died j'oi.ng; Electa, who mar-
ried Wadsworth Pond, of Boston, Mass., and Burt,
who died in 1899 at Westfield, Mass. The mother
of our subject died on the farm in 1870 aged seventy
years, and was buried in Granby cemetery. She
was a member of the Granby Methodist Episcopal
Church, a good Christian woman, and a devoted
mother and wife.
Chauncey D. Holcomb, the suDJect of this sketch,
attended the district schools of Granby, also the
Granby Academy. He was reared on the farm, and
remained with his parents until he was twenty-two
years old, but during his youth he worked out among
the farmers in Granby. At twenty-two he started
in business for himself, peddling jewelry and silver-
ware, traveling through the States of Massachu-
setts, York State and Vermont, and continued in
that business for six years. He then returned
home, was married, and settled down to a farmer's
life in West Simsbury, settling on the homestead of
his father-in-law, where he has since been engaged
in tobacco culture and dairying and general farm-
ing. He has added largely to the original farm, and
is now operating a tract of 250 acres, upon which he
has made many improvements. Besides farming he
has engaged in stock dealing, and for several years
has handled carriages, wagons, etc., selling in the
local markets. He is a man of good business judg-
ment and ability, is a good judge of stock, and a
successful farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Holcomb
is one of Simsbury 's most progressive citizens, is a
stockholder and director of the Simsbury Creamery
Company, and takes a deep interest in all enterprises
that are beneficial to the town and people. He is
honorable in his dealings, and noted for his honesty
of purpose. In 1859 he married, in West Sims-
bury, Hannah Buell, a native of that village, and
daughter of Peter O. Buell. The marriage of our
subject has been blessed with five children: Anna
was educated in the district schools and the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and is a school
teacher ; Flora, who attended the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, is the wife of Frank Alford, of West
Simsbury, and has one son, Stuart A. ; Irene also
attended the Connecticut Literary Institute, and
married Elbert Wilcox, of Granby, now a resident of
Springfield, Mass., by whom she has two children,
Helen J. and Howard H. ; Buell T., who studied at
the Connecticut Literary Institute, is living at home ;
Dexter is at home. Mr. Holcomb is a member of
St. Mark's Lodge, F. & A. M., of Simsbury. In
political faith he is a Democrat, but is not an active
politician. The family are members of the Con-
gregational Church. Mr. Holcomb has won, by his
business successes, his public spirit, his integrity and
loyalty, the general regard and respect of the com-
munity in which he lives.
HOSEA DAYTON HUMPHREY traces his
line of descent from Michael Humphrey, of England,
who is believed to have come to America prior to
1648, although the precise date is uncertain. He
married Priscilla, a daughter of Matthew Grant, of
Windsor. His second son was Samuel H., a lieu-
tenant in the Colonial militia, who was born at
Windsor, Conn., May 15, 1659, and married (prob-
ably at Windsor) Mary Mills. She was a daugh-
ter of Simon and Mary (Buel) Mills, and was born
Dec. 8, 1662. Fie removed to Simsbury, about 1669,
and became an influential citizen of the place.
The next m Inie of descent was Ensign Samuel
Humphrey, who was born at Simsbury, May 17,
1686. He was a prosperous trader and man of
prominence in the community. He was the father
of Lieut. Samuel (2), also of Simsbury, who was
born Oct. 15, 17 10, and married Mary, a daughter
of Joseph S. Wilcox and his wife, Abigail Thayer.
She was born in 1719. Their son, Theophilus, was
born, probably in 1744, at West Simsbury, now
Canton. He was the hrst deacon of the First Con-
gregational Church in that town, and filled the office
many years. He was twice married, his hrst wife
being Hepzibah Cornish, and his second, Diana
Averill.
Following the genealogical record, the next in
order is Hon. Loin Humphrey, the grandfather of
the gentleman whose name appears at the head of
this memoir. He was born Dec. 31, 1771, at West
Simsbury; was an enterprising and successful
farmer, and owned a large estate. He was a man
of talent and influence ; for twenty years or more
a justice of the peace, and a member of the Legisla-
ture in 1824 and 1829. He was first selectman for
three or four years, and held other minor offices.
He bore the title of captain. He died at Canton
(formerly Simsbury) Nov. 16, 1854. He married
Rhoda Case, whose parents, Hosea and Rhoda Case,
were residents of the same town as himself.
Hosea Dayton Humphrey, the son of Loin
Humphrey, and father of the present owner of the
name, was born at Canton, Aug. 3, 1809. He was
a lawyer by profession, and a man of high educa-
tion. He graduated from Amherst College, and
read law in the office of Henry Starr, Esq., of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. He traveled from Connecticut to
Ohio On horseback, and finally located at Crawfords-
ville, Ind., about the year 1832, where he engaged
ill practice. He entered into partnership with Ben-
jamin T. Ristine, the firm name being Humphrey
& Ristine. Mr. Humphrey was a strong Democrat
and his partner an equally pronounced Whig, and
during the Harrison campaign of 1840 they were
active on opposite sides, the former opposing Mr.
Harrison's candidacy, although he was his personal
friend. Fle was a man of intense individuality and
strongly marked characteristics. Not long after
the founding of Wabash College, which was estab-
lished in 1834, he was offered, and accepted, the
chair of mathematics in that institution. He died
Sept. 20, 1845. On Sept. 23, 1835, at Warren,
Conn., he married Caroline, a daughter of George
and Lorain (Carter) Starr, who was born July 8,
181 1. They were the parents of six children:
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
915
Henry, George Starr, Frank Warren, Austin Rus-
sell, Flora and Hosea Dayton.
The last named was born at Crawfordsvillc, Ind.,
Jan. i8, 1846. He received a rudimentary educa-
! tion in public and select schools at Warren, and
' completed his scholastic course at the "Gunnery" at
W'asinngton, Conn., passing through the entire
curriculum, with the exception of the languages.
In 1862 he graduated and came to New Britain.
Here his first employment was as a clerk for Swift
& Whittlesey, whose place of business was an old
building standing on the site of his present store.
; He remained with this tirm for five years, and then
i accepted the position of shipping clerk at the Mall-
eable Iron \\'orks. In a year, however, he re-
lumed to work for Air. Whittlesey, who had pur-
chased Mr. Swift's interest in the concern, and con-
! dnued to occupy a clerical positioii for some three
I years, but in 1874 bought the interest of his employ-
j er's new partner, a Mr. Felt, and was admitted as
• a partner, the firm name becoming F. W'hittlesey &
( Co. In 1887 Air. Humphrey purchased his part-
i ner's interest and entered upon a new era in his
I prosperous business career. He is to-day one of the
'■ oldest dry-goods merchants in New Britain. In
addition to his private business he has been for
eighteen years auditor of the Stanley W'orks, and
I for the past three years a director in the New Britain
' Savings Bank. He is a man of broad, well-educated
public spirit, an illustration of which fact is afforded
by his connection with the securing of a better water
supply for New Britain. Air. Humphrey was in-
strumental, with other members of the water board,
in securing from the State Legislature, in the face
of great opposition, the charter by which the city
of New Britain was enabled to take the waters of
Roaring brook, in the town of Wolcott, six miles
distant, and convey them to Shuttle Aleadow^ reser-
voir, thus insuring a permanent water supply for
many years to come. The work of laying pipes, etc.
was done at a time most advantageous ; had it been
delayed two years it would have cost the citv at
least $150,000 more. The plan was thoroughly
feasible, but its execution involved a municipal out-
lay of some $300,000, and to secure its adoption was
a task of no small magnitude. Being elected a
member of the board of water conuuissioners for
; three terms, Air. Humphrey with his colleagues
was able to secure its accomplishment, therebv plac-
t ing the city under a heavy and lasting obligation.
Politically Air. Humphrey has always been an
ardent Republican, and an active worker for his
party's success. For six years he was a member of
the town committee, and has also served as chair-
man of the committee for the Third ward. Sociallv
he is a man of affable manners and genial disnosi-
tion. a true friend, and liberal in his contributions
to the cause of charity. He is a member of the
New Britain Club, as well as of the Order of the
Lnited American Alechanics and the A. O. U. W.,
and is a past regent in the Royal .\rcanum. His
religious creed is that of the Congregational Church,
of which he is an active, liberal and consistent mem-
ber. He is connected with the South Congrega-
tional Church of New Britain, has been superm-
tendent of the junior department of its Sunday-
school for six years, and is now clerk and member
of the society's conmiittee.
On Oct. 4, 1871, Air. Humphrey married Harriet
Loomis, who was born at New Britain Feb.
14, 1847, '^"d they have two children : Howard
Starr and Flora Loomis. The elder was born Oct.
6. 1875, graduated from the Sheffield Scientific
School of Yale College in 1897, antl for a time was
connected with the importing firm of A. B. Heine
& Co., of New York, being now with the I'arker
Shirt Company, of New Britain. The daughter.
Flora Loomis, is a pupil at the New Britain high
school, in the class of 1901.
GEORGE E. FIADLEY, deceased. A some-
what detailed history of Air. Hadley's family may
be found in the biographical sketch of Reuben W.
Hadley on another page.
George E. Hadley was born in Dudley, Wor-
cestershire, England, on Feb. 13, 1839, a son of
George Hadley. He was educated in the schools
of his native place, and after coming to Winsted at-
tended night school and received some private in-
struction from a Air. Pease, who was connected
with the Normal School. -His training in the or-
dinary English branches was fairly good, and the
knowledge acquired in his boyhood has been sup-
plemented by a course of well-directed reading, he
having always kept himself closely in touch with the
history of passing events, as well as with general
current literature.
In the spring of 1854 Air. Hadley went to work
in the shovel and tongs shop, of which his father
was superintendent. On the purchase of the busi-
ness by Russell & Erwin and its removal to New
Britain he entered the employ of that concern,
with whom he was connected for forty years, en-
joying the distinction of being the oldest employe
in consecutive service in the employ of the house.
On the death of his father he assumed the contract
held by him, and continued to perform his part there-
under until Jan. 12, 1899. He was one of the last
two contractors to surrender his privilege, in the
execution of which he had been singularly success-
ful, having, at times, as many as twenty-six men
in his employ. Air. Hadley died Oct. 16, 1899.
Air. Hadley was always an active w^orker in the
cause of the Republican party, both locally and
nationally. He represented the Third ward of the
city of New Britain in the council in 1876 and
again in 1886 and 1887. He was appointed a mem-
ber of the fire commission during the first year
of its organization, and was from i860 to 1870 a
member of the volunteer department. With the
institution of the paid fire department of New
Britain he connected himself with that branch of
ihe city's service, filling the post of foreman of Hose
Company No. i for two years and acting as assistant
916
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chief for one year. His natural fondness for mil-
itary service led him to enlist in the State militia,
in which he was commissioned first as second lieu-
tenant, and afterward rose to the grades of first
lieutenant and captain in Company E, of the 12th
Regiment. He held the latter rank at the time of
his resignation. Socially he was a member -of Har-
mony Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and of the
Royal Arcanum ; was also a director in the New-
Britain Building & Loan Association. His re-
ligious faith was that of the M. E. Church, of which
body he was a devout and consistent member.
To Mr. Hadley's marriage with Anna J. Allen
have been born two children, one of whom died
in infancy, the other being Edward W. The mother
of these died in 1871, and in 1873 Mr. Hadley mar-
lied Helen T. Jackson, daughter of William and
Harriet (Lewis) Jackson, of Bristol. Of this union
were born William L., Robert G. and Helen May.
HON. ABNER SLADE HART, a well-known
and highly esteemed citizen of CJnionville, Hart-
ford county, was born July 15, 1823, in Barkhani-
sted, Litchfield Co., Conn., and is a descendant of
Deacon Stephen Hart, who was born in Braintree,
England, in 1605, and came to the New World on
a vessel which dropped anchor in Massachusetts
Bay about 1632. After living for a time in Cam-
bridge, Mass., he came to Hartford with the Hook-
er Colony, in 1635, and tradition says that the town
was called Hart-ford from the ford he discovered
and used near the foot of what is now Morgan
street. He took the lead in settling among the
Ttmxis Lidians in Farmington, and bought a large
tract of land in what is now called Cider Broolv.
He was one of the first representatives in 1647.
He was twice married, his second wife being Mar-
garet, widow of Arthur Smith. He and his first
wife were constituent members of the church or-
ganized at Earmington in 1652.
(II) Thomas Hart, the third son and youngest
child of Deacon Stephen Hart, was born in Wind-
sor, Conn., Oct. 24, 1649, and on reaching man-
hood married Ruth, daughter of Anthony Hawkins,
a distinguished man of Earmington. He took a
very prominent part in both military and civil af-
fairs; was commissioned ensign in May. 1678, and
lieutenant in 1693. He was deputy to the General
Court in i6q^ ; was deputy from Earmington in
1690, 1692, 1694, 1695, 1696, 1697, 1698, 1699, 1700,
1704, 1705 and 1706; was speaker of the General
Court in 1700, 1704, 1705 and 1706; commissioner
for Earmington in 1692, 1693, 1694, 1695 and 1697;
and justice for Hartford county in 1698, 1701, 1702,
1703, 1704, 1705 and 1706. He inherited a por-
tion of his father's homestead in Earmington ; was
a man of wealth, activity and usefulness, and he
and John Hooker were the two most prominent men
of the town and conspicuous in the Colony. Capt.
Hart died Aug. 27, 1726, and was bu.'ied with mil-
itary honors.
(III) Hawkins Hart, the next in direct descent
to our subject, was born in Earmington in 1677,
and was married, Sept. 7, 1701, to Sarah Roys.
On Oct. 4, 1705, he moved to Wallingford, Conn.,
where he died May 24, 1735. He represented Wall-
ingford in the General Court for nine consecutive
years, from 1714 to 1723.
(IV) Nathaniel Hart, born in Earmington June
19, 1702, was married, Dec. 21, 1727, to Martha,
daughter of Capt. Stephen and Elizabeth (Roys)
Lee, and died Oct. 2, 1750. He had eight children,,
of whom Hawkins was the fourth in order of birth.
(V) Hawkins Hart, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in February, 1736, in Meriden,
Conn., and throughout life followed the carpenter's
and joiner's trade. He was married, Feb. 12, 1761,
to Abigail Hall, a daughter of Peter and Rebecca
(Bartholomew) Hall, and died May 26, 1824. He
served with distinction as a lieutenant in the Rev-
olutionary war. He had nine children, of whom
Hawkins Hart, the father of our subject, was eighth
in the order of birth.
(VI) Hawkins Hart was born in Wallingford
Jan. 28, 1781, and in 1789 removed with his par-
ents to Barkhamsted, where he died Oct. 8, 1836.
He was also a carpenter and joiner by trade. On
Dec. 5, 1805, he was united in marriage with Miss
Lois Slade, who was born April 6, 1785, and they
became the parents of eleven children : Chester,
born July 16, 1806, married Julia Case, and is de-
ceased ; Rebecca, born March 6, 1808, died in April,
1842; Betsey, born May 6, 1810, died Feb. 6, 1822;
William H. H., Dorn Aug. 28, 1812, married Ehza
Scovil, and died while serving in the Union army;
Fanny, born Nov. 10, 1814, died Jan. 3, 1816; Fanny
Amilla, born Jan. 2, 1816, died in January, 1840;
Sarah, born Jan. 24, 1818, is a resident of Belvi-
dere. 111. ; Olive, born Sept. 2, 1820, died Feb. 5,
1822; Abner S., our subject, is next in the order
of birth ; Lois, born Sept. 14, 1825, died in Decem-
ber, 1825 ; and Hannah A., born July 8, 1827, is a
resident of Brodhead, Wisconsin.
Abner S. Hart was reared in Barkhamsted, and
was educated at a select school. After the comple-
tion of his education he engaged in teaching school
for fourteen years, alternating this occupation with
farming during the summer months. In t866 he
established himself in the drug business at River-
ton, Litchfield Co., Conn., and three years later
was appointed postmaster at that place, which po-
sition he filled for twelve years. Selling out his
business to his sons, Mvron and Leverett C, he
came to Unionville, Hartford county, and in March,
1878, opened a general store in company with his
son, H. W. Hart, under the name of A. S. Hart
& Son. In April, 1896, feeling some of the in-
firmities of old age after being in active business
pursuits for a period of more than fifty years, he
sold his interest in the store to his son, H. W. Hart,
who now carries on the business under the name
of H. W. Hart & Co.
In April, T848, Mr. Hart was united in marriage-
with Miss Julia Rose, who died June 8, 1863, leav-
■M
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
917
ing three children: (i) Myron, born Jan. 17, 1849,
married Carrie Ransom, now deceased, and resides
in Springfield, Mass. ; his children are Gertrude,
Mamie, Julia and Elma. (2) Leverett C, born
Sept. 9, 1850, is engaged in the grocery business on
Albany avenue, Hartford, Conn. ; he married Sarah
•Gilbert, and has two children, Berdina and Myrtle.
(3) Henry W., born Aug. 8, 1858, has been en-
gaged in mercantile business in Unionville since
1S96. He married Jennie Amidon, ana has one
child, Aleta. Mr. Hart was again married, at
Barkhamsted, his second union being with Mrs.
Alargaret Maria (Driggs) Williams, a daughter of
Sterlmg and Flavia (Brace) Driggs. Her father,
who was an old resident of Barkhamsted, died Nov.
27, 1882.
Socially Mr. Hart is affiliated with Evening
Star Lodge, F. & A. M., and religiously is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his
wife also belongs. Politically he was first a Whig,
later a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote
for Henry Clay in 1844. He has been honored with
a number of local offices, including that of acting-
school visitor, which he creditably filled for four-
teen years, has also been chairman of the board of
relief, and in 1887 represented Farmington in the
State Legislature. In all his varied relations of
life he has maintained a character and standing that
has impressed all with his sincere and manly pur-
pose to do by others as he would have others do
by him.
HENRY H. NICHOLS (deceased), who was
for many years one of the leading and progressive
citizens of Plantsville, was born in Trumbull, Conn.,
May 14, 1840, a son of Abijah M. and Permelia
Nichols. He continued to make his home in his
native town until 1862, when he came to Plants-
ville and accepted a position with the S. Stow Man-
ufacturing Co., since merged into the Peck, Stow
& Wilcox Co., with which he was connected until
his death, and by faithful and satisfactory service
he advanced to the position of foreman and shipper
of the tinners' machines and tools manufactured by
their Plantsville branch. He enjoyed to a remark-
able degree the confidence of his employers, and
was highly respected by those working under him.
On April 13, 1876, Mr. Nichols was united in
marriage with Miss Kate Spellman, a daughter of
William L. and Eliza (Beckwith) Spellman, of
Plantsville, and to this union was born one son,
Harry M., on April 6, 1878. Industrious, frugal
and economical, Mr. Nichols acquired a handsome
competence, and was able to leave his family in
■comfortable circumstances. He was public-spirited
and progressive., and always took a deep interest in
everything pertaining to the material prosperity
■of the village in which he resided. He was one of
"the directors of the Southington Water Co., and was
identified with other enterprises which had for
their object public improvement. He was a prom-
inent member of Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A,
M., and was an ardent supporter of the Republican
party. He died March 2, 1896, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him.
WILLIAM HENRY ROBINSON. The Rob-
inson family, from which this well-known resident
of Collinsville is descended, is one of the oldest in
the New England States, the line being traced to
Rev. John Robinson, who is regarded as the Father
of Congregationalism. He was born in one of the
midland counties of England in 1575, and in 1592
he entered Corpus Christi College, at Cambridge,,
England, where he received a fellowship in 1598.
This he resigned in 1604, having become converted
to the Puritan faith, and from that time his life was
devoted to preaching its doctrines. He intended to
come to America, but he died in the town of Leyden,
Holland, March i, 1625, aged fifty years, during the
plague. He married Bridget White, and had
children : James (or John) ; Bridget, who married
May 26, 1627, John Grynwich, a student of theol-
ogy ; Isaac ; J\Iercy ; Fear ; and Jacob.
Isaac Robinson, born in 1610, came to New
England in 1631, and settled first in Plymouth,
Mass. He was a freeman of the Colony in 1653.
He removed to Scituate in 1636; to Barnstable in
1639 ; to Falmouth in 1663 ; and in 1673 went to Tis-
bury, on Martha's Vineyard, where he remained
until November, 1701. He then returned to Barn-
stable, where he died in 1704, aged ninety-four
years. For over ten years he had been a member
of the Barnstable Church. On June 27, 1636, he
married Margaret Hanaford, of Scituate, a half-sis-
ter of Edward Foster, who came from Kent, Eng-
land, in 1633, and settled in Scituate. They had
children as follows : Susanna, born in 1637, died in
childhood ; John, born in 1640, married Elizabeth
Weeks; Isaac, born in August, 1642, was drowned
at Falmouth Oct. 6, 1668; Fear, born in 1644, rnar-
ried Samuel Baker; and Mercy, born in 1647, mar-
ried William Weeks, March 16, 1669. The mother
of this family died soon afer the birth of the last
child, and by his second wife, Mary, Mr. Robinson
had children as follows : A daughter, born June 6,
1649, died in infancy; Israel, born in 1651 ; Jacob,
born in 1653; Experience; Joab ; Isaac; Mary; Pe-
ter; and Thomas.
Lieut. Peter Robinson was born in Barnstable,
or Falmouth, about 1654, and made his home in
Scotland, Windham Co., Conn. His wife, Experi-
ence Manston, was a daughter of John Manston, of
Tisbury. She died at their home in Scotland April
30, 1727. They had a large family of children, as
follows: Sarah, born 1688, who was married Nov.
15, 1725, to Hezekiah Mason: Abiah, wife of Rich-
ard Andrews ; Israel, born in 1696, who married Sa-
rah Sabin; Peter; Thomas; Abigail, born in 1701,
who was married Sept. 30, 172c;, to Elihu Palmer;
Simeon, who married Jerusha Kingsley : Benjami-n,
who married Jerusha Bringham ; Joseph, bom in
1706, who married Mehitable Read; Isaac and Ann,
(twins), born Aug. 28, 1798; Mary, wife of John
918
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I
Johnson ; Rhoda, who married Xoah Carpenter ;
JNIartha ; and Elizabetli.
Peter Robinson, son of Lieut. Peter, was born
in 1697, and was married June 30, 1725, to Ruth
Fuller, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Thack-
erj Fuller, of ^lansrteld. He died March 22, 1785,
and his wife on Jan. 9, 1795, their remains being
buried in Scotland cemetery. They had twelve
children: Samuel, born July 6, 1726; Experience,
April 22, 1728; Peter, May 19, 1730; Elizabeth,
Nov. 6, 1732; Joab, Aug. 14, 1734; Nathan, July
^9' 173'j; Abner, the next in the line of descent;
Ruth, Dec. 14, 1740; Eliab, Aug. 22, 1742 (who
married Lucy Williams) ; Rachel, March 30, 1744;
Bathsheba, July 31, 1746; and Joshua, Sept. 24,
1748, who was married in 1771 to Sybil Webb.
Capt. Abner Robinson, a soldier of the Revolu-
tionary army, was bom at the homestead in Scotland'
Feb. 22, 173S, and died there Nov. 24, 1815. By
occupation he was a farmer and blacksmith, employ-
ing in his shop and on his farm three hired men.
On receiving the news of tne battle of Lexington all
four enlisted and went to Boston, the shop was
closed, and the farm was run bv his wife and daugh-
ters, the eldest of whom, when he went away, was
but twelve years old. Fie was ensign of a company
at the battle of Punker Hill, and later became lieu-
tenant and captain, serving in the latter capacity to
the close of the war. On April 7, 1763, he married
Mehitabel Palmer, daughter of Eliezer Palmer, of
Scotland. She died Oct. 15, 1819. They had chil-
dren as follows: Philena, born March 24, 1764;
Lois, Nov. 15, 1765; Mehitabel, Jan. 29. 1768: Ab-
ner, ^March i, 1770, who married Clarissa Webb;
Mary, April 10, 1772; Elizabeth, Aug. 6, 1774;
Septimus, who is mentioned belov>-; and Polly,
March 30, 1780.
Septimus Robinson, son of Abner, was born in
Scotland April 14, 1777, and died there Sept. 14,
1842. His life was spent in agricultural pursuits.
In 1850 he represented \\'indham in the State Leg-
islature. He was married Feb. 6, 1803, to Sarah
"\\'ebb, who was born Jan. 31, 1782, daughter of
Stephen and Content (Hewett) Webb, and died at
Hartford Dec. 27, 1852. They had the following
children: Marcia Pamela, born Aug. 19, 1805, was
married Sept. 14, 1831, to Thomas J. Litchfield, of
Hartford; Henry Webb, father of our subject, is
mentioned more fully below; Nathan Leach, born
Dec. 13, 1810, was married Nov. 23, 1835, to Louisa
C. ^latson, of Glastonbury; William Pitt, bom
Nov. 20, 1813, died Jan. 29, 1852 ; Alfred Augustus
was born Oct. 3, 1815; George Edward, born" April
6, 1823, died ;\Iay 23, 1845.
Henry Webb Robinson, father of our subject,
was born in Scotland June 6, 1807, and after receiv-
ing a common-school education learned the black-
smith trade. He located at Collinsville, then South
Canton, where he found employment in the Collins
Ax Factory, which was then in its infancy, onlv
eight other men being then employed, namelv :
Charles Morgan, foreman; Myron H. ]Morgan and
Thomas H. Smith, ax makers ; Charles Beach,
blacksmith; Daniel Bourne, striker; David Lane,
grinder; \\'illiam Brainerd, grinder; Elisha F.irn-
ham, poHsher. Henry W. Robinson remained
with the company until his death, which occurred
on Atig. 18, 1874, making a period of forty-six
years of active service. He was a Democrat until
the Civil war; when he became a Republican, but
never sought office, and was a member of the Uni-
versalist Church. Mr. Robinson married Caroline
AL Willoughby, of Canterbury, Windham Co.,
Conn., and they had four children, of whom two^
lived to maturity ; William Henry ; and Julia, wife i
of John E. Wheelock, of Collinsville. The mother,
who was a devout member of the Congregational
Church, died Oct. 4, 1893, on her eighty-fourth
birthday.
^^'illiam Henry Robinson was born at Collins-
ville Sept. 16, 1835, and attended school there. At J
the age of eighteen he went to Bristol, where he \
w'orked in a store for seven 3'ears, afterward re-
turning to Collinsville and engaging in mercantik-
business with John E. Wheelock. In 1862 he en-
tered the Collins Works, being employed first in ,
making bayonets, and for the past thirty-seven years |
he has worked for them in difTerent capacities, and
for several years has been engineer in the shops.
He was married, Jan. 30, 1861, to Sophia E. Allen.
daughter of Deacon Frederick Allen, of Bristol. She
died April 22, 1864, leaving no issue, and was buried
at Bristol. On June 2, 1869, Mr. Robinson mar-
ried Minerva A. Hotchkiss, of Pine Meadow, Litch-
field county, and daughter of Willard Hotchkiss.
Our subject is a Republican, but no office seeker,
and in religious convictions is a member of the Epis- ,
copal Church. Socially he belongs to Eclectic '
Lodge No. 64, I. O. O. F., Collinsville, and to Cus-
ter Council No. 85, O. U. A. M., of Hartford, being
a charter member.
The Hotchkiss family, of which Mrs. Robinson
is a member, is also of pioneer stock. Samuel
Hotchkiss, the first of this name in this country,
was a native of the county of Essex, England, and
came to New Haven, Conn., in 1641. In August,
1642, he married Elizabeth Cleverly, and his death
occurred Dec. 26, 1663. -Of his six children, John,
born in 1643, was marrie4 Dec. 4, 1672, to Eliza-
beth Peck, daughter of Henry Peck ; Samuel, born in
1645, was married in 1678 to Sarah Talmage;
James was born in 1647; Joshua is the next in the
line of descent; Thomas, born Dec. 16, 1654, was
married Nov. 26, 1677, to Sarah Williams, and died
in 171 1 ; Daniel, born June 8, 1657, was married to
Esther Sperry June 20, 1683, and died in 1712.
Joshua Hotchkiss was born Sept. 16, 1651, and
was a prominent citizen of New Haven. Eignt
children were born to him : Mary," born April 30,
1679 ! Stephen, who is mentioned below ; Martha,
born Dec. 14, 1683, who married Thomas Brooks in
1702; Priscilla; Abraham; Desire; Isaac; and
Jacob, who remained on the homestead.
Deacon Stephen Hotchkiss was born Aug. 12,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
919
1681, and spent his life in Cheshire, Conn., where
he owned property. On Dec. 12, 1704, he "married
EHzabeth Sperry, of New Haven, and they had
twelve children: Joshua, born Aug. 26, 1705;
Elizabeth, born in 1706; Mary, born Jan. i, 1708,
who married Nathan Barnes ; Hannah, born Jan. 10,
1710, who married Stephen Atwater; Elizabeth (2),
born Feb. 18, 1712; Deacon Gideon, born Dec. 5,
1716, who was the father of nineteen children, and
attained the age of ninety-one years ; Stephen, the
next in line of descent; Silas, born Nov. 22, 1719,
who married Widow Olcott ; Hannah, born Feb. 23,
1722; Bathashua, born Sept. .1, 1724, who married
Ralph Lines; Benjamin, born Feb. i, 1728, who
married Elizabeth Roberts ; and Noah, who was
born Nov. 24, 1736, and died Jan. 16, 1760.
Stephen Hotchkiss was born Dec. 20, 1718, and
died May 16, 1807. He married (i) Thankful
' Cook, who died Sept. 14, 1760, and on March 2,
' 1762, he married Anne, widow of Daniel Johnson,
and daughter of Eaven and Rachel Royce. She
died, and he was married a third time, Sept. 13,
1782, to Thankful Brooks, a widow. He had in all
seven children. Of these, Esther, born Oct. 23,
1743, died Oct. 15, 174Q. Thankful, born March
14, 174s, was married to Stephen Cook. Susannah,
born Aug. 3, 1747, died Oct. 15, 1749. Esther (2)
was born June 9, 1750. Susannah, born July 20,
1752, married Zebulon Frisby, who died May 21,
1806; she entertained Gen. Washington while he
was marching through Burlington, Conn., and her
death occurred there in 1838. Stephen, born July
15, 1754, died Feb. 15, 1802. Samuel is mentioned
more fully below.
Samuel Hotchkiss, a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, was born in Cheshire, Conn., Oct. 22, 1755,
and died March 19, 1843. He settled in Burling-
ton, and engaged in farming. He was married in
1777 to Rachel Upson, of Bristol, who was born in
1754, and died June 23, 1833. Of their children,
Mary Newell, born August, 1779, married Daniel
Andruss. Isaac, born May, 1781, married Lucy
Goodsel, and was killed July 14, 1819, by falling
in the barn. Rachel, born in March, 1783, was re-
markable for her beauty; in 1804 she married Capt.
John Spencer, who was born Aug. 8, 1782, and by
whom she had ten children; she died in May, 1820.
Zenas, born in December, 1785, married L^^dia
Phelps. Lucretia married Elisha Cleveland. Sam-
uel is mentioned below. Anson, born June 10,
1793, married Chloe Cook, and died May 11, 1856.
Lovisa, born in 1794, was the second wife of Capt.
John Spencer, referred to above. Carlos, born in
1797, married Phila Clark, and settled in Burling-
ton, on the old homestead.
Samuel Hotchkiss was born in Burlington Oct.
5, 1789, and died in New Hartford Jan. 6, 1859.
He was a woodworker by occupation, and he took
an active part in politics as a Whig, serving as a
member of the Legislature. He was a Free-
mason, and religiously a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. On May 29, 1814, he was married
to Chloe Marsh, who was born Sept. 21, 1792, and
they had children as follows : Eliza Ann, born
April 19, 1815, died June 14, 1817. Abigail Marsh,
born Nov. 2, 1816, married Selden Millard, and
died June 15, 1898, at Areata. Willard is men-
tioned below. Wolcott, born July 17, 1820, died
Dec. 7, 1839. Correll Upson, born July 22, 1822,
was married April 14, 1850, to Laura Boyden; their
daughter, Miss Louise Hotchkiss, has been a school
teacher of Collinsville. Eliza Ann, born May 29,
1824^ was married May 22, 1846, to Francis N.
HoUey, of Torrington, and died May 15, 1866. Mi-
nerva Rossiter, born June 2, 1826, was married Sept.
19, 1846, to Nelson G. Hinckley, of Hartford. Rob-
ert was born June 9, 1828. Harriet, born May 28,
1830, died Jan. 24, 1874. George, born Feb. 21,
1833, now deceased, was a resident of Eureka, Cal.
Eugene, born June i, 1839, died in Iowa Sept. 21,
1845. ■
Willard Hotchkiss, father of Mrs. Robinson,
was born Aug. 18, 1818, at New Hartford, near
Town Hill, and died May 18, 1868. He received
a common-school education, and learned the trade
of pattern maker, which he followed in New Hart-
ford in connection with farming, becoming a suc-
cessful man financially. He was prominent in local
affairs, and held various offices, including that of
justice of the peace, being elected on the Republi-
can ticket. On July 23, 1843, hs was married at
Pine Meadow, Litchfield Co., Conn., to Sarah Cro-
mack, who was born at Leeds, England, Jan. 25,
1825, daughter of Samuel Cromack. She died in
1897, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Codaire, of
Canton. Their children were : Mary, wife of
Bentley Frazier, has one daughter, Clara, who is
married to George Wilcox, and has one son, Frazier
Bentley. Isabella married W. S. Gould, of South-
ington, Conn., and had two sons, Willard J. and
Harry H. (deceased) ; Willard J. married Emma
Nelson Clark, and nas two children, Doris Clark and
Clark Gould ; Minerva A. is the wife of William H.
Robinson, our subject. Alfred, deceased, formerly
a merchant in Collinsville, left one son and one
daughter, Nellie T. and Edwin A. (now a student
at McGill University). Jennie Lind, wife of G. A.
Codaire, has had six children : Bessie H., Minnie
R., Alfred H., George A. (deceased), and Ruth and
Robert, twins, the latter deceased in childhood. Wil-
lard, a farmer of Burlington, married Belle Wilson,
of Harwinton, daughter of Cyrus Wilson, and
has two sons, Willard E. and Henry H.
ROLLIN W. NEALE, the well-known super-
intendent of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of
Southington, was born in that town Dec. 7, 1828,
a son of Jeremiah and Charlotte (Hills) Neale.
The father was also born in Southington, in
1802, and for many years was engaged in the man-
ufacture of stocks, collars, shirts, etc., in Plants-
ville, but later turned his attention to the manu-
facture of brass goods in company with others,
and for a time was a member of the firm of Wight-
920
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man & Neale, merchants of Southington Center.
In his family were the following children : Rollin
W., our subject; Walter S. ; Joel, born March 21,
1835, who died in December, 1839: Anna F., wife
of Dr. Charles E. Sanford ; Sarah J., wife of John
Lines; Henry H., who died Sept. 14, 1862, while
in the Union service dnring the Civil war,' and is
buried in Rockville, Md. ; Elmira L., who is the
widow of Charles Minor, who died July 21, 1899;
and Charles J.
Our subject's maternal grandparents were Elias
and Sally (Curtis) Hills, of Plainvdle. The grand-
father was born in that place, and was a wheel-
wright and builder by trade. His parents were
Chauncey and Eleanor (Gillette) Hills, of Farm-
ington, and his wife's parents were Abner and
Mabel (Squires) Curtis, of the same town. The
Hills are said to be descended from William Hills,
a native of England, who came to America in 1632
and was one of the original settlers of Hartford,
where he died in 1683.
Jeremiah Xeale, the paternal grandfather of our
snjjject, was born in Southington in 1737, and was
married, Dec. 4, 1780, to Anna Fuller. He lived
in \\'cst street, where he died Nov. 8, 1827, and his
wife died Dec. 9, 1823, at the age of sixty-six years.
His father, John Xeale, was born in Southington
Oct. 28, 1719, and was a son of Edward Neale,
who died in Southington in .\pril, 1768. The latter
is supposed to have been a son of Edward and
Maria ( Hart ) Xeale, early settlers of Westfield,
Massachusetts.
Rollin W. N^eale, subject of this sketch, was
reared in Southington, and educated in the public
schools and Lewis Academy. He began his busi-
ness career as a mill hand in Plantsville in 1846,
and since 1850 has been in the employ of the con-
cern now merged into the Peck, Stow & \\'ilcox
Co. For a number of years he was engaged in con-
tract work for them, and he has held his present
responsible position of superintendent since 1880.
His labors have always given the utmost satis-
faction, and he has the entire confidence and respect
of his employers, as well as of those working under
him. He is an earnest and faithful member of
Gospel Mission Chapel, and politically is an advocate
and supporter of Prohibition.
Mr. Neale has been twice married, his first
wife being Martha Harrison, a daughter of Rollin
and Harriet (^ileshuruH Harrison, of Southing-
ton, and to them was born one daughter, Alice E.
For his second wife he married Addie T. ]\Iorse,
a daughter of Barzillai and Jennette (Dawson)
Morse, of West Haven, Conn. Mrs. Neale died
Nov. 20, 1895.
HON. CHARLES DIMON PARSONS, who
has entered into rest, was one of those rare char-
acters whom to know is to love, and whose daily life
is a daily lesson. "The memory of the just is
blessed."
Mr. Parsons was born at East Hampton, L. L,
in August, 1826, and at the age of sixteen years
entered upon a four-years' apprenticeship to the
carpenter's trade at Sag Harbor, L. L Three years
after becoming a journeyman he removed to Man-
chester (1849) and entered the employ of Colum-
bus Parker, then the leading builder of the town.
At the end of a year he determined to embark in
business on his own account as a contractor and
builder. At that time the town was rapidly grow-
ing, and buildmg was being pushed on every hand.
The tireless energy which was one of Mr. Parsons'
prominent characteristics soon enabled him to forge
ahead of his comiDetitors. His business steadily in-
creased, and at times he had scores of rpen in his
employ, his reputation for skill, fidelity and "push"
bringing him contracts from many of the neigh-
boring towns. For many years he continued in
this line of work, during which period he erected
many of the dwellings and not a few of the mills
in Hartford county that were put up by Cheney
Bros., and the work of this firm finally became so
large that he abandoned taking other contracts and
entered their emplov, at a large annual salary, as
su])erintendent of their operations. This position
he filled with characteristic energy and integrity
until about twelve years before his death when he
gave it up to engage in farming. To this pursuit
he brought the same qualities which had already
won for him such phenomenal success in the world
of business. His farm at Manchester Green was a.
model, his stock always sleek and well cared for,
his farm buildings commodious and well arranged,
and his home an ideal one, ruled by love that was
enlightened and purified by the guiding principle
of Christianity.
Politically ^Ir. Parsons was a Republican, and
at no time throughout his long and useful life did
he seek office ; yet in such high esteem was he held
by his fellow citizens, who well knew his fearless-
ness in defense of principle and his incorruptible
integrity, that in 1878 he was elected a represent-
ative of the town in the State Legislature, and in
1879 was chosen the first selectman. The latter
office he held continuously until the time of his
death, with the exception of one year, when he de-
clined a renomination. To the performance of his
public duties he gave the same thoughtful, consci-
entious care that he devoted to the conduct of his
private affairs, and his long retention in office te'ls,
more eloquentlv than words, the story of a faithful,
intelligent administration of the town's business.
Charles D. Parsons passed from the world on
April 4, 1890, leaving behind him a fragrant mem-
ory. If he had faults, they were superficial ; his
many virtues were inwrought in the very fibre of
his nature. He was a devout and consistent mem-
ber of the First Congregational Church, and served
several years as a member of the committee of the
First Society ; and his daily life, even in its minor
and commonplace details, gave evidence of the con-
trolling influence of a sincere Christian faith. His
mind was of a fine order, well trained and always at
his command; while his physical manhood was
p
I
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
921
■equally well developed. Neither his brain nor his
hand was ever iale. His capacity for work appeared
to know no limit, yet it was equaled by his intense
desire to be always "up and doing." It was said of
him after his death that "his work can never be
measured by years ; gauged by that standard, it is
no figure of speech or exaggeration of facts to say
that they would have fully rounded out a century."
Mr. Parsons' first wife was Elizabeth Miller,
by whom he had one daughter, Elizabeth H., now
the wife of Henry H. Schellenger, of East Hamp-
ton, Long Island.
On Nov. 5, 1867, Mr. Parsons was married to
Miss Ellen, daughter of Edwin and Fannie (With-
rel) Perry, 'of Manchester. The fruit of their
union was one son, Charles Foster, born Aug. 20,
1869. Mrs. Parsons and son still survive our sub-
ject, and reside at Manchester.
JULIUS ALONZO CASE ' (deceased) was
for many years one of the most highly esteemed
and valued citizens of Wethersfield. A native of
Hartford county, he was born in Poquonock, in the
town of Windsor, Dec. 13, 1832, and was a worthy
representative of one of the oldest and most hon-
ored families of Windsor and Simsbury, a full ac-
count of which will be found elsewhere.
Julius Case, father of our subject, was born in
Simsbury, May 22, 1790, a son of Amasa and Mercy
(Hillyer) Case, also natives of that town. The
former served in the Revolutionary war as a private
in the company commanded by Capt. Joel Case.
When a young man Julius Case removed to Windsor
and took up his residence in Poquonock, where he
engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his
life, dying there Nov. 11, 1834, and his remains
were interred in the Poquonock cemetery. He
wedded Miss Mary Phelps, who was born Aug. 4,
1803, a daughter of Noble Phelps, and died Nov.
22, 1843, being laid to rest by the side of her hus-
band. Their children were Jane, wife of Robert
Moffett, of Akron, Ohio ; Charlotte, wife of Horace
Baxter, of Poquonock ; and Julius Alonzo, our
subject.
Julius A. Case was only two years old when his
father died, and he was reared by his aunt, Mrs.
Phelps. He attended the district schools of his na-
tive town and also Wilbraham (Mass.) Academy.
When in his teens he went to Hartford, where he
clerked in the store of Johnson & Ransom for three
years, and at the end of that time purchased Mr.
Johnson's interest in the business, which was then
conducted under the firm name of Ransom & Case,
dry-goods merchants. At the end of two years
Mr. Case sold out and formed a partnership with a
Mr. Pratt in the wholesale millinery business, under
the firm name of Pratt & Case. Several years
later Mr. Prentice became a member of the company,
and the name was changed to Case & Prentice, and
the business was successfully carried on by them
until 1878, when they met with reverses. Being a'
man of honor, and noted for his honesty, Mr. Case
sacrificed all that he possessed in the world to meet
his creditors, and accepted a position as salesman
in the silk department of Brown & Thompson's
store, where he spent several years. His health
finally broke down, and he died at his home in
Wethersfield after much suffering, Sept. 20, 1886,
his remains being interred in Cedar Hill cemetery.
He was a prominent and active member of the
Episcopal Church, and served as vestryman in
Christ Church and Trinity Church, Hartford. He
was temperate in his habits, domestic in his tastes,
was charitable and generous, and was a good cit-
izen, a kind friend, and a devoted husband and fa-
ther. His business reverses seemed to crush him,
however, and blight all of his future hopes. He
was one of the original members of the city guard,
and was a Republican in politics.
At Hartford, Sept. 24, 1857, Mr. Case was mar-
ried, by Rev. Dr. TurnbuU, to Miss Jane Crosby,
who was born in Bridgeport, Conn., June 17, 1839,
a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (Goodsell)
Crosby, also natives of that place. She is a most
estimable lady still living in Wethersfield. To
Mr; and Mrs. Case were born six children : Minnie,
born Feb. 14, i860, is the wife of James Anderson,
of Wethersfield, and they have four children, Gert-
rude, William, James and Frank. William Mather,
born Dec. 13, 1862, died June 2, 1866. Frank Burr,
born July 16, 1867, died Dec. 27, 1884. Leila Wood-
ruff, born Jan. 16, 1871, married Charles Hanmer,
and has one child, Charlotte Case. Charlotte Grace,
born Jan. 25, 1873, was educated in the district and
high schools of Wethersfield, and also St. John the
Baptist School, New York, where she was gradu-
ated in 1891 ; she taught school in South Windsor
one year, and for the past five years has successfully
engaged in teaching in the South School, Hartford.
Edward Welles, born April 10, 1877, is employed in
Buckley & Hanmer's store in Wethersfield. The
family are members of the Episcopal Church, and
are people of prominence in the community where
they reside.
Mrs. Case traces her ancestry back to Thomas
Goodsell, a native of Wales, who came to this
country from Liverpool, England, about 1678, and
located in East Haven, Conn. In 1679 he married
Sarah Heminway. Their son. Rev. John Goodsell,
born Dec. 21, 1705, was educated at Yale College,
and was appointed the first minister of the Church
of Christ, on Greenfield Hill, in 1726. He died in
1763. He married Mary Lewis, of Stratford, and
among their children was Epaphras Goodsell, who
was born May 23, 1742. He married Jane Brad-
ley, who was born April 21, 1733, and died Dec.
5, 1765. He was sergeant in Capt. Dimon's com-
pany, of Fairfield, Conn., in May, 1775 ; and he
afterward enlisted, Jan. i, 1777, in Capt. John Mill's
company, 2nd Regiment, Connecticut Line, com-
manded by Colonel Charles Webb, which regiment
was wintered at Vallev Forge in 1777-78, and was
present at the battle of Monmouth.
022
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Capt. William Goodscll, son of Epaphras, mar-
ried ir'rudence Nichols, a descendant of Sergt.
Francis Nichols, a native of England, who located
in Stratford, Conn., in 1639, among the first settlers.
He married Anna, daughter of Barnabas Wmes, of
Southuld. L. 1. Their son, Isaac Nichols, died m
Stratford, in 1695. His wife's name was Margaret.
Isaac Nichols, |r., son of Isaac, died in Stratford,
in 1690. Richafd Nichols, son of Isaac (Jr.) and
Mary Nichols, was born Nov. 26, 1678, and was
married June 3, 1702, to Comfort Sherman, a daugh-
ter of Theophilus Sherman. She died Feb. 11,
1726. and he died Sept. 20, 1756. Theophilus
iMchols, son of Richard, was born March 31, 1703,
and married Sarah Curtis, a daughter of Lieut.
Ebenezer Curtis, Jan. 2, 1723. She died Sept. 26,
1769. Their son, Philip Nichols, born Jan. 5, 1726,
was married Oct. 9, I753- to Mehitable Feet, and
died May 13, 1807. He was a man of much mflit-
ence in public affairs, and served as magistrate for
manv vears. He w^as a large land owner, and also
owned several vessels which were engaged in the
West India trade. William Nichols, son of Philip,
was born March 10, 1755. and married Patience
Edwards, of Chestnut Hill. Bridgeport. Their
daughter. Prudence, married Capt. William Good-
sell, before mentioned, and to them was born a
daughter, Jane, wdio married Nathaniel Crosby,
the "father of Mrs. Case. ^Irs. Case is also a de-
scendant of Capt. John Edwards, who was born in
Scotland, in i('.62, and came to this country in 1700.
He wedded ^larv Hanford. daughter of Rev. :Mr.
Hanford, of Norwalk, and their son, John Edwards,
married Rebecca Porter. Patience, daughter of
John and Rebecca (Porter) Edwards, married Will-
iam Nichols, before mentioned.
DANIEL KINGSBURY, M. D., of Glaston-
bury, is one of the oldest and best-known physi-
cians of this section, and although now less active
than in past years, his advice is constantly sought
in difficult cases, and he has a large ofifice prac-
tice.
The Doctor was born in Hartford Jan. 22, 1828,
aiid soon after his father, Sandford Kingsbury, es-
tablished a new home in Tolland county, where he
was engaged in farming for many years, his death
occurring in 1856. Our subject's mother, whose
maiden name was Cynthia Baxter, was a native of
Tolland county, and a daughter of Ira Baxter, a
well-known farmer. Of the five children of San-
ford and Cynthia Kingsbury. ( i ) , a daughter, died
in infancy; (2) Simeon married a Aliss Baxter,
and settled upon a farm in Tolland county, where
he died some years ago; (3) John married Miss
Rosetta Pease, and died in ]\Iansfield, where he
had been engaged in farming in connection with
the stone-mason's trade; (4) Daniel is our sub-
ject; (5) Henry, who never married, was a sailor,
and died and was buried at sea.
Dr. Kins'sbury's early educational opportuni-
ties were not of the best, as his parents were in
limited circumstances. He attended a common
school for a short time, but was compelled at an
earlv age to begin earning his own living. For-
tunately he found a home with Dr. Sperry, of Hart-
ford, who lived on Hudson street, and at that time
had an office on i\Iain street, three doors north of
the Centre Church, two stores being between. Later
he had an ofifice on Pearl street, and then on Grove
street. Our subject began as office boy at seventy-
five cents per weey and board, but Dr. Sperry soon
became interested in him, seeing even then a prom-
ise of the success which he has attained in life. Dr.
Sperry encouraged him to study medicine, and after
four years of preliminary reading under this kind,
preceptor, he attended a course of lectures with the
Connecticut Botanical Society, from which he re-
ceived a diploma. Early in 1851 he engaged in
practice at New London, but spent the following
winter with Dr. Sperry. and on June 2, 1852, he
opened an office at Glastonbury in the house of Asa
Wells. While there he married his first wife, and
soon afterward he removed to the house now oc-
cupied by the widow of Frary Hale. In 1858 he lo-
cated at his present home, which he purchased.
\\'liile he has never been active in politics, he is a
stanch Republican. He is a memlDer of the F.
& A. M., Daskam Lodge, No. 86. He and his fam-
ily are members of the Episcopal Church ; at one
time he held the office of senior warden, is now
treasurer, and has been most of the time since the
organization of the parish.
In October, 1853, the Doctor married Miss
Mary Chapman Loomis, a native of Tolland coun-
ty, and daugnter of Elmer and Cynthia (Davis)
Loomis. Fler father was born in Tolland, Conn.
She died Aug. 10, 1859, and on June 12, 1862, our
subject married ]\Iiss Lucy ^I. Cone, who was born
in East Haddam, Aug. 22, 1829, daughter of Eras-
tus and Lucy B. (Beebe) Cone. By his first wife
the Doctor had two children: (i) Frances E., born
April 13, 1856, was married Dec. 31, i88o,_ to Rev.
Thomas H. Gordon, an Episcopal minister at
Chews, N. J.; (2) Miss Carrie A. is at home. By
the second marriage there are three children : ( i )
Miss Mary A., born Julv 3. 1865, was educated in
Germany, and taught school for a time in New
York, but is now employed in the Erasmus Hall
library. Brooklyn. (2) William Sanford, born Sept.
17, 1867, attended a district school and the Glas-
tonbury Academy, and later a select school con-
ducted by his brother-in-law, Rev. Mr. Gordon, in
Faulkland, Del. He then went to the Hartford Pub-
lic High School, on graduating entered Trinity Col-
lege, later took a course in the Yale Medical School,
graduating in 1896, and served for a year as in-
terne in St. John's Hospital, Lowell, Mass. He is
taking up his father's practice with remarkable suc-
cess, and bids fair to maintain the reputation of the
Kingsbury name in medical circles. On Sept. 28,
1898, he was married to Miss Mary L. Raymond,
of Boston, and they reside next door to our subject.
.(3) Miss Lucy E., born July 4, 1869, has been a
teacher for the past six years in the East liart-
^)ayyi^iL uCuvui^ytAM^^ Jl jty
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
928
ford High School. She graduated from Mt. Holy-
oke (Mass.) College in 189 1. Mrs. Kingsbury
has one brother, Israel W. Cone, who is now en-
gaged in business in Minneapolis, Minn. He
served throughout the Civil war as a member of the
26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
DWIGHT SPENCER, one of the represent-
ative, prosperous residents of Hartford county, has
passed his entire life in the town of Manchester,
having been born Jan. 5, 1829, on the farm now oc-
cupied by George Slater.
The Spencer family has been identified with the
history of Hartford county from its earliest days,
and is of English origin, William Spencer, the
first of whom we have record, and the American
ancestor of the branch to which our subject belongs,
having been born in England. He was a brother
of Thomas and Jared Spencer. William Spencer
was in Cambridge, Mass., in 1631. and took up his
residence in Hartford not long afterward, for he
was among the earliest settlers of the place. About
1633 he was deputy to the General Court, was
representative in 1634 and 1635, and selectman in
1639, in the latter year being also appointed, with
Mr. Wyllis and Mr. Webster, to prepare the first
revisal of the laws. From all this it' will be seen
that he was a man of more than ordinary ability
and influence. He was married, probablv in Eng-
land, his wife's name being Agnes, and they had
three children: Samuel; Sarah, born in 1636, who
married John Case, of Windsor, afterward of Sims-
bury; and Elizabeth. William Spencer died in
1690, and Agnes, his widow, subsequently married
William Edwards, who was also an early resident
of Hartford.
(II) Samuel Spencer's wife, Sarah, died April
24, 1706; he died about 1716. Their children were:
Samuel, born in 1668; Sarah, who married Joseph
Easton, of Hartford; Hannah, who married Caleb
Stanley, of Hartford; Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel
Marsh, of Hartford; Rachel, who married Joseph
Cook, of Hartford; Mary, born in 1681, who mar-
ried Capt. Cyprian Nichols, a selectman, etc.; Abi-
gail, wife of Joseph Simonds, of Hartford ; and
Agnes, who first married Nathaniel Humphreys,
and afterward John Hubbard, both of Hartford.
(III) Samuel Spencer, born in 1668, removed
from Hartford to Colchester, and then to Bolton,
where he died March 26, 1748, at the advanced age
of eighty. On Sept. 16, 1696, he was married, at
Hatfield, Mass., to Hepzibah Church, daughter of
Deacon Edward Church, of Hatfield, and grand-
daughter of Richard Church, one of the first set-
tlers of Hartford. She passed away Sept. 13, 1745,
aged sixty-six years. Their children were: Will-
iam, born Feb. 9, 1698, died Sept. 28, 1702; Hep-
zibah, born Dec. 28, 1701, was first married to a
Mr. Smith, and second to Azariah Dickinson, Jr.,
•both of Haddam; Samuel, born March 8, 1705,
married Hannah Shaylor on April 26, 1736, and had
several children, of whom only Samuel is mentioned ;
William, born Aug. 9, 1708, was married in 1735
to Hannah Copeley, of Suffield ; Edward, born April
29, 171 1, is the next in the line of descent; Sarah,
born Sept. 4, 1714, married a JNIr. Downer, and re-
moved to Susquehanna county, Penn. ; Caleb was
born June 28, 1718, and died young; Job was born
June 30, 1722; Philip was born April 30, 1724, in
Bolton.
(IV) Edward Spencer removed from Bolton to
Susquehanna county, Penn., and died at Hanover,
that State, March 26, 1790. On April 8, 1737,
he married Sarah Chapman, who was born Sept.
8, 1720, daughter of Jabez Chapman, Esq., of East
Haddam, and died Sept. 13, 1786. Their children
were as follows: Mehitabel, born March 17, 1739,
in Bolton; Edward, born Dec. 31, 1741, in IBolton,
deceased Dec. 13, 1750; Ann, born June 27, 1744,
in East Haddam; Beaumont, born Jan. 25, 1747,
in East Haddam, deceased in February, 1779;
Simeon, born Aug. 13, 1749, in Bolton, deceased
in that town in 1808; Edward, born March 17,
1752, in Bolton; Esther, born Dec. 7, 1754, in
Bolton; Josiah, born June 16, 1757, in Bolton, who
settled in Wyoming, Penn., and was killed in bat-
tle July 3, 1778 ; Sarah, born Dec. 5, 1761, in Bolton,
who was married April 26, 1784, to Abraham Lines,
and died April 5, 1845 (they had no children).
(V) Simeon Spencer was married, Feb. 27,
1777, to Miss Abigail Dart, of Bolton, who was
born Dec. 6, 1757, daughter of Daniel, Jr., and
Mercy (Gilbert) Dart, and died in 1849. They
reared a large family, of whom we have the fol-
lowing record : Daniel, born Dec. 5, 1777, married
and went to Pennsylvania, where he died in 1850,
leaving a family; Emily, born March 5, 1779, died
in Coventry, Conn., unmarried; Jabez Selden, born
Dec. 27, 1780, was married Nov. 11, 1804, and died
July 23, 1853; Simeon Alanson was born March
2, 1783, and died in childhood; Leonard, born Nov.
25, 1784, married and moved to Pennsylvania; Levi,
born Aug. 14, 1786, married a Miss Mack, of
Gilead; Eli was born Aug. 14, 1786, twin of Levi;
Roxalina, born May 2, 1788, became the wife of
Ruel Loomis (they were the parents of Walter A.
Loomis) ; Mercy married Daniel Loomis, brother
of Ruel, and died in Coventry ; Rhoda, born Feb.
27, 1796, died in Coventry, unmarried; Simeon A.,
born Jan. 7, 1799, was the father of Dwight Spencer,
whose name introduces this sketch.
(VI) Simeon A. Spencer passed his early years
in Bolton, the town of his birth, but at the age
of nine he came to the town of Manchester to live
with his uncle, 'Squire John Olds, who owned and
occupied the farm where George Slater now lives.
Here he grew to manhood and passed the remainder
of his life, inheriting the farm on the death of his
uncle. 'Squire Olds' residence, which was built
about 1800, is still standing on this place, in a .
good state of preservation. Mr. Spencer was a
prosperous farmer, and became well known through-
out Manchester, where he was highly respected for
his many sterling qualities of character, and be-
924
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loved by his neighbors and friends for his kindly,
helpful life. Liberal with his means and influence
to the support of every good cause, generous to the
needy and unfortunate, and active in religious work
as a member and deacon for years of the Man-
chester Congregational Church, he won a place in
the hearts of his fellow man, which could only be
filled by one of his sympathetic and unselfish dispo-
sition, and his death, which occurred vcrv suddenly,
from heart disease, was widely mourned through-
out the vicinity of his home. Physically he was
five feet, nine inches in iieight, and weighted i6o
pounds, and he was ever an abstemious man, re-
fraining from stimulants in any form or immodera-
tion of any kind. He was upright and honorable
in all his relations with men, and the inlluence of
his honorable life will long bo felt in tlie community.
Simeon A. Spencer was married, Oct. 15, 1823,
to Miss Clarissa McLean, who was born June 19,
1800, and survived him many years, dying Dec.
9, 1897. Mr. Spencer passed away Dec. 5, 1864.
Five children were Ixirn to this union, as follows :
John Olds, who died in June, 1890, was a resident
of Xew London, Conn., and up to within a few
years of his death was engaged in the wholesale
and retail tea business, spending his last years in
retirement: Abbie T., who died Oct. 15, 1870, was
the wife of George Parkhurst, of Manchester;
Dwight was third in tlie order of Ijirth ; Charles
S. was a carriage manufacturer of Xew Haven,
Conn., where he died Feb. 20, 1869: George M. is
a practicing attorney of San Francisco, Cali-
fornia.
Dwight Spencer was reared on the farm on
which he was born, and commenced his education
in the district schools near his home, at Buckland's
Corners, where among his first teachers were Walter
McKee and Edward H.iyden. For some time he
was a student in the Manchester Academy, at Man-
chester Center, and the year after leaving this in-
stitution taught school in the ^^'est District. After
his marriage he continued to make his home on the
farm mentioned until 1855, when he purchased and
removed to a place in the town of ^lanchester, living
thereon until 1876. On April 23. 1852, Mr. Spencer
wedded Miss Mary Fitch White, who was born
July 7, 1828, daugliter of Miner White, a prominent
resident of Manchester, and two children came to
this union, Nellie W. and Frank F. The daughter
is now the wife of W. H. Childs, of Brooklyn, N.
Y.. who was fomierly a successful grain merchant
of Manchester, and they have two children, Richard
S. and Mary W. Frank F. Spencer is a prominent
young business man of ^Manchester, engaged with
the Grand Cnion Tea Co. : he married Miss Mary
Parker, and thev have two children, Dwight Par-
ker and William White. Mrs. Mary F. "(White)
Spencer passed away March 6, 1870, and on Mav 7,
1885, our subject married for his second wife Miss
Lucy G. Ford, who was born Jan. 10, 1845, i" the
town of Hebron, daughter of John P. Ford, and
granddaughter of Luther Ford, both of whom
were natives of the town of Hebron. John P. Ford
was a lifelong farmer, remaining in the town of He-
bron until 1873, when he purchased the fine resi-
dence now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, and
where he lived until his death, which occurred Jan.
7, 1894, when he was eighty-four years of age. He
was a devout member of the Congregational Church '
from the age of fifteen years, and was always an
active worker and regular attendant, taking a deep ;
interest in religious work. He contributed $5,000 i
toward the building of the new Second Congrega- I
tional church at Manchester. He married Miss 1
Lucy J. King, a native of Vernon, Conn., daughter 1
of Joel King, and they had two children, Lucy G., !
.Mrs. Spencer; and Ellen G., who died in 1884. Mrs.
Ford, now in her eighty-first year, makes her home
with Mr. and Mrs. Spencer.
Mr. Spencer was active in the commercial life
of Manchester for about twenty years as an exten-
sive dealer in coal, and he also erected what is known
as the S]5encer block, in that town, in 1874. He
was never active in public life as an office-seeker or
holder, but he has always taken a loyal interest in
the progress of his town, and as a prosperous mer-
chant was an important factor in the building up of
the town in which he has made his home. He is j
respected wherever known, and his acquaintance in
Manchester and surrounding towns is a wide one.
Politically he has always been an ardent supporter
of the principles of the Republican party. He and
his wife are active and earnest members of the 1
Second Congregational Church of Manchester, and |
they hold a high place in the esteem of their neigh- .
bors and friends, who are numerous in the com-
munity.
HON. HENRY E. PHELPS. Few citizens !
of this section are as widely and as favorably known
as this prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of 1
Windsor, and his popularity speaks well for his !
personal worth. The following history of his life
and ancestry will be of general interest, as any rec-
ord of purposeful effort and achievement has for
humanity an inspiration.
Mr. Phelps comes of good old Massachusetts
stock, and is not related, so far as known, to the
families of that name who have been identified
with Windsor from pioneer times. Elijah Phelps,
our subject's grandfather, was born in Massachu-
setts May 13, 1754, and became a successful farm- :
er near Wilbraham, in that State, where he died I;
May 16, 1823. His wife, whose maiden name was '■';
Mar)' Gibbs, was born Aug. 16, 1755, and died t
^March 25, 1849, ^t the advanced age of ninety-four
years. This worthy couple had the following chil-
dren: Nathaniel, born Jan. 22, 177Q,, died June i,
1815. Polly, born May 21, 1780, died Feb. 9, 1855.
Elijah, born Jan. 31, 1782, died in i8iq. Betsey,
born July 12, 1783, died May 2, 18^1. Benjamin,
born June 3, 1787, was a hotel-keeper in Sprinc:-
field, where he died in 1838. Seth was born on ;
April 12, 1789. Asenith, born March 10, 1791, ,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
925
died Jan. 6, 1832. Francis, born Sept. 9, 1793, died
in May, 1836. William was born Oct. 3, 1795;
Henry, our subject's father, is mentioned more
fully below. Caroline, born March, 1799, married
a Mr. Tidd, and lived in New York. Doratha (now
deceased) was born March, 1801, and married a
Mr. Coman, of New York State.
Henry Phelps, our subject's father, was born
April 20, 1797, at Wilbraham, Mass., and was
reared to farm work at the old homestead. As a
young man he came to Windsor, being the first of
his family to locate there, and although he began
in business without other capital than his own
ability and energy he managed to acquire a hand-
some competence. He became the owner of a farm,
near Hayden's Station, and for many years manu-
factured brick on the place. About 1836 he bought
the "Stiles farm," now occupied by our subject, and
the present residence, which is one of the most sub-
stantial houses in the town, was partly built by
him from brick made in his yards. As a citizen he
was much respected, and at times he held local of-
fices, being an active Vi/orker in political lines, first
as a Whig and later as a Republican. He was
a member of the Congregational Church, to which
his wife also belonged. His death occurred Feb.
20, 1875, and his remains were interred in the cem-
eter}' at Windsor. In 1819 he married Miss Ra-
chel Jacobs, who was born July 19, 1799, and died
June 29, 1882. She was the youngest of four chil-
dren of William Jacobs (born Dec. 22, 1766) and
his wife Sarah Owen (born July. 16, 1768), who
were married Feb. 9, 1792. Her father was a cab-
inet maker near Hayden's Station for some years,
but his last days were spent in New York State.
Henry and Rachel Phelps had a large family of
children, as follows: Nathaniel G., born Feb. 17,
1820, went to Missouri and later to Texas, where
he now resides. Samuel O., born April 8, 1823,
died in early manhood. Edgar, born Jan. 23, 1826,
is a farmer at Wilson's Station, Windsor town ;
Mary A., born Nov. 17, 1828, married Chas. Den-
slow, and removed to Mendocino, Cal., where she
died in 1884; Ebenezer Tidd, born July 9, 1833,
died at Needham, Mass., where he was engaged
in business as a horse collar maker; Henry E., our
subject, was next in the order of birth; William J.,
born Jan. 12, 1838, was a prominent railroad man,
rising from a clerkship to the position of General
Passenger Agent of the Connecticut River railroad,
and his death occurred at Spring^field, Mass., April
21, 1882. Abraham, born Jan. 24, 1840, is a ma-
chinist at Brooklyn, New York.
Our subject was born near Hayden's Station
Nov. 14, 1834, and for some years attended the
schools of his neighborhood and the Bell school
in District No. 5, so named because it boasted a
bell, which was a rarity in those days. Among his
early teachers was Col. Phelps. He also attended
the academ}' at Windsor and a private school con-
ducted by J. B. Woodford, while he was given prac-
tical instruction at home in the ancient and honor-
able science of agriculture, under the able direction
of his father. Having a desire to see something of
the world he went West, and later settling at Pe-
tersburg, Pike county, Ind., spent two years as a
clerk in a store ; but this experience satisfied him,
and since his return home he has followed farming
at his present homestead. For a time he worked
the place "on shares" for his father and afterward
for his mother, but he now owns it, having pur-
chased the claims of the other heirs. He has twen-
t3'-five acres, and is engaged to some extent in rais-
ing tobacco. He is a thrifty manager, obtaining
good results from his work, and in addition to the
cares of his farm he is interested in other lines, be-
ing director in the Moore's Park Driving Associa-
tion and a stockholder in the Windsor Creamery,
which he helped to organize as a member of the
first board of directors. In politics he is a strong
Republican, and he has served his town as first se-
lectman, tax collector and representative in the Gen-
eral Assembly. Socially he and his wife are prom-
inent, and he belongs to Washington Lodge, No.
70, F. & A. M., at Windsor, and to the Episcopal
Church, in which he holds the office of vestryman.
On Oct. 18, 1876, Mr. Phelps married Miss Su-
san Olin, and one daughter, Carrie E., brightens
their home. Mrs. Phelps possesses unusual mental
gifts, and when she first met her husband was en-
gaged in teaching in Windsor. She was born April
22, 1853, at Packersville, Conn., daughter of George
W. and Zippiette Elizabeth (Green) Olin, and was
the third youngest in a large family of children.
CORNELIUS ANDREWS is a descendant, in
the seventh generation, of John Andrews, one of the
early settlers of Connecticut, who emigrated from
England with his wife, Mary, in 1640. From him
the line of parentage runs as follows: Daniel (Sr.),
Daniel (Jr.), Hezekiah, Ezekiel, Alfred and Cor-
nelius. The family has ever been one of the most
honored in the State, and a biographical record of
this branch, even though necessarily brief, cannot
fail to be of deep interest.
John Andrews, the American progenitor, was
one of the first eighty-four proprietors of the ancient
town of Tunxis, now Farmington. He was an in-
telligent man, of simple tastes and plain habits, and
cultivated a farm some two miles north of the pres-
ent location of Farmington, at what came to be
called Waterville, in 1871. The property remained
in the possession of his descendants imtil the year
last mentioned. His wife, Mary, united with the
Congregational Church, April 12, 1654, and he him-
self on May 9, 1658. They were the parents of
nine children : Mary, John, Hannah, Abraham,
Daniel, Joseph, Rachel, Stephen and Benjamin.
Daniel Andrews, Sr., was born in 1650. His
name occasionally appears in the town records of
those early days as taking part in public business,
and in 1702 the General Assembly, having been in-
formed that great differences had arisen in Far-
mington about the choice of town officers, confirmed
the appointment of John Hooker, Samuel Gridley,
926
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
John W'adsworth, Samuel Cowles and Daniel An-
dross. The latter name, as spelled, is without doubt
a corruption of Andrews. He was a large land-
holder, and left several distinct parcels of realt)' at
his death. He united with the Church, May 24,
1692, and died April 16, 1731, in his eighty-second
year. He was the father of ten children, whose
names and dates of birth are as follows:
Daniel, Jr., March 9, 1672; Mary, Dec. 9, 1674;
Joseph, Aug. 10, 1&76; Tliomas, June 3, 1678;
John, June 10, 1680; Martha, July 17, 1682; Han-
nah, Jan. 13, 1684; Paul, June 2, 1686; Stephen,
Aug. 6, 1689; and Ebenezer, Aug. 28, 1692.
Daniel Andrews, Jr., the eldest son, married,
Oct. 30, 1707, Alabel, a daughter of Jacob and
Margery (Ingersoll) Goff, of Wetherstield. She
was born Oct. 31, 1690. Her family claimed re-
lationship with Gofi'e, the regicide. In 1729
Daniel and his brother, John, gave a note, or
bond, for £50, to the town of Newington, in con-
sideration of permission to connect themselves
with the "Great Swamp Society," a parish lying
in the town of Farmington. His home was near
the boundary line between the towns of Farming-
ton and \\ ethersfield. He died Aug. 21, 1748,
in his seventy-seventh year, and his widow on
May 9, 1768, at the age of seventy-seven years and
six months. He was buried near the southwest
corner of Christian Lane cemetery in Mew Britain,
his grave being marked by a red sandstone. His
eight children were as follows: Joseph, born about
1711; Abigail, July 22, 1713; Mabel, Jime 6, 1715 ;
Eunice, Sept. 18, 1717; Daniel, May 12, 1720;
Hannah, Sept. 8, 1723; Jacob, June 24, 1729; and
Hezekiah, Aug. 14, 1731.
Hezekiah Andrews, the youngest child of
Daniel Andrews, Jr., was born on the homestead.
He was the first of those who "owned the half-
way covenant," and became a full member of the
Congregational Church in full communion on Aug.
17, 1768. He built the first saw-mill on the Quin-
nipiack river (called the "Pond river" in the early
records), although a fulling mill had been prev-
iously established on that stream a little below the
"Dead Swamp," and it is probable that there had
already been a saw-mill erected near the "Great
Pond" in White Oak. His wife was Anna Stead-
man, a daughter of Thomas Steadman and Mary
Sage. She was born on Steadman Hill, in Weth-
ersfield, June 20, 1736, and married Mr. Andrews
May 26, 1757. Shortly thereafter her parents re-
moved to New Britain. Hezekiah Andrews was
of a gentle, quiet temperament, respected by all
who knew him for his many virtues, and beloved
because of his amiable sympathetic disposition. He
died April 19, 1796, at the age of sixty-four, leav-
ing a very considerable estate, accumulated from
his farm and mill through his own industry and
thrift. His widow united with the church Dec.
6, 1802, and followed him to the grave on Sept.
17, 1809, aged ■ seventy-three years. The issue of
their marriage was a family of eight children,
named and born as follows: Hezekiah, June 22,
1758; Anna, Sept. 6, 1760; Lois, Dec. i, 1763;
Elizabeth, June 8, 1766; Hannah, June 11, 1768;
Be Thankful, April 17, 1771; Rebecca, March 21,
1773; and Ezekiel, May 25, 1775.
Ezekiel Andrews, son of Hezekiah" and grand-
father of Cornelius Andrews, inherited his father's
homestead, together with the saw-nnll and a large
farm, much of the latter consisting of woodland.
In person he was rather above the average height
and of singularly handsome — almost faultless —
form and features. While he inherited from his
mother a proud spirit and indomitable will, his
impulses were generous and noble. He was pubhc-
spirited and patriotic. In May, 1809, Gov. Jona-
than Trumbull commissioned him a captain in a
militia regiment, and he was ever afterward given
that title. He also served through the war of
1812 with the same rank. While deficient in the
training to be derived from study at school, his
education was obtained in the broader field of eii-
! ergetic action. He was fearless in the face of dan-
i ger, resolute in action and strong in endurance.
He was a hard worker, and at his death, which oc-
curred at New Britain on Sept. 3, 1852, he left
real property exceeding $16,000. The bounty lands
to which he was entitled as a soldier were only
partially entered by him, the remainder being
claimed and reduced to ownership by his widow.
He was a member of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Andrews was twice married. His first wife
was Roxana Hinsdale, a daughter of Elijah Hins-
dale, of New Britain, by his first wife, Ruth Bid-
well. She was born June 10, 1778, and was the
mother of his large family of children. She was
an earnest Christian and a member of the same
church as her husband. She died Jan. 14, 1832,
aged fifty-four years. She left behind her some
most interesting literary reminiscences of her own
religious experience and spiritual life. The chil-
dren of this marriage were as follows, their names
and the dates of their birth being given below:
Alfred, Oct. 16, 1797; Thesta, Dec. 16, 1798; Al-
lura, April 16, 1801 ; Edwin Norton, June 27, 1804;
Mary Bidwell, April 13, 1807; Ezekiel, July 19,
1809; Nathan Hosmer, June 22, 1812; Roxana,
April 6, 1815; Jane Louisa, Feb. 2, 1818; Elijah
Hinsdale, Aug. 11, 1820; and Ellen Maria, Sept.
18, 1824. On Oct. 21, 1833, Mr. Andrews married
for his second wife Fluldah Goodrich, the widow
of Luther Moses, who was born Jan. 6, 1788, at
Simsbury, Conn. She died at Hartford May 10,
1 871.
Alfred Andrews, son of Ezekiel, and next in
line of descent from John, was a man of versatile
genius and rare moral worth. He attended the
district schools and an Episcopal academy at
Cheshire, Conn. In 1815, at the age of eighteen,
he began teaching the common branches in the
common schools, and later became an instructor
in academic branches. He had a natural aptitude
for the work, and, being an earnest Christian
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
927
worker, began his career as a Sunday-school teacher
■ in 1816. For fifty-five years he labored in the
'. latter field, as teacher and superintendent, and it
may be said of him that as a secular and religious
instructor he probably trained the minds of nearly
or quite four thousand pupils. No good work
appealed to his sympathy in vain, and he was a
zealous worker in the cause of temperance. Kis
home was nearly opposite that of his father ana
grandfather, on the southern side of West Main
street, about two miles west of the center of the
city of New Britain. The house was built in 1820,
and is still standing, near the Quinnipiack and
Gilbert rivers, the first named of which flows inio
Long Island Sound, while the latter is a tributary
of the Connecticut, into which it empties near!
Middletown. While yet a j^oung man Mr. Andrews
was a partner in the firm of A. & E. Andrews,
manufacturers of wagons and carriages, who made
the first cast-iron plow ever turned out in that
locality. In 1836, however, losses occasioned by
a disastrous fire and Southern repudiation forced
the concern to the wall. He was a pronounced
anti-slavery man, and it is likely that his failure
thus brought about did not tend to modify his po-
litical views. He filled several offices of public
trust and was repeatedlj' called upon to act in the set-
tlement of estates. He was always an active worker
in the cause of religion, having been appointed on
the standing committee in 1823, and made deacon
in the First Congregational Church of New Britain
on Oct. 23, 185 1. He took a lively interest also in
the genealogical history of both his own and his
wife's families, of both of which he published
historical memorials. He entered upon this work
con ainore, and completed the former in 1870 and
the latter a few years later, after he had reached
the age of seventy-five. Previously, in' 1867, he
had published the "Ecclesiastical History of New
Britain," the preparation of which he had com-
menced nine years before. He went to his reward
April 13, 1876.
Mr. Andrews was twice married. His first
union was with Caroline Bird, daughter of Abijah
Hart, of New Britain and New York City, and
his wife, Anna Hall, of Middletown. She was born
April 15, 1798, at New York, where she was a
school teacher before her marriage, which was
solemnized Dec. 16, 1818. She died Aug. 22, 1823,
of spotted fever, in her twenty-sixth year, leaving
two children: Julia Ann, born Nov. 15, 1819,
and Caroline Hart, born Dec. 4, 1822. Mr. An-
drews' second marriage took place Sept. 15, 1824,
when he wedded Mary, daughter of Joseph Ship-
man and Polly Lee. She was born April 14, 1805,
and in her earlier years was a school teacher. She
"bore her husband four sons and four daughters:
Margaret, Aug. 30, 1826; Eliza Shipman, April
8, 1828; Edwin Norton, Sept. i, 1833; Cornelius,
Nov. I, 1834: Alfred Hinsdale, Dec. 2.s, 1836; Jane
_Louisa, April 22, 1842; Herbert Lee, Tune 6, 1844;
■Jane Louisa (2), Aug. 10, 1847. The youngest
daughter married Lyman A. Mills, now lieutenant-
governor of Connecticut.
Cornelius Andrews, a citizen of New Britain,
whose name appears at the commencement of this
article, was, as has already been said, born Nov. i,
1834, and he was baptized in the following May.
He graduated from the New Britain high school
at the age of eighteen. He remained at his father's
home, and still resides on the old homestead, which
he owns, and to which he has made valuable modern
additions. Although having learned a mechanical
trade, he prefers an agricultural life, in which lie
has met with success. He has also been some-
what interested in the manufacture and sale of
school furniture.
While taking no active part in politics, Mr.
Andrews' political faith is that of his ancestors,
and his affiliations are with the Republican party.
His religious creed is also that of his forefathers dur-
ing half a dozen generations. He united with the
First Congregational Church of New Britain on
April 8, 1854, and has always taken a deep interest
in promoting its welfare. For two years he has
been clerk and standing committee of that body.
In 1899 he was elected deacon to fill the office
formerly held by his father. On June 25, 1862,
he was married to Miss Ann Eliza Andrews, a
daughter of Samuel J. and Chloe Ann (Francis)
Andrews, of Wethersfield. Mrs. Cornelius An-
drews was born Jan. 19, 1836, and had been a
school teacher. Two children have blessed thei"-
union : Mary Lincoln, born April 14, 1865, who
died at the age of twenty-eight years ; and a son,
born Oct. 31, 1871, who died on the day of his
birth.
NORMAN LOOMIS ANDERSON (de-
ceased) was in his day one of the best-known and
prosperous agriculturists and officials of the town
of East Hartford, where he was born May 7, 1830,
on his father's homestead.
The Andersons are of Scottish origin, and Nor-
man Anderson, father of Norman Loomis Ander-
son, was born on the present family homestead
July 8, 1799, and there passed his entire life, dying
in 1864. He married Emeline Culver, who died in
1887, the farm being now occupied by Mrs. Nor-
man L. Anderson and A. S. Bidwell, who married
a niece of our subject.
Norman L. Anderson received his preliminary
education in the district schools of his native town,
and later attended the academy in East Hartford,
now known as Wells' Hall, after which he re-
turned to the homestead, which he materially as-
sisted his father in improving. Being the second
in a family of seven and the eldest having become
settled in life, he naturally became the main reliance
of his father in the management of the home place,
even assisting in the erection of the present dwelling
about i860.
In the year last named Mr. Anderson married
Miss Jennette Burnham, daughter of Alfred and
928
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Eliza ( Dart ) Burnham, and granddaughter of Ely
Burnham. a descendant of one of the earliest set-
tlers of Hartford comity. -Mr. and JMrs. Alfred
Burnham had a family of three children, Jennette,
Mrs. Anderson, being the eldest; Martha died
voung and was buried in the X'ernon cemetery;
and Alfred married, and died in Norfolk, Neb.
Mrs. Anderson was born in South Windsor Jan.
ID, 1833, lived in Vernon and then in Rockville,
Tolland county, until her marriage, when she came
with her husband to her present home. Xo chil-
dren having been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson
they adopted, as their own, Emma Brewer, men-
tioned above as the wife of A. S. Bidwell. She
was born in 1856, daughter of Elisha C. and Sarah
(Anderson) Brewer, the former a prominent citi-
zen of East Hartford, the latter a sister of Mr.
Anderson. Emma Brewer passed the greater part
of her earlv years with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson,
who most tenderly cared for her until her mar-
riage.
Mr. Anderson served as selectman of his town
in 1874, and also filled several minor offices, in all
of which he was faithful and efficient, and as as-
sessor he was ever impartial and just. In religious
faith he was a Spiritualist, and consequently liberal
in his views, as he was with his purse in aid of the
religious societies of his neighborhood. He was
a profound reader and possessed a remarkably re-
tentive memory, which enabled him to keep pace
with current affairs and make his mark as one of
the remarkable men of his neighborhood. A lov-
ing husband, an affectionate and steadfast friend,
he passed away Nov. 13, 1889, leaving a void in
his familv and in the community never to be filled.
HON. SHERMAN SANFORD. The pros-
perity of any community depends upon its business
activity, and the enterprise manifest in commercial
circles is the foundation upon which is builded
the material welfare of town. State and Nation.
The most important factors in public life at the
present day are therefore men who are in control
of successful business interests, and such a one is
]\Ir. Sanford, whose attention is now principally
given to lumbering.
Our subject was born in the town of Avon,
Hartford county, jNIarch 18, 1835, and belongs to
one of the old families of the county. His grand-
parents, Jesse and Ellanor (Collins) Sanford, were
farming people, and spent most of their lives in the
town of Berlin. The father, Jesse Sanford, Jr.,
was born, reared and educated in Berlin, but when
a young man removed to Avon, where he followed
farming" throughout his active business life. In
politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican,
and as one of the leading and influential citizens of
his town he was elected to the State Legislature.
He died in Avon at the advanced age of eighty-
eight years. There he had married Miss Almira
North, and to them were born four children: (i)
Ellen, who died in childhood; (2) Edmund, who
died leaving three sons, Henry (now deceased),
Frank and Charles; (3) Truman, deceased; and
(4) Sherman, our subject.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were
passed in Avon, at the schools of which locality he
received his earlier education, later attending a
select school in Norfolk, Conn. In Avon he con-
tinued to make his nome, engaged in farming and
lumbering, until 1861, when he removed to his
present residence in Unionville, which had been built
ijy hmi. Uf late years his principal business has
been that of lumbering.
In Avon JNlr. Sanford was united in marriage
with Miss Flelen M. Humphrey, of Pennsylvania, i
and to them were born five children: (i) Ed-
win, a resident of Unionville, married Flora Mason,
and had three children, Edwin (deceased), Helen
and Harold. (2) Clara is deceased. (3) Will-
iam died in ii. fancy. (4) Bertha married Gustave
Lawson, of West Haven, Conn. (5) Blanche is
the wife of Oliver Tew, of Unionville.
Mr. Sanford's political support is always given 1
to the Republican party, and in his community he
ranks among its most honored counselors. He j
has been called upon to fill a number of minor of- 1
fices, and in 1884 capably represented the town of
Farmington in the State Legislature. He is a >
member of the Congregational Church of Union-
ville, to which his wife and daughter also belong,
and commands the respect and confidence of all
with whom he comes in contact.
RANKIN FAIMILY. This family, while not
one of the oldest in Hartford county, j,s among the
most distinguished, many of its members having |
been noted for ability in various lines of effort, es- i
pecially in connection with religious and reformatory '
movements. The family originated in Scotland, and
is first mentioned in an account of the troubled times
in the latter part of the seventeenth century, when •
two brothers of the name were assassinated. In
1689 others of the family fled to County Donegal,
Ireland. William Rankin, of County Donegal, had
three sons, Adam, John and Hugh, who came to
America in 1720, landing at Philadelphia, Penn.,
and all settled upon farms in Chester county, Penn-
sylvania.
John Rankin was married in Ireland to Jane
McElvee, and two sons, Thomas and Richard, were
born there. Richard, who removed to Augusta
county, V^a., at the close of the Revolutionary war, '
had five sons : John, Richard, Joseph, Anthony and
James.
Thomas Rankin, son of John, was a farmer in
Pennsylvania, and at the close of the Revolutionary
war sold his property for Continental money, which
proved worthless. In 1784 he went to Greene
county, Tenn., where he and his descendants made
the name notable for good citizenship. The office
of ruling elder in the New Bethel Church, Greene
county, Tenn., was held by him and others of the
family for ninety-five consecutive years. Thomas
Rankin lived to the age of eighty-eight years, and
^^Q^/Li^y-ryU^^ri^ -g^b-??-^^^Ap^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
929
had twelve children. Of his six daughters no rec-
ord has been preserved, but the sons were : John
(1754-1825) ; Richard (1756-1827) ; William (1758-
1833) ; Samuel (1760-1828) ; Thomas (1762-1821) ;
and James, born 1770. The first four sons fought
under Washington for American independence, and
five were elders in the Presbyterian Church.
Richard Rankin, son of Thomas, married Jane
Steel, and to them were born eleven sons and one
daughter. Four of the sons — Samuel S., Thomas,
David and William — served in the war of 1812
with Jackson. Four — John, William, Alexander
and Robert — were Presbyterian ministers, and many
of their descendants are now in the ministry.
Rev. John Rankin, son of Richard and Jane
Rankin, was born in February, 1793, on a forest
farm in eastern Tennessee, and grew up with few
advantages except those which would tend to the
development of a strong physique. Occasionally
he was permitted to spend a few months at the dis-
trict school, two miles from his home, but the
greater part of his education was secured by his
own exertions, the result being that he had wise
confidence in the conclusions of his own investiga-
tions. This enabled him to maintain in after years
his position on slavery, though almost alone in the
defense of truths which he accepted and advocated.
As early as his seventh year the Holy Spirit in-
fluenced his mind to prayer, and gave him a deep
desire to be a possessor of the religion of the
Savior, but not having the nurture .and care so
easily obtained in our times he passed years in doubt
and in conflict with such doctrines as those of pre-
destination and . God's Sovereignty. When he at
last gave his heart to Christ, he determined to
obtain an education and preach the Gospel. Ac-
cordingly he entered Washington College, eastern
Tennessee, where he was graduated in 1814, and
in the meantime he had married Miss Jane Lowry,
a granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Doake, D. D., the
president and founder of the college. She among
other accomplishments knew how to use her needle
and shears, so that she made her husband's wedding
coat, and he made his own shoes. In 1816 he was
licensed by the Presbytery of Abingdon, and in the
fall of 1 81 7, with his wife, and child, later Rev.
Adam L. Rankin, started for Ohio, a few articles
of furniture being carried in their two-wheeled
carriage, drawn by one horse. He had not yet
discovered the fact that the Bible condemned slav-
ery, but with his sympathetic nature he could not
live where it existed, so he determined to seek a
free State. Fie was persuaded, however, while pass-
ing through Kentuck)', to preach in Concord, where
he had stopped for the Sabbath, and at the urgent
request of the church members he remained with
them for four years, finally arriving at his destina-
tion, Ripley, Ohio, in May, 1822. For forty-four
years he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church
. there, but while laboring to build up the cause of
Christ as a pastor, a new work seemed to be thrust
upon him, viz. : the discussion of the question of
59
slavery from a Bible standpoint. , Flis brother,
Thomas, had written him a letter informing him
that he had purchased a slave. The letter was
dated Dec. 2, 1823, and he at once began a series
of letters on the question in the Castigator, published
at Ripley; these letters were afterward published
in book form, and a copy fell into the hands of
Lloyd Garrison, who wrote to the author, acknowl-
edging his indebtedness for the argument, and
closing with the words: "With profound and lov-
ing veneration of his anti-slaverv disciple and hum-
ble co-worker in the cause of emancipation." So
that Mr. Rankin is entitled to some regard as a
teacher of the great Abolitionist.
Mr. Rankin's book was adopted by the Ameri-
can Anti-Slavery Society, and he was appointed for
one year a lecturer for the society, his congrega-
tion consenting to release him for that period of
time. In furtherance of this same work he and
Dr. Boynton were the chief instruments in form-
ing the American Reform Tract and Book Society,
Mr. Rankin being chosen president and Dr. Boynton
corresponding secretary, and for many years he was
one of the mainstays of the society. It published
many tracts and articles from his pen, all urging
obedience to the Golden Rule : "Whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them," and that other truth: "God will punish na-
tional sins by national judgments." After resign-
ing his position in Riplev, Ohio, Mr. Rankin
preached for some years in Ohio and Kansas, where
his beloved wife died, after many years of intelli-
gent and untiring work as a helpmeet. He was-
pastor of the church at Richmond, Ohio, and or-
ganized the church at Lyndon, Ivans., while he filled
other pulpits as opportunitv offered until age and
its infimfities came on. His last days were spent
at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Lida Gray,
at fronton, Ohio, his death occurring March 19,
1886. He was a remarkable man, abounding in
labors for the cause of Christ and humanity, and
as a preacher and expositor of Scripture he had
few equals. His Scotch-Irish parentage was fa-
vorable to an evenly-balanced temperament, and his
mental faculties had been developed, strengthened
and sanctified by a sensible early education in piety,
making his character one of singular strength, force
and beauty. For years his home on the hilltop
above Ripley was known to the panting fugitives
as the entrance to the "Lhiderground Railroad,"
which would take them safely to Canada, and it
is said that many of the incidents in "Uncle Tom's
Cabin" were furnished by those whom he had
aided to escape. He was a born reformer, and
naturally opposed everything which he conceived to-
be contrary to the welfare of the human family,
especially slavery and intemperance. In almost
every town in the southern part of the State the
voice of John Rankin was heard in strong and
fearless utterances against the curse of slavery.
For a quarter of a century he lived to see the
slaves free men, and his name will ever live in his-
930
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tory and in the affection of tlie race for which he
did so much. On Thursday, ^[ay 5, 1892, a mon-
ument was unveiled and dedicated in Ripley, Ohio,
to his memory, as the Pioneer Abolitionist, it be-
ing in the form of a bronze bust modeled by Mrs.
Ellen Copp, his granddaughter. On the pedestal
is inscribed :
Blulin '^Innkin
1703-1SS6
^anc Luiuri] his uitfc
Fn-rriam's Krnu-s.
The ceremonies were atlonded by many of their
children and descendants.
The thirteen children of John Rankin are as
follows: Adam L., a minister, served as captain in
the 113th Reg. 111. \'. I., during the Civil war;
Isabelle Jane; David; Richard Calvin, first lieu-
tenant of Company 14, 12th O. V. I., went at the
first call as first sergeant of the 4th Independent
Company, of an Ohio \ olunteer Infantry Regiment,
serving from August, 1862, to July, 1865, and his
death occurred May 17, iSqg, at Ripley, Ohio;
Samuel Gardner W ilson is mentioned below more
fully; Julia Doake ; John Thompson went out with
Ii6th Illinois, and was afterwards made quarter-
master of a U. S. colored regiment ; Andrew Camp-
bell, a physician, was assistant surgeon of the 88th
111. V. I., and was retained several months after
the war in charge of Hospital No. 5, at Camp
Nelson, Kentucky ; Mary Eliza ; William Alexander
was commissioned as captain and assistant quarter-
master, and served on the staff of Col. LeGrange,
Gen. jMcCook, commanding. First Div. C. C. AI.
D. M., and later of Gen. \N'ilson, commanding,
C. C. M. D. M. ; Lucinda ; Arthur Tappan, now in
Utah, was a Presbyterian minister, stationed for
twenty-five years at Greensburg, Ind. ; Thomas
Lovejoy. Rev. John Rankin gave more sons for
the defense of the Union than any other minister,
and it is claimed that to Jane Lowry Rankin be-
longed the proud distinction of being the mother of
more soldiers in the Civil war than any other
woman, and all of them were officers.
Samuel Gardner Wilson Rankin was born in
Ripley, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1822. It was not unnatural
that the question of liberating the slaves commanded
much of the boy's attention, as the method of free-
ing the slaves in a secret manner familiarly known
as the "Underground Railroad" originated at his
father's house. J\Ir. Rankin attended school and
graduated at a college then located in Ripley, and
afterward studied for the ministry at Lane Sem-
inary, in Cincinnati. While at the seminary he
came under the instruction of Dr. Lyman Beecher,
and first met Harriet Beecher Stowe. In the latter
part of the forties he took his first pastorate, at
Sardinia, Ohio, and about 1850 he came to Con-
necticut, having received a call to the Center Con-
gregational Church in Portland, where he remained
nine years. On leaving Portland he became pastor
of a church in Westchester, and in 1863 he removed
to Glastonbury, purchasing the Andrew T. Hale ,
place on jMain street, where he died Nov. 20, 1897. I
During the latter years of his life he devoted con- :
siderable time to farming, but many pulpits in the
vicinity were supplied by him during his residence
in Glastonbury, and he filled a place in the com-
munity that, because of his diverse gifts, no one else j
can fill. He could deliver an excellent sermon, (
give an address appropriate for a national holiday, f
a political meeting or a donation party with singular I
effectiveness, or give an interesting account upon 1
the lecture platform of his family experiences and '
efforts for the sla\-es. When it came to business ';
affairs his good judgment and thorough and prac-
tical knowledge of men and affairs always favored
him, and being endowed with a- keen intellect and
strong will he easily mastered many questions that >
would have annoyed a less versatile man. He was ■
extremely fond of liorses and few knew the pe-
culiarities of the animals better than he, or more
thoroughly enjoyed driving them. He voted for
William Henry Harrison m 1840, and it was an
easy step for him to pass froxn the Whig party to
the Republican and vote for John C. I'remont in
1856. A man of wide and lasting sympathies, he
made many friends, and he was a loyal supporter of
the Congregational Church during his residence in
Glastonbury, uniting with it by letter in 1864. He
also held several town offices, and he was also con-
nected with the Christian Commission, doing effi-
cient work.
On Aug. 27, 1845, Mr. Rankin married Dolly
Goodrich, whom he met in Cincinnati. She was
born in Portland, Conn., Aug. 30, 1823, and died
Jan. 31, 1893. Among her ancestors was Rev.
Timothy Stevens, the first minister in Glastonbury.
Of the children of Samuel and Dolly Rankin, the
eldest, Susan J., born May 25, 1846, married H.
E. Loomis, a farmer in Glastonbury ; Samuel F.,
born Aug. i.i, 1852, died May 12, 1854; Helen P.,
born Sept. 8, 1854, married D. W. Williams, of the
firm of J. B. Williams & Sons, of Glastonbury, the
originators and manufacturers of Yankee Shaving
Soap; John D. (twin of Helen) is mentioned be-
low ; Lucy Virginia, born Jan. 14, 1857, married
Milton S. Tracy, and resides in Glastonbury on the
homestead (to her we are indebted for much of this
information) ; Charles G. (mentioned below) was
born Oct. 2, 1859, and is now a physician in Glaston-
bury; Hepsibah, born Jan. 24, 1863, died in the
same year.
John Delos Rankin was born Sept. 8, 1854,
in Portland, Conn., while his father was filling a
pastorate there. He accompanied his parents to
Glastonbury when he was nine years old, and his
education was begun in the district school of that
town. Later he attended Williston Academy, and
on leaving school he turned his attention to busi-
ness, his strong love for horses naturally leading
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
931
him into a career as a dealer in these noble ani-
jmals. Going west he formed a partnership with J.
I Warren Kiefer, Jr., son of Gen. Kiefer, of Spring-
' field, Ohio, and located on Mr. Kiefer's ranch near
' Superior, Neb., engaging in buying and selling
Texas horses. The}' would buy the animals in
lots of 500 in Texas and drive to Nebraska, where
they were sold, the trip from Nebraska to Texas and
return requiring a whole summer. They were
among the largest dealers in horses in the West,
and at one time they made a shipment of ten car-
loads of horses from Wind River Mountain, in
Wyoming, by special train, and all were sold in two
weeks. Lat?r Mr. Rankin went to Oregon, con-
tinuing in the same line of business, and he shipped
horses to almost every State in the Union. His
judgment as to the good or bad points of a horse
was remarkably accurate, and his eners;v and en-
terprise were leading factors in his success. He
remained in the West about fifteen years, and then
came to Glastonbury and purchased the farm for-
merly known as the "John Moseley" place. He
here engaged in dealing in Iowa horses, and he was
also an extensive tobacco grower, and in 1899
planted about fifteen acres. Like his father, he is
a strong Republican, but never held office. In re-
hgion he inclined toward the Congregational
Church, of which his widow is a member. He was
married, in Tilden, Neb., to Miss Sadie Harvey,
a native of that place, and they had five children :
the first, Willard, died in infancy and is buried in
Nebraska; Samuel H., John D., Jr., Anita and
Charles are at home. Mr. Rankin died March
14, 1900.
Charles Goodrich Rankin, M. D., a well-
known physician of Glastonbury, was born Oct.
2, 1859, in Portland, Conn. After receiving an
elementary education in the common schools and
the academy at Glastonbury he entered Williams
College, where he was graduated in 1882, with the
degree of A. B. He has also taken the Master's
degree. The same year he began the study of med-
icine with his uncle, Dr. A. C.Rankin, and in March,
1886, he was graduated from the Chicago Medical
College, connected with the Northwestern Uni-
versity. For one year he served as assistant physi-
cian at the Armour Medical Mission in Chicago,
and he then practiced at Reynolds, Neb., for two
years, and at Southbury, Conn., for three, but since
1890 has been in active practice at Glastonbury.
He has a large general practice, and enjoys the
confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen in
an unusual degree. Politically he is a Republican,
and has served as health officer of Glastonbury
since October, 1893, was the town treasurer in
1896-97, and is now director and treasurer of the
Glastonbury Public Library, which owes its exist-
ence in a great measure to his personal efiforts.
He belongs to the American Medical Association,
the Connecticut Medical Society, and the Hartford
City and County Medical Societies. Dr. Rankin was
married, Jan. i, 1887, to Miss Lucretia Barret Pink-
ham, who was born June 14, 1861, in Loda, 111.,
daughter of Frederick and Mary (Barret) Pink-
ham. Her father was a sailor, and a descendant
of good old New England stock, his ancestors hav-
ing settled near Nantucket, Mass., in pioneer times.
Dr. Rankin and his wife have one son, William
Goodrich, born July 12, 1896.
EDWARD PATRICK CARROLL, one of
East Hartford's best-known market gardeners, and
one of the very few gardeners in the town exclu-
sively devoted to that branch of farming, com-
bines among his many estimable qualities rare
business ability and that hearty geniality which
makes him ever companionable. For twenty years,
or since April, 1880, he has been a wholesaler of
vegetables as the junior member of the firm of E.
P. Carroll & Co., who have one of the most thor-
oughly equipped and well-appointed gardens for
supplying the Hartford trade with garden truck.
Mr. Carroll is a son of Edward J. and Mary
(Ruth) Carroll, a sketch of whom appears else-
where. Our subject in his youth attended the pub-
lic schools of East Hartford and Hartford, com-
pleting his education with a course at Hannum's
Business College, Hartford. He began active life
as a market gardener at the place where he is now
located, the land having been used for that pur-
pose for man_v years ; it was formerly the home of
John B. Smith. Mr. Carroll has proven a very
successful business man. He possesses a thorough
knowledge of gardening in every detail, is progres-
sive in his methods, and by reading and experiment
is ever ready to make improvements and keep
abreast with modern requirements.
On Nov. 15, 1893, Mr. Carroll married Miss
Annie B. Mulligan, a native of Hartford, and
daughter of James Mulligan, who for forty years
was foreman in the shops of Lincoln & Co., iron
founders and manufacturers ; he was a brother of
John Mulligan, who in his lifetime was president
of the Connecticut River railroad. Mrs. Carroll is
a graduate of the New Britain Normal School, class
of '89, and prior to her marriage taught school
three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Carrol] have been
born two children : Edward C. and Ellen C. Our
subject and wife are members of St. Mary's Cath-
olic Church at East Hartford. In politics he is a
stanch Republican, is a member of the town Repub-
lican committee, and for several years served as a
justice of the peace. Fraternally he is a charter
member of Nutmeg Lodge, No. 55, A. O. U. W., at
East Hartford. He was one of the original commis-
sioners of the East Llartford Fire District, and at
the close of his first term was honored by a re-
election for a term of three years. During his term
of service this commission have introduced electric
lighting, have purchased the water works from the
East Hartford AVater Co., and are now (1900) con-
structing a system of sixteen miles sewerage. Mr.
Carroll takes an active interest in all that pertains
to the prosperity and growth of his town. In De-
cember, 1893, Mr. Carroll completed the commodi-
932
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ous and tasteful modern home which he now oc-
cupies, and which is equipped with every conven-
ience that the town affords.
Thoroughly progressive and alert to every im-
provement and advancement, well-informed in hor-
ticultural, political and current affairs, having at-
tained a commendable share of success and prosper-
ity, Mr. Carroll is devoted to his work, developing
the same grand characteristics that honored his
father, and evincing to the many who know him a
standard and highly-respected type of American
citizenship.
D.W'ID E. ilARSHALL. Among the rural
communities of Hartford county a high quality of
citizenship prevails, the members of the old pio-
neer families being especially noted for their abil-
ity and personal worth. The subject of this sketch,
a leading agriculturist of the town of Windsor,
is deserving of prominent mention in this volume
as a man whose progressive and enterprising busi-
ness methods, and regard for all the best interests
of the community, make him a valuable and valued
citizen.
Mr. Marshall comes of good Colonial stock,
and by intermarriages he is related to the Phelps,
Griswokl, A\'olcott, Wilton and other leading pio-
neer famines. His first direct ancestor of whom
we have record was (I) Capt. Samuell Marshall,
one of Windsor's first, settlers. He had a lot in
the palisade in 1637 before Huit's party came, so
he probably came with W'areham's party, or in
1633. He was probably born in Dorchester, Eng-
land, 161 5. On May 6, 1652, he married Mary
(daughter of Lt. David and Catherine) Wilton.
\\'hen King Philip's war broke out he was actively
engaged in military service; was appointed (Oct.
14, 1675) ensign in }>Iaj. Treat's army, and was
one of the five captains who led the Connecticut
forces in the famous attack on the Xarragansett
fort, Dec. 19, 1675, where he fell at the head of
his troops. AXlndsor lost in him an honored citizen
and a brave soldier. Capt. Samuell Marshall had
nine children, namely: Samuell, born May 27,
1653 ; Lydia, Feb. 18, 1655 ; Thomas, April 23, 1659,
died voung; David, July 24, 1 66 1 ; Thomas, Feb.
18, 1663; Mary, i\Iay 8, 1667, died Aug. 25, 1683:
Eliakim, July 10, 1669; John, April 10, 1672; and
Elizabeth, born Sept. 27, 1674.
(II) David Marshall, a son of Capt. Samuell,
was born July 24, 1661, and married Abigail Phelps
Dec. 9, 1686. They had the following children:
Abigail, born Jan. 9, 1688; Hannah, born Dec. 8,
1689; David, born April 14, 1692.
(III) David JMarshall (2), the next in the line
of descent, was born April 14, 1692, and married
Sarah Phelps Dec. 15, 1721. Their children were
David, born June i, 1723, died 1725; Sarah, born
April 4, 1727; David, born Oct. 21, 1728; Han-
nah, born Feb. 15, 1730-31.
( IV) Lieut. David Marshall (3), our subject's
great-grandfather, was born Oct. 21, 1728, and died
March 13, 1776. He married Naomi Griswold,
who died Sept. 30, 1824, aged eighty-nine. They
had the following children: Naomi, born Sept. 30,
1758, died March 19, 1830; Sarah, born March 21,
1759, died Feb. 6, 1761; Elisha, born April 16,
1763, died aged twenty-seven; Elihu, born March
21, 1765; Olive died in August, 1846, aged eighty-
four.
{\) Capt. Elihu Marshall, the grandfather of
our subject, was born March 21, 1765, and. became
a farmer Iiy occupation. Fie married Sabrina Gris-
wold, daughter of Joab and Elizabeth (Collins)
Griswold. They had the following children:
Chaunccy, born 1794, died May 8, 1838, at Little
Falls, N. Y. ; Elizabeth, born 1796, married Guy
Griswold (she died at Poquonock Nov. 30, 1856) ;
Elisha died Sept. 24, 1803, aged five years ; Elihu.
our subject's father, comes next; Gaylord died
Sept. 15, 1803, aged twelve months; Elisha Gay-
lord, born March 24, 1805, was a physician and
died at the old homestead Oct. 13, 1857; David died
at Seneca Falls, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1834, aged twenty-
five years.
(VI) Elihu MARSHALL,our subject's father,was
born July 12, 1800, on the estate now owned by our
subject. Being reared a farmer boy, he had only
a district-school education, but he made the best
of his advantages, and taught successfully when a
young man. His reading was extensive in later
ye'ars, and he was recognized in local affairs. In
politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and
he was always a regular voter. With the exception
of a few years spent in the paper-mill business in
New York State with a brother, he passed his life
at the old homestead, his attention being given to
agricultural pursuits.
On June 10, 1829, Mr. Marshall married Miss
Mary Caroline (^riswold.born March 3, i8o6,daugh-
ter of John and ;\Iary Griswold. Mary Griswold
was one of several daughters of Dr. Elihu Griswold,
who married Mary, a daughter of Dr. Alexander
Wolcott, the son of Gov. Roger and great-grand-
son of Henry Wolcott, the Pilgrim. Mrs. Mar-
shall was a descendant of Edward Griswold ; she
was a devout member of the Congregational
Church, and while her -husband was not connected
with anv denomination he contributed generously
to religious works. He died March 7, 1876, Mrs.
^Marshall on April 18, 1871, and the remains of
both were interred in the cemetery at Poquonock.
Our subject is one of a family of seven chil-
dren, the others being: Frances Elizabeth, born
March 21, 1830, died July 24, 1843. Mary Caro-
line, born March 13, 1833, married Charles Spen-
cer; she died in Chicago Aug. 13, 1866. Ellen
Griswold, born Oct. 24, 1834, died Dec. 18, 1841.
Anzonetta Rebecca, born Nov. 27, 1836, is the
widow of Sidney Morgan and resides in Syracuse,
N. Y. Estelle Wilhemina, born July i, 1840, mar-
ried Jerome E. Fuller, of Poquonock, and died
July 21, 1900. Ellen Elizabeth, born Aug. 8, 1846,
is now Mrs. Addison Lamphear, of Poquonock,
Xa-j^
Z^Ki^-^^-i^^^^
^rr-ca^
o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
933
(VII) David E. Marshall, who represents the
seventh generation of his family in this country,
was born at his present residence Aug. ii, 1843,
and was educated in the schools of District No. 8
and in the academy at Windsor Center. He was
trained to farm work as a boy, and has always re-
sided at the homestead, an attractive estate compris-
ing more than sixty acres of excellent land. Polit-
ically he is in sympathy with the Republican party
in National affairs, but he does his own thinking,
and at times votes independently when local issues
seem to require it.
On Dec. 30, 1875, Mr. Marshall married Miss
Charlotte A, Phelps, who was born Oct. 6, 1854,
a daughter of Eli and Abigail (Humphrey) Phelps,
well-known residents of Poquonock, of whom an
account is given elsewhere. Her education was
begun in the same schools which our subject had
attended a few years earlier, but on completing the
course there she was given opportunities for more
advanced study in the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, Suffield, acquiring an excellent preparation for
her duties as the mistress of a refined home. Two
children have blessed the union : David Wilton,
horn July 15, 1877, and Carrie Phelps, born June
22, 1883, both of whom reside with their parents.
The family is identified with the Congregational
Qiurch, of which Mrs. Marshall and her daughter
are active members.
LORENZO PORTER and JAMES TODD
LEE. The first American ancestor of these brothers
was John Lee, who came to America in 1634. It
is known that he was born Aug. 8, 1620, in Essex,
England, and probably at Colchester, and he left
England while yet a mere child, under the care
of William Westwood, for a year living with that
gentleman at Cambridge, Mass., and in 1635 remov-
ing with him to Hartford, Conn., where he passed his
early years. There is no authentice record as to his
course of educational training, but it is supposed that
lie studied under the tutorship of Samuel Stone, a
famous pedagogue of that day, who died in 1659.
In 1640 white men first settled in the territory where
the town of Farmington now stands, and the follow-
ing year young Lee, then in his early manhood,
joined their company, and became one of the eighty-
four original proprietors of the town. The terri-
tory acquired by them embraced an area fifteen
miles square, and included the present towns of
Farmington, Southington, Bristol, Burlington, New
Britain, Berlin and Kensington. Many hundred
acres of land were assigned to him, and portions
of the same, lying in Southington, Bristol and New
Britain, are yet owned by his descendants, the title
thereto having remained in the family for 250 years.
In 1658 he took to himself a wife, Mary, a daughter
of Deacon Stephen Hart.
Stephen Lee, second son of John Lee, was the
first settler in the tract which came to be called
the "Great Swamp" in 1707, Kensington in 1720 and
New Britain in 1754. He took an active part in
effecting the organization of the New Britain So-
ciety, and was a substantial man, accounted wealthy
for his time; and his home, long known as the
"Hinsdale House," has been described by an earlv
chronicler as "one of the grandest houses in New
Britain," and remained standing until 1834. On
Oct. I, 1690, he married Elizabeth Royce, a daugh-
ter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lathrop) Royce, and
died June 7, 1753.
Dr. Isaac Lee, son of Stephen Lee, born at
Kensington, was a physician of wide repute at
Farmington and Middletown, as well as at the place
of his nativity. On Dec. 3, 1713, he married Mary
Hubbard, who was born at Hartford in February,
1688, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Kirby)
Hubbard. Dr. Lee died Aug. 6, 1780. His son.
Col. Isaac Lee, in 1754 gave New Britain her name.
The Colonel was thrice married, first, on July 10,
1740, to Tabitha, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth
(Galpin) Norton, who was born at Kensington
Dec. 20, 1718, and died Nov. 2, 1770. His second
marriage was on Dec. 30, 1772, to Elizaibeth Grant,
of East Windsor, who died May 17, 1782, and on
Oct. 9, 1783, he was united to Mrs. Mary Hall,
widow of Amos Hall, and daughter of Ephraim
Johnson, of Wallingford. Col. Lee died Dec. 13,
1802, and his widow on Dec, 22, 1810. He was
a man of prominence in the community, and his
•name frequently occurs in the records of town,
church and State. No one of his day exerted a
more potent influence upon public affairs, both civil
and religious, and for many years he was familiar-
ly called the "Father of the Town." For thirty
years he was a magistrate, administering justice
with wisdom and impartiality, and his counsel was
constantly sought in matters affecting the general
policy of the Colony and later of the State. With
the exception of four years he represented his town
in the Colonial Assembly from 1761 to 1775, in
the State Legislature from its first session, in 1776,
until 1779, and again from 1783 to 1791. He was a
member of that earnest and devoted band of patriots,
members of the General Assembly of the Colony,
who, headed by Gov. Jonathan Trumbull and other
State officers, took the oath of fidelity to the United
States in October, 1776.
During the dark days of the Revolution and
throughout the years which followed Col. Lee stood
shoulder to shoulder with the patriots of his time,
and shared with them the arduous duties and the
grave responsibilities of those years when wisdom
and statesmanship alone could guide the ship of
State through a tempestuous sea and along a
rocky coast. He served for many years in the
militia, being appointed captain in the Sixth Co-
lonial Regiment in May, 1767, lieutenant-colonel
in the following October, and colonel of the 15th
Regiment in 1775. His manner was courtly and
dignified, his presence commanding. He was one
of the two citizens of New Britain — Rev. Dr. Smal-
ley being the other — who were always accorded a
respect akin to reverence. His physical strength
934
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was extraordinary, and he was noted for his agihty
and remarkable powers of endurance. On the eve
of his tirst marriage an attempt was made to steal
the bride, and in foiling it the Colonel severely
wounded seven men. The custom was abandoned
from that date.
Isaac Lee, son of Col. Isaac Lee, married Abigail
Goodrich on j\lay 25, 1773. She was born Oct.
30, 1753, and died April 9, 181 1. She was a daugh-
ter of Jedediah and Alary Goodrich, the latter being
a descendant of Rev. Samuel Hooker. On Oct. 29,
1812, Air. Lee married a second time, his wife behig
Mrs. Betsey Lusk, a daughter of Major Peter Cur-
tiss, of Farmington, and widow of David Lusk,
of New Britain. Isaac Lee died April 11. 1828,
and his widow on Aug. i, of the same year. He
inherited the homestead, and was by occupation a
farmer, owning a considerable portion of the land
included within the present city limits of Xew
Britain. He was conspicuous for both his piety and
liis public spirit.
Thomas Lee, second son of Isaac Lee, was born
Nov. 28, 1776, and married Electa Riley, of North-
ampton, Alass., a daughter of John and Huldah
(Porter) Riley. She was born Dec. 13, 1776, and
died Dec. 5, 1826, was a woman of remarkable
strength of character, and became the mother of
a large family. Thomas Lee and his father were
among the earliest manufacturers of New Britain,
and built and conducted the first general store in
the village. Thomas Lee repeatedly represented
the town of Berlin in the Legislature, was judge
of probate, postmaster and always an active politi-
cian. He died Aug. 20, 1840.
Lorenzo Porter Lee, son of Thomas, was born
April 12, 1800. He was married at Christ church,
Hartford, on Nov. 3, 1828, to Jeanette Todd Hills,
who was born June 2y, 1805, and was the niece and
adopted daughter of the eminent physician and
specialist. Dr. Eli Todd, of Hartford, the superin-
tendent of the Retreat for the Insane. Lorenzo
P. Lee died on June 17, 1889, his wife surviving
him until Jan. 2, 1891. They were the parents of
nine children, a brief mention of whom is given,
(i) Lorenzo Todd was born Jan. 27, 1830, and died
Jan. 23, 1834. (2) Franklin Hills was born Nov.
3, 1832. At the outbreak of the Civil war he
enlisted in the 2d Wis. V. I., from which he received
an honorable discharge, but on recovering from a
wound he re-enlisted, the second time in the First
Connecticut Artillery, in which he served with
distinction, gaining the reputation of the best gunner
in the regiment. He was mustered out Sept. 25,
1865, and died, at Fulton, Ark., Jan. 3, 1879. (3)
Jeanette was born Alarch 9, 1834, and married
William G. Coe Alay 27, 1856. (4) James Todd
was born Dec. 9, 1835. (5) Theresa was born
Nov. 20, 1837. (6) Lorenzo Porter was born Jan.
17, 1839. (7) Susan was born Oct. 4, 1841, and
died Jan. 27, 1842. (8) Alice was born June 6,
1843, and married Albert S. Wells Sept. 8, 1868.
(9) Ella, born Aug. 16, 1846, married Leonard
Doig on June 10, 1873, and died Dec. 5, 1875.
Lorenzo Porter Lee was one of the first to en-
gage in manufacturing in New Britain. He was a
leading and public-spirited citizen, and was identi-
fied with many business ventures, in all of which
he was successful. His worth was recognized by
his fellow townsmen, who honored him by elect-
ing him to many important offices, the duties of
which he discharged with remarkable ability. He
represented the town of Berlin in the General As-
sembly, and was New Britain's first postmaster, his
commission bearing the signature of John Quincy
Adams, Feb. 12, 1828. He was an omnivorous
reader, and this trait, together with his extraor-
dinarily retentive memory, joined to acute powers
of observation, made him one of the best informed
men of his time. Ilis mind was singularly clear and
logical, and although he never entered the profession
of the law he was constantly consulted by his friends
and neighbors on legal questions, frequently draft-
ing contracts and other documents, but always re-
fusing to accept compensation for services. He was
kindly and generous, and a liberal contributor to
the cause of religion. He took a deep interest in the
history of his family, and was the vice-president
of the Lee Association, at its first gathering, in
1884, being the oldest man present. Fie was also
one of the oldest Masons in the State, and was
buried at New Britain with high honor by that fra-
ternity.
James Todd Lee, son of Lorenzo P. Lee, was
born Dec. 9, 1835. He married, at Manchester,
England, Caroline Wake, a native of Yorkshire,
in which county she was born Sept. 18, 1845. For
twenty years he represented the firm of Lee, Tweedy
& Co., of New York City, in Europe, as their pur-
chasing agent. He owned an interest in this great
wholesale dry-goods house, and during his long
connection with it crossed the Atlantic probably
eighty times. At the meeting of the Lee Associa-
tion, held in August, 1896, he was chosen president,.
a position for which his family pride and affection,
no less than his urbane courtesy, well qualified
him. He is the father of four children: Percy
Howard, Leslie William, Ida Caroline and Ella
Beatrice. Percy H. was born Oct. 5, 1868, at A'lan-
chester, England. Leslie W. was born at the same
place March 26, 1871, and is an artist of great
promise, with studio at New York. Ida Caroline
was born March 5, 1873, at Manchester, England,
and died in New York April 12, 1878. Ella Beat-
rice, born at A'lanchester Aug. i, 1874, died in Man-
chester, Alarch 21, 1876.
Lorenzo Porter Lee (2) was born Jan. 17, 1839,
and on June 20, 1878, married Clara L., a daughter
of the late D. W. Smith, of Williamsport, Penn.
Mr. Lee served during the Civil war in Company
F, 8th N. Y. V. I. For nineteen and a half years,
he was in the employ of Russell & Erwin as a com-
mercial traveler, his route extending over the entire
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
935
country, he resigning that position on Jan. i, 1884.
About this time he and his brother, James Todd
Lee, erected the Lee block. Adjacent to this stands
the first brick residence ever built in New Britain,
and beneath its roof Lorenzo's children were born.
The home of his grandfather, Thomas Lee, stood
upon the site of the Judd block, where his progeny,
one and all, were born.
The brothers have done much toward the up-
building and beautifying of the city. In 1884 the dry-
goods firm of Lee Bros. & Co. was founded. After
eight or ten years of successful business they em-
barked in the grocery trade, from which they re-
tired in 1898. Their mutual affection is as earnest
as in the days of their childhood, yet their political
views are widely divergent, James T. being a Dem-
ocrat and Lorenzo P. a Republican. The former
was elected city treasurer in 1889, but cared so little
for the office that he failed to qualify. Both are
among the most prominent and tiniversally respected
citizens of New Britain.
HON. WARREN C. HUMPHREY (deceased)
was for many years a leading resident of Canton,
and his active and faithful work in sustaining the
progressive movements of his day in his locality
has given him a lasting place in the memory of his
fellow citizens.
Mr. Humphrey worthily represented a family
which has long been prominent in this section, and
traced his descent from Michael Humphrey, a pio-
nerr settler, through Samuel (i), Samuel (2), Sam-
uel (3), Theophilus and Loin Humphrey. Samuel
Humphrey (3), our subject's great-grandfather,
was iDorn in Simsbury, in 1710, and in 1734 re-
moved to West Simsbury, where he engaged in
farming. He died at his home in 1760, his re-
mains being interred in the West Simsbury cem-
etery. In 1734 he married Mary Wilcox, daughter
of Nathaniel Wilcox, and they had the following
children: Samuel, born in 1734, died in 1804, mar-
ried Prudence Mills ; Elizabeth, born in 1737, died
in 1816, married Thomas Dyer; Hannah, born in
1740, died in 1821, married Benjamin Mills; Will-
iam, born in 1742, died in 1773, married Hepzibah
Merrill ; Theophilus is mentioned below ; Mary,
born in 1746, died in 1830, married Daniel Morgan,
Deacon Theophilus Humphrey, our subject's
grandfather, was born in 1744, and died in 1826.
The greater portion of his life was spent in farm-
ing in West Simsbury, but for a few years previous
to 1782 he resided in Simsbury. His first wife.
Hepzibah Cornish, was born in 1742, daughter of
Elisha Cornish, and died in 1800. His second wife,
Diana Averit, was born in 1752, and died in 1843.
He had the following children, all by the first
union: James, born in 1765, died in 1830, married
(first) Keturah Case and (second) Dradama Gar-
rett; Hepzibah, born in 1767, married Jesse Bar-
bour; Alvin, born in 1769, died in 1847, was (first)
married to Alviha Case, and (second) to Mary
Hayes; the next child died in infancy; Amelia,
born in 1774, died in 1808, married Jonathan Bar-
bour; Theophilus, born in 1776, died in 1851, mar-
ried (first) Cynthia Hayden, and afterward Miss
Cornish ; Loin is mentioned below ; Phinny, born in
1780, died in 1852, married Rhoda Higley, daugh-
ter of Seth Higley; Thalia, who was born in 17S2,
married Thomas Engden; Dudley, born in 1784,
died in 1826, married Elizabeth Humphrey ; and
Kezalia, born in 1786, died in 1818, married Stephen
Atwater.
Hon. Loin Humphrey, father of Warren C.
Humphrey, our subject, was born Dec. 31, 1777,
in West Simsbury, now Canton. With only a
limited education he was successful in life, his ca-
reer showing what industry, enterprise, large-
heartedness and a naturally keen intellect could
accomplish in his environment. For two terms he
served as a representative in the State Legislature,
and he held the office of justice of the peace of
Canton for twenty years, having first been appointed
in 1831. At various times he served as selectman
and in other local offices^ but notwithstanding his
public duties he was one of the most practical
farmers in his district. His death occurred at his
home in Canton, Nov. 16, 1854. On Oct. 18, 1798,
he married, in West Simsbury, Miss Rhoda Case,
who was born April 14, 1780, and died Oct.- 21,
1847. She was a daughter of Hosea Case, Jr., and
granddaughter of Deacon Hosea Case. Her mother,
whose maiden name was Rhoda Case, was a daugh-
ter of Amos Case. Loin and Rhoda Humphrey
had the following children : Loin Harmon, born
July 13, 1799, married Sophia Chidsey; Austin
Nelson, born May 10, 1801, died April 20, 1884,
married Amelia Higley ; Eunice Delight, born April
2, 1803, died Sept. 21, 1875, married, on Aug. 7,
1821, Pomeroy Higley; Hosea Sherman was born
Dec. 21, 1805, and died Feb. 16, 1809; Hosea Day-
ton, born Aug. 31, 1809, died Sept. 18, 1845, married
Caroline Starr; Warren Canfield, our subject, is
mentioned below; Rhoda Florinda, born Oct. 18,
1814, married, on Aug. 17, 1837, Ben Ristinc, a
resident of Crawfordsville, Ind. ; Sarah Eleanor
was born Feb. 25, 1819, and died April 15, 1831 ;
Susan Maria, born April 6, 1820, married, on Sept.
2, 1841, Hon. Oliver C. Adams, son of Gen. Ezra
Adams; a child, born March 18, 1824, died March
19, 1824; Eliza Lavinia, born Aug. 26, 1825, died
Oct. 21, 1840.
Our subject was born in Canton May 30, 181 1,
and was in the prime of his manhood during the
anti-slavery struggle, with which he identified him-
self until its close. He was a man of practical ed'
ucation, received in the public schools, and his talent
and strong character made him a natural leader.
He was one of the first three to vote the anti-
slavery ticket in Canton Center, and was one of the
youngest members of the first anti-slaverv conven-
tion, held in Hartford in 1835-36, when the audience
was driven from the city hall and compelled to
seek private quarters in order to listen to the ad-
dress of Mr. Lovejoy, whose brother, E- P- Love-
936
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
joy, had been murdered in Alton, 111., but a short
time before. Just before the organization of the
Republican party the Free-Soil party nominated
their last candidate for United States senator from
the Third District of Connecticut, and Mr. Hvuu-
phrey was their choice. Though he failed of clec-
tiort to that position he served the Rcpulilican party
afterward in many local offices, including that of
justice of the peace, and in 1859 ^"d 1872 he repre-
sented Canton in the State Legislature. Socially
he was much esteemed in his community, and as a
music teacher and public singer he achieved notable
success. He was a member of the Congregational
choir for sixty years, dating from the time he was
eighteen years old, and he was a member of the
Church for fifty years, and a deacon for twenty-
five years. On Sept. 4, 1835, Mr. Humphrey mar-
ried Mary A. Adams, daughter of Gen. Ezra
Adams. She died March 21, 1843, and on April
3, 1844, he married Mrs. Eliza Ann Moses, who
died April 3, 1S73. On Oct. 22, 1874, he formed
a third union, this time with Mrs. Henrietta R.
Cidwell, who is mentioned below. Mr. Humphrey
died Feb. 6, 1896. He left no children.
Mrs. Henrietta R. Humphrey, the widow of our
subject, is a descendant of one of the oldest fam-
ilies of Massachusetts. Her father, Hiram Pike,
was born in New Marlboro, Mass, May 25, 1799,
and was reared a farmer. He married Olive Rood,
who was born in Canaan, Conn., Sept. 25, 1797,
daughter of John Rood, and soon afterward set-
tled" in Canton, where he spent the rest of his life
in agricultural pursuits. He died Nov. 13, 1838,
his wife on July 21, 1887, and their remains were
interred in the cemetery at New Hartford. They
had the following children: Julia A., born June
20, 1826, married, on Jan. 25, 1849, William Wil-
cox; Henrietta R. is the wife of our subject;
Celestia, born June 17, 1829, married William Wil-
cox; Olive, born Aug. 9, 1830, married Nelson
Humphrey; IMark H., born Feb. 4, 1832, died in
1892 ; ]\Iary E., bom July 5, 1833, married Ed-
mund Chapin; John R., born Nov. 26, 1836, is now
a farmer of Canton ; Aretus, born March 2, 1837,
died Aug. 30, 1837; and Catharine, born Feb. 11,
1839, married William Case, of New Hartford.
Mrs. Humphrey was born in New Marlboro, Mass.,
June 27, 1827, and now resides at Canton, where
she has spent much of her life. She is a good
Christian woman, and possessed of much business
ability. Her first husband was Albert Frederick
Bidwell, and by him she had five children, three of
whom are now living: Frederick A., George E.
and Thomas Scott.
GEORGE WILCOX, trustee, elder and busi-
ness manager of the Church Family of Shakers,
Shaker Station, in the town of Enfield, was born
in Foster, Providence Co., R. I., JNIarch 14, 1819,
a son of David and Betsey (Fry) Wilcox, natives
of the same town and county, who, with a family
of five sons and one daughter, joined the Shaker
Community of Enfield in 1827. Both parents lived
and died v/ith the Shakers, the father passing away
April 5, 1836, and the mother in August, 1877.
Their children were:- Richard, John, George, Dan-
iel, Phebe and Ezra. Of these, Richard was killed
by accident in 1884; Daniel drifted away, married
and reared a family, and died in Quincy, 111., at
the age of fifty-six; Ezra died April 6, 1836, at the
age of eleven ; and John died Feb. 4, 1900, aged
eighty-three. George and Phebe still survive and
are members of the Church Family of Shakers,
Enfield.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century
there was an active revival of religion through the
various churches in this region. In due time they
heard of a small band of people located near Al-
bany, N. Y., who had migrated from England in
the year 1774, and were preaching and practicing
a true Christian life, after the pattern of the
Apostolic Ciuuxh shortly after the crucifixion of
Jesus, embracing the principles of peace, virgin
purity and comnumity of goods. Finally some of
the subjects of the revival visited those strange
people, and ultimatelv became convinced and con-
verted to their doctrine, and after awhile some of
those people visited Enfield and planted their testi-
mony in the hearts and souls of a few families,
principal among them being the Meachams, Tif-
fanys, Billings, Slate Allen and others with their
families, who grew up and established these com-
munity families, living together as brothers and sis-
ters. They have contmued thus, with various ac-
cessions, for something over one hundred years.
George Wilcox, our subject, has been identified
with the Church Family of Shakers since the age of
eighteen years, one year after the death of his father.
He has been an elder since 1844, first as assistant
to Elder Asa Tifi'any, whom he succeeded upon the
retirement of the latter in 185 1, and this important
position he has since successfully continued to fill,
having supervision of over one thousand acres of
land belonging to the Church Family. The North,
South and Church Families have in all about three
thousand acres in one body.
The Shakers are engaged principally in agri-
cultural pursuits, but also own and operate a ma-
chine shop, a sawmill and a gristmill. They deal
to some extent in stock, and grow their own dairy
stock. They sell from eighty to one hundred and
twenty-five tons of hay annually. The work is
done principally by the members of the commun-
ity, though in the busy season outside help is some-
times employed. The women do fancy work, which
is disposed of to visitors.
At tne age of eighty-one Elder Wilcox is hale
and heartier than most men of sixty, and bids fair
to reach the century mark. He is a genial and
courteous gentleman, and has served in the ca-
pacity of trustee for thirty years, and as chairman
of the board of trustees for the. three families in
Enfield during the latter part of that time.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
937
ELAM S. KILBY, for many years a prominent
business man of Kensington, is a native of Weth-
■ersfield, Hartford county, born March 14, 1848. His
grandfather, who died while he was very young,
was a farmer, and his father, Franklin Kilby, was
a blacksmith.
Franklin Kilby was born in 1818 in Wethers-
field, and died July 4, 1870. Both his name and
trade harmonize with the sturdy integrity of his
character. In 1840 he was married to Harriet
Slater, of New Britain, who passed away when
young Elam was a child of six years, and was laid
to rest in her native town. During her fourteen
years of married life she bore her husband three
children: Benjamin Franklin, Hattie and Elam
S. The eldest son received serious injury while a
child, but lived until 1893, in which 3'ear he died,
unmarried, at the age of forty-nine. Hattie mar-
ried Abraham Howell, a tea merchant of New
Britain. After the death of his first wife Franklin
■ Kilby married Mary Ann O'Rouke, of Wethers-
I field, and of this union four children were born,
two daughters and two sons. The eldest child,
Lena, married Edward Carter, of Los Angeles, Cal. ;
James E., the first-born son, is serving in the
United States army at Wingate, N. M. ; Frederick,
the second son, also located in the regular army
in 1882, but since that year his family has heard
nothing of his whereabouts ; Isabella, the youngest
child of the second marriage, is now the wife of
Elmer Ripple, of Berlin, who is in the employ of
the Russell & Erwin Co., of New Berlin. Mr.
Kilby's second wife survives him, making her home
with her daughter, Mrs. Ripple. At the outbreak
of the Civil war FrankHn Kilby, despite his forty-
three years, felt his pulse throb and his heart beat
•quicker when Beauregard fired the first Rebel gun
aimed at Sumter. He promptly enlisted in the
Conn. V. I., his regiment being the first three-year
one to go to the front from the State.
Such early education as Elam S. Kilby received
was obtained at the Wethersfield common schools,
but necessity compelled him to go to work at an
early age, his first practical experience being as a
farm hand. He worked some seven months for
Deacon Stanley Griswold, of Wethersfield, and
about the same length of time for Deacon Stillwell,
earning six dollars a month. His next employers
were Franklin Griswold and Deacon Chauncey
Welles, for each of whom he worked one summer.
He then removed from Wethersfield to Kensington,
where he secured work as a polisher in the shops
of the Hart, Bliven & Meade Co. After a year
he entered the "square" department of the same fac-
tory, where he was employed for eighteen months.
At the expiration of that period (in 1871) he opened
the "Kilby House," near the Berlin station of the
N. Y. & N. H. railroad. In mentioning this, his
first business venture on his own account, attention
should be directed to the fact that on coming to
Kensington Mr. Kilby's entire cash capital con-
sisted of three dollars, and the fact that within two
and a half years he was able to undertake an en-
terprise of this sort speaks volumes for his industry,
sobriety and economy. For twenty-one years he
remained in charge of the original "Kilby House,"
which he conducted with such skill and attention
to business that in 1892 he erected a new "Kilby
House," on the line of the New Britain and Berlin
trolly road. He continued to manage this estab-
lishment until 1897, when he leased the hotel to
John Carey. Since then he has devoted himself to
the conduct of his livery stable, which is one of
the best equipped of its size in the county. Through
business sagacity, perseverance and integrity he has
accumulated a comfortable competence. In 1896
he erected a handsome modern residence adjoin-
ing his new hotel. In addition to his hotel property
and residence he owns eight dwellings in Kensing-
ton, besides several business buildings, known as
Kilby's Corners, which he put up in the immediate
vicinity of the "Kilby House," as well as the post-
office building, the storerooms occupied by Nelson
Taylor and by the West Market, the adjacent bar-
ber shop and the building nearest the Berlin depot.
He is also a property owner in New Britain, among
his other holdings there being the Fielding block
on Main street, adjoining Dennis Riordan's dry-
goods store.
On Aug. 31, 1869, Mr. Kilby was married to
Miss Annie M. Cushman, who was born in East
Hartford April 5, 1853, and they have one child,
a son named Louis Elam. The latter was edu-
cated at the Kensington common schools and the
New Britain high school, and after graduating
from the last named institution took a commercial
course at Hannum's Business College in Hartford.
For two years he was engaged in the grocery busi-
ness in Kensington with William Taylor under the
firm name of Kilby & Taylor, and is at present
connected with the W. L. Davis Brick Co. ; he also
has charge of his father's business in New Britain.
He has been a grand juror since he was twenty-two
years of age, and in 1898, greatly against his wish,
was nominated by the Democratic party for the
office of representative, but was defeated.
Mr. Kilby is thoroughly independent in poli-
tics, his motto being "men rather than party." For
himself, he has never sought office, finding that the
successful conduct of his own extensive business
affairs called for all his time, thought and energy.
He is a member of the Sons of Veterans and of
Meriden Lodge, No. 35, B. P. O. E. He is one
of the best-known men of either Kensington, Berlin
or New Britain, in all of which places his frank,
genial nature, no less than his high moral char-
acter, has made for him many friends.
Mrs. Elam S. Kilby, whose maiden name, as
has been said, was Annie M. Cushman, is descended
from original Puritan stock, some of the best blood
of the early Pilgrims of New England coursing
through her veins. She is of the eighth genera-
tion in direct line from Rev. Robert Cushman, who
was born in England before the year 1600. He
938
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was one of the passengers on the ''Speedwell,"
the sister ship of the "^^layflower," which sprang
a leak and was obliged to return to port, while the
"Mayflower" proceeded on her voyage. In 1621,
however, Robert Cushnian crossed the water, land-
ing at Plymouth, where he preached the first ser-
mon ever heard in New England. He remained at
Plymouth for a few months, when he was sent to
England as an agent for the Colony, and while pre-
paring to return to America he died. His son,
Thomas, who was a boy of fourteen years when he
accompanied his father to the New World, became
a ruling elder in the church, dying in that part uf
I'lymouth which afterwaril became a portion of
Kingston. He was the father of a family of sons,
one of whom, Isaac, was the first minister settled
at Plympton. He also had a numerous progeny,
one of his sons, Nathaniel, being the great-great-
grandfather of Mrs. Kilby. Nathaniel settled at
Lebanon and his eldest son, also named Isaac, re-
moved to Stafford, Conn., where he died in 1813,
aged seventy-seven years. Tins Isaac (2), Mrs.
Kilby's great-grandfather, had three sons, David,
Solomon and Jonas. Solomon was born Oct. 13,
1778, and was the father of ten children, the young-
est of whom, Ambrose, was the father of Annie
]\I. (now Mrs. Elam S. Kilby). He was born in
West Stafford Feb. 18, 1813, and after' leaving
school worked upon his father's farm. In Feb-
ruary, 1837, he married Abigail L. Stowe, the
daughter of a farmer of Mooers, N. Y. Six chil-
dren were born to them, whose names and dates of
birth are as follows: Lucinda. Oct. 31, 1839;
Candice, in 1841 : Jefferson, Feb. 18, 1846; Erskine,
Aug. 25, 1848: Annie M., April 5, 1853; and
Arthur J., April 5, 1855.
HON. EDWIN MORGAN RIPLEY, .M. D.,
of Unionville, has won for himself an eminent po-
sition in the medical world- He is a man of deep
research and careful investigation, and his skill
and ability have won him a large and lucrative
practice. Prominence in his profession comes
through merit alone, and the high position which
he occupies attests his superiority.
The Ripley family is of English origin, and their
coat of arms is thus described : Per chev. dove-
tailed, and vert., tnree lions ramp., countercharged.
Crest, a demi-lion, ramp-reguard, vert., collared or
holding between the paws an escutcheon per chev.
or. The first to come to the New World was Will-
iam Ripley, who with his wife, two sons and two
daughters, left Hingham, England, in 1638, and
located in Hingham, Mass. For his second wife
he married Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Thaxter,
on Sept. 29, 1654. He died July 20, 1656. His
children were John, who died Feb. 2, 1684 ; Abra-
ham; Sarah, who was married, Oct. 18, 1653, to
Jeremiah Beale; and another daughter.
(II) John Ripley, of this family, had land
granted him at Hingham, Mass. He married Eliz-
abeth Hobart, daughter of Rev. Peter Hobart, the
first pastor of the church at Hingham. They had
seven children; John, born Jan. 20, 1655, died
Sept. 7, 1720; Joshua, born May 9, 1658, died May
18, 1739; Jeremiah, born in September, 1662; Jo-
siah, born May 12, 1667; Peter, born Oct. 21, 1668,
died April 22, 1742; Rebecca, born Jan. 18, 1670,
died Oct. i, 1670; and Hezekiah, born Dec. 15,
1672.
(III) Joshua Ripley was married, Nov. 28,
1682, to Hannah, daughter of William Bradford,
Jr., deputy governor of the Plymouth Colony, and
granddaughter of Gov. William Bradford, who
came to this country in the "Mayflower" in 1620.
She was born May 9, 1662, and died May 28, 1738.
From Hingham, Mass., Joshua Ripley and wife
moved to Norwich, Conn., Oct. 10, 16S8, and to
Windham March 23, 1691. He was the first town
clerk and treasurer of the latter place, and also
served as justice of the peace. Flis children were
Alice, who was born Sept, 17, 1683, and married
Samuel Edgerton, of Norwich, Conn. ; Hannah, who
was born March 2, 1685, and married Samuel
Webb, of Wmdham ; Faith, who was born Sept.
20, 1686, and married Samuel Bingham ; Joshua,
born May 13, 1688; Margaret, born Nov. 4, 1699;
Rachel and Leah (twins), born April 17, 1693;
Hezekiah, born June 10, 1695, died Feb. 7, 1779;
David, born May 20, 1697, died Feb. 16, 1781 ;
Irene, born Aug. 28, 1700, married Samuel Man-
ning; and Jerusha anu Ann (twins), born Nov. i,
1704, the former of whom married Edward Brown,
the latter wedding Dr. Wheat.
(IV) Joshua Ripley, born May 13, 1688, died
Nov. 18, 1773. On Dec. 3, 1712, he wedded Mary
Backus, of Windham, Conn., by whom he had nine
children: IMary, born Nov. 18, 1714, married
Joshua Abbe, and died in October, 1769; Phineas,
born Nov. 21, 1716, died Aug. 4, 1746; Hannah,
born June 12, 1719, died Nov. 18, 1773; Nathaniel
was born June 30, 1721 ; Elizabeth, born Nov. 4,
1724, married John Ald^n ; Joshua was born Oct.
30, 1726; Ebenezer, born June 22, 1729, died June
11, 1811; William was born Feb. 12, 1734; and
John, born March 31, 1738, died Jan. 27, 1823.
(V) John Ripley, born March 31, 1738, died
Jan. 27, 1823. He was rnarried, June 7, 1769, to
Abigail Marsh, of Hartford, and had eleven chil-
dren: Henrietta, born March 13, 1770, died Oct.
23, 1795; Elisha Payne, born Dec. 12, 1771, died
May 26, 1773; Abigail, born Sept. 28, 1773, died
Nov. 24, 1777; Polly, born Nov. 3, 1775, died Nov.
22, 1779; Hannah, born Oct. 7, 1777, died Oct.
10, 1777; Lucy, born Sept. 12, 1778, died Jan. 23,
1853 ; John Bradford, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was next in the order of birth; William Brad-
ford, born July 14, 1784, died Sept. 15, 1785 ; Jabez,
born May 24, 1786, died in 1822 ; Oliver, born Nov.
12, 1788, died April 19, i860; and Julia, born May
x6, 1792, married Henry Terry, of Enfield, Conn.,
April 29, 18 ID.
(VI) John Bradford Ripley was born July 6,
1780, and died May 14, 1852. He made his home
in Hartford for many years, and served as sheriff
f^X^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
989
of the county, but about 1812 he moved to Bland-
ford, ^lass., where he engaged in farming until his
death. He married Elizabeth Barnard, of Hartford,
and to them were born twelve children : Hen-
rietta, born Sept. 11, 1803, married Edwin Bar-
nard, of Waterville, Wis. ; Mary Bradford, born
;\Iarch 21, 1805, married Horace Newberry, of
South Windsor, Conn. ; Abigail Marsh, born Jan.
30, 1S07, married H. B. Harris, of Blandford,
Mass.; John Darrow, born Jan. 15, 1809, died
March 4, 1886; Oliver, born Oct. 19, 1810, died
March 23, 1892; Frederick A., born Aug. 8, 1812,
died July 21, 1891 ; William Johnson, father of our
subject, is next in the order of birth ; Henry ]May,
born ]\lay 4, 1816, died Nov. 17, 1840; Elizabeth
Lane, born May 2, 1818, married David Bates, of
Blandford, I\Iass. ; Lucy, born Nov. 8, 1820, married
Dr. P. AL Hackley, of Berlin, W is. ; James Dyer,
born Oct. 13, 1822, lives in Granville, jNIass. ; and
Edwin Barnard, born Nov. 27, 1823, lives in South
Windsor, Connecticut.
(Vn) Rev. William J. Ripley, an Advent min-
ister, was born in Blandford, Mass., Aug. 30, 1814,
and died Jan. 15, 1884. He first married Weltha
Noble, who died April 17, 1842. Later he mar-
ried Eveline Jones, a daughter of Orville Jones,
and to them were born two children : Edwin M.,
our subject; and Orville H., born May 24, 1864.
The mother died Sept. 22, 1899. ,
(Vni) Dr. Edwin M. Ripley, whose name in-
troduces this sketch, was born at Pleasant Valley,
in the town of Barkhamsted, Litchfield Co., Conn.,
July 31, 1847, and was educated for his profession
at the New York Eclectic Aledicax College, from
which he was graduated Feb. 11, 1871. Immedi-
ately afterward he formed a partnership with Dr.
Albert Fox, of Pawling, N. Y., with whom he en-
gaged in practice for a year, when ill health com-
pelled him to return home. A year later he went
to South Dover, N. Y., where he practiced his pro-
fession for nearly four years with great success,
and in 1876 came to L^nionville, Conn., opening
an office in Merriam's block. In his many years'
practice in this place he has met with gratifying
success, and is widel)^ known as a learned physi-
cian and agreeable gentleman. Dr. Ripley has
been president of the Connecticut Eclectic Medical
Association for three years : has been a member of
the National Association since 1879, and was sec-
retan- of Section A, World's Fair Medical Con-
gress, held in Chicago in 1893. He is local medi-
cal examiner for the .^tna Life, Travelers, the
IMasonic Life Association of Trenton, N. J., Hart-
ford Life, New York Life and National Life In-
surance Companies, and the Ancient Order of
L'nited Workmen. He is not a believer in the germ
theory of disease, and is an active enemy of com-
pulsory vaccination, concerning which he has writ-
ten some interesting papers.
Dr. Ripley is quite prominent in Masonic cir-
cles; has been master of Evening Star Lodge, No.
loi, F. & A. il. ; in 1893 was elected grand patron
of the Order of the Eastern Star, and is now patron
of Adah Chapter, No. 30, O. E. S. He has also been
receiver of Centennial Lodge, No. 41, A. O. U.
W., for the past eight years. Since making his
home in Unionville Dr. Ripley has also been prom-
inent in political affairs, having been elected rep-
resentative in 1889, the only Republican in the
town elected to office that year. In 1892 he was
nominated for governor by the Peoples party, and
in 1896 was the Democratic nominee for comptroller
of the State.
On Feb. 10, 1870, the Doctor married Miss
Helen E. Elton, daughter of the late Romeo Elton,
of Burlington, Conn., and they have two sons :
Edwin Elton and Herbert Jones. The latter is
a member of the firm of Woodford & Ripley,
brokers, N0.7, Central Row, Hartford. Herbert
J. Ripley enlisted in Company K, First Conn. \^ols.,
for service in the Spanish-American war, and
served until the regiment was discharged.
CHARLES ROBERT HAAVLEY, a member
of the well-known firm of Sanford & Hawley,
lumber and hardware dealers of Unionville, is one
of the most enterprising and energetic business men
of that place. He has done much to promote its
commercial activity, advance the general welfare
and secure the material development of the town
and is tlierefore numbered among its most valued
citizens.
A native of Hartford county, Mr. Hawley was
born in the town of Avon July 31, 1859. His grand-
father, Zera Hawley, M. D., was also a native of
that town, was a graduate of Yale College, and was
the first dentist in New Haven, but his last days
were passed in Avon. He married Miss Harriet
Sherman, of New Haven, and to them were born
three children : Edward ; Harriet, wife of George
Woodruff; and Robert, father of otir subject, all of
whom are now deceased.
Robert Hawley was born, reared and educated
in New Haven, and throughout his active business
life engaged in farming. In Avon he was united
in marriage with Miss Maria Hamlin, a native of
Litchfield, Conn., and to them were born six chil-
dren : Margarette. a resident of Guilford, Conn. ;
Marion, wife of Frank Sanford, of Unionville;
Clarence, a merchant of Guilford ; Harriet, also a
resident of Guilford: Charles Robert, our subject;
and Ellsworth, of Guilford, who married Maria
Clark and has three children, Ellsworth, Sherman
and Robert. During the Civil war the father ert-
listed in Company A, i6th Conn. Y. I., and after
three months of active service was killed in the
battle of Antietam. The family then removed to
Guilford, where all now reside with the exception
of our subject and Mrs. Sanford.
Charles R. Hawley is indebted to the schools of
Guilford for his educational advantages, and there
he continued to make his home until 1884, being
employed for a time as bookkeeper by D. N. Ben-
ton, a general merchant, and by the Sachem's Head
940
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Canning Co. In 1884 he went to Seattle, Wash.,
where he was hookkeeper for the Puget Sound
Iron Co., and thence returned to Connecticut. He
has since resided in Unionville. and has carried on
business as a member of the firm of Sanford &
Hawley with marked success.
In Guilford, Conn., Mr. Hawley married Ali^s
Harriet E. Fowler, a native of that place, and they
have two children: .Marguerite and Clarence
Kent. He was made a Freemason in St. .Albans
Lodge, No. 38, F. & A. M., at Guilford, but now
belongs to Evening Star Lodge, No. loi, F. &
A. M. He and his wife are members of the Con-
gregational Church at Unionville. Mr. Hawley
is liighl)- respected and esteemed b\- all who know
him.
NATHANIEL W. FRENCH. Perhaps the
highest tvpe cf character is displayed by the ju-
dicial miiid. He who can carefully weigh evidence
and dispense justice evenly, especially among his
friends and neighbors, must ]X)ssess that clear in-
sight into the groundwork of human right which
sooner or later appeals strongly to the people, and
to maintain the judicial office continuously through
a period of thirty or more years is the best evi-
dence of worth and integrity. In the town of Glas-
tonbury "Squire" French, as he is popularly called,
is one of the best known citizens, representative of
its best and most typical interests.
Mr. French was born in Coventry, Conn.. June
3, 1823, a son of Eleazor and Fannie (Wood-
ward) French, and the descendant of an old New
England family. Aaron French, his grandfather,
migrated more than a century ago from western
J\lassachusetts with his brother. John, and settled
in Coventry, Tolland county. He married Abigail
Brown, and to them were born nine children: (i)
Stephen, who left home when young and was never
heard from; (2) Eleazer, father of our subject;
(3) John, who was one of the first post mail riders
in Connecticut (carried the mail horseback), and
who later migrated with his family to Orleans coun-
ty, N. Y., where he farmed: (4) Jonathan, who
also migrated to Orleans county, N. Y. ; (5) Selah,-
who became a farmer of ]\Ieredith, N. Y. ; (6)
Irene, who married Nathan Dexter, and lived in
Coventry; (7) Oliver, who when a boy ran away
and enlisted in the army during the war of 1812,
imder the name of John Rose (too young to carry
a musket, he served as a teamster, and participated
in the battle of French Mills: he married Jane
Doane and was a farmer at Coventry until his
death) ; (8) Nabby, who died unmarried in Cov-
entry; (9) Aaron, who was a stage driver (he
married Avis Dart, lived in Avon, Conn., and died
there of smallpox).
Eleazer French, the father of our subject, was
bcrn in Coventry Feb. 20, 1783. He received a fair
schooling for his time, and in his youth acquired the
shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a time,
and, as was then customary, bousrht leather and
went from house to house in the fall of the year,
remaining at each house until all the needed cob-
bling was completed. Fie made a pair of top-boots
for Col. Porter, who commanded the regiment that
went to the defense of New London. Later he en-
gaged in farming in North Parish, Coventry, where
he remained until his death. He was a man of
more than ordinary intelligence, and lived to the
ripe old age of eighty-three years, passing away
Aug. 12, 1866, and was buried in Coventry. He
married, April 30, 1807, the acquaintance of his
boyhood. Miss Fannie Woodward, who was born
April 13, 1792, daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza-
beth (Ellsworth) Woodward. She died Oct. 15,
1869, and was buried beside her husband in Cov-
entry. The family of Eleazer and Fannie French
consisted of eight children : ( i ) Eleazer W., born
in 1807, was a cooper in early life, and for some
years a resident of Illinois. He married Amanda '
lirundage, and in later life farmed in Coventry,
where he dietl. (2) Mary E., born in 1809, mar-
ried Charles Lee, a blacksmith of Vernon, whence j
they removed to the old homestead in Coventry, 1
ancl there died. (3) Oliver B., born in 181 1, mar-
ried Jane K. F'rench, and was a farmer in Geneseo,
Henry Co., 111., where he died, leaving a daugh-
ter, a grandson and a great-grandson. (4) Annie '
E., born in 1818, married Henry Goodwin, a farmer
of Covcntrv. (5) John B., born in 1821, married
Jane Porter. Fle was a blacksmith, and lived and 1
died in Coventry. (6) Nathaniel W., our subject, 1
was the sixth child. (7) Daniel A., born in 1826, '
married Dorcas Bissell, followed blacksmithing ]
many years, and now lives retired in Coventry.
(8) Abbie S., born in 1833, is the widow of Ro-
land Clark, a farmer of Mansfield. :
Nathaniel W. French, our subject, when a child
of six years went to live with his uncle, Nathaniel
Woodward, who was a bachelor and resided at
Coventry. He received a good common-school ed-
ucation, and at the age of seventeen years began
teaching school. Eager for a higher education, at
the age of twenty-one he was a student for three
terms at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass.
Proceeding to Hartford, he there took a boat for
Springfield, and thence proceeded to East Hamp-
ton, where he remained nine months, being a school-
mate during that time of Judge Calhoun. His
funds exhausted, he returned to the home of his
uncle, remaining there until the latter's death, in
1843. Inheriting a portion of the latter's farm, our
subject went to New York, where for two years he
was employed as bookkeeper by Samuel Smith in
the Knickerbocker brewery. He then returned to
Coventry and taught school during the winter
months, farming in summer. In all he taught six-
teen winters. During the winter of 1848-49 he
taught at Hillsdale, Mich., then the terminus of
the Michigan Southern railroad, holding school in
an old dry-goods store, fitted up with slab seats, his
pupils numbering 103, ranging in age from three
to twenty-one years.
Returning to Coventry in the spring of 1849,
^
.^
«\
N^
^^
^
c:^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
941
our subject married, May 5, 1850, Miss Catherine
P. Brown, who was born July 22, 1824, daughter
of Zolvah and Mary (White) Brown, her mother
being a descendant of Elder John White, a wealthy
and prominent citizen of Middletown. To our
subject and wife were born two children, N.
Dwight and Charles B., both now deceased. N.
Dwight was born Dec. 29, 1853. He conducted a
grocery and meat market at SufiSeld and Windsor
avenues, Hartford, until failing health compelled
him to give up business. He died March 20, 1883,
and was buried in Glastonbury, the remains later
being removed to Cedar Hill cemetery. He mar-
ried Ada G. .Tylor, and their one child, Anna E.,
is now also deceased. Charles B., the second son,
was born Dec. 7, 1858. He died unmarried Oct.
3, 1885, and was buried in Glastonbury. Mrs.
French is a memoer of the Congregational Church.
In 1853 our subject removed from Coventry to
Glastonbury, and for thirty years he was employed
by the Curtis Manufacturing Co. in Naubuc. He
purchased a farm near the river, and in 1867 bought
his present place from Frederick Sellew, and has
since engaged in farming in connection with his
other duties. In 1875 he built for his son a resi-
dence immediately south of his own home. In pol-
itics our subject was in earlier life a Henry Clay
Whig, giving him his first vote in 1844. Upon the
organization of the Republican party, in 1856, Mr.
French gave it his support, and has since been &
loyal advocate of its principles. About 1859 he
was elected justice of the peace, and he held that
office until age exempted him from service. After
the death of 'Squire Wells he was for many years
the only trial justice in town, and for a time held
covirt nearly every day. He was a member of the
board of relief, and in 1880 was elected from his
town to the State Legislature, serving in the House
as clerk of the committee on Forfeited Rights.
'Squire French is now a notary public, and is fre-
quently called upon to draw deeds and other legal
documents. He has perhaps written more wills
than any other man in Glastonbury.
'Squire French is a citizen of the highest in-
tegrity, and his advice and counsel are frequently
sought, not only by his friends and acquaintances
in Glastonbury, 1 ut by the residents far and wide
in the surrounding country. He is widely known,
and wherever known most highly respected, his
sterling character, keen business judgment arid pub-
lic spirit commending him warmly to all right-think-
ing people.
LEWIS BISSELL (deceased), late of the town
of East Hartford, was of the eighth generation of
his name to live in the State of Connecticut, the
line of descent being as follows :
(I) John Bissell, born in 1591 or 1592 in the
County of Somerset, England, came to Plymouth,
Mass., in 1628. Previous to 1640 he removed to
Windsor, this county, and in 1648 or 1649 he was
granted by the Colony of Connecticut the sole
right to run a ferry across the Connecticut river
near Hayden's Station. This old ferry is still
operated, but has been moved further down the
stream. He died in Windsor in 1677. (II) Sam-
uel, born in England, died in Windsor. (Ill)
John, born in Windsor in 1659, died in 1684. (IV)
Capt. John, born in Windsor in 1682, died in Bol-
ton, Conn., March 8, 1771. (V) Capt. Ozias,
born in Bolton May 13, 1732, died in Vernon,
Conn., March 16, 1828. (VI) Ozias, born in
Bolton in 1779, died in Andover, Ohio, in 1853.
(VII) Lewis G., born Aug. 15, 1801, in Man-
chester, Conn., died in South Windsor Nov. 24,
1892. (VIII) Lewis is our subject.
The dates of birth and death having been given
of the heads of the eight generations, with the
exception of the present, which will be mentioned
further on, it is necessary to mention only the
principal events which marked the life of each fam-
ily head from the fourth generation in the State
up to the present time, to give a fair idea of the
importance of the family.
Capt. John Bissell (fourth generation, 1682)
joined the legal fraternity of Hartford in 1714
and was appointed King's Attorney for Hartford
county in 1727. He was early at Bolton, where he
was a selectman in 1721 and 1722, had land set out
to him in the first apportionment of town lands in
1722, and in October of that year was elected and
confirmed lieutenant of the company or train-band
of Bolton, was later promoted to the captaincy,
and in May, 1739, was appointed a justice of the
peace, after which he was more frequently desig-
nated as "Squire." He also represented the town
in the Assembly, and was in many ways a prominent
man. On Feb. 22, 1711, Capt. Bissell married Han-
nah Denslow, to which union were born four chil-
dren : John, Elisha, Ozias and Sarah.
Capt. Ozias Bissell (fifth generation, 1732) lived
and died in that part of Bolton now known as
Vernon. He served nine years in the French war,
was at the battle of Lake George in 175S, was
taken prisoner at Havana in 1762 and was held
nearly eight months. He served as a private in the
Second Company, First Regiment, raised for the
subjection of Crown Point in April, 1775, and was
in service twenty-eight weeks (the Point surrender-
ing in May). He raised one of the first companies
of the Revolutionary war by the Colonies against
Great Britain, and was appointed first lieutenant
of the Second Company, Fourth Regiment (his
commission dated April, 1775), marched to Boston,
took part in the siege of that city and was then
promoted to captain. He was at the battle of Long
Island in August, 1776, and was taken prisoner
March 12, 1778; after his release he was com-
missioned captain of the First Battalion, Connecti-
cut Line, served nine months, and June 2, 1779,
was appointed to captain of a foot company in
Col. Wells' regiment, and with the latter was cap-
tured near Horseneck, Conn., Dec. 10, 1780, and
942
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
held till June, 1781. He had served five years and
eight months in the war of the Revolution, was in
three general actions and seven skirmishes, was
thrice wounded, once severely, was twice taken pris-
oner and held in all about two years. He was
well acquainted with Ethan Allen, and he, his sons
and grandsons saw about 125 years in the military
service of the Colonies and the States.
The first wife of Capt. Ozias Bissell was ]Mabel
Roberts, and his second wife was Sarah Hoffman.
His children, in order of birth, were: David, a
farmer, who fell from a load of hay and broke his
neck; Tyler; Benjamin, a hotelkeeper in Chicago,
who with his son was burned to death in a railroad
accident in the West : Orville, for twenty years a
policeman in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Ozias, of whom
further mention will be made : Caroline, who was
married to Capt. Peter Buckland, the latter drowned
in the Hockanum river at Oakland in 1829; Fanny,
married to Ralph Owen, of Belchcrtown, Mass. ;
Lucretia, married to a -Mr. Rice. The Captain was
small of stature, but his children were all large.
He was very wiry and active, and at an advanced
age his pranks on the dancing floor were remark-
abie. At a very advanced age, also, he with his
son, Ozias, made the trip on foot from Ohio to
Connecticut, a distance of 600 miles, within twelve
days. His death took place March 16, 1828.
Ozias Bissell (sixth generation, 1779), born in
Bolton, worked when a young man as a farm hand.
At Manchester he met and married Sarah Bidwell,
eldest daughter of Hon. Zebulon Bidwell, a native
of Tolland county. Conn. Mr. Bidwell was a Rev-
olutionary soldier, was very wealthy and prominent
and was a member of the United States Congress.
Ozias Bissell began life a poor young man, but
he had the nerve and intelligence that characterized
his ancestors. He began by clearing off new land,
buying woodland with his savings ; from this he
chopped oft' the trees, converted them into cord-
wood, hauled it to Hartford and sold it, and lived
in ^Manchester, in that part now known as Oalc-
land, until the fall of 1833, when he went to Ohio
and located in the town of Andover, Ashtabula
county, took up his home in the then wilderness,
and there remained until his death. His wife, Mrs.
Sarah (Bidwell) Bissell, had met a sudden and
tragic death at their home in Connecticut the
evening of July 25, 1831. Just after supper she
was passing from the kitchen to the parlor through
the hall, a light shower of rain prevailing at the
time. A string of gold beads encircled her neck,
and in her hand she bore a bunch of keys. Sud-
denly there was a flash of lightning, and she was
the victim of the so-called electric fluid. Sixteen
of the gold beads of her necklace and the keys in
her hand were melted, and she was no more.
The six children that survived their parents,
Ozias and Sarah Bissell, were Lewis Glover, father
of our subject; Nelson, who married a Miss Percy,
of Stafford Springs, Conn., went to Ohio with his
father, caught a severe cold while digging a well
and died from its effects, leaving one son, John,
a carpenter of Stafford Springs, Conn. ; Sarah also
went to Ohio with her father, married a Mr. Per-
kins, and died in Andover, aged seventy-nine years,
leaving three children ; Ozias, Jr., a farmer of South
Windsor, also went to Ohio, but returned, married
Miss Alary Parker, of Talcottville, and died at
the age of sixty-five years, the father of three chil-
dren, of whom one son was killed in the army ; Law-
rence B. is mentioned further in the paragraph fol-
lowing; and Emma, Mrs. Manley, died aged sixty-
five years in Ohio.
Lawrence P>. Bissell, son of Ozias, Jr., was born
Alarch 25, 1814, was a farmer until twenty-one
years of age and then became a mechanic, for fifty
years filling the position of foreman in variou.s
factories — twenty-seven in a coft'ee-mill in Meriden.
In 1883 he retired to South Windsor. His first
wife was Sabra Carrington, of Farmington ; his
second and present wife is a native of South Wind-
sor, was the Widow Elmina Greene when he mar-
ried her, and is a daughter of Chester and Martha
(Fowler) Barber. Lawrence B. Bissell has two
children : Louise, widow of Nathan Upham, of
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and Julius B., judge of the Court
of Appeals and a prominent attorney of Denver,
Colorado.
Ozias Bissell, Jr., was a powerful man, stood six
feet in his stockings, and weighed from 165 to 180
pounds. He was a great worker and started in life
by cutting wood into two-foot lengths and hauling
it to Hartford, then a great market for fuel of the
length mentioned ; frequently he cut a load by
moonlight and hauled it to market next morning.
He was a member of the Congregational Church
and in politics was a Whig, but had no aspiration
for public office. While living in Manchester he
was the captain of a militia company, but an ac-
cidental cut of his knee-pan incapacitated him from
further military service. He eventually acquired a
competency, but met with death through a peculiar
accident. While mowing with a scythe, his foot
was caught in a hole, throwing his body forward
upon the implement, which cut a gash in his side,
the result being that he died a few days later.
Lewis Glover Bissell (seventh generation,
1801) was reared in Manchester and there received
the schooling afforded by the meager opportunities
of his early youth. He was reared on the home
farm, and while still assisting his father found time
to learn the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked
during the winter seasons for several years during
his early manhood, and later had a well-appointed
shop on his own farm, which the neighboring man-
ufacturers supplied with batches of work at con-
tract prices.
Lewis G. Bissell married, in Lebanon, in 1824,
Miss Parmelia Beckwith, who was born June 29,
1802, in that town, and descended from one of
its oldest families. He then went to housekeeping
near Oakland, in the town of Manchester, on an
acre of ground which had been given him by his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
943
father to enable him to vote. He made improve-
ments from year to year, however, and in the fall
of 1833 removed to South Windsor, purchased sev-
enty acres, and continued to purchase until he owned
a tract half a mile square. This farm he improved
until it was the best in the town, but this place at
his death did not represent one-half of his posses-
sions. He made all his wealth at his trade and by
farming — through hard work and not by speculation.
He never cultivated tobacco, although he allotted
to his sons several small plats for that purpose.
His chief attention, as a farmer, was devoted to
live stock, and some of his oxen netted him $350
per yoke. Mr. Bissell was six feet in height, was
wiry and tough and weighed about 160 pounds.
In his earlier days Mr. Bissell was a very so-
ciable and companionable man, but as years rolled
on he became a constant reader and a close student
of the Bible. He was a member of the Methodist
Church at North Manchester, in which he was a
class leader. In politics he was a Whig and took
pride in voting at every election from his majority
until his latest hour, but thought more of his own
business than he did of politics. He was noted for
his physical strength in his early manhood, and it
is related of him that, at. Burnside, he once lifted
a piece of machinery that weighed 500 pounds,
and at another time took up a barrel of cider at the
press and placed it in his wagon unaided. A fore-
noon's work to him was equal to a full day's work
to the average man ; even at the age of eighty-five
years he cradled grain, and at the age of eighty-
seven mowed, with a scythe, one and one-half acres
of grass in a forenoon. He was one of the most
prosperous of farmers, as well as one of the most
honored of men, in his neighborhood. He lived
to be ninety-one years and three months old, and
absolutely wore himself out. His remains were in-
terred in Wapping cemetery, beside those of his
wife, who departed this life. Jan. 16, 1872.
The children of Lewis G. IBissell and wife were :
Harriet, who lived to be sixty-nine years old, and
died unmarried in March, 1896, in South Windsor;
Lewis, whose name opens this article ; George, who
lives in retirement in East Hartford ; and Charles
H., a farmer of South Windsor.
Lewis Bissell (eighth generation) was born in
Manchester July 6, 1829, on a piece of land that had
been presented to his father in order to qualify
him for voting under the law as it then stood.
His education was' received in the common schools,
then greatly inferior to what they are at this day,
and in the old Manchester Acadeniy, from which
he graduated. He worked on the home farm until
twenty-five years of age and the work was hard
enough as well as plentiful, election day, in April, be-
ing about the only holiday farmer lads were per-
mitted to enjoy.
In the fall of 1854 Mr. Bissell married for his
first wife Miss Cornelia A. Palmer, a native of
Vernon and a daughter of Uriah and Theresa
(Strong) Palmer, Theresa Strong being connected
with a prominent old family of Bolton. On this
occasion Mr. Bissell's father presented him with
some land, valued at $500, on which to begin house-
keeping, besides which he had saved $700, which
he had earned by working out when his father did
not need his services at home. Mr. Bissell was
also a natural trader when young and a shrewd
buyer of grain, which he had ground into flour
and which he sold in Hartford, realizing some
money from this enterprise. He began farming
on his newly acquired place, on which he lived
until 1859, and then farmed at other places until
1862, when his health failed and he relinquished
the vocation. In 1867 he bought and located at
Griswold Place, the old Bissell farm in Manchester,
erected new buildings thereon, and in 1871 moved
to East Hartford, where he made his home until
his death, Sept. i, 1900. However, he still retained
important real estate interests there. In 1890 he
erected his fine dwelling on Main street, one of
the best houses in the town.
By his first marriage Mr. Bissell had born to
him one child, Robert P., now a merchant of Man-
chester. Mrs. Cornelia A. Bissell was called away
Aug. 7, 1892, and on Jan. 2, 1893, Mr. Bissell
married Miss Ida Griswold, a native of Manchester
and a daughter of E. Hubbard and Harriet (White)
Griswold, the latter a daughter of Minor White.
E. Hubbard Griswold was a school teacher in his
younger days and achieved a fine reputation as an
instructor ; his four daughters were also highly
educated and followed the same vocation. They
were : Ella, Mrs. Joseph Albertson, of Manchester ;
Ida, who taught twelve years in Manchester, and is
now the wife of Lewis Bissell; Hattie, Mrs. Bart-
lett, of Danielson, Conn. ; and Elsie, Mrs. Howard
C. Gaines, of East Hartford.
Mr. Bissell's life in Manchester was one of the
greatest activity. He engaged extensively in build-
ing operations and erected the largest business
block in the village, including the hall that bore
his name. A Republican in politics, he was called
upon to fill the office of selectman, and in this
position served six consecutive years, two as first
selectman, though in his later years he withdrew
from politics. After moving to East Hartford he
did much toward the substantial improvement of
the town and built a number of residences. He
settled several estates, and no man was so frequently
called to appraise property as he. He himself
owned a large number of building lots and other
realty in the town and elsewhere, and was thor-
oughly posted as to the valuation of property. A
number of years ago he foresaw the future of
East Hartford's building property, and invested ad-
vantageously. His sound judgment and strict integ-
rity won for him a competency, and this statement is
substantiated by the fact that he began his business
life with but Kttle capital, but won a standing among
the most substantial residents of Hartford county.
At the time of his death Mr. Bissell was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church at East Hart-
944
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
furd, and was up to a short time previous a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church at North Man-
cliester, with which he united when a resident of
that town; he fully livetl up to its teachings. His
funeral services were coiuiucted by Rev. W. B.
Tuthill, pastor of the First Congregational Church,
and were largely attended.
OLIVER PHELPS MILLS. The salubrious
air of this section is certainly favorable to longev-
ity, and the subject of this sketch, a highly-es-
teemed resident of the town of Windsor, is one of
many who can bear testimony to the fact, more
than threescore and ten years havmg passed over
his head without imjiairing his health or clouding
his jovial, genial nature. His long and useful life
has won him many friends, and the following his-
tory will be read with more than usual interest.
'.Mr. Mills was born Jan. 2, 1827, in the same
house which he now occupies as a residence, and
his ancestors were prominent among the pioneer
farmers of the county. Deacon Elijah Mills, his
grandfather, was born in Bloomficld, but removed
to Windsor in early manhood, and for one year
was employed by Daniel Talcott, receiving ninety-
six dollars. Later he engaged in business on his
own account, as a brickmaker and farmer, and
through his thrift and enterprise he accumulated
a comfortable competence. Pie was a man of av-
erage size and weight, and was industrious in his
hal)its. As a citizen he was much respected, and
his interest in all political affairs of his time led to
his support of the Federal party. He was accident-
ally killed in 1 831, at the age of seventy years, while
hauling w'ood from the forest, the load having fallen
ofif and thrown him under a cart wheel, which ran
over his body. He was married, in Windsor, to
Huldah Drake, who survived him some years, and
they had eight children : Oliver was killed in boy-
hood by a kick from a horse, while leading it from
the stable ; Alathina married Frederick Mills, of
Bloomtield, and died in the "Black River country,"
Xew York State; Huldah married (first) Horace
Turner, of Hartford, and (second) Roswell Marsh,
of Kew Hartford: Samuel W. is- a resident of
Windsor town, this county ; Laura married Rev.
Ebenezer Latimer, a Methodist clergyman, both
now deceased; Oliver W., our subject's father, is
mentioned more fuUv below ; Timothy D., a very
ingenius man and natural mechanic, who resided
in Windsor, died fifty or more years ago (he mar-
ried Sarah W'ells, of Wethersfield, who now lives
in Hartford, at the age of ninety-three years) ;
Julia A., who died in Hartford, married (first)
Trumbull Hubbard, of Bloomfield, and (second)
Henry Goodwin, of New Hartford, Connecticut.
Oliver W. Mills was born in Windsor in July,
1796, and became a successful agriculturist, making
his home at our subject's present farm, where he
died July 3, 1866. He made many improvements
on the place, erecting all the buildings, and was
interested in tobacco raising to some extent, while
for many years he also conducted a brick yard, his
efforts being rewarded by substantial success.
While he never sought official honors he was ac-
tive in local politics, tirst as a Whig and later as a
Republican, and his opinion on all subjects was
respected among his associates. In early life he
was a Congrcgaiionalist, afterward uniting with the
Episcopal Church, and when St. Gabriel's church
was built in Windsor he made a liberal contribu-
tion to the work. For many years he served as
vestryman. Whatever the weather might be he
never failed to drive to church, as he was a most
rigid observer of the Sabbath. On Feb. 23, 1825,
^lr. Mills married i\Iiss Annie Theresa Phelps, who
was born in 1804, on "the Island," in Windsor town,
and died June 30, 1896, aged ninety-two years.
Our subject was the eldest of their five children.
Helen A., born Oct. 30, 1828, was married, May
12, 1853, to Nathan F. Drake, v^fhom she survives,
now residing in Hartford. Mary A., born Sept.
27, 1835, married Daniel Mason, and lives in Union-
ville. Conn. Alfred W., born May 5, 1838, is a
resident of Charlton City, Mass. Arthur M., born
March 7, 1845, was in Canada when last heard
from.
Oliver P. Mills attended the "brick school" in
District No. i, of Windsor, and has a good word
for the efficiency and thoroughness of the methods
of instruction then in force. He also spent two
winters in study at the high school in Amherst,
Mass., and two in Williston Seminary, at East-
hampton, Mass. His vacations were spent at home,
where he assisted his father in farming and brick-
making, and on leaving school he was employed
by his father for a time. In February, 1849, '^^
started for California with Oliver M. Drake, a
neighbor, and others from this section, and at New
York they shipped aboard the "Henry Lee" for
the trip around Cape Horn. The voyage lasted
seven months, a head wind at the Cape delaying
them at that point for six weeks. On landing in
San Francisco he engaged in mining operations,
but as he did not meet with success he went to
Sacramento, where he found employment at ten
dollars a day with a Mr. Schwartz, a German
ranchman, his skill as an ox driver proving to be an
advantage to him in securing the place. He would
have remained, but John Lattimer, a member of
his party from Bloomfield, was threatened with
fever, and requested him to return home with him.
As they were warm friends Mr. Mills gave up his
position temporarily, as he supposed, and came
back, taking the Panama route, but as his parents
objected to his going so far from home again he
finally decided to stay near them, and engaged in
the meat business near New Hartford, doing his
own butchering ; after a year he sold out, as a
partnership upon which he had entered had proven
unsatisfactory. For about fourteen years follow-
ing he was in a similar business on his own ac-
count, and during that time he bought a farm near
New Hartford, which he conducted in connection
with his other work. In 1864 he removed to the
town of Windsor, where he rented a farm, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
945
n 1867 he purchased his father's old homestead,
.vhere he has since resided. As a general farmer
le is notably successful, also carrying on a profit-
ably dairy business, and is well known as a dealer
.n cattle. He still attends to the duties of his farm,
and is remarkably active for a man of his years.
Politically Mr. Mills is an ardent Republican, and
for some time he held ^-he office of justice of the
peace. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist,
and as a chairman of the church committee and
credential committee he has been active in the af-
fairs of the society at Windsor.
, On May 3, 1859, Mr. Mills was married, at
Windsor, to Miss Sarah E. Loomis, and three chil-
dren have blessed the union: Annie E., born Nov.
9, 1863, married Theo E. Phelps, of Omaha, Neb.;
Oliver W., born April 10, 1867, resides at the home
place; and Charles H., born July 26, 1873, is also
residing at home.
I Mrs. Mills passed away Dec. 19, 1899, at the
'age of sixty-five years, after a short illness from
pneumonia. She was a most estimable woman,
and her husband takes pride in acknowledging the
fact that her advice and aid were of great assist-
ance to him in his career. She was born April 7,
1834, daughter of Collins and Sally (Capen)
Loomis, well-known residents of Windsor, of whom
an account appears elsewhere, he being a noted
blacksmith. Her education was obtained in part
at the Bell school, in part at Mr. Woodford's private
school in Windsor, and later she learned mil-
linery at ^ Hartford, where she was employed for
several years previous to her marriage as a ckrk
in a millinery establishment.
JOHN HEMINGWAY, who is now success-
fully engaged in the insurance and real-estate busi-
ness in Southington, was born in that town Feb. 27,
1842, a son of Ruel and Mary Ann (Dudley) Hem-
ingway.
The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in
1812, and spent almost his entire life in Southing-
ton, where he died in 1863. He was a son of Abi-
hua Hemingway, in early life a farmer and oyster-
man of East Plaven, who prior to 181 5 removed bv
ox-team from that place to Southington ■ and there
died. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Elias
Dudley, was a stone-cutter bv trade, and a resident
of Cheshire, Conn., where his death occurred. He
married Laura Preston, daughter of Titus and Abi-
gail (Merrimanj Preston, of Wallingford. His
parents were Jedediah and Lois (Merriman) Dud-
ley, also residents of Wallingford, the former a
native of England, and a farmer by occupation.
John Hemingway was reared in Southington,
and educated in its public schools and Lewis Acad-
emy. After attaining his majority (1863) he en-
tered the United States service, in New Haven, and
served as commissary clerk, procuring the supplies
for from 500 to 800 soldiers. During this year his
father died, and Mr. Hemineway returned to South-
ington and took charge of the farm left him, which
60
he afterward sold. In 1868 he went to New Haven
as shipping clerk for Blair & Dudley, having an in-
terest in the business, and when in January, 1860,
the firm opened a store in New York Mr. Heming-
way became connected with that branch of the busi-
ness until July, 1870; he then returned to Southing-
ton, and built his present residence. In 1871 he
was appointed coUecter of taxes by the selectmen,"
and was elected by the people to that office for the
eight succeeding terms. Since 1872 he has been in-
terested in the fire-insurance business, and is now
representing twenty-four of the leading companies
of the world. He also deals in real estate in South-
ington and vicinity, and in his undertakings is meet-
ing with good success. In 1882 he was associated
with the late R. A. Neal and Samuel Pratt in the
organization of a National Bank in Southington,
and obtained the charter, solicited subscriptions, and
collected in the first installments of nearly one hun-
dred thousand dollars before the cashier was se-
cured, and he was a director up to 1890. He is also
a director of the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Co.,
of Middletown, Conn., and at present is president
of the board of fire commissioners.
Mr. Hemingway has been twice married, and
by the first union has two daughters, Rosalind and
Jennie. His present wife was in her maidenhood
Miss Lanette O. Woodruff, a daughter of Ard and
Orpha A. (Cowles) Woodruff. She is a repre-
sentative of an old Southington family, and is ay
member of Hannah Woodruff Chapter, D. A. R.
J'raternally Mr. Hemingway is connected with
Friendship Lodge No. 33, F. & A. M., and Unity
Council No. II, O. U. A. M. ; politically he is identi-
fied with the Republican party. In 1880 he was
appointed postmaster at Southington by President
Hayes, was re-appointed in 1884 by President Ar-
thur, and filled the office for eight years and five
weeks with credit to himself and to the satisfaction
of the general public. In 1888 he was elected a
representative from the town to the General As-
sembly, and served on the committee on Insurance,
as clerk. For the past five years he has been a
member of the board of wardens and burgesses of
Southington, and he is now (1900) serving as
superintendent of streets.
WILLIAM WARNER, a substantial citizen
and prominent agriculturist of South Glastonbury,
where for more than thirty-five years he has been
engaged in his chosen vocation, is widel}' and favor-
ably known throughout his section of the country,
Mr. Warner is descended from a sturdy New Eng-
land ancestry in both paternal and maternal lines,,
who by marriage were allied with some of the old-
est and most prominent families of Hartford coun-
ty, among them being the Robbins, the Boardmans
and the Hales.
. (I) William Warner, the emigrant ancestor of
this branch of the family, was born Oct. 20, 1594,.
in Boxted, county of Essex, England, a son of Sam-
uel Warner. He came to America and settled in.
946
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1
Ipswich, Colony of Massachusetts, in 1637, and
died there in 1648. P'rom this first American an-
cestor our subject is in tlie eighth generation, his
line of descent being through Daniel, William,
Daniel {2), William (3), John and Levi Warner;
while on his mother's side he is descended from
Isaac Larkin, who was born in Boston, Alass., and
settled in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1745.
(il) Daniel Warner, son of \\ lUiam the emi-
grant, born in England, in 1618, married Elizabeth
DeniKT. He died at Ipswich, xMass., m 1688, and
she passed away in 1659.
(Hi) William Warner (,2), son of Daniel, bom
in 1640, at Ipswich, Mass., married, in 1667, Han-
nah Kobbins. Ele located in Wethersfield, Conn.,
in 16O0, and died in 1713 or 1714. His wife died in
1714. He bore the titles of deacon and lieutenant,
and served as deputy to the General Assembly for
Wethersfield in 1O97, 1700, 1703, 1704, 1706, 1708,
1709, 1710.
(,1\ ) Daniel Warner {2), son of William (2),
born in 1680, in Wethersfield, married in 1706, Mary
Boardman, born in 1683.
(V) William Warner (3), son of Daniel (2),
born in 1715. married in 1752, Prudence May, born
in 1726.
(VI) John Warner, son of William (3), born
in 1762, in Wethersfield, married in 1784, Abigail
Hale, who died in 1840. He died in 1838. He was
a farmer throughout life. His children were : John,
married Rebecca Coleman, and was a farmer in the
southern part of Wethersfield ; Prudence marrieil
George Coleman, a farmer, and lived and died iij
Wethersfield; Abigail married Oliver Wells, a
farmer, and lived in Wethersfield, where both died ;
Clarissa married Chauncey Wells, a farmer, and
lived in Wethersfield ; and Levi, who was the fa-
ther of the subject of this sketch, is referred to in
the following.
(VH) Levi Warner was born Dec. 22, 1800,
in W'ethersfield. His father was a large farmer,
and young Levi was reared on the farm, and re-
mained occupied in rural pursuits throughout his
life time. He married, in 1822, Sarah Larkin, who
was born Aug. 25, 1803, in Wethersfield, where she
died April 13, 1887. He died Oct. 11, 1872. Their
children were : ( i ) Mary W'arner, born Aug. 25,
1823, married May 15, 1850, Sylvester Seymour, a
farmer. (2) William Warner, our subject, born
Aug. 16, 1825, is referred to farther on.
(3) Samuel L. Warner was born June 14, 1828,
at Wethersfield. After having completed the course
in the common schools in his native village, he
went through a preparatory school. He taught
school for four years in his early life, and subse-
quently studied law with Judge Matson, of Hart-
ford, after which he entered Yale Law School. He
completed his course by a two-years' stay at the
Harvard Law School, and in 1854 was admitted
to the Bar in Suffolk, Mass. He returned to Hart-
ford, intending to practice law in that city, but
through the influence of Gov. Seymour he obtained
the appointment of executive secretary to Gov.
Pond. Gov. Pond was taken ill, and the duties of
the olSce devolved upon Mr. Warner, who dis- 1
charged them with great credit. In the spring of
1854 he removed to the town of Portland, Coim.,
and commenced the practice of law. His increased :
business made it necessary for him to open an office
in Middletown, where he afterward resided anu
made a reputation for himself. In his earlier days
of i)ractice the best talent of the State was repre-
sented at Middletown court, and he- had occasion to .
come into contact with such men as Hon. Charles !
J. IMcCurdy, Lion. William D. Shipman, Hon. L.
S. Poster, Hon. Isaac Toucey, R. G. iJaldvvin, Henry
Dutton, Charles Chapman, Thomas C. Perkins, and i
others of like celebrity. iVIr. Warner's application
to and study of his cases soon made him proficient
and successful in his practice. His continued sue- }.
cess made him popular with the people, and in 1862 .1'
he was elected mayor of the city, an office he held
four years. It was chiefly owing to his labors that ,
the present system of water works were established j
and placed on a substantial basis. In 1858, during i
his residence in Portland, he represented that town
in the State Legislature. At the close of his term
as mayor of Middletown he was nominated for Con-
gress, but was defeated by his opponent. Gov. Eng-
lish. The following term he again received the
nomination of the Republican party, and was elected 1
by a large majority. In 1865 the Republicans again !
honored him with the nomination, but he declined -
to accept. He was a member and one of the secre- j
taries of the convention that nominated Abraham |
Lincoln for President for a second term. In 1861 1
Mr. Warner purchased the Nehemiah Hubbard !;
homestead on Main stret, Middletown, where he re- i
sided up to the time of his death. It has been said
by some of the judges of the Supreme Court of
Errors that none of the briefs submitted to them
showed more or better preparation than his. In
his examination of witnesses he was always severe,
and if he became convinced of the untruthfulness of
a witness he spared him not at all, but often caused
him humiliation and confusion by a pitiless examina-
tion that nothing but truth could withstand. He
delivered the address at both the Lincoln and Gar-
field memorial services held at the North Church,
and also delivered the oration at the Centennial cel-
ebration of Middletown, held July 14, 1884. As a
historical address it was carefully prepared, and ;
could not have been improved upon. Mr. Warner
was interested in many cases of large interest during
his life, the last of which was the Brainard will case,
in which he appeared as counsel for the heirs in
connection with Judge Elmer, of Middletown, and
together they won a splendid victory. There is
hardly a man of legal age in Middlesex county that
lias not heard of Mr. Warner before the Superior
Court, where he practiced almost exclusively. For
some years before his death he had been a sufferer
from stomach troubles, and at times was confined ro
his house. During his last illness little hope was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
947
entertained for his recovery after a few days of his
affliction. His case was heard of with regret by a
i large circle of friends and members of the legal pro-
fession generally, in whose estimation he stood high.
On April 30, 1855, Mr. Warner was married to Mary
\ E., daughter of John Harris, of Norwich, and by her
jhad two children: Harris, born Oct. 26, 1861, and
I Charles W., born Nov. 20, 1863.
■ (4) Levi Warner was born Oct. 10, 1830. After
four years of study under the direction of his brother
I Samuel L., late of Middletown, at Yale Law School
; and at Cambridge, Mass., he was admitted to the Bar
I at Boston, Mass., in January, 1858. In that same
; year he was admitted to the Middlesex County Bar
in Connecticut. In 1858 he opened an office for the
, practice of law at Norwalk, Conn., where he has
since practiced, and later one in Bridgeport, same
, State. He is a resident of Norwalk. He was a mem-
ber of the XLVth United States Congress. He mar-
ried in June, 1865, Mary S. Adams, of Norwalk,
Connecticut. (5) Sarah A. Warner, born May 16,
1832, married Nov. 28, 1861, Ira Standish, who was
a farmer in Wethersfield ; she died July 6, 1891. (6)
John Warner, born Sept. i, 1835, married (first)
March 21, 1864, Cornelia Dix. She died, and he
married, Feb. 16, 1869, Catherine Buckley, and is
now residing in Wethersfield, engaged in farming.
(7) George Francis Warner, born Sept. 10, 1837,
married teb. 7, 1871, Harriet Hale; he is a farmer
in Wethersfield. (8) Albert E. Warner, born Dec.
J2, 1839, married, Nov. 28, 1867, Mary Hanmer.
(Vill) William Warner, our subject, was born
Aug. 16, 1825, in Wethersfield, on the farm now oc-
cupied by his brother George F. He attended the
district schools of his native town, and the Wether-
field Academy for several winters, one of his teach-
ers being Charles Hungerford. He remained at
home until his marriage, then lived on a part of the
home farm until 1864, in which year he purchased
his present farm of Gen. James T. Pratt, which was
known as the "HoUister place." Here he has since
been engaged in general farming and tobacco grow-
ing. Mr. Warner has been progressive and kept
pace with the times, improving and making attract-
ive his home and the farm. He bears the esteem, re-
spect and good will of the community in which he
has so long lived, and where his ancestors for so
many previous generations have lived, and has been
successful in his life work. The active management
of the place is now left to his son William F. Mr.
Warner's political affiliations are with the Demo-
cratic party, but though active in its welfare he has
never been persuaded to accept office.
On March 27, 1850, our subject was married,
to Adeliza Deming, born April 11, 1827, in Weth-
ersfield, daughter of Henry and Mary (Wells)
Deming, he being a carpenter and farmer by
occupation. To tnis union have been born chil-
dren as follows : ( i ) William Franklin, born April
12, 1852, married Rosella Matson, and they have
two children, Mary A., and Harris C. William F.
is now managing and carrying on the homestead.
(2) Arthur C, born March 31, 1856, died June 18,
1870. (3) Frederick, born Sept. 7, 1859, died Oct.
13, 1859. (4) Levi Francis, born Nov. 11, 1864, mar-
ried June 12, 1895, Elsie H. Young, a native of
Montreal, Canada, and has one child, Robinson, born
April 30, 1898. He is a successful physician in New
York. Mr. Warner belongs to no church or secret
society.
WILLIAM P. WICKHAM. Merit, if real, is
ofttimes non-assertive. The possessions of marked
abilities and qualities of distinction are not un-
usually found in individuals of quiet and retiring
manner. The subject of this sketch is a prominent
farmer, genial but unostentatious, possessing many
traits that are prized and honored by his fellow
men, winning success in his chosen vocation, and
developing a character during his lifelong residence
in Hartford couxity that is most highly respected.
Mr. Wickham is a representative of an old New
England family. He was born at Glastonbury
April 30, 1840, son of John Wickham, and grand-
son of Flezekiah Wickham, both residents of Glas-
tonbury, the latter of whom was a son of Hezekiah.
Grandfather Wickham was twice married. By
his first wife, Mary (Miller), he had three children:
Joseph ; Lucy, who married a Mr. Ransom ; and
Lucretia, who married a Mr. Loveland. By his
second marriage, to Elizabeth Perrin, there was
only one child, John, the father of our subject.
Hezekiah Wickham was a deacon in the Congrega-
tional Church of Glastonbury (East Parish) for
about twenty-six years, and served in the war of the
Revolution.
John Wickham, the father, had an intimate ac-
quaintanceship with the .hardships and difficulties
of life. He was "put out," as the expression was,
at the tender age of three years, and as a boy
had very limited educational advantages. He
grew up on the farm, married Miss Malinda Cul-
ver, a native of Hebron, Conn., daughter of Ben-
jamin Culver, and settled in Glastonbury. Soon
after marriage misfortune overtook him in the
form of a fire, which swept away all his earthly
belongings, but, nothing daunted, he renewed his
efforts to win comfort and independence, and
triumphed in goodly measure. He became a highly
respected and influential citizen, reared an excel-
lent family, lived to the age of sixty-four years in
comparative affluence in his later years, and be-
queathed to his children the heritage of a good
name and an upright example. His widow survived
to the age of seventy-nine years and six months,
and both were buried in Manchester Center cem-
etery. ' Their children were as follows : Horace
J., a retired manufacturer of Manchester, who be-
gan life without means and became a successful
man ; Maria, now Mrs. Albert Brewer, of Bloom-
field ; Jane, who married Frank Smith, and is now
deceased; William P., our subject; and Emma,
who marriea Samuel Newberry, of South Windsor.
948
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The early days of William P. Wickham wero
spent in the district schools near the residence of
his parents; later he attended the East Academy
at .Manchester. He was reared on the farm, and
except for a short time spent in New Haven re-
mained at home, assisting his father, until his mar-
riage, (Jet. 8, 1861, to Aiiss Ann S. Sanders, who
was born in Windham county, Vt., May 30, 1839.
a daughter of Oren and Sally (Canedy) Sanders.
She was the youngest of nine children, all of whoui
except one, Aaron, who died at the age of eighteen
months, lived to maturity, as follows : Susan, de-
ceased; Thomas, of Hadley, Mass.; Sarah, de-
ceased ; Benjamin, of Canton, Conn. ; Joseph, de-
ceased ; Lucy, deceased ; Fylura, now Mrs. H. J.
Wickham, of Manchester, Conn. ; and Ann S., the
wife of our subject. Oren Sanders, the father,
lived to the age of seventy-seven years; his wife
died at the age of sixty-seven. Ann S. began her
own support at the age of nine years. At fourteen ;
she began teaching school at the salary of one doi- 1
lar per week, and "boarded round," often walking-
one and one-half miles between temporary home
and school house. Later she received one dollar
and a half per week for her educational work.
She was employed when a young lady in New-
Haven, and worked in a factory where cases for
daguerreotypes were made.
Mr. Wickham lived with his parents, and en-
gaged in farm work for some time. For a year lie
lived at Sturbridge, Mass. He was night watch-
man for two years -at the Government Envelope
Works in Hartford. Returning to ^lanchester he
conducted a farm for his brother for some time,
and in 1888 he removed to the property which he
now occupies, known then as the Jeremiah Strong
farm. After renting it for a year Islr. Wickham
purchased the place, and here he has ever since most
successfully followed farming. To Mr. and Mrs..
Wickham have been born the following children :
Almeron W., of Burnside, Conn., foreman in a pa-
per-mill, for two years State representative from
East Hartford, and a prominent citizen of that town :
Edward J., a dairy farmer of Manchester; Anna
M. ; Neva L. ; and Horace C. Of these Almeron W.
married IMargaret IMcCabe, in April, 1885, and they
have two children, William E. and Martha E. Ed-
ward J. married Ada Dawes, in June, 1887, and they
have ifour children, Hattie A., Edna A., Raymond
E., and Leila S. Anna M. married George E.
Churchill, of Newington, in August, 1888, and they
have two children, Almeron S. and Louisa A.
Mr. Churchill was representative in 1899, from
the town of Newington in the State Legislature.
Neva L. married Charles P. Cummings, in April,
1893, and their children are George W. and Horace
C. Horace C. married (first) Grace M. Hills in
March, 1896; she died in July, 1897, and he wedded
(second) Ida F. Bancroft, in April, 1900.
In politics Mr. Wickham is a stanch Democrat.
In 1899 he served as treasurer of the school district.
Himself and wife are members of the Hillstown
Grange. They are attendants at the Congregational
Church, and are good Christian people, kind-hearted
and hospitable, and have reared a family which is es-
sentially creditable. Mr. Wickham has one of the
best kept farms in Hillstown, and is a self-made man
in the fullest and best sense of the term.
JOHN EDWARDS TRYON. Our rural com-
munities are noted for a high type of citizenship,
and the subject of this sketch, a leading agricult-
urist of the town of Glastonbury, furnishes an ex-
cellent example. His line homestead, which is
beautifully situated on the bank of the Connecticut
river, in the southwestern part of the town, shows
wise and energetic management, and in the various
movements which make for progress in his locality
he has always taken a prominent share.
The Tryon family is of good Colonial stock,
and Elizur Tryon, our subject's grandfather, was
a well-known agriculturist in Glastonbury in his
day, and was also interested in river traffic. He
built the old house which stands near our subject's
residence. He reached the age of ninety-one, whik
his wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Kilbourn,
lived to be ninety-four. They had a large family
of children.
Noah Tryon, our subject's father, was born in
the house mentioned above, and his life was spent
mainly in farming at the homestead, although he
was at one time engaged in fishing along the Con-
necticut as a business. He received in his youth
such educational advantages as were afforded in the
district schools and the local academy, and as a
citizen he was highly esteemed for his excellent
qualities of character, serving with ability in various
town offices, and in 1842-43 as a member of the
State Legislature. In political sentiment he was
a Democrat. Mr. Tryon was a captain in the State
militia, and offered his services during the war of
1812. He died at the age of eighty-two years,
while his wife, Elizabeth (Goodrich), a native of
Chatham, was ninety-one at the time of her death,
and the remains of both now rest in the old Church
cemetery in South Glastonbury. Mr. Tryon was
an Episcopalian in religious connection. Our sub-
ject was the youngest in a family of five children,
the others being: Henry R., a mason in Flartford,
married (first) Jane Stevens and (second) a Mrs.
Gregory; he died March 18, 1898. Noah G. lo-
cated in the South, and died in Shreveport, La.,,
ill 1862. Elizabeth married Nelson Shephed, a
farmer of Portland. Ann J. married Joseph Wil-
cox, a farmer of Cromwell.
Our subject was born Aug. 31, 1828, in the
house in which he now resides. As a boy he at-
tended the district schools and the academy in
South Glastonbury, then conducted by Orange
Judd, and he also studied at the "Grist Mill Sem-
inary" for a time. He relieved his father of much
of the care of the homestead until the death of the
latter, when he took sole charge of the place, carry-
ing on general farming. Mr. Tryon owns some
300 acres in the town. His genial nature is un-
l//&-i^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
949
affected by his close attention to business, and he
£nds time for active work in the local Grange, in
which he has served as master. In politics he was
a Democrat until 1855, and in 1856 he helped to
organize the Republican party in Hartford. He
represented his town in the Legislature in 1863-
64, and has served four terms as selectman and
seven years as road commissioner. He and his
family are members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church
.at South Glastonbury, and at present he holds the
office of vestrj'man.
In 1850 Mr. Trj'on married Miss Julia Stevens,
daughter of Joseph Stevens, a well-known agri-
culturist of Glastonbury. She died in 1853, S-^d
Sept. 17, 1856, he married Miss Ruhamah F. Sparks,
a native of East Glastonbury. By his first mar-
riage he had two children : Julia E. married Al-
bert EI. Clark, of Glastonbury, and has three chil-
dren, Herbert E., Maoel and Elizabeth Goodricn;
John G. is at home. By the second marriage there
were four children : James H. ij at home ; Charles
Osmar, who married Annie Hollister, resides in
South Glastonbury, and is an energetic and enter-
prising fruit grower and a leading citizen, hav-
ing served as representative in the Legislature in
1897; Anna P., who is at home, is an accomplished
I 3'oung lady, having finished her education at Mt.
' Holyoke Seminary; Edward S. is engaged in busi-
ness in Hartford as a joiner and builder.
J. BURDETTE HUBBARD. This prominent
citizen of Hartford county was born in the town of
Glastonbury Jan. 4, 1844, his father, Jonathan Hub-
bard, being a native of the same place. He is a
grandson of Ira Hubbard, a cabinet-maker by trade,
who was a farmer in the later years of his life. Mr.
Hubbard's mother was Mary Andrews, daughter of
Elisha Andrews, a large OTvner of real propertv
in jManchester, and it was there that Mrs. Hubbard
was born. J. Burdette Hubbard was the only child
of his parents. Jonathan Hubbard removed from
Glastonbury to Manchester in 1854. He, like his
father, was a cabinet-maker, but had supplemented
his knowledge of that trade by learning painting as
well. Yet he, too, loved the soil, and after coming
to IManchester he took up his residence on the farm
now owned by Conrad Kish, where he died in 1880,
at the age of threescore. Both he and his first wife
were members of the Congregational Church. Af-
ter her death he married again, his second spouse
being Miss Mary Willis, who bore him two chil-
dren, Mary and Jennie, both of whom are still liv-
ing in Manchester.
J. Burdette Hubbard was ten vears old when
his father moved from Glastonbury to Manchester.
At the age of sixteen he went to New Britain, to
learn the trade of a painter with his uncle. Seven
years later he and his uncle removed to Cleveland,
Ohio, where they engaged in business, and where,
after fourteen months, his uncle died. ]\Ir. Huh-
bard thereupon returned to Manchester, and began
working at his trade in the employ of Cheney Bros.
i;i the spring of 1868. In 1871 he was made fore-
man of their painting department. He remained
with this firm until the spring of 1893, when he en-
gaged in business for himself. He has a well-
stocked store, carrying wall-paper as well as paints
and painters' supplies, and in addition to this is an
extensive contractor in painting and paper-hanging.
On Nov. 29, 1868, Mr. Hubbard was married ■
to Miss Emma J. Kenney, the only child of Chester
W. and Sarah (Evans) Keeney, and granddaugh-
ter of George W. Keeney, all of whom were born
in I\Ianchester. Her father began life as a poor
boy, and rose to be a successful, prosperous manu-
facturer of paper, having learned the practical trade
in his youth. His first mill was at Buckland's
Corners. Later ne formed a partnership with
Patrick Eitzgerald, and established a factory in the
western part of the town of Manchester. He sub-
sequently disposed of his interest in the business to
Mr. Eitzgerald and associated himself with Hud-
son White, their copartnership continuing until Mr.
Keeney's death, on Sept. 22, 1896, at the age of
seventy-six years.
]\Ir. Hubbard is a member of King David Lodge
No. 31, I. O. O. E., Manchester; ^^lanchester Lodge
No. 73, E. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chapter No. 17,-
R. A. M., Hartford; Wolcott Council No. i, Hart-
ford; Washington Commandery No. i, K. T., of
that place ; and the Mystic Shrine, Sphinx Temple.
He is a Republican in politics, and was a member
of the Legislature in 1887. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Hubbard are members of the Episcopal Church of
South Manchester.
EDWIN G. LEWIS, a leading citizen, promi-
nent merchant and popular official of Southington,
was born in that town June i, 1858, a son of Henry
and Sarah H. (Gridley) Lewis, representatives of
pioneer families of Southington, being descendants
of the Roots, Gridleys and Harts.
The progenitor of the. Lewis family in America
was William Lewis, a native of England, who came
to this country on the ship "Lion," landing in Bos-
ton Sept. 16, 1632. He was admitted a freeman
the following November, and joined the Braintree
company which in August, 1633, removed to New-
town (Cambridge). In 1636 he came with a com-
pany to Hartford, but in 1659 again moved, be-
coming one of the founders of Hadley, Mass., which
town he represented in the General Court in 1662.
In 1664 he lived in Northampton, Mass., and in the
fall uf 1677 removed to Earmington, Conn., where
he died Aug. 2, 1683.
(II) William Lewis, son of the founder of the
family in the New World, was born in England, and
in 1644 was a resident of Earmington, where he
served as the first recorder after the incorporation
of the town. His first wife was Mary Hopkins, his
second Mary Cheever. He died Aug. 18, 1690.
(III) Samuel Lewis, son of William, Jr., was
born Aug. 18, 1648, and died Nov. 28, 1752. He
held the military rank of sergeant.
950
COMMEMORATU'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(I\") Nathan Lewis, son of Samuel, was born
Jan. 23, 1707, and was married July 28, 1730, to
Mary Gridley, daughter of Samuel and Alary
(Humphrey I Gridley. He lived in the Marion dis-
trict of Southington, where he died Sept. 7, 1799.
(V) Job Lewis, a son of Nathan, was born April
20, 1731, and was married Nov. 13, 1755, to Han-
nah, daughter of Rev. Jeremiah and Hannah (Burn-
ham) Curtiss, of Southington. He was a tanner
and shoemaker by trade, and lived in the northern
part of Southington, where he died Dec. 5, 1813.
(V'l) Selah Lewis, son of Job, was baptized
Sept. 2, 1764, and was married Jan. 1, 1792, to Mary
Carter, daughter of Abel and Rhoda (Lewis) Car-
ter. He was a large land holder and merchant, and
lived in the northern part of bouthington, where he
died Sept. 12, 1827.
(VH) Henry Lewis, son of Selah, and grand-
father of our subject, was born Dec. i, 1806, and
married for his first wife Elizabeth Root, a daugh-
ter of Nathaniel and Sally ( Dunham) Root. Sne
was the grandmother of our subject. For his sec-
ond wife he married Nabby C. Carter, daughter of
John and Esther (Tinker) Carter.
(\'ni) Henry Lewis, the father of our subject,
was born in Southington Alay 28, 1832, and was
there reared and educated, graduating from Lewis
Academy. On Dec. 24, 1854, he married Sarah
Gridley, daughter of Edwin and Esther (Hart)
Gridley, and by this union three children were born :
Rosella, wife of Charles S. Judd : Edwin G., our
subject; and Laura E., wife of E. E. Crawford.
After his marriage the father engaged in farming
for a time, and later was in the employ of Peck,
Smith & Co. On July 19, 1862, he commenced re-
cruiting a company in Southington, which was mus-
tered into the United States service as Company E,
20th Conn. \'. L, and of which he became second
lieutenant. On Sept. 11, of that year, they left
New Haven, and joined the Army of the Potomac.
Mr. Lewis participated in the battles of Chancellors-
ville, JNIay 3, 1863, and Gettysburg July 3, 1863, af-
ter which his regiment joined the Army of the
Cumberland. In January, 1864, he was commis-
sioned first lieutenant of Company K, same regi-
ment, and May 15 of that year he was slightly
wounded at the battle of Resaca. Four days later
he participated in the capture of Cassville, and a
month later was taken ill and removed to the hos-
pital in Nashville. He rejoined his company Aug.
15, and accompanied Gen. Sherman on his march
to the sea, arriving in Savannah Dec. 11, 1864.
While there engaged in cutting a road for a bat-
tery, with his company, he was struck by a stray
shot and wounded below the knee, from the effects
of which he died Dec. 26, 1864. His remains were
brought back to Southington, and interred in Oak
Hill cemetery. He was a brave and conscientious
officer, and was honored and trusted by his com-
mand.
(IX) Edwin G. Lewis, whose name introduces
this sketch, was reared in Southington and com-
pleted his education at the Lewis high schDol, fro-n
which he was graduated in 1875. He then engaged
in clerking in the shoe store of C. D. Barnes, and
while thus employed gained an excellent knowledge
of every detail of the business. He served in that
capacity until 1885, when he purchased a half inter-
est in the business, and in 1895 ^^^ became sole pro-
prietor, being now at the head of a large and flour-
ishing business, and numbered among the leadintj
business men of the town.
On Nov. 19, 1885, Mr. Lewis married Miss Min-
nie J. Dunham, a daughter of Robert C. and Jose])h-
ine (Park) Dunham, of Southington, and they have
one daughter, Marian H. Mr. Lewis is a promi-
nent member of the First Congregational Church,
and has been clerk and treasurer of the Society for
over fifteen years. Socially he affiliates with
Friendship Lodge No. 33, F. & A. M. ; Triune
Chapter No. 40, R. A. M. ; S. S. Woodruff Caiui)
No. 21, S. of V'. : and the Order of LTnited .Vmcrican
^Mechanics. Politically he is a supporter of the Re-
publican party and its principles. In June, 1879, he
was appointed assistant town clerk ; was elected
clerk of the borough in 1889; and town clerk and
treasurer in 1896, still serving as town clerk and
treasurer, and borough clerk. His official duties
are always conscientiously discharged, and he is
nuniDcred among the valued and useful citizens of
his comnumity.
CHARLES H. ROSE has during his twenty-
eight years' residence in Manchester, become well-
known to the citizens of that town and the surround-
ing country as a successful business man, and as a
citizen of integrity and upright character.
Air. Rose was born July 15, 1857, in the town
of Bolton, Conn., where he lived up to the age of
nine years, after which his home was in Willimantic,
this State. He received his education in the latter
place, attending the public schools, and when thir-
teen years of age began working in the silk mills of
that town, remaining there until his removal to Man-
chester, in 1872. For a time he was employed in the
Cheney silk mills here, and subsequently for a year
was engaged as clerk in the Union Manufacturing
Co.'s store in Manchester, in 1877, entering the drug-
store of Moses Scott, with whom he clerked for
three vears. At the end of this period, on April i,
1880, he purchased the business of Mr. Scott, con-
tinuing same in the original building until it was de-
stroyed by fire, on Jan. 4, 1889, when he bulit the
fine three-story brick block in which he is now lo-
cated, on the same lot. His building is one of the
finest modern structures in the town, and his drug
store is one of the most completely equipped in Hart-
ford county to be found outside the city of Hart-
ford. Mr. Rose is manager of the Telephone Ex-
change and Postal Telegraph Cable, which are lo-
cated in his store, and in the other store in the build-
ing he carries on a well-stocked news stand. As a
progressive and obliging business man he has made
an enviable reputation throughout this part of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
951
jcounty, and his success has been well deserved, for
;he has risen by his own efforts, widening his inter-
,ests until he has made for himself a firm footing
among the substantial citizens of this locality. Un-
til Cleveland's administration Mr. Rose was acting
[postmaster of Manchester under Mr. Scott, and in
; 1898 he was appointed to the office, which he is now
holding to the satisfaction of all concerned.
In December, 1880, Mr. Rose was united in mar-
riage with Miss Jessie Tuffs, and they have had a
family of five children : C. Jriarold ( who is de-
ceased), Bessie M., Ernest L., Arline W. and Leslie
, C. They attend the Methodist Church, of which
Mr. Rose has. been a member for about twenty years.
Fraternally he holds membership with King David
Lodge No. 31, i. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W., of
Manchester. His political allegiance is given to the
j Republican party.
CHARLES MARION SMITH, the pioneer
coal dealer of East Hartford, and that type of a
citizen whom any community might feel proud to
claim, was born in East Haddam, Conn., Nov. 25,
1851. He was brought by his father to the home
of his grandparents in East Hartford in the sum-
mer of 1854, and is the only male representative of
I his generation of the family now living in the town.
' Elihu Smith, grandfather of our subject, was a
farmer, and lived on Forbes street. East Hartford,
south of Maple street, on the same farm which is
I now owned and occupied by Charles M. He was
born in Glastonbury, however, in 1801, a son of Ebe-
nezer Smith, who conducted a grist-mill where
Clark's paper-mill now stands. Elihu Smith mar-
ried Mrs. Sophronia (House) Porter, widow of
Anson Porter, of East Hartford, and to them were
born two children, Augustus Stanley and Elihu, the
latter of whom went to California in 1849, and is
row a resident of Georgetown, that State. Elihu
Smith was a short, straight man and weighed from
125 to 130 pounds. He was a good farmer, a man of
good business ability and strict integrity, and his
advice was often sought by his neighbors, by whom
he was frequently entrusted with the settlement of
estates. He was cjuite prominent in public affairs
in East Hartford, and filled a. number of offices,
serving as assessor, selectman, justice of the peace
(for a number of years) and representative in the
State Legislature. He died Jan. i, 1879, and his
remains were interred in the Hockanum cemetery,
Mrs. Elihu Smith died at the age of eighty. She
was a daughter of John House, of Glastonbury,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. By
her marriage to Anson Porter she became the
mother of two sons: Albert, a millwright, of East
Hartford, and Anson, who first located in Bloom-
field, and next in Farmington, where he is now fol-
lowing his trade of wagonmaker.
Augustus Stanley Smith was born April 6, 1825,
in East Hartford, on the place where our subject
now lives, but when a young man went to East Had-
dam, and there married Electa Swan. In early
manhood he learned the trade of shoemaking in
New Hartford, Conn., after which he went to East
Haddam, and for years worked for Silliman Bros.
To his marriage with Miss Electa Swan, Charles
JNIarion was the only child born, and he was a mere
infant at his mother's death in March, 1854. Au-
gustus S. Smith married a second time, but within
a few years again lost his wife, after which he sold
his home in East Haddam, and removed to New
London, where he engaged in the retail shoe trade.
In that city he married Sarah M. Chipman, who has
borne him one son, Stanley A., now yardmaster for
the Central Vermont Railway Company, in that
city.
Charles M. Smith was reared from infancy in
East Hartford town by his grandfather, Elihu
Smith, on the farm he now owns, and first attended
the South Middle district school, with the Misses
Julia Bidwell and Silena Stevens as his teachers.
He was thoroughh^ trained by his grandfather in
general farming, which was generally followed un-
til the cultivation of tobacco was introduced. At
the age of twenty-five years he married Miss Emma
Smith, a native of New Hartford, and a daughter
of Edmund Smith. To this union were born five
sons : Edmund S., a printer by trade, and married
to Julia Wolcott, of East Hartford; Frank E., at
home ; Charles D. ; G. Robbins ; and Joseph J. Mrs.
Emma Smith passed away June 27, 1885, a sincere
member of the Congregational Church. Mr.
Smith's present wife, whom he married Dec. 3,
1890, bore the maiden name of Ida Lee Ensign, and
is a daughter of Owen L. and Anna Eliza Ensign,
of Willow Brook. To this union has been born one
child, Marion E.
In September, 1882, Charles M. Smith em-
barked in the coal trade in East Hartford, and was
the first to receive shipments of coal by rail. He
also handles fertilizers, and carries on farming and
tobacco growing, owning a total of 117 acres, partly
in Glastonbury and partly in East Hartford. In
politics Mr. Smith is a Republican, and he has filled
several offices, having served as selectman two or
three terms, being first elected in 1879; as chairman
of the board of assessors, for three years ; has been
on the town committee, and has served as its treas-
urer several years, and is secretary and treasurer of
the South Middle school district; he was treasurer
of a committee of the Congregational Society of
Hockanum before tbe organization of the congrega-
tion, and although not a member of the Society, yet
handles its funds. Mr. Smith has also been a mem-
ber of the Putnam Phalanx since March, 1886, and
holds the rank of sergeant. He is a useful, enter-
prising, public-spirited citizen and business man,
and none is better or more widely known, and few
as highly esteemed.
CHARLES KELLOGG ATWOOD is one of
the leading and influential citizens of Newington,
and has taken an active part in promoting its sub-
stantial improvement and material development.
952
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
For many years he has been prominently identified
witli the agricultural interests of the community,
and still owns and operates a fine farm of ninety
acres, which is under excellent cultivation and well
improved.
Air. Atwood was born Dec. 24, 1820, in the house
where he still lives, the farm having been in the
possession of the family for several generations. Dr.
Thomas Atwood, a native of England and a captain
in Cromwell's army, was the founder of the family in
the New \\'orld, and settled in Wethersfield, Conn.,
where he died. His son Josiah was the first to lo-
cate on the farm in Xewington town (in what was
then Wethersfieldj, Hartford county, where our
subject now resides. There the birth of Asher At-
wood, our subject's great-grandfather, and Ezekiel
Atwood, grandfather of our subject, occurred; the
latter was a soldier for a short time during the
Revolution, being only sixteen years old at the lime
of his service. The father, Josiah Atwood, was
born on the same place, and spent his entire life
there, owning at the time of his death 400 acres of
land. He died in 1863, at the age of sixty-nine
years, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of
Prudence Kellogg, died in 1868, at the age of
seventy-seven years. She was born on the Kellogg
homestead in Newington, a half-mile west of the
church, and was a daughter of .Martin and Hannah
(Kobbins) Kellogg. Josiah Atwood was a promi-
nent man in hi« dlay, served as county commissioner
for three years, and was once candidate of his party
for State senator, but was defeated. He was a
major in the Connecticut militia. Charles K., our
subject, is the eldest in his family of seven chil-
dren. Josiah Elbert, a farmer, was killed on the
third-rail road in the western part of Xewington in
August, 1898. Thomas Robbins is engaged in
farming with our subject. John Alitchelson, now-
living on a farm near Wichita, Kans., was graduated
from Trinity College in 1849, as valedictorian of his
class, and later engaged in the practice of law in
Princeton, 111., finally removing to Wichita, Kans.,
where he was judge of the city court. Harriet Pru-
dence married John S. Kirkham, of Newington, and
is now deceased. Mary Kellogg is the present wife
of John S. Kirkham. Julia Norton, who was in-
jured at the time her brother was killed, makes her
home with our subject.
Charles K. Atwood, the subject of this sketch,
passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm,
and his primary education was obtained in the pub-
lic schools of Newington. Subsequently he at-
tended school in Glastonbury and Berlin for one
term each ; was for a time a student in the academy
in Newington; and for one year took a private
course of study under the direction of Rev. Dr.
Brace, then pastor of the Congregational Church of
Newington. In 1839 he entered Yale, where he
pursued the regular course, and was graduated in
1843, after which he studied law in Hartford for
one year with Gov. Toucev. and for the same length
of time with Francis Fellows. He was admitted to
the Bar during the March term of court, 1846, and
for a time successfully engaged in practice in Hart-
ford, but finally, in response to his father's urgent re-
quest, he returned home to assist in carrying on
his large farming interests, and has since remained
on the old homestead, his time and attention being
devoted to agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Atwood is a gentleman of culture and re-
finement, and keeps well posted on the leading ques-
tions and issues of the day. He has always been a
stanch Democrat in politics, but being opposed to
the free coinage of silver at a ratio of sixteen to one
he voted for Palmer and Buckner in 1896. In 1872
he was elected to the State Legislature as the first
representative from Newington, which the year
previous had been separated from Wethersfield. At
the first town meeting he was made first selectman,
and most acceptably filled that office for several
years, until he refused to hold it longer. Frater-
nally he is a member of Newington Grange. Since ,
1870 he has served as deacon of the Congregational jj
Church, and has always taken a prominent part in '
church work. During the long years of his resi-
dence here he has championed every movement de-
signed to promote the general welfare, has sup-
ported every enterprise for the public good, and has
materially aided in the advancement of all social,
educational and moral interests.
JAMES HENRY HASKINS, one of the best-
known and most progressive of the tobacco raisers
of Suffield, was born in Washington, Berkshire
Co., Mass., Aug. 11, 1829.
Amos Haskins, grandfather of James H. Has- '
kins, was a native of Salisbury, Conn., where he
was reared to manhood, and whence he removed
to Washington, Mass., there engaging in farming
and stock raising. He married Lovisa Bills, and
the union was blessed with nine children, as fol-
lows : Orrin, Amos, James, John, Charles, Sara,
Lovisa, Mary and Nancy, all now deceased with
the exception of Mary, who lives in Joliet, 111.,
and Charles, who makes his home in Rockford,
same State. The father of this family was a Whig
in politics. He and his wife both died on his farm
ill Washington, in the faith of the Congregational
Church.
Orrin Haskins, father of our subject, was born
in Washington, Mass., was reared on the home farm
and was educated in the comon schools. When quite
a youth he was drafted for the war of 1812, and was
stationed at Boston. He served as selectman of his
native town for some years, and he followed agri-
cultural pursuits on the old homestead until 1847,
when he sold his place and came to Suffield, Conn.,
purchasing the place known as the Beamont farm.
There he passed away in 1853, in the fifty-eighth
year of his age. He was very liberal in his church
views, and in politics was a Democrat, but was no
office seeker. Orrin Haskins married Celestia
y^^^^^^-<^ /^/^^^^^^^i^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
953
Spellman, a native of Granville, Mass., and to this
union were born seven children : Levi, who died
at the age of eleven years; James H., our subject;
Saloma, wife of Jarvis Norcott, of Becket, Mass. ;
Maria, who married Andrew I3arnes, of Middle-
field, Mass. ; Marion, deceased ; Sarah, who died
, when two years old ; and a twin that died unnamed.
I After the death of Orrin Haskins his widow mar-
' ried George Fuller, but of this union there was
no issue. The mother of the above named family was
a pious member of the Congregational Church ; she
died in 1876, and her remains were reverently laid
to rest beside those of her husband in the Suffield
cemetery.
James H. Haskins, the subject proper of this
sketch, received only an ordinary district-school
education in Washington, Mass., and was eighteen
I years of age when he came with his parents to
I Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., remaining with them
until the father's death, when he paid off all claims
and assumed sole charge of the farm. He made
extensive improvements thereon, and engaged
largely in the cultivation of tobacco, as well as in
general farming and stock raising, until 1892, when
he came to his present home. Here he has also
made extensive improvements and is ver)^ pleas-
antly domiciled. He owns one hundred acres, and,
as he thoroughl)' understands the theory and prac-
tice of agriculture, has met with complete success
in his various operations. His surroundings speak
well for his industry, taste and skill, and his farm
is a model of its kind.
Mr. Haskins was joined in matrimony, April
25, 1854, in Suffield, with Miss Mary Ann Hast-
ings, a native of the town, and a daughter of Will-
iam and Lydia (Remington) Hastings, also na-
tives of Suffield. This marriage has been blessed
with five children : Ida M., who died young ;
James O. ; William Henry, who passed away at
the age of four years; Nellie M., wife of Apollos
Fuller, of Suffield ; and Charles Edward, the pres-
ent occupant of the old homestead in Suffield owned
by his grandfather and later by his father. Charles
E. Haskins married Lizzie K. Fuller, who has
borne him one son, Edward N.
In politics Mr. Haskins is a Democrat, and at
different times he has been a candidate for repre-
sentative to the State Legislature, but the town
being strongly Republican he was defeated. He
served as a selectman of Sufifield from 1881 until
1883, during his last year in that incumbency being
instrumental in bringing about a final settlement
of the boundary line between Suffield and Granbv,
which had been in dispute for several years. After
the case had been in litigation for a time the court
appointed a commission of three men to settle the
question, and most of the points were decided ac-
cording to Mr. Haskins' original claim. Our stib-
ject has also served as a grand juror. He and his
wife, with their surviving children, are adherents
of the Baptist Church, and all are highly respected
for their individual merits.
WALTER WING COWLES has done his full
share in adding lustre to a name already respected
and "familiar as household words" in Hartford
county, especially in Manchester and the neighboring
towns. His trout preserve, one of the finest, if not
the finest, in the State of Connecticut, is known to
all who have any interest in that direction in this
part of the country.
Mr. Cowles was born Feb. 15, 1844, on the farm
in the town of Manchester where he makes his
home, son of Francis W. Cowles, and grandson of
Stephen Cowles, a native of Springfield, Vt., who in
about 1834 came with his family to Hartford coun-
ty. Conn., locating at Hilliardville, where he began
work in the woolen mills. The trip was made in
the winter time, with sled and ox-team. Stephen
Cowles passed away in 1847, at the advanced age of
ninety-two years. He was tall and spare in build,
tlis family consisted of nine children: Stephen,
Austin, Eliza, Francis W., Paulina, Nancy, Martha,
Mary and Walter.
Francis W. Cowles was born July 4, 1805, in
Springfield, Vt., and in early manhood came to
Hartford county, where he became one of the most
influential men of his day. He was a self-made
man, having few opportunities in his younger life,
for when a mere boy he began work in the Hilliard
woolen mills, and when sixteen years of age he went
to Buckland's Corners, where at that time there was
a hotel and stage stables located on the old stage
road between Boston and Hartford. Here he was
employed until he reached his majority, when he
purchased the old tavern, and he conducted it suc-
cessfully until 1846, when he removed to the farm
now owned and occupied by his son Walter W. in
Manchester town. He carried on general farming
and stock raising, breeding Jersey cattle, and for
the first few years had a general store in connection
at Buckland's Corners. Mr. Cowles became inti-
mately identified with the history and advancement
of Hartford county, and his personal worth and pop-
ularity may be estimated from the fact that up to
the time of his death he and Dr. C. W. Jacques and
Ralph Cheney were the only Democrats who repre-
sented the town of Manchester in the Legislature
since it was set off from the town of East Hart-
ford, in 1834. A more complete mention of this
esteemed citizen will be found in the sketch of his
son, Clinton W., elsewhere.
On Nov. 12, 1834, Francis W. Cowles was mar-
ried to Miss Harriet Wing, of East Hartford, daugh-
ter of Sylvanus Wing, and they had a family of five
children : Albert F., who is a farmer of Manchester
town; Harriet, who died in i8_s8: Clinton W., a
prominent citizen of Manchester ; Walter W. ; and
Martha J., deceased wife of Dwight A. Moulton,
of California, who is at present assistant State treas-
urer of that State. Mr. Cowles' death occurred in
Manchester, March 10, 1880, when he was seventy-
four years of age.
During his early life Walter W. Cowles re-
954
COMMEMORATIJ'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceived every opoprtunity for obtaining a good ed-
ucation, attendmg the common schools of tne home
neighborhood, the Suffield high schools and Lit-
erary Institute of Suffield, and iiast Grenwich Sem-
inary, remaining at school until he was twenty
years of age. Returning to the home farm, he was
engaged tnereon until ui i86y he and his brother,
Clmton W., engaged in the hotel business at Alan-
chester, having purchased the "Weaver Hotel,"
which has since been known as the "Cowles Hotel."
After 1873 our subject had entire charge of the
business until 1881, when he again took up his res-
idence on the farm, and here he has since remained.
This is a highly improved and valuable tract of 200
acres, and in addition to extensive operations in gen-
eral farming j\lr. Cowles is engaged in stock-rais-
ing and the care of his trout preserve, breeding Jer-
sey cattle and a standard gradeof linedriving horses.
While on a sununer visit to the seashore, in the
vicinity of Plymouth, Mass., Mr. Cowles became in-
terested in the trout preserves so numerous in that
locality, and recalling the fact that a large number
of springs start up on his farm m various parts of
the estate, feeding the brook which runs its entire
length, he was convinced that he could make a suc-
cess of the industry at home. 1 he idea took sub-
stantial form in 1895, when be had his first pond,
covering an area of three acres, made, and in 1897
a second, about the same size, was constructed. Be-
sides there are dozens of pools along the little stream,
and Mr. Cowles at present has at least 500.000 young
trout, and about four tons of two and three-year-old
fish. The place is equipped with every facility for
the successful conduct of this business, our subject
owning his own trout hatchery, etc., and in 1899 he
gave four million trout eggs to the State to be used
in stocking streams. His fish find a ready market,
selling at from sixty cents to one dollar per pound.
In this connection Mr. Cowles has become especially
well known, for he w^as instrumental in passing a
bill through the Legislature during the past session
making it lawful to market trout from Feb. I to
Oct. I, the previous law having limited the time to
three months in the year, from April i, to July i.
Mr. Cowles has also been closely identified with the
affairs of his owm locality, and has served efficiently
as road commissioner (for eleven years) and jus-
tice of the peace, giving unbounded satisfaction.
Like all the members of his family, he is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic partv. Fraternally
he is a member of Manchester Lodge, No. 73, A.
F. & A. M.
On May 28, 1879, Walter W. Cowles was mar-
ried to Miss Hattie Fuller, a native of Manchester,
and their union has been blessed with five children :
Florence, born June 6, 1880: Clinton W., Dec. 7,
1882; Arline, Nov. 17, 1888 fwho died Feb. i,
1893) ; Robert, Oct. 8, 1894: and Mark, July 23, 1899.
SAMUEL C. THRALL. The Thrall home-
stead in the town of Windsor is one of the most
valuable estates in Hartford county, and is of spe-
cial interest to the historian, as it has been in the
possession of the family from pioneer times. The
fertility of its broad acres, extending along the
banks of the Farmington river, has never been ex-
hausted, the judicious use of scientific methods of
farming having prevented the failure of soil so
often deplored in otir older settlements. The pres-
ent commodious brick residence was built in 1879,
taking the place of a building erected by William
Thrall, our subject's uncle, and it is one of the
largest and most substantial in this section. The
subject of this sketch is a man whose long and use-
ful life has won for him the respect and esteem of
the entire community, and in giving a prominent
place to the following history we are but paying a
just tribute to his personal worth.
The spelling of the family name was somewhat
varied in the old days, the records giving it as
Thrale, Thrail, Trail and Thrall. The first an-
cestor of whom a definite account has been pre-
served was William Thrall, who came to Windsor
before the Pequot war, in which he took an active
part. In 1646 he joined with Rolsert Winslow in
the purchase of "Hoyte's Meadow" from Simon
Hoyte, and later he settled there with his family.
As they were quite a distance from any neighbors
and were thus exposed to sudden night attacks from
the Indians, the Court exempted him from the duty
of "watch and word," to which all able-bodied men
in the settlement were liable. Ever since his time
the land has been the home of the Thralls, suc-
cessive generations maintaining the reputation of
the family for thrift, industry, public spirit and all
that constitutes good citizenship.
David Thrall, our subject's grandfather, fol-
lowed farming at the homestead throughout his
life. He married Zuhma Denslow, and had four
sons: Joel, William, Harvey and Horace. There
were also several daughters, of whom Sarah mar-
ried Elijah Griswold; Mary married Hezekiah Gris-
w^old, and moved to New York State ; another
daughter, Hulda, never married.
Hon. Horace Thrall, the father of our subject,
was born July 26, 179S, in a house which stood a
short distance to the east of the present residence
of our subject. He was always engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, and his fine mental gifts and high
character gave him much influence among his wide
circle of acquaintances. Politically he was a strong
Democrat, and at times he served in local offices of
trust and responsibility, while for one term he rep-
resented his town in the State Legislature. On
March 14, 1855, h^ married Miss Eliza J. Wilson,
who was born Aug. 16, 1806, daughter of Capt.
Calvin and Submit (Denslow) Wilson. Her father
was a Revolutionary soldier, and a leading citizen of
Windsor town, residing in Poquonock. She died
April 22, 1846, and Dec. 25, 1848, Mr. Thrall mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Elliott, who was born July 6,
1816, and died May 17, 1850. On March 14, 1854,
he married Juliana Treadway Huntington (widow
of Simeon Huntington), who was born Sept. Ii,
1808, and died May 16, 1880. His death occurred
d^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
955
Jan. 31, 1865, and was Strangely predicted by himself.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, 1865, he hitched up a team of
black colts, that he owned, and went out for a drive.
He returned shortly before noon, apparently as well
as ever, as he was a well-preserved man, but took to
his bed almost at once, stating to his family that he
was going to die on the Tuesday following at 10
p. M. It seemed unlikely, but on Monday he settled
up his affairs, talking as intelligently as ever and
dictating all dispositions to be made of his prop-
erty. His son Thomas M. was to have been mar-
ried on Feb. 14, but fully believing that he would
not live until that day he requested that the cere-
mony be performed during his lifetime, and it
was solemnized on Jan. 31, the day he died aged
sixty-nine years and six months. As he had pre-
dicted the hour of his departure from this earth,
watch was closely kept. He showed' no signs of
passing away until the clock struck ten on Tuesday
evening, when he suddenly lost consciousness, and
one hour later had passed away. This strange oc-
currence attracted wide notice, and was witnessed
by many.
Mr. Thrall had a large family of children, all
by his first marriage: (i) Charles W., born Sept.
19, 1824, died Jan. 14, 1862, at Poquonock, unmar-
ried. He was a farmer and merchant, and at one
time a gristmill owner. (2) Horace H., born July
7, 1825, died December, 1897. For twenty-two
years he was engaged in paper-mill work, being a
foreman for much of that time, and he was also
interested in mercantile business at Poquonock and
later in farming. He was a leading Democrat, and
served as second selectman for many years. In
November, 1856, he married Charlotte A. Watrous,
and they had two daughters, Gertrude A., wife of
W. G. Clark, of Poquonock; and Eliza M., wife of
Leroy Sykes, of Sui^eld. (3) Laura Z., born Jan.
30, 1829, married Salmon Clark, Sept. 8, 1850, and
died in Windsor, Dec. 22, 1883. She had three
children, Eliza A., Charles O., and a twin of the
latter who died in infancy. (4) Oliver W., born
July II, 1830, was a farmer at the homestead, where
he died Dec. 28, 1892, unmarried. (5) Joseph G.,
born Sept. 14, 1831, is a resident of the town of
Windsor. On Sept. 8, 1880, he married Vesta E.
Bartlett. (6) Samuel C. is mentioned more fully
below. (7) Edward F., born Feb. 6, 1837, married
Flavia A. Howe. (8'> Thomas M., born Nov. 23,
1840, died May 21, 1889 (further mention is made
of him elsewhere). (9) Willard A., born Aug. 24,
.1842, is a farmer of the town of Windsor, and is
known as the pioneer peach grower of that locality,
and the most extensive one. He received excellent
educational advantages, as he had four years at
Windsor Academy, and two years at private school
in Poquonock. He is one of the prominent Demo-
crats of the town, and is exceptionally popular as an
official, his work as assessor being quite thorough
and efficient. He married Miss Helen Churchill, of
Little Falls, N. Y., and has three children, Henry
■ W., Howard C, and Laura H.
Samuel C. Thrall was born at the homestead
May 30, 1833, and was educated at the old brick
school house in District No. 7, of Windsor, where
many of the best citizens received their early in-
struction. Among his first teachers were Jeff Aus-
tin and a Mr. Barlow. He was reared to farm
work, and on leaving school turned his attention to
the management of the old farm. He and his broth-
ers were all healthy, muscular boys, Oliver being the
heaviest, our subject the lightest, and at one time
the nine children, including the sister, had a com-
bined weight of more than two thousand, two hun-
dred pounds ! As the work of the homestead did
not require the constant help of all the boys, some
of them were employed by neighboring farmers, but
in i860 Oliver, Joseph, Samuel, Thomas and Wil-
lard formed a partnership and took charge of the
homestead. Desiring more land, they purchased
tracts from time to time until they had a farm which
taxed even their energies to cultivate. The part-
nership lasted several years, the utmost harmony
prevailing in their settlements, which were infor-
mally made between themselves, but as one after an-
other married the immense estate was divided, and
our subject is now the only one remaining at the
homestead proper. While he is in excellent health,
being physically and mentally active, he has re-
tired from business, the control of the farm being
given to his nephew, Frederick H. Thrall. Al-
though our subject has never married, his material
needs have been well cared for, as his brother Thom-
as married a most excellent wife and settled at the
homestead, which is a model of neatness and com-
fort under her skillful management. In his manner
Mr. Thrall is unassuming, and his kindliness of
heart is well known, as he has alwavs been ready to
aid in any case of need. It is a rule in the family
that no one shall ever be turned from the house hun-
gry, and hospitality is never refused to ibe way-
farer. Like all of his family he is a stanch Demo-
crat, and takes keen interest in the party's welfare,
but beyond voting regularly he is not active in the
practical work of the organization.
WILLIAM PEARCE, the well-known superin-
tendent of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., Plants-
ville, has the distinction of having won the proud
American title of a self-made man. He possesses
fine ability in mechanical lines, and this, together
with his great determination and energy, has enabled
him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in
his path, and work his way steadily upward to pros-
perity.
Mr. Pearce was born in Aylesbury, Buckingham-
shire, England, Dec. 23, 1846, a son of Edward and
Sarah (Mead) Pearce, who came to America in 1848
and located in Hartford, Conn., where the father
conducted a bakery for a short time. He then re-
moved to Glastonbury, Conn., and engaged in the
manufacture of spectacles until 1870. when he came
to Southington and worked in the shops, first with
the H. D. Smith Co., and later with the Atwater
956
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Manufacturing Co. He died in Southington, April
27, 1884. In his family were the following chil-
dren: Charlotte, wife of Robert ^IcXaughton ; Ed-
ward T. ; William; Mary, wife of William Ferry,
and later of Robert Svvanton; and Mercy, wife of
Richard Cowles.
Mr. Pearce was two years old when brought by
his parents to the United States, and in Hartford
county he was reared and educated, attending th.e
public schools. In early life he served a three-years"
apprenticeship to the machinist's trade with Wood-
ruff & Beach, of Hartfurd, and later worked as a
journeyman for ten years. In January, 1875, ^"^
entered the employ of J. B. Savage & Co., of South-
ington, as foreman of their machinery department,
and served in that capacity for three and one-half
years. In July, 1878, he accepted the superintend-
ency of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., of Plants-
ville, which rcsoonsible position he has since most
creditably filled. He has also been a director of and
stockholder in the company for fifteen years. Mr.
Pearce is of an inventive turn of mind, and has taken
out some forty different patents, among the most im-
portant being an ox-shoe, reducing the cost of man-
iifacture from seventy-five dollars to eleven dollars
per ton; also a patent nail-puller, the object of
which is to pull the nail straight as well as easily,
that it may be used a second time or more, and at
the same time lessen the cost of production. He
has also made several inventions on carriage coup-
lings, now used extensively throughout the world,
the Atwater Manufacturing Co. being the principal
manufacturer of these in the United States. Mr.
Pearce is known among his fellow townsmen for his
reliability in all trade transactions, and justly merits
their confidence and regard. Socially he is a mem-
ber of William Perry Lodge. Xo. 50, K. P.
In 1866 Mr. Pearce was united in marriage with
Miss Eva F. Brown, a daughter of George L. and
Alma A. (Cook) Brown, of Providence, R. I., and
to this union two children have been born ; Edward
U. ; and Bertha G., now the wife of William Hartlev.
JOHN DEXTER ANDREWS, secretary and
treasurer of the Collinsville Savings Society, is a
man whose probity and sound busmess judgment
lend strength and prestige to any enterprise with
Avhich he may be connected. The bank has a sur-
plus of about $65,000, the largest percentage of any
savings bank in the State, and since Mr. Andrews
tiecame associated with the institution the number
of depositors has increased from 400 to 1,700. Mr.
Andrews is a self-made man, having begun his
career as a carpenter and joiner, contractor and
huilder with no capital except his abilities, and his
success affords a pleasing illustration of the old
adage, "Where there's a will there's a way."
Our subject was born March 15, 1833, in Ash-
iield, Mass. At an early day three brothers named
Andrews came from England, one settling in Mas-
sachusetts, one in Connecticut and one in Georgia.
James Andrews, cur subject's grandfather, was
born in Massachusetts, and made his home there
throughout life. He died at the age of fifty, but
his wife, Sarah, lived to the advanced age of
eighty-four, her death being caused by a fall from
a coach in a runaway. They had several children,
among whom was a son, Rodolphus.
Rodolphus Andrews, our subject's father, was
born and reared in Massachusetts and became a
farmer and general mechanic, being able to make
almost anything from a waterwheel to a clock. He
located at Ashfield, Mass., and later in New York
State, and his death occurred in Illinois in 1856.
His wife, Lois Kellogg, who died in 1843, was a
native of New Hartford, and a daughter of Capt.
Michael and Sarah Kellogg. Her family has been
prominent in New England from an early period,
and numbers among its members Clara Louise Kel-
logg, the famous singer. Capt. Michael Kellogg
resided at Xew Hartford, and, realizing the value
of the water ]50wer at the Xorth End, he built the
first mill there, disregarding both advice and crit-
icism from less acute and far-sighted btisiness men.
Our subject was the youngest of a family of six
children. ( i ) The first child, a son, died in in-
fancy. (2) Almira died at the age of twenty-one.
(3) Louise married Andrew Slawson, and died at
Piqua, Ohio, leaving four children. (4) Sarah
married Charles Van Velzor, of Princeton, 111,
and had six children, four of whom are living. (5)
George W., a bridge builder, died at Rockport,
Ohio, leaving a widow and three children.
In 1837 the family removed to Baldwinsville,
X. Y., then a newly settled district, and as our
subject was then about four years old his early
recollections cover an interesting phase of pioneer
life. At fourteen he came to Connecticut to re-
side with an uncle, George Kellogg, of Winsted,
later spent two years with an uncle in New Hart-
ford, and then went to the home of another uncle,
where he remained until he reached the age of eight-
een. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner
in New Hartford, and while serving his apprentice-
ship refused a tempting offer to break his agree-
ment with his employer. The latter rewarded him
by giving him his time after two and one-half
years, and in September, 1854, he settled himself
ill business in Collinsville. Many houses in that
vicinity stand as evidence of his skill.
In 1858 Mr. Andrews became connected with
The Collins Company and later entered the machete
department, spending two and one-half years in the
handle room ; for some years he took contracts for
the company. In 1869 the foreman of the machete
department died and Mr. Andrews took the posi-
tion of foreman, which he held nearly twenty-three
years, resigning June 15, 1891. In the meantime he
became interested in the Collinsville Savings So-
ciety, in which he served as chairman of the board
of trustees for some time, and in 1891 he took his
present position. In 1868 he opened a grocery in
Collinsville, in partnership with Mr. Codding, under
the name of tne LTnion Trading Co., with the ob-
C^^^ aU i>^^cyf
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
957
ject of providing the necessaries of life at low
cost. The people of the village had previously been
obliged to pa)' exorbitant prices for such supplies,
and their patronage of the new firm showed their
lappreciation of the fair dealing which characterized
'its transactions, the business amounting to about
'$20,000 annually. The store was kept open only
at night, and Mr. Andrews, after his work as fore-
man in the shop during the day, would spend his
evenings over the books, but in 1883 he withdrew
from the firm. Politically he is a Republican, and
at one time was a "Know-nothing." For years he
was active in local affairs, and he has served as
grand juror and trial justice, and for twelve years
was a justice of the peace, but of late he has been
obliged to devote his attention more exclusively to
business. His kindness of heart found ample scope
for action during his judicial service, as his good
advice led to the reform of many evil-doers. Our
subject is a man of liberal mind, eminently just in
his opinion of men and affairs, and, while he had
but Hmited advantages in youth, his keen observa-
tion of life and his wide range of reading have
given him a good practical education. Physically
he has never been robust, but by constant care he
has avoided serious illness, his love of out-door
sports in youth having contributed much to his
good health. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity.
In November, 1859, Mr. Andrews was married
in Collinsville, to Miss Abbie Jane Horton, daugh-
ter of Leonard and Delia Horton, residents of that
place. Three children were born of the union :
Hattie C, who died aged five years ; May, who died
at the age of two and one-half years ; and J.
Leonard, who died aged three and one-half years.
i
HIRAM EMERSON HODGE, the present
first selectman and a leading citizen of Marlboro,
is a worthy representative of an old and honored
New England family. His paternal grandparents
were Benaja and Rhoda Hodge, of South Glaston-
bury, where the grandfather followed the occupa-
tion of farming until his death. They had a family
of nine children, whose names and dates of birth
were as follows: Hiram, Oct. 20, 1797; Hatsel,
March 19,, 1799; Selden, May 27, 1801 ; Benjamin,
Jan. 6, 1805; Orin, Nov. 6, 1809; Prudence, Nov.
IS, 181 1 ; Rhoda, Nov. 8, 1813; Lucy, July 17, 1815;
and Alsup, July 22, 1818.
Alsup Hodge, the father of our subject, was
born in South Glastonbury on the farm now occu-
pied by his son-in-law, Roderick Hollister, and there
spent his entire life^ his time and attention being de-
voted to agricultural pursuits. He died June 11,
1877. -^^ rnarried Miss Betsy Pearson, who was
borri April 23, 181 1, and died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Hollister, in South Glastonbury, Jan.
3, 1898. In the family were three children, of whom
our subject is the youngest. Emeline, born Dec. 15,
1845, is the widow of Ansel Bidwell, a teamster of
North Glastonbury; and Olive, born July 29, 1848,
was married June i, 1872, to Roderick Hollister, a
farmer of South Glastonbury.
Hiram E. Hodge, our subject, was born on the
home farm in South Glastonbury, March 23, 185T,
and attended the district schools and also a select
school held in the basement of the M. E. Church
in East Glastonbury, presided over by E. M. An-
thony, a minister. On leaving school, at the age of
sixteen years, he returned home, and aided in the
work of the farm and also did teaming for his father,
who operated a stone quarry which was located upon
his place. For many years our subject was also in-
terested in burning charcoal. In early life he spent
one year working on a farm in Batavia, N. Y. After
his return to Connecticut he was married, and lived
on the home farm for a couple of years. He then
went to East Hampton, Middlesex county, where he
engaged in charcoal burning for Hudson Hollister,
and in 1878 came to Marlboro and purchased the
W. L. Hills place. He did teaming for the Marl-
boro Mills while they were in operation, and car-
ried the mail between Marlboro and East Hampton,
making two trips daily. He also hauled stone,
wood, etc. Subseauentlv he purchased his present
farm from William Dickinson, then comprising 221
acres, but he has since added to it a ninety-acre
tract, and now has a fine farm of 311 acres, which
he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and
on which he is now successfully engaged in general
farming.
On Jan. 21, 1875, Mr. Hodge was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lavina Root, a native of East
Hampton, and a daughter of Henry and Fidelia
(Archer) Root. To the assistance of his thrifty wife
our subject attributes much of his success. They
have six children: Leslie, who is now living in
Westchester; Harrison, who died young, his death
resulting from a kick of a horse ; and ^Dwight, Har-
old, Grace and Jennie, all at home. The family is
one of which any parent might be justly proud.
Mr. Hodge is a hard-working, energetic man,
and his success is due entirely to his own well-di-
rected labors. He attends the Methodist Church,
and politically affiliates with the Democratic party,
taking a very prominent and influential part in
political matters as one of the leading members of
the party in Marlboro. He was chosen selectman
in 1894, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899 and 1900, and when
representative in 1894-5, received two-thirds of the
vote of the town, which fact plainly indicates his
popularity, and the confidence and trust that his
fellow citizens repose in him.
ANDREW J. SHIPMAN, one of the best-
known hotel men in the Eastern States, was born
Jan. 12, 1830, son of Samtiel Shipman, and grand-
son of John Shipman.
John Shipman was born in Rocky Hill, and was
a man of no little prominence in the community,
being a large land owner. He married a Miss Hol-
lister, by whom he had four children : Samuel, our
subject's father; John, who died in childhood; and
968
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Catherine and Julia, both of whom married men by
the name of Hunt. Ji^hn Shipman attained the ex-
traordinary age of ninety-two years, and died en-
joying the esteem of the entire community in which
he passed his life.
Samuel Shipman, the father of Andrew }., was
born in 1783, in Rocky Hill, Conn. He received
his early education at the district schools, and at the
age of eighteen began the life of a farmer, which
pursuit he followed until 1837, in that year remov-
ing to Rocky Hill, where he purchased the well-
known "Rocky Hill Hotel." He changed the name
to "Shipman's Hotel," and under the management
of himself and his successors it became one of the
most famous country hostelries of New England.
He was a jovial and popular landlord, and familiarly
known as "Uncle Sammy." The house is of great
antiquity, having been built by Simeon Williams one
hundred and fifty years ago, and was also famous
for its fish and game dinners, being particularlv
noted for the many excellent ways in which shad
was served. It was a favorite resort of the wealthy
citizens of .Hartford, among whom may be named
the TrumbuUs, the Stewarts, and a i\lr. Colt (one
of Mr. Shipman's best patrons), of the Colt's Arms
Company, whose establishment was frequently vis-
ited by officers connected with the armies of foreign
countries, and occasionally by scions of royalty it-
self, who were anxious to become familiar with the
improvements which Mr. Colt's inventions had
wrought in the manufacture of fire arms. On the
occasion of such visits as these it was JNIr. Colt's
custom to take his guests aboard his little steam
yacht "Dauntless" and carry them down the Con-
necticut river to "Uncle Sammy's" tavern, for a
dinner of shad or game. The house was situated
on what was known as the old jMiddletown turn-
pike, running from Hartford to New Haven, and
was extensively patronized by travelers along the
route. Samuel Shipman married 2\Iaria Rogers,
daughter of Asa Rogers, of Hartford, and a sister
of the well-known Rogers brothers, manufacturers
of silver plated ware. She became the mother qf
five children; of whom Andrew J. (our subject) was
fourth in the order of birth ; Frank, the eldest, was
also a well-known hotel man, of East Haddam,
where he died in 1863; Albert died in 1867; Maria
lost her life through an accident, in 1835 ; and Ellen
is the widow of Henry Smith, of Hartford. Samuel
Shipman died in March, 1875, and his wife, who
was seventeen years his junior, having been born in
1800, survived him only four years. He was a sol-
dier of the war of 1812.
Andrew J. Shipman was quite young when his
father took charge of the "Rockv Hill Hotel." He
attended the district schools of his native place, and
supplemented the training there received by a course
in Ellington Academy. Both by instinct and train-
ing his inclinations were bent in the direction of
hotel-keeping. At the age of twenty he went to
Hartford, where he became clerk in the "United
States Hotel," holding that position for a year. The
next year he passed at a hotel in Wallingford, and
from that point went to Pittsburg, Penn., where he
was similarly employed for four years. From Pitts-
burg he removed to New York City, and after being
employed for two years in a hotel there went to
Wilmington, N. C, where he remained until the
outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861. Returning to
New York, he soon found employment in his own
chosen pursuit; and from that time forward his
summers were spent at Newport, R. I., where he was
steward of the famous "Ocean Hotel." The latter
post he occupied for thirty-one consecutive years,
alternating his summers (during a portion of the
period) by performing the duties of steward in the
"Fifth Avenue Hotel," in New York. In 1897 he
retired from active ousiness pursuits, and bought his
father's old hotel at Rocky Hill, which he converted
into a modern residence for himself and family.
Mr. Shipman is naturally much attached to the old
homestead, where his father passed so many suc-
cessful years and attained such an enviable reputa-
tion as a host. liis father's record and associations
are also a source of legitimate pride to him. Mr.
Shipman is a Democrat in political sentiment, and
was elected to the State Legislature in 1889 and
1890. Fie is a member of the O. U. A. M.
On Dec. 27, 1865, our subject married Miss Mat-
sie J. Godbee, the daughter of James and Mary
(Rogers) Godbee, of Sag Harbor, L. I. They have
had no children of their own, but have reared four
boys, one from infancy.
James Godbee was a sea captain, his first mari-
time experience having been gained as a cabin boy
on a whaling vessel, on which he shipped when he
was but sixteen years of age. His first cruise lasted
three years, and from that time until 1847 he fol-
lowed a sea-faring life almost without intermission.
In the year last mentioned, in company with several
other men of Sag Haroor, he bought and fitted out
the bark "Hamilton," on which the owners made a
voyage to California. Arrived at San Francisco, he
disposed of his interest in the vessel and purchased a
schooner, with which he engaged in the trade along
the California coast, dealing in vegetables and fruits.
On his return trip to the East the vessel on which
he sailed was wrecked off the coast of lower Califor-
nia, but he, with a few others, was rescued, and
succeeded in saving some valuable express packages
committed to his charge, which he safely delivered
upon his return to New York.
Shortly after his return to his home at Sag
Harbor Mr. Godbee secured a government contract
for the building of life-saving stations along the
Long Island coast, which he carried out with the
fidelity and keen business sense which character-
ized all his business career. He was much trusted
by his fellow citizens, who frequently sought his ad-
vice, which was always freely given. He was one
of the trustees of the Sag Harbor Savings Bank,
and retired from active bus'ness in 1880, because of
failing eyesight. He died in 1886. His widow is
still living, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
959
and makes her home with her daughter and son-in-
law, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Shipman. Mr. and
I Mrs. Godbee had a family of hve children: J. Ed-
gar, now of Hartford, who is secretary of the
Woven Wire Mattress Co. ; Ellen, widow of B. J.
i Hurand, who resides in New York City ; Mary, Mrs.
! Theodore Fields, deceased; William L., of Bridge-
thampton, L. I.; and Matsie J., Mrs. Shipman.
CAPT. ARTHUR B. KEENEY is descended
from a long-lived ancestry, who have been born and
bred on the old homestead farm in Hartford county,
which they have tilled for more than one hundred
■ years. His g'reat-great-grandfather was Tell Kee-
ney, and his son, Richard Keeney (our subject's
great-grandfather), attained the phenomenal age
of 105 years. His grandfather, Russell Keeney,
died at the age of eighty-eight, and his father. Por-
ter Keeney, lived to be nearly eighty. All his pa-
ternal forefathers were farmers.
Russell Keeney married Jerusha Dart, and had
five children: Porter (our subject's father), Betsey
(who married Ira Keeney), Minnda (who became
the wife of Horace Keeney), Woodruff and Hulda.
Porter Keeney, our subject's father, married
Emily Bidwell, who was born April 19, 1806, and
died April 17, 1897, two days before reaching her
ninety-first birthday. To their union were born ten
children, a brief mention of some of whom will be
of interest: Electa was born April 2, 1826, and
died Feb. 8, 1838; Sanford was born Oct. 11, 1827,
and died at his home in South Manchester May 5,
1891 ; Edwin was born April 13, 1830, and is now a
merchant of New London; Riley, born Aug. 13,
1832, died at the age of thirty, on Aug. 9, 1862, at
Alexandria, Va., having served in the 5th (or Colt's)
Regiment, Conn. V. I. ; Emily A. ( i ) was born
Sept. 9, 1835, and died Feb. 6, 1838; Emily A. (2)
was born May 2, 1838, and married James Lyons, of
South Manchester, where she still resides ; Sarah
R. was born Oct. 22, 1840; Harriet, born July 19,
1843, became the wife of Asa G. Hills, of Mount
Pleasant, Iowa; one daughter, born in 1845, lived
only a short time ; Arthur B. is referred to below.
The father of this family (Porter Keeney) was born
July 24, 1805, and died April 8, 1885, twelve years
before his wife; he was buried in the East ceme-
tery of Manchester.
Arthur B. Keeney was born March 25, 1849, on
the farm on which his father took up his residence
shortly after marriage. It is situated in Glaston-
bury, just across the town line from the old Keeney
homestead, in the town of Manchester. His early
education was obtained at the common schools, and
the first twenty years of his life were spent upon
his father's farm. For ten years following he was
employed in Cheney Bros.' silk mill, and at the expi-
ration of that period he returned to the home of his
S boyhood, where he has lived ever since. His pres-
! ent farm embraces seventy-four acres, including the
"home place" of fourteen acres. On May 9, 1870,
1 he married Miss Rose Wetherell, a daughter of
William and Frances (Watrous) Wetherell, the lat-
ter a direct descendant of John Alden, of Plymouth
fame. One child has come to this union, Harry W.,
born Aug. 7, 1872, who on June 9, 1897, married
Miss Dorothy M. Hall, of Manchester.
For several years Mr. Keeney served in the State
militia, with marked distinction. The date of his
enlistment in the ist Regiment, Conn. N. G., was
Nov. 10, 1871. On April 9, 1877, he rose to the rank
of sergeant, and on Nov. 9, 1877, was commis-
sioned second lieutenant. He was made first lieu-
tenant May 14, 1878, and captain Sept. i, 1879. On
Dec. 19, 1882, he tendered his resignation, which
was accepted. His son enlisted in the same com-
pany Feb. 16, 1891, and he also rose gradually to
the rank of captain, receiving his commission July
29, 1896, and having the distinction of being the
youngest captain in the brigade. He resigned in
1898.
Capt. Keeney is a Republican in politics. In
1896 he was elected tax collector of Manchester, and
has been re-elected for the fourth time, holding the
office for five years. He is a member of the First
Congregational Church of Manchester Center, and
also belongs to the A. O. U. W.
WILLIS WILCOX MILDRUM, now post-
master at East Berlin, possesses the aptitude of the
native of Connecticut for mechanical skill, and has
been connected with various prosperous industrial
enterprises of his native State. He is a man of'
strong, earnest convictions, which are manifested
by him as a citizen and in the various relationships
which constitute the career of every useful member
of society. Mr. Mildrum believes it the duty of
every man to give his attention to politics, and in
church, fraternal, social and business life he ranks
high among his fellow townsmen.
Mr. Mildrum was born in East Berlin, Oct. 6,
1846, son of William Augustus and Adelia M. (Wil-
cox) Mildrum, and grandson of Orrin Mildrum.
The father was a contractor with the Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Co., of East Berlin, making tinman's tools.
Our subject attended the public schools until the age
of sixteen, when he entered a photograph gallery at
Meriden. A little later he abandoned photography
to learn the tool-maker's trade with the Peck, Stow
& Wilcox Co., remaining with that highly prosperous
company for six years, when he began business for
himself as a partner in the firm of D. C. Callender
& Co., jewelers at New Britain and Meriden, and
the firm being composed of D. C. & F. E. Callender,
and our subject. Disposing of his mercantile inter-
ests, Mr. Mildrum remained for a time at Newing-
ton, and was then offered and accepted the superin-
tendency of the Corrugated Metal Co. Fie next be-
gan the manufacture of fine jewels for surveyors'
and electrical instruments, which business he still
conducts, also making jewels for all kinds of com-
passes.
Mr. Mildrum received his appointment of post-
master at East Berlin, June 22, 1898. His com-
960
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mission was signed by President McKinley July 9,
1898, the office having been made a Presidential one
during the-second administration of President Cleve-
land. In politics our subject is an ardent Republi-
can, and since early mannood he has taken an active
interest in public 'affairs. Por about fifteen years
he served on the school board, anu he was also a
member of the town executive committee. He has
been offered and has declined a number of political
offices. Mr. Mildrum is a prominent member of
Washington Lodge, No. 81, P. & A. AL, of Crom-
well, and has filled the chairs of senior warden,
master and deacon in the lodge.
On Oct. II, 1871, Air. Mildrum married Miss
Anna Shelden Webster, who was born Feb. 28,
1847, daughter of John and Lydia Prances \\"ebster,
of Newington. They have two daughters, Clare
Elizabeth and :\Iiriam Lydia. Clare Elizabeth, born
]\Iarch 28, 1873, married' April 27, 1899, Rollin Col-
vert Bastress, of Shamokin, Penn., at present civil
engineer for the American Bridge Co. ; she is a grad-
uate of the New Britain high school, and of Mt.
Holyoke College, South Iladley, Mass., class of
1898. Miriam Lydia, born April' 24, 1875. attended
the New Britain high school, and later the Northfield
Training School ; on June 6, 1900, she became the
wife of A. W. A. Eden, of Brownstown, Jamaica,
West Indies, who is a civil engineer, now with the
American Bridge Co. at East Berlin.
Mr. and Mrs. Alildrum are members of the Sec-
ond Congregational Church of Berlin, and he is a
member of the standing committee of the church.
The daughters are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of East Berlin.
EDWARD F. THRALL. Among the brave
men who helped to make up the quota from Con-
necticut during the early call for defenders of the
Union in the dark days of the Civil war was the sub-
ject of this sketch, now a well-known resident of the
town of Windsor. His prompt response as a young
man to his country's need was characteristic, and
his honorable record in private life is no less an
indication of personal worth and manly qualities.
An active career as a merchant has been followed
by many years of quiet attention to agricultural
pursuits, and he and his gifted wife now reside
upon an attractive farm near Poquonock.
Mr. Thrall was born in the town of ^Mnd5or,
Feb. 6, 1837, son of Horace and Eliza ^Mlson)
Thrall, whose histor}' is given elsewhere. He was
reared to farm work at the old homestead, and as a
boy attended the school of District No. 7, his native
ability being shown in his quick grasp of knowl-
edge under conditions by no means equal to those
of the present day. His progress in mathematics
was especially noteworthy, and at the age of sixteen
he began the study of the science of navigation un-
der Capt. Hamilton, of the ship "Prudence." For
three and one-half years he "sailed the ocean blue,"
visiting many of the principal ports on the globe
and during his time he secured an excellent knowl-
edge of navigation. On his return home he found
employment in a paper-mill at Poquonock, begin-
ning at the work requiring least skill, but with ha-
bitual thoroughness he soon mastered the details,
and was raised to the most responsible position in
the shop. After a time he resigned to engage in
the grocery business at Poquonock, which he con-
tinued for a number of years. The outbreak of the
Rebellion aroused his patriotism, and, leaving his
business in the hands of his brother Horace, he en-
listed in Company A, 22d Conn. V. I., for the term
of three months, and served eleven ; he went out as
corporal. When finally discharged from the ser-
vice he resumed his business in partnership with his
brother, but encountered serious losses, his strict
sense of honor compelling him to pay every dollar
of indebtedness accruing from them. Later he pur-
chased a farm at Poquonock, going heavily in debt,
and he has since devoted much of his attention to its
management. The place was in poor condition,
and many would have thought it impossible to make
it productive ; but through the energetic application
of connnon sense he has made it one of the most
productive farms of the locality.
In making his way in the world Mr. Thrall has
never followed the path of self-denial, as he be-
lieves in enjoying the good things of earth, and he
has not onlv surrounded himself at home with the
evidences of wealth and artistic taste, but travel has
given to him and his accomplished wife the benefits
of a wider outlook. Many winters have been spent
by them in tne Southern States or in Cuba, and
wherever they have been they have not failed to
attract the friendship of the best people, their own
qualities of character being a magnet to draw the
esteem of superior natures. Mr. Thrall's genial,
jovial manner is in no way changed by prosperity,
and he is as approachable as in the days of financial
trial, which have served to deepen his generosity
and strengthen his brotherly sympathy with all who
are in need. Time is beginning to tell upon his phys-
ical vigor, and, while he could once do a day's work
with the best, he has contented himself for the fif-
teen years past with supervising the labor of others
on the farm. He is an admirer of good horse-flesh,
and can often be seen driving some fine specimen
from his well-kept stables. His interest in the ad-
vancement of agricultural affairs is shown by his
years of active work in the Poquonock Grange, of
which he was a charter member. He is also identi-
fied with various social orders, including Robert O.
Tyler Post, G. A. R., at Hartford; he was a char-
ter member of the O. U. A. M. lodge at Windsor,
but he is now retired from same. As a matter of lo-
cal improvement he has given much time to the de-
velopment of Moore's Park, being treasurer of the
corporation, and any project which promises to ben-
efit the community receives from him substantial
aid. Politically he is a Democrat, and although a
wealthy man and a money lender he supported the ,•
Chicago platform in 1896, disregarding the argu- ^i
^/i^<k V <Ajlu>a^
^djM/rXJ^cS d" C^^U^L^^
I
m
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
961
ments of many of his friends. In that year he was
the party candidate for State Senator, and at dif-
ferent times he served as delegate to conventions,
State, Senatorial, etc. When urged to become a
candidate for local office he has almost invariably
declined, preferring to devote his energies to his pri-
vate business, but he filled the position of selectman
ably .some years ago, and has served ten years on
the board of relief, as assessor, etc.
In 1864 Mr. Thrall married Miss Flavia A.
Howe, and tnree children have blessed the union :
Charles, who died Nov. 3, 1898, aged thirty-one
years ; Frank E. who died when three months old ;
and Leliaone, who in 1898 married George Merwin,
of Windsor, a son of J. J. Merwin, of Windsor, and
is connected with the Phoenix Insurance Co., of
Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Merwin reside with her
parents in Windsor, and are highly esteemed in the
best social circles of that city. She possesses elo-
cutionary powers of no small order, and has assisted
in many public entertainments. Mr. and Mrs.
Thrall have also reared two boys, Nicholas Manelli,
who had his home with them, for fourteen years, and
is now a business man of Bridgeport, Conn. ; and
another, now living in the town of Windsor, who
shared their roof for seven or eight years.
Mrs. Flavia A. Thrall, whose magnetic person-
ality and wonderful powers as a spiritual healer
have won world-wide notice, is deserving of special
mention in this volume. One who is at all skeptical
concerning the efficacy of mediumistic healing has
but to read a few of the thousands of testimonials
that have come to her unsolicited, or to converse
with the people who have known her from child-
hood, and have seen with their own eyes the results
of her work. Her immense practice, both at home
and at her office in Hartford, speaks for itself as to
her fame and popularity, while the character and
standing of her patients, who number among them
some of the most aristocratic and intelligent peo-
ple, prove that her methods are of genuine worth
and value. Clergymen, lawyers and even physi-
cians, eminent in their profession, have consulted
her, and her patients include adherents of every
creed or belief. Her remarkable powers enable her
to diagnose a case unerringly and, where medicines
are necessary, she prescribes strictly herbal prep-
arations, which operate like magic. Although she
has never advertised, ner marvelous cures could not
escape public attention, and calls for her aid have
come from every State in the Union and various
European countries, the ''absent treatments" being
given with perfect success. Her gift has not been
utilized by her as a source of revenue only, as her
highest charges to the wealthy are but trifling in
comparison with the relief given them, while hun-
dreds of poor people have been cured entirely with-
out charge. She is a native of the town of Windsor,
and daughter of Cyrus Howe, a well-known citi-
zen of that section. He was of Scotch-Irish blood,
but owing to religious persecution in Ireland his
family was compelled to go elsewhere for freedom
61
of conscience, and as a young man he came to Amer-
ica and located at Windsor, being one of the first of
his nationality to settle there. For sixty-eight years
he was a Freemason, being one of the oldest in the
United States. For many years previous to his
death he was a member of the Spiritual Harmomcal
Society at Poquonock, its constitution having been
written by him, and Mr. and Mrs. Thrall are now
leading supporters of the organization. His wife,
Sarah (Phelps), also deceased, was a daughter of
Timothy and Ruth (Wilson) Phelps, and a member
of one of the oldest families in Windsor. Mrs.
Thrall was the youngest of five children, of whom
only one other is now living, Maria, widow of
Charles Darby, of Windsor.
During her early days Mrs. Thrall attended Dis-
trict School No. 7, of the town of Windsor, obtain-
ing a good practical education for that day. As a
child she manifested powers beyond the ordinary,
but so far were they then misunderstood that her
parents regarded them with uneasiness, fearing
them as evidences of mental blight. Her clair-
voyant power was characterized by herself in child-
ish phrase as "seeing away off." At the age of
fourteen her ability as a healer was revealed to her,
and, having accepted the call to this high service,
she has practiced for forty-seven years, during which
she has performed some of the most remarkable
cures on record.
HENRY DWIGHT HAWLEY, a prominent
and representative citizen of Farmington, was born
in that town May 25, 1828, and is a representative
of one of the oldest families of the State, as he
traces his ancestry back to (I) Joseph Hawley,
a farmer and tanner of Stratford, Conn., who was
born in 1603, and in 1646 married Katharine Bird-
sey.
(II) Samuel Hawley, the next in direct descent,
was also a farmer and tanner by occupation. He
was born in 1647, and was married, May 20, 1673,
to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Ann (Welles)
Thompson.
(III) Capt. Joseph Hawley, born June 6, 1675,
was married June 7, 1697, to Elizabeth, daughter
of Timothy and Joanna (Birdsey) Wilcoxon, of
Stratford.
(IV) Joseph Hawley, born March 25, 1702, was
the great-grandfather of our subject.
(V) Gad Hawley, the grandfather, was born in
Farmington Sept. 9, 1746, and was married Feb.
8, 1776, to Lydia Gillett, of Avon, Connecticut.
(VI) Amon Hawley, the father of our subject,
was born in Farmington July 12, 1785, and died
Dec. 16, 1863. Throughout life he made his home
in the house where he was born, and there his death
occurred. By occupation he was a farmer. On
Oct. 27, 1814, he was united in marriage with Miss
Flora Thompson, of East Avon, Conn., who was
born March 3, 1788, and died Feb. 17, 1866. They
were the parents of six children, of whom our sub-
ject is the youngest, the others being as follows :
962
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lydia Mariette, bom Feb. 23, 1817, died Jan. 22,
1899; ^Mary Ann, born Jan. 23, 1819, died Feb. 19,
1819; Lucy Ann, born Aug. 23, 1822, was married,
March i, 1848, to Charles Richards; Harriet Statira,
born April 11, 1824, was married, April 20, 1846,
to Charles Ramsey, and died April 5, 1899; and
Charles Augustin,' born April 24, 1826, died Aug.
10, I8.^4.
Henry D. Hawley, subject of this sketch, was
educated in the schools of Farniington and Hart-
ford, and throughout his active business career has
successfully engaged in general farming on a part
of the original ancestral acres in the former place.
Upon this farm he erected, in 1873, a comfortable
residence adjoining the old homestead, and has made
many other useful and valuable improvements, which
add greatly to the attractive appearance of the
place. Since 1849 he has been a faithful and earnest
member of the Congregational Church, and for
almost a quarter of a century lias filled the office of
deacon, always taking quite an active and prominent
part in churcn work. His life has been manly, his
actions sincere, and his example is well worthy of
emulation.
On April 30, 1867, Mr. Hawley married Miss
Elizabeth Ann Keeler, a daughter of John Kceler,
of Ridgefield, Conn., and to them were born five
children: Charles Dwight, born March 23, 1868,
is a farmer; Henry Keeler, born June 3, 1870, was
graduated from Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, in
1899, and is now preparing for the ministry ; John
Anion, born July 8, 1873, is also a graduate of
Oberlin College and the Theological Seminary of
Hartford, Conn., and is now pastor of the Congre-
gational Church of West Avon, Conn. ; Willie
Moses, born Nov. 19, 1876, died Feb. 24, 1877; and
Flora Eliza, twin sister of Willie, has been educated
at Oberlin College.
WASHBURN EDGERTON is one of the most
prosperous and hio-hly esteemed agriculturists of
West Granby. Old age is not necessarily a synonym
of weakness or inactivity. It need not suggest, as
a matter of course, want of occupation or helpless-
ness. This is worthily illustrated m the life of Mr.
Edgerton, as he still gives his attention to his farm-
ing operations and his extensive business interests.
Mr. Edgerton was born in West Granby April
20, 1820, and is a worthy representative of a fam-
ily that has been identified with that portion of
Hartford county for over a century and a half. His
great-grandfather, Ebenezer Edgerton, was born in
Long Meadow, Lebanon, Conn., and on coming to
Hartford county located at Simsbury (then West
Granby), where he engaged in farming and stock
raising until called from this life. His sympathies
were with the Colonists during the struggle for in-
dependence, and he took an active part 111 the Rev-
olutionary war. Religiously he was a member of
the Congregational Church.
Jacob Edgerton, grandfather of our subject, was
born on the old homestead in West Granby, and
there spent his entire life, following the occupa-
tion of farming. His education was limited, as
schools in those days were few and the teachers were
very incompetent. He was a successful farmer, a
good citizen and highly respected by all who knew ]_£■
him. He owned a tract of 300 acres near the pres- Ip)
ent home of our subject, and there both he and his
wife died, their remains being interred in West
Granby. Both were true and earnest Christians,
and in politics he v\'as a Jeffersonian Democrat.
He married JMiss Nancy Lee, of Granby, and to
them were born eighteen children : Alanson,
Nancy, Lee, Desiah, Charlotte, Lester, Ashel, Jef-
ferson, Josephus, Jude, Jerusha, IVIaria, Angeline,
Willis, Margaret, Caleb and two who died in in-
fancy.
Alanson Edgerton, father of our subject, was
born on the okl homestead, was educated in the
common schools of the neighborhood, and remained
with his parents until he attained man's estate. On
leaving the parental roof he located upon a tract of
sixty acres of land, where he engaged in farming
for some years, but finally purchased one hundred
acres in West Granby, where he engaged in general
farming and stock raising until his death, in 1851.
A man of high moral character and upright and
honorable in all his dealings, he commanded the
respect and confidence of all with whom he came
in contact. His pohtical support was given to the
Democracy. He married Asenath Case, a native
of Barkhamsted, Conn., and a daughter of Simeon
Case. Five children were born of this union :
Asenath, now the wife of Thomas Scott Gould;
Washburn, our subject; Alonzo, a resident of West
Granby ; and two who died in infancy. The mother
departed this life in 1873, and was laid to rest by
the side of her husband in West Granby cemetery.
Washburn Edgerton received only a common- \
school education, pursuing his studies in district
school No. 3, West Granby. On leaving home, at
the age of thirty-two years, he located upon one
of his father's farms, comprising eighty acres, to
which he has added 300 acres in subsequent years,
being now the largest owner of farming land in
West Granby. In connection with general farming
he has also extensively engaged in stock raising
and dealing with good success, and still attends to
his business interests.
In 1852, in Granby, Mr. Edgerton was united in
marriage w-ith ]\Iiss Adaline Wilcox, a native of
that place, and a aaughter of Owen and Harriette
(Holcomb) Wilcox, and to them were born eight
children: Kossuth B., at home; Eva, who died at
the age of three years ; Hattie, who died at the age
of five years ; Lutia, who first married Willis Clark,
and after his death wedded James McCuther, of
Simsbury; Asenath, wife of Edward C. Hayes, of
North Granby ; Lucinda, who died at the age of
sixteen ; Willis Washburn, a farmer of Granby
town ; and Adelaide, who died at tne age of thirty-
five. The children have been provided with good
practical educations, which have well fitted them
for life's responsible duties. The wife and mother,
who was a most estimable woman, was called to [
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
963
ler final rest in 1865, aged thirty-eight years, and
vas buried in West Granby.
In early life iMr. Edgerton was a supporter of
he Democratic party, but when the Civil war broke
uit he gave his allegiance to the Republican party,
vith which he has since been identified. He has
illed a number of local offices, such as juryman,
school director and as member of the board of re-
ief, the duties of which he has most faithfully and
ronscientiously discharged. In religious faith he is
1 member of the M. E. Church at West Granb)-,
md in all the relations of life he has been found
true to every trust reposed in him, while as a busi-
ness man and citizen he ranks among the best in
his community.
FREDERICK R. CURTIS. Elected and re-
elected, for three successive terms, as town clerk of
Glastonbury, an office which he now fills, the subject
bf this sketch has only thereby attested a measure
:of the high esteem in which he is held. He pos-
sesses that cordial personality, that friendliness of
manner and willingness to oblige, which character-
ize a man of kindly disposition and broad human
sympathies.
The advent of the Curtis family in the annals
of Glastonbury and vicinity occurred more than a
'half century ago, and to it is due the credit for
'founding an important industry. J. S. Curtis, great-
';uncle of our subject, migrated from Massachusetts,
and started in Glastonbury the Curtis factory, man-
ufacturing silverware, spectacle rims and silver work
of various kinds. A silver-plating industry was
established at Curtisville, now called Naubuc, and
here was manufactured the first German silver in
America. It was hauled by wagon to Waterbury
and then rolled to the desired thickness. Russell
Curtis, a brotner of J. S., was the grandfather of
our subject. He was a skilled mechanic, and spent
the greater part of his life at Springfield, Mass.,
later coming to Connecticut with his son, George
R. Curtis, the father of our subject, and passing
away at tiast Hartford.
George R. Curtis was born in Springfield, Mass.,
Oct. 17, 1823, and he there received a good com-
mon-school education. Upon his arrival at Curt.s-
ville lie opened a store, became the first postmaster
at Curtisville, and for many terms served as justice
of the peace. In politics he was a Democrat, and
he served as a member of the school board and as
Ischool visitor. He was the first Democratic registrar
under the law which required a registrar from each
political party. He was a man of superior intel-
ligence and keen judgment, was conservative, and
his opinions were held in esteem so high that fre-
quently his advice was sought by friends and neigh-
bors. He married, Jan. i, 1845, Elizabeth R.
Forbes, who was born jJec. 17, 1822, daughter of
Orrin (born April 18, 1794) and Mary (Treat)
i-orbes (born Nov. 15, 1801), his second wife. Or-
■rin Forbes was a grandson of Capt. Moses Forbes,
an officer of the Revolutionary army. The mother
of our subject died Oct. 22, 1886. To George R.
and Elizabeth R. Curtis were born three children :
Julia, who died in young womanhood ; Celia, who
married Winfield S. Bremer, and lives at Meriden;
and Frederick R., our subject.
Frederick R. Curtis was born July 4, 1850, in
Glastonbury, and attended the district schools.
When a boy he removed with his parents to New-
ark, N. J., and attended the schools of that city.
His parents removing to East Hartford, Conn.,
and residing on Naubuc avenue, Hockanum, he at-
tended the East Hartford high school under Joseph
O. Hurlbut, and later received instruction in Bryant
& Stratton and Remington's Business College, at
Hartford. While yet a student at school he met
with a painful and serious accident. He fell on
the ice and sustained injuries which made him a
cripple for life, and an attack of typhoid fever fol-
lowing his mishap confined him to the sick room
for many weary months. From the effects of this
accident he has never fully recovered. When con-
valescent he secured employment in the store of
F. C. Covell, of Glastonbury, and later, during
the first administration of President Cleveland, he
succeeded Mr. Covell as postmaster. When the ad-
ministration again changed William E. Gates was
appointed postmaster, and our subject became his
assistant. After leaving the store of Mr. Gates
our subject accepted a position with S. P. Turner,
where he is now employed.
Mr. Curtis was married, June 29, 1892, to Miss
Minnie J. Couch, who was born in Glastonbury
April 26, 1864, daughter of Jerome and Clarissa
(Dart) Couch, old and highly respected residents
of the town. In politics Mr. Curtis is a Democrafe.
In July, 1896, he was elected town clerk of Glas-
tonbury to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resigna-
tion of Clinton O. Talcott, and twice since then has
he been re-elected. He is also a justice of the
peace and notary public. He is one of the estimable
citizens of Glastonbury, a man of splendid personal
character and very popular.
THOMAS FAGAN, an old and experienced
farm.er of Bloomfield, was born in Coianty Carlow,
Ireland, June 16, 1816, and is a son of Patrick Pa-
gan, who was a farmer of that county. He comes
of good stock, and the family has attained some
prominence, two of our subject's brothers having
become prominent attorneys in Dublin, Ireland.
Thomas Fagan attended the parochial schools
of his native town, receiving a good education, and
was reared to agricultural pursuits. After leaving
school he served a regular apprenticeship to the
tailor's trade, at which he worked before coming
to America. In 1845 he left the Emerald Isle, and
after a voyage which lasted from April i until
June 6 landed at the United States. With the ex-
ception of two or three years since his arrival in
this country he has made his home in Bloomfield,
and has here confined his attention exclusively to
farming.
]\Ir. Fagan n.arried, in Bloomfield, Miss Mary
Cullen, and their union was blessed with five chil-
96 i
COMMEMDRATIFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren, born in the following order: ^lary A., de-
ceased wife of Hezekiah E. Case: ;Michael J., de-
ceased; Thomas H., of Bloomfield ; James E., also
of Bloomfield and one of the town assessors; and
John C, in California. Mrs. Pagan died April
21, 1899, and her remains were interred in St. Ber-
nard's cemetery, Tariffville. Air. Pagan has voted
with the Democratic party ever since he was nat-
uralized. He has lived. in strict accordance with
the teachings of the Catholic Church, of which he
has been a lifelong member, and to the support ot
which he has liberally contributed of his means.
He retains all his faculties, enjoying good health,
and takes much interest in current events, reading
the daily papers regularly. His days have been
passed industriously and temperately, and he has
won for himself the unfeignetl respect of all his
neighbors.
HEXRY CASE RICE, a well-known citizen
and worthy representative of die agricultural inter-
ests of Farmington, was born in the town of Gran-
ville, Ohio, Peb. 10, 1834, and is a son of Rev.
Sedgwick Rice, a Baptist clergyman, who was born
in Wallingford, Conn., a descendant of one of the
honored pioneer families of that place, and died in
1840.
In Farmington. Conn., Rev. Mr. Rice married
Miss Caroline Case, of Canton, this State, a daugh-
ter of Ozias Case, and granddaughter of Capt. Dud-
ley Case, both residents of Canton. Five children
were born to this union : Sylvester Woodrufif. who
was captain of a colored company during the Civil
war, and died in Baton Rouge, La. ; (korge Sedg-
wick, who is now living in Hartford, Conn. : Henry
Case, our subject : James M., who died in Australia ;
and Sarah, deceased at the age of nine years.
Henry C. Rice was reared on a farm in Durham,
Conn., and attended the public schools of the neigh-
borhood. One of his teachers was Deacon Gaylord
Newton, father of Hon. Henry Newton, of New
Haven, Conn. In early life our subject learned the
trade of silver-plating with the firm of James L.
Howard & Co., of Hartford, and followed the same
for a few years. Later he engaged in carriage-mak-
ing at \Mllimantic, Conn., with his brothers Sylves-
ter and George, until after the breaking out of the
Civil war, when, in 1862, they discontinued busi-
ness. Our subject then removed to Springfield,
INIass., and for fourteen years was engaged in the
manufacture of guns in the L^nited States Armory.
In 1S76 he came to Farmington, and here he pat-
ented (April 8, 1879) Rice's ''calf weaner and cow
muzzle," since which time he has been engaged in
its manufacture and sale in connection with farm-
ing. In 1884 he opened the "Elm Tree Inn." He
now owns and operates a fine farm of 200 acres in
■ Farmington, and in his labors is meeting with a
well-deserved success. This place has been in the
family of his maternal ancestors since the original
purchase from the Indians, when the town of Farm-
insrton was settled. Mr. Rice takes a commendable
interest in public affairs, especially educational mat- il
ters, and for many years has been an efficient mem-
ber of the school board.
In Middletown, Conn., Mr. Rice married Miss
Jessie Jamieson, and to them have been born four
children : Agnes C, Harry S., Jessie M., and John
Wier (of New York City).
JOHN P. GRISVvOLD. The Griswold family
is one of the oldest in this section, and the higli
character maintained by its members in every gen-
eration has invested the name with an enviable pres-
tige. The direct descendants are now numerous,
while intermarriages with other leading families
have established wide connections. Among the
notable representatives of the name in this genera-
tion is the subject of this biography, an enterpris-
ing young agriculturist of Windsor town, whose
estate, while yet a boy in years, has won him a
high reputation for business abihty. In giving a
brief account of his career it will be of interest to
trace his line of descent from one of the pioneer
settlers of Windsor, George Griswold.
Levi Griswold, a son of George, married Zuba
Griswold, and had the following children : Ware-
ham, our subject's great-grandfather; Hiram, a
lilacksmith by trade, who died in Windsor town :
Jerome, a wheelwright by trade, wdio followed farm-
ing near Poquonock on a small scale in his later
years; Jason, a farmer, who died in Onondaga coun-
ty, N. Y. ; ]\Iyra, wdio married William Thrall, and
died in New York State ; Candace, who married
a Mr. Filer, and died in New York State ; Gilbert,
a mechanical genius, who lived in Windsor for some
time, but spent his later years in Hartford ; "Will-
iam, formerly a farmer in Windsor town; Edwin,
who died in \\'indsor ; and Lucia Ann, whO' married '
(first) Cadwell Strickland, (second) Daniel De-
well and (third) a Mr. Gaines. She died in the
summer of 1897 at the residence of her son, F. G.
Strickland, in Windsor, being the last survivor of
the family.
A\'areham Griswold, the great-grandfather of 1
our subject, was born Sept. 29, 1792, in a house
which was built in 1761, and is still standing, near
the latter's residence. He was a stanch Democrat
and a regular voter, but avoided public life, never
allowing his name to appear as a candidate for any
office. Throughout life he was an opponent of
secret societies, his ideal being always to be "open,
bold and brave." By occupation he was a farmer,
and with the exception of two years spent at
Bloomfield he resided at the homestead where he
was born. He was of distinguished appearance,,
fine physique, weighing about 200 pounds, and lived
to the age of seventy-one, his remains being in-
terred at Poquonock. Mr. Griswold first married
Sylvia Clark, who died in 1848 ; she was born in
what is now known as Blue Hills, where her fa-
ther, Asel Clark, (a very large man physically),,
was a prominent and influential citizen. The chil-
dren of this union were : Olive H., who married
^{k^€ (fe^(
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
965
Roland Fox, of East Hartford, now deceased ;
Wareham A., our subject's grandfather; George M.,
a resident of Poquonock, who died in 1853, leaving
one son, George M. ; Delia (deceased), who mar-
ried Nathan Franklin, and removed to New York ;
Candace, who married George H. Muller, and died
in New York ; Samuel S., who died at Poquonock ;
John R., a farmer of Windsor; Thomas N.,
once a farmer and later a hoti;l-keeper at
Windsor, and now a resident of New York;
Juliette, who married Samuel Phillips, and died, in
New York; Mary, widow of Horace Gorton, of
.Hartford, Conn. ; and Sylvia, who died at the age
of two years. ,
Wareham Aralzie Griswold, our subject's grand-
father, was a successful farmer, and resided near
the present homestead. He died June 2, 1881, and
wife, Hannah A. (Pinney), on Aug. i, 1890. He
,was an influential citizen, was tirst selectman of
Windsor for a number of years, represented the town
in the General Assembly of 1865, and held various
other offices of the town. Physically he was a very
large man, standing nearly six feet in height and
weighing 360 pounds.
Allen P. Griswold, our subject's father, was
born Oct. 25, 1844, the only child of Wareham A.
and Hannah A. Griswold. He was educated in the
local schools and the academy at Windsor, and
became a farmer by occupation, his prudent and
energetic management enabling him to leave a
handsome competence to his children. In politics
he was a Democrat, and at times held local offices,
serving as juryman and as member of the school
board. In 1867 he married Miss Eliza M. Mack,
and for six years they resided with his parents,
then removing to the present homestead, where he
made many improvements. Mr. Griswold was of
medium height — five feet, eight inches — and thick-
set. He died Sept. 26, 1889, at a comparatively
early age, and his remains were laid to rest in the
Poquonock cemetery. His wife died Feb. 12, 1892.
They had one daughter, Jeannette, who died in
infancy, and five sons : John P., Allen M., Ware-
ham P., Aaron C. and Thomas N., all of whom are
living.
John P. Griswold v\'as born Aug. 25, 1869, a'
the old homestead near his present residence, and
his education was begun in the schools of District
No. 7, of Windsor town. Later he studied for one
term at a grammar school in Poquonock, and three
terms at Windsor Academy, his bright and active
mind enabling him to take full advantage of these
opportunities. On the death of his father he was
appointed guardian of his younger brothers, and
took charge of the farm, a fine estate of 154 acres,
the business being conducted under the firm name
of Griswold Bros. In 1897 Allen M., having at-
tained his majority, had his share set off, but the
others have kept their shares together. Our sub-
iject is a scientific farmer, his progressive manage-
ment seeming to secure good results under almost
any circumstances, and he is justly regarded as one
of the substantial citizens of his locality. Politic-
ally he is independent, out previous to 1896, when
he voted for McKinley, he gave his support to the
Democratic party in National issues. In local elec-
tions he selects the "best man," and while he is not
an office seeker he does not shirk his duties as a
citizen, and for some time served acceptably as
treasurer of School District No. 7.
In 1897 Mr. Griswold married Miss Mary J.
Brown, of Hartford, daughter of George T. and
Augusta (Fox) Brown, well-known citizens of that
place.
SETH VINTON. In every community there
are a few men in whom the people have trust.
These individuals are named by men of property
as the executors of their wills ; they are selected
by heirs or courts to administer estates, and for
positions requiring business capacity and fidelity of
trust these exceotional men are usually selected.
To say that Seth Vinton has often been called upon
to assume fiduciary relations with his fellow men,
to assume for minors, legatees and other bene-
ficiaries the management of their property, is to
strike the keynote to his character. There is thg
ring of the true metal. He has passed the third
quarter of a century and is hale and hearty ; has
lived all this time in the town of South Windsor,
and has established a character that stands out mas-
sive and clear in the annals of the town.
Mr. Vinton was born July 7, 1824, on a farm in
what is now the south part of Wapoing, where his
father, William Vinton, settled about 1808. When
the Vintons came to this property it was the south
section of East Windsor. Two wood-cutters, named
Hitchcock and McKinney, had cleared off the tim-
ber, and the tract became the Vinton homestead.
John Vinton, who settled at Lynn, Mass., prior to
1643, was the founder of the American familv. The
descent to our subject is as follows: (i) John,
of Lynn; (2) John, of Woburn; (^) Samuel; (4)
David; (5) Seth; (6) William; and (7) Seth, our
subject. William Vinton, the father, came to South
Windsor from the town of Willington. He mar-
ried, April II, 1822, Miss Esther Crandall, a na-
tive of Tolland. He was a prominent member of the
Third Congregational Church in East Windsor, now
the Congregational Church at Wapping, and served
as deacon. He died in 1847, leaving eight children,
as follows : William ; Seth ; Chelsea Crandall ;
Samuel; Esther E., Mrs. Little; Clarissa, Mrs. Wil-
son; Mary C, Mrs. Page; and John Randolph.
Seth Vinton received his education at the Sev-
enth District school, and in his youth assisted in
the work of the farm. Agriculture was then quite
differently conducted from present methods. The
principal crops were rye, corn, oats, buckwheat and
potatoes, and stock was raised extensively. William
Vinton raised a crop of twenty acres of rye, reap-
ing it with a sickle. Neighboring farmers in win-
ter conducted a small bootmaking shop at Wapping.
A brick yard or two flourished in the neighborhood.
Tobacco raising became general about 1852. Prior
to that year few farmers raised over two acres in
906
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
one season. But the industry grew rapidly, and
when the Civil war opened it had become one of
the heaviest in the town. From 1862 to 1865 the
acreage doubled.
Our subject was intimately connected with these
shifting developments. He had as a boy assisted
his father on the farm, and when his father died
the bovs assumed tlie management of the farm, but
Seth soon took the principal charge, gradually
purchased the interests of the other heirs, and has
ever since occupied and cultivated the home place.
Under his careful management it has been brought
to a high degree of efficiency, and now includes more
than eighty acres, thirty-three of which are devoted
to pasturage. Mr. Vinton still devotes considerable
attention to general farming, and raises several acres
of tobacco each year.
The public service of our subject has been long
and honorable. He was the first voter "made" in the
town of South Windsor after it was set off from
East Windsor in 1845. Since the formation of the
Repul)lican party he has been a stanch adherent of
its principles. During the Civil war he was chair-
man of the Republican town committee. He was
also one of tne town committee for raising volun-
teers, and three of his brothers, Chelsea C, Sam-
uel and John Randolph, were volunteers. In i860
and 1861 he served as constable; from i860 to 1862
and again in 1875 he was chosen collector; in 1865
he was elected to represent his town in the State
Legislature ; from 1858 to 1894 he served continu-
ously as justice of the peace.
In school work Mr. X'inton has always been
deeply interested. For over forty-five years, or
ever since the establishment of the bixth School
District, in 1853, he has been its clerk and treas-
urer. For many years he has been chairman of the
district committee. When the Wrapping high school
was built he served as chairman of the building
committee. For three years he was chairman of
the high school committee, and for the past four
years he was chairman of the school board of South
Windsor.
J\Ir. Vinton has also been active in church work.
At the age of twent}--three he became a member of
the Second Ecclesiastical Society, and has ever since
been prominent in its history. For six years he
was the society's collector, and he has repeatedly
served on its committees. In the Sunday-school
he was for many years librarian.
In 1866 ]\ir. Mnton married i\Iiss Ann Risley,
who lived on an adjoining farm, and who is a
lineal descendant of Elder Brewster, of the "Ma}'-
flower." To our subject and wife have come four
children: Esther J\I., who was born Jan. 27, 1867,
married Clinton Williams, of Manchester, in 1895,
and has one son, Frank V., born Feb. 21, 1897;
John Randolph, born Dec. 26, 1868 ; Mary Brewster,
born March 25, 1871 ; and Annie Louise, born Feb.
10, 1874. Mr. Vinton has always been a great
reader, and is the possessor of one of the finest
libraries in the town of South Wmdsor. This in-
cludes over 200 choice volumes, and is especially
rich in authoritative works upon American his-
tory, a study in wliich j\Ir. Vmton is profoundly
interested and thoroughly versed. He has won m
enviable success in life's battle, and ranks as one
of the most highly esteemed citizens of South
Windsor.
WOLLENBERG BROTHERS is the name of
a well-known hrm of Farniington, composed of
Gustav A. W. and Paul F. W. WoUenberg, dealers
in flour, feed and grain. They are wide-awake.
energetic business men, of known reliability, ami
are meeting with well-deserved success in their un-
dertakings. Natives of Pomerania, Prussia, Ger-
many, the former was born Dec. 30, 1856, the latter
on June 21, 1861, and in that country the elder was
educated. In 1871 they accompanied their parents,
Christo])hcr Wilhelm and Caroline (Flagenian)
WoUenberg, on their emigration to America, and
located first in Ft. Lee, N. J., where the father en-
gaged in flower gardening for a time. Since 1875,
however, he has made his home in Farmington,
Hartford Co., Conn., and followed general farm-
ing for a time. In 1895 he retired from business.
In his family were six children, namely : Gustav
A. ; Paul F. W. ; Olga A., now the wife of Louis
Horn, of Philadelphia, Penn. ; Ida A.; Linda A.;
and Elizabeth, who died in infancy.
During the residence of the family in Ft. Lee,
X. J., Paul F. WoUenberg attended school, and
lie has acquired a good education in the public
and private schools of this country. He is active
in church work, being superintendent of the Farni-
ington Congregational Sunday-school and presi-
dent of the Plainville Sunday-school Union. As
manager, he had charge of a creamery in Wake-
field, R. I., for five years, having served an ap-
prenticeship of two and one-half years in that busi-
ness in Farniington, and later returned to the cream-
ery for four vears and a half. On Feb. 5, 1895, he
and his brother, Gustav A., bought the mill at
Farniington belonging to J. E. and Edmund Cowles,
and he has since devoted his entire time and at-
tention to the milling business, while his brother
carries on market gardening with good success.
At Peacedale, R. I., Sept. 14, 1897, Paul F. W.
WoUenberg married Miss Edith M. Fison, a na-
tive of England, and the}' have one son, Christopher
Herbert, born May 7, 1899.
HENRY ALONZO CASE has, with the ex-
ception of a brief period of four years, been identi-
fied with the interests of Hartford county through-
out life, and has made for himself an honorable rec-
ord well worthy of perpetuation. Years of quiet
usefulness and a life in which the old-fashioned vir-
tues of sincerity, industry and integrity are ex-
emplified have a simple beauty that no words can
portray. Youth has its charms, but an honorable >
and honored old age, to which the lengthening years ]
have added dignity and sweetness, has a brighter ^5
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
967
radiance, as if some ray from the life beyond al-
ready rested upon it.
The Case family is one of the oldest in New
England, and was founded here by John Case ( i ) ,
a native of England, whence he came to America,
making his New World home first in the town of
Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., whence, in 1669,
he removed to the town of Simsbury, settling at
Weatogue, where he engaged in farming and stock
raising the rest of his days. He died there Feb.
21, 1703-4. He married Sarah Spencer, who was
born in 1636, a daughter of William Spencer, and
died March 3, 1691. The children born to John
Case (i) and his wife, Sarah, were as follows,
their names and dates of birth being given : Eliza-
beth, 1658; Mary, June 22, 1660; John, Nov. 5,
1662; William, June 5, 1665; Samuel, June i, 1667;
Richard, April 27, 1669; Bartholomew, October,
1670; Joseph, April 6, 1671 ; Sarah, Aug. 14, 1676;
and Abigail, May 14, 1862. The mother of these
dying, Mr. Case for his second wife married Mrs.
Elizabeth Loomis, daughter of John Moore and
widow of Nathaniel Loomis. She died without
issue July 23, 1728, aged ninety years. Of the
above family,
William Case was born at Windsor, Conn., and
came to Simsbury with his parents. In 1685 he
married Elizabeth Holcomb, daughter of Joshua
Holcomb, who was a son of Thomas Holcomb, the
emigrant, who settled in Windsor. Seven chil-
dren came to this union, as follows : Elizabeth, born
September, 1687; William, March 22, 1690; James,
March 12, 1692; Rachel, Dec. 10, 1694; Mary, Aug.
23, 1696; Joshua, June i, 1698; and Mindwell,
March 21, 1700. Of these,
James 'Case was born in Simsbury, and was a
lifelong farmer, dying in 1759; his remains were
interred in Simsbury cemetery. He married Esther
Fithen, of Simsbury, a native of Jersey, one of
the Channel Isles, and the names and dates of birth
of their children are as follows : James, March
5, 1716; Josiah, April i, 1718; Esther, March 14,
1720; Rachel, Aug. 14, 1722; and Amasa, Oct. 18,
1 73 1. Of these,
Amasa Case, great-grandfather of Henry A.
Case, was born at Weatogue, town of Simsbury.
He was married five times, his tirst wife being
Elizabeth Hoskms, by whom he had children as
follows :" Amasa, born Oct. 29, 1753, married Mercy
Hillyer ; Aaron, born June 16, 1755, was the grand-
father of our subject; Ehzabeth, born Aug. 5, 1756,
married Roger Wilcox; Stephen was born Oct. 6,
1758; Mercy, born Jan. 2, 1760, married (first)
Gideon Case, and (second) Daniel Bacon; Mehit-
abel, born March 8, 1762, married Abram Pinney;
Apollos, born Aug. i, 1768, married Polly Frazer;
Ruth was born Sept. 30, 1770; Julius, born Feb.
20, 1773, died May 17, 1777; and Enoch, born May
ID, 1774, died July, 1797. The other wives of
Amasa Case were, respectively, Mrs. John Viets,
Mrs. Griswold, Mrs. Cornish and Mrs. Graham,
by whom he had no children.
Aaron Case, the grandfather of our subject, was
born in the town of Simsbury, and received but a
limited education. He followed farming, and was
a large land owner in what is now the town of
North Bloomfield, where he spent his entire life.
He was prominent in political and church affairs,
being a stanch supporter of Jefifersonian principles
in his later days, and an adherent of the Episcopal
Church. He served as warden and vestryman in
St. Andrew's Church, North Bloomfield, and was
widely and favorably known in the community.
He died in 181 1, and was buried in Scotland cem-
etery, North Bloomfield town. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Margaret Meacham, was born
in 1763, and died in 1835, being laid to rest by his
side in Scotland cemetery. To them were born
seven children: Margaret Lodemia, wife of
Ebenezer Sheppard ; Lydia, wife of William Moore ;
Newton, who married Laura Roberts ; Betsey, wife
of Aurora Case; Aura, wife of William Griswold;
Sophia, wife of Johnson Brace; and Zelah, father
of our subject.
Zelah Case was born on the old homestead in
North Bloomfield town Oct. 22, 1799, and received
a good practical education in the schools of the
neighborhood. He became the owner of over 500
acres of land in that section, and in connection with
general farming engaged in the culture of tobacco
and in stock raising. He was an enterprising and
successful business man, and one of the best known
and most highlv respected citizens of the town,
where his entire life was passed. In political senti-
ment he was a stanch Democrat, but being quite
domestic in his tastes he cared nothing for the
honors or emoluments of public office. On March
13, 1823, he married Miss Jennette C. Benton, who
was born Oct. 31, 1802, a daughter of Thomas and
Mary (Bunce) Benton, and the children born of
this union were as follows : Mary Jennette, born
Feb. 23, 1824, became the wife of Edward P.
Thompson, of East Granby, and died Jan. i, 1899;
Henry A., the subject of this sketch, is next in the
order of birth; Edward Benton, born Feb. 9, 1828,
is a resident of Hartford; Kate H., born June 19,
1830, was married, Aug. 29, 1852, to George T.
Aitchison; Charles Z., born Jan. 20, 1833, is a
salesman and auctioneer, living in Hartford ; Jennie
S., born Jan. o, 1836, was married, Nov. 24, 1859,
to Frederick Allen, and died Aprd 14, 1899; Wat-
son G., born July 17, 1838, died Oct. 11, 1857; Hat-
tie S., born May i, 1841, was married, Nov. 17,
1864, to Walter C. Goodwin, who died Oct. 30,
1899; Margaret, born Sept. i, 1843, was married,
Oct. 6, 1870, to William W. Bartholomew. The
father died on his farm April 14, 1872, the mother
on March 8, 1891, at the ripe old age of eighty-
eight years and four months, and both were laid to
rest in Scotland cemetery. Thev.were consistent
Christian people, holding membership in the Episco-
pal Church, and they reared a family in which they
took a just pride.
Henry A. Case, whose name introduces this re-
968
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
view, was born on the old liomestead in North
Bloonifield town Dec. i, 1825. and there spent his
boyhood davs, workino^ on the farm durinof the sum-
mer season and attending^ the local schools during
the winter months. As the teachers in those days
were not always well qualified for their labors his
opportunities for acquiring a good education were
not of the best, but being a close student and pos-
sessing a retentive memory, he made the most of
his advantages. He can relate many interesting in-
cidents that happened seventy years ago, and has
an e.xcellent memory for dates. On attaining his
majority he left home and started out to make his
own way in the world, working the first year as
a farm hand. In 1849 he commenced learning the
miller's trade in the Ellsworth mill at Spoonville,
where he remained two years, and in 185 1 went to
New York City, where he obtained employment as
head miller at the Sanderson Mills, corner of Twen-
tv-ninth street and Eleventh avenue. Four years
were thus passed, and the following year he was
employed in the same capacity by the firm of Seeley
& Close, after which he rented a niill at Nos. 221-
22^^ West Twenty-si.xth street. He put in a port-
able engine, and o])erated it for seven months as a
flour and feed mill, grinding feed principally for
the New York Consolidated Stage Co. Returning
to Connecticut in the s]5ring of 1855. Mr. Case lo-
cated in East Granby town, Hartford county, and
purchased the mill at Spoonville, together with 115
acres of land, tor twenty-seven years he devoted
his time and attention to grinding flour and feed.
He also added a sawmill to his plant and engaged
in the manufacture of lumber, and in the mean-
time operated his farm, on which he made extensive
and valuable improvements, including the erection
of a fine residence, good barns, tobacco sheds, etc.
He sold his gristmdl in 1882. but still retains the
sawmill, which is now carried on by his son, who
also operates the farm. Mr. Case was one of the
first to grow tobacco to any extent in Spoonville,
and in most of his business enterprises he met with
well-merited success, becoming quite well-to-do.
In East Granby town Mr. Case was married, in
1859, to Miss Almira Antoinette Holcomb, a na-
tive of the town of Simsbury, and a daughter of
Amasa and Almira Antoinette (Rice) Holcomb.
She died Oct. 13, 1871, and was laid to rest in
Scotland cemetery. She was a good Christian
woman, a member of the Episcopal Church, and an
aft'ectionate wife and mother. Four children were
born of that union : Harry W. is mentioned below ;
Hattie May, born April 10, 1863. is now the wife
of Arthur S. Campbell, of New York City ; Nor-
wood Thompson, born Jan. 30. 1866. is a stock
dealer ; and Antoinette ^largaret, born June 4, 1868,
is at home. The children were all well-educated,
and the younger daughter is a young lad}' of cul-
ture and refinement, who takes a deep interest in lit-
erature and art. Mr. Case was again married, Aug.
20, 1872, his second union being with Miss Laura
S. Hopkins, a native of Rensselaer county, N. Y.,
and a daughter of Alexander Hopkins.
On the evening of Dec. 10, 1890, Mr. Case retired
seemingly in his usual health, with his facultie."; ^
unimpaired, but on awakening ne.xt morning found ^
that he had been deprived of his sight, the optic
nerve being decayed. With the hope of recovering
his sight, he spent thousands of dollars, and visited
the leading specialists in Hartford, New York and
Boston, but all to no avail. He bears his misfortune
with Christian fortitude, however, is very cheerful,
and of a genial, social disposition. He is a good
conversationalist and entertaining companion, and
in his wife has found a faithful helpmeet — one will-
ing to share all of his misfortunes and .trials. He is
noted for his upright character and honesty of pur-
])ose, and his friends are many throughout the
county. I'olitically lie is a stanch Democrat, and in
early life took quite an active and prominent part in
local politics. In 1869 he was elected to represent
East Granby town in the State Legislature, which
he did in a most able and satisfactory manner. He
has lieen a lifelong member of St. Andrew's Episco-
pal Cluirch, and for several }-ears served as vestry-
man.
H.\RUV W. C.\SF,, the eldest son of our subject,
was born in East Granby town, Jan. 6, 1861, attend-
ed the public schools of the locality, and completed
his education in the Hartford grammar school. He
has s])cnt his entire life upon the home farm, and
under the al)le direction of his father early became
a thorough farmer and miller, and a successful busi-
ness man. He now has charge of the farm and
sawmill, and is making a specialty of tobacco rais- <
ing. He is much devoted to his father, as are also
the other children. He was married. May 3, 1893,
to Miss Annie M. Whitehead, who was born Jan. 6,
1875, in Simsbury, a daughter of Samuel White-
head. Two children bless this union : Marie An-
toinette, born Feb. 27, 1894 ; and Harry White-
head, born Sept. 3, 1898. Harry W. Case is also a
stalwart supporter of the Democracy, and a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, m which he is now
serving as junior warden. He has served as second
selectman in the town of East Granby, one term,
and takes an active interest in public affairs.
GEORGE H. MINER. Few citizens of the
United States can trace their ancestry through six
centuries, and the genealogy of the subject of this
sketch, a prominent resident of Hazardville, is of
more than usual interest.
Mr. Miner is of tne eighteenth generation in
direct descent from Sir Henry Miner, of Somer-
setshire, England, who died in 1359, leaving four
sons, Henry, Edward, Thomas and George. There
are two accounts preserved as to the knighting of
this ancestor, whose name was originally Henry
Bullman, and at this late day it is impossible to
make definite choice between them. According to
one, he resided at Mendippe Colles Minerarij, Men-
dippe Hills, in the County of Somerset, and would
appear to have been a man of wealth and influence,
for when King Edward III passed through the
place in 1346, on his way to make war against the '.
— ^^ ytyy^^
1
!
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
969
French, Henry Bullman proffered his services, with
those of a hundred domestics and other menials, all
armed with battle-axes. In recognition of his loy-
alty and valor the King knighted him, conferring
.upon him a coat of arms, and changed his name to
''Miner. The other tradition is to the effect that some
silver mines of the King had been mismanaged by
the different officials placed in charge, and he had
been defrauded of large revenues. Henry Bullman
proved faithful and successful in their management,
and as a reward was given the name of "Miner"
and a coat of arms. The shield of the coat of arms
was ''armorial gules," or according to another state-
ment it had "perpendicular gules (or red lines), and
a fesse between three plates argent." The crest was
a Knight's helmet and a hand grasping a battle-
axe, the battle-axe at one end, and a javelin at the
other. The coat of arms is said to have been con-
ferred in 1339, which was seven years previous to
the war with the French, and hence does not agree
with the statement that it was conferred because
■of valor displayed in that war.
(H) Henry Miner, son of Henry (Bullman)
Miner, married Henreta Hicks, and had two
sons, William and Henry. His wife was the daugh-
ter of Edward Hicks, of Gloucester, from whom, as
appears by the paling of their arms, have descended
the Hicks of Beverston Castle. Henry, the sec-
ond son, served in the army of King Richard H, in
1384.
(HI) William Miner, the next in line of de-
scent, married a Miss Hobbs, of Wiltshire, and had
two sons, Thomas and George.
(IV) Thomas Miner, son of William, married
a Miss Gressleys, daughter of Cotton Gressleys, of
the County of Stafford, and his children were Lod-
ovick, George and Mary.
(V) Lodovick Miner, son of Thomas, married
Anna, daughter of Thomas Dyer, of Staughton, in
the County of Huntingdon, England. He had three
sons, Thomas, born in 1436; and (twenty-two years
later) George and- Arthur (twins), both of whom
served the house of Austria.
(VI) Thomas Miner, son of Lodovick and
Anna (Dyer) Miner, married Bridget, daughter
of Sir George Hervie de St. Martin, of the County
of Middlesex. He died in 1480, leaving two chil-
dren, William and Anna.
(VII) William, son of Thomas and Bridget
; Miner, married Isabella Harcope de Frolibay. He
swore to avenge the death of the two young Princes,
1 murdered in the tower of London. At his death he
left ten sons.
(VIII) William Miner, eldest son of William
and Isabella (Harcope de Frohbay) Miner, had
two children, Clement and Elizabeth. He died Feb.
^3' 1585) and is buried in 'the church at Chew-
Magna, in the Priest's Cl'ancell, about four feet
from the wail. The coat of arms is engraved on
the stone. By the records and registers of the
church it is evident that his name was William
Myner, and they agree with the stone as to date and
place, and he must have been the head of the fam-
ily, as appears by the coat of arms.
(IX) Clement, son of William Miner, suc-
ceeded to his father's estate. He married and had
four children. His death occurred March 31, 1640,
and he is buried at Chew-Magna, in the County of
Somerset.
(X) Thomas Miner, second son of Clement
Miner, was born April 23, 1608, at Chew-Magna,
County of Somerset, England, and died Oct. 23,
1690, at Quiambogue, in the town of Stonington,
Conn., being the first of the family to come to Amer-
ica. His wife, Grace, daughter of Walter Palmer,
was born in 1608, and they were married April
20, 1633. He was called lieutenant, and it is said
that he held a commission as such in the Eng-
lish army; that he came to America in 1630, re-
turned to England the following year, sold his com-
mission, and came again to America in the year
1633. Another account says that he came to Amer-
ica with Governor Winthrop and his family in the
ship "Arabella," arriving at Salem, Mass., June 14,
1630, and with Governor Winthrop settled in
Charlestown, Mass. He is said to have removed
to Hingham, Mass., in 1635, and to New London,
Conn., in 1645. At New London he was given a
lot on which he built a house the same vear ; his
seventh son, Manassah, was the first male child born
in New London town. In 1652 or '53, ne took up a
tract of land east of Weguetequock Cove, three
miles from Mystic, and built a house. His father-
in-law purchased of Governor Haynes, of Connecti-
cut, three hundred acres of land in the Colony of
New London, which had been granted to Governor
Haynes for a farm. This tract included the land
on which the house of Thomas Miner stood, and
Palmer agreed to give Miner one hundred pounds
value, in such c'attle as Governor Haynes might se-
lect from Palmer's herd, to satisfy him for his
claim. The contract is dated July 15, 1653, and in it
Miner reserved the right to occupy his house until
he should build another at Mistuxet, now called
Quiambogue, in the town of Stonington, Conn. This
house was built in 1653, and here he lived until his
death in 1690. It is said that he held every office
in the gift of his townsmen, serving for some time
as deputy magistrate, selectman, chief military of-
ficer, and he was town clerk for a number of years.
This Thomas Miner had twelve children, and is
the progenitor of nearly all the Miners in America.
(XI) Clement Miner, fourth child and fourth
son of Thomas and Grace (Palmer) Miner, was
born in Hingham, Mass., probably in 1638, and his
death occurred in 1700. He married the widow
Frances Willey on Nov. 26, 1662, and had six chil-
dren.
(XII) Joseph Miner, second child and eldest
son of Clement and Frances Miner, was born Aug.
6, 1666. He married Elizabeth Comstock on March
12, 1689, and had two children, Joseph and Eliza-
beth.
(XIII) Joseph Miner, son of Joseph and Eliz-
970
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
abeth (Comstock) Miner, was bom March 3, 1690.
On Feb. 21, 1713, he married Grace Turner, by
whom he had eight children.
(XIV) Jesse Miner, second son of Joseph and
Grace (Turner) Miner, was born Aug. 13, 1716.
He married Jane W'atrous, and had twelve children.
(X\\) Turner Miner, eldest son of Jesse and
Jane (Watrous) Miner, was born Nov. 12, 1738, and
died at New London, Conn., April 23, 1802. He
was a shoemaker, and owned a small place in the
suburbs of New London, Conn. During the Revo-
lutionary war he was a Tory, but while his sympa-
thies were with England they did not lead him to
any overt acts. At the massacre of l-'ort Griswold,
and the burning of New London by the British on
Sept. 6, 1781, he withdrew with his family from the
city into the country. On Jan. 23, 1760, he married
Rebecca Moore, and they had fifteen children.
(X\T) Jesse Miner, seventh child and third
son of Turner and Rebecca (Moore) Miner, was
born in New London, Conn., Feb. 4, 1770, and died
at \"ernon. Conn., Nov. 29, 1S58. He married Bet-
sey W'atkins, Nov. 17, 1793. and she bore him four
children : Lucy, Harry Watkins, Olive and Dudley
Turner. After his marriage he settled upon a farm
in Manchester, Conn., but he later purchased a
farm in Vernon, Conn., where he died. During the
war of 1812 he was in the employ of the govern-
ment, transporting large, heavy masts and other ship
tmiber across the country to New London for war
vessels. In his old age he received a pension of 160
acres of government land in Iowa, which he sold
for $50.
(XVII) Harry Watkins Miner, son of Jesse and
Betsey (Watkins) Miner, and the father of our
subject, was born in Manchester, Conn., Sept. 5,
1798, and died at Rockville, May 16, 1858. On
April II, 1827, he married Mehitaliel, daughter of
Benjamin and Sally Griswold, of Windsor, Conn.,
and they had two children, who grew to maturity:
George Henry and Francis Alfred. In his early
manhood he conducted a saw and grist mill, but
in later life he followed farming at Rockville, in
the town of Vernon, Tolland Co., Conn. He took
an active part in military affairs, and at one time was
captain of a company.
(XVIII) George Henry ^Miner. the subject of
this sketch, was born at Vernon, Conn., July 26,
1835, and grew to manhood in Rockville; he was
educated in the public schools of that town, and in
the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., and
on attaining his majority purchased an interest in
the Granite Paper Mills, at Vernon, Conn., where
he was engaged in the manufacture of paper seven
years. He then sold, and purchased an interest
in the PhcEnix Cotton and Warp Mills, of Vernon,
with which he was connected nearly seven years.
In the fall of 1876 he located at Hazardville Station,
where he held the position of station agent seven
years, and in 1883 he settled at Hazardville, where
he was employed as foreman of the yard hands for
the Hazard Powder Co. for seven years. Since 1890
he has practically lived a retired life.
On April 11, 1857, Mr. Miner married for his
first wife. Miss Phebe A. Fuller, daughter of Wil- ^
lard and Deborah (Moore) Fuller, of Vernon, iH
Conn. She bore him five children, of whom three
lived to maturity, viz. ; Emma L. ( Mrs. Francis M.
Packard), Harry W., and Edward F. Mrs. Phebe
A. Miner died at Rockville, May 14, 1868, and on
June 22, 1870, our subject married JNIiss Mary S.
Aludge, daughter of William C. and Sophronia
(Gowdy) Mudge, of Vernon, Conn. Mr. Miner and
his wife are active members of the M. E. Church, at
Hazardville, and both are highly esteemed in so-
cial life. He also belongs to Fayette Lodge, No.
69, F. & A. M., of Rockville, and politically he
affiliates with the Republican party.
SAAIUEL VERNON, who is at the head of
the manufacturing department of the Rainbow
Book Bindery, has occui)ied that responsible posi-
tion ever since the department was created, in 1890,
and is a j^ractical, enterprising and wide-awake
business man. He was born in Leroy, Genesee Co.,
N. v., Aug. 17, 1863, and belongs to a family
noted for its business ability, being a son of Miles
and Elizabeth (Radley^ X'ernon, whose sketch ap-
pears elsewhere.
Mr. Vernon was a child of two years when his
parents removed to Middlesex county, N. J., where
he was reared to manhood, workmg on the farm
during the sunnner season and attending the local
schools throujrh the winter months. The greater
part of his education, however, was obtained in
School No. 35, Brooklyn, N. Y., and completed by
a course in Brown's Business College, of the same
city. During his boyhood he learned thoroughly of
what hard work consists, and on leaving the farm
took up the trade of book binding. In 1889 he came
to Rainbow, Conn., and the following year took
charge of the bindery, of which he is still at the
head — an honored and trusted employe of the com-
pany. He thoroughly understands the business in
its various departments, and having charge of the
special department of the mill that turns out a
distinctly superior product great credit is reflected
upon him. Mr. Vernon is half owner of Rainbow
Park, one of the popular resorts in the vicinity of
Hartford, and for which his enterprise is partially
responsible. He also owns his comfortable home
at Rainbow, and is one of the valued citizens of the
little village, manifesting considerable interest in its
welfare by encouraging anything likely to prove of '
interest or benefit to the place.
Mr. Vernon married Miss Fanny Phelan, a
native of West Suffield, Conn., and a daughter of
M. D. Phelan. She is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church, toward which our subject is a liberal
contributor, and which he attends with her. He has
one son, Ralph Radley Vernon, born July 9, 1899.
CHARLES MERRIMAN. It has often been
said, and with truth, that the insurance business of
Mr. Merriman, subject of this sketch, is one of the ,
most prosperous and extensive in Hartford county, V
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
971
outside of the city. It has been conducted since 1887
by our subject, and the end of its growth is not yet.
It inchides risks m South Windsor, East Hartford,
Glastonbury, Marlboro, East Windsor, also in Hart-
ford, Manchester and various towns along the Sound
and elsewhere in the State. The aggregate losses
paid out through this agency in twelve years ex-
ceed $120,000. Success is usually the result of a
combination of causes. In that of our subject one
01 two are especially conspicuous. He is the repre-
sentative of a family of splendid vitality and energy.
Moreover, he possesses a personality of that charm
which invites trade relations. Most men like to do
business with a gentleman.
The Merriman family has descended from one
Walter Merj^man (as the name -was formerly
spelled), who in 1745 settled at Harpswell Center,
on the coast of Maine. Walter Meryman, the son
of Walter and Betsey (Potter) Meryman, was
j born (at Harpswell) in 1751, and in 1771 married
■ Miss Elizabeth Webber. Joseph Meryman, the
grandfather of our subject, was the son of Walter
and Elizabeth (Webber) Meryman, and was born
at Harpswell, Oct. 25, 1788. He was a sea cap-
tain, and was married to Miss Eunice Martin, who
vvas born June 9, 1794, daughter of Capt. Matthew
Martin, of Harpswell. Capt. Joseph Meryman re-
moved with his family in 1826 from Maine to Hart-
ford, Conn. He was a man of powerful physique,
and was known to have carried a barrel of flour
under each arm. He was engaged in the West
Indies trade, taking the New England products to
Cuba and Jamaica, and returning with cargoes of
molasses and tropical produce. His death was un-
timely. As master of the brig "Eight Sons," owned
by S. and W. Kellogg, of Hartford, merchants in
the West Indies trade, he sailed from Berbice, Brit-
ish Guiana, and was lost at sea with the entire crew
in April, 1834, the vessel never being heard from
again. ■ He left a widow, Eunice, who died Sept. 14,
1849, ^nd three children: Thirsah, born April 5,
1813, who married Ferdinand D. Hughes, Oct. 25,
jj 1837, and died Dec. 19, 1844; Joseph, father of our
1 subject; and Matthew M., born June 9, 1823, for
many years associated in business with his brother
,, Joseph, at Hartford, where he died Feb. 16, 1882.
1| Joseph Merriman, the father of our subject, was
born at Harpswell, Maine, Oct. 27, 1815. It was
he who changed the spelling of the family name
from Meryman to Merriman. He came with his
father to Hartford in 1826, when about ten years
old, and the year following the family moved across
the river to a house in the meadow south of Hart-
ford Avenue, then known as "the island," because
during freshets it was entirely surrounded by the
high waters. He attended the little school which
stood on Dorr street (now Market), in Hartford.
Being eighteen years of age when his father was lost
at sea, he at once began the battle of life for himself.
He clerked for a year in a general store for $25 and
his board; was then employed by Lester Sexton, a
Bridge street clothier, at an annual salary of $75
and board, a sum which to the young man seemed
princely. Soon after Mr. Sexton removed to New
Orleans, and the young clerk was given the oppor-
tunity of buying the stock with his promissory
notes and engaging in business without capital, an
opportunity which he seized. For four years he de-
rived no net income from his business. The next
year he cleared $1,000 above expenses. In 1840 he
removed his store from Bridge street (now Mor-
gan) to State street. In 1851 he became a whole-
sale clothing merchant on Asylum street, Hartford,
and later extended his business to New York. He
remained in active business for thirty-nine years,
from 1834 to 1873, and during his long business
career he never asked for an extension of a note nor
paid less than one hundred cents on a dollar — an ex-
traordinai'y record, for he experienced the panics
of 1837, 1857 and 1873.
In other branches of business Mr. Merriman
also became prominent. He was a member of the
first board of directors of the Phoenix Insurance Co.,
organized in 1854, serving continuously until his
death in 1895. In 1857 he was elected a director of
the ^tna National Bank. He was interested in-
large real-estate transactions in Hartford, East
Hartford and elsewhere. In 1885, in connection
with Henry G. Beaumont, he bought the old Wells
property and opened Wells avenue. In 1859 he
was elected president of the Hartford Bridge Co.,
and from that year until the bridge was bought
by the five towns in 1889 he was at the head of
same. During that time there was a reduction of
thirt3'-seven and one-half per cent in the tolls, and
during his administration the causeway was mac-
adamized from the bridge to Main street.
In 1854, when the old Whig party was giving
place to the Republican party, Mr. Merriman be-
came interested in politics. When, two years later.
Gen. Fremont was a candidate for President against
James Buchanan, he took charge of the campaign
in East Hartford, and carried it for Fremont by
a majority of one hundred and one. In 1857 he was
chosen State representative, serving on the commit-
tee on Banks, and in 1864 he was chosen State sen-
ator. In 1875 he was elected selectman, and he also
filled the office of town auditor several times. For
many years he was chairman of the Center Ceme-
tery Committee.
Mr. Merriman was married, Sept. 26, 1838, to
Miss Eliza Bemont, daughter of Levi Bemont, and
she bore him one child, who died in infancy. Mrs.
Merriman died Oct. 31, 1842, and for his second
wife he married in Suffield, April 16, 1844, Miss
Jane Eliza Bemont, who was born in East Hartford
Aug. 21, 1819, daughter of Ambrose Bemont. By
this union there were four children : Frank Beau-
mont, born June 22, 1846, died at East Hartford
April 12, 1897; Joseph Martin, born Nov. i, 1852,
died at Northampton, Mass., July 22, 1872 ; Charles,
subject of this sketch, born March 20, 1855 ; and
Jennie Eliza, who was born Feb. 2, i86o, married
Nov. 15, 1881, Rowland K. Erving, and died Feb.
15, 1885, in East Hartford. Mrs. Merriman died
Nov. 5, 1873, ^nd for his third wife Joseph Merri-
972
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man married, in 1885, Miss Harriet E. Bemont, who
died Dec. 25, 1889. Joseph Merriman died Sept. 7,
1895, aged eighty years. He had been an excep-
tionally \yell-preseryed man, and to his eightieth
year had been sick but very little. He possessed
business ability of a high order, and with it integrity
and industry. He was fully impressed with the du-
ties of a citizen, and attended almost every meet-
ing in the town called for political purposes or in-
volving the public welfare, and in his later years
he related many thrilling and interesting reminis-
cences of the town nieelings during his early life.
He was a prominent -Mason, a member of Orient
Lodge at East Hartford. When a young man he
united with the North Baptist Church of Hartford,
and in later years he attend the churciics at East
Hartford, contributing liberally to their support, and
assisting notal)'\' in the construction of the Episco-
pal church.
Charles Merriman, the subject pro]5er of this
sketch, was the third son of Joseph and Jane (Be-
mont) Merriman. He was born in East Hartford,
•and his boyh.ood days were spent on the Merrow
Place, on Alain street, which his father purchased
in 1856. His early education was obtained in a pri-
vate school conducted by Miss Ann Ayres, in the
Center district school. Then for two years he
attended the Hartford Public High School. He
early developed a taste for business and in 1871, at
the age of sixteen years, he entered the store of his
father at Xos. 14 and 16 Ford street, Hartford.
Two years later his father retired from the whole-
sale business, and for several years our subject was
a salesman in the retail clothing store of Frank B.
Merriman, his brother — conducted in the Boardman
block. Asylum street. In the autumn of 1876 Charles
I\Ierriman began business for himself by purchas-
ing from \\'alter A. Loomis the largest grocery then
in East Hartford, located in the rear of what is
now Vinton's store. In February, 1877, while only
twenty-one years of age, he was appointed postmas-
ter at East Hartford. It is interesting to note in this
connection that his nephew, E. H. Merriman, was
afterward made postmaster at the age of twenty-
four years. For eleven years our subject conducted
the grocery business successfully, selling his flour-
ishing establishment in 1887 to H. W. \'inton, and
the same year purchasing the fire insurance busi-
ness of Ezra E. Smith, started by the latter in 1865.
For the past thirteen years Air. Merriman has de-
voted his energies to the further development of
that business, and he has succeeeded in a man-
ner that has won wide recognition and commenda-
tion. The main companies represented by Mr.
Smith were the /Etna, Hartford and Phoenix, of
Hartford, and the Home, of New /ork. To these
Air. Alerriman has added, among others, the Insur-
ance Company of North America, the London and
Liverpool and Globe, the North British and Mer-
cantile, the National Fire, the Connecticut Fire, the
IMiddlesex Alutual, the Hartford County Alutual,
and the New London Co. Mutual. The policies
•on considerably more than one-half the insured
buildings in East Hartford are carried through this
agency, while the business has extended to many
other towns in the county and State.
In politics Air. Alerriman is a Republican. He i|
has been active in politics and in educational af- J
lairs, and has filled various local offices. From 1891 ll
to 1894 he held the position of treasurer of the Cen-
ter school district. For sixteen years he has served
as town treasurer, and he is now filhng that posi-
tion, running in recent years on both tickets. At
the formation of the fire district Air. Alerriman was
made its treasurer. He was candidate on the Re-
publican ticket in 1885 for representative, but that
was a Democratic year in East Hartford.
Air. Alerriman was married, Jan. 17, 1884, at
Hartford, to Aliss Lizzie E. Ranney, who was born
in East Hartford July 26, 1859, daughter of James
H. and Alary J. (Elmer) Ranney. To our subject
and wife have been born the following children:
Joseph Al., horn in 1887, died in June, 1891 ; Chas.
Russell, born Alay 29, 1891 ; Helen and Irene
(twins), born in November, 1895; Charlotte, born
Nov. 24, 1898. Air. Alerriman is a member of the
Royal Arcanum at East Hartford. Mrs. Alerriman
is a member of the Episcopal Church, and an active
worker among the King's Daughters of East Hart-
ford.
In 1885 Air. Alerriman bought the first lot on
Wells avenue, which had been opened the year pre-
vious, and built the first residence on the street.
In 1894 he purchased the ex-Senator Garvan resi-
dence on Alain street, where he now resides. Air.
and Mrs. Alerriman possesses a delightful home,
where they frequently entertain. They are promi-
nent in the social affairs of the town, moving in the
best circles, and dispensing that rare hospitality
which is the fruitage of kindliness and all the graces
and accomplishments of social life.
W^A.RREN WESLEY COOPER, of Sufifield,
is one of the best-known business men of that sec-
tion, and it is safe to say that no better example can
be found of the value of integrity, allied to courage,
foresight and energy than is afifordea by his success-
ful career. Beginning life as a poor boy he must
inevitably have missed many opportunities for se-
curing an independent foothold in the commercial
world had he not commanded the entire confidence
of men of wealth, whose shrewd and discriminating
judgment as to his reliability led them to extend him
abundant credit. At the present time his numerous
interests include the most extensive mercantile busi-
ness in his town, and his advice and co-operation is
frequently sought in corporate enterprises, his con-
nection with a project being considered a sign of
assured success.
Mr. Cooper was born May 13, 1839, in the town
of Luzerne, Luzerne Co., Penn., and is of good New
England stock, his ancestors having been residents
of Sufifield. Jacob Cooper, his grandfather, who was
a farmer of Sufifield, married Rebecca Spooner, and
both died in that town.
TTT^^-^f^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
97a
Rev. Alden S. Cooper, the father of our subject,
was a well-known clergyman of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, for some time was connected with the
Troy Conference, but about 1843 he removed to Ver-
mont. He married Miss Nancy Pomeroy, whose
family has long been prominent in the vicinity of
Westfield, Mass. bhe died in 1845, leaving three
children, Samuel Alden, Warren Wesley and Charles
Seymour; one died in infancy.
Our subject was but four years old when his
parents located in Essex, Vt., and his education was
obtained in the aistrict schools of that locality. Al-
though he was an apt scholar, he did not care for
books, and never hesitated to sacrifice schooling for
the sake of doing some work by which he could
earn a few cents. His father, who fully appre-
ciated the benefits of a good education, offered to
send him to better schools, but as the boy knew that
the expenses of the other sons told heavily upon the
family exchequer he preferred to follow his natural
inclination, and begin earning money, rather than
be an additional tax to his father. He was full of
energy, never being idle, and from the i.ge of twelve
years managed to keep his time practically occupied
with work for others. For eleven months he. was
employed as a farm hand at four dollars per month,
and, as he established a reputation for promptness
and efficiency, he found no difficulty later in secur-
ing work with farmers in that locality. He spent
some time as a farm hand in the town of Fairfax,
Vt., but, having resolved to seek a more profitable
field of efifort, he left Vermont in the fall of 1857
with the intention of going to Worcester, Mass.
While on the wav he learned of a situation in Nor-
wich, Conn., but on going there to make inquiries
found it unsatisfactory and decided to come to Suf-
field, where he arrived Sept. 8, 1857, with just eight-
een dollars in his possession. He was not long in
securing work as a driver on the stage line between
Suffield and Windsor Locks, that being prior to the
advent of railroads in the vicinity. His wages were
fourteen dollars per month "and found," which
seemed liberal to him ; but he had determined to
find some steady trade, and after two months. as a
driver he entered Edward Austin's carriage shop
as an apprentice in the wood-working department,
at forty dollars per year and board. Sickness com-
pelled him to abandon the work, and on his recovery
he began to look about for other employment, but
Mr. Austin prevailed upon him to return to his
shop, where he was employed for seven years. He
then went to Marietta, Ohio, with a surveying party,
and engaged in the oil business with his brother, S.
A. Cooper, as a leaser. He also spent some time in
the vicinity of Charleston, W. Va., but after a year's
absence he returned to Suifield and resumed work
as a carriagemaker with G. S. Austin, continuing
five years. He then began working as a joiner in
summer, while during the winter seasons he made
packing cases, and, as he had gained a knowledge of
the undertaker's business witn Mr. Austin, he be-
came interested in that, his present outfit and equip-
ment in this line being thoroughly modern and com-
plete in detail.
In 1874 ]\'Ir. Cooper made his first venture in the
coal business. The yard at Suffield, which had been
established by the railroad company soon after the
opening of the line, having proved unprofitable, the
first manager desired to dispose of it, and offered it
to Mr. Cooper, who thought he could make it a suc-
cess if he had a chance. The price was $1,200, a
sum which then looked large to him, but on visiting
the owners in New York and telling them of his
lack of capital they readily acceded to his proposi-
tion to buy it on time. The dealers also offered to
send him coal on terms that he could meet, and in
many ways the advantage of having a good reputa-
tion was manifested, in fact, more credit was of-
fered him tnan he could judiciously accept. On
Oct. 29, 1874, he took charge of the yard, and, from
selling 1,200 tons the first year, the business has
now increased to about 3,500 tons annually. At
first Mr. Cooper did much of the work of the yard
himself, many hundreds of tons having been shoveled
by him from the cars into his shed, and nothing was
allowed to stand in the way of prompt service to his
customers, orders being filled after six p. m. as read-
ily as before. From the start he prospered, always
managing to meet his obligations on time, and of
all the thousands of dollars worth of paper -which
he has had afloat during his mercantile career not
one note ever 'went to protest." As_his capital
accumulated he increased his facilities, building
sheds and other structures, including a store for
general merchandise. The coal business formerly
conducted by Prank Fuller was absorbed into his
own, and he has also gone extensively into business
as a dealer in grain, lumber, hardware, lime, wood,
cement, fertilizers and other commodities, his tradi
being larger than that of any other merchant in the
town. He does a large trucking business, and al-
together keeps from six to ten horses constantly
at work to meet the demands of his various lines of
enterprise, while from twelve to fifteen workmen
are employed the year round, the number being en-
larged in busy seasons to about thirty. Real estate
investments have naturally attracted , his attention,
and at one time he carried on farming in connection
with his other business. He has built seven resi-
dences in Suffield village, and in 1898 he completed
his present elegant home, one of the best in the town,
which is noted for the beauty of its ^Drivate houses.
One would think that the care of all these dif-
ferent interests would be sufficient for one man,
but Mr. Cooper's business-liKe methods permit him
to carry on an apparently unlimited amount of work,
and as president of the Suffield Electric Light Co.
and a stockholder in the Suffield Water Co. he
has done much to insure the prosperity of both ven-
tures. His success in business cannot be attributed
974
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I
to penuriousness, as he believes in enjoying the good
things of Hfe, and in his deahngs with the public
he has been inclined to err on the side of generosity,
having occasionally met with losses through trust-
ing people when he did not really expect to be paid.
He gives substantial aid to all measures for local
improvement, and for many years he has been in-
fluential in religious work as a member of the Bap-
tist Church, in which he has at times held office.
Politically he is a strong Republican, but the pres-
sure of business has prevented him from taking
an active share in partisan work, although he served
acceptably two vears as first selectman.
Our subject's first wife, Miss Alarlha J. King,
daughter of Seth King, of Suffield, died March 14,
1895, leaving no children. On Aug. i, 1898, he
married Mrs. Jennie (Loomis) Drake, widow of
William B. Drake, and a descendant of one of the
oldest families of Suffield. Mr. Cooper and his
wife are much esteemed sociallv, the latter being
an active member of the Congregational Church,
and he is connected with several fraternal orders,
including Gideon Granger Lodge INo. 62, K. P.,
and Lodge No. 59, F. & A. AL, at Suffield.
ADDISON BRYANT STOCKWELL. In ihe
respect that is accorded by the world to men who
have made tl'.eir way to success through their own
efforts, we find an unconscious recognition of the
intrinsic worth of character which can endure the
rough discipline of life and gain new strength from
the experience. Among the self-made men whose
histories lend interest to this volume none stand
higher in public esteem than does this well-known
resident of \\ indsor Locks, who began his career
as a bread-winner at an age when most boys are
in school, and has gained a substantial competence.
Mr. Stock well comes of good New England
stock, his ancestors in the paternal line having
come from England at an early date. Walter Stock-
well, his grandfather, was born at Thomaston,
Conn., but became a farmer at Northampton,
Hampshire Co., Alass., where he died in 1850, aged
nearly one hundred years.
Erastus Stockwell, our subject's father, was
born in Northampton, ]\Iass., and for many years
was engaged in farming there. His death occurred
in 1861. He married Miss Rucksbee Bryant, of
Chesterfield, Slass., a cousin of William Cullen
Bryant, the famous poet. She had two sisters and
two brothers, all now deceased.
Our subject was born April 13, 1835, at the
old home in Northampton, and his education was
obtained in the public schools of that locality. At
the age of fourteen he became self-supporting, work-
ing for two years on a farm, after which, for six
years, he was employed at the Round Hill Water
Cure. In i860 he came to Windsor Locks to en-
gage in mercantile business, buying out T. B. Perse,
and locating at the store now occupied by James
Keevers. After five years he disposed of this busi-
ness and opened a livery and sale stable, in con-
nection with which he conducts a wood and coal
business, and also deals extensively in wagons, har-
ness, blankets and whips. As a citizen he has al-
ways been noted for his progressive spirit; he is
a member of the Republican party, but has never
aspired to political office. In religious faith a Con-
gregationalist, he and his family are leading mem-
bers of the church at Windsor Locks. Mr. Stock-
well is identified with the Temple of Honor, and is
prominent in the Masonic fraternity, with which he
united in Suffield, being a charter member of Euclid
Lodge, No. 109, A. F. & A. M. ; a member of
Washington Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M. ; Suffield
Council, No. 23, R. & S. M. ; Washington Com-
mandery. No. i, K. T., at Hartford, and of Sphinx
Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, at Hartford.
In i860 Mr. Stockwell was married, in Windsor
Locks, to Miss Catherine Rooney, of Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., and four children have blessed the union,
all of whom have been well educated : Emma died
in 1884; Frank, who is in the drv-goods business
at Saginaw, Mich., married Miss Alice Prunell, and
has three children, Bessie, Frank and Luther. Lula
ij at home. Harriet married A. N. Sliepard, of
Portland, Conn., and has two childien. Nelson and
Dorothea.
BENJAMIN VERNON, superintendent of the
Rainbow Paper Mill, at Rainbow, this county, has
won an enviable reputation for executive ability by
his successful management of the extensive inter-
ests under his charge. Possessing a complete mas-
tery of the workings of all departments of the es-
tablishment, his energetic foresight forestalls
emergencies and keeps everything in perfect run-
ning order, while his admirable methods of dealing
with the workmen inspire them with confidence and
respect.
The Rainbow Paper Co., of which Mr. Vernon
is superintendent, does a large business, making a
specialty of railroad work, and being able to supply
all kinds of bound or unbound material. Their
patrons include the principal railroad corporations
in the United States, the New York Central and
the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroads
giving large orders. The mill, which is now owned
wholly by Richard Vernon, a brother of our sub-
ject, has been in the Vernon family for a number
of years, having been taken on a mortgage by Ver-
non Bros., paper dealers, of New York City, on
the failure of William C. Hodge, the former owner,
to whom they had advanced a large sum of money.
To the efficient management of our subject is chiefly
due the present satisfactory condition of the busi-
ness, which has been converted into a profitable en-
terprise, and was kept open without an interruption
during the recent financial depression that caused
the suspension or permanent failure of many con-
cerns in similar lines.
The Vernon family is of good old English stock,
and Richard Vernon, our subject's great-great-
grandfather, was an admiral in the British navy,
ivtembers of the family were prominent among the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
975
pioneer settlers of America, and Mt. Vernon, the
home of Washington, was named in honor of them.
Richard Vernon, the grandfather of our subject,
was a resident of Devonshire, England, and a man
of position and wealth, being a ship owner of prom-
inence. He married Elizabeth Wills, and nad five
sons: Samuel, of the firm of Vernon Bros., men-
tioned above; Aliles, our subject's father; Thomas,
a member of the firm of Vernon Bros. ; Charles W.,
a Baptist minister ; and Richard, who was for many
years a sea captain, and made his home for a time
in the United States.
Miles Vernon, our subject's father, was born in
1816 in Devonshire, England, and married Miss
Elizabeth Radley, a native of the same county, born
in 1818. Her father, Richard Radley, owned a
large estate there, and he and his family were of
excellent social standing. On coming to the United
States Miles Vernon located first in Genesee coun-
ty, N. Y., where he owned a fine farm, and later
removed to the vicinity of Woodbridge, N. J., con-
Itinuing agricultural work there until his death,
which occurred Feb. 14, 1888. He was the first to
import Devonshire cattle into tne United States.
He left valuable real estate at Woodbridge, which
is still in the possession of the family. His esti-
mable wife survived him but a few years, dying
Jan. 12, 1890. They had the following children:
IGeorge R., head of Vernon Bros. & Co., paper
imakers, No. 22 Read street, New York; Charles,
head salesman of above company ; Miss Elizabeth ;
Richard, now sole owner of the Rainbow Paper
Mill, who resides in Madison, N. J., and has an
office at No. 239 Broadway, New York; Miles, of
the firm of S. E. & M. V ernon. No. 69 Duane street.
New York; Benjamin, our subject; Thomas, a sales-
man for the Rainbow Paper Mill; and Samuel, of
whom a sketcn appears elsewhere.
Benjamin Vernon was born June 15, 1856, at
Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., and was reared to farm
work, acquiring valuable habits of industry. In
the winter he usually attended the local schools, but
at times he studied in private schools near his home.
Later he took a course in a business college in
Brooklyn, and in 1876 he left home to make his
way in the world, going to Colorado, then a terri-
tory. His first vote was cast after the admission of
the State for Gov. Pitkin, the first executive. He
■'spent some time in the San Juan district, and in
the vicinity of Mineral Point and Ouray, gaining
an interesting: experience of border life. About
1878 he went to Arizona, traveling 1,500 miles on
horseback, and visited the (now) town of Tomb-
stone when but one house stood on the site. He
'also made a trip to New Mexico, and in all spent
■about five years in the West, being sometimes em-
;ployed in various capacities and at other times en-
igaging in business for himself. His work in quartz
jmills gave him his first practical knowledge of ma-
ichinery, and as he generally held responsible posi-
tions he learned also to manage workmen, the ex-
fperience proving a most useful one. When he re-
|turned home, in 1881, he expected to go back to
the West, but at the urgent recjuest of his parents
gave up the plan. In 1886 Mr. Vernon went to
Rainbow in the interest of Vernon Bros., of New
York, and in 1888, after learning the practical de-
tails of the business, he took the place of super-
intendent. He has built an attractive residence at
Rainbow, and now owns a large tract of farming
land, much of which is devoted to tobacco raising.
Since his removal to the village he has shown a
loyal interest in all that concerns its development,
and he is rightly regarded as one of the most
popular citizens of the town. Politically his sym-
pathies have always been with the Republican party
in State and National issues, but he votes independ-
ently on local questions, according to his judgment
as to fitness of candidates. Beyond voting regularly
he leaves partisan work to others, as his business in-
terests require his undivided attention. Fraternally
he is identified with Washington Lodge, No. 70,
F. & A. AL, at Windsor. While he is not a church
member he and his wife attend the Congregational
Church at Poquonock, to the support of which he is
a liberal contributor.
On June 7, 1888, Mr. Vernon married Miss
Nellie B. Kay, and two children brighten their home :
George Kay and Dorothy. Socially the family is
much esteemed. Mrs. Vernon was born at New
Brunswick, N. J., of Scottish ancestry, and her
father, William Kay, was a well-known paper-
maker. John C. Kay, Mrs. Vernon's grandfather,
was the first to introduce the process of callendering
paper in the web at Trenton, N. J., about 1850.
E. L. COBB, of Windsor, is a man whose ster-
ling qualities of character have won for him a high
standing in the community. For many years he has
been prominent among that intelligent and influen-
tial body of citizens known as the Masonic frater-
nity, in which he has attained the thirty-second de-
gree, and in local affairs he manifests a public spirit
and freedom from self-seeking which are most com-
mendable.
By his upright life he sustains well the prestige
of a good old family name that has been held in
honor in New England from an early date and
which was borne by several "minute men" in the
trying times of the Revolution. The first ancestor
of whom any record has^ been preserved came to
America in 1643 from the vicinity of Plymouth,
England, and settled first at Scituate, Mass., and
then in Rhode Island, while later generations lo-
cated in Litchfield county, Connecticut.
Nathaniel Cobb, our subject's great-grandfather,
was a blacksmith by occupation, and made his home
at Colebrook, Connecticut.
Jacob B. Cobb, the grandfather of our subject,
followed agricultural pursuits, and for some years
before his death he resided in Windsor. He
died at the age of eighty-seven m Canton,
Conn., while on a visit, but his remains were
buried in Windsor. His wife, Hannah Spencer,
was ninety-two }'ears old at death. They had
ten children, of whom two are still living: M.
97(j
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I
Huntington, of Philadelphia, and Charlotte E.,
widow of Timothy Phelps, of Windsor. The
former is a well-known journalist, being now
on the editorial staff of The Philadelphia North
American, while he was formerly a writer for the
New i'ork Tribune, under Horace Greeley's man-
agement, and private secretary to Simon Cameron
during his term as Secretary of War. He is a well-
preserved man and is still active in public affairs,
holding the position of chief clerk of the Lnited
States Mint in Philadelphia.
Hiram Cobb, our subject's father, was born at
Colebrook, Conn., and was the eldest son and sec-
ond child. He was reared to farm work, his educa-
tion being limited to the common schools of the
locality, but learned the carpenter's trade in his
vouth, and for many years was engaged in business
as a builder, although at one time (soon after his
removal to Windsor in 1855) he was interested in
the tobacco business. Politically he was a Demo-
crat until the formation of the Republican party, in
which he became an earnest worker. During the
war he served as Deputy Provost Marshal, and he
was postmaster at Windsor under the administra-
tions of Lincoln and Grant. 1 le was five feet eleven
inches in height, with a large, biny frame, and
weighed about one hundred and seventy pounds,
and enjoyed robust health until stricken with paral-
ysis, from which he died in Windsor, Oct. 30, 1895,
aged seventy-two years. W'hile still a resident of
Colebrook he married Miss Harriet Hawley, a na-
tive of that town, who survives him and now re-
sides with our subject. She is a daughter of Elisha
Hawley, a native of Norfolk, Conn., and belongs to
an old and highly respected family, which inchides
among its members United States Senator Hawley.
Our subject is the elder of two children, and his
only sister, De Ette, is now Mrs. John G. Caulk-
ins, of Winsted, Connecticut.
Mr. Cobb was born Oct. 18, 1848, at the old
home in Colebrook, but as his parents removed
to ^\'indsor during his childhood his education
was chiefly gained in the academy there. He also
took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business Col-
lege, Hartford," in preparation for commercial life,
as his early training in carpentering and farm work,
under his father's direction, had proved those occu-
pations to be congenial. From early boyhood he was
employed occasionally by neighbors, but his time wac
spent mainly at home until 1873, when as the car-
penter business was dull, he found a situation in New
Haven as a bookkeeper for Lewis Osterweis, a
prominent cigar manufacturer. His faithfulness and
reliability made his services invaluable, and for
twenty-two years he remained with the firm, but an
attack of LaGrippe in 1895 compelled him to re-
linquish his work. After a year or two he took a
similar position with The E. S. Kibbe Co., whole-
sale grocers, in Hartford, where he is now em-
ployed.
In 1872 he completed his substantial residence on
Maple avenue, W^indsor, and on June 26th of that
year he married Miss Sarah Mack, a lady of un-
usual ability and strength of character, whose as-
sistance has been invaluable to him. She was borrt
Aug. 13, 1 85 1, a daughter of William and Sarah
(Ware) Mack, well-known residents of this county,
of whom an account is given elsewhere. Four
children have blessed our subject's home: Mabel E.,
Bertha H. (who died in infancy), Edna J., and
Newton Hawley. Mrs. Cobb is a believer in Chris-
tian Science, while our subject is a member of the
Methodist Church. Both are popular in social life,
and Mr. Cobb in identified with Washington Lodge,
No. 70, F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chapter No. 17,
R. A. M., at Hartford; Harmony Council No. 8,
R. & S. M., at New Haven; New Haven Com-
mandery No. 2, Knights Templar ; E. G. Storer ;
Lodge Perfection ; Elm City Council Princes of ',
Jerusalem A. & A. S. R., and New Haven Chapter
Rose Croix A. i& A. S. R., all of New Haven ; L:i
Fayette Consistory, S. P. R. S., and Pyramid Tem-
ple of the Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport ; was thrice
Illustrious Master of Harmony. Council No. 8, R.
& S. M., in 1889, and Eminent Commander of New
Haven Commanucry No. 2, K. T., in 1894. While 1
he takes keen interest in the political issues of the
day and always votes the Republican ticket at Na- '
tional elections, he supports the "best man" in local
contest.
WILLIAM GIBSON FIELD, Esq., of Enfield.
Hartford count v, was born in the city of Easton,
Northampton Co., Penn., Oct. 25, 1841. His fa-
ther was Dr. Cridland Crocker Field, a graduate '
of the Lniversity of Pennsylvania, an eminent physi-
cian and surgeon of fifty years' practice, whose
surgical operations were referred to in lectures de-
livered before the students of the university, and in 1
the obituary notice of him that appeared in the
London Lancet. He died in 1887, leaving a large
sense of loss in the communitv.
Dr. Field held friendlv and professional rela-
tions with Profs. William E. Horner, William Gib-
son, D. Hayes Agnew and Samuel Gross ; and many
medical men were prepared in his offices for the uni-
versity and for successful practice. He was born ;
Feb. 18, 1819, on board of the American ship "Ann," 1
on the arrival of his parents from England, within
the bounds of Queens county, N. Y. Capt. Crocker
wrapped him in the American flag. They went to
Northampton county, Penn., thence to Philadelphia,
where the father practiced medicine in company with
Dr. Physick, Dr. McClellan and others, and where
the son was educated generally and especially for
the profession, being a private student of Prof.
William E. Horner, the author of a noted work on
Anatomy. They returned to Northampton county,
settling finally in Easton, the county seat. The
mother of the subject of this sketch was Susannah
(Freeman) Field, who was born at Freemansburg, ^
Northampton Co., Penn., and died lamented by all .'
who knew her, especially by those who had been the
i
»
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
recipients of her open-handed charity. His pa-
ternal grandparents were Richard and Phoebe
(Cridland) Field.
Richard Field was brought up at Dudley Hill,
Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and after graduating
at the University of London he became a member
of the Royal College of Surgeons. Henry M. Field,
D. D., of New York City, brother of the late Cyrus
W. Field, projector of the Atlantic cable, in a work
printed privately for the use of the family, and
sent by him to the subject of our sketch, quotes
Osgood Field, Esq., an American long resident
in London, as follows : "Hubertus de la Feld was
in England within a year or two of the Conquest,
and in all probaDility came over with the Con-
queror. He was of the family of the Counts de
la Feld, of Colmar, in Alsatia, on the German bor-
der of France, who trace back to the darkest period
of the middle ages, about the sixth century. Prob-
ably not a dozen families in Europe can prove so
high an antiquity. The ancestors of the English
de la Felds had been seated at the Chateau de la
Feld for centuries before, and so early as the
gloomiest times that followed the fall of the Roman
Empire. They held lands (according to the feudal
system) probably granted to them for military serv-
ices by William the Conqueror — the original spel-
ling of the family name "Feld" being derived from
the verb to fell ; field land being opposed to wood-
land, and meanmg land where the trees have been
felled. Mr. Osgood goes on to say that "the first
appearance of the Field family without the prefix
'de la' was in tnat part of the West Riding of York-
shire which borders upon Lancashire;" and it was
in Yorkshire that W. Gibson Field's paternal grand-
father, Richard Field, grew to man's estate. A
branch of the Field family probably went from
Saxony through France to England. Richard Field
spent the last years of his life in America. His
wife, Mr. Field's paternal grandmother, Phcebe
(Cridland) Field, was born in Leicestershire, Eng-
land, her father being a great woolen manufacturer.
Members of the Cridland family have held posi-
tions of public trust in England, and several Brit-
ish consuls to this country were of the same stock.
Mr. Field's paternal great-grandfather was John
Field (whose son Richard is above referred to),
and he lived to be over one hundred years old, at
which age he mowed grass, as (so tradition says)
his father did at the same age. John Field went
from Saxony to Yorkshire, taking with him his
then infant son, Richard. W. Gibson Field, a few
.years ago, received a letter from the late Stephen
J. Field, late a justice of the supreme court of the
United States, regarding the Field family in Eng-
land. Cyrus W. Field, years ago, sent him a book
of family biographies. In the Field ancestral line
the name of John Field, the astronomer, is found,
from whom the Field family coat of arms is de-
rived.
Mr. Field's maternal grandparents were Jacob
and Susanna (Butz) Freeman. (For Jacob Free-
man, Freemansburg, Penn., was named ; and he was
a number' of times elected to public office). His
maternal great-grandparents (male line) were
Edward and Susan (Laubach) Freeman. (Ed-
ward Freeman's father was Richard Freeman, who
came from England about 240 years ago, settled
first in'Alaryland and afterward removed to North-
ampton county, Penn.). His maternal great-grand-
parents (female line) were George and Catherine
(Dreisbach) Butz. (George Butz's father possibly
came from Saxony). His maternal great-great-
grandparents were Michael and Elizabeth (Mes-
singer) Butz, and his maternal great-great-great-
grandparents were Michael and Elizabeth Messin-
ger ; and Michael Messinger was a member of the
"committee of observation" of Northampton coun-
ty, Penn., formed at Easton on Dec. 21, 1774, with
the view of furthering the cause of American
independence. [2 Penn. Archives XIV., p. 549.]
The number of medical men that came from each
ancestral line is remarkable. Both of Mr. Field's
brothers, George B. Wood Field and B. Rush Field,
are physicians.
Mr. Field fitted for college at the Easton (Penn.)
high school, where he was graduated in 1858, his-,
commencement theme being "The Three-fold Cul-
ture in Education." When at this school he looked
forward to going to Harvard. A number of his-
addresses delivered during the high-school course-
were published. He was the first president of the-
high school alumni association, and, as such, at
the centennial year banquet, held in July of that
year, at Abie's Opera House in Easton, Penn., he-
made the welcome address to the class of 1876, the-
prominent educational authorities of the city being
present. The address was printed in the daily-
press.
In 1862 he was graduated at Lafayette College,
with the degree of A. B., his theme being "In-
centives to Action," and during his course there
he was connected with the Washington Literary
Society, all of whose important offices he filled.
Among the elections given him by the society was
that of junior orator, to represent in part the so-
ciety at the annual junior exhibition held July 29,.
1861. The subject of his oration was "True Cour-
age." He was a contributor to the "Lafayette
Monthly Magazine."
At the beginning of the Senior year he- was ad-
mitted to Harvard College, and was graduated, with
the degree of A. B., with the class of 1863, the class
numbering among its members Historian John
Fiske, Artist E. D. Boit, and Charles S. Fairchild,
of President Cleveland's first cabinet. Among
others at Harvard at the time were sons of Lincoln,
Everett, Emerson and Holmes. While at Harvard
he was a contributor to the "Harvard Magazine."
After being graduated at Harvard College, he-
978
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
entered the Harvard Law School, wliere he was
graduated July 19, 1865, with the degree of LL.
B. During his connection with this institution he
attended the law lectures of Parker, Washburn and
Parsons, so well known, through their published
works, to the legal profession. He also heard the
lectures of Louis Agassiz, Oliver VV. Holmes, etc.
He was sccretarv of the Law School Parliament and
president of the Parker Club. On July 19, 1865,
he received the degree of LL. iJ. from Harvard.
He received the degree of A. ^L from both Harvard
and Lafayette Colleges. He is a member of the Con-
necticut \'allcy Harvard Club.
Mr. I'ield entered the law offices of the late ex-
Gov. Reeder, of Kansas fame, and of the late chief
justice of the Pennsylvania supreme court, Plenry
Green, in Easton, Penn., and on Nov. 21, 1865,
on motion of the latter, he was admitted to the Bar
of Xorthampton county, Penn., of which Easton
is the county seat, and practiced law there a number
of years.
On Eeb. 4, 1867, he was elected secretary of
the Farmers' & Mechanics' Institute of Northamp-
ton county, Penn., whose exhibition building is one
of the largest and finest in Pennsxlvania. He was
re-elected five limes and then declined re-election,
receiving a vote of thanks for past services.
During his residence in Easton he became the
founder and editor of The Easton Daily Dispatch,
the first number of which appeared May 16, 1874.
Just prior to the starting of this newspaper he was
offered and declined the editorship of the Easton
Daily Argus. Before he embarked on a newspaper
enterprise of his own he had, during a sojourn in
Brooklyn, connected himself with the editorial de-
partment of the Brooklyn Daily Times.
While a citizen of Easton IMr. Field accepted a
number of invitations to deliver public addresses.
On ^^^ashington s birthday, 1866, he delivered an
oration before the Washington Literary Society of
Lafayette College on the "Character of Washing-
ton." By request he repeated the oration before the
Young Men's Missionary and Christian Associa-
tion, of Bethlehem, Penn.. and it was afterward
published in the "Young Men's Alonthl)'," of Tren-
ton, New Jersey.
As an alumnus of the Washington Literary So-
ciety of Lafayette College he was appointed one of
the executive committee to furnish, in behalf of the
society, its handsome and spacious hall. The work
was accomplished and the hall dedicated April 7,
1881, on which occasion Mr. Field made an address
that appeared, among other addresses made on that
occasion, in pamphlet form.
The superintendent of public ins':ruction of
Northampton county, Penn., appointed Mr. Field to
deliver an address before the Teachers' Institute,
convened, in annual convention, in the court house
in Easton, Nov. 19, 1883. It appeared in print on
the day of its delivery. Of this address the late
Rev. Dr. Andrew P. Peabody, at one time acting
president of Harvard University, and one of the
greatest scholars and literary men of his day, said
that he "could give it no higher praise than to say
that it was worthy of a graduate of Harvard."
Mr. Field also made political speeches, prior to
Presidential elections, in several counties in Pennsyl-
vania. He has also written many articles for
various periodicals and newspapers. A number of
these have appeared in "Beecher's Magazine." In
one of a number of articles contributed by him to
the "Lafayette College Monthly" (September, 1871)
he made the original ]M-oposition for the formation
of a National College-Men's Union for literary and
other friendly contests. This proposition thrilled
the students of the colleges and universities of the
country. Articles on the subject, written by him,
also a])peared in the I^cw York Tribune and the
Nczo York Times. In the article in the "Lafayette
Monthly" Mr. Field shows what must be the benefits
of such a society to college-bred men, to colleges
and ti> the public. He adds: "Thomas Hughes,
Dr. Chapin and others have remarked that college-
bred men do not exercise the commanding influence
that they should and can exercise in American pol-
itics. We conceive that this is the result of a want
of consciousness of power on the part of college-
bred men. The power exists — the consciousness of
it only needs to be supplied, and this can be fur-
nished by a central, representative society of col-
lege-bred men. The numbers and resources of such
a society would surprise even college men them-
selves, and they would be excited to uncommon ef-
forts in the common cause. It might in time prove
to some incredulous ones that 'knowledge is power.'
Although ignorance in motion is more powerful
than intellect at rest, brains and ballots combined
will tell." On Feb. 19, 1874, the proposition was
acted on, and a convention assembled, to take the
initiative, at Hartford, Conn. All are familiar with
the intercollegiate contests held since that time.
These contests stimulate friendly and fruitful emu-
lation among the students of the colleges of the
land.
Mr. Field was, by appointment of the governor
of California, a commissioner for that State in
Pennsylvania. Passing over other appointments
and elections to honorary membership of societies,
he was appointed, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens,
of Pennsylvania, lay reader of the Episcopal Church
in South Easton, now a part of the city of Easton,
Penn., of which his brother, B. Rush Field, is mayor.
He was a member of the vestry of Trinity Epis-
copal Church of that city, superintendent of its
Sundajr-school, and a director of the Y. M. C. A.
On Feb. 20, 1883, he was elected to represent
the Fourth ward of the city of Easton in the board
of control (educational) for a term of three years,
leading his party ticket in the number of votes re-
ceived; and, Feb. 16, 1886, he was re-elected for
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
979
another term, and served for a time as president of
the board. On May 5, 1887, then intending to
leave the city of Easton, he presented his resignation
to the board of controL A resolution of regret
was passed by the board on account of his resigna-
tion and intended departure from the city. He
was a member of the executive committee of the
board appointed to make preparations for a public
Cottingham memorial celebration, in honor of the
third-of-a-century services of city school superin-
tendent W. W. Cottingham, the official longest in
service of the kind in the United States. The cele-
bration took place in Easton April 28, 1887, was
participated in by public bodies, schools and citizens,
and was a great success. Mr. Cottingham still
fills the superintcndency.
During 1887 Mr. Field removed from Easton,
Penn., to Brooklyn, N. Y. On Oct. 25 of that
year he was married, at the "Massasoit House,"
Springfield, Mass., by his Harvard classmate. Rev.
Thomas W. Bishop, of Salem, Mass., to Miss Edna
M. Potter, of Suffield, Conn., daughter of the late
Simeon T. and Mary (Ives) Potter, of Enfield,
Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Field shortly afterward took
up their residence in Brooklyn. On May 14, 1888,
on motion of Horace Graves, Esq., Mr. Field was
admitted by the Supreme Court of New York, sit-
ting at Poughkeepsie, to practice law in all the
courts of New York State. During his residence
of about ten years in Brooklyn he continued in the
practice of law in that city and in New York..
In 1897 certain interests and family reasons pre-
vailed to induce Mr. and Mrs. Field to remove from
Brooklyn to Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn. Mrs.
Field had bought an ancestral and original colonial
house in that town, built, 130 years ago, by her great-
great-grandfather, Capt. Ephraim Pease, a pros-
perous merchant, contractor and large land owner
in Enfield during the French war. He was born
there in 1719 and died in 1801, the bell that he
donated to the First Congregational Church tolHng
almost all day on the date of his funeral. He had
entertained Washington, when, as commander-in-
chief of the Continental army, he passed through
Enfield. Washington afterward, in a letter to a
friend in England, wrote of stopping at the hospit-
able mansion of Capt. Ephraim Pease, "situated
on, Enfield street, north of the Field House." This
letter was seen and read by the late Senator James
Dixon when in England, on his wedding tour ; and
this fact he related to a reliable and long-time oc-
cupant of the Capt. Pease homestead, from whom
the information came to C. Terry Knight, the author
of an article on Enfield that appeared in a late num-
ber of "The Connecticut Quarterly." In that man-
sion, now owned by Matthew G. Anderson, Jr.,
tradition says vvere quartered British foldiers of
the Revolution, probably a part of Burgoyne's army,
surrendered in October, 1777. One of the finest
elms on Enfield street, rooted on land owned by
Mrs. Elizabeth Prior, grew from a sapling that
Capt. Pease planted in honor of the birth of his
daughter, Sybil, who, in 1768, married Rev. Elam
Potter, Mrs. Field's paternal great-grandfather.
It was deemed quite honorable then, as now, to
marry the minister. "Capt. Pease gave the site and
erected the house (now the Field House) for the
home of the distinguished couple. It was accord-
ingly well built and the artistic decorations, inside
and outside — including paneled walls, rich hand-
made moulclmgs, toothed cornices, carved balusters,
tiled fireplaces and the stately recess in the front
hall for the 'old clock on the stairs' — were more
or less elaborate for the times, and indicate the
wealth and pride of a father whose young daughter
was to become the bride of a young and promising
clergyman. When a large fireplace was being torn
out, preparatory to remodeling, a sermon of the
long-ago, that had slipped from the mantlepiece,
dropped out. Appreciating the value and beauty of
shade trees, he planted those old and majestic but-
tonwoods along the front of the property that still,
with the elms and maples, adorn that part of the
street. He thoroughly furnished the house for the
young housekeepers, placing, in addition, three negro
slaves — Okro, Csesar and Flora by name — at their
service." Eight children were born to these first
occupants. Rev. Elam Potter was a noted preacher
of Enfield, traaitions of whose earnestness in the
cause of Christ, in behalf of his people, and in ef-
forts for the abolition of slavery, have come down
to us. He was ordained in 1769 as pastor of the
First Congregational Church of Enfield, and con-
tinued as such seven years. An "Historical Notice
of the Congregational Church in Enfield" says that
at this time an excitement -broke out concerning
"church order;" and in 1770 a new society was
formed, called "The Second Ecclesiastical Society
of Enfield" (aiming at "Strict Congregationalism")
— the members of which were called "Separatists" —
which has completely disappeared. This subject is
fully and ablv treated in a thesis entitled "A Sketch
of The Strict Congregational Church of Enfield,
Ct.," presented to the Hartford Theological Sem-
inary, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, by
Rev. Oliver W. Means, M. A., now pastor of The
First Congregational Church of Enfield. "Rev.
Elam Potter made repeated tours into the Southern
States in behalf of the negroes in bondage," nar-
rates C. Terry Knight, in an article appearina: in
a late number of "The Connecticut Quarterly Mag-
azine ;" " and the memorial to the General Assembly
of Connecticut, praying that the negroes in this
State be released from slavery, was, perhaps, in
part, a result of his influence."
The abolition of slavery in a number of the
States \~i2iS gradual, Pennsylvania setting the ex-
ample ; and it has been well said that only second in
honor and importance to the Declaration of Inde-
pendence was the act of the Pennsylvania Legis-
9SJ
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lature of 1780, inaugurating its abolition in that
State. Connecticut was the earliest among her
sister States to follow the precedent thus set. In
this State slavery was never directly established by
statute; but it was indirectly sanctioned by various
statutes, and frequently recognized by the courts,
so that it may be said to have been indirectly estab-
lished by law. W. O. Blake, in his "History of
Slavery and the Slave Trade," says that "Negro
and Indian slavery was authorized in Connecticut
in 1650: antl in the same year the Colony passed acts
making man-stealing a capital ofl'cnce, the Colony
of New Haven shortly after passing similar acts."
[Henry Wilson's "Rise and Fall of tlie Slave Power
in America," Vol. I., pp. 6-372.] Few negro slaves
were imported into the State; and in 1774 (Oc-
tober session at New Haven) tne importation of all
slaves was prohibited by the following act, viz. :
"An Act for prohibiting the Importation of
Indian, Negro and Mulatto slaves.
"Whereas the increase of slaves in this Colony
is injurious to the poor and inconvenient:
"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and
Representatives, in General Court assembled, and
by the authoritv of the same — That no Indian,
Negro or Mulatto slaves shall, at any time here-
after be brought or imported into this colony by
sea or land, from any place or places whatsoever,
to be disposed of, lett or sold, within this colony.
"Be it further enacted by the authority afore-
said, That any person or persons, who siiall here-
after, contrary to the true intent of this act, import
or bring any Indian, Negro or Mulatto slave or
slaves into this colony to be disposed of, left or
sold within the same, or who, knowing such slave
or slaves to be so imported and brought into this
colony, shall receive or purchase tnem, or any of
them, shall forfeit and pay into the Treasury of this
colony the sum of one hundred pounds lawful money
for every slave so imported, brought into this col-
ony, received or purchased, to be recovered by bill,
plaint or information, in any court of record proper
to try the same. And it shall be the duty of all con-
stables and grand jurors to enquire after and make
presentment of all breaches of this act."
After the termination of the Revolutionary war,
the Legislature, to effect the gradual abolition of
slavery in Connecticut, in the Revision of 1784,
enacted the following:
"An Act concerning Indian, Mulatto and Negro
Servants and Slaves.
"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and
Representatives, in General Court assembled, and
by the authority of the same — •
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
"And Whereas sound policy requires that the
Abolition of Slavery should be effected as soon as
may be consistent with the rights of individuals
and the public safety and welfare —
"Therefore — Be it enacted by the authority
aforesaid — That no Negro or Mulatto child that
shall, after the first day of March, one thousand,
seven hundred and eighty-four, be born within this
state shall be held in servitude longer than until
they arrive to the age of twenty-five years, not-
withstanding the mother or parent of such child was
held in servitude at the time of its birth; and such
child, at the age aforesaid, shall be free; any law,
I usage or custom- to the contrary notwithstanding."
In May, 1797, a Connecticut statute enacted that
no Negro or Mulatto child that should be born
within the State after the first day of August of
that year should be held in servitude longer than
"until they should arrive at the age of twenty-one
years."
As early as Alay, 171 1, provision was made for
the emancipation of slaves by their owners, who
were nevertheless held to be responsible for their
maintenance should the slaves ever come to want:
".\n .\ct relating to slaves and such in particular
as shall happen to become servants for time :
"It is ordered and enacted by the Governor,
Council and Representatives in General Court as-
sembled, and by the authority of the same — That
all slaves set at liberty by their owners ; and all
Negro, Mulatto or Spanish Indians, who are ser-
vants to masters for time, in case they come to want
after they shall be set at liberty, or after the time of
their said service be expired, shall be relieved by
such owners or masters respectively, their heirs,
executors or administrators ; and upon their or
either of their refusal so to do, the said slaves and
servants shall be relieved by the selectmen of the
towns to which thev belong; and the said selectmen
shall recover of the said owners or masters, their
heirs, executors and administrators, all the charge
and cost they were at for such relief in the usual
manner, as in the case of any other debts."
In October, 1777, the following Act, or Proviso,
was passed :
"An Act in addition to and alteration of an Act
entitled — An Act concerning Indian, Mulatto and
N egro servants and slaves :
"Whereas it stands enacted in said Act — 'That
all slaves set at liberty by their owners, and all
Negro, Mulatto or Spanish Indians who are ser-
vants to masters for time, in case they come to want
after. they shall be so set at liberty, or after the time
of their said service be expired, shall be relieved
by such owner, or master respectively, their heirs,
executors or administrators :'
"Therefore Be It Enacted by the Governor,
Council and Representatives in General Court As-
sembled, and by the authority of the same —
"That if any master, or owner, of any servant,
or slave, shall apply to the selectmen of the town to
which he belongs, for liberty or license to emanci-
pate or make free any such servant or slave, it shall
be the duty of such selectmen to inquire into the
age, abilities, circumstances and character of such
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
981
servant or slave; and if they, or the major part of
them, shall be of the opinion that it is likely to be
consistent vv^ith the real advantage of such servant
or slave, and that it is probable that the servant,
or slave, will be able to support his or her own per-
son; and that he or she is of good and peaceable
life and conversation, such selectmen, or the major
part of them', shall give to the owner, or master of
such servant or slave a certificate, under their hands,
of their opinion in the premises ; and that the mas-
ter or owner of such servant or slave hath liberty
to emancipate and set at liberty such servant or
slave. And .if the master or owner of any servant
or slave shall, on receiving such certificate, emanci-
pate and set at liberty such servant or slave, he,
his heirs, executors and administrators, shall be
forever discharged from any charge, or cost, which
may be occasionea by maintaining or supporting
the servant or slave made free as aforesaid — any
law, usage or custom to the contrary not withstand-
ing."
There were seventeen slaves in Connecticut as
late as 1840; and there had been 2,759 ii'' the State
in 1790. The repeal of the "Black Law," enacted
in May, 1833, for the purpose of suppressing the
colored school of Miss Prudence Crandell, in Can-
terbury, showed an advance in liberal thought.
[The foregoing facts relating to slavery in Con-
necticut have been derived from various sources,
but special acknowledgment is due, in this connec-
tion, to George S. Godard, Assistant State Libra-
rian of the Connecticut State Library, Hartford;
and also to State Comptroller Thompson S. Grant
for facilities.] At the time of its gradual abolition
in Connecticut, slavery had ceased to be as remuner-
ative as it had once been in the State.
After the death of Rev. Elam Potter (1794)
his eldest son, Elam Obediah Potter, "a prominent,
useful and influential citizen, who served the town in
various capacities for many years," bought the
homestead, which afterward was, in succession,
owned and occupied by Rev. F. L. Robbins ( a for-
mer pastor of The First Congregational Church of
Enfield), Eben Parsons and Deacon Albert Par-
sons, at whose death, in 1883, the property passed
into the hands of his heirs, from whom it was
bought back by Mrs. W. Gibson Field into the orig-
inal ancestral line. Two granddaughters of Rev.
Elam Potter, viz., Mrs. Elizabeth Dwight and Miss
Mary Potter, are now living in Enfield. On her
father's side (maternal line) Mrs. Field is, through
her grandmother, Abigail Terry, eighth in direct
descent from Gov. William Bradford, who came
over in the "Mayflower." Abigail Terry married
Ephraim Pease Potter, son of Rev. Elam Potter,
the last named being Mrs. Field's great-grandfa-
ther. Mrs. Field is the daughter of the late Simeon
T. Potter (a son of Ephraim Pease Potter) and
Mary Ives, his wife, and the granddaughter (ma-
ternal line) of the late James Ives and Charlotte
Remington, his wife (late of Suffield, Conn.), the
latter being a daughter of the late Deacon Reming-
ton, of Hasting's Hill. James Ives reared a nu-
merous and widely-respected family ; he was an
energetic business man, and conducted successfully
a number of industries. One of his sons, Cornelius
Ives, was for years a successful merchant in Au-
gusta, Ga., and afterward a financier in New York
City, who achieved a competence. He died a few
years since, at the ripe age of eighty-four. Milton
D. Ives, another son of James Ives, was the last
Ives occupant of the old Suffield homestead, and a
widel3'-known citizen of that town. Mrs. Field
attended the Wilbraham (Conn.) Wesleyan Acad-
emy, and the Connecticut Literary Institution at
Suffield, her native town.
In the mansion on Enfield street, of many hon-
orable associations, was born one of Enfield's most
successful and popular physicians, Dr. Edward
Field Parsons. Mr. and Mrs. W. Gibson Field
have made this their home, and to it have made
some additions, following the colonial lines. Mr.
Field, at Enfield, is conveniently situated with ref-
erence to business in Hartford and Springfield, be-
ing on the line of the New York, New Haven &
Hartford railroad. Since leaving Easton, Penn.,
Mr. Field has written considerably for the press.
He returns each year to attend to business in New
York, Brooklyn ana Easton, Penn., where he owns
property.
SAMUEL H. WILSON, one of Windsor's
best citizens, and one who is now doing more for
the community at Wilson's Station that any other
man, is a native of that little suburb, born June 19.
1844. He traces his ancestry back to Samuel and
Mary (Griffin) Wilson, who were married May i,
1672. Their son. Deacon John Wilson, born May
24, 1686, wedded Mary Marshall, and to them was
born a son, Joel, April, 17, 1718, who married Abi-
gail Loomis and had a son Moses, born Sept. 11.
1748. Moses Wilson married Hulda AUyn, and
they were the parents of Henry, who was born
in 1785, and married Eleanor Loomis. This couple
were the grandparents of our subject.
Henry Wilson, Jr., our subject's father, was
born Feb. 11, 1810, and was educated in the com-
mon schools of his day, which were much inferior
to those of the present time. When a young man
he entered into partnership with his father, and to-
gether they engaged in farming and brick making
until the latter's death. When the property was
divided the son took the portion in the town of
Windsor, on which he ever afterward made his
home. He was a very successful farmer, and was
widely and favorably known. He was a man of
ordinary build. In politics he was a stanch sup-
porter of the Democratic party. On Nov. 17, 1842,
he m.arried Miss Susan A. Newberry, who was
born in Bloomfield, Conn., Dec. 13, 1810, a daugh-
ter of Frederick Newberry. He died Nov. 17, 1852,
982
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and liis wife, who was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church, passed away June 3, 1884, the re-
mains of both being interred in the Congregational
cemetery at Windsor. Their children w-ere Samuel
H., our subject: Daniel L., who died young; Fred-
erick N., who is mentioned farther on ; and Hul-
dah S.
Samuel H. Wilson began his education in the
Bucktown district school, and Charles Clark (now
deceased ) was one of his first teachers. He thor-
oughly enjoyed his school days ; took an active in-
terest in nis studies ; and later attended Deacon
Woodford's private school at Windsor and the
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield for one
year. He spent his vacations on the home farm
with his widowed mother, and when his school days
were over he helped her in its inanagement and
operation, and also taught for one term in the home
district.
When he attained his majority the property was
divided, and he continued farming for three or four
years. During this time he produced some tobacco,
but being disgustet! with the use of that weed, he
stopped raising it in 1867. A year or so later he
embarked in the n'.anufacture of brick on a very
moderate scale, at first em])loying only two men,
and doing all work by hand. Each year saw im-
proNcments made to his ];lant, and its producing
capacity made greater, until in 1896 he made five
million bricks. In connection with that business he
had also conaucted a sawmill for some years, and
in 1896 added planing machinery and other equip-
ments to his plant, which now turns out all kinds of
wood, from the rough lumber to house finishings
of all descriptions. It is an extremely modern and
up-to-date establishment, and in addition to reduc-
ing and shaping native woods, Mr. Wilson converts
heavy pine from the southeast and northwest into
house finishings. He also cuts frorii one thousand
to fifteen hundred cords of wood annually, and
buys thousands of cords of wood on the stump, the
cutting and hauling of which give work to many.
During the summer season he has in his employ
from sixty-five to seventy men, and in the winter
from twenty to twenty-five, as well as many teams
the year round.
Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza H. Parsons, a representative of one of the
first families of Enfield, she being a daughter of
Albert and Helen (Raynolds) Parsons. She was
formerly a school teacher, and is a lady of excellent
education, who has been of great assistance to her
husband, as his business interests are extensive.
She keeps his books, and is a thorough business
woman. Their only child, Helen R., is the widow
of Walter Morrison, whose death a few weeks after
their marriage was a severe blow to all. He had
been a faithful and efficient employe of our sub-
ject, and was an excellent 3roung man.
Mr. Wilson is a Prohibitionist from principle,
and whlie not a politician he takes an active interest
in the growth of the party that will suppress the
liquor traffic. He was instrumental in having the
postoffice established at Wilson's Station, and was
its first postmaster, a position that his duty as a
citizen compelled him to accept, but his deputy has
charge of the same. He is a prominent member
of the Memorial Baptist Church at Hartford, with
which he united by letter from the First Baptist,
where he united early in his teens, a'nd has since
been an active worker in the church, exerting an in-
fluence such as only a true Christian will. He is very
devout in all church matters, is a man of great hon-
esty of purpose, is true to every impulse, and his
Christian character is manifest in his every-day
life. His kindness of heart is proverbial, and he
has lost many thousand dollars by unscrupulous
persons taking advantage of his desire to aid oth-
ers. He is generous almost to a fault, in public-
spirited and enterprising, and is an extremely valu-
able man in his connnunity. Fie is very popular
with his employes, all of whom receive the great-
est consideration and kmdness.
Fkedericiv N. Wilson, brother of our subject,
was born July 12, 1848, at Wilson's Station, where
he now resides. He attended the Bucktown dis-
trict school, Mrs. S. John Mills (now deceased)
being his first teacher, and later was a student in
the private schools of Deacon Woodford at Wind-
sor, and James Bird on Pavilion street, Hartford.
This was followed by a course at the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Suffield. When his school days
were over he spent a year or two on the home farm,
after which he engaged in teaming for a short ttuie.
and for a year was in a store at Long Meadow,
Mass., as he had taken a course in a commercial
college at Hartford. He worked as a machinist iit
Hartford for ten years, and, being a natural me-
chanic, he took up watch and clock repairing. With
some instruction he was soon able to do excellent
work in that line, and continues to engage in the
same at the present time. His sympathies are usu-
ally with the Democratic party, but he is not strictly
partisan, supporting the man whom he believes best
qualified to fill the office. He is a thorough Chris-
tian gentleman, highly respected for his sterling
worth and strict integrity ; is a member of the First
Baptist Church of Hartford, and has served as su-
perintendent of the Sabbath-school for several years
as Wilson, Conn., which was started by his mother
about fifty years ago.
COLLINS BENJAMIN GRIFFIN. The Grif-
fin family is descended from distinguished English
ancestry, and the subject of this sketch, a prominent
agriculturist of West buffield, is of the fifth genera-
tion in descent from John Griffin, a native of Eng-
land, who came to America in Colonial times and
settled in the town of Windsor. He had been
granted a large tract of land in that town, with
other tracts elsewhere, and became a man of in-
fluence, his refinement and high character being
appreciated in the new community. While chas-
ing a heifer one day he grew over-heated, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
983
stopped for water at what is niw called Lord Grif-
fin's spring, near Rainbow, took a sudden chill, and
died at the spring. His remains were interred in
the old cemetery at Windsor.
Benoni Griffin, son of the pioneer, was born
and reared in Windsor, and made farming his oc-
cupation. In early manhood he removed to what
is now Granby township, where he owned a large
amount of land and for many years was prominent
in local affairs. During the Revolution he refused
to take up arms against England, but at different
times he furnished cattle, sheep and other supplies
to feed the American army. He married a Spanish
lady, Mary DeLacy, and had eight children : Peter,
Benjamin, Neinian, Phineas, Levi, Abram, Betsey
(Mrs. Thomas Holcomb), and Martha.
Levi Griffin, our subject's grandfather, was
born in Granby, in 17 — , and resided there through-
out his life upon a fai-m. He owned a valuable es-
tate and was an influential citizen, his education be-
ing excellent for that day. In politics he was a
Democrat, and he took keen interest in public ques-
tions. He was an ensign in the State militia, and
during the war of 1812 went to Middletown, Conn.,
with his company, intending to go to the seat of
war; but word came that peace was declared, and
he returned home. He and his wife, whose maiden
name was Sarah Holcomb, ched at their homestead,
their remains being interred in the old Granby cem-
etery. They had the following children : Sarah and
Mary (twins), who died in childhood; Levi (de-
ceased), who settled in the West; Lyman; and Sim-
mons.
Lyman Griffin, our subject's father, was born
Jan. 22, 1800, and after completing the course of
study offered in the district schools he attended the
high school at Simsbury and a select school at Ta-
riffville, conducted by Cicero Holcomb. He was
reared to farming on the homestead, but as a young
man became interested in the Farmington canal and
invested his fortune in two boats. When the canal
was abandoned he lost heavily, and had to begin
life anew. For some years 'he followed farming at
the old home, and in 1870 he removed to a farm in
West Suffield, where his remaining years were
spent, his death occurring Nov. 28, 1885. Politically
he was a Democrat, but he never sought office. His
religious views were liberal, but for years he sang
in the choir of the Episcopal Church at Granby.
In 1830 he was married in Granby to Miss Llarriet
Davis, who still resides at the homestead, being re-
markably strong mentally and physically for a lady
of eighty-seven years. She was born in Granby,
May 30, 181 3, a daughter of Silas and Matilda
(Griffin) Davis, well-known residents of that lo-
cality. Eleven children were born to Lyman and
Harriet Griffin, namely: Chauncey, born Feb. 26,
1831, resides in Suffield; Rensselaer, born Sept. 23,
1832, resides on a farm in West Suffield; Sarah,
who died Jan. 29, 1895, married Andrew Jackson
Davis, of Marion county, Ohio; Mary (deceased)
married Edgar Davis ; Justin E. is a resident of
West Suffield; Collins B., our subject, was sixth
in the order of birth ; Miss Henrietta resides at the
homestead; Jennie (deceased) was the wife of Will-
iam Viets, of Copper Hill; Adaline died in child-
hood; Catharine is the wife of Lyman Bristol, of
Canton Center, and Lewis died in infancy.
Collins B. Griffin was born May 10, 1842, in
Granby, where his education was begun, and as he
was but a boy when the family removed to West
Suffield he continued his studies in the district
schools, attending during the winter only. For
some years of this time he made his home with Mrs.
Dennison, and at seventeen the latter placed 'him
in charge of her farm. Since Mrs. Dennison's death
Mr. Griffin has conducted the estate, carrying on
general farming, dairying, and tobacco culture, and
by his industry and honesty has won a high repu-
tation in the locality. Some years ago the old resi-
dence was destroyed by fire, but Mr. Griffin has re-
placed it with a modern building, while his barns,
tobacco sheds and other improvements are of sub-
stantial nature. He is a stanch Republican in poli-
tics, although he does not aspire to office, and he
is active in religious work as a member of the Con-
gregational Church, in which he has been a deacon
for four years past. On June 4, 1867, he was mar-
ried in Suffield to Miss Emeline Matilda Phelon,
daughter of Julius and Julia E. (Mecum) Phelon,
prominent citizens of West Suffield. Mrs. Griffin,
though now in ill-health, is a lady whose influence
for good is recognized among her a«sociates. They
had two daughters. Miss Sarah L., born Oct. 21,
1868, graduated from the Normal School at New
Britain, and taught in the public schools with suc-
cess until her death March 27, 1900; and Miss Ber-
tha King is at home.
WILLIAM T. BARBER, of East Windsor, a
worthy representative of one of the oldest families
in the county of Hartford, is of the seventh genera-
tion of his family in the State, and descends from
Thomas Barber, who came from England in early
Colonial days, located in Windsor, Conn., and was
also an early resident of Hartford, where his name
appears on the records as far back as 1637. His
descendants have been most prominent in the af-
fairs of the Slate — religious, oificial, social and com-
mlercial. The line of descent of our subject's branch
of the family from the original colonist is as fol-
lows :
Josiah Barber, son of Thomas, the colonist, was
born Feb. 15, 1653, and was known as Lieut. Josiah ;
in 1677 he married Abigail Loomis, daughter of
Lieut. Nathaniel Loomis ; her death took place Feb.
9, 1700, and his occurred Dec. 14, 1729. Jonathan
Barber, great-great-grandfather of our subject, was
born in 1693, and died Nov. 2, 1772 ; his wife, Rachel,
was born in 1696, and died March 24, 1778. OHver
Barber, great-grandfather, was born Jan. 29, 1736,
and died in 1820; his wife, Anna Root, of Westfield,
Mass., was born in 1743, and died in 1823. Horace
Barber (i), grandfather, was born in 1776, and
984
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died in 1839; his wife. Lydia Phelps, was born in
Hebron. Conn., in 1779, and died in 1833. He and
his son Buckley Phelps. :[ather of our subject, will
be spoken of in detail in the following paragraphs.
Horace Barber was the first of the family to lo-
cate at Warehouse Point, in East Windsor town,
although they had resided in its vicinity for years.
He established a sliipyard at the end of the bridge,
and started at building sloops, rapidly increased his
business, built vessels of a larger class, and had a
great deal of money invested in sea-going vessels,
when the "embargo" act went into effect, and he
was' financially ruined, but not crushed. He began
life anew with enhanced business vigor. He found-
ed what was afterward the famous Barber Distil-
lery, and although the business was new to him,
his product became a favorite with consumers, so
he again waxed wealthy, and paid up in after years
every dollar he owed when he failed in ship-buikl-
ing. although some of the notes he had given had
accrued interest in excess of the principal.
The children born to Horace and Lydia ( Phelps)
Earlier were Buckley Phelps ; Caroline L., who was
married to a Mr. Durdctt, of New York; and Hor-
ace. Jr. The last named graduated from Wash-
ington College and later from the Harvard Law
School, was a professor in a Southern college, and
prominent in the South as a politician. He was a
bachelor.
Horace Barber, grandfather of \\^illiam T., was
a short, corpulent man. but ver\' active. He held
the office of deputy sheriff at one time, and at an-
other was a justice of the peace. His house was
headquarters for the jiromincnt men of the day. and
was noted for the rare entertainments given therein,
which exceeded the usual events of the kind. Mr.
Barber joined the Episcopal Church, and was one
of the principal founders of the church in Ware-
house Point, in which he became a leader, and in the
faith of which he passed away.
Buckley P. Barber, father of William T., was
born March 21, 1798, and died Aug. 22, 1878. He
married Harriet Thompson, who was born Jan. 6.
1803. and died Sept. 29, 1876, and the remains of
both were interred at Warehouse Point. They were
the parents of four children : ( i ) Caroline L., born
Jan. 18, 1823, was first married to Rev. J. Marshall
Wiley, of Ellington, a son of Judge Wiley. Rev.
Mr. Wiley was secretary of the Diocese of Connecti-
cut, and for several years was rector of St. John's
Church at Bridgeport, of which he had charge at
the time of his death. His widow married George
S. Sandford, who is now also deceased, and she
resides on Strawberry Hill, in Stamford. (2) Will-
iam T. is second in the family. (3) Elizabeth O. was
married to A. B. Redfield. of Hartford, and died at
Warehouse Point. (4) Horace, the youngest, re-
sides at Warehouse Point. He married Caroline
Wadsworth Allyn, and had one daughter, Gene-
vieve, who, died in Menton, France, Feb. 6, 1890.
Mr. Barber first entered business at Warehouse
Point as a merchant, but at his father's death took
charge of the distillery, and operated it until he
transferred it to his two sons, William T. and Hor-
ace. He was a fine looking, well-built man ; was
a strong Democrat, and served one term in the Leg-
islature ; was broad-m'inded and liberal, and freely
contributed to every project designed to promote the
welfare of the public.
William T. Barber was born in Warehouse
Point, July 7, 1825, and was educated at Judge
Hall's boarding school in Ellington, and at the Con-
necticut Literary School, Suffield. At the age of
seventeen years he went to New York as a clerk for
Wm. Sloane, and in this employ continued until his
marriage. In New York, Nov. 3, 1847, l'€ wed-
ded Miss Marv J. Post, who was born in that eitv
Dec. 29, 1827, and died in Hartford, Conn., April
13, 1882, her remains being interred at Warehouse
Point. She was a daughter of Gerardus and Susan
(Abbott) Post, the former of whom was of Dutch
descent, and the latter a native of New Orleans,
La., of French origin, her family bearing the name
of Labortout. in 1855 Mr. Barber returned to
Warehouse Point and erected a dweUing, in which
he and his family pass the summers. For eight
years he was associated here with his brother in the
distillery management, but aside from that business
care he has- led a retired life, though not a secluded
one.
In politics Mr. Barber is a Democrat, and he has
always been very popular with his party, for which
he has done some energetic work. In 1856 he was
elected to the State Legislature, and was again
elected to that honorable body in 1872.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barber were born five children:
William T., Jr., born Oct. 6, 1848, died in 1852.
Josephine K., born in New York Feb. i, 1851, is
unmarried, and resides with her father. Bethuel
and Buckley P. (2) (twins), were born in Ware-
hous Point, Feb. 26, 1853; but one died when eight-
een months old, and the other at the age of six
years. jMargaret Louise, born Jan. 6, 1855, is the
widow of Frank Schlesinger, to whom she was mar-
ried Dec. 10, 1890. Mr. Schlesinger was a son of
August Schlesinger, a native of Lausanne, Switzer-
land, who married a Miss Pitkin, of East Hartford,
a direct descendant paternally of William Pitkin,
the Colonial governor in 1766, and, maternally, of
the Wolcotts. Frank Schlesinger was born in Con-
necticut, and first married Miss Jennie Brisbane, of
Charleston, S. C, who died in New York City in
October, 1887. Frank Schlesinger died April 14,
1893. It is to be regretted that this branch will soon
become extinct, as far as the name is concerned,
Mr. Barber having no male children to perpetuate it.
LEWIS W. LADD, who for twenty-seven years
was proprietor of the "Windsor Hotel," at Ware-
house Point, is one of the most popular hotelmen
in Connecticut and. in fact, the fame of his estab-
lishment has extended throughout adjacent States.
Perfect order and cleanliness, a thoroughly satis-
factory cuisine, prompt and efficient service and
<hr
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
985
unfailing courtesy to guests are not always to be
found in a srnall town, and the rare combination has
so won the appreciation of the traveling public that
many have heard of the excellence of the "Windsor
Hotel" who have no other knowledge of Ware-
house Point. When Mr. Ladd took charge in 1871
the hotel was small and of no reputation beyond
local limits, but under his progressive management
it was soon raised to the rank of a first-class house
with all modern improvements, making it attractive
to the best class of guests. In June, 1898, Mr. Ladd
retired from active business, selling the furnishings
and renting the building, and at present he resides
in Poquonock, where he is enjoying a well-earned
leisure, the fruits of his past years of effort.
Mr. Ladd was born Jan. 21, 1841, in the town
of Sprague (then Franklin), New London Co.,
Conn., and is of good pioneer stock, his descent be-
ing traced from Enoch Ladd, the progenitor of all
of the name in the United States. Septa Ladd, our
subject's father, was a well-known agriculturist of
New London. county, and he and his wife, Patty A.
Ladd, had a large family of children, mostly boys.
The sons were all robust and stalwart, but none
are now living except our subject and Charles H.,
a farmer at the old homestead. Three of the
daughters also survive: Sarah A., widow of Mr.
Burdick; Jane (Mrs. Rufus Ladd); and Adeline
(Mrs. Barbour).
Being reared a farmer boy, Mr. Ladd had only
a district-school education, and at the age of twenty-
one he left home to take a position as a jack-spin-
ner in a mill in South Coventry, Conn. With char-
acteristic adaptability and accuracy he quickly
learned the details of the trade, becoming an ex-
pert, and for twelve years he followed the busi-
ness, spending some time at Merrow Station and
Stafford, Conn. His health became impaired, ne-
cessitating a change, and in 1870 he rented the "El-
hngton House," at Ellington, Conn., which he con-
ducted for a year. In 1871 he took charge of his
present hotel at Warehouse Point, and after a few
years as a tenant purchased the property. In ap-
pearance he suggests the ideal landlord which he
has proved himself to be, his portly, well-propor-
tioned frame, six feet in height and weighing 230
pounds, indicating good living, while his genial
manner sets every one at ease in his presence. So-
cially he and his family are promment. He is iden-
tified with Wolcott Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., at
Stafford. In politics he is a gold Democrat, but he
has never sought official honors, restricting his ef-
forts on behalf of the party to the regular casting
of his own vote.
In June, 1861, Mr. Ladd married Miss Jennie
Graham, of Willington, Conn., who died in 1870, her
remains being interred at her native place. Subse-
quently he married Miss Mary A. Lyon, a native
of Boston, who was for many years an efficient
helpmeet to him in his business. On March 23,
1898, he former a third matrimonial union, this time
with Mrs. Philomina Metcalf, a native of France.
Mr. Ladd has had two children, both by his first
marriage: (i) Elmer L. died at the age of two
and one-half years. (2) Jennie R. married Charles
W. Moody, formerly a prominent insurance man
of New Haven, but now residing in Pasadena,
Cal., and has two sons, Graham and Wilbur. Mrs.
Philomina Ladd, who is much esteemed among her
circle of friends, was born March 29, 1844, a daugh-
ter of Eloi and Pauline Bayard. She married
(first) Samuel Metcalf, a skilled mechanic, who
was superintendent of a mill at Poquonock for
a number of years, and was well known in
the Masonic Fraternity, in which he attained the
32d degree. Of the three children born to this
union the eldest, Henry Metcalf, is manager of
the Grand Union Tea Co., of Hartford ; Thomas
W. Metcalf resides at Poquonock ; and Emma died
in childhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Ladd have a fine home on the bluff
overlooking the river, ' and surrounded by hedges
and drives.
JAMES H. PRATT, secretary and treasurer
of the BlaKeslee Forging Co., is one of the leading
business men of Southington, and is rapidly work-
ing his way to a foremost position among the prom-
inent manufacturers of the county. Genuine suc-
cess is not likely to be the restilt of mere chance or
fortune, but is something to be labored for and
sought out with consecutive effort. It is in this
way that our subject has prospered.
Mr. Pratt was born in Southington Aug. 3
1853, 3.nd is a son of Daniel Pratt, who was also
of Southington nativity, born Oct. 2, 1S21, and was
for many years engaged in farming at what is known
as Clark Farms, but since his retirement from act-
tive business, in 1891, he has resided with our sub-
ject. In 1836 he married Nancy D. Beardsley, a
daughter , of William D. and Elvira (Stevens)
Beardsley, of Naugatuck, Conn., and to their union
four children were born, of whom three reached
years of maturity: Caroline E., wife of John H.
Holt ; Frederick W. ; and James H.
Eli Pratt, the paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Wolcott Nov. 3, 1781, and died
Aug. 25, 1858. He, too, was an agriculturist, and
lived at Clark Farms, Southington. He was dea-
con in the Congregational Church from 181 5 to
1858, and was highly respected by all who knew
him. On March 28, 1803, he married Abigail Hitch-
cock, a daughter of David and Hannah (Doolittle)
Hitchcock. Her father was born June 29, 1742,
and lived in the southwestern part of Southington,
where he died July 27, 1814. He was a son of Ben-
jamin Hitchcock, who was born March 25, 1696,
and was married, Oct. i, 1718, to Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Joseph and Esther (Benedict) Ives. Ben-
jamin Hitchcock held the military rank of captain.
He lived in Cheshire, Conn., where he died Feb.
12, 1767. His father, John Hitchcock, was mar-
ried, Jan. 18, 1670, to Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel
986
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Merriman, of New Hampshire, and about 1676 he
removed from New Haven to WaUingford, where
he died July 6, 17 16. He was a son of Matthias
Hitchcock, tile founder of the family in the New
World, who came from London to Boston in 1635
on the ship "Susan and Ellen," and in 1639 be-
came one of the first settlers of New Haven. He
died in November, 1669, at the aee of fifty-nine
years.
Stephen Pratt, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Saybrook, Conn., June 30, 1740,
and was thrice married, his first wife being Phebe
Atkins, the second Hannah Davidson and the third
Phebe Andrews. Pie had nine children. For sev-
eral years he served as a soldier in the French and
Indian war before movint;- to Southington, where he
died in 1823.
Christopher Pratt, the father of Stephen, was
born Nov. 4, 1712, and was married. June 14, 1739,
to Sarah Pratt, daughter of Daniel Pratt. They
had seven children, ilis d-cath occurred in WaU-
ingford.
Ensign William Pratt, the father of Christopher,
was born about 1674, and was married, Oct. 8, 1700,
to Hannah Hough. He lived in Pautapaug, and
was prominent in civil and military affairs.
Joseph Pratt, father of Ension Pratt, was a
large land holder in the Pautapaug Quarter, and
also in the town of Hebron. He died Aug. 12,
1703, at the age of fifty-five years.
Lieut. William Pratt, father of Joseph, was the
progenitor of the family in this county. He is
supposed to have gone with Rev. Thomas Hooker
to Newtown (now Cambridge), Mass., in 1633,
and thence to Hartford. Conn, in June, 1636, he
married Elizabeth Clark, daughter of John Clark,
of Saybrook, afterward of Milford, and formerly
of Great Alundon, Hertfordshire, England. Lieut.
Pratt attended the General Court as a deputy to
the twenty-third session, which convened in Hart-
ford May 9, 1678, and died the same year.
Lieut. Pratt was a son of Rev. William and
Elizabeth Pratt, of Hertfordshire, England, the
former of whom was baptized at Baldock in Octo-
ber, 1562, was inducted rector of the parish of
Stevenage, in Hertfordshire, Dec. 6, 1598, and died
in 1629, aged sixty-seven years. Rev. William
Pratt was a son of Andrew Pratt, who was born at
Baldock, a son of Thomas and Joan Pratt, of that
place. Andrew was born in February, 1539, just
one hundred years previous to the date when the
settlers of Hartford drew their home lots.
James H. Pratt, whose name introduces this
sketch, remained on the homestead until eighteen
years of age, attended the public schools and Lewis
Academy, and also took a course in Yale Business
College, New Haven. He began his business career
as clerk in a general store in Cheshire, in 1871, and
the following year came to Southington and ac-
cepted a similar position in the store of Pratt &
Neale. In 1875 he purcnased Mr. Neale's interest,
and business was then conducted under the firm
name of Pratt Bros, until 1878, when he bought
his brother's interest, being alone in business until
1888. Subsequently he was employed as a travel-
ing salesman for the Atwater Manufacturing Co.
for several years, and in 1895 assisted in organizing
the Blakeslee Forging Company, successors to
Blakeslee & Co., was elected its first secretary and
treasurer and is still filling those positions.
In September, 1877, Mr. Pratt married Miss
Nellie A. Kibbey, daughter of William B. and
Alartha (Wheeler) Kibbey, of Newport, N. H.,
and to them have been born two children, Leila E.
and Florine, both of whom are now deceased. Mr.
Pratt is indejjendent in politics, and in his social re-
lations is a Knight Templar, being a member of St.
Elmo Commandery.
FRANKLIN BARNES BRADLEY, a promi-
nent representative of the business and industrial in-
terests of Hartford county, is now secretary and
treasurer of the Bridgeport Power Co., of Bridgeport,
and also senior member of the firm of F. B. Brad-
ley & Son, brokers, of Hartford. His home, how-
ever, is in Southington. Tireless energy, keen per-
ception, honesty of purpose and good business abil-
ity, are numbered among his chief characteristics,
and have brought to him a well-merited success.
Mr. Bradley was born in Southington, Feb. 20,
1843, ^ son of Amon and Sylvia (Barnes) Bradley,
a sketch of whom, together with a record of the early
ancestors of our subject, will be found elsewhere.
He was reared in his native town, and began his
education in its public schools, but later attended
Lewis Academy, and prepared for college at Hop-
kin's grammar school. New Haven. Pie then en-
tered Yale, from which he was graduated in 1864,
at the age of twenty-one years.
From 1865 to 1867 Mr. Bradley was associated
with his father in general merchandising in South- (
ington, and during the following two years with
Frederick Woodruff. In 1869 he went to Cleve-
land, Ohio, where with A. L. Lewis, under the firm
name of Bradley & Lewis, he established the first
carriage bolt manufactory of that city, and later
the name was changed to Bradley, Lewis & Co.,
when. Samuel Armstrong was admitted a partner.
Mr. Bradley, after continuing in the business for
three years, sold out his interest, and then returned
to Southington. In 1873 he was elected secretary
and treasurer of the Southington Eyelet Co., which ■'
position he held until 1880, and in 1882 and 1883 was
secretary and treasurer of the Excelsior Knife Co.,
of Torrington, Conn. In the year 1884 he became
identified with the Bridgeport Power Co., of Bridge-
port, Conn., and soon afterward was elected sec-
retary and treasurer of the company, which posi-
tion he still retains. This company rents rooms with
power, and manufacture carpenters' steel and iron
squares. In 1894, with his son, Amon Edward,
Mr. Bradley established the Beaton & Bradley Co.,
of Southington, manufacturers of floor and ceiling *i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
98T
plates and steam-fitters' specialties, but in 1899
they sold out their interest in that line, and have
since engaged in business at Hartford as commis-
sion brokers, under the firm name of F. B. Bradley
& Son.
Mr. Bradley was married, June 16, 1869, to
Miss Julia A. Arnold, a daughter of Ethan and
Mary A. (Thompson) Arnold, of Manchester,
Conn., and to them have been born one son, Anion
Edward, who is now associated with his father in
business. The wife is a member of Hannah Wood-
ruff Chapter, No. 36, D. A. R., was its organizing
regent, and by it was presented a gold medal, the
certificate of an hereditary life membership in the
National Mary Washington Association. Mr.
Bradley belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 33, A. F.
& A. M. ; Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M. ; and
Temple Council, No. 32, R. & S. M. In his re-
ligious views he is lioeral, and in political sentiment
he is a Democrat. He has held various local offices,
the duties of which he has most capably and satis-
factorily discharged, and as a public-spirited and
progressive citizen he gives his support to every
enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit.
PFULO B. COE, a retired merchant of Tariff-
ville, and one of its most substantial and highly
respected citizens, has throughout his long and pros-
perous life ever been identified with the best in-
terests of Hartford county. He is a native of the
county, as was his father before him.
Phineas Coe, his grandfather, one of the pio-
neers of Hartland, was born in Durham, Conn., in
1753. As a young man he was prominent, and in
1770 he was quartermaster of the Fourth Regiment
in the Revolutionary war. "Possessing the true pio-
neer spirit, he came with his brother, Asher, to Hart-
ford county from Durham, and cleared up a farm
in the woods near Hartland Hollow. He married,
Oct. 15, 1780, Miss Rhoda Banning, who was born
in 1761, and when four years of age was brought
by her parents from Haddam, Conn., to Hartland.
She made the journey on horseback, with her fa-
ther, clinging to a strap which he had fastened
around his waist. In Hartland Phineas Coe raised
his family and lived to a good old age, representing
his district in the Legislature nine terms. He was
a well-known and skillful timber hewer, and he
hewed much of the timber for the old church at
Hartland. His grandson, our subject, when a boy,
scored timber for him. Phineas Coe died in Sept-
tember, 1832, his wife surviving until Feo. 3, 1839.
Their children were as follows: Elijah, who was
drowned in the "Narrows," in Hartland Hollow ;
Miles, the father of our subject; Anson, who mar-
ried Hannah Haines, and in 1818 migrated to Ver-
non, Ohio ; Polly, who married De Witt Clark, and
lived and died in Hartland ; Sally, who married Hor-
■ ace Emmons ; and Elijah, who at the age of eleven
years, while returning from school, jumped over a
fence, fell on a snag, and sustained injuries from
which he died.
Miles Coe, the father of our subject, was born
in Hartland Jan. 5, 1783. As a pioneer farmer boy
he was reared at Hartland, living on the place of
his birth until eleven years of age, when with his
parents he moved to the farm where he remained
through life. He was known as Deacon Coe, al-
though he had never held that office in church, but
his Christian character was so clear, his every act
so characterized by honesty and fairness, that the
name came to nim naturally, and was always applied
by his friends and neighbors in the highest terms
of respect. Himself ana wife were members of the
Congregational Church, and were active in church,
work. Miles Coe was a lieutenant in a regiment
of State militia, but a cut which he received in the
knee prevented further official advancement in mil-
itary organizations. He acquired considerable prop-
erty, and was a successful and well-known farmer
of Hartford county. In 1801 he married Lucy Bor-
den, who was born in Hartland March i, 1784,
daughter of Russell Borden, who migrated with all
his family except Lucy to Ohio, going by ox-team,
the journey consuming six weeks. To Miles and
Lucy Coe were born children as follows : ( i ) Phin-
eas, born Jan. 23, 1802, died July 3, 1812. (2)
Elijah, born Aug. 24, 1804, was a farmer and later
a boarding-house keeper at Ware, Mass., near which
town he died April 16, 1880. (3) Rhoda,_ born
June 24, 1806, married Francis Clark, and died in
Hartland April 20, 1861. (4) Fanny, born June 26,
1808, married Anson Burnham, and died in Dixon,
111., July 31, 1883. (5) Louisa, born Nov. 12, 1810,.
married kuel Stevens, and died May 15, 1855, from
the effects of an accident, being thrown from a
buggy. (6) Betsy, born Nov. 25, 1812, married
Milo Miller, and died at West Granville, Mass.,.
Aug. 4, 1859. (7) Minerva, born Oct. 12, 1814,
married William Moss, and died at Peoria, 111., in
January, 1879. (8) Phineas, born Nov. 7, 1816,
was a farmer early in life, then moved to New
Haven, where he died Nov. 30, 1893; he married
Elvira Banning. (9) Abigail, born Feb. 21, 1819,
now lives at Great Barrington, Mass., the widow
of David Merwin. (10) Philo B. is the subject of
this sketch. (11) Charles, born Nov. 9, 1823, was
a farmer in early life and later worked in a mill
at Cheshire, in which town he died Nov. 5, 1876; he
married Julia A. Roe. (12) De Witt, born Sept..
12, 1826, was a soldier in Company E, 29th Conn.
V. I., during the Civil war, and died at Westfield,.
Mass., July 3, 1887; he married Dollie A. Hamil-
ton. The father died Feb. 14, 1853, the mother on
Sept. 26, 1870, ana they were buried at Hartland,-
Philo B. Coe was born at Hartland Oct. 26,
1821. In his boyhood days he attended the district
schools, where discipline bordered on tyranny, and
wherein the desks were ranged around the sides of
the room. He also had the advantage of a train-
ing in a select school at Hartland, and at the age of
nineteen years, naving successfully passed an ex-
amination in spelling, geography, grammar and
arithmetic, he begran teaching school for eleven dol-
lars per month, and "boarded around." He was a
98S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
product of the pioneer -farm. He was brought up
to work in a day when boys had to work, and when
a Connecticut farmer raised everything consumed
in his home except sugar and spices. He remained
at home until he was twenty-one, when he went to
Granville, Alass., and in partne. ship with his
brother-in-law, Ruel Stevens, embarked in the kmi-
ber business, reducing native timber. For three
years he was thus engaged. He then, with his
brother Phineas, purchased a farm in Hartland Hol-
low, and ihev operated the place jointly until 1850.
In that year he bought the hotel at East Hartland,
which had been conducted by AX'atson Gibbons.
Mr. Coe married, Jan. 2, 1850. Miss Ann F.
Moses, who was born in Canton, Conn., Nov. 5,
1830, a daughter of Festus and Amanda (Miller)
Moses, the former a native of Canton, the latter of
Avon. Festus Moses was a farmer, and in early
3-ears had taught school. His family consisted of
six children, four of whom Hved to adult age, and
two of whom are now living: Ann F., the wife of
our subject; and Emily, widow of William M.
Clark, of Granby, Connecticut.
JNIr. Coe continued in the hotel ousiness for five
years, then entered into partnership with Watson
Gibbons, under the firm name of Gibbons & Coe,
and they conducted a general merchandise store at
Hartland until 1867, in which year Mr. Coe re-
moved to Tariffville and engaged m the mercantile
business with Frederick Pickett, under the name of
Coe & Pickett. 2^Ir. Coe continued actively and suc-
cessfully in business until March, 1893, when the
partnership was dissolved, his interest being sold to
Henry Higinbotham, and he retired from active
life. Since then he has enjoyed the fruits of a
successful business career. In the fullest sense of
the term he has been a self-made man, beginning
life with no financial resources of his own.
In politics Mr. Coe has been a Whig and Repub-
lican, and in his younger years he was active in po i-
tics. For twelve vears he was postmaster at Hart-
land. In 186S he was appointed postmaster at Tar-
ifi^ville, and served continuously, except during the
first term of President Cleveland, as long as he re-
mained in business. For over thirty years Mr. Coe
has been a member of St. jMark's Lodge, F. & A.
M., at Simsbury. Himself and wife are believers
in the Christian Science faith. Thev have a pleas-
ant home, where they live in comfort, and enjoy
the highest esteem of their many friends. Mr. Coe
has spent manv years of active life in business, and
has well typified by his keen mind and well-pre-
. served physique the material blessings of industry
and energy. He has been in close contact with his
fellow men in various public and business relations,
and through them all has borne a name and a char-
acter of the hignest integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Coe
have adopted one child, Nellie R., born Aug. 11,
1856. She marriea Joel Loomis, of Tariffville,
and has three children: Ida, Katie and Nellie M.
Ida Loomis married Fred M. Davis, and has two
children : Ruth L. and Howard C, the great-grand-
children of our subject.
ALBERT E. HOLCOMB, a thoroughly repre-
sentative farmer and one of the better class of citi-
zens of the town of Windsor, was born Oct. 25,
1843, O'l the farm he now owns and occupies.
Elihu Holcomb, his father, was born in Flart-
land. Conn., Feb. 28, 1803, a son of Moses and '
Plannah Holcomb, who were both representatives of
well-to-do and prominent families, and reared a
family of which they had reason to be proud, the
sons being Wells (died in Hartland), Elihu, Uri,
Elijah B. and Enos. The grandfather was a farmer
by occupation, and died in Flartland, while his wife
spent her last days at the home of her son, Elihu,
and died there Oct. 10, 1847. The other children
of their family were as follows : Uri, a wagon-
maker by trade, died in Granby ; Elijah B. (known
as Billings) was a merchant of Peoria, 111. (he had
a son who was killed in the Custer massacre) ;
Caroline married George D. Lane, and died in Ohio;
Emiline married Daniel Chapman, and died in Wis-
consin ; Catherine married a Mr. Waters, and died
in Hartford ; Cornelia died unmarried, when seven-
teen, and is buried in Hartland ; Laura married a
Mr. Downs, and died in Chicago, 111.; and Enos
died in Cuba when comparatively a young man.
The first sixteen years of his life Elihu Holcomb
spent in Hartland, and attended the district schools
which were much inferior to those of the present
day. He then learned the wagonmaker's trade,
which he followed until ill health forced his re-
tirement. P^or some time he was a partner in a
silk mill that was operated by water power at Ladd
brook, it being the pioneer mill of the kind in
Windsor, to which place he removed from Hartford.
He worked at his trade as a journeyman in several
Connecticut towns, but finally settled down to farm-
ing upon the place now known as the Holcomb farm.
He was a thorough and systematic agriculturist,
but did not confine his attention solely to that oc- '
cupation, as he conducted a grocery store for thirty
years in connection with' the operation of his land.
In Poquonock, March 20, 1832, he was united in
marriage with ]\Iiss Aliriam Phelps, who was born
near that place, in the town of Windsor, Dec. 18,
1812, a daughter of Eli and Miriam (Case) Phelps.
Her father, whose sketch appears elsewhere, was
born Aug. 16, 1746, and died in 1829. Mr. and
Mrs. Holcomb became the parents of five children:
Cornelia E., born Oct. i, 1834, married Nathan
Prcuty, and died in Spencer, Mass. ; Sarah A., born "
March 23, 1838, lives with our subject on the old
homestead; Helen A., born Feb. 12, 1841, is the
wife of William Best, of Windsor; Albert E. is
next in the family; and Wells F., born June 21, 1850,
resides with our subject. The father died Nov.
30, 1885, the mother on Oct. 6, 1852, and the re-
mains of both were interred at Poquonock. Po-
litically he was a Democrat until the Maine law
agitation, when he joined the Whig party, and on
its dissolution became a Republican. He always \
took considerable interest in political affairs and ' \1
^-^f^Z^^^^'^^M'^^^^^-^i^-eC'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
989
was a regular voter, but he was no politician .in the
sense of office seeking, though he served at one
time as justice of the peace in the town of Windsor.
He was an active and prominent member of the
Methodist Church at Windsor Center, and always
attended church and Sunday school as long as he
was able to ride a distance of three miles to the
house of worship. He was a quiet man, who never
sought publicity, but was always doing good, and
was one of the valued and honored citizens of the
community in which he lived.
During the winter months, when his services
were not needed on the home farm, Albert E. Hol-
comb attended school in District No. 8, town of
Windsor, and completed his education by a short at-
tendance at a select school in Poquonock. With
the exception of a few days in a season, when work-
ing for neighboring farmers, he spent his boyhood
and youth under the parental roof, and under the able
direction of his father obtained a thorough knowl-
edge of every department of farm work.
On March 2, 1869, Mr. Holcomb married Miss
Martha J. Keney, who was born in Bloomfield,
Conn., Aug. 2, 1847, a daughter of Osmyn and
Elizabeth J. (Huntley) Keney. Her father died
in 1866, her mother in May, 1853. In their family
were only two children, the younger being John M.,
a carpenter of Windsor. Mrs. Holcomb supple-
mented her district-school education by a course in
the Bloomfield Academy. By her marriage to our
subject she has become the mother of five children:
Clara, who died when nearly two years old; Louis
E., who is engaged in farming on his father's
place in Poquonock; and Alice M., Bertha J. and
Herbert A., all at home.
After his marriage Mr. Holcomb located on a
farm adjoining the old homestead, where he re-
mained until, in the spring of 1886, he purchased the
interests of the other heirs in the home place, which
he now owns with the exception of the residence.
He is a substantial farmer, and a quiet, unassum-
ing and conservative man, whose opinions carry
weight. The neat and thrifty appearance of his
place denotes his careful supervision, and shows
conclusively that he thoroughly understands his
chosen calling, while as a tobacco grower he has
been most successful. He is a member of Po-
quonock Grange. Since casting his first Presiden-
tial vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, he has been
a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, is now
most efficiently serving his seventh year as as-
sessor, and in 1889 ably represented the town of
Windsor in the State Legislature.
JOHN M. TPIOMPSON. This gentleman's
name, like a giant tree in a forest of weather-beaten
oaks, stands prominent among those of representa-
tive citizens of East Windsor. The family in Hart-
ford county traces its ancestry to a mother and
eight children, natives of the North of Ireland, were
Scotch-Irish, Protestants in religion, and who came
to this county in 1 720, settling in Irish Row, now
known as Melrose.
Samuel Thompson, one of the children alluded
to above, was born in 1691, and died in 1782. His
wife, Elizabeth, whose maiden name was presum-
ably McKnight, was born in 1686, and died in 1776,
and among their children was a son named James,
born in 1724, and died June 20, 1790. He married
Elizabeth Betty, who was born in 1739, and died in
1825, the mother of a large number of children,
among whom were the following: Col. William,
who was born in 1762, and died in 1829, the father
of Deacon W. H. Thompson, now living in Mel-
rose; Samuel, born 1763; John McKnight, the
grandfather of our subject; Charles, born in 1776;
James, born in 1780, died in 1829; and Elizabeth,
ijorn May 20, 1778.
John McKnight Thompson was born Jan. 8,
1768, and died Feb. 22, 1841. He was one of the
stalwart pioneers of East Windsor, cleared away
the brush and erected the first house on the Thomp-
son homestead, and became one of the most promi-
nent and influential citizens of the town and a factor
in its progress. He married Miss Sabra, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wells) Allen, born
July 29, 1774; she died March 28, 1858. They had
the following children : Chauncey, born Oct. 24,
1794, died Dec. 18, 1869, who first married So-
phronia Chapman Nov. 16, 1819, and later, on
April 6, 1845, wedded Anna Coy ; Robert, born Jan.
12, 1796; John, April 22, 1798; Elizabeth, Sept.
10, 1800; James Allen (father of our subject),
Sept. 4, 1802; Mabel, Oct. 20, 1804; Sabra, March
2, 1807; Samuel Wells, Dec. 18, 1809 (died March
12, 1811) ; Samuel Wells (2), Jan. 12, 1812; and
George, Aug. i, 1816.
James Allen Thompson was born on the home-
stead Sept. 4, 1802, was educated in the district
schools, and followed the vocation of farming
throughout life. He was a gentleman of more than
ordinary mental caliber, and stood very high in the
esteem of his fellow citizens. On Jan. 8, 1829, he
married J\liss Maria Barber, a daughter of George
and Betty (Wolcott) Barber, and to this union came
five children: Harriet, born Sept. i, 1831, mar-
ried Deacon George Dart, and is living in Vernon,
Tolland Co., Conn. ; John M., the subject of this
sketch, born Sept. 26, 1833 ; two children, both
named James Allen, died in infancy; and Albert
James, born July 12, 1845, is now a resident of
Oregon. Mrs. Maria Thompson was called from
earth July 28, 1845, dying in the faith of the Con-
gregational Church, deeply mourned by her husband
and surviving children, and, indeed, by all who had
known her. Her husband then made his home
with his daughter, with whom he lived in South
Windsor until he closed his eyes in death Sept. 6,
1864. In politics Mr. Thompson was firrt a Whig,
and after the distintegration of that party he be-
came a consistent Republican. He served as a cap-
tain in the local volunteer cavalry, but his advanced
age at the opening of the Civil war precluded his
taking a part in that struggle.
990
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
At the death of Mrs. Maria Thompson the fam-
ily separated, and John ^I. Thompson entered upon
life's struggle at the early age of twelve year^. He
was first employed as a farm hand in Ellington,
Tolland county, by John jMcCray, and after three
and one-half years of this work returned to East
Windsor, Hartford county, and found employment
in a grist and saw mill. Later he purchased the old
homestead on which he had been born, and which,
at the time of his purchase, comprised only thirty-
five acres, but by economy and skill he increased
its dimensions to sixty acres, materially improved
it, and converted it into one of the best farms of
its size in the town ; it is now occupied by his son,
Howard A.
In 1859 John M. Thompson married Miss Erne-
line Bradley, who was born in Ellington March 3,
1836, a daughter of Elijah and Lorenza (Taylor)
Bradley. To this union came two children : Henry,
born May 23, i860, died Oct. 5, same year; How-
ard A., born June 3, 1875, married, Dec. 25, 1897,
Miss Eudell S. Buslicr, a native of South Windsor,
and a daughter of David and Anna (White) Busher.
Mrs. Emeline Thompson died Dec. 27, 1875, h'^'"
remains being interred in Windsorville, and Oct.
3. 1876, Mr. Thompson married Miss Maria Dart,
a native of W'apping, Hartford county, and a daugh-
ter of Adron and Wealthy (Avery) Dart. This
worthy lady died Dec. 22, 1895, and her remains
also lie at rest in Windsorville. Mr. Thompson's
third marriage took place in East Windsor Oct.
20, 1898, Miss Sarah M. Bowen becoming his wife.
She is a cultured and refined lady, a native of
Rhode Island, and a daughter of Willis and Lura
(Aldrich) Bowen, the latter a native of Willington,
Conn. After his last marriage Mr. Thompson re-
moved from the old homestead to his present farm,
near Broad Brook, purchased in 1898.
In politics Mr. Thompson is a Republican, and
has been ever since the formation of the party ; in
religion he is a Congregationalist. His life has
been one of industry and thrift, as well as of pur-
ity, and should serve as an inspiration to the boy
who is situated as he was when but twelve vears
of age. His early educational advantages were
meager, but with a strong intellect he has seized
every available opportunity to improve himself, and
to-day stands, as a man and citizen, second to none
in Hartford county.
EDWARD NEWTON S:\IITH is a leading
representative of the business interests of Thomp-
son vi lie, where for the past eight years he has suc-
cessfully conducted a drug store. Of good executive
ability and sound judgment, he has won success by
his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the pros-
perity that has come to him is certainly well de-
served.
Mr. Smith was born Aug. 29, 1855, in the
village which is still his home, a son of John
Cotton and Julia A. (Reed) Smith, natives of
Sufiicld and Windsor, Hartford count3^ respecc
tively. The paternal grandfather, Newton Smith,
was a farmer of Suffield, and also a peddler
of clocks, but the later years of his life were spent
in Boston, where his death occurred. The ma-
ternal grandfather. Nelson Reed, was a native of
Granby, Hartford county, and a farmer by occupa-
tion. John C. Smith, our subject's father, estab-
lished the first livery stables at Windsor Locks and
Warehouse Point, and one of the first at Thompson-
ville, where he located in 1850. A few years later
he retired from the livery business to devote his
entire attention to veterinary surgery, in which ca-
pacity he is widely remembered. He died in 1891,
leaving a widow and two children : Mary C, now
Mrs. J. P. Townson, and Edward N., our subject.
Mrs. Smith was born in Windsor, in 1818, and
early in the '30s located in Thompsonville, where
she opened a millinery and dressmaking establish-
ment, engaging in active business there until 1884 —
a period of over haif a century. When the railroad
was extended trom Hartford to Springfield she
was among the passengers on the first train to go
over the road. For fifty years she owned and re-
sided in the house where her deatn occurred Dec.
2, 1894. I
Reared in Thompsonville, Edward N. Smith |
pursued his early studies in the public schools of j
the village, and later took a course at the Eastman
Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he
was graduated in 1876. During the winter of 1876-
yy Mr. Smith attended the Philadelphia College of 1
Pharmacy, and again during the winter terms of
1879-80 and 1880-81, and was graduated from that
institution in pharmacy March 10, 1881. In 1869
he began his business life as clerk in the drug store
of Dr. L. H. Pease, at Thompsonville, remaining i
with him two years, and then accepted a similar po- |
sition with William A. Campbell, for whom he
worked five years. Subsequently he conducted the '
same store for N. M. Pease for fourteen years,
and in 1891 purchased the store which he has since
so successfully conducted. He is one of the most
popular business men of Thompsonville, and a leader
in public affairs.
On Jan. 26, 1893, Mr. Smith was united in mar-
riage with Miss Sarah, a daughter of James and
Elizabeth Crossley, of Thompsonville, formerly of
Highland. Socially he is quite prominent, being
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, a thirty-second-degree Mason, and past master
of Doric Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., of Thomp-
sonville. Politicallv he is identified with the Re-
publican party, and as a pubHc-soiritcd citizen he
is thoroughly interested in whatever tends to pro-
mote the welfare of his town or county.
HON. JAMES C. GOURLEY, the present rep-
resentative from the town of Windsor Locks in
the State Legislature, is a man whose talents and
energy have brought him up from the ranks of an
enviable position in business, political and social
circles, and the following brief account of his life
will be of more than usual interest.
Mr. Gourley belongs to a race which has pro- ,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
991
duced many men of enterprise and ability, both his
parents having been natives of the North of Ire-
land. James Gourley, his father, was educated in
the North of Ireland, and came to America in early
manhood, locating first in Thompsonville, Hart-
ford Co., Conn., where he learned the trade of jack-
spinning, at which he was employed for some years.
In 1 87 1 he removed to Windsor Locks to take a po-
sition in the mills of the Medlicott Co., with whom
he remained until failing health compelled him to
resign; he died Dec. 17, 1896. He was an excellent
citizen, and always took an active interest in the
issue of the day, being a stanch Republican politic-
ally. He and his estimable wife, Mary (Chestnut),
to whom he 'Was married in Thompsonville, were
for many years active members of the Episcopal
Church at Windsor Locks; she died April 26, 1896.
They had seven children : Emma J., wife of
Charles Longden, of Bridgeport; James C, whose
name opens tnis article; William, Albert, Samuel,
Frederick and George, residents of V\^indsor Locks.
, James C. Gourley was born at Thompsonville
I April 5, 1862, and his education was begun there,
' but when he was nine years old the family removed
to Windsor Locks. At the age of ten years he en-
tered upon his career as a breadwinner, being em-
ployed in the carding-room of the stockinet mill at
Windsor Locks, and from that time his schooling
was restricted to three months each year. In 1880
he began an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade
; with George P. Clark, with whom he remained
j eighteen years, being assistant foreman for five
years and superintendent seven years. In the mean-
time he became prominent in local politics as a
member of the Republican party, and for three
years he served on the board of selectmen of his
town. In November, 1898, he was elected to the
Legislature, where his abilities have already won
gratifying recognition.
In September, 1887, Mr. Gourley was married,
in Windsor Locks, to Miss Mary J. Steele, daugh-
ter of Louis Steele, a leading citizen of Cromwell,
Conn., and they have two sons, Irving J. and Nel-
son A. Mr. Gourley and his accomplished wife have
a prominent place in social life, and are members
of the Episcopal Church at Windsor Locks, in which
he was junior warden for three years, and for four
years past has served as treasurer. He also affil-
iates with Euclid Lodge, No. 109, A. F. & A. M.,
Washington Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M., and Suf-
field Council, at Suffield.
JASPER H. BIDWELL, for many years a lead-
ing business man of Collinsville, is a veteran of the
Civil war and a public-spirited citizen, whose serv-
ices in various official positions are so well appre-
ciated by his fellow citizens that his nomination on
the Democratic ticket has been uniformly endorsed
by the Republicans. For seventeen years past he
has been town treasurer, and he served, ten years
as judge of probate, declining a renomination in
1899.
The Bidwell family is well-known in Hartford
county, and Col. Jasper Bidwell, our subject's grand-
father, was born within its limits, and passed his
life as a farmer in Canton. He died in 1847, aged
seventy-eight years, and his wife, Lucy Richards,
died in 1874, when over ninety years of age. They
had two children : Sherman and Edmund. Sher-
man lived and died in Canton, but his five children
all settled elsewhere. Thomas Bidwell, the grand-
father of Col. Jasper Bidwell, came from Hartford
and settled in Canton (then West Simsbury) in
1740, east of Indian Hill, the farm remaining with
the direct descendants until about 1885.
• Edmund Bidwell, our subject's father, was a na-
tive of the town of Canton, born in 1799. He at-
tended academies near his home during boyhood,
but his desire for knowledge led him to seek a more
liberal education by private study. When about
thirty-five years old he married Charlotte Dyer,
daughter of Caot. Zenas Dyer, of Canton town.
About 1840 he located upon a farm in East Grahby,
where he died m 1847, at the age of forty-eight
years. His widow died in 1891, aged seventy-two.
They had three children: A daughter who died
aged eighteen months; Jasper H., our subject; and
Daniel W., a resident of Collinsville.
Jasper H. Bidwell was born Jan. 6, 1843, i"
East Granby, and when four years old accompanied
his widowed mother to the town of Canton. He
attended the schools of Collinsville, and at four-
teen went to East Hampton, Mass., where he spent
three years in Williston Seminary, graduating in
i860. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company C,
2d Conn. V. I., for three months, being stationed
at Washington, D. C, and during this brief term
of service he participated in the first battle of Bull
Run. In August, 1862, he re-enhsted, in Company
E, i6th Conn. V. I., as company clerk, and soon
afterward accompanied his regiment to Washing-
ton to join the forces under McClellan. At the
battle of Antietam he was struck on the right shoul-
der by a piece of shell which burst over his head,
the missile penetrating several folds of his blanket,
rolled with his overcoat. At the time he was climb-
ing over a wall, and the shock injured his back
and shoulder seriously, but he managed to keep up
with his comrades until night. On examinatiori
his right arm was found to be paralyzed, and Col.
Beach appointed him his orderly for the remainder
of the engagement, his duty being to carry mes-
sages on horseback. After the battle he was sent
to H hospital, and while there he assisted in caring
for his captain, Babcock, of Collinsville, who had
been shot through the neck. He rejoined his regi-
ment, but after a time was taken sick, and while on
the march was left at the home of James Brown,
near Snicker's Gap, Va., where he remained six
weeks. The family sympathized with the Southern
cause, but the sick soldier won their good-will, and
when "Mosby's Guerrillas" were reported near they
took him to the house of a relative, in a more se-
cluded place. When able to return North he was
992
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
guided one night by a young daughter of the fam-
ily to Berlin, tne journey bemg made on horseback.
He made himself known to the provost marshal, and
was sent to a convalescent camp near Alexandria,
but did not regain his health sufficiently to justify
him in rejoining his regiment, and in February,
1863, he was discharged.
Air. Bidwell returned home weighing but one
hundred pounds, but gradually recuperated his
strength, and for several years he was employed in
the office of the Adams Express Co. at Norwich.
He then spent two years in the oil region of Penn-
sylvania, connected with O. B. Miller and Simeon
Leland, of "Metropolitan Hotel" fame, owning a
patent for drilling wells with tubing. For one year
following he was engaged in the hardware business
with his brother at CoUinsville, and the next four
vears he spent as a clerk in the office of the Collins
Company. In 1873 he entered the H. S. Collins
bank, and in 1885 he became a partner in the bank
of H. S. Collins & Co., and continued in the general
banking business until May 10, 1899, the firm be-
ing then succeeded by the Canton Trust Co., of
which he is president. The building in which the
bank is situated belongs to the CoUinsville Savings
Society, and the new firm is composed of the peo-
ple of the town, Mr. Collins withdrawing on ac-
count of his advanced age.
Although Judge Bidwell is identified with the
Democratic party he is not a blind follower, and
in 1896 cast his vote for sound money. He is a
member of the INIasonic fraternity, and he and his
family are highly esteemed sociallv. In October,
1874, he was married, in Canton, to Miss Corinne
Beckwith. daughter of Oliver Beckwith, a well-
known citizen of Canton. Thev have no children
of their own, but Mrs. Bidwell's nephew, Oliver
R. Beckwith, now a young man of twenty-three,
and a member of the Hartford Bar, was reared by
them as their son from the age of two years.
EDWIN DWIGHT FARNHAM. The ex-
tensive cultivation of tobacco in South Windsor,
beginning about a third of a centur3r ago, brought
large financial returns to the growers and created a
demand for skillful buyers and packers. One of the
young men, a native of the place, experienced in the
growth of the plant, perceived the opportunity,
seized it, and has become one of the best-known to-
bacco bu}-ers and packers in the State.
Edwin Dwight Farnham was born in the town
of East Hartford Jan. 22, 1844, in the house on
North Main street now occupied by John H. Burn-
ham. The Farnham family is of English extrac-
tion, coming from the county of Surrey, where
there is a town named Farnham, now the seat of
the Bishop of Winchester. Our subject's line of
descent is traced back to Ralph Farnham, a native
of England, who with his wife, Alice, and three
children sailed from Southampton, England, April
6, 1635, in the brig "James," and landed in Boston
June 3. His son, Ralph (2), born in England in
1633, married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Holt, U
of Andover, Mass. Their second child, Ralph (3), '
born June i, 1662, married, on Oct. 9, 1685, Sarah
Sterling. Their seventh child, Nathaniel, bom July
25, 1695, married Hannah Preston, and had eleven
children, of whom Jeremiah, the eighth in the fam-
ily, was our subject's great-grandfather. In 1774
he married Lucy Durkee, and their son, Rufus, born
in 1775, married, in 1801, Betsey Grover.
On his mother's side Mr. Farnham is descended
from Elder John Strong, who was born in Taunton,
England, and formed one of the Warham com-
pany, who in 1630 settled Dorchester, Mass. He
brought a wife and family, but they died shortly
after the arrival in the New World, and in 1630 he
married Abigail, daughter of John Ford. He set-
tled in Windsor, Conn., about 164=;. Elder Strong's
son. Return Strong, married Sarah, daughter of
Rev. John Warham, who was one of the party that
went overland from Dorchester to Windsor, being
among the first settlers in the latter place. Return
Strong's son, Samuel, married Martha Buckland,
and their son, Samuel, Jr., married Martha Stough-
ton. Their son, Alexander, married Abigail Rice,
and their daughter, Flannah, married Thomas Snell,
who was our subject's maternal grandfather.
Augustus I'^arnham was born Feb. 11, 1816, in
Ashford, Conn., the youngest child of his parents,
and on Nov. 28, 1838, married Miss Persis Strong
Snell. About 1839 they moved to East liartford,
where their children, seven sons, were born, as fol-
lows : Edward Augustus, Edwin Dwight, Edgar ,
Augustus, Marcus Albert, Andrew Ellery and Alvin
Elliott (twins), and Charles Fremont. All but
Dwight, Edgar and Ellery died in infancy. The
father was a carpenter by occupation. On locat-
ing in East Hartford he associated himself in busi-
ness with the late Sylvester G. Farnham, a distant
relative, and later he went into business for himself.
He first lived on Governor street, but in a short
time moved to the house now owned by John H.
Burnham, which he bought, in I041, of Abner M.,
Eleazer and three other Burnhams. All but the
eldest of the seven boys were born in this house.
Atigustus Farnham moved to South Windsor in
1858.
The early education of our subject was obtained
in the North District school and the East Hartford
Academy. Of the latter institution J. O. Hurlburt,
well remembered by many old residents, was princi- ,
pal. Mr. Farnham also attended Salmon Phelps'
private school, and later the South Windsor high
school and the East Windsor Hill preparatory
school. On Aug. 22, 1862, he enlisted for one year
in Company G, 25th Conn. V. I., Col. George P.
Bissell, Capt. Charles H. Tallcott, of Glastonbury,
being in command of his company. In August,
1863, Mr. Farnham was mustered out with his regi-
ment. He had served in Gen. N. P. Banks' 19th
Army Corps, in the Department of the Gulf. ,
In July, 1863, while our subject was still in serv- ,j
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
993
ice, his father died. Returning to South Windsor,
Dwight took charge of the farm, though he was but
nineteen years old. Tobacco he made his principal
crop, and for some years the prices were very high.
In 1876 Mr. Farnham began to pack tobacco, buymg
on his own account and selling again. He let out
his farm on shares, and went out on the road to
sell leaf tobacco. His purchases have been very
carefully chosen, and have gone to manufacturers
from his warehouse. In his business Mr. Farnham
has prospered. He has customers of twenty years'
standing, who rely exclusively upon his judgment
and information. He has the reputation among
the leaf toba.cco trade of handling a fine line of
goods.
Mr. Farnham is an attendant of St. John's
Church, of East Hartford. He belongs to D. C. Rod-
man Post, No. 65, G. A. R. ; is also a member of
Evergreen Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M. ; Pathagoras
Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M.; Wolcott Council, No.
I ; and Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. In
politics he is a Republican. For six years he was
an assessor, and for eight years served as chair-
man of the school board. Mr. Farnham is inter-
ested in aboriginal history, and has a fine collection
of Indian relics. In an amateur way he is fond of
the study of entomology and other branches of
natural history. He is a close student, and upon a
wide range of subjects is a well-read man. He
possesses a large and well-selected library, and is
intimately acquainted with its contents.
Mr. Farnham has been twice married. By his
first wife, Martha J. Ellsworth, daughter of Rufus
Abbey, he had three children, two of whom died in
infancy. The third, Wallace S., is now a student
at Columbia Law School. His present wife was
Miss Sarah E. Tudor, a native of South Windsor,
whom he married in 1894. Mr. Farnham owns a
highly-improved farm of forty-two acres, which
he superintends, giving most of his attention to
tobacco raising, in connection with his other busi-
ness. He is one of the most prominent and pro-
gressive men of the town. His intimate and lead-
ing connection for a score of years with the prin-
cipal industry of South Windsor has made him an
influential factor in its development and prosperity.
Prominent alike in- social, public and business af-
fairs, and with a taste alike for the lore of the past
and for the latest discoveries in science, he 'is a citi-
; zen at once prominent and useful, filling with credit
to himself and with satisfaction to others the multi-
form duties and obligations imposed upon those
j whom talent and industry have placed in positions
of responsibility and trust.
I ASHBEL COMFORT HARMON. The Har-
I mon family is one of the oldest in this section, and
the well-known citizen of Suffield whose biography
IS here presented traces his descent from the first
^ settlers of that town. While the family is now
\ scattered widely, being found in all parts of the
63
Union, it is still numerously represented in Hart-
ford county, and its members have always been
characterized by sterling personal worth as citizens,
their thrift and enterprise in private life contributing
to the wealth of the community, and their patriotism
and courage being proved by gallant service in the
field in time of war.
The family originated in England, and about
1636 three men of the name came to Boston. For
a time all resided in the village of Roxbury, Mass.,
but later one went to Pennsylvania and another to
Maine, while John htarmon, the direct ancestor of
our subject, located in 1640 in Springfield, Mass.,
with his family, benig one of the first settlers there.
This well-known pioneer was born in England in
161 1, and died in Springfield in 1661. Ten of his
descendants in the third and fourth generations
served in the Revolutionary war, three going from
Suffield.
(II) Nathaniel Harmon, son of the pioneer, was
born in Springfield, Mass., March 13, 1653, and
died at Suffield May 2, 1712. His wife was Mary
Skinner. He and his brother, Joseph, became in-
terested in trading with the Indians, and for manv
years were the principal partners of that noted
trader. Col. Pynchon, the original proprietor of the
site of Springfield. In 1670 Nathaniel located at
Suffield, then Southfield, which remained a part of
Hampshire county, Mass., until 1749. They had
routes througn the forest in all directions, and col-
lected large quantities of fur, their sheds in Suffield
being always covered with skins stretched for dry-
ing. Their land lay near the brook west of the vil-
lage, and they also bought land at Warehouse Point,,
where they established a storage place for furs,
(III) Natnaniel Harmon, son of Nathaniel, and
next in the line of descent, was born July 30, 1695,.
and died Feb. 10, 1774. He married, first, Sarah
Smith, who was born Oct. 7, 1694, and by this mar-
riage he had one child, Phineas. By his second
wife, Hannah Miller, he had five children.
(IV) Phineas Harmon, our subjeat's great-
grandfather, was born June 4, 1720, and died May
31, 1802. On May 17, 1744, he was married, in
Suffield, to Hannah Barber, a native of Spring-
field, Mass., born Dec. 8, 1720, who died in Suf-
field. On Feb. 11, 1749, he married Dorcas Hast-
ings, who was born in Suffield June 14, 1731, and
died Nov. 14, 18 16. By his first marriage he had
three children: Elijah and Elisha, both of whom
died in infancy; and Elijah (2), who died Nov.
13, 1776. in Westfield, Mass. By the second mar-
riage there were eleven children, whose names with
dates of birth are as follows : Flannah, Oct. 5, 1750 ;
Ezekiel, April 17, 1752; Gad, Jan. 20, 1754; Gains!
Jan. 25, 1756; Hannah, June 25, 1758; Nathaniel,
May 31, 1760; Thaddeus, March 11, 1762; Heulah,
March 23, 1764; Phineas, April 22, 1766; Paul,
Aprd 22, 1768; and Ehsha, April 28, 1770.
(V) Paul Harmon, our subject's grandfather,
lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, his
death occurring Nov. 13, 1852. He was a tall, slim
man, and was a successful farmer in Suffield. He:
994
:OMMEMORArirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
purchased the farm on which our subject was born,
being the first Harmon to own it, and his remaining
years were spent there. PoHtically he affiliated with
"the Whig party, in which liis sound judgment and
higli character made him a vakied worker. His
first wife, Eunice Remington, who was born May
15, 1774, died Sept. 15, 1817, and the remains of
both now rest in the cemetery in ^^'est Suffield. His
second wife was Polly (Holton) Parsons, and after
her death he married Charity (Phelon~) Phelps.
By his first marriage he had twelve children: (i)
Julius, bom Sept. 16, 1794, died Nov. 18, 1795. (2)
Julia, born Aug. 13, 1796, died Feb. 10, 1798. (3)
Zenas, born Nov. 4, 179S, married Julia Kent, and
died Feb. 4, 1867, in Warren, ^'t. He was a fanner,
and his son, William P., now resides on the old
homestead in ^'ermont. (4) Julia, born July 31,
1800, married Frederick Gillett Nov. 7, 1819, and
died in Granville, Mass., Dec. 17, 1835. He after-
ward married Xaomi Linker, and his death occurred
in Westfield, ilass., Ang. 30. 1865. (5) Phineas,
born Nov. 7, 1802. married Mary Grosvenor, and
died Jan. 31 ,,1833, in Suffield, where he was engaged
in farming. (6) Paul, born Nov. 14, 1804, was mar-
ried (first) to Abigail Gillett, (second) to Lucinda
H. Sterns, and (third) to Sarah C. Phillips. By
occupation he was a carpenter and farmer : he died
Nov. 23, 1883, in Omaha, Neb. (7) A child born in
1806 died the same year. (8) Eunice L., born Jan.
17, 1809, married Zopher St. John, of Simsbury,
Conn., who died Feb. 20, 1872. She survived him
and died Jan. 5, 1899, at Simsbury. (9) Martha
F., born Nov. 29, 1810, married Thomas Gillett,
Avho died in Suffield Oct. 18, 1880, and her death
occurred April 7, 1887, in the same town. (10)
Chloe, born Oct. 28, 1812, married John Talbott,
and died in Centreville, Mich., in 1837. (11) Han-
nah M., born July 3, 1814, married Lucius A. Cut-
ler, and died in Paterson, N. J., Aug. 22, 1840.
(12) Julius (2), our subject's father, is mentioned
more fully below. By his second wife Paul Harmon
had one son, James, born July 2, 1821, now a re-
tired farmer at East Warren, Vermont.
(VI) Julius Harmon, father of our subject, was
born Aug. 17, 18 17, on the homestead purchased by
Paul Harmon. His educational opportunities were
meager, but as he was always fond of reading he
became well informed, especially in science and his-
tory. In mathematics he showed unusual aptitude
from childhood, and he learned algebra without a
teacher. His excellent memory enabled him to re-
tain any knowledge once gained, making his con-
versation most interesting and instructive, and few
men in the locality had as many friends as he. As
a young man he began to learn the carpenter's trade,
and while helping to build the Congregational
church at West Suffield he was crippled for life.
B}' some mistake the scaffolding was removed from
the belfry before the tools were brought down, and,
as no other way of recovering them could be de-
vised, the foreman asked for a volunteer who would
.climb up on a rope and get them. Mr. Harmon,
then about twenty years old, offered to make the
attempt, but the support of the rope broke and he
fell, injuring his spine so much that both lower
limbs withered, leaving them without a particle of
strength. Plis arms were strong, however! and he
managed to go about freely in a three-wheeled car-
riage, being a frequent and welcome caller at the
homes of his friends. He took great interest in pol-
itics, being a stanch Republican, but, owing to his
physical disabilities, never held office notwithstand-
ing his popularity. He always resided at the home-
stead, where he died Oct. 9, 1879, and his remains
are interred in West Suffield. At the time of his
accident he was engaged to Miss Caroline E. Lane,
of Suffield, a most estimable young lady, and when
he learned that he was to be crippled permanently
■he offered to release her, but she nobly declared her
wish to share his lot, and they were married soon
afterward, in 1838. As his father was then an old
man, he began housekeeping at the farm, and, al-
though it was in poor condition, he brought it to
a highly productive state, and made a handsome in-
come from it in later years. In ihis work his wife
was an efficient helper, bearing much of the responsi-
bility, but in spite of her years of hard work she is
well-preserved and enjoys excellent health. She
now (1900) resides at Cedar Bluffs, Neb., with her
son, William J., at the age of eighty-three, hav-
ing been born March 7, 1817. Her parents, Ashbel
and Ann (Stocking) Lane, were well-known resi-
dents of Suffield, and her family has long been prom-
inent in that locality. Of their four children, all
lived to adult age, and their strict and careful home
training fitted them for honorable positions in life.
Our subject, the eldest of the quartette, will be men-
tioned below. (2) Adelaide Eunice, born Aug.
26, 1846, married John Lewis, and died in Oak
Park, 111., April 21, 1881. Mr. Lewis is a prominent
attorney of Chicago, having written several books
on law, and he now resides at Oak Park, 111., near
Chicago. (3) William J., born June 30, 1849, has
a large farm in Cedar Bluffs, Neb., and is a very
successful farmer. As a boy he learned the carpen-
ter's trade in Suffield with George Crane, and also
became proficient as a surveyor, being employed at
one time by the government to make surveys in
different parts of the West. (4) Franklin S., born
Oct. 13, 1853, is a carpenter of Omaha, Nebraska.
(VII) Ashbel C. Harmon was born March 6,
1841, and began his education in the Sheldon street
school, in Suffield, Miss Caroline Rose, Miss Pin- '
ney and Benjamin Hathaway being among his early
teachers. Later he attended a select school in Suf-
field, taught by Palmer Gallup, and spent three terms
at the Connecticut Literary Institute. He has never
been afraid of work, and in his boyhood he ren-
dered valuable assistance to his parents. He fol-
lowed farming on his own account for some time
after his marriage, and then removed to the village
of Suffield, where he engaged in the meat business,
but in 1869 he bought the original tract of land i
owned by Nathaniel- and Joseph Harmon, at Suf- ~.i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
995
field. Since that date he has been interested in ag-
riculture, and in i8 — he purchased another farm in
Suffield, but in 1884 an accident compelled him to
o-ive up active work. He possesses the confidence
of his fellow citizens to a rare degree, but, although
he is a strong Republican, he has never cared to
enter the race for official honors. His duties as a
citizen are never shirked, however, and in 1884 he
sat on the first jury ever called in the new court
house at Hartford. His military record is an hon-
orable one, beginning with his enlistment, Aug. 25,
1862, in Company G, 22d Conn. V. I., as a private.
He remained in the service nearly a year, being
never absent from duty except one night when he
was ill from the effects of improper rations. The
regiment was mustered into service at Hartford
Sept. 20, 1862, and Oct. 2, 1862, they left Hart-
ford on a steamer for New York City, where they
took a train for Washington. Their winter quarters
were at Miner's Hill, near Falls Church, Va. (eight
miles from Washington), and early in February,
1863, they were ordered to Hunter's Chapel, near
Arlington, to assist in constructing fortifications
on the farm of Gen. Robert Lee, overlooking the
capitol and guarding Long Bridge. On April i
they embarked on a steamer at Alexandria for Nor-
folk, Va., and later they went to Suiifolk by rail.
They participated under Gens. Getty and Gordon,
Gen. Peck being in suprem.e command, in the de-
fense of Suffolk, during Longstreet's siege, support-
ing the 8th and 21st Connecticut Regiments and
a Michigan battery, and for weeks were compelled
to stand "under arms" for two hours before day-
break each morning, expecting an attack. The
siege was raised May 3, 1863, and the regiment
transported to West Point, on York river, where
they arrived at night. Entrenchments were hastily
thrown up in anticipation of a night attack, but
after three weeks of occupation the post was aban-
doned and the entire force taken to Yorktown
Plains, where it was encamped directly in front of
McClellan's massive entrenchments and in sight of
the old Rebel rifle-pits, and near the scene of Corn-
wallis' surrender during the Revolutionary war.
On June 9 the regiment took part in the advance
on Richmond, marching by way of Williamsburg
and the Chickahominy river to Diascum Bridge
and Chickahominy Church. They were afterward
joined by the force of Gen. Dix, which moved by
way of the York river, the whole expedition being-
known in history as the "Blackberry Raid." Re-
turning to Yorktown, the 22d Regiment embarked
June 26 by steamer for home, arriving at Hartford
June 29, and were mustered out July 7, 1863, but
the hardships and exposure of camp life had so in-
jured our subject's health that he was ill for more
than eighteen months from malaria. He has never
lost his interest in military matters, and is an active
member of Samuel Brown Post, No. 56, G. A. R.,
at Thompsonville, and secretary and treasurer of
the Veterans Association of Suffield.
On Oct. 7, 1868, Mr. Harmon married Miss
Sarah J. Fuller, daughter of Joseph and Cordelia
(Smith) Fuller, prominent residents of Suffield,
of whom further mention is made elsewhere. She
was an amiable and accomplished woman, a grad-
uate of the Conservatory of Music at Salem, Conn.,
and for some years was organist of the Congrega-
tional Church in Suffield. She died Dec. i, 1871,
and Mr. Harmon married her sister, Miss Caroline
R. Fuller, who nas been a most efficient helpmeet.
Her early education was secured in the schools of
Suifield and at Westfield, Mass., and before she
reached the age of eighteen she taught successfully
at Mittineague, Mass., where her father was then
interested in founding the town. Afterward she
was employed in the graded schools of Suffield and
Thompsonville, tnis county. Mr. Harmon served
as secretary of the Congregational Church, and on
the society's committee, while for eight years he was
secretary and treasurer of the Sunday-school.
ALBERT R. WELLS, for many years a well-
known prosperous general merchant of Bloomfield,
is a native of Pepin, Wis., born June 15, 1856, and
is a son of Eastern-born parents.
Isaac Newton Wells, father of Albert R., was
born in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1830, a son of Ros-
siter Wells, also a native of Wethersfield, and a
lifelong farmer by vocation. Isaac N. was edu-
cated in the common schools of his native town
and was reared an agriculturist. To his marriage
with Miss Kate Butler were born two children, be-
sides Albert R., to-wit: Frank Newton, of New
Britain; and Carrie S., married to E. T. Griswold,
of Bloomfield. In 1854 Isaac N. Wells removed
from Connecticut to Rock Island, III, thence to
Pepin, Wis., and while in the West was engaged
in the tinsmith Dusiness. On his return to Con-
necticut, in 1868, he engaged in farming, and for
thirty years followed this calling at Bloomfield
with unvarying success. In politics a stanch Repub-
lican, Mr. Wells lias served his fellow citizens two
or three terms as selectman and assessor as well as
on board of relief of Bloomfield, and filled the office
to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. In this
town he had the misfortune to be bereft of his be-
loved wife in 1876, and he later removed to South-
ington, where he now resides, and is the treasurer
of the Beacon & Corbin Manufacturing Co. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the F. & A. M., and as
a citizen enjoys the esteem of all who are favored-
with his acquaintance.
Albert R. Wells, the subject proper of this bi-
ographical notice, attended school at Pepin, Wis.,
until twelve years of age, later attending school at
Wethersfield, Conn., two years, and also a school
at Bloomfield, during the winter season in each
case, while his summers were passed in aiding his
father on the home farm until he was nineteen vears
old. He then began his business life as a driver of
a seed wagon through the States of New Hamp-
shire and Vermont, for Comstock & Ferry, of Weth-
ersfield, Conn.; later he drove through Delaware
and Maryland.
In 1878 Mr. Wells also engaged in the flour.
996
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grain and feed business, and erected a mill at Bloom-
field, and this trade he successfully carried on alone
sixteen vears, or until in 1894, when he associated
himself with Wallace C. Dean, and under the firm
name of Wells & Dean bought the general store of
C. D. Strictland, which, in conection with the mill,
they operated so successfully that in January, 1898,
Mr. Wells leased the mill to the Daniels ivlill Co.
for the term of five years, and the firm have since
confined themselves to merchandising — handling
coal, tlour and feed, in addition to the usual variety
of merchandise carried in first-class general stores.
Through their alTability and desire to please their
patrons, and their strict integrity, they succeeded in
gaining the most prosperous trade of the town.
On March 19, 1878, at Bloomfield, Mr. Wells
was united in marriage with Miss Estelle F. Gillette,
a daughter of Amos H. Gillette, but this lady was
untimely called away by death, Dec. 17, 1895. To
the marriage came three children : Albert G., born
Aug. 10, 1S82, died April 13, 18S3; Ethel K., born
July 19, 1S84; and Xina E., born Dec. 19, 1887. On
Sept. I, 1897, ^Ir. Wells was happily married to
Miss Jennie iL. Coburn, of Carlstadt, New Jersey.
In politics J\lr. Wells is a Republican. In Octo-
ber, 1896, he was elected town clerk, being the first
Republican elected to that office in Bloomfield, as
the Democrats led by a majority of from eighty to
one hundred. On Oct. 31, 1897, he was appointed
postmaster at Bloomfield, and efficiently filled that
office till his removal to Southington, July i, 1899,
when he resigned, also the office of town clerk, and
accepted a position as assistant secretary and travel-
ing salesman for the Beaton & Corbin Mfg. Co.
Fraternally Mr. Wells is a member of the
Knights of the Maccabees, the Patrons of Hus-
bandry and of the F. & A. M. In religion he is a
Congregationalist, and it may be added no man in
Bloomfield was held in higher esteem than Albert R.
Wells.
H. S. FRYE, president of the New England
Tobacco Growers Association, and one of the most
prominent and influential citizens of Poquonock, was
born in Winsted, Litchfield Co., Conn., Dec. 23,
1844, a son of Artemas and Mary E. (Johnson)
Frye. The family was founded in the New W'orld
during Colonial days by two brothers, one of whom
settled in Massachusetts, the other in Maine, and it
is from the former that our subject is descended.
Senator Frye, of Maine, belongs to the same branch.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Revo-
lutionary soldier, and lived in Andover, Mass., where
he died when over ninety years of age. His wife
died at about the same age, at the home of her son,
Artemas.
Artemas Frj-e was born in Andover, Mass., and at
an early age commenced life for himself empty-hand-
ed. With his father he learned the tanner's and cur-
rier's trade, and also learned scythe making, which
he followed when a young man in Winsted, Conn.
In later vears he became a stockholder in the Win-
sted Manufacturing Co., and in the spring of 1865
removed to Rainbow, where he engaged in farming
and raising tobacco for several years, but finally
returned to Winsted ; in 1874 he became a resident
of Toquonock, where he bought, from the estate
of George Blanchard, the farm that our subject
now owns. He died there in the fall of 1897, and
his wife, who was a native of Litchfield county^
Conn., passed away in 1888, the remains of both
being interred in the I'oquonock cemetery. To them
were born two children : George, who died in in-
fancy ; and H. S., the subject of this review. Po-
litically he was first a Whig, but later he refused
to support that party, as he was a strong Abolition-
ist, and it had no Abolition plank in its platform.
He joined the Republican party on its organization,
and always advocated a protective tarifl:. He was
the youngest in the family, and his early educa-
tional privileges were limited, as during his child-
hood, his father, who had once been quite wealthy,
had lost most of his property; he was, however, a
great reader, and became a well-informed man.
• H. S. Frye attended the common schools near his
boyhood home, and later the Windsor Academy,
when George W. Standish was at the head of that
institution. He was eighteen years of age when
his parents removed to Rainbow, and as his father
had always engaged in mechanical pursuits he took
charge of the farming, and has made that occu-
pation his life work. He married Miss Eliza R.
Luck, who was born in England, but was reared
in Windsor. Their only child, Jennie, now Mrs.
Allison H. Brown, has one daughter, Mabel, and
lives with our subject.
In his political views Mr. Frye is a Republican,
keeps well posted on the issues and questions of the
day, and, while not a politician, takes an active
interest in the success of his party. At local elec-
tions he votes for the man whom he believes best
qualified to fill the office, regardless of party ties,
and as a public-spirited citizen he encourages any
movement for the benefit of his town and county.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic Lodge at
Windsor. He was one of the original members of
the New "England Tobacco Growers Association,
was a member of its executive committee until the
death of the president, Silas G. Hubbard, and was
then elected to till the vacancy, being re-elected at
each succeeding election. He is thoroughly posted
on every detail of the tobacco business, from the
planting of the seed until thi manufactured article
is consumed by the public, and in all its intermediate
stages ; has probably spent more time in study and
research of what will be of benefit to the tobacco
growers than any other man in the State; and is
therefore well qualified to hold his present respon-
sible position. It has also fitted him for work in
the interests of the tobacco crop in tariff legisla-
tion. The Connecticut crop being a distinct grade
of tobacco from that raised in any other section,
its interests are its own, and not in common with
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
997
other tobacco-producing States, so that the matter
of beneficial legislation to it does not have agitators
elsewhere. Mr. Frye is a practical tobacco grower,
as he has been interested in the business from boy-
hood, and his services as the head of the New
England Tobacco Growers Association have been
of inestimable value, and such as only a man of his
knowledge and skill could render. He is well
known in tobacco circles all over the United States,
and is perfectly familiar with all tobacco tariffs
and legislation pertaining thereto. Mr. Frye is a
very pleasant man, an entertaining talker, is un-
ostentatious in manner, and is an excellent and
valued citizen of the community in which he lives.
EMORY F. MILLER, who is at present serv-
ing as first selectman of the town of Avon, has been
prominent in his locality for years as a prosperous
farmer and dairyman, and he comes of a family
whose members have always occupied a high place
among the citizens of the town from its early days.
Mr. Miller is of English descent. The first an-
cestor of whom we have record was William Miller,
who came from the old country about 1635 and
settled in Northampton, Mass. He had a son, Eb-
■enezer (i), who also lived in Northampton, Mass.;
he had three sons, Jonathan, John and Ebenezer
(2). This Ebenezer (2) came to Farmington (now
Avon) and bought a large farm in 1747; he died
there in 1777, and was buried in the hrst cemetery
ill Avon. In 1762 he was one of the largest land
owners in the town. A member of the Congre-
gational Church, he held the office of deacon therein.
He had four sons, Job, Joseph, Noah and Reuben,
the last named being the great-grandfather of our
subject.
Reuben Miller was born on his father's farm in
Farmington (now Avon), and passed his entire
life in his native town, owning and operating a large
tract of land. He learned the trade of cooper in
-early life, following same to some extent, engaged
in hotel-keeping, and was quite a noted huntsman
in his day, in his varied occupations becoming wide-
ly known in the vicinity. He was a stanch Demo-
crat of the Jeffersonian stripe. By his wife, Sarah
(Miller), he had five children: Solomon (who
removed to Hartland), Ebenezer, Eleanor, Sarah
and Olive. The father died on his farm, and was
interred in the old family cemetery.
Ebenezer Miller, grandfather of the gentleman
whose name opens this sketch, was born on the
Miller homestead at Cider Brook, and like his fa-
ther became a farmer, in addition engaging to some
€xtent in stock raising. For ten years he broke and
sold a team of young oxen annually. He received
. only such advantages for schooling as the public
I institutions of the time afforded, but he was a man
' of unusual strength of mind and body, was noted
far and wide for his industry and intelligence, and
took a prominent part in the life of the community.
His feats in reaping gave him a wide popularity.
and people came for him far and near to assist in
barn raisings and various occasions of the kind.
He was a hard working man, bore a high reputa-
tion for honesty and uprightness in all his dealings,
and was a leader in local affairs, taking a leading
part in the workings of the Democratic party in his
section, though he never sought office. He was
also active in church matters, holding membership
with the Baptist Society, and often led prayers in
the minister's absence. Ebenezer Miller married
Diantha Hutchinson, who was born in Farmington,
now Avon, daughter of John Hutchinson, and eleven
children were born to this union: Sarah (Mrs.
Richard Humphrey) ; Ebenezer; John H. ; Diantha,
who died unmarried; Nancy (Mrs. Luther Wood-
ford) ; Cynthia, who married Estherus Fairfield;
Truman Harlon ; Thede, who died unmarried;
Betsey (Mrs. Ephraim Woodruff, of New Britain) ;
Flenry Virgil, who was killed by lightning when
seventeen years old; and Eliza Ann (Mrs. Hiram
Chapel, of Hartford). The father died Jan. 11,
1851, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, the
mother passing away Nov. 6, 1837.
Truman H. Miller was born Jan. 12, 1805, on
the home farm in Avon town, and received his ed-
ucation in the district schools, supplementing his
early training by close reading and observation, and
becoming a well-informed man. He was reared to
agricultural pursuits on the paternal homestead,
and finally settled down to farming, though during
his earlier manhood he traveled over the eastern
states selling jewelry and silverware, and made a
success of that business. When he engaged in the
calling of his ancestors on his own account he pur-
chased a farm of 150 acres, on which he made nu-
merous improvements, and he successfully con-
ducted a general farming, stock raising and dairy
business, taking a deep interest in the appearance
of his property, which under his able management
became quite valuable. Like his father he was one
of the leaders of the Democratic party in his locality,
but not an aspirant for public honors of any kind,
preferring a quiet life, devoted to his private af-
fairs. He was highly respected for his honesty and
many sterling qualities of character, and was one of
the substantial citizens of his day. Mr. Miller passed
away Jan. I7. 1862, aged fifty-seven years, and was
laid to rest in the olu family cemetery in Avon. He
was married, in Thompson, to Miss Julia A. Chapin,
a native of Boston, whose parents, Joseph and Sarah
(Jacobs) Chapin, of Thompson, died in the island
of Trinidad, and five children were born to their
union: Delia T., who died at the age of twenty-
two j^ears ; Augustus C. (deceased at the age of
forty-nine), who married Elizabeth Gray; Joseph,
who died in Boston at the age of nineteen years ;
Charles H., who married Frances Bishop ; and Em-
ory F. Mrs. Miller died Jan. 5, 1882; she was a
member of the Baptist Church, and a woman of
Christian character, who won the respect of all who
knew her. Mr. Miller also held membership with
the Baptist Church.
998
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Emory F. Aliller was born July ii, 1844, in the
town of Avon, and he commenced his education in
the home district, later attending the Avon high
school. He remained on the farm, assisting his
father, up to the ag-e of seventeen, when he went
to Boston for a }ear. He was eighteen when his
father died, and he continued to operate the home
farm in partnership with his brother, Charles, until
18S2, when the latter removed to another farm,
our subject remaining with his mother on the home-
stead. He has always made his home here, and
he cultivates 154 acres, devoting his land to gen-
eral crops and tobacco, and in addition engaging
rather extensively in stock farming and dairying.
Mr. iMiller takes special interest in the appearance
of his home and farm, on which he has made nianv
improvements from time to time, building good
barns and outbuildings, and in various wavs add-
ing to the value of the place, which is ably managed
and systematically cultivated. He is up-to-date in
all his methods so far as practicable, and he is ranked
among the prosfressive and enterprising agricult-
urists of this section, where he is well and favor-
ably known. i\Ir. Miller has been active in local
affairs, and like his forefathers is a stanch Demo-
crat in political faith, and one of the wheel-horses
of the part\' in this vicinity. Though not an office
seeker he was honored with election in 1873 to the
ofifice of first selectman of the town, which he filled
for two terms. In 1886 he was again elected, this
tune holdmg the position for eight years, and in
1898 his fellow citizens re-elected him to that in-
cumbency, which he still retains. J\Ir. Miller's lono-
service in this important office is sufficient evidence
of his ability and fidelity to duty, but it is due to him
to say that he has in his public capacity displayed
only the same traits which have characterized his
private life— strict attention to the details of his
work and thoughtful and intelligent management
qualities which could not fail to bring about satis-
factory results. Air. iMiller keeps thorougnly posted
on public events and matters of general interest, and
he IS highly esteemed as an intelligent, substantial
Citizen of the town in which he has spent his life.
Besides the office mentioned he has served several
times as grand juror in Avon.
In January, 1874, in Avon, Mr. Miller was
married to Miss Sarah Andrews, a native of East
Granby, and a daughter of Frederick Andrews of
that town. They had one child, Nellie, who died
in infancy; Mrs. iMiller passed away May 5, 1877,
and was buried in the family cemetery. On May
22, 1879, J^ir. i\Iil!er for his second wife wedded
Miss Eliza Wadsworth, who was born in Hartford,
a daughter of Sydney Wadsworth, and a grand-
daughter of Elisha Wadsworth, of Hartford. Two
children have come to this union : One that died in
infancy, and Lucy. Our subject supports religious
work and enterprises, though he is not connected
with any particular denomination, and he and his
wife have many friends in the town of Avon.
RANSFORD AVERY PARKER. Few citi-
zens of this section, outside of public life, are as
well known as this venerable resident of Ware-
house Point, whose career, though quiet and seem-
ingly uneventful, has won for him the respect of a
large circle of friends. A pleasing evidence of his
popularity, which is fully shared by his estimable
wife, was seen on the occasion of the celebration
of their golden wedding in October, 1897, when a
good company assembled at their home. A cane for
Mr. Parker and a valuable clock for his wife were
presented as tangible tokens of friendship by the
guests, most of whom were members of the same
church with whom their host and hostess have been
identified for half a century, and the good wishes of
the entire community were expressed in the exer-
cises of the happy occasion.
Mr. Parker was born Jan. 0, 1827, at Long
Meadow, Alass., and is of good old Vermont stock.
Joseph Parker, his father, was a native of Sharon,
Vt., and a.s a Dov walked from that olace to Spring-
field, Mass., to learn the mason's trade. After com-
pleting his term as an apprentice he remained in the
vicinity of Sprinsfield for some time, and in 1829
came to Connecticut, locating at Warehouse Point.
He became the leading contractor and builder of his
day in that section, the locks at Windsor Locks hav-
ing been constructed by him after his arrival. He
also built the Phelps woolen mills, the old "Chap-
man House," and the Sexton woolen mills, at Ware-
house Point, the last named on the site now occupied
by the Simons silk mills. He died in 1855, and he
continued his work until two years previous. By his
first wife. Miss Harriet (David), of Stafford, Conn.,
he had seven children : Albert B., deceased ; John
E., a resident of the town of East Windsor; Rans-
ford A., our subject; Harriet, who married Charles
Thomas, and is deceased ; Elmira, who married
William Zimmerman, and died in 1892 ; Eugene,
who died in Broad Brook in 1862; and Leonidas, a
fruit grower in California.
Ransford A. Parker was two years of age when
his parents settled at Warehouse Point, where be
grew to manhood. When only nine years of age
he began working on a farm for his board and
clothes, and at eighteen he bought his time from his
father, paving him $50. In 1846 he began raising
tobacco in the vicinity of Warehouse Point at two-
and one-half cents per pound, and later he cultivated
twenty acres of tobacco near Springfield, Mass., re-
ceiving eight cents a pound for some of his crop. He
then went to the vicinity of Hartford, to the farm of
Solomon Porter, president of the State Bank of
Hartford, and remained one year, and since that time
he has raised tobacco in the neighborhood of Ware-
house Point. At first he rented land for the pur-
pose, but in 1856 he purchased eighteen acres just
across the tovyn line in Enfield township. This he
still owns, and from time to time he has added to
his holdings until now he has about seventy acres,
raises all the way from five to fifteen acres of to-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
999'
bacco yearly. During the winter months he has
turned his attention to buying tobacco, his practical
knowledge making his juagment of value to dealers,
and for thirty-five years he has bought for George
B. Barnes, of Hartford, and for six years for J. H.
Simons, of Warehouse Point. In politics he is a Re-
publican, and he takes a prominent part in religious
work as a member of the Methodist Church at Ware-
house Point, of which he has been a trustee and stew-
ard for forty years. On Oct. 31, 1847, Mr. Parker
married Miss Harriet Johnson, and four children
were born to them : ( i ) William R., a tobacco
grower, resides at Warehouse Point. (2) Harriet
E. married Frank Cooper, and died in 1877. (3)
Miss Georgiana is at home. (4) Henrietta died
when three years old.
Mrs. Parker, who has proved an efficient help-
meet to her husband, is a native of Hereford, Que-
bec, Canada, where her parents resided about twenty
years, moving there soon after their marriage. Dur-
ing Mrs. Parker's childhood they located in Hines-
burg, Vt., where she received an excellent education
in the public and private schools. Her fine mental
gifts were apparent from an early age, and at nine-
teen she began teaching at New Hartford, N. Y. She
also taught in her native town, and in 1845 came to
Warehouse Point, where she first met Mr. Parker,
their marriage occurring two years later. Her
grandfather, Stephen Johnson, a native of South
Vernon, Vt., was a soldier in the Revolutionary
army. Stephen Johnson (2), Mrs. Parker's father,
was born and reared at South Vernon, and married
Miss Lucretia Streeter, of the same town. He died
in 1870, at the age of eighty-two years, and his wife
in 1874, aged seventy-three. They had six children:
Mary A., who married Lewis Hall; Harriet (Mrs.
Parker) ; Stephen, who resides in the town of Ell-
ington, Tolland Co., Conn. ; Elizabeth L., who mar-
ried Marshall Parker, of Springfield, Mass. ; Char-
lotte, who died at the age of fifteen ; and Helen M.,
who became the wife of Frank Remington, of Colo-
rado, and died May 16, 1899.
WILLIAM O. HAYDEN. This favored region
is, above all, fortunate in the quality of its citizenship,
and its present prosperity and hope of progress is
based upon the enterprise, foresight and public spirit
of such men as this well-known agriculturist of
Windsor town. From an early period the Hayden
family has been prominent in that locality, their res-
idence at Flayden's Station dating back to 1640, and
its members iii every generation have maintained the
prestige of the name by their sterling qualities of
character and honorable lives. A comprehensive
genealogy of the family was published in 1888, hav-
ing been compiled by J. H. Hayden, of Windsor
Locks (an uncle of our subject), after years of labor
and research, and therefore we will not attempt to go
into detail as to their settlement in Windsor, but will
simply trace briefly our subject's line of descent from
William Hayden, the progenitor of the family in
America.
(I) William Hayden was born in England, and
came to the New World in 1639. He located in
Windsor in 1 640, and his death occurred Sept. 27,
1669, at Kenilworth, now Clinton, Conn. On Sept.
2, 1885, the "William Hayden Memorial Stone" was
dedicated at Hayden's Station in honor of this pio-
neer, a flint boulder weighing more than two tons
having been prepared with an appropriate inscrip-
tion, his descendants in all parts of the United States
co-operating in the project. He had three children,
Daniel, Nathaniel and Mary.
(II) Lieut. Daniel Hayden (Sept. 2, 1640-
March 22, 1712-13) was the first Hayden born in
Windsor. On March 17, 1664, he married Hannah
Wilcoxson, of Stratford, Conn., who died April 19,
1722, and their children were as follows: Daniel,
Hannah, Nathaniel, William (i), William (2), Sam-
uel, Ebenezer, Mary.
(III) Samuel Hayden, born Feb. 28, 1677-7S,
died at Harwinton, Conn., Oct. 12, 1742, and his
wife, Ann Holcomb, of Windsor, died June 13, 1756.
They had six children: Anna, Samuel, Nathaniel,
Joseph, William and Sarah.
(IV) Nathaniel Hayden, known as "Deacon
Nathaniel," was born June 18, 1709, and died Nov.
14, 1803. In 1737 he married Naomi Gaylord, who
died April 7, 1803, aged eighty-seven. Their chil-
dren were : Ann, Nathaniel, Hezekiah, Levi, Naomi
and Martin.
(V) Levi Hayden, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born May 28, 1747, and died Aug. 4,
1 82 1. In 1772 he married Margaret Strong, who
died May 10, 1812. His second wife was a widow,
Mary Kent, of Suffield. He had nine children, all
by his first marriage: Levi, Ellen, Hezekiah,
Strong, Martin, Clara, Anson, William and Ellen.
(VI) Levi Hayden, grandfather of our subject,
was born July 31, 177^, and died Jan. 30, 1839. On
Oct. 30, 1800, he married Wealthy Haskell, and they
had the following children : Lucinda H., Marv Ann,
Nathaniel, Oliver, Elizabeth Bissel, Jabez Haskell,
Samuel Strong, Hezekiah Sydney, Augustus Henry,
Sarah Nichols and Levi Gaylord.
(VII) Oliver Hayden, our subject's father, was
born Dec. 3, 1807, at cur subject's present home-
stead, and was reared as a farmer boy, receiving
only a common-school education. The Hayden gen-
ealogy says of him: "Inheriting a good physical
constitution, he applied himself diligently to either
farm work or brick making as occasion required,
and after his elder brother fell out by reason of dis-
abilit}' he became (next to his father) the leader of
his younger brothers in work and frolic, both of
which were vigorously and harmoniously pushed.
He early became an advocate of total abstinence
from all intoxicating liquors, and continued in that
practice till his death." After reaching his majority
he spent a year or two in Western New York, then
for several j^ears resided in Windsor Locks, where he
was associated with the men who were prominent
in molding the institutions of the then infant village.
About 1840 he bought one of the Owen farms in
1000
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
East Granby ; he died at Hayden's Station July lo,
1893. and was buried in East Granby.
:sh-. riavden was a supporter of every good work
in the community, and an active and intiuential mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, in which he held
office. Politically he was first a Whig, later a Re-
publican, and for many years he took a prominent
part in local affairs. Hi's integrity was unquestioned,
and as a successful farmer and good business man
he acquired a most comfortable competence. On
Nov. 29, 1837, he married Aliss Jane Owen, of East
Granby, who was born July 5, 1812, the daughter of
George C. Owen, and a descendant of John Owen,
one of the first settlers of Windsor. Six children
were born of this union : ( i ) Sydney H., born Dec.
II, 1838, enlisted in 1862 in Companv B, i6th Conn.
Vol. Inf., was taken prisoner and confined for some
time in Andersonville prison. Later he was trans-
ferred to Florence, S. C, and was offered freedom
if he would take the oath of allegiance to the South,
but he declined. Finally he was exchanged, and after
a visit to his home in East Granby, on furlough, he
again went to the front, but his enfeebled health com-
pelled him to return home, where he died April 4,
1865. He never married. (2) Theodosia, born
Sept 16. 1S40, died Dec. 14, 185 1. (3) Owen, born
Mav 5, 1844, died March 2. 1847. (4) Catharine J.,
born April 22, 1846, married Charles H. Clark, and
died April 16, 1872, leaving no chddrcn. (5) Miss
Abby L., born April 30, 1849, resides with our sub-
ject. (6) William O., our subject. The mother died
Oct. 20, 1S93, and the remains of both parents are
interred in the cemetery at East Granby.
(Vni) William 0. Hayden was born Feb. 12,
1852, in East Granby, and his education was begun
in the schools of District No. i, of that town, ?^Iiss
Margaret Bates, jNIiss barah Alderman and 2\liss
Mary Griswold being among his early teachers. Fie
also attended a select school in East Granby, taught
by a Mr. Folsom from Dartmouth College, and
later he studied for a time at W' ilbraham College, his
vacations being spent in assisting his father at the
farm. After his marriage he continued to reside
with his father, the house having been especiallv ar-
ranged to accommodate two families, but in x-Vpril,
1893, he removea to his present home at Hayden's
Station, known as the "Levi Hayden Farm." It is a
fine estate and one of the historic places of the town,
the house, which is in an excellent state of preserva-
tion, having been built in 1737. Isir. Hayclen is ex-
tensively engaged in raising tobacco in addition to
general farming, and also wholesales large quantities
of milk from his dairy. He gives personal attention
to the management of the place and many improve-
ments have been made under his direction, the most
notable one being a dam in the brook near his house,
from which he gets a supply of ice for family use,
and pumps water for all his buildings by means of a
hydraulic pump. His sound business judgment and
well-proven integritv have won the confidence of his
fellow-citizens, and he is frequently chosen to act as
guardian and trustee for others. While thoroughly
progressive in his ideas he is of a quiet disposition,
and does not aspire to public life, the only offices
ever held by him having been those of assessor of
East Granby town and school commissioner (many
times). His first Presidential vote was cast for
liayes and Wheeler, and since boyhood he has been
an ardent Republican. His wealth enables him to
give effective aid to any movement which promises
to benefit the community, and he recently donated
the land for the A. M. E. Church at Hayden's Sta-
tion. JNlr. Hayden while not a member of that
church has served as one of its officers, for several
years was on the Church committee, and served as
collector.
On Jan. i, 1878, Mr. Hayden was married, in
East Granby, to ]\lis3 Katherine M. Mills, who was
bom April 7, i860, daughter of Gustavus and Sarah
( Whitmore) Mills, highly esteemed residents of this
county. Three bright and promising sons have been
liorn to them : Haskell A., now a clerk in Flart-
ford ; Owen W. ; and Oliver. The family is prom-
inent socially, and i\irs. Hayden is a leader in relig-
ious and philanthropic enterprises in her locality, be-
ing an active member of the Congregational Church.
HILLS BROTHERS. Success in any line of
effort is not won without strenuous endeavor, and
if one were to searcii for the secret of the marked
prosperity of this well-known firm of agriculturists
and stock raisers, the answer would be found in
their untiring attention to the details of their work.
As stock men they have few equals and no su-
periors in the L^nited States, and here is seen the
result of the most scrupulous application of scien-
tific methods of breeding, combined with generous
yet judicious feeding, and a kindly sympathetic at-
tention to the wants of all animals under their care.
Their fine estate of one hundred acres near Hay-
den's Station is admirably adapted to this busi-
ness, iBodern buildings supplementing the natural
advantages, and stock raised there has frequently
been found to surpass the best of the far-famed
products of the "Blue Grass Region," and from
time to time has been exhibited throughout the
country, receiving extensive notices in the stock
journals. A yoke of six-year-old oxen weighing
4,600 were the especial pride of the firm, but other
noted specimens of their raising in the past include
two. famous grade Durham cows that weighed 2,500
and 3,000 at six years ; the latter, which brought an
enormous price, was placed on exhibition in all
parts of the United States. As citizens Henry and
Stephen Hills are noted for the same progressive
spirit that has brought them their high reputation
in the business world, and no local enterprise prom-
ising benefit to the public is allowed to fail for the
want of their co-operation and support. They have
done much to secure good roads in their locality,
and to their influence is largely due the establish-
ment of a depot at Hayden's Station, the land for
the side track having been donated by them. A
STEPHEH HILLS
HEHRY W. HILLS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1001
few years ago Stephen Hills started a subscription
for the purpose of improving the old Palisade cem-
etery at Windsor, where interments were made as
early as 1633, and by his personal efforts he suc-
ceeded in collecting $9,000. With this the once
neglected spot was made a beautiful and attractive
place under the care of the First School Society,
of which Mr. Hills is still a leading member. In
fact, to mention the enterprises in which the broth-
ers have assisted would be to make a list of all the
public measures undertaken in their locality since
they came to the years of discretion.
The Hills family originated near Shanklin, in
the Isle of 'Wight, and the name was formerly
spelled Hill. Members of the family came to this
country at an early day, locating at East Hart-
ford. The first to settle at Windsor was the grand-
father of tne brothers, Capt. Stephen Hills, a na-
tive of East Hartford, born Oct. 11, 1750, who be-
came the owner of a large tract of land at Windsor,
where his remaining years were spent. His wife,
j\label (Woodbridgej, who was born Feb. 18, 1750,
was a member of an old and aristocratic family
of this section. This worthy pioneer couple had
twelve children (five sons and seven daughters),
among tliem being Henry Woodbridge Hills and
Stephen Hills, of New York, noted cotton mer-
chants of their aay. Another of the sons, Heze-
kiah, was the first to settle at the present farm.
Hezekiah Hills, the father of the members of
the present firm of Hdls Brothers, was born May
12, 1789, in the town of Manchester, Hartford
county, the seventh child and the second son in
the family. Owing to the changes of residence made
by his parents his schooling was obtained in dif-
ferent places, but notwithstanding nis meager ad-
vantages he showed much mental ability, and ex-
celled in mathematics. Having been reared to farm
work, he gave his attention to agriculture in ma-
ture life, spending many years in the care of the
present homestead, which came into his possession
soon after its purchase by his brother. He was
an excellent manager, always obtaining good re-
sults, but as he suffered from rheumatism for many
years previous to his death he retained only a gen-
eral oversight of the estate. His sterling qualities
of character won him the respect of all who knew
him, and his death, which occurred July 26, 1856,
M'as sincerely lamented in the community. His es-
timable wife, Esther (Drake), died Jan. 6, 1878,
and the remains of both now rest in the old cem-
etery at Windsor. Mrs. Esther (Drake) Hills was
born in Windsor July 26, 1795, the daughter of
Lemuel and Esther (Burnham) Drake, and belonged
to a pioneer family of that locality. Her ancestors
came originally from England, the line of descent
being traced through to Sir Francis Drake. Her
early educational privileges were better than was
usual at that time, and when but a girl she taught
school successfully in District No. i, town of Wind-
sor, while looking after the welfare of a numerous
family of sisters and brothers, her mother having
died some years before. Possessing rare mental
ability and a strong constitution, she was one woman
in a thousand, and her remarkable faculties remained
unimpaired until the last, notwithstanding a life of
incessant industry. While she and her husband
were not church members they were deeply relig-
ious, and the evidences of their faith were seen in
their daily life. The old custom of beginning the
Sabbath at 6 p. m. on Saturday and ending it at 6
p. M. on Sunday was strictly observed in their home.
They had three children : Henry W., Stephen and
Eliza Woodbridge, all of whom reside at the old
homestead.
Miss Eliza Woodbridge Hills is greatly beloved
for her kindness of heart, which she manifests in
generous deeds. As a devout member of the Epis-
copal Church, she has contributed liberally to its
work, but her benefactions are by no means re-
stricted to that channel. During her youth she spent
much of her time in New York City, and, in spite of
delicate health, she took a prominent part in the best
social circles. Her tastes are decidedly artistic and
literary, her conversation showing an intimate ac-
quaintance with the great works of the masters in
both lines, and her wide culture and her alert inter-
est in all that pertains to intellectual growth make
her companionship valued among a refined and select
group of friends.
Henry W. and Stephen Hills were born and
reared at their present homestead, and their educa-
tion was begun in the old school in District No. 6,
of Windsor, then considered the best in the town.
Later they attended Windsor Academy, but their
father's failing health compelled them to turn their
energies to the work of the farm when they might
otherwise have been in school. As their father was
extensively engaged in tobacco growing, in which
line he was a pioneer in his town, they were early
instructed in the best methods of dealing with that
crop, and they have continued to made it a specialty
up to the present time, meeting with their usual suc-
cess. Their farm is a model of neatness and sys-
tem, and they keep a large dairy, the product being
disposed of at wholesale. The house, which was
erected in 1800, is comfortable, and is an attractive
specimen of the old style of architecture, having
been one of the first in the town to be built with its
gable end to the street. In State and National poli-
tics both brothers are stanch Republicans, but in
local elections they vote for the men and measures
which they deem best for the people. Although
their public spirit, sound judgment and well-proved
integrity have caused them to be frequently men-
tioned for office they have always avoided the politi-
cal arena, both preferring the activities of private life.
HENRY ARASTUS SHELDON, one of West
Suffield's respected citizens and prominent agricul-
turists and fobacco growers, is a native of Connect!-
1002
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cut, having been born July i, 1850, in West Suf-
field.
The Sheldon family is one of the oldest in the
State, and descended from a Colonial family of Eng-
lish origin, that came from that rart of the Comity
of Essex nearest London. Isaac Sheldon, an ances-
tor of our subject, was born in Windsor, Hartford
Co., Conn., in 1629, and when a young man removed
to Northampton, i^Iass., engaged in farming, and
there married ^lary Woodford, later bringing his
family to what is now known as Suffield, Conn.,
where he passed the remainder of his life. His son,
Jonathan, was born May 29, 1689, settled in West
Suffield, built a fine dwelling on his large estate,
and was well known as Captain Jonathan Sheldon,
as he was in command of a company of militia. The
dvv-elling is still standing, and is now owned by
Charles L. Austin. On Dec. 30, 170S, Capt. Sheldon
married INIary Southwell, and their tlaughter, Mary,
was married to the Rev. Jonathan Judd, an inmate
of the Captain's house, while on probation as a minis-
ter of the Congregational Church at West Suffield.
Another daughter. Silence, became the first wife of
Rev. John Graham, who for forty years was a min-
ister of the same church in West Suffield, and to
this marriage were born ten children. After the
death of his first wife. Rev. Graham married Widow
Smith, whose maiden name was Deborah King, and
she bore him seven children, the voungest of whom
was Dr. Sylvester Graham, a well-known Presbyte-
rian divine, elocutionist and vegetarian, and whose
name is well-Known thoughout the world as the
originator of the bread and flour which bear his
name.
Jonathan Sheldon, a son of th.- Captain, was born
in 171 1, on the old homestead, and all his life was
engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He married
Sarah Kent, and died on his farm Feb. 12, 1761, six
years before the death of his father. In religion he
was a Congregationalist, while his wife was a Bap-
tist, but the remains of both were interred in the
same grave in the West Suffield cemetery. Their
son, Jonathan, was born on the homestead' Dec. 28,
1737, and passed all his mature life on the farm now
owned by Hezekiah S. Sheldon. He married Abi-
gail Loomis in 1762, and they had six children:
Jonathan, Nov. 29, 1763; Gad, Feb. 28, 1765; Oba-
diah, Oct. 23, 1766; Jared, Oct. 23, 1768; Arastus,
Oct. 29, 1770 ; and Abigail, Oct. 3, 1772. The father
of this family died on his farm Feo. 10, 1814, a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church and a sincere
Christian.
Hon. Arastus Sheloon, the grandfather of our
subject, was educated in the district schools of his
town, settled down to farming on the old homestead,
on which he made many improvements, and there
passed the remainder of his life. He was an ad-
herent of the political principles of Thomas Jeiifer-
son and became a representative in the State Legis-
lature. He married Eunice King, Nov. 16, 1796,
and nine children were born to the marriage : James,
March 17, 1798; Obadiah Loomis, May 24, 1800;
Horace, Sept. 21, 1802; Jared, Sept. 23, 1804; Gad,
Dec. 30, 1806; Francis (father of our subject), Feb.
4, 1809; Julia Ann, Jan. 14, 181 1 (she liecame the
wife of Jared Smith, of Massachusetts) ; Alfred J.,
Jan. 18, 1813; and Eliza A., Feb. 24, 1816 (who
married Sylvester Pomeroy). The mother of these
children passed away Feb. 20, 1830, the father on
JMarch 27, 1840, and the remains of both lie at rest
in the West Suffield cemetery.
Francis Sheldon, fatlier of our subject, was born
on the old homestead in West Suffield, where he
grew to manhood. He settled on a part of the home-
stead, on a tract of 200 acres, whereon he built a
fine dwelling-house, barns, etc., besides otherwise
greatly improving the property. He spent his entire
life in West Suffield, dying there Dec. 15, 1876, and
was buried in West Suffield cemetery. .\.s a Demo-
crat of the old school he was prominent in public
afi'airs. and at one time served in the State Legisla-
ture, also as selectman of his town, and in other local
offices.
Mr. Sheldon was twice married, first time to
Cornelia Pomeroy, and she bore him one child, Cor-
nelia, who became the wife of Clinton H. Nelson,
and died Nov. 13, i865. Mrs. Cornelius Sheldon
died, April 24, 1837, and lies buried in West Suf-
field cemetery. For his second wife Francis Sheldon
wedded Sophia Pomeroy, and three chiMren blessed
this union: Andrew, who died May 19, 1874; Em-
ily J., wife of William F. Baldwm, of Flartford,
Conn., and Henry A., the subject proper of this
sketch. The mother of this family died March 29,
1894, and her remains were interred in West Suf-
field cemetery.
Henry A. Sheldon, whose name introduces this
sketch, attended the public schools of Suffield, also
the Connecticut Literary Institute, and was reared
to agricultural pursuits on the home farm. After
the death of his father he took charge of the home-
stead, comprising a tract of 150 acres of fine land,
and has since operated it successfully. He has made
extensive improvements thereon, and engaged in
tobacco growing, stock raising and dealing, also in
dairying — in fact he is to-day one of the most exten-
sive general farmers in West Suffield.
On Oct. 20, 1880, in the town of Granby, Henry
A. Sheldon was united in marriage with Mary A.
Rice, who was born in Granby, a daughter of Levi
Rice, and three children were born of this union;
Francis H., born Sept. 5, 1881 ; Louise S., May 29,
1885 ; and Alice E., July 16, 1893. In politics Mr.
Sheldon is a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party, and has served his town and county in various
offices of trust, silch as selectman of Suffield and
member of the school committee and the board of re-
lief. He is widely and favorably known in the coun-
ty, and justly merits the respect and regard accorded
him by his fellow citizens.
CHARLES P. MERWIN. The story of this
gentleman's life is a record of wholly honorable at-
tainment. In these latter days, when what we call
xZ^.^c^^.a^. t^,^ . ci:>r'2<_^e^-i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lOOS
success is so generally won by devious ways of dis-
honesty, cunning and brutal selfishness, that strides
rough-shod to fortune over the wrecks of others'
lives, it is a grateful task to tell of one who set his
mark high, and, following hand in hand with honor,
reached his goal, leaving for those who knew and
loved him a fragrant memory.
Such of the records of Mr. Merwin's ancestors
as the writer has at hand are as follows : William
Arnold in 1639 settled in Providence Plantation, and
his son Benedict was governor of Rhode Island for
a term of eight years. Gov. Arnold married Dama-
rius, daughter of Stickney Westcott, one of the
close and faithful friends of Roger Williams who
joined that intrepid and broad-minded leader in his
protest against the prevailing narrowness of the
Puritans of that time in the Old Colony of Massa-
chusetts, and followed with the liberal few to the
shores of Narragansett Bay, to live and thrive under
a banner whose emblems were ''Equality" and "Un-
selfishness." A granddaughter of this Colonial gov-
ernor married Thomas Tibbals, of Milford, whose
son Ambrose Tibbals married Dorothy Thompson.
a granddaughter of Thomas Welles, who was dep-
uty-governor of Connecticut four years, and gov-
ernor in 1655 and 1658. It was from this union,
after several generations had intervened, that the
father of our subject was descended.
Marcus Merwin, at the time of the birth of his
son Charles, lived in West Haven, Conn., and soon
afterward moved to Norfolk, Va., where he was in
business for a few years. Then returning North,
he permanently settled on that portion of the Mer-
win estate at that time known as Merwin's Point,
now, however, transformed into one of the most
charming summer cities by the sea, called Wood-
mont.
When eighteen years of age, after an education
sufficiently complete, Charles P. Merwin went to
New Haven, and was employed by one of the lead-
ing wholesale grocery houses, after a few years of
diligent service becoming a partner in the firm. He
was married in 1870, and had four sons. On ac-
count of poor health he sold his business in New
Haven and bought out a brick business in Berlin ;
to this he brought his indomitable energy, making a
success, his yard being second to none in New Eng-
land. He died in October, 1893, leaving a wife and
three sons, the oldest of whom, R. Clifford Merwin,
a Yale graduate, is now president of the C. P. Mer-
win Brick Co.
CFIARLES DICKINSON. The Dickinson
family has been long prominent in the history of
Connecticut. The first progenitor in this State was
Nathaniel, who settled at Wethersfield, in 1637, be-
ing one of the first inhabitants of that place. He was
a man of more than ordinary local prominence, hav-
ing served as town clerk and representative in the
General Assembly in 1646 and 1656. From Wethers-
field he removed to Hadley, Mass., where he died.
The great-grandfather of Charles Dickinson was
named William. He was a resident of Southington,
where he carried on the business of a tinner. He
was the father of four children, Daniel D., Asher,
Sarah and Julia.
Daniel Dickinson, the grandfather of Charles,
was a farmer, who owned considerable real estate
and was regarded throughout his life as a thrifty and
prosperous citizen. His distinctive characteristic,
outside of his integrity, was his pride, he enjoying
the reputation of being the proudest man in the en-
tire county. He was an extensive grower of fruit,
particularly of apples, and a manufacturer of cider in
large quantities. The latter product he marketed at
New Orleans, obtaining therefor an average price
of ten dollars per barrel. In the process of manu-
facture he was strictly conscientious, frequently
sending his son, Rollin, to Middletown, to purchase
sweet apples, in order that the due proportion of
sweet and acid juice might be honestly preserved.
His scrupulousness in this regard afforded an index
to his entire moral character, and his consistent
character and life as a member of the Congrega-
tional Church of Southington was never called in
c[uestion.
Rollin Dickinson, the father of Charles, was
reared upon his father's farm, and attended the dis-
trict schools which were nearest the place of his-
birth. He was a man of far more than ordinary
abilitv, and endowed with a singular gift for pulpit
oratory. He was a peddler by occupation, and while
engaged in the prosecution of liis trade was accus-
tomed to speak, from Sunday to Sunday, in every
school house where opportunity was offered, and
'wherever he was known he was much beloved, being"
a man whose personal magnetism made itself every-
where felt. He was the first inventor of the lucifer
match, his device necessitating the dropping of a
stick tipped with brimstone into a bottle of liquid
phosphorus. As a matter of course, the user found
it necessary to buy not only the sticks, but also the
phosphoric acid. Perceiving the inherent defects-
of his device as readily as did those who used it, Mr.
Dickinson employed a young man by the mane of
Morton Judd (afterward Deacon Morton Judd, of
Wallingford) to go to New York, to learn the art of
match-making as it was then carried on by the best
manufacturers. How much he may have learned
through the report of his representative cannot be
easily told, but it is certain that he subsequently en-
gaged in the manufacture of matches at Southing-
ton, where he turned out a fairly good match for the
period. Later, he engaged in the manufacture of
four-wheeled wagons, and he is said to have been
the pioneer in this branch of mechanical industry in
the State. He is known as the founder of Plants-
ville, where he established a factory for the manu-
facture of brass and iron shovels and tongs. The
beginning was of the most modest description, but
through judicious management, and after several
changes of hands, it developed into the present ex-
tensive plant of Wightman, Dickinson, Judd & Co.
1004
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In addition to his business as a manufacturer Mr.
Dickinson for many years conducted a store at
Soutiiington, in whicn his son, Charles, first obtained
his experience as a druggist. The father, although
not a pharmacist, conducted a dispensary, which he
sold in 1817. In his religious faith and observance
he was a strict puritan, being particularly noted for
the strictness with which he observed the Sabbath.
His religious connection was with tiie Uajitist denom-
ination, and he died in that faith in 1842. He was.
public-spirited and influential, ana his death was re-
garded as a cause for public regret. Mr. Dickinson
married Alarilla Judd. daughter of John Judd, of
New Britain, anu the issue of their union was four
children: ^largaret. born in 1824, married to Sam-
uel Upson, of Soutiiington ; Charles ; Judson D.,
born in iS3i.who served in the Civil war, and died in
1867; and Jane AI., born in 1836, wlio married John
Cook, lived in Winsted, and died in the year 1872.
After Mr. Dickinson's death his widow married Gil-
man Hinsdale, who contlucted an express business
between New Britain and Hartford.
Charles Dickinson, whose name opens this arti-
cle, was tern in Soutiiington, on Sept. 8, 1826. His
educational advantages were sucli as were incident
to the times. He attended the district school, and
as soon as he was aole began work upon a farm.
His father was anxious that he should receive a bet-
ter training, sending him for a year to an academy,
and offering him an opportunity to attend college,
but young Dickinson preferred an active life to the
seclusion more or less inevitable to that of a student.
A year after he had left school the father sold his
farm, and in 1844 Charles came to New Britain,
where he entered the employ of M. & O. S. Judd,
house builders. He continued in their employ for
several years, when he oegan work for the Russell
& Erwin Co., with whom he remained for two or
three years, never losing an opportunity to work
during extra hours, thus gaining money for over-
time. Upon the building of the Hartford & Provi-
dence railroad the company engaged him as consta-
ble, to repress the disorder incident to the con-
struction of the line. This position he filled for some
four years, and for two years was collector of school
taxes. In 1857 he purchased the interest of Mr.
Hale in the firm of Hale & Dickinson, which had
been formed in 1852, with the intention of buying
out Hubbard & Kellogg. After various changes in
title and mutations in interests, the firm name be-
came C. & J. Dickinson, Charles having admitted
into partnership his brother, who had served with
distinction during the Civil war. The partnership
between the brothers continued until the death of the
junior member of the firm, since which time Charles
Dickinson has conducted the business alone. He is
the oldest druggist in business in New Britain, and,
v\"ith one exception, the oldest in the countv. His
success is lareelv attributable to the scrupulous hon-
esty with which he has conducted his business — it
being radically opposed to his principles to carry
any other than fresh drugs.
j\[r. Dickinson is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. In politics he was originally a Whig,
and since the organization of the Republican party
he has allied himself with that body. For two years
he was a member of the common council of New
Britain, serving as chairman of the committee on
Streets. He is a member of Harmony Lodge No.
20, A. F. & A. M. Our subject married Anna Maria
Hayes, of East \Vindsor, a daughter of Solomon
Hayes, and two daughters (twins) have been born
to them, Fannie Louisa and Anna Maria. Anna Ma-
ria died in infancy, in December, 1850; Fannie Lou-
isa married F. H. Alford.
JOHN W. PURTILL, the well-known paper
manufacturer of South Glastonbury, has been very
successful in business, and, as a result of his ener-
getic and progressive methods, has built up a flour-
ishing village in the community.
The subject of our sketch was born Feb. 4, 1847,
and, like many others of our liberty-loving citizens,
comes from the land of the oppressed, Ireland ; he
landed on the shores of the New World when little
over one year old. His parents first settled in the
beautiful town of Wapping, Conn., where the first
eight years of his life in the New World were spent.
In 1858 the family moved to Manchester, and here
our subject spent twenty-eight years in education
and preparation for the different positions he so ac-
ceptably filled in after life. At Alanchester he at-
tended the district schools, and after leaving them
spent one year in St. Bonaventura College. On re-
turning home he found employment in the Union
Mills, Manchester, as mule spinner, and after two
years spent in this preparatory work accepted a po-
sition with the Mutual Manufacturing Co., in their
cotton mills, as second liand in their spinning room,
and by strict attention to the business of his em-
ployers he rose by successive steps to overseer of
both spinning and carding, and later became super-
intendent of the entire works.
In 1882 the Manchester Warp & Yarn Co. was
organized, with the subject of our sketch as agent
and manager, Mr. Purtill continuing in this posi-
tion until 1886, when an opportunity presented
itself, in Glastonbury, for him to occupy a larger
field. He bought the extensive cotton mills known
as the "Wasuc Mills," and removing to Glastonbury
has since cast in his lot with this enterprising com-
munity. By remodeling the mills to harmonize with
modern ideas, and by adding very largely of new
machinery, the plant was put in condition to manu-
facture specialties in cottons, which found a ready
market, and the mills were run very successfully un-
til November, 1888, when they were entirely de-
stroyed by fire. After the fire Mr. Purtill trav-
eled through the South for six months, investigat-
ing the availability of that section as a cotton manu-
facturing center, and, while impressed with the many
advantages which the South offered to wide-awake
men from the North in this new field, then just
i
KjyOt/iyClJC-A^
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1005
Dpening, did not think best to sunder business ties,
md leave associations that had been so dear to him
for so many years, and so concluded to still con-
linue business at the old stand. In 1889 the pres-
ent paper mills were erected, and they have been
Dperated very successfully up to the present time.
In 1886 Mr. Purtill was married to Catherine
Grace Moroney, of Hillstown, and to this union six
:hildren have been born: Willie, Grade, Francis,
Eddie, Leo and Agnes.
WILLIAM R. BEST was one of the well-
known founders of the Best Manufacturing Co., of
Windsor. He, was born in Durham, England, April
16, 1836, a son of Robert and Sarah (Robinson)
Best.
The father who was a paper maker in England,
resolving to try his fortune in America, took passage
in 1845 on a sailing vessel at Liverpool, for America,
landing at New York after a voyage of four weeks
and three days. The following year he was joined
by his wife and four children. He found employ-
ment in the Congress Mill at Rainbow, Conn., and
the family first located at that place. Later they re-
moved to Poquonock, where he was employed as
superintendent of a paper-mill, later leasing the Con-
gress Mill at Rainbow from William H. Imley for
five years ; but after operating it for two years, he
sold the lease to Mr. Imley, by whom he was re-
tained as superintendent for some time. After the
failure of that gentleman in 1857, Mr. Best left
Rainbow and went to Windsor Locks, where he
leased a paper-mill, which burned down a few
months later. Being thus unemployed, he one day
strolled into Holbrook's factory, where globes and
such school appliances were made. The globes were
then made of wood and required much work. He
conceived the idea of making them from pasteboard,
and was the first to manufacture that style of globes
for school purposes. For some time he was in the
employ of Mr. Holbrook, and then went to Westfield,
Mass., where he worked in the Chaflin mill. Subse-
quently he started a new mill at West Springfield,
Mass., and had charge of the department for pre-
paring the rags for paper for some years, remain-
ing there until old age necessitated his retirement.
In early life he predicted the possibility of making
paper from anything that had fibre, and his whole
life was devoted to the art of paper making, being-
engaged in its manufacture before machines were
used.
Being a skilled mechanic, a good workman, and
reliable in all things, Mr. Best was seldom out of a
position. He assisted in building the Congrega-
tional church at Poquonock, helped to buy their or-
gan, and always rented a pew in that church. In
politics he was a stanch Republican. He died in
October, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years,
and the mother of our subject departed this life in
1846, just two weeks after her arrival in America.
By this union there were four children, William R.
being the eldest. (2) John enlisted during the Civil
war in the 19th Conn. V. I., from Norwich, and was
killed at Fort Steadman, near Petersburg; he left a
widow and two children. (3) Robert enlisted at
West Springfield, Mass., in the loth Mass. V. I.,
and was twice wounded, first at Fair Oaks, when he
was sent to the hospital at Baltimore, Md., and later
during the battle of the Wilderness. While serving
as color sergeant he was taken prisoner, and for
some time was confined in Libby prison and, later,
in Andersonville, but on the approach of Gen. Sher-
man's army, he, with others, was taken away and
sent to Florence, S. C, where he died from starva-
tion and cruelty. (4) Sarah is now the wife of Al-
vin Foster, of Springfield, Mass. For his second
wife Robert Best married a Miss Simmons, a na-
tive of England, and^to them were born two chil-
dren: (i) Joseph, who died at the age of twenty-
one years; (2) a daughter, who died at the age of
three months, and at whose birth the mother died.
The third and last wife was Jane Hemmingway, of
Tariffville, Conn., who was also a native of England,
and by her he had three children: George, a resi-
dent of Orange, Mass. ; Edwin, a resident of West
Springfield, Mass. ; and Mary, now Mrs. Crozier, of
West Springfield.
William R. Best began his education in England,
and to a limited extent attended the district schools
of Hartford county after his emigration to America.
As a boy he was employed in the paper mills, with
which he was connected until nineteen years of age,
when he learned the cigar maker's trade at Poquo-
nock under Mr. Hungerford, serving a three-years
apprenticeship. Soon afterward, however, he re-
turned to the paper-mill, and for some time alter-
nated the occupations of cigar and paper making. In
1858 he went to New Haven, where he worked as a
cigar maker for Burton Warner until his enlistment
in the Union service during the Civil war. In Octo-
ber, 1862, he joined Company A, 27th Conn. V. I.,
as a private, and his first engagement was at Fred-
ericksburg. He participated in all of the battles
and skirmishes in which the regiment took part until
he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellors-
ville, May 3, 1863. He was first sent to Libby prison,
Richmond, Va., and later to Belle Isle, where he
remained two weeks, and was then paroled, being-
sent to the parole camp at Annapolis. He rejoined
his regiment at Washington, D. C, while they were
on their way home, their term of service having ex-
pired. He was honorably discharged July 27, 1863,
and returned to New Haven, Conn., where he re-
mained until coming to Windsor early in the year
1865. Here he first worked for Samuel Case in the
cigar business, but in 1870 assisted in organizing a
stock company, known as the Best Manufacturing
Co., which is still in active business. At one time
they employed a large number of men and made
millions of cigars annually.
Mr. Best was united in marriage with Miss
Helen Holcomb.a native of Windsor and a daughter
of Elihu and Marian (Phelps) Holcomb, whose
sketch appears elsewhere. One child was born of
1006
COMMEMOR'ATH^'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this union : Augusta M., now the wife of Ralph C.
]-'icl<ering, of Windsor. Mr. and Mrs. Best occupy
a comfortable home on Pleasant street, Windsor,
wnich was erected by our subject. A man of high
character and undoubted integrity, the success that
he has achieved in life is certainly well deserved,
and he justly merits the* confidence and respect so
freely accorded him by his fellow citizens. Politi-
cally'he is a stanch Republican ; sociallv he is a mem-
ber'of Robert Tyler Post, G. A. R., of Hartford.
SHELDON J. GRANT. This veteran of the
Civil war, for whom meritorious service in the field
won a captain's commission, and who actively par-
ticipated throughout the four-years' conflict, _has
been a prominent citizen of the town of South \Mnd-
sor through the greater part of his long and event-
ful career.
:\lr. Grant was born in the present residence of
the Hackett family, Nov. 13, 1829, at Wapping, in
South Windsor, the birthplace of every Grant in his
line of descent from Tahan Grant, Jr. He is of the
eighth generation in descent from Matthew Grant,
who sailed from Plymouth, England, in the ship
"Marv and John" in 1630, and settled first in Dor-
chester, afterward coming overland with Capt. Ma-
son in October, 1635. He finally settled in what is
now Windsor. His lot was in the PaHsado, and his
house on the site of what is now the Hill school
house. His sons, Samuel and Tahan, came across
the river and took up a tract of fertile land in what
is now East Windsor Hill, Tahan being the ancestor
in the second generation of the subject of this
sketch. From Sanniel, Sr., Ulysses S. Grant was de-
scended through his son Noah, grandson Noah,
great-grandson of the same name, and the general's
father, Jesse R. Sheldon J. Grant is descended in the
following line from the emigrant ancestor Matthew :
(i) Matthew, (2) Tahan, (3) Tahan, Jr., (4)
Thomas, (5) Samuel Rockwell, (6) Gustavus. {7)
Hiram, (8) Sheldon J.
Our subject is connected by marriages during
these generations with most of the Old Windsor
and many of the Hartford families. Among his
direct ancestors are William Wadsworth, father of
Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, who hid the Colonial char-
ter in the Charter Oak ; John Webster, who was gov-
ernor of the Colony in 1656; John Porter, who
traced his ancestry back to the time of Norman in-
vasion of England. On his mother's side he is de-
scended from Gov. Tbeopilus Eaton, first governor
of the New Haven Colony. In the war of the Rev-
olution five of his ancestors were engaged, one of
whom, Capt. Matthew Grant, responded to the "Lex-
ington alarm," and another, Joseph Hosmer, was or-
derly to Gen. Montgomery, on the Quebec expedi-
tion ; a third, William Avery Morgan, was a ser-
geant at Bunker Hill.
Hiram Grant, father of our subject, married Mi-
riam Hosmer, who died in 1830, when Sheldon J.
was a boy, and for a time he lived with his grand-
father, a resident of Wapping. When his father
married a second time, however, he returned home,
and there remained until he was twenty-one vears of
age, receiving a good common-school education and
assisting in the work of the farm.
When he reached his majority Mr. Grant began
the manufacture of cigars, and that business he con-
tinued successfully for more than ten years, or until
the Civil war brought intense excitement and
aroused an exalted patriotism througnout the North.
At the first flush of the coming struggle Mr. Grant
did not enust, but when it became evident that a
serious war was before the country he closed his
business and arranged to go to the front. He en-
listed, in Septembei:, 1861, in Company H, 12th
Conn. V. I., which he helped to form, and mustered
in at Hartford as a sergeant. The regiment joined
the army of Gen. Banks, in service at New Orleans.
\Miile there Sergt. Grant was detailed for about six
n;onths as assistant superintendent of the contraband
department, v.'hich lookeu after the colored refugees,
about 30,000 of the former slaves being provided
for by this department. Following the capture of
New Orleans, Sergt. Grant, after the important
work performed in this department, was tendered
and accepted a commission as captain of Company
C. 99th Regiment United States Colored Troops. He
was with his company and regiment in Gen. Banks'
Red River Campaign, participated in the battle of
Pleasant Hill and other minor engagements, and
his regiment assisted in the construction of the dam
across the Red river. He was at the engagement
of Fort Butler, which began at eight o'clock in the
evening and lasted until four o'clock the next morn-
ing. After the Banks campaign had ended, Capt.
Grant was assigned with his regiment to Fort Jef-
ferson, and thence, in December, 1864, was as-
signed to the island of Key W'est. A month later
his company and regiment, together with six com-
panies of the Second U. S. Colored Troops, went on
a campaign through Florida. In a skirmish at Nat-
ural Bridge, Plorida, he was wounded in the head
by a minie ball, and was sent to a hospital at Key
West ; he had been there about six weeks when he
was placed aboard a gunboat destined to Fortress
Monroe, and was on his way home on a thirt3'-days
furlough when Lee surrendered.
Receiving his discharge, our subject returned to
his paternal home. His father died in 1866, and the
Captain remained on the farm with his mother until
his .marriage, in 1867, to Miss Harriet K. Morgan.
The same year he moved to the farm in South Wind-
sor, where he has lived ever since, owning sixty-
eight acres of land, and carrying on tobacco grow-
ing extensivelv. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant have been
born six children: Ralph M., an attorney at law;
Minnie, wife of Everett Scott, principal of the Mel-
rose high school ; Carrie L., at home ; Arthur S., a
student at Wesleyan University ; Mary H. and Clar-
ence S., deceased.
Capt. Grant was elected a representative to the
State Legislature for 1879 and 1880. He is a Re-
publican in politics, and for many years has been
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1007
active in the local councils of his party, for more
'than twenty years serving as registrar of voters. For
Hie past two years he has been acting school visitor.
In church work Capt. Grant has been active, hav-
ino- been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episco-
pat Church, and for over thirty years leader of the
■church choir. Since 1867 he has filled the office of
Ichurch trustee. He has also been a prominent Sun-
'day-school worker, having been superintendent for
manv years. Capt. Grant is a leading member of
Robert Tyler Post, G. A. R., and ranks as one of
the most prominent and public-spirited men of South
Windsor.
OWEN R: HAVENS is a characteristic repre-
sentative of the intelligent farming class which dis-
tinguishes Hartford county, a man whose energy
and practical gifts have brought hmi success in his
chosen calling, and, united to his mental capabilities,
have also made him prominent as a leader in the
wider interests of pubhc life.
The Havens family has long been identified with
Hartford county, of which our subject's great-
grandfather, Thomas Havens, was a native, born m
Wethersfield. He married Lucinda Adams, of that
place. William W. Havens, the grandfather, was
also born in Wethersfield, and married Mary Water-
bury, of Waterbury, Conn., by whom he had eight
children, five sons and three daughters: William,
John, Simeon, Thomas, Ebenezer G., Irene, Mary
and Hulda.
Ebenezer G. Havens was born in Wethersfield,
receiving his education in the common schools, and
in his native place married Melvine M. Ruick, of
Granby, Conn., by whom he had two children : Owen
R. and Nellie M.. the latter, who has not married, a
trained nurse in Brooklyn, N. Y. The mother dying
in 1861, the father subsequently wedded Jennie Mar-
tin, and to that union were also Dorn two children:
Leila and William. Mr. Havens was a stanch Re-
publican in political sentiment, though he took no
active part in party afl:airs. His religious connection
was with the Congregational Church. He passed
away in February, 1899.
Owen R. Havens was born Aug. 23, 1856, in
Wethersfield. He was reared to farm life, remain-
i ing at home until he reached the age of twenty, and
attended the schools of Wethersfield and Rocky Hill,
acquiring a good, practical education. Commencing
life on his own account, he embarked in the butcher
business in New Hartford, Conn., continuing same
some twenty months, at the end of which time he
, sold out. For a number of years thereafter he was
engaged on the farm with his father during the
summer season, and in the winter sold seed, travel-
ing through the States of New York, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts
and Connecticut during the nine seasons he followed
that business — five with Comstock & Ferry and four
\ with Johnson. Robinson & Co. Having decided to
settle down to agricultural pursuits, Mr. Havens
purchased the fa:rm in the town of Rocky Hill where
he has since resided, and which is now in a fine state
of cultivation. He has devoted his land to general
crops, principally hay and cereals, has bought and
sold hay, and has also bred some fine horses, being
an ardent admirer of good horseflesh. As a farmer
he stands second to none, and he takes no less pride
in the appearance and neatness of his place than in
the remunerative side of his cahing, as his beautiful
home and surroundings testify.
Mr. Havens' activity in politics, as a strong sup-
porter of the Republican partv, and his zeal for the
public welfare, have given him a reputation and in-
fluence which reaches beyond the bounds of his lo-
cality. With the exception of one vear, he has
served since 1892 as first selectman, has been dele-
gate to the Republican State Conventions since 1893,
and in 1892-93 served in the State Legislature, dur-
ing his term acting as member of the committee on
Labor. His public services have been marked by
clean business methods, effective, energetic and sat-
isfactory to his constituents, and his high personal
reputation has no doubt been the most potent factor
in his success as a public man, winning him the con-
fidence of his fellow citizens to a degree which no
other quality could command.
On May 27, 1887, in Hartford, Mr. Havens was
married to Miss Lillian W. White, who was born
and reared in Hartford, daughter of William FL
and Laura Parsons (Wilder) White. Mr. and Mrs.
White had two children, the son, William, dying
when four j^ears of age, previous to the death of the
father, who oassed away when Mrs. Havens was
five years of age. Mrs. White married again, be-
coming the wife of Leonard Dannels, a miller and
leading business man of Hartford, who died in 1892.
She died in 1896. There were no children by that
union.
Mr. and Mrs. Havens have traveled quite ex-
tensively all over the United States, having jour-
neyed as far as California, and Mrs. Havens is
a woman of intellect and many accomplishments.
They unite with the Congregational Church at
Rockv Hill. Mr. Havens is a member of St. John's
Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., Hartford.
L. P. CLARK & SONS. The value and effi-
ciency of sound business methods as applied to agri-
cultural operations is clearly seen in the work of
this well known firm, generally known as Clark
Brothers, now noted as being among the most ex-
tensive growers of tobacco and fruit in Windsor
town. Their fine farm at Poquonock is conducted
in a thoroughly scientific manner, and the results are
seen in the large yields and superior quality of the
crops raised, while enterprise and wise foresight
enable the firm to so place their product upon the
market as to bring satisfactorv financial returns.
The senior member of the firm is an excellent
representative of the sturdy New England type of
farmer. He was born Aug. 19, 1825, in Windsor
village, son of Harry and Chloe (Riley) Clark. His
schooling was limited, and when nine years old he
1008
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
began working for farmers in the neighborhood,
while at sixteen he entered upon an apprenticeship
to tiie carpenter's trade, which he followed for some
years. During this time he was employed by the
Hartford Carpet Co., at Tariffville, Conn., and for
four \-ears he worked in the United States Armory
at Springfield, Mass. His mother's sister, Mrs.
Elisha Barber, died in the winter of 1861-62, leaving
him a small farm, and in 1863 he engaged in agri-
culture, which he has continued ever since, although
at times he has done some work at his old trade.
In the spring of 1865 he bought his present farm,
then known as the Guy Griswold farm, and by hard
work and judicious management he has made it
one of the most productive estates of its size in the
town. Notwithstanding a long life of industry he
is well preserved, a slight defect in hearing being
the only indication of age. In manner he is quiei
and unassuming, and as a citizen he is held in high
esteem, his success in business having been won by
strictly honest methods. Politically he is a strong
Republican, of Whig antecedents, but he has never
sought or held office.
In May, 1849, Mr. Clark married Aliss Cather-
ine McKnight, who was born March 2, 1830, at
Great Falls, N. H., daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Porter) McKnight. During their lift)' years of
wedded life she has been an unfailing comfort to
him and he acknowledges with manly ])ride the value
of her advice and practical help as factors in his
success. They have had two sons, Albert H., and
Robert L., both members of the firm and thoroughlv
competent business men.
Albert H. Cl.vrk, who was born Sept. i, 1853,
at Tariffville, was for a time engaged in mercantile
business at Poquonock, but at present he devotes his
entire time to the interests of the firm of Clark
Bros. On April 19, 1900, he was married to Miss
Ida A. Hardy, a resident of Hoi yoke, ]\Iass., who
was born in Poquonock, a daughter of George F.
and Jane (Smith) Hardy. Her father is dead, and
her mother resides in ^Manchester, Hartford county.
Robert L. Cl.\rk was born at Tariffville, Jan.
28, 1856, and became associated with the business
at an earlj' age. He married Miss Hattie L. Day,
who died in March, 1886, leaving one son, Frank
S., who was born in October, 1878, and is now en-
gaged in farming in his own account. The broth-
ers are aggressive and shrewd managers, and, hav-
ing been trained under the watchful care of their
father, there is no department of farm work with
which they are not familiar. Their land is in three
tracts, of thirty-one, thirty-five and one hundred
acres, respectively, the latter being the homestead.
All are equipped with extensive tobacco sheds and all
modern improvements, and are in high state of culti-
vation. Their crops of tobacco for 1900 consisted of
some thirty-four acres with an average yield of
about a ton to the acre, and 1800 potmds of sorted
stock. As practical growers the brothers are al-
ways ready to co-operate in any movement of inter-
est to the tobacco trade, while they are no less help-
ful in general agricultural development, having as-
sisted in organizing Poquonock Grange, of which
they are still leading members, Albert PI. being
lecturer of same. \Vhile they vote the Republican
ticket on State and National issues, they are inde-
pendent in local aft'airs, looking only to the question
of fitness of candidates, and neither of them has time
or inclination for public life, their business requir-
ing their close attention.
CHARLES L.\RUE AUSTIN, farmer, stock
raiser and tobacco grower. West Suffield, is one of
Plartford county's most capable, energetic and suc-
cessful business men. A native of Connecticut, he
was born Sept. 16, 1848, on the farm in the town of
Suffield, where he is yet residing.
Gustavus Austin, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Suflield, and was a son of Caleb Austin, who
was a farmer and land owner in that locality. Gus-
tavus Austin was for the most part a self-educated
man, having attended only the district schools in
his boyhood ; but he amply made up for deficiencies
in this respect by home study and close observation
of men anil things. He was, moreover, well versed
in ancient history, and deeply read in Bible lore.
In his younger days he peddled Yankee notions in
New York State and Connecticut, and in all his
ventures was very successful. In 1819 he bought
the Capt. Jonathan Sheldon farm, now owned by
our subject, and there passed the rest of his days,
dying in 1855, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one
years. His remains are interred in West Suffield
cemetery. In many respects Gustavus Austin was
a remarkable man — ambitious but^ honorable ; argu-
mentative though not quarrelsome; and possessed
of the happy faculty of always making friends, and
of the still happier faculty of keeping them. In
politics he was an Old-line Whig, but at no time in
his long career was he ever an office-seeker. In
church matters he was active, as a leading member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was
a class-leader and exhorter. He married Lydia C.
Kent, who was a member of a Suffield family, and
five children were born to them : Thomas J., Gus-
tavus, Benjamin Franklin, Caleb and Lydia C. The
mother of these, who was a good Christian woman,
a member of the Baptist Church, died on the old
farm in 1866, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years.
Thomas J. Austin, father of our subject, was
born in 1804, in Suffield, where in the district schools
he received his earlier education, later attending the
Connecticut Literary Institute, after which he taught
school in Suffield for a time. When yet a young
man he clerked in a store in Windsor, in which ca-
pacity he remained several years, later taking up
farming on the old homestead, where he operated
a tract of 200 acres, engaging in tobacco growing
and general farming. His health being not of the
best, however, he passed his later years in retire-
ment, and lived to a ripe age, dying on the farm
in 1891, at the age of eighty-seven years. His
'^z^>c>2^.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1009
remains lie buried in West Suffield cemetery. In
business he was uniformly successful, and was un-
assuming, domestic and temperate in his habits,
noted for the uprightness of his character and his
proverbial honest dealing, living up to the golden
rule. On June 2, 1847, he married Miss Charlotte
L. Hayden, who was born in Hartland, Conn., Oct.
25, 1824, a daughter of Ransom B. and Hannah
(Mattocks) Hayden, and granddaughter of Col.
Nathaniel Hayden, of Windsor, Conn. Four chil-
dren blessed this union, as follows : Charles L., the
subject proper of these lines ; Gustavus, who died
young; Nellie L., wife of Robert M. Zug, of De-
troit, Mich. ; ,and L. Corrie, at home. The mother
of this family is yet living at the old homestead,
universally respected for her m.any virtues and hon-
ored years.
Col. Nathaniel Hayden, great-grandfather of
Charles L. Austin, was born March 30, 1775, in
Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn., a son of Augustin
and Cynthia Hayden. He married Sally Ransom,
of Barkhamsted, Litchfield county, who died at
Warehouse Point, April 26, 1873, aged ninety-two
years, having long survived her husband, who had
passed away June 20, 1819, aged forty-four years.
At one time he was a colonel of a regiment in his
district. Their children were as follows : Betsy,
born Jan. 24, 1800, married Elias Beach, of Water-
bury; Ransom B. is mentioned below; Nathaniel,
born in 1805, married Sarah Root; Austin, born in
March, 1807, married Sarah Ann Cook; Sarah,
born Jan. 19, 1810, married Orrin Olmsted River-
ton; Almira, born Sept. 17, 1812, married John
P. Chapin, of Enfield, and moved to Ohio; Emily,
born in May, 1815, married Nathaniel Gaylord, of
Hartland; and Addison, born in 1817, married Har-
riet Pierson.
Ransom B. Hayden, grandfather of Charles L.
Austin, was born June 2y, 1802, and died at West
Suffield, in April, 1886. He married Hannah Mat-
tocks', and had children as follows : Charlotte L.,
the mother of our subject; Osman M.,-born Dec.
29, 1826, now living in Laporte, liid. ; Sarah J.,
Mrs. F. N. Warner, born Oct. i, 1832; Nathaniel,
born May, 1834; who married Lizzie J. Todd ; and
Georgianna, born May 5, 1837, married to Samuel
Hanchett, of Westfield, Massachusetts.
Charles L. Austin, whose name introduces this
memoir, attended the public schools of his native
place, and also the Connecticut Literary Institute
at Suffield. On account of the impaired health of
his father, he remained on the home farm, having
charge of it at the early age of sixteen years, and
from that time on has successfully managed it and
attended to all the business pertaining to it. He has
made many improvements upon the property, in-
cluding the building of substantial and commodious
barns, at the present time operating 140 acres. He
makes his home vi^ith his mother and sister, being
yet unmarried. In politics he is a Republican, and
64
in 1886 he was elected on that ticket to the State
Legislature, while there serving on the committee
on Roads, Bridges and Rivers. Socially Mr. Aus-
tin is a charter member of the O. U. A. M. Lodge
at Sufiield, and he is one of the most popular citi-
zens of his community.
ALBERT RALSAY SHEPARD, a prosperous
and well-known farmer and dairyman of West
Simsbury, is a native of the town, born Dec. 2, 1851.
His father, Daniel Ralsay Shepard, was a black-
smith, and for several years worked in the Collins
Works at Collinsville. He then returned to West
Simsbury, where he married Lydia Moses, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Moses, and they had five children:
Miles M., who died while serving in the Civil war
from exposure after the battle of Antietam ; Joseph-
ine F., deceased wife of Samuel Ashwell, of Rocky
Hill; Alfred M.; Albert R. ; and Ameha, who was
married to Elliott H. Latimer. Both parents died
in West Simsbury, in the faith of the Congrega-
tional Church.
Albert R, Shepard was but two years of age
when he lost his father, and he therefore began
working out among the farmers in different parts of
the county at an early age. He acquired his edu-
cation in the district school, and at the age of
eighteen years bought the Miles Moses farm, where
he engaged in tobacco-growing, falsing dairy stock,
and general farming. In 1892 he bought the Dr.
Holcomb farm, of forty acres, and is now engaged in
general farming and dairying ; for fifteen years he
conducted the Simsbury Creamery.
Mr. Shepard married, at West Simsbury, in
April, 1874, Miss Evvie Mary Brown, daughter of
Lafayette G. Brown, and one child was born to
this union, Carrie, now the wife of Leon R. Rowley,
of Simsbury. Mr. Shepard is in politics a liberal
Republican, but has never been an office-seeker; in
religion he is a Congregationalist, and he is a mem-
ber of the Grange. Pie is domestic in his habits, is
temperate and industrious, and is highly respected
for his many excellent traits of character.
The Moses family, from whom, the mother of
Mr. Shepard descended, was one of the oldest to
settle in Hartford county. The first of the name
to come to America was John Moses, a shipwright,
who sailed from England in 1630 or 1635, and
landed at Plymouth, Mass. His son John settled in
Windsor, Conn., prior to 1647. was a soldier in
Capt. John Mason's troop ,of .horse, and married
Mary Brown May 18, 1653, his death taking place
Oct. 14, 1683, and that of his wife Sept. 14, 1689.
They were^ the parents of eleven children : John,
born June 15, 1654, died Aug. 31, 1714; William,
born Sept. i, 1656, died Nov. 27,' 1681 ; Thomas,,
born June 14, 1658, died July 29, 1681 ; Mary, born
May 13, 1661, married SamiUel Farnsworth ; Sarah,
born Feb. 2, 1662, married Samuel Butler ; Natiian-
iel ; Dorcas ; Margaret, born Dec. 2, 1666 ; Timo-
thy, born in February, 1670; Martha, born Marcli
8, 1672, died Jan. 30, 1689; and Mindwell, born Dec.-
1010
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPEIICAL RECORD.
13, 1676, married Sergt. John Thrall._ and died
Jan. 6, 1697.
John Moses, son of John (2), settled on his
father's farm in Simsbury, near Mount Phillip, and
married Deborah Thrall July 14, 1680; she died
May 16, 1715, the mother of twelve children: John,
born April 26, 1681, died in 1759; Deborah (i),
born Oct. i, 1682, died in 1683: William, born
March 25, 1684, died July 14, 1745: Thomas, born
May 8, 1685, died Feb. 6, 1773; Joshua, born Oct.
3, 1689, died Feb. 6, 1773; Deborah, born Jan. 12,
1691, married Richard Roberts; Caleb (i) ; Othniel
(i), born Jan. 10, 1696; Caleb (2), born Jan. 4,
1698, died Alarch 24, 1787; Othniel (2), born Sept.
6, 1701, died Sept. 11, 1701; Mary, born Sept. i,
1702, married Jacob Fuller Jan. 27, 1721 ; and Mar-
tha, born in 1705, died July 9, 1764.
Caleb J\Ioses, son of John (3), was born in
Simsbury, was a farmer all his life, and lived to
reach the great age of eighty-nine years. He mar-
ried, Sept. 15, 1726, Hannah Beeman, and became
the father of six children : Caleb, born May 8,
1727, died Feb. 18, 1773: Daniel, born June 22,
1729, died Sept. 8, 1776; Abel, born June 24, 1733;
Ashbel, born in December, 1735 : Michael, born
Sept.' 12, 1737, died March 14, 1797: and Lucy,
born Alay g, 1740, married Nathaniel Humphrey.
Daniel Moses, the second of the above family,
moved to West Simsbury in 1756, and settled on a
farm near Canton. He married Mary Wilcox, who
was a daughter of Azariah Wilcox, born in 1732,
and died in 18 16. Daniel Moses was a soldier in
the Revolutionary army, died in New York Sept. 8,
1776, and was buried at North Canton, Conn. To
his marriage with Mary Wilcox seven children were
born: Daniel, born in 1758, died in 1805; Ridger,
born Feb. 13, 1761, died in 1828; Zebina, born April
15, 1764, died March 23, 1815; Lois was married
to Andrew Riley in 1781 ; Sibyl married Mather
Roberts ; Charlotte married Job Phillips ; ]\Iary
married Hezekiel Andrev\'s.
Daniel Moses, eldest child of Daniel, was also a
soldier in the Revolution, and later was a farmer
at North Canton. He married Anne Edgerton, and
to this union were born five children : Daniel, born
April 17, 1791, died Dec. 7, 1836; Titus; Norman,
born in 1797, died Feb. 10, 1861 ; Ann died jMarch
21, 1876; and Anna married Grove Goddard.
Daniel Moses, son of Daniel (2), and grand-
father of our subject, married Lydia Amelia, daugh-
ter of Peter Frederic and Roxanna (Case) Buell,
who were married April 15, 1788; he died June 10,
1827, aged sixty-three years, and she died Dec. 21,
1839, aged seventy-three years. The children of
Daniel and Lydia A. Moses were: Daniel, born
June 25, 181 1, died Nov. 23, 1877 ; Miles, born June
12, 1813, died Aug. 19, 1864; Lydia, born June 28,
1815, died May 16, 1876, the wife of Daniel R.
Shepard, father of our subject; Marcus, born Nov,
23, 1818; Uriah, born Dec. 5, 1821 ; Betsey, born
July 25, 1826, now the widow of Dr. N. W. Hol-
comb; and Celia, born May i, 1832.
Lafayette G. Brown, father of Mrs. Albert Ral-
say Shepard, was born in New Hampshire April 29,
1829. His father, John Brown, was one of the
twelve children born to Josiah Brown, and was Init
twelve years old when he left the parental abode.
Until forty years of age he labored as a farm hand,
and then bought a farm in New Hampshire. He
married Hilary S. Wilson, a daughter of Lura Wil-
son, and a native of the State, and to this marriage
were born five children : Harriet, who was married
to George R. Hilliard ; Julia, married to John Board-
man ; Catherine, married to Artemas Stephens ; Dor-
cas, deceased wife of Moses Boyden ; and Lafayette
G. Tlie father was a Democrat in politics, and
both he and his wife died in the faith of the Free-
will Baptist Church.
Lafayette G. Brown received a limited common-
school education, and was but nine years old when
he started out to work, at $3 per month and board.
He was variously employed in New Hampshire until
eighteen years of age, when he came to Hartford,
Conn., where he worked tv^'o years, and then moved
to Springfield, Mass., where he became watchman
for the Agawani Canal Co.'s 3'achts; two years later I
be came to CoUinsville, Conn., and worked in the I
ax factory at that place for fourteen years, during
seven of which he had charge of the steel depart-
ment. In 1868 he came to Bushy Hill, in Simsbury
town, bought the Curtis farm of one hundred acres,
and engaged in tobacco-growing, general farming
and dairying.
Mr. iBrown married, Sept. 9, 1852, in Vermont,
Miss Caroline White, who was born in that State
Jan. 27, 1831, and was a daughter of Daniel White,
one of the pioneer settlers of Wardsboro, Vt., from
the suburbs of Boston, a^^d his wife, Mary Durant,
a descendant of the French Huguenots, who took
refuge in England at the time of the persecution of
Protestants in France. She died Aug. 27, 1900.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born four children,
Mrs. Shepard being the eldest ; Emma J., born Aug.
7, 1855, was married to John T. Shaw, of Simsbury,
Nov. 23, 1875 ; Harry L., born July 27, 1867, is mail
agent on the railroad between New York and
Springfield, and married in 1895 Josie Myers; Per- ;
ley W., born Aug. 6, 1869, is adjuster of claims of -
the New Haven Consolidated Railroad Co. Mr.
Brown was first a Republican in politics, but later
a Prohibitionist, and has served as selectman (two
years) and assessor. He is prominent as a member
of the Congregational Church, and is a highly re- ;
spected citizen.
JOSIAH WHITE, the well-known contractor
and builder of Windsor, is a man whose abiljty and
personal worth are recognized wherever he is
known. He comes of good old Puritan stock, his
ancestors having settled in New England at an
earl}' period, and in his rise through discouraging
circumstances to his present honorable position in
life he has shown himself worthy of his name. ;
The first ancestor of whom a definite record is ,j
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1011
|o-iven was Elder John White, who was born in
England, and came to this country only twelve
years after the "Mayflower" Pilgrims. The exact
place of his birth is not known, and the date, which
is placed between 1595 and 1605, is only inferred
from the ages of his children and other data which
have been handed down. On June 22, 1632, he
sailed from Land's End, England, in the ship
'■L3'on," accompanied by hfs wife, Mary, and sec-
ond child, and on Sunday, Sept. 16, they landed at
Boston, Mass. He settled in Newtown (now Cam-
bridge), Mass., where he was admitted as a free-
man on March 4, 1633. Tn February, 1635, at the
first election in Cambridge, he was elected a select-
man (one of seven). In June, 1636, he removed to
Connecticut, and settled in Hartford, being one of
the chief of the original proprietors there. His
home lot was on Elen street (now Governor's
street). Religious dissensions caused John White
and others to leave Hartford and settle in Hadley,
on the Connecticut river, near Springfield, Mass.
He was among the founders of Hadley, and was
chosen selectman in 1662, 1663 and 1665, and also
served as representative (or deputy, as it was then
styled) to the General Court or Legislature of Masr
sachusetts, sitting in Boston. No account of his
first wife, Mary, has been preserved, but it is prob-
able she died after his removal to Hartford. By his
second wife, Mrs. Martha Mould, he had no chil-
dren. Of the six children of the first marriage
three were born in England: Mary married Jona-
than Gilbert; Nathaniel is mentioned more fully be-
low ; John married Sarah Bunce ; Daniel married
Sarah Crow ; Sarah married Stephen Taylor ( she
was subsequently remarried) ; Jacob, born Oct. 8,
1645, married Elizabeth Bunce.
(H) Capt. Nathaniel White, son of Elder John
White, was born in England in 1629, three years
before his father came to America. By his first
wife, Elizabeth, he had children as follows : Na-
thaniel, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Daniel, Sarah, Jacob
and Josie.
(HI) Deacon Nathaniel White was born at
Middletown, Upper Houses, Conn., July 7, 1652.
He removed to Hadley about the time of his mar-
riage to Elizabeth Savage, March 28, 1678, and
died there Eeb. 15, 1742, aged eight-nine years.
His children were: Elizabeth, Nathaniel, John,
Sarah, Josie, Daniel, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth (2),
William and Ebenezer.
(IV) Ebenezer White, the next in the line of
descent, was born in Hadley, April 9, 1701, and
resided at the homestead, where he died March 23,
1733- He was married, Oct. 28, 1730, to Ruth
Atherton, and had two children, Rachel and Eb-
enezer.
(V) Ebenezer White, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born in Hadley in 1733, and died Oct.
i II, 1817. He served as a soldier in the Revolu-
■,,tionary army. His wife was Sarah Church, of Am-
5'herst, and they had three children: Sarah, Jonathan
J and Elijah.
(VI) Elijah White, our subject's grandfather,
was born June 28, 1778, and died Nov. 24, 1856.
He was a leading farmer of Hadley, and was active
in local politics as a member of the Whig party,
while he showed his patriotism by service in the army
inthewarof 1812. On Dec.24, 1799, he married Lucy
Pierce, who lived to the age of seventy-four years.
Her mother lived to be over one hundred years
old, and was the mother of eleven children, all but
one of whom lived to be over seventy-five, and that
one died at forty-five. Of the others, four lived to
be over ninety years old. Five children were born
to Elijah and Lucy White: Josiah, our subject's fa-
ther ; Samuel Sumner, deceased, who was a farmer at
Hadley, Mass.'; Ebenezer, who removed to Ra-
cine county. Wis., and died there ; Margaret Smith,
who married Lewis Tower, and died in New York
State; and Delia, who married Elijah Stall, and died
in Hadley, Massachusetts.
(VII) Josiah White, father of our subject, was
born at Hadley Aug. i, 1800, and grew to manhood
there, engaging in farming as an occupation. In
1850 he removed to Racine county, Wis., and his
last years were spent at Owosso, Mich., where he
died June 5, 1882, in his eighty-second year. He
was married, in Chesterfield, Mass., to Hannah J.
Gushing, who was born in that town Feb. 5, 1798,
daughter of Abel Gushing and his wife, whose
maiden name was Wilder. The Gushing family
has been prominent in New England from Colonial
times, and her ancestors were early settlers at Hing-
ham, Mass.- She died in 1863, in Carson Valley^
Nev. Of their children, the eldest, Amaryllis Cas-
sandra, married Alonzo Kellogg, and died in Had-
ley, Mass., aged twenty-six years; Harriet mar-
ried N. C. Murray, and died in Portsmouth, Ohio;
Adaline married C. Frayer, of Racine county. Wis.,
and died in Michigan ; May, who never married,
died in Nevada, aged thirty years ; Susan died at
Hadley, aged nineteen years ; Josiah, our subject,
is mentioned below ; Sarah married Henry Towell,
and resides in Michigan ; Rumina married Henry
Williams, of Mason City, Iowa; arid Alma Chris-
tiana died when three years old.
(A/TII) Josiah White was born May 18, 1831,
at the old home at Hadley, and was educated in the
common schools and the academy at that place, his
opportunities being by no means as good as he de-
sired. As a scholar he was much above the average,
his work in mathematics winning special notice,
and doubtless, if he could have had the education
that his talents justified, he would have made a
brilliant success in professional life. At fifteen he
entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's
trade with Mr. Griswold, of Unionville, Conn., at
fifty dollars for the first three years, and one hun-
dred dollars for the fourth and fifth. On complet-
ing his term he followed the trade as a journey-
man, locating first at Somers, where he spent eight-
een years, and where he was in independent busi-
ness. On April 20, 1869, he removed to Windsor,
where he bought a farm, and during the next nine
10 1 1'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years he devoted his time to agricukure. He then
sold his property and settled in Windsor village,
where he soon established a large business as a
builder. The best homes erected in the town since
he resumed his trade have been built by him, and
his reliability and skill have brought him important
contracts in'othcr places, including Hartford. His
own residence, on Spring street, Windsor, was
built in 1890, and is one of the most tasteful and
comfortable homes in the village.
On March 16, 1851, Mr. White was married.
in Somers, Conn., to Aliss Hannah C. Pease, a na-
tive of that town, born Alarch 7, 1S30. She died
April 22, 1886, and her remains were interred in
the cemetery at Windsor, where she left many
friends. She was a daughter of Azel Pease and a
granddaughter of Stephen Pease, a Revolutionary
soldier, and a prominent citizen of Somers. Her
mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Ashley,
was a native of Springfield, Mass. Four children
have brightened our subject's home: (i) Hattie M.
died aged thirty-two years. (2) Charles J., for- j
merly a carpenter at Windsor, died ^larch 24, 1886, j
leaving seven children. ( 3 ) Xcllie A. married W. ;
C. Faxon, of Hartford. (4) ^liss May A. is at
home. The family is much esteemed socially, and
our subject is a member of the Congregational
Church, to which his lamented wife also belonged.
He is identified with the Temple of Honor, and at
times has held oftice in the Grand Lodge and served
as a member of the Grand Council. He was a
charter member of Custer Council, O. U. A. M.,
at Flartford, and in his younger days was an active
worker in the I. O. O. F., having united with Toti-
tuck Lodge, No. 33, at Somers, and on one occasion
he represented same in the Grand Lodge. Po-
litically Air. White is a Prohibitionist, but in former
years he affiliated with the Republican party. As
he has never used liquors or tobacco he can ap-
preciate the benefits of temperance, and his vigorous
health, in spite of his hard work and his sixty-eight
years, furnishes an excellent illustration of the
worth of his theories. Li manner he is quiet and
unassuming, but he has a high reputation as a
citizen. His leisure time has always been given to
reading, and his remarkable memory has enabled
him to acquire a wide range of knowledge on gen-
eral topics.
SOLOMON RICHARDS, a well-known grain
dealer of Unionville, who has for almost half a
century been actively and prominently identified
with the business interests of that place, was born
in the town of Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn.,
April 23, 1829. His father, George Richards, was
born in the same place. May 25, 1799, and was a
son of Solomon Richards, a native of Wyoming,
Penn., whose father was killed in the Wyoming
massacre. At the age of nine years our subject's
grandfather came with his family on foot to Mid-
dletown, Conn., and for many years resided on the
place now owned by our subject, where he was en-
gaged in farming. He died at the ripe old age of
eighty-one years. He married Aliss Mary Wood-
ruff, of Farmington, and to them were born three
children: Patty, Mary and George.
George Richards, the only son, and the father
of our subject, acquired a good practical educa-
tion in the schools of Farmington, and when a
young man engaged in teaching school. In 1832
he purchased a half-ip^rest in property at Union-
ville, on which stood** mill, which was enlarged,
and which burned Jan." 9,* 1887. As a member of
the firm of Young & Richards, he continued mill-
ing until 1847 when he purchased his partner's in-
terest. He served as postmaster of Unionville from
the establishment of the office at that place until the
close of President Johnson's administration in 1868,
and always took quite a prominent part in public
affairs. He was one of the original members of
the Congregational Church at that place, and was a
member of the building committee when the first
house of worship was erected. His death occurred
in 1880, and his wife, who in her maidenhood was
Miss Lucy Williams, of New Hartford, died in
1878. They had three children: Lucas, who died
in December, 1895; Solomon, our subject; and
Milo, who died at the age of four years.
Solomon Richards received his early education
in the public schools of Farmington, and later at-
tended the grammar schools of Hartford. In July,
185 1, he was made a member of the firm of George
Richards & Co., consisting of his father and brother,
Lucas. Our subject is still interested in the busi-
ness, and is now in partnership with Richard
Condon.
^Ir. Richards was first married, in Waverly,
111., in 1851, to Miss Margaret M. Miller, by whom
he had one daughter, Nellie C, who was born June
22, 1853, and is now the wife of F. B. WoodruiT,
of Southington, Conn. On Dec. 30, 1858, at
Southampton, Mass., he was united in marriage with
Myra E. Lyman, and to them was born one son ;
George Lyman, now a physician of Fall River,
Mass., who married Mary Robinson, and has two
children : Lyman G. and Helen Frances. Mr.
Richards was again married, Sept. 12, 1876, in
Leominster, Mass., his third union being with Fran-
ces A. Haskell.
In political sentiment Mr. Richards is a Re-
publican. He has been an active and consistent
member of the Congregational Church since 1848,
and has been a deacon of the same for many years.
His strict integrity and honorable dealing in busi-
ness commend him to the confidence of all ; and he
is one of the honored and highly-respected citizens
of Farmington.
CHARLES EMERY ROWLEY was born at
Hebron, Tolland Co., Conn., Oct. 12, 1854, a son of
David Eleazer Rowley, and a grandson of Elizur
Dunham Rowley. His grandfather was a small
farmer. He married Lydia Skinner, of Hebron, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1013
besides David E. his children were as follows : John
R. ; JNIary R. ; Emmeline R., who married George i
Wilcox; Julia, the wife of Frederick iMiller; Abbie, |
married to Chatfield Russell; Harriet, now ]\Irs.
Strickland; and Sarah R., who died in childhood.
Our subject has a book which has been in the Row-
le}' family for over one hundred years, and which
contains dates of births in the family as far back as
1769.
David E. Rowley was also a fanner. His early
years were spent at Middle Haddam, where for
eight years he worked upon the farm of an uncle.
Returning to the old homestead, he remained for
five years, when he bought a small farm in East
Berlin. He passed another five years there, and
then purchased what was known as the Seldon
farm, comprising ^bout forty-eight acres, in the
Beckley Quarter of Berlin town. There he spent
the remaining twenty-five )-ears of his life, devoting
himself chiefly to the raising of vegetables. He
was a man noted for his industry and thrift, and
was reasonably successful. He died Aug. 8, 1892,
of apoplexy, aged sixty-four years, four months.
His political creed was that of the Democratic
party, yet he was in no sense a politician. Himself
and family were members of the Methodist Church.
On Nov. 27, 1853, at East Hampton, Conn., Mr.
Rowley married Sarah Brainard Rich, Rev. Mr.
Tawbush performing the ceremony. Two sons
blessed this union : Charles Emery, whose name
opens this sketch; and John Clarence, born May 12,
1857, at Hebron. On Jan. i, 1889, the latter was
married, at Northbridge, ;\Iass., to Mabel Vernon
Adams, Rev. J. H. Childs performing the ceremony.
They have one son, Stanley Edward, who was born
Nov. 2, 1893, in the Beckley Quarter, town of
Berlin.
Mrs. David E. Rowley was born Feb. 21, 1833,
at Middle Haddam, and her family is one of the old-
est and most respected in the county. Her parents
were Oliver and Molanthy Rich, the former of whom
died Nov. 19, 1848, aged thirty-nine years, the lat-
ter Feb. 7, 1869, aged fifty-six. They had a family
of eight children: Nelson W., born June 29, 1831,
died Oct. 18, 1864; Sarah B., born Feb. 21, 1833;
Asel J., born Sept. 21, 1834 (deceased) ; Benjamin
F., born Oct. 6, 1836; Susan E., born Oct. 3, 1840
(married Warren W'right) ; James S., born June
29, 1842 ; George A., bom Aug. 11, 1844 : and Fannie
Lavinia, born June 8, 1847 (she married Isaac Bacon,
and is deceased).
Charles Emery Rowley lived at home in the
Beckley Quarter, until he arrived at man's estate.
His early educational advantages were not of the
best, being confined to attendance upon the district
schools and one year's inst-uction at Lee iVcademy.
At the age of sixteen he left school to battle with
I the world. That he has overcome obstacles and
\ conquered success is due to his tenacity of purpose,
his unflinching couragfe, and his unswerving in-
\ tegrity. After serving an apprenticeship of three
)' years at the carpenter's trade, he followed it, for a
time, at New Britain, going to Waterbury in 1875.
In 1883 he began taking contracts as a carpenter
and builder in his own name, but after two only
moderately successful years thus spent he entered
the employ of Tracy Brothers, of Waterbury, with
whom he remained for several years. The firm was
doing an extensive business, and he worked for them
later at New Britain, living in Plainville, when he
again began business on his own account. His
success has been remarkable. During the last five
years he has erected sixty houses, the first being
at the corner of Dwight and Stanley streets, and
at present (October, 1900) he has four contracts
under way, and several upon which he has not yet
commenced work.
Mr. Rowley is recognized as one of the leading,
solid men of New Britain. For him the "day of
small things," which marked the incipiency of his
business career, has become a mere memory of the
past. Industry, integrity, and sound judgment and
eommon sense, have been the foundation stones upon
which he has built his success. Politically he is
a Democrat, although on local issues he is no blind
partisan. He is a regular attendant upon the serv-
ices of the Methodist Church, of New Britain, and
is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 20, A. F. &
A. M.
Mr. Rowley was married, in Waterbury, March
8, 1884, to Adah Leona, a daughter of Myron C.
and Susan H. Teeter, Rev. Dr. Joseph Anderson
performing the ceremony. To this union came one
daughter, Adah Susan, born July 9, 1885, in Water-
bury, who died there Feb. 17, 1886.
"Mrs. Rowley was born Sept. 17, 1848, in the
town of Salisbury, daughter of Myron C. Teeter,
who was born Aug. 16, 1817, in New York State,
and died June 9, 1883, in Waterbury, Conn. He
was a carpenter by trade. On Oct. 9, 1843, he was
married, by Esquire Barlow, of Oblong, to Susan
Husted Barlow, who was born July 7, 1828, in Salis-
bury, and is still living, married to her third hus-
band. Mr. and Mrs. Teeter had a family of three
children: John Milton, born July 7, 1844, served
in the Civil war, and was killed June 9, 1863, at
the battle of Cold Harbor ; Adah Leona is the wife
of our subject; Susie Angeline, born July 3, 1852,
at Cornwall Bridge, town of Sharon, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., was married, April 14, 1870, in Wlnsted, to
Edward Scott Wheeler, of Southbury, Conn., Rev.
Charles AVeatherby performing the ceremony. Mr.
W'heeler is a pinmaker in the New England Pin
Factory, Winsted, where he has been employed for
thirty-three years, and is a very industrious work-
man. His father, the late William W^heeler, of
Southbury, carried on blacksmithing.
WILLIAM BROWN De BLOIS, late an offi-
cer of the Connecticut State Prison at Wethers-
field, and a worthy citizen of that town, was born
in Newport, R. I., Jan. 15, 1830, of French de-
cent, being able to trace his ancestry back to Stephen,
king of England. His grandfather, Stephen De.
lOU
COMMEMDRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to
Blois. was a native of France, and belonged to a
Huguenot family. He was a gentleman of leisure,
and" on coming to this country made his home in
Newport, Rhode Island.
John De Blois, father of our subject, was also
a man of leisure, was a Whig in politics, and an
Episcopalian in religious belief. He made his home
in Newport, and was numbered among its most
highly respected citizens. He married Miss Sarah
Scott^ who was of Scottish descent, and died in New-
port in 1835, she passing away in 1835. Their chil-
dren were John and Louis George, both sea captains ;
Jane, wife of Seth Scott; Edward T., a merchant
planter ; and William B., our subject.
William B. De Blois was only five years of age
when his father died. He was educated in the
schools of his native city, and there learned the cab-
inetmaker's trade. For some time he was employed as
instructor in the cabinet department of the State
prison of Rhode Island, and in the same capacity
became in 1856 connected with the Connecticut
State Prison, with Capt. William Willard. Later
he was appointed an officer in that institution, which
position he most capably and satisfactorily filled
until 1898, when, after thirty-six years' connection
with State prison work, he retired, and is now
spending his declininsr years in ease and quiet at
his beautiful home in Wethersfield.
During the Civil war Mr. De Blois served in the
Union army four years, first as a member of Com-
pany D, 1st R. I. V. I., under Capt. Nathaniel
Brown and Col. Burnside, with which command he
participated in the first battle of Bull Run, and later
as a member of Company B, 12th Conn. V. I., under
Capt. Grannis and Col. H. C. Deming. He took part
in the battle of Georgia Landing, Oct. 27, 1862 ; was
present at the capture of the gunboat "Cotton,"'
Jan. 14, 1863 ; was in the siege of Port Hudson from
May 23 to July 7, 1863 : at the battles of Win-
chester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864., Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22,
1864, and Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864: and several
other engagements. He also participated in the
grand review at Washington, D. C, at the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the rank of
corporal. He is now an honored member of John
M. J^Iorris Post, No. 66, G. A. R., of Wethers"field,
in which he has served as commander, and is one
of the most highly esteemed citizens of his corn-
munity. In his political affiliation he is a Republi-
can, and his support is never withheld from any
enterprise which he believes will prove of public
benefit.
In Wethersfield, in December, i860, Mr. De Blois
married Miss J\Iartha Coleman, and to them were
born two children: (i) Edward A., a gentleman of
good business ability and genial disposition, for
many years connected with the Pope Manufacturing
Co., in whose interests he traveled extensive!)-, sever-
ing his connection with that firm July S, 1900, to
assume control of the De Blois Manufacturing Co.
He is a cyclist of note, and has won a number of
prizes as a rider. (2) Hettie Griswold is now the
wife of Lewis N. Crane, principal of the high school
at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, N. Y., and they have
two children, Frances Marian and Lewis De Blois
Crane.
The Coleman F.\mily, to which Mrs. De
Blois belongs, was founded in Wethersfield by John
Coleman, who was married in 1695, to Hannah
Wright, a daughter of James Wright. She died
Aug. I, 1741. Their children were Mary, born Dec.
13' 1695; John, May 12, 1698; Thomas, June 6,
1701 ; Hannah, Sept. 25, 1704; and Elisha, Oct. 8,
1707.
Elisha Coleman, of this family, became a farmer
and land owner of ^\'cthersfield. He married Ann
Rose, and they had three children : Peleg, born Aug.
19, 1738; Ann, Dec. 22, 1739; and Zadock, Aug.
27, 1746.
Peleg Coleman, the next in direct descent, spent
his entire life as a farmer in Wethersfield, and died
April 12, 1823. He married Rebecca Dickinson,
who was born Feb. 23, 1741, and died 1775, both be- i
ing laid to rest in Wethersfield cemetery. They I
had seven children: Thomas, born Feb. 10, 1761,
died June i. 1818; Sarah, born Jan. 2, 1763, died
May 20, 1848; Elisha, born Jan. 2, 1765, died June
23, 1823; George, born Feb. 4, 1767, died young;
Anna, born Feb. 23, 1769, died Oct. 9, 1850; George,
born July 10, 1771, and John, born July 10, 1773.
Elisha Coleman, a son of Peleg and Rebecca
(Dickinson) Coleman, was a lifelong resident of '■
Wethersfield, and a farmer bv occupation. He i
married Flannah Loveland, who was born in 1765,
and died May 5, 1819. Thei' had eleven children :
John, born Jan. 22, 1788, died Aug. 13, 1819;
Horace, born Oct. 21, i7QO, died Oct. 16, 1805;
Hannah, born Jan. 17, 1792, mj.rried Samuel Wood-
house, the grandfather of Samuel N. Woodhouse,
of Wethersfield; Elisha, born Sept. 10, 1794, died
Sept. 6, 1795; Elisha (2d), born March 3, 1797,
died Oct. 20, 1798; Abigail, born Nov. 29, 1799,
married Nathan Pelton ; Eliza, born Nov. 20, 1801,
married Henry Buck, of New Haven, Conn. ; Sally,
born Dec. 17, 1803, married A. Holmes; William,
born Dec. i, 1805, married Mehitable Griswold,
daughter of Simeon Griswold, and died Aug. i,
1839 (these were the parents of Mrs. De Blois) ;
Chauncey, born Dec. 3, 1807, married (first) Sarah
Rose Willard, and (second) Sarah Coleman, and
had one child, Mary Robbins, who married John
H. Phelps, of Wethersfield, and had one child, ,■
Ruth; and Maria, born Dec. 25, 1810, died un-
married.
HENRY DENISON ALDEN. One of the
busiest, most energetic and most enterprising men
of Enfield is Henry D. Alden, an extensive brick
manufacturer. He bears in his veins some of the
best blood of the early colonists, and is in every
way a splendid type of our best American citizen-
ship.
Mr. Alden was born in Enfield, at the home- ^
stead where he now resides, Oct. 7, 1850, a son of ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1015
Edmund B. and Frances Augusta (Denison) Alden,
the former a native of Enfield, the latter of Orwell,
Bradford Co., Penn. The paternal grandfather,
Seth Alden, was a son of Col. Amos Alden, who
was among the early settlers of Enfield, where he
became a large land owner. The Colonel was a son
of Jonathan Alden, who was a son of Eleazur and
grandson of Joseph Alden (2). The father of the
last named, who also bore the name of Joseph, was
a son of Capt. John Alden, who came from England
in the "Mayflower'' in 1620, as the list of passengers
shows, and located in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
WilHam G. Denison, our subject's maternal
grandfather, • was born in Stonington, Conn., in
1788, married Esther Strickland, and died at Staf-
ford, Conn. His parents were George and Abby
(Palmer) Denison, and he traced his ancestry bqck
through the following to George Denison, the pro-
genitor of the family in America: George and Jane
(Smith) Denison; George and Lucy (Gallup) Deni^
son; William and Sarah (Stanton) Denison; and
George and Ann (Borodell) Denison. George
Denison, the last mentioned, was a pioneer of
Roxbury, Mass. His first wife, Bridget Thomp-
son, died in 1643, and he then returned to Eng-
land, where he served under Cromwell in the
army of the Parliament and won distinction.
Being wounded at Naseby, he was nursed at
the home of John Borodell by the latter's daughter,
whom he afterward married. With her he returned
to Roxbury, Mass., and finally settled in Stoning-
ton, Conn. He died at Hartford, Conn., Oct. 23,
1694, at the age of seventy-six years, while visit-
ing that village on special business. His wife, Ann
Borodell, died Sept. 26, 1712, at the advanced age
of ninety-seven years. They were both remarkable
for their magniticent personal appearance, and so-
cially were quite prominent in Stonington, where
Mrs. Denison was known as "Lady Ann." Mr.
Denison was a caotain of a company of militiamen,
and had no equal in any of the Colonies in success-
fully conducting war against the Indians. Miss
Calkins, in her early history of New England, says
of him : "Our early history presents no character of
bolder and more active spirit than Capt. George
Denison. He reminds us of the border men of Scot-
land. In emergencies he was always in demand,
and he was almost constantly placed in important
public positions."
Edmund B. Alden, our subject's father, spent his
entire life in Enfield, where he owned and op-
erated a farm, and also engaged in the manufacture
of brick. He died Feb. 15, 1895, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him. Flis children were
Henry D., our subject; Julia A., wife of Rockwell
B. Wilson ; and Martha J.
The boyhood and youth of Henry D. Alden were
spent on the old homestead, where he has always
lived, and his education was acquired in the public
schools of Enfield and a private school of Long-
meadow, Mass. He began his business career by
learning the art of brick-making under the able in-
struction of his father, and, including the period he
was associated with him, has been engaged in the
manufacture of brick for thirty years, i he capacity
of his plant is 2,000,000 brick annually, and the
product is of the very best quality that can be made.
Mr. Alden is public-spirited and progressive, and
takes an active interest in all affairs that pertain to
the welfare of the community in general. He gives
his support to every worthy enterprise for the public
good, and is now most efficiently and acceptably
serving his third term as first selectman of Enfield.
Politically he is an ardent Republican, and religiously
is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES F. STRUNZ, the efficient superin-
tendent of F. D. Glazier & Son's woolen mill at
South Glastonbury, and a highly-esteemed citizen
of that place, was born in Saxony, Germany, April
27, 1854..
William Strunz, his father, was a native of
the same Kingdom, where he was employed at fac-
tory work until his emigration to America, in 1855.
On landing in this country he took up his residence
at Warehouse Point, in the town of East Windsor,
Hartford Co., Conn., where he was employed in a
woolen mill for a time. He then removed to Broad
Brook, and for many years was boss weaver or
overseer in the weaving room of the Broad Brook
Woolen Mills, but spent his last years in retire-
ment from active labor. He died in Broad Brook,
and his remains were interred in Windsorville. In
his native land he married Miss Louise Deisner, who
was also born in Saxony, and died in the town of
Enfield, Hartford county, near Broad Brook, her
remains being interred beside those of her husband.
Their children were as follows : Adolph, a paper-
hanger and decorator, livine in Broad Brook ; Her-
mena, who died unmarried; Otto, who married Addie
Thompson, and is engaged in the coal and wood busi-
ness in Bristol; Charles F., our subject; Frank,
who married Lena Shaynach, and is a millwright
in the Broad Brook mills ; Albert, who is employed
as bookkeeper in a railroad office in San Francisco,
Cal. ; Henry, a lawyer, who resides in Florida ; and
William, a photographer of California.
Our subject was but a mere infant when
brought to this country and is indebted to the
district schools of Broad Brook for his educational
privileges. After leaving the school room he en-
tered the mill at that place, finding work in the
carding room, and he steadily worked his way up-
ward until he became a wool sorter. Subsequently
he spent a few months in Colorado, and on his
return East located in Maynard, Mass., where he
was employed for a couple of years. At the end of
that time he went to Plymouth, same State, where
he remained two years, and was next employed
as loom fixer in a mill at Worcester, Mass., for a
short time. In 1884 he came to Glastonbury and
entered the service of F. D. Glazier & Son, as loom
fixer, but in 1894 was appointed superintendent,
succeeding; Frederick Dixon, and is now most credit-
1016
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ably and acceptably filling that position. He is an
expert mechanic, one who thoroughly understands
every department of the work, and is therefore well
qualified to fill the responsible position which he
now holds.
In 1882 j\lr. Strunz was united in marriage with
Miss Alary Grant, of Maynard, i\Iass., who was
born in New York. They have one of the most
pleasant homes in South Glastonbury, and here their
many friends arc always sure of a heart\- welcome.
They are prominent members of the South Glaston-
bury Congregational Church, and Mr. Strunz has
held the office of chairman of the Society committee.
Politically he is a Renublican.
CHARLES FORGUSON .MORRISON, fore-
man of the carding department of the Hartford
Carpet Co., of Thompsonville, and a prominent and
infiuential citizen of that village, was born at Xew
JMills, near Ayr, Scotland, Oct. 3, 1831, a son of
John and Elizabeth (^Uarber) Alorrison, who came
to America in 1832 and located in Craftsbury, Vt.
For about five years the father engaged in farming
at Peacham and liarnet, that State, and in 1837
came to Thompsonville, Conn., and entered the
employ of the Thompsonville Carpet Co. as a
weaver, remaining there until 1839, when he re-
moved to Saxon ville, Alass., where he held a similar
position for two years. He afterward worked in
Norwich, Conn., North Grafton and Roxbury,
Mass., and finally returned to Saxonville, where tlie
last five years of his life were spent, and where he
died in 1848.
It was during his infancy that Charles F. Mor-
rison was brought to the United States, and his
boyhood and youth were passed in New England
at the various places where his parents resided. To
a limited extent he attended the common schools,
but is practically self-educated. He learned the
trade of a worsted spinner at Greenville, now a
part of Norwich, Conn., where he started a mill
as manager for Ripley, Cannon & Co., and was in
their employ and others for six years, six months
of this period being in business on his own account.
In the^ fall of i860 he went to Rifton Glen, Ulster
Co., N. Y., where he was employed as superintend-
ent of the Rifton Glen Worsted Mills for eleven
years. In 1871 he came to Thompsonville and en-
tered the employ of the Hartford Carpet Co., hav-
ing now served as foreman of their carding and
spinning department for twenty-eight years. He
is thoroughly familiar with every department of
the work, and is also a most capable business man,
therefore well qualified to fill the important posi-
tion which he holds. He is a stockholder in the
Phoenix National Co. and the Orient Fire Insurance
Co., of Hartford, and also in the Canadian South-
ern railroad.
Mr. Morrison was married, Oct. i, 1854, to
Miss Mary, daughter of Nathan and Betsey (Shat-
tuck) Lawrence, of Pepperell, Mass., and to them
were born four children : Elizabeth ; Charles, de-
ceased ; Agnes, who married Addison Brainard, and
died leaving one child, Agnes ; and Ida, deceased.
Mr. Morrison and his family are active and promi-
nent members of the First Presbyterian Church,
and he is also affiliated with Doric Lodge, No. 94,
A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer
twenty-three years. Flis political support is always
given to the men and measures of the Republican
party, and he served as justice of the peace of
Enfield from 1874 for about twenty consecutive
years, also represented the town in the State Legis-
lature during the session of 1877. Success is not
measured by the heights which one may chance
to occupy, but by the distance between the start-
ing point and the altitude he has reached'; therefore
Mr. Morrison has gained a most brilliant success — ■
a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which
commands the respect and admiration of all.
WILLIAM MORGAN LASBURY, a native of
Broad Brook, Hartford county, and superintend-
ent of the Broad Brook Woolen Mills, was bom
Nov. 15, 1857, is a son of George and Sarah (Mor-
gan) Lasbury, and paternally is of English de-
scent.
George Lasbury was born in Bradford, England,
Sept. 25, 1819, the eldest in a family of thirteen
children. At the early age of nine years he was
obliged to leave home and school, in order to earn
a trirte to aid in supporting himself and parents,
who were not wealthy, and whose family expenses
were constantly increasing. He was first employed
as a mill hand, and later as an overseer of fulling
in the woolen-mills of his native town. In 1840
he married Miss Fannie Sylcox, and one year later
sailed alone for America. After a voyage of six
weeks he arrived in Boston, Mass., on the same
day his eldest child was born in England, and a year
and a half later was joined by his wife and child in
Webster, Worcester county, same State. To this,
his first marriage, were born four children : Edwin,
living in Hartford, Conn. ; Elizabeth, now deceased ;
Emma, married to H. O. Willey, and living in Broad
Brook ; and Addie, deceased. Mrs. Fannie Lasbury
died about 1853, and in 1855 ^^^r. Lasbury married
Miss Sarah Morgan. This union was blessed with
three children : Mattie, living in Broad Brook ; Will-
iam M., the subject of this sketch; and George B.,
now engaged in the real estate business in Omaha,
Neb. Mrs. Sarah Lasbury was called from earth
in September, 1865, and Mr. Lasbury afterward
married Mrs. Esther Allen, widow of John Allen,
who had been a soldier in the Civil war. Mrs.
Esther Lasbury is a native of Broad Brook : she has
borne Mr. Lasbury four children, in the following
order: Charles J., living in Cleveland, Ohio; and
Ralph C, James and Harry, still living with their
parents.
George Lasbury was employed as overse.er of
fulling in the Broad Brook Woolen Mill for twenty-
two years, was temperate, capable and attentive to
-'iA-^-'^-^o^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1017
his duties, and, moreover, frugal, saving sufficient
from his salary to purchase a neat little farm in the
south part of Broad Brook, on which he is now re-
siding in peace and comfort. He is a highly-
respected citizen, and a stanch Republican in pol-
itics.
William M. Lasbury was educated in the public
schools, later attending the Eastman Business Col-
lege at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he grad-
uated in February, 1877. He then returned to
Broad Brook, and for two years was engaged with
his brother, Edwin, in a general store; in 1880 he
purchased from G. D. Winslow a grocery store
on the corner .of Main and Canton streets, in Hart-
ford, but at the end of two years, on account of
ill health, sold the business to a Mr. Peard and ac-
cepted a position as bookkeeper for Belding Brothers
& Co., silk manufacturers of Rockville. In May,
1884, he resigned his position, and in June came
to Broad Brook and entered the Broad Brook
Woolen Mills, first as bookkeeper, from which po-
sition he was advanced to that of clerk and pay-
master, and in 1888 was promoted to the position
of assistant superintendent under Alexander Sem-
ple; he also served in the same capacity under Su-
perintendents Buttery, James Gilmore, L. C. Werner
and B. B. Hanson, and at the death of Agent Han-
son, Jan. II, 1898, was appointed to his very re-
sponsible position. The Broad Brook Woolen
Mills Co., it may be added, is a very extensive con-
cern, employs about 350 hands, has a very large
output, and owns most of the larger business places
of the town ; so some idea may be formed of the
onerous and complex duties which Mr. Lasbury is
called upon to perform.
Mr. Lasbury was united in marriage, at Hart-
ford, Sept. 27, 1880; to Miss Nellie P. Davenport,
a native of Broad Brook, and a daughter of Henry
A. and Parmelia (Landon) Davenport, which union
has been crowned with two very bright and amiable
children: Alma Louise, born Dec. 31, 1883, and
Howard Alonzo, born t)ec. 24, 1885, both still at-
tending school. Mr. Lasbury and family worship
at the Congregational Church, of which he is clerk,
and of which his daughter is also a member, and to
the support of which they contribute most liberally.
Politically Mr. Lasbury is a Republican. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Oriental Lodge, No.
Ill, A. F. & A. M., of Broad Brook. Socially he
and his wife, a most estimable lady, with their chil-
dren, stand very high in the esteem of the residents
of Broad Brook, and deservedly so, as Mr. Lasbury
has taught his children the sublime moral lessen
which has been the rule of his life, and which is
inculcated by the motto "What is worth doing is
worth doing well."
F. W. DANKS, train dispatcher on the Central
|v,; New England railway, at Hartford, and founder
ii* and proprietor of the Puritan Bottling Works at
I Tariffville, was born in the latter town Feb. i,
I 1869, and is a son of Moses M. and Mary (Green)
Danks, natives of Kidderminster, Worcestershire,
England.
Moses Danks in youth learned carpet-weaving,
for which industry Kidderminster is most famous,
was married there, and in 1859 came to the United
States, followed in a short time by his wife. He
located in Thompsonville, Conn., and later came
to Tariffville, as an expert on the particular line of
velvet carpet weaving. He had a brother, Walter,
who died in Lowell, Mass., and a sister who was
married, reared a family and died in Philadelphia ;
and he also has two brothers and a sister still resid-
ing in England, the entire family following the car-
pet industry. Mr. Danks enlisted in 1861, in Com-
pany D, Conn. V. I., at Hartford as private, was
wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and
was mustered out in 1865, as corporal. After
making a visit to Kidderminster, England, he re-
turned to Tariffville and started a hotel, and was
conducting this hostelry at the time of his death,
in 1880, at the age of foity-five years, his widow
surviving until 1884, when she died at the age of
fifty. In politics Mr. Danks was a Republican, in
religious faith an Episcopalian.
F. W. Danks, the only child born to his parents,
was educated in the district schools of Tariffville,
with Miss Mary Richards as his first teacher. Soon
after leaving school, at the age of twelve years, he
entered the railway office at Tariffville (the Hart-
ford and Connecticut Western), to learn telegraphy
and agents' work, O. W. Merrill being the agent.
When he had become competent to take charge of
an office he was appointed agent at Chapinville,
in Litchfield county. Conn., for the Hartford &
Connecticut Western road, but after a few months'
work in that village he returned to Tariffville and
worked as extra agent for r^earl' a year. Upon the
death of his mother he went West, and worked in
Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri,
in both railway and commercial departments of
telegraph business. A year later he returned East,
and accepted a situation with the Baltimore &
Ohio Telegraph Co., at New Haven as operator.
Later he went to Boston and other places in New
England, being employed in stock brokers' offices,
for eighteen months, then went West again, and for
one year worked for the C. B. & Q. Railway Co.,
at Kansas City, Mo., as clerk in the local freight
department. On returning to the East he was em-
ployed in stock brokers' office work in Providence,
R. I., and Newburyport, Mass., until appointed to
a position in the dispatcher's office of the New York
& New England railroad, at East Hartford, as op-
erator and dispatcher, later engaged with the Phil-
adelphia & Reading railroad, at Hartford, as op-
erator, and in March, 1895, became train dispatcher
on the Philadelphia, Reading & New England rail-
road, at Hartford, which position he still holds.
In July, 1898, Mr. Danks, with a partner, started
the Puritan Bottling Works at Tariffville, in the
manufacture of carbonated beverages ; he soon after-
ward became the sole owner. The superiority of his
1018
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
output has given him a line of patronage equal to
that of older competing iirms, and, being a young
man of decided push and energy, manages his bot-
tling establishment with unvarying success, while
still attending to his railroad duties.
Mr. Banks is a member of St. Mark's Masonic
lodge, at Simsbury, and also of Lincoln Lodge,
K. of P., at Hartford, and in politics is a Re-
publican, but he does not hold himself bound
by party ties. He married Aliss Henrietta Nor-
ton, of Newburyport, Mass., and owns and re-
sides in the dwelling occupied by his father. Since
boyhood he has been self-supporting, and is recog-
nized as one of the most enterprising and reliable
of the younger business men of Tariti'ville.
JULIUS JACOB BAXTLE. The subject of
this sketch is the eldest son of Jacob and Catherine
(Handelj Bantle. His father, coming as a poor
j'oung emigrant to Glastonbury, has attained a
goodly measure of success, and the indomitable
traits that won him success have been inherited by
our subject, who is a young and progressive farmer,
following his calling near the scenes of his birth and
boyhood.
Mr. Bantle was born July 5, i860, in that part
of Glastonbury, known as Hopewell, his father then
being an emploj-e of the mill located there. Our
subject attended the Naubuc school, and among his
teachers were Miss Helen Wadsworth and Miss
Phelps, now Mrs. George Hale. At the age of six-
teen his school days ended. He worked for a time
on his father's fami, then found employment at low
wages in a factory, where he remained about a year.
Choosing farming for his life work, he came to his
present farm, cleared the land and reduced it to
its present high state of cultivation, erecting sheds
and barns, and making other improvements. On Feb.
22, 1883, he was married to Miss Mary, who was
born July 29, 1861, a daughter of John Braasch. of
Glastonbur}', and the marriage was blessed with
one child, Jennie, born Nov. 17, 1890. The mother
passed away in August, 1893, and was buried in St.
James cemetery, Glastonbury. On May 23, 1900, Mr.
Bantle wedded Mrs. Helen Bowers, who was born
July 19, 1863, a daughter of William Smith, of Chap-
lin, Conn. The family attend the Episcopal Church.
In politics Mr. Bantle is a Democrat, but he has
never sought nor desired public office. Fraternally
he is a member of Daskam Lodge, No. 86, F. &
A. M. His well kept farm is the best evidence of
his industry and success, and he grows each year
about ten acres of tobacco.
FRANCIS NEWELL WARNER, a leading
and prominent farmer and tobacco grower of War-
nertown, West Suffield, is now the oldest living
representative of the Warner family in Hartford
county. It is many years since the family became
identified with the county, and its various mem-
bers have won for the name an enviable distinction
by their intelligence and worth.
Our subject's grandfather, Isaac Warner, was
the first to locate in what is now known as War-
nertown, and he had two brothers, John and Rich-
ard, who also made their home in West Suffiekl.
He was a large land owner in the town, and was
quite extensively engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He met with excellent success in
his life work, and was quite a prominent man in
his day. in politics he was a Democrat, in re-
ligious faith a Baptist. Both he and his wife died
on their farm in Warnertown, and were interred in
the Phelps burying ground near that place. In their
family were five children: Curtis, Isaac, Julia,
Maria, and Ada (who died young).
Curtis Warner, the father of our subject, was
born on the old homestead in Warnertown, and,
receiving a good education in the district schools,
he successfully engaged in teaching for several
terms. When a young man he also peddled tin-
ware and Yankee notions in Connecticut, Massa-
chusetts and New York, but after his marriage set-
tled down to farming, buying a tract of 150 acres
of land, known as the Trumbull farm, upon which
he spent the remainder of his life, engaged prin-
cipally in dairying, stock raising, general farming
and tobacco growing. He made many improve-
ments upon his place, and was quite successful in his
business undertakings. In Worthington, Mass., he
was united in marriage with Miss Permelia Cush-
man, a native of Southwick, that State, and a daugh-
ter of Silas Cushman, and they became the parents
of three children, as follows: Charles C. (deceased),
who was the father of Mrs. Edmund Halladay, of
Sufifield; Francis N., our subject; and Ellen M.,
wife of Jarvis W. Case, a carriage manufacturer
of West Suffield. The parents both died on the
home farm, the father in 1856, the mother in 1884,
and their remains were interred in the West Suf-
field cemetery. They were sincere Christians and
faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and in politics Mr. Warner was an Old-
Line Whig.
Francis N. Warner was born Nov. 19, 1830.
He attended the district schools of Warnertown
and also the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield,
after which he successfullv engaged in teaching
school in Granby, Conn., and Southwick, Mass. He
then returned to the home farm, of which he took
complete charge after his father's death, and has
since continued to engage in general farming, to-
bacco culture, stock raising and dairying with most
gratifying results. In 1869 he erected upon his
place one of the finest residences in Warnertown,
and has made manv other improvements thereon.
Mr. Warner was married, Oct. 6, 1857, to Miss
Sarah J. Hayden, who was born in Hartland, Hart-
ford county, and is a daughter of Ransom B. and
Hannah (Mattocks) Hayden, and granddaughter :
of Col. Hayden, of West Hartland. The children ^j
born of this union were : Clara Gertrude, who died ^5
.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1019
at the age of sixteen years ; Arthur Francis, a
farmer, who married Alma M. Thompson, of Can-
ton, Conn. ; Lottie Grace, who died at the age of
five years ; Fanny May, who died at the age of three
years; and Harry Curtis, who married Edith M.
Hunt, of Southwick, Mass., and lives on the home-
stead of his father. A granddaughter, Grace Eve-
lyn, daughter of Harry Curtis Warner, was born
March i8, 1900.
In 1892 Mr. Warner was elected, on the Re-
publican ticket, to represent the town of Suffield in
the State Legislature, and was an influential mem-
ber of that body for one term. He has served as
selectman for three terms and as jvistice of the
peace for several years, and his official duties have
always been most promptly and efficiently dis-
charged. He possesses in a full measure the fine
ennobling qualities for which his ancestors were
noted, and though quiet and unassuming in man-
ner he makes friends, and has the happy faculty of
being able to retain them.
Col. Nathaniel Hayden, grandfather of Mrs.
Francis N. Warner, was born in Torrington, Litch-
field Co., Conn., March 30, 1775, a son of Augustin
and Cynthia (Filer) Hayden. He married Sally
Ransom, of Barkhamsted, Litchfield county, who
died at Warehouse Point, April 26, 1873, aged
ninety-two years, having long survived her hus-
band, who had passed away June 20, 1819, while
in his forty-fourth year. At one time he was col-
onel of a regiment in his district. Their children
were as follows : Betsy, born Jan. 24, 1800, married
Elias Beach, of Waterbury ; Ransom B. is men-
tioned below; Nathaniel, born iu 1805, married
Sarah Root; Austin, born March, 1807, married
Sarah Ann Cook; Sarah, -born Jan. 19, 1810, mar-
ried Orville Olmsted, of Riverton ; Almira, born
Sept. 17, 1812, married John P. Chapin, of Enfield,
and moved to Ohio; Emilv. born May, 1815, mar-
ried Nathaniel Gaylord, of Hartland ; and Addi-
son, born in 1817, married Harriet Pierson.
Ransom B. Hayden, father of Mrs. Francis N.
Warrier, was born Jan. 27, 1802, and died at West
Suffield, in April, 1886. He married Hannah Mat-
tocks, and they had children as follows : Charlotte
L., born Oct. 25, 1824, is now the widow of T. J.
Austin; Osman M., born Dec. 29, 1826, is living
in Laporte, Ind. ; Nathaniel, born in 'May, 1834,
married Lizzie J. Dodd ; -Sarah J. (Mrs. F. N. War-
ner), born Oct. i, 1838; and Georgianna, born May
5, 1842, married Samuel Hanchett, of Westfield,
Massachusetts.
ISAAC M. QUINN has been engaged at farm-
ing and carpenter work in the town of Manchester
i for over thirty years, and he is respected wherever
I known as an industrious and thrifty man, and a
\ good citizen of the community where he has made
) his home for so many years.
> Mr. Quinn was born March 17, 1840, at East
Hampton, Long Island, on the farm of his parents,
John and Eliza A. Quinn, and there grew to
manhood. He received his education in the public
schools of his native place, and having been reared
to farming began work in that line when twelve
years of age, on Gardiner's Island. When sev-
enteen he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade,
at which he served an apprenticeship of three years,
remaining in the neighborhood of his birthplace until
i860, when he came to Hartford county, locating at
Manchester. Here he worked at his trade until his
enlistment, on Aug. 11, 1862, in Company H, i6th
Conn. V. I., which was mustered in at Hartford
and sent first to Washington, D. C, and thence to
Frederick City, Md., where he was hurt in the knee
and sent to Baltimore. He was at University Hos-
pital, Newton, Md., from Sept. 17, 1862, until the
following March, rejoining his command at Suffolk,
Va., and subsequently took part in skirmishes at
Suffolk and at Newbern, N. C, thence going to
Plymouth, same State, where he was on garrison
duty. The company was next sent to Roanoke to
relieve recruits, and also did garrison duty at that
place. Mr. Quinn received his discharge June 24,
1865, at Newbern, and returned to Manchester,
where he has ever since resided. He has been en-
engaged at his trade the greater part of the time in
connection with general farming, having acquired ■
a neat farm of forty-eight acres, which' under his
careful management has become a well-improved
and valuable piece of land. Mr. Quinn's prosperity
has been earned by faithful attention to the demands
of his work and well-directed industry, which at the
same time have won him the good will and respect
of all with whom he has come in contact, and he is
in every way deserving of the comfortable income
which he now enjoj^s.
On Aug-. II, 1862, our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Julia E. Hill. They have no-
children. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are members of the
Congregational Church at Manchester Center. Po-
litically he sympathizes with the Republican party.
JOSEPH V\^. HOLCOMB, a prominent farmer
and tobacco grower of East Weatogue, Simsbury,
has risen steadily in the estimation of his fellow
men by his force of character, his sterling integrity,,
and his active championship of causes which pro-
mote the general welfare of society. In his advance-
ment he has been ably seconded by a devoted and
intelligent wife, who shares his active and courag-
eous nature and who is a most worthy helpmeet.
Our subject was born in Granby, Hartford coun-
ty, March 4, 1853, a son of Edmund and Harriet
E. (Gavette) Holcomb, and brother of Gavette B.
Holcomb, of East Weatogue. He was educated in
the district schools of Granby, and at the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, Suffield, under Prof. Shores,,
grew up on the old homestead, and remained with
his father until of age. With a taste for travel, he
visited Paris, Edgar Co., Ill, where he spent one
year, engaged in various occupations. Thence he
1020
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
moved to Texas, where he spent some time. Re-
turning to Granbv, he remained on the homestead
until iS8i, when he came to East Weatogue, Sims-
bury, and bought a tract of 120 acres, known as the
Humphrey farm, where for the past eighteen years
he has been engaged in tobacco culture, dairying
and general farming.
i\lr. Holcomb married, Oct. 24, 1879, Mary Ellen
Lowrev, born in Burlington, Conn., daughter of
Alfred'and Elnora (Goodsell) Lowrev, granddaugh-
ter of Thomas Lowrey, great-granddaughter of
Daniel Lowrey, who was a corporal in the Revolu-
tion, and great-great-granddaughter of Thomas
Lowrey. Daniel Lowrey was a native of Hartford
county, and was of Irish and Scottish descent. He
was a land owner and a farmer of the town of Farm-
ington, now riainvillc, where he died and was
buried! Thomas Lowrey, the grandfather of Mrs.
Holcomb, was born July 21, 1778. He removed in
1802 from Plamvule to WhigviUe, where, in 1814, he
erected a shop and became a cloth manufacturer,
and where he continued in active business until his
death, in 1840. He was buried in the South cem-
etery of Burlington. In politics he was a Whig,
and in religion a member of the Dautist Church of
Bristol. He married, Aug. i, 1803, I'attie Weed,
who was born April 3, 1782, at Plymouth, Conn.
.To Thomas and Pattie Lowrey were born ten chil-
dren: William, born June 23, 1804; Alfred, father
of ^Irs. Holcomb, born March 22, 1806; Annie,
born Feb. 6, 1808, married Horatio Sperry ; Pattie,
born March 30, 1810, married Luther L. Tuttle ;
Mary, born March 8, 1812, married George Lang-
•dorn : Caroline, born April 20, 1814, married (first)
Sheldon \'ose, and (second) Edward Bunnell, her
deceased sister's husband ; Jennette, born May 20,
1816, married Edward Bunnell ; Thomas, born Nov.
12, 1818; David, born July 2, 1821 ; and Mamre,
"born Aug. i, 1824, married V. H. Hotchkiss, of
New York.
Alfred Lowrey, the father of Mrs. Holcomb,
received only a common-school education. He ac-
quired the clockmaker's trade, and in connection
with farming followed his trade in the employ of
William Jones, and also for himself at W^hig^ille
and at Burlington, where he died July 21, 1872.
He was buried in Case's cemeterv, Burlington. He
married, at New Hartford, Elnora Goodsell, who
was born in New Hartford, daughter of Capt. Jo-
siah and Eunice (Lester) Goodsell, and grand-
daughter of Samuel Goodsell (who was also a
soldier in the Revolution), and of Andrew Lester.
To Alfred and Elnora Lowrey were born five chil-
dren : Adeline, wife of Alfred Norton, of Bristol ;
Augustus Alfred, who married Ida Beach, and
lives at Whigville ; Lester Lewis, who married Lil-
lian Bunnell, and lives at Whigville ; Martha, who
married Arthur Nearing ; and Mary Eleanor, wife
of our subject. Four children have been born to
our subject and wife: Eleanor Angelina, Ethel
May, Edmund Alfred and Theona Lowrey.
Mrs. Holcomb was educated in the district
schools of Burlington, Conn., and also in the State
Normal School at New Britain, Conn., from which
institution she was graduated in January, 1876. She
then taught school in the Lhiion District, Simsbury.
She is a member of the Advanced Grange, Sims-
bury, of which she served as master one term, being
the first lady in the State of Connecticut to fill that
office, and takes an active part in the Grange work;
she is also an active member of the Daughters of
the American Revolution, Abigail Phelps Chapter,
Simsbury. Mrs. Holcomb is a lady of refined taste,
finislied education and elevated character. She is
dce])ly attached to home, husband and family.
Our subject served as deputy sheriff for six
years under Sheriff Preston. He is a stanch Demo-
crat, but not a seeker for political preferment. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the F. & A. M., St.
Mark's Lodge, Simsbury, and is also a leading mem-
ber of the Grange. His wife and eldest daughter
are members of tJie Congregational Church.
JAMES ORRIN HASKINS, a leading tobacco
grower and general agriculturist of Suffield, is a
native of the town, born Feb. 21, 1859. He was
educated in the public schools, and at the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, and this instruction was sup-
plemented by an attendance at the Eastman Busi-
ness College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which
he was graduated. He remained under the pa-
rental roof until twenty-one years of age, when he
embarked in a business career on his own account,
purchasing thirty-five acres of his present farm
from E. A. Fuller; the balance of the place is
known as the John A. King farm, and here he has
since industriously devoted his attention to the
branches of agriculture already mentioned, and also
to dairying to a considerable extent. He is noted
for his honesty and honorable dealing, and through
his personal efforts he has succeeded in erecting
one of the most pleasantly located homes in Suffield
township, fitted with modern improvements. He
has also erected some of the largest tobacco sheds
in the town, one being 34x160 feet in dimensions;
another 34x80; two 22x48; and one 30x40, all be-
ing supplied with the most effective accessories.
He now operates 140 acres of land, and his phe-
nomenal success is due entirely to his good man-
agement and foresight.
Mr. Haskins is one of the leading and most
popular Democrats of his town. In 1897 he was
elected selectman of Suffield, and came within only
thirty-three votes of being selected chairman of the
-board, notwithstanding the fact that the body was
almost purely Republican. He was re-elected to
the office in 1898, and by the same sweeping popu-
lar vote. He has also served as a member of the
school board, is the present treasurer of same, and
one of its trustees, and in 1888 was nominated by
the Democracy as its candidate for the State Legis-
lature. However, the town being overwhelmingly
Republican, he was defeated. For ten years he was
»
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1021
also a registrar of votes in Suffield. He has likewise
filled several positions of honor and trust in business
institutions, being a trustee of the Suffield Sav-
ings Bank, and a member of the financial com-
mittee; secretary of the Kent Library committee;
and an active member of the Suffield Agricultural
Society, of which he has been secretary for the past
six years, and is the present treasurer ; and a mem-
ber of the New England Tobacco Growers Associa-
tion. He belongs to the O. U. A. M., of Suffield,
He has been very active in support of all' measures
that tend to the growth and prosperity of his com-
munity.
The marriage of Mr. Haskins took place at
Westfield, Mass., in i88.-^, to Miss Emma E. Bush,
daughter of Seth Bush, a well-known citizen of that
place, and to this union was born one child that
died in infancy. Mrs. Haskins is a highly intelli-
gent and refined lady ; she is a member of the Bap-
tist Church.
Ashel Bush, grandfather of Mrs. Haskins, was
a son of a Revolutionary soldier and a native of
Westfield, Mass., where he was a holder of a large
farming estate, and verv prominent as a citizen.
He married Miss Sallie Noble, by whom he had six
children: Seth, Ashel, Luke, Edwin, Mary (who
married Thomas O. Kneil), and Amelia (who mar-
ried Ephraim Crary) . The father of this family was
an ardent Jeffersonian Democrat ; both he and his
wife died on the old homestead, and their remains
lie interred side by side in the Westfield cemetery.
Seth Bush, the father of Mrs. Haskins, was
born in Westfield, Mav 5, 1820,. and, although his
schooling was quite limited, was a man of close
observation, kept well posted on the current events
of his day, and was a progressive farmer, making
a specialty of fattening cattle; in 1878 he shipped
to the English markets eighteen head, the combined
weight of which was 36,300 pounds. He also culti-
vated tobacco extensively, and was known as the
"Prince of Tobacco Growers" of the Connecticut
Valley. On Jan. 20, 1847, he married Miss Lucy
A. Kellogg, a daughter of Alva Kelloeg, a promi-
nent citizen of Southwick, Mass.. and this marriage
was blessed with five children : Homer, a farmer of
Westfield, Mass. ; Lucy A., single ; Mary K., wife
of E. S. Chipley, of Atlanta, Ga. ; Emma E., the
wife of Mr. Haskins ; and William S., still on the
old homestead. The father of this family died
in June, 1894, the mother in 1895, and their re-
mains lie interred in Pine Hill cemetery, at West-
field.
James O. Haskins, beside being one of the most
popular residents of Suffield, is one of the most
charitable and progressive, and he and his wife en-
joy the unfeigned friendship of the entire com-
munity, although here and there might be found
a few, who may not, like the majority, hold Mr.
Haskins in high regard on account of political dif-
ferences; outside of party antagonism, however,
he has not an enemy in the world.
MORTON SANFORD. The family of which
the subject of this sketch is a worthy and repre-
sentative member has possessed, in combination
with talent of a high order, an energy and capacity
for work that has given it prominence through gen-
erations. At the age of seventeen Mr. Sanford ran
away from home to enter the service of his coun-
try. His father. Dr. George W. Sanford, was for
many years one of the most distinguished medical
practitioners of Hartford county. His grandfather,-
Joseph Sanford, was a contractor during the war
of 1812. Our subject is at present keeper of the
State poor farni, a work with which at similar in-
stitutions various members of the family have been
long and most successfully engaged.
Joseph Sanford, the grandfather, was a native
of East Granville, Mass. There he acquired the
tanner's trade, and for his time carried on in that
town quite an extensive business. During the war
of 18 12 he maoe a large contract to supply the gov-
ernment with leather, and invested a large amount
of money in hides ; but at that tim.e the process of
tanning was slow, requiring a year to convert hides
into leather, and the war closing before he had com-
pleted his contract he sustained a heavy financial
loss. The latter years of his life were spent on a
small farm near Bloomfield, Conn., purchased for
him by his son, George W. Joseph Sanford was a
member of the Congregational Churcn. He mar-
ried Hopie Wilmot, a native of Northfield, Conn.,
and to them were born children as follows : George
W., the father of our subject; Hopie, who married
a Mr. Trumbull, and removed to Ohio ; Hannah, who
m.arried Henry Neil, of Sherborn, Mass. ; Roena,
who married Reuben Barker, and removed to Mich-
igan; Joseph, who died in infancy; Joseph D. (2),
who married Mary Smith, was at one time a mer-
chant of Tariffville, and later resided at Granby,
Conn. ; and a daughter who married a Mr. Botham.
Joseph Sanford, the father of these children, died .
about 1846, and was buried at Tariffville.
Dr. George W. Sanford, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Dec. 20, 1807.
He received a good education, completing a course
at Dr. Cooley's classical school, at East Granville,
Mass., graduating in 1827, studied medicine, and
several years later began its practice at Granville,
Mass. In 1836 he graduated from the Medical
Department of Williams College. Shortly before
1830 he located at Tariffville, where he continued
in active practice for over sixty years. While on
his way to Tariffville he passed through the toll-
gate at North Bloomfield without paying toll. As
he passed on a young lady who was attending the
toll-gate rushed after him, and threatened to pros-
ecute the young phj-sician if he did not make the
legal payment. The Doctor related the incident to
a friend wnom he met a little later along the road,
expressed his admiration for the girl, and said he
intended to make her acquaintance. She was Miss
Jane Elizabeth Adams, born in Bloomfield, Conn.,
Sept. II, 1813, daughter of Ambrose and Catherine
(Eno) Adams. The acquaintance was made, ripened
1022
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
into love, and Dr. Sanford married the young lady
Feb. 4, 1830.
The extended practice of Dr. Sanford at Tariff-
ville was eminently successful, and he quickly be-
came one of the leading citizens of the town. In
1835 he became a member of the hlartford County
Medical Society (at the time of his death being its
oldest living member), was elected president of the
society in 1874, and again in 1881 ; was a member
of the' State Aledical Society, and of the American
Medical Association. During President Grant's ad-
ministration ne was sent to Washington as a dele-
gate to the American Aledical Association. He
was also a member of the Lyceum of Natural His-
tory of the Berkshire Medical Institute.
The latter years of Dr. Sanford's life were
marked by a misfortune, which, however, did not
deter him from continuing his practice. In 1885
he became totally blind. He was thrown from his
carriage Feb. 21, 1883, and again on May 3, of the
same year, the shock causing a congestion of the
nerve of the eye, which produced blindness. Yet
he continued to practice. His patients visited him,
and he diagnosed many cases while blind, as his
skill was most remarkaljle. His usefulness, how-
ever, was not limited to his profession. He was
a prominent member of society, and as a public-
spirited citizen accomplished great good. For many
years he was a prominent member of the Baptist
Church, and often when the church was in debt
and in urgent need of funds he at his own expense
and inconvenience made trips and solicited funds.
In politics he was a Whig, and later a Republican.
For many years he served as a justice of the peace,
was postmaster during the administrations of Presi-
dents Harrison and Tyler, for fiftv years was school
visitor, and for several years was keeper of the town
poor. He served in the House of Representatives
three terms, in 1845, 1871 and 1875. In 1845 he
was a member of the committee on Banks, and dur-
ing the two later terms he served on the committee
on Humane Institutions. He was widely known
throughout the country, and numbered among his
friends many prominent men. Fraternally he was
a Freemason.
The children of George W. and Jane Eliza-
beth (Adams) Sanford were as follows : (i) Jane
Geraldine, born June 16, 1831, married Charles L.
Roberts, both dying at Tariffville. (2) George
Ambrose, born Nov. 26, 1832, died of tvphoid fever
at Tariffville Feb. 5, 1851. (3) Joseph'Willis, born
Sept. I, 1835, is now factory foreman at Water-
bury, Conn., having charge of all outside work for
the Scoville Manufacturing Co. He married Emma
Woodward, of Hartford, by whom he had one child,
Frank Willis. She died Nov. 17, 1867, and for
his second wife he married, Oct. 24, 1871, Susan
Goodman, who bore him one daughter, Mary Ellen.
(4) Marvin H., born Sept. 20, 1837, died Dec. 8,
1896. (5) James Homer, born May 8, 1840, died
March 25, 1892, at Meriden, Conn., where for many
years he was connected with the street departm.ent.
(6) Ophelia, born April 15, 1842, died of typhoid
fever Sept. 16, i860. (7) Morton is the subject of
this .sketch. (8) Mary, born July 11, 1846, died
Feb. 8, 1847. (9) Mary Alice, born Nov. 27, 1847,
died July 11, 1848. (10) Henry W., born Feb. 4,
1850, a resident of New Haven, was for many years
keeper of the almshouse there, and is now super-
intendent of the New Haven Ice Co. (11) George
Ambrose (2), born Aug. 15, 1852, is a resident of
Winsted, Conn. (12) Ellen B., born Uct. 28, 1S55,
died Aug. 19, 1870. The first wife of Dr. Sanford
died March 9, 1872. and for his second wife he mar-
ried Ada L. Eno, who now survives, a resident of
New Britain. Dr. Sanford died at Tarift'ville Sept.
23, 1892, aged eighty-five years, and in his death the
town lost one of its most valuable residents.
Dr. Sanford commanded universal respect. He
was kind antl benevolent in disposition, and his
deliberate judgment and advice were greatly sought.
He stood foremost in the community as a public-
spirited man, in ecclestiastical and municipal af-
fairs, as well as in his profession. He was very
popular, and unselfish to a marked degree. He de-
lighted in rendering a service to others, though
often at great inconvenience and expense to him-
self. His faculties were unimpaired to the last, and
he retained through life the kind regard and re-
spect of the people whom he had known and served
for over sixty years.
Morton Sanford, our subject, was born at Tar-
iffville July 16, 1844. Fie received in his boyhood a
good common-school education, and among his early
teachers were D. B. Rice, Miss Mary Pease and
^liss Ellen Holcomb. He attended the academy at
Tariffville at the time Norman Sackett was at the
head of it, and then became a student at the Bloom-
field Academy, where Mr. Shumley taught. When
not attending school he was working on the farm.
At seventeen years of age, on the breaking out of
the Civil war, ne went away from home, and at
Meriden endeavored to go out as hostler in the
First Connecticut Light Artillery. The following
year he enlisted, becoming a private in Company E,
25th Regiment, Conn. V. I., Col. George P. Bissell.
His first engagement was a skirmish at Baton
Rouge, La. Leaving that city, the regiment made
a feint at Port Hudson, and there our subject saw
the entire fleet pass up the river, and saw Lieut.
George Dewey blow up the gunboat "Mississippi."
He remained with his company and regiment
through all its campaigns and engagements, until
discharged at the expiration of his term of service,
Aug. 26, 1863. He had been promoted to corporal
at Irish Bend, April 14, 1863.
Returning to Tariffville, Mr. Sanford clerked
one year in the store of D. C. Hayes. Thence be
engaged in farm work, but later accepted a posi-
tion as clerk with J. F. Smith & Co., New Hartford,
where he remained five years. After again working
on the farm for a short time he returned to i^ew
Hartford, and took charge of the town poor, re-
maining in that work until November, 1896, when
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1023
he resigned to take charge of the institution at Tar-
iffville vvliere the State poor are sheltered and cared
for, a well-known institution, which had previously
been in charge of his brother, Marvin H. Sanford.
In Februar}', 1898, after falling this position for
more than a year, he entered into a contract with
the State to keep the State poor for a period of three
lyears. In connection with this work he carries on
a farming and dairying business, and in 1899 lie en-
gaged also in the ice business at Tariffville.
Mr. Sanford married, Jan. 22, 1866, at Bloom-
field, Miss Mary A. Goodman, who was born at
West Hartford Jan. 5, 1844, eldest of the two
daughters of James and Sally (Tuttle) Goodman.
Her father was a farmer, and her sister, Susan A.,
married Joseph W. Sanford, of Waterbury. Before
her marriage Mrs. Sanford had attended the Bloom-
field Academy, and taught school at Bloomfield and
West Hartford. To our subject and wife were
born five children: Jane E., wife of Rev. W. W.
, West, a Baptist minister ; Edward M., at home ;
Frederick M., a medical student at Western Penn-
sylvania Medical College ; Ada L., at home ; and
j William A., who died in infancy.
i In politics Mr. Sanford is a Republican. He
served three vears as constable, and was re-elected,
but declined to serve longer. He is an active mem-
ber of Joseph Toy Post, G. A. R., at Simsbury.
Himself and wife are prominent members of the
Baptist Church, in which he has filled various of-
fices, and for years was superintendent of the Sab-
bath-school. He is an earnest, influential, highly-
respected citizen, and his family is a prominent
factor in the social life of Tarififville.
WILLIAM H. PEASE. The biographies of
successful men teem with illustrations that those
traits of character which seem most widely dis-
tributed, and most easily acquired, are most fruit-
ful of prosperity and progress. Energy and good
judgment, application and intelligence, are the
weapons with which adverse fate can be fearlessly
faced and vanquished. These dominant traits won
for the father of our subject a position of worth and
independence. They have happily marked the con-
tinued success of his son.
Our subject was born in the town of Simsbury
(now Bloomfield) March 15, 1845, son of Edward
and Mary (Kenworthy) Pease. Edward Pease was
born in County Kildare, Ireland, May 15, 1810,
; son of English parents. His father, William Pease,
grandfather of our subject, was the son of an Eng-
lishman, who at ope time owned a large tract of
land, upon which now stands the city of Leeds,
England. William hved at Norwich, England, and
there married Isabella Barker. He removed to
Ireland to take charge of a factory as superintend-
ent, and there died when Edward, the father of our
subject, was but six weeks old. Edward Pease
was well educated in the schools of Ireland, and
at the age of seventeen years came to America. A
hand weaver of broadcloth by trade, he found em-
ployment at Middletown, Conn. A few years after
his arrival in America, on June 9, 1832, at Ware-
house Point, Conn., he married Mary, daughter of
Jolm Kenworthy. She was born in England, and
came to the United States with her father from
Yorkshire, England.
After his marriage Edward Pease settled in Tar-
ififville, and remained there until the panic of 1837
closed the woolen mills and threw him out of em-
ployment. Possessing some means, the acquisition
of a western farm seemed the most attractive course
for him to follow. By canal-boat and other crude
methods of transportation he made his way slowly
westward with nis little family, and at Jackson,
Mich., built a log cabin, in which he lived four years.
The country was new, and its hardships and priva-
tions were seriously felt. He returned to his old
home in Tariffville for a year, then once more es-
sayed a life in the western wilderness. Conditions
were more intolerable than before, and again the
ambitious mechanic packed his worldly goods,
turned his face toward the rising sun, and regained
the attractive environment of Hartford county. He
located temporarily at Tarififville, and soon after-
ward removed to near Scotland church, in Bloom-
field. There he wove rag carpets, ana conducted a
small general merchandise store. In 1848 he opened
a grocery and drug business at Tariffville, contin-
uing same successfully until 1864, in which year
he purchased a farm in Bloomfield and engaged in
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred
Dec. 31, 1873. His widow still survives, and resides
in Bloomfield, an active and well-preserved old lady.
Edward Pease was a man of sturdy self reliance,
was thoroughly self-made, and prospered financially
in his business undertakings. He was a heavy
stockholder in the ^tna Insurance Co., and the de-
structive conflagrations at Boston and Chicago bore
heavily upon that company and its members, the as-
sessments of Mr. Pease to meet those losses ag-
gregating over $13,000. In politics he had been a
Democrat previous to the Civil war, but when the
first gun was fired at Fort Sumter he became a
stanch Republican and supporter of the administra-
tion. For several years he was postmaster at Tar-
iffville, and he was a most highly-respected citizen,
prominent and public-spirited. He left at his death
considerable property, all of which had been ac-
cumulated by his own efforts. To Edward and
Mary Pease were born six children : Jane, who
died aged eighteen years ; Isabel, who died in Mich-
igan, at the age of four years ; Mary, who married
George F. Abies, and died at Granby; William H.,
our subject; Franklin, who died at Tariffville, aged
six years ; and Edward T., a druggist at Hartford,
and a resident of Bloomfield.
William H. Pease, our subject, was born in the
"Old Mitchelson homestead," and attended the
schools of the district until the age of twelve. He
then attended a private school for three vears, taught
by a Mr. Sackett, in Tariffville, and his education
was completed in the Connecticut Literary Institute,
1024
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at Suffield, Conn. He remained at home with his
parents, and as a young man, when not in school,
he aiways had work to do. When he was about
twenty years of age his parents removed to the
farm in Bloomheld, and there he began farming.
In 1870 he married Aiiss Jennie L. Smitn, of South-
ington, Corni., daughter of Lester Smith, and after
his marriage locared on his father's farm, in con-
nection wiui its cukivatioii conducting a grocery
business at North Bloomfield for about fifteen years,
in which he was eminently successful. For several
years he was during that period postmaster at North
Bloomfield. In 1S83 he disposed of his grocery and
went into the undertaking business at North Bloom-
field, in which he has ever since been engaged. In
1890 he removed tl:e business to iarilTville, erect-
ing all tb.e necessary builiHngs, and constructing
a commodious home on Church street. Of his two i
children, Franklin E. is manager of the paper and |
curtain department for Caulkins & Post, of Middle- |
town. Conn.; he married Eva L. Lumis, and has j
one child, Herbert R. Nellie M., a graduate of the !
State Normal School, is teaching.
Mr. and Mrs. Pease are active members of the
Baptist Church, and very prominent in religious >
■ life of the communitv. He has been junior deacon
of the church for years, and is superintendent of the ,
Sabbath-school. In politics he is a stanch Repub-
lican, but not an office seeker. He is unostentatious
in manner, and a thoroughly good business man,
one who possesses the good-will and esteem of his
fellow men, and who enjoys a large measure of
success. Besides attending to his undertaking busi-
ness he also grows tobacco. Socially he is a mem-
ber of St. Mark's Lodge, F. & A. M., at Sims-
bury, and ranks high among the better type of citi-
zens in Hartford county.
C. EDWARD BUCKLAND. One of the most
enterprising and popular young business men of
Glastonbury is the subject of this sketch, who is
general agent of the Mutual Life Insurance Co.,
of New York, at Hartford. He has had an ex-
tensive experience in his line at Hartford, and his
business career has been attended with marked
success.
Mr. Buckland is a representative of an old New
England family. His grandfather, Timothy Buck-
land, was born in East Hartford Nov. 13, 1780,
and in that town followed through life the trade
of joiner. He married Typhena Hills, who was
born March 8, 1785, daughter of Jonathan Hills,
an East Hartford farmer. Their five children were'
as follows : Julia, born March 20, 1805, married
Tallman Ryder, a farmer of Willington ; Frances,
born July 4, 1810, married William Shelton, a hat-
ter of Windsor; Cornelia, born Dec. 20, 1814, mar-
ried William Kellock, a mechanic of New Jersey ;
Lee H., born Feb. 6, 1821, married Cornelia Ryder,
a sister of Tallman Ryder, and lives on Franklin
avenue, Hartford, the sole survivor of the family;
Charles, the youngest of the family, was the father
of our subject. Timothy Buckland died June 16,
1864, his wife surviving him eight years.
Charles Buckland, the father of our subject,
was born June 17, 1828, in East Hartford, neai
the river, on what is now Governor street. He
attended the district schools, and in his youth ac-
quired the trade of silversmith, which he followed
until he attained his majority. Then, seeking a
more active life, he went on the Connecticut river
as master of a schooner which his father owned.
Later he was first mate on various freight and pas-
senger steamers, including "The City of Hartford"
and the "Granite State," and was aboard the latter
steamer when she sank. In later life Charles Buck-
land left the water, and returning to Glastonbury
there followed farming and dealt in fertilizers, in
partnership with Samuel Flardin, until his death,
Oct. 17, 1894. He was buried in St. James cem-
etery, Glastonbury. On Feb. 4, 1852, he had mar-
ried Miss Ann Eliza Gaines, who was born Dec.
23, 1830, at Glastonbury, daughter of Chauncey
and Betsey (Hurlbut) Gaines. To Charles and
-Vnn Eliza Buckland were born two children: Eva,
born March 23,-1853, died Nov. 11, 1892; and
C. Edward, our 'subject.
The latter was born in Glastonbury Feb. 4, 1859,
and was educated in the Glastonbury schools and
at Glastonbury Academy, then under Prof. L. T.
Brown. His school days ended, our subject re-
turned to the old homestead, and there engaged
in farming until 1888. In that year he went to
Hartford and engaged in the insurance business
with his brother-in-law, F. A. Griswold, under the
firm name of Griswold & Buckland, No. 721 Main
street, representing the Northwestern Life Insur- '.
ance Co., of Mil\Vaukee, Wis. This business was |
most successfully continued for eleven years, Mr.
Buckland retiring July i, 1899, to accept at a hand-
some salary his position of general agent at Hart-
ford, for the Mutual Life Insurance Co., of New
York, a position which he has filled ever since.
Mr. Buckland was married, Nov. 22, 1882, to
Miss JNIary R. Griswold, who was born at Wethers-
field July 20, 1863, daughter of Albert C. and Caro-
line L. (Goodrich) Griswold. Thi Griswold family
is one of the oldest in Wethersfield. , James Gris-
wold, the grandfather of Mrs. Buckland, was born in
Griswoldville or Wethersfield, son of Ozias and
Anna (Stanley) Griswold. James was a cloth
dresser at Griswoldville, and a farmer, owning a
tract of land in Wethersfield. In politics he was a
Whig and later a Republican, and he and his wife
were members of the Congregational Church. He
married Miss Lucy Robbins, a native of Wethers-
field, daughter of Capt. Waite Robbins, an officer
in the Revolutionary army, and their children were
as follows: Lucy Robbins, born Nov. 9, 1812, mar-
ried George Smith, of Wethersfield ; James Stanley,
born Nov. i, 1815, was a farmer of Wethersfield,
and married three times (his wives were Prudence
W'ells, Lucy Swift and Eunice Clark) ; Martha ,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1025
Amelia, born Oct. 21, 1817, died in 1833; Waite
Robbins was born June 15, 1820; Nancy, born Jan.
13, 1823, died unmarried; Mary Morgan was born
Dec. 2, 1825 ; Albert Clinton, the youngest child,
was the father of Mrs. Buckland.
Albert C. Griswold was, born in Griswoldville
Sept. 4, 1827, and received a good education in the
schools of Wethersfield, and at the Connecticut
Literary Institute. He taught at the Wethersfield
Military Academy, at Hartford, and elsewhere, and
after his marriage removed to Durham, where he
engaged in farming. After his father's death he
occupied the old homestead for many years, and
then removed to Rocky Hill, where he died Dec.
20, 1893. At Rocky Hill he had married Miss
Caroline Louise Goodrich, daughter of William
Goodrich. She still survives, a resident of Wethers-
field, and a lady of refinement. To Albert C. and
Carohne L. Griswold were born six children : Will-
iam G., born May 4, 1854, married in 1879 Minnie
G. Adams, daughter of William W. Adams, a
farmer of Wethersfield, and has seven children ;
Frederick Albert, born March 30, 1856, married
Mary F. Stillman, daughter of Henry A. Stillman,
and has nine children (he is engaged in the insur-
ance business at Hartford) ; Alma L. married Dr.
Julius Griswold, a resident at Portland ; Mary R.
is the wife of our subject; Samuel married Susie
C. Day, of Hartford, and resides at Rochester, N.
Y. ; and Nellie M. is the wife of Rev. R. H. Macy,
a Congregational minister of Newington.
The family of our subject and wife consists of
six children: Malcolm G., born Dec. 31, 1887; May
Louise, born July 12, 1889; Edward, Jr., born Nov.
4, 1891 ; Frederick Albert, born Feb. 16, 1896; Mar-
jorie, born June 7, 1898; and one whose name is
not given.
For several terms Mr. Buckland has served as
tax collector, and he is now a member of the school
committee. Earlier in life he was a Democrat, but
he now votes the Republican ticket. He is a promi-
nent Freemason, a member of Daskam Lodge
No. 86, F. & A. M.; Pythagoras Chapter; Wash-
ington Commandery, Knights Templar, of Hart-
ford ; the Mystic Shrine ; Lodge of Perfection A. A.
5. R. ; Cyrus Goodale Chapter, Rose Croix ; and
Consistory. Mr. and Mrs. Buckland are active
members of the Congregational Church, of which
he has been librarian for the past twenty years, and
of which he is now clerk. The home of Mr. and
Mrs. Buckland is one of the cheeriest and most
hospitable in Glastonbury. They have a wide cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances, and both are most
highly esteemed.
EDWARD BREWER, well-known as one of
East Hartford's enterprising business men since
1873, was born in East Hartford Meadow Sept. 16,
1849, a^d is a descendant of the old Colonial Brewer
family to which many allusions are made in this
volume, and in some instances biographies in de-
es
tail are given, and who have been prominently
identified with East Hartford for over two hundred
years.
Janeway Brewer, father of our subject, was born
in Hockan'um, Conn., April 24, 1810, and was a
son of Reuben and Eunice Moriah (Hills) Brewer,
and a twin of Jane, who was married to Ralph Hills,
of Hockanum. Reuben Brewer was born Feb. 23,
1778, and died Nov. 8, 1844, and his wife, a daugh-
ter of James and Mehitable Hills, was born Sept.
19, 1778, and died in May, 1853. [A more extended
mention of Reuben Brewer will be found in the
biography of Hoadley C. Brewer, elsewhere.]
Janeway Brewer learned the carpenter's trade
under Noah Wheaton at Hartford, and on Feb. 7,
1833, was married to Sarah Marble, who was born
July 20, 181 1, and by whom he had the following
named children: William E., born Jan. 19, 1834,
now residing at East Hartford Meadow; Charles
M., born June 14, 1836, living in Hartford ; Ralph
C, born Dec. 15, 1839, a resident of East Hartford
Meadow ; Frank J., born Nov. 9, 1846, who lived in
Hartford, and after marriage died in that city ; and
Edward, whose name opens this sketch, the youngest
of the family. Mr. Brewer was an excellent car-
penter, and one of the prominent residents of East
Hartford Meadow. He built three houses for him-
self, and resided in all of them at different times. -
In politics he was a Democrat, and an earnest sup-
porter of Stephen A. Douglas, but was never him-
self an office seeker. At the age of eighty years he
was a well-preserved man, and lived until Jan. 14,
1892, his wife having died Dec. 16, 1857, '" the
faith of the Congregational Church.
Edward Brewer was born in the second of the
three houses erected by his father, and this house
is still standing on Pleasant street. East Hartford
Meadow. He was educated in the village school,
and among his teachers were Joseph O. Hurlburt,
Salmon Phelps and Ephraim Rood. He still has a
great regard for the schools of his boyhood, and
believes that their thoroughness will compare fav-
orably with the schools of to-day.
In 1857 Mr. Brewer lost his mother, and at the
age of thirteen years he went to live with Ira Hills,
with whoni he remained two years, doing chores, and
in the winter attending school under J. O. Hurlburt
at Church Corners ; later he lived with Samuel Kel-
logg, doing such work as his age permitted. He
next entered the grocery store of George W. Darlin
as clerk, and two years later went to Hartford to
learn carpentering with James T. Porter, at forty
dollars and board for the first year, and eighty dol-
lars for the second year ; but he left at the end of
thirteen months and returned to his father, under
whom he finished learning his trade. Just after
serving out his apprenticeship, instead of follow-
ing carpentering he went into the butcher business,
in partnership with Charles E. White. Albany, N.
Y., was headquarters for New England cattle buy-
ers, and from that city steers were driven to Hart-
ford and here slaughtered. At the close of a year
he sold his interest to Mr. White, removed to East
1026
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hartford from East Hartford Meadow, and then
•with F. B. Clark followed butchering in East Hart-
ford ten years and six months, when he sold his
share in the business to Mr. Clark April i, 1885, and
formed a partnership with William A. Foley, under
the style of Brewer & Foley ; this partnership lasted
ten rears and three months, when, on July i, 1895,
the firm dissolved, since when Mr. Brewer has con-
ducted business on his sole account, and Oct. i,
1899, was the twenty-sixth anniversary of his en-
trance into the butcher trade. Mr. Brewer has
erected two houses on Central avenue, and Sept. i,
1899, moved into his present handsome dwelling.
On ]\lav 12, 1873, ]\Ir. Brewer married Miss
Irene Smith, at Hartford. She is a daughter of
Philander Smith, was born June 30, 1853, in West
Daven]iort. Delaware Co., X. V., and has borne her
husband live children : Sarah F., Janeway E., Will-
iam E., Edward (deceased at the age of five months)
and Flerbert G., the survivors all at home.
In politics I\Ir. Brewer is a Democrat on general
principles, but is not partisan in matters of conse-
quence, as, for instance, on the question of National
finances, he voted for McKinlcy and sound money.
Fraternally he is a member of Orient Lodge, No.
62, F. & A. M., of East Hartford. As a business
man his methods have always been fair and hon-
orable, and his honesty has stood the test of years.
His name is one of the most respected in his town,
and his individual merits have won for him the un-
feigned friendship of the whole community.
JOHN S. TAFT. Three times during the Civil
war the subject of this sketch, then a boy, sought
to enlist. His youth and the opposition of his par-
ents led to his rejection thrice, but the fourth time,
toward the close of the memorable struggle, and
while he was yet a boy of only sixteen years, he
succeeded in getting to the front and seeing some
active service before the conflict ended.
Mr. Taft was born in Leicester, Worcester Co.,
Mass., Aug. 20, 1848, the only son of Joseph and
Ann Taft, who came from England in 1847. When
seven years of age our subject came with his par-
ents to Connecticut,- but two years later returned to
Massachusetts. He received a fair common-school
eaucation, and when fifteen years of age began
working for himself in a woolen mill at Merrow
Station, Mansfield, Tolland Co., Conn. He con-
tinued to work in the mills until he succeeded in en-
listing, at Hartford, in December, 1864, in Company
E, isi Connecticut Heavy Artillery, for three years
or during the war, and joined the batter)^ at Peters-
burg, Ya., Feo. 8, 1865, where he participated in his
first engagement. He remained at Petersburg until
April 3, and was finally mustered out at Fort Oroke,
Alexandria, A'a., Sept. 25, 1S65, being discharged at
Hartford Oct. i.
After his discharge from the army Mr. Taft lo-
cated at Willington, Tolland county, and a year later
he entered the factory in that town, continuing to
work in tne mills until 1880. In 1884 he came to
South Windsor and settled on the farm which he
now occupies. Fie is engaged in gardening and to-
bacco growing.
]\lr. Taft has been twice married. His first wife,
whom he wedded in 1876, was Clara E. Brewin, and
to them were born four children : George B., Joseph
r., Edith Al. and Clara E. The second and pres-
ent wife of our subject was Miss Mary M. Bond,
whom he married Aug. 20, 1887. Mr. Taft is a
Republican in politics, and is a member of G. A. R.
Post No. 71, of Rockville. He is one of tne rep-
resentative citizens of South Windsor, and is highly
esteemed for his many estimable cpialities.
HENRY RICHARDS BURNHAM, a retired
farmer and highly-respected citizen of East Hart-
ford, was born in South Wimlsor, Hartford county,
March 4, 1842, and was educated in the district
school and at the East Flartford Academy.
Elijah Burnham, grandfather of Henry R., was
born in East Hartford, but lived in South Windsor,
then a ])art of East Windsor, in the latter years of
ins life, and was a gentleman of considerable prom-
inence in nis neighborhood. He married a Miss
Austin, who bore him seven children, in the follow-
ing order: Horace, who married Elgiva Elmore,
and lived and died a farmer in South Windsor;
Henry, father of our subject ; Julius, who married
Laura Hills, and was a farmer of East Hartford,
where he died ; Austin, who married Frances 01m-
stead, and is now a farmer of East Hartford ; Mary,
widow of William Williams, who was also a farmer
in East Hartford ; Lucy, who was married to a Mr.
Converse, a farmer in Wisconsin, in which State
he- died, near W yocena ; and Susan, who was mar-
ried to Reuben Parker, and lived in Wisconsin, near
Milwaukee, but lived in East Hartford.
Henry Burnham, father of our subject, was born
in South Windsor Jan. 22, 1808, received a common-
school education, and after quitting school worked
in an a.x factory in Collinsville, thence returning to
tne homestead in South Windsor. He married Miss
Mary Richards, daughter of Jonali and Nancy Rich-
ards, and to this union were born three children :
Willard G., who married Sarah Williams, and is
now living in South Windsor; Henry R., the sub-
ject of this sketch ; ana Roland, who married Aman-
da Starks, and is now engaged in farming in South
Windsor. The father of this family was a very
successful farmer, and, aided by his children, ac-
quired a large estate. He was called away in 1875,
but his widow survived until 1894, and the remains
of both were interred at South Winasor.
Henry R. Burnham, after leaving school, re-
turned to the home farm, on which he lived until his
marriage, which took place April 15, 1880, to Mrs.
Sarah Hollis, widow of Henry D. Hollis, and daugh-
ter of Alexander H. and Ella S. (Allen) Bingham.
To this marriage no children have been born. The
year previous to his marriage Mr. Burnham had
purchased his present farm, known as the "Ralza- ;
man Gillman" place, and up to 1886 cultivated to- j
bacco ; he then turned his whole attention to market \
gardening, which he carried on until 1898, when he ^(
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1027
raised another crop of tobacco. He then rented his
.and, and is now enjoying- in quiet the fruits of his
sarly industry.
Mr. Burnham has never cared for pohtics, and
has not voted since 1880. He is a member of the
U. U. A. M., and has been a trustee of the same.
He is not a member of any religious society, but
Mrs. Burnham is a regular attendant at the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Burnham started in
life without any assistance from his people, and
ins success is due entirely to his own efforts. He
i.< a pleasant man, and an entertaining conversa-
tionalist ; is upright in his walk through life, and
honorable in all his dealmgs, and is much esteemed
for his unaffected kindness and sterling personal
merits!
HERMAN MARTIN SALSTRUM was born
;at Horsens, Denmark, May 7, 1870, son of Berndt
.Magnus, and grandson of August Salstrom. His
father is a botanist and gardener, whose scientific
knowledge caused his selection for the post of State
gardener, which he filled for ten years. He is a
man of markea ability, and a member of the Swedish
Lutheran Church. He married Marie Andresen, by
iwhom he has been the father of children as follows :
iHerman M., Alga, Nels, Olga, Christine, Hjalmar,
Oxel, Elsie, Germanus and Wilhelm. Herman and
Alga are twins ; Olga resides in Chicago.
Herman M. Salstrum was educated in the schools
of Sandseryd, a suburb of Jonkoping, Smaland,
Sweden. He left school at the age of eleven, but
studied in the evening under a private tutor, thus
acquiring a good knowledge of the elementary
branches. His first employment was in two fish
n'.arkets, working in each on alternate days. After
three or four years spent in this work he entered the
postofiice at Safsjo, where he remained for two
years. His next situation was at Wrigsted, a place
some sixteen miles distant, where he entered the em-
ploy of J. P. Johanson, a dealer in clothing, as well
as in groceries and table delicacies. After two and
a half years he went to Goteborg, where he was a
clerk for Carl Johnson, the largest retail merchant
of the place. This employment also lasted two and
a half years, when he went to Christiania, Norway,
and entered the employ of Johan Christiensen Carl
Johans Gade.a dealer in clothing and shoes. After
remaining three years with him he resolved to seek
better fortune in the New World, and in 1892 came
to America, landing in New York on July 9. From
there he went to Marbledale, Conn., where he went
to work for F. M. Ford, being employed at raising
and cutting tobacco. A month later he found em-
ployment with Sperry Brothers, as a tobacco sorter,
.remaining with that firm, however, only a few
months, and subsequently worked for men bv the
name of Green and Shoverling, in New Milford,
'Conn. He remained at New Milford until March,
t'1895, when he went to Lynn, where, for three
nnonths, he worked in a shoe factory. On July 16,
1 1895, he removed to New Britain, and opened a
< small store at No. 54 Church street, carrying a stock
of hats and shoes. In May, 1897, he changed his
place of business to No. 40, in the same street, and
m June, 1899, enlarged it by adding the premises
adjoining. Here he has a large stock, and has built
one of the most extensive trades in his own line in
the city, employing four clerks constantly, and on
Saturday and Monday evenings has nine additional
men constantly at work.
From what has been said it may be seen that Mr.
Salstrum is wholly a self-made man. From. the po-
sition of a boy in a fish market to that of proprietor
of an extensive and prosperous business is a long
stride, but he has taken it successfully. Industry,
integrity and thrift have been the corner-stones on
which he has built his success. In commercial mat-
ters he is noted for his unquestioned probity; in
private life he is genial and generous. He is fond
of social pleasures, and is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and of the Wega. He belongs to the
Swedish Lutheran Church, and politically is a Re-
publican, although taking no active part in politics.
He married Miss Amanda Hahn, of New Milford,
and they have two children, Hugo and Beatrice.
WILBUR F. GRANT. This enterprising and
public-spirited citizen of Manchester was born on a
farm in the town of South Windsor, Hartford coun-
ty, March 5, 1840, the fifth in a family of six chil-
dren born to Willis S. (son of Gustavus) Grant
and Emily Belcher. Both his father and his pa-
ternal grandfather were born in South Windsor.
Of his brothers and sisters, William C, the eldest,
and Sydney D., the fourth in order of birth, are de-
ceased ; Norman O. is a farmer of South Windsor ;
Bersheba was the v/ife of Capt. Henry Nettleson ;
and Helen M., now deceased, was married to Frank
Stevens.
Wilbur F. Grant was reared at the old home-
stead, and received his early education in the school
of District No. 7, supplementing same with study
in the Manchester high school. When he was six-
teen years old he entered the employ of Samuel
Rockwell & Son, of Hartford, as a clerk, and re-
mained with them for six years. At the expiration
of that period he formed a co-partnership with
Flenry Willard, for the conduct of a mercantile
business. In 1863 Mr. Grant disposed of his in-
terest in the firm to his partner, and began farming
on property purchased from his father's estate, con-
tinuing there until 1864, when he exchanged farms
with his brother, Norman, who still resides there.
In 1883 he erected a new house, and he has made
many extensive improvements on the property since
it came into his hands. He makes a specialty of
raising fine Jersey cattle, and also carries on a large
and profitable dairy business, besides marketing six
to twelve tons of tobacco yearly. In addition to his
farm he also owns a grocery and meat and vege-
table market in Manchester, which he opened in
1892. In the management of this last mentioned
enterprise he has associated with himself his son,
Walton W.
Mr. Grant has been twice married, first, in 1867,
10_'8
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Miss Estella Johnson, of Manchester, who was
the mother of the son already mentioned. After her
death he married, on July 29, 1879, ^liss Henrietta
A. Morse, of New Britain. In politics Mr. Grant
is a Democrat. He has a wide circle of acquaint-
ances, and is justly esteemed by the community at
large bv reason of his marked enterprise and his
recognized probity.
EDGAR BREWER, farmer, breeder of fine Jer-
sey cattle, and dealer in grain, flour, feed, etc., at
Hockanum, town of East Hartford, is of the sixth
generation in direct descent from Thomas Brewer,
the ancestor of most of the Brewers in Connecti-
cut. [For complete genealogy see sketch of P. S.
Brewer.]
Daniel Brewer (4), father of our subject, was
born Feb. 22, 1796, in the town of East Hartford,
Hartford Co., Conn., tenth in the family of twelve
children born to Daniel (3) and Mary (Risley)
Brewer. Daniel Brewer (4) was reared to farm
life, and acquired such education as was obtainable
at the common schools of the time, assisted by the
practical experiences of every-day life. He pos-
sessed a remarkably retentive memory, and by much
reading stored his mind with useful information.
At the age of nineteen he left home with a party of
young men, who were employed by 1. L. Skinner
to work on a government road at that time being
built from Washington, D. C, to the West. With
others of the party he walked all the way to
Wheeling, Va., and after laboring on the said road
for several months returned to Connecticut, the en-
tire distance being made on foot.
After his marriage ( which will presently be re-
corded) !Mr. Brewer and his wife commenced do-
mestic life in Brewer street, Hockanum, in a small
house at that time known as "the old oil mill house,''
and two years thereafter purchased land on Main
street, meantime making many improvements to
the home. A very industrious man, he devoted his
energies to market gardenine- and general farming,
and from time to time, as his means increased, he
bought more land, until he owned about one hun-
dred acres. He was one of the early tobacco
growers, at a time when each family manufactured
into cigars the product of their farms, and alto-
gether was one of the best and most prosperous
farmers in the community. A Whig in politics,
he held some of the minor town offices, although
he was too devoted to his duties on the farm to
take much interest in public affairs.
On Feb. 23, 1819, Daniel Brewer was married
in West Springfield, Mass., by Rev. Griswold, to
Miss Sarah V'iets, who was born July 16, 1798,
in W"estfield, Mass. [For history of the Viets
family, of which she was a member, see sketch
of Levi Clinton Viets, elsewhere.] Nine children
were born to this union, to wit: Arthur Elsworth,
born Nov. 19, 1819, learned the trade of tinner, but
became a farm.er and resides in Staffordville, Conn. ;
Hansey Sophia is the widow of William Jones, of
East Hartford ; Charlotte Amelia is the deceased
wife of Edward D. Hewlett ; Caroline is the widow
of William S. Avery, and resides with Mrs. Hansey
S. Jones; Edgar, our subject, is next in the order of
birth ; Joy Hamlet is deceased ; Julia Arabel mar-
ried Cyrus Knight, and died in Warwick, Mass. ;
Roswell Henry died in childhood ; and Roswell
\iets is also deceased. The parents of this family
both died in 1883, the father in July, in his eighty-
eighth year, the mother in October, in her eighty-
sixth year.
Edgar I'rewer, the subject proper of this re-
view, was born June 17, 1830, in the old house
standing ne.xt north of his present residence, Flocka-
num, and received his education in part at the dis-
trict school on High street, later in the academy
presided over by that distinguished pedagogue,
Salmon Phelps, and finally taking lessons in book-
keeping at a private school. At the age of eight-
een he went to Rockville, Conn., to learn the sad-
dlery trade, but after a year there he finished learn-
ing his trade in New London, and from time to time
was required at home to assist his father on the
farm. In 185 1 he went to Hartford, to fill the po-
sition of general assistant or manager, salesman
and bookkeeper for P. V. Flail, proprietor of a
saddlery and harness shop there. In 1861 he pur-
chased the business, and for some twelve years
thereafter carried it on successfully, his time being
taken up alternately between the store and the farm,
in which latter he by that time had an interest.
In the fall of 186S Henry S. Sawyer, of Hart-
ford, and Mr. Brewer formed the firm of Sawyer &
Brewer, to deal in hand lawn mowers, the first
ones manufactured in this country, and in fact, the
first made in any country that could be operated by
one person. They were of the type invented by
Amariah M. Hills, and the contract for their manu-
facture was given to Landers, Frary & Clark, of
New Britain. The introduction and sale of them
devolved on Mr. Brewer, who in this work put
in the hardest year's labor of his life, and the credit
for its unusual success is due to him alone. The
mower was shown and operated by him in many
of the public parks in this country, and, although
a new thing to the people, sold so sttccessfully that
the sales reached nearly $100,000 the first year. The
second year $30,500 worth was sold, on one order,
to the Ames Plow Company, of Boston. In 1871
the Hills Archimedvan Lawn Mower Comoanv was
formed, Mr. Brewer taking the position of general
sales agent. In 1872 he was chosen president of the
company, and continued in that capacity for nine
years, during which period the value of stock
doubled. The manuiacture of the mowers was done-
by the Hills Archimedean Lawn Mower Company,
at Colt's Armory, new styles, of several sizes, were
perfected, and the original style was remodeled to
meet the requirements of foreign markets, half of
Sc^c^a^^-C^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1029
their production for several years being sold in
Europe. Throughout his connection with the com-
pany it enjoyed prosperity, and led all others in the
manufacture and sale of lawn mowers. They were
the pioneers of their line, and Mr. Brewer took
great pride in the success of the concern, and the
subsequent disaster that overtook the firm was a
matter of personal sorrow to him.
In connection with his farming interests Mr.
Brewer is an extensive breeder of Jersey cattle, of
which breed no man in the State has a better knowl-
edge, or is a better judge — in fact he is a universally
acknowledged authority on Jerseys. In 1868 he
made his first purchase of Jersey stock, buying
two cows and a bull (descendants of early importa-
tions by John A. Taintor and John F. Norton),
and now has some thirty head, though at one time
he owned as many as fifty-five. He sent for ex-
hibition in the Columbian herd at the World's Fair
his cow "Sayda III," 17,317. Though twelve years
old she gave fifty pounds of milk, or two pounds
four ounces of butter on her one-day's trial for se-
lection. At her best she has made twenty-four
and one-half pounds of butter in seven days. She
was one of the famous ten cows that went through
the three tests, a period covering nearly or quite
SIX months, and she was pronounced by superintend-
ent Fuller a "representative Jersey." She also had
a daughter in the supplemental herd, whose butter
record (the only one reported) was twenty-two
pounds eleven and one-half ounces in seven days —
six and one-half months after calving. Mr. Brewer
had previously sold her to Banker C. A. Sweet, of
Buffalo, to be exhibited by him. In 1894 Mr.
Brewer lost his world-famed Jersey bull, "Koffee's
iVoble," 14,631, a grandson of the famous Island-
bred cow "Coomassie," and one of her very best,
as his entire pedigree was made up of some of
the most famous names on the Island. Prominent
breeders pronounced him the best Jersey bull living
in his day, and he was valued in his prime at fully
$10,000.. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Con-
necticut Jersey Breeders Association. John O.
Couch, of Middlefield, professional buyer for the
Havemeyers and other large owners of Jerseys,
styles him "the best posted in Jersey literature of
any man in Connecticut." Hon. R. A. Potter, ex-
president of the Dairymen's Association of Con-
necticut, has paid him an equally high compliment.
His work in the introduction of the best strains
of Jerseys has made him known to lovers of blooded
stock throughout the country. He is kept in cor-
respondence with breeders from Maine to Cali-
fornia, and is frequently visited by parties who have
journeyed hundreds of miles for the sole purpose
of examining his herd of Jerseys. He also does a
considerable flour, grain and feed business under
the firm name of Edgar Brewer & Son.
Mr. Brewer built his beautiful home in Hocka-
num, which is surrounded with all the comforts
that make life worth living, and takes a just pride
in it. He is also justly proud of the fact that the
large apple trees in the yard he grew from seeds
sown with his own hand, while the beautiful row of
maples in front of the place, as well as those
in the lawns, were all- planted by himself.
In November, 1854, Edgar Brewer was united
in marriage with Miss Ellen S., daughter of George
King, of Hartford, and four children have been born
to them : Cassius King, a farmer of East Hartford ;
Helen Eugenia, who died in her sixteenth year;
Robert Henry, deceased in infancy; and R. Mont-
gomery, who assists his father in the farm and
other interests. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer attend the
services of the Congregational Church, and he was
a member of the building committee at the time the
church was erected at Hockanum. In politics he is
a Republican, though taking no special interest in
the affairs of the party, and has declined to accept
nomination for office. He is very popular in the
community, and is considered one of the county's
most loyal and public-spirited citizens.
EDWARD D. DICKINSON is an energetic and
successful tobacco grower and farmer of Glaston-
bury, has a thorough knowledge of the tobacco busi-
ness, and is one of the largest growers in the town.
A son of Nathaniel and Mary (Rich) Dickinson,
he was born April 22, 1S49, in Marlboro, Hartford
county, in a house which was located in the northern
part of that town and has since been torn down.
[The ancestral history of the family is given in the
sketch of Julius G. Dickinson, elsewhere.]
The early education of our subject was acquired
in the district schools and finished at the Penfield
Hill school, in the eastern part of the town of Port-
land, which was a very good school in those days.
On laying aside his text books, at the age of four-
teen years, he returned home, where he followed
farming until nearly twenty-one, and then went to
East Hampton, Conn., forming a partnership with
a cousin, Nathan R. Hall, under the firm name of
Hall & Dickinson, and engaging in getting out tim-
ber and lumber, such as railroad ties, poles, piles,
ship timber, etc., m which business they continued
about two years with success. On selling out the
business to a companv, Mr. Dickinson went to Port-
land, Conn., where for six months he served as fore-
man in the Brainard brown-stone quarries, having
a number of men under him, many of whom w-ere
much older than he. The following spring, in 1872,
he came to Hockanum, in the town of East Hart-
ford, and was employed for a year by J. Knox Hall
as a farm hand, endeavoring to learn in this way
something of tobacco culture. In 1875 he and his
brother, Charles R., leased land of Henry Daniels,
Henry Holmes and Alonzo Roberts, in Hockanum,
where they cleared a tract of new land and planted
it in tobacco, raising the first crop on what is now
some of the best tobacco land in East Hartford.
They raised about seven and a half acres annually
for three years, and met with success in the under-
m
1030
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
taking. After his marriage, in 1875, our subject
located on the farm where he now resides, it being
occupied by his fafher-in-law, Russell Sellevv, who
for many years conducted a restaurant on Main
street, Hartford. The farm was not cultivated, as
Mr. Sellew devoted his entire time to his cafe, and
when Air. Dickinson took charge of the same it was
in a "run-down" condition. He erected all of the
outbuildings, has improved the same from time to
time, and has added to the farm, which when he
took possession consisted of twent3'-five acres. In
connection with his farm work he also engaged e.x-
tensively in buying and selling cattle. In 1899 he
raised twelve acres of tobacco, which was sold in the
field to the same buyer who has [nirchased our sub-
ject's crop for a number of years past.
On Sept. 7, 1875, Mr. Dickinson married Miss
Ella S. Sellew, who was born June 7, 1858, a daugh-
ter of Russell and Mary (Manning) Sellew. The
father was born March 7, 1829, and died Jan. 30,
1873, and the mother was born Dec. 20, 1827, and
died Sept. 14, 1882. In their family were three chil-
dren, the others being Plorence E.', who died at the
age of eleven years; and Alice Al., now the wife
of Cassius Raynesford, of Ellis, Ellis Co., Kan.
Our subject purchased her interest in the old home-
stead. Mr. and iVirs. Dickinson have one child.
Bertha May, who was born June 4, 1876, and was
married, Nov. 28, 1894, to Ansel Bidwell, a son of
Ansel and Emeline (Hodge) Bidwell, of the same
town ; he is a soap manufacturer of South Glaston-
bury, and resides with our subject. They have two
children: Leon Russell, born Dec. 23, 1895; and
Edward Dickinson, born April 12, 1897.
Mr. Dickinson and his family attend the Congre-
gational Church, and he affiliates with the Demo-
cratic party, of which his father was also a sup-
porter. He has served as grand juror and assessor,
and has filled other minor offices. Socially he is a
prominent member of Elm Lodge, No. 53,'!. O. O.
F., in which he has passed all the chairs, and at one
time was also connected with the Grange and the
Order of United American Mechanics. He is a
man of jovial disposition, is wide-awake and en-
ergetic, and tne success that he has achieved in life
is due entirely to his own industry, perseverance
and good management.
Ch.\rles R. Dickinson, a brother of our sub-
ject, now residing in Rockville, Conn., was born
on the old homestead in Marlboro, Aug. 29, 185 1,
and received a district-school education, which was
completed when he was fourteen years of age.
When about twenty he and his brother embarked
in the tobacco business in East Hartford, and fol-
lowed the same until 1875, when he went West,
visiting Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and
Illinois. He workea in various places at the joiner's
trade, and conducted a hotel in Hampshire, Kane
Co., 111., for six months. Returning to Connecticut,
he located on the home farm in Marlboro, and like
his brother he engaged in getting out timber for
cross ties, poles, etc. He operated the farm for
about ten years, and then went to Ellington, Tol- \
land Co., Conn., where he purchased a house and lot,
being engaged in the wholesale and retail dressed
meat business at that place for many years. In No-
vember, 1899, li^ moved to Rockville, Conn., where
he now* resides. He is a member of the Ellington
Congregational Church, and a supporter of the Dem-
ocratic party. In 1881 Mr. Dickinson married Miss ,
Fannie Ferguson, a daughter of Samuel A. Fergu- i
son, a wagonmaker of Marlboro, and they have one ''
son, Mcrton V., at home.
FHILIP JOHN BRIDEAUX. As a stock
breeder the subject of this sketch is rapidly acquir-
ing a reputation which is extending far and wide.
He was born in the Island of Jersey, the original
home of the famous Jersey breed of cattle, and his
ancestors for generations have been noted breeders
of cattle. As a boy our subject became an expert
judge of cattle, and in adult life he adopted the oc-
cuoation of his father. He exportea stock from his
native island to America, and realizing the vast op- ,
pcr'tunities in this country he finally came to the I
United States. His successes here are briefly re-
counted in the following sketch.
Mr. Brideaux was born in the Island of Jersey
Sept. 2, 1852, son of John and Mary (LeGresley)
Brideaux, and grandson of John Brideaux. Both \
his father and his grandfather were farmers and
breeders of fine Jersey cattle on the Island, where
tlie former was born in 1S13, and lived to the age i
of sixty-eight years. He was a progressive and en- 1
ergetic nian, and these traits his son, our subject,
has inherited. The mother of our subject was born ^
April 14, 1818, and died in England, where she is I
buried. Their family consisted of three sons, of
whom Philip John was the youngest. John Francis, .|
born in September, 1846, died in 1898; he had one
daughter, Amelia. Elias John, born in August,
1849, married Maryann Pirouet, and they had
twelve children, of whom Walter P., the fourth son,
came to this country in 1899 to learn farming and
cattle breeding, making his home with his uncle, our
subject.
Philip J. Brideaux received his education in Eliz-
abeth and Victoria Colleges, England, and at the age
of eighteen years took charge of the home farm,
his brothers having previously married. This farm
he continued to operate until he migrated lo America
in May, 1889, with his wife, whom he had married
ii! England Sept. 27, 1883. She was Miss May Eliz- :
abeth Prigg, born Jan. 27, 1856, daughter of John
and Maria (Bowles) Prigg, born Aug. 17, 1829, and
Jan. 27, 1829, respectively.
Before coming- to the United States Mr. Brid-
eaux bred Jersey cattle for shipment to this country,
and was the largest breeder of stock on the Island
of Jersey. From the time he was ten years old his
father would send him to all the fairs on the Island,
which were considered very important events in the
farm life of that place, and the boy thus developed
quite an interest in cattle. He became an authority
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1081
in judging cattle, and was frequently chosen judge
in contests, being but twenty-four when he acted
as judge in the principal fairs in England — the
Royal Agricultural Show, the Roval Counties" and
the London Dairy Show.
Mr. Brideaux determined before locating per-
manently in the United States to acquaint himself
more fully with the methods of American farmers.
Accordingly he took charge of the dairy business on
a large farm near Easton, Penn.. remaining there
about a year. He then went to Lunenburg, Mass.,
where he held a similar position for two years, then
went to New Britain, Conn., and took charge of one
of the farms owned by Theodore Stanley, of Cedar
Hill, where he remained a year. The four years'
experience was enough. Mr. Brideaux purchased
the farm of eighty-six acres in Newington, known
as "Maple Grove," and resumed on his own account
the breeding of fine cattle. It has been said that
he has the finest lot of Jersey cattle in the county,
or perhaps that are raised anywhere in the world.
He justly prides himself in the unsurpassed quality
of his stock, a fact that has been frequently attested.
He keeps regularly from thirty to forty head of
full-blooded Jerseys. Although competition has
been very keen, he has always taken the best prizes,
and at the Reading meeting (England) in 1887 he
took first prize for the best cow of any breed with
two of her offspring. At the Connecticut Dairy-
men's Association Convention, held in 1898 at Hart-
ford, Mr. Brideaux received the first prize or sweep-
stakes for the best butter, havmg ninety-seven and
one-half points out of a possible one hundred. This
was the first time in the history of the Association
that the creameries were defeated in this contest.
Mr. Brideaux also raises the first potatoes of the
season.
Mr. Brideaux and his estimable wife are mem-
bers of the Grace Episcopal Church of Newington,
of which he is a vestrj^man. He is a member of the
Grange. Mrs. Brideaux is a lady of education and
culture, having graduated in 1876 from the Salis-
bury (Wiltshire) Normal Training College. She
followed teaching until her marriage.
ALFRED MERRIMAN, a well-known and
highly-respected citizen of Plantsville, now in the
employ of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., was
born on what is known as the Gad Andrews farm,
ill Southington, May 23, 1831.
Our subject traces his ancestry back to Nathaniel
Merriman, who was born in England in 1614, and
settled in New Haven as early as 1639. In October,
1665, he was confirmed sergeant of the New Haven
train-band by the General Court. In 1672 he re-
moved to Wailingford, and was there confirmed
lieutenant of the train-band. On Nov. i, 1675, he
was captain of the Troop of Dragoons in New
Haven county, and in 1691-92 was by vote continued
captain. He signed the plantation covenant in New
Haven in 1639; in 1673 was on a committee to fix
the boundary between Wallingford and other towns ;
and was several times deputy to the General Court
from Wallingford. He died there Feb. 13, 1694,
aged eighty years. His son, John Merriman, was
born in New Haven in February, 1659, and married
for his first wife Hannah Lines, and for his second
Elizabeth Peck. He was the father of Rev. John
Merriman, who was born Oct. 16, 1691, and was
married, Feb. 24, 1726, to Jemima Wilcox. He was
a Baptist minister, and was among the first to join
that denomination in Wallingfora in 1729. In 1738
he became pastor of the Baptist Church at that place,
resigned in 1750, and removed to the southwestern
part of Southington, where he died Feb. 17, 1784.
His son, John Merriman, was born in Wallingford,
Sept. 12, 1728, and died in Southington, April 13,
1801. The latter was the father of Chauncey Merri-
man, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who was
married Feb. 13, 1777, to Sarah Ives, of Cheshire.
This worthy couple were the grandparents of our
subject.
Anson Merriman, father of our subject, was
born in Southington, Oct. 21, 1786, and was married
Oct. 31, 1810, to Jerusha Bacon, daughter of Joel
Bacon, of Westfield, Conn. She died March 18,
1822, and he was again married, Sept. 18, 1822, his
second union being with Fanny Hubbard, of Sand-
isfield, Mass. He at one time owned v\'hat is now
known as the Gad Andrews farm, which he sold in
1832, and purchased a place on Shuttle Meadow,
ilow owned by his son Josiah. At various times he
engaged in manufacturing articles, such as brass
combs, buttons wound with sewing silk, hames,
brooms, carriaee bolts, etc., and was the first to dis-
cover and manufacture cement. He died Sept. 2,
1853-
Our subject was only about two years old when
the family removed to the farm on Shuttle Meadow,
now owned by his brother, and he acquired his edu-
cation in the common schools of the neighborhood
and at Lewis Academy. In early life he served a
three-years apprenticeship to the carpenters trade
with Lyon & Ballard, of Meriden, and later worked
at the same as a journeyman for twenty-five years,
but for the past twenty years has been employed as
a machinist by the Atwater Manufacturing Co.
On Nov. 8, 1853, Mr. Merriman was united in
marriage with Miss Ann Amelia Meserole, daughter
of Jacob and Mahala Meserole, of Astoria, Long
Island. By that union were born two children : Ida,
who died April 28, 1874, aged nineteen years ; and
Estella, wife of Eben White. The mother of these
died Feb. 17, 1876, aged forty years, eight months,
and for his second wife our subject, on Nov. 30,
1880, married Miss Henrietta Howell, also of As-
toria. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merriman hold member-
ship in the Plantsville Congregational Church, and
are highly respected and esteemed by all who know
them. Politically he is a Republican.
ELMER GEORGE CLARK whose home is on
Farmington avenue. West Hartford, has for many
years been prominently identified with the agricult-
1032
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ural interests of Hartford county, and in his labors
has met with marked success.
Air. Clark was born in New Haven, Conn., Nov.
II, 1840. a son of Dorus and Atlanta (Hotchkiss)
Clark. The father was born at No. 7, Washing-
ton street, Hartford, in 1807, and on Nov. 4, 1822,
was bound out until twenty-one years of age to
Durrie & Peck, at New Haven, to learn the book-
binder's trade, which he subsequently followed for
a time in that city, and later engaged in the grocery
business there. He was a member of the New
Haven Greys. There he married Miss Atlanta
Hotchkiss who was born Sept. 22, 1810, and died
Sept 22, 1862, and he died in New Haven, Oct. 14,
1882. He was struck by a train at Madison, Conn.,
and for two or three years before his death was un-
able to attend to Lusiness. In his family were five
children : Sheldon, who spent his entire life in New
Haven, where his death occurred ; Ellen S., a resi-
dent of that city ; Elmer, who died at the age of
four years; Elmer G., our subject; and Adella M.,
wife of Thomas G. Shepard, of New Haven.
Dorus Clark, grandfather of our subject, was
born June 7, 1763, a son of Josiah and Martha
(Benton) Clark, who were married July 13, 1762.
Josiah Clark was born in 1737, and died ]May 13,
1818, while his wife was born in 1741, and died
Nov. 8, 1815. They had only two children: Dorus
■and Eunice, the latter born May 23, 1765, and died
Dec. I, 1774. Dorus Clark followed the cabinet-
maker's trade, and resided at the old homestead at
No. 7 Washington street, Hartford. On Aug. 29,
1786, he married Clarissa Barnard, who was born in
1765, and died June 4, 1846; he died March 13,
1877. In their family were nine children: Chauncey,
born Nov. 19, 1787, died April 20, 1792; Eunice,
born Feb. 27, 1789, died Dec. i, 1872; Martha, born
March 17, i79i,died June i, 1849; Alargaret, born
Feb. 9, 1793, died Nov. 26, 1869; Clarissa, born
Dec. I, 1794; Chauncey, born Oct. 18, 1798, died
Dec. 26, 1845; Hannah, born Nov. i, 1800, died
Sept. 14, 1893; Dorus, born Nov. 4, 1807, died Oct.
14, 1882; and George, born Feb. 5, iSii, died June
28, 1889.
When only three j'ears old Elmer G. Clark came
to West Hartford to make his home with his aunt
Hannah, wife of George Giddings, and his education
was begun at the school in Quaker Lane. Later he
attended the Webster public high school, in New
Haven, and the high school at West Hartford. For
a number of years he successfully engaged in farm-
ing on the Giddings homestead in West Hartford,
and on Nov. i, 1890, removed from that place to his
present home on Farmington avenue. West Hart-
ford. He is the owner of 400 acres of fine farming
land, which he has placed under excellent cultivation
and successfully operates, being a thorough and
systematic farmer, and a man of good business
ability. Public-spirited and enterprising, he is con-
nected with all matters pertaining to public improve-
ment, and has most creditably filled the offices of
selectman of the town and chairman of the board
of relief for many years. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Grange, and has been a member of Wyllvs
Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. M., since 1864.
On Oct. 28, 1863, in South Windsor, Conn., Mr.
Clark was united in marriage with Miss Frances
Augusta Grant. They have one son, George Dorus,
born Nov. 12, 1869, who has been connected with
the United States Bank since seventeen years of age,
and is also a member of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99, F.
& A. M.
Mrs. Clark is a descendant, on both sides of
the family, of Alatthew Grant, who was born Oct.
27, 1601, and died in Windsor, Conn., Dec. 16, 1681,
Her father, Horace Grant, was born at Wapping
in 1807, a son of Elliott and Chloe (Fenton) Grant,
and spent his school days in the town of South
Windsor. He was town clerk for many years, and
also filled the office of justice of the peace. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church of South Windsor, and died in that
faith, at Wapping, March 15, 185 1. lie was mar-
ried in Wapping. Jan. 12, 1834, to Miss Lucina
Grant, daughter of Gustavus Grant. She was born
there, Jan. 11, 1813, and died there, Nov. 19, 1884.
In their family were six children: Ida Eliza, born
Oct. 12, 1835, was married, Feb. 10, 1856, to An-
drew Jackson Fowler, now of St. Paul, Minn. ; Jus-
tina Mary, born Aug. 21, 1837, was married in
South Windsor, Oct. 12, 1859, to William Ozias
Bissell, who died at Baton Rouge, La., during the
Civil war, and on Dec. 9, 1865, she married Edwin
j\l. Thrall, of Windsorville; Frances Augusta, born
Nov. I, 1840, is the wife of our subject; Bradford
Horace, born April 27, 1842, was married at Wap-
ping, Dec. 31, 1863, to Josephine Maria Pierce, and
died in Manchester, Conn., July 6, 1900; Frederick
Sanford, born Aug. 5, 1844, was married, Nov. 30,
1870, to Alary Jane Talcott, and lives in Parkville,
Conn.; and Laura Alaria, born Oct. 16, 1847, was
married, June 8, 1869, to Frank Avery, now of
Manchester.
ARTHUR C. ROBERTS is one of the substan-
tial citizens of the town of Windsor, and his career
gives evidence of his ability and enterprise. As
an agriculturist he has followed progressive
methods, and in general business lines his dealings
have been marked by a far-sighted acumen which
his gained him the confidence of financiers.
Mr. Roberts comes of an old and highly-re-
spected family, and his paternal grandfather, Judah
Roberts, was a wealthy, prominent agriculturist of
Litchfield county, residing at Hitchcockville (now
Riverton ) , and also owned valuable real estate at
Windsor. This worthy citizen was born in 1763,
"and died June 17, 1839, at the home of his son,
Cicero, in Windsor, his remains being interred in
Windsor cemetery. His wife, Mercy (Eno), was
born in 1784, and died Aug. 30, 1841, at Windsor.
They had a large family of children, as follows :
Samuel resided near Detroit, Mich., for some years,
and then removed to Colorado, wdiere he died; he
4.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1033
.:ad three children, Wilham, Walter and Mary,
who reside at Roberts Landing, Mich. Eno (de-
:eased) resided in New Hartford, Conn., and had
;hree children, now living. Judah (deceased) had
two children, who reside in the West. Cicero, our
subject's father, is mentioned below. Thankful
married D. C. Y. Moore, and died in Colebrook,
Conn.; they had a family of four children, Osbert
(deceased) ; John A. and Roberts C, living at Rob-
ertsville. Conn; and Marilla (deceased). Laura was
twice married, and died in Wayne county, Penn.
Esther became the first wife of Julius Ransom, of
Windsor, and died near Honesdale, Penn., at the
home of her sister; she had one son, Roberts, now
residing near Honesdale.
Cicero Roberts^ the father of our subject, was
born Aug. 16, 1821, at Riverton, where he grew to
manhood, his education being obtained in the local
schools. For many years he was engaged in teach-
ing with a degree of success which stamped him
as possessing a superior mind, of rare force of char-
acter. About 1840, at the age of nineteen years,
he removed to Windsor, where he taught in nearly
every district, but he was especially identified with
the schools of District No. 4. Many of the best
citizens of the town were among his pupils, and
entertain a grateful recollection of his efficiency as
an instructor, his methods having been much in ad-
vance of his time. For many years he devoted
his spare time to farming, having located on a tract
which had once belonged to his father, and in this
he was also successful, at his death leaving a hand-
some competence, gained in a manner which estab-
lished for him a high reputation for integrity. He
was noted for his energy and industry, which doubt-
less hastened his death, and his public spirit was
manifested in many ways, the remark being made
when he passed away that "few could have been
taken that would be missed as much as he." While
he was not a strict Methodist in belief, he was an
active worker in that church, contributing liberally
and serving in various offices, including that of
chorister, which he held for many years. In pol-
itics he was a Republican, and voted regularly, but
he never sought or held office. His death occurred
Feb. 13, 1875, his remains being interred in the
family lot in Windsor cemetery. Throughout his
life he showed a great love for his home, and it
was there that the best qualities of his character had
full play. His first wife, Julia (Loomis), of Wind-
sor, died Oct. 12, 1847, aged twenty-five years, leav-
ing no children. He then married Miss Julia
Stoughton, who was born in Windsor in 1824, a
daughter of Harvey Stoughton, and died Dec. 7,
1865. His third wife, Celestia A. Gillett, born in
1829, died Aug. 8, 1889. He had two children,
both by the second marriage: Emma Frances, who
; died in 1868, at the age of seventeen ; and Arthur
I C, our subject. An adopted daughter, Mabel H.,
I 'ilied Dec. 20, 1885, at the age of eighteen.
Our subject was born Nov. 6, 1859, at the old
home between Windsor and Poquonock, and began
his education in the schools of District No. 4, his
father being one of his early teachers. For a time
he attended the grammar and high schools of Hart-
ford, and took a partial course at Hannum's Busi-
ness College, in that city ; but as he was yet in his
"teens when his father died he was compelled to
gain much of his knowledge of business methods
through practical effort in the management of his
estate. Having always assisted in the work at
home, he was familiar with the details, and he is
known as an excellent manager. In 1878 he re-
moved to his present farm, which had been sold
by his father, but was forfeited by the buyer through
failure to complete the payments. He is interested
in many business enterprises in his locality, being
a leading stockholder in the Windsor Creamery,
and has added to his inherited wealth through his
judicious investments.
On Oct. 29, 1890, Mr. Roberts married Miss
Nellie W. Clark, daughter of John L. and Naomi
M. (Willes) Clark, well-known residents of Frank-
lin, New London Co., Conn., and they have one
child, Edith Clark, born Aug. 17, 1899. Mrs.
Roberts is much esteemed among a large circle
of friends, and is an efficient worker in the Con-
gregational Church at Windsor, in which Mr. Rob-
erts is prominent as a member of the Society's
committee. Politically he is a Republican, but is
not especially interested in partisan work, although
he considers it his duty to vote at all elections.
He takes keen interest in all educational affairs, and
some time past has served as secretary and treas-
urer of School District No. 6, of Wiridsor, and at
present (1900) is one of the school visitors.
CHARLES ALLEN ATKINS, Jr., was born in
Mansfield, Tolland Co., Conn., Jan. 20, 1852,, a
son of Charles A. Atkins, who was a native of
New Britain.
Charles A. Atkins, Sr., was of a disposition
which may be said to have been at once roving and
energetic. While yet a young man, with such cap-
ital as he could command, he started in business on
his own account as a peddler, driving a wagon
through the towns of Connecticut, and finally ven-
tured over the western line of the State and en-
tered the City of New Yory. While engaged in
disposing of his wares on Broadway, one of the
passers-by on that thoroughfare, attracted by nis
cries, paused to listen to his argumentative and
exhortatory discourse. Perceiving that he pos-
sessed the elements of a first-rate salesman in
an unusual degree, the stranger introduced him-
self, and opened a conversation. Mr. Atkins'
interviewer proved to be a Mr. Wilson, of Wil-
son, Mann & Co., Nev/ York, and as a result
of the conversation he entered into a contract with
the company to serve as one of their commercial
travelers for a term of six years. At the expiration
1084
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of that period he was admitted into partnership,
the business relations extending over several years.
They dealt wholesale in dry goods, and the business
done was extensive in volume and profitable in char-
acter. ■ In 1852 j\lr. Atkins withdrew from active
connection with the firm, although still retaining his
interest in the business, and that year, on account of
ill health, returned to Mansfield, where he remained
for a year, in an efl:"ort to recuperate his strength.
In 1854 he returned to New York, but ill health pre-
vented him from remaining there, and he returned
the same year to his early home, where he continued
to reside for ten vears. He then went to Tolland
county, remaining there for five years. The years
between 1870 and 1872 he spent at Windsor Locks,
from which place he removed to Hartford, where he
engaged in the real-estate business, until his death,
in 1887, after he had reached the age of sixty-nine
years. Air. Atkins married Caroline Phillips, by
whom he had three children, Charles A., Jr., being
the eldest ; Frederick resides in Hartford and John
is a resident of Chicago, Illinois.
Charles A. Atkins, Jr., received his first educa-
tional training in the district schools of the locality
of his residence, supplementing same by attendance
at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield. After
graduation from that school he went to Hartford,
where he entered the employ of C. T. Marston &
Co., a prominent wholesale lumber firm of that city.
He remained with this firm for eighteen years, dur-
ing the last five of which he held the responsible
position of lumber buyer for the company. In 1888
he came from Hartford to Manchester, where he has
since engaged in business on his own account as a
dealer in all descriptions of lumber, shingles and
laths, and his success has been most pronounced.
Notwithstanding Mr. Atkins" business is located in
Manchester, he still resides in Hartford, going and
returning daily. He has just completed a beauti-
ful and expensive home on Kenyon Heights, one of
the most fashionable locations in the citv.
On July 10, 1876, Mr. Atkins was married to
Miss Lizzie West, of Rockville, and they have had
six children — Edward and Florence and four who
died in infancy. Mr. Atkins is a Republican in
politics, socially belongs to the Manchester Wheel
and Social Club, and is a highly esteemed member
of the community. He has repeatedly been urged to
enter the political field, but has steadfastly declined,
feeling that his business, which has been constantly
growing since its inception, requires his undivided
attention.
CHARLES OTT, an industrious and respected
farmer on Forbes Street, East Hartford, was born in
Colchester, Westchester County, N. Y., April 23,
1861, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Trump)
Ott.
Jacob Ott was born in Werchburg, Germany, in
1835, received but a limited education, learned the
trade of weaver, and in 1857 came to America with
the hope of bettering his condition in life ; in this
hope he was not disappointed, as he at once found
employment with a farmer in Westchester county,
N. Y., at fifteen dollars per month. In that countv
he married, in i860, Mary Trump, a native of
Bayern, German}', who in 1850 embarked on a sail-
ing-vessel at Havre, France, and after a voyage of
twenty-eight days landed at New York City, where
she was employed as a domestic until her removal
to AVestchester county some months later. In 1864
Mr. Ott brought his family to East Hartford, Conn.,
purchased the "Grassell" farm, and his family now
comprises, beside Charles, our subject, who is the
eldest born, three children : Mary, who is married
to. Henry Allen, and is living in Hartford ; Emma,
wife of Sherman Wrisley, of Glastonbury ; and
Carrie, still at the home of her parents.
Charles Ott was reared from infancy to man-
hood in East Hartford. He received a common-
school education, and assisted his father on the home
farm until his marriage, May 8, 1884, to Miss Mary
March, daughter of John and Mary (Bantly) March,
and born Feb. 9, 186 1. John March, her father,
was born April i, 1830, in Wittenberg, Germany,
served four years in the army, sailed from Bremen •
and landed in New York, and thence came direct :
to Hartford county. Conn., where his brother-in-
law, Anton Bantly, then lived. Here he married an
old schoolmate, Mary Bantly, who was born in Wit-
tenberg in 1831, and who bore him three children:
Mary, Emma and John. The father passed away
at Hockanum in 1877, but the mother is still living,
at an advanced age, at the home of her daughter,
Emma March, in the village named, where her son
John also resides. To the marriage of Charles Ott
and Mary Alarch have been born six children :
Emma, Alary, Charles, Grace, Elsie and Carrie.
In 1884 Mr. Ott purchased his present farm
from Louis Frye, and here he raises from four to
six acres of tobacco annually. He is very attentive
to his vocation, and has as neat a place as there is
in the neighborhood. In politics he is a Republican,
but devotes more attention to his farm and farm
topics than he does to politics and party gossip and
discussion. He and his family attend the A'lethodist
Church, and have an excellent standing in the re-
spect of the community, Mr. Ott being quiet and
unassuming in his demeanor, and strictly upright in
every transaction, whether of a business character
or otherwise.
EDWARD JOSEPH CARROLL, a highly-
respected self-made resident of East Hartford, and
one of its oldest Irish-born citizens, has raised him-
self from a poor boy to a position of affluence
through his personal exertions and his natural apti-
tude for business, notwithstanding the fact that
his early education was quite limited.
Air. Carroll was born Oct. 3, 1835, in County
Dublin, Ireland, a son of Joseph and Mary (Hef-
fern) Carroll, the former of whom came to the
United States in 1841 and located in Scotland (now
Burnside), Conn., where he found employment
^^ 6oiAAMkyr-lL ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1035
in the Henry Hudson paper-mill, being a paper-
maker by trade. Edward Carroll, the father of
Joseph, was also a papermaker, came to America
about 1845, and found employment in the same
mill in Scotland, Conn. Later he removed to Rock-
ville, Tolland county, where he died in 1850, at the
age of sixty-nine years. His wife, who had borne
the maiden name of Elizabeth Burns, died in Ire-
land, the mother of nine children, of whom Joseph,
Edward, Robert, Christopher, Martha and Bridget
came to the United States — the boys being all paper--
makers. One son, George, remained in Ireland
until he reached adult age, and the others died
young. Of those who came to America, Edward
died in Rockville, Conn. ; Christopher died at Wind-
sor Locks; Robert died in Rochester, N. y^., where
he had become a merchant; Martha was married
to James Malley, and died in Bridgeport, Conn. ;
and Bridget, who married Jonn Toppen, died at
Windsor Locks.
Joseph Carroll was born in County Dublin, Ire-
land, about 1S05, and the year after his arrival in
America (1841) he was joined by his wife and four
of his children — Edward J., Mary A., John F. and
Joseph — who had passed a year in Richmond, York-
shire, England, at the home of Mrs. Carroll's
mother. In September, 1842, the wife and children
mentioned embarked at Liverpool, on the sailing
vessel "Chester," and after a reasonably short voy-
age of four weeks landed at New York City, whence
they came by boat to Hartford, Conn., and from
Hartford to Scotland (or Burnside). There the
family lived for a number of years, or tmtil 1870,
when they removed to East Hartford, and a few
years later to Hartford, where the father died at
No. 199 Shelaon street, when seventy-seven years
old, and the mother in February, 1896, at the age
of eighty-two years. They were both devout mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, and their remains were
interred in the North Catholic cemetery. Joseph
Carroll was very energetic and industrious up to the
time he was stricken with paralysis, when he lost
his sight, and for nine years immediately preced-
ing his death was deprived of the use of his eyes.
Hi.<; wife was a noble example of womanhood, and,
like her husband, was highly respected by many
warm-hearted friends. The children born to this
venerable couple numbered eleven, as follows : Ed-
ward J., our subject; Mary A. (now Mrs. Patrick
Garvan), of Hartford; John F., who enlisted in
Company E, Twenty-fourth Connecticut Volunteers,
in 1862, fell before Port Hudson May 25, 1863, and
was buried where he fell (he went out as sergeant,
but his company was divided, and he was acting as
a private at the time of his death. He was a
brave soldier and greatly honored, the Sons of Vet-
. erans camp at East Hartford being named after
him) ; Joseph, who died a few months after the fam-
ily came to America; Theresa (now Mrs. Peter J.
Gilligan), of Holyoke, Mass.; Elizabeth, who was
a Sister of Mercy and diea in a convent at Hartford ;
Joseph E., a contractor and builder in East Hart-
ford ; Miss Martha and Miss Agnes, who reside in
Hartford ; Frank, who died in the same city, at the
age of thirty-five years ; and there Miss Annie, the
youngest, also makes her home.
Edward J. Carroll, it will have oeen noticed, was
but seven years of age when he came to Connecti-
cut. His limited education was acquired in the
district school of Burnside under sucn teachers as
Mr. Woodbridge, Miss Ayers, Mr. Lyman and
Walter McKee; when less than thirteen years old
he quit school, as his parents were poor, and it was.
necessary he should earn a trifle toward the support
of the large family. He had never studied gram-
mar, but being possessed of a keen intellect he kept
up his studies later in hfe; to-day anyone, judging
from his conversation, would class him among col-
legians. At the age of thirteen he went to work
in the Hudson paper-mill, and his hrst worx was at
"laying ofif for the cutter." He advanced in the work,,
learned all its details, and worked in the mill until
twenty-seven years old, and then for a few weeks
worked in Colt's Armory, at Hartford. In April,
1862, he entered Sharp's rifle works, and while there
employed decided to serve his adopted country in the
preservation of the Union. He was given authority
to recruit a company, which became Company E,
Twenty-fourth Connecticut Volunteers, and left
Hartford in October of the same year. He was
then appointed lieutenant and commissioned by
Gov. Buckingham. He first made his headquarters
at Middletown, then, in November, went to Center-
ville, R. I., and early in December, 1862, joined
Banks' expedition for New Orleans. With his
regiment Lieut. Carroll took part in all its marches
and engagements until February, 1863, when, the
regiment having been reduced to eight companies,,
there was a superfluity of officers, and Lieut. Car-
roll resigned his commission, and returned home.
Lie virtually served as captain of his company, all
through, from the time it first went into camp, the
captain proper, George A. Denslow, being absent
most of the time.
Lieut. Carroll reached Connecticut in February,
1863, and in April resumed work at the Hudson
mill in Burnside (which had changed proprietors
in the meantime), and there he remained until April,
1865, when he embarked in the paper and paper-
stock business at No. 245 State street, Hartford.
For the first year he conducted this business on his
sole account, and then, in partnership with Patrick
Garvan, he established the firm of E. J. Carroll &
Co. ; this style was maintained until February, 1877,
when Mr. Carroll sold his interest to his partner,
but remained with Mr. Garvan 'n the store on the
road until September, 1893, since when he has been
engaged on his individual account as a dealer in
paper and paper-stock.
Edward J. Carroll was joined in matrimony, June
23, 1859, at St. Patrick's Church, Hartford, with
Miss Mary Ruth, a native of County Kilkenny, Ire-
1036
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I
land, and a daughter of John and Ann (Powers)
Ruth, born Dec. 24, 1836. John Ruth came to the
United States when Mrs. Carroll was ten and one-
half years of age, and died in East Hartford in
November, 1868; his wife survived until Novem-
ber, 1880, when she passed away at W'aterbury,
Conn., where she had been living the later years of
her life with a son. To Mr. and ^Irs. Carroll have
been born nine children: Joseph R., an insurance
agent, and Edward P., a gardener, both of East
Hartford; Anna E., with her parents; Christopher
J., now an undertaker of Kansas City, Mo. ; Ruth,
a teacher of East Hartford : Agnes, a Sister of
]\Iercy of Hartford ; May. a teacher, of East Hart-
ford ; and Alonzo, also in business in Kansas City,
Missouri.
Mr. Carroll has been a resident of East Hart-
ford since 1865. He built his first dwelling on
Burnside avenue, by which act he transformed a
blackberry hill into a pleasant home, planted a num-
ber of rock maple trees in front of his dwelling,
where they still form a delightful snade, as well as
presenting an ornamental appearance to the avenue,
and he occupied these premises until 1872, when he
removed to the corner of }ilain and Orchard streets,
living there until, in 1S80, he came to his present
home on Main street — the "John B. Smith home-
stead."
In politics Mr. Carroll is a sound Democrat, and
is very popular with his party. Although he has
never sought public office for the sake of any re-
ward attached thereto he has felt it to be his duty
to fill any position to which his fellow citizens might
have invited him, and in this spirit of patriotism has
served as assessor two vears, justice of the peace
ten years, and also as school committeeman, and as
a member of the High School Building committee,
as a chairman of the Center School committee, and
as chairman of the High School committee.
IMr. Carroll and family are members of St.
IMary's Catholic Church, contribute liberally to its
support, and are leaders in Catholic circles. In
fact, the. first Catholic services held in the town of
East Hartford were at the house of the father of
our subject, in 1852, at Burnside, and so continued
once a month for several years. In 1872, at a
meeting of the Catholic residents of East Hartford,
Mr. Carroll, our subject, was appointed secretary
and treasurer of a committee selected for the pur-
pose of raising funds with which to erect a church
edifice, and he succeeded in collecting $1,800 before
anv steps had been taken, even to secure a pastor.
He was also on the committee that purchased the
Woodbridge lot, on which St. Alary's church now
stands, and was otherwise active in carrying out the
plans of the Catholics to secure a permanent house
of worship and found a congregation, which plans,
it will have been seen, culminated in success. Since
July, 1873, Mr. Carroll has likewise acted as pew
collector.
There are few, if any, warmer friends of edu-
cation in the town than j\Ir. Carroll. He has given •
his children every advantage in this respect. He
is a charter member of Rodman Post, No. 65, G.
A. R., at East Hartford, was its first junior vice'
commander, rose to the rank of senior vice-conj-
mander, and then to commander, and for the past
ten years has served as quartermaster.
Probably no better estimate of Mr. Carroll's
standing and character can be presented to the
reader than that furnished in .the following extract
from a local newspaper: "Mr. Carroll is a man
of untiring industry, of seldom-erring judgment,
of great companionship, warm geniality and hos- ■
pitaiile disposition. In his opinions he is broad and §
charitable, always meeting" with the utmost courtesy
those who disagree with him, and allowing them
every right to their own views. He is open to con-
viction, and is ready to admit his mistakes, which
are few and far between — far fewer that with the
average man. His family ties are particularly happy,
and. his family among the most popular of the young
people in East Hartford, sharing their father's judg-
ment, industry, broad-minded liberality, genial com-
panionableness and unfailing courtesy."
CHARLES MAPLES JARVIS, vice-president
of the .American Bridge Co., stands to-day in the
front rank of Hartford county's most prominent
business men.
Mr. Jarvis is of the seventh generation in de-
scent from (I) William and Esther Jarvis, the for-
mer of whom was one of the original settlers of
Huntington, Long Island. (II) Capt. Samuel Jar-
vis, son of (I) William, married Naomi Brush,
and by her had two sons : Bishop Abraham and
Stephen. Of these, (III) Stephen Jarvis married
Rachel Starr. Their son, (IV) Samuel Jarvis, mar-
ried Abigail Sanford, and their son, (V) Henry
Jarvis, married Mariette Sanford. Their son, (VI)
Henry Jarvis, was the father of (VII) Charles M.
Jarvis bv his wife, Rachel (Peters).
Charles Maples Jarvis was born in Deposit,
Delaware Co., N. Y., April 16, 1856. At that time
his father was operating a line of stages between
New York City and Owego, N. Y., having the con-
tract for delivering the United States mails between
Owego and New York City in forty-eight hours.
W'hen our subject was two years old his parents
moved to Binghamton, N. Y., .and he received his
early education at the public schools of that place.
Entering tne Sheffield Scientific School of Yale
University, he graduated with his class in 1877,
having taken the course in civil engineering. In
April, 1878, he was offered a position as engineer
with The Berlin Iron Bridge Company, of East
Berlin, Conn., the company at that time being known
as The Corrugated Metal Company. They had then
about twenty employes, and did a ■ business of
about $20,000 a year. For two or three years Mr.
Jarvis did the entire work of making all the draw-
ings, estimates, and a portion of the contracts, and , '
■-m-
{2^tyLy(^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1037
also kept the books. The history of the Berhn
Iron Bridge Co. is the history of the life of Charles
M. Jarvis, as he has given his entire time and at-
tention to the development of this enterprise, and
has made it one of the most successful of the many
successful Connecticut corporations.
The Berlin Iron Bridge Co. (Corrugated Metal
Co.) tegan the manufacture of iron bridges with
the incoming of lAr. Jarvis as engineer, and almost
immediately took front rank. The dense population
and close connection of towns in New England by
improved highways then, as now, called for the con-
struction of the best class of highway bridges, and
The Berlin Iron Bridge Co., recognizing this, soon
took the lead, especially in the New England States,
as furnishing the best bridges designed for the
heavy trafiSc required in this section. Later they
extended their business into other parts of the coun-
try, in fact, with the development of foreign com-
merce, into all parts of the world. In 1880 came a
demand for something different than the ordinary
wooden frame for manufacturing buildings. Mr.
Jarvis was the first to recognize this, and The Ber-
hn Iron Bridge Co., under his management and en-
gineering guidance, were the pioneers in this line,
and have had more part in the development of
structural iron and steel for the construction of
manufacturing buildings than all other companies
in America, their work in this line appearing as
evidence of the engineering and executive ability of
Mr. Jarvis in every State of the Union, and in al-
most every foreign nation.
In 1886, at the death of S. C. Wilcox, Mr. Jar-
vis was placed at the head of the affairs of The
Berlin Iron Bridge Co., and under his leadership
the business of the company has been marvelously
developed, so that now (1900) over five himdred
men are employed, part at East Berlin, and others
in all parts of the world, erecting steel bridges and
buildings; and the business of $20,000 per annum
which was done when Mr. Jarvis first came to East
Berlin, in 1878, has grown one hundred fold, or to
over two million dollars per year.
In May, 1900, The Berlin Iron Bridge Co., to-
gether with twenty-six other leadmg concerns in the
same line of business, were combined into one large
corporation, known as the American Bridge Co.,
and Mr. Jarvis' engineering and executive ability
was recognized by those associated in this vast en-
terprise— those who were formerly his competitors —
by his election to the position of vice-president of
the company, in charge of the operating depart-
ment, comprising twenty-seven manufacturing
plants and an army of men in the field erecting
these bridges, buildings and all classes of metalHc
structures in ah parts of the world.
Mr. Jarvis was married, May 27; 1880, to Mary
Morgan Bean (a direct descendant of Miles Mor-
gan, of Massachusetts), of Binghamton, N. Y., by
whom he has one child, Grace Morgan Jarvis, at
this time (1900) fourteen years of age.
THOMAS CHANDLER HANCOCK, a well-
known citizen and representative farmer of South-
ington, was born in Scitico, town of Enfield, Hart-
ford Co., Conn., Nov. 20, 1841, and is a son of Hart
and Lucretia (Chandler) Hancock, the former a
native of Somers, the latter of Enfield. The father
was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occu-
pation in Enfield Street and Scitico for many years,
but in 1882 he removed to Plantsville, where he died
in December, 1887, at the 'age of eighty-one years.
His children were Louisa, wife of George Spencer;
Horace H. ; and Thomas C. The paternal grand-
father of our subject was Alpheus Hancock, of
Somers, Conn., also a blacksmith by trade, who
married Sarah Steele. His father, William Han-
cock, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The
maternal grandparents of our subject were Thomas
and Mary (Steele) Chandler, farming people of
Enfield.
The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood
and youth in Enfield, and received a common-school
education. At the age of fifteen years he began his
business career as an employe in the plow works of
Clark & King, of Scitico, and remained there until
i860, when he went to Windsor Locks and worked
in the gun shops of Denslow & Chase until 1862.
On Sept. I, of that year, he enlisted in Company C,
25th Conn. V. I., and with his regiment took part in
the battle of Irish Bend, La., and in the siege of Port
Hudson. In the former engagement he was
wounded twice in the right arm. On the expiration
of his term of enlistment he was honorably dis-
charged from the service at Hartford, Aug. 26, 1863.
On his return from the war Mr. Hancock located
in Springfield, Mass., where he was in the employ
of the Smith & Wesson Manufacturing Co. until
1868, when he removed to Providence, R. I., and
was connected with the Providence Tool Co. for
three years. In 1871 he came to Southington, where
he was in the employ of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., the Atwater Manufacturing Co., and the H. D.
Smith Co., for twelve years, being with the last-
named firm for six years of that time. In 1887 he
located on the farm where he now resides, and has
since devoted his energies to agriculture with most
gratifying success.
Mr. Hancock has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Ellen Duty, daughter of David and
Eliza (Goodwell) Duty, of Hampden, Mass., and
to them were born two children : Luella, wife of
George L. Clark ; and Henry. For his second wife
our subject married Evaline Branch, a daughter of
Fayette and Adeline (Proper) Branch, of Mooers,
Clinton Co., N. Y. By this union two children vi^ere
born, Leon and Lena (twins), both of whom are
now deceased. Fraternally Mr. Hancock is a Mas-
ter Mason, and a member of Trumbull Post, No. 16,
G. A. R. ; politically he is a stanch Republican.
WILLIAM SYLVESTER BRANDEGEE is a
leading and prominent citizen of Berlin, his name
being inseparably connected with the industrial and
1038
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business interests of the place. He is a man of
keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his
executive ability and excellent management have
brought to the concerns with which he is connected
a high degree of success. o o • fi
Mr Brandegee was born Dec. 15, 1K50. '" tne
house where he now lives, and belongs to an old
Connecticut family of English origin, tracing his
ancestrv back to Jacob Brandegee, who was born
in Nine Partners, in 1729, and whose mother bore
the maiden name of Brock. He was engaged in the
West India trade, running vessels from Rocky HiU,
Conn., and died at sea. March 25, 1765. On Oct.
II, 1752, he married Abigail Dunham, ot Hart-
ford, who was born in 1737, and died in 1825.
Capt. Elishama Brandegee, son of Jacob, was
born in Christian lane, Berlin, April 17, 1754, and
was a sea captain, also engaged in the W est India
trade and in merchandising in Berlin, where he died
Feb. 26, 1832. During the Revolutionary war he
enlisted,' Alay 5, 1775. in the 2nd Company, 2nd
Regiment, of Connecticut, which was organized un-
der Capt. Wvllvs as a Continental regiment. lie
was recruited' in Middlesex county, and participated
in the battle of Bunker Hill, after which lie was de-
tached and joined Capt. Hanchett's company, Sept.
I, 1775. He took part in the assault on yuebec,
Dec. 31, 1775, Gens. Arnold and Montgomery com-
manding, and after that engagement was taken
prisoner. Capt. Brandegee was married, ]\Iarch 10,
1778, to Mrs. Lucy (Plumb) Weston, of Middle-
town, who died Feb. i, 1827, and the remains pf
both were interred in the South burying-ground,
Berlin.
Elishama Brandegee, son of Capt. Elishama. and
grandfather of our subject, was born in Berlin, Nov.
5, 1784. He conducted a store on Berlin street,
near where Brandegee Hall now stands, and also
engaged in the manufacture of thread. He was a
man of excellent ability, and was quite prominent in
business affairs. He married Emily Stocking, who
was born in Cromwell, Conn., Nov. 29, 1793. The
Stocking family was founded in Massachusetts in
1633, and three years later one of its representa-
tives, George Stocking, came to Hartford with Rev.
Thomas Hooker. In 1650 they were among the
first settlers of Middletown, Conn., and Samuel
Stocking was the first deacon of the first church at
that place.
John Brandegee, the father of our subject, was
born Aug. 18, 1826, in Berlin, and throughout his
active business life engaged in merchandising in that
town until about twelve years before his death. He
died June 6, 1881. and was laid to rest in the South
burying-ground, Berlin. In 1845 he married Miss
Mary Ann Norris Bulkeley, of the same town, who
was born March 18, 1822, a daughter of Dr. Syl-
vester Buckley. She is still living, and makes her
home with our subject in Berlin.
During his boyhood William S. Brandegee at-
tended Abbott's school, Hartford, and the Gunnery,
Washington, Conn., and was graduated from the
former institution. At the present time he is not
actively engaged in any business, l)ut devotes his
time to looking after his investments. He is the
owner of a factory in Bridgeport for wood-turning
of all kinds. The new shop, the finest in the place,
is 200x50 feet in dimensions, and three and a half
stories in height, is supplied throughout with au-
tomatic machinery, and was completed in November,
1899. Here employment is furnished 150 men. In
1884, -\lr. Brandegee built Brandegee's Hall in
Berlin. He has one of the finest homes on Berlin
street, and also owns a beautiful cottage at Pine
Orchard, where he spends most of the summer
season.
In 1884, Air. Brandegee was united in marriage
with Aliss Elizabeth A. Reed, a native of Newing-
ton, and a daughter of James B. Reed, of Berlin, and
they have three children : Alary Elizabeth, born
July 23, 1887; Alarjorie, born June i, 1889, and
Frank Augustus, born Aug. 15, 1890.
Mr. Brandegee is a man of undoubted ability, is
a practical electrical engineer, a botanist and pho-
tographer, and devotes considerable time to the
study of these sciences. He is very fond of out-
door sports, and at his summer home finds ample
opportunity to indulge in such diversions. He owns
two yachts — a naphtha, "Mollie," and a sloop yacht,
"Commodore ;'' is a member of the Sachem Head
Yachting Club, at Sachem Head, Conn. ; is presi-
dent and director of the Berlin Driving and Ath-
letic Association ; and is affiliated with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is of a very
genial and social nature, and is very popular, hav-
ing a most extensive circle of friends and acquaint-
ances, who are alwavs sure of a hearty welcome at
his hospitable home.
EPHRAIM HORACE ANDREWS, justice of
the peace, and a prominent citizen of Southington,
was born in East Haddam, Conn., Jan. 15, 1849, ^
son of Ephraim and Rhoda A. (Scofield) Andrews,
also natives of East Haddam. His paternal grand-
parents were Gideon and Jemima (Sawyer) An-
drews. The former, a ship carpenter by trade, lived
in East Haddam for many years, but died in Port-
land, Connecticut.
The father of our subject also followed the ship
carpenter's trade in early life, but later was captain
of a vessel. Our subject has in his possession a cer-
tificate given his father by the United States Govern-
ment for meritorious service rendered in provision-
ing the forts at Pensacola, Fla., during the Semi-
nole war. He was also captain of militia at East
Haddam, where he died in 1848. In 1836 he mar-
ried Miss Rhoda A. Scofield, a daughter of Nathan
and Phebe (Ackley) Scofield, of East Haddam, and
to this union nve children were born, four of whom
reached years of maturity : William A., Joseph, Nel-
son H. and Ephraim H.
Ephraim H. Andrews, our subject, passed his
boyhood and youth in East Haddam and New Brit-
ain, Conn., and was educated in the public schools
and Pine Grove Seminary, South Windham, grad-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1039
lating from the latter institution at the age of four-
een years. In 1867 he commenced the study of den-
istrv in New Britain, and later engaged in the prac-
ice of that profession there and in Southington for
. welve years, having located in the latter place in
1879.
in 1870 Mr. Andrews was united in marriage
with Aliss Mary E. Andrews, of Kiver Point, R. I.,
by whom he had five children : Joseph N. ; Elsie I.,
wife of Harry M. Merwin; Harry H. ; William W.,
who enlisted in the Spanish-American war in Febru-
ary, 1899, as a member of Troop K, 5th United
States Cavalry, and is now stationed at Porto Rico ;
.and Rhoda M. For his second wife Mr. Andrews
married Martha J. Hubbard, of Fair Haven, Con-
necticut.
j\lr. Andrews is quite a prominent and active
member of several civic societies, being past noble
grand of Eureka Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F. ; past
chancellor commander of William Berry Lodge, No.
50, K. P. ; ex-captain of Ouinnipiac Division, No. 17,
U. R. K. P. ; oast warden of Ouinnipiac Lodge, No.
291, N. E. O. P. ; past councillor of Unity Council,
No. II, O. U. A. M.; and past sachem of Wonx
Tribe, No. 28, L O. R. M. Mr. Andrews is also
a charter member of Southington Hook and Lad-
der Compan}' No. i, and religiously is a member
of the Baptist Church. The Republican party
finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles,
and his fellow citizens, who place in him the ut-
most confidence, have called upon him to serve
as grand juror of Southington seven years; justice
of the peace fourteen years ; and night watchman
since 1881.
CHARLES ' FREDERICK SPLETTSTOES-
ZER, a prominent German-American citizen of Ber-
lin, whose life has been devoted to agricultural pur-
suits, was born in the northern part of Germany
Sept. 19, 1845. His father, John Splettstoeszer, also
a farmer by occupation, was born Feb. 3, 1803, and
spent his entire life in Germany. He married Lou-
ise Sedoe, who was born in 1812, and also died in
the Fatherland.
Our subject received a good practical education
in the public schools of his native land, from which
he was graduated at the age of fourteen years, and
after laying aside his text-books he worked for dif-
ferent men as a shepherd until coming to America,
in 1868. He took passage at Hamburg on the "Sem-
bria," which now lies at the bottom of the North
Sea, and arrived in New York in May, 1868. Com-
ing to Hartford county. Conn., he found employ-
ment on the farm of Jacob Dicks, a tobacco dealer
of Newington, and remained with him until the fol-
lowing October. He then went to New Britain,
and entered the service of a Mr. Trout, caring for
his horse for about six months. He next worked in
Multhrop's brickyard for about two years, and for
the same length of time was foreman on the farm of
Jacob Dicks. At the end of that period he came to
Berlin, where he operated the N orris Bailey farm
for sixteen years, and then bought an adjoining farm
of eighteen acres, on which he erected a pleasant
residence and good barn in 1893. He is now suc-
cessfully engaged in raising general produce.
On Aug. 7, 1872, Mr. Splettstoeszer was united
in marriage with Miss Susan Weckesser, of Chris-
tian Lane, Berlin, who was born May 15, 1854, a
daughter of Henry and Katherine (Elie) Weckes-
ser, of that place. To our subject and his wife have
been born three children: Lena Alvena, born Jan.
23, 1874, is the wife of Frank H. Dohrenwend, of
Berlin; Henrietta Louise, born March 14, 1879,
works in Corbin's box factor}^ in New Britain, and
resides at home; and Carl John Frederick, born
May 27, 1890, is also at home, and is a student in
district school No. 6.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Splettstoeszer took out his natural-
ization papers in New Britain and Hartford, and
now supports the Democratic party, though he takes
little interest in politics. Being a great reader, he
is a well-informed man, and takes an active interest
in educational matters. He is one of the substantial
German citizens of Berlin, and is nighly respected by
all who know nim. He attends the Congregational
Church, of which his wife is an earnest member.
GEORGE HENRY NOBLE, one of the young
and progressive farmers and tobacco growers of
SimslDury, is a member of one of the old Connecticut
families. His great-grandfather, Roswell Noble,
was a native of Simsbury, and in his youth was a
drummer boy in the Revolutionary army. He was
a son of John Noble, brother of Phineas, Elijah and
William Noble, who were of English descent. Ros-
well Noble was a cloth dresser by trade, and made
his home in Hop Meadow. By his first wife, Su-
sanna, he had two children, Roswell and Sylvester.
For his second wife he married a widow, Mrs. Anna
(Wordsworth) Francis. He attended the Congrega-
tional Church. He died at his home Sept. 9, 1841,
aged eighty-three years, and was buried in Simsbury
cemetery.
Roswell Noble, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Hop Meadow, town of Simsbury, and re-
mained a resident thereof throughout life.. He was
drafted into the military service during the war of
1812. He was a member of the Congregational
Church, and in politics was a Democrat. He mar-
ried Betsy Case, a native of Simsbury, daughter of
Abel and Anna (Tuller) Case, the former of whom
was a soldier of the Revolutionary army. Abel
Case was a son of Josiah and Mary (Hoskins)
Case, grandson of Joseph Case, and great-grandson
of John Case. Anna Tuller was the daughter of
Ezekiel Tuller, of Simsbury. To Roswell and
Betsy Noble were born five children : Henry J.,
who married Susan M. Babcock, and died at his
home in Simsbury April 13, 1900; Laura S., de-
ceased ; Chester T., father of our subject ; Roswell, a
resident of East Granby, who married Ellen Hol-
comb ; and Everett, of Hartford. Roswell Noble,
the grandfather of our subject, was a well-known
1040
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farmer. He owned and operated until his death, m
1843, at the age of fifty-one years, a farm of 110
acres, and was prominent in the attairs of the town.
Chester T. Noble, the father of George H., was
born in Simsbury in 1824. He received in his youth
a good common-school education, and like his father
became a lifelong farmer, engaging in that work on
his father's farm as a boy. After his marriage he
began farming for himself in the East Weatogue
District, Simsbury. Several years later he removed
to the St. John farm, near Hoskins Station, or the
Westover Plains District, where he made extensive
improvements, erecting a fine dwelling-house, barn,
tobacco sheds, etc., and engaging extensively in to-
bacco culture and in general farming. He operated
a tract of no acres of land, and was not only a
successful farmer but a man of considerable promi-
nence in the town, noted for his integrity and fine
sense of honor, and possessing a genial disposition,
which made him many warm personal friends. In
church views he was liberal, and in ])olitics he was a
Democrat. He married Sarah IJurr, a native of
Bloomfield, daughter of James and Nancy (Wells)
Burr, old and respected citizens of Connecticut. To
Chester T. and Sarah Noble were born five children :
Charlotte E., wife of Henry M. Goddard. of Sims-
bury; Alice B., at home; Warren C, at home;
George H., our subject; and Burton J. The father
died on his farm in February, 1SS2, and the mother
survived until Jan. 21, 1899, dying in the seventy-
fifth year of her age. She had been a good Christ-
ian woman, and was a consistent member of the
Congregational Church.
George Henry Noble was born in the town of
Simsbury Sept. 27, 1864. He attended the public
schools of the Westover Plains District, and was a
student at McLean Academy. Simsbury. In voca-
tion he has successfully followed in the footsteps of
his ancestors. Since the death of his father he has
been operating with his brother Burton the home
farm. They are engaged extensively in tobacco
growing, in dairy and general farming, and in stock
raising and dealing. They are young men who are
successful because they have thoroughly learned
their business, and apply themselves to it with en-
ergT,- and well-directed effort. They are noted for
their industry and integrity, are temperate in habits,
unassuming- in manners, and highly respected. In
politics our subject is a Democrat. At the home,
his sister, Alice B., a lady of culture and accomplish-
ments, is the presiding spirit.
HON. GEORGE WYLIE MILLER. The
hardy and intelligent sons of Scotland make ex-
cellent citizens, their ideals of life coinciding with
the progressive spirit of a new country, and the
subject of this sketch, a prominent resident of Ware-
house Point, is a worthy representative of the race.
In the fullest sense of the term he is a self-made
man, even his education having been gained through
his own efforts, and his present standing, in busi-
ness, political and social life, furnishes a striking
illustration of the possibilities which lie before an
enterprising youth.
Mr. Aiiller was born July 22, 1841, at Paisley,
Scotland, a son of George and Catherine (Wylie)
Miller, who had a family of six children: John,
now deceased : Catherine, wife of William Brodie,
of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Elizabeth, wife of John Brodie,
of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Marion, who died in infancy;
Agnes, who died in 1877 ; and George W. The
mother died in 1848, at Tariffville, Hartford coun-
ty, and the father subsequently married Martha
Malcolm, by whom he had one son, Hugh. The
father died in 1872, in Thompsonville.
When George W. Miller was about a vear old
his ]iarents came to America, locating first in Tar-
ift'ville, this county, in 1848 they removed to New
York City, but remained only one year, when they
came back to Plartford county and settled at Ware-
house Point. He attended the public schools of
the different places in which the family resided,
and at the age of twelve years he began his career
as a breadwinner, taking a position in the old Sex-
ton woolen-mills, at VVarehouse Point, where he
vvas employed about eight years. In 1862 he went
to Hartford -to work in the Providence railroad
shops, and in 1883 returned to Warehouse Point to
take the post of master mechanic in the Simons
silk mills, which he has held ever since; his long
term of service is, in itself, an evidence of his abil-
ity and fidclitv. His personal worth is recognized
not only by his employers, but by his fellow citi-
zens generally, and in 1895 he was elected on the
Democratic ticket as a member of the Legislature,
where he served with credit. He is active in re-
ligious work, being identified with the Episcopal
Church at Warehouse Point. It would be difficult
to find a citizen whose influence has been more
constantly directed toward promoting the good of
his community.
On May 14, 1865, Mr. Miller married Miss Mary
Sunderland, wlio died April_30, 1898. Of their two
sons, the elder, Ernest J., is a clerk in the employ
of Case, Lockwood & Brainard, of Hartford ; George
H. died at the age of twelve years and eight months.
STEPHEN WILLARD, one of the highly re-
spected and honored citizens of Wethersfield, v/here
he is successfully engaged in general farming and
seed growing, was born in that town Oct. 14, 1827,
a son of Stephen and Rhoda (Latimore) Willard.
and an uncle of Stephen Francis Willard, president
of the Comstock Ferre Co., of Wethersfield, in
whose sketch may be found a full account of the
Willard family.
Our subject was reared in much the usual man-
ner of farmer boys of his day upon tne home farm,
and spent a number of years with the firm of Com-
stock & Ferre. On leaving their employ, in 1865, he
went to Oneida county, N. Y., where he was en-
gaged in farming until 1 88 1, when he returned to
Wethersfield, and has since carried on farming and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1041
seed growing on the old Samuel Wells homestead,
near Wolcott Hill, with good success.
iVIr. Willard was hrst married, in Wethersfield,
to Miss Harriet D. Pelton, a native of that place,
and a daughter of Nathan Pelton. By that union
he had six children : Stephen, now a resident of
Stockton, Cal. ; Harriet E. and Mary, both residents
of Wethersf eld ; Eliza, who lives in Wethersfield ;
Oliver, who aiea in infancy ; and Martha, a school
teacher, who resides in Wethersfield. The mother
of these children died in 1890, and in 1892 Mr. Wil-
lard was again married, his second union being with
Mrs. H. Amelia (Welles) Blinn, widow of George
Blinn. Our subject is an active and faithful mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he
has filled the offices of trustee, steward and treas-
urer, and his sterling worth and strict integrity have
gained for him the confidence and high regard of
those with whom he has been brought in contact.
The Welles family, to which Mrs. Willard be-
longs, is one of the oldest and most honored families
of Wethersfield. There her grandfather, Samuel
Welles, was Dorn Dec. 10, 1753, a son of Joseph and
Mary (Robbins) Welles, and a descendant of
George Thomas Welles. [A full history of the fam-
ily appears elsewhere.] Throughout life Samuel
Welles followed farming in Wethersfield, where he
owned a tract of land. He was a member of the Light
Horse Guards in the Revolutionary war, and devoted
seven years of his life to that conflict. Religiously
he was a member of the Congregational Church. He
died in Wethersfield, and was buried there. On
April 19, 1787, he married Anna Griswold, a native
of the same town and a daughter of Ozias Griswold,
and they became the parents of nine children, whose
names and dates of birth are as follows : Anna, 1788 ;
Samuel, Aug. 5, 1789; Ashel, Feb. 7, 1791 ; Polly
Griswold, Feb. 14, 1793; Sarah, June 14, 1795; Ab-
igail, Aug. 25, 1797; Laura (wife of Moses Mor-
ris), March 8, 1800; Mabel, July 30, 1802; and
Nancy, Nov. 11, 1804.
Ashel Welles, father of Mrs. Willard, was born
on the old homestead in Wethersfield, where he spent
his entire life in agricultural pursuits, and was edu-
cated in the schools of the neighborhood. He made
many improvements upon his place. A man of
prominence in his community, and a Republican in
politics, he was honored with a number of local of-
fices, including those of selectman, assessor and jus-
tice of the peace. He married Miss Tryphena Ward,
a native of New York State, and to them were born
nine children : Martha, who died in the West ;
Nancy, who died in Waterbury, Conn. ; H. Amelia,
wife of our subject; Ashel, who died in the West;
William, who died -on the homestead ; Elizabeth,
wife of John Wilcox, of Bristol, Conn. ; Martin, who
operates the home farm ; Mary Ann, wife of Albert
D. Griswold, of Rocky Hill ; and Charles, who died
young. The parents both died on the old homestead,
and were buried in the old Wethersfield cemetery.
Mrs. Willard is an intellectual lady, well posted and
a good consistent Christian.
66
GEORGE H. AND JOHN H. GRAY. In 1852
two English lads, brothers, came' to America, friend-
less and alone. Their experiences in the new land
for a few years was trying. One attained a good
position, whicu he resigned to enlist in the army
during the Civil war. He was never heard from
agam. The other is the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Gray was born in the suburbs of London,
England,. Nov. 25, 1836, a son of Cornelius and
EHzabeth (Trivett) Gray, and a grandson of Flugh
Gray. The father was a teamster, and is yet living,
a resident of England. The grandfather was a farm-
er of some repute and a zealous Episcopal Church-
man. Our subject was one of four children. When
a child he attended in England a public school, where
the pupils were obliged to sew and knit to help pay
the expenses of the school. Later he attended a
private school. He left school to become a groom
with one of the wealthy families, and went to Scot-
land, where he remained several weeks, then re-
turned to England. At the age of sixteen years, in
August, 1852, in company with his brother John
Henry Gray, he sailed from London for America,
landing at New York. They secured positions as
stable boys at a race track on Long Island, where
they remained several weeks. The boys then started
afoot for Vermont. On the road above Harlem
they fell in with a drover, who offered them positions
in his father's Vermont pottery. But at Roxbury,
Mass., they met a farmer who invited them to work
on his farm on trial. They remained two weeks,
received twenty-five cents each for their services..,
and left. The brother proceeded to Waterville,
Conn., where he secured work at his trade, that of a
knitter. Our suoject worked for about two months
on the farm of a lawyer, then for a similar period
tried blacksmithing, which he found too hard. He
began farming for George Langworth, at Rosebury,
Mass., became his farm foreman, and remained in his
service about ten years. Starting in 1862 for New
Britain, where his brother had been foreman in the
Sergeant knitting factory, he learned at New Haven
that his brother had enlisted in New Jersey in the
Civil war, and he has never heard from him since.
Arriving at Berlin, he began work on the farm of
Norris P. Dunham, but soon after enlisted at New
Haven, in Company F, 14th Conn. V. I. However,
he was not accepted on account of the defects of his
left leg that had been broken. Until the following-
March he was employed by Henry M. Robbins, of
Newington, then became farm foreman for Amos
Crittenden, of the same town, and remained in that
position for tnree years. He left in 1867 to take
charge of the farm of Mrs. Olive S. Seldon, and has
ever since remained in Berlin. After Mr. Seldon's
death he built his home on property willed to him
by Mrs. Seldon.
Mr. Gray married, Jan. 4, 1867, Miss Sarah Isa-
bella Whapples, who was born in Newington, Feb.
22, 1847. To our subject and wife were born three
children, all of whom died in childhood : John Hor-
ace, born Nov. i, 1869, died Sept. 19, 1877; Hattie
1042
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Isabelle, born April 22, 1875, died Oct. 4, 1877; and
Cora Johnson, born Sept. 26, 1878, died I'eb. 9, 1882.
All are buried in Church street cemetery, .\e\ving-
ton.
;\Ir. and Mrs. Gray :re members of the Second
Congregational Church of Berlin. In politics our
subject has been a Democrat since his naturalization,
March 21, 1S72, though in local elections he votes
for the best man. He has served as justice of the
peace, was for three years on the school committee,
and is now clerk of the 7th District school commit-
tee. For nearly six years he was a member of Com-
pany F, 1st Connecticut National Guard, of Weth-
ersfield, having been enrolled Aug. 15, 1864, and dis-
charged Jan. 17, 1870. For some time he was a
member of the Knights of the Silver Cross, of Hart-
ford. Mr. Grav is a veterinary surgeon of consid-
erable note, and has practiced in Xewington, Xew
Britain, Cromwell, Berlin, and Rocky Hill. He is
a wide-awake and intelligent, and since 1894 has
been the Beckley Quarter correspondent for the
Berlin Nczcs. In public affairs he displays that
judgment and ability which add greatly to his value
as a citizen.
Mrs. Oli\e S. Seldox was the widow of Sim-
eon Seldon, a wealthy farmer, who died at their
home at Haddam. One son and one daughter also
died there. With her two surviving sons she moved
to Church street, in the Beckley Quarter, and there
her two sons preceded her to the grave, Simeon in
the fall of 1866, and Lora in February, 1867. Airs,
Seldon died Dec. 25, 1868, aged about eighty years.
She had granted to Geo. H. Gray a tract of twenty-
eight acres. The balance of her property, amount-
ing to $9,526,36, she bequeathed to Berlin School
District No. 7, the interest to be used for school
purposes, it was allowed to accumulate until 1895,
when the board of trustees erected from the fund a
new brick building, the finest school structure in
Berlin. There was property of Mr. Seldon in Had-
dam, which went to his heirs.
ISAAC PORTER BOTSFORD, a representa-
tive and prominent citizen of Cromwell, Middlesex
Co., Conn., whose home is just across the line from
Berlin, Hartford county, was born April 11, 1837,
in Blue Hills, Kensington, Berlin, where W. J. Cor-
rigan now lives. He traces his ancestry back to (i)
Henry Botsford, one of the colony that settled the
town of Milford, Conn. It is believed that he trav-
eled overland from Massachusetts to \^''ethersfield,
Conn., in 1639, here joining the colony then form-
ing under Rev. Peter Predden to settle the town of
Milford, Conn. His wife Elizabeth joined the
church at that place in 1640. An inventorv of his
will shows that he had property valued at eighty-
seven pounds and four shillings. He had six chil-
dren, whose names and dates of birth were as fol-
lows: Elnathan, 1641 ; Mary, 1640; Elizabeth,
1643 : Hannah, 1645 : Hester, 1647; and Ruth, 1649.
(II) Elnathan Botsford, the only son of this
pioneer, was born in Milford. He was baptized
Aug. 4, 1641, and died in August, 1691. On Dec.
12, 1664, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John
h'letcher, and they had one daughter. For his sec-
ond wife he married Hannah, daughter of Timothy
Baldwin, and to them were born eleven children.
(Ill) Timothy Botsford, born in 1678, was mar-
ried Feb. 14, 1705, to Alary Peck, daughter of Jo-
seph and Alary (Camp) Peck, and they had four
children. He died in 1767.
(I\') Timothy Botsford, born in April, 1708,
probably in Alii ford, followed the occupation of
farming. Fie was married, Jan. 6, 1735, to Lydia
Smith, daughter of Timothy Smith, and to them
were born five children. He died Feb. 23, 1774,
his wife on Aug. 26, 1787.
(V) Isaac Botsford, a native of Alilford, was
born June 25, 1742, and died Sept. 22, 181 1. In
early life he was a school teacher and jeweler, but
later followed the occupation of farming. He was
a very small man, weighing only ninety pounds.
Isaac Botsford and his dog went in the same notch.
He married Esther Frost, a daughter of Stephen and
Hester Frost, and to them were born four children,
j of whom Isaac, the father of our subject, was the
youngest.
] ' (\T) Col. Isaac Botsford, born in Alilford Oct.
; 7, 1786, was commander of the old 17th Regiment,
Connecticut State Alilitia. He owned and operated
I 175 acres of land, and also had a factory near his
' home in Kensington, where he engaged in the manu-
facture of tack hammers, buttons and "kettle ears."
He invented and had made the first die which would
cut, stamp and punch at one stroke. He was a
strong anti-slavery man, and always took a deep in-
Y terest in military affairs. For a number of years he
served as deacon of the First Congregational Church
of Kensington, and he was highly esteemed by all
who knew him. OnN^ov. 12, 1821, he married Miss
Alelissa Hart Porter, who was born in Berlin, Hart-
ford county, Sept. 22, 1802, a daughter of Russell
and Alatilda (Wilcox) Porter. Of the seven, chil-
dren born to them, five died in infancy. Of the
other two our subject is the younger. Ellen, born
Alay 31, 1833, married Elijah Beach, of Cheshire,
now deceased. Their son. Frederick Elijah, born
June 12, 1863, is now doctor of physics in the scien-
tific department of Yale College. The father of our
subject died Aug. 14, 185 1, the mother on May 2?,.,
1886.
(VII) Isaac P. Botsford, the subject of this
sketch, passed his boyhood in Blue Hills, Kensing-
ton, formerly known as "Blow Hills," and acquired
his education in the schools of Berlin. At the age
of eight he commenced working for his father in
the shop, and was thus employed until the latter's
death. Then going to Meriden, Conn., he learned
the machinist's trade, which he followed for several
years. He was in Cincinnati, Ohio, when the war
of the Rebellion broke out, and from there went to
New York. For about three years he traveled
through the New England and A'liddle States, sell-
ing lamps and oils, and was the first man traveling
out of New York who carried a catalos^ue contain-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1043
ing cuts of lamps in colors, as they had formerly car-
ried samples altogether. While on one of his trav-
eling tours, in 1864, he stopped in East Berlin to
visit his grandfather, and while here Samuel C. Wil-
cox offered him a position with the Roys & Wilcox
Co., but he did not at first accept, though he finally
consented to help them for two months, and worked
for the company as a tool-maker for ten years. On
account of ill health he then resigned, and later was
induced to engage in the manufacture of trusses, to
which he has since devoted his attention, and in
which business he has been very successful, having
a large patronage. He also treats his patients, and
takes measurements and fits them with trusses made
to order. As already mentioned, he now lives in
the town of Cromwell, Middlesex county, just across
the line from Berlin, Hartford county, and in the
house built in 1812 by his grandfather, Russell Por-
ter, on land which was included in the one-mile
square, deeded to Daniel Wilcox. This property
has passed from one generation to another, and our
subject still owns fifteen acres of the tract, which he
now rents to others. Here he has resided since 1870.
On April 13, 1865, Mr. Botsford was united in
marriage with Miss Emma Ann Penfield, who was
born in Berlin Feb. 23, 1840, a daughter of Titus
and Julia (North) Penfield. They have one son,
Charles Porter Botsford, a physician of Hartford,
with office at No. 1393 Main street. He was born
Sept. 22, 1870, and began his education in the schools
of Berlin. He graduated from the Middletown
high school and then entered the Medical school of
Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1894.
The following two years he spent in the Hartford
Plospital, from which he received a diploma, and at
the end of that time he opened his present office in
Hartford. He has already met with excellent suc-
cess in his chosen profession, and has built up a
large practice.
Politically Mr. Botsford is identified with the
Republican party ; socially he is a member of Wash-
ington Lodge, No. 8r, E. & A. M., of Cromwell.
He attends the Second Congregational Church, of
Berlin, of which his wife is a member, and com^
mands the respect and esteem of all with whom he
comes in contact, in either business or social life.
OWEN L. ENSIGN, of Silver Lane, East Hart-
ford, is a worthy representative of the old and hon-
ored family whose name appears so frequently in
this work as descendants of James Ensign, the
English-born gentleman, who founded the family in
America, and whose progeny is traced in full from
his time until the present in the biographies of
Charles A. and F. Howard Ensign. As Owen L.
Ensign is of the seventh generation, a brief recapitu-
lative mention of the line of descent may here be
made with no impropriety : Of the first generation,
James died in America in 1670 ; of the second, David
was born in 1645 ; of the third, was Thomas ; of
the fourth, Moses (i) was baptized in 1732-34; of
the fifth, Moses (2) was born Dec. 4, 1759, and
died Nov. 30, 1821 ; of the sixth, Moses (3) was
born Sept. 6, 1791, and from him descends Owen L.,
our subject.
It is necessary, however, to revert to the record
of Moses Ensign, father of our subject. He was
born in 1791, on the ground on which Owen L. now
lives, but the house has been torn down by the latter
and a modern dwelling erected in its stead. Moses
Ensign received but a limited education ; however,
being a man of unusual intelligence he was quite
competent to make his way through the world at all
times. He early learned stone-cutting, and followed
that trade all his life, and the pursuit of it was in
fact the cause of his death; while engaged in con-
structing the vault for the Connecticut Valley Bank
at Hartford he overstrained his back in lifting a
heavy stone, and, while convalescent, ran in haste all
the way to Wethersfield in order to anticipate an-
other man in the recording of a deed, this exertion
causing a relapse, resulting in his death a year la-
ter, Dec. 8, 1829. His widow survived until 1864.
Moses Ensign was married. May 20, 1820, to
Miss Martha Risley, a native of East Hartford, born
in 1790, a daughter of John Risley. Of this mar-
riage the issue was four children : Charles A.,
whose life sketch is given in full elsewhere ; Elizur
R., born Feb. 22, 1824; Jeanette F., born Feb. 19,
1828, who married Ira Anderson March 12, 1850,
and is now deceased; and Owen L., whose name
opens this article.
Owen L. Ensign was born Alay 13, 1829, in
the house built by his paternal grandfather on the
spot where he now lives. As he was but a few
months old when his father died, his boyhood days
were passed at the home of his mother, his maternal
grandfather, John Risley, making his home with
her. He started to learn shoemaking under his
brother Elizur, remained at it a year and a half, and
then went to boating, running a sloop on the Con-
necticut river and Long Island Sound for twenty
years, when he sold his last vessel, which was named
"Ida Lee," in honor of his first-born child.
On Dec. 20, 1855, Owen L. Ensign married Miss
Anna Eliza Ensign, a daughter of Harry Ensign,
and this union has been blessed with three children,
of whom, however, the eldest, named Ida Lee, born
June 9, 1859, died Aug. 14, i860; the second chdd,
also named Ida Lee, was born May 31, 1862, was
married Dec. 3, 1890, to Charles M. Smith, whose
biography may be found elsewhere, and has two chil-
dren: Marion, born in 1893, and Owen Lee, born
June 22, 1900; the third child, Grace Abbey, was
born Sept. 28, 1867, and was married April 5, 1893,
to James G. Harvey, who was born in Windsor Aug.
23, 1868, and now assists Mr. Ensign in operating
the home farm. The family attend the Congrega-
tional Church, and in politics Mr. Ensign is a stanch
Democrat, but has never been an office seeker.
The entire life of Mr. Ensign has been passed in
the town of East Hartford town, and worthilv passed
in the performance of the duties that have fallen to
him. It is the citizen who quietly, conscientiously
1014
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and faithfully performs the labor of each day, as it
passes, that is of the most value in a community, and
to this class Mr. Ensign belongs. He has made
many substantial improvements on his farm, and in
1875 erected his Dresent fine dwelling, on the site of
that of liis grandfather, which he demolished, al-
though there were many dear and tender reminis-
cences clinging to it — but Mr. Ensign is a man of
progress. He is a very genial gentleman, kind and
charitable, and his wife is his equal in these amiable
qualities, while his daughter, Mrs. Harvey, a mem-
ber of the household, partakes largely of the happy
disposition of her parents.
HANS OUTZEN HANSEN, a well-known
dairyman and agriculturist of the town of Glaston-
bury, owns a fine farm of one hundred acres near
South A-Ianchester. He is intelligent and observing,
but has always been conservative in his methods,
his wise management bringing excellent results.
Mr. Hansen was born July 8, 184S, in Schles-
wig, in the southern part of Denmark, which territo-
r}' passed into the possession of the German Govern-
ment in 1864. The late John Peter Hansen, our sub-
ject's father, followed farming there throughout
his life, and his widow, whose maiden name was
Annie Margretha Nelsen, was born there, and still
resides at the old homestead. This worthy couple
had the following children : Ti'lda married .Vnton
Hansen, and resides in our subject's native town ;
Hans O., our subject, is mentioned more fully be-
low; Margareta married Theodore Aggerbeck. and
settled in Chicago, 111. ; Sarah married Mr. Knar-
hoi, and resides at Alsen, Schleswig; John, a
blacksmith, married Magretha , and settled in
Chicago : and Samuel married Miss Christine Hen-
drickson, and resides in Chicago, where he is en-
gaged in the bottling business.
Our subject received a common-school educa-
tion in his native land, and gained a thorough
knowledge of the details of agricultural work, be-
ing often employed on different farms near his home.
When he attained his majority he came to America,
sailing from Hamburg on the steamer "City of
London," of the Inman Line. The day after his
arrival in New York he came to Hartford, where
he secured employment at hauling clay and driving
a dump-cart. Later he was employed in a screw
shop on Sheldon street, and for two years he worked
in Colt's factory. In 1874 he removed to Glaston-
bury, and after renting his present farm from
Henry Perkins for two years he purchased it.
The place then comprised eighty-five acres, but he
has since added fifteen acres. He makes a special-
ty of dairying — ^although he also has a large tract
under cultivation to small crops — and at present
he keeps about twenty cows, and conducts an ex-
tensive milk route in South Manchester. He is a
Republican in politics, and an Episcopalian in re-
ligion, he and all his family being members of the
church at South Manchester.
I
In 1874 Mr. Hansen married Miss ]\Iary Hansen,
a native of Schleswig, daughter of Lawrence and
Anna Lucy Hansen. Six children have blessed the
union : Annie, born March 8, 1875 ; Magretha,
born Jan. 10, 1877, who married Frank Root, a
painter in Hartford; Louise, born March 27, 1879;
Jennie, born March 17, 1881; Adella, born July 4,
1883; and Hansine, born June 5, 1886, who died
Feb. 12, 1890.
ITURACE PARSONS KINGSBURY is one of
die most highly esteemed citizens of Glastonbury,
his genial manners and unassuming generosity win-
ning him warm friends among all classes. Although
\rc\si the age of threescore and ten he is still active
in business, and is a leading worker in the Con-
gregational Church, with which he united many
years ago.
Air. Kingsbury's ancestors settled in Connecti-
cut at an early date, and his grandfather, Joseph
Kingsbury, was a well-known farmer there. This
worthy citizen married Ruth Benton, and they had
six children: (i) Sophia married Hon. Willard
Hutchinson, of Coventry, a prominent citizen, who
served as selectman and also representative. He
was a farmer and school teacher by occupation.
(2 J Mary married Daniel Burnap, a farmer and
jeweler in Andover. (3) William is mentioned be-
low. (4) Joseph married Amelia Reynolds, a
sister to our subject's mother, and lived upon a
farm in Andover. (5) Harvey married Polly
Wright, and settled on a farm. (6) Royal, who
married Emily P""oote, was a physician, and lived
and died in Alarlboro.
William Kingsbury, our subject's father, was
born and reared in Andover, his education being se-
cured in the common schools, and became a well-
to-do farmer. His death, which occurred at his
home in Andover in 1853, was the result of an ac-
cident at the raising of a building. He married
Susan Reynolds, a native of East Hartford, and
daughter of Horace and Hannah (Bidwell) Rey-
nolds, the former a well-known blacksmith in East
Plartford, who did work for the army. William
and Susan Kingsbury had eight children, of whom
the eldest, William B., is unmarried, and resides
on the home farm in Andover. Charles R., who
died in 1896, was a farmer in Andover. Horace P.
is the subject proper of this sketch. Henry M.,
twin of our subject, is mentioned below. Ann Eliza
was an invalid, and died in early womanhood.
Emilv M. died in Andover unmarried. Ruth
Sophia resides with her brother, William, in And-
over. Mary Jane married Frederick Root, of Meri-
den, where she died.
Our subject was born Sept. 29, 1820, in Andover,
and his education was begun in a district school
there. He also studied for a short time at a select
school in Coventry, and on leaving school he taught
for one winter. He then entered a "Yankee No-
tion" shop in Coventry, where he was engaged in
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1045
making ladies' spool stands for about three years.
Returning home, he spent some time working out
as a farm hand, receiving from ten dollars to twelve
dollars a month, which was then considered very
good wages. He went to Rockville to work in the
■ Frank Mill," which later burned and was rebuilt,
and for a time he worked in the repair shop of the
Collins Co., at Collinsville. He also worked in
Holj'oke, Mass., and in February, 1852, located at
Glastonbury, entering the employ of J. B. Williams
as driver of a team and general farm hand. In
1855 he went West, and was gone about five months,
jight-seeing, and on his return he took a position in
the shop of Mr. Williams, making shoe-blacking,
ink, soap, etc. While there he enlisted, on Aug.
25, 1862, in Company G, 25th Conn. V. I., with
.the late Capt. Charles Talcott and Col. Bissell; was
jin Louisiana under Gen. Banks, and took part in the
: engagements at Irish Bend and Port Hudson, being
present at the surrender of the latter place, in July,
1863. Our subject returned to Hartford with his
regiment, and was mustered out Aug. 26, 1863, one
iyear and one day from the date of his enlistment,
which had been for nine months only. He resumed
his work for Mr. Williams, remaining two years,
and for one summer was employed in Bristol in a
i gristmill. In 1866, failing health compelled him to
return to Glastonbury, and he has ever since been
in the employ of Mr. Williams. Mr. Kingsbury
takes great delight in visiting the places of interest
in his native country, and has made several ex-
tended trips. He visited California in 1886, and has
been to almost every G. A. R. encampment since
that time. Although a stanch Republican, he has
never cared for ofifice. He is a member of Robert
0. Tyler Post, No. 50, of Hartford, and is as un-
wavering in his loyalty to his comrades in peace
as in battle. Learning that three soldiers were buried
in the potter's field in Glastonbury, he quietly bought
a lot and had their bodies removed to it ; as he never
told of it the occurrence would have passed unknown
to the world had it not been found out and revealed
by others.
Henry M. Kingsbury has always followed
farming, and resides in Coventry, Tolland county.
He married Emily Watrous, and they have a fam-
ily of eight children: Nathaniel, who is married
and living in Michigan; Mary E., married: Will-
iam H. ; Annie A. ; Charles S. ; Jennie W. ; Horace
, L. ; and Joseph H. The father is a Republican in
politics, has held various minor offices, and is a
member of the Congregational Church.
WINFIELD S. CHURCHILL. Generally
speaking, the farmers of Rocky Hill are noted
throughout Hartford county for their intelligence
and progressive spirit. Among the most prominent
of these is Winfield S. Churchill, who was born in
■ the town of Wethersfield, June i, 1861.
Justus Churchill, his father, was captain in the
Governor's Horse Guards. He also was a farmer,
and besides attending to his work as an agricultur-
ist conducted a meat and produce market in the
town of Wethersfield. He married Abigail Harris,
of that place, the issue of the marriage being six
children, of whom Winfield S. was fifth in the
order of birth. The others were Charles M., at
present a resident of Parkville, Hartford county;
Clara, who married Samuel Ashwell, of Rocky Hill ;
Frank, a biographical sketch of whom may be found
elsewhere ; Prudence, now Mrs. W. R. Griswold,
of Rocky Hill ; and Belle, who died in her fourteenth
year.
Winfield S. Churchill was raised upon the pa-
ternal farm and educated at the Wethersfield high
school. At the age of sixteen, he left his father's
roof to take up his home with his brother Frank,
a farmer at Rocky Hill. There he lived until he
attained his majority, when, his skill and integrity
being recognized by Justus L. Bulkley, the latter
proffered him the position of foreman and manager
of his extensive farm, which post young Churchill
consented to accept. This responsible post he has
ever since filled, discharging its duties with an
ability and fidelity alike satisfactory to Mr. Bulkley
and in the highest degree creditable to himself.
Through industry and sound judgment he has ac-
quired a comfortable competence. He owns a charm-
ing home in Rocky Hill, and is erecting another fine
residence in that town, and is also the owner of a
handsome dwelling at No. 18 Francis avenue, in
Hartford.
On Nov. 10, 1886, Mr. Churchill was united in
marriage to Miss Sarah W., daughter of Henry C.
Robinson, of Rocky Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill
are the parents of one child, a son named Justus H.,
now eight years of age. Our subject is a strong
Republican, and enjoys a deservedly high reputation
as one of the most enterprising and successful young
business men of the town in which he resides.
NATFIAN A. DOOLITTLE, a forger of King
bolts for the Atwater Manufacturing Co., of South-
ington, was born in North Haven, New Haven Co.,
Conn., March 2'j, 1844, a son of Abram and Marah
(Moss) Doolittle. He is the eldest of their four chil-
dren, the others being Julia, wife of Frank Butler;
Marcus ; and Wilson. The father was born in Ver-
mont, and about 1836 removed to North Haven,
Conn., where he engaged in farming, and also op-
erated a saw and cider mill. He died there at the
age of forty-seven years. He was a son of Michael
Doolittle, whose later days were spent in North
Haven, where his death also occurred. Our sub-
ject's maternal grandparents were Samuel and De-
light Moss, of North Haven.
Reared in North Haven, Nathan A. Doolittle re-
ceived a limited education in the public schools of
that town, and remained at home until twenty-five
years of age. In 1870 he came to Southington,
where he has since been in the employ of the At-
1046
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
water Manufacturing Co. He is an expert work-
man, and commands the confidence and respect of
his employers.
Mr. Doolittle was married, Oct. i, 1868, to Aliss
Ida A. Payne, a daughter of Edwin B. and Gertrude
(Miles) Payne, of Cheshire, and to them has been
born one daughter, Lottie, now Airs. Wallace Hills.
Mr. Doolittle is a member of the Congregational
Church, and socially of the Knights of Pythias, and
politically is identified with the Democratic party.
He has held the office of constable for several years,
and is faithful in the discharge of both public and
private duties.
ERNEST WILDER MILDRUM, a prominent
business man of East Berlin, was born on the old
Mildrum homestead at that place Feb. 8, 1866, and
is a son of William A. Mildrum, of East Berlin,
who is mentioned more fully elsewhere.
Our subject is indebted to the district schools
of the community for his educational privileges,
and on leaving school, at the age of sixteen years,
he entered the employ of his father, who was then
a contractor in the "divider" department of the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.'s works. Subsequently
he formed a partnership with his father, and four
}-ears later, when the latter died, April 25, 1892,
he took complete charge of the department. He
has also done contracting in other lines for the
same company, and at times has employed as many
as twenty-five men. As a business man he is en-
ergetic, industrious and reliable, and commands the
confidence and respect of all with whom he comess
in contact.
On June 24, 1891, ^Ir. IMildrum was united in
marriage with Jiliss jNIary Galpin, who was born
July 24, 1868, a daughter of Henry N. Galpin, of
Berlin, and they have one child, Elizabeth, born
J\lay 7, 1894. They are influential and prominent
members of the Congregational Church of Berlin,
and take an active part in its work, while Mr. Mil
drum has been a member of the Standing or Church
committee for two different terms. At elections
he supports the men and measures of the Repub-
lican party.
AARON JOHNSON. This energetic and pro-
gressive young merchant of South Manchester is a
native of Sweden, having been born at Hal-
land Koinge, Nov. 6, 1857. His father was a well-
to-do farmer, and his early educational advantages
were good, his attendance at the common schools
being supplemented by a course in an agricultural
school.
Mr. Johnson remained upon his father's farm
until he reached the age of twenty-two, when he
concluded to try his fortune in the New World,
where so many of his countrymen had found happy
homes and became substantial citizens of the great
republic. Accordingly, in 1879, he crossed the ocean,
going from New York at once to South Manchester,
Conn., where he soon found employment in Cheney
Bros.' silk mill, remaining with that firm for two
and one-half years. Another year he spent as clerk
in a hotel in the same village; and at the end of. that
time he entered the store of W. PI. Cheney as sales-
man. In 1890 he was made superintendent of the
grocery, crockery and woodenware department,
which position he continued to hold imtil 1895, Mr.
Cheney having meanwhile, in 1895, sold the business
to C. D. Strickland & Sen. In the fall of 1895 Mr.
Johnson embarked in business on his own account.
He began his venture in the most modest way, open-
ing a grocery store in the basement of his dwelling
house, at No. 17 Chestnut street, employed but one
clerk, and made part of his deliveries in a basket.
But he was industrious, economical, courteous and
honest, and his trade grew steadily from the begin-
ning. \\"ithin six months it had reached such pro-
portions that he fountl it necessary to greatly en-
large his quarters, and in the fall of 1896 he erected
the building which forms the main portion of his
present store, a structure 32x45 feet in dimensions.
The number of his customers continued to increase,
however, and the following year (1897) he greatly
enlarged this building, making it ninety feet deep,
and adding a second story. Here he carries an ex-
tensive, well-assorted stock of both staple and fine
fancy groceries, employing eight clerks, and having
five teams, which are almost constantly engaged in
delivery. His store occupies the site on Chestnut
street below ^Monument Park, where he started in
such humble fashion but little more than four years
ago.
In 1885 Mr. Johnson married Miss Christina
]Magnell, and they have had four children. Ger-
trude, Florence, Mildred and Maud. Our subject
is generous and public-spirited, always ready to
lend his aid to any enterprise looking to the good
of his town or county. He is a Repuljlican in poli-
tics, and in religious connection a member of the
Swedish Lutheran Church. The story of a career
such as his is full of instruction and encourage-
ment, telling, as it does, how much may be accom-
plished through firm resolve, aided by perseverance
and integrity. As ^Ir. Johnson looks back upon his
past life he can say, with pardonable pride, that he
is self-made in the best sense of that too often per-
verted term. When he arrived in South Manchester
his- entire worldly possessions amounted to but twen-
ty-eight dollars. To-day he owns the finest store of
its kind in Manchester, besides a handsome modern
residence and other valuable town property, all
earned through his own toil and energy.
RUFUS WILLIAM MORSE. For the past
forty years the subject of this sketch has had a
contract in the tinners' machine department of the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox shops, and in that of one
of their predecessors. No more extended statement
would be necessary to emphasize the mechanical
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1047
skill, the fidelity, the scrupulous care and the good
judgment of our subject. He is one of the oldest
and most faithful employes of that manufacturing
company, the reputation of which has become world-
wide.
Mr. Morse was born in Holderness, Grafton
Co., N. H., Oct. 4, 1823, son of Stephen Nois and
Elizabeth (Gordon) Morse. The father was born
in Pembroke, N. H., and by occupation was a paper-
maker, junior member in the firm of Cheney &
Morse. To himself and wife were born seven chil-
dren, of whom our subject is the second: Clymena
Butler (deceased); Rufus W. ; Stephen Ambrose
(deceased) ; Elizabeth Augusta (deceased) ; Herman
Ladd, a resident of East Bridgewater, Mass. ;
Sophia Ann, a resident of Quincy, Mass. ; and
Charles Myron (deceased). Stephen Nois Morse
was one of the early Abolitionists, and one of the
most highly-respected citizens in the community in
which his active and useful life was spent.
The education of Rufus W. Morse was received
in the district schools. His first employment was
as an apprentice to the wagonmaking trade, but
the labor was hard and, moreover, too quiet for
the active temperament of our subject. He aban-
doned it for the machinist's trade, for that purpose
entering the shops of the Lowell Machine Co., where
he remained three years, completing his apprentice-
ship.
Mr. Morse then rounded out his practical knowl-
edge and skill by a little journeyman travel. For
eight months he worked at his trade at Gloucester,
N. J., then went to Boston, Mass., and was then
employed successively at Laconia, N. H., one year;
Lawrence, Mass., two years; Colt's Armory, Hart-
ford, Conn., two years ; and East Bridgewater,
Mass., one year. Our subject then settled down.
He secured a position with the Roys & Wilcox
Co., at East Berlin, where he has ever since been
employed. He came to East Berlin in December,
1854, and has remained there ever smce. When the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. was organized Mr. Morse
continued in the service of the new company as a
machinist. For the past forty years he has had a
contract in the tinners' machine department.
Mr. Morse married, Aug. 27, 1849, Miss Lu-
cinda Pease Cox, who was born Aug. 6, 1827, at
Holderness, N. H., daughter of William and EHz-
abeth (Folsom) Cox. To our subject and wife
were born two children, both of whom died in in-
fancy. In politics Mr. Morse was formerly a Whig,
and is now a Republican ; he has never sought office.
He is a stanch advocate of temperance, having been
a member of the Sons of Temperance. Both him-
self and wife are members of tne Free Baptist
Church. By his work every man is properly judged.
This criterion, applied to the life career of Mr.
Morse, places him in a most favorable light. He has
unostentatiously yet enthusiastically taken up his
chosen work and exhibited a rare fidelity and sterling
worth throughout his many years of residence at
East Berlin. He holds the high esteem and respect
of his fellow citizens, and counts as his close and
lasting friends all who know him well.
JOHN GEISELMAN,one of the most respected
farmers of East Hartford, was born in Witten-
berg, Germany, Sept. 8, 1837, and is a son of John
and Mary Geiselman, who were farming people m
moderate circumstances.
John Geiselman, father of our subject, was born
in Wittenberg in 1793, was a farmer in a small way,
and was noted for his honesty. He married Mary
Bentley, who was born in 1799, and was the widow
of Joseph Bentley, by whom she had three children :
Mary B. and Joseph, who died in Germany ; and
Anton, who came to America, served in a Con-
necticut regiment during the Civil war, and died
in East Hartford July 4, 1897. By Mr. Geiselman
she had children as follows: Pauline, who died
in Germany; John, the subject of this sketch; Peter,
still in the Fatherland ; Frances, wife of Anthony
Bantley, who aied in Hockanum in 1891 ; and
Agatha, who was married to Joseph Gallon, and
died in Hartford in 1893.
John Geiselman, whose name opens this article,
attended school, in accordance with the German
law, until fourteen years of age, when, his father
having died in 1850, he started out to work on
neighboring farms for a recompense of from six
to eight cents per day, the price usually paid to
farmer lads of his age. At the age of twenty years
he was drafted into the German army, served two
years and four months, and was then furloughed,
subject to recall at any time to fill the regulation
term of service, eight years. On May 13, 1866, Mr.
Geiselman, with his wife and son, Simon, who was
born in Wittenberg, Germany, Oct. 26, 1864, em-
barked on the steamer "Teutonia," at Bremen. The
trip across the ocean was made in fair weather,
and the serenity was marred only by a fire which
destroyed one of the masts of the vessel, and caused
some agitation among; the passengers, but with
1,400 souls on board the "Teutonia" arrived safely
at New York City. Thence Mr. Geiselman and wife
came to Connecticut by steamer, landing in Hart-
ford, where Mr. Geiselman found, by. pre-arrange-
ment, his half-brother, mentioned above, and also,
found employment in Colt's Armory, where he
worked nearlv a year. He then learned stone-cut-
ting under Gallon & Cup, with whom he worked un-
til the dissolution of the firm, after which, having
become an expert, he was retained in the employ of
Joseph Gallon, the successor to the business, until
he has worked, in all, fifteen years at his trade.
On June 16, 1863, Mr. Geiselman was united
in marriage to Miss Agatha Cameron, daughter of
Martin and Teresg, (Wilhelm) Cameron, who were
the parents of six. children : Christen and Ignace,
who died in Germany ; Mary, still living in that
1048
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
country : Wendell and Elizabeth, who died there ;
and Agatha, I\Irs. Geiselnian. To the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman were born five children :
Simon, born Oct. 26, 1864, married Cora A. Hills,
and has one child, Samuel H., born March 4, 1891 ;
he is a prosperous farmer in East Hartford. John,
born June 7, 1867. married Fannie E. Erving, and
has two children, Elsie M., born Alay 18, 18 — ,
and Ruth S., born D(ic. 5, 18 — ; .they are also liv-
ing in East Hartford. Elizabeth, born Jan. 28, 1868,
died Oct. 26, 1872. liertha, born Nov. 15, 1870,
died July 4, 1872, in Hartford, where her remains
were interred. Louisa, born Jan i, 1874, was mar-
ried to Charles Bartlett, of Windsor, in 1895, and
has one child, Irene A., born June 7, i89(). The
family attend the South Congregational Church.
j\lr. and Mrs. Geiselman occupy their own modem
dwelling, which also shelters Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett
and their child. Mr. Geiselman has been very in-
dustrious and temperate, and has won for himself
not only a conifortal)lc competence, but the esteem
of all his neighbors.
CHARLES SHI I'M. VX, a venerable and high-
ly-respected agriculturist of South Glastonbury, has
learned the art of "growing old gracefully," and al-
though near the eightv-first milestone in life's jour-
ney his faculties are keen, and his manner is as
genial as in younger days. He can read small print
without glasses, and often does a large day's work
on his farm, as a pastime.
^Ir. Shipman comes of a well-known Connecti-
cut family. His grandfather, Stephen Shipman, was
born Feb. 20, 1750, probably in Hebron, and be-
came a leading settler in South Glastonbury. This
worthy citizen was a shipbuilder, and also conducted
a store in South Glastonbury for some years. He
owned a large amount of real estate there, including
the Masonic Hall property, and donated to the town
the land formerly occupied by , the Sixth District
school, under the condition that it should revert to his
heirs if used for other than educational purposes. In
his later years he seems to have met with reverses,
and his death occurred Feb. 8, 1834. On Aug. 4,
1790, he married Eunice Rae, daughter of Gideon
Rae, of Roxbury, Mass., and a cousin of Vice-Presi-
dent Hannibal Hamlin. She survived him some
years, and died in Illinois. Of their children : ( i )
Reuben, born July 31, 1791, married Miss Blinn,
of Berlin, and engaged in farming in Rocky Hill
and later in Barry, III, where he died. (2) Charles,
our subject's father, is mentioned below. (3)
Eunice, born Jan. 18, 1796, married Shepherd Rob-
bins, of Boston, Mass. (4) Stephen, ' born Sept.
3, 1798, was married twice, and settled on a farm
at Barry, 111. (5) William Henry, born Aug. 28,
1804, married (first) Harriet , and (sec-
ind ) Eliza . In early manhood he went to
Ilhnois to engage in farming, but later returned
to Connecticut, and became an oyster dealer in Fair
Haven, acquiring a large fortune. He died there,
and his widow still resides in their old home. (6)
James Madison, born April 26, 1808, was a farmer,
and died at New Clayton.
Charles Shipman, our subject's father, was born
Aug. 27, 1793, at the present homestead, and re-
ceived a common-school education. He followed
farming, and was also employed in the Portland
quarries, but finally settled upon the home farm,
which was encumbered with debt. This he paid,
and for many years he followed the even life of a
farmer, his death occurring Oct. 4, 1878. His re-
mains were interred at South Glastonbury. He
married Sally Gillam, a native of Portland, who
was born Aug. 26, 1798, and died Sept. 26, 1862.
They had the following children : ( i ) George,
born Feb. 27, 18 18, married Ruth Goodrich, and
was a farmer in Glastonburv and later at Barry,
Pike Co., 111., w^here he died. (2) Charles, our
subject, was the next in order of birth. (3) Will-
iam, born Aug. 7, 1822, was a soldier in the Civil
war ; ne married Lucy Jones, and was employed in
a factory for some time previous to his death. (4)
Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1824, married John Flanch-
ett, a machinist in Glastonbury. (5) Horace, bom
Feb. 26, 1828, was a stage driver, farmer and livery-
stable keeper. He married Susan Manwarren, and
located in Illinois, and later in Iowa. (6) Stephen,
born July 2, 1832, married Rebecca Wright, and
settled on a farm in Glastonbury. (7) Eunice, born
July 7, 1834. married Ellery Treat, of Willow Brook,
in the town of East Hartford. (8) John, born
June 8, 1836, married Harriet Bidwell, and resides
on a farm in Glastonbury. He served in the Civil
war. (9) Mary, born March 15, 1838, died March
20, 1838. (lo) Henry Martin, born Jan. 26, 1841,
married and resides in Danbury, Conn. ; he was in
the 25th Conn. V'. I. during the Civil war.
Charles Shipman was born Jan. 16, 1820, in
the house now occupied by him as a residence. He
attended the district school near his home, and also
an academy at South Glastonbury conducted by
Elihu Burritt, famous as the "learned blacksmith."
He was reared to farm work, the "chores" taking
much of his time morning and evenmg as a Doy,
and with the exception of the years from 1844 to
1872, when he made his home some two miles away,
he has resided at the old homestead, the manage-
ment of the place devolving upon him as his fa-
tlier's health failed. He is a Republican in politics,
and has held various minor offices ; socially he be-
longs to the Glastonburj' Grange, and in religious
faith to the Congregational Church at South Glas-
tonbury, of which he and his family are leading
supporters.
On April 28, 1844, Mr. Shipman married Miss
Eliza Cadwell, who was born in Hartford March
17, 18 18, a daughter of Ashbel Caawell, but being
orphaned at an early age was reared by William
Holmes, of Buckingham. She died April 19, 1886,
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1049
and was buried at South Glastonbury. Of the six
children of this union the eldest, (i) Isabella, born
May 15, 184s, married Deacon Edward Thompson,
a merchant of Glastonbury, now retired. (2) Miss
Ellen is at home. (3) Edward, born June 8, 1849,
married Charlotte Noble, and now resides on a
farm in Glastonbury. (4) Flora E., born May 2,
1 85 1, married Franklin Taylor, of Glastonbury, who
was a letter carrier in Hartford for fourteen years.
(5) Frederick, born Jan. 2, 1856, married Mary
Maynard, a farmer in Glastonbury, and both are
now deceased. (6) Emma, born Jan. 9, i860, mar-
ried George H. Hale, of Glastonbury.
WILLIAM L. HUNTTING. In the Connecti-
cut river valley there is perhaps no better known
tobacco man, nor one more successful, than the sub-
ject of this sketch, a prominent resident of East
Hartford. It would be difficult to find a better il-
lustration of the self-made man, by which is meant
one whose native talents and energies enable him
to rise superior to any circumstances. The career
of our subject has amply demonstrated his ability
to take care of himself under adverse conditions,
to which many men would have succumbed. Grit
and determination were the forces that carried him
successfully through every critical emergency.
The ancestry of our subject is one of the oldest
in the land, dating back into history through a
period of over two hundred and fifty years to John
Huntting, a pioneer of Dedham, Mass., one of two
brothers who founded the Huntting family in Amer-
ica. One branch of the family, that from which our
subject is descended, removed to Long Island, and
the land now owned by David H. Huntting, upon
which our subject's father was born, has been in
the family name from the original patent. It has
been a prominent family, and connected with other
well-known names in American history.
Mr. Huntting was born at East Hampton, Suf-
folk Co., Long Island, N. Y., Nov. 22, 1840, eldest
son of Jeremiah and Joanna A. (Hand) Huntting.
The father was the eldest son of Jeremiah Hunt-
ting. The grandfather, who was also an eldest son,
was a carpenter by occupation in early life, and
later a farmer. The father of our subject in early
life was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade,
learned it, and for a short time in his youth followed
it. But he believed that the most honorable busi-
ness in which a man can engage is farming, and
that vocation he followed through life. He mar-
ried Miss Joanna A. Hand, who was a member of
one of the old Long Island families. Both parents
of our subject were members of the Presbyterian
Church. In politics the father was a Democrat
until the repeal of the "Missouri Compromise,"
when as a stanch Abolitionist he, like thousands of
other Democrats, joined the Republican party. In
' stature Jeremiah Huntting was short, and in that
) respect he resembled not his paternal ancestors.
but the Hedges, his father's mother being a member
of that family. When the Civil war broke out Jere-
miah Huntting, the father of our subject, was in-
volved in obligations which ruined him financially.
The first effect of the war upon property was to
depress values, and it was under that initial in-
fluence of the great struggle that the property of
Jeremiah Huntting was sold at a sacrifice. A little
later values rose, and the property was worth much
m.ore than the obligations to satisfy which its title
passed from Mr. Huntting. He met every obliga-
tion, however, possessing that sterling character
which won lasting respect. He was one of the in-
fluential men of the community in which he lived.
He died in 1867, aged fifty-four years. His wife
survived until December,. 1898, dying at the age of
seventy-six years. The children of Jeremiah and
Joanna A. Huntting were as follows: (i) Will-
iam L., whose name introduces this sketch; (2)
Charles H., a wholesale fruit and canned goods
merchant on Ann street, Hartford; (3) Jeremiah,
of East Hampton, Long Island; (4) David H., a
farmer of East Hampton; (5) Samuel, who died
unmarried at East Hartford in 1887; (6) John P.,
a farmer of East Hartford; (7) Mary E., now Mrs.
Joseph Dayton, of East Hampton; (8) Edward,
manager of the East Hampton Lumber Co., at East
Hampton.
William L. Huntting in his childhood days re-
ceived such education as the schools of the neigh-
borhood afforded, which was about three months a
year. As the eldest of the family he had an abun-
dance of work to do on the farm. His father was
an extensive land owner, and tne education our
subject received was largely of a practical nature.
At the age of sixteen years he shipped before the
mast on the whaling vessel "Neva," of which his
uncle, George Hand, was master, from Greenport,
L. I. ' She made a thirty-two-months voyage, going
north almost to Point Barrow and to Behring Straits,
and to the islands along the Alaskan peninsula— ex-
cellent whaling grounds a half-century ago. After
this voyage our subject returned home, and for
seven or eight months attended Clinton Academy.
His primary object was to better equip himself m
mathematics as a basis for navigation.
Mr. Huntting then began a second voyage, which
proved more momentous to his fortunes. He sailed
on the "Odd Fellow," as boat steerer. She left on
a whaling voyage, going to the LaPlata river. South
America, for sperm whale, a voyage of fifteen
months. While on this trip he was taken sick with
rheumatism of the heart, and became so ill that he
was landed and left in the hospital at Santa Cath-
erina, Brazil, presumablv to die. The "Odd Fel-
low"'sailed away without him. Benjamin Lindsay,'
of New Bedford, Mass., was then United States
consul at Santa Catherina, and was very kind to
the abandoned young sailor, after his recovery giv-
ing him employment as manager of a store which
1050
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was conducting. At that time kerosene or lamp
oil was being introduced into Brazil by Mr. Lindsay.
With the latter our subject remained until June,
1865, when, exchanging his savings into the cur-
rency of the United States, he found himself in
possession of $700, and with that amount sailed for
Long Island. When he had left home a few years
before his father was in comfortable circumstances,
and in that condition he expected to find him. The
reduced financial straits of his father was a double
disappointment to our subject, for he had expected
to return to South America and engage in business
with the help of his father. But under the changed
conditions he went to work at home to aid in sup-
port of his father's family. His illness had not
wholly left him, and for that reason he decided not
to return to sea. Moreover, the whaling business
was rapidly declining, and had ceased to be profit-
able. For a short time he was at a loss to know
what to do. It was the only time in his career that
he was "out of a job." But he possessed determina-
tion and energy, and accepted the oest position that
presented itself, which was that of salesman for
the Champion Washing Machine. In that capacity
he came to East Hartford in the spring of 1866.
His partner, Mr. Conklin, quit the business and
followed carpenter work, but our subject was a
better salesman, ana for four years he sold washing
machines very successfully, making the business
win. But he had a weather eye for better business
opportunities. It came in the tobacco industry,
which has become so prominent and valuable in the
Connecticut river valley. In 1869 he raised a small
crop of tobacco, less than a half-acre. The follow-
ing season he raised tw-o acres, realizing $750 for
the crop. In 1871 he began buying tobacco, and he
has raised and bought tobacco every year since,
building up a large business, and m recent years
representing as buyer Hoffman & Co., of New York.
Samuel Huntting, the brother of our subject, had
come to East Hartford, and in partnership with
him the firm of William L. Huntting & Co. w-as
established. After the death of the brother the old
firm name was retained, and since then the two
sons of our subject, \Mlliam S. and Henry J., have
been admitted to partnership, the firm name con-
tinuing William L. Huntting &. Co. • -
.Mr. Huntting was married, at East Hartford,
March 26, 1867, to Miss Marianna Howlett, daugh-
ter of Eleazer P. and Eliza (Deming) Howlett, of
East Hartford, and four children have been born to
them: Kate M., who married F. E. Fuller, of East
Hartford ; LiUie M., at home ; William S. ; and
Henry J. Ever since his marriage, except one year
when he lived on what is now the corner of Central
avenue and Main street. Mr. Huntting has resided
on the old homestead of his father-in-law. He is
a prominent j\Iason, being a charter member of
Evergreen Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a charter mem-
ber of Elm Loage, No. 63, Knights of Pythias,
East Hartford. He was also a member of the
Knights of Honor during the existence of that or-
ganization. Mr. Huntting cast his first Presidential
vote for Gen. U. S. Grant. In 1876 he voted for
Samuel J. Tilden, and he has since supported the
Democratic party. He has held various local of-
fices, anil in 1880 was elected to represent his town
in the State Legislature. He was chosen a delegate
to the Kansas City Convention, which met July 4,
1900, and at that convention was chosen to repre-
sent his State on the notification committee of the
Vice-Presidential nominee, attending the ceremonies
at Indianapolis. At the Hartford Convention, held
Sept. 20, 1900, Mr. Huntting was unanimously
nominated for the office of comptroller on the Dem-
ocratic ticket. In educational matters Mr. Huntting
has always taken a keen interest, and was secre-
tary of the Duilding committee when the East Hart-
ford high school was erected ; he is still a member of
the high school committee.
Mr. Huntting has made his own way in the
world, and is entitled to the signal success which
he has won in the battle of life. At East Hartford
he ranks as one of its most substantial and in-
fluential citizens. His early experience was severe,
but he has come out of his years of struggle and
hardship with admirable victory.
HENRY S TANNARD BRAINARD, deceased.
We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the
life historv of one who retained a personal asso-
ciation with the affairs of Enfield town for many
years, and one whose ancestral line traces back to
the early Colonial period. His life was one of hon-
est and earnest endeavor, and due success was not
denied him.
Mr. Brainard was born in Haddam, Conn., Feb.
21, 1817, and died in Enfield Jan. 19, 1896. He was
a son of Roswell and Laura (Sherman) Brainard,
and a grandson of Ansel and Hannah (Dart)
Brainard, tlie latter a daughter of Joseph and Abi-
gail (Brainard) Dart. Ansel was a son of Lieut.
Josiah and Lois (Hurlbut) Brainard, of Haddam
Neck, the former of whom took an active part in
the Revolutionary war as lieutenant of a company
in the Continental army. He was a son of Josiah,
the sixth child of William and Sarah (Bidwell)
Brainard. Josiah Brainard, just mentioned, was
constituted a member of the Congregational Church
in Aliddle Haddam at its formation, Sept. 24, 1740.
He built a house on Quarry Hill, and was twice
married, his first wife being Sarah, his second Han-
nah Spencer. His father, William Brainard, was
the fifth child of Daniel Brainard, who was the
progenitor of the family in this country. Daniel
was brought frcm England when a lad of eight
years, and located in Hartford, Conn., living with the
Wyllys family until he attained his majority. He
became a proprietor and settler of Fladdam, Conn.,
about 1662, and was a prosperous, influential and
I
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1051
lighly-respected citizen of tiiat town, where he
erved as justice of the peace and as deacon in the
hurch. He was twice married, first to Hannah
Spencer, daughter of Gerrard Spencer, of Lynn,
vlass., and (second) to Mrs. Hannah Sexton, a
vidow. All of his eight children were by his first
,vife.
Henry S. Brainard, whose name introduces this
sketch, grew to manhood on Haddam Neck, town of
Haddam, and received a good common-school and
academic education. Before attaining his twenty-
first year, his father died suddenly, and he succeeded
to the quarry business, which he successfully con-
ducted until his removal to Enfield, in 1855. Among
the principal structures for which he furnished the
stone was Fort Hamilton, N. Y., which was erected
under the supervision of Robert E. Lee, then a
government engineer, and later a prominent general
in the Confederate army. At the time of the erec-
tion of the fort Mr. Brainard became personally ac-
quainted with that gentleman, and later kept up a
pleasant correspondence with him for some time.
On coming to Enfield our subject turned his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits, having purchased
the large and productive farm of Samuel A. Stil-
man, located on the main road a half-mile north of
Thompsonville. The place was then conducted as
a dairy farm, a milk route having been established,
and he carried it on as such up to the time of his
death, being regular as clock work as to time. In
1863 he went to Chicago, 111., to superintend the
working of a quarry at that place, conducted by a
stock company under the name of Cook, Brainard
& Douglas, but in 1865 he returned to Enfield. He
Avas a thorough business man and a careful financier.
He neither believed in extravagance, nor the neglect
or slighting of anything. No part of his large farm
was ever neglected ; his spacious buildings were al-
ways kept in repair; and his implements and tools
were carefully housed when not in use. His resi-
dence and its surroundings always had a well-kept
and inviting appearance.
Mr. Brainard was twice married, his first wife
being Miss Hannah M. Brooks, a daughter of Noah
and Hannah (Cone) Brooks, of Middle Haddam,
Conn., and when she died, leaving no children, he
married her sister. Miss Ursula B. Brooks. Seven
children were born of this union : Ursula M. ;
Alvah S. ; Norman W., who was a soldier in the.
Union army during the Civil war, and died at Alex-
andria, Va., in June, 1865 ; Cornelia O. ; Almira
F., deceased ; Laura H., who married Henry G.
Risley. and died March 25, igoo; and Charles H.
Mrs. Brainard's maternal grandfather was John
Cone, of Maromas, Conn., whose wife was Sus-
annah Brainard, a descendant of William and
Daniel Brainard, above mentioned.
Socially Mr. Brainard was a member of Doric
Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., of Thompsonville ;
politically he was a Republican, and an advocate
of Prohibition principles. He served as select-
man in Enfield for two years, and his advice and
counsel were often sought on many questions. It
is but just and merited praise to say of him that,
as a business man, he ranked among the ablest ; as
a citizen he was honorable, prompt and true to every
engagement; and as a man he held the honor and
esteem of all classes of people.
A. H. BROTHERS, the well-known and pop-
ular superintendent of the Health Underwear Mills,
at Poquonock, is one of the most practical and com-
petent men in his line in the State, and his efficiency
is shown by his long retention in the service of one
firm, having been with his present employers for al-
most a third of a century. He is a product of the
Green Mountain State, apd like most of her sons
is steadfast, honorable and reliable in all things and
under all circumstances.
]\Ir. Brothers was born in the town of Hart-
ford, Windsor Co., Vt., June 29, 1847, ^ son of
Oliver and Ann (Howard) Brothers, natives of
Canada and England, respectively. In their fam-
ily were ten children, of whom nine are living at
the present writing, and one son, William, is a
skilled millman at Rochdale, Mass. Reared in his
native town, A. H. Brothers received such educa-
tional advantages as the locality afforded, pursuing
his studies mainly in the "little red school house."
His parents were people of limited means, and at
an early age he began the battle of life for himself.
When sixteen he commenced his career as a mill-
man, first as piecer in J. C. Parker's mill at Quechee,
Vt., where white flannel was the sole product. From
that place he went to other mills, working for a
time in Franklin and Laconia, N. H., and readily
became familiar with branches of the business re-
quiring- more skill. He was also employed in the
Burlington Woolen Mills, at Burlington, Vt., and
the ^tna Mills, in Massachusetts. In March, 1868,
he entered the employ of Austin Dunham & Sons,
becoming overseer of the spinning-room in the mill
at Naugatuck, Conn., and from department over-
seer was advanced until, in June, 1887, he was made
superintendent and manager of the Health Under-
wear Mills at Poquonock. He has entire charge of
the plant for the preparation of the raw material
as well as the one for manufacturing the finished
garments, and has the entire confidence and re-
spect of his employers.
Mr. Brothers married Miss Jeanette Eastman,
of Fairlee, Vt., and they have one daughter, Lilly
J., now the wife of Thomas Metcalfe, of Poquonock.
While not a politician in the sense of office seek-
ing, he has always supported the Republican party
by ballot and sympathy, but has declined to be-
come a candidate for official honors. He is unas-
suming in manner, yet exerts a valuable influence
and is an excellent citizen, such as any community
might be proud to claim. He is a self-made man in
the fullest sense of the term, having worked his
way upward from the lowest position in his busi-
1052
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iiess to the higlu-st. I"i-atcnially he is a member of
the Masonic Order, uniting with the lodge at Nau-
gatuck, and rehgiously ix)th he and his estimable
wife arc members of the Congregational Church.
STEPHEN BELDEN CHURCHILL (de-
ceased ) was for many years one of the best-known
and most highly respected citizens of W'ethersfield,
and a representative of one of its oldest and most
honored families.
Mr. Churciiill traced his ancestry back to Baron
Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, who belonged
to the British nobility. The first of the name to
come to W'ethersfield was Josiah Churchill, a native
of England, who on coming to the New World first
located in Watertown, Mass., and from there re-
moved to A\'atertown (now known as ^^'ethersfield),
Conn, where he spent the remainder of his life, and
where he owned an estate. He married Miss Eliz-
abeth, daughter of Nathaniel Foot, of W'ethersfield,
and to them were born eight children: Mary, Ixjrn
March 24, 1639: Elizabeth, who was born Alay 15,
1642, and was married, in 1660, to Henry Buck ;
Hannah, who was born Nov. i, 1644, was married,
in 1666, to Samuel Royce ; Ann, who was born in
1647, and married a Mr. Rice; Joseph, born Dec. 2,
1649; Benjamin, born May 16, 1652; Sarah, who
was born Nov. 1, 1657, and married Thomas Wick-
ham ; and one that died in infancy.
Jesse Churchill, the grandfather of our subject,
spent his entire life as a farmer in Wethersfield, and
was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, a member
of Capt. Hale's company. He was married June 15,
1778, to Miss Elizabeth Belden. Among their chil-
dren was Levi Belden Churchill, father of our sub-
ject, who was born March 24. 1797, and spent his
life in Wethersfield. engaged in butchering and agri-
cultural pursuits. He died July 25, 1863, and was
buried in Wethersfield. He married iNIiss Abigail
Griswold, a daughter of Justus Griswold. She was
born Aug. 23, 1798. and died Jan. i. 1867. The
children of this union were Justus Griswold, who
was born Nov. 5, 1816, and died Aug. 23. 1874;
Prudence Wells, born April 11, 1819, who married
James Griswold, and died June 12, 1856; Levi, bom
April 24. 1824, who married Mary Jane Blinn, and
■died Aug. 15, 1862; Stephen Belden, our subject;
Abigail Maria, born Oct. 12, 1832, who married,
April 3, 1855, Capt. John Standish ; and Hannah
Elizabeth, born Oct. i, 1836, who married Bert
Elisha Blinn.
Stephen B. Churchill was born Jan. 21, 1830,
and was educated in the district schools and Weth-
ersfield Academy. On laying aside his text-books
he turned his attention to farming and butchering,
and throughout life followed those occupations on
the old Churchill homestead in the town of Wethers-
field. He was also extensively engaged in the rais-
ing of fruit, being one of the largest producers in
his section of Hartford county. He was noted for
his industry, honesty and honorable dealing, was a
devoted husband and father, and a good citizen.
Religiously he was a member of the Congregational i^
Church, and politically was identified with die Re- JP
l)ublican party, but though often urged by his friends •
he would never consent to enter the race for public
office. He died Dec. 2, 1879, honored and respected
by all who knew him. For a number of years Mr.
Churchill was a lieutenant in the First Company,
Governor's Horse Guards, having risen from the
ranks, and on the death of his brother Levi was ten-
dered his commission, that of captain. Owing to
an accident, however, in which his arm was broken,
he resigned.
On May 5. 1857, in Newington, Conn., Mr.
Churchill married Miss Esther Emilia Blinn, a na-
tive of Newington, and a daughter of Elisha and
Esther (Griswold) Blinn. She is a lady of refine-
ment, and has taken a deep interest in the educa-
tion of her children. She is a consistent and faith-
ful member of the Congregational Church of Weth-
ersfield. To our subject and his wife were lx)rn
eight children: .Mice Amelia, born July 11, 1858,
married Edmund L. Smith ; Elizabeth Maria, born
July 22, i860, married Clifford E. Clark; Emma
Abigail, born Aug. 24, 1862, married William S.
Morris, of Wethersfield; Levi Belden, born Oct. 10,
1S64. married Cjrace Watrous Perry, and has three
children, Levi B., Oace Watrous and Jesse Stephen ;
Stephen, born Nov. 30. 1867, married Lillie P. Gris-
wold, a native of Bridgeport, and a daughter of
James Dixon Griswold (a granddaughter of James
Stanley and Prudence Wells (Churchill) Griswold,
and great-granddaughter of James and Lucy (Rob-
bins) Griswold), and they have one child, Blanche
May; Frederick Griswold, born May 16, 1870. was
married .\pril 4, 1900, to Alice Gertrude Wooley, of
Wethersfield, and resides on the homestead; Nellie
May, born July 30, 1872, married Edwin McDon-
ough, and has one child, Gertrude; and Hattie
Mabel, born Oct. 28, 1875, married Hiram F. Shep-
ard, and has one child, Frederick Churchill. To-
gether the sons operate the old homestead farm, and
are extensively engaged in general farming, dairy-
ing, fruit and market gardening. They are enter-
prising and progressive business men of temperate
and industrious habits, and are widely and favor-
ably known. Politically they all support the Re-
publican party.
HENRY W. ENSIGN. Those individuals who
live a life of noble struggle and achievement, and
who in their declining years gradually lay aside the
burdens of active care and live in well-merited busi-
ness retirement, amid the peace and calm of home
and friends, among associates of many years, are
fitting exemplars of human history, not only for
their own intrinsic worth, but for the guidance and
spur of a younger generation. Among the repre-
sentative men of Simsbury none perhaps is more
^-C^^y^ ^ -j^S^U-i^^-^^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
105S
[ighly honored than he whose name appears
bove.
Henry W. Ensign, retired farmer of the East
Veatogue District, Simsbury, was born in the Hop
ileadow District, now Simsbury Center, Feb. i6,
821. Tlie Ensign family were old settlers of New
England. The name is of Saxon origin. It first ap-
jeared in Childham, near the cathedral town of Can-
erbury, England, where there was an Ensign manor,
md the family arms were formerly placed in the
; church of Childham. The name appears to have
Deen in the counties of Essex, Norfolk and Kent,
says Stiles' "History of Ancient Windsor."
- James Ensign, the first of that name who came
;o America, settled in Cambridge, Mass. In 1634
ae removed with the Rev. Thomas Hooker party to
Hartford, Conn., where he was a prominent citizen
ind one of the organizers of the Second Church. He
died in November, 1670. His wife Sarah died in
May, 1676. They had one son, David, who married
Mehitable Gunn, daughter of Thomas Gunn, of
Windsor, Conn. They were divorced by mutual
consent. She afterward, in 1685, married Isaac
Sheldon, a widower, of Windsor, who died July 27,
1708, aged seventy-nine years, she surviving him.
David Ensign married for his second wife Sarah
Wilcox, or Wilcoxson, who died Feb. 3, 171 7-18
He moved to West Hartford, and was the original
organizer of the church there. He died Dec. 12,
1727, aged eighty- two years. The children of David
and Sarah (Wilcox) Ensign were David, James and
Thomas. Thomas married Hannah Shepard, daugh-
ter of John and Rebecca (Greenhill) Shepard.
Moses, son of Thomas and Hannah Ensign, was
born in South Windsor, where he engaged in farm-
ing. He in 1731 married Love Andrews, daughter
of Thomas and Love (Knight) Andrews. Isaac,
son of Moses and Love (Andrews) Ensign, was
born in West Hartford, where he learned the trade
of blacksmith. About 1771 he moved to Simsbury,
where he followed his trade, owning a shop at the
Center, near the old cemetery. There he spent his
life. He was a man highly respected, and was one
of Simsbury's best citizens. He married Luranah
Pettibone, daughter of Jacob and Jemima (Cornish)
Pettibone. The ten children of Isaac and Luranah
(Pettibone) Ensign were as follows: Isaac;
Isaiah ; Ariel ; Zebe ; Zopher ; Bildad ; Eri ; Moses ;
Love, who died young; and Luranah, who married
Oliver Phelps.
Bildad Ensign, son of Isaac and Luranah En-
sign, and the father of our subject, was born May
10, 1788. He engaged through life in agricultural
pursuits. In 181 1 he removed to New York State
j and located at Oswego, where he spent four years,
I also farmed in Granby, and spent the balance of his
> life in Simsbury. He was noted for his industry
;- and frugal habits, but met many reverses not through
any fault of his own, but through kindness of heart
\ in helping others. He was temperate in his habits,
a kind husband and an indulgent father. He served
the town of Simsbury as constable, and also as col-
lector of taxes, and was a Democrat in politics until
the war of the Rebellion, when he became a Republi-
can. He never sought political office or honors,
but was content to perform his duty as a citizen as
he saw it. Honest and honorable in his dealings,
he did not accumulate an abundance of this worla s
goods, but he left a name that is highly respected.
He was a Christian man, and a consistent member
of the Congregational Church. He died in 1865,
and was buried in Simsbury cemetery. Mr. Ensign
married in Granby Melissa Holcomb, born in Gran-
by, daughter of Increase and Mary (Reed) Hol-
comb. Increase Holcomb was a Revolutionary sol-
dier, a son of Reuben Holcomb, and a grandson of
Reuben Holcomb. His wife was a daughter of
Capt. Martin (also a Revolutionary soldier) and
Mary (Moore) Reed. The children born to Bildad
and Melissa Ensign were: Melissa Eunice, born
Dec. 25, 1817, married Joseph Barnes, of Windsor;
Eveline, born in 1819, died in infancy; Henry Watts
is our subject; Eveline, born in 1823, died young;
Caroline Elizabeth, born in March, 1830, married
William Gardiner; Mary Luranah, born Sept. 29,
1834, married Elijah Young, and they are living in
Cleveland, Ohio. The mother of our subject died
in 1853, and was buried in Simsbury. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a good
Christian woman, and the best of wives and mothers,
and gave her children a good Christian training.
She was a woman of rare beauty and of genial dis-
position.
Henry W. Ensign attended the public schools of
the district of Hop Meadow, his first school teachev
being Annise Chapman. He also attended private
schools for two terms, and the Connecticut Literary
Institute, at Suffield. He remained at home, assist-
ing his father in the farm work, until he was twenty
years old, when he taught school at Agawam, Mass.,
in the winter, receiving $14 per month. He worked
at farm labor in summer at $12 per month, and
taught school one winter in Madison county, N. Y.,
at $12.50 per month; one term at Bushy Hill, Sims-
bury, where he received $12 per month; and eight
terms in other districts of Simsbury.
In 1847 Mr. Ensign moved to Bushy Hill, where
he bought a farm of sixty-nine acres, to Vi^hich he
added fifty-five acres, operating altogether 125 acres,
and engaged principally in tobacco growing and gen-
eral farming. On that farm he spent nineteen years
of his life, making notable improvements in the prop-
erty. Selling the farm, he moved to the East Wea-
togue District, where lie bought the Roswell Phelps
farm, and has since been engaged in dairy and gen-
eral farming and in tobacco growing. He is now
living retired. Mr. Ensign has served as adminis-
trator for a number of estates, having been ap-
pointed by the courts, and has also been executor of
several wills. He was tax collector of Simsbury for
1054
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a number of years, having been appointed first bv
the selectmen and later elected by the votes of the
people, and his services as a tax collector were very
satisfactory. He served also as assessor, and was
on the school committee for a number of years,
taking a deep interest in educational affairs. In
1858 he was elected to the State Legislature on the
Whig ticket, and served on the committee on Edu-
cation; he was again elected to the Legislature in
1865, on the Republican ticket, and served on the
committee on Divorce. He cast his first Presidential
vote for Henry Clay, the W'hie candidate, and his
last for William AlcKinley. Mr. Ensign has al-
ways taken a deep interest in public affairs. So-
cially he is a member of X'illage Lodge, F. & A. ^L.
Collinsville. He is a man of unusual intelligence,
well informed on all the leading events, has traveled
extensively in the W est as far as the Pacific coast,
and is a keen observer of men and events, possess-
ing a remarkable memory for a man of his age. He
is a most interesting conversationalist, is genial in
disposition, and commands the highest respect
among his many friends and acquaintances.
On March 18, 1847, in the City of New York,
Mr. Ensign married, at the home of her brother,
Rebecca Jane Curtiss, born Dec. 9, iSig, in Sims-
bury, Conn. To our subject and wife children were
born as follows: (i) James Curtiss, a fruit and
grain grower of central California, married Geor-
gia Ellen Baker, of Alissouri. and has seven chil-
dren— Henry Wilson, who married Maggie Syfers,
and has one child, Gladys Pearl ; Etta Baker, who
married Samuel H. Weddell, and has two children,
Ella Gertrude and Hugh Ensign ; Luella Mattie,
who died at the age of ten ; Daisy Rebecca ; George
Curtiss; Ploward Carlton; and Walter Calvin. (2)
Sarah Jane was educated in the district schools, and
also in the State Normal School, and has taught in
the public schools of Granby, Simsbury, Bloomfield,
and in Healdsburg, Sonoma Co., Cal. She is a
member of the Daughters of the American Revo-
lution, Abigail Ji^helps Chapter, Simsbury. (3)
George Henry, a boy of great promise, was drowned
at the age of fourteen years. (4) Ella Barnes and
(5) Emma Barnes were twins. Th.e latter died
when five years old. The former was educated in
the district schools of Simsbury and Hartford, and
the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and has
taught school one term in Simsbury. She is a
member of the Daughters of the Revolution, and is
secretary of Abigail Phelps Chapter. She has trav-
eled to many parts of the West, including California.
Both daughters of our subject are at home with
their father, caring for him in his old age. They
are ladies of culture, refinement and education.
Mrs. Ensign died, in 1891, in the Baptist faith,
on the farm, after more than forty years of happy
wedded life, and was buried in Simsbury cemetery.
She was in her younger years a school teacher, was
a woman of education and refinement, lived a good
Christian life, and was an excjllent wife and mother.
Her father, Timothy Hale Curtiss, was born in Ber-
lin, Conn., son of Ebenczer and Rebecca (Latimer)
Curtiss, and moved to Simsbury with his parents,
when young. He was a direct descendant of
Thomas Curtiss, who came to VVethersfield, Conn.,
in 1639, from England, where he was born in 1598.
Timothy Hale Curtiss married Sarah McCombs, a
daughter of Capt. Andrew and Rebecca (Good-
rich) McConibs. Airs. Ensign had three brothers,
Timothy McCombs, Ebenezer Goodrich and James
Hale.
ALONZO LYMAN LATIMER, president of
the Simsbury Creamery Co., has his home in West
Simsbury, of which place he is one of the most
prominent and successful residents, and where he
was born Feb. 12, 1845, tl^c place being then known
as Canton.
The first member of the Latimer family to settle
in this town was Giles, a well-to-do farmer, who
located here about 1763. He was twice married,
and lost his first wife in 1808 ; his own death oc-
curred in 1829, at which time he had five children:
Giles, George, Roswell (who died in 1830), Gar-
ner and James.
Garner Latimer, the youngest save one of these
five, was the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch. He was born in Canton (now Simsbury),
and owned and cultivated a large tract of land,
now owned by our subject, which land he greatly
improved, and on it passed the remainder of his
life, engaged principally in general farming and
stock raising. He was a Democrat in politics, and
in religion held to the faith of what was known as
the Independent Church. To his marriage, with
Miss Esther Kirtland, were born four children:
Harvey, Lorinda J., Laura, and Lyman (father of
our subject).
Lyman Latimer, born and reared on the old
farm, was educated in the district school of Canton,
and married Nancy C. Goddard, a daughter of
Truman Goddard. He owned a fine farm, which he
devoted chiefly to stock growing and general agri-
culture, was a substantial and respected citizen, and
a good Christian, attending the Independent Church.
In politics he was a Democrat, but was never an
office seeker. His wife was a devout member of
the M. E. Church. Both ended their days on '
the home farm, their remains being interred in the
cemetery at North Canton. Their six children were
named, in order of birth : Ann M., deceased wife of
William Carter ; Alonzo L., the subject of this
sketch ; Elliott, a resident of Weatogue ; Emma, mar-
ried to Eugene Messenger ; Miles, deceased ; and
Eliza, the wife of George Deno.
Alonzo L. Latimer received a district-school ed-
ucation in Canton, and at the age of eleven years
started out to make a living for himself. He was
an industrious lad, and used his earnings ju- ^,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1055
iciously, economizing as he went along. Part of
16 time he worked in the knife department of the
;onins Co., at Colhnsville, and part at Coh's
i.rmory, in Hartford, until 1866, when he bought
ae Willis Bacon farm of one hundred acres, near
is old home, and later purchased his father's orig-
i iial homestead, and the Morgan Case farm, all of
' /hich he improved. On the farm which is his pres-
nt home he erected a fine dwelling, barns, tobacco
heds, etc., at a cost of $10,000, and is now one
)f the most extensive tobacco-growers in West
Mmsbury, beside which he conducts a large gen-
•ral and dairy farm, owning, as he does, over 300
icres of arable land.
On April 9, 1873, Mr. Latimer married, in
Simsbury, Miss Estella Siddell, a native of the town,
ind a daughter of Robert Siddell, and to this union
lave been born five children, of whom the first died
n infancy. The second born, Belle, was educated
n the district school, at the New Britain Normal
school, and at Huntsinger's Business College, and
s now a bookkeeper in Hartford. Edith and Lena
2;raduated from the Connecticut Agricultural Col-
lege, class of 1900. Ralph is attending the local
school.
In politics Mr. Latimer is a Republican, and for
twenty years has been tax collector. His position
as president of the Simsbury Creamery Co. is quite
a responsible one, and in this company he is also a
stockholder and director. In religion he is liberal
in his views, but the Scriptures are his guide in
all his transactions, as he was formerly a regular
attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church, to
which his family belong. Fraternally he is a mem-
iber of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M., at
Simsbury. Mr. Latimer is a self-made man, is pro-
gressive and useful in his community, and is one
cf its foremost citizens.
Robert Siddell, the father of Mrs. Latimer,
was born in Yorkshire, England, and was but six
years of age when brought to America by his par-
ents, Abram and Johanna (Woodhead) Siddell,
who located in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where the
father followed his trade of weaver until 1854, when
he brought his family to Simsbury, Conn., and
here he and his wife passed the remainder of their
. lives, dying in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. They were the parents of five children:
i Abram; Sarah, married to Thomas Morton; Han-
nah, wife of George Ellsworth : Mary, who was
married to Robert Dyson; and Robert, the father
of Mrs. Latimer. Robert Siddell was reared to
blacksmithing, but was also a farmer. He was a
Republican in politics, held many local offices at
Simsbury, whither he came from Massachusetts,
I and in 1873 was elected to the State Legislature
■; from Simsbury. Mr. Siddell married Miss Maria
'-Potts, a native of Johnstown, N. Y., and a daugh-
I ter of George and Elizabeth Potts, and to this mar-
I riage six children were born: Mary, now Mrs. A.
I H. Warner, of Bristol; George A., of Springfield,
Mass. ; Sarah, married to Charles Keyes ; Belle, the
wife of Watson Woodford ; Estella, now Mrs. Lati-
mer; and Herman, of Springfield, Mass. The
mother of this family was also a member of the
Methodist Church, and she, like her husband, en-
joyed the esteem of the entire community.
CHARLES HENRY HOLLISTER, of Ber-
line, who for many years has been engaged in the
insurance business, is well and favorably known to
the insurance men in the several localities of his
operations.
Mr. Hollister was born July 15, 1856, at Wind-
sorville, in the town of East Windsor, Hartford
county. His father, Henry Hollister, was born
June I, 1816, at Red Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y.,
and resided in several different localities in that
county between the age of three and ten years, his
father, a farmer by occupation, changing his place
of residence a number of times during that period.
In about 1826 the family went to Livingston Manor,
on the Hudson river, and two years later moved to
Philmont, N. Y., young Henry attending school a
portion of the time at those various points, and
working at the last-named place the greater part
of the year in the woolen mills until eighteen years
of age, when he commenced life for himself. In
1836 he went to the town of Vernon, Conn., and
for three years worked in the Frank Satinet Mill,
in the vicinity of Rockville (then Vernon). From
1840 to 1848 he was superintendent of the Somer-
ville Manufacturing Co. Following this he went
to Willimansett, Mass., and for a time, associated
with a Mr. Smith, he operated a small mill under
the firm style of Smith & Hollister. Owing to ill
health he gave up business, going to Ellington,
Conn., and there resting for two years. In about
1855 he moved to Windsorville, where he leased
a woolen mill and operated it some three years,
during that time being asociated in the enterprise
with a Mr. Phillip, under the firm style Phillip
& Hollister, and later operating it alone under lease,
at the expiration of which time he purchased the
property. This mill he operated until 1864, then
sold out the business to P. C. Allen and removed
to Springfield, Mass. After a short residence
in that city, he moved to Hartford, Conn.,
and was there variously occupied for a period,
handling wool and tobacco among other things.
In 1870 he purchased the Ravine Mills, at Hamp-
den, Mass., and operated them for several years,
retaining his residence, however, at Hartford.
In 1875 he purchased a farm of 103 acres, lo-
cated on the New York, New Haven & Hartford
railroad, one mile south of Berlin Center, upon
which the family now reside. In 1855 Mr. Hol-
lister represented the town of Ellington iri the State
Legislature. In 1886 he was a member of the
board of selectmen of the town of Berlin.
On Nov. 2, 1841, in Vernon, Conn., Henry
Hollister was married to Julia Jerusha Hunt, born
105(5
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
March i, 1819, in Vernon, daughter of Erastus and
Tryphenia (Clark) Hunt. To the union were born
children as follows: Julia Elizabeth, Harriet Viola
and Charles Henry. The mother of these children
was a member of the Congregational Church. She
died iMay 29, 1899, greatly beloved and esteemed
by a host of friends and acquaintances. The elder
daughter is identified with the same Church of
which her mother was a member.
Charles H. Hollister, our subject, received his
elementary education in the common schools of
Windsorville, Conn., then attended the public
schools at Hartford ; was graduated from the Wads-
worth street school in 1870, and for two years at-
tended the high school. After his school days were
over he engaged in the insurance business in the
ofrice of C. C. Kimball, of Hartford, then and
now general agent for a number of large insurance
companies, and remained with Mr. Kimball until
1882, when in November, having been chosen book-
keeper for the Corrugated Metal Co., he left Mr.'
Kimball to assume the duties of the new charge.
In January following, by which time the company
had become the Berlin Iron Bridge Co., he was
chosen its secretary and treasurer. One year later he
was made special agent and adjuster of the Northern
Assurance Association of London, England, which
was under the management of Alfred M. Bullard, of
Boston, in which city Mr. Hollister made his head-
quarters, having charge of the business in the New
England States, in November, 1884, he was made
special agent and adjuster of the ^tna Insurance
Co., of Hartford, Conn., with headquarters at El-
mira, N. Y. This position he retained until 1893,
changing his headquarters in, 1888 to Albany, N.
Y. Owing to sickness he removed, in 1893, to
Berlin, Conn., the place of residence of the family.
During our subject's active business career, when
in good health, he was an energetic and industrious
business man, of good ability, and was successful.
Like his father, his affiliations in National affairs
are with the Democratic party, though in local af-
fairs he makes no political distinction, voting for the
best man for the place. Socially he has been quite
prominent and popular. He is a member of the
Underwriters Association of New York, of which
he was the second vice-president at the time of
his sickness causing his retirement from active
business. He has been a member of the New York
Association of Supervising and Adjusting Fire In-
surance Agents since 1885. He is a charter mem-
ber of the Albany (N. Y.)- Social Club; is also a
member of Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. & A. M., of
Elmira, N. Y. ; and of Lodge No. 62, B. P. O. E.,
of the same city.
SIMEON FRANCIS WETHERELL, known
throughout the State of Connecticut as one of the
oldest paper manufacturers in this part of the coun-
try, was born Dec. 19, 1820, in Middletown, Middle-
sex Co., Connecticut.
The Wetherell family has been identified with
Hartford county for over a century, our subject's
great-grandfather, Seth Wetherell, having located
here in 1789, coming from Wareham, Mass., with
his family. They made their home in what is now
the town of East Hartford, Seth Wetherell finding
work at his trade, that of anchor maker, in the
anchor factory which then stood on the 'site now oc-
cupied by the Hartford manilla paper mills, and
which was subsequently converted into a powder
mill. He erected a house on the place where the
widow of William Wetherell now lives, and his
death is supposed to have occurred there.
Simeon Wetherell, grandfather of our subject,
was eighteen years of age when the Wetherell family
came to Hartford county, and he walked the entire
distance from Wareham, carrying a pack on his
back. He learned the trade of an anchor maker with
his father, and when the plant was changed to a
powder mill continued working there. Later he
was employed at the powder mills (located on the
site now occupied by the Keeney & White paper
mills) which were blown up about 1836, five men
losing their lives thereby. Simeon Wetherell was
a resident of Manchester for many years, and passed
his declining days in that town, where he died at
the advanced age of eighty-four. He married Miss
Elizabeth Case, and they became the parents of six
children: Betsey, Simeon, Jr., Seth, Vashti, Jo-
seph, and Phila.
Simeon \Vetherell, Jr., was born May 24, 1794,
in what is now the town of Manchester, then the
Parish of Orford, town of East Hartford, Hartford
Co., Conn., and there grew to manhood. He gained
a thorough knowledge of the trade of powder maker
under his father, in the mill run by John Mather,
which occupied the present site of the Foulds paper
mill at Alanchester, and subsequently engaged at that
occupation in the mills at Mansfield and Middle-
town, Conn. In about 1829 he returned to Manches.-
ter, and in 1836 started a powder mill in that town
along the Hartford road, on the stream which was
formerly known as Hop brook, conducting same
until 1841, when it was blown up through the care-
lessness of employes. A few years later he pur-
chased and removed to a farm near East Haddam,
which he afterward sold, buying another near Mid-
dletown, on which he lived until the time he re-
turned to Manchester for a time. He passed his
closing years, however, in Middletown, making his
home with his son Horace, and his death occurred
there in 1871. Mr. Wetherell was known as a suc-
cessful and careful powder maker, and had a more
than ordinarily thorough understanding of the busi-
ness in all its details, but he would submit to no dic-
tation in his work, and as a result made numerous
changes in employ. However, he was never in want
of employment, his efficiency and trustworthiness .
never failing to secure him a position. Simeon
Wetherell married Miss Almira Fitch, who preceded ^',
him to the grave, dying in 1870. Both were earnest
"^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1057
members of the Congregational Church. Their
family consisted of ten children, of whom Francis
N. was drowned at the age of two years; Esther,
widow of Ralph Cutler, makes her home in the town
of Manchester; Simeon F., subject of this sketch, is
next in the family ; Ehzabeth is the widow of A. B.
Snow; Ralph is a resident of Clarks, Nebraska;
Horace is deceased; Wells is a farmer in Manches-
ter town; Mary, deceased, was the wife of William
Tuffs ; Henry W. is deceased ; Martha is the widow
of Gardiner Wells.
Simeon F. Wetherell was about eight years of
age when his' father returned to Manchester, and
here he received his primary education, the first
school he attended being at Manchester Green. He
subsequently attended a school taught by Nathaniel
Keeney, in the little house located where the main
street crosses the railroad in the village of Manches-
ter; the old school building is still standing, back of
the Catholic church, in a good state of preservation.
Later he was a pupil in the select schools taught by
Chauncey Keeney and Mr. Sedgewick (in the base-
ment of the old church at Manchester Center), en-
joying unusual advantages for those days. At the
age of nineteen he began working in ihe paper mill
of Peter Rogers, a small establishment, remaining
there about a year. For four years after leaving
this employ Mr. Wetherell was engaged in the Good-
win paper mills, at Buckland, then known as the
Hollow mills, and in 1845 he went to Middletown
and rented a paper mill, which he conducted for two
years on his own account. His next venture was
at Colchester, where he erected a mill of his own,
and he carried on business there until 1859, when he
sold out and went to Andover, Conn. He worked in
the paper mills there for a few months, in i860 re-
turning to Manchester, where he entered the employ
of Lewis Bunce & Sons, in the Bunce paper mills,
continuing with them until 1869. For the year fol-
lowing he was with Fitzgerald & Sons, and then
passed one winter in Jersey City, New Jersey.
At the end of this time Mr. Wetherell began
business for himself again, purchasing a mill at
Rainbow, Hartford Co., Conn., in partnership with
Monroe House and Edwin Bunce, with whom he was
associated in the manufacture of paper until 1882,
when he sold his interest in the concern. Not long
, afterward he bought the home in Manchester which
he has ever since occupied. In 1883, in company,
with Frank W. Carpenter, his son-in-law, he pur-
chased the Rockdale paper mills, at Newington,
Hartford county, and this co-partnership lasted un-
til February, 1899, when Mr. Wetherell sold his
share in the establishment to Mr. Carpenter, and he
has since leased the old mill at Rainbow, where he
formerly carried on business for so many years. He
is now giving his time to the management of same,
■'' and though in his eightieth year he is as active and
) energetic as a man in his prime, enjoying perfect
; health and mental faculties unimpaired, though he
has always been an indefatigable worker, sparing
67
neither labor nor pains to make his enterprises suc-
cessful. He is thoroughly conversant with all the
details of the business in which the active years of his
life have been passed, and his familiarity with every-
thing concerning the making of paper has given
him a wide notoriety and high standing among man-
ufacturer:, in this State. During the fifty-eight
years of his experience in this line he has made an,
enviable reputation as a business man of sound
judgment and unquestioned integrity and reliability,,
a good manager and a friend of progress, champion-
ing and adopting any changes in process or mate-
rial which he is convinced will improve his product
or benefit the trade.
Mr. Wetherell has a strong personality, is firm:
in his likes and dislikes, and has gained a position
of influence in his special line which is not always
the lot of even a veteran to attain. He has always
been devoted to his business interests to the ex-
clusion of outside affairs, but he has taken a public-
spirited, interest in the welfare of his town and
county, and though never an office seeker or holder
he has supported every movement which in his opin-
ion would promote the advancement of the commu-
nity or benefit the citizens of Manchester in generaL
His contributions to church work and religious en-
terprises have also been liberal, though he is not
connected with any denomination. In political sen-
timent he was originally a Whig, changing with the-
party when it was merged into the Republican or-
ganization.
Mr. Wetherell was married Feb. 4, 1844, to Miss-
Jane A. Vorra, who was born Aug. 31, 1820, daugh-
ter of Erastus and Aurelia (Evans) Vorraj^ and'
they have four daughters : Maria J., who lives with.-
her parents; Emma, widow of Arthur H. Rogersy
and Minnie, widow of Alfred Bidwell, both living
in Manchester ; and Ellen M., wife of Frank W.
Carpenter, a paper manufacturer of the town of
Newington, as above mentioned. On Feb. 4, 1894,
Mr. and Mrs. Wetherell celebrated their Golden
Wedding quietly at home, surrounded by their
family.
ISAAC PORTER, a grandson of Rev. Isaac
Porter, and a son of Richard S. Porter, was born'
at Granby Dec. 20, 1833. Both his father and
grandfather were natives of the same town, the
grandfather being pastor of the Congregational
Church in that place for over forty years. The
wife of Rev. Isaac Porter was Mary Smalley, a
daughter of Rev. Dr. Smalley, the first Congre-
gational minister to settle in New Britain. The
only child born of this union was Richard S. Por-
ter, who became the father of Isaac, whose name
appears at the head of this paragraph.
Richard S. Porter attended the common schools
of his time, and was for two years a student at
Yale College. At the end of his Sophomore year
he left the university to associate himself with
Stephen W. Cornwell in the manufacture of tools^
1058
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tongs and oilier varieties of hardware, at Granby.
After carrying on this business for several years,
he removed to New Britain, and entered the employ
of the Stanley Companv. with whom he remained
until, some years later, he received an appointment in
the postoffice as an assistant to IMarcellus Clark.
While filling this position he met with a railroad
accident which resulted in the loss of one of his legs.
He was a man of sterling character, and held in
high esteem by his fellow citizens, who elected him
to the office of town clerk, which he filled with fidel-
ity and distinction for many years. In his religious
creed he was a Congregationalist. Politically he
was a Whig prior to the formation of the Republi-
can party, after which he affiliated with that organi-
zation, and was an intense party man. By his mar-
riage with Betsey Cornwall he became the father of
five children : Alfonso Cornwell, Frederick Whit-
tlesey, Alortimer Stanley, Isaac and Mary Smalley.
Alfonso C. Porter went to Chillicothe, Ohio, when a
youth of fifteen years, and there engaged in the
lightning-rod business. At the outbreak of the Civil
war he enlisted at Cincinnati, and was made quar-
termaster. He died soon afterwards. Frederick
^\'. was also a soldier, serving during the last eight-
een months of the struggle in the First Connecticut
Artillery. He is at present one of the successful mer-
chants of New Britain, and is engaged in business
as a jeweler. JMortimer Stanley's inclination was
for the life of a sailor, and when he was but little
more than sixteen years old he shipped before the
mast. At the age of twenty-one he had risen to be
a captain of a vessel owned by a Manchester firm,
engaged in the \\'est India trade. In 1861 he sur-
rendered this position to offer his services to the
Government, and was commissioned ensign on the
flagship of the West Gulf Squadron. At the close
of the war a lieutenancy in the navy was offered him,
but he declined the honor, preferring to return to
the merchant marine. He died in Australia, in 1871,
after having sailed all over the world.
Isaac Porter received a good elementary educa-
tion in the English branches at the common schools
of Granby, New Britain and Stockbridge, and for a
time attended the academy at the last-mentioned
place. As a boy he made the most of the advantages
offered him, and in later life he has supplemented
earl)' deficiencies in his education by a well-directed
course of reading. At the age of sixteen he left
school to learn the trade of a jeweler and engraver
with the old firm of Churchill & Stanley, and served
an apprenticeship for five years. On becoming a
journevman he went to Philadelphia, where he
opened an establishment of his own. In 1857 he
removed to Cincinnati, where he entered into part-
nership with his brother, Frederick W. Two years
later the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Porter re-
turned to New Britain to take charge of the shops of
the New Britain Jewelry Co. In 1861 he went back
to Philadelphia, where he became overseer for a
^Ir. Barber. In the spring of 1862 his patriotic
spirit prompted him to enuilate the example of his
elder brothers, and he, too, enlisted in the military
service of the United States, joining the 68th P. V.
I. This regiment was known as the Scott Legion,
and he was made orderly sergeant of Company A.
His record as a soldier is a story of heroism, bravery
and endurance. F"or gallantry at the battle of Fred-
ericksburg he was made second lieutenant, and after
passing through the fearful carnage on the hotly-
contested field of Chancellorsville he was put in
command of his compau}-. Fie led his men at Get-
tysburg, where he lost his left arm. He was to
have been regularly commissioned as captain, but
for some unexplained reason he never received the
"coveted parchment. It was not long, however, be-
fore he returned to the armv, becoming a member
of the 22nd Regiment, N'eteran Reserve Corps, which
participated in the defense of Washington against
Early "s attack. The regiment with which he was
connected was sent to Troy, N. Y., and later to In-
dianapolis, to assist the State forces in enforcing the
draft. A raid was made upon a disaffected county
in Indiana, and two or three hundred men arrested.
The regiment also did duty at Columbus, Ohio.
Our subject was sent home on waiting orders, and in
the spring of 1866 went to North Carolina, where
he remained until discharged, in 1867.
On his return to New Britain Mr. Porter was
appointed deputy sheriff, and filled that position for
three years. P'rom 1874 to 1891 he was a city con-
stable, and in 1876 he was elected town clerk. The
latter office he held, through one re-election after
another, for fifteen years, his nomination coming
from the Republican party, of which he is a stanch
and active member. For twenty-nine years his fa-
ther and himself held office in New Britain, a record
of honorable service which is not easy to surpass.
No breath of scandal ever sullied the reputation of
either father or son, who walked among their towns-
men with erect head and a '"-conscience void of of-
fense."
On April 25, 1892, Mr. Porter founded the firm
of Porter & Allen, to conduct business as general
auctioneers and dealers in second-hand goods. In
December, 1893, the name of the firm was changed
to the I. Porter Co., and on March 3, 1894, the I.
Porter Co. was incorporated, Mr. Porter becoming
secretary and treasurer. The concern does a very
large business, and is one of the largest and most
prosperous houses in the city.
Mr. Porter is a magnificent specimen of the self-
made man wdio does not ruin the architecture by
egotism or selfishness. He is acute, yet charitable;
shrewd, but generous ; unaffected, although urbane.
Fie is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 20, A. F.
& A. M., and of Giddings Chapter, in both of which
he has been prominent. He also belongs to Stanley
Post, G. A. R. He married Elizabeth, a daughter
of Deacon Daniel Fairchild, of Stockbridge, Mass., ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1059
and they have two children : Nellie, the wife of Ed-
ward F. Huntington; and Alfonso Briggs, who is
connected with his father in business. The family
attends the Congregational Church.
FRANK R. UPSON, a member of the well-
known firm of Upson Brothers, prominent grocers
of Southington, was born in that town Oct. 14, 1855,
and is of the eighth generation in direct descent
from Thomas Upson, the founder of the family in
this county. The latter resided in Hartford as
early as 1638, and his name appears among the
. ' lirst settlers and proprietors of Farmington. He
' was married,. in 1646, to Elizabeth Fuller, and died
July 19, 1655.
(IIj Stephen Upson, son of Thomas, was born
in Farmington about 1650, and was married Dec.
29, 1682, to Mary Lee, daughter of John and Mary
(Hart) Lee, of Farmington. Prior to his mar-
riage he settled in Waterbury, Conn., where he
held the offices of surveyor and grand juror, and
was three times deputy to the General Court. He
died in 1735, his wife on Feb. 15, 1715.
(HI) Thomas Upson, son of Stephen, was
born March i, 1692, and was married in 1732 to
Rachel Judd, daughter of Deacon Thomas Judd.
He lived in Waterbury until February, 1722, when
he removed to that part of Southington which is
now Wolcott. He died Sept. 2, 1761, his wife on
July 13, 1750.
(IV) Amos Upson, son of Thomas, was born
March 17, 1734, and was married Feb. 27, 1766,
to Sarah Woodruff, daughter of Hezekiah and
Sarah (Macon) Woodruff. Sne died in April,
1798, and for his second wife he married Mrs.
Dorcas Alford, of Kensington. He died July 8,
1810.
(V) Amos Upson, son of Amos, Sr., was born
in Southington March 14, 1771, and was married
May 8, 1793, to Keziah Root, daughter of James
and Mercy (Woodruff) Root, of Southington. She
was born in 1771, and died Feb. 13, 1859; he passed
away April 17, 1819.
(VI) Levi Upson, son of Amos, Jr., was born in
1795, and married Lovisa Todd. They lived in
what is known as the Marion District of South-
ington, and were the paternal grandparents of our
subject.
(VII) Capt. Andrew Upson, the father of our
subject, was torn May 18, 1825. In 1845 he en-
I tered Yale College, and Vv^as graduated in 1849. The
' same year he began teaching school at Salem, N.
J. ; the following year taught at Wellsboro, Penn.,
and later taught a short time in Corning, N. Y.
On April 18, 1850, he was united in marriage with
j Miss Elizabeth Lewis Gridley, and to them were
! horn four children: Ida M., wife of Wilbur A.
Tajdor; Frank R., our subject; William C, who
is his partner in business ; and Mary B., deceased.
In 1852 the father located on his farm in South-
I ington, and two years later represented the town
in the Legislature. When the Civil war broke
out he was decided and outspoken in his loyalty to
his country, and in 1862 joined Company E, 20th
Conn. V. I., receiving the appointment of lieu-
tenant. He accompanied his regiment to the field,
and was engaged in the various movements which
mark its history. At the battle of Chancellorsville
he was taken prisoner, and spent two weeks in Libby
prison, at the end of which time he was paroled.
After rejoining his command he went West with
the regiment, and was soon promoted to a cap-
taincy. While guarding the depot at Tracy City,
Tenn., he was wounded by a band of guerrillas,
and died Feb. 19, 1864. His career, though brief,
gained for him a conspicuous and honored place in
his country's history.
Root Gridley, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was born July 9, 1798, first married Sarah
Frisbie, and second Betsey Lewis, of Farmington,
the latter being the grandmother of our subject.
She died May 19, 1875, and he passed away July
9, 1853. His father, Asahel Gridley, was born in
Southington May 22, 1764, and was married Sept.
3, 1787, to Hannah Root, daughter of Elisha and
Lucy (Curtiss) Root. She died Feb. 22, 1794, at
the age of twenty-nine years, and he on May 20,
1818. He was a son of Joseph Gridley, of South-
ington, who was born Oct. 30, 1716, and died Jan.
8, 1805. Joseph's parents were Joseph and Hannah
(Lewis) Gridley, of Farmington, and later of
Southington. Joseph Gridley, Sr., died Dec. 7,
1770. He was a son of Samuel and Mary (Hum-
phrey) Gridley, of Farmington, and a grandson of
Thomas Gridley, a native of England, who came
to the New World at an early day, and resided in
Hartford, Conn., where he was married Sept. 29,
1644, to Mary Seymour. They removed to Farm-
ington, Conn., and from there to Northampton,
Mass., where he died.
(VIII) Frank R. Upson, whose name intro-
duces this sketch, has always made his home in
Southington, and he was educated in its public
schools and at Lewis Academy. In 1873 he entered
the employ of J. F. Pratt, as clerk, and served in
that capacity with him and others until 1880, when
he formed a partnership with F. C. Slate, as Slate
& Upson, in the dry-goods and grocery business
in Southington. The following year he purchased
Mr. Slate's interests, and engaged in business alone
until 1884, when his store was entirely destroyed
by fire. After a settlement was made with the in-
surance companies he formed a partnership with his
brother William C, under the firm name of Upson
Brothers, and 'in June, 1884, embarked in the grocery
business, in which line of trade they have since
successfully engaged.
On Oct. 31, 1883, Mr. Upson was united in mar-
riage with Miss Hattie A. Holcomb, a dauohter of
Edwin B. and Sarah (Soper) Holcomb, of Wind-
sor Locks, Conn., and they have three children :
Leila H., Bessie M. and Allan G. Mr. Upson is a
1060
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and
has served as burgess of Southington. He is a
member of the First Congregational Church; is
secretary of the board of hre commissioners; is a
member' of Atlantic Encampment and Eureka
Lodge, No. 75, 1. O. O. F. ; R. A. Xeal Lodge, No.
56, A. O. U. i\L ; and S. S. Woodruff Camp, No.
21, S. of V.
GEORGE NELSON GAMBELL (deceased)
was one of the best-known and most respected citi-
zens of Suffield, Hartford county, where he was
born June 9, 1816, a son of Hiram and Clarissa
(Newton) Gambell, the former of whom wa,s a na-
tive of \ermont, the latter of the town of Suffield.
Hiram Gambell became a farmer and cigar-box
manufacturer in Suffield.
George N. Gambell was educated in the district
schools of Suffield, and in his early youth assisted
his father in the manufacture of cigar boxes; later
he passed several years on the Connecticut river, ply-
ing, as a boatman, between Hartford, Conn., and
Springfield, ilass. Later he engaged in the manu-
facture of cigars, finally settling down to farming
and tobacco raising, and, as a hard-working and fru-
gal man, met with success, from a financial point of
view, in all his enterprises. In politics he was a
Democrat, but never accepted public office. He was
a good Christian and a strictly temperate man, was
upright and charitable, and respected by all who
knew him for his honorable dealings and his moral
character.
Mr. Gambell first married Miss Agnes Hunter,
a native of Scotland, whose father, James Hunter,
also a native of Scotland, located in Thompsonville,
Conn., where he was engaged as a merchant. To
this marriage came one child, Sarah A., who was
born Oct. 19, 1854, and on Oct. 7, 1874, married
Charles T. Remington, son of Stephen and Emeline
(Kent) Remington. They have four children liv-
ing: George Nelson, Clara Emma, Estella IMay,
and Ruth Gambell ; their third child, Edith Lilliam,
died at the age of four months. Mr. Remington is
a farmer by occupation. The family are members
of the Baptist Church of Suffield. Mrs. Agnes
Gambell passed away in Suffield, Dec. 25, 1854, a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Thompsonville, and her remains were laid to rest
in the Suffield cemetery. In 1856 Mr. Gambell mar-
ried Miss Margaret Hunter (a half-sister of his first
wife), who was born in New York City, and is a
daughter of James "and Rachel (Boyd) Hunter; to
this union no children were born.
Mr. Gambell was called from earth Dec. 28, 1891,
his death taking place on his farm, and his remains
were interred in the Suffield cemetery. He was a
most affectionate husband, as well as a noble-
hearted man, and his memory is still fondly cher-
ished by his widow and the large circle of friends
in Suffield who were proud of his acquaintance dur-
ing his long and useful Hfe. His widow, who still
makes her home on the old farm, is a consistent
member of the Thompsonville Presbyterian Church,
p. lady of refinement and charitable impulses, and m
honored by all who know her. |P
\\1LLIAM T. HARTMAN. The large in-
dustries of New England are complex organisms,
requiring in their various departments and various
kinds of employment talent of a new and unusual
order. Adapability has been one of the salient
traits that have been required in the growth, and
the men who are at the head of the various depart-
ments may be considered to be possessed of unusual
ability. Among them is the subject of this sketch,
who is the superintendent of the lock department
of the P. & F. Corbin Works.
Mr. Hartman was born in New Britain July
31, 1857, son of Charles A. TIartman, a native of
Saxony, Germany. The father was born Sept. 19,
1822, and was educated in his native land. There
he learned the trade of dyer, which he followed
after his migration to this country for some years
in a carpet factory in Philadelphia. In the early
'fifties he came to New Britain, and here he be-
came a tinner and galvanizer. He was in service
during the Civil war as a member of Company D,
Twentieth Conn. V. I., and after the expiration of
his term of enlistment returned to New Britain,
where he continued to reside until his death, in
August, 1889. He was a member of the Congrega-
tional Church, and, fraternally, of Harmony Lodge, \
F. & A. M. Mr. Hartman married Catherine Mack,.
a native of \\"urtemberg, Germany, and they had
three children : Katie S., who married Piatt D.
Osborne; William T. ; and Frederick A., who is |
now a resident of St. Louis', Mo. The mother is
still living.
William T. Hartman attended the public schools
of New Britain until at the age of fourteen years
he had partially completed the high-school course.
Had he remained he would have graduated before
the age of sixteen. He has continued study since
his school days ended, and by self-education has ma-
terially supplemented the excellent schooling he
received in his boyhood. After two years spent in
various kinds of employment Mr. Hartman, Jan.
17, 1873, ■^vas appointed timekeeper with P. & F.
Corbin, and held that position for about five years,
or until shortly before he had attained his ma- ■
jority. He was then promoted to the position of
foreman in the lock department, having under him
about fifty men. He had by diligent application fit- ;
ted himself for a responsible position, and attained
it before he was twenty-one years old. However,
he did not at this point cease his efforts to become
more fully the master of the situation, but added
to his knowledge constantly, and he is now super-
intendent of the entire lock department, and has
charge of from 125 to 150 men. In a way Mr>
Hartman may be said to have created the respon- \
sible position which he occupies. He has grown \'
^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1061
into it, and has applied to the perfection of the
work tlie information with which he has suppHed
himself.
In politics Mr. Hartman has always been a
Republican. He cast his first Presidential ballot for
James A. Garfield, and has taken an active part in
local and State politics, for years serving as a
member of the town Republican committee, of which
he was elected chairman in September, 1898. He
took an active part in the State campaign of that
year, and is one of the leaders among the younger
men of his party in New Britain. In 1893 he be-
came a member of the council, filling a vacancy,
and in 1894-95 he was chairman of the committee
on Supplies. Fraternally he is a member of the
New England Order of Protection and of the
United Workmen, both of New Britain.
Mr. Hartman was married. May 24, 1882, to
Miss Minnie A. Haslam, who died Nov. 30, 1888.
He subsequently wedded, Feb. 19, 1890, Electa C.
Andrews, daughter of Charles W. Andrews, of
Whitneyville, Conn. By his first marriage Mr.,
Hartman has two children : Clarence, born June
27, 1883; and Gertrude, born June 15, 1886. By
his second marriage he has also two children : E.
Kathryn, born July 21, 1891 ; and Bernice C, born
Nov. 8, 1894. The entire family belong to the South
Congregational Church.
MORTIMER J. VINING, a well-known
farmer and tobacco grower of the town of East
Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., was born in South-
M'ick, Hampden Co., Mass., Oct. 22, 1849.
Truman Vining, grandfather of subject, and also
a native of Southwick, was born in 1796, and mar-
ried Mary Steer, who was born in 1794. Truman
Vining was for many years a peddler of Yankee
notions throughout the Southern States, and died
in 1875; his wife survived him until 1879, and the
mortal remains of both lie interred in Southwick.
They left two children: Rhoda, who was married
to Willis Dibble, and lived in Southwick ; and Ward,
father of subject.
Ward Vining, likewise born in Southwick, re-
ceived a good corrimon-school education, and learned
the trade of cigarmaking. In 1847 he married Miss
Jane Cecilia, a native of Granby, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of Willis and Emily (Moore) Reed, to which
■ union were born nine children : Gertrude, who was
married to Hinman Dibble, and died in Granby ;
Jasper, residing in Southwick; Mortimer J., our
subject; Lester, Morton, Jane (wife of Edward
Gillett), all living in Southwick; Etta, married
to Edward Knott, of Westfield, Mass.; Foster, in
Southwick; and Hattie, who died young. Ward
Vining worked diligently at his trade until his
enlistment in Springfield, Mass., during the war of
jnhe Rebellion, in Company E, 26th Mass. V. I.,
land served until 1865, when he returned home. In
) his prime Mr. Vining was an athletic man, fond
'■ of out-door sports, and an enthusiastic hunter, but
he has now retired to private life, and is living in
ease at Southwick. In politics he was first a Whig,
later a Republican, and in religion he is a Meth-
odist. His beloved wife died March i, 1896, and
her remains were laid to rest in Southwick.
Mortimer J. Vining, after receiving a fair com-
mon-school education, left the parental roof and^
began life's struggles alone. He was first employed
in Granby, Conn., for a short time, then returned
to Southwick, and for five years was employed in
farming; he next came to East Windsor, Conn.,
managed a farm for Col. Gowdy four years, then
lived in South Windsor one year, and afterward for
eleven years was employed at the "Parsons House"
in Broad Brook. With his savings during all these
years he purchased his present farm of 135 acres,
near Melrose station, where he has ever since been
engaged in tobacco growing and general farming,
meeting with unvarying success.
Mr. Vining was united in marriage, in 1873, at
East Hartford, Conn., With Miss Mary Thompson,
a daughter of Joseph and Celestia (Shepherd)
Thompson, the former a native of Rhode Island,
the latter of Blandford, Mass. Mrs. Vining re-
ceived a sound public-school education, lived at
home until her marriage, and is a most pleasant
lady ; she possesses a marvelously retentive memory.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Vining has been graced
with six children : Susie Celestia, born Dec. I,
1873, is now the wife of E. M. Granger, of Mel-
rose; Scott, born Feb. 7, 1875, is living in Spring-
field, Mass. ; Grace Marian, born Feb. 3, 1876, died
m 1886; Ward Mortimer, born Aug. 6, 1878, died
in 1886; Stanley Shepherd, born Feb. 19, 1879,
also died in 1886; and Barry Allen, born Aug. 6,
1889. The family attend the Congregational
Church, and are highly respected within and with-
out its pale. Mr. Vining has led a temperate and
industrious life, and owes his financial success to
the habits of self-reliance he acquired while yet a
mere boy.
GOODSEL AUSTIN CODAIRE, a well-known
horticulturist and market gardener of the town of
Canton, is the owner of a fine farm at Cherry Brook,
and its orderly, thrifty management and neat and
attractive appearance show rare executive ability.
The Codaire family is of French origin, and
its members have been noted for culture for genera-
tions. Peter Codaire, our subject's grandfather, was
born in France, and came to America soon after the
close of the war of 1812, locating in Addison coun-
ty, Vt. He engaged, in farming and stock raising,
devoting special attention to breeding sheep.
Belina Codaire, our subject's father, was born
and reared in Addison county, Vt., and became a
leading agriculturist, dairyman and stock raiser of
that locality, the breeding of sheep being a specialty
with him, as with his father. He was a Republican
in politics, and wielded much influence in local af-
fairs, but never sought or held office. In religious
1062
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
faith he and his wife were Methodists. He died at
his homestead in 1878. His wife, who was born in
Vermont, of French ancestry, died in 1896 at the
homestead. Of their twelve children seven are liv-
ing: Ellen, wife of William A. Hendrick, of Spring-
iield, Mass. ; George W., a resident of Rocky Hill,
Conn.; Goodsel A., our subject; Lewis B., a farmer
in Vermont ; Mary E. ; John D. ; and Watson, a
salesman.
Our subject was born July 13. 1854, at \"er-
gennes, Addison Co., Vt., and his education was be-
gun in the local schools. At the age of eighteen he
went to Springfield, Mass., where he attended school
two years, and on returning home he continued his
studies in the high school. He taught school in
Vermont for several years, an 1 then came to Hart-
ford county and taught at Rocky Hill, Berlin and
New Hartford being principal at the latter place
for four years. For three years he clerked in a
store, and in 1886 he bought his present farm, a
tract of sixty acres, forn;erly known as the Orvil
Case farm. Mr. Codaire gives much attention to
dairying and the raising of small fruits and garden
produce, and at one time he raised tobacco. His
success in life reflects the more credit upon him be-
cause it has been gained through his own efforts,
and his industry, snmd judg:nent, strict temperance
views and domestic habits make him a valuable
citizen. He is a member of CoUmsvuie Orange,
is a strong Republican in politics, and is a mem-
ber of the town school committee, and school visi-
tor, although he has never been an office seeker.
Mr. Codaire was married in New Hartford to Miss
Jennie L. Hotchkiss. daughter of ^^■illard Hotchkiss,
a well-known citizen of that town. She was a
teacher for several years previous to their mar-
riage, and her culture and refinement are reflected
in her home life. Six children have blessed the
union : Bessie H. ; Minnie R. ; Alfred H. ; George
A., deceased; and Ruth and Robert (twins), the
latter of whom died in childhood.
WiLLARD Hotchkiss, the father of Mrs. Jennie
L. (Hotchkiss) Codaire, descended from one of the
early and prominent families of New England,
being in the seventh generation from Samuel Hotch-
kiss^ the emigrant ancestor of the family in this
country, who was a native of the County of Essex,
England, and came to New Haven, Conn., in 1641.
The line of Willard Hotchkiss' descent was through
Joshua, Deacon Stephen, Stephen, Samuel and
Samuel Hotchkiss (2).
Willard Hotchkiss was born Aug. 18, 1818, near
Town Hill, in New Hartford, Litchfield Co., Conn.
After receiving a good common-school e'lucation
he learned the trade of patternmaker, and followed
it in connection with farming. He was a m.an of
local prominence and influence, and served his town
variously in official relations, including that of jus-
tice of the peace. He was a stanch Republican.
On July 23, i8zi:3, Mr. Hotchkiss married Sarah
Cromack, a native o'f Leeds, England, daughter of
Samuel Cromack. She died in 1897, at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Codaire, of Canton. Her chil-
dren were: Mary (Mrs. Bently Frazer), Isabell
(Mrs. W. S. Gould, of Southington), Minerva A.
(Mrs. William H. Robinson), Alfred (deceased,
formerly a merchant in Collinsville), Jennie L,
(Mrs. G. A. Codaire), and Willard (a farmer of
Burlington). [An extended history of the Hotch-
kiss family appears in the sketch of William H.
1-iobinson, elsewhere.]
HUGH CHESXEY, a well-known and pop-
ular florist of Farmington, was born in Wigtown-
shire, Scotland, Oct. 15, 1858, a son of Hugh and
Mary (Fitzsimmons) Chesncy, also natives of Wig-
townshire, where the father was engaged in the re-
tail shoe business until 1864, which year witnessed
the emigration of the family to the United States.
During his residence in this country the father fol-
lowed the same business in New York City until his
death, which occurred in 1872. His wife died in>
Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1884. In their family were
eight children : Alexander and Annie, both de-
ceased ; Robert, a florist of Montclair, N. J. : EH^a-
beth, Margaret and Mary, all residents of Brook-
Ivn, N. "S". ; Janet, of Scotland; and Hugh, our sub-
ject.
Hugh Chesney was only six years old when
brought by his parents to America, and he was
reared and educated in New York City and Brook-
lyn. At the age of fifteen years he began serving a
five-years' apprenticeship with Peter Henderson, a
florist of Jersey City, and from eighteen to twenty
years of age he was employed by a Miss Gregory,
in New Haven, Conn., after which he was employed
at various other places until 1889, when he came to
Farmington and succeeded Alfred Hardy in the
florist business. During the ten years that have
since passed his business has steadily grown, and
he now enjoy an excellent trade. He is a man
of fine artistic taste, and is thoroughly conversant
with every department of the business, so that his
success was almost assured from the start. Li fra-
ternal matters he is an Odd Fellow.
In Middletown, N. Y., Mr. Chesney married
Miss Lillian Conkling, and to them have been born
five children: Janet, Frances Eugenia (deceased),
Lillian, Hugh, Jr., and Dorothy. ;
ELISFIA CURTIS BREWER, one of the old
and most highly-respected residents of that part of
the town of East Hartford known as Silver Lane,
was born Nov. 5, 182 1, on the place now occupied
by Norman Brewer, in the sairie town, and is a son
of George Brewer, and grandson of Daniel Brewer,
a genealogy of this ancient New England family be-
ing given in the biographies of William H. and Philo
S. Brewer, brothers of Elisha C, elsewhere.
Elisha C. Brewer lived on his birthplace until \
he was twelve years old, when his father sold the ^;
farm and purchased property on Main street, near [
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
10(33
Willow Brook. Young Brewer then worked at
various places until i860, when he bought his pres-
ent farm, at that time known as the "Timothy Ris-
ley farm," paying for it, in part, with his economized
earnings. Here he has made many extensive im-
provements, among which are his present large and
conveniently arranged dwelling, erected in 1875.
Here he first started raising tobacco, but for the past
sixteen or- seventeen years has been engaged in
■ raising vegetables and melons, achieving especial
success in the culture of the last named, and it
is an undisputed fact that "Curt" Brewer's melons
are the finest. raised in the State of Connecticut, and
famous wherever introduced; he also has the rep-
utation of owning one of the best cultivated farms
in the town of East Hartford.
Mr. Brewer was first united in marriage, in 1849,
with Miss Sarah Anderson, sister of the late Nor-
man L. Anderson, and to this marriage were born
two children : Mary, who died young ; and Emma,
who was born in 1856, made her home from child-
hood with h.er uncle, Norman L. x-\nderson (her
mother having died in 1858), and is now the wife
of A. S. Bidwell. The second marriage of Mr.
Brewer was with J\Irs. Delia Babcock, 7icc Bliss,
v,'idow of Charles Joseph Babcock. Mrs. Brewer
is a native of East Hartford, and a member of one
of the most respected families of the town, who re-
sided on Bliss Hill, so named in honor of the fam-
ily. To this marriage have been born three chil-
dren, in the following order: (i) Harriet Eliza-
beth Brewer, who was born Sept. 7, i860, is mar-
ried to Ralph JNIorse, of Silver Lane, and is the
■ J mother of two children, Fred Brewer, born Nov.
; 27, 1883, who is now a bright young lad, with a
most tenacious memory, and well posted on his-
torical events (he is a valuable assistant to his
grandfather in the culture of his melons) ; and Will-
iam Everett, born May 16, 1888, who is attending
school. (2) Fannie Adelia Brewer, born Dec. 2,
1862, married William S. Smith, a joiner by trade.
He is now in the Klondj'ke gold region, and most
1 1 favorable reports have been received from him,
' Mrs. Smith meanwhile m.aking her home with Mr.
Brewer, the subject of this sketch. (3) Mar}' Eve-
line Brewer, born Oct. 6, 1864, died July 5, 1870,
and was buried in East Hartford.
Mrs. Brewer is of a very kind and loving dis-
' position, and Mr. Brewer is good-humored and
pleasant at all times. In politics he is a Democrat,
but has never felt any desire for office, taking more
pride in his reputation as a melon grower than any
official title within the gift of his fellow citizens.
The family attend the Congregational Church, live
closely up to its tenets, and enjoy the full esteem
' cf all their neighbors.
JACOB WILLIAM BANTLE. The sterling
traits of industry, thrift, fidelity and good business
I judgment are none too common to command es-
1 teem and respect, or to ensure success in life to
their fortunate possessor. The name of Bantle in
Glastonbury is synonymous with the best type of
citizenship, and one of its worthy representatives
is the subject of this sketch, a young farmer and
tobacco grower, who is a son of Jacob and Cath-
erine (Handel) Bantle. The father was born in
Wittenberg, Germany, in 1830, and in 1857 mi-
grated to America, settling soon after in Glaston-
bury, where he has since become one of its in-
fluential and prominent citizens.
Our subject was born in Glastonbury July 5,
1862. He was reared on his father's farm, attend-
ing the district schools and receiving a good educa-
tion, then devoting himself on the home farm to
the mastery of agriculture, which he has made his
life pursuit. He remained faithfully on the paternal
homestead until his marriage, Dec. 31, 1885, to
Amelia Tenner, who was born May 6, 1864, daugh-
ter of John and Frederick (Handel) Tenner. To
our subject and wife have been born four chil-
dren: Edith Rose, born Nov. 14, 1886; Bertha
Emma, born Oct. 21, 1888, who died Aug. 14, 1890,
and is buried in St. James cemetery; Elsie Amelia,
born Sept. 25, 1891 ; and Ernest Jacob, born July
26, 1900.,
After his marriage Mr. Bantle settled upon his
present home, which from an uncultivated state he
has brought to a high degree of fertility. He
grows annually about ten acres of tobacco, and is
one of the highly-respected ana successful young
farmers of the town. Himself and wife are active
members of the M. E. Church, and they are mem-
bers of the Order of the Eastern Star, our subject
being a member of Daskam Lodge, No. 86, F. &
A. M. In politics Air. Bantle is a Democrat, and
he is now serving as a juror. He believes in and
practices the virtues of industry and hard work,
and has at heart the best interests of the community
in which he lives.
GEORGE DESIRE BOYER. Canada has fur-
nished to the LTnited States many bright, enter-
prising young men, who have left the Dominion to
enter the business circles of this country, with its
more progressive methods, livelier competition and
advancement more Cjuickly secured. Among this
number is Mr. Boyer, who is now living retired in
Berlin, Hartford county.
Mr. Boyer was born at St. John, Chrysostome,
Canada, Nov. 22, 1840, a son of Joseph and Mar-
garet Boyer. His father was captain of a company
during the Canadian rebellion, and was the only
one of the company that escaped. While he was
in hiding his future wife, to whom he was engaged
at the time, carried him provisions, and on her re-
turn home from one of these trips one very warm
day she received a sunstroke. The remedies used
to save her life left her deaf and dumb, but she
regained her health, and they were married after the
close of the rebellion. In their family were sev-
en children, four sons and three daughters, George
1064
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
D. being the eldest. On his return to the United
States from a visit home our subject brought his
second eldest sister with him. She soon married
and moved to near Trov, N. Y., wliere she died in
1866.
The early life of George D. Boycr was not a
very pleasant one. The father was in limited cir-
cumstances, and the children had but few advan-
tages. During his boyhood and youth our subject
worked hard, and he was unable to attend school
until after he attained his majority. He worked
at whatever he could find to do, and saved all that
he possibly could above wh.at he gave to his father.
After reaching the age of twenty, he attended the
St. John's mission school for two years. As he
adopted the Protestant religion, his father refused
to have anything more to do with him, and he was
thrown upon the world to fight life's battles empty-
handed and unaided.
After leaving school, at the age of twenty-two
years, Air. Boyer turned his attention to the car-
penter's trade, which he mastered through hard
study and practical experience. He took a con-
tract to build a dwelling-house adjoining the school
house, and for this work, which required five months
to complete, he received $300. Coming to the
United States Dec. 2, 1864. he located in South
Adams, Mass., where he found employment chopping
wood in the mountains, and on Dec. 24, 1864,
while at work accidentally cut olT four toes on his
right foot. His injury proved so severe that he was
unable to work from Dec. 24 to Feb. 27. He then
resumed his former occupation, and was thus em-
ployed until April i, 1865, after which he worked
at the carpenter's trade in Adams until April,
1868. He then went to Vineland, N. J., where he
worked for a few months, and from that time intil
1870 was not actively engaged in anv business,
other than farming to some extent and occasionally
speculating in some product. In 1870 he came to
New Britain, Conn., where he worked at the car-
penter's trade until July, 1871, and later was sim-
ilarly employed in Kensington until 1877. During
the following three years he rented and operated a
small farm, and in 1880 leased the farm of 165 acres
now owned by Aaron W. Hall, upon which he made
his home for five years. Having met with success
in his undertakings, he was able to purchase the
place at the end of the fifth year, and was quite ex-
tensively engaged in farming and dairying, selling
the milk in New Britain. On account of ill health,
■brought on by continued hard labor for many years,
he was obliged to sell his farm in 1894, Aaron W.
Hall being the purchaser, and then removed to the
E. S. Tubbs place, on the BerHn and JMeriden road,
where he owns three and a half acres of land and
is engaged in gardening, being unable to perform
the more arduous labors of general farming.
On Nov. 21, 1866, Mr. Boyer married Miss
Alfarata Tinnej^, who was born in South Adams,
Mass., June 14, 1852, a daughter of Peter L. and
Emily L. (Wright) Tinney, both of whom died in
that place. The father was a teamster by occupa-
tion, working with his own team, and carried on a
small place of his own, where he raised all kinds of
fruits and vegetables. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer had two
children: George Herbert, born July 21, 1870, was
married, June 16, 1897, to Lottie Cushman, of East
Hartford, and is now a dyemaker in Corbin's fac-
tory, New Britain. Emily Alfarata, born Aug. 21,
1873, died April 7, 1892, and was buried in West
Lane cemetery, Kensington.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are active members and
liberal supporters of the Methodist Church of Ken-
sington, and take an interest in everything calcu-
lated to advance the moral or material welfare of
their town and county. He is also a member of
New Britain Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M., and was
a member of the Kensington Grange until it dis-
banded. He took out his naturalization papers in
Hartford, in 1876, and since that time has been a
stanch supporter of the Republican party and its
principles. He has served on the grand jury, and
in 1895 was elected first selectman, but at the end
of a year resigned the oflfice, as its duties required
too much of his time, and his health was poor.
While in office, however, he did more toward secur-
ing good roads than any other selectman, and has
always had the welfare of his adopted country at
heart.
J. BUR WELL NEWTON, M. D., is one of the
younger members of the medical fraternity in Hart-
ford county, but his prominence is by no means
measured by his years — on the contrary he has won
a reputation which many 'older practitioners might
well envy, and has built up a large practice in
L'nionville and Farmington.
The Doctor is a native of Durham, Conn., born
Nov. 15, 1870, and is a direct descendant of Rev.
Thomas Hooker, the founder of the Hartford Col-
ony. The Doctor's father, John Burwell Newton,
was also born in Durham, son of Deacon Samuel
Newton. For some time he was a traveling sales-
man in the Barbadoes and Jamaica, but his last
days were spent in Durham, where he died in 1875.
He married Mary G. Tucker.
John Burwell Newton began his education in
the public schools of Durham, and later studied in
the Academy at East Greenwich, R. I. Subse-
quently he attended the New York Homeopathic
Medical College and Flower Hospital, New York
City, from which he was graduated with the class
of '94, on June i of which year he opened an office
in Unionville, succeeding to the practice of Dr.
E. C. King, now of Hartford. He is now serving
as county medical examiner and health officer, and
is also surgeon for the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railway Co., and for the Fire Department.
He is a member of the Connecticut State Homeo-
I
11
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1065
pathic Medical Society, the American Institute of
IJomeopathy, and the Hahnemann Society of New
York. Fraternally he is a prominent Mason, be-
longing to Evening Star Lodge, No. loi, F. & A.
M., of Unionville; Columbia Chapter, No. 31, R.
A. M., of Collinsville ; Lee Council, R. & S. M., of
Collinsville ; Washington Commandery, K. T., of
Hartford, and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and to
the Grand Lodge, K. of P., of Connecticut. The
Doctor is a pleasant, genial and polished gentle-
man, of high social qualities, and is very popular,
having a most extensive circle of friends and ac-
quaintances.
In New York City Dr. Newton was united in
marriage with Miss Martha G. Mansfield, a daugh-
ter of Albert Mansfield, of Worcester, England.
They have had one child, Doris Mansfield, born
Dec. 28, 1898.
GEORGE ROWLAND CASE is one of the
busiest, most energetic and most enterprising men
of the town of Granby, where he is successfully
carrying on operations as a farmer and tobacco
grower, and has met with more than ordinary suc-
cess in his undertakings. He has also been prom-
inently identified with public affairs, and his fellow
citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have
called upon him to fill important official positions
of honor and trust.
Mr. Case was born in Barkhamsted, Litchfield
Co., Conn., Dec. 17, 1837, but is a representative
of an old and highly-respected Hartford county fam-
ily. Deacon Joseph Case, son of John Case (i) (a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere), married Annie
Eno, of Simsbury, Hartford county, and the names
and dates of birth of their children are as follows :
Joseph, Feb. 2, 1700; Jacob, March 19, 1702; a son,
born and died 1706; Benajah, 1710, died 1748;
Josiah, 1716; Hezekiah, 1719, died 1848; David,
1722 ; and Joel, 1724. Of these,
Josiah Case, great-grandfather of George R.
Case, married Mary Haskins July 23, 1742, and the
names and dates of birth of their children are as
follows: Hezekiah, Aug. 11, 1743; Mary, Sept.
30, 1745; Zera, Sept. 15, 1747; Andrew, Aug. 15,
1750; Josiah, Feb. 19, 1753; Ozias, Nov. 2, 1755;
Abel, Nov. 3, 1758; and Oliver, June i, 1761.
Oliver Case, grandfather of George R. Case,
was born in the town of Simsbury, Hartford coun-
ty, whence when a young man he moved to Bark-
hamsted, Litchfield county, where he engaged in
farming until life's labors were ended, his remains
being interred at that place, as were also those of
his wife, Jemima. He was a soldier- of the Revo-
lutionary war, was a Whig in politics, and he and
his family held membership in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He married Jemima Case, who was
born in West Simsbury (now Canton), Conn., a
I daughter of Lieut. Richard and Ruth Case, the for-
1 mer of whom was a son of Sergeant Richard Case,
and a great-grandson of John Case (i). The
mother of Mrs. Jemima Case was a daughter of
Amos and Mary (Holcomb) Case, and a great-
granddaughter of John Case (i). The children
born to Oliver and Jemima Case were as follows:
Oliver, Amy, Newton, Namaan (who died in Ohio),
Hiram, Japhet (who died in 1897), and Flilpha.
Hiram Case, father of George R. Case, spent
the greater part of his life upon the old homestead
at Barkhamsted, which he successfuUy operated
from the time his school days were over until he
was fifty years of age. He then sold the place and
moved to West Granby, Hartford county, where
he purchased a tract of one hundred acres known
as the Higley farm. He made extensive improve-
ments upon the farm and successfully engaged in
tobacco culture and general farming. In his po-
litical affiliations he was first a Whig, later a Re-
publican, but never cared for the honors or emolu-
ments of public office. In West Granby he married
Eunice Higley, a native of that place, daughter of
Capt. Asa Higley, and granddaughter of Asa Hig-
ley, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The fam-
ily is one of the oldest and most highly-respected
in New England. To Mr. and Mrs. Case were born
six children : Adune, who died young ; George R. ;
Anna M., who married Howard Wilcox (both are
now deceased) ; Charles B. and Asa, both farmers
of Granby town; and John, who died young. The
father departed this life Jan. 11, 1879, the mother
Dec. 25, 1888, and both were buried in West Gran-
by cemetery.
The subject of this review began his educa-
tion in the public schools of Barkhamsted, and after
the removal of the family to West Granby he at-
tended the Granby Academy. On laying aside his
text books he aided his father in the operation
of the home farm, and after the latter's death took
charge of the place, which he has since success-
fully managed. Economical, industrious and enter-
prising, he has succeeded in adding to his landed
possessions until he now has 245 acres of valuable
land, under a high state of cultivation. He is one
of the most extensive tobacco growers in his sec-
tion, and is also interested in general farming and
dairying. He keeps a fine herd of Jersey cattle,
and also considerable poultry. He was married,
May 14, 1878, to Miss Betsy Matilda Messenger,
a native of Granby, and a daughter of Mrs. Sally
(Seymour) Messenger. They have two children:
John H., born May 26, 1881 ; and Anna, born Aug.
26, 1883, both now attending school.
During the Civil war Mr. Case enlisted, at Hart-
ford, in October, 1861, as drummer boy in the regi-
mental band, loth Conn. V. I., and spent one year
in the service, being with the army at the battles of
Roanoke and Newbern. He was ill in the regi-
mental hospital for a short time, and was discharged
at Newbern in 1862. He cast his first Presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln, in i860, and has always
been a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
1066
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He filled the office of school director, and in 1882
was elected to the State Legislature. Socially he
is a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 91, F. &
A. M., while in religious faith he and his family are
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which he is a trustee, and in which he has served
as choir leader for over a quarter of a century.
CHARLES NELSON COLBURN, powder-
maker, was born in Brooklyn, Conn., Jan. 17, 1858,
a son of Nelson Royal and Lucinda De Lacey
(Colburn) Colburn. His paternal grandfather.
Royal Spaulding Colburn, who was a carpenter by
trade, and in later life a farmer, spent all his life
in Brooklyn. He married a Aliss Sherman. The
maternal grandfather of our subject was Charles
Dwight Colburn, a resident of Dayville and Killing-
1}', Connecticut.
Nelson Royal Colburn, the father of our sub-
ject, was a carpenter by trade, and for many years
was head carpenter for tlie Hazard Powder Co.,
at Hazardville, where he located in 1862. and where
he died Feb. 4, 1897. His children were Charles
Nelson, James .\lfred, Sarah Emcline (now Mrs.
Edgar P>ench), Benjamin Warren and Caroline
Isabelle.
Charles N. Colburn was reared in Hazardville
from the age of four years, was educated in the
public schools, and began life for himself as a
teamster and farmer. On attaining his majority he
spent a year on a stock farm in Nebraska, then re-
turned to Hazart'ville and engaged in farming and
teaming up to 1883. He was then in the employ
of the Hazard Powd3r Co. for two years, follow-
ing with three years employment at Pomfret, Conn.,
where he had charge of fitting machinery for road-
scrapers. In 1886 he returned to Hazardville, and
has since been in the employ of the Hazard Powder
Company.
On Oct. 27, 1886, Mr. Colburn married Nella
Frances, daughter of Welcome Baker, of Putnam,
Conn., and of the children born to this union three
survive : Lucinda De Lacey, Nelson Royal and
Shirley Louise. Mr. Colburn is politically a Re-
publican. He is an attendant and supporter of the
Episcopal Church, and is one of the most popular
and respected citizens of Hazardville.
THOMAS NEWTON GRISWOLD. Perhaps
no family name among those of the early settlers of
Connecticut can be called more talismanic, or better
calculated to awaken memories of distinguished ser-
vice, faithfully rendered, than that of Griswold. It
is intimately and inseparably associated with every
stage of the State's history, and indissolubly im-
pressed upon everj' phase of the progress of the
Commonwealth, since the earliest days of Colonial
history.
The lineage of the family may be traced, in an
unbroken chain of descent, from Humphrey Gris-
wold, a "Lord of the Manor" who flourished in the
sixteenth century. The Malvern estate came into
his possession in 1600, and the heritage still re-
mains with the English branch of the family. In
1679 Malvern Hall, with the Coat of Anns, was
mentioned in English records as belonging to
Humphrey Griswold. He died in 1671, and was
succeeded by his brother, Rev. Henry Griswold, who
died about 1720. From him the title passed to his
eldest son Humphrey, and on the latter's death, in
1772, to his younger son, Henry. Henry dying
without male issue, the estate and title passed to Rev.
Matthew Griswold, a justice of the peace for the
County of Warwick. On his death, in 1778, he left
a daughter, Mary, who became the wife of David
Lewis. She died without surviving male issue, but
leaving three daughters, Magdalene, Anne Maria
and Eliza. The eldest married the fourth Earl of
Uysart, Anne Maria, the fifth, and Eliza died a
spinster. A male heir in the direct line being still
wanting, the Malvern estate and the Arms of Gris-
wold passed to Henry Griswold Lewis, a son of
David Lewis by a second marriage. The next heir
was Lieut. -Col. Ednnmd Alcysey Griswold, who
was succeciled by his uncle, Flenry ^Vigley, M. A.,
who assumed the surname of Griswold, and whose
descendants are still owners of the ancestral estate
and Arms.
The American branch of the Griswold family
claims as its first known English progenitor Mat-
thew Griswold, Esq., of Kenilworth, Warwickshire,
an uncle of Humphrey Griswold, the first Lord of
the Manor above named. He had three sons, Thom-
as, Edward and Matthew. Of these, Matthew, the
youngest, was the first to come to America. While
yet very young he joined a company of pilgrims col-
lected from \Varwickshire, Worcestershire, Somer-
setshire and Devonshire, under the leadership of
Rev. John Warham, which left England during the '
reign of Charles I, and landed on the shores of Alas-
sachusetts on Dec. 30, 1630. Nine years later Ed-
w^ard Griswold joined his brother Matthew, and the
two removed from Massachusetts to Connecticut,
Edward settling at Windsor and the younger brother
at Saybrook.
In 1645 another member of the Griswold family,
Michael by name, emigrated from England to Con-
necticut, and settled at Wethersfield. His descend-
ants-are numerous, and man}' of them are among
the most prominent citizens of that section of the ;
State. He himself may be reckoned among Weth-
ersfield's pioneers. He was born in 1610. He
bought land, and, being by occupation a mason, ,
erected thereon a fine house, besides making other
improvements. There he passed the remainder of
his days, dying Sept. 26, 1684, highly esteemed for
his many admirable qualities. He married Ann
, by whom he was the father of three sons and
five daughters: Thomas B., born in 1646; Hester,
May 8, 1648; Mary, Jan. 28, 1650; Michael, Feb. 14.
1652; Abigail, June 8, 1655; Isa, Sept. 30, 1658; <
Jacob, April 15, 1660; and Sarah, Sept. 30, 1662. \'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1067
Jacob Griswold, the youngest son, located on that
portion of his father's land now known as Griswold-
ville, was an extensive land owner, and carried on
general farming. He was a member of the First
Congregational Church of Wethersfield. He died at
his home on July 22, 1739, and his grave is in the
Wethersfield cemetery. On Dec. 10, 1685, he mar-
ried Mary Francis, a daughter of Robert Francis,
also of Wetherlfiel'd. She died April 25, 1735. The
children of Jacob Griswold and his wife were : John,
born Sept. 25, 1686; Mary, June 19, 1688; Jacob,
March 20, 1690; Ann, Aug. 14, 1693; Sarah, March
19, 1696; Hester, March 13, 1697; Josiah, Jan. 4,
1701 ; Eliza, Oct. 25, 1702; Ephraim, Sept. 23, 1704;
and Lydia, Sept. 4, 1707.
Josiah Griswold, the third son and seventh child,
was a man of considerable pfominence. He served
as major of the First Connecticut Regiment during
the French and Indian war, taking a conspicuous
part in that struggle. He had large holdings of
realty, and was a successful farmer, as was his fa-
ther before him. He built a handsome residence,
and his farm was well improved. He was a church
member, and an upright and useful citizen. He
died May 9, 1760. He married, Aug. 17, 1727,
Mabel fielding, of Wethersfield, whose parents
were Josiah and Mabel (Wright) fielding. She
was born Feb. 9, 1707. The issue of Josiah Gris-
wold's marriage was twelve childrea, of whom we
give names and dates of birth of nine : Josiah, Jan.
30, 1728; Mabel, May 6, 1730 (died Dec. 13, 1736) ;
John, April 30, 1732; Jacob, Jun§ 30, 1734; Ozias,
Jan. 16, 1735; Justus, Dec. 26, 1737; Mabel (i),
Junp 13, 1740; Mary, March 5, 1741 ; and Daniel,
Dec. 24, 1748.
Ozias Griswold was the great-grandfather of
Thomas Newton Griswold. His birthplace was
Griswoldville, and he followed in the footsteps of his
father and grandfather, becoming a farmer and
passing his entire life in Wethersfield. He was a
member of the Congreg-ational Church. He died
Dec. 4, 1815, having completed his eightieth year.
He was twice married, and was the father of fifteen
children. His first wife, whom he married in 1760,
was Anna Stanley, and his second was Mary Fran-
cis, who died Puly 26, 1825. The children by first
wife were: Anna W.,,,born Sept. 12, 1762, married
Samuel_ffi£Jies, and died Sept. 15, 1828; Mary W.,
born March 18, 1764, married Elisha Welles, and
died Nov. 11, 1834; Lucy, born April 20, 1765, died
Sept. I, 1773; John, born Nov. 30, 1766, died Aug.
7, 1774; Justus, born April 26, 1768, married.j^rur
dence Welles, and died Aug. i, 1803; Samuel, hoixir-
JanT^iS^ 1770, married Eunice Collins, and died
Nov. 21, 1833; Lydia W., born Oct. 6, 1771, became
Mrs. John Woodbridge, and died April 26, 1826;
Ozias, born Aug. 7, 1773, married Joanna Steele,
and died Oct. 22, 181 5 ; Thomas, born July 11, 1775,
died Feb. 24, 1850 ; Lucy M., Mrs. Ephraim Willard,
born April 17, 1777, died June 20, 1865 ; John, born
April 9, 1779, married Esther Welles, and died Feb.
26, 1826; Sarah, born March 20, 1781, died in July,
1800; James, born Aug. 21, 1783, married Lucy
Robbins; Mabel, born Feb. 26, 1786, died in June,
1805 ; and Nancy Clark, the wife of Guy Morgan,
born Sept. 16, 1788, died Oct. 2, 1853.
Thomas N. Griswold is a grandson of the
Thomas above named, the ninth child and fifth son
of Ozias Griswold. He was a prominent citizen of
Griswoldville, a member of the Congregational
Church, and noted for his scrupulous integrity. His
farm covered a large area, and in addition to farm-
ing he was engaged, with his brother James, in the
business of dressing cloth. He was a Whig, and
active in promoting his party's success. His fellow
townsmen held him in great respect, both for his
probity and for his capability in counsel and action.
He died Feb. 24, 1850.
On Jan. 22, 1799, Mr. Griswold was married to
I^Iary Wolcott, who was born at Wethersfield Aug.
24, 1779, a daughter of Ehsha and Mary (Welles)
Wolcott, and granddaughter of Joseph Welles. She
died June 4, 1847. Their seven children were :
Thornas, born Dec. 7, 1799; Franklin, born Dec. 27,
1801, died June 27, 1814; Stanley, born June 22,
1804, died in August, 1862 ; Mary Welles, born
Aug. II, 1806, who married Welles Adams, and
died April 27, 1865 ; Mabel, born Nov. 20, 18 10,
died Sept. 19, 181 1 ; Mabel (2), born Aug. 18, 181 2,
who became Mrs. George Stillman ; and Franklin
W. (2), born March 28, 1815, died Sept. 21, 1886.
Thomas Griswold was the father of the gentle-
man whose name appears at the opening of this
sketch. His early educational advantages were lim-
ited to attendance upon the district schools of his
day, but these he improved to the utmost, and sup-
plemented them, throughout his life, by well-directed
reading. He was a man of superior native ability,
with a well-stored, well-disciplined mind. He was
an agriculturist, arid besides being a successful gen-
eral farmer, was one of the pioneer seed-growers of
Wethersfield, his carefully selected, well-packed out-
put selling all through the United States and Can-
ada. The business was carried on under the firm
name of Thomas Griswold^ & Co., and is at present
conducted by his son, Thomas Newton. Mr. Gris-
wold was one of the solid men of his town. He
was progressive in his ideas, and upright in his
deahngs ; 'enterprising, industrious, public-spirited
and charitable ; a true friend, and faithful and loving
in every domestic, relation. In religious faith he was
a Congregationalist ; politically he was a stanch
Whig in early life, and later a Republican. He'
died Oct. 13, 1878, having lived to see the country
which he loved pass triumphantly through three
wars — that of 1812, the struggle with Mexico, and
the contest of 1861-65. On May 4, 1830, he mar-
ried Jerusha, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Rob-
bins) Welles, and a granddaughter of Thoioas
Welles, who carried a musket through the war for
Independence. Mrs. Griswold was born Feb. 28,
1811, and died Dec. 27, 1898. She bore her bus-
1068
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
band five sons and two daughters: (i) Joseph
Wehes, born Aug. 24, 1831, removed from Wethers-
field to Milwaukee, where he engaged in the cloak
manufacturing business, later removing to Chicago,
111. He married Mary Chapman in September,
1857. (2) Thomas Newton, the subject of the pres-
ent article, was the second child. (3) Charles Fay-
ette was born i\larch 22, 1836. (4) Edward Pay-
son, born Aug. 6, 1838, went to Milwaukee and en-
tered into partnership with his brother Joseph, in the
cloak business, and removed with him to Chicago;
he died in Evanston Jan. 19, 1899. (5) Mary Ann
was born March 3, 1841, and died Dec. 3, 1875. (6)
Robert Southgate was born Feb. 9, 1849. (7) Je-
rusha Frances, the youngest, was born May 30, 1851,
and died Aug. 16, 1854.
Thomas Newton Griswold was born Jan. 30,
1834, and was reared upon the paternal farm. His
educational opportunities were better than those af-
forded to most boys of his time. His course in the
Wethersfield common schools and academy was sup-
plemented by attendance at the schools of Hartford,
and during the winter months he taught school at
New Britain and Wethersfield. In due time he was
taken into partnership by his father, and after the
latter's death he and his brothers conducted the busi-
ness as partners for several years. Mr. Griswold
and his sons finally purchased their interest, and
since then have conducted the business under the
original style of Thomas Griswold & Co. In addi-
tion to seed growing he cultivates peaches and small
fruits, of which he is one of the heaviest shippers
at Wethersfield. He had his home in Griswoldville
until 1856, in which year he bought the Coleman
farm, on Huckleberry Hill, where he erected a fine
residence, with commodious farm buildings, and a
large, well-arranged warehouse. I\Ir. Griswold en-
joys the unqualified respect of the community. His
business methods are clean and honorable, and his
private life is w-ithout reproach. In politics he is a
Republican, has been a member of the school board
for many years, and (in 18S8) was elected a member
of the Legislature. He is a man of deep and earn-
est religious convictions, attesting his faith by his
works. For four years he was a deacon in the Con-
gregational Church, and has been a teacher in its
Sunday-school from boyhood. For many years he
was a member of the choir, and at no time has he
failed to shoulder his due share of the weighty re-
sponsibilities resting upon the few who are fitted to
assume the positions of leaders in church work.
On March 10, 1858, Mr. Griswold married Jen-
ette, a daughter of Henrv Goodrich Butler, of Weth-
ersfield, and seven children have blessed the mar-
riage: Henry Wilson, born Jan. 26, 1859, died
June 6, 1868; Fanny Augusta, born March 25, 1861,
died Dec. i, 1865; Frank Newton, born March 10,
1864; Frederick Irving, May 3, 1867; Wallace But-
ler, Jan. 27, 1869 (married Ava Lee Howard, and
is at present a grower and shipper of seed at Lin-
coln, Neb.) ; Jennie Welles, Jan. 18, 1872 (unmar-
ried and living at l-jonie) ; and Thomas Henry, May ^
5, 1875 (died'jan. 21, 1881). "
Rlrs. Griswold's family (the Butlers) are also
among the oldest and most highly-respected in
Wethersfield. The first of that name in the town
was Ensign Samuel Butler. Flis son James mar- Ji
ried Hannah Edwards, and from this union sprang T
William Butler, who was born Feb. 8, 1715, and
died ]\Iay 7, 1786. He married Lucy Goodrich, by
whom he had five children : William, born April
16, 1741, died Jan. 3, 1799; Margaret, born Dec. 22,
1742, died Sept. 30, 1750; 1 heodore, born Sept. 26,
1744; Roger, born April 20, 1746, died July 28,
1799; and Chloe, born Nov. 7, 1850, married to
William Welles.
Roger Butler, the great-grandfather of Mrs.
Griswold, was a Wethersfield farmer, a man of sub-
stantial means, and held in high repute. On Feb.
24, 1776, he married Hannah Hanmer, of Wethers-
field, who died Feb. 23, 1780, and three children
were born to this union : Lucy ; Roger, who died
unmarried ; and Hannah, wife of Samuel Wolcott,
who died in New York. For his second wife he
married Lucretia Pratt, who was born May 31,
1755, and two children were born to them: Char-
lotte, who married Sluman Welles ; and Harry
Goodrich, Mrs. Griswold's grandfather. The last
named of the Butler family married Mary Letta
Woodhouse, by whom he had children, viz. : Hen-
ry, the father of Mrs. Thomas N. Griswold; Mar-
tha, who married Andrew Southworth ; Mary, who
became the wife of Otis Beiden ; Eliza Ann, who
married Chauncey Winship, of Hartford ; William ;
Frances M., who married Walter Havens, of Hart-
ford : and Charles.
HON. JOHN E. GRISWOLD (deceased).
The Griswold family is one of the oldest and most
prominent of this section — as old as the settlements
at Windsor and Hartford. Edward Griswold, the
emigrant ancestor of the Windsor (Conn.) branch
of the famil}' in America, to which our subject be-
longs, came from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, Eng-
land, in 1639, and settled at Windsor, in the Colony
of Connecticut. Later he removed to the town of
Killingworth (now Clinton), in Middlesex county.
Elihu Griswold, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was a native of Windsor, where his ances-
tors before him had lived. He married in that
town, and children were born as follows : John
E., born Dec. 8, 1803, is referred to farther on; 1
Mary C, born March 3, 1806, married Elihu Mar-
shall, a farmer of Windsor, whose family history
with a portrait of himself appears elsewhere ; Eliz-
abeth married Charles Hollister, of East Hartford;
and Rebecca married Sidney Secton, of Simsbury.
The parents of these children both died at the old
Griswold homestead, and their remains rest in one
of the gravevards of Windsor town. /,
/^^y-^'^T'-i^^
-u^^^iuy
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1069
The old Griswold house, which has sheltered
several generations of the family, and where now
are residing the Griswold sisters, daughters of the
subject of this sketch, has something of a history
itself, and it is still regarded with curiosity as some-
thing widely different from the houses built in the
early days when its plans were drawn. It is said
that upwards of a hundred years ago one Pinney,
an Englishman of dignity and supposed wealth,
purchased the land on which the present home
stands, and began the erection of what he termed
a house of the old English style. There was con-
siderable mystery surrounding his movements, and
at last it was discovered that he was a counter-
feiter of money, and was carrying on his opera-
tions in the cellar of his new home. Finally, be-
coming alarmed, he fled the country, leaving every-
thing behind him. The property was subsequently
purchased by Elihu Griswold, and the unfinished
old English house was completed on an American
plan, and stands to-day a combination of the two
styles of architecture. A spacious hall, twelve feet
high, runs entirely through the house, while the old-
time parlor or reception room of the same height,
spacious and inviting, speaks of a generous old-
time hospitality.
John E. Griswold, our subject proper, was born
Dec. 8, 1803, in the town of Windsor. He passed
his boyhood alternating between work on the farm
and attendance through the winters at the neigh-
boring district school. He married Nov. 4, 1832,
Miss Caroline Griswold, daughter of Warren and
Caroline Griswold, and though of the same name
not a relative. They settled after their marriage
on the old homestead, where they passed the re-
mainder of their lives, and where their children
were reared. Here the mother died March 27,
1866, aged fifty-eight years, the father on Jan. 26,
1888, aged eighty-four years, and the picture of
him appearing in this volume was taken the year
before he died. Mr. Griswold had been occupied
throughout life in farming, and was a model
farmer, too, keeping his place in good order, and
was ever abreast of the times in scientific methods
of agriculture, being especially accomplished in the
best methods of tobacco growing. He was a man
of good information and practical ideas, and gen-
erally succeeded in whatever he undertook. His
political affiliations were with the Democratic party,
and though not an office-seeker he filled positions
of trust and honor, among tliem that of representa-
tive from his town in the General Assembly of the
State, giving to the discharge of his duties in that
body intelligence and dignity. He also served as
treasurer of the school board. His children, only
two in number, Harriet B. and Sarah E., are still
living, and reside, as is stated in the foregoing, at
the old home, where they have been in charge of the
household affairs since the mother's death and cared
for the father in his declining years; both are re-
spected and esteemed by their many friends and
acquaintances. The farm for years has been and
is still under the management of Jerome E. Fuller,
whose wife, formerly Miss Estelle Marshall, daugh-
ter of the late Elihu Marshall, is a cousin of the
Griswold sisters.
JULIUS H. COTTON, one of the most re-
spected residents of East Hartford, and the ex-
tremely popular floor-walker for the well-known
firm of Brown, Thomson & Co., of Hartford, is a
native of the town of East Hartford, and descends
from a family that has been identified with the his-
tory of the town for generations past and gone, but
will here be traced only from his grandfather down.
David Cotton, grandfather of our subject, was a
sea-faring man, and in all probability died at sea.
He had married Anna Jones, who was born in East
Hartford in October, 1760, and to this union were
born seven children: David, Jr., born Jan. i, 1788,
was a cordwainer by trade, and lived in Hartford.
Anna, born Feb. 14, 1790, was married to Calvin
Elton, a merchant at Hartford. Mabel, born May
5, 1791, died young. Jerusha, born March 29, 1793,
was first married to a Mr. Miller, and after his
death to Nathan Cobb, then lived for a time in Ver-
mont, and later moved to JanesviUe, Wis., where
she died. Harry was the father of our subject, of
whom mention will be made further on. George,
born July 12, 1797, first married Esther Kilbourne,
and second Mary Griswold, of Manchester ; he was
a carpenter, lived for some time in East Hartford,
and died in Manchester, his remains being interred
in East Hartford. William, born April 28, 1799,
died young.
Harry Cotton, father of Julius H., was born in
East Hartford Meadow April 19, 1795, received a
district-school education, and after his marriage to
Clarissa H. Kingsley opened a tavern, in 1832, his
sign reading, "H. Cotton, Entertainment." In a his-
tory of East Hartford, compiled by J. O. Goodwin,
it is said, under the head of "Public Houses and Sale
of Liquors," that "Cotton's tavern and store, on
the corner of Tolland turnpike and Burnside ave-
luie, was formerly owned by Euodias Bidwell, and,
probab'y, by his ancestors before him. One Biddell
is put down in an almanac of 1763 as keeper of a
public house in East Hartford. It was bought by
Mr. Henry Cotton in 1832. In the good old times,
before the days of railroads, this was quite a sta-
tion on the road, and the jocund spirits of the
neighborhood passed many a sociable evening here."
Of course, the "Mr. Henry Cotton," mentioned in
the above extract, means "Harry" Cotton, father of
cur subject.
Clarissa H. Kingsley, whom Flarry Cotton mar-
ried, was a daughter of Alpheus and Eunice (Will-
iams) Kingsley, the former of whom was a drum-
major during the Revolutionary war, and in the
latter }'ears of his life received a pension from the
Government of the United States for services ren-
1070
COMMEMOR'ATU'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
clered. To the marriage of Harry Cotton and wife
were born the following named children: Han-
nah Jerusha. born Aug. 15, 1828, died Tan. 31,
1829; Harriet J., born Jan. 22, 1830, was married
June 18, 1862," to John X. Standish. a maclnnist,
who died in New York in 1887 (their one child,
Carrie De Witt, died in infancy, Aug. 25, 1S63) ;
Summer H., the third child of Harry Cotton, was
born April 25, 1832, married Mary Hatch, and
served as a locomotive engineer on the Boston &
Albanv railroad; the fourth child, Julius H., is
the subject of this sketch ; Leander, the fifth child,
born Feb. i, 1837, was toll collector on the bridge
a! the foot of Hartford avenue for many years,
and later became a hotel-keeper in Virginia ; Henry ;
1;.. the voungest of the family, was lx)rn Feb. i, 1
1839, i*^ machinist by trade, is married to Judith |
Howe, and is living in Boston, Mass. The later
vears of the father of this family were passed in
retirement at the home of our subject, where he
died Feb. 7, 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-
one years, his widow surviving until April 17, 1881,
when she expired, at the age of eighty-two years.
Julius H. Cotton, the gentleman whose na.ne
stands at the opening of this article, was born June
25, 1835, in the hotel occupied by his father in 1832,
and which stood on the spot on which Julius H.
now lives in '"single blessedness." He was edu-
cated primarily in the brick school house on North
Main street, and then attended Wells Academy,
and was under the instruction of Prof. Hurburt
until sixteen years of age, when he went to Hart-
ford, and began his business life as an errand boy,
sweeper-out, etc.. for Lorin Sexton, dry-goods mer-
chant, whose store occupied the ground on which
the store of Wise, Smith & Co. is now situated.
For the first year he received a salary of twenty-
five dollars and board, at that time considered to be
a very fair rate. This salary was increased year
bv year until he relinquished his situation five years
later and entered the employ of F. & H. Burge,
where the Cheney block now is, remaining with that
firm several j'ears as clerk and floor-walker. He
next acted in the same capacity for Pease & Foster
for some time, and next for Wetherby, Knoitss &
Co. for ten years. After the dissolution of this
firm he was employed by Knouss and J. S. Ives,
in the Chenev block, being with them until their
failure, and since 1880 has been head floor-walker
for Brown, Thomson & Co., the largest firm in
itL- line in Hartford.. Mr. Cotton is probably the
most popular floor-walker in the State of Connecti-
cutj and his influence, acquaintance and popularity
are far more than local. He draws patronage for
his firm from all the territory surrounding Hart-
ford, and from the neighboring cities, and these
patrons come to him because they know they can
rely on his honest advice and sound judgment as
to purchases, and because of their appreciation of
the discipline observed by the salespeople under his
management.
In 1882 Mr. Cotton erected his present hana-
some dwelling in East Hartford, which he occupied
in the summer season only, his winters being passed
in Hartford in close proximity to the place of busi-
ness of his employers, as he is always desirous of
being "on deck." Genial and pleasant, he is
"downright liked" by everybody, and is honored for
having climbed, step by step, from the lowest round
of the ladder that leads to fortune until he has
reached its apex. In politics Mr. Cotton is a Re-
publican, ancl his religious devotions are paid at
the Pearl Street Church in Hartford, to the teach-
ings of which he lives up both in letter and in spirit.
JOHN CLARENCE ROWLEY, a thorough
and skillful farmer, and a business man of ability,
is a worthy representative of the agricultural in-
terests of Berlin.
Mr. Rowley is a native of this State, born in
Hebron, Tolland county, May 12, 1857, and was
alx)ut two years old when the family removed to
Chatham, Conn. There he began his education in
the common schools, but at the age of seven be
accompanied his parents on their removal to East
P.erlin, where the following four years were passed.
After the death of Mrs. Olive Selden, of Berlin,
Dec. 25, 1868, his father, David Eleazer Rowley,
purchased her farm and located there. The family
have made many improvements upon this property,
which consists of fifty acres under excellent culti-
vation, and since his father's death our subject has
had charge of the same. He completed his educa-
tion in the Beckley schools at the age of sixteen
years, and has since devoted his time and attention
to agricultural pursuits, meeting with marked suc-
cess in his labors. His farm is pleasantly located
on the continuation of Church street, Newington,
and is one of the most desirable places of its size
m the locality.
On Jan. i, 1889, ^Ir. Rowley was united in
marriage with Miss Alabel Vernon Adams, who was
born in Charlton, Mass., a daughter of Amos and
Clarissa (Smith) Adams, of Charlton. They have
one son, Stanley Edward, who was born in Beck-
ley, Nov. 2, 1893.
Like his father before him, Mr. Rowley is a
stanch supporter of the Democratic party and its
principles, but has always declined official posi-
tions, preferring to devote his entire attention to
his farming interests. He is a member of Pequot
Council, No. 24, Sr. O. U. A. M., of Berlin, in
which he has passed all the chairs, and is also a
member of Berlin Grange, No. 24. He attends the
Berlin Congregational' Church, of which his wife
is a member, while their son attends the Sunday-
school.
FREDERICK WALDO DOOLITTLE, a
prominent farmer of Cheshire, New Haven Co., ,
Conn., and an enterprising flour and feed merchant j
of Milldale, Hartford county, was born on the old jj
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1071
homestead in the former place, where he now re-
sides, a son of Levi and Eunetia (Hemingway)
Doolittle, natives of Cheshire and North Haven,
respective!)'.
The paternal grandfather, Levi Doolittle, Sr.,
was also a native of Cheshire, and a farmer by occu-
pation. He married Esther Tuttle. The paternal
great-grandparents of Mr. Doolittle were Ezra and
Sarah (Hall) Doolittle, farming people of Cheshire.
The maternal grandfather, Augustus Hemingway,
was also born in New Haven county, and spent most
of his life as a farmer in North Haven. His wife
was in her maidenhood Miss Julina Blakeslee, and
his parents were Samuel and Sarah (Brad ey) Hem-
ingway, of North Haven. Mr. Doolittle's father
was reared in Cheshire, and in 1847 located on the
farm now occupied by his son, making his home
there until his death, which occurred June 30, 1898,
when he was eighty years of age. He was a con-
sistent and faithful member of the Congregational
Church of Plantsville, and belonged to the Grange
in Cheshire. His political support was given to
the men and measures of the Republican party, and
he represented his town in the State Legislature in
1871, and also served as selectman three years. In
his family were three children : Elizabeth, wife of
George W. Cook, of Wallingford ; Frederick W. ;
and Lina B.
During his childhood Frederick W. Doolittle
pursued his studies in the common and private
schools, near his home. He has always lived on
the old homestead, and since reaching man's estate
has successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Since 1S97 he has also conducted a flour and feed
store in ^lilldale, and in this undertaking has pros-
pered, having built up a large and profitable trade.
He, too, is a member of the Congregational Church
pf Plantsville, and of the Patrons of Husbandry,
Grange No. 23, of Cheshire, while politically he is
identified with the Republican party. He is held
in high regard in the community where he has so
long made his home, and those who know him
best are numbered among his warmest friends, a
fact which indicates an honorable and upright ca-
reer.
JUDAH DRYDEN VIETS, an old-time farmer
of Bloomfield, was born in the town of East Granby,
Hartford county, Feb. 2, 1823, and paternally is
of remote German extraction, as will be seen from
the following genealogical record of the family in
America.
Dr. John A^iets, a highly-educated physician for
his day and generation, came from Germany in
1710, and settled in Simsbury, Conn., where, to him-
self and his wife, Catherine, four children were
born : Catherine, Henry, John and Mar}^. His son,
Capt. John Viets, great-grandfather of Judah Dry-
den Viets,was born in Simsbury, Conn., Nov. 3, 1712,
was reared a farmer, for a time was employed in cop-
per mines, and was also an extensive trader. His
homestead is now in the possession of Virgil E.
Viets. Capt. John Viets married, Dec. 12, 1734,
Lois Phelps, who was born March 10, 171;^,
and was a daughter of Nathaniel Phelps. To this
marriage were born ten children: John, Roger,
Seth, Eunice, Lois, Abner, Catherine, Daniel, Ros-
annah and Luke. The father of this family died
April 8, 1777, and the mother Nov. 12, 1810.
Capt. Abner Viets, grandfather of our subject,
was born in Simsbury Feb. 15, 1747, led the life of
a farmer, and died in Granby July 27, 1826. His
farm is now in the possession of his grandson,, L.
C. Viets. Mary, wife of Abner Viets, was born
June 27, 1751, and died Sept. 4, 1825, the mother
of ten children: xA.bner, born June 29, 1772, died
Nov. 18, 1825 (his wife's name was Sarah) ; Mary,
born May 18, 1774, married Henry Viets, and died
April 7, 1805; ]3enoni, born Feb. 13, 1777, died
Feb. II, 1852, married Esther Dewey; Samuel, born
Jan. 17, 1779, died March 6, 1814, married Susan
Pratt; Eunice, born Dec. 27, 1780, married Enoch
Kellogg; Dan, born Oct. 17, 1783, married Beulah
Phelps, and died Dec. 20, 1866; Annice was born
]\larch II, 1785; Levi, born June 15, 1786, mar-
ried Sarah Dibble, and died Dec. 22, 1857; Eliza-
beth, born April 30, 1790, married Russell Loomis;
and Apollos was born July 25, 1794.
Dan Viets, father of Judah Dryden Viets, was
born in Simsbury, Conn., Oct. 17, 1783. He was
reared a farmer, and for years resided in the west
part of East Granby. He married, Jan. i, 1812,
Miss Beulah Phelps, a daughter of Judah Phelps,
and born Feb. 21, 1790. To this marriage nine
children were born : Mary A. Louisa, born Feb.
15, 1813, was married to Lemuel Holcomb, and died
July 12, 1890; Annis Samantha, born Feb. 3, 1815,
was married to Aralza Griffin, and died Dec. 13,
1885 ; Julia Ann, born Aug. 17, 1816, married Rich-
ardson Griffin, and died May 26, 1897; Harriet
Newell, born Jan. i, 1818, married (first) Gilbert
Griffin and (second) Milton Griffin, and died Dec.
19. 1897; Apollos Phelps was born Sept. 20, 1819;
Judah Dryden, born Feb. 2, 1823, is our subject;
Dan Alexander was born Nov. 11, 1824; Joseph
Franklin, Feb. 6, 1827 ; and Benjamin Erskine,
June 12, 1828. The mother of this family was
called away Feb. 6, 1862, and the father died in
East Granby Dec. 20, 1866, a member of the Epis-
copal Church, and in politics a Republican.
Judah Dryden \'iets, after finishing his educa-
tion in East Granby, served an apprenticeship of
three years at carriage-making, which trade he fol-
lowed twelve years. He then engaged in farming
and tobacco raising. On Oct. 28, 1846, he mar-
ried Miss Caroline E. Rowley, who was born Jan.
16, 1826, a daughter of Silas Rowley, of Bloom-
field, where Mr. and Mrs. Viets now reside. To
this marriage have been born three children: (i)
Albert Andrew, who was born Dec. 9, 1847, ^i^^"
ried, on Sept. 29, 1868, Miss Mary C. Rowley, born
Feb. 8, 1849, and became the father of one child.
107
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May Alberta, who was born Sept. 27, 1871, was
married to Herbert Risley, of East Hartford, and
died Feb. 12, 1898. (2) Hattie Phelps, born April
24, 1856, is the wife of J. L. Rowley. (3) ^Minnie
Holcoaib \iets, born Aug. 7, 1858, the youngest
child, is married to D. C. Newberry.
HEZEKIAH HALE (deceased) was for many
years one of the prominent and highly-respected
citizens of Glastonbury. He was a man of unu-
sually active temperament, and spent many years of
his life in travel in the prosecution of enterprises
away from his own State.
Mr. Hale was a native of Glastonbury, and a
representative of an old and prominent family. He
was born Sept. 4, 1814, the eldest son of Heze-
kiah Hale, Sr., a large farmer, and grandson of
Gideon Hale, Sr. Hezekiah Hale, Sr., had a family
of six children: Hezekiah, our subject; Asaph C,
who married Adaline Blish; Cecelia JMaria, who
married Joseph Brown, a banker of Troy, Ohio;
Darwin C., who died unmairicd; Pamela, who mar-
ried James Telford ; and Eunice Cordelia, who mar-
ried George Aylesworth.
Hezekiah Hale received a good common-school
education, and attended also a select school under
Rev. William Lockwood, and Elihu Burritt, the
"learned blacksmith." He had no taste in his youth
for farm work, and when he left school began to
learn the mason's trade with Gideon Kinne. But
he was bent upon a life on the water, and at the age
of twenty-two shipped aboard a vessel under Capt.
Horace Hale, his first trip being to the West Indies.
Later he made whaling voyages to the South Seas,
and visited the Sandwich Islands, sailing around the
world three times. In 1850 he became an Argo-
naut, and remained for two years in California,
in his search for gold meeting with fair returns.
He returned to Connecticut, but in 1857 again went
to California as a gold miner, and thence proceeded
to Washington Territory, where he remained a
year. Returning to Glastonbury, he remained here
a short time, leaving to engage in cattle buying
at Peoria, III, in partnership with Joseph Brown
and James Telford. Thence he went to Lafayette,
Ind., where he resided for a short time. In 1866
he returned to his native town, and located upon
the farm which he continued to operate success-
fully until his death, Sept. 28, 1890. He had mar-
ried, Jan. 19, .1856, Miss Marcia Maria Turner,
and to them were born two children, William Tur-
ner and Wallace Lester. William T. was born Nov.
4, 1S56, and is now a farmer and stock dealer of
Glastonbury. He married Addie Steares, and has
one child. Pearl Esther, born Sept. 23, 1883. Mr.
and jNIrs. Hale are active workers in the Grange.
Wallace Lester was born Feb. 6, 1866, resides on
the home farm with his widowed mother, conducts
the largest ice business in Glastonbury, and is a man
of excellent business ability. In politics he is a
Democrat, but he is liberal in local elections. He
is a member of Putnam Phalanx.
j\I.\Rci.\ M.vRi.v (Turner) Hale, widow of
Hezekiah Hale, was born Sept. 5, 1824, on the
old Turner homestead in Glastonbury, daughter of
\\'iLLi.\.M H. and B.\THSHEi!.\ B. (Wrlsley)
Turner, and granddaughter of William H. Turner,
Sr., the first of the family in Glastonbury. The
latter was drowned in the Connecticut river, in
1810, nearly in front of Mrs. Hale's .home. Mrs.
Hale's father was a man of unusual intellectual
power, and was one of the most prominent citizens
of the town, which he represented in the State
Legislature; he held various town offices, including
that of selectman. In politics he was ^ lifelong
Democrat, and fraternally he v/as a Freemason,
being a member of Columbia Lodge, F. & A. M., (
South Glastonbury. He served in the war of 1812
at New London, and later, when peace was de-
clared, was on duty aboard a vessel at Sacket's Har-
1)or. He commanded for many years a coasting
vessel, operating from the Connecticut river to
various Atlantic ports, and also worked at the trade
of siiipbuilding. He was a close acquaintance of
Cornelius X'anderbilt, who was then engaged in
the same business. Mr. Turner predicted the day
of his death months before it occurred. He mar-
ried (first), in 1812, Miss Mary Nicholson, and
their only child, Fidelia, born in January, 1813,
died at the age of eight months. After the death
of his first wife Mr. Turner married Miss Bath-
sheba Brewster Wrisley, a native of Marlboro,
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Fluxford) Wrisley.
Samuel \\^risley was a soldier in the Revolution-
ary army, serving as conductor of teams and as
captain in his regiment. To William H. and Kath-
sheba B. Turner, were born five children: Marcia.
Maria is the widow Of our subject. William H.,
born Oct. 23, 1826, married Elizabeth C. Richards,
of New London, April 16, 1851, and had one son,
C. R. ; he was a school teacher, merchant and in-
surance agent, and a man of unusual brightness of
mind. Wells, born Nov. 13, 1828, was married
Oct. 2, 1854, to Isabella Plummer Benton, now de-
ceased, and has one son, Sturgis P. E. Turner, a
merchant at Naubuc. At the age of sixteen Wells
Turner entered the mercantile house of H. B. Chaf-
fee & Co., at Hartford, and continued several years
as salesman, later forming a co-partnership with
his brother at South Glastonbury ; after his
brother's decease he conducted the business alone
until the store was burned, in January, 1856, since
when he has lived at the homestead. Wallace, born
March 16, 1830, died in infancy. Helen Mar, born
June 7, 1836, died unmarried May 14, 1876. She
possessed rare psychic gifts, often healing the mem-
bers of her family of pain by the laying of her
hands upon them, and her courage and will-power ;
were indomitable. Her trance sermons and ad- \;
dresses were forcible and eloquent, and listened to \
^"M^&€.&
'yt.^-^rT'Z-.C-^^-^
(/a^ ^^tp^y^fi-t^t^fL Ji-^^U^ ^^^-^Vf^/^^u^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RF.COHD.
1073
with much interest by all who were privileged to
hear her. She was a warm advocate of equal
rights, and of all humanitarian reforms.
Marcia Maria Turner in her early girlhood at-
tended the district schools on "The Green," but
after the age of twelve years had private teachers,
attended Airs. Draper's Seminary, Hartford, and
Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass. She was
a devoted wife, and is a kind and affectionate
mother. Possessing a memory of remarkable re-
tentiveness, she is a recognized authority on geneal-
ogy and local history, and many consult her in mat-
ters of history. Mrs. Hale is remarkably intelli-
gent, is' a brilliant conversationalist, possesses that
rare gifted quality of mind that approaches
prophecy, and is a firm believer and exponent of
spiritualism. Her knowledge of past events is un-
surpassed, and in the community in which she lives,
and throughout a wide circle of friends and ac-
quaintances, she is held in the highest esteem.
SHERMAN WINCHELL, a representative
farmer and highly-respected citizen of Kensington,
was born there June i, 1852, on the Eliza Dickenson
farm, which adjoins his present place.
Winchell, which is a Saxon name and signifies
angle, was no doubt derived from the town of Win-
chelsea, which was prominent in England at the
time the Romans were in power there. The earliest
mention of the word Winchel as a proper appella-
tion is Feb. 13; 1293, when Robert Winchelsey was
elected archbishop of Canterbury. He succeeded
to this dignity Sept. 2, 1294, and died May 11, 1313.
He was the tenth in succession from Thomas a
Becket. To him was addressed the celebrated bull
of Pope Boniface VHI, dated June 27, 1299, in
which the pontitt asserted his own claim to the
throne of Scotland, with which Edward I was then
at war, and over which he asserted his royal author-
ity. The town of Winchelsea, now an insignificant
and dilapidated village in the south of England,
was a place of importance in the Roman period.
It was then located at the mouth of the Rother, a
small river separating the Counties of Kent and
Sussex, but between 1280 and 1287 it was des-
troyed by the encroachments of the sea. The coat
of arms of the Winchel family was "Ar. three
eagles' wings, sa." Argent in heraldry signifies
white, and sable signifies black ; thus the coat of
arms was three black eagles' wings on a white field.
The first of the family to come to America was
Robert Winchel, who was born probably in the
south of England, but perhaps in Wales. His son
Nathaniel was born probably in England, before
1635, and was brought by his parents to Dorchester,
Mass. He was married April 8, 1664, to Sarah
Porter, daughter of Thomas Porter, of Farming-
ton, Conn. She was born in that place in 1646,
and died in Windsor, Oct. 7, 1725, while his death
occurred at the same place March 8, 1699. Their
son, Nathaniel Winchel, was born in. Windsor Aug.
68
7, 1665, and died in Farmington Oct. 4, 1741. He
was a farmer and weaver by occupation, and was a
sergeant in the military service. In early life he
removed to Turkey Hill, in Windsor, and later to
Farmington. He was married March 15, 1693, to
Alary Graves, of Hartford. He took a very active
part in religious afliairs, and on Dec. 8, 1713, was
present at the annual meeting of the Great Swamp
parish (now Kensington), near the southeastern
boundary of Farmington. He was chosen to take
care and get fire wood for Mr. Burnham, the min-
ister, and Dec. 8, 1714, was chosen one of the
moderators. On Dec. 6, 1716, the Society voted
"to give Nathaniel Winchel ten shillings for his
son's beating the drum on the Sabbath for the year
past, to be paid in Air. Burnham's rate this year."
On Jan. 7, 1716-17, the Society by vote seated the
inhabitants in the meeting-house, and Nathaniel
Winchel, Sr., was one of the six to occupy the "first
seat in the square body." The Daughters of the
Revolution of Berlin now have their charter framed
with wood taken from the first Congregational
Church built in Kensington.
Hezekiah Winchel, son of Nathaniel, was born
in Windsor June 20, 1697, and died in Kensington,
Dec. 27, 1760. He wedded Mary Cole, of Farm-
ington, who died in Blue Hills, New Britain, Jan.
3. 1794. He removed from Windsor to Kensing-
ton April 22, 1752. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion, and he built what was for many years known
as Winchell's Alill, now the chisel shop of the Hart
Manufacturing Co. A petition for the division
of the parish of Kensington in the town of Farm-
ington (not granted) was signed by Solomon,
Hezekiah and Hezekiah Winchel, Jr. He and his
wife were faithful members of the Church of Ken-
smgton. B3' will he left a farm to each of his three
surviving sons.
Solomon Winchel, son of Hezekiah and Mary
( Cole) Winchel, was born in Kensington, Feb. 3,
1728, and died Sept. 18, 1786. He was a clothier
and dresser of cloth, and also engaged in the mill-
ing business. On Aug. 23, 1753, he was married
to Sibyl Hooker, who was born in Kensington in
1725, and died in 1820. Mr. Winchel lived in a
house situated west of and opposite to the residence
of Isaac Porter. His father bequeathed him the
farm owned by the late Jairus Winchell.
By will Hezekiah AMnchel left to his son Daniel
a farm on the mountain of Kensington. The home
of the latter was on the north side of the road
a few rods west of the present residence of Edward
Carey. Daniel was a soldier of the Revolutionarv
war, and had two sons in the service, William and
Ira, the latter of whom fell at Bunker Hill. His
gun is now in the possession of our subject.
Solomon Winchell, Jr.. the great-grandfather
of, our subject, and the son of Solomon, Sr., was
born in Kensington Jan. 30, 1755, and died July
2, 1810. For thirty years he followed the miller's
trade and operated a mill built about 1720, which
1074
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was run as a gristmill until 1867, and then sold
til the Hart Manufacturing Company. He was mar-
ried, June 15, 1786, to Eunice Doolittle, who was
burn in Berlin in 1763, and died Feb. 26, 1791.
He was again married, Jan. 30, 1792, his second
union being with Chloe Atkins, of Blandford, Mass.,
who was born in 1772, and died Alay 18, 1848.
The house in which Solomon lived is still stand-
ing just north of the old mill site.
Jairus Winchell, grandfather of our subject,
was born in Kensington July 24, 1794, and was a
farmer by occujjation. He was over si.K feet tall.
During the war of 1812 he entered the service, and
was stationed at New London, Conn. Later he
served as a member of the State Legislature. He
married Cecelia Weldon, who was Ijorn in 1799
in Derlin, and whose father was a minister. She
died April 25, 1849, and he passed away Oct. 16,
1S79, their remains being interred in the South
burying-ground of Kensington.
Eli Winchell, father of our subject, was born
in Kensington Jan. 4, 1824, and throughout life
followed the occupation of farming with good suc-
cess, becoming a large land owiiier. He cast his
ballot with the Democratic party, and held several
town offices, Ijut never took a very active part in
political affairs. On April 4, 1850. he married
I\Iiss Lucinda Goodrich, of Rocky Hill, a daughter
or Marvin Goodrich, a farmer and mason. She
was born July 5, 1829, and died June 20, 1883, sur-
viving her husband but two days, his death occur-
ing June 18, 1883. Both were laid to rest in the
South burying-ground of Kensington.
Reared upon the home farm, Sherman Win-
chell, subject of this review, acquired his earlv edti-
cation in the common schools of Kensington, and
later attended the grammer school of New Britain.
His school days over, he returned to the home
farm, and at the age of twenty commenced work
in the chisel shop of the Hart [Manufacturing Co.,
of Kensington, where he remained about a year,
but not being pleased with his employment he again
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on the
old homestead. Li 1878 he and his father erected
thereon a commodious and pleasant residence, with
all modern improvements, and, being surrounded
by a beautiful lawn, it is one of the most at-
tractive homes of the locality. As an agriculturist
Mr. Winchell has met with well-deserved success,
and is not only one of the most highly-esteemed
and honored citizens of his community, but is also
one of its most substantial farmers. He has al-
ways been a stanch supporter of the men and
measures of the Democratic party, and has held
several minor offices. He and his wife attend the
Kensington Congregational Church.
On Dec. 25, 1877, ^I'"- Winchell was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Jones, who was born
April 29, 1853, in New York City, a daughter of
\Mlliam and Jane Jones, the former now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Winchell have had two children:
Lillian, born April 6, 1879, died March i, 1898,
and her death was a sad blow to loving parents
and many friends ; she was a very bright girl, music-
ally inclined, and was educated in the Kensington
schools. Delos Irwin, born Dec. 30, 1880, was edu-
cated in the schools of Kensington and New Brit-
ain, and is now at home with his parents.
JOSEPH ALBISTON, one of Manchester's
successful farmers, is a son of Rev. Roger Albiston,
a Alethodist clergyman, who settled in Manchester
in 1854, when Joseph was a boy of five years. He
was a farmer, as well as a preacher. He was twice
married, his first wife (our subject's mother) be-
ing Lavinia Bowker. By her he had six children,
Joseph being the fourth. The others were : Roger
W., at New Bedford, i\iass. ; John B., now living
at New Britam ; Lavinia, for several years a teacher
in the Manchester public schools, but now deceased ;
Esther A., of New Britain ; and James H., also a
farmer in the town of Manchester. Rev. Roger
Albiston's second wife was Mrs. Irene Loveland,
of Glastonbury. He died in East Glastonbury, in
1893, at the age of seventy-five years, and his widow
then went to live with her son in Glastonbury, where
she still makes her home.
Joseph Albiston was born April 14, 1849, iii ^^h^
town of Mansfield, Tolland county, and his edu-
cational advantages were such as were afforded
by the public schools of Manchester. He re-
mained with his parents on their farm until his
marriage, to Miss Rose M. Avery, which took place
Sept. I, 1875, he being then twenty-six years old.
The first years of his married life were devoted to
farming. His father being well advanced in years,
he then returned to the paternal domicile, assumed
the management of the farm, and has lived there
ever since. Here his first wife died in 1885, leav-
ing two daughters, Gertrude L. and Martha A. In
1888 he married Miss Ella M. Griswold, of Man-
chester. The property, which is now his, embraces
twenty acres of the best land in Hartford county,
is highly improved, and is one of the very few
farms in the county which is irrigated. Mr. Al-
biston devoted himself almost wholly to fruit cul-
ture, in which he has been eminently successful,
raising some of the choicest fruits and vegetables
that come upon the market.
CYPRIAN H. HART is a native of Bristol,
Hartford county, born March 10, 1830, son of Joel
and Sarah (Bowers) Hart, who had a family of
six children : Lucy, Nancy, Sabina, Calvin, Cyp-
rian H. and Almon. Of this family Cyprian H.
is the only survivor.
When our subject was eight years of age his
parents removed to New Britain, but five years
afterward returned to their old home, where the
father died in 1844. After the death of his father,
Cyprian H. Hart found himself obliged to begin
tlie battle of life in earnest, and his first experience
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1075
was at Burlington, where he worked during one
summer for seven doUars per month. From there
he went to the town of Newington, where he worked
during the succeeding winter for OHver Richards,
receiving only his board by way of compensation,
although he was permitted to attend the district
school. In the spring, there being no session of the
school to take up his time, he received eight dol-
lars per month. Becoming dissatisfied, he deter-
mined to seek better fortune in the town of Ply-
mouth, whither he walked all the way from New-
ington, as his slender means would not permit him
to indulge in any other mode of locomotion. There
he secured employment with a clockmaker, who
paid him seven dollars a month, but in a short time
he returned to Burlington. There he found work
with a maker of baby carriages and hand sleds,
from whom he received ten dollars per month and
his board. From Burlington he removed to South
JMeriden, and there for five years was employed
in a cutlery establishment, at the expiration of that
period going to New Britain, where he was in the
service of the Corbin Manufacturing Co. four years.
His next departure was the purchase of a farm
of 114 acres, eighty of which he still owns, and on
which he yet makes his home.
Mr. Hart was married, April 4, 1852, to Miss
Eliza Perdue. They are the parents of two chil-
dren, the elder of whom, C. C. Hart, is a member
of the firm of Hart, V/ells & Co., wholesale seeds-
men of Wethersfield. The younger son, Arthur,
is also a merchant in the same town.
Mr. Hart conducts a general farm and dairy
business, in which he has been very successful. He
is held in high regard throughout the community,
and has served for eighteen years as selectman, al-
though not continuously, his first election having
been in 1871. He is a Democrat in politics, and
was elected by that party to the Legislature, in
1863. He is a member of the Wethersfield Grange.
NEWTON WELLES BALDWIN'S family,
like many other of the old families of the town of
Berlin, is of English descent. His grandfather,
Ira Merritt Baldwin, a farmer, was a native of New
Hartford, and married Rhoda Welles, of Newing-
ton, whose family owned extensive tracts of land
in the West. Both are deceased, and both have
their last resting-place in Berlin.
Newton Plenry Baldwin, one of eight children
of Ira Merritt Baldwin, and the father of Newton
Welles Baldwin, was born in Kensington, April 19,
1842. He received his education in the common
schools of his birthplace, and at the Edward Robbins
private school in the same town. He was reared
upon his father's farm, and in the autumn of 1862
enlisted, together with his brother Ira, in Com-
pany A, of the 25th Connecticut Volunteers, a nine-
months' regiment. His experience in the life of a
soldier was in camp in East New York, from which
point the regiment was sent to Louisiana, where
it took part in some severe engagements. His
brother received several wounds, but he himself
passed through his term of service unscathed. After
being mustered out at Hartford he returned to the
paternal farm, where he continued to reside until
his father's death. Some seventeen years ago he
purchased 135 acres of land from Albert Viberts,
on which he still makes his home. In politics he is
a Republican, having left the Democratic party
many years ago. He has held the offices of justice
of the peace and constable, and is deservedly held
in high esteem in the community, no less for the
uprightness of his character than on account of the
keenness of his intellect and the soundness of his
judgment. Both he and his wife, as well as his
older children, are members of the Congregational
Church, of which he is a liberal supporter.
Mr. Baldwin married Ellen M. Hurlburt, a
daughter of George and Clarissa (Langdon) Hurl-
burt. She was born in Kensington, where both her
parents-are buried. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are the
parents of eleven children : Ira Merritt, Newton
Welles, George Hurlburt, Julius, Rhoda Antoinette
(deceased), Delia Angeline, Wilbur, Lena Viberts,
Laura, Ellen and Reuben.
Newton Welles Baldwin, the second in this
family, was born Sept. 15, 1870, at Kensington.
In his boyhood he attended the Third District
school of Kensington, his preceptors being Miss
Alice Peck, Zana Stocking, Inez Upson, and James
Roche, now Judge Roche, of New Britain, a pop-
ular and successful lawyer. He grew to manhood
upon the farm, and on March 23, 1892, six months
before his twenty-second birthday, was married to
Miss Carrie, a daughter of Harry and Lizzie Mead,
wdio was born in New York City, May 7, 1873. He
has been a successful business man, industry and
probity, energy and perseverance having character-
ized his career from the outset. Although yet a
)^oung man, his fellow townsmen have shown their
confidence in his worth by twice electing him to
ofhce, having chosen him constable in 1897, and
justice of the peace in 1898. The last named posi-
tion he still holds. He bought his present home
in 1894, a fertile, well-cultivated farm of sixty-six
acres, on which he raises a large quantity of produce,
besides considerable live stock, in the propagation
and rearing of which, as in all his other under-
takings, he has met with remarkable success. In
the winter months he dresses stock, which he sells
through the surrounding country. For two years
past he has also conducted a milk business, and in
October, 1898, was given the agency of the Bradley
Fertilizer Co., of Boston. He has quite a, reputa-
tion as an honest dealer in fancy new milch cows,
of which he handles a large number. In connection
with his farming interests he has been in this busi-
ness four years, and is becoming known in Berlin
and surrounding towns as "Young Baldwin the cow
trader."
From what has been said, it may be seen that
1076
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rlr. BakKvin is a ycung ir.an cf rciiaikablc activity
and energy. He is csseatiaLy a self-ina;Je man,
liaving- commenced the battle of life for himself
while a mere youth of twenty years, without other
capital than a clear brain, indomitable purpose, a
sound physique, and a high sense of moral recti-
tude. All that he has he owes to his own tireless
industry and good business sense. Both himself
and Airs. Baldwin are consistent and valued mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Bald-
win is a teacher in the Sunday-school. In politics
his affiliation has always been with the Republican
party.
JAiMES BLIXX REED. It is to chance that
the town of Berlin is indebted for one of its most
estimable citizens. As an English lad of twenty-
two \'ears the subject of this sketch, in 1859, m^de
an excursion trip from his home to Liverpool, and
while there an acquaintance pursuaded him to em-
bark for America.
Our subject was born July 18, 1837, in Bucking-
hamshire, England, about sixty miles from London,
a son of James and Elizabeth- (Whaftles) Reed.
The father, born in 1804, was a wholesale and retail
butcher, supplying the London markets, and lived
to the age of seventy-five years ; the mother sur-
vived until 1885, both dying in England. James
B. Reed attended the public schools of England to
the age of sixteen years, then for two terms was a
pupil in the Newport high school, and later took
special instruction in night school. His father
wished him to continue his studies, but the boy's
tastes were for work. He acquired his father's
trade, and worked at it until his departure, Sept.
5, 1859, for America, in the ''Benjamin Adams."
They had a stormy passage, one of the roughest
voyages within the experience of the sea-faring
captain, but finally reached New York. For a-
time the friendless emigrant boy worked in a meat-
market in New York, and he held various tempor-
ary positions until Febuary, i860, when he came to
Newington, Hartford Co., Conn. For two years
he worked on the farm of Deacon Whittlesey, after
which he rented the Charfes Francis farm for one
year, and then the Henry Butler farm for five years.
In 1871 he became a renter of the Mrs. Emily Bower
farm, in Kensington, where he remained three years.
Then, after renting successively the Horace Dun-
ham farm for a year, and the Edward Cowles farm
for five years, he in 1880 came to "Lower Lane,"
Berlin, and purchased the W. W. Norton farm of
fifty acres, where he has since resided, engaged in
active farm life. He has greatly improved his
property, constructed barns and sheds, and now
owns and operates a most excellent farm, raising
general products.
Mr. Reed was married, Nov. 13, 1861, in New-
ington, to J\Iiss Eliza Keyes, a native of Scotland,
and to our subject and wife have been born six
children : Elizabeth Amelia, wife of William S.
Brandegee, of Berlin; Annie, who died, aged three
months ; Jean Mary, Emma Louise, and Anna, all
three at home; and George James, an art-student
in sculpture at Hartford. Mr. Reed, our subject,
is a member of the Congregational Church.
HON. LOUIS J. MULLER is one of the pros-
perous young men of New Britain, who has been
not only successful in his business affairs, but has
attained considerable eminence in the public and
social relations of life. He is a native of the citv
of Bremen, Germany, born Jan. 20, 1856, son of
John Muller, and grandson of Michael Muller. a
native of Bavaria. The grandfather, Michael Mul-
ler, was a weaver by trade, and was supervisor for
his brother, John, a wealthy man, who was the
owner of many looms. The Mullers were one of
the leading families of Bavaria, and the grand-
mother of our subiect. the wife of Michael Muller,
was a graduate of Erlangen College. Michael Mul-
ler died in Germany.
John IMuller, father of our subject, was born in
Bavaria about 1821, and there received a thorough'
education. He learned the trade of his father,
traveling extensivelv throughout Bavaria and Aus-
tria as a weaver. He enlisted in the German armv
for the Schlcswig-Holstein war, and durln? his
term of service acquired the trade of cigarmaker,
which he followed for a time in Bremen, where he
married Aliss Sophia Myer. In i860, with his wife
and family, he emigrated to America, establish-
ing a cigar business in New York, which he con-
ducted until the spring of 1866. He then removed
to Cromwell, and became a member of the firm of
Kirby & Companv, engaging extensively in the
manufacture of cigars and tobacco-packing. In
1871 he removed to New Britain, where he estab-
lished a cia:ar factory, and operated it until 1877,
when he disposed of it to his son, Louis J., our
subject. John Muller was a man of energy and
good business ability. In politics he was a Demo-
crat. He had six children who reached maturity,
two sons and four daughters, as follows: Jennie,
who married Herman Witte, a foreman of West-
field ; Henrietta, wife of Charles Witte, a veteri-
nary surgeon ; Louis J. ; Augusta, wife of Paul R.
Yogelgesang; Annie, wife of J. C. Lincoln, a coal
dealer; and William G., a vocal teacher. John
Muller, the father, died in 1880, his widow in 1893.
Louis J. Muller was four years old when
brought by his parents across the ocean to the new
land. He was educated in the public schools on
North Moore street, New York City, and was grad-
uated from the academy at Cromwell, which has
since become a public school. Our subject was
an apt pupil, and when at the age of fifteen his
school days ended he was well equipped mentally
for the battle of life. His education has been con-
tinuous from boyhood through the extensive course
of reading he has followed, in history, in current
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1077
literature and in events of the day. Entering the
cigar factory of his father in 1874, at Cromwell, he
readily acquired the trade, and in 1876 went to
New York as a salesman of leaf tobacco. Return-
ing home he gave active attention to the cigar man-
ufacturing trade of his father, and the latter soon
shifted to his young and capable shoulders the en-
tire business. Mr. Muller has applied himself dili-
gently and faithfully to the work, and has long since
established his footing as one of the most efficient
3'oung business men of the city. He has erected
a new factory, and now employs about twenty men
in the manufacture of Havana and domestic cigars.
Without neglecting his business he has mingled
prominently in the political affairs of New Britain.
His allegiance is given to the Democratic party,
and he was successively elected to the Legislature
in 1889, 1891 and 1893, during his service acting as
clerk of the committee on Capitol Furniture and
Grounds, one of the most important committees of
that body. He also served for six years as member of
the school board, being elected in 1891 and again in
1893. In whatever work or duty he undertakes,
Mr. Muller applies himself to a whole-souled de-
gree, and the public affairs which thus received his
attention were most commeiidably conducted.
Mr. Muller is a large social factor in the city.
He is affiliated with many of the local orders and
fraternities, including the Elks, and the I. O. O.
F., both lodge and encampment, Rebekah and uni-
formed degree, serving for two years as captain of
the latter. He is a member of the Independent
Order, of Red Men, and of the Turner Society,
The Gentleman's Driving and Wheel Club, and
Putnam Phalanx.
In 1882 Mr. Muller married Miss Louise Sier-
ing, of New Britain, and they have three children :
Louise, Maud and Margaret. The family are
members of the First Congregational Church of
New Britain. The record of Mrs. Muller's family
will be found in connection with the sketch of Will-
iam Siering, elsewhere.
EDWARD KILLAM, a well-known citizen of
Thompsonville, and a prominent representative of
the agricultural interests" of Enfield, was born in
that town Nov. 9, 1829, a son of Henry and Abigail
(Pease) Killam.
Mr. Killam comes of Puritan stock, and both his
grandfathers fought for American independence in
the Revolutionary war. His paternal grandfather,
Eliphalet Killam, was a native of Enfield, and a
farmer by occupation. He traced his ancestry back
through Lot and James Killam, one of the first set-
tiers of Enfield, and a descendant of z\ustin Killam,
of Salem, Mass., the founder of the Killam family in
America. All the ancestors of our subject who have
been residents of Enfield were farmers, and his
father and grandfather both owned a large tract of
land on Enfield street, now divided into lots and
small farms. The grandfather married Submit
Abbe, and to them were born ten children, as fol-
lows : Lot ; Eliphalet ; Tabitha, wife of John Olm-
sted ; Jemima, wife of James Ingraham ; George;
Submit, wife of John Abbe ; Flenry ; Timothy ;
Sarah, wife of Roswell Abbe ; and James. Of these,
Flenry Killam, the father of our subject, was born
on the old homestead on Enfield street, Oct. 15,
1789, and died Sept. 28, 1863. In early manhood
he married Abigail Pease, daughter of Edward
Pease, who was a descendant of John Pease, one
of the first settlers of Enfield. Eleven children were
born of this union : Harriet, wife of George W.
Lloyd ; Evaline, wife of Theodore Pease ; Abigail,
wife of Samuel Bidwell ; Ann, wife of Henry C.
Farnham ; Henry ; James ; Julia, wife of John Rob-
inson ; Edward ; Eliphalet ; Frederick ; and William,
Edward Killam, our subject, passed his bo)diood
and youth on the old homestead, and received a
common-school and academic education. In early
life he started out to make his own way in the
world as a peddler of tinware, and followed that
vocation for five years with good success, although
he began business with a whip and fifty cents as
capital. In 1854 he removed to Woodstock, Wind-
ham Co., Conn., where he purchased a farm and
resided until 1876. He then returned to Enfield,
and is now successfully engaged in business as a
dealer in fruits and vegetables in Thompsonville.
Mr. Killam has been twice married, his first
vvife being Hannah Child, a daughter of Charles
and Almira (Holmes) Child, of Woodstock, Conn.,
and a second cousin of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the
poet. Two children were born of that union:
Charles H. ; and Julia E., wife of Burdette Rowlee.
For his second wife Mr. Killam wedded Miss Mary
R. Alden, daughter of Seth and Mary Ann (Grover)
Alden, of Enfield, and a direct descendant of Capt.
John and Priscilla (Mullen) Alden, who came to
Plymouth, Mass., in 1620, in the "Mayflower."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Killam hold membership in the
First Presbyterian Church of Enfield, and are justly
deserving of the high regard in which they are
uniformly held. He casts his ballot with the Re-
publican party, and has served as clerk of School
District No. 2, of Enfield, for about ten years. He
bears a high character for sterling integrity, and
his life has ever been such as to commend him to the
confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come
in contact.
GARRETT WORTHINGTON SMITH, a
dealer in sporting goods, bicycles, etc., and one of
Southington's enterprising business men, was born
in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., Conn., Dec. 12, 1862,
and is a son of Frederick Byington and Fannie E.
(Morey) Smith, natives of Naugatuck and Kent,
Conn., respectively.
Mr. Smith's paternal grandfather, Horace Smith,
was also a native of Naugatuck, and a blacksmith
1078
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and machinist by trade. He was the originator of
the wood back suspender button, and was one of the
first manufacturers of buttons in New England,
being engaged in that business for several years.
He married Polly \\'ebster, of Southington. Our
subject's maternal grandfather was Alfred Morey,
of Kent, Litchfield county. Frederick B. Smith,
the father of cur subject, was reared in Naugatuck,
and in early life learned the machinist's trade. In
i8So he located in the Milldale District of South-
ington, where he engaged in farming until his
death, which occurred in 1887. His children were
Garrett W. ; Jilattic M., wife of Eben F. Francis ;
Benjamin E. ; and Alfred M.
In his native State our subject grew to manhood,
and was provided with a good common-school ed-
ucation. He began his business career as a shop
hand in the bolt shop of Clark Brothers, .Milldale,
where he was employed for three vears, and in 1884
entered the employ of the Peck, Stow & \\'ilco.x
Co., remaining with them on day and contract work
until 1893. On Sept. 29, of that year, he embarked
in his present business in Southington, and has
built up a large and lucrative trade. He is an en-
ergetic and progressive business man, and the suc-
cess that he has achieved is certainly well merited.
On Sept. 20, 1894, Mr. Smith married Miss
Allene M. Brown, a daughter of Wesley and May
Brown, of Newark, K. J., and they have three chil-
dren, Frederick and Fannie, twins, and Mattie
Maud. In his political afliliations Mr. Smith is a
Democrat, and he most capably served as constable
of Southington two years. In religious faith he
is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
AARON COOK, Jr., is a well and favorably
known resident of the town of Manchester, and a
son of Aaron Cook, Sr., who in his early years was
one of the prominent men of this section of Hart-
ford county in both business ana public circles.
Maj. Aaron Cook, the founder of this family in
America, was an officer in the British army, and a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. The grandfa-
ther of our subject was also named Aaron.
Aaron Cook, Sr., was born Dec. 7, 1808, at
Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., and learned the
blacksmith's trade with his father, following same
in his native place for a number of years. On June
3. 1837. he was united in marriage with Miss
Mabel Lyman, daughter of Benjamin Lyman, and
in 1839 they removed to Manchester Green, where
Mr. Cook opened a blacksmith shop in connection
with his father-in-law, who about the year 1820
invented the first cast-iron plough. About 1830
he had invented a cast-iron hub for wagons, etc.,
and they manufactured hubs and ploughs for a
number of years, the building which they used as
a factory standing to-day in Aaron Cook's yard ;
it is now used as a storehouse. The partnership
lasted until 1854, when Mr. Cook embarked in
business with Patent Fitch, working granite and
stone quarries in Bolton. In 1864 he sold his in-
terest in this line to Seth Belden, and returned to
the farm in the town of Manchester, where the
family had been living during this period. In
liis connection with different interests in and around
Flartford county Mr. Cook became widely known,
and gained an enviable position among the able
and successful business men of his day, and his
good judgment and efficiency made him the choice
of the people as representative to the State Legis-
lature on three different occasions. He also served
several years as justice of the peace, and in his
career as a public official gave evidence of the high
order of executive ability which marked his man-
agement of his private affairs, discharging the
duties of his incumbencies with credit to himself
and entirely to the satisfaction of his constituents.
In political sentiment he was a Republican. Fra-
ternally he held membership for many years in
the Masonic and Odd P'ellovvs societies, belong-
ing to Manchester Lodge, No. 73, A. F. & A. M.
In religious connection he was a member of the
Manchester Center Congregational Church. To
Aaron and ^label (Lyman) Cook were born four
children: Mabel, who died in 1896; Aaron, Jr.;
Benjamin L., living in New York City, who holds
the position of superintendent of the salesroom of
the Nonotuck Silk Mills, of Florence, Mass. ; and
Mary E., born in 1856, who is the wife of John
M. \\'illiams, of Manchester. The mother passed
away in 1886, at the age of seventy years. Mr.
Cook attained the age of ninety years and six
months, and died at the old home in Manchester
June 19, 1899, honorea and esteemed by a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances whom he had
gathered about him in his long and useful life.
Aaron Cook, Jr., the eighth of the name in
direct line, was born Sept. 12, 1842, on the farm
in the town of Manchester, where he still makes
his home, and he received his education in the
neighborhood of his birthplace, attending the com-
mon schools and Manchester Academy. When
twenty-two years of age he entered the machine
shop of Keeney Bros., at Manchester Green, where
he remained two years, and then for three years
was in the employ of -the Hartford Eyelet Co., at
Flartford. Returning to Manchester he took up
agricultural pursuits, which he continued for ten
years, resuming work at his trade of machinist
with the Colt's Arms Co., Hartford, with whom he
remained imtil 1896. He has since been occupied
vs'ith the care of his farm, which is a very de-
sirable tract of thirty acres, well improved, and
yielding him a good income. Like his father, he
has always taken his place among the best citi-
zens of the community, but he is not active in pub-
lic affairs beyond casting his vote and giving his
influence to matters which concern the local wel-
fare. His political support is given to the Repub-
lican party. On Sept. i, 1862, Mr. Cook enlisted
in Company A, 25th Conn. V. I., was mustered in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1079
at Hartford, and saw active service in the engage-
ment at Irish Bend, siege of Port Hudson, in which
vicinity he remained six months, and later at
Donaldsonville. He was honorably discharged Aug.
26, 1863, at Hartford, with the rank of sergeant,
but was acting orderly sergeant. Fraternally Mr.
Cook is a Freemason, holding membership with
Manchester Lodge, No. 73, of Manchester, of which
he is past master, having served three years as
master of that body.
On Sept. 17, 1867, Mr. Cook was married to
Miss Hattie J. Richardson, and they have had
children as follows : Edith, born Feb. 4, 1870, is
a teacher in the kindergarten schools of East Hart-
ford. Frank Aaron, born March 24, 1872, is fore-
man in the plant of the Hartford Cycle Co., and re-
sides in East Hartford. Richard G., born Sept.
I, 1873, is a machinist in the machine shops of the
Colt's Arms Co., Hartford; he is a first-class ma-
chinist and has had charge as foreman of a num-
ber of shops in different cities. Arthur, born Oct.
24, 1874, is proprietor of the Lyman Spring Soda
Works, bottles mineral waters and soda in all
flavors, and also owns a steam cider-mill, manu-
facturing pure apple cider and cider vinegar.
JOSEPH E. CARROLL, one of East Hart-
ford's leading contractors and builders, has for
more than thirty-five years successfully followed
carpentering in the town of his nativity and youth.
, He has become one of the town's best citizens,
building up a most excellent business, and dis-
playing those sterling traits of character which are
ever the foundation and the guide of good citi-
zenship.
Mr. Carroll was born at Burnside (then Scot-
land), Hartford county, March 21, 1848, son of
Joseph and Mary (Heffern) Carroll, a sketch of
whose lives appear elsewhere. Our subject at-
tended the district schools and later the East Hart-
ford high school, when Joseph O. Hurlburt was one
of its teachers. Llis school days ended when he
was sixteen and he immediatel)^ began an ap-
prenticeship of three years at the trade of joiner,
vifith his brother-in-law, Patrick Garvan. For his
services he received the first year fifty dollars and
board ; the second year one hundred dollars and
board ; and the third year one hundred and fifty dol-
lars and board. At tne conclusion of his apprentice-
ship he began working for his old employer at two
dollars and a half per day. From an ordinary
workman, young as he was, Mr. Carroll soon be-
came the foreman for his brother-in-law, at a sal-
ary of four dollars per day. He developed rare
ability in planning and directing work, and in the
disposition of his men. After remaining with Mr.
Garvan for twelve or more years, our subject be-
gan business for himself. He has since then been
actively engaged in contracting and building houses,
the field of his operations having been mainly in
East Hartford, but he also does considerable work
in Hartford. Mr. Carroll employs a number of
men, and oversees the work. He has built many
of the homes in East Hartford. His own sub-
stantial home on Central avenue. East Hartford,
he built in 1876, when there were only three houses
on that street, and there he has ever since resided.
He is a skillful mechanic, and his work has al-
ways been strictly honorable and honest. His
sterling and upright character, combined with his
energy and ability, have made his business highly
successful, and he has accumulated a comfortable
competence.
Mr. Carroll was married, Nov. 23, 1874, to Miss
Lizzie Maher, of Manchester, who was born in
that town Sept. 15, 1852, daughter of Patrick
Maher. To Mr. and Mrs. Carroll have been born
ten children, three of whom died in childhood ; those
surviving are Louis J., a student at the Hartford
Seminary; William E., Mabel A., John F., Alice
G., Robert L. and Mary J. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll
are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at
East Hartford. In politics our subject is a stanch
Democrat; he has served as assessor in his native
town, and in every sense commands the confidence
of the comnumity in which he lives. Influenced
in his childhood by the teachings of a good Chris-
tian mother, taught early in life the distinction
between right and wrong, he has fulfilled the
promise of his careful training and become one of
the town's good citizens, establishing a name and a
character above cjuestion, evincing" a commendable
interest in enterprises of public welfare, winning
that competence which his active mind, his in-
dustrious habits, and his sterling principles made
doubly sure. He was a poor boy, but has become
one of the town's most prominent residents.
JULIUS G. DICKINSON, a well-known gen-
eral merchant of East Granby, is a man whose
sound common sense and vigorous, able manage-
ment of his affairs have been important factors in
his success, and with his undoubted integrity of
character have given him an honorable position
among his fellow men.
Mr. Dickinson was born in Marlboro, Hart-
ford county, Jan. i, 1855, and belongs to a family
of English descent, which is one of the most highly
respected in that section. Nathan Dickinson, the
great-grandfather of our subject, lived in Marl-
boro, and was a farmer, occupying the farm now
owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Dutton, sister of our sub-
ject. Nathan Dickinson was married three times.
By his first wife, who died shortly after marriage,
he had no children. By his second wife, Mehitable,
he had three children : Mehitable, who married
(first) a Mr. Chapman, (second) a Mr. House and
(third) a Mr. Hollister ; Sarah, who died single;
and Nathan, who located in New York State, and
whose descendants are scattered throughout the
West. Nathan Dickinson, Sr., for his third wife
married Hannah Bancroft, of Windsor, by whom he
1080
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
had four sons and one daughter, namely: Wol-
cott, who married Hannah House, of Glastonbury;
Jesse, who married Anna Welch, of East Hampton ;
Seth, grandfather of our subject ; Abner, who
married Abigail Curtis, sister of Mary, above, and
lived in East Glastonbury; and Hannah, who mar-
ried a Mr. Carrier, and located in Pennsylvania,
where there is now quite a settlement of the de-
scendants.
Seth Dickinson, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Marlboro, and there followed
farming all his life, becoming one of its most sub-
stantial citizens and an extensive land owner. His
father had given each of his sons a tract of his
large farm, and Seth Dickinson lived on the land
thus inherited. He and his wife died in Marlboro,
and were buried there. In politics he was a Demo-
erat. He married Mary Polly Curtis, a native of
South ^^'indsor. and the representative of an hon-
ored New England family, and to them were born
nine children, namely: Mary, who married Har-
vey Tryon, of Glastonbury, and passed the latter
years of her life in Marlboro ; Jerusha, who mar-
ried Harvey Loveland, of CJlastonbury, and lived
in Marshfield. \'t. ; Clarissa, who died single; Syl-
vira, widow of Elias Brown, of W'illimantic ; Seth
B., who married Mary Howard, of L\ine ; Xancy,
wh.o died young: Jemima, who married Chapman
C. Hall, of Chatham, where she now lives ; Cypha,
who married Horace White, of Stonington ; and
Xathan R., the father of our subject.
Nathan R. Dickinson, our subject's father, was
born on the old homestead Dec. 26, 1824, and re-
ceived a liberal education in the common schools
of his day. During his minority he remained at
home with his parents, and his entire life was de-
voted to agricultural pursuits. He became the
owner of the old homestead, comprising 300 acres,
which he successfully operated, and in connection
with general farming engaged in the cultivation of
tobacco on a small scale and followed lumbering
quite extensively, dealing principallv in railroad
ties and rough lumber. In Middlesex county.
Conn., he was united in marriage, in September,
1846, with ^iiss JNIary Rich, who was born Feb.
8, 1826, in Chatham, daughter of Russell and
Phcebe (Cole) Rich. Children were born to Nathan
R. and ]\Iary (Rich) Dickinson as follows: (i)
A. Elizabeth, born May 24, 1847, married Francis
A. Dutton, a farmer of Marlboro, who died Dec.
30, 1894, and she is now living in Marlboro. (2)
Edward, born April 22, 1849, married Ella Sellew,
and is a farmer of Glastonbury. (3) Charles, born
Aug. 28, 185 1, married Fannie Verguson. He is
a meat dealer in Ellington. (4) Julius G., our
subject, was fourth in the family. (5) William,
born July 3, 1857, married Lillie Bigelow, and
lives in Windsor. (6) Lillian, born Sept. 5, 1859,
died March 6, i860. (7) Russell, born April 12,
1862. married Julia Aniac, and is a resident of
Santa Anna, Cal. (8) Ida Belle, born Dec. 22,
1864, married Edwin Loomer, of Andover. He is
now a merchant in Plainfield. The mother died
Sept. 22, 1870, the father on May 9, 1879, and
both were laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal
cemetery in Marlboro. They were sincere and
faithful Christian people, members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and their lives were in
harmony with their professions. Politically the
father was identified with the Democratic party,
and always stood firmly by its principles.
During his boyhood and youth Julius G. Dick-
inson attended the common schools, where he made
the most of his advantages, and by reading and
study in subsequent years he has become a well-
informed man. He was reared on the home farm,
and remained with his father until twenty years
of age, when he began working by the month at
farm labor, receiving thirty dollars per month.
During the four years he was thus employed he
managed to save a little money, and after his mar-
riage operated rented land in East Hartford town,
where he remained ten years, successfully engaged
in the cultivation of tobacco. Being thrifty and
economical, his capital had steadily increased dur-
ing that time, and in 1889 he came to East Granby
and purchased the store of Charles Roadstrand, a
general merchant of that place. This was his first
expe:-'.ence in the mercantile trade, but by close
application and a determination to succeed he soon
mastered the details of the business, which he
is now conducting so successfully. He receives a
liberal share of the public patronage, and has horses
upon the road delivering goods. Possessing good
business ability and sound judgment, he has by
industry, energy and perseverance risen from a poor
farmer boy to a successful merchant, his store being
valued at several thousand dollars. During Presi-
dent Harrison's administration he served as post-
master- at East Granby, and is now a member of the
school board. Prior to 1888 he was a Democrat
in politics, but he is now an ardent supporter of
the Republican party.
In 1879, in East Hartford town, Mr. Dickinson
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Persons,
a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., and a daugh-
ter of Henrv Persons. She is a lady of good edu-
cation, and has proved a faithful helpmeet. They
have two children: Addie and Henr}^, both at-
tending school.
ELI HAYES (deceased) was born on Long
Hill, South Windsor town, in 181 1. a son of John
and Sibyl (Starcks) Hayes, the former of whom
was by calling a farmer.
Eli Hayes was reared to farm work, and, as
his parents died when he was young, he began to
work out early. Although he was small, and the
youngest of a large family, he possessed an im-
mense amount of grit and endurance, earned a fair
wage, and saved it. In 1849 h^ made a trip to
California with a party from Hartford, but as his
ELI HAYES.
1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1081
health was not good he returned to Connecticut,
and for several years thereafter was employed in
the powder mills at Hazardville and elsewhere.
In later life he resumed the vocation of his earlier
3'ears, farming. He also bought and sold several
crops of tobacco late in life, and invariably made
money in his every undertaking. He was a man
of few words, but of deep thought and sound judg-
ment; cautious and prudent in making investments,
weighing each trade thoroughly in his mind and
acting afterward with celerity, one way or the other.
In 1890 Mr. Hayes wedded, in South Windsor,
the widow of James R. Mills. This estimable lady,
who is beloved by all who know her, bore the
maiden name of Eliza J. Starkes, and was born in
South Windsor, a daughter of Horace and Betsey
(Bidwell) Starkes; her mother was born in East
Hartford, and descended from a well-known and
respected pioneer family of that town. To the first
marriage of Mrs. Hayes were born two children :
Helen, now the wife of R. F. Painter, of East Hart-
ford; and Walter. By her second marriage there
was no issue.
Mr. Hayes never took any particular interest in
the politics of his town, county or State, but ad-
hered strictly to his private business, in which he
made money, if he did not gain any special glory.
He was of slight build, never very robust, but never-
theless wiry and sinewy. He was very abstemious,
never tasted a drop of spirituous liquor, and never
used tobacco in any form, except in handling it
as a dealer. From a poor boy he raised himself to
a position of solidity in the ranks of the well-to-do
farmers of his town, and died in South Windsor
May 25, 1893, an honored man. His widow, a very
pleasant lady, lives on Bragg street, in East Hart-
ford, respected by all who know her.
W. W. LOOMIS, a well-to-do agriculturist of
the town of Windsor, is one of the most highly-es-
teemed citizens of that locality. While he is out-
spoken and independent, his jovial disposition wins
and maintains friendship, and his influence is a
recognized factor in the life of the community where
he has resided from childhood.
Mr. Loomis is of the eighth generation of his
family in this country, and an account of his an-
cestry will be an appropriate introduction to his
personal history. (I) Joseph Loomis, the first an-
cestor of whom we have a definite record, was born
about 1590, and became a woolen draper at Brain-
tree, England. He sailed from London April 11,
1638, in the ship "Susan and Ellen," and landed
at Boston July 17, 1638. In the fall of 1639 he
came to Windsor, where he bought land in 1640,
and he died there Nov. 25, 1658.
(II) Nathaniel Loomis, the fourth son and
.sixth child of Joseph, was born in England, and
came to America with his father. In 1654 he was
m.ade a freeman in Windsor, and he was admitted
to the church there on May 3, 1663. He died
Aug. 19, 1688. His wife, Elizabeth Moore, was a
daughter of John Moore.
(III) David Loomis, son of Nathaniel, was
born Jan. 11, 1668, and married Lydia Marsh on
Dec. 8, 1692.
(IV) Eliakim Loomis, the next in the line of
descent, was born July 27, 1701, and died March
29, 1753. He married Mary Loomis Dec. 4, 1735.
(V) Simeon Loomis, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born May 29, 1741, died July 31, 1778.
He was married March 23, 1769, to Keziah Moore,
who died Feb. 7, 1778. Their children were:
Anna, Job, Amelia, William, Elihu and Keziah.
(VI) Job Loomis, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born March 29, 1771, and died Aug. 10,
1842. He married Polly Allen, and children as
follows were born to them: Simeon, Willard,
Simeon (2), Harris, Lester and Henry. Job
Loomis was a large man, and his sons were of fine
physique. For many years he followed tne wheel-
wright's trade exclusively, his boys cultivating his
farm for him.
(VII) Willard Loomis, our subject's father,
was born Jan. 12, 1805, and became a farmer and
hrickmaker by occupation, beginning on his own
resources. His death occurred Dec. 16, 1840, from
the effects of an attack of mumps, and his remains
vvcre interred in Windsor cemetery. Politically
he was a Democrat, but he never aspired to office.
Although comparatively young at the time of his
death, he had gained an excellent reputation as a
business man and a citizen, and his loss was much
lamented among a large circle of friends. He mar-
ried Miss Abigail Warner, who survived him with
two children: (i) W. W., our subject, and (2)
Abigail M. The latter married Gilbert Loomis,
and died in Omaha, her remains being brought
back to Windsor for burial. Her two sons, George
W., of Omaha, and Charles M., of Denver, Colo.,
hold responsible positions in the employ of the
Burlington & Missouri River Railway Co. Our
subject's mother was born Sept. 15, 1807, at the
present homestead, daughter of George and Abby
G. (Mills) Warner. After the death of her hus-
band she resided at the Warner homestead, dying
there at the advanced age of seventy-three years.
Her father, who was a tanner by occupation, for-
merly owned the homestead in partnership with his
brother, Loomis Warner, and they built the old
portion of our subject's present residence; later
they divided the property, George continuing to
occupy the old house.
(VIII) W. W. Loomis was born June 27, 1830,
at his present homestead, and was but ten years
old when his father died. His education was be-
gun in the Stony Hill school. Miss Ellen Mather
being his first teacher, and he still recalls with
affectionate esteem the instructors whose strict but
wholesome discipline made his school life of last-
ing value to him. Later he attended Windsor
Academy for a time, but as his widowed mother
1082
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and grandmother needed his assistance he was fre-
quentl)- sent out to work among neighboring farm-
ers and brickmakers from the age of eleven years.
He was clever and strong, and being also indus-
trious and faithful was able at sixteen to compete
with any man in those lines of work, and while still
in his 'teens he took charge of his present farm,
then owned by his grandmother Warner. In early
manhood he purchased a tract of land adjoining
the old homestead, goint;; in debt for it, and this
is still a portion of his Uirm. At the time of the
building of the depot at Windsor, for the steam
railway, he was appointed by Elijah Alford as the
first station agent, but the work was not congenial,
and after six tnonths he gave it up in order to devote
his attention to agriculture. He is a leading mem-
ber of Poquonnck Grange, and has always been
a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, serv-
ing at times in local offices, including that of select-
man. He and his wife are prominent in the work
of the Congregational Church at Windsor, and for
some time he was on the social committee.
On Feb. 14, 1863, Mr. Loomis married jMiss
Lucy M. Wilson, of Windsor, who died March 17,
1872. His second wife, formerly Miss Eliza-
beth B. Lincoln, was born June 25, 1845, at
Oakham, Mass., daughter of Emory and Eliz-
beth F. (Keep) Lincoln. She received an ex-
cellent education, having studied at the famous
school at ]Mt. Holyoke. Mass., and for twelve years
previous to her marriage taught successfully in the
Young Ladies Seminary at Woodbury, N. J., and
in the schools of Berkley, Clarksboro and Jeflfer-
son, N. J., and Windsor, Conn. 'Sir. Loomis has
had five children, all by the first marriage: Ed-
win C, a meat dealer at Windsor ; Delia \V., who
died at the age of seventeen ; Fannie B., now Mrs.
Arthur ]\Iather, of Hartford; Walter ^L, a farmer
in Windsor ; and Lucy, who died in infancy.
PHILIP S. LIPPS (deceased) was in his day
one of the most respected and popular foreign-born
citizens that ever resided in Suffield, Hartford coun-
ty. His birth took place Dec, 11, 1830, in Alsace,
then a province of France, but now belonging to
the German Empire. He was one of seven children
born to Samuel Lipps, who brought his familj^ to
America when Philip S. was quite young and set-
tled in New York City, where he followed his trade
of tinsmith and where Philip S. secured a good
English education in the common schools and after-
ward learned cigarmaking.
After having thoroughly mastered his trade,
Philip S. Lipps came to Suffield, Conn., and for
several years worked for Henry Endress, as a jour-
ne^anan. In 1865 he started a cigar manufactory
on his own account, and this he personally super-
intended for thirty-three years, or until his death,
doing a very extensive and lucrative business. He
became one of Suffield's best known citizens, took a
deep interest in the welfare of his adopted town
and its people, and, although a strong Republican
in politics, was content to work for the success of
his party at the polls, without expectation of re-
ceiving official position as a reward. He simply
acted from political conviction. He was a man of
excellent moral character, was temperate in habit,
industrious in his business, well informed in the
history of his adopted country, and kept posted on
the current events of his day.
In 185 1, in North Granby, Conn., Mr. Lipps
married Miss Emeline Church, a native of that
town, and a daughter of David and Emily (Hol-
comb) Church, also natives of Granby, but to Mr.
and Mrs. Lipps no children were born. The death
of Mr. Lipps took place Nov. 10, 1898, at his home,
his death resulting from cancer of the stomach,
after months of intense suffering, through which he
was faithfully attended and nursed by his loving
and devoted wife. He was a consistent member of
the Baptist Church, and also of Apollo Lodge, No.
69, F. & A. M., of Suffield. He was an affection-
ate husband, a true friend, and a good citizen, and
his loss was deeply deplored by his disconsolate
widow and a host of sorrowing friends.
Mrs. Lipps, who is a lady of excellent business
tact, now conducts the business left to her care
by her husband, and is most successfuUv managing
it. She is greatly respected by all who know her
for her intelligence, business ability and determina-
tion of character, as manifested in the control of
her btisiness.
AARON J. LOOMIS. Executive ability of a
rare order has characterized the business career of
this well-known merchant, banker, manufacturer
and general business man, whose success as an
organizer of large enterprises has been demon-
strated in different parts of the United States. A
handsome competence, gained by his own fore-
sight and enterprise, permits his retirement from
active business at a comparatively early age, his-
interests being so well arranged that his personal
attention is not required. After spending many
years in close application to his various enterprises
elsewhere, placing them upon a sure footing, he
has returned to the home of his boyhood at Wind-
sor, where he is held in high esteem as a citizen.
Wholly free from false pride, he is always ap-
proachable, and n-e enters readily into any move-
ment that gives promise of benefit to his town.
Mr. Loomis was born in Windsor Dec. 12, 1841,
and is a member of one of the oldest families of
that town, being a descendant of Joseph Loomis,
who was born in Braintree, England, about 1590,
and settled in Windsor in the fall of 1639.
(II) Joseph Loomis, the eldest son of this noted
pioneer, was born in England, and accompanied
his father to Windsor, where he died June 26, 1687.
He married (first) Sarah Hill ana (second) Mary
Chauncey, who became the mother of Stephen.
(III) Stephen Loomis, through whom the line
%l
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loss
of descent was continued, was born Sept. i, 1668,
and died in 1712. On Jan. i, 1691, he married
Estlier Colt, who died Nov. 6, 1714.
(IV) Stephen Loomis, Jr., was born July 21,
1693, and died in 1769. On Dec. 7, 1715, be mar-
ried Mabel Hoskins.
(V) Charles Loomis, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born Feb. 8, 1718. He was married,
July 3, 1750, to Constant Eggleston.
(VI) Aaron Loomis, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was Dorn March 21, 1768, and died March
31, 1839. He married Betsey E. Marshall, and re-
sided upon a farm in Windsor.
(VII) Collins Loomis, our subject's father, was
born Dec. 4, 1804, and always resided at the old
family homestead. In his youth he learned the
blacksmith's trade, which he followed throughout
his life in connection with the management of his
farm. He was a large man, possessed of great
physical strength, but did not live to the allotted
limit of mail's years, his death occurring Nov. 24,
1858, when he was aged fifty-four. As a citizen
he was progressive, placing a high estimate upon
schools, and as he had a comfortable income his
children were given good educational privileges.
Politically he was a Democrat, but not especially
active in partisan work, preferring to devote his
energies to his private affairs. On Oct. 28, 1829,
Mr. Loomis married Miss Sally Capen, who was
born Dec. 16, 1800, in Hartford, on what is now
Main street, between Russel and Avon streets.
She died Sept. 7, 1889, and her remains now rest
beside those of her husband in the cemetery at
Windsor. The Capen family has long been prom-
inent in Hartford (Capen street having been named
after her brother), and her father, Josiah Capen,
who was born in Braintree, Mass., in August, 1772,
once owned a farm within the present limits of the
city, and by occupation he was both a butcher and a
farmer ; he died Nov. 5, 1843. His wife, Betsey
(Wadsworth), was born in Hartford Aug. 3, 1776,
and died at Andover, Conn., March 4, 1871, aged
ninety-four years and seven months. Our subject
was the youngest of five children born to Collins and
Sally Loomis: (i) Samuel C, born April 2, 1831,
was a blacksmith in V/indsor, where he died June
14, 1876; (2) Sarah E., born April 7, 1834, mar-
ried O. P. Mills, of Windsor; (3) Henry L., born
July 12, 1837, died in New Hartford May 27,
1874; (4) Abigail M., born July 24, 1839, died
Aug. 10, 1864, unmarried; (5) Aaron J. was born
Dec. 12, 1841.
(VIII) Aaron J. Loomis first attended the
"Bell School" in Windsor, Cicero Roberts and
Spencer Clapp being among his early teachers. At
seventeen he entered the academy at Suffield, and
on leaving that institution he went to Tariffville,
where he was employed by a butcher for a short
time. Having gained a practical knowledge of the
business he formed a partnership with his brother
Henry, and established a meat market in New
Hartford. They built up a large trade in that
vicinity, having many customers in Collinsville, but
after a few years our subject sold out to his brother
and went to Lakewood, N. J., then a manufacturing
town, with no promise of its present popularity as
a winter resort. Mr. Loomis engaged in a hotel
and livery business there and, although both lines
of work were new to him, he met with his usual suc-
cess. After nine years he disposed of his hotel, but
retained the livery business, to which he added a
lumber, coal and wood business, under the firm
name of the A. J. Loomis Co., Limited, now the
most extensive concern in that line at Lakewood.
About the same time he established a plant for
making inside furnishings for houses, and a box
factory, the latter having since been removed to
Hertford, N. C, where an extensive business is
carried on under the firm name of Major & Loomis.
Lakewood possessed no banking facilities during the
early years of his residence there, and in 1889 he
took an active part in the organization of the Lake-
wood Trust Co., of which he was president until
1893, his well-proven integrity being a tower of
strength to the institution. In 1893 he returned
to Windsor to reside, but he still owns a handsome
house at Lakewood, as well as much valuable busi-
ness property. In politics he has always been a
Democrat, and while in Lakewood he was prom-
inent in local affairs, serving as township treas-
urer and as a member of the town committee, and
lending his influence to various movements which
tended to the benefit of the village.
On May 11, 1864, Mr. Loomis was married,
in New Hartford, to Miss Helen Beaney, and five
children have blessed the union : Miss May is at
home; Warren W. is a student in Brown Uni-
versity; and three, Walter, Frank and Wallace,
died in infancy.
ELI FREEMAN, a well-known and honored
citizen of West Suffield, was born in New Marlboro,
Berkshire Co., Mass., April 22, 1818, and belongs
to a family of English extraction which was
founded in the old Bay State during early Colonial
days. His great-grandfather, Eli Freeman, was
the second settler of New Marlboro, where he en-
gaged in farming throughout the remainder of his
Hfe.
Silas Freeman, our subject's grandfather, was
born in New Marlboro Oct. 11, 1746, being the first
male child born in that town. He took an active
part in the Revolutionary war, was a farmer by
occupation, and was quite a prominent citizen of
his native place, where he spent his entire life,
dying there Sept. 8, 1837. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Elizabeth Kasson, was born Feb.
8, 1750, and died Feb. 10, 1831, the remains of
both being interred in the New Marlboro cem-
etery. In their family were ten children, v/hose
names and dates of birth and death were as fol-
lows: Alice, April 15, 1769 — Aug. 6, 1857; Sibyl,
1084
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
April 2, 1 771 — Dec. 20, 1850; Silas, April 28, 1773
— Oct. 19, 1855 ; W'ealthy, April i, 1775— Nov. 13,
1855; James, Feb. 20, 1778— Jan. 20, 1869; Kasson,
Aug. 24, 1780 — March 14, 1872; Heman, i\Iay 28,
1784— ^larch 8, 1789; Calvin, Sept. 10, 1787—
j\Jarch 9, 1S77; Heman, iMay 25, 1790— Aug. 14,
1874; and Eliza, March 20, 1796 — Aug. i, 1884.
Calvin Freeman, the father of our subject, was
born and reared in New Marlboro, and engaged in
farming there for some years. He was married in
that town to Miss Janthe Cole, who was born in
July, 1786. Her father, Asa Cole, was also one
of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. To Mr.
and Mrs. Freeman were born six children : Guy,
a farmer, who married Lucinda Austin, and died
in Suffield, Hartford county; Jay, a farmer, who
married Harriet Kmelinc Phelps, and is still living
in West Suffield, at the age of eighty-seven; Louise,
who died unmarried at the age of thirty-seven
years; Eli, our subject; Elizabeth, who died un-
married at the age of twenty-two; and Mercy, de-
ceased, who (first) married William Lyman and
(second) George I'utncy. In 1828 the father
hrought his family to Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn.,
and purchased the Pomeroy farm in West Suffield.
This was a tract of 117 acres, seventeen of which
were woodland, and here he carried on general
farming, stock raising and dairying until life's la-
bors were ended. He made extensive improve-
ments upon the place, including the erection of a
fine brick residence and a good barn. He lived to
the advanced age of ninety years, dying in the arms
of our subject Alarch 9, 1877, and his remains were
interred in West Suffield cemetery. He was well-
known and highly respected, and his fellow citizens
honored him with a seat in the State Legislature.
He was temperate in all his habits, and never used
strong drink or tobacco in any form. In political
sentiment he was a stalwart Democrat, and in re-
ligious faith was a Universalist. His wife was
not a member of any church. She died on the
home farm Oct. 17, 1850, and was also buried in
West Suffield cemetery.
Eli Freeman was only ten years old when he
accompanied the family on their removal to West
Suffield, where he attended the district schools and
also the Connecticut Literary Institute, which was
then in its infancy. For a short time he clerked in
a store, but as the occupation was not congenial
he returned to the home farm and has since devoted
his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, as
an extensive tobacco grower, stock raiser and gen-
eral farmer. He has erected a brick addition to
his residence, and made other improvements upon
the place which add to its value and beauty. He
tenderly cared for his parents until they were called
to the world beyond.
In Suffield, Nov. 30, 1847, Mr. Freeman was
tmited in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Johnson,who
was born in Becket, Mass., Nov. 20, 1828, and
they became the parents of two children: (i)
Wilbur Kasson, who now operates the home farm,
niarried Mary Esther Alderman, a native of East
Granby, Hartford county, and a daughter of James
A-lderman, and to them were born two children,
Sarah Edna and Charles Wilbur, the latter of whom
died at the age of eight years. (2) Ada Eliza-
beth married Newton Lewis, and died in 1885.
■J'he family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Wilbur K. is a Democrat in politics.
Iij 1897 Mr. and Mrs. Freeman celebrated their
golden wedding. They are passing quietly down
the sunset hill of life, enjoying the esteem and con-
fidence of their neighbors and the afliection of their
many friends. Politically Mr. Freeman is a Jef-
fersonian Democrat, but has never cared for po-
litical preferment, though he has served as a mem-
ber of the school committee.
John Johnson, Mrs. Freeman's grandfather,
was a resident of \\'indsor, Hartford county. When
a young man he enlisted in the Continental service
during the Revolutionary war, and never returned
home, his life being sacrificed that his country
sliould be free. His only child, John Johnson, Jr.,
was born in Windsor after his father entered the
army. When a young man he went to Otis, Berk-
sh.ire Co., Mass., and from there moved to Becket,
same county, where he engaged in farming, making
that occupation his life work. There he married
Rhoda Clark, a daughter of Jonathan Clark, and
tc them were born four children : Mary Ann, de-
ceased wife of Gideon Flale ; Henry, who died when
a young man ; Catherine P., deceased wife of War-
ren Wright; and Sarah E., wife of our subject.
From Berkshire county, Mass., Mr. Johnson came
to Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., and purchased the
Jarvis King farm, now owned by George A. Har-
man. Both he and his wife died in West Suffield,
and were laid to rest in the West Suffield cemetery.
They were consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and were widely and favorably
known.
WILLIAM S. JUDD, the popular and efficient
postmaster at New Britain, is a man whose ability
and personal worth have been put to the test in
manv positions of trust, in both business and po-
litical life. As a descendant of an old and hon-
ored family he demonstrates the sturdy strength
of will of our New England stock, having made
his own way to success without extraneous aid,
and has the enviable record of more than thirtv
years of active business connection with the manu-
facturing firm of P. & F. Corbin.
Mr. Judd's family became identified with Farm-
ington at an early day, and has always been promi-
nent in the various movements which have brought
about the development of this section. Thomas
Judd, the original settler, came from England and
settled at Cambridge, Mass., in 1633 or 1634. His
home lot of four acres, in that part of Cambridge
called the "West End," on the northeast side of
\
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1085
the highway to W^atertown, was granted in Au-
gust, 1634. He was admitted freeman of the Col-
ony May 25, 1636. In 1636 he removed to Hart-
ford, Conn.j^ and it is probable he was one of that
company (of about a hundred men, women and
children) who departed from Cambridge on the
last day of May, 1636. His house lot in Hart-
ford was on the south side of the Wyllys home lot,
which is distinguished by the Charter Oak, and
both lots extended westward to the highway leading
to Wethersfield. Thomas Judd was one of the first
proprietors and settlers of Farmington, removing
from Hartford probably in 1644, and his home lot
was the third lot from the north end of Main street,
on both sides, and extended westward to the Farm-
ington river. Farmington first sent deputies —
Stephen Hart and Thomas Judd — to the General
Court in May, 1647. Thomas Judd was subse-
quently sent a deputy in 1648-49-51-57-58-59-61-
62-63-66-68-70-77-78-79. He was a member of the
church under the care of Rev. Thomas Hooker and
Rev. Samuel Stone, both at Cambridge and Hart-
ford, and was one of the seven pillars of the church
of Farmington at its organization. Stephen Hart
was the first deacon, and Thomas Judd the second.-
He died Nov. 12, 1688, when about eighty years of
age.
(H) William Judd, born about 1633-1636, mar-
ried Mary Steele March 30, 1658; he died in 1690.
(HI) John Judd, born in Farmington in 1667,
died in 1717.
(IV) William Judd, born in Farmington in
1698-99, married Ruth Lee, March 14, 1723. He
died Sept. i, 1751.
(V) Capt. William Judd, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born July 20, 1743, in Farming-
ton, and after graduating from Yale College, in
1763, studied law, and was admitted to the Bar
of Hartford county about 1765. For many years
he followed his profession successfully in Farming-
ton, where he held the office of justice of the peace
for some time, and in his later years he was active
and influential in public affairs, serving in the
Connecticut Legislature and achieving a reputa-
tion for ability which extended far beyond local
limits. During the Revolutionary war he was cap-
tain in the Connecticut regiment commanded by
Col. Willis, his commission being signed by John
Hancock. He was one of the charter members of
the Connecticut Branch of the Society of the Cin-
cinnati, a beneficiary and fraternal order organized
in 1786, the parent society having been formed three
years earlier. His certificate of membership was
signed by President Washington, and the Society,
which meets every fourth of July, is one of the
oldest and most aristocratic in the country. Capt.
Judd died at Farmington Nov. 13, 1804. His wife
was Elizabeth Mix, daughter of Ebenezer Mix, of
West Hartford.
(VI) William S. Judd, our subject's grand-
father, was born in Farmington Jan. 10, 1766, and
v.'as graduated in 1787 from Harvard College. He
appears to have been actively interested in politics,
having served a term as postmaster in New Haven,
but his party affiliations are not known. For many
years he was engaged in mercantile business in
New Haven, and in 1808 had a partner and car-
ried on' an extensive trade with the West Indies.
Late in life he removed to Middletown, and his
last years were spent in retirement in New Britain,
where he died March 27, 1835. His wife, Esther
(Stanley), was a daughter of Col. Gad Stanley,
a promment citizen of New Britain. Their chil-
dren were : William Henry, Maria Mix, Philip Sam-
uel and Thomas S. Of these, Thomas S. was ed-
ucated in Washington College (now Trinity), Hart-
ford, and became an Episcopal minister^ having
charge of the parishes of Monroe (Conn.) and
Windom (N. Y.).
(VII) Philip S. Judd, the father of our subject,
was a native of Farmington, born Oct. 14, 1801,
and received a good education for his time, the
family having always shown a high appreciation
of mental attainments. In early manhood he en-
tered business life as a clerk in New Britain, and
later he was employed as a bookkeeper by Alvin
North (now North & Judd) and by Landers &
Smith (now Landers, Erary & Clark). He took
keen interest in religious work, and was one of the
original members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church
of New Britain. He married Miss Elizabeth
Howd, daughter of James Howd, of East Hart-
ford, and a descendant of an old Colonial family,
which was represented in the Revolutionary army.
They had the following children : Esther Maria,
born April 15, 1836, married Edward Yates, of
New Britain; Thomas Henry, born Aug. 14, 1840,
died in 1861 ; William Samuel, our subject, is men- ■
tioned more fully below ; Alfred Stanley, born June
18, 1847, and who was employed for many years
as a shipping clerk for the Stanley Works, in New
Britain, died Feb. 22, 1900. The father passed
away May 3, 1851, and the mother on Sept. 9,
1883.
Our subject was born July 7, 1844, in the town
of New Britain, where he obtained a good public-
school education. Through the efforts of his
mother, a lady of rare mental gifts and strength
of character, his attendance was continued until
he reached the age of sixteen, his course in the
high school being taken while J. W. Tuck was prin-
cipal. On leaving school he spent three or four
years as a clerk in different establishments, and in
October, 1865, he entered the employ of P. & F.
Corbin. He began in the packing room, but as
business increased he was made shipping clerk.
His fidelity and efficiency brought him further pro-
motion as the head of the order department, which
position he held until his appointment as postmaster.
From boyhood he was interested in politics, his s3Tn-
pathies being with the Republican party, and for
years he has been a leading worker in the local
1086
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
organization. From 1874 to 1877 he represented
the Third ward in the city council, and in 1881-85-
S6-87-88-89-90 he was elected alderman, making;
seven years service in that office. During this time
he was chairman of the Finance committee one
term, and a member of the committees on Streets
and Claims. For a number of years he wasa mem-
ber of the board of health, serving as its chairman
for one year after he left the council, and in 1893
he was elected to the office of selectman, fron,i
which he resigned Feb. 15, i8q8. On Jan. 10, 1898,
he was appointed postmaster by President McKin-
ley, and since Feb. 15, of that year, he has served
acceptably in the position. Socially he and his fam-
ily are prominent, and he is a leading member of
the Baptist Church of New JJritain, in which he
has served as deacon for many years. He also be-
longs to the Improved Order of Heptasophs; the
Order of United American JNIechanics, in which
he has been State councilor for Connecticut ; and
to the Society of the Cincinnati, mentioned above,
having been president of the Connecticut branch.
In 1867 Mr. Judd married Miss Helen G. Hart,
a daughter of Deacon William Hart, a highly-re-
spected citizen of New Britain, and three children
have blessed the union : ( i ) Laura Jane, born Sept.
2, 1870, married O. Bertini, of New Britain, and has
three sons, ITarold A., Robert J. and Norman F.
(2) William H., born May 7, 1877, graduated from
the New Britain high school, and is now a clerk
in the National Bank of that city. (.3) Thomas
H., born Feb. 17, 1879, graduated from the New
Britain high school, and is now employed as assist-
ant postmaster.
ROBERT SUGDEN comes of an inventive and
manufacturing stock, his father, Robert Sugden,
having been one of the earliest inventors and man-
ufacturers of cotton-looms in New England. His
first patent was granted in 18 13, and the original
document is regarded as an heirloom in the family,
bearing as it does the signatures of James Madi-
son, President, and James ^Monroe, Secretary of
State. Our subject's mother was Marv Wales, a
daughter of Major Nathaniel Wales, of Revolution-
ary fame, who recruited the first troop of horse
in Massachusetts to take part in the struggle for
American independence ; he was the leader of the
funeral of John Hancock.
Robert Sugden was born July 23, 1819, at
Eraintree, ]\Iass. He was the eldest of five children
born to his parents, the others being William E.,
who is president of the Hartford Mutual Insur-
ance Co. ; Mary and Elizabeth, both of whom re-
side in Braintree; and Nathaniel W., deceased.
Our subject was an infant when his parents moved
to Middletown, and it was there he grew up and,
like most New England boys, received his educa-
tion in the district schools which were provided
for the training of the young idea. In 1839 the
family removed to Rocky Hill, where Air. Sugden
lived until 1846. He was then twent3'-seven years
of age, and the mechanical instinct born in him
began to assert itself in no uncertain way; farm
lite was not to his taste, and turning his back upon
the parental roof he went to Middletown, where
he engaged in manufacturing. There he remained
until 1849, when, having found his original venture
more or less successful, he returned to Rocky Hill
and organized a stock company under the name of
the Rocky liill Cast Iron Manufacturing Co. In
1852 he disposed of his interest in that concern, and
two years later formed a partnership with Mr. But-
ler for the manufacture of cast-iron shears, the
firm name being Butler, Sugden & Co. In 1864 he
purchased his partner's interest in the business,
which he conducted alone until 1868. That year
the factory burned down, and in 1871 Mr. Sugden
returned to Middletown, and engaged in the manu-
facture of rubber goods, which he carried on for
three years ; in 1877 ^^^ removed to New Britain,
vhere he accepted a position as foreman in the
foundry of Landers, Frary & Clark. This post he
occupied for twenty-one years, with credit to him-
self and satisfaction to his employers. In Novem-
ber, 1898, he returned to Rocky Hill, where he has
ever since resided.
C)n Feb. 6, 1844, ^Ir. Sugden was married to
Miss Emily W. Robbins, and they have four chil-
dren: Robert A., who resides in New York;
Amelia M., wife of Henry C. Churchill, of Boston;
Abbie E., who died in 1868; and Emily R.
In politics Mr. Sugden is a Republican, hav-
ing been originally a Whig, and represented his
town in the Legislature of 1869. He has also
served his fellow citizens as selectman, and is held
in universal respect in the community. He is a
member of the Congregational Church, and active
in every good work looking to the advancement of
the cause of Christianity, the benefit of the commun-
it}-, and the general good of his fellow men.
JOHN SAMUEL ROWLEY, a worthy repre-
sentative of the agricultural interests of the town
of Newington, was born in Chatham, Conn., Dec.
5, 1832, and is of Welsh descent.
The family was founded in this country by three
brothers, but one returned to Wales on business,
and was never heard of again. Our subject's pa-
ternal grandfather drove an ox-team for the Con-
tinental troops during the Revolutionary war, and
was present at the battle of Bunker Hill. The fa-
ther, Eleazer Dunham Rowley, was born in East
Haddam, Conn., in 1786, and married Miss Lydia
Skinner, of Hebron, Conn. Their remains were
interred in Young Street cemetery, Chatham. In
their family were the following children: Abby,
Harriet, Julia, Sarah, Mar)', Emeline, David and
John S. All are now deceased with the exception
of Julia and our subject.
John S. Rowley remained on the home farm in
Chatham until twenty-seven years of age. At the
/
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1087
age of sixteen he purchased the place from his fa-
ther and cared for the family for some years. On
disposing of the farm he went to Portland, Conn.,
where he purchased property and engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits for five years, and on selling
that place, to William J. Slew, he came to New-
ington in 1864 and bought twenty acres of Walter
F. Brown. This place, which is known as "Golden
Knoll farm," is one of the most attractive in the
community. On July 19, 1894, about 5 p. m., light-
ning struck Mr. Rowley's barn during a heavy
storm, and he lost forty tons of hay, thirty shocks
of rye, three horses, two cows (one a fine black
Jersey), one bull, several sets of harness, farm im-
plements, plows, wagons, etc. He immediately
built a larger and better barn, and all the buildings
upon his place are models of neatness and thrift.
On Nov. 3, 1857, Mr. Rowley married Mrs.
Charlotte J. Randall, of Hartford, daughter of
Ozias and Clarissa Cooley, who died at Mr. Rowley's
home, and were buried in North cemetery, Hart-
ford. Mrs. Rowley was killed Nov. 5, 1895, by
a train on the Berlin branch of the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad, while driving with her
daughter. The daughter was badly injured, and
the horse had her neck broken. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Rowley were Frederic Dunham,
Sept. 9, 1858; Clara Lydia, Dec. 29, i860; Fannie
Etta, Aug. 10, 1864; Hattie Isabelle, Nov. 19,
1866; and Frank Hills, Oct. 6, 1869. The eldest
died July 22, 1868, and Fannie Etta died July 20,
1865. Clara Lydia was married, May 12, 1881, to
VVilliam G. Wells, and in 1891 moved to California,
where he owns and conducts a ranch. On March
29, 1899, they returned to Connecticut on a visit.
In their family were six children, all born in New-
ington. Conn., with the exception of the youngest,
who was born in Orange, Cal., as follows : Will-
i.im Clifford, born June 21, 1882; George Rowley,
April 21, 1884; Lottie Isabelle, Aug. 29, 1886;
Edith Cornelia, April 19, 1888; Alice May, Jan. 2,
1890 (died five days later) ; and Grace Louise, July
27, 1895. Frank Hills Rowley, son of our subject,
is a farmer and dairyman, residing on a farm ad-
joining that of his father. He was married, in
the Episcopal Church, New Britain, Nov. 12, 1891,
to Katherine Clark, and they have five children:
Katherine Clara, born Oct. 22, 1892 ; Henry Frank,
June 30, 1894; Norman Edward; Sept. i, 1896;
Charlotte Mary, Sept. 17, 1898; and Jennie Isabella,
Sept. 27, 1900.
Mr. Rowley was- again married, July 29, 1896,
his second union being with Mrs. Anna Eliza Bur-
rows, of Willimantic, Conn. Her parents, Samuel
and Eliza Perkins, who were farming people, died in
Willimantic, and were buried there. By her .for-
mer marriage Mrs. Rowley had three children:
Gertrude, born in 1876; Grace, born in 1877; and
Clinton C, born in 1881.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Rowley are consistent mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and also be-
long to Newington Grange, and he affiliates with
the Masonic fraternity and the Junior Order
L'nited American Mechanics. Politically he is a
Democrat. He is upright and honorable in all
things, and his word is considered as good as his
bond.
OSBORNE FAMILY, from which Mrs. James
T. Hill, of Sufifiield, descends, were among the early
settlers of the State, and the surviving members
are classed with its most prominent and respected
citizens.
David Osborne, great-grandfather of the lady
n^entioned above, was a native of Goshen, Litch-
field Co., Conn., and was a hero of the war of the
Revolution. After the close of that struggle he
settled with his family in Granby, where he en-
gaged in farming until his decease. William Os-
borne, son of David, was born in Granby, was
reared to farming, and married Betsey Wilcox,
also a native of Granby. To this union were born
eleven children, in the following order: William
and Riley, deceased ; James, still living at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-six years ; Louise, who died
in Iowa ; Linus, deceased ; Melzar, who went to
Arizona; Lydia, married to Edwin B. Alderman, of
South Riverside, Cal. ; Lewis, who died in Cali-
fornia ; David, who lives in Iowa ; Henry, a resi-
dent of Plainville, Conn. ; and Leverett, who died
in California. William Osborne, the father, was
first a Democrat in politics, but later became a
Prohibitionist, and had always been noted for his
temperate habits and upright life. He lived in
Otis, Mass., many years, but died at an advanced
age in Anamosa, Iowa.
William Osborne, the eldest child in the above
named family, and the father of Mrs. James T. Hill
was born in Otis, Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1807. He
was thirteen years of age when the family moved
to Westfield, where he grew to manhood, receiv-
ing his education in the public schools. In that
city he was for some years engaged in the man-
ufacture of whips, and also carried on a lumber
business. In 1858 he came to Suffield, Conn., and
bought the Cobb farm of fifty-four acres, erected
a dwelling, barns and tobacco sheds, and devoted
liis attention to tobacco growing, stock raising and
general farming. He was very successful in all
his enterprises, and attained considerable prom-
inence in the community. First a Whig in politics,
he later became a Democrat, but was never a seeker
after office. In his church views he was liberal,
but always lived up to the golden rule, and was
renowned for his nice sense of honor, integrity and
temperance. He was affable in manner and gen-
erous to a fault, and was honored and respected
wherever known.
Mr. Osborne married, at Agawam, Hampden
Co., Mass., Miss Betsey Bailey, a native of Groton,
New London Co., Conn., and a daughter of Nathan
Bailey. This union was blessed with four children :
1088
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
j\Jaria, wife of Henry Bramen, of Spring-field,
Mass.; William U., who died in 1873; Alary L.,
who died young; and Ida Henrietta, the wife of
James T. iiill, of Suffield.
i\lRS. Ida H. (Usbokxe) Hill was educated
in the district schools of Suffield, and at the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, in the same town, and
ill ib8o was married to James T. Hill, who was
born in Shutesbury, Franklin Co., Mass., a son of
Oliver Hill. In politics Mr. Hill is a Republican,
and he and his wife are members of the Baptist
Church. They reside on the old Osborne home-
stead in Suflield, where Mr. Hill is engaged in
general farming and tobacco growing and is pros-
pering. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hill
have been born : Bessie Alaria and Bertha Mary
(twins), who are remarkably bright girls, and are
now students at the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, and are well advanced in their studies.
Mrs. Betsey (Bailey) Osborne, mother of Mrs.
Hill, died at the home of her daughter on the farm
March 17, 1885, a devout member oi the Baptist
Church and a truly good woman, and her remains
are interred in the Suffield cemetery, beside those
of her husband, who passed away Dec. 6, 1890.
Mrs. Hill is a lady of culture, with esthetic in-
stincts and love of art, and is well read in current
literature. She is, moreover, blessed with sound
business judgment, and as a housekeeper is un-
excelled in the county. She and husband enjoy
the confidence and respect of the entire community
in which they live, and the children are the admira-
tion of the neighborhood.
CHARLES WOOD^^■ORTH LATHROP.
There has been for a generation or longer upon
the streets of Burnside, in the town of East Hart-
ford, no more familiar figure, none more welcome,
none of kindlier disposition, than that of the genial,
whole-souled, self-made man whose name appears
at the beginning of this sketch. By the usual meas-
urements of financial success Mr. Lathrop must be
accredited in the comnnmitv in which he lives with
a orominent place. But it is not by that standard
that he is best known, nor is it recognized by him-
self. He is admired for his unostentatious manner,
perhaps, above his other happy and sterling traits,
for he is utterly destitute of that feeling of pride
which grows profusely in the shadow of success.
He is a plain-going man, in whose soul ever sparkle
the gems of kindness and good cheer. His father
often said to his boys, "you can be something, or
nothing." The maxim, as applied to the career of
our subject, reveals positive results.
Mr. Lathrop's paternal grandfather was an in-
dustrious and prosperous farmer of Lebanon, Conn.
He reared a large family, among whom were
Henry, a liveryman of Norwich, Conn. ; Leonard,
a farmer of Andover, Conn. ; Elisha, a farmer of
New London county; Erastus, a farmer of Leba-
non; Harvey, the father of our subject; and one
daughter.
Harvey Lathrop, the father of our subject,
lived in Lebanon, where in addition to farming he
was engaged quite extensively in getting out lum-
ber and handling timber. After his sons had
grown up and left him he sold his farm and removed
to New London, where he built a nice home and
passed the remainder of his years. He married
Octavia Woodworth, and their children were as
follows; Albert, a liveryman of East Hartford;
Charles W., our subject ; Harriet L., widow of Will-
iam Smith, of Norwich ; Henrietta, who married
Charles D. Browning, and died in Norwich ; Ed-
win, a resident of Norwich, who died while on a
visit to Syracuse, N. Y. ; Arthur, a coal dealer and
successful business man of Norwich, Conn. ; Oli-
ver, who enlisted during the Civil war in the Eighth
Regiment, Conn. \'. I., and was killed at Antietam ;
John, a resident of JNIontville, Conn. ; Fanny, widow
of a Mr. Kingsley, of Lebanon ; and Fred, who mar-
ried, and died at the age of thirty-four years,
leaving two children. The father was a man whose
every act toward his fellow men was well meant.
He was most highly respected and was well
known. He was a Whig and later a Republican
in politics, but was not a politician. He lived to
the age of sixty-nine years, and his wife to the age
of sixty-tlu-ee years. Both were members of the
Congregational Church.
Charles W^ Lathrop, our subject, was born at
Lebanon, Conn., Dec. 31, 1833. On his father's
farm, which was one of the best in Lebanon, situated
on the old Colchester and Norwich turnpike, he
passed his boyhood. His early schooling he re-
ceived in the district schools, and among his school-
mates was Solomon Lucas, later a leading member
of the Norwich Bar. At the age of eighteen years
Mr. Lathrop started out in life for himself. His
uncle, Oliver Woodworth, of Scotland (now Burn-
side), was a paper-maker in the mill of Goodwin
& Co., now operated by F. R. Walker & Son, and our
subject with a cash capital of twelve cents, but
with sturdy constitution, a character that had been
formed on equally rugged and firm principles, an
ambition to make his way in the world, and the
reserve qualities of industry and thrift, became
an employe in .the same mill. During the first
year he worked as a loft man. In the winter fol-
lowing he returned to Lebanon to attend school,
and in the spring he entered the employ of the
late Giles Forbes. Thence he returned to his old
position in the mill, where he remained until 1855.
In that year he bought the company's team and
began the trucking business. Mr. Lathrop started
with an ordinary truck wagon in the business, which
he followed for about thirty-five years, and in which
he grew to be one of the landmarks of the town.
His team were a pair of ordinary draft horses, each
1,500 pounds in weight. His work for the milL
f
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1089
was done by the ton, his pay being seventy cents a
ton, and though the roads were far inferior to what
they are now Mr. Lathrop made his two trips a
day regularly, seldom missing, even when heavy
rains had turned the old-time East Hartford roads
into lakes of mud, or on the worst winter days,
when snow was piled in drifts five or six feet high.
In 1858 he went to Hartford, and for two years
teamed for Bill & Baldwin. He then returned to
Burnside.
In 1862 Mr. Lathrop enlisted in Company A,
Twenty-fifth Conn. V. I., a company and regiment
which contained many men who afterward became
prominent. The regiment was in the expedition of
Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, of Louisiana, and was
present at the siege of Port Hudson. Mr. Lath-
rop was detailed with six others from his brigade
on wagon duty during a portion of the siege. While
at the Springfield landing one afternoon the detail
caught sight of three hundred Confederate cav-
alry raiding down on the landing. The other six
fell into the clutches of the "Johnnies," but Mr.
Lathrop contrived to bring his wagon and team
and their load of rations away in safety, though
the Confederate troopers followed in hot pursuit
for four miles. One of their bullets struck a for-
ward wheel, and dozens of others whistled by the
driver's ears during the chase. In August, 1863,
Mr. Lathrop bought one-third of the interest in
Baldwin & Downing's truck business. Then he
bought the team of F. R. Walker, who had come
into ownership of the upper mill, and went
into his employ as teamster. Until 1892 Mr. Lath-
rop followed this occupation. His trip from the
mill to the steamboat dock was made with the
regularity and reliability of a pendulum. Leaving
his hom.e at 6:30, he would reach Main street at 7,
and the dock shortly after 7:30. Such was the
regularity of his trips that William L. Huntting,
if his clock ran down at night, would set the hands
at 7 o'clock when he saw Mr. Lathrop's team pass-
ing in the morning. With the exception of one
year Mr. Lathrop had fine luck with his horses,
but in that year he lost $1,000 worth. He figures
that the tolls he paid to the old bridge company
amounted to something over $7,000. In March,
1892, he sold out his business to G. Dwight Burn-
ham ; his outfit included two wagons, five horses,
and the necessary harnesses and equipments.
Mr. Lathrop was married, Jan. 8, 1856, to Miss
Harriet E. Bliss, who was born May 28, 1833,
daughter of Ira and Paulina (Rowell) Bliss, of
Burnside. Ira Bliss was a Vermonter by birth,
and his wife was a native of New York State. To
Ira and Pauline Bliss were born five children : 'Delia
P., now Mrs. E. C. Brewer, of Silver street. East
Hartford; Harriet E., wife of our subject, and
Hayden W., of Hartford, twins; Julia E., who died
aged fifteen years ; and Sarah E., who died young.
Ira Bliss was a papermaker by trade, and in later
life acted as station agent at Burnside. He was
69
assassinated by two young men, who assaulted
him Feb. 21, 1876, inflicting injuries which re-
sulted in his death nine days later. He was a
highly-respected citizen, and a member of the Con-
gregational Church, and in politics a stanch Re-
publican.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop was
blessed with two children: Julia, wife of Henry S.
Camp, a meat dealer of Norwich, Conn., who has
one " son, Charles Lathrop Camp ; and Lelia, who
died in 1880, at the age of sixteen. Mr. Lathrop
erected his excellent home on Burnside avenue,
which contains all the conveniences and appoint-
ments of a modern residence. His wife attends
the First Congregational Church of East Hart-
ford. In politics he has been an enthusiastic Re-
publican since the organization of that party. In
the autumn of 1892 he was elected to the board of
selectmen, and he filled that office continuously for
some time, with the exception of one year, his pop-
ularity being attested by the large votes he has re-
ceived ; later he served as second selectman of East
Hartford, and proved a painstaking official, uni-
formly kind and courteous, and ever ready and
willing to bestow a favor when consistent with
his line of duty. He is widely known and where-
ever known is favorably known.
WILLIAM BALLANTINE KING is one of
the old and honored citizens of the town of Suf--
field, and a worthy representative of one of it&
prominent pioneer families. He was born July 18,
1823, in that town, where eight generations of the
family have made their home. There is an old
age that is a benediction to all that comes in con-
tact with it, that gives out of its rich stores of
learning and experience, and grows stronger intel-
lectually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is
the life of Mr. King, an encouragement to his as-
sociates, and an example well worthy of emulation
to the young.
James King, the first of the family to locate in
the town of Suffield, was a farmer by occupation,
and an extensive land owner. He spent his last
years here, and made many improvements upon his
property. He was married, in 1655, to Miss Bithia
Beldrake, and both died here, being buried in Suf-
field cemetery.
William King, the son of this worthy couple,
was born in the town of Suffield, and made farm-
ing his life work. He also owned large tracts of
land in this section, where he always made his
home. He was quite active in religious affairs,
and was a consistent member of the Congregational
Church. Both he and his wife were buried in Suf-
field cemetery.
One of their sons, William King, was one of
the most prominent and influential citizens of Suf-
field, and a deacon in the Congregational Church,
to which he gave a communion set of solid silver
that is still in use, highly prized by the congrega-
1090
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion. He was one of the founders of that church,
and at his death was laid to rest in its cemetery.
He lived during the struggle for independence, was
a farmer and stock raiser by occupation, and was
well liked and highly resjjectcd by the entire com-
munity. He married a Miss Hathaway, and to them
were born seven children : William, Seth, Appolis,
Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Adams, ]Mrs. Pickett and Mrs.
Lcavitt.
Seth King, the second son in this family, and
the grandfather of our subject, was born on the
old King homestead, and received a common-school
education. In 1759 he served as lieutenant and
adjutant-general in the militia, and in the great
struggle for freedom he bore his part with the
Colonial troops, participating in the battles on Long
Island. The flint-lock gun and powder-horn which
he carried during the Revolution are now in the
possession of our subject. He was quite a pros-
perous farmer, and one of the foremost citizens of
Suffield town, highly respected by all who knew
him. He was a consistent member of the Congre-
gational Church, and a Whig in politics He mar-
ried Lydia Ballantine, of Washington, Berkshire
Co., Mass.. and to them were born six children :
Sarah, wife of Horace Smith, of Amherst ; Seth,
who married Anna Moore ; John, father of our
subject ; Lydia, wife of Ephra iMathew ; Mary, wife
of Henry Loomis, of Suffield ; and Lucy, who died
unmarried. The mother of these children, who
was a true Christian woman, died in Suffield at
the age of ninety-three years, and was buried there.
John King was also born on the old home-
stead, where he spent his entire life as an agri-
culturist, and was educated in the district schools
of the neighborhood. He took quite an active and
prominent part in local politics, as a supporter of
the Whig party, was temperate in all his habits,
and was a deacon in the Congregational Church,
to which he belonged. He married Sally Stocking,
of Glastonbury, Hartford county, a daughter of
Ashel Stocking, a well-known citizen of the coun-
ty, and to them were born two children: William
B., our subject; and Martha, who died young.
The mother died in 1829, and the father subse-
quently married Prudence Baker, of .\mherst,
]\lass., by whom he had four children: Osmyn B. ;
^Martha ; Jane, widow of James Kimball, of Am-
herst, Mass. ; and John, who died in Suffield. Mrs.
Prudence King died on the home farm in 1876,
Mr. King in 1869, and both were laid to rest in
Suffield cemetery.
After attending the district schools for some
time, William B. King became a student in Suffield
Institute, which occupied the site of the present
Kent Librar}^. Only five of Suffield's citizens are
now living who attended that^ institute with our
subject. He completed his education at Amherst
Academy, Hampshire Co., Mass. He was a close
student, a good scholar, and was noted for his pen-
manship. At the age of nineteen he left home and
went to New York, where he shipped aboard a sail-
ing vessel for the Bermudas, and, as he had studied
navigation at school, his assistance was very val-
uable to the captain and mate in taking observa-
tions. After spending about six months in coast-
ing round the Bermudas, he returned to his home.
I'or three years he followed teaching in South-
wick, Mass., and for two years taught school in
Buffalo, N. Y. At the end of that time he re-
turned to his home in the town of Suffield, took up
the manufacture of brick, which he continued to
follow for twenty years, many of the foundations of
the houses in Suffield being built of his brick, as
well as a ntimber of public buildings, including the
town hall. His own residence, erected in 1855,
was also built of brick which he made. Since giving
up that business he has turned his attention to farm-
ing, dairying and stock raising, and has met with
well-merited success.
In 1856 Mr. King was united in marriage with
Miss Mary R. Wright, of Holyoke, Mass., a daugh-
ter of Eber and Oral (Chapin) Wright. Her
grandfathers, Col. Abel Chapin and Capt. Ebenezer
Wright, bore a prominent and active part in the
war of the Revo'.ution. Four children were born
to our subject and his worthy wife: (i) Sarah mar-
ried George H. Hill, of Springfield, Mass., and they
liad three children, Josephine, Lucy and Herbert.
(2) Harriet Weight is the wife of William Hamblen,
of Springfield, Mass. (3) William B. died young.
(4) John A., at home, married Minnie Cutting, of
Spring'field, Mass., and they have one child, Will-
iam, who is of the eighth generation of the family
to be born in Suffield town.
Mr. King has always taken an active interest in
educational affairs, and has most efficiently served
as a member of the school committee. He is an
ardent supporter of the Republican party, there
never having been a Democrat in the fa;nily, but
he has never cared for political preferment. For
over fifty-eight years he has been a member of the
Congregational Church, and has served as superin-
tendent of and teacher in the Sunday-school. His
life is exemplary in many respects, and he has
ever supported those interests which are calculated
to uplift and benefit humanity.
GILES LANGDON DUNHAM, a prominent
and representative farmer of Southington, was
born on the farm where he now resides July 16,
1832. His father, Chauncey Dunham, was born
March 29, 1786, and lived in the old homestead now
occupied by our subject. He was twice married,
first to Rosanna Root, and on Dec. 23, 1824, to
Sylvia Langdon, a daughter of Capt. Giles and
Sarah (Carter) Langdon. The father of our sub-
ject was a consistent and faithful member of the
Congregational Church, and was highly respected
by all who knew him. He died Sept. 29, 1880, but
his widow is still living (Sept. 27, 1900), in good
health, with her faculties very little impaired. She
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1091
was born July 27, 1800, and on July 27, 1900, cele-
brated her one hundredth birthday. She was in-
vited to go to the Southington Agricultural Fair,
Sept. 4, accepted the invitation, and while there
enjoyed a ride in an automobile. She is spoken of
as being the first centenarian to ride in an auto-
mobile.
Cornelius Dunham, the paternal grandfather of
our subject, was born in 1740, and was married,
Feb. 2, 1764, to Jemima Andrews, daughter of
Jonathan and Susannah (Richards) Andrews. He
also lived on the old homestead in Southington,
where he kept a tavern for many years, and was
noted for his hospitality. He died Feb. 23, 1819.
His father, Gideon Dunham, the first of the name to
reside in Southington, is supposed to have come
from Martha's Vineyard. He died April 27, 1762.
Giles Langdon, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Southington May 24, 1763,
and was married Jan. 20, 1785, to Sarah Carter;
daughter of Abel and Mary (Coach) Carter, of
Southington. He held the military rank of cap-
tain, and died Feb. 11, 1847. His father, Giles
Langdon, Sr., was born July 22, 1720, and was
married, Nov. 4, 1751, to Ruth Andrews, daughter
of Stephen and Ruth (Barnes) Andrews. He died
in December, 1777. He was a son of Joseph Lang-
don, who was born in Farmington in March, 1688,
and was married, Dec. 24, 171 3, to Rachel Cowles,
daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Porter) Cowles.
He also lived in Southington. His father, Joseph
Langdon, of Farmington, was married, in October,
1683, to Susannah Root, daughter of John -and
Mary (Kilbourn) Root, and died April 8, 1749,
at the age of about eighty-nine years. He was a
son of John Langdon, of Farmington, who . was
deputy to the General Court in October, 1668, was
made a freeman in October, 1669, and admitted to
the Farmington Church July 12, 1653, afterward
serving as deacon of the same. He died in 1689.
His father, George Langdon, the progenitor of the
family in this county, is first found in Wethers-
field, and later in Springfield and Northampton,
Mass., where he died Dec. 29, 1676.
Giles L. Dunham, our subject, was reared to
agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead, and
there he has spent his entire life with the exception
of seven years, when he resided in New Haven and
followed various occupations. He is a thorough
and systematic farmer, and has met with well-
merited success in his labors. He is an active mem-
ber of the First Congregational Church of South-
ington, and is an ardent supporter of the Repub-
lican party.
Mr. Dunham has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Nancy Robinson, a daughter of
Lester and Nancy (Augusta) Robinson, of Bristol,
and by that union he had two children: Ida A.,
Avife of Winfield S. Pease, died Dec. 12, 1894; and
Louise R. is the wife of Frank H. Barnes. For
his second wife, he married Miss Julia Piatt, a
daughter of Joseph and Mehitable (Thompson)
Piatt, of Middlebury, Conn., who removed from
that town to Southington in 1863. Her paternal
grandparents were Gideon and Lydia (Sperry)
Piatt. By his second marriage Mr. Dunham has
one daughter, Clara T.
SCOVILLE J. HAMILTON, a lumber manu-
facturer and farmer of the Meadow Plain District,
Simsbury, has won success in life through his un-
deviating adherence to the sterling principles of
honesty, duty and industry, combined with ready
tact and keen judgriient. He is a man of recog-
nized business ability, but is no less honored for his
character. He is enterprising and progressive, and
these qualities also have contributed not a little to
his material advancement.
The Hamilton family is of Scottish extraction,
and among the settlers of Massachusetts. His
grandfather, Jonathan Hamilton, was a resident of
Tolland, Mass. Jonathan Scoville Hamilton, the
father of our subject, grew to manhood in his native
home, and when a young man removed to New
Hartford, Conn., and there learned the machinist's
trade. For several years he worked at his trade
in the shops of D. B. Smith, and later he was with
the Chapmans. Early in the 'fifties he removed
to Simsbury, having decided to turn his attention
to farming, purchased the Reuben Tuller farm, at
Bushy Hill, and there spent several years, engaged
in stock raising, tobacco growing and general farm-
ing. He then purchased the Curtis farm, in the
Meadow Plain District, and there remained, en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in
1884. He was actively engaged in the stock, dairy
and tobacco branches of farming. He married in
New Hartford, Flora Tuller, a native of Simsbury
and daughter of Reuben Tuller, and three children
were born to them : Winifred F., who married R.
S. Smith, and is now deceased; Emily E., wife of
F. Ellsworth, of Hartford; and Scoville J., our sub-
ject. The mother died on the farm in 1879. She
was a member of the Congregational Church, a de-
vout Christian woman, a faithful wife and eft'ection-
ate mother.
Scoville J. Hamilton, our subject, was born at
Bushy Hill, Simsbury, June 21, 1858. His educa-
tional advantages were slight. He attended the
district schools, but the work on the farm called for
much of his time even as a boy, and as the only son
in his father's family the management was gradu-
ally shifted to his young shoulders. It was a duty
which he felt he could not avoid. Though filled
with the same ambitions as other young men to
strike out for himself, ' he remained on the farm
until the death of his father, in 1883, caring for his
parents and their afifairs in their old age. Then
Mr. Hamilton's career in his own behalf began.
He started in the lumber business in Simsbur}',
buying the C. C. Mill portable sawmill, and has
since continued in the lumber manufacturing busi-
1092
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iiess, in connection with farming, buying tracts of
timber and rechicing it to lumber. In 1894 Mr.
Hamilton purchased the John Case farm, a tract of
sixty-five acres, and is now engaged largely in to-
bacco growing and general farming.
Mr. Hamilton marrietl, at Meadow Plain, Sims-
bury, in 1887, Belle E. Latimer, a native of that
town, daughter of Franklin A. Latimer. The Lat-
imer family are among the best citizens of Sims-
bury. l''i-anklin A. Latimer, father of Mrs. Hamil-
ton, was born at Aleadow Plain, a son of Ariel
Latimer, and a grandson of W'aite Latimer. Frank-
lin .\. Latimer was educated in the district schools
near his home, and also at Westfield, Mass., and
at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield. He
taught school during the winter months, and worked
on the Farmington canal in summer, at first driv-
ing a team, from which position he rose to that of
captain of a canal-boat, plying between New Haven
and Xorthampton. After the canal was abandoned
lie began farming, and settled on the homestead,
where he engaged in general farming, stock rais-
ing and tobacco growing on a tract of 125 acres,
on which he made many improvements, and where
he spent the remainder of his life He was in every
sense a self-made man. beginning life a poor boy,
and gaining a start through his industry and thrift.
He was elected selectman of the town of Simsbury,
but never sought office. In pchtics he was a Re-
publican. In manner he was unassuming, domestic
in his habits, temperate, kind and generous. He
died on his farm Dec. 28, 1898, and was buried in
Avon. He w-as a member of the Congregational
Church. He married, in Bloomfield, Elizabeth R.
Case, born in Bloomfield, daughter of Hart H. and
Rose B. (Pinney) Case, and to them three children
were born: Belle E., wife of Scoville J. Hamilton,
our subject; Clara E., wife of Wilber A. Snow, of
Middletown ; and Franklin A., who married Clara
A. Rockwell, and lives at Springfield, Mass. The
mother died in 1883, and is buried in Avon ceme-
tery. Franklin A. Latimer was noted for his hon-
esty, honor and genial disposition.
Hart H. Case, the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Hamilton, was a son of Hezekiah Case, a grandson
cf Jedediah Case, and a great-grandson of Deacon
Joseph Case. [A full sketch of this illustrious Con-
necticut family appears elsewhere].
In politics Mr. Hamilton is a Republican. Him-
self and wife are members of the Congregational
Church at Avon. Mrs. Hamilton was educated
in the public schools, and at the Connecticut Literary
Institute, Suffield, and for six years taught school
ill Simsbury, Bloomfield and Farmington. She is
a member of Abigail Phelps Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution.
WILLIAM COX JOHNSTON, a well-known
and highly respected citizen of Southington, was
born in Bridgeport, Conn., June i, 1862, and is a
son cf John M. and Margaret A. (Cox) Johnston,
tl:e former a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, the
latter of St. Helen's England. The paternal grand-
father, James Johnston, was a son of Samuel and
Esther (Baird) Johnston, and married Elizabeth
Alaxw-ell, a daughter of James and Molly (Baird)
Maxwell. James Maxwell was a butcher of Edin-
burgh, and James Johnston and his father, Samuel
Johnston, were both plumbers and gas-fitters by
trade.
John M. Johnston, the father of our subject,
was born Jan. i, 1832, and was reared in Edinburgh,
Scotland, where he served a seven-years' apprentice-
ship to. the shoemaker's trade. In 1851 he came
to America, and worked at his trade nearly two
years in New York City, after which he followed
the same vocation in Bridgeport, West Hartford,
Tarift'ville and Southington, Conn., having made
his home in the last-named place since 1878. Dur-
ii;g the Civil war he enlisted, Sept. i, 1862, in Com-
■pany A, 47th N. Y. V. I., and after seventeen
months of arduous service was honorably discharged
on account of disability. Fie is now a member
of Trumbull Post, No.' 16, G. A. R., of South-
ington, and is an honored and highly-esteemed citi-
zen of the town. On Feb. 28, 1853, he married
Margaret A. Cox; a daughter of James and Mar-
garet (Lytle) Cox, of St. Helen's, England, and to
them were born nine children ; only tnree grew to
maturity, William C, Alabel I. and E. Louise, and
our subject is now the only survivor.
William Cox Johnston was reared and educated
in this State, and since starting out in life for him-
self has followed various lines of business, in which
he has met %vith excellent success, having accumu-
lated a fine property. Since 1878 he has been
a resident of Southington, and has won a foremost
place among the representative citizens of the
town.
Mr. Johnston has been twice married, his first
■\vife being Lucy Gunn, a native of England, and for
his second wife he married Louise Herthal, a gradu-
ate-of the Lewis Fligh School, in Southington, class
of 1892, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
(Anding) Herthal, natives of Hessen Cassel, Ger-
many. By the last marriage he has one son, Henry
Flerthal Johnston. Religiously Mr. Johnston is a
member of the Baptist Church, and socially is a
member of the Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. &
A. M.; and Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M. Po-
litically he affiliates with the Republican party, and
gives his support to every measure which he be-
lieves will prove of public good.
HON. JOHN O. PHELPS (deceased), for-
merly a member of the Connecticut Legislature, was
for m^any years a leading resident of the town of
Windsor, in Hartford county. As a business man
he displayed marked ability, and on turning his at-
tention in later years to agriculture he applied th"
same acumen in planning of details and thorough-
ness of execution to that work which had charac-
JOHH O. PHELPS
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1093
terized his efforts in other lines. Always public-
spirited, he took keen interest in all that pertained
to the welfare of the community in which he re-
sided, while he was prominent politically as a mem-
ber of the Democratic organization, serving in vari-
ous offices of responsibility and trust.
Mr. Phelps was born Sept. 15, 1822, in the
town of East Windsor, and was descended from a
highly-respected family of this section. Levi
Phelps, the grandfather of our subject, was a well-
known farmer of East Windsor. Levi C. Phelps,
our subject's father, was also engaged in agriculture
in this county, many years of his life being spent
in East 'Windsor, but later he removed to Geneva,
Ohio, and finally to Illinois, where his death oc-
curred. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha
Fish, died during his residence at Geneva. Thev
had a large family of children, of whom the follow-
ing lived to adult age : Salome married Mosley Os-
borne, and died in East Windsor. John O. is men-
tioiied below. Eliza married Frederick Drake, of
Windsor Locks and survived him, dying in 1899;
she left seven children. Martha married David Os-
borne, of Windsor, whom she survives, and they
had one child, Martha, who became the wife of
Louis Clapp, of Poquonock, and died leaving four
children ; Mr. Osborne was a soldier in the Re-
bellion. Maria first married William R. Spring,
and they had one child, Josephine, who married
Charles Hunt, of Flatbush, N. Y. Henry resides
in Windsor. Edgar is deceased. Jamon settled in
Illinois.
As the eldest son of a poor farmer, John O.
Phelps had but limited educational advantages, and
in addition to assisting in the work at home he hired
out at times to his neighbors as soon as he was old
enough to earn wages. On Nov. 24, 1844, he was
married, in \\'indsor town, to Miss Maria Lam-
berton, and soon afterward began housekeeping at
Windsor Locks, where he was employed at that time
as a wood chopper. Later he removed to W^indsor
Center, on the river road, and engaged in the brick-
making business, continuing several years, and on
retiring from that enterprise he located on a farm
belonging to his great-aunt, Sarah Phelps, for
whom he cared during her declining years. In the
latter 'sixties he settled upon the present homestead
in Windsor town, where he died Sept. 3, 1894, his
remains being interred in Poquonock cemetery. He
left a handsome competence, but his best bequest
to his loved ones is the memory of an honored name,
won by 3'ears of upright living. His only child,
Ella, married Henry J. Fenton, and died at Wind-
sor, Nov. 12, 1889, leaving three children: John
O., Nettie C. (Mrs. A. G. Barnes), and Harry F.,
who resided with their grandmother after Mr.
Phelps' decease.
Mrs. Maria (Lamberton) Phelps, to whose in-
telligent advice and assistance her husband owed
much of his prosperity, was born in Windsor town.
May 29, 1827, a daughter of William and Alura
(Skinner) Lamberton, her father being a well-
known agriculturist. She was one of a family of
ten children-^iive sons and five daughters — of
whom one sister and three brothers are living.
Mrs. Phelps died on Nov. 11, 1899, after a brief ill-
ness, and was buried at Poquonock. She had been
gradually "wearing out" for several years.
John O. Fenton, who now has charge of the
Phelps property, is a great-grandson of Lester
Fenton, a resident of Vernon, Conn., who died in
U^ethersfield. He had a family of five children, of
whom Frederick madehis home in Poquonock, where
he married Cornelia Griswold, and both died there.
They had two children, Henry J. and Nettie, the
daughter djang young. Frederick Fenton was in
his day one of the authorities in tobacco raising
in Windsor, and Hid much to bring that branch of
agriculture to its present state in his section, mak-
ing many experiments in that line. The farm of
J. O. Phelps, consisting of sixt3'-five acres, is now
conducted by his grandson, John O. Fenton, and
is devoted entirely to tobacco raising. Henry J.
Fenton was born in Poquonock, and engaged in
farming during his active years. He is now living
in Hartford. John O. Fenton is a member of the
^Masonic Fraternity, uniting with the lodge at
Windsor.
JOHN FLAM CASE, one of Simsbury's best-
known citizens, a descendant' of one of the earliest
pioneers of Hartford county, the representative of
a familv who for almost two and a half centuries
has been prominent in the history of Connecticut,
is now an extensive poultry raiser and farmer. In-
capacitated for many vocations by the loss of a
limb, in consequence of a desperate wound received
in battle at Antietam, he has nevertheless attained
commanding prominence as a citizen and success
in business undertakings. Honored by his fellow
men for his generous contributions to the weal
and progress of society, public-spirited and capable
in the management of affairs, Mr. Case has been an
active and influential factor in tne history of his
native town.
The Case familv is one of the oldest and most
numerous in Hartford county. John Case, the
founder of the American branch, was a native of
England, and emigrated to America in the early
settlement of the Colonies, coming to Windsor from
the old family home at Aylesham, England, where
many of them now reside. They were a noted
family as far back as the time of Oliver Cromwell,
and accumulated fortunes by furnishing leather
for his army, being tanners and farmers ; they have
held this contract ever since. Thejr hold all the
lands around Aylesham, so that the town is said
to be '"Cased" in, and are called a clan by them-
selves there. Their lands surround the possessions
of Anne Boleyn, who became the wife of King
Henry VIII, and was afterward beheaded, and they
are closely related to the Boleyns by inter-marriage.
1094
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The records of Aylesham show that they came from
York to Alj^esham in the year 1200, and members
of the family in Connecticut and Ohio have copies
of their coat of arms.
John Case remained in \\'indsor until the spring
of i66y. He then came to Simsbury, and settled at
Weatogue ; was elected the first constable of Sims-
bury Oct. 14, 1669, and about 1672 represented the
town at the General Court or Assembly. He died in
Simsbury Feb. 21. 1703-4, and was buried there. He
was a land owner and farmer, and a prominent citi-
zen. He married for his first wife Sarah, daughter
of William Spencer, of Hartfordu She died Nov. 3,
1691, and for his second wife he married Elizabeth
(Moore) Loomis, who was born at Windsor in
1638, and died July 23, 1728; she was a daughter
of John Moore, of Windsor, and the widow of Na-
thaniel Loomis, of Windsor. The children of John
and Sarah (Spencer) Case were as follows: (i)
Elizabeth, born in 1652, died in 1718, married, in
1684 Joseph Lewis, who died in 1702, and for her
second husband wedded John Tuller, who died Oct.
9, 1718. (2)- Alary, born June 22, 1660. died in
1725. married (first) William .\lderman, who died
in 1697, and for her second husband James Hillyer,
who died in 1725. She had seven children. (3)
John, born Nov. 5, 1662, died in 1733. In 1684 he
married Mary, daughter of Thomas Olcott, of
Hartford. She died ,in 1685. and he married, in
1693, Sarah, daughter of Joshua Holcomb, of Sims-
bury. The three sons born to John were Daniel,
Jonathan and John. (4) William, born June 5,
1665, married, in 1695, Elizabeth Holcomb, daugh-
ter of Joshua Holcomb, and their children were
Elizabeth, James (who married Esther Fithen),
Joshua, Mindwell, Rachel (who married Benjamin
Adams), and Alary (who married Joseph Adam^).
(5) Samuel, born June i, 1667, died in 1725. He
married (first) Mary, daughter of Jonathan West-
over, of Simsbury, and for his second wife Eliza-
beth, widow of Samuel Thrall, and daughter of
Josiah Owen. He had thirteen children, the sons
being Samuel, Nathaniel. Jonathan, Caleb, Azri-
krim, Benjamin and Pelatiah. (6) Richard, born
Aug. 27, 1669, died in 1746. He married, in Au-
gust, 1701, the daughter of Philip Reed, of Con-
cord, Mass. His sons were Richard, Timothy and
Edward. (7) Bartholomew, born in October,'i67o,
died in 1725. He married, in 1699, Mary, daughter
of Lieut. Samuel Humphrey, and had nine children,
his Sons being Thomas, Amos, Isaac and Abraham.
(8) Joseph, born April 6, 1674. died Aug. 11, 1748.
(9) Sarah, born Aug. 14, 1678, died in 1704. She
married Joseph Phelps, Jr., of Windsor.
Joseph Case, born at Terry's Plains, Simsbury,
April 6, 1674, married, April 6, 1699, Anna Eno,
daughter of James Eno, of Simsbury. The chil-
dren born to Joseph and Anna Case were : One
that died in infancy; Joseph, born Teb. 2, 1701,
died Jan. 5, 1760: Jacob, born March 19, 1702;
Josiah, born Feb. i, 1715; Hezekiah, born April 26,
1719; Jacob; Benajah; Daniel and Joel.
Joseph Case, son of Joseph, was born at Terry's
Plains, Simsbury, Feb. 2, 1701. He was a deacon
of the church, and was a farmer at Meadow Plam.
He married Hannah Humphrey, and their children
were: Joseph, born Nov. 30, 1722, died July 29,
1742 (he married Mary Tuller, who died in 1760) ;
Hannah, born in March, 1725; Asiel, born March
23, 1729; Hosea, born Alarch 3, 1731; Jedediah,
born March 30, 1733; Solomon, born March 11,
1735; and Benajah, born Aug. 10, 1738.
Jedediah Case, born March 30, 1733, died Jan.
II, 1818. He was a farmer and a large land owner
in Meadow Plain, where he spent his entire life.
He married. May 10, 1758, Mary Hart, of Farm-
ington, and his children were as follows : Jedediah,
born July 13, 1759, died April 28, 1858; Elihu, born
Jan. 15, 1761, died Jan. 13, 1822; Humphrey, born
Aug. '29, 1762; Phebe T., born Aug. 12, 1765, died
Feb. 18, 1823; Hezekiah, born March 11, 1769;
Elizabeth, born Feb. 2, 1771 (married ELhu Tul-
ler) ; Horatio Gates, born Sept. 27, 1777, died in
July, 1853 (the grandfather of our subject) ; Ruth,
born Alay 10, 1778, died March 15, 1838 (married
Asaph Tuller, of Simsbury). Jedediah, the eldest
of this family, had a son Nathan, born April 14,
1784, who was a lifelong farmer. He married
Lucy Moses, who was born June 9, 1786, daughter
of Michael Moses, and died in January, 1836. They
had four sons, Jay, Nathan Lee, Emerson and Mill-
ner, and Nathan L. became the father of Mrs.
F'ranklin Alford, of Avon.
Horatio G. Case, the grandfather of our subject,
was born in- Simsbury, and was an extensive land
owner and farmer. He owned and operated a large
tract of land in Meadow Plain, where he built a
fine dwelling-house and made other extensive im-
provements. He was a large grower of rye. He
represented the town in the Legislature, was a
prominent Whig, and very active in politics. In
middle life he lost his hearing, but aside from that
iiifirmity he retained all his faculties to a ripe old
age. He died on his farm, and was buried in Sims-
bury. He married in Sirnsbury, Hepzibah Corn-
ish, daughter of Sergt. Elisha and Hepzibah (Hum-
phrey) Cornish, of Simsbury. To Horatio G. and
Hepzibah Case were born eleven children : Nelson ;
Elam ; Mary, v.'ho married Jury Wilcox ; Samuel
H. ; John V. ; Julia, who married Elisha Case, of
Canton ; J. Marcus, who lived on the old homestead ;
Cordelia, who married James E. Brockett ; and three
who died young. The grandparents were members
of the Congregational Church.
Elam Case, father of our subject, was born on
the old homestead in the Meadow Plain District,
and grew up on the farm. When a young man he,
like many other young men of his day, engaged in
selling clocks, traveling through the Southern
States, principally in North Carolina. After his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1095
return home he settled on a part of his father's
farm, a tract of lOO acres, where he spent the bal-
ance of his life, and where he died. He was one
of the first raisers of tobacco in that section, and
also followed general farming and dairying. In
politics he was an Old-line Whig and later a Re-
publican. He was a member of the Congregational
Church. He married, in East VVeatogue, Sims-
bury, Ruth Case, born in East Weatogue, daugh-
ter of Philander Case, and to them were born five
children : Nancv, who married Henry C. Smith,
of Fair Haven; Julia C, who married L. H. Chid^
say, of Avon, Conn. ; Sarah R., who married
George' J. Case, of Canton; John Elam, our subject;
and Charles B., who is now on the homestead farm.
The parents died on the farm, and were buried in
Simsbury. They were good Christain people, faith-
ful and sincere in every relation in life.
John Elam Case, our subject, was born April
1 6, 1 84 1. He attended the district schools of
Meadow Plain, and also Maple Grove Academy
and the high school of Avon, Conn., was reared on
the farm, and remained with his parents until Au-
gust, 1862, when he enlisted at Simsbury in Com-
pany E, i6th Conn. V. I., under Col. Frank Beach
and Capt. Babcock, and was mustered in at Hart-
ford. He went to the front with the company, and
participated in the battles of South Mountain and
Antietam ; at the latter engagement he was shot in
both legs, Sept. 17, 1862, and was taken home. The
left leg had to be amputated at the thigh, Dr. Ells-
worth of Hartford, performing tne operation, and
after great suffering he recovered, but was unable to
perform any manual labor. Taking up the study
of music, he became proficient in the art, and also
in connection with its practice sold music. Later
for three years, he sold tickets at the Batlett Tower,
on Tallcott Mountain, town of Simsbury. Re-
moving to Fair Haven he obtained the position of
contractor in a corset factory, during which time
he continued the study of music. He then returned
to the old homestead in Simsbury, in the Meadow
Plain District, where he has lived ever since, en-
gaged in poultry raising, etc. He is the organizer
of the Case Orchestra, of which he is the teacher,
and is one of the best musicians in his part of Hart-
ford county. He is a stanch supporter of the Re-
publican party, and has filled all the offices within
the gift of the people of Simsbury, having served
as assessor, tax collector, member of the school
committee, of the school board, and as grand juror.
He was elected to the Legislature in 1872, just two
hundred years after John Case, the founder of the
family in Simsbury, represented the town in the
Colonial Assembly, and was again elected in 1889.
He was appointed to serve on the committee on
Cities and Boroughs, but on account of a deadlock
no business was transatted. Our subject also filled
the office of door-keeper of the Legislature for six
years. He was appointed notary public of the
State of Connecticut by Gov. Lounsbury, and re-
appointed by Gov. Cooke. Mr. Case is a member
of Village Lodge, No. 29, F. & A. M., and Columbia
Chapter of Collinsville ; is also a member of the
Veteran Masonic Association of the State ; is now
past comm.ander of Capt. Joseph R. Toy Post, No.
83, G. A. R., of Simsbury, and has filled all the
the offices of the post except chaplain. He was a
member of Advance Grange, of Simsbury. Li re-
ligious connections he is a member of the Congre-
gational Church of Avon, is chairman of the church
society, and a member of the society's committee.
Our subject was married, in 1875, at Bloomfield,
to Luretta Sophronia Humphrey, born in Bloom-
field, a daughter of George and Sophronia (Hamb-
lin) Humphrey. Mr. and Mrs. Case have one
child living, John E., Jr., who was educated in the
district schools of Meadow Plain, and graduated
from the West Middle District grammar school of
Hartford, in April, 1893 ; he also graduated from
the Hartford Business College, and is now a tele-
graph operator and ticket agent for the N. Y., N.
H. & H. R. R. Co., at Easthampton, Massachu-
setts.
The Humphrey family, of which Mrs. Case is
a descendant, dates back to one of the earliest colon-
ists of New England, Michael Humphrey, who was
among the first settlers of Simsbury, and was en-
gaged with John Griffin there in the manufacture
of tar and turpentine, which was shipped bv his
brother, of St. Malo, France, to the British nav3^
He came of a noted English family, who trace their
ancestry back to Sir Richard De Bohun Homfrey,
a relative qf William the Conqueror, by whom he
was knighted for bravery during the battle of Flod-
den Field. His great seal is often found on an-
cient English records. He was also a descendant
of Sir John Homfrie, whose picture, on his char-
ger, with coat of arms, now hangs in the British
Museum. Michael Humphrey's son Samuel mar-
ried Mary Mills. Their son Charles was bom in
East Weatogue, and was a farmer. He married
Hepzibah Pettibone, daughter of Samuel Pettibone.
Their son Abraham was born on the farm, and
became quite a prominent citizen. He married Lois
Merrills, of New Hartford, who married, after her
husband's death, Benoni Humphrey. The children ,
born to Abraham and Lois Humphrey were as fol-
lows: Sophia, born in 1761 ; Abraham, born in 1763,
married Marv Case; Lot, born in 1764, died Jan.
8 1835; Ralph, born March 4, 1766, died in May,
1836; Lois, born in 1766.
Lot Humphrey, who was born in 1764, in Sims-
bury, married, Oct. i, 1784, Chloe Moses, a daugh-
ter of Michael Moses, of Simsbury. She was born
. in 1763, and died May 5, 1829, in Bloomfield. Lot
Humphrey, at the age of sixteen years, served in
the Revolutionary army, and he witnessed the hang-
ing of Major Andre. He died Jan. 8, 1835, in
Bloomfield. The children born to Lot and Chloe
1096
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Humphrey were; Sarah, horn in 1786. married
Robert Case; -Mahala, born in 1788, died Aug. 3,
1843; Persia, born in 1790, married Calvin Cald-
well; Lyman, born Feb. 22, 1792; Trumbull, born
in 1794, died July 30, 1797; Harriet, born in 1796,
married Oliver Burr; Melissa, born in 1798. mar-
ried Orson Alills; Flora, born Oct. 15, 1803, died
Aug. 12, 1869.
Lyman Humphrey, grandfather of Mrs. Case,
was born Feb. 22, 1792, in Simsbury. He mar-
ried, Jan. I, 1812, Hannah, daughter of Select
Francis, of \\'cst Hartford, born Jan. 2},, 1794.
Tliey settled in IJloomfield. where they resided
through life, and celebrated their Golden Wedding
in 1862. They lived happily, were prosperous peo-
ple, and good Christians. The children born to Ly-
man and Hannah Humphrey were as follows ;
Trumbull, born Oct. 12, 1812; Chloe, Dec. 18,.
1813 (married Moses Cassett) ; George, .-\pril 14,
1816 (father of Mrs. Case) ; Hector F. and Mary
Ann, Dec. 3, 1819; William. Feb. 15, 1S21 (mar-
ried Roxana A. Pratt) ; Amelia. May 27, 1822 (died
young) ; Laura Alaria, Oct. 24. 1823 (died in July,
1847) • Goodwin Sheldon, May 18, 1825 (married
Charlotte L. Pardee) ; Cordelia, born April 2'B<. 1827
(married Charles Watkins) ; Henry and Henrietta,
twins, born Nov.. 19, 1828 (the former married
Cornelia Augusta Hart, the latter married Wilbert
Reed).
George Humphrey, the father of Airs. Case,
was born in Bloomfield, where he was educated,
and engaged in farming all his life. He was also
engaged in the manufacture of doors, blinds and
sashes, and spent his entire life in Bloomfield. He
married at Avon, Sept. i. 1837, Sophronia. daugh-
ter of Levi and Agnes (Hoskins) Hamblin, born
July 22, 1818, at Becket, Alass. The children born
to George and Sophronia Humphrev were: Edward
George, born Sept. 22, 1838, married Samantha G.,
daughter of Chancey Holcomb ; Luretta Sophronia,
born March 31, 1849, married John Elam Case, our
subject; Harriet Alarion, born Feb. 3, 1853. married
Chester Francis Goodwin ; Franklin Waldo was
born April 11, 1859. George Humphrey, the father
died in Simsbury, in 1895, and is buried in Bloom-
field. The mother made her home in Aleadow
Plain with Airs. Case. She died Jan. 16, 1900, in
Simsburv, and is buried in the family lot in Bloom-
field.
Air. and Airs. Case have a pleasant home, and
wide circle of friends. The wife and mother is a
lady of gentle manners and refined taste; she is a
member of Abigail Phelps Chapter, D. A. R. Air.
Case adds to his popularity by his genial disposi-
tion and his fund of accurate information.
Charles B. Case, the brother of our subject, was
born on the homestead in Aleadow Plain Dec. 21,
1843, ^iid received his education in Maple Grove
Academy and the high school of Avon. He is un-
married, and devotes his life to farming on the old
homestead, being engaged in tobacco culture and
in dairy and general farming; he is a director of
the Avon Creamery. In politics he is a Repub-
lican.
SAAIUEL PURNELL (deceased) was a na-
tive of England, having been born at South Trow-
bridge May 7, 1849. He died at South Manchester,
Hartford county, Alarch 12, 1897, of pneumonia,
after an illness of but one week.
Air. Purnell came to this country with his par-
ents when a child, the family settling in Rockville,
Hartford county, where he attended the public
schools until he reached the age of eighteen years,
when he entered the employ of Alessrs. H. & J.
Johnson, wholesale grocers of Hartford, as travel-
ing salesman. While thus engaged he acquired an
intimate knowledge of the tea business, and later
became a wholesale dealer in teas, conducting an
extensive and profitable business for several years
in Hartford. So thoroughly competent a judge
was he of this commodity that New York importers
regarded him as one of the leading experts of New
England. In early manhood Air. Purnell estab-
lished himself at South Alanchester, and after
boarding for a short time purchased real estate
and built the residence on Alain street which is now
tJie property of Henry E. Gates. He soon began in-
vesting in other real estate, and the business de-
velopment of South Manchester owes much to his
soimd judgment and progressive spirit. His first
purchase was the homestead plot of what had for-
merly been the farm of Ira Keeney, the property
fronting on Alain street, and extending from the
line of Park street on the north to Oak street on
the south, and back about five hundred feet, to the
dry brook. At that time the land lay considerably
north of the village, but Air. Purnell had the sa-
gacity to perceive that it was situated directly in
the path of the ultimate movement of the center of
population. For several years he made no effort
either to sell or to improve any portion of his pur-
chase. His first sale was to Ferris Bros., who
bought the lot on which their block now stands.
They were the pioneers in the movement north-
ward, and Air. Purnell disposed of no more lots
for two or three years. The next purchasers were
the builders of what are now the "American
Hotel" and the Weldon block.
Mr. Purnell, seeing that the tide of business had
fairlj' set in his direction, commenced developing
the remainder of his property. He began at the
northern end, where he erected what is now known
as the Park building, at that time the most pre-
tentious business block in town, with the single
exception of Cheney's store. Critics and wiseacres
were not wanting who prophesied that a store sit-
uated so far from the business center would never
be occupied, but Air. Purnell smiled, and the ten-
ants came, and calls for more stores in that neigh-
borhood soon followed. He laid a broad paved and
curbed sidewalk in front of his entire property, and
f
at
^'^^\ _\v^ i\^^[^
j4
Hh^^ - . ^jP-j
.'m
'^■'- -^
HflH^^HIv^
^^^^^^^I^B ''^^I^V
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1097
within a few years built the "Orford Hotel," a hos-
telry containing fifty rooms, with three large stores,
a hall, and a large billiard room. A small block,
Park annex, south of the hotel, and a one-story store
between the two nearly filled his front line, where
ten years before had stood the fence of the open
farm lot. While developing the front of his prop-
erty, however, Mr. Purnell did not neglect the rear.
Neat double tenement houses were built on a new
street which he opened on the eastern line, and a
3'ear before his death a livery stable in the rear of
the Park building was completed. Through his
cjuiet but persistent efforts he succeeded in trans-
forming 'his lot into the business center of the vil-
lage. With the single exception of the hotel, which
proved to be rather in advance of the demands of
the place, his buildings have returned a good in-
terest on his investment, and. the soundness of his
judgment has been abundantly demonstrated.
Mr. Purnell was of a retiring disposition, yet
while mingling little in general society he was ex-
ceedingly companionable with his friends. His
tastes were those of a refined, cultivated gentleman.
He read much, his favorite authors being Shakes-
peare and Thackeray, and so familiar was he with
the works of the greatest of English dramatic poets
that he might almost be said to have had his plays
"at his tongue's end." While not a member of any
church he was always ready to contribute to the ad-
vancement of Christianity, and one of the last acts
of his life was to tender the free use of his hotel for
the entertainment of the Methodist Conference.
Our subject was twice married. By his first
wife, Ella Page, of Springfield, he had three chil-
dren : Gertrude O., Harry and Maude. His sec-
ond marriage, in 1889, was to Elizabeth M. Finlay,
of South Manchester, and by this union there were
four children: Helen M., Dorothea, Elizabeth
and Katharine. Mrs. Parnell is a member of the
Second Congregational Church.
SOLOA'ION FINCH, who for many years has
been successfully engaged in the livery business in
Southington, was born in that town Feb. 2, 1813,
a son of Samuel and Hannah W. (Jones) Finch.
Ebenezer Finch, his paternal grandfather, was
born in Branford, Conn., in 1749, and Nov. 29, 1773,
married Ruth Foote, of Northford. They re-
moved to Southington, locating on the farm pre-
viously occupied by Deacon Thomas Hart. The
grandfather died Sept. 4, 1825. His children were
Caleb A., Jesse F., Solomon, Samuel, Ruth and
Eunice. The father of our subject was born in
Southington Nov. 10, 1784, and also lived on the
Deacon Hart place, where he died Feb. 25, 1841.
On Nov. 28, 1808, he married Hannah W., daugh-
ter of Nathaniel and Content (Johnson) Jones. She
died May i, 1875, at the age of eighty-seven years.
In their family were four children : Theron ; Solo-
mon ; Samuel' H. ; and Eunice, wife of Horatio
Dunham, all deceased with the exception of our
subject.
Solomon Finch spent his boyhood and youth in
Southington, and received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of thirteen he began life for
himself as a shop hand, working in various shops
in Southington and adjoining towns until he at-
tained his majority, when he again attended a term
of school, under Jesse Olney. Subsequently he
peddled clocks through New York State for a short
time, and in 1836 took an eight-months' trip through
Alabama, peddling and repairing clocks, and auc-
tioneering Yankee notions, etc., for $25 per month
and expenses. On his way to that State, while
crossing the Natural Bridge in Virginia, the horse
ran away, smashed the wagon, and jumped off the
bridge ; Mr. Finch afterward learned that the animal
was a noted runaway. At the end of the eight
months Mr. Finch, after earning more money than
any two peddlers in his company's employ, was
"beaten" out of his wages, and left without means
in Cahaba, Ala. This circumstance proved to be
the turning point of his life. In 1837 he practiced
dentistry in the same State, and then joined a
theatrical troupe, of which W. R. Hart was mana-
ger and proprietor, spending five years on the stage
in the Southern States and Cuba. After a varied
experience of a year and a half he returned to
Southington, in 1844, and engaged in the practice
of dentistry here until 1853, when he made a trip
to California, and followed the same profession in
San Francisco for two years. Owing to ill health he
then returned home, and on June 20, 1855, embarked
in the livery business, in which he has successfully
continued up to the present time, and has occupied
his present stand since 1859. He also practiced
dentistry in Southington and Bristol more or less
for some years, and finally drifted into the practice
of veterinary surgery, in which he has met with
almost phenomenal success.
In 1848 Mr. Finch was united in marriage with
Mrs. Arabella (Witham) Buck, of Southington,
and they have two children living: Ella G., wife
of John A. Brooks ; and Daisy Anne, wife of Dr.
James H. Osborne. Fraternally Mr. Finch is a
prominent member of Friendship Lodge, No. 33,
F. & A. M., of Southington, of which he was master
four years, and politically he is a stanch Democrat.
Fle has most creditably served his town as assessor,
grand juror and selectman, and was its representa-
tive to the State Legislature in the sessions of 1849
and 1873.
JULIUS BOND, an honored and highly-re-
spected citizen of Plantsville, who is now living
retired, was born in Canterbury, Windham county,
this State, Nov. 21, 1828, a son of Joseph and
Esther (Ford) Bond, and is of English descent,
tracing his ancestry back to William Bond, one of
the first settlers of Massachusetts.
1098
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject began his education in the common
schools near his boyhood home, and then attended
the Worcester Academy, where he was fitted for
college. In 1856 he was graduated from Brown
University, at Providence, R. I., and spent the fol-
lowing two years in McHenry county, 111., where
he supplied pulpits in different Baptist Churches,
having been licensed to preach, though not an or-
dained minister. Returning to Connecticut in the
fall of 1862, he located in Plantsville, and deciding
on account of a difficulty of the throat to engage
in other work, entered the employ of the Plant
Manufacturing Co. as bookkeeper, continuing with
them until 1875, when he became connected with
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., and served them in
the same capacity until his retirement from busi-
ness, Sept. I, 1899.
Mr. Bond was married, in 1856, to Miss Julia
E. Rogers, daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth
(Flint) Rogers, of Hartford; Mr. Rogers moved
to Illinois late in life. To this union were born
seven children, six of whom are still (1900) liv-
ing: Edith B.. wife of W. G. Haves; George R. ;
Adelia, wife of E. A. Marsh ; Catherine ; Emily,
wife of Rev. William J. Tate ; and William Gil-
bert. j\Ir. Bond is an earnest, consistent Christian
gentleman, and an active member of the Baptist
Church of Plantsville, of which he is serving as
clerk. His political support is given to the Re-
publican party. His honorable and useful career
is in many respects well worthy of emulation.
EUGENE S. CLARK, of Poquonock, is prom-
inently identified with the tobacco industry, lioth as
a grower and dealer, and is conceded to be an author-
ity on the culture and care of that plant. He has
had, at times, as much as sixty-two acres under
cultivation, and probably raises as large an amount
annually as any man in Connecticut, while he pos-
sesses the practical judgment and business acumen
which enabled him to place his product on the mar-
ket in an advantageous way. For many years he
has been the head of a leading firm of tobacco
dealers and jobbers in Hartford, and his reputation
in commercial circles is of the best.
Mr. Clark is a representative of a family which
has been prominent in Windsor from an early date,
and is of the seventh generation in descent from
(I) Hon. Daniel Clark, a noted lawyer, who was
secretary of the Colony of Connecticut in iC-.^i, and
again in 1664 to 1666. This worthy pioneer pur-
chased, in 1664, a triangular tract of land lying on
what is now Bloomfield avenue, Windsor, and there
he made his permanent home, his death occurring
Aug. .12, 1710, in his eightieth year. By his first
wife, Mary (Newberry), he had a son, Samtiel.
(II) Samuel Clark, the next in the line of de-
scent, was born July 11, 1661. He married Mehit-
able Thrall, daughter of Timothy Thrall, and had
a son, Samuel.
(III) Samuel Clark, son of Samuel and Mehit-
able Clark, was Dorn Nov. 10, 1688. He married
Abigail Owen, of Simsbury, daughter of Josiah
Owen.
(IV) David Clark, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born in 1725, and married Rachel Moore,
by whom he had twenty-one children.
(V) Russell Clark, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Poquonock, and lived to the age
of seventy-seven, his remains being interred in the
cemetery at Poquonock. As a business man he was
enterprising and successful, having an extensive
trade as a cabinetmaker? and for many years he
made a specialty of coffins. The homestead was
substantially improved during his occupancy, and
the house in which our subject now resides was built
by him. He married, Oct. 3, 1838, Sarah W.
Mather, and had five children : Gilbert, Bradley
and Samuel, all of whom died in Poquonock ; Fan-
nie, who married a Mr. Griffin, and died in Bloom-
field ; and Sydney, who died in Poquonock.
(\T) Hon. Samuel Clark, our subject's father,
was born and reared at the present nomestead, and
from an early age was active in business affairs, his
first money being earned at stripping tobacco from
the stalks at twenty-five cents per day. He learned
the papermaker's trade, t)ut did not follow it, as his
attention was turned in early manhood to inde-
pendent ventures, in which he made a large fortune,
his ability and thorough application to business
making his enterprises uniformly successful. For
forty years ne conducted a general store at Po-
quonock, his stock including dry-goods, groceries
and liquors, as was then the custom in similar es-
tablishments, and he also engaged extensively in
tobacco growing and had a cigar factory at the
village," his various lines of business employing
many men and bringing large sums of money to
the locality. His credit was of the best, and he
was well-known throughout the county, his sterling
qualities of character winning him a host of friends.
In politics he was a strong Democrat, and for six-
teen years he was postmaster at Poquonock, while
he also served at one time as a member of the State
Legislature. He was a small man, weighing from
140 to 145 pounds, but had a good constitution, and
lived past the average of three-score and ten, his
death occurring at Poquonock in September, 1881.
He believed in enjoying the good things of life
as they came. Mr. Clark married Cordelia Blanch-
ard, who survived him, dying at the age of eighty-
nine, at the residence of their youngest daughter,
then in Springfield, Mass. They had four children :
Frances, who married Byron Barnard, and died at
Poquonock, in the house where she was born ; Eu-
gene S., our subject; Emerist (Mrs. John Miller),
of Boston; and Hortense (Mrs. Theron Holcomb),
also of Boston.
( VH) Eugene S. Clark was born Aug. 30, 1833,
at his present home, and his education was begun
p
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1099
in the schools of Poquonock, T. M. R. Randall be-
ing one of his early teachers. For two years he at-
tended a school at East Hampton, Mass., but not-
withstanding his father's earnest wish that he should
continue his studies in more advanced institutions,
he felt too strongly inclined toward business life,
and as a boy liked nothing better than to be in the
store. After a time he became a member of the
firm of Samuel Clark & Son, and from boyhood he
has been interested in tobacco growing, his farm
in Bloomfield town being devoted to that crop. In
1869 he formed a partnership with H. H. Clark, of
Akron, Ohio, and engaged in business at Poquonock
as dealer's in leaf tobacco under the title of E. S.
Clark & Co. ; in 1896 the firm became Clark, Dimond
& Clark, their establishment being located at Nos.
225-227 State street, Hartford. Mr. Clark has re-
sided at the old homestead throughout his life with
the exception of fourteen years spent in Hartford ;
and his residence is one of the most attractive in
the town. While he is a thoroughly progressive
business man, his disposition is unassuming and
quiet, and his religious creed is based upon the
Golden Rule. He takes a hearty interest in all pub-
lic matters, being a stanch Democrat, but has never
sought or held office. Mr. Clark has all his life been
a lover of ourdoor sports, and has been a great
fisher and hunter. He built, in Poquonock, the
first and only trout hatchery, probably the first in
the State, and some years ago gave an exhibition at
the Fair in Hartford which was highly educational
and interesting. For years he has been the first
to catch the shad and the lampreys that run up the
Farmington river, and he has particular skill as a
caster of the fly in trout fishing. He has enjoyed
good health, and is possessed of a wonderful con-
stitution, but for two years he has been a little less
active than formerly.
Mr. Clark married Miss Jennie E. Potter, a mem-
ber of a prominent famil}^ of Hartford, and two chil-
dren have brightened their home : ( i ) Mabel H.,
born July 16, 1882, in Poquonock, is now being ed-
ucated in the St. Joseph convent, in Hartford ; she
is a natural musician. (2) Harold LeRoy, born
in Hartford, Oct. 20, 1888, is living in Poquonock.
The Potter family, from which Mrs. Clark is
descended, was founded in this country by Nathan
Potter, a native of England, and members of same
were among the early settlers of Rhode Island.
Daniel Potter, father of Mrs. Clark, was born in
Voluntown, Conn., July 3, 18 18, came to Hart-
ford in 1837, and for years engaged in the shoe
business. He now resides with his daughter. He
married Hannah Boardman Dunham (now de-
ceased), who bore him two children: Jennie E.
(Mrs. Clark), and Clayton, now a resident of Phil-
adelphia.
EDWIN ARMSTRONG RUSSELL was born
in Russell, Hampden Co., Mass., July 5, 1833, a
descendant of one of the oldest families of Con-
necticut. He is of English extraction, his great-
great-grandfather, William Russell, the first of his
name to settle here, having come from England and
taken up his residence in New Haven, where he
followed his trade of stonecutter the remainder of
his days.
Richard Russell, Jr., grandson of William Rus-
sell, and grandfather of Edwin A. Russell, was born
in New Haven, where he grew to manhood and
was educated in the district schools. While still
a young man he removed to Russell, Hampden Co.,
Mass., there settling on a farm of 130 acres on
which he made many improvements, and where he
passed the remainder of his life. He married Miss
Sarah Yale, of Bristol, Hartford Co., Conn., a lady
of unusual intelligence, and to this marriage nine
children were born : ( i ) Simeon, who married a
Connecticut lady and became the father of five
children, Griswold, Fanny, Auduma, Whitney and
Loomis. This family first removed to Ohio, and
thence to Michigan, where they spent the remain-
der of their lives. (2) Thomas spent most of his
life in Russell, Mass., but died in Burlington, Conn.,
the father of two children, Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Benajah S. Brockett, of Blandford ; and Sarah,
who became the wife of Andrew Hull, of Burling-
ton. (3) Louisa married William Henry, who
died in Ohio. (4) Matilda never married. (5)
Almon married and had a family of five children,
Almon, Amanda, Sarah, Celestia and Rodney; they
removed to Ohio, settling in Medina county. (6)
Abel was the father of our subject. (7) Yale re-
moved to Ohio, and settled in Franklin county. His
family consisted of four children, Cornelia. Darwin,
Wilson H. and Amanda. (8) Lydia, who was mar-
ried to Joseph Henry, a son of William Henry,
lived and died in Ohio. (9) William died yoimg.
The father of this family was a Whig in politics,
and in religion a Congregationalist ; his remains
now lie interred in the cemetery at Russell. His
wife died in Medina county, Ohio, at the great age
of ninety-nine years, nine months and some days.
Abel Russell, father of Edwin A. Russe'l, our
subject, was born in 1800, in Russell, Hampden Co.,
Mass., and educated in the district schools. He
spent the major part of his life on the old home-
stead of 150 acres, engaged in general farming,
dairying and stock raising ; later he removed to the
town of Blandford, in the same count)', was there
engaged several years in agricultural pursuits, and
finally came to Suffield, Conn., where he died at
the home of our subject in 1871, his remains being
interred in the cemetery at Blandford. He was a
consistent member of the Congregational Church,
in Blandford, and in politics was first a Whig, later
a Republican. He was very domestic in his habits,
was strictly temperate, and was greatly respected
for his sterling honesty and Christian character.
He married (first) Emeline Loomis, a native of
Southampton, Mass., and a daughter of Curtis
Loomis, which marriage was blessed with three
1100
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children : Almon, residing in Sullfield, Conn. ; Ed-
win Armstrong, the subject of this sketch; and
EHzabeth, who married Alexander H. Lewis (both
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis died in Springfield). The
mother of our subject died in 1853, at Russell, and
Mr. Russell afterward married Betsey (Ellsworth),
the widow of James Morton, of Blandford, where
she passed away without issue.
Edwin Armstrong Russell received his prelim-
inary education in part at the public schools of his
native town, and in part at its select schools, which
was supplemented by an attendance at the West-
field Academy. For several terms, during his
earlier manhood, he taught school, and also learned
and worked at the carpenter's and joiner's trade.
He spent ten years on fhe old homestead in Russell,
but in 1866 sold the farm and came to Suffield, buy-
ing his present farm of sixty acres, and here for
thirty-three years he has devoted his time and at-
tention to the cultivation of tobacco, to dairying,
and to general farming, meeting with uniform suc-
cess.
Mr. Russell was united in marriage, in 1855, at
Blandford, with Miss Sarah Louise Tinker, a native
of Blandford. and a daughter of David Parks and
Marv Elizabeth ( Hamilton 1 Tinker, who were of
English descent and old settlers of Blandford. One
child, Henry B. Russell, has blessed this marriage.
He received his elementary education in the public
schools of Suffield, later graduated at the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, of Suffield, and finally
graduated from .-Vmherst (^ilass.) College. He is
now a journalist and author of some repute. In
1896 he wrote the biographies of McKinley and
Hobart, and since has written the "History of In-
ternational ^Monetary Conferences," "Sketches of
the Klondike and Alaska Gold Fields," and also
a "History of the Late \\'ar with Spain." He mar-
ried Miss Louise Clark, daughter of Silas W. Clark,
of Suffield, and thev have had one child, Fordham
Clark.
Edwin A. Russell is a Republican, and is an
active worker for the success of his party. He
served his fellow citizens of Russell as selectman
and assessor for several years, and was also a mem-
ber of the school board of that town. In Suffield
he has served as chairrsan of the ooard of select-
men for three years, and as a member and chairman
of the school board. He was one of the organizers
of the Suffield Creamery Co., its president for sev-
eral vears, and has been superintendent of the
creamery from its start, in 1889. Mr. Russell is
prominently identified with the Congregational
Church in Suffield, was superintendent of the Sun-
day-school of same for several years, and has been
a deacon in his church since 1870, being recog-
nized as one of the pillars of the society. He is
a useful citizen, of the highest respectability, and
his amiable wife shares with him the esteem of' all
who know them.
PAUL THOMSON. This well-known resi-
dent of West Hartford is one of the leading foreign-
born citizens of that town, and in his successful
business career has shown the characteristic thrift
and enterprise of his race. Beginning with no cap-
ital except that acquired by his own industry, he
built up a large trade as a market gardener, and
is to-day quite well-to-do.
Mr. Thomson was born in Perthshire, Scotland,
April 15, 1846, a son of William and Annie (Mc-
Arther) Thomson, lifelong residents of Perthshire,
and descendants of old Scottish families. The fa-
ther was quite an extensive farmer, and both par-
ents were devout members of the Presbyterian
Church. They had a family of seven Children :
Robert, now deceased ; James, a resident of Hart-
ford, Conn.; Jessie, in New Zealand; William, a
banker of Glasgow, Scotland; Paul, our subject;
John, deceased ; and Annie, wife of George M.
Stearns, of Springfield, Massachusetts.
Paul Thomson acquired his education in the
public schools of his native land, and as soon as old
enough to be of any assistance commenced to aid
his father in the operation of the home farm, thus
acquiring a good practical knowledge of the occupa-
tion he has chosen as a life work. In 1871 he em-
igrated to America, and resided in Hartford for
three months prior to coming to West Hartford.
For a year he was in the employ of Joseph Daven-
port, and in 1872 bought the J. B. Powell farm, five-
eighths of a mile south of West Hartford Center,
on which he raised tobacco and garden produce for
ten years. Fie then devoted his entire time and at-
tention to market gardening, selling to the whole-
sale trade, in which business he met with most ex-
cellent success, continuing same until the spring of
1899, when he rented his gardening land, built
greenhouses, and now devotes his entire attention
to the cultivation of flowers, making English violets
a specialty.
On June 24, 1880, at Keene, N. H., Mr. Thom-
son was united in marriage with Miss Nettie D.
Metcalf, and to them have been born three chil-
dren : William Wallace, Carlyle Clififord and Ru-
pert Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Tliomson are both earnest
and consistent members of the Congregational
Church of West Hartford, and take an active and
prominent part in its work, Mr. Thomson having
been a member of the committee of the Ecclesiasti-
cal Society for a number of years, while his wife is
now president of the local work department. He is
master of the West Hartford Grange. Politically
he supports the men and measures of the Republican
party, and efficiently served as justice of the peace
in 1897 and 1898.
JOB COWING, a well-known resident of the
town of Suffield, has been identified with the agri-
cultural interests of that locality for many years,
and the honesty and uprightness of his character,
»
^LyO^ytA.^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1101
as shown in his daily life, have won him the respect
of the community. He and his estimable wife have
spent more than half a century of happy wedded
life and are still enjoying excellent Health, the after-
noon of their existence being brightened by com-
forts gained through their united efforts in former
years.
Mr. Cowing comes of good Colonial stock, his
grandfather, Gathelius Cowing, a native of Massa-
chusetts, having served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary army.
Job Cowing, our subject's father, was born in
Scituate, Plymouth Co., Mass., but removed in early
manhood to Chesterfield, Hampshire Co., that State,
where he made his permanent home and engaged
in farming and stock raising. In politics he was
a Whig, and as a citizen he was held in high esteem.
By his first wife, Rachel Coleman, he had one
daughter. Electa, who married George Kendall, of
Northfield, Mass. His second wife, Sybil King, of
West Hampton, Mass., was a woman of rare worth,
and was greatly beloved by her family and asso-
ciates. She died in Chesterfield in 1857, he in 1856.
They had children: Aurelia, deceased wife of R.
Gurney ; Elvira, married to Ansel Thyer ; Cynthia,
married to Jacob Loomis ; Dexter, deceased ; Eunice,
who died unmarried ; Fannie, deceased wife of
Jason Thyer; Job, our subject; Charles, next in :he
order of birth; Sybil, deceased wife of Spellman
Stevens ; Sumner, deceased ; and Austin.
Job Cowing was born Aug. 31, 1820, at the old
homestead in Chesterfield, Mass., and was reared
as a farmer boy, receiving only a district-school
education. When a young man he went to Orange
county, N. Y., to learn the millwright's trade, which
he followed for many years. After ten years he
removed to Northampton, Mass., and later he spent
six years at Stamford, Bennington Co., Vt., where
he became interested in the lumber business. He
then came to this section to engage in farming, and
settled upon Capt. Simon Ivendall's farm, in Suffield,
where he has since resided. In addition to general
agriculture, he devotes much attention to dairying
and stock raising, and by his able management he
has gained satisfactory results in all these lines.
Throughout his life he has been a firm believer in
the policy of the Democratic party, and while he
has not been an office seeker he has not shirked the
duties of citizenship, and at one time served as as-
sessor of Suffield. He is a man of sound judgment
and extensive reading, and in religion he bases his
faith upon the underlying principles of all creeds
rather than in those of any one denomination.
On Dec. 25, 1844, Mr. Cowing was married, in
Port Jervis, N. Y., to Miss Eleanor Cole, daughter
of Josiah Cole, a prominent citizen of Paterson,
N. J. Their home is marked by the influence of
Mrs. Cowing's refined taste, and their eight chil-
dren have been reared in a way to make them a
credit to their parents: (i) Walter is a black-
smith of Southington. (2) Julia married Senator
George F. Kendell, of Suffield. (3) Laura mar-
ried Irvin Lindsay, of Meriden. (4) Fanny mar-
ried Arthur Tildon, of Terryville, Conn. (5)
Frank resides in Meriden, where he is chief engin-
eer of the Fire Department. (6) James resides
in Toronto, Canada. (7) Miss Helen is at home.
(8) Addie married Ernest Austin, of Suffield.
WATSON GIBBONS, one of the oldest resi-
dents and most highly-respected citizens of the
town of Hartland, is the possessor of a handsome
property which now enables him to spend his years
in the pleasurable enjoyment of his accumulations.
The record of his life, previous to 1884, is that of
an active, enterprising, methodical and sagacious
business man, and who bent his energies to the hon-
orable accjuirement of a comfortable competence
for himself and family.
Mr. Gibbons was born in Granville, Mass., Feb.
18, 1812, and is a representative of an old and hon-
ored New England famil)', of Scotch-Irish extrac-
tion. His grandfather, Peter Gibbons, who was a
tanner and shoemaker by trade, was born in Durham,
Conn., April 20,1730, and during his younger years
was a subject of Great Britain, but lived to see the
Colonies throw off the yoke of oppression and be-
come free and independent. He made his home in
Granville, Mass., where he died in 1792. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church and a most con-
sistent Christian. His wife Sarah was born Jan. 31,
1 73 1, and died in Granville many years ago. In their
family were twelve children : Elizabeth, born Nov.
7. 1752; Peter, Aug. i, 1754; Lemuel, Oct. i, 1756;
Bildad, Feb. 2, 1759; Mary and Sarah (twins),
Dec. 31, 1760; Timothy, Feb. 22, 1762; Sarah (2),
May 5, 1764; Eli, Aug. 28, 1767; Jedediah Howe,
Feb. 18, 1770; Mary, Aug. i, 1772; and Hannah,
April 5, 1775.
Jedediah Howe Gibbons, the father of our sub-
ject, received only a limited education in the pub-
lic schools of his day, and throughout life followed
the occupation of farming. When a yoimg man he
purchased a tract of one hundred acres of land, to
the cultivation and improvement of which he de-
voted his energies until called from this life, Aug.
4, 1849, I'lis remains being interred in Granville
cemetery. He was noted for his upright character,
v,'as honored and respected by all, and was a Whig
in politics, but never an office seeker. He married
Elizabeth Cowdrey, who was born in Hartland,
Conn., in 1770, a daughter of Moses Cowdrey, one
of the old and respected settlers of that town. She
was a good Christian woman, and a faithful wife
and mother. She departed this life at Granville,
in 1844, and was laid to rest in the cemetery there
In the family were nine children, whose names and
dates of birth were as follows: Carlos, July 12,
1793; Dumaras, April 13, 1796; Philura, Oct. 25,
1798; Amoret, Aug. 20, 1800 (died June 4, 1802) ;
Hiram B., Sept. 26, 1802; Amoret, Feb. 19. 1804:
Elizabeth, Oct. 10, 1806; Martha, Jan. 6, 1810
1102 ■
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(died Tulv 13. 1810); and Watson, Feb. 18,
1812.
During liis bo_\hood our subject attended the
district schools, but his educational advantages were
meager, as his father was well advanced in life
and his services were needed on the home farm.
He struggled liard to support his parents in com-
fort, but labored under disadvantages on account
of his limited education. He was, however, am-
bitious, energetic and enterprising, and at the age
of sixteen started out in the world for himself,
selling farm produce in Hartford; in his trucking
business he used ox-teams. Thus he laid the foun-
dation of a useful and successful business life.
With the first money which he saved he paid off
the mortgage on his father's farm, and then as-
sumed charge of the same, caring for his parents
in their old age. In 1836 Timothy Cooley, a gen-
eral merchant, offered Mr. Gibbons an interest in
his business without putting in any capital, as that
gentleman fully appreciated the sterling qualities
and good business ability of the young man.
He
had, however, saved $400, and this he invested in
the business, which was successfully conducted un-
der the firm name of Cooley & Gibbons for four
years. In 1839 they started a branch store at East
Hartland, with Mr. Gibbons in charge, and when
he withdrew from the firm in 1841 he kept the store
at that place, being successfully engaged in mer-
cantile business there until 1884, during which time
he had three partners: Lyman Remington, for
two years; John J. Phelps, for the same length of
time ; and Philo P. Coe, for twelve years. In
1884 he leased his store to Fred Harding, and has
since lived retired from all business cares. For
half a century he had successfully engaged in gen-
eral merchandising, was also a dealer in lumber,
and had farming interests. A man of strict in-
tegrity, he was known far and wide for his upright,
honorable business career, and for the success that
he achieved in life he deserved great credit, for he
started out for himself empty-handed and rose to
a position of affluence entirely through his own
industry, perseverance and good management.
On April 30, 1834, in Granville, Mass., Mr.
Gibbons was united in marriage with Miss Eliza-
beth C. Parsons, a daughter of Oliver Parsons,
Esquire. She died June 3, 1882, and was buried in
East Hartland. She was a most estimable lady
and a good Christian. J\Ir. Gibbons was again
married, his second union being in November,
1882, with Mrs. Almira H. (Colton) Emmons, a
native of Granby, Conn., and a daughter of Lemuel
and Polly (Watson) Colton. By her first hus-
band, Darius Emmons, she had five children: Al-
mera, wife of Wesley Miller; Almeron (twin of
Almera), who became a resident of Kansas, and
died in January, 1898, aged fifty-five years; Irving
D., a resident of Hartland; Mary J., who died in
Boston in 1897, at the age of forty-eight years;
and Arthur, who died at the age of four years.
Mr. Gibbons has an adopted son, Watson E. Gib-
bons, his nephew, who is a native of Granville,
Mass., and a son of Hiram and Cynthia (King)
Gibbons, the former a brother of our subject.
Since a child of four years he had made his home
with our subject, being well-reared and educated,
and is now a traveling salesman for a mercantile
house in Springfield, Mass. He wedded Mary
Bannon, of tliat place, and has four children : Lena,
Grace, Sadie and Edward. In politics he is a Re-
publican.
Mr. Gibbons cast his first Presidential vote for
the Whig candidate in 1836, and continued to sup-
port that party until the organization of the Re-
publican party, when he joined its ranks, and has
since been identified therewith. In 1881 he was
elected to the State Legislature, and most ably and
satisfactorily represented- Hartland town in that
body. He has also most creditably filled a number
of local offices, including those of selectman, town
clerk, judge of probate, administrator in the set-
tlement of numerous estates, and postmaster at
East Hartland for four years. He is a consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and his life
has ever been in harmony with his profession. Mr.
Gibbons was made a Freemason in Tariffville many
years ago, and is a charter member of St. Mark's
Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Granby.
BURTON S. LOOMIS. The practical develop-
ments of modern scientific research have brought
into service a high class of talent, electrical science
being especially attractive to the keen minds of
the young men of to-day. The subject of this
biography, who is now connected with the Eddy
Electric Manufacturing Co., at Windsor, has made
a special study of the mechanisms by which Na-
ture's powerful fluid is converted into the servant
of man, and by his intelligent work as a machinist
has gained the respect, as well as the confidence,
of his employers. As a citizen Mr. Loomis is
thoroughly progressive and his elegant home in
Windsor, built in 1894, gives indication of artistic
taste and generous culture, his fondness for read-
ing being shown by an excellent collection of books
on current topics.
Mr. Loomis was born in Windsor March 10,
1868, the only child of Newton S. and Susan (Cas-
well) Loomis. In the paternal line he traces his
descent from Joseph Loomis, who was born about
1590 at Braintree, County of Essex, England, and
came in the fall of 1639 to Windsor, where he
died Nov. 25, 1658. In 1640 he purchased prop-
erty there, and his descendants in the town have
always been among its thrifty, "fore-handed" citi-
zens.
II. Deacon John Loomis, who was born in
England in 1622, died Sept. i, 1688, in Windsor.
He was married, Feb. 3, 1649, to Elizabsth Scott,
daughter of Thomas Scott, of Hartford.
III. Sergeant Daniel Loomis, who was born
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1103
June i6, 1657, died June 25, 1740. On Dec. 23,
1680, he married Mary Ellsworth, daughter of
Josiah Ellsworth, and on July 9, 1713, he mar-
ried Hannah Drake, a widow.
IV. Benjamin Loomis, the next in the line of
descent, was born Feb. 7, 1699, and died Jan. 2,
1763. On Dec. 9, 1725, he married Joanna Alford.
V. Sera j ah Loomis was born Dec. 4, 1740, and
died in 181 1. He was married, Oct. 24, 1767, to
Sybil Loomis.
VL Ira Loomis, our subject's great-grandfa-
ther, was born Feb. 13, 1770, and died Jan. 9,
1842. On March 5, 1798, he married Rosamond
Warner, of Scotland, Conn., who died Sept. 18,
1849.
VII. Ira Loomis, Jr., grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born May 2, 1802, and died Sept. 19,
1 89 1. In his youth he taught school for a time,
but his later years were spent at the old home-
stead in farming and brickmaking, in which he
gained a comfortable competence. On Feb. 12,
1834, he married Eliza Sheldon, of Sufifield, daugh-
ter of Deacon Samuel Sheldon, and she survived
him only ten months.
VIII. Newton S. Loomis, our subject's father,
was born in Windsor Jan. 17, 1835, and was edu-
cated in the Stonv Hill district school, and in the
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield. In the
meantime he assisted in the work of the farm, but
as he was not inclined to settle down to that busi-
ness he became a clerk in a grocery in Hartford
soon after leaving school. About 1857 he made a
prospecting tour through Minnesota and other west-
ern States, but after an absence of a year and a
half he decided that there was "no place like home"
and returned to the old farm. His time until his
retirement was spent in agricultural pursuits, and
after some years at the homestead he removed to
Bloomfield, where he spent thirteen years. He then
returned to the town of Windsor, and in April,
1893, he located at Windsor Center, but he died
on the 5th of May of that year. His remains were
taken to Bloomfield for interment. He was a mem-
ber of a political organization, in i860, called the
"Wide-awakes," and voted for Lincoln (first term).
On June 4, 1863, he married Miss Susan Caswell,
who was born in Hartford Dec. 23, 1835, and is
still living at the homestead. She received an ex-
cellent education in girlhood in the common and
select schools, and is held in high esteem in the
community where she has resided for so many
years. Her father, Edwin Caswell, was proprietor
of Washington market, Hartford, but during her
childhood he engaged in farming in West Hart-
ford, where she was reared. Her mother's maiden
name was Bethiah Wells, and Mrs. Loomis was
the fifth child and third daughter in a family of
eleven children, all of whom lived to maturity.
IX. Burton S. Loomis attended the schools of
the Southwest district of Bloomfield, his parents
being then residents of that town, and Miss Lilian
Humphrey was his first teacher. When he was
Sixteen years old the family returned to Windsor,
and afterward he studied for two terms in Han-
num's Business College, Hartford, thus laying a
good foundation for success in business life. On
leaving home in 1888 he went to Wahoo, Neb.,
where he spent one year in the offices of the Bur-
lington & Missouri railroad as agent's clerk. Later
he spent a year and a half as a cashier at New
Castle, Wyoming, and had the privilege of voting
for Francis M. Warren, the first governor of that
State, who was elected on the Republican ticket.
Altogether he remained about three years in the
West, a few months being spent as a baggage mas-
ter at Aurora, Neb., but as his father's health was
failing he came back home in November, 1890, to
assist in the management of the farm. In the
spring of 1892 he entered the employ of the Eddy
Manufacturing Co., with whom he has since con-
tinued. On Nov. 14, 1894, he married Miss Annie
L. Hubbard, daughter of Franklin B. and Louisa
(Loomisj' Hubbard, whose biographical sketch ap-
pears elsewhere. Two children have blessed this
union, Grace Htibbard and Theodore R., both liv-
ing. Mr. Loomis is a Methodist, and member of
the ofificial board of the M. E. Church, but his wife
is a member of the Congregational Church, and
they are popular among a refined and cultured
social circle. Politically Mr. Loomis is a stanch
Republican, as was his father before him, and his
first Presidential vote was cast for Benjamin Har-
rison, at Windsor, in 1892 ; he has never entered
the arena as an office seeker.
HENRY JACKSON DEWEY, the well-known
superintendent of the Granby Creamery, is a lead-
ing representative of the agricultural interests of
the town of Granby. A man of excellent busi-
ness ability and broad resources, he has attained
a prominent place among the substantial citizens of
his part of the county, and is recognized as a
leader in public affairs.
Mr. Dewey was born in the town of Granby
Oct. S, 1826, and belongs to an old and distin-
guished New England family, which has a prom-
inent representative in the hero of Manila. The
first of the family to locate in Granby, then Sims-
bury, Conn., was David Dewey, a Baptist minister,
who took up his residence at what is now known as
Bushy Hill, where he engaged in farming, and also
preached throughout the surrounding country. As
he lived prior to the Revolutionary war, and did
not wish to pay taxes to the British government,
his cow was taken from him and sold for that pur-
pose. . He died in Granby, and his remains were
interred in the cemetery there. This worthy gentle-
man was the great-grandfather of our subject.
David Dewey, Jr., the grandfather, was born
at Bushy Hill, and spent his entire life in the town
of Granby, as one of its highly-respected citizens
and well-to-do farmers and stock raisers. During
1104
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Revolutionary war he enhsted as a private in
the Colonial service under Capt. Phillips, and
valiantly fought until independence was achieved.
He was twice married, his second wife being Le-
vina Holcomb, daughter of Asa llolconib, and to
them were born seven children : David ; John, fa-
ther of our subject ; Samuel ; Eli ; Deborah ; Joseph ;
and Levina, wife of Joseph Day. The parents of
these children both died on the old ho-iiestead at
Bushy Hill, and were buried in Granby cesnetery.
They were consistent members of the Baptist
Church, and highly esteemed by all who knew them.
John Dewey, our subject's father, was born on
the old homestead Oct. i6, 1786, and was edu-
cated in the district school taught by .Miss Rebecca
Adams. He was one of the defenders of the coun-
try during the war of 1812. He remained on the
old homestead until 1818, when he moved to the
farm now owned and occupied by our subject, a
tract of fifty acres, where he engaged in general
farming, stock raising and dairying throughout
the remainder of his life. He died there July 16,
1853, and was buried in Granby cemetery. His
political support was always given to the men and
measures of the Democratic party, and he most ctbly
represented his town in the State Legislature. He
filled other official po.sitions, such as selectman, and
his public and private life were alike above re-
proach. He was married, in the town of Granby,
to Miss Julia Hayes, who was born in North
Granby, near the Massachusetts line, a daughter
of Phineas Hayes. Of the six children born of
this union, one died in infancy : Julia died unmar-
ried ; Henrv J. is mentioned below : Hilton is a
resident of Mississippi : Emma lives with our sub-
ject; and Hattie is the wife of Horace R. Chidsey.
The mother, who was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church, died in i860, and was laid to rest
beside her husband.
Henry J. Dewey w-as educated in the public
schools of his native town, grew to manhood on
the paternal farm, and after the death of his fa-
ther succeeded to the place, increasing its extent
from time to time until he now has 140 acres of
valuable land, which he has placed under a high
state of cultivation. He has always followed gen-
eral farming, dairying and stock raising, keeping
a fine herd oi Jersey cattle, and in 1882 he became
interested in the organization of the Granby Cream-
ery Co., of which he has ever since been a director
and stockholder. In 1884 he was appointed super-
intendent, and his good business ability and ex-
cellent management have brought to the concern a
high degree of success. Annually the company man-
ufacture 206,000 pounds of butter, which finds a
ready sale at the highest market price in Hartford,
New Haven, Waterbury and other Connecticut
towns, and in this way over $40,000 a year are dis-
tributed among the farmers of Granby. The suc-
cess of the enterprise is certainly due in a large
measure to Mr. Dewey, and through it he has pro-
moted the welfare of the community.
In December, 1857, in Westfield, Mass., Mr.
Dewey was united in marriage with Miss Laura
Searle. a native of Southhampton, that State, and
a daughter of Job and Laura (Tuller) Searle, an
old and respected family. Five children were born
to them: (i) William H., living on the home-
stead, is his father's partner in business, and is
<-! Republican in politics. He married Llattie Wells,
and has five children, Edith, Wells, Ralph, LeRoy
and Maurice. (2) Lizzie is the wife of Samuel
Frederick Holcomb, and has had four children,
Tudor, Laura, Lena (who died when eighteen
months uld ) , and one who died in infancy un-
named. (3) Emma A. is the wife of George F.
Clark, of North Granby, and has two children,
Ellis F. and Laura D. (4) Julia died in infancy.
(5) Nellie May, a cultured and refined lady, was
married, April 27, 1899, to Leroy.H. Wilcox; she
is now serving as secretary of the Granby Creamery
Co. The wife and mother died from a cancer, in
1893, and was laid to rest in Granby cemetery.
She was a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady.
In early life Mr. Dewey was a Democrat, but
since the organization of the Republican party, in
1856, he has fought under its banner, and has taken
quite an influential part in local politics. In 1876
he was elected and served one term as State rep-
resentative, was selectman of the town of Granby
four terms, and has also been a member of the board
of relief and of the school board. Socially he is
affiliated with St. Mark's Lodge, No. 91, F. & A.
M., and religiously is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he has served as
steward. He is a genial, pleasant gentleman, and
is quite a popular and influential citizen of his
community. Among his most cherished posses-
sions are a number of old relics which belonged to
his father and grandfather.
WALTER SMITH. Industry, thrift and sound
judgment make a combination of equalities which
will win success in any line of effort, and the his-
tory of this well-known resident of Windsor town
shows that he possesses them in a high degree. Com-
ing to this country without any other capital than
his own ability and energy, he has won a substantial
competence by his own endeavors, and his attractive
homestead near Windsor village is a tangible evi-
dence of his success.
Mr. Smith was born Oct. 22, 1828, in Gloucester-
shire, England, a son of George and Rebecca ( Shel-
ton) Smith, the latter of wdiom was a daughter of
Samuel Shelton, and of the same family as the
Sheltons of Connecticut. His father, who was em-
ployed in a factory for many years, died when our
subject was but two years old, leaving three chil-
dren : Harriett, who married Timothy Hunt, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1105
died in England; Walter, the second in order of
birth; and George, a resident of Talcottville, Conn.
The mother was married some years later to Will-
iam Bendell, by whom she had three children :
Charles, deceased; Frederick, a resident of Man-
chester, Conn. ; Elizabeth, who married and died in
England. Charles possessed unusual ability, espe-
cially in mechanical lines, and our subject cherishes
a miniature, full rigged, three masted ship made by
l;im, which shows remarkable skill. He served ten
years in the British navy, also five years in the
United States navy, and was drowned in April,
1876, at Poquonock.
During boyhood our subject had but limited ed-
ucational opportunities, as his mother found it
difficult to make a livelihood for her little family,and
each of the children was obliged to help as early
as possible. At the age of eleven Mr. Smith found
work in a mill, and as the mill law then required
children so employed to be given some instruction
every day he was not entirely deprived of a chance
to study. At sixteen he left the mill, his health
being impaired, and for some time followed various
occupations, giving especial attention to gardening,
in which he became known as an expert. For two
years he had charge of a gentleman's garden, for
one year of that time also having charge of a farm
in Gloucester. In April, 1854, Mr. Smith was
married, in England, to Miss Elizabeth Rogers, who
died in September, 1856, and in 1857 he came to
America, having saved enough money from his
earnings. He sailed from Liverpool and had a
trying voyage, the ship finally striking a rock off
Cape Sable, but after 700 passengers had endured
a night and part of a day of keen anxiety they were
safely towed into harbor at Shelburne, N. S. Mr.
Smith proceeded thence by schooner to Halifax,
where he worked in public gardens for five weeks,
but his health being poor he left by steamer for
Boston, and from that point he made a prospecting
tour for work. His first employment was as a farm
hand, in a marKet garden near Jersey City, his
former experience in that line being of great value
to him. Before leaving England he had decided
to locate at Rockville, Conn., where he had an
uncle, Samuel Shelton, and after a time he carried
out his plan, securing work on a farm there and
later in a mill. The panic of 1857 closed the mill,
and in January, 1858, he went to Windsor, where
he found employment in a woolen factory. His
characteristic thoroughness soon won the confidence
of his employers, and three departments of the es-
tablishment were placed in his charge, but in the
spring of 1864 he resigned to engage in farming,
which occupation he found not only profitable but
healthful. He is still regarded as an expert in the
business, especially as a cleanser and fuller, and at
times has returned to the mill for short periods to
perform some work requiring more than ordinary
skill. His first home was on what is known as
Cook's Hill, near Windsor village, and early in
70
1863 he removed to his present farm, which he pur-
chased from Dr. Preston. Under his able and
scientific management it yields a handsome income,
and in the afternoon of his long and busy life he
is surrounded by well-earned comforts. Mr. Smith
is now practically retired from hard work, and with
his good wife is spending the latter years of his
life in leisure, respected by all. He is regarded as
one of the leading farmers of the county, and his
business transactions will bear the closest scrutiny,
his word being as good as his bond everywhere.
Politically he is independent, with inclinations
toward the Democratic party, and while he is inter-
ested in public affairs he has always declined to be-
come a candidate for office.
After coming to America Mr. Smith married
Miss Mary Ryan, a native of the North of Ireland,
who was brought to the United States in childhood.
By his first marriage he had one daughter, Edith
A., widow of J. F. Read, of Cambridgeport, Mass.
By the second he has had one son, Walter G., born
Feb. 23, 1862, who has rented and runs the home-
stead farm, which is devoted to general crops. He
married Miss Edith Hunt, of Talcottville, and they
have two children, Ruth Amelia and Edith Harriet,
The family is much respected socially. Mr. Smith
is a member of the Episcopal Church of Windsor ;
his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In.
1874 they made a visit to England, his brother.
George, and family, accompanying them on their re-
turn, and now living in Talcottville.
DANIEL NEWTON FROST. The deserved
reward of a well-spent life is an honorable retire-
ment from business, in which to enjoy the fruits of
former toil. To-day, after a useful and beneficial
career, Mr. Frost is quietly living at his pleasant
home in West Suffield, surrounded by the com-
fort that earnest labor has brought him.
A native of Hartford county, Mr. Frost was
born in East Windsor March 22, 1826, of Eng-
lish ancestry. The first of the Frost family to cross
the Atlantic and take up residence in the New
World were three brothers, natives of England,
one of whom located in Maine, another in Boston,
Mass., and the third in Connecticut. The last
named was William Frost, who settled in AVindsor,
Hartford county, some time between 1632 and
1635, and there spent the remainder of his life. He
had four children : Andrew, a lawyer, of Fair-
field ; Daniel, a resident of Windsor ; Mary ; and
Sarah.
Josiah Frost, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Willington, Tolland Co., Conn.,
where he was reared, but when a young man he
removed to Ellington, same county, where he en-
gaged in farming until called from this life. He
and his wife both died in Ellington, and both were-
buried there. In their family vi'ere nine children,,
whose names and dates of birth were as follows :
Samuel; Aaron, 1747; David, Feb. i, 1750; Maryv
1106
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
April 15, 1752: Xoah, April 8, 1755 (settled in
Springfield, Mass.): Ephraim, Oct. 4. 1757: Reu-
ben, Sept. 18, 1760: Joel, Mav 16, 1763; and Sarah,
May S, 1765.
Aaron Frost, our subject's grandfather, was
born and reared in Ellington, and on leaving there
came to East Windsor, Hartford county, where he
owned a large tract of land and successfully en-
gaged in farming until his death, which occurred
Aug. 3, 1817. In politics he was a Whig, and in
religious faith a Congregationalist. He first mar-
ried Miss Parnel Wood, by whom he had two
children : Parnel. who married Dudley Granger, of
Suffield ; Aaron, who died young. On Aug. 13,
1777, he wedded Maggie Hammond, who was born
in 1750, and died P'eb. 18, 1837. being laid to rest
in East \\'indsor cemetery. She, too. was a faithful
member of the Congregational Church. The chil-
dren of this union were Aaron, born June 2, 1778;
Alpha, July 30, 1782; Seth, Oct. 10, 1789; and
Solomon, Jan. 24, 1791.
Solomon P'rost, the father of our subject, was
born in East Windsor, and received but a common-
school education. On reaching manhood he be-
came engaged in farming on a tract of 200 acres
of land, upon which he made many improvements,
and was extensively interested in the raising of
tobacco, rye, corn and stock. He made his home
in East Windsor throughout life, and at his death,
in 1854, his remains were interred in Windsor-
ville. His political support was given to the Whig
party, and he always took an active part in public
affairs. He was an earnest member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and was held in high re-
gard bv all who knew him. In East \\'indsor he
married Miss Nancy Pasco, a daughter of James
Pasco. She held membership in the Congrega-
tional Church, and died in that faith in 1853, and
they now sleep side by side in the Windsorville
cemetery. To this worthy couple were born eleven
children: Cynthia, deceased, who married (first)
Norman Pasco, and (second) James Burnham ;
David, deceased ; JNIary, \vho wedded Calvin Col-
ton, and died at the home of our subject; James,
deceased; Daniel N., our subject; Nancy, now the
widow of Joseph Allen, of Stafford, Conn., who
was a soldier of the Civil war ; Harvey and Henry,
twins, both deceased ; Sarah, widow of Monroe
Farnsworth, of Mundale, Mass. ; Julia, deceased
wife of George Richardson ; and Jane, who died
young.
Daniel N. Frost is indebted to the district schools
of East Wmdsor for his educational advantages,
and upon the home farm he acquired his business
training. After attaining his majority he started
out in life for himself, as a farmer upon a tract
of land which he purchased and greatly improved.
Several years later, however, he sold the place and
went to lUinois, but remained there only a short
tmie. Returning to Hartford county, in 1858, he
purchased the Johnson farm of fifty-six acres in
West Suffield township, upon which lie has since
made his home. For many years he was actively
engaged in general farming, stock raising and to-
bacco growing, but is now living retired, leaving
the operation of the farm to his son-in-law, Frank
O. Culver.
On Dec. 27, 1851, in Tolland, Alass., Mr. Frost
was united in marriage with Miss Louise Frost.
She traces her ancestry back to David Frost, who
was born in Ellington, Conn., Feb. i, 1750, a son
of Josiah Frost, and when a young man moved to
Granville, Mass., where he spent the remainder of
his life, as a farmer. His son, Arial Frost, was a
lifelong resident of Massachusetts, and was also
a farmer by occupation. He was born in Gran-
ville, and died in Tolland. He married Rhoda
Smith, and had four children : Anzolette ; Eli ;
Smith, the father of Mrs. Frost ; and Marilla, who
married John Moody, and is still living in Tolland,
Mass. Smith Frost was born in Tolland, and
throughout his active business life engaged in farm-
ing there. He was a Democrat in politics until the
Civil war broke out, and then became an ardent
supporter of the Republican party. In Tolland he
married Miss Rowena Barnes, of that place, and
to them were born four children: Louise, wife of
our subject; Arial, a resident of Granville, Mass.;
Abbie, deceased wife of Thomas Harrington ; and
Allen S., a resident of Otis. The parents, who
were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and earnest, consistent Christian people,
both died in Tolland.
Three children were born to our subject and
his wife, namely: (i) Mary, born Sept. 23, 1854,
died Jan. 10, 1885. She married. May 20, 1873,
Freeman Andrew Mann, and had four childreUj
Edwin F., Florence Ada, Walter Paul (deceased)
and Mary B. (2) Walter Pasco, born Sept. 17,
1856, married Emma Mclntyre, and has five chil-
dren, Daniel Newton, Casper David, James Mcln-
tyre, Myra and Walter Pasco. (3) Minnie, born
]\Iay 28, 1858, married Frank Culver, who now
carries on the old homestead, and they have three
children, Chauncey Newton, Edwin Arthur and
William Bennett. Mr. Culver was born in Bland-
ford, Mass., June 29, 1856, a son of John and Polly
(Stewart) Culver, and in 1882 came to Suffield,
Hartford county, where he has since engaged in
stock dealing and farming. In politics he is a
Republican.
Mr. Frost also gives his support to the men and
measures of the Republican party, but has never
taken any active part in political affairs aside from
voting. He was a member of the school committee
for several years, and has always given his support
to those measures which he believed calculated to
advance the educational, moral or social welfare of
the community. In his life work he met with well-
deserved success, and is now able to lay aside all
business cares. He has found a worthy helpmeet
in his estimable wife, who is a lady of marked in-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1107
telligence, and being a great reader she has be-
come well informed on the leading questions and
issues of the day.
STRONG HAYDEN BARBER. The Barber
family is one of the oldest in this section, and the
subject of this sketch, a leading resident of Wind-
sor, now occupies a homestead' which has been in
the family since 1640, when the land was granted
to Thomas Barber, his ancestor, in recognition of
his gallant service as a soldier in the Pequot war.
(I) Thomas Barber came from England in the
summer of 1635 with the Saltonstal colony, as a ser-
vant of Francis Stiles, who had been commissioned
b> Sir Richard Saltonstal, Knight, and other lords
and gentlemen, to enclose lands at Windsor, Conn.,
and erect dwellings for the colonists. A party from
Dorchester were ahead of him and disputed his
right, so that he was not able to carry out the de-
sign of his coming, but notwithstanding the op-
position of the "Dorchester Party," Thomas Barber
and others of the party finally settled at Windsor,
where he was married, in 1640, to Jane .
During the Pequot war he was in the thickest of
the struggle on the inside of the fort, and received
honorable mention from Capt. Mason for his valor
on that occasion, being one of the very few to re-
ceive such notice. His term of service expired in
1640, and in October of that year a lot of land had
been granted him, our subject's present homestead
being a portion of same. After some years he re-
moved to Simsbury, where he contracted to build
the first church, but he lost money on the venture
and the citizens there gave him a tract of land, upon
which he settled permanently, his death occurring
there. Of his children, the eldest, Thomas, set-
tled in Windsor or near Simsbury ; Josiah mar-
ried Abigail Loomis, and lived and died in the
southern part of Windsor; Samuel was the direct
ancestor of our subject, and is mentioned more
fully below ; John settled in Springfield, Mass. ;
Hannah married a Mr. Gillett, and settled in Suf-
field; and Mary married a Mr. Hale, and also re-
sided in Suffield.
(H) Samuel Barber, who was born in 1648,
built the first house that was erected by a Barber
on the old tract, this house stanaing nearly op-
posite the present Windsor Cannery. In 1676 he
married Ruth Drake, who was born in 1657, and
their children were as follows : Samuel married
Ziba Brown, and lived in Windsor ; William mar-
ried Esther Brown, and settled in Windsor ; Ben-
jamin married Hannah Lewis, and also settled in
Windsor; Joseph, a resident of Windsor, married
Mary Loomis; David married Hannah Post, and
settled in Hebron, Conn.; John is mentioned be-
low ; Ruth married William Phelps, and settled in
Windsor ; Mary married Peter Brown, of Windsor ;
Elizabeth married Daniel Loomis, and resided in
Windsor; Sarah married, first, Stephen Palmer,
and later a Mr. Phelps, of Westfield, Connecticut.
(HI) John Barber was born in 1696, and was
the first of the family to reside at the present home-
stead of our subject. In 1717 he married Jane Al-
ford, who was born in 1698, and they had the fol-
lowing children : John married Deborah Loomis,
and settled at Harwinton, Conn. ; Jane married
David Thrall, of Windsor; Naomi married Daniel
Barber, and settled in Windsor town ; Gideon mar-
ried (first) Hannah Gillett, and (second) Mary
Hoskins, a widow (born Clark), and settled at
Windsor, but later removed to Manchester, Vt.,
where he died; Asahel died in infancy; Asahel (2)
married Mary Collyer, and settled in Harwinton,
Conn.; Reuben married Sarah Mariman, and also
settled at Harwinton ; Jerusha married Jonah Bar-
ber, of Windsor; David married Mary Brown, and
settled at Windsor ; Noah married Sybil Booth, and
resided in East Windsor; Joel settled in Simsbury;
Jerijah is the next in the line of descent to our
subject; and Ruth married (first) Titus Burr, and
(second) Ebenezer Burr.
(IV) Jerijah Barber, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born in 1739, and died in 1792. He
served in the Revolutionary army, and was for
many years engaged in business as a tanner, being
the founder of the tannery at Mill Brook, above
Windsor. In 1765 he married Loanna Filley, who
was born in 1744, daughter of Amos Filley, and
died in 1793. Among his children was a son
Jerijah.
(V) Capt. Jerijah Barber, our subject's grand-
father, was born in 1766, and died in 1820. He was
a prominent citizen of his day and locality, and
was the last of the family to conduct the tannery
business. He was as straight as an arrow, and
was active in military affairs as captain of the 2d
Company, 1st Regiment, Connecticut Militia. In
1808 he built the house in which our subject now
resides. By his first wife, Deborah Dexter, to
whom he was married May 26, 1796, he had two
children: Fidelia, who married Alonzo Bridges;
and Deborah, who married Solomon Phelps, and
died in New York State. On May 27, 1806, he
married Anna Hay den, who was born in 1779, the
daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Hayden, and died in
1858. By this marriage there were six children:
Nathaniel H., born in May, 1807, died in January,
1888, was a leading Republican, and at one time
served as State Senator for this district. He never
married, and always resided at the present home-
stead. He owned water power at Mill Brook, where
he conducted an extensive saw-mill business, and
also had a brickyard. Rhoda Ann Lyman, born
Nov. 3, 1808, died at the age of thirteen years.
Mary J., born Feb. 24, 1811, died in childhood.
John H., our subject's father, is mentioned below.
Samuel Thomas, born Sept. 24, 1815, died in in-
fancy.' Samuel J., born in 1817, died at the age
of four years.
(VI) John H. Barber was born March 10, 1813,
in the house that our subject now occupies, and
1108
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was educated in the schools of that locality, ex-.
Governor E. D. Morgan, of New York, being one
of his school mates. Being reared to farm work,
he followed that occupation at intervals during his
life, but for years he was the leading member of the
firm of Barber Bros., in sawmill and brickyard busi-
ness. He was a well-built man, and very indus-
trious, and was regarded as a shrewd and success-
ful financier. His integrity was never doubted, and
as a citizen he was held in the highest esteem. Po-
litically he was a Republican, and although he never
cared for office he served for some time as treas-
urer of school district No. 4. In religious work
he was active as a member of the First Congrega-
tional Church, in which he was deacon for many
years and also a teacher in the Sabbath-school. He
died Dec. 9, 1873, at the homestead where he had
resided' through his life. On Dec. 23, 1846, he
married Aliss Clarissa Hay den, who was born in
Bennington, N. Y., May 19, 1821, daughter of
Strong and Louisa (Loomis) Hayden. She sur-
vived him, her death occurring Jan. 14, 1891, and
the remains of both are buried in Windsor ceme-
tery. They had six children, as follows: James
H., born July 20, 1849, died, in 1868, of typhoid
fever; Strong H., our subject; Mary G., born April
1853, died in August, 1853; Milton, born Dec. 16,
1854, died Alay 23, 1856; Gerald Thomas, born
Aug. 18, 1858, died in 1871 ; and Clara L., born
Nov. 18, 1862, is now 2klrs. George M. Wrisley, of
Windsor town.
(\TI) Strong Hayden Barber, our subject, who
is the representative male descendant of this gen-
eration, was born at his present homestead Oct.
12, 185 1. His education was begun in school dis-
trict No. 4, i\Iiss Fowler, J\liss Griffin and Cicero
Roberts being among his early teachers. In tnose
days the school sometimes had eight}' pupils en-
rolled in one room. Later Mr. Barber attended
Windsor Academy, under Prof. Standish, and the
State Agricultural College at Amherst, Mass.,
where he studied several years. He learned easily
and rapidly, being especially apt in mathematics,
and his studies were intermingled with active work
at home, where he became familiar with all the de-
tails of farm management.
On Aug. 20, 1877, Mr. Barber married ]Miss
Jennie H. Clark, a native of Willimantic, Conn.,
and daughter of John and INIary Wing (Hovey)
Clark, well-known residents of that city. Soon
after his marriage Mr. Barber settled near his pres-
ent home, but in 1888 he removed to the old house,
which he remodeled and improved, making one of
the most comfortable and attractive residences in
the town. He has always been prominent in busi-
ness life, taking part in most of the important en-
terprises projected in his locality, and for years he
was one of the principal stockholders in the Wind-
sor Creamery and the Windsor Canning Factory.
In every way he has given his influence toward
building up his community and attracting a de-
sirable class of settlers, but his ventures are quite
free from visionary or reckless methods, and un-
dertakings approved by him seem to succeed. A
number of homes have been built upon his lands,
and he is now one of the heaviest taxpayers and
land owners of the town, while he is also inter-
ested extensively in western real estate and other
interests.
In politics Mr. Barber was a Republican until
1888, when he became an ardent supporter of the
Prohibition party. For two years he was justice of
the peace, and his interest in educational affairs
is shown by twenty-five years of efficient service as
clerk of School District No. 4. He and his esti-
mable wife are prominent in social life, and are
leading members of the Congregational Church at
Windsor, in which he is now senior deacon. He
has also served as treasurer of the church, teacher
in the Sabbath-school, treasurer of the Ecclesias-
tical Society, and a member of the music commit-
tee. His home is brightened bv four clever chil-
dren: Mary PL, Harry C. (a student in the col-
lege at Amherst, Mass.), Robert H. and Ken-
neth W.
WILLIAM WILSHIRE SAVAGE (deceased),
in his lifetime a prominent and influential citizen
of Wethersfield, was born in Plartford April 29,
1829, and belonged to an honored old New Eng-
land family, some of whose representatives were
noted for their military success, while others were
prominent sea-faring men.
Capt. Florace Savage, father of our subject,
was born in Hartford in 1799, and in April, 1815,
shipped as cabin boy on the brig "Commerce," of
Hartford, owned by Riley & Brown, Josiah Sav-
age & Co. and Luther Savage, all of that city, and
commanded by Capt. James Riley. The crew was
composed of James Riley, captain ; George Williams,,
first mate ; Aaron Savage, second mate ; William
Porter, Archibald Robbins, Thomas Burns and
James Clark, seamen ; Horace Savage, cabin boy -
and Richard Deslile (colored), cook. They sailed
with freight to New Orleans, La„ and from there
took a load of tobacco and flour to Gibraltar, where
they landed their cargo in safety. They then sailed
for Cape Verde Island, but during the voyage the
vessel was lost off the coast of Africa, and the crew
was captured by the natives and held for a ransom.
The British consul, William Wilshire, obtained
their release, and for him Capt. Savage afterv/ard
named his son, the subject of this sketch. A full
account of this wreck and capture was written and
published by Capt. Riley many years ago. After
abandoning the sea the father of our subject engaged
in general mercantile business in Matamoras, Mex-
ico, where he owned property, and where he spent
the remainder of his life, dying in 1881, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-two years.
William W. Savage was reared in this county,
and received a good English education in the dis-
I
^^^.^. ^a>>oa^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1109
trict and high schools. During the gold excite-
ment in California, in 1849, he went to that State,
where he remained several years, and while there
lost the use of his right arm, from paralysis. He
then returned to his old home in Wethersfield, and
after regaining the use of his limb, followed the
sea, and was a pilot on the Connecticut river for
many years. He finally located on the old Judge
Williams farm, on Broad street, where he spent the
remainder of his life in farming, and where he died
April 3, 1895, his remains being interred in the
Cedar Hill cemetery. In his political views he was
a Republican, and in his church relations was a
consistent and faithful member of the Congrega-
tional Church. As a citizen he was honorable,
prompt and true to every engagement, and as a man
he held the honor and esteem of all classes of
people, of all creeds and political proclivities.
Throughout his career of continued and far-reach-
ing usefulness his duties were performed with the
greatest care, and during a long life his personal
lionor and integrity were without blemish.
On June 9, 1869, Mr. Savage was married, in
Hartford, to Miss Elizabeth Blinn, who was born
in Wethersfield Sept.. 10, 1826, and is still living
on the farm which her husband left her. She is
a most estimable lady, an earnest Christian, and a
faithful member of the Congregational Church of
Wethersfield.
Levi Blinn, father of Mrs. Savage, was a na-
tive of Wethersfield, and a member of one of the
oldest families of that town. In 1810 he married
Miss Nancy Woodruff, who was born in Farming-
ton Dec. II, 1 78 1, and they became the parents
of the following children: Nancy Adelia, born
Dec. I, 181 1, married Walter Adams, and died
Jan. 28, 1891 ; Cornelia, born Dec. 27, 1813, mar-
ried (first) Chester Wilcox, and (second) Bulkley
Edward, and died May 8, 1878 ; Harriet, born July
16, 1816, married Henry E. Rhodes, of New Brit-
ain; Lucy Ann, born May 5, 1823, married Francis
J. Calhoun, of Hartford, and is still living; Eliza-
beth, born Sept. 10, 1826, is the widow of our sub-
ject; and Levi, born Dec. 17, 1832, died young.
The father of this family died in Wethersfield, and
was laid to rest in Cedar Hill cemetery, and the
mother died in Hartford, and was interred in the
same cemetery. They were highly respected and
esteemed by all who knew them.
T. E. DUNCAN, for some time the popular
superintendent of the Hartford Paper Co.'s plants at
Poquonock and Rainbow, is one of the well-known
and prominent business men in that line, and by a
thorough practical training was well-qualified to
till his responsible position. He was born in Green-
ville, Conn., July 18, 1855, and belongs to a family
that has been quite prominently identified with
paper manufactories in the United States,
Thomes Duncan, father of our subject, was born
in Scotland, Aug. 13, 1832, a son of Thomas Dun-
can, Sr., and is descended from excellent Scottish
stock. He was educated in the parochial schools
of his native land. The first nine months after his
arrival in this country he spent in New Jersey, and
for over forty years he was a resident of Connecti-
cut, where he became prominently identified with
religious, political and other interests, his home
being in Poquonock. For many years he has
been engaged in the manufacture of paper, being one
of the leading manufacturers in Hartford county
during his residence here, and he is thoroughly
familiar with every department of the work, from
the office and management to the lowest position.
He is connected with the Hartford Paper Co., the
Globe Sulphite Boiler Co., and the Duncan Co., of
v/hich latter he is treasurer and general manager.
He was superintendent of the Plartford Paper Co.'s
Mills, at Poquonock, for a number of years, on
Nov. I, 1897, removing from that place to New
York City. The plant of the Duncan Co. is one of
the largest in the country, in completed state. Mr.
Duncan is thoroughly a self-made man, his success
in life being due to his own industry, enterprise
and good management, and he is widely known
as a business manager. During his residence in
Poquonock he was one of the most valuable and
influential citizens of the place, being especially
prominent in religious matters. He was a deacon
in the Congregational Church, was one of its fore-
most members and liberal supporters, and is an
influential representative of the denomination
throughout the State, being a member of the Con-
nedticut Congregational Club. The loss to the
church at Poquonock, in his departure, was a most
severe one. Mr. Duncan took an active interest in
all enterprises for the good of the community, and
twice served as representative in the State Legisla-
ture from Windsor, being elected on the Republican
ticket. He is a gentleman of most engaging person-
ality, and has hosts of friends in Hartford county.
Thomas Duncan has been twice married, his
first union being with Miss Grace Yule, who was
born June 14, 1834, and died Feb. 15, 1867. To
them were born five children: T. E., our subject;
John C, a well-known man in the paper trade,
now residing in Mechanicsville, N. Y. ; Grace, who
died while attending Mt. Holyoke Seminary ; Agnes,
who married Nelson R. Lord, of Poquonock,
where she died April i, 1897; and Elizabeth, wife
of Dr. Eggleston, of Meriden, Conn. For his sec-
ond wife Mr. Duncan married Mrs. Janet Gillies
Wilbur. The Duncan family has been one of the
most popular in Windsor.
During his boyhood, T. E. Duncan received the
education necessary to fit him for a successful busi-
ness life, and when entering his 'teens began to
secure a good practical knowledge of the manufact-
ure of paper. In the fall of 1869 he commenced
work at the very bottom, as his father's influence
did not serve to help him to secure a better position
beyond what ability would justify. His first
1110
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
duties were in the rag room, but he steadily worked
his way upward, gaining an excellent knowledge
of each department as he advanced. On his
father's retirement as manager of the Hartford Pa-
per Co.'s mills he seemed a fit successor, and was
given the position which he so efficiently and satis-
factorily filled until his removal to Mechanicsville,
N. Y., where he is now located.
Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with ]\[iss
Lucinda Davis, a daughter of Humphrey Davis,
a veteran of the Civil war, and they now have four
children : Grace B., Edgar T., Roy Leslie and
Earl H. The parents are both active and prom-
inent members of the Congregational Church, in
which Mr. Duncan has served as secretary and
superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is the
kind of a man wdio wields an excellent influence in
any locality, and is a true type of our best American
citizenship, being always ready to aid any under-
taking for the good of the public. While his at-
tention has been well occupied by his business af-
fairs, he yet found time to serve his fellow citi-
zens as representative to the State Legislature in
1893. This honor came unsolicited, but in the ca-
pable discharge of the duties of the office the people
found that their faith in his ability was correct.
He is an earnest advocate of a high protective tariff,
and, as a Republican, takes quite a prom.inent part
in local politics. I'raternally he is a member of
the Masonic Lodge at Windsor, and of the Grange
at Poquonock.
MRS. HARRIET ARABELLA (SPEXCER)
FULLER is a native of Suffield, born Jan. 5, 1850,
and is descended from one of our oldest and most
honored families, of which an account is given
below. Her education was obtained in the com-
mon schools of Suffield and at Lexington, ]\Iass.,
with a supplementary course in the Connecticut
Literary Institute, and on April 25, 1877, she mar-
ried William F. Fuller, a prominent tobacco dealer
of Hartford. Two children blessed the union :
Bessie Y., born Feb. 24, 1881, was graduated from
the Connecticut Literary Institute ; and William
S., born Oct. 28, 1885.
The Spencer family is descended from (I)
Michael Spencer and his wife Elizabeth, residents
of the parish of Stratford, Bedfordshire, England,
the line being traced through twelve generations
to our subject.
(II) Jerad Spencer, son of Michael, was born
in the parish of Stratford, where he was baptized
May 20, 1576. He married Alice , and
had five sons, all of \vhom came to America.
Thomas settled in Hartford ; John returned to his
native country ; William located in Hartford ; Jerad
in Haddam, Conn. ; and Michael in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
(III) Thomas Spencer, known as Sergeant
Thomas, was the progenitor of the Suffield branch.
He was born March 27, 1607, at the old home in
Bedfordshire, England, and on coming to Amer-
ica with his four brothers located first at Cam-
bridge, IMass., in 1632. In 1635 he removed to
Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker's company, be-
ing among the first settlers in that town. He served
in the Pequot war in 1637, being promoted to the
rank of sergeant, and later he received a grant of
sixty acres of land for his good service. By his
first wife, he had three children : Adaiah, Thomas
and Samuel. By the second there were six chil-
dren., viz.: Jerad; Sarah, who married Thomas
Huxley ; Elizabeth, who married Samuel Andrews,.
of Hartford ; Flannah ; Mary ; and Martha, who
married a Mr. Benton.
(IV) Thomas Spencer, the next in the line of
descent, was born in Hartford, Conn., and settled
at Suffield, Conn., in time to be made a voter at the
first town meeting. He located on a tract of land
known as the "Norton & Morgan Place," on Main
street, originally High street, and there engaged
in. farming. Pie died July 23, 1689, and was buried
in Suffield. His wife, Esther (Andrews), daugh-
ter of William Andrews, died in Suffield March
6, 1698. They had seven children : Abigail,
Thomas, Samuel, William, Anna, Elizabeth and
Esther.
(V) Samuel Spencer was born in Suffield, where
he was engaged in farming many years, his death
occurring Nov. 23, 1743. He was married, March
18, 1700, to Elizabeth Mancroft, a daughter of
Daniel Mancroft, of Roxbury, Mass., and two
children were born to them: Thomas and Daniel.
(\T) Thomas Spencer was born Jan. 13, 1702,
in Suffield, and there he spent his life, engaged in
farming. He served as a lieutenant in the French
and Indian war. He died Feb. 14, 1764, at his
home in Suffield, and his remains were buried in
Suffield cemetery. His wife, Mary (Trumbull), a
relative of Gov. Jonathan, Trumbull, of Connecti-
cut, was born in Suffield Dec. 2, 1701, and died in
1755. They had nine children: Elizabeth; Thomas
and Mary, who both died in infancy; Ann; Mary,
who died in infancy ; Mary ; Thomas ; Eliphalet ; and
Hezekiah.
(VH) Plezeiviah Spencer was born Dec. 16,
1740, and engaged in farming in Suffield, where
he died in August, 1799. On March 4, 1762, he
married Olive Natt, who was born in Wethersfield
Oct. II, 1735, and died Feb. 2, 1771. Five chil-
dren were born to this union. His second wife
was Deborah Easton, to whom seven children were
born.
(VIII) Hezekiah Spencer, son of (VII) Heze-
kiah by the first marriage, was born in Suffield
April 30, 1766. He was a farmer by occupation,
and in politics was a stanch Whig, while for many
years he was a leading member of the Congrega-
tional Church, to which his family also belonged.
On June 5, 1793, he married Jerusha Nelson, who^
was born in Suffield Dec. 17, 1771, and d'.ed Aug.
7, 1834. Four children were born to them : Heze-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nil
I
kiah; Mindwell, who married Julius Sheldon; Al-
fred; and Jane, who married H. P. Kent.
(IX) Hezekiah Spencer, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born in Suffield, and was en-
gaged in farming there throughout life. He mar-
ried Cecelia Spencer, and had four children : Thad-
deus H., Israel L., Calvin C, and Jennie C, who
married F. P. Loomis.
(X) Alfred Spencer, our subject's grandfather,
was born on the Spencer homestead July 12, 1801,
and was educated in the district schools of Suffield,
where he was engaged in farming in later years.
He died Oct. 17, 1838, and was buried in Suffield.
On Oct. 16, 1823, he married Harriet King, who
was born in Suffield Sept. 30, 1802, and died Dec.
15, 1844. Three children were born to them: Al-
fred ; Bethenia, who married James M. Pendleton,
of Westerly, Washington Co., R. I.; and Harriet,
who married James F. Pendleton, of the same place.
(XI) Alfred Spencer, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead Jan. 21, 1825, and
died Dec. 30, 1891. He was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Suffield and the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, became an extensive dealer in to-
bacco, and owned a- large amount of land. On
March 26, 1846, he married Caroline Frances Reid,
of Colchester, Conn., who was born Oct. 22, 1827,
and died Aug. 31, 1898, on the homestead. They
had eight children: James P., born Sept. 6, 1848;
Harriet A., our subject; Alfred, born Oct. 29, 1851,
married Ella S. Nichols, of Suffield, and is now the
president of the ^tna National Bank of Hartford ;
Mary Reid, born March 15, 1853, died Oct. 7,
1853 ; Clinton, born Jan. 2, 1856, served as a mem-
ber of the Legislature from Suffield in 1899; Carrie
E., born Dec. 7, 1857; Jennie, born July 20, 1859,
married George M. Montgomery, of Windsor
Locks; and Samuel Reid, born Nov. 4, 1871, now
a resident of Windsor Locks.
The Fuller family is also well-known in this
section, the first to locate in Suffield being Joseph
Fuller and his wife, Abigail Dibble, who were mar-
ried Feb. I, 1681, and resided for a time in Ipswich,
Mass., previous to coming to Connecticut.
(II) Joseph Fuller, the next in the line of de-
scent, married Bathsheba Hanchett.
(III) Joseph Fuller, born May 29, 1772, mar-
ried Rebecca Norton.
(IV) Apollos Fuller was a farmer in Crooked
Lane, in the town of Suffield, and was one of the
influential men of that locality in his day. He
married and had a large family of children, among
whom was a son William.
(V) William Fuller was thrown upon his own
resources at an early age, but through his energy and
ability became successful in business. Although
self-educated, he taught school in early manhood.
His first home was on Feather street, and later he
removed to the corner of Main street and Crooked
Lane, where his remaining years were spent, his
death occurring at the age of seventy. He was
prominent in religious work as a member of the
Baptist Church, and politically was first a Whig and
then a Republican, his work for party success being
limited, however, to voting regularly. His wife,
Emily Granger, who died at the age of fifty-nine,
was a daughter of Thaddeus and Silent (King)
Granger. They had three children: Wil'-iam H. ;
Catherine, who died when seven years old; and
Edward A., a well-to-do tobacco dealer of Suffield.
(VI) William H. Fuller, father of WHliam F.,
mentioned above, was a graduate of Brown Uni-
versity, and for some years conducted book stores
in Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. He
tiien took charge of the old Eagle Mills Paper Co.'s
interest at Stony Brook, and later engaged in in-
surance business. For twenty-two years he was
deputy collector of Internal Revenue. He died Dec.
28, 1890, in Suffield, where his last years were
spent in retirement. His wife, Sarah A. Hare, of
East Brookfield, Mass., died in Suffield Jan. 23,
1888, leaving three children : William F. ; Charles
S., cashier of the First National Bank of Suffield ;
and Emily A., widow of I. Luther Spencer, of Suf-
field. ' ■
EDWARD P. EMMONS was born at New
Haven, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1833. When he was a child
of four or five years his parents removed to Connec-
ticut, settling at East Haddam. Thirteen years after-
ward they made their home at West Hartford, and
subsequently moved to Guilford, where they resided
for four years.
Edward P. Emmons attended the common
schools, also the Robinson Institute at Guilford,
and when he was a youth of eighteen or nineteen
years his father rem.oved to New Britain, and en-
gaged in business there as a painter, employing his
son as an assistant.. In 1861 the young man bought
his father's interest, and conducted the es ablish-
ment alone. In 1871, he added the sale of wall-
paper to dealing in paints, and paper hanging has
now become an important feature of the business, as
are also house and sign painting. From 1866 to
1879, Mr. Emmons had a partner, George D. Stew-
art, the firm name being Emmons & Stewart. With
this exception he has carried on his afifairs alone.
As a business man he has a record of which he may
justly feel proud. For thirty-eight years he has
occupied the same location, although he has doubled
his frontage. During the busy seasons he not in-
frequently employs twenty men. His life story
is a tale of hard work, sobriety, thrift, sound judg-
ment and success. Fair dealing in business and
probity in small matters have won for him the re-
spectful esteem of his fellow townsmen. In private
life he is affable, courteous and generous; a man of
the class of whom New Britain is justly proud. He
is an attendant upon the services of the First Con-
gregational Church, and a liberal contributor to the
cause of religion and to charity. He is a member of
Harmonv Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and of the
1112
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Order of United American Mechanics; he has al-
ways been a RepiibHcan in pohtics, National and
State, although independent in his action in local
affairs. He has never been an aspirant for office.
Mr. Emmons married Charlotte, a daughter of \Vill-
iam and Anna Miller, formerly of the Beckley
Quarter. Four children have been born to them:
Ida, (George, Charles X., and Annie E. The two
first named (hed in infancy, and .-\nnic E. is the wife
of ImccI K. Thompson, of New Britain.
The following statement of ^Ir. Emmons" an-
cestry will be found of interest, for which the pub-
lishers acknowledge their obligations to "Andrews'
Genealogical and Ecclesiastical History." N. F.
Emmons was admitted to the Church on Aug. 6,
1854, on a letter lircsented from the church in (Juil-
ford, of which Rev. E. E. Hall was pastor. The
baptismal name given was Xoadiah Franklin, and
Mr. Emmons was said to have been the son of
Noadiah Emmons and his wife, Betsey Cone. The
elder Noadiah was born Feb. 23, 1782. N. Fw
Emmons married Nancy Carpenter, of Norwich,
Conn., a daughter of James and Elizabeth Carpen-
ter. Mrs. N. F. Emmons died Aug. 27, 1837, and
April 10, 1849, Noadiah F. Emmons married Ame-
lia S., daughter of Childs and Sarah (Porter)
Goodman. She was born Sept. 24, 1824. His chil-
dren by his first wife were Edward Payson, who
was born Nov. 20, 1833, at New Haven, and mar-
ried Charlotte Miller, on June 15, 1837; and Ade-
line, who was born May 25, 1836, at Defiance, Ohio,
and died when only two years old. By his second
wife lie became the father of Alexander Franklin,
born April 4, 1850, at Guilford ; Adeline Elizabeth,
born July 13, 1852; Mary Sophia, born March 8,
i860, who died within three weeks after birth; and
Harriet Amelia, born July 4, 1861.
WILLIAM J. COX, the well-known and pop-
ular grain merchant, was born Dec. 31, 1850, in
Bloomfield, same county, and is the survivor of
the three children born to the marriage of John
and Amy (Young) Cox, his twin sisters having died
unnamed. The mother was called away when our
subject was three and one-half years old.
John Cox was born in England, in the town of
Thames, about the year 1809, a member of a family
of seven. He learned the trade of miller in his na-
tive town, and in 1847. accompanied by his brothers,
George and Isaac, embarked on board a sailing ves-
sel at Liverpool, and after a voyage of five weeks
duration landed at the city of New York, whence
he came direct to Glastonbury, Conn. He found
employment in a gristmill, where the Naubuc Paper
Co.'s mills now stand, and in which he continued
about one year, when the Hartford steam mill was
put in operation by his brothers, George and Isaac,
whom he at once joined, and remained with them
three years. Mr. Cox then went to Bloomfield,
where, in company with a Mr. Gillett, he operated
a gristmill a few years, and then bought the Gaines
oil mill, which he conducted until, in 1857, he re-
moved to Hartford and purchased a grocery from
a Mr. Steele, on Albany avenue. This business
occupied his attention three years, when he returned
to Bloomfield and rented the mill he had formerly
operated, and of this he held possession until 1865,
when he removed to East Windsor Hill and pur-
chased the Dry Brook mill, operating same with
success until his death, which occurred in 1889.
By his marriage to Amy Young, a native of
Hartford, ]\Ir. Cox had three children, as men-
tioned above. His second marriage was to Louisa
Martenson, also a native of Hartford, and to this
union were born seven children, in the following
order : Louisa, who is married to Horace Granger,
and is living in East Flartford ; Edward, who mar-
ried Mary Fowler, and is also residing in East
Hartford ; George, who married Marie Allen, and
lives in Vernon ; Isaac, married to Jennie Brewer,
and making his home in Hockanum ; Frank, who
married Carrie Williams, and lives in Naubuc;
James, who is also married, and is living in Hart-
ford ; and Howard, who married Bertha Arnurius,
since deceased, and is a resident of East Flartford.
William J. Cox, whose name opens this article,
and now a prominent business man of East Hart-
ford, was educated in the schools of the various
districts in which his father's business interests re-
quired him to reside from time to time, but he
was an apt pupil, and acquired a sound knowledge
of everything taught in the common schools of his
youthful days. At the age of twenty years he left
the paternal home, and for three years was em-
ployed on the farm of G. H. Sloan, from which
time on he became self-sustaining, which, indeed,
11; might be said he had been for some years pre-
viously. He next went to Scantic, where for one
year he was employed in Osborne's mill, and then
went to Broad Brook, where for several years he
worked for S. G. Parsons ; then went to Farming-
ton, and shortly afterward came to Hockanum and
purchased his present business concern from George
L. Wheeler; in this he has since, by honest deal-
ing and affable treatment of his patrons, met the
same success which had crowned all his previous
undertakings.
Mr. Cox was united in marriage, Dec. 3, 1877,
with Miss Helen Parsons, daughter of Solomon G.
and Rhoda (Bissell) Parsons, natives of East AVind-
sor, and to this union has been born one son, How-
ard Orren, whose birth took place May 20, 1879,
and who is now assisting his father in the grain
business.
In politics Mr. Cox is a Republican, but has
never sought office, neither has he ever joined any
secret society. He and his wife a.nd son attend the
Fourth Congregational Church at Hartford, and
all do their full share in contributing to its sup-
port. They lead truly Christian lives, not at all
ostentatious in their outward manifestations of
piety, but quietly conducting themselves in such a
i
^^L^T^-U^
^J '^'7^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1113
manner that the sincerity of their convictions is
fully evident to all with whom they come in con-
tact.
Mr. Cox, although quiet and retiring in man-
ner, is a shrewd, keen business man. He worked
hard in his earlier years, and, being temperate in all
things, was able to put by a good share of his earn-
ings, which he invested sagaciously and judiciously.
His present grain business he has greatly increased
since he first purchased it. In 1898 he built a store
and warehouse on Main street, opposite the depot
in East Hartford, where he does a wholesale and
retail feed business in connection with his mill at
Hockanum, and his urbanity and strict integrity
have established for him an enviable reputation in
business circles. He owns a very neat and pretty
dwelling, which is the abode of complete domestic
felicity, as well as of a genuine hospitality.
EDWARD CONE TALLMADGE, one of the
most popular and public-spirited citizens of East
Granby, has been and is distinctively a man of
affairs, and one who has wielded a wide influence.
A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most
■determined individuality have so entered into his
make-up as to render him a natural leader of men
and a director of opinion.
Mr. Tallmadge was born in Springfield, Mass.,
Dec. 27, 1830, and belongs to a family of English
origin which was founded in New England at an
early day. His grandfather, Daniel Tallmadge, was
a native of New Haven .county. Conn., and spent
his entire life near the city of New Haven, where
he was engaged in farming. He took an active part
in the Revolutionary war, and participated in many
battles. He was one of the prominent and influ-
ential citizens of his community, and was highly
esteemed by all who knew him. He died in 1832,
and was buried at New Haven. He was twice mar-
ried, and had several children.
Marcus M. Tallmadge, our subject's father, was
born in 1798, near New Haven, where he was
reared and educated, and where he also learned the
gunsmith's trade with Eli Whitney, working at the
same for several years in both New Haven and Mid-
dletown, Conn. Removing to Springfield, Mass.,
he was employed in the Springfield Armory until
1840, and for the following five years conducted a
hotel in West Springfield, and also engaged in
farming. In 1845 he returned to Spring-
field, where he engaged in general merchan-
dising for seven years, and in 1852 came to
Granby, Hartford Co., Conn., where he carried on
a hotel and engaged in farming for several years;
be spent his last days in retirement from active labor
in East Granby, near Tariffville, where he died
Nov. 22, 1879, his remains being interred in Spring-
field, Mass. He was a self-educated man, and well
posted on current topics and events. Politically
he was an ardent Democrat, but no office seeker,
and religiously was an active and prominent mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, in which he served as
vestryman and warden. In 1824, he married Miss
Abigail Andrews, who died Oct. i, 1875, in East
Granby, Conn, her remains being interred at Spring-
field, Mass. To this worthy couple were born the
following children : Elizabeth died young. Julia
married George Church, and both are now deceased.
Edward C. is next in the order of birth. Andrew
Jackson and Rachel Jackson were twins, the former
died in May, 1844 ; the latter was a school teacher for
many years, and made her home with our subject.
Thomas enlisted during the Civil war in the 9th
Conn. V. I., under Col Cahill, and died in New Or-
leans in November, 1862. Henry H. is engaged in
the real-estate and insurance business in Washing-
ton, D. C. ; he served three years in the Civil war
in a Connecticut battery. Marcus Morton died at the
age of seventeen years ; and Lewis Cass is a resident
of Chicago, 111. He also was in the war under Gen.
Banks. As the twins of the family were named
for Andrew Jackson and his wife, that President
sent to the father a picture of himself and wife,
painted on ivory and mounted in gold. This Ss
still in the possession of our subject and his sister
Rachel, by whom it is highly prized.
Edward C. Tallmadge ajttended khe public
schools of West Springfield, Mass., and also the
academy at Westfield, that State, then under the
direction of Rev. M. Beebe. At the age of fifteen
he commenced clerking in a store in Springfield,
receiving $40 (first year) per year, and his board,
and remaining there until 1852, when he came to
Granby, Conn., with his parents. At the age of
twenty-four he was appointed postmaster at Granby,
and after filling the position two years connected
himself with the V. B. Palmer Advertising Agency,
of New York, Philadelphia and Boston, continuing
thus until Feb. i, 1858. He was then given a
position in the Treasury Department at Washington,
D. C, under Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treas-
ury, James Buchanan, President, and remainel until
June, 1869, during the administrations of Buchanan,
Lincoln, Johnson and Grant, receiving first $1,200
per year, and, later, $1,600. While residing in that
city he became interested in the real-estate and in-
surance business with his brother, being a member
of the firm of Tallmadge Bros., and continued this
connection until 1878, when he returned to East
Granby, Connecticut.
Mr. Tallmadge has since taken an active and
prominent part in public affairs, and in 1880 most
ably and acceptably represented East Granby in the
State Legislature; by a Republican speaker he was
appointed teller of the House, and also served on
several important committees. He was elected by
the people to the office of justice of the peace, which
he filled for fourteen years, and his rulings were
always fair and impartial. He has also been a
juryman for twenty years from East Granby, in
the courts of Hartford, a member of the board of
relief, grand juror, constable and assessor. His
1114
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
official duties have always been most promptly and
efficiently discharged, winning the commendation
of even his political enemies. He is imwavering in
his support of the Democracv, and is a recognized
leader in the ranks of his party in East Granby. He
is now living retired near TarifTville, but still takes
an active interest in public affairs, and keeps well-
informed on the issues and questions of the day.
SELDEN PHILO SEARS, who passed away
Jan. lo, 1900, was a prominent citizen of West Hart-
ford, and one of the men who make old age seem
the better portion of life.
^Nlr. Sears was born in the town of Chatham,
Middlesex Co., Conn., July 21, 1813, and traced his
ancestry back to Richard Sears, whose birthplace
is unknown, and who came to this country prior to
1632. He died in Yarmouth, Plymouth Colony, in
1676.
(II) Capt. Paul Sears, son of Richard, was
born Feb. 20, 1637, and died in Yarmouth, Mass.,
Feb. 20, 1707. He took the oath of fidelity in 1657,
and held a captain's commission in the militia. In
1658 he married Deborah W'illard, who died ]\Iay
13, 1721, and to them were born ten children.
(III) Paul Sears, a son of the Captain, was born
in Yarmouth June 15, 1669, and died I-"eb. 14, 1739.
In 1693 he was married, in Harwich, to Mercy
Freeman, who was born Oct. 30, 1674, and died
Aug. 30, 1747; her mother was a granddaughter of
Elder William Brewster. In their family were
twelve children.
(R") Joshua Sears, born in Yarmouth, Mass.,
Nov. 20, 1708, died in Middletown, Conn., Sept.
27, 1753- In Eastham, Mass., Feb. 10, 1731, he
married Rebecca Alayo, who was born Oct. 10, 171 3,
and they had twelve children.
(^') Capt. Elkanah Se^rs, born in Harwich,
Mass,, April 12, 1734, died in East Hampton, Conn.,
Nov. 24, 1816. He removed with his parents to
Middletown, Conn., in 1746, and after his marriage
lived on a farm west of Pocotopaug Lake. After
the Revolutionary war broke out he equipped a
privateer, which he commanded, ana which wa.s
captured by the British, but he escaped from cap-
tivity at night by eluding the sleepy guards. In
1780 he was a member of a committee to provide
necessities for the army. After the war he engaged
in mechanical and agricultural pursuits. In Middle-
town he was married, Jan. 6, 1757, co Ruth White,
a daughter of Joseph \Miite, of that place, and to
them were born six children,
(VI) Willard Sears, the father of our subject,
and the next in direct descent, was born Sept. 8,
1760, and died Aug. 23, 1838. He was a lifelong
resident of Chatham, Conn., where he followed the
cooper's trade, and was also a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary war; and fifty years after the close of that
struggle he drew a pension of about twenty-three
dollars and sixty cents per annum. On Nov. 23,
1785, he married Rhoda Bailey, who was born in
March, 1766, and died Feb. 17, 1794. To that
union three children were born. Willard Sears was
again married. May 22, 1796, his second union be-
ing with Mrs. Betsey (Clark) Strong, who died
Jan. 9, 1831. To them were born seven children,
of whom our subject is the youngest. Elijah C,
another son, was born June 23, 1805, and is still
living, making his home in South Dakota.
(\'II) Seldon P. Sears was reared and educated
in Chatham, and as soon as old enough began to
assist in the labor of the home farm. Pie started
out in business for himself by working in the quar-
ries, before he had attained his majority, continuing
his residence in Chatham until 1855, when he came
to Elmwood, W'est Plartford, and there made his
home imtil his death, being engaged in general
farming and the culture of strawberries. During
his latter years he lived retired. i\Ir. Sears was a
consistent and faithful member of the Congrega-
tional Church, and was highly respected by all who
knew him. In JMarlboro, Plartford county, Nov.
29, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Eve-
line Dickinson, who was born May 6, 1812, and they
became the parents of four children : Prescott A.
and Newman E. are both mentioned below ; Alida
A., born June 2, 1852, died Feb, 2, 1877; and
David Edward, born May 23, 1854, died Feb, 23,
1879. Mr, and Mrs. Sears had a happy wedded life
of over fifty-six years. She is still living at this
writing (1900). On ]\Iay 22, 1899, Mr. Sears joined
the Sons of the American Revolution as an original
son.
(VIII) Prescott Arnold Sears was born at
Chatham Oct. 16, 1846, and was educated m the
schools near his home there and at Elmwood. In
early life he was engaged in farming and the milk
business, but for the past fifteen years he has de-
voted his attention principally to market gardening
in West Hartford, and due success has not been
denied him. He, too, is a member of the Con-
gregational Church, and commands the confidence
and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact,
in either business or social life. On March 12,
1878, he was married, in South Hadley Falls, Mass.,
to Miss Julia, daughter of Nathan and Julia A.
(Barrett) Roberts, and to them have been born three
children : Charles Edward, who died in childhood ;
Sarah, born June 2, 1886; and Clara, born Mav 18,
1889.
(VIII) Newman Eliada Sears was born in
Chatham Sept. 16, 1848, and during his boyhood
pursued his studies in the schools of West Hartford.
Since attaining man's estate he has been interested
in stock breeding and the poultry business. He,
too, holds membership in the Congregational Church
of West Hartford. On Oct. 21, 1884, he was united
in marriage with Miss Florence Smith, a daughter
of Henry and Helen (Niles) Smith, of East Hamp-
ton, Conn., and by this union five children have
been born, their names and dates of birth being as
follows: Helen Alida, Sept. 12, 1886; Selden
'ty
'-e^cA^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1115
Philo, May lo, 1888; Dan Niles, July 18, 1891 ;
Charlotte Strong, May 4, 1893 ; and Ruth Willard,
July 31, 1894. Dan Niles died at birth, but the
others are still living.
GEORGE FRANKLIN WOODFORD, a prom-
inent dairyman of Bloomfield, senior member of the
firm of Woodford Bros., was born in the dwelling
which is still his home, Sept. 8, 1862. His grand-
father, Jeremiah Woodford, was a native of the
town of Avon, Hartford county, and married in
Bloomfield, Miss Hannah Latimer, daughter of
Capt. George and Hannah (Loomis) Latimer, the
former of Bloomfield, and the latter of Windsor,
Conn. The children born to this marriage were
Jeremiah, Hannah, George, Harriet and Lester, all
now deceased.
Lester Woodford, the youngest son of Jeremiah
and Hannah (Latimer) Woodford, was born on
the homestead in Bloomfield Sept. 22, 1821, in the
house erected by his father in 1820. He was edu-
cated in the Old Farm school where his mother,
before her marriage, had been the first teacher.
In Westminister, Vt., he married Miss Clarissa A.
Peck, daughter of Shubael Peck. Miss Peck had
been a teacher in the West Hartford (Conn.)
schools, and was well qualified for the profession.
To this marriage were born five children : Mary
Josephine; Harriet E., who married R. W. Barrett,
of Hartford, and became the mother of four chil-
dren, Marion L., Fred W., Edward L. and Robert
E. ; George L., deceased;- George F. ; and Sidney
J. The father of this family continued to farm
in the town of Bloomfield until he died, March 21,
1887; his wife survived until Jan. 11, 1897.
George F. Woodford spent his school days in
Bloomfield, and also attended a business college at
Hartford. He is extensively engaged in dairying,
selling cream to the Windsor creamer}^ and milk
to peddlers.
To the marriage of Mr. Woodford, March 26,
1890, with Miss Helen A. Wilcox, daughter of John
Wilcox, have been born five children : Lois Wil-
cox, Edna Almeda, Harriet Jennette, Ruth Wright,
and an infant son. Mr. Woodford is a member
of Hiram Ladge, No. 98, F. & A. M., and also of
the Grange at Bloomfield. A Republican in politics,
he in 1897 and 1898 served as selectman of the
town, filled the office of justice of the peace four
years, and is at present town collector. He is a
member of the Congregational Church.
John Wilcox, of Bloomfield, Conn., was born
Aug. 24, 1825, in that town when it was included
in the town of Simsbury. His great-grandfather,
Eli Wilcox, was born in East Granby, Conn., in
1744, and died in 1836, and Daniel Wilcox, his
grandfather, lived for some time in East Granby,
later in Hartland, and died in Bloomfield, also in
1836. Daniel Wilcox was twice married: (first)
to a Miss Phelps, of Granby, and (second) to
Mehitable Webster; he was a blacksmith by trade,
and made guns during the RevokDtionary war.
Eli Wilcox, son of Daniel, and- father of John Wil-
cox, married in January, 1809, Miss Lois Eno,
daughter of Sergt. Reuben Eno (who served in
the Revolutionary war) , and to this union were born
nine children : Jane C, Homer, Emily, Gad and
Amanda, all deceased ; and Asher, Jeannette, Cyrus
and John. In politics the father was a Democrat.
He died in Bloomfield Sept. 20, 1862, aged eighty-
six years; his wife, Lois Eno Wilcox, died Sept.
8, 187s, aged ninety-one.
Homer Wilcox married Catherine Hubbard; he
died Jan. 12, 1853, leaving a widow and four chil-
dren who moved to Wisconsin. Gad Wilcox mar-
ried Mrs. Hetta Lay Stannard, of Westbrook, Conn. ;
he died in May, 1895, leaving one child, Ida Jen-
nette.
John AVilcox was reared on his father's farm,
and was educated in the public school of the Dun-
caster District, also at the select school in Granby.
He still resides on the old homestead, and for
many years has been engaged in farming, in asso-
ciation with his brother Asher. On March 22, 1857,
he married Miss Susan M. Wright, daughter of
Orimel B. Wright, of Westbrook, Conn., and to
this union have beei" born four children: Helen
A., wife of George F. Woodford ; Benjamin Wright ;
John Asher, who married Miss Ellen Morton, at
Redlands, Cal., Oct. 31, 1894; and Emily J.
Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Congregational
Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and for thirty
years has held a town office, and in 1864 was
elected to the State Legislature. At present he
is one of the selectmen of the town, and has always
taken a deep interest in its prosperity. Mr. Wil-
cox has been a member of Hiram Lodge, No.
98, F. & A. M., at Bloomfield, since 1866, and is
one of the most respected residents of Bloomfield.
WILLIAM HUTTON, of the firm of Hutton
Brothers, prominent merchant tailors, clothiers and
dealers in gents' furnishing goods, Southington,
was born in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland,
Oct. 3, 1852, a son of James and Ann (McCowan)
Hutton. The father, a joiner by trade, came to
America in 1882, and located in Southington, Conn.,
on what is known as the Spring Lake property,
where he died in the fall of 1893. His childrer.
were Peter, John, William, James, Duncan and
David.
Our subject was reared in his native land, »re-
ceived a fair common-school education, and served
a four-years' apprenticeship at the tailor's trade in
Auchterarder and Perth. In 1872 he emigrated to
America, and located in Hartford, Conn., where
he worked at his trade until the spring of 1873,
when he came to Southington, and in the fall of the
same year embarked in business for himself, in
which he has since continued, taking his brother
Peter as a partner in 1879. Since then the busi-
ness has been conducted under the firm name of
1116
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hutton Brothers. They carry a high class of goods,
and have built up an excellent trade.
On Aug. 12, 1875, ]Mr. Hutton was united in
marriage with JMiss Isabella M. Cowans, a daugh-
ter of William and Isabella (Moncrieff) Cowans,
of Perth, Scotland, and two children have been
born to them: Esthel Irene, born April 19, 1882,
died Jan. 15, 1896; Ruby Isabella was born Nov.
25, 18S6. j\Ir. Hutton is an active member of the
First Baptist Church uf Souihington, of which he
is a trustee, and is also treasurer of the Sabbath-
school. He is a prominent member of the Masonic
Traternity, belonging to Friendship Lodge, No. 33,
F. & A. M. ; Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A. j\I. ;
and St. Elmo Commandcry, No. 9, K. T.,of Meriden ;
and is also a member uf Eureka Lodge, No. 75,
I. O. O. F. His political support is always given
to the men and measures of the Republican party.
j\lr. Hutton is now vice-president of the Oak Hill
Cemetery Association, a member of the school board
and served two years as a member of the board of
burgesses of Southington.
I'liTER HuTTOX, of the iirm of Hutton Brothers,
was also born in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland,
Dec. 31, 1847. Both his paternal and maternal
grandfathers were named Peter. In his native town
he grew to manhood, and in 1870 crossed the broad
Atlantic, first locating in Colchester, Delaware Co.,
N. Y., where he spent five years. In January, 1876,
he came to Southington, and was employed in the
clothing store of his brother William until 1879,
when he was taken into the business as a partner.
He was married, Sept. 19, 1879, to Miss Christiana
Lindsav, daughter of Thomas Lindsay, of Dela-
ware county, N. Y., and to them have been born
five children: Lindsay, Bessie, Hazel, Leslie and
Douglass. Peter Hutton is also a prominent mem-
ber of the First Baptist Church of Southington, of
which he is now a deacon and trustee, and in poli-
tics is a Republican.
JA^NIES PAL]MER has had a career since com-
ing to America which has been, in many respects,
exceptional. An Irish immigrant, without either
money or mechanical training, and working as an
unskilled laborer for small wages, he has made for
himself a competence by the mere force of his own
industry and thrift, aided by sagacious foresight.
i\lr. Palmer was born in 1827, in County Down,
in the northern part of Ireland, and was raised upon
a farm. He is one of six children born to Thomas
Palmer and Ann Milligan, and worked as a farm
laborer in the "old country" until he had reached
his twenty-first year. In 185 1 he embarked at Bel-
fast, in a sa-iling-vessel for New York. The voy-
age proved long and tempestuous. When about
three weeks out of port the craft encountered violent
storms, which carried away her mainmast and did
other serious damage, in consequence of which it
was forty-five days before she reached her destina-
tion. From New York i\Ir. Palmer came to Man-
chester, Conn., and for a year worked upon a
farm, at the scantv remuneration of fifty cents per
day. At the expiration of that period he found em-
p!o}ment as driver with David D. Hubbard, of
Glastonbury. The original agreement provided
for a term of fourteen days only, but some idea
may be formed of the mutual satisfaction between
the contracting parties Avhen it is told that their
connection extended over twenty-one years. Early
in the 'seventies Mr. Palmer returned to Manchester,
where he has resided ever since. Through hard
work, sobriety and economy, and by dint of sav-
ing, joined to judicious investment, he is at present
the owner of three houses there, besides his own
handsome home. He has been twice married. Ptis
first wife was Miss Lizzie McOubery, by whom
he became the father of three children: Lucy J.,
lames T., and Mary A. His second union was
with Miss Annie Moffett. There is no issue of the
latter marriage. i\Ir. Palmer is an active and
earnest member of the Second Congregational
Church.
CHARLES LYMAN JENCKS, a member of
the firm of Jencks Brothers, lumber dealers of East
Hartford Meadow and Manchester, is probably as
fair an example of the practical and successful busi-
ness man as can be found in East Hartford Meadow,
or, indeed, elsewhere. In his case, good sound
sense, combined with unerring judgment, has pro-
duced efliects that no collegiate education could have
brought about, as essential as the latter is deemed
to be for the attainment of success in any of the
multifarious vocations in life; yet the education of
Mr. Jencks was not altogether meager.
Ciiarles L. Jencks was born in Agawam, Mass.,
Aug. 18, 1864, a son of John H. and Caroline (Ris-
ky) Jencks, the latter a daughter of Lyman Risley,
a biography of whom will be found elsewhere. He
was a child when brought to East Hartford Meadow
by his parents, attended the local schools, and then
the Brown school in Hartford, from which he grad-
uated with the class of 1879. He then became a
bookkeeper for S. Marston & Co., lumber dealers
of East Hartford Meadow, whose business at the
death of Mr. Marston was continued by Lyman
Risley, the surviving partner, and the maternal
grandfather of Mr. Jencks. Under the new owner-
ship Mr. Jencks became salesman, buyer and gen-
eral manager. He had applied himself diligently
from the beginning of his connection with the busi-
ness, had mastered its every detail, and was quite
well fitted for his new responsibilities. On April 2,
1888, Mr. Jencks and his brother, John L., became
partners with their grandfather, under the firm
name of Lyman Risley & Co., and this was the
style until Jan. i, 1894, when it was changed to
Jencks Brothers.
The firm of Jencks Brothers is one of the push-
ing, energetic, hustling business concerns of the
town. They have introduced many new up-to-date
^
//-L-C^C^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HIT
features and methods in its conduct, and although
it is the oldest in its line in the town it is always
ahead in its processes. Both of the brothers are
keen and farsighted, keep well abreast of the wants
of the trade, and more frequently in advance of
them, always being prepared to meet any possible
demand, and generally anticipating it. They not
only supply the demands of the local trade, but
draw from every direction, and their stock con-
stantly on hand is so complete that it surpasses that
of many of the large yards of larger cities. They
are among the most prosperous business men of
the town, and deserve to be, as none give closer at-
tention to. the details, or are more prompt in filling
orders.
As their business increased the Jencks Brothers
found it necessary to increase their facilities for
meeting its demands, and in 1899 established a
branch yard at Manchester, in order to relieve the
pressure at the home office, and the combined busi-
ness of the two yards exceeds that of any one
firm in the same line in Hartford county.
They have also recently purchased some manu-
facturing land, and added to their business that of
manufacturing lumber. The brothers are yet in the
early prime of manhood, and their excellent busi-
ness judgment furnishes abundant evidence of this
fact. In addition to their lumber business the
brothers' investments in real estate have been ex-
tensive. They have erected houses on their prop-
erty, which in some instances they have sold, and in
others still hold, but altogether they have done much
to build up and increase the prosperity of the
village.
Charles L. Jencks first, married Carrie G. Ris-
ley, who bore him four children : Harold E., Her-
bert L., Miriam E. and Lillian A. Later he married
Mamie D. Mikklesen, who has borne him one child
— Dorothy E. Li politics Mr. Jencks is a Repub-
lican, but beyond regularly casting his vote for his
party's candidates he takes no further interest in
politics than keep posted in his country's progress.
Charles L. Jencks has for years been an admirer
of fine horses, a trait probably inherited from his
grandfather Risley, by whom he was practically
reared. He is a member of the Gentlemen's Driv-
ing Club of Hartford, and as a means of recreation
and of gratifying his admiration and tastes has
devoted considerable of his spare time to the breed-
ing and raising of the noble animal, and has had
some of the best and speediest ever owned in the
town. His well-equipped stable has a string of
animals that would delight the eye of any horse-
man, and among the speedy ones are "Bowgun,"
2:1414, "Mockingbird," 2:i5>4, and "Handy Girl"
— the latter probably the most renowned mare in
Hartford county. Mr. Jencks is an expert driver,
and at matinees at the Gentlemen's Driving Club
has been adjudged to be the best amateur whip in
East Hartford.
As citizens the Jencks Brothers are ttseful and
patriotic, and are ever ready to aid with their means
and influence any project designed for the public
eood. As business men their name stands untar-
nished.
LUTHER R. MATTHEWS, a trusted employe
of Clark Bros. & Co., of Southington, was born in
that town, Oct. 3, 1833, a son of Jesse and Huldah
(Hitchcock) Matthews, both representatives of old
and highly-respected Connecticut families.
Amasa Matthews, the paternal grandfather, a
joiner by trade, married Lucy Thorp, of Southing-
ton, and died July 15, 1844, aged sixty-two years.
He was a son of Moses Matthews, who was bap-
tized Aug. 14, 1757, and married Amy Mallory, of
East Haven, who died Dec. 17, 1833, aged seventy-
two years, while he died March 8, 1834. His par-
ents were Moses and Huldah Matthews, of South-
ington, where tha former died Oct. 23, 1806, the lat-
ter March 3, 1790. Moses was a son of Thomas
and Abiah (Parker) Matthews, of Wallingford,
Conn. Our subject's father was born in Southing-
ton, in 1803, and died July 8, i860, while the mother
was born March 26, 1800, and died Feb. 19, 1875.
In their family were seven children: Luanna, wife
of Julius Talmadge ; Elizabeth, wife of Moses Chan-
dler ; John H. ; Luther R. ; Franklin L. ; Mary J.,.
wife of Norman Winchell; and Fanny, wife of
Luther J. Smith.
Caleb Hitchcock, the maternal grandfather of
our subject, who held the military rank of captain,
was born May 17, 1760, and died March 10, 1828.
On April 10, 1809, he married Julia Thorp, who
died May 2, 1851, aged seventy-two years. His
parents were Samuel and Tamar Hitchcock, the
former born April i, 1730, and died in Southington,
May 8, 1798; the latter died Dec. 7, 1816, aged
eighty years. Samuel was a son of Benjamin
Hitchcock, who was born March 25, 1696, and was
married Oct. i, 1718, to Elizabeth, daughter of
Joseph and Esther (Benedict) Ives. He also held
the military rank of captain, and made his home in
Cheshire, where he died Feb. 12, 1767, his wife,
Aug. 8, 1762, aged sixty-two years. His father,
John Hitchcock, was married, Jan. 18, 1670, to Abi-
gail Merriman, daughter of Nathaniel Merriman,
of New Hampshire. About 1676 John Hitchcock
removed from New Haven to Wallingford, where
he died July 6, 1716. He was a son of Matthias
Hitchcock, who was born in 1610, and in 1635 sailed
on the ship "Susan and Ellen" for Boston. He
was one of the first settlers of New Haven, and one
of the proprietors who signed the civil compact
June 4, 1639. He died in November, 1669, at the
age of fifty-nine years.
Luther R. Matthews, whose name introduces this
review, was reared in Southington, and received a
common-school education. At the age of eighteen
years he entered the bolt factory of Bristol & Morse,
and was with them and other bolt manufacturers
until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he
1118
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
offered his services to his country, enlisting Sept.
17, 1 86 1. He became a private in Company K,
Sth Conn. V. I., in 1862 was made a corporal, and
the following year, while in front of Petersburg,
was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He parti-
cipated in nearly all the engagements in which his
regiment took part, and at the battle of Antietam,
Sept. 17, 1862, was wounded and taken prisoner, but
was re-captured a week later and again joined his
regiment. He was honorably discharged froni the
service Sept. 17, 1864, and returned home. Since
then Jie has been emplo}-ed in the forging depart-
ment of the bolt works of Clark Bros. & Co., at
Milldale, Southington.
]n July, 1857, Air. Matthews was united in mar-
riage with Aliss Mary E. \'an Horn, a daughter of
Charles and Caroline (Consolloy) \an Horn, of
Philadelphia, Penn., and to them have been born
three children : Louie W. ; Cora L., wife of Waldo
Stillman; and Eldora L. Mr. Alatthews is an
honored member of Eureka Lodge, No. 75, L O. O.
F.; Union Lodge, No. 17, Daughters of Kebekah;
William Berry Lodge, No. 25, K. P. ; and Trumbull
Post, No. 16,' G. A. R. Politically he is an ardent
supporter of the Republican party, and is as true
to his duties of citizenship in days of peace as in
times of war, when he followed the old flag to vic-
tory on many a Southern battlefield.
LE\T CASE. A long and useful life has won
for this well known resident of Canton the respect
and confidence of his fellow citizens, and has re-
flected credit upon a family name which has been
associated for generations with the best interests
of this section. Air. Case is a descendant of John
Case, a pioneer of Simsbury, of whom further men-
tion is made elsewhere in this volume, the line be-
ing traced through seven generations.
(II) Joseph Case, son of John, the pioneer,
was born in Simsbury April 6, 1674, and died Aug.
II, 1748. On April 6, 1699, he married Anna
Eno, a daughter of James Eno, of Windsor, who
was born April 10, 1682, and died June 10, 1760.
They had the following children: Joseph, born
Feb. 2. 1700; Jacob, the next in the line of descent;
a son, born in 1705, died Aug. 19, 1705; Benajah,
born in 1710, died after 1748; Josiah, born Feb.
I, 1716; Hezekiah, born April 26, 1719, died be-
fore 1748; David, born in 1722, died after 1748;
Joel, born Alay 30, 1724.
(III) Jacob Case, the next in the line of de-
scent, was born Alarch 19, 1702, in Aleadow Plain,
Simsbury, and in 1730 located at Case's Farms,
Simsbury, where he became an extensive land owner,
and followed agricultural pursuits. He died there
July 23, 1763. On Oct. 28, 1728, he married Abi-
gail Barber, who was born in 1706, and died Jan.
8, 1779. They had the following children: Abi-
gail, born Jan. 12, 1730, married Daniel Hoskins,
and died June 20, 1806; Sarah, born June 5, 1733,
married Elijah TuUer, and died Dec. 20, 1798;
Jacob was born June 19, 1735 ; Jesse was born
May 19, 1738; Anna, born April 9, 1740, married
Deacon Solomon Case, and died April 6, 1817;
Alartha, born Alay 21, 1743, died Dec. 30, 1748;
Aloses was born Sept. 18, 1746; and A'lartha, born
April 12, 1749, died April 5, 1834.
(_I\') Jesse Case, born May 19, 1738, settled
upon a farm in West Simsbury,near "Case s Farms,"
and his death occurred there Oct. 3, 1807. He
was married, Nov. 20, 1766, to Sarah Humphrey,
who was born in 1743, daughter of Capt. Noah
Humphrey, and died Alarch 13, 1818. They had
ten children : Jesse, born July 20, 1767, is men-
tioned below; Sarah, born Dec. 4, 1768, married
Samuel Leet; Augustus, born May 31, 1770, mar-
ried Hannah Hoskins, and died March 17, 185^ ;
Asenath, born June 30, 1772, died in 1776; Abigail,
born Oct. 13, 1774, died Aug. 5, 1825; Gideon,
born Feb. 26, 1779, married Persis Seward, and died
Alay II, 1822; Hannah, born Sept. 19, 1781, mar-
ried Edmund O. Sullivan ; Charlotte, born Jan.
24, 1785, married Allen Barber; Salome, born in
N'ovcmber, 1786, died Jan. 10, 1788.
(V) Jesse Case, son of Jesse, and grandfather
of our subject, was born in West Simsbury July
20, 1767, and died Feb. 11, 1842. Like his ances-
tors he followed farming as an occupation, and he
owned a large tract of land in Canton. He was a
deacon in the Congregational Church at Canton
Center for many years, and politically was a stanch
\\hig. His education was good for his time, and
in his early manhood he taught school, while he
always showed keen interest in educational affairs
in his community, serving as school visitor. On
Oct. 3, 1 79 1, he married Sarah Cornish, who was
born April 20, 1773, and died June 6, 1815. On
Jan. II, 1816, he married Lydia Church, who was
born in Hartland, June 22, 1778, daughter of Rev.
Aaron Church, and died Aug. 28, 1862. By. his
first marriage he had the following children : Jesse
O., born Oct. 29, 1792, married Chloe Gleason ;
Justin, born Jan. 4, 1795, died June 22, 1802; Ever-
est, born Dec. 19, 1796, is mentioned below; Sarah
born Oct. 31, 1798, married Ezekiel H. Wilcox;
Newton, born June 7, 1801, died April 12, 1807;
Elmira was born April 15, 1803; Justin (2), born
A'larch 11, 1805, married Rachel H-. Talcott, and died
Oct. I, 1841; Newton (2), born Alarch 12, 1807,
married Lemira B. Hurlburt; Rowena, born Nov.
27, 1809, died Jan. i, 1834; Abigail was born Aug.
21, 1 812. Bv the second marriage there were two
daughters : Lydia C, born Dec. 5, 1817, died April
9, i82o;Lydia (2), born April 25, 1820, died Feb.
25. 1894- , . , ^ ,
(VI) Everest Case, our subjects father, was
born in Canton Dec. 19, 1796, and died July 31,
1866, his remains being interred in the cemetery
at Canton Center. He received a common-school
education and became a cooper by trade, having
served an apprenticeship with Calvin Case, and he
also owned a small farm. He was domestic in his
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1119
tastes, avoiding any official honors and duties, but
he was well inlormed on the isues of his time, and
was first a Whig and later a Republican, sympathiz-
ing with the anti-slavery movement from the start.
He was also strongly anti-Mason in the days when
that question was agitated politically, while in his
religious views he was liberal. Un Jan. 6, 1820, he
married Lucy Case, who was born iVIarch 9, 1794,
daughter of Silas and Mary Case, and died Nov.
24, 1859. She was a descendant of John Case, the
■ pioneer, through his son, Bartholomew Case, who
was born in Smisbury, and married iVIary, daughter
of Lieut. Samuel Humphrey. Everest and Lucy
Case had . the following children : Sarah, born
Oct. 22, 1820, married John Green, Jr., and died
Nov. 15, 1898; Levi, our subject, was second in the
order of birth; Orestes, born March 23, 1823, died
Oct. 5, 1824; Emeline, born Nov. 12, 1824, died
Aug. 2, 1853, unmarried; Orestes (2), born May
15, 1826, was married Aug. 4, 1852, to Sophrona
Woodruff, of Hartford, and died March 3, 1899;
Lucy JMaria, born May 18, 1828, died Aug. 14,
1828; Miss Helen Rowena, born Aug. 15, 1829, re-
sides in Collinsville ; William Wirt, born Jan. 26,
1834, was a soldier in the Civil war (he was mar-
ried first on May i, 1862, to Eliza E. Humphrey, of
Bloomfield, and later to Harriet Irene Dexter, of
Coventry) ; Nathan, born Nov. 25, 1836, died Dec.
15. 1857; Lucy Ann, born July 9, 1838, died Sept.
16, 1838.
(VII) Levi Case was born Jan. 4, 1822, and
was educated in the district schools near the home-
stead, arid the village schools of North Canton and
Canton Center. For several winters he taught in
district schools at Canton, Granby, Simsbury, and
Barkhamsted, his summers being spent in farm
work, and for many years he has resided at his
present homestead, a small farm. For more than
fort}- years he followed surveying, and for thirty
j'cars he was a notary public, having been first ap-
pointed in 1854 by Gov. Dutton. He was a justice
of the peace for six years, and a selectman for two
years, and has served on the local board of relief
for many years, while in all movements for the bene-
fit of the community his influence is felt on the side
of progress, the temperance question being espe-
cially important in his opinion. He cast his first
vote for Henry Clay, and on the disorganization of
tlie Whig party became a Republican. His able
articles on historical and other topics in the public
press have attracted favorable comment, and he is
a correspondent of various newspapers. In relig-
ious faith he is a Congregationalist, and his la-
mented wife was a member of that Church. Mr.
Case was married in Ohio, March 3, 1859, to Eunice
Case, who died July 20, 1883, her remains being
interred at Canton Center. She was born in Sims-
bury July 18, 1821, daughter of Asa L. and Ro-
sannah (Buel) Case, granddaughter of Asa and Lois
(Dill) Case, and great-granddaughter of Deacon
Hosea Case. Of the two children born to this
union, (I) Asa Levi, born ;\Iarch 9, i860, resides
at the homestead, and is interested in market gar-
dening; he is a printer by trade. Like his father
he is a Republican in politics, and a member of the
Congregational Church. He was married, March 18,
1885, to Annette E. Pyatt, who was born in Farm-
ington; daughter of Samuel S. and Candace (W^eb-
ster) Pyatt, and they have had three children : Hor-
ace Asa, born March 17, 1886; Charles Archibald,
Jan. 12, 1888; and Rosa Candace, Oct. 31, 1890.
(2) Rosa Lucv, born March 30, 1864, died May
2, 1884.
JOHN ERWIN MORTON, who owns and
conducts the most extensive general business in Man-
chester, is one of that town's wide-awake and enter-
prising merchants, and ranks among her substan-
tial citizens.
Mr. jMorton was born Nov. 6, 1852, in the town
of South Windsor, Hartford county, and there
passed the early years of his life on his parents'
farm. His early education was acquied in the com-
mon schools of his native town, and was supple-
mented with study at the high school of Ellington,
Tolland Co., that State, whither his parents had
removed when he was a youth of sixteen. At the
age of eighteen our subject went to Stafford Springs,
Tolland county, where he commenced his mer-
cantile career as clerk in the store of L. W. Crane,
with whom he continued for three years. Return-
ing to Ellington he remained there a few months,
and then came to Manchester, with whose business
interests he has since been identified. Having pur-
chased the store of Levi Drake, he continued same
seven years, and for some time afterward, on ac-
count of ill health, was not engaged in any social
business. When able to resume work he started
on the road with confectionery, and he subsequently
carried on merchandising in the Union Manufactur-
ing Co.'s store, purchasing the business of Park-
hurst & Hayes. Mr. ]Morton began the erection
of his present store building in 1889, and the struct-
ure was completed in 1890, on May 17 of Vvhich
year he opened the general business which he has
ever since successfully conducted. The building,
a three-story brick, 40x50 feet in dimensions, is
the largest store building in Manchester, and is
completely stocked with a line of dry goods, boots
and shoes, men's furnishings, etc., besides grocer-
ies, Mr. Morton aiming to meet the demands of
all his patrons. He gives careful attention to the
details of his business, and the requirements of a
constantly increasing custom, and by his courtesy
and obliging ways has made numerous friends
among those with whom he has had dealings, and
has become widely known in and around i\Ianches-
ter, both as an honorable and upright man, and as
a business man of enterprise and sound judgment.
The second story of his building is used as a store-
room, and the third for an opera and hall room.
Though business interests claim his time altogether.
1120
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. ]Morton has become identified with the most
pubhc-spirited citizens of JManchester as one who
has the welfare of his town and county at heart,
and will give his support to any worthy undertaking
for its advancement or improvement. His political
sympathy is given to the Republican party. Mr.
Morton is not a member of any church, but he con-
tributes generously toward church work and Chris-
tian enterprises.
JOHN L. JliNCKS, of the firm of Jencks
Brothers, the popular lumber dealers of East Hart-
ford Meadow, as well as of South Manchester,
was born Aug. 2, 1865, in East Hartford Meadow,
in the house that stands immediately north of the
dwelling of Lyman Risley, his maternal grandfa-
ther, of whom a biographical sketch is given else-
where. In the sketch of Charles L. Jencks will be
found the family history of our subject — John L.
and Charles L. being the brothers who constitute the
lumber firm.
John L. Jencks attended the "Meadow" school,
with a Mr. Chafl'ee and Charles Anurews as teach-
ers, and next attended the "Brown ' school in Hart-
ford until 1 88 1, when he entered the lumberyard
owned by his grandfather, Lyman Risley, at East
Hartford Meadow, and worked for small wages,
at anything and everything — hauling lumber, piling
lumber, and caring for the horses. As his knowl-
edge of the business increased, so did his salary.
With his savings he bought from his grandfather
an interest in the business, and on April i, 1888,
he and his brother formed a partnership with the
grandfather under the firm style of Lyman Risley
& Co. A few years later the brothers bought the
entire interest of the grandfather, who wished to
retire from business, and the firm name is now
Jencks Brothers. Their trade rapidly increased
from the start, and is now immense, ramifying
through Hartford, East Hartford, JManchester,
South Windsor and other towns and villages.
Both the brothers Jencks have a strong liking
for fast horses, yet keep them almost solely for
pleasure and recreation, as they but seldom enter
them in races for purses. John L. Jencks has the
finest matched team in all New England, but his
favorite animal .s "Capt. Jencks," a roan stallion.
On Oct. 7, 1885, John L. Jencks was united in
marriage with Miss Carrie L. Brewer, who was
born March 22, 1864, a daughter of George C. and
Julia A. (Hurlbut) Brewer, natives of Hockanum.
This union has been blessed with two children:
Ethel M., born Sept. 9, 1887, and Percy C, born
October 13, 1889. The family attend the South
Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Jencks is
a devout member; in politics Mr. Jencks is a Re-
publican, but is too busy a man o give much heed
to party affairs; neither has he time to spare to at-
tend any secret organizations. In their business the
brothers are thoroughly practical, Charles L. at-
tending to the office work ; John L. having the yard
management, and they keep the trade on a constant
boom.
RICHARD J. MOMMERS. This gentleman;,
the present superintendent of the manufacture of
velvet in the mill of Messrs. Cheney Bros., is a son
of Theodor and Katharin (Seves) Mommers. The
father was a manufacturer of velvets at Lobberich,
near Crefeld, Prussia, which city is the center of that
ii'-dustry in Germany. Richard J. Mommers was •
born there March 19, 1846. He received a colle-
giate education, graduating from Kempen gymna-
sium, a preparatory school for the university, at
the age of nineteen.
On leaving this college Mr. Mommers at once
began the battle of life, in which he was destined
to play no mean part, and to win a substantial re-
ward. He was apprenticed for a term of three
years to a mercantile firm of Cologne, that he might
become thoroughly familiar with the general prin-
ciples that underly trade, as well as with the minor
details of a business career. While acquiring this
information the young clerk received no compen-
sation, and met all his expenses from his own purse,
the instruction which he received being considered
ample payment for the service which he rendered.
Young Mommers after completing his apprentice-
ship returned to Lobberich, and entered the employ
of his father, who, as has been said, was a manufac-
turer of velvets. He remained in his father's fac-
tory until 1878, when he embarked in a manufactur-
ing business of his own, but of a very different de-
scription. He erected a machine shop in Crefeld,
and began making looms for the weaving of silk
and velvet fabrics. In the spring of 1880 members
of the firm of Cheney Bros., of South Manchester,
visited Crefeld, and were so pleased with Mr. Mom-
mer's looms that they placed an order with him for
a number of them, stipulating that Mr. Mommers
should accompany them to the Connecticut mills,
and personally supervise their erection and instal-
lation. Accordingly, when his task was completed
the firm tendered him the position which he now
holds. He accepted the offer, and has filled the
post uninterruptedly since 1880, sending for his
family the following year. ,
Richard J. Mommers was married in 1872 to
Miss Matilda Janssen. They have four children,
Paul, Matilda, Richard and Ellen, aU of whom are ^
living. Mr. Mommers is a Republican in his poli- '
tical creed. He is not a member of any religious
body, but attends the Episcopal Church and con-
tributes to its support.
CAMPBELL PHELPS CASE. In the life of
the subject of this sketch has been demonstrated
the ability of an individual, bereft of father's care
in early childhood, to take up for himself the battle
of life and guide his way patiently but surely toward
the goal of success. Content to till the soil and fol-
l^Z^c
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1121
low the ways of his fathers, our subject has amply
shown the merit of his success.
Mr. Case is a representative of the Case family
which was founded in Simsbury, Hartford county,
in 1669, by John Case, and is seventh in the line of
descent from that ancestor, as follows : John Case,
Jr.; John, son of John and Mary (Olcott) Case;
Capt. John, son of John and Abigail (Humphrey)
Case, born Feb. 19, 1718, a soldier of the Revolu-
tionary war; Levi Case; Levi Phelps Case; and
Campbell Phelps Case. Capt. John Case, the great-
grandfather of our subject, married Sarah Barber,
Nov. 7, 1745, and their children were: John, born
in October, 1746; Giles,, born Feb. 20, 1748, died
Feb. 5, 1754; Seth, born Sept. 29, 1749; Sarah,
born July 27, 1751 ; Asa, born June 11, 1753 ; Mary,
born Jan. 2, 1755 ; Giles, born May 24, 1757 ; George,
born March 4, 1759; Levi and. Judah, twins, born
Dec. 14, 1760; Abigail, born Nov. 28, 1763. Capt.
John Case died Nov. 16, 1776, his wife Dec. 19,
1805.
Levi Case, the grandfather of our subject, born
in Simsbury, Dec. 14, 1760, one of twins, was edu-
cated in the district schools, and was a farmer. He
spent his entire life in Simsbury He married Polly
Humphrey, of Simsbury, and four children born to
them were : Polly ; Agnes ; Levi Phelps, father of our
subject; and Jairus, who was a graduate of Yale
Medical College, was a prominent physician, practic-
ing in Granby all his life, and was the father of
Hon. William C. Case, the well-known criminal law-
yer of Hartford.
Levi Phelps Case, the father of our subject, was
born in Simsbury, and received a district-school
education. He was a man of ability, through hard
study obtained a good common-school education,
and taught school during the winter months, both in
Simsbury and in Hartland. When a young man he
removed to Barkhamsted, Litchfield, Co., Conn.,
where he engaged in farming, and owned a tract of
land. Later in life he removed to Hartland, locat-
ing in East Hartland, where he bought a tract of
500 acres, and erected the first steam sawmill in that
section, engaging in the manufacture of lumber.
He also engaged in dairy and general farming, and
here spent the balance of his life, dying in 1850, and
was buried in East Flartland cemetery. He was a
Whig in politics, a pronounced anti-slavery man, a
member of the Congregational Church, and a man
of enterprise and progressive ideas, noted for his in-
dustry, honesty and honorable dealings. He was
temperate in his habits, a good Christian, and a kind
father and loving husband. Mr. Case married in
Barkhamsted, Harriet Jones, who was born in
Barkhamsted, daughter of Elijah Jones, of that
town. The children born to Levi Phelps and Har-
riet Case were as follows : Cornelius, who died
young; Harriet,, who married Frank Holbrook, of
Pompey, N. Y. ; Julia, who was a school teacher,
unmarried; Campbell Phelps, our subject; Helen,
who died young; and Lucian, now of Syracuse, N.
71
Y. The mother died at her home in East Hartland
in 1870, and was buried in East Hartland ceme-
tery. She was a member of tne Congregational
Church.
Our subject was only five years old when his
father died. He remained at home with his mother,
attending the district schools of East Hartland,
and working on the farm until his mother's death,
when he removed to Pompey, N. Y. There he was
engaged at farm work for two years, receiving $300
per year. In 1874 he came to Simsbury, worked for
one year as a farm hand, and then entered a ten-acre
tract of land and grew tobacco for one year. He
next rented the farm which he now owns, a tract
of 100 acres, which he operated for four years, and
was engaged principally in tobacco culture and
dairying. In 1880 he bought the farm owned by
Lucius Goodrich, where he is now extensively and
successfully engaged in dairy, tobacco and general
farming, keeping a stock of forty-five head of Jer-
sey cows, and he has made many improvements
upon his farm. He is also a stock dealer, and be-
longs to the Tobacco Growers Association of New
England. Mr. Case is temperate, honest and up-
right in character. He started in life a poor boy,
and has succeeded through hard work. He is a
Republican in politics, and was a member of the
board of relief. Himself and family are members.,
of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Case was married in Hartland to Mj'ra. L.-
Banning, who was born in Hartland, daughter of
Edwin Banning, of that town. To our subject and
wife have been born three children: Charles, edu-
cated in the district schools, also in the State Agri-
cultural College, and the Hartford Business College,,
is at Flartford ; Jesse is at home ; Ida May is
at schooL Mrs. Case is a member of one of the
oldest families of Hartland. She is a lady of re-
fined tastes, and has been a good helpmate, aiding;
materially in the substantial progress which her
husband has made as a citizen of Simsbury.
BUEL DAVID HODGE is numbered among-
the elderly residents of West Sufifield, by whose peo-
ple he is held in that reverence and respect accorded
those whose lives have been distinguished by integ-
rity and usefulness. He was born in East Gran-
ville, Mass., March 6, 1828, and belongs to a fam-
ily of English origin, which was founded in New
England during Colonial days. His grandfather,
Asa Hodge, was a native of Glastonbury, Hartford:
Co., Conn., where he was reared and married, and.
engaged in farming there during his early life, but
his last years were spent upon a farm in Westfield,
Mass. He was a good Christian gentleman, and lib-
eral in his religious views.
Henry Hodge, father of our subject, was born,
reared and educated in Glastonbury, Conn., where
he also followed farming. There he married Eliza-
beth (Betsy) Harmon, and to them were born five
children : George, a resident of Glastonbury ; BueL
1122
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
D.. our subject; Harriet, deceased, who (first)
married Chauncey Barker and (second) William
Caswell : Emily, widow of Amos Sampson, of South-
wick, Mass.: and Julia, widow of William Howell,
of Catskill, X. Y. The father with his family re-
moved to East Granville, Mass., where he followed
farming- until called from this life. He made many
improvements u]X)n his place, and was quite a suc-
cessful agriculturist. In political sentiment he was
a Democrat, and in his religious views he was lib-
eral. His wife also died in East Ciranvilk'. and both
were laid to rest there.
Buel D. Hodge is indebted to the district schools
of East Granville, Mass., for his educational advan-
tages. At the age of twelve years he left the paren-
tal roof, and co.nmenced earning his own living,
doing chores for neighboring farmers while he still
attended school. Leaving East Granville in 184(1,
at the age of eighteen years, he came to Suffield
town, Hartford Co., Conn., where he worked as a
farm hand for two years. He then obtained a posi-
tion at packing cigars for Neland Loomis, with
whom he remained for fifteen years, and was sim-
ilarly employed by a Mr. Austin for two years.
Later he spent two years as foreman of the George
W. Loomis cigar factory, and afterward packed
cigars in Hartford for a time. Returning to Suffield,
he drove a stage, and carried the United States mail
from Windsor Locks to Suffield for a short time,
and then purchased a tract of land from James
Hastings, in West Suffield. where he engaged in to-
bacco growing and general farming for nine years.
He then rented the B. Loomis farm of 100 acres, at
Suffield Center, and after operating it for nine years
he in 1885 bought his present farm, from Charles
Taylor. This is located in West Suffield, and has
been greatly improved by our subject, who is still
actively engaged in dairying, farming and tobacco
raising. Though quiet and unassuming in manner,
he makes many friends, and is held in high regard
by all with whom he has come in contact, in either
business or social life. Formerly he was a sup-
porter of the Democratic party, but since 1888 he has
voted with the Prohibitionists, being a strong tem-
perance man, willing to do all in his power to abol-
ish the liquor traffic.
In Suffield, in 1855, Air. Hodge was united in
marriage with Miss Marietta Cartter, a native of
Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y., and to them were born four
children : Clara, now the wife of Charles D. Warner,
of Ansonia, New Haven Co., Conn. ; Emma E., wife
of Francis Leroy Ashley, agent at Windsor Locks
for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road Co. ; Nellie, wife of Elihu S. Cook, of Hartford ;
and Lucy B., wife of Lawrence Hern, of Ansonia.
Mr. and Mrs. Hodge are both faithful members of
the Congregational Church, and have the respect
and esteem of all who know them. Socially he is a
member of Apollo Lodge No. 69, F. & A. M., Suf-
field.
The Cartter Family, to which Mrs. Hodge be-
longs, is an old and honored one in New England.
During the Colonial period Charles Carter, a native
of England, came to America and located in Maine.
While living there a plot was formed by the Indians
to destroy the town on the Penobscot river, and a
sc[uaw was to give the signal for the Red men to
advance. Through threats Mr. Carter obtained
from the squaw what the signal meant; then killed
her ; put out the fire ; and built another near the
falls. The Indians came down in their canoes, went
over the falls, and were drowned. The town was
thus saved, and William III, then king of England,
in honoring Mr. Carter for his bravery, changed
his coat of arms, and added the second "t" to the
name, which has since been spelled by the family
Cartter. Mrs. Hodge's grandfather was Charles
Cartter, whose father was in the Revolutionary war.
Her father, who also lx)re the name of Charles, was
a native of New York State, and in early life learned
the blacksmith's trade at Turin, N. Y., where he
followed it until after his marriage. After coming
to Connecticut, he worked in Collin's ax factory for
some time, and later followed his trade in Tariflf-
ville. East Granby and Suffield, Hartford county.
In Turin, N. Y., he married Lucy Coats, a native
of that place, and a daughter of James Coats, a
soldier of the war of 1812, and a pioneer of Lewis
county. The children born of this union were as
follows: Mary Ann, wife of James G. Hastings;
George, who died young; Mariette, wife of our sub-
ject ; Alarian, widow of John Cline, of Windsor
Locks, Conn. ; Maria, wife of Theodore Fitzgerald,
of Rochester, N. Y. : Marilla, deceased ; Charles W.,
deceased ; Martha, wife of Eugene K. Comstock, of
New London, Conn. ; George, who was drowned in
die Potomac river while serving as a soldier in the
Civil war ; Jame Monroe, deceased ; Mina, wife of
John Butler, of Groton, Conn. ; Julius, deceased ;
Medora, deceased wife of Joshua Loomis, of East
Hampden, Mass. The parents both died in West
Suffield, and were laid to rest there. They were
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and honored and respected by all who knew
them.
HENRY M. BEECHER, an honored and high-
ly esteemed citizen of Plantsville, who is now liv-
ing retired, free from business cares and respon-
sibilities, was born in Woodbury, this State, March
12. 1830, a son of Benjamin Dutton and Permelia
'Tuttle) Beecher, natives of Cheshire and Pros-
pect, Conn., respectively. The paternal grandfa-
tiier, Benjamin Beecher, a prominent farmer of
Cheshire, accumulated a fine property, and he
deeded a house and barn, with one hundred acres
cf land to the Home Missionary Society forever,
the income thereof to be used to spread the gospel.
This was in 1802 and 1805, when the Society was
first organized, and the property was leased for
999 years, and afterward, by special act of the Leg-
islature, was sold to the lessee. Mr. Beecher mar-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1123
ried Esther Barrett, and they had eleven children.
He died in February, 1835.
Benjamin D. Beecher, the ninth in the family,
was born Nov. 2, 1791, and died Jan. 17, 1868.
He was reared in Cheshire, and during the war of
1812 conducted a shop in Southington, where he
was engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills
tor cleaning wheat and grain of all kinds, his own
invention, and the first of that nature in the coun-
try or the world, as well as one of the best. He
carried on that business for several years, and in
1832 invented the first screw propellers used on
canal and steam boats, the first being made in
Cheshire, for use on the Farmington canal ; they
are now used on all ocean steamers and war vessels
throughout the world. In 1837 he built a boat
using his propeller for use on the Erie canal; this
boat was made in three sections, held together by
central pivots so it could be separated while passing
through the locks. Among the many other things
Mr. Beecher invented were a screw cutter, a horse-
power corn sheller, and a threshing machine which
he manufactured in New York City. For a num-
ber of years he made his home in Woodbury, Conn.
His wife, Permelia, was a daughter of Moses and
Demorest (Hitchcock) Tuttle, of Cheshire. Her
father was a soldier and pensioner of the Revolu-
tionary war, having enlisted at Cheshire and served
tinder Capt. Bradley and Col. Douglass. The Tut-
ties were among the pioneers of Prospect and
Cheshire, and William Tuttle, the founder of the
family in America, was at one time the owner of
the land now occupied by Yale College. To Ben-
jamin D. Beecher and wife were born six chil-
dren ; Luther, a successful business man and mil-
lionaire of Detroit, Mich., who died in 1892 ; Sophia,
wife of Janes Porter; Hiram and Ira, both de-
ceased ; Amelia, deceased wife of John Fenton ;
and Henry M., our subject.
The early life of Henry M. Beecher was passed
in Prospect and Southington, and he learned the
machinist's trade in South Boston, where he re-
m.ained six years. For a time he was in the employ
of Peck & Co., of Southington, and from there
went to Watertown, where he was engaged in get-
ting out machinery for the manufacture of pins.
In 1858 he entered the employ of the firm now
known as the H. D. Smith Co., of Plantsville, and
had charge of their machinery department for fif-
teen years at one time, and five years at another.
For thirteen years he was also engaged in the man-
ufacture of Peck's drops, for forging purposes, in
the city of New Haven, and he retired from active
business in 1890, in 1894 removing to Plantsville,
where he has since made his home. He seems to
have inherited much of his father's inventive
genius, and during his business career invented
a carriage shaft coupling, dies for forming carriage
shaft shackles, carriage clips, blank and dies for
making same, plate for carriages, carriage spring
clips, dies for forging carriage shackles, eyes, clip
King bolts, machinery for making axle clips, and
a design for a carriage slip pad.
Mr. Beecher was married, April 10, 1854, to
Miss Sarah M. Payson, a daughter of Hiram and
Philena (Fuller) Payson, the former a native of
Rhode Island, the latter of South Coventry, Conn.^
and both of Revolutionary stock. To our subject
and his wife has been born one daughter, Ida P.,
now the wife of Jesse Mallory.
During the Civil war Mr. Beecher enlisted, Nov.
14, 1861, in Company A, ist Connecticut Cavalry>
and took part in the battles of Moorefield, W. Va.,
April 3 and 22, 1862; McDoweh, Va., May 8,
and Franklin, Va., May 11. He was honorably
discharged from the service Aug. 25, 1862, and is
now a member of Admiral Foote Post, No. 17, G.
A. R., of New Haven ; he also belongs to Wooster
Lodge, F. & A. M., of the same place. Politically
he is a supporter of the men and measures of the
Republican party. Mr. Beecher's career has been
one of usefulness, and be has not only met with
well-deserved success, but has gained the confidence
and high regard of those with whom he has come
in contact, in either business or social life.
CHARLES EDGAR FINCH, a well-known
and highly esteemed citizen of Southington, was
born in that town, Dec. 3, 1834, a son of Augustus
E. and Mirza (Lowry) Finch. His paternal grand-
father was Asahel Finch, a native of Wolcott, New
Haven county, and a farmer by occupation. He
spent his last years in Waterbury, Conn. The
maternal grandfather was Richard Lowry, a carpen-
ter and joiner by trade, and a resident of Southing-
ton. He married Polly Cogswell. Our subject's
father was born in Wolcott, and was reared upon a
farm. In earl)' manhood he removed to Southing-
ton, where he worked as a machinist and mechanic
on tinners' machines for Seth Peck & Co.. and their
successors, for forty years. He died in New Haven,
July 10, 1879. His children were Dennis ; Charles
E. ; Lowry; and Anna, wife of J. R. Cook.
Charles E. Finch grew to manhood in Southing-
ton, where he attended the common schools and
Lewis Academy, and at the age of sixteen years
entered the shop of Peck, Smith & Co, as an employe
on general job work. Subsequently, as a machinist
and engineer, he remained in their employ until
1870, and was then connected with the tool depart-
ment of the Southington Cutlery Co. for one year.
In 1872 he entered the employ of the yEtna Nut Co.
as a machinist, and remained with them until 1878,
after which he spent one year with the Meriden
Screw Co., at Meriden, Conn. ; but in June, 1879, hs
returned to the yEtna Nut Co., of Southington,
where he has since held the position of engineer.
On June 23, 1868, Mr. Finch married Miss
Sarah Freeman, daughter of Caleb and Jane
(Gardiner) Freeman, of Waterbury, and of the
children born to them six are living: Charles E.,
Jr., a graduate of the Lewis high school, South-
1124
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ington, began a successful career as a school teacher
at the age of eighteen years, and became principal
of the Prattsville school of Aleriden from 1892
to 1895. In the latter year he married Miss Mary
Beatty, of Meriden, and removed to Ouincy, Mass.,
where he has since held the important position of
master of the Wollaston and Massachusetts Fields
schools. Caleb, the second son, was educated in
the common schools of Soulhington, and is now
a machinist and toolmaker, holding the position of
foreman of one of the departments of the Scoville
Manufacturing Co., at Waterbury; he married
Daisy Tiffany. The other children of the family
are Harry B., George AL, Helen M. and How-
ard M.
Mr. and Mrs. Finch are earnest members of
the Gospel Mission Chapel of the Second Advent
Church, and are held in high regard by all who
know them. He has been a member of Friend-
ship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. i\l., since twenty-one
years of age, and f>olitically has always been a
supporter of the Republican party and its prin-
ciples.
JOHN SMYTH (deceased), for many years a
prominent farmer and tobacco grower of Enfield,
and a leading coal merchant of Thompsonville, was
born Nov. 25, 1835, in Cork, Ireland, son of John
Henry Smyth, also a native of County Cork. The
father was three times married, and by the first wife
had one daughter, Mary, who became the wife of
David Humphress. To the second union were born :
John, whose name opens this article ; ^largaret, who
died in California ; Susan and Ellen, residents of
California ; Alichael, a wealthy resident of that
State ; Anthony, of Coloi ado ; and \\^illiam, of Cali-
fornia. By his third marriage John H. Smyth had
one daughter. He died in Ireland.
Our subject came to America about 1848. and
located in Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn., where for
ten years he was in the employ of the Lusk family.
He then followed the occupations of farming and
teaming on the place now occupied by his widow,
and was also engaged in the coal and wood busi-
ness at Thompsonville for fourteen years. Being
a man of enterprise and keen business sagacity, he
was successful, accumulated money, and left his
family a comfortable competence at his death. April
16, 1898, since when his widow has very success-
fully continued his extensive business.
About 1854 Mr. Smyth was married to Margaret
Roche, and to this union were born five children :
John H., of Chicago; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Andrew
Creighton : William, deceased ; James, a dentist ; and
Edward, deceased. His second wife was Ellen
A., daughter of John and Mary (O'HaHoran)
Boucher, of East Windsor, and formerly of Cork,
Ireland. To this union were born seven sons :
Thomas, Francis, George, Henry, Charles, Richard
and Raymond, of whom the last named died Dec.
6. 1898.'
Mr. Smyth in religious connection was a mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, in which his family now
hold membership. In politics he was a Democrat,
and he served as a member of the board of relief
one term.
LEMUEL STOUGHTON ELLSWORTH, of
Simsbury, can lay claim to being a member of one
of the most distinguished families of New Eng-
land. To the Ellsworth family, commonwealth and
church, the civil and military service, commerce and
agriculture have owed a debt since Colonial days
for men eminent for their piety, patriotism, learn-
ing, statemanship and sound sense. The men are
celebrated in local, State and National affairs, and
there have been Ellsworths whose fame has re-
sounded through two continents. Linked to the
family by marriage are other prominent New Eng-
land names, so that through the veins of the pres-
ent generations courses some of the best blood
of the men who chose voluntary exile in preference
to proscription and persecution because of re-
ligious faith. It is from such ancestors as these
that Lemuel S. Ellsworth is a worthy descendant.
The first American progenitor of the family to
settle in Connecticut was Sergt. Josias Ellsworth,.
who took up his home in Windsor, where he died
Aug. 20, 1689. His early residence is known as.
the house of Chief Justice Ellsworth. His son,,
the great-great-great-grandfather of Lemuel S., was
Lieut. John Ellsworth, one of the earliest settlers
of Ellington. The latter married Esther White,,
born at Hartford in 1671, a daughter of Daniel
White. Their si.x children were named John, Daniel,
Esther, Anna, Martha and Ann. Lieut. Ellsworth
was accidentally killed at his home Oct. 26, 1720,
his widow surviving him until Sept. 7, 1766. John,
the first son of this union, who was known as-
Capt. John Ellsworth, lived at East Windsor. He
was married, Nov. 8, 1734, to Ann, daughter of Rev.
Timothy Edwards. Their children were John, Sol-
omon, Frederick and Ann. Capt. John Ellsworth
died Jan. 4, 1784, and Mrs. Ellsworth on April 11,
1790, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
Solomon (Lieut.) Ellsworth, the great-grandfa-
ther of Lemuel S., was born April 30, 1737. He
married, Dec. 27, 1758, Mary, a daughter of Abner
Moseley, of Glastonbury, who was born Dec. 8,
1737. Lieut. Solomon died Oct. 19, 1822, and his
widow four months later, Feb. 16, 1823. They
were the parents of thirteen children : Mary, Ann,
Solomon, Elizabeth, Stoddard, Abigail, Abner
Moseley, John, Marilda, Timothy, Timothy (2),
Joseph and Ann (2). Of this large family, Abner
Moseley Ellsworth, the grandfather of Lemuel S.,
was horn Jan. 4, 1771, and on Dec' 31, 1797, mar-
ried Elsie, a daughter of Hugh Thompson, who
was born May 8, 1766. They were the parents of
four children. The eldest, Frederick, was born Nov.
8, 1798, and died June 7, 1827. Mary Moseley,
the second child, born Aug. 28, 1800, married Asa
^-^ CLy/^'^'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1125
Y. Mann, and died at Forsyth, Ga., April 9, 1870,
without issue. The second daughter and third child,
Martha Stoughton, was born Aug. 29, 1802, mar-
ried Samuel M. Hayden, of Essex, Conn., and died
at Forsyth, Ga., April 26, 1857. The youngest
child, Abner Moseley, Jr., born July 13, 1804, was
the father of L. S. Ellsworth. The grandfather,
Abner M., Sr.,- died Dec. 24, 1853, his wife hav-
ing preceded him to the grave on Nov. 20, 1840.
Mr. Ellsworth's father married Lucy Wetmore
Stoughton, a descendant of Elder Brewster, on
April 26, 1832. She was born July 15, 1806, at
East Windsor, and was a member of one of the
most highly respected families of that town. He
died Sept. 24, 1846, and on Sept. 25, 1866, his
widow also entered into rest. Seven children
tlessed their union, a brief mention of whom will
be found interesting: Frederick, born Jan. 25,
1833, married Abigail Georgia Phelps, and resides
at Hartford. Samuel Hayden was born April 7.
1834, and went South while very young ; he returned
home to die, in July, 1856, at the age of twenty-
two. Lucy Stoughton, born March 12, 1835, mar-
ried Rev. Samuel B. Forbes, of Hartford, and died
at Simsbury June 23, 1863 ; she was a woman of
remarkable personal beauty, and exceptionally
lovely character. Sarah Elsie was born Nov. 18,
1837, and died Jan. 26, 1841. Lemuel Stoughton
is the subject of the present biographical sketch.
John, born Jan. 7, 1842, left Philip's Academy,
Andover, Mass., at the outbreak of the Rebellion,
to enter the Union army; after his return from the
war he completed his course at Andover, spent
one year in Williams College, and studied law
with Messrs. Hubbard and McFarland, in 1867 re-
moving to California, where he became a successful
practitioner; in 1888 he was elected judge of the
Superior Court of Almeda county, in which ca-
pacity he still serves. Hugh Thompson, the seventh
child, was born March 18, 1844; he married Flora
English, of Danbury, Conn., and later removed to
California, where he died in 1872.
Lemuel S. Ellsworth was born at the Ellsworth
homestead on Rye street, in East Windsor, Jan.
9, 1840. When he was but six years old his fa-
ther died, and his boyhood and youth were spent
much as were those of other young men reared
upon Connecticut farms in those days. His scho-
lastic education was obtained in the district schools,
and at an academy at East Windsor Hill. On
Oct. 17, 1866, he married Miss Anna J. Toy, who
v/as born in Simsbury Feb. 23, 1842, a daughter
of that old and prominent citizen of Simsbury,
Rev. Joseph Toy, a biographical sketch of whose
life and labors may be found on another page.
The year following his marriage Mr. Ellsworth
moved to Brooklyn, Cal., where he erected a plant
for the Toy-Bickford Fuse Co. His connection
with that company there lasted until 1871, when
he returned to Hartford, remaining there until
1876, in which year he settled in Simsbury. Here
lie has since resided, and until 1888 was engaged
in agricultm'al pursuits. Since then he has been
identified with the Ensign, Bickford & Co., of Sims-
bury, although still . retaining his farming inter-
ests, which he continues to supervise. His resi-
dence is one of the finest in Simsbury, and the
family occupy a high social position. In politics
Mr. Ellsworth is an ardent Republican, taking a
lively interest in his party's success.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth are the parents of five
children: Lucy Stoughton, born Feb. i, 1868, at
Brooklyn, Cal, died April 13, 1870; George Toy,
born April 24, 1869, at the same place, died Oct.
24, 1869; Annie Stoughton, born Sept. 22, 1873,
is now Mrs. Emmet Schultz, of Arlington, N. J.;
Henry Edwards, born March 27, 1878, was grad-
uated from Yale University in the class of 1900;
and John Stoughton, born Aug. 21, 1883, it at pres-
ent preparing for college.
JAMES J. MERWIN, a prominent and influ-
ential citizen of Windsor, and one of its leading
business men, was born March 18, 1837, in Milford,
Conn., where his ancestors located at an early day.
He is descended from Miles Merwin, the progenitor
of the family in America, who located at Merwin's
Point, Milford, in 1645.
Jared Merwin, our subject's father, was a shoe
manufacturer at Milford. He was twice married,
his first wife being Miss Sarah G. Stow, by whom
he had two sons : Charles, who is now engaged
in teaching in Oakland College; and James J., our
subject. By his second union there were three
sons and one daughter, of whom Albert, a resi-
dent of Milford, has charge of the machine depart-
m.ent of the Eureka Hose Co., of Jersey City;
George, a grocery merchant at Waterbury, died in
Milford; and Sarah M. married Nelson L. Stow,
a prominent citizen of Evanston, 111., where they
now reside.
The first seventeen years of his life James J.
Merwin spent in Milford, where he attended the
common schools and later graduated at the high
school. Going to New Haven at the age of seven-
teen, he entered the store of George W. Goodsell
as bookkeeper, and remained in his employ for
ten years as head bookkeeper. His preparation
for that occupation was received at Robbin's Busi-
ness College, New Haven.
In 1865 Mr. Merwin wedded Miss Mary A.
Hodge, a native of Westville, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of George L. and Hannah (Pelton) Hodge.
They now have four children, one son and three
daughters, the latter being Sadie M., Mary G.
and Frances G., all at home. George J., the son,
is one of the best known young men in Windsor,
and is employed in the office of the Phoenix Mutual
Life Insurance Co., of Hartford. He married Miss
Leliaone Thrall, of Windsor.
In 1866 Mr. Merwin came to Windsor and en-
1126
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tered into partnership with George L. Hodge, his
father-in-law, and Senator George W. Hodge, his
brotiier-in-law, in the manufacture of paper, the
firm being known as "Hodge, Son & Co." Upon
the deatli of George L. Hodge our subject left the
firm antl went into the paper business on his own
account, at Holyoke, Mass., for eight years, at the
end of which time he returned to Windsor to re-
side, and opened an insurance otftce. He has built
up a large business in that line, and the insurance
companies which he now represents are the Spring-
field ; Caleilonian ; Continental; Delaware; Nevv
York L'ndorwriters Agency ; Niagara ; Phoenix, of
Hartford; Boston, of Boston; Middlesex Mutual;
and h'idelity and Casualty. Upon his return to
the town of Windsor from Holyoke he also be-
came interested in the undertaking business, which
he has since followed uninterruptedly.
Mr. Merwin is a prominent worker in the Re-
publican party in the town of Windsor, and is one
of its stanchest supporters. He has served as a
member of the grand jury for six years, notary
pulilic for eighteen years, justice of the peace ten
years, and was assessor seven years. In 1896 lie
was elected to the State Legislature by the largest
majority (318) ever given a candidate for that
office. While a member of that body he served as
a member of the committee on Humane Institu-
tions, of which Gov. Lounsbury was chairman. On
Julv 25, 1900, Gov. Lounsbury appointed Mr. Mer-
win a member of the State Board of Trustees of the
State Historical ^Museum and Library, known as
the "Old Stone House," at Guilford, Conn. ]\Ir.
Merwin is one of Windsor's best-known citizens,
and possesses probably as thorougn an acquaint-
ance with the town and its people for the past twen-
ty-five years as any man Avithin its borders. He
and his wif&are connected with the Baptist Church,
in which he has served as deacon and superintend-
ent of the Sunday-school, and tne family is prom-
inent in the church and the best social circles of
the community.
HENRY HAMLIN NEWELL, a prominent
and successful merchant of Alarion, and one of the
most energetic and progressive business men of
Southington, was born in that town Aug. 23, 1867,
and traces his ancestr)' back to (I) Thomas Newell,
one of the original settlers of Farmington, and the
founder of the family in Hartford county. He
was born in Herefordshire, England, and located
in Farmington about 1640. In Oct., 1669, his name
is on the list of freemen ; and in 1672 he was one
of the eighty-four proprietors of that town. The
following year he was one of the preliminary
committee to visit what is now Waterbury, for
the purpose of examining the land for settlement,
and the same year was one of the petitioners for
'"liberty of planting same." He signed the articles,
but did not join the new settlement. He died
Sept. 13, i(
(II) Samuel Newell, son of Thomas, was born
in 1660, and was married, Dec. 20, 1683, to Mary
Hart, daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Hawkins)
Hart. Fie held the military rank of ensign, and died
Feb. 15, 1753.
(III) Samuel Newell, son of Samuel, Sr., was
born in Farmington Feb. 19, 1686, and was mar-
ried, Aug. 8, 1 7 10, to Sarah Norton, daughter of
John and Ruth (Moore) Norton. He located in
the south end of Southington Parish, and there
died Feb. 11, 1751.
(IV) Asahel Newell, born May 5, 1725, was
the son of Samuel, Jr., and also lived in the south
end of Southington, where he died April 5, 1769.
He married Hannah Woodruff, daughter of Daniel
and Lydia (Smith) Woodruff.
(V) Samuel Newell, son of Asahel, was born
Jan. 28, 1763, and was married Dec. 11, 1786, to
Martha Lewis, daughter of Lemuel and Sarah
(Royce) Lewis. He died Atig. 13, 1804.
(VT) Levi Newell, son of Samuel, and grand-
father of our subject, was born June 28, 1792, and
married Julia Hamlin. He died Oct. 15, 1869.
(\TI) Henry J. Newell, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Southington Jan. 9, 1827, and
was married, Sept. 8, 1863, to Sophia Bayrer, a
daughter of William and Mary (Rexroth) 13ayrer,
of the Marion District of Southington, formerly of
Erbach, in Oden Wald, Germany. By that union
two children were born: Henry H., our subject;
and Layette, wife of Edwin S. Todd. By a former
marriage the father also had two children ; George,
deceased ; and Flora J.
(VIII) Henry H. Newell, whose name intro-
duces this review, grew to manhood in Southington,
and was educated in its public schools. He began
business life as a partner of Newell & Todd, in
the general mercantile business at Marion, in 1888,
and in 1889 continued the same business as a part-
ner of his father. When his father died, two years
later, he succeeded to the establishment, which he
has since carried on in a highly commendable man-
ner. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man,
of known reliability, and enjoys a good trade. On
April 23, 1893, he was united in marriage with
Miss Lillian Dunham, a daughter of Dwight and
Laura Dunham, of Southington, and to this union
two children have been born, Ruth and Gladys.
Mr. Newell is a supporter of the Republican party,
and has most creditably and satisfactorily served as
postmaster of Marion since 1894. Socially he is
a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F.
NORMAN aDELBERT BARNES, the well-
known secretary and treasurer of the Atwater Man-
ufacturing Co., and a prominent business man of
Southington, was born in Marion, in that town,
Aug. 18, 1843, ^nd is a representative of quite an old
Connecticut family, tracing his ancestry back to
Stephen and Mary Barnes, who were among the
first settlers of Branford, Conn., and were from
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1127
Long Island. Their son Stephen was born Jan.
2, 1704, and was married, Jan. 5. 1726, to Martha
Wheadon, of Branford. They removed from Bran-
ford to Southington during its early settlement, and
located in the southwestern part of the town, where
he died March 27, 1777, and his wife March 18,
1773, the latter being the first interred in the Plants-
ville cemetery.
Jonathan Barnes, son of Stephen and Martha
(Wheadon) Barnes, was born Feb. 2, 1731, and was
married, Aug. 4, 1757, to Elizabeth, daughter of
Hezekiah and Sarah (Macon) Woodruff, of South-
ington. He died Jan. 7, 1807, and she Feb. 8, 1814.
Their son, Joel Barnes, was born in 1779, and mar-
ried Rebecca Stevens, a daughter of Jared and
Elizabeth (Tyler) Stevens, of Southington. He
died March 15, 1819, and his wife passed away
Aug. 13, 1827. Their children were Caroline, wife
of Lewis Botsford ; Norman S. ; Matilda, wife of
Joseph Neal ; Emma, wife of Lambert E. Sloper ;
Rosanna, wife of Alfred Lewis ; Joel H., the father
of our subject ; and Reuben. Joel H. Bai-nes, a me-
chanic by trade, was born in Southington June 7,
1813, and was married, Aug. 28, 1836, to Anna
B. Clark, a daughter of Seth and Chloe (Bailey)
Clark. Their children were Franklin H. ; Matilda
A. ; Norman A., our subject ; and Ann E., wife of
William Cook.
Reared in Southington, Norman A. Barnes ac-
quired a good practical education in the common
schools and in Lewis Academy, and began life for
himself as a teacher, an occupation he followed suc-
cessfully for six or eight years. He then engaged
in clerking in the store of Anion Bradley & Co.,
until the dissolution of that firm. In 1866 he em-
barked in mercantile business with Merit N. Wood-
ruff, as M. N. Woodruff & Co., and was a member
of the firm for two years. When the ^tna Nut
Co. was organized, in 1868, he was elected secre-
tary and treasurer of the same, a position he held
for about four years. He, with others, was after-
ward engaged in the manufacture of velocipedes for
about a year, and then removed to Simsbury, where
he was accountant for the distillery firm of Will-
iam Konold & Bro. for five years. In 1873 he en-
tered the employ of George W. M. Reed & Co.,
wholesale merchants of New Haven, and remained
with them until 1878, when he became connected
with the Atwater Manufacturing Co., of Southing-
ton. He Vifas soon elected to the offices of secretary
and treasurer, which position he has held ever
since, to the entire satisfaction of the company,
and with credit to himself.
On Oct. 9, 1873, Mr. Barnes was united in mar-
riage with Miss Alice B. Bradlev, a daughter of
Amon and Sylvia (Barnes) Bradley, of Southing-
ton. She died June 30, 1897, leaving one son, Brad-
ley H., who was born Jan. 27, 1883. Religiously
Mr. Barnes is a member of the First Baptist Church
of Southington, and fraternally he belongs to
Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., of the same
place. His political support is always given to
the men and measures of the Democratic party, and
since the consolidation of the school districts he
has been a prominent factor in the board of ed-
ucation, at the present writing (1899) serving as
president of that body.
MISS HELEN M. KING, the present historian
of Sybil D wight Kent Chapter, of the D. A. R., at
Suffield, is the only representative in that locality
of a well-known family, her father, the late Abel
King, having been for many years a leading busi-
ness man of the town.
As the only child and heir of his large estate.
Miss King became familiar with business methods
under his instruction, and so capable did she prove
to be as a pupil that in his later years he regarded
her as a valued adviser. She still takes personal
control of her business, managing it with rare
skill and discretion, her securities being among the
most desirable held in the town. To a careful edu-
cation, obtained in the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, at Sufiield, she has added by a liberal course
of reading, and as her summers are always spent in
travel she has learned much by observation, giv-
ing her a most intelligent view of life and making
her conversation full of interest. She is prom-
inent in the best social circles of Suffield, and is a
generous contributor to local philanthropies and to
the work of the Baptist Church, of which her par-
ents were also members. Among other organiza-
tions to which she belongs is the Suffield Woman's
Club, a reading society, and she is a charter mem-
ber of the local chapter of the D. A. R., her num-
ber in the order being 15,464.
The King family is of Colonial stock, and our
subject's ancestors were among the pioneer settlers
of Ipswich, Mass. The first of whom we have any
definite account was James King, who was born
probably in England, and is known to have lo-
cated in Ipswich prior to 1672. About 1678 he
came with his family to Suffield, of which town he
was one of the original proprietors.
(II) James King, son of the pioneer, was born
at Ipswich, Mass., March 14, 1675, and probably
came to Suffield with his father. He amassed a
considerable landed estate, which is still enjoyed by
his descendants. He was married, June 23, 1698,
to Elizabeth Huxley, daughter of Thomas Huxley,
of Hartford, Conn. She died Aug. 20, 1745, and
he survived her some years, dying July 15, 1757-
(III) Ebenezer King, son of James King (II),
was born Dec. 8, 1706, and died June 17, 1781. On
March 30, 1727, he married Abigail Seymour.
(IV) Dan King, son of Ebenezer King, was
born Oct. II, 1741, and died at East Suffield Sept.
I, 1833, at the age of ninety-two. On Sept. 13,
1767, he married, for his first wife, Thankful Brown-
son, by whom he has a son Benoni.
(V) Benoni King, son of Dan King, born Oct.
22, 1774, died Aug. 12, 1854, aged seventy-nine
1128
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, nine months and twenty days. By occupa-
tion he was a farmer. On June 15, 1797, lie mar-
ried Parnel Parmalee, who died Jan. 15, 1843, aged
seventy-three years and three months. They had
the fo'lowing- children : Jemima M., born May 29,
1800, died Oct. i, 1829, unmarried; Abel, our sub-
ject's father, is mentioned more fully below; and
Maria, born Nov. 11, 1809, married Henry But-
ton, and died in New Haven Sept. 7, 1889, Icaving-
one child, Robert E. Button, who is a locomotive en-
gineer on the New York, New Haven & Hartford
railroad.
(VI) Abel King, the father of our subject,
was born Dec. 9, 1804, in East street, SufReld, and
died Jan. 19, 1890, aged eighty-five years, one month
and ten days. He was educated in the common
schools of his time, such as they were, and, as he ;
possessed a strong and active intellect, he made the j
most of his opportunities, mathematics being his
favorite study. His boyhood was spent upon a
farm, but in his 'teens he was in poor health, and |
nc one thought that he would Hvc to old age. His
father had but a small farm, and was unable to give
him a start in life, but he began his mercantile career
as a small groceryman near Boston Neck, in part-
nership with Mr. Francis. They prospered from
the start, and after a time the partnership was dis-
solved, Mr. King retiring, and engaging in the
manufacture of cigar boxes, in which he was quite
successful. His factory at Boston Neck had water
power, Mr. King having built a dam at that point,
and he also equipped the mill with machinery for
grinding grain, to accommodate the farmers of
that vicinity. He was well known as a straight-
forward business man, and this reputation stood him
in good stead when he began the business of buy-
ing tobacco from farmers. In those days tobacco
was bought from farmers and packed at home, and
then sold to New York and Philadelphia dealers
by the packers instead of the ^rrowers. Allen
Loomis was Mr. King's partner in many of his
early ventures, and later he was engaged in busi-
ness with Neland Loomis. For many years he
was associated with the best men of Sufiield, but
as his wealth increased he carried on operations
alone. Failing health caused him to give up general
business, and in 1864 he sold the mill and retired
from active business.
Although he seemed weak physically, ^Ir. King
was of good build and well proportioned, and had
an excellent constitution, as he came of a robust
family. Politically he was a stanch Democrat, with
a keen regard for the value of his vote, but as a
business man he could not neglect his private af-
fairs for politics. He was well posted on current
events, and read papers daily, but was not a book-
worm. In disposition he was quiet, and although
inclined to sociability was a man of few words,
being seldom known to argue. For many years he
resided in Boston Neck, later removing to Suffield,
where he remodeled his home and spent his last
years in comfort. While he was fond of travel,
his business kept him from indulging his taste to
any great extent until declining strength made him
prefer the quiet of home life. On April 7, 1831, he
married Miss Aurelia Gerald, by whom he had
one child, our subject.
Mrs. Aurelia (Gerald) King was born Sept.
22, 1804, at Warren, Vt., and died Dec. 23, 1885,
her remains being interred in the old cemetery at
Sufiield, where her husband was also laid a few
}-ears afterward. She came of an excellent family,
and her great-grandfather, Thomas Gerald, came
from Scotland in Colonial times and settled in East
Hartford. When the Revolutionary war broke out
he enlisted from that town in the American army,
and his gallant service is a source of just pride to
his descendants. His only son, Thomas, Jr., mar-
ried Asenath Hastings, daughter of Benjamin Hast-
ings, of Suffield, and removed to Warren, Vt., where
he was an early settler, and during the war of 1812
he met his death while serving as a soldier. His
widow then returned to Suiilield, bringing her seven
children, among whom was Aurelia, our subject's
mother.
GEORGE LUCIUS WARNER. There are in
every community men of great force of character
and exceptional ability, who by reason of their ca-
pacity for leadership became recognized as foremost
citizens, and bear a most important part in public
affairs. Such a man is Mr. Warner, who is prom-
inently identified with the agricultural and political
interests of West Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecti-
cut.
Mr. Warner was born in Warnertown, West
Suffield, Jan. 24, 1858, and is a worthy representa-
tive of one of its most prominent families. The
Warner family was founded in Suffield probably
about 1690, by John Warner, who married Eliza-
beth Mighel. Their family was as follows: John,
born May i, 1694; Sarah, Sept. 7, 1696; Eleanor,
April 13, 1698; Daniel, July 23, 1700; Samuel, Feb.
3, 1702; Elizabeth, May 27, 1705 ; and Samuel, Aug.
19, 1707.
John Warner married Elizabeth French in 1722,
and their children were : Elizabeth, born in Decem-
ber, 1722 ; John, Aug. 9, 1723 ; Sarah, July 26, 1727;
Daniel, June 30, 1729; Nathaniel, Aug. 9, 1731 ;
Thankful, Dec. 5, 173—; Richard, Dec. 3, 1735;
Samuel, April 5, 1738; Moses, March, 1741 ; and
Aaron, June i, 1746.
John Warner married Mary ■, probably
in 1754, and their children were: John, born in
1756; Richard, born in 1758; and Isaac, born Aug.
24, 1760. AH three lived in West Suffield.
Isaac Warner was a large land owner in the town,
and was quite extensively engaged in general farm-
ing and stock raising. He met with excellent suc-
cess in his life work, and was quite a prominent
man in his day. In politics he was a Democrat,
and in religious faith was a Baptist. On March 8,
Hi
z
cc
UJ
o
o
CD
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1129
I
1786, he married Adah Phelps, and both he and his
wife died on their farm in Warnertown, the latter
July 29, 1824, and were buried in the Phelps ceme-
tery near that place. In their family were chil-
dren as follows: Adah, born Aug. 2, 1786; Isaac,
Jan. 5, 1788; Julia, July 24, 1790; Curtis, June 5,
1793; Stillman, Sept. i, 1797; and Moriah, Aug.
17, 1799.
Isaac Warner was born on the old homestead
in Warnertown, acquired his literary education in
the district schools of the neighborhood, and obtained
an excellent knowledge of farming, which he made
his life 'work. He, too, was an extensive land
owner, and very successful in business. On June i.
1815, he married Miss Sarah Phelps, and both died
on their farm, he on Nov. 13, 1871, being laid to
rest in the Phelps cemetery. Their children were
Isaac Lucius, father of our subject, born March
6, 1816; Wilham Wintnrop, born Dec. 4, 1818; and
Julia Ann Sarah, born Nov. 2, 1822, wife of Lavatus
Noble. All are now deceased.
Isaac L. Warner, our subject's father, was born
in Warnertown, and after attending the district
schools for some time he became one of the first
students at the Connecticut Literary Institute, where
he prepared himself for teaching. He taught in
the public schools of Southwick, Mass., and North
Granby, Conn., during the winter months, and en-
gaged in farming through the summer season. He
owned 200 acres of valuable land and made his
home on the farm now occupied by our subject, be-
ing extensively engaged in general farming, stock
raising, dairying and tobacco culture. He erected
a fine residence upon the place, good barns and to-
bacco sheds, and made many other improvements.
He died there Jan. 29, 1887, and was buried in the
West Suffield cemeterv. He was widely and favor-
ably known, and was quite popular with a large
circle of friends. In political sentiment he was a
Democrat. At Summer Hill, N. Y., he was mar-
ried, in January, 1856, to Miss Laura M. Hatha-
way, a daughter of Ebenezer and Sybil (Bassett)
Hathaway, and granddaughter of Ebenezer Hatha-
way, Sr., a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Our
subject is the only child born of this union, and
his mother, who is a refined and highly-respected
lady, still resides with him on the home farm.
George L. Warner is also indebted to the dis-
trict schools and the Connecticut Literary Institute
for his education. Reared on the home farm, he
soon obtained an excellent knowledge of agricult-
ural pursuits, and has made that occupation his
life work. Like his father he makes a specialty of
tobacco growing, stock raising and dairying, and
has also prospered in his undertakings. On April
25, 1894, in West Suffield, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mattie May Root, a beautiful and
cultured young lady, a daughter of the late Francis
C. Root, who was a prominent citizen of West Suf-
field. They have one son, Edwin George.
Mr. Warner is one of the most prominent rep-
resentatives of the Democratic party in his com-
munity, and in the fall of 1898 was a candidate for
the State Legislature, but failed of election, as the
party is largely in the minority in Suffield town.
He has been a member of the school committee, and
is quite popular in educational, social and political
circles.
SHERMAN FENN GUERNSEY, a member of
the firm of Neal & Guernsey, leading druggists of
Southington, was born in Plymouth, Conn., Nov.
4, 1844, and is a representative of an honored old
family, whose identification with the State dates
from its earliest settlement.
Tradition says that John Guernsey, the progeni-
tor of the family in America, emigrated from the
Isle of Guernsey, near England, and located in Mil-
ford, Conn. (II) Joseph Guernsey, son of John,
appears at Milford in 1638, not as a planter, but as
an after planter. He married Hannah, daughter of
Samuel Coley, Sr., April to, 1673. (Ill) Joseph
Guernsey (2), son of Joseph, was born January 13,
1674, and married (first) Elizabeth Disbrow, of
Horseneck, who probably died in Milford, and
(second) her sister, Eleanor Disbrow. Later he
removed to Woodbury, where his wife died Sept.
^5> ^753> aged seventy-seven years, and he died
Sept. 15, 1754, aged eighty. (IV) Joseph Guernsey
(3), son of Joseph (2), was born in 1700, married
Rachel Merchant, and located in Waterbury. (V)
Abijah Guernsey, son of Joseph (3), was born about
1743, and married Lucy Bellamy, daughter of Jo-
seph Bellamy, D. D., of Woodbury; she died May
22, 1819, aged sixty years. His second wife was
named Araminta. (VI) William Guernsey, the third
child of Abijah, was born Jan. 25, 1784, and was
married March 13, 1805, to Hannah Parker, of
Wallingford, by whom he had five children : Nancy
Ann, Joshua Sherman, Philena, John J. and Rebecca.
(VII) Joshua Sherman Guernsey, son of William,
was born in Watertown, Sept. 27, 1807. As a case-
maker he worked in the clock shops at Terryville,
but he died in Plymouth April 11, 1844, at the age of
thirty-seven years. He married Lucy E., daughter
of Giles Fenn, a tailor by trade, and later in life a
farmer, who died in Thomaston, Sept. 10, 1887.
By this union were born three children who grew to
maturity : William R., Charles E., and Sherman F.,
our subject.
After receiving a common-school education Sher-
man F. Guernsey left home, in i860, at the age of
sixteen years, and went to Hartford, where he served
an apprenticeship of two and a half years at the
drug business, and later was employed for a year
and half in another drug store of that city. The
following two years he spent as a clerk in a drug
store in Plainville, and on Jan. i, 1867, he located in
Winsted, Conn., where, as a member of the firm of
Pond & Guernsey, he engaged in the drug business
for three 3'ears and three months. On selling out
1180
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he returned to Hartford, where he was engaged in
the same hne of trade for five and a half years, and
in the spring of 1876 came to Soulhington, where
for three years he served as a drug clerk. At the
end of that time he again emharked in business on
his own account, as a member of the firm of Pratt,
Neale & Co., afterward Neale, Guernsey S: Co., and
since 1886 \eale & Guernsey. They carry a well-
selected stock of drugs, patent medicines, etc., and
have one of the leading business houses of the
village.
On June 29, 1869. Mr. Guernsey was united in
marriage with JMiss Hatlie E. liarnes, a daughter of
Ransom and Jane (Pettit) Barnes, of Plainville,
and they have one son, Ploward C. Socially j\Ir.
Guernsey is a member of Friendship Lodge, Xo. 33,
F. & A. M., and religiously is an influential member
of the Congregational Church, takes an active part
in its work, and is now serving as deacon and super-
intendent of the Sabbath-school. His political sup-
port is given to the men and measures of the Repub-
lican party ; he represented Southington in the State
Legislature in 1S97, is now chairman of the town
school committee, and also a member of the Lewis
high school committee. (Jur subject's life has been
one of industry and perseverance, and the success
that he has achieved is due entirely to his own un-
aided efiforts.
JOHX CHESTER WARNER, a leading and
influential member of the agricultural community
of \\'ethersfield, was born in that town July 10,
1845, and is a son of Horace ana Abigail H.
(Hillis) Warner, of whom more extended mention
is made in connection with the sketch of William
H. Warner, elsewhere.
The primary education of our subject was ob-
tained in the district schools of h.is native town,
and later he attended the Wethersfield Academy,
the South school of Hartford, and the Eastman
Business College, Poughkeepsie, X. Y., graduating
from the last named institution. His earlv life was
spent under the parental roof. Mr. Warner began
his business career, when a young man, as a travel-
ing salesman for the seed firm of Comstock, Ferre
& Co., with whom he remained eight years, travel-
ing through the New England States, New York,
Pennsylvania, Delaware and Marjdand. Subse-
quently he was similarly employed by the firm of
A. H. Dunlap & Sons, seed merchants of Nashua.
N. H., with whom he spent six years, and at the end
of that period returned to Wethersfield to resume
the occupation to which he had been reared. He
now makes his home on Broad street, and in con-
nection with general farming is interested in dairy-
ing, stock raising, .tobacco culture and seed grow-
ing. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man,
and in all his undertakings has met with marked
success, not confining his attention entirely to agri-
cultural lines, for he is a stockholder in a bank,
railroad and insurance company, and is a stock-
holder in and president of the Warner & Bailey
Clothing Co., of Hartford.
On Dec. 17, 1884, Mr. Warner was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Sophia- Hale, a native of
Wethersfield, and a daughter of Simeon and Mary
Sophia (Welles ) Hale, whose home is also on Broad
street, Wethersfield. The father was born in that
town Nov. 13, 1820, a son of iiimeon and Lucy
(Covell) Hale, and the mother was born April 19,
1821, a daughter of Gurdon and Sophia (Wood-
house) Welles. He died Dec. 18, 1899.
Mr. Warner attends the Episcopal Church, while
his wife holds membership in the Baptist Church,
and he is connected with the CJrange. Since attaining
his luajority he has affiliated wnth the Democratic
party, and for twentv years he served most effec-
tively as district chairman of the County Demo-
cratic Committee. He takes a deep interest in every-
thing pertaining to the welfare of his town and
county, and his genial, pleasant manner makes him
very popular with all classes and wins him many
friends.
L. B. GRIFFIX. The attractions of this favored
region are most esteemed by those who have traveled
widely, and are prepared to appreciate the beauties
of its scenery and the charm of a cultured and refined
social life. The subject of this sketch, a retired
manufacturer residing at Warehouse Point, has
made a wise choice of a spot for a permanent home,
and he is regarded as a valuable acquisition in the
best circles in that locality.
Mr. Griffin was born Sept. 24, 1842, at X'orth
Hartland, \'t., and comes of good New England
stock. His youth was spent chiefly in his native vil-
lage, and after completing a course in the local
schools he attended Kimball L'nion Academy, in
INIeriden, X^. H., for a time. In 1862 he was engaged
in manufacturing guns at Windsor, Vt., in the em-
ploy of Lampson, Goodnow & Yale, who had a gov-
ernment contract, continuing about four years. In
1866 he went to Amherst, j\Iass., to enter the employ
of the Roper Gun Co., and in 1868 was employed
by the Smith & Wesson Arms Co., of Springfield,
Mass. His thorough knowledge of the business,
combined with rare executive ability, gained him
a high reputation in his line of work, and in 1871 he
entered the emplov of the Winchester Repeating
Arms Co., of Bridgeport, Conn., with whom he re-
mained until 1888, meanwhile advancing from tool
maker to assistant superintendent of the gun de-
partment ; they removed their works to N^ew Haven
in 1872. After leaving their employ he went to
Crayford, England, as superintendent of the small
arms factory of the Maxim & XTordenfelt Gun &
Ammunition Co., remaining until January, 1889,
when he returned to America. Having decided to
retire from business, he located at Warehouse Point,
where he has entered heartily into various progres-
sive movements. His interest in educational af-
fairs has been shown bv effective work on the East
2^^^W.^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1131
Windsor school board, to which he was elected in
1890, and again in 1896, while he is also a trusted
adviser in the local Democratic organization. While
in New Haven he served as alderman from the
Ninth ward from 1881 to 1883. Socially he is
identified with the Masonic Order, being a member
.of Vermont Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., at Windsor,
Vermont.
On April 19, 1863, Mr. Griffin married Miss
Addie A. Stocker, who died Nov. 13, 1867, leaving
one son, William H., now a resident of New Haven.
On April 19, 1873, he married Miss Annie E. Dun-
ham, of Warehouse Point. Their only child, Carrie
P., died in infancy.
JUSTUS L. BULKLEY. The family to which
Justus L. Bulkley belongs claims descent from an
English clergyman, Peter Bulkley. Gershom
Bulkley, his son, who married Sarah Chauncey, was
the first of the family to be born on American soil.
Their son Edward, was born at Concord, Mass., and
removed with his parents to Wethersfield, Conn.,
where he died Aug. 2y, 1748. He married Dorothy
Prescott, by whom he had eleven children, one of
whom, Peter Bulkley, was the progenitor of Justus
L. Bulkley.
Peter Bulkley was born March 11, 1712, and
was twice married, his first wife being Abigail
Curtis, to whom he was united April 2, 1741,
and who died Nov. 27, 1762. On Jan. 26, 1769, he
married Christian Smith. He was for some time
a justice of the peace of Hartford county, and his
life was mainly devoted to farming. He died April
4, 1776. His children were Joseph, who was born
Jan. 28, 1742, and married Mary Williams, May 3,
1776; x^bigail, born April 13, 1743, who became the
wife of Nathaniel Miller, of Rocky Hill ; Oliver,
born Dec. 5, 1744, who died at sea in 1776; Solo-
mon, born March 21, 1747, who married Martha
Williams Jan. 6, 1776; Dorothy, born July 17, I749,
who died in infancy ; and Justus, born Dec. 24,
1752, who married Mabel Boardman March 27,
1781, and after her death wedded Lucretia Church-
ill, and later Mehitabel Culver.
The eldest of this family, Joseph Bulkley, who
was born Jan. 28, 1742, married Mary Williams
May 3, 1776. She was born Jan. 3, 1756, and died
Dec. 23, 1848. Her father was Moses Williams,
a prominent merchant of Rocky Hill, and for many
years a justice of the peace. He also represented
his town in the State Legislature. The children
of Joseph and Mary Bulkley were : Mary, born Dec.
18, 1778, who married Joseph Butler; Rhoda, born
Jan. 21, 1781, who married W3dlis Williams; Ralph,
born Sept. 14, 1783, who became the husband of
Elizabeth Bradford; John, born Oct. 28, 1785, who
died June 6, 1806; Edmund, born Dec. 6, 1787,
married to Nancy Robbins ; Joseph, born Oct. 28,
1789, who graduated from Yale University in 1810,
was for thirty-six years a practicing lawyer in New
York City, and passed away at Rocky Hill on March
21, 1851; Henry, born Jan. 11, 1793, married to
Martha Tucker; and Walter Williams, born Sept.
15, 1797, who married Lucy Robbins.
The children of Edmund and Nancy (Robbins)
Bulkley were: Joseph Edmund, born Eeb. 9, 1812,
married- Mary Lawrence Bicknell ; Justus Robbins,
born June 15, 1813, married Mary R. Adams;
Julius Huntington, born March 9, 1815, died at
Washington, D. C, July 30, 1833 ; Susan Mansfield,
born April 30, 1825, died of cholera in New York,
Sept. 30, 1832.
Joseph Edmund Bulkley, the father of Justus
L., was born at Rocky Hill, Eeb. 9, 1812. At the
age of thirteen years he left home, going to New
York City, where he took a clerical position. Early
in life, however, he established himself in the whole-
sale hide and leather business, in which, through in-
dustry and diligence, he built up and carried on an
extensive and lucrative trade, later becoming an
importer. As his sons reached maturity, he asso-
ciated them with himself as co-partners. He mar-
ried on Oct. 23, 1837, Mrs. Mary Lawrence Bick-'^^ - _-
nell, a daughter of John Lawrence, oi J:i-%wfiertr^./jUftrW)0 ^
I. They adopted a daughter by the name of Eliza-
beth L., who married George A. Wells. Their
own children were as follows: Edmamd William,
born Oct. 2, 1838, and married to Caroline J.
Turner; Justus Lawrence, born July 4, 1840; Jo-
sephine, born Dec. 13, 1 841, and married to Theodore
M. Barnes; Mary L., born Aug. 24, 1843, who be-
came the wife of Eerdinand S. Entz ; and Marguer-
ite, born June 13, 1847, who became the wife of
Samuel C. Reed.
Justus L. Bulkley was born in the city of New
York July 14, 1840. He enjoyed excellent educa- -
tional advantages in youth, and graduated from the
Washington Institute at the age of eighteen. His
education completed, he at once began in earnest
the battle of life, in which he was destined to achieve
marked success. As has been said, his father and
brother were engaged in the importation and sale of
hides and .leather, and conducted an extensive
wholesale trade in these commodities. He entered
their establishment as a clerk, but was later admit-
ted to the firm„and after the death of his brother and
father he continued alone until the spring of 1899,
when he retired. He owns the old family home-
stead at Rocky Hill, where every'summer he spends
a few weeks, the place being endeared to him by
many tender and pleasant memories of his child-
hood, it having been the birthplace of both his father
and grandfather. On May 15, 1871, he was mar-
ried to Miss Laura E. Caldwell, of Germantown,
Penn., and to them have been born three children :
Joseph E., a graduate of Yale Colleege ; Josephine ;
and Helen C.
OSCAR BENJAMIN VIBERT, breeder of
fancy poultry, Hazardville, was born in East Hart-
ford, Conn., Feb. 23, 1842, a son of Oliver and
Nancy (Loomis) Vibert, both natives of Hartford
1132
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county. His paternal grandparents were Timothy
and Nancy (Risley) Mbert, also natives of Hartford
county;, his maternal grandfather was Benjamin
Looniis, of W'indsorville, a major in the militia
during the old militia days. l'.oth grandparents
were farmers.
Oliver Vibert, the father of our subject, was a
prominent farmer of East Hartford, where he spent
most of his life, but died in Glastonbury. His chil-
dren were: Oscar B., Edwin, Adelaide (Mrs. W'm.
Juckcttj, Watson, and Nancy.
Oscar Benjamin \'ibert was reared in East Hart-
ford, where he received a common and private
school education. In the seventeenth year of
his age he began an apprenticeship at the
bootmaker's trade, serving two years. Then
followed a brilliant career as a soldier, Air.
Vibert on .Vug. 19, 1861, enlisting in Company
A, Seventh Conn. \ol. Inf. ; he re-enlisted as a vet-
eran in December, 1863, in the same company and
regiment. He was wounded May 16, 1864, at
Drury's Bluff, \'a., and was transferred to the
Seventeenth Company, Second Battalion, V. R. C,
Dec. 22, 1864, and was honorably discharged Aug.
8, 1865. Mr. \'ibert participated in many engage-
ments, among the important ones being those at
Fort Pulaski, Ga. ; James Island, S. C. ; Pocataligo,
S. C; Morris Island, S. C; Fort Wagner, S. C. ;
Olustee, Fla. ; Chester Station, Va. ; Bermuda Hun-
dred, \'a. ; and Drury's Bluff, "Va. At the latter
engagement, May 16, 1864, a bullet struck his rifle
and left hand, and burst, knocking him senseless.
Thirteen pieces of lead entered his head and face,
and eight were removed by Dr. George C. Jarvis,
of Hartford, on the field. He also removed one
Oct. 9, 1868, and four remained, two of which have
since come out. Air. \'ibert participated in fre-
quent expeditions along the Atlantic coast, from
Charleston, S. C, to St. Augustine, Fla., which
divided his regiment for many months into small
battalions, one of which, consisting of Companies
A, B, I, and K, under command of Lieut. -Col. Daniel
C. Rodman, led the charge on Morris Island, S. C,
July 10, 1863, and at Fort Wagner, July 11, 1863.
The attack on Fort Wagner was made at night.
The Seventh Connecticut gained and carried one
front of the fort, but the supporting regiments were
imable to endure the heavy fire, and fell back in dis-
order before reaching the fort, leaving the Seventh
Battalion entirely unsupported. Holding their po-
sitions more than an hour, nearly surrounded and
out-numbered five to one, their only officer, Lieut. -
Col. Rodman, dangerously wounded, and no rein-
forcements being sent to their aid, they had to re-
treat two miles down an open beach, under an
enfilading fire of artillery and infantry, without
cover or support, losing 104 out of 191 officers and
men. The general commanding reported that the
"Seventh Connecticut has covered itself with
glory." Our subject was one of the participants in
this glory, and is one of the eleven survivors of his
company that fell back from the fort. On his re-
turn from the war he located in East Hartford,
where he lived until 1892; then removed to Haz-
ardville, where he has since resided.
On May 4, 1870, in Enfield, Mr. Vibert married
Anna K., daughter of Charles S. and Mary A.
(Ribble) Scattergood, natives of Philadelphia, and
she bore him two children: Helena, now Mrs.
Helena A. Vibert Porter, who has one daughter.
Hazel L. ; and Rollo O., deceased. Mr. Vibert was
an honorary member of Rodman Post, No. 65, G.
A. R., of East Hartford, Conn., later receiving an
honorable discharge on his removal to Hazard-
ville. Conn. In politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM S. MORRIS, one of Wethersfield's
most progressive citizens and successful market
gardeners, was born in that town July 19, 1858.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Moses Mor-
ris, a native of Massachusetts, came to Connecti-
cut when a young man, locating in Wethersfield,
where he followed the trade of a carpenter and
joiner and also engaged in farming, spending the
remainder of his life here. While driving home
from Hartford he fell from the seat of his wagon
to the ground, and died from the effects of the fall.
His remains were interred in the Wethersfield cem-
etery. He was widely known and hignly respected,
was a consistent member of the Congregational
Church, and in politics a Whig. In Wethersfield
he married Miss Laura Welles, who was born
March 8, 1800, a daughter of Samuel and Anna
(Griswold) Welles, and a granddaughter of Ozias
Griswold. Her father was a soldier in the Rev-
olutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris were
born three children : Samuel W., the father of
our subject; Frank, a merchant of Columbia, S. C. ;
and John M., who was a chaplain in the Civil war,
and later a clerk in the United States Congress.
Samuel W. Morris, our subject's father, attended
school in Wethersfield, but the greater part of his ed-
ucation was obtained through his own unaided ef-
forts. In early life he learned the blacksmith's
trade, and followed the same throughout his busi-
ness career in connection with farming. He spent
three years in Milwaukee, Wis., and from there
went to central Illinois, where he passed the fol-
lowing four years, after which he returned to Weth-
ersfield ; he subsequently spent four years in North
and South Carolina, at the end of that time again
returning to Wethersfield, and throughout the re-
mainder of his life lived in Hartford county, pass-
ing his last days in Newington, where he died, and
was buried in Wethersfield. He was a consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and an
ardent supporter of the Republican party. In Weth-
ersfield he married Jane Hastings Savage, a daugh-
ter of Horace Savage, and sister of William Savage.
[A sketch of the Savage family will be found else-
where.] To Samuel W. and Jane H. (Savage)
Morris were born the following children: Frank
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1138
Savage, who died at the age of twenty-six years;
William S., our subject; Charles H., who died at
the age of nineteen years; Laura, who died at the
age of seventeen; Hattie E., who died at the age
of fifteen ; Mary, wtio died at the age of thirteen ;
and John R., who died when young, in the South.
For her second husband the mother married Charles
S. Daniels, but had no children by that union. She
was a faithful member of the Bagtist Church.
Our subject accompanied his parents on their
various removals, and his early education, obtained
in the pubHc schools of Wisconsin, Illinois and the
South, was supplemented by a course in the Weth-
ersfield high school. Throughout his active busi-
ness life he has followed the occupation of farm-
ing, and for several years past has resided on the
old Savage farm, on Broad street, Wethersfield,
where he has erected a fine residence and made
many other improvements, which add greatly to the
value and attractive appearance of the place. Here
he is extensively engaged in market gardening,
finding a ready sale for his products in Hartford.
Industrious, energetic and enterprising, he has met
with well-deserved success in his labors, and has
become quite well-to-do.
In 1887 Mr. Morris married Miss Emma
Churchill, a native of Wethersfield, and a daugh-
ter of the late Stephen Churchill, a sketch of whose
family is given elsewhere. Our subject and his
wife have had seven children : Frank Stephen, Mabel
Churchill, Nellie J., William Savage (deceased at
the age of seven years), Emma A., Ethel May and
Alice Ruth. Politically Mr. Morris is identified
with the Republican party, and fraternally is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Grange, to which latter his wife also
belongs. They are members of the Congregational
Church, and are held in high regard by all who have
the pleasure of their acquaintance.
MISS JULIET NILES, a resident of Windsor
(Poquonock), is now the only representative in
that locality of a family which has long held a
prominent place in the social, political and busi-
ness life of this section. The old homestead in
Poquonock, where she resides, has been occupied
by the family since 1780. To an excellent educa-
tion, obtained in the schools of Westfield, Mass.,
and the Pratt Street Seminary, Hartford, she has
added through reading and observation, and she
has the mental and physical poise which accompany
vigorous health. She has always taken a lively in-
terest in the events of the time, and her accurate
memory makes her conversation on the circum-
stances of the three generations through which her
life has passed very interesting.
The first ancestor of this family of whom a
definite account is now obtainable was Rev. Ben-
jamin Niles, a clergyman of the Baptist Church,
who resided for many years at Lyme, Conn. He
married Lucy Sill June 30, 1743, and their
children were: Benjamin, born Sept. 20, 1744, who
died young; Phebe, born Sept. 4, 1746; Mary,
born Feb. 17, 1748, who married a Mr. Dean;
Joseph, born Jan. 7, 1750, who was a wealthy resi-
dent of Spencertown, N. Y. ; Moses, the grand-
father of our subject; and Thomas, born July 2,
1760, who accompanied Moses to Poquonock, but
later removed to a farm at Spencertown, N. Y.,
where he died leaving a valuable estate.
Moses Niles was born at Groton, Conn., Aug.
31, 1752, and settled on the homestead in Poquonock
in early manhood, the present residence having
been built by him previous to 1780. By occupa-
tion he was a blacksmith, his shop being located on
the brook, a short distance north of the residence,
and his skill as a workman won him a high reputa-
tion throughout the surrounding country. On
Oct. 12, 1780, he was married, in Poquonock, to
Miss Naomi Marshall, who was born Sept. 30, 1758,
daughter of David Marshall. He died Nov. 24,
1789, at the homestead, at a comparatively early
age. His wife survived him a number of years,
bringing up their family to lives of usefulness,
and her death occurred March 19, 1830. Of their
five children none are now living: Pamelia died
in infancy; Naomi, born Feb. 6, 1783, married Dr.
Chauncey Pease, of Enfield, later of Hartford;
Richard is mentioned more fully below ; John M.,
formerly United States Senator from Connecticut,
was one of the most honored statesmen of his day;
Pamela married Cyrus Griswold, of Poquonock.
Hon. Richard Niles was born Feb. 23, 1785,
in the same house in which our subject resides,
and his educational privileges were restricted to
an attendance at the local schools. As he was but
four years old when his father died, a sense of re-
sponsibility was develofted at an early age through
the need for assisting his mother in the care of
the younger children and the work of the farm.
Being exceptionally studious, he not only took ad-
vantage of every opportunity for instruction, but
studied diligently in private, and at an early age
was competent to teach. In this work he was very
successful, being employed for the winter term dur-
ing several years in the most important schools of
the locality, and at one time he received $16 per
month, the highest rate then paid. In the mean-
time he continued to give attention to farming,
and as a young man he became interested in the
manufacture of paper, building a mill near the
mouth of Stony brook, in partnership with Samuel
Hollister. Before the plant was put into opera-
tion the partners retired and he became associated
with Samuel HolHster, an experienced paper man-
ufacturer, with whom be conducted the mill for
some time. He then sold his interest and joined
Arunah Soper in building a large mill below the
bridge at Poquonock, of which he afterward be-
came the sole owner. This he operated until its
destruction by fire, and after a time he began to
build the stone mill now occupying the same site.
1134
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His death occurred before it was completed, but
his heirs finished it, and after renting; it for some
time sold it. His activit\- and energy enabled him
to carry on the management of a large farm in ad-
dition to other enterprises, and he was regarded
as one of the leading citizens of his town. In pol-
itics he was a Democrat, and for many years he
held an influential place in the local organization,
serving as representative in the State Legislature,
and holding various town oftk-es, including that of
selectman. In religious affairs he was especially
active in the Universalist Church, and his broad
mind made him a ready supporter of advanced
thought in all directions.
On May ", 1810, Mr. Niles was married, at
Pofjuonock. to ^liss Christiana Griswold, and their
happy union was ended by his death on June 19,
1846. Mrs. Christiana Niles was born May 23,
1784, daughter of Isaac and Christiana (Holcomb)
Griswold, and lived to the good old age of ninety-
four years and eleven months, dying April 26, 1879.
Even then her health seemed good, and her faculties
but little impaired, but a fall from the doorstep of
the old home caused injuries which resulted in
her death. Her long and useful life endeared her
to the community as well as to her immediate fam-
ily, and the memory of her high character will ever
be an inspiration to all who knew her. ( i ) Juliet,
our subject, who was born March 10, 181 1, is the
eldest of a family of six children. (2) Lucadia
C, born June 25, 1813, was married Aug. 22, 1850,
to Elisha Marshall Pease, now deceased, who for
several terms was governor of Texas, and now re-
sides in Austin, Texas. She has had three children :
Carrie A., married George Graham, and died in
Austin (she had five children, ?\Iarshall P.. George
T., Walter P., Richard N. and Carrie M.) ; Julia
M., now a resident of Austin; and Annie A., de-
ceased. (3) Moses R., born July 15, 1818, died
Jan. 3, 1819. (4) Augusta E., born in July, 1820,
died March 14, 1822. (5) Maria H., born Nov.
3, 1822, was married. May 14, 1851, to Rev. Clark
R. Moore, and died Nov. 30, 1874, at Boston High-
lands. They had three children, Julia Edith, Emma
P. and Mary Niles. (6) Augusta P., born April
7, 1825, was married, Oct. 6, 1846, to Eliphalet
Ladd, and died March 16, i860. She had three
children: Christine, born Dec. i, 1847, married
Fabian Franklin, professor of mathematics in the
Johns Hopkins University, and has one child, Mar-
garet Ladd. Henry, born June 12, 1850, who re-
sides in Austin, Texas, married Bessie Hoxie, and
has one child, Henry Hoxie Ladd. Jane Augusta,
born Oct. 31, 1854, married, July 3, 1889, Alfred
JMcCordie, and has three children, Christine Ruth,
Fletcher and Malcomb.
Christine Ladd Franklin, granddaughter of
Richard Niles, daughter of Eliphalet and Augusta
Niles Ladd, of Portsmouth, N. H., has won a rep-
utation as a scientific investigator and writer upon
scientific and other subjects. She graduated at
Vassar College in 1869, and, for some years, while
engaged in teaching various branches of science,
devoted herself largely to the study of advanced
pure mathematics. During this time she made con-
tributions to the "Educational limes" (London)
and other mathematical publications; and in 1878
her application to be admitted as a graduate student
in the Johns Plopkins University was granted
(owing to the strong recommendation of Sylvester,
the illustrious professor of mathematics at this uni-
versity), though no woman had been allowed that
privilege before, and very few have received it
since. At the close of her first year's residence
she was placed on the footing of a Fellow for the
following year, an honor, which was twice renewed.
During her residence at the Jonns Hopkins she
published several mathematical papers, and a paper
on "The Algebra of Logic." Since that period
her work has lain chiefly in the field of physiolog-
ical optics, the explanation of color-perception be-
ing the chief subject of her researches. The theory
constructed by her to account for the phenomena of
color-vision is regarded by some of the foremost
authorities on the subject as more satisfactory than
any other yet devised. She has, for a number of
years, had charge of the department relating to
this subject in the "Psychological Review" (edited
by Prof. Cattell, of Columbia, and Prof. Baldwin,
of Princeton), and she has been entrusted with
the chief work in the same department for the
large "Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology,"
of which she is one of the associate editors, Prof.
Baldwin being the editor-in-chief. Besides the
article on logic already mentioned, Mrs. Franklin
has published several other important articles on
the same subject, and has been a frequent con-
tributor of reviews and other articles to "The Na-
tion," ''Science," and other periodicals.
HON. JOHN MILTON NILES. Few histories
in this volume possess as great an intrinsic interest
as this brief record of one of Hartford county's
most distinguished sons, who, as statesman, politi-
cian, author and editor, wielded commanding in-
fluence in the troubled times that marked the earlier
half of this century. To his foresight and disin-
terested effort was due, in a large measure, the
prompt response of Connecticut in the great move-
ment which resulted in the formation of the Re-
publican party, and, while he did not live to see the
triumph of his principles, doubtless to his prophetic
vision was vouchsafed an assurance of the mighty
work to be accomplished by that organization. The
followiing account, taken from Stiles' "History of
Ancient Windsor," written by Hon. Gideon Welles,
of Hartford, reveals the outlines of a life of en-
deavor that could not well have been spared among
the influences which have shaped the course of the
nation.
Senator Niles was born at Windsor Aug. 20,
1787, son of Moses and Naomi (Marshall) Niles.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
l1135
Losing his father in early childhood, his educa-
tional advantages were restricted to the opportuni-
ties afforded by a common district school, such as
they were at the close of the last century. As he
realized their defects he resolved upon further study,
and being limited in his means, and deeming him-
self too old for collegiate advantages, he accord-
ingly entered at once upon a course of systematic
and laborious work, which he followed up with
such assiduity as for a time to impair his health.
With an inquisitive and keenly discriminating in-
tellect, fond of statistics, and a memory that re-
tained every incident and event that came within
his reading and observation, his mind became a
great storehouse of facts that were easily at com-
mand, and made him always formidable to political
and legislative opponents. Few men associated
with him in the public councils were more con-
versant with history, better understood the science
of government, or had more deeply investigated
the political and civil institutions of our own and
other countries. Madison's administration covered
a time of high party excitement, sharpened by the
commercial restrictions which the Federal admin-
istration had deemed necessary to prevent our coun-
try from becoming involved in wars that were then
sweeping over almost the whole of the civilized
world. Mr. Niles, while yet a student in the of-
fice of John Sargeant, was a zealous Republican and
supporter of the administration and policy of Mr.
Madison. The Courts and Bar, as well as the State
authorities, were almost unanimously of the op-
posite politics. Diffident and unassuming in his
manners, but earnest and firm in his convictions,
Mr. Niles was frank in the avowal of his opinions
and principles, and the reasons by which he was
governed. A portion of his leisure he devoted to
political essays, most of which were published in
the "American Mercury," at Hartford. Being at-
tached, however, to his profession, and his circum-
scribed means rendering it necessary that he should
attend to something else than political controversies
for a livelihood, he contemplated migrating to some
other State. With this in view he visited Ver-
mont, New York and Pennsylvania, but returned
to Connecticut, undecided and without any definite
plan for the future. It was while at Harrisburg
in 1815 that he formed his first slight acquaintance
with James Buchanan, William J. Duane and Joel
B. Sutherland, then young men of about his own
age, and each of them for the first time members
of the Pennsylvania Legislature. This acquaint-
ance was twenty years after renewed with each,
under widely different circumstances.
The termination of the war and retirement of
Mr. Madison extinguished political issues that had
been long in controversy, and led to a dissolution of
the National party organizations which had for
years divided the country, but during the general
anxiety on Federal politics that characterized the
Monroe administration, public action became con-
centrated on local differences within the States.
In Connecticut there was a growing disquietude in
regard to the old order of things, and the dynasty
in power steadily refused to yield to innovations.
The times were auspicious for the reformers to
press their views, and radical changes were de-
manded, the most prominent of which were an
extension of the right of suffrage, religious equality,
and a written constitution defining and limiting
the power of government. Mr. Niles embarked in
these reformatory measures with zeal, energy and
ability, and more than any other man, perhaps, con-
tributed to the evolution of parties which followed.
To forward his views and give them efficiency,
he, with the co-operation of others, established, in
January, 1817, the Hartford Times, a paper that
acquired an immediate local position and influence.
He was for several years the exclusive editor of
that paper, and for thirty years continued to be a
liberal contributor to its columns. In 1821 the
General Assembly appointed him one of the Asso-
ciate Judges of the County Court for the county of
Hartford, an appointment which he filled eight
years and then declined to hold it longer. In 1826
he was elected a representative from the town of
Hartford to the General Assembly. The Republi-
cans nominated him as their candidate for the Sen-
ate in 1827, but, being friendly to the election of
Gen. Jackson, a portion of the party refused to sus-
tain him, and he was consequently defeated. This
proceeding contributed perhaps to his activity, as
it certainly gave him prominence in instituting and
organizing what was subsequently known as the
Democratic party which elected and sustained
Gen. Jackson.
In the spring of 1829 Mr. Niles was appointed
postmaster at Hartford, a place he resigned on
receiving from Gov. Edwards the executive ap-
pointment of Senator in Congress, the post having
been made vacant by the death of Nathan Smith.
This appointment was confirmed by the Legisla-
ture when it assembled, and he represented the State
in the Senate until March, 1839. He was the Demo-
cratic candidate for Governor in 1839, and again in
1840. In the latter year Pres. Van Buren tendered
him the offi'ce of Postmaster-General, and ithe
Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination.
Retiring with Mr. Van Buren in March, 1841, he
was again in 1842 re-elected to represent Connecti-
cut in the Senate of the United States. This place
he held until the expiration of the term, in 1849,
when he relinquished official life, although he re-
tained to the close of his days an abiding and lively
interest on all political subjects. In the Senate
he took an active part in the proceedings and de-
bates steadily during his whole career. Although
not a brilliant speaker, he was a ready, interesting
and instructive debater, one whose accurate knowl-
edge, acute and just discrimination, and sound
common sense, were acknowledged and appreciated
by men of all parties. The financial cjuestions which
1136
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
called into existence the Whig and Democratic par-
ties generated intense animosities, and to some ex-
tent affected social intercourse. The unyielding firm-
ness and uncompromising character of Senator
Niles, particularly when principles were involved,
led many to misunderstand and misapprehend his
genial and kindly nature. There was less partisan
bitterness in his last than in his first senatorial
term in consequence of the adjustment and final
disposition of the exciting financial questions that
had agitated and convulsed the country, and he
was not one who desired to perpetuate differences
when the causes which led to them ceased to exist.
No man more fully recognized the utility and
necessity of party organization to accomplish and
carry into effect imjx)rtant measures based on fun-
damental principles, but under no circumstances
would he abandon or surrender those principles to
the mandates of organization. This was in his view
a perversion and abuse of party to which he would
not submit. It was an axiom with him that party
and organization must be subordinate and subsidiary
to principles, and principles should never be sec-
ondary or sacrificed to party. Hence, on repeated
occasions when the party with which he acted took
a new position, he was brought into conflict with
valued friends, eventuating lo some extent in a
change of associates but not of principles. This
v.'as the case in 1820, when the party which revo-
lutionized the State neglected, as he conceived, to
carry to their fulfillment reforms with which they
commenced. Again in the election of Jackson, and
the bank controversy at a later period, he disre-
garded the old organization with which he had
been connected because, as he alleged, it was faith-
less to the principles which originated it. The
bank and kindred measures he denounced as cen-
tralizing, as an invasion of the reserved rights of
the States, and an unwarrantable assumption of
power by the Federal Government. Though as-
sailed with unsparing virulence, he ably vindicated
his adherence to principles which he deemed funda-
mental and essential. The acquisition of large ad-
ditional territory from Mexico near the close of
his senatorial service brought the subject of ex-
tending and nationalizing slavery prominently be-
fore the country. Incidental to, and connected
with, this subject was the territorial policy of the
government, which it was proposed to change in
order to strengthen the organization on these new
issues. Promptly, and at the threshold, Senator
Niles met the question, and denounced the scheme
as a perversion of the objects, purposes and prin-
ciples of the Democratic party, whose mission was
of a dift'erent character. Adhering to the primitive
doctrine of strictly construing the constitution, and
limiting the authority of the Federal Government
to the powers granted, he deemed that Congress
could not legislate slavery into the territories or
delegate that power or permission to others. No
obligation of party or allegiance to organization
could swerve him or induce him to sacrifice his
conscientious convictions on this subject, for his
opinions were deliberately formed, and essential
principles were involved. With all the ardor and
sincerity of his earlier years he opposed what in his
view were the centralizing tendencies of the ad-
ministration. As the controversy progressed, his
opinions became more decided and his feelings more
interested, and believing the emergency required
extraordinary efforts he, at the age of sixty-eight,
projected the establishment of a new daily paper
and the organization of a distinct Republican party,
to act in concert with others in the different States
who were commencing a similar movement. While
earnestly engaged in the prosecution of these la-
bors of disinterested political duty, a cancerous af-
fection developed itself in his system. Undeterred
by this affliction, he persevered in what he consid-
ered to be his dtuy to its consummation. Through
his instrumentality, the Hartford Press was estab-
lished, being first published in February, 1856. A
Kepublican State Convention was held in March
of the same year, and the Republican party was
forthwith organized, but his disease in the mean-
time had made such progress as to compel him to
discontinue his labors. His last public effort and
his last appearance among his fellow citizens was
at the Republican Convention in March. He
breathed his last on the 31st of May, 1856, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age.
Senator Niles, besides his political labors, em-
ployed his pen in other fields as an author. His
first undertaking was that of editing the re-publica-
tion of an English work, entitled "The Independent
Whig," a large quarto of over five hundred pages,
published in 1816. This was followed, in 1819,
by a "Gazetteer of Connecticut and Rhode Island,"
in the compilation of which he was assisted by his
brother-in-law. Dr. John C. Pease. He also pre-
pared a very useful and serviceable book, called
"The Civil Officer," of which several editions were
published. "A History of Mexico and the South
American Republics," written by him, ran through
many editions. He also wrote a biography of
Oliver H. Perry, a quarto volume of about 400
pages, as well as numerous pamphlets, orations
and addresses on political, agricultural, financial
and miscellaneous subjects, which during a period
of forty years emanated from his prolific pen, and
which had extensive circulation and influence. His
speeches in the Senate were many, and on almost
every important question before that body while
he was a member. Some of them were very ef-
fective, and distinguished for great research and
argumentation. Those on the Bank, the Deposits, ^
the Expunging Resolutions, the Independent Treas-
ury, the Tariff, the Mexican war and the Jefferson
Ordinance, as applicable to the newly acquired ter-
ritory, may be specified as among his ablest efforts.
Mr. Calhoun, with whom he often and widely dif- j
fered, awarded him the possession of the most J
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1137
ready and accurately discriminate mind of any mem-
ber of the Senate. Col. Benton said, that not only
were his opinions eminently sound and correct, but
that his political and moral courage exceeded that of
his associates. Silas Wright declared he always
distrusted the accuracy of his own conclusions
when he differed from Senator Niles. Such were
the estimates of some of the master minds of the
Senate, men with whom he was associated in daily,
social and official intercourse for years. The re-
mark publicly made by Mr. Van Buren, that "Sen-
ator Niles spoke as Franklin wrote," conveys a
correct impression of the matter and manner of
the man.. Indeed, his marked traits were good,
practical common sense, without pretension, unas-
sumingly but honestly and fearlessly expressed.
President Van Buren showed his high appre-
ciation of the qualities and abilities of Senator Niles
by tendering him unsolicited a seat in his cabinet,
and that, too, when the department was laboring
under serious embarrassments. The reforms which
he introduced into the department not only con-
tributed to its immediate relief, but constituted the
basis of future action in the administration. He
promply discontinued the transportation of mails
on Sundays except on the principal routes, and ad-
vised another great reform which was soon carried
into effect, namely : The reduction of the rates
of postage, as a means of promoting mail facilities
and thereby increasing the revenue, a proposition
that was to many a seeming paradox.
Senator Niles was twice married, but left no
children. In the fall of 1824 he married Mrs. Sarah
Howe, a native of Worcester county, Mass., who
died in the autumn of 1842. His second marriage
was with Miss Jane H. Pratt, of Columbia county,
N. Y., in the latter part of 1845. She died in the
summer of 1850. A considerable portion of the
years 1851 and 1852 he spent in visiting the various
countries of Europe. Unostentatious, plain and
frugal, Mr. Niles acquired by industry and economy
a handsome estate. Humane and benevolent, he
exercised active charity during life, and dying desired
to alleviate suffering humanity. Besides numerous
legacies to individuals, he bequeathed twenty thou-
sand dollars in trust to the City of Hartford, as
a charity fund, the income from which he directed
to be annually distributed to the poor. This noble
benefaction to the city of his adoption was the
crowning act of a useful and well-spent life.
JOHN GANTLEY, second selectman of the
town of Windsor Locks, is a man whose sterling
qualities of character have won the confidence of
his fellow citizens in a marked degree. As a busi-
ness man he is able and successful, and in his career
as an official he has given to the public affairs the
same careful attention which has brought satisfac-
tory results in his private enterprises.
Mr. Gantley was born April i, 1858, in the town
of Windsor, and like many of our successful men,
78
is of Irish ancestry. His grandparents, Herbert
and Margaret (Hessian) Gantley, passed their lives
in County Galway, Ireland, upon a farm.
Patrick Gantley, our subject's father, was born
March 17, 1821, in County Galway, where he was
educated, and in 1852 came to America with his
sister JMar}^ locating in the town of Windsor Locks.
For five years he was employed by a farmer in
South Windsor, and later he engaged in tobacco
growing, purchasing the present family homestead
in Windsor Locks in 1859. He built the present
residence and farm buildings, and his last days were
spent there in well earned comfort, his death oc-
curring April 20, 1894. On Oct. 13, 1856, he was
married in Windsor Locks to Miss Mary Cunniff,
daughter of Patrick and Mary (Kilgarf) Cunniff,
natives of County Galway, who survives him. Our
subject was the eldest of twelve children born to.
this worthy couple, the others being: Mary, a resi-
dent of Windsor Locks ; Margaret, who died in in-
fancy; James, of Windsor Locks; Thomas, a resi-
dent of the same town, who married Delia Con-
nors; Margaret; Katie; Patrick, a butcher at
Windsor Locks, who married Katie Kelley ; Edward
D. ; Elizabeth C. ; Annie C. ; and Francis C.
John Gantley was reared at the homestead, his
education being obtained in the public schools of
Windsor Locks. Since the death of his father he
has carried on the farm in partnership with his
brothers James, Thomas and Francis, under the firm
name of Gantley Brothers, and they now do an ex-
tensive business as dairymen and growers of leaf
tobacco. Our subject has always taken an active
interest in public affairs, and is a stanch supporter
of the Democratic party. For three years he was-
auditor of his town, and at present he is serving his
fourth term as selectman. In religious faith he is .
a Catholic, and he and his family are leading mem-
bers of St. Mary's parish.
On June 26, 1895, Mr. Gantley was married, in
the town of Windsor Locks, to Miss Nellie Mc-
Carty, daughter of Charles and Ellen McCarty, the
former of whom was a native of Cork, Ireland,
coming to the United States when a young man.
Mr. and Mrs. Gantley have two sons : James, born
Nov. 7, 1896; and John Timothy, born March 20,
HENRY W. BARBOUR, a leading and repre-
sentative farmer of Farmington, was born in New
Britain July 29, 1840, and belongs to one of the early
families of the county, being a grandson of Lewis
Barbour, who was born and reared in the town of
Burlington, and there spent the early part of his
life. Subsequently he made his home in Farming--
ton, where he followed agricultural pursuits, and
from there removed to Harwinton, Conn., where
he died. By his wife, Polly (Frisbie), he had three
children : Augustus Lewis, Augusta and Mary.
Augustus L. Barbour, father of our subject, was
born in the town of Burlington in 1814, and was
1138
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
educated in the schools of BurHngton, Farniington
and New Britain. In Farmington he was married,
in 1836, by Dr. Noah Porter, to Miss Ann Thomp-
son, a daughter of Asaliel Thompson, and to them
were born four children : Frederick L., now de-
ceased: Henry W., our subject; and Theodore A.
and ^\"altcr E., both deceased. The father followed
farming in New Britain for some years, and later
made his home in New York State for a time.
The subject of this sketch began his literary ed-
ucation in the schools of Farniington, while living
with his uncle, Mr. Thompson, .ind 'ater attended
the Simeon Hart Boarding School, at Farniington,
and the Farniington Academy. In 1861 he re-
sponded to his country's call for aid in her efforts to
crush out the Rebellion, enlisting in Company A,
2Sth Conn. \\ I., and he was in the service for a
year. In 1862 he embarked in the life insurance
business at Hartford, as general agent for the Con-
tinental Insurance Co., which position he held for
about a year. On account of the death of his uncle,
Mr. Thompson, he then returned home and took
charge of the estate. Later he sold that property
and bought his present fami, which he has since
successfully operated. He is also interested in other
business, but gives the greater part of his time and
attention to agricultural pursuits.
In Pleasant \'alley. Conn., in 1868, Mr. Barbour
was united in marriage with Miss Harriet \\ .
Youngs, a daughter of Daniel Youngs, and to them
has been born one child, Anna. Fraternally our
subject is an honored member of Burnside Post,
G. A. R. He is a member of and deacon in the
First Congregational Church of Farniington, and
chairman of the committee of the First Ecclesiasti-
cal Society. He is also secretary of the school
board, and was acting visitor for some years ; is vice-
president of the Farmington Savings Bank ; treas-
urer of the Cemetery Association ; and superintend-
ent of the Farmington Creamery. His devotion
to the public welfare has made him a valued factor
in the community where he resides, as he materially
aids in the advancement of all social, educational
and moral interests.
MARSHALL NOTT. Hartford county has
many well-to-do and successful farmers who are
the architects of their own fortune, and who are
numbered among its most useful and valued citi-
zens. Among these is the subject of this personal
history, who for over thirty years has owned and
operated his present farm in the northeast district
of Farmington.
A native of Connecticut, Mr. Nott was born in
Glastonbury, April 11, 1825, a son of John and
Elizabeth (Blinn) Nott. The father was born in
the town of Rocky Hill, this county, and throughout
life followed his trade of boot and shoe making.
In the family were five children, namely : Julius and
Edward, both deceased; Marshall, our subject;
Selah, a resident of Hartford ; and William, a resi-
dent of Bristol.
Marshall Nott was educated in the public schools
of Rocky Hill, which he attended until fifteen years
of age, and then went to Griswoldville, in the town
of \V'ethersfield, where he remained eleven years,
working in the chisel shop at Dividend, Conn., after
leaving that place, and later in the hammer shop at
Cromwell. • I'^or two years he was employed in the
car shops at Hartford, and afterward in Colt's fire-
arm works. Subsequently he engaged in farming
in Rocky Hill for a short time ; worked in Glaston-
bury ; and was engaged in the milk business on Park
street, liartford, two years ; and on Blue Hills ave-
nue, six years. In 1868 he purchased his present
farm in the northeast district of Farniington, where
he engaged in farming and also in the wood busi-
ness with marked success. Returning to Gris-
woldville, he bought land and built a cottage, there
to pass the remaining days of his life.
In Rocky Hill Mr. Nott married Miss Mary Ann
Whitman, born in South Coventry, Conn., Dec. 12,
1834. Wherever known they are held in high re-
gard, and they have a host of warm friends in the
community where they have so long made their
home.
JAMES COLTER, one of the most respected
foreign-born citizens of West Sufifield, and an enter-
prising farmer and tobacco grower, is a native of
Maybrick, County Down, Ireland. He was born
May I, 1839, and is a son of James and Mary
(Sloan) Colter, natives of the same town and mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church. The father was a
farmer. The family consisted of five children :
^largaret, now the wife of Simon McCarel, of West
Sufifield; James, our subject; Joseph, deceased;
Mary Jane and Eliza, also deceased, as are the fa-
ther and mother, who died in their native land.
James Colter, whose name opens this article, was
educated in the national schools of Ireland, and,
until twenty years of age, worked on the home farm,
when, desirous of seeing the New World, he set
sail at Liverpool, England, with a single pound
sterling, after paying his passage money. Landing
at Philadelphia, he at once proceeded from there
to New England, as he had a half-brother living in
Agawam, Mass., and at Feeding Hills, in the same
county, found employment as a farm hand at $12
per month. A year later, in 1861, he came to
Sufifield, Conn., where he was employed by W. P.
Allen at farming, his wages being $360 per annum,
and for him he labored until 1876, when, having
saved the greater part of his earnings, he bought
his present farm of fifty acres, then known as the
Granger tract, and here he has since been success-
fully engaged in tobacco growing, dairying and gen-
eral farming. On this property he has made won-
derful improvements, including one of the finest
dwellings in the vicinity, barns, tobacco sheds, etc.,
at a cost of over $7,000.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1139
In April, 1875, in Suffield, Mr. Colter married
Miss Martha Mary Graham, who was born in the
same county as himself, and is a daughter of Samuel
and Harriet (Nicholson) Graham, the former of
whom died at his home in Ireland, and the latter in
West Suffield, Conn. To Mr. and Mrs. Colter have
been born seven children : Sarah Jane and Samuel
J., both still at home ; Joseph ; Herman ; Florence ;
and two that died in infancy. The parents have
taken and still take a deep interest in the education
of the surviving children, all of whom are phenom-
enally intellectual. Mrs. Colter is also a lady of
rare intelligence, and is noted for hsr excellent
housekeeping.
The Graham family, of which Mrs. Colter is a
descendant, is of Scottish origin, and famous in
their native land. Samuel Graham, grandfather
of Mrs. Colter, was born in the County of Gallo-
way, Scotland, whence he moved to County Down,
Ireland, where he ended his days, dying in the faith
of the Presbyterian Church. To his marriage with
Sarah Nicholson, also of Scottish lineage, were born
seven children : John, who passed his life in County
Down ; Thomas, who made his home in Scotland ;
James, who came to the United States and settled
in Philadelphia, Penn. ; Samuel ; Ann, who married
Andrew Hamilton, and with him settled in St. John,
New Brunswick; Jennie, who married Samuel
Livingston, and went with her husband and family
to Indiana, settling in Lake City (eight of her chil-
dren— Robert, John, Samuel, James, Thomas, Hart-
ford, Moses and William — became soldiers in the
Civil war) ; and Bettie, wife of Robert Hamilton.
Samuel Graham, the father of Mrs. Colter, was
a native of Dromore, County Down, Ireland, passed
his whole life as a farmer at his birthplace, and died
in 1875. Like all the Grahams, he was a Presby-
terian, and was a stanch supporter of the British
Crown. To his marriage were born seven children :
Robert, now of Suffield, Conn. ; William J., of
Warnertown; Sarah Jane, wife of Samuel Barr,
of Suffield; Martha Mary, wife of James Colter,
subject of this sketch; Margaret Ann, who married
George Fertion; Lizzie, wife of Daniel Cole; and
Agnes, now Mrs. John Barresford, of West Suf-
field, at whose home the venerated mother of the
family passed from earth, having brought her chil-
dren to America a short time after the death of her
husband.
Mr. Colter, a quiet, unassuming man, and a
gentleman of refined tastes, is quite domestic in his ,
habits, but is recognized as one of the most ener-
getic and progressive men of his town. His honor-
able walk through life, and his upright, dealings have
won for him the esteem of all his neighbors, and
the good-will of all who know him. In politics he
is a Republican.
EDWIN HILLS, a well-known manufacturer
of saddlery hardware and other specialties, is one of
the prominent citizens of Plainville, and the lives of
few business men furnish a more worthy example of
the wise application of sound principles and safe
conservatism than his. The story of his success is
short and simple, containing no exciting chapters,
but his business and private life is pregnant with
interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in
dramatic action — the record of a noble life, consist-
ent with itself and its possibilities in every particular.
Mr. Hills was born in Plainville, March ii, 1842,
and is a descendant of William Hills, a native of
England, who came to America in 1632, and was
one of the first settlers of Hartford, where he died
in 1683. Our subject's great-grandfather, Chaun-
cey Hills, was born in Farmington, in 1761, and
followed the occupation of farming throughout
life, dying June 21, 1731. He married Eleanor
Gillette, who was born in 1760, and died Oct. 26,
1836.
Elias Hills, our subject's grandfather, was born
in what is now Plainville, Feb. 26, 1782, and was a
wheelwright and builder by trade. He was married,
March 8, 1800, to Sally, daughter of Abner and
Mabel (Squires) Curtiss; of Farmington, and they
had a family of eleven children : Harriet, wife of
James Hamlin; William, who married Charlotte
Purdy ; Charlotte, wife of Jeremiah Neale ; Hiram,
who married (first) Betsey A. Ludington and
(second) Olive Augur; George, who married
(first) Charlotte Eddy and (second) Caroline Eddy ;
Eliza, wife of Amon Woodruff ; Franklin, who mar-
ried Huldah C. Parmalee; Julia, wife of Leonard
A. Wheeler; Sheldon, who married (first) Almeda
N. Recor and (second) Nancy E. Clark; Sally M.;
and Jeannette E., wife of Emner Mclntire. For his
second wife the grandfather married Mrs. Lydia
(Barnes) Pitkins.
Hiram Hills, our subject's father, was born in
Plainville, Oct. 9, 1810, and spent his entire life
there, engaged in the manufacture of wooden hames.
He also owned and operated a saw, shingle and grist
mill, a sash and blind factory, and was interested in
the grain business. He was one of the founders
of the Plainville Water Co., and at the time of his
death was sole owner. Mr. Hills always took a
great interest in public affairs and in the growth and
development of Plainville, and in 1869 was the fir.st
representative from that town to the State Legis-
lature. He was a member and officer of the Con-
gregational Church, and was highly esteemed and
respected by all who knew him. He died June 25,
1875. For his first wife he married Betsey A. Lud-
ington, and to them were born seven children : Jus-
tin; Burritt; Mariette, wife of Elbert Manchester;
Edwin ; Aldine, wife of Lorenzo O. Strickland ;
Jane E., wife of Charles Sutliff ; and Wallace. His
second wife was Olive Augur.
Our subject grew to manhood in Plainville, and
was educated in its public schools. He began his
business career in partnership with his father, in the
manufacture of wooden hames, which connection
existed for three years, andat the end of that time he
1140
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and his brother Burritt purchased the father's inter-
est and continued the business together for ten
years, or until 1875, since which time oiu- subject
has carried it on alone. He has a large plant, em-
ploying sixty hands and manufacturing 300 pairs of
iron hames per day, besides a variety of harness
trimmings. He makes various articles of his own
invention, and caters to the kitchen hardware trade
in five and ten cent articles, the demand for which
exceeds the capacity of his plant.
Mr. Hills has been twice married, his first wife
having been Alzina Welch, daughter of Henry L.
Welch, of riainville, and to them were born two
children, Antoinette and Grace L. For his second
wife he married Emma Bullen, daughter of Wdliam
F BuUeii, of English descent, and by this union he
has one son, Edwin. Religiously Air. Hills is a
member of the Congregational Church, and politi-
cally he is a Republican.
OLIVER CLARK. The subject of this sketch,
save for the two years when he was in business in
Hartford, has been a lifelong farmer, devoting a
half-century to that vocation. He has been a prosper-
ous and progressive farmer, but not a farmer only.
Mr. Clark, while giving strict heed to the demands
of his business, has been ever interested in aflfairs re-
lating to the common good. He has been public-
spirited. He has fostered industries. He has con-
tributed his services whenever occasion required.
Mr. Clark was born near Wapping, in the town
of South Windsor, Dec. 14, 1828, son of Norman
Clark, a native of East Windsor, and grandson of
Capt. Oliver Clark, an officer in the State militia.
Norman Clark was married three times. His only
child by his first wife, Emily Loomis, was Oliver,
the subject of this sketch. Norman Clark was a
farmer by occupation, and in religious faith was a
member of the Congregational Church. He died in
Poquonock July 31, 1878.
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in
South ^^'indso^, and received a good common-school
education. He has always resided in the town of
his nativity, except during the years 1854 and 1855,
when he conducted a wholesale meat business at
Hartford. J\Ir. Clark was married May 28, 1850,
to Abbie Snow, by whom he had four children:
Emily, now deceased ; Amelia, wife of Wilbur Hills ;
Joseph N., deceased ; and Ann Eliza, who died in
April, 1876. The mother of these died Jan. 12,
1876, and on May 24, 1877, Mr. Clark married Miss
Alice B. Pruden, born in Hartford, a daughter of
Nathaniel Pruden. Two children were born to
this latter marriage : Oliver P., who is at home ; and
Albert N., deceased. Mr. Clark is the owner of
117 acres of land, variously located, the home farm
comprising thirty-five acres. He carries on tobacco
growing extensively, and is also engaged in the
dairy business and in general farming.
Mr. Clark has served for seven years as select-
man of South Windsor, and for three years has been
assessor. In 1873 ^^ was elected as a representa-
tive to the State Legislature. He was one of the
promoters of the Wapping high school and one of
Its organizers, serving on the building committee. In
politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Clark has been pres-
ident of the Wapping Creamery Co., and for four-
teen years has been a director of the same. He has
been prosperous in business affairs, and is one of
the leading and well-respected citizens of the town
of South Windsor.
SAMUEL ASH WELL was born Aug. 15,
1843, in the town of Bloomfield, Hartford Co., Conn.
He was one of a family of five children born to
James and Mary Ann (Somerfield) Ashwell, of
whom two died in infancy ; Elizabeth, William and
Sanuiel growing to maturity. The Ashwells are
of English origin, our subject's father and mother
having been born in England.
When Samuel was about five years old his
mother died, and he was sent to live with an aunt.
At the age of eight years he was put to work upon
a farm, in consideration receiving his board and
clothing, attending school in the winter. When
seventeen years old he v^falked a distance of three
miles morning and evening to attend the winter
term at the Bloomfield Academy. In the following
spring the Civil war broke out, and on Aug. 8,
1 86 1, before his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted for
three years in Company C of the First Squadron,
Conn. Cavalry, and subsequently, at New York,
was transferred to the Harris light cavalry or 2d
N. Y. He received his "baptism of fire"' in a charge
upon the Rebel cavalry near Falmouth, Va., in the
spring of 1862, when the Army of the Potomas ad-
vanced to Fredericksburg. The Rebels fled, but
one of their bullets killed Lieut. Decker, who led
the charge. He was in numerous cavalry fights, in-
cluding Aldie and Brandy Station, and in the Stone-
man raid and the famous Wilson raid, also in the
second battle of Bull Run.
On Oct. 12, 1863, ne and several of his regi-
ment were captured by Rebel cavalry near Warren-
ton, Va., and taken to Richmond. From there he
was sent to Belle Isle, where he \.'as held a prisoner
for five months, when he was paroled and sent tO'
Annapolis, Md. For several weeks Mr. Ashwell
was confined in the hospital with rheumatism, the
result of privation and exposure in prison. As
soon as able he rejoined his regiment at the front.
He was honorably discharged and mustered out of
service at New York City, Sept. 15, 1864.
In 1867 Mr. Ashwell commenced farming for
himself on a small farm in West Rocky Hill, to-
which he has added about one hundred acres, erected
nearly all new buildings, and is now carrying on
quite a large dairy and poultry business, and is
successful in both pursuits. As a side issue he also
sells grain and feed. He is respected by his neigh-
bors and fellow citizens, having held the office of
assessor ten years, has been one of the board of
//ci^i<7^.c.^^ <^^2^./^^r^<^
1
I
^COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1141
relief at different times nearly as many more ; select-
man three years ; tax collector three years ; and is
now chairman of the school board and justice of the
peace. He has also served one term in the Legis-
lature, of which body he was elected a member in
1886.
In politics Mr. Ashwell is a Republican, and in
religious faith a Congregationalist, being a mem-
ber of the Congregational Churcn of Rocky Hill.
Socially he is connected with the F. & A. M. ; with
the Grange at Rocky Hill, of which he was the first
master, and with the O. U. A. M., in which he has
passed all tne chairs.
On July 2, 1867, Mr. Ashwell was united in
marriage to Miss Josephine S. Shepard, of Sims-
bury, and their imion was blessed with four chil-
dren, (i) William M. received a good practical
education in the common schools and at Huntsin-
ger's Business College, and is now engaged in
farming in Rocky Hill. He first married May
Griswold, daughter of Daniel C. Griswold, and by
that union had two children. May Josephine and
W. Miles. For his second wife he married Miss
Minnie Naylor, of New Haven. (2) Albert S.
is living at home. (3) Lizzie J. married Frederick
Belden, a farmer of Rocky Hill. They have no chil-
dren. (4) Florence A. attended the grammar
school at New Britain, completed the course at
Huntsinger's Business College, and is now engaged
as stenographer at Jveney Park, Hartford.
The mother of these died March 3, 1889, and on
June 4, 1891, Mr. Ashwell wedded Mrs. Clara H.
Mandeville, widow of Horace Mandeville, and
daughter of Justus Churchill, of Wethersfield.
HENRY W. HAMILTON, farmer and tobacco
grower of the town of East Windsor, traces his
family to one of three brothers who came from Scot-
land to America about the year 1650 and settled in
Massachusetts — one in Eastham, on Cape Cod; one
in Brookfield, in what is now Worcester county ; and
the other in SDme unknown locality — and from the
Cape Cod settler the subject of this sketch descends.
Daniel Hamilton, great-grandfather of subject,
who was born in Eastham, on Cape Cod, about 1740,
was the founder of the East Windsor (Conn.) fam-
ily. He married Hannah Sparrow, also a native of
Eastham, to which marriage were born seven chil-
dren: Paul, Daniel (grandfather of subject), Ben-
jamin, Theodore, Richard, Const:int and tiannah.
He came to Connecticut from Massachusetts, pur-
chased in Tolland county the farm now owned by
the widow of Franklin Miller, and here died in
1784. His eldest son, Paul, who was a hero of the
Revolutionary war, was a local Methodist preacher
of marked ability.
Daniel Hamilton, grandfather of our subject,
married Mollie Braman, a native of East Windsor,
and had born to him a family of nine children : Eli,
who was born 1798, and lived and died in Ellington ;
Elam, who went South, and probably succumbed
to the yellow fever; Daniel, Jr., who went to
Tomah, Wis., and there died ; John, the father of our
subject; Abigail, who married Levi Hayes, of South
Windsor, Conn. ; Olive, who was married to Robert
Rogers, of Ellington, and died in 1835 ; Mrs. Sallie
Silkworth, of New York, who died in 1836; Martha,
who was married to James S. Pearson, of Ludlow,
Mass., and died in 1839; and Lydia, who died young
in 1829. The father of this family died in 1852, a
member of the Congregational Church, and his
remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife
in the cemetery at Ellington.
John Hamilton, father of subject, was born in
East Windsor in 1819, and was a son of Daniel and
Molly (Beaman) Hamilton. He received such edu-
cational advantages as the district schools of his
early days afforded, was reared on his father's
farm, and in due course of time became a prominent
and influential citizen, serving at one time as select-
man, and dying, an honored man, March 17, 1887;
he was survived by his wife, who did not pass away
until May 4, 1896. Seven children were born to
the marriage of John Hamilton, as follows : !\Iilo
and Arlon J., who live in Ellington ; Sarah, wife
of John O. Walker; Henry W., our subject; Carrie,
who is married to Frederick Eest, and lives in
Springfield, Mass. ; Arthur, who lives with his
sister, Mrs. Walker, in Ellington ; and Emma, who
died in infancy.
Henry W. Hamilton, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born Oct. 4, 1854, received a solid pub-
lic-school education, and lived on his father's farm
until twenty-one years of age, when ht married Miss
Ella Lavonne Barber, daughter of Aurelius and
Lucy (Fuller) Barber, of whom mention is made
elsewhere. He then bought his present farm of
forty acres, known as the Wolcott-Barber place, on
which he has made many substantial improvements.
To his marriage with Miss Barber one child,
Howard Leslie, was born July 29, 1876. This
young man is a graduate of the Rockville high
school, and is now a teacher at Melrose.
In politics Henry W. Hamilton is a Republican,
and in religion he is a Methodist. No better illus-
tration of the success which follows persistent and
well-directed effort, combined with integrity, can be
found in East Windsor town, than that which has
attended Henry W. Hamilton and his amiable wife.
FRANKLIN MILLS ALFORD, now living in
the village of Avon, was for many years one of the
leading business men of this section, and occupies a
substantial position among the well-to-do residents
of Avon town. He is a native of same, born Oct. 15,
1840, a son of Daniel M. Alford, and a grandson of
Nathaniel Alford, who in their day were also well-
known citizens of the town.
Daniel M. Alford was born in Avon town
Sept. 26, 1796, and here grew to manhood on his
father's farm, gaining a thorough knowledge of ag-
ricultural pursuits, which he followed for the most
1142
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
part throughout his busy hfe. He received his ed-
ucation in the neighboring district scliools. In his
earlier manhood, for some years following his mar-
riage, he was engaged in peddling in the South,
selling clocks and dry goods, but it was as a farmer
that he was most successful, and he owned an-l culti-
vated a tract of 200 acres, on which he made many
improvements. In addition to raising general crops
he grew tobacco, carried on dairying, and engaged to
a considerable extent in stock raising, beconnng well-
known as a prosperous business man and able
manager in his locality. He took a deep interest
in the ]iubhc welfare and advancement of his town,
and had the confidence and respect of his neighbors
and fellow citizens generally, a fact which was proved
by his frequent election to positions of trust and re-
sponsibilit)-. He served his town as selectman,
justice of the peace and in other incumbencies, with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned, displaying marked ability in his various ca-
pacities. He was always a stanch Democrat in po-
litical affiliation. Mr. Alford married IMiss Emira
Mills, of Canton, Hartford county, who was a
daughter of Joel Mills, and a granddaughter of
Jared Mills, a" Baptist minister. Eight children were
born to this union : Rollin, who is deceased ; Juliette,
Mrs. Andrew Chidsey, deceased ; Emerson, deceased,
formerly a resident of Plainvillc, Conn. ; Louisa,
widow of Albert Andrews, living in New Haven;
Ephraim A., deceased; Lucy Ann, widow of Asa
Hoskins, of Simsbury; Sarah Jane, wife of A. J.
Mallory; and Franklin Alills, whose name intro-
duces these lines. The father of this family passed
away Aug. 17, 1873, on his farm in Avon town,
and was laid to rest in Avon cemetery. Religiously
he was a member of the Baptist Church, and he
was a man of quiet habits, domestic in his tastes,
and fond of his home and family. Mrs. Alford's
death occurred Sept. 12, 1880, in Avon, and she was
buried by the side of her husband. She was also
a devout member of the Baptist Church, and was
a good Christian woman, widely loved for her many
sterling qualities.
Franklin M. Alford attended the district schools
of Avon in his boyhood, completing his education
in the high school at Collinsville. He remained
on the homestead until nineteen years of age, when
he commenced life on his own account, his first
employment being in a store at New Britain. Tir-
ing of indoor work after several months' experi-
ence there, he returned to the farm, where he con-
tinued until his enlistment, in 1862, at Hartford, as
a member of Company I, i6th Conn. V. L, under
Capt. Drake, Col. Beach commanding. The com-
mand was sent to Washington and thence to Ar-
lington Heights, where they went into camp. They
followed Lee through Maryland, and took part in
the battle of Antietam, where our subject was
wounded Sept. 17, 1862, a ball passing through his
right leg, near the knee. He was taken to field
hospital and later to the hospital at Chester, Penn.,
where he received his discharge in January, 1863.
Returning home he rested until his health was re-
cuperated, after which he found employment in the
axe factory at Collinsville, where he spent six
months, engaged in making bayonets for the army.
He spent several months following in Minnesota
for the benefit of his health, returned home for a
short period, and in 1864 made another trip to
Minnesota, where he was engaged in selling tin-
ware, meeting with good success. On his return
to Connecticut he purchased a farm of seventy acres
in Berlin, Hartford county, where he took up gen-
eral farming and the culture of tobacco; he also
engaged extensively in dairy farming. At the end
of that time he turned his attention to the m;aiu-
facture of fuse, in which he continued for three
years, when the establishment was blown up; he
eventually returned to agriculture, following same
until 1887. Mr. Alford has always maintained the
highest reputation for honesty and uprightness in
all his dealings, and being of a genial disposition
made numerous friends among those with whom he
came in contact. He is noted for his common
sense and straightforwardness in all his actions, and
has always commanded the respect of his fellowmen.
Mr. Alford was married in Avon, in 1867, to
Miss Lucy R. Case, a native of the town, who was
reared and educated here ; she finished her literary
training in the New Britain high school. Three
children have blessed this union : Grace M., who
died in infancy; Florence M. ; and Lila F. The
second daughter received her education in the dis-
trict schools and Connecticut Literary Institute,
and was engaged in teaching in Avon for two years
prior to her marriage to William E. Johnson, who
is chief engineer at the Hartford water works ; they
have had four children, one who died in infancy,
Hurlburt L., Florence Ruth and Alford W. Lila
F., now the wife of Henry C. Whitman, of West
Hartford, also attended the district schools and the
Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield. In relig-
ious matters the family unite with the Congrega-
tional Church. Mr. Alford is a stanch member of
the Republican party, but he is no politician, and
has never sought or desired official preferment.
He enjoys life thoroughly, is fond of a good horse,
and has owned some fine animals.
Nathan Lee Case, father of Mrs. Alford, was
in his day one of the prosperous and respected citi-
zens of Avon, in which town he was born March
19, 1809, a son of Nathan and Lucy (Moses)
Case. Nathan Case was born April 14, 1784, a
son of Jedediah Case, and was a lifelong farmer.
He married Lucy Moses, who was born June 9,
1786, a daughter of Michael Moses, and died in
January, 1836. They had five sons. Jay, Nathan
Lee, Millner, Gardner and Emerson. Nathan Lee
Case received his education in the schools of the
home district and at Ellington, and taught school
for several years in his earlier manhood ; was also
engaged in selling clocks through the South. After
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1148
his marriage lie settled down to agricultural pur-
suits, and he became one of the extensive farmers
and landowners of this section, well and favorably
known in his own town, where he served as town
treasurer, and was actively identified with affairs
in general. He was prominent in the ranks of the
Republican party as a loyal worker for local in-
terests, and was an earnest member of the Con-
gregational Church, in which he held the office of
deacon. Mr. Case married Miss Abigail Hurlburt,
who was born June 30, 1814, a daughter of Samuel
Hurlburt, of West Hartford, and they had two chil-
dren, Nathan Burton, who went West ; and Lucy
R., Mrs. Alford. The father died in Avon April
29, 1893, the mother on Dec. 15, 1895, at the home
of our subject, and they sleep their last sleep in
Avon cemetery.
GEORGE LINCOLN HAWLEY, a progressive
and energetic agriculturist of Farmington, was born
in the Northeast District of that town Aug. 30,
1863, and is a son of Edward Norman Hawiey,
who spent his entire life in Farmington, engaged
in agricultural pursuits. Politically the father was
an ardent Republican, and religiously he was an
active and consistent member of the Congregational
Church of West Hartford. In the town of Avon,
Hartford Co., Conn., he was united in marriage with
Miss Lydia Hawiey, and to them were born two chil-
dren : Walter Edward, deceased ; and George Lin-
coln, our subject. The parents are both deceased,
honored and respected by all who knew them, the
father passing away June 13, 1894, the mother in
1885.
Our subject received a good practical educa-
tion in the common schools of the Northeast Dis-
trict of Farmington, which he attended until seven-
teen years of age. Three years later he commenced
peddhng ice for the Trout Brook Ice Co., in whose
employ he remained three summers, while he worked
one winter for the J. S. Burden Pickling Co.
For a short time he was employed in Coe's bras3
factory in Torringlon, Conn., and in an iron foundry
in New Haven. Subsec|uently he again worked
for the Trout Brook Ice Co., for two years, and was
with a Mr. Bingham in the ice business for one
summer. During the following two years he drove
a team for the Jewell Bottling Co., and in April,
1894, returned to the home place in Farmington,
which is a part of the ancestral farm of the Hawiey
family. He has displayed excellent ability and
sound judgment in the management of his business
affairs, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his
place plainly indicates that he thoroughly under-
stands the occupation to which he now devotes his
energies.
In New Haven Mr. Hawiey was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Kelley, and to them have
been born one son, George Edward, at this writing
four years old, and the light of his parents' home;
and one daughter, Lena Lydia, one year old.
MAX ERTEL, one of the most popular and
prosperous young German residents of East Wind-
sor town, is a native of Dresden, Saxony, now a
part of United Germany, having been born Julv 22,
1862.
Mr. Ertel was well educated in the public schools,
and at the early age of fourteen years, having
finished his studies, he went to Radeburg to learn
the trade of barber, and there lived four years.
On April 24, 1881, he sailed from Bremen on the
steamship "Neckar," and, after a pleasant passage
of thirteen days' duration, landed in New York
City, where he remained two days only, coming
thence to Rockville, Conn., where he worked a year
in a cotton factory and a year as a barber. In 1883
he came to Broad Brook and purchased the barber
shop owned by Bernard Carney, which stood on
the site now occupied by the Middleton general
store, and there carried on his trade for eight years,
when he moved into his present building, erected
for him by the Broad Brook Company.
On April 12, 1887, Mr. Ertel married Miss Ida
Helm, a native of Broad Brook, and a daughter of
Louis and Ernestine Helm, their marriage being
blessed with four children: Howard, Frederick,
William, and Elsie. Mr. Ertel and family attend
the Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed by
all who know them, he being very domestic in his
habits, industrious and strictly upright in all his
transactions. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Ertel has mastered the English language
through self-instruction and close attention to the
conversation going on about him, and even while
at work in the factory carried his English grammar
with him, in order to lose no time in acquiring a
knowledge of the tongue. In 1894 he visited the
home of his childhood, and was gone two months,
but decided that the United States suited him well
enough, as he here raised himself from compara-
tive poverty to be well-to-do and respected,
WILLARD OILMAN BURNHAIM, who is
one of the most extensive tobacco growers in Hart-
ford county, owns and occupies a farm in the town
of South Windsor, located about four miles from
Hartford. During the year 1898 life raised about
thirty-two acres of tobacco.
Mr. Burnham is a native of Collinsville, Hart-
ford county, born April 6, 1836, and belongs to an
old New England family founded in Connecticut
by Thomas Burnham, Sr., of Ipswich, England, who
in 1635 sailed from Gravesend, England, for the
Barbadoes, soon afterward coming to Connecticut.
On iirst locating in Hartford he bought the property
on the corner of Main and State streets. In 1659
he purchased of an Indian chief a tract of land in
what is now the towns of South Windsor and
East Hartford, a part of which is still in the pos-
session of Mr. Burnham, whose name heads this
article. Our subject is of the seventh generation
in direct descent from Thomas Burnham, Sr,,
1144
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
through Samuel, Timothy, Ehjah (i), Ehjah (2),
and Henr)'.
Henry Burnham was born on tlie old Burn-
ham homestead Jan. 22, 1808, and there grew to
manhood, lie then went to CoUinsville, and worketl
in an axe factory for about seven years, in 1838 re-
turning to the old homestead, where he followed
farming the remainder of his life, dying there in
November, 1875. On March 8, 1835, at CoUins-
ville, he married Miss Mary M. Richards, and they
had three sons, W'illard G. being the eldest ; Henry
Richards, born March 4, 1842, is a farmer of East
Hartford; and Roland Eranklin, born Oct. 13, 1846,
is a farmer of South Windsor. The mother died
in 1894, and the remains of both parents are in-
terred in South Windsor cemetery.
Our subject received a good common-school
education and remained upon the home farm until
1863, in that year remo\ing to the farm which he
now occupies, and he has ever since resitled there.
Through life Mr. Burnham has been a farmer. His
present home farm contains eighteen acres, but he
owns several other tracts of land, amounting in all
to eighty-four acres, including wood land and pas-
ture land. He has made most of the improvements
on the farm, and, though quiet and unostentious
has by industry and ability won the rightful repu-
tation of being one of Hartford county's most enter-
prising and deservedly successful farmers.
Mr. Burnham was married, April 14, 1863, to
Miss Sarah \\'illianis, daughter of Bissell and Nel-
lie (Burnham) Williams, and they have had three
■children: Claire, born April 28, 1869, is the wife
OT Thomas A. Johnson, and has tliree children.
Willard J., Cecile Jilay and Alice Catherine; May,
Tjorn Oct. 5, 1871, died July 4, 1872; and Leo, born
Jan. 8, 1875, resides with his parents. Mr. Burn-
ham is a supporter of the Democratic party. Henry
Burnham owns the farm that has descended to him
in a direct line from Thomas, Sr. [From the
Burnham Genealogy.]
EDWIN FRANKLIN BURNHAM, a skilled
wagonmaker and blacksmith of Burnside, Hartford
county, and a greatly respected citizen, was born
Ma}' II, 1825, in the house in which he yet lives, a
son of Hezekiah and Sarah (I\Iiller) Burnham, the
former a native of England.
Hezekiah Burnham was quite young when, in
company with two brothers, he came to America in
a sailing-vessel and landed in New York, whence
he came direct to East Hartford town and secured
employment in the paper-mill at Scotland (now
Burnside). Later he kept a grocerj' in the old
house that stands immediately north of the house
in which the subject of this notice still resides. On
Dec. 10, 1809, he married Sarah Miller, a native of
Burnside, and to this marriage came seven children,
in the following order : Sarah, who was married
to Ralph D. Pratt, and lived in St. Louis, Mo. (both
are now deceased) ; Emeline, deceased wife of An-
drew H. Wing, of St. Louis, who left two children,
Charles and Nellie; Harriet, married to George S.
Phelps and residing at St. Paul, Minn. ; Elvira M.,
who married Francis Risley, of East Hartford (both
are deceased) ; Hezekiah, who married Eleanor Up-
son, of Bristol, and is deceased ; Julia, who was
married to Nathan C. Greer, of Peoria, 111. (both
are deceased) ; and Edwin F., whose name opens
this article.
Edwin Franklin Burnham attended the old Scot-
land school house, and later the academy in East
Hartford, situated on the site of the present Wells
Hall, where he was under the tutorship of Prof.
Goodwin and Salmon Phelps. After completing
his course of studies at East Hartford he returned
to the home farm, engaged in agriculture and team-
ing, and then, being of a mechanical turn of mind,
and witli keen foresight perceiving an opportunity
for opening a blacksmith and wagon repairing shop,
he erected a structure for that purpose on his prem-
ises, in spite of the jeers of his neighbors; he has
been kept busy at this class of work ever since,
which fact is pretty good evidence of his skillful
and honest work.
On Dec. 10, 1865, Mr. Burnham was united in
marriage with Miss Jane A. Fowler, a native of
Hillstown, and a daughter of Roderick and Perme-
lia (Hills) Fowler. To this marriage came one
son, Frank E., born Aug. 9, 1879, who inherits his
father's industrious habits and mechanical skill, and
is now assisting in the blacksmith and carriage-
repairing shop. He married Miss Eva Scranton, a
native of Burnside, and is the father of one child,
Mabel, who was born Feb. 24, 1896. Mrs. Edwin
F. Burnham died Feb. 13, 1897.
The Burnham family attend the Methodist
Church, and in politics Mr. Burnham is a Republi-
can, but has never felt any disposition to hold public
office. He is a large, well-built man, of a very
pleasant disposition and courteous address, is quite
well-to-do, is always at work, and has won the good-
will and respect of all who have met him.
F. H. TOLLES, founder of the Windsor Collar
& Cuff Co., at Windsor, has won an established
place in the business world in a remarkably short
time, and his success affords an excellent illustration
of the possibilities before a young man of energy
and ability. His enterprise, which has been built
up from its foundation through his own efforts, has
by no means reached the zenith of its prosperity,
and his constantly increasing trade throughout the
country has led to the opening of another factory in
Chicago, 111., in March, 1898. As the business of
making any solid composition into collars and cuffs
is comparatively new, defects were unavoidable in
the early specimens, and the public is ready to ap-
preciate the improvements mad.e by Mr. Tolles, by
which all cause for criticism has been removed.
Mr. Tolles was born Jan. 16, 1867, at Meriden,
Conn., son of James Morris and Mary A, (Ken-
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1145
worthy) ToUes. The father, who is now a highly-
respected resident of Meriden, was born in Litch-
field county, this State, and became a brass molder
by trade, but ill health compelled him to give up
that business two years after his marriage. For a
time he followed farming near West Hartford, and
afterward near Meriden. Since 1882 he has been
a member of the police force of the latter city. His
wife is a native of Meriden, and a member of an old
family of that locality. Her father, James Ken-
worthy, who died in 1898, aged eighty years, was
in business at Spoonville, Conn., for some years as a
manufacturer of spoons, in partnership with his
brother John, and later in life he followed the silver
burnisher's trade, his faculties remainibg unim-
paired, notwithstanding his advanced age. Our
subject was the eldest in a family of five children —
three sons and two daughters.
As a boy Mr. F. H. Tolles attended school in West
Hartford and Meriden, and late in the fall of 1879
he became an office boy for Manning & Bowman, a
Meriden firm. He remained with them a short time,
leaving to accept a position at better wages with Ed-
ward Miller & Co., of the same city, with whom he
spent about a vear. He then entered the Parker
Screw shop, again securing better pay, and, being
large for his age, he readily adapted himself to any
work. In March, 1882, at fifteen years of age, he
went to work at his trade, lathe burnishing, at Wil-
cox Silver Plate Co., Meriden, Conn., serving three
years at same. While he had been successful in
every work he had tried, his energy and ambition
made the frequent shut-downs unsatisfactory. He
was seldom idle when the shops closed, as he would
find work at something, and at one time he canvassed
for books, making a success of the venture. In Feb-
ruary, 1886, he gave up his trade and began taking
orders for enlarging pictures, and in this also his
success was noticeable. For five years he was em-
ployed by N. L. Stone & Co., of Potsdam, N. Y.,
and he severed his connection with this firm only
to become general agent for the A. L. Varney Co.,
of Albany, N. Y., in the same line, with whom he re-
mained three years. While with A. L. Varney
Co. he had acted as agent for a Western firm that
manufactured waterproof collars and cuffs, in which
manner his attention was called to the promising
field for business, if properly conducted. As a
number of improvements occurred to him he de-
cided to go into the manufacture of water-
proof collars and cuffs on original lines, and in Jan-
uary, 1896, the first product was turned out from his
plant, then located in the Hurlbert block, in Hart-
ford. Fire drove them out, in June, 1897, and the
business was removed to Windsor, where the main
factory is now located, the Chicago factory being
managed as a partnership. In 1898 finding it diffi-
cult to give agents in Western States the prompt
service they required from Windsor, G. J. Watson,
of East Windsor Hill, and foreman of the factory,
, was taken in as partner for the branch business at
Chicago, 111., and through his able work and over-
sight the business has made rapid growth through-
out the West.
The business of placing the goods on the market
is done entirely through agents, of whom Mr. Tolles
employs over one thousand. They are in all parts of
the United States. No business whatever is done
with dealers or jobbers, despite the fact that many
orders are received from them. The Windsor factory
employs from fifteen to twenty, and the industry is
one of the most prosperous in the town. Mr. Tolles
gives the business his personal attention, and not-
withstanding its great volume he is thoroughly fa-
miliar with all its details. The products comprise a
general line of collars and cuffs, which are made in
all the prevailing styles and sizes, with polish or new
Imen finish, as desired; also shirt fronts, neckties,
and a full line of collars and cuffs for ladies' wear,
which are just the thing for s'hirtwaists and for
bicycle wear. These goods are all made of solid
rubber, no inner lining of cloth, and are not to be
confounded with the ordinary celluloid goods. They
are waterproof, and will not chip on edge or turn
yellow, and contain nothing in any v/ay injurious
to the skin. Other specialties are ladies' belts, and a
large variety of other useful and ornamental arti-
cles, which are all manufactured under the com-
pany's own registered trade mark of the "Windsor"
waterproof.
As a citizen our subject is progressive, enter-
prising, and his genial, courteous manner has won
for him many friends. He married Miss Minnie
Rummell, a native of North Manchester, Conn., and
they have two children : Ethel F. and May Bell.
The family is prominent socially. Socially, our
subject is connected with Lincoln Lodge, No. 55, K.
P., Hartford ; Hartford Conclave, No. 259, Im-
proved Order Hcptasophs, and Capitol Lodge, No.
301, N. E. O. P., Hartford, in which latter organiza-
tion he is an active' worker. He is a member of
the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and a representa-
tive from it to the Supreme Lodge in 1899 and 1900.
He is also deputy of Haskell Lodge, Windsor Locks,
N. E. O. P. In 1892 Mr. Tolles completed his ele-
gant home, on Loomis Ave., Windsor, Conn. ; in
1898 built another very desirable residence to rent
in Windsor, and in 1899 he built a h.rge iron covered
factory building for his collar business.
WILLIAM BAILEY, the oldest meat dealer
in Windsor, and one of its most highly respected
citizens, was born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, Eng-
land, Oct, 6, 1844, a son of Joseph and Ann (Bailey)
Bailey, who were both weavers and followed that
occupation when all weaving was done by hand.
The father died in England, the mother in Rock-
ville. Conn. Our subject is the youngest in the
family of twelve children, only four of whom came
to the United States. Simeon died in New Jer-
sey. Joseph was one of the first Englishmen to
work in the mills at Rockville, Conn., and later be-
11 16
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came foreman of the same. He was a member of
the 251 h Conn. \. I., during- the Civil war, and
stood high in the community wiiere he lived. Sarah,
now the widow of \\'illiam Randall, is a resident
of Rockville, and her oldest son, George Randall,
is a prominent Republican and postmaster of that
place.
\\'illiam Bailey's early educational advantages
were quite meager, but to a limited extent he at-
tended school in his native land, and after coming
to the United States, the greater part of his edu-
cation being obtained in the district of Rockville,
Tolland Co., Conn. In company with his brother-
in-law, William Randall, he sailed from Liverpool
on the "Isaac Webb," and after a voyage of a
month landed in New York, in March, 1856. He
remained in the vicinity of Rockville, Conn., until
1866, being employed in the finishing department
of the woolen-mill at that place. Going to Poquo-
nock he worked in the woolen-mill there, of which
Kellogg & La Prease were the builders and first
operators, and here he liecame familiar with every
department of the work, being promoted from time
to time until he was able to take charge of the mill
during the absence of the proprietor. He remained
there until 1876, when the product was changed
to worsteds. Business being dull at that time along
that line, he came to \\indsor Center, where in
June of that year he embarked in the butcher busi-
ness, at first killing and dressing all his own meat
with the exception of the beef. As his trade in-
creased, he extended his operations and was soon
at the head of a profitable business which he still
enjoys.
Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with ^Nliss
Lenora B. Pease, a native of Enfield, Hartford
county, and the youngest daughter of Wells and
Betsey (Pease) Pease. Two sons have been born
to them, namely: (i) William, who is a junior
member of the Warner & Bailey Co., clothiers of
Hartford, married Harriet Bell, of Windsor; he has
served two terms as councilman, and is now serv-
ing as alderman in the city council. (2) Arthur
A., is bookkeeper at the Eddy Electric Manufac-
turing Co., and resides at home; he is chairman
of the Republican town committee. In 1896 Mr.
Bailey built his present comfortable residence on
Loomis avenue, Windsor.
In early life Mr. Bailey was a Republican, and
had that party put a Prohibition plank in its plat-
form he would have continued one of its supporters,
but since 1886 he has voted with the Prohibition
party, being an earnest advocate of the cause of
temperance and a member of the Good Templars
when that society flourished. Although his edu-
cational advantages were poor during his }'Outh, he
has by reading and observation become a well-in-
formed man, and is especially well-posted on the
Scriptures, being a great student of the Bible. In
1865 he united with the Congregational Church;
was deacon of the church in Poquonock, and in 1884
was chosen to the same position in Windsor to
succeed Deacon Woodford. He also served as
superintendent of the Sunday-school for three years
and nine months at two diflferent periods. His
life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever
supported those interests which are calculated to
uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high
moral worth is deserving of the highest com-
mendation.
JAMES TROTTER. The extraordinarily suc-
cessful business career of Mr. Trotter has resulted,
in no small degree, to the benefit of the town of
Manchester. Although not yet forty-five years of
age, he has accumulated large and valuable hold-
ings of real property there, and his public spirit bas-
so influenced his management of the same that,
while not unmindful of his own interests, he has.
done as mucli, if not more, for the upbuilding of
that beautiful suburb of Hartford.
i\Ir. Trotter is a native of County Armagh, Ire-
land, born June 11, 1856, the eldest of eleven
children of Richard and Jane (Forsytli) Trotter,
of whom eight are yet living. The other surviving
members of the family, in the order of their birth,
are: Alexander, who is in the employ of Cheney
Bros, at their mills in Manchester ; William J., and
Richard, both of whom reside at Paterson, N. J. ;
Robert and George, whose home is in Australia ; and
Joseph and Thomas, of Manchester.
In 1874 James Trotter emigrated to this cotmtry.
His first employment in America was in one of the
silkmills of Cheney Bros. His industry and thrift
stood him in good stead, and little by little he aflded
to his savings, until in 1883 he was able to make his
first purchase of real estate in ?\Ianchester. He se-
lected property on Wells street which he subse-
quently sold to Ralph Cheney, and then bought
what was known, at that time, as the Knox property.
It was so remote from the heart of the town that
many older heads advised him against making the
transaction, but his sagacity, sound judgment and
hard business sense convinced him that he was
acting wisely. The result h:^s abundantly justi-
fied his prognostications, the property which he
purchased on his own judgment at that time being
at present among the most valuable in the choicest
residence district of Manchester. This piece of
ground embraced about eight and one-half acres,
and on a portion of it are now located the barn's of
the Hartford, Manchester & Rockville Street Car
Co. On this land Mr. Trotter has erected eight
dwellings, one of which he still owns. In 1896 he
bought the sixteen acres popularly called the "Hunt-
ington property," one of the most beautiful tracts
in Manchester, and has improved it and platted it
in lots, some of which he sold, and upon which have
been erected nineteen handsome residences ; he has
also opened and dedicated streets, etc. In 1897 Mr.
Trotter bought, from Mrs. Ann Hunneford, an-
other valuable plat, comprising twenty acres.
/^^/^^-'»%/^ c/l.ir-'^UUA^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1147
whereon have been built six dwellings, two of which
he has sold. Among the streets which he has
opened are Summit, Orchard, Winter, Trotter, Val-
ley, Huntington, and Wadsworth Avenue. In 1899
he purchased seventy-five acres known as the
"Taintor estate."
It is difficult to speak too highly of the progress-
ive spirit which has ever characterized Mr. Trotter's
policy since he began dealing in Manchester real
property. His faith in the town's growth has never
wavered, and his success is due wholly to this abso-
lute confidence based on his intelligent judgment as
a business man. Yet while building up a fortune
for himself he has adopted no niggardly, selfish
scheme for his own aggrandizement at the expense
of others, and his fellow townsmen both recognize
and appreciate the fact. In politics he is of the Re-
publican faith. He makes no profession of religion,
but is a regular attendant at Divine service, and a
liberal contributor to every good work.
Mr. Trotter has been twice married. His first
wife was Maggie J. McClellan, of East Hartford,
whom he married in 1883, and who bore him one
child, Eva J. ; mother and daughter both died in
1888. Seven years afterward, on Oct. 9, 1895, Mr.
Trotter was joined in wedlock to Miss Lucy John-
ston, and they have had one son, Alton Victor.
GEORGE CALVIN HOWE, shipping clerk for
the Hartford Carpet Co., and one of the enterprising
citizens of Thompsonville, Hartford county, was
born Feb. 14, 1840, at Mobile, Ala., a son of George
Rice and Sarah Jane (Ryer) Howe.
Dr. Calvin Howe, our subject's grandfather, was
a prominent physician and surgeon of Saccarappa,
Maine. He was born at Sturbridge, Maine, Jan.
21, 1780, and died at Saccarappa Aug. 26, 1845.
During the war of 1812 he served as a contract sur-
geon, was captured by the British, and kept prisoner
for nine months. On July 3, 1802, he married Abi-
gail Cutter, who died at Westfield, Mass., Sept. 20,
1855, ^nd by her he had the following children, the
eldest born at Windham, Maine, the others at Sac-
carappa. Thomas C, born Nov. 20, 1803, died at
Detroit, Mich., Jan. 22, 1892; George R., born Nov.
4, 1807, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 11, 1847;
Harrison G. Otis, born July 28, 1810, was lost at sea;
Maria, born Feb. 14, 1817, died March 4, 1892;
Mary A., born July 2, 1819, died Feb. 17, 1890;
Andrew J., born Oct. 16, 1823, died Oct. 9, 1825.
George Rice Howe, our subject's father, was a
sea captain by occupation. On Dec. 13, 1834, he
married Sarah J. Ryer, daughter of Michael and
Hannah Ryer, and to this union were born the fol-
lowing children : George Calvin, Ada B., and Sam-
uel B. (who died when only a few years old). Mrs.
Ada B. (Howe) Mook is vice-regent of the Col-
onial Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution, of
New York City, and curator of the State of New
York, of the same order. She has one daughter,
Jessie Stanley
George Calvin Howe was reared in Brooklyn
and New York City. He received a common-
school education, and losing his father early com-
menced working in New York. When the Civil
war broke out he enlisted, in July, 1861, and was
mustered into the United States service at Riker's
Island on Aug. 15, as a private in Company H, An-
dersons' Zouaves, afterward the Sixty-second N. Y.
V. I. He served three years, when he was honora-
bly discharged as sergeant. He participated with
his regiment in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair
Oaks, Seven Pines, Rappahannock Station, Malvern
Hill, Antietam, Gettysljurg, and the battles around
Richmond under Gen. Grant. During part of these
three years he was brigade and regimental clerk.
After his discharge he was clerk in the quartermas-
ter's department under Capt. J. T. Wray, of the
Army of the Shenandoah, continuing till the sur-
render of Gen. Lee at Appomattox. After the close
of the war Mr. Howe located in Westfield, Mass.,
and remained there as clerk and bookkeeper for a
grocery and dry-goods firm for two years. Then
he moved to Springfield, Mass, holding a similar
position in a furniture store, and in June, 1871, lo-
cated in Thompsonville, where he has since resided,
entering into the employ of the Hartford Carpet Co.,
as shipping clerk, which position he has held con-
tinuously up to the present time
Mr Howe was married May 23, 1863, at North
Adams, Mass., to Josephine Lydia, daughter of
Horace and Cynthia (Bradley) Walker, of Walker
Flill, Dalton, Mass. She has borne him six chil-
dren: George Lyman, born June 15, 1865, who has
one son, Willard E. ; Ada Elise (Mrs. Roscoe A.
Hutchinson), born March 18, 1867, who has one
daughter, Elise D. W. ; Ella, born Feb. 2, 1870, who
died Feb. 28, 1872; Will Stanley (cashier and pay-
master of The Hartford Rubber Works Co.), born
April 16, 1873, who has one son, Stanley M. ; Liz-
zie Whitley (a teacher), born Sept. 28, 1876; and
Harry Leslie (a student of Trinity College), born
April 9, 1881.
Mr. Howe is a member of the Universalist
Church. He is a member and past commander
of Samuel Brown Post, No. 56, G. A. R., of Thomp-
sonville ; of Abraham Lincoln Circle, Ladies G. A.
R., of Springfield, Mass. ; and of De Soto Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of that city. In 1884 he became an ad-
vocate of the prohibition of the liquor traffic by law,
and has voted for that principle ever since.
LEMUEL C. CASWELL, who for the past
seventeen years has been engaged in farming and
dairying, the last four years of the time at Bloom-
field, was born in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 2, 1843,
and is a son of Edwin and Bethia T. (Wells) Cas-
well, being the ninth in their family of eleven chil-
dren.
Lemuel Caswell, grandfather of our subject,
was a native of Ludlow, Mass., but passed the
greater part of his life in Hartford county. Conn.
1148
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lie married Miss Joanette Xcviiis, and died at Lake
Chaniplain during the war of 1812-15.
Edwin Caswell, son of Lemuel and father of
Lemuel C, was born in West Hartford, Conn., in
1804, and there passed his boyhood years. For a
long time he conducted a meat market in Hartford,
and also lived for some time in Bloomfield. To his
marriage with ^liss \\'ells children were born in
the following order : Ann ; Mary ; Edwin and Will-
iam, deceased; Susan, wife of N. S. Loomis, of
\\'indsor; John, deceased; Charles, a market-man
on Asylum street, Hartford; Jane, wife of Fred
Kingsley, of Hartford ; Lemuel Chauncey, our sub-
ject; Joseph, deceased; and r.enjamin, deceased.
The father was a trustee and steward of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church at Bloomfield, but during his
latter \cars farmed at West Hartford, where his
death took place in 1884, his remains being interred
at Bloomfield; his wife had died in 1852, and her
body was interred at Hartford.
Lemuel C. Caswell attended school in West
Hartford in his earlier boyhood, and later attended
the Bloomfield Academy. For fifteen years he
ran a butcher's wagon in Bloomfield and West
Hartford, and then w-ent into the meat market busi-
ness with his brother Charles at Hartford, in which
he continued one year. For the past seventeen
years, as has already been intimated, he has been
engaged in farming and dairying, settling finally
in Bloomfield in 1896.
Lemuel C. Caswell married in Bloomfield, Jan.
S, 1871, Miss Mary Ella Goodwin, daughter of
Chester Goodwin, and to this union have been born
three children : Alary Ella, Anna Josephine and
Edwin Lemuel. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloom-
field, and for a long time ]\Ir. Caswell was a prom-
inent member of the Good Templars society, of the
same town. He has always borne a reputation for
honest dealing-, and enjoys the respect of all who
know him, and this respect is also accorded his
wife and family.
FRANK B. CLARK, the well-known paper
manufacturer of Glastonbury, is a self-made man
whose history will be of general interest.
He comes of good old A^ermont stock. On his
mother's side he is a direct descendant of William
Bradford, second governor of ^Massachusetts.
Arad W. Clark, his father, was born and reared
at Brattleboro, Vt., receiving a district school edu-
cation, but came to Connecticut in early manhood,
locating first at Granby, where he followed farm-
ing for some time. Later, he settled at Glaston-
bury, entering the employ of Deacon Duel Higgins,
who was prominent for many years in the affairs of
that community, and served as deacon in the East
Glastonbury Congregational Church and later in the
church at South Glastonburv. This removal led to
important changes in the life of the young employe,
as he was married a few years afterward to Hen-
rietta Higgins, daughter of the Deacon and his
wife, Fannie Blinn, and the remainder of his life
was spent in East Glastonbury, in agricultural pur-
suits. He was a man of average height, and en-
joyed remarkably good health until shortly before
his death, which occurred in 1883. Our subject
was the youngest of five children. Of the others,
(i) Charles died in childhood. (2) Katherine
married T. S. Curtis, a farmer in East Glastonbury,
and died in 1898, leaving two children, Clayton and
Efiie. (3) John D. married Kittie Mandeville, and
now resides in Brooklvn, N. Y., where he is suc-
cessfully engaged in the steam-heating business. Fie
has three children, Frank (named after our sub-
ject), Aida and Florence. (4) Dwight, who is in
the meat business, married Emma Fick, and re-
sides in Ellington, Conn. He has two children.
Bertha and Ernest.
Our subject was born Sept. 26, 1854, in East
Glastonbury, near Bucks Corners, on a farm now
owned by him, and which was formerly owned by
his great-grandfather on the maternal side. He
attended the local schools, and Wesleyan Academy,
Wilbraham, Mass., where he completed his course
in 1878. He then taught school in Glastonbury —
two years in the same school which he attended as
a boy, and also in another district south of that.
At the age of seventeen he bought his father's in-
terest in the house and farm, and for a number of
years operated the place at night and in his spare
time, and worked in the daytime in the Roaring
Brook Paper Mill, and also for A. G. Hills. In
1 888 he fonned a partnershio under the firm name
of the Naubuc Paper Co., for the purchase of Case
Bros.' paper factory, at Naubuc. From time to
time he bought the interest of his partners, and in
1894 became sole owner of the mill. Fire destroyed
the original mill in 1893, but Mr. Clark immediately
erected the present mill, where he has been doing an
extensive business. He employs about twelve men,
and makes a specialty of the manufacture of book
binder's board, the product being sent to all parts
of the country. In 1895 he removed from the old
homestead to his present residence. Mr. Clark
attends the Congregational Church, and in politics
is a Republican.
On Oct. 3, 1880, Mr. Clark was married to Miss
Nellie J. Belden, daughter of Francis and Nancy
(Blinn) Belden, who had a family of three chil-
dren; all living. The father died in 1896, and the
mother resides at Rocky Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Clark
have had the following children: Edith M., born
July 19, 1881 ; Maude B., Oct. 13, 1883 ; Francis B.,
Feb. 22, 1885 (died same year) ; and Frank B., Jr.,
March 11, 1894.
L. D. FAIRBANKS, a well-to-do farmer and
tobacco grovv^er of the town of Windsor, was born
Sej>t. I, 1855, in the town of Colerain, Franklin
Co., Mass., a son of Rominer S. and Prucia
(Sprague) Fairbanks. The father, who spent most
/hm-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1149
of his life as a farmer, was also born in Colerain,
and was a son of Deacon Daniel Fairbanks, a na-
tive of Rhode Island, and an active worker in the
Baptist Church. In early life the father of our
subject was also a member of that church, but later
attended the Methodist Church, to which his wife
belonged. He died at the age of seventy-one years,
she at the age of sixty-two, and both were buried at
Colerain, Mass. Our subject is the oldest of their
children, the others being Delia, wife of Frank
Cutting, of Whitingham, Vt. ; Charles M., a farmer
of Colerain ; William P., a farmer of Heath, Mass. ;
Prilla D., who died at the age of thirty-two years;
Jennie, wife of Albert Davenport, of Colerain;
Gertrude; and Oscar, a farmer.
The subject of this sketch was reared as a
farmer boy, and educated in the common schools
near his childhood home, remaining with his par-
ents until he attained the age of eighteen years.
As soon as his brothers became old enough to take
his place in assisting in the work of the home farm,
he began working for neighboring farmers, and
was thus employed until 1876. In September of
that year he came to Hartford, Conn., and entered
the employ of his uncle, E. L. Sprague, who was
in the peddling business, selling tinware. For sev-
eral years Mr. Fairbanks remained with his uncle,
traveling over much of Hartford county, and then
bought that portion of the business of which he had
charge and started out for himself as a peddler.
For fourteen years he gave his entire attention to
the business, in the meantime purchasing land as
his financial resources permitted, and for the fol-
lowing few years devoted a part of his time to
farming. He would harvest his crop of tobacco,
and during the remainder of the year devote his
time to peddling; but he gradually retired from the
tinware business, and of late years has given his
attention whollv to agriculture. He is engaged in
general farming, giving special attention to the
raising of tobacco. He now owns the old home-
stead of his wife, and also has built a new house
on Mill street, Windsor, which he rents. This
property has all been acquired through his own
industrious and economical habits, and for his suc-
cess in life he deserves much credit.
On Sept. 2y, 1877, Mr. Fairbanks married Miss
Ellen F. Elliott, who was born June 22, 1856, in
Windsor, a daughter of Thomas D. and Mary E.
(Rockwell) Elliott, and granddaughter of Alpheus
and Silence (Palmer) Rockwell. The father, who
was a hatter by trade, died at the age of sixty-three
years, the mother at the age of sixtj'-eight. In
their family were six children : William R., a
farmer of Northfield, Conn. ; Helen, who died at
age of two and one-half years ; Charles T., a resident
of Windsor; Sarah J., who died at the age of
twelve; John B., a resident of Windsor; and Ellen
F. (Mrs. Fairbanks), who was reared in Windsor
and attended the Windsor Seminary for several
terms. To our subject and his wife were born three
children: Albert L., who died in infancy; and
Alfred R. and May P., both at Home. Mr. Fair-
banks cast his first vote in Hartford, but since
1877 he has made his home in Windsor, and has
been prominently identified with public affairs. Po-
litically he is a supporter of the Republican party,
and for seven years he has most efficiently served
as school treasurer of District No. 4. Mrs. Ellen
F. Fairbanks departed this hfe April 11, 1899;
she was a consistent member of the Methodist
Church.
HERMAN UDE, a well-known tobacco raiser
and market gardener, fruit grower and general
farmer of West Suffield, was born in Brunswick,
Germany, April 26, 1863, and is a son of Henry
and Augusta (Hill) Ude, the former of whom is
deceased, and the latter still living in the Father-
land.
Herman Ude graduated from the College of
Brunswick, and at the age of eighteen years came
to the United States, where, in New York City, he
worked in a pipe factory for a year. During the
five years following he was employed in farm labor
at Monterey, Berkshire Co., Mass., and in 1888
came to Suffield, Conn., where he worked for the
Hemenway family for some time, and then bought
the I co-acre tract known as the Frank Harmon
farm. On this farm he has made man)- improve-
ments, has planted 1,500 peach trees, and owns the
only market garden in the neighborhood. He also
grows tobacco extensively, and is one of the most
enterprising farmers of the town, raising his gar-
den truck plants in greenhouse, and even his to-
bacco plants under glass.
In 1890 Mr. Ude married, in Suffield, Miss
Mabel Esther Kent, daughter of Martin Kent, and
to this union three children have been born, the
first of whom died in infancy, the second bearing
the name of Jennie Hermenia, and the third, Franz
Edward. Mr. Ude is a man of decided talent, is
well educated, and is a practical agriculturist in
all details, while Mrs. Ude is a lady of culture and
refinement, and all their surroundings give token of
intelligence and taste. They are members of the
Baptist Church ; in politics Mr. Ude is a stanch Re-
publican. He began life a poor man, but through
intelligent effort has earned a competency ; has
expended over $5,000 in improving his present place,
and it is now the model farm of the county. He is
respected as well as admired for his sagacity, and
his kindljr disposition has endeared to him all who
know him.
David Kent, great-grandfather of Mrs. Ude,
was born in Southwick, Mass., March 25, 1747,
served in the war of the Revolution, and then set-
tled down to farming. He married Leomia Car-
rington, who bore him three children : Esther,
born Sept. i, 1799; an infant that died tmnamed ;
and Justus, born Nov. 3, 1803. Justus Kent farmed
his tract of 100 acres in his native town of South-
1150
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wick until 1856, when he sold out and brought his
family to Suffield, Conn., bought the Parsons farm
of thirty acres, and here died in 1864; he was a
deacon 'in the Baptist Church. He first married
Eliza Kellogg, of Southwick, Mass., who bore him
one child, Kvaline, mother and child soon passing
away. ^ir. Kent later married Olive M. Hamil-
ton, who was born April 23, 1815, a daughter of
Armor Hamilton, a school teacher of Granville,
Mass., and to this marriage came five children:
Nancv Jane, born June 5, 1836, is now the widow
of L.'W. Sampson, of Southwick; Emmerett, born
May 2, 1838, is now the wife of Hiram B. Case,
of Bloomfield, Conn.; Clifton B., born Aug. 31,
1842, is deceased; Alartin H., born June 22, 1846;
and Delphine O., born Sept. r8, 1850, is married
to Newell T. Talmage, of Southwick. Mrs. Olive
M. Kent died Aug. 19, 1852, and Mr. Kent next
married Salina ^Merriman, of Westfield, who died
in Sufiield.
Martin H. Kent, father of Mrs. Ude, was born
in Southwick, Mass., was educated in Suffield,
Conn., and has passed all his life on his late father's
farm in Sufiield. On May 29, 1872, he married
at East Granby, Dolly Louise Bates, daughter of
Anson Bates, and to this union have been born two
children, Mabel Esther, wife of Herman Ude; and
Jennie Louise, wife of Edward Kuechler, of New
York City. The Kent family are all members of
the Baptist Church, and, politically, ^Ir. Kent is a
Republican.
Lemuel Bates, a maternal ancestor of Mrs. Ude,
was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and before
its close purchased, in 1774, a large tract of land
in Simsbury (now East Granby), where he passed
the remainder of his life. Erastus Bates, his son,
was born Oct. 22, 1764, and died in 1826. He was
commissioned an officer of Company 4, i8th Regi-
ment Connecticut ^Militia, Oct. 12, 1799, but passed
all his life on the farm. He married Amelia Higby,
daughter of Seth and Mindwell Higby, and to the
mariage were born nine children : Anson, born May
4, 1799; Daniel, born Aug. 23, 1800, died in 1821 ;
Albert, born June 25, 1804, married Lucretia Bates,
moved to Medina county, Ohio, and died in 1885;
Flora, born ]\Iay i, 1806, married a Mr. Metcalf,
removed to Caledonia, j\Iinn., and died in 1877;
Carlos, born March 23, 1808, first married Maria
Stimpson, later wedded Hannah Stowell, and died
Dec. 20, 1878; Milton, born in 181 1, died in 1831 ;
Laura, born March 17, 1813, was (first) married
to Harvey Trumbull, and (second) to a Mr. Van
Daurn, and died in 1884; Alfred, born March 13,
1815, married Elizabeth Owen, and died in 1897;
and iMindwell, born June 9, 1819, was (first) mar-
ried to Henry Johnson, and (second) to Deacon
Benjamin Smith, who died in November, 1898.
The mother of this family died in 1839, on the farm
now owned by Albert C. Bates, and was interred
beside her husband in Turkey Hill cemetery. East
Granbv.
Anson Bates, grandfather of Mrs. Ude, was
born on the Bates homestead in East Granby, was
a member of the Hartford County Bar, also a
farmer, and died in East Granby in 1869. He mar-
ried Louise Garnet, a native of Virginia, who bore
him seven children : Anna Amelia, who died young;
\'irginia G., deceased wife of George L. Viets;
Ansonia F., wife of Geo'rge W. Sandman, of East
Granby; Dolly Louise, wife of Martin H. Kent, and
mother of Mrs. Ude ; Ella, who died young, as also
did Anson and Louise A. Mrs. Bates died at
her home in East Granby, a member of the Epis-
copal Church, and her remains were interred in
the family cemetery.
ANTHONY PFEIFFER, a highly-respected
citizen of East Windsor, was born in Rhine Hesse,
Germany, June 9, 1829, and is a son of Balthas and
Elizabeth (Hartleap) Pfeiffer, who were the parents
of five children : John, Joseph, Mathias, Anthony
and Catherine.
The father of this family, who was a blacksmith
by trade, died when comparatively young, and the
mother, shortly after this sad event, sold her home
and, with her four children, in April, 1856, em-
barked for America, to join the daughter Catherine,
who had preceded the little family by three years.
After a somewhat tempestuous voyage of forty-two
days in a sailing-vessel, the family arrived in New
York, whence they came by boat as far as Hartford,
and then by wagon to Broad Brook, where Catherine
had already located. Here the mother supported her
family by keeping boarders, and here passed the re-
mainder of her life, dying, at a ripe age, in the faith
of the Catholic Church. Of her five children, enu-
nierated above, John was a soldier in the war of the
Rebellion, and died in a hospital ; Joseph is employed
as watchman in Simon's silkmill, at Warehouse
Point, Hartford county; Mathias, who was a shoe-
maker by trade, died at Broad Brook ; Anthony is
spoken of in full farther on ; and Catherine, widow
of Frederick Becker, who died in New Britain, now
resides with her son Frederick in Hartford.
Anthony Pfeiffer, the subject proper of this bi-
ography, attended the common schools in Germany,
as was compulsory, earned a trifle as a farm boy,
but lived at home until fourteen years old, and then
went to Mainz and worked as a mason's helper until
the time came for him to embark for America, where
he found employment in the mills of Hartford
county. Conn. On May 3, 1857, he married, in
Broad Brook, Miss Grace Markt, who was born
March 30, 1829, in Ivonigsheim, Wurtemberg,
Germany, and was the third in a family of five chil-
dren born to Mathias and Anna M. (Lebinger)
Markt, namely : Leobold, Josephine, Grace, Joseph
and Magdalene. Mrs. Grace Pfeiffer was the only
member of her family to come to the United States.
She sailed from Antwerp, was twenty-four days on
the ocean, and on arriving in New York was de-
tained on board the vessel, owing to the crowded con-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1151
dition of Castle Garden, thus making her .stay on ship-
board twenty-six days long. For a short time she
worlted as a tailoress in Wihiamsburg, L. I., and
then came to Broad Brook, to work as a domestic
in the house of Jolm Wolfe, and was so employed
when married.
Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer started housekeeping in
Broad Brook, where both were employed in the
mills — Mr. Pfeiffer in various capacities, among
them that of watchman, and for twenty-three years
he served his employers in a most trustworthy and
faithful manner in whatever position he was called
upon to fill. In 1879 he purchased what was known
as the John Marsden farm, of twenty-four acres,
east of Broad Brook, and this land he has materially
improved ; he has remodeled the dwelling, placed the
fences in first-class order, and in many ways has
added to its conveniences, so that it is now one
of the most valuable places of its size in the town.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer have
been born seven children, in the following order:
John, Aug. 8, 1859, now a mill worker and farmer
in Broad Brook; Joseph, Nov. 10, 1861, a boss
spinner in Pittsfield, Mass. ; Elizabeth C, Feb. 16,
1863, wife of James Loftus, of Broad Brook; An-
thony A., June 24, 1865, a motorman in Spring-
field, Mass. ; Anna M., at home with her parents ;
Frank, Feb. 14, 1870, died Dec. 16, 1872; and Carl
H., Aug., 27, 1874, assisting his sister Anna in
taking care of their parents in their declining years.
Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer and their children are mem-
bers of St. Catherine's Catholic Church, at Broad
Brook, to the support of which they liberally con-
tribute, and in politics Mr. Pfeiffer is a Democrat.
Mr. Pfeiffer is a well-preserved man for his
age, and is still active in his work on the farm.
He affords a fine example of what may be accom-
plished by a life of sobriety, frugality, industry and
integrity — qualities which have won for him the
unfeigned esteem of all his neighbors.
FINTON WALLACE. Among the many his-
tories in this volume which convey the lesson of
self-help, none shows a more sturdy and courage-
ous effort in the overcoming of adverse circum-
stances than the following brief record of one of the
leading business men of Windsor Locks.
Mr. Wallace was born March 25, 1832, in
Queens County, Ireland, where his ancestors have
resided for generations. William Wallace, his
grandfather, spent his life in Queens county, and by
occupation was a nailmaker. Matthew Wallace,
the father of our subject, was also a lifelong resi-
dent of that locality, and for many years followed the
nailmaker's trade, his death occurring in 1847. His
wife, Margaret (Fitzpatrick) died there about 1864.
They had a large family of children, of whom six
sons and two daughters came to the United States,
and of these Finton and his brother Michael are
now the only survivors.
Our subject was eighteen years old when he
crossed the ocean and he wisely determined to learn
a good trade at once. Accordingly he went to Pitts-
burg, Penn., where he served an apprenticeship with
a blacksmith, and in 1853 he came to this section
and spent about a year in Hartford. Later he was
employed for five years by Goodwin & Parker, in
Waterbury, and in 1859 he settled in Windsor Locks
and was employed by the Seymour Paper Co., in
their blacksmith shop, remaining with them thirty-
three years. About 1889 Mr. Wallace engaged in
the grocery business on Spring street, and he now
enjoys an extensive and profitable trade in that line.
He has always taken an interest in public affairs,
and, since his naturalization in 1857, he has been a
steadfast supporter of the Democratic party. For
six years he served as assessor, and at present he is
a member of the local board of relief.
On June 9, 1856, during his residence in Water-
bury, Mr. Wallace was married there to Miss Mary
Doran, also a native of Queens County, Ireland, and
the following children have blessed the union : Mar-
garet; Julia, deceased; Angeline, deceased; Ceha,
deceased; Thomas; John; George, a painter at
Windsor Locks; Frank, a resident of New Haven;
and Sadie, Katie, and Katie (2), all three deceased.
Mr. Wallace and his family are prominent members
of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and for thirty years
he has held the position of collector of pew rents.
LINNEUS F. TURNER. Success is deter-
mined by one's ability to recognize opportunity,
and pursue this with a resolute and unflagging en-
ergy. It results from continued labor, and the man
who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes
an important factor in the business circles of the
community with which he is connected. Mr. Turner,
through such means, has attained a leading place
among the representative men of Burlington, and his
well-spent and honorable life commands the respect
of all who know him.
Mr. Turner was born in Palermo, Waldo Co.,
Maine, Nov. 29, 1856, a son of Abiel and Sarah
(Dunton) Turner. The father, who was of Eng-
lish descent, and a farmer by occupation, entered the
L'nion army during the Civil war, and was killed in
the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. The mother
is still living. Our subject attended the public
schools of his native place until nine years of age,
when he was obliged to begin earning his own live-
lihood, as his father had died two years previously.
He first worked as a farm hand at $5 per month
for the first year, after that getting from eight to
fifteen dollars per month, and was thus employed
until fifteen years of age, when he entered the cotton-
mills at Salem, Mass., as oiler on spindles, receiving
$7.50 per week.
On leaving there Mr. Turner returned home,
where he worked at farm labor until, in 1874, he
came to Middletown, Conn., and for one year
worked in the kitchen of the insane asylum there.
The following six months he was employed in the
1152
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
insane hospital at Taunton, Mass., and then returned
to the hospital in JMiddletown, where he remained as
an attendant in the wards for six years. During his
time he studied hard to obtain an education, and
also took up the study of bookkeeping and music.
In September, 1880, in company with his brother
Leslie, who was also an employe in the insane hospi-
tal, he came to Burlington and, forming a partner-
ship, they purchased the general store of \V. F. Ses-
sons, which they conducted together for seven years.
At the end of that time our subject purchased his
brother's interest, and has since successfully engaged
in business alone. He carries a large and well-
selected stock of general merchandise, and has built
up an excellent trade.
On March 29, 1881, at Hartford, Mr. Turner
married Miss Carrie E. Beckley, daughter of Lu-
ther Beckley, and to them have been born two chil-
dren: Roy, who is a student at the Ohio Medical
University. Columbus, Ohio; and Lila May, attend-
ing the Collinsville high school. Mr. and ^Irs.
Turner are both members of the Grange at Whig-
ville, and he also belongs to Collinsville Lodge, No.
29, F. & A. M. He is a stanch supporter of the
men and measures of the Republican party, and has
served as auditor and tax collector of Burlington.
For twenty consecutive years he has filled the office
of postmaster — a longer period than that of any
other in Hartford county — being first appointed
during President Hayes' administration. He is lib-
eral in his religious views, is temperate in habits,
and is a man well liked and highly respected by all
who know him.
ELLERY LEE BRE\\'ER, the well-known and
highly-respected retired fanner and tobacco-grower
of the town of East Hartford, was born Feb. 23,
1823, in the house now owned by Norman S.
Brewer, south of the Hockanum cemetery, and is a
son of Allen and Velina (Bidwell) Brewer, who
were the parents of eight children, named Ashbel,
Emmeline, Julia Ann, Sherman A., Francis S., Fi-
ler}' Lee, Henrietta and Prudence C.
Allen Brewer was born i\Iarch 23, 1789, on the
old homestead near the river bank, and was a pros-
perous farmer; he clung to his birthplace until 1834,
when he purchased the farm now occupied by El-
lery Lee Brewer, erected the dwelling, and here
passed the remainder of his life, dying Nov. 19,
1853. He served in the war of 1812. His wife
passed away Nov. 28, 1855.
EUery Lee Brewer was eleven years of age when
brought by his father to his present farm, which
has ever since been his home. His schooling he ob-
tained under Solomon Cone, in the old brick school-
house on the west side of High street and north of
Pewter Pot brook. The school room was of the
old-fashioned type. The scholars sat on settees
along the walls, and faced the teacher. A long
continuous desk ran along the four walls, between
the walls and the settees, and when the scholars
wrote they were obliged to swing their legs over
the settees and turn their backs to the pedagogue.
Gov. Richard D. Hubbard was an older scholar
when Mr. Brewer entered this school.
His boyhood our subject passed on his father's
farm. His brothers as they came of age struck out
for themselves, but Ellery at his father's wish re-
mained at home to carry on the place. Corn, pota-
toes, oats and rye were the main crops prior to the
increase in tobacco production. Tobacco was
raised, too, in a small way, back early in the century.
Mr. Brewer recalls that his father himself made into
cigars what little he grew, put them into boxes, 100
to a box, papered and branded the box, and in the
spring put the boxes on board a sailing-vessel and
sold them to New York buyers for a "York shilling"
(123^ cents), a box. During the winter Mr.
Brewer was busy at boot-making.
At his father's death Mr. Brewer took entire
charge of a farm of thirty-three acres. He turned
his attention largely toward stock raising, in which
he found considerable profit prior to the competi-
tion from the West ; was a lover of fine cattle, in
which he dealt extensively at one time. Early in
the war tobacco prices increased rapidly, and in
two or three years the tobacco acreage in town
nearly doubled. Mr. Brewer was among those who
tried to make the supply equal to the demand. In
1854 he raised only one acre, which was far above
the ordinary. In 1861 his planting was three acres,
and in 1874 it was seven acres. In 1854 he ob-
tained 12 cents a pound, but in 1864 he sold for 25
cents, and in 1869, 1870 and 1873 he obtained 55
cents a pound. Mr. Brewer's farm now includes
about fifty acres.
The marriage of Ellerv L. Brewer took place
April 5, 1854, to Miss Mary W. Porter, daughter
of Jonathan and Marv (Wyllys) Porter, and born
in East Hartford July 4, 1823. Jonathan Porter
died, however, when his daughter, Mary W., was
eight years old, and the latter at an early age was
obliged to work out in order to aid in the support
of the family, but succeeded in securing a good edu-
cation in the same school in which Mr. Brevi^er was
educated. To this felicitous union two children
have been born: Julia Elma, born Nov. 15, 1857,
who is still making her home with her parents ; and
Edna F., who was born Feb. 17, 1859, and was mar-
ried March 10, 1885, to Charles H. Daniels, who
was born March 20, i860. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels
have two children, Mabel Florence, born Aug. 23,
1895, and Percy Raymond, born Dec. 12, 1896.
Mr. Daniels is a taxidermist of considerable
skill, and has two rooms especially constructed in
his new home, in one of which he mounts and pre-
serves objects of natural history. The other room
is fitted throughout with glass cases in which may
be seen many fine specimens of his art, including, in
variety, from the humming bird to the bald eagle,
the American emblem. This fine modern dwelling
%>-0^ty_ ^ h
'i.^(/V^i^Z^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1153
was planned and erected by Mr. Daniels in 1898,
especially for his and his family's occupancy.
Mr. Brewer joined the First Congregational
Church when he was twenty-five years of age, and
has ever since retained his membership. In politics
he is a straight Republican, but has never sought
nor accepted nomination for public office. He is a
very kind and generous gentleman, and with him
his mother-in-law made her home until her death,
Sept. I, 1875. He began his business life by buying
the interests of the other heirs to his father's estate,
and with the assistance of his estimable wife soon
paid for it all. Through his industry and unswerv-
ing integrity he has placed himself among the best
and most substantial residents of the town, by all of
whom he is most highly esteemed, without excep-
tion. He has an excellent memory, and many a
pleasant old-time anecdote, many a curious story of
by-gone days, and many an interesting reminis-
cence of staid citizens in their gay youth, Mr.
Brewer has at his command. Two forgotten in-
dustries of Hockanum he can describe, industries
which have passed from the memory of almost all
but the older residents. These are boot-making
and salmon fishing. In the middle of the centurv
nearly every family in Willow Brook district was
occupied in the making of boots for the Hartford
market. There were no large boot and shoe facto-
ries at the time, and dealers in those commodities
bought their raw material and had it made into the
form they wished. There was little demand for
shoes, and boots had the call. "Stogy" boots in
particular were popular. Hartford dealers had the
majority of their work done in Willow Brook dis-
trict, where a little colony of bootmakers followed
the trade summer and winter. Mr. Brewer recol-
lects twenty-five families interested in the trade
about the year 1840. Some years subsequently boot
and shoe factories began to increase and multiply,
and the Willow Brook bootmakers began to wrestle
with competition. This grew, and their profits kept
decreasing until they were glad to turn to tobacco
raising when it began to grow more extensive,
about 1861-62.
Mr. Brewer watched with keen attention these
mutations, was quick to avail himself of opportuni-
ties as they offered and to keep abreast with the
times, and now, having secured a competency, re-
tires to enjoy in peace — for many years to come, it
is hoped by his numerous friends — the fruits of his
early industry.
JAMES B. RYAN. It is probably safe to say
that no hotel man in Hartford county has been more
popular with the better class of society than the
subject of this sketch. The "Elm Tree Inn," over
which he presided, is located in the sleepy old his-
torical village of Farmington, nine miles from Hart-
ford, with which it is connected by a suburban trol-
ley line. This hostelry, which has become the
Mecca of many pleasant parties, has been gradually
73
evolved from the old Whitmore home of thirty
years ago, and because of its delightful location, ex-
cellent service and efficient management has become
one of the most sought-for places of rest in the
county. Mr. Ryan had many years of experience
as host before he became proprietor of the "Elm
Tree Inn."
Our subject was born at Moore's Junction, in
the northern part of New York, June 5, 1853, and
being left an orphan at an early age, he accepted a
position in the "Lake House," at Burlington, Vt.
During his early school days he was an employe of
the "American House," at Winchendon, Mass., and
was successfully connected with the "Pequod
House," at Athol, Mass., and the "Revere House,"
at Brattleboro, Vt., after which he traveled for a
short time as a salesman for the firm of Holden &
Clay, of Boston, Mass. After leaving their employ
he successfully conducted a restaurant, billiard hall
and bath house at Athol, Mass., and from there re-
moved to Orange, same State, to become manager
of the "Mansion House." For a time he held a
similar position in the "Amherst House," at Am-
herst, Mass. ; the "Rockville House," at Rockville,
Conn. ; and the "United States Hotel," in Hartford.
In May, 1893, Mr. Ryan became proprietor of the
"Elm Tree Inn," of Farmington, and in 1895 bought
the propert}', which he converted into one of the,
most popular and best hotels in the county. Oni
Sept. I, 1900, he took possession, as proprietor, of'
the "Parson Theater Cafe," which he is conducting-
with his customary consideration for the taste andl
comfort of his patrons.
Mr. Ryan married Miss Cora Putnam Rund, a
native of Massachusetts. They have no family.
Socially he is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and of the Masonic Fraternity.
KEIRAN McCABE, a leading cigar manu-
facturer of Windsor Locks, has been engaged suc-
cessfully in that business for twenty-two years.
Mr. McCabe was born Aug. 24, 1844, in Kings
County, Ireland, but was brought to this country
when only seven months old. His father, James
McCabe, who was a farmer and tobacco grower
by occupation, came to America in 1845, and after
residing for a time in Glendale, Mass., and Ware-
house Point and Enfield, Conn., settled in 1861 at
Windsor Locks; he died there May 4, 1898. His
wife, Mary Cone, survived him but a short time,
dying in August of the same year. They had thir-
teen children, nine of whom are living, and two„
Keiran and Thomas, reside in Windsor Locks.
Our subject was educated in the schools of En-
field and Warehouse Point, and at an early age be-
gan work in a cotton mill at Windsor Locks. He
continued this occupation for about seven . years,
and for three years, from the age of seventeen
until he reached his majority, he had charge of
two rooms. Finding the business uncongenial, he
learned the cigarmaker's trade in Windsor Locks.
1154
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Suffield, and soon afterward engaged in man- j
ufacturing on his own account. On Sept. lo, 1875,
he opened his present hquor store, where he con-
ducts a profitable business, i'ohtically he was a
Democrat untn i8yO, when his convictions on sound
money led him to give his sujjport to the Republican
party.
On June 29, 1875, Mr. ^IcCabe married Axiss
Margaret Scanell ; their family consists of tv,o i
adopted daughters, .Mary and Elizabeth. Mr. 2dc- i
Cabe is connected with several social organizations,
being an honorary member of the A. O. H., and
an associate member of J. H. Converse I'ost, Xo.
67, Grand Army of the Republic. ■
EDWARD G. FOWLER, a respected citizen 1
and a resident of Bloomficld since 1874, was born in
Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., July 15, 1840, and is
a son of Gamaliel and Elizabeth Elmina (Humis-
ton) Fowler.
Gamaliel Fowler, father of Edward G., was a
son of Lieut. Fowler, a hero of the Revolutionary
war, and was born in the town of Suffield, where
he passed his life in agricultural jnirsuits. He first
married Sallie Noble, of Southwick, Conn., who bore
him three children — Newton, Gamaliel and Cor-
delia, all of whom have passed away — and to his
second marriage, with Elizabeth Elmina Humis-
ton, of West Springfield, Mass., were born two
children, Elizabeth Latham, deceased, and Edward
G., the subject of this sketch. i\lr. Fowler was a
man of considerable influence in Suffield, where
he taught school, was a chorister and deacon in the
Baptist Church, and died, a sincere Christian, in
July, 1865, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Edward G. Fowler passed his boyhood years
and early manhood in his native town, working on
the home farm, and he also worked for fifteen years
in Pratt & Whitney's shop at Hartford. In Feb-
ruary, 1866, he married, at East Cornwall, Litch-
field Co., Conn., Miss Ellen Jane Thompson, a
daughter of Richard Thompson, D. D., a native of
England and a Baptist clergyman. To this mar-
riage have been born si.x children, in the following
order: George Thompson, born June 17, 1867,
and married to Eugenia C. Thrall, of Hartford, has
a family of three children, Ernest, Henry and
Oliver; Minnie May, born Oct. 5, 1868, is married
to Samuel E. Spencer, and is the mother of Ethel
Orrin, Gladys and Earle Fowler; Maria Louise,
born March '28, 1870, is the wife of Charles Chafifee,
of Hartford, and has a son, Ralph Gilbert; Albert
Lewis was boVn j\Iarch 4, 1872 ; Edward Clarence,
July 15, 1874, and Elizabeth Ellen, Dec. 2, 1876.
In 1874 Mr. Fowler settled in Bloomfield, and
here engaged in farming, the vocation with which
he became so thoroughly familiar in early manhood,
and which, since living in Bloomfield. he has profit-
ably followed. Mr. Fowler is a Baptist in his re-
ligious faith, and a highly respected member of the
church at Bloomfield.
MARTIN VAN BUREN PORTER, one of
the prominent and highly-respected citizens of South
\\'indsor, spent the greater portion of his life as the
trained and trusted employe of a large manufac-
turing company. After a service of forty-five years
with one company, at once honorable and respon-
sible, he resigned his position, and settled on the
old homestead, which he inherited, there to enjoy
the quiet and comparative ease so richly earned.
Mr. Porter's father, Abiezer Porter, was one of
the earliest Argonauts, who, spurred like many other
active and ambitious men by the tales of gold dis-
coveries on the Pacific slope, sought wealth in the
unknown land. He was one of the unfortunates
whom death claimed before his dreams were real-
ized. In the East he had been successful. He was
born in the town of South Windsor, and in his
youth had acquired a knowledge of the trade of
blacksmith, this proving a stepping-stone to a more
important vocation. He became a manufacturer
of tacks, brads and shoe nails, and his factory was
the present school house at South Windsor, where
he for many years actively manufactured nails, un-
til the gold fever drew him to the distant western
shores of the country. He made the trip over-
land successfully, but died in the gold fields some
vcars later. Abiezer Porter married Sophia Wood,
who bore him seven children : Elizabeth, wife of
Hiram S. Anderson ; Edwin A., now living at
Genoa, DeKalb Co., 111. ; Frederick A. ; Henry E. ;
Leroy L., who was a soldier in the Civil war, and
died while in the service ; Charlotte, who died aged
six years; and Martin V. B., our subject, all now-
deceased except Edwin A. and our subject. The
mother died in 1843.
Mr. Porter was born on the farm where he now
lives, Oct. 8, 1833. He was but ten years old
when his mother died, and at that age went to
Manchester and did chores for his board and clothes.
He attended school about two years after his
mother's death. In 1850, at the age of about seven-
teen years, he began his long and prosperous career
in one of Hartford county's manufactories. At
Hartford he entered the printing office of the Case-
Tiflfany Co., now Case, Lockwood & Brainard, be-
ginning in the press-room, and steadily improved his
position. When he resigned in 1895 to return to
the farm he had been foreman of the book depart-
ment for twenty-five years.
Mr. Porter married, in 1855, Lydia A. Meek,
and has two children: Frederick L. and Eleanor
E. In politics he is a Democrat. Socially he is
a member of Crescent Lodge, K. of P., of Hart-
ford. Mr. Porter owns twenty acres of land, most
of which is very valuable for tobacco culture, a
branch of agriculture to which it is largely devoted.
ROBERT FRANKLIN WOODFORD, a well-
known citizen of Plainville, who follows farming
and is also engaged in the coal and wood business
as a member of the firm of R. F. Woodford &
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1155
Son, was born in Avon, this county. May 27, 1824,
and is a son of Amasa and Almira (Beach) Wood-
ford.
Mr. Woodford's paternal grandparents were
Capt. Dudley and Candis (Noah) Woodford. The
grandfather, who served with distinction as an
officer in the Revolutionary war, was born in 1753,
and died in 1803. His parents were Capt. Will-
iam and Susannah (Garrett) Woodford. Joseph
Woodford, father of Capt. William, was a son of
Joseph Woodford, Sr., and a grandson of Thomas
Woodford, who was a native of England, and one
of the first settlers of Hartford.
Amasa Woodford, the father of our subject,
was born in 1780, and died in 1862. By his first
wife, Almira Beach, he had twelve children, ten of
whom reached years of maturity : Almira, wife of
Edward Miller ; Nancy, wife of Leverett Hart ;
Amasa D. ; Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Abel L. Bar-
ber; John B.; Maria, wife of George Chidsey ;
Harry M. ; Esther, wife of Henry M. Woodford ;
Robert F., our subject; and Harvey. The father's
second wife was Mrs. Nancy Woodford, his third
being Mrs. Fanny Woodford.
The early life of Robert F. Woodford was passed
in Avon, and he was educated in the common and
select schools. He began life for himself as a
farmer, but later worked for three years in an axe
factory in Collinsville, and then purchased a farm
in Meriden, Conn., where he lived for fifteen years.
The following eight years he spent in New Haven,
where for a time he was engaged in business as a
contractor and builder, and in 1876 he came to
Plainville, where he has since followed farming
with most gratifying results. He has also been en-
gaged in the coal and wood business since 1882,
carrying same on as a member of the firm of R.
F. Woodford & Son since 1887.
Mr. Woodford was united in marriage with
Miss Helen E. Bishop, a daughter of Jacob and
Diana (Frisbie) Bishop, of Avon, and by that
union had four children : Helen M., now Mrs.
Abbott F. Dill ; George C. ; Prescott G. ; and Emma
D., wife of F. W. Allderidge. For his second wife
he married Mrs. Caroline E. (Grisvvold) Moses, of
Massachusetts. Mr. Woodford casts his ballot with
the Democratic party, and has most creditably served
as selectman of Plainville for several terms. He
is progressive, public-spirited and enterprising, and
has the confidence and respect of all with whom
he comes in contact, in either business, social or
public life.
George Clififord Woodford, the junior member
of the firm of R. F. Woodford & Son, wood and
coal merchants, Plainville, was born in Avon, this
county, Dec. 5, 1850, and was reared in his native
State, receiving a good practical education in its
common schools. By trade he is a joiner, and he
followed that occupation for many years, being en-
gaged in contracting from 1880 to 1887. Since
that time he has been interested in his present busi-
ness, and has built up an excellent trade. Like his
father, he is a very progressive and public-spirited
citizen, and has also served as selectman of Plain-
ville several terms. Politically he is a Democrat.
In 1884 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma
A. Miles, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Sarah
(Stevens) Miles, of Cheshire, Connecticut.
C. IRVING PHELAND, an enterprising and
progressive farmer and tobacco grower of West
Suffield, was born on the old homestead there March
7, 1 861.
The Pheland family is of Irish extraction, and
the first to come to the New World was Thomas
Pheland, a native of the Emerald Isle, who settled
in the Colony of Connecticut, then a part of Massa-
chusetts, in 1733- He became a large land owner in
West Suffield, and engaged in farming there until
his death, Nov. 17, 1769, his remains being interred
in the West Suffield cemetery. He had no children
of his own, but adopted a son who bore the name of
Joseph Pheland, who was born and reared in West
Suffield, and there continued to make his home
throughout life. He also owned a large tract of
land and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
took an active part in the Revolutionary war as
first lieutenant of Company 10, 3rd Massachusetts
Regiment, under Capt. Jesse Mclntire. At this
time the name became changed, presumably by mis-
take in his commission, and he was afterward known
as Joseph Phelon. All of his descendants have spelt
the name Phelon, with the exception of our subject^
who uses the original spelling. Joseph Phelon was
a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. He married Elizabeth King
Sept. S, 1754, and died on his farm in Feeding Hills,
Nov. 27, 1800, his remains being interred in the
old cemetery at Feeding Hill, Massachusetts.
Thomas Phelon, the great-grandfather of our
subject, remained on the old homestead in West Suf-
field throughout life. He was also one of the men
who valiantly fought for the freedom of the Colo-
nies during the Revolutionary war, serving as a
private in Company 8, Capt. Harmon, Col. Walcott's
Regiment of Connecticut troops. In religious faith
he was a Congregationalist, and in political senti-
ment a Democrat. He wedded Mary King, of
West Suffield, and the children born to them were
Thomas, a physician of Cherry Valley, N. Y. ; Jo-
seph, a banker of the same place ; Isaac, grandfather
of our subject; Mary and Cynthia, who both died
unmarried ; and Julius.
Isaac Phelon never left the old homestead, and
made many improvements upon the place; follow-
ing the occupation of farming throughout life. He
was educated in the common schools. He was well-
known and highly respected, and was a supporter
of the Democratic party, but never an office seeker.
Religiously he was a member of the Baptist Church
at Zion's Hill, and at his death he was laid to rest in
the West Suffield cemetery. He married Miss Lucy
1156
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Warner, of the same town, and the children born to
them were Seymour, who died in West Suffield;
Lucia, who married Rufus Rising, and both are
now deceased; Dalos (now deceased), who was a
resident of Lorain county, Ohio; Cyrus, who died
in Suffield ; Thomas, father of our subject ; Carlton, a
cigar maker, who died in Rising Corners (his wife,
Amoret Rising, is still living) ; and Benjamin, a
farmer of West Suffield, who married (first) Lorain
Sheldon, a daughter of Charles Sheldon, and
(second) Mrs. Ellen Phelon ; and Cynthia.
Thomas Phelon, our subject's father, was born
on the old home farm, Oct. 7, 1818, and was reared
there acquiring a good education in the district
schools of the town, and the Connecticut Literary
Institute. When a young man he went to Ohio with
his brother Dalos, and after spending some time
there proceeded to Illinois. Chicago was then in
its infancy, and, predicting that it would one day
become a great city, he wished to invest in real estate
there, but was disuaded by his brother. Had he
followed his own inclinations he would have un-
doubtedly made a fortune. Returning to his native
county, he embarked in farming upon the place
where our subject now resides, it being then known
as the Warner farm. He made many improvements
upon the place, and was actively engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits there for a number of years, and
also in the manufacture of cigars, but is now living
retired with our subject. He attends the Methodist
Episcopal Church, but is liberal in his religious
views, and is one of the highly-respected and hon-
ored citizens of the community where he has so
long made his home. Politically he is identified
with the Republican party, but has never desired
official honors. At Feeding Hills, JMass., in 1839,
he married Miss Daphney Lucinda Phelon, a na-
tive of that place, and a daughter of Harry and
Clara (Wilcox) Phelon, the latter a daughter of
Dr. Wilcox, of Suffield. Nine children were born
of this union : (_ i ) Harriet is now the widow of
Edward Loomis, of Southwick, J\Iass. (2) Emily
is the wife of G. Coming, of New York City. (3)
Susan P. acquired her literary education in the dis-
trict schools and the Connecticut Literary Institute,
and then spent several years in the Union office of
Springfield, Mass ; in 1883 she was graduated from
the \\"oman's JMedical College of New York City,
and was the first woman in Suffield to enter a pro-
fession. For the past fifteen years she has success-
fully engaged in the practice of medicine in Spring-
field, Mass. ; she is the wife of Stephen E. Seymour,
a real-estate man of that place. (4) Isaac Henry is
now in South Africa. (5) Frank A. is in Boston,
Alass. (6) Horace N. is a resident of Philadelphia.
(7) Clara L. is the wife of Charles Northrup, of
Tottenville, Staten Island, N. Y. (8) C. Irving is
next in the family. (9) Harry A. is a carpenter of
Hartford. The mother died in 1883, and was buried
at Feeding Hills, on land which was given by her
father for a cemetery.
C. Irving Pheland pursued his studies in the
district schools of West Sheffield, and was thirteen
years old when he went to Springfield, Mass., to
begin business life as a clerk in the drug store of
Master & Preston. There he remained four years,
in the meantime attending night school. While in
that city he fell from an elevator and broke his leg,
which accident made him lame. Later he was em-
ployed as a drug clerk by Herman Krable, of New
York City, proprietor of the oldest drug house in
the city. While there he graduated in pharmacy,
but in 1883 was compelled to give up the business on
account of ill health. Returning to the old home-
stead in West Suffield, he has since devoted his
time to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of
tobacco growing.
On May 25, 1881, in New York, Mr. Pheland
was united in marriage with Miss Ella Stoughton,
a native of that city, and a daughter of LaFayette
Stoughton. Mrs. Pheland is a lady of culture and
refinement. To this marriage has been born one
child, Inez P., who is now a student in the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, of Suffield. Our subject is
one of the leading and popular citizens of his com-
munity, and is an honored member of the O. U. A.
M., and Grange, both of Suffield. He affiliates
with the Democratic party, and has been chosen to
fill a number of local offices of trust, being assessor
of the town of Suffield three years, a member of the
board of relief, and a member of the school board.
JOHN HENRY BURNHAM, tobacco-grower,
general farmer and prominent citizen of East Hart-
ford, is a descendant of an old family which for two
hundred and sixty years has been identified with the
growth and prosperity of Hartford county.
Thomas Burnham, tke first of the family to
come to America, was born in England in 1617, in
1635 sailed from Gravesend for the Barbadoes, and
soon afterward came to Connecticut, for the sole pur-
pose, apparently, of advancing his fortune. He was a
shrewd criminal lawyer, and met with little favor
among his Puritan neighbors, and for his defense
of Abigail Betts was accused of "blasphemy" in
"saving her neck," and was prohibited from further
practice in the courts. He owned property at the
corner of Main and State streets, in Hartford, mar-
ried Ann , and had born to him a family
of nine children : Thomas ; John, who died .in 1721 ;
one whose name is not on record ; Samuel ; Mary ;
Anna ; William ; Richard, who married Sarah
Humphreys June 11, 1680; and Rebecca, who was
married to William Mann, of Wethersfield.
Thomas Burnham, the eldest son of Thomas, the
emigrant, married Jan. 4, 1676, Naomi Hull, daugh-
ter of Joseph Hull, of KiUingworth, Conn., and had
a family of nine children : Thomas, born April 16,
1678, married Elizabeth Strong, and died April 18,
1721 ; John was born May 22, 1681 ; Elizabeth, born
in 1684, was married March 4, 1702, to Richard
Gilman; Sarah, born March 7, 1686, became the
<^9^^W- i/^ y^Lrtx/ir><^^c
Cl^O'^K.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1157
wife of a Mr. Mulford ; Naomi, born June 3, K
was married May 7^ 1713, to Josiah Gaylord;
Charles, of whom further mention will be made,
was next in order of birth; Mary, born in 1692,
was married to Lieut. John Anderson ; Abigail, born
March 25, 1694, was married to Josiah Williams;
and Josiah, born Sept. 6, 1696, married, lived and
died in Warriner, Massachusetts.
Charles Burnham, sixth child and third son of
Thomas (2), married Lydia, daughter of Jonas
Williams. She lived to be one hundred and three
years old, and was the mother of three children:
Eleazer ; George, who married Bathsheba Dart, and
died May i, 1812; and Thankful, who was born
in 1740, was married to Timothy Burnham, and
died May 22, 1824.
Eleazer Burnham, eldest child of Charles, was
born in 1729, and married Tryphena King, who
was born in 1753 and died Nov. 7, 1814, while his
own death took place March 4, 181 5. To this couple
came three children: Eleazer, born in 1780, mar-
ried Sarah Morton, and died May 12, 1816; Phineas,
born June 24, 1783, married Abigail Huntley, and
died Feb. i, 1830; and Jesse was born May 29,
1785-
Jesse Burnham, grandfather of our subject, was
reared a farmer and butcher, lived in East Hart-
ford, and was considered to be the best butcher in
the town. He married Anna Abbey, who was born
Aug. 18, 1784, and was a daughter of Nehemiah
Abbey, the latter a native of the State of New
York, born near Utica, who lived to be one hun-
dred and four years old. Jesse and Anna Burn-
ham had a family of five children: Mabel Abbey,
born Sept. 11, 1811, died Oct. 3, 1825; Levi, born
July 6, 1813; Martin, born July 4, 1815, married
Fidelia E. Coop Oct. 23, 1836; John Abbey was
the father of our subject; and Jesse, born May 31,
1820, married Rhoda Jane Signor, Jan. i, 1857.
To the latter were born ten children : Jesse, born
Sept. 14, 1857, married Alice Wolcott, Dec. 24,
1879, arid is now living in South Windsor ; Leander,
also of South Windsor, was born Oct. 24, 1858,
and married Mary Bidwell April 11, 1883; Estella,
born Aug. 30, i860, was married to Frank Farn-
ham, of Ellington, April 16, 1885, and now re-
sides in East Hartford ; William, born July 16, 1862,
married Anna M. House Aug. 29, 1889; Arthur
J., born Nov. 21, 1864, died of typhoid fever Oct.
29, 1871 ; Alice G., born April 16, 1867, was mar-
ried to Edwin Northrop Aug. 22, 1889, and is now
living in Quincy, III. ; Howard E., Isorn Sept. 4,
1869, died Oct. 4, 1871 ; Edith, born Oct. 3, 1871,
died Feb. 4, 1876; Archie S.; and Ida May, born
April 6, 1876, was married Aug. 8, 1900, to Arthur
L. Brewer, of East Hartford, Conn., and now re-
sides in Torrington, Conn. The father of this
family, after a brief illiness, died on his homestead
Feb. 12, 1876, and December 25, of the same year,
Mrs. Burnham was wedded to Charles P. Fair-
banks, a native of Middletown, Conn., and a mason
by trade. To this union have been born two chil-
dren, namely : Clarence E., Oct. 31, 1878, and Flor-
ence, Oct. 5, 1880, the latter now attending the
high school at Hartford.
John Abbey Burnham, son of Jesse, and father
of John H., subject of this sketch, was born July
29, 181 7, in the northeast corner of the house now
occupied by his son in East Hartford. He was
educated at Wells Hall, under Prof. Salmon Phelps
and others, and, his parents being comparatively
poor, be early left home, learned the trade of
painter at Hartford, and contributed largely to their
support. He later worked at the manufacture of
oil-cloth in a factory that stood near where Morris
street intersects the New Haven turnpike, and was
there employed when his son, John H., was born.
Afterward he was employed a short time as fore-
man in the shop of George Burnham, father of
Col. George liurnham, on Central Row, Hartford,
and later embarked in the grocery trade in a small
way in his residence on Retreat avenue. His busi-
ness grew, and he removed to the corner of Con-
gress street and Maple avenue, where he erected
the "flat-iron" building. For eight years he car-
ried on a prosperous trade in this triangular block,
when failing health compelled him to seek out-door
exercise. Consequently he purchased, in 1858, the
farm on which his son John H. now resides, and
which then comprised but eighteen acres, but which
has since been increased by himself and son to
thirty-two acres, eight of which are tobacco land.
Mr. Burnham was united in marriage, Feb. 18,
1841, with -Mary Gardner Childs, a native of East
Haddam, and a daughter of Buckley I. (born Aug.
5, 1789) and Sally Tracy (born May 19, 1792)
Childs. Buckley I. Childs was a ship carpenter and
ship owner, and had several of his vessels seized
during the war of 1812, for which no payment was
ever made. Mrs. Mary G. (Childs) Burnham was
called from earth Nov. 19, 1892, and John Abbey
Burnham died Jan. 16, 1896; the remains of both
were interred in the cemetery at East Hartford.
Mr. Burnham was a man of small stature, but was
an indefatigable worker, and it was while at work
in his barn that he accidentally fell from a con-
siderable height, and sustained internal injuries that
resulted in his death. He was a kind husband and
father, a good neighbor, and extremely generous,
and noted for strict honesty, and was held in great
respect wherever known. His three children were
as follows : Thomas Warren, who was born March
14, 1846, married Elizabeth Kellogg, of Colchester,
Conn., and is in the poultry business in Tully, N.
Y. ; John H. is the subject of this biography; and
Anna Sarah, wlio was born Oct. 11, 1851, died
March 13, 1852.
John H. Burnham, it will be seen by the fore-
going, is of the seventh generation of his name in
America. He was born Feb. 14, 1851, on Retreat
avenue, Hartford, nearly opposite the hospital, was
an attendant at the South school, and was ten years
115S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of age when brought to East Hartford by his par-
ents. Here he attended the district school, finished
his education at Remington's Business College, and
then served a three-years' apprenticeship at car-
pentering with Crane & Baisden. Prior to this,
he remembers having helpetl to tear down the "Corn
house," and to clean up the cellar of the Burnham
garrison, in 1859. The latter stood on the north-
east corner of his present farm, and was then an
old landmark, with a history unto itself.
After serving out his apprenticeship Mr. Burn-
ham returned to the home which his father, at his
death, bestowed upon him, and here he has resided
ever since. Mr. Burnham had ever been a dutiful
son, invariably sought the counsel of his father in
affairs of more or less importance, and filially cared
for both father and mother in their declining years.
Mr. Burnham was joined in matrimony. Oct.
23, 1873, with ^liss Mary H. Forbes, a most amiable
lady, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth G.
(Easton) Forbes. Her father, George Forbes, was
born March 20, 1821, and died April 13, 1876. He
was a farmer at Burnside, and was a very bright
man intellectually, but was a cripple nearly all his
life from rheumatism. He was a descendant of
Capt. James Forbes, the first of the name in Amer-
ica, and a grandson of Timothy Forbes, a patriot of
the Revolutionarv war. Further particulars re-
garding this old familv may be read in the sketch of
James S. Forbes, on another page. George Forbes
married Elizabeth Goodwin Easton, who was born
Aug. 9, 1839, ^ daughter of Ages and Mary (Good-
win) Easton. Ages Easton was a surveyor, and
some of his instruments are now in the possession
of William H. Olmsted, of East Hartford. jNIr.
Forbes was very prominent and active in the affairs
of his town as a Republican, and was a member of
the Legislature in 1867. To him and his wife were
born two children, viz. : Alary H. and George
Lincoln. I\Iary H. (Mrs. Burnham), who was born
in Burnside, there received her preliminary edu-
cation, then attended the Hartford Public High
School, later a select private school under Aliss
Stockbridge, and finished at the Xew Britain Nor-
mal School. She afterward taught, with marked
success, in South Windsor and in the north dis-
trict of Burnside, and was there employed when
she was married. Her mother spends her winters
with her, but still retains her residence in Burn-
side. George Lincoln Forbes, the younger child of
George Forbes, was born !May i, 1865, shortly after
the assassination of President Lincoln, was educated
in the Burnside district schools, the Hartford High
School, and the Morse Business College. He then
followed the sea for six months, en a vessel be-
longing to William Childs, an extensive ship owner
of Boston, and a cousin of our subject. After his
six months of seafaring Mr. Forbes went to Ala-
bama, was there engaged in railroading for a time,
and on his return to the North continued in the
same business. He was at one time the youngest
conductor on the Western Connecticut railroad, and
is now conductor on the Consolidated railroad, run-
ning between New York and New Haven, on the
Harlem Division.
The children born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. John FL
Burnham are five in number, viz : Anne May, born
June 21, 1875, graduated from the Brown school in
Hartford, and was married, Sept. 11, 1894, to
Charles Olin, of Willimantic, who is now the editor
of the New Britain Record; Mrs. Olin has borne
her husband three children — Philip Stuart, born
Aug. 10, 1895 ; Charles Burnham, Dec. 19, 1896
(now deceased) ; and Florence Burnham, Feb. 21,
1S99. Florence Genevra, born Jan. 7, 1878, gradu-
ated from the Brown school, afterward attending
Miss Smith's young ladies' school in Hartford, and
is living under the parental roof. George F. was
born Feb. 10, 1882. Eva Elizabeth was tiorn Nov.
3, 1887, and Raymond Henry on Nov. 4, 1890.
Mr. Burnham is not a politician in any sense,
but supports the prmciples of the Republican party.
He is not a member of any secret order. Relig-
iously he holds membership in the Burnside Method-
ist Episcopal Church, of which his wife and four
children are also members, to the maintenance of
which they contribute most liberallv, and to the
teachings of which they strictly adhere. Of this
church Mr. Burnham is also a steward and trustee.
He is a very pleasant and sociable gentleman, and
consequently very popular. As a business man his
name has never been tarnished with a breath thc.t
reflected upon his integrity, and his standing to-
day, in business, social and church circles, is one in
which he and his family may take a justifiable and
commendable pride.
JOHN E. HIGINBOTHAM. A well-known
author has said that the "authentic picture of any
human being's life and experience ought to possess
an interest greatly beyond that which is fictitious,
inasmuch as it has the charm of reality." The his-
tories of prominent citizens contained in this vol-
ume corroborate this thought, and in the following
record of well-directed effort we find an object
lesson of lasting value.
Mr. Higinbotham, who is one of the leading
business men of the town of Windsor, is of Eng-
lish descent in the paternal line, the first of the
family to come to America being his grandfather,
William Higinbotham. This worthy citizen was
born at Alhorn, England, in 1778. and in early life
learned the trade of knitting stockings, a thriving
business in those days of knee breeches, and also
became a skilled mechanic. As a young man he
made his home in this country, and was married,
in New York City, to Miss Elizabeth Walton, who
was born at Hull, England, in 1789. Later he re-
sided for a time in Canaan, Conn., but a Mr. New-
berry employed him, and caused his removal to
Windsor, where he set up his old-fashioned hand
looms in his home, and in addition to his regular
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1159
work often instructed others in the art. He was
a large man, weighing about two hundred and fif-
teen pounds, and was an industrious and respected
citizen. As the business decHned he retired, and
his last days were spent with his only son, Will-
iam W., his death occurring June 9, i860, when
he was aged eighty-two. His estimable wife passed
away on May 27, of the same year, and their re-
mains now rest in the cemetery at Windsor. Both
were devout members of the Methodist Church.
William W. Higinbotham, our subject's father,
was born in 181 1, in New York, and was but a
boy when the family settled in Windsor, where
he received his education. During boyhood he was
employed for some time in a brick yard at eight
dollars per month, and while there became familiar
vi'ith the details of the business. He was ambitious
and, having an opportunity for renting the yard,
found a helper in Col. Loomis, who advanced the
required money and thus gave him a start. By
hard work and judic.ous management he won a
decided success, being worth about $23,000 at his
death, and in his later years he purchased different
tracts of land and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. He was a powerful, robust man, of about
220 pounds weight, and lived to the age of sev-
enty-three years, dying Nov. 4, 1884. Politically
he was a Republican, and although he uniformly
avoided public notice he served one year as asses-
sor. His home was a comfortable one, as he was
not a believer in self-denial, and his children were
reared so as to prepare them for lives of useful-
ness. Mr. Higinbotham was married, in Bloom-
field, Nov. 30, 1836, to Miss Betsey Filley, daugh-
ter of Elijah Filley, and a member of a highly-
respected family of that town. She was a Methodist
in religion, and died in that faith June 6, 1894,
aged seventy-six years. They had ten children :
Sarah, who married H. N. Griswold, of Windsor;
John E., our subject; Walton G., an orange grow-
er, at Blanton, Fla. ; Betsey A., who died Sept. 4,
1853 ; Miss Amanda, a resident of Seelyville, Penn. ;
Ellen, who married Seymour Alden, and died June
17, 1886, in Middlebury, Vt. ; Henry, a grocer at
Tariffville; Henrietta (twin of Henry), who mar-
ried Robert Ransom, of Seelyville, Penn.; Miss
Carrie, who resides in Seelyville ; and William, who
married Martha Pelton, and settled in Centerville,
South Dakota.
John E. Higinbotham was born Nov. 4, 1841,
at Windsor, and began his education in the old
schools on "The Green," Judge Barber, Sr., being
one of his first teachers. Later ne attended Deacon
Woodford's private school for one term, and also
the academy, and during this time he assisted in
the farm work, and often helped to haul brick from
Windsor during the winter seaoon. He remained
at home and, as his father became less active, took
charge of the farm. At the age of thirty he mar-
mied Miss Julia A. Olin, daughter of George W.
and Zippiette E. (Green) Olin, of whom an account
is given elsewhere. For some years he lived in the
old family residence, but in the spring of 1896 he
removed to another farm on Cook's ' Hill, which
he had purchased from Sidney Hayden, and im-
proved at great expense, erecting new and commo-
dious farm buildings. In 1896 his barn was burned,
and Nov. 12, 1897, every building on the place was
destroyed by fire, causing the family to return to
the old home. Mr. Higinbotham is a successful
business man, and is interested in various enter-
prises, being a stockholder in Moore's Park Asso-
ciation and the Windsor Creamery Co., which he
helped to organize, while at one time he was a
stockholder in the Windsor Canning Factory. He is
also the present treasurer of the Windsor Fire Com-
pany, in which he was foreman for fifteen years. Jn
politics he is a steadfast Republican, and from 1889
to 1896 he served as first selectman, his term cover-
ing the period when the greater portion of the pres-
ent excellent roads in his town was constructed. The
trolley lines were projected and built during that
time, as well as the fine iron bridge at Poquonock,
and he is remembered as an efficient and able offi-
cial. He is prominent in the work of the Poquo-
nock Grange, and also belongs to Washington
Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M., at Windsor, and Will-
iam S. Pierson Council, O. U. A. M., of which
he was a founder and the first inductor. His wife
who is highly cultured, and taught school success-
fully before her marriage, is an active member of
the Methodist Church, and the family is much re-
spected socially. Of their two children, Grace I.
maried Frederick Lanphier, a dairyman of Poquo-
nock, and Arthur O. is at home.
HENRY HIGINBOTHAM, a prosperous mer-
chant at Windsor, is descended from an honorable
old family of that town, in which he was born
Sept. 25, 1856, his parents being William W. and
Betsey (Filley) Higinbotham, of whom full men-
tion is made elsewhere.
Mr. Higinbotham received his rudimentary edu-
cation in the district school of Windsor, later at-
tended the Windsor Academy, when that capable
instructor, Cicero Roberts, held sway, and finally
graduated from the New Britain Normal School
in 1877, afterward successfully teaching school in
East Granby and Simsbury, several terms. He was
reared a farmer's boy, had practical ideas as to farm
work, and when a young man labored as assiduously
as any other ; he also worked considerably in a
brick-yard, as his father had been engaged in brick-
niaking for years. His first experience in mercan-
tile affairs was as clerk for Loomis & Whittlese}^
on Asylum street, Hartford, and after leaving him
he worked for H. W. Clark & Co., wholesale mer-
chants of the same city.
Mr. Higinbotham began business on his own ac-
count, March i, 1886, in South Ashfield, Mass.,
where he bought out Arthur W. Harris, and for
seven years conducted a prosperous trade in general
1160
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
merchandise, also serving as postmaster of the town.
In March, 1893, he purchased the interest of Mr.
Coe in the firm of Coe & Pickett, general merchants
at Tariffville, Conn., and after two years of partner-
ship with Mr. Pickett, he associated himself with
J. L. Dewey, at the same stand. On March i, 1899,
he sold his interest to J. T. Curtiss, and at the same
time bought the business conducted by M. D.
Murphy, general merchant, at Windsor, and here
he is doing an excellent trade.
On June 11, 1884, Mr. Higinbotham married
Miss Angle L. Fitch, daughter of Charles and
Mary (Palmer) Fitch, of Windsor, and to this union
have been born three children : Charles W. and
Chelsie F., still living, and Earle 1'., who died at
the age of two years.
In politics, Mr. Iliginbotham is a Republican,
but. curiously enough, served twice as postmaster
iHuler the Democratic President Cleveland's ad-
ministration, and, still more curiously, at one time,
in 1893, was postmaster, from May to July, at two
places — South Aslifield, Mass., and Tariffville, Conn.
— and also held a notary-public's commission at the
latter place. Fraternally, Mr. Higinbotham is a
member of the Masonic Lodge, at Simsbury, and
of Summit Lodge, L O. O. F., at Hartford He
and his wife are consistent members of the Episcopal
Church, in which he served as vestryman and sec-
retary at Tarift'ville.
Air. Higinbotham is a thorough-going, system-
atic, business man, and has always borne an untarn-
ished name as such. He has realized through his
personal efforts a snug competence, and wherever
he has lived has been recognized as a progressive
and public-spirited citizen.
LEVI SEDGWICK WELLS traces his lineal
descent back through seven generations to Gov.
Thomas Wells of Colonial days. In the descend-
ing line his ancestry runs as follows : Thomas, a
son of the Governor, born in England in 1627 ; Icha-
bod, son of Thomas, born at Wethersfield in No-
vember, 1660; Jonathan, son of Ichabod, born at
Hartford Sept. 17, 1689; Elisha, son of Jonathan,
born in 1723 at West Hartford, where he died in
1780; Levi, son of Elisha, born in Rocky Plill, Hart-
ford county, in 1764; Horace, son of Levi, and fa-
ther of Levi S. Wells, born Aug. 11, 1795, in New-
ington. His grandfather, Levi Wells, was married
Dec. 9, 1790, to Hannah Wells, whose father, grand-
father and great-grandfather were named Robert,
and who also traced her descent back to Gov. Wells,
through another son, John.
Levi Wells combined the occupations of farmer
and shoemaker, tanning his own leather, and being
fairly prpsperous in both vocations. He bought his
farm, which included a considerable portion of that
now owned by his grandson, Levi S., of Timothy
Kilbourn, in the spring of 1800, and died at his
home on Oct. 23, 1823. His wife, Hannah, had
passed away March i, 1809. The children of their
marriage are Lydia, the wife of Augustus Flagg,
who spent his life and died in West Hartford ; Levi,
who lived and died in Illinois ; Horace ; Hannah and
Elvey became the first and second wives, respect-
ively, of Chester Hart; Lemuel W., and Marilla,
Mrs. Ralph Shipman.
Horace Wells, the father of Levi S., inherited a
share of his father's estate and bought out the heirs
on East street, besides purchasing a portion of his
uncle Lemuel's property, at Yonkers, N. Y. He
was an industrious, thrifty, careful man, whose,
prosperity was largely due to his sound judgment
and keen business sense. During his life-time he was
regarded as one of the leading men of New Britain,
and was twice chosen to represent his fellow citizens
in the Legislature. He was a member of the First
Congregational Church. He was united in mar-
riage to Pamela Sedgwick, who was born Feb. 28,
1798, a daughter of Timothv and Lucy Sedgwick,
the bride's mother's maiden name having also been
Sedgwick. It is rather a singular coincidence that
both the paternal and maternal grandmothers of Mr.
Wells should have borne the same name as their
husbands. The children of Horace and Pamela
Wells were named Levi Segwick ; Lemuel R. ; Lu-
celia, who married Albert D. Judd, of Wallingford ;
and Catherine, who died at the age of seventeen.
The father entered into rest Nov. 2, 1865, and his
wife survived him for sixteen years, passing away
in 1 88 1, at the ripe old age of eighty-three.
Levi S. Wells was born at New I5ritain Feb. 25,
1825, on the old homestead where he yet lives. He
attended the school conducted in the old Academy
building, which stood near the site of the present
Burritt school, named in honor of Elihu Burritt.
During one winter he was a pupil at a school in
West Jiartford. His text-books were those of the
early days, and among them was Adams' Arithme-
tic. His boyhood's education was chiefly confined
to the "three R.'s," but in them he was well ground-
ed. What deficiencies there were in his early train-
ing he has, in a marked degree, counterbalanced by
a course of well-directed reading in later years.
During three or four winters he himself taught a
district school at Newington. His life, however,
has been mainly devoted to . agriculture. He as-
sisted his father in the cultivation of the paternal
farm until his brother Lemuel became of age, when
the two sons assumed its management, devoting
their attention mainly to the raising of fancy cattle.
After the death of his brother, which occurred soon
after that of his father, he acquired sole ownership
of the property, which he has managed ever since.
While devoting himself chiefly to farming Mr.
Wells has also been interested in other business en-
terprises. He was one of the original incorporators
of the New Britain Savings Bank, in 1862, and has
always been a member of its board of directors. For
the last twenty-six years ht has been president,
being elected in 1874, to succeed William H. Smith.
He assists in making the loans, and under his judi-
(3^' f,9(l££<
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1161
cious management the institution has enjoyed a
rapid and remarkable growth. He is also a director
of the American Hosiery Co. He has held the
offices of selectman and assessor for a number of
terms. His political creed was originally that of
the "Old-line Whigs," but since the founding of the
Republican party he has acted with that organiza-
tion, and has been an active worker in promoting
its success, both National and local. In 1878 he
i-epresented New Britain in the General Assembly,
and was a member of the first Legislature to sit
in the new capitol. He was the first master of Bur-
ritt Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and has always
taken a lively interest in the welfare of the organi-
zation. He is vice-president of the Patrons Mutual
Fire Insurance Co., an association incorporated un-
der State law. He and his wife are members of
the First Congregational Church of New Britain.
In 1848 Mr. Wells married Harriet, a daughter
of Robert Francis, of Newington, and by her had
three children: Herman F , a farmer living on tne
old homestead; Horace L., who graduated from
Yale College in 1877, and is now professor of chem-
istry in that institution; and Kate, the wife of
George Johnson, of Plainville, a car dispatcher for
the street railway company. Mrs. Wells died Sept.
6, 1896, and on Nov. 24, 1897, he was married to
Miss F. Gertrude Treat, a daughter of Robert
Treat, of Morris, Litchfield county, a lineal de-
scendant of Gov. Treat, of Colonial fame.
HARRY WOODFORD, a respected and rising
young farmer of the town of East Windsor, was
born in North Kilworth, England, Nov. 21, 1858,
the youngest son of Charles and Charlotte (Ireson)
Woodford.
John Woodford, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Husband-Bosworth, and here passed all his
life, dying in the faith of the Episcopal Church. He
was a farmer by calling. He left two sons, Charles
and Benjamin, and the widow lived with Charles
for many years, and later with Benjamin. The
latter was killed by a railroad train near Market
Harborough, his home.
Charles Woodford was but nine years of age
when his father died, and the support of the mother
fell chiefly upon him, although he was nobly assisted
by his younger brother. At the age of nine years
he hired out as a farm lad to Esquire Turville, work-
■ ing as such until fourteen years old, after which he
served as a blacksmith's apprentice, learned the
trade, and for a few years worked as a journeyman.
He then bought a lot in North Kilworth, on
which he erected a shop and dwelling, but some years
later rented out these premises and removed to
Copt-Oak, where he rented a farm from Lord
Stamford, living thereon until 1890, when he re-
moved to Markfield. There he resumed farming for
a few years, but he is now living in retirement, a
remarkably well-preserved man of eighty years. He
married Charlotte Ireson, a native of Dingley,
Northamptonshire, by whom he had fourteen chil-
dren. She died in March, 1885, in the faith of the
Established Church.
Harry Woodford, whose name opens this
memoir, received a good common-school education,
remained at home until seventeen years old, and was
then apprenticed to a stockinet manufacturer. After
having served out his apprenticeship he rented a
farm near Copt-Oak, from Lord Stamford, and
later conducted an alehouse for a year or so. Hav-
ing decided to come to America, he embarked on
the "Arizona," at Liverpool, and nine days later,
May II, 1 89 1, landed at New York. It had been
his intention to seek a home in the West and en-
gage in farming, and he had forwarded money to
a New York bank to be drawn after his arrival,
but by the failure of the forwarding clerk in Eng-
land to furnish him with the proper means of identi-
fication his money was refused him, and it became
necessary for him to seek immediate employment,
as he had brought with him only sufficient funds
to defray incidental expenses. He then bethought
himself of a friend, John Spiby, who was working
for John Miller, who lived near Windsorville, Conn.,
sought him out, and by Arthur Hamilton was given
employment that lasted the following summer. The
next winter he was employed as a helper in the con-
struction of the Rockville school house. He then came
to Broad Brook, was employed by James B. Stiles ,
a few months, and Dec. i, 1892, secured a position
in the Broad Brook mill. Some time afterward he
wa;s offered by Mrs. Blodgett, a widow, the man-
agement of her farm, which offer he accepted, re-
linquishing the position in the mill.
Mr. Woodford now found himself in a position
to send for his wife, whom he had married Dec.
24, 1885, and who rejoined him two years after his
departure from England. Mrs. Woodford bore the
maiden name of Annie Birch, and was born in
Leicestershire, England, a daughter of George and
Hannah (Taylor) Birch. She was educated in the
common schools, was reared in the faith of the
Established Church, and is a pleasant, hospitable,
gracious woman. Mr. Woodford continued in the
service of Mrs. Blodgett until the latter's death, in
1897, and then purchased the farm, which he still
occupies, blessed with the presence of his wife, and
standing among the substantial and respected farm-
ers of his town — a good, modest and useful citizen.
THEODORE E. ELLSWORTH was born
March 21, 1831, on his present homestead, and is a
member of a well-known family of that locality.
Jason Ellsworth, his father, was married three times:
(first) to Miss Mary Phelps, (second) to Miss
Sarah Morton, and (third) to Miss Nancy Terry.
Theodore E. was one of six children born to the
first marriage who lived to maturity.
As a boy Mr. Ellsworth became familiar with
the details of agricultural work through assisting
his father on the homestead, and his education was
116-2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
obtained in the local schools and the academy at
Westfield, Mass. Earl_\- in 1852 he went to Buffalo,
N. Y., thence to Chicago and .Milwaukee, spending
the summer in the West, and returning home in the
fall. After his marriage he spent a few months in
Madison, Wis., and a year in the vicinity of Jackson-
ville, Fla., but since 18O8 he has resided at the old
home. In September, 1862, Mr. Ellsworth enlisted
in the Union army, becoming a private in Company
G, 25th Conn. \'. 1., for one year. He was mus-
tered in at Hartford and sent to Long Island, and
after a short time the regiment went to New Or-
leans and Carrollton, La. Their first engagement
was at Irish Bend, La., and they also took part in
the operations around I'ort Hudson, remaining until
the surrender of that place. At the expiration of
his term Mr. Ellsworth received an honorable dis-
charge at Hartford.
On Oct. 31, 1866, Mr. Ellsworth married Miss
Liiogene Phelps, and three children have blessed
the union : Albert 1)., Jannettc and Theodora.
HENRY LY'DALL, best known in Manchester,
Hartford county, as a member of the Lydall &
Foulds Paper Co., who have two mills in that town,
is a splendid example of the thoroughly self-made
man, one who has risen from the bottom round of
the ladder to a position of eminence in the business
world, and secured the respect and confidence of
his fellow men in general.
Mr. Lydall was born Oct. i, 1831, in Leicester-
shire, England, son of James and Mary (West)
Lydall, who were the parents of nine children:
Maria, Harriet and Eliza, all tliree of whom are de-
ceased ; Fanny, who became the wife of William
Foulds, and is now living in ^Manchester with her
son William ; Charles, who is a resident of New
Britain, Conn. ; Isaac, living in Manchester ; Mary,
wafe of John Hallam, of Manchester; Henry; and
Hannah, Mrs. William Williams, living m New
Britain.
Henry Lydall was but nine years of age when
he went to the town of Derby and commenced work
in the Darley cotton mills, where he remained for
about two years, after which, up to the age of four-
teen, he was employed in the Derby silk-mills. He
then began to learn the trade of needle-maker, at
Sheepshead, at wdiich he served seven years, his
parents paying seven pounds at the beginning of his
term, during which he received only his board in
exchange for his services. At the end of this pe-
riod he went to work for a distant relative, John
Lydall, by whom he was employed at his trade one
year, after which he returned home and took up
the manufacture of needles on his own account on
a small scale, continuing thus for another year. Then
for a short time he was engaged in making the nee-
dles for the employes of a knitting factory at Not-
tingham, receiving twenty-two shillings per week,
at this place. On Sept. 5, 1855, with his wife and
two children, he started for America, and after a
voyage of five weeks and three days landed at Cas-
tle Garden, from New Y'ork taking boat to New
Haven, Conn., and thence proceeding to New Brit-
ain, Hartford county, where one of his brothers was
living. He began making needles in this brother's
house, using the attic for a work-room, and as busi-
ness increased removed his shop thence to a small
building in the garden, back of the house. Mr.
Lydall continued to manufacture needles in New
Britain until the Civil war, at which time his busi-
ness had grown to such proportions that he gave
employment to eight men, and had a well-estab-
lished trade. Turning the management over to his
nephew, Wilham Foulds, he enlisted, on Aug. 6,
1862, as a member of Company F, 14th Conn. V.
L, was mustered in at Hartford, and served until
the close of the war, seeing active service during
the greater part of this time. He took part in
twenty-eight important battles, among them : An-
tietam ; Bolivar Heights; F'redericksburg, JJec. 13,
18O2; ChancellorsvUle, May 2-3, 1863; Gettysburg,
July 2-3, 1863; Falling Waters, Md., July 16, 1863;
Auburn, \'a., Oct. 14, 1863; Bristow Station, Oct.
15, 1863; Centerville, Va., Nov. 15, 1863; Mine
Run, \'a., Dec. 1, 1863; Morton Ford, Va., Feb. 6,
1864; Wilderness, May 6, 1864; Laurel Hill, May
10, 1864; Spoltsylvania, ^lay 12, 1864; North Anna
River, May 24, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864;
Petersburg, June 16-17, 1864; Deep Bottom, Aug.
15, 1864; and Ream's Station, Aug. 25, 1864. Mr.
Lydall was taken prisoner at the last mentioned bat-
tle, but he escaped the same night. He was with
his command continuously except for the three
months he was confined to Alexandria hospital with
fever, and he received his discharge May 31, 1865,
at Hartford, having made a record of which he had
every reason to be proud. He was promoted to the
rank of sergeant Nov. i, 1863.
Mr. Lydall returned to New Britain at the close
of his military service, and in the fall of 1865 re-
moved thence to Manchester, where he has ever
since had his home. He resumed work at his trade,
having purchased a small olant of James Gaskill,
who about that time had invented the process of
turning cut needles by machinery, doing aw'ay with
the tedious work of filing, etc., which the hand
process necessitated. Mr. Lydall has enlarged this
establishment from time to time, and at one time he
manufactured as many as fifty thousand needles
per day. For the past eighteen years he has been a
member of the Lydall & Foulds Paper Co., who
operate two paper-mills in the town of Manches-
ter, but he has now relinquished active business
cares for the most part, his sons attending to the
rather arduous duties connected with the manage-
ment of his interests. Fie now devotes the greater
part of his time and attention to looking after his
farm and the culture of peaches, finding welcome
rest in the change and enjoying to the full the ample
competence which has rewarded his busy life. >
Mr. Lydall is a remarkable e.xample of the self- ^
^«,^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ilea
made man. He had no schooling whatever until
he was nine years of age. when he commenced to
learn reading by attending Sunday-school ; but he
gave such promise as a student that when he was
nine years old the man for whom he worked sent
him an order to attend school for three months. He
went to school in all six months, his wages contin-
uing just the same, and he supplemented this begin-
ning by study at night school and elsewhere, as op-
portunity offered, until he had acquired a good prac-
tical education. These early experiences, besides
developing his strong natural intellect, did as much
for the determination and perseverance which have
always been such marked traits in his character,
and which have proven of inestimable value to him
in his later years. He has gained and maintained
a high place in the esteem of all who have come in
contact with him, in any of the .relations of life, and
his success has no doubt been due as much to his
manly worth as to his industry and careful business
habits.
On Sept. 4, 1852, Mr. Lydall was united in mar-
riage, in his native country, to Miss l.ucy Rogers,
who was born July 4, 1831, at Sheepshead, iing-
land, and to their union have come children as fol-
lows : Annie, born Aug. 2, 1853, is the wife of Hi-
ram Oldershaw, of New Britain; Charles A., born
May 27, 1855, is a resident of New Britain; William
H., born July 31, 1857, is deceased; Isaac E., born
June 29, 1859, is deceased; Walter E., born April
15, i860, is engaged in the manufacture of paper at
Manchester; Edwin A., born June 15, 1862, is a
member of the Lydall & Foulds Paper Co., of Man-
chester; and Willis J., born Jan. 3, 1867, who has
charge of his father's needle factory. The mother
passed away May 28, 1898, after an illness of but
a few days. The family are identified with the M.
E. Church, of which Mr. Lydall has long been an
active member, and he has been chairman of the
board of trustees for ten years. Socially he holds
membership with Stanley Post, G. A. R., of New
Britain. He is a Republican in political sentiment,
but takes no part in public affairs, though he has
always given a loyal support and his influence to all
forward movements in the community.
DANIEL W. BARNES, a highly esteemed resi-
dent of the town of Windsor, is a man whose pros-
perity demonstrates the fact that farming can be
made to pay. Beginning his career without any
capital except his own energy and ambition, he has
steadily increased the amount of land under his
supervision until now he cultivates as much as any
other man in the town, and his results have been
so uniformally good as to indicate more than ordi-
jnary sagacity and skill in management.
Mr. Barnes was born Jan. 19, i860, on the old
Barnes homestead near Poquonock, and belongs to
a well-known family. Lehman Barnes, his grand-
father, resided at the old farm for many years, and
his wife, Anna Bancroft, was a native of East Wind-
sor. This worthy couple had eight children, the
eldest of whom was a boy who died in infancy. Of
the others, Lucinda married Edwin Griswold, of
Pocj[uonock, both now deceased; Harriet married
the late Byron W. Allen, who died July 14, 1890;
Horace G. married Eliza Eno, both deceased; John
F. married Flora Ann Gridley, both deceased ; Caro-
line married Collins Moore, of Bloomfield; Abel
H., our subject's father, is mentioned below, and
the youngest child died in infancy.
Abel H. Barnes was born in August, 1833, at
the old homestead, and was reared as a farmer boy,
receiving only a common-school education. In
early manhood he took charge of the home farm, but
later he rented other farms, in the same locality,
including the Griswold place. For thirteen years
he resided in Bloomfield, engaging in dairying and
general farming, but since 1885 he has maae h.s
home on the "L. Ellsworth faim, ' near Hayden
Station, he is well-preserved and is still active,
he and his estimable wife being prominent in relig-
ious work as members of the Methodist Church, in
which he has served as trustee and steward. While
he is in sympathy with the Democratic party in many
respects, he is not a blind partisan, and votes for the
best man wherever he finds him. On Sept, 25, 1857,
he married Eliza Witham, who was born Dec. 27,
i8_^8, at Winthrop, Maine, and spent some years of
her girlhood in Lowell, Mass., but at sixteen came to
Windsor where she resided until her marriage. Her
father Daniel Witham, died during her childhood,
and her mother, whose maiden name was Lydia
Gould, afterward married Wareham Griswold and
settled in Windsor, where she died some years ago.
Our subject is the eldest of four children, the others
being Anna, who died in childhood ; Flora, now Mrs.
Frank Pomeroy, of Hayden Station, and Robert, a
druggist of Hartford, who resides in Windsor.
Our subject's education was begun in the dis-
trict school of his native town, but when he was
twelve years old his parents removed to Bloomfield,
where he attended the academy for a time. He
remained at home until his marriage, and for eight
years was in partnership with his father, his profits
being carefully saved in order to secure for himself
a start in life. At twenty-five he married Miss
Mary Kitchen, a resident of Bloomfield, where she
was a school teacher, daughter of James A. Kitchen,
a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, who died a
prisoner of war at Florence, being taken at the bat-
tle of Andersonville ; he had enlisted for three years
from Hartford. Having thus gained an efficient
partner in his enterprises, Mr. Barnes' savings en-
abled him to rent the old "Colton farm" at Ware-
house Point, where he resided two years, and then
took a position as foreman for J. H. Simonds, an ex-
tensive farmer and tobacco grower, with whom he
spent two )fears. In the spring of 1891 he rented
the "William Pierson farm" in Windsor, where he
has since- resided, and as he has leased other lands
in the locality he now- has under his control over
1164
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
250 acres. He makes a specialty of tobacco grow-
ing, but is also extensively interested in dairying,
liis herd of from forty to fifty cows being one of the
largest ill the town. The product of his dairy is
largely disposed of at wholesale, but for some time
he has conducted a retail route at Windsor, his
customers being among the best people in the village.
In 1897 he purchased the "L. lillsworth farm" at
Haydcn Station, which is operated by his father.
During the past year he has purchased the property
known as the Tudor farm, where he and his wife
first went to keeping house, It goes without say-
ing that he is a busy man, one secret of his success
being the close attention given to every detail of his
business. Although he is a regular voter and a
stanch believer in the principles of the Republican
party, his time is too much occupied to permit him
to assume any official duties. Four attractive daugh-
ters brighten his home. Flora, Anna, Eva and
Olive Witham, and the family is prominent in social
life and in the work of the iMethodist Church, Mr.
Barnes and his wife both being active members.
During his residence at Warehouse Point he held
the office of trustee in the church there.
CHARLES RILEY WATKINS, an old-time
resident and highly-respected farmer and mechanic
of Bloomfield, was born in Berkshire county, Mass ,
August 22, 1822, and is a son of Lawson and Agnes
(Hoskins) Watkins. Lawson and Agnes Watkins
passed all their lives in Berkshire county, Alass., but
their four children came to Connecticut and located
in Hartford county, viz.: Horace, now deceased;
Charles R., our subject; William R., of Hartford
city, and Emma, now deceased.
Charles R. Watkins passed his school days in
Hinsdale, Mass., and his early manhood in his fa-
ther's sawmill. He then passed a year at W'est-
field, Hampden Co., Mass., and in 1844 came to
Bloomfield, Conn. Here for twenty years he worked
in T. L. Humphrey's sash and blind factory, also
worked as a carpenter and joiner, and in more re-
cent years has been engaged in farming with un-
varying success.
Mr. Watkins was united in marriage. May 2,
1849, with Miss Cordelia Humphrey, who was born
April 28, 1827, a daughter of Lyman and Hannah
(Francis) Humphrey, and to this union came three
children who grew to maturity : Charles Henry,
who was born Dec. 24, 1857, married Mary E.
Miller, Dec. 4, 1889, and died April i, 1893, the fa-
ther of one child, Charles E., born March 19, 1890.
The second child born to Charles R. and Cordelia
Watkins was named Emma J., who was born May
23, i860, and died Dec. 18, 1888. The third child.
Burton L., was born April 4, 1866, and married.
May I, 1889, Miss Alice G. Elmer, who was born
Feb. I, 1869, and became the mother of three chil-
dren, Leroy Burton, born Oct. 4, 1892 ; Harold
Julius, June 12, 1894, and Raymond H., Feb. 14,
1898. Burton L. Watkins is the present clerk and
treasurer of the school district of Bloomfield, and
fills the position most satisfactorily.
Charles R. Watkins has for many j^ears been a
member of the Congregational Church, and has
tully lived up to its teachings. He has served as
collector and as a member of the school commmitee
of Bloomfield, and has won for himself the general
esteem of the community in which he has passed so
many years of his useful life.
HENRY BELDEN WRIGHT, a prominent
representative of the agricultural interests of Weth-
ersfield, was born in that town March 13, 1829, and
belongs to one of its old and most highly-respected
families. His grandfather, Elizur Wright, a son of
Nathaniel Wright, spent his entire life in Wethers-
field, where he owned and operated a farm. He
married Ruth Curtis, and to them were born seven
children : Joseph ; Mary, wife of William Winship ;
Chauncey, deceased ; Elizur ; Ruth and Rhoda,
twins, the former of whom married Henry Welles,
the latter Thomas Griswold ; and William. The
parents died at the old homestead on Jordan Lane,
and their remains were interred in the VVethersfield
cemetery.
Joseph Wright, father of our subject, passed his
boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and
throughout life remained on the old homestead, en-
gaged in farming, giving his attention principally
to general agriculture. He was a soldier in the war
of 1812, and was stationed at New London, Conn.,
under Capt. Strickland. Politically he was first a
Whig and later a Republican. In early life he mar-
ried Aliss Nancy Wheeler, of Hartford, by whom
he had three children : Joseph, who died at the age
of forty years ; Nancy, widow of George W. Skin-
ner, of Hartford ; and Mary. For his second wife
he married Mabel Dickinson, widow of Henry Bel-
den, of Rocky Hill, and daughter of Ozias and Mary
Dickinson, the former a soldier of the Revolution-
ary war. The only child of this union was our sub-
ject, Henry Belden. By her former marriage Mrs.
Wright had three children : Otis, who died in New
Haven (he married May Butler) ; Daniel, who mar-
ried Adaline Smith ; and Henrietta, deceased. The
mother, who was a good Christian woman, died on
the home farm Sept. 12, 1869, and was buried in
Cedar Hill cemetery. In 1871 the father had a
paralytic stroke which left him speechless, and he
v\'as tenderly cared for by our subject and wife until
his death, April 6, 1874. He was laid to rest in
Cedar Hill cemetery. Both parents were members ^m
of the Congregational Church. ^gi
Reared upon the home farm Henry B. Wright
is indebted to the district schools and the Wethers-
field Academy for his educational privileges. At
an early age he commenced to aid in the labors of
the farm, and throughout his active business life
has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits.
He carries on operations in a systematic and me-
thodical manner, and in his undertakings has been v
^ MJ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1165
eminently successful. He has made many improve-
ments upon the farm, and in connection with gen-
eral farming is engaged in dairying and stock-
raising. The place, now comprising some fifty
acres, though formerly much greater in extent, has
been in his family since 1732. In 1862, at Athol,
Worcester Co., Mass., Mr. Wright was united in
marriage with Miss Adaline Gray, a native of that
place, and a daughter of Alexander and Elvira
(Bancroft) Gray. Prior to her marriage she suc-
cessfully engaged in teaching. The Republican
party finds in Mr. Wright a stanch supporter of ics
principles, and in 1879 he was elected on that ticket
to represent Wethersfield in the State Legislaure.
Being a strong supporter of education, he has served
acceptably on the school committee. His public and
private duties have always been discharged in a
most commendable manner, and he is justly ranked
among the valued and useful citizens of his com-
munity. Mr. Wright is a liberal supporter of the
Congregational Church, of which his wife is a
member.
FRANKLIN JUDE BROCKETT is one of the
most prominent and successful agriculturists of the
town of Sufifield. One of his leading characteris-
tics in business affairs is his fine sense of order and
complete system, and the habit of giving careful at-
tention to details, without which success in any un-
dertaking is never an assured fact.
Mr. Brockett was born in Russell, Hamden Co.,
Mass., April 21, 1827, and belongs to a family of
Scottish origin, which was founded in New England
at an early day in its history. His grandfather,
John Brockett, was a native of North Haven, Conn.,
where he was reared. He served six years in the
Revolutionary war, enlisting in the early part of
the struggle for nine months under Gen. Hopkins,
and serving the term on a privateer, which during
that time captured seven British vessels out of a fleet
of nine, bringing them all into Boston harbor. He was
at Saratoga when Burgoyne was captured. He drew
a pension until his death, in 1845, ^t the age of
eighty-six. In 1793 he settled in the woods at
Blandford, Hampden Co., Mass., and there spent
the remainder of his life engaged in farming. On
his arrival there he cut down a large hemlock tree,
and on the stump built a large oven of clay and
mortar, which the family used to bake in for a num-
ber of years. Mr. Brockett was one of the well-
known and prominent citizens of his community, was
a Whig in politics and a consistent member of the
Congregational Church. He was three times mar-
ried, and by the first wife had two children : Francis
and Silas. By the second there were seven : Ithia,
Ely, Lydia, Lucy, John, Eunice and Benajah. All
are now deceased.
John Brockett, otir subject's father, was born in
Blandford, Mass., where in early life he engaged in
farming and also learned the shoemaker's trade.
When a young man he removed to Russell, same
county, and there followed his trade during the
winter months, while throughout the summer season
he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in this way be-
coming quite well-to-do. He made farming his
principal occupation, and during his last years fol-
lowed it in Westfield, his whole life being passed
in Hampden county. He died in 1849, ^t the age of
fifty-three years, and his wife, who bore the maiden
name of Maria Smith, died in 1847, at the age of
forty-nine. They attended the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and he was identified with the Whig
party. They were married in North Haven, Conn.,
where she was born, a daughter of Jude Smith, and
three children blessed their union: Benajah, who
died in Suffield; Julia, wife of Lyman Smith, of
Northampton, Mass. ; and Franklin J., our subject.
Franklin J. Brockett is almost wholly self-edu-
cated, though to a limited extent he attended the
district schools of Russell and Blandford, Mass.,
during the winter months, while during the summer
he assisted in the operation of the home farm. He
lost his parents soon after attaining his majority,
and he then took charge of the farm of 100 acres at
Westfield, Mass., on which he made extensive im-
provements, and which he continued to carry on
until 1867. In that year his buildings, valued at
$5,000, were destroyed by fire, and he carried only
$700 insurance. After this misfortune he sold his
land and came to Suffield, Conn., where he purchased
fifty-five acres, known as the Joseph Fuller farm.
This he has also greatly improved by the erection of
a fine residence, a good barn, and tobacco sheds,
valued at over ten thousand dollars. He is quite
extensively engaged in the raising of tobacco, and
is also interested in the dairy business, keeping on
hand fifteen cows. He formerly bought and packed
tobacco, and in most of his undertakings he has met
with well-deserved success.
At Blandford, Mass., in 1851, Mr. Brockett
wedded Miss Maria Eliza Gibbs, a native of that
place, and to them have been born two children:
(i) John F. was educated in the public schools of
Westfield, Mass., and the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute, at Suffield, Conn., and is now engaged in
farming in Suffield town. He married Genevia
Hewes, a daughter of Nathaniel Hewes, of Suffield,
and they have four children : Daisy Isabella, Nellie
Maria, Franklin N. and Frederick J. (2) David
Lester also attended the public schools and the
Connecticut Literary Institute, and later graduated
at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.
Y., and the Hartford Business College. He married
Mary Russell, by whom he has one daughter, Mabel
Eliza, and they reside with his parents.
Mr. Brockett is a stanch Republican, but has
never been prevailed upon to accept official honors.
He is a stockholder in the Electric Light and Water
Works at Suffield, also the Suffield Creamery, and
is a member of Suffield Grange, No. 27. He has
been ably assisted in life by the advice and counsel
of his estimable wife, who is an earnest member of
11G6
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Congregational Church, and has proved to him
a true helpmeet. In his religious views he is rather
liberal, but he has led an upright, honorable life, |
Wfhich is exemplary in many respects. He is strictly
temperate, having never but once drunk a drop of
liquor across a bar, and he has the esteem of his
friends and the confidence of his business associates.
Capt. Lester Gibbs, father of Mrs. Brockett, was
born in Blandford, Mass., and was a son of Samuel
Gibbs, who was of English descent, and an old settler
of Hampden county, Mass. The Captain was edu-
cated in the district schools of the county, and be-
came quite a prominent citizen of Blandford, where
he successfully engaged in farming and stock deal-
ing. He dealt quite extensively in horses and cat-
tle, and for many years practiced veterinary surgery.
He was an influential member of the Democratic
party in his community, as an advocate of Jefljerson-
ian principles, held many township and county offi-
ces, and also represented his district in the Massa-
chusetts State Legislature. He was captain of a
company in the State militia. In religious matters
he was quite liberal. He wedded i\Iiss Mary Boise,
a daughter of David Boise, a prominent farmer of
Blandford, and to them were born the following
children: Julia B. is now the widow of Edwin
Thompson, and a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ;
Jarvis W. died in 1894; Samuel C. died in Iowa in
1894; David B. is deceased; Isabella is a resident of
Russell, INIass. ; Maria Eliza is the wife of our sub-
ject; Russell died yoimg; Edward and Edson-were
twins, the former of whom died in 1895, ^"^1 the lat-
ter is now living in Westfield, Mass. The father
of these children passed away in 1853, and the
mother, who was a faithful member of the Congre-
gational Church, died in 1866, the remains of both
being interred in Blandford.
WILLIAiM FREDERICK FLETCHER, a
prominent farmer of Enfield, was born in Holden,
Worcester Co., ]\Iass., Aug. 6, 1837, a son of Will-
iam and Hannah R. (Howe) Fletcher, both natives
of Worcester county, Massachusetts.
Nahor and Chloe (Taft) Fletcher, grandparents
of our subject, were also natives of that county.
Nahor was a son of Asa, who was a son of Abra-
ham, son of Hezekiah, son of Francis, son of Robert
Fletcher, who came from England, and settled in
Concord, Mass., in 1630. The eminence of the
Fletcher family in American history is shown by
the single fact that from Robert Fletcher, the
founder, have descended sixteen governors of States.
The early home of the Fletchers in Concord was
the farm on which the famous Concord grape was
afterward originated. Ebenezer Taft, the maternal
grandfather of our subject's father, was born in
1758, and died in 1836. He was the only child of
Ebenezer and Bethiah (Fletcher) Taft, of North-
bridge, Mass. Ebenezer Taft lived at Mendon,
Mass., and was a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting
in Rhode Island, and first serving two months in
Captain Isaac Martin's company. Col. Joseph Whit-
ney's regiment; second in Capt. Peter Penniman's
company, Col. Job Cushing's regiment, same year.
This was in the Northern army, operating against
Curgoyne, from Aug. 17, 1777, to Nov. 29, 1777,
participating in those desperate battles which re-
sulted in the surrender of the invading army in Oc-
tober, 1777. In the following year, 1778, Ebe-
nezer Taft served six weeks in Capt. Baker's com-
pany, Col. Haws' regiment, in Rhode Island. In
July, 1780, he enlisted in Capt. Benjamin Reed's
company. Col. Nathan Tyler's regiment, com-
manded by Lieut. John Benson, on the alarm in
Rhode Island. His wife, Mary (Howard), whom
he married March 19, 1779, was a daughter of Ben-
jamin and Elizabeth (Thayer) Howard, the former
being a descendant of Samuel Howard, who settled
in Mendon, JNIass., about 1680.
William Fletcher, father of William F., was
born in Mendon, Mass., Feb. 17, 1810. His wife,
Hannah R. Howe, whom he married Sept. 8, 1836,
was a daughter of Abraham and Eunice (Hastings)
Howe, and was born in Holden, Mass., Nov. 25,
1815.
William F. Fletcher, our subject, was reared in
Connecticut from the age of four years, coming to
the town of Enfield in 1854. He was educated in
the common schools, and at the Wesleyan Academy,
Wilbraham, Mass. During the Civil war he en-
listed, Aug. 27, 1862, in Company F, 22nd C. V. I.,
and participated in the siege of Suffolk. He was
honorably discharged from service July 7, 1863.
Air. Fletcher was married, Dec. 7, 1865, to Augusta
C, daughter of Henry and Charlotte A. (Allen)
Gowdy, of Enfield, and granddaughter of Hill and
Roxanna (McGregor). Hill Gowdy was a son
of Samuel Gowdy, a pioneer of Enfield. On the
maternal side Mrs. Fletcher is a granddaughter of
Solomon Allen, of East Windsor, who married
Martha Simons, of Enfield. Solomon Allen was a
son of David Allen, son of Joshua, son of Samuel,
son of John (who was killed at the battle of Bloody
Brook, at Deerfield, Mass.), son of Samuel Allen,
who settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1635.
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have one son, Henry
Frederick. Mr. Fletcher is a member of Samuel
Brown Post, No. 56, G. A. R., of Thompsonville.
In politics he is a Republican. For six years he
held the office of deputy registrar of Enfield; was
a member of the board of relief three years, and was
selectman for one year.
G. W. OLIN. Among the most attractive
farms in the town of Windsor, is the homestead of
our subject, whose enterprise and energy have made
him one of the leading growers of general produce
in that locality. Being advantageopsly located near
Windsor village, he finds a ready market for his
crops, and in making the best use of the opportuni-
ties afforded by the location, he has shown admir-
able judgment.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1167
Mr. Olin comes of an excellent faniil}', which
has been prominent in the vicinity of Plainfield,
Conn., from an early period. His grandfather,
Daniel Olin, a Revolutionary soldier, owned a farm
at Plainfield and followed agricultural pursuits for
many years.
Hon. George W. Olin, our subject's father, was
born and reared at Plainfield, and as a young man
was employed by the Norwich & Worcester Rail-
road Co., as their first station agent there. In those
days wood was the only fuel used in the locomotives,
and a large amount was kept piled up at Plainfield
ready for use. Later he became a farmer, purchas-
ing land near Sprague, Windham Co., Conn., and
then at Franklin Hill, Conn., but finally he located at
Dudley, Mass., where he also bought a homestead.
Being ever a friend of education, he removed to
Dudley because he wished his children, who were
all possessed of more than' ordinary ability, to have
the benefit of the schools there. Wherever he re-
sided he took a prominent part in local affairs, serv-
ing on school committees in several places, and he
was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic
ticket. While he was of powerful build and
seemed robust, he did not attain advanced age, as
he died in his sixty-fifth year from cancer of the
stomach. He left a comfortable competence, gained
solely through his own efforts seconded by the econ-
omy and good management of his estimable wife
(now deceased), whose maiden name was Zippiette
Green. She was a native of Longtown, Conn., and
her father, William Green, was a well-known ag-
riculturist there. George W. and Zippiette Olin
had nine children : Daniel, who settled in the "Far
West;" Jane, who married William Adams, of El-
lington, Conn. ; Elizabeth, wife of Dwight Bush-
nell, of Windsor; G. W., our subject; Julia, Mrs.
Jno. E. Higginbotham, of Windsor, who was a suc-
cessful teacher before her marriage ; Susan, wife of
H. E. Phelps, of Windsor ; Charles, a stationer and
paper dealer of Willimantic, Conn. ; Ernest, who
was last heard from at Memphis, Tenn. ; and Hattie,
Mrs. Edwin Bowise, of Pueblo, Colo., who taught
school for a time with marked success.
Our subject was born April 24, 1848, at the old
home in Plainfield. His education was limited to
the common schools of the localities where his par-
ents resided, and during much of his boyhood he
only attended in winter. He remained at home until
he reached the age of nineteen ; but as he thought a
trade would be more to his liking than farming he
then went to Hartford to learn the art of copper-
plate engraving and printing. For five years he
worked at this business in Hartford, spending most
of the time with Case, Lockwood, Brainerd & Co.,
and his ability and skill gained for him a high repu-
tation as a workman, thereby enabling him to com-
mand excellent wages. Going to New York City,
he was employed for some time by the National
Bank Note Co., on the top floor of the Cooper Insti-
tute building, and later he worked for the Colum-
bia Bank Note Co., of Washington, D. C, leaving
tliere when a re-organization made it a stock com-
pany. His experience of city life has made him
turn with appreciation to the wholesome scenes and
activities of country life, and it was from deliberate
choice that he gave up his trade and devoted his
attention to farming. In 1878 he came to Windsor,
where some of his sisters had located, and soon af-
terward he engaged in market gardening on the
farm of Mr. Bushnell, who was also a dealer in meat.
After three years Mr. Olin leased the land, which
was known as the old "Capen farm," and continued
the business on his own account, meeting with such
success that he purchased the place in 1887.
Although he has had his misfortunes like all
business men, Mr. Olin always rises superior to
them, and his homestead, upon which he has made
many improvements, is a tangible reward for his
years of hard work. At present he deals more ex-
tensively in garden produce than any other man in
that^ neighborhood, and while he is of most unas-
suming disposition he is regarded as a substantial
and valuable citizen. He has an attractive daughter,
Minnie, and his interests center in his home to the
exclusion of outside affairs. While he is in sym-
pathy with the Democratic party in national issues,
he has voted but once since attaining his majority.
He possesses a fine voice and decided talent for
music, and for some years was a member of the
choir of the M. E. Church at Windsor.
JOHN DEEBLE, a well-known traveling sales-
man, and one of Southington's leading German
citizens, was born in Hersfeld, Province of Nassau,
Germany, Mav 29, 1834, a son of Jacob and Eliza
(Fuller) Deeble.
In April, 1854, Mr. Deeble crossed the Atlantic,
and landed in New York, where he remained sev-
eral weeks, but in August of the same year located
in Southington, Hartford Co., Conn. Being a
blacksmith by trade, which occupation he had fol-
lowed in his native land for six years, including
his apprenticeship, he secured employment with the
Peck-Smith Co. in that capacity, and after a short
time spent with them entered the service of the
Plant Manufacturing Co., of Plantsville, where he
remained two years. Subsequently he was em-
ployed in the Millen Bolt Works, and by Roys &
Wilcox, at East Berlin, where he was engaged in
forging various implements for about a year. He
also spent seven years in the forging department
of the Stow Manufacturing Co., Plantsville, and
worked on die and drop forging for the Henry D.
Smith Co. In the meantime he patented an anti-
rudder for the fifth wheel of carriages, which he
afterward manufactured in New York City for
eight months, and then sold to G. B. Savage, of
Southington, managing the business for him three
years. From 1874 to 1879 ^i"- I^eeble ran a step
machine, for the making of carriage steps, in the
factory of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., and
1168
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
while there secured seven patents for ox shoes, the
first to be made by machinery in the United States.
He met with excellent success in the manufacture
of these shoes, turning out from sixty-five to sev-
enty tons of the manufactured article per year, and
selling them on the road himself. About 1887 G.
B. Savage sold out his business to the Scranton
Forging Co., of Scranton, Penn., and Mr. Deeble
spent seven months in that city, but on account of
ill health he returned to his home in Southington
at the end of that time. In 1888 he embarked in
the fancy grocery trade, in which he successfully
engaged until 1899, and is now a traveling salesman.
Mr. Deeble has taken out about fourteen patents
on ox shoes and other inventions, and has sold the
ox shoe patents to the Scranton Forging Co. He
has steadily prospered since coming to this coun-
try, and has never yet had occasion to regret his
emigration.
On Nov. 26, 1854, Mr. Deeble married Miss
Agnes Krollman, daughter of Jacob and Marga'ret
(Miller) Krollman, of Southington, formerly of
Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. Of the six children
born to them, only two are now living: Charles
and Ida Mary. In 1892 Mr. Deeble returned to
Germany, to visit his old home and the graves of
his parents. The latter he found sadly neglected,
but he at once had them put in order, and erected
suitable monuments to the memory of his parents.
When this had oeen accomplished he invited his
brothers and sisters to see what he had done, and
tried to impress upon them the fact of the success
one can achieve in the New World. After spend-
ing two months abroad ilr. Deeble returned to his
Connecticut home, content to remain on this side
of the Atlantic. He first came to America in search
of home and fortune, and his ambitious dreams
have been more than realized. He has contributed
liberally toward the erection of the Lutheran church
in Southington, of which he is an active and prom-
inent member : is also a member of the D. O. H.
or Harugari Society; is president of the Germania
Hall and Liederkranz Society : and politically is
a supporter of the Republican party. He is highly
respected and esteemed by all who know him, and
has many friends throughout the town.
HENRY A. POTTER is one of the representa-
tive agriculturists of Glastonbury town, and his
beautiful homestead, which he purchased in a worn-
out condition, has been restored by him and brought
to a high state of cultivation.
The Potter family originated in England, and
our subject is a descendant of a branch which be-
came identified with Rhode Island at an early day.
A town in that State is named Potter, and many
members of the family now reside in the vicinity of
Kingston, R. I. Our subject's grandfather, Henry
Potter, followed the sea. and was lost while on a
voyage. He had five children, among whom was a
daughter Fannie, who married William Babcock, a
native of Lebanon, Conn., and removed to a farm
at Freeport, 111., where both died.
Thomas Cranston Potter, our subject's father,
was born at Kingston, R. I., but his life was mainly
spent in Lebanon, Conn., where he followed the
blacksmith's trade. He married (first) Harriet
Bennett, who was buried at Lebanon, and (second)
Lucinda Loomis, of Lebanon, whose remains now
rest in the cemetery at Glastonbury. By his first
marriage he had two children : ( i ) Julian C, born
May 15, 1822, died May 15, 1884. He married
Harriet Kendall, of Falls Village, Mass., and was a
merchant in Boston. (2) Jane E., born Aug. 25,
1830, married William H. Hardy, and lived in Mas-
sachusetts. By the second marriage there were six
children, of whom three are living: (i) Sarah F.,
born Nov. 11, 1832, married Jason Stevens, a
farmer of Glastonbury, and died Feb. 7, 1882. (2)
Mary Angeline, born Dec. 20, 1833, died April 12,
1834. (3) Calista Angeline, born Dec. 16, 1835,
married Henry C. Robinson, and is living in East
Hartford. (4) Lucinda E., born June 2, 1837,
died Oct. 2, 1862, unmarried. (5) Henry A. is
mentioned more fully below. (6) Mary Ann, born
Feb. 5, 1840, and now residing with our subject,
married (first) Newton Thrall, of Glastonbury, and
(second) Warren F. Childs, of Boston, both now
deceased.
Our subject was born in Lebanon, June 21, 1838,
and had only common-school advantages, his fa-
ther being a poor man, with a large family. During
boyhood he worked away from home at small wages
for three or four years, but later returned to the
home farm and worked in summer, while attend-
ing school in winter. At the age of seventeen and
for some time following he was night clerk in the
"Hotel Easton," corner of South and Whitehall
streets, New York City. After leaving the hotel
he went to Andover, Conn., and worked on a farm
for two years, and in 1868 he settled at Glastonbury.
He located first on Main street, renting land at va-
rious places, and in 1877 he purchased his present
farm from Ambrose Bidwell, the place containing
twenty-five acres, well adapted to general farming,
on which he has built sheds, barns and made other
substantial improvements. He makes a specialty
of fruit and tobacco raising. Politically Mr. Pot-
ter is a Democrat, and he served as selectman in
1897-98. He is a member of no secret societies.
He united with the Baptist Church in Lebanon some
years ago, but now attends the Congregational
Church in Glastonbury. Mr. Potter occupies a po-
sition among the substantial men of his locality, and
deserves high credit for the success he has made.
In 1864 Mr. Potter married Miss Abbie Jane
Perry, a native of Norwich, who died in 1883. In
1886 he married Miss Amanda White, a native of
Hebron, and daughter of James A. and Jerusha
(Kellogg) White. There were seven children by
the first marriage: (i) Frank H., born April 18,
1866, is a farmer in Glastonbury. He married Miss
i/ri/^7.ij^ .V^,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1169
Mary Grant, and has four children, Hazel, Lillian,
Ethel, and one son. (2) James, born Oct. 25, 1869,
died June 16, 1870. (3) Alfred N., born July 2y,
1872, resides in Seattle, Wash., where he is engaged
'in the lumber business. (4) Harry W., born May
23, 187s, is at home. (5) Edward, born Dec. 7,
1877, died Sept. 10, 1883. (6) Lillian, born Nov.
24, 1879, also died Sept. 10, 1883. (7) Louis M.,
born April 10, 1882, is at home. Two children
were born to the second marriage, both dying in
infancy, unnamed.
James A. White, father of Mrs. Potter, was
born in Lebanon, Conn., and was brought to He-
bron when a child. He is still living, now (1900)
aged eighty-three years. By occupation he was a
farmer. Mr. White first married Jerusha Kellogg,
who died in August, 1856, and had four children by
this union: Edward J. (a farmer in Hebron),
Fred K. (deceased), Amanda (Mrs. Potter) and
Emma. By his second marriage, to Harriet Rath-
bone, there were also four children: Wilfred A.,
Adele, John B. (deceased), and Harley (deceased).
In political sentiment Mr. White is a Republican.
JUDAH PHELPS, a leading agriculturist of
West Sufifield, is a worthy representative of a fam-
ily of Hartford county which has been prominent
in this section from pioneer times, its members
in each generation displaying the sturdy independ-
ence of thought and uprightness of character which
form the basis of good citizenship. He traces his
descent from one of the first settlers of Windsor,
namely,
(I) William Phelps, who was born in 1599 at
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England, son of Will-
iam Phelps, and thence removed to Somerset, in
Dorsetshire, where he married. In 1630 he came
to the New World and located in Dorchester, Mass.,
being one of the party of Rev. Mr. Warham, of
whose church (found in Plymouth, England) he
was an original member. He was accompanied
hither by his wife, Elizabeth, and five children,
and by his younger brothers, George and Richard.
On Oct. 19, 1630, William Phelps applied to be
made freeman. On Nov. 9, 1630, he was one of the
jury empaneled for the trial of Walter Palmer for
the murder of Auston Brotchur — the first trial by
jury held in New England. In the spring of 1636
he removed with his children to Windsor, Conn.,
where his brother George had located in 1635, and
there resided the balance of his life, dying July
14, 1672. He held several influential offices. For
his second wife he married Mary Dover, a native
of England. His children were : William, born in
1620; Sarah, in 1623 (married William Wade) ;
Samuel, in 1625; Nathaniel, in 1627; Joseph, in
1629; Timothy, in 1635 : and Mary, in March, 1644
( married Thomas Barber, and settled in Simsbury) .
(II) Joseph Phelps, son of William^ was born
in England, came to America with his parents, and
lived in Dorchester and later in Windsor, Conn.,
74
where he was made freeman in 1664. He finally
removed to Simsbury, where he died in 1684, and
where his remains were buried. On Sept. 20, 1660,
he married Hannah Newton, daughter of Roger
Newton. She died in Simsbury in 1671, and on
Jan. 9, 1676, he married Mary Salmon, widow of
Thomas Salmon. She died Jan. 16, 1682. Chil-
dren: Sarah, born in 1662, married John Hill;
Joseph, born Aug. 2, 1667; Hannah, born Feb.
2, 1668-69; Timothy, born in 1671 ; and William,
born in 1676 (died in October, 1689).
(III) Joseph Phelps was born in Windsor, re-
moved to Simsbury with his parents, and there
spent the remainder of his life. He was a repre-
sentative of the town in the General Assembly,
1709-27. Joseph Phelps first married Mary Collier,
who died in 1697, and on March 9, 1699, he mar-
ried Sarah Case, daughter of John and Sarah
(Spencer) Case. She was born in August, 1676,
and died May 2, 1704. For his third wife Joseph
Phelps married May Case (daughter of Richard
and Elizabeth Case), who died in September, 1757.
He died Jan. 20, 1750, in Simsbury. Children:
Joseph, born Oct. 9, 1689; Hannah, Oct. 23, 1693.
(married Samuel Humphrey) ; Mary, Oct. 17, 1696'
(died Jan. 9, 1713) ; Sarah, Aug. 11, 1700 (died
Jan. 14, 1714) ; Damaris, March 5, 1703 (married
John Mills) ; John, Feb. 14, 1707 (died Jan. 5,
1713) ; Amos, 1708 (married Sarah Pettibone) ;
Elizabeth, April, 1709 (married, July 23, 1725,
Daniel Hoskins) ; and David, 1710.
(IV) Joseph Phelps was born in Simsbury Oct.
9. 1689. He settled on Turkey Hill, in what is now"
East Granby, where he died June 18, 1763. He
owned a negro man and woman, and in his will made
a proviso that they should be free after his death.
On Jan. 7, 1713, in Simsbury, he married Rebecca
North, of Farmington, who died Nov. 8, 1732, and
on April 23, 1735, he married Hannah Clark, of
Hartford, born in 1693, who died Feb. 10, 1765.
Children: Hannah, born May 28, 1714 (died June
3, 1714) ; Joseph, born Oct. 18, 1716 ; Hannah,
June 7, 1718 (married Abel Forward) ; Elijah,
May II, 1720 (great-grandfather of our subject) ;
Ezekiel, March 8, 1723: Rebecca, Jan. 22, 1724
(married Joel Harmon) ; Elizabeth, Nov. 24, 1726
(married Moses Holcomb) ; Lydia, Sept. 10, 1728
(married Jacob Gillette) ; Abel, May 22, 1730 (mar-
ried Mary Eno) ; and Hezekiah and Keziah, twins,
Feb. 18, 1732 (the former married Hannah Hay-
den, the latter James Harmon).
(V) Elijah Phelps was a native of East Granby
(then Simsbury), but settled in early manhood in
Suffield, where he engaged in farming and became
one of the prominent citizens of that time. He
and his wife, Esther Kent, had the following chil-
dren: Esther. Ada, Diana, Abigail. Rhoda, Elijah
Daniel (a Revolutionary soldier), Judah, and
Silas (who married Mary Warner).
(VI) .Judah Phelps, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Suffield, and became a prosperous.
1170
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
agriculturist at wliat is now known as Warner-
town, in W'-est Suffield, where lie owned a large
amount of land, lie was a devout Christian, and
his consistent life made him respected throughout
the community. While he was born under British
rule, he lived to see his country independent and
rejoiced in the establishment of free institutions. He
married Abigail Bishop, and had children as fol-
lows: Judah, Abigail, Israel, Sylvanus, Apollos,
Betsey, Beulali, Joel, Anna, Justus, Sally and
Judah.
(VII) Capt. Aix)llos I'helps, our subject's fa-
ther, was born in Suffield Feb. 3, 1786, and died
there Dec. 3, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-
two years and ten months. For about ten years he
was the oldest inhabitant who was a native of the
town. He inherited from his parents an excellent
constitution, which he never impaired by dissipa-
tion, and while several of his brothers were noted
for their great physical strength he surpassed them
all, standing six feet high, with an erect and com-
pact frame, capable of rare endurance. His mar-
velous feats in lifting won him the title of the
'"Samson of Connecticut," and it is recorded that
he once lifted a millstone in Windsor weighing more
than 1.700 pounds. He was one of the principal
real estate holders of the town of Suffield, owning
over 500 acres, and was interested in general farm-
ing, dairying and tobacco raising. Although a self-
educated man, the schools of that day affording
but meager opportunities for learning, he became
an able and eloquent speaker, especially on religious
topics. In early life he was a Whig, later he be-
came a Republican, but he never sought official hon-
ors. He was married first, on Alarch 9, 1809, to
j\liss Rhoda Griffin, who died March 9, 1841, leav-
ing no children. On March 9, 1842, he married
Miss Marietta Griffin, who survived him, her death
occurring Dec. 31, 1891. and their remains now
rest in the Phelps cemetery in West Suffield. Mrs.
Phelps was a woman of superior character and a
devout member of the Methodist Church, and was
much esteemed among her associates. They had
seven childrn : Jasper, who died at the age of thir-
ty-seven; Judah, our subject; Rhoda, deceased wife
of Jason Viets, of East Granby ; Harriet, deceased
wife of John La F'loure ; Sarah, who died unmar-
ried ; Mary, wife of John B. Cannon ; and Luanna,
who died at seventeen. The religious work of
Capt. Phelps was so remarkable and produced such
lasting eft'ects in this region that it should find a
permanent record, and we quote from the sermon
preached at his funeral by his nephew. Rev. S.
Dryden Phelps, D. D., of New Haven.
"Capt. Phelps had godly ancestors and pious
parents, and though he lived an upright moral life
it was not until he was thirty-nine years old that he
'experienced religion.' I use this old-time phrase
because it pertinently expresses the marked and
decisive change wrought in his striking conver-
sion. It occurred Feb. 8 or 9, 1825, there being quite
a religious awakening at the time. He used to think
pretty well of himself morally, but a remark made
to him by his father produced a deep and lasting im-
pression, though at the time it aroused the resent-
ment of his soul. It was: T fear I shall have to
justify God in your condemnation — what have you
done with your convictions?' During three days
preceding his conversion his convictions, like those
of Bunyan, were deep and pungent. The law-work
upon his heart and conscience was powerful. The
Spirit of God laid bare his sinful, lost state, and he
so clearly saw the Divine justice in his condem-
nation that his mind sunk under harrowing despair
to such a degree that he even meditated self-de-
struction. He attended an evening meeting at his
father's, led by Deacon Gillett, and at the close the
leader of the meeting asked him if he was not in-
terested enough to seek salvation. He thought the
devil helped him to a text in reply : 'Can the Ethi-
opian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?'
The next morning as he went to nis barn, and his
--attle and sheep looked at him, he thought how
these dumb creatures had fulfilled the design of
their Creator, while his life was full of sin and re-
bellion. He was reproved and humbled, and fell on
his knees for the first time to confess his sins, while
the barn seemed to be cracking as if it would fall
and crush him to the dust. He went out to help
a hired man load some heavy green logs, and his
excitement seemed to augment his great strength
so that he threw the immense timbers clean over the
sled, to the danger of the other man. Under the
awful weight of his convictions he wandered away
upon the mountain above his residence, and pros-
trate under a cedar tree he called upon the rocks
and mountain to hide him from the face of a holy
God. But at length the conflict ended, and the
burden was removed in his passing from death to
life, by the manifestation to him of Christ the
Saviour of sinners and the author and finisher of
his faith. It seemed to him that an angel was near
him under the cedar, and also that an evil spirit or
dragon sought to reach and overcome the good
spirit, but could not. The next morning he went
out to the wood-shed and took his ax, but his feet
seemed to be fast to the ground while a voice said
to him, 'Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but
that which endureth unto eternal life.' With this
came the dawn of hope. About this time a splendid
form seemed to catch him up to Heaven's gate,
where he heard wonderful voices and songs, and
where he saw lights so brilliant that for three days
he was partially blind. He had now come into a
new world. The storm and darkness had passed
away in the bright shining of the of the Sun of
Righteousness which had risen upon his soul with
healing in its beams. The change was wonderful.
All nature seemed to share in it. The trees clapped
their hands for joy. Everything praised God. A
calm rapture filled his spirit — it was the inexpress-
ible peace of Jesus flowing like a river. He said
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1171
to a young friend and relative, E. P. Stevens, 'the
Saviour leads my soul into green pastures and be-
side the still water.' He came to my father's to
bring the good news. I remember it well, child
as I was. The household came together. His
brother Judah was present also. All kneeled down,
and uncle Apollos poured out his soul in prayer
and thanksgiving to God. It was his first prayer
in the presence of others. I can recall now some
of the expressions he used, his terms of endear-
ment in addressing his Heavenly Father. All wept,
but they were tears of sympathy and joy. Mrs.
Phelps was converted about the same time, and
was a 'devoted and earnest Christian while she
lived. He united with the Second Baptist Church
in Suffield, being baptized by the pastor. Rev. Cal-
vin Philleo, in September, 1825. As an instance
of his fidelity, for a number of years after he united
with the church, though he haa to go six miles
and over a mountain to attend its services, he did
not miss on an average one Sabbath in a year. And
he was generally present at the Saturday afternoon
monthly covenant-meetings, and sometimes at the
close of the Sunday sermon, liberty being given,
his voice was heard in earnest and impressive ex-
hortation. For many years there was a Sabbath
evening union prayer-meeting held alternately in
the neighborhood, and he frequently led and al-
most always took part with these faithful brethren
and others, so that the meetings were sustained with
great interest and usefulness. His influence was
felt for good wherever he went, Christ and His
salvation being his great theme. There are sev-
eral remarkable instances of this, of which I give
a few. In the autumn of 1829, while at work with
his men getting in rowen, he felt a strong impres-
sion to go to East Granville, Mass. It seemed a
Divine call, and he immediately left his work, har-
nessed his horse to the wagon, and drove to the
village. He called on Elder Silas Root, the Baptist
minister, and inquired as to the state of religion
in the churcu and place. He replied that it was a
low time, and many were dying with scarlet fever.
On leaving Elder Root's, and querying what pur-
pose the Lord had in his visit, my uncle met a man
by the name of Granger, inquiring for cows that had
strayed away, and asking if he knew anything of
them. Before the interview closed he asked the
man if he knew anything about the grace of God.
He said 'No.' He then asked him if be would get
over the wall and pray if he would pray with him.
'Yes,' he said, and there they bowed together be-
fore the mercy-seat, and the already convicted sin-
ner was then or soon converted. My uncle, went
back to the pastor's house, and on invitation put
out his horse and stayed over the Sabbath. The
Elder asked him to take the pulpit. 'No,' said he,
'appoint a prayer meeting at noon.' The meeting
was held. A powerful revival followed and many
were converted, and what is remarkable there were
no more deaths at that time of scarlet fever. As
my uncle went to Granville on this occasion, he
passed the house of Deacon V. Stevens, who had
then got out for the first time on crutches after a
broken limb, and who felt grieved that his neighbor
did not stop and speak to him. On his return my
uncle called and apologized for his seeming neg-
lect. 'The Lord,' said he, 'impressed me to go to
Granville, and to salute no man by the way.'
"In 1830 he visited relatives in Chenango val-
ley, N. Y., and while there, with the blessing of
God on his personal labors, a precious revival of
religion was enjoyed, many were converted, and the
.Baptist Church at Castle Creek was resuscitated
from an almost extinct condition, and started on a
course of growth and prosperity which it still
maintains. Rev. Mr. Philleo, after leaving Suf-
field, took charge of a church in Pawtucket, R. I.,
and in a series of successful revival meetings there,
was aided by my uncle, who as requested went
there and labored in the meetings, exhorting with
power, and praying and conversing from house to
house, and saw the salvation of God. I heard him
spoken of with interest and gratitude as years
afterward I visited there while in college at Provi-
dence. He was once a delegate to an ordaining
council at Northampton, Mass. He overheard a
minister talking of a fast horse, and with what
speed he could run. The Captain ventured the in-
quiry if he could go as fast as sinners were rushing
down to hell. Instead of going to his supper he
went to the bank of the Connecticut river and
prayed for the outpouring of the Spirit on the coun-
cil and the place. There was such a heavenly
atmosphere about him that in it the river seemed
preternaturally clear and beautiful. He went back
and wanted them to have a preliminary prayer meet-
ing. There was objection, but at his solicitation
one was held at the close of the ordaining services,
and it was so deeply interesting that some stayed
late into the night. One asked for prayers and was
converted. It was the beginning of a blessed revival.
I have alluded to his following sermons with ex-
hortations. On one occasion, at Busby Hill in
Granby, after the preacher had closed his discourse,
Capt. Phelps spoke with such power and effect that
several dated their conversions from that, time, and
similar instances and labors might be mentioned
did space allow. A number of boys and young men
were from time to time brought up in his household,
aud almost all of them were converted and became
earnest Christians, as well as his own children.
He was a good and helpful neighbor, as well as a
kind husband and loving father, and would cheer-
fully disoblige himself to accommodate others.
He was a useful citizen and true patriot. In his
departure a strong link is sundered and his friends
and neighbors may well say, in the language of
the Scripture, 'How is the strong staff broken and
the beautiful rod.'
"He. possessed great simplicity and humility in
his prayers; he told the Lord everything that con-
1172
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cerned him and asked His guidance. He was quick
at repartee; was remarkable now and then for
Hashes of genuine wit and humor; but especially
for uttering striking, pertinent and even profound
thoughts. His imagination was affluent and his
conceptions vivid, sometimes outrunning his words
and leaving them incoherent. He was more than
a match for caviler or skeptic, and would soon
silence them by some unlooked-for question or
proposition. He had never seriously been sick but
once before his last illness, but kept about and at
work more or less till within a few weeks of his
death. He felt that the end was near, and he calm-
ly and even joyously awaited the result, arrang-
ing his affairs and settling all matters that he
wanted closed up. He said he should go no more
out, not even to visit again the precious spot where
he had so many hours of comnumion with his
Saviour. On the day of his death, in great and
sweet patience he said, as he had often said during
his sickness, 'Though the earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, 1 have a building of
God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens." '1 have fought a good light, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith.' He said
he had no pain, and had got almost home, and be-
fore his body should be laid out he would be walking
the golden streets of the New Jerusalem. At last,
when asked if all was well with him, he replied,
beginning very faintly, but uttering the words with
a deepening" emphasis, "Yes, yes, yes.' So, in clear-
ness of mind, heavenly peace, and triumphant faith,
his long, useful, patriarchal life closed like a child
going to sleep. 'His rest shall be glorious.' Oh,
is it not emphaticallv true, and a most blessed ex-
perience, as among his last words he said, 'I have
a hope that I would not part with for mountains
of gold or rocks of diamonds.' "
(Vni) JuDAH Phelps was born Feb. 6, 1845,
at his present homestead near Warnertown, and
during youth was trained to agricultural work un-
der the oversight of his father. He received a
public-school education, and has always followed
farming as an occupation, being extensively inter-
ested at present in dairying and stock raising.
His industry and thrift have had their due reward
in a fine competence, and he has made investments
in other lines of enterprise, including the Suffield
Creamery Co., in which he is a stockholder. Po-
litically he is a strong Republican, and at times
he has held office, having served two terms in the
local board of relief, and at present is a member
of the school board. He and his wife are much
respected, and the family hold a prominent place
in social life.
Mr. Phelps was married, May 2, 1866, to Miss
Ellen C. Cannon, of West Sutfield, daughter of
William and Olive (Messenger) Cannon, and ten
children have blessed the union: (i) Franklin A.,
born Aug. 22, 1867, is a railroad engineer at
Hoh'oke, Mass. He married Anna Hunter, and
has one child, Vella Irene. (2) Henry W., born
Dec. 27, 1868, married Idella Gertrude Houghtal-
ing, of Ansonia, who died in April, 1899. (.3) Jud-
son L., born Oct. 11, 1870, is a farmer on the
homestead. He married Miss Jessie Hubbard, and
has two children, Helen and Jasper Apollos. (4)
Lawrence C, born April 22, 1874, is a street rail-
way motorman in Hartford; he is Unmarried. (5)
Miss Rhoda M., born Feb. 18, 1876, resides at home,
and is a leader in the best social circles of the neigh-
borhood. (6) Benjamin J., born Oct. 4, 1877, is a
student at Yale College. (7) Charles D., born
Jan. 23, 1880. (8) Myra L., March 4, 1882. (9)
Warren J., Jan. 15, 1884, and (10) Nora B., Oct.
23, 1885, are all at home.
ALBERT H. GRANT. Among the most at-
tractive homes of this section is that of the subject
of this biography, an enterprising young agricult-
urist of the town of East Windsor, and in its well-
planned arrangements the charms of country life
are combined with the improvements that science
has devised for comfort, convenience, and the grati-
fication of refined and artistic taste. The house,
which is heated by steam, is modern in construc-
tion, and all the buildings on the farm are supplied
with water tlirough pipes, while in every part of
the estate are to be seen evidences of the progress-
ive ideas and executive ability of its owner.
Mr. Grant was born March 3, 1867, on a farm
near Broad Brook, in the town of East Windsor, a
son of Luther and Ann E. (Allen) Grant. As a
boy he attended the public schools near his home,
while the work of the farm gave him a practical
knowledge of the best methods of agriculture. At
the age of twenty-two he purchased an interest in
his present homestead and engaged in farming on
his own account, and so well did he succeed that in
1896 he bought the entire title to the place. He
owns altogether about 150 acres of land twenty-
acres of which lie in the town of Ellington, Tolland
county, and in connection with general farming he
raises tobacco, planting about twenty acres each
year to that crop. Politically he is a Republican,
but he has never aspired to office, although he takes
keen interest in the issues of the day and is always
ready to endorse any worthy movement.
In 1890 Mr. Grant married Miss Belle Roberts,
of the town of Suffield, and two children brighten
their home, Boyd and Lynn.
NELSON ORSINO KEYES, a well-known
and highly-respected citizen of the village of Farm-
ington, was born in Warren, N. H., May 4, 1847,
and is a son of Ezra W. and Julia M. (Clough)
Keyes, who died at that place. The father, who
was a carpenter by trade, was born in Orford, N.
H., but spent the greater part of his life in War-
ren. He had a brother, David Keyes, who was a
manufacturer of sm.all hardware at Unionville,
Conn. Our subject is second in the order of birth
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1173
in a family of three children, but the others, Ezra
and Harvey, are both now deceased.
The boyhood and youth of Nelson O. Keyes
were passed in his native town, where he learned
the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1871
he came to the town of Farmington, Hartford Co.,
Conn., there worked for Samuel C. Colt, and made
his home in the East Farms District for about thir-
teen years. In 1884 he removed to the village of
Farmington, where he has since resided, and now
has a pleasant home on Main street. For the past
five years he has been dealing in agricultural im-
plementg to some extent. He is one of the prom-
inent and influential citizens of the place, and has
been called upon to fill the offices of constable, justice
of the peace and selectman, having served in the
last named office for nine years.
On Dec. 24, 1872, Mr. Keyes was married, in
Farmington, to Miss Laura A. Chamberlain, also
a native of Warren, N. H., and to them has been
born one daughter, Helen J. As a citizen Mr.
Keyes has the good of the community at heart, and
in an official capacity his abilities have all been ex-
erted to make his adopted town and county rank
among the best in this .great Commonwealth.
EDWARD BEDELL PECK, of Bloomfield,
was born in that town Jan. 29, 1847, which has
been the home of the Peck family for at least three
generations, although his grandfather was a native
of Lyme, Conn. The grandfather, a blacksmith
by trade, early settled in Bloomfield, and married
a Miss Griswold, of Windsor, and in Bloomfield
their children were born in the following order:
Jasper, Hayden G., George, Muchin Pinder and
Sardis, all deceased, and Mrs. Mary Wilcox.
Hayden G. Peck, father of our subject, was born
in Bloomfield in 1796, and died in Granby in July,
1877, but his remains were brought to Bloomfield
for interment. He was educated in that town and
in Windsor, learned dyeing, dressing and cloth
pulling, and had a shop in Simsbury. On Dec. 9,
1825, he married Miss Lucinda Griswold, a daugh-
ter of Noah Griswold, and aunt of Timothy E.
Griswold, whose life history will be found on an-
other page of this volume. To this marriage were
born seven children : Jane, deceased wife of Dwight
Hillman, of Windsor Locks ; Deforest Hayden, of
West Hartford ; Luzerne J., of St. Louis, Mo. ;
Helen, also the deceased wife of Dwight Hillman,
of Windsor Locks; George W., of North Granby;
Edward Bedell, our subject ; and Lucius J., deceased.
Hayden G. Peck, the father, was for many years
in the cloth business in Simsbury, then for seven
years peddled throughout the Southern States, and
finally settled down to farming in Bloomfield, where
his wife died in i860. Mr. Peck was a member of
the F. & A. M., was a Democrat in politics, served
as selectman of Bloomfield, and died a highly-re-
spected citizen.
Edward Bedell Peck passed his early days in
the north middle district of Bloomfield, and at the
age of thirteen years left the parental roof, and
worked as a farm hand until he had attained his
majority. On Dec. 16, 1868, he married Miss Cath-
erine Malvina Scailes, a daughter of George Scailes,
of Granville, Mass., and then returned to Bloom-
field, Conn., where he has since lived in a house
built by his uncle, George L. Peck, and is engaged
in tobacco growing and dairying, lo his marriage
with Miss Scailes have been born five children:
George G., who died at the age of twenty-five
years ; Sadie M., wife of John L. Hague, of South-
ington. Conn.; Mary L., wife of A. D. Stevens,
of Ivoryton, Conn. ; Ellen M., who died at the age
of five years ; and Charlotte R. In politics Mr.
Peck is a sound Democrat, rle is a temperate,
frugal and industrious man, and he and his family
are well entitled to the high regard in which they
are held by all their neighbors.
MRS. SARAH E. BARNEY, a well-known
resident of Farmington, belongs to one of the old
and honored families of Hartford county. She is
a descendant of (I) Jacob Brandegee, who was born
in 1729, and died at sea IVlarch 25, 1765. A monu-
ment has been erected to his memory in the Berhn
cemetery. In 1753 he married Abigail Dunham,
and to them were born six children : Elishama is
mentioned below; Rhoda, born Oct. 5, 1756, died
in 1781 ; Persis was born Aug. 31, 1758; Abigail,
born Aug. 31, 1760, died in 1820; Mary, born Dec.
18, 1763, died in 1764; and Jacob, born Jan. 4,
1765, died in January, 1786.
(II) Elishama Brandegee, born in Berhn, Conn.,
April 17, 1754, was a sea captain, at one time en-
gaged in the West India trade, and owned the
"Minerva," which is supposed to have been cap-
tured by the French. He died I'eD. 26, 1832. In
1778 he married Mrs. Lucy Weston, who died Feb.
I, 1827. They had five children, whose names and
dates of birth were as follows: Jacob, Nov. 11,
1779; Lucy, July 15, 1781 ; Elishama, Nov. 5, 1784;
John, Nov. 19, 1786, and Sally Milner, Aug. 2,
1793-
(III) Elishama Brandegee, the father of Mrs.
Barney, was born in Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn.,
Nov. 5, 1784, and was reared and educated at that
place. Later in life he was for many years one of
the most prominent and influential business men of
Berlin, where he conducted a large and well-stocked
store, and also owned and operated two thread mills,
one on the site of the Blair factory, and the other
on the site of the Berlin Iron Bridge Co.'s build-
ings. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen,
he always took a very active and prominent part in
town matters, and gave his support to every enter-
prise for the public good.
On Oct. 14, 181 1, for his first wife Elishama
Brandegee married Emily Stocking, of Cromwell,
Conn., and Nov. 28, 1835, he was again married,
his second union being with Mrs. Aruna (Booth)
1174
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mygatt, a daughter of Joseph Booth, of Berlin.
By this union was born one child, Juha Sophia.
To the first marriage were born seven children:
(i) Jacob Sheldon is deceased. (2) Elishama
(also deceased) was for over fortv years a prom-
inent physician of Berlin. He married I'lorence
Stith, of Petersburg, Va., and to them were born
eleven children, Townshend S., now a resident of
San Diego, Cal. ; Charles, of Farmington, this
couiUy ; Florence S., of Berlin ; Robert B., of Farm-
ington ; Emilv Stocking and Catherine, both of Ber-
lin ; Henry, Edith \'ictorina and Horace S., all de-
ceased; Arthur L., of Berlin; and Edward M., of
Helena, Mont. (3) John (now deceased) wedded
Mary A. N. Bnlkley, and they had two children,
William, a resident of Berlin ; and Mary Emily,
deceased. (4) Camillus JMarius is deceased. (5)
Marius married Catherine A. Fountain, of New
York, and died in 18S5; they had three children,
Emily Stocking, deceased ; William Partridge, a
physician of New York City ; and Elizabeth Gallan-
dette. (6) Henry Justus married Sarah Kipp Mil-
ler, of Brooklyn, New York.
(7) Sarah Elizabeth, whose name introduces this
sketch, was united in marriage with Danford
Newton Barney, a native of New Vork City, whose
father was the founder of the United States Ex-
press Co., and a member of the Wells Fargo Ex-
press Co. He died four years after their marriage,
and Sarah B., the youngest of their two children,
died in infancy. Danford Newton Barney, Jr., was
born in Berlin, and began his education at Edward
Hart's School in Farmington. Later he attended
the Hartford Public High School and also Yale
College, from which he was graduated with the
class of '81. He married Miss Laura Dunham, a
daughter of Austin Cornelius Dunham, of the
Electric Light Co., and to them have been born four
children, i\lary E., D. Newton, Jr., Laura J. (de-
ceased), and Austin Cornelius. Elishama Brande-
gee, father of JMrs. Barney, passed awav April 10,
1854.
FREDERICK ARTHUR SUTLIFFE, a well-
known bookkeeper for the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., and a highly-esteemed citizen of Southington,
was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., Sept. 18, i860,
and was married, Feb. 27, 1884, to Miss Mary J.
Vivian, by whom he has two children: Raymond
v., born June 28, 1885 ; and Minnie Lazelle, born
Nov. 23, 1891.
Mr. Sutliffe is descended from some of the
oldest and most highly-respected Connecticut fam-
ilies. His father, Frederick Sutliffe, was born
April 15, 1833, in Southington, and was married,
Nov. 17, 1859, to Adelaide C. Raymond. He served
with credit in the Civil war as a member of Com-
pany A, 7th Conn. V. L, and later was a prominent
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He
also belonged to the Order of United American
Mechanics, the Masonic Fraternity and other so-
cieties, and was a consistent member of the First
Baptist Church of Southington. He died Aug.
II, 1890, his wife on Jan. 3, 1876.
Lucius Sutliffe, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Wolcott, Conn., Jan. 19, 1806,
and was married, in March, 1827, to Rachel Foot,
daughter of Robert and Diadamia (Hitchcock)
Foot. Their children were Samuel M., James,
James (2), Frederick, Lucas, Lucius, Charles G.
and Anna M. The father of this family died Feb.
19, 1899, aged ninety-three years, the mother Oct.
I, 1893.
John Sutlift'e, the father of Lucius, was born
Feb. 19, 1773, and married Eunice Munson, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Susanna (Tyler) Munson, of
Waterbui"y, Conn. He lived in Wolcott, where he
died April 23, 1836. He had five children: Anson,
Statira, John, Lucius and Lucas.
Nathaniel SutliiTe, the father of John, was born
in Durham, Conn., Dec. 7, 1740, and married Han-
nah, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Johnson)
Pritchard. He died in 1808, his wife on Jan. 2,
1791. Their children were John, Nathaniel, Titus
Hannah, Anne, Ruth and Elizabeth.
Joseph Sutlift'e, the father of Nathaniel, was
born in Branford, Conn., in 1712, and was one of
the first settlers of Wolcott, locating there as early
as 1765. He was a tailor by trade. He died Nov.
II, 1801, aged eighty-nine years. By his wife,
Sarah, he had four children : Joseph, Nathaniel,
Anne and Sarah.
Sergt. Nathaniel Sutliffe, the father of Joseph,
was born in Deerfield, Mass., in 1672, and in 1702
removed to Branford, Conn., where he became
prominent in religious and educational matters.
He was also representative to the General Court
from 1728 to 1731- He married Sarah Savage,
and died April i, 1732, aged sixty years.
Nathaniel Sutliffe, father of Sergt. Sutliffe,
was living in Medfield, Mass., in 1667. His house
was burned by the Indians and never rebuilt. He
was a settler in Deerfield, Mass., in 1673, and was
killed by the Indians in King Phdip's war, at the
"Falls fight" (Pesheomsaket), with Capt. Turner,
May 19, 1676. He was married, in 1664, to Han-
nah Plympton, a daughter of Sergt. John Plymp-
ton, who was born in Cambridge, England, and
came to America with a party headed by John
Winthrop, in 1640. He moved to Deerfield, Mass.,
in 1673, and when King Philip's war began became
chief military officer. He was taken prisoner by the
Indians in 1677, and burned at the stake. He joined
the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company"
of Boston in 1642.
The subject of this sketch is also a direct de-
scendant of Gov. Thomas Welles, on the maternal
side, as follows : His mother was a daughter of
Edwin and Lucy M. (Neal) Raymond, who were
married May 14, 1837. The former died June 25,
1876, the latter on May 24, 1865. She was a daugh-
ter of Elisha and Naomi (Frost) Neal, who were
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1175
married Dec. 25, 1814. Her father was a son of
John and Phebe (Judd) Neal, who were married
in 1772. Phebe judd was a daughter of Joseph
and Mary (Clark) Judd, who were married in
1752. Joseph Judd was a son of Joseph and Han-
nah (Bidwell) Judd, who were married April 11,
1706. Hannah Bidwell was a daughter of John
and Sarah (Welles Bidwell, who were married in
1678. Sarah Welles was a daughter of Thomas
Welles, Jr., and Hannah Tuttle, daughter of Will-
iam Tuttle, one of the first settlers of New Haven.
Thomas Welles, Jr., was born about 1627; was
quartermaster under Maj. John Mason in 1658;
deputy magistrate at Hartford in 1662 and 1663;
and was named as grantee in the royal charter of
Connecticut. He was the' largest man of his time
in Hartford, of strong mind and estimable char-
acter. He was killed by a fall from a cherry tree
in 1668. His father, Thomas Welles, was born in
Northamptonsnire, England, in 1598, and was
among the first settlers of Hartford in 1636. He
was the first treasurer of the Connecticut Colony,
and its fourth governor, 1656-57-58. He died Jan.
15, 1659, at the age of sixty-one years, and was
buried in Wethersfield, but his remains were after-
ward removed to Hartford, and rest with those of
several other early governors.
WILLIAM NATHAN JENNINGS, one of the
prosperous and highly-respected farmers and to-
bacco growers of South Windsor, has been a life-
long resident of the town. He is widely known for
his many estimable traits of character, and among
his many sterling qualities may be ranked that in-
dustry which is the foundation of success, a keen
judgment and a high sense of honor and integrity.
Mr. Jennings was born July 25, 1849, on the
farm in South Windsor now occupied by L. D.
Chandler, and is a son of Williams and Anna
(Main) Jennings. His father was a native of the
town of Willington, Conn., where he was born ill
the year 1804, the representative of an old Con-
necticut family. The father of our subject was the
first of his name to locate in the town of South
Windsor. To Williams and Anna Jennings were
born six children : Phila, who died an infant ;
Mariva, deceased; Mary S. ; Phila (2) ; Esther S.;
and our subject. The father died in 1895, having
reached the venerable age of ninetv-one years. His
wife died in 1882, aged sevent3'-eight years.
Mr. Jennings was three years of age when he
moved with his parents from the farm where he
was born to the farm where he now lives. Here
he grew to manhood, attending the district schools
and assisting with the work of the farm. As the
only son in his father's family, the work fell largely
upon him. Since the age of twenty-one he has
successfully carried on the farm. Mr. Jennings
married, Dec. 9, 1874, Miss Catherine Bryan, a
native of South Windsor, and to them have been
born four children: Annie K., Gertrude L., Edna
and Mary M. Mr. Jennings has seventeen acres
of land under cultivation, and gives most of his at-
tention to tobacco culture. Himself and wife are
consistent and prominent members of the Baptist
Church. He is a member of Evergreen Lodge, No.
114, F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat.
Public-spirited, energetic, and honorable in all his
dealings, he is a representative citizen of Hartford
county.
FREDERICK JOSHUA ALLEN, a prominent
and one of the most prosperous and best-known
farmers and tobacco growers of the town of East
Windsor, was born May 12, 1845, and is a descend-
ant of a very old New England Colonial family, of
whom brief mention may be here made.
About the year 1630, three brothers, Matthew,
Samuel and Thomas Allen, came from Braintree,
County of Essex, England, and located in Cam-
bridge, Mass., but later joined the colony organized
by the Rev. Dr. Hooker, of the Congregational
Church, and settled in Hartford, Conn., about 1635.
It is said that Gen. Ethan Allen, who achieved an
imperishable fame during the American Revolution,
descended from one of these three brothers, as well
as the more prominent of the name now living in
New England and other parts of the United States.
Samuel Allen, the second of the above named
brothers, was born in England, in 1588, was one of
the earliest settlers of Windsor, Conn., was chosen
juror of the town March 5, 1644, and died, a prom-
inent and greatly respected citizen, April 28, 1648,
his estate being inventoried at seventy-six pounds,
eighteen shillings and eight pence. His widow,
Ann Allen, then moved, with four of her children —
Samuel, Nehemiah, John and Rebecca — to North-
ampton, Mass., leaving her daughter Mary behind.
At Northampton she was married to William Hurl-
burt, and died there Nov. 13, 1687.
John Allen, the third child born to Samuel Allen,
married Mary Hammond, Dec. 8, 1669, and made
his residence in Northampton, but was killed by the
Indians at the battle of Bloody Brook, in Deerfield,
Sept. 18, 1675, leaving the following children: John,
born Sept. 30, 1670; Samuel, born Feb. 5, 1673; and
Plannah, the date of whose birth is not recorded (as
times were troublous), but whose baptism is recorded
as June 20, 1675. It is known that two of these
children, John and Samuel, by some means, escaped
to the South part of Enfield, and thus escaped the
massacre at Bloody Brook. On this battlefield a
a monument has been erected, bearing the follow-
ing inscription : "On this ground Capt. Thomas
Lathrop and eighty-four men under his command,
including eighteen teamsters from Deerfield, con-
veying stores from that town to Hadley, were am-
bushed by about seven hundred Indians, and the
Captain and twenty-six men were slain, September
18, 1675." . ^
Samuel Allen, son of John Allen, who was killed
at Bloody Brook, was born Feb. 5, 1673, at North-
1176
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ampton, Mass., and died in 1735. Ik' married
Hannah Burroughs in 1700, and Ix'canic the father
of four children, all horn in Enfield, in. the following-
order: Samuel, in 1702; Joseph, in 1704; Hannah,
in 1706: and John, in 1712.
Joseph Allen, second son of Samuel, who es-
caped the massacre at ]>loody Brook, was born July
30, 1704, married an Indian maid named ]\lary
Hewlett in 1723. He died June 11, 1777, in East
Windsor, Coim., where his great-great-grandson,
Joseph Trumbull Allen, now lives, and Mary, his
wife, died June 28, 1782. To Joseph and his wife
were born eight children, in the following order:
Hannah, in 1724; Joseph, in 1727; Noah, May 15,
1730: David, Xov. 22, 1734; Samuel, June 8, 1736;
Hezekiah, Uct. 8, 1739: Mary (date of birth not
recorded; ; and Dorcas, June 10, 1742.
Samuel Allen, the fifth-horn of this last named
family, first married Elizabeth Wells, who was born
in l--ast Windsor, June 5, 1740, and bore him the
following named cliildren : Elizabeth, born April 8,
1763 (died Oct. 2, 1838): Samuel, June 16, 1764;
Mabel. March 30, 1768; Joshua ( grand fatlur of
subject), Alay 18, 1771 ; and Sabra and Elani,
twins, July 29, 1774. To the second marriage of
Samuel Allen, with Sarah Booth, who was born in
Enfield, Dec. i, 1743, the following named children
were born: Chester, June 13, 1780: Jabez, Jan. 22,
1783, died in infancy : Jabez (2), Jan. 25, 1786; and
Sarah, who was born Aug. 1, 1789, and died Oct.
4, 1851. The third marriage of Samuel Allen was
to Lucy ^Nlarkham, of Enfield, who was born in
Long ^leadow, Mass., July 2, 1749, was the widow
ot Darius Markham, and died Feb. 3, 1837, Samuel
Allen having died Oct. 10, iSiTi. at the age of
eighty years.
Joshua Allen, grandfather of Frederick Joshua
Allen, married Abigail Bartlett, Jan. 21, 1796. She
was born June 17, 1772, and died July 27, 1863,
preceded td the grave by her husband on Feb. 6,
1843. Their children were six in number and were
born in the following order: Sophia, Jan. 21, 1797;
Yvillis, Jan. 26, 1800; Alfred, Aug. 22, 1802 ; Joshua
Bartlett, Sept. 28, 1804; Julia Abigail, Feb. 14,
1808: and Henry Wells, J\Iay 28, 181 1.
Henry Wells Allen, father of our subject, was
educated in the district schools, the academy in
Scantic, and \\'ilbraham University. He was very
intelligent and widely known, and for four or five
winters taught school, farming in summer. In poli-
tics he was a Whig, and served as assessor, select-
man, and in 1850 as a member of the State Legis-
lature, filling each office with credit to himself and
to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. On
April 6, 1836, he married Elizabeth Wells Allen,
who was born Sept. 18, 18 17, daughter of Elam
Allen, both being of the fifth generation from John
Allen, who was killed at the battle of Bloody Brook.
Henry Wells Allen died July 22, 1881, in the faith
of the Congregational Church, and his loss was
deeplv deplored, not only by his immediate family,
but by a wide circle of warm friends and the public
at large. To this marriage were bom three chil-
dren: i\Iarietta Abigail, May 28, 1837 (^I'l^d Dec.
6, 1842) ; Henry Wells, Oct. 24, 1841 (see sketch
elsewhere) ; and h'rederick Joshua, the subject
proper of this sketch.
Frederick Joshua Allen received his preparatory
education in the district school, and then attended
Wilbraham University. He was reared to farming,
but for three winters followed the vocation of school
teacher. On Jan. i, 1867, he married Elizabeth
Mary Potwine, who was born April 25, 1845, ^
daughter of Edward L. and Mary (Bartlett)
I'otwine. She was a lady of many womanly graces
and virtues, was a loving wife and affectionate
mother, and was called from earth Aug. i, 1891,
beloved and mourned by all who knew her. She
bore her husband four children, viz. : George Ed-
ward, born Jan. 14, 1868, married Myrtia Warner,
of Enfield, June 22, 1892 ; Frederick Henry, born
-April 23, 1873, is now attending Middlebury (Vt.)
College; Robert Stephen, born Dec. 12, 1876, is
living on the home farm; and ]\Iary Elizabeth, born
July 5, 1881, is attending school at Thompsonville,
Hartford county, Connecticut.
Mr. Allen has an excellent farm of 160 acres,
and is living in the house built thereon by his grand-
father, Joshua Allen, in 181 5. He is a stockholder
in the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad,
is verv prominent and influential in his community,
and is altogether a public-spirited and useful citi-
zen. His venerable mother, still an active lady at
the age of eighty-two years, is passing her declin-
ing years under his filial care.
SAMUEL DIMOCK. The remote English an-
cestor of our subject was Sir John Dymoke, Knight,
of Gloucestershire, the hereditary Champion of
England, who officiated as such at the coronation of
Richard II, in 1377. From that time a Dymoke has
always been available at each successive coronation.
Sir John Dymoke was the owner and proprietor
of the Manor of Scrirelsby and the estates connected
therewith, and some of his descendants are to this
dav in possession of the same.
" On gallant steed, in armor bright,
His visor closed, and couched his lance,
Proclaimeth the monarch's right
To England, Ireland, Wales and France.
Then bravely cry, with Dymoke bold,
Long may the King triumphant reign;
And when fair hands the sceptre hold
More loudly still, long live the Queen."
But loyal and devoted as were the long line of
D3'mokes to their sovereign, one or two exceptions
may be noted. Sir Thomas Dymoke. who had sym-
pathized with the Lancastrians in the Wars of the
Roses, was beheaded by order of Edward IV in
1477. Another Dymoke, who was sheriff of Lin-
colnshire, took part in the rising at the North called
the "pilgrimage of Graces," under Robert Arke, for
/^^^:?-?>'zi<L-<-'0'
'^^-5<>7^-:-r-^^^,5^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1177
which he was persecuted and denounced by his sov-
ereign. So much for the ancient line. Thomas
Dimoke, son of Edward, from whom all the Di-
mocks, Dimmicks and Dimicks in this country de-
scended, was the original settler of Barnstable,
Mass., emigrating to America about the year 1733.
Samuel Dimock (i), the first member of the
Dimock family to settle in the locality now known as
Rocky Hill, Hartford Co., Conn., so far as can be
ascertained was a shipbuilder by trade. His son,
Samuel Dimock (2), kept a public house, since
known as "Shipman's Hotel." The son of Samuel
Dimock ,(2) was named Jared Goodrich, and was
the father of our subject, whose name appears at
the opening of this review. For three generations
the family has resided at Rocky Hill, and the pres-
ent Samuel Dimock was born Oct. 14, 1824, on the
old homestead. Jared G. Dimock was a fife-major
in the State militia. On Dec. 17, 1823, he married
Sophia Butler, who bore him four children, of
whom Samuel is the eldest, the others being: An-
drew, who resides in Boston, and is treasurer of the
American Shoe Tip Co. ; and Mary Olivia and Se-
lina Harper, who are both deceased. Jared G.
Dimock was an active worker in the Congregational
Church, and an earnest and consistent member of
that body for more than fifty years, serving as dea-
con of the same until he died, on Christmas Day,
1887, at the extraordinary age of eighty-six j^ears.
His first wife had long preceded him to the better
land, having entered into rest April 30, 1854. His
second wife was Sarah M. Robbins, who died July
5, 1891. They all sleep in the beautiful cemetery
of Rocky Hill.
Samuel Dimock, our subject, was reared upon
his father's farm, received an academic education,
and attended a private school in New Haven kept
by Gen. Palmer, graduating at the age of sixteen.
He at once became a pedagogue, teaching in Mont-
pelier, Vt., and towns adjoining his place of resi-
dence. After four years of teaching he engaged in
mercantile business in Springfield, Mass., and con-
tinued thus some years, becoming a buyer, seller and
shipper of all sorts of farm products. The last
twenty-five years Mr. Dimock, although always a
man of affairs, has given his principal attention to
conducting his own farm. On Oct. 14, 1846, he
was married to Mary Sophia Smith, who died nearly
forty years later, April 3, 1886. The following
year Mr. Dimock married Miss Ella M. Rhodes, of
Wethersfield, and to this union have been born three
children : Eleanor Sophia, Samuel Jared and Mary
Selina.
Politically Mr. Dimock is a Republican, and has
always taken an active interest in promoting the
welfare of his party organization. While never
an aspirant for office, his fellow citizens, recogniz-
ing his integrity, good sense and general capability,
have insisted upon his accepting various posts of
distinction. He represented Rocky Hill in the Leg-
islature during the sessions of 1872 and 1873, was
town clerk sixteen years, and has also been town
treasurer, superintendent of schools, etc. He has
been a notary public thirty years, executor of many
estates, and acted in a fiduciary capacity in various
ways. He has been a membei' of the Congrega-
tional Church for sixty years.
WILLIAM W. BARBER, a prominent farmer
and milk dealer of the town of Wmdsor, is a worthy
representative of one of the old and honored fam-
ilies of the county.
Horace I. Barber, father of our subject, was
born Feb. 10, 1818, at what is now Wilson Station,
son of Horace and Lucy (Wilson) Barber, and
during his boyhood and youth attended the Buck-
town school, and the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, Stiffield. When eight years of age he lost his
father, and four years later went to Suffield, where
he lived with a Mr. Pomeroy and attended school.
On the completion of his education he began learn-
ing the harness maker's trade in the shop of Bowen
& Co., corner of Temple and Main streets, Hart-
ford, and subsequently followed that occupation
until he embarked in farming. As his father had
died at a comparatively early age, he had had little
time to accumulate property, and the son had no
capital left him to begin life. In 1847, after his
marriage, he removed to the town of Windsor, and
shortly afterward gave up his trade, and devoted his
entire time to agricultural pursuits tipon the farm
now occupied by our subject. This place has been
in the family since the town was formed, and was
successfully operated by the father of our subject,
who was engaged in farming exclusively, though
earlier members of the family had also followed
brick-making upon the farm. He was quite a ro-
bust man in his younger days, was a Democrat in
politics and at one time served as selectman, but
never sought office. He died July 28, 1898, hon-
ored and respected by all who knew him, and his
remains were interred at Windsor.
On Aug. 16, 1846, Horace I. Barber married
Miss Harriet F. Ntirth, who was born in Genesee
county, N. Y., June 28, 1827, and is still living
upon the old homestead in Windsor town. She is
a member of Grace Episcopal Church of Windsor,
and is a most estimable lady. Three sons were
born of this union : Horace I., who is now living
in the West; Charles N., who taught in the Acad-
emy at Windsor, and died at the age of twenty-
eight years ; and William W., our subject. Isaiah
North, father of Mrs. Barber, was born in Avon,
Hartford Co., Conn., March 13, 1802, and was a
blacksmith by trade. He first married Harriet
Thompson, of Avon, by whom he had one son,
William, now a retired lumberman of Kalamazoo,
Mich. For his second wife Isaiah North married
Miss Mary A. Woodward, who was born near
Rochester, N. Y., in 1805, and was a daughter of
and Sarah .(Hastings) Woodward (her
1178
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father was a native of \'ermont, her mother of
Lebanon, Conn.). Ten children were born of this
union — two sons and eight daughters : Harriet F.,
mother of our subject; Sarah, widow of Orin Bar-
ber, of Hartford ; Helen, who died at the age of
eight years; Solomon D., a blacksmith of \\'insted,
Conn.; Adelia, deceased wife of John Gridley, of
West Hartford; Jane, wife of James C. Hartley,
of Hartford ; Helen, who married David L. Aber-
deen, and died in Hartford Dec. 14, 1891 ; Mary
R., who married Melvin Davenport, and died in
Worcester, Mass. ; David W., a manufacturer of
hardware at Bridgeport, Conn. ; and Rachel, wife
of Charles Case, of Hartford.
Horace Barber, paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born Nov. 12, 1793, on the farm owned
by our subject, and there spent his entire life as an
agriculturist. He married Lucy Wilson, and to
Ihem were born live children, two of whom reached
adult age: Horace 1., father of our subject; and
Eliza C, who married William Wells, of South
Windsor. The great-grandfather, Eli Barber, was
born March 29, 1761, and lived to the extreme' old
age of ninety-eight years. He was twice married,
his first wife being Mary Forbes, and the mother of
all his children. She died Dec. 24, 1817. The
children were: Eli H., born in January, 1792, died
upon his farm near the old homestead ; Horace was
next in the order of birth ; Lorana, born Sept. 23,
1796, never married, and died at the age of seventy-
one years; Jerusha, born May 30, 1798, married
Henry White, of South Windsor, and lived to be
over seventy-two; Giles, born April i, 1800, was a
farmer, and died unmarried at the age of seventy;
Orin, born in December, 1802, died in Utica, N. Y.,
when a young man ; Abigail, born May 10, 1804,
married Lyman Stockbridge, of Hartford; and
Mary J., born June 26, 1808, married Lucius Coe,
of New York, where she died at the age of over
fifty. Eli Barber's parents were Capt. Nathaniel
and Hepzibah (Loomis) Barber, the latter a daugh-
ter of Ichabod Loomis. Capt. Nathaniel Barber
was bom Dec. 5, 1717, and was a son of Nathaniel
and Mary (Filley) Barber. Nathaniel Barber was
born April 6, 1691, and was a son of Lieut. Josiah
and Abigail (Loomis) Barber, the latter a daugh-
ter of Nathaniel Loomis. Lieut. Josiah Barber
was born Feb. 15, 1653, and was the youngest son
of Thomas Barber, who came to Windsor in 1635,
with the Saltonstall party, under Francis Stiles, and
whom the histories of Windsor town and Hartford
county mention as the first of the name in New
England. He was twentj'-one j^ears of age in 1635.
He was married in New England, and had six chil-
dren : John, Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, Mary and
Josiah, from whom a numerous family have sprung.
William W. Barber, subject of this review, was
born on the old homestead Nov. i, 1851, and was
educated in the Bucktown District school and Wind-
sor Academy. Since his school days ended he has
given his attention to the cultivation of the home
farm, and since 1889 has engaged in the retail milk
business, having previous to that time sold his milk
wholesale. He is thoroughly up-to-date in the
management of his farm, is enterprising and pro-
gressive in his business methods, and is to-day one
of the substantial citizens of the county. He keeps
from twenty to twenty-eight cows for dairying.
I'olitically Mr. Barber is an ardent supporter of the
Democratic party, has been a member of the school
committee, and in 1886 represented Windsor town
in the State Legislature. In November, 1879, he
married Miss Flora L. Pinney, of Bloomfield, a
daughter of Samuel and Nancy (AUyn) Pinney.
Her father was a son of Judge Pinney, of Elling-
ton, and her mother was from Enfield. The chil-
dren born to our subject and wife are Florence,
Grace, William L, Samuel P. and Charles E.
JOSEPFI BCTLER FAIRFIELD. Among
the Huguenots who fled to England, to escape re-
ligious persecution in France, were the ancestors of
this well-known citizen of Suffield, and the family
has been identified with New England since the
coming of the "Mayflower" in 1620, tracing to Miles
Standish on his mother's side. Its members in
every generation have been noted for their industry,
thrift and temperate habits, and while few of the
name have accumulated great fortunes it is doubt-
less because they are content with enough, and
never sought to grasp and hold the share of wealth
that of right belonged to others. In such ancestry
a man may well take pride, and Mr. Fairfield, wtio
is the only representative of his family in Suffield,
well maintains the honor and prestige of the name.
His ancestors, both the Fairfields and Bulkleys,
were of gentle blood, and have coats of arms.
John Fairfield, our subject's great-great-grand-
father, was a wealthy merchant in Boston, but lost
his property through endorsing for another. His
family was scattered, some of the sons going to
]Maine, others to Canada, while his son John settled
^at Pittsfield, INIassachusetts.
^.■^^ John Fairfield, our subject's great-grandfather,
-was one of the first to locate at Pittsfield, where he
experienced all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, his
first night there being spent in a hollow log — the
only shelter available. His son John was the first
white male child born there.
John Fairfield (2), son of the pioneer of Pitts-
field, and the grandfather of our subject, was a
"minute man" during the Revolutionary period. He
was born Jan. 8, 1757, in a log fort, and always re-
sided at Pittsfield, where he died Oct. 17, 1828, as
a result of bursting a blood vessel by over exertion
when his house was on fire. Three different times
his remains have been disinterred and removed to
make way for the city of Pittsfield to grow. In
1793 he married, for his first wife. Miss Lucy How-
land, of Barnstable, Cape Cod, Mass., who was born
June 22, 1768, and in 1801 he married her sister,
Elizabeth Howland, who was born June 15, 1783,
U4 ■ , /.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1179
and died Aug. 23, 1859, at our subject's home in
Suffield. By his first marriage he had two chil-
dren : John, who died in cliildhood ; and Row-
land, a farmer at Newington, this county, who died
in 1858. By the second marriage there were eight
children: John (2), born April 5, 1802, married
Mehitabel Hubbard, and died in Richmond, Berk-
shire Co., Mass., at eighty-six years of age ; Lucy
H., born May 6, 1804, married William Merriam,
and settled in Lorain county, Ohio; Martha, born
Feb. 20, 1806, married Seth Coe, and died in Pitts-
field, Mass.; Jonathan T. was our subject's father;
George W., born March 4, 1810, married Eunice
Butler, and died at Pittsfield; Mary E., born June
13, 1815, married Charles Pope, and died in Syra-
cuse, N. Y. ; Sarah R., born Sept. 13, 1819, married
Francis Drake, and died in New York State, Sept.
13, 1844; and William W., born April 10, 1824, mar-
ried Maria E. Sanford, and died at Penn Yan, New
York.
Jonathan T. Fairfield, the father of our subject,
was born at Pittsfield, IMass., March 23, 1808, and
died Dec. 2, 1876, in Suffield, this county. He was
reared as a farmer boy, and, owing to an affliction
in his feet in his youth, he could not even take full
advantages of the schoolsnear his home. At thirty-
one he married and left the old homestead, locat-
ing upon a farm in the same neighborhood, but
soon afterward he removed to Hartford, where he
engaged in business as a grocer for a time. In
1853, when failing health compelled liini to return
to a country life, he settled in Suffield, purchasing
our subject's present homestead from Maj. John M.
Hathaway. With characteristic enterprise, he vent-
ured extensively, for that day, into tobacco culture,
in connection with general farming, and while his
. neighbors thought one and one-half acres a large
tract to devote to tobacco alone, he once planted
eleven acres with good results, his crop always com-
manding the highest prices. He was a large man,
"standing six feet in his stockings," and weighing
about 180 pounds, while his frame was admirably
proportioned. In his early manhood he was noted
for his athletic powers, his feats of strength and en-
durance, either in sport or as part of a days' work,
being remarkable. With all his strength, he was
never quarrelsome, and, in fact, his disposition was
rather retiring. Like his Huguenot ancestors he
was of a strong religious bent. Politically he affil-
iated first with the Whigs, later with the Know-
Nothings, and finally with the Republican party, of
which he was one of the earliest and stanchest cham-
pions in Suffield. His wife, whose maiden name
was Julia A. Butler, was born in 1809, at Rocky
Hill, this county, and died Seot. 19, 1865, the re-
mains of both being interred in the old cemetery in
Suffield. She was descended from Miles Standish,
the Pilgrim soldier, and the Bulkleys, who were en-
gaged in shipbuilding at Rocky Hill, Conn., and the
West India trade, enterprising and wealthy men of
their time. She was a woman of most estimable
character, and as a young girl enjoyed excellent ed-
ucational opportunities, at Dodge's Seminary (af-
terward Maplewood Seminary), at Pittsfield, Mass.
She was always equal to any emergency, possessing
inventive and constructive genius of a high order.
Her father, Capt. Joseph Butler, who married Mary
Bulkley, was a sea captain for many years. During
the war between France and England he lost his
ship, which was captured bv the French. Fortu-
nately he had secreted some gold pieces in his shoe,
and but for these he and his crew would have
starved. His loss came under the list known as
the "French Spoliation Claims," but when they were
being settled ell records of it had been mislaid,
and his heirs received no compensation. Of the
children of Jonathan T. and Julia A. Fairfield only
two lived to maturity: Joseph B., our subject; and
Mary E., who was born Oct. 2, 1852, and is now
the wife of Franklin S. Harmon, of Omaha,
Nebraska.
Joseph B. Fairfield was born July 11, 1846, in
Hartford, and was about eight years old when his
parents removed to Suffield. As a child he showed
a remarkaole love of learning, and before he could
walk he could talk and knew the letters of the al-
phabet, and throughout his life he has found no dif-
ficulty in mastering any subject to which he turned
his attention. His education was begun in the
schools of Hartford, and after the removal to Suf-
field he attended the district schools near his home.
Later he studied three years in a private school
taught by Palmer Gallup, whose instruction he
values most highly, and later he attended the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, in Suffield village. On
leaving school he became interested in farming with
his father at the homestead, which he has always
considered a permanent residence, even when en-
gaged in business elsewhere. Fie has made a spe-
cialty of tobacco culture, and for years was a dealer
in leaf tobacco, his extensive trade keeping him
much of the time in New York City, where he had
an office. For ten years he was associated with his
father-in-law, Joseph Fuller, an experienced insur-
ance man, in the fire-insurance business, represent-
ing some of the best companies in the country. He
has traveled extensively in the United States, and
takes keen interest in all the issues of the day, being
politically a firm believer in the principles of the Re-
publican party. Official life has no attractions for
him, but in 1884 he sat on the first jury impaneled
in the new county house at Hartford.
On Sept. 22, 1870, Mr. Fairfield married Miss
Mary Fuller, who was born in Suffield. April 16,
1848, a daughter of Joseph and Cordelia (Smith)
Fuller, and two children have blessed the union :
Julia L., born Jan. 24, 1878, died July 12. 1884; and
Carolyn May, born Dec. 11, 1885, is at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Fairfield are prominent in the social life
of their town, and for years have been active work-
ers in the Congregational Church and teachers in
the Sunday-school, our subject formerly conduct-
1180
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing a Bible class. For some time he was clerk of
the Society, and his service as leader of the choir
was continued until the pressure of business com-
pelled his absence from the village for long periods.
He is a member of Apollo Lodge Xo. 59, F. & A.
M. ; a charter member of L\-man Council, O. U. A.
M., at Sufiield, and he and his wife are both mem-
bers of Suffield Grange. Mrs. Fairfield is a lady
of unusual intelligence and force of character ; she
was educated in the North Street district school of
Suffield, and the Connecticut Literary Institute. She
is identified with many |)hilaiUhropic movements,
her sympathies being readily enlisted in any worthy
cause, and she is president of the Ladies Aid So-
ciety and vice-president of the Home Missionary
Society. She also belongs to the Suffield Woman's
Club, and is a charter member of Sybil Dwight Kent
Chapter, of the D. A. R., at Suffield, her number in
order being 15,456.
HEXRY CLAY WOODWARD, one of the
most prosperous and substantial agriculturists of
Enfield, was born Oct. 27, 1829, on the farm in that
town where he now resides, and on both sides comes
of good Revolutionary stock.
The progenitor of the Woodward family in
America, Richard Woodward, was born in Eng-
land in the year 1589. He embarked Oct. 10, 1634,
at Ipswich, England, for New England, making
the voyage in the "Elizabeth," and settled im-
mediately at Watertown, Mass. His wife's given
name was Rose.
(II) George \\"oodward was born in England
in 1621, accompanied his father to America, and
died May 31, 1676.
(III) John Woodward, son of George and Mary
Woodward, was born in Watertown, Mass., March
20, 165 1, and died in 1728. His second wife was
Sarah Bancroft.
(IV) Joseph Woodward was born in Newton,
Mass., Nov. 26, 1688, and died May 30, 1727. On
June 24, 1714, he married Elizabeth Silsby.
(V) Joseph Woodward was born Feb. 26, 1725-
26, in Canterbury, Conn., and died July 8, 1814, at
Ashford, Conn. He filled many public positions
in \\'indham and Ashford, and for twenty-six years
held the most important offices in the gift of his
townsmen. He served in the Revolutionary war,
and was in Boston at the time of its evacuation by
the British; there is in existence a letter that he
wrote to his wife, while there. On May 19, 1748,
he married Elizabeth Perkins, a native of Norv/ich,
Conn., who passed away Sept. 28, 1823, at the
ripe age of ninety-one years. The record of their
children is as follows: Elizabeth, born May 22,
1749, died Jan. 18, 1814. Joseph, born May 26,
1751. Jason, born July 19, 1753. died July 15, 1821.
John was born June 10, 1755. Martha, born Aug.
13. I757> died Jan. 8, 1847. WiUiam, born Nov.
14, 1759, served as a soldier in the Colonial army,
was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, Nov. 16,
1776, and remained a prisoner until he died Dec.
30, of that year. Abner was the grandfather of
our subject, and is mentioned more fully below.
Phineas, born June 3, 1764, died in 1776. Othniel
was born Sept. 8, 1766. Perkins Bushnell was born
Aug. 17, 1770. Levi was born Aug. 19, 1773.
Abner Woodward was born July 10, 1762, in
Ashford, Conn., became an extensive farmer, and
died Jan. 28, 1840. He was twice married, first
on April 15, 1789, to Miriam Knowlton, who was
born Dec. 15, 1766, in Ashford, daughter of Abra-
ham Knowlton, and a relative of Col. Knowlton,
of Ashford, Conn. ; she was a descendant of Miles
Standish, who came over on the "Mayflower." To
this union came two children : Llial, born Sept.
20, 1790; and Joseph, born Dec. 30, 1792, who d,ed
Oct. 17, 1793. i\lrs. Woodward died Aug. 14,
1793, in her twenty-seventh year, and for his sec-
ond wife Abner Woodward married Eunice Fuller,
who was born July i, 1769. To this union came
nine children, namely: Joseph, born Nov. 17, I795>
died Aug. 31, 1851 ; Jonathan, born Sept. 23, 1797,
died Dec. 10, 1875; Jerusha, born June 26, 1799,
died Oct. 27, 1847; Jelina, born Sept. 8, 1802 (no
date of death) ; Ashbel, born June 26, 1804, died in
December, 1885; Otis, born Aug. 10, 1807, died
May 26, 1894; Henry, born in 1809, died Dec. 6,
1809; Elizabeth Perkins, born in August, 181 1, died
FebT 26, 1814; and Royal, born Nov. 13, 1815, died
Oct. 2, 1882. According to "Connecticut in the
Revolution" [p. 657] Abner Woodward was a
pensioner of the Revolutionary war, serving in
that struggle through several campaigns.
(VII) Hial Woodward, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Ashford (other notes say Will-
ington). Conn., Sept. 20, 1790. On Feb. 8, 1818,
he married Miss Anna Higgins Andrews, daughter
of Abram Andrews, of Haddam, Conn., where she
was born Dec. 30, 1796. Soon after their mar-
riage they located in Enfield, Hartford county. He
started the first L'uited States mail coach on the
east side of the Connecticut river between Hart-
ford, Conn., and Walpole, Mass., running same for
seven years. Later he engaged in farming in En-
field, and in 1826 settled on the farm now occupied
by his son, Henry C, where he passed the remain-
der of his life. He was a soldier in the war of 1812-
15, serving from Aug. 18, 1814, to Oct. 24, 1814.
["Connecticut in the Revolution." "Connecticut
Militia, War of 1812," p. 140]. To Hial Wood-
ward and wife were born the following children:
Miriam, born Feb. 11, 1819, married Erastus Hem-
ingway, by whom she had three daughters, and
died [date of death not given]. Anna Maria, born
Sept. 21, 1820, became the wife of George L. Wel-
ton, had six children, and died April 30, 1880.
Emily, born Dec. 14, 1822, married George Lord,
had a family of six children, and died Nov. 28, 1884.
William, born Oct. 15, 1824, married Abigail Smith,
by whom he had five children, and died May 28,
1873. Sarah C, born July 2, 1826, married James
t/ C /H^^'t^C^CC^t^
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1181
B. Packard, and had two children ; she now lives
in Chicago, 111., with her daughter, Mrs. Aaron B.
Mead. Abner, born Feb. 7, 1828, married Lucy
Harris, who bore him six children; he died May 11,
1895. Henry C, born Oct. 27, 1829, is next in the
order of birth. Hial, born May 24, 1832, died Sept.
10, 1833. Joseph, born Aug. 20, 1835, resides in
Montana. Harriet L., born Aug. 24, 1837, is the
wife of Caleb L. Packard, and resides in Hart-
ford, Conn. The father died at his home in En-
field, March 23, 1857; the mother survived him
several years, dying Feb. 15, 1875.
Abram Andrews, our subject's maternal grand-
father, was a native of Haddam, Conn. He was a
soldier in both the Revolution and tl.e war of 1812,
entering the former struggle at the age of sixteen,
and serving for several years. For many years he
carried on a grocery business at Hartford, Conn.,
but when the war of 1812 broke out he again
offered his services to the government, and died
while with his company at Green Bay, Wis. He
married Sarah Higgins, of Haddam, Connecticut.
On the homestead where he now lives Henry
C. Woodward was reared to manhood, receiving
his education in the common schools of the neighbor-
hood, and during his youth he learned the carpenter's
trade in Hartford, serving an apprenticeship of two
and one-half years. In 1856 he went to Charles-
ton, S. C, where he was employed as foreman of
a gang of slave carpenters for one year, and the
following year engaged in contracting on his own
account. Returning to Enfield in 1858, he was for
several years extensively engaged in contracting
and building there and in the surrounding towns,
including Boston and Hartford, and at one time em-
ployed as many as forty carpenters, besides outside
help. He continued in that business until 1877, since
when he has devoted his attention to agricultural
pursuits, making a specialty of tobacco raising and
dairying, and keeping on hand for the latter purpose
a herd of twenty cows. He has met with well-
deserved success in his undertakings, and besides
his home farm he owns valuable propert}' in Wind-
sor Locks.
On May 15, 1861, Mr. Woodward was united
in marriage with Miss Adelaide Hall, who was
born in Simsbury, Conn., Dec. 31, 1836, a daughter
of Joseph N. and Wealthy Ann (Lord) Hall, of
Windsor, Conn., where she was reared.
To this union were born five children : Cassius
Henry, born July 20, 1863, was married in 1895 to
Miss Sarah Morris, of Ping, Garfield Co., Wash.,
and has two children, Irene, born Nov. 13, 1896,
and Charles Homer, born Sept. 16, 1898; they reside
in Idaho. Carrie Hall was born Julv 7, 1865. Her-
bert WilHam, born Jan. 17, 1872, died May 25, 1873.
Burton Knowlton, born June 30, 1873, was mar-
ried June 23, 1897, to Grace E. Pryor, of Enfield,
and has two children, Henry Abbe, born April 2,
1898, and Burton Knowlton, born April 21, 1899;
he is a resident of Troy, N. Y. Mary Adelaide,
born March 7, 1876, was married June 28, 1899, to
Albert M. Jones, who is principal of the boys liter-
ary department in Perkins Institute, South Boston,
Mass., where they reside. Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
ward are faithful members of the First Congrega-
tional Church of Enfield, and are held in high regard
by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
Socially he is a charter member of Doric Lodge,
No. 94, A. F. & A. M. Politically he was a Demo-
crat until the Greeley movement, in 1872, since
which time he has been an ardent Republican. He
has always taken an active and commendable in-
terest in public affairs, and in 1891 originated the
Citizens ticket, which was successful for three
years. His life has been manly, his actions sincere,
his manner unafifected, and his example is well
worthy of emulation.
Mr. Woodward is descended through his grand-
mother, Miriam Knowlton, from Capt. William
Knowlton, the ancestor of the American branch of
the family, who was a native of Englano. He
married, in his native country, Ann Elizabeth Smith,
and is supposed to have sailed with his family from
the port of London in 1632, bound for Nova
Scotia. He was part owner of the ship in which he
took passage. Capt. Knowlton died on the voy-
age. His widow and children after remaining in
Nova Scotia a short time, removed to Ipswich,
Massachusetts.
(II) William Knowlton, born in 1610, died in
1655, in Ipswich, Mass., where he had made his
home, following the trade of bricklayer. He was
a member of the Congregational Church. His
wife's name was Elizabeth.
(Ill)" William Knowlton, born in 1642, lived
for a number of years in Ipswich, Mass., where he
married, his wife's given name being Susanna.
He was fined for having a pack of cards in his
house. In 1678 he moved to New York, and in
1682 to Norwich, Conn. He died about 1699.
(IV) Thomas Knowlton, eldest child of Will-
iam, above, was married (first), on Dec. 9, 1692,
to Marjory Goodhue, who was a granddaughter
of Deacon William Goodhue, a prominent citizen
of Ipswich, and a representative in the Colonial
Assembly for eight years.
(V) Robert Knowlton was born Sept. 7, 1693,
in Ipswich, Mass., and on Nov. 21, 1717, married
Hannah Robinson. He moved to Sutton, N. H.,
and thence to Ashford, Conn., being the first of the
Knowltons to settle in that town, where he died
Dec. 29, 1794. He was a representative to the
Colonial Assembly for sixteen years.
(VI) Abraham Knowlton, youngest child of the
above, was born April 3, 1740, in Ashford, Conn.,
and on March 21, 1763, married Molly Knox. He
died June 14, 1821, at Ashford. Miriam, his third
child and second daughter, married Abner Wood-
ward, grandfather of Henry C. Woodward.
Through his great-grandmother, Elizabeth Per-
kins, Henry C. Woodward is descended from John
1182
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Judith Perkins, the former born in England
in 1590, died in 1654.
(II) Sergt. Jacob Perkins, born in 1624, mar-
ried in 1647 Ehzabeth Lovell, and died in 1699.
(III) Deacon Joseph Perkins, born in 1674, was
married in 1700 to Martha Morgan, and died in
1726.
(IV) Capt. John Perkins born in 1709, in Nor-
wich, Conn., died there in 1761. In 1730 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Bushnell, and their daughter Eliza-
beth married Joseph Woodward, our subject's
great-grandfather.
CHARLES CHANDLER SHELDON, general
farmer and tobacco grower of West Suflield, is a
native of Windsor, Conn., born May i, 1834. The
Sheldon family is one of the oldest in the sec-
tion, and descends from a Colonial family of En-
glish origin, which came from that part of the
County of Essex nearest London.
Isaac Sheldon, an ancestor of our subject, was
born in Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., in 1629,
and when a young man removed to Northampton,
Mass., engaged in farming, and there married Mary
Woodford. Later he brought his family to what
is now known as Suffield, Conn., where he passed
the remainder of his life. His son, Jonathan, was
born ]Mav 29, 1689, settled in West Suffield, built
a fine dwelling on his large estate, and was well
known as Capt. Jonathan Sheldon, as he was in
command of a company of militia. His dwelling is
still standing, and is now owned by Charles L.
Austin. On Dec. 30, 1708, Capt. Sheldon married
Mary Southwell, and their daughter, Mary, married
Rev. Jonathan Judd, who was an inmate of the
Captain's house while on probation as a minister of
the Congregational Church at West Suffield. An-
other daughter. Silence, became the first wife of Rev.
John Graham, who for fifty years was a minister of
the same church in West Suffield, and to this mar-
riage were born ten children. After the death of
his first wife. Rev. Graham married the Widow
Smith, whose maiden name was Deborah King, and
she bore him seven children, the youngest of whom
was Dr. Sylvester Graham, a well-known Presby-
terian divine, elocutionist and vegetarian, whose
name is widely known throughout the world as the
originator of the bread and flour which bear his
name.
Jonathan Sheldon, a son of the Captain, and the
great-great-grandfather of Charles Chandler Shel-
don, was born in 171 1, on the old homestead, and
all his life Vv^as engaged in the pursuit of agricul-
ture. He married Sarah Kent, and died on his farm
Feb. 12, 1761, six years before the death of his fa-
ther. In religion he was a Congregationalist, while
his wife was a Baptist, but the remains of both were
interred in the same grave in the West Suffield cem-
etery. Their son Jonathan, great-grandfather of
our subject, was born on the old homestead, Dec. 28,
1737, and passed all his mature life on the farm
new owned by Plenry A. Sheldon. He married
Abigail Loomis in 1762, and they had six children:
Jonathan, Nov, 29, 1763; Gad, Feb. 28, 1765; Oba-
diah, Oct. 22,, 1766; Jane, Oct. 23, 1768; Arastus,
Oct. 29, 1770; and Abigail, Oct, 3, 1772, The fa-
ther of this family died on his farm Feb. 10, 1814,
a member of the Congregational Church and a sin-
cere Christian,
Hon. Arastus Sheldon, the grandfather of sub-
ject, was educated in the district schools of his town,
settled down to farming on the old homestead, on
which he made many improvements, and there re-
mained to the close of his life. He was an adherent
of the political principles of Thomas Jefferson, and
served as representative in the State Legislature,
He married Eunice King, Nov. 16, 1796, and nine
children were born to the marriage : James, March
17, 1798; Obadiah, May 24, 1800; Horace, Sept.
21, 1802; Jairus, Sept. 23, 1804; Gad, Dec. 30, 1806;
Francis, Feb. 4, 1809; Julia Ann, Jan. 14, 1811
(she became the wife of Jared Smith, of Massachu-
setts) ; Alfred J., Jan. 18, 1813; and Eliza A., Feb.
24, 1816 (who married Sylvester Pomeroy). The
mother of these children passed away Nov. 20, 1830,
the father on iMarch 27, 1840, and the remains of
both lie at rest in the VVest Suffield cemetery.
Hon. Gad Sheldon, father of subject, was born
on the old homestead, was educated in the common
schools, and remained on the home place until he
attained his majority. Locating in Windsor,
Conn., he there conducted a hotel for eight years,
and then returning to West Suffield purchased
through the Legislature a tract of 106 acres near
the East Granby line, which tract had been owned
by some culprit who had been sentenced to life im-
prisonment. Here Mr. Sheldon engaged in the cul-
tivation of tobacco, and in general farming, in
connection with stock raising and dairying. He
became very prominent in politics, filled the office
of selectman several years, was a member of the
State Legislature several terms, and for many years
was a justice of the peace. He was also very active
in church work, and for ten years a deacon in the
Congregational Church. He first married, April 5,
1831, Miss Lucinda Chandler, who was born in
Windsor, Dec. 2, 1808, a daughter of Isaac Chan-
dler, This marriage was blessed with three chil-
dren: Charles Chandler, the subject of this sketch;
Allen Jairus, who was born July 12, 1836, and mar-
ried Eliza Baylis ; and Alfred Gad, born Jan, 11,
1845, niarried Elizabeth Wright, and now resides
in Middletown, Conn, Mrs. Lucinda Sheldon was
called from earth Dec. 23, 1862, and Mr. Sheldon
for his second wife wedded, Nov. 8, 1863, Harriet C,
Dennison, who was born in Southwick, Mass.
This lady died Dec. 20, 1893, without isue, Mr.
Sheldon had passed away Feb. 8, 1882, and his
taking off was deplored as one of the greatest afflic-
tions that had befallen the community for many
years.
Charles Chandler Sheldon was primarily edu-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1183
cated in the public schools of West Suffield, then at-
tended the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield,
and finished his schooling" at Williston Seminary,
Easthampton, Mass. He remained on the home
farm as an assistant to his father until twenty-five
years of age, when the latter gave him the entire
charge of the place ; since then, however, he has
purchased a farm of 165 acres, and has been en-
gaged in tobacco growing, as well as in the usual
branches of farming pursued in the neighborhood.
He has also erected for himself a new dwe.ling, fitted
with all modern conveniences.
Mr. Sheldon was united in marriage, Dec. 15,
1858, with Miss Helen M. Nelson, a native of Suf-
field, a daughter of Horatio King Nelson, and a
sister of Clinton H. Nelson, whose sketch appears
elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have been
born three children: Emma H., born Dec. 30, 1859,
was educated in the public schools and the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, Suffield, taught school
herself very successfully in the same town, and is
now the wife of Nelson Talmage, of East Granby,
to whom she was married April 6, 1898; George
Allen, the second child, was born March 9, 1862,
married Olive Root, daughter of Francis Root, and
has one child, Howard Root, born April 27, 1898,
(he is now farming on the old homestead) ; the
youngest of the family, Clara Martha, born Aug. 8,
1864, was married June i, 1887, to George B. Al-
derman, and has three children : Edna Clara, born
Jan. 13, 1892; Ethel S., born June 10, 1895, and
Edith, born Dec. 25, 1897.
Mr. Sheldon is a stanch Democrat in politics,
and, though not at all eager for public office, has
consented several times to accept positions at the
hands of his party, with whom he is very popular,
among the offices he has held being those of select-
man of his native town, assessor, member of the
board of relief and justice of the peace. His wife
is a most estimable lady, and no family in the town
is held in higher esteem by the residents than that
of Charles Chandler Sheldon.
CHARLES C. WOODRUFF. Southington
has no more progressive, energetic and skillful agri-
culturist than the gentleman whose name introduces
this sketch. He was born on his present farm in
West street, May 20, 1830, a son of Asahel and
Catherine (Langdon) Woodruff. The father, who
was born Nov. 26, 1786, died Dec. 15, 1863, and
the mother departed this life Feb. i, 1859. She
was a daughter of Capt. Giles and Sarah (Carter)
Langdon.
John Woodruff, our subject's paternal grand-
father, was born about 1740, and married Catherine,
daughter of Stephen and Temperance Bushnell. He
died April 18, 1807, his wife, Aug. 20, 1809. His
father, John Woodruff, was born April 5, 1708, and
was married, Aug. 11, 1729, to Eunice Wiard, who
died May 7, 1761. He died on West street, Oct.
17, 1794. He was a son of Samuel Woodruff, who
was born in Farmington, Aug. 26. 1661, and in 1686
married Rebecca, daughter of John Clark. About
1698 he removed to what is now Southington, and
was the first white man to locate there. He died
Jan. 8, 1742, and his wife, Aug. 4, 1737. About
1640 his father, Matthew Woodrufif, came from
Hartford to Farmington, where he was one of the
eighty- four proprietors in 1672, and died there in
1682.
Throughout his entire life the subject of this
sketch has made his home on the farm where he now
resides, and his education was acquired in the dis-
trict schools of the neighborhod. As soon as old
enough he began aiding in the work of the farm,
and has since devoted the greater part of his time to
agricultural pursuits with good results. For a
period of six years, during early manhood, he was
engaged in selling hardware in New York and all
of the New England States with the exception of
Maine. On Jan. 16, 1872, he was united in mar-
riage with Mrs. Sarah (Clark) Weeks, a daughter
of Norris and Harriet (Bassett) Clark, of Plain-
ville. Mr. Woodruff is one of Southington's most
respected and influential citizens, is an ardent sup-
porter of the Republican party, and a consistent
member of the First Congregational Church of
Southington.
NEELAND LOOMIS MILLER, a worthy rep-
resentative of the agricultural interests of West
Suffield, was born in East Hartland, Hartford Co.,
Conn., Dec. 7, 1857. His grandfather, Solomon E.
Miller, was also a native of East Hartland, where
he owned property and engaged in farming and
stock raising throughout life. At his death he was
buried there. He was a good Christian man, a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Demo-
crat in politics. He married Miss Harriet Hoodley,
of Hartland, who died in East Hartland, and was
laid to rest by the side of her husband. To them
were born the following children: Milo; Seth;
Myron ; Emily ; Ebenezer Hoodley ; Eugene and
Eugenia, twins; Mary; Jane; and one who died in
infancy.
Ebenezer Hoodley Miller, father of our subject,
was born in 1825, on a farm in East Hartland,
where he was reared, and he received a liberal edu-
cation in the common schools near his home. After
reaching manhood he engaged in peddling Yankee
notions in New York and Connecticut, carrying on
that business for two years. He then settled down
to farming in East Hartland, where for over half
a century he has since engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, making a specialty of stock raising and dairy-
ing. He has met with marked success in his under-
takings, and is justly regarded as one of the repre-
sentative and most prominent citizens of his com-
munity. He has taken an active and influential
part in local politics ; has been a lifelong Demo-
crat ; has represented Hartland in the State Legis-
lature for two terms ; and has filled other offices.
1184
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
such as selectman, etc. In Granby, Hartford coun-
ty, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Phelps, a native of that place, and a daugh-
ter of riiilo I'helps, one of the old and honored
citizens of Granby. This worthy couple are still
living in East Hartland, happy and contented with
their lot, well-known and highly respected, and are
faithful members of the Congregational Church.
To them were born seven children : Philo, a farmer
of the town of Granby ; Frank E., a farmer of the
town of Sufifield; Neeland L., our subject; Adelia,
who died young; Flora A., wife of George Paine,
of Springfield, Mass. ; Harriet, in Springfield ; and
Mary P., at home.
During his boyhood and youth Neeland L. Miller
attended the district schools of East Hartland, and
he worked on the home farm for his parents until he
attained his majority, when he started out in life
for himself working by the month at farm labor first
in the town of Granby. Later he took a farm on
shares in Sufifield for two years, and then rented a,
farm for three years in Agawam, Mass. Going
to North Granby, he rented the A. L. Flolcomb
farm, on which he engaged in general farming, to-
bacco raising and dairying until 1895, when he
purchased the Horace Clark farm of seventy-five
acres at West Suffield. Upon this place he has since
made many improvements, and to its cultivation has
devoted his energies with good success.
Mr. Miller was married in Granby to Miss Xellie
L. Barnes, a native of North Granby, where her
parents, Charles and Mary Ann (Fox) Barnes, are
still living, honored and respected by all who know
them. The father was born in Granby, a son of
Samuel Barnes, and in early life learned the wheel-
wright's and carpenter's trades, which he followed
for a number of years, but of late years has carried
on farming in North Granby. He is now eighty-
two years of age, and has been a lifelong supporter
of the Democracy. In the town of Granby, he wed-
ded Mary Ann Fox, a daughter of William Fox,
an old settler of the town, and seven children were
born of this union : W^illiam JMurray, a resident
of North Granby ; Lillie, wife of Henry Strickland,
of North Granby; Nellie L., wife of our subject;
Frank, a resident of Granby ; Frederick, who died
young; Hattie, wife of Henry Brown, of Simsbury,
Conn. ; and Cora, wife of Edward Fairchild, of
Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have four chil-
dren : Clara Edith, Pearl Neeland, Walter Ray
and Arthur Roy. The family attend the Congre-
gational Church, and Mr. Miller is identified with
the Democratic party.
CHARLES CURTISS PERSIANI, the popular
superintendent of the bolt works of Clark Brothers
& Co., at Milldale, was born in New Jersey Jan 7,
1S58, and is a son of William U. and Elizabeth A.
(Curtiss) Persiani.
The father was born in this country, of Italian
parentage, and held various positions under the
United States Government. He spent his last days
in Omaha, Neb., where his death occurred. In
his family were five children who reached years of
maturity, namely: Charles C. ; William U.; Flor-
ence, now the wife of Arthur I. Maltby ; Geneveive
L. ; and Frederick. Our subject's mother was of
New England ancestry, and was a daughter of
Charles Curtiss, who was a merchant and stage
owner, and was also interested in railroading and
banking, being one of the promoters of the Dry
Dock Savings Bank of New York City, where he
died. His wife was a Miss Decker.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth in
Brooklyn, N. Y., and Milldale, this county, and
was prepared for college at a private school in
Providence, R. I. In the winter of 1878-79 he lo-
cated in Milldale and entered the employ of Clark
Brothers & Co., as an apprentice to the machinist's
trade, serving three years. With the exception of
three years spent with the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., and the Walkley Hardware Co., he has con-
tinued in the employ of Clark Brothers & Co., work-
ing as a journeyman until 1894, when he was ap-
pointed to his present position, which he is now
filling with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction
of his employers and the men under him.
On Feb. 3, 1886, Mr. Persiani was united in
marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of William
and Barbara (Reisch) Erbe, of Plantsville, formerly
of Germany, and to this tmion have been born two
children : Geneveive M. and Charles C, Jr. Mr.
Persiani is a supporter of the Congregational
Church of Plantsville, and in politics is a Republican.
SYLVESTER FREDERICK CHARTER.
Hartford county has many well-to-do and success-
ful farmers who have accumulated what they have
of this world's goods through individual effort.
Among this class the name of the subject of this
notice is entitled to an honorable place. He is now
residing in Enfield town, where he is industriously
engaged in general fanning and tobacco growing,
and is meeting with far more than ordinary success.
A native of Connecticut, Mr. Charter was born
in Tolland, Tolland county, Jan. 19, 1825, and is a
son of Samuel and Ruth (Webster) Charter, also
natives of Tolland, where the father and grand-
fathers, Nathan Charter and Simeon Webster, all
engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout life.
Reared in his native town, our subject early became
familiar with the occupation of farming, and ac-
quired his literary education in the common schools
of the locality. On starting out in life for himself
he worked as a farm hand, continuing to follow
that vocation unil 1844, when he went to Hazard-
ville, where for one year he was employed as coach-
man by the head of the Hazard Powder Company.
Later he worked in the powder mills for five years,
and for the same length of time was engaged in
carting powder from one mill to another. In 1853
he purchased a lot of the Hazard Powder Co., and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1185
erected a brick hotel, which he opened to the pubHc
in 1854, successfully conducting the same until
1880. In 1855 he set out an elm tree east of his
hotel, and it has grown so large that he is now un-
able to reach half way around it; it is considered
one of the landmarks of the town. While still con-
ducting the hotel Mr. Charter purchased the farm
of one hundred acres in Enfield town, which he still
owns and now occupies, and which is one of the best
equipped farms in the locality. Here he has re-
sided since 1885, and has successfully engaged in
its operation.
Mr. Charter married Sophronia Page, daugh-
ter of Moses Page, of Vermont. They had four
children, namely : Frederick, deceased ; Jane ;
Martha; and Ellsworth. In his political views Mr.
Charter is a stanch Democrat, and for one year he
served as assessor of Enfield. His career has ever
been such as to commend him to the confidence and
esteem of all with whom he has come in contact,
and he has a host of warm friends in Hartford
county.
WILLIAM VANDEVEER GODDARD, a
well-known and prominent agriculturist of West
Granby, was born on the old homestead there,
March 7, 1854, and is a representative of one of its
old and most highly-respected families.
Byron Pitt Goddard, his grandfather, was born
in Granby, Jan. 7, 1805, and received only the edu-
cational advantages afforded by the district school
of the town at that day, becoming a self-educated
as well as self-made man, and one of Granby 's repre-
sentative citizens. As his father died when he was
quite young, he was reared by his grandfather, Capt.
Richard Case, a welljknown resident of Granby.
Byron P. Goddard began his business career in the
Collinsville axe factory, and later went to Windsor,
where he was employed as an iron worker for some
time. In 1843 he turned his attention to farming,
in the town of West Granby, where he purchased
135 acres of land known as the Huggins tract, and
was for forty-five years engaged in farming,
stock raising and dairying there. He made some
extensive improvements upon the place, including
the erection of a good residence and barn. He was
a well-posted man on the leading events of the day,
and a good conversationalist, and was noted for
his upright character and honorable dealings. For
over thirty years he was prominently identified with
public affairs, filling a number of local offices in the
town of Granby, such as selectman and deputy
sheriff, and also representing the town in the State
Legislature with credit to himself, and to the entire
satisfaction of his constituents. That he had the
entire confidence of his neighbors and friends is
shown by the fact that he was often called upon to
settle up estates and perform similar duties. Al-
though not a member of any religious denomination,-
he lived up to the golden rule, and was quite temper-
ate in his habits. In politics he was first a Demo-
75
crat, later a Republican. In Granby, March 8, 1827,
he married Miss Abigail Phelps Segar, who was
born there May 8, 1801, a daughter of Augustus
Segar, a well-known citizen of the township. Of
the three children born to this union, Wharton Hora-
tio, father of our subject, was the eldest; Mary
Jane, born March 20, 1838, married Edward Case,
of Bloomfield ; and Byron, born Feb. 7, 1844, is now
deceased. The grandfather died Feb. 13, 1888, his
v>'ife Jan. 3, 1888, and both were buried in Granby.
They had traveled life's journey together for nearly
sixty-one years, and were not long separated by
death. She was a good Christian woman, and was
much respected in the community for her devotion
to her husband and family.
Wharton Horatio Goddard, our subject's father,
was born in Granby June 20, 1830, and attended the
public schools, also the Granby Academy. Being
ambitious to learn, he studied hard to obtain a good
education, and often spent his evenings at the home
of an old school master who assisted him in fitting
himself for the teacher's profession. At the age of
eighteen he taught in the Granby Academy, and
later had charge of public schools in New Jersey,
but on account of his health was forced to give up
that noble but ill-paid profession. He then learned
the trade of a carriage trimmer, in the carriage
works in West Granby, and, as his health did not
improve, he commenced studying medical works in
order to find out something of his own illness.
This led to a desire to enter the medical profession,
and he later became a student in a Medical College
at Philadelphia, where he was graduated with honors
in 1858. He commenced practice in Northumber-
land county, Penn., but soon after the breaking out
of the Civil war returned to Hartford county, open-
ing an office in Tariffville. Desiring to be of some
service to his country in her hour of need, Mr God-
dard enlisted, in 1862, for nine months, and was
appointed second assistant surgeon of the 25th Conn.
V. I. With the regiment he went to Baton Rouge,
where he was a surgeon in the hospital at that place,
and he remained with his comand the full term for
which he enlisted. While returning to New York
he was violently sick on board ship, but survived the
journey, and after landing in New York City was
taken to the home of Mrs. William Vandeveer,
where he died three days later, Aug. 18, 1863, three
days before his regiment was mustered out. The
people of his State fully appreciating the sacrifice
he had made for his country, had the following
written : "Hartford, Conn., July 4, 1867. The State
of Connecticut, desiring to recognize in a perma-
nent and appropriate form the faithful and heroic
service of her citizen soldiers, has, by unanimous
vote of the General Assembly of 1867, directed the
undersigned to present to Wharton H. Goddard,
second assistant surgeon 25th Conn. V. I., this tes-
timonial of honor in grateful remembrance of the
courage and patriotism by him displayed in the late
war for the suppression of the Rebellion, and the
1186
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
preservation of the constitutional libert_v. [Signed]
James E. English, Governor of Connecticut, Eph-
raiin H. Hyde, Lieutenant-governor, James T. Wart,
Speaker of the House." The remains of Dr. God-
uard were interred in the Granby cemetery. He
was a Republican in politics, was broad-minded and
liberal in his views, was a close student and ob-
server, was honest in his convictions, and made a
host of warm friends by his genial, pleasant manner.
In Granby, July 3, 1851, Dr. Goddard married
Miss Lorinda Emma Hayes, who was born there, a
daughter of Dudley and Naomi (Rose) Hayes, 03'
Granby. To them were born four children : Will-
iam \"., our subject ; Isadore, who died in childhood ;
George E., a resident of Baltimore, Md. ; and Frank
E., a resident of Hartford. For her second hus-
band, Mrs. Goddard married Capt. A. C. Wood,
of Brooklyn. N. Y., by whom she had three chil-
dren, all now deceased, namely: Leon, Emma and
Agnes. The mother died in Brooklyn Jan. 6, 1890,
and was buried in Granby cemeterv. She was an
earnest Christian woman, a member of the Baptist
Church.
William \'. Goddard, whose name introduces this
sketch, was educated in the public schools of
Granby up to the age of thirteen, and attended the
public schools in New York City two years. At
the age of fifteen he commenced life for himself as
a cashier, and later became bookkeeper in a grocery
store in New York City, where he was employed
for two years. He was then employeil by the New
York & Harlem Transportation Co., and was con-
nected with the passenger boats running from New
Y'ork to Harlem, being thus employed for ten years,
most of the time as purser, having gradually worked
his way upward to that responsible position. The
introduction of elevated railroads in the city having
destroyed the business for the steamboat company,
the latter were compelled to sell their boats, and the
last boat was disposed of to the Atlantic Steamboat
Co., with which j\lr. Goddard accepted a position
as captain of the passenger boat running between
New York City and Coney Island. He was thus
employed until 1882, in which year, at the request of
his paternal grandfather, he returned to Granby,
and cared for him during his last years, having com-
plete charge of his business affairs. After the
grandfather's death he purchased the farm of 130
acres, and for the past eleven years has successfully
carried on operations there as a general farmer and
dairvman. He keeps a herd of Jersey cows, and is
meeting with well-deserved success in his under-
takings.
In New York City, in 1878, Mr. Goddard was
married to Miss Elmira Naylor Morgan Wright, a
native of that place, and a daughter of Morrison and
Abbie Navlor (Morgan) Wright, in whose family
were ten children. Mrs. Goddard is a well-educated
lady, is quite prominent socially, and is an entertain-
ing companion. Of the two children born to our sub-
ject and his wife, Lilla, an accomplished and attrac-
tive young lady, died at the age of sixteen years,
and her death was a sad blow to her parents ; and
Wharton Morrison died at the age of nine months.
Air. Goddard is a supporter of the Republican party,
has most efficiently served as a member of the acliool
committee for a number of years, and is treasurer
of the school district. Mr. Goddard is domestic in
his tastes, caring nothing for political preferment.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a
man honored, respected and esteemed wherever
known, and most of all where he is best known.
GEORGE HENRY PAYNE, an energetic and
enterprising citizen of the town of Enfield, where
he is now successfully engaged in general farming
and tobacco culture, is a native of Hartford county,
born at Warehouse Point Aug. 10, 1855, and is a
son of Henry Humphrey and Lucretia (Nichols)"
Payne, both natives of East Windsor, the same
county. The father, a pattern maker by trade, was
in the employ of the Hazard Powder Co., at Hazard-
ville, for twenty-four years, and died in 1896, at the
age of si-xty-four. He was twice married, his first
wife being the mother of our subject. His second
union was with Marietta Taylor, by whom he had
four children : Alinnie, now Mrs. Clarence Per-
kins ; Frederick E. ; Arthur ; and Herbert.
George H. Payne, the only child born of the
first marriage, was reared in Hazardville from the
age of four years, and was educated in the common
schools of that place. He started out in life for
himself as assistant in the canister shop of John
Laws & Co., with which he was connected for four
years, and for the following six years was em-
ployed in the saltpetre refinery of the Hazard Pow-
der Co., since which time he has engaged in vari-
ous enterprises, including farming, teaming and to-
bacco growing.
On Nov. I, 1883, Mr. Payne was united in
marriage with Miss Rosalia Lucretia French, a
daughter of William R. and Mary (Johnson)
French, of the town of Enfield, and to them have
been bom two children : Alton George and Clar-
ence Alfred. Socially, Mr. Payne affiliates with
DeSoto Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Springfield, Mass.,
and Tomtonamo Lodge, No. 23, O. U. A. M., of
Hazardville, while politically he is identified with
the Republican party. He is now serving his sixth
term as selectman of Enfield town, and his official
as well as his private duties have always been most
faithfully and conscientiously discharged.
HENRY REVILO CHAPIN, a prominent and
progressive citizen of Hazardville, where he is living
practically retired, has spent his entire life in En-
field town, his birth having occurred there Oct. 17,
1833. His parents, Dan T. and Mariva (Sadd)
Chapin, were natives of Enfield and East Windsor,
respectively.
Deacon Samuel Chapin, the progenitor of the
family in America, came from England in 1642, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1187
settled in Springfield, Mass., where he died in 1675.
He was a prominent citizen of the town, having
been appointed chief magistrate of Springfield in
1652, to succeed William Pynchon, his father-in-
law. A few 3rears ago a monument was erected in
his honor in Court Square, Springfield. He married
Alary, daughter of William Pynchon, and had four
sons and three daughters : Japhet, born in 1642,
died in 1712; he married Abalena Cooley, of Long-
meadow, jNIass., and after her death married Dor-
othy Root, of Enfield, Conn. ; he was first selectman
of Springfield in 1683. Henr)' is mentioned below.
Catherine married Nathaniel Bliss in 1676, after
his death married Thomas Gilbert, and after his
death became the wife of Samuel Marshfield, from
whom descended Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, the
great and eloquent preacher. David, the next in
order of birth, married Lydia Crump. Isaiah mar-
ried j\Iary . Sarah married Rowland Thomas.
Hannah married John Hitchcock in 1667.
(H) Henry Chapin, the next in the line of
descent, married Bertha Colton, of Longmeadow,
Massachusetts.
(HI) Ebenezer Chapin (i), son of above Henry,
was born in 1675, and died in 1772. His wife,
Ruth, was born in 1682,. and died in 1736.
(IV) Ebenezer Chapin (2), was born in 171 1,
and died in 175 1; Elizabeth, his wife, was born in
1 712, and died in 1786.
(V) Ebenezer Chapin (3), born in 1735, died
in 1822. His wife, Mehitable, was born in 1734,
and died in 181 1. They had two sons, Ebenezei
(4) and Timothy. Ebenezer Chapin (3) was a
farmer of Enfield, and a prominent man of his time,
active in church work and public aft'airs, and an
honored and respected citizen.
(VI) Timothy Chapin, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Enfield in 1762, and died in 1858.
He was a farmer by occupation. He married, for
his first wife, Lecta Barber, born in 1782, by whom
he had two children : Reuben and Timothy B.
She died in 1804. By his second wife, Susannah
Terry, born in 1778, children were born as follows:
Dan T., Henry, Gilbert, Joel and Francis. Mrs
Chapin died in 1858.
Dan T. Chapin, our subject's father, spent his
whole life in Enfield, and was one of the leading
farmers and honored citizens of the community.
Although quiet and unassuming in manner, he took
an active and influential part in public affairs, serv-
ing as selectman of Enfield for thirteen years, and
representing the town in the State Legislature for
one term. He was born March 8, 1808, and died
Sept. 20, 1892. On Oct. 31, 1832, he married
Mariva Sadd, daughter of William Sadd, a prom-
inent agriculturist of East Windsor, Hartford coun-
t}-, and their children were : Henry R., Joseph T.,
and Diantha M. (wife of Frank W. Parsons).
(There are seven generations by lineal descent, in-
cluding Ebenezer (i), buried in the Chapin lot in
the Enfield (Conn.) cemetery, the lot being a double
tier one and four rods in length) .
Henry R. Chapin, the only one of the family
now living, was reared in Enfield town, and early
acquired an excellent knowledge of every depart-
ment of farm work. His education was obtained
in the common schools, the Connecticut Literary
Institute, Suffield, and Wilbraham Academy, and at
the age of seventeen years he commenced teaching
school, a profession he successfully followed for
seven years. He then turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits, in which he was likewise success-
ful, becoming one. of the prosperous and substan-
tial farmers of Enfield. Since 1870 he has prac-
tically lived retired, though he has devoted some
tmie to the real-estate business.
On Feb. 10, 1859, ^I^"- Chapin was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah M. Allen, a daughter
of Alfred and Henrietta (Thompson) Allen, of
East Windsor, and a descendant of Deacon Samuel
Allen, of Braintree, County of Essex, England, who
in 1632 settled in Cambridge, Mass., and was a
pioneer of Windsor, Conn., where he located in
1635. Her paternal grandfather was Joshua Allen,
son of Samuel, son of Joseph, son of Samuel, son
of John, son of De^acon Samuel Allen, before men-
tioned. Mrs. Chapin's maternal grandparents were
Col. William and Tamar (Holton) Thompson, of
East Windsor. Col. Thompson served with dis-
tinction in the war of 1812, and was a prominent
farmer of East Windsor. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin are
the parents of four children: Henrietta M., wife
of Frederick M. Davis, of Enfield ; Albert H., who
married Miss Emilie Dieckmann, Dec. 12, 1898,
and lives in Lincoln, Neb. : Ida E., wife of George
H. Ulmer, of Rockland, Maine; and Gilbert T., of
Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapin are faithful members of
the First Congregational Church of Enfield, and
they receive and merit the high regard of the
entire community. In political sentiment our sub-
ject is a Republican, and he has been called upon
to serve as grand juror one year, member of the
board of relief one year, and member of the school
board of Enfield for nine years. His public and
private life are above reproach, for his career has
ever been one characterized by the utmost fidelity
to duty. Those who know him best are numbered
among his warmest friends, and no citizen of En-
field is more honored or highly respected.
RALPH T. IVES, one of the most progressive
and enterprising young business men of Southing-
ton, who is now manager and treasurer of the
Southington & Plantsville Tramway Co., was born
in Plantsville Nov. 22, 1870, a son of Heber S. and
Lucy E. (Buell) Ives.
The father was born in Meriden, Conn., in 1S45,
and was a son of Othniel and Marv (Howard)
Ives, the former also a native of Meriden, the latter
1188
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of \'ermont. The grandfather of our subject was
a prominent farmer of JMeriden, and held the office
of selectman for many years. The father was
reared in his native town and educated in the public
school there. In early manhood he, too, followed
the occupation of farming, but in 1868 removed
to Plantsvillc, where he conducted a general store
for twelve years. In i86y he was appointed post-
master of that place, and with the exception of
four vears, during President Cleveland's first ad-
ministration, he held the oflice until his death, which
occurred Alay 22, 1894. He also served as tax
collector several years. During the Civil war he
•was a member of Company K, 8th Conn. V. I.,
enlisting in September, 1861, was captured by the
Rebels at Kinston, N. C, and was sent to Libby
prison, where lie remained for- three weeks. He
■was then paroled, rejoined his regiment, and re-
mained in the service until honorably discharged,
in June, 1865. He entered the service as a private,
and was mustered out as second lieutenant of Com-
pany E, 15th Conn. V. I. In his family were five
children, namely: Susan B., Rali^h T., Harry G.,
Muriel j\I. and Lucy E.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth in
Plantsville, where he attended ,the public schools.
but his education was completed at the Lewis high
school, and in Brown high school of Xewbury-
port, JNIass. In i88g he began an apprenticeship
at the machinist's trade with the Pratt & W'hitn.ey
Co., of Hartford, serving four years, and later he
Avorked as a journeyman for two years with the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of Southington. He then
became connected with the Southern New England
Telephone Co., as local manager at Southington,
which position he still holds, and since 1897 has
been treasurer and manager of the Southington &
Plantsville Tramway Co. He is president and
treasurer of the Wallineford Gas Light Co., and
has already made for himself an enviable reputa-
tion in business circles b\- his straightforward, hon-
orable course, and his energetic and industrious
habits. In politics he is a Republican, and in his
social relations is a member of Friendship Lodge,
No. 33, F. & A. M., of which he was master in
1899.
JOHN BRAGG, one of the substantial and pros-
perous farmers of South Windsor, is a native of that
tov^ai, and has been a resident within its borders
through his entire life, save when fighting for his
country's flag during the dark hours of the Civil
■\\a.Y.
Air. Bragg was born in South Windsor Nov.
7, 1843, 3- son of Sydney and Tirzey Bragg.
Tie remained on the home farm until Aug. 7, 1862,
when he enlisted in Company H, i6th Conn. V.
1., and was mustered in at Hartford. Mr. Bragg
saw active service at once, and participated in many
of the most memorable and most stubbornly con-
tested battles of the war. He was at Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Gettysburg, Windsor, N.
C, and other engagements, and was honorably dis-
charged July 15, 1864. Two of his brothers,
Cyril and Frank Bragg, were members of the
same companv and regiment.
After his discharge Mr. Bragg returned to South
Windsor, where he has lived ever since. In 1870
he married Aliss Elizabeth Reader, who is a native
of England, and in her infancy was brought to
America by her parents, Henry and Mary Ann
Reader. To our subject and his wife have been
born nine children: Mary A., George S., Ida M.,
Frederick A., John S., Tirzah E., Cyril E., Bertha
I. and Nelson O. J\Ir. Bragg is a member of the G.
A. R. Post at South Windsor. In politics he is
a Republican. Himself and family are members
of the Baptist Chvuxh.
JACOB BANTLE. No list of the prosperous
and influential citizens of Glastonbury would be
complete that did not include mention of the in-
dustrious and substantial citizen whose name here
appears. Mr. Bantle is a native of Wittenberg,
Germany, born July 25. 1830, son of Ignace and
Celia Fleic Bantle, ami grandson of Mathias Ban-
tie, a large and successful farmer of Wittenberg.
The father also was an extensive farmer of Wit-
tenberg, where he died in 1853, his wife surviving
him about six weeks. Their seven children were
Jacob, our subject; Anton, a farmer, now living
near East Hartford ; jNIichael, a farmer near De-
troit, Mich.; John, a farmer near Detroit; Rosie,
who married Philip Hiem, of New Britain, and died
June 10, 1899; Mary, who lived in New York City,
and (lied April 15, 1900; and Johanna, a resident of
Switzerland.
Our subject received a good common-school ed-
ucation in his native land and in his yotith worked
on his father's farm. He then served six years in
the German army. Returning to the homestead,
he worked at hard manual labor for $40 per year
and board. With his savings he in 1857 purchased
a passage aboard a sailing-vessel from Havre to
New York, the voj'age consuming forty-two days.
With onlv a few dollars in his pocket he proceeded
to Hartford, Conn., and thence to Glastonbury,
where for a short time he was emplo^'ed by Asa
Talcott, father of L. H. L. falcott, of Glaston-
bury. Later he worked three years in the woolen
mills at South Glastonbury, then for three years
in the woolen mills at Eagleville. In 1863 he paid
a visit to his native land, remaining six months.
Returning to America in 1864 he purchased from
Lafa Moody ten acres of land, to which purchase he
has since added twenty-five acres. He has erected
sheds and made other notable improvements upon
the place, and now has a well-tilled farm of thirty-
five acres.
Mr. Bantle was married, Oct. i, 1859, to Cath-
erine Handel, who was born June 7, 1840, daugh-
ter of John George Handel, and five children have
^>tn (/^d^^^?!^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1189
blessed this union : Julius J., born July 5, i860, mar-
ried Mary Braach, and has one daughter, Jennie
(the mother is dead! ; Jacob W., born July 5, 1862,
married Ameha Tenner, and has two children, Edith
and Elsa; Charles married Lillian Bantle, of Michi-
gan; Philip, a carpenter of Glastonbury, married
Belle McCurry, and they had four children, only
one, Everett, now living; Rosie is the wife of
Charles Brucker, of Hartford, and has one daugh-
ter, Minnie. In politics our subject is a Democrat.
He has never sought office, but in 1883 he was
nominated without solicitation for the State Legis-
lature, was elected, and served with ability. He has
also served his town as justice of the peace. Mr.
Bantle is liberal in his church views, and in local
affairs is one of the town's most public-spirited resi-
dents. His neighbors speak of him as a "good citi-
zen." He has prospered in his Hfe vocation, and by
his industry, thrift and good judgment has won an
ample competence from the fertile acres which he
possesses.
JOHN MASON. The English-born citizens
of the United States form a valued element in our
civilization, their ideals of citizenship being fully
in accord with American progress. During the dark
days of the Civil war many served gallantly in the
Northern army, and the subject of this sketch, a
highly-esteemed resident of East Windsor, was one
of three brothers who thus gave proof of their love
of freedom.
Mr. Mason comes of an old family of Yorkshire,
England, where his parents, George and Charlotte
(Rhodes) Mason, resided for some years after
their marriage. In 1847 they came to America with
their children, the voyage, which was made in a
sailingvessel, lasting thirtyfive days'. They landed
at Boston, and soon afterward settled at Warehouse
Point, Conn. George Mason died at the home of
our subject in 1855 ; his wife survived until 1889.
John is the eldest of four children who lived to adult
age; Mary A. is the wife of B. Wilson Lord, of
East Windsor; George, a veteran of the Civil war,
resides at Warehouse Point; and James, a resident
of New Britain, Conn., was also in the Uuion army
during the Civil war.
Our subject was born Dec. 14, 1830, in York-
shire, England, was apprenticed there to the card-
clothing trade, which was a branch of business not
recognized in this country. After the arrival of the
family at Warehouse Point he worked four and one-
half years in the Sexton woolen-mills at that place,
and three months in a mill at Broad Brook, and
later he went to Plymouth Hollow to take a similar
position. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company
A, 22d Conn. V. I., for nine months, being mus-
tered in at Hartford. During his term of service
he spent some time with the forces employed in the
defense of Washington, and he also took part with
his regiment in the siege of Suffolk, in April, 1863.
He was mustered out of the service July 7, 1863.
On his return home that year, he settled upon his
present homestead, where he is successfully en-
gaged in general farming, dairying and tobacco
growing.
Mr. Mason was married, Nov. 28, 1854, to
Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eliza Holland, of
Webster, Mass., and they had two children : Har-
riet Eliza, wife of F. H. Bissell, of Old Windsor;
and Fannie, wife of R. H. Bartlett, of East Wind-
sor. Mr. Mason is a member of Morning Star
Lodge, No. 28, F. & A. M. ; and of Converse Post,
No. 67, G. A. R. He has supported the Repub-
lican party since its organization, having voted for
John C. Fremont, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Mason
are members of, the First Congregational Church
of East Windsor, at Scantic.
NATHANIEL JONES. When a boy of seven
years the successful agricultu'rist whose name is
mentioned herewith moved with his father's family
from Hartford to the town of South Windsor.
Here he grew to manhood and received the edu-
cation which usually fell to the fortune of country
lads a half century ago. He adopted the occupa-
tion of his father, followed it with interest and
energy, and has prospered.
The ancestral history in Connecticut dates back
five generations to about the year 1714, when Na-
thaniel Jones migrated from Massachusetts to Hart-
ford. His grandson, Nathaniel, the grandfather
of our subject, was a teamster among the patriots
who fought for liberty, and his son, John P. Jones,
in his early manhood bore the arms of his 'country
in the war of 181 2.
Nathaniel Jones, our subject, was born in Hart-
ford, March 19, 1840. Besides attending the com-
mon schools he was a student at the academy in
South Windsor for one term. He remained on
his father's farm until 1871, when he removed to
the farm now occupied by Dennis DriscoU. Two
years later, in 1873, he removed to the farm which
he now owns and occupies, located about five and
one-half miles from Hartford, on the old road run-
ning from that city to East Windsor Hill. He has
since purchased additional land, and now owns sixty
acres, twelve of which are on the home place. Mr.
Jones raises about ten acres of tobacco yearly, and
as a tobacco grower he has been very successful.
He has made all the improvements upon his place,
including house, outbuilding, sheds, etc. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat.
Mr. Jones was married, April 27, 1878, to Miss
Helena M. Abbey, a native of Maine, and a daugh-
ter of Henry J. Abbey. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones
have been born five children : John Henry, Albertus
E., Frederick C, Carroll N. and Lena.
FRANK ROBERTS BURNHAM, of Bloom-
field, was born Oct. 16, 1842, and is of the ninth
generation in direct descent from Thomas Burn-
ham, the founder of the family in America, who
1190
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to the New World in 1649, locating in Hart-
ford. Members of the family have attained prom-
inence in nearly every walk of life, and they nave
been represented in all the different wars in which
the nation has been engaged.
Calvin Burnham, grandfather of our subject,
was born Alarch 9, 1776, and died Oct. ir. 1846.
He married. May 13, 1803, Clarissa Xorthrup, who
was born May 16, 1783, and died Dec. 13, 1806,
and on Feb. 27, 1812, he wedded Mary Ford, who
was born June i, 1787, and died Sept. 15, 187S. The
children l)orn to these marriages were Orvilla C,
Shayler F. and Elias E.
Shayler F. Burnham was born July r. 1813, in
Lenox, Alass., and died in September, 1886. He
married, June 1, 1837, Iilizabcth Roberts, who was
born Oct. 26, i8ii, a daughter of Lem Roberts,
and died March 22, 1858. On May 15, 1867, he
married Mrs. P'anny Pease, who was born Aug.
23, 1828, and died Nov. 2, 1882. Shayler F. Burn-
ham settled in Bloomfield at the age of twenty-six
years, was a tobacco grower and a speculator, and
became a man of nuich prominence as well as of
usefulness, being a director in the Farmers & Me-
chanics Bank, and in the Collins Co., of Hartford. He
served as postmaster, town clerk and representative
of Bloomfield, and as county commissioner, and fra-
ternally was a member of St. John's Lodge, F. &
A M., at Hartford. His children were George Ford
Burnham, born Sept. 26, 1839, and Frank Robert
Burnham, whose name opens this biography. The
former entered the Manufacturers & Alerchants
Bank of Hartford as chore boy, and rose steadily
until he attained the position of paying teller, which
he held until failing health caused his retirement.
He died Oct. 3, 1861.
Frank R. Burnham received his primarv educa-
tion in the public schools of Bloomfield, attended a
private school in Northampton, Mass., and later
took a course at the Eastman Business College,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In Bloomfield he married Miss
Katie \'. Gillette, daughter of Augustus B. Gillette,
and to this union were born two children, Grace
Gillette and Jeanie Roberts. Mr. Burnham is a
strong supporter of the Republican party, but he has
never sought political preferment.
Mrs. Burnham's great-grandfather, Asa Gillette,
was born in Bloomfield, a son of Jacob Gillette,
and married a Jiliss Case, by whom he had four
children, Asa, Fred, James and Harriet. For many
years he lived in the West. James Gillette was born
in Bloomfield in 1784, and died in 1852. When a
lad he was bound out in Simsbury, and in that town
married Miss Violet Case, daughter of Benijah
Case, to which union were born four children : Eli-
zabeth, who was married to Thomas Case, and is
now deceased ; James Burton, deceased ; iMariette ;
and Augustus B.
Augustus B. Gillette was born in June, 1823, in
Simsbury, Conn., and when a boy went to Ohio,
where he began the jewelry business, as a peddler.
For several years he was in the retail jewelry busi-
ness at Warren, Ohio, thence removing to Bloom-
ington. 111., where he carried on the wholesale and
retail business until about 1875. In that year he
located in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was engaged
in the wholesale jewelry trade until his death, April
I, 1897. He was a member of the Congregational
Church. Mr. Gillette was married at Bristol, Ohio,
to Miss Eliza Kibbe, who bore him two children:
James L., of Moline, 111. ; and Katie V., now Mrs.
Burnham.
JNIariette Gillette, alluded to above, was married
in Simsbury, Conn., to Nathaniel Bidwell, son of
Nathaniel Bidwell, and grandson of Jonathan Bid-
well, and they had one child. Marietta Elizabeth.
Nathaniel Bidwell, Sr., was a school teacher for
many years, but passed the major portion of his
life as a farmer in Bloomfield, and died at the age
of eighty years, a member of the Congregational
Church, of which he served for a long time as
treasurer.
HENRY Z. THOMPSON, one of the most en-
terprising and progressive general farmers and to-
bacco growers of the town of East Granby, was born
Aug. 2, 1862, on the old homestead where he still
resides. The Thompson family is an old and hon-
ored one in Hartford county, its members being
honest and industrious citizens, who have born their
part in its upbuilding and advancement.
Edn)und Thompson, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was a native of Simsbury, this county,
\\-here he engaged in farming for a number of years
after reaching man's estate, but spent the last years
of his life in Bloomfield, where he was honored and
respected by all who knew him. The grandfather,
who also bore the name of Edmund Thompson,
was born and reared in Simsbury, where in early
life he learned the trade of carriage making, which
he subsequently followed for some time in what is
now East Granby. He also became extensively
engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was a large
land owner in that section of the county. He was
a lifelong Democrat in politics, and most ably rep-
resented the town of Granby in the State Legisla-
ture. He was noted for his honesty and upright
character, was very highly respected, and made
a host of friends. He married Sophia Pinnev, a
native of what is now East Granby, and a daugh-
ter of Aaron Pinney, and to them were born three
children: Delia, wife of Warhan Griswold; Edward
P., father of our subject; and Norwood, deceased.
Edmund Thompson died April 21, 1861, his wife
on Dec. 6, 1863, and both were buried in the East
Granby cemetery. They were consistent Christians,
faithful members of the Baptist Church.
Edward P. Thompson was born Aug. 25, 1819,
and began his education in the district schools of
Granby town, later attending the schools of Hart-
ford and Westfield, and the Suffield Institute. Thus
he became a well-educated man, and by subse-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. '
1191
quent reading and observation kept well in-
' formed on the leading questions and issues of the
' day. With his father he learned carriage mak-
ing, and carried on that business for many
years, meeting with marked success. He also oper-
ated the old home farm, on which he made ' ex-
tensive improvements, including the erection of a
fine residence, good tobacco sheds, barns, etc. He
was one of the first tobacco growers in his section
of the county, and in that undertaking was also
successful. In September, 1841, Mr. Thompson
wedded Miss Mary G. Holcomb, a daughter of
Fratus Holcomb, and to them was born one daugh-
ter, Nancy, now the wife of Judge Martin H.
Smith, of Sufheld, Conn. The wife and mothes
died Jan. 13, 1843, '^'''d was buried in East Granby.
In October, 1843, ■'^'I'"- Thompson was again mar-
ried, his second union being with Miss Mary J.
Case, a native of Simsbury, now Bloomfield, who
was one of a family of nine children born to Zelah
and Jennette (Benton) Case. There were five chil-
dren by the second marriage: Norwood and Jose-
phine, who both died young; Katie M., widow of
M. H. Sanford, of Tariffville ; Delia S., wife of
William W. M. Ward, now of Denver, Colo. ; and
Henry Z., our subject. The father died on the old
homestead June 22, 1880, and was buried in East
Granby cemetery. He was an ardent supporter of
the Democratic party, but never an aspirant for po-
litical honors. He was, however, one of the fore-
most men of East Granby, was public-spirited and
enterprising, and was widely and favorably known.
Religiously he was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church, to which the mother also belonged.
She was a true and earnest Christian woman, much
respected by all who knew her ; she died Jan. i,
1899, at the home of her son, Henry Z.
After attending the public schools of East Gran-
by for some time Henry Z. Thompson became a
student in the Hartford grammar school, and com-
pleted his education at Suffield Institute. His en-
tire life has been devoted to farming and tobacco
culture, and since his father's death he has most
successfully managed the old homestead. In 1886
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary S. Rose,
a native of West Suffield, and a daughter of Morti-
mer and Lucy Ann (Sheldon) Rose. In his re-
ligious views Mr. Thompson is liberal, and in his
social relations is a member of the Grange. Like
his ancestors, he is a stalwart supporter of the
men and measures of the Democracy, but he has
never sought political preferment, though he takes
an active interest in the success of his party and
does all in his power to advance its interests. He
is quite popular in both social and business circles,
and has many warm friends in the community
where he is so well known.
ALFRED DRIEU, who holds the responsible
position of superintedent of what is known as the
old Tunxis Mill of Poquonock, is a worthy illus-
tration of what may be accomplished by a young
man if he be sober, reliable and industrious, even
though he is in a strange country and unfamiliar
with the language and customs of the people.
Mr. Drieu was born in Roubaix, Nord, France,
March 22, 1854, a son of Louis and Adelaide Drieu,
in whose familv were ten children. He attended
the schools of his native land, such as his parents'
limited means permitted, and they offered him bet-
ter advantages, but his ambition did not lie along
the line of study. At an early age he manifested
a fondness for machinery, displaying an aptness for
anything in the mechanical line, and he learned the
machinist's trade during his youth. He concluded
to come to America, but, being the only son in a
large family, this decision was not welcomed by
his parents. The promise to return soon served
to soothe the anxious mother's heart, however, and
in 1876 he sailed from Havre on the vessel "Labra-
dor."
On reaching the shores of the New World, Mr.
Drieu came at once to Poquonock and entered the
service of his present employers, with whom he
has been ever since. This fact alone is evidence of
his ability, and he is acknowledged to be one of
the most thorough business men in his line in this
section of the State. At the end of two 3^ears Mr.
Drieu returned to France on a visit, and soon after-
ward the entire family, with the assistance of our
subject, came to the United States and located in
Poquonock, where the parents still reside, the father
being overseer of a department in the mill, of which
his son is superintendent. The latter was at first
overseer in the drawing and spinning department,
but has gradually worked his way upward until he
now has entire charge of the spinning-mill of the
Health Underwear Company.
Mr. Drieu has been tvi^ice married, his first wife
being Miss Henrietta Dumont, a native of France,
by whom he had two sons : Louis, an employe in
the electric plant of the Hartford Street Railway
Co. ; and Alfred, Jr., at home. His present wife
bore the maiden name of Philomena Sagert, and
is also a native of France. To them have been
born four children : George, Rosa, Albert and
Lucy. Mr. Drieu is a Republican, and a stanch
protectionist, but takes no active part in politics
aside from voting. He has not only made his own
way in the world from boyhood, but has also been
of great assistance to his parents, and is one of the
unostentatious and reliable citizens of whom any
community might be justh^ proud.
JASON RUSHMORE VIETS is one of the
successful agriculturists of the town of East Granby,
and as a citizen is held in high esteem for his
sterling qualities of character. While he is not an
aspirant for public honors, he does not shirk any
duty involved in citizenship, and his iniluence is
readily given in support of progressive movements.
The Viets family is numerously represented in
1192
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this section, and an extended genealogy appears
elsewhere, making it unnecessary to do more than
trace briefly the line of descent from Dr. John
Viets. a pioneer settler of Simsbury, through the
intervening generations to our subject. Dr. John
Viets and" his wife Catharine had four children,
among whom was a son Henry ; Henry married
twice," and had six children, his second wife, Mar-
garet Austin, having one son, James; James mar-
ried Elizabeth Brown, and had four children, in-
cluding a son Festus, our subject's father. Festus
Viets (June 12, 1790 — Sept. 24, 1874) married
Maria Hathaway (June 24, 1802— Sept. 27, i860),
and had ten children, viz.: James Hathaway, a
resident of East (".ranby; Harriet Maria (Mrs.
Henrv Griffin) : Candace Eliza (Mrs. Linus
Hayes) ; Philo Horace ; Adaline Jael, who died in
her seventh year; Lamira Jane (Mrs. Willis L.
Hayes) ; Daniel Rcnjamin and Annis Susan, who
died voung: William Dixon, a resident of Copper
Hill ; and Jason R.
Our subject was horn Jan. 17, 1846, on the
old homestead at Copper Hill, where his early years
were spent in the helpful and wholesome activities
of farm life. At the age of eighteen he left home,
and after working for some time as a farm hand
he settled, in 1867, on his present farm of one hun-
dred acres, a portion of the Viets homestead. In
addition to general farming he has been interested
in dairying and tobacco culture, making a decided
success' of both lines of effort, and his homestead
gives evidence of judicious management. He is
public-spirited, and has been one of the active
workers in the East Granby Grange, serving most
of the time as chaplain, while he is prominent in re-
ligious work as a member of the M. E. Church at
Copper hill, in which he holds the office of steward.
Politically he is a Democrat, and his fellow citi-
zens have frequently shown their appreciation of
his ability and worth by electing him to town of-
fices, including those of assessor, member of the
school board and second selectman^ and in 1888
he was elected to represent the town in the State
Legislature. On Dec. 9, 1867, Mr. Viets married
Miss Rhoda Phelps, daughter of Apollos Phelps.
She died Sept. 14, 1874, leaving one child. Miss
Adella M., born ]\Iarch 7, 1869. On Oct. 30, 1876,
he was married, at Windsor Locks, to Miss Wil-
helmina Grohman, daughter of Peter Grohman, and
three children have been born of the union, as fol-
lows: J. Edward, Dec. 25, 1878; Lena M., Sept.
25, 1883; and P. Grohman, Dec. 6, 1897.
\A'illiam Dixon \'iets, our subject's brother, was
born -Slay 17, 1842, at the homestead, then within
the limits of Granby town. From early manhood
he has been engaged in farming at Copper Hill,
and he is one of the leading citizens of the locality,
being an influential worker in the Democratic or-
ganization. For twenty years he has been post-
master at Copper Hill, his efficiency leaving nothing
to be desired, and he takes an active interest in the
work of the Methodist Church at that village. On
Feb. 15, 1872, he married Miss Jennie M. Griffin,
who was born March 15, 1849, daughter of Lyman
Griffin, and died in 1882, her remains being interred
in Copper Hill cemetery. They have three children ;
Shermie L., born May 29, 1873, died Dec. 2, 1877;
liattie INL, born June 28, 1875, died Dec. 10, 1877;
and William L.. born Nov. 2, 1878, is at home.
The Hathaway family, to which our subject's
mother belonged, is well-known in this section. His
grandfather, Ebenezer Hathaway, was a native of
Suffield, and followed farming there for some time
previous to his removal to New York State, where
his remaining years were spent. He married
(first) Miss Mchitabel Cowdrey, and (second) a
Miss Morehouse, and had ten children, all by the
first marriage : Ebenezer, Mehitabel, Jael, Lydia,
Candace, Maria, David, Jason, William and Ardon.
GEORGE EDWIN BAISDEN, the well-known
deputy warden of the Connecticut State Prison at
\\'etliersfield, was born in the town, of Cromwell,
Middlesex Co., Conn., April 30, 1842, and is of
English descent.
James H. Baisden, his father, was born in the
Bermuda Islands, and was the son of a sea captain
who was lost at sea. He was reared in his native
land, and when a young man came to the United
States, locating first in Middletown, Conn., and
later in Cromwell, where he spent the remainder of
his life. He was a wheelwright and house builder
by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and a Bap-
tist in religious belief, and he was well liked and
respected by all with whom he came in contact.
He married Miss Marietta Savage, a native of
Cromwell, where she also died, and to them were
born eight children : James S., a carpenter of Hart-
ford; Charlotte J., who married Mandly S. Burdick,
of New Britain, foreman in the foundry some fif-
teen years; Phoebe, who married L. C. Burdick, of
Cromwell, Conn. ; Henry A., a carpenter at Meri-
den ; George Edwin ; Charles, of New Britain ;
Robert A. Saylor; and George W., a farmer of
Madison, Connecticut.
During his boyhood our subject received only
a district-school education, and most of his knowl-
edge has been acquired by reading and contact with
the world. While still young he commenced work-
ing as a farm hand, and was thus employed until
seventeen years of age, when he shipped aboard a
coasting vessel as cook. From that humble posi-
tion he was gradually promoted until he became
captain of a coaster, in which capacity he sailed
for seven years. Altogether he spent sixteen years
upon the water. He then obtained the position of
night watchman in the State prison, under Capt.
E. B. Hewes, then warden of the institution, and
was later appointed overseer in the shops, a posi-
tion he acceptably filled for fourteen years. In
1889 he was appointed deputy warden, and has filled
tj>
jCJ fj^M/)
^MyOd/yTt
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1193
that responsible position in a most creditable and
satisfactory manner ever since. He is well liked by
the officers and men imder him, who have for him
the highest respect.
At Rocky Hill Mr. Baisden married Miss Julia
E. Kelley, a native of Kent, Conn., who died leav-
ing one child, Robert, now a painter and paper
hanger of New York City. In 1883 he was again
married, in East Hartford, his second union being
with Miss Hattie L. Vibberts, a native of that place,
and a daughter of S. Nelson Vibberts. Both he
and his wife hold membership in Wethersfield
Grange, of which he is now overseer, and he also
belongs to the Order of United American Mechan-
ics. His political support is given to the Demo-
cratic party. He is a self-made man, one whose
success in life is due to his own unaided efforts,
perseverance and enterprise, and he merits and re-
ceives the confidence and high regard of his fellow
citizens and associates.
DWIGHT FRANCIS NEWTON is justly rec-
ognized as one of the most energetic and enterpris-
ing citizens of the town of Granby, where be is
now successfully carrying on operations as a gen-
eral farmer and dairyman. A man of progressive
ideas, fine attainments, high-minded, who has made
the most of his opportunities in life, he has arisen
to a foremost place among the representative citi-
zens of the community.
Mr. Newton was born in North Granby, on
the Massachusetts line, July 3, 1855, a son of Fran-
cis George and Mary E. (Cornwall) Newton. The
father was born in Manchester, Conn., Oct. 4, 1833,
and is a son of Gorden and Mary Newton, in whose
family were only two children, the other being
Chauncey, who died in 1869. Francis G. was only
two years old when he lost his mother, and he was
then taken to the home of Pholetus Cooley, a
farmer, with whom he remained until that gentle-
man's death, in the meantime attending the public
schools of Granby to a limited extent, and assist-
ing in the arduous labors of the farm from a very
early age. Later he spent two years with a son
of his foster-father, and at the age of sixteen be-
gan working as a farm hand. For six weeks he
was employed by Albert Kent, who paid him fifteen
dollars, of which sum he placed ten dollars in a
bank, and during the two years he worked as a
farm laborer in Hartford county he managed to
save ninety dollars. Going to New Yory City, he
then shipped as a sailor on a three-deck merchant
vessel carrying cotton from Mobile, Ala., to Liver-
pool, England. While in the South he contracted
smallpox, and it required all the money he had
saved to pay his expenses while ill. After two
years spent at sea he returned to Granby, and
learned the trade of a whip lash cutter with a Mr.
Holcomb, with whom be remained two years, and
later, in partnership with Anson A. Collins, he
embarked in the same business, but a year after-
ward their shop was destroyed by fire. Mr. New-
ton then rented a farm in the town of Granby, which
he operated until 1874, and from there removed
to a small farm on Granby Street, which he had
purchased two years previously from Major Malt-
bie. It has now been his home for a quarter of
a century, during which time he has engaged in
general farming, dairying and poultry raising. His
love of country was manifested during the dark
days of the Civil war by his enlistment, in 1862,
at New Haven, in Company E, 13th Conn. V. I.,
under Capt. Eugene Tisdale and Col. Birge. With
his regiment he went to Ship's Island, and later to
New Orleans, where he was taken ill and confined
in St. James Hospital for several weeks. As a
passenger on an ammunition train on the railroad
he, with other volunteers, started to rejoin his com-
pany, but a bursting shell caused an explosion on
the train, and fifteen men were killed and twenty-
five wounded. He was among the latter, having
his left hip fractured by a piece of shell, which has
resulted in shortening that leg. He was again
in the hospital for a number of weeks, and was
finally mustered out of service May 12, 1863. He
is now a stanch Republican in politics, is temperate
in his habits, and is a consistent member of the
Congregational Church.
In 1854 Francis G. Newton married Miss Mary
E. Cornwall, a native of Granville, Mass., and a
daughter of Ephraim and Lucy (Collins) Corn-
wall, representatives of old and respected families
of that place. Of the five children born of this
union our subject is the eldest; Hattie A., deceased
wife of Edward Fowler ; Murray A., a conductor
residing in East Hartford, married Eliza Martin,
of Holyoke, Mass., who died leaving three chil-
dren, Ralph, Lila and Walter, and he has since
wedded Louise Silvernail ; and Elmer and George
both died young.
During his boyhood and youth Dwight F. New-
ton acquired a good English education as a student
in the public schools of Granby, the Enfield high
school and the Granby Academy. He remained on
the home farm until eighteen years of age, and
during the last two years his father paid him $100
per year for his services, this being the first money
he ever earned. At the age of nineteen he rented
a farm of sixty acres at Salmon Brook, town of
Granby, and for one year gave his attention to
general farming and tobacco culture. In 1875 he
entered the cutlery factory of Mr. Maltbie, at Gran-
by, as an apprentice, and after spending two years
there he, at the age of twenty-three, obtained the
position of superintendent at the cutlery factory of
Lockwood & McCIintic, in Holyoke, Mass., for
seven years filling that position of trust and re-
sponsibility to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Returning to Granby township, he rented the Wil-
bur Holcomb farm for one year, the Allen Holcomb
farm for two years, and the farm of the late Chaun-
cey Holcomb for two years. During that time, by
1194
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hard work and economical habits, he managed to
save some money, and in 1888 purchased what was
known as the Wallace Kendall farm, of one hundred
acres, upon which he has made many substantial
improvements. He has also added a tract of sixty-
five acres to the place. He is interested in stock
raising and dairying, having a fine herd of cows
U]30n his place, and is a stockhohler in and agent
for the Granby Creamery. He is a practical farm-
er, enterprising and iirogressive, and as a citizen
lends his support to everv measure which he be-
lieves calculated to benefit the town or i>eople.
On Dec. 24, 1878, in Granby, Mr. Newton
was united in marriage with Miss Addie C. Ruic_,
a native of Granby, and a daughter of John W.
and Melissa L. (King) Ruic. Three children have
been born of this union : George W., born Nov.
21, 1879, was educated in the district schools and
a business college of Hartford, and is now at home;
Charles F., born June 20, 1883, is stdl in school;
and Dwight J., born Jan. 7, i8y5, is at home. Mrs.
Xewton is a lady of culture and refinement, is a
genial companion, and takes a deep interest in
everything pertaining to her husband's success and
happiness.
Mr. Xewton takes an active and prominent part
in public aft'airs, and it has ever been his aim to
conduct the business of town and county on the
same economical basis that he carries on his own
afifairs, having always at heart the public good.
In 1889 he was elected second selectman, was re-
elected in 1894, and in 1895 was elected first select-
man of Granby for a term of three years. The
duties of the office he discharged in a most credit-
able and acceptable manner, and by his prudence
and business-like tact during those three years man-
aged to place to the credit of the town over seven
hundred dollars. In the fall of 1898 he was elected,
on the Republican ticket, to the State Legislature,
and is now most ably representing the town of
Granby in that body. Honorable and upright in
all the relations of life, he has won the respect
and high regard of all who know him, and is quite
popular in business, social and political circles. So-
cially he is a member of St. Mark's Lodge, No.
91, F. & A. M., of Granby, and he and his family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
As a business man he has met with well deserved
success.
CLINTON HORATIO NELSON, one of the
best-known and most highly-respected farmers and
tobacco raisers of West Suffield, was born in that
place July 17, 1835, and is of remote English de-
scent, the Nelson family being one of the oldest in
Connecticut.
Oliver Nelson, grandfather of Clinton H., was
a native of Suffield, was the owner of large landed
estates in West Suffield, and was there extensively
engaged in stock raising and general farming. He
passed all his life on his farm, and died at the com-
paratively early age of forty-five years, a member of
the Congregational Church, and in politics a Whig.
He had married Mary King, also a member of one
of the old families of Suffield, and to this marriage
were born five children : Theodosia died at the age
of seventeen; Mary Ann, born March 29, 1801, was
married to Harmon Wheeler, and died Jan. 5, 1895 ;
Oliver M., born Dec. 1, 1805, is now living in
Broad Brook, Conn. ; Horatio King, born Oct. 8,
1808, was the father of our subject; and Albert J.,
born Dec. 9, 1810, died Jan. 28, 1888. All are now
deceased with the exception of Oliver M., who has
attained the age of ninety-four years. The ven-
erated mother of this family died on the homestead
nearly a century ago, a consistent member of the
Congregational Church, her remains being interred
in the West Suffield cemetery.
Hon. Horatio King Nelson, father of Clinton
H. Nelson, received a somewhat limited educa-
tion in the pubhc schools, but eventually becjime a
well-read man through self-application to study.
He was but thirteen years of age when he was
deprived by death of his father, and for three years
thereafter he worked on a farm for Mr. Luther
Loomis, in Suffield. At the age of sixteen he
started out on the road as a peddler of Yankee no-
tions throughout the States of Connecticut and New
York, but later devoted himself almost exclusively
to the sale of cigars. He thus passed the better part
of his life as a traveling salesman, his stretch of
territory eventually reaching to Maine. He was suc-
cessful in his line, and allowed his farm, on which
our subject now lives, to be mainly conducted by
him. He was a temperate man in all respects, was
strong and healthy, and in forty-five years was sick
two days only. He was highly esteemed in his
neighborhood, and although he never sought office
he was twice nominated, by the Republican party,
without his knowledge, as candidate for the State
Legislature, and was each time elected, and in a
strongly Democratic district. But his constituents,
of whatever party, never had cause to regret their
action in elevating him to this important and re-
sponsible office. He was originally an Old-line
Whig, but with the mutations in politics became a
member of the Republican party at its incipiency.
Horatio K. Nelson first married, in Suffield,
Nov. 13, 1834, Mary, the daughter of Joab Owen.
Miss Owen was born in Suffield, in 181^. To this
marriage were born three children, of whom ( i )
Clinton H., our subject, was the eldest. (2) The
next in order of birth was Helen M., who was mar-
ried to Charles C. Shelden, of West Suffield ; to
this marriage were born three children — Emma H.,
born Dec. 30, 1859; George A., born March 9, 1862;
and Clara M., born Aug. 8, 1864. (3) Mary L.
was first married to George L. Pomeroy, and bore
him two children — Nelson A., who was born Aug.
22, 1868, was educated at the Connecticut Literary
Institute, of Suffield, Conn., and the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and is now
1
^
X
"^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1195
a physician, practicing in Waterbury, Conn. ; the
younger, Herbert, who was born Aug. 12, 1874,
died Feb. 12, 1876. George L. Pomeroy died Jan.
5, 1875, and his widow married Arthur L. Pom-
eroy, to which union came one child. Anna Louise,
born May 28, 1880. The mother died Jan. 3, 1885.
Mrs. Mary (Owen) Nelson died March 22,
1847, a devout member of the Congregational
Church, and her remains were interred in the cem-
etery of West Suffield. On Dec. 5, 1850, Hon.
Horatio K. Nelson married Miss Martha J. Stevens,
a native of East Granbv, Hartford Co., Conn., a
daughter of Justus R. and Martha (Fuller)
Stevens,, and a granddaughter of Phineas Stevens.
To this union were born two children, Charles J.,
who died at the age of four years ; and Arabella M.,
who died when about eighteen months old. Hora-
tio King Nelson passed away Jan. 19, 1803, on his
farm in West Suffield, and his remains were in-
terred in the West Suffield cemetery, where his
grave, like his memory, is ever kept green. His
widow, a kind and intellectual lady, still resides
on the old homestead, a m&nber of the Congrega-
tional Church, and respected by all who know her.
Clinton H. Nelson was educated in the public
schools of West Suffield, at the Connecticut Literary
Institute of Suffield, and at Williston Seminary,
East Hampton, Mass., but, exclusive of his school
days, has passed all his life on the homestead, en-
gaged in agriculture. At present he operates a
tract of one hundred acres in West Suffield, where
he is engaged in tobacco growing, stock raising,
general farming and dairying, and, being thorough-
ly practical, meets with unvarying success. His
farm buildings are first-class in every particular,
he has remodeled the family dwelling, and all of his
surroundings indicate thrift and intelligent manage-
ment.
Mr. Nelson first married, at West Suffield, Miss
Cornelia E. Sheldon, a daughter of Francis Shel-
don, and Francis, the only child born to this union^
died in infancy. Mrs. Cornelia E. Nelson died on
the home farm not long afterward, and in 1873, at
Granby, Mr. Nelson married Miss Mary H. Dewey,
a native of Granby, and a daughter of William
Dewey. To this marriage have been born four
children: Howard Dewey, born April 23, 1875, died
Jan. 26. 1885; William Horatio, born Sept. 12, 1879,
attended the public schools of West Suffield, and
later entered the high school at Bristol, Conn ,
graduating in 1896, after which he entered Yale
College, from which he was graduated in June,
1900; Harold Clinton, born Feb. 19, 188.^, is a mem-
ber of the class of 1901 at the Connecticut Literary
Institute, Suffield ; and Christine Louise, born
March 11, 1885, is in the class of 1902, of the same
institution.
Aaron Dewey, grandfather of Mrs. Mary H.
Nelson, was born in Granby, Conn., in 1781. He
married Lovisa Gillett, daughter of Deacon Sam-
uel Gillett, and to this marriage were born eight
children: William, Oct. 8, 1809; Mary, April 29,
1811; Watson, Oct. 8, 1813; Wilson, July i, 1815;
Willis, July I, 1817; Susan, Jan. 22, 1819; Laura
S., Aug. 9, 182 1 ; and Wayne, March 7, 1823.
Hon. William Dewey, the eldest of the above-
named children, was educated in the common
schools of Granby, in which town he passed the
greater part of his life engaged in agriculture and
stock raising. In politics he was first a Whig, later
a Republican, and in 1867 represented his district
in the State Legislature. On Nov. 30, 1837, he
married Eunice, daughter of Philetus Cooley, in
Granby, and to this union were born six children:
Mary H., wife of Clinton H. Nelson ; L. Belle, who
was a teacher in the public schools, and is now
the wife of Thomas H. Patterson, of Bristol, Conn. ;
Ann Gertrude, Jane Isabella and William Jefferson,
all of whom died young ; and one that died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Eunice Dewey died Jan. 7, 1890, and
her husband passed the remaining years of his life
with his daughter, Mrs. Nelson, at whose home
he died Nov. i, 1898, in the faith of the Congre-
gational Church ; the remains of both were interred
in the Granby street cemetery.
Mrs. Mary H. Nelson is a lady of refinement,
having been educated primarily, in the public schools
of Granby, and later at the Normal school at New
Britain, and Wilbraham Academy. For eight years
prior to marriage she taught most successfully in
the public schools of Granby, Conn., in Southwick,
Mass., and Suffield. Mr. Nelson has been a lifelong
Republican, but would never accept public office. He
is genial, yet quiet and unassuming in his deport-
ment; is honest to the core, and no family in the
town of Suffield is held in higher esteem.
JOHN WESLEY RUIC, a prosperous and hon-
ored citizen of the town of Granby, whose time and
attention have been given to agricultural pursuits,
is a native of the town, born Feb. 2, 1833, and is of
Scotch-Irish descent.
Mr. Rule's paternal grandfather, Owen Ruic,
was born in Ireland, where he learned the tailor's
trade, and when a young man he crossed the At-
lantic and took up his residence in Hartford county.
Conn. The American Revolution being then in
progress, he was soon afterward arrested as a
British spy, and confined in Newgate prison. Prov-
ing his innocence, he was released, and later joined
the Colonial forces. He remained in the service until
hostilities ceased, and his discharge papers, signed
by Gen. Washington, are now in the possession of
William C. Case, a lawyer of Granby. When in-
dependence was secured he located in Granby,
where he spent the. remainder of his life, working
at his trade and also at farming, and he was num-
bered among the highly-respected citizens of the
community. He died in Granbv May 13, 1820,
aged seventy-eight years, his wife, Elizabeth, pass-
ing away on Feb. 12, 181 1, aged fifty-five years.
In their family were three children: Owen, a car-
1196
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
penter, who died in Graiiby, and was buried in
\\'est Granby cemetery ; Henry, wlio died when a
young man; and W'ilham, the father of our subject.
Wilham Ruic was born in Llranby Dec. 19,
1787, and received a common-school education.
During his younger years he worked as a laborer
among the farmers of Granby, and in this way
earned the money with which to purchase iSo acres
of land in that town, upon which farm he made his
home until called from this life. At the early age of
twelve years he began life for himself, and was
able to provide a good home for his parents during
their declining years. Upright and honorable in
all things, he commanded the respect and confidence
of all who knew him, and was well posted on the
leading events of the day, and very progressive in
his ideas. In Granby he was married, Oct. 18,
181 1, to Miss Sarah Rice, who was born April 26,
1791, a daughter of Jesse and Frances (Rathburn)
Rice, natives of Hartford county, and granddaugh-
ter of Capt. John and Deziah Rice, the former of
whom died Jan. 19, 1802. aged sixty-seven years,
the latter Feb. 24, 1821, at the age of eighty-two.
Jesse Rice passed away April 21, 1826, in his six-
tieth year, his wife, Frances, on May 21, 1849. '"
her eighty-first year. Seven children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Ruic: Elizabeth, born July 19, 1812,
was married Sept. 12, 1830, to Willis Phelps,
and died Aug. 15, 1865; Eber, born Jan. 31, 1814,
was married, May 3. 1842, to Jane Pratt, and died
Dec. 31, 1S85; Rhoda, born Sept. 10, 1815, was
married, April 29, 1838, to Chester Case, of Can-
ton, Conn., and died Feb. 12, 1889; William Orson,
born July 10, 1820, was married, July 25. 1847,
to Temperance Hutchinson, and died Dec. 28, 1891 ;
Jesse \\'ilson, born I'"eb. 22, 1824, was married,
April 13, 1853, to Marietta Beach, and died Jan.
14, 1856, in Iowa; Henry C, born April 5, 1828,
was married, Jan. 12, 1848, to Mary King, of West
Suffield, now deceased, but he is still living in
Bristol, Conn. ; and John ^^'eslev, our subject, the
youngest of the family. The father died May 21,
1864, the mother on June 6, 1870, and both were
laid to rest in Granby cemetery. They were earnest
and faithful members of the I\Iethodist Episcopal
Church, in which he served as steward. Politically
he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and most
faithfully and acceptably represented Granby town
in the State Legislature.
John W. Ruic received a good practical educa-
tion in the public schools of Granby and the acad-
emies of Granby and Wilbraham, Mass. He early
acquired an excellent knowledge of the farm work,
and on leaving home, at the age of seventeen, he
worked as a farm hand for six years, receiving
about $125 a year for his services. For several
years he was thus employed, and at the age of
twentj-four he was the proud possessor of one
thousand dollars, which he had saved from his
earnings. He then returned to his home farm to
take care of his parents in their old age, and after
the mother's death continued to carry on the place
for a time, but finally sold it and removed to Bushy
Hill, where he purchased the Dewey farm of ninety-
six acres, owned at that time by a Mr. Miller. He
successfully engaged in its operation, in connec-
tion with general farming engaging in dairying and
tobacco culture until the spring of 1899, when he
sold his farm, and now lives retired in Granby.
On Nov. 26, 1857, in West Suffield, Mr. Ruic
was united in marriage with Miss Melissa L. King,
who was born there Oct. 7, 1838, a daughter of
Artemus and Sophia (Granger) King. Three chil-
dren were born of this union: (i) Adelaide C,
born Aug. 10, 1858, is now the wife of Dwight
F Newton, of Granby. (2) Edward W., born
Dec. 7, 1861, died Oct. 2, 1862. (3) Charles W.,
born Dec. 19, 1864, attended the public schools,
the Suffield Literary Institute, and William College,
W'illiamstown, Mass., and after graduating from
the last named engaged in teaching school for sev-
eral years. He then studied law with George Taft,
and was admitted to the Bar in 1894. He was
married, Dec. 20, 1890; to Miss Sarah Lasher, and
they have one child, Kenneth Irvin, born Oct. 11,
1895. Our subject's first wife died May 5, 1877,
and was buried in Granby cemetery. He was again
married, July 2, 1881, his second union being with
Miss Susan E. Shepard, who was born Dec. 29,
1838, at Bark Hamsted, Conn., a daughter of Joseph
and Deidamia (Wilder) Shepard, the former now
deceased, the latter still a resident of Bark Ham-
sted.
The Republican party has always found in Mr.
Ruic a stanch supporter of its principles, and in
1884 he was chosen by the people to represent the
town of Granby in the State Legislature, which he
did in a most creditable manner. He has also
served as selectman for four consecutive terms, has
been assessor of the town, member of the board of
relief, and also a member of the school board, and
his public duties have always been most faithfully
and conscientiously discharged. He is one of the
oldest and most honored members of St. Mark's
Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., and attends the services
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He can look
back with pride over a well-spent life, in which he
has gained for himself a comfortable competence,
and won the esteem of his fellow citizens by his
straightforward course and honorable dealings.
MARCUS EUGENE JACOBS has long been
conspicuously and successfully identified with brick
manufacturing at Berlin and other points, and is one
of the respected, solid and influential citizens of the
town. In his veins flows an admixture of the "blue
blood" of England and that of the North American
aborigines, who, as has been sententiously and truth-
fully said, are the "only real aristocrats of the west-
ern hemisphere."
The first English progenitors of this family to
emigrate from the Old World to tho New were
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1197
three brothers, who settled on Long Island, from
one of whom Mr. Jacobs traces his lineage. His
great-great-great-grandfather, whose baptismal
name was Bartholomew, married J\Iercy Barnes,
Dec. 20, 1666. Forty-one years later, in April,
1707, Bartholomew's son, Thomas, was united to
Jemima Tuttle. From their union was born Stephen
Jacobs, the great-grandfather of Marcus E. He
married Hannah Dayton Jan. 11, 1738, and was the
father of a son christened Thomas. He, in turn,
married Marv (familiarly known as Polly) Cooper.
They were the parents of Washington Jacobs (and
the name of their son attests their loyalty to the
cause of .the Colonists during the struggle of the
Revolution), the father of the gentleman who is
the subject of this brief sketch. Washington
Jacobs was born in North Haven, and was a farmer
and extensive land owner. On Dec. 24, 1800, he
married Mary, a daughter of Lemuel and Mary
(Cooper) ]\lansfield, and he died when his son,
IMarcus Eugene, had reached the age of sis months.
Marcus E. Jacobs was one of a family of five
children. His father's farm of one hundred acres
was sold when he was about three years old, and
his boyhood was passed at the residence of his
grandparents in North Flaven, much after the man-
ner of most Yankee boys who have left their im-
press on the business and political world. Li winter
he attended school at North Haven, and in summer
worked upon a farm. He realized, however, early
in life, that his future must depend chiefly upon his
own effort and industry. His natural inclination
was for brickmaking, perhaps because even at that
€a!rly age the symmetrical lines and rectangular cor-
ners appealed to some latent instinct which was
destined to be more fully developed in later life. By
the time he was sixteen vears old he had attained
such proficiency in his chosen pursuit that Mans-
field, W'arren & Stiles gave him the superintendency
of their two yards. From that time forward he has
never severed his connection with this great indus-
try, so indissolubly connected with the foundation
and prosperity of the building trades. He remained
in the employ of the firm named for ten years, fill-
ing the position of manager during the last two or
three years of such employment. At the end of
this period, in connection with Frederick Bishop,
he purchased the yards of Loyal Ives. At the end
of three years Mr. Jacobs sold his interest in the
business to Mr. Bishop, and formed a partnership
with George Ives, at Hamden. This partnership
also lasted for three years, when Mr. Jacobs again
disposed of his interest to his partner. The next
year he spent as superintendent and manager of the
Lloulthrop yards, in New Britain, and during the
two following years he filled a similar post in the
manufactory of Caleb Johnson, at New Field. From
that point he removed to Berlin, where he entered
into a contract with Frederick Stiles to manufacture
brick by the thousand. Mr. Stiles sold a half-in-
terest in the works to C. P. Merwin, and Mr. Jacobs
was placed in charge. After a year thus passed he
went to North Haven, where he manufactured
brick at an agreed price per thousand for Frank
Stiles, for twelve months, when he and Mr. Stiles
formed a co-partnership. Their business connec-
tion lasted for two years, when Mr. Jacobs once
more sold his interest to his partner, and the firm
was dissolved. Returning to Berlin, he formed a
partnership with George R. Pierpont, under the
style of the Berlin Brick Co., and after two years
bought out Mr. Pierpont, for the last decade con-
ducting the business alone. The capacity of his
works is from seven million to eight million brick
per annum, and he employs from forty to sixty men.
In addition to attending to this extensive business
Mr. Jacobs is first vice-president and treasurer of the
Berlin Wheel Co., which employs from forty to
sixty men, and in which he is the heaviest stock-
holder. It was through his efforts that the plant
was established at Berlin, in May, 1899.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Jacobs purchased property on
Worthington avenue, in Berlin, on which he has
built a handsome home. He has been twice mar-
ried. His first wife, to whom he was united in
1861, was Miss Sarah Riggs, by whom he had one
daughter, Mary Delphine, born Sept. 16, 1869. On
her twenty-first birthday she became the wife of
Clinton Woods, who was born March 16, 1866, and
is connected with the Berlin Brick Co. Mr. and
Mrs. Woods have five children, Harold Eugene,
born Oct. 6, 1891 ; Earl Jacobs, March 17, 1893';
Marcus and Merton (twins), Jan. 8, 1896; and
Pearl Adeline, May 12, 1898. After the death of
his first wife Mr. Jacobs, on June 29, 1877, mar-
ried Miss Mary Maria Palmer, who was born at
North Haven June 3, 1852, a daughter of Jasper
E. and Delia Ann (Riggs) Palmer, her father be-
ing a farmer. To this second marriage has also
come one daughter, Vivian Irene, born Jan. 28,
1886, at North Haven. She is a pupil at the Worth-
ington private school.
Mr. Jacobs is a Republican in politics, and
earnest in his convictions, nor does this seem strange
when it is added that his father was a Whig. His
inclination is averse to holding office, yet he has been
repeatedly urged to become a candidate for various
positions of public trust and responsibility, and in
1896 was nominated for the Legislature in the most
largely attended Republican caucus ever held in
Berlin, by a vote of two to one over his opponent,
Daniel Webster. In 1900 he was elected by a large
majority to represent the town of Berlin in the Gen-
eral Assembly of the State, and, owing to his deep
interest in and personal knowledge of the industrial
interests of the State, has been made a member of
the Manufacturing committee. Socially he is a
member of the Grange, a Master Mason, and a
member of Pequot Council, No. 24, O. tJ. A. M.
Mrs. Jacobs and her daughter are members of
the Congregational Church, and while Mr. Jacobs
himself is not affiliated with any religious body he
1198
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a most liberal contributor to the cause of religion
and to every charitable work. His philanthropy is
as Inroad and spontaneous as it is genuine and un-
ostentatious, and in all enterprises looking to the
public welfare he takes a deep interest, being always
ready to contribute generouslv of effort, time and
money.
Such a career as that of Mr. Jacobs is well worth
the attentive study of every young man who hopes
to attain success. While all cannot be endowed
with the keen intellect, the shrewd business sense
and the sound judgment which have been among
his prominent characteristics from early childhood,
there have been other operative caus'es for his
achievements which may be said to be measurably
within the reach of all. He has never sought to
avoid work: and, while he has never courted re-
sponsibilities, he has manfullv faced them as thev
have presented themselves. While keen in his per-
ceptions, and ever quick to detect dissimulation, he
has been always charitable toward human imperfec-
tions, and generous, even to his own hurt. It is no
cause for surprise tliat his fellow townsmen vield
him a full meed of honor and respect.
PATRICK COXXOR, one of the oldest paper
workers now emploved in any of the mills in the
vicnnty of Hartford, is a resident of Poquonock,
and works at his trade in the Rainbow Paper Mill.'
He was born in n.ublin, Ireland. March 15. 1829,
a son of John and Julia (.Moran) Connor, who
spent their entire lives in that countrv. The father
was a successful contractor and became quite well-
to-do. Of his nine children onlv two came to the
United States: Patrick, the subject of this review;
and Miss Lizzie, residing in Hartford.
The early educational privileges of Mr. Connor
were such as the public schools' of his native land
afforded at that time, during his vouth working
for his father. Later he found emplovment in the
iron mines: but wages being low. he, 'in 1862, de-
cided to come to America. He sailed from Dublin
to Liverpool, and at die ktter place took passage
on the sailing vessel "Ascott," which was seven
weeks and three days in reaching the harbor of
X^ew York. His future wife made' one of the party
to which he belonged, and both proceeded at once
to Hartford county, as she had relatives living in
Rainbow. Our subject obtained work as a farm
hand Avith James Alderman, in East Granbv, and
in that way obtained a start in the X'ew World.
At Rainbow, Aug. 31, 1862. J\lr. Connor was
united in marriage with Miss Helen ^^'right. who
was born in County Dublin, Ireland, in 1828, a
daughter of Thomas Wright. Thev began their
domestic life in Rainbow, and their little home was
furnished with only what was absolutely necessary.
Soon after his marriage our subject obtained em-
ployment in what is now the Hartford Paper Mills,
at Rainbow, but two years later resumed farming.
Subsequently he worked for five years in the
Springfield Paper ^lill at Rainbow, at the end of
that time removing to Luzerne county, Penn., where
he was employed in a coal mine for a few months ;
but not liking the work, he returned to Connecti-
cut and again entered the paper mills, being identi-
fied with that industry continuously since. He
worked in the mill at Windsor Locks for a time,
and is now with the Rainbow Paper Mill at Rain-
bow. Almost his entire life has been devoted to
the manufacture of paper, and from the lowest po-
sition he has worked his way steadily upward until
he is now a skilled workman. He has resided
in Poquonock since 1889, and in 1890 bought his
present farm, which is operated by his son while he
retains his position in the mill.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Connor were
as follows: Katy, now the wife of John Dynon,
of Poquonock; Juila and Mary, who both died at
the age of twenty-four years ; Lizzie, who died
at the age of twenty; John, a papermaker of Rain-
bow, who is married and has three children, Nellie,
Lizzie and John : Maggie, who died at the age of
twenty-three years ; and Thomas F., who carries
on the home farm for his father.
I\[r. Connor is not identified with any political
organization, but votes for whom he believes ta
be the best man, and supported McKinley at the
last Presidential election. He and his family are
prominent members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church-
at Poquonock, and he suggested the name for the
parish. From boyhood he has been honest, indus-
trious and energetic, and the success that has come
to him is certainly well deserved. At one time he
was so unfortunate as to lost $500 in wages due
him, but in the main he has prospered and has al-
ways paid dollar for dollar. He has been ably
assisted in life by the counsel and assistance of
his good wife, and they have the respect and es-
teem of all who know them. Mr. Connor is ex-
ceedingly well preserved for one that has performed
the amount of hard work that he has done, is vig-
orous and robust, and very active for one of his
years. As the result of careful reading, he is a well
informed man, and is recognized as one of the
best citizens of his community.
CHARLES HEXRY TOLLES, a prominent
and representative farmer of Southington, was born
on West street, in that town, March 13, 1S45, and
is a son of Henry and Harriet M. (Hitchcock)
Tolles.
Daniel Tolles, the paternal grandfather, was of
Scotch descent, his father being a native of Scot-
land, and an early settler of Bethany, Conn. The
father of our subject was bv occupation a farmer
and sawyer. He married Charlotte, daughter of
Alfred and Rachel (Grannis) Hitchcock, and by
that union had two children : William Frank and
Horace A. After the death of his first wife he
married her sister, Harriet M., and to them were
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1199
also born two children: Charles H. and Fred-
erick D.
Our subject was reared in Southington, which
has always been his home, and farming has been
his chief vocation. On Oct. 12, 1870, he was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Andrews, a daugh-
ter of William and Theodosia (Evans) Andrews,
of Southington, and they have a family of three
children: Olive O., Marshall H. and Louis G.
Fraternally Mr. ToUes affiliates with the F. &
A. M., Friendship Lodge, No. 33, Southington,
Conn., also with the Order of United American
Mechanics, and politically is identified with the Re-
publican party. He served as deputy sheriff of the
county for two years ; for a score of years has held
the office of constable; and for eleven years he had
charge of the roads in the western part of South-
ington. His public duties have .always been most
faithfully and conscientiously discharged, and he
merits and receives the confidence and respect of
all with whom he comes in contact.
FRANK J. ALFORD, an enterprising young
agriculturist, tobacco grower and dairyman of West
Simsbury, was born in that town (then known
as Canton) Sept. 20, 1864, and is a son of Emerson
Alford, of Plainville.
Mr. Alford belongs to an old Connecticut family,
and his great-grandfather, Samuel Alford, was born
in Granby, this county, but spent most of his life
in the town of Avon, where he followed the occupa-
tion of farming, and where he served as constable
for many years. He had a family of six children,
namely: Roxie, wife of Truman Woodford;
Dorinda, wife of James Blackwell ; Lucy, wife of
Henry Humphrey; Jane, wife of Henry Stock-
bridge; Daniel M. (grandfather of our subject);
and Samuel.
Daniel M. Alford was in early manhood a
trader in the South, and lived for several years in
Virginia. Returning to Hartford county. Conn.,
he purchased a farm in Avon about 1829, and made
his home there until called from this life, in August,
1873, at the age of seventy-seven years. He mar-
ried Miss Elmira Mills, a daughter of Joel and
Anna (Russell) Mills, of Canton, this county, and
to this tmion the following children were born :
Rollin, who was killed by lightning in Illinois ;
Juliette, wife of Andrew Chidsey ; Emerson, father
of our subject; Ephraim A.; Louisa, wife of Al-
bert Andrews ; Lucy A., wife of Asa Hoskins ; Sarah
J., wife of Anthony Mallory ; and Franklin M.
Emerson Alford was born near Front Royal,
Va., Dec. 28, 1825, and was four years of age when
his parents returned to Connecticut ; he grew to
manhood in Avon, receiving a limited education in
the common schools. He remainea on his father's
farm until eighteen years of age, and then worked
as a farm hand for six months. Subsequently he
was employed as a peddler for a time, and at the
age of twenty located in Collinsville, where he
worked in an ax factory for ten years, being in-
spector in the grinding department the last five
years of the time. In i860 he purchased a farm
in Simsbury, which he successfully conducted un-
til, in 1888, he retired from active labor and moved
to New Britain. After residing there for two years
and a half he came, in 1890, to Plainville, and here
he has since made his home, living a retired life.
On April 23, 1851, Emerson Alford was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Pratt, a daughter
of Jeremiah and Celia (Merriman) Pratt, of Green-
field, Mass., and to them were born five children,
namely: Clara J.; Ephraim B., deceased; Ralph
E. ; Frank J., more fully referred to farther on ;
and Leon P. Mr. Alford is one of the leading
and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Plainville, and is now president of its
board of trustees. He is a stalwart supporter of
the Democratic party, and represented Simsbury
in the State Legislature in 1886-87. After a use-
ful and honorable career, he can well afford to lay
aside business cares and live in ease and retirement.
Frank J. Alford, our subject, received an ex-
cellent education in his younger days, beginning in
the district schools of West Simsbury, whence he
went to the Wilbraham Academy (Hampden coun-
ty, Mass.), and finally graduated from the East-
man Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in
1887. His first business experience was as a clerk
in a variety store at Winsted, Conn., for six months,
when he returned to his father's farm in West Sims-
bury, on which he was born. In 1888 his father re-
tired to Plainville, and young Frank took charge
of the farm of 275 acres, since when he has been
extensively engaged in tobacco growing, as well
as general farming, and he also conducts one of
the largest dairies in the town. His success in man-
aging these extensive industries has been a subject
of general commendation among his neighbors, and
everything went on smoothly with him for about
five years, when, in 1893, the old dwelling house,
in which he was born, was destroyed by fire. By
1897 Mr. Alford had completed a new dwelling
of modern architecture, containing all the latest
conveniences, and commanding a beautiful view.
Mr. Alford raises about five acres of tobacco yearly,
and has built a substantial shed for curing, etc.,
98x30 feet ; this crop invariably brings the highest
market price.
In May, 1888, Mr. Alford was united in mar-
riage, at West Simsbury, with Miss Flora Hol-
comb, a native of the village, and a daughter of
Chauncey D. Holcomb, one of West Simsbury's
most respected citizens. Of this marriage one child,
Stuart Emerson, born in 1897, is the sole offspring.
Mr. and Mrs. Alford are members of the North
Canton M. E. Church, and fraternally he is a mem-
ber of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M., at
Simsbury; he has also been a member of the
Grange. In politics he is a Democrat, and has
held the office of assessor of Simsbury five years.
1200
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHARLES H. FAULKNER possesses that
versatility of character which adapts itself readily
to the changing circumstances of the material
world, and that singleness of purpose and unfail-
ing energy which, combined with the above trait,
almost insure a successful career. Those men
achieve most who begin life at the bottom of the lad-
der, and in this class must be included Charles H.
Faulkner.
Mr. Faulkner's father, John Faulkner, a gar-
dener of County Leitrim, Ireland, left his native
land during the distressful times that followed the
great famine. He was born about 1816, and crossed
the oceain in 1848. After living for a short time
in \'ermont, he removed to Xew Haven, antl in that
vicinity followed his occupation of gardening, also
acting as sexton of the Catholic cemetery and of
Evergreen cemeter}', in New Haven, for several
years. During the early part of the Civil war he
enlisted in the 9th Conn. \'. L His wife, however,
secured his release because he had passed the age
hmit, but he enlisted again, in 1862, becoming a
member of Company \, 27th Conn. \'. L, for nine
months service. He was at Fredericksburg, and
was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville
for a period of nine days. Coming back to Xew
Haven he then continued gardening until his death,
in 1887. John Faulkner was a man of unusual
force of character. He arrived in America without
friends, and without knowledge of the customs and
manners of the people, but he was intelligent and
soon acquired a fund of practical information that
was invaluable in his new environment. In poli-
tics he was a Democrat, and he was a member of
the Catholic Church. He married Ann Dority, who
bore him the following named children : Patrick
J., who lives in New Haven; Michael C, who en-
listed during the Civil war, and is now deceased;
John W., a tinsmith of New Haven ; Mary A., wife
of James Kelly; Charles H., subject of this sketch;
Catharine, wife of Harry Deering, of Brooklyn, N.
Y. ; Nellie E., widow of Edward L. Cahill, of New
Haven, son of Col. Cahill, of the Ninth Connecti-
cut Volunteers; and Frank H., a resident of New
Haven. The mother died in 1874.
Charles H. Faulkner was born at New Haven
March 14, 1853, receiving his education there in the
Washington street school, and when he completed
the course, at the age of fourteen years, he began
life for himself as an errand boy for a merchant
tailor. Remaining in that capacity about a year he
entered the employ of Mr. Seward, in the manu-
facture of carriage hardware, and remained with
him about four and a half years. Then coming to
New Britain Mr. Faulkner was for six months an
employe of the Judd factory, on West Main street,
next entering the shops of the Stanley Rule &
Level Co., and for two years working on rules for
Mr. Thornton. He was now twent5'-two years
of age. He had had considerable experience in the
shops, and decided to assume greater responsibility,
and accordingly he took a contract for stripping
boxwood and ivory for the farmers in making the
rules. It was a fortunate acquisition, for Mr.
Faulkner made it a complete success to himself
financially. He held the contract for twenty years,
and at the expiration of that time had seven men
working for him.
Having passed the earlier part of his life in
working with dead material, Mr. Faulkner sought
a more active life among his fellow men. He wished
to deal with men, not matter. In 1894 he left the
shops where he had passed so many years and pros-
pered, and with courage opened for himself an in-
surance and real estate office, devoting especial at-
tention to real estate transactions. The new busi-
ness venture has proved eminently successful. Mr.
Faulkner has ably demonstrated the possession of
those qualities which attract and win among men.
He has also been prominent in politics, holding
allegiance to the Democratic party. In the fall of
1889 he was appointed by the selectmen town col-
lector, and for four years was annually re-appointed.
In the fall of 1894 and again in 1895 he was elected
assessor. In April, 1896, he was elected city col-
lector for two years, he and R. J. Vance being the
only candidates on the Democratic ticket who were
elected. A more remarkable political success was
scored in the spring of 1898, when he was re-elected
to the same office by a majority of thirteen votes,
being the only Democrat elected, the majorities of
the Republican candidates ranging from 200 to
800; in 1900 he was re-elected with ninety-seven
plurality. In 1874 Mr. Faulkner enlisted in Com-
pany D, First Regiment, Connecticut National
Guard. In 1877 he was elected second lieutenant,
and he resigned in 1878. In 1890 he was appointed
inspector of rifle practice under Col. Erickson, taking
the rank of captain of militia, and holding the posi-
tion for two years. He is a member of St. Mary's
Catholic Church.
^Ir. Faulkner married Margaret A. Coogan,
daughter of John Coogan, of New Britain, and to
this union have been born six children : Frank
W., Jennie C, Charles H., Jr., Agnes, Margarette
R. and Beatrice.
JOSIAH HUBBARD MERRIMAN, a lead-
ing and successful horticulturist of Southington,
was born on the farm where he now resides Dec.
15, 1834, a son of Anson and Fanny (Hubbard)
Merriman.
Anson Merriman, a progressive farmer of his
day, was born Oct. 21, 1786, and was married, Oct.
31, 1810, to Miss Jerusha, daughter of Joel Bacon,
of Westfield, Conn. By that union he had six
children : Mary M., wife of Giles O. Griswold ;
Joel B. ; Anson, Jr. ; Jerusha, wife of Wallace A.
Judd ; Lucetta, wife of Alfred Claflin ; and Lydia
B., wife of Chester Claflin. The mother of these
children died March 18, 1822, and Mr. Merriman
was again married, Sept. 18, 1822, his second union
-4AAAyPi/C^i/t<
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1201
being with Fanny Hubbard, of Sandisfield, Mass.,
by whom he also had six children : Julia ; Lewis ;
Julia (2), who first married Elisha M. Stoddard,
after his death Ira Becket, and later became the
wife of John Meserole, whom she survives ; Alfred ;
Josiah H. ; and Ann E., wife of Josiah Howell.
Chauncey Merriman, the paternal grandfather of
our subject, was married, Feb. 13, 1777, to Sarah
Ives. He was a son of John Merriman, who was
born in Wallingford, Conn., Sept. 12, 1728, and
died in Southington April 13, 1801. The father of
the latter. Rev. John Merriman, who was born
Oct. 16,, 1691, was a Baptist minister, and was
among the first to join that denomination in Wall-
ingford, in 1729. In 1738 he became pastor of the
Baptist Church at that place, and in 1750 retired
and removed to Southington, where he died Feb.
17, 1784. He was married, Feb. 24, 1726, to
Jemima Wilcox, and lived in the Marion District
of Southington. His father, John Merriman, was
born in New Haven in February, 1659, and was
married, March 28, 1683, to Hannah Lines. After
her death he was again married, Nov. 20, 1690, his
second union being with Elizabeth Peck. He was
a son of Nathaniel Merriman, a native of England,
and an early settler of New Haven. In October,
1665, he was confirmed sergeant of the New Haven
train-band by the General Court. In 1672 he re-
moved to Wallingford, and was there confirmed
lieutenant of the train-band and captain of dra-
goons of New Haven county, Nov. i, 1675. He
signed the plantation covenant at New Haven in
1639, and in 1673 was on a committee to fix the
boundary between Wallmgford and other towns, be-
ing a surveyor. He was deputy to the General Court
from Wallingford a number of times, and died there
Feb. 13, 1694, at the age of eighty years.
Our subject was reared on the old homestead in
Southington, where he lias always made his home,
though he spent several years in Illinois and Da-
kota. He has ever taken a deep interest in horti-
culture, and now has a fine peach orchard covering
sixty acres, and containing one thousand trees, and
an apple orchard — the largest in the State — of seven
hundred trees, principally of the Baldwin variety.
He has made a deep and careful study of horticult-
ure, and is thoroughly conversant with everything
^ pertaining to the business. He assisted in organiz-
ing the Connecticut Pomological Society, of which
he is now president, succeeding J. H. Hale ; he
wrote the constitution and by-laws of the New Eng-
land Tobacco Growers Association, and was its first
treasurer.
On April 22, 1859, ^I'"- Merriman was united in
marriage with Miss Anna E. Curtiss, a daughter of
Solomon and Sarah (Cook) Curtiss, of Plainville,
Conn., and to them have been born three children:
Florence E., who married Thomas Martin ; Anna
Louise; and Sarah, wife of Elijah Rogers. Only
the last named is now living. Mr. Merriman is an
active and prominent member of the First Congre-
76
gational Church of Southington, of which he is a
deacon and teacher in the Sunday-school. He also
holds membership in Friendship Lodge, No. 33,
F. & A. M.; Unity Council, No. 11, O. U. A. M.;
and Union Grange, No. 25, of which he is chaplain.
Politically he is a Republican, and gives his support
to every enterprise which he believes calculated to
advance the moral, intellectual or material welfare
of his town and county.
JOSEPH R. ENSIGN, who, since 1891, has
been identified with the Ensign, Bickford & Co., fuse
manufacturers, at Simsbury, was born in that vil-
lage Nov. 24, 1868, and is the only son of Ralph
H. and Susan (Toy) Ensign, whose biography is
given in full on another page of this volume. He
was prepared for college in the Hartford Public
High school, from which he graduated in 1885, and
then matriculated at Yale College, from which
he graduated with the class of 1889. The degree
of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by his
Alma Mater in 1891, after a year's study. In 1894
he visited Europe.
On April 5, 1894, Mr. Ensign married Miss
Mary J. Phelps, who was born in Simsbury Nov.
13, 1865, youngest daughter of Jeffery O. and Jane
(Humphrey) Phelps, of whom a full sketch is also
given elsewhere. Mrs. Ensign was educated at
Miss Haines' School, Woodside, in Hartford, and
at Miss Annie Brown's school. Fifth avenue, New
York. Mr. and Mrs. Ensign attend the Methodist
Church, and Mr. Ensign holds membership with
the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, his college so-
ciety.
HERBERT L. MILLS. Few young men have
shown as much business sagacity as this well-
known hardware dealer of New Britain, and in his
success may be seen the promise of a bright future.
As a representative of one of the leading families of
the State he ably maintains its reputation for good
citizenship, his energies being so far devoted, how-
ever, to his business interests.
Mr. Mills was born Feb. 26, 1868, in Middle-
field, Middlesex Co., Conn., son of Hon. Lyman
A. Mills, now lieutenant-governor of Connecticut.
The late Rev. Charles L. Mills, our subject's grand-
father, was for many years an honored minister of
the Congregational Church at Andover, Mass. He
married Elizabeth Lyman, sister of the late David
Lyman (president of the Air Line road), and a
descendant of a well-known family.
Hon. Lyman A. Mills was born Feb. 25, 1841,
in Middlefield, then a part of Middletown, and still
makes his home there. He received a public-school
education only, but from an early age has mani-
fested a keenness of intellect which could master
the practical problems of life unaided. As a young
man he became an official in the Metropolitan Man-
ufacturing Co., at Middlefield, not long after its
organization in i860, and from that time he has-
\-20-2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been prominent in the management of their ex-
tensive interests. Until recentl}' he was the man-
ager of the Middlefield Plant of the American
Wringer Company, and at present he has charge
of the gim-siglit business of the late William Ly-
man. He also has the care and management of
various property and estate interests, and is a di-
rector of the American Wringer Co., a trustee of
the Middletown Savings Hank, president of the
Levi E. Coe Liljrarv .Association, and holds other
positions of trust ami responsibility. He has held
important town offices by unanimous vote, and in
1895 he was a member of the State Legislature,
serving on the committee on Finance. Aside from
his other business pursuits Mr. Mills has been
widely known for thirty years as a successful
breeder of Jersey cattle, and in all the lines in
which his numerous activities have taken him he
has won an enviable name for honoralile dealings,
as well as for exceptional business capacity.
Our subject was prepared for college at the
Wilson grammar school, and Dr. Holbrook's Mili-
tary College, at Briar Cliff, below Peekskill, X.
Y. In 1887 he entered Yale College, where he re-
mained one year, taking the academic course, being
ranked throughout his stay in the first of the five
divisions into which the students were organized.
He has always been interested in athletics, and wdiile
in the preparatory schools was a member of a base-
ball nine and captain of a foot-ball team. On leav-
ing Yale, in 18S9, he became a clerk for the Orr
&■ Lockett Hardware Co., the largest retailers in
that line in Chicago, and in 1892, having gained
a thorough kno\\ledge of the business, he pur-
chased what was left of the stock of C. D. Lewis,
cf New Britain, who was then closing out. As the
business was at a very low ebb Mr. Mills had to
build it up practically from the start, but he has
succeeded in establishing a fine trade. Politically
he is a Republican, but has never been actively
interested in party managment. In 1892 he mar-
ried Miss Bessie D. Kendall, daughter of the late
J. P. Kendall, of Chicago, and one child. Cath-
erine Lyman, brightens their home. Mr. Mills is
a member of the New Britain Club, the Gentlemen's
Driving Club, and a Knight of the Ancient Essenic
Order, of Hartford.
HENRY C. GUSSAL\N. It has often been
remarked that where energy-, determination and in-
tellectual force are present, the emigrant to Amer-
ica or his sons often make strides upward in the
scale of individual influence and renown with sur-
prising rapidity.
Henry C. Gussman is a native of New Britain,
the city in which he now as a prominent lawyer
wields a potent influence, but his father came
over from the Fatherland, and in his youth our sub-
ject imbibed to a certain degree the air and spirit
of his German forefathers. The transplantation
upon American soil was stimulative, and in the
personality of Mr. Gussman has developed a char-
acter manly, aggressive, public-spirited and able, one
which needs must come to the front in American
life. Mr. Gussman adopted law as his profession.
He has signally succeeded. He has won a wide
and commanding practice. His professional edu-
cation was largely the result of his own personal
efforts. The self-reliance which he thus won has
ever since proved most helpful in his advancement.
The largeness of his views has not kept him, how-
ever, within the borders of practice only. In that
liroader field of politics and of public affairs, to
which law naturally leads, he has already become
eminent. and influential.
Mr. Gussman was born in New Britain Jan.
28, 1857, son of Frederick and Mary (Blume)
Gussman. The father was born near Hanover,
(jermany, in the year 1828. He was well educated
in his native land, and possessing a taste and a
talent for music he was educated in that profession.
Migrating to America, he located at New Britain,
where he became the leader of Gussman's band,
consisting of eighteen pieces, four of the musicians
being Gussmans, brothers of the leader. The fa-
ther of our subject was also a composer of music,
and both as teacher and composer enjoyed a wide
reputation throughout the State. He was married
in New York City to Miss Mary Blume, who was
of German extraction, her parents coming from
near Hanover. To Frederick and Mary Gussman
were born four children : Frederick, who died Jan.
6, 1895, aged forty-one years ; Louise ; Henry C,
our subject; and Edward, a clerk for D. M. Reed
& Co., of Bridgeport, Conn., who died May 5, 1898.
The father died Dec. 30, 1862.
Flenry C. Gussman received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of New Britain under
Prof. Peck. He then attended Prof. Camp's pre-
paratory school, completing the three-years' course
in two years, and graduating in 1879. In June
of that year he passed his examination for the
Scientific Department of Yale College, but remamed
out of school for one year. He then entered the
Law Department, graduating June 28, 1882. Mr.
Gussman worked his own way largely through both
preparatory school and college. With his diploma
gained, he entered the law office of Hon. Henry C.
Robinson, of Hartford, where he remained a year.
Then opening an office of his own in New Britain,
he for a year combined the duties of law practice
and reportorial work on the New Britain Herald;
abandoning journalism, he then devoted his entire
attention to the practice of law, in which he has
been the architect of his own fortune, winning no
business through partnership or influence, but by
his own individual merit. He has acquired a prac-
tice which is second to none in the city, and in his
practice he has been universally successful.
Mr. Gussman has also been active and influential
in politics as a lifelong Republican. For three
years he was assistant city clerk. In 1888 he was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1203
appointed prosecuting agent by the county commis-
sioners, liolding the office four years, or until there
was a poHtical change in the commissionership. In
1891 he was appointed clerk of the city and of the
police courts by the late Valentine B. Chamberlain,
holding the position until the death of the latter,
in 1893. For two years he was assistant city at-
torney. In 1894 he was appointed, by the city
council, city attorney and also prosecuting attorney
of the city, a position which he held for two years
at that time, and is now again filling. For four
years Mr. Gussman has served as chairman of the
Republican town committee, and by reason of his
German . influence he was largely instrumental in
changing the politics of his city.
Mr. Gussman is quite active in the social and
fraternal orders of New Britain. He is a prominent
member of Phoenix Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; a member
of the Grand Lodge, and was one of its appointive
officers under Grand Master Marigold, of Bridge-
port ; of the Daughters of Rebekah ; of Comstock
Encampment, and of the Uniformed Rank, Canton
Foster, Patriarchs Militant; he is an active mem-.
ber of the K. of P., and the Knights of Khorassan;
also of Mattabessett Tribe, Independent Order of
Red Men. He is a prominent member of the
Gentlemen's Driving & Wheel Club. In business
affiairs he is director and secretary of the New
Britain Telephone Co., and of the Hartford Chem-
ical Co. He has always taken a deep interest in
the public affairs of the city, non-political as wejl as
political, is an orator of reputation, incisive and
convincing in his public utterances, and with a
quick and mastering grasp of whatever issues come
under his notice professionally or as a citizen.
Mr. Gussman was married, Sept. 25, 1884, to
Miss Lizzie Baldwin Boardman, of Meriden, daugh-
ter of Albert R. and Ellen (Morgan) Boardman.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gussman has been born one daugh-
ter, Leah Boardman.
F. L. FORD. Sound judgment, combined with
fine ability in mechanical lines, has enabled the
subject of this biography, a well-known resident
of Windsor, to attain a substantial success in life,
and he now holds the responsible position of fore-
man of the carpenter shop of Pratt & Whitney,
in Hartford. He was born in Hartford March 25,
1857, a son of Levi and Nettie (Utley) Ford, the
former a native of New York State, the latter of
Blue Hills, Conn., and a representative of one of
the old and highly-respected families of that place.
The father was engaged in mercantile business
for many years, but is now living retired in Green-
liield, Mass. Our subject is the elder of the two
children of the family, the other being Alice, who
■died unmarried in Greenfield, Mass., May 24, 1889.
Reared in Hartford, F. L. Ford attended the
Four Corners school in that city during the winter
•season, and through the summer months assisted his
father. At the age of seventeen he commenced
learning the carpenter's trade under the direction
of F. L. Burnham, and during his apprenticeship
received his board and fifty dollars the first year,
$100 the second year, and$i50 the third year. On at-
taining his majority he was a full-fledged mechanic,
but as times were hard and the best joiners re-
ceived only one dollar and a half per day he con-
cluded to seek other employment, and for one year
htld a position in a sewing-machine shop in Or-
ange, Mass. From there he went to Brightwood,
Mass., near Springfield, and was engaged m build-
ing passenger cars for a short time, after which he
returned to Hartford, and for some time worked
for Mail Bros., contractors, t^or over ten years
he has now been with Pratt & Whitney, which is
in itself evidence of his mechanical skill and trust-
worthiness. He was assistant foreman for some
time, and was then promoted to the position of
foreman, which he is now so capably and satis-
factorily filling. In 1889 he built his present ex-
cellent home at the corner of Bloomfield avenue
and Spring street, Windsor, and he has also erected
a house on Loomis avenue and another on Brown
street, which he rents.
On April 30, 1889,^ in the Fourth Congrega-
tional Church, Hartford, Mr. Ford was united in
marriage with Miss Matilda Schaal, a daughter of
Carl and Matilda Louisa (Doebel) Schaal. Her fa-
ther came to the United States in 1869, and now lives
in Portland, Conn. Mrs. Ford was born in Witten-
berg, Germany, Nov. 6, 1868, and on Aug. 12,
1883, started alone for America on the steamer
"Moesel," which sailed from Bremen, but was
wrecked on icebergs after being out only a few
days, and broke to pieces. Over 450 lives were lost,
but Mrs. Ford and her traveling companion, a
girl friend, were rescued, and taken back to Eng-
land in a row-boat. Over two days were spent
in that little craft before they were safely landed
on the coast of England. They were then taken to
Liverpool, and on the steamer "Hermann" pro-
ceeded to Baltimore, which they reached Sept. 15.
They went to New York by a special train, which
was wrecked, forty-five persons being killed. This
was indeed a thrilling experience for Mrs. Ford,
and one which she will always remember. Until
her marriage she supported herself, and she has
proved an excellent wife and faithful helpmeet to
our subject. They have an interesting family of
three children : Alice M., Frederick L. and Ernest
A. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are both earnest members
of the Congregational Church, and are held in high
regard by all who know them. He is a regular
voter, and a supporter of the Republican party.
Industrious, enterprising and energetic, his success
in life is all due to his own well-directed efforts and
the assistance of his wife.
ARTHUR EDWIN COLVIN, a prominent
citizen of Hazardville, was born in that village Jan.
27, 1850, a son of William and Charlotte (Rose);
1204
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Colvin, who emigrated from Hounslow, England, to
America in 1846, and settled in Hazardville, Conn.,
where the father was for twelve years foreman of
the "black hands" department of the Hazard Powder
Co. He was killed by an explosion in the mills
Sept. 13, 1858. His children, eight in number,
were as follows : William S., who is president of
the Hazard Powder Co.; Frederick J.; Eliza J.,
Mrs. William Northrop; Annie M., Mrs. George
Smith ; Arthur E. ; Adeline R., Mrs. George Lough-
lin; Emma R., Mrs. Albert Prentice; and Henry A.
Arthur Edwin Colvin, our subject, was reared
to manhood in Hazardville, where he has always
since resided. He received a limited education in
the common schools, for at the early age of eleven
years he began his business career in the joiner shop
of the Plazard Powder Co. For several years he
was in the packing and canister departments, and
since 1873 has held the responsible position of ship-
ping clerk for the company, with the exception of
two years, having been in the employ of the Powder
Company since 1861.
Mr. Colvin was married on Nov. 3, 1873, to
Louise J., daughter of Willis and Catherine (Rib-
bles) Hare, of Hazardville, and they have four chil-
dren: Clifford W., Arthur W., Edward R., and
Rena M. Mr. Colvin is a leading member of the
M. E. Church of Hazardville, and is one of the trus-
tees of same, and is a member of the Sunday school.
Politically he is a Republican.
LUCIUS SAAIUEL BISHOP ranks high
among the wealthiest and most honored citizens of
Avon town, Hartford county, and though he has
lived partially retired for the past fifteen years he
still takes an active part in the business life of this
section, attending personally to the management of
his large interests. The Bishop family is one of the
oldest in the countv, and its members have ahvays
been classed among the most intelligent and re-
spected citizens, taking an active and honorable part
in local public affairs, and making an unblemished
record as a business man of integrity and unques-
tioned ability.
Our subject comes of good old Revolutionary
stock, being a grandson of Thomas F. Bishop, who
was a lifelong resident of Farmington, now Avon
town. When but fifteen years old he entered the
service of his country as a soldier in the Revolu-
tion, serving for three years in that struggle, and
he took part in the siege of Cornwallis at York-
town. Thomas F. Bishop was a large land owner,
and engaged extensively in dairy farming and stock
raising, which he followed principally all his life.'
He was a strong Whig in political sentiment, and
though he never sought or held office he wielded a
marked influence for good in his neighborhood as
a citizen whose opinion was highly valued. He
always commanded deep respect wherever he was
known, and bore a high reputation for honor and
integrity in all his dealings with his fellowmen.
Mr. Bishop was married, in Avon, to Miss Lucy
Foot, and they became the parents of eleven chil-
dren, namely: Stella, who married Chester Wood-
ford ; Benjamin, who married Betsey Woodford ;
Delia, who became the wife of George Woodford ;
Samuel, father of our subject; Jacob, who married
Diana Frisby; Jeffrey; Lucy, wife of Hiram An-
drews; Thomas N., who married Sally Andrews;
Geder Pitt; Adeline, who married Albert Bissell;
and Joseph, who married Zerviah Woodford. The
parents of this family both passed away in 1851,
the father at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years,
and their remains rest in Cider Brook cemetery.
In religious connection they were members of the
Congregational Church, and they took a zealous in-
terest in the advancement of the Kingdom and all
religious enterprises.
Samuel Bishop was born March 20, 1797, on
the old Bishop homestead, and received his ed-
ucation in the district schools of Avon town. He
grew to manhood on the farm of his uncle, Samuel
Bishop, and after his death became the owner of the
place, purchasing part of the property, where he
made his home until his removal to Avon Center
in 1868. He made numerous improvements on
the farm after it came into his possession, and was
successfully engaged in general agriculture, dairy-
ing, stock raising and tobacco culture. He was.
prominent in the public as well as the business life
of the town, held the office of selectman and various
other positions of trust in the locality, and in 1836,
and once afterward, represented Avon in the State
Legislature, distinguishing himself in every incum-
bency for trustworthiness and capacity of a high
order. No citizen in this region was held in higher
esteem or commanded a greater degree of respect
from the community in general, and his high char-
' acter and consistent moral life gave him a strong
influence among his townsmen, which was always ex-
erted for the public good. Originally a Whig in
political affiliation, he became a Republican when
the party changed, and was a stanch supporter of
the principles of the organization. His life was
an exemplary one in every respect, and he sus-
tained the reputation which has always been borne
by the members of this family for good citizenship
and uprightness. Mr. Bishop was married, in Avon,
to Miss Minerva Woodford, who was born April
20, 1798, in that town, a daughter of Selah and
Sarah (Hutchinson) Woodford, and six children
were born to this union : Julia Ann, who became
the wife of Charles A. Stowe, of Avon ; Lucius S. ;
Sarah M., widow of Daniel A. Miller, living in
Bristol ; Daniel Franklin, deceased ; Fitch Leverett ;
and Mary E., widow of George Phelps, of Avon.
The father of this family passed away March 25,
1879, at Avon Center, where he always lived after
his removal from the farm. The mother followed
him to the grave March 123, 1884, and they sleep
their last sleep in Avon cemetery. She was a
good Christian woman, devoted to her home and
^/-^<^^J^t^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1205
family, and with her husband was active in the
work of the Congregational Church, of which they
were members for years. He held the office of
deacon.
Lucius S. Bishop was born Oct. 22, 1822, at
the old Bishop homestead in Cider Brook, and dur-
ing his boyhood and youth attended the district
and high schools of Avon and West Avon, enjoy-
ing good educational advantages. He was reared
to farming pursuits, obtaining his first knowledge
of agriculture under his father's tuition, and when
old enough hiring out to neighboring farmers un-
til 1849,, when he engaged in that calling on his
own account. He acquired a part of the Joseph
Bishop farm on Cider brook, and he continued to
occupy that place until 1884, meanwhile enlarging
operations until he found himself extensively en-
gaged in tobacco raising, and dealing in dairy stock,
in addition to general agricultural pursuits. During
those years he was a tireless worker, and his well-
directed industry, combined with habits of thrift,
economy and good judgment in investing his
means, brought liim in time a handsome fortune.
Mr. Bishop deserves to be called a self-made man,
and he. is a citizen of. whom Avon may well be
proud, for he has advanced to a high standing
among her foremost business men by dint of hard
work and unceasing effort, and occupies a sub-
stantial position among the eminently successful men
ot Hartford county.
In 1884 Mr. Bishop abandoned active work and
purchased the home in Avon Center where he has
ever since resided, devoting his time and attention
to the management of his numerous interests. . He
is conservative in financial matters, and enjoys the
reputation of being a business man of unquestioned
ability, foresight and the highest integrity. He is
genial in disposition, and temperate in his habits,
in this respect resembling all the members of the
Bishop family, who have always been noted for
sociability and high moral worth in the county
with whose interests they have so long been identi-
fied. Our subject's success is indeed remarkable,
for he has risen from the bottom round of the lad-
der to an enviable position in business circles, and
his life is an example to any who complain of lack
of principal with which to commence operations,
for his only capital was his knowledge of farm
work and a pair of willing hands, coupled with
perseverance and a determination which never
yielded to misfortune. Mr. Bishop has always at-
tended closely to his private affairs, and has taken
little interest in public affairs beyond casting his
vote and giving a public-spirited support to matters
relating to the improvement or general welfare of
his town. He was originally a Whig in political
sentiment, casting his first Presidential vote for
Henry Clay in 1844, and when the party merged
into the Republican organization he gave his sup-
port to the candidates of same, voting for Mc-
Kinley in 1896. He is liberal in religious opinion,
and supports no particular denomination.
In December, 1849, i" Avon, Mr. Bishop was
married to Miss Sarah A. Woodford, a native of
that town, born in 18 19, daughter of Chester and
sister of Chester R. Woodford. She was an in-
telligent and highly-respected woman, a devout
member of the Congregational Church, and lived
a consistent Christian life, and her death, which
occurred June 8, 1887, was widely mourned through-
out Avon town.- She was laid to rest in Avon cem-
etery. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop had two children —
Steward S., who now conducts the home farm, and
Stella M., who lives with her father. The son mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Leggett, and they have had a
family of five children : Frank, Bertie (who died
young), Florence Elizabeth, Stella M. and Sarah
Viola.
JOHN RICHARDSON BROWN, superintend-
ent of Gordon Brothers Mills, at Hazardville, was
born Jan. 30, 1858, in Selkirk, Scotland, a son of
Joseph and Helen (Richardson) Brown.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
John and Margaret (Roberts) Brown, the former a
wool-spinner by trade. She was a sister of the
founder of the celebrated firm of George Roberts &
Co., manufacturers of Scotch tweeds. Mr. Brown's
maternal grandparents, James and Agnes Richard-
son, were farming people near Selkirk, occupying
the historic residence at Foulshiels, where Mungo
Park, the celebrated African traveler, was born.
Joseph Brown, father of our subject, a clergyman
of the Presbyterian Church, came to America in
1 88 1, and is now a Synodical missionary of the
State of Wisconsin, having charge of the missionary
work in that State.
John Richardson Brown was reared in his native
town, and received a high-school education, gradu-
ating in 1 87 1. He then entered a wool store, learned
the wool business, and passed a term of service, be-
ing also engaged in the carding department. In
1879 he came to America and located in Philadel-
phia, where he was employed as second hand in the
woolen factory of James Dalton & Brother, serving
them in that capacity two years, and was also for
two years employed in a similar capacity with H. B.
Rinehart, of the same city. Mr. Brown later took
charge of the carding and spinning in the German-
town (Penn.) Hosiery Mills (Conyers, Button &
Co.), left them to superintend the George Stead
Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of woolen yarns,
and in 1886 located at Hazardville, Hartford Co.,
Conn., where he has since held his present position
with Gordon Brothers.
On Dec. 28, 1877, Mr. Brown married Robina,
daughter of George and Margaret (Sanderson)
Douglas, of Selkirk, Scotland. She has borne him
six children : Margaret, Helen, Joseph, Ruby, Mabel
and Agnes. In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican.
He is an adherent of the M. E. Church, and among
1206
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fraternal orders is an active member of Doric Lodge,
No. 94, F. & A. M., and Washington Chapier, ^o.
30, R. A. iM.
S. JOHN AIILLS, a prominent farmer and
brick manufacturer, town of Windsor, was born
there March 6, 1824, a son of Samuel W. and Can-
dace (Allynj Mills, the latter of whom was born
in the house where our subject now lives.
Deacon Elijah and Hulda (Drake) Mills, his
paternal grandparents, had a family of eight chil-
dren : Oliver, who was killed in boyhood by the
kick of a horse, while leading it from the stable ;
Alathina, who married Frederick Mills, of Bloom-
field, Conn., and died in the Black river country,
N. Y. ; Hulda, who married (first) Horace Turner,
of Hartford, and (second) Roswell Marsh, of New
Hartford; Samuel W., father of our subject; Laura,
who married Ebenezer Lattimer, a Alethodist Epis-
copal minister ; Oliver W., who is represented else-
where ; Timothy D., a very ingenious man and nat-
ural mechanic, who lived in Windsor; and Julia, who
married (first) Trumbull Hubbard and (second)
Henry Goodwin, and died in Hartford. Deacon Mills
was a farmer and brickmaker by occupation. He was
born in Bloomfield, and when a young man came to
Windsor, where he worked one year for Daniel
Talcott for $96. It was here that he met his future
wife. Although he began life for himself empty-
handed, he was able to leave his family in comfort-
able circumstances. He was killed in 183 1, at the
age of seventy years. While hauling a load of
wood, from his wood lot, the load fell off and the
wheel passed over him. His remains were interred
in Windsor. He was a man of ordinary build, was
a Federalist in politics, and was one of the prominent
citizens of his community. He was a devout Chris-
tian, a man of the strictest integrity, and was every-
where known as Deacon Mills, having held that
office in the Congregational Church at Windsor, of
which he was an active member.
Samuel W. Mills, our subject's father, was born
in March, 1794, was educated in the common schools
of his da\', and, being the eldest son who reached
years of maturity, he remained at home, assisting
in the work of the farm, until his marriage. He
wedded Candace Alh-n, who was born in October,
1800, and was the third in order of birth in a family
of six daughters, whose parents were Fitz John and
Deborah (Phelps) Allyn. Mr. Mills and his wife
began their domestic life in the big brick house
above Wilson's Station, which he and his father
built, and there he carried on farming and brick-
making until called from this life, at -the age of
sixty years, while his wife died at the age of eighty.
In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republi-
can, and most acceptably filled the office of justice
of the peace, though never an office seeker. Re-
ligiously he was a faithful member of the Congre-
gational Church at Windsor. Our subject is the
eldest in his family of three children; (2) Frederick
W., a civil engineer, went West, and has not been
heard from for thirty years; and (3) Cecelia is the
wife of David H. Decker, of New York.
Reared as a farmer boy, S. John Mills always
remained at home with the exception of two winters
spent in Amherst, Mass. He attended the district
schools until thirteen, one of his first teachers being
Miss Laura Barbor, and he further pursued his
studies in the schools at Hartford. He was offered
better educational advantages, but refused a college
course, and remained at home with his father until
his marriage. In April, 1852, he wedded Miss Olive
E. Drake, who was born in Windsor, Dec. 20, 1831,
a daughter of David and Eunice (Eggleston)
Drake. The following children were born of this
union : Frank V., an ordained minister, was sent by
the Presbyterian board as a missionary to China,
where he remained seven years. He is married, has
one child, Florence B., and now resides in Windsor.
Charles W. died in infancy. Myra C, now at home,
is a graduate of the Hartford high school, has en-
gaged in teaching, and has also been employed as a
stenographer. Samuel D. died in infancy, and
Samuel J., Jr., was scalded to death when but a
child. The wife and mother departed this l;fe Nov.
19, 1895, and was laid to rest in the Windsor
cemetery.
After his marriage Mr. Mills located on his pres-
ent farm, which was the old homestead of his ma-
ternal grandfather, one of the prominent and influ-
ential citizens of that community. Our subject has
always engaged in farming, for several years was
also interested in the milk business, selling that prod-
uct at wholesale, and is now interested in the manu-
facture of brick. Although past his three-score
years and ten he is still hale and hearty, but has re-
tired from active labor. Being quite a reader, he
is well posted on the leading questions and issues
of the day, and uses his right of franchise in support
of the Republican party and its principles. He has
served his fellow citizens in the capacity of select-
man, and also as tax collector. Religiously he is a
faithful member of the Congregational Church at
Windsor.
CHARLES CURTIS BRONSON, the genial
and popular landlord of the "Hotel Bronson," New
Britain, was born at Elizabeth, N. J., Nov. 30, 1857,
a son of Joseph Bronson, and a grandson of Horace
Bronson, both natives of Watertown, Litchfield Co.,
Conn. His grandfather was a farmer, and his fa-
ther a mechanic. The latter served in the Civil war,
and died Nov. 30, 1861, at the eai-ly age of twenty-
six years. He married Sarah Elizabeth Denman,
by whom he had two children : Charles C. ; and
Helen Louise, who married Louis Sweiger, of
Waterbury. Mrs. Sarah E. Bronson passed away
on Christmas Day, 1883.
Charles C. Bronson completed his schooling at
the age of fourteen years, having attended the dis-
trict schools of Watertown, and, for three years, an
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. \
1207
academy at the same place. On leaving school he
at once began a life of hard work, on a farm and in
factories, and at any other line of employment which
presented itself. In 1879 he came to New Britain,
where he obtained a situation in the P. & F. Corbin
factory, displaying such marked mechanical apti-
tude that within six months he was given a contract.
He continued to carry on this line of work until
May 30, 1894, executing several contracts, from
time to time, in the till-lock department, sometimes
employing as many as a dozen men. In the year
last named he went from New Britain to Stamford,
where he took charge of the trunk-lock department
of the Yale Company. This branch of the corpor-
ation's business had just been started, and its prog-
ress was so slow that Mr. Bronson, after a year's,
experience, determined to embark in a new line of
business. Returning to New Britain, on June 3,
189s, he entered into partnership with D. Hawley
Marion, under the firm name of Marion & Bronson,
for the purpose of conducting a hotel, the house,
known as the "Columbia Hotel, ' being successful
from the day of its opening. On Nov. b, 1898, Mr.
Bronson purchased his partner's interest, and from
that time conducted the business alone. On June
2, 1900, he gave up the "Hotel Columbia" and reno-
vated the "Strickland House," making a first-class
hotel of same, and has named it "Hotel Bronson;"
he took this hostelry Sept. i, 1900. His life has
been marked with singular success from the mo-
ment of his entering upon an active career in early
youth. As a mechanic he was a skilled workman,
and as a hotel proprietor he has ever been a genial
and popular host.
On National and State issues jNIr. Bronson has
always sympathized with the Republican party, but
in local affairs has been thoroughly independent.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of
Pythias, and the Independent Order of Foresters.
As a Pythian he has achieved considerable promi-
nence, having passed through the highest degree,
and served as delegate and alternate at the sessions
of the Grand Lodge. He married Victoria, daugh-
ter of Nicholas Rowett, of Litchfield county.
GEORGE BRIDGE, a well-known and honored
citizen of Hazardville, was born in Milton, County
of Kent, England, Nov. 7, 1830.
John and Mary (Prickett) Bridge, his parents,
brought their family to America in 1842, and located
in Enfield, Hartford county, where the father was
employed as packer in the Hazard Powder Mills for
about three years, and for the following four years
was engaged in the fish and yeast business in
Thompsonville. About 1850 he erected the store in
Hazardville -now occupied b}^ E. C. Allen, and en-
gaged in general merchandising there until 1870,
when he retired from business to enjoy a well-
earned rest. He was born July 3, 1806, and died
April 21, 1873; his wife was born Sept. 10, 1802,
and died Jan. 15, 1871. Of their nine children.
seven reached 3'ears of maturity : George ; John W. ;
Ruth, wife of Rev. Henry D. Adams ; Amos D. ;
Ephraim; Ebenezer; and Stephen. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, Robert Bridge, was a
fish and oyster man of Milton, England ; he married
Elizabeth Down. His father was John Bridge, a
manufacturer of marine supplies at ]\Iilton, who
married Anna Gallahawk. John was a son of
Stephen Bridge, who started the marine supply busi-
ness later carried on by his son. Stephen died in
1782; John, in 1803; and Robert, in 1849. Our
subject's maternal grandfather, Thomas Prickett,
of Faversham, England, married Elizabeth Smith.
He was a farmer by occupation, and a son of
Thomas Prickett, a shoemaker by trade, who died
in Dover, England, in 1781.
George Bridge was a lad of twelve years when
he crossed the Atlantic with his parents and took
up his residence in Hazardville in 1842. He received
a limited education in the common schools. In the
spring of 1842, immediately after his arrival in
Hazardville, he entered the employ of the Hazard
Powder Co., and has remained with them contin-
uously ever since, a period of fifty-seven years. For
several years he was foreman of the cooper shop,
and it is needless to say that his duties have always
been most faithful, capably performed, as his long
retention with the company plainly indicates that
fact. On Aug. 25, 1862, Mr. Bridge enlisted in
Company F, 22nd Conn. \ . I., and participated in
the battle of Suffolk, Va., and several skirmishes,
being honorably discharged July 7, 1863.
Mr. Bridge was married. May 10, 1855, to ]\Iiss
Jeannette Law, daughter of James and Jane
(Crawford) Law, of Thompsonville, and five chil-
dren were born of this union : Mary, wife of Arthur
W. Gowdy ; John L. ; Henry J. ; Elizabeth, wife
of Herbert A. Abbe; and George A., who is a grad-
uate of Yale college, of the class of '98, and is now
studying medicine at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, New York City. Mr. Bridge and his
wife are sincere Christians, and faithful members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he is af-
filiated with Samuel Brown Post, No. 56, G. A. R.,
of Thompsonville, and in politics is identified with
the Republican party. He has held the office of
justice of the peace and grand juror several terms,
and was a member of the Enfield school committee
for eight years. His loyalty as a citizen and his de-
votion to the interests of his adopted country are
above question, and the community is fortunate that
numbers him among its members.
HARRISON HENRY AUSTIN, who is ex-
tensively engaged in the cultivation of tobacco in
Suffield, and is also a director in the Tobacco Grow-
ers Association, was born in Suffield Nov. 28, 1840,
and is a member of the remarkable Austin family, a
sketch of whom will be found in full detail in the
biography of Thomas C. Austin, elsewhere.
Moses Austin, grandfather of Harrison H., was
1208
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born in South street, Suffield, and was a son of Na-
thaniel Austin, a hero of the Revohitionary war.
Moses Austin was one of the best-known citizens of
his section of the county, was the owner of a large
tract of land, on which he made many essential and
substantial improvements, and followed agriculture
on a large scale throughout life. He married Caro-
line Smith, of Vermont, and they became the parents
of six children : Seymour, Homer, Samuel, Albert,
Almira (who was married to a Mr. Hamilton),
and Caroline (who first became the wife of a Mr.
Olds, and later married William Lighthall). The
parents died in Suffield, in the faith of the Baptist
Church.
Samuel Austin, father of Harrison H. Austin,
was born in South street, Suffield, in 1808. He
was largely self-educated, and was a very keen ob-
server of men and their actions. He began his
business life as a manufacturer of cigars, and later
became a grower and manufacturer of tobacco on a
large scale: in conjunction with his cigar making,
at one time employing over 150 hands in carrying
on his industries. He began life as a poor bo_\', but
through his inexhaustive energy accumulated a
handsome competency, and a fame that extended to
all parts of the New England States. In politics he
was originally a Whig, on the formation of the Re-
publican party becoming one of its stanchest sup-
porters, and was its delegate to the National Con-
vention which nominated .\braham Lincoln for the
Presidency of the United States in i860. He never
sought office at the hands of the Republicans, but,
on the contrary, they constantly sought his counsel,
and his home was the resort of many of the most
eminent members of his party, including Horace
Greeley and Gen. Hawley, the present United States
senator from Connecticut. Among his business po-
sitions he held that of a director in the Farmers &
jMerchants Bank of Hartford. He married ISIiss
Amoretta Gillett, a native of Suffield, Conn., who
was a daughter of Calvin and Thankful (Warner)
Gillett, and a granddaughter of Corporal Nathaniel
\\'arner, who served through the Revolutionary
war. To this marriage were born eight children :
Calvin, deceased at the age of twenty-four, was
married three months before his death to Rosella
Haden, of Southwick, Mass., who survives him;
William; Louise, deceased wife of Dr. Isl. G. New-
ton, of Suffield ; Charles, who died young ; Harrison
H., our subject; Phebe, widow of Robert E. Pin-
ney, of Suffield; Emma, who died at the age of
four years ; and one who died in infancy. The re-
mains of Samuel Austin, who was one of the most
remarkable men of the State, now repose beside
those of his late adorable wife in Suffield cemetery,
his death having occurred March 12, 1876, hers on
Sept. 12, 1 881.
Harrison H. Austin was educated in the district
school and the Connecticut Literary Institute at
Suffield, and at Prof. Dudley's Seminary, North-
ampton, INIass., and began his business life with his
father as a traveling salesman ; later he became his
father's partner, and was next associated in the
tobacco business with his brother-in-law. Dr. New-
ton, until 1876, since which date he has devoted his
time chiefly to tobacco dealing, his tract of 200 acres
being now under the superintendency of his son,
Ernest N.
Mr. Austin was united in matrimony, Nov. 30,
1865, in Heartwellville, Vt., with Miss Hattie
Sears Thayer, a native of Berkshire county, Mass.,
and a daughter of William and Hepsabah (Sears)
Thayer, the former a native of Buckland, Mass.
Her maternal grandfather, Arsella Sears, and great-
grandfather, Jonathan Sears, were both gallant sol-
diers of the Revolutionary army. Mrs. Austin was
educated in the Connecticut Literary Institute of
Suffield, is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence
and refinement, is a gifted conversationalist, and
holds the honor of being the only woman that ever
served in a public capacity in Suffield. She was
first appointed a member of the school board in
South street district, and later was elected to the
office, in which she has served with tact and fidelity
for three years. She is well-read generally and
keeps fully posted on current events. To Mr. and
]\Irs. Austin the following named children have
been born : Samuel H., who, at the time of his death,
at the age of fifteen years, was a student in the
Connecticut Literary Institute; Grace, who is the
wife of Howard A. Standish, of Hartford ; Clarence
W., who was educated in the public schools and is
a graduate of the Connecticut Literary Institute of
Suffield, and a graduate of Yale College, class of
'92, was for three years professor of Latin in the
Connecticut Literary Institute, was a young man of
acknowledged intelligence and ability, and died in
Hartford Feb. 8, 1895, under an operation for ap-
pendicitis ; Amoretta Gillett, who died in infancy ;
Ernest Newton, born August 11, 1874, who is
now in charge of the homestead, was married in 1896
to Miss Adeline Cowing, daughter of Joel Cowing,
and had one child that died in infancy ; and Charles
Calvin, born June 4, 1876, who is at present attend-
ing the Connecticut Literary Institute.
Harrison H. Austin has been a director in the
Tobacco Growers Association since 1882, and is a
man of marked executive ability. In politics he is
a Republican, and in religion is a member of the
Baptist Church. He was one of the charter mem-
bers of the O. U. A. M., and has always been a
leader in advancing all measures designed for the
promotion of the public welfare. He and his ac-
complished wife, with their family, stand high in
the social circles of Suffield, and none enjoy a more
exalted position in the esteem of the public at large
than they.
COL. ALFRED LOOMIS THOMPSON. It
. would be difficult to say in which of several prom-
inent fields — social, business and professional — the
subject of this sketch is best known. Some men
V-uJU.
'(M'
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1209
become identified with one department of human
activity, and beyond its sphere of action are un-
known. It has been the happy fate of Col. Thomp-
son to have won the recognition of liis fellow men
in a career that is well rounded, that mingles the
business with the social element, that has displayed
types of ability at once rare and delightful. Mili-
tary affairs have always possessed a fascination for
him. Too young to enlist in the army during the
Civil war, he as a boy followed with keenest interest
the varied fortunes of arms during that memorable
struggle, and later became prominent as a mili-
tary instructor and as an officer of the National
Guard. 'Gifted with a personal presence and man-
ner that attracted and inspired, he has filled many
positions of honor and commanaing importance
among the fraternal orders. Successful in busi-
ness, he has been honored by election to public of-
fice. He is now city clerk of New Britain.
Col. Thompson was born in Portland, Conn.,
Dec. 5, 1851, son of John and Mariette (Case)
Thompson, the former a native of Vernon, and the
latter of Portland, Conn. His earliest known an-
cestor on his mother's side was John Hollister, who
came from England and settled in Wethersfield,
Conn., in 1642. His earliest ancestor on his fa-
ther's side was Hezekiah Bissell, who was one of
the founders of the town of Windsor, Conn., early
in the eighteenth century. His ancestors figured
conspicuously in the Revolutionary war.
Alfred L. Thompson attended the public schools
of Portland and New Berlin, completing his edu-
cation in the high school of the latter city. In 1865
his father removed from Portland to New Britain,
and for two years thereafter our subject assisted
him on the farm and attended the schools during
the winter. He then became identified with the
mginufacturing interests of the city. Entering the
works of the Stanley Co. in the fall of 1867, he re-
mained until the following spring, and then became
an employe of the Basket Co. Here he remained
until the fall of 1869, when he entered the high
school. In the spring of 1870 he entered the em-
ploy of the Stanley Rule & Level Co., remaining
until the spring of 1871, when he was employed
by the James Minoe Paper Box Manufacturing Co. ;
he soon after re-entered the employ of the Stanley
Co., where he remained as contractor until 1892.
During that year he became military instructor in
the academy at Cheshire, Conn. Col. Thompson
then engaged in the coal business for three years,
from 1893 to 1896. In the latter year he was elected
to his present position as city clerk of New Britain.
In 1884 Col. Thompson was commissioned cap-
tain of Company E, 1st Regiment, Connecticut Na-
tional Guard, and continued to fill that military of-
fice until 1890, when he was elected lieutenant-col-
onel of the regiment, from which position he re-
tired in the spring of 1898. Col. Thompson is
prominently connected with many of the fraternal
orders and social organizations of the city. An
enumeration of the many offices he has filled among
the orders will not here be attempted, but the prom-
inent standing he holds in the social phase of life
is amply attested by the following partial list: He
was chief templar of Lincoln Loage, No. 14, I. O.
G. T., in 1872; W. C. T., Phoenix Temple, T. of
H. and Temperance, in 1876; G. W. T., Grand
Temple of Connecticut, T. of H. and T., in 1882
and 1887; B. Councilor, New Britain Council, No.
8, O. U. A. M., in 1886; State Councilor of Con-
necticut, O. U. A. M., from October, 1897, to May,
1899; B. C. of i^ady Putnam Council, No. 4,
Daughters of Liberty, in 1888; Noble Grand of
Phoenix Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., in 1893 ; C.
C. of St. Elmo Lodge, No. 21, K. P., in 1892; M.
W. of A. W. Harvey Lodge, No. 49, A. O. U. W.,
in 1892 ; Governor of Trumbull Council, No. 49,
P. F., in 1895 ; F. C. of New Britam Council, No.
10, C. F., in 1895 ; B. A. of New Britain Conclave,
No. 138, I. O. H., in 1896; Guard in Washington
Commanderv. No. i, K. T., in 1895 ; J. D. in Cen-
tennial Lodge, No. 118, F. & A. M., in 1897; P.
P. of New Britain Council, A. B. A., in 1897;
Adjutant-general L. L. of the O. 'U. A. M., in
1896-1900, and is now Major-general of said organi-
zation.
Col. Thompson was married, June 11, 1873, to
Mary S. Packard, who died in 1884.
HENRY M. ADAMS, superintendent of the
Hartford County Temporary Home for Dependent
Children, at Warehouse Point, has proved himself
well-fitted for that important post. A long career
as a successful educator has given him a practical
knowledge of childhood's needs and developed a
rare power of discipline by kind yet firm methods,
and the Board of County Commissioners could not
easily have made a more satisfactory appointment.
As a veteran of the Civil war Mr. Adams has an
especial claim upon the regard of his fellow citi-
zens, and he bears a constant reminder of the hard-
ships of service in the lasting effects of a wound re-
ceived at Antietam.
Mr. Adams was born Aug. 18, 1840, at Suffield,
Mass., a son of James B. and Julia A. (Peck)
Adams. When he was only one year old his parents
removed to North Canaan, Conn., and nine years
later they settled upon a farm near Broad Brook,
this county, where he grew to manhood. At the
age of twenty he began teaching, but in 1862 he en-
listed, becoming a private in Company G, i6th
Conn. Vol. Inf., being mustered into service at Hart-
ford. His first engagement was at Antietam, Sept.
17, 1862, and was, indeed, a "baptism of fire," a
minie ball striking him and causing a compound
fracture of the right thigh. The wound was re-
ceived at 4 p. M., and for forty-three hours he lay
upon the battlefield. On being found by the hos-
pital corps he was taken to the field hospital at
Sharpsburg, Md., and remained there until the fol-
lowing spring, when he was removed to a hospital
1210
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at Big Springs, Md. On April i, 1863, he received
an honorable discharge at Hagcrstown, j\Id., and
soon after his return to Broad Brook he resumed his
work as a teacher. He was thus employed in Broad
Brook and vicinity until 1S71, and later he taught
one year each at Portland, Meriden, and East
Hampton ; two years at W'estville, New Haven
county ; five years in Canaan and two in Rockville,
being recalled to Canaan, where he spent six years
more in successful work in the school room. His
health began to fail, his old wound giving him much
suffering, and he was obliged to rest for a time, on
his recovery engaging in journalistic work, cor-
responding for various newspapers and the Associ-
ated Press. In 1896 he was appointed to his present
position, as head of the Children's Home at Ware-
house Point, where he has since resided.
On Dec. 7, 1871, Mr. Adams married Mrs. Aba-
lena H. Allen, a native of Southwick, Mass., and
both are prominent in social life and in the work of
the Congregational Church at Windsor Locks.
In politics Mr. Adams is a strong Republican and
has held several town offices, for many years he has
been a member of J. H. Convers Post, No. 67, G. A.
R., at \\'indsor Locks, of which he is the present
commander.
ENOS E. STOW. Honored and respected by
all, there is no man in Southington who occupies
a more important position in the business world
than the gentleman whose name introduces this re-
view, and who was for eleven years president of the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. Integrity, activity and
energy have been the crowning points of his suc-
cess, and his connection with the important indus-
try of which he was at the head has been of de-
cided advantage to this section of Hartford county,
promoting its material welfare in no slight degree.
Mr. Stow was born in Southington March 16,
1824, and belongs to an old Connecticut family.
His great-grandfather, Solomon Sto\v, of Middle-
town, was born in 1706, and wedded Mary, daugh-
ter of Daniel and Margaret Belding. Their son,
Ebenezer, the grandfather of our subject, was born
June 16, 1753, and was married, March 15, 1775,
to Ruth Bulkley, a sister of Gersham Bulkley. Eb-
enezer Stow died Jan. 14, 1830, his wife Dec. 15,
1825. Their children were Emily, Margaret, Ur-
sula, Roxey (wife of Zenas Hubbard), Enos, Solo-
mon, and Rutn (wife of Harry Robinson).
Solomon Stow, the father of Enos E., was born
in Rocky Hill, Hartford county, Sept. 14, 1793, and
was married, Oct. 17, 1816, to Eunice Shepard,
daughter of Samuel and Thankful (Mallory) Shep-
ard. In 1823 he came to Southington and embarked
in business as a cabinetmaker with his brother-in-
law, Mark Lane, five years later turning his atten-
tion to the manufacture of clocks. In 1834 he built
a dam and shop on the site partially covered by the
bridge over the Ouinnipiack, and engaged in the
manufacture of machines for Seth Peck & Co. In
1847 he became interested in the tin machine busi-
ness, in company with his son, Enos, and Hial
Grannis, Sr., and in 1849 '^^ associated with him
his two sons, Enos and Orson, under the firm name
of Solomon Stow & Sons. In 1852 the works were
removed to Plantsville, and a joint-stock company
was formed, known as the S. Stow Manufacturing
Co. 'Mr. Stow d-.ed in 1868, and in 1870 the Peck-
Smith JManufacturing Co., the S. Stow JNIanufactur-
ing Co. and the Roys & Wilcox Co. were consoli-
dated. Later the Wilcox & Treadway Co., of Cleve-
land, Ohio, was absorbed, and to-day it is the larg-
est concern of its kind in the world. Our subject
was chosen president of the company in 1887, and
filled that position until Aug. i, 1899, when he re-
signed. The success of the company under his
management attests his eminent and pronounced
ability as a business man.
Air. Stow was one of the incorporators of the
Southington Water Co., of which he is now presi-
dent, and is also president of the ooard of fire com-
missioners, and one of the directors of the South-
ington National Bank. He is a prominent member
of the Second Congregational Church of Southing-
ton, of wdiich he is a deacon, and he has been elected
to various town offices. Pie is a Republican in polit-
ical sentiment. He is a courteous gentleman, and,
above all, wherever he is found, whether in public
or private life, his integrity is above question and
his honor above reproach. Southington owes much
to him, and numbers him among her valued citi-
zens.
Enos E. Stow has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Matilda Newell, and for his second
he wedded Miss Alary A. Ames, a daughter of
Anion and Rossannah (Hart) Ames, of Southing-
ton. By the last marriage he has three children liv-
ing, namely : Mary Eunice, wife of Hiram Roberts ;
Frederick Enos, superintendent of the Peck, Stow
& Wilcox Co.'s edge-tool works (he married Jen-
nie Cowles, of Southington) ; and Bessie Sarah.
EDWIN W. KELLOGG, one of the successful
tobacco growers of the town of Windsor, is a thor-
oughly up-to-date and scientific farmer — one who
makes a study of his chosen calling. Tobacco is
the main crop of the locality, and its culture re-
quires scientific farming. Our subject is much more
of a reader than the average farmer, and as a re-
sult he is a man of broad general information.
Mr. Kellogg was born in East Winsted, Conn.,
Nov. 9, 1856, and is the only child of Col. E. S.
Kellogg, a gallant officer of the Civil war, who gave
up his life in the service of his country. He was a
native of Glastonbury, Conn., born Nov. 27, 1824,
and a son of Capt. Elisha and Maria (Stratton)
Kellogg, who made their home throughout life in
Glastonbury. The grandfather was a captain of
coasting vessels, and lived to a ripe old age. His
wife survived him for a time, but both now sleep
in the cemetery at Glastonbury. In their family
d^iylJ
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1211
were the following children : Gustavus, who died in
Glastonbury, was a tool-maker by trade, but the lat-
ter years of his life were devoted to farming; Col.
E. S. was the second son; Ruth married Martin
Hollister, and lives in New York State ; Maria mar-
ried Thaddeus Wells, and died in Glastonbury;
Eliza is the wife of B. Post, of Andover ; Laura,
who died in Chicago, first married a Mr. Wood-
bridge in New York State, and later a Dr. Brown ;
and Lucy married a Mr. Rockwood of New York
State.
Until fourteen years of age Col. Kellogg re-
mained 3.t home, and attended the schools of his
native town, but on reaching that age he went to
New London, Conn., and shipped on a whaling ves-
sel. He continued to follow the sea until he was
twenty, sailed over much of the globe, and at one
time was shipwrecked on the Australian coast. On
abandoning the water, in 1849, he went to Cali-
fornia, but did not have any success. He then
learned tool-making with his brother in Massachu-
setts, and continued to follow that trade until the
opening of the war of the Rebellion, being em-
ployed at that time at Birmingham (now Derby),
Conn. He was the first man to enlist in the first
three-years company that went from this State, be-
coming a member of Company B, 3rd Conn. V. I.,
which was later changed to the 1st Connecticut
Heavy Artillery. He was mustered in as captain
of Company B ; was promoted to the rank of major
in the ist Artillery, and was sent home as lieut.-
colonel when the 19th Conn. V. I. was formed; but
when it was changed to the 2nd Heavy Artillery he
was given the rank of colonel. He was killed at
the battle of Cold Harbor, June i, 1864, and his
remains were brought back to Winsted, Conn., for
interment. He was a well built man, and a good
mechanic ; he was a Democrat, but never a politi-
cian ; socially he was a member of the Masonic Fra-
ternity; and religiously was an Episcopalian.
Col. Kellogg left a widow and one son, our sub-
ject. He had married, Oct. 23, 1853, Miss Polly
G. Brown, who was born in Winsted, Dec. 14,
1828, a daughter of Orin and Nancy (Bishop)
Brown. Her father, a native of Thomaston, Conn.,
was a shoemaker by trade, but spent the last years
of his active life in farming. He died in Winsted
at the age of eighty-four years, his wife at about the
age of forty. In their family were nine children,
three of whom died in childhood, the others being
Hannah, who died at the age of twenty ; Hiram, a
skilled mechanic and pioneer in edge-tool making,
who died in Riverton, Conn., in 1897 ; Nancy, who
died in her 'teens ; Betsey, who married George Kin-
ney, and died in Winsted ; Polly G., mother of our
subject; and Bradley O., a farmer of East Otis,
Mass. Mrs. Kellogg was educated in the public
schools and academy at Winsted, and for three
years successfully engaged in teaching school, re-
ceiving a salary of $1 per week, and boarding round
among the scholars. After her husband's death she
returned to Winsted, where she resided for several
years, and then went to Glastonbury, making that
place her home until 1872, when, as her son wished
to engage in farming, she bought the place in
Windsor town where she now lives. She is an in-
tellectual and highly respected lady, and is an earn-
est member of the Episcopal Church.
As soon as old enough Edwin W. Kellogg en-
tered the public schools of Winsted, where he pur-
sued his studies until ten years old, at which time
he and his mother removed to Glastonbury, his ed-
ucation being completed in the academies at that
place and South Glastonbury. On account of ill
health he was compelled to leave school at the age
of sixteen. As a boy he worked as a farm hand,
and it was his desire to devote his life to agricul-
tural pursuits. At one time he had an attack of
"western fever," and to satisfy this his mother pur-
chased the farm in Windsor town which he has since
so successfully managed. He is now one of the
progressive and substantial farmers of the com-
munity, thoroughly conversant with every depart-
ment of farm work. In politics he is a Democrat,
and, while not an office seeker or a politician from
selfish motives, he is one of the counsellors and ad-
visers of the party in his section, and has always
worked for the party's success, his influence being
used for his friends. Socially he is a member of the
Masonic lodge at Windsor. Mr. Kellogg married
Miss Jennie Pinney, of Bloomfield, and they have
had two children : Hattie A., and Elisha S.
ARCHIBALD WELLINGTON OSTER-
HOUDT, a respected grower of tobacco and gen-
eral farmer of Suffield, was born in Dutchess county,
N Y., Sept. 2, 1850, and on the mother's side is
descended from one of the good old Knickerbocker
families that first ruled the Empire State ; pater-
nally he is also of Dutch descent.
James Osterhoudt, father of subject, was
born in Lackawanna county, Penn., and was a son
of Jonathan Osterhoudt, a sea-faring man. James
Osterhoudt grew to manhood in his native county,
but was still a young man when he went to Red
Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he engaged in
dairying and general farming, and where he mar-
ried Miss Sarah Lowen, a native of the county, and
also of Dutch descent. To their union were born
five children, in the following order : John, deceased ;
Phebe, wife of Charles R. Hoffman, of Red Hook;
Archibald W., our subject; Frank, of White Plains,
N. Y. ; and Henry, of Gloversville, N. Y. The fa-
ther and mother both died in the faith of the Epis-
sopal Church, and were interred in the cemetery at
Red Hook.
Archibald W. Osterhoudt was educated in the
public schools of his native town, and also at St.
Stephen's College, Allendale, N. Y. At the age
of fourteen years he left the latter institution and
shipped on board the "Golden Horn," of Prince
Edward Island, as an ordinary seaman, and for
1212
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
three years led a sea-faring life, visiting many sea-
ports of the world. On his return to Red Hook, he
resided on the homestead until 1876, when he came
to Connecticut and rented land at Sinisbury, Hart-
ford county, and engaged in dairying, tobacco cul-
ture and general farming for upward of seventeen
years. By this time, through his industry and fru-
gal habits, he had acquired some capital, and in
1893 came to Suffield and bought two tracts of land,
comprising fifty-six acres, from Capt. Hamilton,
and engaged in the customary culture of tobacco
and general farming. He made many improve-
ments on the place, remodeled the dwelling, and
has now as fine a farm as any of its size in the county.
Mr. Osterhoudt was united in marriage, at Red
Hook, N. Y., in 1875, with Miss Lula \'an Derbilt,
a native of Saugerties, Ulster Co., X. Y., and a
daughter of James and Kate (Longerdyke) \'an-
Derbilt, and a granddaughter of Peter Van Derbilt,
all of true Holland descent. To this marriage have
been born two children : George \'., who was edu-
cated in his native town of Simsbury at the public
schools, and also at the Sufiield Literary Institute
and the Business College at Hartford, died Oct. 30,
1899; Mary A., also a native of Simsbury, is at-
tending high school in Windsor Locks, and is quite
an artist in crayon and water colors, considering her
age. The family attend the Episcopal Church,
and of this church Air. Osterhoudt was a vestry-
man at Tariffville for several years. He is an
honored member of St. Alark's Lodge, No. 39, F.
& A. M., at Granby, and is a temperate, industri-
ous and frugal man, and a useful citizen. In poli-
tics he is a Republican, but has never been an office
seeker.
Mrs. Osterhoudt is a lady of culture and refine-
ment, and is noted for her housekeeping accom-
plishments, as well as her literary tastes, and her
home gives every evidence of her fitness, in all
things to be the wife of a deserving husband.
HON. FITCH LEVERETT BISHOP, who
passed away Jan. 29, 1900, was for many years a
representative citizen of Avon town, Hartford
county," where he was prominent as a well-to-do
farmer and member of the tobacco firm of F. Rip-
ley & Co., the most extensive dealers in their line
along the Farmington river. He was born Oct.
5, 1828, in that town, on the homestead of the
Bishop family at Cider Brook.
Mr. Bishop was a descendant of one of the old-
est families of Hartford county, whose members
have always been identified with the best in social
and public life, taking an active part in the ad-
vancement of local interests and distinguishing
themselves for public spirit and intelligence as citi-
zens and in the conduct of their private affairs.
His grandfather, Thomas F. Bishop, was a lifelong
resident of Avon, which during his early years was
included in Farmington town. When but fifteen
years old he entered the service of his country as
a soldier in the Revolution, serving for three years
in that struggle, and lie took part in the siege of
Cornwallis at Yorktown. Thomas F. Bishop was
a large land owner and engaged extensively in dairy
farming and stock raising, which he followed prin-
cipally all his life. He was a strong Whig in po-
litical sentiment, and though he never sought or
held office he wielded a marked influence for good
in the neighborhood as a citizen whose opinion was
highly valued. He always commanded, deep respect
wherever he was known, and bore a high reputation
for honor and integrity in all his dealings with his
fellow men. Mr. Bishop was married, in Avon, to
Miss Lucy Foot, ana they became the parents of
eleven children, namely: Stella, who married Ches-
ter Woodford; Benjamin, who married Betsey
Woodford ; Delia, who became the wife of George
Woodford; Samuel, father of our subject; Jacob,
who married Diana Frisby ; Jeffrey, who married
Dolly Woodford ; Lucy, wife of Hiram Andrews ;
Thomas N., who married Sally Andrews; Gedor
Pitt ; Adeline, who married Albert Bissell ; and
Joseph, who married Zerviah Woodford. The par-
ents of this family both passed away in 185 1, the
father at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years,
and their remains rest in Cider Brook cemetery.
In religious connection they were members of the
Congregational Church, and they took a zealous
interest in the advancement of the Kingdom and
all religious enterprises.
Samuel Bishop was born March 20, 1797, on the
old Bishop homestead, and received his education in
the district schools of Avon town. He grew to
manhood on the farm of his uncle, Samuel Bishop,
and after his death became the owner of the place,
purchasing part of the property, where he made his
home until his removal to Avon Center in 1868. He
made numerous improvements on the farm after
it came into his possession, and was successfully
engaged in general agriculture, dairying, stock
raising and tobacco culture. He was a prominent
citizen in the public as well as the business life of
the town, held the office of selectman and various
other positions of trust in the locality, and in 1836
represented Avon in the State Legislature, dis-
tinguishing himself in every incumbency for trust-
worthiness and capacity of a high order. About
1872 he was again representative. No citizen in
this region was held in higher esteem, or commanded
a greater degree of respect from the community in
general, and his high character and consistent moral
life gave him a strong influence among his towns-
men, which was always exerted for the public good.
Originally a Whig in political affiliation, he became
a Republican when the party changed, and was a
stanch suporter of the principles of the organiza-
tion. His life was an exemplary one in every re-
spect, and he sustained the reputation which has
always been borne by the members of this family for
good citizenship and uprightness. Mr. Bishop was
married, in Avon, to Miss Minerva Woodford, who
% "
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1213
was born April 20, 1798, in that town, a daughter
of Selah and Sarah (Hutchinson) Woodford, and
six children were born to this union, namely: Julia
Ann, who became the wife of Charles A. Stowe,
of Avon; Lucius S., a retired resident of Avon;
Sarah M., widow of Dan A. Miller, living in Bris-
tol; Dan Franklin, deceased; Fitch Leverett; and
Mary E., widow of George Phelps, of Avon. The
father of this family passed away March 25, 1879,
at Avon Center, where he always lived after his re-
moval from the farm. The mother followed him to
the grave March 23, 1884, and they sleep their last
sleep in Avon cemetery. She was a good Christian
woman, devoted to her home and family, and with
her husband was active in the work of the Congre-
gational Church, of whicn they were members for
years. He held the office of deacon.
Fitch Leverett Bishop remained under the pa-
ternal roof until 1852, receiving a thorough train-
ing to farm life, and during his boyhood attending
the district schools, where he gained a good prac-
tical education. In 1852, having caught the "gold
fever," he started for California, making the jour-
ney by way of Panama, and he spent two years in
the "new Eldorado," meeting with reasonable suc-
cess in the hunt for gold. After his return, by the
same route, he settled down to agriculture on the
homestead, where he ever after remained, growing
tobacco and carrying on general farming and dairy-
ing, in which he became prosperous beyond his ex-
pectations. He improved the place constantly after
he undertook the cultivation of same on his own ac-
count, and the property is now one of the most val-
uable in the town, representing as it does the result
of years of careful and systematic management.
He commenced the tobacco business in 1872, buy-
ing and selling, and was a member of the firm of
F. Ripley & Co., the largest tobacco dealers along
the Farmington river.
' Mr. Bishop was an honorable, energetic and ca-
pable business man, and the qualities which brought
him success in his own affairs were also turned to
account in the affairs of the town in which he made
his home, for his fellow citizens, recognizing his
ability and worth, honored him with election to nu-
merous offices of responsibility and trust. He filled
the office of selectman of Avon for eight terms, and
in 1870 was chosen to represent the town in the
State Legislature at New Haven, during his serv-
ice in that incumbency acting as member of the
committee on Claims. In 1884 he was again elected
to the Assembly, serving at Hartford, and during
this term was a member of the committee on Cor-
porations. Throughout his service as a legislator
he distinguished himself for sound judgment and
intelligence of a high order and gave unbounded
satisfaction to his constituency in Avon, discharging
all his duties with a fidelity and regard for the wel-
fare of the community he represented which won
hearty approval for him at home and in the legisla-
tive bodv. He was also assessor of his town. In
political affiliation Mr. Bishop was always a stanch
Republican. He was a self-made man, in the best
sense of that often misused term, and the substan-
tial position which he occupied in the business
world was due entirely to his own ambitious and
enterprising efforts. His remains rest in Avon
cemetery.
Mr. Bishop was married, Oct. 9, 1861, at Farm-
ington, to Miss Jane E. Andrews, a native of that
town, daughter of Amon and Roxana (Goodhue)
Andrews, and granddaughter of James Andrews.
Three children were born to them, namely : Nellie
Stanley received her education in the common and
high schools. Sarah Roxana attended the schools
of Avon, and completed her education at Miss Por-
ter's select school. Mary Belle attended the dis-
trict schools and at Farmington; she is an artist
of marked ability, studied painting with Miss Rob-
erts, Mr. Flagg and Mr. Brandegee, and visited the
best studios in Paris, France, taking a very com-
plete course of training in her profession, in which
she stands high, being now engaged in teaching
painting at Berlin. The entire family are noted
for their culture and refinement, and their home
is one of the most agreeable in Avon, Mrs. Bishop
and her daughters delighting in extending hos-
pitality to their wide circle of friends in and around
the town. Mrs. Bishop completed her education in
the high schools of Farmington and West Hart-
ford, and subsequently taught school for ten years,
in Farmington, Berlin, Plainville, West Hartford
and Burlington. She is a refined Christian woman,
devoted to her home and actively interested in
church work, she and her daughters uniting with
the Congregational Society. The entire family are
earnest workers for the advancement of educa-
tional and social interests, and they occupy a high
position among the best and most intelligent people
of Hartford county.
SIRVILIUS ARTHUR GRISWOLD, a repre-
sentative and highly respected citizen of Suffield,
was born in that place Feb. 19, 1850, and is a son
of Arthur W. and Mary (Harrison) Griswold,
Martin Griswold, the paternal grandfather, a
native of Vermont, settled in Suffield in the early
part of the nineteenth century, and there engaged
in farming until called from this life. He wedded
Miss Mary Wallace, and to them were born nine
children who reached years of maturity : Laura, wife
of Alvah Allen ; Addi ; Ladora, wife of Warner
Patton; Martin; Melinda, wife of Elijah Himes;
Mary, wife of Alanson S. Burbank; Clark; Sirvil-
ius ; and Arthur W. The last-named, who was the
father of our subject, was reared in Suffield, where
he made his home throughout life, being engaged in
agricultural pursuits. His children were Luannah,
wife of Loren Hastings ; Sirvilius A. ; and Noyes H.
Our subject's maternal grandparents were Benjamin
and Mary (Wilcox) Harrison, of Suffield.
In his native town Sirvilius A. Griswold passed
1214
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of
farmer lads of his day. His education was ac-
quired in the common schools of the town and the
high school of Hadley, Mass. He continued to as-
sist in the labors of the home farm until sixteen
years of age, and then took up marine engineering,
following that occupation until 1898. He operated a
ferry between Suffield and Thompsonville for a
quarter of a century, but since June, 1898, has been
engineer for the Hartford Carpet Co., at Thomp-
sonville, though he still continues to make his home
in Suffield, where he has always resided.
On Feb. 2, 1871, ^Ir. Griswold was united in
marriage with ]\liss Augusta West, a daughter of
Abner and Anna (Shuman) West, of Rcnsselaer-
ville, N. Y., and to them was born one daughter,
Luannah H., now the wife of Ralph E. Moody.
Politically Mr. Griswold is identified with the Dem-
ocratic party; socially he affiliates with the Order
of United American Mechanics. His genial, pleas-
ant manner makes him quite popular, and as a
public-spirited, enterprising man he is recognized
as a valued citizen of the community.
AHSS CORDELIA LUCY ARCHER, of Suf-
field, is a descendant of one of the most prominent
families of that locality, many of its members hav-
ing been numbered among the progressive and pa-
triotic citizens of the Revolutionary period. Her
beautiful residence, which occupies a most attrac-
tive location in the town, has long been the center
of a refined hospitality, and her position in social life
has always been an enviable one. Her wealth in-
volves no little care and responsibility, but while she
is generous and kind-hearted, she has shown rare
business ability in the management of her affairs.
Her early educational advantages were of the best,
and after completing a district-school course at Suf-
field she entered Miss Edward's Episcopal school, at
New Haven, Conn. ; I\Ir. Hemenway's private
school, Suffield, and the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute. Her extensive travel and wide reading
of the best literature make her conversation full of
interest, and her sympathy for philanthropic and
religious work is shown in many ways. For thirty-
eight years she has been an active member of the
Congregational Church, to which she is a liberal
contributor, as were her forefathers from pioneer
times.
Miss Archer's first ancestors in the paternal line
of whom we have a definite account were Thomas
Archer, a native of England, who came to America
in early manhood, and settled in Suffield in 1749.
He engaged in farming, and also dealt extensively
in indigo, and as a citizen was highly esteemed. He
died March 14, 1797, and his wife, Azuba Olds,
died Dec. 20, 1806. They had the following chil-
dren : Thomas, born March 25, 1750, died Oct. 6,
1752 ; May, born March 24, 1752 ; Elizabeth, born
June 19, 1753; Sabra, born June 4, 1755; Thomas
(2), our subject's grandfather; Azuba, born Nov.
27, 1762; Lucy, born Nov. 14, 1764; Louisa, born
Aug. 22, 1768; Eusebius, born March 22, 1770;
and Jemima, born March 23, 1772.
Thomas Archer (2) was born in Suffield June 17,
1758, and was active in the struggle for Indepen-
dence. He was prominent in business as a mer-
chant, hotel-keeper, and farmer, and was also inter-
ested in shipping slaves from Africa. The house
which he occupied is now probably the oldest house
in the town. On Dec. 21, 1778, he married Roxana
Hancock, who died Oct. 24, 1831, and his death oc-
curred July 6, 1797. Their children were: Zeno,
born June 26, 1779, died in New Orleans Dec. 14,
1800; Cynthia, born Sept. 15, 1780, died Aug. 12,
1823; Thaddeus, born Slay 9, 1782; Horace, born
Feb. 7, 1784, died on the coast of Africa in 1810;
Ann Eliza, born Feb. 4, 1786; and Thomas, our
subject's father.
Thomas Archer (3), was born in Suffield, Jan.
10, 1793, and became a highly-respected resident
and one of the most extensive land holders of the
town, a portion of the village of Suffield being built
upon his homestead. For some years he conducted
a hotel at Suffield, and in 1877 he removed to Suf-
field Center, where he died April 21, 1880. On
Nov. 30, 1820, he married Lucy Remington, daugh-
ter of Capt. Abijah Remington, and a member of a
well-known family. She died April 18, 1867, deeply
mourned by a large circle of friends. Their chil-
dren were given the best opportunities, educational
and social, which the time and locality afforded, and
all have held honorable positions in life, (i)
George, born Sept. 10, 1821, died Aug. 4, 1822.
(2) George, born July 4, 1823, is now a prominent
citizen of Suffield. (3) Luther, born Feb. 8, 1824,
enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in Company A, 7th Conn. V.
I., and was wounded July 11, 1863, at Fort Wagner,
S. C. For many years he resided in Suffield, his
death occurring July 20, 1878. (4) Horace, born
May 20, 1826, resides in Pittsfield, Mass. (S) Cor-
delia L., born April 14, 1830, is the subject of this
sketch. (6) Mary, born Sept. 5, 1832, married Col.
George S. Burnham, of Hartford, and died March
10, 1893. (7) Louise L., born Sept. 7, 1834, mar-
ried N. S. Pomeroy, of Suffield. (8) Sarah E.,
born Sept. 6, 1836, married E. D. Morgan (son of
Ex-Gov. Morgan, of New York), and died Feb.
22, 1880. (9) Helen L., born Oct. 13, 1838, died
Sept. 10. 1897, in Suffield, where she was greatly
beloved. She always resided with our subject, and
was foremost in all good works in Suffield. Gen-
erous to a fault, she was especially active in church
work, and in Sybil Dwight Kent Chapter, of the
D. A. R., of which she was Regent. (10) Isabel,
born Feb. 26, 1840, died in May, 1840.
THOMAS MORRISON, a leading and enter-
prising citizen of Enfield, and overseer of the worsted
department of the Hartford Carpet Co., at Thomp-
sonville, was born in Barnet, Vt., Feb. 9, 1837, a
son of John and Elizabeth (Barber) Morrison, both
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1215
natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1832
and located in Craftsbury, Vermont.
For about five years the father engaged in farm-
ing at Peacham and Barnet, that State, and in
1837 came to Thompsonville, Conn., and entered
the employ of the Thompsonville Carpet Co., as a
weaver, remaining there until 1839, when he re-
moved to Saxonville, Mass., where he held a similar
position for two years. He afterward worked in
Norwich, Conn., North Grafton and Roxbury,
Mass., and finally returned to Saxonville, where
the last five years of his life were spent, and where
he died in 1848. His children were Margaret, wife
of George Flood ; John ; Ellen, wife of James Rob-
bins ; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Butman ; Agnes,
wife of James Dreghorn ; Charles F. ; James ;
Thomas ; and William. Our stibject's maternal
grandparents, Charles and Margaret Barber, of
Scotland, also came to the New World in 1832 and
settled in Vermont, but after sixteen years spent in
this country they returned to their native land,
where both died.
Thomas Morrison was reared in Connecticut and
Massachusetts, and received a limited common-
school education. When in his eleventh year he
began work as a mill hand in a worsted mill, and
worked in various sections of the country until his
nineteenth year. He then served a three years' ap-
prenticeship at the brass finisher's trade in Nor-
wich, Conn., and worked as a journeyman at that
occupation for one year. During the early part
of the Civil war he was employed by the Colt Fire
Arms Co., at Hartford, Conn., for a year and a half,
and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, 20th Conn. V.
I., serving for seven months. On his return from
the war he was in the employ of the government,
at New York City, in the making of Springfield
rifles for a year and a half, and was then made
overseer of the worsted department of a carpet mill
at Rifton Glen, N. Y., where he remained one year.
In 1866 he came to Thompsonville and entered the
employ of the Hartford Carpet Co., as a machinist ;
from 1867 until 1870 had charge of the carding
room, and in August of the latter year was ap-
pointed overseer of the worsted department of the
mills, which position he has since held to the entire
satisfaction of the company.
Mr. Morrison first married Miss Frances, daugh-
ter of John Q. and Mary Cox, of Norwich, Conn. ;
she died leaving one son, George M. For his
second wife he wedded Miss Mary J. Robinson, a
daughter of William and Julia A. Robinson, also of
Norwich, and of the six children born to them three
still survive: Hattie R., wife of Charles Perkins;
George J. ; and Mary Ella, wife of Joseph Leete.
His present wife was Miss Mary Pease, a daughter
of Arvin and Mary A. (McCandless) Pease, of
Enfield, and a descendant of Robert Pease, who
came from England to America in the ship "Fran-
cis" in 1630, and located in Salem, Mass. Mr. and
Mrs. Morrison are earnest members of the First
Presbyterian Church, and have the respect and es-
teem of all who know them. Politically he is in-
dependent, supporting the man whom he believes
best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party
ties.
SAMUEL BARR, one of the progressive farm-
ers and tobacco growers of Suffield, was born in the
town of Dromara, County Down, Ireland, July 5,
1843, ^nd descends from a Scotch family who in
troublous days were all loyal to the Crown of
England.
John Barr, grandfather of Samuel, was born in
Rathfryland, County Down, was a farmer, and died
a member of the Presbyterian Church. His son,
Andrew, was born in Rathfryland, County Down,
farmed in his native county until 1862, and then
moved to County Antrim, where he passed his years
in farming until his death. To his marriage with
Elizabeth Orr, in his native county, were born seven
children : Elizabeth Jane, still in Ireland ; Martha,
deceased; Samuel, subject of this sketch; Mar-
garet, married to Daniel Eagleson, a respected
farmer of Suffield, who is a native of County An-
trim, Ireland ; John, who died at New Bedford,
Mass. ; Hannah G., who has been twice married ;
and Mary Ann, wife of Andrew Bell, of County
Antrim, Ireland. The parents both died in the
Presbyterian faith. The father, although loyal to
the Crown of England, was a great admirer of
the republican form of government.
Samuel Barr, the subject of this sketch, was
educated in the national schools of Ireland, and
assisted his father in farming, in both County Down
and County Antrim, until 1869, when he came to
the United States via Liverpool, England, landed
at Boston, Mass., whence he came direct to Suffield,
Conn., and here found employment at farm labor
with Marvin Lewis, beginning with a debt of $50.
Here he worked for nine years, never lost a day
through sickness, and at the end of this time found
himself possessed of some funds. In 1878 he pur-
chased the Hastings farm, a tract of thirty-two
acres near Hasting's Hill, on which he expended
$4,000 in remodeling the dwelling and erecting the
necessary farm buildings, and here he has ever
since been engaged in the cultivation of tobacco,
general farming and dairying.
On April 4, 1874, Mr. Barr married, in Suffield,
Miss Sarah Jane Graham, also a native of Dromara,
County Down, Ireland, and a daughter of Samuel
and Harriet Graham, to which union have been born
five children : Andrew Samuel and Martha, at
home ; William IT., a student at Brown University ;
Joseph, a student at the Connecticut Literary In-
stitution, Suffield; and Sarah H., at school. The
family are members of the Congregational Church,
and Mr. Barr is a Republican in politics. In his
native land he was a member of the Loyal Orange
Asociation. He is noted for his strict integrity,
temperance and industry, and through these ad-
1216
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mirable essentials has lifted himself from compara-
tive poverty to comparative affluence. His amiable
wife, however, deserves a full share of credit for
his success, as she has been, in every sense of the
word, a true helpmate. Both they and their chil-
dren have won the respect of the community, and
they well deserve it.
MARVIN H. SANFORD (deceased). A man
of keen business judgment, courageous, resourceful,
untiring in energy, the subject of this sketch pre-
sented a splendid illustration of that type of man-
hood which by its achievements has made Con-
necticut famous in the development of the Nation.
To his other admirable traits he added that of quick
adaptability, and his versatility was a great gain to
Tariffville, the comnuniitv in which he lived, and
the welfare of which he aided materially in ad-
vancing. He was kind and generous in disposi-
tion, quick to respond to the behests of duty and
sympathy, and withal a man of superior and notable
qualities and attainments. His father was Dr.
George W. Sanford. one of the revered medical
practitioners of Tariffville.
Joseph Sanford, the grandfather, was a native
of East Granville, Mass. There he acquired the
tanner's trade, and for his time carried on in that
town quite an extensive business. During the war
of 1812 he made a large contract to supply the
government with leather, and invested a large
amount of money in the purchase of hides ; but at
that time the process of tanning was slow, requir-
ing a year to convert hides into leather, and the
war closing before he had completed his contract
he sustained a heavy financial loss. The latter years
of his life were spent on a small farm near Bloom-
field, Conn., purchased for him by his son, George
W. Joseph Sanford was a member of the Congre-
gational Church. He married Hopie Wilmot, a na-
tive of Northfield, Mass., and to them were born
children as follows: George W., the father of our
subject; Hopie, who married a Mr. Trumbull, and
removed to Ohio; Hannah, who married Henry
Neil, of Sherborn, IMass. ; Roena, who married
Reuben Barker, and removed to Michigan ; Joseph,
who died in infancy; Joseph D. (2), who married
Mary Smith, was at one time a merchant of Tariff-
ville, and later resided at Granby, Conn. ; and a
daughter who married a jNIr. Botham. Joseph San-
ford, the father of these children, died about 1846,
and was buried at Tariffville.
Dr. George W. Sanford, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Dec. 20, 1807.
He received a good education, completing a course
at Dr. Cooley's classical school, at East Granville,
Mass., graduating in 1827, studied medicine, and
several years later began its practice at Granville,
Mass. In 1836 he graduated from the Medical
Department of Williams College. Shortly before
1830 he located at Tariffville, where he continued in
active practice for over sixty years. While on his
way to Tariffville he passed through the toll-gate
at North Bloomfield without paying toll. As he
passed on a young lady who was attending the toll-
gate rushed after him, and threatened to prosecute
the young physician if he did not make the legal
payment. The Doctor related the incident to a
friend whom he met a little later along the road,
expressed his admiration for the girl, and said he
intended to make her acquaintance. She was Miss
Jane Elizabeth Adams, born in Bloomfield, Conn.,
Sept. II, 1813, daughter of Ambrose and Catherine
(Eno) Adams. The acquaintance was made, rip-
ened into love, and Dr. Sanford married the young
lady Feb. 4, 1830.
The extended practice of Dr. Sanford at Tariff-
ville was eminently successful, and he quickly be-
came one of the leading citizens of the town. In
1835 he became a member of the Hartford County
Medical Society, and at the time of his death was
its oldest living member, was elected president of
the society in 1874, and again in 1881. He was
also a member of the State Medical Society, and of
the American ]\Iedical Association, and during
President Grant's administration he was sent to
Washington as a delegate to the American Medical
Association. He was a member of the Lyceum of
Natural History of the Berkshire Medical Insti-
tute.
The latter years of Dr. Sanford's life were
marked bj- a misfortune, which, however, did not
deter him from continuing his practice. In 1885
he became totally blind. He was thrown from his
carriage Feb. 21, 1883, and again on May 3, of the
same year, the shock causing a congestion of the
nerve of the eye, which produced blindness. Yet
he continued to practice. His patients visited him,
and he diagnosed many cases while blind, as his
skill was most remarkable. His usefulness, how-
ever, was not limited to his profession. He was a
prominent member of society, and as a public-
spirited citizen accomplished great good. For many
years he was a prominent member of the Baptist
Church, and often when the church was in debt and
in great need of funds he at his own expense and
inconvenience made trips and solicited funds. In
politics he was a Whig, and later a P.epublican.
For many years he served as justice of the peace,
was postmaster during the administrations of Presi-
dents Harrison and Tyler, for fifty years was school
visitor. He served in the House of Repre-
sentatives three terms, in 1845, ^^/^ '^"d 1875. In
1845 he was a member of the committee on Banks,
and during the two later terms served on the com-
mittee on Flumane Institutions. He was widely
known throughout the country, and numbered
among his friends many prominent men. Fra-
ternally he was a Freemason.
The children of George W. and Jane Elizabeth
(Adams) Sanford were as follows: (i) Jane
Geraldine, born June 16, 1831, married Charles L.
Roberts, both dying at Tariffville. (2) George
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1217
Ambrose, born Nov. 26, 1832, died of typhoid fever
at Tariff ville Feb. 5, 1851. (3) Joseph WilHs, born
Sept. I, 1835, is now factory foreman at Waterbury,
Conn., having charge of all outside work for the
Scoville Manufacturing Co. He married Emma
Woodward, of Hartford, by whom he had one child,
Frank Willis. She died Nov. 17, 1867, and for his
second wife he wedded, Oct. 24, 1871, Susan Good-
man, who bore him one daughter, Mary Ellen. (4)
Marvin H., our subject, born Sept. 20, 1837, died
Dec. 8, 1896. (5) James Homer, born May 8, 1840,
died March 25, 1892, at Meriden, Conn., where for
many years he was connected with the street de-
partment. (6) Opheha, born April 15, 1842, died
of typhoid fever Sept. 16, i860. (7) Morton was
born July 16, 1844. (8) Mary, born July 11, 1846,
died Feb. 8, 1847. (9) Mary Alice, born Nov. 27,
1847, died July 11, 1848. (10) Henry W., born
Feb. 4, 1850, a resident of New Haven, was for
many years keeper of the almshouse there, and is
now superintendent of the New Haven Ice Co.
(11) George Ambrose (2), born Aug. 15, 1852,
is a resident of Winsted, Conn. ( 12) Ellen B., born
Oct. 28, 1855, died Aug. 19, 1870. The first wife of
Dr. Sanford died March 9, 1872, and for his second
wife he married Ada L. Eno, who now survives, a
resident of New Britain. Dr. Sanford died at Tar-
iifville Sept. 23, 1892, aged eighty-five years, and
in his death the town lost one of its most valuable
residents.
Marvin H. Sanford, our subject, was born at
Tarififville Sept. 20, 1837. He was reared and
schooled in his native town, attending besides the
public educational institutions a number of private
schools. As a member of a large family he was
thrown largely upon his own resources, and this
served to develop within him those qualities of self-
reliance and determination which contributed so
largely to his success. He engaged successively in
various kinds of business, but the best years of his
life he gave to the care of those unfortunates whom
the State found it necessary to aid. For this labor
he: was peculiarly adapted, possessing as he did the
humane sympathy and compassion so marked in the
long and honorable professional career of his fa-
ther. Mr. Sanford was for many years keeper of
the State poor and of the poor of surrounding
towns, also one of the State prison directors, and
was regarded as one of the most efficient men in that
line in the State. He was careful, systematic and
thoroughly business-like in his methods.
Mr. Sanford was married, June 9, 1875, to Miss
Katie M. Thompson, who was born March 26, 1849,
in East Granby, daughter of Edward P. and Mary
J. (Case) Thompson; she is now a resident of Tar-
ififville. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford were born two
children: Marvin H., Jr., born Nov. 17, 1878, died
at the age of seventeen months ; and Edward T.,
born June 8, 1881. Mr. Sanford died Dec. 8, 1896,
and was buried in Scotland Church cemetery, at
North Bloqmfield. In politics he was a stanch Re-
77
publican, though in no sense an office seeker. He
was a prominent member of Trinity Episcopal
Church at Tariffville, of which he was senior war-
den at the time of his death.
SAMUEL DAVID PHELPS, an old-time farm-
er and tobacco grower of Suffield, and a highly-re-
spected citizen, was born in Enfield Dec. 24, 1834.
Isaac Phelps, great-great-grandfather of our
subject, was a native of Westfield, Mass., and was
the first of the family to settle in Connecticut. He
made his home in Enfield, this county, owned ex-
tensive tracts of land, and was very prominent as
a farmer and influential as a citizen. By his sec-
ond wife, Rachel (Jones), was born, among other
children, David Phelps, great-grandfather of Sam-
uel David.
David Phelps was born in Enfield town, Hart-
ford county, Aug. 25, 1716, was reared on the
home farm, and settled in the village of Weymouth
after reaching majority. He was the keeper of
the pest house, or the house for the isolation of
persons afflicted with contagious diseases, and was
also a farmer of great prominence. Of old Puritan
stock, he was noted for his upright character and
gentlemanly demeanor; he died on his farm Jan.
13, 1803, at the age of eighty-seven years, and was
interred at Enfield. To his marriage with Margaret
Coulton, of Long Meadow, Mass., were born eleven
children, in the following order: Eldad, Margaret^
Rachel, David (died in infancy), John (died in
infancy), Mary, Martha, David (grandfather of
subject), John, Beulah and Christeinee. The mother
of these children survived until Feb. 16, 1810.
David Phelps, son of David, and grandfathef
of our subject, was born in Enfield May 23, 1753,
was a farmer all his life, and married, Feb. j/,
1781, Anna Pease, who was born Feb. 16, 1760.
This marriage was quite prolific, children as fol-
lows being born to them: David, born Oct. 22,
1781, died in Sloansville, N. Y., March 18, 1854;
he had married Polly Promley, who died Feb. 10,
1863. James, born Dec. 22, 1783, married Susan
Cariew, who died Dec. 29, 1874, his own death
having occurred in Sloansville Aug. 24, 1869.
Jabez was born Aug. 22, 1785, and was a carpenter
at Warehouse Point, Conn. ; he was three times
married, and died June 16, 1887. Polly was born
Nov. II, 1786, married a Mr. Crane, and died at
Wilbraham, Mass. Roswell, born May 9, 1789,
died in 1870, also at Wilbraham. Orris, born
Aug. 24, 1791, died Noy. 13, 1799; Sylvester, born
July 4, 1793, died March 16, 1861. Anna, bom
Feb. 25, 1795, was first married to a Mr. Pasco,
and second to Levi Lord. Horace became the fa-
ther of our subject. Osee was born March 9, 1799,
married a Miss Pease, and died in Enfield. Abigail
Pease, who was born March 2, 1801, was married
to Horace Plawkins, of Enfield, and died May 12,
1851. Nelson, born Sept. 14, 1804, died at Ware-
house Point, Conn. The father of this family was
1218
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a soldier of tlie Revolulionary war, was quite active
in politics, and in promoting the interests of his
town, and in church doctrines was very liberal in
his interpretations.
Horace Phelps, father of subject, was born in
Enfield April 23, 1797, and died ^larch 18, 1S62.
He was a farmer and tobacco grower, was first a
Whig in politics and later became a Republican, and
was a devout member of the Congregational Church.
To his marriage, .May 10, 1827, with Miss Laura
A. Allen, who was born in East Windsor July 16,
1804, a daughter of Samuel and ?*Iary Allen, of
English descent, there were born twelve children,
as follows: Horace, born July 3, 1828. married
Susan Clock, and died in Michigan. The second
child was born July 17, 1829, and died in infancy.
Jabez Allen, born Aiay 26, 1830, died in Michigan
Oct. 29, 1862. Charles Sylvester, born -\ug. 30,
1831, wedded Martha Pasco, and died in East
Windsor, Conn. Mary Ann, born March 28, 1833,
is the wife of M. Bancroft, of East Windsor. Sam-
uel David, the sixth child, is the subject of this
sketch. Albert Francis, born Aug. 18, 1836, died
an infant. Albert I'Vancis, born April 19, 1838,
married Ellen Eastman, of Long Meadow, and died
in 1899. Laura Lucinda, born March 17, 1840,
was married, March 19. 18C1, to John Pease. Gil-
bert \\'ells, born Feb. 14. 1842, is a farmer of Suf-
ricld. George M., born May 25. 1843, married
^linnie Parrington, of South Wind.sor. Fmily
Amelia, born Sept. 18, 1847, is married to Walter
Newberry, of South Windsor. The mother of these
•children died in Enfield Sept. 17, 1870, a sincere and
•devout member of the Congregational Church, and
ibeloved b\' all who knew her.
Samuel David Phelps, whose name opens this
biographical notice, was educated in a ilistrict
school, but by observation has greatly augmented
his knowledge of men. of the world, and of nature,
and has well qualified himself for the eminent po-
sition he now occupies among his fellow citizens.
Lentil he reached his majority he remained on the
homestead with his father, and then came to Suf-
field and farmed until his father's decease. He then
returned to the homestead and filially cared for his
mother until she w-as called away, and after cul-
tivating the farm until 1873 he came back to Suf-
field and settled on the farm of Z. Parmalee (his
father-in-law^), to which lie added thirty acres, and
on which he has made many substantial improve-
ments.
The marriage of Air. Phelps took place ]\Iarch
19, 1861, in Sufifiield, to J('liss Marv E. Parmalee,
•daughter of Zina and Jemima (Bronson) Parmalee,
the former of whom was a carpenter as well as a
farmer, and one of the best-known citizens of the
neighborhood. Five children have been born to
Mr. and Airs. Phelps, the eldest of whom, J. Es-
tella, passed away at the age of eleven years.
James D. F. is the manager of Bidwell's hard-
-ware store, at Windsor Locks ; he is married to
Clara Cline, but has no children ; in politics he is
a Republican. George S. is still on the homestead,
is unmarried ; in politics he is also a Republican.
Alary, the fourth child, died in infancy. Burton
H. is manager of Bidwell's lumber yard at Windsor
Locks.
In politics Samuel D. Phelps is a stanch Re-
publican, but has never sought public ofifice, al-
though he works effectually for the interests of
his party. In his views on religious matters he
is very liberal, but no more moral man lives in the
town of Suflield. F'raternally he is a member of
the O. U. .\. M. He is strictly a self-made man,
and through his individual industry and good man-
agement has secured a competency that commands
fur him a position among the solid men of the town
and county.
W. AI. LO\'ELL, a farmer and dairyman of the
'town of Windsor, was born in Rockville, Conn.,
Jan. 31, 1854, and is a son of W. A. Lovell, a native
of- Alillbury, Alass., who at different times was
superintendent of the Rock. American and Winder-
mere Alills, at Rockville. The grandfather, Ezra
Lovell, engaged in school teaching the greater part
of his life, and at one time was also a merchant.
During the childhood of our subject his fa-
ther removed to Windsor and accepted the super-
intendency of the Windsor Alills. but in i860 went
to near Dover. Penn., as superintendent of a mill
at that place. Later he returned to Alillbury, Alass.,
from there went to Westerly, R. I., where he had
charge of the mills of Babcock & Morse, and on
leaving their employ spent a short time in Laconia,
X. H. On again going to Alillbury, Alass., he
severed his connection with the milling business,
with which he had so long been connected as su-
perintendent. He received calls from various parts
of the country to start new mills, to do which suc-
cessfully required great skill and a thorough knowl-
edge of the business. He became well acquainted
with dry-goods men in Xew York and Boston,
and by them was tendered high salaries to establish
mills in different parts of the United States. Sel-
dom, if ever, did the mills under his direction prove
unprofitable. Coming to Windsor in 1872, he pur-
chased a small piece of land, on which he is now
living. In Alillbury. Alass., he married A'liss Mary
A. Alallalieu. a native of that place, and a daughter
of John Alallalieu, a pioneer manufacturer of cot-
ton cloth in Adassachusetts or. in fact. New Eng-
land. She was a sister of Bishop Alallalieu, who,
in searching the history of the family in his travels
finds them to be of French Huguenot extraction.
The children born to A'Ir. and Mrs. Lovell were as
follows : Louisa, now the wife of Dr. S. A. Wil-
son, of Windsor ; Alvira, wife of AI. B. Belden, of
Brooklyn. N. Y. ; George, a wool sorter by trade ;
Edward J., a resident of Brooklyn; W. AT, our sub-
ject; Charles F., a resident of Windsor; Emma
A., wife of C. T. Welch, of Windsor; and George,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1239
Emma and Frederick, who all died young. .The
mother departed this life May i, 1897; the father,
who was born in November, 181 5, is still living,
honored and respected by all who know him. In
politics he is a Republican.
W. M. Lovell, whose name introduces this
sketch, received the greater part of his education
at Millsbury, Mass., where he attended the high
school. During his boyhood he spent much of his
time around the mills of which his father had charge,
and quite frequently worked in the same. He often
spent the summer months at the home of his
brother-in-law, Jasper Morgan, in Windsor, and
during his 'teens worked for nim. In 1880 he went
to New York, and entered the employ of another
brother-in-law, Mr. Belden, who was engaged in
the wholesale paper business. Two years later he
returned to Windsor, and in December, 1882, bought
his present place, known as the Capt. James Loomis
farm. It was once a large farm, but part of it
has since been sold. Here Mr. Lovell is now en-
gaged in the raising of tobacco and in the dairy
business. He was one of the original stockholders
of the Windsor Creamery Co., and was also a stock-
holder of the Windsor Canning Factory when it
was owned by a stock company.
On April 25, 1880, Mr. Lovell married Miss
Emma A. Briggs, who was born at White Pigeon,
Mich., Jan. 31, 1853, a daughter of Henry S. and
Elmyra (Fay) Briggs, natives of Boston and Ware,
Mass., respectively. The father was born in Feb-
ruary, 1826, and from Springfield, Mass., removed to
Michigan, where he served as conductor on the
Southern Michigan railroad for some years. Later
he went to Terre Haute, Ind., where he spent eleven
years in the machine shops, and then returned to
Springfield, Mass. About 1864 he came to Hartford,
and for some time was engaged in the restaurant
business on Main street, between Pratt and Church
streets, conducting a very popular resort and one of
the largest businesses of the kind in the city up to
that time. He now makes his home with Mr. and
Mrs. Lovell; his wife died at the age of fifty-two
years. In their famly were two children, the
younger being Otis H., now superintendent of a
paper-mill at Holyoke, Mass. Mrs. Lovell is a
graduate of the Hartford Public High School.
, They have a family of four children : Edith F.,
born June 21, 1881 ; Fay M., July 17, 1883 ; Arthur
W., March 12, 1889; and Jarvis B., June 9, 1894.
Mr. and Mrs. Lovell are both faithful members of
the Congregational Church at Windsor, and are
well-known and highly respected. In politics he is
a stanch Republican.
ORLANDO LEWIS DART. To a student of
human nature there is nothing of greater interest
than the study of the career of a self-made man, and
the analysis of the principles and methods which
have enabled him to distance others who have had
a more advantageous start. In the biography of
this well-known merchant of Suffield there is much
to instruct as well as interest, and any ambitious
youth might find, "between the lines," a helpful ob-
ject lesson.
Mr. Dart was born Dec. 7, 1857, in Somer,-,,
Conn., and comes of good old Connecticut stock,
his ancestors having settled in New London county
at an early date. Levi Dart, his father, was born in
Springfield, Mass., and is now living retired in Suf-
field, at the advanced age of seventy-seven. His
estimable wife, whose maiden name was Clarissa
Ferry, is a native of Stafford, Conn., and has also
reached the allotted limit of three score and ten, but
both are hale and hearty, being still actively inter-
ested in their accustomed work and in the pro-
gressive movements of their town, where they are
held in high esteem. They have had four children,
of whom our subject is the only survivor : ( i ) Susan
died at the age of sixteen. (2) Lovillo married Miss
Angle Latham, of Northfield, Vt., and died in
Somers, leaving two daughters, Grace A. and Clara
L., both now employed in business houses in Suf-
field. (3) Orlando L. is the next in order of birth.
(4) Lizzie died at Somers in November, 1898, un-
married.
As a boy Orlando L. Dart attended the district
schools of Somers, and spent one term at Wilbraham
College, but the work of the homestead occupied
much of his time until he was twenty-one. Farm
life was not to his liking, and for years he cherished
the determination to enter mercantile business as
soon as his majority was reached. Accordingly
he secured a position as clerk in the store of W. P.
Fuller, of Somers, with whom he remained four
years, and he then engaged in business on his own
account, purchasing a store in Somerville from C.
W. Wright. After a year and five months the store
was burned, causing him quite a loss, but Mr. Dart
v,-as not discouraged and in two weeks had com-
pleted arrangements for buying out his former
competitor, W. E. Dow, who conducted a general
store in the village. On taking charge, Mr. Dart
added a meat market to the other lines, and after
three years he sold out all but the meat business,
which he continued one year. In 1887 he removed
to Suffield, becoming a member of the firm of Dart
& Standish, successors to H. D. Sackett. Not long
afterward the stock of E. H. Hamblin was purchased
by his firm, and that of Mather & Rogers, and when
the latter firm went out of business Mr. Dart bought
H. D. Austin's share in their stock, thus enlarging
his own considerably. On Sept. 11, 1894, Mr. Dart
became sole owner of the business, which has stead-
ily increased under his able management. His
patrons include the best families of Suffield, and his
strict honesty has won him the respect and confidence
of the community, while his genial disposition and
unvarying courtesy have gained him a host of
friends. While he has always been a strong Re-
publican,, he refuses to become a candidate for any
1220
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
office, and when elected constable in Suffield he de-
clined to qualify. Socially he and his wife are
prominent, and he is identihed with Gideon Granger
Lodge, No. 62, Knights of Pythias, and Lyman
Council, No. 35, O. U. A. iM., at Suffield, both of
which he helped to organize.
On June iS, 1883, Mr. Dart married jNliss Ella
Pease, daughter of Cyrus and Maria (Loomis)
Pease, highly-respected residents of Lebanon, Conn.
Two children have blessed this union : Alson, who
died at the age of eleven years ; and Rena E. still
living.
JOSEPH G. THRALL, a son of Horace and
Eliza (Wilson) Thrall, whose sketch appears else-
where, is one of a large family of boys, all born and
reared on the old homestead on the banks of the
river in the town of Windsor. He was born Sept.
14, 1831, and is the eldest now living. He is one
of the best known citizens of the town where his en-
tire life has been passed, and "Joe" Thrall, as he is
known by almost every man, woman and child in his
community, is the type of a man whose value and
worth is easier estimated after he is gone — a man
whose generosity and kindness has never allowed
him to turn a man from his door hungry or cold.
The old-fashioned country boy has become a man of
no little general information, the result of reading
and observation, is unostentatious in manner to an
unusual degree, and is well known and highly re-
spected. He does not condenm any man who differs
with him in opinion, but admires the one who has
an opinion of his own with a reason for it.
Mr. Thrall acquired his education in the brick
school house in District No. 7, town of \\'indsor,
and among his first teachers was Eunice Phelps.
He was reared as a farmer boy, and after the death
of his father he and four brothers took charge of
the old homestead, which they operated together
until they were married. In 1879 out subject wedded
Miss Vesta E. Bartlett, a native of Cummington,
Mass., and a daughter of Ephraim Bartlett, who
died when she was quite young. After his death
she lived in Hartford, Conn., and for several years
successfully engaged in teaching school in Windsor
and elsewhere in Hartford county. She is a lady of
more than ordinary intelligence, is cultured and re-
fined, has served as a member of the school board,
and is highly esteemed by her acquaintances and
friends. She is sixth in the order of birth in a fam-
ily of eight, children, as follows : Rhoda ; Aroline ;
Lucius, a bookkeeper in Wethersfield, Conn. ; Er-
mina D., the widow of Joseph Suhanek, late of
Hartford ; Alice, the widow of Edwin Burdick, and
living near Boston, Mass. ; Vesta E. (Mrs. Thrall) ;
Eliza ; and Flora, wife of Arthur Ulrich, of Plart-
ford, three of whom have passed away, Rhoda, Ar-
oline and Eliza. The mother of these children bore
the maiden name of Salome Tower. Mr. and Mrs.
Thrall have two children : Oliver J. and Alice M.
In 1879 ■^-''- Thrall pu'xhased his present home
in the town of Windsor, and removed there a fevv
months after his marriage, since which time he has
given his attention to the cultivation and improve-
ment of the place. In politics he is a silver Dem-
ocrat, and though not an office seeker takes a deep
interest in the success of his party. He is a Spirit-
ualist, and his religious views are the result of many
years of study and reading. He gives liberally to all
charitable enterprises, and endeavors to treat his
fellow men as he would have them treat him. He
has not made the accumulation of property his sole
ambition, but takes life easily and has traveled con-
siderably over the United States.
ABEL C. ADAMS (deceased) was in his life-
time a leading citizen of Tariffville, town of Sims-
bury, where for generations the Adams family have
been very prominent.
Mr. Adams was born Nov. 4, 1823, at the cor-
ner of Main and Winthrop streets, in the village
above named, and was a son of Abel Adams, and
a grandson of Abel Adams, who enlisted as a private
in the Revolutionary war, at the age of nineteen.
May 9, 1775. Our subject's father was the owner
of extensive tracts of land. He married Vashti
Griswold, and they had three sons and two daugh-
ters : James, Thomas, Abel C, Charlotte and Caro-
line. The elder daughter lived to adult years, but
died unmarried, and the younger died soon after her
marriage. James, the eldest son, married Abbie
Blakesley, was for years a merchant in Tariffville,
and at his death left five children, James G., Albert
E., Charles A., Lottie H. and Frederick C. These
children were reared to maturity by Abel C. Adams,
the subject of this sketch, although the father left
considerable property. Thomas, the second son of
Abel, married Caroline Hoskins; he also was a
merchant, later a farmer, and acquired a comfort-
able competence ; he died in Tariffville, and his
widow now resides in Windsor. Abel Adams, the
father, was a merchant at Tariffville, and trained
his three sons in the same vocation. He lived tO'
be over seventy years of age, and died in the Epis-
copal faith ; his wife preceded him to the grave,
and the remains of both now rest in the Scotland
cemetery.
Abel C. Adams attended the schools of his native
town, and later the Connecticut Literary Institute,
at Suffield, and then entered his father's store. How-
ever, he preferred farming, and was still a young"
man when he entered upon this calling, although
he did not himself do any manual labor.
On April 29, 1858, Mr. Adams married, in
Granby, Miss Martha Moore, who was born in
that town March 25, 1836, a daughter of Horace
and Polly (Reed) Moore. Horace Moore was born
in Southwick, Mass., April 23, 1792, a son of Hor-
ace and Sarah (Nate) Moore, and his wife was
born in Granby, Conn., March 23, 1805, a daughter
of Martin and Bernice (Kendall) Reed. Horace
Moore, father of Mrs. Martha Adams, was a fine
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1221
scholar, and taught school successfully for a number
of years during the winter season; in summer he
peddled Yankee notions, whips, cigars, etc., and was
a pioneer peddler through the West, although he had
a broken leg and only twenty-five cents in cash
at the age of twenty-one years. After marriage he
settled at Granby and engaged in farming, of which
he made as fine a success as he had in peddling.
He erected many fine buildings, and his dwelling-
was one of the best in Granby. He lived to be sev-
enty-five years of age, and bis wife to be seventy-
one. Their children were named as follows : Ezra
died at the age of two years ; Mary died at four ;
Martha is now Mrs. Adams; Henry W. died in
1858; and Mary (2) died in 1867. Of this family,
Mrs. Adams was the only one to reach adult years.
Although her father was one of eight children, not
one of these is now living, and as Mrs. Adams"
cousins. Homer P. and Birney J. Moore, of Cali-
fornia, have no children, the name will go out with
them.
Mrs. Martha Adams was educated at the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, in Suffield, and later
graduated from the New Britain Normal School.
At the age of sixteen she taught school at South-
wick, Mass., receiving two dollars per week and
"boarding around;" she later taught the North
school, at Hartford, and was teaching at Tariffville
when she met her late husband.
In politics Mr. Adams was a strong Republican,
and he held various town offices, besides serving
several years as deputy sheriff, under High Sheriff
Lewis Goodrich, of Simsbury. Mr. and Mrs. Adams
had a family of five children: Henry, born April
18, 1859, is a druggist in Spring Hill, Kan. ; Hor-
ace M., born Sept. 6, 1861, was traveling auditor for
the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe eating-houses
from Kansas City to Los Angeles for fifteen years,
and is now in business in Tariffville ; Martha V.,
born Jan. 14, 1865, is the wife of Dr. C. M. Woos-
ter, of Tariffville; Abel C, born June 24, 1869, is a
druggist at Unionville, Conn. ; and Frank E., born
Oct. 17, 1872, is also a druggist at Unionville. The
sons are well-to-do business men, and give evidence
of having been carefully reared and well-taught.
Mrs. Adams, since the death of her husband, in
1877, has resided in the house which was his home
from the age of six years. She is a member of the
Episcopal Church, and is active in its work, doing
good wherever and whenever she can. She is also
a member of the King's Daughters, and is one of the
most highly esteemed ladies in her town.
OLIVER WOLCOTT KELLOGG, a highly-
respected farmer and tobacco grower of East street,
Suffield, was born in West Suffield, Conn., April
8, 185s, is a descendant of one of the oldest Puri-
tan families of New England, and traces his an-
cestry in this country to three brothers of Scottish
origin, but of English birth, who came from Eng-
land to this country in 1640, and were known as
Lieut. Joseph Kellogg, of Hadley, Mass.; Samuel
Kellogg, of Hatfield, Mass.; and Daniel Kellogg,
of Norwalk, Conn. From an old will on file in the
State Library at Hartford, Conn., dated June 4,
1657, the following extract is made: "All my houses
and lands in Farmington I give to John Kellogg
and two sisters, Jane and Kate, in Old England,"
a palpable evidence of the antiquity of the Amer-
ican family.
Some of the earlier Kelloggs were deacons in
the Congregational Church, some were selectmen,
and some were officers in the army of the Kmg.
Samuel Kellogg, of Hatfield, married, Nov. 24,
1664, Sarah, widow of Nathaniel Gunn, and daugh-
ter of Robert Day, of Hartford, Conn. Their chil-
dren were born as follows: Samuel, April 11, 1669;
Nathaniel, June 4, 1671 ; Ebenezer, June 7, 1674;
and Joseph, Sept. 19, 1676. On Sept. 19, 1677,
Mrs. Kellogg and her infant son Joseph were slain
by the Indians, and March 20, 1679, Mr. Kel-
logg married Sarah Root, of Westfield, Mass. Their
children were John, born April 25, 1680, died in
Hatfield; Thomas, born Oct. i, 1681, died about
1757; and Sarah, born April 14, 1684, was mar-
ried to Abraham Morton, of Hatfield, May 8,
1 70 1. Samuel Kellogg, the father, died July 17,
1751-
Samuel Kellogg (2), born in Hatfield, April
II, 1669, married Hannah, daughter of Nathaniel
Dickinson, Jr., and about 1702 removed to Col-
chester, Conn., where he died in 1708; his wife died
Aug. 3, 1745, leaving four children: Samuel, born
May 18, 1694; Joseph, born June 18, 1696; Han-
nah, born Sept. 11, 1699; and Eunice, born Aug.
3, 1701.
Deacon Joseph Kellogg, second child born to
Samuel Kellogg (2), was married, at Colchester,
to Abigail Miller, Oct. 23, 1717. It is recorded
that he sold his right in his father's Hatfield estate
to his brother Samuel, Feb. 28, 1722, for fourteen
pounds sterling. From Colchester Deacon Joseph
removed to Hebron, about 1729, and from Hebron
to Marlboro, in Hartford county, where he died.
His children were named Joseph, Daniel, Mercy,
Moses, Elijah, Ezekiel, Abigail, Samuel and Ben-
jamin.
Ezekiel Kellogg, sixth child of Deacon Joseph
Kellogg, was born Nov. 12, 1732, and married Ann
Owen July 2, 1758 .In Granby is recorded a deed
given by Elijah Messenger to Ezekiel Kellogg,
Sept. 21, 1770, in the ninth year of the reign of
King George III. The following named children
were born to the marriage of Ezekiel and Ann
Kellogg: Lydia, born in Hebron, Nov. 24, 1759,
died in East Hartford, July 4, 1836; Oliver, born
in Marlboro, Nov. 30, 1761 ; Rachel, born in East
Hartland Jan. 10, 1763; Ann, born Jan. 23, 1766;
and Ezekiel, born June 14, 1773. The mother of
these died in Hartland, June 21, 1773, seven days
after the birth of the youngest child. The father
was admitted to the communion of the Congre-
1222
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gational Church Xov. 14, 1773; he died in Hart-
land, of smallpox, June 16, 1785. He was pos-
sessed of considerable poetic ability, was the author
of a work on the Revolutionary war, and some of
his productions are still in the possession of the
Kellogg family.
Ezekiel Kellogg, youngest son of Ezekiel, men-
tioned above, was born in Hartland, June 14, 1773,
and married Luna Clark Dec. 8, 1796. He was a
farmer, and died in Southwick, Mass., Nov. 18,
1828. His children were as follows : Friend, born
June 19, 1797, died April 2, 1839; Polly, born Nov.
I, 1799, died -May 17, 1804; Harvey, born May 17,
1801. died July 22, 1876: Eliza, born Aug. 9, 1802,
married Justus Kent, and died July 5, 1830; Will-
iam, born April 12, 1804, died in Georgia, Oct. 13,
1827; Wilson, twin of William, died May 24, 1871 ;
Lewis, born July 4, 180(1, died Aug. 2, 1821 ; Anna,
born July 18, 1808, married Shepherd Eaton, and
died near Painesvillc, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1836; Edwin,
born Aug. 23, 1810, died Sept. 30, 1828; Lyman,
born Feb. 5, 1813, died in \4rginia, Jan. 17, 1898;
Mary, born Feb. 28, 181 5, married George Town-
send, of Ohio, and died near Warren, that State ;
and Oliver W., father of our subject, was born
July 9, 1817. ?>Irs. Luna (Clark) Kellogg mar-
ried for her second husband Augustus Collins, of
Granville, and there passed the remainder of her
life, dying Oct. 23, 1842.
Oliver Wolcott Kellogg was educated in the
common schools of Southwick, Mass., whence he
went to Manlius, N. Y., and later to Geneva, there
attending a course of lectures in medicine. Re-
turning to Manlius, he remained one year, and then
entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
from which he graduated at the age of twenty-five
years. He began practice in West Suffield, Conn.,
in 1842, continuing there for seventeen years, and
also engaged in farming. In 1859 h^ removed
to Suffield Center and practiced until 1864, at which
time he moved to Ellington, Conn., where he bought
a farm on which he resided two years, and then
returning to Suffield bought the Rising home, re-
sumed practice, and here died Dec. 12, 1891, after
fifty years of professional work.
In politics he was first a Republican, but later
became a Prohibitionist, was very active in the
cause, and was nominated by the Prohibition party
as its candidate for the State Senate from the third
district. He served as a member of the school com-
mittee, as superintendent of the Congregational
Sunday-school in Suffield and West Suffield, and as
deacon of the church in West Suffield, and was one
of the most useful and respected residents of Suf-
field. Dr. Kellogg was married in Southwick, Mass.
to Miss Eliza Smith Fletcher, a native of New Ips-
wich, N. H., and a daughter of Rev. Thomas and
Elizabeth (Pratt) Fletcher, the former a Presby-
terian divine ; her grandfather and great-grand-
father were also named Thomas ; the latter was a
soldier under King George. Rev. Thomas Fletcher
died in Southwick, Mass., and his widow at the
home of her son in Westfield, Hampden Co., Mass.,
in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. Their
children were : Eleanor Read, the eldest daughter,
was married to Dr. John Scoville, of Cornwall,
Conn,, and both died in Sheffield, Mass. ; William
Otis was a banker in Westfield, Mass. ; tlarriett
Newell, who lives in Westfield, is the wife of Lewis
R. Norton, president of the Hampden Bank; Dwight
died young; Eliza Smith is the mother of our sub-
ject. The children born to the marriage of Dr.
Oliver W. Kellogg were named as follows : Mary
Eveline died when nine years old ; Thomas Fletcher
died at the age of four years ; Eliza Harriet died
when si.xteen months old ; Harriet Maria died at
the age of five years; Oliver W. is our subject;
and Eliza Fletcher lives in Suffield, caring for her
mother, who has reached the ripe age of eighty-
four years.
Oliver W. Kellogg, our subject, graduated from
the Connecticut Literary Institute, and early began
work on his father's farm in West Suffield; he re-
moved with his parents to Ellington, but returning
to Suffield worked one year in Luce's (now Clark's)
grist-mill. He next moved to Feather street (now
East), and in 1892 purchased the Kinney farm, of
sixt_\- acres, on which he has made very extensive
and valuable improvements, and has successfully
cultivated tobacco, etc.
Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage, Jan. i,
1879, with Miss Libbie Chapell, who was born in
\\ ashington, Mass., a daughter of Amos and Maria
G. (Bottumj Chapell. Peter Chapell, grandfather of
Mrs. Kellogg, married Miss Rhoda Lee Congdon,
who was born in New London, Conn., and to this
union were born twelve children : James, who died
in 1896 ; Mary Ann, who died at the age of eighteen
years ; Rhoda, who married Lorenzo Webb ; Eliza,
who was married to Nelson Stewart, but is now de-
ceased ; Rachel, who married Francis W. Joy, of
Plainfield, Mass. ; Melissa, wife of Justin Ferguson,
of Hinsdale, Mass. ; Amos, father of Mrs. Kellogg ;
Enoch, deceased ; Sarah D., widow of Ebenezer Bal-
lentine, anl living in Hartford, Conn. ; Harriett E.,
deceased wife of William Ballentine, of Springfield,
Mass. ; William, who died in infancy ; and Wilson,
also deceased.
Amos Chapell, father of Mrs. Kellogg, was
born June 19, 1825, married Miss Maria G. Bottum
in September, 1855, and in 1867 came from Wash-
ington, Mass., to Suffield, and bought the H. K.
Granger farm. They have had two children : Lib-
bie, Mrs. Kellogg ; and Willis Lincoln, a druggist
of Hinsdale, Mass. Amos Chapell was first a
Democrat in politics, but since the Civil war has
supported the Republican party. He and his genial
wife are now residing in retirement in Suffield. To
Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Kellogg has come one child,
Lawrence Chapell, born in 1886, who is a bright lad.
Mr. Kellogg is a Republican in politics. He is
a member of the Cone:regational Church, and for
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1223
four years was church librarian. He is a genial
and agreeable gentleman, is very popular, and with
his wife stands very high in the esteem of the com-
munity.
FREDERICK GEORGE GODDARD, a well-
known farmer and tobacco grower of the town of
East Granby, belongs to that class of citizens who
started out in life with naught but an abundance of
determination and indefatigable industry, and who
have succeeded through their own diligence, energy
and economy. He was born Oct. i6, 1851, in that
town, when it still formed a part of the town of
Granby.' His grandfather, Datus Goddard, was a
native of Bushy Hill, town of Granby, and as a
farmer spent his entire life in that town. He was
a Democrat in politics, and was well-known and
highly respected. He married a Miss Case, and to
them were born five children : Newell, Byron, Wat-
son, George D. and.Almira.
George D. Goddard, father of Frederick G., was
a native of the town of Granby, and received a
common-school education. Throughout his active
business life he worked as a farm laborer, and he
spent his last days with his son Frederick, who pro-
vided for him in his old age. He died at the home of
his son Frederick on Nov. 27, 1893, and was buried
in East Granby. His political support was always
given to the Democracy. In early life he married
Miss Mary Clark, of New London, Conn., by whom
he had five children : Elizabeth, now the widow of
Henry Griswold; William, who died near New
Milford, Conn. ; Frederick G. ; Albert ; and Jesse.
The mother, who was a consistent member of the
Congregational Church, passed away in 1862, and
was laid to rest in East Granby cemetery.
Frederick G. Goddard, whose name opens this
sketch, was only eleven years old when he lost
hifj mother, and the following ^^ear he commenced to
earn his own livelihood, working as a farm hand for
small wages. His school privileges were necessarily
limited, though he attended the common schools
for a short time. He continued to work for others
for twenty-six years, during which time, by his
thrift and industrious habits, he managed to save
about $3,300, which, in 1890, he invested in sixty-
eight acres of land, known as the Talbott farm.
Here he has since resided, and has devoted his time
and attention to tobacco raising and general farm-
ing, meeting with a fair degree of success in his
labors.
On April 22, 1890, in Simsbur)'-, Mr. Goddard
was united in marriage with Miss Emma M. Nye,
a native of Blandford, Mass., and a daughter of
Welcome and Margaret (Fair) Nye, who are still
living. Two children have come of this union :
Howard W., born Jan. 17, 1892, and Freda O.,
born Jan. 28, 1894, both now in school. The family
attend the Congregational Church, and Mr. Goddard
is identified with the Democratic party. His wife
is a lady of marked ability, well educated and re-
fined, and belongs to an old and highly-respected
family. Upright and honorable in all the relations
of life, Mr. Goddard has won the confidence and
esteem of all with whom he has come in contact,
and his frieuds are many throughout Hartford
county.
GEORGE REMINGTON. Scientists tell us
that energetic and well-directed toil is conducive
to health and long life, and in the career of this
highly-esteemed resident of Suffield we find an illus-
tration of the theory. Beginning life a poor boy,
he passed through years of hard work before he
gained his present handsome competence, and yet,
at the advanced age of seventy-eight, he is as strong
as manjr men of fewer years.
Mr. Remington comes of a good old family, and
is now the only representative of his generation in
the town. Stephen Remington, his grandfather,
who was a resident of Suffield, had two sons, one of
whom went West, his descendants being now scat-
tered.
Stephen Remington (2), our subject's father,
was a farmer at Hasting's Hill, in the town of Suf-
field, and, as he started in life on his own resources
and was disabled for some years previous to his
death, he was not very successful financially. He
died in 1827, at the age of fifty-one. In early man-
hood he married Miss Chloe Gillett, a native of
Granville, Conn., who died in 1824, aged forty-seven.
She was a most estimable woman, industrious and
faithful to her sense of duty, and during the long
illness of her htisband the care of the family and
management of affairs devolved chiefly upon her.
The labor-saving methods and appliances of the
present day were unknown, and she did the family
washing at a stream near the old home. Of the
twelve children none are now living except our
subject, (i) The eldest, Myron, went West soon
after his marriage, but returned to Suffield, where
he died at the age of thirty-nine, leaving seven chil-
dren, one of whom was in the Civil war. (2) Albert
engaged in farming in early life, but his health
failed, and he settled in Springfield, Mass., where he
died aged seventy-four. He married Emeline Mor-
ley, of Agawam, Mass., who died aged sixty-five,
and they had six children : Margaret E., a resident
of Suffield ; Julia, who lived only six weeks ; Robert
A., who enlisted during the Civil war in the ist
Massachusetts Cavalry, and was starved to death
while a prisoner at Andersonville ; Henry \N., a
hotel clerk at Boston, Mass., and a hotel keeper at
Newark, N. J., who died Dec. 25, 1870; M. Jennie,
who married E. Pember, and died in Plainville,
Conn. ; and Sarah Grafton Reed, who died in Jan-
uary, 1879, unmarried. (3) Almon, twin of Albert,
died in Suffield, aged thirty-six years, leaving five
children. (4) Ann married Elihu S. Ta^dor, of Suf-
field, and had three children. (5) Sibyl married John
Fuller, of Suffield. (6) Amy married Norman Hast-
ings, of Suffield, and had seven children. (7) Jane
1224
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married Nathaniel Curtis, of Suffield, and had five
children, one of whom served in the Civil war. (8)
Marietta never married. (9) Stephen, who was a
wheelwright at Suffield, had four children, one of
whom served in the Civil war. (10) Thomas, who
was a farmer in the town of Suffield, had two chil-
dren. (11) George is mentioned more fully below.
(i2j Chloe married Norman .Adams, of Suffield,
and had six children.
George Remington was born March 15, 1821,
at the old home on Hasting's Hill, and was but si.x
3-ears old when his father died. His attendance at
tilt local schools was limited, as there was much work
to do at home, and all the children began to earn
money as soon as possible to help support the family,
the girls doing spinning for neighbors at seventy-
five cents per week. The homestead was taken by
Almon Remington, who purchased a quit claim from
the otiier heirs as they came of age, paying one hun-
dred dollars to each one. Our subject remained at
the farm imtil he was about seventeen and a half
years old, when he spent six moiUhs with John Rice,
a farmer, receiving eight dollars per month, with
a bonus of three dollars for being steady. In the
fall of 1838 he went to Northampton, Mass., to
learn the blacksmith's trade, with the understanding
that he would receive thirtv dollars the first year,
thirty-five dollars the second, forty dollars the third,
and forty-five dollars the next si.x months. After
one year and two months he left the place, and never
had a penny for his hard work. Returning to Suf-
field, he "did chores" for his board from January
till .April I, 1840, and then entered upon a two-years'
apprenticeship to Francis Nichols, a blacksmith, at
fifty dollars per year. At the expiration of his
term he was employed at $200 per year for three
years, and later worked for a few months for Eli-
phalet Moran, whose shop stood just south of our
subject's present home. Having determined to en-
gage in business on his own account he rented this
shop, and three years later bought it, with a house
and lot north of it, where he has since made his
home.
Mr. Remington was known as a skilled work-
man, and for many years his trade kept him working
early and late. In one week he shod several oxen
and as many as ninety horses, pointing all the nails,
and filled numerous small orders for repairs or gen-
eral blacksmithing. His constitution was strong
and his body, while never fleshy, was wiry and mus-
cular, giving him great endurance. About the time
of the breaking out of the Civil war his health began
to fail, and for two years he worked as a farm hand
in order to recuperate. For the next five years he
had charge of the Hathaway farm, and since giving
up that position he has lived in comparative retire-
ment, although the care of his real-estate holdings
and making of private loans on securities occupies
some of his time. At present he is a director in
the Suffield National Bank, and his wealth and rep-
utation for sagacity in financial affairs make him
one of the substantial citizens of the town. Polit-
ically he was a Democrat until 1896, when his opin-
ions on the currency question led him to vote for
McKinley. He has never sought political office,
but has not shirked the duty of a good citizen, and
when the new school house was built in Suffield he
served as chairman of the building committee. He
and his estimable wife are leading members of the
liaptist Church, and for ten years he was chairman
of the committee of that Society.
On May 30, 1849, •''^I'"- Remington was married
in Suffield, to Miss Eliza A. F'uUer, who was born
June 25, 1830, a daughter of George and Eliza
( l*"uller) Fuller, prominent residents of that town.
Her education was obtained in the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute, at Suffield, and in the schools of
East Hampton and Westfield, Mass., and she is ex-
ceptionally cultured and intelligent. She was one of
of a family of five children, of whom three lived to
iv.aturity: Mary E., a resident of Warehouse Point;
Eliza A., Mrs. Remington; and George H.
EDWARD GUSTAVUS NEALE (deceased),
for many years a leading contractor of Southing-
ton, was prominently identified with the upbuilding
and development of that town. Some time ago he
laid aside all business cares to spend the remainder
of his life in ease and quiet, enjoying the fruits
of former toil, and he entered into eternal rest April
20, 1900.
Mr. Neale was born in Southington Jan. 24,
1825, a son of Joseph and Hester B. (Moulthrop)
Neale, who were married Oct. 20, 1812, and had
four children: Charles E., Orsephus Billings, Sarah
M. and Edward G. For his second wife the fa-
ther married Matilda Barnes, of Berlin, by whom
he had one daughter, Caroline, now the wife of
Edward Miller, of Meriden, Conn. Joseph Neale
was born in Southington Nov. 10, 1784, son of
Elijah and Silence Neale, of that town, and died
Oct. 28, 1834.
The boyhood and youth of Edward G. Neale
were passed in Southington, where he attended the
common schools and served an apprenticeship of two
and one-half years to the carpenter's trade with
De Witt Upson, of the Marion District. He then
followed that occupation until 1889 as an extensive
contractor and builder, erecting many of the prin-
cipal residences in Southington and vicinity, among
which we may mention : 1847, Baptist church,
Springfield, Mass. ; 1848, with Samuel Woodruff,
ariother contractor, Lewis Academy, Southington ;
1S50, North End school house, Southington; 1851,
Ira B. Andrews house, Marion, Conn.; 1850-51,
O. B. Neale house, Marion; 1852, Lester Smith
(now O. N. Lamson) house, Berlin avenue; 1854,
Bennet Lewis house, Marion ; 1855, William Smith
house, Plantsville ; 1855, Selah Thorp saw-mill, Mt.
Vernon, Conn. ; 1856, William Churchill house, Cen-
ter street; 1856, John White house, Plantsville;
1857, three houses for D. Ruggles, Milldale; 1858,
6
o
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1225
Ira Frost house, Marion; 1859, Stephen Pratt house,
Berlin avenue; 1868, John Gridley house (now Mrs.
F. L. Stevens)., Meriden avenue; 1869, Edward
G. Neale tenement house, Academy Hill; 1869,
Dennis Bristol house, Bristol street; 1870, E. C.
Stillman house, Academy Hill; 1871-72, Edward
G. Neale's late home, Academy Hill; 1871-72, Wal-
ter S. Atwood house, Milldale ; 1871, Edwin Dick-
erman house, Dickerman Corners ; 1873, three houses
for the Cutlery Co., Oak Flill Summit; 1873, Enoch
Nichols jewelry store and house. Main street; 1873,
Horatio Dunham house and barn, Shuttle Meadow ;
1873, Edward G. Neale house, Oak street, South-
ington ; 1873, Abigail Beach house, Berlin avenue;
1874, Leonard Beecher (now S. F. Guernsey) house.
Main street; 1884, L. D. Frost (now Howard Will-
iams) house. Main street; the William Wightman
and the Stacy houses, on Wolf Hill ; and many
others. In i88q Mr. Neale entered his son's store,
and remained there for five years, but at the end
of that period he laid aside all business cares, and
lived retired, enjoying a well-earned rest.
On July 29, 1847, Mr. Neale married Miss
Rhoda S. Pratt, who was born Aug. 14, 1828, a
daughter of Col. Seth and Abigail L. (Smith)
Pratt, of Southington, and a granddaughter of
Deacon Eli and Abigail (Hitchcock) Pratt. To
this marriage was born one son, Charles Edward,
who is mentioned below. Mr. Neale was a con-
sistent member of the First Congregational Church,
to which his widow also belongs, and took an active
interest in its work, while he served as deacon for
several years. He and Deacon Miles H. Upson, of
Southington, supported the Marion Sunday-school
for years, having founded the first Sunday-school
there. Politically he was indentified with the Re-
publican party, and held the offices of grand juror
and member of the school committee. After an
honorable and useful career, he could well afford to
lay aside all business cares and live in ease and re-
tirement, surrounded by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances. .
Charles Edward Neale, the only child of Ed-
ward G. and Rhoda S. (Pratt) Neale, was born in
Plainville May 9, 1849, and was educated in the
common schools, the Lewis high school, and Wells
Business College, New Haven. He began life for
himself as a school teacher, and successfully followed
that vocation for two years in Southington and
vicinity, also for one year in Meriden. He then
engaged in clerking in J. H. Elliott's general store
at Plantsville for one year, and for a like period was
with J. F. Pratt, of Southington, with whom he
entered into partnership in general merchandising in
1876, this connection existing three years. Mr. Pratt
then sold his interest to S. F. Guernsey, and the busi-
ness has been conducted under the firm name of
Neale & Guernsey up to the present time. They
are among the most prominent and leading mer-
chants of Southington, and enjoy an excellent trade.
On Dec. 26, 1885, Mr. Neale was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lizzie A. Lord, daughter of Charles
and JuKna (Maynard) Lord, of Southington, and
of the children born to them four are living : Charles
Edward, Jr., Alma, Margery and Harold. Mr.
Neale is one of the solid and reliable business men
of Southington, is a genial and courteous gentle-
man, and is held in high regard by all who know
him. Religiously he is a member of the Congre-
gational Church; politically he is a stanch Repub-
lican.
JAMES ROLAND HAYES, senior member of
the firm of J. R. Hayes & Son, undertakers, gen-
eral farmers and tobacco growers of North Granby,
was born there Nov. 4, 1821, and belongs to one of
the oldest families of the town of Granby, the name
being inseparably connected with the history of
Hartford county for over two hundred years. In
the family have been many men of prominence in
business, professional and public life, including
President Hayes.
Obediah Hayes, the grandfather of our subject,
was born June 14, 1754, in Simsbury (now North
Granby), and was a son of Daniel Hayes (2).
Throughout life he engaged in agricultural pursuits
there, and also conducted a hotel in a house still
standing, which was erected by him over 130 years
ago. He was widely and favorably known, and
served as school commissinoer in his district in
1795- Oi^ Sept. 25, 1780, he married Miss Ahinoam
Holcomb, who was born March 18, 1757, a daughter
of Joshua and Mary (Griffin) Holcomb. Her fa-
ther was a grandson of Thomas Holcomb, the pro-
genitor of the family in America. Eleven children
were born of this union : Obediah was born Sept.
24, 1781 ; Ahinoam, born Sept. 29, 1782, was mar-
ried in 1809 to Oliver Coe, and died in New York,
June 12, 1867; Cephas was born Sept. 19, 1785;
Amherst was born March 3, 1788; Bethsheba, born
June 6, 1790, married Adijah Dibble; Chester was
born March 12, 1792; Roland, born May 3, 1794,
was the father of our subject ; Harvey was born May
23, 1797; Gordon was born April 24, 1798; Nancy,
born Aug. 24, 1800, died in 1882 ; and Homer was
born Feb. 7, 1803. The father of these children
died May 23, 1817, and the mother, who was a con-
sistent member of the Congregational Church, de-
parted this life Sept. 10, 1844, the remains of both
being interred in North Granby cemetery.
Roland Hayes, our subject's father, was born
on the old home farm in the town of Granby, May
3, 1794, and received only a common-school educa-
tion. For many years he worked in the foundry of
Stephen W. Cornwall, as a brass molder, and then
engaged in farming upon a tract of sixty acres of
land, but a few years prior to his death he removed
to Southington, Conn., where he lived retired until
cabled from this life, May 18, 1877, his remains
being interred there. During the war of 18 12 he
was drafted, but hostilities ceased before he was
called into service. For some time he was captain
1226
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of a local company in the volunteer militia, and was
always known as Capt. Hayes. In political senti-
ment he was a Whig, and in his religious views was
liberal, but he and his family attended the Congre-
gational Church and contributed to its support. On
Aug. 27, 1817, he marHed Miss I'atience liarnes,
who was born .Vpril 14, 1797. a daughter of Thomas
and Phoebe Barnes. She died in Southington, Aug.
16, 1870, and was also buried in the cemetery there.
Seven children constituted the family : Sojihia, born
May 9, 1820, married James Goddard, and both are
now deceased ; James R., our subject, is ne.xt in the
order of birth ; Caroline E.. born Aug. 24, 1825, died
Feb. 27, 1827; 1-Vanklin B., born Dec. 30, 1827,
died in middle life; Frances M.. born Dec. 18, 1830,
married Jonathan W'alkley, of Southington. and died
June 8, i860; Lucia E.. born .\ug. 20, 1842, was
married Sept. 8, 1868, to W. W. W'oolcott, of
Georgia ; and Xancy Elizabeth became the wife of
Henry A. Barraclough, of Los .Angeles. California.
Like most farmer boys of hi.s day, James R.
Hayes assisted in the work of the farm during the
summer season and attended school through the win-
ter months, pursuing his studies in the public schools
of the town of Granby and Granby .\cademy, under
the instruction of Jefferson Coolcy. He was a close
student, and soon fitted himself for the teacher's
profession, which he followed for several years
during the winter, receiving $12 per month. Learn-
ing the wheelwright's trade, he engaged in that
business as a journeyman in North Granby for ten
years, but for the past thirty-five years has devoted
his attention to agricultural pursuits upon his pres-
ent farm. He was one of the first in the town of
Granby to engage in the cultivation of tobacco, and
is now one of the largest tobacco raisers in the com-
munity. Since 1888 he has been in partnership
with his son in operating a fine farm of 100 acres
in North Granby, besides a large tract of mountain
land, and for over a third of a century has done a
successful business as an undertaker, being for many
years the only one in Granby.
On Oct. 23, 1846, Mr. Hayes was united in mar-
riage with J\Iiss Almira Clark, who was born in
Hartland, in August, 1826, a daughter of Jabin and
Laura (Butler) Clark, and to them have come three
children: (i) Marshall Clark, born May 14, 184S,
was educated in the public schools and the high
school at Greenwich, R. L, and is now engaged in
business with his father. He was married. May 29,
1877, to Ella Merriam, a daughter of Ahira and
Roxy (Kendall) Merriam, and they have three chil-
dren: Harold Merriam, born Nov. 18, 1882; Her-
bert Kendall, March 11, 1884; and Annie E., Sept.
7, 18S8. Marshall C. Hayes is a Republican in
politics, and a member of the Congregational Church
of Granby, in which he is serving as deacon. (2)
Caroline, born Sept. 12, 1849, died Feb. 8, 1852.
(3) Flora Edna, born April 22, i860, has for a num-
ber of years been a successful teacher, and now has
charsre of a school at Blue Hills, Hartford. She is
the widow of Dr. W. W. Stratton, and has one child.
Hazel Louise.
Mr. Elayes is a stanch supporter of the Repub-
lican party and its principles, and has ever taken an
active and prominent part in local politics, being
elected to the State Legislature in 1875 and filling
that ofiice for one term. He has also served as
selectman four terms, assessor of the town, justice
of the peace, a member of the board of relief and
member of the school board and school committee.
His public duties were always most promptly and
faithfully discharged, winning the commendation
of all concerned. Fraternally he is the oldest mem-
ber of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M. For
fifty-two years he and his estimable wife have trav-
eled life's journey together, sharing its joys and
sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and now in
their declining days are surrounded by a host of
friends and ac(|uaintances who appreciate their ster-
ling worth.
WARREN GRIDLEY BUNNELL. There is
particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history
of the honored and venerable gentleman whose
name introduces this review, since he has for many
years been prominently identified with the agricult-
ural and political interests of Burlington, and has
attained a position of distinctive prominence in the
town where he was born and where he has retained
his residence until the present time, being one of
the revered patriarchs of the community.
Mr. Bunnell was born near Burlington Centre
April 6, 1819, and belongs to one of the oldest fam-
ilies of that locality. He is the oldest man in the
town of Burlington, born there. His grandfather,
Lemuel Bunnell, was born in 1767, in Hartford
county, and when a young man located in Burling-
ton, where he purchased a tract of thirty acres of
land for $300. At that time he was quite poor, and
had only one dollar and eighty cents to pay upon
his property, but he worked hard and finally man-
aged to pay ofl: the debt. Throughout life he en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, and he died upon
his farm Feb. i, 1809. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Marial Benham, was born in 1772,
and died April 7, 1852. The remains of both were
interred in Burlington cemetery. In their family
were five children : Hezekiah, a manufacturer of
linseed oil, who died in Burlington ; Polly ( Mrs.
Elton); Theda (Mrs. Smith); Joel, father of. our
subject; and Sybil (Mrs. Wheeler).
Capt. Joel Bunnell, our subject's father, w.as
born Feb. 5, 1793, received a district-school educa-
tion, and during his youth learned the trades of tan-
ner, currier and shoemaker. Throughout the
greater part of his life he followed shoemaking,
going from house to house making shoes, then
known as "whipping the cat." He was a man of '
good business ability and sound judgment, and be-
came quite well-to-do, owning over 700 acres of
land in Burlington, where he also engaged in farm-
'yfL.u^' ^ ^^— ^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1227
ing and stock raising. He was a captain in tlie
State militia, and during tiie war of 1812 was
drafted, serving for six months at ]\e\v London,
Conn. In his rehgious views he was liberal, and
in political sentiment was first a Democrat and
later a Republican, but never an office seeker. He
died in Burlington July 4, 1876, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him. He married Miss
Fanny Gridley, a daughter of Ruil Gridley, who was
a farmer in Harwmton, Conn., and there died.
Mrs. Bunnell was born March 13, 1798, and died
April 30, 1887, being laid to rest by the side of her
husband, in Burlington Centre cemetery. Our sub-
ject is the eldest of their children. Lemuel W.,
born June 12, 1823, married Jennette E. Clark, who
died Jan. 3, 1847, at the age of twenty-six years,
and he then married Serena Aldrich, who still lives ;
they had two daughters, Fannie (Mrs. Jenkins), of
Plainville, and Clara, deceased wife of Robert P.
Bissell; Lemuel W. Bunnell died in Plainville,
Conn., April 23, 1890. Norris W. was born Nov.
10, 1825. Sheldon L., born Jan. 19, 1828, died
July 8, 1878. Adaline A., born June 24, 1832, is
a resident of Burlington Centre.
Warren G. Bunnell, our subject, attended the
district schools of Burlington, also the Burlington
Academy, and in early life learned the carpenter's
and joiner's trade mainly through his own unaided
efforts. He has devoted considerable time to the
trade ; has also engaged in general farming, sheep
raising and the cultivation of tobacco, and is still
operating the farm. He has been interested in house
moving for a number of years, and has moved many
buildings in Hartford and Litchfield counties. His
apparatus for this work is of his own invention, and
the blocks he uses weigh over 100 pounds each. The
chain weighs over 400 pounds, and is the only one
of the kind in the county ; it is 275 feet in length,
and cost one hundred dollars in New York. Mr.
Bunnell has moved three churches, raised (each)
one pair of rafters, also over one thousand feet of
lumber, besides the iron. He has raised shops,
saw-mills and gristmill, three stories each, also flag
poles of over one hundred feet in height (in Bur-
lington) , when he was over eight}'-one years old, he
raised a flag pole, with copper ball and weather
vane six feet long and weighing about fifty pounds.
In addition to all this he raised a church bell, and
a house that required forty-five jackscrews. Mr.
Bunnell has made many improvements upon his
farm, and although eighty-one years cf age he is
still very active, and attends to all of his business
affairs. He is progressive, industrious, temperate
and honest, and is numbered among the leading
and foremost citizens of Burlington.
In 1858 Mr. Bunnell married Miss Eunice Har-
riet Bradley, daughter of John L. and Harriet Brad-
ley, and to them were born three children : Alice
H., now the wife of Clarence Alderman, of Farm-
ington ; Lutie W., who for a time was engaged in
school teaching, and is now the wife of Charles
Barnes, of New Britain ; and Celia G., living at
home, who is now treasurer of the school board of
the district, and has the honor of being the first
woman elected to a political office in the town of
Burlington.
Mr. Bunnell is a man of broad and liberal ideas,
is well read, and thoroughly posted on all the lead-
ing events of the day, and is quite popular with all
classes of people, iie is a strong advocate of tem-
perance, and has signed as many as six cold-v>fater
warrants for the arrest of liquor men. At one time
he was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in which he served as trustee, but he is now liberal
in his views. In early life he affiliated with the
Know-Nothing party, and is now a stanch Republi-
can in politics. He has been appointed to the offices
of justice of the peace and grand juror in Burling-
ton; and has been treasurer of the town, handling-
all the money; and for over thirty years has been
sealer of weights and measures. His offices have
all come to him unsolicited, however, as he has
never had political aspirations.
BURTON D. PHELPS, a prominent dairyman
of the town of Windsor, is a native of New Boston,
Berkshire Co., Mass., born March 4, 1857, and is
descended from a family whose connection, if any,
with the family of the same name in Windsor, is
very remote. His parents were O. W. and Eliza-
beth (Deming) Phelps, and he is the eldest in their
family of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters, of whom the sons and one daughter are still
living.
During his boyhood our subject came to Hart-
ford to live with his maternal grandfather, Eleazer
Deming, a farmer by occupation, with whom he re-
mained until the latter's death. He was reared on
the farm and provided with good educational ad-
vantages, better even than he took advantage of,
though he attended the common schools of Hart-
ford. After his grandfather's death he worked as
a farm hand ten years for his uncle Wellington
Deming, and here secured an excellent knowledge
of every department of farm work.
In Hartford, Mr. Phelps was married, Sept. 25,
1883, to Miss Florence Newton, who was born in
Royal Oak, Mich., April 2, 1862. Her ancestors
were originally from Long Meadow, Mass., but her
father, Daniel W. Newton, was a native of Michigan,
a son of Isaac and Anna (Simons) Newton, who in
1835 removed to that State and became pioneers
of Oakland county. The father married Miss Eu-
nice Stephenson, and they spent their entire mar-
ried life in JNIichigan, where they died. They had
two children : Annie, who died in childhood : and
Florence, wife of our subject. At the age of eight
years the latter came East, and until sixteen lived
hi Massachusetts, after which she made her home
in Hartford until her marriage. Our subject and
his wife. now have one son, B. Ernest, born Aug.
19, 1891.
1228
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
After his marriage Mr. Phelps rented a farm
from his uncle, Wellington Deming, and lived there
until April, 1890, when he removed to his present
farm, known as the George Peck farm. This he
bought and by subsequent purchase has added to
it until he now has seventy-five acres of valuable
land, on which he has made many improvements
which add to its attractive appearance. From boy-
hood he has been familiar with dairy work, and as
a retailer is now extensively engaged in that busi-
ness. He is an active, energetic and progressive
business man, who believes in enjoying life as he
goes along. His political sympathies are with the
Republican party, but he supports men according to
fitness rather than politics, and has never been an
office seeker. His wife is a member of the Woman's
Relief Corps, No. 6, au.xiliary to Robert O. Tv-
ler Post, G. A. R., of Hartford.
DEACON HENRY HUMPHREY. The
Humphrey family is one of the oldest in this coun-
try, and its members have made the name honored
in civil and military life, several having served in
the Revolutionary army.
The first of the name to settle in this section
was Michael Humphrey, and through his son, Lieut.
Samuel, the subject of this sketch, a well-known
resident of Canton, traces his descent. Lieut. Sam-
uel Humphrey was born in 1656 in Windsor, and
resided during a portion of his life in Massacoe, now
Simsbury. Samuel Humphrey, son of Lieut. Sam-
uel, was born in Simsbury May 17, 1686, and was
made a freeman of that town in 1717. He was
pound keeper for a number of years, and also
served as collector, constable, and surveyor of high-
ways. He was married on Feb. 23, 1709, to Han-
nah Phelps, who was born Oct. 25, 1693, daugh-
ter of Joseph and Mary Phelps, of Simsbury, who
died in 1710, and was buried in Simsbury. On
Feb. 26, 1712, he married Marv Fuller, who was
born Nov. 27, 1692, daughter of John and Eliza-
beth (Case) Fuller. In December, 17 14, he mar-
ried Lydia North, of Farmington, daughter of Na-
thaniel North. She died Aug. 8, 1730, and in Octo-
ber, 1 73 1, he married, for his fourth wife, Mary
Orton, of Litchfield county. Conn. By the first
marriage there was one child — Samuel, born Oct.
15, 1710, who married Mary Wilcox, and died July
7. 1755; and one by the second — Abel, born March
13, 1714, who married Jemima Warner. The chil-
dren of the third marriage were: Lydia, born Nov.
7, 1715, married, on Aug. 19, 1737, in Simsbury,
Capt. Daniel Wilcox; Elizr.beth, born July 9, 1717,
married, on Aug. 27, 1735, Joseph Wilcox; Ezekiel
is mentioned below; Tryphena, born Jan. 29, 1722,
married, on June 11, 1739. Dr. Samuel Barbour,
son of Samuel and Mercy (Holcomb) Barbour, and
died in 1752; Mary married, on April 10, 1746,
Sergt. Ezra Wilcox; Daniel, born June 5, 1726,
married Lucy Marshall, and died March 23, 1814;
Isaac died Aug. 3, 1732. Of the children of the
fourth marriage Ashbel, who was born April 19,
1732, and dieu in May, 18 13, married for his first
wife Lois Coldwell, for his second Lurena Wor-
cester, for his third Mrs. Amy Reed, for his fourth
a widow whose name is unknown, and for his fifth
Clarion Hanson. Isaac, born Nov. 27, 1735, mar-
ried Esther North, and died Oct. 13, 1788. Thomas,
born Oct. 27, 1735, died in 1818, was first married to
Elizabeth Hopkins, and afterward to Jane Flint.
Eunice married Jacob Holatred. Charles, born Feb.
13. 1743. <J'ed in 1822, married Normie Worcester.
Lois, born Aug. 26, 1745, married David Wright,
of Oxford, Conn. Noel, born Nov. 21, 1747, died
June 10, 1819, married Sarah Marshall. Daniel
was born in 1749, and died in 1800.
Capt. Ezekiel Humphrey, the next in the line
of descent, was born Aug. 28, 17 19, in Simsbury,
where he grew to manhood. In 1743 he settled in
West Simsbury and engaged in farming. He rep-
resented Simsbury in the General Assembly in 1777
and 1779, and in many ways showed his sympathy
with the American cause during the war of the
Revolution. He died in 1795, and his wife, Eliza-
beth Pettibone Humphrey, who was born in Sims-
bury in 1724, died in \\'est Simsbury in 1792. By
this marriage tliere were ten children, viz. : Ezekiel,
born May 28, 1746, married Rhoda Scott, and died
in 1802; Elijah, born Sept. 20, 1748, married Chloe
Wilcox, and died in 1788; Elizabeth, born in 1750,
married (first) Lieut. Daniel Case, and afterward
Elihu Case, and died in 1808; Frederick, born Dec.
9, 1753, married (first) Ruth Fuller and (second)
Sarah Wilcox, and died in 1821 ; George is men-
tioned below; Anna, born in 1758, married Reuben
Humphrey, and died in April, 1826; Giles, born in
1760, married Elizabeth Case, daughter of Deacon
Abraham Case; Chloe, born June 28, 1762, married
Capt. Asher Humphrey, and died June 31, 1813;
Betsey, born Feb. 12, 1767, married Sylvester Hum-
phre3^ and died Feb. 15, 1845; Lydia, born in 1769,
was first married to Alexander Humphrey, and aft-
erward to Samuel Webster.
Col. George Humphrey, our subject's great-
grandfather, was born in 1756, in West Simsbury,
and died in 1813. He lived at home until the Revo-
lutionary war broke out, when he became a promi-
nent soldier in the American army, filling many im-
portant offices. At the close of the war he returned
to the homestead, known as Parsonage farm, and
with his brother, Frederick, started a blacksmith
shop. He was probate judge in his native town
for several years, also justice of the peace, and in
1792 he was elected to the State Legislature. On
Aug. 7, 1777, he married Elizabeth Pettibone, who
was born in Simsbury in 1756, daughter of Capt.
Abraham and Jerusha (Pinney) Pettibone, and died
Sept. 22, 1784. On June 5, 1785, he married
Rachel Humphrey, who was born Oct. 12, I755>
daughter of Ensign Oliver and Sarah (Garrett)
Humphrey, and died in 1831. His children were
X
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1229
as follows: Clarissa, born July 19, 1780, married
in 181 1, Elisha Dyer, son of Thomas Dyer. George
is mentioned below. Jerusha, born Dec. 2, 1783,
died June 11, 1784; Elizabeth, born Feb. 22, 1786,
married Dr. Dudley Humphrey, and died in Orwell,
Bradford Co., Penn. Cornelia, born July 30, 1787,
married Abraham Griswold, and died Jan. 14, 1869,
at Gustavus, Ohio. Decius, born April 19, 1789,
married Laura Adams, and died June 14, 1878.
Stella, born Oct. 26, 1790, married Lester Cone^
and died on Oct. i, 1846, at Monroeville, Huron
Co., Ohio. Emily, born Oct. 17, 1792, married
Ralph Meecham, and died Dec. 17, 1862, at Mecca,
Trumbull Co., Ohio. Laura, born Aug. 24, 1795,
married on Feb. 18, 1814, Deacon Lancel Foote,
and died Sept. 19, 1880. Hector, born June 8,
1797, married Mariette Mott, was president of the
college at Annapolis, Md., and died June 28, 1857.
George Humphrey, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born July 23, 1782, in what was then
West Simsbury, now Canton, Conn., where he grew
to manhood. Like his father he was a soldier,
serving in the war of 1812, also in Algeria, where
he was taken prisoner. He died in 1836. By his
marriage to Candice Case there were the following
children: George, the father of our subject, who is
mentioned below; and Harriet, born Dec. 23, 1806,
who died Aug. 23, 1877, unmarried, in Canton,
Conn. By his second marriage, in 1816, a daugh-
ter, Estella, was born in 181 7, who married Isaac
Beckmith in 1834; her second husband was William
S. Dewey.
George Humphrey, the father of our subject,
was born Aug. 15, 1804, at New Hartford, Conn.,
and died at Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., Aug.
13, 1883. Being among the early settlers he was
forced to put up with many of the hardships of
pioneer life, living in a log house and working hard
to clear the land. By persistent effort, however,
he made many improvements upon his farm, among
them a fine dwelling. He was a good man, liberal
in his church views, and in politics was a Demo-
crat, but never an office seeker. On Oct. 12, 1825,
he married, at Canton, Conn., Louise Mills, daugh-
ter of Gardner and Mary F. (Skinner) Mills, of
that place. She died at their home Jan. 19, 1839.
By this marriage there were the following children :
Alfred F., born Oct. 8, 1826, died March 18, 1898;
Louren E., born Dec. 22, 1828, died in California;
Lucy, born Oct. 4, 1830, married, in 1853, William
G. Hallock, and died April 2, 1874; Anson W., born
Feb. 8, 1833, died Dec. 31, 1833; Clarissa, born
Nov. 5, 1834, died Dec. 20, 1834; George H., born
May 25, 1836. Mr. Humphrey married for his sec-
ond wife, on Oct. 30, 1839, Louisa Webb, a good
Christian woman, who died at Smyrna, N. Y., July
31, 1877. By this union there were the following
children: Estella, born July 27, 1840, married Vin-
cent Goodsell, and afterward Lawson Hutchins ;
Theron, born April 23, 1842, married Ellen Fifield
Feb. 22, 1865; our subject is mentioned below;
Edwin, born Aug. 29, 1847, in Georgetown, N. Y.,
married on May 27, 1868, Abigail Walrod; Francis,
born Sept. i, 1849, died Oct. 28, 1852; Solon, born
July 26, 1851, married on Sept. 10, 1872, Mary E.
Wynn, and resides at Smyrna, New York.
Deacon Henry Humphrey, our subject, was born
at Smyrna, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1845, and was given a
common-school education. At the age of twenty,
desiring to start in life for himself, he went to
Canton, Conn., where for four years he worked as
a farm hand for his brother and William G. Hal-
lock. After another year spent in operating a rent-
ed farm he bought a tract of one hundred acres,
and engaged in tobacco culture, dairying and
stock raising. Though he started in life poor, push
and energy have in his case had their reward, as
his farm now testifies by extensive improvements.
In the fall of 1898 he met with one reverse, how-
ever, his barn, worth $3,500, being destroyed by
fire, but fortunately the loss was partly made good
by the insurance. Mr. Humphrey is much re-
spected in his community, and is a director of the
Canton Creamery Association. He has served on the
town school committee, to which he was re-elected
at the last town meeting, has been a member of the
board of relief for some time, and since 1888 has
been a deacon in his church at Canton Center. Po-
litically he is a Republican. On Jan. 27, 1869, he
married, in Canton, Calcie Mills, who was born in
Canton, Aug 3 1,1847, daughter oi Elizur and Betsey
(Case) Mills. She was educated in a select school in
Canton Center, and after she was sixteen taught
school for a number of terms. Like her husband she
is a church member. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have
had two children: Ernest, born Nov. 13, 1883, who
died Nov. 16, 1883 ; and Alice Estella, born June
21, 1888, who is attending school.
The Mills family, of which Mrs. Humphrey is
a member, was also of pioneer stock, her ancestors
having come from Yorkshire, England, at an early
day. Simon Mills, the first of the family of whom
we have record, was a resident of Windsor previous
to 1669, as he then removed from that town to Mas-
sacoe, now Simsbury, settling at Weatogue, East
Simsbury. On Feb. 23, 1649, he married Mary
Buel, and they had the following children: Mary,
born Dec. 8, 1662; Hannah, born in 1665; Simon
(i), born in May, 1667, who died at an early age;
John, who is mentioned below ; Sarah, born in
September, 1670; Abigail, born in 1672; Elizabeth,
born in 1674; Prudence, born in 1676; and Simon
(2), born in 1678.
John Mills, the next in the line of descent, was
born in January, 1668, in Windsor, Conn., and
at an early age removed with his parents to Wea-
togue, Simsbury, where he grew to manhood. He
had married Sarah Pettibone, an English woman of
good family, and had fairly settled down to life as a
farmer when he died, leaving four children : John ;
Benjamin and Joseph, twins ; and Sarah, who died
in 1797, at the age of loi years. She was married
1230
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ihrec times, first to Samuel Tuller, next to Francis
Garrett, and afterward to Joseph Woodford. The
widow of Mr. JMills married for lier second hus-
band Deacon Jolm Humphrey, and had chiklren :
John, Hannah, lienajah, Alichael, and Rev. Daniel
(who was the father of Gen. David Humphrey).
Joseph Mills was born in Simsbury, in the Wea-
togue District, in 1694, and died April ly, 17S3.
In 1742 he settled in West Simsbury, where he be-
came a large land owner and prominent citizen.
He married, m 1724, Hannah Adams, who was born
in 1709, and died in September, 1776. Of their
children, Joseph, born in 1726, died in 1795, was
married four times, his first wife being Lois Case.
Michael, born in 1728, died in 1819, married Mer-
cy Lawrence. Hannah, born in 1731, died in 1796,
married Ebenezer Fields. Samuel, born in 1734,
died in 1803, married a Miss Curtis. Amasa, born
in 1736, died in 1821, married Lucy Curtis, daugh-
ter of Peter Curtis. Benjamin, born in 1738, died
in 1829, married Hannah Humphrey. Ezekiel, born
in 1740, died in 1805, married Ursula Pheljis. Dan-
iel was born in 1742, and died in 1779. Simon was
born in 1744, and died in 1778. Andrew, born in
1746, died in 18 13, married Naoma Humphrey.
Sarah, born in 1748, died in 1805, married Joseph
Cowles, and afterward Asa Foote. Thankful, born
in 1750, died in 1776, married Charles Wilcox.
Ephraim is mentioned below. Ruth, born in 1753,
died in 1789, married James Andrews. Many of
the sons mentioned above were prominent in the
Revolutionary war, several being captains and one
a colonel. Five of them were deacons in churches.
Ephraim Mills, the great-grandfather of our
subject's wife, was born April 19, 1751, in West
Simsbury, and died there in 1818. His first wife
was Rosanna Foote, who was born in 1754, daugh-
ter of Capt. John Foote, and died in 18 14. His
second wife was Bethia Johnson. By his first mar-
riage there were ten children : one died in infancy ;
Rosanna, born Sept. 17, 1780, married Arnold P.
Humphrey; Ephraim, born Oct. 19, 1782, married
(first) Sarah Case, widow of Orange Case, and
afterward Emma Tuller ; Phcebe, born ]\Iarch 28,
1784, married Stephen Davis; Simeon, born in
1786, died in 1787; Simeon (2) is mentioned be-
low; Andrew, born in April, 1789, died Oct. 14,
1792; Ruth, born Nov. 8, 1792, married Chancey G.
Griswold ; Andrew (2), born in 1793, died Jan. i,
1804: Norman, born Aug. 21, 1795, married Sophia
Andrews.
Simeon ilills, the grandfather of Airs. Hum-
phrey, was born Sept. 22, 1787, at West Simsbury,
now Canton, where he spent his entire life. By
occupation he was mainly a farmer, although he
was engaged in teaming on the Albany and Hart-
ford turnpike for a number of years. He was a
well-known citizen, a member of the Congregational
Church, and in politics at first a Whig and after-
ward a Republican. His remains were interred in
the cemetery at Canton Center. He was married
first to Anna D, Angilis, later to Abbah Buel, and
third to Clarinda Humphrey, His children were as
fellows: George, Stiles, Elizur, Maryette, Aurelia
and Sarah Ann.
Elizur Mills, the father of Mrs. Humphrey, was
born in Canton, and died there March 2, 1861. In
early life he acted in various capacities — as farmer,
teamster, and for a while as a hand in the Collins
ax factory. When the rush to California set in
Air. Mills was one of the fairly successful adven-
turers. He went by the way of Panama, in com-
pany with his brother. Stiles, and he nearly lost
his life. After four years, during which he ac-
quired considerable property, he returned to Can-
ton and settled upon a farm. Pie was a highly-re
sjiected citizen, a man of hberal church views, and
in politics at first a Whig and later a Republican.
Pie was married in Canton to Betsey Case, who
died in 1890, and was buried in Canton Center cem-
etery. She was the daughter of Giles and Mary
Case, and granddaughter of Eli and Athildred
(Curtis) Case. Mrs. Humphrey was the youngest
of a family of four children. (i) Archibald
Lewis, born Oct. 7, 1839, was a soldier in the Civil
war, and is now a farmer in Cherry Brook, Canton ;
he was deacon in the church in Canton Center for a
number of years. In 1872 he married Mary
Loomis, who died in 1893, and they had four chil-
dren, Lewis (born Jan. 24, 1874), Irene, Irwin and
Cora. (2) Belvider died in infancy, and (3) an-
other son of the same name died when he was
twenty years of age.
ISAAC WINTHROP WARNER, a thorough
and skillful agriculturist of the town of West Suf-
field, resides on a farm near where he was born,
July 22, 1856.
Mr. Warner's grandfather, Isaac Warner, was
born on the old homestead in Warnertown, same
town, and was a son of Isaac Warner and brother
of Curtis W^amer. He acquired his literary educa-
tion in the district schools near his home, and ob-
tained an excellent knowledge of farming, which
he made his life work. He was very successful,
and was an extensive land owner. He spent his
entire life in Warnertown as a general farmer,
dairyman and stock raiser, and made many improve-
ments upon his place, including the erection of a
pleasant residence and good barns. He married
Miss Sarah Phelps, and to them were born three
cliildren : Isaac L., William W., and Julia Ann
(wife of Lovatus Noble), all now deceased. The
grandparents died upon their farm, and were buried
in the Phelps cemetery, near Warnertown.
William W. Warner, our subject's father, was
born upon the home farm Dec. 4, 1818, and was
educated in the district schools and the Connecticut
Literary Institute. _ During his younger years he
engaged in peddling Yankee notions throughout
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, but
after his marriage he turned his attention to agri-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1231
cultural pursuits upon his father's farm, where he
remained for several years, and then removed to
the place where our subject now resides. It com-
prises sixty-four acres, which he improved by
building a fine residence, and barns, thereon, and to
its cultivation he devoted his energies until called
from this life Jan. 4, 1873, his remains being in-
terred in the family burying-ground in Phelps ceme-
tery. His political support was ever given to the
men and measures of the Democratic party, and he
was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married Miss Emily M, Phelps, a
daughter of Cromwell and Teresa (Rising) Phelps,
and three' children were born of this union : Sarah,
wife of James A. Oris wold, of Eas.t Granby, Hart-
ford county; Isaac W., our subject; and Emily M.,
wife of Richard D. Cannon, of North Granby.
The mother, who was also an earnest and consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died
on the home farm, Jan. 19, 1859, and was laid to
rest in the Phelps cemetery.
The primary education of our subject, acquired
in the district schools of Warnertown, was supple-
mented by a course in the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute. He was only sixteen years of age when
his father died, and lived with his maternal grand-
mother, to whom he proved a great comfort and
help. He took charge of the home farm, which
he has since so successfully operated, and has de-
voted his time to general farming, dairying, stock
raising and tobacco culture. He is recognized as
one of the most enterprising, progressive and pub-
lic-spirited citizens of his community, and his aid
is never withheld from anything which he believes
will prove of public benefit. He is a quiet, un-
assuming man, yet makes many friends. In his
political affiliations he is a Democrat.
On Oct. 4, 1881, Mr. Warner was united in
marriage with Mrs. Martha (Birge) Mason, a native
of Southwick, Mass., and a daughter of Horace
and Lucy (Stiles) Birge. They have one child,
Charles I., who was born in 1883, and is now at-
tending school. Mrs. Warner is a lineal descend-
ant of Richard Birge, who came from Dorchester,
Mass., and settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1636, and
also of Matthew Grant, who came over from Eng-
land in 1630, in the ship "Mary and John," and
settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1635.
•WILLIAM LUCIUS PHELPS, an enterpris-
ing and progressive agriculturist of West Suffield,
is deserving of special mention in this volume as a
man who has made his own way in life, and the
outline of his career as given below cannot fail to
afford a helpful object lesson. His popularity as
a citizen is a tribute to his personal worth, which
is best known to those who have watched most
closely his steady advancement.
Mr. Phelps belongs to a well-known pioneer
family, tracing his descent from William Phelps, a
native of Tewkesbury, England, who came to Amer-
ica in 1630 with a colony of which Rev. Mr. War-
ham was the head. There were three brothers, Will-
iam, George and Richard, in the party, but Richard
went to the Barbadoes five years later, and all trace
of him has been lost. George settled in Maine,
while William came to Windsor in 1636. His first
wife, who had accompanied him from England
with their five children, died in Dorchester, Mass.,
and after his removal to Windsor he married Mary
Dover, who also came from England with Mr. War-
ham's party. He died in 1672, at his home on the
road between Poquonock and Windsor.
Judah Phelps, our subject's great-grandfather,
resided at the present site of Warnertown, West
Suffield. He married Abigail Bishop, and among
his children were two sons, Israel, our subject's
grandfather; and Apollos, known as Capt. Apollos,
a prominent citizen of West Suffield in his day.
Israel Phelps was born at Warnertown, and
spent his entire life in West Suffield, where he
owned and cultivated a large tract of land. As
a citizen he was much respected, his broad and lib-
eral views of Christian doctrines and duty being ex-
emplified by an upright life. He died in 1855, and
his wife, Teresa (Rising), died in 1878, the remains
of both being interred in the Phelps burial ground
in West Suffield.
Israel L. Phelps, father of our subject, was born
on the old Warner homestead at Warnertown, where
he grew to manhood. He engaged in farming on
property now owned by William J. Graham, and he
ciied there in 1867, at a comparatively early age.
\'\niile he never sought political prominence, he was
a stanch Democrat, and, like his father, he was lib-
eral in his religious views. He married Miss Eliza-
beth C. Gibbons, of Granville, Mass., daughter of
Willi,am Gibbons, and had three children : Flora
B., deceased; William L., our subject; and Teresa
Jane ("Jennie"), now the wife of George Pomeroy,
of Franklin, N. Y. The mother, for her second
husband, married Justus M. Pease, and both are
still living in Warnertown. Of the two children
born to this marriage, Clare E. married Bradford
Goodrich, and Grove M. is at home.
William L. Phelps was born Jan. 30, 1864, at
Warnertown, and was but three years old when
deprived of a father's care. He remained with his
mother for some years, during which he availed
himself of the limited educatonal opportunities af-
forded by the local schools, but at the age of eleven
he left home to work for Isaac Warner, with whom
he spent seven years, receiving only his board and
clothing. At eighteen he went to Granville, Mass.,
where he was employed at farming and other labor
until 1892. He then returned to West Suffield,,
securing employment with Oliver C. Rose, and, as
his habits were frugal, he managed at the end of three
years to buy his present homestead of one hundred
acres, formerly known as the King farm. Here
he has made many improvements from time to
time, while by his industry he gains a comfortable
1232
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
income from the place, tobacco raising and dairy-
ing occup_\ing his attention in connection with gen-
eral farmmg. Politically he affiliates with the Re-
publican party, and in religion he holds to the deep,
broad principles which underlie all faiths, rather
than to any denominational interpretations. In
i8yi he was married, in Westfield, Mass., to Miss
Marietta Seymour, whose intelligent aid has been
a factor in his success. She is a native of Brad-
ford county, Penn., and a daughter of Milton Sey-
mour, a respected resident of that section. Four
children brighten our subject's home: Brainard B.,
Esther S., Arlene M. and Jennie ]\I.
JOHN HENRY CONNLEY, general manager
of the Berlin Brick Co., Berlin, is a native of New
York State, born March 17, 1858, at Fishkill on the
Hudson.
John A. Connley, his father, born Oct. 14, 1829,
in Orange county, N. Y., is also a brickmaker by
trade, and for a time conducted a brick plant in
Haverstraw, N. Y. ; but in 1878 he gave up that
business, and after three years with T. G. Peck &
Co., at Haverstraw, he became superintendent for
the Nayatt Brick Co., at Providence, R. I. At the
end of eight years with that firm he resigned, and
for the past several years has been with the Ouin-
nipiac Brick Co., of New Haven, Conn., as superin-
tendent. In political affairs he was a Democrat up
to 1896, but in that year he "turned his coat," be-
coming a Republican. He held various town offices
in Grassy Point, N. Y., while a resident in that place.
In religious faith he is an attendant of the Congre-
gational Church ; socially he is a member of the
F. & A. J\I.
On Sept. 27, 1854, John A. Connley married
Martha Saunters, who was born April 29, 1834, a
daughter of Stephen Saunters, of Fishkill, N. Y.,
and a brief record of their children is as follows :
(i) Miss Sarah M., born Sept. 13, 1856, lives at
home. (2) John H. is our subject. (3) George
Benson, born Oct. 19, 1862, is a bookkeeper in the
Shoe & Leather Bank, New York ; on May 14, 1885,
he married Ada F. Siver, of Fishkill, New York.
John H. Connley, the subject proper of these
lines, was a few months eld when his parents re-
moved from Fishkill on the Hudson to Haverstraw,
N. Y., in which latter city he received his educa-
tion, partly in the common schools, partly in a se-
lect school. At the age of sixteen he commenced
to learn the brickmaking business with his father,
and in 1881 went to Hamden, New Haven Co.,
Conn., where he became superintendent of H. P.
Shares, manufacturer of bricks, and remained in
that position nine years. Following this he was
foreman for one year tmder his father, who was
superintendent of the Nayatt Brick Co.'s works at
Providence, R. I., after which he and his brother
George B. leased the yard, and for three years car-
ried same on under the firm name of Connley Bros.
Our subject then removed to Berlin, Hartford Co.,
Conn., to fill the position of general manager of the
Berhn Brick Co. At the end of two years he su-
perintended the erection of the William L. Davis
brickyards at Berlin, and remained there as super-
intendent two years. In 1898 he returned to the
Berlin Brick Co., as their general manager (his
present incumbency), having full charge of the
brickyard. Like his father before him, he is a thor-
oughly skilled brick manufacturer, fully understand-
ing the business in every detail, and, moreover, giv-
ing his undivided personal attention to all the de-
partments of the work, as he is always found at
his post of duty. Of Mr. Connley 's perfect famil-
iarity with every branch of the business, and of his
superior management, the all-round completeness
and orderly system to be found in the works of the
Berlin Brick Co. are in themselves ample evidence.
On Dec. 22, 1880, John H. Connley was mar-
ried to.Mattie Elizabeth Buchanan, who was born
July 15, i860, a daughter of Robert and Nancy
Emily (Briggsj Buchanan, the former a mariner,
late of Haverstraw, N. Y. Two children have been
born to this union: Grace E., born Sept. 18, 1881,
graduated from the New Britain high school in 1900.
Jessie E. was born Aug. 16, 1884. The family are
highly esteemed and respected. Mr. Connley at-
tends the Congregational Church, of which his wife
is a member, and fraternally he unites with the A.
O. U. W., belonging to the lodge at North Haven.
In political sentiment he is a Republican.
AUGUST VOIGT. The German-born citizens
maintain a high ideal of citizenship, and the sub-
ject of this sketch, a well-known resident of New
Britain, has shown in his career the energy and
public spirit which characterizes the race. For a
number of years he has been superintendent of the
butt department of the Stanley Works, while in the
promotion of general business interests and in the
v/ork of municipal improvements he has taken an
active and influential part.
Mr. Voigt was born March 12, 1858, in Burg,
near Madgeburg, Prussia, where his ancestors in
both paternal and maternal lines resided. Henry
Voigt, our subject's father, was born in Burg, Dec.
14, 1827, son of David Voigt, and received a public
school education, attending from hs seventh to his
fourteenth year. As he was quite young when his
father died, he was obliged to turn his attention to
the work of bread-winning at an early age, and
served an apprentceship as a cloth weaver. Ac-
cording to the custom in Germany he then traveled
three years, working at his trade, and during the
Revolution of 1848 was serving in the German army,
in which he remained three years. He then settled
in Burg, but the introduction of the power-loom in-
terfered with the trade, and in 1865 he came to
America, hoping to better his condition. He lo-
cated first in Collinsville, Hartford Co., Conn., where
he was employed in a shop as an axe-grinder, and
six months later he settled in New Britain, finding
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1233
employment in the Stanley Rule & Level Co. His
ability and skill were soon recognized, and he be-
came a contractor, retiring in 1886, after twenty
years of successful work, with a comfortable com-
petence; he still resides in New Britain. He is of
a quiet disposition, his time having always been spent
at home when not in the factory, and his fondness
for reading has enabled him to keep well-posted on
current events. Politically he is a Republican, but
he has not been active in party affairs. He and his
family attend the Lutheran Church of New Britain,
and he belongs to a local lodge of the L O. O. F.
(in which he has passed all the chairs), and to the
German' Benevolent Society, which latter he helped
to organize. His estimable wife, Elizabeth Kuehne,
was born in Burg, Prussia, Sept. 17, 1833, daughter
of Christopher Kuehne. August is the elder of two
sons born to Henry Voigt and his wife ; the younger,
Henry J., born Jan. 19, 1869, is now foreman of the
pattern-making department of the Russell & Erwin
factory.
August Voigt was educated in the schools of
New Britain, and his studies were interrupted at the
age of eleven, in order that he might assist his father
on the contract above mentioned. In 1873 he returned
to the public schools for six months, and at the same
time also took private instructions. Solely by his
own efforts he became proficient in the German
language, which he reads and writes readily. On
finally leaving school, in 1873, he began to learn the
machinist's trade with the Bank Lock Co., remain-
ing with that company until 1876. After a short
time spent with P. & F. Corbin, he was in the spring
of 1877 employed by Russell & Erwin. In February,
1878, Thomas Conklin, general superintendent of
the Stanley Rule & Level Co., sought his services,
and after a short time he gave up his former posi-
tion to enter the latter employ. In 1881 he was em-
ployed as machinist and toolmaker in the Stanley
Works, and in 1886 became foreman in the butt
department, of which he was made superintendent
in 1891, since which time the capacity has been
doubled. For some time he has been a director in
the New Britain Co-operative Savings & Loan As-
sociation.
Mr. Voigt is active in local politics as a Repub-
lican, and has been treasurer of the town of New
Britain since 1893. He was also prominent in the
se\yer depa,rtment for the city for eight years, from
1891 to 1898 serving as a member of the sewer com-
mission, from which he resigned in the summer of
1898, and during that time he served as chairman
with the exception of one year. He attends the
South Congregational Church, and he and his fam-
ily are much esteemed socially. Mr, Voigt is a
member of the following orders and societies : Har-
mony Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Gerstaecker Lodge, No.
96, I. O. O. F., New Britain; and the Encamp-
ment of the same order (he has passed all the chairs
in the lodge, and has served as deputy of the State
78
order) ; the Turner Society ; the German Benevo-
lent Society ; and the New Britain Driving Club.
In 1879 Mr. Voigt married Miss Theresa Young,
daughter of Frederick Young, of New Britain,
formerly a resident of Canton, Conn., and four chil-
dren have blessed the union.
EDWIN C. LOOMIS, an energetic and reliable
young business man who in the past ten years has
built up a profitable trade as a meat dealer, in the
town of Windsor, was born there, Feb. 8, 1864, a
son of W. W. and Lucy M. (Wilson) Loomis,
whose sketch appears elsewhere.
Mr. Lomis was educated in the Stony Hill dis-
trict school and the academy at Windsor, and as a
young man worked on his father's farm, also at
brickmaking, which was extensively carried on in
the vicinity of his home. One summer he clerked
in the grocery store of L. Mullalet, Jr., of Windsor,
and at the age of twenty-one paid a visit to the West,
going as far as Denver, Colo., and stopping at other
western cities. Returning to Connecticut, he em-
barked in farming and gradually became interested
in his present business, depending entirely upon his
own resources. His first experiences were not very
encouraging, but this did not dishearten him as it
would have done many a young man. Benefiting
by his failure, he steadily persevered in his new-
undertaking until at length success crowned his-
efforts. He commenced business on a small scale,,
and at first his efforts at selling meat in the winter
only were successful, but since 1890 he has carried:
it on all the year round, and has the leading busi-
ness of the kind in the town, his route extending
throughout Windsor. Fair dealing, courteous treat-
m.ent and the highest quality of goods have been im-
portant factors in his success, and he has the confi-
dence and esteem of his many patrons.
On May 20, 1891, Mr. Loomis married Miss
Anna Bancroft Strickland, a native of Westfield,
Mass., born Sept. 25, 1867, and a daughter of James
V. and Ellen L. (Bancroft) Strickland. Her father
v/as, born near Poquonock, Conn., in 1835, a son of
Cadwell Strickland, and the mother was born in En-
field, Conn., in 1839, a daughter of Caleb O. and
Chloe (Wolcott) Bancroft, the former a relative of
the great historian, George Bancroft, and the latter a
relative of Gov. Wolcott, of Connecticut. James
V. R. Strickland, who was reared near Poquonock,
was valedictorian of his class when he graduated
from the academy at that place, and completed his
education by two terms' attendance at the East
Hampton (Mass.) College. He was a skilled math-
ematician and at the age of seventeen years began
teaching, a profession which he successfully fol-
lowed for some time. He also engaged in farming.
For several years he resided in Westfield, Mass.,
and was living there at the time of his marriage,
but later returned to the town of Windsor, Hart-
ford Co., Conn. He was a prominent member oi
1234
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Democratic party, and a highly respected citizen
of the community, and represented that town in
the State Legislature in 1874. He died in January,
iSyj, at which time he was residing on "the Island"
at Windsor, and his widow, a highly respected old
lady, now finds a pleasant home with our subject.
In their family were only two children who reached
years of maturity: Mrs. Anna B. Loomis, and H.
W., of Windsor. Our subject and his wife have
three children, whose names and dates of birth are
as follows: Henry S., June 20, 1892; Marian C,
Nov. 27, 1893; and .Marshall W.. May 7, i8y6.
In April, 1892, Mr. Loomis removed to his pres-
ent home, known as the Gilbert Loomis farm, and
has since greatly improved the place, supplying it
with all modern conveniences and accessories such
as are found on a model farm of the nineteenth cen-
tury. He has a very comfortable home where hospi-
tality reigns supreme. He is a Democrat, but takes
no active part in politics aside from voting regularly,
and both he and his wife are consistent members
of the Congregational Church at Windsor.
ALBERT H. GALPIX, a popular and influential
citizen of \\'ethersfield, was born in that town,
June 16, 1847, and is a worthy representative of
one of its most honored families.
Samuel Galpin, his grandfather, was born in
Berlin, this county, but when a young man came to
Wetliersfield, where he spent the remainder of his
life as a stone-cutter and farmer, owning and opera-
ing a small farm here. He was a stanch supporter
first of the Whig and later of the Republican party,
and took quite an active and prominent part in pub-
lic alYairs. He was a very popular man in his com-
munit}-, and was honored with a number of town
offices, serving eighteen years as assessor of Weth-
ersfield : one year as a member of the board of re-
lief ; fifteen years as selectman ; nine years as col-
lector of State and county taxes ; twenty years as
justice of the peace; and one year as town clerk.
He also filled other local offices, and was a director
of the State prison for a time. He was also a
member of the school board fifteen years, county
commissioner three years, and in 1839 represented
Wetliersfield in the State Legislature. In church
matters he also took an active interest, and was a
faithful member of the Congregational Church, in
which he served as deacon for a number of years.
For thirty-seven years he was clerk of the Eccle-
siastical Society, and he was commissioned to hold,
loan and collect parsonage money for twenty-eight
years, and was collector of the first Ecclesiastical
Society for four years. He was also called upon
to act as administrator and executor for thirty-
four estates, and was notary public for six years.
His fellow citizens placed the utmost confidence in
him, and he was found true to every trust re-
posed in him, either in public or in private life. He
married Caroline Woodhouse, of Wethersfield, who
was also a member of the Congregational Church,
and both died and were buried in Wethersfield.
They had four children : Albert ; Samuel ; John ;
and Caroline, wife of Albert Wells.
Albert Galpin, the father of our subject, was
born and reared in Wethersfield, and was practically
a self-educated man. He engaged in farming
tliroughout the greater part of his life, and like
his father he was called upon to fill many public
positions of honor and trust. He filled the office
of town clerk of Wethersfield for over forty-three
years ; was justice of the peace fifteen years ; and first
selectman. He took a very active part in school
matters, and was a stanch supporter of our public-
school system. Politically he was first a Whig
and later a Republican, and religiously was a con-
sistent member of the Congregational Church. As
an honorable and upright man, and good Christian,
he had the full confidence of his fellow citizens, and
he was also called upon to settle a large number of
estates. In Farniington, Conn., he married Miss
Esther 2^1. Washburn, a daughter of Charles Wash-
burn, of Granby, Conn., and to them were born
two children: Albert H., our subject; and Hubert
D., a resident of Illinois. The parents both died
on the home farm, and were buried in Wethersfield
cemetery.
During his boyhood Albert H. Galpin attended
the district schools of Wethersfield, and later the
academy of that town and a school in New York.
His education completed, he returned to the home
farm and remained with his parents, engaged in gen-
eral farming and tobacco growing. In 1892 he
was appointed town clerk, and the following year
was elected to that office, which he has since so
creditably filled. He also served as town treasurer
for six years, and justice of the peace for eighteen
years. Politically he is identified with the Repub-
lican party, and fraternally affiliates with the Grange.
He is well posted on the leading questions and is-
sues of the day, and is a man well-known and
highly respected in his community.
HORACE W. TREAT. In Hartford county
the two chief vocations in life, agriculture and
manufacture, are often blended. The genius of
the workshop is highly developed in the sons of
Connecticut, and the independence and healthful-
ness of farm life often run counter to that speciali-
zation. Not uncommonly a young man has made
a successful venture in the great field of manufacture,
and later in life has retired to the freedom of the
farm. A typical and prominent instance is pre-
sented in the life of our subject.
Mr. Treat was born Oct. 8, 1832, in the town of
Glastonbury, Hartford county, and there he was
reared to manhood, receiving his education in the
district school and high school of his native town,
also spending two terms at the Connecticut Liter-
ary Institute at Suffield. He acquired a knowledge
of the blacksmith's trade, working at it steadily
for two years, and then opened a shop of his own
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1285
at Rockville, Conn. He was enterprising and wide-
awake, and soon after he was successfully operating
a large carriage shop in which he became a manu-
facturer of carriages, and did an extensive and suc-
cessful business. In 1879 Mr. Treat moved to the
farm, in the town of South Windsor, which he now
owns, and where he has ever since resided. It
is a well-improved property of sixtx'-five acres.
Mr. Treat is engaged in general farming and dairy
business, and has a fine stock of Jersey cattle.
Mr. Treat was married, in 1858, to Miss Anna
L. Corey, and two children were born to them :
Carrie L., who died at the age of two and one-half
years, arid Irving C, who is now a hardware mer-
chant of Hartford. Mrs. Treat died in 1898.
In politics Mr. Treat is a member of the Pro-
hibition party. He is a prominent citizen of South
Windsor, and one whose abundant success in life
is an honor to himself, and a credit to the intelli-
gent and progressive community in which he lives.
JAMES LUMAN LEWIS, a prominent farmer
and road commissioner of Southington, was born
on the old homestead in the Marion District of that
town, Nov. I, 1838, and is a son of Luman and
Patience Maria (Foot) Lewis.
Our subject received a good practical education
in the common schools of Southington, and re-
mained at home until eighteen years of age, when
he went to work on the New Britain reservoir, be-
ing thus employed for two years and eight months.
Subsequently he was connected with the Frost
Manufacturing Co., at Marion, for three years,
and was superintendent of the Southington town
farm for the same length of time. In 1864 he re-
moved to Farmington, and served as superintend-
ent of the town farm there for the long period of
twenty-six years, at the same time acting as road
commissioner for twenty-four years. Returning to
Southington in 1890, he has since successfully en-
gaged in farming in that town, and has also filled
the office of road commissioner in a most satisfactory
manner. He is progressive and enterprising, and
never withholds his support from any measure which
he believes will prove of public benefit, or will in
any way promote the welfare of his town and county.
Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.
On Feb. 28, 1862, Mr. Lewis married Miss Alice
Riley, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (McKier-
nan) Riley, natives of County Leitrim, Ireland,
and to this union three children have been born,
namely: Anna M., now the wife of Adelbert Leo-
nard; Alice E., wife of Lewis W. Morris; and
Mabel E.
ROBERT SOUTHGATE GRISWOLD was
born at the old homestead of the Griswold family
at Griswoldville, Hartford county, Feb. 9, 1849.
He is a son of Thomas Griswold, and his line of
descent from Michael Griswold, who settled at
Wethersfield in 1645, is fully traced in the bio-
graphical sketch of his brother, Thomas Newton
Griswold, which appears elsewhere.
Robert S. Griswold received excellent educa-
tional advantages. His preliminary studies were
pursued at the academies of Wethersfield and East
Hampton, and in 1867 he graduated from the State
Normal School at New Britain. Both before and
after graduation he taught school with marked svtc-
cess, and there can be little question that to this
experience he owes, in part, those habits of appli-
cation and self-control which have distinguished
him throughout his life. In 1868, before he had
reached his majority, his father admitted him as
a partner in the firm of T. Griswold & Co., of
which old and well-known house he remained a
member twenty-two years, during which period he
traveled in its interest through New England and
Canada, as well as over the central, southern, and
western States. In 1890 he disposed of his inter-
est in the business, and since that date has resided
at the old homestead — now comprising nearljr no
acres, he having added forty acres — which he has
greatly improved, and where, in addition to seed-
growing, he carries on general and dairy farming.
He is also a director and stockholder in the Spring-
brook Creamery Company.
Mr. Griswold takes a keen and active interest
ill public affairs, and is always ready to support and
aid any project for the real good of the commun-
ity in which he lives, or of the general common-
wealth. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and
his fellow citizens have honored both him and them-
selves by repeatedly electing him to office. F'or
four years he was school overseer, and in 1896 was
sent from Wethersfield to the State Legislature, in
which body he served as a member of the commit-
tee on Fisheries and Game. For six years he was-
a private in the Governor's Horse Guards. He is
a member of the Wethersfield Grange, in which he
has acted as chaplain for one year and filled the
chair of master for one year. In religious belief
he is a Congregationalist, both himself and his fam-
ily being members of that denomination, and has
been a deacon in the church, and a teacher in the
Sunday-school for more than thirty years, his life
during that long period furnishing the best evi-
dence of the sincerity of his Christian profession.
Although not yet past middle life, he occupies the
position of one of Wethersfield's leading and most
influential citizens, and has a firm hold upon the
affections and respect of its people.
On' Dec. 17, 1873, Mr. Griswold married Ida
Louise Griswold, who was born Sept. 30, 1853, at
Waterbury, . Conn., a daughter of Justus Welles
Griswold, of Wethersfield. She, like her husband,
is a graduate of the State Normal School at New
Britain, was for two years a teacher, and is a lady of
fine mental powers, which have been highly devel-
oped, of instinctively refined tastes, and of a gentle,
generous disposition. To this marriage have been
born nine children: (i) Mabel Welles, born April
1236
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
12, 1875, died Oct. 26, 1881. (2) Annie Louise,
born Jan. 30, 1877, graduated from the Hartford
High School, and taught school at Newington,
Conn,, before her marriage, June 27, 1899, to H.
Seymour White, of Wethersfield, who is in the in-
surance business. (3) Ida Alay, born Oct. 24,
1879, graduated from the State Normal School
at New Britain in 1899, and is now successfully
engaged in teaching at New Milford, Conn. (4)
Maude Agnes, born June 25, 1882, is a stenog-
rapher in the employ of the Hartford County Fire
Insurance Co. (5) Mary Elizabeth, born July 10,
1884, attends grammar school at Hartford. (6)
Thomas Welles, born July 23, 1886, attends the high
school at Wethersfield. (7) Robert Southgate,
born July 24, 1889, and (8) Marion Kirkham, born
Sept. 10, 1894, attend the public schools of the
home neighborhood. (,9) Joseph Welles was born
June 25, 1899.
WILLIAAI F. GRISWULD, one of the most
enterprising and successful dairy farmers of Rocky
Hill town, was born in the town of W'cthersfield,
Hartford county, Jan. 5, 1861. When he was but
five years old his parents removed to the farm
where he now lives, and here he grew to man-
hood. He obtained his early education in the dis-
trict schools ; this was supplemented by attendance
at the Brown public school, of Hartford. He re-
mained on his father's farm until his marriage to
Miss Alargaret A. Williams, a young lady of Rocky
Hill, and a daughter of Horace Williams. Their
marriage took place in 188S, and has been blessed by
the birth of seven children : Frank, Albert, Hayden,
Helen, Mary, Arthur, and Leonard. After his mar-
riage he removed from his father's farm to the
center of Rocky Hill, but he returned to the old
home after two years.
i\[r. Griswold carries on a yery extensive dairy
business in addition to his general farming, having
A herd of eighty-five cattle, including forty-five cows,
besides ten horses. His farm is a large one, cov-
ering over one hundred acres, and on it he raises
fruit extensively. In 1897 he set out one acre of
raspberry bushes and another of strawberry plants,
and in 1898 four hundred peach and one hundred
plum trees; he increased his peach orchard in 1899
to 2,000 trees, and in 1900 set out an apple orchard
of 300 trees. He disposes of his milk in the city
of Hartford, selling about seven hundred quarts
daily, and employing two teams in his delivery.
Mr. Griswold is a Democrat in politics, and in
1895 was chosen selectman of his town. He is a
member of the Congregational Church, and of Rocky
Hill Grange.
■ GEORGE WASHINGTON LAMPHIER,
Sr., one of the most prominent residents of Can-
ton, is a thoroughly self-made man, his present
prosperity having been gained by persevering in-
dustry and careful management. He was born Feb,
II, 1829, at Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., and
comes of good New England ancestry. His grand-
father, Asa Lamphier, was a sea captaitj, and re-
sided in ixhode islanu.
George Lamphier, our subject's father, was born
Feb. 22, 1804, in Rhode Island, where he was
reared, but came to Connecticut in early manhood,
and purchased a farm at Goshen, where his remain-
ing years were spent. He was an industrious, en-
terprising man, always making improvements, and
his hard work won him substantial success, as
he became the owner of two fine farms, comprising
more than 300 acres. Fie was liberal in his relig-
ious views, and was highly esteemed for his up-
right character. In politics he was a Democrat,
but he did not seek office. On Jan. 12, 1827, in
Stonington, Conn., Mr. Lamphier married Miss
Betsey Robinson, a native of that place, born Aug.
I, i8qo, daughter of George Robinson, a sea cap-
tain. She was a loving wife and mother, and an
active member of the Baptist Church, Mr. Lam-
phier died May 19, 1883, his wife surviving until
Feb. 24, 1890; they were buried in Cornwall Hol-
low. Six children were born to their marriage:
Elizabeth, wife of George H. Crandall; Homer,
who died at the age of nineteen years ; George W.,
our subject; Joseph C, a resident of Litchfield,
Conn.; Benjamin Franklin, who resides in Goshen;
and Lucretia Jane, deceased, who never married.
George W, Lamphier was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Goshen, the high school in Cornwall,
and the seminary in Amenia, N. Y. For ten years
he taught during winter in the schools of Canaan,
Norfolk and Goshen, his summers being spent on
the farm. He was economical and thrifty, and by
1856 had saved money for the purchase of the
homestead, a tract of 170 acres, where he engaged
in farming for ten years. In 1866 he sold out and
removed to the Norton Case farm, at Canton Cen-
ter, which contains 150 acres, and where he has
since been engaged in general farming, dairying
and tobacco culture; for three years he conducted
a store at the Center. In 1885 Mr. Lamphier was
appointed postmaster, which office he held twelve
years, and he has also served as assessor, justice
of the peace, and member of the board of education,
being one of the leading workers in the local Demo-
cratic organization. Socially he and his family are
much esteemed, and they are identified with the
Congregational Church at Canton Center, in which
he has held the office of deacon since 1881.
On Sept. 3, 1856, at Canton Center, COnn., Mr.
Lamphier married Miss Emily Maria Richardson,
who has proved a most efficient and intelligent help-
meet. They had five children: Edwin P., a resi-
dent of Winsted, Conn., married Ella J. Sisson,
daughter of Giles A. Sisson ; Emily Lucretia mar-
ried Rev. Clarence H. Pease, son of Henry Pease,
of Hartford, Conn, ; George Washington, Jr,, a
farmer, married Hattie L. Humphrey, of Canton-
Center; Origen R., also a prominent farmer, mar-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1237
ried (first) Alice Burdick, of New Hartford, Conn.,
and (second) Annabelle Wilcox, of Higganum;
and A. Alfred, a resident of Torrington, Conn.,
married Lulu Case, of New Hartford.
Mrs. Lamphier was born Nov. 22, 1838, in
Windsor, daughter of Joiin Richardson, a well-
known farmer of Canton, born in 1786. He mar-
ried Emily Marble, of East Windsor, born in April,
1806. They lived a number of years in Windsor,
but their last years were spent in Canton. Mr.
Richardson died April 12, 1853, his wife Oct. 10,
1882. They had ^ family of eleven children, eight
of whom are still living: Delia (Mrs. Herbert E.
Landon), John, Editha (deceased), Adahne (de-
ceased), George, Samuel, Emily Maria, William,
Danford (deceased), Lavinia (Mrs.- John B-.
Brown), and Alice (Mrs. Alfred Sperry).
William Richardson, Mrs. Lamphier's grand-
father, was an Englishman. About the year 176S
he was taken by a press gang, and pressed intj the
English military service, but escaped, left England,
and coming to America found his way to Windsor.
On May 23, 1775, 'he enlisted in -the Fourth Con-
necticut Regiment, Col. Hinman's, and served at
Ticonderoga and die siege of Boston. George Pit-
kin of Hartford was his captain, and Ozias Bissel
another captain. William Richardson had a good
Revolutionary record. About the year 1779 he
married Editha, daughter of Aaron and Editha
(Skinner) Booth, of East Windsor, and they had
five children: Clarinda married Benjamin Pease,
lived in Enfield, and died at the age of eighty-seven
3'ears. Harriet was married in 1808 to Eli Hos-
kins, and lived in Windsor, attaining the age of
over eightv vears. Mary married Thomas Malay, and
lived at Warehouse Point. John has been men-
tioned. Editha married Orrin Lord. WilLitm
Richardson, the father of these children, died when
they were young, the mother surviving him for a
number of vears.
■ WALTER EMORY STANNARD, a well
known traveling salesman for the firm of George
W. Woolley & Son, casket manufacturers, of Hart-
ford, was born in Southington, June 15, 1846, a son
of Nathan E. and Rachel (Woodruff) Stannard,
and grandson of Josiah and Lydia (Hubbard) Stan-
nard, natives of Haddam and Windsor, Conn., re-
spe^ctively.
The father of our subject was born in Haddam,
July 17, 1810, and died Nov. 20, 1888. His early life
was passed in Haddam. He was a shoemaker by
trade, but followed farming the greater part of his
life, and also engaged in the hotel business in New
Haven and Southington. His tastes strongly in-
clined him to military affairs, and on May 14, 1841,
lie was appointed by the State as major of the 14th
Regiment of Infantry, and as Colonel of the same
regiment May 13, 1844. Prior to this he had been
appointed quartermaster-sergeant, July 7, 1836, and
as adjutant, Aug. 18, 1837. His wife was born
Jvlay 8, 1812, and died March 16, 1893. Her par-
ents were Bushnell and Harriet (Hart) Woodruff,
the former a son of John and Catherine (Bushnell)
Woodruff. John Woodruff was a son of John and
Eunice (Wiard) Woodruff, and a grandson of
Samuel and Rebecca (Clark) Woodruff". Samuel
Woodruff was the first white settler in what is now
the town of Southington. His parents were /Mat-
thew and Hannah Woodruff, the former of whom
removed from Hartford to Farmington about 1640,
and was one of the eighty-four proprietors of that
town in 1672, having been admitted a freeman in
1657.
Our subject, who is an only son, was reared in
Southington, and during his boyhood pursued, his
studies in the public schools and in the Lewis high
school. At the age of fourteen he began his busi-
ness career as an emplo)'e in the Capt. Savage bolt
shop, where he remained two years, and then en-
tered the general store of Joel Woodruff, as clerk,
serving in that capacity seven years. , The following
year he spent as shipping clerk for the H. D. Smith
Co., of Plantsville, and subsequently he was . ship-
ping contractor for the Atwater Manufacturing Co.,
for the same length of time. For a short time he was
with the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., and for; two
years was engaged in the manufacture of packing
boxes. Later he was employed -as shipping clerk
and salesman for the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.,
for the long period of seventeen years, and then
traveled one year for the Dana Hardware Co. of
Boston. Since 1895 he has been a traveling sales-
man for George W. Woolley & Son, casket manufac-
turers, of Hartford, and has most ably represented
their interests on the road, having built up an ex-
cellent trade.
On July 2, 1867, Mr. Stannard was united in
marriage with Miss Frances M. Barker, a daughter
of Charles H. and Mary (Seymour) Barker, of Had-
dam, Conn. In his political affiliations he is a
Republican, and religiously he is a, member of the
First Baptist Church. He also belongs to Friend-
ship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., and Unitv Council,
No. II, O. U. A. M. He was the first foreman of
Fire Company No. i, of Southington, and after
serving as such seven years was appointed second
assistant engineer, in which capacity he served three
years, being honorably discharged Sept. 22, 1893.
His pleasant, genial manner makes him hosts of
friends, and he is very popular with his associates.
WILLIAM GAY HUMPHREY, a well-known
resident of Canton, is a man whose integrity and
genial nature have won for him the respect and
friendship of all who know him. He is a farmer
b}- occupation, having, since the death of his father,
taken full charge of the family homestead, an eighty-
acre tract, where he is engaged in stock raising, to-
bacco growing, and dairying.
Mr. Humphrey comes of the best Connecticut
pioneer "ancestry, and was born May 31, 1860, upon
1238
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his present homestead, son of Alfred F, and Lydia
(Griswold) Humphrey, and a brother of George
Frankhn Humphrey. [An account of the ancestry
will be found elsewhere.] He first attended the
district schools of Canton, and later studied in
Wilbraham Academy and a business college at Hart-
ford. Un Oct. 8, 1885, he married Miss Cora B.
Case, daughter of George J. Case, ami grand-
daughter of Jarvis Case, and they have two chil-
dren: Harold W. and Ruth Mildred. The family is
popular socially, and Mr. Humphrey belongs to
three different lodges, the A. F. & A. M., the Grange,
and the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his
wife are members of the Congregational Church at
Canton Center, and politically he is a firm Repub-
lican, although he has never aspired to any office.
Mrs. Humphrey is a descendant of James and
Esther Fithen Case, early settlers in Simsbury.
These worthy pioneers had a son, Capt. Josiah Case,
born in Simsbury, who settled in Canton about 1743,
who had a son, Capt. Fithen Case, Mrs. Humphrey's
great-grandfather. Capt. Fithen Case was lx)rn
in what is now Canton, in 1758, and settled at East
Hill, Canton, on the farm still owned by his grand-
son, George Jarvis Case. He married Amarilla
Humphrey, who was born in 1764, and died in 1845,
and they had children as follows : Mariah, born jn
1781, married M. Moses Case, and died in 1856;
Fithen, born in 1784, married Statira Phelps, and
died in 1853; Mamre, born in 1786, married Abra
Phelps; Josiah W., born in 1790, married Agnes
Case, and died in 1830; Salma, born in 1792, died
in 1794: Lavinia Charity, born in 1794, married Col.
Salmon Merrill: Jasper, born in 1796, married Flora
Humphrey; ^Melissa, born in 1799, married Ithuel
Gridley; Jarvis, born in 1801 died in 1865; Julia,
born in 1805, married Ithuel Gridley, who after her
death married her sister Melissa.
Gen. Jarvis Case, grandfather of i\Irs. Hum-
phrey, resided on the homestead at East Hill, and
was engaged in farming. He was made a brigadier-
g'eneral in the State ^lilitia in March, 1840. He was
a member of the Episcopal Church, and politically
was a Democrat, and took an active part in local
affairs. In 1828 he married Lucia Adams, who was
born in North Canton, daughter of Ezra Adams,
and their children were as follows : Lucia Hellen,
born April 13, 1830, died Oct. 13, 1885 ; Mary Jane,
born jMay 15, 1832, died Oct. 15, 1853: George
Jarvis, born Nov. 15, 1835, was the father of Mrs.
Humphrey; Anna L., born Jan. 12, 1839, married E.
N. White, of East Hill, Canton ; Ellen M., born
Nov. I, 1845, married E. E. Woodford, who died
Aug. 6, 1879.
George Jarvis Case, father of Mrs. Humphrey,
received his education in the Canton district schools
and the Canton Center Academy, and has been en-
gaged all his life in stock raising, dairying and to-
bacco growing. In 1894 he bought the Harry Case
farm of 240 acres, which he operates in connection
with the homestead. He was a United States
ganger four years, and for ten years has been con-
nected with the government weather bureau, still
retaining the latter connection. Mr. Case is a Mason,
belonging to Village Lodge, No. 29, A. E. & A. M.
Mr. Case was married, in Meadow Plain, Simsbury,
Feb. 20, 1861, to Sarah Ruth Case, daugiitc;r of
Elam, and sister of John Elam Case, of Meadow-
Plain. They had the following children: Alice M.,
born Aug. 16, 1862, died Dec. 26, 1863; Cora Belle,
born May 23, 1865, is the wife of our subject;
George Burton, born Sept. 23, 1867, is a musician
of Hartford.
WILLIAM FRANCIS TOLLES, an honored
veteran of the Civil war, and a popular citizen of
Plantsville, was born on West street, Southington,
April II, 1835, a son of Harry and Charlotte (Hitch-
cock) Tolles.
Mr. Tolles' father was a native of Bethany,
Conn., and a son of Squire Tolles, in whose family
were thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to
maturity. By occupation he was a farmer and
sawyer. During the 'twenties he removed to Bris-
tol, Conn., and m 1831 came to Southington, where
he died in i860, at the age of fifty-three years. For
his first wife he married Charlotte Hitchcock, a
daughter of Alfred and Rachel (Grannis) Hitch-
cock, of Southington, and by that union two sons
were born: William Francis, our subject; and
Horace A., who was a member of Company A, 7th
Conn. V. I., under Gen. Butler, during the Civil
war, and was killed at Bermuda Hundred. The
second wife was Harriet M. Hitchcock, a sister of
the first, and to them were also born two sons :
Charles H. and Frederick D. The latter was also
in the service for less than a year during the war of
the Rebellion, and died in New York City, in June,
1865.
William F. Tolles grew to manhood in Southing- ,
ton, and is indebted to its public schools and Lewis
.Academy for his educational advantages. At the
age of seventeen he entered the employ of Henry A.
Miller, a bolt manufacturer, and was with him and
others in that line of business until after the break-
ing out of the Civil war, when he enlisted, becoming
a private in Company E, 20th Conn. V. I. He was
promoted to corporal June i, 1864, and later to cor-
poral of the color guards, participated in all the
engagements of his regiment, and was wounded
in the battle of Bentonville. After three years of
faithful and arduous service on Southern battle-
fields he was honorably discharged, in 1865, and
returned to his home in Southington. Since the war
he has been engaged in farming, and in the fish and
fruit business, and has also been in the employ of the
Atwater Manufacturing Co., the Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Co., and since 1883 with the H. D. Smith
Co., in the finishing department of their carriage
hardware works.
On Feb. 15, i860, Mr. Tolles was united in
marriage with Miss Alice M. Finch, a daughter of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1S89
Capt. James W. and Polly (Lowly) Finch, of Water-
bury, and to this union two children have been born :
Bertha A., wife of W. H. States ; and Mayme F.
Religiously Mr. Tolles is an earnest member of the
Congregational Churcn, and socially is a member
of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order
of Odd Fllows, the Daughters of Rebekah, and the
Grand Army of the Republic, in which latter he is
now (1900) serving as post commander. Politically
he is a Republican, and for eighteen years has most
creditably served as constable of Southington.
CALVIN L. TRACY was born Jan. 29, 1822,
on his father's farm in the town of Bolton, Tolland
Co., Conn., being the seventh in a family of nine
children born to Calvin Tracy and his wife, Sarah
Loomis, natives of Coventry, Tolland county. The
other children were : Rosanna ( who married Asa
Manley, and is now deceased), Barnabas, Ripley,
Huntington, Mariah, Selden, Royal and Caroline E.
Calvin L. is the only member of the family now
living.
Calvin L. Tracy was yet a boy when the family
moved to Columbia, Conn., and thence to Coventry.
He remained with his father until he reached mature
years, attending school during the winter months,
and working on the farm through the summers,
and enjoyed fairly good educational advantages,
the instruction received at the common schools being
supplemented by a course at a select school and at an
academy. When aged nineteen he began teaching,
employing the long summer vacations In working
at the carpenter's trade. Six years were thus passed,
and in 1847 (being then twenty-five years old) he
was married to Hannah W. House, of Glastonbury,
and removed to Rockville, where he worked at his
trade for fourteen years. In 1861 he purchased
his present farm of sixty acres, in the town of Man-
chester, Hartford county, which has ever since been
his home, and divides his time between farming and
occasional carpenter work.
Calvin L. Tracy has been twice married. His
first wife was Miss Hannah Flouse, one of his
former pupils, who bore him two children : Sarah
is now the wife of George B. Greener, of Norwich,
Conn., and Milton S. is superintendent of a hard-
v/are manufacturing company at Rocky Hill. The
mother of these children died March 21, 1859, and
on Jan. 31, 1861, he married her sister. Miss Martha
J. House. To the second union have been born
four children : Hattie, wife of H. H. G. Ingalls, a
paper manufacturer of Castleton, N. Y. ; John C,
who conducts a jewelry store at Willimantic, Conn. ;
Elbert H., who died in 1886; and Mary E., wife of
Robert Richmond, of South Manchester, Conn., who
holds a responsible position v/ith Cheney Brothers.
Politically Mr. Tracy is a Republican, although
for many years supporting the Prohibition party.
He has never sought office, but served as justice of
the peace for one term. He is a member of the
First Congregational Church of Manchester, in
which body he has held various offices, among them
being those of deacon and superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
ANDREW J. KEENE, a well-known business
man of Unionville, is a native of Hartford county,
his birth occurring in Southington, May 15, 1874.
Patrick Keene, his father, was born in County
West Meath, Ireland, and when a young man em-
igrated to America, and took up his residence in
Southington, Conn., where he worked as a moulder
for Peck, Stow, Wilcox & Co., for thirty-eight years.
He was a well-educated man, and was highly re-
spected and esteemed by all who knew him. In
Southington he married Miss Anna A. Brennan,
who is still residing at that place. Of the twelve
children born to them, our subject is the youngest,
and only four are now living: Patrick F., whose
present address is No. 19, Park street, Hartford;
Mary A. and Margaret L., both of Southington;
and Andrew J., our subject.
Andrew J. Keene, beter known as "Doc," was
educated in the North Center school of Southington,
and for five years worked in the screw shop of the
Southington Cutlery Co. Coming to Unionville
in 1893, he worked for his brother, Edward W.,
for three years, and on Feb. 28, 1896, opened the old
"Brooklyn House" as a member of the firm of Keene
& Haller. Six months later he purchased his part-
ner's interest, and has since been alone in business.
In October, 1898, he erected his present building,
and has since engaged in the liquor business at that
place. On Sept. i, 1900, he bought the "Plainville
Inn," in Plainville, Conn. Although a young man,
he has met with remarkable success in his business
career, and has already become quite well-to-do.
Socially he is a member of the Hartford Lodge
of Elks, No. 19, and of the Foresters of America.
Mr. Keene was married at Unionville to Miss
Mary A. Morrissey, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
William Morrissey, and they have two children :
Joseph Andrew and Anna Mildred.
MARANTHON H. KEENEY is a native-born
son of Connecticut, having been born in Manchester
Aug. 9, 1843. His father was Chauncey Keeney,
a farmer, who was born in 1795, and died in 1850.
His mother was Mary A. Case, who died in 1881,
at the ripe age of seventy-three years.
Mr. Keeney can justly lay claim to being a mem-
ber of a family distinguished for its patriotism.
Five sons were born to his parents : Alvin, who
died in childhood ; Albert W., who served as a
private in the loth Conn. V. I. during the war of
the Rebellion, and is now a farmer in the town of
Manchester; Hiram G., a prosperous farmer of
the same town ; Amandor C, who was a private
soldier in the loth Conn. V. I., and fell Oct. 6,
1864; and Maranthon H., a brief sketch of whose
life and military service is given below.
The family took up their residence on the same
1240
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm where our subject now resides when he was
a lad of eight years. It was there that he received
his early education, in the district schools, and it
was there that he grew to early manhood. In 1862
his soul had become so enkindled by patriotic en-
thusiasm that he could remain at home no longer,
and on Aug. 12, 1862, he joined the ranks of the
privates in Company H, of the i6th Conn. V. I.
The regiment was mustered in at Hartford, prompt-
ly sent forward to Washington, and received its
first "baptism of fire" on the hard-fought field of
Antietam. In that battle ^Ir. Keeney was wounded
in the right forearm by a ball from a minie rifie.
He was sent to the Lincoln hospital, at Washing-
ton, and thence to the convalescent camp at Alex-
andria, \'a., but failing sufficiently to recuperate
he was honorably discharged on April 2, 1863.
Inmietliately thereafter he returned to the old farm,
wliere he has lived ever since, and where he still
is actively engaged in agricultural pursuits.
On Jan. 11, 1879, Mr. Keeney was married to
Miss Susan F. Belknap, and ten children have
blessed their union: Alfred 11., Cassia M., Irving
E., Wilmer E., Chauncey D., Jesse M., Sylvia A.,
Luna M., Warren B. and Loren A. Mr. Keeney is
a Republican in politics, and a member of Drake
Post, No. 4, G. A. R., of Manchester.
SHERWOOD FITCH RAYMOND, an active
farmer, and one of the most successful and substan-
tial men in Hartford county, comes of an ancestry
devoted to agriculture, both his grandfather and fa-
ther having been farmers.
Lemuel Raymond, grandfather of Sherwood F.,
was born in Huntington, ]\Iass., and was an influen-
tial citizen of Norwich (now Huntington). He
married ^liss i\Iary Raymond, who bore him one
son, also named Lemuel, the father of Sherwood F.
Lemuel Raymond (2) was born in 1796 at Colches-
ter, Conn., was a thrifty and successful farmer, and
was held in high esteem in the community in which
he lived. He married ]\Iiss ]\Iinni M. Dowd, born
in ]\Iadison, Conn., in 1804. Both he and his wife
have entered into their reward, JMr. Raymond dying
in i860, and their remains rest in the cemetery at
Colchester.
Sherwood F. Raymond was born Aug. 8, 1846,
in New London, where his parents resided before
removing to Colchester. His early education was
obtained at the common schools of the last named
place, and this training was supplemented by a two-
years" course at Bacon Academy. Even here he
showed that high order of intelligence and that deep
devotion to principle which have characterized him
through life, and have made him esteemed as a friend,
a citizen and a man. On leaving school he returned
to his father's farm, aiding in the farm work until
he attained the age of twenty-one. Upon reaching
his majority, however, in the strength and determi-
nation of his strong young manhood, he resolved to
set about hewing his own way through life, and
building his own fortune. Going from Colchester
to Berlin he began farming on what was commonly
known as the "Deacon Wilcox Homestead," which
he later inherited from the Wilcox estate, and to
which he has added by purchase until he now owns
one of the best farms in the town of Berlin. Mr.
Ra3'mond has greatly improved the place, making
it one of the most attractive homes on Berlin street,
that thoroughfare noted for its handsome and pic-
turesque residences. In addition * j his farming in-
terests he is a director in both the Golden Ridge
Creamery and the ]\Iattabessett Canning Companies.
The first-named was organized in 1890, and has an
annual output of 7,000 pounds of butter, marketed
in Hartford, Springfield, New Britain and other
New England towns. The Mattabessett Co. was
incorporated March 2, 1896, and sells its canned
\-cgetables to jobbers in New York, Boston and
Springfield. The concern also deals in corrugated
iron to a considerable extent. In politics Mr. Ray-
mond is a Republican, although his activity in busi-
ness has prevented him from taking any prominent
part in politics. He has never desired — far less
sought — any office.
Mr. Raymond's character exhibits a rare com-
bination of strength and flexibility, of shrewdness
with generosity, of personal amiability with un-
bending moral principle. Liberal in his benefac-
tions, and broadly charitable in his judgment of his
fellow men, hospitable, sympathetic, and ever ready
to forgive, he is fearless and uncompromising in his
maintenance and advocacy of what he believes to be
right. Since early manhood he has been a leading
member of the Congregational Church, and his daily
walk and life have constantly exemplified the sin-
cerity and vitality of his religious profession. The
advancement of evangelical Christianity has been
more to him than the hope or prospect of worldly
gain, and his great influence with his fellow towns-
men is due rather to his irreproachable character
and blameless life than to the high order of mental
ability and sound business sense for which he has
always been distinguished. Yet, broad-minded and
of aggressive individuality, he has not failed to
stamp his impress upon the course of public af-
fairs. In religious matters he has been promi-
nent in both his Society and on the church commit-
tee, and in January, 1899, was chosen a deacon. His
strength — physical, mental and moral — as well as
his worldly wealth, has always been at the com-
mand of his Master.
HORACE J. WARD, Judge of the Probate
Court, and a well-known resident of Riverton, is
entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive
and enterprising men of the town of Hartland,
and is a worthy representative of a prominent and
distinguished family that has been identified with
the business interests of Hartford county for many
years. Upon the commercial activity of a commu-
nity depends its prosperity, and the men who are
u^T^^ "f^^c
^yn^ <s7>3
oC
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1241
now recognized as leading citizens are those who
are at the head of extensive business enterprises.
The first of tlie Ward family to leave the old
home in England and come to the United States
were James and Michael Parker Ward, brothers,
who werS natives of Yorkshire, and had received
onl)'' a limited education in the schools there, as
their parents were poor. With 'the hope of better-
ing their financial condition they came to America
to seek their fortune, embarking on a sailing vessel
in 1823. The younger, Michael Parker Ward, the
father of our subject, was born in 1809, and there-
fore was a mere lad when he landed in New York,
a stranger in a strange land, without a shilling in
his pocket. The captain of the ship, taking pity on
him, gave him the hospitality of his home until
he could make another trip to England, but the
boy was ambitious, and did not wish to eat the
bread of idleness, so started out to seek employ-
ment. Visiting the towns along the Hudson, he
at length found work in a calico printing mill, and
as his employers noted his willingness to work he
was soon given a position in the color department
of the factory, where he made himself generally
useful. For a time he was employed as helper
to the color mixer, who did not wish to impart to
the boy the art of mixing colors, but Mr. Ward
was very observant, and wishing to learn the busi-
ness he used all possible means to secure an ex-
cellent knowledge of the same. He studied hard
at home during his leisure hours, and soon mastered
the art. At the early age of twenty he was em-
ployed as superintendent of a cotton printing mill
in Hudson, N. Y., where he spent two years, hav-
ing entire charge of all the departments during
that time.
In 1 83 1 Michael P. Ward removed to North
Adams, Mass., and leased the calico printing miii
of Turner & Laflin, who were doing an unprofitable
business, and in connection with his brother James
formed a partnership under the name of John
Ward's Sons. Their great energy and business ca-
pacity soon brought them success, and in the space
of three years their profits exceeded $60,000. At
the termination of three years. Turner & Laflin not
wishing to extend the lease, the Wards were com-
pelled, in order to continue their business, to lo-
cate elsewhere. Consequently, in 1836, they came
to Hartford county. Conn., and at Riverton, town
of Hartland, constructed a calico printing mill, in
wliich they invested $60,000. Here business was
carried on under the firm name of John Ward &
Sons, the father, John Ward, having come to Amer-
ica in 1830. He was superintendent of the outside
part of the business. He spent the remainder of
his life with his sons, and died in Riverton in 1863.
In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious be-
lief an Episcopalian. In his family were seven
children: Four sons — James, Peter, Michael Par-
ker and Charles — and three daughters, all of whom
came to the New World and died here.
The firm of John Ward & Sons met with re-
markable success, doing a business of over $400,000
per year. However, one of their, agents in New
York embezzled $75,000, which, on account of the
stringency of the money market at that time, crip-
pled their business for a time, and forced the firm
into an assignment; yet the business was continued
under their management, and finally all claims were
adjusted satisfactorily with all creditors. The busi-
ness was continued until 1852, when, on account of
lack of transportation facilities, the long distance
that the freight had to be carted, and the great
changes that railroads brought about, and the gen-
eral trend of business, the firm was dissolved.
Upon the dissolution of the firm, Michael in-
vested extensively in Western lands and securities,
which netted a good profit. He lost a large amount
by the great Chicago fire, but his losses did not dis-
courage him, and he finally overcame all obstacles
in the path to success. In 1855 he organized the
Eagle Company of Riverton, Conn., manufacturers
of all kinds of grass and grain scythes, corn knives
and grass hooks, of which he was president, man-
ager and agent for many years, and one of its di-
rectors during the whole period of its existence.
The success which this company enjoyed, and the
reputation of their goods, were in a good measure
due to the foresight and business judgment of its
founder. This company retired from business in
1894, returning to the stockholders full payment
for their stock and a handsome dividend besides.
Mr. Ward was also interested in the lumber indus-
try in the West, for a number of years operating
four steam sawmills, and also an extensive flour-
mill.
Michael Ward was a man of exceptionally good
business ability, a keen observer, and a fine judge
of character. He made and lost three fortunes, yet
he managed to save enough to keep him in comfort
during his declining years, and leave his family well
provided for by his judicious investments. He was
well known throughout the New England States
as a prudent and capable business man, whose
word was as good as his bond. Kind and genial
in disposition, he made many friends, and had the
happy faculty of being able to retain them. He
served as selectman of the town and represented
Flartland in the State Legislature, and could have
held any office in the gift of the people of his
community, but' his ambition was not along po-
litical lines. He was a supporter of the Republican
party, and a consistent member of the M. E.
Church. Mr. Ward died at his home in Riverton in
1894, honored and respected bv all who knew him,
and he was laid to rest in Riverton cemetery. In
North Adams, Mass., he had married Miss Sarah
Ormold, a native of Lancashire, England, who died ■
in 1888, and was also buried in Riverton cemetery.
She was a good Christian woman, a consistent mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church. To this worthy
couple' were born thirteen children : Sarah, de-
1242
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceased: I'cter, wlio died vouiie;; Mary J., deceased;
John, at home: Josephine, wife of ex-Gov. Lorman
Cook, of Connecticut : George, a resident of River-
ton, Litchfield Co., Conn.; Horace J., our subject;
Charles, deceased : \ictoria, wife of Clayton H.
Case, of Hartford; Emma, at home; Isabelle, wife
of Frank Gates, a druggist of Winsted. Litch-
field county : Clarence, at home, who has served
as selectman of the town of llartland. and in 1S94
was elected judge of probate for two years; and
William, a resident of Denver, Colorado.
Horace J. Ward, whose name introduces this
review, was born in Riverton, Hartford county,
June 17, 1845, and his early education was obtained
in the public schools of that town, after which he
was for three years a student in the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Suffield. In 1878, in company
with his brothers William and George, he embarked
in the manufacture of papjr, under the firm name
of Ward Bros., and thev expended $20,000 in con-
verting a cloth printing mill into a desirable plant
for their business. Later, when this was destroyed
by fire, they erected another mill, and continued
business there quite successfully until 1893, when
they sold out to a Massachusetts firm. Since then
our subject has devoted his attention to his private
interests. He seems to have inherited nuich of his
father's business ability, and has always carried
forward to successful completion whatever he has
undertaken. Since attaining his majority he has
been actively identified with local political affairs,
first as a Democrat, but since 1876 as a stanch sap-
porter of the Republican party. In 1870 he was
elected to the State Legislature, and again in 1892,
and served the citizens of the town of Hartland
well and faithfully for two terms. He has also been
selectman for several terms, and the cause of ed-
ucation has always found in him a firm friend. In
1896 he was elected probate judge, to succeed his
brother Clarence, and has since filled that office
with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction
of the general public. His decisions are always
fair and impartial, and he is absolutely fearless in
the discharge of his duties.
JOEL AUSTIN GRIDLEY, one of the most
progressive and enterprising farmers of Southing-
ton, w-as born in that town Alarch 11, 1831. His
father, Solomon D. Gridley, was also born in South-
ington, July 14, 1805, and was married, Nov. 24,
1829, to Miss Wealthy P. Dunham, a daughter of
Sylvanus and Theodosia (Peck) Dunham. The
children born of that union were Joel A. ; George
C. ; Solomon H. ; Sarah B. ; Charles A. ; Wealthy
Ann, wife of Frederick Woodrui?; and Wilmer D.
Joel Gridley, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Southington in 1777, and was
married, Oct. 25, 1802, to Amanda Woodruff,
daughter of Amos and Phebe (Hart) Woodruff.
He died Aug. 26, 1821, and she died Feb. 27, 1870,
at the advanced age of eightv-eight vears. His
father, Noah Gridley. was born in 1722, and was
married, Aug. 15, 1751, to Sarah, daughter of Rev.
Jeremiah and Hannah (Burnham) Curtiss. Noah
Gridley died May 15, 181 1, at the age of ninety
years, and his wife departed this life Aug. 6, 1806.
He was a son of Joseph Gridley, who was born in
Farmington in 1684, and married Hannah, daughter
of Samuel Lewis.* He made his home in South-
ington, where he died Dec. 7, 1770, aged eighty-
six years. His father, Samuel Gridley, was born
in Hartford Nov. 25, 1647, but was reared in Farm-
ington, where he died in 171 2. Prior to 1680 he
married Esther Thompson, tlaughter of Thomas and
Ann (Wells) Thompson, of Farmington. After
her death he was again married, Dec. i, 1798, his
second union being with Mary Humphrey, of Sims-
bury. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a man of
considerable prominence, his name occurring fre-
quently in Colonial records. His father, Thomas
Ciridley. was tb.e progenitor of the family in Amer-
ica. He came from the County of Essex, Eng-
land, in 1631, and first located in Massachusetts,
but in 1639 came to Hartford, and was at Wind-
sor Sept. 5, 1639, being one of the thirty men sent
from Windsor to the Pequot war under Capt. Ma-
son. Sept. 29, 1644, he was married, in Hartford,
to Mary Seymour. He appears to have been in-
terested in the settlement of Nonatuck (North-
ampton), Ma.^s., but he died in Hartford in 1655.
Joel A. Gridley, the subject of this review, grew
to manhood on the farm where he now resides, and
early became familiar with all the duties which
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His literary ed-
ucation was obtained in the common schools, Lewis
Academy, the Connecticut Literary Institute, of
Suffield, and Madison Laiiversity, of Hamilton, N.
Y., and he was thus well fitted for life's responsible
diities. His principal occupation since leaving
school has been that of farming, and most of his
life has been spent on the old homestead.
On Oct. 23, i860, Mr. Gridley wedded Miss
Mary Ruth Arnold, a daughter of Ethan and Mary
A. (Thompson) Arnold, of Manchester, Conn., and
to them were born three children : Genevra A.,
wife of Frank W. Dunham ; Emmons D. ; and How-
ard E., deceased. Religiously Mr. Gridley is a
member of the Baptist Church of New Britain, and
politically he is connected with the Democratic
party.
HON. ALBERT A. BARNES, who for a
decade and more has been the efficient superintend-
ent of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of East Ber-
lin, and who throughout his mature life has been
one of the substantial men and useful citizens of the
town, was born Jan. 7, 1845.
Levi R. Barnes, our subject's father, was a na-
tive of Southington, born in 1807, learned the busi-
ness of clock making, and was one of the first to
engage in the manufacture of the old-style time-
piece of that period in his section of the country.
^.^--^'y^f'^''^ ^^i:^^'*-*--^-^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1243
His factory occupied the site of the present Dudley
mill, in East Berlin. His wife, who was formerly
Miss Julia A. Wilcox, was a native of Berlin, born
in 1812. Their marriage was blessed with children
as follows: Malvina; Rodolphus, who for years was
chief engineer of the Panama Railroad Co.'s steam-
ers at Panama ; Lyman W. ; and Albert A. ; all are
now deceased excepting the subject of this sketch.
The parents of these children were good, substan-
tial people, plain and unassuming, who held the es-
teem and respect of the community in which they
lived. Mr. Barnes' death occurred in 1880, and his
wife passed away in 1864.
Albert A. Barnes passed his early boyhood in
and attended the public schools of his native town.
At the early age of fourteen he began the struggle
of life for himself, as a clerk in a store in Middle-
town, receiving for his services the first year his
board and $30 in cash. Leaving his employers at
the end of the year, he returned to East Berlin, and
for a short time was in the employ of the Roys &
Wilcox Co. From here he went to Hartford, and
for about one year worked in the Sharps Rifle Fac-
tory. From Hartford he went to New Haven, and
for another year he was occupied in the works of
the Whitney Fire Arms Co. Following this he was
for a brief period otherwise engaged in labor at
New Haven and Middletown, then again entered
the employ of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of
East Berlin, his duties being in the packing room.
A year later he accepted the position of passenger
and freight agent at East Berlin, being the first
freight agent at that point, and he also sold the first
ticket for passenger transportation from that depot.
He most efficiently performed the duties here devolv-
ing upon him for eleven years, gaining popularity,
.and establishing a reputation as an obliging and ac-
commodating agent. In 1887 Mr. Barnes was ten-
dered and accepted the position of superintendent
of the works at East Berlin of the Peck, Stow &
Wilcox Co., a position he has since most creditably
filled, showing executive ability of high order.
Politically Mr. Barnes has been identified with
the Democratic party, and such has been his fitness
for public business and his popularity that he has
been favored with nearly all of the various town
offices. In 1878 he was elected to the General As-
sembly and was a member of that body at the time
of the holding of the last session in the old State
House^ at Hartford, and the first in the new one.
For a period of ten years he served as president of
the board of education of Berlin. His religious
connections are with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he was one of the first members
of the society in the town, and for twenty-one years
served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He
is a member of the K. P. lodge at East Berlin, and
has served as chancellor commander of same a num-
ber of terms. He was the first vice-president of the
East Berlin Building Association, and the first presi-
dent of the Mattabessett Canning Co. Few men
have more friends and enjoy greater popularity, and
deservedly so, than the subject of this sketch.
On June 9, 1869, Mr. Barnes was married to
Miss Emilie Bunce, of East Berlin, Conn., a daugh-
ter of George and Harriet (Bulkeley) Bunce, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere. She received
her education in the public schools of East Berlin.
To this marriage have come three children : Wini-
fred E., who was graduated in the class of 1896 from
the New Britain high school ; Mabelle W., who was
graduated from the New Britain high school in 1897,
and is a member of the class of 1901 at Wesleyan
University, Middletown; and Albert Delos. The
family reside in a neat and comfortable home built
to suit their own tastes, located on Main street. The
parents also own the property adjoining them, in
which reside the family of Julius B. Barnes, son of
the late Rodolphus Barnes, and the adopted child of
our subject. He married Grace Frary, and is now
connected with the American Bridge Co. m New
York City.
HON. CHARLES A. ENSIGN, secretary and
treasurer of the Tariffville Lace Co., of Hartford
county, was born in the village of Tariffville March
31, 1850, and is a son of Dr. Charles W. and
Melissa (Case) Ensign, who were the parents of
two children : Charles A., the subject of this sketch ;
and Laura, who was married to Samuel F. Cadwell,
of Hartford, in which city she died in 1887.
Dr. Charles W. Ensign was a son of Austin
and Laura (Beach) Ensign, and of him it was
written, in the "Memorial History of Hartford
County," 1886, as follows: "Dr. Charles W. En-
sign was born in West Hartland. He was grad-
uated in 1844 from the University of the City of
New York, and commenced the practice of medicine
in Tarifliville, town of Simsbury, the same year, as
an Old-school physician. He became a Fellow of
the Connecticut Medical Society, enjoyed the es-
teem of his brother practitioners, and was respected
in the community in which he lived. Becoming
convinced of the truth and value of the homeo-
pathic system in 1855, he openly practiced accord-
ing to its principles, and in consequence was ex-
pelled from his society. In 1857 he joined the
Connecticut Homeopathic Society, and remained a
member until his death."
The Ensign family originated in England, and
can be traced back as far as 1563. Its arms appear
in the church at Childham, where Ensign Manor is
located, near the cathedral town of Canterbury, and
the name was well-known in the counties of Essex,
Norfolk and Kent. James Ensign was the first of
the name to come to America. His first location
was at Cambridge, Mass., but in 1634 he came to
Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker's colony. He
died in November, 1670, his wife Sarah passing
away in May, 1676. Their son David, the first
of the name born in Hartford county, was the pro-
li'44
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
genitor of the generations whicn have since been
born here.
Charles A. Ensign attended school in Tariff-
ville until fourteen years old, and then went to
Muscatine, Iowa, and for some time was there
employed as a clerk, but failing health compelled
his return to Connecticut. Here he learned car-
pentering under a Mr. Shaw, and in 1876 again
went West to engage in bridge construction along
the line of the Louisville & Nashville railroad. He
returned to Connecticut to take charge of the bridge
building departn'ient of the New England railway.
In 188.4 1"-' returned to Tariffville and began busi-
ness as a contractor and builder, and some of the
finest homes in Hartford county, including his own
attractive home at the corner of Elm and Center
streets, Tariffville, stand to-day as monuments of his
care and skill. In July, 1898, Mr. Ensign became
identified with a business concern which was super-
seded by the Tariffville Manufacturing Co., and in
February, 1899, was one of the incorporators of
the Tariffville Lace Co., of which he is now the
secretary and treasurer.
While not too strongly partisan, Mr. Ensign
is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and
in 1874 was elected to the General Assembly from
Simsbury ; he was at that time the youngest mem-
ber of that august body, being but twenty-four
years of age. He is a member of St. Mark's Lodge,
No. 36, F. & A. M., at Simsbury, and a charter
member of the K. of P. Lodge at the same place.
He married Mrs. Sarah Toy Curtiss, a daughter of
the late Joseph Toy, who comes from one of the
most respected families of Simsbury, of which vil-
lage Mr. Ensign is one of the most progressive and
valued citizens, ever holding the best interests of
the community at heart, and ever ready to respond,
when called upon, to aid. financially and otherwise,
any project designed to promote the welfare of the
public.
HOWARD MERRITT STEELE, one of the
prosperous young business men of New Britain, di-
rected his education largely toward a commercial
and business training, beheving that practical knowl-
edge is the more valuable, yet he did not neglect
those more general lines of study the aim of which
is mental training.
Mr. Steele was born in New Britain Aug. 24,
1872, son of Dwight Newell Steele, and attended
the schools of his native place until he had reached
the middle year of the high-school course. Then
for two years, in 1888 and 1889, he attended Doane
College, at Crete, Neb., taking an elective course,
choosing studies in part with a view to a business
career. After leaving school he worked for his
uncles for a time, and was then for three years as-
sistant bookkeeper for Landers, Frary & Clark. He
was promoted to the position of bookkeeper, which
he retained for two years, and had not yet reached
his twenty-first birthday when he had under him
two bookkeepers. The position was a most excel-
lent one for a young man of his age, but he was
obliged to relinquish it on account of failing eye-
sight.
Mr. Steele then formed a partnership with a
Mr. Lyons, in the wholesale and retail grain trade, at
the corner of Biglow and Chestnut streets, New
Britain, and six months later sold out to his partner.
In March, 1895, he purchased the livery and board-
ing stables of W. T. Holbrook, assigned, and re-
named them the "Park Stables," of which he is still
proprietor, in addition operating the electric express,
hi connection with the Connecticut Lighting &
Power Co. He owns the largest barn in New Brit-
ain, and also the largest boarding stables, having
eighteen horses and twenty-two boarders. He has
six hacks, and is prepared to supply any demand.
Air. Steele has been successful in all the branches of
business in which he has engaged. He applies him-
self to his business, and owes his success to his indi-
vidual efi'orts. He is a member of Lexington
Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F. ; the O. U. A. M. ; and
Harmony Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M.
In September, 1893, Mr. Steele was married to
Aliss Minnie Rhodes, daughter of Franklin Rhodes,
the ice dealer of New Britain, and a member of an
old Connecticut family. To Mr. and Mrs. Steele
has been born one child, Ruth.
THOMAS STANDISH, of Wethersfield, Conn.,
was one of the early settlers of the town, 1631-
1635, having been naturally attracted to the fertile
valley of the Connecticut by popular interest at
the time. He is supposed to have been a nephew of
Miles Standish of Puritan fame, and came to this
country soon after the founding of Plymouth. There
is a marked characteristic resemblance between the
descendants of this branch and the descendants of
Allies Standish. Little is known of the family,
except that they were of nobility, being of the
Standishes of Duxbury and Standish Hall, Eng-
land.
Thomas Standish was an influential citizen, and
by the first records of the town owned extensive
property. He served the Colony in the Pequot war,
and received a grant of land in 1671, on that ac-
count, a part of which is still in the possession of his
descendants. He died here Dec. 5, 1692, at the
ripe age of eighty years, and his wife, Susannah,
died Nov. 30, 1692, at the age of sixty-eight. They
had tliree children: (i) Thomas, (2) Sarah, and
(3) Eunice.
Their only son, Thomas Standish, Jr., spent his
entire life in Wethersfield as a general farmer,
and his remains were interred in the Wethersfield
cemetery. He was married, Marcn 20, 1690, to
Mary Church, a native of Hartford, and a daugh-
ter of Thomas Church. By that union he had
four children: (i) Thomas, bom March 10, 1691,
died single, 1749; (2) John, born Aug. 11, 1693;
(3) Eunice, born May 31, 1698, married Capt.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1245
John Williams; and (4) Josiah, born April 8, 1701,
married Hannah Butler. The wife and mother died
Jan. 20, 1705, and Thomas Standish was again
married, Oct. 26, 1706, his second union being
with Rebecca Hunn, by whom he had two children :
(i) Rebecca and (2) Jeremiah (twins), born Dec.
22, 1709 (Rebecca married Hezekiah Butler; Jere-
miah married Hannah Wise. To them were born
three children: Hannah, Oct. 24, 1768; Josiah,
Aug. 27, 1770; Lois, Oct. 9, 1772).
Josiah Standish, a son of Thomas, Jr., was born
on the home farm in Wethersfield, and throughout
life followed agricultural pursuits there. On March
27, 1733, he married Hannah Butler, who was born
in Wethersfield Sept. 26, 1705, a daughter of James
and Hannah (Edwards) Butler, and died July 8,
1744. They had three children: (i) John, born
March 2, 1735; (2) Hannah, wife of Lemuel Dem-
ing, born March 22, 1739; (3) James, born Jan.
22, 1742, died unmarried April 18, 18 17.
John Standish, son of Josiah and Hannah (But-
ler) Standish, lived to see the American people gain
their independence, and his sympathies were with
the Colonies in their efforts to throw off the yoke
of British oppression. He was widely known and
highly respected, and was a man of prominence in
his community. He died July 29, 1798. On May
21, 1785, at the age of fifty years, he married a
neighbor, Eunice Tryon, daughter of Abijah and
Eunice Frances Tryon, born March 17, 1763, died
Dec. 18, 1837, at the age of twenty-two, whom he
had waited for, having told her mother that she
was a fine baby and he would wait for her. To them
were born seven children, as follows: (i) Han-
nah, born July i, 1786, was killed by a sleigh Jan.
20, 1789; (2) Josiah, born Jan. 29, 1788, died April
20, 1790; (3) John, born March 29, '1790, married
Namoni Crawford, and removed to Bridgeport,
Conn, (they had five children, Laura, Harriett,
Eunice Frances, Nancy and James Tryon) ; (4)
Nancy, born April 12, 1792, married Jared Butler,
of Wethersfield (they had three children, Josiah,
born Aug. 11, 181 3 ; Lucy Ann, born Dec. 25, 181 5 ;
and Jared, born Aug. 20, 1818) ;-(5) James, born
Feb. 2, 1794, married Cynthia Wells;. (6) Laura,
born Aug. i, 1795, married Capt. Timothy Griswold
April 19, 1821 (had three children, Jane, Myles
Standish and Isabella) • (7) Josiah, born Aug. 29,
1798, died young.
James Standish throughout life was engaged in
farming on the old homestead in Jordan Lane,
and was also interested in dairying and stock rais-
ing. He made many improvements upon his farm,
and was noted for his industry and honorable deal-
ings. He was well read, and took a deep interest
in educational affairs; was a stanch supporter of
the Democratic party ; was liberal in his religious
views ; temperate in habit and ■ genial in disposi-
tion. He died upon his farm Jan. 12, 187 1, and was
laid to rest in Wethersfield cemetery. He was mar^
ried, April 2, 1826, to Miss Cynthia Wells, a daugh-
ter of Jonathan Wells, descendant of Gov. Wells,
of Hartford. She was born Feb. 26, 1799, and died
March 16, 1885. Li their family were seven chil-
dren, namely : ( i ) James, born Jan. 27, 1827, mar-
ried Jerusha Griswold Nov. 26, 1854; (2) Cynthia,
born 1829, died unmarried; (3) Capt. John New-
ton, born Nov. 19, 1831, died May 18, 1888, mar-
ried Abigal M., daughter of Levi and Abigal Gris-
wold Churchill, Aprd 4, 1855, and they removed to
Bridgeport (they had six children, John N., born
Feb. 3, 1856; Miles Shephen, born Oct. 9, 1857;
Rose Maria, born Dec. 13, i860; Harriett Isabella,
born Nov. 30, 1863; George Wells, born Aug. 14,
1865; and Frank Ernest, born Nov. 25, 1869, died
Feb. 19, 1881); (4) Ira, born Julv 5, 1833, died
Dec. 30, 1895, married Sarah, daughter of Levi and
Sarah Larkin Warner (to them were born five chil-
dren, Annie, born April 26, 1863, died May 6, 1879;
Alice, born May 9, 1865; Minnie, born Aug. 11,
1868; Bertha, born March 28, 1870; and Rose,
born June 13, 1875) ; (5) Mary Louise, born 1836;
and (6) Nancy, born 1838, both unmarried and
living in Wethersfield; and (7) Annie Rose, born
Feb., 1842, died Aug. 22, 1851.
James Standish was reared on the old home-
stead in Jordan Lane, and was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Wethersfield and the Wethersfield
Academy. He also studied civil engineering and
surveying, and prepared himself for school teach-
ing. On hearing that his brother John had failed
to pass the teacher's examination before the board
of education at Farmington, he resolved that he
would secure a teacher's certificate, and accordinglv
one winter day walked across the country through
the woods from Wethersfield to Farmington, passed
a successful examination, and got the school. For
some time he taught through the winter months,
while in summer he engaged in farming and also
surveying. After his marriage he located on Hart-
ford avenue, near the State prison. He has since
made many improvements upon his place, and has
successfully engaged in general farming, stock rais-
ing and dairying. - He is a stanch supporter of the
Democratic party, but has never sought political
honors. He is liberal- in religious views, , and is
widely known and highly respected.
On Nov. 26, 1854, Mr. Standish married Miss
Jerusha Griswold, a native of Wethersfield, and a
daughter of Jacob and -Elizabeth (Churchill-) Gris-
wold, and to them were born nine children : ( i )
Thomas, sketch of whom follows. (2) Wyllys
Wells, sketch of whom follows: (3) James, born
Oct. 27, 1859, died Aug. 3, 1861. (4) Jonathan
Edward and (5) Mary EHzabeth (twins), born
Sept. 13, 1863 ; Jonathan married Harriett, daugh-
ter of David and Harriett Taylor, April 15, 1896
(have one child, Marian, born Feb. 13, 1898) ; Mary
m.arried Charles C. Hart, of Rocky Hill, April 21,
1886 (have three children, Frank Standish, bom
Sept. 9, 1887; William Griswold, born July 26,
1892; and Everett Herbert, born July 10, 1894).
1246
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(6) Jared Butler, born Sept. 4, 1866, married
Martha Louise, daughter of Charles and Eliza
Densmore Perkins, of Bridgewater, \'t., Jan. 30,
1895 (the)' have one child, Erland Alyles, born Oct.
IT,, 1896). (7) Hannah Tryon, born Nov. 15,
1868, married Arthur W. Howard, M. D., Oct. 10,
1894 (they have one child, ^lildred Standish, born
April 19, 1898). (8) James Herbert, sketch of
whom follows. (9) Emma Louise, born Feb. 3,
1877 is unmarried.
Thomas Standish was born in Wethersfield Oct.
1, 1855, and attended the district schools and the
academy of Wethersfield, also the Hartford Public
High School. In 1876 he and nis brother Wyllys
ojjened a store in Wethersfield, but at the end of
five years he sold his interest in the business and
moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he spent one
year. On his return to Wethersfield he was en-
gaged in the carriage business for five years, and in
May, 1892, was appointed secretary and treasurer
of the Birkery Manufacturing Co., of Hartford,
which positions he has since most creditably filled.
He is a Knight Templar, member of St. John's
Lodge, F. & A. M., of Hartford, and belongs to
the Congregational Church. In politics he is a
■Democrat, and at one time was the nominee of
his party for representative from Wethersfield, but
failed of election as the Republican party is largely
in the majority here. He was married, in Weth-
ersfield, April 14, 1892, to H. Leila Bailey, daugh-
ter of Arnold and Nancy (Lockwood) Bailey, and
they have two children : Lorea, born Feb. 24, 1893 ;
and Helen Lockwood, born April 9, 1898.
Wyllys Wells Standish, son of James, born in
Wethersfield Nov. 24, 1857, was educated at the
district schools and the academy of Wethersfield.
He was connected in the grocer}- and ice business
with his brother Thomas from 1876 to 1881, when
the partnership was mutually dissolved. He con-
tinued it alone for a few years, then selected the
ice business, which he has carried on since. Mr.
Standish was married, Aug. 14, 1878, to Carrie
M., daughter of Asa and Mary E. White, of Plain-
field, N. J. They have three children: Harrv Asa,
born June 21, 1880, and Frederick White, born
Oct. 29, 1882, both employed in the office of the
Central New England R. R. ; and Guilford Wells,
born May 23, 1885, living at home in Wethers-
field. Mr. Standish, politically, is a Democrat, and
is an influential member of that party. He has
held the office of committeeman of the public school
in his district for several years, and also serves
the public as justice of the peace. He is a member
of Charter Oak Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hartford.
Dr. James H. Standish, the youngest son, was
born in Wethersfield Dec. 9, 1871, and began his
education in the district schools. Later he was
graduated from the Wethersfield nigh schools and
then entered the Collins street classical school of
Hartford, where he prepared for college. In 1892
he entered the Medical University of New York
City, from which he graduated in 1895, and then
spent one )'ear in the Childrens and Infants hospital
oi- Randall's Island (New York), after which he
returned to Hartford, where he has since been suc-
cessfully engaged in practice. He is a member of
the City, County and State Medical Socities, and of
the I. O. O. F. He was married, June 14, 1898, to
Nettie Grace Adams, a native of Baltimore, and a
graduate of the Western Female Seminary of that
city. She is a daughter of George C. and Flannah
M. (Snow) Adams. The Doctor and his wife have
one child, Welles Adams, born June 7, 1899. In
politics the Doctor is a Republican in religion
he and his wife are Congregationalists.
FIART. The branch of the Flart family of
which the late George Ilart, of New Britain, was
a descendant, and of which the latter's son, Will-
iam Henry Hart, now a prominent citizen of that
city, where for years he has been identified with the
manufacturing company known as the Stanley
Works (of which he is president), is a distinguished
member, is one of the oldest as it is also one of
the most prominent families of Connecticut.
William H.Hart is in the eighth generation from
Deacon Stephen Hart, his first American ancestor,
the line of his descent being through Stephen Hart
(2), Stephen (3), Daniel, Stephen (4), Stephen
( 5 ) , and George.
(I) Deacon Stephen Hart, born about 1605,
at Braintree, County of Essex, England, came to
Massachusetts Bay about 1632, and located for a
time at Cambridge, Mass., being one of the fifty-
four settlers at that point. He became a proprietor
at Hartford, Conn., in 1639, and was one of the
eighty-four proprietors of Farmington, Conn., in
1672.
(II) Stephen Hart (2), son of Deacon Stephen
Hart, born at Braintree, County of Essex, Eng-
land, located at Farmington, Conn., where J-.e was
made a freeman in May, 1654.
(III) Stephen Hart (3), son of Stephen Hart
(2), born in 1662 in Farmington, married, in 1689,
Sarah, daughter of Samuel Cowles.
(IV) Daniel Hart, son of Stephen Hart (3),
born in 1707, in Farmington, married, in 1734,
Abigail, daughter of Thomas Thompson, and lived
in New Britain, Connecticut.
(V) Stephen Hart (4), son of Daniel Hart,
born in 1744 in New Britain, married, in 1767,
Rhoda, daughter of Charles Stedman, of Wethers-
field, Conn. He was a farmer, and lived in Stanley
Quarter at the foot of Clark Hill.
(VI) Stephen Hart (5), soh of Stephen Hart
(4), and the father of the late George Hart, of
New Britain, was born Oct. 21, 1775, in New
Britain, married, June 25, 1797, Sally, daughter of
Ezra and Lucy (Stanliff) White, of Chatham,
Conn., born June 14, 1775. He was a farmer, and
lived at the old home of his father and grandfa-
ther, at the foot of Clark Hill 'in Stanley Quarter.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1247
He died in 1816, his wife passing away in 1859.
Their children were : Shephen, Edmund, George,
Emily, Philip, William, Henry and Ebenezer.
The late George Hart, of New Britain, son of
Stephen Hart (5), and the father of President
William Henry Hart, was born March 16, 1801,
in Stanley Quarter, New Britain, Conn., and there
passed the early years of his life before going to
West Hartford, where he -passed three years in
learning the shoemaker's trade. This completed,
3'oung Hart began his business career by purchasing
a stock of shoes, which he conveyed by wagon to
Augusta, Ga., where he sold out his stock during the
winter and returned the following year to New
Britain. Later, in New Britain, he engaged in the
manufacture of coffee-mills, in which, however, he
was not successful ; then entered the employ of
the brass works of North & Stanley, and worked
over hours to lic|uidate the indebtedness of some
$600.00 incurred in the previous coifee-mill ven-
ture. Not content as an employe, the young man
later and before the day of railroads established a
daily stage express and freight line to Hartford,
in which business his tact, enterprise and fidelity
brought him success. For many 3'ears he carried
nearly all the passengers, express and frieght be-
tween these two places. He continued this busi-
ness with strict fidelity and care until the comple-
tion of the New Haven and Hartford railroad in
1839, when he transferred his teaming and stage
line to the little station east of Rhodes place known
as Green Swamp. After the completion of the
Hartford, Providence & Fishkill railroad, Jan. i,
1850, Mr. Hart was appointed station master for
New Britain, and did most of the trucking to and
from the station. He also ran an omnibus line for
a number of years to Berlin Junction until the build-
ing of the New Britain branch road in 1865. By
that time he acquired a competenc}', and was not
thereafter engaged in active business, except farm-
ing on a small scale. During his active life Mr.
Hart was a very industrious and hard-working man.
He was of temperate habits, possessed of great
physical endurance, also blessed with a rugged con-
stitution, and, not until the failure of his eyesight
and the infirmities of age laid him aside, could he
be content to give up employment.
Mr. Hart united with the Church of Christ in
New Britain Aug. 6, 1831, and was one of the 120
original members who formed the South Congrega-
tional Church, and was the last surviving male
member of that number. Mr. Hart lived to the
advanced age of ninety years, dying Oct. 27, 1891.
At that time the New Britain Daily Herald said :
"Mr. Hart was a man of great simplicity of char-
acter, and frankness combined with a high sense
of honor and the strictest integrity."
On March e, 1826, Mr. Hart married Mary
Griswold, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Gris-
wold) Andrews. She was born Oct. 22, 1809,
and died Aug. 10, 183 1. To *-his marriage was
born one son, Charles, who died Feb. 27, 1837, at
the age of ten years. Mr. Hart married (second)
Sept. II, 1832, Elizabeth F., daughter of Cyrus and
Nancy (North) Booth. She was born Oct. 31,
181 1, and died April 25, 1862. To this marriage
was born one son, William Henry. Mr. Hart mar-
ried (third), May 6, 1863, Elizabeth, widow of
William Perry, of South Windsor, and daughter
of Job Elsworth, of East Windsor. She was born
Sept. 21, 1823.
William Henry Hart, son of George and
Elizabeth F. (Booth) Hart, acquired his educa-
tion in the public schools of New Britain, being a
student therein at the time of the organization of
the High School department. His studies were
somewhat interrupted, however, as a portion of each
day was spent in assisting his father in his duties
as station agent of tjie Hartford, Providence & Fish-
kill railroad, mainly in the bookkeeping department
from 1850 to 1854, and in this capacity we find him
selling tickets at the station in New Britain at the
opening of the road from Willimantic to Bristol
Jan. I, 1850.
It is with the Stanley Works, however, that
Mr. Hart is best and most widely known, as he
has been connected with that company for nearly
half a century. On May 16, 1854, two years after
the founding of the Stanley Works, William H.
Hart, at the age of nineteen years, was elected
secretary and treasurer of that corporation, and has
held the latter position until the present time. For
forty years the general management of the business
has fallen upon his shoulders. For the first twenty-
five years it was a hard struggle to overcome the
disadvantages of insufficient capital, undesirable lo-
cation as regards freighting facilities, lack of ex-
perienced workmen in sheet metal, coupled with the
difficulty of securing a market for the product in
competition with an old and well-established manu-
facturer in a good locality and with abundant capi-
tal. In later years he has been ably assisted by the
officers of the company, his five sons and his son-
in-law. Mr. Hart was elected president Feb. 14,
1885, continuing in that capacity to the present
time. His whole buiness life has been coincident
with the growth of the Stanley Works. At the
outset of their business career, the capital of the
company was $30,000. This has been increased
from time to time, until now the nominal capital is
$500,000, but the actual aggregate is over one mil-
lion dollars, it has increased its operating force
from about twenty in 1852 and 1853 to about 1,200
in 1900.
Mr. Hart is a member of the South Congrega-
tional Church, and was elected clerk and treasurer
in 1857. He has been a director of the New Britain
National Bank for more than thirty years, and is
now the senior member of that body. He is a mem-
ber of the board of managers of the New Britain
Institute, and was president of the New Britain
Club in 1898-99. He is also a member of the ex-
1248
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ecutive committee of the New Britain General Hos-
pital, and is now president of the Young Mens
Christian Association.
On Sept. 19, 1855, Mr. Hart married Martha
Peck, who was born in New Britain May 12, 1837,
daughter of Ehiathan and Mary (Dewey) Peck.
The children of Mr. and Airs. Hart are as follows:
(i) Charles W. (deceased;, born Aug. 8, 1S58,
died July 25, 1875. (2) George P., born Aug. 22,
i860, married Mary Doen, daughter of Edward
and llelcn (Bassette) Doen, of New Britain; they
have three children, Margaret, Mervin Stanley and
Donald Richards. (3) Howard Stanley, born July
9, 1867, married Bessie Stanley, daughter of James
and Minerva Wilcox (Case) Stanley, of New
Britain; their children are Alice, William H. and
Stanley. (4) Alartha Elizabeth, born May 9, 1869,
is the wife of E. Allen Moore^ son of Nelson A.
and Ann M. (Pickett) Moore, of Kensington; they
have two children, Barbara and Allen. (5) Ed-
ward Herbert, born Oct. 12, 1870. (6) Maxwell
Slansbury, born April 15, 1873, married Louise,
daughter of Theodore E. and Louise (Lockwood)
Smith, of New Britain. (7) Walter H., born Aug.
4, 1874, married Louisa Chamberlain, daughter of
the late Judge \'. B. Chamberlain and his wife,
Anna (Smith) Chamberlain, of New Britain.
CHARLES HOOKER RISLEY. Connecticut
has won an eminent place in the nation by virtue of
her manufactures, superiority in which is due to the
inventiveness of her people. It is not uncommon
perhaps to meet within the borders of the State a
"natural-born" mechanic, but wherever found they
are fitly regarded as the rich material from which
greatness is developed. The subject of this sketch,
a well-known citizen of Berlin, is the possessor of
mechanical aptitude of a high order. His life has
been full of achievement, change and progress.
Combined with energy, his talents have made his
life a busy one, though interrupted at times by fail-
ing health.
Mr. Risley was born Nov. 27, 1853, in a house
he still owns and until recently occupied, located in
the southern part of Berlin, on the turnpike from
Meriden to New Berlin, son of William Hollister
and Mary Elizabeth (Hooker) Risle)', and grand-
son of Shubal and Ann (Hollister) Risley. The
grandfather was a farmer of Berlin and a citizen of
prominence, serving as selectman, justice of the
peace, and in other local positions of trust. He was
born Dec. 17, 1795, and died Oct. 29, 1852. William
Hollister Risley, the father of our subject, was born
in Berlin, and was a well-to-do farmer of that town,
a stanch Democrat in politics, and active in public
affairs. He served three times in the State Legisla-
ture as member from Berlin, and was repeatedly
elected selectman of the town. For his first wife
he married Myrana Wilcox, of Westfield, Conn.,
and for his second wife Mary Elizabeth Hooker, the
mother of our subject, a native of Kensington,
daughter of Seth and Electa (Leonard) Hooker,
and a descendant of Rev. Thomas Plooker, who set-
tled in Hartford in 1O36. Her ancestors were sol-
diers in the Revolutionary army. She died W"hen
her son, Charles Hooker Risley, was only nine days
old, and was buried in the South cemetery, Berlin.
For his third wife the father of our subject married
Frances Aliles, of Meriden, who is yet living, a resi-
dent of Kensington.
Charles Plooker Risley attended the schools of
Berlin until he was eighteen years old. Pie then
took charge of the saw and feed mills owned by his
father, and later was for eighteen months a sales-
man in the hardware and crockery store of Blrdsey
& JMiles, at Meriden. Returning home for a short
time, he decided to learn the printing trade. En-
tering the employment of William Kelsey, who dealt
in printing material, he was given at the expiration
of one year full charge of the printing department,
resigning this position six months later and starting
a printing estabhshment at Berlin. Beginning with
hand power, he continued to improve until he had
at Berlin a thoroughly equipped plant, which he
operated successfully for several years, during
which time he did all the printing for the Peck,
Stow & Wilcox Co. In 1884 he removed his plant
to Meriden, and in partnership with his brother,
William Miles Risley, operated a large printing es-
tablishment. In 1885 he purchased his brother's
interest, and for another year operated the plant
alone, but ill health, superinduced by overwork,
obliged him to give up his business. He returned
to Berlin, and after a period of time devoted to re-
cuperation accepted the position of general superin-
tendent and engineer in the office of the Phoenix, at
Southington. Six months later he resigned his po-
sition to take charge of the mill at Berlin, which he
purchased, converting it into a jobbing plant, put-
ting in circular saws, and operating it until 1896,
when on account of ill health he closed the plant.
The same year he removed to the junction of the
road near his home the building he had occupied as
a printing office, and converted it into a "Bicycle
Rest," dealing also in confectionery, cigars, tobacco,
notions, etc. In May, 1900, Mr. Risley settled in
Berlin village, on property he recently purchased
of Miss Kate North, known as the Booth place. He
still owns his farm and the mill, both located in the
town of Berlin,
On June 10, 1892, Mr. Risley was married to
Miss Harriet Abigail Beckley, daughter of Ralph H.
and Abigail Beckley, of Meriden, her father being
the second son of Squire Luther Beckley, of Berlin.
Squire Luther Beckley was born Oct. 11, 1778, and
was one of the best-known men of Berlin in his
day. He founded the first Sunday-school ever or-
ganized in Berlin, and was also prominent ki Ma-
sonic circles. In 1803 he married Sarah Flagg,
who was born Aug. 10, 1785. He died Jan. 11,
1841. The Beckleys are among the oldest residents
of Berlin, and descendants of early pioneers. WilK
I
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1249
iam Beckley, of Torrington, youngest son of Squire
Luther Beckley, and the only survivor of his large
family, has in his possession the original grant of
land given to Richard Beckley, the first Beckley
who came from England, the grant being given by
the King with the specification that there should be
a public house kept on said land. The house was
erected in the year 1658, and kept as a public house
for eighty-seven years, always remaining in the
Beckley family.
Our subject was an incorporator of the Berlin
Savings Bank, and is one of its present directors.
He was one of the chief promoters of the Golden
Ridge Creamery, and is now a stockholder in the
company. He is also a director in the Mattabessett
Canning Co. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
Mrs. Risley is a member- of the Congregational
Church, of which he is an ardent and liberal sup-
porter. Both are active and prominent in Grange
work, members of Berlin Grange, No. 24, in which
Mr. Risley has held all the offices and was master for
one year, in 1898; and are also members of the
State and National Grange. Among the fraternal
orders he holds active membership in the Masonic
Order at Meriden; the Ancient Order of Foresters
at Meriden; Good Shepherd Lodge; and Pequot
Council, No. 24, O. U. A. M., of Berlin, in which
he holds the office of treasurer.
NEWTON R. HURLBURT, first selectman of
New Britain in 1899, has, by the practice of those
qualities which inspire confidence and respect among
his fellow men, risen almost silently and without
ostentation in the public esteem until he is now held
to be one of its foremost and most sterling citi-
zens. He has made his own way, unaided by ex-
traneous circumstances, and, by his own force of
character and the high tyjpe of patient, modest citi-
zenship he exemplified, he has won a way to the
hearts and esteem of his numerous friends and ac-
quaintances.
Mr. Hurlburt's great-grandfather shouldered a
musket and fought for liberty during the Revolu-
tionary struggle. His grandfather was a substan-
tial farmer of Wethersfield, Conn., who died leav-
ing three sons and four daughters: Belden and
John, lifelong residents of Wethersfield; James,
father of our subject; Hannah; Laura (Mrs.
Charles Mitchell) ; Jerusha (who married Mr.
Chappel) ; and Abigail (who married Mr. Ward).
James Hurlburt was a native of Wethersfield.
He followed farming, first in his native town and
then in Bloomfield, whence after a residence of
two years he removed to New Britain, where, in
the Stanley Quarter, he purchased a farm of about
seventy-five acres and lived for ten years. He re-
moved to North Guilford, and there spent the bal-
ance of his life. James Hurlburt was a man of
quiet manner, careful and prompt in business affairs,
industrious and successful in the management of
his land. He was a representative citizen, not
79
active in political life, but alive to public duty, and
in political opinion a Democrat. He married Har-
riet Deming, of iNewington (then Wethersfield),
who bore him children as follows: Fanny, who
married Ralph Grisvvold, of Middletown, Conn.;
Harriet, wife of John S. Watrous, of Middletown;
Newton R., subject of this sketch; Henry, of Mid-
dletown; James, who was drowned when a resi-
dent of that town; Silas, a tinsmith of Dunkirk,
N. Y. ; Emma, deceased wife of Robert Rowland,
of Hartford; Brazilla, a tinsmith, now deceased;
Albert, who died young; and Alice, wife of Henry
Parmelee, of Middletown.
Newton R. Hurlburt was born in Wethersfield
Jan. 28, 1837. He was educated in the common
schools, attending school in winter and working in
summer. At the age of sixteen his school days
ended, and in the following year, 1854, he went to
Otto, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he served
an apprenticeship to the trade of tinsmith, and for
some time later worked as a journeyman. Return-
ing East he lived at Hartford, New London and
elsewhere, finally locating, in i860, at New Britain,
where he has passed most of the time since. He
followed his trade for many years, but has also en-
gaged in farming and pursued various other occu-
pations. An industrious, hard-working mechanic,
he has by his own sturdy efiiorts made his way in
life. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1896 he
was .elected third selectman on the town ticket with
Charles H. Smith and William S. Judd, but by
the death of Mr. Smith and the resignation of Mr.
Judd he became first selectman, and in the fall of
1898 he was elected to that office by popular vote
for the term of one year, receiving the handsome
majority of 1,222, the largest ever received by any
candidate in the town. In his official career Mr.
Hurlburt has been highly successful, giving it the
same painstaking attention and care which he has.
ever bestowed upon his own private affairs.
Mr. Hurlburt married Miss Jane Slater, daugh-
ter of Elam Slater, one of the old settlers of New
Britain, and for many years one of its efficient and
esteemed selectmen.
JOSEPH SPENCER (deceased) descended
from one of the oldest and most prominent fam-
ilies of the town of East Hartford, Hartford coun-
ty, and the old homestead on Silver street and
Spencer street (the latter named after the family)
has been continuously occupied and tilled by five
generations of the name, and is now in the posses-
sion of the sole survivor of the honored old family,
Miss Jane A. Spencer, at whose demise it will pass
into the hands of strangers, or at least of persons
who will not bear the good old family name.
The first member of the Spencer family to be-
come identified with the history of East Hartford
came here at a date so remote that it has passed
from the memory of man, and even his Christian
name has faded into oblivion. It is known, how-
1250
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ever, that he erected a mansion at the corner of
Alain and .Mill streets, where the post office now
stands, and that his death occurred in 1687. It is
known, moreover, that he was the father of several
sons, the name of one of whom is on record as
Tliomas, and it is also known that Thomas had
three sons, Timothy, Thomas and Gideon, who,
when East Hartford was still in the wilderness,
settled adjacent to the present Spencer homestead,
cleared the land, and wrought out a spacious farm.
Gideon Spencer erected the large dwelling whicli
still stands across the street from the present Spen-
cer mansion, and which, in its day, was one of the
finest in East Hartford, and is still kept, after a
lapse of over one hundred and fifty years, in an ex-
cellent state of repair, having never passed out of
the possession of the family. Gideon died in this
dwelling, and his remains were interred in the
Spencer street cemetery.
John Spencer, son of Gideon, ai.d the fatlier of
Joseph Spencer, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born June 24, 1746, married Miriam ^ilcKee,
and became the father of eight children: John,
Jr., born Sept. 10, 1770, died unmarried in 1836,
when his remains were laid to rest in the Spen-
cer street cemetery, where the ashes of all the de-
ceased members of the Spencer family are interred ;
Merion, born Sept. 24, 1772, died Xov. 17, 1857;
Sarah was born Oct, 9, 1774, and died unmarried
May 4, 1843; U"Vid, born in 1776, died in 1802;
Jerusha, born Oct. 21, 1778, was married to Jere-
miah Killbourne in 1807, and died Jan. 10, 1858;
Joseph was born Jan. 26, 1781, and is the subject
of this sketch ; Timothy, born Feb. 18, 1784, mar-
ried ]\Iary Goodwin March 31, 181 1, and died May
30, 1855; George, the youngest, was born Nov.
15, 1786, and died, unmarried, March 11, 1868.
Joseph Spencer received a sound education, as
good as could be secured in the schools of his neigh-
borhood during the winter months, and, like other
rustic lads, passed his summers on the home farm.
Agriculture became the occupation of his life. After
the death of his father, in 1829, he assumed con-
trol of the farm, his brother and sisters being
single at that time and making their home in the
mansion built by their grandfather, Gideon Spen-
cer. On May 11, 1815, Joseph Spencer married
Miss Ann Se)'mour, born in 1783, in Hartford, a
daughter of George and ]\IabeI (Spencer) Seymour,
and the same year erected the house now occupied
by his daughter, Miss Jane A. Spencer. Mrs. Spen-
cer was an intelligent and kind-hearted woman. To
the marriage of Joseph Spencer and Ann Seymour
were born three children: Emily, born June 19,
1820, who died in 1894; Julia jNIarion, born Alarch
15, 1823, who died in 1892; and Jane Annie, the
only survivor of the family, born April 20, 1826,
now the occupant of the old homestead.
Joseph Spencer, it will readily be surmised,
was during his long and useful life a very prom-
inent factor in the affairs of East Hartford, although
he was very domestic and unostentatious in his
habits. A AVhig in politics, he filled various town
offices, and in the local management of his party's
affairs wielded a strong intiuence, his advice never
going unheeded. \Mth his family he was a con-
stant attendant at the Congregational Church, and
was a most liberal contributor, financially, to its
support. His farm, one of the most extensive in
the town, was finely tilled at all times, and was
devoted to raising the better class of products, no
part of it ever having been used for the cultiva-
tion of tobacco — an unusual circumstance in the
neighborhood. On this estate he passed his entire
life, and died, one of the most honored of men,
in December, 1857.
HON. CHARLES E. HART is of the eighth
generation in lineal descent from the sturdy Puri-
tan, Deacon Stephen Hart, who was well-known
and widely respected among the members of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. The direct paternal
hnc of descent is as follows: Stephen (i), Stephen
(2), Stephen (3), Daniel, Stephen (4), Stephen
(5), and Ebenezer.
The first of the line to settle in New England
was Deacon Stephen Hart, who was a member of
that devoted band who preferred liberty of con-
science to fortune, station or native land. He was
born at Braintree, Essex, England, about 1605, and
came to join his co-religionists and compatriots
about 1632. His first location was at Cambridge,
Mass., he being one of the fifty-four original set-
tlers at that point. In 1639 he went westward as
far as Hartford, where he became a landed pro-
prietor. In 1672 he joined a party of eighty-four
persons who w'ere the original proprietors of Farm-
ington. His son, Stephen Hart (2), was born at
Braintree, England, and located at Farmington,
where he was made a freeman in May, 1654.
Stephen Hart (3), son of Stephen Hart (2), was
born at Farmington in 1662, and was married, in
1689, to Sarah, daughter of Samuel Cowles. Daniel
Hart, son of Stephen (3), came into the world in
1707. He was also a native of Farmington, at which
place, in 1734, he married Abigail, a daughter of
Thomas Thompson. He made his home at New
Britain. Stephen (4), son of Daniel, was born in
1744 at New Britain. In 1767 he was united in
marriage to Rhoda, daughter of Charles Stedman,
of Wethersfield. He was a farmer, and his home
was in what was then known as the Stanley Quar-
ter, at the foot of Clark's Hill. His son, Stephen
(5), who was the grandfather of Charles E., was
born Oct. 21, 1775, at New Britain, and on June
25, 1797, at the age of nearly twenty-two years,
married Sallie, a daughter of Ezra and Lucy
(Stancliff) White, of Chatham, Conn. He was
also a farmer, and made his home at the resi-
dence of his father and grandfather, at the foot of
Clark's Hill, in the Stanley Quarter. He passed
away in 1816, his wife surviving him until the year
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1251
1859, when she, too, entered into rest, at the age
of eighty-four years. Their children were : Stephen,
Edmund, George, Emily, Philip, William, Henry
and Ebenezer.
From what has been said with regard to the
genealogy of Mr. Hart's family, it will be seen
that his father, Ebenezer Hart, was a son of
Stephen Hart (5), of New Britain. He was born
at that place July 31, 1814, and was married, at
Warehouse Point, Jan. 6, 1842, to Mary Pease, a
daughter of Walter and Eliza (Filer) Pease,
through whom our subject is descended from Roger
Filer, a Revolutionary soldier, who was wounded
at the battle of Long Island. Mrs. Ebenezer Hart
was born Jan. 5, 1824, at Enfield, Conn. In 1871
Mr. and Mrs. Hart removed to Wellsburg, Che-
mung Co., N. Y., where he engaged in the hotel
business. Later he returned to his native State,
taking up his residence at New Haven, where he
also became a host. He died in that city, of an
affection of his liver, on Sept. 12, 1874, at the
age of sixty years. His remains were taken to
his native place. New Britain, for interment. Two
children were born to his marriage: Charles Ed-
win, Oct. 14, 1842; and Lillian Chase, April 18,
1853-
Charles Edwin Hart was married, on June 18,
1867, to Miss Jennie Wainwright, who was born
at Manchester, N. J., June 13, 1844, a daughter
of John Wesley and Jane (Skidmore) Wainwright,
of that city. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hart as follows: NelHe Irene, born June 17, 1868,
died May 28, 1869, at New Britain; Lillian Wain-
wright, born June 3, 1870, graduated from Wesleyan
University in 1892; Harry Emile, born Dec. 7,
1872, graduated from Yale College in 1894, and is
now practicing law in New Britain ; Etheline Louise,
born April 25, 1876, graduated from Rye Seminary
in 1895 ; and Charles Edwin was born March 3,
1884.
On Jan. i, 1868, Mr. Hart entered the employ
of the Stanley Co., at New Britain, as super-
intendent of a department, and since 1890 he has
'been mechanical superintendent. He has been
quite prominent in public affairs in New Britain.
For two terms he was a member of the city coun-
cil. In 1876 he was elected to the Legislature, on
the Democratic ticket, and during his term was
secretary of the committee on Corporations. He is
a member of the Sons of the Revolution, serving
on the board of managers of that order ; and of
Lodge No. 79, F. & A. M., of New Haven.
WALTER. CADWELL, a worthy representa-
tive of the agricultural interests of West Hartford,
was born in that town June 10, 1830, and belongs to
one of its old and highly esteemed families.
Mr. Cad well is a lineal descendant from (I)
Thomas Cadwell, whose name appears on record in
Hartford as early as 1652. In 1658 he married
Elizabeth, widow of Robert Wilson, and daughter
of Deacon Edward Stebbins, who resided for a time
on the corner of Front and State streets, in Hart-
ford. Their family comprised ten children. Thomas
Cadwell died Oct. 9, 1694. The line of descent of
Walter Cadwell is through (II) Samuel (i),
(III) Samuel (2), (IV) Samuel (3), (V) Samuel
(4), and (VI) Elizur.
(I) Thomas Cadwell and his wife Elizabeth
had children as follows : Mary, Edward, Thomas,
William, Matthew, Abigail, Elizabeth, Samuel,
Hannah and Mehitabel.
(II) Samuel Cadwell, born April 30, 1675,
son of (I) Thomas, married March 6, 1707-08,
Mary Clark, of Hartford. Children were: Mary,
Samuel (2), Elizabeth, and Joseph.
(III) Samuel , Cadwell (2) (son of Samuel
(i)), born Nov. i, 1710, and his wife Elishaba
had children as follows: Mary, Mary (2), Samuel,
Samuel (2), Joseph, Timothy, Mary Ann, Elishaba,
Sarah, Charles, and Aafon.
(IV) Samuel Cadwell (3) (son of Samuel
(2)), born Jan. i, 1743, married Ruth, widow of
John Merry, and their children were : Ruth, Phcebe,
Rhoda, Samuel, Horace, Martin, Uriah, and
Susannah.
(V) Samuel Cadwell (4) son of Samuel (3)),
born in 1770, married Rhoda Kellogg, who was born
in 1775, and died Oct. 15, 1856, aged eighty-one
years. Mr. Cadwell died Oct. 9, 1836, aged sixty-
six years. They resided in the northern part of the
town of West Hartford. Their children were:
Samuel; Rhoda K., who married Benjamin Gilbert;
Elizur; Julia^, who married Nelson Tuller.of Bloom-
field, Conn., later of Woodbury, Mid'dleford, and
Fairhaven, Conn., where he died a patriot of the
Revolution; Timothy; Eltrudor; Susannah; James
M. ; and George W.
(VI) Elizur Cadwell (son of Samuel (4)),
father of our subject, was born August 4, 1798, and
spent his entire life, with the exception of four
years passed in Bloomfield, in the northern part of
West Hartford. He, too, was a farmer, and in
politics was a Democrat. On May 5, 1829, he was
married to Mrs. Lydia (Fish) Kelsey, who was
born Aug. 6, 1796, and died Dec. 23, 1884, aged
eighty-eight years. His death occurred Nov. 19,
1869, at the age of seventy-one years. They had
four children, our subject being the eldest; Ruth,
now deceased, born Dec. i, 1832, married Ashel
Morley; Lura, born April 12, 1833, married George
Steele, and is deceased; and Adeline, born Jan. 5,
1841, died Oct. 6, 1845.
Reared in West Hartford and Bloomfield, Conn.;
Walter Cadwell is indebted to the schools of those
places for his educational privileges. On April
23, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Jane Marcy, and three children were born of this
union : Helena Alice, now the wife of Walter H.
Way, of Pittsfield, Mass., by whom she has one
daughter, Margaret; and Mary Helen and Walter
Edwin, both now deceased.
1252
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1865 Air. Cadwell purchased the Sedgwick
farm, in W est Hartford, and there he has since made
his home, engaged in farming. He was also inter-
ested in the meat business until 1880, and in his
labors has met with marked success. His pohtical
support is always given to the men and measures
of the Democratic party, and he has most capably
and satisfactorily served as assessor of his town and
as member of the board of relief. For nearly
twenty years he has been an active and consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and when
his present term expires he will have served as
deacon of the church for over a dozen years.
HENRY A. KING (deceased) was for many
years one of the highly respected and honored citi-
zens of Hartford county, the last forty years of his
life being spent in West Hartford, where he en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits.
Mr. King was born in the city of Hartford in
1814, and wlien a young man lived with Selden
Hill, in West Hartford. In early life he learned the
art of hair dressing with John Spencer, and as a
hair dresser was in business first at Nantucket,
Mass., and later in the Hills block, at Hartford,
Conn. Subsequently he was engaged in the willow
work and fancy-goods business in the latter city
until 1850, when he moved to \\'est Hartford and
turned his attention to farming. In Hartford he
was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna Spencer,
a descendant of an old Connecticut family, and to
them were born the following children: Anna and
Lucy, who both died in infancy ; Henry F., who was
connected with the \'ermont Farm Alachine Co.,
and died in April, 1896; Emma, wife of P. D. Barn-
hart, of Denver, Colo. ; Lizzie, wife of Charles
Hunter, of Washington, D. C. ; John A. S., who
is engaged in the drug business in Newark, N. J.;
and James Augustus, who is mentioned below.
jMr. King was a man of progressive ideas, and
held advanced views on school matters. He took a
very active and prominent part in public affairs
in Hartford, and was numbereed among the most
valued and useful citizens of his community. In
political sentiment he was first a Whig, and later
a Republican, and in religious faith was a Congre-
gationalist, being a member of the church at West
Hartford. His wife died in 1876, and he passed
away Feb. 24, 1890, honored and respected by all
who knew them.
James A. King was born in West Hartford Aug.
29, 1852, and was educated in the schools of West
Hartford and Hartford city. At an early age he
commenced to assist his father in the operation of
the home farm, and together they continued to.
carry on farming until the latter's death. His
life has principally been devoted to that pursuit,
although he has engaged to a limited extent in truck-
ing and grading. He is a straightforward, capable
business man, one who commands the respect and
confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.
Fraternally he is a member of West Flartford
Grange and of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, at Hartford. He was married in West Hart-
ford to Miss Eva Eunice Steele, a daughter of Sey-
mour Lewis Steele, a granddaughter of Sherman
Steele, and a greatgrauddaughter of Elpaphero
Steele.
TOW^NSEND BARTHOLOxMEW WICK-
WIRE, a prominent business man and universally
respected citizen of the town of Berlin, is of the
seventh generation in direct descent from John
W^ickwire. Through his maternal grandmother he
is in the thirty-ninth generation in descent from
Charlemagne.
The Wickwire family is of English origin, and
the first American progenitor was John Wickwire,
the great-great-great-great-grandfather of Town-
send B. His name appears in a list of the residents
of New London, Conn., in 1675-76, and in the latter
year he married Mary Tonge, who was born Sept.
17, 1656, a daughter of George and Margery Tonge.
His home was in that part of New London origi-
nally called Pequot or North Parish, and now known
as Montville. His wife's sister, Elizabeth, married
Fitz John Winthrop, for nine years governor of
Connecticut. He himself was a soldier in King
Philip's war, and took part in the hardly-fought
battle in the Great Swamp, on Dec. 19, 1675, where
the power of the Narragansetts was broken. For
his gallant service during this war he received from
the General Court a grant of 140 acres of land. In
1684 he was named by Gov. Winthrop as one of the
seventy-seven grantees of New London in the pat-
ent issued Oct. 14, that year. He was the father
of eight children, and died in March or April, 1712.
His will apportioned among his children £300 in
money, and a considerable quantity of land.
Christopher Wickwire, a son of the above,
was born in New London Jan. 8, 1680, and was
the great-great-great-grandfather of Townsend B.
He was baptized with six others Sept. 21, 1724, by
Rev. James Hillhouse. He passed the latter years ,
of his life at Salem, where he was an extensive land
owner. Mr. Wickwire's great-great-grandfather,
James Wickwire, Sr., was born in 1725, and bap-
tized Oct. 23, 1726. He married Mary Grant, who
bore him six children. He ended his days in Mil-
lington, a parish of East Haddam. Here, prob-
ably, his son, James Wickwire, Jr., was born Sept.
28, 1759. The latter was the great-grandfather of
the subject of this brief biographical sketch. His
business was that of a tanner and manufactuier of
leather, and he served with distinguished gallanti^y
in the Revolutionary war, enlisting in Col. Charles
Webb's regiment before he had reached the age of
seventeen. He marched with Washington to New
London, whence the troops were transferred by
vessel to New York. For a year his regiment was
stationed in and around that city and Brooklyn, aid-
ing in the erection of fortifications. It also par-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1253
ticipated in the battle of White Plains. On April
25, 1779, he married Sarah Barnes, by whom he
was the father of ten children. She was born in
1760, and was a daugrhter of Enos and Abigail (Nor-
ris) Barnes. Alvin Benjamin Wickvvire, son of
James, and the grandfather of Townsend Bartholo-
mew, was born July 7, 1796, at Litchfield. His
wife was Sallie Miranda Humiston, born in Wash-
ington, Conn., April 4, 179.S. Three children were
born to them, all of whom are yet living. He was
a farmer, and received a pension as a soldier of the
war of 18 1 2, during which struggle he served as a
musician.
Manley Horatio Wickwire, the father of Town-
send B., was born Sept. i, 1834, in Warren, Conn.
He was educated at the district schools and at the
private school of J. C. Howard, after graduating
from which institution he taught school for three
years, when he entered Taft's general store, at Ash-
ley Falls, as a clerk. Two years later he bought a
half-interest in the business, the firm name becom-
ing Taft & Wickwire. This partnership continued
for two years, when Mr. Wickwire purchased Mr.
Taft's interest, and for the next six years he con-
ducted the business alone. At the end of that time
he disposed of it, and, buying a farm in Sheffield,
Mass., devoted himself to agriculture for three
years. His next venture was in the cutting of tim-
ber and the manufacturing of it into lumber for
the market, in which business he is still engaged,
having cleared thousands of acres of timber-land
in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 1896 he and
Roger S. Austin purchased outright the plant and
business of the Wallingford Wheel Company, of
Wallingford, Conn., and a stock company was
formed, known as the Wheel & Cycle Bar Co. The
concern manufactures all descriptions of wheels, as
well as stock for the repair of same. Manley H.
Wickvvire is president of the company, the other
officers being Roger S. Austin, vice-president and
treasurer, and L. R. Hall, secretary. These gen-
tlemen, with Charles M. Jarvis, Frank L. Wilcox,
Marcus E. Jacobs and Edward Ailing, constitute the
board of directors. In April, 1899, a substantial
brick factory was built in Berlin, and the plant was
removed and installed there during July following.
In 1894, Mr. Wickwire, Sr., removed to Berlin,
where he yet resides. He is a member of Cincin-
natus Lodge, F. & A. M., and in politics is a
Republican. His fellow townsmen of Sheffield,
recognizing his intellectual capacity and his high
moral worth, repeatedly elected him to posts of
grave responsibility and high trust. He served as
first selectman during the war of the Rebellion, and
at various times held all the other town offices.
On Sept. 10, 1856, Mr. Wickwire married Paul-
ine Bartholomew, of Sheffield, where she was born
in 1835. The fruit of the marriage consisted of
five children. The eldest, Lillian E., married Dr.
Frank L. Smith, of Sheffield, and is now deceased.
Fannie E. became the wife of Henry R. Little, of
Torrington. Nellie Pauline is now Mrs. George
H. Robinson, of Newtonville, Mass. Arthur Man-
ley married Louise, a daughter of Charles Dutcher,
of Brooklyn. Townsend B. was the youngest. Mrs.
Wickwire died Oct. 4, 1882, and was buried at
Sheffield. On Dec. 17, 1884, Mr. Wickwire mar-
ried Miss Meroa Brainard, who was born March
30, 1855, and is a daughter of Samuel Newell
Brainard and Charlotte F. Williams, his wife, of
Colchester, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Wickwire attend
the Congregational Church, his wife being a mem-
ber of that communion.
Townsend B. Wickwire was born March 31,
1869, on his father's farm in Sheffield, Mass. When
he was six years old his family removed into the
town, and it was at the Sheffield district schools
that he began his education, finishing his scholastic
training by a course at the Eastman Business Col-
lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He graduated at
the age of nineteen, and went at once to Colchester,
Conn., where his father was engaged in the lumber
business. For five years he acted as an assistant
to his father, laying a strong foundation for a robust
physical constitution, and gaining his first practical
knowledge of men and business affairs. In 1894 he
removed to Berlin, where he engaged in the sale
of coal and feed, continuing same up to the present
time. In building up this business his good judg-
ment, and his well-earned reputation for unswerv-
ing integrity, have stood him in good stead. On
Jan. I, 1900, Mr. Wickwire became superintendent
of the Berlin Wheel Co., the duties of which posi-
tion he is ably discharging, despite the many de-
mands upon his time and attention.
On Jan. i, 1894, Mr. Wickwire married Eliza-
beth Margaret Jones, who was born Jan. 11, 1870,
daughter of William and Catherine (Carrier) Jones,
of Colchester. Mr. and Mrs. Wickwire are the par-
ents of one child. Grant Townsend, born Aug. 26,
1896.
Mr. Wickwire is one of the most enterprising and
successful young business men of Berlin. But
thirty-one years old, he is already a prosperous mer-
chant, and can justly boast that his achievements
have been largely due to his own unaided efforts.
His kindly, generous, genial, whole-souled nature
has won for him whole troops of friends. He is a
member of Pequot Council, No. 24, Sr. O. U. A.
M., of Berlin. He united with the Congregational
Church at Sheffield, and is now identified with the
church at Berlin, being also a member of the choir.
His wife belongs to the same communion. Mr.
Wickwire is an ardent Republican in politics.
STEPHEN FRANKLIN WILLARD is a de-
scendant of an ancient and noble English family, to
whom reference is found in the early records of the
Counties of Sussex and Kent. The name is familiar
to every reader of either English or American his-
tor)', being associated with the records of State,
Church and Army. An admirable sketch of the
125i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family was prepared and published by the late
Joseph Willard, of Boston, from which have been
gleaned some of the historical facts hereinafter set
forth.
Simon Willard, the first of the name known to
have settled in this country, was three times married.
His first nuptials were celebrated in England, his
bride being Mary Sharpe, of Horsemonden. His
second wife was Elizabeth Dunster, a sister of Rev.
Henry Dunster, one of the early presidents of
Harvard College, and after her death he was united
to her cousin, Alary Dunster. She survived him,
and became the wife of Deacon Xoyes, of Sudbury,
Mass. Simon Willard was one of the prominent
men of his day and generation. Tradition says of
him that he was hardy and courageous, and thor-
oughly imbued with the religious fervor of his times.
He was the father of seventeen children, of whom
we give a brief enumeration : {i ) Mary married
Joshua Edmunds. (2) Elizabeth died in infancy.
(3) Elizabeth {2) became the wife of Robert Blood,
of Concord, on April 8, 1653, and died Aug. 27,
1690. (4) Dorothy died in infancy. (5) Josiah
married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Hosmer, a
distinguished citizen of Hartford, and for some
years made his home in that city, but finally re-
moved to Wethersfield, where he taught school,
dying there in July, 1674. (6) Samuel was born
at Concord, ]Mass., in January, 1639, and graduated
from Harvard College in 1659. He became a min-
inster, and first settled in Groton. In 1678 he was
installed over the old South Church in Boston, and
continued pastor until his death, Sept. 12, 1707. For
the last six years of his life he was also vice or act-
ing president of Harvard College. His first wife
was Abigail, a daughter of Rev. John and Alary
(Launce) Sherman, of \\'atertown, Alass., and she
dying Aug. 8, 1664, he, in 1679, married Eunice
Tyng, whose father, Edward Tyng, was a prominent
and influential citizen of the same place ; she died
in Boston Jan. 14, 1720. (7) Sarah, born June 27,
1642, at Concord, Alass., married Nathaniel How-
ard, of Charlestown, July 2, 1666, and died Jan.
22, 1677; the following year (1678) Air. Howard
married Sarah Parker. (8) Above Hope was born
at Concord Oct. 30, 1646, and died at Lancaster
Dec. 26, 1663. (9) Simon, born at Concord Nov.
23, 1649, married Alartha, daughter of Richard and
Joanna Jacobs; he removed to Salem, where for
many years he was deacon of the First Church ; he
was twice married, his second wife being Priscilla
Butholph. (10) Mary, born at Concord Sept. 7,
1653, became Jan. 22, 1671, the wife of Cyprian
Stevens, of Lancaster. (11) Henry, born June 4,
1655, at Concord, married Alary Larkin, of Groton,
July 18, 1674; she died about the year 1688, and
in 1689 he married Dorcas Cutler. (12) John, also
of Concord, born Feb. 12, 1656, married Oct. 31,
1690, Alary Hayward, a daughter of John Hayward,
and died Aug. 23, 1726. (13) Daniel, born Dec.
29, 1658, was twice married, first on Dec. 6, 1683, to
Hannah, a daughter of John Cutler ; she died Feb.
22, 1690, and he afterward married Alary iViills, a
daughter of Jonathan ALUs. He died Aug. 23,
1708. (14) Joseph, born at Lancaster June 4,
1660, was a sea captain, and died in June, 1721.
(15) Benjamin, born in 1665, married Sarah Lakin,
born in February, 1661, whose father, Job Lakin,
was an ensign in the militia. (16) Hannah, born
Oct. 6, 1666, became the wife of Capt. Thomas
Brintnall Alay 23, 1693. (^7) Jonathan, the
youngest child, born Dec. 14, 1669, married Alary,
a daughter of Alajor Thomas Brown.
The children of Josiah and Hannah (Hosmer)
Willard were eight in number: (i) Samuel, born in
Hartford Sept. 19, 1658, married Sarah Clark on
June 6, 1683, and settled at Saybrook, where he died
in 1713. (2) Josiah, born March 13, 1660, died
unmarried. (3) Simon, born at Wethersfield, mar-
ried Alary Gilbert. (4) Dorothy, the eldest daugh-
ter, was also born at Wethersfield, and June 15,
1682, married John Belden, of that place, who was
born June 12, 1658. (5) Stephen, born in Wethers-
field in 1667, died July 22, 1814. (6) Thomas,
born in 1670, married Abigail Bradley, and re-
moved to Guilford, now Aladison. (7) John died un-
married. (8j Hannah was married Alay 18, 1698,
to Capt. Janna Aleigs, of Guilford.
Simon Willard, third son of Josiah, was born in
1661. He removed from Wethersfield to Newing-
ton, but on what date it is not known, and is be-
lieved to have been the first white settler in that
section, where he spent the remainder of his life,
engaged in farming. On Feb. 12, 1691, he married
Alary Gilbert, and by her became the father of
nine children. Airs. Willard was born Nov. 18,
1670, and died Dec. 6, 1712. He died Jan. 8, 1726,
at Newington ; on his monument was inscribed "the
first male laid in this yard." The names of their
children, and some necessarily brief and imperfect
biographical data relative to them, are given below :
(i) Josiah was twice married, his first wife be-
ing Hannah, a daughter of John Alontague, and
his second, Elizabeth Filer; he was a farmer, and
died Alarch 9, 1757. (2) John was born Aug. 20,
1694, and married Alargaret Smith, a daughter of
Simon Smith, of Hartford ; he died at Stockbridge,
Alass., in July, 1762, his wife surviving until Alay
17, 1785. (3) Benjamin, born Oct. 31, 1696, died
Sept. 15, 1712. (4) Alary, born Alarch 29, 1700,
was married to Jonathan Griswold. (5) Hannah,
born April 27, 1702, became the wife of Jacob-
Whapples, of Newington. (6) Simon, born May
28, 1704, died in early life. (7) Ephraim, born
June 30, 1707, married Lydia, a daughter of Jacob
Griswold, of Wethersfield. (8) Daniel, born July
30, 1710, married Dorothy Deming, of Newington;
he died in 1800. (9) Benjamin (2) was born Sept.
15, 1712, the day upon which the first Benjamin died.
Ephraim Willard, the seventh son of Simon, was
a farmer in Wethersfield. He was a member of the
Congregational Church. On Aug. 17, 1738, he mar-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1255
Tied Lydia Griswold, daughter of Jacob and Mary
(Fi'ancis) Griswold, tlie latter a daughter of Robert
Francis. Mrs. Willard was born Sept. 4, 1707, and
died in April, 1770. Ephraim Willard ched March
30, 1766. Both are buried at Wethersfield. Five
children were born to them : Stephen, Feb. 9, 1740
(mentioned below) ; Elizabeth, April 26, 1741 ;
Mary, Feb. 17, 1743; Simon, Jan. 25, 1746; and
Justus Gilbert, Nov. 28, 1747. Simon in later life
removed to New York State.
Stephen Willard was a resident and prosperous
farmer of Wethersfield. On March 24, 1768, he
married Anna Harris, a daughter of Thomas Har-
ris, of the same town. Both himself and wife were
devout and consistent members of the Congrega-
tional Church. The names and dates of birth of
their nine children are as follows : Stephen, Jan.
30, 1770; Anna, Sept. 28, 1771 ; Polly, Aug. 11,
1773; Wealthy, April 13, 1775 (died Apnl 2, 1777) ;
John, July 24, 1777 (died at sea) ; William, Oct.
3, 1779 (died young) ; Wealthy (2) (died Oct.
29, 1842); Thomas, Aug. 11, 1781 ; and William
(2) (father of the late William Willard, warden of
the Connecticut State Prison), Nov. 21, 1783 (died
March 8, 1832).
Stephen Willard, eldest of the above family,
was born on Broad street, Wethersfield, Jan. 30,
1770, and like his ancestors became a farmer, was
a prominent citizen in his day, an upright man,
highly esteemed, and exemplified in his daily life
the principles of the religion which he professed.
He married Martha Robbins, and after her death
wedded Rhoda, a daughter of Solomon Latimer.
His first wife bore him seven children : George ;
Walter; Eliza, who married Samuel Latimer, of
Wethersfield; Alary, who became the wife of Caleb
Griswold, of the same town ; Stephen, who died in
childhood ; Chauncey, who removed to South Caro-
lina; and Sarah, who married Chauncey Coleman,
of Wethersfield. There were six children born
of the second marriage: Thomas, July 5, 1816;
Charles, May 25, 1818; Martha and Amelia (twins)
July 25, 1820; Amelia (2), June 21, 1822; and
Stephen, Oct. 13, 1827. Amelia (i) died Nov. 25,
1821, and Amelia (2) married Horace Fuller, of
Windsor; Martha married Oliver Wolcott, of
Wethersfield.
Thomas Willard, the eldest child of Stephen
Willard by his second marriage, was born in the
old Willard homestead on Broad street, in Wethers-
field. His education was of a practical character,
M'ell calculated to fit him for an active business life.
His boyhood and youth were pasesd under the
healthful, refining influences of home life, and work
upon the farm developed his physical strength.
While yet in early manhood, prompted b}' a desire
for change and a hope of bettering his fortune, he
went to St. Louis, Mo., where for several years
he was engaged in mercantile business. On his re-
turn to Wethersfield he conducted for a few years
a general store on Broad street, after which he en-
gaged in farming on the home farm where he was
born, following this pursuit during the remainder
of his life, until, in i860, he was visited by an
apoplectic stroke, which incapacitated him from ac-
tive work. Fie died April 22, 1876. In politics he
was first a Whig, later a Republican. As a husband
and father he was gentle, sympathetic and indul-
gent ; as a friend, genial, generous and true ; as a
citizen, patriotic and public-spirited.
On March 6, 1850, Mr. Willard married Eliza-
beth, a daughter of Jacob Griswold, of Griswoldville.
She was a woman of fine native mental power, a
member of the Congregational Church, and a Chris-
tian whose faith and piety controlled her every act.
She was a devoted wife and mother, a true friend to
all who were suffering or in want. She died May
3, 1899, aged seventy-eight. She and her husband
are both buried in Wethersfield cemetery. Five
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard:
Stephen F. ; Emma A., who died July 21, 1893, un-
married ; Clayton T-, a farmer of Griswoldville,
who married Leila F. x^dams, on March 16, 1886,
and is the father of one child, Warren Adams,
born Oct. 7,-1887; and JNIary E. and Lizzie H., both
of whom live on the old homestead.
Stephen F. Willard was born at Wethersfield
Feb. 7, 1 85 1, was edticated in the public and high
schools of Wethersfield, and remained with his par-
ents on the home farm until he attained his majority.
He then began his business career as a traveling
salesman for the Comstock-Ferre Seed Co., his route
covering the New England States, filled this position
for two years, and has been connected with the com-
pany from that time to the present; he is a stock-
holder and director, and since 1898 has held the of-
fice of president. Mr. Willard is a man of quick
perceptions, methodical and accurate, hard-working
and persevering. He is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. In politics he is a Republican. On
Sept. 7, 1875, iri Missouri, he married Irene, a
daughter of John and Martha (Wells) Havens.
Five children have been born to them : Arthur,
Thomas, Edward, Frank, and John.
The genealogy of the Griswold family, from
which Mr. Willard is descended, through the ma-
ternal line, is one of interest. Through seven gen-
erations he traces his ancestry back to Michael
Griswold, the first white settler in Wethersfield.
Coming down the ladder of lineal descent, by gen-
erations as though by rounds, we have Jacob, son of
Michael ; Major Josiah, who was the father of
Josiah (2), and grandfather of Josiah (3) ; the
latter's son Jacob was the father of Jacob(2), whose
daughter Elizabeth, was the mother of Stephen F.
Willard. Jacob Griswold, his great-grandfather,
married, on Feb. 2, 1793, Abigail, a daughter of
Thomas Harris, Jr., of Weathersfield. She was born
June 6, 1773. They became the parents of five
children: Jacob, born Aug. 26, 1794; Jerusha, Aug.
30, 1796; Harris, Oct. 20, 1801 ; Alfred, Dec. 13,
1805; and Albro, Dec. 8, 1808. Jacob Griswold,
1256
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Willarcrs maternal grandfather, was born Aug.
26, 1794, was a cloth dresser and farmer, and died
May 14, 1854. On Jan. 22, 1818, he married
Elizabeth Churchill, and they had six children,
of whom Josiah was born Nov. 15, 1818; Elizabeth,
born Dec. 10, 1820, married Thomas Willard ; Levi,
born May 22, 1823; Ralph 11., born July 24, 1827;
Jacob, born June 22, 1830; and Jcrusha, born April
II, 1833. The father was a man of distinguished
character for many admirable traits, and was uni-
versally regarded as a good man and true. The
mother attained the age of ninetv-three vears, dving
Jan. 29, 1888.
ZERAH J. HINMAN. The Hinman family,
of which this well-known resident of Canton is a
worthy representative, is one of the oldest in New
England.
According to tradition Scrgt. Edward Ilinman
was a member of the bodyguard of King Charles
I. being sergeant at arms, but some time during
that unhappy king's persecution he fled from the
wrath of Oliver Cromwell and came to America.
His coat of arms bore the motto, "True as the dial
to the sun." In 1652 he settled at Stratford, Conn.,
where he became an extensive land owner and prom-
inent citizen. He was the owner of Oldside Mill,
between Stratford and what is now Bridgeport.
\\'ith Capt. Underbill he was one to offer military
service to Peter Stuyvesant, of New York, but
the offer was bluntly rejected — the wary Dutch
governor evidently preferring to meet his Indian
foe alone rather than trust to his English friends.
Edward Hinman died at his home on Nov. 26, 1681,
his remains being interred in the cemetery at Strat-
ford. In 165 1 he married Hannah Stiles, daughter
of Francis Stiles, of Windsor, Conn, and they had
the following children : Sarah, born Sept. 10, 1653 ;
Titus, June, 1655; Samuel, 1658: Benjamin, Feb-
ruary, 1662; Hannah, July 15, 1666; Mary, 1668;
Patience, 1670 (who married on Jan. 10, 1694, John
Burrough) ; and Edward, mentioned below.
Edward Himiian (2) was born in 1672, at Strat-
ford, Conn., where he spent his entire life, being
extensively engaged in farming. He was one of
the first Episcopalians in Stratford ; and when Rev.
INIr. Pigot opened to the people of Stratford the
Church of England he was one of those who asked
that the Churchmen might be sifted from the Con-
gregationalists. By his marriage to Hannah Jen-
nings there were the following children ; Jonah
A., born Nov. 5, 1700, who settled in Newark, N.
J.; Hannah, born March 3, 1702; Zachariah, born
Jan. 27, 1704; Samuel, mentioned below; Justus,
born Dec. 28, 1707; Ebenezer, born Oct. 5, 1709,
who died young; Sarah, born in 1711 ; John, born
Nov. 4, 1713 ; Rachel, Dorn Dec. 4, 1715 ; Ebenezer,
born Aug. 16, 1717; Amos, born Oct. 18, 1720; and
Charity, born June 6, 1723.
Capt. Samuel Hinman was born in 1705 in Strat-
ford, and died in 1784 in Goshen, Litchfield Co.,
Conn. He was well educated, and after moving to
Goshen, where he was one of the original pro-
prietors, he made a business of surveying land for
the settlers. His family consisted of ten children:
Lois, who married a Norton ; Sarah, born July 5,
1731 ; Wilkinson, born July 8, 1733; Samuel and
Alary, twins, born July 26, 1736; Joseph, born
Alarch 7, 1738; Phineas, born March 31, 1740;
-Vsher and Lewis (a soldier in the Revolution),
twins, born March 13, 1742; and Wait, born in
1748, who married Mary Home, of Wallingford.
Asher Hinman, one of the twins, was born in
Cioshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., March 13, 1742,
and died in 1809 in Canton. When a young man he
removed to what is now Canton, where he became
a farmer and a large land owner. In 1786 he re-
moved to another part of the same town, on the
west side of the Farmington river. He married
Mary Harris, who died in 1821, and they had the
following children: Eliza, who married Uriah
lieach ; Amasa, born in 1768, who married Polly
Hinman ; Zerah, who is mentioned below ; Rhoda,
who married Moses Mills, Jr. ; Philip Harris ; Cretia,
who married Elias Mills; Arad, who married Polly
Richards ; and Asher, who married Eunice Alder-
man, and died in 1852.
Zerah Hinman, the grandfather of our subject,
was born in 1771 in Goshen. He spent the greater
part of his life in Canton, where he was a farmer,
and owned extensive tracts of land. He was also
a road builder, and a contractor for keeping in re-
pair the Albany and Hartford turnpike. The house
and many of the other improvements upon the
homestead were made by him. While a man of
domestic habits he was not a recluse, was a charter
member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge, and a prom-
inent worker in the. Congregational Church. In
politics he was known as a Whig. He died on
his farm in 1848, and was buried in the Dyer cem-
etery, at Canton. Mr. Hinman married Anna Mills,
who was born in Canton, daughter of Moses and
Abigail Mills, and granddaughter of Peter Mills,
a well-known pioneer, of Dutch descent. By this
marriage there were ten children : Holden, Liman,
Zerah, Warren, Lewis, Eliza (i), Ann, EHza Ann
( 2), Julius (the father of our subject), and Hector.
Eliza (i) and Ann died when young. Eliza Ann
(2) married for her first husband Rufus Moses,
and for her second Warren C. Humphrey.
Julius Hinman, the father of our subject, was
born at Canton, where he made his home through-
out life. After receiving a good common-school
education he helped his father carry on the home-
stead until he became of age, when he went into the
Collins ax factory. Able, industrious and con-
scientious, he soon rose to the position of inspector,
which place he filled for a number of years, giving
entire satisfaction. But to him farming held out
greater inducements than ax inspecting, and so,
having prudently saved his earnings, he bought a
tract of 600 acres comprising what was known as
'"^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1257
the Wilcox farm. He made many improvements
upon his homestead, and being a man of rare busi-
ness abihty became very successful. If, as has been
said, "helpfulness is holiness," the respect which
was paid to Mr. Hinman in his community was not
without its cause. He was deeply interested in
education, and gave liberally for the support of the
public schools. He was well informed upon the
topics of the day, and being a good Democrat he
took the Hartford Times for over sixty years.
Physically he had an iron constitution, and he lived
to be eighty-five years old, working up to the last.
In July, 1895, while passing over a railroad cross-
ing pear ■ his home, he was struck by a train and
killed outright. He was buried in the Dyer cem-
etery at Canton. On March 6, 1842, Mr. Hinman
married Laura Mills, daughter of Moses MiUs, of
New Hartford, and they had two children, both of
whom died in infancy. Mrs. Hinman died July 22,
1850, her remains being interred in the Dyer cem-
etery. On April 17, 1856, Mr. Hinman married Mrs.
Pluma Rice Drake, who was born in Barkhamsted,
daughter of Gideon P. and Filura (Griffin) Rice,
and is still living on the homestead with our sub-
ject; she is a well-educated, refined woman. By
her first husband, Mr. Marquis, she had one child,
Charlotte Frances, who married Weston Barnes,
and had six children-. By Asel Drake, her second
husband, she had one child, Nettie, who married
John North. Of the six children born to her mar-
riage with Mr. Hinman, (i) Laura, born in 1857,
married Willard B. Case, of Canton. (2) Zerah
J., our subject, is mentioned below. (3) Anna re-
ceived a high-school education, and married Willard
Hosmer, of Torrington. (4) Mary graduated from
the Collinsville high school, and after teaching nine
years married Ellis Clark, of Bakersville. (s)
Hattie L. married Thomas S. Bidwell, of Canton
Center. (6) Clara Belle, who taught school for
seven years, married Willard Rice, of Hartford.
Our subject was born March 3, 1859, ^^ Canton,
and was given a good common-school education.
Being the only son he always lived at home, and
after the death of his father he inherited the home-
stead, of 600 acres, where he became one of the
most extensive dairymen in his section, making
about 3,000 pounds of butter yearly. Being a pro-
gressive man he has made many improvements upon
the homestead, carries on various branches of agri-
culture, stock raising, etc. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the A. F. & A. M., Village Lodge, No. 29,
of Columbia Chapter, No. 31, R. A. M., and is a
prominent Granger. He is liberal in his church
■uiews, and in politics is a Democrat, but he never
aspires to office.
On Jan. 30, 1884, Mr. Hinman married, in Roots-
town, Portage Co., Ohio, Miss Jennie Hinman, who
was born in Portage county April 12, i86i, daugh-
ter of Lloyd and Mary (Lewis) Hinman, and
great-granddaughter of Zerah Hinman, who was
the grandfather of our subject. She is a highly cul-
tivated woman, and like her husband popular in
society, and a member of the Grange, in which she
has held office. Mr. and Mrs. Hinman have had
four children: Robert, born Nov. 14, 1884; Lewis,
born April 12, 1888 (who died at an early age) ;
Howard A., born Aug. 21, 1890; and Julius L., born
July 4, 1892.
LEVI B. BOUGHTON traces his lineage back
to Shubaal Boughton, his great-great-grandfather,
of Stephentown, N. Y., whose name appears in the
parish records of St. John's church, Stamford, as
having been baptized at Norwalk, Conn., on June
2, 1749, and in the same parish register it is stated
that he was the son of John and Sarah Bouton. The
reader's attention will at once be attracted by the
variation in the orthography of the name. It is
supposed, on good authority, that this John Bouton,
mentioned as the father of Shubaal Boughton, was
either a grandson or great-grandson of one John
Bouton, a Huguenot, who fled from France to Eng-
land because of religious persecution, and who was
given free transportation to the American Colonies
on condition of his taking the oath of allegiance to
the British Crown. He is said to have been a son
of Count Nicolas Bouton, and is known to have
sailed from England in 1635, landing at Boston in
December of that year, at the age of twenty years.
However this may be, the family genealogical
history from the time of Shubaal Boughton is com-
plete. He married Mary Hodge, and removed from
New England to Dutchess county, N. Y., in early
life. By trade he was a weaver, but his ambition
was to become a land owner and a farmer. Ac-
cordingly, in 1795, he removed to Rensselaerville,
in Albany county, N. Y., where he pre-empted a
claim on government land, which he cleared and
improved. These rather meager facts are all that
can be definitely told concerning him, except that
his marriage is supposed to have occurred about
1766, before leaving Connecticut, and that he was
known as a "Quaker," or Friend. His wife, Mary
Hodge, was born Oct. 15, 1747, and died at Rens-
selaerville on Nov. 15, 1817. The next ancestor of
Levi B. Boughton, in the direct line of descent, was
Ira Boughton, the son of Shubaal, who was born
at Stephentown, N. Y., July 12, 1768, married Anna
Dean; and died Feb. 28, 1848. His wife was born
March 6, 1761, and died in November, 1827. Their
son, John, was born April 2, 1797. He married, in
1818, Justina Miller, who was born in 1797, and
passed away in 1833. He died at New Fairfield.
His son, Harvey M. Boughton, the father of Levi
B,, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1824,
and married Maria Harvey. He was a blacksmith,
and spent the greater part of his life at Stanwich,
Conn. He was much devoted to social pleasures,
although not at all an active worker he was fairly
successful in business, his native ability being of a
high order. He met his death through violence,
under the- circumstances narrated below. Being
1258
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the tenant of a double house, he sublet a portion of
it to another family, named Leach. A dispute arose
over the ownership of some grapes growing on the
premises, and in the course of the altercation which
followed Mr. Boughton's jugular vein was cut. He
died Feb. 28, 1882.
Levi B. Broughton was born Dec. i, 1845. For
him life's work of toil began while he was a mere
boy of fifteen years. L'p to that age he had been
given such limited educational advantages as his
father's slender purse and the imperfect teaching
of the common schools of Lewisboro, N. Y., ren-
dered possible. In i860 he went out into the world
to seek what the future might have in store for him.
His first employment was in a hat factory at Dan-
bury, Conn., where he worked until the breaking
out of the Civil war. when he enlisted in Company
D, nth Conn. V. L He was soon promoted to
corporal, second sergeant, and later orderly ser-
geant in Companies A and C, of the same regiment.
After being reduced to the ranks he once more be-
gan to mount the ladder of non-commissioned pre-
femien, rising to be corporal in Company C. He
was under fire at Antietam and Fredericksburg,
participated in the siege of Petersburg, and was
mustered out of the service in 1865.
Returning to Danbury Mr. Boughton found em-
ployment in a fur factory, but soon left that place
for Sullivan county, N. Y., where he did business
in contracting for hemlock bark and lumber for
shipment. In 1872 he entered the employ of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.,
as a helper, later serving as a conductor for four
years, and being appointed yardmaster in 1877,
which responsible post he held for six years. While
acting as conductor he ran the fast through train
from Hartford to the Harlem river, when the trains
of that description were first run upon the New
Haven road. He left the service of the company to
enter that of a malleable iron concern, and in Octo-
ber, 1884, went to work for Russell & Erwin. He
remained with that firm as superintendent of outside
matters until September, 1897, when he went to live
upon his farm, and was for a short time engaged in
the manufacture of squirrel and bird cages, springs
and picture hooks. On April i, 1898, he was ap-
pointed superintendent of the town farm, which
position he still holds, having been re-appointed in
the spring of 1899. His conduct of the affairs of
this institution has been of so admirable a character
as to win universal commendation, and has drawn
forth especial encomiums from the State Board of
Charities.
Mr. Boughton's success in life has been princi-
pally, if not wholly, due to his own unaided ef-
forts. He is, in a great degree, self-educated, hav-
ing been an extensive and discriminating reader ;
yet his broader education has been obtained through
contact with the world. His mind is keen, his dis-
position generous, and his charity liberal. Consci-
entiously discharging every dut}', great or small,
with which he is entrusted, he has never failed to
win deserved recognition from his employers, al-
though more than once he has "stepped down and
out" from a post of trust in favor of some man
whose domestic responsibilities included the care of
a wife and children. Affable and courteous, he
possesses a good judgment of men and an executive
capability which is rarely found in men who, like
him, have climbed the ladder of success with no
friendly hand to aid. Politically he is a Republi-
can, although his innate distaste for thrusting him-
self forward has prevented him from taking any ac-
tive part in politics. He is a member of Harmony
Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and of the United
Order of Pilgrim Fathers. In religious faith he is
a Methodist.
Mr. Boughton was married, Sept. 7, 1867, to
Miss Lucy M. Ingrick, a daughter of Reuben and
Zillah Ann (French) Ingrick, and granddaughter
of George and Lucy (Berton) Ingrick, of Gra-
hamsville, N. Y., at which place Mrs. Boughton
was born x'Vpril 26, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Boughton
have one son, Charles D., a farmer, who married
Helena Maron, of New Britain, and has three sons
— Peter, Levi and Charles — and one daugh:er — Lucy
Ann.
ANSON WHEELER BRISTOL is one of the
prominent agriculturists of the town of Canton, and
as a soldier, business man and citizen he has made
an honorable record. He was born June 9, 1840,
at Cherry Brook, town of Canton, and comes of
excellent ancestry. His grandfather, Philo Bristol,
a native of New Haven county, married Nabby
Lyman.
Noah R. L. Bristol, our subject's father, was
born at Oxford, New Haven county, and received
a good common-school education. For several terms
he taught school in New York State, but was still
a young man when he located in Canton. There
he followed the cooper's trade for a time, but later
he purchased the Rufus Teller farm, at Cherry
Brook, and engaged in general farming. In poli-
tics he' was first a Whig, afterward a Republican,
and he took a prominent part in local affairs, rep-
resenting the town in the State Legislature, and
serving several years as selectman and town clerk.
He was a man of temperate habits and domestic
tastes, and was noted among the business men of
his acquaintance for his honesty and uprightness.
In his religious views he was liberal, while his wife,
a most estimable woman, belonged to the Congrega-
tional Church. His death occurred in 1861, his re-
mains being interred at Canton Center, and his wife,
whose maiden name was Mary Barber, survived him
many years, passing away in 1887. They had four
children : Volney R., who died in middle age ;
Keziah, who married George VV^hite, of Bristol ;
Burton H., who was killed in a mine in Idaho ; and
Anson W., our subject.
Mrs. Mary Barber Bristol was a native of Can-
^
^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1259
ton, and a member of one of the oldest families of
tl:is section. Thomas Barbour or Barber, the first
of the ilame to come to America, settleu in Wind-
sor. Samuel Barber, son of Thomas, located in
Simsbury, where he died about 1725. He married
Mercy Holcomb, granddaughter of Thomas Hol-
comb, the pioneer. After his death she removed
with her children to West SimsDury, near Cherry
Brook, where she died in 1787, at the ripe age of
ninety-six years. They had the following children:
Samuel ; Thomas ; Jonathan ; John ; Mercy, who
married Ephraim Buel ; and Sarah, who married
John Case.
Dr. Samuel Barber, son of Samuel and Mercy
(Holcomb) Barber, was born in Simsbury in 1714.
He married (first) Tr3rphena Humphrey, v/ho was
born in 1722, daughter of Samuel Humphrey, and
died in 1752. His second wife, Hannah (Hum-
phrey), was born in 1726, daughter of Capt. Noah
Humphrey, who was captain of a company that
went to Havana in 1762. She died in 1819, at the
home of her son, Giles, grandfather of our sub-
ject. By his first marriage Dr. Samuel Barber had
seven children: Samuel, born in 1740, married a
Miss Cowles, and died in 1780; Timothy, born in
1742, married Keturah Riley, and died in 1817;
Joseph, born in 1744, married Leah Grover, and died
in 1807; David, born in 1746, married Deborah
Adams; Elijah, born in 1748, married Sarah Petti-
bone, and died in 1820; Ezekiel, born in 1750, mar-
ried Elizabeth Goddard, and died in 1806; and
Daniel, born in 1752, died in 1776, while serving
in the Revolutionary army. The children of the sec-
ond marriage were: Tryphena, born in 1755, who
married Nathaniel Johnson; Joel, born in 1757, who
married Mary Phelps; Hannah, born in 1759, who
married Aaron Rauls; Sarah, born in 1761, who
married John George Bandell, and died in 1829;
Asabel, born in 1763, who married Mary Cellar, and
died in 185 1 ; Jesse, born in 1766, who married
Hepzibah Humphrey, and died in 1813; and Giles,
our subject's grandfather.
Giles Barber, born in 1769, was a farmer and
stock raiser, and spent his entire life in Canton,
where he died in 1826. He married Mary Garrett,
a lady of French descent, and had ten children:
Flavey, who married Anson Wheeler ; Mary, our
subject's mother; Julia, Mrs. Ezekiel T. Case; Dia-
dama, Mrs. Selden White; Catharine, Mrs. Will-
iam McLoud ; Volney G., who married Ellen At-
kins, of Bristol ; Lucian, who settled in the West,
■where he died ; Ouincy, who died in childhood ;
Jesse L., who married Melissa Andrews, and Linus,
who died unmarried.
Our subject was educated in the district and
high schools of his native town, and remained at
home until 1862, when he enlisted at Hartford in
Company I, 22d Conn. V. I., under Col. George
S. Burnham and Capt. Charles Whittlesey, the regi-
ment being assigned to the 5th Corps. He served
in this command for one year, and was discharged
in July, 1863. On his return nome he engaged in
farming, dairying and tobacco culture, and in 1886
he sold out and bought the Oliver H. Bidwell farm,
a tract of no acres, where he has made many im-
provements and is engaged in tobacco culture, dairy-
ing, stock raising and general farming. He is a
stockholder and director in the Canton Creamery
Association. In 1884 Mr. Bristol was elected to
the State Legislature, where he served on the com-
mittee on Towns and Boroughs. He was a member
of the board of relief at one time, and served as
town clerk for eleven years, giving general satis-
faction. Socially he and his family are much es-
teemed, and he and his wife belong to the local
Grange. He is also a member of Edward R. Lee
Post, No. 78, G. A. R., of New Hartford.
On Nov. I, i860, Mr. Bristol was married, in
Canton, to Miss Sarah E. Williams, born in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1841, a daughter of Absalom
and Margaret (Rogers) Williams, the former a
native of Massachusetts, born in 1810, the latter of
New Jersey, born in 1816; they died June 26, 1858,
and in 1896, respectively. Of our subject's chil-
dren, (i) Minnie E., born Sept. 13, 1861, received
a district-school education, and taught school in
Canton Center previous to her marriage to George
E. Bidwell, a prominent farmer of East Granby;
she has one son, Jasper Warren, born June 11,.
1883. (2) Burton E., born Jan. 29, 1863, died in
infancy. (3) Burton N., born Nov. 9, 1864, was-
educated in district schools and the Connecticut
Literary Institute, and is now in the grain busi-
ness in Collinsville. He married Miss Lizzie Case,
daughter of Hosea and Ruth Case, and they have
four children, Amy Luella, born July 26, 1889;
Richard, May 25, 1892; Robert M., May 30, 1893;
and Edward R., June 2, 1894. (4) Mortimer L.,
born Dec. 29, 1868, was educated in the schools
of Collinsville and Moody, also at the Maine Uni-
versity, and taught for some time in public schools ;
he is now a draughtsman in Colt's fire-arms factory.
He married Miss Rosa Bill, of Hartford, and they
have one daughter, Grace Bidwell, born Nov. 10,
1895. (5) Anson W., Jr., born April 25, 1871,
graduated from the Collinsville high school, and is
now engaged in general farming at Canton Center.
He married Miss Mae Smith, daughter of James
Smith, of Collinsville, and they have had three chil-
dren, Florence Smith, born March 29, 1894; Stuart
Arthur, June 20, 1896; and Herman Harvey, March
22, 1899. (6) Mary Margaret, born Aug. 27, 1873,,
was educated in the Collinsville high school, and
is now a teacher in the Hartford public schools. (7)
Helen B., born May 21, 1878, is the wife of Samuel
D. Richardson, and has had two children, Danford
Ward, born July 23, 1896, and one whose name is
not given, born Aug. 3, 1900. (8) Ruby S. and
(9) Roscoe C. (twins), were born Sept. 23, 1880,
and the former died Feb. 12, 1882. Roscoe C. com-
pleted a course in the high school at Collinsville,.
and is now a clerk in New Hartford. ( 10) Christa
1260
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
E., born Dec. 25, 1885, is attending the Collinsville
high school. (11) Sterhng W., born Oct. 20, 1887,
and (12) Katherine B., born Jan. 22, 1890, are at
home.
MRS. REBECCA P. (ALLEN) HATHA-
^^'AY, authoress (noiii dc pliiiuc "Grace Appleton"),
was born in Enfield, Conn., a lovely old elm-shaded
town on the eastern bank of the Connecticut river.
Her ancestors on both paternal and maternal sides
of the house were among the very earliest settlers
of the town, coming through the wilderness from
the Salem Colony and locating in this spot.
Our subject at the age of thirteen removed with
her parents and family from Enfield to Chicopec,
Mass., at the high school of which place (at that
time one of the most noted schools of the State under
the charge of Prof. Calvin S. Penneli, a nephew of
Horace JNIann, later of Oberlin), she and a younger
brother, Adams, received their educational training.
She graduated therefrom in 1849 ^'"J removed
with the family to New York City, where she be-
came assistant editor of various newspapers and
niagazines published b\- her eldest brother, Edward
P. Allen, and continued with him up to the time of
his death, in 1859.
In i860 ^liss Allen was married to Col. Samuel
Hathaway, of Worcester and New York City, in
which city they resided at the time of the outbreak
of the Civil war, and took earnest part in the stir-
ring events of that period, and the enthusiastic re-
ceptions and banquets given to the different New
England regiments as they passed through the city
CI' route for the fields of battle.
Later, coming into possession of the old country
home in Enfield, where her idolized brother, Ed-
ward, had breathed his last, and in which she had
been left a life interest, she and her husband re-
moved there (though still keeping on with his busi-
ness in New York), and there continued to reside
for thirty-five years, until the destruction of the old
homestead with all its barns and outbuildings, and
their contents, including a valuabk herd of Alder-
ney and Guernsey cattle, by incendiary fire, in the
autumn of 1896. On that occasion Mrs. Hatha-
way barely escaped with her life, losing nearly
everything they possessed — a collection of old ma-
hogany furniture ; old silver ; many valuable manu-
scripts and choice books ; a cabinet of minerals ;
all of her jewelry and most of their clothing. A
new house was erected last year on the same site,
by their son, where they are again settled and able
to give hospitable welcome to friends.
During the past years, under different pen-
names, Mrs. Hathaway has been corresponding for
dift'erent newspapers throughout the country, also
contributing poems and prose articles to different
magazines and periodicals.
In the disastrous fire, above referred to, was lost
a collection of her poems nearly ready for the press,
as well as a manuscript volume of poems and an-
other of short stories, about to be issued, written
by her son, Harold Gray Hathaway, who passed
from earthly life in 1894. He was a young writer
of much promise in both poetry and prose, and had
he been spared would have made a name in the
literary world.
Her eldest son, Allen Bigelow Hathaway, also
a terse and graphic writer, is connected with the
Massachusetss J\lutual Life Insurance Co. in Spring-
field, Mass., though residing at home.
Among the many poems that have emanated
from the pen of "Grace Appleton," and become most
generall}- known and admired, may be mentioned
the following: "The Evening Hearthstone," "Mother
in Heaven," "Beautiful River," "To a Night-Bloom-
ing Cereus," "Under the Roses," "On Whirl the
Months Immortal," and "The Funeral of Gen.
Grant." There is a peculiar charm and fascination
about her poems that is irresistible and enchanting,
suggesting that ideas, rhythm and meter are created
as it were impromptu, without forethought or effort
on her part, and given to the world just as they
sing themselves into existence.
OLIVER THOMAS BISHOP is one of the
foremost citizens of the town of Avon, where for
years he has been prominent in both business and
civic circles as one of the ablest and most progressive
citizens in the community. He is a native of the
town, born Feb. 18, 1833, and comes of a family
whose members have always been identified with
the best in social and public life in Hartford county,
taking an active part in the advancement of local
iiUerests, and distinguishing themselves for public
spirit and intelligence as citizens and in the conduct
of their private affairs.
Mr. Bishop's grandfather, Thomas F. Bishop,
was a lifelong resident of Avon, which during his
early life was included in the town of Farmington.
^Vhen but fifteen years old he entered th& service
of his country as a soldier in the Revolution, serv-
ing for three years in that struggle, and he took
part in the besiegement of Cornwallis, at Yorktown.
Thomas F. Bishop was a large land owner, and
engaged extensively in dairy farming and stock rais-
ing, which he followed principally all his life. He
was a strong Whig in political sentiment, and
though he never sought or held office he wielded a
marked influence for good in his neighborhood as
a citizen whose opinion was highly valued. He
always commanded deep respect wherever he was
known, and bore a high reputation for honor and
integrity in all his dealings with his fellow men.
Mr. Bishop was married in Avon to Miss Lucy
Foot, and they became the parents of eleven chil-
dren : Stella, who married Chester Woodford ; Ben-
jamin, who married Betsey Woodford ; Delia, who
became the wife of George Woodford ; Samuel, who
married Minerva Woodford ; Jacob, who married
Diana Frisbie; Jeffrey, who married Dolly Wood-
ford; Lucy, wife of Hiram Andrews; Thomas N.,
4
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1261
father of our subject; Gedor P.; Adeline, who mar-
ried Albert Bissell; and Joseph, who married Zer-
viah Woodford. The parents of this family both
passed away in 1851, the father at the ripe age of
eighty-eight years, and their remains rest in Cider
Brook cemetery. In rehgious connection they were
members of the Congregational Church, and they
took a zealous interest in the advancement of the
JJingdom and all religious enterprises.
Thomas N. Bishop was born June 2, 1804, in
the town of Avon, and there, on the old home-
stead, passed his entire life. He received his edu-
cation in the district schools of the home neighbor-
hood, and took up farming as his life vocation, he
and his brother Gedor Pitt operating 200 acres of
land. In addition to general agricultural pursuits
he was engaged in teaming, dairying and stock
dealing, and he made a signal success of all his un-
dertakings, acquiring in his busy Hfe a handsome
competence. His ability and good judgment gained
for him the confidence of his fellow citizens in the
town, and he was honored with election to various
offices of trust, serving faithfully as selectman and
in other important positions. In 1850 he repre-
sented Avon in the State Legislature, discharging
his duties in that incumbency with the same re-
gard for the wishes of his constituency as he dis-
played lesser offices, and he lived an upright, con-
scientious Christian life, earning and retaining the
highest esteem of all with whom he came in con-
tact, in any of the relations of life. He possessed
a genial, sociable disposition, which won for him
friends on all sides, was temperate in all his habits,
and with a character strong and a high sense of duty
was in every way fitted for the important position
he occupied among his fellow citizens. He was
married in Farmington to Miss Sally Andrews,
and their union was blessed with four children:
Oliver Thomas; James N., who occupies the home-
stead; Fanny, wife of Charles H. Miller; and Jef-
frey, who was drowned when eleven years old. The
father passed away in 1864, in his sixtieth year,
the mother on Oct. 18, 1893, at the home of her
son, Oliver, in Avon, and they were buried in Cider
Brook cemetery. Mr. Bishop was a Whig in po-
litical affiliation. Mrs. Bishop was a woman of
fine Christian character, devoted to her home and
family, and beloved by all who had the pleasure of
her acquaintance.
Oliver T. Bishop received his primary school-
ing in the home district, later attending the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and West Hart-
ford Academy, where he received a thorough, prac-
tical training for the business of life. He was reared
to farm life, remaining on the home place until 1875,
he and his brother James undertaking the man-
agement of the farm after their father's death. Mr.
Bishop has since made his home at the Center,
where in 1881 he embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness with which he has ever since been connected,
at first in company with George N. Phelps, with
whom he was associated for six years. In 1887
he bought out Mr. Phelps' interest in the store,
which he conducted alone until 1898, when his
nephew, Harry P. Bishop, was taken into partner-
ship, and they are now doing business under the
firm name of O. T. Bishop & Co. The business
has always remained at the original location, and
though he entered mercantile life without any pre-
vious knowledge of its demands, or experience of
any kind in that line, Mr. Bishop has met with
flattering success, a success which, if it stood alone,
would do him great credit. But it is not alone' as
a general merchant that he has attained a prom-
inent position in this locality. He has become in-
terested in the tobacco business, and as a member
of the firm of F. Ripley & Co. has given the same
careful attention to that line which won him suc-
cess as a storekeeper. Though it would seem that
his commercial affairs were sufficient to absorb all
his time and attention, Mr. Bishop has found time
to serve his fellow men to an unusual extent, and
his executive ability and capacity as a manager
have been of great value to the town in which he
has passed his busy life, for he has been called upon
to serve in every office in the gift of his townsmen,
and it is needless to say has given universal satis-
faction as a public servant.
Mr. Bishop was first appointed postmaster under
President Arthur, and served four years, was re-
appointed in the Harrison administration, serving
four years, and is now filling his third term in that
incumbency, with the same efficiency which char-
acterizes all his work. He has held the offices of
selectman, chairman of the board, justice of the
peace for many years, tax collector for eight years,
member of the board of relief, school visitor, clerk
of the school committee, town treasurer for several
years — an office he still fills — and notary public since
1886. In 1876 he was elected town clerk, and served
for fen years consecutively, and receiving re-elec-
tion to that position in 1892 has held the office ever
since, in every instance discharging nis duties in
a manner which could not fail to win the approval
of all concerned, and never disappointing his sup-
porters as a consistently public-spirited and trust-
worthy man, working for the welfare and advance-
ment of his town in any capacity. He has always
been a friend of education, and gives his hearty sup-
port to any measures which he beheves will benefit
the public schools. In i860 Mr. Bishop represented
the town of Avon in the State Legislature. It
would be difficult, indeed, to find a citizen better
known or more higlily respected throughout his
part of Hartford county, and it is conceded bj' all
that Mr. Bishop has fully deserved the high stand-
ing he enjoys in the community, for he has been
devoted to its interests from early manhood, and
has done all in his power to give Avon a place
among the most progressive and well-improved
towns in the county. Like his father before him,
he has a pleasant, friendly disposition, which has
12G2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gained for him nosts of friends wherever he goes,
and his personal worth has gone far toward
strengthening the position which his intehectual
ability has won. He is liberal in religious matters,
endeavoring in his dealings with his fellow men to
follow the Golden Rule. Politically he has always
been an ardent Republican, and an active worker
in the ranks of the party. He is thoroughly fa-
miliar with matters pertaining to his town, county
and State, and, keeping abreast of the times, is well
informed on leading public events.
.In 1875 Mr. Bishop was united in marriage,
at Beverly. Mass., with Aliss Frances E. Prince,
a highly educated and cultured lady, who was born
Aug. 6, 1847, in Beverly, daughter of Warren
Prince, of that town. She was a school teacher
before her marriage. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Bishop: (i) Mabel L., born in
1878, received her early education in the private
and district schools of Avon, was graduated from
McLean Seminary in 1895, and with the class of
'99 from Wellesley (Mass.) College; she has high
literary attainments. (2) Elsie P., born in 1880,
attended the district and private schools, and in
1897 was graduated from AIcLean Seminary ; she
is specially proficient in painting and music, and
gives promise of talent as an artist. (3) Carlton
T., born in 1882, attended the district schools, grad-
uated from Williston Academy, East Hampton,
Mass., in 1900, and in the fall of that year entered
Yale College; he is quite a student of mathematics.
The family occupy a high position socially, and
their home is one of the most desirable and pleas-
ant in the town, being the center of a delightful and
refined hospitality.
HON. MARTIN W. FRISBIE, one of the
leading and influential agriculturists of Southing-
ton, was born in that town Oct. 29, 1840, a son of
Martin and Sarah (jMoore) Frisbie. The father,
a prominent farmer of Southington, was also born
in that town Oct. 12, 1S03, and spent his entire life
on the old homestead, fie was married Sept. 23,
1827, to Sarah Moore, and to them were born five
children : Martin and Sylvester, both deceased ;
Thankful, deceased wife of Frank B. Hays ; Sarah
L., who married (first) William H. Harrison and
(second) Edward W. Twichell ; and Martin W.,
our subject.
Ichabod Culpepper Frisbie, the paternal grand-
father of our subject, formerly of Bradford, Conn.,
located in Southington, where he was married, Dec.
1 5-' i/SS' to Thankful Moss, a daughter of Elihu
and Esther (Clark) Moss. To them were born
seven children : Sylvester ; Amon ; Sarah, wife of
Root Gridley ; Lucy, wife of Chauncey Porter ;
Phila, wife of Hopkins Carter ; Samuel ; and Mar-
tin. Ichabod C. Frisbie was in the Revolutionary
war. He represented the town in the Legislature,
and held many positions of trust.
Roswell Moore, the maternal grandfather of
our subject, was born in Southington June 23, 1761,
and was married Oct. 8, 1787, to Lovina Phillips.
He was a prominent man of his town and held many
important offices, representing Southington in the
Legislature for twenty-one sessions, and serving as
justice of the peace for many years. He died April
9, 1847, 1^'s wife on July 25, 1843. His father, Ros-
well iVloore, Sr., of Shuttle Meadow, was born in
East Windsor j\lay 17, 1728, and made his home
near Shuttle Meadow Lake. He was married June
30, 1755, to Desire Dunham, a daughter of Gideon
Dunham, and died Dec. 13, 1794. He was a son of
John Moore, who was born March 21, 1694, and
was married Dec. 2, 1724, to Abigail Stoughton.
For several years he made his home in East Wind-
sor, Conn., but died at Lake George, N. Y., Aug.
12, 1758. His father, John Moore, was born in
Windsor June 26, 1665, and was married Feb. 8,
1693, to Abigail Strong. He made his home in
East Windsor. He was a son of John Moore, who
was born in Windsor Dec. 5, 1645, and lived and
died there. On Sept. 21, 1664, he married Hannah
Goffe. His father, who also bore the name of John
Moore, was the founder of the family in the New
World, locating in Dorchester, Mass., in 1630, and
in 1635, was among the first to locate in Windsor,
Conn. He was frequently called upon to serve as
juror, was deputy to the General Court from Wind-
sor in 1662, 1665, 1667 and 1674, and was a prom-
inent man of his day and generation. He died Sept.
18, 1677.
Martin W. Frisbee, whose name introduces this
sketch, was reared on the old homestead, and pur-
sued his studies in the public schools of the neigh-
borhood and later in Lewis and Bacon Academies.
Throughout his entire business career he has fol-
lowed the occupation of farming, and has met with
well-deserved success in his labors. During the
Civil war, he laid aside all personal interests, and
on August 8, 1862, enlisted in Company E, 20th
Conn. V. I., with which he served as corporal for
three years, participating in all of the engagements
in which the regiment took part. He was hon-
orably discharged at New Haven, in June, 1865,
and returned home to resume the more quiet pur-
suits of farm life.
Mr. Frisbie has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Julia Bradley, and his second Miss
Charlotte Carter, a daughter of Charles and Lydia
(Upson) Carter. By the second union he has four
children : John C, Martin M., Sarah E. and Lena.
Religiously he is a member of the First Congrega-
tional Church of Southington, and fraternally he
is a member of Trumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R.,
of the same place, of which he is past commander,
and also of Union Grange, P. of H., of which he
was the first master. He has been a member and
chairman of the board of relief of Southington
for many years, and represented the town in the
State Legislature in 1879 and 1880. In all the re-
lations of life he has been found true to every trust
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1263
reposed in him, and as an honored citizen and rep-
resentative man of the community he is worthy the
high regard in which he is uniformly held. Po-
litically he is a Republican.
DAVID H. CARRIER, a successful agricult-
urist of Glastonbury, is one of the representative
self-made men of that town, and holds the esteem
and confidence of the community in a marked de-
gree.
Mr. Carrier's ancestors were early settlers in Col-
chester, New London Co., Conn. Thomas Carrier,
with his sons Richard and Andrew, took up claims
there about the year 1700, coming from Andover,
Mass., where Martha, his wife, was executed as a
witch in 1692. Thomas Carrier had belonged to
the bodyguard of King Charles I of Great Britain,
and was notorious for Heetness of foot even after he
was more than one hundred years old. He was a
Welshman, and it is claimed by his descendants that
he was 113 years old at the time of his decease, May
16, 1735. Oui" subject is descended from his son
Andrew, who married Mary Adams Jan. 11, 1704.
In tracing the genealogy we find that Andrew Car-
rier, Jr., was born Feb. 2, 1705, and married Ruth
Adams Dec. 27, 1733. Samuel Carrier was born
Jan. 6, 1739, and was married to Rebecca Rock-
well Dec. 16, 1765. Nine children were born to
them, the last one being Oliver, who was born Aug.
2, 1784. He engaged in farming in his native town,
and died there Sept. 23, 1809. He married Jerusha
Ingraham, a near relative of the noted pioneer in
clock manufacturing at Bristol, Conn., aid they had
three children: Joseph, our subject's father; Emily,
who married Bishop Root, of Hebron, Conn., both
now deceased; and Oliver, a farmer, v/ho died in
Colebrook, Conn. The mother for her second hus-
band married Benjamin Root, of Hebron, Conn.,
and they reared a family of five children.
Joseph Carrier was born July 18, 1805, .in Col-
chester, 'Westchester Society, New London Co.,
Conn., where he was reared, receiving the average
education given to boys of his day. As a young
man he followed the blacksmith's trade, but much
of his life was spent in farming, at "West Hartland,
Conn. He was noted for the success he had in
bringing to a stage of productiveness a run-down
farm, several farms of that town having felt the
quickening impulses of his ability. He was one of
the leading citizens of the town in his day, holding
various local offices, and serving as a representative
in the State Legislature in 1854. He died March
9, 1886. Joseph Carrier married Chelsea M. Hu.x-
ford, who was born in Marlboro, Conn., Feb. 8,
1807, a daughter of Gamaliel and Chelsea (Hos-
ford) Huxford, the former born July 6, 1779, the
latter on Aug. 9, 1782. Her father was a soldier in
the war of 1812, stationed at New London, Conn.
Joseph and Chelsea M. Carrier had the following
children : Selden, a blacksmith by trade, who settled
in West Hartland, where he died; David H., men-
tioned more fully below ; Miletus, who served in the
Civil war, in Company E, 25th Conn. "V. I., and
died July 15, 1863, in New Orleans, of wounds re-
ceived in battle at Port Hudson; Joseph, who set-
tled in the West; Dudley, now residing in Middle-
town, Conn. ; Samuel, who occupies the old home-
stead in West Plartland; and Lorintha, who mar-
ried George F. Clark, now of Granby Station,
Connecticut.
Our subject was born Feb. 25, 1830, at West
Hartland, where he attended a district school and
the academy during boyhood. He remained at
home until ha attained his majority, when he went
to Windsor, Conn., and secured employment as a
farm hand. Proving himself a good worker and
an efficient manager, he soon became foreman on a
large farm belonging to Mrs. Susan A. Wilson, in
that part of Windsor now known as Wilson Sta-
tion. His wages were good for that time, ranging
from $20 per month at the beginning to $28 per
month as his responsibilities increased. After man-
aging Mrs. Wilson's farm for six years he rented it
for three years, and in 1862 he purchased a part
of his present homestead in Glastonbury, form-
erly known as the "Abner Mosley place." In his
farming operations he has devoted special attention
to dairying, and the cultivation of tobacco and gar-
den vegetables. In the spring of 1879 he. bought
ar;d moved to an adjoining place with twenty-hve
acres of land. Two acres more of meadow land
were purchased in 1895, making a total of seventy-
five acres in the farm. In politics Mr. Carrier is in-
dependent so far as local affairs are concerned, but
he is an earnest believer in the principles of the
Prohibition party. He is a charter member of Glas-
tonbury Grange, No. 26, P. of H., 'and was the first
master of same. He was one of the incorporators
of the Patrons Mutual .Fire Insurance Co., of Con-
necticut, and is now a director and member of the
executive committee of same. He and his wife are
members of the First Baptist Church of Hartford.
Since settling in Glastonbury the family have at-
tended the Congregational Church in that place.
On April 26, 1859, Mr. Carrier married Miss
Mary J. Spelman, who was born April 26, 1829, in
East Granville, 2^Iass., daughter of William H. and
Jane (Clark) Spelman, natives of Massachusetts
and Connecticut, respectively. He was a farmer
and carpenter by occupation. They had three chil-
dren William H., Cordelia Jane, and Mary J. (Mrs.
Carrier).
]Mr. and ]\Irs. Carrier have had five children:
Byron Spelman married Phebe Chapman, of Han-
over, Conn., and resides in- Manchester, where he
is engaged in mercantile business ; they have four
children, Helen, Gertrude, Raymond Chapman and
Frederick Howard. Lucy Lorintha died Jan. 24,
1899, unmarried; she was a graduate of the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, Suffield, and became an
accomplished woman, devoting her life to teaching;
she was an active member of the Grange, and was
1264
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
highly esteemed by a wide circle of acquaintances.
Frederick Wilson also graduated from the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, and then entered Brown
University, Providence, R. I. ; ne died during his
Sophomore year, at the age of twenty-three. Will-
iam Harmon married Nellie Adeline Atwater, of
Cheshire, Conn., and they hav;; one child, \\ illiam
Harmon, Jr. George Huxford, who also graduated
from the Connecticut Literary Institute, married
Kate L. Dunham, of Hockanum. These two sons
reside in Glastonbury, where they are engaged in
farming upon the home acres.
SHERMAN BLAKESLEE. Everywhere in
our land are found men who have worked their own
way from humble beginnings to leadership in com-
merce, the great productive industries, the manage-
ment of financial affairs, and in controlling iho vems
and arteries of the traffic and exchanges of the coun-
try. It is one of the glories of our nation that it is
so. Prominent among the self-made men of South-
ington is the subject of this sketch, now president
of the Blakeslee Forging Co., and a prominent and
enterprising citizen of Plantsville.
Mr. Blakeslee was born in Prospect, New Haven
Co., Conn., Nov. 3, 1S40, a son 01 Sherman and
Nancy M. (Mix) Blakeslee. The father was born
in Watertown, Conn., Sept. 5, 181 5, and in early life
was engaged in the manufacture of spoons at Pros-
pect and later at Cheshire. At one time he was also
interested in general merchandising at Cheshire and
Yalesville. His children were Sherman, Lauren,
George \V., J\Iary E., and Laura E. Our subject
is a descendant of Samuel Blakeslee, a native of
England, and a blacksmith by trade, who came to
this country and' settled in Boston, Mass., about
1630, but later removed to New Haven, Conn.
Manning Blakeslee, our subject's paternal grand-
father, was a farmer of New Haven county, whose
wife was Sally Wilmot. The maternal grandfa-
ther of our subject, William Mix, lived at dift'erent
times in Wallingford and Prospect, and was the
first manufacturer of the Britannia spoon in Amer-
ica. His wife was, in her maidenhood, Laura Hall,
of Wallingford.
Sherman Blakeslee spent his boyhood and youth
in New Haven county, where he attended the com-
mon schools, and he began his business career as a
shop hand. In 1868 he located in Plantsville, and
was associated with the firm of H. D. Smith &
Co., as a contractor for the manufacture of car-
riage joints, until 1877, when he embarked in the
manufacture of carriage hardware and special drop
forgings as a member of the firm of Blakeslee & Co.
This firm existed until 1896, when it was incorpor-
ated as the Blakeslee Forging Co., our subject being
chosen president, in which capacity he still serves.
To his able management is due the success of the
enterprise.
J\Ir. Blakeslee has been twice married, his first
wife being Miss Bertha Carroll, the second Miss
Olive S. Adams, a daughter of Orson S. and Eunice
(Robbins) Adams, of Plantsville. By the second
marriage he has one son, Dewey S., born Nov. 19,
1882. i\Ir. Blakeslee is an earnest member of the
Congregational Church, with which his wife also
unites, and also belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 33,
F. & A. M. His political support is always given
to the men and measures of the Democratic party,
and he is now efficiently serving as burgess of
Southington.
BULKELEY. The Bulkeley family is traced
back to a remote period of English history, and
the name is derived from a ridge of mountains in
the County Palatine of Chester, being originally
spelled Buclough (larger mountains). The founder
of the family was Robert Bulkeley, Lord of the
IManor of Bulkeley. [For a detailed account of the
different branches in England and Ireland see Chap-
man's Bulkeley Genealogy, Lyson's Magnolia,
King's History of Chester.]
In Grammoret's "Memories" it is stated that
Henry, first Viscount Bulkeley, married Lady Sophia
Stewart, sister of the Duchess of Richmond. Of
their daughters, the eldest married the Duke of
Berwick, son of King James II and Arabella
Churchill, sister of the great Duke of Marlborough.
A second daughter married Lord Clare, ancestor of
Marshall Thormond. This is the family of Talbot,
Earls of Tyrconnel, a descendant of whom, Dick
Talbott, founded the town of Ontario, named after
him. Bulkeley (Bedfordshire) descendants of Rev.
Peter Bulkeley, founder of Concord, Mass., 1635.
The family descended from Robert Bulkeley, Lord
of the Manor of Bulkeley, County Palatine of Ches-
ter, in the reign of King John, 1199-1216. Arms:
sa, a chev., ar. between three bulls' heads ar., af-
fronte. Crest, out of a ducal coronet or, rampant.
Motto: Nee temere nee tiinide (neither rashly nor
timidly).
The following is taken from family records :
Robert Bulkeley, Lord Buclough, County Che-
shire, A. D. 1200.
William De Bulkeley.
Robert De Bulkeley, son and heir of William,
married a daughter of Butler of Bewsey, Warring-
ton. William De Bulkeley, 1302, married Maude,
daughter of Sir John Davenport.
Robert Bulkeley owned Eaton in Davenham and
Alstanton. His wife's name was Agnes.
Peter Bulkeley, of Haughton, married Nicols,
daughter and heiress of Thomas Bird, by whom he
had lands in Alpraham.
John Bulkeley, of Haughton, married Arderne,
daughter and heiress of John Fitley, of Woose
Salop.
Hugh De Bulkeley, of Woose, married Hellen,
daughter of Thomas Wilbraham, of Woose.
Humphrey Bulkeley, of Woose, married Grisell,
daughter and heiress of John Molton, of Mol-
ton.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1265
William Bulkeley, of Oakley, married Beatrice,
daughter of William Hill, of Bunsingstall.
Thomas Bulkeley, of Woose, Salop, married
Elizabeth, daughter of Randall Grosvenor, of Bell-
aport.
Edward Bulkeley, D. D., rector of Odell, Bed-
fordshire, prebendary of Litchfield, married Olive
Ilsby, of Lincolnshire.
Thomas, first Viscount seated at Baron Hill,
near Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, was advanced by
King Charles I to the dignity of Viscount Bulkeley,
June 6, 1643, and made master of the King's house-
hold. He left five sons. Henry, one of the sons,
married Lady Sophia Stewart, sister of the beauti-
ful Duchess of Richmond. Of the daughters of
Henry, one married the Duke of Berwick, son of
King James H, of England. The other daughters,
all celebrated for their beauty, were Charlotte, Hen-
rietta and Laura. The former married Lord Clare
(killed at Ramillies). He was an ancestor of the
Marshall Thormond.
Rev. Peter Bulkeley was born at Odell, Bedford-
shire, Jan. I, 1583. At sixteen years of age he
was admitted to St. John's College, Cambridge, of
which he was chosen fellow, receiving the degree
of Bachelor of Divinity. He succeeded his father
in the rich benefice of Odell, and soon became cele-
brated for his eloquence, and especially for his
vigor and courage in denouncing the scandals of the
time. Incurring the ill will of Archbishop Laud,
he was soon, in common with many other brilliant
lights of the Established Church, silenced for non-
conformity. He now determined to leave the coun-
try, and, converting property to the amount of
i6,ooo into money, lie eluded the vigilance of the
authorities, who had orders to prevent his departure,
and embarked on the ship "Susan and Ellen" in
1635, while his wife, Grace Chetwoode, Sailed on
another vessel, leaving a few days later.
Rev. Peter Bulkeley, in 1635, soon after his ar-
rival, settled in Concora, Mass., where a monument
now stands marking the site of his house. His
church, organized in 1636, July 5, was the twelfth
in the Colony. His distinguished reputation, his
noble birth and his wealth excited no envy among
his colleagues. All loved and admired him, for his
life was spent in good works and noble self-sacrifice.
He died in 1659, at the age of seventy-five years.
The famous divine, Rev. Cotton Mather, in preach-
ing his funeral sermon, said: "When he came
abroad in the world a good benefice befell him,
added unto the estate of a gentleman, left him by
his father, whom he succeeded in the ministry at
the place of his nativity, which one would imagine
was temptation enough to keep him out of the wil-
derness ; nevertheless the concern which his renewed
soul had for the pure worship of our Lord Jesus
Christ and for the planting of evangelical churches
to exercise that worship caused him to leave and
sell all, in hopes of gaining the 'Pearl of great
price' among those who first peopled New England
80
upon those glorious ends. To this country he
therefore came, in 1635, and having been for a
while at Cambridge, he carried a good number of
planters with him up further into the woods, where
they gathered the Twelfth Church then founded in
the Colonies and called the town by the name of
Concord. Here he buried a great estate while he
raised one still for almost every person whom he
employed in the aflfairs of his huslDandry. He had
many and goodly servants, whom, after they had
lived with him a fit number of years, hfe still dis-
missed with bestowing favors upon them, and so
took others after the like manner to succeed them in
their service and his kindness." Thus he cast his
bread upon the waters and into the earth, not ex-
pecting the return of this his charity to a religious
plantation until "after many days," but "after many
days," if the good old man could have returned
from his grave, he would have seen, celebrating
the 250th anniversary of the founding of Concord,
a vast concourse, among them the proudest and best
names in the land, many of them his lineal de-
scendants, all of them vieing with one another in
rendering homage to his memory. Ho-w touching
are the lines (translated from the Latin) that he
wrote as he felt death stealing over him :
I've reached the evening of my mortal day,
A sluggish mass of clay is this my frame^
Yet grant, O God, that while I live I may
Live to the glory of Thy holy Name,
And if in life I may not honor Thee,
From such dishonor may death set me free.
Whether within Thy holy courts below,
I preach salvation unto dying men.
Or in Thine upper Temple, with the flow
Of angel quirings blend my raptured strain.
Living or dying. Thine I still would be.
My life and death, alike, are due to Thee.
His wife. Lady Grace Chetwoode, was a daugh-
ter of Sir Richard Chetwoode, of Souden, and his
wife, Dorothy, daughter of Sir Robert Needham,
of Shevington, County Salop. Sir Richard was a
son of Richard Chetwoode, of Chetwoode, County
Bucks. He was a gentleman of the Privy Chamber
of King Edward VI. His will is dated July 6,
1559. His wife was Agnes, sole daughter and
heiress of Baron Woodhull, of Woodhull, County
Bedford, and Anne, his wife, daughter of Sir John
Smith Kent, Baron of the Exchequer. Richard
Chetwoode was a son of Roger Chetwoode, of Rus
and Wurlestine, Countv Chester, who married, 1522,
Ellen, daughter of Thomas Masterton, of "The
Wyche," Countv Chester. Tradition states that
Grace Chetwoode before arriving in America was
taken seriously ill, and lying in a trance for three
days was thought to be dead. Being a Lady she
was not buried at sea, but on being removed to the
shore manifested signs of life, recovered, and shortly
after gave birth to her child. In commemoration
of their compulsory departure from their native
land, the child was given the name of Gersham
1266
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(an exile). From this Gersham Bulkeley are de-
scended those whose descent we trace.
The Rev. Peter Bulkeley also brought over
with him Rev. Edward Bulkeley, a son of his first
wife, Jane Allen, daughter of Thomas Allen, of
■Ijoldington, whose nephew was the Lord ]\Iayor of
London.
Gersham Bulkeley, the third son of Rev. Peter
Bulkelev, was born Dec. 6, 1636, and was graduated
at Harvard College in 1655, before completing his
nineteenth- year. He married, Oct. 26, 1658, Sarah,
tlaughter of President Charles Chauncey, of Har-
vard. She was born in Ware, England, June 13,
1631, and died June 19, 1669. Rev. Gersham
preached for a time at New London and Wethers-
field, 1665 to 1667. Becoming interested in chem-
istry and philosophy, and noting the absence of
proper surgeons in the Colony, he determined to
adopt the practice of medicine and surgery, and
was appointed by the General Court in 1675 sur-
geon to the army against the Indians. He died
at Wethersfield Dec. 2. 171 3. The inscription on
liis monument says : '"He was honorable in his de-
scent, of rare abilities, extraordinary industry, ex-
cellent learning, master of many languages, ex-
quisite in his skill in divinity, physic and law, and
of a most exemplary and Christian life." One of
Jiis sons, John, was the first minister in Colchester.
Jidward Bulkeley, the fifth child of Rev. Ger-
sliam and Sarah Chauncey, was born in 1673, and
married, 1702, Dorothy Prescotf, of Concord, Mass.
He died in 1749, aged seventy-five. His monument
at Rocky Hill, surmounted by his arms, described
him as "Hon. Capt. Edward Bulkeley, Esq." His
wife was a daughter of ]\Iaj. Jonathan Prescott,
of Concord, who died in 1729, and his wife, Rebecca
Bulkeley, only daughter of Hon. Col. Peter Bulke-
ley, born in 1641, son of Rev. Edward Bulkeley,
mentioned before as son of Rev. Peter Bulkeley,
founder of Concord, by his first wife.
Justus Bulkeley was born in Wethersfield Dec.
26, 1752, the j^oungest of the six children of Peter
and Abagail Curtis Bulkeley. For years he was
engaged in mercantile business on the bank of the
Connecticut river, near Rocky Hill. Joseph, his
brother, whose descendants live in New York, was
also a merchant, and ran a vessel from tne West
Indies, bringing rum and carrying out produce.
Col. W'illiam Bulkeley, born Dec. 7, 1797, in
Wethersfield (now Rocky Hill), was one of the nine
children of Justus and Alabel Boardman Bulkeley,
'Gov. Bulkeley 's ancestors to Colchester. Col.
jBulkeley was educated in the common schools and
•the academy at Wethersfield, and in early life went
to Berlin, where he learned the business of manu-
facturing tinman's tools. He went West with a
'brother, and on his return started in business with
horse-power, but later added an engine. Six or
-eight men were employed in making tools, and for
-eight years he emplo}-ed about twenty men in manu-
facturing spoons, having taken the business of a
man who failed, and for whom he had made tools.
For some time he conducted a grocery in Middle-
town, and about seventy-five years ago he pur-
chased the present family homestead at Berlin, now
occupied by his son, ^\'illiam. His shop, which
has been deserted since his death, still stands op-
posite the residence, and the old sign, J. & W.
Bulkeley (Justus & William Bulkeley), which was
painted seventy years ago, is still there. Col. Will-
iam Bulkeley died Nov. 10, 1878, in his eighty-
first vear, and until the last he continued his interest
in business and current events. He was prominent
in politics, and spent two terms as representative
in the State Legislature, having been elected the
last time in 1857. He was selectman in 1850, when
the town was divided from New Britain, also dur-
ing the Civil war, and again in 1868. At a special
town meeting, June 26, 1850, Ira Cole and William
Bulkeley were selectmen and signed a call for a
town meeting, at which meeting it was voted to
relinquish all claim to two representatives and con-
sent forever hereafter to have btit one representa-
tive to the General Assembly of Connecticut. For
ten years Col. Bulkeley served as assessor, and his
military title was gained as an officer in the 6th
Connecticut Alilitia. He was married, Sept. 10,
1827, at the present family residence, to Caroline
Beckley, a native of Wethersfield, and a descend-
ant of Richard Beckley, the first settler at Berlin.
They had the following children : William, men-
tioned below; George Hart, born April 27, 1837,
who died when two years old; and Julia Carohne,
born Sept. 9, 1839, who stays at home with her
brother, William.
William Bulkeley, son of Col. William, and
one of the leading residents of Berlin, was born
July 18, 1829, in the same house in which he now
resides. He attended the local academy and a pri-
vate school taught by Rev. Joseph Whittlesey, and
at the age of eighteen began to assist in his father's
business, the tools being then made by hand. Fie
has always resided at the homestead, an attractive
estate of twenty-five acres, but he has not much
time to devote to its management. He is a mem-
ber of the Board of Trade, and has served as presi-
dent of the Beriin Savings Bank since the death of
Alfred North, the former president, in 1892. Flis
judgment in business affairs is much respected,
and he has been appointed administrator of more
estates than any other man in Berlin. His disposi-
tion is modest and unassuming, and as a public
official he carries out the convictions that he is
simply a servant of the people. Like his father he
was first a Whig and then a Republican, and he
was the last man in Berlin to vote the Whig ticket.
In local elections he votes for the best man, while
his popularity is seen from the fact that both parties
have endorsed him for the office of town clerk. In
1865 he was chosen representative, the session
meeting at Hartford. P. T. Barnum was also a
member that year. Mr. Bulkeley served ten years
/fclZccout/u
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1267
as -registrar of voters, three years as collector of
taxes, and fourteen years as town clerk and treas-
urer, having been first elected to the latter office
Oct. 4, iS8o. He is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church and Ecclesiastical Society, and he
was prominent in Sunday-school work in his
younger days, serving several years as librarian.
The public library in Berlin, formerly a pi-ivate
library, is much indebted to him, as he was one
of the promoters of the movement to revive and re-
model it on the present plan.
HENRY BUCK, late postmaster at Addison,
was the owner oT a large general store, the first
established in the place. He was a self-made man,
his success being dtie to conservative business
anethods and untiring industry, and the story of his
life will be of general interest.
Mr. Buck was born July 12, 1856, in Fromen-
see, Germany, where his family is well known, the
name, however, being spelled Bauch, and pro-
nounced accordingly. His father, Lawrence Bauch,
a lifelong resident of Fromensee, married Katrina
Katzman, of the same town, and had six children
as follows : Mary, who resides in Waterbury,
Conn., with her brother Lawrence; John, who mar-
ried Charlotte Fladd, and resides in Glastonbury ;
George, who married, and settled in Hartfora ;
Henry, our subject; Valentine, a tailor in Glaston-
hury, unmarried ; Lawrence, who married and set-
tled in Waterbury.
Henry Buck received a limited school educa-
tion in his native town, and at an early age began
to learn the tailor's trade, under August Klopperd,
of Germany. He received no wages and had hard-
ly anything to eat, being obliged at times to take
potatoes from the pot while his employer was nor
looking in order to satis f}' his hunger. He served
■only two years of his time, having made up his mind
to come to America, and, as he had no money,
funds were sent him by his relatives in Addison,
He sailed from Saxony on a steam vessel and after
a voyage lasting thirteen days landed in New York,
coming to Hartford bv boat and then to Addison.
His brother, John, was already located there, and
through his assistance our subject secured work
in Crosby Woolen Co.'s Mills, where he remained
about three years, when the firm discontinued busi-
ness. With his earnings he purchased an old horse
-and wagon, of which he said, "their aggregate age
was fifty years," and began peddling notions,
watches and jewelry through the State of Con-
necticut. This business he continued successfully
for eight years, and in 1883 he built the store and
residence which he afterward occupied. The town
was then known as Eagleville, and in 1889 the name
was changed to Addison and a postoffice established,
our subject being tr.e first postmaster. He was
a Democrat in politics, and was not identified with
;any fraternal organization.
On May 4, 1880, Mr. Buck was married to
Miss Katherine Eberhart, who was born March
30, 1862, at Wittenberg, Germany, the daughter of
Jacob and Katherine (GeigerJ Eberhart. Her
mother now resides at our subject's late home.
Mr. and Mrs. Buck had one child, Ruth Washing-
ton, born February 22, 1885. Mr. Buck passed
away in August, 1900.
EDMUND SANFORD (deceased), through
the long years of his identification with Hartford
county, enjoyed the highest respect of his fellow
citizens by reason of his strict integrity and sterling
worth. His devotion to the public welfare also
made him a valued factor in public life, and by his
death Avon was deprived of one of her best citizens.
Mr. Sanford was born in Avon, Jan. 16, 1824,
and was educated in the schools of that town.
At the age of twenty-five years he went to Louisi-
ana, where he was overseer on the plantation of
S. & R. Tillotson, and while there he married Miss
Mary Elizabeth Tillotson, a daughter of Ira Tillot-
son. On his return to Connecticut, in 1850, he en-
gaged in farming and lumbering in Avon, and there
continued to make his home until called from this
life in 1892. He was a faithful and consistent
member of .the Congregational Church of Union-
ville, and in politics was an ardent Republican.
His worth and ability were widely recognized, and
he was elected to various local offices, including
those of selectman and assessor, and in 1871 he
represented Avon in the State Legislature. Three
children were born to Edmund and Mary E. (Til-
lotson) Sanford, namely : ( i ) Henry Tillotson, born
in May, 1852, died in 1883. (2) Frank, born Dec.
23, 1853, "is mentioned below. (3) Charles Jesse,
born in July, 1865, is a farmer of Avon. He wedded
Miss Mary Gillespie, and has five children — Eliza-
beth, Harriet, Ruth, Frances and Edmund David.
Frank Sanford pursued his studies in the
schools of Avon and Unionville, and when his ed-
ucation was completed turned his attention to farm ■
ing and lumbering, being first engaged in business
with his father and uncle, Sherman Sanford, of
Unionville. In 1884 he was engaged in business
as a dealer in lumber, hardware and building ma-
terial in Unionville, becoming a member of the
firm of Sherman & Frank Sanford. At the end
of a year his uncle retired from business, and
our subject formed a partnership with C. R. Hawley,
under the firm name of Sanford & Hawley ; they
have since successfully carried on operations, and
have enlarged the business, carrying a large line of
agricultural implements, fertilizers, etc. From the
beginning their trade has steadily increased, and
their patronage now comes from a territory many
miles in extent.
In Unionville Frank Sanford was united in
marriage with Miss Marion Hawley, a daughter
of Robert Hawley, of Avon, who was killed in
the battle of Antietam during the Civil war. Three
children haye been born of this union, namely;
1268
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Alarian Conklin, Truman Frank and Robert Haw-
ley. Socially Mr. Sanford is a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and religiously
is a member of the Congregational Churcli and
Society in Unionville.
JMUZZY FAMILY. — .\drian James Muzzy,
born in Bristol, Conn., Jan. 24, 1851, has long been
prominent in his town and State. He was founder,
in 187O, of the dry-goods firm of A. J. Aluzzy & Co.,
the largest house of its kind in the locality; was
chief promoter and charter member of the Bristol
& i'lamville i'ramway Co., of which he is a directoi
and its secretary; and is president of the ^Masonic
Building Co. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity and Royal Arcanum ; clerk of Trinity Parish
for over twenty years, of which church and society
he is an active member; has served as director of
the Y. j\l. C. A., and as superintendent of the West
Cemetery Association ; member of Farmington
Country Club, and New Britain Club ; director in
New Britain Hospital, Bristol Press i'ublisliing Co.,
and Board of Trade ; Son of the American Revolu-
tion; member of the State Legislature, 1891-97; and
Republican State Senator from the Fourth District
in 1899, serving as chairman of the committee on
Appropriations, and on E.xecutive Nominations.
Mr. Muzzy is interested and active in all measures
for public welfare or private good. His ancestry, as
far as traced, is as follows :
Muzzy (also spelled Muzzey). (Ij Robert
IMuzzey, freeman at Ipswich, Alass., in 1634, had
wife Bridget; came probably in the "Alary and
John" with two brothers, John and Abraham. Chil-
dren: Joeph, b. 1628, m. Esther Jackman ; Robert-;
Benjamin'; Mary m. John Seuter; and Ellen.
(II) Benjamin', third son of Robert, b. 1630, at
Maiden, Mass., moved to Cambridge Farms (now
Lexington), Mass., and became ancestor of all of
that name in Lexington. He m. Alice Dexter [see].
His name appears on the "Records of the Early
Proprietors of Boston," in various large land trans-
actions in and around Boston — 1673 to 1687, inclu-
sive. Children: Benjamin", b. 1657; Joseph, b.
1658-9; Richard; Sarah, m. John Waite.
(III) Benjamin-, eldest son of Benjamin', b.
April 16, 1657, d. May, 1732; m. Sarah Langhorne
[see]. The signature of Benjamin Muzzy-, together
with that of John Hancock, appears as witness to a
will, now in Lexington Museum. He was one of
the largest tax-payers in Lexington, a subscriber
toward the erection of the first meeting-house, and
on committee to purchase land for the support of the
ministry. He was constable, 1694; assessor, 1700;
tything-man, 1716. In 171 1 the town bought land
from him for a public common, he himself contrib-
uting liberally toward its purchase. [Histories of
Lexington, Spencer and Cambridge; Savage, Hud-
son, Draper, etc.] It was this same common upon
which the battle of Lexington was afterward fought,
April 19, 1775. He was the g. g. f. of Isaac Muzzy
(unmarried), who was one of the eight men killed
at this first battle of the American Revolution, and
whose name appears on the Lexington monument.
Three other descendants of Benjamin w,ere also in
the engagement: John, who was one of fourteen
men wiio faced the British while the others rallied ,
Amos, whose house was ransacked by the British;
and Ihaddeus. Children of Benjamin- and Sarah;
Mary, b. 1683 at Cambridge; John', b, 1685-86;
Benjamin", b. 1689, m. Patience ; Richard,
drowned 1719; Amos, b. 1699; Bethiah, b. 1701, m.
Fiske ; and Thomas.
(I\'j John', b. 1085-86, was ip. three times. ITis
first wife, Elizabeth (Bradshaw), was the mother of
John- (below). John' was the first "inn-holder" at
Lexington.
(V) John= (deacon), b. May 12, 1714, at Lex-
ington, moved to Spencer, Mass., 1738-39; m. Ab-
igail Reed (dau. of Benjamin Reed. She was b.
.March 30, 1720, at Lexington, d. February, 1756).
Had fifteen children, all ot whom lived to maturity,
of whom John^ was probably the eldest. Deacon
John m. a second time, but had no children by that
union.
(VI) John=, b. Dec. 9, 1737, m. Mary Ball [see].
Was taken to Spencer, Alass., when two years old,
by his father. Deacon John. During the American
Revolution he, with his father, served on the Com-
mittee on Correspondence. Among his children
was Isaac'.
(VTl) Isaac', b. at Spencer, Mass., 1775, m.
(first) Aug. 6, 1797, Sally Ball (dau. of Daniel
Ball, who was b. at Framingham, Mass., Dec. 29,
1722, moved to Brookfield 1752, and, later to Spen-
cer; he m. Elizabeth Prouty). Children, b. to
Isaac' and Sally (Ball) Muzzy: Rebecca, Betsy
Horace ( ?) and Isaac-. By his second marriage
(with Sally May J Isaac' had no children.
(VHI) Isaac-, first of the family in Connecticut,
b. at Spencer, Mass., July 25, 1803, d. in Connecti-
cut Feb. 5, 1865 ; m. May 23, 1823, Hannah Minerva
Mix [see]. Children: (i) Henry Isaac, b. 1824 [see
below]. (2) Chloe Jane, b. 1825 (m. Hiram Spel-
man. Child, Adelbert m. Gertrude Pilgrim ; four
children — Frank, Minnie Leslie and ). (3) Han-
nah Minerva, b. 1828 (m. Josiah Pierce; three chil-
dren: (a) Dwight m. Fannie Lloyd, and had three
children. May Louise, Franc Elsie, and William
Lloyd, (b) Frank died unmarried, (c) William m.
Edna Scofield, and had two children, Henry Frank-
lin and William Ernest, (d) Harry m. Minnie Den-
ny, and had two children, Charles Frank and Will-
iam Burr). (4) Franklin, b. 1832, d. 1855, unmar-
ried. (5) Lyman, b. 1836, d. 1861, unmarried. (6)
William Wallace, b. 1846 (m. Anna Lee, 1872 ; child,
Edward Winfield, who served in the Spanish war).
(IX) Henry Isaac, b. March 19, 1824, at Bris-
tol, Conn., m. Mary Elizabeth Beach May 18, 1843
[see]. Children: (i) Clarence Henry (served in the
Civil war), b. 1845 (m. Ellen E. Wilcox, and had
two children, (a) Leila, who m. William Coe, and
^JK
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1269
has one child, Hazel; (b) Robert). (2) George
Franklin, b. 1847 (served in navy during the Civil
war),d. 1865, unmarried. (3) Charles Edwin, b. 1849
(m. Frances Emma Strickland) . (4) Adrian James
[see sketch], (5) Frederick, b. 1853, d. 1874, un-
married. (6) Alice Elizabeth, b. 1855 (m. Frank
Winston; children, (a) Ella, (b) Ernest). (7) Ella
Jane, b. 1856 (m. Lewie Strong; child, Roy). (8)
Frank Lyman, b. 1858, m. (first) Emily Wilcox ; one
child died; m. (second) Augusta Funck; child, Dor-
othy). Member of the firm of A. J. Muzzy & Co.
(9) Mary Minerva, 1861-1863. (10) Mary Eliza-
beth, 1864-1873. (II) Arthur George, b. 1866 (m.
Martha Ellen Thomas; one child, Ruth). (12) Har-
riet Beach, b. 1868.
(X) Adrian James (our subject), b. Jan. 24,
185 1, m. May 22, 1873, Florence Emlyn Downes
[see]. Children: (i) Leslie Adrian, b. Nov. 25,
1876, d. July 18, 1880. (2) Floyd Downes, b. Nov.
14, 1878, d. Jan. 14, 1881. (3) Adrienne Florence.
(XI) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, born April 19,
1885, member of class of 1901, Bristol High School.
She is the only living representative of the eleventh
generation in this line..
Dexter. (I) Richard Dexter, townsman, Bos-
ton, 1642; Charlestown, 1644; had wife Bridget
; children: John, b. about 1640; Sarah, 1644;
Elizabeth ; Alice ; and, perhaps two others. (H) Alice
Dexter, b. at Maiden, m. Benjamin^ Muzzey, who
was ancestor of all of that name in Lexington, Mass.
Children [see Muzzy]. (HI) Benjamin- Muzzy m.
Sarah Langhorne [see]. (IV) John^ Muzzy m. Eli-
zabeth Bradshaw. (V) John- Muzzy m. Abigail
Reed. (VI) John^* Muzzy m. Mary Ball [see]. (VII)
Isaac^ Muzzy m. Sally Ball. (VIII) Isaac- Muzzy
m. Hannah Minerva Mix [see]. (IX) Henry Isaac
Muzzy m. Mary Elizabeth Beach [see]. (X) Adrian
James Muzzy m. Florence E. Downes [see]. (XI)
Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
Ball. The Arms of the New England Balls
were like those of the Virginia Balls, except for a
different crest. Both arms were : "Argent, a lion
passant sable, on a chief of the second three mullets
of the first." The Virginia crest was a lion ; the New
England crest was : "A stag trippant ppr." The mot-
toes were different, the New England motto being :
■ "Semper Cavete." The following is probably the Ball
line, though not yet fully proved: (i) John Ball.
(II) Nathaniel Ball, Concord, had wife Mary ;
children : John d. 1649 '> Nathaniel, b. and id. 1649 ;
Ebenezer; Eleazur; John, b. 1660. (Ill) Eleazur,
b. (probably) about 1653 to '58. (IV) Eleazer (Dea-
con), b. at Concord, Mass., 1698. Was one of the
first settlers at Rutland, 1719; removed to Spencer,
1758. (The Balls here were on the committee on Cor-
respondence at Spencer). (V) Mary Ball m. John^
Muzzy, of Spencer [see].
(VI) Isaac^ Muzzy m. Sally Ball (Spencer,
Mass.) (VII) Isaac-Muzzy m. Hannah Minerva
Mix (Bristol, Conn.) [see]. (VIII) Henry Isaac
Muzzy m. Mary E. Beach [see]. (IX) Adrian
James Muzzy m. Florence E. Downes [see]. (X)
Adrienne Florence Muzzy b. 1885.
Langhorne. (I) Thomas^ Langhorne, Cam-
bridge, Mass., 1644; m. Sarah Green [see]. Children:
Thomas-, b. 1647; Sarah, 1649; Elizabeth; Mary;
Samuel, 1660; Mercy, 1662; Patience, 1664. Fie
was "town drummer." D. May 6, 1685, aged. six-
ty-eight years. (II) Sarah Langhorne, b. Feb. 26,
1649, 3-t Cambridge, Mass., in a house near the site
of the "University Press Pub. Co.," m. Benjamin-
Muzzy, and d. Jan. 28, 1710, at Lexington, Mass.
Had seven children [see Muzzy]. (HI) John^
Muzzy m. Elizabeth Bradshaw. (IV) John" Muzzy
(deacon) m. Abigail Reed. (V) John^ Muzzy m.
Mary Ball [see]. (VI) Isaac^ Muzzy m. Sally Ball.
(VII) Isaac^ Muzzy m. Hannah M. Mix [see].
(VIII) Henry Isaac Muzzy m. Mary E. Beach
[see]. (IX) Adrian James Muzzy m. Florence E.
Downes [see]. (XI) Adrienne Florence Muzzy,
b. 1885.
Green. (I) Bartholomew Green came to New
England in 1633 ; freeman at Cambridge, Mass.,
May 14, 1634; d. 1635. His wife, Elizabeth ,
d. Oct. 28, 1677, aged eighty-eight. Children:
Samuel, Nathaniel, Sarah and Phebe; all in Cam-
bridge in 1658. (II) Sarah Green, dau. of Bar-
tholomew, m. Thomas Langhorne, probably about
1646; had seven children [see Langhorne]. (Ill)
Sarah Langhorne m. Benjamin- Muzzy [see].
(IV) John^ Muzzy m. Elizabeth Bradshaw. (V)
John- Muzzy m. Abigail Reed. (VI) John^ Muzzy
m. Mary Ball [see]. (VII) Isaac^ Muzzy m. Sally
Bah. (VIII) Isaac= Muzzv m. Hannah M. Mix
[see]. (IX) Henry Isaac Muzzy m. Mary E. Beach
[see]. (X) Adrian James Muzzy m. Florence E.
Downes [see]. (XI) Adrienne Florence Mnzzy,
b. 1885.
Mix. (I) Timothy Mix, b. 1725, d. Jan. 23,
1800, m. Elizabeth , b. 1734, d. 1804. His
will dated Jan. 14, 1800. (II) Ashbel Mix, b. 1760,
d. Feb. 15, 1807, m. Hannah Byington [see]. Child.,
Hannah Minerva and others. (Ill) Hannah Min-
erva Mix, b. April 28, 1805, d. Dec. 9, 1861, m.
Isaac- Muzzy (first of the name in Connecticut)
May 23, 1823 ; had six children [see Muzzy] . (IV)
Henry Isaac Muzzy m. Mary Elizabeth Beach
[see]. (V) Adrian James Muzzy m. Florence E.
Downes [see]. (VI) Adrienne Florence Muzzy,
b. 1885.
Byington. (I) Joseph'- Byington, Bristol, b.
1736, d. Aug. 25, 1798; m. (first) 1757 Jemima
Hungerford, who d. 1759; m. (second) Hannah
Spencer, 1760. Children: Isaac, b. 1761 ; Noah, b.
1762; Isaiah, b. 1764; Martin, b. 1767; Clarissa, b.
1770. Hannah Spencer d. 1771. He m. (third)
Hannah Warren, Feb. 20, 1772. Children: Han-
nah, b. Nov. 10, 1773 ; Meliscent, b. 1775 ; Chloe, b.
1777; Joseph-, b. 1778; Asahel, b. 1780; Enos, b.
1781; Newell, b. 1787. Hannah (Warren) Bying-
ton was b. 1752, and d. May 13, 1819. Joseph^
Byington served as lieutenant in the war of the
1270
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
American Revolution, and his name appears on the
records from the "Lexington Alarm," in 1783. (II)
Hannah Byington, dau. of Lieut. Joseph and Han-
nah (Warren) Byington, b. Nov. 10, 1773, d. June
27, 1836; m. Ashbel ^Mix [see]. (HI) Hannah
Minerva Mix m. Isaac- Muzzy [see]. (IV) Henry
Isaac Muzzy m. Mary E. Beach [see]. (V") Ad-
rian James Muzzy m. Florence E. Downes [see].
(VI) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From
Joseph Byington's Bible record ; tombstones ; Conn.
Records, &c.]
Be.'\cii. The family of Beach (or Beche) de-
rives its descent from the ancient family of De la
Beche of Aldworth, County of Berks, England.
The family of Thomas' Beach, of Milford, Conn.,
1646, is traced back to 1200 [Beach-Sanford Gen-
ealogy]. He m. Sara Piatt, dau. of Deacon Richard
Piatt, and had six children, of whom Thomas- is
said to have been one, but this lacks proof, so the
name is omitted below. (I) Thomas- Beach, free-
man, d. 1743; m. 171 1 Hannah Atwater. Children:
Damaris, b. 1714; Amzi, 1716; Abigail, 1718; Elea-
nor (or Elnory), 1721 ; Landa (or Landrey), 1727;
Samuel, 1729; Asa, 1732; Hannah, 1739. {l\)
Landa (or Landrey) Beach, b. March 5, 1727. at
IMilford, m. 1749 Abigail Baldwin (dau. of Lieut.
Nathan and Elizabeth (Rogers) Baldwin). They
lived together nearly seventy-four years. He d.
Feb. 25, 1824, aged ninety-seven, and she on Dec.
24, 1823, aged ninety-six years. They left 7 chil-
dren; 72 grandchildren; 192 great-grandchildren;
and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Children were:
Thomas-' (later of Burlington), David (PlyniOLUh),
Thaddeus (who had twelve children; (Plymouth),
Abigail Ann (m. ]\Ierwin). Samuel (who had ten
children), Hannah and Sarah. Landa did service
in the war of the American Revolution. (Ill)
David Beach moved to Plymouth, Conn., about
1800; m. Elizabeth Merwin (dau. of John ]\Ierwin,
of Milford). She d. 1858. Children :" John, b. Mil-
ford; Eli, b. Plymouth; Nathan; Daniel; Lewis;
Betsy; Nathan- (his wife was living in 1899) ! Mer-
ritt ; Henry. David did guard service in the Ameri-
can Revolution. (IV) Eli Beach, b. (probably)
after 1800, in Plymouth, m. Electa Lane. (V)
Mary Elizabeth Beach, b. Plvmouth, Conn., July
21, 1825, d. May 24, 1881 ; m. May 18, 1843, Henry
Isaac JMuzzy, of Bristol; had twelve children [see
Muzzy]. (VI) iVdrian James Muzzy m. Florence
E. Downes. (VII) Adrienne Florence Muzzv, b.
1885.
Glover. (I) Henry Glover, New Haven, 1647,
or earlier, came to New England, probably in the
"Elizabeth," from Ipswich, 1634, at the age of twen-
ty-four years. He m. Elinor (or Helena) Wakeman
(sister of John, of Hartford) ; was freeman 1662,
and proprietor 1685. He was a prominent man,
"who was at once supporter and critic of the gov-
ernmental system." His name, with that of his
wife, appears on many w-ills, agreements, etc., as
trustee and guardian; d. 1689. Children: Mary,
1641; Mercy, 1643; Hannah, 1646; John, 1648;
Abigail, 1651-52; Sarah, 1655. (II) Mercy Glo-
ver, bapt. Aug., 1643, m. Moses Mansfield, 1664;,
had children: Abigail, and probably others [see
Mansfield]. (HI) Abigail Mansfield m. John At-
water. (IV) Hannah -\twater m. Thomas- Beach
[see]. (\') Landa Beach m. Abigail Baldwin.
(\T) David Beach m. Elizabeth Merwin. (VII)
Eli Beach m. Electa Lane. (VIII) Mary E. Beach
m. Henry I. Muzzy [see]. (IX) Adrian James
Muzzy m. Florence E. Downes. (X) Adrienne
Florence Aluzzy, b. 1885.
M.\xsFiELD. (I) Richard Mansfield, New Haven,
as early as 1643, d. Jan. 10, 1655; m. Widow Gilian
. Children : Aloses, Joseph, and possibly others.
(II)]\Ioses Mansfield, b. 1640, perhaps in England,
d. October, 1703 ;m. (first) Mercy Glover, 1664 (m.,
second, Abigail, dau. of Dcp.-Gov. Bishop). Was a
valuable man in town business, 1673, and represen-
tative 1676-77; was assistant governor of Connecticut
colony 1690-1701 ; was assistant judge of Probate
Court, and judge of County Court, was major of mil-
itia, and lieutenant and captain in the Indian wars.
For distinguished service in routing a large party of
Indians he received an extensive tract of land within
the limits of the town of Mansfield, which was named
in his honor. Children : Abigail, Samuel, and others.
(Ill) Abigail Mansfield, dau. of Moses and Mercy
(Glover) Mansfield, m. Sept. 13, 1682, John At-
water (probably son of Joshua Atwater and Mary
Blackman, dau. of Rev. Adam Blackman). (IV)
Hannah Atwater, dau. of John Atwater, b. Dec. 17,
1692, m. Thomas- Beach, May 19, 1711 [see]. (V)
Landa (or Landrey) Beach m. Abigail Baldwin.
(VI) David Beach m. Elizabeth Merwin. (VII) Eli
Beach m. Electa Lane. (VIII) Mary Elizabeth
Beach m. Henry I. Muzzy [see]. (IX) Adrian James
iMuzzy m. Florence E. Downes [see]. (X) Adrienne
Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
DowxES Family, called also Downs, Dounis,.
Dunes, Downe, and (anciently) de Dunes. "Downes"
is the oldest spelling known of the present form of
the name. Arms : Sable, a stag lodged argent.
Used sometimes with helmet, having closed visor.
There is historical mention of the Downes family in
A. D. 864. [Omeraud's Histories; Herald's Visita-
tions; Conn. Records, etc.]
The original estates of "de Dunes" at Maccles-
field, England, may still be seen, with much of in-
terest connected therewith. All of this name whc>
came to America prior to a certain date given by
the College of Heralds in England are said by them
to have been of this ancient family. John Downes,.
the regicide, who signed the Death Warrant of
Charles I, belonged to this family and used its Arms.
The first of the name in America was Richard, Vir-
ginia, 1619 [N. E. Gen. Reg.]
(I) John Downes, New Haven, Conn., as early
as 1646, when he appears on the Colonial Records
as witness in Court; took Oath of Fidelity April 4,
1654; freeman and land-owner; was friend of the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1271
regicides in New Haven ; ni. Mary . Had several
children. [A Downes Genealogy is in preparation
giving these in full.]
(II) Ebenezer Downes, fourth child of John and
Mary, b. April 3, 1667, m. Nov. 28, 1694, Mary (dau.
of John Umberfield (or Umphreyville) . Ebenezer d.
171 1, and was buried in West Haven.
(III) Seth^ Downes, b. 1704, m. Mercy Sperry
[see] June 8, 1727.
(IV) Seth- Downes, b. 1730, m. Sarah Wilmot
1751 [probably dau. of Benjamin Wilmot, in New
Haven .1647.]
(V) David Dov/nes, b. 1760, d. Dec. 17, 1838,
buried at Buck's Hill, near Waterbury; m. Mary
Chatterton [see] ; children : John, 1783 ; Patty, 1785 ;
Ephraim, 1787; Polly, 1790; Sukej^ 1793; Delia,
1795; Anson, 1797; Samuel, 1799; Anna, 1802.
David Downes served in the war of the American
Revolution, and received pension.
(VI) Ephraim Downes, b. Dec. 20, 1787, d.
Dec. 8, i860, m. Cloe Painter [see]. He was one
of the early clockmakers of the country, beginning
181 1, sending his clocks to many States — south and
west; retired from business 1842-43. He was rep-
resentative to General Assembly from Bristol two
or three terms ; first selectman for several years ;
one of the founders of Trinity Church, Bristol ; a
prominent Freemason, and Jetifersonian Democrat.
He is buried in the old burying-ground on Downes
Street, near his homestead. Children : ( i ) Rosetta,
b. and d. 1822. (2) Franklin, b. June 12, 1824, d.
Aug. 24, 1898. (3) George, b. March 6, 1826, d.
Sept. 20, i860, m. Henrietta Payne; no children.
(4) Robert Carleton, b. April 19, 1828, was a "forty-
niner." He resides at Sutter Creek, Cal., is a mem-
ber of the Society of California Pioneers, also of
Trinity Church, Bristol, Conn. He m. Gertrude
Williams Oct. 7, 1856 ; children : Helen Eliza ; Carle-
ton Robert ; Walter Ephraim ( who is m. and has
tvv'o children) ; and George Frederick. (5)Chloe
Adeline, b. Feb. 16, 1830, d. June 11, 1891, m.
George F. Perry; one child, Mary Adelaide. (6)
Delia Adelaide, b. March 23, 1832, resides at the
Downes homestead, Bristol ; m. William Ives Mor-
gan, a "forty-niner;" children: Helen Adeline, who
m. George P. Fessenden, and has one son, Robert ;
William Carleton, who m. Annie Lynch; Tenta
Louise, deceased ; Katie Ives, deceased ; and James
Edward,' who m. Irene Getm.an, and has one son,
William. (7) Helen Eliza, b. Jan. 20, 1834, m. Ho-
bart Bishop, son Frederick ; all deceased.
(VII) Franklin Downes, b. June 12, 1824, d.
Aug. 24, 1898 ; buried in cemetery on Downes Street,
Bristol. He followed the clock business of his fa-
ther for a time, but later was a dealer in grain. He
m. Emeline Upson [see] Nov. 4, 1844; children:
Ella Augusta, who m. Dr. Charles R. L^pson (Yale) ;
Florence Emlyn, who m. Adrian J. Muzzy; Fannie
Ada, who m. Thomas F. Barbour, and had two chil-
dren. Ruby (deceased) and Marguerite; Frank
Ephraim, who m. Mary Annetta Sprague; Mabel
Gertrude, who m. Reese McCloskey, and has a son,
Downes.
(VIII) Florence Emlyn Dov/nes, b. May 22,
1851, m. Adrian James Muzzy [see] May 22, 1873;
children: Leslie Adrian (deceased) ; Floyd Downes
(deceased) ; Adrienne Florence. Organizing regent
of the Katherine Gaylord Chapter, D. A. R., and a
life member of the National Society ; author and
illustrator of D. A. R. Prize Biography of "Kather-
ine Gaylord, Heroine," and other articles. Descended
from a number of the first settlers of America, and
has a long line of Old World ancestry.
(IX) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. April 19,
1885.
Clark (Clarke, Clerk, Gierke), Downes line.
The name was originally Clerk (pronounced with
broad English a, as in Darby), and meant at first
only an ecclesiastical teacher. Later it came ta
apply to all those employed in duties the discharge
of which demanded a knowledge of reading and
writing. (I) James Clark, first planter and orig-
inal settler of New Haven, 1638, m. Widow Wake-
field, Oct. 17, 1661, but she was his second wife, as-
he had a soia Ebenezer 1651, and had family of four
in 1643. He had a daughter Mary; and a son John.
(2), who later moved to Stratford. He signed the
Original Agreement entered into by the first settlers-
of New Haven, and lived and died here. He is said
to have been a son of Mate Clark, of the "May-
flovi'er." (II) Marv Clark m. William Chatterton
[see]. (Ill) Samuel Chatterton (i) m. (IV)
Samuel Chatterton (2) m. Abigail . (V)
Samuel Chatterton (3) m. Mary Smith [see]. (VI>
Mary Chatterton m. David Downes [see]. (VII)
Ephraim Dov.'nes m. Cloe Painter [see]. (VIII >
Franklin Downes m. Emeline M. Upson [see]. (IX)
Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see].
(X) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
Sperry. (I) Richard Sperry (i), b. in Eng-
land; New Haven, 1649; m- Dennis ;
friend of the "Regicides" who signed Death War-
rant of Charles I, after their arrival in New Haven.
(II) Richard Sperry (2), b. Jan. 20, 1652, m., Dec.
16, 1680, Martha Mansfield (dau. of Joseph and
Mary Mansfield, and granddau. of Richard and Gil-
lian Mansfield). (Ill) Mercy Sperry, b. Jan. 9,
1702, m., June 8, 1727, Seth Downes, Sr. [see].
(IV) Seth Downes, Jr., m. Sarah Wilmot (prob-
ably descendant of Benjamin, of New Haven). (V)j
David Downes m. Mary Chatterton [see]. (VI).
Ephraim Downes m. Cloe Painter [see]. (VII)
Franklin Downes m. Emeline M. Upson [see].,
(VIII) Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy
[see]. (IX) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
[From G. S- Skilton ; Conn. Records, etc.]
Cpiatterton. (I) William Chatterton was in
New Haven as early as 1656; took Oath of Fidelity
1657; and is mentioned in 1685 as one of the pro-
prietors. He m. Mary Clark about 1659-60, dau.
of James Clark, original settler of New Haven,
1638, said to be son of Mate Thomas Clark, of the
1272
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"Mayflower." Children of William and Mary
(Clark) Cliatterton, b. at New Haven: Sarah, 1661 ;
Hannah, 1663 ; Mercy, 1664; Mary, 1666; John, 1668;
Samnel, 1671 ; perhaps others. (H) Samnel Chat-
terton (i), b. June 10, 1671, m. (Ill) Samuel Cliat-
terton (2), b. Sept. 15, i6y6, d. 1733, m. Abigai!
■ . (IV) Samuel Chatterton (3), b. April 11,
1729, d. June 20, 1762, m. Alary Smith [seej. (V)
Mary Chatterton, b. 1760, d. Oct. 29, 1829, buried
at Buck's Hill, near Waterbury ; ni. David Dovvnes
[see]. (VI) Ephraini Downes m. Cloe I'ainter
[see]. (VH) Franklin Downes m. limeline M.
Upson [see]. (VIH) Florence E. Downes m.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (IX) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885. This Chatterton family has sev-
eral coats of arms.
Smith (Downes line). (I) George Smith.origi-
nal settler of Xew Haven, in 1638, m. Sarah .
Cliildren: Sarah; Alartha, 1642; Flannah, 1644;
Mercy, 1646; John, 1647; Elizabeth, 1649; Samuel,
1651; Ebenezer, 1653; Joseph, 1655; Nathan, 1656.
(H) Joseph Smith (i), b. Aug. 14, 1655, m. May 6,
1680, Lydia Bristol (or Bristow), b. 1658. (She was
dau. of Henry Bristol, original settler of New Haven.
1638, and his second wife, Lydia Brown. He had
three children by his first wife : and by his second :
L)dia-, b. 1658; John, 1659; Marv, 1661; Hannah,
1663; Abigail, 1666). (HI) Joseph Smith (2), b.
March 30, 1681, m. Annah Hale Oct. 30, 1702 ; she d.
]\Iarch 15, 1723-24. Joseph m. (second) Esther
Peck Mix, widow. (R') Israel Smith, b. Awg. 15,
1705, m. Hannah Gilbert Nov. 12, 1730. (V) Mary
Smith m. Samuel Chatterton (3) [see]. (VI) Mary
Chatterton m. David Downes [see]. (VII) Ephraim
Downes m. Cloe Painter [see]. (VIII) Franklin
Downes m. Emeline M. Upson [see]. (IX) Flor-
ence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Aluzzy [see]. (X)
Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From New
Haven Vital Statistics.]
Painter. (I) John Painter, b. 1720, d. July
27. 1796, buried at Plymouth Hill, Conn. Called
"Mr." upon his tombstone. He m. Deborah Wel-
cher (or Welshire) at what is now Meriden (then
Wallingford), March 17, 1738. She d. March 26,
1794, and is buried beside her husband. Children:
Lot, Eunice, Elizabeth 1757, Thomas Welcher 1760,
John- 1763, and others. John Painter served in the
French war, "in Col. Whiting's regiment." He
taught school in Plymouth, Conn., for forty winters.
(11) Thomas Welcher Painter, b. Sept. 25, 1760, d.
March 27, 181 7. He m. March 28, 1787, Lusina
Dunbar, who was b. 1769 and d. July 4, 1854. Both
are buried on Plymouth Hill, Conn. [Lusina Dun-
bar, dau. of John Dunbar, who m. Temperance Hall,
of Wallingford, and had sixteen children, ten being
daughters]. Children: Chester, b. 1787, m. four
times; Sarah m. Silas Hoadley (veteran clock-
maker) ; Lusina m. Butler Dunbar, ancestor of Bris-
tol Dunbars ; William m. Polly Barnes and settled in
Ohio; Cloe (or Chloe) m. Ephraim Downes [see] ;
Edward; Laury, d. 1884, m. William Byington; Ed-
ward, b. 1803, m. Clorinda Palmer, and had Frank-
lin (1833), Julia (1835), Edward (2) (1837), Mar-
garet (1841), Cornelia (1842), Ida (1845), Robert
(1847;. Thomas Welcher Painter served as a boy,
in the American Revolution. (Ill) Cloe Painter, b,
Jan. 16, 1796, d. Dec. 27, 1861, m. Ephraim Downes
F'eb. 7, 1822. Children [sec Downes]. (IV)
Franklin Downes m. Emeline M. Upson. (V) Flor-
ence E. Downes m. Adrian James Muzzy. (VI)
Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From Meriden
and Plymouth Records.]
UrsoN. (I) Thomas' Upson, England, in Hart-
ford as early as 1638, with Hooker's company. Had
home-lot on what is now Albany avenue in 1639.
Removed early to Farmington (Tunxis), where he
was original settler and proprietor. He m. Eliza-
beth Fuller July 23, 1646. He d. in Farmington July
19, 1665. Ciiildren : Thomas'-, Stephen, Mary, Han-
nah, and Elizabeth.
(II) Stephen Upson, b. 1650, d. 1735. On Dec.
29, 1682, he m. Mary Lee [see]. He left Farm-
ington before his marriage, and became proprietor
in Waterbury (Mattatuck) Dec. 19, 1679; was sur-
veyor; school committeeman; grand juror; often
townsman ; on committee to settle Woodbury
bounds ; deputy to General Court three times ; ser-
geant in 1715, and had seat with veterans in meet-
ing-house in 1729. Children : Mary, 1683, m.
Welton; Stephen, Jr., 1686; Elizabeth, 1689, m.
Bronson ; Thomas-, 1692-93; Hannah, 1695, m.
(first) Richards and (second) Bronson; Tabitha,
1698, m. Scoville; John, 1702; Thankful, 1706, m.
Blakeslee.
(III) Thomas- Upson, b. March i, 1692-93, d.
Sept. 29, 1 76 1. On Jan. 28, 17 19, he m. Rachel
Judd [see]. He was the second settler in Wolcott,
Conn., John Alcock, ancestor of Louisa M. Alcott,
being the first. He had the title of "Mr.," was
clerk in 1732, and "lived and died respected and
esteemed." Children: Thomas'", 1719; Mary and
John, 1721 ; Josiah, 1724; Asa, 1728; Timothy,
1731; Amos, 1734; Samuel, 1737; Truman (or
Freeman), 1739.
(IV) Samuel Upson, b. March 8, 1737, m. April
5, 1758, Ruth Cowles [see], d. Feb. 25, 1816. He
settled in Wolcott, and was a very active and in-
fluential man in town affairs, being on several
committees "respecting our Town Privileges," on
petitions to the General Court, on Prudential, So-
ciety, school and meeting-house committees ; was
moderator, surve)'or, chorister ; on committees to
"Dignify the Meeting-house," and to "seat the
Meeting-house by age ;" to divide the town poor,
and settle accounts w'ith neighboring towns. He
served in the war of the American Revolution, first
as private, later as captain. Children: Mary, 1759;
Archibald, 1761 ; Isaac, 1763; Obed, 1767; Mar-
ve}^ 1769; Samuel and Ruth, 1772; Jerusha, 1775;
Manly, 1777; Betsey, 1779.
(V) Harvey Upson, b. Nov. 11, 1769 d. Sept.
II, 1857. On Nov. 28, 1796, he m. Rachel Wheeler
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1273
[see]. He was deacon of church for twenty-five
years, and bore the mihtary rank of captain. He
was a "good man, faithful and true," but not active
in public affairs. Children: Samuel Wheeler, 1798;
Jerry, 1800; Marshall, 1803; Lois Melissa, 1805;
Marcus, 1807; Harvey Woodward, 1810; Lucian
and Lucius, 1815.
(VI) Samuel Wheeler Upson, b. Oct. 8, 1798,
d. Sept. 6, 1890. On March 28, 1820, he m. Sally
M. Stevens [see]. They lived together nearly sev-
enty-one years. He was among the earliest Abo-
litionists of the country, and a strong believer
in total abstinence. Buried at Waterbury, Conn.
Six children: (a) Charles Dwight, b. 1821, m.
Martha Hotchkiss and (second) Harriet Perkins;
had three children, all of whom died, one in Civil
war. (b) Albert Stevens, b. 1823, m. Eliza Porter
and (second) Mary Grant; had three children, of
whom William is deceased; Cornelia m. Frederick
Stevens, and has three children, Olive, Edna and
Ruth; Lilian Rachel m. Frederick Reed, (c) Erne-
line M., b. 1824 [see below], (d) Clark Wheeler,
b. 1826, d. 1876; he was a doctor, and was a sur-
geon in the Civil war. He m. Catherine Price;
children, Albert, Lilias, Lily, Adah, Charlie, Ar-
thur, Edward. Adah m. Horace Robbins, and has
one child, Maud. Charlie m. Eva Glazier, and has
four children, Clark, Edward, Ruby, and an in-
fant. Arthur m. Jennie Etz, and has two children,
Frank and Albert, (e) Marshall Ashmun, b. 1830.
No children. Died 1894. (f) Ambrosia Minerva,
b. 1831, died 1899; m. Elbert McLendon, of the
Confederate army, and has one child, Elbert.
(VII) Emeline M. Upson, b. Dec. 5, 1824,
d. Jan. 4, 1899. "The Flower of her race." On Nov.
4, 1844, she m. Franklin Downes. Children: (a)
Ella Augusta, b. 1848, m. Dr. Charles R. Upson;
(b) Florence Emlyn, b. 1851, m. Adrian James
Muzzy; three children, Leslie Adrian, Floyd
Downes, and Adrienne Florence; (c) Fannie Ada,
b. 1854, m. Thomas F. Barbour; two children. Ruby
and Marguerite; (d), Frank Ephraim, b. 1857, m.
Mary Annetta Sprague; (e) Mabel Gertrude, b.
1863, m. Reese McCloskey; one child, Downes Mc-
Closkey.
(VIII) Florence Emlyn Upson, b. May 22, 1851,
m. May 22, 1873, Adrian James Muzzy [see]. Chil-
dren : Leslie Adrian, deceased ; Floyd Downes, de-
•ceased ; Adrienne Florence.
(IX) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
[From Wolcott History.]
Steele. (I) John Steele, called "Mr." came to
this country from Essex, England, and settled in
Cambridge, Mass., 1630-32. He m. Rachel ,
who d. 1653. He removed to Hartford, Conn.,
before Hooker's party (probably in 1634) ; house
was on Main street, north of Atheneum. His name
is on the Founders Monument in Old Center Church
burying-ground, although he died in Farmington
1665. He was one of the eight men appointed by
General Court of Massachusetts "to arovern the
people of Connecticut for the space of a year next
coming March 3,- 1635-'6," and was one of the five
present at the First Court of Connecticut "holden
att Newtown" (or Hartford) April 26, 1636. He
was Colonial Secretary for three years — 1636-'38-
'39; deputy from 1638 to 1647, and later; town
registrar "in Hartford from 1639 to 1645, when
he removed to Farmington, where he was town
clerk by request of Assembly. Children : John- (m.
Ruth JuddJ, Samuel, Lydia, Mary (m. William
Judd), Daniel, Hannah, Sarah (m. Thomas Judd).
(II) Mary Steele m. March 30, 1658, William
Judd. She d. Oct. 27, 1718. Children [see Judd].
(III) Thomas Judd (Deacon) m. ; lived at Water-
bury and Wolcott. (IV) Rachel Judd, m. Thomas
Upson [see]. (V) Samuel Upson m. Ruth
Cowles [see]. (VI) Deacon Harvey Upson m.
Rachel Wheeler [see]. (VII) Samuel Wheeler
Upson m. Sally M. Stevens [see]. (VIII) Eme-
line M. Upson m. Franklin Downes [see]. (IX)
Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see].
(X) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From
Lee Genealogy; Hinman; and Conn. Records.]
Hart. (I) Stephen Hart (Deacon), b. at
Braintree, County of Essex, England, 1606, d. at
Farmington, Conn., March, 1683. Probably came
to America 1630-32; settled at Braintree, then at
Cambridge, Mass., where he was one of the fifty-
four First Settlers, being on records as such. But
in 1635 he joined Hooker's party to Hartford,
Conn., and was deacon in Mr. Hooker's Church.
He was an original proprietor in Hartford, his
home-lot being on what is now Front street, on the
river bank; was in Mason's expedition against the
Pequots, 1637; in 1640 joined the Farmington party
as an original proprietor; was one of the seven
deacons in the First Church here, 1652, being the
.first on the list. They were designated the "Seven
Pillars of the Church." He was exceedingly active
and influential in church and state ; was one of '
the first representatives from the town in 1647,
and held the office several years. He also pur-
chased land of the Indians in Avon, which for
150 years was known as Hart's Farm. His home-
lot in Farmington was opposite the meeting-house,
and included what is now Miss Porter's school.
Stephen Hart m. first in England, where several
of his children were born. He m. (second) Mar-
garet, widow of Arthur Smith. The Lee Geneal-
ogy does not state which of these was mother to
his children, who were: Sarah (m. Thomas Porter) ;
Mary; John (m. Sarah ); Stephen, 1634;
Mehitable (m. John Cole) ; Thomas, 1643 {™-
Ruth Hawkins). (II) Mary Hart, b. about 1630-
31, m. John Lee 1658; (m. (second) 1692, Jedediah
Strong). She d. Oct. 10, 1710. Children [see Lee].
(Ill) Mary Lee, b. Aug. 14, 1664, m. Stephen
Upson [see]. (IV) Thomas- Upson m. Rachel
Judd [see]. (V) Samuel Upson m. Ruth Cowles
[see]. (VI) Harvey Upson m. Rachel Wheeler
[see]. (VII) Samuel Wheeler Upson m. Sarah
1274
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
]\1. Stevens [see]. (VIII) Emeline M. Upson m.
Franklin Dovvnes [see]. (IX) Florence E. Dovvnes
m. Adrian J. Muzzy [sec]. (X) Adrienne Flor-
ence Muzzy, b. 1885. [Lee Genealogy; iMeniorial
Hist, of Hartford County.]
Lee, also called Lea, Leigh, Lay, Ley, De Lee,
De la Lee, and Lega, and signifies "pasture, meadow,
or grass-land" There are several Lee Arms. (I)
John Lee came from Colchester, County or Essex,
England, 1634, under guardianship of William
Westwood. lie was b. in 1620, d. Aug. 8, 1690,
'"aged seventy years." He settled first in Cam-
bridge, JNlass., and later went with Hooker's party
to Hartford, Conn., 1O35. When John Lee became
of age he joined the Farmington First Settlers,
and was proprietor there 1641. In 1657 he was
constable of the town, at that date being chief
executive officer of town. In 1658 he m. Mary Hart
[see]. Their home-lot was the one now occupied
by Miss Porter's famous school. Children: John,
1659; Mary, 1664; Stephen, 1669; Thomas, 1671;
David, 1674; Tabitha, 1677. (II) Mary Lee, b.
Farmington Aug. 14, 1664, m. Dec. 29, 1682,
Sergt. Stephen Upson, of Waterbury. Children:
Thomas-, and other children [see Upson J. She
d. Feb. 15, 1716. (IIIj Thomas^ Upson m. Rachel
Judd [see]. (1\') Samuel Upson m. Ruth Cowles
[see]. (V) Harvey Upson m. Rachel Wheeler
[see]. (\T) Samuel W. Upson m. Sally :\I. Stevens
[see]. (VII) Emeline M. Upson m. Franklin
Downes [seel. (\TII) Florence E. Downes m.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (IX) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885.
Judd. (I) Thomas' Judd (Deacon), b. 1608
in England, emigrated 1633, settled at Newtowne
(Cambridge), Mass. ; moved to Hartford 1636. His
home-lot adjoined the Wyllys place, of Charter
Oak fame; removed to Farmington 1644, a"d was
proprietor there, home-lot on Alain street ; was sec-
ond on the list of deacons — "seven pillars of the
church ;" was representative to General Court 1646,
and served fourteen to seventeen sessions. After
thirty-five years' residence in Farinington he moved
to XTorthampton, Mass., where (1682) at the age
of seventy-four years he was chosen one of the
selectmen. He d. Nov. 9, 1688, aged eighty. Chil-
dren: \^'illiam, Elizabeth, both b. between 1633
and 1635; Thomas, 1638; John, 1640; Benjamin,
1642; Mary, 1644; Ruth, 1646; Philip, 1649; Sam-
uel, 1651. (II) William Judd, b. between 1633
and 163s, m. March 30, 1658, Mary Steele [see].
He d. 1690. His home-lot in Farmington was on
Main street, though he owned several other lots.
Estate inventoried £673. Children: Mary, 1658;
Thomas^ 1662; William, 1664; John, 1667; Rachel,
1670; Samuel, 1673 ; -Daniel, 1675; Elizabeth, 1678.
(Ill) Thomas^ Judd, known as Deacon Thomas
Judd, of Waterbury, b. 1662 (bapt. Aug. 13), lived
on Cole street, near East Main, Waterbury. In
1732-33 he moved to Wolcott (then called Far.n-
ingbury), where "Judd's Hill" is named for him.
Children: Rachel, and others. (IV) Rachel Judd,
b. 1694, d. July 13, 1750, m. Thomas Upson [see].
(V) Capt. Samuel Upson m. Ruth Cowles [see].
(VI) Deacon Flarvey Upson m. Rachel Wheeler
[see]. (VII) Samuel Wheeler Upson m. Sallv M.
Stevens [see]. (\ III) Emeline M. Upson m. Frank-
lin Downes [see]. (IX) Florence E. Downes m.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (X) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885. [Lee Genealogy.]
Cowles. The name is also written Cowl, Coul,.
Cowle, Coule, Coules, Coales, Coale, Cole, Colles,
and originated at the battle of Hastings, 1066;
the founder having worn a hood, or cowl, at this
battle, (i) John Cowles, b. in England about 1598,
came to Hartford 1635-39; Farmington, 1640; Had-
ley, Mass., 1659; Hatfield, 1660, where he d.
1675; member of General Court of Con-
necticut; townsman, and one of the "seven,
pillars" of the church in Farmington. He mar-
ried Hannah , who d. at Hartford 1683.
Their wills are on file at Northampton and Hart-
ford. Had seven children. (11) Samuel Cowles,.
b. 1639, d. April 17, 1691, Farmington. In 1661
he m. Abigail Stanley, dan. of Timothy Stanley.
Had eleven children. (HI) Isaac^ Cowles, b. March
23, 1675, ^- ^^^- 7. 1756, was ancestor of the Farm-
ington Cowlescs : representative to the General
Court, 1726; ensign, 1717; lieutenant, 1723; cap-
tain of train-band, 1731. He was married three
times, first to Mary Andrews — Jan. 2, 1696 — five
children ; second to Sarah Andrews, 1709 — one
child; third to Elizabeth Smith, 1716 — six chil-
dren. Mary Andrews, dau. of Daniel Andrews, d.
July 19, 1708. Her son, Isaac-, was b. 1702. (IV)
Isaac- Cowles, b. April 21, 1702, d. Sept. 29, 1737.
He resided in Southington, and was a wealthy land
owner: ensign, 1736. He was m. twice, first Jan.
2, 1728-29, to Ruth North; second Nov. 11, 1736,
to Jerusha ■ , who d. Nov. 4, 1752. Children :
Mary, 1729; Ruth, 1731, d. ; Judah, 1734; Isaac,
bapt. Jan., 1736 (children of Ruth North, who
d. probably Jan., 1736). Child of Jerusha Cowles
was Ruth (2), b. 1737, a few days after the death
of her father. (V) Ruth Cowles, b. Oct. 8, 1737,
m. April 5, 1759, Capt. Samuel Upson [see].
Children : Mary, Archibald, Isaac, Obed, Harvey,
Samuel, Ruth, Jerusha, Manly, Betsey. (VI) Har-
vey Upson (Wolcott), captain and deacon, m.
Rachel Wheeler [see]. (VII) Samuel Wheeler
Upson m. Sally M. Stevens [see]. (VIII) Eme-
line M. Upson m. Franklin Downes [see]. (IX)
Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see].
(X) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From
Family Tree of Capt. C. D. Cowles. U. S. A. ;
Histories and Records of Southington and Wol-
cott.]
Wheeler. (I) Wheeler m. Lois ,
who was b. about 1686, and d. Sept. 11, 1767, aged
eighty-one. They were m. (probably) about 1706-
1715. (II) James Wheeler (captain 1756), b. 1716,
d. July 9, 1768. On May 19, 1736, he m. Sarah
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1275
Johnson. They Hved in Derby. Had fifteen chil-
dren, the third being Samuel. (Ill) Samuel
Wheeler, b. Sept. 24, 1739, d. Aug. 23, 1778. On
April 28, 1763, he m. Lois Fairchild, who d. Sept.
29, 1805. Children : Lois, 1764; Abel, 1765 ; Eunice,
1767; Daniel, 1769; Levi, 1770; Anna, 1773;
Rachel, 1775 ; Hannah, 1777. (IV) Rachel
Wheeler, b. Aug. 25, 1775, ra. Capt. Harvey Up-
son Nov. 28, 1796. Found in old papers : "Our
mother, Rachel Wheeler Upson, was found dead
in her bed on Thanksgiving Day Morning, Nov.
2y, 1851." Children: Samuel Wheeler, Jerry Mar-
shall, Lois, Melissa, Marcus, Harvey Woodward,
Lucian and Lucius [see Upson]. (V) Samuel
Wheeler Upson m. Sarah M. Stevens [see]. (VI)
Emeline M. Upson m. Franklin Downes [see].
(VII) Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy.
(VIII) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From
History of Derby ; old Bible record, and papers of
Samuel Wheeler Upson.]
■ Stevens. [This line, with its branches, in-
cludes many New England names, such as : Davis,
Morrill, Stedman, Cooke, Kimberly, Stowe, Biggs,
Gregg, Stocking, Hopkins, Smith, Clark, Canfield.
Crane, Hawley, Hubbell, Meigs, Morehouse, Silli-
man. Walker, Prudden, Brinsmeade, Boyse, Jack-
son, Bostwick, etc., with many Old England names
as well.] (I) John Stevens, b. about 1607, d.
April II, 1662. Had lived at Caversham, south
of Oxfordshire, England. He m. Elizabeth ,
(who d. May i, 1694, aged eighty), came to Amer-
ica from Southampton in the "Confidence" 1638;
settled at Newburyport, Mass., and later was fifth
on the list of First Settlers at Andover, Mass. ; was
sergeant, etc. His tombstone is still to be seen at
Andover. Among his children was Timothy. (II)
Timothy Stevens (Deacon), b. at Newbury, Mass.,
Sept. 23, 1641, d. Jan. 31, 1708. He moved to
Roxbury. On March 12, 1665, he m. Sarah Davis
(b. Feb. 16, 1647, dau. of Tobias and Sarah Morrill
Davis, and granddau. of Isaac Morrill). Had ten
children: Timothy-, 1666; Sarah, 1668; John, 1670;
Joseph, 1673; Elizabeth, 1675; Maria, 1678; Han-
nah, 1680; Samuel, 1682; Abigail, 1685; Nathaniel,
1688. Deacon Timothy Stevens was Feoffee of the
Roxbury Free School in 1684. (Ill) Timothy- Stev-
ens (Rev.), b. at Roxbury, Mass., Jan. 28, 1666;
Harvard, 1687; ordained, 1693; first "orthodox"
minister, at Glastonbury, Conn., 1693. He m. (first)
Eunice Chester, none of whose children lived to
marry. He m. (second) Alice (or Allice) Cooke,
widow of Rev. John Whiting [see Cooke]. They
had eight children: John, b. 1702, d. 1717; Eunice,
b. and d. 1704; Martha, b. 1705, d. 1717; twin
sons, b. and d. 1707; Timothy, b. 1709, m. Flannah
Orris; Joseph, Id. 1711, m. Jerusha Stow [see] ;
Benjamin, b. 1714, rn. Deborah Dickinson. Rev.
Timothy was closely identified with the growth
of Glastonbury in every particular. He d. April
14, 1726. Many facts concerning him are upon
the records, and a copy of his will gives great in-
sight to his life and character, and is a unique
document. He is buried in the old Glastonbury
burying-ground, near the site of the church which
he founded. His wives, Eunice and Alice, lie •
here also, all three having tables of stone. He
is said to have had a third wife, Dorothy; but if
so, she left no children. (IV) Joseph Stevens,
b. Aug. 15, 171 1, m. (first) Mary Treat, and had
one child, Joseph, b. 1733 (who d. on the Jersey
prison ship during the American Revolution). He
m. (second) Jerusha Stow, Oct. 14, 1736 [see
Stow]. Had children: Thomas, 1739; Mary and
Jerusha, 1741 ; Samuel, 1742; Elijah, 1744; Mary,
1746; Elisha, 1748; David, 1750; Jonathan, 1752;
Jerusha, 1754; James, 1757; Peter, 1759; Ashbel,
1 761 ; and Daniel. Of these eleven brothers, nine
did active service in the war of the American Revo-
lution : Joseph d. on prison ship ; Samuel was master
of a privateer; Elisha served as a private by sea
and land for seven years ; Ashbel, a lad of fourteen,
was taken prisoner, carried to Halifax, and never
heard of again; John, Elijah, David and James
were all in service; Peter was a minute-man;
Thomas was a shipbuilder in Glastonbury; Daniel,
a "wealthy Liverpool trader, lost two heavy ships,
and a wholesale store of goods" when the British
took Philadelphia. (IV) Elisha Stevens, b. Oct.
I, 1748, d. March 8, 1813. He m. (first) Mary
Miller, who had three children, and m. (second)
Agnes Kimberly, at South Britain, Conn., Dec.
ID, 1780. Had eleven children: Oliver, 1782; Ash-
bel, 1783; Rebecka, 1784; Ransom, 1786; Barzilla,
1788; Milton, 1790; Clarissa, 1792; Hershel and
Harvey, 1794; Alfred, 1796; Minerva, 1798. Lived
in Naugatuck, Conn., where both Elisha and Agnes
are buried. Elisha served seven years in the Ameri-
can Revolution, and fragments of a journal kept
by him during the war are still in the family. He
was at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Val-
ley Forge and other important points, being pres-
ent at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
(VI) Oliver Stevens, b. July 18, 1782, m. Huldah
Clark [see]. He was a lawyer and teacher, and
prepared lads for college. He was much inter-
ested in genealogy, and left at least two mss. con-
cerning his family. Children of Oliver and Huldah
(Clark) Stevens: Sally Maria, 1802; Elisha Clark,
1803; Emeline, 1805 (living in 1901 at Danbur)'-,
Conn.) ; Elvira, 1807; Livonia, 1809; Horatio Kim-
berly, 1812; George Leander, 1815; Charles Trac}^,
1818; James and Julia, 1821 ; Maryett, 1824; nearly
all of whom lived to good old age. Oliver Stevens
is buried at Naugatuck. (VII) Sally Maria
Stevens, b. at Derby, Conn., Nov. 20, 1802, m.
Samuel Wheeler Upson, and d. Dec. 15, 1892.
Both are buried in Waterbury, Conn. They lived
together over seventy years. Six children [see
Upson]. (VIII) Em'eline M. Upson, m. Franklin
Downes [see]. (IX) Florence Emlyn Downes ni.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (X) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885. [From Boston Records; Glaston-
1276
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bury History ; Conn. Records ; old tombstones ; mss.
by Oliver Stevens etc.]
Ki.MBEULY. (Ij Agnes Kimberly m. Elisha
Stevens, soldier of the American Revolution. She
was b. in South Britain, Conn., about 1755, and
d. at Xaugatuck, Conn., April 28, 1837. She had
a brother Thomas. Her mother's name was possi-
bly Lois, as "Mrs. Lois Kimberly, d. 1802, aged
eighty-seven," is buried near Agnes in Naugatuck.
Her descent is doubtless from Thomas Kimberly,
New Haven settler, who had seven or eight chil-
dren. [See Stevens]. [Kimberly Notes: (i) Thomas
Kimberly, New Haven, 1638 (New England, 1635).
(2) Eleazer Kimberly, Glastonbury. (3) Thomas"
Kimberly, Glastonbury. (4) John Kimberly, 1719,
had two sons and ten daughters. (5) Possibly
Agnes may have been one of these daughters. Or
it may be: (i) Thomas Kimberly, 1635, New Haven.
(2) Abraham Kimberly, Albemarle county, Caro-
lina, and Stratford, Conn. (3) Abraham- Kimber-
ly, Stratford. (4) Abraham" Kimberly, New-
town, Conn. (5) Abraham* Kimberly, Newtown,
Conn., m. in 1760. (6) Agnes Kimberly. As this
is uncertain, the above is only olTered suggestively.]
Cooke. [Savage; Whitney Genealogy; Rjollin
Cooke, historian.] Cooke Arms — Sable, three bend-
lets argent. ( i ) Thomas Cooke, Gentleman, of Great
Yealdham, County of Essex, England, was de-
ceased in 1640. (H) Joseph' Cooke, second son
of Thomas, was b. in England in 1608, m. Eliza-
beth , and came to New England with
brother George in 1635, in the "Defence." Jo-
seph served as selectman of Cambridge, Mass., in
1635-45 ; town clerk, 1635-41 ; magistrate, 1648 to
'57 ; representative, 1636-41 ; also had charge of
military company of which his brother George was
captain, upon the latter's return to England. Later
Joseph also returned to England, and was resid-
ing at Stannaway, County of Essex, in 1665, at
which date he conveyed New England property
to his son. Children of Joseph^ and Elizabeth
Cooke: Joseph^, b. 1643; Elizabeth; ^lary; Grace;
Ruth. (HI) Joseph- Cooke, b. Dec. 27, 1643, i"
Cambridge, Mass., d. about February, 1690; Har-
vard, 1660-61. On Dec. 4, 1665, he m. Martha
Stedman, b. June 3, 1646, (dau. of John and Alice
Stedman, of Cambridge). He was a representative,
1671-80; lieutenant, 1677; and was in King Philip's
war. Children of Joseph^ and Martha Cooke : John,
b. 1667, d. 1684 ; Elizabeth, b.1669, d. 1687-88 ; Jo-
seph", b. 1671^; Alice (or Allice), b. about 1673;
Haynes, b. 1677-78. (IV) Alice Cooke, b. about
1673, in Cambridge, Mass., d. March 10, 1714, at
Glastonbury, Conn. She m. (first) Rev. John
Whiting (Harvard), who was scalped by Indians
hi Septemi)er, 1697; and in October and November,
same year, the two children of John and Alice
Whiting also died. On Jilay 9, 1701, Alice married
Rev. Timothy Stevens. Her father and both hus-
tands were Harvard graduates. [For children, see
Stevens.] She is buried in the old Glastonbury
cemetery. (V) Joseph Stevens m. Jerusha Stovv
[see]. (\T) Elisha Stevens m. Agnes Kimberly
[see]. (^ H) Oliver Stevens m. Huklah Clark
[see]. (\TII) Sally M. Stevens m. Samuel W.
Upson [see]. (IX) Emeline M. Upson m. Frank-
lin Downes [see]. (X) Florence E. Downes m.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (XI) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885.
Stow. (I) John Stow, Roxbury, Mass., m. Eliz-
abeth Bigg (or Bigge). Had children: Thomas^
and others. The line of Elizabeth (Bigg) Stow is
as follows : John Bigg, England, m. either a Scotch-
ford or a Saxbie. Son Hope, daughter Mary, and
others. Hope Bigg m. Rachel in England.
In 1635 she came to New England, a widow. liad
children: Elizabeth, Patience, and two others (Pa-
tience m. a Foster, and had Smallhopes, who in turn
m. and had Plopestill [A. Bates, authority]). (II)
Thomas' Stow, son of John Stow, m. Mary Cregg
(Gregg or Grigg). Had children: Thomas- and
others. (HI) Thomas'- Stow m. Bethia Stocking
[see] Oct. 16, 1675, and lived at Aliddletown. He
d. March 19, 1730, she on Nov. 6, 1732. Children:
Bethia, b. 1678; Samuel, 1681-82; Bethia, 1685;
Mary, 1688; Thomas, 1691 ; Hannah, 1696; Joseph,
1703; Jerusha, about 1705. (IV) Jerusha Stow,
dau. of Thomas-, b. 1705, m. Joseph Stevens Oct.
14, 1736, being his second wife. Had twelve chil-
dren [see Stevens]. (V) Elisha Stevens m. Agnes
Kimberly [see]. (VI) Oliver Stevens m. Huldali
Clark [see]. (VII) Sally J\I. Stevens m. Samuel
W. Upson [see]. (VIII) Emeline M. Upson m.
Franklin Downes [see]. (IX) Florence E. Downes
m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (X) Adrienne Florence
Muzzy, b. 1885. [In the New England Genealogical
Register for 1848 reference is made to "Honest
John Stow," who wrote a History of London, and
who preserved, by printing, the names on Battel
Abbey Roll. Whether connected with New England
John Stow is not determined.]
Stocking — Hopkins. (I) George Stocking,
England. (II) Samuel Stocking, b. (probably) in
England, m., May 27, 1652, Bethia Hopkins, dau. of
John Hopkins and Jane (Strong), of Hartford.
[John Hopkins was in Cambridge, Mass., in 1634,
and is believed by the genealogical editor of the
Mail and Express, New York, to have been son of
Stephen Hopkins, of the "Mayflower," and to have
followed his father from England on a later ship.]
Children of Samuel and Bethia (Hopkins) Stock-
ing: Hannah, 1654; Samuel, 1656; Bethia, 1658;
John, 1660; Lydia, 1663; George, 1665; Ebenezer,
1667; Stephen, 1673; Daniel, 1677. Samuel Stock-
ing lived at Middletown ; freeman, 1654 ; representa-
tive, 1665-69-74. Was deacon. He probably served
in King Philip's war, as he was made sergeant in
1677. He d. Dec. 31, 1683. (Ill) Bethia Stocking,
dau. of Samuel and Bethia (Hopkins) Stocking, b.
Oct. 10, 1658, m. Thomas Stow Oct. 16, 1675, d.
Nov. 6, 1732. Children : Jerusha, and others [see
Stow]. (IV) Jerusha Stow, b. about 1705, m. Jo-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1277
seph Stevens Oct. 14, 1736, being his second wife.
Had twelve children [see Stevens]. (V) Elisha
Stevens, and Agnes Kimberly [see]. (VI) Oliver
Stevens and Huldah Clark [see]. (VII) Sally M.
Stevens and Samuel W. Upson [see]. (VIII) Eme-
line M. Upson and Franklin Downes [see]. (IX)
Florence E. Downes and Adrian J. Muzzy [see].
(X) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
Old World Names. Descendants of Arthur
Bostwick, who came to New England in 1641, may
trace their lineage through him for many centuries
back in the Old World. The direct line of Bost-
wick is given elsewhere. Arthur Bostwick was of
the twenty-first generation from Osmer, Baron de
Bostok, 1080, A. D. Fifteen generations back of
Arthur, Flawise de Kevelioc, Countess of Lincoln,
m. Sir Warine (or Warren) de Bostok, Knight.
Through her many names of note are introduced into
the Bostwick line. Some of these are as follows :
Simon de Montfort III, her grandfather, which
name brings in John Lackland, King of England ;
Henry II, first of Anjou to rule in England ; Henry
I, King of England (called Beauclerc) ; William the
Conqueror; Robert the Magnificent (called Robert
le Diable) ; Richard the Good; Richard the Fear-
less ; William Longswood ; Hrolf, a Norwegian
Pirate, and others.. Through Amicia, wife of Simon
de Montfort III, come such names as Robert de
Beaumont, Earl of Leicester and Lord Chief Jus-
tice of England ; Louis d' Outre Mer, King of
France, who m. dau. of Henry I, of Germany ;
Charles the Simple, King of France ; Edward the
Elder; Alfred the Great; Egbert, first King of all
England ; Alkmund, King of Kent ; Cerdic the Sax-
on, King of Wessex, ancestor of the English royal
line ; Woden, "Mighty Warrior," of whom John
Speed says, speaking of the Saxons, "These all
claim their descent from Prince Woden, called by the
Latins Othinus, and who is deduced by our anti-
quaries, as hath been said, from the eldest son of the
Patriarke Noah, and is accounted the most noble of
all the progenitors of the Saxon Kings." Woden
flourished in the third century. Between Woden
and Noah, the ancient chronicles give a list of fif-
teen generations, including Shem, son of Noah.
This leads into the Bible chronicle, where a few
generations more land one in the Garden of Eden.
Coming into this dii^ect line from either side are
such names as these : Witikind the Saxon ; Hugh
le Grande ; Hugh Capet ; Arnoul, Bishop of Metz ;
Pepin le Gros, etc.; Charles Martel (the "ham-
mer") ; Charlemagne; Bernard, King of Italy; the
Counts of Vermandois ; Louis le Debonnaire, Em-
peror of the West (the "Holy Roman Empire") ;
Judith of Bavaria (house of Guelph) ; Charles le
Chauve (the Bald), King of France and Em.peror
of the Romans; Louis le Beque (the stammerer) ;
Charles the Simple, King of France ; Counts of
Flanders; Carloman, King of Aquitaine and Bur-
gundy ; Henry the Fowler, Emperor of Germany ;
Otho the Great, Emperor of Germany; Jarodishas,
Grand Duke of Russia; Erick, an Irish Dalreadian
chief ; Aidan, monarch in North Britain ; Eocha the
Passionate, a Scottish Dalreadic King (called Ach-
ius) ; Kenneth MacAlpine, Scottish King and King
of Picts, and founder of the Scottish monarchy;
Constantine, King of Scotland; Donald II, King
of Scotland; Malcom I, King of Scotland; Mac-
Kenneth, King of Scotland; Duncan I, King of
Scotland (Shakespearean character, murdered by
Macbeth) ; Malcolm Canmore, King of Scots, who
defeated Macbeth (Shakesperean character) ; Ed-
mund the Magnificent, King of England ; Edgar the
Peaceful, King of England ; Aethelred the Unready,
King of England ; Edmund Ironsides, King of Eng-
land; Edward the Exile, King of England; Mar-
garet, Queen of Scotland (called Saint Margaret) ;
besides many other historical names. [Authorities
include: Old English Records; Herald's Visita-
tions ; Histories of various countries ; Historical So-
ciety Publications, Royal Genealogies, etc.]
The following is taken from Bostwick Genealogy
[by Henry A. Bostwick] ; Savage ; Milford Records,
Histories, etc.
(I) Osmer, Baron de Bostock, A. D. 1080. (II)
Hugh. (Ill) Richard. (IV) Roger. (V) Sir
Gilbert. (VI) William m. Margaret de Vernon.
(VII) Sir Warren de Bostoc, Knight, Lord of Bos-
toc, m. Hawise Kevelioc, Countess of Lincoln.
(VIII) Gilbert de Bostoc m. Elinor Poole. (IX)
Sir Wiliam de Bostok m. Elizabeth Audley. (X)
Philip de Bostok m. Maria de Vernon. (XI) Sir
Adam de Bostok, Knight, m. Joan, dau. of V\^illiam
de Brereton. (XII) Sir William de Bostok m. dau.
of William de Multon. (XIII) Adam de Bostok
m. Margaret, dau. of Sir John de Wettinhale. (XIV)
Adam de Bostok m. Janet, dau. of Sir Henry de
Bradshaw. (XV) Sir Ralph de Bostok, Knight,
m. Isabel Lawton. (XVI) Sir Adam de Bostock, m.
EHzabeth, dau. of Sir Hugh Venables. (XVII)
William I3ostock m. Ellen, dau. of Adam Bostock.
(XVIII) George Bostock m. Emma Holt. (XIX)
Robert Bostock (d. 1583) m. Emma Bromfield.
(XX) Arthur Bostock (1559-1627) m. Ellen Den-
nis. (XXI) Arthur Bostwick came to America in
1641. He m. (first) Jane Whittel, in England.
Came from Cheshire ; was in Stratford, Conn., be-
fore 1650; m. (second) Widow Ellen Johnson.
(XXII) John Bostwick, Sr., b. in England, came to
America with his father when young. About 1666
he m. Mary Brinsmade. Had six children: John,
Jr., 1667; Zechariah, 1669; Joseph, 1672; Mary,
1674; Elizabeth, 1677;. Jane, 1680. Lived and died
in Stratford. [Mary was dau. of John Brinsmade
(or Brinsmeade), in New" England in 1637, and his
wife, Mary . He was townsman 1662,
and representative to General Court 1 669-1 671 ; d.
1673. He had seven children: Mary, 1640; John,
1643; Daniel; Zachary; Paul; Samuel; Elizabeth.]
(XXIII) John Bostwick, Jr., b. May 4, 1667, of
Stratford (Derby and New Milford), where his
name is second on the list of "First Twelve Set-
1278
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tiers." Deed of land dated Dec. 2, 1709. Stuart
says: "He was an energetic citizen, and bore his
full share of official work in the colony." He ni.
Abigail Walker, of Stratford, 1688 [see WalkerJ.
He d. 1747, over eighty years of age. Had ten
children: John", b. 1686; Robert, b. 1691; Eben-
ezer, b. 1693; Joseph, b. 1695; Nathaniel, b. 1699;
Lemuel, b. 1704; Sarah, b. 1706; Daniel, b. 1708
(first white nude child b. in Xew Milford) ; Mary,
b. 1714-15; Hannah, b. 1716. (XXIV) Lemuel
liostwick, sixth son of John- IJostwick. 1). at Strat-
ford 1704, moved to New Alilford 1727; was one
of the choristers of First Congregational Church
from 1741 for many years, and "sang his way on
until eighty-seven years of age, then departed this
life," "a man of unblamcable character — line com-
manding person — whom everybody delighted to
meet." On Sept. 5, 1729, he m. Anna Jackson, of
Stratford. Her ancestry has not yet been found.
She d. at Hinesburg, At., in 1800, aged ninety-two.
Children: Eunice, b. 1733-34; Isaac (who was cap-
tain of the first company which left Milford for
Boston in the American Revolution) ; and Anna.
(XX\') Eunice Bostwick, dau. of Lemuel and
Anna, b. in New I\Iilford Jan. 2^, 1733-34. m. Jona-
than Clark, at New ^lilford, Jan. 18, 1753. Had
five children: Huldah. b. Sept. 15, 1754; Heze-
kiah, b. June 22, 1757; Anna, b. April 24, 1759;
George, b. Sept. 7. 1761 ; Anna, b. Oct. 3, 1764.
(XXV'I) George Clark, son of Jonathan and Eunice,
b. Sept. 7, 1761, m. Mary Smith [see Smith |.
(XX\II) Huldah Clark ni. Oliver Stevens [seej.
(XXXIH) Sally Maria Stevens m. Samuel W. Up-
son [see]. (XXIX) Emeline M. Upson m. Frank-
lin Downes [see]. (XXX) Florence E. Downes m.
Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (XXXI) Adrienne Flor-
ence IMuzzy, b. 1885. [From Stratford and Wood-
bury Histories; New Slilford History; New Mil-
ford Church Record ; Stuart's Life of Jonathan
Trumbull, etc.]
Clark. (I) Jonathan Clark m. Eunice Bost-
wick, of New Milford [see], Jan. 18, 1753. Had
five children : Huldah, Hezekiah, Anna, George,
Anna. (II) George Clark, b. Sept. 7, 1761, at New
Milford, m. Mary Smith [see]. He was a ship-
builder and merchant. Had four daughters and one
son, the latter dying young. Daughters : Alary m.
Joseph Bostwick; Hepzibah ; Ophelia; Huldah.
(Ill) Huldah Clark, dau. of George and Mary
(Smith) Clark, b. Jan. 22, 1783, m. Oliver Stevens
[see]. Children: Sallv Maria, Elisha Clark, Eme-
line (living January, 1901), Elvira, Livonia, Hora-
tio Kimberly, George Leander. Charles Tracy, twins
died, IMaryett. (IV) Sally JMaria Stevens m. Sam-
uel W. LTpson. (V) Emeline M. Upson m. Frank-
lin Downes. (VI) Florence E. Downes m. Adrian
J. Muzzv. (VII) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b.
1885.
AA'alker. (I) Robert Walker, b. 1607, in 1623
was living in Manchester, Lancashire, England, was
in Boston in 1632, when he united with church.
In 1669 he was one of the founders of the "Old
South" Church. He d. May 29, 1687. His widow,
Sarah , d. Dec. 21, 1695. Had twelve
children: Elizabeth, 1635; Zechariah, 1(337; John,
1639; Sarah, 1641; Jacob; Joseph, July, 1646;
Thomas and J\Iary, who d. young; Timothy; Elia-
kim; Mary; John. (II) Joseph Walker, sixth child
of Robert and Sarah, b. July, 1646, came when a
young man to Stratford. In 1667 he m. Abigail
I Pruddcn [see]. Joseph d. November, 1687, and his
widow m. Richard Hubbell, Sr. Joseph and Abigail
had five children: Robert, Sarah, Johannah (or
Joanna), Abigail and Mary. (Ill) Abigail Walker,
b. February, 1671-72, m. John Bostwick, Jr. [see].
(IV) Lemuel Bostwick m. Anna Jackson. (V)
Eunice Bostwick m. Jonathan Clark. (VI) George
Clark m. Mary Smith [see]. (VII) Huldah Clark
m. Oliver Stevens [see]. (VIII) Sally M. Stevens
m. Samuel AV. Upson [see]. (IX) Emeline M.
Upson m. Franklin Downes [see]. (X) Florence
E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy. (XI) Adrienne
Florence Aluzzy. [See New England Genealogical
Register for 1847, History of Stratford, Savage,
Boston Records, etc.]
PuuDDEN. (I) Rev. Peter Prudden, one of the
"Fathers of New England," and founder of Mil-
ford, Conn., was b. at Edgton, Yorkshire, England,
in 1601. Ordained for ministry in England. Was
a non-conformist cf Church of England. Sailed
from Bristol, England, in the "James," leading a
company from Hereford and other western counties.
Arrived at Boston July 26, 1637, two months being
the average time from England to America. They
joined Eaton's company to Ouinnipiac (New Ha-
ven). The Sunday following their arrival, April
i8, 1638, Rev. Mr. Davenport preached to the peo-
ple in the morning, under a spreading oak, near the
j northeast corner of George and College streets, near
Yale College ; and Rev. Mr. Prudden preached in the
afternoon, at the same place, the second sermon ever
given in New Haven, his text being : "The voice
of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way
of the Lord." Prudden and his company received
house-lots ; but during the summer of 1638 Prud-
den, preaching at Wethersfield, found several dis-
satisfied families, who were willing to go with him
and his company to the place now called Milford.
On Feb. 12, 1639, they received a formal deed of
land from Ansantaway, Sachem of the Wepowaugs,
and removed thither in the autumn. Prudden's
salary was £48, and fire wood. His house and
George Clark's were the two fortified houses in
Milford. The first burying-ground was a part of
Mr. Prudden's home-lot. A tablet in the First Con-
gregational church at Milford, on the site of the
first church there, has an inscription by Cotton
Mather: "I am sure 'tis a blessed child of God
whose name is before us, who, besides his other ex-
cellent qualities, was noted for a singular faculty to
sweeten, compose, and qualify exasperated spirits,
and stop or heal all contentiones. Whence it was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1279
that his town of Milford enjoyed peace and truth
all his days. He continued an able and faithful
servant of the churches until the fifty-sixth year of
his age, when his death was felt by the Colony as a
fall of a pillar which made the whole fabrick to
shake." Peter Prudden has also a large memorial
stone at the entrance to the Milford Memorial
Bridge, inscribed with his first text at New Plaven.
He m. Joanna Boyse, at Edgton, County of York,
England. Had five daughters and three sons : Jo-
anna, bapt. 1640; Elizabeth, 1643; Abigail, 1647;
Sarah, 1650; Mildred, 1653; John, 1646 (Harvard,
1668) ; Samuel ; Peter, died young. Peter Prud-
den left a good estate here, and lands in England.
(H) Abigail Prudden, b. 1647, m., Nov. 14, 1667,
Joseph Walker [see]. She d. 1717. After Walker's
death she m. Richard Hubbell [see]. Joseph and
Abigail had five children : Robert, Sarah, Johannah
(or Joanna), Abigail and Mary. (HI) Abigail
Walker, b. February, 1671-72, m. John Bostwick".
(IV) Lemuel Bostwick m. Anna Jackson. (V)
Eunice Bostwick m. Jonathan Clark. (VI) George
Clark m. Mary Smith [seel. (VII) Huldah Clark
m. Oliver Stevens [see]. (VIII) Sally M. Stevens
m. Samuel W. Upson [see]. (IX) Emeline M. Up-
son m. Franklin Downes [see]. (X) Florence E.
Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see]. (XI) Adrienne
Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [New England Genealog-
ical Register, 1847; Savage; Atwater's History of
New Haven; Glastonbury History.]
Canfield, spelled also Camfield, Campfield,
Camphile, Canfyld. (I) Sergt. Thomas Canfield,
probably brother of Matthew, came to Milford from
New Haven about 1647. Had four acres of land iu
Milford, received for "supporting a gate." He m.
Phebe Crane, dau. of Jasper Crane [see], about
1652 (?). Admitted to church, 1657; representa-
tive to General Court from Milford, 1674 and 1676;
is called lieutenant on tax list, 1686. In will, dated
Feb. 23, 1687, he mentions three married daus.,
Sarah, Phebe, Elizabeth ; and three unmarried. Also
sons Thomas and Jeremiah, also "son, John Smith."
He d. 1689. Has block in Memorial Bridge to
Founders of Milford. (II) Phebe Canfield, b. May
8, 1656, d. May 3, 1730, m., Jan. 23, 1671-73, Sergt.
John Smith. Children: John (3) ; Thomas; Sam-
uel ; Ebenezer ; Joseph ; Abiah ; Nathan ; Joseph —
eight boys. (HI) Joseph Smith (i) m. Mary
Clark [see]. (IV) Capt. Joseph Smith m. Widow
Jemima (Hubbell) Bostwick [see Hubbell]. (V)
Mary (Polly) Smith m. George Clark. (VI) FIul-
dah Clark m. Oliver Stevens. (VII) Sally M. Ste-
vens m. Samuel W. Upson. (VIII) Emeline M.
Upson m. Franklin Downes. (IX) Florence E.
Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy. (X) Adrienne Flor-
ence Muzzy.
Crane, spelled also Crayne and Grain. "The
name of Crane often appears among the Records
of Meetings in England before 1630, as one of the
Governors and Company of the New England Col-
• ony to be planted in Massachusetts Bay." [Hin-
man.] The Cranes had several coats of arms. (I)
Hon. Jasper Crane (called variously "Mister" Crane,
Esquire, Jasper Crayne, Sr., and "that good old
saint Jasper Crane," etc.) was an important and
one of the first settlers of New Haven Colony;
signed "Fundamental Agreement" June 4, 1639, at
a meeting "held at the barn of Mr. Newman;" was
one of the surveyors who laid out town plat of New
Haven, locating grants, settling division lines, dis-
puted titles, etc. ; was selectman, and one of civil
managers, 1639-1641 ; was made freeman, 1644, and
"freed from watching and trayning;" merchant
trader in Fair Haven and Branford, 1644-45 and
1652 ; built house on east side of Fair Haven green,
1644-45. In 1653 he was one of the first deputies
to the General Court of Electors from Branford,
which office he held five years. In 1654 he (with
others, such as Sherman, Leete, Lewes, Treat, etc.)
was invested with power as magistrate to assist in
the governments of the plantations of New Haven,
Milford, Branford, Guilford and Stamford. In
May, 1658, he was chosen magistrate of New Haven
Colony, and held this office till 1663. In 1664-65,
on the union of New Haven Colony with Hartford,
Jasper Crane was ordered b)' General Assembly to
be assistant to General Court, holding this position
three years, as well as the office of magistrate of
Connecticut for same period, and justice of county
court of New Haven, 1664-65. In 1667-68 he sold
property in Branford and moved to Newark, N. J.,
of which place he had been one of the projectors in
1665. Here he and Robert Treat, afterward gov-
ernor of Connecticut, were the first magistrates.
[Treat's daughter Mary m. Crane's son Azariah.]
They represented Newark at General Court the same
year; were deputies, 1669-70; deputies and magis-i
trates, 1671-72, when Treat returned to Connecti-i
cut, and Crane held same offices 1675. He "died,
an old man," at Newark, about 1681. Children are
given probably as follows: Phebe, 1633; John,
1635; Hannah, 1639, m. Thomas Huntington; De-
liverance, bapt. 1642; Mercy, 1645; Azariah (some-
times given as Micah), 1647; Jasper, Jr., 1651 ; and
it is said there was also Bell, who may have come
between John and Hannah, in 1637. (II) Phebe
Crane m. Thomas Canfield probably about 1652 [see
Canfield]. (Ill) Phebe Canfield m. Sergt. John
Smith. (IV) Joseph Smith (i) m. Mary Clark.
(V) Capt. Joseph Smith m. Jemima (Hubbell)
Bostwick, widow. (VI) Mary (Polly) Smith m.
George Clark. (VII) Huldah Clark m. Oliver Ste-
vens. (VIII) Sally M. Stevens m. Samuel W. Up-
son. (IX) Emeline M. Upson m. Franklin Downes.
(X) Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzz_v. (XI)
Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885. [From Hin-
man : various town histories, and Conn. Records.]
Smith. (I) John Smith (i), b. 16—, 1684;
settler of Milford, Conn., 164O, is presumed to have
been one of the Hertfordshire men who could not
leave England with Prudden in 1637, as they de-
sired ; probably came direct to New Haven in 1639 ;
1280
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
left property over £513. He m. Grace Hawley, who
d. 1690, supposed sister of Joseph Hawley, Strat-
ford. Children of John and Grace (Hawley)
Smith : Ephraim, b. 16.14, m- Abigail Briscoe ; John
(2), bapt. 1646, ni. Phcebe Gantield; Mary, b. 1648,
m. Dr. Abel Gunn; Ebenezer, b. 1650, d. young;
Mercy, b. 1652; Mehitable, b. 1655, ni. Edward
Camp. (II) John Smith (Sergt.), bapt. Aug. 27,
164O, d. Jan. 8, 1732; lived in -Milford. On Jan.
23, 1672-73, he m. rhebe Canfield (or Camplield),
dau. of Sergt. Thomas Canlield and Phoebe (Crane).
Tombstones are in ^Milford cemetery. Children of
John (2) and Phuebe (Canfield) Smith: John (3),
b. 1674, m. Ruth Briscoe; Ihomas, .March, I'v/.
m. Hannah Camp; Samuel, 1679; Ebenezer, 16S3-
1744, m. Sarah Collins; Joseph, d. young; Abiali,
1686; Nathan, 1O89, m. Plannah Tibbals; Joseph
(i), bapt. 1694, m. i\Iary Clark. (IH) Joseph
Smith (i), bapt. April 15, 1694, ni., July 7, 1720.
Mary Clark, dau. of George and Rebecca Clark,
Milford. Mary d. Feb. 23, 1773. Moved to Brook-
field, Conn. Children of Joseph (i) and Mary
(Clark) Smith: George, 1721-1800; ilary, 1723-
1795; Abiah, 1727-1819; Joseph (2), 1730-1810;
Amos, 1732-1807; Ann, 1734-1758. Joseph S;nith
(i) was the first magistrate in Brookfield, "the
finest old magistrate ever lived," states a descend-
ant living at Danbury. (IV) Joseph Smith (2),
captain in Revolutionary war (Connecticut Rec-
ords), b. Jilarch 15, 1730, d. Aug. 10, 1810. He m.
Jemima Hubbell, widow of Gershom Bostwick, of
Brookfield [see Hubbell]. Children of Capt. Joseph
and Jemima Smith: Abel (m. Sarah ),
Prude, Jemima, Joseph (3) (m. Patty Wilmot).
Eli, and Mary (called Polly). Capt. Joseph Smitli.
his wife Jemima, also their daughter Mary and her
husband, as well as Abel and Sarah., are well re-
membered by the descendant mentioned above.
Capt. Joseph was a first selectman of Brookfield,
1788, and representative in 1789. Pie is buried at
Hawley ville. (V) Marv (Pollv) Smith m. George
Clark [see]. (VI) Huldah Clark m. Oliver Ste-
vens [see]. (Vll) Sally Maria Stevens m. Samuel
W. Upson. (VIII) Emeline JNI. Upson m. Franklin
Downes. (IX) Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J.
Muzzy. (X) Adrienne Florence iMuzzy, b. 1885.
Hubbell. This name comes from Hubba's Hill
(Hub-hill, Hubbill, Hubbell), which was so called
from Hubba, the Dane, chief of a band of barbarians
who plundered and destroyed in England, about
867, an interesting account of which is given in the
Hubbell Genealogy. One of the Hubbell Arms con-
tains the Danish Raven, the ensign carried by
Hubba, originally the mark of the God Odin, which
"fell from heaven" upon the Danish army, was cap-
tured by Britons, and used by them in war for three
centuries, when it gave way to the cross. It is sup-
posed that the Connecticut Hubbells came from
Walter Hubbell, who had a merchant house in Ply-
mouth, England, and d. 1515. His son William
carried on the business, and m. Annie Mimant, a
French lady. He d. 1576, very old. He left one
son, Francis, who m. (second) Sophia Brown. In
1615 Francis started for the West Indies and was
never heard of again. In 1651 his widow
Sophia, was alive at Plymouth, England, having
two sons, Francis and Edward. It is prob-
able that Richard, who came to America, was
a son of cither Francis or Edward Hubbell, of Ply-
mouth, England. (Fl Richard Hubbell (i), b.
1627-28 in' Great Britain, d. Oct. 23, 1699. Prob-
ably came to America about 1645-47. In New
I Haven, March 7, 1647. M., in 1650, Elizabeth
Meigs [see]. Was nlanter in Guilford, Conn., Feb.
25, 1653-54. In 1664-65 removed to Fairfield coun-
ty, where he was a leading citizen, and an extensive
land owner and dealer. Is called sergeant, on rec-
ords. He, with his son Richard, was among the
nine original members of the First Church of
Stratford, now in Bridgeport. ITe left an estate of
over i8i6. Children of Richard and Elizabeth
(Meigs) Hubbell: John, b. about 1652, at New
Haven, d. 1690; Richard (2), b. 1654; James, b.
1656; Elizabeth, b. 1659; Ebenezer; Mary; all in
Guilford; Martha, about 1664-65, in Fairfield coun-
ty. His first wife, Elizabeth, d. about or before
1672; and his second wife, whose initials on tomb-
stone are also "E. H.," d. early in 1688. Children of
second wife: Samuel, Abigail, Sarah, James (Fair-
field), Richard m. (third), in 1688, Abigail Prudden
W'alker. Fler children were : Joseph, b. about 1690, d.
1700; John, b. 1691 [sec Prudden and Walker]. (II)
Richard Hubbell (2), b. at Guilford 1654, d. 1738.
Removed with his parents to "Fayrefield" when
about eight years old. On Nov. 5, 1685, he m.
(first) Rebecca Morehouse (dau. of Samuel More-
house, d. 1687, and Rebecca , of Fairfield).
Rebecca Hubbell d. April 2, 1692, leaving children:
Peter, b. 1686; Ebenezer, 1687; Elizabeth, 1689; and
infant son, Jonathan, b. March 25, 1692. Richard
m. his second wife the same year, and had seven
more children between 1694 and 1709. He was a
wealthy planter, and held many offices of trust ; was
one of the nine original members of the First Con-
gregational Church of Stratford Parish (now
Bridgeport), to which church he willed a silver
tankard valued at £55, which was in use at least
150 years later. He was lieutenant, and was select-
man for ten years ; was also auditor, constable, sheep
master, on scho 1 and various other committees.
(III) Jonathan Hubbell, son of Lieut. Richard Hub-
bell and Rebecca Morehouse, b. March 25, 1692, d.
Sept. 6, 1766. Moved to Newtown, and m. Peace-
able Silliman, Nov. 18, 1713. Children: Daniel,
Ichabod, Richard, Hannah, Elizabeth, Jemima, Hep -
zibah, Beulah, Ithamar, Rebecca, Silliman and
Jeptha. Jonathan's will is dated Nov. 24, 1768.
(IV) Jemima Hubbell, dau. of Jonathan and Peace-
able, b. (probably) about 1724-25, m. (first) Ger-
shom Bostwick, and (second) Capt. Joseph Smith,
of Newtown, June 13, 1754 [see Smith]. She is
called Jemima Smith in her father's will. (V)
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1281
Mary Smith, dau. of Capt. Joseph and Jemima, m.
George Clark. (VI) Huldah Clark m. Oliver Ste-
vens. (VII) Sally M. Stevens m. Samuel W. Up-
son. (VIII) Emeline M. Upson m. Franklin
Downes. (IX) Florence E. Dovvnes m. Adrian J.
Muzzy. (X) Adrienne Florence Muzzy, b. 1885.
[Flubbell Genealogy.]
Meigs (or Meggs). (I) Vincent Meigs, b.
1570, came from Dorsetshire, England, and settled
first at Weymouth, Mass. ; was living in New Haven,
Conn., 1647, owning what is now corner of Church
and Chapel streets ; removed to Guilford, then to
Killingworth, where he d. 1658. Will is dated Sept.
2, 1658. (II) John Meigs, b. in England in 1600,
m. Tomasine Fry, sister of William Fry, in England,
1630. Was first in Weymouth, Mass., then in New
Haven, Conn., 1647, Guilford, 1654, and Killing-
worth, 1663 ; made freeman here in 1669. Was a
tanner, and had large estate. Owned some books,
one a Greek and Latin Dictionary. His will is in
existence. He d. at Killingworth Jan. 4, 1672. (Ill)
Elizabeth Meigs, dau. of John, m. Richard Hub-
bell (i) [see]. (IV) Lieut. Richard Hubbell m.
Rebecca Morehouse. (V) Jonathan Hubbell m.
Peaceable Silliman. (VI) Jemima Hubbell (Bost-
wick) m. Capt. Joseph Smith [see]. (VII) Mary
Smith m. George Clark [see]. (VIII) Huldah
Clark m. Oliver Stevens [see]. (IX) Sally M.
Stevens m. Samuel W. Upson [see]. (X) Eme-
line M. Upson m. Franklin Downes [see]. (XI)
Florence E. Downes m. Adrian J. Muzzy [see].
(XII) Adrienne Florence Muzzy. [From Hubbard
Genealogy.]
HON. PHILIP CORBIN, a leading American
manufacturer, widely known in the business world
as founder and president of the great hardware
manufacturing corporation of P. & F. Corbin of
New York and New Britain, president and treas-
urer of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Co., president of
the New Britain Machine Co., vice-president of the
New Britain Savings Bank, director of the Hart-
ford National Bank, of Hartford, the Mechanics
National Bank, of New Britain, and also of the
Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Co., of Hartford,
and formerly a city official of New Britain and
member of the House of Representatives and State
Senate of , Connecticut, was born in Willington,
Conn., Oct. 26, 1824.
The family name of Corbin is of great antiquity
in England, and is enrolled among the armigeri of
Staffordshire, Suffolk and other counties. In the
annals of that kingdom Walter Corbin is men-
tioned in 1272; and- Geoff I'y Corbin, presumably
his ancestor, in 1194. They were of Norman ori-
■gin, and were probably descendants of Robert Cor-
bin of Normandy, mentioned in Magr. Rotul. Scac-
carri Nonnannise in 1180-1195. The first of the
name mentioned in American records is, singularly
enough, Robert Corbin, who came from England
and settled at Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine.
81
"Corbyn Sound" there was named after him. He
was a man of education and consequence. In the
Colonial records for the year 1658, still preserved
in the State House at Boston, his name appears
signed by himself to a report of the commission
sent out to that region by , the Massachusetts Legis-
lature for the purpose of bringing settlers thers
into closer touch with the Massachusetts govern-
ment, his signature testifying to his recognition of
its authority, and his willingness to be governed
by its laws. He was killed by Indians, and, al-
though married, left no issue.
The subject of this sketch traces his ancestry
to James Corbin, born at Roxbury, Mass., in 1667,
probably a son of John Corbin, of Roxbury, who
IS supposed by Savage [New Eng. Gen. Diet.] to
have been a son of Clement Corbin, or Corbyn, of
that town. It is possible that John was a brother
or nephew of Robert Corbin, of Casco Bay ; and
the fact that he, too, fought the Indians makes this
seem probable. John Corbin was one of sixteen;
white men who, with a body of fifty-two "praying
Indians," Eliot's converts, left Boston on July 6,
1675, (during the King Philip's war), under com-
mand of the intrepid Capt. Isaac Johnson of Rox-
bury, marched into Rhode Island, and took part in
the Fort Fight at Mount Hope, Dec. 19, 1675,
where, at a heavy loss of life to the attacking party,
the savage Narragansett tribe was destroyed [Hist,
of Roxbury]. James Corbin is recorded as an orig-
inal settler and proprietor of Woodstock, Conn., in
1686. He married at that place, April 7, 1687,.
Flannah Eastman. He was living at Dudley, Mass >.
in 1732, and died there. His sons were James, Jr.,.
Clement, Philip, Samuel, and Elisha, all born
probably at Woodstock, where the first three were-
married, although all subsequently became residents'
of Dudley. Each of these brothers was a man ot
weight and distinction in the community. James
was chosen "field driver" in 1732; Clement, "town
treasurer" in 1741, and "captain" in 1744; Philip,
a "tytheing man" in 1739, and a "constable" in
1746; Samuel, "surveyor" in 1737, "constable" in
1739, and "selectman" in 1759; and Elisha, a "con-
stable" in 1750.
Philip Corbin married Jan. 13, 173 1, Dorothj
Barstow. One of their sons, Lemuel, the great-
grandfather of our subject, is first mentioned in
the records of the town of Dudley as a young man
who (in 1759) was given leave with orders tO'
build a pew at the rear of the church. He was
chosen "constable" in 1768, and became "captain"
in 1781. In the history o£ Union, Conn., it is re-
corded that "Philip Corbin, son of Lemuel and
descended from James Corbin, came to Union, from
Dudley, Mass., in 1793." The historian further
says : "He was a man of more than ordinary powers
of body and mind, which, guided by stern integrity,,
gave him an influence largely felt wherever he went.
He was a farmer, owning a large tract of land ;
manufactured potash in considerable quantities, and'
12S2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at one time owned part of the Alashapaug sawmill.
He was selectman a number of years ; represented
the town in Legislature in 1814 and 1815; and
was a prominent and intluential member of the
Church. ' His wife, Rhoby liealy, of Dudley,
bore him six children, of whom i'hilip, Jr., the
third son, born at Union April 4, 1797, went to live
at Wellington, whence he removed in 1833 to West
Hartford, where he died July 24, iSSi. On No-
vember 29, iSjg, he married Lois Chaffee, of Ash-
ford, Conn., by whom he was the father of ten
children, who lived to maturity. Philip Corbin,
the third of this large family, is the subject of this
sketch.
One of eight sons, Philip Corbin was brought
up with his brothers on his father's farm. In
the labor incident to its management, and in outside
work, these lads all developed wonderfully vigorous
physical frames, and acquired habits of industry
and self-reliance which went far toward taking tiie
place of the higher schooling from which they were
in a measure debarred by their parents' limited
means. Philip, however, after attending the dis-
trict schools, had the advantage of one and one-
half terms at the West Hartford Academy, and at
tiie age of fifteen, when he took up farm work,
was a well-informed and promising lad. Strong,
active and willing, he did a man's work and earned
a man's wages, which he turned over to his father
for the family's support. Finding himself pos-
sessed of decided mechanical tastes, he quitted
farm work when nineteen years of age, and (in
March, 1844) went to New Britain, Conn., where
he secured employment with Russell & Erwin, and
later in the lock shop of North & Stanley. He
had not been thus employed a year before he felt
sufficient confidence in his skill to bid for a con-
tract on his own account. Filling it to the satis-
faction of those with whom it was made, he took
another contract, and, calling his vounger brother,
F"rank, to his aid, made him his partner. From the
profits of their venture they deducted merely suffi-
cient for their expenses, paying the surplus loyally
to their father. In 1849 P. & F. Corbin, in partner-
ship with Edward Doen, as Doen, Corbin & Co.,
built a small shop, put in machinery worked by
horse-power (steam having been introduced then
only on a limited scale), and on a joint capital of
less than a thousand dollars launched themselves
as manufacturers.
Their first aim was to make articles not made
bv others, in competition with European firms.
They began with ox-balls, for tipping horns of
cattle, window springs, lamp hooks, etc., and
changed to other products when competition pro-
duced what they had made. The success of the
enterprise was so immediate— the brothers being
skillful and earnest workmen who did most of the
manual labor themselves — that they soon drew
three of their vounger brothers, William (died
i860), Andrew, and George S. (died 1899), into
the business, giving each in turn a share in its
management. In 1853 the firm was re-organized as
a joint-stock company, the style "P. & F. Corbin"
being retained, hrom their original productions
they soon branched out into the manufacture of
certain kinds of locks, bolts, hinges, latches and
general builders hardware. Plain and low-priced
goods were made at first, but in 1808 new fields
were entered upon, and the company turned out
more ornamental goods than any other manufac-
turer liien made. The P. & F. Corbin Co. was the
first to use the bronzing process patented by Hiram
Tucker, of Boston. The articles, styles and designs
made have been innumerable, and the quantities
vast and increasing constantly. The company has
supplied bronze hardware for the State, Navy and
War Department Buildings at Washington, D. C,
the Post Office and Sub-Treasury at Boston, and
many other public buildings; and for many great
offices, business and government structures every-
where, including many large banks and insurance
companies, and the fine State Capitol at Hartford.
When the brothers began as employers of labor
they had ten workmen in their pay. For years past
they have had upward of eighteen hundred on their
pay roll, this number including a large corps of
inventors, artists, designers and pattern-makers, in
addition to other skilled hands. The works and
main offices of the company are at New Britain,
Conn., and constitute an important feature in that
thriving center. Many large buildings make up
these works, which cover several acres. Stores
with full stocks of the firm's products are main-
tained also in New York City, in Chicago and in
Philadelphia. The catalogue and price list of tne
company's productions takes the form of a beau-
tifully illustrated bound volume of about eight
hundred pages, which is sent to all parts of the
world.
In a degree probably far ahead of any other
manufacturing concern, this company goes into the
finer quality of goods, and the excellence and ar-
tistic character of these is not surpassed in any
country. In 1882 the Corbin Cabinet Lock Co. was
organized for the manufacture of cabinet locks,
cabinet and miscellaneous hardware. Of this cor-
poration, also, Philip Corbin is president and treas-
urer. From the inception of the business he has
been the prime factor in its conduct and develop-
ment ; and to-day, although seventy-five years of
age, he directs its vast operations with the vigor,
sagacity, keenness of oversight and executive ability
of a man of sixty or less. Still a man of vigor-
ous frame, excellent health and quick mental per-
ceptions, his appearance, energy and decision are
a marvel and belie his years. He has added to-
his multifarious duties in other directions those at-
taching to the office of president of the New Britain
Machine Co. Of the six brothers who formerly
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1288
were active in the business lout two are now living;
William Corbin died in i860, Waldo Corbin in
18 — , and George S. Corbin in 1899.
More than half a centur)^ ago Mr. Corbin was
one of the most active men of his town and count}'
in political affairs. Originally a Whig, he held
office in New Britain as a member of that party,
being induced to serve as warden of the borough
before its incorporation, and as a member of the
Common Council subsequently. He was water
commissioner of the city for many years, and the
addition to the city water works was supervised
largely by him. As a Republican he was elected to
the State Legislature in 1884, and served as chair-
man of the committee on Insurance. The knowl-
edge and skill he possesses in mechanical matters,
and the habit of inspection and criticism, have been
of vast service to him in his public life, enabling
him to get at and comprehend technical merits of
all measures submitted. In 1888 he was elected
State senator, the interests of the district demand-
ing that he should accept this office. He discharged
the obligations laid upon him with exceptional zeal
and ability, proving one of the most conscientious
and industrious members of the Legislature.
Mr. Corbin is a man of singular plainness, di-
rectness of manner, remarkable simplicit)', sincerity
and frankness. His 'natural ability is self-evident,
and impresses the beholder at once. Strong, fear-
less and broad-minded, his democratic style sits
well upon his massive frame and becomes his sim-
plicity of life and speech. There is a sincere cor-
diality underlying- his character which unmistak-
ably attracts and attaches to him hosts of friends.
A noble product of the plain, manly and indus-
trious life of New England, he is a credit to his
forbears, as well as to the institutions of his coun-
try and era, and an honor to the business element
of America.
Mr. Corbin was married, June 21, 1848, to
Francina T., daughter of Henr^r W. Whiting, of
New Britain. Three children were born to this
union, of whom two are now living, viz. : Charles
F., associated with his father in business ; and
Nellie L., wife of William Beers, of New Britain.
JAMES KILLAM ANDREWS, who passed
away Nov. 3, 1899, was one of Glastonbury's best-
known business men, and a member of an old Con-
necticut family, being of the eight generation in
descent from John Andrus, who came to America
about i6]p2. This worthy pioneer was one of the
eighty-four proprietors of Tunxis, now Farming-
ton, in Hartford county, and was a man of wealth
and prominence. He died in 1681, and Mary, his
wife, died in 1694. By some of his descendants
the name is still spelled Andrus, but in other
branches it is written Andrews. The children of
John and Mary Andrus were : Mary, born 1643,
married Thomas Barnes ; John, born 1645 J Han-
nah, born 1647, married Obediah Richards; Abra-
ham, born 1648, married Sarah Porter ; Daniel, born
1649; Joseph, born 1651, married Rebecca ;
Rachel, born 1654, married Ezekiel Buck, of Weth-
crsfield ; Stephen, born 1656, died young; and Ben-
jamin, born 1659, married Marj' Smith.
Daniel Andrus, third son of John and Mary
Andrus, lived in Farmington, and in 1672 he was
recognized as one of the eighty-four proprietors.
He was a prominent man, and was mentioned on
the records as one of the "townsmen." He died
April 6, 1 73 1. His wife's name is not known, but
they had a large family, as follows : Daniel, Jr.,
born March 9, 1672, married Mabel Goff Oct. 30,
1707; Mary, born Dec. 9, 1674, married Isaac
Cowles; Joseph, born Aug. 10, 1676, married Su-
sannah Hough; Thomas, born June 3, 1678; John,
born June 10, 1680, married Mary Goff; Martha,
born July 17, 1682; Hannah, Jan. 13, 1684; Paul,
Jan. 2, 1686; Stephen, born Aug. 2, 1689, mar-
ried Abigail Dodge; and Ebenezer, born Aug. 28,
1692.
Daniel Andrus, Jr., made his home near the
line between Wethersfield and Farmington. He
died Aug. 21, 1748, and his wife, Mabel Goff, who
was born Oct. 31, 1690, died May 9, 1768. They
had eight children : Joseph, born 171 1 ; Abigail, born
July 22, 1713; Mabel, boi'n June 6, 1715, married
Charles Kelsey; Eunice, born Sept. 18, 171-, mar-
ried James Ke'lsey ; Daniel, born May 12, 1720, mar-
ried Eunice Kelsey; Hannah, born Sept. S, 1723,
married James Judd; Jacob, born Jan. 24, 1729,
married Eunice Emmons ; Hezekiah, born Aug. 14,
1 73 1, married Anna Steadman.
Joseph Andrus, born 171 1, was married, Dec.
13, 1733, to Elizabeth Wilcox, a widow, and later
he married Theoda Penclal. He located in South
Glastonbury at a place called "Shingle Hollow,"
and by occupation he was a farmer and mechanic.
He had three children: Daniel, born 1734, is men-
tioned below; Joseph, born April 17, 1745, in Glas-
tonbury, was married. May 25, 1769, to Susannah
Brooks, of that town; and John, born in Glaston-
bury.
Daniel Andrus, eldest son of Joseph, was born
in "Shingle Hollow." In 1777 he took the oath
of fidelity in Glastonbury, and he was in the Revo-
lutionary war as a member of the Second Com-
pany, 5th Regiment Militia. He lived on the farm
now occupied by our subject, and his death oc-
curred Dec. 3, 1818. His wife, Anna Eddy, of
Glastonbury, died Dec. 10, 1827. They had chil-
dren as follows : John married Lucy Eddy ; Molly
married Jacob Judd, of New Britain, Conn. ; Dorcas
married Ephraim Bidwell ; Anna married Thomas
Lewis ; Phebe married Ephrapas Chapman, of Glas-
tonbury ; Rachel, born 1776, married David Taylor,
of South Glastonbury ; Charles died at the age of
eighteen years ; Daniel, Jr., is mentioned below ;
Betsey, born Dec. 15, 1785, married Luman Taylor,
of Glastonbury.
Daniel Andrus, son of Daniel and Anna An-
1284
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
driis, and the grandfather of our subject, was born
June 4, 1780, on the old home farm, where he
passed his life in agricultural pursuits. lie was a
tine specimen of the race, being healthy, vigorous
and athletic. The Middlctown correspondent of
the Evening Press, under date of Alay 29, 1871,
had this to say respecting him : "A Mr. Andrus, of
South Glastonbury, aged ninety-one years, walked
from that town to I'ortland on Sunday last to at-
tend services at Trinity Church. He stepped olif
as smart as any young man and read the services
without the aid of spectacles." He died Nov. 11,
1871, and was buried with Masonic honors, hav-
ing been one of the leading members of Columbia
Lodge, F. & A. AL, of South Glastonbury. He was
married, Alarch 3, 181 1, to Laura Stevens, a de-
scendant of Rev. Timothy Stevens, the first min-
ister at Glastonbury. She was born March 20,
1786, and died IMarch 19, 1857. They had three
children: Harriet Maria, born May 5, 1814, mar-
ried Samuel Andrus, of Hartford ; I'.mily, born May
26, 1817, was married, Dec. 25, 183S, to Capt. Will-
iam W. Abbey ; and George Stevens, born March
30, 1819, married Louise H. Killam.
George Stevens Andrews was born and reared
on the homestead, later occupied by our subject,
and his education was obtained in the local schools.
He entered the employ of the Colt Manufacturing
Co., of Hartford, and was engaged in the work of
"stocking pistols ;" later he went to England, and
was employed in Colt's factory there. He fol-
lowed this line of work until past middle age, when
he suffered the loss of the sight of his left eye. He
then returned to his native town, developed the
quarry of feldspar which abounded on his farm,
and built the mill for grinding the product, being
engaged in that business until his death, which
occurred in 1891. He was a prominent citizen, and
a leading Democrat, and served in the Legislature
and on the board of selectmen. On Nov. 17, 1841,
he married Louise Hillard Killam, who was born
in 1822, at Preston, opposite Norwich, Conn., daugh-
ter of James and Caroline (Holden) Killam. Her
father was engaged in tool manufacturing, and in
later years was a farmer in South Glastonbury.
George S. and Louise H. Andrews had four chil-
dren, as follows : George H., born June 18, 1846,
married Isabelle Robertson, .and settled in Mid-
dletown ; he was a contractor ard mason, and did
ornamental work in the plastering line, and was
completing work on the cathedral in Hartford, and
employed in ornamental work on the "Allyn
House" in that city, when he died, Feb. 8, 1S99.
James K., our subject, was next in the' order of
birth. Jessie Louise, born July 23, 1850, was mar-
ried, Dec. 29, 1870, to Robert Mitchell, the present
town clerk of Portland. Edward died in infancv.
James Killam Andrews was born Feb. 25, 1848,
in the house he occupied at the time of his death,
and his education was such as was then obtainable
in the district school. On leaving school he was
employed on the home farm and in his father's
mill, the grinding of feldspar having become an
important business, and he assisted his father in
managing the business until the latter's death, when
ho purchased the interest of the other heirs in the
farm and feldspar mill, operating both. The feld-
s])ar is found in various quarries near the mill,
which he controlled, his entire product consisting
of nearly 5,000 pounds daily, all ground to the fine-
ness of Hour, it is shipped to Manchester, where
it is made into a scouring cake called "Bon Ami"
(good friend). The cakes are sold all over the
world, and the business increased steadily under
our subject's management. He was a Democrat in
politics, and was chosen selectman in 1893, serv-
ing on the board two terms. He attended the
Episcopal Church, and socially was much esteemed,
his family sharing with him the good opinion of
the communitv.
In 1873 Mr. Andrews was inarried to Miss
Emily CrijJiJs. a native of Wabaunsee, Kans., and
daughter of Samuel Cripps, a blacksmith and
wagon-maker of that town. The children born to
this union are: (i) Harry J. married Miss Grace
Endress, and has one son, James Henry, born Nov.
20, 1899; they are living in South Glastonbury,
Mr. Andrews being employed as overseer in the
grinding mill; (2) Alice is at home; (3) Daniel
\\'. assists in the work of the farm; and (4) Lena
Belle is at home.
STEPHEN MORGAN WELLS, Sr., one of
Wcthersfield's most prominent agriculturists and
highly-respected citizens, was born Sept. 25, 1830,
on what is known as the Wells farm in that town,
and belongs to one of the oldest and most dis-
tinguished-families of Connecticut, many of its
rci^resentatives having held honorable and responsi-
ble positions in county. State and National affairs
from Colonial days down to the present time. The
family is of French and English origin, and was
founded in England at the time of the Norman
Conquest. By one branch of the family the name
is spelled Welles, w'hile others, including our sub-
ject, spell it Wells.
The first to come to America was Thomas
Wells, one of the first governors of Connecticut.
He was born in the County of Essex, England, in
1598, and came to this country with the early set-
tlers as secretary to Say and Seal, who afterward
returned to England. He located in Saybrook
about 1636, and later removed to Hartford, becom-
ing one of the first magistrates of that town. Sub-
sequently he filled the office of governor, and held
other public positions. He died Jan. 14^ 1659, or
1660, and was buried in Hartford. For his first
wife he married Elizabeth Hunt, who died in 1640,
and for his second he wedded Elizabeth Foote,
vridow of Nathaniel Foote, and sister of John Dem-
ing, one of the first settlers of Wethersfield. She
died July 28, 1683, aged eighty-eight years. The
^A, yni£^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1285
-^
children of Gov. Wells were as follows : Ann, bom
in England, in 1619, was married, April 14, 1646,
to Thomas Thompson, of Farmington, who died
April 25, 1655, ^"d for liei' second husband she
wedded Anthony Hawkins, of Farmington; John,
the next in order of birth, is mentioned below;
Robert, born in England in 1624, died in 1659 ;
Thomas was born in England in 1627; Samuel
was born in 1630; Sarah, born in 1632, was mar-
ried in February, 1653, to Capt. John Chester, of
Wethersfield, who died Feb. 23, 1698, and she died
Dec. 16, 1608; Mary bom in 1634, died young;
and Joseph was born in Hartford in 1637.
(II) John Wells, son of Gov. Wells, was bom
in England, in 1621, and came to America with
his parents. He made his home in Stratford, Conn.,
where he died in 1659. He held several public
offices, and was one of the leading citizens of his^
town. In 1647 he married Elizabeth Curtis, sister
of William Curtis, of Stratford, and daug'hter of
John Curtis, one of the first settlers of that town.
She was again married, in 1662, her second hus-
band being John Wilcoxson, of Stratford, bv whom
she had three children : Flannah, born Feb. 14,
1664; Elizabeth, born in July, 1666; and Mary,
born in April, 1668. Mr. Wilcoxson died in 1690.
The children of the first marriage were John, born
in 1648; Thomas and Robert (twins), bom .in 165 1 ;
Temperance, born in 1654; Samuel, born in 1656;
and Sarah, born Sept. 28, 1659.
(III) Robert Wells, son of John, was bom in
Stratford, but spent the greater part of his life in
Wethersfield, where he owned land and engaged in
farming. He was captain of a militia company,
and was quite a prominent man in his community.
He died on his farm in Wethersfield in June, 1714,
at the age of sixty-three years. In that town he
was married, in 1675, to Elizabeth Goodrich, a
native of Wethersfield, and a daughter of Ensign
William Goodrich. She died Feb. 17, 1697, and
for his second wife he married Mary . In
his family were the following children : Thomas,
born in 1676, lived in Wethersfield. He was mar-
ried, Sept. 28, 1699, to Hannah Warner, who died
Sept. 18, 1738, and for his second wife he married
Sarah Robbins. daughter of Capt. Joshua Robbins.
He died Sept. 21, 1741, and she on Dec. 3. 1744.
John, born in June, 1678, died young. Joseph,
next in the order of birth, is mentioned below.
Prudence was married, Oct. 2T, 1700, to Rev.
Anthony Stoddard, pastor of the Congregational
Church at Woodburv, and died in March. 1714.
Robert married Sarah Wolcott, daughter of Sam-
uel and Judith (Appleton) WolcOtt. Gideon mar-
ried Hannah Chester, of Wethersfield, Nov. 30,
1716, and died March 26, 1740, and for his second
husband she wedded Jonathan Hale, of Glastonbury.
(IV) Joseph Wells, son of Robert, was born in
Wethersfield in September, 1680, and became a
large land owner and prosperous farmer of that
town, where he died in 1744, and was there laid
to rest. On Jan. 6, 1709, he married Hannah
Robbins, who was bom in Wethersfield June 10,
1688, a daughter of Capt. Joshua and Elizabeth
Robbins. They had eight children, whose names
and dates of birth were as follows : John, Nov. 13,
1710; Prudence, Feb. 12, 1712; Esther, May, 1716;
Hannah, Aug. 5, 1718; Joseph, Sept. 17, 1720;
Eunice, March 25, 1723; Joshua, September, 1726;
and Christopher, December, 1729.
(V) Joshua Wells, son of Joseph, was quite
a land owner in what is known as the Wells Quarter
of Wethersfield, and throughout life followed the
occupation of farming. He died and was buried
in that town. Religiously he was a member of the
Congregational Church. He married Experience
Dickinson, also a native of Wethersfield, and a
member of the same Church. Their children were
Experience, born Aug. 14, 1758; Hannah, Oct.
26, 1759; Joshua, March 26, 1761 ; Levi, Oct. 17,
1762; Gideon, July 15, 1764; Prudence, Oct. 30,
1766; Pamela Aug. 30, 1768; Abigail, Jan. 20, I77r;
and Daniel, June 15. 1773-
(VI) Gideon Wells, son of Joshua, and grand-
father of our subject, was born on the Wells farm
in Wethersfield, received a fair education for that
tmie, and became quite a prominent citizen in his
comm-unity. He died March 19, 1810, and was
buried in Wethersfield cemetery. In March, 1789,
he married Emily Hart, who was born July 16,
1764, a daughter of Josiah and Abigail (Sluman)
Hart, and their children were Sluman, born June
12, 1790; William Hart, Dec. 15, 1792; Emily, Oct.
13, 1796; Romanta, May 4, 1798; Dudley, Aug.
13, 1800; Mary, Dec. 30, 1802; Pamela, May 3,
1806: and Prudence April 2, 1808.
(VII) Romanta Wells, father of our subject,
was born on the old Wells homestead, and there
spent his entire life as an agriculturist, being- one
of the pioneer seed and tobacco growers of Weth-
ersfield. He received only a district-school edu-
cation, but became a well-informed man, and was
held in high regard by all who knew him. Po-
litically he was first a Whig, later a Republican,
and in religious faith was an active and prominent
member of the Congregational Church. He died
upon his farm, Aug. 13, 1861, and was laid to
rest in Wethersfield cemetery. He wedded Mary
Anne Morgan, a native of Wethersfield, and a
daughter of Stephen Morgan, who lived first in
New London, Conn., and later in Wethersfield.
Our subiect is the eldest of the children born of this
union ; Emily Hart married Rev. Samuel P. Leeds,
of Flanover, N. H. ; Gideon, a prominent lawyer
of Springfield, Mass., married Marietta Gilbert,
daughter of Rev. M. S. Gilbert (he died in i8q7) :
Dudlev, residing at Wells Farms, married Felicia
FI. Hammer, of Wethersfield. and has four chil-
dren, Marv Ann, Hannah C. Churchill. Gideon and
James Dudley ; and Romanta married Emma Louise
Tuttle, and is engaged in tlie drug business in
Chicago,
1286
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(\'lllj Stephen iM. Wells, whose name intro-
duces this review, attended the district schools of
Wcthcrsfield, also the Wethersfield Academy, and
completed his education at a high school in west-
ern New York, where he studied surveying and
civil engineering. In 1851 and 1852 he was em-
ployed as a surveyor for the Lake Shore railroad
in that section of the Empire State, and later was
with the Providence & Fishkill railroad, now the
Highland Branch & Consolidated road; but after
the death of his father he returned to Wethers-
field and located on the old homestead, upon which
he has made many useful and valuahle improve-
ments. For a number of years he was extensively
engaged in the seed business and in general farm-
ing, and he is now interested in the dairy business
a,' a stockholder and director of the Spring Brook
Creamery, of which he was president for a num-
ber of years and is now vice-president. Since 1876
he has bred Ayrshire cattle, and is an active member
of the Ayrshire Breeders Association, serving on
the executive board since the association was or-
ganized.
On March 5, 1856, in Xew London. Conn.,
l\Ir. Wells married Miss Sarah Crannell Tate, a
native of that place, and a daughter of \\'iltiam
Tate. To them were born eight children: \'ir-
ginia Tate, ^Fay t8, 1857: Anne Morgan, Oct.
6. 1859; Dudley, ]\[av 17. 1861: F.maline C, Aug.
26, 1862: William Tate, July 26, 1864 (he mar-
ried Grace Woodhouse Capron. and is now with
the .^tna Insurance Co. at Hartford) ; Stephen
Morgan, Jr.. Sept. 6. 1866 Che was married. Oct. Q,
1895, to Ella Washburn Sessions, and resides in
Bristol. Conn.) ; Sarah Crannell. Julv 31. 1869: and
Emily Hart, July 30. 1871. The wife and mother,
who was a consistent member of the Congregational
Church, died June 18. 1882, and was buried at
Cedar Hill. For his second wife Tslv. Wells mar-
ried Harriet jNIerriman Woodhouse. a native of
Wethersfield, and a daughter of the late Samuel
Woodhouse, and sister of Samuel N. Woodhouse,
a prominent citizen of Wethersfield. She was the
widow of Cornelius E. Capron, of New Britain,
bv whom she had Grace Woodhouse, who was mar-
ried June 19, 1895. to AVilliam Tate Wells, a son
of our subject, and has had two children, Harriet
Merriman and William Tate, Jr.
JMr. Wells takes a deep interest in local affairs,
especially educational -matters, and was active in
the building of the Wethersfield high school. As
a progressive farmer he is deeply interested in
matters agricultural, is a member of the State
Board of Agriculture and the State Experiment
Board, and was a charter member of Wethers-
field Grange. For many years he was chairman
and secretary of the State Agricultural Societv.
As a breeder of pure Ayrshire stock, for several
years his herd took prizes at many of the State
and National exhibitions, which won for him a wide
reputation. He was the first president of the Spring
Brook Creamery, and held that position for sev-
eral years.
Mr. \\'ells has always taken an active part in
educational matters ; was chairman of the board of
school visitors of Wethersfield, and during his ad-
ministration the Wethersfield high school was
built. He is a stanch supporter of the men and
measures of the Rei)uljlican party, and though he
works hard for its interests he has never been
an office seeker. In 1865 he was elected to the
State Legislature, and most capably served as rep-
resentative for one term ; he has twice received the
nomination for State senator, and, though defeated,
ran ahead of his ticket. He is a genial and pleas-
ant gentleman, keeps well informed on the leading
events of the dav. and is a faithful member of the
Congregational Church.
HON. ALFRED E. PHELPS, a prominent
business man of Xaubuc, has an extensive trade in
coal, and is also interested in tobacco growing and
general agriculture. His excellent judgment and
knowledge of the world are combined with an agree-
able personality, which has made him popular in
social and political life.
Mr. Phelps' familv has resided at Glastonbury
for many years, his grandfather, Abram Phelps, a
blacksmith by trade, having resided near the site
of the brick school house, south of the ixist office,
and later in a house on Naubuc avenue, where his
death occurred. This Avorthy citizen married a
Miss Pelton, of Portland, Conn., and had five chil-
dren : Harriet married Frederick Cooley, of Glas-
tonburv. and now resides in Worcester. Mass.
Philo F., our subject's father, is mentioned below.
Cynthia Ann married Samuel Clark, of East Hart-
ford, and both are now deceased. Franklin F. set-
tled in Worcester, Mass., in early manhood, en-
gaging in the stove and tinware business. He
married Sabria , and died in 1888. Eliza
married Henry Smith, who died in 1898, and she
now resides in New Haven, where her three sons
are in business.
Philo F. Phelps, father of our subject, was born
Aug. 14, 1818, at the old homestead on Naubuc
avenue, and received a district-school education
in his youth. As a young man he engaged in boat-
ing on the Connecticut river, and for many years he
was captain of a schooner which carried stone and
brick from Portland, Conii., to Flartford. When
he finally retired from this business he opened the
coal yard now operated by our subject, and by
his excellent judgment he succeeded in establishing
it upon a sound basis. At his death, which oc-
curred April 9, 1891, he left a large estate. Polit-
ically he was a Democrat, and at times he held local
offices, including those of selectman and member
of the board of relief. His wife, Ann S. Wrisley,
who died Dec. 18. 1880. was a native of Glaston-
bury, and daughter of George S. and Sarah
(Keeney) Wrisley. Our subject was the eldest of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1287
a family of five children. Of the others (2) Sher-
man S. married Mary Moyer, of Philadelphia, and
in later years was a farmer in Glastonbury. At
one time he was captain of the tug boat "Mabel,"
that ran between Hartford and New York City,
and he was on board when it blew up in 188 1. (3)
Estella now resides in Glastonbury. (4) Helen,
widow of Clarence Stevens, also resides in Glaston-
bury. (5) Emma J. married Roswell Hollister,
and they are living in Hartford.
Alfred E. Phelps was born Dec. 2, 1847, ^" 'i
house on Main street, Glastonbury, and as a boy
attended the common schools of that town. On
leaving school he assisted his father on the schooner
for a time, and afterward served an apprenticeship
to the engineer's trade with James Forsey, of Nau-
buc. He spent several years in Mr. Forsey's fac-
tory, but later engaged in the coal business with his
father, and since the death of the latter he has had
full charge. His business is now one of the largest
in the county in that line. In politics he is a Dem-
ocrat, and for one term, 1887-88, was selectman,while
for two terms he has been tax collector, and in 1887
served as representative. He is a member of Das-
kam Lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., in which he has
passed all the chairs ; and he also belongs to Pyth-
agoras Chapter, No. 17; Wolcott Council, No, i;
Washington Commandery, No. i ; and the Mystic
Shrine. The family is identified with the Episcopal
Church.
Mr. Phelps was married, on June 4, 1872, to
Miss Isabel S. Griswold, a native of Glastonbury,
daughter of James M. and Sarah (Sellew) Gris-
wold, farming people of that town. The only son
of this union, William G., was born April 27, 1877,
and lives at home, assisting his father in business.
He is a graduate of a Hartford business college.
SAMUEL C. TREAT (deceased) was the son
of a farmer in the town of Glastonbury, where he
was born July 19, 1820. His early education was
acquired in the district schools and the academy,
after completing which he learned the trade of a
mason and stonecutter.
At the age of twenty-one our subject left the
paternal roof and began the battle of life for him-
self, working at his trade in the town where he was
born. Two years later (1843) he married Miss
Catherine Willis, also a native of that place, born
Aug. 25, 1820, and the same year he purchased a
small farm in Glastonbury, paying for it out of his
savings from his daily toil. After five years spent
there he returned to his father's farm, remaining-
for a short time, and meantime still working at his
trade. In 1848 Mr. Treat bought another farm,
in the town of Bolton, Tolland Co., Conn., on
which he remained for a few years, removing
thence to Manchester; he there purchased several
acres of land, on which he resided until death
claimed him in 1898, and where his widow still has
her home. After coming to Manchester Mr. Treat
carried on a remunerative business as a contracting
mason, and accumulated a comfortable competence,
retiring from active business about fifteen years
before his death. He was a quiet, unassuming man,
of kindly disposition, whose life, if not eventful,
was crowned with its full meed of success. Com-
mencing life with no capital other than skillful,
willing hands, an active brain and a keen sense of
integrity, he made his own fortune and left a
moderate estate, including three tenement houses
in Manchester, besides other valuable property. In
politics he was a Democrat.
Mr. Treat's marriage was blessed with three
children: Edward C, born Feb. i, 1846, who died
July 15, 1889; Susie A., born July 15, 1849; ^^icl
Samuel, born Dec. 14, 1854. The daughter married
Arthur Parsons, of Brooklyn, in which city she is
still living, and has had six children, Clinton, lier-
bert, Bessie, Alfred, Robert and Harold.
THOMAS GRANT ALCORN, M. D., a rising
young physician of Enfield, was born in the village
of Thompsonville Sept. 21, 1867, son of John and
Barbara (Hamilton) Alcorn, natives of Counties
Antrim and Tyrone, Ireland, respectively.
Dr. Alcorn's paternal grandparents were Mat-
thew and Sarah (McCaughen) Alcorn, naitives, re-
spectively, of Counties Derry and Antrim, Ireland.
His great-grandfather, Andrew Alcorn, also a na-
tive of Ireland, married a Miss McCoy, a native of
Scotland. One of the great-grandfathers of our
subject was John McCaughen, also a native of Scot-
land, and a linen manufacturer in the North of
Ireland. The maternal grandparents were Samuel
and Jane (Hamilton) Hamilton, of County Tyrone,
Ireland.
Dr. Alcorn's parents came to America in 1847,
and settled in Thompsonville, where the father, a
machinist by trade, entered the employ of the
Thompsonville Carpet Works Co., now the Hartford
Carpet Works Co., and, with the exception of nine
years, when he was in the employ of the Enfield
Stockinet Co., he was connected with them until
his death. May 17, 1899. His family was as fol-
lows: Eliza (Mrs. Charles S. Morrison), John S.,
Matthew (deceased), Isabel, Thomas G., Mary,
Emma and Charles.
Thomas Grant Alcorn was reared in Thompson-
ville, and educated in the public schools of that vil-
lage and at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf-
field, being a graduate of both. In 1889 he began
the study of medicine in Washington, D. C, at-
tending between times lectures at Columbia Uni-
versity, and later he entered the office of Dr. E. F.
Parsons, of Thompsonville, and was a student there
for four years. He attended lectures at the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, Boston, one year, and
took a post-graduate course at Boston City Hos-
pital in 1898. During the four years he was as-
sociated with Dr. Parsons he practiced his profes-
sion in Thompsonville, and is now rated among the
1288
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
leading practitioners of that village. In politics
he is a Republican. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE PERRY L.VNGDON (deceased)
was for man)' years prominently identified with the
business interests of Soulhington, and was a recog-
nized leader in commercial circles. He was a na-
tive of Alabama, born in Marion Sept. 9, 1842, but
belonged to an old and honored family of Hartford
county.
The first to come to the Xew World was George
Langdon, who located in Wethersfield, this county,
about 1636, but later removed to Springfield, Mass.,
and from there to Northampton, where lie died
Dec. 29, 1676.
(H) John Langdon, son of George, was born
in England, and lived in Farmington, this county,
where he served as deputy to the General Court
in October, 1668. He was made a freeman in
October, 1669, and died in 1689.
(HI) Joseph Langdon, son of John, also made
his home in Farmington. He was married in Octo-
ber, 1683, to Susannah, daughter of John and Mary
(Kilbourn) Root, and died April 2, 1749.
(lY) Joseph Langdon, son of Joseph, Sr., was
born in Farmington in March, 1688, and was mar-
ried Dec. 24, 1713, to Rachel, daughter of Samuel
and Rachel (Porter) Cowles. He lived in South-
ington, where his death occurred.
(V) Giles Langdon, son of Joseph, Jr., was born
July 22, 1720, and was married Nov. 4, 1751, to
Ruth Andrews, daughter of Stephen and Ruth
(Barnes) Andrews. He died in December, 1777.
(\'I) Giles Langdon, son of Giles, Sr., was
born in Southington ^lay 24, 1763, and was mar-
ried Jan. 20, 1785, to Sarah Carter, daughter of
Abel and Mary (Coach) Carter, of Southington.
He was a farmer by occupation, and held the mili-
tary rank of captain. He died Feb. 11, 1847.
(A'H) Perry Langdon, son of Giles, Jr., and
grandfather of our subject, was born in Southing-
ton March 12, 1786, and in that town followed
farming throughout life, dying there April 15,
1869. He was married May 5, 1814, to Lucy Hart,
daughter of Col. Samuel and Rosanna (Clark)
Hart
(Vni) Augustus Perrv Langdon, the father
of our subject, was born in Southington April 11,
1815, and was married IMarch 30, 1837, to Lu-
cretia Benjamin, daughter of John E. and Harriet
(Lewis) Benjamin. By this union two children
were born : Lewis, who married Abb)' Wight-
man ; and George P., our subject. The father re-
moved to Marion, Ala., where he engaged in busi-
ness until his death, Oct. 22, 1853.
(IX) George P. Langdon, the subject of this
sketch, remained in his native place until twelve
j'ears of age, when he came to Southington, Conn.,
and spent the following six years here. He then
went to Dubuque, Iowa, but after a sojourn there
of six years returned to Southington, where he
continued to make his home throughout life, with
the exception of two years spent in the cotton com-
mission business in Mobile, Ala. For a number of
years he engaged in the drug business in South-
ington. He was essentially a business man, and
took no part in public affairs except to exercise his
right as a voter. Politically he was a Democrat.
He died Dec. 28, 1884, honored and respected by all
who knew him.
On Feb. 22, 1867, Mr. Langdon was united in
marriage with Miss Julia P. Willcox, of South-
ington, and to them were born three children who
reached years of maturity: William Augustus,
George Perry (who niarried Wilhelmina Racher,
of Southington) and Clarence Willcox.
WiLLi.\M Willcox, Mrs. Langdon's father, was
born May 2, 1816, and was married July i, 1840,
to Sally Ami Bristol, a daughter of Julius and
Sally (Barnes) Bristol. He was a man of promi-
nence in Southington, held the office of selectman,
and was one of the leading members of the Uni-
tarian Church. His father, Francis W. Willcox,
was born July 8, 1787, and was married June 30,'
1808, to Paulina Andrews, daughter of Josiah and
Rebecca (Bishop) Andrews. He was a farmer by
occupation, and lived in the Flanders District of
Southington, and later at Southington. He was a
Democrat in politics, and being one of the lead-
ing and inlluential men of the town he was called
upon to serve as judge of probate, selectman, and
member of the Legislature (for the period of sev-
enteen years). He died March 19, 1861, and his
wife died Aug. 8, 1866, at the age of eighty years.
He was a son of Justus Willcox, who was born in
I\Iiddletown in 1750, and a grandson of Elijah
Willcox.
, CLINTON W. COWLES is entitled to a fore-
most rank among the prominent and wealthy citi-
zens of Hartford county, and he belongs to a fam-
ily whose members have for the last half century
taken an active part in the affairs of this section of
the State. He is a native of the town in which he
makes his home, having beert born July 9, 1841,
near Buckland's Corners, in Manchester.
Stephen Cowles, grandfather of the gentleman
whose name introduces these lines, was a native of
Springfield, Vt., and in about 1834 came with his
family to Hartford county, Conn., locating at
Hilliardville, where he began work in the woolen
mills. The trip was made in the winter time, with
sled and ox-team. Stephen Cowles passed away in
1847, at the advanced age of ninety-two years ; he
was tall and spare in build. His family consisted
of nine children, namely: Stephen, Austin, Eliza,
Francis W., Paulina, Nancy, Martha, Mary and
Walter.
Francis W. Cowles, father of our subject, was
born July 4, 1805, in Springfield, Vt., and in early
manhood came to Hartford county, where he be-
lr<r-aiJU<^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1289
came one of the most influential men of his day.
He was a self-made man, having few opportunities
in his )'ounger life, as wiien a mere boy he began
work in the Milliard woolen mills, and when six-
teen years of age he went to Buckland's Corners,
where at that time there was a hotel and stage
stables located on the old stage road between Bos-
ton and Hartford. Here he was employed until
he reached his majority, when he purchased the
old tavern, and conducted it successfully until 1846,
when he removed to the farm now owned and oc-
cupied by his son Walter W. in Manchester town.
He carried on general farming and stock raising,
breeding Jersey cattle, and for the first few years
had a grocery business in connection at Buckland's
Corners. Mr. Cowles became intimately identified
with the history and advancement of Hartford
•county, and his personal worth and popularity may
be estimated from the fact that up to the time of
his death he and Dr. C. W. Jacques and Ralph
■Cheney were the only Democrats who represented
the town of Manchester in the Legislature since it
was set off from the town of East Hartford. The
following article, written by his intimate friend and
boyhood companion, Judge James Campbell, at the
time of his death, best describes a character in which
were combined those qualities of head and heart
which go to make the able business man, the faith-
ful official, the true friend and loving parent:
One after another the old landmarks of Manchester
Tiave been removed until we come to the last with two or
three exceptions; and when we count the remaining few we
involuntarily exclaim, "Our Father, where are they?" Mr.
Cowles moved into Manchester with father when a mere
child and the town was his home until his death. Manches-
ter then belonged to East Hartford and was known only by
the "five-mile tract." At an early day he took an active
interest in public affairs, more especially all matters per-
taining to his own town. He had an ardent, sanguine tem-
perament, and therefore whatever he did was done earn-
estly and zealously. He had a retentive memory and was a
-close observer of passing events, so that up to his last sick-
ness he probably could give a better history of Manchester
than any other man living therein. He always was a Demo-
crat, of the old Jackson school, in whom there was no guile,
and was in earlier years what may truthfully be denomina-
ted a partisan politician. But notwithstanding all this he
had the confidence of his townsmen to such an extent as to
be often elected to important offices in the town. He
became a leadmg man in political matters, in both town and
county. He served his town in the capacity of selectman
several years, administering its affairs economically and
wisely. He \Vas made justice of the peace for years in suc-
cession, and this much can be truthfully said of our dt-parted
townsman and neighbor, no public trust committed to his
hands suffered loss. Once he was put in nomination for
sheriff of his county and would have been elected had it
not been for the treachery of professed friends. It is true,
but this truth need not be smothered, that sometimes his
political zeal got so far the upper band of his judgment that
he allowed his tongue to send a poisoned arrow into the
■quivering flesh of some good Whig or Republican, and this
might be his tried fnend and neighbor. But such an offense on
reflection was sure to bring regret, and no man was more
ready to withdraw that arrow with a tender hand and mol-
lify the wound with the oil of repentance than was the sub-
ject of this brief memoir. Mr. Cowles had not the heart or
the ability to carry in his bosom for any length of time a
grudge against any man. My departed neighbor had noth-
ing visionary about him. With peculiarly sharp perceptive
faculties, his whole mind as restless as the ocean and a
body seemingly indifferent to rest or sleep, all presided over
by sound practical judgment and good common sense, he
necessarily attracted to him those in search of an adviser,
and his counsel was often sought by those in trouble, and
was uniformly and cheerfully given, and when followed
there was seldom cause for regret. Mr. Cowles was known
more extensively in neighboring towns than any other un-
pretending man in Manchester. It was no unusual thing
for him to be called into neighboring towns to aid in settling
neighborhood difficulties or other important matters. He
was a thorough, sagacious business man, and at his death
had accumulated quite a fortune, and was surrounded not
only by the comforts and conveniences, but also many of
the luxuries of a thriving well-to-do New England farmer.
He was a kind husband and a sympnthizing, indulgent
father. He was a domestic man. The writer of this has
often heard him say that the real happiness that had fal-
len to his lot had been found in his own home with his
family around him and that all the rest was but a mere
shadow. Mr. Cowles enjoyed in his reclining years what
many other fond parents have failed of, wliich was the
unswerving devotion and constant loving attention of his
children. His wants by them were anticipated and were
cheerfully as well as bountifully supplied. There were times
when Mr. Cowles paid serious attention to the subject of
religion, but he never became a member of any Church.
He was, however, a constant attendant upon divine service
on the Sabbath and contributed for its support liberally at
the North Manchester Second Congregational Church for
many years.
The writer was intimately acquainted with the subject
of this notice for more than forty years. He had faults and
he had no desire to extenuate them. He had virtues and he
had no desire to eulogize them. This much he can say of a
truth, that no man within the circle of his acquaintance ever
so freely subjected himself to the judgment of superficial
observers as did Francis W. Cowles. He made little or no
effort to conceal his faults. He was faithful and confiding
to his friends and forgiving to his enemies. Only a few hours
before the fatal shock that deprived him of consciousness,
anticipating its near approach, yet in full possession of all
his mental faculties, he called his family around him and
with fortitude and calmness unusual at such hour, even to
the most heroic faith, gave particular directions about his
funeral, requesting to be buried by his Masonic brethren.
Neighbor Cowles is gone. He will be greatly missed in the
town of Manchester and deeply mourned by his many
friends.
Francis W. Cowles was married, Nov. 12, 1834,
to Miss Harriet Wing, of East Hartford, daughter
of Sylvanus Wing, and they had a family of five
children, namely : Albert F., who is a farmer of
Manchester town; Harriet, who died in 1858; Clin-
ton W. ; Walter W., a prominent citizen of Man-
chester; and Martha J., deceased wife of Dwight
A. Moulton, of California, who is at present as-
sistant State treasurer of that State. Mr. Cowles'
death occurred in Manchester March 10, 1880,
when he was seventy-four years of age.
Clinton W. Cowles passed the first few years of
his life at Buckland's Corners, when five years of
age removing with his parents to the farm in Man-
chester town where he grew to manhood, the place
now occupied by his brother Walter W. Cowles.
He received his education in the public schools, first
attending district school No. 7, where among his
early teachers were Harriet, Jane and John Will-
iams. Continuing on the farm with his father un-
til the breaking out of the Civil war, he in 1861
1290
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
went out as sutler's clerk, serving as such from
Nov. I, 1861, until March, 1862, in \'irginia and
Maryland ; he was in the engagement at Antietam.
He was then appointed headquarter sutler of Gen.
Condin's brigade, holding that po.sition until his
return, in 18O4, to Manchester, where he opened a
mercantile business at Buckland's Corners on his
own account. In 1868 Mr. Cowles sold out this
establishment and started the first livery stable at
North ^lanchester, the following spring purchasing
what was then known as the "Weaver Hotel" and
since as the "Cowles Hotel," which he conducted
in partnership with his brother ^\■alter W. until
1881 and subsequently alone until 1887. l-'rom that
time to the present he has rented the hotel and liver\-,
devoting his attention entirely to his real-estate in-
terests in the town, which are extensive, and his
farms. He owns two tracts in Manchester of 100
acres each, his home place in that town consisting
of fifty acres, a fifty-acre place near South .Man-
chester and a seventy-acre farm at Manchester
Green. For a number of years Mr. Cowles has also
been engaged in settling estates, ami he carries on
an insurance and broker's business in connection
therewith. Like his father, he enjoys the confidence
and esteem of his townsmen to an uinisual degree,
and his opinion is frequently souglit at home and
elsewhere in matters of difficulty, his ability as an
arbitrator being unciueslioned. Like his father in
politics also, he is a strong Democrat, and though
not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term
he has held various offices, giving eminent satisfac-
tion in every incumbency. He represented his dis-
trict in the Legislature in 1879 '^"^l again in 1887.
In 1879 li<^ ^^■'^s elected selectman of Manchester,
re-elected in 1880 and continued in office until 1883,
and holds the office at the present writing. Fra-
ternallv he holds membership with ^Manchester
Lodged No. 73, F. & A. M.
On March 4, 1869, .Mr. Cowles was united in
marriage with Aliss Nellie A. Annis, who was born
in the town of Manchester, daughter of Charles
Annis, and they have had children as follows:
Francis W., who died when two years of age ; Hat-
tie W., now the wife of Charles W. Holeman. of
Bridgeport, Conn., a collector for Mr. Hicks ; Edith
F., wife of Charles J. Strickland, of ^lanchester;
and Walter W., who lives at home.
WILLIAM HAYWARD, who passed away in
August, 1899, '^^'^s a well-known brewer, of the
firm of Mathewson Brothers & Co., of Thompson-
ville, and one of the public-spirited and progressive
citizens of that place. He was born in London,
England, July 10, 1846, a son of George and Char-
lotte (Sturgnell) Hayward, also natives of Lon-
don. The father, who was a brewer by trade, came
to America about i860, and followed his vocation
in Canada, Troy, N. Y., New York City and Al-
bany. He died in Albany in 1879.
Our subject was reared in his native city, and
commenced learning the brewer's trade there, but
completed his apprenticeship in Albany, N. Y.,
where he located in 1865. In 1874 he came to
Thompsonville, Conn., and was employed in the
Mathewson brewery until 1895, when he became a
member of the firm of Alathewson Brothers & Co.,.
with which he was connected until his death. The
success that he achieved in life was due to his own
industry, enterprise and good management, for he
started out to make his own way in the world
empty-handed.
In 1875 Mr. Hayward married Miss Kate,
daughter of Henry I'ontifi.x, of Thompsonville, and
they became the parents of two children : Fannie
L. (now the wife of Robert Rosley) and Bertha.
Mr. Hayward was a pleasant, genial gentleman, a
member of the Episcopal Church, a Democrat in
politics, and a member of Doric Lodge, F. & .\.
^I., of Thompsonville.
RICH.VRD F. BROWN, j\I. D., one of the ris-
ing young physicians of Xew Britain, attested his
devotion to the profession he has adopted by the
splendid rank he acquired in his medical training.
He is young in years, but in the practice of a few
years has already estalilished for himself an en-
viable reputation as a physician.
The Doctor's father, James D. Brown, is a na-
tive of Brighton, Sussex county, England, where
he was born in 1828. When a young man he was
a member of the First King's Dragoon Guards, and
was one of a detachment sent to Ireland to capture
Smith O'Brien. While there he met a young Irish
lass. Miss Katherine Donohue, who was employed
at the home of Dr. John Peel. She was the daugh-
ter of Peter Donohue, a herdsman or overseer on
a large estate. An attachment sprang up, but cir-
cumstances prevented an immediate marriage.
Young Brown emigrated to America in 1853, and
his marriage to Katherine Donohue occurred Dec.
12, 1854, upon her arrival in America. In their
family of children were the following: Amelia
married and lives in New Britain ; James Francis
is deceased ; Margaret married F. E. Brady, of New
Britain ; Charles married a Miss Prelman ; Emma
is bookkeeper for Oldershow & Liddell, of Park
street; Richard F. is subject of this sketch. After
his arrival in America James D. Brown located
first in Newington, Conn., and followed the trade
of polisher. For a time he was a contractor at
Corbin's, and he then removed from New Britain
to Kensington, where for twenty-seven years he
worked for Jonathan Hart. He was a poor man
when he came to America and was without friends,
but he rapidly pushed to the front by the exercise
of energy and ability, and he became one of the
best mechanics in his line, acquiring also consider-
able property. In politics he was a strong Repub-
lican, and in religious faith an Episcopalian.
Richard F. Brown was born in Kensington,
Conn., Sept. i, 1870. He was educated in the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1291
high school, under Prof. Peck, and was graduated
in 1889. Entering the Medical School of Yale Col-
lege Oct. 2, 1889, Dr. Brown was graduated there-
from June 15, 1892, completing the regular course
of medicine. While at school he did special work
in pathology under Profs. White and Wheeler. Dur-
ing his second year he won the second prize of
$75 in a class of twenty-two. Dr. Brown began his
practice at New Britain in August, 1892, and has
since followed it continuously with great success.
He is a member of the medical societies of New
Britain, of Hartford county, and of Yale. He is a
member' of the American Protective Association,
and for two years has been examiner for Court
Charter Oak, Foresters.
VVILLIAM JOSEPH COYLE, M. D. Few
physicians in this section are better known than
the subject of this sketch, whose practice extends
over a wide radius from his home in the attractive
village of Windsor Locks. His thorough profes-
sional training was based upon an excellent col-
legiate education, which had prepared him for an
unusually useful career, and he is not only a suc-
cessful physician, but his interests extend to all
that pertains to good citizenship.
Dr. Co3de was born Feb. 8, 1853, '™ the North of
Ireland, a section which has produced many of our
ablest men. His father, James Coyle, was a farmer
by occupation, and came to this country about 1855,
locating at Waterbury, Conn. He married Mary
O'Brien, by whom he had eleven children, viz. :
James, of Waterbury, Conn. ; Fanu}', who resides in
Philadelphia, as does Delia, who is next in the
order of birth; Mary, Mrs. Deheron, of Providence,
R. I. ; Sarah, wife of Frederick Austin, of Water-
bury, Conn. ; Peter and Thomas, who were killed
by the cars at Jersey City in 1874; John, of New
South Wales, Australia : two who died in infancy ;
and William Joseph, who is the j'oungest. The
parents both died in AVaterburv, Conn., the father
in 1879, and the mother in 1881.
As a boy William J. Coyle studied in the schools
of Waterbury, and after graduating from the high
school he attended successively St. Hy.acinthe Col-
lege, in Quebec, the University of Niagara, St.
John's University, at Fordham, N. Y., and Montreal
Grand Seminary. Then he began the study of med-
icine with Dr. North, of Waterbury, and later en-
tered the medical and surgical department of Buf-
falo University, at Buffalo, N. Y., from which he
was graduated Feb. 24, 1885. During the succeed-
ing spring, summer and fall he took his brother-in-
law's practice at Binghamton, N. Y., and in the
following winter located at Windsor Locks, Conn.,
v/here he soon built up a large country practice in
the towns of Windsor, East Windsor, Windsor
Locks, East Granby, Suffield and Enfield, At pres-
ent he is medical examiner for the Northwestern
Mutual Insurance Co., the Knights of Columbus,
the Catholic Benevolent Legion, and the Hive of the
Ladies of the Maccabees of the World. He is also
active in local affairs, having been a valued member
of the school board for the past twelve years.
On Jan. 14, 1880, Dr. Coyle was married, at
Auburn, N. Y., to Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter
of James and Mary Ann Mulheron, and five chil-
dren have brightened their home : Mary, Annie,
Loretta, William and Bruce. In religious faith the
Doctor is a Catholic, and he and his wife are promi-
nent members of St. Mary's Parish, Windsor Locks.
JOHN L. KELLY, A. B., M. D., one of the
younger medical practitioners of New Britain, has
evinced in the opening of his career the advantages
which come professionally to the graduate of med-
ical science in its present advanced stage of develop-
ment. He has given special attention to the mastery
of the more recent discoveiies, and in his practice
during the past several years has attained more than
the usual degree of success.
Dr. Kelly was born March 7, 1868, at New
Britain. His father, John J. Kelly, is a native of
Limerick, Ireland, where he was born in the year
1846. His youth was passed in his native land,
assisting his father, John Kelly, a carpenter, in the
manufacture of small wooden articles. He received
a good schooling, and when about twenty years of
age emigrated to America, locating about 1866 at
Petersburg, Va., where for a time he was employed
as foreman on a large plantation. Later he removed
to New Britain, where he worked for a time for
the Corbins, and later entered the Stanley works,
polishing butts, and becoming a contractor with
profit and success. This business he followed for
about fourteen years, when he retired. John J.
Kelly is in religious faith a Roman Catholic, and in
politics a Democrat, though he has never taken an
active part in party affairs. He is distincth^ a self-
made man, and has been successful in life. He
married Catherine Mead, of New Britain, daugh-
ter of John Mead, now deceased.
John L. Kelly was educated in the public schools
of New Britain, and was graduated in 1888. For
a period of about nine months with each firm he
was then bookkeeper for P. F. McCarty and John
E. Stack, successively. In the fall of 1890 he en-
tered Holy Cross College, at Worcester, Mass.,
where he remained three years and was graduated
in 1892, taking the degree of A. B. In the fall of
1892 he entered the Medical School of Yale Col-
lege, whence he was s;raduated in 1896. During his
professional course Dr. Kellv made a special study
of bacteriology, then rising into prominence in the
medical world. In September, 1896, Dr. Kelh^ be-
gan practice at New Britain. He has attained great
success, due largely to the close application which
he has ever bestowed upon his merlical education.
He has followed general practice, devoting consid-
erable attention to diagnosis. Dr. Kelly is a mem-
ber of the New Britain Medical Society. Fraternally
he belongs to Lodge No. 10, Order of Chosen
Friends, and to Court Friendly, No. 45, Foresters.
It is to his credit that his professional training is
1292
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
due lai",L;cl\- lu his own efforts, and this circumstance
lias aided not a little in advancing- him well to the
front ranks of the medical fraternity.
The Doctor was married, in June, 1899, to Miss
Nellie Emmett, of New Britain. The family is
one of the oldest in the State.
HON. NELSON FRANKLiX TAVLOU, who
for several years has been prominently identified
with the public affairs of Kensington and the town
of Berlin, was born in Wilmington, N. C, March
12, 1850, a son of George Taylor, who was born in
Oswego, N. Y.. May 12, 1819, and was a represen-
tative of an old New York family.
The father s])ent his early life 'in Oswego, but
after the death of his mother, which occurred when
he was young, the family came to Berlin, Conn.
He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
at Mobile, Ala., for two years: but as the climate
there did not agree with his health he returned to
Berlin at the end of that time. The next year, how-
ever, lie removed to North Carolina, and while resid-
ing there returned to Connecticut and was married
July 2, 1845, '^^'' i^fiss Harriet Maria Hale, who was
horn in South Glastonbury, Jan. 26, 1825, a daugh-
ter of Josiah and Fannie AFaria (I'idwelH Hale.
With his bride Mr. Taylor returned to North Caro-
lina, where he made his home for about eb-n-en years
in all, conducting a general store near Wilming-
ton. He was also quite an extensive dealer in tur-
pentine. In 1854 he returned to Berlin, Conn., and
purchased a farm of one hundred acres in the Fourth
district of Kensington, operating same until his
death, wh'ich occurred Dec. 29, 1891. He was a
liberal-minded man : physically was of medium
height ; was a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party, but gave little attention to politics, though he
filled the office of magistrate, and w-as a consistent
member of the Kensington ^lethodist Church. Tn
his family were nine children, three of whom are
still living, (i) George Loveland, born in North
Carolina. l\rarch 8. 184S. was a farmer of Kensing-
ton; he died Sept. i, 1899. He married IN lary j\lc-
Grath, of Southington, who was born March 31.
185.=;. a daughter of Thomas and Julia (AMieeler)
McGrath. and they had two children. Frederick
George and Cora ]\Iay, both Ixirn in the house where
the mother of our subject now lives. The former
was born Jan. 29. 1877, and 'is now a bookkeeper
for the Russell & Erwin Co.. at New Britain. Conn.
The latter was born May i, 1880, and is at home.
(2) Nelson F. comes next in the order of birth. (3)
Jason M., l>orn in 1839, is mentioned elsewhere.
Nelson F. Tavlor attended the Kensington dis-
trict school, pursnino- Ijis studies under the direction
of Libbie Cole, Abbie Barnes, and James Wheeler,
one of the best teachers of his dav. As his father
had lost hcavilv in the South, and was in rather
limited circumstances on his return to Berlin, he was
compelled to work hard, and was able to attend
school only about four years. On Nov. i, 1866, at
the age of sixteen years, he left home and went to
Hartford, where he clerked in the shoe store of
Leonard Goddard for five years. The following
two years he spent upon his father's farm in Berlin,
and then went to Meriden, where he worked in sev-
eral shops at a "rouge buffing," finally accepting a
])Osition with the Meriden Britannia Co., where he
remained sixteen years. Returning to iSerlin, Mr.
Taylor was elected first selectman in 1889, and lor
the following six years gave his attention to the
duties of that office. In 1891 he was elected deputy
sheriff, and while 'in that office some of the most im-
portant cases ever heard in Hartford county were
tried. He was more successful in capturing law-
breakers than any other man who has filled that
office here. He has served as constable for the past
fifteen years, and was postmaster at Kensington
for four years during President Cleveland's second
administration. Believing that "to the victor be-
longs the si)oils." as soon as President McKinleywas
elected he sent in his resignation to Congressman
Henry, but his record as postmaster was ilie cause
of his being retained in that office for six months
after his time expired. He has also held other offi-
cial positions, such as school committeeman, and in
1888-89 represented Berlin in the State Legislature.
In October, 1899, he was elected first selectman,
and again in 1900, and he is now serving on the
board as chairman, th'is being his eighth year in that
capacity — the longest period any one has held that
office ; he has also served on the board in all eleven
years. Although a Democrat in a town which is
strongly Republican, he has been elected to the
various offices on his merits, his constituents know-
ing full well that the affairs of the town are and will
be well looked after under his administrations. In
fact he is extremely popular among a large circle of
friends, by whom he is held in the highest esteem.
Mr. Taylor has always taken a deep interest in
the affairs of every office he has held, and has filled
the same with credit to himself an.d to the entire
satvsfaction of his constituent... While serving as
]wstmaster he succeeded 'in getting an outgoing mail
from Kensington which was a great convenience
to the public, and consequently the revenue of the
office was materially increased. He is now serving
as chairman of the Democratic central committee of
Connecticut, and has been instrumental in securing a
large vote for his party. In 1894 he purchased
Lou'is Kilby's interest in the grocery store of Kilby
& Taylor, the latter being his son, and was engagod
in that business in Kensington near the Berlin depot,
under the firm name of Taylor & Co., until 1900,
when he closed out the business.
On Sept. 21, 1869, Mr. Taylor married Miss
Bessie Bidwell. who was born Dec. 17. T849, a"d died
March 13, -1881, leaving one son, William Flarvey,
who was born in Meriden, Dec. ig, 1872, and was
engaged in business with his father. Mr. Taylor
was again married. May 15, 1882, his second union
being with Migs Adela Maria Warner, who was
y/ilur^^i^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
12S8
born Sept. 19, 1858, a daughter of Charles E. and
Ann (Bronson) Warner, of New Britain, who
graduated from the New Britain Normal, and taught
school several years in Kensington. By the second
marriage there is also a son, Harry Edmond, who
was born Sept. 7, 1883, and is now in the office of
Russell & Erwin's factory, New Britain. He at-
tended the schools of Kensington and the Normal at
New Britain, and took a commercial course at
Mourse's Business College. The w'ife and mother
is a member of the Congregational Church, but Mr.
Taylor holds membership in the Methodist Church
of Kensington. Socially he belongs to Mattabesett
Tribe, No. 14, I. O. R. M. ; is a charter member of
Meriden Lodge, New England Order of Protection ;
a member of the American Mechanics ; Independent
Order Foresters; and Putnam Phalanx, Hartford.
HON. JEFFERY O. PHELPS (deceased) was
born in Simsbury, Hartford county, Aug. 3, 1820,
and descended from one of the oldest, wealthiest
and most numerous families of Windsor as well
as Simsbury, whose members have been famous as
soldiers, statesmen, jurists and financiers.
The Phelps family of Simsbury trace their an-
cestry to William Phelps, who came from Tewkes-
bury, England, where he was born in 1599, and was
one of New England's early colonists. His sons,
Joseph, born in England about 1629, died in Sims-
bury in 1684; Joseph (2) was born here Aug. 20,
1667; Lieut. David, May 7, 1710; Maj.-Gen. Noah,
Jan. 22, 1740; Col. Noah A., May 3, 1762; Jeffery
O. (father of our subject), Feb. i, 1791 ; and Jef-
fery O. (the subject of this sketch), Aug. 3, 1820.
William Phelps came to America in the ship
"Mary and John," and landed in Hull, Mass., May
30, 1630. He lived five years in Dorchester, Mass. ;
then came with the first settlers to Windsor, Hart-
ford county, where he died July 14, 1672, the father
of seven children: Richard was born in 1619;
William first married Isabella Wilson, and later
Sarah Pinney; Samuel married Sarah Griswold,
and died May 15, 1669; Nathaniel married Eliza-
beth Copley, and moved to Northampton; Joseph
was the first of the family to settle in Simsbury ;
Timothy, who was born Sept. i, 1639, married
Mary Griswold, and died in 1719; and Mary was
married to Thomas Barber, of Simsbury.
Joseph Phelps, above mentioned, on coming to
Simsbury settled on a tract of land under Talcott
Mountain. On Sept. 20, 1660, he married Hannah
Newton, a daughter of Roger Newton, and to this
union were born Joseph (2), Hannah, Timothy,
Sarah and William. Mrs. Hannah Phelps died in
1675, and Joseph in 1684
Joseph Phelps (2) was born in Windsor, and
died in Simsbury Jan. ID, 1750. He first married
Mary Collier, of Hartford. His second wife was
Sarah Case, daughter of John and Sarah (Spencer)
Case, of Simsbury; she died May 2, 1704, and
Joseph next married Mary Case, daughter of Rich-
ard and Elizabeth (Purchase) Case. His third
wife died Sept. 10, 1757. To the first marriage of
Joseph Phelps (2) were boi-n three children: Jo-
seph, Oct. 9, 1689, settled at Turkey Hill; Han-
nah, Oct. 25, 1693, was married to Samuel Hum-
phrey; Mary, Oct. 17, 1696, died Jan. 9, 1713.
fo the second marriage were born Sarah, Aug. 11,
1700, who died June 14, 1714, and Damaris, March
5, 1703, who married John Mills, of Canton. To
the third marriage were born four children : John,
Feb. 14, 1707, died Jan. 5, 1713; Elizabeth, April
7, 1709, married Daniel Hoskins July 23, 1725;
Lieut. David, May 7, 1710; and Amos, who mar-
ried Sarah Pettibone.
Lieut. David Phelps, son of Joseph (2), a na-
tive of Simsbury, married, April 25, 1731, Abigail
Pettibone, who was born in the same town April
22, 1706, and was a daughter of John (Jr.) and
Mary (Bissell) Pettibone. David Phelps was com-
missioned lieutenant of militia in 1756, served in
the French and Indian war, and died of smallpox
Dec. 10, 1760, his remains being buried at Sims-
bury. His widow married Deacon David Strong,
of Bolton, and died Oct. 17, 1787, and in her honor
the chapter of the D. A. R. at Simsbury was named.
The children born to Lieut. David Phelps and his
wife were ten in number: David, born May 7, 1732,
died July 9, of the same year; David (2), born
March 26, 1734, was the ancestor of the Dodge
family of Simsbury; Abigail, born Nov. 5, 1735,
was married (first) to a Mr. Griswold and (second)
to Amasa Case; Elisha, born Oct. 17, 1737, was a
captain in the Revolutionary war, and died in Al-
bany, N. Y., July 14, 1776; Maj.-Gen. Noah was
born Jan. 22, 1740; Rachel, born Dec. 10, 1741, was
married to Col. Daniel Humphrey, a delegate to the
convention that ratified the Federal Constitution;
Ruth was born Sept. 15, 1743; Sarah, Oct. 15, 1745;
Susannah, Jan. 4, 1748; and Lois, March 27,
1750.
Maj.-Gen. Noah Phelps, great-grandfather of
our subject, married Lydia Griswold, of Poquonock,
a daughter of Capt. George Griswold, of Windsor.
She was born April 25, 1743. and died Sept. 17,
1821, having lost her husband March 4, 1809. The
children born to the General and wife were five in
number: Noah A., mentioned below; Lydia G.,
born Feb. 25, 1764; Chandley Conway, Oct. 22,
1766; George G., Aug. 18, 1773 (died in Ohio);
and Elisha, Nov. 16, 1779. The last named was
one of the prominent men of the State. He owned
the first piano and the first Brussels carpet in Sims-
bury. He was an attorney, and represented his
district in Congress. On April 16, 1810, he mar-
ried, at Middletown, Conn., Lucy Smith, and they
had one son, who became governor of Missouri
and a member of Congress ; and two daughters, one
of whom, Lucy Jane, married Amos R. Eno, whose
biography appears elsewhere ; Mary A. married
John Allen, of Saybrook. Gen. Phelps, who was
iDorn on the cast side of the Farmington river, set-
tled in the village of Simsbury some years after his
marriage, and lived on the property now owned by
the Amos Eno heirs. He was identified with sev-
eral industries of the town, and was very promi-
mi
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iicnt, especially in iiiililar\- circles, lie was coni-
niissioiicd a lieulenant in ihe militia in ijji, cap-
tain in 1774, lieutenant-colonel in 1777, bi"iL;a(lier-
general in 17^2, and major-general in I7y6, and the
documents pertaining thereto are now in the pos-
session of Dr. Henry ]£no, of Saugatuck, Conn.
Gen. Phelps, among other daring deeds, passed
alone through the enemy's lines at Ticonderoga,
was there shaved, gathered all the information he
desired, and was being rowed back across the river
enroute to his own corps when the oarsman sus-
pected him to be an American. He started to return
to the British lines, but the General, being the
stronger man of the two, compelled the ferryman
to finish the trip. It was due to the information
thus gleaned by. Gen. (then Capt.) IMielps that
Ethan Allen planned his attack on and cajstured
Fort Ticonderoga the day following. Gen. Phelps
also served as the second judge of probate at Sims-
bury, and as justice of the ])eace. as well as sheriff,
and was the owner of considerable property.
Col. Noah Amherst Phelps, grandfather of our
subject, died June 19, 1817. On July 31, 1784,
he married Charlotte W'ilco.x, who was born April
4, 1766, and died Dec. 15, 1831, the mother of the
following named children: Charlotte Melissa, born
Oct. II, 1786, married Frederick Jewett, of Ciranby,
and died Dec. 29, 1871. Xoah A., Jr., born Oct.
16 1788, married (first) Delia Clark, of Pjloom-
field, and (second) Catherine St. John, of New
Haven ; he was State comptroller at one time, was
well known all over the State, and died in Sims-
bury. Jeffery O. was the father of our subject.
Fanny Rosanna, born March 8, 1795. marrie<l J-ona-
than Pettibone, Jr., and died Aug. 22, 1877. in
Willimantic, Conn. Hector F., born July 25, 1797,
was a farmer, married Roxanna Selina Barnard,
and died Feb. 10, 1874. Emma Maria, born Dec.
10, 1799, was married to William Mather, Jr., and
died March 21, 1862. Guy Rowland, born April i,
1802, became a physician, later manufactured pro-
prietary medicines, and was the founder of the Con-
necticut IMutual Life Insurance Co., realizing a
large competence ; his death took place in !March,
1869, in Hartford, his remains being interred in
Simsbury; his only child is -\Iiss Antoinette Ran-
dolph Phelps, of Hartford. George Dwight Phelps,
the youngest of this family, was born April 16,
1804, and when a young man went to New York
City, l>egan his business life as a clerk in a drug
store at the corner of ^^'all and Water streets, later
became proprietor, acquired a large estate through
his own efforts, and died Aug. 31, 1872. The
father of these graduated from Yale College with
the class of 1783, studied law. and practiced in
Simsbury. He was a colonel of militia, was active
in public aft'airs. frequently serving as member of
the State Legislature, and at the time of his death
was postmaster. At one time he kept a tavern at
Simsbury which was extraordinarily popular. He
was kind and generous and a leader among men.
Jeft'ery Orson Phelps, father of our subject, was
born in East Weatogue District, and was four
years old when his jjarents settled in Plop Bottom
-Meadow, Simsbury village, taking possession of the
house built in 1771 by Elisha Phelps, a brother of
.Maj.-Gen. Noah I'helps. When twelve years old
Jeffery O. left school, and at that early age com-
menced working out at chopping wood for thirty-
live cents per cord. Boy as he was, while at this
work, he communed within himself, "Pll own this
land, some time," and so it came to pass. He vol-
unteered for the war of 1812, was appointed pay-
master, and did all his own menial work, drawing
pay for such servant hire, as otificers of his rank
were entitled to do. Thus he secured his start in
life, and after serving three months returned to
his home, was soon afterward appointed deputy
sheriff, and for thirty years filled the office. On
March 20, 1820, the property he had worked on as
a boy was oft'ered for sale at auction, and Mr.
Phelps became the purchaser. In 1826 he took a
contract to construct three-quarters of a mile of the
New Haven & Northampton canal at Simsbury;
this was heavy work, but he made monej' out of it.
Henry Farnham, chief engineer, was favorably im-
pressed with the way i\Ir. Phelps did his work,
and secured for him a jxjsition as overseer, which
he retained until 1848.
While serving as sheriff i\Ir. Phelps was ap-
pointed judge of the old county court, served two or
three years, and was also postmaster at Simsbury,
where he likewise kept a tavern, and rented lodg-
ings at twelve and one-half cents per night. Nat-
urally, as sheriff' and judge, the attention of Mr.
Phelps was called to the statutes of the count)' and
State, so he instructed himself in the laws, and
being of a quick and comprehensive intellect he
so improved himself in this line that, comparatively
uneducated as he was, he was hired to prepare
cases for such lawyers at Isaac Toucey, Mr. Hun-
gerford, Charles Chapman and Martin Wells, and
finally was admitted to the Bar.
In June, 1853, occurred a memorable disaster on
the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad,
and Mr. Phelps was at once selected as attorney
for the company in settling up claims for damages,
this work calling him all over the United States.
In the celebrated case of the alleged fraudulent
issue of stock in the same railroad, by Robert
Schuyler. ^Mr. Phelps represented the company be-
fore the Legislature of the State of New York, in
order to prevent that body from making the alleged
fraudulent issue valid, and in this effort he suc-
ceeded. For seventeen years he was in the employ
of this companjr and others, and during his career
he settled up many of the heaviest claims ever
brought against the New York, New Haven &
Hartford road. All this time he resided at Sims-
bury, but had an office in New Haven for a part of
the period, and he practiced law up to his death,
which occurred March 21, 1879.
Mr. Phelps was twice married. His first wife,
who bore the maiden name of Pollina Salome Barn-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1295
-ard, was a native of Simsbury, and a daughter of
Ebenezer and Marj' (Pinney) Barnard. She died
April 6, 1828, the mother of four children : Eb-
enezer B., born Aug. 21, 1817, died in 1863; Jeffery
O. is the subject of this sketch; Mary P., born
Oct. 15, 1822, became the wife of Nathaniel B.
Stevens, of Winsted; and Charlotte W., born April
3, 1825, was married to Dudley P. Ely, and died
in Williamsburg, N. Y. Mr. Phelps for his sec-
ond wife wedded, on Jan. 2, 1829, Lydia G. Hum-
phrey, who was a granddaughter of Gen. Noah
Phelps. She died childless June 6, 1866, she, her
husband and his first wife all dying at the home of
Jeffery O. Phelps, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Phelps was a Democrat, but not much of
a politician. He was born in the faith of the Con-
gregational Church, but was never a member of
any of its congregations. As the Methodist Church
was weak and small in his day, he sympathized with
it, and asked its members to raise $1,000 to aid in
erecting a church edifice, agreeing to supply the
balance, w'hich he did, and the present Methodist
meeting-house was completed in 1840. He was a
constant reader of the Bible, was liberal, and helped
those in need, but was exacting in business trans-
actions. He was an interesting conversationalist,
deliberate in speech, was not slow in expressing his
opinions, touch whom they might, and never said
a word he had to "take back." He was self-made,
and left property valued at over $400,000, but had
never been a speculator. Physically he was well
formed, and his weight was about 200 pounds.
Jeffery O. Phelps, son of Judge Jeifery O.
Phelps, spoken of in full in the foregoing para-
graphs, attended school at Simsbury, in the Hop
Meadow District, with Nancy Chapman as one of
his first teachers. In 1838 he went to Amherst Col-
lege for eleven weeks, and in the fall of 1839 at-
tended the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, and here ended his schooling. He began work
by driving a canal team for a short time, and then
joined his father and brother in the multiple pur-
suits of the former.
On Oct. 24, 1852, Mr. Phelps first married, at
the town of Brainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y.,
Miss Jane Humphrey, daug'hter of Austin N. and
Amelia (Higleyj Humphrey. Mrs. Phelps was
born in Canton, Conn., Feb. 16, 1826, but removed
to New York with her parents, and after her mar-
riage returlied with her husband to Connecticut.
For four years they lived with Jeffery O. Phelps,
Sr., in the house in which her husband was born,
and in which her eldest two children had their
birth. Four children in all came to grace this union :
Harriet H., Jefferv O. (3), Charlotte W. and
Mary J. Of these, Harriet H., born Aug. 14, 1856,
was married to Aaron L. Eno, and had three chil-
dren, Jane H., Sarah G. and Harry P. Jeffery O,
(3), born Aug. 30, 1858, graduated from Williston
Seminary, was for some 3'ears secretary and treas-
■urer of the Iowa Mortgage Co., and is now in the
iron business in Hartford ; he married Bertha G.
Adams, daughter of Hiram and Jane (Griswold)
Adams, of Bloomfield, and has one child, Jeffery O'.
(4). Charlotte W. was born Dec. 27, i860, in the
house to which her father had removed from the
home place, and just opposite his late residence ;
she is one of the well-known ladies of the D. A. R.,
is married to James K. Crofut, in the iron trade
at Hartford, and has had one child, Charlotte, born
Nov. I, 1885. Mary J., born Nov. 13, 1865, is the
wife of Joseph R. Ensign, of Simsbury.
Mrs. Jane (Humphrey) Phelps was called from
earth April 30, 1874, and Aug. 13, 1879, ^-^r-
Phelps married Miss Eleanor A. Crandall, who was
born in Oswego, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1849. This lady
is highly educated, has fine literary taste, was a suc-
cessful school teacher, is an active member of the
Methodist Church and of the D. A. R., and one of
the leading ladies of Simsbury.
In politics Mr. Phelps was a Democrat, and
never voted any other ticket, save with one excep-
tion, in 1896, when he cast his vote for a warm
personal friend, Lorrin Cooke, the Republican can-
didate for governor. He was himself elected to the
Lower House of the General Assembly in 1856, and
the same year was also town clerk. In 1867 he
served in the State Senate, representing the Third
District. He likewise served in every office — with
the exception of that of probate judge — within the
gift of the people of his town, and was true as
steel in every position, so held. At the time of his
death he was and had been for a number of years
president of the board of trustees of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Simsbury.
As a farmer Mr. Phelps was one of the most
extensive in the State. In 1865 he and his father
owned 2,500 acres, but from time to time such tracts
as they were unable to utilize for cultivation them-
selves were disposed of by sale until, at the father's
death, the total retained reached but i,575 acres;
yet Mr. Phelps continued to be, and for fifty years
had been, the largest landholder in Simsbury, own-
ing at his death 500 acres under cultivation, and
paying taxes in Hartland, Windsor, Canton, South-
wick, Bloomfield and Simsbury towns. In his latter
years he farmed simply because he wanted to keep
himself employed. Some of his hands worked for
him thirty-five years, and right in Simsbury some
worked for him from ten to fifteen years. No man
knew better than he how to handle help, and his
helpers were his friends. He went on the bond of
many a poor young man, at a time when it meant
everything to the latter. He was very public-
spirited, was ever favorable toward local improve-
ments, and contributed freely toward the promotion
of all that promised to be beneficial to Simsbury.
When the Hartford & Connecticut Western rail-
road was projected, about thirty years ago, he and
his father were among the first to .recognize its
advantages to Simsbury, and were among its most
enthusiastic promoters ; at the time of his death
1296
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Phelps was a uirector in tin.' company, as he hail
previously been a director in the .National Exchange
JJank of Hartford.
Mr. Phelps was a hard worker from boyhood,
but was physically well preserved almost to the last,
although his eighty years of toil had begun to show
somewhat plainly ; at the same time his mentality
was unimpaired, and his memory still retentive.
He was a thorough gentleman, and had probably
a larger number of warm-hearted friends m Hart-
ford and adjoining counties than any other resi-
dent of Simsbury. The inevitable came Aug. 6.
1899, when he passed away at his home in bmis-
bury, and his remains were interred on the 9th, in
the Simsbury cemetery, being followed to the grave
by the largest cortege ever seen in the town.
PARK BREWSTER. This well-known and
deservedly esteemed citizen of Manchester has
passed the greater part of his active life as a
teacher in the States of Connecticut and Xew York.
He was born at Preston, Xew London Co., Conn..
Sept. 15, 1823, son of Ephraim S. and Hulda
(Giddings) Brewster, who while he was a mere
child of three years moved to Mystic, and from that
place — seven years later — to Greenville.
At nine years of age Mr. Brewster began work-
ing in the cotton and woolen mills at Mystic, at-
tending the district school as opportunity offered.
His early education, however, was mainly received
from his father, a man of scholarly training and
ripe education, and was supplemented by study at
Greenville, Norwich and in the Standish (Conn.)
Grammar school.
Mechanical pursuits and factory life not prov-
ing congenial to the }outh, he at the age of twenty
began his pedagogical career at Lisbon, Conn.
His next engagement was at Mystic, where he
taught for two winters, and thence he went to
Norwich (now Norwich Falls), the following year
removing to North Hempstead, Queens county.
Long" Island, at which place and in its immediate
vicinity he followed his chosen profession for
twenty-seven years. This period was followed by
a year spent as instructor in the Bacon Academy,
and he was subsequently engaged at East Williams-
burg, near Brooklyn, where he taught five years.
At the expiration of that time (1880) he came to
Manchester, Conn., where he had purchased a val-
uable property, and after teaching on Spencer street.
South Manchester, returned to a well-earned rest.
He is now spending the autumn of his life in scholar-
ly leisure and intellectual cultivation.
In 1853 Mr. Brewster was married to Miss
Eunice Wheeler. They had no children, but adopt-
ed Eunice Boyce, who is now the wife of John P.
Wheeler, with whom Mr. Brewster makes his
home, Mrs. Brewster having died in 1891. Our
subject is a devout member of the Second Congre-
gational Church of Manchester and an earnest
worker in the cause of temperance. He believes
in carrying his religious convictions into the field
of politics, and has therefore allied himself with the
Prohibition party.
GEORGE W. LAWRENCE, M. D., is one of
the most popular and successful physicians of Ber-
lin, although he is one of the younger representa-
tives of the profession. A native of New Hamp-
shire, he was born in Roxbury April 2, 1869, and
traces his ancestry back to the first settlers of Con-
cord, Mass. They have all been modest and unas-
suming people. Abbott Lawrence, minister to Eng-
land under President (irant, was a member of the
same family.
George Sylvester Lawrence, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Xaslwia, N. H., Feb. 6, 1833.
Throughout the greater part of his active business
life he was engaged in lumbering, but owing to ill
health he was finally obliged to turn his attention
to farming, and is now living a retired life with our
subject. On account of his health he removed to
Lynn, Mass., when the Doctor was two years old,
and two years later located on the original Law-
rence homestead in I'epperell, Mass. After resid-
ing there for a year he purchased a farm near that
place, in the same town, and upon it made his home
until 1898, since which time he has lived with our
subject, iri East Berlin, Conn. He was married,
April I, 1864, to Miss Cynthia Hopkins, who was
born Nov. 14, 1847. In their family were only two
children, the elder, Elsa Elizabeth, who was born
Jan. II, 1866, dying at the age of six years, and
lier remains being interred at Hollis, New Hamp-
shire.
Dr. Lawrence accompanied his parents on tlieir
various removals, and grew to manhood on the
home farm. At the age of five years he began his
education in the schools of Pepperell, Mass., and
completed the high-school course at that place at
the age of fifteen. He then entered Lawrence
Academy, from which he was graduated in 1887,
after pursuing both the classical and scientific
courses. He entered Williams College, of Will-
iamstown, jNIass., and after leaving there became a
student in the Medical School of Yale College,
from which he was graduated in 1890. In August,
1889, he received the complimentary vote of the di-
rectors of the New Haven Hospital, appointing him
on the house staff, and he served there as house
ph}-sician and house surgeon until February, 1 891,
when he was given a diploma by the directors. By
a thorough education and his hospital experience
he was thus well fitted to engage in private prac-
tice. Coming to Southington, Hartford county, he
had the practice of Dr. W. G. Steadman for eight
months, and then returned home to take a much
needed vacation. While there he took the examina-
tion of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and be-
came a "fellow"' of that fraternity.
On Nov. 9, 1893, Dr. Lawrence was united in
marriage with Miss Letitia Reeder, of New Hope,-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1297
Bucks Co., Penn., who comes of a very prominent
family belonging to the Society of Friends, being a
daughter of Eastburn and Eleanor (Kenderdine)
Reeder. Her father was the first food and dairy
commissioner of Pennsylvania, and is a very prom-
inent man in that State. The Doctor and his wife
have one child, Ruth Eleanor, born Nov. 14, 1898.
After his marriage Dr. Lawrence moved to
Cromwell, Conn., Dec. 5, 1893, and purchased the
practice of Dr. J. Francis Calef, now surgeon-gen-
eral of Connecticut. The practice was so large that
it was almost impossible for him to take care of it,
and at length he was obliged to give it up, Feb.
I, 1895, on account of ill health, selling out to Dr.
Charles E. Bush. On Feb. 15, as a member of the
staff of physicians and surgeons, he entered Crom-
well Hall, a retreat for those suffering with mental
and nervous diseases, and was connected with that
institution until Sept. i. On Oct. 5, 1805, h^ opened
an office on Wilcox avenue, East Berlin, but later
moved to Grove street, which property he pur-
chased in July, 1896. He has succeeded in build-
ing up an excellent practice, which extends through-
out East Berlin, Berlin, Westfield, West Cromwell,
Rocky Hill, Beckley and Kensington, and he often
receives special calls from Middletown and New
Britain. He is consulting surgeon to the New
Britain Hospital, and is medical examiner for all
of the old line insurance companies doing business
in his territory. He has been eminently successful
in his chosen calling, has established a very large
private practice, and is exceedingly popular with
his patients and fellow townsmen.
Dr. Lawrence is a trustee and prominent mem-
ber of Mattabessett Lodge, No. 25, K. P., of East
Berlin ; is a member of the D. E. L, of Yale Uni-
versity ; and also of the Yale Medical Associa-
tion, and the Connecticut Medical Society. Polit-
ically he is a Republican, but votes independent of
party lines at local elections, and is a member
of the consolidated school committee. Religiously
he is a member of the Methodist Church of East
Berlin, while his wife is connected with the So-
ciety of Friends.
D. C. Y. MOORE, M. D., was born at New
■ Boston, Mass., July 24, 1869. He grew to early
manhood at Robertsville, Conn., to which place his
parents had , removed when he was a child of two
years, and his early education was begun at the
common schools of that town, and carried on at the
high schools of Winsted and Torrington, being
completed at the University of New York.
At the age of eighteen our subject began the
study of medicine in the office of Dr. Walter
Holmes, then a resident of Riverton, Conn., but now
practicing at Chester, Vt., and remained under his
preceptorship for three years, during the last two
of. which he was principal of an academy at New
Greenwoods. Dr. Holmes was a practitioner of the
Allopathic school, but his young student had devoted
82
not a little time and thought to the consideration
of the principles underlying the teachings of Hahne-
mann. Therefore it came about that when he was
prepared to matriculate at a medical school he se-
lected the New York Homeopathic Medical Col-
lege, entering that institution at the age of twenty-
two, and graduating in 1895, having taken a four-
years course. The eighteen months succeeding
graduation he spent as an assistant in the' Flower
and Brown Streets hospitals. New York, and in
May, 1897, he entered upon practice in bis native
State, and in the following September he located
permanently in South Manchester. For two years
he has practiced in that town with marked success,
the number of his patients constantly increasing.
Although yet a young man he has achieved reputa-
tion alike among his professional brethren and his
patients. He is a member of the State Homeopathic
Aledical Society.
Dr. Moore is connected with Phoenix Lodge, A.
F. & A. M., of New Hartford, and is a member of
the King David Lodge, L O. O. F., of Manchester.
His religious creed is that of the Congregational
Church, with which he is united.
On May 30, 1895, the Doctor was married to
Miss Ida M. Quilter, of Hartford.
HORACE BOWER, deceased. While childhood
and youth have their distinctive charms, a greater
interest invests, to the thoughtful mind, a personality
which has garnered up the wealth of long ex-
perience, and carries the impress of years of useful
activity. The subject of this biography, who at-
tained the good old age of ninety-four, was one of
the most highly-esteemed residents of Windsor, he
and his estimable wife passing the afternoon of life
in comfort in the same house which they occupied
during their sixty-four years of happy wedlock,
and enjoying better health than many people of
middle age. Mr. Bower, during his ninety-third
summer, mowed regularly the public green in front
of his home, "just for exercise." His hand was
steady, his step firm, and except for impaired eye-
sight he showed few signs of his years.
Mr. Bower was probably of German descent in
the paternal line, although according to some au-
thorities the family originated in Holland. The
name was variously spelled in the early days, ap-
pearing in the records most frequently as Bower,
Bowers or Bowe, and the first ancestor of whom
we have any account was John Bower, who came to
Windsor. John Bower, our subject's grandfather,
was a well-known citizen of East Windsor in his
day.
John Bower (2), the father of our subject,
was born in East Windsor,- and for many years
carried on business in Windsor as a shoemaker,
work of that sort being then done exclusively to
order in custom shops. In politics he was a stead-
fast supporter of the Democratic party. He lived
to the age of eighty-nine years, while his wife,.
1298
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Kuby Palmer, a native of Pigeon Hill, in the town
of Windsor, was eighty-four at the time of her
death. The remains of both now repose in the cem-
etery at Windsor. This worthy couple had five
children : T'anny, .Mrs. Roswell Blodgctt, who re-
sided with our subject for eleven jears previous to
her death; Sydney, deceased, formerly a prominent
resident of VV'indsor; Cynthia, who married Horace
Barker, and died in West Suffield ; Horace, our sub-
ject; and Anson G., a shoemaker by trade, who
died in DeKalb, 111., some years ago.
Our subject was born July 18, 1805, near Wind-
sor, and his education was limited to the schools of
that locality, his natural abilities enabling him, how-
ever, to make good use of his opportunities, such
as they were. As he was always fond of reading,
until his eyesight began to fail, he kept well-posted
on current topics. As a young man he engaged in
shocmaking with his brother Sydney in the build-
ing which he afterward remodeled for his residence,
and about 1830 they purchased land near Windsor
village, where they carried on farming for some
years. In 1849 they divided the property, which had
by that time become very valuable, and our subject
retired from the shoemaking business in order to
give his attention to the work of opening a new
addition to the village. He laid out a number of
building lots. Prospect street running through his
tract, and the prices received demonstrated his
sound judgment in undertaking the enterprise. As
an ardent Democrat he always took keen interest
in local affairs, and for twenty-two years he served
as town clerk, having succeeded his brother Sydney
at the latter's death. For some time he was school
committeeman, while he filled the office of town
treasurer until he declined to serve longer. As an
official he was painstaking and faithful, and his
ability and zeal in party work made him one of
the most influential Democrats of the locality. From
1840 he was a member of the Methodist Church at
\\'indsor, and in 1843 he was appointed treasurer of
that society, an office which he held continuously
for fifty years, while he was a member of the board
of trustees until his decease, March 18, 1900. In
general church work he took an active part, espe-
cially in his younger days, and his gifts as a musi-
cian were made effective by his long service as a
leader of the choir. Music was a delight to him
from boyhood, and at an early age he began to play
the violin, upon which he became a fine performer,
but of late he had ceased to practice.
On Nov. 18, 1835, Mr. Bower married ^liss
Nancv A. Welch, and two children blessed the
union: (i) W. H., born Jan. 14, 1843, at Wind-
sor, went to St. Charles, 111., at the age of eighteen,
and engaged in the drug business ; for ten years he
has resided in ^^^indso^, being employed as a piano
tuner bv John 'SI. Gallup & Co., of Hartford. He
was married, in St. Charles, to Miss Emma Cham-
berlain, by whom he has had two children, Fred-
erick B. and J\Iaud A. Frederick B., who has a
fine tenor voice and much talent as a musician, is
organist of the Unitarian Church and superintend-
ent of music in the schools of Manchester, N. H.
He married Miss Frances L. Williams, of Windsor,
and has one daughter, Clarice. Maud A. married
li. L. Goslee, and has one son, Leonard B. (2)
Nancy A., only daughter of our subject, married
Anson H. Ellsworth, a prominent citizen of Fuller-
ton, Neb., and her children are taking honorable
positions in life, one of her sons being county clerk
and another county surveyor.
Mrs. Bower, whose earnest Christian character
was a strong support to her husband in all his
work, was born in Windsor Jan. 23, 1814, daughter
of Lemuel and Nancy (Benton) Welch, and died
March 11, 1900, just a week before our subject.
Fler father was a well-known tavernkeepcr in Wind-
sor. She had one brother, Lemuel A., who died in
Windsor, and a sister, Julia E., a resident of East
Granby, who married (first) Stanton Babcock, and
(second) Richard Phelps, both now deceased.
HON. GEORGE WHITEFIELD PRATT (de-
ceased), of East Hartford, was an his lifetime
one of the most prominent and honored men of his
day, as well as one of the most philanthropic and
useful. lie was born Jan. 29, 1812, in a house in
Silver Lane that has long since been demolished,
was named after the famous Methodist divine of the
last century, and was a son of Eliab and Dorcas
(Williams) Pratt.
Deacon Eliab Pratt was born March 26, 1767,
a son of Eliab and Margaret Pratt, and married
Dorcas Williams Jan. 14, 1792. To that union were
born nine children, as follows: Eli, Oct. 6, 1792;
Emily, Dec. 21, 1793; Abner, Jan. 14, 1795; Solo-
mon, April 20, 1796; Williams, Feb. 11, 1798; Dor-
cas, July 23, 1799; Luther, Aug. 31, 1800; Mary,
Jan. 8, 1803 ; and George W. The mother died
July 12, 1849, St the advanced age of eighty-one
years.
George W. Pratt was of the sixth generation in
descent from John Pratt, a native of Hereford,
England, who came to Hartford from the Massa-
chusetts Bay Colony, with Rev. Mr. Hooker, in
1634, and the line of descent is through John, Jr.,
Jonathan, Eliab, Eliab, Jr., to George W. In 1681
John Pratt, Jr., came into possession of the strip-
of land on what is now Silver Lane, which has
ever since been held by the Pratt family.
LTntil fifteen years of age George W. Pratt re-
mained on his father's farm, receiving his education
at the old Willow Brook school house, which stood
in the middle of the road until 1830, and it is
thought that his only surviving schoolmates are
Deacon Ashbel Brewer and J. Fitch Comstock. The
chief products of East Hartford farms in the youth-
ful days of George W. were potatoes, corn, rye,
flax and wood, the culture of tobacco not then be-
ing thought possible at the North. From the age
of fifteen until he was twenty-one George W. Pratt
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1299
served an apprenticeship in the jeweh-y establish-
ment of Church & Rogers, in Hartford, then worked
ior some years for various other firms. In 1844 he
went to New York, and took a position as travel-
ing salesman for Nichols, Goodwin & Co., jewelers,
on Maiden Lane. In 185 1 he went into business
.as senior member of the firm of Pratt, Limbard &
Co., at No. 22 John street, who did business as
jewelry jobbers, and also had a jewelry factory on
Elm street, and in this business Mr. Pratt re-
mained until 1892. In the meantime, however,
.after twenty-two years' absence on the road and in
New York, he had returned to the Connecticut
homestea,d and made this his headquarters, his
-brother, Williams Pratt, who hitherto had charge
of it, having died in 1866, after which date George
W. remained here, supervising his New York firm
by mail or occasional visits in person.
In politics Mr. Pratt was a Democrat, and a very
popular one. In 1873 his party sent him to repre-
sent his town in the State Legislature, and so well
-satisfied were they with their choice that they re-
-turned him the following year, when the Legislature
met for the last time in New Haven. During his
second term Mr. Pratt was a member of the com-
mittee on Banking. In 1874-75 he was on the
.State Bridge Commission ; in 1875 ^^^ was first
.selectman, and was on the board the ensuing year :
in 1876 and 1877 he was a grand juror. He was
a member of the building committee of the Hock-
-anum Congregational Church.
Mr. Pratt had many entertaining reminiscences
•of the old days back in the dim dawn of the cen-
tury. One bright June morning, when he was five
Tears old, he was watching his father's men swing-
ing their scythes in the meadow grass when a queer
little craft with crazy, top-heavy paddle boxes, came
puffing up the river. It bore the name '"Experiment."
The little boat was probably the first to steam on
the Connecticut river. When LaFayette journeyed
■from Boston to Hartford by stage, in i82z|., be took
dinner at the tavern which is now the house of
Henry R. Hayden. Henry Phelps was the tavern-
keeper. It was raining when the huge coach with
its four panting horses came to a stop. Mine Host
Phelps was at the block, and escorted the venera-
ble patriot into the bulilding, where doubtless both
were refreshed by a comfortable toddy or two.
In 1825 there was but one painted house on Sil-
ver Lane. The others were an naturcl. In a few
years, however, the v/hite with green blinds, which
for fifty years was the only combination, began to
come in. Mr. Pratt recalled when pickerel and rock-
perch were thick in the Hockanum river, and on
one occasion he caught seventy-two shad in the
stream back of Sam Forbes', with but one cast of
his net.
Mr. Pratt was twice married, in 1833 to Mary
Morris, of Wetbersfield, who died without issue in
1875. In 1876 he married Anna Hills, born Sept.
17, 1854, a daughter of Frederick W. and Jane
(Pratt) Hills, and to this marriage were born three
children: Anna, born Feb. 11, 1881, still under the
parental roof, who is a musician of more than ordi-
nary ability; Lena W., born Feb. 15, 1886; and
George W., born May 20, 1889.
Mr. Pratt enjoyed excellent health during the
latter years of his life, until about seven weeks prior
to his death, which occurred in 1897. In alluding
to this sad event, the "Jewelers Circular," of New
York, of May 12, 1897, announced that "News was
received in New York Monday of the death, in
East Hartford, Conn., of George W. Pratt, one of
the oldest jewelers of New York. Death was caused
by no particular disease, but simply by the infirmi-
ties of old age."
Mr. Pratt was a gentleman of whom any com-
munity might well feel proud, and was one of the
most prominent men of the town. He exerted an
extended influence for good, and there was no move-
ment for the benefit of his fellow men, that came
within his cognizance, but found his ready aid, mor-
ally and financially. He was a kind, loving and in-
dulgent husband, a stanch friend, and left an un-
sullied name as a priceless inheritance to his chil-
dren. His remains rest in the East Hartford ceme-
tery, and his memory is revered by the entire pop-
ulation.
JULIAN N. PARKER, M. D., is the son of a
farmer of Tolland county, Conn., having been born
in Mansfield, July 3, 1840. His early education
was received at the common schools of his native
village, and at the Connecticut Literary Institute,
Suffield, from which he was graduated with dis-
tinction.
Dr. Parker had not yet attained his majority
when the country was startled by the booming of
guns in Charleston Harbor, and on Sept. i, 1861,
he enlisted as a private in Company D, 21st Conn.
V. I. After a few months service he was assigned
to duty as hospital steward of his regiment and
served as such until the close of the war, being
finally mustered out at New Haven July i, 1865.
He participated in all the battles, sieges, skirmishes
and reconnoisances in which his regiment was en-
gaged, among the most noteworthy being the hard-
fought battles of Fredericksburg Dec. 13-14, 1862,
Drury's Bluff May 16. 1864, and Cold Jiari)0]-
June 5, 1864, and the tedious and memorable siege
of Petersburg. After receiving his discharge he
returned home and began readmg medicine under
the preceptorship of Dr. Norman Brigham, of
Mansfield, but shortly afterward matriculated at
Yale College, graduating in 1868. The next two
winters he spent at the College of Physicians &
Surgeons, New York, practicing his profession at
Mansfield during the summer months, and in the
autumn of 1869 he went abroad to continue his
professional studies at the celebrated "L'Ecole de
Medicine," at Paris.
On Dr. Parker's return to America, in the sum-
1300
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mer of 1870, he established himself at Mansfield,
where he continued in practice for two years, re-
moving to Manchester in April, 1872. he has re-
mained in the latter town since that date. He is
enthusiastically devoted to his profession, is a hard
student and a profound thinker, and that he has
been eminently successful goes without saying.
Dr. I'arker keeps the memory of his military
service fresh through his connection with Drake
Post, No. 4, G. A. R., of Manchester. He also
keeps in touch with his brother practitioners through
the County and State Medical Associations, of both
of which bodies he is an esteemed member. Fra-
ternally he belongs to Uriel Lodge, No. 3, F. &
A. M.,'of .Mansfield.
On June 8, 1871, the Doctor was married to
^liss Caroline Shepard.
HECTOR CHAl'MAX. The name Chapman
js of Saxon origin, and is one of tlie many sur-
names derived from trades or occupations, the
word meaning market-man or merchant.
Robert Chapman, wno is supposed to have been
the first of the name to come to America, was from
Hull, England, and landed at Boston in August,
1635. In November of that year he settled at Say-
brook, Conn., and on April 29, 1642, he married
Ann Blith, who died Nov. 20, 1685. His death
occurred Oct. 13, 1687, and according to family
tradition, which fixes the date of his birth as l6i6,
he was over seventv years old. The subject of this
sketch, a prominent business man of Glastonbury,
is a direct descendant of William Chapman, an
early settler at New London, Conn. The name
of this pioneer first appears on the New London
records in 1657, and at a meeting in 1663 the fol-
lowing was entered upon the book of town grants :
"William Chapman hath given him thirty ackers
of upland bounded towards the South with ~S.iv.
Douglas his land and towards the east with the
small brook that leads to Jordan river and towards
the north with Arkanbukie Meadow and towards
the west with a ledge of rocks and a tree marked
on four sides." At a town meeting Aug. 25, 1691,
it was "Voated that whereas William Chapman
had formerly allowed him by the town three pounds
for his sextons place the yeare, they now add thirty
shillings more and order him five pounds per year
for sweeping the meeting house, and galleries and
ringing the bell." He died Dec. 18, 1699, leaving
an estate appraised at £28 os 6d. His will was
signed April i, 1669. His wife's name is unknown,
but thev had seven children, as follows : John, born
November, 1653, living at Colchester in May, 1748,
nearly ninety-five years old; William; Samuel, born
1665, died Nov. 2, 1758; Joseph, born 1667; Jere-
miah, born 1670 ; Sarah ; and Rebecca.
(II) William Chapman, son of William the pio-
neer, is supposed to have settled in Groton, Conn.,
in 1690. He married Hannah Lester, daughter of
Daniel Lester, about 1690, and had four children:
William, born March, 1691 ; Jonathan; Solomon;
Mary (whether she married or not is uncertain).
(III) Solomon Chapman married, but the name
of his wife is imknown. Their children were :
Jonah ; Jonathan, who removed to Deerfield, Mass.,
married Susan Sweet, and had a family ; Solomon ;
David ; John ; Sanniel ; William married a Miss
Pease, and had several children ; Lydia married
Joseph Sweet; Betsey married a Mr. Flarris;
Susan married Jonathan Sweet; Phebe married
Levi Hodge; and Sarah married Jonathan Chapel.
(IV) Jonah Chapman, son of Solomon, was
one of the first of the name to reside in Glaston-
bury. He married Lydia Taylor, and had chil-
dren as follows : Amasa ; Azel ; Epaphras, born
1777; Betty married Jonathan Daniels, of Hebron;
Lydia married Daniel Hale ; Sally, born March 5,
1767, married Frederick Goodrich; Susan married
Aaron Loveland ; and Phebe died young.
(V) Azel Chapman, grandfather of our sub-
ject, and son of Jonah, was a ship carpenter and
lived in South Glastonbury. He died shortly before
our subject's father was born, his death being
caused by a fall from a mast of a vessel. He was
married in 1789 to Nabby Hale, and had twelve
children: Lovina, ' born December, 1790, died at
fourteen years of age; Julia, born December, 1791,
married William House; Alvan, born 1792; Electa,
born Jan. 22, 1794, married Benjamin Taylor;
Orrin ; Anson, born May 17, 1798 ; Silas died young ;
Silas (2) also died young; Nancy, born March
27, 18^, married Chester Hale ; Ralph, born Feb.
2, 1802: ^lelinda married Arnold Keeney ; and Azel,
our subject's father.
(VIj Azel Chapman was born March 17, 1808.
in South Glastonbury, about three miles east of
the South Glastonbury main road. His schooling
was limited as his mother was left with a large
family, and he was obliged to support himself from
a very early age. He worked at various places,
sometimes receiving harsh treatment which he did
not deserve; but being very industrious he nearly
always had employment. He worked in Portland
quarries for many years, and afterward bought a
small farm in South Glastonbury which he oper-
ated for about eight years. He then sold it to Ansel
Chapman and removed to North Glastonbury, rent-
ing a farm from Esq. Wells for about four years,
and later he bought the Wells hotel and farm. In
1 86 1 he discontinued the hotel business and de-
voted his attention to farming until his death, which
occurred Aug. 31, 1883. The old hotel is now oc-
cupied by Charles Chapman as a residence. Azel
Chapman raised the house one story, after he took
possession, to accommodate his large trade. In
his day it was the scene of a great deal of gaiety
and pleasure, being on the road between New
London and Hartford, where parties could con-
veniently stop. Azel Chapman was married Aug.
6, 1828, to Eunice Atresta House, and had four *
children: Albert, born Feb. i, 1830 (now deceased).
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1301
married M.ary Ann Stevens, and settled in Glaston-
l)ury, where he followed the joiner's trade; Hester,
born July 4, 1832, married William Stevens, a
farmer in Glastonbury; Hector, our subject, was
third in the order of birth ; Charles, born April
26, 1843, married Henrietta Wright, and resides in
Glastonbury. He is mentioned more fully below.
Hector Chapman, our subject, was born March
27,, 1836, in Matson Hill District, where his fa-
ther owned a farm. The family moved to the hotel
when our subject was four years old, and he at-
tended a district school in that locality. On leav-
ing school he spent a year at home and then, at
the age of twenty, entered a general store in South
Manchester. His entrance upon mercantile life was
at an unfortunate time, the panic of 1857 interfer-
ing with business, so that after a year and a half
he returned to Glastonbury, and for four years
managed a farm which he had purchased. He then
went to Hartford, and was in mercantile business
with W. S. Bronson, on Asylum street, for ten
years, when he withdrew from the firm and bought
a store in New Haven, continuing in the same line.
Two years later he sold out this business, and re-
moved to Glastonbury, where he built a store on
■Colchester avenue, and engaged in a stove and
tinware business, a furniture line being added later.
After some years he bought the "Thaddeus Wells
place" from W. E. Gates, and in 1890 he erected
his present business block, the finest in the town of
Glastonbury. He is an industrious worker and his
pleasant manners have won for him many friends.
Mr. Chapman was married, April 20, 1857, to
Miss Ellen Winslow a native of East Hartford,
and a daughter of Daniel Winslow, a prominent
citizen of that town. Three children have blessed
the union: (i) Alice married Alfred A. Welles,
a mechanic in Glastonbury; (2) Arthur died young;
and (3) Lela married Dr. Julius E. Kinney, of
Denver, Colo., a successful specialist in lung and
stomach diseases. The family is identified with the
Episcopal Church, our subject and his wife being
active members. Politically Mr. Chapman is a
stanch Republican, and at present he is serving as
justice of the peace. He is a member of Daskam
Lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., also of Elm Lodge,
I. O. O. F., and has held offices in both, being
District Deputy Grand Master in the I. O. O. F.
at the present time.
CHARLES CHAPMAN, a highly-respected
resident of Glastonbury, was born April 26, 1843,
in a house that stands north of his present home.
Mr. Chapman received a district-school educa-
tion, while assisting in the work of the home farm,
and later he practically took charge of the place,
relieving his father from care in his old age. , Since
the death of the latter he has conducted the^farm,
devoting his attention, as before, to tobacco culture
and general farming. He resides in a house which
was occupied by his father as a hotel for many
years. His genial disposition is appreciated among
a large circle of acquaintances, and socially he is
identified with Elm Lodge, No. 53, L O. O. F., at
Glastonbury. In religious belief he is liberal, and
in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party,
his interest being limited, however, to voting reg-
ularly. Mr. Chapman married Miss Henrietta
Wright, a native of Glastonbury, and daughter of
Charles and Caroline (Foster) Wright. They have
children as follows: (i) Robert Azel, born May
24, 1872, was married, on Nov. 30, 1896, to Anna
Lee, of Glastonbury, and has one child, Olive, born
Nov. 7, 1898; (2) Bertha L., born Sept. 26, 1878;
and (3) Lena, born June 5, 1881, are at home.
FREDERICK W. PECK, M. D. If Puritan
and early Colonial ancestry mean anything in the
achievement of men of the present generation there
is every reason why the life of the subject of these
lines should be prosperous and successful, for in
various lines his ancestry extends back to the times
when the eastern shores of the continent were first
peopled with earnest, liberty-loving colonists.
Achievement has already come to this young physi-
cian, not merely in the practice which he has at-
tained in a brief period of time but in the acquire-
ment of a thorough medical education by his own
unaided efforts.
Dr. Peck is eighth in the line of descent from
Deacon Paul Peck, who emigrated from England
to Massachusetts, and about 1635 came with Thomas
Hooker from that Colony to Connecticut, and set-
tled at Hartford. The old Peck homestead was lo-
cated just back of the capitol. The line of descent
comes through (2) Samuel Peck, (3) Samuel
Peck and (4) Zebulon Peck to the latter's son
Lament Peck, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject. Zebulon Peck settled at Bristol and there
Lament Peck was born. The latter was a farmer,
and became one of the largest landowners of the
town. He married Rachel Tracy, of Marlboro,
who bore him six sons and three daughters, as
follows: Richard, Tracy, Epaphroditus, Nehemiah,
James Ghoram, Neoman, Sally (who married Cap-
tain Bunnell), Susanna (Mrs. Sylvester Rich, of
Bristol) and Rachel (Mrs. Israel Russell, of Mid-
dletown).
Nehemiah Peck, grandfather of our subject,
was born in 1793 at Bristol, Conn. He followed
farming through life, and like his father became
an extensive landholder. He married Miss Mar-
tha Scoville, daughter of Seeley Scoville, of Plym-
outh, descendants of the Waterbury Scovilles. To
Nehemiah and Martha Peck were born eight chil-
dren, as follows : James, who died in infancy ;
Mary, who married Charles Shumway; Nehemiah,
deceased; James G., father of our subject; David
Brainard, formerly colonel of the Seventh Regi-
ment, Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and now re-
siding in Cleveland, Ohio; Susan, who died young;
Sarah Bunnell, who married Percey Rice, of Cleve-
1302
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
land, Ohio; and William Henry Harrison, born
in 1841, captain in the Jlh \'t. V\ I. Xehemiah
I'eck, father of this family, in addition to his agri-
cultural interests seized the meager commercial and
manufacturing opportunities of his day, and made
frequent trips to the South, selling clocks. He
was a thrifty man, and one of the substantial citi-
zens of Bristol, noted among other things for his
accurate and extensive geographical knowledge.
He died in 1861, aged sixty-eight years, surviving
his wife twelve years.
James G. Peck, father of Dr. Peck, was born
May 28, 1 83 1, at Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y.
When six years old he settled with liis parents in
North Haven and thence came in 1843 to New
Britain. He was educated in that city, and also
attended the schools in Hartford and Williston for
a short time. His school days ended when he was
twenty years of age, but not his education, for he
has not only learned the practical lessons of life
but has dipped constantly into books and current
literature, and thus become one of 'the well-in-
formed men on all matters of public interest. He
was reared a farmer, but, acquiring the trade of
house carpenter, has followed same for over thirty
3'ears. From 1852 to 1861 he lived in the western
part of Illinois, but since that time has been a resi-
dent of \ew Britain. Inheriting Whig political
predilections from his father, he voted for General
Scott, and has been a Republican since the organi-
zation of that party in 1856. He is a member of the
Congregational Church of New Britain. Mr. Peck
married Rebecca Smalley Clark, who was born in
February, 1832, and died Dec. 30, 1891. She was
a daughter of Dan and ]\Iary (Whittlesey) Clark,
and both lines of her ancestry extend back to the
beginning of American history. The paternal line
descends from John Clark, one of the earliest emi-
grants from Scotland to America, and the line
comprises (2) John Clark, of Berlin, Conn., (3)
John Clark, (4) Dan Clark, (5) ;Mathew Clark,
(6) Dan Clark, and (7) Rebecca Smalley Clark.
The maternal ancestry of Rebecca S. (Clark) Peck
is as follows: (i) John Whittlesey, (2) John Whit-
tlesey, (3) Eliphalet Whittlesey, (4) Eliphalet
Whittlesey, (5) Eliphalet Whittlesey, (6) David
W^iittlesey, (7) Mary (Whittlesey) Clark and (8)
Rebecca S. (Clark) Peck. Mary (Wittlesey)
Clark was the granddaughter of Rev. John Smalley.
Dan Clark, father of Mrs. Rebecca S. (Clark)
Peck, was a prominent citizen of Hartford county.
He was a colonel of militia, and quite eminent in.
military circles. He was a farmer by occupation,
and later in life removed to Boone county, Iowa.
To James G. and Rebecca S. (Clark) Peck were
born four children : Charles Scoville, Martha Eliza-
beth, James Stanley (a hardware merchant of New
Haven), and Frederick W., subject of this sketch.
Frederick W. Peck was born in New Britain
Oct. 28, 1 866. He was educated in the public
schools of New Britain, finishing the prescribed
course at the age of seventeen years, and at once
entered the shops of Landers, Frary & Clark, where
he served an apprenticeship of four years at the pat-
tern maker's trade. He then worked at Corbin's
for more than five years. During the period of
about ten years which he thus spent at his trade
Dr. Peck was a constant student of mechanics, and
became proficient in all branches of the meihanical
arts which had reference to his trade. But he de-
termined to practice the healing art, and diligently
set himself to perfect his preparation for that pro-
fession. He attended the New York Homeopathic
College for two years, and then spent one year in
the University at Cleveland, from which he was
graduated in 1897. He has supplemented his pro-
fessional education with a summer course at Long
Island.
In April, 1897, after receiving his diploma. Dr.
Peck began practice at New Britain, and he has since
met with most gratifying success. If self-education
is the best, the most lasting and thorough, and there-
is good reason for believing that it is, the success of
Dr. Peck carries wtith it a sufficient explanation.
He is a member of the American Institute of Ho-
meopathy, and of the Connecticut Flomeopathic So-
ciety. In politics he is a Republican, and in relig-
ious faith a member of the Congregational Church.
Dr. Peck married Miss Sarah Babbitt, a daugh-
ter of Herbert Babbitt, of JNIorris, Conn., and they
have one son, James F., born Dec. 19, 1899.
CARROLL LIVINGSTON DUDLEY. This
versatile, successful and well-known business man
of East Berlin has inherited from his father a ca-
pacity for work and the management of enterprises,,
but has devoted his attention largely to milling,
in which line he has won deserved distinction, gained
by a thorough and comprehensive mastery of its
details.
Julius Dudley, the father, was born in 1804,-
and was one of the political, social and commercial
leaders in East Berlin a generation ago. Possessing
an active temperament, and an aptitude for busi-
ness affairs, he managed for a time a vessel trade
between the coasts of New Jersey and New York.
For a time he operated a tannery. In politics he was-
in ante-bellum days an unswerving Democrat, but
when the smoldering fires of civil war broke out
he espoused the principles of the Republican party.
He was county surve)-or from Killingworth, and
for two sessions represented the town in the State-
Legislature. He was a brigadier-general in the-
Connecticut State militia, commanding the Nevr
Haven and New London companies. He married
Jerusha Stevens, and both are buried in Wilcox
cemetery. East Berlin.
Carroll Livingston Dudley, our subject, was-
born at Killingworth Aug. 23, 1843. He received
his early education in- the schools of New Bruns-
wick, N. J., to which city the parents removed
when he was four years of age, later attending a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
130S
private school on Staten Island. At the age of six-
teen Mr. Dudley began work in his father's tan-
nery and leather works at Durham, Conn., where he
remained about a year. He then started for himself
a gristmill at Durham, which he operated for a year
or longer. With that experience he came to Berlin
and leased the old Beckley gristmill, in the Beckley
Quarter, which he managed for about two years.
Removing to East Berlin, he purchased the J. & E.
North gristmill, in that city, and has operated it
continuously ever since, in connection therewith
operating also a jobbing blacksmith shop. Mr.
Dudley in 1892 purchased property from F. C. Wil-
cox, on Main street. East Berlin, and also owns sev-
enteen acres of land adjoining his home. He takes
pleasure in farming as a diversion from what has
been his long and successful career as a miller.
Mr. Dudley married Miss Julia Isabelle Dick-
enson, daughter of Ferdinand Dickenson, of Ber-
lin. He and his wife are attendants of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church of East Berlin. In politics
" he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles,
but he is not a politician in the sense of seeking
office or of participating actively in the political af-
fairs of the town. He is a member of Mattabessett
Lodge, No. 25, K. of P., of East Berlin, and also a
prominent member of R. O. Clark Uniformed Rank,
K. of P., officiating as captain of the latter organi-
zation in 1897-98, and filling offices in the K. of P.
lodge. He is a prosperous business man, and de-
serves individual credit for his success, for financial
reverses which befell his father in later years com-
pelled our subject to begin his business career pen-
niless, and to carve out his future for himself.
EDWARD F. PARSONS, M. D., has occupied
a conspicuous position in civil life as well as in the
circle of his profession for nearly forty years, and
he has never been found wanting, in either the pub-
lic spirit to advocate beneficial changes, or the abil-
ity to carry his projects to a successful end.
The Doctor is descended, on both paternal and
maternal sides, from the best of that sturdy stock
which has given New England birth and New Eng-
land training a significance in itself a recommenda-
tion of good citizenship and high mental and moral
qualities, and his successful career as a physician
has given new distinction to a name already honored
throughout the State of Connecticut, and specially
in Hartford county. Philip Parsons, the first of
whom we have record, was born in Massachusetts,
and came to Enfield, Conn., when seventeen years
old. His fourth son, Nathaniel Parsons, was the
Doctor's great-grandfather. He married Alice Col-
lins, who was of the fourth generation in direct
descent from Gov. Bradford, and a daughter of
Rev. Nathaniel and Alice (Adams) Collins, the for-
mer the first Congregational clergyman who set-
tled in Enfield. Their son, Shubael Parsous, mar-
ried Lucy Pease, and they had a son, Eben, who
was the father of our subject. Shubael and Eben
Parsons both followed the wheelwright's trade.
Eben Parsons married Maria Raynolds Parsons, and
through her the Doctor is also descended from old
Congregational stock, her great-grandfather. Rev.
Peter Raynolds, having been the second pastor of
the First Congregational Church of Enfield. He
came hither in 1725, being the first of the name to
settle in the town, and made his home in Enfield un-
til his death, in 1766. Mrs. Maria Raynolds Par-
sons traced her ancestry .from Capt. Nathaniel Ray-
nolds, the first American ancestor, through Capt.
Peter, Rev. Peter, Peter and Capt. Samuel.
Edward Field Parsons was born Nov. 21, 1833,
in Enfield. At the age of thirteen years he went to
Farmington, this county, where he prepared for col-
lege in the private school of Simeon and Edward L.
Hart, in 1850 matriculating at Williams College,
from which institution he was graduated in 1854.
He commenced the study of medicine June 15, 1855,
at Saint Johnsbury, Vt., and was graduated in 1858
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New
York, having attended lectures one year at Dart-
mouth College, one year at Jeft'erson Medical Col-
lege, Philadelphia, and one year at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of New York. The first
six years of his professional life were spent in New
York City, whence in 1864 he returned to Hartford
county, making his home in Thompsonville, where
he has remained to the present day. Dr. Parsons'
abilities and learning, iio less than the skill which
he has shown in the active duties of his calling,
have made him prominent among the successful
physicians of the period, and he now stands among
the most prominent members of the profession in his
county and State.
Though thoroughly devoted to his life work,
Dr. Parsons has nevertheless kept in touch with the
various lines of progress in which intelligent minds
are interested, and he has found time to serve his
fellow citizens in different capacities, his ability
proving no less valuable when exercised in matters
of public welfare than it has in his private afi'airs.
For twenty-five years he was a member of the board
of school visitors of Thompsonville, public educa-
tion being a special object of his attention and care,
and it was no doubt due, in part at least, to his in-
fluence that the town of Enfield voted to consolidate
the school districts, as he was an enthusiastic cham-
pion of the town management of the schools. In
1887 he was lionored with election to the State Leg-
islature on the Republican ticket, and during his
term served on the cominjttee on Insurance. In
professional connection the Doctor is a member of
the American Medical Association, and of the Con-
necticut State Medical Society, and socially he
unites with the Temple of Honor. He attends the
First Presbyterian Church of Thompsonville, of
which he is an active member and an elder.
Dr. Parsons has been thrice married. In i860
he wedded Miss Mary H. Bowman, daughter of Col.
Amory H. Bowman, of New Braintree, Mass., and,
1304
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
she dying in 1875, he married, for his second wife,
in 1876, Miss Ella Bates, of Worcester, Alass. Her
death occurred in August, 1879, and in 1881 he
married Miss Margaret J. Harrison, daughter of
William and Isabella Harrison, of New York City.
EMERSOX ELHiU OLCOTT. The career of
this well-known resident of Glastonbury affords an
excellent example in industry and enterpriscj as
he started in life without ca])ital, antl has' attained
substantial success.
Among the first settlers of the town of Hart-
ford was Thomas Olcott, an Englishman. Well-
educated, and bringing with him the ripe experi-
ence and suljstantial rewards gained in years of
mercantile business in England, he was well fitted
to assist in the building up of the commerce of the
new colony, and as a dealer in furs established an
extensive and profitable trade. On arriving in
America he spent some time in Massachusetts, vis-
iting the various seaboard settlements, and resid-
ing last in Newtown (now Cambridge). The ad-
vantages of this section were apparent to his far-
sighted judgment, and he located permanently in
Hartford, purchasing from Edward Hopkins the lot
now occupied by the "American Hotel," on the
east side of the Public Square, fronting on Alain
street, and bounded on the other sides by Pearl,
Trumbull and Asylum streets. The title was trans-
ferred to him by Edward Hopkins, to whom it
was given in the original distribution of land in
the town, and remained for many generations in
the possession of the Olcott family. Thomas Ol-
cott died in 1654, when about forty-five years of
age, leaving three sons and two daughters. His
wife Abigail died Alay 26, 1693, aged seventv-
eight years, and was interred May 29, following.
Their children were as follows : Thomas, Samuel,
John (baptized Feb. 3, 1649), Elizabeth (baptized
Dec. 7, 1649) and Hannah.
(H) Thomas Olcott, of Hartford, son of
Thomas, the pioneer, is supposed to have been living
in 1719. His wife Alary survived him, and died
May 3, 1721, at Windsor, Conn. They had the fol-
lowing children : Abigail, who died Alarch 14,
1688, at Springfield, Alass., while on a visit to
relatives ; Alary ; Thomas : Samuel, who died Alay
10, 1696; and John, wdio was drowned in the river
while bathing.
(HI) Thomas Olcott, third in the line of de-
scent, was born in 1712, and died in 1788. He mar-
ried an attractive young woman named Phcebe who
survived him many years, dying at Canton, Conn.,
in 1814. By this marriage there were eight chil-
dren : Isaac, Thomas, Abel, Phineas, Isaiah, Lydia,
Elizabeth, and Rachel.
(IV) Isaac Olcott, our subject's great-grand-
father, was born at New Hartford, Conn., in 1762.
On Alarch 10, 1778, he enlisted in the Revolution-
ary armv, where he served for four years under the
following officers : Capt. Herman Robinson, Col.
Swift, Capt. Not, Capt. Smith, and Gen. Waterbury.
He took part in the skirmish at Putnam's Steps, and
was probably an eye-witness to Putnam's ride down
the steps. On Aiay 6, 1833, he made application
for a pension, but the claim was not allowed until
after his death, whicli occurred April 23, 1834.
He married the widow of Elihu Smith, and had
only one child, Isaiah.
(V) Isaiah Olcott, our subject's grandfather,
was born in Glastonbury in July, 1799. He was one
of the first pilots on the Connecticut river, and was
on the "Oliver Ellsworth" when that vessel blew
up. In his later years he was employed in the
Curtis factory, the last year of his Mfe being spent
m retirement. On Feb. 3, 1830, he married Julia
Waterman, daughter of Jahez and Anna Water-
man, and they had four children: (i) Isaac Isaiah,
a well-known resident of Glastonbury (to whom
we are indebted for much of this information), born
Sept. II, 1 83 1, married Ellen E. Rislcy, of Madi-
son county, N. Y. (2) Jahez Waterman, born
Nov. 6, 1823, married Louis Ferguson ; they had
one son, Isaac Waterman, a very bright and prom-
ising young man, who was instructor of manual
training at the school at Norwich at the time of
his death, June i, 1894. (3) Elihu Smith, bora
Sept. 13, 1835, is mentioned below. (4) George
Henrv, the voungest son, born Nov. 7, 1837, died ni
1856.'
(\I) Elihu Smith Olcott, our subject's father,
was born Sept. 13, 1835, in Natibuc, Conn., in the
house now occupied by Isaac Olcott. He received
a common-school education in an old frame build-
ing since replaced by a brick structure. After leav-
ing school he was employed by the Curtis Manu-
facturing Co. in various capacities until his en-
listment in August, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-
fifth Connecticut Volunteers. Under command of
Capt. Charles Talcott, and Col. George Bissell,
president of the bank that bore his name, they first
went into camp at Hartford, later proceeding to
Long Island, where they remained until December.
They then went on a steam vessel to New Orleans,
and after encamping a short time above that city
they wintered at Baton Rouge. In the following
Alarch they moved toward Port Hudson, where
they lost the first man in their regiment in a picket
skirmish. Later they marched to Donaldsonville
and then to Red River, fighting on the way a spir-
ited battle at Irish Bend, in which they were vic-
torious. For forty-five days they were at Port
Hudson, the city being under continued bombard-
ment, and after the surrender, which took place
July 8, 1863, they returned by boat to Donaldson-
ville. The Rebels were endeavoring to fortify, but
they dislodged them. They then started for Hart-
ford, where Elihu Olcott was mustered out Aug.
26, 1863, his time having expired. Returning to
Glastonbury, he has since been almost continuously
in the employ of the Curtis Manufacturing Co.,
now known as the Williams Manufacturing Co.
cT cf. ^c^x^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1305
On Nov. 29, 1855, Mr. Olcott married Miss Jane
Adams, who was born in 1831. She is the adopted
daughter of Russell and Mercy M. (Griswold)
Adams, the former a miller and farmer of South
Wethersfield. Four children were born of this
union: (i) Emma G. (deceased), born Dec. 13,
1856, married Perkins C. Bennett, now a resident
■of Providence, R. I.; (2) Emerson E. is mentioned
more fully below; (3) Harry E., born July 21,
1869, is mentioned elsewhere; and (4) Frank L.,
born Jan. 15, 1872, died Sept, 12, 1892, and was
buried in Glastonbury.
Emerson E. Olcott was born Dec. 7, 1859,
in Naubuc, and during his early years attended the
common and select schools of the locality, work-
ing in the long summer vacations to pay his ex-
penses. On leaving school he became a burnisher
in the American Sterling Co.'s shops, at Naubuc,
his father being the overseer in that department
at the time. The work was paid for "by the piece,"
and our subject's industry enabled him to make
excellent wages. After a short time he went to
Wallingford to take a position in the shop of Wallace
& Sons. On returning to Glastonbury he worked
at various occupations, and in 1886, having saved
his earnings carefully, he bought four or five acres
of land, upon which he built his present residence.
This tract formed the nucleus for his farm of
fourteen acres, where he now carries on general
farming and a stone quarry on the place also
promises well as an investment. After the fire of
1894 destroyed a business block in Glastonbury, he
purchased the land and built a store, which he
opened in 1895 with a stock of groceries. He and
his brother Harry E. conducted this business in
partnership until 1898, when our subject with-
drew, preferring to give his attention to agricult-
ure and the management of his quarry, in connec-
tion with which he keeps several truck teams
constantly employed in hauling stone. Mr. Olcott
is a Republican in politics, and has served as first
selectman two years (1894-95), and was second
selectman in 1896. Socially he belongs to the I. O.
•O. F., Elm Lodge, No. 53, has held offices in the
same, and is also a member of Monitor Council, No.
62, O. U. A. M. He and his wife are members of the
Congregational Church at Glastonbury, and the
family takes an active interest in church work.
'On May 29, 1878, Mr. Olcott was married to
Miss Queria Bidwell, daughter of Ambrose and
Jane (Chapman) Bidwell, natives of Glastonbury.
The children born to this union are: Lena, who
was married Nov. 28, 1899, to George AfHick, of
Glastonbury; Bertha, Willard and Ethel, at home;
Leslie, who died April 28, 1898; and Raymond, at
home.
WILL P. LANDON, chief clerk of the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railway Co., with
headquarters at East Hartford, was born in Hop-
kinton, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1858, and is a son of Daniel
and Caroline M. (Phelps) Landon, descendants of
old Colonial families, and on the paternaLside of
Welsh extraction. Daniel Landou, the great-great-
grandfather, was born in 1736, lived in Litchfield
county. Conn., and was a grandson of James Landon,
the progenitor of the family in America. The great-
grandfather of our subject went to Lansdowne,
Canada, and reared a large family, of whom Sam-
uel lived to reach adult years.
Samuel Landon, grandfather of our subject, mar-
ried Elizabeth Bradley, a native of County Carlow,
Ireland. The Bradley family were Orangemen, and
the father of Elizabeth, who was an officer of dra-
goons in Ireland, came to Canada, where he had
charge of a gentleman's estate. Samuel Landon
was a contractor, and while engaged in building a
bridge at Lansdowne, one of his men failing to do
work to his liking, he seized hold of a timber to
lift, and sustained injuries that resulted in his death.
His children were five in number : Joshua, who went
to Minnesota, where all trace of him was lost ; Ed-
ward, who was reared in St. Lawrence county, N. Y.,
and died in West Hartford, Conn., in 1896; Daniel,
father of our subject; Mary J., who was married to
Henry Bradley, and died in Canada; and Lucinda,
who was married to George DeLong, of Watertown,
N. Y., and there died.
Daniel Landon, father of our subject, was born
March 30, 1832, in Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada,
and was educated in the common schools of his na-
tive town. He learned shoemaking, and about the
time he was twenty-one years old located in Hopkin-
ton, N. Y., worked awhile as a journeyman, and
then engaged in trade for himself. In August, 1862,
he enlisted in Company G, io6th N. Y. V. I., but be-
fore the regiment left for the front he was promoted
from private to corporal, and then to sergeant. He
participated in eleven battles, and at Monocacy, Md.,
July 9, 1864, he was shot through and through, but
thought himself hit by a spent ball only. While
kneeling to load his rifle, he was a second time shot
through and through, the ball barely missing the jug-
ular vein. He was sent to the Jarvis hospital, at Bal-
timore. When sufficiently recovered to move about
he was assigned to duty in the convalescent hospi-
tal, and in April, 1865, was granted a furlough
home. Here he was taken worse, the furlough was
extended, and he was transferred to the Veteran Re-
serve Corps, but was not assigned to any company.
As he was the senior officer of his company when he
was shot — it had been so riddled — a lieutenant's
commission was awaiting him on his return, but he
was not able to get back before the war closed. He
engaged in farming. His death took place April
23, 1879 ; for eleven years he had suffered from
hemorrhage of the lungs, but his great will-power
prolonged his life. In politics Daniel Landon was
a stanch Republican, and at different times filled
such offices as justice of the peace, constable and
collector. Fraternally he was a Freemason, and in
religion a Congregationalist.
1806
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The marriage of ^Ir. Landon to Miss Caroline
jM. riielps took place at Hopkinton, X. Y., Jan. 6,
1852. Miss Phelps was bom in that town Sept.
21, 1832, a daughter of William S. and Laura (Pal-
mer) Phelps. Laura Palmer was a daughter of
Richard S. Palmer, who was a soldier in the war of
1812, was a Baptist c!erg}'man, and was the first
settled minister of that denomination in St. Law-
rence county, N. Y. William S. Phelps was born
in Orwell, Vt., and was a son of Jacob and Lucy
(Webster) Phelps, the latter of whom lived to the
great age of ninety-six years. Jacob Phelps was a
native of Pittsfield, Mass., and was the first to lo-
cate in St. Lawrence county, N. Y. His father,
Elnathan Phelps, was a soldier of the Revolutionary
war, and had served in the I'Vcnch and Indian wars.
Elnathan was a son of William, who, in turn, was
a son of \Mlliam, who was a son of Nathaniel, who
settled in Xorthfield, Mass., and was a son of Will-
iam, who came from England in 1630, and to Wind-
sor, Conn., in 1635, and here died in 1672.
The children born to Daniel and Caroline M.
Landon numbered six, as follows : Herbert, born
March 9, 1853, is a farmer in Stockholm, X. Y. :
Ella, born in September, 1855, is now Mrs. Henry
Johnson, of Hartford, Conn. ; Will P. is the subject
of this sketch ; Elizabeth, born in April, 1862, is
unmarried, and resides in Buffalo, X. Y. ; Lucy,
born in January, 1870. is married to W'illiam A.
DriscoU, of Parkville, Conn. : and Raymond D., born
June 6, 1872, resides in Hartford. The mother of
this family also resides in Hartford, and is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church. She is a re-
markably well-preserved lady, and to her retentive
memory the publishers are indebted for many of the
facts here given, in relation to the early history of
the Landon and Phelps families.
Will P. Landon attended the district schools of
his native town until twelve years of age, and v.-as
then employed at hard work on his father's farm, as
the ill health of the father precluded his doing much
work, although he had relinquished his trade and
resorted to farming, in the vain hope that outdoor
life would prove a remedy for the disorder result-
ing from his wounds — hemorrhage of the lungs.
At the age of sixteen years young Landon en-
tered a store in the town as clerk, passed two years
in this employment, and then returning to the farm
continued to work thereon tmtil his father's death.
After this he entered a drug store in Canton. N.
Y., and after clerking a short time went out as a
traveling salesman for the Thatcher Drug Co., of
Potsdam, N. Y., but as this business did not agree
with him he relinquished it at the end of eight
months. He then for a time lived v.-ith an uncle.
L. D. Atwood, on a farm.
In June, 1881, Mr. Landon was joined in mat-
rimony with Miss Mena Cooper, of Massena
Springs, St. Lawrence Co., XT. Y., and began house-
keeping in Hopkinton. Soon after this happy event
he was employed as clerk at the "Hatfield Hotel,"
at Massena Springs, and later at a mill in Parish-
ville, in the same county, whence he came to Con-
necticut. Here he was employed as clerk for Henry
T. Hart, of Burnside, Hartford county, and in every
position thus held he constantly enhanced his repu-
tation as a reliable and competent bookkeeper.
In October, 1887, Mr. Landon entered the em-
ploy of the Xew England Railway Co., as clerk, this
being the year when the company's shops were
erected at East I lartford, and he has ever since held
the confidence of the managers. Although the di-
rectorship has changed several times, he has been
retained each administration, and no better evidence
of his ability can be cited than this fact, and the
fact that, in July, 1894, he was appointed chief
clerk — his present position.
In 1893 Mr. Landon erected an elegant home
on Burnside avenue. East Hartford, but subsequently
sold this and purchased another on the same avenue
— his present residence. Fraternally Mr. Landon is
a member of Orient Lodge, F. & A. M., and of
Sonquasson Tribe, of Red Men, of Hartford ; he
was a memlx'r of Lincoln Lodge, K. P., of Hart-
ford, but later became a charter member of Elm
Lodge, K. P., of East Hartford, and is also a charter
member of LaFayette Council, O. U. A. M., of the
same town. In religion he is an Episcopalian, and
in politics a Republican, in the success of which
party he takes a keen interest. Socially he mingles
with the best circles of Hartford and East Hartford,
and enjoys the esteem of all with whom he meets
in this respect, as well as that of the public in gen-
eral. He is fond of a good horse and keeps a good
driver, and delights in "'caring for his own horse."
He has made his own way through life from the
age of twelve years, and is well entitled to the high
esteem in which he is held.
\VILLIS FRAXK ROCKWELL, one of the
oldest business men in the State of Connecticut, was
born in the town of Wintonburg Jan. i, 1827, a son
of Joel and Monimee (Pinney) Rockwell.
Joel S. Rockwell, grandfather of Willis F., was
a native of Scotland, but early came to Connecti-
cut and became a farmer at Wapping, Hartford
county, married a Miss Ladd, of Scottish ancestry,
and passed the remainder of his life on his farm.
Joel Rockwell, son of Joel S. and father of
Willis F., was bom at Wapping, where he lived
until seven years of age, from that time until he
reached his majority residing with a family named
Harding, in Granville, Mass. He then took up a
tract of land in Ohio, on which he lived one year
only. On returning to Connecticut he engaged in
the retail butcher trade, and also owned a farm of
200 acres. He married, in Bloomfield, Moniinee
(Pinney) Clark, widow of Joel Clark, by whom she
had one child, Delia Clark. To the marriage of
Joel and Monimee Rockwell were born seven chil-
dren, in the following order: Joel C, now in Flor-
ida; Willis Frank, the subject of this sketch; O. P.,.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1307
John Scott and John C, all three deceased ; George
L., in the real-estate business at Providence, R. I. ;
and Alice Z., deceased. Mr. Rockwell was a Whig
in politics, and died on his farm in 1867, at the
age of seventy-two years.
Willis F. Rockwell was educated in the Old
Farm district of Bloomfield, and at the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Suffield. He then served a five
years apprenticeship at carriage making with Anson
H. Porter, at Bloomfield Center, after which he en-
gaged, in the same business on his own account in
Tariffville. But within two weeks be was taken sick,
and while thus confined his shop was destroyed
by fire. He then went into the retail meat business
in the Washington market at Hartford City, at
which he continued nineteen years, after which he
engaged in the same line, in the wholesale tradfe,
and is now the oldest butcher and dealer in meats
in New England, and, to show the extent of bis
trade, it may be mentioned that, in 1897, of sheep
alone he slaughtered iipward of ten thousand.
Mr. Rockwell was united in marriage, in Bloom-
field, April 12, 1849, with Miss Catharine N. Filley,
daughter of Haskell H. Filley, and this marriage
has been graced with four children, born in the
following order : Frank D. is a salesman for Inger-
man Swift, in the wholesale meat business, and is
married to Miss E. A. Clark; Willis E. married
Miss O. E. Kenyon, and has been blessed with two
children — Willis K. and Percy; Kate G. is the
wife of David S. Hall, and has one child — Frank
D. ; and Ida M., born Aug. 5, 1863 (who died when
five months old).
Willis F. Rockwell is master of Hiram Lodge,
No. 98, F. & A. M. at Bloomfield, and has been
a member of the fraternity for thirty-four years.
He is also a member of Bloomfield Grange, P. of
H. In politics he was first a Whig, but on the or-
ganization of the Republican party joined its ranks,
and by this party ha's been elected a member of the
board of education, and the board of relief. So-
cially he stands very high in the esteem of the com-
munity in which he has passed so many years of a
long and useful life.
LEONIDAS D. CHANDLER, who, as a farmer,
tobacco grower, legislator, and one of the foremost
public-spirited citizens of South Windsor, has won
a reputation of high degree and evinced a character
of many sterling qualities, possesses those elements
of enterprise and industry which constitute the
ground work of American life. As an adventurous
pioneer in the western country, and as a gallant
soldier during the Civil war, he displayed those ad-
mirable traits which lead to recognition and dis-
tinction.
Mr. Chandler was born in the town of East
Hartford, near Burnside, Oct. 14, 1836, son of
Charles M. and Mary (Vibert) Chandler. His fa-
ther was a native of Franklin, N. H., who when a
young man removed from that State to Hartford
county, Conn., and there married. By trade he
was a papermaker. To Charles M. and Mary
Chandler were born three children : Leonidas D.,
our subject; Rose, who died in infancy; and Har-
riet, wife of Charles M. Pelton, of East Hartford.
Our subject was seven years old when his fa-
ther died, and at ten he began working out on
neighboring farms, attending school during the win-
ter months. His education, however, was not neg-
lected, for besides attending the common schools he
was a student for a time at the East Windsor Hill
Seminary. In 1857, when he attained his majority,
he went West and for two years remained at Olms-
ted, Harrison Co., Iowa. In the spring of 1859 he
drove three yoke of oxen from Iowa to Colorado.
He entered the mountains and located on Clear creek,
, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, and
the following winter returned to Iowa, making the
journey the same way he came, by ox-team. In
Iowa he remained until July 4, 1861, when he en-
listed in Company B, 4th Iowa V. I. Fie was mus-
tered into the service at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Pro-
ceeding to St. Louis the regiment was stationed foi
a time at Jefferson Barracks, guarding the rail-
road. Proceeding to Raleigh, Mo., the 4th Iowa
there went into winter quarters. In January, 1862,
it moved to Springfield, and Mr. Chandler partici-
pated soon after in the sharp engagement at Pea
Ridge. He marched through the country to Helena,
Ark., where a slight engagement occurred. Pro-
ceeding down the river to Milliken's Bend, the regi-
ment was attached to the 15th Army Corps under
Sherman, and participated in the battle of Arkansas
Post. The next engagement of our subject was at
Port Gibson, then at Jackson, Miss. Returning,
he was present at the siege of Vicksburg, and was
also engaged in a number of skirmishes. At Chick-
asaw Bayou, Dec. 29, 1862, he was wounded. He
was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Sept. 16,
1863.
Returning to South Windsor, the young soldier
engaged in farming. He was married, in 1870, to
Miss Celia M. King, daughter of Benoni O. and
Lucinda (Sadd) King, of South Windsor. To Mr.
and Mrs. Chandler have been born three children:
Grace, wife of Harry S. Powers, of South Windsor ;
Charles V. ; and Fred L., at home.
Mr. Chandler owns about forty acres, most of
which is fine tobacco land, located about six miles
from Hartford, and tobacco growing is his chief oc-
cupation at present. Mr. Chandler is a Republican
in politics, and one of the leading spirits of his
party in South Windsor ; for many years has been a
member of the Republican committee. In 1879 he
was elected to the State Legislature on the Repub-
lican ticket, and in 1898 he was elected registrar of
South Windsor. Socially he is a member of Rod-
man Post, No. 65, G. A. R., at East Hartford ; Ever-
green Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M., at the same place ;
Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M., and Wolcott
Council, of Hartford. Mr. Chandler is a member of
1308
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Army and Xavv Clulj of Hartford, and since
i86y has been a member of the X'eteran Foot Guard
of Hartford.
HON. HENRY D. BARNARD, one of the old-
est and best-known residents of North Bloomfield,
was born at his present home Aug. ii, 1828. and is
a descendant of one of the most ancient famihes of
New England.
Sergeant Joseph Barnard, great-great-grandfa-
ther of our subject, was supposed to have de-
scended from Francis Barnard, who came to Amer-
ica from Ipswich, England, in the ship "Francis,"
in 1634. The place and date of birth of Sergt. Jo-
seph Barnard are unknown, as well as place and date
of death, but it is on record that he married Abi-
gail Griswold Oct. 4, 1705, and that she died in
1747, the mother of si.x children: Sarah, born
Sept. 23, 1706; Joseph, March 19, 1708; Ebenezer,
Sept. 8, 1710; Ann, Feb. 28, 1712; David, Nov. 3,
1714; Francis, Sept. 9, 1719.
Francis Barnard, great-grandfather of Henry
Dwight Barnard, was born in XMndsor, Conn., at
the date above named, removed to Simsbury, Conn.,
and was the father of twelve children, born in tlie
following order: Francis; Lucretia, Nov. 11, 1743;
Lydia, Feb, 23, 1746; Irana, Oct. 23, 1747; Moses
and Aaron, Dec. 12, 1750; Elizabeth and Sarah, in
1755; Ebenezer, Sept. 12, 1757; Samuel, March 9,
1759; Elihu, May 28, 1762; and Caroline, April 22,
1765. The name of the mother of this family is
not given, nor dates of marriage and death.
Francis Barnard, grandfather of our subject,
was born within the present limits of Bloomfield,
Conn., here passed his life in farming, and died
about 1830. He was thrice married, (first) to Eliza-
beth Phelps, (second) to Chloe Mills, and (third)
to Diodema Brown. To his first marriage were
torn Oliver and Elizabeth : to his second were born
Chloc, Charlotte, George (father of our subject),
Ira, Asa, Harriet, Francis and Rhoda.
George Barnard, father of Henry D. Barnard, was
torn in what is now the town of Bloomfield Feb. 22,
1785, learned the blacksmith's trade with Joshua
Latham, and this, together with farming, was his
life-long occupation. He married, Oct. 15, 1805,
]\Iiss Sally Higley, who was born Nov. 30, 1785,
and this union was blessed with twelve children as
follows: George A., July 23, 1806, died Aug. 10,
1808; Caroline, Dec. 29, 1807, died March 4, 1816;
George A. (2), Aug. 7, 1809, died March 26, 1885;
Harriet, Feb. 23, 1811, died March 29, 1896; Chloe,
March 29. 1814, died Oct. 8, 1830: (larlos, Aug. i,
• 1816, died March 5, 1817; Caroline (2), Jan. 9,
1818, died Jan. 8, 1852; Amelia C. (now Mrs.
Smith, of Buffalo, N. Y.), Feb. 20, 1820; Eliza-
beth, Sept. 29, 1821, died July 2, 1851 ; James, Oct.
21, 1823, died Oct. 19, 1839; Mary A., March 17,
1826, now wife of S. B. Newberry, of Bloomfield,
Conn., and mother of two children — Charles C.
and Annette Goodwin ; and Henry D., whose name
opens this sketch. The father of this family was
called away April 19, 1863, a deacon of the East
Granby Baptist Church, and was followed to the
grave by his wife Nov. 20, 1870.
Hon. Henry D. Barnard was educated in the
district school of North Bloomfield, and at the high
school in Simsbury. On Nov. 22, 1857, he married,
at East Granby, Miss Sophia R. Alderman, daugh-
ter of Irijah Bissell and Anice (Rockwell) Alder-
man. Mrs. Barnard was born Sept. 29, 1832, and
died Dec. 7, 1876, the mother of six children, viz.:
Amelia S., born Nov. 23, 1858, died July 16, 1880;
Mary E., born May 9, 1861, died Aug. 25, 1887;
George, born March 5, 1863, died March 28, 1890;
William H., born June 18, 1865, died at the home of
his father Feb. 4, 1900; Ira, born July 30, 1869,
and Alice, born March 9, 1872. The living chil-
dren are members of the Baptist Church. Mr.
Barnard has passed all his active days in farming,
and has been quite prominent in local politics and
the management of the affairs of his town. In
1882 he was elected a member of the Legislature on
the Democratic ticket and took an active part in the
proceedings of that body, and he has also served as
assessor of his town, in which office he has given
indisputable satisfaction.
CLARK ALLEN COREY, whose sudden death
is still fresh in the minds of his fellow citizens, was
one of the honored and highly esteemed residents
of the town of Suflield, Hartford county. He was
born May 3, 1826, in Laneslxiro, Berkshire Co.,
Mass., and belonged to an old New England family
of English descent.
Abel Corey, his grandfather, was a native of
Rhode Island, where he was reared, thence when a
young man removing to Hancock, Berkshire Co.,
Mass., where he followed farming throughout the
remainder of his life. Religiously he was a member
of the Congregational Church. In his family were
ten children: Otheonile, Millie, Catherine, Clark,
Hamilton, Harty, Thomas, Freeburn. Elsie and
Amy, all of whom lived and died in Hancock with
the exception of Clark, the father of our subject.
Clark Corey was born in Hancock, Mass., and
grew to manhood upon his father's farm, his educa-
tion being acquired in the district schools of the
neighborhood. On leaving the parental roof he en-
gaged in farming on his own account near Lanes-
boro, Mass., where he remained until 1830, and
later followed the same occupation at Washington,
that State, but the last few years of his life were
spent at Pittsfield, where he owned a small farm.
He died there, and his remains were interred at
Washington. Politically he was first a stanch Whig
and later a Republican, and always took quite an
active and influential part in local affairs, filling a
number of offices, such as selectman, etc. He was
a true Christian gentleman, and a faithful member
of the Congregational Church. In Hancock he mar-
ried Miss Sarah Allen, a native of Stephentown,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1309
N. Y., and to them were born four children : Daniel,
deceased; Mary Ann, who married Nathan Clark
(both died in Sufheld) ; Clark Allen, our subject;
and Elsie, deceased wife of Albert Mecum, of
Becket, Mass. The mother, who was also a con-
sistent member of the Congregational Church, died
in Washington, Mass., and was buried there. For
his second wife the father married Olivette J. Her-
rick, by whom he had three children: Ann Maria,
deceased wife of Jonathan Bidwell, of Bloomfield,
Conn. ; William H., who died in infancy ; and Ellen,
wife of D. W. Thrall, of Hartford. 'The mother
of this family was also a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. She died at the home of her daugh-
ter, in Bloomfield, being laid to rest in Bloomfield
Centre.
Clark A. Corey, whose name introduces this
sketch, was only four years old when taken by his
parents to Washington, Mass., and in the district
schools of that locality he obtained his education.
During his minority he remained upon his father's
farm, and on starting out in life to make his own
way in the world he found employment with Jones
Rudd, a lumberman and general dealer of Becket,
Mass., with whom he remained for several years,
or until that gentleman's death. Of an ambitious
nature, he succeeded in working his way upward,
attaining the position of superintendend of the lum-
ber yard and agent in charge of all the outside
business. After Mr. Rudd's death he turned his
attention to farming, and as there was but one
blacksmith in Becket opened a blacksmith shop,
though he had no previous knowledge of the busi-
ness. Receiving the support of the people of the
community, he persevered in his new undertaking,
and soon became an expert blacksmith, being con-
sidered the best ox-shoer in the country. He was
quite proficient in everything pertaining to the busi-
ness, and successfully followed the same for several
years. Later he was interested in the butcher busi-
ness in partnership with Hope Ames for two years,
and then accepted the position of foreman for the
firm of Wheeler & Clafliin, the latter of whom was
afterward governor of Massachusetts. As foreman
Mr. Corey was engaged in constructing roads, and
preparing foundations for a tanyard in Fulton coun-
ty, N. Y., having loo men working under him in
cutting timber and preparing the foundations. It
was the largest plant of the kind in the county, the
yard being 400 feet long, the bark house, 100x40
feet; the dry house, 180x40 feet; the wood house,
100x40 feet; and the leach house, 150x30 feet.
After its completion our subject worked in that sec-
tion, building roads, bridges, dams, etc., and pre-
pared the foundation for a smaller tannery for the
same firm, the yard being 250 feet long. He also
built seven miles of plank road, and had the entire
confidence of his emploj'ers and the respect of the
men working under him.
In 1870 Mr. Corey came to Suffield, Conn., and
bought a tract of eighty acres in West Suffield,
known as the Pomeroy farm, on which he made his
home until his death. He made many improvements
upon the place, and for some time was actively en-
gaged in the cultivation of tobacco, general farming,
dairying and stock raising, and raised the well-
known stallion, "Harry Morgan, Jr." From the
effects of neuralgia and rheumatism he was de-
prived of the use of his lower limbs for fifteen years
before his death, but being dissatisfied with an idle
existence he devoted his time to putting in cane
bottoms in chairs, etc., as he was a natural me-
chanic, able to do almost anything in the mechanical
line. He was ever a hard worker, a close observer,
was temperate in his habits, and very genial in dis-
position. In early life he was a supporter of the
Whig party, and was later a pronounced Republican,
but cared nothing for official honors. At one time
he was a member of the Know-Nothing party. He
was a good Christian man, a member of the Congre-
gational Church, and highly respected by all who
knew him. Mr. Corey passed away Nov. 10, 1899,
after an illness of only about thirty hours.
On Feb. 4, 185 1, in Milford, Mass., Mr. Corey
married Miss Clarinda Smith, a native of that place,
and a daughter of Obediah Smith. Four children
were born to them : James A., a railroad man of
Kansas; Jessie, who died young; Effie S., wife of
Frederick Scott, of Suffield ; and Grace. The wife
and mother died in Becket, Mass., in 1862, and was
buried there. Mr. Corey was again married, in
i866,his second union being with Mrs. Abby(Keck)
Claus, widow of E. Piatt Claus, by whom she had
three children, two of whom died in infancy ; the
other; Ida J., is the wife of Charles Washburn, of
Westfield, Mass. By his second union Mr. Corey
had one child, Annie M., who married Burton M.
Gillett, and has one child, Abby Adelia. They live
with Mrs. Corey.
Mrs. Abby Corey is a native of Oppenheim, N.
Y., and is a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth
(Smith) Keck. Her maternal grandfather was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. She is a lady of
marked intelligence and refinement, and a good
housewife, excelling in cooking and making pickles,
jams, preserves, etc., and her home is adorned by
many articles made by herself, such as rugs, car-
pets, etc. In 1899 she entered the garden contest
of the New England Homestead Co., and was one
of the prize winners. She is also one of the most
extensive poultry raisers in the town. Mrs. Corey
has been quite successful in canvassing for books,
and possesses more than ordinary business ability
and sound judgment.
HON. SAMUEL D. DRAKE, formerly repre-
sentative in the State Legislature from the town
of Windsor, is one of the most highly respected
residents of that locality, his sound judgment and
sturdy independence of thought and action having
won the esteem of all classes.
Mr; Drake was born in this county July 9,
1310
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1828, at what is now known as Wilson Station,
and is the oldest male representative of an old fani-
. ily of Windsor town, now less numerous than for-
merly. His grandfather, David Drake, Sr., was
a farmer near Wilson Station. His first wife died
a few years after the birth of their son, David, Jr.
David Drake, Jr., our subject's father, was born
and reared at the old homestead, and became a
farmer and brick-maker by occupation. He ac-
quired a fair competence, and had a comfortable
home, his children being given a good start in life.
In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and con-
sidered it a duty to cast his ballot at every elec-
tion. He died at the age of sixty-three, and his
wife, Eunice Egglcsion, also a native of \\ indsor
town, survived him some years, being seventy
years old at her death. Of their five children,
the eldest, Elmira, died unmarried, at the age of
twenty ; Nathan, who died in Hartford, was a mer-
chant tailor by occupation ; Oliver, who was en-
gaged in the grocery business in Hartford at the
time of his death, was one of the famous "forty-
niners," having been a member of O. P. Mills'
party, which sailed in February, 1849, for Cali-
fornia, via Cape Horn; Samuel D., our subject,
was fourth in the order of birth ; Olive E., the
youngest, is the wife of S. John ^lills, of Windsor
town.
Among the brightest memories of our sub-
ject's early life are his school days in the old Buck-
town District school, which had the reputation of
being the hardest to govern of any in the. town,
some teachers being unwilling to undertake the
task. Although he joined heartily in the merriment
that frequently reigned there, he managed to secure
a fair store of knowledge. As a young man he
continued to assist his father in farming and brick-
making, with which he became familiar in boy-
hood, and when thirty years old he carried out
a long cherished desire to become a railroad man,
the sight of a train rushing by having always
awakened within him the wish to be upon it. He
was first employed as a brakenian on a passenger
train on the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill rail-
road, then running only between Willimantic and
Bristol, and after a few months was promoted to
the post of baggage-master between Hartford and
Providence. As he showed marked aptitude for rail-
road work it was not long before he was made "ex-
tra man," being called on to fill any unexpected va-
cancy from conductor to agent. For five years he
filled this responsible position satisfactorily, and
for eighteen years he was passenger conductor, his
record as an almost unerring collector of fares be-
ing a remarkable one. The high esteem in which
he was held b}- the company was shown b_y the fact
that he was often taken from his regular run and
placed in charge of large excursion trains, where
his well-proven efficiency would be of especial
value. In 1878 his health became sotnewhat af-
fected, and he left the road, notwithstanding the
expressed regret of his employers. As he had
purchased his present farm some time previous,
he settled down to agricultural work, in which he
has now spent about twenty years. A comfortable
competence, the result of his own efforts, enables
him to enjoy the good things of life, and he owns
other property in the town besides his home. He
is fond of driving, being an exceptionally good
reinsman, and he always has a fine horse or two in
his stables. Fishing is another form of recreation
in which he takes pleasure, . and in former years
he often spent his summers at Moosehead Lake,
Maine, in order to enjoy that sport. As a stanch
Democrat he has done much effective work in local
I politics, but he is not a strict partisan, and will vote
for a good man whatever ticket his name may be
on, while his own support is derived from the best
people of all parties. For ten years he served as
tax collector, and at one time he was elected town
clerk, but declined to qualify. In 1883 he was a
: member of the General Assembly, his able service
winning universal approval.
At the age of thirty-three Mr. Drake married
Miss Eliza Capen, daughter of Harry Capen, a
well-known citizen of Windsor, and since locating
at their present home they have taken a prominent
place in the social life of the town. Both are mem-
bers of the Episcopal Church, in which our sub-
ject is a vestryman, and for some time he had
charge of the sale of seats. Fraternally he is iden-
tified with St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M.,
at Hartford.
ELIHU NORMAN SHEPARD, an old-time
and well-known citizen of Bloomfield, was born
April I, 1 82 1, in the town of Farmington, just
across the road from his present residence. He
traces his maternal genealogy to George and Eliza-
beth (Watts) Hubbard, the former of whom was
born in the eastern part of England in 1601, and
whose name appears on the records of Hartford,
Conn., in 1639, he having come hither overland
from Boston, in 1635 or 1636, and having here
married Elizabeth Watts, in 1640.
Elihu Norman Shepard has passed his entire
life in the towns of Farmington, Windsor and
Bloomfield without removing from the home farm.
His father, Elihu Shepard, was born on the Bloom-
field portion of this farm in 1794, and died March
8, 1873. He married, Oct. 20, 1818, Mary Hub-
bard, a lineal descendant of the George and Eliza-
beth (Watts) Hubbard, alluded to in the preced-
ing paragraph. Mary Hubbard was a daughter
of Dosethius and Tamar (Hitchcock) Hubbard;
Dosethius was a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Cad-
well) Hubbard; Nathaniel was a son of John and
Agnes Spencer (Humphreys) Hubbard; John was
a son of Samuel and Sarah (Kirby) HublDard, and
Samuel was a son of George and Elizabeth (Watts)
Hubbard, the founders of this family in Connect-
icut.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1311
To Elihu and Mary (Hubbard) Shepard were
born seven children, namely : Mary J., born Oct.
-22, 1819, and married to Martin B. Holcomb;
Elihu Norman, the subject proper of this sketch;
Alma Melissa, born Dec. 25, 1S22, and married to
William Whiting, of South Willington; Laura
Maria, born Nov. 6, 1824, died Dec. 30, 1833;
Weltham, born Jan. 11, 1830, died Sept. 26, 1830;
Theron, of Hartford, born June 6, 1832, and Maria,
who was born Nov. 23, 1833, and died May 31,
1839. The mother of this family, who was born
Aug. 17, 1798, died Dec. 19, 1882.
Thomas Shepard, paternal grandfather of our
subject, was a son of Thomas, was married four
times, ' his first wife being the mother of Elihu.
The great-grandfather, the grandfather and the
grandmother all died on the homestead now oc-
cupied by our subject.
Elihu Norman Shepard spent his boyhood days
in the southwest district of Bloomfield, where he
attended school. He first married, in Bloomfield,
Feb. 16, 1847, Miss Emily Brown, daughter of
Nathan Brown. This lady died Aug. 24, 1882,
and at West Hartford May 31, 1883, Mr. Shepard
married Augusta M. West, who died Sept. 30,
1889; for his third wife he selected Harriet O.
■Clark, whom he married March 11, 1891, in New
Britain, but this lady died March 17, 1893, and
May 15, 189s, Mr. Shepard married his fourth
wife — Mrs. Esther A. Barber, in West Hartford.
The present Mrs. Shepard is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and, with her hus-'
band, enjoys the vv^arm respect of all her neigh-
bors. Mr. Shepard, in politics, was first a Whig
and is now a Republican, but has never sought po-
litical position.
GEORGE BIDWELL, deceased, was in his day
one of the prosperous, respected farmers of the
town of Manchester, for thirty years prior to his
decease occupying and cultivating the farm on
which his widow still resides. He was born Jan.
25, 1816, in the town of Vernon, Tolland Co.,
Conn., son of George Bidwell and grandson of
Zebulon Bidwell, both of whom were natives of
Manchester, Hartford county, born on the same
farm. Our subject was the eldest of two children;
the other, Mary A., became the wife of Dr. Will-
iam Woodbridge, of Brooklyn, Conn., and died in
1874.
George Bidwell received his education in the
common and private schools of Andover, Conn.,
and became familiar with farm life at an early age.
He was fourteen when his father died, and he and
his mother subsequently carried on the home farm,
on which he remained until his removal to Man-
chester in 1850, when he settled on the farm where
the remainder of his life was passed. He was suc-
cessfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits,
.and at the time of his decease owned 100 acres in
Manchester town, besides a tract of forty-five acres
in Vernon, Tolland county, deriving a good in-
come from his land. On March 19, 1837, Mr.
Bidwell was united in marriage with Miss Janet
Millard, who was born March 26, 1818, in the
town of Manchester, daughter of Elijah JNIillard,
a native of the same town, and granddaughter of
Andrew Millard, who was a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary war. In the family of children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Bidwell, were the following: Estella
A., who is the wife of Albert Fuller, of Hartford;
George A., who is mentioned more fully below;
Melvin, born July 3, 1848, who died when two
years old; and Jane A., born Sept. 10, 1850. Mr.
Bidwell passed away Sept. 7, 1880, widely mourned
in the community where he had made his home
for so many years, and his remains were interred
in the Center cemetery. He was an active member
of the Second Congregational Church of Man-
chester, in which he was ever a zealous worker,
contributing liberally of his time and means to
Church work and interests. Politically he was a
strong believer in the principles of the Republican
party. Though now over eighty years of age Mrs.
Bidwell is as active as many women of fifty, and
she has always shared the esteem in which her hus-
band was held by all their neighbors and friends.
In religious connection she has also been identi-
fied with the Second Congregational Church of
Manchester for many years.
George A. Bidwell was born in 1845,' in Vernon,
Tolland Co., Conn., and received his education
in the common schools of Manchester and in Wil-
braham (Mass.) Academy. During his earlier
manhood he was engaged in mercantile business,
at Munson, Mass., and from 1880 to 1881 in the
town of Manchester, but after his father's death
he returned to the home farm, where he has since
resided with his mother and attended to the culti-
vation of the place. He is a stanch Republican in
politics, and he has been quite active in local af-
fairs, having served several years as constable,
and for three years as deputy sheriff under Sheriff
Bissell.
On Oct. 31, 1866, Mr. Bidwell married Miss
Frances J. Keeney, and they have two children —
Georgia M., who is now the wife of Roland F.
Cashman; and Homer G., who lives with his par-
ents.
HON. PHILIP WADSWORTH, a retired
business man of Brookside, town of Suffield, Hart-
ford county, was born in New Hartford, Litchfield
county, March 7, 1832, and is of remote English
descent, the Wadsworth family being one of the
very earliest to settle in New England.
Seth Wadsworth, grandfather of our subject, a
native of this State, was an agriculturist of Hart-
ford county. He was a brother of Gen. Jeremiah
Wadsworth (who was attached to the staff of Gen.
Washington), and took a very active part with the
patriot army during the Revolutionary war. Seth
1312
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Wadsworth married Mary Strong, and to their
union were born four children : Hesakiel, Tertius,
Timothy and Daniel. Seth and his wife died in
Farmingion, and there their remains repose side by
side.
Tertius Wadsworth, father of Philip Wadsworth,
grew to manhood in Farmington, his native town.
He began his business life in New Hartford, Litch-
field county, as a merchant, and was also interested
in manufacturing, later removing to Hartford, where
he became interested in banking and insurance, was
a director in the St:.te Bank of Hartford for many
years, and was also a director in the Connecticut
Fire Insurance Co. of Hartford. He was the own-
er of a great deal of real estate in the city of Chicago.
111., and was altogether a prominent factor in busi-
ness and public affairs, although he never sought
political honors. He was first a Whig, and later a
Republican, and voted simply as a matter of prin-
ciple. Mr. Wadsworth married Polly Seymour, a
native of New Hartford, and to this marriage were
born six children, of whom the three eldest, James.
Elisha S. and Julius, are deceased ; Tertius lives in
Chicago ; Philip is the subject of this sketch ; and
Mary S. died young. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth
died in Hartford, in the faith of the Congregational
Church, and greatly honored by all classes.
Philip Wadsworth, whose name opens this
sketch, was educated in the schools of Hartford
and at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass.
In 1853 he went \\'est, located in Chicago, which
was then in its infancy, and for years was a leading j
business man of that city, and largely engaged in j
the wholesale woolen business. In 1889 he with-
drew from the trade and returned to Connecticut, I
settled in Suffield. and is now enjoying he pleas-
ures of a retired life. He resides in one of the finest '
mansions in Hartford county, formerly the prop- ]
erty of his father-in-law. Parks Loomis, and in re- [
modeling this magnificent home — known as Brook-
side — there has been expended over $50,000.
Mr. Wadsworth has always taken a very active
part in public affairs, especially in Chicago. He
was one of the early aldermen of that city, was one
of the commissioners that had control of the build-
ing of the Illinois State House, and was one of the
first Republicans in the State. He was a personal
friend of Abraham Lincoln, and strongly supported
him on his first nomination for the Presidency of
the United States. In 1862 Mr. Wadsworth was ap-
pointed by President Lincoln Internal Revenue col-
lector for the First Congressional District of Illi-
nois, and ably filled the office many years. In 1895
Mr. Wadsworth was elected on the Republican
ticket as a member of the Connecticut State Legis-
lature from the Sufifield district, and it is needless to
add that he served his people ably and faithfully.
Mr. Wadsworth was united in marriage with
Miss Georgiana Loomis, a daughter of Parks and
Emily (Hathaway) Loomis, of Sufifield, and two
children were born to their union: Philip, who died
at the age of two years ; and Emily, who was mar-
ried to Charles Schwartz, a prominent business man
of Chicago, anil also well known in Suffield as the
builder of Brookside, who died in Chicago in 1893;
his remains were brought to Suffield and here in-
terred. The two children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Schwartz — Wadsworth and Philip — still survive, to
cheer her widowed life. She makes her home in
the Brookside mansion, is a regent in the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution, S. Dwight Kent
Chapter, Sufifield, and is a lady of refined taste and
culture.
TRUMAN HALE, of East Hartford, is a
striking example of what is usually termed a "self-
made man," one who, by industry, strict integrity
and earnest endeavor, has raised himself from com-
parative indigence, and stands to-day among the
leading and substantial citizens of his town.
Mr. Hale was born in South Glastonbury, Hart-
ford county, Dec. 30, 1828, and is presumably of
remote Welsh descent, as tradition has it that in
an early day of the Colonies a Mr. Hale came
from Wales, settled in what is now West Hartford,
and was noted for his immense strength. Another
Mr. Hale (of no consanguinity) settled at Was-
saic, across the State line, in Dutchess county, N.
Y., and also became renowned for his physical
strength. Mr. Hale, of West Hartford, hearing
of the prowess of the other, determined to chal-
lenge him to combat, and started to journey to
Wassaic for that purpose. On the road he met the
Wassaic Hale, carrying a barrel of cider, which
he set down in order to exchange the customary
salutations; but w-hen Mr. Hale, of West Hart-
ford, saw the other raise the barrel to his lips and
drink from the bung-hole, he decided that discre-
tion was "the better part of valor," and also de-
cided not to "try conclusions" with him — at least,
not just then.
Ephraim Hale, grandfather of Truman Hale,,
was born in Glastonbury, Conn., was a shoemaker
and cobbler and lived and died in his native town,
\vhere his remains repose beside those of his wife,
who bore the maiden name of Morley. They reared
a large family.
Chester Hale, son of Ephraim, was also born
in Glastonbury, about 1795, and there received a
meager education, as he early left school to work
in a stone quarry, in which he was employed for
several years. He then purchased a farm in South
Glastonbury, and in 1818 married Miss Nancy
Chapman, -who was born in 1800, a daughter of
Ashel Chapman. To this union were born six chil-
dren : Henry, born in 1822, was a butcher, quarry-
man and farmer, married Clara Chapman, passed
all his life in Glastonbury, and died in 1898 ; Hector
died yovmg; Titus, born in 1825, married Mary
Strong, was a farmer, and is living in retirement
at Portland, Conn. : Truman is the subject of this
memoir; Hudson, born in 1830, learned toolmak-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
131e
ing', married JMar)^ Boyd, and is now farming in
Portland; Obed, born in 1832, was reared to farm-
ing, married Celesta Hale (Ht?e' Bidwell), died in
Glastonbury about 1875, and was buried in South
Glastonbury. Chester Hale, the father, died in
1854, and his widow died at the home of their son
Titus, in Portland, in 1881.
Truman Plale attended school in South Glaston-
bury, receiving his first instruction from -Wealthy
Ann Buck, and after his father's removal to North
Glastonbury finished his education in the ''brick
school house." He located in Portland, living there
until his father's death, when he settled on his
present place, and here filially cared for his mother
for several years. At the age of twenty-one years
he had a capital of ten dollars, and began his busi-
ness life by raising tobacco in a small way. He
carried his first year's crop back of his buggy seat
to the purchaser, Osmond Wells, who paid him
twelve cents per pound delivered at Glastonbury.
But mark the progress he has made in life by hon-
esty and diligence. He now has seven acres un-
der cultivation in tobacco on his home place, owns
another farm, as well as several houses which he
rents, has made many extensive improvements on
his homestead in the shape of tobacco sheds and
other substantial out-buildings, and in 1892 erected
his present dwelling, a fine specimen of archi-
tectual skill. His out-buildings alone represent an
outlay of $10,000.
Mr. Hale in politics is a Democrat of the most
rigid type, is very popular with his party as well
as with his fellow-citizens in general, and has been
invited to accept nomination for several responsible
offices, but has always declined ; nevertheless, he
has considered it his duty to render service in an
official capacity in a minor way, and for thirty-five
years has acted as school tax collector, is now serv-
ing on the grand jury, and has often served as
juryman in the various courts of the county and
State. He is a member of no secret order. He
is a constant attendant at the Episcopal Church,
to the support of which he most liberally contributes.
Mr. Hale is excellently well preserved, and is a
gentleman of very pleasing personality. He has
never married.
Since 1862 George R. Bailey and family have
made their home with Mr. Hale. Mr. Bailey was
born in Lebanon, Conn., Dec. 8, 1834, and when
nine years of age located in Glastonbury, living
there until 1862, when he came to East Hartford
and took up his residence with Mr. Hale. In 1854
he married Miss Josephine Miller, a native of Had-
■dam. Conn., and daughter of Leonard and Louisa
(Dickinson) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have
had two children: George, born Aug 8, 1857, died
April II, 1862, and his remains are interred at
East Hartford; Agnes L., born June 27, 1858, is
married to Charles E. White, a resident of East
Hartford and a well-to-do citizen, and they have
one son, George Truman, born May 26, 1878, who
83
has always made his home with his grandmother,
Mrs. Bailey. Mr. Bailey is at present engaged in
peddling meat; he has an excellent reputation as a
strictly conscientious business man.
HON. EDWARD W. PRATT, D. D. S., mem-
ber of the State Legislature from East Hartford, and
one of the most able members of the dental profes-
sion in Hartford county, was born Aug. 11, 1862,
in Essex, Middlesex Co., Conn. Dr. Pratt is a soii.
of Hon. Edward W. and CorneHa M. (Doane)
Pratt, and is of the ninth generation from Lieut.-
William Pratt, the first of the name to settle in New-
England, who is supposed to have come from Eng-
land with Rev. Thomas Hooker to Newtown Uiow
Cambridge), Mass., in 1633, and from there to Hart-
ford, Conn., in June, 1636. Lieut William Pratt
was twenty-three times a member of the General
Court. He married Elizabeth Clark, a daughter
of John Clark, first of Saybrook and later of
Milford.
Ensign John Pratt, son of Lieut. William, was
born in 1644, and married in 1669 Sarah Jones,
daughter of Thomas Jones, of Guilford. John Pratt
was a holder of extensive lands in Saybrook and
also in Hebron, Conn., and first settled in the old
parish of Saybrook, on land given him by his fa-
ther about 1672 ; he fell heir to the paternal home-
stead on Essex Point in 1678, when he removed
thereto. He was a blacksmith by trade, and his-
shop stood at or near the spot occupied in 1864 by
Elias Pratt, of the seventh generation from the first,
settler. He was also several times a representa.-
tive to the General Court.
John Pratt, son of Ensign John, was hatti in
1 67 1, at Saybrook, and in 1697 married Hannah
Williams, who bore him nine children.
Lieut. John Pratt, son of John, was born in 1703,
and in 1732 married Mary Webb, by whom he had
five children.
Asa Pratt, son of Lieut. John, was born in
1734, and in 1759 married Abigail Dennison, by
whom he had eight children. He died in 181 1, and
his wife in 1830.
John Pratt, son of Asa, was born in 1763, mar-
ried Hester Kirtland, in 1788, and had born to him
six children; he resided in Essex, and died in 1827,
his widow surviving until 1849.
Elias Pratt, son of John, was born Feb. i, 1801^
and in 1825 married Abigail Pratt, daughter of Ash-
bel and Elizabeth Pratt. Elias was a blacksmithi-
and in 1864 had his shop on or near the point in
Essex formerly occupied by Ensign John Pratt, al-
luded to above. He died when seventy-six years
old. The children born to Elias and Abigail Pratt
were: Susannah, Edward W., Edwin, Juha L,, Au-
gustus, Julia and James.
Edward W. Pratt, son of Elias, and father of our-
subject, was born July 31, 1828, and was of the
eighth generation from the original emigrant,
Lieut. William Pratt. Edward W. Pratt learnedi
1314
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
blacksmithing from his father, and made a specialty
of the ironing of vessels. He was a man of great
intelligence, was well read, and in politics was a Re
publican, and as such prominent and popular. Hq
served as selectman, was registrar of Vital Statis-
tics, and was twice elected to represent Essex in the
State Legislature. He was a Freemason, and a
man of great inriuence in the community at large,
and a sincere Christian, one whose integrity had
never been questioned. He was a robust man, and
never experienced a day's sickness, his lamented
death, occurring at the age of sixty years, being
caused by a fractured limb. His widow still re-
sides in Essex, revered and beloved by all who know
her. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward
W'. Pratt were as follows : Cornelius R., who is a
real-estate dealer in Umaha, Neb. ; Sydney K., who
was cashier of the Harlan Iowa Bank, and died at
the age of thirty-two years; Julia E., of Hampden,
\'a. ; Edward W., the subject of this sketch; Abbie
M., of Esse.x, still unmarried; John H., mate on a
trading schooner; and -Mar}- X., who tlied when
one year old.
Hon. Edward W. i'rall, the subject of this
.sketch, and of the ninth generation of this family in
America, attended the school in Essex until four-
teen years of age, and afterward the South and High
schools in Hartford until sixteen, when he returned
to Essex. At the age of seventeen years he secured
a position as teacher of a school in the village of
Ivoryton, Essex town. Jn the summer of 1880
he went to Harlan, Iowa, clerked in a general store,
and was also connected with the Harlan Herald, a
journal conducted by his brother Cornelius. Some
months later he returned to Connecticut, and wa^
■employed at Ivoryton by Comstock, Cheney & Co.,
as a shaper of piano keys, but soon afterward en-
gaged in the study of dentistry, spending three days
each week in the office of Dr. F. A. Shailer, a grad-
uate of the Philadelphia Dental College, and at that
time a successful practitioner of Essex. The other
three days of the week Mr. Pratt passed in the fac-
tory of Tiley & Pratt, as bone sawyer, and thus
•earned the money to pay for his tuition. He con-
tinued thus until the fall of 1882, when he entered
the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he
graduated in 1885, and in a class of seventy-three
students tied with two others in the competition for
first honors. In May, 1885, he began the active prac
tice of his profession in Glastonbury, and toward
the close of his stay there alternated three days each
week in practice at East Hartford. Finall}-, in the
fall of .1891, he relinquished his Glastonbury prac-
tice and settled in East Hartford permanently, and
he has since stood foremost in his profession in this
thriving town of 6,000 population. In 1891, also,
he erected his excellent dwelling on Main street, in
which he has his office.
In 1889 Dr. Pratt was joined in matrimony with
JMiss Charlotte Holmes, daughter of Ambrose and
Julia P. (Hardin) Holmes, of Glastonbury, and
this luiion has been blessed with one child, Ever-
ett D., born Dec. 4, 1895.
The Doctor is an enthusiastic Republican in
politics, and that he is popular with his party is
shown by the fact that he was elected to represent
East Hartford in the State Legislature in 1899,
after the shortest residence in the town, with but
one exception, of anv person ever elected to this high
office ; in the Legislature the Doctor served very
ably and satisfactorily as chairman of the committer'
on Capitol Furniture and Grounds. He was also the
first president of the Republican Clul) of Glaston-
bury, and first president of the East Hartford Re-
publican Club, and has ever been most active in
promoting the success of his party. Fraternally the
Doctor is past master of the Masonic lodge at East
Hartford, and past regent of Council No. 1237,
Royal Arcanum, same place, and while he was regent
the membership of the council was more than
doubled. Mrs. Pratt is a consistent member of the
Congregational Church.
Dr. Pratt is recognized as one of the most skilled
in his profession, and his practice is large and lu-
crative. He keeps fully abreast of dental progress.
He is emphatically a self-made man, has been in-
dustrious and hardworking from childhood up, even
assisting in his father's blacksmith shop when a
boy. He is now in most comfortable circumstances,
is classed among the best and most useful of East
Hartford's citizens, and well deserves the high es-
teem in which he is universally held. Pleasant
courteous, polished in manner, of fine appearance
and athletic build, his magnetism makes friends
for him wherever he may be.
HENRY C. SPRING, :\1. D., the rising young
physician and surgeon of Bloomfield, was born in
Bristol, Hartford Co., Conn., Nov. 13, 1873, and is
a son of Charles F. and Annie (Smith) Spring, the
former a native of Collinsville, Conn., and now liv-
ing in retirement at Bristol, and the latter a native of
England. Two children were born to this highly-
respected couple, Etta B. (of Bristol) and Henry C.
Henry C. Spring received his education at the
district school of Bristol, graduated from the high
school of the same town, and then attended the
btisiness college at Hartford ; he next entered the
Medical department of Columbia L'niversity, at
Washington, D. C, studied two years, and grad-
uated from the iledical Department of the Uni-
versity of the City of New York with the class of
1897. His first professional experience was had in
the Bellevue and Fordham hospitals, and in the
lying-in hospitals of New York, and in July, 1898,
he located for the active practice of his profession
in Bloomfield, Conn., where his abilities have already
won full recognition, and where he has laid the fomi-
dation of a permanent and lucrative practice. The
Doctor is a social favorite in the town, and frater-
nally is a member of Hiram Lodge. No. 98, F. & A.
M., of Bloomfield. He is unmarried.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1315
THOMAS HANCOCK, a well-known retired
■citizen of Windsor Locks, is deserving of prominent
mention in this volume as a man whose inilustr}- and
thrift have enabled him to gain for himself an hon-
orable place in life.
Air. Hancock was born in December, 1830, in
Dublin, Ireland, son of Thomas and Lucy ( Butler )
Hancock. The father, who was a paper maker by
occupation, died in Dublin in 1836, and his wife
£pent her last days with her son in Windsor Locks,
dying in 1859. There were three children ni the
family : Ann, who came to America with her mother
and died at Windsor Locks in i8yi ; Thomas ; and
Joseph, of Holyoke, Massachusetts.
As a bo}' Thomas Hancock attended school in
Dublin, and also learned the paper maker's trade.
In 1850 he left home to seek a better field for labor,
and after working a year and a half at his trade in
Scotland he went to England, where he was simi-
larly employed for a few months. In 1852 he came
to America, locating first in JManchester, Conn.,
where he remained two years, and in 1855 settled
in Windsor Locks, entering the employ of the Sey-
mour Paper Co. L'ntil 1888 he held a responsible
position with that firm, and he then retired from
active business, li.^ving accumulated a handsome
competence. He has always shown keen interest in
local afifairs, being an ardent Democrat, and he has
served three years as selectman of his town, while
at present he is doing eflicient work in the cause of
education as a member of the school board.'
In 1854 Mr. Hancock was married in Manches-
ter, Conn., to Miss Margaret McKenzie, who died
in Windsor Locks in 1866, and in 1879 he was unit-
ed in marriage with Miss Bridget Farrell, of \A''ind-
sor Locks. He has had a family of six children,
all by the first marriage : Henry, deceased ; Lucy ;
Margaret; Thomas, a resident of Holyoke, Mass.;
iMary, deceased; and Sarah. In religious faith Mr.
Hancock is a Catholic, and he and his wife are prom-
inent members of St. Alary's Parish, Windsor
Locks.
ALBERT J. TERRY, a prominent and progres-
sive agriculturist of the town of Enfield, and who
belongs to one of the oldest and best of New Eng-
land families, was born Jan. 13, 1842, on the farm
which he now owns and occupies.
Christopher Terry, his grandfather, was born in
Enfield, lived on this same farm all his life, and
was a man of considerable prominence in his day.
He married Hannah Griswold, and by her had chil-
dren as follows : Mabel, Mrs. Lyman Granger ; Dor-
cas, Mrs. Solomon Wells; Christopher H., of whom
further mention will presently be made ; and Maria,
Mrs. Daniel B. Allen.
Christopher H. Terry, father of Albert J., like
his father, was a native of Enfield, and was also a
lifelong farmer on the old homestead, well and favor-
ably known in the community. He married Sarah
JMcKnight, who was born in Ellington, Tolland Co.,
Conn., daughter of a farmer of that town, and chil-
dren as follows were born to them: Mabel M., Mrs.
David Bancroft; Loren C, who married Belle
Miller; Albert J., our subject; and Herbert H., de-
ceased.
Albert J. Terry, whose name introduces this
sketch, has, with the exception of a portion of his
school days, always resided on the Terry homestead
in the town of Enfield. He received a liberal edu-
cation at the common schools of the neighborhood
of his home, followed by a three years course at the
Wesleyan Academy, in Wilbraham, Mass. Farm-
ing has been his life work, and like his forefathers
he has met with the success his industry, perseve-
rance and sound judgment have so well merited.
On Jan. 11, 1869, Mr. Terry was united in mar-
riage with tiarriet E. Pease, daughter of Theodore
and Evaline (Killam) Pease, all of Enfield. Our
subject and his wife are members of the First Con-
gregational Church of Enfield ; politically he is a Re-
publican. As one of the public-spiritecl representa-
tive citizens of the county, Mr. Terrj' deserves
more than a mere passing notice in the pages of this
volume.
WEBSTER N. CASE. The Case family is
one of the oldest in this section, and is descended
from John Case, a pioneer of Windsor, the subject
of this sketch tracing his descent from the pioneer
through his son, Capt. Richard Case, who located at
Terry's Plains at an early date.
Sergt. Richard Case, son of Capt. Richard Case,
was born at Terry's Plains in 1710, and died at West
Simsbury in 1769. About 1737 he went to West
Simsbury, a part of Canton, and settled on what is
known as East Hill, where he spent the rest of his
life, engaged in agriculture. He married Mercy
Holcomb, of Simsbury, who was born in 1712 and
died in West Simsbury in 1780. By this union
there were children as follows : Richard, born in
1734, married Ruth Case. Joab, born in 1735, died
in 1758. Sylvanus, who was born in 1737, and died
1817, married for the first wife Caroline Humphrey,
and for his second wedded Hepzibah Humphrey, a
widow, who died in 1818. Simeon is mentioned be-
low. Eli, born, in 1741, married Athildred Curtis,
and died in 1804. Uriah, born in 1743, died in 1826,
was married (first) to Susannah Lawrence, and
(second) to Eunice Hill. Edward, born in 1748.
married Teruah Lawrence, and died in 1798.
Mercy, born in 1752, married Abram Moses, and
died in 1818. Naoma, born in 1755, married Es-
ther Brown, and died in 1850.
Simeon Case, son of Sergt. Richard Case, was
born in 1739 in Simsbury, but his youth was mainly
spent in West Simsbury, where he grew up. When
a young man he went to what is now West Granby,
this county, which became his permanent residence
and there he engaged in farming. He lived to the
good old age of eighty-four years, and died at the
homestead in 1823. His wife, Mary, who was born
131G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1739, and died in 1834, was also a descendant of
the Case family, being a daughter of Amos and
Mary (Ilolconibj Case. She, too, lived to be very
old, dying at their hoine at West Granby at the age
of ninety-five. Their children were as follows :
Simeon, born in 1759, married Phoebe Burr, and
died in 1819; Titus, born in 1764, married Amy
Reed, and died in 1816; Mary, born in 1771, died in
182 1 ; Obed, born in 1765, married Rachel Emmons,
and died in 1849; Eliphalet, born in 1770, married
Rachel Case, and died in 1847; Ashbel is mentioned
below ; Alexander, born in 1774, married Mindwell
Case, and died in 1824; Francis, born in 1777, mar-
ried Jemima Case, and died in 1845; Robert, born in
1780, married Clarissa Case; Peter; and Elizabeth
married Reuben Russel.
Ashbel Case, grandfather of our subject, was
born in 1762, in West Granby, where he became a
large land owner and spent the greater j)art of his
life, engaged in farming. He died in 1816. His
wife was Polly (I'razierj Case, and they had chil-
dren as follows: Syrena, born Sept. 24, 1801. mar-
ried Daniel Reed; Henry, born Sept. 24, 1803, mar-
ried Ruby Reed ; Philo is mentioned below ; Alli-
son ; Milton ; Octavia, born Oct. 9, 1813, was unmar-
ried ; and Avery.
Philo Case, the father of our subject, was born
Nov. 23, 1805, at Barkhamsted, but much of his life
was spent at West Granby. After completing his
education at the district schools he set up store keep-
ing at West Granby, and later he went to Barkham-
sted and continued the business, being also engaged
in farming there. He was a thoroughly upright
man, and a member of the ^^lethodist Church. Ir
politics he was first a stanch Whig and later a Re-
publican, but he never sought public offices. He
died at his home in Barkhamsted, and was buried
in West Granby cemetery. While in West (iranby
he married Olive Case, of that town, daughter of
Noah Case. Like her husband, she was a member
of the Methodist Church. She died at \\'est Granby,
her remains being interred in the cemetery at that
place. Of this union there were five child; en : Loyal,
who now lives in Ohio; ^^'ebster N., our subject;
Charles, a resident of Jefferson county, Ohio ; Wal-
ter ; and Emily, who married Herbert Case, of
Barkhamsted.
On the maternal side our subject is also descend-
ed from John Case. Xoah Case, Sr., son of John
(3) and Abigail (Humphrey) Case, was born Oct.
4, 1715. and died Dec. 17, 1798. On May 5, 1740,
he married Myrian Holcomb, eighth daughter of
John and Mary Holcomb. She was born Jan. 18,
1719-20. ^Ir. and Mrs. Case lived near the south-
west comer of the present town of Granby, where
she died April 5, 1795. Their children were: Noah,
Jr., of whom mention is made below ; Amy, born
Nov. I, 1744, married Titus Reed ; iNIyrian, born
Sept. 7, 1746, died Aug. 23, 1750; Roger, born Aug.
7, 1748; Abner,born Aug. 14, 1752, married Hannah,
daughter of Elisha Case, and died Oct. 6, 1807;
Ruth, born June 10, 1754; Darius, born March 7,.
175O, married, on ^lay b, 1782, Mary Giddings,
and tlied Dec. 19, 1801 ; Lydia married James, sou
of Capt. Josiah Case, of West Simsbury.
Noah Case, Jr., was born Jan. 10, 1740-41, and
died Sept. i, 1807. He married Mary Adams, bom
in 1742, daughter of Lieut. David Adams, and they
lived in Case Street, near the southwest corner of
Granby, wdiere she died Oct. 7, 1791. Their chil-
dren were as follows: A child, born Feb. 3, 1763,.
died Feb. 3, 1763. Levi, born Dec. 25, 17 — , died
I Jan. I, 1859, married for his first wife Anna Spen-
cer, and for his second wife wedded Lucia Farn-
ham. Abigail married Levi Humphrey, of Norfolk,
C(_)nn. ^I indwell, liorn in 17 — , died Aug. 2, 1820,
married Alexander Case, son of Simeon Case, Sr.
Rachel, born in 1775. died in 1821, married Elipha-
i let Case, Sr., son of Simeon Case, Sr. Myrian mar-
ried for her first huslxmd Richard Adams, and for
; her second husband wedded Eli Phelps. Sarah
married John Bramin. Mary married, Dec. 26, 1787,
Joel Fuller, of Cases l-'arm, and died May 22, 1805.
Xoah was the grandfather of our subject.
Noah Case (3) "as born July 7, 1782, and died
j April 13, 1879. ^'■i l^'^'-'- 3^ 1804, he married Olive
! Case, born March 27, 1784, daughter of Deacon
Richard Case (3). She died Jan. 20, 1864. They
had nine children: T'letliuel, lx)rn Oct 31, 1803. died
Sept. 24, 1898, married on Sept. 13, 1831, Clement
Goddard. Morris, born Nov. 9. 1807, died ^Nlay 31,
1814; Marvin, born March 3, 1810, died Sept. 27,
1857, married Maria Wilcox. Everett, born R'larch
, 14, 1812, married, on Nov. 22, 1836, Emily Flos-
kins. Morris, born April 25, 1814, and died May
7, 1880, was married Sept. 22, 1859. Norton, born
Dec. 26, 1815, married, Nov. 14, 1858, for his first
wife, Eliza Case, and after her death he wedded
Charlotte Case. Jay, born July 2, 1818, died Aug.
i 15, 1889, married Maria, widow of his brother Mar-
■ vin Case. Olive, born March 24, 1824, died Dec.
j 19. 1862, has been mentioned above as the mother
of our subject. Orrin, born June 11, 182 — , married.
Dec. 24, 1867. H. Barljour.
\^'ebster N. Case, our subject, is a man whose
present prosperity is entirely the result of his own
industry and good management. Born at \\''est
Granby April 11, 1850, he spent the first years of his
life in that town and in Barkhamsted, attending the
district schools ; and later he went to live with his
uncle Jay, at North Canton, with whom he remained
twelve years, working upon the farm. Having
saved money from his earnings, he bought the ila-
son Case farm, a tr:.ct of 135 acres at North Canton,
upon which he made improvements. He makes a
specialt}' of tobacco raising and dairying. As a citi-
zen he is highly respected, and he has many warm
friends. He is both a trustee and a steward of the
Methodist Church. Being domestic in his taste, he
has never sought political honors, although he is a
stanch Republican. Li 1887 Mr. Case married Cora
Merrills, of Winsted, Conn., who died at their home
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1317
in North Canton, and was buried in Winsted. For
his second wife he married, in 1897, Mrs. Lila
(Church) Hart, daughter of Orville and Ellen
(Case) (Thurch, and widow of Walter Hart. Mrs.
Case was educated in the district schools of Bark-
hamsted, her native town, and she was for four years
a public-school teacher. She has three children
from her first marriage: Lena, Belle and Orville.
By his first marriage Mr. Case had one child, de-
ceased in infancy.
HENRY HUNTINGTON LOOMIS, deceased,
Among the representative citizens of Hartford
county, unostentatious in manner of life, content to
labor and enjoy the rewards of honest effort, suc-
cessful, perhaps, in the full measure of modest am-
bition, courageous, faithful, and held in high esteem
for many personal qualities, must be named the sub-
ject of this sketch. He was a native of Connecti-
cut, born in the town of Coventry, Tolland county,
June 4, 1822, son of Samuel and Irene (Tracey)
Loomis.
Henry H. Loomis was reared on his father's
farm, and received a good common-school educa-
tion. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-
one years of age, when he married and began life
for himself, wedding, April 19, 1843, ^^ss Hannah
Snell, of Willington, Tolland Co., Conn. After
liis marriage he remained for one year on his father's
farm in the town of Coventry, and in the spring of
1844 removed to East Hartford. A year later he
purchased a farm in the town of South Windsor,
where he lived for six years. Mr. Loomis in 1851
moved to the farm which he cultivated until his
•death, Sept. 18, 1899, and which was his home for
forty-eight years preceding his decease. He owned
about thirty-four acres, which he devoted to gen-
eral farming and tobacco growing, his land being
imder a high state of cultivation and quite pro-
ductive. V
Of the children born to our subject and wife four
are now living: Henry E., a farmer of Glastonbury;
Hannah P., wife of J. Warren Stowe, who lives at
Scitico ; Melissa A., wife of Henry E. Pitkin, of
South Windsor; and Mary E., widow of Samuel T.
Eurnham. The family are members of the Congre-
gational Church. In politics Mr. Loomis was a
Kepublican.
• ISAAC BURDETT PHELON, for many years
an esteemed citizen of the town of Suiifield, and a
well-known dealer in ice, milk and wood, as well
as a successful grower of tobacco, was born in West
Suffield Nov. 2, 1831, on the Phelon homestead, a
son of Isaac Seymour and Sabra (Bartlett) Phelon.
Isaac Seymour Phelon, father of our subject,
was also born in West Suffield, was educated in the
district school, and was reared on the home farm.
AVhile still a young man he secured a tract of 200
acres, part of it from the old homestead, and on this
tract he passed his life in general farming and to-
bacco growing. In Southwick, Mass., he married
Sabra Bartlett, a native of Rhode Island, of Scot-
tish descent, and to this marriage were born four
children: Isaac Burdett, the subject of this memoir;
Jane, deceased wife of Daniel G. Viets, of Thomp-
sonville. Conn. ; Charles, who died in the Civil war ;
and Menzo, who died young. In politics Isaac S.
Phelon was a supporter of the Jeffersonian Democ-
racy; he never sought office. In religion he was
liberal in his views, but was a sincere Christian,
and was noted for his integrity and strict sense of
honor. He died at his home in 1840, while still in
the prime of life, and two months before his young-
est child was born. His widow, who was a truly
Christian woman, succeeded in rearing her children
in respectability and to be a credit to the communi-
ty. She died at the home of her son, Isaac Bur-
dett, her remains being interred in West Suffield.
Isaac Burdett Phelon received a good common-
school education. He was only nine years of age
when his father died, and for four years after this
sad event lived with his grandfather, to Avhom he
was bound, but the circumstances were not to his
liking, and he had, besides, a desire to see the great
West. Accordingly he traveled through Pennsyl-
vania, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa, returning to his na-
tive State within a few months, however, and find-
ing employment with Eli Freeman, of West Suf-
field, for whom he worked eight consecutive years.
He then returned to the homestead, in which he
bought the interest of the other heirs with the sav-
ings from his earnings during his years of outside
labor. To the original tract he added ten acres,
making a total of seventy-six, on which he made ex-
tensive improvements at a cost of several thousand
dollars, and engaged in the cultivation of tobacco
and general farming until 1878, when he moved to
Boston Neck and purchased the Stony Brook farm,
of seventy acres, where he has since been engaged
in the same line of agriculture, adding dairying and
the handling of ice and wood. For the past twenty
years he has stored and handled 3,000 tons of ice
annually, and to his other industries he has added
stock raising, and is credited with the ownership
of some of the finest stock in this section of the
State.
Mr. Phelon was married in Agawam, Mass., to
Miss Eliza M. Arnold, a daughter of Smith Arnold,
and a lady of refinement and culture, as all the sur-
roundings of her present home clearly indicate. To
this marriage four children have been born : Calvin,
who is a farmer in West Suffield, and is married to
Lula Wood; Alice Marian, who died young; Al-
fred B., a hotel man of Flartford; and Arthur, at
home. The family attend the Baptist Church ; Mr.
Phelon is quite liberal in his views of religion. In
politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and he has
filled the office of constable of his town for seven-
teen years. He is a keen observer, but of genial
disposition, and is honored as a man of strict in-
tegrity. Through his sole personal efforts he has
1818
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
realized a competence, and his individual merits
have won for him the high regard of all classes in
the community.
JOSEPH R. CARROLL, the very popular gen-
eral agent of the Manhattan Life Insurance Co. and
the Alassachusctts Mutual Accident Association,
with headquarters at Hartford, was horn in East
Hartford May 24. i86i, a son of E. J. and Mary
(Ruth) Carroll, a biography of whom may be found
elsewhere.
Mr. Carroll was educated in the common .schools
and at Osgood's Commercial College, antl after
leaving school was employed by O. D. Woodruff &
Co., dealers in hats and furs at Hartford, being
connected with that firm as head clerk and travel-
ing salesman for ten years. But the insurance
business proved an attraction to him, and in Febru-
ary, 1895, he accepted the agency of the Manhat-
tan Life, and in October, 1895, was appointed gen-
eral agent at Hartford for the Massachusetts Mutual
Accident Association. Hartford, as is well known,
is the headquarters of more insurance companies
than any oth.er city of its size in the world, but Mr.
Carroll, being of a genial disposition, and affable
and gentlemanly, has kept his principals well to the
front in the competition for business.
Mr. Carroll was united in marriage with Miss
Carrie M. Rovce, a native of Livingston county, N.
Y., and to this union have been born three children,
of whom one died unnamed : Marguerite died in
childhood: Pauline Marie survives." Mr. and Mrs.
Carroll are devout memlK-rs of St. Mary's Catholic
Church of East Plartford, are among the most
liberal contributors to its support, and' live fuUv
up to its teachings. In politics Mr. Carroll is one
of the most active and popular young Democrats
of East Hartford, and in 1890 and 1891 served the
town as tax collector. Fraternally he is a member
of the Sons of Veterans, and has performed his
duty toward this association by serving as captain of
John F. Carroll Camp, Xo. 27. As a citizen he is
public-spirited and useful, and as a business man is
irreproachable in every respect. He is ever alert
and energetic, and does mere business than anv man
of his years in the city of Hartford — that city of
cities in the insurance line.
L. Z. SKINNER, 'M. D., one of the rising young
members of the medical profession in Hartford' coun-
ty, and a successful practitioner of Windsor, has
by dint of his own energy and perseverance secured
a good education, and by professional merit has
built up a large and constantly-increasing practice,
though he came to Windsor an entire stranger to
every one, and had several old practitioners with
whom to compete.
Dr. Skinner was born April i, 1866, in AVater-
ville. Nova Scotia. On the paternal side he is of
good old Colonial stock, his great-grandfather hav-
ing removed from New Haven, Conn., to Nova
Scotia. His descendants are now quite numerous,
and the Skinner family in St. John, New Bruns-
wick, is a ])rominent and wealthy one. His son
Sanuiel located at that place, becoming one of its
leading citizens and successful manufacturers, and
the latter's son Charles represented the city in Par-
liament. David Skinner, the Doctor's grandfather,
was a well-to-do and intluential citizen of Nova
Scotia, where his father, ]\Iartin Skinner, has spent
his entire life as a prosperous and successful farmer.
Martin Skiimer married Sarah Pineo, a representa-
tive of one of the best families of Nova Scotia,
her ancestors being of aristocratic French extrac-
tion, and three sons were born of this union, of
whom two are still living: L. Z., our subject; and
an older brother, who is a farmer of Nova Scotia.
At his birthplace Dr. Skinner grew to manhood,
assisting in the labors of the farm, and attending the
local school until 1884. Wiicn fifteen he began
applying himself more closely to his books, and in
1884 entered school at Berwick with the intention
of preparing for the profession of teacher. At the
age of eighteen he entered upon the duties of that
profession in the ])rimary department of the graded
schools of Waterville. Later he was promoted to
higher grades, successfully taught in different
places, and became a principal, continuing to en-
gage in teaching for several years. In the mean-
time, however, he was also interested in other busi-
ness, and at one time engaged in general merchan-
dising in partnership with his brother, to whom he
later sold out. Fie commenced reading medicine
under the direction of Dr. Miikilcmas, a very prom-
inent physician and successful practitioner of Ber-
wick, N. S., and subsequently entered Baltimore
Medical College, where he was graduated in the
class of 1894. The same year he opened an office
in Windsor, and has steadily worked his way upward
until he now enjoys an excellent practice. Being
of a self-reliant and independent nature, he. paid
his own way through school, though not obliged to
do so, and his success is due entirely to his own
efforts. As a citizen he stands high in the esteem
of all who know him, and as a practitioner is sec-
ond to none in Windsor. Politically he is a stanch
Republican, and socially is a member of Washing-
ton Lodge, F. & A. M., at Windsor, and was at
one time a member of the Independent Order of
Foresters in Nova Scotia.
LUMAN LILLIE, a well-known tobacco grower
of West Suffield, Hartford county, and one of its
highly-respected citizens, was born in Winchester,
Litchfield Co., Conn., Nov. 7, 1842, and is of Eng-
lish and Scottish extraction. During the days of
Cromwell the Lillies were supporters of the king,
and from their home in England were driven to
Scotland, whence the)' later emigrated to America,
settling in the Colony of Vermont, where they be-
came good citizens and supporters of our free insti-
tutions. Caleb Lillie, the grandfather of our sub-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1819'
ject, was a native of the Green JNIountain State, was
a farmer by occupation, and owned land at Pownal,
Bennington count}-, where he made his home until
called from this life.
Jason Lillie, our subject's father, was born at
Pownal where he was reared and educated. At the
age of eighteen he left home, and walking to Con-
necticut located in Winchester, Litchfield county.
For four years he was employed as traveling sales-
man by the Halbit Scythe Co., selling scythes in
Connecticut, New York.A-^ermont andiNIassachusetts.
The following two 3'ears he engaged in farming for
Hulbert & Tuttle, in Litchfield county, and in 1846
came to Suffield, Hartford county, where he rented
the Spencer farm for sixteen years, and the Dr. Kel-
logg farm for two years. Coming to West Suffield
in 1864, he bought the James Harman farm, of sixty-
five acres, on which he engaged in tobacco culture
and general farming until life's labors were ended.
Li Winsted, Litchfield count)', he was united in mar-
riage with iliss Julia Hart, a native of that place,
and a daughter of Samuel Hart, and to them were
born four children: Luman, subject of this sketch;
William, a farmer of West Suffield ; Sylvia J., an
estimable lady who keeps house for our subject; and
Francis J., who died in middle life. The parents
both died on the old homestead, and were buried in
West Suffield cemetery. They were sincere and
faithful members of the Baptist Church, and in his
political views the father was a Democrat. He was
a strong temperance man, and was highly esteemed
for his sterling worth and strict integrity.
Luman Lillie was only four years old when
brought by his parents to Suffield, and after attend-
ing the district school for some time he completed
his education in the Connecticut Literary Listitute,
under the instruction of H. A. Pratt, then principal.
At the age of eighteen years he commenced teach-
ing school, and successfully followed that profes-
sion for one term in Suffield and one term in Rain-
bow, Hartford county. Since then his life has
been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and on the
death of his father he took charge of the old home-
stead, where he has since successfully engaged in
general farming and raising tobacco. He is a quiet,
unassuming man, industrious and enterprising, and
gives his political support to the men and measures
of the Democratic party. He is liberal in Jiis relig-
ious views, and he and his sister, who lives with
him, hold membership in the Baptist Church.
THOjMAS BOSTICK, farmer, dairyman and
tobacco grower, was born in the village of Thomp-
sonville, town of Enfield, March 10, 1861, a son of
Randall and Anna (Joy) Bostick.
Mr. Bostick's father was born in England, and
his mother was a native of Ireland. After his mi-
gration to the United States, Randall Bostick began
business as a peddler of vegetables at Enfield. He
possessed marked business abilitv, and in 1875 he
purchased the farm in Enfield now occupied by his
son, George E. Bostick, the brother of our subject.
Randall Bostick was married in 1858, at the early
age of eighteen years, and his family consisted of
seven children, as follows : John, Thomas, Nellie
(Mrs. Barton Prickett), Randall, Anna (Airs.
Colts), George E. and Benjamin.
Thomas Bostick, our subject, was reared in En-
field, educated i'n the public schools, and began life
as a famier ; he purchased the farm he now occupies
in 1891, and is engaged in dairying and tobacco
growing. In 1883 he married Sarah, daughter of
Stephen and Mary (Shepherd) Goodwin, of Eng-
land, and they have four children, Herbert, Stephen,
Ila and Annie. He is a progressive citizen, a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, and in politics is a
Republican.
WILLIAM JAMES REINSCH, a leading
undertaker and popular business man of Southing-
ton, has made his own way in the world from an
early age, and through his own well-directed efforts
and untiring industry has already achieved success,
though he is comparatively a young man.
A native of Hartford county, Mr. Reinsch was
born in Manchester, Nov. 29, 1869, son of Theodore
and Susan (Waddellj Reinsch. During his boy-
hood the father came to America and located in
New York City, where he worked as a confectioner.
In 1855 he canie to Manchester, Conn., where he was
employed as a weaver until 1895, in that year remov-
ing to Middletown, where he now resides. By his
first wife he had five children : William J., our sub-
ject; Mary, deceased; Herman; Minnie, Mrs. Ches-
ter; and Wilson. For his second wife he wedded
Mary Ann Sanderson, and to them were born two
children, Edward and Susie.
The early life of our subject was spent in Alan-
chester, where he attended the public schools to a
limited extent, but his educational privileges were
meager, as at the age of eleven years he commenced
work in the cotton mills of the Union Manufactur-
ing Co., where he remained three years. He then
entered the woolen mills of B. C. Apel, and remained
there until 1893, when he located in Southington, and
was in the employ of W. S. Gould three years-. On
May 30, 1896, he embarked in the undertaking busi-
ness on his own account, and has since successfully
continued in that line.
Mr. Reinsch was married. May 31, 1892, to Miss
Anna Reed, a daughter of George and Ann Reed,
of Ireland, and they have three children, William,
Susan and Harold. Mr. Reinsch is a supporter of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a member
of the Royal Society of Good Fellows, the Knights
of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias, and the
Independent Order of Red Men. In his political
affiliations he is a Democrat.
THOMAS W. MITCHELL comes of a family
of "distinguished English descent. His grandfather
was born in the city of York. Reuben Mitchell,
1320
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father oi T. W. Alitchell, was born in Leicester, and
married Jane Covvlam, a member of an ancient Scot-
tish family, whose father, WiUiam Cowlam, was a
resident of Dumfries.
Jxeubcn Mitchell was considered one of the best
mechanics in the L'nited Kingdom, and is said to
have held the first contract for building engines
ever signed in luigland. As an engine builder and
general machinist lie was remarkably successful, and.
was not without education of a superior order.
He had a brother who was a master in Rugby School,
and another who was an exciseman in London, as
well as one who was a teacher in that city. Reulu'ii
JMitchell passed his last days in New Britain, where
he died ^larch 31, lyoo. His widow still resides
in that city. Their children were as follows: Ter-
esa, who married Fred W. l-'isher, both now de-
ceased; Thomas \\'. ; Edwin K., who is now superin-
tendent of the electric railway service at I'ort .Madi-
son, Iowa; Joseph is in the employ of the General
Klectric Company at Schenectady, and has charge
of what is known as the Niagara plant; Elizabeth, ,
■who became the wife of John Foulds, of Lynn, |
Mass., foreman of the vacuum department in
Thompson & Hanston's plant at that place; Jennie,
married to John Blake, of New Biitain; Lucy, now
the wife of Joseph Caunt, a shoe manufacturer of
Lynn ; Hattie, who married James Caunt, a brother
of Joseph; and Reuben.
Thomas William .Mitchell was born in Lough-
borough, Leicestershire, England, .^lay u, 1855.
His birthplace was within three miles of the ground
xipon \>-hich occurred iiie bloody battle of Bosworth
Field, in the War of the Roses. His rudimentary
education v^as of raiher a meager sort, yet he im-
proved to the utmost such advantages as he had ;
still, his true education was obtained in the broader |
field of active life and practical experience. At the
age of twelve years he was apprenticed to a j
cabinet-maker at Nottingham, a place celebrated
alike for its production of lace and for
its propinquity to the home of Lord Byron. For
five years he led the life of an apprentice, availing
himself of such opportunities as were afforded for
attendance upon evening schools. After mastering
his trade he determined to woo fortune in the Xew
World and emigrated to America, coming directly
to New Britain after landing at New York, his fa-
ther having preceded him as a settler in that city
in 1869. His first employment in his new home was
as a wood-worker in one of the departments of the
New Britain Knitting Co., where he remained five
3'ears. At the expiration of that period he went to
\vork for William H. Geddings, a furniture dealer i
on Church street, where he was er.iployed at his old
trade for ten or eleven years. By that time, through
industry, integrity and thrift, he had accumulated
enough money to enable him to embark in business
on his own account. He formed a partnership with
H. E. Johnson, under the firm name of T. W. Mitch-
ell & Co., which concern is vet doing business at the
location in whicli it started. Their line of trade is
furniture and upholstery, and In the last-mentioned
branch of business the}- arc regarded as one of the
leading firms of the city. Their display rooms are
extensive and well arranged, and their trade has
steadily increased from the incepliGU ul their enter-
prise.
The career of Mr. Mitchell affords a striking il-
lustration of the possibilities open to young men of
earnest purpose and high moral sense to attain suc-
cess in New England. He has attained a high degree,
yet his success is well deserved, ^^'hile his business
sense is keen, his impulses are generous and his
charity broad. During the last si.x or seven years
he has taken an active interest in politics, and has
been three times a delegate to the State convention
of the Republican party ; and has been a member of
the Sub-way conunission. He was one of the earliest
members of St. Elmo Lodge, No. 21, of New Britain,
having connected himself therewith in March, 1880.
In 1882 he was elected chancellor commander, being
the youngest man who ever filled that responsible
office. The same year he was chosen district dep-
ut\-, and In 1887 elected grand master of the ex-
chequer, but owing to his absence fremi the floor at
the time of his election he was disqualified from ac-
cepting the office. In 1898, in conjunction with
grand chancellor Fred E. Chessen, of Waterbury,
he was appointed a member of the committee on
Mileage and Finance. He is also connected with
the ]. O. O. F., but has taken a far less active inter-
est in this order : and belongs to the Sons of St.
George, having attained the rank of past president,
after serving two terms in the executive chair. He
is a director in the Sovereign Trading Co., and
treasurer of the Republican Savings & Loan Asso-
ciation, of New York.
Mr. Mitchell married Hattie E. Johnson, daugh-
ter of John Johnson, of Bristol, Conn. Her family
is also of English origin and from Leicestershire.
To their union have been born three children :
Charles R., Nellie M., and Ralph J., all of whom
live at home.
A. N. GRAA'ES, proprietor of the "Suffield
House," Suffield, is deservedly popular as a landlord,
and his hotel is regarded by the traveling public as
among the best to be found in an\' small town in the
State. Since it came under his management it has
been greatly improved, a story having been added,
and the entire place fitted up with steam heat and
other modern conveniences, while the cuisine is ex-
cellent. In his care of his guests, Mr. Graves is
ably seconded bv his clever wife, and one of the at-
tractions of the place is its quiet and home-like at-
mosphere, in which all are left free to enjoy them-
selves without the obtrusive conversation so often
bestowed upon the stranger in small hotels.
Mr. Graves was born May 21, 1856, at Middle-
field, Mass., on a mountain farm which was the
birthplace of four generations of the familv. Ste-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1821
phen Graves, his grandfather, resided at the old
homestead, where he followed farming, but although
he owned a large amount of land it was so rocky
and hilly that his hard labor brought meagre re-
turns. Dwight E. Graves, the father of our subject,
was born and reared at the old farm, and for some
years of his early manhood had charge of the place,
but he afterward settled in Suffield, where he died
in January, 1885, aged over sixty years. He was a
tall man, measuring six feet, one inch, in his stock-
ings, and weighed about 170 pounds on the average.
His associates held him in high esteem for his ex-
cellent qualities, but while he took an intelligent in-
terest in the questions of his time, and was a
stanch Republican in politics, he did not aspire to
official position in the community. He married Miss
Mary Root, also a native of Middlefield, Mass., who
survives him, and now resides in Worcester, Mass.
This worthy couple had seven children: Edward,
who is in business in Worcester, Mass., as a dealer in
meat and groceries ; Henry S., who was superintend-
ent of the city poor farm at Worcester, Mass., and
died in the spring of 1899 5 W. S., a grocer and meat
dealer at Worcester; Alary, deceased; A. N., our
subject; Charles C., butcher and grocer at Windsor
Locks; and Elmer, who is in the meat business in
Hartford. All of the sons are large men, their com-
bined weight at present being 1,284 pounds, and all
are prosperous in business and respected in society.
During his boyhood Mr. Graves learned habits of
industry, working on the • old homestead, and his
educational opportunities were limited to an irreg'u-
lar attendance in the district schools. His parents,
who shared the high appreciation of learning which
is common among New England people, desired bet-
ter privileges for their sons, but their circumstances
prevented them from fulfilling their wishes. At the
age of fifteen Mr. Graves left home and came to
Suffield, where he boarded with his brother Henry,
then a butcher in that town, whom he assisted in
the meat business by driving a delivery wagon ; in
the meantime he attended the Connecticut Literary
Institute for two terms. Later he succeeded to his
brother's business, continuing thus until 1884, and
for two years he conducted a livery stable and coal
yard at Windsor Locks On Nov. i, 1888, he
bought the "Suffield House," with the livery and
sale stable in connection, and the management of
this property has since occupied much of his time.
His trade in horses is extensive, and he is known as
an excellent judge of their good points, his admira-
tion for them having made him a keen observer from
his boyhood. He owns some of the best bred ani-
mals in Suffield, including a prominent colt, "Quar-
ter Bar," by "Temple Bar," and his favorite driving
team is composed of "Lottie Fallis" and "Bijou,"
each of whom has made a record of 2:21^. In
March, 1898, as his successor in the meat business
had abandoned the enterprise, Mr. Graves again
established a meat market in order to have one in the
village, and in addition to all his other lines of busi-
ness he carries on farming. Previous to 1897 he was
extensively engaged in tobacco culture, having
twenty-four acres under cultivation during one sea-
son, and he is one of three members of a syndicate
formed for the purpose of growing tobacco exten-
sively, the firm name being The Bissel, Graves Co.
In the summer of 1899 they grew sixty-six acres of
tobacco, and in 1900, seventy-five acres. As a cit-
izen Mr. Graves is progressive and liberal, always
willing to help any cause that will help Suffield,
and, like all his brothers, is a firm supporter of the
Repubican party. His tastes do not incline toward
public life. Socially he is connected with Gideon
Granger Lodge, No. 62, K. of P. ; Lyman Council
of the O. U. A. M. (being a charter aiiember of
both) ; and with the Masonic Fraternity.
Mr. Graves married Miss Alma Smith, and they
have one son, Howard D., born Sept. 8, 1891. Mrs.
Graves is a native of Ashford, Conn., born July
4, i860, and was reared in Mansfield, this State,
where her parents, A. P. and Alma (Lilley) Smith,
settled during her childhood. Her father now re-
sides in Tacoma, Wash. Of his nine children, two
sons and two daughters lived to adult age, Mrs.
Graves being the youngest.
NICHOLAS J. BAKER. The firm 6f Baker
& Eagan. ladies' and gents' furnishers, at Windsor
Locks, conducts one of the leading mercantile estab-
lishments of that locality, and in the success which
has attended their enterprise from the start we may
see the results of sound business acumen allied to
untiring energy. The store is advantageously lo-
cated on Main street, nearly opposite the depot, and
a well selected stock attracts the custom of the best
class of people, while correct business methods and
perfect reliability have won general confidence.
Nicholas J. Baker, the senior member of the
firm, was born May 3, 1865, at Brattleboro, Vt. His
education was obtained in the public schools of
Holyoke, Mass., and at the age of nineteen years
he located at Windsor Locks, his first employment
being in the factory of J. R. IMontgomery & Co.,
with whom he remained three years and a half. In
1887 he formed a partnership with Edwin P. Eagan
and engaged in their present business, to which he
has given his entire attention, not even diverting
any portion of his time to politics. He is a member
of the New England Order of Protection, and the
Ancient Order of Hibernians, and he and his family
are much esteemed socially. He. was married in
Windsor Locks to Miss Mary Sheridan, and they
have four children : Nellie, Joseph, James and Rose
Marion.
Edwin P. Eagan^ the junior partner, was born
at Bloomfield, Conn., May 19, 1864. Thomas Eagan,
his father, was a native of Galway, Ireland, and
came to the United States when a young man. He
remained for a time in the town of Windsor Locks
but later removed to Bloomfield, while for twenty-
eight years past he has been engaged in farming in
1322
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the town of Liranb)-. lie was married in Windsor
Locks, Conn., to Miss Mary E. (.iilligan, also a native
of Gahvay, Ireland, and they have the following-
children: Michael \\'., a Pinkerton's detective; John
C, foreman of the docks at Smithburg; Thomas L.,
of Windsor Locks ; Catherine and Maggie, deceased ;
and Edwin P.
Edwin P. Eagan spent his early years in Granby,
Conn., wiiere. he attended the public schools, and
when twelve years old began to learn the steam-
fitter's trade in Hartford, Conn. He followed same
niiie years, most of the time in Windsor Locks,
Conn., but since 1887 he has been connected with
the firm of Baker & Eagan, in whose success his
ability and foresight has been a recognized factor.
He and his wife are leading members of St. Mary's
Catholic Church at \\'indsor Locks, and he also be
longs to the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, and the Catholic Benevolent
Legion. He was married in Windsor Locks to Miss
Emma Baines. who died Aug. 12, 1896. leaving two
children : Edwina and William A. On April 20,
1898, he was married, in Thompsonville, Conn., to
JNliss Nellie Callahan.
DANIEL LA\"ERTY is one of the substan-
tial citizens of Poquonock.this county, who are of
alien birth, and who have, by their own unaided
exertions, raised themselves to their present pros-
perous condition.
Mr. Laverty was born in Count\- Antrim, Ire-
land, in 1837. a son of Daniel and Mary (Di.Kon)
Laverty, who were well-to-do farming people in
the Emerald Isle. The children in the family were
Patrick, now a fanner of Avon Springs, X. Y. ;
John, of whom all trace was lost after he entered
a New York regiment during the Civil war ; James,
a farmer of Avon Springs, N. Y. ; Daniel, our sub-
ject; and Bridget, iXIary and Ella, all deceased.
The mother and daughters all died in Ireland with-
in two years, and as this broke up the family the
father sold his property preparatory to coming to ;
America. Patrick was the first of the familv to
emigrate, was soon followed by John and James,
and later by the father, who died in Williamsburg,
New York.
Our subject had been bound out to a Mr. ilc-
Guire, a farmer in Ireland, and was the last of the
family to come to the New World. He was educated
in the public schools of his native land, and was a
lad of twelve years when he went from Belfast to
Liverpool, and there took passage on board the
"Richard JNIorris" for New York, arriving in that
city^ after nine long weeks spent upon the water.
His first work here was at screening sand, at
Williamsburg, N. Y., but he received no pav for his
five weeks of labor. Later he worked by the dav at
any employment such as a boy could do, and he
was an exceptionally good and steady boy. He cared
for a gentleman's horses part of the time. During
the construction of the Seymour paper mills at
I Windsor Locks, Conn., he went there to do work
as a mason's tender, but being small for his age
the boss seemed to think him loo light for the work,
and suggested his becoming an apprentice to learn
the bricklayer's trade, which he did. During his
two years and nine months' apprenticeship he re-
ceived only his board, some cheap clothing, and
$7.50 in money. Since then he has made brick-
laying his life work, and followed it in several New-
England towns.
On Feb. 11, 1857, at Windsor Locks, Air.
Laverty was united in marriage with Miss Mary
McCaffrey, who was born in County P'ermanagh,
Ireland, in November, 1836, a daughter of Patrick
and Ann (McGuire) McCaffrey. The father was
the first of the family to come to the United States,
and was working as a laborer in a paper mill at
Rainbow, Conn., when joined by his family, who
crossed the Atlantic from Liverpool on the "\A'est
Point, " which was eighteen days in reaching the
harbor of New York. Mrs. Laverty was nine years
old at this time. The parents of both died in Po-
quonock, in 1886, within a month. In their family
were four children, two sons and two daughters,
but one of the sons died in Ireland, at the age of
four years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Laverty have been born the
following children: Mary A., widow of Robert
Earnan, of Poquonock ; James, at home; John, a
resident of Rainbow ; Lizzie, who died in infancy ;
Katy, wife of Thomas Denhy, of Winsted, Conn. ;
Nellie, who died in childhood ; Daniel, a resident
of Poquonock ; \\'illiam, a resident of Hartford ;
Fred, who died at the age of two years ; and Nellie
(2), at home.
Mr. and ^Irs. Laverty began housekeeping at
Windsor Locks in a very unpretentious home, later
lived in Springfield, Mass., Poquonock and Hart ■
ford, and then returned to Poquonock, where they
have resided permanently since 1864. His first
work here was on the construction of the upper
mill for the Health Underwear Co., and he has
since been employed on all of the principal build-
ings erected in Poquonock and Rainbow, as well
as on many of the large brick mills built through-
out New England. He has built an excellent home
.of his own in Poquonock, and though he started
out in life for himself empty-handed he is now one
of the substantial citizens of the place. Honest,
industrious and enterprising, J\Ir. Laverty com-
mands the respect and confidence of all who knov/
him, and his friends are man}' in Hartford countw
Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and religiously
he and his family are members of St. Joseph":;
Catholic Church, Poquonock.
EMERSON A. HOUGH is one of the lead-
ing pharmacists of this section, having conducted
a drug store at Collinsville for the past thirty-three
years, and as a member of the Connecticut Phar-
maceutical Association he has been especially active.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1328
six years of efficient work on the executive com-
mittee testifying to Iiis interest. He is also promi-
nent in public affairs, being an active worker in the
Republican party, and for twenty-one years he held
the office of postmaster at CoUinsville, his service
extending from Grant's administration to that of
Harrison.
Mr. Hough was born in CoUinsville Nov. 24,
1842, son of Josiah Hough, and grandson of Rob-
ert Hough, and is of Scottish descent in the pa-
ternal line. Josiah Hough was born and reared
in Glastonbury, this county, and in early manhood
located at CoUinsville. He was a carpenter and
joiner by trade, and for some years was employed
by the Collins Co., in the construction of their
buildings, but for several years previous to his
death he was engaged in the manufacture of boxes,
as a contractor with the firm. Politically he was
a Democrat, but did not aspire to office, and for
many years he and his wife were identified with
the Congregational Church. He married (first)
Miss Laura Rice, of Barkhamsted, Litchfield coun-
ty, by whom he had six children : Jane E., widow
of Henry A. Gleeson ; Henry J., a resident of
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; George R., a railway engineer, re-
siding at Claj'ton, 111. ; Dayton E., also a railway en-
gineer ; Lucelia, wife of H. E. Harrington, a promi-
nent citizen of Hartford, and a deacon in the Congre-
gational Church; and Emerson A., our subject.
The mother of this family died in CoUinsville,
where her remains are interred, and the father
afterward married Miss Caroline E. Brockett, of
Simsbury, and after her death wedded Sarah Hum-
phrey. Lie had no children by either union.
Our subject was educated in the public schools
of CoUinsville, and on leaving the high school
secured a position as clerk in a drug store there,
belonging to Mr. Polk. The Civil war having
aroused his patriotic ardor, he on Nov. 18, 1861,
enlisted in Company H. 12th Conn. V. L, under
Col. Henry C. Demming, of Hartford, and Capt.
Joseph R. Toy, of Simsbury. After six months
he was ordered to New Orleans and appointed
hospital steward by order of Maj.-Gen. B. F.
Butler, serving in the medical department until
October, 1864, when he was discharged. On his
return home he took his old position, continuing
with Mr. Polk about two years, and in November,
1867, engaged in business on his own account. He
is an excellent business man, as is shown by his
success, and he owns the fine building known as the
Harrington block, in which his store is located.
Mr. Hough was one of the organizers of the Farm-
ington Valley Agricultural Association, and is now
secretary and a member of the board of trustees.
His fondness for fine horses is one of his traits.
Socially he is much esteemed, his genial man-
ners and sterling qualities of character having won
for him a host of friends. He and his family are
identified with the Congregational Church, of
which he has served as treasurer since 1869, as a
member of the choir since 1864, and as chorister
since 1870. He also belongs to Village Lodge,
No. 29, F. & A. M., at CoUinsville.
On May 23, 1866, Mr. Hough was married
in CoUinsville to Miss Sarah A. Bidwell, and three
children have blessed the union: (i) Frederick J.,
a graduate of the CoUinsville high school, is a
shipping clerk with the Collins Co. He married
Miss Etta Tilly, and has tvi^o children, Leonard
and Marion. (2) Harold W. completed a course
in the high school, and is employed by the jLtna
Life Lisurance Co., at Hartford. (3) Miss Flor-
ence B., who also graduated from the high school,
is at home. Mrs. Hough is a member of a well-
known family, being a descendant of Thomas Bid-
well, a pioneer of Canton, of wnom an account is
given elsewhere. Her father, Franklin A. Bidwell,
is a prominent resident of CoUinsville. Her mother,
whose maiden name was Lucia Ann Dyer, was a
■daughter of Zenas and Sarah (Chidseyj Dyer, of
Canton.
PATRICK NOLAN, a well-known citizen and
representative farmer of the town of Newington,
was born in King's County, Ireland, March 13,
1836, a son of John and Elizabeth (Carlyle) Nolan,
farming people. When our subject was about six-
teen years of age the father came to America, but
soon returned to his native land, where both he
and the mother died. The paternal grandfathei,
John Nolan, was a farmer in Ireland; and the
maternal grandfather, Joseph Carlyle, was a pay-
master in the British army.
Patrick Nolan received a rather limited educa-
tion, as at an earl)^ age he was obliged to work
hard, and had no time for study. Fie assisted his
father in the operation of the farm tmtil he at-
tained his majority, and then determined to try his
fortune on this side of the Atlantic, where he be-
lieved better opportunities were afi^orded ambitious
and industrious young men. He sailed from
Oueenstown to Liverpool, and there took passage
on the steamer "Wilburn," which finally reached
Halifax, Nova Scotia, after a voj^age of twenty -
three days. After working at that place one month
he came to Hartford, Conn., where for two years he
assisted a blacksmith in Sharp's rifle factory. He-
then became employed on the Springfield, Flart-
ford & New Haven railroad, on which he worked
as a section hand for three years and four months,
and then was made section boss, a position he
creditably filled for over thirty years, finally re-
tiring because the bad weather was detrimental to
his health. Soon after being made section fore-
man he purchased fourteen acres of land in New-
ington, upon which he has a pleasant, six-room
residence, where he is now living retired, enjoying
the fruits of former toil.
In February, 1876, Mr. Nolan married Miss
Katherine Donahue, of Hartford, and the}^ have
three children: Elizabeth, born in February, 1877,
1324
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a typewriter in the employ of the Pope Mann
facturing Co. ; Alary, born in Alay, 1878, is the
wile of John Hoye, a contractor, of Kensington;
and James, born July 23, 1885, is attending school
in Hartford. Air. A'olan lakes a just pride in giv-
ing his children good educational advantages, some-
thmg which he regrets he did not receive. He is
a self-made man, whose success in life is due entirely
to his own well-directed etTorts and industry, is
pulilic-spirited ancl progressive, and is highly re-
spected by all who know hhn. In his political
views he is a Democral. His estimable wife holds
membership in the New liriiain Catholic Chiwch.
JOHN PINCHES. Instances arc not uncom-
mon of emigrant boys conn'ng to America from
luirnpcwhereconditions are dilierent and where per-
haps opportunities for advancement are fewer, and in
the new land rising by their own unaided efforts un-
<ler strange environment to prominent and responsi-
ble positions in life. The details of a life career of
this kind are most interesting, for they come closer
to nature's heart than do the growth of human
nature under more favorable conilitions. The sub-
ject of this sketch is an emigrant from England —
he has risen to eminence in the life of New Britain,
and the outlines of his success are herewith nar-
rated.
Air. Pinches' father, John Pinches, was a small
farmer living in Shropshire, England, and son of
a farmer who raised a family of four sons and
three daughters, of whom Richard became a miner
of Shropshire; James was a farmer of the same
place; and Elizabeth married a Mr. Shooker, of
Shropshire. The grandfather was a member of the
Episcopal Church. John Pinches, the father of our
subject, tilled a farm of about 100 acres in his native
place, and was prosperous and thrifty, fairly well
educated, and holding allegiance to the Episcopal
Church. He married Jane Partridge, who was one
of a faniily of seven children — Thomas, William,
Samuel, Ann (Airs. James Pinches), Jane, Betsey
(Airs, ^^'illiam Hotchkiss) and Sarah (Airs. Rich-
ard Tage) — born to \Mlliam and Alary (Berguin)
Partridge ; the father was a farmer and blacksmith
of Shropshire. To John and Jane (Partridge)
Pinches were born five children, namely : William,'
a farmer in England ; Thomas, a railroad man in
England ; Samuel, a farmer in Shropshire ; John ;
and James, who lives in England. The father is
still living in England, at the age of eighty years.
The mother died in July, 1849.
John Pinches was born Feb. 27, 1847, at the
"Hovers," Shropshire. He received a fair edu-
cation in the "rate" school of his native village,
but he describes the schools as being "of the com-
monest kind." He owes his education very largely
to his own application in the later years of his
life, for his school days ended when he was about
twelve years of age, lie like most bo)'s in the neigh-
"borhood being expected at that age to earn his own
support. He engaged in farm work, which occupa-
tion he followed continuously until his twentieth
year, when he decided to come to America. Land-
ing in New York in 1867 he proceeded to North-
ford, and there secured work with Henry Bunnell,
remaining there for three months. The methods
of American farming were not wholly to his liking,
and going to North Haven he engaged in brick-
making, receiving $45 jicr month anil board, the
highest wages then paid in the yard. When the
season ended he went to South Aleriden and began
an ai)prenliceship at table-knife grinding. He was
earning $3.50 per day when he was stricken with
typhoid fever, and at the advice of his physician
he abandoned that occupation. Deciding to learn
the joiner's trade he served an apprenticeship at
Aleriden and for six years after its completion
worked as a journeyman. Air. Pinches then re-
solved to enter the building and contracting busi-
ness. He was not yet thirty, but concluded that he
had mastered his occupation and was able to suc-
ceed in a somewhat wider field. His marked suc-
cess was perhaps beyond his anticipations. After
following the business for a short time in Hart-
ford he established himself, in the spring of 1876,
in New Britain, and soon was in command of a large
trade, continuing for about twelve years as a con^
tractor and builder in that city. Pie employed from
twenty-five to 100 men and erected some of the
best buildings of the city, building the New Britain
opera house, three churches — the Universalist, the
Swedish Lutheran and the German Lutheran^
and a portion of St. Alary 's church. He also put
up many of the buildings for the Corbin works and
the Stanley Rule & Level Company, built the
Plumanson & Beckley factory, and that of North
& Judd, and was regarded for many years as the
principal contractor of New Britain. During this
time Air. Pinches was gradually working into the
business of manufacturing architectural and orna-
mental wood work, both inside and outside, and
also bank and office furnishings and church seats.
Pie has been engaged in the latter business for
about eleven years, his trade extending through-
out Connecticut and to New York and other neigh-
boring States. At one time, when the P. & F. Corbin
manufactured postoffice boxes, he did the wood
work for them. He has built up a large and profit-
abe business, proceeding often along original lines
and making for himself the trade which he has since
enjoyed.
In politics Air. Pinches is a Republican. While
not active in political life he has represented the
Fourth ward in the board of aldermen, serving on
the committee on Street Encroachments as chair-
man, and as a member of the committee on Build-
ing Encroachments. He is a prominent Mason,
belonging to Centennial Lodge, Giddings Chapter,
Washington Commandery and Sphinx Temple ; is
also a member of Putnam Phalanx, No. 4, of the
Roval Arcanum; and of the Knights of Pvthias.
(l})^^viHif^/j^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1325
In religious connection he is a member of the
Methodist Church, in which he holds the office of
steward.
Mr. Pinches was united in marriage, Alay 14,
1874, to Miss Hattie L. Beckwith, daughter of
Francis E. Beckwith, of Springfield, and they have
had five children, as follows : John, Francis- W-.,
Charles Wesley, Richard B. and Robert P,
GEORGE FOOT LEWIS, the well-known and
popular superintendent of the New Britain Water
Supply Co., of Southington, was born in the Marion
District bt that town Dec. 29, 1833, a son of Lumau
and Patience Maria (Foot) Lewis. The father,
who is still living, was born March i, 1803, and
was married Nov. 22, 1826, to Miss Patience Alaria,
daughter of Robert and Diadamia (Flitchcock)
Foot. To this union were born the following chil-
dren : Addie C. ; George F. ; Emma J., wife of
Bernard Kennedy; James L. ; Sarah JNI., wife of
Joseph C. Long; and Dwight H.
Reuben Lewis, our subject's paternal grandfa-
ther, was born Aug. 16, 1772, and wedded Mary
Hall, daughter of Curtiss and Rachel (Beecher)
Hall, of Wolcott. She died June 19, 1843, 3.g^<i-
sixty-eight years, and his death occurred March
28, 1836. His father, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, was
born in December, 1747, in Soutnington, and was
married Feb. 15, 1769, to Sarah Gridley, who died
Aug. II, 1809. He lived on the mountainside in
the eastern part of Wolcott, and was prominent
in town and church affairs after it was set off from
Southington. He died Feb. 24, 1839, and on his
gravestone is inscribed "an honest man." He was
a son of Nathan Lewis, who was born Jan._ 23,
1707, and was married July 28, 1730, 'to Mary Grid-
ley, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Humphrey)
Gridley. He made his home in the Alarion District
of Southington, where he died Sept. 7, 1799. He
was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Lewis. Samuel
Lewis was born Aug. 18, 1648, held the military rank
of sergeant, and died Nov. 28, 1752. His father,
William Lewis, was born in England, and in 1644
was a resident of Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn.,
where he served as the first recorder of the town
after its incorporation in 1645. He was married
(first) to Mary Hopkins, of Windsor, and (second)"
to Mary Cheever, of New Haven. His death oc-
curred Aug. 18, 1690. He was a son of William
and Felix Lewis, who came from England in the
ship "Lion," and landed in Boston in September,
1632. He was admitted a freeman in November
of that year, and joined the Braintree company,
which in August, 1633, removed to Newtown
(Cambridge). In 1636 he came with a company
to Hartford, and in 1659 again moved, becoming-
one of the founders of Hadley, Mass., which town
he represented in the General Court in 1662. He
resided in Northampton, Mass., in 1664, and in 1677
removed to Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., where
he died Aug. 2, 1683.
Reared in his native town, our subject was ed-
ucated in its public schools and Lewis Academy,
and in early life learned the stone mason's trade,
which he tollowed more or less for fifty years.
For fourteen years he was superintendent of the
Southington town farm, and he was commissioner
of highways from 1865 to 1880. From 1880 to
1892 he resided in New Britain, engaged as a
stone mason, in contract work. In the spring of
1892 the Shuttle Meadow Reservoir construction
was begun, and Mr. Lewis was appointed inspector.
He also built the stone work, and on its com-
pletion was appointed superintendent of the com-
pany, which responsible position he has since most
satisfactorily filled.
Mr. Lewis has been twice married. By his first
wife. Amy A. Cowles, a daughter of Henry and
Lydia (Thorp) Cowles, of Mt. Vernon, Southing-
ton, were born two children, Frank G. and Ed-
win PI. For his second wife he married Mrs. Ellen
Steele.
During- the Civil war Mr. Lewis enlisted, Sept.
4, 1 86 1, in Company A, 7th Conn. V. I., and he
participated in all of the engagements in which his
regiment took part. He was wounded in the battle
of James river, and was taken prisoner at jMorris
Island, in the charge on Fort Wagner, being
sent to Libby prison, where he was incarceratea
for ninety-three days ; he made his escape at the
end of that time, and rejoined his regiment at
Deep Bottom. In September, 1864, Mr. Lewis was
honorably discharged at Fortress Monroe, and re-
turned to his home. In politics he is a Republican,
and fraternally he is a member of Friendship
Lodge, N. 33, F. & A. M., of which he has been
an officer for eight years; of Trumbull Post, No.
16, G. A. R. ; and of the Association of Ex-Prison-
ers of the Civil war.
JAMES HOLLEY. Among the brave men
who helped to fill Connecticut's quota during the
Civil war was this well-known citizen of New
Britain, who spent three years in active service with
the First Connecticut Light Battery. Of this
courageous and efficient body of men Gen. Terry,
of the Union army, once said: — "It may not have
been the best battery in the service, but it was the
best I have ever seen," and among his comrades
Mr. Holley was recognized as one of the best gun-
ners in the ranks. The energy and sagacity which
placed him in the lead in his work as a soldier, have
been applied no less successfully to his private du-
ties, and for twenty-six years he has been con-
nected with the Rule shop in New Britain, holding
a responsible position as inspector and contractor.
Mr. Holley was born in 1843 in the town of
Kingsbury, Washington Co., N. Y., and is of Eng-
lish descent in the paternal line. Three- brothers
of the name came from England at an early day
and settled in Connecticut. Our subject's great-
grandfather Holley resided for some time near
i
132G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Xew London, but removed to Washington county,
X. Y., when tliat locality was considered on the
frontier line.
lienjaniin Holley, our subject's grandfather,
was born near New London, and was only six
months old when his parents went to New York
Slate, where he grew to manhood. He became
the owner of a large farm there, in the town of
Kingsbury, Washington county, and was one of
the mlluential men of the locality in his day. Me
married and became the father of si.x children,
viz.: — JJaniel, our subject's father; Jjenjamin, who
went to Cook count}'. 111., and afterward settled
elsewhere in that State ; James, who became a farmer
at Napoleon, Mich., where some of his tlcscend-
ants reside; Richard, a farmer at the homestead
in Washington county, N. Y.; Lucy, wife of .Mason
Slade of Washington county, N. Y., and Betsey.
Daniel Holley, father of our subject, was born
on the homestead, and as a young man was en-
gaged in the lumber business, making a specialty
of cutting large spars for ships. The spars were
hauled to the Hudson and rafted to market, the
business proving a profitable one. Later he en-
gaged in general farming in his native town, where
he owned about 120 acres of land, and for some
years he was especially interested in raising cattle,
horses and sheep, and in growing grain. He was
a thrifty man, and had unusually good judgment,
as his business success demonstrated, while he also
as a Republican took an active interest in political
questions. He died in December, 1890, in his eighty-
fourth year, and his wife Rosella N'aughn, died
in .\ugust, i8y2, aged eighty-nine years. She was
born in Rhode Island, of Holland ancestry, and
her family was numerously represented in Wash-
ington county, N. Y., where a town was named
in their honor. Six children were born to Daniel
and Rosella Holley, as follows : Jane, who married
(first J Lucius Ogden and (second) Charles Ferris,
of Sandy Hill, N. Y. ; Viola, wife of William
Burnham, residing near the old homestead ; Esther,
who married Hiram Cole, both now deceased ,
George, a farmer in the town of Kingsbur)-, \\"ash-
ington Co., N. Y. ; James ; and Alfred, a farmer near
the old homestead.
James Holley secured his education in the dis-
trict schools at Sandy Hill, his attendance being-
limited to the winter months. As he was fond of
reading he has added greatly to his early store of
knowledge, especially in history, and he is well
acquainted with the best fiction. At seventeen he
began to learn the carriage maker's trade, pass-
ing the greater part of his apprenticeship in Wind-
sor Locks. His work there was interrupted by his
enlistment in the First Connecticut Light Batterv,
which was assigned to service in the Department
of the South, and was under the command suc-
cessively of Generals Foster, Stevens and Terry.
After spending some time at James Island, S. C,
they went to Fortress Monroe in 1864, and were
sent up the James river with Gen. I!. V. Butler's
force, landing at Bermuda Hundred. Mr. Holley
took part in the fighting in front of Rctersburg,
and was in the engagements at Dry Lane, Chester s
Station and Proctors, but was not injured. For
two years he served as a gunner, declining op-
portunities for promotion, but at the time of his
discharge he held the rank of corporal. ' The
winter after his return he spent in driving a team,
but in the spring he found employment with K.
Hortoji & Son. For six years he was with the
Bank Lock Co., and then a Air. Bailey, a contractor
in the Rule shop, employed him for a time, eleven
months being spent in Hartford. Since that time
he has been connected with the Rule shop, and at
present he is a contractor in the plane department
with eight men under his direction, and is also em-
ployed as an inspector in the same department. His
efforts have brought him a good degree of success
financiall}-, aiul his industry and reliability are shown
by the fact that he has been out of work just half
a day since i860. I'olitically he is a Republican so
far as National issues are concerned, but he votes
independently in local elections. As a good citizen
he takes an active interest in municipal affairs, and
in 1894- '95 he served as city collector, an elective
office.
Mr. Holley married Miss Alice E. Eddy, daugh-
ter of Albert Eddv, of New Britain, formerly a
resident of Forestville, Conn. Of their two children
Grace R. married R. G. Cleveland, a druggist at
Waterville, Conn. ; and Flora is at home. The
family is much esteemed in social life, and is identi-
fied with the work of the Methodist and Baptist
Churches at New Britain. Mr. Flolley is a leading-
member of the Order of United American Me-
chanics, and was one of the organizers of Euclid
Lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M., at Windsor Locks.
CHARLES F. CLEAVELAND, a leading
merchant of Windsor Locks, has been in business
for a quarter of a centurj', and his name has become
a synonym for enterprise, thrift and foresight.
Mr. Cleaveland is descended from good New
England ancestry and was born Nov. 8, 1856, at
Staft'ord, Conn. Paine Cleaveland, his father, was
born at Tolland, Conn., in 1831, and for some time
was engaged in the blacksmith's trade at Stafford-
Springs under the firm name of Cushman &
Cleaveland, for many years he resided in Wind-
sor Locks. For a few years after his removal to
that town he was employed by the Farist & Windsor
Steel Co., but later he became connected with the
Windsor Locks Steel Co. He is an excellent citi-
zen, and he and his wife are devout members of the
Methodist Church. During the Civil war he showed
his patriotism by a year of service in the army,
enlisting from Stafford in Company D, 25th Conn.
V. I., under Capt. Foster. He married Miss Caro-
line A. Needham, a native of Wales, Mass., and
has three sons : Orange, a deputy warden in the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1327
Hartford county jail; Charles F. ; and George A.,
a resident of Windsor Locks, who was formerly
with Gordon & Stowe, of Norwich, and later with
P. G. Gordon, of New London, in the paper stock
business.
The education of Charles F. Cleaveland was
begun in the schools of Stafford, and he also at-
tended the public schools of Windsor Locks for a
time. On April i, 1873, at the age of sixteen, he
entered upon his business career as a clerk in the
general store of J. H. Adams, and so faithfully and
well did he perform his duties that he was taken
into pai'tnership a few years later under the title
of J. H. Adams & Co. Mr. Adams died Nov. 18,
1 89 1, and on Dec. 17, 1891, Mr. Cleaveland pur-
chased his interest, and has since carried on the
business alone, with constantly increasing trade.
As a citizen he is public-spirited, taking an active
part in local affairs, and at present he is serving as
a member of the school board of his town.
In 1883 Mr. Cleaveland was married, at Hol-
yoke, Mass., to Miss Mary E. Hunter, daughter of
John Hunter, a well-known citizen of that place,
and three children have blessed the union : Lottie
A., Charles F., Jr., and Carrie A. Mr. Cleaveland
and his estimable wife are prominent in social life,
and are identified . with tlie Methodist Episcopal
Church of \\'indsor Locks, Mr. Cleaveland being
a member of the official board of the Church. He
is an active member of Euclid Lodge, No. 109, A.
F. & A. M., of which he is treasurer.
GEORGE N. AHL, a young and much re-
spected market gardener of East Hartford Meadow,
Hartford county, was born in Greenfield, Mass.,
July 30, 1862, a son of Michael and Margaret
(Stuckert) Ahl, natives of Germany.
Michael Ahl, son of John Ahl, was reared to
farming in German}-, but when a young man sailed
from Havre, France, for the L^nited States, landed
in New York, and thence went at once to Greenfield,
Mass., where for several years he was employed
in a cutlerv factory. He then purchased a farm
near Springfield. j\Iass., engaged in market garden-
ing and general farming for several years, and
finally came to East Hartford jMeadow, Conn.,
purchasing a farm from Air. Buddy, on which he
still resides., In Massachusetts he married Mar-
garet Stuckert, a native of Darmstadt, Germany,
and to this union were born five children : John,
who married Flora Fish, and is farming his land
at Agawam, Mass. ; George N., the subject of this
article; Michael, who married Freda Schultz, and
is also farming at Agawam ; Henry H., who passed
four years in Europe as a student in drawing and
oil painting, and is now an artist of acknowledged
merit, in Springfield, Mass. ; and Louise, who is
married to \Mlliam Michael, and living in Bristol,
Connecticut.
George N. Ahl, our subject, early came to East
Hartford JNIeadow, attended the district school, and
then the Brown school, in Hartford, after quitting
which he went to the Agawam (Mass.) farm.
There he lived until 1894, when he returned to East
Hartford Meadow, where his father, some years
previously, had purchased the home farm, on which
he has since lived. On April 4, 1894, ]\Ir. Ahl
married Miss Ophelia Grouse, a native of Agawam,
Mass., and a daughter of George and Augusta
(Voegel) Grouse, and this marriage has been
blessed with one daughter, Tryphena, born Nov.
26, 1895, a very bright and interesting child.
In politics Mr. Ahl is a Republican, but has
never been an office seeker, neither has he ever
been a member of any secret society ; his religious
associations are with the Congregational Church.
He is successful as a gardener, is an excellent
business man, and his quiet demeanor and pleasant
manners have won him the respect of all who know
him.
JOHN WARNER, a leading farmer and hon-
ored citizen of Wethersfield, was born in that town
Sept. I, 1835, a son of Levi and Sallie (Larkin)
Warner.
Our subject attended the district schools of his
native town and also the ^^"ethersfield Academy,
receiving a good English education, which has been
of much practical benefit to him in later years. In
early life he also became familiar with all the
duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist,
and has made farming his life occupation. His
home is on Broad street, and he is now especially
interested in stock raising and tobacco culture, in
connection with general farming. L'pright and hon-
orable in all his dealings, he is well liked and highly
respected, and has many warm friends throughout
the county. Religiously he is a member of the
Episcopal Church of Wethersfield, and politically
is identified with the Democratic party.
On March 23, 1864, Mr. Warner married IMiss
Cornelia S. Dix, who was born Dec. 14, 1838, a
daughter of William and Lucy (Barrett) Dix.
She died Feb. 16, 1869, and was buried in Weth-
ersfield. There were two children by that union :
Ralph Dix, born May 9, 1865, died Dec. 10, 1891 ;
and John, born Aug. 12, 1867, died April 20, 1868,
Mr. Warner was again married, Nov. 26, 1872,
his second union being with Miss Catherine E.
Bulkley, also a native of Wethersfield, and a daugh-
ter of Frederick and Nancy B. (Riley) Bulkley,
whose ancestors were early settlers of that town.
Capt. John Riley, the maternal grandfather of
Mrs. Warner, was married in Rocky Hill, and he
and his wife had the following children; Nancy
B., born July 16, 1792, was married Oct. 6, 1814,
to Frederick Bulkley, and died Dec. 24, 1857;
Lucy, born Dec. 29, 1796, died July 6, 1824; Seth,
born Oct. 4, 1797, died in New York in September,
1850; Horace, born Sept. 29, 1798, was married
May 14, 1835, to Grace Hudson See, and died
May 12, 1842; John, born in 1800, was married
Lj
1328
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
April 2, 1823, lo Eliza S. Larkins, and tiled Xov.
18, 1845; Lydia, born Ma\- 10, 1804, was married
Jan. 31, 1837, to Richard Sniitli, and died Xov.
14, 1877; ^laria, born Jan. 27, 1806, was married
in Detroit, Mich., to Joseph i'elers, and died July
5, 1841 ; Louise, born Aug. i, 1808, died unmarried
Nov. 9, 1882; and James, born Sept. 2, 1810; was
married in May, 1834, to Charlotte A. Derrie.
To Mr. and Mrs. Warner were born three ciiil-
dren : Kate iUilkley, born Oct. 11, 1873, ^^''^s mar-
ried Oct. 12, 1891. to Jomes X. Hale, and died Aug.
23, 1893. Gertrude Edwards and Grace Chctwood,
twins, were born Dec. 7, 1875, and the latter died
Oct. 19, 1890. The former is a graduate of the
Wethersfiekl higli school. Mrs. Warner and her
daughter are ladies of culture and retinement, and
are (juite prominent socially in the coiunuinity where
they reside. They hold membersliip with our sub-
ject in the \\'etherslield Cirange, and Mrs. Warner
is an earnest member of the Congregational Church.
JOHX CHRISTLVX XIELSON. Scarcely
more than ten years ago the subject of this sketch,
a native of Denmark, who had just served his time
in the army of his fatherland, landed in New York
with $20 in his pocket, his entire fortune. A
stranger in a strang'e land, with no trade, and only
some knowledge of Danish farming, his best and
only capital was the determination within him to
grow in prosperity as an American citizen. He
is yet a young man, but is succeeding beyond ex-
pectation.
Mr. Nielson was born in Denmark Jan. 14,
1865, son of Christian and Annie (Peterson)
Sieerskil. His father, born in 1833, was a life-
long farmer of Denmark, prosperous and indus-
trious. John Christian received a good common-
school education in his native laiid, and remained
on his father's farm until he arrived at the age of
twenty. He then entered the army, to serve the
prescribed term, and afterward w^orked two years
as a farm hand for Yans Larson, receiving $65 per
annum, besides board and clothes. Determining
to come to America, the young inan sailed May 15,
1889, on the steamer "Iceland," from Copenhagen.
He arrived at X"ew Y'ork Jime i, and the next
morning expended a portion of his $20 capital
in the purchase of a ticket for passage by boat
to Hartford. After visiting a cousin there, Peter
Peterson, for about a week, our subject found em-
ployment on a farm in Simsbury owned by a ^Ir.
McRoy, a blacksmith. He remained there three
months, and then for six months worked for the
Belting Co. Subsequently, for two years, Mr. Niel-
son worked as a farmer in Unionville.
Ambitious to become his own employer,- Mr.
Nielson in 1892 rented a farm of Henry C. Rice,
in Farmington, and operated it successfully for
six years. They were years of the closest applica-
tion to the duties of the farm, and by the energy
and intelligence which he placed into the work the
lease proved quite profitable to our subject. From
a farm hand to tenant was one step, from tenant
lo land owner was another, and the latter step
j\lr. Xielson took in 1898, by the purchase, on Feb.
27, of a farm of eighty-live acres in Newington.
Uesides operating his land, raising large quantities
of corn, potatoes, etc., for he is a man of unusual
energy and industry, Mr. Nielson conducts a large
milk business in New Uritain. His farming has
already proved highly profitable, and its success is
due to the fact that he attcntls strictly to his busi-
ness, and never tires of its labors.
Mr. Xielson was married, }ilay 29, 1894, to
Miss Elizabeth ■Margaret Sweeney, of Hartford,
a native of St. Thomas, Canada. To our subject
and wife two children have been born : Jessie Rice
and Annie Marie. Mr. Xielson has become an
earnest and entiuisiastic American citizen. He en-
dorses the principles of the Democratic party, but
in the choice of local officials votes for the man he
thinks best fitted for the place. By his busmess
ability and industry our subject is rapidly making
his presence felt in the community in which he
lives, and is regarded as one of its best type of
citizens.
WILLIAM C. UPSON is a wide-awake and
enterprising business man of Southington, a mem-
ber of the firm of Upson Brothers, the leading
grocers of the place. He was born in that town
June 9, 1859, a son of Capt. Andrew and Elizabeth
L. (Gridleyj Upson, of whose ancestry a full ac-
count is given in connection with the sketch of
Frank R. Upson, on another page of this volume.
Our subject was educated in the Lewis Academy,
and in 1876 began his business career as clerk in
a grocery store, being thus employed until June,
1883, when he formed a partnership with his
brother Frank R., and has since engaged in the
grocery trade on his own account, with most grati-
fying results. On i\Iay 24, 1882, he was united
in marriage with Miss Fannie E. Sutliff, a daugh-
ter of Lucas and Harriet E. (Langdon) Sutlifif,
of Southington, and to them have been born two
children : Clifford Andrew and Kenneth Sutliff.
Air. Upson has been a member of the South-
ington fire department since its organization, first
as private of Hook and Ladder Company No. i ;
as first assistant foreman six years ; as foreman ;
and in January, 1898, was appointed chief engineer
of the Department. He is quite popular in social
circles, and is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 75,
I. O. O. F. ; Wonx Tribe, No. 28, I. O. R. M., in
which order he holds one of the State offices ; and
S. S. Woodruff Camp, S. of V. Politically he is
identified with the Republican party.
RAYMOND S. CASE, treasurer of the Case
Manufacturing Company, is one of the most pro-
gressive, enterprising and energetic business men
of Unionville. Although he is still a young mail
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1329
his popularity in business circles is established on
a firm basis — that of his own well-tested merit. In
1889 A. Willard, A. Welles and C. Frank Case
established in Unionville the Case Manufacturing
Company, buying the Cowles' paper-mill, and iu
October, iSyS, the company was incorporated with
A. Willard Case as president ; C. Frank Case, vice-
president ; Raymond S. Case, secretary and treas-
urer. They do a large and profitable business as
manufacturers of paper.
Our subject was born in Manchester, Hart-
ford count}-, October 16, 1875, and is a son of A.
Willard Case, of that place. He attended the
public schools of Manchester for some time, was
also a student in the Hartford Public High School,
and began his preparation for Brown University
under a private tutor, but was obliged to give up
study on account of his eyesight. For three 3'ears
thereafter he held the position of general man-
ager in the Windham Paper Company's mill at
Chaplin, Conn., and in September, 1897, was made
manager of the mill at Unionville, with which he
has since been connected. He still holds that respon-
sible position in connection with that of secretary
and treasurer of the company, and under his able
management the mill has proved quite profitable. In
Somerset, Mass., Mr. Case was married, in June,
1898, to J\iiss Ethel Bei-nice Leonard, a daughter
of Henry B. Leonard, propi'ietor of the Mt. Hope
Iron Works.
JOSEPH P. NORTON, an enterprising and
successful young agriculturist of East Windsor, is
the manager of a fine homestead of 150 acres near
Broad Brook and another tract of fifty acres near
AVindsorville, and his able management has won
him an enviabe reputation. As a citizen he has
shown himself to be public-spirited, and his fel-
low townsmen, recognizing his ability, have al-
ready called him to an official position, as select-
man, seldom given to one of his age.
Mr. Norton was barn Aug. 11, 1870, on the
homestead, son of Peter and Bridget (Concannon)
Norton, who had a family of six children, three
sons and three daughters. Our subject was feared
to farm work, and his education was begun in-
the schools of Broad Brook, but he also attended a
night school in Hartford for some time. Like many
farmers' sons he thought country life uncongenial,
and at the age of nineteen he began the study of
telegraphy, in which he became so proficient that
when only twenty years old he was appointed agent
and operator at South Windsor. This position he held
four years, but in the meantime the wholesome life
of a farmer assumed a more attractive aspect in
his mind, and on giving up telegraphy he returned
to the old homestead, where he has since been en-
gaged iji general farming and tobacco culture.
From his youth he has been an ardent Democrat,
and in 1897 he was the candidate of that party for
the office of third selectman, to which he was duly
84
elected in company with George A. Ellis and H. W.
Talcott.
In 1897 Mr. Norton was married to Miss Au-
gusta Krah, and one child, Margaret, has blessed
the union. In religious faith he is a Catholic, and
he and his estimable wife are active members of the
church at Broad Brook.
NELSON STAPLES, the leading merchant of
East Glastonbury, is a veteran of the Civil war and
has made an enviable record for good citizenship.
Mr. Staples was born in East Glastonbury Jan.
4, 1840, son of Shubael Staples, and grandson of
Septius Staples, a native of New York who settled
in Hebron, Conn, and was employed there at vari-
ous occupations during the later j'cars of his life.
Shubael Staples, our subject's father, was born in
Hebron and was one of a large family of children.
As a young man he engaged in any work that would
bring an honest dollar and for many years he was
employed in Spark's (now Crosby's) mill at East
Glastonbury, where he died. He married Miss
Fannie Valentine, a native of that town, who sur-
vived him. They had two children : Nelson, and
Elizabeth J., wife of Dewitt C. House, of East
Glastonbury, a local preacher of the M. E. Church,
who is employed in Crosby's mill.
At the time of our subject's birth the family
occupied the place where Henry Lingler resides,
but the old house has since been torn down. He
attended the district schools and a select school
which was conducted in the basement of the Meth-
odist church, and at eighteen years of age began
to earn his own livelihood in the factory of the
Curtisville Manufacturing Co., at Naubuc, then
Curtisville. He worked by the piece, and, being-
industrious, managed to make fair wages. After
one year he went to Cobalt, Middlesex Co., Conn.,,
to work in a factory owned by Bailey & Brannon,
remaining six months. He then went to Hart-
ford and was employed for a short time by Rogers
& Co., in their silver plating establishment, and
later he was employed in the finishing department
of the Crosby Manufacturing Co., at East Glaston-
bury. While there he responded to his country's-
call for defenders, enlisting, in 1862, in Company
G, 25th Conn. V. I., under the late Capt. Chas.
Talcott. He served in the Louisiana Campaign un-
der Gen. Banks, and although the regiment was or-
ganized for nine months service they were kept
out over a year, our subject being absent from his
command only one day. They were mustered out
in Hartford, in 1863, and Mr. Staples returned to
his place in the mill, where he worked continu-
ously until September, 1894. He became an expert
finisher and after leaving that place he worked in
factories in Mystic and New Britain for a couple
of years, but finally returned to East Glastonbury
to engage in business on his own account. He
built his present building and opened a general
store, the largest in the place, and his increasing
1380
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trade is an evidence of his promptness, thorough-
ness and honesty.
On Nov. 23, 1864, Mr. Staples was married to
Miss Katherine J. Andrews, who was born Dec.
21, 184-I., in South Glastonbury, daughter of Albert
and Alvira (Dickinson) Andrews. Her father is
a joiner and farmer of East Glastonbury, and a
highly-esteemed citizen. Four children were born
of this union : ( i ) Edith J. married Raymond
Russell, a salesman in Hartford, and they have one
daughter; (2) Everett M. married Florence An-
drews, and resides in New Britain, where he is em-
ployed as a brick layer; (3) Frank \V. married Alice
Judd, a native of New Britain, and resides at the
laomestead, assisting his father in the work of the
farm and store. (4) Miss INIyrtis Belle is at home.
^Ir. Staples is a Republican in politics, and
has held the otlfice of justice of the peace. He is a
member of Stanley Post G. A. R., of New Britain,
and he and his wife are prominent members of the
M. E. Church of East Glastonbury, of which he is
now steward.
HENRY FRICKE, an honest, hard-working
German farmer of East Hartford Meadow, Hartford
county, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 10.
1835, and was a young man not yet of age when his
father, also named Henry, who was a mason by
trade, was called away by death, leaving some prop-
erty to his widow and four sons.
Flenry Fricke, the subject of this sketch, re-
ceived a common-school education in his native
kingdom. Soon after the death of his father he
sailed, in company with his mother and three broth-
ers, Frank, Augustus and Charles, on board the
ship "Wayland," from Bremen for New York ; after
a voyage of forty-nine days they arrived at their
destination, in the fall of 1854. From New York
the family came at once by steamboat to Hartford,
Conn., and rented a dwelling. Our subject, being
the eldest son, immediately sought and found work,
having learned the trade of mason under his fa-
ther, and was thus the main support of the family
as long as they lived together, which they did until
his marriage, the younger brothers in the meantime
having found employment at various occupations,
and by degrees became something more than self-
supporting.
Henry Fricke married, at Hartford, JNIiss ]\lary
Stein, a native of Switzerland, who was but four
years of age when brought to the United States by
her parents. After marriage Air. Fricke continued
his residence in Hartford until failing health obliged
him to abandon the mason's trade, and he resorted
to the collecting of paper stock and also dealt in
tinware, a line of business he has since followed.
Since coming to East Hartford Meadow he has. in
addition to his paper stock business, buying, etc.,
carried on fanning, owning a seventy-four-acre
tract of fine land.
In religion Mr. and ]\Irs. Fricke are Protest-
ants, in which faith they are rearing the seyen chil-
dren who have blessed their union: Edwin, Albert,
Everett, Lillian, Robert, Oscar and Florence. In
politics Mr. Fricke was once a Democrat, but is now
a stanch Republican, and fraternally he is a mem-
ber of Beethoven Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the
Germania Association, both of Hartford. Mr.
Fricke is still a well-preserved man, although he has
done a great deal of hard work, and his life in
America has ])een so upright and industrious as to
win for him the warm esteem of all who know
him.
CHARLES FRICKE, a highly-respected farm-
er, live stock and poultry raiser, and tobacco grow-
er, of East Hartford, was born in Saxony, Prussia,
Feb. 3, i8-|0, the youngest of the four children
horn to Heiu'v Fricke. of whose familv more may
be found in the sketch of Henry Fricke, above.
Charles Fricke attended school in his native
land until fourteen years of age, as the law requires,
and was fourteen years old when he arrived in the
Uniteti States, on the ship "Wayland," in com-
pany with his mother and three brothers. On ar-
riving in Hartford the family took up their resi-
dence on Front street, and in that city young
Charles worked at various callings — at harness-
making, in a restaurant, and in a bakery, and for
awhile for Smith, Bowen & Co., at Hartford, until
his mother bought the present farm in East Hart-
ford from Adam Boardman, and built sheds, barns,
etc.; on this place she passed the remainder of her
life. Here Mr. Fricke grows about three acres of
tobacco annually, besides carrying on general farm-
ing operations, as indicated at the opening of this
brief article. He is very industrious and thrifty,
and is quiet and retiring in disposition.
In politics I\Ir. Fricke is a Republican, but has
never sought office ; in religion he is a Lutheran.
He is still a bachelor.
GUSTAVUS ARNURIUS, an industrious and
prosperous farmer of Hockanum, town of East
Hartford, was born in Saxony, Germany, Dec. 11,
1825, a son of Gottlieb and Fredericka (Sanders)
Arnurius.
Gottlieb Arnurius was a mason by trade. He
was a corporal in the German army, fought against
Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo, and after a
charge against a battery on a hill there were left
of his regiment but himself and one comrade ; for
his bravery on this and other occasions he was dec-
orated with an iron cross, a silver cross, and a "war
medal." He and his wife both died in Germany.
Their family were: One who died in infancy;
Carl, who also died young; August, who came to
the United States (with our subject), and was
drowned in the Eraser river, Colorado, wit]? seven
or eight others ; Gustavus, whose name opens this
sketch ; and Frederick, a public singer of continental
reputation, who died in Germanv.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1831
Gustavus Arnurius attended the public schools
■of his native country, in accordance with the law,
T-intil fourteen years of age, and was then employed
in the silver mines until their humidit}- brought on
rheumatism, and he was obliged to quit. He then
went to Berlin, where he learned lock-making, and
later the machinist's trade, at which he worked in
the large shops in Borcig until March i8, 1848,
when, the Revohition having broken out, he re-
turned home, having determined to come to America.
He started for Hamburg, via Berlin, and in the
latter city was arrested by mistake, but was soon re-
leased, with profuse apologies, and sent on his v/ay.
From Hamburg he sailed for Liverpool, England,
there embarked on the sailing vessel "Jamestown,"
and after a voyage of seven weeks, during which a
mutiny took place, landed in New York City, July
4, 1850. Unable to find employment, and being
without money (as he had been robbed soon after
his arrival), "Not even a cent to bujr a glass of
■water, if it would have cost that much," he found
liis way to Hartford, where he was engaged first
.at $1 per day for a month, then at $1.25, and then,
iDeing an expert machinist, at much better wages,
;so that, at the close of a year, he had saved $600.
His board and lodging cost him from $8 to $9 per
iponth, and his washing and mending he did him-
self. He was thus enabled, in 1851, to send to Ger-
many for his sweetheart in Berlin, Francisca Schultz,
who was born in that city May 13, 1831, and who
sailed from Hamburg for America as soon as pi^ac-
ticable ; she was seven weeks on the voyage, came to
Fast Hartford, and their wedding took place July
13. 1851.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnurius started housekeeping in
Hartford, lived there a year, and then settled in
Fast Hartford, where he purchased twelve acres
•of his present farm, to which further allusion will
lie made. He left Colt's machine shop at Hartford
in 1861, and was employed in the armory at Spring-
field, Mass., where he earned from $90 to $100 jicr
month, and, as no w»rk was too fine for him, he was
retained for three years ; he then returned to Hart-
ford, where he was again sought for, and was eni-
"ployed in Colt's Armory two years longer, when
lie bought the farm where he has resided ever since.
His original tract of twelve acres Mr. Arnurius in-
creased to nineteen, but has since sold a part of it.
His first habitation here was in a somewhat dilapi-
dated condition, as the snow and rain beat through
the roof, but in 1859 he erected a substantial and
liandsome dwelling, which he still occupies.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and ]Mrs.
Arnurius, as follows : Anna died in young woman-
hood ; Fmma also died young ; Oscar, a skilled me-
■chanic, was for a time superintendent of the Eddy
Machine Co.'s Electric works in Windsor, but is now
emploved in Hartford ; Armand died young ; Bertha
was married to Howard Cox, and became the mother
•of one child, Frances Myrtle, who is now living with
IMr. Arnurius, the mother having passed away ;
Osmond died in infancy ; and Hattie is living witli-
her parents. Mr. Arnurius and his family attend
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr.
Arnurius is a Republican in his predilections, being
neutral, however, in local matters. Fraternally he
is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M.,
and of the L O. R. M. lodge at Hartford.
Mr. Arnurius is a good, earnest citizen, has
reared his family in respectability, and has all his
life been temperate, industrious and frugal, and the
fact that he has made himself what he is to-day,
notwithstanding the fact that he began life in Amer-
ica without one cent, well entitles him to the high
regard and unfeigned esteem in which he is every-
where held.
JOHN SHIELDS, a greatly respected and pros-
perous farmer, stock raiser and tobacco grower of
East Weatogue, town of Simsbury, Hartford coun-
ty, was born in County Down, Ireland, the only son
in a family of four children born to Adam and
Martha (Jameson) Shields, natives of the same
county, and members of the Presbyterian Church.
The father was an industrious farmer, in moderate
circumstances.
John Shields, our subject, received but a limited
education in the common schools of his native coun-
t}-, as, being the only son, he was needed at home
to aid his father, and he also assisted on the farms
of the neighbors, thereby contributing to the support
of the family, with, which he remained until 1869,
having in the meantime married, an event to which
allusion will be made further on. In the year men-
tioned Mr. Shields felt it incumbent upon himself
to better his condition, so far as this world's good
are concerned, and with this object in view he
sailed from Liverpool with his wife and child, on
the steamer "Virginia," and in due course of time
landed safely in New York, from that city coming
to Bloomfield, Hartford Co., Conn. Here he found
employment as a farm laborer, and worked for one
man seven years, at $400 per year, leaving in the
hands of his employer, during this period, $980,
for which he took a note, having full confidence in
his employer's honor. No doubt this confidence
was not misplaced, but still it was disastrous, as
the gentleman died, and when the estate was settled
i\Ir. Shields was compelled to accept one-third of
his claim, thus losing over $600 of his hard-earned
money. From Bloomfield Mr. Shields removed to
West Hartford, where he secured the superintend-
encv of Charles Pond's farm, which position he
held thirteen years. By strict economy he accumu-
lated sufficient means to buy k fifty-five-acre farm at
Fast Weatogue, Simsbury town (on which he set-
tled in 1889), formerly belonging to George Phelps.
Here Mr. Shields engaged in tobacco growing,
dairying and general farming, and a few years later
bought eighty acres from Hon. J. O. Phelps, ad-
joining his first purchase, and with his sons is now
cultivating the entire tract of 135 acres, on which
1332
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he has erected a fine tobacco shed and made many
other improvements.
The marriage of Mr. Shields to Agnes Ritchie
took place in the town of Killinchv, County Down.
She was born in the same county, a daughter of
James and Ann i Hayes) Ritchie, also natives of
County Down. Mrs. Shields is a woman of intel-
ligence, and her hus])and's success through life is
largely attributable to her heljiing hand and econom-
ical habits. To this marriage have been born six
children: James, who was born in County Down,
Ireland, and was brought to America by his par-
ents when a child, was educated in the district
schools of Hartford county, Conn., and is now as-
sisting his father on the farm (he is married to
Lizzie Oliver, of Hartford): John .-\dam, .\gnes
Mary, William Hamilton, Samuel and Lizzie Martha
are all still at home.
]n politics Mr. Sluelds and his eUlest son are
Republicans, and in religion, although reared in the
Presbyterian faith. Mr. Shields, with his family,
affiliates with the Congregationalists, and regularly
attends their house of worship. Mr. Shields is
noted for his hon(irable conduct and straightforward
methods of dealing with his fellow citizens, and is
of a very genial disoosition, although very quiet and
unassuming in manner. He has readied his pres-
ent position in life through his skillful manage-
ment, industry and strict integrity, and well de-
serves the high esteem in which he is held by all his
neighbors.
LL\T"S C(_)lv.\\\ALL, a well-known farmer
and cider manufacturer of lierlin, Hartford county,
has for many years been actively identified with the
business interests of that locality. Although he has
passed the eightieth milestone on life's journev, he
has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit
and interests seems yet in his prime. Old age is
not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivitv.
Mr. Cornwall was born in the W'estfield District
of Middletown, Conn., Jan. 30. 1820, and belongs to
a family which was founded in Middlesex county
in 1650. His ancestors were of English descent.
One was a sergeant in the Pequot Indian war, and
his great-grandfather, Lieut. Xathaniel Cornwall,
was an officer in the Revolution, in which conflict
three of his sons were killed. Our subject's grand-
father, who also bore the name of Xathaniel, was
one of the first farmers of Middlesex count}', and
was a large land owner. The father, David Corn-
wall, was born in Aliddletown in 1783, and died at
the comparatively early age of forty-four vears. He
also followed the occupation of farming, and ac-
quired about seventy-five acres of land. It is be-
lieved that if he had lived he would have become
quite wealthy. He married Prudence Johnson, who
was born in INIiddletown in 1790, a daughter of
Elijah Johnson, and died in 1864.
Our subject was reared on the home place, and
received a fair education in the public schools of
Middletown, which he atlentled during the wirUcr
nionths. while throughout the summer he aided in
the labors of the farm. At tlie age of seventeen
years he went to New Haven, where he clerked in
the grocery store of his uncle, David T. Johnson,
for about a year, working practically for his board
and clothes, as he received very little money. Re-
ttuMiing home, he assisted in the operation of the
farm fiir aliout ten years, and then again went to-
Xew Haven, where he worked for his tmcle at the
joiner's trade about a year, and later for iHliers
in the same line of work. Subsequently he was
two years in the employ of the Derby Building &
Lumber Co., of Derby, Conn., and then speculated
in cattle for about a year. .\s he was a natural
mechanic, he next embarked in wagon and carriage
building with his brother-in-law, in I'-ast ISerlin, un-
iler the firm name of Cornwall & Dickson, which
liartnership lasted about one year, and he then ]jur-
chased the carriage and wagon works and black-
smith shop of John Ciraham, deceased, on Berlin
street, where he carried on business until his plant
was destroyed by fire, in iH(i^. After renting and
operating a farm for a short time, he leased the
Amos Iiotsford property, and turned his attention
to the raising of tobacco. He also dealt in that
commodity to a considerable extent, and the venture
proved quite profitable. He now owns a fine farm
of 100 acres in Berlin, which is under excellent
cultivation, and in 1870 purchased a cider-mill which
adjoins his property, antl which he has since suc-
cessfully operated, manufacturing cider for others,
as well as using the apples from his own ten-acre
orchard in this way.
In September, 1852, Mr. Cornwall married iliss
Sarah Ellen Piatt, who was born in ^lilford. Conn.,
in 1830, a daughter of Col. Piatt. To them were
born eight children : Ida May, born in 1863, a
widow, residing at home ; ^^'illiam Piatt, who died
in Los Angeles, ,Cal. ; Henry, who resides at home ;
Edward, who married a lady named Elton, and is
now connected with the Stanley Rule & Level Co.,
in Xew Britain; Lillie Maria; David Tryon ; Linus,
born Dec. 12, 1864; and Lottie Elizabeth.
At Xational elections ilr. Cornwall supports the
Republican ticket, but in town politics usually votes
for the man whom he considers best Cjualified for
the office. He has been offered the position of se-
lectman, but does not care for office, preferring to-
devote his undivided attention to his business in-
terests. He is a great reader, and is well informed
on X'ational aft"airs and subjects of general interest.
Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Fra-
ternity, and both he and his wife attend the Con-
gregational Church.
JULIUS BULKLEY. This prominent citizen
of Rocky Hill is a son. of Henry AV. and ]\Iartha
(Tucker) Bulkley, who had a family of five sons
and four daughters, Julius being eighth in the order
of birth. He was born Oct. 13, 1857, in the town
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1333
■with whose interests he has been for many years
identified. His father died while he was a mere
youth, and at the age of sixteen he began work as
clerk in a store at Glastonbury. After four and
one-half years spent thus, the recollections of his
old home brought him back to Rocky Hill, where
he engaged in farming. Besides his line of general
work he is an extensive fruit grower, having a large
and valuable peach orchard.
I\Ir. Bulkley was married, Jan. 22, 1890, to Miss
Dorothy Stephens, who has borne him three chil-
dren— Herbert C, Julius William and Jessie D. Mr.
Bulkley. is a member of one of the oldest and most
respected families in Rocky Hill town, and has been
singularly successful in all that he has undertaken,
having brought to bear upon every enterprise both
native ability and tiained judgment. In politics he
belongs to the Republican party.
THOMAS DEXXiS, Jr., a well-known brick
manufacturer and enterprising business man of \\'est
Hartford, was born in Haverstraw, X'. Y., Sept. 5,
1856, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Wise) Dennis,
natives of England, where the father was engaged in
the manufacture of brick for some time.
At the age of thirtv Thomas Dennis, Sr., emi-
grated to the Xew World, and located in Haver-
straw, X. Y., but he now makes his home in Xew-
ington, Hartford Co., Conn., where he has been ex-
tensivelv engaged in the brick business for about
a quarter of a century. In his family are nine chil-
dren : William H. and James, both residents of
Newington ; Sarah Ann, wife of George Walker,
of X'ew Britain, Conn.; George, also a resident of
Xew Britain ; Thomas, our subject ; Annie, wife of
George Rollings, of Berlin, Conn. ; Joseph, of West
Hartford; John E., of Xewington: and Elizabeth,
•wife of William King, of West Hartford.
Our subject was educated in the public schools
of Haverstraw, X'. Y.. and X'ewington, Conn., and
during his youth learned the art of brick making
with his father at the latter place. In 1889 his fa-
ther and brother James came into possession of the
plant of the ^^'est Hartford Brick & Ice Co., and
Thomas, Jr., has since had charge of the same as
superintendent, a position he has most capably and
satisfactorily filled. The firm name is now Dennis
& Co. Our subject has been a resident of West
Hartford for the past ten years, and has become
■widelv and favorably known in this section of the
countv. In Xew Britain, Conn., he married Miss
Eliza Orton, and they have five children : Eddie,
A^'alIace, ^label, Gracie and Oliver.
OLR'ER A. BECKWITH, Jr., a prominent and
influential citizen of Unionville, who is now living
practically retired from business cares and respon-
sibilities, was born in Bristol, Hartford Co., Conn.,
July 28, 185 1, and is a son of Oliver A. Beckwith,
Sr., whose birth occurred in the town of Burling-
lon, Hartford county, in 1826. The grandfather,
Lot Beckwith, was a resident of Burlington in early
manhood, from there removed to Xewington, and
later took up his residence in Canton, where he died.
He was one of the original clock peddlers selling in
the South, but for many years his time and atten-
tion were devoted to farming and butchering in
Canton. He married Miss Marian Allyn, whose
father was a sea captain, and to them were born
four children : Oliver Allyn, the father of our sub-
ject; Marian, deceased wife of Samuel F. Stevens,
of Detroit, Mich., by whom she had one son, Fred-
erick B. ; Samuel, deceased ; and James, who died in
infancy.
Oliver A. Beckwith, Sr., was rea/ed and edu-
cated in Xewington and Canton, and was one of the
early commercial travelers from Boston, handling
gents' furnishing goods. At one time he conducted
the Union Trading Company's store for the Clock
Companies in Bristol, and later a store for the Bris-
tol Copper Mining Company at that place. He then
engaged in mercantile business on his own account
in Gollinsville, Conn., from i860 to 1889, and sub-
secpiently had charge of the book and stamp depart-
ment for the Banner Tobacco Company at Detroit,
Mich., but is now liviner retired with his son in
Unionville. He has taken quite a prominent part in
public affairs, and while a resident of Collinsville
served as deputy sheriff of Hartford county. He
was married, in Hartford, to Miss Sarah J. Thomp-
son, a daughter of Silas Thompson. She died in
Collinsville in 1894. They had three children:
Oliver Allyn, Jr.. our subject; Corinne B., wife of
Jasper H. Bidwell, of Collinsville ; and Minnie, de-
ceased.
During his boyhood Oliver A. Beckwith, Jr.,
pursued his studies in the schools of Edgewood,
Canton and Collinsville, Conn. After reaching man-
hood he was engaged in general mercantile busi-
ness with his father for a short time, and then en-
tered the employ of the Michigan Stove Company,
of Detroit. On his return to Connecticut he worked
for O. D. Hunt & Co., in Winsted, for a time, and
later conducted a general store at Collinsville. In
1880 he came to Unionville, and after traveling for
the Standard Rule Company about a year, he built
the store now occupied by Adams Brothers, and
engaged in general mercantile business there. Sub-
sequently he was interested in the wall paper busi-
ness, selling all over the State, but he is now liv-
ing retired from business, enjoying the fruits of his
former toil
Mr, Beckwith was married, first, in Detroit, to
Miss Carrie O. Perry, by whom he had one son.
Ohver Russell, who is a graduate of the Collinsville
high school, and was also graduated from Cornell
University with the class of 1898 ; he read law with
T. C. Maltbie, in Hartford, and was admitted to
the Bar in 1899. For his second wife our subject
married Miss Martha E. Fuller, of Unionville, a
daughter of George H. Fuller, and to them has
also been born one son, Royce Edward. Fra-
1334
COMMEMORATIVE' BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ternally Mr. Beckwith is a member of the Order of
United American Mechanics. He has traveled ex-
tensively throughout Europe and over the greater
part of the United States, and has acquired the
knowledge and culture which only travel can bring.
Travel and his social, genial nature have made him
an enterprising companion, and he is a stanch and
loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted
to those who have liis confidence.
HEXRY H.VLSEV, a representative and prom-
inent agriculturist of the town of Windsor, was
born Sept. lo, 1842, on the farm where he now re-
sides, and is the only male representative of his
generation of the family now living.
Mr. Halsey traces his ancestry back to Philip
Halsey, who was born at Southampton, Long Island.
N. Y.. in 1760. a son of Zehidon and Sarah ( Sayre I
Halsey. He was a tanner and shoemaker by trade,
and was one of the men wdio fought so bravely for
the independence of the Colonies during the Revo-
lutionary war. When independence was declared
his regiment was on the retreat from Xew York,
and, passing through Westchester countv, X. "S'..
were discharged at White Plains. He started for
home, but hearing that a company of British dra-
goons were in the vicinity of his father's house
he and his comrades crossed the island to Oyster
Point, then by boat crossed the Sound, and entered
the Connecticut river. He made his wav to ^\'ind-
sor, where he afterward married Esther Moore, a
daughter of Elisha Moore, and to them came three
sons: Phdip, born July 6. 1783: Henry, our sub-
ject's grandfather, born Oct. 17, 1784: and James
L., born Sept. 2, 1787. The father of these died
in 1846.
Henry Halsey was a sea captain and in com-
fortable circumstances. He was three times mar-
ried, first to Abigail AUvn. second daughter of Col.
Job AUyn, and a sister of Timothv Allyn, who at
one time was proprietor of the "Allyn House" in
Hartford. The only child born of this union was
Henry A., father of our subject. For his second
wife Air. Halsey married Laura, a daughter of Dr.
Christopher Wolcott, and the widow of Capt. Ells-
worth Mather. By this marriage there were two
daughters : Marv Richards and Charlotte L. His
third wife was Eunice Talcott. The grandfather
died in \Mndsor.
Henry A. Halsey, father of our subject, was
born at the foot of Stony Hill, in early life fol-
lowed shoemaking and tanning near liis home, and
in later years engaged exclusively in farming. He
received a fair education for his 'day, was a man
of sound common sense and good judgment, well
posted, and his opinions carried weight on almost
anv subject. He was one of the most prominent
and popular men of his town, and most creditably
filled the office of selectman for some time. In
politics he was a Democrat. Physically he \veighed
about 130 pounds, and was rather thin. He mar-
ried Miss Fanny Maria Ellsworth, a daughter of
Giles Ellsworth, and the c'.-.ildren born of this union
were as follows : Abigail, wife of F. D. Hughes^
of Larimore, X. Dak.; Fanny, who died unmarried
at the a,ge of thirty vears ; Henry, our subject;.
Eunice, wife of Frederick tlalsey, of St. Joseph.
Aio. ; and Ellen, who died unmarried at the age o£
twenty-six.
During his boyhood and youth Henry Halsey
pursued his studies in the Stony Hill district school,
Windsor Academy, and also Deacon Woodford's
private school for a few winters. He was reared
in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and re-
mained at home until he entered the service of his-
country during the dark days of the R,ibellion, en-
listing in October, 1861, for nine months, in Com-
jjany A, 22d Conn. \'. J. While at Yorktown, \'a.„
he was off duty for a short time on account o£
sickness, but with that exception was in active serv-
ice with his regiment until honorably discharged,
July 7, 1862. On his return home he worked for
his father for a time, and in 1868 went to Long
Branch, Xeb., where his brother-in-law, Frederick
Halsey. had located the year previous, and there
he was enga.ged in farm work for four years. On
his return to Connecticut, in 1872, he commenced
farming on his own account upon rented land, and
has since given special attention to the raising o£
tobacco, which has proved a profitable source of
income to him. He has always resided upon the
old homestead, but the house which his grandfather
erected thereon was destroyed by fire April 8, 1890,
and has since been replaced by our subject's pres-
ent conifortal)le liunie, which was JDuilt on the same
site.
On Dec. 25, 1878, Mr. Halse\- was united inr
marriage with Miss Tosephine C. Watrous, of Ches-
ter. Conn., and to them have been born two chil-
dren : Harry A. and Howard P., both at home.
Politically Mr. Halsey is a Democrat, but at towit
elections votes for wdiom he considers the best man,
regardless of party affiliations. He is a quiet, unas-
suming man, upright and honorable in all the rela-
tions of life, and is one of the highly respected as
well as substantial citizens of his community. His
wife is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a:
most estimable lady.
JOHX J. O'AIELIA, foreman of the East Wind-
sor branch of the X'ew York, Xew Haven & Hart-
ford railroad, and also a prosperous tobacco grower
of the town of East \\'indsor, was born in County
Galway, Ireland, Anril 12, i8_i4, and is a son of
John and Emily (Burke) 0']\lelia, the latter of
whom is still living in Ireland at the age of sixty-
five years. John O'Melia, father of John J., was a
well-to-do farmer, and was entitled to the privilege
of voting — a distinction accorded onlv those pos-
sessed of landed property. His wife's parents, John
and Emily Frances (Blake) Burke, were also prop-
erty owners and in good circumstances.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1835
John J. O'Melia, the eldest of a family of six
sons and five daughters, was educated in the pa-
rochial schools of his native county, and worked at
farming and road contracting in Ireland until twen-
ty-seven years of age, when, having saved from his
wages sufficient money to pay for his passage, he
embarked Feb. 21, 1881, at Queenstown. on board
the steamer "City of Richmond." and after a not
unpleasant voyage of eleven days landed in New
York City, whence he came to Connecticut, and for
seventeen months worked at farming for his uncle,
Henry Burke, near Rockville. Tolland county, at $8
per month and board. He then went to work as a
section hand on the section of the New York & New
England railroad between }vIelrose and Rockville,
and eleven months later was promoted to be fore-
man oh the section between East Long Meadow
and Springfield, Mass., being two months later
transferred to the Melrose section on the Spring-
field division, on which he was employed until 1S98.
when he came to the East \\'indsor (Conn.) section.
On Feb. 13, 1897, [Mr. O'Melia purchased the
Chapin farm of 130 acres of very desirable land,
one mile south of Broad Brook, Hartford county,
and here engaged in tobacco growing, hiring help
to do the labor, but overseeing the work himself:
he still retains his position as a railroad employe,
however, in which capacity he punctually performs
his duties.
Mr. O'Melia was united in marriage with Aliss
Mary E. Norton, a native of Broad Brook, and a
daughter of Peter and Bridget Norton, and this
tmion has been blessed with two children : Mar-
garet Mabel and Emily Frances, who are being
reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, the par-
ents being members of St. Catherine's Congrega-
tion.
In politics Mr. O'^NIelia is an ardent Democrat,
and, although the character of his employment pre-
vents his taking an active part at the polls, he is
always to be found at the caucuses and conventions
of his party, in which his voice is frequently heard,
and in which his labors have received the warm ap-
probation of the party leaders. Mr. O'Melia is a
thorough railroad man, is honest and industrious,
and by these qualities has raised himself from the
condition of a poor young man, with a capital of
only one sovereign when he arrived in the United
States, to. the position of atiluence, as well as in-
fluence, which he now enjoys.
ISAAC WHITE KING, a substantial citizen
and prosperous farmer of South Windsor, has de-
scended from ancestors on both sides who were
early emigrants to New England and of its best
citizens.
Mr. King is a descendant in the eighth gen-
eration from Capt. John King, of Northampton,
Mass., the line of his descent being through Thomas,
Thomas (2), Zebulon, Alexander, Roderick and
John Newberry King.
(I) Capt. John King, the emigrant ancestor,
was born in 1629 in Northampton, England. At
the early age of sixteen, in 1645, he came to Amer-
ica, locating in Northampton, Mass. In 1656 he
married Sarah, daughter of Deacon William Hor-
ton, theirs being the second marriage celebrated
in the town. The town granted him a homestead
on King street. At his suggestion, or in honor of
him, it is thought, the town took its name. He was
a tanner by trade, an estimable member of the
Church and community, often serving as select-
man. His wife died in 1683, and he was married
again, this time to Sarah, widow of Jacob Mygatt,
and daughter of William Whitney. Capt. King
died in 1703, and his second vi^ife passed awav in
1705-
(II) Thomas King, son of Capt. John King,
the emigrant, born in 1662, married for bis third
wife a lady who died in 171 1, the year in which he
himself died.
(III) Thomas King (2), son of Thomas King.
(R') Zebulon King, son of Thomas King, born
in 1717, married, in 1743, Keziah Loomis. She
died in 1782, and he in 1793. He located in what
is now South Windsor, Connecticut.
(V) Alexander King, son of Zebulon King, born
in 1749, married, in 1781, Abigail Olcott. She died
in 1837, and he in 1831.
(VI) Roderick King, son of Alexander King,
born April 20, 1790, married, Dec. 26, 1813, Sally,
daughter of John Newberry, who was born June
27' 1793- Both died in 1866, and were buried in
one grave, he passing away January 17, and she
January 20.
(VII) Flon. John Newberry King, son of Rod-
erick King, and the father of Isaac White King,
was born March 24, 1822. He married, Dec. 25,
1848, Julia Ann, daughter of Isaac and Adocia
(White) Keeney, and a direct descendant of Peri-
grene White, who, it is said, was the first white
child born after the landing" of the Pilgrim Fathers.
Mr. King was one of the first to introduce tobacco
growing in the town of South Windsor ; was among
the first to build tobacco sheds, and to engage ex-
tensively in the cultivation of that plant. He was
one of the substantial men of his period, a man of
good ability, excellent judgment and an all-round
good and useful citizen. He was a farmer all
throtigh his active, busy life, which was lived in a
manner worthy of his New England ancestry, and
which is to the credit of his posteritv. For many
years he was active and prominent in the councils
of the Democratic party of his section. He served
that party on its central committee and in 1879 rep-
resented his town in the General Assembly of the
State. He was prominently identified with the Ma-
sonic Fraternity, and was the principal mover in
organizing Evergreen Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M.,
of which he was a charter member, and for a num-
ber of 3'ears its worshipful master. He was suc-
cessful in the management of his business interests.
133G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and accumulated a competence, holding consider-
able property mostly in his town, also in East Hart-
ford. Mr. King died in 1895, aged seventy-three
years. The children born to John X. antl Julia A.
(Keeney) King were: Isaac White, born Dec. 10,
1849; Wilbur J., born June 5, 1862, died in Octo-
ber, 1897; Julia Emily, born Xov. 2. 1855. married
Frederick Hill, of South Windsor. Conn. ; Louise,
born June 6, 1858, is at home ; and Louis, a twin
of Louise, died in infancy.
Isaac White King, son of John Xewberry King,
was born Dec. 10. 1849, on what is now the E. IJ.
Kil>ley farm in South Windsor. Conn. He received
his elementary education in the public schools of
liis native town, and then attended the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Sufficld. His main occupation
through life has been that of an agriculturist, though
for several years in tlie early 'nineties he traveled for
a Xew York house, and for a time was in the serv-
ice of the Erie Railroad Co. in his boyhood and
early manhood the growing of tobacco in South
^^'indsor was new to this section, and from its start
he has from long experience become quite pro-
ficient in a knowledge of that branch of his vocation.
In other words he understands tobacco growing
most thoroughly, and is a thorough, all-round farm-
er. He has a farm of some 150 acres, which is a
portion of the old home place owned by his father.
The improvements which he has himself made are
good, and the neat appearance of the surroundings
give evidence of the taste and care of tlie occu])ant.
JMr. King is a man of broad and lil)eral views which
reading and an acquaintance with the outside world
give one, and he is one of the foremost farmers
of his section. He is prominent in both Masonic
and Odd Fellow circles ; is a member of Pythagoras
Chapter, Xo. 17, R. A. 'Si., of Hartford ;' was for-
merly a member of Evergreen Lodge, Xo. 114, F.
& A. M., of South Windsor; is also at this time a
member of Wolcott Council, and Washington Com-
mandery, X'^o. i, K. T., of Hartford, and of Con-
necticut Consistory, thirty-second degree. He is also
. a member of Crescent Lodge. Xo. 25. I. O. O. F..
of East Hartford.
On Sept. 7, 1S75. ^i''- King was married to
Miss Emily L. Doten, who died Sept. 6, 1876; and
on Dec. 28, 1880, he was married to Ida L., daugh-
ter of Henry J. and Flavilla (Goodrich) Abbey.
She was born in Bingham. ^Maine. To this mar-
riage have come two children : Clinton Thomas
and Mctor Linwood.
CHARLES jMORRIS WOOSTER. M. D., of
Tariffville, town of Simsbury, is one of the most
successful practitioners of medicine in Hartford
county. He is a native of Bridgewater, Litchfield
county, born Jan. 13. 1857, a son of Peter and
Caroline (Morris) Wooster, the former a son of
John Wooster, and the latter a daughter of Ros-
well and Laura (Canfield) Morris. Several fa-
mous plu'sicians descended from the Canfield
familx'.
Sergt. Edward Wooster. the emigrant ancestor
of Di". Wooster. of Tariffville. born in 1622, in
England, was among the first settlers at Milford,
Conn., about 1642. A General Court record, dated
Oct. 24, 1651, granted him a piece of land free
from taxation, provided he start the cultivation of
hops. Of his first wife nothing seems to be def-
initely known, but history relates that he was con-
nected with the family of Francis French, possibly
bv marriage. His first wife dying, he in 1669 mar-
rieil Tabitha, daughter of Henry Tomlinson, of
Stratford, Conn. Twelve of his children are re-
corded as sharing in the distribution of his estate
in 1694. Sergt. Wooster and three other families
were the first settlers in Derby, Conn, (afterward
Okl Town), in i')54. For twenty years he was the
leading man of the ])lantation. Sergt. Wooster, in
locating at Derby, probably had in view the rais-
ing of hoi)s on the meadow lands l)elow Ansonia,
which were well adapted for that purpose ; and it
was in pursuit of this object that he dug a trench
from where the lower Ansonia bridge was down to
the Meadow, where the bed of the Xaugatuck now
is, to irrigate that part of the meadow or low land,
and by this race the river course became changed
in a])out fifty years. Here in the deep wilderness
Sergt. Wooster lived with his family and three
neighbors some dozen years, trusting the Indians
to a marvelous degree, little dreaming that his
grandson and his familv would be celebrated in
greatness the world over, and that his own name
thereby would go down in sublime honor to the
end of the greatest republic ever established. His
death occurred in 1689.
Timothy Wooster, son of Sergt. Edward, born
in 1670, married, in 1699, Anna Perry.
Timothv Wooster (2), son of Timothy, born
in 1699. married (first), in 1727, Abigail Harger,
who died in 1736. and (second), in 1737, wedded
Sarah Bowers, who died in 1749.
The grandson of Edward Wooster, the emi-
grant, referred to in the foregoing, was the dis-
tinguished Gen. David W^ooster, of Revolutionary
fame, and who had previously been of great serv-
ice to his country in the earlier wars, bearing
a distinguished part in the expedition against Louis-
burg in 1745. The General, himself a graduate of
^'ale College, married a daughter of Thomas Clapp,
president of the college. Major-Gen. Wooster fell
mortally wounded Ijetween Danbury and Redfield,
in 1777. while serving his native country.
Jabez Wooster. born in 1728, son of Timothy
(2), and the great-great-grandfather of Dr. Woos-
ter, in 1774 bought land in the town of Bridge-
water (then X'ew Milford). and is described in the
records as Lieut. Jabez Wooster. He seems to
have been searching for mineral lands, as he laid
out several tracts on Rockv ]\Iount, Falls Mount and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1387
"Wolf Pit Mount, and dug for iron, but without
success. He also purcliased a homestead a httk
east of the Housatonic river, about a mile south
of the so-called Great Falls, which he leased to
a company for 999 years, giving- it the privilege of
digging for minerals, of which he was to have
a percentage, if any were found. He built a house
•on this land and engaged in farming, as did two
generations following, and the old house, of old-
style architecture, with the back roof slanting al-
jiiost to the ground, is still standing. Jabez Woos-
ter had two sons, Peter and Isaac.
Peter Wooster was born in 1762, and died
-Sept. 12, 1798. He married Betsey Canfield Jan.
16, 1787, and became the father of two children,
John and Susannah.
John Wooster, the grandfather of Dr. Woos-
ter, was born March 27, 1790, and was reared on
h.is father's farm. When a young man he nearly
lost his life through a log rolling over him, mak-
mg an indentation in his skull, which caused pres~
sure on the brain, but was successfully remedied
Idv the then difficult operation of removing a small
piece of the skull, the brain being afterward protect-
ed by inserting a silver shilling beneath the skin, and
over the spot from which the piece of skull had
Ijcen removed. He received a good common-school
education, and early began teaching among the best
of his time. As soon as he became of age he ap-
plied all his energies to the redeeming of his fa-
ther's farm, and to the buying of his sister's inter-
est therein, by farming in summer and teaching in
winter for many years. He married Jerusha Lock-
wood, daughter of David and Sarah Lockwood,
and became the father of four children, viz. : Mary
E., Peter, David and Susan. Of these, Mary E.
was married to Harmon Treat, and had six children,
Helen J., Julia A., Emily A., D. Allen, Susan C.
and H. Wooster. Peter, the second child of John,
was the father of our subject. David, the third,
first married Emily C. Sherman, by whom he was
the father of three children, Edward S., Edith E.
and John S. : the second wife of David was Mrs.
Angie Boland.
John Wooster was a Whig in politics, and was
once elected from the New Milford district to the
State Legislature. He also held many of the town
offices, including those of assessor, constable, justice
of the peace and selectman, all of which he filled
for years, arid was often spoken of as the "Old Se-
lectman." He settled up many estates in a most
satisfactory manner, and in his record-keeping was
systematic in every detail, no better accounts being
kept by anv of the incumbents, of the offices which
he held. In the prime of life he met with a sec-
ond accident, which incapacitated him for hard la-
bor, his knee being badly injured by his being
thrown from a wagon, but his great popularity,
strict integrity, and methodical habits kept him con-
stantly in office until he retired from politics, at the
time Bridgewater was incorporated. He was a firm
believer in Christianity, and his wife was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, which he also
attended regularly, and to the support of which he
freely contributed'. A year or so before his^ last ill-
ness he retired from farming and went to live with
his daughter Susan, at Bridgewater, where his
death took place May 29, 1858.
Peter Wooster, father of the Doctor, was born
in Litchfield county, and, with his three brothers-
in-law, was an early manufacturer of hats at
Bridgewater. He had been reared on the farm, but
with his own resources started in the business men-
tioned, which he adhered to until his retirement, on
a competency, having sold his interest in what was
known as the Union Hat Co. to the Sanfords. To
his marriage with Miss Caroline INIorris were born
three children: Laura, who was married to Rich-
ard Randall, and died in Bridgewater: Dr. Charles
j\L, the subject of this sketch: and Edward R.,
who lives on the farm that the father retired to on
relinquishing hat manufacturing.
Peter Wooster was a sound Democrat, and
though no office seeker was elected to office at
various times, twice representing Bridgewater in
the State Legislature. He was selected as admin-
istrator of several estates, and was appointed guar-
dian for many minor heirs. His name was synony-
mous with honesty, and when he spoke he weighed
l-iis words and meant what he said. Although he
had received but a country-school education, he
early became a school teacher, a student of theol-
ogy and history, and was altogether a man of re-
markable endowments. He was first a Congrega-
tionalist, but, on studying the doctrines of that
church, he of his own volition changed his faith
and united with the Episcopal Church, of which his
wife was also a member. He was a well-built
man, and weighed 190 pounds. Although of a re-
tiring disposition, he was invariably called upon to
address all public gatherings that he attended, be-
ing a most interesting talker. He wielded a power-
ful influence with his neighbors, always for good.
]\Ir. Wooster lived to be over seventy years of age,
and his wife died when just seventy.
Roswell Morris, father of Mrs. Caroline Woos-
ter, mother of Dr. Charles M. Wooster, was born
in Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., May 27, 1795,
and was the second of four children born to Amos
and Eunice (Clark) Morris, the former of whom
was born in Bridgeport, Conn., Sept. 28, 1762.
Roswell had two brothers, Levi and Curtis, and
one sister, Martha, all born in Newtown, from
which village the family removed to Bridgewater
in the spring of 1 800, Roswell being then five years
of age. There they resided until 1833, when they
removed to West Barringtori, Mass., where the par-
ents passed the last eight years of life, dying within
four days of each other. Levi Morris married
Polly H. Smith, and Curtis Morris married Abi-
gail Curtis for his first wife, and Cynthia J.Frink
for his second. Martha Morris was married to
Oranp-e Smith. To the marriage of Roswell ^lorns
with Laura Canfield, daughter of John and Phebe
1838
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CaiitieKl, Nov. 2b, 1818, were born lour children,
of whom the eldest. Cornelia, was married to Henry
B. Younij. and became the mother of live children
— Stanley Al.. Marv C, Calvert H., Frederick A.,
and Alartha C. ; Caroline, the second child, became
the mother of Dr. W'ooster, the subject of this
sketch; Mary, the third child, was never married;
and the fom-th, Azra C, married Sarah E. Mallett,
who bore him three children — Gertrude E., Mary
A. and S. Eugenia.
The Morris family being of good Scottish stock,
Roswell Morris inherited much of the shrewdness
and intellectuality of that hardy race, and, like
many of Xew England's sons, started in life with
no other capital than his strong arms, a stout heart
and a common-school education. He set out from
his home in Liridgewater. Conn., then known as
New Milford, and journeyed as far as New Jer-
sey, walking most of the way. He taught school
m that State one or two years, then returned to
Bridgewater, and for a time worked on the farm
of his elder brother, Levi. By degrees he paid for
a farm a short distance west of Bridgewater, on
which he ])assed the remainder of his life. But
when he settled on his farm he did not relinquish
teaching, in which profession he had attained a fine
reputation, and for manv winters taught the Center
school. After school hours he would go into the
woods with his team, and haul wood, often by moon-
light. As a teacher he had the faculty of being
as a bo\- with the boys when out of school, but once
inside the school house door as rigid as iron. For
manv years Mr. Alorris was constable at Bridge-
v.ater, and later was deputy sheriff, for the duties
of which office he was well c|ualified, being strong,
fearless, of quick perceptions and sound judgment.
An anecdote of the youthful days of !Mr. Morris
may not be out of place at this point, and will serve
to illustrate his characteristic promptitude. Dur-
ing the war of 1812 he was plowing in the field,
when his father came to him and represented that
he had been drafted, and was wanted immediately.
Roswell replied. "I am ready," and quickly un-
h.itched his team. His father, perceiving that he
was likely to get the worst of the joke, explained
that he had been jesting, and requested the young
man to hitch up again and resume his work ; but
Roswell replied. "If you have been trying that game,
}-ou will get no more work from me to-day."
Mr. IMorris was always ready to do a neigh-
borly kindness, such as to watch at the bedside of
the sick, or to perform any personal service that
could be of any benefit to another, and was very
charitable to the poor when he had the means to
aid that class. In politics he was a Whig, and at
the death of that party became a Democrat. He
held at different times almost every town office,
and was often employed in the settlement of es-
tates. When Bridp-ewater was incorporated he was
elected one of its first selectmen, and rendered ef-
ficient service in making an amicable settlement be-
tween the new town and New Milford.
On Xov. 26, 1868, Air. Morris celebrated his
Golden Wedding, when there gathered about him
neighbors, friends, children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, who presented him with a
gold-headed cane. For many years Mr. Morris
v.-as warden of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, to
which he was warmly attached, and held this po-
sition at the time of his death, Sept. 22, 1874. Late
in life he was greatly afflicted with rheumatism, and
suffered constant pain, but as long as crutches could
help him to church he was in his seat.
Dr. Charles AI. Wooster was reared in Bridge-
water, where he attended a select school ; he next
attended the Adelphic Institute, at New Milford,
where he was prepared for college, to pay his ex-
penses at which he taught school in the meantime.
He entered in 1875, took his early instruction in the
study of medicine muler Dr. Bacon, of New Alil-
ford, and Drs. Du Bois antl King, of Bridgewater,
and graduated from the University of the City of
Xew York in 1879. He then came to Tarififville
to locate temporarily, as his health was poor, but
he liked the town and its inhabitants, and has
made his home here ever since, having secured a
lucrative practice.
Dr. Wooster marrietl Miss Martha V. Adams,
who was born in Tariffville Jan. 14. 1865, a daugh-
ter of Abel C. and Alartha (Moore) Adams, a-,
biography of whom appears on another page. She
was educated at the ladies' seminary of Hartford,
and at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield,
and is a highlv cultivated and estimable lady. She
iias Ijorne her husband two children — Laura Vivian
and Charles A., and the family occupy one of the
most beautiful homes in Tariffville, erected by the
Doctor in 1898. The Doctor and his wife are
members of the Episcopal Church, of which he has
been senior warden for several years.
In politics Dr. \\'ooster is a Democrat, but in
1896 advocated the gold standard as redemption
money. He has the full confidence of his party, is
popular with the public, and has been elected to
several public offices, sucn as school visitor, health
officer, medical examiner, etc. In his fraternal
relations he is a member of the Masonic lodge at
Simsbury. the Hartford County Medical Society,
and the Connecticut State Medical Society. The
Doctor is an unassuming man. and inherits his
father's rigid regard for his word ; as a citizen his
position is second to none, and as a practitioner he
is foremost. He comes from a family that had in
it no drunkards, no insanity, no stains or scandal
of any kind, and he is himself setting a bright ex-
ample, as his forefathers set, for coming genera-
tions.
DANIEL AVEBSTER FISH. The highest
type of American citizenship is produced on the
farm, where conditions are such that the full and
best energies of a man are brought into requisition
in the ordinary pursuits of life. Daniel W. Fish,
the subject of this sketch, was born on a farm, was
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
138&
reared on a farm, and early in his boyhood days
he became identified with the development of the
farm. He has ever possessed that crowning quality
of success, unfailing industry, and ranks among
the best citizens of Newington.
Mr. Fish comes of an old New England fam-
ily. His paternal great-grandfather, John Fish,
came to Bloomfield, this county, and settled on a
farm. He married Lydia Lathrop, who bore him
six children : John, Electa, Nancy, Simeon, Miller
and Lydia. Mrs. Fish lived to the advanced age of
• eighty-nine years.
Miller Fish, the grandfather of our -subject, was
born at Bozrah, Conn., June 5, 1792, was reared m
Bloomfield. and there learned the blacksmith's trade,
but engaged in farming. On March 6, 1822, he mar-
ried Miss Ann Goodwin, daughter of Hezekiah
Goodwin, and from 1824 to his death, in May, 1862,
lived on the farm which his son, H. G. Fish, now
owns. He was a member of the Baptist Church of
Bloomfield. He had three children : Samuel, born
Jan. 9, 1823, died Aug. 2, 1825; Samuel (2), father
of our subject; and H. Goodwin, born June i, 1828,
a farmer of Bloomfield.
Samuel Fish, the father of our subject, was
born in Bloomfield July 2, 1826, was reared to farm-
ing, and in his youth attended the local schools. He
married Emeline, daughter of Daniel and Rhoda
(Filer) Webster, of Bloomfield, and for thirty years
engaged in farming and tobacco growing in Bloom-
field. He then removed to Avon, where he followed
tobacco raising until his death, July 2, 1885, at the
age of fifty-nine years. He was a stanch Demo-
crat in politics. His wife was early in life a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church, but later attended the
Congregational Church. After the death of her hus-
band she lived with her daughter, Mrs. Ellsworth,
at West Hartford, until her death, at the age of
sixty-six vears. To Samuel and Emeline Fish were
born children as follows-: John H., of Newington;
Sarah M., Mrs. John Ellsworth, of West Hartford;
Daniel W.. our subject; Augustus M., of Newing-
ton ; Luella, who married George Nichols, and died
at Avon : Norton, of Avon town ; Dwight W., of
Bloomfield ; and ; Edgar W., of Bloomfield.
Daniel W. Fish was born in Bloomfield June
20, 1852, and his boyhood days were spent on his
father's farm. At the age of twelve years he went
to work on* the farm of Alartin Holcomb, and there
remained four ^^ears, after which he was employed
for six consecutive years on the farm of Walter
Cadwell, in West Hartford. Mr. Fish then removed
to Newington, and there engaged in the. meat and
grocery business with his brother John H., continu-
ing same until April i, 1894, when the brothers dis-
solved partnership, our subject withdrawing from
the business. He removed to the farm in Newing-
ton formerly owned by his father-in-law, Willis P.
Davis, and has since successfully operated same.
Mr. Davis married Miss Martha Elizabeth
Davis, who was born in Newington Sept. 19, 1850,
daughter of Willis P. and Mary (Tucker) Davis,
who were married Oct. 11, 1840, and who in 1841
came to Newington. Willis P. Davis was born
April 2, 1816, and died Nov. 16, 1891. His wife,,
born July 14, 1822, still survives, and is living at
the home of our subject. To David W. and Martha
E. Fish have been born four children : Willis Sam-
uel, July 7, 1880; Mattie Lucretia, Aug. 7, 1881 ;,
Mary Emeline, May 4, 1884; and Sarah Adeline,
June 24, 1888. They are pupils at the Newington
Center school, receiving the best educational ad-
vantages which the town affords. Mr. and Airs.,
Fish and their older children are members of the
Newington Congregational Church, of which he is-
at present sexton. In politics he is a stanch Demo-
crat, and he is now serving as a member of the
school committee. He is an industrious farmer,,
operating a place of thirty-seven acres of productive
land, and raising largely corn, potatoes, and other-
vegetables. Mr. Fish has many friends, and in his.
personality typifies the high character of the Con-
necticut farmer and business man.
HARRY BROOKS CURTISS, a leading farm-
er and highly esteemed citizen of Southington, was-
born in the southern part of that town Nov. 26,
1821, and is a lineal descendant of William Curtiss,
a native of England, who came to this country with
his mother, Airs. Elizabeth Curtiss, and located in
Stratford, Conn., in 1639. There he died Dec. 21,
1702. He was known by the title of "captain."
(II) Zachary Curtiss, son of William, was bom
in Stratford in November, 1659, and married Han-
nah Porter, daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah
(Groves) Porter, of Windsor.
(III) Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss, son of Zachan^
was born in Stratford in 1706, was graduated from
Yale College in 1724, and was ordained pastor of
the Congregational Chvjrch in Southington Nov. 13,
1728. On Jan. 7, 1730, he married Hannah Burn-
ham, daughter of Rev. William and Hannah (Wol-
cott) Burnham, of Kensington.
(IV) Samuel Curtiss. son of Rev. Jeremiah,
was born Nov. 15, 1737, and lived at Stillmwe Cor-
ners, where he diecl Alay 15, 1801. For his first
wife he married Margaret Root, and for the second
wedded Mary Ann Day, a daughter of Aaron and
Susannah (Stanley) Day.
(V) Leverett Curtiss, son of Samuel, and grand-
father of our subject, was born in 1776, and was
married, Jan. 25, 1796, to Ruth Barnes, a daughter
of Asa and Sarah (Atkins) Barnes. He lived in
the South End of Southington,, where he died Oct>
12, 1826, and his wife on April 9, 1850, at the ripe
old age of seventy-eight years.
(VI) Carles Curtiss, the father of our subject,
was born in Southington Feb. 22, 1798, and was-
married, Oct. 29, 1820, to Jerusha Brooks, daugh-
ter of Benajah and Lydia (Johnson) Brooks.
Our subject has spent his entire life on the old
Curtiss homestead in the South End of Southing-
1340
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ton, and his time and attention have been devoted to
agricuhural pursuits with good resuhs. He is widely
and favorably known, and his fellow townsmen hold
him in high regard. He was united in marriage
with Miss Elizaljeth Copps, a daughter of Chester
and Betsey (Holbrook) Copps, of Southington, and
to this union have lieen two children, who reached
years of maturity: Laura (wife of C. W. Blatch-
ley) and \\'illiam L.
William L. Ciktiss was born b'eb. 24, 1856,
and was reared on the home farm, early becoming
familiar with every dejiartnient of farm work. He
was educated in the jniblie schools and Lewis Acad-
emy, and since attaining his majority has followed
market gardening with good success. He is a mem-
ber of the I'lantsville Congregational Church, and
is an ardent supporter of the Republican i)arty. On
Feb. 21. 1S80, he married -Miss Cora V>. Rngg, a
daughter of Charles and Jane ( Sloi)er ) Kugg. and
they have four sons : Carlos \\'., I'ayette C. Harry
R. and Kenneth ^^'.
DE.-VCOX FRAXKLLX IJRr-.WLR (deceased)
was in lifetime one of the most highly-resi)ected
citizens of East Hartford, and was of flie fifth
sjeneration from Thomas lirewer, the founder of
the family in Connecticut, who came from Lynn,
]\Iass.. and first located in (llastonbury, thence re-
moving to East Hartford, where many of his de-
scendants still reside.
Thomas Brewer, then, who may be designated
as of the first generation in Connecticut, was born
in :\lassachusetts in 1658. was married. July 13,
1682. in Glastonbury. Conn., his wife's name being
Sarah, and had ten children: Mary, born Julv 25,
1684: Thomas, born Feb. 17, 1686-87, w'ho "mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of Richard Goodale, !Mav 4,
1710; Hezekiah, born Feb. 23, 1690; Sarah, born
Dec. 9, 1692: Joseph, born March 20. 1694-95,
■who married Dinah Smith ^May 29, 1727; Benja-
min, born Aug. 13. 1697: Daniel, born :\Iarch 25,
1699, who married Eleanor Goodale. and in his
diary, dated at that place Jan. 19, 1719, it is stated
■"Purchased one acre of land near the plains and
adjoining river at Churchell's Landing, now Good-
speed, Portland, Conn., of Joanna Wilcox, 1727. and
paid ten pound's ;"' L^-dia, born July 27, 1701 ; Acme
(or Naomi), born Sept. 28. 1703: and Alexander.
Alexander Brewer, of the second generation,
was born Oct. 5, 1706. resided in Glastonbury, and
died in ^Middletown in 1750, leaving his widow.
Thankful, and his son, Joseph, as administrators
of his estate, valued at £109, 8s. 6d. The children
born to Alexander and Thankful Brewer were nine
in numlier, and were named as follo^^vs : Thomas,
Hezekiah. Joseph, Benjamin, Daniel, j\Iary, Sarah
G., Lydia L. and Amy P.
Daniel Brewer, named above, of the third gen-
eration, married ^lary Slate, and reared a large
family, of whom Julius Brewer, father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was the fourth child and son.
Julius Brewer, of the fourth generation, was
born near the Connecticut river, west of High
street, in Hockanum, in 1802, and was a repairer of
shoes, a carpenter and a fisherman. On Dec. 31,
1826, he married Raechel Goodale, of East Hart-
ford, who bore him seven children : Louisa Julia,
widow of Louis Jackson, and residing in Higli
street, Hartford ; Martha, who is married to Frank
Morton, of A\'ethersfield, a polisher by trade, now
living in Hartford ; Deacon Franklin, whose name
opens this biographical sketch ; Sarah, deceased wife
of Comfort Bogue, who lived near Xew London;
Maria, deceased wife of Charles Sniith, who lived
in Po(|uonock, in the town of W'indsijr: Jennie,
wife oi Charles Conant, a ilour merchant of' Bos-
ton; and Matilda, who married David Hills, and
is residing in Hartford. Julius Brewer, father of
these children, died Oct. 21, 1856, at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Louisa J. Jackson, in Hartford.
Deacon I'ranklin Mrewer. of the fifth genera-
tion, was born in Hockanum Jan. 8. 1833. and was
lui fortunate in not receiving a proper education in
childhood. His father was poor, and young Frank-
lin was obliged to leave home at an early age to
earn his living, and also to contribute to the sup-
.jiort of the family. He was first employed by
])aniel Winslow, near Hillstown, remaining in his
employ several years, and on his return to Hock-
anum made his home with Edwin Brewer, his
cousin, under whom he learned the bootmaker's
trade (marrying in the meantime), and was en-
gaged in this calling when the war of the Rebellion
broke out. Patriotic to the core, he offered his
services to defend the Hag at the first call for vol-
unteers, but an accident which he had in youth, a
fall from aii apple tree, incapacitated him for serv-
ice in the army, and was a cause for his rejectment,
very niuch to his disappointment. Later he was
drafted, served sixteen days, and was then dis-
charged on account of the same disability. The
war destroyed the boot trade with the South, and
during its continuance Mr". Brewer made his home
with Anson Forbes, his father-in-law, but on the
revival of the boot and shoe industry resumed his
trade, made boots for Hunt, Holbrook & Barber,
of Hartford, and so continued until he purchased,
from the heirs of Mrs. Polly Forbes, his wife's
grandmother, a tract of fifteen acres of land. He
built tobacco sheds thereon, and in 1876 erected the
dwelling now occupied by his widow and son, Clif-
ford F. Here he engaged in tobacco growing and
farming until the close of his life.
Deacon Brewer was joined in matrimony, X^ov.
24, 1858, with Miss Esther Forbes, who was born
Feb. 6, 1836, a daughter of Anson and Lucy (Por-
ter) Forbes, descendants of old and respected fam-
ilies of East Hartford town. Anson Forbes was
born July 30, 1806, and died in July, 1887; his
wife was born Aug. 13, 1806, and survived until
Nov. I. 1881. Mrs. Brewer is one of the five chil-
dren born to her parents, of whom two only are
now living, Ellery S. (a farmer in Hockanum)
and Mrs. Brewer. This marriage of Deacon Frank-
"'^L^e^z^iA^yiy^
\
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1341
lin and Esther Brewer was blessed with two chil-
dren: Clayton A., born Dec. 15, 1869, who died
Jan. 4, 1873; and Cliflford F., born March 5, 1879.
Clifford t. Brewer was educated in the East Hart-
ford district and high schools, from which latter
he graduated in 1895, in a class of nine, of which
he was the treasurer. He then entered the Hart-
ford Public High School, and was in the Junior
class when the death of his father took place, and
he was recalled home to take charge of the farm,
which he has since conducted in a masterly manner.
Deacon Brewer, when young, united with the
^lethodist Church, but in later years joined the
Congregationalists, of which denomination he be-
came a deacon, and in the faith of which he passed
away May 11, 1896, honored and beloved by all
who knew him. He was a self-made man, and
left to his widow and son a comfortable home, and
a name of which they may well feel proud.
THOMAS S. HALL, a prominent resident of
Xew Britain, is numbered among the self-made men
of that thriving town, and, while his enterprise and
ability reflect credit upon him, his successful efforts
in his chosen line of business have helped in the de-
velopment of the locality.
Mr. Hall was born Nov. 6, 1827, in Newbern,
X. C, and is of English descent in the paternal
line. Thomas F. Hall, his p-randfather, was born
of English parentage in the Bermuda Islands, but
later in life made his home in North Carolina. He
married Miss Frances Alexander, of Mecklenburg,
N. C. a descendant of one of the signers of the
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which
was dated one year earlier than that of Philadel-
phia. The children of Thomas F. Hall were : Mary,
who married William S. Webb, of Norwalk, .Conn. ;
Frances, wife of Charles Dewey, of North Caro-
lina, and George A.
George A. Hall, our subject's father, was born
in 1799, in Newbern, N. C, and for many years
was successfully engaged in mercantile business
there. He died in 1831, and his wife, whose maiden
name was Emily Dewey, died in 1838. Thev had
four children, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of Robert Bur-
ney ; George, who died in childhood; Thomas S.,
our subject; and Mary A., who died in childhood.
As a boy Thomas S. Hall attended school in
Newbern, receiving a good academic education, and
at the age of seventeen he became a clerk in a gen-
eral store in that city. In 1847, at the age of twen-
ty, he removed to New Britain, the home of his
mother's ancestors, where he was employed for a
time in the office of North & Stanley. In 1849 he
engaged in mercantile business there in partnership
with Gad Stanley, a grandson of Col. Gad Stanley,
mentioned below. On the dissolution of the firm,
in 1849, he began the manufacture of levels, try
squares, and similar articles as a member of the
firm of Hall & Knapp. He was the pioneer in this
line of business, ancl in 1857 h's firm was re-organ-
ized as the Stanley Rule & Level Co., now one of the
leading concerns of this section. For a few years
Mr. hall was in mercantile business with a Mr.
Bowers, but in 1861 he sold out and went to New-
York City. Later he became connected with the
New Britain Knitting Co., and for twenty-one years
he acted as their superintendent and agent. In
1887 he engaged in real estate business under the
firm name of Hall & Peck, the partnership continu-
ing until 1898. Politically he is a strong Repub-
lican, and at times he has been called to accept town
office as selectman, assessor and member of the
board of relief. He has always taken an active part
in municipal aft'airs, serving as a member of the
Council and the Board of Water Commissioners,
and has been chairman of said board for five years —
a longer term than that of any other of the present
members. He was instrumental in introduciiig the
"Roaring Brook" supph", which has doubled the ca-
pacity of the works. In religious faith he is a
Congregationalist, and for nine years he has been a
member of the standing committee of the church in
New Britain. In 1851 he married Miss Julia A.
North, daughter of Henry and Lauretta (Smith)
North, of New Britain. Two children of the union
died in childhood, Mary E. at ten years of age, and
Emily L. at six years.
In the maternal line Mr. Hall is descended from
several well known families, notably the Deweys and
Stanleys. His mother, Mrs. Emily (Dewey) Hall,
was a member of one of the old families of New Brit-
ain, and a distant relative of Admiral Dewey, of
the LTnited States Navy. Her father, Oliver Dewey,
was a farmer in early life, but removed to Newbern,
N. C, and engaged in business as a riierchant, be-
ing one of the leading citizens of the town for
many years. His death occurred in 1841. His
wife, Mary Stanley, was born Aug. 2, 1772, the
daughter of Col. Gad Stanley, of Revolutionary
fame, and died in 1848. They had six children,
namely: George S., born May 30, 1794; Emily,
born June 27, 1796; Henry, born Aug. 19, 1798;
Adeline, born Oct. 12, 1802; Mary, born Sept. 3,
hi8o4; and Oliver S., bora Dec. 22, 1807.
\J The Stanley faniilv traces its ancestrv from
John Stanley, a native of England, who started for
America about 1634, but died on the ocean. His
wife's name is not known. Of his three children,
John became the progenitor of the family in this
country; Ruth, born in 1629, married Isaac i\Iore,
and the youngest was born in 1634 and died the
same year. Capt. John Stanley, son of John (i),
was born in England in 1624, and as he was still
a minor when his father died was placed under the
care of an uncle at Cambridge, Mass., and removed
with him to Elartford in 1636. As a bov he took
part in the Pequot war, and during King Philip's
war he served as lieutenant and captain. For many
years he was a leading citizen of Farmington, hold-
ing offices of high responsibility. He married ( first )
Sarah Scott, and (second) Sarah Stoddard, and
had eight children. John, Thomas, Sarah, Tim-
1342
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
othv, Elizabeth and Isaac were, born of the first
marriage, and by the second there were two chil-
dren, Abigail and Elizabetli. Thomas Stanley, son
of Capt. John, was born in l''amiington Aov. i,
1049, '"""-l' died April 14, 1713. His wife, Anna
Peck, died May 13, 1718. They liad two children,
Thomas and Anna. Thomas Stanley (2) was born
Oct. 31, 1696, and died Oct. 13, 1755. He married
Esther Cowles, who died JiUy 22, 1776, and they
reared a large family of children. Col. Gad Stan-
ley, mentioned above, was born March 21, 1735, the
youngest son of Thomas and Esther (Cowles) Stan-
ley. He engaged in farming extensively, and with
one exception was the wealthiest member of the
Church at ]'"armington, with which he united in
17O8. By his ability and address he ultimately be-
came one of the leading men of this section. He
took keen interest in military afTairs, serving as
captain in the local militia, and warmly espoused
the cause of the Colonies in their resistance to the
oppression of the mother country. He acted on
various committees for his town during the troublous
times just preceding the Declaration of Independ-
ence. When the war actually broke out he was
prompt in resorting to arms. Just at that time two
British vessels appeared off New London, and an
express was sent into the country to convey the
alarming intelligence. He arrived in New Britain
on the close of the Sabbath, and just before the
close of the afternoon service. As soon as the
blessing was pronounced Capt. Stanley stepped for-
ward, and with a loud voice gave notice to his com-
pany to appear on parade before the meeting-house
door next morning. The spirit thus manifested
^•rieved the heart of the good clergyman, who, as
a lover of law and order, had the sentiment of
loyalty to his Sovereign warm in his heart. "What,"
he exclaimed, "will you fight against your King?"
""'Yes," replied one of the sergeants, "and I would
kill ham as quick as I would a black snake if I
could catch him." Capt. Stanley was present in
the battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776, a dis-
astrous day for the American troops, all of whom
■were raw recruits, while their enemy were the dis-
ciplined troops of England and Germany. Capt.
Stanley maintained his position as long as it was
possible, and at last, when the retreat was ordered,
succeeded by a masterly maneuver in leading off his
regiment safely past the British forces. He was
subsequently made a colonel, and ever afterward re-
tained that title. During this summer his fifth
child, a son, was born. The joyful news was re-
ported to the absent father with the request that he
■should say what his name should be. In due time
the answer was sent: "If he turn out a likely lad,
it might be well to call him Gad." After the war
Col. Stanle}'- served in nearly every important of-
fice in the town. He was representative from
Farmington from 1778 to 1782, and from Berlin
from 1785 to 1804 continuously. His name was
associated with Col. Lee and others in school and
parish aft'airs, in securing the incorporation of Ber-
lin as a district town, and in attendmg to highways
and town expenses generally.
On Oct. 29, 1 707, Col. Stanley married Mary
Judd, daughter of John and Mary (Burnham) JudJ,
and granddaughter of Rev. William Burnham, of
Kensington, a lady well-born and bred, descended
from the Wolcotts and the Appletons, who were
reputed to be of the bluest blood of the Colonies.
He died Jan. 10, 1815, aged seventy-nine, and his
wife Jan. 8, 1818, aged seventy years.
DEXXIS ROSE, a resident of Bloomfield since
about the year 1849, was born in Granville, Mass.,
July 15, 1830, and is a son of Isaac and Louisa
(Clark) Rose, also natives of Granville.
Isaac Rose, son of Noahdiah and father of Den-
nis, was a school teacher in his early manhood, and
later became a farmer. To his marriage with Miss
Louisa Clark, his first wife, were born six chil-
dren, named as follows : Juliette ; Emeline L., mar-
ried to William Moore, of Granville ; Harriet, now
Mrs. Chauncey Newberry ; Mrs. Beulah Moore, de-
ceased ; Dennis, whose name opens this sketch ; and
Rhoda. For his second helpmate, Isaac married
Mary Ann Crocker, and to this union were born
Mrs. Lucy Baker, of Cape Cod, Mass. ; Emerson,
who married a Miss Scudder, and resides in New
Orleans, La. ; and Emma, wife of William Shaw,
of Bridgeport, Conn., in which city Isaac, the fa-
ther, ended his days.
Dennis Rose attended the public schools of
Granville, and resided in that town until about nine-
teen years of age, when he came to Bloomfield and
lived with Chauncey Xewberry until 1866. On
Oct. 31, 1866, he married Miss Maria Goodwin
Latimer, daughter of Elihu Latimer, at Bloomfield,
of which town she is a native. The only child re-
sulting from this union is George Dennis, who was
born Oct. 22, 1870. Mr. Rose has always voted
with the Democratic party and has served as a mem-
ber of the School Committee. He has ever held the
respect of the members of his community, and has
led a life of gemtine usefulness, although he has
never aspired to public office or position for the
sake of either fame or profit, being content to fol-
low his vocation in quiet, and being satisfied with
the esteem which has been bestowed upon him as
a reward for his present merit.
JAMES A. HOWARD, an ex-soldier, who
owns one of the neatest and best-kept farms in
the town of East Hartford, was born in North
Scituate, R. I., Aug. 3, 1844, a son of Woodbury
Howard, and a grandson of G. F. Howard, the lat-
ter a native of East Douglass, Mass. He went to
Florida and there died, leaving his widow with
nine young children.
Woodbury Howard, also a native of East Doug-
lass, was an expert carpenter, and erected many of
the finest buildings in Rhode Island, Connecticut
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1343
anol Massachusetts. Among others he worked on
the Wauregan mill, Conn., and for seven years was
foreman of the carpenter work on the magnificent
mansion erected for Alexander Duncan, at Provi-
dence, R. I. At Chestnut Hill, Conn., he married
Matilda Fuller, a native of Killingly, to which union
were born eight children: Maria, who married (first)
Thomas Gilson, and (second) Joseph Midgely; Su-
san J., who died in infancy; James A., the subject
of this sketch; Jane Helen (twin sister of James
A.), who died in young womanhood; Stephen G.,
who went to California, but of whom trace is lost ;
Martin L., who was a carpenter, and died in St.
Louis, Mo., leaving one son ; JMary Ella, married to
Amos Plumb, of Windsor, Conn. ; and Annie, wife
of Rev. William C. Townsend, of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and living in Greenfield, Mass.
The father of this family died at a ripe old age;
the mother is still living, and makes her home with
one of her daughters.
James A. Howard, after a brief attendance at
common school, entered a cotton factory as sweeper,
and worked sixteen hours per day at $1.25 per
week, but he advanced by degrees, working for sev-
eral years as tender, lapper and spinner. He was
next employed in a factory at Danielsonville, and
was there at work when the Civil war broke out.
He then enlisted in Company K, 7th Conn. V. I.,
and was the smallest man in his regiment, which was
in command of Col. Terrv, under Gen. J. Hawley.
The regiment was first placed in camp at New
Haven, then was sent forward to Washington, An-
napolis and Fortress jNIonroe, and was the first to
open the bombardment at Hilton Head, and for
bravery and meritorious conduct in front of the
enemy Mr. Howard was awarded a medal. On one
occasion he was the bearer of a message to Gen.
Q. A. Gilmore, and on the trip was accompanied
by a negro driver ; when he hacl nearly reached his
destination the colored driver was killed by a burst-
ing shell, but Mr. Howard delivered his message,
although the trip looked like one to certain death.
On another occasion, while engaged in unloading
ammunition and ordnance from a vessel, the derrick
rope broke, and its burden fell on one of Mr. How-
ard's nether limbs, crushing it in a shocking man-
ner. It was the determination of the surgeon to
amputate the mutilated member, but by the inter-
cession of one of his ofiicers the limb was saved,
though it has caused him hourly pain ever since,
and a small pension is allowed him in consequence.
He served out his three-years term of enlistment,
and returned to Rhode Island with an honorable
discharge.
Mr. Howard took up the vocation of wool sorter
in Rhode Island, at which he became very expert,
and remained in his native State from 1864 until
1883, during which time he was for ten years fore-
man in shops in which wool sorting was the spe-
cialty. He then came to Hartford, and was em-
ployed by William H. Post & Co., carpet dealers.
as carpet layer, shortly afterward entering the em-
ploy of the City Water Works Co., as gate-tender.
Leaving this employ, he made a contract with John
Belcher to operate that gentleman's farm and sup-
port him all his life, the compensation to be the own-
ership of the farm itself at the death of the proprie-
tor. Mr. Howard kept his contract, and now owns
the farm, consisting of thirty-five acres, which he
has greatly improved, and on which, in 1885, he
erected his present handsome dwelling.
Mr. Howard was first married to Lucy ]\I. Con-
nell, a native of Summit, R. I., who passed away
childless. He subsecjuently married Sarah E. Haz-
ard, of Dexter, R. I., and to this marriage was
born one child, that died in infancy. In pc^itics
Mr. Howard is a Democrat, and in his re-ffgious
views is quite liberal. Fraternally he is a member
of Lodge No. 99, F. & A. M., of West Hartford.
He is a hard-working husbandman, unostentatious
in his demeanor, and has the sincere respect of
ever^'body in his neighborhood and wherever, else
he is known.
JOHN GORDON WILLOUGHBY is one of
the prominent representatives of the agricultural
and industrial interests of the town of East Granby,
where he is now successfully carrying on opera-
tions as a general farmer, and also owns and con-
ducts a flour and feed mill at Tariffville. He was
born on the old homestead near Tarifl:ville Jan. 8,
1867, and belongs to a family of English origin
which was founded in America by Lord Willoughby,
who crossed the Atlantic in Colonial days, and took
up his residence in A'irginia.
A\^illiam Willoughby, the grandfather of our
subject, was a native of New London, Conn., born
Nov. 7, 1807, and was a son of John Willoughby,
a well-known citizen of that place, ^^'illiam Will-
oughby was reared to manhood in New London,
and received a liberal education for those days.
When a young man he removed to Bloomfield, now
North Bloomfield, where he engaged exclusively
in agricultural pursuits for many years. In later
life he located on Hatchet Hill, now East Granby,
where he purchased the farm now owned by our
subject, and there spent the remainder of his life,
being tenderly cared for in his old age by his
son Gordon C. He died Sept. 6, 1887, honored
and respected by all who 4vnew him. Politically he
was first a Whig and later a Republican, and re-
ligiously was liberal in his views. He married Miss
Caroline Clark, of Bloomfield, a daughter of Ira
Clark, a native of the same town, and to them was
born one son, Gordon Clark,, father of our subject.
The wife and mother died on the farm in East
Granby town in 1886, and she and her husband
now sleep side by side in Scotland cemeter}-, North
Bloomfield.
Gordon Clark Willoughby was born IVIarch 14,
1837, in Bloomfield, and received a good practical
education attending both public and select schools in
1344
COMMEMOR'ATJVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
early life. Throughout his active business life he
engaged in farming and tobacco raising, and was
also niterestecl in milling, erecting the first grist-
mill at Tariffville, and operating it successfully for
many years. He was a man of good business abil-
ity and sound judgment, and, being a great reader,
he was always well posted on the leading events
of the day, as well as political interests and is-
sues. In connection with his other business in-
terests he engaged in packing tobacco quite e.x-
tensively, ancl in all his undertakings met with
well-merited success. He had one of the finest
homes in East tiranby, and everything about the
place was in perfect harmony with it. Jhe Re-
publican party always found in him an ardent sup-
porter of its principles, and in 1880 he was elected
by a large vote to represent East Granby town
in tile State Legislature, being tlie first Republican
to fill that office in the town. He was a man of
temperate haliits, and was liberal in his religious
views; but always adhered strictly to the Golden
Rule. He was well liked and universally respected,
and in his death, which occurred Aug. 4, 1898, the
community realized that it had lost one of its most
valuable citizens. His remains were interred in the
family burial plat in Scotland cemetery. On Jan.
3, 1866, in Xorth Bloomfield, Mr. W'illoughby mar-
ried Miss Jennie ^1. Barnard, a lady of culture and
refinement, who is much esteemed for her many
virtues. She was born in Hloomfield, attended the
Bloomfield public schools, and later the academy
at that place, from which she was graduated, and
for four years successfully engaged in teaching.
To this marriage were born five children : John G.,
our subject; \\'illiam B., who married j\Iary A.
^lerwin, and is engaged in farming in East Granby
town; one who died in infancy; Martha C., post-
mistress and bookkeeper at Tariffville ; and Ed-
ward C, who is attending school. The mother
still lives on the home farm near Tariffville.
John Barnard, our subject's maternal grand-
father, was born in Bloomfield in 1821, and was one
of a family of six children born to Francis and
Arabella (Hoskins) Barnard. He received a good
common-school education, and throughout life en-
gaged in farming in Bloomfield town. He was
noted for his honesty and honorable dealings, and
was highlv respected by the entire community.
Politically he was a Democrat, and in religious con-
nection was a member of the JNIethodist Episcopal
Church. In 1844 he married IMiss Martha J.
Barnard, a daughter of Milton Barnard, an old
settler of Bloomfield, and to them came two
children : John '\l., who was born Oct. 16, 1846,
and died in 1869, being buried in Scotland cem-
etery; and Jennie ^I., mother of our subject.
^Ir. Barnard died in 1847, at an early age, and
was also laid to rest in Scotland cemetery.
His widow subsequently married Lorenzo Hoskins.
She died Sept. 4, 1897, and was buried in Scotland
cemetefv.
During his boyhood and youth John G. \\"\\\-
oughby attended the public schools of East Granby
town, and in 1885 graduated from the Hartford
Business College. He began his business career ia
his father's mill, where he remained until a88.S,
and then removed to Bloomfield, where he spent
one year. In 1889 he located on the farm on
Hatchet Hill, and has since extensively engaged in
tobacco culture and general farming. He was also
engaged in the manufacture of lumber, owning
a sawmill in East Granby, and in 1892 rented his
father's gristmill, which he now operates, dealing
in Hour, feed, etc. Ambitious, energetic, and pos-
sessing good business al)ility, he has already met
with excellent success in life, and undoubtedly a
brilliant future awaits him. He is a recognized
leader of the Re]niblican party in East Granby, and
in 1896 was the nominee of his party for representa-
tive, but wiiliilrew in favor of George L. Viets.
In 1889 ^Ir. W'illougliljy was married in East
Granby to Miss Nellie Healey, a native of Granville,
Mass., and a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane
(Clark) Healey, and they have one child, "Ward
Coe, born in 1893. The family are members of the
Baptist Church and hold a position of prominence
in the best social circles of the community in which
they live.
HON. WILLI.VM H. I-TLLEY. Few residents
of Windsor have worked as assiduously for the
promotion of the best interests of that locality as
lias the well-known citizen whose history is out-
lined in this sketch. As a business man he is en-
terprising, far-sighted and successful, while he has
also found time to assist effectively in religious,
philanthropic, educational and political affairs, his
influence always cast on the side of progress.
}ilr. Filley is a representative of an old and hon-
ored pioneer family of this section, and is of the
eighth generation in direct descent from (I) Will-
iam Fiiley. (II) Samuel Filley, son of William,
the pioneer, was born Sept. 24, 1643. (HI) John
Filley. the next in the line of descent^ was born
Feb.' 10, 1677. (IV) John Filley, son of John,
was born Nov. 4, 1709, and married Rebecca Drake,
by whom he had one child, John. ("V) John Filley,
our subject's great-grandfather, was born April 18,
1737-
(\ I) Horace Filley, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born Nov. 16, 1779, and died March 5,
1857. He was a prominent agriculturist of Wind-
sor in his day, owning a large tract of land, and
he took an active part in public movements in his
town. He married Lucy Hayden, of Vermont, a
daughter of Isaac Hayden, and had two children:
Horace H., our subject's father; and Miss_ Julia,
born Dec. 29, 1817, who is still living in Windsor.
(VII) Horace H. Filley was born Oct. 15,.
1809^, at the old homestead, in the house which
stood on the site of our subject's present residence.
He was educated in the public schools and the
\K-I)WiaAjiA^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1345.
academy at Windsor, and as a young man be-
gan business on borrowed capital, having no re-
sources except his native ability and energy. For
many years he followed brick-making successfully,
and for some time in later life he was engaged m
farming. He was a man of average height and
build, and intellectually was noted for shrewdness
and conservatism, his jud^gment being regarded as
i-emarkably sound. His business methods were
characterized by strict integrit)^, and his prosperity
was achieved without penuriousness, his family hav-
ing every reasonable comfort and advantage. Re-
alizing the value of a good education, he endeavored
to secui-e for his children hetter opportunities than
he had enjoyed, and in addition to practical literary
training he had them instructed in music and other
accomplishments. In politics he was a stanch Re-
publican, but while he cast his vote regularly, and
was interested in the success of the party, he could
not be called a politician. For many years he was
a leading member of the Congregational Church
at Windsor, in which he frequently served as com-
mitteeman. He died Oct. 14, 1884, when within
less than one hour of being seventy-five years old.
Mr. Fillej' married Miss Irene Francis, a native
of Windsor, who is still living, at the age of sev-
enty-eight, and makes her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Welch. Although she has been an invalid for
years she shows great vitality, and is greatly re-
spected in the community for her admirable qual-
ities of character. Our subject is the eldest of a
family of five children. (2) Joseph, born July 4,
1847, died in 1864. He had left home to enlist
in the army, but was taken ill with typhoid fever
and brought home, where he died. (3) Henry,
born in November, 1850, died of typhoid fever soon
after the death of his brother Joseph. He was a
very bright youth, intelligent and full of promise.
(4) Mary S., born in January, 1853, married E.
A. Welch, of Windsor. (5) Jennie, born' April 2,
1857, married Rev. G. H. Judson, and for a num-
ber of vears has been a missionary in China.
(A^II) William H. Filley was born Aug. 25,
1845, at the old home, and was educated in the
schools of Windsor and neighboring towns. On
completing a high-school course he engaged in busi-
ness, his inclination for commercial life having been
manifested at an early age. As a mere boy he
had bought tobacco in and around Windsor for
William Harrison, of Westfield, Mass., and it was
on his suggestion that his father undertook tobacco
growing as a branch of his business. The details
of the management of his father's brickyard were
also speedily mastered by the youth, and as a young
man he became interested in the wood and lumber
business, his father's skilled judgment occasionally
reinforcing his own, although, as a rule, he de-
cided questions independently. His ventures were
uniformlv profitable, and while still in his 'teens
he formed a partnership with H. H. Ellsworth, a
bovhood friend, and they have ever since been as-
sociated in their biisiness operations, no other firm
85
in Windsor approaching them in activity and en-
terprise.
In early manhood Air. Filley took charge of his
father's brick yard, w'hich he conducted until 1896,
often making 1,000,000 bricks a year. He also as-
sumed the management of the farm when a young
man, and later purchased the most desirable por-
tions, which he still retains as a homestead. He is
one of the most extensive growers in Connecticut,
and is successful as a buyer, being at present the
head of the well-known firm of Filley & Welch,,
of Windsor, dealers in leaf tobacco. His success
in every tmdertaking has caused him to be sought
as a member of various corporate enterprises, and
he is a stockholder in the Windsor Creamery, and
a member of the Moore's Pai-k Driving Associa-
tion, in which he was for several years a leader,
his liking for good horses being shown by the ex-
cellent specimens owned by him at times. For
some time he was a stockholder in the AVindsor
Creamery Co., serving as treasurer for two years,
and when the compan)' failed he and Mr. Ellsworth
bought the plant, and with characteristic energy re-
organized it and built up the business, until it is
to-day the most substantial concern in the town. At
present Mr. Filley owns a large amount of real
estate in the West, in addition to his property irt
Windsor. One secret of his success is the close
familiarity with the details of the management of
his varied interests, which enables him to secure
the best results, and while he had the advantage
of an excellent start in life he may justly be cred-
ited with being to a great extent the architect of his
own fortune. Politically he is active as a member
of the Republican party, and while he would pre-
fer to devote his attention to his private interests
he has been a regular attendant at caucuses and
conventions. For over ten years he has served as
town treasurer, and in 1893 he was a member of the
Legislature.
In 1882 Mr. Filley built a handsome and corrr-
modious brick residence at the corner of Broad and'
Elm streets, Windsor, where he maintains the old--
time hospitality of the family. His amiable wife,,
who was formerly J\Iiss Julia Buckland, is one of
the few remaining- descendants of a family which
was prominent in that localit}' from the early days.
Of the three children who have blessed this union
the eldest, Hattie E., married Arthur Loomis, of
Windsor, and has one son, George F. Mrs. Loomis'
is an artist of more than ordinary ability and skill,
and her work commands high praise. Alice G., now
Mrs. T. D. Harvey, of Windsor, is also highly
accomplished. Joseph H. resides at home. The
family is prominent in the best social circles, and
is identified with the Congregational Church of
Windsor, Mr. Filley being a member of the churcfs
committee. He also belongs to Poquonock Grange,,
and was one of the organizers of Windsor Grange,.
No. 3. He is a charter member of W. S. Piersors
Council, O. U. A. M., at Winds'or, and is welF
known as a thirty-second degree Mason, his name
1346
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
being enrolled in Windsor Lodge, F. & A. ]\I. ;
Washington Conimandcrx , K. i ., Hartford ; the
Mystic Shrine at Ilartford (transfc-rred from
Bridgeport _) ; and Xorwich Consistory.
AMLLIAM MOORE FOWLER, a well-known
and honored citizen of Berlin, was born in what is
now West Cromwell, Conn., -\ug. 17, 1828, a son
of Anson and Sallie (Bouge) Fowler. In their
family were two children, the younger being Laura
Ann, who died in West Cromwell, and was buried
there. The mother was a native of Tolland, Mass.
The father was a farmer in moderate circum-
stances. For his second wife he married Clemenca
Lovcland, of Glastonbury, Conn., by whom he had
four children, the only one now living being Mrs.
Caroline Posco, a widow, of \\'est Cromwell. Our
subject's paternal grandfather, Julius Fowler, who
was a well-to-do farmer of West Cromwell, mar-
ried a lady named Moore, of Massachusetts, and
to them were born six children.
Our subject was reared on the home farm, and
acquired his education in the Cromwell schools.
On leaving school, at the age of eighteen years,
he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade with
John Graham, in East Berlin, remaining with Mr.
Graham until that gentleman's death, in all nine
)ears. He then entered the employ of the Roys
& A\'ilcox Co., of East Berlin, as a journeyman
blacksmith, and remained with them until the con-
solidation of the P.eck, Stow & Wilco.x Co. In
1863 he became a contractor in the blacksmithing
department of their works, which he still controls,
and now has three men working under him.
Mr. Fowler was married Oct. 5, 1852, to Harriet
Hubbard Graham, who was born in East Berlin
April 10, 1833, a daughter of John and }tlary
(Hubbard) Graham. Five children have been born
of this union : William 2\Ioore, Jr., born Ma)'' 27,
1857, now operates his father's farm on Hudson
street, Berlin; Alfred Edward, born in 1861, died
at the age of two months ; Frederick Brown, born
Nov. 24, 1864, is a joiner of Berlin; Charles Henry,
born Aug. 10, 1867, is a resident of San Jose,
Cal. ; and Emma Jane, born Feb. 24, 1870, is at
home.
In early life ]\Ir. Fowler cast his first ballot
with the Democratic party, but since 1858 he has
been a stanch Republican. Although he has never
cared for office, he has served as tax collector in
his town. He is a member of Harmony Lodge,
No. 20, F. & A. M., of New- Britain, and was one
of the charter members of the lodge which was
started in Berlin, and in which he passed all the
chairs. He is also a member of the chapter ^nd
council of the same fraternity, and he and his wife
and daughter belong to Berlin Grange, No. 24.
In 1859 Mr. Fowler was made superintendent of
the Sunday-school of the Methodist Church, and
held that position for several jears, but he now
holds membership in the Congregational Church
of Berlin, ami was elected superintendent of its
Sunday-school in 1890. He also belongs to the
Ecclesiastical Societ)- of Berlin, and is a member
of the church committee. He takes an active and
prominent part in all church work, and his hon-
orable, upright life commends him to the confidence
and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact,
in either his business or social relations.
DEX.XIS MOYNIHAX, an industrious and
successful tobacco grower and farmer of East
Hartford, has been identified with this section for
several years. He is a native of County Cork, Ire-
land, and a son of Dennis and Hannorah (Flealy)
Moynihan, both natives of the same county.
Dennis ]\loynihan, the father, was a laborer in
the old country, and lived there until 1891, when he
and his wife were sent for by our subject, who fil-
ially cared for them at his home in East Hartford.
The father was born in 1817, and died July 6, 1900.
The mother was born in 1828. Of their children the
following are still living: Mary, in Melbourne,
Australia; Dennis, the subject of this sketch; John,
living somewhere in the United States ; Michael, in
East Hartford, and employed in the railroad round-
house ; Jerry, supposed to be living in West Vir-
ginia, as no authentic record of his death has been
received; Timothy, who married Mary Nicholson;
and Hannorah, widow of Will Reardon, who was
killed by a trolley car in East Hartford, where she
still has her home.
Dennis Moynihan received but a limited educa-
tion, and worked as a laborer in Ireland until about
twenty-five years of age, when, in company with his
sister Hannorah (now widow of Will Reardon),
he sailed from Cork in the "City of Chester," and
after a voyage of nine days landed in New York.
The}- came thence to South \Vindsor, Conn., where
Dennis found employment with Martin Reardon at
$15 per month, and with him remained two years.
He next worked for Tim Kelliner, and then for
Dan Malone, and was with the latter when he mar-
ried Miss ]\Iaggie Bevins, a native of County Tip-
perary, Ireland, who came to the United States in
1885. This marriage has been blessed with four
children, born as follows : Hannorah, April 22,
1889; Mary, Nov. 22, 1890; Dennis, Nov. 7, 1893;
and Henry, Sept. 27, 1894.
IMr. !\Ioynihan bought his present farm in East
Hartford in 1891. It then comprised fifteen acres
only, but by industry and good management he has
increased it to twenty-three acres, ten of which are
under cultivation in tobacco. That Mr. Moynihan
is temperate and economical, as well as industrious,
is shown by the fact that he paid his passage to
America from his savings, landed in this country
poor, and made his first purchase of land also from
his savings. He is now well-to-do, and besides
taking good care of his wife and children has been
able to care for his aged parents.
j\lr. Moynihan and his familv are devout mem-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1347
hers of St. Mar3''s Catholic Church. He is a mem-
ber of the Knights of the Maccabees, and in politics
is liberal. Though ver}- quiet in demeanor, he is a
jovial, kind-hearted man, and a good and useful
citizen, one whose many excellent traits of character
have won for him the respect of the entire commu-
jiity.
LOUIS A. CLAPP, a well-known citizen and
a prosperous farmer of the town of Windsor, was
born there Jan. 14, 1857, a son of Alexander and
Jane (Bailey) Clapp, the Clapp family being an old
one in ,New England, and descendants ot Roger
Clapp, who came hither from England in the early
Colonial days.
Alexander Clapp, father of Louis A. Clapp, was
born in VVethersfield in June, 1815, a son of Ros-
well and Susan (Pease) Clapp, the former of whom,
was a sea captain in his earlier .days, but later be-
came a merchant at Wethersfield. He had three
sons, of whom Alexander was the eldest ; the second,
William, settled at Brodhead, Wis., of which State
his son Thomas became attorney-general ; and the
third, Charles, lived in Windsor, and reared a large
family. Alexander Clapp when about six years
old went to live with the family of John M. Niles,
at Poquonock, and remained there until eighteen,
during which period he attended the district school
and Windsor Academy. When about nineteen
years of age he took charge of a farm for a Mr.
Griswold, and worked for that gentleman until his
first marriage, which was to Huldah Griswold,
daughter of his employer. She was soon called
away, and Mr. Clapp next married Jane Bailey, who
was iDorn in South Coventry, Conn., in 1825. To
this second marriage were born eight children, in
the folowing order: Charles D., who died unmar-
ried at the age of thirty-five years ; Lucy J., who
was married to W. H. Atwood, of New Haven, and
-died in Windsor; Susan P., a highly-educated lady,
of Hartford ; Mary, who died when two years old ;
Mary H., who died at the age of twenty-four years ;
Louis A., the subject of this sketch; Irving B., and
Robert L.
Alexander Clapp was in politics a Democrat,
and very popular with his party. In 1856, 1869,
1870 and 1874 he was elected representative from
his district, and he also filled many town offices, such
as first selectman, justice of the peace, grand juror
(for years), assessor, and member of the board of
relief. He was appointed drum-major by Gov.
Buckingham at a time that required the appointee
to be thorough in his line of duty. He was always
present at his party's conventions, in which he took
a leading part, and at public gatherings invaria-
bly introduced the orator of the day. All the lead-
ing men of the State were acquainted with him, and
his influence was much more than local. He was
charitable and kind to all, and was everywhere re-
spected. He measured about five feet, ten inches,
in height, and weighed 160 pounds. His death
took place in 1879, and that of his widow in 1895,
and the remains of both rest side by side in the cem-
etery at Poquonock.
i^ouis A. Clapp was educated at "Elm Grove"
school, under Roswell H. Phelps, and was reared to
manhood on his father's farm. He was about
twenty-one years old when his father died, and, being
the eldest living son at that time, the responsibility
of caring for the farm and family fell to his lot.
A man ot more than ordinary intelligence, he proved
himself to be fully competent for the duties that thus
devolved upon him, for, although his schooling
began and ended at Elm Grove, he was a close home
student, and acquired a great deal of useful knowl-
edge through reading practical standard works on
the arts and sciences, as well as literature of the
highest class.
In the fall of 1882 Mr. Clapp (first) married
Miss Martha L. Osborn, a native of East Windsor,
and a daughter of David L. Osborn, an ex-soldier.
He continued to live on the old homestead and to
manage the farm for his mother until 1883, when
he purchased the Roswell Miller farm with his own
accumulations, and this has since been his place of
residence. Mrs. Martha L. Clapp passed away in
August, 1890, the mother of four children, of
whom Grace M. is still living; Claire B., while play-
ing on a piece of timber floating in a pool on the
farm, fell off and was drowned, July 16, 1897; John
O. still survives ; and Arthur died in infancy. Mr.
Clapp next married Mrs. Clara F. Packard, of
Springfield, Mass., who was formerly a school
teacher for a number of 3"ears at Rockville, Conn.
She has been for some time an active member of
the Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Clapp
is non-partisan. He believes in a protective tariff,
but at local elections votes for the candidates best
fitted to fill the office sought. He has himself
avoided all overtures made to him to accept office,
but as a matter of duty has served one term as as-
sessor, and has been a committeeman in his school
district.
Mr. Clapp is proficient in music, and no doubt
inherits this gift from his father, the drum-major.
He is a member of Putnam Phalanx, is its snare-
drummer, and has accompanied this organization in
its visits to many noted gatherings and celebrations
throughout the United States. As a drummer he
is a graceful manipulator of the "sticks," and he
has taught in this line on scientific principles. He
has frequently been called upon to act as judge in
drum contests all over the State, and has thus offi-
ciated in several State contests. As a violinist, also,
he has more than a local reputation, although he has
confined his performance on this instrument chiefly
to local entertainments.
Mr. Clapp is emphatically a self-made man in
the business sense in which that term is used, and
through his own good management has secured for
himself his comfortable home, his enviable position
in society, and his high standing as a useful and
1348
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pubiic-spirited citizen. As a tobacco-grower he
stands among the most successful, iuis crop is
always well prepared and marketed in the best con-
dition, and he was a pioneer in the practice of put-
ting paper around tobacco bundles. He has greatly
improved his farm since first taking possession of
it, and now has one of the finest in the town.
HEXRY 'SI. ROSE is one of the most enterpris-
ing and progressive agriculturists of West Sufrield,
and has been remarkably successful as a tobacco-
grower. In business aft'airs he is energetic, prompt
and reliable, and his life history most Jiappily illus-
trates what ma\- be attained by faithful and con-
tinued effort in carrying out an lionest purpose.
Mr. Rose was born in \Vest Sutfield Center
April 22,, 18O0, and belongs to a prominent old fam-
ily of Hartford county, more fully mentioned else-
where. Mortimer Rose, his father, was born on the
old homestead in West Sutifield in 1822. He was a
brother of James B. Rose, and first cousin of Oliver
Kose, of \\'est Suffield. He attended the district
schools near his boyhood home, and was later a
student in \\'il]iraham (Mass.) Academy. During
his minority he assisted his father in the labors of
the farm, and later he and his brother James B. en-
gageil in mercantile business, under the firm name
of James B. & M. Rose, until 1865. They also be-
came interestetl in other lines, such as general farm-
ing and milling, and were extensive tobacco grow-
ers, dealers and manufacturers of cigars, doing a
large and profitable business. When Mortimer Rose
withdrew from the firm he had $25,000. He pur-
chased the old homestead, then owned by his brother
James B., and upon that place — a tract of fifty-two
acres — made many improvements and engaged in
general farming, tobacco culture and stock raising
for twenty years. Being a man of excellent business
ability he met with good success in most of his
undertakings, but during the Civil war he lost quite
heavily, as the cigars manufactured by the firm
were sold in the South. Mr. Rose died upon his
farm in 1885, and was laid to rest in West Suffield
cemetery. He was a supporter of the Democratic
party, but never took an active part in politics, nor
would he accept office. The cause of education,
however, always found in him a firm friend, and in
all his habits he was strictly temperate. Though not
a member of any church, he Avas faithful in his ob-
servance of the Golden Rule, and had the confidence
and respect of all who knew him. He was noted
for his integrit}', and in the business world bore an
enviable reputation for fair dealing. Mr. Rose
married ]\Iiss Lucy Sheldon, of Suffield, a daughter
of John Horace and Mary Ann (Loomis) Sheldon,
representatives of old families in Suffield. Mrs.
Rose is a lady of refinement ; she now makes her
home in \\'est Suffield. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Rose are Henry AI., our subject; Mary,
wife of Henry Z. Thompson, of East Granby; Mar-
tha, wife of Benjamin Alderman, of East Granby;
Alexander C, a grocer_\-man of Hartford; and James
B., a farmer of \\'est Suffield.
h\ the district schools of West Suffield Henry
j M. I'iose acquired his literary education, and upon
j the home farm obtained an excellent knowledge of
agricultural pursuits. He has spent his entire life
on the old homestead, coniprismg fifty-five acrss,.
which he has successfully operated since 1886, and
ujjon which he has erected a good barn and tobacco
sheds, and made man\- other improvements whicii
j add to its value and attractive appearance. He is
i engaged in general farming and dairying, bttt makes
; a specialty of the raising of tobacco, and has dealt
I in the product to some extent.
Jn 1886, in Suffield, Sir. Rose was united in
marriage with .Miss Lena J. King, a native of that
town, and a daughter of Cyrus and Sarah (Casej
. King. They have two children: Helen S., born in
' i8SS; and hlorcnce King, born in 1893. Jn his re-
ligious views Mr. Rose is liberal, and in politics is
independent, h'or si.x years he was a member of the
school committee, and lie has ever given his support
to those enterprises whicli he believes calculated to-
advance the educational, moral and social welfare of
I the community in which he lives. Fraternally he is
I a charter member of the O. C A. ^L, in Suffield.
\ HEXRY HART CHAPAL\X, an enterprising
and progressive young farmer of Newiiigton, is
; a native of the town of which he is now a promi-
nent resident, born Sept. 5, 1S67, son of Charles
Edward and Mary (Halej Chapman, sketch of
whom appears elsewhere.
Henry Hart Chapman was educated in the
"Bell" school of Xewington, and at the conclusion
i of his school days remained on the farm of his
father, assisting in the careful, thorougii and suc-
; cessful methods of farming there employed until
1896, wdien, on account of ill health, he went to
California. He secured employment as salesman
in the grocery of Herbert E. Andrews, in Glendale,
Los Angeles county. But the climate did not
bring the desired relief. Sir. Chapman was suffer-
ing from inflammatory rheumatism, and the damp
nights were unfavorable, so that he grew -worse
rather than better. He remained nearly two years,,
and returned to Xewington Nov. 11, 1897, continu-
ing on the farm with his parents until March 15,
1898, when he purchased from G. D. Mills the farm
of 150 acres on Xewington avenue, turnpike, four
miles east of New Britain, where he now resides.
It is familiarly known as the "Jacob DJck place,"
and was once the site of a tavern and inn. Mr.
Chapman is a prosperous farmer, and his success
is attributed to his indefatigable industry. The
farm produces large crops of corn, potatoes, etc.,
and has extensive pasture and meadow land.
Mr. Chapman married, Jan. 15, 1896, i\Iiss
Maria Louise Rogers, w'ho was born in Hartford
Oct. ID, 1868, the younger daughter of Stephen and
Maria Louise (Devoe) Rogers. Stephen Rogers-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1849
■\vas a native of \\'aterford ; his wife was born in
Yonkers, N. Y.. and died soon after the birth
•of her daughter Alaria, Mrs. Chapman. To Mr.
and j\Irs. Chapman have come two children : Charles
Wells, born in Glendale, Cal., Jan. i6, 1897; and
Richard Henry, born Sept. 27, 1898. Mrs. Chap-
man is a member of the Park Methodist Church
at Hartford. Mr. Chapman is a member of Our
Brothers Council, No. 41, Sr. O. U. A. M., of New-
ington. He is actively interested in farming, and
the improvements which he has made on his land
are bringing ample returns in largely increased
productiveness. Though yet a young man, he has
displayed ripe judgment in the management of his
property, and is one of the most progressive agri-
culturists of Xewington.
GEORGE W'ASHIXGTON SAXDMAX, an
energetic and successful farmer and tobacco grower
of the town of East Granb}-, was born in CarroUton,
Ky., April 29, 1859, and is of German descent, be-
longing to a very old and respected family of Lan-
caster county, Penn. His great-grandfather, Law-
rence Sandman, was a well-to-do farmer and land
owner of that county, where he was born in 1735
and died Feb. 17, 1810. His wife Mary was born
in 1744, and died June 18, 1848, at the extreme old
age of one hundred and four j-ears.
Charles Sandman, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born April 21, 1787, and spent his entire
life in Lancaster county, Penn. There he was mar-
ried, Feb. 16, 181 5, to JNIiss Amelia Yerkes, who
was born Aug. 6, 1792, and they became the par-
ents of the following named children : i\'Iary Ann,
born Feb. 4, 1816, married William Abbott; Char-
lotte, born Dec. 8, 1817, died Oct. 13, 1821 ; Mahala,
born X^ov. 19, 1819, married Michael Getman, of
Saratoga, X^. Y., and died June 13, 1842; Christian
A\'., born Jan. 8, 182 — , died Sept. 22, 1823; Will-
iam Y., born Xov. i, 1824, died X^ov. 5, 1824;
Charles Randall, born ^larch 6, 1827, was the fa-
ther of our subject; and Charlotte, born July 4,
1829, died Dec. 13, 1829. The family was well
known in Lancaster county arid highly respected.
There the grandfather died Aug. 15, 1851, after
which his wife came to Sufiheld, Hartford Co.,
Conn., and spent the remainder of her life with her
children, dying here Feb. 2, 1859. She was a good
Christian woman.
Charles Randall Sandman, our subject's father,
was born, reared and educated in Lancaster county,
Penn., where he also learned the trades of a cabinet
maker, joiner and cigar maker, at which he worked
in his native county for some years. With his little
family he then came to Connecticut and took up his
residence in Sufifield, Hartford county, where he fol-
lowed cigar making until 1857. During that year
he removed to the "blue-grass region" of Kentucky,
locating in CarroUton, where he engaged in carpen-
tering until after the Civil war broke out. Being a
strong Cnion man, he did some valuable service for
the North as a spy, and when this was discovered
by the Rebels he was ordered to leave. All his prop-
erty and belongings were destroyed, and he was
forced to move. Taking with him his family, he
went to Indiana, where he remained long enough to
earn the money with which to carr}- them East, and
in 1862 we again find him a resident of Suffield,
Hartford count}-, where he engaged in cigar making
for several years. Later he followed the trade of a
carpenter and joiner in East Granby, continuing thus
up to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 3,
1867, his remains being interred in Suffield cemetery.
j He was a good man, well liked b\' all who knew him,
j and at all times was a loyal and patriotic citizen. He
made great sacrifices for his country during the Re-
bellion, and in its interest lost all that he possessed.
Politically he was an uncompromising Republican,
but never an office seeker. Mr. Sandman was twice
married, and b_v the first union had one child, ]\Iary
Ann, born Jul)' 30, 1847. His second marriage was
with Miss Sarah Elliott, who was born in England,
and was eleven years of age when brought by her
parents to the United States. Her father, Robert
Elliott, was a native of the same country, and in
America made his home in Lancaster county, Penn.
The children born to Mr. and J\lrs. Sandman were
as follows: Amanda Frances, born Aug. 22, 1849,
died July 26, 1850; Charles Randall, born July 12,
1852, died in December, 1852 ; Amelia ]Mahala, born.
Oct. 30, 1853, died April 19, 1854; Emogene, born
June 27, 1855, was married, Dec. 3. 1874, to Eugene
Bills, and they have two children, Grace and Elliott,
both at home ; Ida L., born April 6, 1857, married
Charles \Villiams, of Suffield, Hartford county ;
George W., our subject, is next in the order of birth ;
Robert Anderson, born Oct. 7, 1862, is a farmer of
the town of East Granby ; and Charles Grant, born
Jan. 22, 1866, is also a farmer of East Granby. The
mother departed this life i\Iarch 10, 1897, and was
buried in Suffield cemetery. She and her husband
were both earnest and consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
George W. Sandman came with his parents on
their return to Suffield, and he attended the public
schools of that place and town of East Granby, com-
pleting his education in the Suffield Institute. As
he was quite young when his father died, he was
early obliged to earn his own livelihood, and he
worked as a farm hand in the town of East Granby,
until 1883, during which year he was there married
to Miss Ansoma S. Bates, a lady of culture and re-
finement, and a daughter of Anson Bates, a lawyer,
now deceased. Of the three children born to this
union, Arthur is deceased, and another died in in-
fanc}- unnamed, Howard G. being the only one liv-
ing. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Sandman removed
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent one year as con-
ductor on a street car. The following year he
passed in Massachusetts, and in 1885 he returned to
the town of East Granby, locating upon his father-
i in-law's farm, at that time a tract of eighty-six acres.
1850
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Here lie lias since made his home and has devoted
his energies to agricultural pursuits, making a spec-
ialty of tobacco culture, being one of the largest pro-
ducers of tobacco in the town. He affiliates with the
Republican party, and is a stanch supporter of its
principles, but has never been an aspirant for office.
He is a member of the Grange, and he and his fam-
ily attend the Congregational Church. They are
widely and favoraljly known, and have many friends
in the C(.)mnnniity where they reside.
WILLIAM CASEY, a well known and promi-
nent citizen of Enfield, was born in County Cork,
Ireland, June 17, 1820, a son of John and Katherine
(Dinecn) Casey.
Mr. Casey was reared to manhood in his native
country, where he served a seven-years apprentice-
ship at the blacksmith's trade, and later worked as
a journeyman three years, in Irelaiul. In 1850 he
came to America and settled in Enfield, where he car-
ried on the blacksmith's trade for many years, and,
to use his own ])hrase, "does a bit of it yet." He
has also, since 1884, conducted a livery stable in
Hazardville. and has accumulated a competency.
Mr. Case\- married IJridget Dorgan, a daughter of
AVilliam and Catherine (Shea) Dorgan, of Enfield,
and to this union were born eight children, three
of whom survive: John, Katherine (who is a Sister
of Mercy), and Mary. Mrs. Casey died March 7,
1896. aged sixty-five years. Politically Mr. Cascv
is a Democrat, and in religious faith he is a Roman
Catholic.
ROBERT COSMOS ELLRICH, a well-
known machinist, pattern-maker and inventor, re-
siding in Southington, was born on the ship "Cos-
mos," March 30. 185^. v.hile his parents. Frederick
Robert August and Wilhelmena (Miller) Ellrich,
were crossing the Atlantic, with the intention of
making their future home in America. They were
natives of Saxony, Germany. Landing in New
York, they made their home there for nine years,
and in 1861 removed to Xew Haven, Conn., in 1868
becoming residents of Southington. The father, a
blacksmith by trade, followed his vocation during his
residence in these places. He died in Plantsville,
July 6, 1870.
Our subject accompanied his parents on their
various removals, and during his boyhood obtained
a limited education in the common schools. At the
age of thirteen years he entered the employ of the
Plant ^lanufacturing Co., New York City, and con-
tinued with them there and at Plantsville up to
1869. when he entered the employ of what is now
the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., to learn the pattern-
maker's trade, which he followed twelve years. In
1 88 1 the Ellrich Hardware Co. was formed as a stock
companv. with George S. Allen, president ; T. At-
•water Barnes, of New Haven, secretary ; Sherman
Blakeslee. treasurer: and Robert C. Ellrich, super-
intendent. As manufacturers of hardware spec-
ialties this company existed for ten years. Since
1891 Mr. Ellrich has been in the employ of the Peck,.
Stow & \Vilcox Co., as a machinist and pattern-
maker. He is also the inventor and patentee of
some twenty-five specialties manufactured by thenv
among the latest being the New Triumphant meat
cutter, the New Ideal cutter, and the Ellrich solid
bar wrench ; there is such demand for the latter that
the firm cannot fill the orders fast enough.
On April 10, 1878, Mr. Ellrich was united in
marriage with Aliss Emma P'eucht, a daughter of
Jacob and Amelia l-'eucht, of Southington, and
they have three children : Etta L., Robert G. and
Charles N. Politically Mr. Ellrich is a Republican^
and fraternallv he is a member of Friendship Lodee.
No. 33, F. & A. M.
1 '.VTRICK J. LEE. The Lee family is probably
of English extraction, although for several genera-
tions past resident in County Clare, Ireland. Eotlx
the father and grandfather of Patrick J. Lee were
tenant fanners, and men of considerable local prom-
inence. Michael Lee married a Miss Bryan, and
was the father of four sons and three daughters:
Dennis, John, Michael, Thomas, Bridget, Margaret
and Honora. John Lee, the father of Patrick J.,
emigrated from Ireland to America in 1851, but
was attacked with illness during the voyage, and
died within four days after landing at New York.
He married Margaret I'itzpatrick, by whom he had
two children — Michael J., born in 1838, and Patricic
J., who was born in October, 1842. His wife died
in 1853.
Patrick J. Lee was a lad of scarcely ten years-
when he accompanied his mother to New Britain,
His early educationad advantages were such as the
district schools of that day aft'orded, his mother's
limited means not enabling her to do what her mater-
nal heart prompted. Had he followed his own bent
cultivating those native powers of the mind which
have brought about his success, his course in later
life might have been dilYerent. As it was, he found
it necessary to leave school at the age of thirteen^
and the education and general information which'
enabled him to hold his own in any controversy he
acquired through his ow"n unaided efforts. As a
boy he worked in shops at New Britain, and on
reaching the age when maturity and love of adven-
ture join in stimulating a desire for change, he set
out from Connecticut for California, whither his
brother, ]\Iichael. had already preceded him, in 1858.
He made the trip via the Isthmus, the time con-
sumed being twenty-eight days. Even as a young"
man he manifested that enterprise which he always
showed in later life, and which was the nucleus of
his success. In company with his brother he trav-
eled through Oregon, Idaho, IMontana and Nevada.
From Helena he returned to New Britain in 1869,
and entered into the grocery business in connection
with his brother, Michael J., and Daniel Flynn, the
firm continuing in existence for seven years. At the
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1351
end of that time JMichael J. retired, and 2^Iessrs. Lee
& Fl3-nn conducted the business together, it being
located for twenty-seven years at No. l6 Sexton
street. In 1897 they closed their grocery, but con-
tinued in the wholesale liquor business, being pio-
neers in that line of trade in New Britain. In that
year Mr. Flynn died, and Mr. Lee purchased the
interest theretofore held by him, and conducted the
business alone until his death, on December 4, 1898.
It is now in care of T. F. Lee, at No. 300 Main street.
Mr. Lee was a man of imusually good business
judgment and endowed with wonderful energy. He
dealt extensively in real estate and was a large land
owner. He accumulated, through his own exer-
tions a handsome fortune, leaving an estate valued
at $70,000. He was a man of broad views and was
distinguished for his public spirit, always taking an
interest in every measure looking to the upbuilding
of the city. He was one of the original promoters
of the Opera House Company and a director and
large stockholder therein. He was a Democrat in
politics and an active worker in his party's interests.
For several years he represented the Fifth ward in
the City Covmcil, with advantage to his constituents
and honor to himself. In social life he was genial,
courteous and generous. He was an active member
of the Knights of Columbus and of St. Patrick,
being a charter member of both organizations, and
treasurer of tlie latter from the date of its establish-
ment in New Britain until his death. He was also
a member of the Catholic Legion. Fie was a Roman
Catholic in faith, and belonged to St. Mary's parish,
contributing liberally to the cause of religion, as
well as to public and private charities. His death
was deeply mourned, not only bv his own personal
friends and acquaintances, but by the communit)';
at large.
Mr. Lee married Bridget, a daughter of John
Cloughessy, of County Clare, Ireland, and to them
were born five children: John A., who graduated
from Yale College in 1895, and is now practicing
medicine in Brooklyn ; Thomas F., who is manager
of the estate ; and Jilargaret, Frederick and Robert
C, who are living at home. Thomas F. Lee was
educated at the New Britain High School, but left
that institution in 1894, a year before graduation,
to enter into business as an assistant to his father.
He is an enterprising young- business man, posses-
sing the qualities of mind and heart which made
his father successful and so widely beloved.
LEWIS ALFRED MORAN, a prominent cit-
izen of Windsor Locks, is deserving of special men-
tion in this volume as a man of enterprise and abil-
ity. For many years he has been identified with
the business interests of his village, which he has
seen develop from a mere hamlet to its present size,
and his influence is also felt in local affairs, although
he is not a politician in the strict sense of the word,
and is disinclined to enter the arena as a candidate
for official honors.
]\Ir. ]\Ioran is of Scottish descent in the paternal
line, but his ancestors came to New England dur-
ing Colonial times. Gaylord Moran, his grandfa-
ther, was born in the town of Suftield, Hartford
county, where he passed his life in agricultural pur-
suits. He married Deborah Parmelee, a member of
another Sufifield family, and they had the foUowingi
children: Eliza (Mrs. King), William, Phcebe,
Caroline, Alfred, J\Iary and George, all now de-
ceased.
Alfred Moran, the father of our subject, was a
native of Suffield, where he received a common-
school education. As a young man he learned the
carpenter's trade, but for many years be was en-
gaged in tobacco raising in addition to that work.
He was much respected for his excellent qualities
of character, and at times held minor town offices.
Mr. Moran married Julia A. Lamberton, who was
born in Fredonia, N. V., a daughter of James Lam-
berton, formerly of Windsor, Conn., and Lewis A.,
our subject, is the eldest of four children born to
this worthy couple ; Edward William and Heiiry
James reside in Suffield; and Martha died in
mfancy.
Lewis A. Moran was born Feb. 25, 1839, at the
old homestead in Suffield, and was educated in the
schools of that locality. He learned the carpenter's
trade with his father, and for some time was em-
ployed as a journeyman in Springfield, Mass., Hart-
ford, Conn., and Cleveland, Ohio. In 1871 he en-
gaged in the meat business at Windsor Locks, t^ut
in 1889 he sold out to C. C. Graves and resumed his
former work as a carpenter. At present he is also
interested in the raising of tobacco, in partnership
with his brothers, and is regarded as a substantial
citizen. He is not a member of any church or social
organization; politically he is a strong Democrat,
and for two terms he served as selectman, but on
being elected to the offices of town clei-k and treas-
urer he declined to accept.
In 1868 Mr. Moran was married, at ^Nlamaro-
neck, N. Y., to Miss Rebecca Sherrer, who died in
1873, leaving two children: Ernest Lewis, a resident
of East Windsor ; and Rebecca Lydia. In 1879
Mr. Moran was married in Windsor Locks to Miss
Lily T. Whipple, by whom he has had two children :
Emma (deceased) and Raymond A.
JAMES BIRMINGHAM, a well-to-do agricul-
turist of the town of East Windsor, is a typical
self-made man, and in the following record of his
career there is much to arouse respect and esteem.
He has. placed his reliance upon industry and per-
severance rather than "luck," and by making the
most of circumstances, however discouraging, has
made his way to a substantial success, his fine farm
near Broad IBrook village being a tangible evidence
of prosperity.
Mr. Birmingham was born in 1836 in County
Galwav, Ireland, son cf jMichael and Nora Bir-
mingham"; his father was a farmer and stock herd-
1352
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
or. \\'hen a boy Mr. Birmingham learned to make
liimself useful in various lines of work, as his par-
ents had but limited means, and for the same rea-
son his educational privileges were meagre. Work
was scarce and wages low, and on growing to man-
liood he found no chance to .gain a competence and
establish a home for himself. He married Miss
Kate Healey, a native of tlie same county, and for a
lime worked at any labor that could be obtained,
but finally concluded to come to the United States
in order to better his condition. Having; saved the
passage money from his earnings, he left his wife
and family, which then consisted of two sons, and
made the voyage in 1865. and soon after landing
came to Windsor Locks, where he earned his first
American dollar as a tender to the masons employed
in the construction of the Stockinet mill. He was
faithful and industrious, the hope of sending for his
beloved wife and children being a constant inspira-
tion. In the following spring lie was employed as
a farm hand by Jabez S. Allen, with whom he re-
mained eight years, and later he worked three years
on the farm of Levi Webster, his long terms of ser-
vice with these thorough-going managers showing
his reliability and efficiency, l-lvery cent that he
could spare was sent to his wife, and in 1875, after
a separation of ten years, she and the childVen re-
joined him, the voyage being made in ten davs on
the "Adriatic," of the White Star line. Soon after-
ward ^Ir. Birmingham bought his ])resent farm,
where he has made many improvements, and with
the help of his estinialile wife and enterprising sons
he has made it a valuable homestead. While he is
a man of strong character, as shown 1)\- his history,
his manner is quiet and unassuming, and as a neigh-
bor and a citizen he is much esteemed. Politicallv
lie affiliates with the Democratic partw and he and
his family are leading members of St. Catharine's
Catholic Church at liroad lirook. His four chil-
dren would do credit to any parents. ( i ) Michael,
a resident of Hartford, married Jennie Dunn, and
has two daughters, Mame Frances and Christine
Agatha. (2) Patrick F. also resides in Hartford.
<3) James, a promising young agriculturist, now
takes charge of the farm, and relieves his father of
business cares. (4) :\[iss Katy resides at home.
CHARLES FREDERICK [MICHAEL, pro-
prietor of the "Commercial House," at Bristol, is
a self-made man whose career shows the value of
enterprise and energy when wisely directed.
Mr. Michael was born April 12, 1849, in Katz-
huette, Province of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Ger-
many, son of Christian and Laura (Tischer)
IMichael. His paternal grandfather, Nicholaus
Michael, was born in that province, and spent his
^ntire life in his native land. Bv occupation he
was a wood chopper. He fought with the Prus-
sian army against Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812, be-
ing taken prisoner at Moscow, and after gaining his
liberty returned to his native province, where he
•died about 1854. He married Barbara Baumann,
who survived him, and died in Union Cit)-, Conn.
They had a large family of children : ( i ) Carl,
who died in Terryville, Conn., married Lena Troll,
who died in Germany, and they had five children,
of v\-hom two are livmg — Emma, wife of Andrew
Karlman, of Terryville ; and Frank, who resides in
New York. (2) Louisa married Heinrich Heinze,
and both died in (Germany. They had four chil-
dren— Laura, residing in Lynn, Mass. ; Emil, resid-
ing in New York City ; and Egbert and Edmund,
residing in Newark, N. J. (3) Christian, our
subject's father, is mentioned more fully below.
(4) Caroline was married (first) to Heinrich Troll,
and (second) to Christian Schwabe, and now re-
sides in L'nion City, Conn. By the first union she
had two children — h'redericka, wife of Emil Mathes,
of Terryville ; and Miss Emma, who resides in
Union City. Bj' the second union there were three
children — Hattie, wife of Charles Rasguin, of
Union City : Adeline, wife of Thomas Clator, of
Toledo, Ohio: and Fred, now residing in Cleve-
land, Ohio. (5) Heinrich died in boyhood. (6)
I'rcderick served in the war of the Rebellion, and
died of consumption in Terryville some six years
after his discharge. (7) Henry served five years
in the Mexican war. also fought in the Rebellion,
and died in New York about 1897. (8) Otilla
married Henry Scherr, and resides in New York
City. They have six children living. (9) Adeline
married Charles Clump, and resides in Cleveland,
Ohio.
Christian Michael, our subject's father, came to
America in 1859, and remained at Meriden, Conn.,
with his sister, ]Mrs. Henry Sc'herr, for about two
months. He then removed to New Britain, where
he resided until February, 1862, and has since made
his home at Terryville. His wife died in March,
i8c)7. Our subject was the eldest of a family of ten
children, of whom three died in childhood. Of
the others, Louis resides in Bristol. Louisa, wife
of Carlton B. Ives, resides in Bristol. Lillian is the
wife of George Scherr, of Bristol. Conrad resides
in Terryville. Minnie married Louis Burg, of
Bristol. Emma died at the age of sixteen.
Charles F. Michael was ten years old when he
came to America with his parents, and his educa-
tion was gained partly in his native land. He
attended the public schools of Meriden and New
Britain, and later entered the employ of J. B. Sar-
gent, of New Britain, with whom he remained only
six months, as the family removed to Terryville.
There he worked at the manufacture of cabinet
locks for a year, and was afterward engaged with
Eli Terry, a manufacturer of clock springs, until
the closing up of that business. He was next em-
ployed by the Eagle Bit & Buckle Co., with whom
he learned the business of silver plating, and re-
mained until the firm dissolved, when he entered
the -employ of Ga3-Iord, Mix & Co., mail bag lock
manufacturers. Two years later this business was
purchased by the Eagle Lock Co., and Mr. Michael
remained with the latter firm until 1872, when he
C. J^ ^c^£ucU.
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1353
removed to W'insted, Conn., and kept a billiard
saloon for a year. In 1873 he removed to Bristol,
and on Aug. 31, of that year, he purchased the land
upon which the "'Commercial House" now stands.
On the following day ground was broken and
work commenced, and on April i, 1874, he opened
his hotel under the name of the "Bismark House."
In 1875 he sold out the hotel and removed to Terry-
ville, where he remained two years, but on his re-
turn to Bristol he resumed the management of the
hotel, which in the interval had been renamed the
"Commercial House." Some six years later he
again sold out the hotel, but a year later resumed
its management. In 1889 he again sold out, but
since 1890 he has operated the hotel continuously.
He is also builder and owner of the Bristol Opera
House, and treasurer and manager of the Bristol
Journal, the only daily paper in the borough of
Bristol. He and his family are much esteemed so-
cially, and he belongs to Pequabuck Lodge, No.
48, I. O. O. F., being a charter member; the Daugh-
ters of Rebekah, same order ; Adelphi Lodge, No.
12, New England Order of Protection; Bristol
Lodge, No. 28, A. O. U. W. ; and Guttenburg
Lodge, No. 570, D. O. H. He has always been
a Democrat, and was elected justice of the peace,
but did not serve. He served one term on the
board of burgesses, when Dr. E. P. Woodward was
warden.
On March 23, 1872, Mr. Mic'hael was married,
at Terryville, to Miss Katie Burg, who was born
in Greenfield, Mass., daughter of Theobald and
Elizabeth Burg, natives of Germany. Five chil-
dren have blessed the union : Louise Frances, born
March 16, 1873. who was married, Feb. 22, 1898,
to Charles Russell Riley, of Bristol ; William Burg,
born Feb. 19, 1875, who- was married, May 12,
1898, to Miss Louise Ahl, of Agawam, Mass. i Fred-
erick Burg, born May 5, 1877 ; George Burg, born
July 17, 1880: and Ruth Burg, born May 12, 1894.
DAVID KINGHORN, an expert horseshoer of
East Hartford, is a native of New York City, and
was born June 27, 1858, the eldest of the six children
that constituted the family of Henry and Martha
(Ralston) Kinghorn, natives of Scotland. David
Kinghorn, the father of Henry, had a family. of
four sons and one daughter, all of whom came to
America, and of whom two are still living : George,
a carpenter in Hartford, Conn. ; and Mrs. Lawson,
a resident of Gallipolis, Ohio.
Henrv Kinghorn learned his trade of horse-
shoer in his native land, came to the United States
while yet single, and in New York married Martha,
a daughter of ]\Iatthew Ralston, who brought his
family from Scotland to New York, and there passed
the remainder of his life. To Henry and Martha
Kinghorn were born four sons and two daughters,
the sons being David, the subject of this sketch ;
William, of Silver street. East Hartford ; Harry, a
blacksmith of Hartford ; and James, who died in
Hartford at the age of thirty-eight vears. In 1862
Henry Kinghorn brought his family to Hartford,
and here he died at the age of about fifty years;
here his wife also died, when forty-eight years old.
Both were devout members of the Presbyterian
Church, and in politics Mr. Kinghorn was a Re-
publican, but took only a voting interest in the party.
He was an exceptionally good mechanic, capable of
converting iron into any implement usually made
from that metal, and was able to support his family
comfortably. He was of a quiet, inoffensive dis-
position, and greatl}' respected by his associates and
neighbors.
David Kinghorn, the subject of this notice, was
a child of four years when brought to Hartford by
his parents. He first attended the old stone (public)
school on Market street, and afterward the Brown
school, and at the age of fifteen years left his studies
to learn horseshoeing under his father, for whom
he worked until the death of the latter. He then
assumed charge of the business on his own account,
and followed it at No. 10 Charles street until 1897,
when he located in East Hartford, where he had
previousl}^ resided for several years ; he established
his shop on Governor street, where he now owns
a three-story tenement and his own dwelling, which
is a double house, with his shop on the rear of the
lot.
Mr. Kinghorn married Miss Mary Kearnen, a
native of New York, and to this union have been
born three children, Elizabeth, David and Francis,
all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Kinghorn is a
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at East
Hartford, and socially Mr. Kinghorn is a member of
Hartford Lodge, No. .19, B. P. O. E. In politics
he is a Republican, but, while he votes regularly, he
takes little interest in party politics, and as a rule
at town elections votes for the candidate he thinks
best fitted to execute the duties of the office to be
filled.
Mr. Kinghorn inherits much of his father's
skill as a mechanic, and has built up an excellent
business in his line, in which he has had twenty-
five years' experience. He is an industrious, strictly
temperate and reliable citizen, and has won the re-
spect of all other worthy citizens of his town. He
still owns the blacksmith shop at No. 10 Charles
street, Hartford, which is in charge of his brother
Harry. He is self-made, in the fullest sense of the
term as ordinarily applied to successful men of
business, and deserves full credit for having at-,
tained his present high standing.
WILLIAM H. WARNER, at present (1900)
serving as one of the selectmen of Wethersfield, is a
wealthv farmer and influential citizen of that town.
He was born Oct. i, 1853, and belongs to a family
reckoned among the earliest and most respected in
Wethersfield. A genealogical history of the Warner
family may be found elsewhere, but it is worth
while to trace Mr. Warner's ancestry back for a
few generations, in the present connection, with a
1354
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
view of afforiling the reader a partial view of his
family connections. His great-grandfather, John
Warner, Sr., and grandfather, John Warner, Jr.,
were also natives of W'etherstield, and lived on the
farm now occupied by our subject's brother, John
C. Warner.
Horace Warner, father of William H., was born
in Wethersfield, and there grew to manhootl. His
education was of a practical rather than a theoreti-
cal character, and was of a sort well calculated to
lay a solid foundation for a successful business ca-
reer. He was a large grower of produce — par-
ticularly onions — which he shipped to New York
and other markets, earning a moderate, though sat-
isfactory, profit. He was broad-minded on all ques-
tions, and a man of sincere convictions. Politically
he was a Democrat, although not a "hide-bound"
partisan. His religious opinions were liberal. His
life was blameless, and in the community in which
he lived, and where his daily walk was as an open
book, his character for probity was never ques-
tioned, while his amiabilitv and generosity made for
him many friends. He died Aug. i6. 1883, in the
enjoyment of tlie undisguised respect of the towns-
people of Wethersfield.
In January, 1840, Mr. \\arner married Abigail
H. Hills, whose father w^as a deacon in the Congre-
gational Church of Buckingham. Hartford county.
She died Nov. 4, 1878. a communicant of the Episco-
pal Church : her remains rest in Cedar Hill cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. \\'arner were the parents of five sons
and two datighters, of whom two sons, born ?klarch
16, 1841, and Feb. 4, 1848, respectively, died in in-
fancy. Those who reached .maturit}^ were : Ellen
Maria, born June 15, 1842, married Josiah G. Adams
Dec. 30, 1863 : John Chester was born July 10, 1845 J
Rosalie Rebecca, born June 14, 1849, died Sept. i,
1871 ; Frederick ^^'alton was born April 4, 1851 ;
and William H. was born Oct. i, 1853.
William H. Warner was educated in the district
schools, at W'ethersfield Academy, and at Cheshire
College, an Episcopal educational institution. At
the age of nineteen, inspired by a desire to see more
of the world, and in the hope of finding better for-
tune than seemed to be offered by his native to\vn,
he went ^^'est. He first found employment in In-
dianapolis, with Pettis, Ives & Co., and also went to
St. Louis, where he worked for three years in a
clerical capacity, and later was traveling salesman
.for a Chicago house for the same period. At the
end of this time he returned home and entered the
store of Brown & Thomson, at Hartford, passing
another three years in this employ, when he deter-
mined to abandon mercantile life and become a
farmer. Since forming this resolve he has followed
agriculture, 'in which he has met with well-deserved
success, and in adition to his farm work he has an
agency for the sale of agricultural implements. He
is enterprising and progressive, and thoroughly well
informed on all important topics of the day ; an in-
dependent thinker, yet not self-opinionated. In his
private business his sense of honor is high, and as
a citizen he is always ready to bear his full share of
public burdens. That he is held in high esteem is
shown by the fact that in 1896 he was elected a
selectman, and has held the otifice ever since, through
re-election. He and his wife are members of the
Grange, in whose prosperity he takes a lively inter-
est, and in which he holds the office of overseer.
Politically he is a Democrat. Plis religious faith
is that which he learned from his mother in child-
hood ; he is a vestryman in the Episcopal Church,
and a liberal contributor to its support and work.
On Aug. 12, 1884, Mr. W^arner was married to
Miss Rose Chapman, a daughter of Frederick Tal-
cott and Elizabeth Hale (Gilbert) Chapman, of
Wethersfield, antl two children have been born to
tiicm : Elizabeth Hale Clia])man (at present a pupil
in the high school) and Abigail Rose.
OLIX LYMAX WETHERELL. A wide-
awake and enterprising business man, and a skilled
meclianic, the subject uf this sketch has become one
of the successful citizens of Newington. A native
of that town, he was born on Cedar street, July 4,
1845, ^"d is a son of Lyman and Prudence (Mor-
gan ) Wetherell, natives of Glastonbury and Weth-
ersfield. Hartford Co., Conn., respectively. The
jiaternal grandi)arents, Marcus and Rohama (Bid-
well j Wetherell, were residents of Glastonbury, and
their remains are interred at that place. As a life
occupation the father and grandfather both followed
blacksmithing, the former conducting a shop where
our subject is now engaged in the same business.
There Lyman Wetherell died in 1890, aged seventy-
two years, and his w^ife passed away at Elmwood
in i8y8, aged eighty-one; both were laid to rest in
Xewington cemetery.
Olin L. Wetherell obtained his literary education
in the public schools of Newington, and at the early
age of nine years commenced learning the black-
smith's trade in his father's shop, his first work
being pointing nails. Leaving home at the age of
twenty-two years, he went to I'roy. X. Y., where for
ten years he was employed as a tool sharpener and
stone cutter in the monumental works of W. H. &
L. L. Dyer. The following four years he devoted
to stone cutting for a Mr. Manson, in Albany, N.
Y., and for six months was engaged in the same
business in Saratoga, and later in Stony Creek for
the same length of time. Returning to Albany, he
resumed work with his former employer, with whom
he remained a year, at the end of that time coming
to Newington, where he assisted his father until the
latter's death. He then took charge of the shop,
and has since conducted the same with marked suc-
cess, winning a liberal patronage by fair and hon-
orable dealing and first-class work.
In 1869 Mr. Wetherell married Miss Lillie
Richards, datighter of Francis G. and Priscilla (Re-
nough) Richards, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and they have
one daughter, Augusta, who was born ]May 4, 1882,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
135&
and is now attending school in Newington. Socially
Mr.Wetherell is a member of Wyllys Lodge, No. 99,
F. & A. i\I., of West Hartford ; Uur Brothers Lodge,
No. 41, Sr. O. U. A. M., of Newington; and the
Colony of Pilgrim Fathers, No. 45, of Newington.
He is one of the most prominent representatives of
the Republican party in his community, and is now
serving as chairman of the Republican executive
committee of Newington. Through his able man-
agement the party has come off victorious at all re-
cent elections with the exception of that of 1897,
when there was a split in the party ranks. Our
subject has capably filled the positions of constable
and grand juror, and a trust reposed in him has
never been misplaced.
JOHN COLLINS, a leading grocer of Plants-
ville, is a self-made man who, without pecuniary
advantages at the commencement of life, battled
earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable
courage and integrity has achieved success. By
sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked
his way upward.
]\Ir. Collins was born in County Kerry, Ireland,
Dec. 23, 1844, ^ son of John and Jane (McCarthy)
Collins, who came to America in 1849, and located
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. There our subject
was educated in the common schools, and there he
remained until fifteen years of age. In 1859 he be-
came a resident of Plantsville, Hartford Co., Conn ,
where he was employed in the bolt shop of the
Plant Manufacturing Co. until 1863, and then
worked as a molder for the Peck, Smith & Wilcox
Co., until 1868. In the latter year he embarked in
the grocery business, to which he has since devoted
his time and attention with most gratifying results.
He is now the oldest merchant, in years of continu-
ous business, in Plantsville. He erected his pres-
ent block in 1870, and has the best appointed store
in the place.
In November, 1872, Mr. Collins married Miss
Hannah Carmody, a daughter of John and Plannah-
Carmody, of Plantsville, and to them were born
two daughters, Maggie and Annie. Mr. Collins
is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is unswerving
in his allegiance to the Democratic party, and has
most efficiently served as a member of the board of
assessors four vears, and as a member of the board of
burgesses for the same length of time.
RANSOM W'RISLEY. There are few people
in the vicinity of Glastonbury who do not know
Capt. Ransom Wrisley, there are none who know
him who are not warm in their expressions of
friendliness and regard. He is a successful farmer
and in earlier life followed the sea. One of his
m.emorable experiences was the spectacle of the
history-making fight between the "Monitor" and
the "Merrimac." Capt. Wrisley was at Hampton
Roads, sailing his schooner, the "Marietta Smith,"
and is one of the few surviving eye witnesses of
that terrific and momentous battle of the first iron-
clads.
The Wrisley family is an old one in the annals
of Connecticut, and George Wrisley, the grand-
father of Capt. Ransom Wrisky, was familiarly
known as "'Uncle George Wrisley," and was one
of the most prominent men of his time; he erected
the house at Glastonbury now occupied by our
subject. He was a lifelong farmer, thrifty and
prosperous, and at one time owned land three miles
in length, extending from Glastonbury to Wethers-
field. He reared a large family. His remains rest
in the old cemetery at Glastonbury.
George Smith Wrisley, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in the home now occupied by hia
son. He received the common schooling which the
times afforded, and early in life applied himself
to farming, a .vocation which he followed all his
years. For some time prior to his death, in 1859,
he was an invalid. He married Miss Sarah Keeney,
who was born and reared on Keeney street, Glaston-
bury, one of the four daughters of Ashbel Keeney,
a farmer, the others being Mrs. Daniel Winslow,
Mrs. David King and Mrs. Giles House. To
George Smith and Sarah Wrisley were born three
children — Winthrop, Ann and Ransom. Winthrop
became a sailor, in early life sailing a boat between
Portland quarries and various ports along the
coast, and later in life sailing on the Great Lakes ;
his first wife was Emma House, and after her death
he married a lady from Michigan. Ann married
P. L. Phelps, and lived in Glastonbury.
Ransom Wrisley was born in July, 183 1, in the
house which he now occupies. He received a fair
education in his boyhood years, but early mani-
fested a liking for the water, and was first em-
ployed by Samuel Colt in boating stone, which
was used in the construction of the factory. He was
a favorite employe of the famous manufacturer who
often referred to Mr. Wrisley as "My Captain."
Later Capt. Wrisley purchased a vessel, and was
engaged in carrying government stones to the
South during the Civil war, and he would stop at
various ports and take on a cargo of coal. Mrs.
Wrisley frequently accompanied her husband on
these coastwise voyages. They often sailed the
Potomac when that river was crowded with vessels,
and it was while thus engaged that Capt. AVrisley
put into Hampton Roads one day with his schooner
"Marietta Smith," and witnessed the thrilling naval
engagement between the little "Monitor" and the
formidable "Merrimac." Later he ran the schooner
"L. Benedict." After the war Capt. Wrisley
gave up sailing and returned to the home farm,
which he has since occupied.
Capt. Wrisley married Miss Elizabeth Smith,
who was born Nov. 14, 1833, daughter of Shubael
and Mary (Wrisley) Smith, and was one of a
family of eleven children. To our subject and wife
have been born no children, but they have given a
1356
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
home to several, among them Mary E. Dunnel,
adopted by our subject when slie was a girl of five
years, and who is now the wife of William Afflick,
of Glastonbury. In politics Capt. Wrisley is Ci
Democrat, but he has never sought office. He is
prominent in the fraternal orders of Glastonbury
and has been a ^lason for forty-two years, being
one of the oldest in the town, a member of Daskam
Lodge, No. 86. He is also a charter member of
the I. O. O. F. lodge at Glastonbury, and a mem-
ber of Monitor Council, No. 6i, O. U. A. M. Mrs.
\\'risley is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Capt. Wrisley has a wide circle of friends ami ac-
quaintances, is a successful farmer, and by his
popular characteristics wields a wide influence for
good throughout the community.
FREDERICK ALBERT BIDVVELL.a success-
ful agriculturist of Canton, has been prominently
identified with public affairs in that town for
many years, and is now holding the office of select-
man. He belongs to an old and well-known. fam-
ily, being a ilcscendant t)f John I'.idwell, a pioneer
settler in Hartford.
Thomas Bidwell, the first of the name to locate
in Canton, was born in Windsor in 1701, son of
John Bidwell. About 1740 he removed to what is
now the town of Canton and engaged in farming,
and his death occurred there in 1746, his remains
being interred in Town Hill cemetery, at Xew
Hartford. He married Ruhama Pinney, and had
four children: .Vbigail. born in 1734, married
Thomas Cone, and died in 1810; Ruhannah Cor
Hannah) married James Cornish, and died in 1814;
Thomas is mentioned below : and Prudence mar-
ried Aaron Pinney. ]\Irs. Bidwell survived her hus-
band, and afterward married Ephraim Wilcox, bv
whom she had five children : Philander, Martin,
Asa, Jehiel, and Chloe (who married Elijah Hum-
phrey).
Thomas Bidwell (2), son of Thomas, was born
in 1738, and was but two years old when the fam-
ily located iii Canton, where he resided at the
homestead throughout life, making farming his oc-
cupation. He died in 1802, and his wife, Esther
Orton, who was born in 1737, died in 1823, in her
eighty-seventh year. Of their six children, the eld-
est, Jehiel. born in 1760, was taken prisoner at
Fort Washington in November, 1776, and died in
1777, from the effects of the hardships endured;
Riverius, born in 1762, died in 1822, and his wife,
Phebe Roberts, died in 1837; Thomas is next in the
line of descent : Norman, born in 1768, married
Falla Hills, and died in 1849; Lois, born in 1773,
married Dr. Abram Peet, and died in 1828; Jasper,
born in 177s. married Lucv Richards, and died in
1848.
Thomas Bidwell (3), son of Thomas (2), was
born in 1764 in Canton, where he engaged in
farming all his life, and was highly esteemed as
a citizen. He attained the ripe old age of eighty-
three _\'ears, and his death occurred in 1848. His
wife, Lavinia Humphrey, who was born in 1765,
and died about the same time as her husband, was a
daughter of Oliver and Sarah (Garrett) Humphrey.
Her father was the first magistrate in West Sims-
bur\-, and was a son of Jonathan, grandson of
Sanuiel, and great-grandson of Michael Humphrey,
a pioneer of Simsbury. The following children
were born of this marriage : Thomas is mentioned
below: Lucien married (first) Emily Graham,
daughter of Freeman Graham, and later wedded
Hannali Graham, a half-sister of his first wife;
Harriet married Aaron Lyon: Flora married Lu-
ther lligly: and Sarah M. was the second wife of
Luther Higly.
Thomas Bidwell (4), our subject's grandfa-
ther, was born in 1792, and became a well-known
farmer and stock raiser of Canton. He was indus-
trious and honest, and his life was based upon
Christian principles. He married Dencey Case,
daughter of ( )zias and Mary (Hill) Case, and they
had three children : h'ranklin A., who married
Lucia Ann Dyer, daughter of Zenas Dyer, of Can-
ton ; Mary, who married Theron Merrill, son of
Isaac Merrill ; and .Mljert Frederick, father of our
subject.
.■\lbert ]■'. r.idwell was born in Canton Jan. 5,
1 81 8, and was educated in the schools of that town.
As he was quite young when his father died he was
reared by his grandfather and his uncle, Jasper
Bidwell, and in early manhood settled upon our sub-
ject's present homestead in Canton Center, where he
engaged in general farming, tobacco growing, stock
raising and dairying. He was industrious and en-
terprising, mak'ing many improvements upon the
place, and his home and the comfort and welfare
of his family were his chief interests. He neglected
no dutv as a citizen, and was a leading Republican,
serving as selectman and in various other offices.
For many years he was a prominent member of the
Congregational Church. His death occurred Nov.
4, 1873. his remains being interred at Canton Cen-
ter. He was married, ilarch 20, 1845, to Hen-
rietta R. Pike, a native of New Marlboro, Mass.,
and a daughter of Hiram and Olive (Rood) Pike.
Of their five children: (i) Mary E., born June
8, 1847, died Nov. 27, i8b7; (2) Hiram P., born
Jan. 31, 1849. married Gertrude Burr, of Bloom-
field, and died June i, i8q2, leaving two children,
Edna G. and Frederick H. : (3) Frederick A. is
mentioned more fullv below; (4) George E., born
Dec. 21,1858, is a prominent farmer of East Granby :
(5) Thomas S., born March 29, 1861, a well-known
citizen of Canton Center, operates the farm of
Deacon Warren C. Humphrey. On Nov. 15, 1888,
he married Harriet Seville Hinman, who was born
in Canton, daughter of Julius Hinman, and they have
had three children — Clara Louise, born Dec. 6,1889 •
Burton Thomas, born Aug. 26, 1891 ; and Leland
j Hinm-an, born Aug. 14, 1895. The mother of our
I subject was married a second time, in 1874, to Dea-
'^. 6L.^U^:}6u^^^^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
135i
con Warren C. Humphrey, who died Feb. 6, 1896,
and whose sketch appears elsewhere.
Our subject was born in Canton Center Dec.
16, 1850, and was educated in the district schools
of the town and at Wilbraham Academy, Wilbra-
ham, Mass. He has been engaged in farming on
the homestead, of which he took charge after his
father's death, the farm containing 136 acres, and
carries on general farming in connection with
dairying, stock raising and tobacco growing. He
is one of the leading Republicans of the town, and
in 1889 was a member of the State Legislature ; has
also served three years as assessor, and is now serv-
ing his eleventh year as selectman. In religious
faith he is a Methodist, and has been steward of
the church and superintendent of the Stmday-
school. Socially he is a member of Village Lodge,
No. 29, F. & A. M., and Cawasa Grange, in which
latter he held the rank of master for four years.
On Nov. 19, 1874, Mr. Bidwell was married, in
Canton, to Miss Sadie M. North, who was born in
Berlin, daughter of John and Abigail M. (Austin)
North, and granddaughter of John and Harriet
North, of Berlin, of whom further mention is made
elsewhere. Four children have blessed the union :
Mary; Albert Frederick, who completed the course
of study in the local schools and spent two )r.ears at
Storr's Agricultural College ; and Sarah and Isa-
belle, now attending the public schools of Canton
Center.
WALLACE G. WRISLEY is one of the push-
ing and energetic business men of Windsor, carry-
ing on operations as a farmer and dealer in coal,
lumber, ice, brick and woods, and also does a gen-
eral trucking business. He was born in Windsor
in January, 1849, the eldest in a family of si.x chil-
dren, four sons and two daughters, born to Walter
and Elizabeth (Gates) Wrisley, natives of Glaston-
bury and West Hartford, Conn., respectively. For
years they made their home in Windsor, where
both died, the father at the age of sixty-five, the
mother at the age of fifty-four years, and they were
buried there.
At the tender age of eight years Wallace G.
Wrisley began to work away from home, and has
since been dependent upon his own resources for
a livelihood. His lot was that which falls to a poor
boy, and while attending the Stony Hill district
school in winter he did chores for his board. When
a lad he worked for Deacon Paine, and later for
William Mills for several j'ears. Subsequently he
was a student at Windsor Academy under Prof.
Standish for a time, but his educational advantages
were meager. At the age of fifteen he was well
developed, and able to do a big day's work. Wlien
sixteen he practically had charge of the farm work
for J\Ir. Mills, and showed good executive ability
and sound judgment in its management. After
the death of his employer he remained upon his
farm for a short time, and at the age of eighteen
returned to his father's home. Together he and
his father embarked in the wood business — reduc-
ing timber into fire wood, and selling the same by
the cord. On attaining his majority he had a cap-
ital of $250, saved from his earnings. For some
years he carried on the wood business exclusively,
but later became interested in brick-making and
bought land as his means permitted. From time to
time he has increased his landed possessions, so
that his present propertj' represents several pur-
chases. For over twenty years he has been engaged
in cutting and storing ice, as well as in the sale of
same, carrying on this in connection with his farm-
ing and lumber operations, and in 1894 he estab-
lished his present prosperous coal business, being
now one of the most extensive coal dealers in Wind-
sor. He has made his home in AVindsor Center since
the spring of 1874.
Mr. Wrisley was united in marriage with j\Iiss
Lecta Mack, who was born in Windsor Jan. 24,
1850, a daughter of George A. and Eliza M. (Rey-
nolds) Mack. Her mother died Feb. i, 1852. Her
father was station agent at Windsor for many years,
and one of its well-known and honored citizens.
His parents were William and Charlotte (Allen)
Mack, the former born in 1783, a son of Andrew
and Sally (Pease) Mack. Andrew Mack was one
of the Hessian soldiers in the Revolutionary war,
was captured at Ticonderoga, imprisoned at New-
gate Prison, and joined the Federal army when
released. Charlotte (Allen) Mack, the grandmother
of Mrs. Wrisley, was a relative of Ethan Allen, of
Revolutionary fame. To our subject and his wife
have been born the following children: Mack A.,
Walter B., Annie, George F., Lizzie, Wallace G..
Joseph and Lillian, all living with the exception of
Wallace G.
As a Republican Mr. Wrisley takes an active in-
terest in political aflfairs, has served his fellow citi-
zens as constable and deputy sheriff, and for years
was a member of the jury list. He is a charter mem-
ber of the O. U. A. M. at Windsor, and he and
his family attend the Congregational Church, to
which they are liberal contributors. Integrity, ac-
tivity and energy have been the crowning points of
his success in life, and his connection with various
business enterpi'ises and industries has been a de-
cided advantage to Windsor, promoting its ma-
terial welfare in no uncertain manner.
SAMUEL J. MILLS, a highly respected agri-
culturist of Bloomfield, is a native of the town, and
was born July 16, 1833. His father, Ammi Mills,
was a son of Elihu Mills, an extensive farmer, and
was also a native of this tdwn, born in t8oo. Ammi
Mills married Miss Rebecca Loomis, daughter of
Jacob Loomis, and they became the parents of nine
children, four of whom reached the years of ma-
turity, viz.: Susan R. (who died in 1846), Samuel
J., Anson A. and Gustavus D. The other children
died in childhood. The father of this family died in
March, 1848, a member of the Congregational
1358
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Church, and the mother in 1854, in the same
faith.
Samuel J. Mills was preliminarily educated in
the district school of llloomfield, and subsequently
attended the Suffield institute and the high school at
Hotchkissville, in the town of Woodbury, but at the
€arlv age of eighteen years the management of the
hom'e farn; was thrust upon him, and this has been
his care up to the present time.
Un Nov. 8, 1854, Mr. Mills was united in mar-
riage with Miss Antoinette \'. Whilmore, and this
felicitous union has been blessed with two children —
Hattie Virginia and William J.— the latter of the
firm of Basse, Mills & Co., of Holyoke, Mass. Mr.
Mills is a Democrat in politics, but is very popular
with all parties, and at one time was the candidate
for selectman on both the Democratic and Repub-
hcan tickets. He served as first selectman of the
town in 1862, 1863 and 1868, and for eight years was
town treasurer. Fraternally he is past master of
Hiram Lodge, No. 98, F. & A. M., at Bloomfield.
and is also a member of Pythagoras Chapter, of
the same order, at Hartford.
WALDO ERASTUS GILBERT, who for
nearly thirty years has been a valued and trusted
■employe of the P. & F. Corbin Manufacturing Co.,
of New Britain, fifteen years of which period he
has been foreman of their packing department, is
a native of the town, and in it, with little excep-
tion, his life has been passed.
Born Jan. 21, 1856, Mr. Gilbert is a son of
Moses Gilbert, and a grandson of Moses Gilbert,
both natives of Berlin. The grandfather in his
earlier life followed an occupation at the time en-
gaging the attention of many New Englanders —
that of peddling clocks through the South. He
Avas in the business for a time on his own account,
and had perhaps a dozen or more men selling for
him. Later he carried on farming in the town of
Berlin. His son Moses, our subject's father, in
his early life was a sea-faring man, but later was
occupied as a general painter. He married Lucilla
J., daughter of Jefferson Steele, and a native of
Berlin. During the Civil war Moses Gilbert per-
formed honorable service in defense of the L'nion
as a member of the 14th Conn. V. L
Our subject's boyhood was passed in the towns
of New Britain and Berlin, his father having re-
moved to Berlin when the son was six years of age,
and returned to New Britain some five or six years
later. Young Gilbert received his education in the
common schools of those towns, attending in Berlin
the old No. 6 district school, in Christian Lane, in
the neighborhood of the old Gilbert homestead.
From the age of twelve to fifteen, while living in
New Britain, young Gilbert underwent an opera-
tion on his limbs which necessitated his confine-
ment to the house for quite a period, and he was
thereby deprived of attendance at school. When
he was about fifteen his parents again moved to
Berlin, where for a time the son again was in
schcKjl. In 1872 he entered the employ of the lock
department of the P. & F. Corbin ^Manufacturing
Co., at New Britain, there beginning a career with
a small industry with which he has grown up, and
assisted materially in the development, though only
an employe, by his fidelity to duty in the care of his
daily performance of every trust assigned to his
charge during a ]>eriod of nearly a third of a cen-
tury. During this time he has been an eye witness
to the great cliaiige wrought by the activity, in-
dustry and ability of the men who have been at
the head of an enterprise which, from a small be-
ginning, has become a great manufactory, the largest
of its kind in the Lhiited States, where are em-
ployed nearly 2,000 hands. After eighteen months'
service with this company our subject left it, and
for six months was employed at the Russell & Er-
win factory. Returning to his former employers, he
accepted a position in their packing department,
and as packer ix'rformed service from 1874 to 1885,
when, owing to faithfulness and ability, he was re-
warded by promotion to the position of foreman of
the packing department of the concern, a position
he has since etiliciently filled. In 1897 Mr. Gilbert
purchased pro])erty on Dwight street, in New Brit-
ain, and on the ground built a business block and
nice home. F~or a time he was here engaged in the
grocery business, which was mainly in charge of his
family, as he himself retained his position in the
Corbin factory, but he sold the business after a
year and a half. In his political views our subject
is a stanch Republican, and from boyhood has been
interested and active in politics. He served on the
school committee in Berlin, and also as a justice of
the peace. Socially he is prominent, being a mem-
ber of Lexington Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F., at
New Britain; and of St. Elmo Lodge, No. 21, K.
of P., at the same place, in which he has served as
past chancellor, also three times representing his
lodge at the grand lodge. New Haven. He is a
member of other orders, in which he takes a great
interest, giving of both his time and money to their
support. For five j'ears he was a member of Com-
pany D, 1st Regiment, Conn. N. G., and when hon-
orably discharged he was serving as quartermaster-
sergeant of his company. He contributed an article
on the company which was published in the Neiv
Britain Daily Nezvs May 20, 1899, and was widely
read and favorably commented on. His religious
connections are with the Congregational Church.
On Dec. 23, 1876, Mr. Gilbert was married to
Delia C. Coyne, and to this marriage have come
children as follows : Harry Waldo, Lillie A., Lucilia
Ruth, and Ethel (now deceased).
DEXTER FULLER REMINGTON, the lead-
ing agriculturist and tobacco grower of Suffield,
Hartford county, was born July 7, 1845, on the
farm on which he still resides, known as the Fuller
farm.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1359
Thomas Remington, his father, was born at
Hastings Hill, this county, and when still )-oung
was taken to the Fuller farm, where he grew 1o
manhood, and passed his remaining years in the
cultivation of his 300-acre tract. He married Mary
Fuller, daughter of John and Mary (Remington)
Fuller, and to this union were born two children :
Jane M., who was married to H. K. Ford ; and Dex-
ter F., whose name opens this sketch. Thomas
Remington was called from earth Aug. 12, 1872,
and his wife died Feb. 9, 1887; no more honored
couple ever lived in Suffield.
Dexter F. Remington was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Suffield, the select schools of Spring-
field, Mass., and the Connecticut Literary Institute,
Sufifield. He remained on the home farm until
twenty years of age, and then located in Spring-
lield, where he engaged in the grain trade with his
cousin, Frank Remington. A year later he re-
turned to the homestead, where he has remained
ever since, devoting his attention chiefly to the cul-
tivation of tobacco, in connection with general farm-
ing, dairying, stock raising and dealing, his farm
retaining its original dimensions of 300 acres.
Mr. Remington was married, in Springfield,
Sept. 23, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Parker, who was
born at Warehouse Point, Conn., was educated at
the high school of Springfield, Mass., and is a lady
of more than ordinary culture. She is a daughter
of Marshall P. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Parker,
natives of Vermont, the former of whom was one
of the most eminent citizens of Springfield, where
he died in 1898. His father, Iric Parker, was a
soldier of the war of 1,812, and the father of Iric
was a hero of the war of the Revolution.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Remington have
been born four children: (i) George D., who was
educated in the district schools of Sufifield, Wilbra-
ham Academy, and the Business College of Hart-
ford, is now farming on the old homestead; he
married Margaret Crawford, a native of Scotland,
and they have one child, Marion. (2) Thomas R.
was also a student in the Suffield Literary Institute,
and is also on the old homestead. (3) Mildred
E., a student of the same Institute, is a young lady
of refined character and genial disposition. (4)
Edith Cooper, the youngest of the family, is still
at school. .
Mr. Remington and his sons are Republicans
in politics. He is a member of the O. U. A. M.
at Suffield, and he and his family attend the Baptist
Church. No family in Sufifield stand higher in the
esteem of the community, and no more useful and
progressive man resides in Sufifield than Dexter
Fuller Remington.
ARTHUR HUMISTON MERRIMAN, who
is prominently identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Southington, was born in that town April
S, 1866.
Our subject is a worthy representative of an hon-
ored old Connecticut family, which was founded in
this country by Nathaniel Merriman, who was born
in England about 1614, and was one of the pioneers
of New Haven, where he located as early as 1639.
In October, 1665, he was confirmed sergeant of the
New Haven train-band by the General Court. In
1672 he removed to Wallingford, where he was
confirmed lieutenant of the train-band; on Nov. i,
1675, was appointed captain of the Troop of Dra-
goons raised in New Haven county, and in 1691-92
was by vote continued in that office. He signed the
Plantation Covenant at New Haven in 1639, and
in 1673 was on a committee to fix the boundary
lines between Wallingford and other towns. He
served as deputy to the General Court from Walling-
ford, and died there Feb. 13, 1694, at the age of
eighty years. His son, John Merriman, was born
in New Haven in February, 1659, and was married,
March 28, 1683, to Hannah Lines, of that city.
Their son. Rev. John Merriman, was born Oct. 16,
1 69 1, and was married, Feb. 24, 1726, to Jemima
Wilcox. He was a Baptist minister, and was among
the first to join that denomination in Wallingford,
in 1729. In 1738 he became pastor of the Baptist
Church of that place, in 1750 resigning and retir-
ing to the southwestern part of Southington, where
he died Feb. 17, 1784. His son, John Merriman,
was born in Wallingford Sept. 12, 1728, and died
in Southington April 13, 1801. The latter was the
father of Caleb Merriman, great-grandfather of our
subject, who was born June 8, 1768, and was mar-
ried, June I, 1801, to Elizabeth, daughter of Eb-
enezer Allen, of Middletown, Conn. He lived on
the West mountain road. The grandfather, Eb-
enezer Merriman, a lifelong resident of Southing-
ton, was born March 19, 1807, and was married,
April 12, 1835, to Eliza Hall, a daughter of Sylves-
ter Hall, of East Haddam. He was for many years
employed in the shops of Plantsville.
John B. Merriman, our subject's father, was born
in Plantsville June 16, 1836, and spent his entire
life in Southington, being for many years an em-
ploye of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. He died
in the spring of 1899, at the age of sixty-three
years. On April 9, 1862, he married Philinda
Humiston, daughter of John Humiston, a native of
Rutland, Vt., who spent most of his life on the
farm now occupied by our subject, and died there.
To John B. Merriman and wife were born five chil-
dren, four of whom reached years of maturity:
Arthur H., our subject; Nettie, wife of Elbert At-
wood ; Ella ; and Joseph.
Our subject was reared on the old Humiston
homestead, where nearly all" his life has been passed,
and where he is now successfully engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits and the manufacture of cider. In
June, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss
Carrie Andrews, daughter of Elmer and Caroline
E. (Sizer) Andrews, of Wolcott, and to them have
been born three children : Edson A., Irving H. and
Warren E. Mr. Merriman afifiliates with the Inde-
1360
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and casts his ballot
for the men and measures of the Republican part}-.
He is an enterprising and public-spirited citizen,
takes a deep interest in the public welfare, and does
all in his power to advance the interests of his town
and county.
GEORGE F. DAY is one of the prominent citi-
zens of the town of Alanchester, where he success-
fully conducts a general store, besides being in-
terested in other lines of trade, to which more
particular reference will be made in a succeeding
paragraph. He is one of the town's oldest and
most successful merchants. Mr. Day was born
upon a farm in Franklin county, Mass., Sept. 9,
1839, and comes of a long-lived, stalwart ancestry,
his father reaching the age of ninety, and his grand-
father dying at ninety-seven, while neither ever
found it necessary to consult a ])hysician.
George F. Day attended the common schools of
his home district, and later the academy at Deer-
field, and at the age of fourteen began the study
of telegraphy. His aptitude and application were
such that when but fifteen years old he was given,
a position as operator and placed in charge of a
railway station office. After nine months' ex-
perience he was obliged, through failing eyesight,
to abandon the work and seek a new source of live-
lihood. He thereupon learned the moulder's and
painter's trades, which he followed for some time,
and in 1874 he came to Alanchester, Conn., and
opened a general store, in partnership with J. W.
Hall, the firm continuing for twenty years, when
Air. Day purchased his partner's interest therein,
and has since conducted the business alone. Be-
sides carrying a large assorted stock of general
merchandise he also deals extensively in hay, grain
and feed, as well as in wagons and buggies, and.
in addition, conducts a well-equipped and flourish-
ing livery stable. In the conduct of these large busi-
ness interests his energy, no less than the iron con-
stitution which has come down to him through two
generations, stand him in good stead. Xo detail
escapes his personal notice, and he devotes to busi-
ness cares an average of seventeen hours daih- — a
record which, it is safe to say, cannot be equaled in
the county, if in the State.
Air. Day is a Republican in politics ; sociallv he
is a member of the Alasonic Fraternity, and the
Knights of Honor. He was married, in 1876, to
A'Irs. Henry T. Lawrence, who has Ixjrne him two
children : Oliver, and one that died in infancy.
HON. L. R. LORD, the efficient and popular
postmaster at Poquonock, is a representative of the
best type of American citizenship. As a business
man his ability is well known, as he has made his
own way to success, while his honorable record as
a soldier in the L^nion army fully demonstrates his
patriotism and manly courage. For many years he
has served ably in official positions, including that
of member of the Connecticut Legislature, and his
popularity is shown by the fact that he has held
the office of postmaster in the village during every
Republican administration since 1882. The key-
note of his career may be said to have been devo-
tion to duty from the time when, as a poor boy,
lie assisted his parents with his scanty earnings, to
the present day, in which, as a prosjierous and re-
spected citizen, he uses his wealth and influence to
advance the best interests of his community.
Air. Lord was born at Poquonock Jan. 28, 1835,
and is a descendant of an old and highly respected
tamily, his ancestors having been engaged in farm-
ing in this section for several generations. He is
a grandson of Gabus E. Lord, and son of Constant
S. Lord. Our suliject's father married Elizabeth
I\ye, and settled upon a farm in East Windsor,
but the last eleven years of his life were passed at
the home of our subject, where he died at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-three years. He and his wife
had a family of nine children, five sons and four
daughters, our subject being fourth in the order of
birth. Of the sons only two others are now liv-
ing: Samuel L., a resident of California; and
Harlow A., a resident of Hartford, Conn. The
other two met their death as soldiers in the Ciyii
war, Andrew J. being killed at Atlanta, while serv-
ing in Company A, 20th Conn. V. I., and Orton L.
at Antietam, while a member of Company A, 8th
Conn. V. I.
Owing to the limited circumstances of his par-
ents Air. Lord had but meager educational ad-
vantages in youth, and at the age of twelve years
he began working in Ellington for his board, re-
maining a year and a half. After a short interval
he found employment on a farm at $8 per month,
his wages being given to his parents, and when
seventeen he entered a machine shop at Alanches-
ter, with the intention of learning the trade. One
winter's work sufficed to show him that the busi-
ness was not congenial, and in the spring he be-
gan to peddle tinware, making a trip to western
New York and back. An attack of typhoid fever
in the fall kept him at home for some time, and
he then secured work in a gristmill in East Wind-
sor, where he continued until his enlistment, in
August. 1862, in Company G, 25th Conn. V. I.
He served a little over a year, being honorably
discharged In September, 1863, and during this
time was always fit for duty, participating in all
the marches and engagements of his regiment. On
his return he rented the Osborne mill, in East
^^'indsor. but his health failing after several years
he was obliged to give up that line of work. In
1872 he bought from C. R. Hatheway, now de-
ceased, the mercantile business at Poquonock, which
he has since conducted, the firm being at first
Moshier & Lord. In 1878 Allr. Aloshier retired,
and for three years the firm was known as Lord
& Co., later becoming Lord & Tourtellotte, and
on the death of the junior partner Air. Lord's son
Nelson R. entered the firm, which has since con-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1361
tinned as Lord & Son. In addition to his mercantile
business Mr. Lord gives close attention to the
management of his homestead, a fine estate near
Poquonock, and an orchard of 1,500 peach trees,
set out by him, is his special pride. Politically he
has been identified with the Republican party since
its organization, his first vote having been cast for
John C. Fremont, and at various times he has held
oifices of responsibility and trust. For some years he
was on the school committee of East Windsor, serv-
ing as treasurer of the district, and for more than
twenty years he has been treasurer of the "night
school district" in Pocjuonock. Li 1881-82 he rep-
resented the town of Windsor in the State Legis-
lature, and in the latter year received appointment
to his position of }x>stmaster at Poquonock.
Mr. Lord's first wife was Miss Ellen M. Bar-
ber, daughter of Henry Barber, a well-known resi-
dent of East Windsor. She died June 14, 1882,
and he subsequently married Miss Frances H. Car-
ter, of Hartford, daughter of Francis B. Carter, a
prominent citizen of that place. By the first mar-
riage there were two sons : Nelson R., of the firm
of Lord & Son ; and Clinton, who> is at home. - To
the second union have been born three children :
L. Roland, Genevieve and Jasper. Mr. Lord and
his wife are popular in social life, and are leading
members of the Congregational Church, in which
he has been treasurer for twenty years, and has
also served some time on the church committee.
His genial disposition and courteous manner have
won him a host of friends, and he is a valued
worker in the Masonic Fraternity and the G. A. R.,
belonging to Converse Post, No. 57, Windsor Locks.
ANDREW B. WEST, a well-known contractor
and builder of Hartford, was born Dec. 15, 1832, in
Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y., and comes of an
old Connecticut family.
Ephraim West, his grandfather, was born in
Tolland, Conn., and passed his life there in agri-
cultural pursuits. He received a good education
for his time, and was especially noted for his skill in
mathematics, being the compiler of an arithmetic.
He was a man of wealth and prominence, holding
various town offices, and enjoyed excellent health
up to the time of his death, at the age of ninety-
four. Upon religious subjects he held verv strict
views, and for many years he was a leading member
of the Congregational Churcli in Tolland. His
wife, Ruth Cobb, a native of Vermont, died Jan. 4,
1838, aged sixty-seven. Their eleven children all
are now deceased.
Bicknell West, our subject's father, was born in
Tolland, and grew to manhood at the old farm,
obtaining a common-school education. He made
his permanent home in Cazenovia, N. Y., where he
purchased a farm, became a higlily respected citi-
zen and an active member of the Congregational
Church. A short time before his death he went to
Wisconsin on a visit, and died there suddenly from
apoplexy, at the age of seventy years. He mar-
ried Catherine Ehle, who was born in Sullivan
count}-, N. Y., of German parentage, her father
following farming there throughout his life. Mrs.
West died at the age of thirty-one years, and of her
five children only three are now living : Andrew B. ,
John P., a resident of Brownton, Minn. ; and Orson,
who resides in Ellington, Connecticut.
Andrew B. West left Cazenovia in boyhood,
going to Tolland in a wagon with his father's fam-
il}-. There he was reared, and attended the com-
mon and high schools, also taking a course in the
Suflield Literary Institute. He then learned the
carpenter's trade, and went to Hartford as a jour-
neyman, later becoming foreman. When the "Al-
lyn Plouse" was built, in 1857, he was foreman, and
after this directed the work and soon went into part-
nership with James A. Foley (later known as Sig-
ner Foli), as contractors and builders. Their busi-
ness constantly increased up to 1861, when his
partner went abroad, and Mr. West has carried it
on successfully since, having at different times
other partners. He is now located at No. ioij^2 Hud-
son street, in the vicinity of the largest contractors
in the city, and is the oldest in that line of business ;
at times he employs over one hundred men. When
he settled in Hartford there were less than 20,000
inhabitants, while the population is now 80,000.
In 1S65 he practicall)' knew every man in the city,
and he now has a large accjuaintance. He has
probably put up more buildings than any other man
in his locality, among them being factories, churches
and a large number of the finest business blocks
and dwellings in the city. He has also built many
structures outside of the city, including three fac-
tories in Waterbury, and Charles Benedict's house,
at Waterbury, costing $55,000, one of the finest in
the State.
In 1855 Mr. West married Miss Mary L. La-
patvgh, a native of Westerlo, Albany Co., N. Y.,
where she received an excellent education. Her fa-
ther, H. W. Lapaugh, was a leading farmer and
prominent citizen of that locality. Mr. and Mrs.
West have had two children : Albert N., an archi-
tect in Boston, who married i^ynda Kelly ; and
Frank H. B., who died aged seventeen. In poli-
tics Mr. West is a Republican, but he has refused
all offices ; he attends the Congregational Church,
with which his family has long been identified.
CHARLES PHELPS HATCH, of Plartford,
well known as a musidan, was born Sept. 25, 1856,
in Le'banon, Connecticut.
Samuel Orville Hatch, his father, was born June
22, 1S09, in Lebanon, Conn. He learned the ma-
chinist's trade, and became a skillful workman, but
as this work did not agree with his health he en-
gaged in farming, utilizing his mechanical skill by
building on his farm a large shop, which he fitted
up with a good set of tools for working- in both
wood and iron ; there he made many of his farm
tools, and did all his own repairing. He was very
enterprising, and followed farming in Franklin and
13d2
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lcbanun with marked success, the sale of five
bushels of "Early Rose" potatoes for $500 having
been one of his notable achievements. He was the
first to manufacture sorghum molasses in any
quantity in this section, anil his sound judgment
was seen in various wise innovations and improve-
ments upon old methods. His hospitable nature
Avon him a host of friends, and he was also noted
for his musical gifts. A\'hile the greater portion
of his life was spent in Lel)anon, his death oc-
curred in South \\indhani. Conn., July 9, 1887,
w hen he was aged sevent\-eight vears. Mr. Hatch
married Hiniice Tenny Armstrong, who was born
in Franklin, Conn., Feb. 27, 1819, and died June 13.
1877. Of their ten children the following are still
living : Eliza ; Henry C, of South Windham ; Hattie,
who married W. C. Backus, of South Windham ;
Adella, wife of Eugene Kinney; Charles 1'., our
subject; Carrie L. ; and Lilly L.
Charles I'helps Hatch passed his early years
amid the healthful environments of farm life, and
he received a good jjractical education in the com-
mon schools of Lebanon. At the age of fifteen
he went to Soutli Windham to enter the employ of
the Adams Nickel I'lating Co.. where his skill and
ability in all business entrusted to him led to his ;
promotion to the post of foreman of a room. This ,
lie held for six years, his salary being raised from |
time to time until he received $3 per day, but as his j
reputation as a musician increased his time was de-
\oted to the work of teaching, and filling orchestra
and band engagements. He was but twelve years
old when he began to play the cornet, taking an
alto part with a band, and after practice under
Prof. Goodspeed he became one of the leading cor-
net players in the latter's organization. Mr. Hatch
has kept a record of all the engagements filled by
him in different bands and orchestras, and the list
is a remarkable one. including engagements in near-
\\' every town in the State. For eleven seasons he
filled an engagement as cornet soloist witli Prof.
JNIiller's orchestra, at Watch Hill, R. L, a popular
summer resort. In February, 1881, he came to
Hartford on trial as a cornet soloist in Colt's Band,
and Atkins & Severn's Orchestra, then under the
famous leader, T. G. Atkins. At the end of the
week the leader notified him that he had completely
filled all expectations, his services being engaged
for the winter. The following season he returned
to Watch Hill, and in the fall began an engage-
ment with the Severn's Orchestra, in Hartford,
which lasted thirteen years. He also taught music
successfully, having probably had more pupils on
the cornet than any other man in the State, and
liis records hold the names of manv who have done
credit to his instruction. His work as leader was
begun with the Weed Band, of Hartford, later
known as the Pope Band, but after three years he
resigned, in January. i8q2. His services were now
immediatelv sought, to instruct a number of bands
throughout the State, among them the Hartford
Citv Band, from which latter he received a yearly
salary of ?i,ooo, probably the largest ever paid a
band leader in this State, During this time oc-
curred his memorable contest with the -Musical
L'nion, in which he carried his ideas of right and
justice to a hartl-won victory, his courage bjing
admired even by his opponents.
In 1893, at the end of his second year as leader
of the Hartford City Band, in consideration of the
esteem in which iSIr. Hatch was held by the public
it was considered advisable, in the interest of the
success of the band, for the organization to deed
the property over to him, that the prestige of his
name could be eni]iloyeil, the band to be known as
Hatch's Military Band. This was done by a
unanimous vote, and the results have shown the
wisdom of the action. Under his leadership, by
hard and persistent work, the band has been pro-
gressive, in evidence of which is the remarkable
fact that at a series of concerts given the first year
at Laurel Park, when 130 selections were played,
no of them. were new and special selections. Mr.
Hatch can uniform thirty-five men and furnish prac-
icallv anv number of instruments, and under his
progressive management the work is constantly
growing in musical force and value. In 1893 he also
organized the I'.eeman & Hatch Orchestra, in which
is associated the very best talent in the city, and
which has become famous and extremely popular
throughctit the State, having engagements nearly
every night in the week. In 1899 they filled 285
engagements, including the greatest receptions in
the State, and in June alone they played forty-five
engagements, among others at the graduating ex-
ercises of the State Normal Schools. Mr. Hatch
furnished twenty-six pieces of the Beeman & Hatch
Orchestra for the Governor's ball in 1899, and re-
ceived the credit of rendering the best music ever
furnished on znx of these memorable events. For
some time ^Ir. Hatch was a pupil of Louis Schrieber,
of New York, who is one of the finest cornetists in
the world, and who toured this country with Ole
Bull as cornet soloist, and for some time was first
trumpeter in Thomas' Orchestra. Our subject has
given his entire attention to his work, keeping ever
on the watch for possible improvements, and he
now has 'one of the largest musical libraries in the
State. Such devotion will command success in any
field of efiort. and for twenty years past the Press
throughout New England has given the highest
praise to his work in different lines.
In addition to his labors in the musical world,
Ivlr. Hatch had a general agency, for New Eng-
land and other States, for a number of popular
and standard subscription books, among which
were Porter's "Historv of the Civil War," "Per-
sonal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant," and James
G. Blaine's "Twenty Years in Congress." For a
time he was also interested in the manufacture of
the first really compact folding music stand on the
niarket, known as Hatch's Patent J\Iusic Stand.
While actively engaged in this business he also
manufactured toys for a while. It is seldom that
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1S63
;such practical business abilit}' is associated with
.tine musical taste, but in J\Ir. Hatch's success may
be seen that potent working of still other factors,
Jiis high character, genial nature and perfect man-
ners winning for him friends and opportunities
wherever he goes. He is a member of Charter
Oak Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F. ; Charter Oak Coun-
col, No. 3, Order of American Mechanics ; the Im-
proved Order of Red Men; and, Putnam Phalanx,
but his evenings are too constantly filled with his
work to pemiit him to attend the meetings. He
is a Republican in politics, and has received the
nomination to various local offices, his popularity
making him a desirable candidate. His musical
beadquarters are at No. 104 Asylum street, and his
residence at No. 18 Windsor avenue, where his wife
presides with gracious hospitality.
Mr. Hatch was married Sept. 14, 1889, to Miss
Mabel L. Swain, who also possesses fine musical
taste, and is in full sympathy with her husband's
labors. She was born in Suffield, Conn., da,ughter
of Reuben James and Annabelle L. (Greene) Swain,
prominent residents of that town, and was one of
five children, of whom three are living : Lena, the
wife of WilMam Kay, of Wallingford, Conn. ; Mrs.
Hatch : and Nettie, who married Louis Cressy, of
Hartford.
EDWARD AVILBUR MERRIMAN, propri-
•etor of the "Ideal Pharmacy,'' and one of the most
popular and progressive citizens of Bristol, is a
native of Connecticut, born Feb. 8, 1856. in Terr);--
ville, town of Plymouth. Litchfield county, and is
-of English, Scottish and French descent.
Joseph Merriman, Jr., his great-grandfather, was
l^orn Nov. 3, 1772, a son of Joseph Merriman, Sr.,
who was drowned at Camps Mills, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., in the year 1776. Joseph, Jr., married Betsey
Swift, who was born June 25, 1772, and their chil-
dren were as follows: Eliza, born May 26, 1797,
died March 26, 1845 ' George, a sketch of whom
follows; Julia, born Aug. 29, 1801, died Nov. 5,
1816; Electa, born June 25. 1803, died Oct. 5, 1862;
Mary, born May 8, 1805, died July 15, 1838; Emily,
born June 7, 1807, died March 6, 1890; Joseph,
born April 8, 1810, lived in Michigan (it is thought
lie is now deceased) ; and James, born April 12,
1815, died July 10, 1857. The father of this family
was a lifelong farmer, for a number of years owning
a farm at Chestnut Hill, and finally moving to one
in the western part of Litchfield county, where he
■died Nov. 15, 1829; his Wife passed away June 11,
1840.
George Merriman, grandfather of Edward W.,
was born Sept. 24, 1799, in Litchfield, Conn., where
he followed farming and carpentry. He died Feb.
19, 1894, a member of the Congregationaf Church
■of ]\lilton. During his active lifetime he put up
no fewer than ninety-nine frame buildings. On
Nov. 30, 1820. he married Mary A. Cables, born
July 19, 1804, in South Farms. Litchfield county,
■who died Oct. 13, 1884. . On Nov. 30, 1870, they
celebrated their Golden Wedding. Their children:
Clarinda Jane, born May 20, 1822; Alanson Hall,
born April 24, 1827; Harriet, born March 21, 1830,
died Aug. 18, 1833; George Elmore, a sketch of
whom follows; Harriet Eliza, born May 8, 1836;
and Eugenia, born Feb. 16, 1843.
Alary A. (Cables) Merriman, wife of George
Merriman, above, was a daughter of William and
Hannah (Treadwell) Cables, of Warren, Conn.,
highly respected farming people, who had fourteen
children, nearl}- all of whom lived to advanced ages,
Mrs. JNIary A. Merriman being the last one in this
numerous family to pass away. Their names and
dates of birth and death are as follows : Wheeler,
Jan. 15, 1788, Aug. 29, i860; Benjamin, April 29,
1789, March 10, 1845; Judson, Aug. 8, 1790, March
12, 1791;, Judson, March 11, 1792, Dec. 30, 1873:
Stephen, Sept. 27, 1793; Nancy, June 12, 1795;
Sally, Feb. 8, 1797, August, 1856; Esther, Aug.
8, 1798, Oct. 14, 1872; William, Nov. 8, 1799, Nov.
19, 1880; Hannah, Feb. 5, 1801, Dec. 3, 1876;
Luc)^ Feb. 9, 1803, May 28, 1884: Mary A. (Mrs.
Merriman), July 19, 1804, Oct. 13, 1884; Harriet,
Jan. 15, 1806, Dec. 4, 1875; James T., Aug. 8,
1810, Sept. 16, 1S73.
George Elmore Merriman, father of Edward
W., was born Sept. 5, 183 1, in Litchfield, Conn.,
where he was reared and educated. By trade he
is a diemaker, toolmaker and machinist, and from
Sept. 12, 1848, to 1883, he was in the employ of
the Eagle Lock Co., Terryville, during which time,
from 1865 to 1883, he was foreman of the machine
room. For several years he also owned a 'drug
business in Terryville, which was managed by his
son, our subject, Mr. Merriman continuing his me-
chanical work. From Terryville he removed to
Bristol, where he bought out the grocery and pro-
vision store of Henry Skinner on Main street, near
the "Bristol House." After about a year, how-
ever, he gave up the business, and in 1886 re-
moved to New Britain, where he has since been fore-
man of the Harvard Pin Lock Department in the
works of P. & F. Corbin. He is an excellent me-
chanic, familiar with all branches of machine work.
On May 17, 1855, George E. Merriman mar-
ried Emily Amanda Curtiss, born Sept. 20, 1830,
in Camden. N. Y., a daughter of Eli Curtiss, and
a brief record of their five children is as follows :
(i) Edward W. and (2) Willis (twins), the former
of whom is the subject proper of this sketch, the
latter dying when six months and three days old.
(3) Elsie Amelia, born May 20, i860, is now liv-
ing in Columbus, Ohio, v\diere she is a teacher of
music in Miss Phelps' school, and also gives private
lessons — vocal and on the piano. Among her other
accomplishments she is a fine contralto singer, and is
the author of musical compositions, one of which,
"Nature Songs and Stories," is well worthy of
soecial notice, claimed by good critics to be the
finest work of its kind ever published for home,
school and kindergarten. (4) Bennett Curtiss, born
Oct. 25, 1864, is a diemaker in P. & F. Corbin's
1364
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
factory, New Britain ; lie married Dec. 7, 1889,
Bertha Parsons, and they have two chiHdren, Clara
Elsie, Ixjrn Feb. 5, i8yi, and Dwight Elmore, Jan.
15, 1890. (5) George Robert, born Jan. 2J, 1869,
is a machinist in P. & I'. Corbin's factory. New
Britain; he is an excellent tenor singer. George
E. Alerrinian, the father, was a member of the
Tcrryville Congregational Church; in jjolitics he
is a Republican.
Edward W. Merriman, of whom we more par-
ticularly write, received a liberal education at the
common schools of his native place and then for
six months worked in the Eagle Lock Co.'s shop,
where his father was employed. On Oct. 1. 1874.
Dr. A. AI. Kessler and George E. Merriman (our
subject's father) formed a partnership in the drug
])usiness in Terry ville, and our subject entered their
employ to learn the business under Dr. Kessler, who
devoted his time outside of practice to the store
and Mr. iMerriman's instruction. At the end of
one year the Doctor's interest was bought by George
E. Merriman, who was the owner until bought out
in 1881 by our subject, he meantime having had the
management of the store. In January, 1884, he sokl
out to Xewell M. Plumb, in whose emplov he re-
mained until .\pril i, following.
Accompanied by his wife Mr. Merriman then
spent several weeks in an extended triji through-
out the \\ est, traveling as far as Wichita, Kans.,
after which he locateil in 15ristol, Conn., on June 2,
1884, entering the employ of Merriman liros.. drug- '
gists, and remaining until Nov. 20, 1887. At that
time he went to New Britain, and became manager :
of the "Corner Pharmacy," owned by Frank \\'.
Mix, which position he held until ]ilav 15, 1889,
when he resigned, and July 15. 1889. opened a
drug business in Bristol in the .Austin Curtiss block.
North Main street, whence on Jan. 6, 1896, he re-
moved to the Skelly block, same street, his place ',
of business being known as the "Ideal Pharmacy.''
On Oct. 18, 1882, Edward W. r^Ierriman mar-
ried Ida Valura Sibley, born Sept. 29, 1857, in
Sutton, A^^orcester Co., j\Iass., and two children have !
graced this union : ( I ) Thurston Cables, born April
13, 1886. is attending the Bristol high school: and
(2) Dana Sibley, born Oct. 23, 1891, is attending
the Bristol graded schools. 1
Mrs. Ida \". Alerriman is a daughter of .\lden j
Wheeler and Sarah J\Iiranda ( Fuller) Sibley, of |
Sutton, Worcester Co.. Mass.. and is of English
and Scottish descent. ( i ) John and Richard Sib-
ley (the former of whom was the progenitor of
the family of which i\Irs. Merriman is a menilier)
came to America in 1629. in the fleet of that year
from England. This John was a selectman in
Salem, Mass., and was sent to the General' Court
a!. Boston. The line in descent from him is as
follows: (IT) Joseph was a member of the thirty
original families of Sutton, IMass., as wer? also
his brothers John and Jonathan. (Ill) William.
(IV) Elijah was a drummer in the Revolutionary
army. (V) Daniel, Sr., was a member of the
famous "Sutton minute-men," serving about two
years as a private under Capt. Ebenczer Learned ;.
ht took part in many decisive engagements, includ-
mg the battles of Bunker Hill, White Plains and
Saratoga, and saw some very severe service, for
which lie received a pension of £40. (\T) Daniel,.
Jr., was a lifelong tarmer in Sutton, and consid-
ered liy all who knew him to be one of the noblest
works of God — a good and honest man. (Vli)
Alden Wheeler, who occupied the old family home-
stead, later carrying on a general store in Sutton,
was born May iS, 1822, and died June 10, 1858;
bis wife was born Aug. 21, 1823, and died Oct.
11, 1865. Mrs. Ida \'. Merriman is a member of
Katherine Gaylord Chapter, No. 18, Daughters of
the American Revolution, Bristol.
Edward W. JMerriman is a member of the fol-
lowing societies : Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. &
A. M., of Bristol; Pequabuck Chapter, No. 32, R.,
A. M., of Bristol ; Doric Council, No. 24, of New
Britain ; and the Eastern Star, Olivet Qiapter, No^
29, of Bristol, of which his wife is also a member;,
cf the Royal Arcanum, Reliance Council, No. 753,
Bristol ; of the I. O. O. F., Stephen Terry Lodge,
No. 59, Bristol ; Knights of Pythias, Ethan Lodge,
No. 9, Bristol ; and Knights of Khorassan, Hira
Temple, No. 90, New Jjritain. In religious faith
lie and his wife are members of the Congrega-
tional Church, and she is prominently identified
with the Daughters of the Covenant and the Ladies
Missionary Society. In politics Mr. Merriman is
a pronounced Republican, but has never sought
public office.
COL. JACOB L. GREENE, of Hartford, presi-
dent of the Connecticut Alutual Life Insurance Co.,
was born Aug. 9, 1837, at Waterford, Me., son of
Capt. Jacob H. and Sarah Walker (Frye) Greene.
Capt. Greene was a man of stanch character, of
great vigor and of intellectual force, positive con-
victions and strong religious views. He was a
son of Thomas and Tabitha (Holt) Greene, and
a great-grandson of Lieut. Thomas Greene, a resi-
dent of Rowley. Mass., from which town he went
into the war of the Revolution, serving from the
alarm at Lexington until its close. After the war
he located in Waterford, Me. On his maternal
side Col. Greene is descended from John Frye,
who came from England and settled in Newburg,
Mass., in 1738. From this first American ancestor
Col. Greene is in the seventh generation, his line
being through Samuel. John. Gen. Joseph, one whose
name is not given, Samuel and Sarah W. Gen.
Joseph Frye was a soldier from youth and from
what follows it will be seen that his military mantle
fell on his posterity. He served in the expedition
against Louisburg, and was in command of a regi-
ment a't the surrender of Fort William Henry on
Lake George, in 1757, in the French and Indian
war. For his services he was, in 1762, granted a
township of land, six miles square on either side of
Saco river. He settled in the territory comprised
in the township afterward named in his honor.
On the outbreak of the Revolution he was called to
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1365
Cambridge to assemble and organize the patriot
-troops. He was made a brigadier-general by the
Provisional Congress, then promoted to major-gen-
eral. Two of his sons were officers in the service,
Joseph as captain, and Nathaniel as lieutenant.
Col. Greene's mother was a woman of many virtues,
art able, winning and graceful, and a woman of great
intelligence and force of character, thoroughly de-
voted to the welfare and advancement of her chil-
dren.
Col. Greene from early boyhood was of studious
Jiabits and sought every avenue open for intellectual
.attainment. He became a student in Michigan Uni-
versity, which school, then just opening, offered the
inducement of free tuition. After completing a
course of study there, and was prepared for the
practice of law, he located at Lapeer, iviich. About
this time the war of the Rebellion broke out, and
ji'oung Greene enlisted as a private in the 7th Mich.
A'. I. He was soon after made a non-commissioned
■officer, and went with the skeleton of his regiment
to the School of Instruction at Fort Wayne, Ind.,
^\-here it remained for two months. It was then
filled up, and in August was sent to the front.
Young Greene was soon advanced to a first lieu-
tenancy, but owing to an extended prostration by
.sickness he was laid up for nearly a year. On his
recovering in the spring of 1863 he was appointed
Kraptain in the loth Michigan Cavalry, and set about
recruiting a company. While so engaged his friend,
George A. Custer, was appointed a brigadier-gen-
eral, and assigned to the command of the Michigan
Cavalry Brigade. He telegraphed Greene, oft"ering
him the position of assistant adjutant-general on his
staff', and asked him to join at once without wait-
ing for appointment by the President. He reported
to Custer Jul)' 23, 1863, and served on his staff
Avithout rank or pay for several weeks. He was
then appointed captain in the 6th Michigan Cav-
-alry, and on Sept. 10 was appointed assistant ad-
jutant-general with the rank of captain by the
President and assigned to duty with Gen. Custer,
and served with him until the battle of Trevellyan
Station, where he was taken prisoner, June 11,
1864, and was confined in Libby, Macon, Charles-
ton and Columbia prisons. While at Charleston,
S. C, Col. Greene was one of the Union officers
placed under the Union fire by the Rebel author-
ities. Later he was removed to Columbia and
"there paroled, but was not literally exchanged until
April 8, 1865, although at the time of parole he
was transferred to the Union lines. After his ex-
change he returned to the front, joining Gen. Custer
at Bufkeville Junction, April 10. Col. Greene par-
ticipated in the review of the Army of the Potomac
■at Washington, after which he accompanied Gen.
Custer to New Orleans, and went with him up the
~RtA river to Alexandria, where a division of cav-
alry was organized. Thence Custer advanced into
Texas, having been made commander of the central
division of Texas and of the cavalry in the depart-
ment, with headquarters at Austin. Col. Greene
was made chief of staff in both commands. Mean-
while he had been promoted to the full rank of
major, and was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for dis-
tinguished gallantry. When Custer was mustered
out as a major-general of volunteers, Col. Greene
applied for his muster-out, and finally received it
in April, 1866, one year after the close of the war.
After his muster-out the Colonel returned East,
where he passed four years at Pittsfield, Mass., be-
coming assistant secretary of the Berkshire Life
Insurance Co. He began his insurance career as
an agent with that company, but his executive ability
soon manifesting itself, he was given a position on
the office staff. On June i, 1870, he was made
assistant secretary of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Co., of Hartford, Conn., and in the fol-
lowing April became secretary. In March, 1878,
he succeeded the late James Goodwin to the presi-
dency of the company. To this honorable position
as executive officer of one of the largest insurance
organizations in the United States he has brought the
qualifications of great ability, absolute fidelity, a
clear conception of duty, and a loyalty to principle
which neither surrenders nor compromises.
As a citizen Col. Greene's abilities and habits
of industry lead him into various useful activities.
He is a frequent and popular speaker at meetings
of religious and scholastic bodies, and has been se-
lected as the orator of the day on several important
State occasions. He is a man of superior intellec-
tual endowments, which render him not only an able
business manager, but a thoroughlv useful citizen.
He is senior warden of Trinity Church, a lead-
ing member of the Church Temperance Society and
trustee of the bishop's fund. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the
Revolution ; Society of Colonial Wars ; and of the
Loyal Legion. He is a trustee in the Watkinson
Library, the Church Home and other local organi-
zations. He is a director and vice-president of the
Connecticut Trust & Safe Deposit Co., and a di-
rector of the Society for Savings ; a director also
of the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., and of the
Phcenix National Bank.
JULIAN R. 'HOLLEY, secretary and treasurer
of the Bristol Brass & Clock Co., was born in Mans-
field, Conn., May 16, 1855, the voungest of the
twelve children born to Perry and Lois' (Fenton)
Holley, both now deceased.
Perry Holley was a native of Rhode Island.
He was a trip-hammersman, and passed the greater
part of his life in Mansfield', Conn., where his death
took place. He was a Methodist in religious faith,
and in politics a stanch Democrat. Of the twelve
children born to him and his wife, who was a
daughter of Elisha Fenton, eight were named as
follows: Anstice D., who is ma'"''ied to WilHam E.
Fenner, of Mansfield : George Gilbert, a trip-ham-
mersman, 'living in Fiskdale, Mass. ; Flarriet Phi-
1366
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
leta, now a widow ; ^lary Ellen, of ^Mansfield, who
first married Edmond Simons and afterward Nor-
man Dunham, both of whom are deceased ; Lovisa
A'l., who is now living in Meriden. the wife of
Geory-e M. Clark; Dwight Storrs, a machinist fore-
man in l'"orcstville ; Perry E., living- in W'aterbury ;
and Julian R.. the subject of this sketch. The other
four died quite young-.
Julian R. HoUey attended the common schools
of Alansfield until fifteen years of age, and then
passed through the curriculum of the Eastman
Business College, Poughkeepsie, X. Y. His first
business experience was as clerk in the grocery
of J. M. Todd, in Forestville, for about five years,
when they formed a i^artnership under the firm
name of Todd & Holley : a year later Mr. Holley
sold his interest in the concern and came to Bristol. |
Here he entered the office of the rolling-mill de- I
partment of the Bristol l^>rass & Clock Co. as book- '
keeper, filling the position four or five years, was
then made secretary, and a vear later assistant treas-
urer. In i8()3. at the death of Air. Atkins, the du-
ties of the treasurer were entrusted to him, and he ,
now holds the dual position of secretar\- and treas-
urer.
Mr. Holley is Democratic in politics, and is the j
present auditor of the borough of Bristol, which i
•office he has held several years. He stands very
high in the Masonic order, being a member of
Franklin Lodge, Xo. 56. F. & A. M. ; the present
treasurer of Pequabuck Chapter, X'o. t^i, R. A. Al.;
and has filled the chairs in both lodge and chapter.
He is a member of Sphinx Temple, Shriners, of \
Hartford, and the thirty-second degree. Scottish \
Rite Masons, of Xorwicli ; is also a member of the
Royal Arcanum, of which he is a trustee ; is secre-
tarv and treasurer and a director in the Alasonic
Building Co., which built and owns the large brick
block occupied bv A. T. Muzzy & Co. ; and a di-
rector in the Bristol X'ational Bank.
Mr. Holley was married. June 10, 1896. to Miss 1
Calista Vinton Brockett. who was born Julv 20. \
1865. and is a daughter of Deacon Asahel and !
Mariett (Bradley) Brockett. of whom a full his- i
tory is given elsewhere in this volume. Two chil- j
dren have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Airs.
Holley: Julian Laurence, born Aug. 25, 1898: and
Margaret Storrs. boni Oct. 31, 1899. Mr. and Airs.
Holley worship at the Baptist Church.
JOHX' H. FISH. Among the qualities which
bring men into prominence, and bv degrees that are
almost imperceptible raise them into the esteem and
confidence of their fellow' men, are straightforward
business methods, an interest in and support of
policies for public improvement, and education.
When these combine with industrv and good judg-
ment the result is, almost invariably, not only a
man who is held by his fellow men in high esteem,
■but one who by his own force of character wins
his w-ay to prominence and leadership. The above
traits are attributable to John H. Fish, a resource-
ful, self-made man, a prosperous and leading busi-
ness man of Newington.
Air. Fish comes of an old Xew England family^
His paternal great-grandfather, John F^ish, came
to PdcKimfield from Bozrah, Xew London Co., Conn.,,
and settled on a farm. He married Lydia Lathrop,.
who bore him si.x children, John, Electa, Nancy,
Simeon, Aliiler and Lydia, and lived to the ad-
vanced age of eighty-nine years.
Aliller Fish, the .grandfather of our subject, was-
born at Bozrah, Conn., June 5, 1792. He was
reared in Bloomfield, and there learned the black-
smith's trade, but was engaged in farming. On.
March C), 1822, he married Miss Ann Goodwin,
daughter of Hezekiah (Io;)dwin, and from 1824 un-
til his death, in Alay, 1862, lived on the farm which
i:is son, H. Goodwin Fish, now owns. He was-
a memlicr of the Baptist Church of Bloomfield.
He had three children: Samuel, liorn Jan. 9, 1823,.
died Aug. 2, 1825; Samuel (2), father of our sub-
ject: and H. Goodwin, Ixirn Jvuie 1, 1828, a farmer
of Bloomfield.
Samuel l-'ish. the fatlier of our subject, was born
in Bloomfield July 2, 1826. Fie was reared as a
farmer lad, and in his youth attended the local
.'^chools. He married Emeline, daug-hter of Daniel
and Rhoda (Filer) Webster, of Bloomfield, and for
thirty years enga.ged in faniiin,g and tobacco grow-
ing in Bljomfield. Fie then removed to Avon, where
he followed tobacco raising until his death, July
2, 1885. at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a-
stanch Democrat in politics. His wife was early
in life a member of the Baptist Church, but later
attended the Congregational Church. After the
death of her liusband she lived with her daughter.
Airs. EllswortJi, at West Hartford, until her death,
at the age of sixty-six years. To Samuel and'
luiieline Fish were born children as follows : John
H., of X'ewington ; Sarah AI., Airs. John Ellsworth,,
of West Hartford ; Daniel W., of Newington ; Au-
gustus AT, of Newington ; Luella, who married
George X^ichols, and died at Avon ; X^orton, of Avon-
town ; Dwight W., of Bloomfield ; and Edgar W.,
of Bloomfield.
John H. Fish was born in Bloomfield Alarch 4,-
1850. As a boy he attended the schools of the
South Atiddle district, and among his early teachers-
were Aliss Sylvia Burr, Miss Hattie Clements and
Francis Barber. It is a testimonial both to his own
studious habits and to the efficiency of his teach-
ers that Air. Fish still retains for these old schools
only the kindest memories. Later he attended'
West Hartford high school, under Aliss Pratt.
But circumstances beckoned him to a more active
life. At the age of seventeen he began farming
for Alartin Burr, as a full hand. Fie also worked
for Lorenzo Burr, receiving $20 per month. He
was a good hand, and though scarcely more than a
boy held 'his own bes-de full-grown men. In the
spring of 1868. when about eighteen years of age, he
came to West Hartford and entered the employ of
W^alter Cadwell, a butcher. For three years he re-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
136r
mained in his employ, and was then admitted to
partnership, the firm being Cadwell & Fish. This
was before the advent of western beef, the firm kill-
ing home-grown beef. Two _vears later the part-
nership was dissolved. Mr. Fis'h engaged in the
grocery business at West Hartford for a short time,
and in November, 1874, came to Newington and
engaged in the meat business. He built a market,
and has ever since continued successfully in that
line. Possessing unusual energies he has also prose-
cuted in addition to the meat trade a number of
other enterprises. Opening a grocery immediately
after he, settled in Newmgton, he conducted it until
quite recently, when he sold out. He has for many
_\ears engaged in the coal and fertilizer trade. He
has also done considerable work as a contractor,
building macadamized roads in East Hartford and
New -Britain, and also in Portland, Connecticut.
On Jan. 11, 1878, INfr. Fish married Adalaide
C. Braman, who was born in West Hartford Nov.
26, 1846, daug^hter of Milton and Caroline (Wilcox)
I'.raman. Milton Braman was a farmer of West
Hartford, a Democrat in politics, and died at New-
ington at the age of sixty-six years. His wife,
\vho was a devout member of the Congregational
Church, lived to the age of seventy-two years. They
had three children : Ellen A., who died aged twenty-
two years; Adalaide C, wife of our subject; and
Louis D., who died unmarried aged twenty-two
}'ears. Mrs. Fish in her girlhood attended the
West Hartford Academy, and later a private school
in the same town conducted by Miss Gleason, The
family of Mr. and Mrs. Fish consists of four chil-
dren : Alfred Braman, who married Alice M. Latti-
mer, of Newington. and lives in that town; Nellie
E., an accomplished musician, and now a student
at the New Britain Normal School ; Walter J., at
home ; and Edith M., student at a private school
in Hertford.
In politics Mr. Fish is a Democrat, but though
in sympathy witb most of the principles of that
party he is a sound-money man. He has served
as selectman continuouslv from 1886 to 1892, and
was again elected in i8q8. In the fall of 1896 he
was elected to the State Legislature. Mr. and Mrs.
^""ish are prominent members of the Congregational
Church. Mr. Fish has served as chairman of the
church committee, and as a member of the standing
committee. He is a stanch advocate of education,
and has given his children finished training; his
family has by its attainments amplv attested the
■\yisdom of that course. Ever ready to lend en-
couragement to any worthy cause, keen in judg-
ment and successful in business. Mr. Fish possesses
all the attributes which endear him to right-thinking
people.
FRANCIS WILLIAM FAWCETT. a cheery
and spirited farmer and gardener of Newington,
a soldier of the Civil war, has spent in America
more than fifty years of a life of unusual interest
and adventure. He came to this country when a
boy of twelve years, industrious, buoyant, and not
afraid of hard work. He has dwelt in many States,
experienced the vicissitudes of fortune in various
phases, and has won from life a competence and a
rich experience.
Mr. Fawcett was born in Bradford, England,
May 31, 1835, son of Robert and Jane (Booth)
Fawcett, and grandson of John and Jane (Cop-
stick) Fawcett. The grandfather was a successful
English farmer, and the father also a farmer and
laborer. The mother of our subject died shortly
after his birth, and his twin sister died at birth.
In 1847, at the age of twelve years, our subject
left the land of his forefatliers and sailed for
America in the "Ocean Monarch," then the largest
vessel afloat. The passage, which was rough, con-
sumed six weeks and one day, and the vessel on
her arrival ran upon the rocks at Plymouth, and
was in imminent danger of destruction. Crew and
passengers threw overboard immense casks of
crockeryware to lighten the vessel, and the passen-
gers were finally rescued by the "Mayflower."
Arriving at Boston, our subject associated him-
self with the Enfield Shakers, and remained with
them for two years, at the expiration of which
time his father arrived from England. Mr. Faw-
cett had saved the sum of $258 wlien his father
arrived, and he decided to run away, a step which
he often afterward regretted. Thus leaving the
Shakers, he went to Prescott, Mass., and there
bought twelve acres of land, upon which he re-
mained until the arrival from England of his sis-
ter, Jane, and her husband, Adam May. The fa-
ther sold the farm to jNIr. Mav. Our subject
agreed to buy his time from his father until he was
of age, for $300. He went to Fitchburg, and hired
out to a carpenter for his board and $10 per month,
expecting to learn the carpenter's trade, but he
never received any money, and accordingly re-
mained only until the following September. Pen-
niless, he walked to Worcester, Mass., a distance
of forty miles, and there engaged with a carpen-
ter, named Cephus Meade, for two months at $10
per month and board. At the end of the two
months winter came on, and work was slack. Our
subject then went to South Brookfield, where he
worked during the winter at the shoemaker's
trade. With one John Durant he then hired as a
farmer for eight months, at $10 per month. At
the expiration of his eight months he had saved
$100, earning part of it for overtime, etc. With
this $100 he made his first payment to his father
for his time. Mr. Fawcett resumed work in the
shoe shop, and in the spring he hired with another
shoemaker, remaining with him ■eight months, at
$16 per month. The following winter he started
a shoe shop of his own in South Brookfield, con-
tinuing in business for himself until spring, when
an opportunity occurred to work at the carpenter's
trade during the summer, starting in at $1 per
day, and later getting $1.50 per day. In the fall
1368
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he went into the shoe business again, but, as the
trade of repairing was very dull, he worked in the
woods with his father, chopping at 50 cents per
cord, and during the winter chopped 150 cords of
wood at Rattle Snake Den, in i'rescott. The next
suninicr he worked at the carpenter's trade at $1.50
per day.
At the age of twenty-one years and six months
~Mv. Fawcett paid his father the remaining $200
on his time, in the fall of the next year, while
working at carpentering, he fell with the scaffold-
ing a distance of twenty-eight feet, and broke his
right leg in several places, which laid him up for
the remainder of the winter. In the spring he
again worked for a time at the carpenter's trade.
In 1857 he went to Clifton, Monroe Co., Wis., and
settled on a government claim of 160 acres. He
improved the laiul, hut as he had no money he went
to La Crosse, anil there for a time engaged in raft-
ing. Returning to his claim in the spring, he pur-
chased a team of oxen, and gave a mortgage on
his farm as security for payment, lie ])lanted his
land in wheat, but the blight ruined his crop, and
the mortgagee promptly foreclosed. Penniless,
but not disheartened, he visited the eastern part of
Wisconsin, where relatives were living, and worked
at the carpenter's trade for one year, after which
he returned to I'rescott, Mass., finally settling in
Springfield.
W hen the war broke out our subject was an
attendant at the North Hampton Hos])ital for the
Insane. At the fall of Fort Sumter he immediate-
ly enlisted, becoming a private in Company F",
31st Alass. \'. 1. He was the patriotic leader of
the attendants at the hospita'., and his enlistment
influenced six others to enlist in the same coun'-y.
He had been in the service but six months when,
at the battle of Biloxi, ^iliss., he was shot in the
right leg, near the previous fracture. He was then
taken to the Massachusetts General Hospital,
where he remained tliree months. The wound he
received so badly crippled him that he could not
return to his regiment. He went to I'rescott, and
later to Springfield, where he worked in the Ar-
mory until the close of the wa: . After he receiv d
his honorable discharge he worked at his trade in
Spring-field.
\\'hen the railroad bridge at \\'arehouse Point
was changed from a wooden to an iron structure
Mr., Fawcett obtained a position on the same, and
later bought the old timbers taken from the bridge
and sawed them into kindling wood. Working
with a handsaw -was too slow work, so he rigged
up machinery and sawed the timbers bj^ machinery.
He also had the contract with a cork factorv at
Springfield to keep the cork shavings cleared
away, and the shavings he also sold for fuel. The
selling of the wood and cork shavings proved prof-
itable. He began to speculate in timber land, and
was very successful. Springfield, j\Iass., was then
booming, and all his speculations prospered. He
bought land and built houses, until he had an in-
come of over $500 per month from his rents ; he
also owned a meat market and grocery; his busi-
ness interests were piling up, until he had more
than he could look after. He declined an offer of
$45,000 for a one-half interest in all his belongings.
The panic of 1875 came on, and at the same time
a very severe attack of rheumatism, brought on by
overwork, compelled him to take to his bed, where
he remained for over a year. Employes conducted
systematic theft, and his property gradually but
surely slipped from his grasp, while he was unable
to rise from his bed and attend to his business in-
terests. F'inally, in April, 1876, the house over his
head was sold, and he was compelled to vacate.
Mr. Fawcett then went to Windsor, and, still
full of perseverance, borrowed $100 and went into
the kindling wood business again. He remained
in Windsor about nine months, when he found a
small place, between Flartford and Windsor, which
he could rent for $5 per month. He remained
there four years, and peddled wood in Hartford.
The wood business in Hartford was then very good,
as ^Ir. F'awcett was one of only two men who
were engaged in the business there to any extent.
Before he had been awav from Springfield one
year he had paid all his indebtedness and was a
free man. In 1881 lie removed to Newington,
where he purchased fourteen acres of land, togeth-
er with a large house and barn. There he has since
resided. He also keeps about 100 hens, and re-
tails eggs and garden truck in Hartford. He is
still very active, and looks after his farm in a care-
ful and exacting manner.
Mr. F'awcett was married in 1863 to Miss Ma-
linilia D. Scott, of Springfield, and to this union
was born a daughter, Alinnie D., in 1864, and a
son, George Robert, in 1865. The son died at the
age of six months, of brain fever. Mr. Fawcett
is a member of Robert O. Tyler Post, No. 50, G.
A. R., of Hartford. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican. He is a member in good standing of
the Methodist Church of Springfield, Mass., and
by his long and brave contest with adverse fate
has most admirably demonstrated the sterling and
victorious fiber of his nature.
JOHN FRANKLIN AXTELLE, M. D., a
well-known phvsician of Hartford, was born Aug.
28, 1854, at ]\Iorristown, N. J., son of Stephen D.
and Nancv (Sutton) Axtelle.
The family is of English origin, and John Ak-
style, the first of the name of whom we have an
account, was a member of a religious order in Hert-
fordshire, England, about 1533. John Axtelle, our
subject's grandfather, was a prominent man of Mor-
ristown, N. J., and also made a high reputation as
a singer and teacher of music, being gifted with
an exceptionally fine voice. Stephen D. Axtelle, the
father of our subject, served in the Civil war, en-
listing from Washington, Ind. After marriage his
home was in St. Louis for a time, but soon after
the close of the war he removed to ]\Iinneapolis,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1869
-Minn., where he was engaged in business as a dealer
in farm implements until his death, in 1873. As
-a citizen he took an interest in furthering the best
interests of the communit}- where he made his home,
and he was active in political affairs while in St!
Louis, ^ serving as assessor. His widow still re-
sides in Alinneapolis, and the Doctor has two
brothers and two sisters there.
The Doctor attended the schools of Minneapolis
■during boyhood, and after the death of his father
went to Elgin, 111., to enter the emplov of the
Elgin Watch Co. Having a desire to enter the medi-
cal profession, he improved everv opportunity for
stud}', and for two }-ears was under the direction
of Profs. Whitford and Clark, of Bennett Medical
College, Chicago. He then removed to Lancaster,
Penn., and studied for four years with Prof. S. T.
Davis, and later he made a thorough study of sur-
gery in Bellevue Hospital Aledical College and Long
Island Hospital College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1878 with honors. Before engaging in
active practice he spent a year as assistant to Prof.
Davis, and in 1879 located in Hartford, where his
acquaintance was then limited to three people. He
did not leave the city until twelve years later, when
\vi made a trip to San Francisco and Yellowstone
Park. His attention to his professional duties, to-
gether with his ability and acquired skill, soon won
him recognition, and he is not only widely known,
but is regarded as one of the best practitioners of
Hartford. For some time he attended to the prac-
tice of the late Dr. Campbell, and at present he is
medical e.xaminer for twelve different orders and
several insurance companies. As a member of the
City, County and State Medical Societies, and the
American Medical Association, he has done much
active work, and his articles in the "Journal of the
American Medical Association" have Ijeen copied in
all the prominent medical publications in this coun-
try and Europe.
The Doctor was married, in Hartford, to Mrs.
Ella M. Norvel. Fie is popular in social life, being
a member of the Hartford Club : the Knights of
Pythias ; the I. O. O. F. ; and the Masonic fraternity,
Ijeing a thirty-second-degree Mason, and a charter
member of Sphinx Temple, J\l3'stic Shrine, in which
he holds an official position.
CHARLES ALLEN GRISWOLD, a well-
I^nown tobacco dealer of West Hartford, is rapidly
working his way to a foremost position among, the
prominent business men of his section of the coun-
ty. Genuine success is not likely to be the result
of mere chance of fortune, but is something to be
labored for and sought out with consecutive effort.
Fully appreciating this fact, JNIr. Griswold has la-
bored untiringly, and although comparatively a
young man he has already attained a success which
many an older man might well envy.
Mr. Griswold was born in West Hartford
Sept. 16, i860, and is a representative of one of
5ts old and honored families, being a great-grand-
son of Ozias Griswold, who followed farming in
West Hartford throughout life, and there died
about 1816. He married Joanna Steele, and had
six children : Chester, Sally, Allen S., Thomas,
Joanna and Lucy. Allen Steele Griswold, the
grandfather of our subject, was born in West
Hartford in 1809, and died there iNIay 19, 1874.
He was educated in the Center school district,
where he spent the greater part of his life, en-
gaged in farming. He was a memljer of the Con-
gregational Church; in politics was first a Whig
j and later a Republican; and was one of the repre-
sentative citizens of his community. He was mar-
ried in West Hartford to Miss Mary Jane Steele,'
a daughter of Papphero Steele. She died in Feb-
ruary, 1883. In their family were five children:
Alary Jane, wife of Jason G. Shepard, of West
Hartford ; Samuel Allen, a resident of the same
place; Charles Steele, father of our subject; and
Henry Ozias and Seth Papphero, both of West
Hartford.
Charles Steele Griswold has spent his entire
life in West Hartford, and is now engaged in the
tobacco business with our subject, not only raising
that product, but also buying and packing it for
market. He married Miss Lucia J. Bishop, daugh-
ter of Joseph Bishop, of West Hartford, and to
them were born four children: Charles Allen, our
subject; Gertrude, who died in infancy; Joseph
H. ; and Ethel V.
The primary education of our subject was ob-
tained in the public schools of West Hartford, and
later he was a student in Williston Seminar}-, at
Easthampton, JNIass. On returning home he
worked for his father until 1890, when he became
a partner in the business. As tobacco growers
and dealers they have built up quite an extensive
trade,- and employ on an average sixteen men in
their warehouse.
j\Ir. Griswold was married, in West Hartford,
April 12, 1880, to Miss Mary Emma, daughter of
Timothy Sedgwick, and they have two children:
Ruby Louise Hawthorne, born May 6, 1882 ; and
Charles Sedgwick, born May 4, 1889. Mr. Gris-
wold is a member of Gamma Sigma fraternity of
^Villiston Seminary, and also belongs to the Grange
and to Wyll}-s Lodge, No. 99, F. & A. M. In re-
ligious belief he is a Baptist. For several years
he has been an influential member of the Republi-
can town committ£)2, and at present he is also a
member of the board of assessors.
GEORGE HARRIS HALL, contractor of the
trunk hardware department of J. H. Sessions &
Sons' factory, Bristol, is a native of that town,
born Nov. 26, 1854, and he comes of good old
Y,evi England stock, being a lineal descendant of
John Hall, the emigrant.
This John Hall appears first at Boston, after-
ward at New Haven. Fie evidently was not an
original settler in New Haven, as his name does
not appear in any list which has been discovered
1370
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
until after 1650. ^^'he^ce he came is uncertain.
The name (Hall) is a ditticu.t one to trace on ac-
count of the great number of original settkrs bear-
ing that cognomen, twenty-eight having come to
America prior to 1660, seven of whom bore the
given name of John. That John Hall, of Boston,
Xew Haven and Wallingford, was an emigrant
appears quite evident from certain events in his
life's history. He moved to Wallingford after the
settlement had commenced, which accounts for the
non-appearance of his name on the first I'lantation
covenant of 1669-70. His sons John, Thomas and
Samuel were signers of that instrument. His
name appears on the covenant of 1672, and it is
quite certain that he had been some time in the
place. In 1675 himself and his son John were
chosen selectmen of Wallingford.
John Hall. Sr., was freed from training in 1665,
being then in his sixtieth year, ami most certainly
was in New Haven as early as 1639, and at Wal-
lingford about the year 1670, with the early set-
tlers there. He died early in 1676. liy his wife, Jane
(Woolen), he had children as follows: John, bap-
tized Aug. 9, 1646, died Sept. 2, 1721 : Richard,
born July 11, 1645; Samuel, born May 21. 164O,
died March (or May) 5, 1725; Sarah, baptized
Aug. y, 1646; Thomas, born March 25. 1649,
Jonathan, born April 5, 1651; and David, born
March 18, 1652, died July 17, 1727.
Samuel Hall, great-great-great-great-grand-
father of our subject, went to Wallingford with
the first planters in 1670. I5y his wife, Hannah
(Walker), whom he married in Ma\', 1668. and
who died Dec. 20, 1728. he had children as fol-
lows: John, born Dec. 23, 1670; H,annah, March
II, 1673; Sarah, June 20, 1677; Samu;l, Dec. 10,
1680 (died June 15, 1770); Theophilus, Feb. 5,
1686: and Elizabeth, March 6, 1690.
Samuel Hall, great-great-great-grandfather of
our subject, married Lois, daughter of Nathaniel
and Esther Royce, and the names and dates of
birth of their children are as follows : Theophilus,
April I, 1707: Samuel, June 8, 1709 (died Dec.
24, 1771): Hannah, July 15, 1711; Sarah, Dec.
6, 1713; Alehitabel, April 25, 1716; and Esther,
Nov. 7, 1 719.
Samuel Hall, great-great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, married Sarah Hall Dec. 7, 1731. and the
names and dates of birth of their children are as
follows: Samuel (i), July 11, 1732 (died in in-
fancy) : Hezekiah, Dec. 27, 1733 : Louisa, June
30, 1736; Sarah, Dec. 5, 1737; Esther, Jan. 21,
1740; Love, April 30, 1742; Elizabeth, Jan. 23,
1745: Samuel (2), Feb. 28, 1750 (died Feb. 27,
1821) ; and Damaris, Jan. 23, 1754.
Samuel Hall (2), great-grandfather of our
subject, married ]\Iay 10, 1774, Elizabeth Parsons,
\vho died Sept. 27, 1823, the mother of children as
follows: Samuel, born Dec. 2, 1776; Hezekiah,
June II, 1778; George, Aug. 13, 1780; Marilla,
Dec. 28, 1782: Richard, Jan. 26, 1785; and Jared,
Aug. 24. 1792 (died April 24, 1865).
Jareil Hall, grandfather of our subject, mar-
ried Rebecca Hall, and had children as follow";:
Carolme, born Nov. 13, 1819; ^Villiam D., Dec. 6,
1821 ; Lharles D., Dec. 13, 1824; Lucy, March,.
1827. He was a farmer, and also served in the
war of 1812.
L"ii.\ULiis DiCKER.M.\N H.\LL, father of our sub-
ject, was born Dec. 13, 1824, in Wallingford,.
Conn., where he received a liberal common-school.
education. Until he was about twenty years of
age he assisted in the labor of his father's farm,
and then entered the sjxjon factory of Hall & El-
j ton, where he iiamained some ten j'ears. Moving
to Valesville, Conn., at the end of that time, he for
two years worked in Charles Parker's spoon fac-
tory, after which, in 1854, he came to Bristol, and
entered the employ of Holmes & Tuttle, which.
firm was changed, in 1857, to the ISristol Brass &.
Clock Co., with whom he continued until 1894.
He resigned in that year, on his seventieth birth-
day, after a connection of forty years with the
same business, during which time he was foreman
L-f the works from the time the firm became the
Bristol Brass & Clock Co. until 1891. He is now
living in retirement, ai.d enjoying a well-earned
rest. He attends the services of the Episcopal
Church, while in politics he is a Republican.
On March 17, 185 1, Charles D. Hall was united
in marriage with Laura Amanda Hall, who was
born Sept. 25, 1828, daughter of Lyman and Sina
(Button) Hall, of Valesville, Conn.; she died ia
Bristol, Conn., Junt 2O, 1897. Their children are
as follows: (i) Charles Lyman, born Aug. 4,.
1852, is a farmer at Sulphur Springs, Lewis Co.,
Wash.; (2) George H. is our subject; (3) Will-
iam Dickerman, born April 8, 1856, is a farmer
at Seattle, Wash. ; and (4) Alberta May, born
2klay 12, 1865, lives at home with her father.
George H. Hall, the subject proper of this
sketch, received his education at the Third Dis-
trict school, Bristol, and at the age of sixteen
years commenced working in the factory of J. H,
Sessions & Sons, in the same town, in 1880 be-
coming a contractor in the trunk hardware depart-
ment, in the press room, and with this firm re-
mained until 1896. In that year he received the'
appointment of foreman and salesman for the
Codling Mfg. Co,, in which firm he was a stock-
holder. In Alay, 1899, he again accepted his old
position as foreman of the trunk hardware depart-
ment of J. H. Sessions & Sons' facto.ry, being
called to same on account of his thorough famil-
iarity with the institutions of that firm.
On March 19, 1873, Mr. Hall was married to
Aliss Jessie Althea Wooding, who was born April
28, 1856, daughter of Lawson Jared Wooding, of
Bristol, and six children have been born to them,
four of whom died young, the others being: Law-
son Wooding, born Aug. 8, 1883, at present at-
tending the Bristol high school ; and Dwight Har-
rison, born Sept. 28, 1888, also attending school.
In 1897 Mr. Hall built a modern improved dwell-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1371
ing-house on Summer street, Bristol, one of the
most pleasant homes in Bristol.
Mrs. Hall is a member of Prospect M. E.
Church, of which Mr. Hall is a regular attendant.
He is a stanch Republican, served as tax collector
in 1888-89-90, and in 1895 and 1897 was elected a
representative, in 1897 being chairman of the
House committee on Manufactures. Socially he is
affiliated with Franklin Lodge, No. 40, F. & A.
M., Bristol, and of Ethan Lodge, No. 9, K. of L.,
Bristol, of which he was the first chancellor com-
mander; has also been captain of the Uniformed
rank, Hull Companj^, No. 5, being still a member
thereof. In municipal matters Mr. Hall has al-
ways taken an active interest in the Bristol Fire
Department from boyhood, for eight years served as
chief, and at present is a member of the board of
Fire commissioners, having been first elected in
1892.
A progressive and energetic citizen, our sub-
ject is quick to respond to any call pertain-
ing to his party, or to the general benefit of the
town, and he is recognized as an enterprising and
Ijrogressive citizen, held by all in the highest re-
gard.
THOMAS LEVITT, the leading truck man in
Bristol, with his office in the freight depot of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, was
born in Enfield, Conn., Jan. 21, 1845.
William Levitt (deceased), father of our sub-
ject, was born in England, where he married Miss
Agnes Herd, and where four of his eight children
were born. He was a miller by trade, came to
America in 184/]., and while at work in the woolen
mill at Broad Brook, Conn., lost an arm. He sym-
pathized with the Republican party, but took little
interest in politics, and he never belonged to any
secret society. The eight children born to- Will-
iam and Agnes (Herd) Levitt were: Elizabeth,
who is married to C. D. Parsons, lives in Burling-
ton, Conn. ; Sarah Ann, married to H. K. Parsons,
is living in Florence, Mass. ; George has lived in
Harrisburg, Va., since the Civil war ; John died
in infancy; Thomas is the subject of this sketch;
Robert lives in Mystic, Conn. ; Mary married
William Fulton, and lives in Florence, Mass. ; and
William resides in Rockville, Connectcut.
Thomas Levitt at the age of ten years forsook
his studies in the common schools of Enfield, and
for three years worked as draw boy for the Hart-
ford Carpet Co., at Thompsonville. The follow-
ing three years he worked in the Broad Brook
woolen factory, and then, for two years, drove the
'bus from Warehouse Point to the Warehouse
Point depot. He then went to Springfield, Mass.,
where he was employed as a teamster nearly thr)2e
years. About this time his father lost his arm,
and young Levitt returned to Broad Brook, and
for three years drove a four-horse team between
that village and Hartford, before railroad commu-
nication had been opened. His next work was in
the machine shop of the Broad Brook woolen mill,
for two years, and for the following^ three years
he was employed in a gristmill in the same village.
On April i, 1875, Mr. Levitt came to Bristol.
Here he bought the trucking business that had been
conducted by Alvie West and Asher C. Bailey as
two dift'erent concerns, which he consolidated,
making of them the finest truck house in the State,
as he constantly employs from twelve to twenty
men, seven wagons, and sixteen or twenty horses.
The marriaige of Mr. Levitt to Miss jNIatilda
Neuschler, a daug'hter of Ferdinand Neuschler, of
Broad Brook, took place April 19, 1871, and this
union has been graced with one daughter, Idella
Agnes, a charming young lady, born April 20,
1879. Mr. and Mrs. Levitt are ardent workers in
the Prospect M. E. Church, in which he was a class-
leader tor years, and is at present distridt steward,
while Mrs. Levitt is a member of the Ladies' Aid
and Missionary Societies.
Fraternally Mr. Levitt stands very high as a
Freemason, having reached a degree beyond which
there is but one other, and that one but a few of
the "brothers" care to take. He is a member of
Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., of Bristol;
of Pequabuck Chapter, R. A. M., also of Bristol ;
of Washington Commandery, Knights Templar ;
of Sphinx temple, Shriners, at Hartford ; of Nor-
wich Consistory, No. 32, and Scottish Rite, or
Thirtv-second degree. Masons. He is also a mem-
ber of the O. U. A. M., of Bristol.
]Mr. Levitt is of Republican proclivities, but
has never made a race for office, although he has
frequently been solicited to do so. He is emphati-
cally a "self-made" man, as he has raised himself
to his present responsible position from that of a
penniless boy when he started out at the age of ten
years.
LEMUEL LEE STEWART, ex-warden of
the town of Bristol, is a leading contractor and
builder of that locality, and has erected the larger
number of the churches, schools and factories, to-
gether with manv of the finest residences, of the
borough.
Mr. Stewart was born April 25, 1844, at New
Perth, near Georgetown, Prince Edward Island,
and is of Scottish ancestry in the paternal line,-
while his mother's family was of English origin.
James Stewart, our subject's grandfather, was the
first of the family to come to America. He settled
at Three Rivers, near Georgetown, Prince Edward
Island, being one of the earliest settlers of that
section, and there spent the remainder of his life,
engaged in shipbuilding and agricultural pursuits.
He married a Miss McClearn, and had the follow-
ing children : Donald, Charles, John, James, Isabelle,
Christy, Jessie and Catherine, all deceased.
Charles Stewart, our subject's father, was born
in 1802, in Perthshire, Scotland, and was but an
infant when his parents came to America. Thb
larger portion of his life was spent on Prince Ed-
1372
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ward Island, but in the autumn of life he removed
u. the LSernmdas, where lie died. His faithful wife,
I'^sther (Ciay), survives him, and resides with her
5on James H., in Boston. She comes of a well- !
known family, and her father, Ephraim Gay, was
Jjorn in iJclfast, JNIaine. At an early date he and
his brother and their families, comprising in all
twelve persons, crossed from Belfast, Maine, to
I'rince Edward Island in an open boat, and niaile
for themaclves permanent homes. Charles and
J^^sther Stewart had eleven children, of whom
three died in infancy. The others were: Mary,
wife of Donald Shaw, of i'rincte Edward Island;
Catherine, wife of George Howard, of Philadel-
jjhia; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Whitney, of Phil-
lipston. Alass. ; Jessie, wife of Edwin Coffin, of
Charlotte-Town, Prince Edward Island; Henry;
James H. ; Lemuel L. ; and Charles.
Lemuel L. Stewart remainetl at the home farm
until he reached the years of eighteen years, when
he removed to Mystic, Conn., and spent two years
working at the carpenter's trade. He then went
to I'hiladelphia, and during the Rebellion was a
carpenter with the army. Western Department.
In 1865 he returned to .Mystic, where he spent the
following two Mears, in 1867 removing to Boston,
!Mass., and in 1868 to W'aketield, Mass., where he
resided until 1878. In that year he removed to
Kansas, but on returning in 1880 he located in
Bristol, where he has since resided. Mr. Stewart
served as burgess of the borough one year, asses-
sor one year, and was elected to the position of
warden of the borough in 1897. serving three
rears. He affiliates with the Republican party, and
both he and his wife are consisiient members of the
^lethodist Episcopal Church.
^Ir. Stewart was married in Philadelphia, April
23. 1865, to Geierstein Spencer, a native of Houl-
ton. ]^Iaine. and a daughter of Joseph Millette and
Elizabeth S. ( Bonney I Spencer. They have had
three children : Charles \\"infield. born at East
Boston Jan. 20. 1868, resictes in Bristol ; Ida Lee,
Lorn in Wakefield, Mass., Nov. 3, 1871, is the wife
of William H. Rutledge, of New Canaan, Conn.,
and has one child, Ida ; and Miss Mary Esther,
born in Larned, Kan., ^lav 23, 1880, is at home.
The Spencer family is of English extraction,
but it cannot be traced further back than James
Spencer, Mrs. Stewart's grandfather, a native of
Greenbush, Maine. He married Annie Ayres,
daughter of ^^'illiam Ayres, and the children were
James. \'alentine, Joseph M., and Lincoln and
Annie, twins, all now deceased. Joseph iNIillette
Sptncer was born at Greenbush. ?\Iaine. and there
spent the earlv portion of his life. In 1864 he re-
moved to Gloucester City, N. J., where he engaged
in lumbering and shipbuilding. He married Eliza-
l)eth Small Bonney, and they had the follovv'ing chil-
dren: Plicebe Ann; Geierstein (Mrs. Stewart);
Mary E., wife of Arthur H. Pa'"sons, of Bristol ;
Zachariah Taylor, residing in Texas ; Winfield
Scott, residing in Glencoe. Ala. ; and Adelaide N.,
Augustus J., Joseph and Clara Ella, all deceased,
the maternal great-great-grandniother of Mr.
Stewart, Mrs. Carter, was formerly a Miss Pow-
ers, and a sister of the mother of Horace Cjreeley.
Polly Sparks, the maternal grandmother of Mrs.
Stewart, was a daughter of John Sparks, who was
born in Cherryfield, Maine. She married Abail
Bonney, and their ciiildren were: Robert, David,
( )tis G., Elizabeth S., Mary, George Thomas, and
Joel, all deceased; and John, who is living.
CHARLES EDWARD PRIOR, secretary and
treasurer of the Security Company of Hartford,
was born in Moosup, Windham Co., Conn., Jan. 24,
1856, a son of Erastus L. and Sarah L. (Burleson)
Prior.
Taken by his i)arents to Jcwett City, in i860,
a considerable portion of the life of Mr. Prior was
passed there, and the ijublic schools of the town of
Griswold afforded him the means of securing a good
education. The year 1873 saw the beginning of his
business career, when he began work in the office
of the Norwich & Worcester Railr()ad Co., in Nor-
wich. Two years: later he returned to Jewett City
to accept a position in the office of the Ashland
Cotton Co.. where he was soon advanced to the
]X)sition of lx)okkeeper and paymaster for the pros-
jjcrous cor])oration. In 1883 Mr. Prior was elected
secretary and treasurer of the Jewett City Savings
Bank, and a few years later was made a corpora-
tor and director in that institution. Cnder his care
the bank developed rapidly, and became a well- ■
known institution, his acknowledged ability in the
management of its affairs winning and holding the
public confidence to an unuiual degree. During
liis official connection with the bank there was a
great gain in deposits, a large premium account was
charged oft', and the surplus was quadrupled. In
1891, the Hon. George M. Landers, bank commis-
sioner, pronounced it "one of the very few model
banks of the State."
In December, 1894. Mr. Prior was tendered
the position of assistant treasurer of the Security
Company of Hartford, and Jan. 28, 1895, com-
menced his labors with that corporation. On March
2. 1896, he became secretary and treasurer of the
Company. The Hartford Coiirant of March 3,
said, "Mr. Prior, who becomes treasurer after a
year's experience as assistant treasurer, has rec-
ommended himself to the patrons of the Company
and to all others who have made his acquaintance,
and has fully justified his reputation acqttired as
treasurer of the Jewett City Savings Bank." In
January, 1901, he was added to the board of trus-
tees- of the Security Company. His abilities are
prized even outside of the Company he has served
so well, and in January, 1899, he was elected one of
the auditors of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company.
Mr. Prior is almost as widely known in musi-
cal as in business circles. When fourteen years of
age he became organist at the Congregational Church
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1373.
in Jewett City, holding the position eight years, and
it was at that time that his first musical composi-
tions came to light. He is associate author of three
Sunday-school singing books, "Spicy Breezes,"
"Sparkling and Bright," and "Our Best Endeavor,"
and has written quite a variety of miscellaneous
music. Since 1881 he has been an honorary member
of the Worcester County (Mass.) Musical Associa-
tion.
In early life Mr. Prior united with the Jewett
City Baptist Church, and for many years served that
body acceptably as choir leader and organist. He
was also the first president of the Y. P. S. C. E.
in his home church, holding the office several years ;
and since coming to Hartford he has continued his
activity in church work. For four years he was
superintendent of the Asylum Avenue Baptist Sun-
day-school, and president of the Young People's
Society. He was for several years treasurer of the
Baptist Young People's Union of Connecticut, treas-
urer and musical director of the Connecticut Baptist
Bible School Union, and a member of the executive
committee of the State Sunday-school Association.
He is now (1901) vice-president of the Hartford
Baptist Union, and a director of the Y. M. C. A.
Mr. Prior was united in marriage with Miss
Mary E. Campbell, and they have one son, Charles
Edward Prior, Jr., at present teller of the Security-
Company, and tenor of the Center Church choir.
Our subject is a member of the Masonic Fraternity,
and in 1884 and 1885 served as master of Mt. Ver-
non Lodge of Masons (Jewett City), and on Dec.
5, 1897, was knighted in Columbian Commandery,
Knights Templar of Norwich.
GEORGE WHITEFIELD AVERY, M. T).
(deceased), son of David and Rebecca (Morgan)
Avery, and a descendant of Capt. James Avery, of
Groton, was born in Hampton, Conn., in 1836, and
died in Hartford in February, 1893, after a few
days' illness.
In 1861 Dr. Avery, then in charge of the New
Haven Hospital, joined the 9th Conn. V. I., and
w^ent with Gen. Butler to Ship Island, and later
to New Orleans, where he remained for ten years,
at first in hospital service, later, for a year, as
sheriff of the city. In 1872 he removed to Hart-
ford, where he was greatly esteemed and beloved
bv his patients and friends, many of whom still
feel that his place can never be supplied. Rev.
Dr. Parker, of the South Congregational Church,
said at the funeral service : "It was my great
privilege to know Dr. Averv verjr intimately. Our
minds and hearts were congenial, and circumstances
brought us together in a friendship that was strong
and precious, and, on his part, as imselfish, gen-
erous, tender and pure as the love of good women.
"The fundamental elem.ents of good, manly char-
acter are sincerity and truth. Who that knew Dr.
Aver5' could fail to perceive the nredominance of
these elements in his character? He was as true-
i
minded and true-hearted a man as can be found,,
and he pursued and obeyed truth with eagerness
and delight. He scorned m his own downright and
emphatic way whatever lacked the soundness of sui-
cerity. Doubtless he was frequently too frank and
outspoken for his own advantage, but it was not in
his nature to wear any disguises, or to lay gifts
on the altar of the goddess Prudence. It is good
to have such men in the community. It is good to
have them in the church. It is a great privilege to
have their companionship, and to live in the at-
mosphere of their influence and friendship.
"But this truthfulness and sincerity were very
beautifully commingled and adorned in Dr. Avery
with the kindliest and tenderest feelings that flourish
in the human heart. He did not dole out, but poured
out the love of his large heart. The cordial of his
appreciations, of his encouragement, of his minis-
trations, was like precious wine.
■ "Dr. Avery's Puritan pedigree was written all
over him, and his Puritan inheritance was in the
very grain and fiber of his being. Unyielding
as a rocky cliff in what he deemed was right and
dutiful, it needed no stroke of prophet's rod, but
only the simplest touch of nature, to cause the rock
to part and issue abundance of living and refresh-
ing waters. He was a man of reverent, earnest and
truthful Christian faith. He questioned much, he
felt the stress of mystery all about and before him.,,
but he bowed in humble, adoring faith before God
and Jesus Christ. He had anchorage for his soul
in the unseen and eternal."
ROSWELL DOANE SPENCER was born in
Springfield, Bradford Co., Penn., and is of English
extraction. His great-grandfather, Nathaniel
Spencer, a native of England, came to America
about 1777, and located in the town of Chatham,
Middlesex Co., Conn. Subsequently he returned
to England to reclaim some propertv, which he
obtained, but was lost at sea while returning to his
family in the New World. His wife was in her
maidenhood Lydia Mack.
Hollister Spencer, onlv child of the above, and
the grandfather of our subject, was born in Chat-
ham, Conn., in 1778, and was there reared to man-
hood. He became a farmer and also a sailor. He
married Theda Sexton, and to them was born a son,
Diodate, our subject's father, whose birth occurred
in Chatham in 181 2. In early manhood he was
employed in the Maromas quarries of Middletown,
Conn., and assisted in quarrying the stone used in
the construction of Girard College, Philadelphia.
In 1836 he married Miss ]\Iartha H. Doane, a na-
tive of Fladdam, Conn., and a daughter of Ros-
well and Hester K. (Chapman) Doane, of that
place. Two children were born of this union : Ros-
well Doane (our subject) and Robert Emmett. Soon
after his marria,?e Mr. Spencer, with others, went
to Spring-field, Bradford Co., Penn., making the
trip with a six-ox-team. He cleared a farm there.
1874
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
but about 1846 returned to Connecticut, locating
at East Haddam, where he was more or less en-
gaged in merchandising for eighteen years. In
1803 he went to Burlington, Penn., where he en-
gaged in farming and later in mercantile business.
His death occurred there June 10, 1870.
The boyhood and youth of Roswell D. Spencer
were passed in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and
he received only a meager common-school educa-
tion. At the age of eleven years he began his busi-
ness life in his father's store, and from fourteen
until twenty-two, a period of eight years, he was
employed in the manufacture of britannia spoons
at East Haddam, Conn. In 1862 he entered the
emplov of Gates Brothers, general merchants of
Colchester, this State, serving them in the capacity
of clerk until 1867, when he embarked in general
merchandising on his own account in the town of
East Haddam, in which line of trade he success-
fully continued there for fourteen years. In 1881
he located at Thompsonville, where for eight years
he also engaged in merchandising, selling out in
1 889, and in 1892 he engaged in the banking busi-
ness at that place with his son, Robert E., tmder the
firm name of R. D. & Robert E. Spencer, the bank
being founded by the latter in September, 18S7. He
is now living in Xew Britain, this county.
In i860 Mr. Spencer was united in marriage
with Miss JNIary Helen Mather, a daughter of E.
^^'atrous and Elizabeth (Foster) Mather, of East
Haddam. Five children were bom of this union :
Agnes I., Robert E., Herbert D. (deceased). R.
Donald and Plelen !M. ]\Ir. Spencer is a member
and senior warden of the Episco]3al Church of
Thompsonville, and is a Knight Templar Mason,
a member of the blue lodge, chapter and command-
ery. His political support is always given to the
Democracy, and he has served as selectman of En-
field for one term. As a citizen he has manifested
a commendable interest in everything that is calcu-
lated to promote the general welfare.
XILES GLOVER WHITE, a prominent resi-
dent of West Hartford, who is engaged in business
in Xew York City, is a descendant of Philip \Miite,
who came from England at an early day and located
in Lynn, Mass. He was at one time a light dragoon.
He married a Miss Ramsdale, of Lynn, and re-
turned to England, leaving his wife and child,
Philip White, Jr., in Lynn. He is supposed to
liave been lost in the English Channel. His prop-
erty in England was advertised for years, but his
\ - son would do nothing about it.
Philip White (2) was born in Lvnn, JMass.,
April 12, 1760, and died Oct. 17, 1845. Before
the Revolutionary war he lived with his uncle, Ezra
Ramsdale, in Lynn, and then moved with him to
Chatham, Conn. For seven and a half vears he
fought for American independence as a soldier of
the Continental army. Being small of stature, he
went by the names of "Frostbitten" and "Little
;Devil." He married Olive Rowley, a daughter of
Eleazer Rowley, of Moodus, Conn. She was born
ni that place April 22, 1764, and died April 21,
1856. J\lr. and Mrs. White lived at Chatham, prob-
ably on the J. X. \Miite place. They had seven chil-
dren : (i) Hepsabeth, born Sept. 13, 1784, died Aug.
5, 1873. (2) Aloses, born Nov. 3, 17S6, died Oct.
7, 1843. H^ married (lirst) Nancy Loomis and
(second) Sarah Gillett, and had one son and three
daughters. (3) Olive, twin sister of Moses, mar-
ried Thomas Almy, and had one son and three
daughters. She died April 21, 1856. (4) Nabby,
born March 19, 1789, died July 21, 1809. At the
age of nineteen she married a Mr. Buel, and re-
moved to Pennsylvania. On the trip she caught a
severe cold in fording a stream, and died from the
effects of the same. (5) Philip (3) is mentioned
more fully below. (6) Sarah, or Sally, born April
1, 1797, died Aug. 15, 1883. She was married
in 1816 to Charles Markham, and they had three
sons and three daughters. (7) Caroline M., born
.-\ug. 22, 1800, died Jan. 12, 1878. She married
Titus Strong, and they had one son.
Philip White (3), born Feb. 3, 1795, married
Lucy Xiles, and they had nine children: (i)
Glover Moses, father of our subject, was born Sept.
26. 1819, and died Aug. 26, 1872. He was at one
time superintendent of the Mill Stone Point quarry,
al Watcrford, Conn., and was engaged in the
granite business, in Xew York City, as a partner
of Thomas Crane. He wedded Miss Mary Post
Alarkham, who was born June i, 1824, and died
Jan. 12, 1887. Their only child was Niles Glover,
"the subject of this sketch. (2) Caroline M., born
Xov. 10. 1821, died Sept. 27, 1881. She married
I'l'oses Sisson, and had one son, Henry, who died
when about two years old. (3) John N., born
Dec. 28. 1824, died Feb. 11, 1890. He resided in
Chatham. Conn., and married Julia Thomas, by
whom he had three children — Frank S., born July
14. i8s2: Lucv X.. Aug. 28, 1855: and Grace S.,
March' 8. 1869. (4) Francis P. and (5) Olive M.
both died in Xorwich, Conn. (6) Alfred B., born
Sept. 2, 1829, spent his school days in Chatham,
and when a youngf man traveled in the South for
the firm of Case, Lockwood & Brainard, for a year.
Later he engaged in bell manufacturing at East
Hampton, Conn., under the firm name of Veazey
& White, consolidating the factories of J. C. Hall
& Co., Hiram A^eazey and White & Barton. In
1882 he retired from business and removed to West
FTartford, Conn., where he now lives retired. He
married Ehnina A. Daniels, and they have two
sons — Glover M., born Jan. 13, 1870; and Alfred
r... Jr., horn June 14, 1877. They form the firm of
G. A[. White & Co., dealers in feed and ,grain, at
East Hartford. (7) Lucy Adaline married Francis
\Y. Brainard, and had two daughters. (8) Nabbie
Eleanor, born in 1832, married Emerson E. Niles,
of Albany, X". Y., and had one son. (9) Brockway
J. married Levina Bevin, and had one son, Fred-
erick, who was adopted by Moses Sisson, and bears
his name.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1375
Niles Glover White, whose name introduces
this sketch, was born in Chatnam, Conn., Nov. i,
1850. He is of the third generation of practical
^■ranite-cutters in his family, having. served a regu-
lar apprenticeship to the trade in New York City,
and entered the firm of Thomas Crane & Co., con-
sisting of Thomas Crane and his father. Upon the
death of his father he and Thomas Crane continued
the partnership, and did business under the name
of Thomas Crane & Co., at No. 340 Madison street,
New York City, but our subject now carries on
the business as the White Granite Co., at Long
Island, City, New York. He is a man of keen per-
ception, unbounded enterprise' and good executive
ability, and occupies an enviable position in business
-circles.
At Guilford, Conn., Aug. 27, 1873, Mr. White
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Cornelia
Bishop, who was born there Aug. 27, 1853, a daugh-
ter of Elisha Chapman and Charlotte Griffin (Fow-
ler) Bishop, 'io this union seven children have
been born, whose names and dates of birth are as
follows: Mary Bishop, Aug. 16, 1874; Nellie Fow-
ler, Dec. 29, 1876; Edna, June 30, 1879; Olive, Aug.
14, 1881 ; Lottie, Dec. 17, 1883; Bishop, Oct. 14,
1885; and Prentice, May 24, 1891.
In connection with his New York business Mr.
White is also senior member of the firm of White
& Whitmore, mantel, tile and interior marble deal-
ers of Hartford. He has made his home in West
Hartford since March 24, 1880. He is president
of the Prospect Casino Company, a family club,
and is quite popular in social as well as in business
■circles.
ARTHUR iMANNING, a prominent and rising
young mechanic and agriculturist of Manchester,
was born Oct. 13, 1861, in Manchester, just across
the line of East Hartford town, and is the youngest
of the ten children thai blessed the marriage of
Charles F. and Lydia A. (Hilbord) Manning.
Charles F. Manning was born in Tolland, Conn.,
in 1817, received his education in the common
schools and at an early age learned the blacksmith's
trade. Being an expert, he was for ten years master
mechanic for the New York, New Haven & Hart-
ford Railroad Co., and later for Woodruff & Beach
(now Beach & Co.). on State street, Hartford, and
finallv purchased a farm in Hillstown on which he
passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1876,
shortly after his return from the Centennial Ex-
position in Philadelphia. The ten children born to
his marriage, in 1841 or 1842, to Miss Lydia A. Hil-
bord, a native of Scotland, Conn., were: Sarah Jane,'
who is married to Mark Aspinwall. and resides in
Coventry, Tolland county ; Charles F. and Julia,
who both died young ; Edward, who married Fanny
Leonard, and is now living in Glastonbury, Hart-
ford county; Chester, who married Phebe Hyde,
and is now occupying the farm in Manchester on
which our subject was born ; Richard, who married
Ella Green, and is at present foreman in the Cheney
Co.'s silk factory, at South Manchester; Delia and
Charles, who both died young; Silena S., who is
married to Howard Geer, a resident of St. Louis,
Mo. ; and Arthur, the subject of this biography.
Arthur Manning received a good district-school
education, learned the carpenter's trade, and was
later employed for five years in that capacity at the
Cheney Co.'s silk mill. He continued to live at
home with his parents until one year after his mar-
riage, when he purchased his present farm of seven-
ty acres, which he has since conducted with abundant
success in addition to following his trade.
On May 4, 1882, Mr. Manning was married to
Miss Carrie M. Hills, daughter of William H. Hills,
one of the most prominent and respected residents
of Hillstown. Five children have crowned this
union, as follows: Gertrude, born Jan. i, 1885,
is now attending the Willimantic high school ; Ethel,
born July 19, 1887, is still under the parental roof;
Lester Arthur, born Oct. 13, 1889, died in March,
1894, and his remains lie interred in Spring street
cemetery; Bessie was born May 30, 1892, and Beulah
Nov. 4, 1895.
Mr. Manning is a member of King David Lodge,
No. 57, I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Democrat.
His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and
five acres of the seventy are devoted to tobacco
growing. He began his business life with but a
small capital, but has been very industrious, has
always been willing to turn his hand to anything
by which he could earn an honest dollar, and, being
an excellent mechanic, has never lacked employ-
ment. Aided by his excellent and estimable wife,
whose affable manners and pleasant disposition have
won for her the love and friendship of the entire
community, Mr. Manning now finds himself in very
comfortable circumstances, and justly deserves the
high esteem in which he is held by all his neighbors.
JOHN SHEEHAN, a prominent resident of
New Britain, is a successful business man, and as
a citizen has made his influence a recognized factor
in local aft'airs.
Mr. Sheehan was born in New Britain Jan. 22,
1859, and is of Irish ancestry in both paternal and
maternal lines. Thomas Sheehan, his father, was
a native of County Clare, Ireland, born about 1829,
and received a limited education in the schools of
that country. In 1850 he came to America, locating
immediately in New Britain, where he was employed
for a time as a common laborer -and afterward be-
came a contractor with P.'& F. Corbin and the
Landers & Frary Co. In this line he was success-
ful, but after twelve years he engaged in the grocery
and liquor businesss, opening a store on Lafayette
street, about 1872, ancl continuing same imtil his
death, which occurred in 1885. For some time he
tarried on a truck and drav business in addition to
liif other interests, and in all his enterprises he dis-
played the energy and shrewd judgment wdaich
command success. He was a leading member of
St. Mary's Catholic Church at New Britain, and
/
1376
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
politically was a strong Democrat, although he never
look an active share in party work. He married
Sarah Mead, and they had twelve children, as fol-
lows: Thomas S., i'atrick and .Michael, all now
Ueceased; Katharine; John, and Hanora, who are
living; James, Martin, and William, deceased;
:Mary and Helen, who are living; and Sarah, de-
ceased.
Our subject attended ihe old town school on Myr-
tle street. New Britain, until he was seventeen years
old, receiving a good English education. On leav-
ing' school he turned his attention to his father's
lousiness, and removed to a new building at No. 124
High street, where he remained about ten years.
In^SyS he built his present store at No. 120 High
street, where he enjoys a large custom. He is a
director in the Xew Liritain Brass Co.. of which he
was an incorjwrator, and his judgment in business
maters is considered exceptionally good. In politics
he is a Democrat, and he takes an active part in
municipal affairs, having served as a councilman
from the Fifth ward, in 1891-92-93, and was alder-
man for five years, from 1894 to 1898, inclusive.
Mr. Sheeliaii married Miss Bridget DeWitt,
daughter of Michael DeWitt, a native of Ireland,
and" now a respected citizen of Xew Britain. Six
children brighten his home : Sarah, Thomas, John,
Frederick, Helen and Katliarine. He and his family
are popular sociallv, and he is an active worker in
the Ancient Order' of Hibernians and the Order of
Foresters, having served as treasurer in both, and
belongs to the order of Knights of Columbus, a
Catholic organization.
DWIGHT A. HARRIS, superintendent of the
water works of the city of New Britain, is a man
whose energies have been disciplined by the stren-
uous effort to overcome adverse conditions in youth,
and his present high standing reflects great credit
upon him. His sound judgment, developed by self-
reliant work in earlier years, is of recognized value
to the city, and the water-works system, under his
able and efficient management, has been a success-
ful venture, and is constantly increasing in extent
and usefulness.
]\Ir. Harris was born Sept. 17, 1849. in She-
bovgan Falls, W'is., and comes of a family \vhich
has long been noted for industry and enterprise.
Asel Harris, our subject's grandfather, was born
in 1790, and spent much of his life in the
town of Middleville, Herkimer Co., N. Y., ^Vhere
he engaged extensively in farming. He was an
excellent citizen, but was somewhat reserved in his
manner, and never took an active part in public
aft'airs, preferring to devote his attention to his
business in which he was very successful. For
manv vears he was a leading member of the Meth-
odist Church in his locality, and died in that faith.
His wife was Mariah Bushnell, of New York. Of
their children Richard was a produce and commis-
sion merchant in New York City ; Walter and
Gailord also reside in New York Citv ; William W.
is mentii_>ned below; Erastus was a carpenter; and
l-.mma married Seymour Jackson, then of Fairfield,
Herkimer Co., N. \' ., and now a farmer in Cali-
fornia.
William W. Harris, our subject's father, was- '
born June I, 1818, in F'airheld, N. Y., and received
a district-school education. He learned the car-
penter's trade in his native town, and in 1847
went to Slieboygan F'alls, Wis., where he was
connected with a sash and blind factor)' for sev-
eral years. Soon afterward he removed to Boon-
ville, N. Y., and resumed his trade. He was a man
of good mental ability, but his retiring disposition
kept him from achieving the prominence which
others, less worthy, gained readily. In religious faith
lie was a Presbyterian, and in iwlitics he affiliated
with the Re];ublican ])arty. although he was never
active in partisan work. His estimable wife, whose
maiden name was Jane .\dclia Jackson, was born
Feb. 21, 1819, and died I""eb. 17, 1887; he
survived her but a few years, dying Jan. 18,
1898. The Jackson family is well known in
Herkimer county, N. Y. and our subject's ma-
ternal grandfather, General John Jackson, born
Dec. 30, 1795. died in 1830 at the age of thirty-five
vears, a successful farmer, and took a prominent
part in military affairs as an officer in the State
militia. Hester Neeley Jackson, wife of General
Jackson, was born Nov. 13, 1797, and died Sept.
2. 188 1. Four cliildren were Ijorn to William H.
Harris and wife: Mary, who married Rosell Pitcher;
Dwight .Augustus, our subject: -\nna G., who died
at the age of eighteen ; and Nettie M., wife of ^^'ill-
iam p. Sipplle, of Boonville, New York.
Dwight .A. Harris was educated mainly in the
public schools of Boonville, and his love of reading
has led to private study of various topics. On
leaving school, at the age of eighteen, he learned the
tinner's trade, serving an apprenticeship at Boon-
ville. For a few years he followed the trade as
a journeyman, but he gave it up to become a guide
in the .\dirondacks. His five years in that occupa-
tion brought good financial returns, and many in-
teresting experiences. He shot many deer, and dur-
ing the close seasons, in company with Samuel
Dunokin, engaged in trapping otter, marten
and mink, often having 50G traps set. In vis-
iting his line of traps he would often spend two
weeks, as they covered a range from ten to thirty
miles. In June, 1872, he came to New Britain
to work for W. J. Bulkeley in the steam and gas
piping business, and his ability and skill so im-
pressed the coipmunit}- that when a superintendent
was wanted for the new water-works system, in 1883.
he was chosen for the place, which he has held ever
since. He is also engineer of fire engine No. 2,
New Britain. Politically jNIr. Harris is a Repub-
lican, but he is not especially active in the work of
the party, and socially he is identified with the Order
of United American Mechanics ; the I. O. O. F.,
Phoenix Lodge, No. 52, and with Lodge No. 19, B.
P. O. E.
\
-^.-Ayv.
/^-^Z^-X^«-<?
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1377
RALPH GILLETT, former president of the
State Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford,
Conn., whose death occurred April 17, 1894, was
descended from ancestors on both sides who were
among the earliest colonists of New England.
Rev. Nathan Gillett. the father of Ralph, was a
native of Connecticut; his father, Nathan (afterward
called Major), together with his brother, Capt.
Zacherus, were among the first to respond to the
"Lexington Alarm" from Simsbur}-, Conn. They
belonged to the first company of volunteers, and they
afterward faithfully served their country as true
soldiers and throughout the Revolntionar)- period.
The}' probably remembered the motive which their
fathers had when they came to the rough coast of
New England, a few generations before. Nathan
and his brother Jonathan Gillett first settled in
Dorchester, Mass., and Nathan is recorded as a land
holder and was admitted a freeman in 1634. In
1635 he left Dorchester and removed to Old Wind-
sor, Conn. It is said that the old family of Gilletts
first fled from France to Dorchester in England,
in consequence of religious persecution.
Rev. Nathan Gillett, the father of our subject,
married Lydia Jones, the daughter of Capt. Samuel
Jones, of Hebron, Conn. The Rev. Isaac Jones, of
Litdifield, Conn., in 1822 furnished this history of
his ancestors, in connection with that of Capt. Sam-
uel Jones, and of Dr. Anson Jones, who afterward
became the second President of the Republic of
Texas.
This family are descendants of Col. John Jones,
one of the judges who pronounced sentence against
Charles I, King of England, who was executed
June 30, 1649. On the accession to the throne of
Charles II, in 1660, Col. Jones, with nine other
judges, was condemned and executed. Col. Jones
married Henrietta, sister of Oliver Cromwell, and
their son, Hon. William Jones, married, in 1639,
Hannah, daughter of Theophilus Eaton, afterward
first Governor of the Colony of New Haven, Conn.,,
and came with him to America. From this Will-
iam Jones, the first American ancestor of this branch
of the Jones family, the subject of this sketch was
in the sixth generation, the line of his descent
being through Isaac, Capt. Samuel and Lydia Jones.
From this Isaac Jones descended many men who
made their mark in their various callings of life,
among them Hon. Joel Jones, the first president of
Girard College, and Hon. Anson Jones, the second
president of the Republic of Texas. Capt. Samuel
Jones, son of Isaac, born in Saybrook, Conn., in
1695, married, in 1719, Rachel Dibble, and settled
in Hebron, Conn., where he died in 1733, and she
in 1765. Of their eight children. Lydia, daughter of
Captain Samuel, became the mother of our sub-
ject. Capt. Samuel was an officer in the' French
and Indian war. under Gen. Putnam, and his com-
mission under King George II is in the possession of
his grandson, Alfred S. Gillett, of Washington, D.
C, together with letters written b)^ his grandfather
while in the service.
67
The Rev. Nathan Gillett graduated at Williams
College in about 1798.' He entered as minister in
the Congregational Church, and became pastor of
a church of Gilead Society, in Hebron, Conn., in
1799, and remained their pastor till 1824. He re-
moved from there to jNIonson, Mass., that his sons
might be placed in the Monson Academy, and his
other children have the advantage of good school
facilities. He later settled in Madison county, N.
Y., and remained there ten years. He returned to
Connecticut and died in Ellington, Conn., in 1845.
There he lies buried in the family lot of the Gilletts,
and strange that this old town was once a part of
Windsor, where his fathers settled two hundred
and fifty years ago. He was a man of very fair
talents, a clergyman of the old school, unassum-
ing and unostentatious. He married the daughter
of Capt. Samuel Jones, in the old parish where he
was settled. She was born in 1781 and died in 1865.
She was a woman of the most sterling character
and intelligence, and possessed of great virtues.
Of her children, other than our subject, Alfred .S.
Gillett is still living (he organized the Girard Fire
and Marine Insurance Co. of Philadelphia in 1853,
and was its first secretary, became its vice-presi-
dent, and is now its president) ; Albert J. died in
Hartford, in 1865; and Edwin Nathan died still
. later in Illinois.
Ralph Gillett, our subject, was born in Gilead,
Conn., Oct. 14, 181 1.' He received a classical edu-
cation, and was prepared to enter college. He was
an excellent Greek and Latin scholar, while prepar-
ing for future advancement, but like most min-
isters' sons he found himself poor, and abandoned
his pursuit after classical literature or knowledge.
He went to work in a country store in Ellington.
He afterward became the owner of the Ellington
High School propertv, established and owned by the
late Judge John Hall, and at one time one of the
most prosperous preparatory schools in the State.
In 1849 he moved from Ellington to Hartford, and
entered the general field of fire and life insurance,
becoming general agent for several companies. He
was the first president of the City Fire Insurance
Co., of the Charter Oak Fire Insurance Co., and of
the L^nion Fire Insurance Company. He was a
strong advocate of the mutual system in both fire
and life insurance, and became the president of the
State Mutual Fire Insurance Co., which has recently
re-insured and disposed of all its liabilities. His
death, as already recorded, occurred April 17, 1894,
and it can be well said of him that he was methodi-
cal in all his business transactions, liberal in his
charities, during his lifetime probably giving away
more in charity than he left of estate. His only
living relatives on the Gillett side are Albert B. Gil-
lett. Mrs. Thomas R. Loomis, and Mrs. Mary P.
Smith, all residing in Hartford.
IRA PECK. From the inscriptions on a sub
stantial brown stone monument standing in Spring
Grove cemeterv, Hartford, it is learned that Ira
137S
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Peck was born Xuv. 15, i/yo, and died July 4.
1870. and that his wife Penelope was born i'eb. 13,
ij\)0. and died March 12, i8()y.
i'he birthplace ot AJr. Peck was in the town of
W'allingtord, Conn., but soon after his advent into
the world his father, John Peck, established a home
for the family in Farmington. He was descended
from an historic New England family of the Colon-
ial period. The Connecticut Pecks are descend-
ants of Joseph, of Milford, Deacon William and
Henry, of New Haven, each becoming the ancestor
or progenitor of a numerous race. Deacon W ill-
iam I'eck, the ancestor of the branch ot tiie Peck
family to which our subject belongs, was born in
London, England, in lOoi, and with his wife
Elizabeth, and one chdd, Jeremiah, came to New
England in the ship •■Hector" in 1637, with the
company of which Gov. Eatun and Rev. John Daven-
port were the leaders, and was one of the planters
or founders of the Colony of New Haven in the
spring of 1638. Deacon Peck was a merchant and
a man of high standing in the colony. He was a
deacon in the church at New Haven from 1659 to
the time of his death, in 1694. Eroni this emigrant
ancestor our subject is a descendant in the seventh
generation, the line of his descent being through
John, John (2), Samuel, Samuel (2), and John (^3).
(li) John Peck, son of Deacon William, the emi-
grant, born in 1638, settled in Wallingford in 1672,
and died there in 1724.
I ni) John Peck (2). son of John, born in 1674,
was a resident of Wallingford, where he was a
ckacon of the church, and died in 1771, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety-seven years.
{l\') Samuel Peck, son of John (2). Iwrn in
1704, was a prominent man in the town of Wal-
lingford, where he died in 1755.
(V) Samuel Peck (2), son of Samuel, lived and
died in the town of Wallingford. his death occur-
ring in 1815, when he was aged eighty-one years.
■ (VI) John Peck (3), son of Samuel (2), and the
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
1769. and resided in the town of Farmington, where
he died in 181 1. Of his six sons, Chauncey located
in Windham, N. Y., and became the ancestor of a
numerous family in that locality : the remaining
five were Ira, John, George. Caleb and Benjamin.
The late Ira Peck, our subject, of Wallingford,
in vouth learned the blacksmith's trade, and began
his career engaged in mechanical lines. Along in
the early part of the present century, when he was
still a young man, he went to the State of Georgia,
and became extensivelv engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, keeping a general store, and acquired a large
property. In 1858 he sold his property in Georgia,
and retired from active business. Returning North
he located in Hartford, where he continued to reside
until his death, in 1870. He owned considerable
real estate in Hartford, and added largely to his
proDertv bv judicious stock investments before the
Civil war, and at his death left an estate amounting
to over a million dollars. To his marriage with
Penelope Keyes were born six chiAlren, three sons
and three daughters, but the sons are now all de-
ceased: Henry K., born Alav 12, 1624, ilied Aug.
22, 1877; Ira H., bom April 16, 1832, died Nov.
26, 1870; W illiam H., born April 19, 1838, died Feb.
22, 1898; Caroline P., wife of H. P. Redfield; Mar}-,
wife of J. Danesi, who was a member of Gen. Han-
cock's staff during the Civil war; and Cornelia C,
a resident of the old homestead in Hartford. In his
political affiliations Mr. Peck was first a Jackson
Democrat, then a Whig, and finalh- a Republican.
GEORGE BEST, a prominent citizen of Hart-
ford, now living in retirement, was born Oct. 22,
1826, in London, Englr.nd, son of George Best,
and grandson of John Best, the latter a
native and lifelong resident of that country.
His father was born in the west of England, and
when a young man was employed at the East India
docks, in London. In 1836 he came to America, and
located first in Windsor, Conn., where he engaged
in farming, but his last years were spent in Granby,
his death occurring at the age of seventy-three.
His wife, Jane (Collett), also a native of England,
livc<l to the age of ninety, and both were for many
vears devout members of the ISaptist Church. They
had seven children, two of whom are living: George,
cur subject ; and Susan, a resident of Danvers, Mas-
sachusetts.
Our subject's early life was spent mainly in
Wintlsor, and on comuleting his common-school
course he learned the machinist's trade, which he fol-
lowed in Simsburv and Tariffville for some time,
in 1852 going to Hartford to enter Colt's Armory as
: a contractor. This work he resigned in 1891, and
subsequently entered the carriage business, which
he continued until 1898, and then sold out. He
made a specialty of fine carriages for the local
market, and had an extensive business. In July,
185 1, Mr. Best married Miss Catherine Turnbull, a
native of Scotland, and daughter of Robert Turnbull,
a manufacturer, who died at an advanced age. Mr.
and Mrs. Best have had eight children, three of
whom died young; Agnes B. is the widow of Frank
G. ^^■ bite, who died in 1892 ; George L., a manufac-
turer in Hartford, married Evaline Allen ; Alice
married Leon Broadhurst, who is connected with
the Phoenix Bank in Hartford (they have had two
children, Katherine and Nelly) ; Charles and Daisy
are at home.
Mr. Best is one of the oldest residents of the city,
which has doubled in population during his residence
there. He is a stanch Republican, and his ability
and public spirit have made him a valued member
of the local organization, which he frequently rep-
resents in conventions. He has served in the com-
mon council, and was nine years on the board of
aldermen, seven j^ears as president. He was police
commissioner one year, member of the fire board and
the Hartford city committee for a time, and in 1887
was appointed a director of the State prison, serv-
ing until the expiration of the Governor's term.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
13T9
His family is much esteemed socially, and all attend
the Baptist Church. Mr. Best is identified with
ditferent clubs and societies, and is one of the oldest
JNIasons in Hartford, being connected with the Blue
Lodge, Council, Chapter, and Washington Com-
mandery No. i, K. T., of Hartford.
CHENEY. Through the present century, spec-
ially, has the name of Cheney been most closely and
prominently identified with the social and business
growth of Alanchester. The members of the family of
whom we particularl}- write Lre the posterity of
George and Electa ( Woodbridge ) Cheney, whose
sons through their ingenuity and perseverance estab-
lished (after years of experiment and loss in silk cul-
ture ) and developed the great silk manufacturing
plant bearing the name of Cheney Brothers, an enter-
jjrise most remarkable for its growth. Their sons in
turn followed in the footsteps of their fathers, and
the mills are most successfully conducted by them.
South Manchester is deservedly credited with being
the model manufacturing village in New England.
The growth and appearance of the place is due to
the untiring energy and philanthropy of the Cheney
Brothers, whose immense silk mills are the nucleus
around which have clustered the most ornate and
comfortable residences for operatives and other em-
]3loves, as well as commodious churches, schools and
other public buildings, their erection being largely
due to the liberalit}- of the firm.
Before noting the genealogy of the family and
the lives of some of the individuals who have been
instrumental in building up this large industry,
as well as in developing the town of South Man-
chester, we will refer to the history of the mills.
George Cheney lived and died at the old Cheney
homestead, located about a mile south of Manches-
ter Center, where his father, Timothy Cheney, had
improved the water power and built a saw and grist
mill. In March, 1836, several of the sons of George
Chene}^ built a small mill known as the Mount Nebo
Silk Mill, and began the manufacture of sewing
silk — their first venture cb silk manufacturers. On
the rise of the iiionis iimlticaulus (Chinese mulber-
ry) speculation. Ward, Frank, Charles and Rush
Cheney went with ardor into the culture of mul-
berry trees, Charles on a farm in Ohio, and the
others on farms in New Jersey, having nurseries
and cocooneries at Burlington, where they pub-
lished for a time ''The Silk Growers and Farmers
^Manual." In 1841 they returned to South Man-
chester, re-opened the Mount Nebo Mill, and made
sewing silk from imported raw silk. From this there
dates the steady development of the silk industrv-
The next ten years they spent in study and experi-
ment, aided by travel and close observation of what
liad been done abroad. In 1855 they made their first
experiments in the production of soun silk from
pierced cocoons, floss, silk waste, and whatever si;k
cannot be reeled. From a small beginning this new
hidustry, developed by years of patient and costlv
■experiment, grew to be the specialty of the busi-
ness. In place of the old Mount Nebo Mill has
arisen the group of buildings known as the Old Mill,
comprising the business offices, with various depart-
ments for weaving, dyeing, finishing, and preparing
goods for shipment. What is known as the New
Mill, built in 1871, consists of four three-story brick
buildings, each 250 feet long and connected by a
common front. The Lower Mill is a third group.
The Cheney Brothers Silk Manufacturing Co. was
incorporated in 1854, with a capital of $1,000,000.
In that year the company built a mill in Hartford
which was operated until 1868 under the manage-
ment of Charles Cheney. The number of names on
the pay-roll was increased from the half dozen in the
old original mill to over fifteen hundred. In 1869 the
Cheney Brothers built between South and North
Mancliester a railroad connecting with what is now
the Highland Division of the New York, New Haven
& Hartford railroad.
Col. Frank Woodbridge Cheney and his brother
Knight Dexter Cheney, sons of the late Charles
Cheney, are secretary and treasurer and president,
respectively, of the Cheney Brothers Silk Manu-
facturing Co., Frank Cheney, Jr., being vice-pres
ident. 'ihe other directors are Jas. W. Cheney,
John S. Cheney, Harry G. Cheney and Richard 0.
Cheney. These men are descendants in the eighth
generation from their first American ancestor, John
Cheney, the line of their descent being through Peter,
Peter (2), Benjamin, Timothv, George, Charles
(in the case of the brothers), and Ralph (in the case
of Richard O.).
(I) John Cheney, head of the Newbury line of
the family to which the family under consideration
belong, resided for a period at Roxbury, Mass.
The following minute concerning him was made
by Rev. John Eliot, "Apostle to the Indians," in his
record of the Church, being quoted and given just
as written, retaining the spelling, capitalization, etc.,
of the original :
"John Cheney, he came into the Land in the
year 1635, he brought four children, Mary, Martha,
John, Daniel, Sarah, his Sth child was borne in the
last month of the same year 1635, cald February,
he removed from or Church to Newvery the end of
the next suer 1636. Martha Cheney the wife of
John Cheney."
John Cheney served several times as selectman.
He was made a "freeman" May 17, 1637. He died
in 1666. The children born to him after Sarah,
mentioned above, were: Peter, Lydia, Hannah, Na-
thaniel and Elizabeth.
( II ) Peter Cheney, son of John Cheney, bo n
about 1639, in Newbury," Mass., married, in 1663,
Hannah, daughter of Deacon Nicholas and Mary
(Cutting) Noyes. Peter Cheney was a miller, and
trained up his sons to that business. He died in
1604-95. His ■ children were: Peter (2), John,
Nicholas, Huldah, Mary, Martha, Nathaniel, Eldad,
Hannah, Ichabod and Lydia.
(III) Peter Cheney (2), son of Peter Cheney,
born in 1663, in Newbury, married, in 16 — , at
1380
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
VVatertown, Mary Holmes, and their children were:
Nicholas, Khoda and Benjamin. Ho served in the
blockhouse agamst the Indians in 1704. It seems
that he was engaged in the sawmill business foi
many years.
(^1\ ) Benjamin Chene\-, son of Peter Cheney
(2), born iOy8-9y, in >ve\vbury, married in 1724,
in Hartford, Conn., Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas
and Sarah (Elmer) Long. Benjamin Cheney
bought an interest in a sawmill in East Hartford,
Conn., in 1721. He was a carpenter and joiner and
wheelwright, and his sons inherited the al)dity to
work witli tools which they applied in clockmaking,
boat-buililing antl other mgenious wa\'s. He ac-
quired considerable land, carried on farming opera-
tions on a large scale, and amassed a large proi)-
erty. His children were: Benjamin, Abiel, Eliza-
beth, Timothy, Silas and Asahel.
(\') Timothy Cheney, son of Benjamin Cheney,
born May 10, 1731, in East Hartford, Conn., mar-
ried (first), in 1758, Mary, daughter of Xathaniel
and Hannah (I'itkin) Ul'cott. She died in 1786,
and in 1787 he married (second) Martha, daugh-
ter of Mathew and Alartha (Perkins) Loomis, and
widow of Lemuel White, of East Hartford. Tim-
othy Cheney's home was in the '"Five Mile" Dis-
trict, which first became entitled "Orford," and later
was incorporated as Alanchester. He was clerk of
Orford Ecclesiastical Society at its establishment,
in 1792. He was captain of a militia company,
and, as tradition has it, was detailed, by request of
Gen. Washington, to make powder-sieves for- the
army. He died Sept. 27, 1797. His children
were: Timothy, Elizabeth, Mary. Asahel. George,
Clarissa and Polly.
(\T) George Cheney, son of Timothy Chenev,
was born Dec. 20, 1771, and married, Oct. 18, 1798,
Electa Woodbridge, who was born Jan. 2, 1781,
daughter of Deodatus and Esther (Wei's) Wood-
bridge, and descended from Rev. John Woodbridge,
of Stanton, England, through Rev. John (of New-
bury, :\Iass.), Rev. Benjamin, Rev. Samuel, Russell
and Deodatus. The children of George and Electa
Cheney were ; George Wells, John, Charles, Ralph,
Seth Wells, \\'ard, Rush, Frank and Electa, of whom
Frank is the only son living at this time (1900).
Electa, now Mrs, Richard Goodman, of Lenox,
Mass., also survives.
{YID George Wells Cheney, son of George
Cheney, born in 1799, married, in 1824, Mary,
daughter of Calvin and Lovina (Wilson) Chenev,
and died in 1841. He was highly esteemed for his
upright character, and greatly respected by his fel-
low citizens, holding the offices of town clerk and
justice of the peace from 1828 until his death, and
his decisions were so just and equitable that no
appeal was ever taken in a case he once decided. His
children were; George Wells, John S., Mary E..
Charles E.. \Mlliam H.. Emily F., James W\', and
Caroline \^". Of these, John S. was State senator
and has served as judge of probate, also as member
of the State Sewage commission. James W. has
been active in the politics of State, county and
town ; is one of the directors of the Connecticut State
Prison, and is a member of the Connecticut River,
Bridge and District Commission.
; (VH) Charles Cheney, son of George Cheney,
' born Dec. 2O, 1803, married (first), in 1829, Waitstill
Dexter, daughter of Alason and Alary Brown (How-
ell) Shaw, of Belchertown. His children, all by
this marriage, were : Frank Dexter, Frank Wood-
\ bridge, Mary Howell, Sarah Shaw, Knight Dexter
I and Anna Wells. The mother of these died in 1841,
I and in 1847 tlie father married (second) Harriet
! A., daughter of Henry Bowen, of I'rovidence, R. i.
She died in 1870. Charles Cheney died June 20,
1874. iie was a most systematic business man, and
took an important part in organizing the Silk Man-
ufacturing Co. which he and his brothers founded
at South .Manchester, Conn., in 1836. At his death
the Hartford Coiirant observed: "The deceased for
a time resided in this city, and won the highest
respect of every one with whom he was acquainted.
He will be remembered here as one always gen-
erous and prompt in acts of benevolence, doing good
for the love of it, and modestly shrinking from
any unnecessary prominence. His loss will be
deeply mourned here and in the village which his
business enterprise has helped to build up, and
which his taste and generosity, with the harmonious
co-operation of others of his familv, have done
much to beautify."
(N'H) Ralph Cheney, son of George Cheney,
born Jan. 13, 1806, married, in 1833, Jerusha D.,
daughter of Stephen B. Goodwin, of W'ethersfield,
Conn. She died in 1869. They adopted two chil-
dren, Mary and Richard Otis. Ralph Cheney died
in March, 1897. He was fond of agricultural pur-
suits, and devoted most of his life to farming, being
also interested in the development of the silk in-
dustry, and a partner with his brothers in that
business.
(\'n) Seth Wells Cheney, son of George
Cheney, born Xov. 26, 1810, married (first), in
1847, Emily ^^'oodbridge, daughter of Horace Pit-
kin, of Manchester. She died in 1850, and in 1853
he married (second) Ednah Dow, daughter of
Sergeant Smith and Edna Parker (Dow) Little-
hale. Seth Wells Cheney died in 1856. Most of
his life was spent in travel and in the study of
engraving, crayon work and oil-painting. He
worked with his brother John in engraving, and,
beginning with home-made tools, rose to command
the respect of the artistic world, producing many
portraits and paintings which are highly prized to-
day. His only child, Margaret S., born in 1855,
died in 1882.
(VH) W^ard Cheney, son of George Cheney,
born Feb. 23, 181 3, married Caroline Jackson. She
died in 1865, and he passed away in 1876. He
was a man of great executive ability, of splendid
physique and personal magnetism, much beloved
by all who came in contact with him in business
or the .social circle. He took an active part in
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1381
the introduction of the Chinese mulberry into this
country, and in the raising of siUv worms, and was
largely identified with his brothers in the busi-
ness of manufacturing silk in South Manchester.
His children were : Louis, Alice and Arthur.
"Mr. Ward Cheney was of a peculiarly genial
and sunny disposition, cordial and hospitable in
his nature, and of such bright and cheerful pres-
ence as to inspire all who came in contact with him
and to win irresistibl}' the love of those about him.
IsVv. Cheney was born in iNIanchester, where most
of his business life was passed. When a young
man he went to Providence to clerk in the store
of his brother Charles, then in mercantile business,
and there received an excellent business training.
He was a man to rely upon at all times and in
all places, one fitted for any public position to
which his fellow citizens might have called him.
He only once consented to take a political position,
serving in the House of Representatives in 1854.
His kindly heart and' genial character were not
shown alone in his beautiful home — many other
homes having been made brighter by his presence,
and in times of suffering and sorrow, or distress of
any kind, there was all of manlv strength and
womanly tenderness in Ward Chene}- which any
emergency might call for."
(Vn) Rush Cheney, son of George Cheney,
born April 25, 1815, married, in 1847, Jwlia A.,
daughter of Horace W. and Bridget (Grant)
Goodwin. She died in 1867, and he in 1882. He
possessed inventive talent as well as capability in
the application of mechanical principles to manu-
facturing, and thus contributed a very important
element to the building up of the silk manufacture,
in which he was engaged most of his life. His
children were : Anne Wells, Harry Grant, Louise
and Robert. At the death of Mr. Cheney the Press
said :
"Rush Cheney was born and brought up in
Manchester, and, with the exception of a- brief
sojourn in New Jersey for the sake of an experi-
ment in mulberry culture in 1836, and of periods
of travel in Europe and California, his whole life
has been spent in the neighborhood of his early
home, among the quiet domestic surroundings which
he preferred. Until quite recently he has been en-
gaged in the business of the silk company he had
helped to create, and. of which he has been since
the death of Mr. Ward Cheney, in 1876, the pre-
siding officer. But though he was by habit a busi-
ness man, all his natural tastes and endowments
fitted him for the life of an artist. Lover of nature,
of art and music, he illustrated each in the simple
heauty and harmony of his life. Those who have
hved near him have recognized in him a fineness
and transparency, of nature, through which, as
through the medium of a clear glass, his modest and
retiring virtues have shone with a pure radiance.
He has been greatly honored and beloved by all
about him, and no one could approach him without
feeling his gracious and kindly influence."
(VH) Frank Cheney, son of George Cheney,
born July 5, 1817, married, in 1853, Susan J., daugh-
ter of Daniel C. and Susan (Jarvis) Gushing.
She was born May 9, 1827, at Providence, R. I.
A natural mechanic, he joined with his brother
Rush in the invention and construction of ma-
chinery which made the family business success-
ful. His children are : Katherine S., Mary, Alice
B., Frank and Paul H.
(VIII) George Wells Cheney, son of George
Wells Cheney, and the eldest of his generation, was
born Aug. 14, 1825, in Manchester, and there re-
ceived his education, being reared in his native
place. Up to within fifteen years of his decease he
was connected with the silk business, and he ably
sustained the family reputation for ability of a
high order. He took an active part in public af-
fairs, serving for many years as justice of the peace,
and as chairman of the town committee, and was
deeply interested in benevolent work, though un^
ostentatious in his benefactions. In religious con-
nection he was a member of the Catholic Apostolic
Church of Hartford. In 1850 Mr. Cheney was
married, in Marlboro, this county, to Miss Harriet
Richmond, daughter of William Wadsworth Rich-
mond, and a descendant of Elder William Brewster,
of Plymouth Colony. Three children were born
to this union : Wells Wadsworth, Louis Rich-
mond and George Herbert, all mentioned below.
The father -died at South Manchester Dec. 29, 1893,
and the mother passed away at her home there Sept.
ID, 1900, after enjoying the same high respect
which was accorded her husband by all who knew
him.
(IX) Wells Wadsworth Cheney, born in South
Manchester May 30, 1857, was educated at the
schools there, also at Hartford Public High School,
and at Wilbraham, Mass. He is connected with
the silk mills. On April 19, 1887, he married
Lucy Compton Street, of Ormond, Fla., and they
have one son, George Wells, born Aug. 9, 1888.
(IX) Louis Richmond Cheney was born
April 27, 1859, in South Manchester, and passed
his early I'ife there, receiving his primary educa-
tion. Subsequently he attended the Hartford Pub-
lic High School, from which he was graduated.
His business career was commenced in the Cheney
Brothers mill at Manchester, where he remained
three years, later spending seven yea'-s in the fac-
tory at Hartford, and four years in New York
City, in the sales department. He has since made
his home in Hartford, where he has engaged some-
what in the real-estate business, and he has also
acted as trustee for several estates. The public
affairs of his adopted city have received a due
share of his time and attention, and he is at present
serving as alderman from the Tenth ward. Lender
Gov. Coffin he served as assistant quartermaster-
general of the State, and he is commanding officer
of the Governor's Foot Guard. Socially he holds
membership in the S. A. R., Society of Colonial
Wars, and in various clubs ; also being a director
1382
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the Connecticut River Banking Co., the Hart-
ford Hospital and the American School for the
Deaf. On April i6, 1890, ^Ir. Cheney married
Mary A., daughter of Lucius V. and Eliza (Trum-
bull ) Robinson, and thcv have one child. Eliza
Trumbull.
(IXj George lierbert Cheney, born Sept. 3,
1861, in South -Manchester, was educated partly
in the schools there, and was graduated from the
Hartford Public High School. He is a broker in
New York City. On Dec. 20, 1893, he married
Isabel Bartlett, of Brooklxn, New "i ork.
GEORGE ELLIS, late secretary of the Trav-
elers Insurance Co. of Hartford, who died June
25, 1898, after a brief illness, at his home in Weth-
ersfield avciuie, came of old and pronunent New
England stock. He was a man of great social
charm, widely esteemed throughout Connecticut,
and as an insurance man known throughout the
country.
Air. Ellis was a son of Benjamin I'", and Rulina
(Perry) Ellis, and was Irorn m Hartford .Sept.
27, 1843. He was educated at the Hartford Pub-
lic High School, and entered Trinity College in
i860 (class of '64). \'olunteerIng his services in
the defense of the Cnion, he was appointed by
Secretary Welles assistant engineer in the navy,
left college in 1861, and entered the service, hold-
ing that position until 1868. He was with Farragut
at Mol)ile, and in the engagements at Galveston and
on the Rio Grande. Leaving the navy, Mr. Ellis
was appointed civil engineer in the construction of
the Southern Minnesota railroad, residing in La
Crosse, Wis., until 1871, when he returned to Hart-
ford. There he came in contact with James G.
Batterson, president of the Travelers Insuranoe
Co., who offered Mr. Ellis tlie position of actuary
in that company, a position which he held until
the day of his death. He was unanimously elected
secretary and director of the company Jan. 27,
1897. He was a member of the Loyal Legion,
Army and Xavy Club. Sons of the Revohition,
American Society of Actuaries, and Church Club
of Connecticut, and a number of clubs in other
cities. A lineal descendant of Gov. Bradford, of
Plymouth Colony, he was a member of the New-
England Society of !\Iayflower Descendants. He
was also a member of the Hartford Club and the
Connecticut Historical Society. As a member of
the board of police commissioners he served the
city of Hartford for fourteen years under different
administrations. At the time of his death he was
a director in the Citv Bank and The Society for
Savings, and senior warden of Christ Church. On
the day of his death, in a public letter, President
Batterson thus wrote of him :
The business period of his life was devoted to the inter-
ests of the Travelers Insurance Co. ; and twenty-four years
of honest, faithful service endeared him to his ass.iciat'es by
ties which sweeten the memory of a faithful servant and a
loyal friend. He was a patient listener to the opinions of
others, but firm in his convictions of duty and adherence to
truth. With a pure heart and clean lips, he was never heard
to use profane t.r angry words under any circumstances.
For many years the Senior warden of Christ Church, his
filial devotion toiler services and ministrations was a marked
characteristic ot his Cliristian lite. He could truthfully say:
" Lord, 1 have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the
place wbere 'i'hine honor dwelleth." The company, the
community, and the various traternities with which he was
affiliated, have suffered a great loss, for his busy, helpful
hand is still. Through the last long night he hungered for
the light and air; when morning came he slept — but his new
life had begun.
Mr. Ellis was married. May 13, 1868, in Albany,
N. Y., to Janet Stevens, daughter of John and
Agnes Gordon (Lauder) McEwan. She was born
in Glasgow, Scotland, Aug. 1, 1847, ^"d died Dec.
4, 1896. The children born to them were: (i)
George \\'illiani. born Dec. 6, 1870, in Albany, N.
Y., was graduated from Trinity College, Hartford,
in 1894, ami is now comiected with the Travelers
Insurance Co. He married .Miss .A.imee Freeland
Coison, a granddaughter of the late William R.
Cone, and has one son, George Corson Ellis. (2)
.\lfred Lauder, born .^pril 21, 1877, in Hartford,
was gratluated from Trinity College in the class
of 1898, and is now in the Cornell Medical School,
in .\ew York. (3) John McEwan, born Nov. 3,
1881. in Hartford, now a student at Cornell Uni-
versity.
Benjamin I'ranklin Ellis, father of the late
George Ellis, was born Nov. 3, 1814, in Glaston-
bury. Conn. He was married, Nov. 19, 1840, to
Rulina. daughter of John and Sally (Belcher)
Perry, of Wales, Mass. He removed to Hartford,
where for many years he .was a contractor and
builder, retiring from business in the early 'eighties.
He was a vestryman of Christ Church for many
years. He survives at this writing (1901), at the
advanced age of eighty-seven. His father, Benja-
min Baker Ellis, was born at Norwich, Conn., and
was for many years a ship builder — of privateers
and vessels in the West Indies trade — at South
Glastonbury. On Alay 13, 1798, in Enfield, he mar-
ried Alice, daughter of Lemuel Kingsbury.
Dr. Benjamin Baker Ellis, of Norwich, Conn.,
the father of Benjamin Baker Ellis, was a direct
descendant in the male line of the old Ellis family of
Dedham, Mass. His wife. Alice (Kingsbury)
Ellis, was a descendant in the seventh generation
from (I) Henry Kingsbury, who came to America
from Cjroton, County of Suffolk, England, in com-
pany with Gov. John Winthrop, in 1630. His name
stands No. 25, and his wife's No. 26, among the
members of the First Church in Boston. (II)
Henry. Kingsbury (a), born in England in 1615,
married Susannah . (Ill) Joseph Kings-
bury, son of Henry (2), born at Ipswich in March,
1657, married Love Ayres, of Haverhill, Mass.,
April 2, 1679. In 1708 he removed to Norwich,
Conn., where he died in 1741. (IV) Nathaniel
Kingsbury, son of Joseph, was born at Ipswich
Aug. 23, 1684, married, in Haverhill, Hannah,
daughter of Rev. John Denison, in 1709. In 1712
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1883-
he removed from Norwich to Windham, and in
1725 to Coventr)', Tolland Co., Conn., where she
died in 1772. {V ) Joseph Kingsbury (2), son of
Nathaniel, born March 27, 1721, in Windham, mar-
ried, in 1745, May Loomis, of Bolton, Conn. On
April 7, 1757, he removed to Enfield, Conn., hav-
ing bought 500 acres of land in that town. He was
a member of the Assembly from that town from
1778 to 1785, and a delegate from Enfield for the
ratification of the Constitution of the United States.
(VI) Lemuel Kingsbury, son of Joseph (2),
born Sept. 14, 1752, married, Dec. 23, 1773, Alice,
daughter of Samuel I'erry, of Enfield, an account
of whose ancestry is set forth elsewhere. He was a
minute-man in 1776, and a cornet in the 5th Regi-
ment of Light Horse. He was a Jeft'ersonian,
casting the only vote for Jeflferson in the town of
Enfield, for which action he was requested to resigii
his church and public offices. His wife died March
25, 183 1, and he died Sept. 14, 1846, aged ninety-
four years.
Through Ann Collins, wife of Ephraim Terry,
Mr. Ellis traced his ancestry through Rev. Na-
thaniel Collins, the first pastor of the church of
Enfield ; Rev. Nathaniel Collins, pastor of the
church in Middletown from 1668 to 1684; to Dea-
con Edward Collins, of Cambridge, Mass., 1636.
Through Alice Adams, wife of Rev. Nathaniel
Collins, Mr. Ellis traced his ancestry through
William Adams, Jr., second minister of the church
at Dedham (who came with his parents in the
"Ann" from London, in 1635), to William Adams,
the pioneer ancestor of the family in Cambridge,
in 1635.
Through Alice Bradford, wife of Rev. William
Adams, and daughter of William Bradford, deputy
governor of Plymouth Colony from 1682 to 1687,
Mr. Ellis traced his ancestry to Gov. Bradford, of
the Plymouth Colony.
THEODORE M. LINCOLN (deceased), for
many years a prominent and successful business
man in Hartford, was a native of that city, born
March 16, 1830, a son of Levi and Malinda (Miles)
Lincoln, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
Our subject was educated in Hartford, in early
manhood removing to New York, where he was em-
ployed as a bookkeeper for a time. Returning to
Hartford he embarked in the manufacture of fancy
iron fences, in which he continued until his death,
Feb. 25, 1863. For many years he was a member
and trustee of the Pearl Street Congregational
Church, and his life was a practical illustration of
what ability, energy and force of character can ac-
complish ; while promoting his own interests he
materially assisted in the advancement, of the wel-
fare of the community at large. In his political
preferences he was a Whig and Republican. In
Hartford, April 2, 1857. Mr. Lincoln married Mary
J. Winship, who was born Nov. 25, 1833.
Mrs. Theodore M. Lincoln is a daughter of
Joseph and Mary (Ives) Winship, the former of
whom was a son of Joseph, a leading farmer of
Hartford, where he died at the age of fifty years ;
he- married Mehitabel Rhodes, of Wethersfield, and
had a family of five children, all now deceased.
Grandmother Winship lived to the patriarchal age
of ninety years, and their son Walter, Mrs. Lin-
coln's uncle, reached the age of ninety-one, dying
in Hartford in 1890. Lie was employed by Rob-
bins & Winship.
Joseph Winship, the father of Mrs. Lincoln,
learned the trade of cabinetmaker, and in partner-
ship with P. F. Robbins conducted a furniture man-
ufacturing business for many years in Hartford,
theirs being the oldest establishment of the kind
in the city, turning out the finest line of furniture,
much of which may still be seen in the homes
of the wealthier families of Hartford and other
places. He died in 1888, at the age of seventy-
nine, having been in business for over forty years,
and was much missed in the community, where he
was held in the greatest respect and esteem as a man
of strict integrity. An influential and devout mem-
ber of the South Baptist Church, he was senior
deacon in same, and held other offices. His late
home, where still reside Mrs. Lincoln and her sis-
ter, Mrs. Whitelaw, is one of the finest and most
comfortable in the city, and in the grounds sur-
rounding it he was wont to spend many a pleasant
sunny day, attending to his fruit trees, shrubs and
vines, for he raised a considerable quantit)' of fine
fruit, especially grapes, celebrated all over this sec-
tion, and for which he invariably took prizes at ag-
ricultural shows and other occasions. Mrs. Lin-
coln's sister, Cornelia E., living with her, was mar-
ried. May 19, 1875, to William H. Whitelaw, at
present a collector, but formerly in the grocery busi-
ness in Hartford. They have had one son, Theo-
dore W., who died Feb. 25, 1886, aged five and a
half years. Mr. Whitelaw enlisted, at Watertown,
Conn., in July, 1862, in Company D, igth Conn. V.
I., afterward the 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery, and did
garrison duty at the fortifications in Washington
until the last of May, 1864. He was then assigned
to the 6th Corps, and his first fight was at Cold
Harbor, June i, 1864. The regiment was trans-
ferred to Washington from City Point in July, in
time to save Washington from the attack of Gen.
Early, and from that time on was between Washing-
ton and the enemy. He was wounded at the battle
of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864, and was discharged
May 18, 1865, at the New Haven Hospital, for
wounds received. Mr. Whitelaw is a member of
Robert O. Tyler Post, No. 50, G. A. R.
ROBERT WARDELL ROLLINS, general
manager of the Hartford Electric Light Co., Hart-
ford, and one of the most prominent young business
men of the city, comes of old New England stock.
John A. Rollins, the progenitor of this numerous
and widely scattered family, came to this country
from England in 1632. Edward A. Rollins, grand-
father of our subject, was from Wolfboro, N. H.,
138i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and located in Xewbury, \'t., when about twenty
years old. He married Xancy Meserve, and set-
tled on a small farm in the Wallace district, fol-
lowing lumbering during the winter. He was a
noted ox teamster during that early period, when
o.K-teams ami bob-sleds were exclusively used in
hauling in the immense first growth of pines. Ed-
ward A. Rollins reared a family of eleven children,
ten of whom arrived at maturity, and only one,
Henry G., now remains in the town.
Henry G. Rollins was born in 1832 in Xew-
bury. Soon after attaining his majority he en-
gaged for five years in the lu.nhcr business at Bol-
ton ville. with his brother Samuel. In 1857 he mar-
ried Harriet Wardell, of Boltonvillc. Returning
to his farm, he displayed unusual energy, doing a
lively business in the winter in the delivery and
sale of logs, bark and cordwood. This farm, to
which the elder Rollins moved the year before
Henry was born, is a fertile upland tract, and has
been increased by subsecpient purchases until now it
contains more than 300 acres. Some fifteen years
since Mr. Rollins built his pres.Mit fine residence.
Formerly interested in sheep and voung stock, which
he fitted for an earlv market, he has recently given
his attention to dairying, keeping from fifteen to
twenty cows. When the Civil war broke out he
"left the plowshare in the mold" and enlisted in the
12th \'t. \'. I., Col. A. P. Blunt, and served faith-
fully until his discharge. Members of the Rollins
family have aided their country faith fuUv as soldiers
since the early days, and there is a record of twenty-
three of the name who served in the old French war ;
of fifty who served their country in the army of the
Revolution: of many who fought in 1812; and of
more than one hundred who defended the flag in
the great Rebellion, among others Henry G., as al-
ready noted : his brother Justin L., who enlisted in
an (Jhio regiment and passed through nineteen bat-
tles unharmed ; and another brother. Jonas M.. of
Danvers. iNIass., who was wounded at Antietam.
Such a record of loyalty and patriotism is not often
equalled, and would do honor to any name.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Rollins have reared a
family of two sons and five daughters, all of whom
are living, and are useful members of society :
Mary E., Mrs. W. A. Cobb, of Concord, X. H. ;
Julia E., Mrs. H. G. Darling, of Providence, R. I. ;
Anna S.. Mrs. C. A. Sinclair, of Montpelier, \'t. ;
Robert \V., our subject; Edward H., superintend-,
ent of power. Hartford Electric Light Co. ; Hattie
J., Mrs. I. C. Renfrew, of Littleton, X. H. ; and
L. Josepliine. a stenographer and typewriter with
the Hartford Electric Light Co. Mr. Rollins gave
his children the benefit of good educational ad-
vantages at Xewbury Seminary and Peacham Acad-
emy, and five of them became teachers. He is a
kind-hearted, conscientious, reliable man, possessed
of good hard common sense. In politics a stead-
fast Republican, he has efficiently served as lister
and selectman.
Robert W. Rollins was born April 12, 1864, in
Xewbury, \'t., and received a common-school educa-
tion, finishing at the Xewbury Seminary. Fie came
to Hartford at the age of twenty, and secured a
position with the Hartford Electric Light Co., as
lamp trimmer. After a few months the manage-
ment, deeming him worthy of better employment,
secured him a position with the Schuyler Electric
Co., which at that time had its main offices in Hart-
ford, and where he acquired considerable experience.
Thence he returned to his first employ, as night
engineer, in which position he remained three years.
His next cx]xTience was with the Waterhouse Elec-
tric Co., with which he remained until the con-
cern was absorbed by the Westinghouse Electric
Co., when he entered their Boston office as con-
structing engineer, and while with them installed
many plants, in all parts of the country, aS well
as the plant of the Havana Electric Light Co., Ha-
vana, Cuba. After several years in this incumbency
^Ir. Rollins returned to Hartford in 1892 to accept
the position of assistant superintendent of the Hart-
ford Electric Light Co. In 1894, on the death of
the superintendent, he was promoted to that posi-
tion, which he held until elected general manager
of the company, in February, 1900.
Mr. Rollins' wide experience, in all branches of
electric lighting, has made him conversant with
every detail of the large and increasing business of
the concern, and he is considered one of the most
expert men in his line in the East. The company
in April, 1896, absorbed the Hartford Light &
Power Co., thus obtaining a clear field in Hart-
ford and vicinity, and they operate four plants, own-
ing three, and buying the power from the other.
It may be readily seen that Mr. Rollins, as general
manager, is a verv busy man, and in addition to
attending to the multifarious duties of his position
he keeps himself thoroughly posted on improvements
and new appliances in his line. The fact that he has
proved himself capable in every position he has oc-
cupied, from the lowest to the highest, is sufficient
justification for his rapid rise in the commercial
world, a circumstance not now so common as it was
a quarter of a centur}' ago, before competition be-
came so keen. Success and promotion have come
to him as the direct result of ability, energy and
hard word, properly applied, and he occupies a de-
servedly prominent place among the business men
of the city in which his active life has been passed.
On Jan. 22, 1888, Mr. Rollins married Miss
Adelia Lillian Bolger, of Hartford county.
HERBERT J. MILLS, a well-known manufac-
turer of Bristol, Hartford county, is one of the lead-
ing citizens of that locality, and is at present serv-
ing as representative in the State Legislature. He
comes of good Connecticut ancestry, and was born
Sept. 15, 185 1, at Xew Hartford, Litchfield county.
(I) Simeon Mills, of Windsor, Conn., about
1640, not long thereto, probably married Jane or
Joan . There is a tradition that Mr. Mills
(~^jAyUU%
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1385
came over with Capt. Newbury to Salem, and mar-
ried Sarah Bissell, who came over in the ship with
Jiim. From this ancestor Herbert J. Mills, of Bris-
tol, is a descendant in the eighth generation, his
line being through Simon, John, Deacon Joseph,
Deacon Joseph (2), Roger and James Remington
Mills.
(II) Simon Mills, son of Simeon and Sarah
(Bissell), born probably after the father's emi-
gration, married in 1659 Mary, daughter of Will-
iam Buell, a Welshman, supposed to have left Eng-
land in 1630, in the company under charge of Rev.
William' Warham, and who came from Dorchester,
Mass., to Windsor in 1635 or 1636. Simon Mills,
who was in Simsburv about 1670, died there in
1683.
(III) John ]\Iills, son of Simon, born in Wind-
sor, in 1668 or 1669, married Sarah Pettibone, and
died in Simsbury in 1698.
(IV) Deacon Joseph Mills, born in 1694, mar-
ried Hannah Adams. He removed to West Sims-
bury in 1742, being among the first settlers of that
part of the town. He was a farmer in comforta-
ble circumstances, and a man of eminent piety, dea-
con in the church. He died in 1785, and his wife in
1776.
(V) Deacon Joseph Mills (2), son of Deacon
Joseph, born. in 1728, in Simsbury, married (third)
in 1 77 1 Hannah Remington, of SufHeld. He re-
moved to Norfolk, Conn., about 1759. He was
chosen a deacon in the church in 1772. He was a
farmer and to some extent a mechanic, a man of
humble piety, interesting, and affectionate and kind
to his family. He died in Norfolk in 1792.
(VI) Roger Mills, son of Deacon Joseph (2),
born in 1773, married in 1804 Harriet, daughter of
Phineas Merrill, of New Haitford. Mr. Mills
was a farmer, and to some extent a law3'er. He was
greatly beloved, and held the confidence of the peo-
ple. His death occurred in New Hartford in 1844.
James Remington Mills, father of our subject,
Avas born in New Hartford Dec. 19, 1818, and re-
sided there until 1854, when he engaged in mechan-'
ical and agricultural pursuits at Beloit, Wis. There
he remained thirteen years, returning to Connecti-
cut in 1867. Soon afterward he removed to Chi-
copee, Mass., where he found employment as a me-
chanic, and later he spent some time in Springfield,
Mass. About 1884 he returned to his native State
to pass the remainder of his life. He died June
^5, 1885. On July 30. 1844, he married (first)
Mary Elizabeth Mix, of Bristol, who died in Wis-
consin in 1865. His second wife was Jane E.
AVood, of Windsor, Conn., who survives him, and
resides in East Hartford. He was the father of the
following children : Mary Louisa, wife of Delos H.
Cady, of Brookfield, Mo. ; Cordelia A., wife of Da-
rius A. Cudworth, of St. Anthony Park, Minn. ;
Herbert J., our subject; Harriet (deceased), who
married Joseph F. Smith, of Bristol ; Anna Isabel
( deceased) : and Walter E., who married Lizzie
Lundbourg, and resides in BVistol.
Herbert J. Mills was educated in the district
schools of Wisconsin, and his early life was spent
in the wholesome environments of farm life. When
the family returned to the East he went to Spring-
field, Mass., where he learned the business of making-
paper boxes, and in 1872 he removed to New
Haven, from there going in 1873 to Bristol. In
1887 Mr. Mills and his cousin, David Mix, leased
the paper box factory of Mr. Hitchcock, and during
the same year Mr. Mills purchased his partner's
interest. He continued thus until 189 1, when he
purchased the entire business, and built his present
commodious factory.
On May I, 1878, Mr. Mills married, in South-
ington. Conn., Adelia Baxter Dozier, daughter of
Isaac and Lydia Dozier, of Bristol, and they have
two children: Bertha Dozier, born Aug. 31, 1879;
and Roger Herbert, born April 4, 1884. Mr. Mills
was one of the first assessors of the borough, and he
also served as burgess previous to his election as rep-
resentative. Socially he and his wife are popular,
and he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 66, F. &
A. M. ; Bristol Conclave, No. 556, Independent
Order of Heptasophs; and Ethan Lodge, No. 9,
K. of P., as well as the uniformed rank of that
order. Politically Mr. Mills is a Democrat, and in
religious faith he inclines toward the Baptist
Church, of which his wife is a member.
TIMOTHY ELEAZER STEELE (deceased),
in his lifetime a bright and shining light at the
Bar of Hartford county, and who held and left the
reputation of an honest lawyer, was a native ot
Connecticut, born Sept. i, 1837, at Bolton, Tolland
county.
The genealogy of the family of which Mr. Steele
was a worthy member dates back to (I) George
Steele, born in the County of Essex, England, who
came thence to this country with his brother John,
and in 1634 was made a freeman at Cambridge,
Alass. From there he removed to Hartford, Conn.,
where he owned lands, and where he passed the
rest of his days, dying in 1663, at an advanced age.
His son,
(II) Lieut. James Steele lived at Hartford in
1658. He married Sarah Bartholomew, who died
at the age of forty-four years, and was the mother
of one son. He was appointed by the General Court
to lay out lands along with Gen. Wadsworth, also
to determine the dividing lines between New Lon-
don and Lyme. In 1675, ^t the breaking ottt of
King Philip's war, he was appointed a commis-
sary. Lieut. Steele died in 1712, leaving an estate
of '£878.
(III) Rev. Stephen Steele, born at Hartford in
1696, graduated from Yale College in 1718. He
was the first settled minister at Tolland, his salary
being £75 (about $375) per annum. He married,
May 2, 1720, Ruth, daughter of Samuel Porter,
of Hadley, Mass., whose sister was the wife of
Rev. Solomon Williams, a descendant of whom was
a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Rev.
1886
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
j\lr. Steele died Dec. 4, i/Sy. his wife on Ma\- 14,
1 791, aged ninety-one years.
Santord Steele, fatlier of our subject, was a
prominent farmer and judge of probate in L>olton,
Tolland count}', where he died at the age of over
eighty years. He married Caroline k. Sumner,
daugliter of T. E. and Elizabeth C Sumner, of
Gilead, Tolland Co., Conn., and to this union were
born several children, of whom are yet living:
(_I) Henry S., of Middleficld. Conn., a farmer;
(2) B. Frank, a wholesale fruit dealer of Spring-
field, Mass.; (3) Mary, wife of (jeorge Howe, of
Spruigfield ; and (4) Elizabeth J., a teacher of
Springfield. The mother dietl in Springfield when
over eight}- years of age, a member of the .M. E.
Church.
Timothy E. Steele, of whom we more partic-
ularl\- write, received his primary education at the
common schools of lis place of birth, after which
he entered W'ilbraham .Acadeni}', and then took a
course at the Wesleyan Cniversity, from which in-
stitution he graduated in 1863. Having decided on
the profession of law for his life work, he studied
under the late Hon. Thomas C. Perkins and ex-
Gov. Richard Hubbard, in 1865 was admitted to
the Bar, and at once commenced practice in Hart-
ford, continuing there until his death, June 30.
To Mr. Steele an obituarv notice pa}S the fol-
lowing tribute : "A safe counselor, his tastes and
talents made him pre-eminentlv a trial lawyer. He
was industrious and painstaking in the preparation
of cases for trial. In the conduct of trials he wa^
forceful and straightforward, thoroughly master of
his own case, and quick to take advantage of everv
weakness of his opponent. \\'hile making; no pre-
tense to oratory in any technical sense, Mr. Steele
w"as clear and convincing in stating his case to
court or jury, and very few surpassed him in the
skillfulness with which he presented the evidence
in a case to the jury." Of him, also, Judgre David
S. Calhoun, in speaking of resolutions of respect
adopted at a meeting of the Hartford Countv IBar,
says : ''While on the Bench I was always inter-
ested in the way Mr. Steele tried his cases. He
was positive and industrious in the highest degree,
and was possessed of a rigid honesty. I do not
speak of honesty in any limited or restrictive sense.
Mr. Steele was an honest man before he became a
lawyer, and when he became a lawyer he did not
leave his honesty behind him. His methods in
Court were open and honest, and it was never nec-
essary for the opposing lawyer to inquire whether
he had a private wire leading to the jury box. He
was a fearless man, a man who not only had physical'
but moral courage, and nothing ever s waved him
from doing what he thought was right." To all of
which it should be added that he was celebrated
for his great ability in the examination of wit-
nesses.
At all times an ardent Democrat, Mr. Steele
nevertheless was not ambitious of political prefer-
ment, though he never hesitated to openly and
mantully avow and champion his views. In 18O6
he representetl Bolton in the tleneral Assembly, and
alter removing to Hartford he served on the coun-
cil boaril from iiS73 to 1875, being president thereof
for two years, brom i8<ji to 1894 he was city at-
torney, and from 1894 to 1897 was street commis-
sioner, while his interest in the public schools led
him to serve the district in which he resided for
n'iany years as chairman of its committee. Of
municipal problems he was an intelligent student,
and as a public servant he was conspicuously useful
and honorable. I'or inanv years he was an active
member of the Congregational L'luirch, and served
on the committee of same.
Oct. 24, 1866, Timothy _E. Steele was married
to Clara J. Eaton, of Longmeadow, Alass., daugh-
ter of Levi Eaton, a farmer of that locality, who
died there at the age of si.\ty-six years; his wife,
Clarissa (Coolc}'), was born in Springfield, Mass.
Of his family of six children three are yet living:
Levi, in Bridgeport; Clara J. (Mrs. Steele); and
Flavia (Mrs. Carter), their half-sister, of East
Longmeadow, Mass, Mrs. Eaton died at the age
of ■thirt}'-three, a memljer of the Congregational
Church.
Mrs. Clara J. Steele received her education at
^^'ill)raham .-Academy, and at the age ef sixteen be-
gan teaching in East Longmeadow, Mass., after-
ward in Springfield, and, still later, in Indian
Orchard, thence back to Springfield, terminating her
school duties in ?ilarch, i8'i6. By her marriage tp
Mr. Steele she had five children: (i) James E.,
with his uncle B. Frank in Springfield, Mass. ( he
is a graduate of the Hartford Fublic High School I ;
(2) Edward L.. a brief sketch of whom follows;
( 3 ) Elizabeth, a graduate of Smith College, and
now a post-graduate of Wesleyan College, where
she is taking a literary course under Prof. Win-
chester; (4) ^^'illiam, a traveler for Tucker & Good-
win, of Hartford; and (5) Raymond, employed in
the Hartford National Bank ( he and his brother
AN'illiam both live at the old home in Hartford).
The entire family attend the Congregational Church.
The father of this interesting family found his chief
pleasures in the domestic circle of his home, and in
the companionship of his chosen friends. It has
been most truly said of him that, as a comrade,
he was entertaining and instructive ; and, as a
friend, he was steadfast and loyal.
Edw.'\rd'L. Steele, the second son in the fam-
ily, received his education in part at the Hartford
Public High School, graduating therefrom in i8go;
in part at the Wesleyan University, graduating
therefrom in 1894; and completed his professional
studies at Yale Law School, from which institution
he was graduated in 1896. He then practiced his
profession along with his father, and since the
latter's death has been alone. On July 12. 1898, he
married Julia Simonds, of Hartford, daughter of
Stillman A. Simonds, and one child, Richard T.,
has blessed this union. In politics Edward L.
I
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1387
Steele is a Republican, and for two terms of two
years each he served in the common council of
Hartford. Socially he is a member of the Royal
Arcanum.
SETH TALCOTT (deceased), for many years
one of the leading and popular citizens of Hartford,
was born in West Hartford Nov. 4, 1830.
JNlr. Talcott was able to trace his ancestry back
to John and Dorothy (Mott) Talcott, the latter a
daughter of Thomas and. Alice (Mead) Mott.
John Talcott died in 1660, his wife in 1669. (II)
Samuel Talcott, the next in direct descent' to our
subject, was born in 1635, and died in 1691. He
married Hannah Holyoke, who died in 1677. (HI)
Benjamin Talcott, born in 1674, died in 1729. He
married Sarah Hollister, who was born in 1676,
and died. in 1715. (IV) Capt. Samuel Talcott,
born in 1708, died in 1768. He married Hannah
Mosely, who was born in 1710, and died in 1800.
(V) Samuel Talcott, born in 1738, died in 1780.
He married Mary Smith. (\T) Samuel Talcott,
grandfather of our subject, was born in 1765, and
died in 1854. He married Abigail Pantry Hooker,
who was born in 1770, a daughter of Thoma.s
Hart and Sarah (Whitman) Hooker. (VII) Seth
Talcott, the father of our subject, was born in
18 10, and died in 1846. Samuel Talcott (VI)
wore a queue and knee breeches. By occupation
both Samuel (VI) and Seth (VII) were cloth
dyers and fullers. Seth married Charlotte S. But-
ler, who was born in 1804, a daughter of James
and Irene (Ensign) Butler, and died in 1875.
(VIII) Seth Talcott, whose name introduces
this sketch, began his education in the schools of
West Hartford, and later attended Yale College.
His early business training was obtained while
clerking in the drug store of Harvey Seymour, and
on attaining his majority he started a retail and
wholesale drug store of his own, where the Hills
block, Hartford, now stands. He continued in the
wholesale business up to the time of his death,
originalh' in his own name, later as a member of
the firm of Talcott Brothers, and finally Talcott,
Frisbie & Co. His son, Charles Hooker Talcott.
is now a member of the firm. Mr. Talcott was a
man. of scholarly and refined tastes, was conscien-
tious and straightforward in all that he did, and
no man in the community was held in higher re-
gard or had more warm friends. He was a mem-
ber of the As3dum Hill Congregational Church,
and his life was in perfect harmony with his pro-
fessions. He passed away April 16, 1894.
At Long Meadow, Mass., July 13, 1865, Mr.
Talcott married Miss .Sarah Elizabeth Allen, a
daughter of Brinton Paine and Ann Elizabeth
(Turpin) Allen. She is also a representative of
an old New England family, being a descendant of
Samuel Allen (probabh^ a brother of Matthew
Allen or Allyn),.who was born in 1588, and died
in 1648. (11) John Allen, the next in direct line,
wedded Mary Hannum, and was killed at Deerfiela
in 1675, during the Pequot war. (Ill) Samuel
Allen, born in 1673, in 1700 married Hannah Bur-
roughs, who was born in 1675, and died in 17 — ,
and his death occurred in 1735. (IV) Joseph
Allen, born in 1704, married Mary Hewlett in
1723; she died in 1782, and his death occurred in
^777- (V) Hezekiah Allen, born in 1739, married
Abigail Bartlett in 1768; she died in 1825, and he
in 1807. (VI) Hezekiah Allen, born in 1777, died
in 1846. He married Nancy Paine, who was born
in 1780, and died in 1843. (VII) Brinton Paine
Allen, the father of Mrs. Talcott, was born in
1816, and died in 1879. He married Ann Eliza-
beth Turpin, who was born in 1819, and died in.
1898.
To Mr. and Mrs. Talcott were born three sons :
Allen Butler; Charles Hooker, who married Mary
Dudley Vaill, and has two. children, Seth and Dud-
ley Vaill : and Edward Coleman, a resident of New
Y'ork City.
ALVIN SQUIRES (deceased) will be remem-
bered among the business men of Hartford as one
of the oldest and most successful merchants in his-
line, and one who, throughout life, maintained a
high reputation, in both commercial and private life.
Born March 10, 1821, in Berlin, this county,,
Mr. Squires was a son of Amos Squires. The first
few years of his life, were passed in his native place^
but he was "bound out" at an early age. When a
young man he commenced boating, running to Sag
Harbor, and was thus engaged for thirteen years,,
becoming pilot, and during the early part of the
Civil war acting as captain. It was in 1863 that he
first entered the market business, being with J. N..
B. Stevens a short time, in a store on Market street,,
hartford, where Rogers Bros." establishment is now
located. He was then in business alone for a time
on Main street, on the site now occupied by Mr>
McManus, and in 1870 established the "Putnam
Phalanx Market," which he conducted until his-
death. His patronage increased constantly, and in
1880 he took his son Elisha into partnership. They
dealt in meats and vegetables, and did the largest
business in their line, among the best class of people,,
in the city, and at the time of his death Mr. Squires-
was one of the oldest market men in Hartford. The
business had grown to such proportions that ten
men were employed.
Mr. Squires was twice married, and by his first
wife had children as foHows : Elisha ; Charles ; and
Mary E. Benham, widow of James L. Benham. In
1865 our subject married Miss Ella L. Stratton,
who survives him. Mr. Squires was connected with
the old volunteer fire department for a number of
years during his younger manhood. He was prom-
inently identified with the Putnam Phalanx, of which
he was the oldest surviving member at the time
of his death. He served two years as major in that
organization, and manv years as quartermaster, and
the members attended the funeral in a body. There
were many other evidences of the respect and es-
1388
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tccni in which he was held Ijv his fellow citizens.
Mr. Sijuires was a DenuKrat in politics, and dur-
ing the "seventies served two terms as aklernian.
He died Feh. 8. i8yy. at the age of seventy-seven
years.
^Irs. Ella L. Squires is a native of Windsor,
Conn. Her grandfather, Julius Stratton, was a na-
tive of Sinislniry. where he spent his entire life,
engaged in farming. Morgan Stratton, her father,
was also horn in Simshury, and was a farmer l)y
occu]iation. He moved to Windsor, and thence to
Hartford, where he held the responsible position
of superintendent of out-of-door work at Colt's for
thirty years. He died in 1890, at the age of sev-
enty-four years. Mr. Stratton married Amelia
Cook", a native of Bloomtield, this county, who
passed away at the age of seventy years, and by
whom he had nine chiklren. They attended the
Congregational Church, and .Mrs. Squires is a mem-
ber of the Center Congregational Church in Hart-
ford. She now makes her home with her sister
Jsatlore. who is the wife of Charles Burr, at Xo.
i() Linden Place, Hartford.
Elisha Squires, son of our sul)ject. is a well-
known citizen of Hartford. He is a Knight Tem-
]ilar Mason, and a member of the Baptist Church,
in which he holds the office of deacon. Mrs. Ben-
ham is a member of the I'mirth Church.
HEXRY HERMAN CLARK has for almost
half a century been identified with the business
interests of Southington as a memlier of the firm
of Clark Bros. & Co., manufacturers of bolts and
carriage hardware at Milldale, and he is justly
numbered among the leading citizens of the town.
His is an honoral)le record of a conscientious man,
■who by his upright life has won the esteem of all
with whom he has come in contact.
Mr. Clark was born in Southington May 14,
1829, a son of Theodosius and Chloe (Clark)
Clark. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry
back to James Clark, originally from England,
■who located in New Haven in 1638, and was one
of the company consisting of Gov. Eaton and others
who met in a Mr, Newman's barn June 4, 1639,
to form a civil compact. In 1669 he removed to
Stratford, Conn. His son, Ebenezer Clark, the
first of the family to locate in ^^'allingford, was
born Nov. 29, 1651, and was married I\Iay 6, 1678,
to Sarah, daughter of James Peck. Their son,
Stephen Clark, born Dec. 7, 1721, married Lydia
(or Ruth) Hotchkiss, and died Nov. 4, 1800. He
Avas the father of Amasa Clark, who was born
Nov. 25, 1753, and was married Dec. 28, 1785, to
L}-dia Hull, daughter of Deacon Zephaniah Hull,
of Cheshire. He engaged in farming in Cheshire,
iind died Dec. 30 1833. Their son. Theodosius
Clark, father of our subject, was born in Cheshire
Oct. 22. 1788, and spent his early life on a farm.
At the age of eighteen years he commenced teach-
ing in a district school in his native town, and in
1810 he came to Southington to teach in the Plants-
ville District. In 181 1 and 1812 he taught at what
is now Plainville, and in Earmington in 1813 and
1814, while for several years following he taught
in the districts in the southern part of Southing-
ton. In 1824 he was a teacher in the South End
District. This was the first year that grammar
was taught in the town, the school commissioners
requiring it. Mr. Clark was entirely ignorant of
grammar, but he took the study in hand, and with
much labor was enabled to carry his class through
the book. In connection with teaching he also fol-
lowed farming. He took an active part in build-
ing the old Earmington canal, since abandoned by
building the New Haven & Northampton railroad
on the same line, and he was commissary at Suffield
in the seasons of 1826 and 1827, during the con-
struction of the canal around Enfield Ealls for the
Water Power Co. He was a soldier in the war
of 1812. In 1819 he united with the First Congre-
gational Church of Southington, in 1834 was elected
deacon, which office he filled until his death, and
was also superintendent of the Sabbath-school for
some years. He died July 27, 1865, honored and
respected by all who knew him.. On Oct. 26, 1816.
he married Chloe Clark, who passed away April
5, 1848. Their children were Harriet, wife of
Hezekiah Ciimmings ; Francis J. ; William J. ; Henry
H. ;, and Charles H.
Seth Clark, our subject's maternal grandfather,
was born in Middletown, Conn., July u, 1768, and
was married Nov. iC, 1789, to Chloe Bailey, who was
born in Haddam, Conn., Feb. 19, 1771, a daughter of
Benjamin Bailey, of tliat place. Soon after their
marriage Seth Clark and wife removed to South-
ington, where she died July 17, 1834, and he passed
awav Jan. 27, 185 1. His father, Joseph Clark,
was born Sept. 15, 1720, and died in Middletown
Aug. 22, 1778. On June 2, 1752, he married Jo-
anna Fairchild, who was born Sept. 21, 1727, and
died Nov. 26, 1793. Joseph Clark was a business
man in his day, and carried on shipping. He lost
three vessels in one great storm. He was chosen to
the office of town clerk in Middletown, which
office he filled for many succeeding years, until
his death.
Henry H. Clark, our subject, is indebted to
the public schools of his native town and Lewis
Academy for his educational privileges. In 1845
he embarked in mercantile biisiness at Milldale,
where he remained for three years, and then removed
to Watertown, Conn., where he carried on busi-
ness along the same line (succeeding his brother-
in-law, J\Ir. Cummings) until 1854, when he re-
turned to Milldale, becoming a member of the firm
of Wm. J. Clark & Co., which in 1871, when the
senior member of the firm retired, was changed
to Clark Bros. & Co., he becoming senior member
of the new firm, and under that style the business
is still carried on. Theirs is one of the leading
industries of the town, and as business men the
brothers have won an enviable reputation for '
straightforward, honorable dealing, and have kept ^
Jl^l.^A^i^6^
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1389
business steadily and constantly moving through
good and bad times, also addmg and mcreasnig
as occasion offered and required.
Mr. Clark has been twice married. His first
marriage was Sept. 29, 1852, to Miss Mary C. Davis,
a daughter of Anthony and Helen (Stone) Davis,
of Watertown, Conn. She died in August, 1866.
By that union were born four children: Charles
W. ; Carrie Luella, wife of Edson W. Frost ; and
Helen and Flora, both of whom died in infancy.
For his second wife Mr. Clark married Jan. 29,
1874, Miss Susie Curtiss, a daughter of Charles
and Eliza (Decker) Curtiss, of New York City,
and to them has been born one daughter. Flora L.
Politically Mr. Clark is an ardent Republican.
In religious faith he is a consistent and faithful
member of the Plantsville Congregational Church.
He was one of the original members that united
in the organization of this church in 1864, and has
always been one of its number of liberal contribu-
tors for financial support and charities.
GENERAL JULIUS S. OILMAN, of Hart-
ford, now practically retired from business life,
is one of the city's citizen soldiers whose interest
in the organizations growing out of the Civil war
has never waned, nor his zeal and energy abated in
the least in the direction of keeping alive the en-
dearing memories and associations that cluster
about the camp and field of 1861-65.
Gen. Gilman has descended from a sturdy New
England ancestry, from a family from which have
gone out into the country men of prominence in
the various walks of life. The General is a de-
scendant in the seventh generation from Richard
Gilman who was made a freeman in Hartford in
1672; bought land in East Hartford in 1676; m'ar-
ried Elizabeth Adkins, and died in 1697.
The line of Gen. Oilman's descent from this
Richard Gilman is through Solomon, Josiah, Levi,
Oliver and Julius Oilman. (II) Solomon Oilman,
born in 1676, married Hannah, daughter of Thomas
Kilburn; died Aug 8, 1732. (Ill) Josiah Oilman,
born in 1719, married Lucy, daughter of Benjamin
Colt; he died Oct. 13, 1796, she on April 27, 1795.
(IV) Levi Oilman married Achsol, daughter of
William and Elizabeth Williams. (V) Oliver Oil-
man married Chloe, daughter of Jonathan and
Lurania Bemont ; he died Nov. 7, 1833, she Dec.
12, 1808.
(VI) Julius Oilman, the father of Gen. Oilman
of this sketch, was born Aug. 13, 1799, in the
town of East Hartford, and in early life learned the
trade of book-binding in Flartford, in which city
for years he conducted a book-bindery on the site
of the present ^tna Life Insurance building on
Main street. Later, owing to ill health, he gave
up this business and returned to the occupation of
his boyhood, that of farming. He was a model
farmer, and his neat and fine buildings with his
carefully cultivated fields in Charter Oak Hill, where
he owned a large body of land, are still remembered
by many of the citizens of Hartford. He operated
considerably in real estate, and was remarkably
successful in his business transactions. Mr. Gilman
married, Oct. 25, 1824, Eliza, daughter of Phineas
and Mary (Webster) Shepard, and to them were
born children as follows: Judge George S., now
deceased, a sketch of whom appears farther on;
Charles, deceased; Henry M., now deceased, for-
merly a merchant of Detroit, Mich. ; Gen. Julius
S., of this sketch;, Elizabeth; Frederick G. ; Mary,
wife of J. H. Knight, president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Hartford ; and two who died in in-
fancy. The father of these children died March
20, 1886, and the mother on Feb. 2, 1884.
Gen. Julius S. Gilman, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born in 1833, on the farm of his father
on Charter Oak Hill, where his boyhood was passed,
receiving his education in the schools of Hartford.
At the age of fifteen he went to New York, and
until twenty-one years of age was in the employ
of Daniel Burgess & Co., and A. S. Barnes & Co.,
respectively, of that city. When of age young
Gilman engaged in the subscription-book publish-
ing business at No. 32 Beekman street. On the
call of President Lincoln, Aug. 4, 1862, for vol-
unteers to serve for nine months, Mr. Oilman left
his business, went to Hartford, Conn., and in two
days enlisted a company of one hundred men,
which company was incorporated into the first nine-
months regiment, designated as the 22d. He was
apjxjinted quartermaster of the rendezvous at Hart-
ford, then designated as Camp Halleck, and when
the 22d went to the front he went as its quarter-
master. After six months' faithful service in the
field he was promoted to brigade quartermaster,
and while serving in that position he was strongly
urged by prominent army officers to allow his name
to be sent to the President for a staff position in
the quartermaster's department of the army. After
the expiration of the term of the service of the
command he returned to Hartford with his regi-
ment, and was immediately appointed assistant
quartermaster-general on Gov. Buckingham's staff',
the latter being Connecticut's war governor, and for
a period of two years served actively and ably.
After the close of the war, on the election of Gen.
(now Senator) Joseph R. Hawley to the guber-
natorial chair of the State, Gen. Gilman was ap-
pointed quartermaster-general on the Governor's
staff. On returning to civil life, Gen. Oilman be-
came the manager at Chicago for the D. D. Mal-
lory Oyster and Packing Co., of Baltimore, and
remained as such some four years, at the end of
which time, on account of the impaired health of his
wife, he returned to Hartford. Here he bought out
Mr. Worthington's interest in the subscription-book-
publishing business of Worthington & Dustin, the
firm name becoming Dustin & Gilman. After five
years Gen. Oilman retired from this, and embarked
in the oil-stove business in Hartford, being the
pioneer here in that line of trade. Subsequently he
removed to New York, and engaged in the whole-
IbOO
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sale and retail stove business, but on account of ill
health after a time he retired from active business.
Gen. Gilman has ever taken a deep interest in
military alTairs. He is one of the original mem-
bers of the hrst G. A. R. post organized in Hart-
ford, is a member of the I'wenty-second Regiment
\'eteran Association; and a member of the Army
and Navy Club, in all of which he has been a
conspicuous ligure. For several _\ears past he has
been the vice-president of the Campfield Monument
Association, whose labors have resulted in securing
the old campfield and rendezvous at Hartford, made
historic during the Civil war as the camping place |
and mustering-in point of many of Harttoru s citi- ;
zen soldiers, and have erected thereon a beautiful
monument on which are inscribed the names of the ;
regiments that were mustered into the United States \
service, and crowned its pedestal with a portrait
statute in bronze of one of Connecticut's typical vol- i
unteers, whose military history was linked with this 1
field — that of Gen. Griffin A. Stedman, whose sketch
appears. From start to finish in this noble work j
of the Campfield Association Gen. (lilman was active
and zealous, giving freely without recompense his
time and energies, without which its end might
never have been accomplished. It was he who was :
instrumental in securing the donation of the land, |
with him originated the idea of a statue, and it !
was largely through his efforts that the project was |
])ushed to completion : and on the occasion of the
tledication of the Campfield Alonumcnt, Oct. 4, 1900, |
Gen. Gilman was one of the conspicuous group of '
the old veterans present whose acts and deeds of
ripward of thirty-five years ago made the ground
historic and the event possible.
On June 16, 1864, Gen. Gilman was married to
Miss Mary W., daughter of Xorman H. Gillette,
and a native of Hartford. She died Jan. 22, 1901.
On his mother's side Gen. Gilman is a descend-
ant in the eighth generation from Edward Shepard,
of Cambridge, Alass., the line of his descent being
through Sergeant John, Thomas, Thomas (2),
Thomas (3), Phineas and Eliza Shepard. (II)
Sergeant John Shepard, son of Edward of Cam-
bridge, born in 1649, married Rebecca Greenhill,
and died in 1689. (Ill) Thomas Shepard, son of
Sergeant John, born in 1666, married Susannah
Scott. (IV) Thomas Shepard (2), son of Thomas,
born in 1697, married Mary Eggleston, and died in
^775- (V) Thomas Shepard (3), son of Thomas
(2), born in 1730, married Mary Kellogg, and died
in 1819. (VI) Phineas Shepard, son of Thomas
(3), born in 1766, married Mary Webster, a direct
descendant of Gov. Webster. (VII) Eliza Shepard,
daughter of Phineas, born in 1800, married, in
1824. Julius Gilman. .
JUDGE GEORGE S. GILMAN, whose death
occurred in his home in Hartford Oct. 14, 1886,
was one of the city's substantial men and promi-
nent citizens.
Born Dec. 20, 1825, in Hartford, son of Julius
and Eliza (Shepard) Gilman, Judge Gilman was a
representative of a sturdy i\'ew England ancestry,
among whom were men and women of prominence
and usefulness in the various walks of life. On his
fathers side he was a descendant in the seventh
generation from Richard Gilman, who was made
a freeman in Hartford in 1672 ; and on his mother's
side he was a descendant in the eighth generation
from ]Ldward Shepard, one of the early emigrants
to Cambriilge in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay.
He was also a descendant in direct line from Gov.
Webster. The ancestral line of our subject, to-
gether with a sketch of the late Julius Gilman, his
father, is set forth in the sketch of Gen. Julius S.
Gilman, a brother to the Judge.
Judge Gilman was graduated from Trinity Col-
lege, 1-J.artford, in 1847, with very high honors, be-
ing the salutatorian of his class, and a close com-
petitor for the valedictory with the afterward Bishop
l.lenjamin Paddock, \oung Gilman studied law
with the late Hon. Lucius F. Robinson, and was
an office companion of his, also' subsequently for
many years of the late Hon. Henry C. Robinson.
He became one of the earliest judges of the police
court, an incumbency he held during i860. For
several years he was prosecuting attorney for the
city of Hartford. He also served for a time in both
the common council and on the board of aldermen,
and was at one time clerk of the board of educa-
tion. Judge Gilman retired from the Bar to take
charge of an important field in the Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance soliciting business, in which
coinpanv he became a director and retained his in-
terest in and devotion to up to the time of his last
sickness. While in college young Gilman was a
member of the Beta Beta Society, and served as
its' president, which society was subsequently ad-
mitted into the Psi Upsilon fraternity. In 1850
the faculty of Trinity College conferred upon him
the degree of A. yi. At the time of his death he
was a member of the Webster Historical Society of
Boston.
Judge Gilman was a man of strong and sterling
qualities. A better son, husband, father, brother
and friend than he was it would be hard to find.
He was possessed of the firmest convictions at the
same time of the kindliest considerations. He con-
ceded to others the same right of opinion that he
asked for himself. Always an active member of the
old Whig party, he regularly refused to be a can-
didate for office, although frequently urged to do so,
and aside from some such service as alderman, or
police court judge, he was not at any time selected
for political office, excepting in connection with his
profession. Benevolent at all times, many persons
in poverty and distress were relieved by his timely
assistance. He was a devout member of the South
Church, and an enthusiastic admirer of its dis-
tinguished pastor, and of all its service. His home
life was most delightful ; he was very social, was
fond of out-door life, was a skillful driver, and an
excellent angler, while his home blossomed with
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1391
beautiful wild flowers gathered in the drives which,
accompanied by his family, he regularly took. He
was alweys a strong Hartford man, devoted to the
material, educational , benevolent, social and re-
ligious interests of the city. His local attachments
were strong, and to the last he loved to linger at
the old homestead on Charter Oak Hill, where his
good father and mother lived to a ripe old age and
passed away, not a great while before his own de-
mise.
On Oct. 12, 1865, Judge Oilman was married,
in Hartford, to Ellen M., daughter of the late
Isaac and Eliza Hills. He left surviving him :
George H., born Oct. 13, 1866, and Julia E., born
Xov. 22, 1873.
George Hills Gilman, the son, was born, reared
and received his primary education in Hartford,
graduating from the Hartford high school. He then
entered Yale College, from which he was graduated
in the class of 1890. After this event he began the
study of law with the firm of Hyde & Joslyn, of
Hartford, was admitted to the Bar in July, 1893,
and became associated in the practice of law with
his preceptors under the firm name of Hyde, Joslyn
& Gilman, which firm was afterward changed to
Hungerford, Hyde, Joslyn & Gilman, and is one of
.the strong law firms of Hartford. On April 20,
1898, George Hills Gilman was married to Miss
!Mabel E., daughter of E. S. Goodrich, of Hart-
ford.
GOODWIN. The record of the Hartford fam-
ily of Goodwins for more than 250 years is an hon-
orable one, a record of which an}- family might be
proud. James Junius and Rev. Francis Goodwin,
brothers, sons of the late Major James Goodwin,
of Hartford, prominent citizens of that city, are,
lineal descendants of Ozias Goodwin, who either
accompanied or came soon after the emigrants who
sailed from England in the "Lion," which arrived
at Boston, Mass., Sept. 12, 1832. The children of
Major James Goodwin are in the seventh genera-
tion from Ozias Goodwin, the emigrant, the line
of their descent being through Nathaniel, Ozias
(2), Jonathan, James, and Major James.
(I) Ozias Goodwin, the head of the Connecticut
family of that name, married Mary, daughter of
Robert Woodward, of Braintree, England. In
1639 he had become a resident of Hartford, Conn.
He died before April, 1683, leaving the following
children : William, Nathaniel and Hannah.
(II) Nathaniel Goodwin, son of Ozias, born
about 1637, was admitted a freeman by the Gen-
eral Court of Connecticut in October, 1662, and was
one of the "townsmen" of Hartford in 1669-78-
82. He married Sarah Coles, daughter of John
and Hannah Coles, of Hatfield, Mass., formerly
of Farmington, Conn. Sarah (Coles) Goodwin
died May 8, 1676, and Nathaniel Goodwin married
(second) Elizabeth Pratt, daughter of Daniel Pratt,
of Hartford. His children by the first marriage
were Nathaniel, Sarah and John; and those by the
second were Samuel, Hannah, Ozias and Eliza-
beth.
(III) Ozias Goodwin' (2), son of Nathaniel,
was born June 26, ibUg, in Hartford; married June
6, 1723, Martha Williamson, born Feb. 13, 1700,
daughter of Capt. Caleb and Mary (Cobbj Will-
iamson, of Barnstable, Mass., and Hartford, Conn.,
and a descendant of Timothy Williamson, a resident
of Marshfield, Mass., in 1649. Ozias Goodwin
inherited from his father the. homestead on Village
street, which remained in his possession until 1764.
He was honored by his townsmen with various
public offices, viz. : riayward; in 17 14- 17-34-35-39;
fence-viewer, 1720 and 1724; grand juror, 1727-
31-42-50; and selectman, 1738 and 1746. He was
elected deacon of the First Church Jan. i, 1756,
holding that office until his death, on Jan. 26, 1776.
His widow, Martha (Williamson) Goodwin, died
Feb. 8, 1777. Their children were: Ozias, Timo-
th)-, Ozias (2), Nathaniel and Jonathan.
(IV) Jonathan Goodwin, son of Ozias (2),
was born m Hartford, where he was baptized March
17, 1733-34. He married Nov. 26, 1761, Eunice
Olcott, born Oct. 3, 1736, daughter of Joseph and
Eunice (Collier) Olcott, of Hartford, and a de-
scendant of Thomas Olcott, one of the original set-
tlers of the town. He was corporal of the Hart-
ford train-band, which for a time performed escort
duty to the governor. He owned a tract of land
on the north side of Albany road, about one and
one-quarter miles from the center of the city, which
is still in the possession of his descendants. He
was a man of large frame, of good height, and
commanding presence. He died Sept. 2, 181 1. His
wife, Eunice (Olcott) Goodwin, died March 23,
1807. Their children were : Eunice, Jerusha and
James.
(V) James Goodwin, son of Jonathan, was born
Dec. 22, 1777, in Hartford. He married, in Win-
tonbury (now Bloomfield), Conn., March 3, 1799,
Eunice Roberts, born in Wintonbury Aug. 22, 1774,
daughter of Capt. Lemuel and Ruth (Woodford)
Roberts, and a descendant of John Roberts, who in
1688 became a resident of Simsbur}', Conn. James
Goodwin inherited from his father the property on
the Albany road, and spent his whole life after
1783 (when his father moved to it) on the home-
stead. He was first lieutenant of the ist Com-
pany, Governor's Foot Guard, in 1807, and be-
came captain thereof in 1809. ■ He was the tallest
of the family, standing over six feet, and weigh-
ing over 200 pounds. He died Sept. 13, 1844.
His wife, Eunice (Roberts) Goodwin, died Aug.
13, 1825. Their children were: Jonathan, James
and Mary J.
(VI) Major James Goodwin, whose death
occurred sud'denly, while in a street car in Hartford,
on March 15, 1878, was born March 2, 1803, on
Albany avenue (the old "Albany turnpike"), at
the house of his father, James Goodwin, which was
known for manv years as "Goodwin's Tavern,"
and which was a stopping-place for the Western
1892
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stages. His first move after leaving home was to
take a place in "'.xiorgan's Tavern," on State street,
Hartford. Joseph .Morgan, who kept the hotel,
was the fatner of Jinmis b. .Morgan, the famous
London banker. ".Morgan's Tavern" was the
stopping-place of the Xew York and Boston stages,
and a great resort of business men. .At this piace
young .Ur. Goodwin became familiar with the
stage business. He soon was made the agent, and
eventually became the proprietor, of the great
stage Inie. He was a remarkable organizer, and it
is mentioned as an instance of his ability in this
respect that the carrying of I'resident Jackson's
first message through to Boston from New York
— long talked of as a very remarkable performance
in rapid transit — was all arranged by him and done
by his e-xpresses. He often himself, when espe-
cially important matters were to be pushed through,
drove these expresses, and he told a friend within
a few days ot his death that he had fre(|ueiuiy
driven from Hartford to Harlem river in one day,
upon an open sulky with no back to it. L'ntil some
little time prior to his death his health had been
excellent. He had mail contracts on his lines, of
course, and many others. Chester \V'. Chapin, of
Springfield, was similarly engaged, but both saw
early the coming power of railroads, and aban-
doned stages between 1835 and 1840. l-'rom that
time on Mr. Goodwin devoted himself more, per-
haps, to insurance than to any other form of busi-
ness. He was a busy man. He was president of
the Connecticut !\Iutual Life Insurance Co., and a
director in the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., Farm-
ers and Alechanics National Bank, Connecticut
Trust Co., Hartford Carpet Co., Catling Gun Co.
(of which he was vice-president), Collins Co.,
Connecticut River Co., Hartford & \\'ethersfield
Horse Railroad Co., and Holyoke Water Power
Co., and was a large holder of stocks in various
other successful corporations in whose direction
he did not take part. He was also vice-president
of the Hartford Hospital, and assisted almost all
the local charitable organizations. ]\Ir. Goodwin
perhaps gave more of his time to the Connecticut
Mutual than to any other company. He joined it
earl}', became its president, retired to give place to
the late Dr. Guy R. Phelps, and upon the demise
of the latter was induced to resume the office,
which he held until his death. The companies named
indicate the character of a large part of his invest-
ments. He was a large owner of real estate, but
was never inclined to western speculations, and
was the largest tax-payer in Hartford.
Mr. Goodwin was blessed by nature with an
even temper, a sound, well-balanced mind, a strong
sense of justice, and an excellent judgment. A
friend and business associate who had known him
for forty years said at the time of his death : "T never
saw him cross; I never heard him speak a harsh
word." Had he but used "thee" and "thou" in his
conversation he would have quite perfectlv resem-
bled some of the sagacious old Friends who have
been such successful business men in Philadelphia.
He avoided all controversy. If a business proposi-
tion was made to him (and countless propositions
were made, of course) that did not entirely suit,
he would not debate and controvert, he woukl avoid
and desert it. He was a regular attendant at Christ
Church, always one of its strong supporters, and
for a long time one of its vestrymen. Ihe familiar
title of ".\lajor" he bore from the time he was for
several years the commandant of the Governor's
Horse Guard.
Un Jul}- 30, 183J, .Major Goodwin was married
to Lucy -\lurgan, born at the .Morgan homestead,
in West Springlield, .Mass., Feb. 4, 1811, daughter
of Joseph and Sally (Spencer) JMorgan. She died
Sept. 19, 1890, atter a life of great usefulness.
She was a lifelong communicant of Christ Church,
and prominent in all its charitable work and agen-
; cies. "She was in her coninumity a conspicuous
' center of its highest intiuences. Flcr life stands
: as an ideal life of Christian gentlewomen." The
i children of this marriage were :
i (I) Sarah Morgan Goodwin, born in 1833, died
ill 1834.
(2) J.v.MEs Juxtus Goodwin was born Sept.
I 16, 1835, and received his elementary education in
private schools and at the high school of Hartford.-
He began his business training in 1851, in Hart-
ford, remaining there employed until 1857, when
he went abroad, and passed one and one-half years
in study and travel. From 1859 to 1861 he was
with ^\ illiam .\. Sale & Co., East India and China
shipping merchants of New Y'ork. In September,
18O1, he became a partner of his cousin, J. Pier-
pont Morgan, who in the spring of that year had
established himself in the foreign banking business
as New Y'ork agent of his father, Junius S. Mor-
gan, London firm George Peabody & Co. This
partnership continued in the succeeding firm, Dab-
nt}-, Morgan & Co., until the latter was dissolved,
and the business merged into that of Drexel, Mor-
gan & Co., July I, 1871. Since that time Mr.
Goodwin has remained out of active business for
himself. Since the death of his father, in 1878, he
has, with his brother, had charge of his father's
estate. He occupies many positions of trust and
responsibility, being a director of the Connecticut
^Mutual Life Insurance Co. and other companies
that center in Hartford. He has not severed his
connection with interests in New York or his resi-
dence there. He has been a director of the New
Y'ork, Lake Erie & Western railroad since its re-
organization in 1878. He was a vestryman in Cal-
vary Church, New Y'ork City, in 1870-72-77-89,
and has been warden since 1889.
On June 19, 1873, i\Ir. Goodwin was married,
in Philadelphia, to Josephine Sarah Lippincott,
born in Philadelphia Dec. 31, 1850, the only daugh-
ter of Joshua Ballanger and Josephine (Craige)
Lippincott, and a descendant of Richard Lippin-
cott, a resident of Massachusetts in 1640, and in
1665 one of the patentees of the first English set-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lg9E
tlement of New Jersey. They have had children
as follows: Walter L., born Sept. 3, 1875; Harold,
who died in infancy; James L., born Oct. 10, 1881 ;
and Philip L., born March 14, 1885.
(3 J barah Morgan Goodwin (2), born Sept.
25, 1837, married William R. Brounell.
(4; Rev. Francis Goodwin was born Sept. 25,
1839. He received his elementary education in the
public schools and high school of Hartford, and at
tifteen entered the employ of Howe, Mather & Co.,
dry-goods merchants of Hartford, with whom he re-
mained two years. He was next with Morton &
Gnnnell, of isew York, until May, 1857. ^*^ '^^i^"
studied for the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, under private mstructors at first, and in Oc-
tober, i860, entered Berkeley Divinity School, Mid-
dletown, completing the course of study there in
May, 1863. He was ordained deacon in tne Church
of the Holy Trinity, Middletown, by Right Rev.
John W. \Villiams, U. D., bishop of the diocese. The
following month he was appointed chaplain to the
bishop, and placed in charge of the missions at
Durham, North Guilford, Isorth Kdlingworth and
Ponset, with residence at }iIiddletown. In July,
1863, he received from Trinit)^ College the degree
of M. A., and on Dec. 19 was ordamed priest by
Bishop Williams. He was elected rector of Trin-
ity Church, Hartford, Ma}' 14, 1865, and resigned
in November, 1871. From April, 1874, to May,
1875, he was in charge of Trinity Church, Weth-
ersfield, and from November, 1876, to January,
1877, he was in charge of the Church of tne Good
Shepherd, Hartford. At the division of the Arch-
deaconries, in 1878, he was elected the first arch
deacon of Hartford, which position he resigned m
February, 1888. Rev. Mr. Goodwin has given
much time and study to architecture. He mada
the designs of his father's residence on Woodland
street, and personally superintended its construc-
tion. Since the death of his father, in 1878, he
and his brother have had the management of his
father's estate. He gives jnuch of his time to
church work, and to institutions of a benevolent or
charitable public purpose. Since 1875 Mr. Good-
win has been a trustee of the Berkeley Divinity
School, Middletown; president of the trustees of tire
bishop's fvmd ; since 1884 a trustee of Trinity Col-
lege, Hartford ; since 1875 ^ trustee of the Watkin-
son Library of Reference; since 1877 a trustee, and
since 1879 president, of the Watkinson Farm
School and Juvenile Asylum; from 1879 to 1880 a
member of the board of street commissioners of
Hartford; since 1881 a member of the board of
park commissioners ; since 1887 a member of the
board of school visitors: since 1881 a director of
the Retreat for the Insane ; from 1886 until 1890
vice-president, then president, of Wadsworth Ath-
enaeum, Hartford ; and president of the Keney
Park trustees.
. On June 3, 1863, Rev. Mr. Goodwin was mar-
ried to Mary Alsop Jackson, born in Middletown,
Conn., Julv 14, 1842, second daughter of Commo-
88
dore Charles Jackson, of the United States navy,
and Martha Lawrence (Willard) Jackson, and a
descendant of Edward Jackson, a resident of New-
town, Mass., in 1643. The following named chil-
dren have been born of this marriage: James, Feb.
10,. 1865; William B., Oct. 7, 1866; Sarah, May 7,
1868; Alice F"., May 30, 1871 ; Lucy M., Jan. 11,
1873 (died May 9, 1884) ; Charles A., Nov. 18,
1876; Francis, Oct. 19, 1878; and Jeanette, July
2, 1884.
(5) Lucy Goodwin, born in 1841, died in 1844.
(6) Mary Goodwin, born April 9, 1846, died
Oct. 28, 1880.
(7) Walter Goodwin, born Oct. 29, 185 1, died
July 22, 1853.
HON. GEORGE KELLOGG (deceased).
The Kelloggs have dwelt in Connecticut from the
earlj- settlement of New England. For nearly one
hundred and fifty years that branch of the family
to which our subject belongs has resided in Tol-
land county, and along the line of his descent have
been men of letters, business sagacity, prominence
and great usefulness in their several walks of life,
none, however, standing on a higher, broader and
nobler plane than him whose name introduces this
article.
There lived at Norwalk, Conn., in 1665, one
Daniel Kellogg, the Connecticut . ancestor of the
Tolland county family. He was a selectman df the
tow'.i in 1670, was twice married, marrying (sec-
puJ) in 1665 Bridget, daughter of John Bouton,
a French Protestant. From this ancestor our sub-
ject was a descendant in the sixth generation, his
line being through Daniel Kellogg {2), Daniel (3),
Rev. Ebenezer and Ebenezer.
(II J Daniel Kellogg (2), son of Daniel Kel-
logg, of Norwalk, Conn., born in 1671, married
and lived in that town. He died in about 1709.
(III) Daniel Kellogg (3), son of Daniel Kel-
logg (2), born in 1699, married in 1724 Eunice
Jarvis, of Huntington, L. I., who died in 1767.
(IV) Rev. Ebenezer Kellogg, son of Daniel
Kellogg (3), born April 5, 1737, in Norwalk,
Conn., married Oct. 20, 1756, Hannaji, daughter
of Rev. Ebenezer and Hannah (Allyn) Wright, of
Stamford, Conn. Rev. Mr. Kellogg was graduated
from Yale College in 1757. He was ordained pas-
tor of the church at North Bolton (later Vernon),
Conn., in 1762, and died there Sept. 3, 1817, aged
eighty years, and in the fifty-fifth year of his min-
istry, his wife passing away June 7, 1807, aged
sixty-seven years. ' They had six children.
(V) Ebenezer Kellogg, son of Rev. Ebenezer
Kellogg, and the father of our subject, was born
Oct. 21, 1764, in Tolland county. Conn. He mar-
ried (first) Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel and
Sarah (Pitkin) Olmsted, of East Hartford. She
died in 1797, and he married (second) Hannah,
daughter of Ashbel and Hannah Olmsted, and
(third) Elizabeth Sheldon. He had a large family
of children, among whom, of the sons, were :
1394
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
{1) Ebenezcr, bom Dot. 25, 1789, was gradu-
ated from Yale College in ibio, pursued his theo-
logical studies at Andover, Mass., and in 1815 re-
ceived appointment to the professorship of lan-
guages in Williams College, a position he resigned
on account of ill health in 1844, after a period of
twenty-nine years of service. In 182O he married
Susan Coit, of New London. His death occurred
Oct. 2, 1846.
(2) Martin, born Nov. 6, 1791, died at New
London, while in the service of his country, Oct.
I, 1814.
(^3} George, born ^larch 3, 1793, is mentioned
below.
(4j Allyn, born Aug. 17, 1794, was a farmer
in \'ernon.
(•)) Nathaniel, born Feb. 26, 1796, was a man-
ufacturer in N'ernon, where he died ^lay 13, 1854.
lie was a representative from his town in the Stale
Legislature, and also from his district in the Sen-
ate.
The late George Kellogg, of Rockville, son of
Ebenezer Kellogg, was born March 3, 1793. in the
town of Vernon, Tolland Co., Conn., and remained
on the farm with his father until after the latter's
death, in 1812. He received a common-school ed-
ucation, and was reared to agricultural pursuits,'
but he afterward conchuled other occupations pre-
ferable, owing to his health. In company with
others-, among them Col. l-rancis ^McLean, Mr. Kel-
logg built a mill for the manufacture of woolen
goods. This enterprise was incorporated by char-
ter in 1828, as the Rock Manufacturing Co., and
for the following decade Mr. Kellogg was the
agent of the company, having charge of its most
important affairs. In 1837 Mr. Kellogg, Allen
Hammond, and others, built the mill of the New
England Co. at Rockville, and for some years Mr.
Kellogg was the agent of that company. Again,
from 1846 until late in life, when released from the
arduous duties of the business by his associates,
^Ir. Kellogg was the agent of the Rock Co. For a
half century he led a very busy and useful life at
Rockville, and is sometimes referred to as the
founder of that manufacturing center.
Politically 'Sir. Kellogg was a Republican. He
was sent to the Legislature from the town of Ver-
non in 1857, and again in 1865, and the following
year (1866) represented the district in the Senate.
He became a member of the church at Vernon in
1S14, and later for several years was one of the
.church committee. In 1827 he had been chosen
one of the deacons, but declined to serve. In 1837
lie became one of the constitutional members of the
First Congregational Church at Rockville, and was
chosen one of its earliest deacons, an office he held
bv annual election until, in 1849, l-^ ^^ft to aid in
the formation of the Second Congregational Church
in that village : he was a deacon in that church
from that time on until called to his reward. From
1855 to 1870 he was identified with the American
'Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
On Jan. i, 1817, Mr. Kellogg was married to Eliza
Noble, and to them were born: Ebenezer N., Eliza,
Harriet, George, and Edward.
Our subject died Aug. 8, 1870. In the follow-
ing extract, from a sermon preached at the time
is given a good conception of the character of Mr.
Kellogg, and of his great usefulness: "As a busi-
ness man of liberal views, keen enterprise, sterling
integrity and clear insight, and all consecrated to
weal of man and the glory of God, we have occa-
sion to thank God for him, and shall have so long
as a tradition of his theories obtains in the manage-
ment of our business affairs. Of his devotion to
the general, social and moral interests of the place,
too much can hardlv be said. Could he have con-
trolled it, lie would have kept out of employ here
every bad man or bad class of men. Could he have
settled it, every right moral principle should have
been supreme among us. Of the position of our
friend as a citizen, 1 need but say that he loved his
town. State and country, was loyal to their every
interest : that he was an earnest advocate of the
rights of all men — a Republican to the core of him,
and aways foremost in promoting what he religi-
ously believed to be the best interests of his coun-
try and mankind in the success of that party. That
he had very much to do with the political complex-
ion of this town and cctmtry, 1 suppose no one will
question. C)f the kindness of our friend's great
heart many here know that of the poor, and sick,
and helpless, and widowed, he was the constant,
sympathizing, open-handed friend. Many a suf-
ferer has been totiched and comforted by his liberal
sympathy. He was more than the employer of
those who labored for him. He was as well a cor-
•dial friend and sympathizer, and a wise and ready
adviser. As a Christian in all external activities
he was abounding and imwearied. He felt that
the support of the church and its ordinances in their
best efficiency was a first lien upon all he had, and
he constantly endeavored to conscientiously dis-
charge it. I do not believe he ever refused to give,
to the last penny, what he fairly thought he ought
to give, to any call of the needs of that church,
whether for its Sunday-school, its ordinary ex-
penses, or its extraordinary, its arrears, or its
prospective efficiency. I know that he has often,
especially in the eastern history of the church, bor-
rowed to give to it, and gave very often to the far-
thest limit his conscience would admit, in burden-
ing himself for its weal and thrift. The same con-
scientious and careful giving was illustrated in his
benefactions to all the grand objects of Christian
beneficence. He meant to have a stake, and as
large a one as Christian prudence would permit
him, in every enterprise for the establishment of
the Redeemer's Kingdom at home and round the
world. This man of great physique, hardy and
much enduring; of strong, clear and comprehen-
sive mental faculty; of great and sound moral
quality ; of vast energy and tremendous will ; of
quick sensibilities and most kindly affection ; Qf
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1S&5
•excellent social fiber, genial, humorous, helpful;
this man, full of devotion to the pecuniary, social,
educational, moral, political and religious interests
of this Church, this village and the world, has
fallen^nay, has risen, with redeemed powers, to
..spheres full of splendid opportunities for a glori-
ous career, which I doubt not he will be even more
.glorious achieving."
Ebenezer N. Kellogg, eldest son of George
Kellogg, was born Nov. 2, 1817, in Vernon, Tol-
land county, and there spent his boyhood. His ed-
ucation was acquired at various places, he having
.attended school at Stockbridge, Westfield and An-
dover,' Mass., and at Vernon Center, in his native
.State. At the outset of his practical business ca-
reer Mr. Kellogg clerked in Rose's store, in South
Coventry, Conn., and later for three years was
employed in a wholesale grocery in Troy, N. Y.,
.and for two years in a wool store in that cit}^ In
the fall of 1841 these wool merchants sent him to
Hartford to sell wool to his old friends, and in 1842
Jie accepted the proposition of Crosby, White &
Dunham to engage in the wool business, entering
into partnership with them. Mr. Kellogg has been
interested in various important commercial enter-
prises of the city since his settlement here. For
many )-ears he has been a director of the Connecti-
cut iVIutual Insurance Co., and has held that rela-
tion to the Mercantile Bank of Hartford since its
foundation. He has been a director of the Rock
JNIanufacturing Co. for twenty years.
Mr. Kellogg was married, Aug. 17, 1843, at
Troy, N. Y., to Miss Lydia M. Billings, of Sara-
toga, that State, who died in 1898. Seven chil-
■dren were born to this union : George Billings,
Prank S., Robert W. (who died in July, 1899),
Grace, Nathaniel O., Hattie, and Ebenezer (who
■died when six months old). Like his father, Mr.
Kellogg is an active churchman, and has been a
member of the Park Church since 1843. No resi-
dent of Hartford occupies a higher position in the
■esteem and hearts of his fellow citizens.
COL. EDWARD M. GRAA^ES, associate man-
ager of the Hartford Opera House, former assistant
adjutant-general of the State, and former editor and
publisher, is one of the well and favorably known
men and conspicuous characters of Hartford.
Col. Graves was born in Dublin, Ireland, April
■2, 1848, a son of Edward Reid Shoosmith, an Eng-
lishman and graduate of Christ's College, who died
just six weeks before the birth of our subject. The
widowed mother came to the United States a few
months later to join her relatives, who resided in
Brooklyn, where the boyhood days of the Colonel
"were passed. In 1857 Mrs. Shoosmith married
Prancis C. Graves. At the breaking out of the war
of the Rebellion Col. Graves, then a boy of thirteen,
was very desirous of enlisting, and he did so four
different times, but upon the demand of his parents
M'as released. -In 1862, under the name of Graves
(taking his stepfather's name), he enlisted in the
1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, and succeeded in
reaching Hart's Island, New York Harbor, which
was the rendezvous of the enlisted men. Here his
stepfather found him, and again demanded his re-
lease, on the ground that he was too young. The
surgeon of the camp decided that the tonsils of young
Graves were too large to endure the Southern
climate, and his discharge was ordered. Pinally the
parents, seeing that the boj' was determined to enter
the volunteer army, consented to allow him to enlist,
provided he would first have his tonsils removed.
This was done, and a few weeks later )roung Graves
joined his regiment at Halltown, Va. As his dis-
charge papers were made out in the name of Graves,
and in honor of a most worthy and devoted step-
father, he has retained the name of Graves ever
siiice, and has had same legalized. While in the
army he served throughout the Civil war, and re-
turned to civil life with an honorable war record.
For five months of his service he was employed as
a scout, attached to the staffs of the gallant Sher-
idan and Custer. He took part in a number of the
great battles of the war, being at Martinsburg,
Winchester (2), Fisher's Hill, Opequan, White
House Landing, Waynesboro, Cedar Creek, New-
market, Hunter's raid to L3-nchburg, siege of Peters-
burg, Five Porks, Sailors' Run and Appomattox. He
received a sabre wound at the battle of Five Forks,
and a gunshot wound at Petersburg. He was with
Sheridan in all his memorable raids through the
Shenandoah Valley.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the
service, in 1865, young Graves returned home, but
shortly afterward came to Hartford and entered the
employ of the Plimpton Manufacturing Co., remain-
ing with them some eighteen months. Having been
deprived of the higher school privileges, owing to
his enlistment at so early an age and his ensuing
service in the war, he became ambitious for an edu-
cation, and during his stay with the Plimpton Co.
pursued his studies at night. Later he entered Mc-
Gill University, Montreal, where he completed a
special course of study. Returning to Hartford,
he was given a position in the "Bee Hive," a large
dry-goods house, in which he had charge of the
paper-hanging department. During his stay of two
years with that establishment he frequently wrote
for newspapers, and in this way came to the notice
of the newspaper profession. For ten years fol-
lowing his dry-goods house experience he edited the
Neiv Haven Union, giving up his position at the
expiration of that period on account of failing eye-
sight. Since then Col. Graves has been variously
occupied, and has led a rnost active and busy life.
An ardent Democrat and an actiye and influen-
tial politician, the Colonel has taken part in many
of the fierce political battles of his party in city,
county and State, and has served it with tireless en-
ergy and unabated zeal. In 1883 he received the ap-
pointment of assistant adutant-general of the State
with the rank of colonel, and served on the staff of
Gov. Thomas IM. Waller through his term of office.
1396
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In the fall of 1886 he received at the hands of his
part)-, against his wishes and wdl, the nomination
for mayor of Hartford, in opposition to Gov. Bulke-
ley, the Repnblican candidate, lie made the race,
and was defeated by a small margin. l-"or many
years he lias been a member of the Democratic coun-
ty and State committees, and a ilelegate to the con-
ventions of both. Col. Graves has the reputation
of being well versed on the subject of monetary
science, to which he has given special thought and |
study. He is a firm Ixiiever in William Jennings 1
r.ryan, strongly advocating his election to the Presi- ,
dency in 1896 and 1900. The Colonel is a man of i
broad and liberal views, extensive reading, and is !
genial and social, an all-round interesting convcr- j
satiunalist and companion. For a time along in the '
middle 'eighties he was the editor and manager of
the Hartford Daily Telegram. Later in that de- ]
cade he passed one year abroad in travel, and also
in receiving treatment for his eyes.
Returning to Hartford from his trip abroad, Col.
Graves became actively identified in the business con- 1
nected with the development of the famous mine
"Copper King," in which he is one of the largest
stock-iiolders. The "Copper King" promised to be 1
one of the greatest producers in the United States.
Our subject is at this time secretary and a director
of the Hartford Palace of Amusement Co.. the cap-
ital stock of which is ?50.ooo. In 1890, associated
with H. H. Jennings, of iiridgeport, he leased the
Hartford Opera House, and they at once inaugurated
a change, making it a ])opular-priced playhouse ;
under their careful management it has been large-
ly patronized, and has come into favor. Of the
two theaters in the citv the Hartford is the older,
and in it have played the talent of the country. A
notable occasion under their regime was the night
of Feb. 6, 1897. when Madame Calve presented the
opera "Carmen," playing to a $5,000 house. Another
was the appearance there of Anna Held, when hun-
dreds of people were turned away, not having been
able to secure even standing-room. These gentle-
men are successful as managers, and at the begin-
ning of the year 1901 re-leased the buikhng for a
period of ten years. They intend to entirely remodel
it, making it one of the finest theaters in Xew
England.
Col. Graves has been prominent in social lines.
He is a member of Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R.,
of Hartford, and was formerly commander of Henry
C. Merwin Post, of Xew Haven. He is a nipmber
of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor,
and the B. P. O. E.. having held all the offices in the
last named, up to and including that of Exalted
Ruler.
On Sept. 16. 1866, Col. Graves w"as married to
Priscilla H. Parkhurst, a native of Rockville, and a
daughter of George Parkhurst. To this marriage
were bom children as follows : Lillian E. married
Frank P. Furlone'. ex-postmaster of Hiartford : Eva
married Marcus AL ]\Iunsill. now deceased, and they
had one child, ^Marcus AL ; Edward G. is the general
manager of a business in Xew York City ; Gertrude-
L died Julv 15, 1898. The mother of this family
died Feb. 27, 1879, aged thirty-three years. Col.
Graves was again married, Jan. 15, 1880, to Minnie
Rexroth, of Xew Haven, who died Dec. 15, 1880,-
leaving an mtant daughter, Minnie, who died at the
age of nine years. After nearly twenty years Col.
Graves was married for the third time, Nov. 19,
1900, 10 -Mrs. Florence M. Loomis.
ALFRED RRLXTXALL REDFIELD (de-
ceased). If an honorable business life over which
there falls no shadow of wrong is deserving of
emulation, and merits commendation, then Alfred
B. Redfield justl)- won the high ;-egard in which he
was held. He was recognized as one of the most
prominent citizens of the city of Hartford, and ever
faithfully and diligently discharged both public
and private duties that devolved upon him.
Mr. Redfield was descended in the eighth gen-
eration from William Redfield, the progenitor of
nearly all the RedfieUls in this country, his line of
descent being through William, James, Theophi-
lus, Daniel (ij, Daniel {2), Eoenezer and Will-
iam 1 1 .
( 1 I William Redfield was jjrobably ofle of the
early ei-nigrants from England to the colony of
Massachusetts. He left the Old England for the
Xew during the decade of years which followed
1630. As early as 1639, and perhaps earlier, he
occu]Med a house and a few acres of land on south
side of Charles river, about six miles from Boston.
His dwelling house and land were confirmed to
him on the Records of the Proprietors of Cam-
bridge in 1642, and the same records show that in
September, 1646, he sold his place to Edward
Jackson. ' He probably niigrated with the younger
Winthrops to the river and harbor of Pequot, or.
as it was afterwards called, Xew London, in the
jurisdiction of the Connecticut Colony. The first
evidence of his presence here was in 1652, when
he built a house at Brewsters Neck, about seven
miles north of the present city of New London,
and where Jonathan Brewster on May 29, 1654.
conveyed to him ten acres of arable land. The fam-
ily name at this time was Redfin, but gradually
the name assumed the form of Redfield, which it
has ever since retained. B)' his wife Rebecca he
had children as follows : Rebecca, James and
; Judith.
(II) James Redfin or Redfield was a tanner
by trade, having been apprenticed to Hugh Rob-
erts, of New London, April i, 1666. Mr. Roberts
broke up his establishment in X^ew London and
removed to X^ewark, N. J. James Redfield re-
moved from New London, and in May, 1669, he
was married in New Haven to Elizabeth How,
who was born in 164-5, a daughter of Jeremy How,
of New Haven, and granddaughter of Edward
How, who was one of the early settlers of Lynn,
Mass. The next that is known of him with any
degree of certainty is in 1676, when in July of that
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1897
j-ear he was living at Saybrook with his wife and
children, and also a servant man. One acre of
Jand was granted to him at Saybrook in Decem-
ber, 1683, to which another acre was granted in
1686. \vhile it is not known how long he resided
,at Saybrook, it is certain that he removed to Fair-
4eld, Conn., as early as 1693, his wife, Eliza-
beth, having died before his removal. He mar-
ried (second) Deborah, daughter of John Sturges,
or Sturgis. The children by the first wife were :
Elizabeth, Sarah and Theophihis ; children by the
second wife were : IMargaret and James.
(III) Theophilus Redfield, oldest son of James,
.son of William, was a joiner by trade and probably
settled in Killingworth, Conn., soon after comn
of age. The first mention of him on the records
of that town is in March, 1703, or '04, when he
bought a small piece of groimd for a homestead in
what was then Killingworth, but which has since
been set off by the name of Clinton, and is now
■one of the pleasantest of those villages which bor-
■ der on Long Island Sound. On Dec. 24, 1706, he
married Priscilla Grinnell, a seventeen-)'ear-old
maiden, daughter of Daniel and Lydia Grinnell,
and great-granddaughter of John and Priscilla Al-
den, of Colonial fame. Daniel Grinnell, who three
years before had settled in that part of Saybrook
.then called Pochaug (now Westbrook), came from
Little Compton, R. I. (then called Seaconnet),
was a son of Daniel Grinnell, of that place, and
l^robably a grandson of Mathew Grinnell, who was
in Portsmouth, R. I., in 1638. In 1717 or 1718 he
bought a tract of land of about 120 acres on Chest-
nut Hill in North Killingworth. Thither he re-
moved, and there resided during the balance of his
life. This property seems to have been retained
:for the most part in the hands of his descendants.
Theophilus Redfield commanded the respect
^nd esteem of the community in v/hich he lived. He
was frequently appointed to important committees
in the management of town affairs, and at a day
when military titles, however humble, had some
weight he was known as Sergeant Redfield. He
■died Feb. 14, 1759, in the seventy-seventh year of
\\s age. His wife Priscilla passed away Jan. 12,
1770, aged eighty-one years. Theix children were
as follows: Daniel, born Sept. 22, 1707; Eliza-
beth, Richard, Ebenezer, Lydia, Theophilus, Pris-
cilla, Peleg, George, William, Josiah, Jane and
James.
(IV) Daniel Redfield, eldest son of Theophilus,
son of James, resided at Clinton, Conn. He rec-
nized the Church Covenant in 1725, and about 1728
he married Elizabeth . In 1746 he was com-
missioned as ensign in the Third Company of the
-regiment under command of Col. Elisha Williams,
of Wethersfield. raised for a contemplated expe-
dition against the French in Canada. During a
-portion of his life he was a sea captain. He died
Jan. II, 1758, in his fifty-first year, some thirteen
months before his father's decease. His widow
•died Nov. 2, 1775, aged seventy-four years. Their
children : Daniel, born at Killingworth, Feb. 27,
1728-29; Roswell, Margaret, John, Elizabeth, Sam-
uel and Sylvester.
(V) Daniel Redfield, eldest son of Daniel, son
of Theophilus, resided in Clinton. His dwelling
was near the present residence (i860) of Eben
Redfield, and was pulled down in 1858. By occu-
pation he was a farmer and blacksmith. He mar-
ried Nov. 21, 1749, Margaret Crane, of Killing-
worth. In 1775 he was clerk of the committee of
correspondence on affairs relative to the defence
of the public liberties, for the town in which he
lived. He died Jan. 20, 1788, aged fifty-nine years.
His children: Ruth,. Simeon, Nathaniel, Ruth (2),
Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, Daniel, Ebenezer (born
March 17, 1767), and Mary Lucy.
(VI) Ebenezer Redfield, fourth son of Daniel,
was a sea captain and resided in Clinton. He mar-
ried Phebe Dibble, daughter of David and Phebe
(Lane) Dibble. She died Sept. 10, 1832, aged
sixt^'-four years, and he passed away April 23,
1837. Their children : Elizabeth, Lucy, William
H. (born in 1797), Eben and Phebe Amelia.
(VII) William H. Redfield, eldest son of Eben-
ezer, son of Daniel (2), was a carpenter residing
at Clinton, Conn. In 1821 he married Elizabeth
Elderkin, daughter of Elisha and Mary (Brintnall)
Elderkin (her sister, Mary, married Justin Red-
field, of New Haven). Children born to William
H. and Elizabeth Redfield were : Mary Elizabeth,
born Sept. 6, 1821 ; Alfred Brintnall (our subject),
born July I, 1827, died Nov. 8, 1898; and Ann
Amelia, born April 28, 1839, died March 17, 1853.
Alfred B. Redfield was a native of Clinton,
Conn., whence about the year 1848 he came to the
city of Hartford, entering the employ of George
M. Way & Co., in the course of time becoming a
member of the firm. Later he purchased the whole-
sale business of the late David Clark, and A. S.
Jerome, of Louisville, Ky., was identified with him
in the concern, the firm of Jerome & Redfield being
formed in 1859. In 1867 the style became A. B.
Redfield & Co., and in 1887 it was changed to
Redfield & Craig. In April, 1898, Mr. Redfield
retired from active business life, previous to which
event he had for some years spent a great deal of
his time abroad with his family.
After an illness of less than twenty-four hours,
Mr. Redfield died on the morning of Nov. 8, 1898,
at his late residence, No. 764 Asylum avenue, Hart-
ford, and his remains were laid to rest in Cedar
Hill cemetery, old business friends and associates
of the deceased, both in and out of town, being
present at the obsequies. As will be seen, Mr.
Redfield was in the seventy-second year of his age,
and the suddenness of his death caused a shock in
the community where he was universal!}^ beloved
and esteemed. It has been truly said of him that
he was a man of the highest integrity, and a de-
voted friend, an affectionate husband and father,
delighting in his family, and taking infinite pains
for the culture and happiness of those dearest to
1398
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him, while to all of his acquaintances he was cue
of the most companionable and truest of men. He
was a man of fine culture, a linguist of marked
acquirements, and possessed one of the finest pri-
vate libraries in Hartford. He spoke fluently and
read with ease P'rench and German, and was also
a Latin and Greek scholar of wide repute. At the
time of his death .Mr. Redfield was a communicant
of St. John's Episcopal Church, though at one time
he was identified with Trinity Church, and was
one of its wardens. In earlier days he was a line
officer (lieutenant) in the first company of the
Governor's Foot Guards, and was also an honorary
member of Hubbard Escort.
On Oct. 31, i860, Alfred Brintnall Redfield
was united in marriag'e with Miss Maria E. Thomp-
son, daughter of Henry and Candace (I'helps)
Thompson, of Thompsonville, Conn., and their
children are: William T., Annie E., B. Gordon,
and M. Louise, all of Hartford.
DR. LE\I COLBY TAVL( )R, one of the old r
dental practitioners in Hartford, is a native of New
Hampshire, born in Lempster Dec. 12, 1841.
Erastus Day Taylor, his father, born in the
same town, was a son of John Taylor, a native of
Ipswich, Mass.. who later in life made his home in
Lempster, where he died at the age of ninety-two
years. He was a man of strong religious convic-
tions, interested and prominent in church affairs,
and a deacon for many \ears. By occupation he was
a carpenter and farmer. He married Sally Jones,
and to them were born twelve children, namely :
Ivas, Lyman, John, Erastus Day, Sarah, Matilda,
Homer, and five who died in infancy.
Erastus D. Taylor was a house carpenter and
builder, as well as a farmer, and was foreman in
the construction of the first liridge built by the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.
He was decided in his opinions, thoroughly honest
in his decisions, straightforward and upright. He
was a member of the Congregational Church, and
a constant attendant long after he became unable
to hear the words of the preacher. In politics he
was a Republican, and he held various town offices.
He married Mary Colby, daughter of Levi Colby,
of Henniker, X. H., and there were four children
by this union, three of whom are living: Levi
Colby, our subject ; Ivlrs. Ella Ober, of Nashua,
N. H. : and Mrs. Delora Reed, of Holyoke, !Mass.
The mother died in 1865, at the age of fifty-two
years.
Dr. Levi Colby Taylor was reared in New
Hampshire. His early life was passed upon the
farm, in a struggle to earn the money with which
to educate himself. He received his early educa-
tion in the common schools, and, after he was twen-
ty-one, attended Henniker Academy, one of the
famous schools of learning of that time. Finish-
ing there, he commenced the studv of dentistr}' in
1866, and was for two years a student with Dr.
Bowers, of Springfield, Yt. He began the prac-
tice of his profession in the city of Holyoke, Mass.,.
remaining there eight years, and came to Hartford
May 3, 1875, since which tune he has been in act-
ive practice. l""or a number of years he has been
a regular lecturer of the New York Dental School.
He has been a member of the Connecticut Valley
Dental Society since 1868, has held every oflice in
the society, and was its president in 1877-78; is a.
member of the Hartford Dental Society, and was
its first president ; is connecteil with the Connecti-
cut Dental .Association; a member of the North
Eastern Dental .Association ; of the National Den-
tal .Association ; a corresponding member of the
Massachusetts Dental Society; and an associate
member of the Institute of Stomatology of New
York. Dr. Taylor has taken a keen interest in the
advancement of his profession, and has been active
in its promotion, always anxious to keep in touch.
with new methods and treatment.
On Dec. 8, 1874, Dr. Ta\lor married Nellie
Thayer, who was born in I'eterboro, N. H., a daugh-
ter of John .X. and Loretta H. Thayer. Mrs. Taylor
is a bneal descendant, on the paternal side, in the
eighth generation, from John Alden, one of the Pil-
grnn fathers who came over in the "Mayflower.''
To Dr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born three chiil-
dren: Charles Brackett, the eldest, who died at the
age of seven years; .\tauue Winn.fred: and Leon
Everett.
BUNCE. I'or over 250 years the name of
Bunce in Hartford has been synonymous with in-
tegrity, loyalty to God and to country, suggestive
of the highest order of citizenship and of greatest
usefidness in the various callings of life, as was
exemplified in the lives of Deacon Russell Bunce,
James M. Bunce, John Lee Bunce, and Edward
Merrill Bunce, besides many others who long ago>
preceded them to the great beyond, but whose im-
press has been indelibly stamped upon the com-
munity in which they lived.
The first ancestor of these men and their de-
scendants, now prominent in the affairs of Hart-
ford, was Thomas Bunce, a sturdy Puritan, who
was at Hartford in 1639, a landed proprietor. He
served in the Pequot wzr, and was rewarded for
good service with no acres of land. He held a .
numl>er of important offices. Himself and wife
were original members of the South Church in
1670. His son John, the next ancestor in line, and
John's wife Mary were admitted to South Church
in 1686. John Bunce was "townsman" in 1701,
1711, 1715. He died in 1734. Thomas Bunce was-
a stalwart figure in the emergencies of early Col-
onial service, a companion of Hooker, Ludlow,
Ha3'nes, Wolcott, and others who laid the founda-
tions of the State.
James M. Bunce, son of Russell Bunce, whose
death occurred at Hartford July 25, 1859, the re--
suit of an accident in the running awav of a horse
he was driving, was born in October, 1806, in Hart-
ford, where his life was passed. He received a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
139&
good common-school education, in 1825 became a
clerk in the Phoenix Bank, and later was teller.
On Feb. i, 1830, he became a member of the firm
of T. K. Brace & Co., afterward Brace & Bunce,
wholesale merchants and commission merchants.
Trade of that description in Hartford then extended
over a much wider region than at this da}'. On
• the retirement of Mr. Brace from the firm and from
business Air. Bunce became associated with V. A.
Bailey, under the firm title of J. AI. Bunce & Co.
i\lr. Bailey dying suddenly, he was succeeded in
the firm by Drayton Hillyer, and so the firm stood
at the time of Mr. Bunce's death. For some time
they dealt chiefly in wool and cotton. Islv. Bunce
was also a member of the firm of Hillyer, Alunyan
& Co., occupying a portion of the same premises,
and dealing in groceries.
In 1847-48-49, as one of the active agents of
the city of Hartford, Mr. Bunce became well known
in all sections of the State through his exertions
in opposing the Air Line railroad bridge over the
Connecticut river at Middletown, a question that
caused a bitter and prolonged contest. On Julj' 21,
1 85 1, he was chosen president of the Hartford,
Providence & Fishkill Railroad Co., and until the
road was completed to its limits, at his death, he
devoted himself to its interests with characteristic
mtensity. He was much interested in the erection
of the high school building, paid for newspaper
articles, circulated documents, and as a member
of the building committee contributed of his own
funds ver}' liberally for the completion of the edi-
fice in accordance with what he thought would be
its necessities ; and afterward those interested were
gratified with his foresight.
Politically Mr. Bunce was formerly a Whig.
The anti-slaverv cause in early days warmly en-
listed his feelings, though he did not take part in
the independent political movement, and continued
to act with the liberal Whigs. He enthusiastically
joined the Republican party on its organization,
and attended the first National convention at Pitts-
burg, where his pledge that Connecticut should
vote for the Republican nominee brought upon his
sanguine temperament some witticisms. '"We
doubt if any man in the State gave more generously
to the cause, here or in Kansas, or rejoiced more
heartily over the splendid vote of Connecticut in
1856." His temper was naturally most ardent and
impetuous, impatient of obstacles, leading him
straight toward his object. But he was exceedingly
generous, and his warm affections were easily
touched by distress or the demands of any good
cause in trouble. He left a handsome fortune, but
he gave away more than he left, for his benefac-
tions were commenced early, continued systemati-
cally, and increased according to his abilities. In
his death every good word and work lost an en-
thusiastic, hopeful, courageous friend. He was
emphatically a live man. No enterprise ever stag-
nated under his influence. Many vears ago he
joined the Center Church, which he left a few
years before his death with the colony that assist-
ed in building the now prosperous Pearl Street
Church. It was particularly noticed by his friends
that after the great revival of 1857-58 he was al-
most wholly absorbed in religious thoughts and
works. All that was kindly, self-sacrificing and
devout in his nature was brought more into relief,
and he sought every opportunity of doing good.
He could easily approach the young on such sub-
jects, for he was warm, sincere, and without cant
or affectation.
In Mai-ch, 1830, Air. Bunce was married to
Frances A. Brace, daughter of T. K. Brace, of
Hartford. She was born April 8, 1808, and died
Sept. 9, 1838. Air. Bunce subsecjuently married
Elizabeth H. Chester, who was born Oct. 31, 1807,
and died Alarch 6, 1861.
Jonathan B. Bunce, president of the Phcenix
Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Hartford, is a son
of James AI. Bunce, and a grandson of Deacon
Russell Bunce, who in their day were prominent
and influential citizens of Hartford. His ances-
tors through a long line were men of stalwart in-
tegrity, and of great capacity in civil and commer-
cial life, as well as strict observants of external
courtesies in their intercourse with men. Jonathan
B. Bunce was born April 4, 1832, in Hartford,
After attending school in his native city he be-
came a student in the Sheffield Scientific Depart-
ment of Yale College for a year and a half. As
he grew up he was more or less in the store with
his father. When twenty-two he engaged in a com-
mission business in New York City, the firm be-
ing Dibble & Bunce, and was so occupied for nine-
years, or until the death of his father, in 1859,,
when he returned to Hartford and took the place
in the business with Drayton Hillyer made vacant
by the death of the father, who was a partner.
This partnership was continued for fifteen years,
at the expiration of which period Mr. Bunce was
made vice-president of the Phoenix Mutual Life
Insurance Co., of Hartford. He sustained that re-
lation with the company until its reorganization,
in 1889, when he was advanced to the presidency,
a position he has since successfullv and creditably
occupied. Early in the Civil war Mr. Bunce was
appointed C|uartermaster-general of Connecticut,
and held the office until the expiration of the term
of his predecessor, to complete which he was ap-
pointed.
Mr. Bunce is connected with a number of char-
itable and financial institutions of Hartford, among-
the former being the American Deaf and Dumb
As3dum and Hartford Hospital. He is a director
in the Phcenix National Bank, the Hartford Fire
Insurance Co., the Society for Savings, and the
Connecticut Safe & Deposit Co. For thirty odd
years he was secretary of the Hartford Retreat
for the Insane. He has held many positions of
minor importance in the afl:'airs of Hartford, and
in all has sustained the reputation made by his
forefathers in the community with which so many
1400
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the name have figured, rolitically he is a Rc-
piil)Ucan, and in his rehgious faith a Congrega-
tionahst, a nieniher of the i'earl Street Chiii-ch, of
wiiieli he was one of the original incorporators.
On Alay y, i860, Mr. Bunce was married to
Laura Dibble, daughter of Calvin B. Dibble, of
Granby. Eight chiklren blessed this union, five
sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and
tile daughters are yet living; the eldest son and a
ycunger son are deceased.
W.\LTER C;UUDMA.\ COWLES, of Hart-
ford, on his father's side is in the seventh genera-
tion from John Cowlcs, the line of his descent be-
ing through Samuel, Caleb, Daniel, Daniel {2),
Lemuel, Walter 11. and Samuel W.
(I) John Cowlcs was of Farniington in 1652;
at Hartford 1664; made a freeman 1666; was at
Hadley, .Mass., and died in 1675. He was called
John, the farmer, to distinguish him from John
Cowles, the carpenter.
(H) Samuel Cowles, son of John, the farmer,
of Farniington. married in 1661 Abigail, daugh-
ter of Timothy Stanley, and resided in I'arming-
toii. He died in 1691.
(Hi; Caleb Cowles, born in 1682, baptized in
June, 1682, died in 1725.
(,1V) Daniel Cowles, son of Caleb, born in
171 7, died in the year 1798.
I \" ) Daniel Cowles (2), son of Daniel, lx)rn
in 1741, married Esther Rhodes. He died in 1809.
(\'I) Lemuel Cowles, son of Daniel (2j. born
in 1776, married Esther Gridley, daughter of Seth
Gridley. Mr. Cowles died in 181 5.
(VH) Walter H. Cowles, son of Lemuel, born
in 1803, niarried Azuba. daughter of Tlionias and
Elizabeth (Watts) Stedman. She was born in
1794, and died in 1872.
(\'IH) Samuel W. Cowles. son of Walter H.,
Avas born Nov. 10, 1826, in Avon, Hartford coun-
ty, and in 1859 took up his home in Hartford,
where he passed the remainder of his active and
useful life. He was identitied with the business
interests of the city in various ways, and was highly
respected in commercial circles as a man of the
strictest honor and integrity. Retiring from manu-
facturing in 1864. he became identified with life
insurance interests, and as a member of the Board
of Trade was also prominently connected with the
material growth and prosperity of his adopted city.
Mr. Cowles was a well-informed man. being es-
pecially interested in historical research, and he
was a member of the Connecticut Historical Socie-
ty from April, 1891, up to the time of his decease.
He was the owner of the Peregrine White Bible.
He was one of the founders of the Windsor Ave-
nue Congregational Church of Hartford, and fra-
ternally was affiliated with St. John's Lodge, F. &
A. M. ; the Connecticut Society, Sons of the Ameri-
can Revolution ; and the Putnam Phalanx, of which
he was an honorarv member. He passed away
Feb. 14, 1900, at his home on ^^'indsor avenue,
Hartford, and was deeply mourned among a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances. On Dec. 31,
1851, ]\lr. Cowles married Harriet Goodman, who
was born June 20, 1829, in West Hartford, and
preceded him to the grave, dying April 24, 1896.
They had two children: Walter G., our subject,
who is mentioned more fully Ijelow ; and Arthur
J., born CJct. 31, 1861, who is senior partner of the^
rirm of Cowles & Howard, grocers, of Flartford.
(IX) Walter Goodman Cowles, son of Samuel
W., was born April 4, 1857, in Farniington, Conn.
He received his early education in the public schools
of Hartford, and the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, of Suffielil, Conn., later attending Vale Law
School, from which he was graduated 111 1879, and
was admitted to the P)ar. In 1882 he took a posi-
tion witii the Travelers Insurance Co. In 1885 he
was sent to Kansas, where he remained, in charge
of investments of the Travelers Insurance Co., un-
til 1895, in which year he returned and took his
jjresent position with that company, that of attor-
ney and adjuster for the liability department. On
June 9, 1886, Mr. Cowles was united in marriage
with Miss Nellie Francis, the ceremony takin.g
place at Cambridge, 111., where Mrs. Cowles was
born April 10, 1862, daughter of Morrison and
Mary C. (Moor) Francis. Her father, who was
a farmer, stock raiser and miller, is now deceased,
Mrs. Francis living with her daughter and son-
in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Cowles, in Hartford. To our
subject and wife have been born three children:
Francis Walter, Oct. 28, 1888; Donald Buford, July
26, 1895; and another son, June 18, 1900, not
christened at this writing.
On her mother's side Mrs. Cowles is in the sixth
generation from John Moor ( 1683- 1774) and his
wife Janet (1687- 1786), the line of descent being
through Elder \Villiani Moor (1717-1784) and his
wife MoUie Jack; John Moor, Sr. (1746-1839),
and his wife Betsey Miller; Capt. John Moor (1790)
and his wife Deborah Sherman, daughter of Reu-
ben Sherman.
Mr. Cowles is a descendant maternally in the
seventh generation from Deacon Richard Good-
man, born in 1609; of Cambridge, Mass., 1632;
an original proprietor of Hartford, Conn., 1639,
having "a lot on Main street north of the meeting
house yard." In 1659 h^ married Mary Terry,
born in 1635, daughter of Stephen Terry, of Wind-
sor, Conn. Deacon Goodman became one of the
first settlers of Hadley, Mass., and was killed by
the Indians in 1676. His widow died in 1692, in
Deerfield. From this Richard Goodman Walter
Goodman Cowles' line of descent is through Rich-
ard (2), Timothy. Richard (3), Childs and Har-
riet (Goodman) Cowles.
(II) Richard Goodman (2), son of Deacon
Richard, of Cambridge, Hartford and Hadley, born
in 1663, married Abigail Pantry, who was born in
1679, daughter of John Pantry (2) (1650-1736)
and his wife Abigail Mix, and granddaughter of
John Pantry and his wife Hannah Tuttle (1632-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECO
1401
1683). Abigail Mix was a daughter of Thomas and
Jlebecca (lurnerj Mix. Some time after 1678
JRichard Goodman (2) removed to Hartford, where
die became a wealth}- and prominent citizen. He
died in 1730.
(HI) Timotli_v Goodman, of West Hartford,
.son of Richard (2), born in 1706, married in 1735
Joanna, daughter of Joseph Wadsworth. She was
hoxn in 1715, and died in 1768, Mr. Goodman sur-
viving until 1786. Joseph Wadsworth (1682-
1778) was a son of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth (1650-
1729), of Connecticut Charter memory, and his wife
Elizabeth Barnard, daughter of Bartholomew Bar-
nard. Capt. Wadsworth was a son of Wilb'am
Wadsworth (1632-1675) and his wife Eliza Stone.
Joanna Hervey, wife of Joseph Wadsv\'orth, and
mother of J\Irs. Timothy Goodman, was a daughter
of Lieut. Thomas Hervey (1648-1739) and his
wife Sarah Cooke (1662), and a granddaughter of
Daniel Hervey. Sarah Cooke was a daughter of
Capt. Avery Cooke (1640- 1746) and his wife Sarah
West wood ( 1 644- 1 730 ) .
(IV) Richard Goodman (3), of West Hart-
ford, son of Timothy, born in 1748, married in
1771 Nancy Seymour, who was born in 1751, daugh-
ter of Timothy and Lydia (Kellogg) Seymour.
Mrs. Goodman died in 1792, Mr. Goodman in 1834.
(V) Childs Goodman, son of Richard (3), born
in 1791, was a miller in West Hartford. In 1822
he married Sarah Porter, \vho was born in 1796,
daughter of Jesse Porter, and they had four chil-
dren: Amelia S., born in 1824, is the widow of
Xoadiah F. Ennnons, whom she married in 1843 ;
Harriet (deceased) was the mother of our sub-
ject; Jennie L., born Oct. 8, 1831, was married
June 28, i860, to Henr)- C. Andrus, and still sur-
vives; Chester, born Nov. 16, 1826, is deceased.
Jesse Porter (1758-1823) married Sibyl Steele
(1763-1814), daughter of Samuel and Martha
Steele. He was a son of John (1730-1786) and
■Chlorinda (Whitman) Porter (1736- 1779), and 3
grandson of W'illiam and Mary (Smith) Porter;
his maternal grandparents were Solomon Whit-
man (1710-1803) and Susannah Cole (1715-1772).
Solomon Whitman was a son of Samuel Whitman
(1676-1751) and Sarah Stoddard (1680-1755),
she a daughter of Rev. Solomon and Esther (War-
ham) Stoddard. Samuel Whitman was a son of
Zachariah and Sarah (z\lvord) Whitman, he a
son of John Whitman, and she a daughter of Dr.
John Alvord.
CHARLES E. THOMPSON, a substantial cit-
izen and business man of Hartford where for years
he has been prominent in militarv afTairs and actively
identified with the educational and religious life of
the city, is one of the well known and popular men
•of the State.
Mr. Thompson was born Feb. 26, 1847, 'i"^ Rock-
ville. Conn., where he was educated in the high
school, and that city was his home until 1863. In
this year he removed to Hartford to accept a posi-
tion in the office of the Cheney Bros.' Silk Manu-
facturing Co., where he remamed until 1873. He
then passed two years in Providence, R. I., return-
ing to Hartford in 1875, where he has since resided,
and since 1876 has been engaged with the Connecti-
cut Mutual Life Insurance Co., holding a responsi-
ble position in the mortgage and bond department.
In his youth and young manhood Mr. Thompson
was actively interested in the National Guard of
Connecticut. In August, 1865, he enlisted as a
private in Battery D, Light Artillery, which was
attached to the First Regiment, National Guard of
Connecticut. On Jan. 20, 1868, he was appointed cor-
poral, and was discharged July 24, 1871. He was
the originator of Company K, of the First Regi-
ment, enlisting in the command February 10, 1879,
and on that same date was elected to the first lieu-
tenancy, and on Jan. 31, 1883, he was chosen captain
of Company F, Hartford City Guard of the First
Regiment. He was advanced to the lieutenant-
colonelcy of the regiment Jan. 22, 1885, and served
in that position until Jan. 22, 1890. He is now on
the retired list. During the period that Capt. Thomp-
son commanded the City Guard the company stood at
the head of the brigade in figures of merit. The
credit and distinction which he won as a line officer
were accorded to him without dissent throughout
the National Guard, as a field officer of the First.
In personal honor, instinct and training. Lieutenant-
colonel Thompson is the ideal military leader. In
March, 1890, he was elected major commanding the
Veteran City Guard. In 1889 he was captain com-
manding Company K, Veteran Corps. For one
year he was the military instructor at the West Mid-
dle School in Hartford. During the Presidential
campaign of 1888 he was in command of the Harri-
son and Morton battalion of Hartford. Lieut. -Col.
Thompson originated the present signal for calling
out the city companies in case of emergency by
means of the alarm fire bell. At the time of the Park
Central hotel disaster the signal was sounded for
the first time, being ordered by Gov. Bulkeley, and
within twenty minutes one hundred men were en
route from the armor}- in uniform and armed for
the scene of the calamity. The service rendered by
the Guard at that time tmder command of Col.
Cone and his associate field officers was invaluable.
Lieut. -Col. Thompson is one of the most re-
spected citizens of Hartford. He has been active
and influential in social and religious life. For half
a dozen years or more he was assistant superintend-
ent of the Center Congregational Church Sunday-
school, and was treasurer for one year of the Con-
necticut Temperance Union, of which the late Gov.
Buckingham was the first president. He declined a
second term on account of increasing business duties.
Col. Thompson has been treasurer since 1878, and
a member of the board of deacons of the Asylum Hill
Congregational Church for eighteen years. He is
now a director, and was president for four years
from 1894 of the Young ]\Ien's Christian Associa-
tion of Hartford. He is president of the City
1402
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Missionarj' Society of Hartford, and an anditor
of the Connecticut Humane Society. i
Col. Thompson has always taken a keen inter- !
est in the prosperity and advancement of the Hart-
ford High scliool, and served as its treasurer for the
year i8q5, and as chairman of the conmiittee four -i
years unul June, 1900. The new addition and man-
ual training building connected with the school
building were built and equipped while he was
chairman.
( )n Sept.' 14, 1868, Col. Thompson was married
to Miss Abby Frances Allen of Hartford, daugh-
ter of Charles and Harriet K. ( Sharpe) .\llen. and
three children have lilessed the union, namely : Arthur
R., Harriet M. and Emma J. Arthur R. was grad-
uated from Yale College in 1896, and was the "Class
Poet ;" he is special agent in Hartford for the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., and has just
completed, and pulilished from the press of Little,
Brown & Co., Boston, a work entitled "Cjold Seek-
ing Along the Dalton Trail." In 1894 he went
to Greenland with Dr. Cook's Arctic e.\peduiijn.
Harriet Al., a graduate of the high school, married
on July 17, 1900, Prof. Alfred AL Hitchcock, in-
structor of English in the same school, and Emma
J. is a senior ni the high school.
The mother of Col. 1 hompson was a descendant
of Governor Roger W'olcott of Connecticut.
AL\RY HALL. A long line of sturdy, intelli-
gent New England ancestry could not fail to prove a
priceless heritage, but it also entails a heavy respon-
sibility, inasmuch as the present generation must,
in the natural order of things, ever maintain an
unusually high standard, that future generations may
find the familv escutcheon of undinimed lustre. For
generations the name of Hall has been familiar in
the history of Connecticut, and Aliss Mary Hall,
who was until two j-ears ago the only woman practic-
ing law in the State, (for thirteen years being the
only woman lawyer in the State) is a gifted expo-
nent of a highlj- esteemed and widelv known fam-
ily. In 1630, "Dr. John Hall left the old family
home in ^^'arwickshire, England, and sailed for the
New World, where he located in Charlestown, Alass.
His son, Elisha, became the father of Ebenezer, who
settled in Yarmouth, Mass. Seth, the son of Eben-
ezer, was the first of the direct line to leave the old
Bay State, and he settled in Tolland county, Con-
necticut, where also lived his son, Amos. Amos
Hall grew to manhood and married, and in his fam-
ily was a son, Ezra. Ezra Hall passed his life in
the vicinity of his home in Tolland county, but he
was highly educated and fo-- 3 number of years was
a teacher. He married Phila Ford, and v/as the fa-
ther of Gustavus Ezra.
Gustavus Ezra Flail was born in Tolland coun-
ty, and passed his earlv life on a farm ni what is now
Marlborough, Hartford county, but at that time
was in Tolland county. He was educated in the
public schools and for a time attended a private
school. On reaching man's estate he began the
lumbering business, and successfully followed that
business for many years. In politics he was an ar-
dent supporter of the Democratic party, but on the
breaking out of the Civil war he gave his support
to the Republican jjarty and so continued until his
death in 1875. He took an active interest in all
that pertained to the affairs of his town, and shirked
no duty, however inconvenient, if he felt it his duty
as a loyal citizen. He married Louisa Skinner, a
native of the same town, and a daughter of David
and Mary (Lord) Skinner, the former of whom was
a teacher and a merchant in East Haddam, later a
farmer in Marlborough, where he died. JMrs. Mary,
(Lord) Skinner was born in Marlborough, and was
descended from the first Colonial Governor, John
Ha_\Ties, and also from Elder William Goodwin ; on
the paternal side she was descended from Thomas-
and Richard Lord, first settlers of Hartford, having
come over with Hooker, and also can the line be
traced to Peter Bulkley, of Concord, Massachusetts,.
whose son. Rev. CJershom Uulkley, was one of the
early settlers of W'ethersfield. Airs. Skinner was
the mother of four children, and died at the advanced
age of eighty-seven.
To Gustavus Ezra and Louisa (Skinner) Hall
were born ten children, seven of whom reached man-
hood and womanhood, and four of whom are yet
living: Alary is the eldest; Joel makes his home in
Hartford ; Elizabeth married James T. Alather, and
lives in Rockville; and David S., is with our subject
in Hartford. Of these who have entered into rest,
Ezra was a lawyer in Hartford, attaining a posi-
tion of eminence in the profession ; he was gradu-
ated from W'esleyan F'niversity, and became very
prominent in the affairs of the State, being twice
elected to represent his district in the Senate, but
his death occurred just as he was entering on a
career that gave promise of making his name as
familiar to the Nation as it w^as to the State. Mar-
tin, Charlotte and Daniel died in infancy; Alartin
Luther in earlv manhood, and Charles, when he was
aged fifty-four years.
Aliss Alary Hall was born in Alarlborough,
Conn., and her education was acquired in Wilbra-
ham Academy, in Alassachusetts. After teaching
at Wilbraham Academy and LaSalle Seminary she
began her legal studies with her brother, and when
death claimed him, she continued under the direc-
tion of John Hooker. She passed the examination
for admission to the bar on Alarch 24, 1882, and
on October 3, following, was formally admitted.
Two years later Gov. Waller made her a notary
public. This was an unusual position for a woman,
but the ability and rare intelligence of the ladv- forced
down every barrier placed in her way. She makes a
specialty of probate law, and transacts a large
amount of business. With a natural love of her pro-
fession, she has read widely. Legal training, rare
intelligence and womanly intuition have gained a
high place for her in her profession, and would make
her a formidable adversary in any branch of the
work. She has traveled extensively, and in igoo
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
140S
passed three months in the British Isles and in conti-
nental Europe, and was one of the delegates from
this country to three congresses of people interested
in charit}^ and penal institutions. The International
Organized Charities Congress met in London. The
Conference of Charities and Corrections was held
in Paris, and the International Prison Congress in
Brussels, Belgium. Miss Hall was also a represen-
tative of the Organized Charities of this city, and
made the most of her time while abroad in visiting
institutions on the continent of Europe and in Eng-
land.
Miss Hall is president and treasurer of the
board of directors of the Good Will Club, and its
superintendent, and as this is her greatest life
work it is fitting that a brief mention of the origin
and object of the Good Will Club should close this
sketch.
The origin of the Good Will Club, as is often
the case with good works, was the result of a very
small beginning. Twenty years ago Miss Mary
Hall gathered a few boys together and read to them
stories, furnished games, talked upon natural his-
tory, geology and other subjects. The boys were
delighted, and she met with them once a week, the
number of boys gradually increasing. They soon
had to seek larger quarters, and in April, 1880, the
boys under her supervision organized, adopted a
constitution and by-laws, and selected officers from
their own number. The work widened and devel-
oped as time went on, and several ladies, learning
what she was doing, came to her assistance. The
plan had nothing in it of the day-school or Sunday-
school. The idea was simply to entertain the bo3rs
with interesting games, stories, illustrated papers,
etc. No religious views or sectarianism were allowed
to be broached. It was simply an evening's enter-
tainment once a week for the boys, thus drawing
them from the bad life of the streets.
They were taught good morals and the ordinary
courtesies of life. These evenings had such attrac-
tions for the boys that they usually came with rein-
forcements from their circle of playmates, and again
their quarters soon grew too small. Larger rooms
were procured ; they were opened two or three even-
ings a week, and finally every evening except Sun-
days. Every boy, before receiving his membership
badge, has to take a pledge of good conduct, and
should he violate this pledge, he forfeits both badge
and membership. Boys are received from eight
years of age to twenty-one. The membership roll
shows several hundred names. The volunteer corps
of workers has increased from half a dozen to about
eighty. The majority of these are ladies, but some
helpers are from Trinity College and the Theolog-
ical Seminar)^ The work has been so divided and
systematized that a certain number go on certain
nights, each attending to the particular duties she
has chosen to come under her supervision. The
directors have found that this division of forces
works admirably.
Lessons in gMnnastics, elocution, singing and
military drill, have been given by the volunteer
teachers, and the begining of an industrial depart-
ment is contemplated. For this purpose entertain-
ments and plays are frequently given to the boys in
their own. hall — one of the pleasantest in the city.
It has been asked if the club has authority to hold
boys by legal restraint. It has not. The boys have
perfect liberty to come and go as they please. They
are graded and entertained in different rooms.
At the dedication of the Good Will Building,
Feb. 22, 1889, Miss Hall closed her address with
the following words : "And may I add that my work
in and for the Good Will Club is a memorial work,
and in perfect harmony with the large and small
sums given here, because too sacred to be given else-
where. I should be ungrateful to the memory of a
noble brother, whose bovhood was of the noblest
type, and whose active life began and closed in vour
beautiful city, did I not acknowledge in' this presence
that the little I have done, and the more I hope to do
is in loving memory of Ezra Hall.''
CHAUXCEY RHODES. After an active and
successful life, spent in business in the city of Hart-
ford and in the far West, Chauncey Rhodes, the
subject of this sketch, is now living retired in his
pleasant home at No. 51 Buckmgham street,
Hartford.
Air. Rhodes was born at Wethersfield, Conn.,
Jan. 12, 1815, son of George and Mirinda (Morris)
Rhodes. The father also was a native of Wethers-
field, and by trade was a carpenter. He was a man
of unusual mechanical skill, even for a region sO'
generousl3- blessed with inventive genius as Hart-
ford count}-, and in addition to carpentering he
found profitri'.ble employment in general mechani-
cal work. He remained a lifelong resident of
Wethersfield, and attained the good old age of
eighty-four years, where he acquired not a little
celebrity for his talents and his many estimable
qualities. His wife lived to the age of seventy-
eight 3-ears, a noble Christian woman, whose good
deeds were almost innumerable, and whose minis-
trations of kindness and aid made her an angel of
mercy in that locality. Both parents of our sub-
ject were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Of their six children he is the only survivor.
Chauncey Rhodes spent his early years in Weth-
ersfield, where he acquired a good common-school
education. At the age of seventeen vears he came to
Hartford to learn the carpenter's trade, which he
followed for many years, during which time he
built many of the' business., houses and residences of
the city, employing from ten to twentv men, and
laying the foundation of his future success. Later
he became interested in land in the West, and be-
came the possessor of a large ranch located near
the Yellowstone river, and well stocked with
horses, cattle and sheep, in which he took an active
interest for many years. He was actively engaged
in the management of this ranch for some twenty
years, and there remained until his retirement to
1404
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hartford. His present home is an old lamlniark.
It was erected in 1845, on a farm, and was then
llie only residence in that part of Hartford, which
is nnw one of the hne residence parts of the city.
-Mr. Rhodes has seen the city grow from 5,000 to
yo,ooo inhabitants, and verj- few remain of those
who were here when he first cast his fortunes with
the growing and prosperous city.
In 184! Mr. Rhodes married Julia Tryon, a
native of Niagara county, X. V., born July 19,
1813, daughter of James I'ryon, and one of a fam-
ily of twelve children, of whom she is the sole
survivor. To Chauncey and Julia Rhodes have
been born six children, of whom pnly one is liv-
ing, Chauncey E. He was born April 16, 1857,
educated in the schools of Hartford and at Han-
nuni's Business College, and began his business ca-
reer as a salesman in a crockery and fruit store.
In 1882 he started in business for himself as a
manufacturer of general factory supplies, and he
now travels for a millsupply company. He mar-
ried Miss Laura S. Seagrave. of Amherst, Mass.,
■who was born in San I'rancisco, Cal., Feb. 17,
i860, and they reside with his father, our subject.
In ]>olitics Chauncey Rhodes, our subject, is a
J\cpublican, and he is one of the oldest voters of
Hartford. Many years ago he was a member of
the L O. O. F. He is highly respected by his
litany friends and acipiaintances, to all of whom
his sterling and admirable qualities of mind and
heart commend and endear him.
HEXRY HUUr.ARD GOODWIX. member of
the firm of Tucker & (ioodwin. was born Sent.
13- iS57> ^t Hartford, and is a descendant in the
eighth generation irum ( )zias GiKHlwin, as fol-
lows :
( I) Ozias Goodwin, the head of the pioneer
Connecticut family of that name, married Marv
^^'oodward, daughter of Robert \\oodward, of
Tiraintree. England. In 1639 he became a resi-
dent of Hartford, Conn. He died before April,
1683. Children: (I) William, born in 1629,
whose wife was named Susannah: (2) Xathaniel,
sketch of whom follows: and (3) Hannah, born
in 1639. who married William Pitkin.
(H) Xathaniel Goodwin, born about 1637, was
admitted a freeman bv the General Court of Con-
necticut in October, 1662. and was one of the towns-
men of Hartford i6(k)-y8-82. He married (first!
Sarah Coles, daughter of John and Hannah Coles,
of Hatfield, Mass., formerly of Farmington. Conn.
She died May 8, 1676, aged twenty-nine years.
and her monument, still to be seen in the Center
Church burying-s'ronnd. is the oldest one now ex-
tant in Hartford bearing the name of Goodwin.
X'athaniel Goodwin married (second) Elizabeth
Pratt, daughter of Daniel Pratt, of Hartford. He
died Jan. 8, 1713 ; his widow died after Ju'y, 1724.
Children by first wife: (i) Nathaniel, born in July.
1665, who married (first) Lois Porter and (sec-
ond) Sarah Easton : (2) Sarah, born in April,
1668; (3) John, sketch of whom follows. Chil-
dren by second wife: (4) Samuel, born Aug. 22,
1O82, married Alary Steele; (5) Hannah, born
Dec. 6, 1685, was buried Jan. 31, 1693; {()) Ozias,
born June 26, 1689, married Alartha Williamson,
(7) Elizabeth, bom Oct. 14, 1691, married |ohn
Cole.
(Ill) John Goodwin, baptized i\Iay 19, 1672,
was the first of the Gootlwins who settled on the
east side of the (.jreat River, in what is now East
Hartford. The old Indian fort, traces of which
still remain, was situated on his land. Like his
father and grandfather, he was by trade a weaver.
He was a thrifty citizen, and prominent in local
affairs; was collector of the Ecclesiastical Society
in 1706, and for over twenty years a deacon of
the church. His first wife, Sarah, died in May,
1735. He married (seconil), before June, 1740,
Mary (Ilosmer) Olmsted, daughter of Stephen and
Hannah Hosmer, and widow of Nicholas Olmsted,
of East Hartford. She died March 2, 1760,
he on Feb. 6, 1757. Children : ( i ) Hannah,
born April 17, 1698, married Timothy Por-
ter; (2) Damaris* born Feb. 11, ifK)9, died
in August, 1723: (3) Mar\-, born Jan. 18,
1701, married Joseph Cowles ; (4) Sarah married
Samuel Smith: (5) John, sketch of whom follows:
(6) William died Feb. 18, 1744; (7} Joseph died
Feb. 28, 1737; (8) Caleb died April 12, 1769;
(9) Susannah married Timothy Forbes; (10)
Richard died March 3, 1745; (it) Ruth married
John Abbe.
(I\') John Goodwin, born .\ug. 11, 1706, mar-
ried Dorothy, daughter of Caleb and Dorothy
(Hill) Pitkin, of East Hartford. Mr. Goodwin
was a large landholder, by trade a tanner, and was
of honorable repute in Hartford. He was deacon
in 1780. A small-pox hospital was erected on his
land in 1761, on Pock House Hill. He was taxed
for keeping a chaise, an article of luxury in those
days. He died Sept. 14, 1793, his wife on Aug.
17, 1789. Children: (i) Damaris died Oct. 18,
^772' (2) Dorothy married Benjamin Roberts,
Jr.; (3) John, sketch of whom follows; (4) Jo-
seph married Hannah Olmsted ; ( 5 ) William mar-
ried Mary Rockwell; (6) Hannah married Moses
Smith; (7) Sarah, born Dec. 2, 1750, married John
Wyles :, (8) Richard, born June 12, 1753, married
Ruth Roberts; (9) Thankful, born Dec. 22, 1755,
died Dec. 13, 1771 ; ( 10) Levi, born May 8, 1757,
married Jerusha Drake : (11) Marv, born Oct. 26.
1760, married Timothy Hall; and (12) Anne, born
Dec. A, 1762, died Jan. 14, 1780.
(V) John Goodwin, born Nov. 11, 1742, mar-
ried Elizabeth Olmsted, daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Pitkin) Olmsted, of East Plartford.
He resided in East Hartford, and died June 10.
1784, at Sag Harbor, L. L. whither he had removed
on account of ill health. His widow married Tim-
othy Cowles, of East Hartford, and died July 16,
1822. Children of John Goodwin : (i) Elizabeth,
born Oct. 8, 1769, married Moses Forbes, Jr.;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1405
(2) John, sketch of whom follows; (3) Caleb,
born May 8, 1774, died Oct. 13, 1774; (4) George,
born May 8, 1783, married Kunice Olcott.
(VI) John Goodwin, born April 7, 1772, in
East Hartford, removed to Hartford about 1800,
and was a manufacturer of boots and shoes on Main
street, near Pearl. He married Dec. 16, 1807,
Anna Belden, born Sept. 13, 1778, daughter of
Nathan Belden. He died March 14, 1828, she on
April II, 1849. Their children: (i) John H.,
born March 2, 1809, married (first) Nancy S.
Stanley and (second) Lucina Hart; (2) Russell
Belden, .born Dec. 18, 1810, married Eliza Steele;
(3) George W., born March 15, 1813, married
Martha Wadsworth; (4) James Belden, born Feb.
26, 1817, married (first) Maria Holbrook and (sec-
ond) Isabella Nichols; (5) Charles S., born Jan.
8, 1819, married Mary E. Lincoln; (6) Alfred,
born April 4, 1821, died Nov. 28, 1847; (?) Henry
Augustus, sketch of whom follows.
(VH) Henry Augustus Goodwin, born Oct.
5, 1823, married (first) May 18, 1847, Louisa
Hubbard, born in Bloomfield, Conn., Aug. 8, 1824,
daughter of Alvan and Polly (Colton) Hubbard.
She died Aug. 26, 1866, and he married (second)
Ellen Pinney, born March 17, 1842, daughter of
Ebenezer and Mary Ann (Lee) Pinney, of South
Windsor. Mr. Goodwin was a druggist in Hart-
ford many years. Socially he was a Freemason ;
treasurer of St. John's Lodge, and was a member
of South Church, later of Pearl Street Church.
He died Nov. 2, 1871 ; his widow married John
A. Stoughton, and resided in East Hartford.
Children of Henry A. Goodwin : ( i ) Charles Hen-
ry, born March 17, 1851, died April 29, 1851 ; (2)
Mary Louisa, born Sept. 7, 1852, married Henry
W. Hurlburt, and resides at No. 576 Farm avenue,
Hartford; (3) Lester Henry, sketch of whom fol-
lows; (4) Henry Hubbard, sketch of whom fol-
lows.
(VIII) LE.STER FEenry Goodwin, who con-
tinues his father's drue business in Hartford, was
born in that city Oct. 18, 1854, and there received
his education. At the age of seventeen years, on
the death of his father, he took charge of the store,
located at the corner of Main and State streets.
On Dec. 12, 1876, he married Esther Campbell,
who was born in North Manchester March 28,
1854, daughter of James and Esther (Griswold)
Campbell, and three children graced their union :
Hattie Louise, born Sept. 5, 1877; James Lester,
Jan. 12, 1880; and Howard, Jan. 5, 1884. The mo-
ther passed away March 9, 1900. Mr. Goodwin
has been treasurer of the State Pharmaceutical
Association for many years ; also of St. John's
Lodge, F. & A. M. ; is a 32d degree Freemason,
and member of the Mystic Shrine. In religious
faith he is a member of Asylum Hill Congrega-
tional Church. In politics he is a Republican, and
is superintendent of a P. O. Sub Station.
(VIII) Henry Hubbard Goodwin, born Sept.
13, 1857, in Hartford, was educated in the public
schools of that cit)'. In 1872, after laying aside
his books, he entered the office of Smith, Northani
& Robinson, with whom he remained two years ;
then took a position with H. A. Botsford & Co.
later Botsford & Ingraham), dealers in hay, straw
and refrigerator dressed beef. With this firm he
continued seven years, or until 1882, in October
of which year he accepted a position with the firm
of Keneys & Roberts, as bookkeeper and cashier,
in 1889 became a member of the firm, and was con-
fidential clerk for Mr. Keney. On April i, 1896,
the firm of Tucker & Goodwin was organized, as
already related. He was one of the executors of
Henry Keney's will, and one of the trustees of
the estate.
On Oct. 19, 1892, Henrv H. Goodwin was mar-
ried in Hartford to Emma L. Rood, daughter of
David A. Rood, for many years proprietor of the
"United States Hotel." Children as follows have
come to this union : Henry Rood, born Nov. 2,
1894; and David Keney,, born June 27, 1898.
CHARLES E. TAFT, M. D., physician and
surgeon of Hartford, was born in Dedham, Nor-
folk Co., Mass., July II, 1863, a son of Josephus
Guild Taft, who was born in , Uxbridge, Mass., in
1831, and a grandson of Ezra Wood Taft, also a
native of Uxbridge, born Aug. 24, 1800.
Josephus Guild Taft received a high-school
education in Dedham, Mass., and early in life en-
gaged in the saddlery business, but later was ap-
pointed cashier of the Shawmut National Bank at
Boston. He is a Freemason, a Republican in poli-
tics, and in religion a Congregationalist. He was
married in Uxbridge to Miss Ann Eliza Shaw, who
was born Jan. 19, 1834, a daughter of Franklin
King Shaw, who was born Nov. 23, 1805, and died
May 22, 1845; his wife, Catherine (Pollock) Shaw,
was born July 14, 1804, and died when sixty-nine
years old. Mrs. Shaw's father, John Pollock, was
born April 6, 1770, and died Nov. 8, 1843 5 his wife,
Anna (Lynd) Pollock, who was born Oct. 25,
1770, died July 14, 1857. Mrs. Ann Eliza Taft
died in January, 1899, the mother of three chiL
dren: Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Ade-
laide, who died when two and one-half years old ;
and Arthur Guild, who was born July 12, 1869,
and died in 1889.
Charles E. Taft graduated from the high school
in Dedham in 1880, and from Chauncey Hall Col-
lege, in Boston, in 1881. In the fall of the same
year he matriculated at Harvard Colles:e, from the
Medical Department of which he graduated in
1 886, with the degree of M. D. In 1885 and a part
of 1886 he held the position of house surgeon in
the Boston City Hospital, and later that of house
surgeon at the Woman's Hospital in New York,
until 1888, in the spring of which year he was ap-
pointed medical inspector on the New York board
of health, this being a civil service appointment:
In March, 1888, Dr.' Taft came to Hartford, Conn.,
and opened practice alone, although he later occu-
140(3
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pied the same office with Dr. Jarvis for eiglit years.
He has given special attention to surgery and dis-
eases of women, but at the same time follows a
general practice, and does considerable life-insur-
ance work, being e.xamining surgeon for several
of the stantlard companies. He is a member of the
State Medical Society, the Hartford City and the
Boston City Hospital Alumni Associations, and of
the New York Woman's Hospital Alunnii Associa-
tion, and has contributed many valuable papers
and professional themes to the State and Hartforil
City Associations. He has also served as secre-
tary of the Hartford City Medical Society, and as
one of its censors, and has been a fellow of the
State Society. In politics he is an ardent Repub-
lican in his predilections, but takes no particularly
active part in the work of the party.
Dr. Taft married Martha Louise Jarvis, only
daughter of Dr. G. C. Jarvis, of Hartford, and this
marriage has been crowned with three children:
George Jarvis, born Sept. y, 1893; lilizabelh, born
June 12, 1895; and Eleanor, born Jan. i, 1901. The
family stand very high in the social circles of Hart-
ford, while professionally the Doctor has attained
the front rank.
Mention may now be made of the genealogy
of the Taft family. Robert Taft came to America
from England alxiut 1678, and located in Brain-
tree, Mass., as is shown by the town records, which
connect his name with a house and lot in the vil-
lage at that date, but in 1680 he appears to have
removed to Mendon.
It is thought that Robert Taft was born in Scot-
land, as a tradition runs to the effect that he was
a Scotch Puritan and an adherent of the Common-
wealth, became disgusted with the conduct of the
Cavaliers during the reign of Charles II of Eng-
land, and sought refuge from civil and religious
persecution in the forests of Xew England. It
is also thought that he was born in 1C46, and had
been in Mendon, Zvlass.. before the Indian war.
His death took place Feb. 8, 1725. His wife was
named Sarah, and she was born about 1640, but
of her kindred no trace can be had. She outlived
her husband, but the date of her death is not on
record.
The second generation of Tafts in America
comprised Thomas, Robert (born in 1674, married
in 1694, and died April 29, 1748), Daniel, Joseph,
and Benjamin.
The third generation, or Robert's children,
comprised Elizabeth, Robert, Israel, Mary, Re-
becca, Elizabeth (2), Alice, Eunice, John, Jemima,
and Gideon.
The fourth generation, the children of Israel,
numbered nineteen, among whom was Samuel,
born Sept. 3, 1736, and who died Aug. 16, 1816.
By Mary, his first wife, who was born Jan. 3,
1743, he had the following named children: Fred-
erick (born June 19, 1759, died Feb. 10, 1846),
Lvman, Sibyl, Mercy, Willard, Sibyl, Marcy, Porter,
"Washington, Parla, Merrett, Otis, Phila, G. Wash-
ington. Samuel Taft for his second wife married
Experience Humes, Jan. 9, 1786; she was born
May 27, 1750, and died Jan. 14, 1837. The children
born to this union were Danbridge, Warner, Ex-
perience and i'olly.
Frederick Taft, son of Samuel, in 1782 married
Abigail Wood, who was born Aug. 29, 1761, and
died June 2, 1801. Their children were Samuel,
^lurdock, Calista, Frederick A., Augustus, Naba,
Harriet, Parla, Ezra Wood (born Aug. 24, 1800,
died Sept. 26, 188:;. grandfather of Dr. Charles
E. Taftj, Mary Ann and Alargaret.
Ezra Wood Taft, son of Frederick A., and
grandfather of Dr. Charles E. Taft, was twice
married, his first wife and four children all dying
before he was twenty-nine years of age. On Sept.
8, 1830, he married Lendamine Draper, eldest
daughter of Calvin Guild, of Dedham, and this
family consisted of six children : Josephus Guild,
lulwin Wheaton (who died at about fifty years of
age), Cornelius A., Minerva L., Louise and Ezra
l-"lctcher. Mr. Taft, at the age of thirty-two, built
a large cotton mill in Dedham, which he owned for
over thirty j-ears. Later in life he was elected to
the State Legislature, and held other prominent
ofticial positions, being chairman of the board of se-
lectmen for twelve vears. He was also president of
the Dedham Institution for Savings, and president
of the Dedham National Bank, besides being a di-
rector in many corporations.
CH.\RLES \\'. HILLS, member of the firm
of Hills & Marchant, funeral directors and em-
balmers, Hartford, is a native of that city, born
June 2, 1833.
Osias Hills, his father, was born in Rocky Hill,
Conn., in 1799, son of Richard Hills, who when a
young man came from his native land, England,
to America, settling in Glastonbury, Conn., where
he passed the rest of his days, dying at the age of
sixty-two years. Osias, his son, was reared and
educated at Glastonbury, and there learned the
trade of cabinet maker. When a young man he
moved to Hartford, and here opened out a furni-
ture establishment, in course of time adding under-
taking, both of which lines he successfully con-
ducted for many years, beipg at the time of his
death, in 1888. one of the oldest business men in
tlie city. In 1829 he married Clarissa Cooley, who
was born in Hartford, a daughter of William
and Lucinda Cooley, and four children were born to
them, our subject being the only survivor. Osias
Hills took great interest in church matters as a
member of the M. E. Church, in which he was class-
leader for many years.
Charles W. Hills received a liberal education
at the public schools of Hartford, also at the
Brown school, after which he commenced learning
the upholstering and furniture business with his
father. In i860 he commenced the undertaking
business on his own account, and has conducted
same ever since, the establishment being now the
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HOT
.second oldest and largest in the city, averaging 300
funerals per annum, and has been at its present
stand, No. 53 Ann street, forty years. In 1893
Mr. Hills took into partnership his son-in-law,
William T. Marchant (who had been in his employ
some seven years), and the style of the firm has
since been Hills & Marchant. Both members are
graduates of the New York School of Embalming,
and are thoroughly versed in the art, besides being
excellent business men.
In 1857 Charles W. Hills was married to Jane
E. Spencer, born in Saybrook, Conn., .i daughter
of Capt. Chauncc)'- and Eliza Spencer, who were
the parents of seven children, Mrs. Hills being the
■onl}^ daughter. The father died at the age -^f eighty-
nine years, the mother when seventy-four. To
Mr. and Mrs. Hills were born four children : The
eldest, a son, died in infancy. Hattie E., who be-
came the wife of Morgan Johnson, is deceased.
Carrie E. is the wife of William T. Marchant.
Ernest S., who is engaged in the grocery business,
married Carrie M. Gubitz, a native of Germany,
"by Avhom he has two children, Hattie G. and Arline
H. Mrs. Ernest S. Hills' father, August C. Gubitz,
is in the employ of the Colt Mfg. Co., Hartford.
To him and his wife were born nine children, seven
living — four sons and three daughters — the sons
being all machinists. The other two died in infancy.
The Hills familv are members of the Asylum
Street M. E. Church, in which Mr. Hills is a trus-
tee, and in politics he is a Republican. Fraternally
he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., Hartford Lodge,
No. 88; with the K. of P., of which order he is
past chancellor: with the I. O. O. F., Hartford
Lodge, No. 82: with the O. U. A. M,, and other
similar organizations. He is also a member of the
National Funeral Directors' Association, of the
Connecticut Funeral Directors' Association, of w'nich
he was one of the organizers, and its first presi-
dent ; and a director of the N, E. Association, of
which he was also president.
JAMES FRANCIS GLEESON, whose reputa-
tion as an undertaker is widespread, and whose
place of business is in Bristol, is a native of Con-
necticut, born Sept. 15, 1875, in Wolcottville (now
Torrington), Litchfield county.
Patrick Henry Gleeson, father of our subject,
was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 29,
1846, and received his education there. In 1867
he went to London, England, and there made his
home four years, during three of which he was
foreman of the then famous Wood's Brewery.
Trom London he proceeded to this country, land-
ing at Ne\y York, and after a time spent in that
■city he in May, 1871, came to what is now Tor-
rington, Conn., where for eleven vears he was
watchman at the Excelsior Needle Co.'s plant, his
steadiness and fidelity in that position securing
liim the confidence of his emplover, as well as
makino- him many friends. In 1886. the year of
"the World's Exposition in London, England, he
revisited that city, and shortly after his return to
Torrington embarked in business as a general con-
tractor. His sheds and yards are on Spear street,
and his operations cover everything in the way of
grading, curbing, concreting, excavating and stone
work, manufactured stone and brick flagging, etc.,
in which lines he does a vast amount of work, and
gives employment to a large force of men. The
grading of nearly all of the principal streets in
Torrington has been done by him, and among the
more important works that have been intrusted to
him may be mentioned that of the Protestant
cemetery.
About the year 1890 Mr. Gleeson engaged in
the undertaking business, being the only under-
taker in that section of the State, and the thorough-
ness that is characteristic of him is well exempli-
fied in the manner in which this and all the varied
branches of his business are conducted. The art
of embalming he learned in the best New York
colleges, and in accordance with the more advanced
ideas of the profession, and he has adopted the
most approved methods. His undertaking outfits,
while rich, are in good taste, while the parapher-
nalia generally in the establishment are all of mod-
ern design. He has branch offices in this line of
business in Thomaston and New Hartford.
In other than business ways Mr. Gleeson has
become prominent, especially in Torrington, where
for the past five years he has been assessor every
year except one, and is an honorary member of the
fire department. Gleeson street takes its name
from him, he having been the first to erect any
buildings thereon, and he still owns one side of
that thoroughfare. Socially he is a member of var-
ious fraternal organizations, among them the For-
esters ; Knights of Columbus, of which he was sec-
retary three years ; Benevolent Order of Elks ;
Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen ; and Ancient
Order of Hibernians, in which he has been presi-
dent of the Torrington branch tliree years, and for
the past four 3fears has been cotinty president ; in
1896 he was a delegate to the National Convention,
held at Detroit in that year.
In 1867 Patrick H. Gleeson was married to
Miss Annie Garvin, born in 1848 in London, and
children as follows have been born to them : John,
Joseph, Patrick Henry, James Francis, Thomas,
William A., Mary, Katherine, and two that died in
infanc}'.
James Francis Gleeson, the subject proper of
this sketch, received his education at the schools
of Torrington, graduating from the high school in
1892. For some eighteen months thereafter he
acted as bookkeeper for liis father, and then, in
partnership with his brothers John and Patrick,
opened a grocery in Torrington under the firm name
of Gleeson Bros., in which they continued about two
vears, when they dissolved partnership and closed
out the business. Our subject then, in February,
1895, removed to Bristol, and engaged in the under-
taking business, having learned same under his
1408
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father's tuition : he has met with well-merited suc-
cess. At the same time he opened a gents" fur-
nisiiing store in Urislol, which he closed out after
carrying it on about two years, and has since de-
voted his time and attention exclusively to his un-
dertaking business.
Socially our subject is a member of the Knights
of Columbus, being a past grand knight ; a member
of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, in which he
has passed all the chairs : of the Zealots Hook &
Ladder Co., of which he was treasurer three years ;
of the Independent Order of Foresters ; and of
St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In ixslitical prefer-
ence he is a Democrat, but does not take much in-
terest in the afifairs of either of the parties. Mr.
Gleeson is popular among a large number of friends,
not only in Uristol, but in many of the towns in
the State where he is known, and in his particular
line of business he is perfectly familiar with every
detail, his reputation for efficiency extending to
many of the surrouniling towns.
GEN. LEONARD A. DICKENSON, a vet-
eran of the Civil war, former postmaster of Hart-
ford, of which city he has been a substantial and
prominent citizen for forty years, has descended
from a sturdy New England ancestry, liorn Nov.
5, 1826, in New Haven, son of Raphael and Nancy
(McNeil) Dickinson. Gen. Dickinson traces his an-
cestry in an unbroken line from the time of Ed-
ward I of England, in 1272, and in America from
Josiah Dickinson, who landed in Boston in 1630.
Several of his later descendants were officers in
the Revolutionary war, it thus appearing that the
military tastes of tlie subject of this sketch arc
really a matter of inheritance, lloth his parents
dying when he was quite young, Gen. Dickinson
was obliged to earn his own living from the early
age of nine vears, being thus deprived of the means
of obtaining a more liberal education than a few-
months of each vear as the district school afforded.
He has always evinced a genuine fondness for mili-
tary afifairs, and for fifteen years following 1S46
was a member or ofiScer in various military organi-
zations in his native city, and in Hartford, after
takng up his residence there, in i860.
On Oct. ig. 1861, ^Ir. Dickinson enlisted, be-
coming a private in the 12th Conn. A'. L, for active
service in the war of the Rebellion. He ■ was com-
missioned captain of Company C, Nov. 20 of that
year, was mustered into service the first of the
following January, and participated in all the en-
gagements in which his regiment took part. In
1864 he was assigned to duty as assisting adjutant-
general of the Second Brigade. First Division,
Nineteenth Army Corps, and in that capacity took
part in Sheridan's Shenandoah A^allev campaign,
imtil mustered out of the service, Nov. 21, 1864.
He was then commissioned major of the Twelfth
Regiment, but declined the appointment. He could
not be mustered because the condition of the regi-
ment was too small to admit of three field officers.
Since his discharge from service in the army
Gen. Dickinson has made Hartford his home. He
has held the local agency of the -itna Insurance
Co. since i86y, in tlie discharge of the duties of
which position he is now principally engaged.
The General has been honored with many posi-
tions of honor and trust, and has most etticiently
and creditably performed the duties of each. He
was quartermaster-general three years, on Gov.
JeweU's staff; postmaster of Hartford four years,
under President Garfield ; has been a member of
the Connecticut Soldiers Hosjiital board since 1886;
and is a trustee of "iMtch's Home" for the soldiers.
He was made a Freemason in New Haven in 1850.
His affiliations in Hartfonl are with St. John's-
Lodge. No. 4, F. & A. M., in which he has held
the principal offices ; with Pythagoras Chapter, No.
17, Royal Arch Masons, of which he was for five
years the secretary ; with Wolcott Council, No. 1 .
Royal & Select Masons ; and with Washington
Commandery, No. i. Knights Tempiar. He has
received from the Grand Lodge the appointments
of grand junior steward and grand niarshall, and
the electoral offices of grand senior deacon and
grand junior warden. He is an active member of
St. Thomas Episcopal Church of 14artford, and
for several vears has been the senior warden of that
parish. He is also a member of the military order
of the Loyal Legion.
Gen. Dickinson is a gentleman of the highest
honor and probity, a firm friend, kind neighbor
and useful citizen, carrying with him each day the
good will and good cheer of hosts of friends, and
the esteem and respect of the community. He mar-
ried, in 1848, -Miss Eliza A. Hcndrick, of New
Haven, Conn. Mrs. Dickinson died in Novem-
ber, 1892.
WTLLTAAI TUCKER, of the firm of Tucker
& Goodwin, merchants, Flartford, is a native ot
Connecticut, born F^b. 5, 1848. in New Britain.,
and is a descendant in the seventh generation from
Robert Tucker, as follows :
(I) Robert Tucker, Weymouth, Mass., 1635,
removed to Milton, Mass., 1662. He married
Elizabeth Allen.
(H) Ephraim Tucker, born in 1652, served as
town clerk and selectman for many years. Fie
married Hannah Gulliver.
(III) Stephen Tucker, born April 8, 1691. in
Milton, Mass., settled in 1715 in Preston, Conn..
Aug. 30, 1 716, he married Hannah Belcher.
(IV) William Tucker, born May 28, 1737. in
Preston, Conn., married Esther Morgan June 4,
'HTe died Nov. 5, 1819.
(V) Stephen Tucker, born April 30, 1768, in
Preston, was married Jan. 17, 1793, to Eunice
Baldwin, of Stonington, Conn., and died Aug. 15,
1853. During the war of 1812 he was captain of
an artillery company at Stonington Point.
(VI) Erastus Tucker, born Au?. 10, 1794, in
Griswold, Conn., married (first) Eliza, daughter
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1409
of Dudle_v and Mary (Moore) Hovey, of Wind-
ham, Conn. She was born July 29, 1804, and
died March 9, 1837. On March 6, 1838, he married
(second; Emma Augusta, daughter of Capt. Sam-
uel and Dolly (Ingalls) Dresser, of Abington,
Conn. She was born May 11, 1812, and died June
14, 1874. Her father was captain of a company
at New London in 1813. Children by iirst wife:
(i) Mary Frances, born Aug. 18, 1^29, maiTied
D. W. C. Pond; (2} Edwin, born Nov. 7, 1831,
died Sept. 18, 1879; (3) Henr}', born March 11,
1834, married Amelia E. Olmstead; (4) George,
born March 5, 1837, married Emma H. Hunt.
Children by second wife: (5) John Dresser, born
Dec. 19, 1838, married (first) Sarah Louise Ing-
ham and (second) Kate Abbott Fox; (6) Eliza
Emma, born June 3, 1846; and (7) William, a
sketch of whom follows. Erastus Tucker died in
September, 1868. He was a manufacturer of pa-
per, and spent the greater part of his life in Hart-
ford.
(VH) William Tucker, whose name opens this
sketch, came to Hartford in early childhood, and
here received his education. His first business ex-
perience was as clerk in the wholesale dry-goods
house of Collins Bros. & Co., in that city, remain-
ing in that capacity some eleven years. In January,
1878, he became connected with what is now the
extensive business firm of Tucker & Goodwin.
This business was established in 1800 by Joseph
Keney, on the corner of Main and Ely streets, the
firm name, in 1830, becoming H. & W. Keney. In
1855 the new partnership of Keneys, Roberts &
Goodwin was formed, which on the death of Mr.
Goodwin became Keneys & Roberts. In 1889 Will-
iam Tucker and H. H. Goodwin were admitted as
members of the firm. Upon the death of Walter
Keney the firm became Keney, Roberts & Co., and,
after the death of Henry Keney, was Roberts,
Tucker & Goodwin. On March 7, 1896, Mr. Rob-
erts died, and soon the firm took its present name
■ — Tucker & Goodwin — and Mr. Tucker's connec-
tion with same covers a period of twenty-two
years.
Mr. Tucker is a member of the Twentieth Cen-
tury Club, and of the Park Church, Hartford.
He is unmarried.
EMIL SCHMIDT, proprietor, manufacturer and
patentee of the celebrated "English Horse and
Cattle Food," is a native of Germany, born Sept.
20, 1850, in the city of Weimar, Thuringia, called
also Ilm Athen. He came to the city of Hartford
Aug. 2, 1867, directly from the Fatherland, and
entered the night school and Mr. Martin's Writing
School, later attending Hannum's Commercial Col-
lege for three seasons. Father R. Cecil Roy's French
School, Quebec, Mile. M. A. Girard's Department
of Montreal, and Dr. A. Jo. Pagett's, of Lacolle,
Canada. He thus fitted himself for business, and
mastered English, French and German in all
branches for business use, after many years of toil
89
and perseverance. His training has proved of much
advantage in his present altairs_, as he does busi-
ness with different countries and people.
When Mr. Schmidt first settled in Hartford he
entered the employ of Robert H. Schmidt, as a
file and tool maker, and later was in the Colt Co.'s
works. After his training at Hannum's College
he learned the wholesale tobacco business in all its
details, with 2\Iajor M. Westphal, the veteran to-
bacco merchant, also traveling for the concern.
From 1880 to 1886 he was a trusted employe of the
Hartford City Gas Light Co., as a collector, and
finally established himself in the manufacturing of
"English Horse and Cattle Food," in which he has
built up a substantial and growing business over
the States and Canada, meeting with well-merited
success through good business acumen, sound
judgment, and characteristic perseverance.
Air. Schmidt was married JMarch 8, 1877, to
Miss Sarah A. Faddow, born in Sheldon, Vt., a
daughter of Abraham Faddow, a farmer and pro-
fessional guide for government and private expe-
ditions. Airs. Schmidt's mother is a descendant
of Jules Bunoir, a French Huguenot of Toulon,
who was a soldier in the American Revolution.
He settled on Grand Isle, Lake Champlain, and at
Albany Springs, A't., about 1871. Mr. and Airs.
Schmidt have no children. They are members of
the Congregational Church, and their home. No.
8 Bond street, is one of the most hospitable in the
city. Socially our subject is a member of Putnam
Phalanx battalion, a veteran of Company A, Ger-
mania Guard, C. N. G., and one of the charter
members of said organization ; member of the
Hartford Sharp Shooting A'erein; Sjengerbund;
Colt Revolver Club ; League of American Wheel-
men ; and German Aid Society. Business takes
him from home a good deal, and he travels all over
the United States, from North to South, and from
East to West.
Carl F. Schmidt, father of our subject, was a
native of Weimar. He was a file and tool maker,
and master temperer, being a substantial citizen of
that ancient and famous place, for it was in the
dear old home that the poets Schiller, Goethe, Wie-
land. Herder, the celebrated Franz Liszt, Bulow,
Grand Duke Carl August, and many other men of
distinction worked, lived and died — the cit)' of
beautiful parks, castles, lovely mountains, valleys,
clear pebble-bedded rivers, brooks and springs,
with miles of green meadows, and vineyards dot-
ting the verdure-clad hilltops. There in peace rest
the parents since 1890," Auf den Friedhof." Frau
Johanna Renecke, the mother, was a descendant of
a Greek political refugee, sculptor, architect and
master builder in the city of Weimar, the home of
Mr. Schmidt. Johannis Renecke, at the begin-
ning of the nineteenth century, was a companion
and friend of the great Schiller, and later on was
intimately associated with Goethe. Mr. Renecke
died in Weimar at the age of ninety-six years, in
his stately home upon the Fursten Platz. Emil
1410
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Schmidt possesses several mementoes of Schiller
and Goethe, among them some locks of hair, chains
and medalions ot Schiller, which he prizes very
highly. Mr. Schmidt has one brother and two sis-
ters: Richard F. Schmidt, of Xo. 938 Bushwick
avenue, Brooklyn, X. Y., a retired merchant;
Alma, wife of Charles Wagner, a furniture dealer
ijf Hartford ; and Lina, wife of Gustav i'fennig,
Siallupoenen. West I'rnssia, Germany, an officer
in the German ami}-, Luppey Department.
HERBERT XELSUX G.\LE. prominent as
an original and artistic photographer, Bristol, was
born in Sheboygan Falls, W'ls., April 2. 1858, a
son of Daniel Jackson Gale, a native of \'ermoiu.
Daniel Gale left his home in the Green Moun-
tain State in 1855, and located in Wisconsin. He
was a man of remarkable mechanical skill, and |
was the inventor of a number of ingenious con- I
trivances. His most complicated invention was a
calendar clock, which gave the days of the week,
month, year, sunrise ami sunset. In 1869 he re-
turned to Xew England, and located in Bristol,
Conn., to place his clock in the hands of the E. X.
"W'elch Clock Co., with whom he remained for sev- j
eral years. He married Lucy Ann Wheeler, a na-
tive of Xew York State, who bore him three chil-
dren: Herbert Xelson : Floyd H.; and Ella, wife
of Howard Ci. Arms, chief of police, Bristol.
Herbert X. Gale passed his early school days
in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., and completed his edu-
<ation in the Bristol high school. When only a boy !
lie gave evidence of great artistic talent, his free-
hand drawing being considered remarkable. As !
he grew older he took up portrait work, and, finally
deciding to become a pliotographer. studied his
-.trade, serving an apprenticeship which fitted him
to become a skilled workman. He has made a
:successful photographer, keeping abreast of the ;
times and up-to-date in all of his methods. In i
1878 he established himself in the photographic
business, and opened the gallery he still occupies,
, meeting with the success his talents so well merit.
He has made many inventions applied to the pho- '
tographer's art, and was the originator of the Gale
Glass Photo ]\Iount, which became a standard
article of the photographic trade throughout the ;
-United States. !
On X'ov. 30, 1880, Mr. Gale was united in mar- I
Tiage with ]\Iiss Lola ]\I. Whitman, of Terryville. 1
Fraternally JNIr. Gale is a member of the I. O. O. j
F., and socially both he and his wife are deservedly
popular among their acquaintances.
HEXRY' DUDLEY^ ELY\ a well-known resi-
dent of Hartford, was born Feb. 10, 1863, in Brook-
Ivn, X". Y., but comes of an old family of Hartford
county, his father, John R. Ely, having been born
Aug. 31, 1836, in Simsbury, where his grandfather,
Flenry Ely, resided.
Benjamin Ely, great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a son of Ezra and Anne Ely, born at
Lyme, Conn., Jul)- 18, 1767, and died Aug. 26,
1652. • He marnea April 14, 1796, Polly Pettibone,
daughter of Dudley and Mary Pettibone, born in
Simsbury, Conn., Sept. 19, 1776, and died June 17,
1850. Their children were as follows: Ezra
Styles, born May 17, 1797, died October, 1863;
Edwin Dwight, born June 30, 1798, died Aug. 25,
1831: ^lary Anne, born Xov. 16, 1800, died Xov.
7, 1875; Henry, grandfather of Henry D., is men-
tioned more fully farther on ; Seth, born April 20,
1805, died April 28, 1828; Xathan C, born Sept.
13, 1807, is deceased; Rosetta, born Xov. 10, 1809,
died Oct. 18, 1831 ; Xancy Hum])hrey, born Oct.
6,. 1812, died April 19, 1877; an<l Dudley P., born
Xov. 16, 1817, is also deceased.
Henry Ely, grandfather of our subject, born
Oct. 25, 1802, died Oct. 17, 1849. For some time
prior to his decease he carried on a store and farm in
Xorth Simsbury, his land lying on the bank of the
old canal, near what is now called Hoskins Station.
On Xov. 9, 1833, he married Caroline St. John, who
was born June 2^, 1815, and is also deceased.
John R. Ely, father of Henry D., received his
education in his native town and in Brooklyn, N.
Y. From the age of sixteen years he spent the
greater part of his life in Brooklyn and Xew York
City, working for Dudley P. and Xathan C. Ely, of
Xew York, whom he and his brother succeeded in
business. Mr. Ely died Sept. 2, 1895. In May,
1862, he married Miss Rebecca H. Cooper, of Xew
York, who was born Sept. 10, 1841, and died Jan.
16, 1867. They had two children, Henry D. and
George C, the latter now a resident of Xew York.
Mrs. Ely's father, John Davidson Cooper, was born
June 19, 1810, at Kingston, X''. Y., and died June' 17,
1878. For a number of years he lived on Long-
Island, in what is now a part of Greater Xew York.
Henry D. Ely spent his earlier life in Simsbury,
Bloomfield and Granby, attending the common
schools in those places, and later the High Street
school and the Public High School in Hartford, as
well as a business college. For a time he was em-
ployed by his uncle, William R. Adams, in Bloom-
field, and subsequently, in Brooklyn, X. Y., he was
engaged for one and one-half years by his father.
Going to Kansas he bought a ranch — 3,960 acres
by deed and 160 acres by claim — which he stocked
with sheep, cattle and horses, and which he con-
ducted for two years, selling out at the end of that
time and removing to Shoals, Martin Co., Ind.
There he bought a store and mill, and continued in
business for eighteen months, thence returning to
Kansas, where, at Ottawa, he engaged in milling for
a time, but he was so unsuccessful in this venture
that he withdrew in debt. Buying a livery stable,
"on tick," he set to work to retrieve himself, and
succeeded in paying ofif all his indebtedness, as well
as regaining a firm footing in the business
world. From there he removed to Joplin, Mo.,
where he was engaged in the dry-goods busi-
ness, and thence to Huntington, Ark., where
he was employed in the general store of a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1411
large coal company, and his next location was in
is-ansas City, Mo., where he was employed on the
iietropolitan railroad until he had the misfortune to
Jiave one of his legs cut ofi'. Returning East^ Mr.
Ely lived with his father for a time, and also spent
.a short period in Bloomfield, and since his father's
decease he has made his home in Hartford, where he
has large real-estate holdings. The care of his real
estate consumes the greater part of his time and at-
tention. Mr. El}- is a pleasant, cordial gentleman,
as all who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance will
agree.
Mr. Ely was married Jan. 22, 1896, in Hartford,
to Miss Carrie Louise Hubbard, of Bloomfield,
Conn., daughter of James E. Hubbard, of that
town, but now a resident of Hartford.
WILLIA]\I ROBERTS ADAMS, a prominent
farmer of Bloomfield, was born July 15, 1831, on
Jiis present farm, which was then included m the
town of Simsbury. He is a grandson of William
Adams, Sr., who, as appears on a gravestone in St.
^Vndrew's cemetery, was a son of Capt. William
..Vdams ; the latter was a son of Matthew Adams.
\\ illiam Adams, Sr., was born Oct. 14, 1778, and
■died July 24, 1822. On May 2, 1798, he married
Electa Roberts, who was born Oct. 30, 1775, and
died Oct. 15, 1847. Children were born to their
union as follows : William, Jr. ( father of our sub-
ject), Oct. 10, 1799; Hiram, May 22, 1801 (died
I\larch 8, 1866) ; Byron, Feb. 23, 1803 ; Chester,
l'"eb. 23, 1805 (died July 6, 1870) ; Watson, April
2T,, 1807 (died May 9, 1837) ; Tudor, April 30, 1809
(died Feb. 25, i860) ; Electa C, Dec. 4, 181 1 (died
Feb. 4, 1831) ; Edwin R., Feb. 11, 1814 (died March
22, 1814) ; James M., Aug. 26, 1817 (died Tune 20,
1868).
William Adams was born in what is now Bloom-
field town Oct. 10, 1799, and died June 4, 1871. He
received his education in the private school con-
ducted by Rev. Mr. Warner. On Nov. 25, 1827,
he was married, in Bloomfield, to Miss Fluvia K.
Barnard, who was born Sept. 30, 1799, daughter
of Samuel Barnard, and died Feb. 5, 1894, and to
this union came children as follows : Sarah Maria,
born Sept. 20, 1828, died Aug. 25, 1831 ; Mary J.,
horn Jan. 7, 1830, and died Sept. 7, 183 1 ; William R.
was born July 14, 1831 ; Sarah J., born March 28,
1834, died Aug. 26, 1837; Harriet F., born June
5 1839, married H. W. Rowley, of Bloomfield,
where he was postmaster and merchant many
years: Andrew S., born Nov. 29, 1840, died Nov.
17, 1859. The father of these was a farmer by
occupation, and was prominent in his locality in
various ways, holding different town oiifices, and
representing his district in the Assembly. He
was a Democrat in political sentiment, and in re-
ligious connection united with St. Andrew's Epis-
copal Church of Bloomfield, of which he was
warden for many vears.
\A^illiam R. Adams received his literarv train-
ing in the public schools of Bloomfield and Sims-
bury, and he has spent his entire life on the old
home farm, which he is still successfully cultivat-
ing. He was married in Bloomfield to Miss Ellen
H. Ely, of Simsbury, and they have had three
children : William R., John J. and Henry Ely. Like
his father, Mr. Adams is a member of the Epis-
copal Church, in which he is serving as warden.
In politics he is a Democrat, and he has served his
fellow citizens faithfully as assessor and justice of
the peace.
WILFRED ETHIEL FOGG, contractor,
builder and designer, dealer in lumber, timber,
shingles, lath, etc., and manufacturer of sash, doors,
window frames, etc., Bristol, is a native of Con-
necticut, born Nov. 13, 1859, in Winchester.
Joseph Fogg, grandfather of our subject, born
May 31, 1800, died in Bridgewater, Conn., March
5, 1838. He was a shoe manufacturer, having
learned the trade at Lynn, Mass., and had a shoe
factory in Bridgewater which gave employment to
some forty hands. He married Susannah Hilbert,
who was born in 1800 at Marblehead, Mass., and
their children were as follows : ( i ) Joseph H mar-
ried Lorena Merwin, of Brookfield, Conn., who
died Jan. 11, 1897; he lives in Hartford, and is an
engineer by trade. (2) Nicholas is deceased. (3)
Susannah is deceased. (4) Nicholas Hilbert, sketch
of whom follows. (5) John Calcutt married Ellen
Fenn ; he is a contractor in bridge work, and makes
his home in Waterbury. (6)' George married Helen
Allen, and is now living in Colorado, where he
owns a fruit and berry ranch. (7) Charles married
Elizabeth Munson ; he is a sash, door and blind
manufacturer in Bridgeport.
Nicholas Hilbert Fogg, father of Wilfred E.,
was born Dec. 4, 1828, in Troy, N. Y., whence,
when he was four years old, his parents removed
to Bridgewater, Conn. When he was nine years
of age he lost his father b)^ death, and he was then
bound out to Anson Herd, in Bridgewater, until he
was sixteen years old, during which time he re-
ceived his schoolinp'. He was then apprenticed to
Joel Morehouse for five years, at the carpentering
business, and during the last year of his apprentice-
ship was foreman of the work. He had the job of
laying out the timber for Ethiel (or Ithiel) Em-
mons' new house, in West Morris, and while so en-
gaged met his future wife, Alcey Marie Emmons,
eldest daughter of said Ethiel Emmons. After
serving his time he embarked in business on his own
account, and soon had a horse and wagon and set of
tools — all paid for. He hrst kept house on South
Willow street, Waterbury, Conn., afterward buying
property there, which he sold about the time of the
breaking out of the Civil war. and then bought a
farm in Bantam, Conn. This he sold five years later
(spring of 1869) to his wife's brother, Ira A., re-
moving to Southington, where he bought a farm of
George Finch on Queen street, two miles above the
town. In 1895 he exchanged this for property on
Hig-h street, in the center of the town, where he is
1412
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
still living; he has always been either a Whig or a
Republican, but has never had time to take much
active interest in politics, and at present he occu-
pies himself in looking atter his real-estate interests, j
On .March 7, 1852, Nicholas 11. I'ogg married
Alcev Alarie limmons, who was born in West
Alorris, Conn., July 8, 1833, and whose ancestry will
be found farther on in tiihj sketch. Children have
been born to this union as follows : {i ) Nellie S., :
born Sept. y, 1857, in Waterbury, Conn., was twice [
married, first time Oct. 1, 1879, to Josepn Willie
Hobart, who died in October, 1881. She marrietl
(second) Oct. y, 1S84, Wilbur Leslie Wright, a
clock maker by trade, by whom she has two chil-
dren, Howard I'ogg, born Uec. 31, 1885: and Earle
Emmons, born Dec. 10, 1887, both attending the
Hristol scliools. (2) Wilfred E. is the subject of
sketch. (3) Cora, born Dec. 24, 1861, died in August,
1864, in 15antam, Conn. (4) Nettie Almira, born
Dec. 28, 1866, is living in r.ristol. (5) Nicholas
Joseph, born Dec. y, 1875, in Southington. 'Conn.,
is a carpenter in Bristol.
Ancestry of Mrs. Alcey Marie (Emmons) Fogg:
(I) William Emmons, born in England, canie to
Taunton, Mass., in 1 7 18, and bought real estate.
Removing to South Farms, Litchfield county, in
1733, he parsed the rest of his life there; by occu-
l)ation be was a farmer. He was one of the found-
ers of the Eirsl Episcopal Church, Nov. 5. 1745.
In England he had married, his wife's name being
Saraii, and their children were: William, born in
England ; Woodruff, lx)rn on shipboard ; and Lydia.
Artluir and Tabitba, born in America.
(II) Arthur Emmons, born Aug. 28, 1731, in
Taunton. Mass.. died in Litchfield Aug. ly, 1804.
He and his wife, Sarah, had children : Russell, Jesse,
Phinebas, Arthur, Jr.. Isaac, Sarah, Orange and
Oliver.
(III) .\rthur Emmons, born in Litchfield June
14, 1757, kept a store in Bantam, Conn., but about
1810 failed in business, which so discouraged him
that he decided to remove to some new field, choos-
ing Butternuts, now known as Gilbertsville, N. Y. .
He married Nov. 6. 1777. Elizabeth Palmer, and
by her had three children : Emos, Edniond and
Lauren.
(I\') Emos Emmons, born April 6, 1780, died
Feb. 24, 1861, married Sally W'eeks, who was
born April i, 1783. in Washington, Conn., and died
April I. 1844. Their children: Ithiel (or Ethiel).
Laura. Samuel (i), Samuel (2), Eliza, Lucius and
Lucia.
(V) Ithiel (or Ethiel) Emmons, born in Litch-
field, Conn.. July 6, 1802. died in "West ]\Iorris,
Conn., Feb. 8. 1873. He was married in Torring-
ton. Conn.. Oct. 14, 1827. to Almira Leach, born
in Torrington May 13, 1804, died Feb. 2, 1875.
Their children : Orson C. ; Alison Z^Iiles, Alcev
Marie (mother of our subject), Ira Abbott, Ma-
tilda A., and (jeorge E.
Wilfred E. Fogg, whose name introrlures this
sketch, was born, as already related, in Winchesterj
Conn., where his parents were making their home
at the time, his father having a large building con-
tract on hand in that town. Our subject received
his education in \\ aterbury up to the age of tea
years, at which time his parents removed to South-
ington, where he continued his schooling, attending
also Lewis Academy, in that place, for two years.
After leaving school he commenced learning car-
pentering with his father, at which trade he con-
tinued in Southington. During the last year he was
in that town he was engaged in the contracting btisi-
ness for himself.
In December, 1881, Mr. I'ogg came to Bristol,
and fairly established himself as a contractor and
buikler, in which line of business lie has since been
successfully engaged ; he also does architectural
work, originating and drafting the designs for
many of the buildings for which he takes contracts.
Since commencing in Bristol he has taken the con-
tracts for and completed the following: Masonic
Temple ; large foundry buildings of the Terry
l-'oundry Co., in Terrvville ; Liberty Bell Co.'s fac-
tory; Clayton Bros.' factory, and the .\rmory, on
.North ^lain street. Bristol; Swedish Evangelical
church ; additions to Barnes' spring factory, and
the Codling Mfg. Co.'s factory, as well as the fol-
lowing residences, also in Bristol: Edson Peck's,
on Summer street; E. (i. Hubbell's on Bellevue
street ; and Dr. Hull's on Main street. In 1886 he
bought out Joseph Sigourne^'s confectionery store,
corner of Alain and North .Main streets. He also
deals in lumber, timber, shingles, lath, etc., and is
engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, and
window frames.
C)n Julv 2, i88j.. Air. Fogg was united in mar-
riage with Florence Esther Wright, who was born
Jan. y, 1850, a daughter of I'ilbert Leander and
Sabrina (Alerrill) Wright, a sketch of whom ap-
pears in that of William H. Wright, elsewhere.
.\o children have been Ijorn to this union.
In his political predilections Mr. Fogg is a stanch
Republican, has served on the board of burgesses
three years, is chairman of the Building committee,
and has been chairman of the Street committee of
the borough for the past two years. In Alay, 1900,
he was elected warden of Bristol. Socially he is a
member of the F. & A. M., and of Pequabuck Chap-
ter, No. 56, R. A. M. He was also a member of
the K. of P., Ethan Lodge, No. 9, and Hull Division,
No. 5, U. R., as well as of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and
Stephen Terry Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., all of
Bristol ; but owing to pressure of business he was
obliged to give these up, still retaining his member-
ship, however, through an honorary card. He is
one of the busiest and most prominent men in Bris-
tol, a useful, loyal citizen, and enjoys the respect
and esteem of all.
AfSTIN CLfRTIS. a prominent merchant of
Bristol, was born Aug. 7, 1836, in Burlington.
Conn., a son of Henry Curtis, who was born Aug.
13, 1810, and attained the age of seventy-three
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1413
years, departing this life Dec. 31, 1883. Henry
Curtis was a farmer, and his industry and persever-
ance were crowned with the full measure of suc-
■cess which attention to business merits. In politics
he was a Democrat, and served as tax collector for
a number of years. He was a member of the
Methodist Church. On Jan. 2, 1833, he was united
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dowd, of Harwinton,
Conn., wlio was born Nov. i, 1805, and died Jan.
^, 1884. Four children were born to them as fol-
lows: (i) Royal, born Dec. 21, 1833, died Aug. i,
1880; he was a machinist, and lived in New York
State the greater part of the time. (2) An infant
died June 10, 1835. (3) Austin, the subject of this
sketch. (4) Evaline, born Sept. 30, 1838, was mar-
ried to Thompson Root, and died in Bristol April
.8, 1 88 1.
Henry Curtis was a son of Joshua Curtis, who
died Jan. 14, 1842. He, too, was a tiller of the
^oil. His wife Pollv bore him eight children :
Philo, Simeon, Sylvester, Corydon, Henry, Sylesta,
Amy and Laura.
Austin Curtis received his schooling in Burling-
ton. At the age of sixteen }'ears he went to work
for John Doolittle in Bristol, with whom he re-
mained about one year ; he then started a meat
market on Main street, Bristol, which he conducted
for about twelve years. At the end of this time he
.sold out to Levi Moulthrop, and engaged in buying
and selling, horses and cattle, which occupation he
pursued most successfully for about six years. He
then opened a general merchandise store in the
Curtis Block, Corner of Laurel and North Main
streets, handling dry-goods, boots and shoes, milli-
nery, etc. In this business he is still engaged. Mr.
Curtis possesses sound business judgment, a vast
.amount of perseverance, and great energy. Many
of the finest residences and business blocks in Bris-
tol stand as monuments to his indomitable courage
and progressiveness. He built what is now known
as the Skelly Block, and later erected the house that
is now owned by P. H. Condon. He also built
"the postoffice building on North Main street, several
dwelling houses in various parts of the town, four
houses on Summer street, -and in 1897 he built his
present attractive home at the corner of Summer and
"Centre streets.
In politics Mr. Curtis is a Democrat, as his fa-
ther had been. He is loyal to his party, serving faith-
fully, though always declining to hold office.
On Sept. 18, 1861, Mr. Curtis was married to
Lucy Joanna Steele, of Bristol, who was born
March 26, 1861, daughter of Charles and Jane (Par-
-melee) Steele. This union has been blessed with
two children: (i) Charles Henry, of Bristol, born
'Oct. 14, 1864, was married March 2, 1887, to Mamie
Smith, of Forestville. who was born in 1869, a
daughter of Roj-al Smith (Charles H. Curtis is a
•conductor between Hartford and Willimantic on the
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., with which road he has been
for manv years, and his faithful services are fully
■appreciated by the company whom he served and
by the patronizing public) ; (2) George Austin, born
July II, 1875, and died Aug. 31, 1876. Mr. and Mrs.
Austin Curtis attend the Episcopal Church, of which
Mrs. Curtis is a communicant. They are active in
the church work, and contribute amply to its sup-
port financially and sociauy. Mrs. Austin is pres-
ident of the Ladies Aid Society. Mr. Austin, like
many of our ablest statesmen and financiers, is a
self-made man. He has always been very successful
in all his undertakings, and is a worthy example
for the rising generation to emulate.
PATRICK McGOVERN has been a resident of
Hartford for over thirty years. His first experience
in the city was as clerk and bookkeeper in a large
mercantile house ; but for the past twenty-one years
he has occupied an important position in the office
of the .Etna Life Insurance Co. Mr. McGovern
has been a member of both branches of the city gov-
ernment, and for seven years was acting president
of the board of aldermen. He was the Republican
member of the town auditors for many j^ears, his
services as such terminating with the consolidation
of the town and city. Mr. McGovern was chairman
of the Republican town committee, and under his
management the party obtained and held control of
the city, the influence of which was felt throughout
the State. For many years he was an important
factor in keeping Hartford, v/hich was naturally
Democratic, in the Republican ranks. To him is due
much credit for what was accomplished in this par-
ticular. Mr. McGovern is public-spirited — always
acting for the city's interests. His loyalty to, and
his indomitable energy in behalf of, his friends have
given him prominence in political and social circles.
As a business man he has been successful, and he
bestows liberally upon others less fortunate.
TRUMAN COWLES, a well-known agricultur-
ist residing on South street, Hartford, was born Feb.
14, 1844, in Bethlehem, Conn., son of David M. and
Alma (Merriam) Cowles. His father was a native
of Bethlehem, followed farming at that place
throughout life, and died at the age of eighty-two
years. This worthy citizen was a devout Methodist,
and helped to build the church at Bethlehem, where
he served as deacon for many years. His wife, Alma^
Merriam, who died aged sixty-five years, was born
and reared in Watcrtown, Conn., and taught school
for some time previous to her marriage. Of their
eight children six are living: Edward, a resident of
^Voodbury ; Oliver ; Wealth}-, who married John
Porter, and resides in Bethlehem ; David, in Beth-
lehem ; Horace, a resident of Litchfield ;and Truman.
Our subject was educated in the common schools
of Bethlehem, and assisted in farm work at the
homestead until he reached the age of twentv-one.
He then spent a year in farming on Long Island,
and in 1866 settled in Hartford, taking a position
as clerk in a meat market. Six years later he en-
gaged in the meat business on his own account, and
for twenty-three years he had a market at No. 84
1414
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Main street. At the time (it his retirement, in 1894,
he was among tlie oldest business men in the city,
and one of the best known. He purchased thirty
acres of land where he resides soon after going to
Hartford, and in 1872 ])uilt his present residence.
(n 1873 he built a block in Alden street, and he also
owns and conducts the old homestead of 200 acres in
Bethlehem.
In i8fK) Mr. Cowles married Miss Martha Magce,
who was born in Boston. Mass., daughter of John
Magee, a blacksmith, ami his wife Jane (Sygh), a
lady of Scottish descent, who died at the home of
our subject at the age of eighty-six. They had
a family of ten children, and three are living: Ann,
who married Hugh Robinson, of Omaha, Neb. ;
Hugh ; and Martha, Mrs. Cowles. Our subject
and his wife have had eleven children, of whom nine
are living: Emilv married a Mr. Snow, of Xorfolk,
\'a., and has one son. Malcolm: Margaret married
William (.ireen, of Hartford, and has one son, Al-
fred ; Mary married Daniel Harrington, and has
two children. Martha Jane and Lester: Aimer is at
home: Louisa is in Xorfolk, \"a. : Daisy is at home;
Miss Cornelia is attending iVatt Institute, in Brook-
Un, X. Y. : Truman D. is at home: William: Oliver
died at the age of four years : and one died in in-
fancy. The cliildren were all educated in the South
School and Public High School of Hartford, and at
Wesleyan Academy, \\'ilbraham, Mass. ^^Ir. Cowles
and his family attend the Congregational Church,
but Mrs. Cowles was reared in the faith of the
Presbvterian Church, of which her ])arents were
devout niemliers.
\\'1LL1AM WHETTEX HCXTIXCTOX, a
resident of ^^'est Hartford, is a native of Hartford
county, born in Hartford, Dec. 9, 1841. He is of the
eighth generation from the original American ances-
tor of the family, Simon Huntington, the line of de-
scent being through Christopher, John, John (2),
John (3), Hezekiah and Francis Junius.
Francis J. Huntington, father of our subject,
was born in Suffield, Conn., Dec. 3, 1802, and there
spent his early school days. In 1843 he removed
to what is now the home of our subject, on Pros-
pect Hill, West Hartford. For many years he was
a successful publisher of music books in Hartford
■ and Xew York, and he died in the latter citv Feb.
5. 1878. On Sept. I, 1833. he married Miss Stella
Bradley, daughter of Michael Bull, and to them
came seven children : Helen, born Jan. 3, 1836, died
Feb. 18, 1839: Francis, born Nov. 2, 1837, died Sept.
3, 1838: Francis (2), born Sept. i, 1839, died
April 28, 1842 ; William Whetten, our subject, is
next in the order of birth ; Edward Bouverie, "born
Feb. 5, 1844, is a resident of California : ^largaret
Kent, born Jan. 5. 1846, died July i, 1876; and
Archibald Dunbar, born X"ov. 26, 185 1, is a resident
of Connecticut.
William W. Huntington was educated in New
York City, Paris, (France), and Hamburg (Ger-
manv). For five vears he was with the firm of
Little. Brown & Co., of Boston, Mass., and was then
junior member of the firm of Bunce & Huntington,,
pulilishers. Xew York, for one year. Subsequently
he was associated with his father in the publishing,
business for thirteen years jirior to the latter's death.
He lives at the old homestead on Prospect Hill, and
since 1878 his attention has principally been devoted
to agricultural pursuits. He takes considerable in-
terest in public affairs, especially those pertaining
to education, and is a member of the school boar(t
of West Hartfortl, now serving as its secretary.
Mr. Huntnigton was married in West Hartford,.
June I, 1876, to Miss Harriet Bradley Beach, who
was born Sept. 20, 1850, a daughter of Charles M.
Beach.
ARTHl'R L. F( )STER, who enjoys the enviable
distinction of being the most extensive dealer ia
clothing and gents furnislnngs, etc., in Hartford,
and probably second to none in the State, is a native
of X'ermont, born Jan. ly, 1858, in Moretown, Wash-
ington county.
.Mr. hosier comes .of English lineage, his great-
great-grandfather having emigrated from England
to X'ermont and first locating in what is now the
city of Manchester, later becoming one of the first
settlers of Moretown, where he passed the rest of his
life. <lying at the age of eighty-nine \ears. His soa
John (grandfather of Arthur L. ), a lifelong agri-
culturist of that locality, died in comparatively early
life, at the age of forty-five. One of the highly
prominent citizens of the comnumity, he served on
juries and as selectman, and represented his town in
the Legislature. By his wife Abbie (Atherton),
of Waterburv, Conn., wdio died in 1868, he had four
children, one of whom, Rucl bv name, is living in
Newark, Vermont.
Charles A. Foster (father of our subject) was
born in Moretown, \"t., was reared on the home-
stead, and educated in the district schools. On the-
death of his father he took charge of the home farm,
subsequently purchasing adjoining lands until he
owned .in all some 300 acres of the most beautiful
part of Vermont, so attractive in every way as to
be found worthy of a place in the work known as-
"Picturesque America," and to be immortalized on
canvas, our subject having in his possession paint-
ings of different views of the place, painted from
photographs taken b)- himself. Charles A. Foster
was not only a leading man in the locality, but also
one of the most popular, and held all the offices in
the town, including those of selectman, and repre-
sentative. In addition to his farming interests he
owned a store in Vermont.
Charles A. Foster married Hulda Hathaway,,
born in East Montpelier, Vt., a daughter of Paul
Hathaway, a farmer of that locality, who died at:
the age of eighty-four years ; his family was from
New Bedford, Mass., and became prominent in the
aft'airs of East Montpelier. Two of Mrs. Hulda_
Foster's sisters are vet living, one of whom is Mrs..
David Plimber, of \Vinchester, Mass. To C. A,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1415
Foster and his wife were born ten cliildren, six of
whom are living, as follows : Ella, wife of W. A.
Crown, of Taunton, Mass. ; John, in Bridgeport,
Conn. ; Julia, wife of T. H. AlcElroy, of Haverhill,
Mass. ; Charles, in Taunton, Mass. ; Arthur L., the
subject proper of these lines; and Jesse, in Pittstield,
Mass. The mother died at the age of sixty-eight
years, a consistent member of the M. E. Church.
Arthur L. Foster passed the earlier years of his
life on the home farm at Moretown, Vt., attending
the commo.-. schools of the district, and at the age of
eleven years went to Clinton, Mass., to live with his
uncle John R. There he completed his education,
and commenced his remarkable business career in the
humble capacity of "shop boy" in his uncle's cloth-
ing store. From there he removed to Holyoke,
Mass., to fill the position of clerk in the Foster cloth-
ing store there, which was one of the "Foster com-
bination" started by his uncle in 1859. The latter had
at one time twelve stores, for which he did all the
buying, and later the company (J. L. Besse becom-
ing a partner) owned no less than forty-three stores.
After a year's residence in Holyoke, our subject
moved to VVaterburv, Conn., whence after two years
he betook himself to Bridgeport, Conn., and 'there
for three years conducted a clothing store for his
brother John. From Bridgeport he went to Troy,
N. Y., and opened a clothing store for a Boston
house, remaining there six months ; then together
with L. W. Besse, bought out H. C. Tennant, of
W'estfield, the business being continued under the
name of Besse & booster for three years, at the end of
which time, in 1884, Mr. Foster bought out his part-
ner's interest in that concern and became interested
with Mr. Besse in another store, m Hartford, located
at Nos. 45-47-49 Asylum street. • After three years,
the business having greatly increased, they found it
necessary to add to their premises Nos. 53-55, and
here they continued until 1890. In that vear Mr.
Foster bought out the interest of Mr. Besse, and at
a cost of $40,000 fitted up the entire building with
such luxurious taste and in such elegant style, not
to speak of its commodiousness and conveniences,
that it is allowed to be by far the finest clothing
and ladies' and gents' furnishing store in New Eng-
land, and one of the finest in the United States.
!Mr. Foster is, probably, the largest single buyer of
clothing in the country, and not only keeps in stock
all kinds of clothing and gents' furnishings, but
also all .kinds and sizes of tailor-made suits for la-
dies, buying in the great Besse syndicate. He be-
gan his business with three clerks, and now em-
ploys forty-two, and his motto is : "Most goods for
the money, and everything as represented."
Mr. Foster has another store, in Portland,
Maine, which he had fitted up at a cost of $16,000,
and which gives employment to twenty-three clerks.
On March 31, 1900, he opened a third store, in
Syracuse, N. Y., 60x125 feet, in which are employed
eighteen' clerks. The managers of these several
stores all learned their business under ^Ir. Foster
himself. Our subject is also interested with F. M.
McElroy in a clothing store at Haverhill, Mass.,
and in one, along with his brother Jesse, in Pitts-
field, Massachusetts.
in 1 88 1 Air. Foster married Harriet Benham,
of Bridgeport, Conn., who died in 1888 at the age
of thirty-two years. He wedded July 6, 1898, Jo-
sephme Wilkinson, born in Troy, N. Y., but whose
lite before marriage was passed mainly in Santi-
ago, Cal. The family residence is one of the finest
in the city, its elegance and beauty being the ad-
miration of all.
In religious faith Mr. and ]\Irs. Foster are Con-
gregationalists ; he is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
Omioca Lodge, Westfield, and in politics he is a
Republican. Beginning life a comparatively poor
boy, Mr. Foster has steadily worked his way up-
ward until to-day he ranks among the most sub-
stantial citizens of the community, owing his suc-
cess to his own industry, perseverance, sound judg-
ment, application and honorable dealing. Pleasant
and genial in manner, he is very popular with all
classes, and together with his amiable life partner
commarids the respect of all.
TAIXTOR. For over two hundred and twenty-
five years the. name of Taintor and the families
rt'ith which it has been - allied, by marriage, have
been prominent and influential citizens of their re-
spective communities in Connecticut. Among those
bearing the name in recent years we mention the
late Hon. Henry G. Taintor, of Hampton, former
btate treasurer, and his sons, Hon. Henry Ells-
worth, George Edwin and William Wolcott Taintor,
all substantial citizens of Hartford.
These brothers are in the seventh generation
from Alichael Taintor, an early settler of Branford,
Conn., where his death occurred in 1673, he being
a son, it is said, of Charles Taintor, of Welsh ori-
gin, who came to this country to escape religious
persecution. Their line of descent is through jNIi-
chael (2), Michael (3), John, Solomon and Henry
G. Taintor.
(II) Michael Taintor (2), son of Michael, of
Branford, born in 1652, married (first) in 1679
Mary, daughter of Thomas Loomis. He moved to
Windsor, and later to Colchester, where he was one
of the first settlers. He served as town clerk from
the town's settlement to the time of his death, in
1730, and was a member of the General Court
twenty-six sessions.
(III) Michael Taintor (3), son of Michael (2),
born in 1680, married in 1712 Eunice Foote, of
W'ethersfield, Connecticut. ,
(IV) John Taintor, son of jMichael (3), born
in 1725, married (second) in 1758 Sarah Bulkeley.
(V) Solomon Taintor, son of John, born in
1769, married in 1797 Judith Bulkeley, and removed
in the same vear to Hampton, Conn. He died in
1827.
(\T) Henry G. Taintor, son of Solomon, and
the father of Flon. Henry E., George E. and Will-
1416
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iani \\'., all of Hartford, was born Feb. ij, 1813,
in Hampton, Conn. He married Sept. 25, 1839,
Delia W . Ellsworth, born in 1818, daughter of
-Martin and Sophia ( W'olcott) Ellsworth, and grand-
daughter of Hon. Uliver Ellsworth, former chief
justice of the United States, and a descendant in
the fourth generation from Josias Ellsworth, who
was at Windsor, Comi.. as early as 1654, the line
of his descent being through Josias, Jonathan and
Uavid Ellsworth.
-Mr. 'J'aintor was one of the prominent and in-
Jluential citizens of Hampton. In 1866 he ser\-ed
as State treasurer. He was a man of good ability
and considerable force of character. He died in
^larch, 1889, greatly esteemed and highly respected.
To his marriage with Delia \\'. Ellsworth were born
children as follows: Henry E., Aug. 29, 1844;
George E., Dec. 20, 1846; William W'., July 9,
1851 ; Ercderick, Xov. 12, 1855: and Mary E., Oct.
8, 1860. The mother died in January, 1889.
Hii.vRV Ellswuktii Tai.ntor, son of Henry G.,
was born Aug. 29, 1844, in the town of Hampton,
Conn. He was prepared for college at Monson
(Mass.) Academy, and entered Yale College in
]86i, continuing jijs studies until his enlistment,
Jan. 14, 1864. as a private in Companv A,
1st Connecticut Heav\- Artillery. He performed
honorable service with his regiment for nearly
two years, being discharged as second lieu-
tenant, on Sept. 2=,, 1865. Although not return-
ing to complete his college course, Yale conferred
on him the regular degree. A. B.. the same as
though he had coiii])leted the course of study, .\fter
the war had closed Mr. 'i'aintor, in 1866, established
his residence at Hartford, where he read law in
the office of Chamberlain & Hall, and was admitted
to the Bar in Hartford county in 1868. Since then
he has been engaged uninterruptedly in the prac-
tice of his profession. He was executive secretarv
to Gov. Jewell in i8y2-/;^. and also associate judge
of the Hartford City Court at the same time. He
was assistant judge of the Hartford City Court
from 1889 to 1893. In 1891 he was appointed
coroner of Hartford county, to succeed Hon. Lewis
Sperry, an office he still holds. Judge Taintor has
served several terms in the common council of Hart-
ford, and also was for two years one of the board
of aldermen. He was for manv years clerk of the
Hartford City Court. He is now vice-president of
the Security Co. of Hartford ; a trustee of the State
Savings Bank, as well as one of the attorneys, and
attornej- for the Society for Savings on Pratt street ;
and a director of the Connecticut General Life In-
surance Co. He is a member of the G. A. R., and
has held various offices therein, including those of
commander of the Department of Connecticut, and
judge-advocate-general on the staff of the com-
mander-in-chief. In politics he is a Republican.
His religious connections are 'vith the First Congre-
gational Church of Hartford. There is not a law-
yer in the State who has a more honorable standing
before the Bar or the public.
On May 13. 1869, Judge Taintor was married
to Miss Jane G., dau.ghtcr of Lyman and Almira
(Greenej Bennett, of Amsterdam, N. Y., and a
descendant of an old Ham])ton (Conn.) family.
To this marriage w'as born Harlan Henry, a grad-
uate of Yale College, class of '92, who died April
17, 1893.
Geokce Enwix T.\i.\tok, son of Henry G., was
born Dec. 20, 1846, in Hampton, Conn. He received
a liberal education, and has for years been engaged
in real-estate operations as a resident and business
man of the city of Hartford. He represents prob-
ably the largest real estate interests in the city —
those of Francis and J. J. Goodwin. He is also a
trustee of the Keney estate and Keney Park, another
large estate. He is a director of the State Bank and
of the Hartford Street Railway Co. Mr. Taintor
married Oct. 25. 1870. Emily S., daughter of the
late Hon. Gustavus 1-'. Davis, of Hartford (whose
sketch appears elsewhere), and to the union was
born one daughter, Lucy Strong, Oct. 15, 1871.
W'ii.i.i.\M Woi-COTT Taintor, son of Henry G.,
was born July 9, 1851. in Hampton, Conn., where
his early life was passed, and where he received his
elementary education, later attending school in
Brooklyn, Woodstock, and Hartford, all in Con-
necticut. He also attended the Hartford Public
High School, when the building was at the corner
of Asylum and Ann streets. After his school days
were over he was for a time engaged in the wool
jobbing business in New York City. He returned
to Hartford in 1882. since which time he has been
connected with the Hartford Ice Co., being at this
time its efficient secretary and treasurer. On May
10, 1876, he was married to Eliza H., a native of
Xcw York City, and a daughter of William Miller,
and to them have been born two daughters, Arline
i Deolph and Delia Ellsworth.
DA\TS. Through several generations the pos-
i ferity of Rev. Gustavus Fellows Davis, D. D., pas-
1 tor of the First Baptist Church of Hartford from
^ 1829 to 1836. have been men of prominence in the
I professional and business life of the city, where a
number of his descendants are to-day active in
I their several walks of life, among them Dr. Giis-
: tavus Pierrepont Davis, physician and examiner for
the Travelers Insurance Co.. and Frederick Wen-
dell Davis, sons of the late Hon. Gustavus Fellows
Davis, who for fifty years was prominent, among
the bankers of Hartford.
Rev. Gustavus F. Davis was born March 17,
1797, in Boston, Mass., son of Isaac and Elizabeth
(Fellowes) Davis. He was converted under the
preaching of Rev. William Bentley, of Worcester,
]Mass., when in his sixteenth year, and united with
the church in April. 18 13. He began to preach at
seventeen, his first field of labor being- in Hampton.
Conn. After a year he removed to Preston, and was
ordained pastor of the church there in June, 1816.
He served that charge three years, w-hen he accepted
an urgent call from the Baptist Church in South
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1417
Reading, Mass., and was publicl}' recognized as
pastor April 23, 1818. He had keenly felt his in-
adequate preparation in the way of an education,
and from the start had done the utmost by severe
and persistent study to repair the deficiency. While
at South Reading, Mass., in addition to his pastoral
labors* he began a systematic course of study in
Latin and Greek, often walking to Boston, a dis-
tance of ten miles, to receive instruction from Rev.
Mr. Winchell, and from an entry in his diary it
appears that he finished reading the Greek testament
some three years later, with the Rev. Francis Way-
land, Jr.
In the spring of 1829 Mr. Davis came to Hart-
ford to assist the Rev. William Bentley, at that
time laboring here in a revival of religion, and this
circumstance led to his settlement in the city. He
was publicly installed in the pastoral office Jul}- 29,
1829. Durmg the seven years of his pastorate here
the church prospered in every respect. He at-
tended carefullv to all details of organization and
administration, and labored incessantly in prayer-
meetings and special revival services. He made
much of sacred music, and did everytliing to en-
courage and improve the choir, but his principal
strength was in the pulpit. It was as a preacher
that he was best known, both at home and abroad.
For the pulpit he prepared himself carefully, but
preached either without manuscript or from brief
notes. He had a tenacious memory, and, as one of
his hearers remarked, the "whole Bible was at his
finger ends." His sermons were always studded
with Scriptural gems. He was pre-eminently a
Bible preacher, and was singularly apt and some-
times amusing in his selection of texts.
Dr. Davis had all through his life an excep-
tional interest in education. He secured the estab-
lishment of an academy at South Reading, Mass.,
where he then lived. He was the chief agent for
collecting funds for '"Ihe Connecticut Literary In-
siitute at Suffield, and had the satisfaction of see-
ing it well established before his death. He was in-
terested in Newton Seminary, was trustee of Brown
L'niversity, examiner at Wesle^-an LTniversity, and,
l")v appointment of Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of
War in 1836, a member of the board of examiners
of the L'nited States Academy at West Point; also
in 183 1 he was elected one of the trustees of Wash-
ington ( now Trinity) College. \\'aterville (Maine)
College (now Colby L'niversity) and Yale College
afterward conferred upon him the degree of M. A.
His degree of D. D. was bestowed by Wesleyan
University in 1835. In August, 1836, while on a
visit to friends in Boston, he was taken sick, and
his useful life was brought suddenly to a close.
He died Sept. 11, 1836, in the fortieth year of his
age. Dr. Davis had special traits of character. He
was bv natural constitution buoyant and self-re-
liant, full of hope and cheer; this, added to his
heartv, courteous manner, made him a universal
favorite. Everybody knew him ; everybody loved
him.
On Jan. 5, 1817, Dr. Davis was married to
Abigail Leonard.
Gustavtis F. Davis, son of Rev. Gustavus F.
Davis, D. D., was born Jan. 4, 1818, in North Ston-
ington. Conn-., and the family removed that year
to South Reading, Mass., where he remained until
he was eleven years of age, at which time his father
accepted a call to the First Baptist Church of
Hartford, and the family came to this city. Young
Davis was educated in the grammar schools of
Hartford, and at Hartford Academy. At the age
of eighteen, in 1836, he was left fatherless, the
■eldest of five children. When fifteen years old he
entered the employ of the Phcenix Bank, and re-
mained for six years, at the expiration of which
time he was sent to Litchfield, Conn., and entrusted
with the branch of that institution located there.
He remained in Litchfield until 1851, when he re-
turned to Hartford to take the cashiership of the
City Bank, which had just been organized. After
the removal of Edmund G. Howe, its first presi-
dent, to New York, in 1857, Mr. Davis was chosen
president of the bank, and remained at the head
continuously from that time until his death, April
28, 1896. He was identified with a number of the
leading financial corporations of the city, was presi-
dent of the State Savings Bank, one of the oldest
surviving directors of the ^Etna Insurance Co.,
vice-president and director of the Travelers In-
surance Co. from its organization until the election
before his death. He was also president of the
Hartford Dispensary, and treasurer of the South
School District for nearljr forty j-ears.
In his political affiliations Mr. Davis was a Re-
publican, of Whig antecedents, and voted in 1840
for William Henrv Harrison. He never sought
political preferment, but in 1880 he was elected by
the Republicans of Hartford as representative in
the Legislature; he declined a re-election. His
religious connections were with the First Baptist
Church of Hartford, of which church his father
had been pastor from 1829 to 1836. He was a con-
sistent Christian gentleman, of positive convictions,
and of so equable a temperament that he impressed
himself upon all who knew him as a man of fairest
dealing and of strictest integrity. He had the uni-
versal confidence and esteem of a large business
acquaintance, acquired through many years' con-
nection with prominent financial institutions of
Hartford, and as a citizen and friend he won last-
ing regard and afifection.
On May 14, 1839, Mr. Davis was married to
Lucv Terry Strong, who was born Aug. 24, 1817,
a daughter of the late William Strong, of Hart-
ford, who was a descendant in the sixth generation
from John Strong, of England, an early settler at
Windsor, Conn. _ The children who survived the
father are residents of Hartford, and are: (i)
Charlotte Maria, born in Litchfield, Conn., March
4, 1840, married June 15, 1862, Rev. Wilder Smith,
who was born July 11, 1835. He was graduated
from Yale College' in 1857, and was a tutor there
1418
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1859-61. He was settled as pastor at Berlin, Conn.,
1802-66; at Milwaukee, 1866, later at Rockford,
111., but resided in Hartford the latter part of his
life. They have two daughters. Edith; and Alice,
who married C. T. Welles. {2) tiustavus I'ierre-
])(.nt Davis is mentioned below. (4) Frederick
W endell Davis was born Sept. y. 1855, in Hart-
ford, and there passed his earl}- school days, and
was graduated from the high school in 1873. from
Yale College with the degree of J!. .\. in ^'^77. in
which vear he went to Kentucky, and engaged m the
saddlery business v.-ith M. W. Smith until 1S81 ;
the last three years of his connection with Mr.-
Smith, however, were passed in New (Orleans
(1878-1881). He returned to Hartford and en-
gaged in the manufacturing business until 1896,
since which time he has been connected with J. j.
& F. Goodwin. He married Lucy Trumbull, of
Hartford, who died in Xew Orleans Feb. i, 1881,
leaving one child. Carl Wyllis, born Oct. 27, 1880.
Z\lr. Davis then marrietl Mary Taintor. siller of
(ieorge E. Taintor, and by this iniion is the father
of four children: Dorothy Wendell, born March
12, i886; Roger Wolcott, born Jan. 8, 1890; Fred-
crick Ellsworth, born March 11, 1892; and Elise
Pierrepont, born Nov. 27, 1897. I-"raternally Mr.
Davis belongs to the Delta Kappa Ejjsilon. (3)
Emilv Strong Davis, born June 22. 1847, in Litch-
field, Conn., is now }ilrs. George \\. Taintor, of
Hartford, Connecticut.
Gustavus Pierrepont Davis. ~Sl. D.. ])hysician
and medical examiner for the Travelers Insurance
Co.. Hartford, was born Jan. 16, 1845, '" Litch-
field, Conn. He was graduated from Yale College
in 1866. then spent a year in the study of medicine
in Paris. He was graduated from the New York
}iledical College in 1869, and for a period was a
physician in the Charity Hospital there. He has
been in Hartford since 1870, and connected with
the Travelers Insurance Co. since 1875. He is on
the Hospital staff, and is a member of tlie City,
County and State [Medical Societies. He married
Elise ^litchell, and thev have four children : Eliza-
beth !M., Arthur W., Louise P.. and Helen Fitch.
HON. HENRY CORNELIUS ROBINSON
(deceased) was born Aug. 28, 1832, in Hartford,
son of David Franklin Robinson. He w-as pre-
pared for college in the Hartford Grammar School
and the high school of the same city, and was grad-
uated from Yale College in the class of 1853. Two
rears later (in 185 t) he received the degree of
A. -M., and that of "LL. D. in 1888. He studied
law in the office of his brother Lucius F. Robinson,
and with Judge ^^'illiam L. Storrs, and was ad-
mitted to the Bar of Hartford county in 1855, at
once entering into partnership with his brother, and
continuing thus until the death of Lucius F., in
1 86 1. From that time he practiced alone until the
graduation of his eldest son, when a new partner-
ship was formed, consisting of FI. C. & L. F. Rob-
inson.
From 1872 to 1874 Henry C. Robinson was
mayor of Hartforil. He had previously, in 1866,
been fish commissioner. In 1889 he was commis-
sioner from Connecticut at the Federal Constitu-
tional Centennial. In 1879 he was a representative
from Hartford in the General Assembly. Mr. Rob-
inson was long attorney for the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad, and one of its direc-
tors. He was attorney for the Connecticut Mutual
I'ire Insurance Co., the Pratt & Whitney Co,, the
Connecticut Fire Insurance Co., and many more of
the large and intluential corporations of Hartford.
He was a trustee of the Connecticut Trust & Safe
Deposit Co., and of the Wadsworth Athenzeum ;
a member of the Hartford Tract Society ; vice-
president of the Connecticut and Hartford Bar Asso-
ciations, and served as president of the Yale
.\limmi Association of Hartford. Mr. Robinson
was thrice the Republican candidate for guberna-
torial honors. He was a member of the Chicago
Convention in 1880, and author of much of its
platform. Mr. Robinson was an accomplished ora-
tor, and his public atldresses were numerous and
able. In his professional life he was concerned, for
the last twenty-five years of his life, in most of the
important suits in which the city of Hartford, its
various departments, the State of Connecticut, and
the Re]niblican party, have at various times been
made parties in court. Mr. Robinson died Feb. 14,
1900. at his home in Hartford, and testimonials
from his fellow lawyers and associates in the dif-
ferent concerns with which he was connected, from
his ])astor, and from personal friends, imanimous
in their expressions of praise and regret, gave evi-
dence of the universal esteem in which he was held.
On Aug. 28, 1862, Mr. Robinson was married
to Eliza Niles Trumbull, daughter of John F. Trum-
bull, of Stonington, Conn. The children born to
the marriage were: Lucius F., Lucy T. (Mrs. S.
T. Miller), Henry S., John T. and Mary S.
Lucius Franklin Robinson, son of Henry C.
Robinson, and grandson of David Franklin Robin-
son, was born June 12, 1863. in Hartford. He was
graduated from Yale College in 1885. studied law
under the direction of his father in Hartford, and
was admitted to the Bar in that city in 1887. He
was a member of tlie citjr council in 1890-91, serv-
ing as president of the board in the latter year.
He has served as a member of the fire commission-
ers for Hartford, and as president of the board of
park commissioners, and is a director in several cor-
porations of Hartford, among them the First Na-
tional Bank.
ATKINS. Josiah Adkins is supposed to have
been the first of his family in this country; just
what date is not exactlv known. He was married
twice, as is shown by wills and records. His first
wife was a sister of Edward Andrews (who was in
Hartford as early as 1655), as shown by said An-
drew's will, 1673, and three of Josiah's children
were born of this marriage. His second union, on
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1419
Oct. 8, 1673, was to Elizabeth Wetmore, of Mid-
dletown. Previous to this time he ha J been in
East Hartford and Wethersfield, where his eldest
son and daughter married and remained, the sec-
ond son going to Milford.
Descendants of Josiah's eldest son, Thomas, are
the only branch presented in this genealogy. [For
other lines, see Hinman's "Genealogy of the Puri-
tans." Orcott's History of Wolcott, Craft's, Whate-
ly, of Massachusetts. I In this branch the spelling
of the name was changed to Atkins about 1770.
The family has not aspired to notoriety in public
or political lines, for the most part following agri-
cultural and mechamical pursuits. Positive in their
political and religious convictions, th&y have faich-
fully serine. 1 the churches of which they were mem-
bers as deacons, trustees, or on committees, and
Rev. Irenus, son of Samu;l, was a minister, being
pastor of the Baptist Church in Southington for
twelve years ; he also, during his life or nearly
eighty-nine years, supplied without remuneration
feeble churches. At the same time he was inter-
ested in manufacturing, for the support of his fam-
ily, and together with his brothers was the pioneer
of the saw manufacturing industry in this country;
the reputation of their productions is as wide as
the country, and has been added to by the offspring
of the original establishment, The E. O. Penfield
Saw Works, of Bristol, Conn., and The E. C. At-
kins establishment, of Indianapolis, Ind., E. C.
Atkins being a son of RoUin, one of the brothers
in the partnership in the infancv of the business.
George R. Atkins, an elder brother of E. C, has
also been intimately associated therewith. All of
the sons of Samuel followed to some extent manu-
facturing in connection with farming, tanning,
shoemaking, wood turning, and the manufactru-e
of horn combs and clocks, both wood ' and brass.
Samuel, the father, was a weaver, and interested
to some extent in shipping in early or middle life.
The records of the State show that the Atkinses as
a family have ever been ready to respond to the
call of their country, whether in the deadly Havana
expedition, the fierce struggle of the Revolution, or
the sanguinary conflict of 1861-65. Never seek-
ing political office, they have served their town as
called upon satisfactorily, Roswell Atkins as judge
of the probate court for a term of two years, when
the age limit would be soon reached. He is a'
machinist and tool maker by trade, but by occupa-
tion a civil engineer, and though now in his sev-
enty-fifth year is able to follow the lines all day,
through woods, over hills, or wherever the business
calls him.
(I) Josiah and (Andrews) Adkins had
children : Thomas is mentioned below ; Samuel
married Esther Welch, born in 1664, daughter of
Thomas and Hannah (Buckingham) Welch, of
Milford ; Elizabeth married Richard Gilman, of
East Hartford. Children by second marriage:
Sarah, born July 16, 1674 (died 1719) ; Abigail,'
Sept. II, 1676; Solomon, July 25, 1678 (married
May 18, 1709, Phebe Edwards, of Northampton,
Mass. J ; Josiah, March 9, 1680 (married Dec. 16,
1708, Alary Wheeler, of Stratford) ; Benjamin,
Nov. 19, 1682 (married June 8, 1709, Jane Ste-
vens, of New Haven) ; Ephraim, March, 1685
(married June 16, 1709, Elizabeth Wetmore, of
Middletown). Josiah Adkins died Sept. 14, 1690,
his wife, Elizabeth, about 1700.
(II) Thomas Adkins, son of Josiah, in 1672
married Jane Williams, daughter of William and
Jane (Westover) Williams, of Windsor. Children:
Mary, born 1672, married John Elmer, of East
Hartford, and died in 1722; Thomas, born 1673;
William, born 1675 ; Jane, born 1678, married Jo-
seph Elmer (born 1678) x-\pril 4, 1700 (he was a
brother of John, above, of East Hartford) ; Sarah,
born 1682, married Robert Reeves, of East Hart-
ford (born 1675) ; Josiah, born 1685, married Jo-
henna Barbour (he died soon afterward, and his
widow married Benjamin Colt) : Benoni, born
1690, is next in the line of descent.
(III) Benoni Adkins, born 1690, died April
28, 1756. On Aug. 20, 1 71 5, he married Esther
Hall, born Feb. 23, 1682, daughter of Thomas and
Grace (Watson) Hall. Children: Thomas, born
April 22, 1716, is mentioned below; Luthur, born
1718, is mentioned below: Esther, born June i,
1720, maried Zebulon Deming, Dec. 18, 1740; Sarah,
born April I, 1722, married Zebuion Andrus, of
Canaan, Nov. 12, 1747; Zealous, born Jan. 18, 1725,
is mentioned below; Zuba, born May 5, 1727; Mary,
born IMarch 4, 1732, married (supposedly) Joseph
Butler Oct. 27, 1768; Lois, baptized May 26, 1734.
(IV) Thomas Adkins, born April 22, 1716,
married Feb. 8, 1738, Mary Aspinwall, daughter
of Eleazer Aspinwall. Children : Mary, born Nov.
■ 26, 1739, married July 17, 1766, Isaac Person, or
Parsons; Actea, born Oct. 28, 1741 ; Rhoda, born
Jan. 28, 1745, married Josiah Fowler, of Walling-
ford; Jerusha, born March 14, 1747; Samuel, born
Jan. 17, 1750, is mentioned below: Thomas, born
Oct. 10, 1752, died of camp fever 1776, while serv-
nig in the army.
(I\' Luther Adkins, son of Benoni, born in 1718,
married Nov. 14, 1745, Eunice Andrews, and died
Aug. 3, 1788. He was a soldier in the Revolution.
Children: Zilpa, baptized Nov. 11, 1744 (married
Oct. 27, 1763, Stephen Pratt) ; Phebe, Sept. 21,
1746 (married Oct. 31, 1765, Asa Barnes) ; Benoni,
Feb. 26, 1749 (married Sept. 20, 1769, Sarah Hitch-
cock, baptized Sept. 7, 1749) ; Eunice, Feb. 2, 1752;
Elizabeth, June 16, 1754: Luthur, July 10, 1757
(rem.oved to Westfield, Mass.) : Chauncey, Nov.
IS. 1761 (was in the armv ; he also went to \\'est-
f^eld).
(R) Capt. Zealous Adkins, son of Benoni,
born Jan. 18, 1725, married June 11, 1746, his
wife's name being Abigail. He died July 28, 1785?
she on ]\Iarch 5, 1800, aged seventy-four. Chil-
dren: Abigail, baptized May 10,* 1747; Jemima,
Nov. 27, 1748; Lucv, Sept. 22, 1754 (married Feb.
-3. 1775. Robert Webster) : Charles, June 4, 1758
1420
COMMEMORATIl'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ion April y, 1782, he married Rachel Sloper, and
died in 1809;, he was in the army); Mary, Sept.
14, 1766; Aiartha, Sept. 14, 1766.
(\') Samuel Adkms, son of Thomas, horn Jan.
17, 1750, married linnice W'ightman, daughter of
Kev. John .W ightman. Children: Welthena, born
^larch 13, 1774, married Simeon Upson, and had
children — Sturges, Samuel, Rodney, and others.
Hannah, born Feb. 27, 1776, married Isaac Allen,
son of Abel, and had children — Rev. Ursamus
Ezra, Alonzo, Welthena, Luanna and Avery.
Thomas, born March 6, 1778, is mentioned below.
Sabrina, born April 8, 1780, was married Jan. 11,
1803, to Dr. Alerriman, born July 8, 1776, and had
children — Earl Jefferson, born Nov. 2, 1803 ; Sher-
lett Eunice, born June 26, 1805: Silas Atkins, April
t>, 1807; Sabrina Hastings, May, iSoy; Roswell
A., who married 2\Iargaret Drake. Avery, born
Dec. 5, 1782, is mentioned below. Polly, born Feb.
28, 1785, married tJeurge Mitchell, and Jiad chil-
dren— [see Mitchell genealogy.] C_\ntha, born
Sept. 9, 1787, died Sept. 17, 1855, married (first)
Roswell Hawley and (second) Benjamin Meigs
(she had no children). Rollin, born Sept. 5, 1790,
is mentioned lielow. Irenus, born Xov. 15, 1792,
is mentioned below. Sally, born heb. 16, 1795, died
unmarried. Roswell. born April 8, 1798, died in
181 8. in Georgia. Lloyd, born Oct. 22, 1800, is
mentioned below.
(\T) Thomas Atkins, son of Samuel, born March
6. 1778, married Svlvia Neal, daug'hter of ]ohn and
Phebe (Judd) Neal. He died April 8. 1825, she
on July 29. i860. Children: Levia, born 1800, mar-
ried Jan. I, 1822, David H. Frost, and they had
three children, Jane, Sylvia and Mar\' Eliza. Merritt
^^'., born April 13, 1804, is mentioned below. Nancy
married Sept. 23. 1836, John Hendrick, and had two
children, Augustus and George.
(All) ]\Ierritt W. Atkins, son of Thomas Atkins,
born April 13, 1804, married ^lay 4, 1825, Hilary
Horton, who was born Oct. 26, 1806. He died June
^5- ^^7j- sbe on April 17, 1881. Children: Thomas
A\'., born Jan. 10, 1827. is mentioned below. Mary
Ann. born ]March 22, 1831, married Sept. 26, 1852,
Junius S. Oakley, born June 12. 1829 : she died April
20, 1874. Carrie A., born Sept. 29, 1839, married
Jan. I. 1862, Randolph \\". Cowles, died Dec. 16,
1863, Sarah Ann. lx>rn June 17, 1844, married Oct.
12, 1864, Herschel Baker, died Sept. 26. 1871.
Chai-les E., born July 24, 1846, died April 6, 1869.
(\'ni) Thomas W. Atkins, son of ^lerritt W.,
born Jan. 10, 1827, married (first) Sept. 10, 1848,
Helen S. Oakley, who was born April 13, 1827, and
died Dec. 5, 1859. Children : Henrv O., born
]\Iarch 24, 1850, is mentioned below; Ella Viola,
born Aoril 6, 1852,, married March 14, 1880, Clar-
ence Ringham. On Dec. 25, 1862, Isir. Atkins mar-
ried (second) Mary J. Nephew, of Ulysses, Penn.,
pnd thev had children as follows: Nellie, Alerritt
William, Sarah Mary, and Bert. The father died
Jan. o. 1876..
(IX) Henry O. Atkins, son of Thomas W., mar-
ried Oct. 20, 1872, Julia Hamick. Children : Charles
L.ouis, born May 7, 1875, niarried May 18, 1898,
Annie Moore, died Jan. 2, 1901 ; Harry 'J'homas,
born July 8, 1880; Clarence Ray, born July 14, 1893.
(\ ll -Vvery .Atkins, son of Samuel, born Dec.
5, 1782, married Jan. 9, 1806, Irene Botsford, who
was born in 1788. lie died July 18, 1862, she on
Jan. 28, 1858. Children: Samuel W., born March
30, 1808; Alden A., March 14, 1810; Elbridge Gerry,
June 21, 1812; Valentine Augustus, Dec. 2, 1828.
(V'll) Samuel A\'. Atkins, son of Avery, born
March 30, 1808, died Feb. 12, 1884. On May 16,
1835, he married Alariah M. Dowd, who was born
i'eb. 3, 1818, and died Nov. 2, 1892. Children: (1)
Ellen Irene, born Aug. 26, 1837, married Jan. 27,
1864, J. Fayette Douglas, born 1833, and they had
three children, Clara M;, born April 16, 1867 : Junius
Z., Sept. 22, 1876: and I. Fay, April 8, 1878. (2)
George W., born Feb. 27, 1845, married June 8, 1870,
Jennie A. Brown, born Nov. 22, 1849, and they had
one child, C. Bernice, born Aug. 25, 1879, (3)
Azzella M., born June 3. 1852, married Oct. 20,
1884, Watson Barnes, born Feb. 15, 1854.
(\T1) Alden A. Atkins, son of Avery, born
March 14, 1810, died Jan. 6, 1893. On Sept. 20,
1832, he married Adeline C. Bidwell, who died April
12, 1866, aged forty-six. Children: (i) Alden
Irenus. born Feb. 14, 1837, died May 24, 1882, mar-
ried April 7, 1881, Louisa N. Travers, born Oct. 25,
1859. They had one child, Adeline Louisa, born
Jan. 12. 1882. (2) Mary Jane, born March i, 1842,
married Dec. 12, 1867, James L. Campbell, born
March 7, 1832.
(ATI) Elbridge Gerry Atkins, son of Averv,
born June 21, 1812, died April 24, 1878, On Feb.
6, 1833, he married Emeline Curtis, born July 23,
1809, and died May 10, 1895. Children: (i ) Avery
I., born June 3. 1834, died July 14, 1892. On June
20, 1855, he married Sarah Ann Caldwell, born
April 22, 1835. They had three children, Willie G.,
horn July 26, 1865: Hattie Urania, June 15, 1867;
Grace Emeline, April 13, 1875. (2) Urania was
born Sept. 9. 1837. (3) Emeline C, born July 4,
1839. niarried ^lay 7, 1861, Elbert O. Moore, born
Nov. 29, 1832; he died Aug. 7, 1890. Children:
Thomas E., born Aug. 10, 1862: John C, July 9,
1864 (married Nettie Smith and has five children) ;
Rosalee, Feb. 28, 1867 (married Charles Neale, and
has two children) ; Elbert O., June 17, 1870; Emely
Urania, JMay 31, 1873 ; Averv Atkins. July 25, 1876.
(VH) A'alentine Augustus Atkins, son of Aver)',
born Dec. 2, 1828, died Oct. 25, 1895. On Oct. i,
1865, he married Mrs. Lydia A. (Hall) Barnes, born
June 10, 1838. They had one child, Cora D., born
Sept. 27, 1866, who married March 27, 1886, George
C. Doherty, born Jan. 24, 1859: they have one child,
Bessie Mildred, born Aug. 12, 1888.
(VI) Rollin Atkins, third son of Samuel, born
Sept. 5, 1790, died April 4, 1844. On May 22,
181 7, he married Harriet Bishop, born Aug. i, 1796,
died Dec. 23. 1879. Children : Ellen, born i8t8, died
Dec. 29, 1853, married July 30, 1837, Volney G.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1421
Barbour, who died Jan. 15, 1859, ^g^d fifty-four.
.Children — Adelaide, Ellen (1540), Volney G.
(1842), George R. (1844), Samuel A. and Thomas
F. George R. is mentioned below. Harriet B., born
1823, married July 25, 1844, Charles G. Grant, and
later wedded a Mr. Smith. Marietta, born 1831,
married May 25, 1856, Henry S. Stevens, died July
10, 1858. Klias Cornelius is mentioned below.
(VII) George R. Atkins, son of Rolhn, born
1820, married (first) Julia R. Wells, born Feb. 6,
1828, died Aug. 12, 1858. For his second wife he
wedded Feb. 26, 1863, Emerett Bradley, born Dec.
19, 1842, died Oct. 15, 1897. Children by first wife :
J. Ellen, born 1847, married April 3, 1866, Win. H.
Perkins; George R., Jr., born March 21, 1851, mar-
ried Addie Gallup, of Mystic, and they have had four
children, Frank, Florence, William and Lillian.
Children by second wife: Jennie H., born Jan. 11,
1868; and Lizzie B., born July 8, 1870, who died
Sept. 24, 1897.
(VH) Elias C. Atkins, son of RoUin, born June
28, 1833, married Aug. 29, 1855, Sarah A. Wells,
born 1834, who died April 11, 1863. They had one
daughter, Hattie, born 1856. By his second wife
Mr._ Atkins has four children, one son, Harry, and
three daughters. Elias Cornelius Atkins is one of
the leading saw manufacturers of the country, as
well as a leader in all that will promote the best in-
terests of the community in which he lives and the
well-being of the world at large.
(VI) Irenus Atkins, son of Samuel, born Nov.
15, 1792, married Sept. 14, 1814, Eunice Beckwith,
daughter of Zachariah. Children : Four died in early
life; the fifth, Eveline J., born April 7, 1825, married
Jan. 5, 1866, Oliver S. Judd; Andrew Fuller, born
Oct. 29, 1828, died May 9, 1893, married May 6,
1849, Helen M. Welch, born in 1831, daughter of
Hon. Elisha N. and Jane (Buckley) Welch (they
had one daughter, Fannie W., born March 13, 1853,
who married A. B. Tomlinson.
(VI) Lloyd Atkins, son of Samuel, born Oct. 22,
1800, died Feb. 14, 1869. On Oct. 22, 1823, he mar-
ried Charity Crampton, born March 4, 1805, and
died Dec. 17, 1891. Children: Eunice and Roswell.
Eunice, born Oct. 7, 1824, married April 14, 1846,
Roswell A. Neal, born Jan. 21, 1821, and they had
six children : Mary, born Jan, 17, 1847, was married
Oct. II, 1871, to Theodore H. McKenzie. Stephen
D. was born Feb. i, 1861 ; four others died in youth.
(VII) Rosv\fELL Atkins, born Sept. 24, 1826,
married Oct. 19, 1847, Martha S. Hart, born June
30, 1828, died Sept. 23, 1852. For his second wife he
wedded Sarah Amelia Barnum, born Feb. 26, 1835.
Children of Roswell and Sarah A. Atkins: (i)
Amelia Martha, born Oct. 19, 1857, graduated M.
D. from the LTniversity of Michigan in February,
1878. On March 14, 1880, she married Nathaniel
C. Whitfield, M. D. (2) Lloyd Roswell, born Dec.
23, 1866, graduated from Hahnemann College and
Hospital, Chicago, in February, 1887. On Oct. i,
1889, he married Jennie Poppi, and they have one
child, Lloyd R., Jr., born Feb. 4, 1893.
WILLIAM MITCHELL and his descend-
ants. William Mitchell was born in Scotland, Aug.
30, 1748. He came to this country when about
twelve years of age, and first resided in Danbury,
Conn., thence removing to Thompson (or Killingly,
as it was then called), where he was. married to
Mary Alton. In 1773 he removed to Bristol with
his wife and one cUild. It is supposed that at
Thompson, he learned what was then called the
clothier's trade, which business he followed after
coming to Bristol, the cloth being woven at diflierent
houses, on the hand-looms of the period. The prod-
ucts of these looms he fulled and colored, and placed
upon the market. Just before the Revolutionary
war he made a visit to the old country for the
purpose of perfecting his knowledge of coloring,
and on returning was accompanied by his brother
Thomas. When the war of the Revolution began
to assume a threatening aspect, Thomas returned,
but William remained, and served for a time in the
army, being at the battle of White Plains. He con-
tinued to make cloth during the war, and likewise
engaged in the manufacture of saltpeter, for use in
making powder for the Continental army. In later
years other manufacturing interests engaged his
attention, and this turn of thought or inclination
seems to have been inherited by his children.
George Mitchell, eldest son of William, was born
in Bristol, Conn., April 19, 1774, and began his
business career as clerk in the store of Thomas
Barnes, engaging in mercantile enterprises the
greater part of his life. He embarked in other en-
terprises, however, among them the manufacture ot
clocks and saws, and he not only carried on his own
business, but it was his custom — ^being a public-
spirited man — to aid and encourage others to enter
into business. To this end he would buy properties
suitable for manufacturing establishments, and sell
them to others, taking in payment their products,
and sending out peddlers through the country to
dispose of them. Thus he was very influential in
building up the industries of the town, and the re-
sults of his enterprise and sagacity are still appar-
ent. As a man he had the entire confidence of his
fellow citizens. He was outspoken in his convic-
tions, kind and liberal in the use of the means which
he accumulated, whether to the church of his choice
or to the cause of education. He was one of the
founders and stanch supporters of the Connecti-
cut Literary Institution. He took great interest in
politics ; was closely identified with the movement
which substituted the Constitution of 1818 for the
British Charter ; was several times a member of
the General Assembly; and once, in 1836, a member
of the Senate. Fraternally he was a Freemason,
and the first Worshipful Master of Franklin Lodge,
No. 56, A. F. & A. M., in Bristol, in 1819.
Julius R. Mitchell succeeded to the mercantile
business of his father, George Mitchell, being as-
sociated part of the time with an elder brother,
George PI. Mitchell, who was postmaster of the
town quite a number of years, as was also the
li-2i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lailKT. Julius R. iNIitchcII continued in the nier-
cantiie business for over fifty years, beuig the
leading merchant of that place. Tlioroughly ni ear-
nest in whatever he believed to be the right and
for the best interests of his native town, which he
represented in both branches of the Legislature,
a ])illar in the chiu'ch of his choice, he will long be
remembered as a worthy son of a worthy sire.
His son, George W. JMitchell, has taken up the
work which his father laid down.
George H. Mitchell, above referred to, is re-
membered as a business man of high character, and
also as a musician. He married Lurene Hooker, a
descendant of Thomas Hooker. Their eldest son,
George H. .Mitchell, Jr., was a musician of high
rank, and excelled in the composition and execution
of church music, to which he devoted much lime.
Ho also was engaged in manufacturing. Charles
Elliott, another son of George H. .Mitchell, is a
prominent lawyer in Xew ^'ork City, i le was com-
missioner of patents under the administration of
Harrison. .A. third son, .Moseley Hooker, died in
early manhood, but not before he liad left his
mark in the place as a merchant.
Thomas .Mitchell, second son of William, fol-
lowed the quiet life of a farmer. He was a man
of fine presence, honest and upright. His son,
Henry A., studied law, and was considered an able
lawyer, was State's attorney for Hartford county,
judge of the Hartford county court, editor of the
Hartford Times for a while, and afterward judge of
the probate court in Uristol. He was much re-
spected In all who knew him. Thomas Mitchell,
son of Henry .A., has spent his life in Washing-
ton, where he has filled many positions of trust
and responsibility.
John Smith .Mitchell, another son of William,
removed to New Haven, and was engaged prin-
cipally in mercantile Inisiness. He was also post-
master a number of years. His sons, Edward A., .
John S. and Charles M., all became prominently
identified with the manufacturing interests of Con-
necticut. Charles L., son of Edward A., repre-
sented Connecticut in Congress.
Stephen ^Mitchell, eighth child of ^^'illiam, was
'a merchant at Plymouth, Connecticut.
Samuel Augustus ^litchell, youngest son of
^^'illiam, turned his attention to literature and pub-
lishing, the "British Poets" being one of his pub-
lications. His system of school books brought
him prominently before the public, especially his
Geography and Atlas, which was the most com-
plete work of its day for the study of that branch
of common-school education.
A genealogical record of W^illiam jMitchell and
his descendants is herewith given:
(T) ^^'iIliam "Mitchell, born Aug. 30, 1748, in
Scotland, died ^larch 12. 1806. On May 23, 1771,
he was married, by Rev. Noadiah Russell, of Thomp-
son Parish, to Mary .A.lton, who was born April
28, 1754, in Pomfret, Conn., daughter of William
A. Alton, and died Feb. 2^' 1823. They had nine
children.
(llj Lucy Mitchell was born Dec. 19, 1772.
On May 3, 1790, she married Silas Bundy, and
they had children: William, born Oct. 20, 1790;
Charles, Oct. 25, 1792; ."Vugustus, Oct. 5, 1797;
Lucy, Sept. 4, 1804.
[II) George Mitchell, born .\pril 19, 1774,
died July 29, 1852. He first married Hannah
^latthews, who died May 8, 1808, aged thirty-
two years, and by whom he had children as fol-
lows: Polly Smith was married Sept. 10, 1817,
to Rev. Orra ^^lartin; G. Henry, born in 1797, died
.\ug. 26, 1803; Carlos Denison, born in 1800,
died Sept. 9, 1803; Alexander, born in 1801, died
Oct. 14, 1803; Julius Rodney, born in 1802, died
Jan. 11, 1804; and Henrietta, born in 1807, died
.\Iarch 9, 1808, aged nine months. George Mitch-
ell married for his second wife Almira Gridley An-
drews, who died JMarch 2, 18 16. She bore him
two children: George Henry, born in June, 1810,
died Aug. 16, 1866, aged fifty-si.x (see below) ;
Hannah -Vlaria. born in 1814, died March 13, 1815,
aged fourteen months. George Alitchell's third wife,
Polly .-\tkins, was I)orn Feb. 28, 1785, and .died
Dec. 29, 1857. They had four children : Carlos
Denison, born Sept., 1819, died June 22, 1832,
aged twelve years, ten months; Julius R., born
Jan. 8, 1 82 1 (see below) ; John Wightman, born
Nov., 1824, died in 1889; Juliette, born Aug.,
1827, died in 1900.
(H) Polly Smith Alitchell, born Oct. 19, 1776,
died Nov. 20, 1795.
(II) Thomas Mitchell, born Feb. 8, 1779, died
Feb. I. 1852. In 1801 lie married Harriet Thomp-
son, daughter of Capt. Isaiah Thompson, and by
her had children as follows : Alexander was born
May 20, 1802; Adeline H., born Jan. i, 1804,
married Edwin Talmage Nov. 12, 1823; Henry
A., born Nov. 25, 1805, died March 17, 1888 (see
below) : Jane P., born Feb. 20, 1807, married
George Palmer Sept. 12, 1827, and had two children
— Harriet Rosanna, born Nov. 3, 1832, and Jane
Adeline, born June 10, 1834; Sorrow, born Sept.
15. 1809, •i'sd Sept. 21. 1809. The mother of these
died Sept. 15, 1809, aged twenty-three years, and
in 181 1 Mr. Alitchell married Esther Humiston,
who died .'April 18, 1814. On Oct. 17, 1814, he
married (third) Amanda Lee, who died Oct. 19,
1847, aged sixty-nine years. They had one child.
Sorrow, born in 1817, who died July 20, 1889.
(II) W^illiam Alton Mitchell, born Jan. 10,
1780, died Sept. 13, 1804. He was burned with
japan, and his death resulted from the injuries
received. He married Betsey Thompson, who was
born Sept. 4, 1784, and died Oct. 8, 18 13, and they
had one child, William Alton, who died in Georgia
in 1 83 1, unmarried. The widow married Sylves-
ter Norton, by whom she had one child, Mary
Louisa, born Aug. 8, 181 1.
(II) John Smith Alitchell, born Feb. 18, 1783,
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1423
died Aug. i8, 1849. On Oct. 10, 1806, he married
Sarah Shelton, who was born Aug. 19, 1788, and
died Sept. 15, 1864. They had five chddren ; Ehza
C, born Aug. 26, 1809, died March 24, 1840 (see
below) ; Henrietta, born April 21, 1813, died July
3, 1894 (see below) ; Edward -Augustus, born June
13, 1815, died Sept. 14, 1876 (see below) ; John
Shelton, born Dec. i, 1817, died Feb. i, 1875 (see
below) ; Charles Moulton, born July 7, 1822, died
^larch 9, 1899 (see below).
(II) Alnura Mitchell, born May 5, 1787, died
April 12, i860. By her first husband, Samuel But-
ton, she had two children: Candice, born in-i8i2,
married Thaddeus Smith ; Samuel, born June 16,
1814, died in August, 1889. She married (second)
Leicester Carrington, and by that union had four
children: Almira, William, Juliet (wife of Pliny
A. Jewett, below) and Leicester.
(II) Stephen Mitchell, born Nov. 29, 1789,
married (first) Rosetta Talmadge, and (second)
Dec. 17, 1823, wedded Mary Ann Talmadge.
(IIj Samuel Augustus Mitchell, born March
20, 1792, died in 1868. In August, 181 5, he mar-
ried Rhoda Ann Fuller, and they had five children :
Caroline, born Sept. 4, 1817, died July 27, 1892,
in Bristol, Conn, (see below) ; Carlos, born May
15. 1820, died in infancy; Ellen Douglas, born Dec.
12. 1821, died Feb. 19, 1853, in Philadelphia (see
below) ; Samuel Augustus, Jr., bom JNIarch 25,
1826, died April 25, 1882 (see below) ; William,
born !March i, 1838, died in infancy.
(III) George Flenry Mitchell, son of George
and Almira, born in June, 1810, married in 1833
Lurene Hooker, who was born Nov. 4, 1810, and
died Oct. 29, 1877. Their children: (i) George
Henry, Jr., born Nov. 12, 1835, married Aug. 30,
1857, Hannah Drusilla Welch, born Jan. 8, 1838,
and of their children two died in infancy ; Helen
A\'elch was born Feb. 8, i860; and Bertha Welch
was born July 25, 1861. (2) Charles Elliot, born
]vlay 10, 1837, was married Dec. 13, 1866, to Cor-
nelia A. Chamberlain, and they had three children,
Robert Chamberlain, born May 8, 1868 ; Charles,
May 18, 1873 ; and George Henry, Dec. 3, 1877.
(3) Moseley Hooker, born in 1839, died Jan. 19,
1868. Fie was married April 13, 1858, to Ellen
Brainard, who died Sept. 5, 1865. They had two
children, Florence Almira, born July 17, 1859, ^i^d
Frederick Brainard, born June 2, i860.
(Ill) Julius R. Mitchell, son of George and
Polly (Atkins), born Jan. 8, 1821, was married
Jan. 27, 1845, to Drusilla Welch, born April 23,
1S25, daughter of George and Zelenda (Niles)
Welch. Their children: (i) George W., born
Nov. 7, 1852, was married Oct. 22, 1873, to Eva
L. Dunbar, who was born Nov. 4, 1852. (2)
Annie J., born July 11, 1856, married William
J. Isaacson. (3) Julia N. was born Feb. 10, 1861.
(Ill) Henry Alexander Mitchell, son of Thomas,
born Nov. 25, 1805, died March 17, 1888. On Sept.
2, 1832, he married Sarah Jane Hoadley, born
June 22, 1817, died July 20, 1889. Their children:
(I) Mary Jane, born Nov. 18, 1835, married Henry
A. Loomis June 19, 1867. (2) 'i nomas, born July
12, 1837, died July 29, 1898, married June i,
1861, Louisa G. F. Brannan. (3) Catherine Tal-
mage, born ' Sept. 26, 1841, married Harrison
Munson Curtis March 17, 1866. (4) Henry
Augustus, born Aug. 29, 1849, died Aug. 3, 1850.
(5) Jennie, born Sept. 22, 1855, died July 3, 1876.
(Ill) Eliza C. Mitchell, daughter of John S.
and Sarah, married James Loomis, and had one
child, James, deceased.
(HI) Henrietta Mitchell, daughter of John S.
and Sarah, was married Sept. 4, 1830, to Adolph
Le Moyne, born Sept. 4, 1803, died June 10, 1887.
Their children: (i) Adolph, Jr., born June 15,
1832, died April 23, 1875. (2) Edward Mitchell,
born March 13, 1834, married Josephine Bond,
born Oct. 9, 1843, and died May 22, 1889. They
had four children: Elizabeth Goodrich, born April
22, 1864, who married William T. Inness, of New
York; Josephine, born Nov. 19, 1868; Henrietta,
born Dec. 27, 1872; and Mary Mitchell, born Jan.
30, 1874. (3) Clara Sarah, born Nov. 5, 1835,
married Oct. 16, 1856, Samuel Augustus Mitchell,
Jr., born March 25, 1826, died April 25, 1882.
They had children as follows : Ella Clara, born
April 28, 1858, married April 23, 1879, Charles
Robert Weeks, of New York, born Jan. 2, 1857,
and had Charles Le Moyne, born March 13, 1880;
Lucile Carnes, born July 2"/, 1881 ; and Percy
Shelton, born Dec. 17, 1882. Caroline Burroughs
was born April 19, 1862. Alfred Augustus, born
Jan. 12, 1864, married in November, 1889, Ella
Salters, and had Harold Shelton, born April 18,
1891 ; Alfred Le Moyne, born Sept. 2, 1892; and
Donald, born in March, 1894. Henry Le Moyne,
born Sept. 17, 1867, died April 5, 1886. (4) Hen^
rietta Josephine, born June 4, 1841, married Ed-
ward Bouaffe Hydecker, born Dec. 14, 1835, died
July 26, 1876. They had children: Edward Le
Moyne, born June 12, 1863, married Catharine Tox-
er Darlington, born Aug. 6, i860, and had Wayne
Darlington, born March 28, 1891 ; and Edward
Creagh, born Aug. 16, 1893, died Aug. 20, 1893.
William Creagh, born Sept. 6, 1865, married Mary
Fitzrandolph Johnson, born Feb. 13, 1870. Elise
Caroline, born June 19, 1869, married EUiston
Joseph Morris, born Sept. 28, 1862, and had Ellis-
ton Joseph, Jr., born Jan. 23, 1893.
(Ill) Edward Augustus Mitchell, son of John
5. and Sarah, married Elizabeth Gorham, born
Aug. 12, 1813, died May 11, 1888. Their children:
(i) Anna Galpin, born March 26, 1837, died Feb.
17, 1880. (2) Edward Augustus, born in January,
1839, tl'scl in May, 1843. (3) Ehza Loomis, born
Oct. 16, 1840, married G. Pierrepont Davis, born
Jan. 16, 1843, and had Elizabeth M., born Aug.
16, 1871 (wife of Otto Adolph Schreiber) ; Ar-
thur W., born May 8, 1874; Louise P., born April
6, 1880; and Flelen F., born Nov. 22, 1882. (4)
Charles Le Moyne, born Aug. 6, 1844, died March
I, 1890. He married Emeline ^lorse, born March
1424
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
22, 1850, ami had Edward .\iigustus, Jr., born
April ij, 1872; and Hliza, born -May -'i, 1877,
died April 15, 1882.
(Ilij John S. -Mitchell, son of John S. and
Sarah, was married Jan. 3, 1838, to 'Alarj- Lyman
Benedict, who was born Sept. 23, 1819. They had
one child, Charles Benedict, born Sept. 16, 1840,
who died Feb. 4, 1854, at New Haven.
(Ill) Charles Moulton Mitchell, son of John
5. and Sarah, married (first) ^lary Ann Foole,
born March 20, 1834, who died April 18, 1859.
His second wite, .\iary I'arsons, born Sept. 17,
1840, is also deceased. By the first union he had
children: (1) Charles Footc was born Nov. 15,
1856. (2) Mary Ann, born April 17, 1859, mar-
ried April 8, 1880. John B. Wallace, born July 7,
1858, antl had Henry -Mitchell, born Jan. 12, 1881,
and John B., Jr., born Nov. 6, 1886.
(lUj Juliet Carrington, daughter of Leicester
and Almira (Mitchell) Carrington, was married
Nov. 10, 1847, to Pliny A. Jewett, and they had
three children: Thomas (had one son, Thomas),
Alarv and William.
(Ill) Ellen Douglas Mitchell, daughter of
Samuel Augustus, was married July 21, 1842, to
Horatio Nelson Burroughs. Their children: (i)
JMary Elena, born April 11, 1844. married I'eb.
II, 1868, Effingham Berot, of Philadelphia, born
Aug. 10, 1837. They had no children. (2) Annie
Burroughs, born Dec. 13. 1846, married April 15,
1875, Josiah Maurice Bacon, of Philadelphia.
They had no children. (3) Joseph Howells, born
^lay 16, 1851, married Edith Lewis May 19. 1881,
and they had two children — Joseph Howells, Jr.,
born April 12. 1882, and Ellen Douglas, born July
26, 1888. (4) Ellen Douglas, born Jan. 23, i'853,
married Nov. 5, 1879, Effingham Buckley ^lorris,
of Philadelphia, and they had four children —
Rhoda Fuller, born Nov. 5. 1880; Eleanor, Oct.
6. 1881 : Caroline Burroughs, June 24. 1S86; and
Effingham B., Jr.. Aug. 26, 1890.
(HI) Caroline Mitchell, daughter of Samuel
Augustus, was married July 20, 1854, to Horatio
Nelson' Burroughs, she being his second wife.
They had one child, Henry Augustus, born ^larch
10, 1856. who was married Dec. 5, 1878, to Emilie
Bailev, and died ^larch i. 1882. leaving one child,
Horatio Nelson. Jr., born Dec. 17, 1879.
(HI) Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Jr., son of
Samuel Augustus, was married Oct. 16, 1856, to
Clara Sarah Le ^Moyne. [See record of family
above.]
WILLL\:\I T. :^L\RCHANT, member of the
firm of Hills & Alarchant, funeral directors and em-
balmers. Hartford, is a native of that city, bom
Feb. 6, i860.
William Alarchant. his father, was born in
England, a son of Robert, also an Englishman,
who was a florist and landscape gardener, at which
calling he worked while in Hartford. He came to
America in ]\Iarch, 18^0, and died in Hartford Oct.
6, 1861. _ By his wife, Mary, he (the grandfather)
had a famil,y of ten children, seven of whom came
to .\merica, all locating in Hartford, where Will-
iam, our subject's father, followed the business of
caring for horses. Fie died in 1882, at the age
of fitty-six years. On Jan. 6, 1850, in England,
he married Caroline, daughter of William Church,
by trade a shoemaker, who died in Hartford Jan.
18. 1892, at the advanced age of eighty-two years,
and to this union were born six children, two of
whom are yet living: (1 ) Elizabeth M. A., wife
of i-Vederick H. Dean, by wiiom she had two sons
— William 11., Imrn Nov. 1. 1883, and Frederick
D., born Jan. 14, 1888. (2) William T.. our sub-
ject. Their mother died May 26, 1900, aged
sixty-eight years.
\\'illiam T. Marchant, whose name opens this
sketch, after receiving but a limited education (for
he is a typical self-made man), learned the trade
of butcher in a meat market situated on the cor-
ner of Main and Canton streets, Hartford, remained
there nine years, then for three years was at the
corner of Main street and Goodman place. For
seven years after leaving this line of business he
was in the employ of C. W. Hills, undertaker.
at the end of that time, in 1893, becoming .a jaart-
ner in the concern, the firm name being Hills &
Marchant. and the establishment is now the second
oldest and the largest of the kind in Hartford,
averaging over 300 funerals per annum. On Oct.
15. 1900, the firm moved into their present prem-
ises. No. 53 Ann street, where they have commo-
dious and comfortable offices and anterooms. Both
partners are graduates of the New York School of
Embalming, and are thoroughly versed in the art,
being excellent men of busine.<;s.
On Dec. 18. 1884, Mr. JMarchant was married
to Carrie E. Hills, daughter of his partner. Our
subject and his wife are members of the Episco-
pal Church. In politics he is a Republican, though
in municipal and other local matters he usually
casts his ballot for the candidate whom he con-
siders best adapted for the office.
Fraternally and socially Mr. Marchant has been
affiliated w^ith Lodge No. 88, Hartford, Pythagoras
Chapter. No. 17, Wolcott Council, and Washing-
ton Commanderv, No. i : is also a member of
Oak Lodge of Perfection. Flartford Council,
Princes of Jerusalem, Cyrus Council, Chapter Rose
Croix, and Connecticut Sovereign. Consistory,
Sphinx Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, being a
32d degree Mason. He has been a member of the
L O. 0. F. for eighteen years, and at present is
identified with Connecticut Lodge, No. 93 ; is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, Charter Oak
Lodge; and of the ^Master Workmen Fraternity,
Order of Connecticut. Mr. Marchant is a mem-
ber of the State Association of Funeral Direc-
tors, being ex-president of same, and on retiring
from this office, in the year 1898, he delivered a
masterly oration in reviewing the past years of his
service.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1425
EDWARD W. KEENE, a prosperous business
man of Unionville, whose success in life is due en-
tirely to his own unaided efforts, was born in
Southington, this county, Aug. 9, 1862, a son of
Patrick and Mary A. (Brennan) Keene. The fa-
ther, who was a native of Ireland, was employed
for thirty-eight years as a molder by Peck, Stowe,
Wilcox & Co., of Southington. In the family were
twelve children, but only five are now living, namely :
Patrick F., whose present address is No. 19 Park
street, Hartford; Edward W., our subject; Mary A.
and Margaret L., residents of Southington ; and
Andrew J., of Unionville. One son, James Keene,
was for some time collector of Internal Revenue at
Louisville, Kentucky.
Reared in Southington, Edward W. Keene was
educated in the public schools of that place, and
later he worked in the bolt department of the works
of Peck, Stowe, Wilcox & Co. for eight years.
Going to Chicago, he was in the employ of W. H.
Deering & Co., reaper, binder and mower manu-
facturers, for six months, and then traveled in their
interest through Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska.
Soon after his return to his old homie in Southing-
ton, Conn., he came to Unionville, Aug. 6, 1886, and
for about five years worked for the Upson Nut Com-
pany. In 1891 he embarked in the liquor business
in Unionville, and is still interested in the same.
He has met with excellent success in his under-
takings, and is now the owner of Keene's block, one
of the best business blocks in the town. He is con-
nected with the Co-operative Building & Loan and
the Connecticut Building & Loan Associations, and
belongs to the Foresters in LTnionville, the Knights
of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Lodge No. 19, of Hartford.
In Newington, Conn., Mr. Keene was united in
marriage with Miss Katherine Foran, a daughter
of John Foran, and they have four children — May,
Edward W., Jr., John and James Richard.
WILLIAM BREWER NOBLE, the leading re-
tail dealer in drugs in East Hartford, was born Feb.
18, 1863, on Canton street, Hartford, in one of the
earliest built houses in that section of the city, and
descends froni two of the oldest families in the
State, the Nobles and the Brewers. Paternally he
is of the eighth generation from Thomas Noble,
the founder of the family in America.
Thomas Noble was born in England in 1632,
but the date of his coming to America is not on
record. It is known, however, that he was a mem-
ber of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and that in
1653 he located in Springfield, and with Elizur
Holyoke and others received permission to erect a
sawmill on Ensign Cooper's farm, on the Agawam
river. In 1669 he removed to Westfield, where he
died in 1707. He married, in 1660, at Springfield,
Hannah Wariner, and had a family of ten children,
from the sixth of whom, Mark by name, the sub-
ject of this sketch lineally descends.
90
From Thomas Noble the generations up to the
present time are as follows : Mark, born in Westfield,
Mass., in 1670, married Mercy iVIarshall, of North-
ampton, and died April 16, 1741. Noah, born in
Westfield May 23, 1713, married Mary Barber, of
Springfield, who was born in 1715, his death taking
place in 1781, and hers July 6, 1797. Zenas, born in
Westfield Nov. 30, 1743, (first) married Hannah
Jones, who was born in the same town Dec. 12,
1747, and died in January, 1791, Zenas dying in
Washington, Mass., March 31, 1813. William, son
of Zenas and Hannah, born in Washington Feb.
2, 1778, married Mary Smith, a native of the same
place, who was born in 1779, and died June 9, 1847,
in Pittsfield, where his death also occurred. May,
II, 1869. James, born in Washington Nov. 23, 1809,
first married Asenith Smith Martin, who was born
in Washington May 13, 1810, and died in Hart-
ford Sept. 29, 1837, his second marriage being to
Eliza A. Smith, who was born in Groton, Conn.,
April 4, 18 1 7. James M., father of our subject,
was born Nov. 30, 1834; and William Brewer Noble
i's our subject.
James Noble, grandfather of our subject, was
one of the early school teachers of Washington,
Mass., as was also his wife, Asenith Smith (Mar-
tin) Noble. He was a wholesale and retail clothing
merchant, and came to Hartford, Conn., about 1830,
after his marriage. He was a deacon in the Fourth
Congregational Church, and superintendent of the
Sabbath-school for many years. His first wife died
at the early age of twenty-seven years, the mother
of two children: James M., father of our subject;
and Asenith, wife of Edwin L. Humphrey, of Pitts-
field, Mass. To his second marriage were born sev-
eral children, those living being Charles S., a
vegetable dealer of Hartford ; and Mrs. Emma
Adams, a widow, of the same city. The latter
years of his business life James Noble passed as a
traveling salesman for Curtis Brothers, at that
time manufacturers of Curtisville, Conn., but he
withdrew from business many years prior to his
death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven
years of age.
James M. Noble, father of our subject, was
born Nov. 30, 1834. at the corner of Morgan and
Commerce streets, Flartford, and at the age of sev-
enteen years began clerking for Gurdon Fox,
grocer, in Central Row, Hartford, with whom he
remained until twenty-one years old. Later he
clerked in Hartford. Boston, and again in various
stores in Hartford. He married Miss Mary Brewer,
of Brewer street. East Hartford, born Aug. 13, 1841,
a daughter of Osm.an and Deluanna Brewer. To
this union have been born three children : W^illiam
Brewer, our subject; Thomas M., of the firm of
Noble Brothers , and Charles S., of the Noble Drug
Store, both of Hartford. The father is a Repub-
lican in politics, and in religion is a member of the
Congregational Church of East Hartford, where he
has also passed many years, alternating with Hart-
142G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ford. He is a well-preserved gentleman, and is
held in the highest esteem for his many personal
excellencies.
\Mlliam B. Nohle passed his childhood days on
his father's farm, where his Xew England as well
as family qualities of thrift, industry and faithful-
ness to duty were fully developed. His first at-
tendance at school was in Hockanum, and at the
age of thirteen years he entered the high school in
Hartford. To reach this school it was necessary
for him to walk five miles, which distance he cov-
ered in all kinds of weather, winter and summer,
regardless of snow, rain, mud and dust, and scarcely
missed a day in four years ; thus, at the rate of ten
miles per day, he traveled on foot al)Out 7,300 miles
in order to secure his high-school education. To
add to this exercise he was also a member of his
class foot-ball team the last two years of his at-
tendance. He graduated in 1880, and at once se-
cured a position in the diug store of McXary &
Co., on Main street, where the Adams Express Co.
is now located, but a vear later was emi)loyed bv
George N. Clark & Co., with whom he remained
two years. P'rom 1883 until 1887 he was with Tal-
cott, Frisbie & Co., wholesale druggists, from whom
he received his druggist's diploma, and he passed
the Board on his first examination. During the last
two years he was with Talcott. Frisbie & Co. he
had entire charge of their laboratory work. From
1887 until 1890 he was chief clerk for C. R. Gris-
wold, on North Main street, and in March, of the
latter year, opened his drug store in Garvan's block,
East Hartford.
Since entering business for himself Mr. Xoble
has had an assured success, and has built up an
extensive trade through low prices, the reliability
of his stock in bulk and in compounds, his affable,
accommodating manner of treating his patrons, and
his promptitude in executing their orders. These
facts are vouched for by the East Hartford Weekly
Gazette, which in its issue of Sept. 6, 1895. had this
to say of Mr. Noble: "Few of the young business
men of the town have had as successful and rapid
a rise as the subject of this article. A resident of
this town from early boyhood, and endowed with
sterling personal qualities as well as sound com-
mercial judgment, great industry and faithfulness,
Mr. Noble had but to enter business for himself to
attract the custom of his friends and win the trade
of strangers. A low price-list, quick service, faith-
ful work, a pleasant and accommodating spirit —
these are main factors in his business' quick and
substantial growth."
In January, 1898, the Noble Drug Co.. of Hart-
ford, began business, and William B. and C. S.
Noble constitute this firm, which is a grand success.
William B. Noble has exhibited a wonderful amount
of vim. energy and enterprise for so young a man,
and well deserves the recognition he everywhere
meets with, both as a business man and a a:entleman.
On Nov. 7, 1887, Mr. Noble married INIiss Nettie
Sherman, a native of Norwich, Conn., and a daugh-
ter of George Sl-.ernian, who settled in Hartford
when she was a child, and in that city she was
reared. This happy union has been blessed with
five children, of whom, however, three only are now
living: Russell B.. Raymond B. and Rena S., Harry
B. and Gladys S. being deceased.
Fraternally Mr. Noble is a Mason ; is a member
of Elm Lodge. K. of P. ; Court Raymond, For-
esters of America : the Odd Fellows ; the Royal
Arcanum; the Grange; and is president of the
Wheel & Social Club-^all of East Hartford. In
the social circles of the town he and his wife hold
exalted positions, and are extremely popular.
ORRIN H. GOODRICH, one of the most re-
spected citizens of F.ast Hartford, and a descend-
ant of one of the oldest New England families, was
born in Rocky Hill, Hartford county, Jan. 10, 1832.
His grandfather. Jason Goodrich, also a native of
Rocky Hill, was a river captain nearly all his life.
and had a family of eight children, of whom Levi
(iooilrich, the father of our subject, was one of the
youngest, was born in Rocky Hill about 1812, and
was a farmer all his life.
Levi Goodrich married Nancy Taylor, a native
of South Glastonbury, Conn., and a daughter of
Ezeriah Taylor, a farmer, and to this union were
born eleven children, in the order here recorded :
Josejili, who married Fannie Buck, a native of Port-
land, Conn., followed farming in Portland, and there
died ; Henry, a farmer of South Glastonbury, who
married Mary Saunders, is now deceased, and is
iijterred at South Glastonbury; Jeannette. who is
married to Harvey Cornwell, a farmer of Portland ;
Orrin H.. the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, de-
ceased wife of James Stowe, a farmer of Crom-
well ; Elmira. also deceased, who was married to
Lucius Somers. and lived in Ormond, Fla. ; James,
who died when a young man ; Stephen, who lived
to be over sixty years of age, and died single ;
Leverett. a machinist of Rocky Hill, who married
Mary A\"right, and is now deceased ; Anna, who
died young, as also did Augusta. The father of
these children, Levi Goodrich, passed away in 1879,
and the mother in 188 1.
Orrin H. Goodrich received a good common-
school education, and at an early age began learn-
ing the machinist's trade with Chenev Bros., at
^Manchester, being employed by the same firm for
twenty years — good evidence, indeed, of his skill
as a mechanic. From ■Manchester he went to Hart-
ford, and worked for the Plimptons for some time,
when he retired to a farm, but was sent for by Case,
Lockwood & Brainard, of Hartford, who had al-
ready tested his skill, and still works for them in-
termittently, when some special or intricate piece
of work is to be done : he has always commanded a
good salary.
Orrin H. Goodrich married Celia Amidon, a na-
tive of Massachusetts, who died without issue, and
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
142T
lie subsequently married Airs. Martin (Holmes)
ILowe, who was born in Lee, Mass., Sept. 26, 1831,
3. daughter of Jonathan VVadsworth and Roxanna
( Chambers) Holmes, and a cousin of Oliver Wendell
Holmes, the eminent physician and writer of medi-
•cal literature, poet, essayist and humorist. The fa-
ther of Mrs. Goodrich was born and reared in West
-Hartford, where he followed the vocation of a
potter, but later became a farmer at Lee, Mass.
'Sir. Goodrich now occupies the house formerly
■owned by Martin Lowe, and is living in quiet re-
tirement. In politics he is one of the stanchest of
Democrats, but has never had a desire for public
office. He is an attendant at the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Our subject has never joined any
.secret societ}'. He and his wife have a most com-
fortable home, with delightful surroundings, and
are among the most respected residents of the town
.and county.
Airs. Orrin H. Goodrich descends not only from
•one of the oldest of New England families, but
irom one of the most ancient and noble families of
Old England — the historical Seymours. Edward
•Seymour, Duke of Somerset, was born about 1500,
and was beheaded for reasons of state on Tower
Hill, London, Jan. 22, 1552. He was the eldest son of
.Sir John Seymour, and his sister was the wife of
Henry VIII, King of England. He was created
A'iscount Beauchamp and Earl of Hartford, and,
"later. Duke of Somerset and Earl Marshal of Eng-
land, in Februarv, 1547. Upon the death of Henry
A'lII he was made guardian of his own nephew,
young King Edward AT, with the title of Lord
Protector of the Realm, and met his death at the
<late mentioned above, through political chicanery.
Tracing, now, the American ancestry back to the
■Colonial days : Cynthia Seymour, the mother of
Jonathan W. Holmes, father of Airs. Goodrich, was
lx)rn in Massachusetts Dec. 24, 1771, of the sixth
:generation from Richard Seymour, grandson of
the Duke of Somerset. Richard Seymour came to
America soon after the arrival of Rev. Air. Hooker
and his colony, as the first record of his residence
is found' to be at Hartford in 1639. Thence he
removed to Norwalk in 1650, being one of the
•earliest settlers of that town. Of his children, John
married Alary Watson, who bore him ten children,
and of these John (2), born Jan. 12, 1666, mar-
Tied Elizabeth Webster, daughter cf Robert Web-
;ster, and granddaughter of Gov. John Webster. To
John Seymour (2) were born eleven children, of
-whom John, the eldest, was born in 1694, and first
married a Miss Mason, a daughter of Capt. John
Alason, who bore him the following named chil-
•dren: Lydia, Abigail, Elisha, Isaac, Lucretia, John
(born Nov. 24, 1727), William and Lucretia (2).
The second wife of John was Hannah Ensign, who
also bore him a large family, so that he had nine-
teen children in all.
Of the above family, John, who was born Nov.
24, 1727, married Lydia Wadsworth, a granddaugh-
ter of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, renowned in Co-
lonial history as the person who concealed the
precious charter of Connecticut in the hollow of an
oak tree, which was ever afterward known as the
"Charter Oak." To the marriage of John Seymour
and Lydia Wadsworth were born thirteen children,
among whom were Cynthia and Silvia (twins), and
of these Cynthia became the mother of Jonathan
W. Holmes, the father of Mrs. Goodrich.
EA'IORY ORVTLLE BANCROFT. Among the
most attractive homesteads of this section is the
farm of this well-known resident of the town of
East Windsor, its location on the banks of the
Connecticut river afl^ording a beautiful view. As
an agriculturis't Air. Bancroft is enterprising and
successful, and he is a valued citizen, his honorable
record as a soldier during the Civil war being well
sustained by his integrity, ability and progressive
spirit in private life.
Air. Bancroft belongs to one of the old families
of East Windsor, and his great-great-grandfather,
Isaac Bancroft, the first of the name to locate there,
occupied the farm now owned by Morell & Snyder,
situated about one mile south of Warehouse Point.
Isaac Bancroft (2), our subject's grandfather, was
born in the town of East Windsor.
Bissell Bancroft, the father of our subject, was
born in 1801 in the same town, and for some years
of his early manhood was a teacher. In 1827 he
settled at the present homestead, where he was en-
gaged in farming for many years, his death oc-
curring in 1865. He was much respected for his
excellent qualities of character, and at times held
local offices, including that of selectman.. His wife,
Joanna Alorton, who died Alarch 11, 1895, aged
eighty-eight years, was a daughter of Alexander
Alorton, a Revolutionary soldier. Eleven children
were born to them : Horace A'L, a farmer of East
Windsor ; Willard and Rosina, deceased ; Emory
O., our subject; Aliss Emily R., who resides at
the homestead ; Amanda, wife of John Thompson,
of Ellington town, Tolland county; Alexander M., a
traveling salesman, residing in Springfield, Mass. ;'
Aliss Ellen L., who resides at the old home ; and
three who died in childhood.
Emory O. Bancroft was born Alarch 4, 1831,
at bis present farm, and was educated in the local
schools and in the old Scantic Academy. He re-
mained at home until he reached the age of twenty,
when he began raising tobacco on a farm near
Hartford, and after one )'ear in that business he
en.gaged in a mercantile enterprise in Hartford. In
1 86 1 he went to Springfield to work in the LTnited
States arsenal, but as the "dark days" of the Re-
bellion drew on he decided to ofl^er his services to
the government. In December, 1862, he enlisted in
Company A, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery,
"for three years or the war," being mustered into
service at Readville. The regiment was sent to
Norfolk, A^a., and then up the river to join Gen.
1428
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Butler's forces, meeting the enemy lor the first time
at Bermuda Hundred. Mr. Bancroft was assigned
to the engineer cor]3s, in the 13th Independent Com-
pany of Heavy Artillery, was with that company at
the battles of Cold Harbor and Fredericksburg, and
took part in the long siege of Petersburg. Many
notable feats of engineering skill are recorded to the
credit of this brave band of men, the building and
maintaining of a pontoon bridge across the Appo-
niatto.x river, thus uniting two sections of our army,
being especially famous. They also constructed a
pontoon bridge across the James river during the
siege of Petersburg, and one at Richmond over
which all the L'nion forces passed on their way to
Washington. In the summer of 1865 Mr. Bancroft
was detailed for service in the engineering dei^art-
ment of I'ortress Monroe, and on SejH. 25, of that
year, he received his discharge at Gallop's Island.
Boston Harbor. His father dying soon after his
return home, he took charge of the farm, which
comprises sixty acres of land, and is now devoted
to dairying and tobacco growing, as well as the rais-
ing of general crops. Politically Mr. liancroft is
a Republican, but he has not sought official honors.
He and his familv are much esteemed socially, and
he belongs to J. .\. Converse I'ost, Xo. 67. G. A.
R., of Windsor Locks, and to Morning Star Lodge,
Ko. 28, A. F. & A. M., at Warehouse Point.
In 1S57 Mr. Bancroft married Miss Frances
S. Jones. In 1867 he married Miss N'iroqua Tucker,
by whom he had one daughter, Ivanilla A., now the
wife of Frank Lord, of Fast Windsor, Conn. On
iMay 17, i8yy, Mr. Bancroft married Mrs. Susan
Bangs, widow of Eli 15angs. Mrs. Bancroft is a
member of the Baptist Church.
D\MGHT ER\IX POLLARD, the popular
and efficient foreman of the Berlin Iron Bridge
Co.'s works, in Derlin, is a native of this State,
born in ^lansfield Jan. 2^, 1848. His father, Bar-
nabus Huntington Pollard, was born in November,
1823, and throughout the greater part of his life
has followed farming in Mansfield. He was a
very hard-working man in early life, but is now prac-
tically living retired, as he is unable to engage in
the arduous labor of the farm. He married Julia
Scott, of Mansfield, whose remains rest in ]\Ians-
field cemetery. To them were born four children :
Lucy, Henry, Dwight E. and Ardin Sawyer. Our
subject's paternal grandfather, John Pollard, a
modest and industrious farmer, was born in Scot-
land, Conn., and died there at the advanced age of
ninety-six years ; his wife sleeps by his side in Scot-
land cemetery.
Reared on the home farm in IMansfield, Dwight
E. Pollard obtained his education in the district
schools of that town, and on laying aside his text-
books, at the age of fifteen years, he worked for
six months on the farm of a ^Ir. Spencer. The
following spring he entered the employ of Storrs
Swift, and worked on his farm for the same length
of time. For two years he had charge of the horses
of O. F. Chaffee, the silk manufacturer, and then
managed the farm of Miss Eliza Fitch, in South
Coventry, for two years. He next workeil in tlie
sawmill of Charles Kingsbury, at that place, for
five and a half years. In 1872 he came to East
Berlin and entered the employ of the Corrugated
Metal Co., as a shutter maker, for si.x months, and
later served the company in various capacities for
about three years, working in their different de-
jjartments. He was thus employed for one year after
the firm w-as changed to the Berlin Iron Bridge
Co., and was then made foreman. During the time
he held that position tlie business of the company
increased very rapidly, and ilieir works were ac-
cordingly enlarged. He l)ecanie foreman of the
bridge shop, which responsible position he is now
filling, with credit to himself and to the entire sat-
isfaction of the company, having from 100 to 225
men working under him. By close application, faith-
ful service and excellent ability in mechanical lines,
he has achieved a well-merited success. He entered
the emjilov of the company as a common laborer,
but has steadily risen until he is to-day foreman
of the largest department of their works.
On -March 26, 1873, Mr. Pollard married ^liss
Georgiana Kingsbury, of Cha]3lin, Conn., who was
born March 26, 1848, a daughter of George Kings-
bury. To them have been born three children :
Frank Ervin, born Feb. 3, 1874, died in April,
1874, and was buried in Mansfield. George Himt-
ington, born Nov. 3, 1875, is shipping clerk for the
Berlin Iron Bridge Co.: he married Nora Daly, of
Portland, Conn., and they have one child, Alary
\'eronica. born Dec. 23, 1898. Mortimer, born
Sept. 9, 1880, is employed with his father in the
Berlin Iron Bridge Co.'s works.
In political sentiment Mr. Pollard is a Repub-
lican, and in his social relations is a member of
V\'ashington Lodge, No. 8r, F. & A. M., of Crom-
well. He attends and supports the Methodist
Church of East Berlin, of which his wife is a faith-
ful member, taking an active part in church work.
HENRY FIELDS, an influential and highlr
respected farmer of Newington, has won his way
patiently to the front by mere force of character.
He has been, called upon to fill many local offices
of trust and responsibilitv. Pie has been active in
church work. As a public-spirited citizen he has
frequently performed signal services for the com-
munity in which he lives. Adversity was the com-
panion of his youth and boyhood days, but the
strong fiber of his character withstood discouraging
circumstances and led him steadily forward.
Mr. Fields is a member of an old family of
Waterbury, Conn. He was born in that city March
23, 1846, son of Lyman W. and Sarah (Bradley)
Fields, and grandson of Lyman and Mai-y Fields,
also of Waterbury. The father of our subject was a
machinist, industrious, but not favored by fortune..
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1429
He was a poor man, and worked hard through
life.
Our subject was educated in the common schools
■of Waterbury and Wolcott. At the age of twelve
3-ears he began work on the farm of David Micholls,
near Wolcott, and for five years, or until he was
seventeen, he worked there for his board, clothes
and schooling. His services were then engaged by
a neighboring farmer for $io per month and board,
and although our subject remained with him for
four years, or until he was twenty-one, his board
during the time was his sole remuneration. Re-
turning to his home in Waterbury, Mr. Field spent
the next two years of his life as an employe in a
clock-case factory. But farm life he regarded as
the more congenial, and in 1869 he began work on
the farm of John O. Knapp, at Wethersfield, re-
maining there eighteen months, after which for
six months he worked on the farm of Charles F.
Griswold. In 1871 he received an appointment as
night watchman at the Connecticut State prison,
at Wethersfield, remaining one year.
In 1872 Mr. Fields came to Newington, and for
three years worked for Oliver Richards, whose
daughter he afterward married. In 1875 he made
a trip to Florida, where he prospected in lands on
the Indian river, and purchased from the State of
Florida about forty acres, which he still owns. He
remained in Florida one winter, and returning lo-
cated in West Hartford. For two years he worked
on the farm of Sidney Wadsworth. Having been
given charge of the public roads by the vote of the
people, he then removed to New Britain, where
he lived one year. Returning to the farm of Oliver
Richards, Mr. Fields, in 1880, married his daugh-
ter, Abbie Richards, who was born July 10, 1848.
Her parents, Oliver and Mary (Kilbourne) Rich-
ards, are now deceased, and are buried in Newing-
ton. The marriage of Henry and Abbie (Rich-
ards) Fields has been blessed with two children:
Howard Henry, born July 2, 1882, died when one
vv-eek old ; Ethel Frances, born Dec. 17, 1883, is a
student in the Newington schools.
]Mr. Fields now operates ninety acres of well-
improved land, located on the New Britain turn-
pike, four miles east of New Britain, and is en-
gaged in general farming. He keeps from ten to
twelve cows, selling the milk to the creameries. He
and his w'ife are active members of the Congrega-
tional Church of Newington, and be is a member of
the committee on church societies. Mr. Fields is
a stanch Republican in politics. He was a member
•of the board of relief; has served as justice of the
peace, assessor, grand juror, etc. ; was elected to
the State Legislature in 1883, and again in 1894;
and is at present second selectman of the town of
Newington, having been elected in 1898. He was a
■charter member of Pequot Council, No. 24, Sr.
O. U. A. M., of New Britain, but has transferred
his card to Our Brothers Council, No. 41, of New-
ington. He is also a charter member of Newington
Grange, No. 44. Honest in his convictions, self-
reliant, highly esteemed by his friends and neigh-
bors, industrious and public-spirited, our subject is
one of the representative citizens of Hartford
county.
JOHN J. HINMAN, a representative citizen and
well-to-do farmer of Burlington, was born May 2,
1846, on the farm in that town where he still re-
sides, and is a member of a family which has long
been connected with Hartford county, his ancestors
having been among the early settlers. Mention of
the earlier generations will be found elsewhere.
George Jones Hinman, faither of our subject,
was a son of Luman Hinman. In his youth he
learned the blacksmith's trade, but during his early
manhood he followed the water, crtiising along the
Atlantic coast as far down as New Orleans, in the
molasses trade. He was part owner of the vessel
which he commanded. Coming to Burlington in his
later years, he bought a tract of 600 acres in the
western part of the town, and a large part of this
property being in timber he erected and operated a
sawmill, running the first circular saw in the State ;
he brought it from Massachusetts. He made nu-
merous improvements upon his land, where he also
carried on general farming and stock raising, ac-
quiring a comfortable competence in his long and
active business life. Gen. Washington, while
marching through this section, was once entertained
in the house in which Mr. Hinman made his home.
Mr. Hinman was one of the leading men of his day
in this locality, being a man of intelligence as well
as of wide general information, and he was regarded
as an authority in legal matters. His fellow citi-
zens honored him with election as selectman and as
representative in the State Legislature, and his serv-
ice in each public capacity was distinguished by the
able discharge of every duty, as well as by the
same thoroughness and system which marked his
management of his private affairs. His political
influence was given to the Democratic party. Mr.
Hinman was married, in Branford, Conn., to Miss
Harriet Parkis, a native of Branford, and a daugh-
ter of Capt. Parkis, and ten children were born to
this union : Charles, who died in young manhood ;
Mary, wife of Ralph Wheeler, of Avon, who has
two children, George and Charles ; George, who
was shot at Branford, while out duck shooting (he
married Luella Daniels, and had two children,
George and Hattie) ; John J., whose name opens
this sketch ; Hattie, deceased at the age of fourteen
years ; Antoinette, wife of Robert Smith, of Plain-
ville, who has one child ; and Anna Louise, Hen-
rietta, Marion and Anna Beebe, all of whom died
young. Mr. Hinman passed away Feb. 9, 1890, and
his wife did not long survive him, her death oc-
curring May 18, same year. Both were laid to rest
in the cemetery at Harwinton. They were good
Christian people, and Mr. Hinman was an active
member of the Episcopal Church, in which he served
1430
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as vestryman and warden. As a man of honor and
integrity he commanded the highest respect of all
who knew him.
John J. Hinman acquired his education in the
district schools of the town of Burlington, and he
has spent all his life on the homestead, where dur-
ing his earlier years he was given ample oppor-
tunity to master all the details of general fanning.
When but sixteen years of age he took charge of his
father's mill, and after the latter retired the man-
agement of all of his interests fell into our sub-
ject's hands. He has continued the various lines
with equal success, and is now extensively engaged
in farming, lumbering, stock raising, fruit growing
and dairying, having the largest dairy farm in JJur-
lington. He owns three good farms, located in dif-
ferent localities. As a result of systematic and
careful management, combined with progressive
methods, he has continued to prosixT, and he ranks
among the substantial and intelligent residents of
his town. His name is a synonym for worth and
good citizenship, and he is well and favorably
known as a deservedly esteemed member of an old
and honored family. Mr. Hinman has not been
active in public affairs, though he has served on the
school committee of his town. He was at one time
a member of the (Irange.
On July 10, 1867, .Mr. Hinman married Miss
Anna 1 leach, of Litchfield, Conn., daughter of
David Beach, and four children were liorn to tliem :
Charles, who died young ; Ijenjamin. who lives at
home, assisting his father: Catherine E. ("Katie"),
now a public-school teacher in Collinsville. who re-
ceived her education in the local district schools
and Collinsville high school : and John D.. living at
home. The mother of these passed away April 9.
1876, and was laid to rest in Harwinton cemetery.
She was a good Christian woman, a faithful mem-
ber of the Congregational Churcli. t)n Sept. 26,
1877, Mr. Hinman married Miss Emma Misncr. a
native of Burlington, daughter of Gottfried and
Wilhclmina ( Hessler ) Misner, both of whom were
born in West Prussia, Germany. To the second
marriage have also been born four children : Anna.
now teaching in the district school of \Miigville,
town of Burlington, was educated in the home dis-
trict school and Collinsville high school : Lillian.
Hattie and Ernest are at home. Mr. Hinman is
liberal in his political and religious views. The
family attend the Congregational Church, and oc-
cupy a place among the most respected members of
the community.
\\TLLL\M EDWIX GATES, one of Glaston-
bury's leading citizens, is a representative of an old
Colonial family. James Gates, his great-grandfa-
ther, was an early settler at Lyme, Conn., where he
followed farming, and his descendants are now nu-
merous in that locality. His wife's name is un-
known, but they had a son, L'rson. and a daughter
whose name is supposed to have been Maria, and
who married a Air. Shepherd, of Cleveland, Ohio,
Crson Gates, our subject's grandfather, was a
farmer in Lyme, his entire life having been spent
there. He married Huldah Rathbone, a native of
East Haddam, and had the following children :
Edwin, our subject's father, is mentioned below;
Xorris, a carpenter, married Philena Slate, and
settled in Lyme; Emory married Harriet Tooker,
and lived in Lyme, where he was engaged in mer-
cantile business and farming, and at one time
served as postmaster; Maria married Charles Corn-
stock, of Lyme, who was a sailor liy occupation and
served in the Civil war.
Edwin Gates, now a highly-respected resident
of East Haddam, was born and reared in Lyme,
receiving a common-school education. He learned
the cabinet maker's trade, but made his home wicli
his father until the latter's death, and then took
charge of the home farm, which he is still operat-
ing. He married Miss Maria Day, daughter of
Elijah and Rebecca ( Hungerford ) Day, and the}-;
have had children as follows : Charles married Lall\'
Davidson and resides in Louisville, Ky., being"
manager for the Turner Day & Woolworth Man-
ufacturing Cu. : William E. was second in order of
liirth ; Justin, deceased, marrietl Mary Allen, and
was engaged in electrical business as manager for
the Perkins Lamp Co. at Manchester, and later
at Hartford ; Elizabeth married Charles Sanford,
a machinist and farmer at East Haddam ; Nellie
married Hurvey Luther, and resides in Hartford.
William E. Gates was born in Lyme, March
•29, 1857. and after completing a course in the
district schools of his native town, he attended
the Hartford Pligh school, graduating in 1877.
While in Hartford he made his home with his
uncle Robert Day, at whose house the Hon. Will-
iam Hungerford. the noted lawyer of Hartford,
resided. On leaving school our subject returned
home and spent two years, farming in summer and
teaching school in winter. He then formed a part-
nership with a ?ilr. Burnham, and bought a grocery
store in Middlefield which they conducted for one
year, but in 1884 ]\Ir. Gates removed to Glaston-
bury and purchased the grocery store of Mr. Frank
Covell. He conducted a general store until fire
destroyed the building in 1894, when he disposed
of the stock and business to the present owner,
M^-. Olcott. In 1888. Air. Gates was appointed
postmaster, and this position he held until 1896,
when he entered the employ of the Kibbe Com-
pany of Hartford, as superintendent of their ship-
ping department, where his executive ability is of
recognized value.
Air. Gates was married (first) to Aliss Phoebe
Holmes, who died leaving one son, Robert, honi
in 1884. and now living at home. On Xov. 13,
1889, Air. Gates married (second) Isabella Robert-
son, a native of Glastonbury, and daughter of Will-
iam and Elizabeth ( Alilley) Robertson, respected
citizens of Glastonbur-'-. Politically Air. Gates is a
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1431
Republican, and in religious faith he and his wife
are Congregationalists. He is a member of Daskam
Lodge, t. ik A. IVL, of Glastonbury; the East Hart-
ford Council, No. 1237, Royal Arcanum; Elm
Lodge, I. O. O. F., ot Glastonbury; and of Put-
nam Phalanx, of which he is sergeant.
WILLIAM HENRY TERRY, a leading lum-
ber manufacturer of Collinsville, is a Canadian by
birth, but a thorough American in sentiment, and
his public spirit has been manifested effectively in
various lines of effort.
Mr. Terry was born Nov. 9, 1852, in the town
of Stratford, Ontario, and is of English descent.
George Terry, his grandfather, was born and reared
in Liverpool, England, and followed the ship-
builder's trade there for some years of his man-
hood. He married Sarah , and later emi-
grated to Canada, locatmg at Stratford, where he
purchased a large tract of land and engaged suc-
cessfully in lumbering. That section was then a
wilderness, and the large sawmill and shingle-mill
which he built at Pine Plains were among the
first erected there. He was progressive and enter-
prising, and his high moral character gave him
much influence in the community. He and his
wife were both devout members of the Chmxh of
England. They died in Stratford many years ago,
and their remams rest in the local cemetery. They,
had the following children : John, James, . Joseph,
Thomas, Frederick, Zachariah and Elizabeth.
Zachariah Terry, oiu" subject's father, was born
in Liverpool, and accompanied his parents to Amer-
ica. He engaged in the lumber business at Strat-
ford with his father and brother, and what is now
the market square in that town was cleared by him.
He also resided for some time in Guelph, Canada,
where he owned a farm of 200 acres, and in 1871
he came to Connecticut, settling in Burlington,
Hartford county. There he built up an extensive
lumber business, but after ten years he returned to
Stratford to spend the remainder of his life. He
was a member of the Episcopal Church at the time
of his death, but his wife belonged to the Methodist
Union Church. Mr. Terry was married at Guelph
to Miss Anna Leorsage, a native of Yorkshire,
England, whose qualitres of mind and heart com-
manded the respect of all who knew her. She died
at Collinsville, Conn., but her remains were taken
to Stratford for interment. Her father, Capt.
George Leorsage, was born in Yorkshire and fol-
lowed the sea for many years, but finally located
in Brooklyn, N. Y., engaging in the manufacture
of rope. His last years were spent in Guelph, On-
tario.
Our subject was educated in the public schools
of his native town, and from an early age made
himself a useful factor in his father's business. He
was eighteen years old when the family moved to
Burlington, and continued to assist his father until
the latter's return to Canada, when he located at
Collinsville, where he built a mill and engaged in
the manufacture of lumber oij an extensive scale.
He owns large tracts of land in Canton, y,&vf
Hartford and Burlington, and his enterprise and
sound business judgment have won for him a sub-
stantial success. Mr. Terry has a host of friends,
and has frequently been called upon to fill local
offices, being an active and influential worker in
the Republican organization. He was elected road
commissioner in 1892, and first selectman in 1896,
being re-elected in 1897, and in 1898 he was chosen
third selectman. Fie and his family are prominently
identified with the Episcopal Church, and he also
belongs to Village Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M.,
at Collinsville. His wife, formerly Miss Adella
Garrett, is a native of the Cherry Brook District,
town of Canton, and is a daughter of Andrew Gar-
rett, and granddaughter of John Garrett, a pros-
perous blacksmith and respected citizen of Canton.
Her mother, whose maiden name was Helen M.
Case, was a daughter of Orville Case. Four chil-
dren have brightened our subject's home : Hubert
Leorsage, Helen R., George H. and Sarah Eliza-
beth.
JOHN S. SHAW, a thrifty farmer of Po-
quonock, and a wide-awake business man in the
fullest sense of the term, is one whose position in
life is due to his own well-directed efforts. He was
born in Ashford, Conn., Sept. 16, 1853, ^"d comes
of sturdy Scottish stock.
Mr. Shaw's father, Alexander Shaw, was born
in Glasgow, Scotland, July 10, 1829, a son of
James and Agnes (McDonald) Shaw, lifelong resi-
dents of that country. The grandfather met his
death by drowning in a canal, and left his family
in limited circumstances. The children were Agnes,
who married Robert Monroe, and died in Scotland ;
Ellen, wife of John Bryce, of Minneapolis, Minn. ;
James, a resident of Marlboro, Ulster Co., N. Y. ;
Alexander, father of our subject; and one who
died in infancy. The mother of these did not long
survive her husband.
After the death of his parents Alexander Shaw
was taken into the home of a family who were
poor but kind, and his education was limited to a
few months' attendance at the public schools. On
May 15, 1844, he left Glasgow on the "Wilhelmina,"
and landed in New York after a voyage of forty-
five days, having worked his passage as cabin boy.
He earned his first money in America with Solomon
Fuller, a tanner of Scotland, Windham Co., Conn.,
working at $5 per month for two years, and then
entered the employ of Gill & Davis, of the same
place, who made "nigger cloth" for the Southern
trade. Later he went to Wappingers Falls,
Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he worked in a cotton
mill for $2 per week, but was soon promoted, and
his wages increased. He was made dresser tender,
and continued to work in the mills at that place
for four vears, at the end of that time accepting
1432
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a similar position at TaritTville, Conn., and later
was t'iiij)lo\cd in the same capacity at Ware, Mass.
He next went to what was then known as Pomfret,
now Tutnam, Windham Co., Conn., where as dresser
tender he remained until 1858, and then removed
to Auburn, N. Y. While he was living there the
Civil war paralyzed the cotton mills, and being
thrown out of work he entered the employ of a
lumber firm at that place. From there he returned
to Tariffville, Conn., and was employed as yard-
man in a carpet factor) , where he later took up the
work of dressing Brussels carpet warp. In 1862
he came to I'oquonock, and was dresser tender in
the Austin Dunliam mill until 18O9, when he re-
tired from the business, and bought his present
farm from Horace 11. liarnes. He lias made many
improvements upon the jilace. including the erec-
tion of good and substaiuial buildings, and has since
devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits.
At Tariffville Ale.xander Shaw married Jane
Forsythe, a native of Ireland, and to them were
born the following children : Margaret, now the
widow of William Sackett, of Toquonock ; Eliza-
beth, -Mrs. McQuitty, of I'rovidence, R. 1.; John
S., our subject; Albert, a carpenter of Hartford:
Ellen, who died in infancy ; Agnes, who married
C. A. Davis, and died in Hartford ; and Lena, wife
of ^^'illiam H. Pomeroy, of Springfield, Mass. Tlie
wife and mother, who was a consistent member
of the Methodist Church, died on the present farm
of the family, and was buried in I'oquonock cem-
etery. For his second wife Mr. Shaw married
Euphemia McNauglU, a native of Scotland. He
is a Republican, and, while not a politician or office
seeker, he takes a keen interest in the success of
his parly. He is naturally cpiite an intelligent man,
and hail he received a good etlucation would have
been fitted for almost any position in life. He is
a self-made man in the truest sense of the term,
having started out in life for himself a poor orphan
boy, and is now in the possession of a comfortable
competence. He is quite well preserved for a man
of his years, and is one of the most highlv respected
citizens of his community. He is a member of the
Methodist Church, but attends the Congregational
Church, to which his wife belongs.
During his boyhood and youth John S. Shaw
accompanied his parents on their various removals,
attended the public schools of the places in which
they lived, and was employed in the mills with his
father. At the age of nineteen he learned the
cigar maker's trade in Hartford, with John Lentz,
paying $50 for three months" instruction in that
art, and then engaged in business as a cigar maker
at Poquonock for six or seven years, with good
success. Later he was interested in the butcher
business until 1897, when he sold out. There never
has been a time since 1869 that he has not been
interested in a crop of tobacco, and at the present
time he is quite an extensive grower. He owns
the old Winchel home, and is a wide-awake, ener-
getic and thrifty farmer, one who has worked his
way upward until he is also one of the well-to-do
and prosperous citizens of the community in which
he lives. His farm is a valuable one, and has been
greatly improved since coming into his possession.
He is an honored member of the Grange of Po-
quonock, has served his fellow citizens in the ca-
pacity of constalile, and in politics is strictly non-
partisan. Mr. Siiaw married Miss Fannie A. Loper,
a native of Flartfortl, and a daugliter of Thomas and
Mary Loper.
JOSEPH W.VTSUX \ IL;ERT. The struggles
called out by an early orphanage, pitiful at timeSj
often i)rove a lilessing in disguise by developing
those persistent and industrious traits of character
that lead steadily up the pathway to success.
Joseph W. \'ibert, the subject of this sketch,
when but five years of age was deprived by death
of his father's care and protection. He was born
on a farm in the town of Manchester, Hartford
county, March 14, 1823, son of Loren and Roxa
(Keeney) \'ibert. At the age of nine he began
working for his board and clothes in the village of
Manchester, and when twelve years of age he came
to East Hartford, working for a time on a farm,
then spending five years of his youth in the labor
of the gristmill at East Hartford. In 1847, more
than a half century a,go, and when he was yet a
young man, Mr. \ ibert moved to Scuth Windsor.
He has ever since resided in that town, in the
vicinity of South Windsor post office, except two
years he spent in East Hartford. In 1873 he re-
moved to his present farm, where he has lived ever
since. Mr. X'ibert owns about twenty-five acres
of land, fifteen of which is tobacco land. For many
years he has raised with great regularity fourteen
acres of tobacco each year.
Mr. Vibert was married, in November, 1850,
to Miss Eveline Clark, who was born in the town
of South Windsor, Sept. 25, 1827, daughter of
William and Lucy (Hayes) Clark. She, too, like
her husband, was orphaned when a child, her fa-
ther dying when she was only eight years old. At
the age of ten she went to live with the family of
Horace Newberry, and there remained until her
marriage to Mr. Mbert. She is a devoted wife
and mother, and is beloved by all who knew her for
her charitable and womanly graces of character.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vibert have been born three chil-
dren: Charles W^., a farmer of South Windsor;
W'alter M.. who is still at home : and Horace H., who
is also a farmer of South Windsor.
In politics Mr. Vibert is a Republican. In
1 89 1 he was nominated by the party and elected
as a member of the State Legislature, serving
through the session of 1892. He is honored and
esteemed for his many estimable qualities : is in-
telligent and well informed, and is practically self-
educated, for as a poor boy his opportunities for an
education were few.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1483
CHARLES HARTWELL MILLER, one of the
enterprising and progressive young farmers of
Newington, was born in Hartford Feb. i6, 1875,
son of Lewis and Georgia (Nott) Miller, who are
now residing on a farm on Robbins avenue, New-
ington.
The father is a native of Simsbury, and the
mother of Hartford. The paternal grandparents of
our subject were natives of Avon. Lewis Miller,
like his ancestors before him, was a farmer by oc-
cupation, and shortly after his marriage located on
a farm on New Britain avenue, owned by the com-
pany which conducts the Retreat for the Insane,
It was' on that farm that our subject was born.
In 1884 Lewis Miller purchased fifty acres oi
land on Robbins avenue, and besides farming his
place conducted an extensive milk business in Hart-
ford. Our subject was the eldest of a family of
six children: Charles Hartwell; born Feb. 16, 1875;
Herbert Henry, Oct. 27, 1877; Carl Nott, July 13,
1879; Lulu, May I, 1881 ; Vivian Clayton, April
I, 1883; and Elsie Baldwin.
Charles Hartwell Miller received his schooling
in the White street and the Lawrence street schools,
Hartford. His father removed to Newington in
1884, and afterward our subject continued his ed-
ucation in the Newington schools. In 1897 he pur-
chased his father's milk business, which has in-
creased rapidly under his management. He also
looks after his father's farm, and in addition has
leased an adjoining farm of several acres, which he
also operates. He is a young • man of sterling-
business c|ualities, and an intelligent farmer. Hig
many estimable qualities are appreciated by the com-
munity in which he lives.
Mr. Miller married, Jan. 25, 1897, Miss Anna
Clark, of Newington, and their marriage has been
blessed with one child, Florence Levina, born March
14, 1898. In politics our subject is an uncompro-
mising Republican. His ancestors have been Re-
publican before him, and the principles of the party
are thoroughly ingrained in his character. Mr.
Miller is thoroughly self-reliant and energetic, and
in his previous successes has gained that stability
and confidence of character which has in it much of
promise for the f.uture.
ARTHUR J. CHURCHILL, a progressive and
successful agriculturist of Southington, was born
on the Churchill homestead in that town Dec. 20,
1862, a son of Franklin Dwight and Jane L.
(Blakeslee) Churchill.
The father was born in Bethany, Conn., Feb.
14, 1834, son of Lewis and Sarah C. (Tuttle)
Churchill, the former a native of Wolcott, the lat-
ter of Bethany. Lewis Churchill was born in 1793,
and was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1859
he located in Southington, on the farm now owned
and occupied by his descendants. He had four
children who reached maturity : Sophronia, wife
of Luke Piper; Sarah Finette, wife of Jesse
Brockett; William; and Franklin D. His father,
David Churchill, was born in Bristol, Conn., and
married Sarah Alcott. David was a son of David
Churchill, Sr., of Bristol, who married a Miss
Blakeslee, of New Haven.
Franklin D. Churchill, the father of our sub-
ject, has been a resident of Southington since 1849,
and is highly respected and esteemed by all who
know him. He married Jane L. Blakeslee, a na-
tive of Prospect, Conn., and a daughter of Elihu
and Fanny (Baldwin) Blakeslee. Her maternal
grandparents were Daniel and Temperance Baldwin.
Her paternal grandfather, Sherman Blakeslee, was
a blacksmith by trade, and a thorough wagon
maker. He was a descendant of Samuel Blakeslee,
a native of England, and also a blacksmith by trade,
who came to Boston about 1630, and later re-
moved to New Haven. Our subject is the eldest
in a family of three children, the others being
Franklin B. (a jeweler of Montana) and William D.
Arthur J. Churchill owns and operates a fina
farm on West street, Southington, and is meeting
with well-merited success in his chosen occupation.
From his place he has gathered an excellent col-
lection of Indian relics. He is a member of the
Congregational Church, and a supporter of the Re-
publican party.
JEFFREY DONAHUE, a well-known resident
of New Britain, represents an excellent type of
citizenship, and the high esteem in which he is held
may be inferred from the fact that he has fre-
cjuently been chosen to local offices of responsibility,
and has never been defeated when he has appeared
as a candidate.
Like many of our successful citizens Mr. Dona-
hue is of Irish descent, and his family has been
prominent in County Tipperary, Ireland, for gen-
erations. Jeffrey Donahue, our subject's grandfa-
ther, was famous as one of the "Donahues of the
Glen." He was a man of fine natural talents, and
throughout his life was a successful agriculturisi;
in County Tipperary, where he was much esteemed.
He married a Miss Gorman, a noted beauty, and
had four children : John, Margaret, Mary and Kate,
of whom two came to America.
John Donahue, our subject's father, was born
at the old home in Ireland, and as a young man en-
gaged in farming on an extensive scale for that
locality. He was much esteemed in the community,
and was a devout member of the Roman Catholic
Church, to which the family has always adhered.
He died in Ireland in 1854, at the age of thirty-
eight years. His wife, Catherine Burke, who died
in 1893, was a native of County Tipperary, and
became the mother of four children of whom
Jeffrey was the eldest, the others being: Thomas,
who resides in Litchfield, Conn. ; Mary, now de-
ceased ; and a child that died in infancy.
Jeffrey Donahue was born Dec. 23, 1843, in
County Tipperary, and received a good practical
143 1
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
education in the National schools near his home,
attending- until he reached the age of sixteen. 'He
then began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's
trade, serving four years, and gaining a thorough
knowledge of all its details. For about two years
he followed the trade as a journeyman in Ireland,
and in April. 1865. he came to America, locating
in Litchfield, Conn., now Torrington, where his
brother-in-law resitled. Two years later he settled
in Xew Britain, continuing his work as a car-
penter, and about 1875 he engaged in business on
Beaver street, opposite his present location. For
six \ears he was in partnership with ^Michael Mc-
Connell, a brother-in-law, and since that time he
has carrietl on business alone, being very successful.
^Ir. Donahue takes an intelligent interest in public
affairs, being a constant reader of the newspapers,
and for years he has been active in miniicipal pol-
itics. He was a member of the City Council for
three years, i883-"84-'85, and alderman from the
Third ward for two years. In 1891-92 he was a
member of the board of fire commissioners, under
Mayors Pease, Corbin and Pickett, and became
chairman of that body to succeed Capt. Beacon.
He also served one year as assessor for the town
and city, and his popularity makes him a leader
in the local Democratic organization. Socially he
is identified witli the Order of Foresters, the Knights
of Columbus, the Catholic Legion and the Ancient
Order of Hil)ernians, and at one time he belonged
to Putnam Phalanx.
Mr. Donahue marrietl Miss Julia Dwyer, of Xew
Britain, and they liave had nine chddren, namelv : —
John F. : Lucy: \\'illie: Miss Minnie, who is at
home : Thomas, deceased : Joseph, who assists his
father in business : Katie, deceased ; and ^liss
jMaggie and Willie (2), who are at home.
DANIEL \\\ THOAIAS, proprietor of the
Tunnel Park Meat Market, at Hartford, but a resi-
dent of East Hartford, and occupant of a handsome
dwelling on Central avenue which he erected in
1873, is one of that excellent class of citizens which
any community might be proud to claim. He de-
scends from one of the oldest families of New
England, and was born in Chesterfield, N. H., July
6, 1840, the family in that State having been founded
by a son of one of three brothers, who had come
from England in Colonial days and settled the town
of Hardwick, ^lassachusetts.
Daniel \\'. Thomas is a son of Aaron and Gratia
(Cressey) Thomas, the latter a descendant of one
of the wealthiest families of England. Aaron was
a son of Amos and Mary (Emmons) Thomas, who
attained the ages of eighty-two and eighty-eight
}'ears, respectively, and were farming people. Amos
was bom Oct. 11, 1765, and died Dec. 11, 1847;
his wife. Eleanor, daughter of Noah Emmons, was
born Sept. 29. 1759, and died June 19, 1848. Na-
than Thomas, father of Amos, died in 1790, at the
age of seventy-one years, and his wife, Hepzibali
(Farr) Thomas, died in 1818, at the age of eighty-
eight. Nathan Thomas came from Hardwick,
Mass., and was the founder of the family in New
Hampshire. He was a farmer, and owned the
farm on which our subject was born, and which has
now been in the family for over two hundred years.
All the Thomases are large, stalwart people, and the
father of our subject weighed over 200 pounds.
Our subject himself is a man of fine physicj^ue and
robust constitution, and is a fine-looking man gen-
erally, by heredity.
Amos Thomas, grandfather of Daniel \\'., was
a farmer by calling, and to his marriage with Aliss
Emmons were born: Susan, Oct. 17, 1785, married
Lemuel Preston, and lived in \\'orcester, ]\Iass. ,
Aaron, Jan. 10, 1787, father of Daniel W. ; Lydia,
Nov. 21, 1789, married Eleazer Farnsworth, and died
in Brattleboro, \'t. ; Amos, Nov. 28, 1791, died
young; Ichabod, May 22, 1795, died in northern
Vermont, at a great age; Daniel, March 8, 1797.
died young: Patience, May 23, 1799, married John
I'emis, and lived in Dunmierston, \'t. ; and Enos,
June 16, 1801, died at Dummerston.
Aaron Thomas was born on tin?" farm that be-
came the birthplace of his son Daniel W. He
served in the war of 18 12, and saw service in the
Black River country and at Sacket's Harbor, New
York State. On Dec. 20, 1810, he married Betsey
Chamberlain, who was Itorn March 19, 1791, daugh-
ter of Ebenezer Chamberlain, anil after her death.
on Sept. 19, 1815, he married, Dec. 14, 1819, Miss
Gratia Cressey, who was born in Chesterfield, N.
H., March 12, 1793, and was a daughter of Jona-
than and Lydia (Wright) Cressey. Jonathan
Cressey was born June 15, 1756, a son of Michael
and Catherine Cressey, and Michael, born in Eng-
land Aug. 10, 1728, was a son of Jonathan and
Eleanor Cressey. The first wife of Aaron Thomas
died leaving- two children : Enos, born Aug. 6,
1812, was a mason, and passed the greater part of
his life in \\'orcester, Mass., where he died when
nearly seventy years of age ; Lockhart, bom March
12, 181 5. who lived on the old homestead, lost his
eyesight through an operation when a boy of six-
teen, and was blind for years. The children by the
second marriage were eight in number : Elizabeth.
born Oct. 2, 1820, married John Heywood, and
died in Brattleboro, \'t., in 1895 ; Orison, born
Aug. 2, 1822, died in Sauk county. Wis., in 1898;
Israel, born July 5, 1824, died on the homestead
in Vermont, Jan. 4, 1863 ; Chester W., born April
25, 1826, in Brattleboro, was a soldier in the 4th
Vt. V. L in the war of the Rebellion; Albert J.,
born May 28, 1828, died Jan. 11, 1862; Emerson
B., born June i, 1830, was a member of Company
K, 25th Conn. V. I., and died in the Charity Hos-
pital, New Orleans, La., June 20, 1863; Amos F.,
born Jan. 23, 1833, is a farmer on the old home-
stead in Vermont ; and Daniel W. is the subject of
this sketch. The father of this family passed away
March 3, 1871, and the mother Aug. 5, 1844, their
i
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1435
remains being interred in Brattieboro, Vt. Aaron
Thomas was a sheep grower, an industry largely
followed in his day in New Hampshire, and died
a highly-respected and well-to-do citizen. He was
granted a pension for his services in the war of
1812, and continued to draw it until death. In
politics he was first a Whig, then a Know-Nothing
and lastly a Republican, to which party he firmly
united himself; he was a strong Abolitionist. A
member of the Universalist Church, he was active
in its behalf up to within two years of his death.
He was always well posted on the topics of the
hour.
Daniel ^\^ Thomas walked two and a half miles
to and from school between the ages of four and
sixteen years, and then attended the academy at
West Brattieboro, Vt., one year. He assisted on
the home farm until 1858, and then went to North-
ampton, ]\Iass., where he was employed for some
time in a steam sawmill. He next secured a position
in the Vermont State Asylum, at Brattieboro, as
'"boss of the teams," and was there two years, while
there marrying, Oct. 11, 1861, Miss Persis Kellogg,
a native of Jamaica, Vt. She was born Jan. 9,
1842, daughter of Amos R. and Mary (Goodale)
Kellogg, who had a family of six sons and four
daughters, Airs. Thomas being the third born and
the second daughter. She was reared in Jamaica,
and at fifteen taught school for $2 per week, "board-
ing roimd."
In November, 1861, Mr. Thomas came to Hart-
ford, and was employed as a delivery man by Rod-
ney Clark, a meat dealer at No. 506 Main street,
receiving $13 per month as wages. The beef was
killed early in the morning, and at once brought
to town to sell. This was Mr. Thomas' first ex-
perience in the meat trade. Emerson Tho'.nas,
brother of our subject, bought out Mr. Clark, and
a Mr. Cook bought out Emerson, but our subject
still continued on as deliverer until he enlisted, in
August, 1862, in Company K, 25th Conn. V. I.
'Vyhile in camp at Centreville, L. I., Mr. Thomas
was detailed for duty with the signal corps, and on
this duty sailed from New York for New Orleans,
La., on the ship "Windemere," and saw service in
the vicinity of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson, La.,
being present at the surrender of the latter place.
On Aug. 8, 1863. he left New Orleans with the regi-
ment and returned to New York, and on Aug. 26,
1863, was honorably discharged at Hartford, Conn.
Here he went to work in the City Hall Market, on
Market street, as meat cutter for John Gridley, and
continued thus until March, 1864, when he was ap-
pointed on the Hartford police force, as a super-
numerary; in September, 1864, he became a regular
officer, and served imtil Nov. i, 1875, when he re-
signed to go into the grocery business, at the cor-
ner of Morg:an and Front streets, succeeding Charles
Holden. He remained in that business until 1878,
when he re-entered the meat trade, which he has
followed in Hartford ever since, with the exception
of two years passed in East Hartford. He became
the proprietor of the Tunnel Park Market, at No.
1417 Main street, in October, 1891, and has out-
lived all the butchers of his early days.
To the marriage of Mr. Thomas with ^Nliss
Persis Kellogg have been born two children : Al-
bert L., born June 19, 1864, now chief of police at
South Manchester, is married to Bertha May ]\Ior-
ton; Adah K., born Sept. 13, 1872, was married,
Oct. II, 1898, to John L. Havens, electrician to the
Hartford Electric Light Co., and is residing in
East Hartford.
Mr. Thomas is a stanch Republican. He is a
charter member of Rodman Post, No. 65, G. A. R.,
of East Hartford ; was first a member of Hartford
Lodge, No. 82, I. O. O. F., but withdrew to help
organize Crescent Lodge, No. 25, of East Hartford,
of which he was the first vice-grand, and is still a
member. He is an outspoken man, strives hard to
do right by all his fellow men, and in consequence
is honored by everybody.
H. G. MILLS, an enterprising farmer and pro-
gressive dairyman of Bloomfield, was born in New
Hartford, Conn., Feb. 14, 1858, and is a son of
Elijah Mills, who was born in Windsor, Conn., in
1833, but who passed many vears of his life in New
Hartford, with his residence at No. 14, Elmer
street.
H. G. Mills was educated in the public schools
of his native toNvn, in which he continued to re-
side until 1876, when he removed to Windsor,
Conn., where he lived four years, employed as a
butcher, in association with his father. In 1880
he went to Hartford, where for four years he en-
gaged in the same line of business on his own
account, and then for two years lived in Bark-
hamsted, Litchfield county. Conn. ; he next returned
to Hartford, and for four years was employed in
Colt's armory. In the spring of 1891, Mr. Mills
settled in Bloomfield, and has here since been en-
gaged in farming and in the creamery business,
meeting with pecuniary success in both.
Mr. Mills was happilv united in marriage, Dec.
5, 1878, at New Hartford, with Miss Alice JNI.
Messenger, daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Barnes) Messenger, of North Canton, and the
result of this union has been two children — Edith
May and Arthur Henry. Mr. Mills is energetic
and industrious, attends strictly to his business af-
fairs and eschews politics, never having sought
nor held office, and has been respected for his
probity wherever he has resided.
FRED H. THRALL. Few young men in Con-
necticut are as well known in business circles as
is the subject of this sketch, the manager and part
owner of a laro'e farm in the town of Windsor, and
his phenomenal success as a tobacco grower would
seem to indicate the presence of the element of
"pure luck," concerning which so many moralists
1486
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
express doubt. The careful observer will find, how-
ever, that his success has not been gained without
substantial cause, in which a careful and exhaustive
study of nietl'.ods, and an untiring energy in carry-
ing out his plans, arc joined with that remarkable
aptitude for the work which brings with it a natural
insight into the proper conditions to be maintained
in order to produce the best results. As a mere
boy he gained widely recognized superiority over
men who had grown gray m the business, and the
high quality of his crops is conceded by all dealers.
In i8y8, a notable year for tobacco growers, he was
one of the first in tlic State to disjjose of the crop,
which brought the highest price paid.
Mr. Thrall was born Aov. 3, 1872, at the pres-
ent homestead, a fine estate overlooking, the l-arni-
ington river. His father, the late Thomas M.
Thrall, was born at the homestead Xov. 23, 1840,
and was educated at the oKl brick school in Dis-
trict Xo. 8, in the town of Windsor, where he at-
tended during the intervals of farm work. After
the death of his father he took charge of the place,
in partnership with four of his brothers, and for
many years he was successfully engaged in tobacco
raising in connection with general farming. Polit-
ically he was a stanch Democrat, and while he was
not a ])artisan in the strict sense of the word he
took an inlluential part in local affairs, and at one
time served as first selectman. While he left a
handsome competence, his best legacy to his chil-
dren was an honorable name, and the memory of a
life crowned by many generous deeds. On Jan. 31.
1865, he married ^Iiss Enuiia 1. Treadway, who
was born Jan. 4, 1842. in Xew London county.
Conn., and they had two children, of whom our
subject is the younger. Cora E. married Arthur
B. Cowan, of Hartford, and has three sons, Ray-
mond T., Kenneth B. and Thomas L. Thomas
M. Thrall died May 22, 1889, and his widow is still
living at the homestead, the passing years leaving
her in unimpaired health. She is noted as one of
the best housekeepers in the town of Windsor, her
industry and energv having been put to the test
by the care of a large house even before her mar-
riage. Her kind heart has won her the esteem of
the entire community, and as a wife and mother she
has proved herself worthy of all honor.
During boyhood our subject attended the local
schools, with three years at Windsor Academy, and
in the meantime he took keen interest in the work of
the farm, in which he assisted at times. Even then
lie was a student of scientific methods of tobacco
raising, and often wanted to test plans which he has
since put in operation with excellent results. He
was not yet seventeen when his father died, and
lie continued with his uncles in the management of
the place, graduallv assuming more and more re-
sponsibility. \Miile he is of powerful build he does
not take off his coat and work with his help, but
simply oversees and directs as he sees fit. At pres-
ent he is the most extensive grower in the town.
and is individually the chief owner of the home-
stead. Seven men are employed the year round,
while during the busy season eighty or ninety are
needed. It is Air. Thrall's policy to pay good
wages, and secure the best help, regarding this as
essential to good results, and his ideas are in every
way thoroughly progressive. In addition to the
care of his farm he is interested in various cor-
porate enterprises, being a director in the Windsor
Fair Association, and the Tobacco Growers Insur-
ance Co., for protection against hail. As a citizen
he enjoys a high reputation, and while he is too
busy with his private affairs to hold office he gives
efficient aid to the local Democratic organization,
and serves as a delegate to county conventions at
different times. Unlike many young men he is in-
clined to remain at home and attend to bushiess
rather than to seek enjoyment elsewhere; if he has
a "hobby" it is a fondness for a good horse, and he
owns several fine specimens. He is generous at
heart, and. as in past generations, the Thrall home-
stead is a place where no one is turned away from
the door hungry.
I'.EXJAMIX FRAXKLIX TL'RXER. Upon
the old Turner homestead that stands on the "Green
road." in the town of Glastonbury, and which has
been in the possession of the family for more than .1
century, the subject of this sketch, a prominent, suc-
cessful and highly-esteemed farmer, was born Aug.
22, 1836, son of Chauncev and Hopestill (Wrisley)
Turner, and grandson of William H. and Mercy
( Wrisley ) Turner.
The grandfather was born 'in Boston, Mass., in
1764, of excellent parentage. It was common in
those days to bind out children for a term of years
to learn a trade or other vocation, and when Elizur
Hubbard, a merchant of East Glastonbury, visiting in
Boston, and, being attracted by the bright-eyed boy,
oft'ered to give him a practical business education in
his East Glastonbury store, the proposition was not
so uncommon as it would be to-day. The mother
consented that her boy should make the long journey,
but it must have been with serious misgivings, for
she stipulated that Air. Hubbard should occasio'i-
ally bring him to Boston to visit her. But the part-
ing between mother and son was final, perhaps partly
in consequence of the troublous years which about
that time swept over the country, resulting in the
freedom of America. In later years Capt. Goodale,
a cattle dealer of East Glastonbury, chanced to meet
the mother at a Boston boarding-house, and in re-
sponse to inquiries bore to her the interesting in-
formation that her son had prospered, had married,
and had a family of children, and that he was cap-
tain of a coasting vessel plying between Hartford
and X'ew York. When Capt. Goodale related to
Capt. Turner that be had met the latter's mother,
Capt. Turner resolved to visit and bring her to the
Glastonbury home which he had bought from Dr.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1437
Abner Mosley, and which is now owned by our sub-
ject. But betore he could put his plans into execu-
rion he was drowned, June 25, 1810, while trying
to board his vessel in the Connecticut river, near East
Glastonbury. He married Mercy Wrisiey, born in
East Glastonbury in 1771, who died March 26, 1830.
To William H. and Mercy Turner were born nine
children : (i) William H., who became a sailor, lived
in Glastonbury, served in the war of 1812, and
died in 1872, aged eighty-four years. He was twice
married, and by bis second wife, Bathsheba Brew-
ster Wrisiey, had five children. (2j James, who mar-
ried Millie Galpin, a native of Berlin, and became a
prominent manufacturer of woolen goods at Win-
chester, X. H., where he died at a ripe old age. He
was a prominent citizen, and represented his town
in the State Legislature. He left five children, Mar-
tha, William, Eunice, Aurelius (who became very
wealthy), and Arlette. (4) Alanson, who married
Emeline Galpin, sister of Millie Galpin (above),
was in business for a time with his brother James
at Winchester, N. H., then removed to Norwich,
Mass., where he died, aged eighty-four years, soon
after his return from a visit to his boyhood home.
(5) Robert married Caroline Ellis, of Orange,,
Mass., and became a manufacturer. He was fa-
tally burned in the great fire at Saginaw, Mich.,
in April, 1896. His son. Judge Henry Ellis Turner,
lives at Lowville, N. Y., served in the Civil war,
represented his town in the State Senate at Albany,
and is a well-known orator and poet. (6) Sanford
married Hannah Buttrick, of Pepperell, Mass., and
became a merchant, manufacturer and traveling
salesman for his brothers James and Alanson. He
died in Oneida county, N. Y. (7) George married
Mercy House. He \vas a salesman for a time in
Henry Benton's store, at Glastonbury, was later en-
gaged in the mercantile business at Bangor, Maine,
and died in Arkansas. (8) Marcia, born 'in 1797, died
Nov. 24, 1813. (9) Mary, born in 1799, died May
7, 1818.
Chauncey Turner, the father of our subject, was
born at East Glastonbury, and followed farming
all his life. In 1814 he married Hopestill Wrisiey,
a native of Marlboro, and to them were born seven
children, as follows : Lydia, who married Alvin
House, and d'ied at Glastonbury in 1899, aged
eighty-two years ; Mary E., of Glastonbury ; Nor-
man, of Glastonbury ; Samuel, who married Sarah
Frost, of New York, and has one child, Mary, now
Mrs. Sumner Jackson, of Minneapolis, Minn. ;
Mercy, widow of Frederick Barber, who as a mem-
ber of Company H, i6th Conn. V. I., was killed at
the battle of Antietam ; Charlotte, wife of Denison
G. Markham, a retired merchant of Providence, K.
I.; and Benjamin F., subject of this sketch.
Benjamin F. Turner was born Aug. 22, 1836,
in Glastonbury. In his youth he attended the com-
mon schools and one year in a select school. He re-
mained at home, engaged in farm work, until he was
twenty-one years of age, and then went to Naubuc,.
where he was employea at finishing work for a tiaie
m Curtis Bros.' factory. I'hence he moved to Mer-
iden, where he accepted a position with the Britannia
Co. While so employed he enlisted for nine months,.
Aug. 23, 1862, in Company G, 25th Conn. V. I.,
unaer the late Capt. Charles Talcott. The regiment
was in service a year, participating in the Texas
and Louisiana campaigns under Gen. Banks. For
brave and meritorious conduct Mr. Turner was,,
greatly to his surprise, upon the recommendation
of the Colonel, commissioned a second lieutenant.
He served with the regiment throughout the entire
campaign, and never missed a roll-call or day's serv-
ice, and he escaped without a wound. After his.
discharge from the army at Hartford, Lieut. Turner
went to Boston, and worked in an office there until,
the death of his father, in 1865, when he returned.
to the home farm. This he operated until 1866,
when he engaged in the drug business at Providence,.
R. I. His health failing, he at the request of his
mother returned to Glastonbury and re-occupied
the homestead. His mother died in 1885, and in
1892 he purchased and moved to his present farm,,
which he has since occupied, at the same time oper-
ating the old homestead. He carries on general
farming and tobacco growing. Mr. Turner mar-
ried, Dec. 30, 1880, Ida S. Smith, a native of Glas-
tonbury, daughter of Alfred Smith, who moved
to Glastonbury from Granby, Mass. The family
of our subject and wife consists of two children :
Benjamin Floyd, born in August, 1889, and Ruth.
Hopestill, born Dec. 24, I691.
In politics our subject is a stanch Republican.,
He served his town as first selectman in 1880, and
has since served on the board. He is also at pres-
ent a member of the board of relief. He is a.
member of D. C. Rodman Post, G. A. R., East
Hartford, and of the F. & A. M. lodge at Meriden.
Himself and wife are members of the Congrega-
tional Church. Both are highly esteemed through-
out the community for their many most estimable
qualities, and are among the leading and influential
residents of the town.
NORTON. The "Farmington Nortons," in
Hartford county, trace their lineage in America
from John Norton, who was one of the eighty-four
proprietors of Farmington, which then included
what are now known as Southington, New Britain,
Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Avon, Plainville, and
parts of Wolcott, Harwinton and Bloomfield. An
interesting account of the earlier ancestr^r in Eng-
land, as well as of various members of the family in
the line we trace, will be found in the biography of
Marshall Parrish Norton, which appears on page
544 of this volume. The latter's descent from John
is through John (2), Ebenezer, Ebenezer (2), Par-
rish and Gad.
(I) John Norton, born about 1620-24, in Lon-
don (probably), came to America with his wife
.:r.-=.«ni-T.I.^TTfn,T.-gnCn
1438
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dorathy, in or before 1646, locating first in Bran-
ford, Lonn., where he was one of the earhest
'planters.' In 1059 lie removed with his family
to I'aniimgton. hie died iX'OV. 5, 1709. Dorathy,
his tirst wife, died Jan. 24, 1O52, at Branford.
Klizabeth, h;s second, died iN'ov. 6, 1657, and he sub-
sequently wedded iilizabeth Clark, of baybrook, who
died in 1702. Children by tirst marriage: Eliza-
beth, who married John Plimij of Milford, in ibt)8;
Hannah, who married Samuel North, of Farming-
ton, in i666; Dorathy; and John, who died at Bran-
ford in 1657. By second marriage: John, men-
tioned below. By third marriage: Samuel, who
died in Farmington in 1659; and ihonias, who mar-
ried Hannah Rose June 7, 1700.
(H) John Norton (2), born at Branford, Oct.
14, 1657, married Ruth Moore, of Farmington, who
was born Jan. 5, 1657, daughter of Deacon Isaac
and Ruth (Standlyj Moore. He died April 25,
1725. Children, all born at Farmington : Ruth mar-
ried Thomas Seymour, of Hartford, Feb. 25, 1700;
Elizabeth married Samuel Catlin, of Hartford, June
5, 1723 ; Ellen married Samuel Catlin, of Hartford,
m i''03; Isaac married Elizabeth Galpin, of Strat-
ford, in 1707; John married Anne Thompson May 6,
1708; ^lary married (first) John Pantry, Jr., and
(_secondj Solomon Boltwood ; Sarah married Sam-
uel Newell, of Farmington, Aug. 10, 1710; Hannah
married John Pratt, of Hartford, m 1713; Dorcas
married Joseph Bird, of Salisbury ; Thomas married
Elizabeth Macon, of Stratford, in 1724, and in 1739
wedded ^Irs. Rachael Pomeroy ; Ebenezer is next in
the line of descent.
(III) Ebenezer Norton, born in 1699, at Farm-
ington, was one of the early settlers of Southing-
ton, where he died iMarch 21, 1750. On July 7,
1726, he married Sarah Savage, of Ivliddletown,
who died Z\Iarch 11, 1795, and they had eight chil-
■dren : Christian married Daniel Tuttle ; Sarah mar-
ried Samuel Hooker, of Berlin ; Freelove ; Delight
married Timothy Upson, of Southington, March 25,
1755; Bethuel married Lois Hart, of Farmington;
Ebenezer is mentioned below ; Isaac married
Phoebe Lewis ; Ashbel died while serving in the
French war.
(IV) Ebenezer Norton (2), born in 1746, died
at Southington Oct. 3', 1807. In 1773 he married
Sybil Parrish, of Branford, who died Feb. 16, 1817.
Children: Seth married (first) Lydia Gillette, of
Southington, and later wedded Active Byington, of
Wolcott ; Christian married William Gilbert, of
Southington; Ezra married (first) Sylvia Cowles, of
Southington, and later wedded Mrs. Harriet Smith,
of Bristol ; Poll)' married Barrett Hendrick, of
Bristol ; Ruth was three times married, her first hus-
liand named Samuel Lowry, her second Lewis, her
third Ferguson; Ebenezer died unmarried; Parrish
is mentioned below; Betsey died March 18, 1873,
^lnmarried ; Nancy married Jared Horton, of Wal-
lingford ; Lot married a Mrs. Phinney, of Farming-
ton ; Harmon married Maria Wightman, of South-
ington.
(V) Parrish Norton, born in 1786, in Southing-
ton, died Aug. 11, 1838. On Oct. 10, 181 1, he mar-
ried Betsey Rice, of Cheshire, who died Sept. 19,
1854. Children: Josiah died June 9, 1826, at the
age of fourteen; Andrew married (first) Miranda
Byington, of Wolcott, and later wedded Esther
Spencer, of Plainville ; Gad is mentioned below ; Lu-
cmda married Lester Rodney Lee, of Bristol; L?vi
married Sarah Byington, of Wolcott; Hiram mar-
ried Martha Barnes, of Southington.
(VI) Gad Norton, born in Southington Oct. 24,
1815, died May 4, 1898. On Oct, 23, 1839, he maiw
ried Mary A. Wiard, daughter of Solomon and
Olive (Comes) Wiard, of Wolcott. Children: Mar-
shall Parrish, Alice ]., Julius G. (who died in
1871), and Gilbert E. The last named inherits the
old homestead.
(VII) Marshall Parrish Norton was born June
10, 1842, in Southington.
JARED GOODRICH was for many years prom-
inently identified with the manufacturing and agri-
cultural interests of Plainville, but for a number of
years prior to his death laid aside all business cares
and lived retired.
Mr. Goodrich was born in Glastonbury, this
county, Oct. 20, 1810, and was a lineal descendant
of William Goodrich, the founder of this branch of
the famil)' in America. The latter, a native of Eng-
land, is supposed to have come to America about
1642, though the first entry on the Connecticut
records relative to him is that of his marriage to
Sarah Marvin, in 1648. He was not admitted as
a freeman of Connecticut until May 15, 1656. He
was deputy from Wethersfield to the General Court
held in Hartford ]\Iay 15, 1652, and was also one of
the grand jury. Just after the close of King
Philip's war, in 1676, he was called Ensign William
Goodrich. He died that year, and his widow after-
ward married Capt. William Curtis, of Stratford,
Conn., where she died in 1702. From William
Goodrich our subject traced his ancestry throug'h i;he
following: Ephraim and Sarah (Treat) Goodrich;
David and Sarah (Edwards) Goodrich; and David
and Prudence (Benton) Goodrich, who were his
great-grandparents. All were residents of Glas-
tonbury. His grandparents, Roswell and Rachel
(Stevens) Goodrich, had a family of five children:
Israel ; Anna, wife of David Talcott ; Pruda ; Joseph ;
and Betsey. Israel Goodrich, the father of our
subject, was born in Glastonbury July 27, 1784, and
throughout life followed the occupation of farm-
ing. Being an excellent violinist he was quite
prominent in musical circles in his day, and taught
a dancing school. He married Miss Harriet
Miller, also a native of Glastonbury, and they reared
a family of four children : Orson, who married
Phebe Cone; Mary; Jared, our subject; and John.
Jared Goodrich grew to manhood in Glaston-
bury, where he received a rather limited education
in the schools of his day. On starting out in life for
himself he was employed in the clock shops of Bris-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1439
tol for several years, and coming to Plainville in
1 841 he embarked in the manufacture of clocks on
liis own account with William Hills, under the firm
name of Hills & Goodrich. He continued in that
busmess for several years, and then returned to Bris-
tol. In 1849 he caught the "gold fever," and went
to California by the Panama route, remaining on the
Pacific slope one year. In 1853 he again took up
his residence in Plainville, where he founded what
is now known as the Plainville ^Manufacturing Co ,
manufacturers of knit goods, and he was interested
in that enterprise for over twenty years. After
selling out he devoted his attention to raising to-
bacco for several years, but during his latter years
■ lived retired, having become one of the solid and
substantial citizens of Plainville. His career
affords an example to the young, in that he com-
menced life for himself without capital, but having
a determination to succeed he industriously applied
himself until he accumulated a handsome com-
petence.
On Nov. ID, 1839, !Mr. Goodrich married Miss
Sophronia Pierce, a daughter of Noble A. and
Lydia (Gridley) Pierce, of Bristol, and to this
union four children were born : Henrietta L. ; John
I.: Edward P.; and Mary E., wife of George D.
Clark. In political sentiment Mr. Goodrich was a
Democrat. He was one of the oldest residents of
the town, honored and respected by, all, and by his
genial, pleasant manner surrounded himself with a
host of warm friends. He passed away March 20,
, 1900, his wife preceding him to the grave Aug. 12,
■ ' 1897, and both rest in the Plainville cemeterj'.
EDDIE P. TERRY, a prominent and prosper-
ous agriculturist, dealer in milk and ice, Enfield,
is a native of that village, born April 3, 1855, a
son of Lyman and Caroline Augusta (Pease) Ter-
ry. Lyman Terry, his grandfather, a lifelong
farmer in Enfield, married a ]Miss Pease, daughter
of Walter and Rhoda (Terry) Pease, of Enfield.
Lyman Terry, father of our subject, was born
March 12, 1824, in Enfield, Conn., in early life
followed the trade of carpenter, made plows, and
in his later days followed farming up to his death,
in 1891. In 1857 he married Caroline Augusta
Pease, who died in 1891, the mother of one child,
our subject.
Eddie P. Terrv received a liberal education in
the public schools, and at the age of nineteen he
learned the trade of paper maker, which he fol-
lowed seven years, and then for seven years en-
gaged in the wholesale and retail milk business in
Enfield. He has also carried on farming on the
liomestead, and during the winter of 1898-99 he
added the retail ice business.
FRANCIS REUBEN WARNER, farmer and
mechanic, and now living retired in Forestville,
is a native of Massachusetts, born Dec. 7, 1842, in
Granville.
Reuben W^arner, father of Francis R., was born
in Suffield, Conn., April 24, 1813, and died in
Southwick, Mass., Nov. 19, 1854. By occupation
he was a farmer, in politics a Democrat. On Dec.
9, 1838, he married bally Goodwin, who was born
Dec. 25, 1819, in Elizabethtown, N. Y., and died
Sept. 15, 1869. The following children came of
this union: (i) Maria L., born Nov. 29, 1839,
was married Nov. 3, 1856, to Milo J. Holcomb, a
farmer of Granby, Conn. (2) Curtis H., born July
6, 1841, died July 3, 1859. (3) Francis R. is our
subject. (4) Joel D., born Oct. 15, 1845, died
June 5, 1892. (5) Isaac A., born April 24, 1850,
died Aug. 9, 1865. (6) Eliza A., born April 5,
1852, was married in 1874 to Albert \'eazy, of
Forestville.
Truman Warner, grandfather of Francis R.,
was born in Suffield, Conn., and was a lifelong
agriculturist, as were his forefathers before him,
for the most part. He married Abiah ]\Iiddleton,
a lady of Scottish descent, and nine children were
born to them : Polly, Abiah, Betsey, David, Still-
man, Reuben, Laura, Cynthia and Charity.
Francis R. Warner, the subject proper of this
sketch, was five years of age when his parents re-
moved from the place of his birth to Southwick,
Mass., and there he received his education. At
the age of eleven, on leaving school, he commenced
working on the farm of Charles Barnes, in North
Granby, Conn., whence after two }-ears he moved
to West Hartland, and for one year worked for
Wells Moore. He then went to East Granby, and
was in the employ of Joseph A'iets about two years,
from there going to Windsor and working one
3'ear for William Barnes, also one year for
Lathrop Griswold; then returned to ^Ir. Barnes,
and remained with him until his enlistment, Aug.
18, 1862, in Company A, 22d Conn. V. I.
On July 7, 1863, he was mustered out of the
service, and returned home to the pursuits of
peace, re-entering the employ of W'illiam Barnes,
in Windsor. After one }'ear there he leased a
farm of Eliphalet Ladd, which he conducted three
years ; thence went to New Britain and took charge
of the town farm and roads, one year. W'e now
find Mr. Warner in Thompsonville, engaged in
the butchering business with his uncle, Samuel D.
Holcomb, but at the end of a year he removed to
Forestville, and went to work in the W^elch &
Spring Co.'s clock factory, continuing there some
three years, in various departments. He then re-
turned to New Britain, and for a year conducted
Henry Welch's farm ; thence once more proceeded
to Windsor, where he again leased the Ladd farm,
for twelve years, growing tobacco thereon. In
1885 we once more find him in Forestville, follow-
ing the businesses of teaming and raising garden
vegetables; but at the end of a couple of years he
gave that up and v^rent to work in the "burner
shop" of the Bristol Brass & Clock Co., there re-
maining some eleven years, or until December,
1897, since when he has lived practically^ retired.
On April 12, 1864, IMr. Warner was united in
1440
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
marriage with Julia A. Crane, who was born Aiig.
2, 1840, in West Hartford, Conn., daughter of
Warren Smith and JuHa (Bull) Crane. A brief
record of the children born to this union is as fol-
lows: (i) Frederick A., born Oct. 4, 1865, is pro-
prietor of tonsorial jjarlors in Forestville ; on May
4, 1899, he married Ida Sherman, of Somerville,
Mass. (2) Lillian A., born Feb. 12, 1868, died
Dec. 27, 1872. (3) Warren C, born Dec. 22, 1870,
is a clerk in J. S. Deming & Co."s store in Forest-
ville. (4) Henry A., born Feb. 5, 1873, has been
employed in AMiliain Reynolds" drug store, For-
estville. (5) Frank L., born June 5, 1876, is a
barber by occupation ; he married Kate Collins, of
Forestville. (6) Maude A., born Sept. 12, 1882,
and (7) William B., born July 17, 1885, are both
at home, the latter going to school.
In politics jNlr. Warner is a Democrat, and is a
member of the board of selectmen, to which he was
elected in 1898. Socially he is affiliated with
Newton S. Manross Post, Xo. 57, G. A. R., at
Forestville, in which he has served as quartermas-
ter-sergeant.
ALBERT B. PIERCE, wdio was engaged in gen-
eral farming and dairying in the town of Manches-
ter, was born June 5, 1844, on a farm in the town
of South Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., and died
June 25, 1899.
Air. Pierce grew to manhood on the farm wdiere
he was born, receiving his education in the com-
mon schools, and engaging in agricultural pur-
suits until his enlistment, on May i, 1861, when
a mere lad of sixteen, in response to Lincoln's first
call for three-months men. He served his term as
a member of Company B, First Conn. \'. I., seeing
his first active service at the battle of IManassas,
in which he was slightly wounded. He returned
to Hartford after receiving his discharge, and re-
mained at home for some months, but as his parents,
who had objected to his first enlistment, consented
to a second, he became a member of Company L,
1st Conn. H. A., Feb. 15, 1862, and joined his reg-
iment in front of Yorktown. He served in the
Fifteenth Army Corps, under Fitz-John Porter,
Gen. McClellan commanding, and took part in the
engagements at White Oak, Gaines JNIills, Malvern
Hill, Fair Oaks, Chickahominy Bridge, and in many
skirmishes and lesser affairs, serving faithfully
until his final discharge, Feb. 15, 1865, at Fort
Fisher, X. C. Returning to his old home, he re-
mained there for a few months, and then spent a
year at Providence, R. I., thence going to Hart-
ford, Conn., where he also remained for about a
year, coming from that cit)^ to South Manchester.
Here he was engaged for some time in the silk mills
of Cheney Brothers, and after leaving their employ
he went South, residing for nine years in Virginia
and Ohio. In 1896 he again came to the town of
Manchester, settling on a farm of thirty-six acres
which he owned and cultivated. In addition to
general farming he engaged in dairying to some
extent, and he made a success of both, prospering
as a result of industry and thrifty management in
his work. Mr. Pierce was a Republican in political
sentiment.
In 1873 our subject was united in marriage with
Aliss Hattie Crenshaw, of Virginia, who passed
away March 16, 1897.
PLINY BARNARD PARSONS, a prominent
and enterprising farmer of Enfield, was born there
Xov. 24, 1823, a son of Rufus and Rebecca (Nims)
Parsons, natives of Enfield, Conn., and Conway,
I^Iass., respectively.
Our subject is a descendant of Philip Parsons,
who is mentioned elsewhere. The great-grandpar-
ents of our subject were Nathaniel and Alice (Col-
lins) Parsons, the great-grandmother being a
daughter of Rev. X'athaniel Collins, the first resi-
dent Congregational clergyman of Enfield. The
paternal grandparents of our subject were Shubael
and Lucy (Pease) Parsons.
Rufus I'arsons, the father of our subject, was
a general mechanic and contractor. His children
were: Pliny, Rufus, Jeremiah, Rebecca (Mrs.
Rodway Russell), Austin, Ralzemon, Horace, Abi-
gail and Pliny B., all deceased except our subject.
Pliny Barnard Parsons was reared in Enfield,
and has always lived within a mile of his present
residence. He was educated in the common schools,
and at the age of eighteen years became proprietor
of a sawmill, which he operated for ten years. For
forty-si.x years he has been a mover of buildings,
and has also engaged extensively in farming and
tobacco raising.
Mr. Parsons has been twice married, first time
to Emily, daughter of Jeremiah B. and Emily
(Pease) Allen, of Enfield. She bore him six chil-
Iren : Ellen (Mrs. Hiram Terry), Hattie (Mrs.
Joseph Allen, deceased), Mervin (who died in
March, 1898), Annie, Alice (Mrs. H. Stephen
Bridge), and a daughter who died in infancy. For
his second wife he married Mrs. Jennie (Hodge)
Wilson, of Hadley, Mass. Mr. Parsons and his
wife are members of the First Congregational
Church of Enfield. He is a Republican in politics,
and has served the town one term as selectman.
GEORGE P. CLARK. Among the able and en-
ergetic business men whose enterprise has extended
the fame of this section as a manufacturing center
i.-^ the subject of this biography, a leading resident
of Windsor Locks. In all parts of the civilized
world the superiority of the articles stamped with
his name is conceded, and the large variety of
trucks for all purposes which are manufactured in
his establishment has won popular favor in a
marked degree. In simplicity and strength of con-
struction they are all that could be wished, and
the improved rubber wheels with w'hich they are
fitted make them especially desirable in offices, li-
braries, banks and other places where noise is to
be avoided. Air. Clark also makes a specialty of
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1441
ventilating and exhaust fans, now rapidly becom-
ing a necessity, and an adaptation of the same idea
has produced the most perfect fan now on the mar-
ket tor the use of dyers and others who need dry-
ing facilities. His patent rubber rolls for dryers
and wringing machines are no less popular, and
he manufactures various sorts of machinerj' and
outfittings for dveing establishments, including
cedar vats, dye compositions for cloth, warp dyeing
and sizing machines, wringers for the hand or
power, and with or without cloth folding attach-
ment, in fact, a mere list of the articles sent out
from his factories would extend the limits of this
sketch unduly. Three attractive catalogues have
been issited to the trade, furnishing an impressive
view of the versatility of Mr. Clark, who is not
onl)'- a shrewd and successful business man, but
is the inventor of his own designs for machinery.
A survey of the life of the man whose mental
activity forms the mainspring of this enterprise will
be of lasting interest. He was born January 19,
1839, at Easthampton, Mass., where his father,
Simeon P. Clark, was then a prosperous builder.
He was left fatherless at tlie early age of four
years, and on leaving school he found emplo3'ment
with a florist and market gardener at Easthampton.
In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 27th
j\Iass. V. I., and for three years and one month he
remained in active service, taking part in thirty-
two engagements. Df thirty-six who went from his
town he was the only one who served until peace
was declared, and when mustered out he held the
rank of sergeant, earned by gallant conduct. On
his return to the North he went to Syracuse, N.
Y., to learn telegraph}-, and six months later he
came to this section to enter the woolen factory of
Dwight, Skinner & Co., of Windsor Lxicks, the
head of the firm being fhe captain of his company
during the war. He remained v/ith that company
twenty years, succeeding John L. Chase as superin-
tendent, and in the meanwhile perfected several
patents, the first being a rubber roll for scouring
wool. His next patent was on a rubber caster and the
rubber wheels which are such a valuable feature of
the trucks now manufactured by him, and for some
years he was interested in placing this article on
the market as a "side issue." In 1892 he turned
his attention exclusively to his present business, his
factor}^ being- built in the following year.
In 1867 Mr. Clark was married at East Granby,
Conn., to Miss Alderman, who died six months
later. His second wife was Miss Emma Talbot,
of East Granby, and they have had four children :
George E., now a student in Harvard University;
Leila J\I. : Leiand, who died at the age of three
years, and Bertha, who died when five j^ears old.
The family is prominent in social life, and Mr. Clark
is a leading member of tbe Congregational Church
at Windsor Locks. He also belongs to E. K.
Wilcox Post, No. 16, G. A. R., at Springfield, Mass.,
and some vears ago he united at Sufifield, Conn.,
with the Masonic order, becoming later a charter
£1
member of Euclid Lodge, No. 109, A. F. & A. M.,
at Windsor. His sympathies are with every pro-
ject for local improvement, and his interest in edu-
cational matters is shown by his effective work on
the board of education of Windsor Locks.
JOSEPH SCHEIDEL. Among some of the
most enterprising and successful citizens of Bur-
lington are those who were borii in Germany, and
have brought to this fertile and productive coun-
tr}^ the thrift and economy of the Old World.
Among these there is no figure that stands out more
prominently in the history of the town than Joseph
Scheidel, a well-known farmer and lumber manu-
facturer.
Mr. Scheidel was born in Baden, Germany,.
April 28, 1847, a- son of Loran and Elizabeth
Scheidel, natives of the same place. The father
was a well-educated man in his native language,
and was a linen weaver by trade, following that
occupation in Germany for many years. In 1864
he came to America on the sailing-vessel "Isabelle,"
which was seven weeks in crossing the Atlantic.
He landed at New York with his wife, daughter
Fredericka, and our subject, and from there came
to Collinsville, Hartford Co., Conn., where he was
employed in the grinding department of the Collins
Co.'s works for eight years. He then removed to
the farm in Burlington now owned and occupied
by our subject, who cared for him in his declining
years. There he died and was buried in the Catholic
cemetery at Collinsville. He was an industrious
man, a good citizen, a loving husband and father,
and a faithful member of the Catholic Church, to
which his widow also belongs. She is still living
at the ripe age of eighty-four years, and finds a
pleasant home with our subject. In their family
were four children : Benjamin, who came to Amer-
ica about 1854, and is employed at the Collins Co.'s
works in Collinsville ; Fredericka, wife of Chris-
tian Zitler; Joseph, subject of this review; and
John, who died before the emigration of the family
to the United States.
Joseph Scheidel attended the schools of his na-
tive land, receiving a good German education, and
also worked at weaving with his father. He was
seventeen years of age when he came with the fam-
ily to the New World, and took up his residence
in Collinsville, where he found employment with
Mr. Wilkison, polishing screw drivers. Later he
was a trusted employe of the Collins Co. for the
long period of thirty-three years, working in differ-
ent departments of their works. In 1870 he bought
the Charles Scoville farm of 125 acres in Burling-
ton, and since then has also been interested in gen-
eral farming, stock raising, dairying and the manu-
facture of lumber. For the past seven years he
has also successfully conducted a fine distillery
upon his farm. He is an enterprising, progressive
business man who carries forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes, and has be-
come quite well-to-do.
1442
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1868, at the Catholic Church, in Collinsville,
ill". Scheidel was married by Rev. Fatlier \\'elsh
to Miss Catherine Hair, also a native of Germany,
and to . them have been born ten children : Ben-
jamin and George, who now operate the home farm;
John, who is engaged in teaming; j\iinnie, wife of
Julius Horn; William, Frances, Lawrence and Seva,
at home ; and Adam and Elizabeth, who died young.
The family are communicants of the Catholic
Church, and in politics ]\lr. Scheidel is a Democrat.
ADDISON jMONROE HALE, a prominent
agriculturist of the town of Glastonbury, is a mem-
ber of one of the pioneer families of that locality,
his great-grandfather, Isaac Hale, having been one
of the first white men to settle in the northeastern
part of the town, near South Alanchester.
Isaac Hale was born in 1733, and died suddenly
Jan. 27, 1797, while on an errand to his cellar. He
bought a large tract of land of the Indians, in the
northeastern part of the town. For one quart of
rum and one bag of corn he could buy as much
land as he could walk over in a day, marking the
trees by chipping them with an ax, and for a mug
of "fliip" he could get land as far as he could
throw a stone. The use of spirituous liquors was
not considered so disgraceful then as at the present
time. The Indians, the "Winnechaugs," from whom
a mountain near by is named, shortened now to
'■\\'inchug," retained a piece of land (near where
Addison iVI. Hale's grist-mill now stands), for their
reservation, also the privilege of fishing from the
stream and hunting in the forest. Isaac Hale set-
tled and reared his family on the farm now owned
by Addison 'M. Hale by inheritance. He lived
oil very friendly terms with the Indians, and often
provided food "and clothing for them during the
severe winters, when they would otherwise have
suffered, as they were very lazy and improvident.
Isaac Hale's wife, Lucy, lived to be ninety years
old, and died of a cancer, caused by a fall while
making soap out of doors. They were a strong,
rugged couple. He was a large man with light
liaTr and large blue eyes. They had ten children
who lived to mature years. The principles of in-
tegrity and industry were thoroughly implanted
in their hearts, and the same traits characterize
their descendants. As far as can be ascertained,
not one of them brought the name of Hale to dis-
honor, as no criminals, drunkards or paupers are
among them. They are scattered widely, yet we find
them honorable men and women, and very much
respected in the communities in which they live.
Out of the large tract of land which Isaac Hale pur-
chased of the Indians, he divided large farms for
his ten children, Isaac, Marvain, Timothy, Edward,
Frary, George, Eunice, Mrs. James Coville, Mrs.
Zebulon Bidwell, and Waite. He gave each of them
ten Spanish dollars, with the wish that they be handed
down to their heirs, saying he wanted them to always
have some pocket money. Addison M. Hale, our
subject, has the original dollars, as well as the Isaac
Hale farm, which the latter gave to his son, Waite
Hale, our subject's grandfather. It was on this
farm that the homestead was located.
Waite Hale, our subject's grandfather, who was
nuicli younger than the rest of the family, was born
on cur subject's present farm, where he resided all
his life, following agricultural pursuits. He died
at the age of eighty-one years, in the same house in
which he was born. He married Abigail HoUister,
and had a large family of children as follows: (i)
Clement married Marinda Bidwell; (2) Gideon 1.
married a Aliss Johnson; (3) Timothy H. married
Catherine Strong; (4J \Vaite, Jr.; (5 J Orange
married Eliza Jolmson; (6) Ornn married Sophia
Fox; (7) Emeline married a Mr. Holmes; (8)
llemieiLa married Eidrige Andrews; (y) Abigail
married a Mr. Lattimer.
Orrin Hale, the father of our subject, was born
and reared at the old homestead, and became a
farmer by occupation. He died Aug. 9, 1853, aged
forty-seven years. His wife, Sophia (Fox), a na-
tive of X'ernon, died Sept. 5, 1853, aged forty-three
years. Our subject was the youngest of five chil-
dren, the others being : Alfred, a sailor who spent
many years on the water, and died unmarried ; Ab-
bie, who died young; Louisa, who died in early
womanhood; and Elizabeth, who married Henry
P. Rix, of Tolland county, Connecticut.
Our subject was born Dec. 5, 1851, in the house
in which he now lives. He was one and a half
vears old when his father died, and was taken by his
uncle, Orange Hale, with whom he remained, and
as his uncle's health failed with declining years
our subject took charge of his farm, which he now
owns and operates. He is an industrious man, and
a good manager, and has the assistance of a wife
whose good common sense makes her advice most
valuable. In politics Mr. Hale is a Republican, but
he votes independently on local afliairs, and has
never held office. He and his family attend the Con-
gregational Church.
On April 17, 1878, Mr. Hale married Florence
Brock, born Jan. 25, 1856, at Middletown, Conn.,
daughter of Henrv and Sarah (Roberts) Brock.
Her father was a well-known agriculturist of that
town. Four children have blessed the union : Her-
bert E., born Aug. 23, 1879; Everett O., born Dec.
7, 1883 ; Mary, born Aug. i, 1888 ; and Sarah, born
April 17, 1890.
GEORGE TURA^EY .MATHEWSON, a prom-
inent business man of Thompsonville, and one of the
most progressive and enterprising citizens of En-
field, is a son of John and Ann (Turvey) Mathew-
son, natives of London, England, who came to the
L^nited States in 1845.
John Mathewson was by occupation a powder
maker, and for several years was superintendent
of the large powder mills at Hounslow, England,
a position his father (also named John) had long
occupied. John Mathewson, father of our subject,
was for fourteen years employed by the Hazard
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1443
Powder Co., as superintendent of their extensive
works at Hazardvdie. In i860 he started a brewery
in Thompsonville, which he successfully operated
until his death, in 1879. His widow died in 1888.
Their family consisted of eight children : John,
deceased; Edwin S., of the firm of Lounsbury &
Mathewson, boot and shoe manufacturers in South
Norwalk, Conn., the senior member being ex-gov-
ernor of the State; Annie E., Mrs. W. O. Collins;
Albert H., of Enfield ; Florence A. ; George T. ;
Herbert A., of South Norwalk; and Charles P.,
of Cleveland, Ohio.
George T. Mathewson, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Enfield, March 13, 1859, and received
his primary education in the schools of his native
town, after which he took a course of instruction
at Selleck's Academy, South Norwalk. In 1876
he began his business career, entering the brewery
belonging to his father, aiKl after the latter's death
he and his brother Albert H. succeeded to the busi-
ness, which they have since successfully conducted
under the firm name of Mathewson Bros. From
a small beginning the business has grown until the
annual output is now about eight thousand barrels
of ale.
Mr. Mathewson, in addition to his brewery in-
terests, is a member of the Westfield Plate Co., of
Thompsonville, an incorporated concern engaged in
the manufacture of casket hardware, the members
of the firm being W. O. Collins, president; George
T. Mathewson, vice-president ; and Albert H.
Mathewson, treasurer and manager. Our subject
is also president of the Enfield & Longmeadow Elec-
tric Railway Co. Socially he is a member of
Doric Lodg'e, No. 94, F. & A. M. ; of Washington
Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M. ; and of Suffield Council.
In public affairs he has always taken a keen inter-
est, is active in the support of the Republican party
and its principles, and for two terms (1891-93) rep-
resented Enfield in the lower house of the Legis-
lature. He is now (1899) president of the State
Board of Fisheries and Game.
Mr. Mathewson was married. May 21, 1885, to
Laura A., daughter of Henry R Allen, of Enfield,
and three children have been born to them : Allen,
Grace and George T., Jr. Though reared in the
faith of the Episcopal Church Mr. Mathew^son is
not a member of any religious organization, but
contributes liberally to the support of the different
churches of the town. ]Mr.s. Mathewson is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church.
GEORGE SHERLOCK ALLEN, one of the
gallant defenders of the Union during the Civil war,
and the efficient superintendent of the plant of the
Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., at Plantsville, Hartford
county, was born in Wallingford, Conn., Sept. 21,
1842, son of William Dewey and Elvira (Benham)
Allen, the former a native of Catskill, N. Y., the
latter of Cheshire, Conn. His maternal grandfather,
Joseph Benham, was a farmer of Cheshire. In
early life the father learned the blacksmith's trade.
in North Haven, Conn., where he continued to
follow it for some years, and then removed to VVal-
Imgford, wliere he died in 1857. His children were
George S., Lyman D., William A. and Charles J.
'Hie subject of this sketch is indebted to the pub-
lic schools of Walingford for his educational ad-
vantages, as he was tnere reared to manhood. On
Oct. 20, 1861, he joined Company C, 8th Conn.
V. I., and after his first term ot service expired he
re-enlisted as a veteran, in 1864. He was in all
the engagements in which his regiment partici-
pated, ana was honorably discharged Dec. 12, 1865.
After the war Mr. Allen worked m a spoon factory
in Wallingford for fourteen years, and since 1879
has been connected with the Peck, Stow & Wilcox
Co., at Plantsville, as a contractor for nineteen years,
and as superintendent of the Plantsville plant since
1898. He is a straightforward, reliable business
man, one who commands the confidence of all with
whom he comes in contact.
On P"eb. 22, 1864, Mr. Allen was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lucy D. Jeralds, a daughter of
Bennett and Lucy (Mix) Jeralds, of Wallingford,
and two children have been born of this union,
Laura D. and Maude E. Socially Mr. Allen affil-
iates with Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M.;
Triune Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M. ; Temple Coun-
cil, No. 32, R. & S. M.; Trumbull Post, No. 16, G.
A. R. ; and Eureka Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F. He
served as assistant chief of the Southington Fire
Department for t'en years ; has been a member of the
board of education ; and has filled the office of bur-
gess. As a citizen he has always been true and
taithful to every trust reposed in him, so that his
loyalty is above question, being manifest in days of
peace as well as when he followed the old flag on
Southern battle fields.
H. A.. OSBORNE was born at Granby, Hart-
ford county, as were also his father, William, and
his grandfather, David, both of wdiom were farm-
ers. William Osborne was the fourth of seven chil-
dren, the names of the others in the order of their
birth being David, Basha, Lyman, Ethop, Sylvia
and Melza. All the family were ardent patriots
during the struggle for independence.
William Osborne's first employment was on the
farm of Judge Hillier, while he was still a young
man. After reaching maturity he married, and
became a landowner himself. His wife was Betsey
Wilcox, and they raised a large family of children,
a brief mention of whom will be found of interest.
William, now deceased, was a resident of Suffield,
in which town his brother James vet lives ; Riley, de-
ceased, had his home in Westfi'eld ; Louise married
Frank Gillette, of Westfield, and they lived for
a time :>.t Burlington, but later removed to Ani-
mosa, Iowa, where he opened a store, and where
both have since died ; Melza and Lewis were among
the Argonauts of '49 — the latter has passed away,
but .Melza is still a resident of California ; Linas em-
igrated from Connecticut to Iowa (he was pre-
1444
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eminent as a peace maker, his amiable disposition
and innate sense of justice well qualifying him for
the delicate and difficult duties ot such a position j ;
Lydia became the wife of Air. Alderman, of Suf-
field, and they removed to Marion, Iowa, where her
husband engaged in business, and where their son,
Ediom, a captain of an Iowa militia regiment, yet
lives (Mr. and ^Irs. Alderman, however, turned
their faces toward the Pacific slope, and he is at
present the owner of an ora.ige grove at South
iiiverside, Cal.) ; David also found a home in Iowa,
buying land in the town of Cass, in Jones county,
where he has become an exceedingly prosperous
farmer; Leverett migrated to Calitornia in 1862,
and died there. Generally speaking, the family has
been unusuallv successful, and it has no members
who have not been upright men or women and use-
ful, valuable citizens. The father, \VilIiam Os-
borne, was himself a man of exceptionally good
business ability. He took little interest in public
affairs but was a man of sterling worth, although
not a member of any church. His declining years
were passed in Iowa, at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Gillette, where he passed away at the age of
eighty-seven _\ears. His wife had preceded him in
1837.'
H. A. Osborne was born June 9, 1833. His
early educational advantages were not of the best,
being confined to such as were obtainable at the dis-
trict school of that early date. His school days
came to an end when he was thirteen years old, but
he has sought to supplement his early deficiencies
bv a course of well-directed reading. His life has
been one of hard work, but his toil has been crowned
.with the success which his industry and persever-
ance merited. Shortly after leaving school, he be-
gan life's battle by entering the ;employ of Alfred
Spencer, at a yearly compensation of $150. At the
age of fifteen he was working in the large Austin
Cigar Factorv for $200 per year. The following
year he went to Broad Crook, where for twelve
months he was a clerk in the general store of King-
ley & Hamilton. His next situation was in a cass-
imere factory, and after quitting that employment
he went to Plainville (1852), where he secured
work as a spinner in a knitting mill. An oppor-
tunity presenting itself to obtain work as a brass
molder, he offered his services to Peck & Smith,
who placed him in charge of their brass department,
a position which he satisfactorily filled for fourteen
years, still retaining his home at Plainville. In
1868, he went to Iowa, but returned after twelve
months and entered a cottonette factory. After
thirteen years spent there, he was compelled to
abandon work temporarily, on account of ill heaUh.
A few years later, however, in 1887, he purchased
a brass foundry at New Britain, which he has con-
ducted ever since. The venture has proved suc-
cessful, and he has built up a profitable business.
Himself a self-made man, and deprived of educa-
tional advantages in his early youth, Mr. Osborne
all the more keenlv appreciates their value for others.
For twelve years he has served on the school board ;
and he is regarded as one of the representative men
of Plainville, having served as one of the selectmen
of that town. On National issues he is a Democrat,
but in local elections he is able to rise above parti-
sanship. He was one of the charter members of
Franklin Council, Order of United American Me-
chanics, and still retains his connection with that
organization.
Air. Osborne married r^Iartha, daughter of Ira
Howe, of Plainville, and by her has two children :
Frank G., for twelve years engaged in the meat
business at Plainville, and Lillian, at home.
GEORGE BOSTICK, a prominent farmer,
dairyman and tobacco grower of Enfield, was born
Sept. 14, 1873, in that town, a son of Randall and
Anna (Joy) Bostick, natives of England and Ire-
land, respectively.
Randall Bostick, for many years a resident of
Enfield, began his business career as a peddler of
vegetables. In 1875 he settled on the farm now
occupied by our subject, and accumulated a com-
petency, dying there April 12, 1894. In 1858, at
the age of eighteen, he married Anna Joy, daugh-
ter ot John and Ellen (Howring) Joy, and they
had a family of seven children : John, Thomas, Nel-
lie (Mrs. Barton Prickett), Randall, Anna (Mrs.
Colts), George and Benjamin.
George Bostick, our subject, was reared on the
homestead farm from the age of two years. He was
educated in the public schools, and has always fol-
lowed his present business, having gained a sub-
stantial reputation as a thrifty farmer. On Jan.
I, 1896, he married Hattie, daughter of Ruthford
and Alaria (McLeish) Barber, of Enfield. Mr.
Bostick is a member of the Episcopal Church, and
of Enfield Grange. In political sentiment he is
a Republican.
CHAUNCEY BENJAMIN ELLSWORTH, a
veteran of the Civil war, is one of East Windsor's
best citizens, belonging to the class whose influence
can be relied upon in support of an}- measure which
tends to the elevation and advancement of the com-
munity. He is a representative of an old and hon-
ored family, his ancestors having settled in
"Old Windsor" soon after the organization of the
town, and his character and career show that he
possesses the sterling qualities of the pioneer stock.
Benjamin Ellsworth, our subject's great-great-
grandfather, was born in 1690, and died in 1770.
-Job Ellsworth, his great-grandfather, was a soldier
in the French and Indian war. He and his brother
Benjamin removed from their early home in Town
Street, Windsor, to what is now East Windsor,
where thev purchased a large tract of land, includ-
ing our subject's present homestead. This land was
divided between them, and, having built substantial
homes, thej' passed their remaining years there in
agricultural pursuits. Job Ellsworth dying in De-
cember, 1776, aged about fifty years. His descend-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1445
ants are now among the leading residents of the
town, Theodore E. Ellsworth and others being
mentioned more fully elsewhere.
Benjamin Ellsworth, our subject's grandfather,
who was born Feb. 8, 1763, served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary army, and died at his homestead in
East Windsor. He was a tall man, and by occupa-
tion was a farmer, the old residence in which our
subject was born having been built by him at the
present homestead. In November, 1789, he mar-
ried Ann Stiles, and they had the following children :
Anson, born Sept. 23, 1791, died in East Windsor;
Benjamin, born Dec. 24, 1793, died in Cattaraugus
county, N- Y., leaving a family ; Reuben, born Dec.
I, 1795, died in East Windsor; Cliauncey was the
father of cur subject; Ann, born March 18, 1800,
married John Thompson, of Ellington ; Martha and
Mary, twins, born Feb. i, 1803, died at the old
homestead unmarried, Mary on March 19, 1890,
and Martha on Dec. 20, 1881 ; Israel, born Jan. 21,
1805, died in East Windsor; and Aurelia, born
Oct. 7, 1807, was the wife of James D. Skinnter, of
South Windsor.
Hon. Chauncey Ellsworth, our subject's father,
was born Oct. 31, 1797, in the house built b)^ Ben-
jamin Ellsworth at the present homestead. He
was educated in the local schools, and when a young
man taught for several years, boarding around after
the custom of that day. Being naturally clever and
bright, he was always interested in the best liter-
ature, becoming especially well inTormed on his-
tory and kindred topics. In religious work he was
active as a member of the Congregational Church,
being known as Deacon Ellsworth, and^his observ-
ance of the Sabbath was according to the strictest
rules of Puritanism. He always resided at the
old homestead, which he bought from thfe other
heirs on the death of his parents, and was regarded
as one of the most enterprising and successful farm-
ers of his town. In his time tobacco growing was
introduced into this section as a special industry,
and he was among the three "pioneers" in that line
of effort in East Windsor. Politically he was first
a Whig and later a Republican, and he served two
terms as representative, besides holding various
town ofifices, including those of selectman and asses-
sor. He was a robust, healthy man, weighing 175
pounds at times, and lived to a good old age, pass-
ing away June 12, 7869. In 1834 Mr. Ellsworth
married. Miss Elizabeth R. Allen, a native of Tol-
land county. Conn., and a daughter of Ebenezer
and Sarah (Loomis) Allen. Her father, who died
in East Windsor in his seventj^-sixth year, spent
his life in that town with the exception of a few
years passed in Tolland county. Mrs. Ellsworth
died Jan. 31, 1882, aged seventy-three years, and
was buried beside her husband in Scantic cemetery.
Of their five children, the eldest, Jane, born Feb.
25. 183s, married Rev. James W. Crush, a Congre-
gational minister, now deceased; Edward S., born
April 10, 1837, is a carpenter at Ormond, Fla. ; Ed-
mund P., twin of Edward, was a farmer by occu-
pation, and died in East Windsor, Jan. 17, 1894,
unmarried; Chauncey B., our subject, is mentioned
below; and Sarah h.., born May 6, 1847, 's now
Mrs. George B. Slater, of Manchester, Connecticut.
Chauncey B. Ellsworth was born May 21, 1841,
in the old family residence in East Windsor, and
began his education in the schools of District No.
10. He has a good word for the old-fashioned
methods of discipline, which he thinks produced
better results than those of to-day, and among the
early teachers whom he recalls most gratefully
were Edwin Barber and a Mr. Morris. He also
attended the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, and the high school at East Windsor Hill,
while his summers were spent in the wholesome
activities of farm life. On leaving school he con-
tinued to assist in the work of the farm until Sep-
tember, 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, 25th
Conn. V. I. After a few days in camp on Long
Island the regiment was sent to New Orleans,
making the voyage from New York City on the
vessel "Empire City." Their first regular battle
was at Irish Bend, La., and throughout his term of
service Mr. Ellsworth was ready for duty, never
being absent from the regiment from sickness or
other causes. In August, 1863, he received an hon-
orable discharge and returned home, where he re-
sumed the work of farming w'th his father, and
since the death of the latter he has had sole charge
of the place. On Jan. i, 1865, he married Miss
Cordelia M. Sadd, and during that year he built his
present residence, on the opposite side of the road
from the old house in which h-e was born. He has
never been an office seeker, but is a steadfast Repub-
lican in politics, and cast his first vote for the party
while in the army. When the order of Good
Templars was doing active work in the cause of
temperance, he was one of its most devoted ad-
herents, and for years he has been prominent in the
Congregational Church at East Windsor, serving
as a member of the society committee. His family
is much esteemed sociall}^, and consists of three chil-
dren: (i) Arthur C, born Oct. 23, 1866, who resides
at the homestead, married Miss Anna G. Crowley,
of New Britain. (2) Kate L., born Oct. 30, 1868,
married Lemuel Stoughton, Jr., of East Windsor.
(3) Miss Edith C, born March 13, 1871, is at
home.
Mrs. Ellsworth is a lady of unusual mental
ability and culture, and previous to her marriage
taught school successfully in South Windsor and
East Windsor. Her education was secured in the
Connecticut Literar\' Institute, at Suffield, and the
Normal School at New Britain, her active intel-
lect enabling her to make good use of her oppor-
tunities. She belongs to a well-known family, and
was born in South Windsor, Dec. 17, 1843, daugh-
ter of William and Maronet (Allen) Sadd. This
worthy couple had seven children, of whom five
lived to adult age : Caroline E., who married John
A. Martin, and died Dec. 28, 1891, in East Hart-
ford, leaving four daughters ; Henry W., of Wap-
144G
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ping, Conn. ; Franklin A., who served in the Civil
war in Company G, 25th Conn. V. I., and died Feb.
6, 1883; Catherine D., who married John B. Noble,
of East Windsor; and Cordelia M., Mrs. Ellsworth.
The parents both died at Wapping, the mother in
1873, and the father in 18S1.
PATRICK AIURITIY. a well known resident
of Windsor Locks, is a man whose sound, conserva-
tive judgment is held in high esteem among his
fellow citizens, who have frequentlv chosen him to
local offices of trust and responsibility. For more
than forty years he has been connected with the
Seymour Paper Co., at Windsor Locks, and, with
characteristic prudence and foresight, he has accu-
mulated a comfortable competence, enabling him
to retire while he is yet young enough to enjoy the
fruits of his labors.
Mr. Murphy was born July 15, 1832, in County
Kilkenny, Ireland, where his ancestors resided for
generations past. Michael Murphy, his grandfa-
ther, was a farmer in County Kilkenny, and Martin
^lurphy, the father of our subject, passed his entire
life at the same farm. Of the four children of Mar-
tin Murphy and his wife, Mary rvlackey, Patrick
was the only one who came to America.
During his boyhood Mr. Murphy assisted in
the work of the homestead, his education being ob-
tained in a private school in the neighborhood. At
the age of twenty-one he started for the Xew
World, hoping for a better chance in life than his
native country promised, and after a tedious voy-
age of seven weeks and three days in the sailing-
vessel, "The Gazetteer," he landed in New York
City. He came immediately to Hartford and for
four months was employed on a farm in that vicin-
it)', but he then located at Windsor Locks, taking
a position in the Seymour Paper Mill. As he had
no knowledge of the business, he began "at the foot
of the ladder," but his ability and fidelity to his em-
ployers' interests were soon recognized, and he was
promoted from time to time, his connection with the
company being severed only on their suspension in
August,' 1898"
Mr. Murphy was married in Windsor Locks to
]\'Iiss Johanna McGrath, a native of County Kil-
kenny, Ireland, and they have four children : Julia,
wife of Mr. O'Neil, of Holyoke, Mass. ; James, who
resides at Holyoke ; Agnes, who is at home, and
Mary, a successful teacher in Holyoke. Mr. Mur-
phy and his estimable wife are leading members of
St. Mary"s Catholic Church, of Windsor Locks, and
politically he is a stanch Democrat, having been
duly naturalized as a citizen since coming to Wind-
sor Locks. At different times he has served as as-
sessor, and for three terms, 1887, '88 and '89, he was
selectman of his town.
A. W. PLL'MB, now a prosperous business man
conducting a meat market at the corner of Park
and Broad streets, Windsor, started in life with
nothing but his own indomitable energy, and his
accumulation of this world's goods is attributable
to his industrious habits, good judgment and a de-
termination to succeed.
Mr. i'lumb was born in Otis, Mass., in May,
1850, a son of William and Sarah J. (Cotton)
Plumb. His paternal great-grandfather came to
this country from England. Both grandfathers
were sea captains, and sailed from Middletown,
Conn. The father of our subject was a child of
eight years when his father died, and being the
seventh in order of birth in a large family of chil-
dren, who were left in limited circumstances, he was
early thrown upon his own resoiuxes. In Bloom-
field, Conn., he learned the carriage-maker's trade,
which he followed throughout his active business
life, or until failing health compelled his retirement,
and was in business for himself most of the time>
He was a short man, rather heavy-set. In politics
he was a stanch Renublican, in religious faith a
Methodist, and a regular attendant at church, and
took a very active part in its work. He died ac
East Haiciord at the age of sixty-six years, and
his wife passed away five months later, at the age
of sixty-two, the remains of both being interred at
Winsted. She was born at Cold Spring, Mass., and
was a daughter of Lester Cotton. The great-grand-
father of William Plumb on the maternal side was
Benjamin Allyn,-a hero of the French and Indian
war, who later raised a company for the Revolu-
tionary war. His powder-horn, now in the poss-
ession of Edwin Plumb, brother of our subject,
bears the date 1736, and is appropriately carved,
having the plans of the forts from Albany to Lake
George at that time, all of which are quite compre-
hensive. Our subject is the youngest in a family
cf three children, the others being Edwin L., a res-
ident of Windsor; and Frederick N., a cigar maker
of W'insted.
During his boyhood and youth A. W. Plumb ac-
companied his parents on their various removals,
and attended school in Colebrook River, Pleasant
Valley and Harwintoii, Conn., completing his edu-
cation in Bloomfield Academy. At the age of fif-
teen he commenced learning the carpenter's trade at
Bloomfield. but the last year of his apprenticeship
was served at New Britain, with Everett Dudley,
After following same for some years he learned the
cigar maker's trade with his brother Edwin, and at
one time conducted a small shop in Windsor, where
he made cigars. Later he worked for Parsons &
Terry, in the butcher business, for eight years, and
when they sold out the customers of the shop ex-
pressed the wish that Mr. Plumb would engage in
the business on his own account. Always courteous
apd honest, he had made manv friends, and when
he started in business in a modest way they gave
him their encouragement and patronage. His means
were limited, but he was well known and had the
confidence of many of the best citizens of Windsor,
and it was not long before he built up a good and
profitable trade, which he still enjoys. He is to-day
one of the most popular meat dealers of the place.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1447
Mr. Plumb married ]Miss May Ella Howard, a
native of Rhode Island, by whom he has two daugh-
ters, Edith and Jessie. He is a stanch Republican,
but takes no active part in politics aside from voting.
At one time he affiliated with the Order of United
American Mechanics, but he has found little time
to devote to anything outside of his business inter-
ests. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church,
which he attends, and to which he gives his support.
In business and social circles he stands deservedly
high, and has a host of friends in and around
Windsor.
GEORGE WILBERFORCE RYAN, engineer
of Gordon Brothers' mills, and a well-known find
prominent citizen of Hazardville, was born Feb.
25, 1862, in London, England, a son of James and
Emma (Packman) Ryan, the former a native of
Islington, London, and the latter of Boughton, Eng-
land. Charles Ryan was the paternal grandfather
of our subject. The maternal grandfather, Admond
Packman, was a soldier in the English army during
the Spanish war, was wounded, and received a
pension from the British government.
James Ryan, the fath'er of our subject, emi-
grated with his family to America in 1872, landing
on Oct. 23 of that year, and locating in Hazardville,
town of Enfield, Conn., where he secured employ-
m^ent as a powder-maker for the Hazard Powder
Co. He remained continuously in their service
for twenty years, removing in 1892 to Springfield,
Mass., where he has since resided, and where be is
engaged in the shoe business. His children wiere :
Kate, Mrs. James D. Logan ; George W. ; Annie
M., Mrs. Elmer Osborn ; Amy S.,"Mrs. William
Alcorn ; Elsie L., Mrs. Henry Hawkins ; Lillian,
Mrs. Lewis Dewey ; Charles J. ; and Flora E., Mrs.
Merritt Rogers, who died Aug. 10. 1899.
George W. Ryan was reared in Hazardville from
the age of ten years, and received a good public-
school education. At the age of sixteen he went to
work on a farm in the town of East Windsor,
owned by John Bissell, where he was employed
four years, going thence to New London, where he
secured a position as shipping clerk for the "Pe-
quot Preserving Co.," continuing thus during the
summer. While there he shipped as second steward
on board the yacht "Dauntless," owned by C. H.
Colt, of Hartford, and went on a memorable voyage
across the Atlantic ocean and along the shores of
the Mediterranean Sea. Leaving New York Dec.
13, 1883, they made their first stop at the Island of
Fayal, one of the Azores, on Christmas morning.
It was rather different from the New England
Christmas, warm sunshine instead of snow, and an
abundance of ripe fruit, oranges, bananas, etc. It
was there occurred the most exciting adventure of
the trip. During a severe gale, which lasted for
twenty-four hours, the "Dauntless'' was driven from
her mooring onto a reef of rocks, where she was
very badly stove in, and this delayed them some
time, while divers went down to make such repairs
as were necessary for her to proceed to St. Michael's,
a distance of 240 miles, to go into dry dock for
substantial repairs. After leavmg St. Michael's they
went to Gibraltar, thence to Tangiers, on the coast
of Africa, to Malaga, and back to Gibraltar, after
which they coasted along the African shore, stop-
ping at Oran and Algiers. They also visited the
Island of Sardinia, and thence cruised to France —
stopping at Marseilles, Toulon, Cannes, Nice, Ville
Franche, Monaco, Mentone — and along the Italian
coast — stopping at Genoa and Leghorn — returning
to Nice, to the regattas which took place between
the English and American yachts. After the re-
gatta they returned to Marseilles, where on account
of illness Mr. Ryan received his discharge, March
30, 1884. He came home on a tourist ticket, stop-
ping at Lyons, Paris, Havre, Southampton, London,
and Liverpool, and thence took passage for New
York, arriving in Hazardville May 29. While in
England he visited relatives, and the places and
friends of his early boyhood. After these months
of roving Hazardville proved too quiet, so in July,
of the same year, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he v/orked as waiter in the "St. Nicholas Flotel"
until early winter, when he returned home and
went to work for Gordon Brothers as foreman.
He remained continuousl)' in that position until
1890, since when he has been engineer for the firm.
On March 6, 1886, Mr. Ryan was married to
Grace J., daughter of James and Mary (Marrov/)
Beech, of Hazardville, Conn., formerly of Eng-
land. This marriage has been blessed with three
children : Maude, Bessie and George W., Jr. Mr.
Ryan is now assistant engineer of the Hazardville
Fire Department. Politically he is a Republican.
GEORGE ALBERT ELLIS, first selectman of
the town of East Windsor, is an enterprising and
successful agriculturist, and his homestead near
Warehouse Point gives evidence of his skill as a
manager. For man}' years he was engaged in busi-
ness in Boston as a dealer in tobacco and cigars,
and he is now interested in the culture of tobacco
in connection with general farming.
Mr. Ellis was born Aug. 8, 1847, in the town of
East Windsor, 'and is descended from good New
England stock, his ancestors having settled in Mas-
sachusetts many years ago. James M. Ellis, his
father, was a native of Long Meadow, Mass., born
April 3, 1817, and came to this county about 1830.
For a number of years he was express agent on the
stage line from Hartford to Warehouse Point, but
his last years were spent in farming in East Wind-
sor, his death occurring there Sept. 5, 1853. He
married Miss Elizabeth Bancroft, who was born
April 18, 1816, daughter of John Bancroft, of East
Windsor, and who survived him many years, pass-
ing away Aug. 7, 1898. This worthy couple had
nine children, as follows : James M., deceased ;
Maria, wife of O. L. Gillett, of Boston ; Marcia A.,
widow of T. W. Pascoe ; Frances M., deceased ; Ro-
celia C, wife of William Atkinson, of Boston;
1448
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
George A., our subject ; Effie, widow of Charles R.
Pascoe ; and Isabella S. and Flora, both deceased.
At the time of our subject's birth his parents re-
sided upon a farm adjoining his present homestead,
and his early years were spent in that locality.
When twelve years old he went to Boston and served
an apprenticeship to the cigar maker's trade, and
he soon afterward engaged in a retail cigar and to-
bacco business in Boston. Later he became inter-
ested in the wholesale tobacco business, continuing
until 1884, when he returned to the town of East
Windsor and purchased the farm where he now re-
sides. It is located one and a half miles south of
Warehouse Point, on "Town Street," a road lead-
ing to Hartford. The place contains forty acres
of good land, and in addition to general farming
Mr. Ellis raises tobacco and runs a steam cider-
mill, which he built during the first year of his res-
idence there. He is prominent in local affairs, being
an active worker in the Democratic organization,
and for fifteen years he has served on the board of
selectmen, having been elected each year since 1885.
His family is mucli esteemed socially, and his wife
is a devout member of the Catholic Church.
On Dec. 19, 1869, JNIr. Elli.s married Miss Char-
lotte M. Swcetser, a native of Wakefield, Mass., and
twelve children have blessed the union: Effie A.,
wife of Harry W. Williams, now resides on Prince
Edward Island ; Georg^e died in infancy : James M.,
George H. and Charlotte E. are at home ; Albert R.
died in infancy; Benjamin is deceased; Grace I. and
Gertrude H. are at home ; Stephen is deceased ; and
Herman S. and Irene M. are at home.
MICHAEL GEARY, a veteran of the Civil
war, is a highly-esteemed resident of the town of
East Windsor, where he has been engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits for a number of years. He is
industrious and thrifty, and as a good citizen he has
always taken an active part in local affairs, serving
at one time as a member of the board of selectmen.
I\Ir. Gear\^ was born July 16, 1836, at Wick-
ford, R. I., son of Patrick and Bridget Geary.
When he was a small bov his parents removed 10
Massachusetts, and in 1847 they located in East
Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., where he grew to
manhood. He remained with his father until he
reached the age of twenty-two, when he settled upon
his present farm, and engaged in general agriculture
and the raising of tobacco. His place comprises
about fifty-five acres of good land, and under his
able management it has become one of the best of
its size in the town. In 1862 Mr. Geary left his
home to enlist in the L^nion army, becoming a pri-
vate in Company A, 22nd Conn. V. I., which was
mustered into service at Hartford. The regiment
was sent South by way of Washington, and spent
the following winter at Miner's Hill, Va., while
later they were sent to Williamsburg and West
Point, Va., Mr. Geary spending nearly eleven
months in active service. Politically he is a strong
Democrat, and was elected on that ticket as select-
man of East Windsor, his colleagues being S. D.
Rockwell and Henry Sloane. In religious faith he
is a Catholic. For years he has been an active mem-
ber of J. H. Converse Post, No. 67, G. A. R., at
Windsor Locks.
In 1857 Mr. Geary married Miss Ellen Carroll,
whose efficient help has done much to secure his
prosperity. Of their ten children only three are now
living: William A., a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ;
John, who is at home; and Francis P., a policeman
m Hartford.
THOMAS CORNELIUS AUSTIN, the well-
known nurseryman and florist of Suffield, Hartford
county, and one of the oldest and most respected
citizens of that town, was born there May 23, 1818,
a descendant of one of Connecticut's oldest Colonial
families, his genealogy being as follows :
Anthony Austin, a native of Hampshire, Eng-
land, came to America with his father, Richard
Taylor Austin, his mother and his brother Richard,
and settled first in Charlestown, Mass., where the
father died in his fortieth year, leaving his widow
with two children. Of these, Anthony received an
excellent education, and after attaining man's estate
married. In 1666 he removed with his bride to
Raleigh (where in 1669 he was recorded as a free-
man), and in 1674 came to Suffield, Conn., where
he became a lieutenant in the Colonial militia, in
which he was later promoted to a captaincy. In
1696 he was appointed the first school master of the
town, and filled the office eleven years. In 1677
he was apjxiinted the first clerk of the town, and
served in that capacity twenty-seven years. To
the marriage of Anthony Austin were born three
sons in Raleigh and one son and three daughters
in Suffield, and there the death of his wife took
place in 1698; he passed away in 1708, in the
seventy-second year of his age. The descendants
of Anthony Austin are scattered throughout the
New England and Western States, and one, Stephen
P". Austin, became famous as the founder of the
State of Texas and of the city of Austin, its pres-
ent capital. His death took place in 1836, one year
after the Lone Star State had declared its independ-
ence from Mexico. Anthony, Jr., and Richard,
.sons of the Anthony first mentioned, helcT land
grants in Suffield, and were designated as "pro-
prietors."
Thomas Austin, grandfather of Thomas C.
Austin, was born on the old homestead in Suffield,
and was a son of Nathaniel Austin. He married
Hannah Hale, and by her became the father of
seven children : Nathaniel, a hero of the Revolu-
tionary war ; Moses ; Aaron ; Joel ; Thomas, father
of our subject; Phebe; and Lucy. Thomas Austin
owned a large tract of land 'in the southeastern part
of Suffield, also took part in the war for American
independence, serving directly under George Wash-
ington. His daughter Lucy, who was a highly edu-
cated lady, lived to the great age of ninety-nine
years.
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1449
Thomas Austin, father of Thomas C. Austin,
our subject, was born on the Austin homestead in
Suffield, and when a young man started his business
life as a peddler of Yankee notions, traveling
through the States of Connecticut and New York.
He finalh' settled down to farming on his native
homestead, and the dwelling he erected thereon,
over a hundred years ago, is now occupied by the
subject of this biography. He also engaged to
some extent in store keeping, but agriculture was
his chief occupation. To his marriage with Par-
melia Loomis, a native of Westfield, Mass., eleven
children were born, in the following order : Alfred ;
Mary, who became the wife of Cicero Smith ; Ed-
ward, who died when a young man ; Aaron, also
deceased ; Harriet, who was married to John
Murphy, and with him removed in 1833 to Chi-
cago, 111., where he opened the first hotel in the
city, and where their son, Hiram, was the first
white child" born ; Parmelia, who was married to
Thaddeus Nickols, both now deceased ; Jane, widow
of William Holmes, and a resident of Westfield,
Mass. ; Anson ; Louise, who married S. M. Reed,
both now deceased; Thomas Cornelius, our subject;
and Abigail, widow of Henry Jones, a resident of
Springfield, Mass. Thomas Austin and wife were
both active members of the Baptist Church. Both
expired on the home farm, highly respected by the
entire community, and their remains were interred
in the Suffield cemetery.
Thomas C. Austin received a sound education in.
the public schools and the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute, Suffield, and after his father's death filially
cared for his mother until she was called from
earth. He began the nursery business on a rather
small scale, but now owns the largest establishment
in that line in Hartford county, on which he has
expended $5,000 in improvements, and, under the
firm name of T. C. Austin & Sons, the oroducts are
shipped to all parts of New England. In 1845 Mr.
Austin married Harriet Hathaway, a daughter of
Rufus Hathaway, and adopted daughter of Sedwick
Trumbull, and this union has been blessed with nine
children, of whom, Clarissa is the wife of Henry
Cowles, of Boston Neck. Isabella died young.
Charles was born July 10, 1852, and is now super-
intendent of the floral department of the nursery ;
in 1884 he married Louise Schleicher, and has two
children, Otto B. and Morris E. ; in politics he is a
Republican, and in religion a Congregationalist.
Edgar, Arthur H. and Thomas C, Jr., are associated
with their father in farming the home place, and
in the cultivation of tobacco. William is interested
in the cultivation of the home farm. Cora Belle,
widow of Fred Smith, has had three children, Ra}^-
mond and Hazel, and one who died in childhood.
Burton married a Mrs. Briggs. Mrs. Harriet
Austin departed this life in 1898. She was a de-
voted wife and mother, was a sincere member of
the Congregational Church, and for fifty-three years
her husband's faithful helpmeet, whose loss will
never cease to be deplored. Mr. Austin has been
a consistent member of the Baptist Church for over
sixty years, and in politics was first a Democrat,
but on the formation of the Republican party united
with its ranks. He is a gentleman of strong con-
victions, and not at all backward in expressing
them, and his course through life affords a bright
example to the rising generation of what persever-
ance and well-directed effort can accomplish, as he
is emphatically a self-made man, in the business
sense of the expression, and one who has honorably
won the high esteem in which he is held by all
classes of the community in which he lives.
JOSEPH WARREN JOHNSON, a well-known
and talented attorney of Enfield, and one of that
town's most prominent public officials, is of the
ninth generation from John Johnson, who founded
the familv in America. It is somewhat remark-
able that this extended New England ancestry has
ever been prominent in public affairs.
John Johnson migrated to New England from
Boston, or vicinity, in the County of Lincoln, Eng-
land, with Gov. Winthrop, bringing his wife and
family; he settled in Roxbury, Mass., and in 1630
was chosen constable of that town. He was a man
of distinction, and was held in high esteem in the
Colony of Massachusetts ; was a representative to
the General Court in 1634-35-36-37-38-41-42-46-
47-48-49 ; became a member of the Ancient and
Honorable Artillery Company at its first organiza-
tion in Boston, and for many years was surveyor
of arms and ammunition in the Colony ; and was al-
most constantly employed in public affairs. He
died Sept. 30, 1659.
Isaac Johnson, son of above, came to Rox-
bury with his parents, was made a freeman March
4, 1635, and was married to Elizabeth Porter, Jan.
20, 1637. He became captain of an artillery com-
pany in 1667, was representative in 1671, and was
killed by the Indians at the head of his company
in the great Narragansett fight, Dec. 19, 1675.
Nathaniel Johnson, youngest son of Isaac and
Elizabeth (Porter) Johnson, was born May i, 1647,
and married Mary Smith April 29, 1667. He came
with his familv to Woodstock, Conn., with the first
company of settlers in that town, in 1686. He was
active in the affairs of the new settlement, and died
in 1697. John, his eldest son, was born April 29,
1668; his wife was named Margaret. He served as
deacon in the church in 172 1, and for a long time
afterward, and was prominent in matters of church
and town. Isaac Johnson, his son, born Dec. 23, 1697,
was frequently selectman, and served on imp>ortant
committees in town and church affairs. John John-
son,his son, married Elizabeth Falshaw.of Killingly,
and settled there. He was a farmer and blacksmith,
and did a term of garrison duty at Fort Griswold
during the Revolution. He died Sept. 27, 1787.
Aholiab Johnson, youngest son of John, born March
18, 1762, married Hannah Bacon, of Middletown,
Sept. 22, 1785. She died at Stafford, Sept. 15,
1796, and April 19, 1798, he married Dolly Con-
1450
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Terse, of Staftorcl. He died July 22, 1829. Aholiab
Johnson, son of Aholiab and Dolly (Converse)
Johnson, was born April 28, 1799, at Stafford,
Conn. He removed to Somers in 1830, and to En-
field in 1840. He served as judge of probate six-
teen vears, town clerk ten years, representative to
the legislature three years, and died March 3, 1893.
Joseph Warren Johnson, son of the last named,
and the subject of this review, was born in Somers,
Conn., Dec. 2, 1838, and was eighteen months old
when he was brought by his parents to Enfield,
Conn. There he received an academic education.
He taught school five terms in various districts in
his vicinity, began the study of law in the office of
Welsh & Shipman, of Hartford, and was admitted
to the Bar in March, 1864, since when he has been
in the active practice of his profession, with office
at Windsor Locks. He has been twice married,
his first wife being Julia Eugenia, daughter of
John and Frances (Griffing) Bowditch, of Shelter
Island, X. Y., who bore him two children. Louise
Bowditch and Warren Bowditch, the latter a grad-
uate of Yale College, and now a student of Yale
Law School. For his second wife our subject mar-
ried Amelia E., daughter of Charles Lewis and
Lucv Ann (Merriam) Perkins, of Litchfield, Con-
nect'cut.
^Ir. Johnson is a menrber of the First Congre-
gational Church of Enfield, and his wife of St. An-
drew's Episcopal Church of Thompsonville. He
is a member of the F. & A. AL In politics he is a
stanch Republican, for thirty-eight years has served
as justice of the peace in Enfield, and was a mem-
ber of the Legislature in the vears 1866, 1870, and
1882.
ELXATHAX AT\\"OOD, a prominent and
highly respected citizen of Southington, was born in
Barrington, Countv of Shelburne, Xova Scotia,
Jan. 14, 1830, a son of Joshua and ]Mehitable
(Smith) Atwood, also natives of Xova Scotia, as
Avere their parents. The paternal grandparents
were Joshua and' Catherine Atwood.
Our subject was reared in his native Province,
and received a common-school education. In 1850
he came to Southington, Conn., where he served
an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade with the
old Peck Smith Co., and with the exception of
eighteen months, spent in Minnesota, he has since
made his home in that town. During the Civil war
he enlisted, in June, 1862, becoming corporal in
Company E. 20th Conn. V. I., and participated in
many engagements, being wounded in the battle of
Atlanta, in 1864, and at Bentonville, X. C, March
19, 1865. He was honorablv discharged from the
service ^^■hile in the New Haven Hospital, after
nearly three years spent in the defense of his adopted
country. Since the war he has been emplo^'ed in
the leading manufacturing establishments of South-
ington : also conducted a niiCat market for two years ;
and since 1886 has been connected with the ^tna
Nut Co.
On Dec. 31, i860, Mr. Atwood was united in
marriage with Miss Esther Haviland, daughter of
Barnes H. and Annie (Hones) Haviland, of Thomp-
son, Sullivan Co., N. \ ., and to them has been
born a daughter, Ida O., now the wife of Alvin M.
Craig, of New Haven, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. At-
wood are active and prominent members of the
Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and he
also belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 33, F. & A.
M., and lYumbull Post, No. 16, G. A. R. Politi-
callv he is a stanch Republican.
LUTHER B. WILLIAMS was born June 7,
1844, in Rocky Flill, upon the farm where Samuel
Dimock now resides. His father, Thomas Will-
iams, was born Dec. 6, 1819, in Rocky Hill, and was
a plain and simple farmer- tliroiighout his entire
life, yet was held in sufficiently high esteem by his
fellow townsmen to be chosen assessor, an office
which he held for twenty years, although not con-
tinuously. He died on the sixty-second anni-
versary of his birth, Dec. 6, 1881. He married
Mary J. Boardman, and they had a family of four
children: Luther B. : Charles M., a graduate of
Williston Seminary, who has his home at Meriden,
where he holds the position of superintendent of one
of the city institutions ; Caroline, who resides in
Bristol. Conn.: and Jennie, who died in early
womanhood, at the age of eighteen. Mr. Williams
was a Republican, although not an active politician,
and for several years served as justice of the peace.
He was connected with the Congregational Church
of Rockv Hill, and was a deacon therein at the
time of his death.
Luther B. Williams was a chdd of five years
when his father removed to Rocky Hill. His first
instruction was received in the district school of
that place, and was supplemented by a course at a
private school in New Britain. On completing
his education he returned home, but his bent of mind
could not be satisfied by the prosaic, humdrum life
afforded bv a farm. He left his father's roof to
enter the employ of a silver-plating company, whose
factorv was located at East Haddam, and there be
remained as apprentice and journeyman for four-
teen months. Later, he resolved to acquire the trade
of a machinist and tool maker, and in 1862, with
this end in view, secured a position in a shop. About
1871 he. had achieved such proficiency in his newly
chosen business that he was able to secure a desirable
position in Boston with the firm of H. & G. W.
Ward, manufacturers of twine and netting. He
remained in the employ of this concern for fourteen
years, during the greater part of which period he
was superintendent of the loom building department
at their works in Boston, Mass., and Kennebec,
Maine. He had never been able, however, to fairly
divest himself of the love for the soil upon which
he was born, nor had the tender memories of his
old home vanished from his recollection, and in
1885 he returned to Rocky Hill, where he has ever
since had his residence.
.COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1451
On June 27, 1872, Mr. Williams was married
to Miss Ada M. Boardman, of Haddam, and to their
union have come four children : Luther B., Alice
B., Frank B., and Edward D.
Mr. Williams has been repeatedly elected by his
fellow-citizens to positions of trust and responsibil-
ity, they well knowing the capability of his char-
acter. He represented his town in the Legislature
in 1897 and 1898, and is at present a member of the
town school committee. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and is an honored member of various socie-
ties and fraternal organizations, belonging to Mid-
dlesex Lodge, No. 3, East Hadd'am, I. O. O. F.,
and to Rocky Hill Grange, No. 115. His life has
been one of marked success, although not full of
incident. He has hewn his own way to fortune,
availing himself to the utmost of the native talents
with which he was endowed at birth. He is an ex-
tensive land owner, having a home farm of seventy-
two acres, besides 132 acres located elsewhere in
the town. His business is that of a ge'.ieal 'and
dairy farmer, and in it he has accumulated a hand-
some competency.
TIMOTHY C. COLLINS, of Farmington, has
the distinction of having won the proud American
title of a self-made man. His great determination
and energy have enabled him to overcome all diffi-
culties and obstacles in his path and work his way
steadily upward to prosperity.
Mr. Colhns was born in Bristol, Hartford Co.,
Conn., Dec. 20, 1855, and is a son of Cornelius
Collins, a native of County Cork, Ireland, where
he continued to make his home, engaged in farming,
until at fortv years of age he emio'rated to this
country. He worked in a shop at Bristol, Conn.,
until his death July 16, 1880. His first wife died
leaving two children : Patrick, now a resident of
Forestville, Conn. ; and Marv. of Hartford. For
his second wife he married Miss Katherine Sulli-
van, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, who died
in Bristol in 1805. By the second union four chil-
dren were born, namely: Timothy C, our subject;
James, deceased ; Daniel, a resident of Forestville ;
and Catherine, deceased.
Timothy C. Collins is indebted to the public
schools of Bristol for his education, anrl at that
place he began to earn his own livelihood, at
the age of thirteen years, bv working for Henrv
Muzzey. Coming to Fprmington, in 1874, he was
in the employ of Dr. Franklin W'heeler, for five
years, and for the past twenty years has been en-
gaged in the cattle business in Farmington, hand-
ling Jersey and other fancy stock. Two years ago
he was severely injured in a runaway accident,
which necessitated the amputation of the left leg,
near the hip, but notwithstanding he is thus handi-
capped he is still one of the most active and ener-
getic business men of the town. As a Democrat he
takes quite a prominent part in local politics, and has
held several town offices, including that of selectman
of Farmington. Socially he is a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen in New Britain,
and of the Foresters and Knights of Pythias in
Unionville.
Mr. Collins was married in Farmington to Miss-
Mary Gelligan, and to them have been born four
children : Thomas Henry, Catherine Mary, ;\Iary
Elizabeth and Julia Frances.
WILLIAM H. OLMSTED, civil engineer at
East Hartford, is a native of that town, born Jan.
11, 1844, on Prospect street, and can trace his an-
cestry back to Capt. Nicholas Olmsted, of Colonial
days, and Gov. William Pitkin, of the same remote
period. The Olmsted line of descent is as follows :
Capt. Nicholas Olmsted married Sarah Loomis in
1640. Joseph, son of the Captain, was born in 1654,
married Elizabeth Butler, was a deacon of the First
Society in Hartford, and was a committee-man on
Meeting-bouses and on Forts from 1699 to 1704.
Joseph, son of Joseph, was also a deacon, and mar-
ried Hannah March. Ashbel, son of Joseph (2),
was born Feb. i, 1725-26, and married Hannah
Newberry Nov. 3, 1757. Ashbel, son of Ashbel,
was born March 12, 1761, in East Hartford, was
a farmer there, married Mary Forbes Nov. 16, 1786,
and died at his home on Prospect street, the father
of five children: Eli, Persius, Ashbel, George New-
berry and Edwin. Ashbel, son of Ashbel (2),.
was born Dec. 17, 1798. William H., son of Asl?bel
(3), is the subject of this sketch.
Ashbel Olmsted (3) was primarily educated in
the district school, and later attended the East
Hartford Academy, under Salmon Phelps. A
farmer and prominent citizen, he was elected select-
man in 1832, and served five terms. In 1838 he
was elected to the State Legislature, and did very
effective work in the House in caring for the inter-
ests of his constituents. On March 9, 1825, he
married Delia Belden, who bore him five children,,
all now deceased, and her death occurred Aug.
12, 1839. For '""^s second helpmate Mr. Olmsted
chose Miss Emeline Stanley, whom be married Nov.
12, 1840, and who was a daughter of James and
Temperance (Pitkin) Stanley (the latter a descend-
ant of Gov. William Pitkin), and a sister of the
late lamented William Stanley. To this union were
born five children: Caroline, born April 3, 1842,.
married D. P. Chapman, and is now living in River-
side, Cal., where her husband is engaged in grow-
ing oranges ; William H. is the subject of this-
sketch; A. Edward, born Dec. 21, 1845, married
Emma Leland Strickland, who was born in Port-
land, Conn., Aug. 5, 1848 (he is now employed as
civil engineer by Ryan & McDonald, a large con-
tracting' firm, and is also consulting engineer for the
Western Connecticut Railway Co.) ; Stanley Pit-
kin, born Nov. 16, 1847, was a farmer on the home-
stead on Prospect street, and there died unmar-
ried, June 24, 1897 ; Anna Margaret, born July 8,
1851, is living on the East Hartford homestead.
The father of the above family passed away June 1 1,
145i;
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL R2.C0RD.
1859, in the house on Prospect Hill now occupied by
the family of his son, Ashbel Edward Olmsted. His
widow survived precisely nineteen years, dying June
11, 1878, and the remains of both repose in the fam-
ily lot in East Hartford cemetery.
William H. Olmsted was born in the house now
occupied by John North, on Prospect Hill, and was
attending the Hartford Public High School at the
time of his father's death. As he was the eldest
son. he assumed the management of the farm for
two years, and durino- this period studied civil en-
gineering. He then abandoned farming and en-
gaged in local work, becoming town surveyor, civil
engineer for the Hartford, Manchester & Rockville
Tramway Co., and also civil engineer for the Hart-
ford Bridge Commission for two years.
Mr. Olmsted first married, June 15, 1871, Miss
Ella S. Smith, daughter of Simeon and Laura
(Wadsworth ) Smith, and this union was graced
with two children : C. Hadley, born Aug. 18, 1874,
and now a civil engineer, is living with his father;
Ella S., lx)rn Jan. 5, 1878. is living in East Hart-
ford, having been adopted by her uncle, Ashbel Ed-
ward Olmsted, as she was but one day old when her
mother was called from earth. The second mar-
riage of Mr. Olmsted, on June 24. 1886, was to
i\liss Jennie M. Osburn, a daughter of Franklin
and Henrietta (Warner) Osburn, and born in
Sewickley. Penn., INIarch 28, i860: her father, a
retired planter, now resides near Charleston,
W. \'a. This marriage has been blessed with six
children: Mary Warner, born Xo